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theafflicted2022-06-11 05:38 am
afflictionmods) wrote in theafflicted2022-06-11 05:38 am
03.50 - week three, saturday
W3 SATURDAY
Another Saturday rolls around. Some of you had an… interesting night, perhaps, but that’s still no excuse to sit out on your lessons. There’s another announcement, another time to meet before your lessons start today. This time is just a bit different, though. This time you’re not meeting up at campus. You’re told to meet up at the park in the Museum District - and, as always, you’re expected to show up. How you get there is irrelevant, but you better try to be on time.
Florence is waiting at the park, and behind them is another dark, ominous orb. Even as far away as you are, you can hear its whispers. It’s calling to you with promises it can show you a new life, a better life, it can make you someone better… But then Florence is speaking, as if they cannot feel the hear the whispers.
“I will be accompanying you on this lesson, as I said in the brochure I handed out on Thursday. I will do my best to assist you.” There is a pause, though their face voice remains emotionless. “It is hard to say what it will be like inside - however, your goal for this lesson is to close this place for good. I may be unable to assist with that personally, so we are relying on you.”
They take a step back, turning towards the orb.
“I would advise you to do what is asked of you while you are in there - and a word of warning. Through our observations, we have noticed something strange. This seems capable of creating replications of those who enter it.” They let that information hang for a moment, before continuing. “We are unsure what these replications are truly capable of, but please be careful.”
Then Florence gestures for you to follow, and they’re stepping into the orb.
Florence is waiting at the park, and behind them is another dark, ominous orb. Even as far away as you are, you can hear its whispers. It’s calling to you with promises it can show you a new life, a better life, it can make you someone better… But then Florence is speaking, as if they cannot feel the hear the whispers.
“I will be accompanying you on this lesson, as I said in the brochure I handed out on Thursday. I will do my best to assist you.” There is a pause, though their face voice remains emotionless. “It is hard to say what it will be like inside - however, your goal for this lesson is to close this place for good. I may be unable to assist with that personally, so we are relying on you.”
They take a step back, turning towards the orb.
“I would advise you to do what is asked of you while you are in there - and a word of warning. Through our observations, we have noticed something strange. This seems capable of creating replications of those who enter it.” They let that information hang for a moment, before continuing. “We are unsure what these replications are truly capable of, but please be careful.”
Then Florence gestures for you to follow, and they’re stepping into the orb.
THE RINGMASTER
The inside is still the same park, but it has been transformed into a carnival. There are booths with games and food set up everywhere, a large ferris wheel, a tent. It will be a familiar carnival, to some of you, but all the lights are off and there are no people there. There’s a tug, a pull, that draws you towards the main tent - to center stage. Stepping inside you will be greeted by someone dressed as a ringmaster, whose voice is lively and energetic despite how hollow they seem on the outside:
“Hello and welcome! It’s time for your performance! And every good performer wants to do what the people want, don’t they? There’s a list on those little tablets of yours, and you need to do whatever’s asked of you!”
The ringmaster laughs brightly, and it echoes throughout the tent. “The more you do, the more we’ll all enjoy it, and the better chance you will get to stay you! But if you refuse… Well, that won’t be any good, right?”
The ringmaster makes a wide, sweeping gesture with their cane.
“We’re very generous here, though, and realize some things are easier to do with others! That’s why one refusal won’t be an instant loss. We’re assigning task cards, you see. Kinda like bingo cards! Each time you do a task for someone or someone does one for you, you get 50 points! The more you do, the higher the score, and once you reach 200 points, you're capped! But every time you refuse to do something people ask you to do, even if you're at 200 points… you lose 100 points ! And if you don’t do anything, well, you get no points and you lose automatically! You also can’t just sit around doing the same thing with the same person over and over again! Gotta spice it up! The same thing over and over again is just boring.”
There’s a click, and noise starts up outside of the tent. It sounds like the carnival’s come alive.
“Your little tablets will track your points. I really do recommend playing along, because if you fail… You’ll lose something. Something that makes you you! A memory, a precious item, something that makes you who you are and can’t be replaced so easily… Who knows what’s at risk, here! Though who am I kidding, it might be more fun to see what you'll lose. Don't ya think? Maybe you should just give up now and we can all laugh about it!
Anyways, all you gotta do is live until the timer runs out. The timer, by the way, is gonna be at the top of your tablet thingamajigs.”
There’s a tip of the ringmaster’s hat. The timer reads 90 minutes.
“That’s all for now! Go find that pesky little robot who’s been snooping around if you want more answers, because I am very busy.”
“Hello and welcome! It’s time for your performance! And every good performer wants to do what the people want, don’t they? There’s a list on those little tablets of yours, and you need to do whatever’s asked of you!”
The ringmaster laughs brightly, and it echoes throughout the tent. “The more you do, the more we’ll all enjoy it, and the better chance you will get to stay you! But if you refuse… Well, that won’t be any good, right?”
The ringmaster makes a wide, sweeping gesture with their cane.
“We’re very generous here, though, and realize some things are easier to do with others! That’s why one refusal won’t be an instant loss. We’re assigning task cards, you see. Kinda like bingo cards! Each time you do a task for someone or someone does one for you, you get 50 points! The more you do, the higher the score, and once you reach 200 points, you're capped! But every time you refuse to do something people ask you to do, even if you're at 200 points… you lose 100 points ! And if you don’t do anything, well, you get no points and you lose automatically! You also can’t just sit around doing the same thing with the same person over and over again! Gotta spice it up! The same thing over and over again is just boring.”
There’s a click, and noise starts up outside of the tent. It sounds like the carnival’s come alive.
“Your little tablets will track your points. I really do recommend playing along, because if you fail… You’ll lose something. Something that makes you you! A memory, a precious item, something that makes you who you are and can’t be replaced so easily… Who knows what’s at risk, here! Though who am I kidding, it might be more fun to see what you'll lose. Don't ya think? Maybe you should just give up now and we can all laugh about it!
Anyways, all you gotta do is live until the timer runs out. The timer, by the way, is gonna be at the top of your tablet thingamajigs.”
There’s a tip of the ringmaster’s hat. The timer reads 90 minutes.
“That’s all for now! Go find that pesky little robot who’s been snooping around if you want more answers, because I am very busy.”
THE AUDIENCE
Once the ringmaster’s done with their speech, you’re free to travel around the carnival and explore it. It’s an eerie, quiet place, but… you’re not alone, and it won’t take you long to realize that. Those of you who had seen this carnival before - Miach, Shinei, Herlock, and Xingqiu - probably won’t be surprised when the doubles show up. They’re near perfect recreations of you - but near perfect doesn’t mean perfect. Their mannerisms might be odd, or their movements might be jerky and uncanny… but at a glance, it’s impossible to tell who is the real one and who isn’t.
And this is something that makes these doubles very, very angry.
They want you to fail, and they’ll do anything they can to ensure that happens. They’ll sabotage you - or your partner - all in an effort to make you lose points. They'll taunt you if it seems like you're ready to open up, they'll tell you about all the reasons why being honest is a bad idea. For physical prompts, they'll taunt you, call you a monster... They also seem to believe that if you fail, they’ll get to replace you. They will get a chance to get out of here and be the real one. They’re not always convincing, but they are dangerous, and there’s just as many of them as there are of you.
And this is something that makes these doubles very, very angry.
They want you to fail, and they’ll do anything they can to ensure that happens. They’ll sabotage you - or your partner - all in an effort to make you lose points. They'll taunt you if it seems like you're ready to open up, they'll tell you about all the reasons why being honest is a bad idea. For physical prompts, they'll taunt you, call you a monster... They also seem to believe that if you fail, they’ll get to replace you. They will get a chance to get out of here and be the real one. They’re not always convincing, but they are dangerous, and there’s just as many of them as there are of you.
OOC NOTES
OOC: Here are some important things to note for today’s event:
- A simple breakdown of the rules is as follows:
- The cards know, meaning that they'll know if something is not answered earnestly. Prompts that are answered falsely will not go away on your tablets. They will only go away if they are answered truthfully.
- Failure is NOT a bad end! In fact, we have some plans in the instance where not enough people pass the exercise. If 5 or more people fail the exercise, that is considered a group failure. Those who failed individually will face the consequences of losing the important memory/item/etc.
- We are asking people to make their own task cards. Here is a list of prompts:
You may also add one custom prompt tailored to your character, if you wish.
Please toss the prompts into the textbox at the top of this site. Under "Configuration Options", the card size should be 3x3 and the center space should have Normal selected. All characters will get a total of 9 prompts on their cards. It is okay to have prompts that your character would not do; it would just increase their chances of failure.
- A simple breakdown of the rules is as follows:
You cap at 200 points, but you must maintain those 200 points until the timer runs out.
Mutual agreement on completing a task nets each person 50 points.
Getting turned down or refusing to do one makes you lose 100 points.
You cannot use the same person to complete all your tasks. You must have only one prompt per character that you cooperate with.
- The cards know, meaning that they'll know if something is not answered earnestly. Prompts that are answered falsely will not go away on your tablets. They will only go away if they are answered truthfully.
- Failure is NOT a bad end! In fact, we have some plans in the instance where not enough people pass the exercise. If 5 or more people fail the exercise, that is considered a group failure. Those who failed individually will face the consequences of losing the important memory/item/etc.
- We are asking people to make their own task cards. Here is a list of prompts:
You may also add one custom prompt tailored to your character, if you wish.
Please toss the prompts into the textbox at the top of this site. Under "Configuration Options", the card size should be 3x3 and the center space should have Normal selected. All characters will get a total of 9 prompts on their cards. It is okay to have prompts that your character would not do; it would just increase their chances of failure.
no subject
So he smiles.]
I'm fine. Was just worried about you.
[And he takes a seat.]
Why's this place like this?
no subject
... I'm fine. But I don't know. It's the worst though. ... At least I have you, though.
( squeezing his hand again!! )
no subject
You're going to make me feel all kinds of soft and squishy when I'm about ready to go take somebody out. I'm not sure that's allowed, even if you kissing me technically is!
[A little laugh.]
Okay, now we can talk.
no subject
Ah... right. I was going to say.
... I don't like how I feel like I could be put on a pedestal so easily. It's one thing with fans... but it's different with you, you know? I just... worry you refuse to see my faults. And when something goes wrong- like, I forget something, or- or mess up, you'll just be disappointed. ... I don't want that to happen...
no subject
She isn't perfect. She doesn't have to be. He doesn't want her to be. If he's putting her on any kind of pedestal, it's moral in nature only. Her faults are part of who she is.]
Do you really think I'm like that?
[He sounds so, so profoundly sad, despite the smile. Maybe he took this on a speed run he shouldn't have.
And that... makes him worried that maybe she won't accept him for what he really is when he finally gets up the courage to tell her.]
cw: bullying talk, anxiety
Sometimes the compliments you give me remind me of when I was held to such high standards, I thought I was suffocating, all of the time. ... I should have said something about that sooner, I know. But if I thought you were like that, I wouldn't be able to say anything about this... trust me, I speak from experience.
( how many times had she let the agency walk all over her because she was so, so scared of disappointing people?
gingerly, shizuku puts one hand over his. )
I don't mind compliments. I really don't, or I'd be in the wrong line of work. I just... ... you know, people used to say I was born to be an idol. And it used to be a compliment. But eventually, no one saw the work I put into anything- what work did I do? I was born to be an idol, after all.
( and there's a bitter menace in her tone when she parrots their words. sighing, she shakes her head. )
... It's- I promise it's not you, Madara. But it was only a couple months ago. I can't... get past that so fast- I worded this all wrong-
( a spike of anxiety- )
I'm sorry.
no subject
You're the last person who ought to apologize to me. You didn't do anything wrong. I asked for this.
[With his arms around her, he gently strokes her hair and back.]
I'll be more careful what I say. Just... don't hate me if I say the wrong things. I always say the wrong things. But I wouldn't hurt you like that. And I'm not putting you on a pedestal, I swear. When I compliment you as an idol, or as a person, it's because I honestly believe it. I can tell how hard you work; I've seen you do it. I'll never doubt your dedication.
[He ducks his head beside hers and drops his voice.]
I learned some hard lessons of my own, putting people on pedestals before. It just makes people hate you, expecting things they can't do, or thinking they're things they aren't. [And he doesn't want her to hate him. He thinks he'd hate himself more if she did.] I want to explain more, but not here. I've tried to before, but it just... always got away from me. That's what I hate about this. About us. The fact that it could end any second, and it'll absolutely be my fault. You're too good for me, and not for the reasons you're thinking I'm thinking.
no subject
( shizuku holds him, eyes closing as she leans into him further. )
We're doing good so far, right...? We just need to be sure we talk about things. Like we've been doing.
( which can be anxiety-enducing, stomach-wrenching business- but it's all for the best, and she always knows he'll hold her and they'll speak like this. gentle but clear. )
... Tell me when you're ready. Or let me build a new future with you, if not both. But... you're better than you think you are, Madara. Or I wouldn't be able to do this to begin with. And if you do make a wrong step or say the wrong thing, I can tell you. Just like you can tell me if I do the same.
( so please, believe in 'us'. )
no subject
I'm gonna give it a trial run with somebody else, just so you know. I want to get my thoughts together before I spill it all. Because we are doing okay, and I don't want to mess with that right now.
[He strokes her hair again.]
One step at a time, right? Just us, against all the rest of this. Partners.
no subject
( in so many ways, all of them right. )
I'll wait for as long as you need. Promise.
( as she promises, she squeezes just a little, turning her head so she can hear his heart.
maybe sitting on top of a truck in a super-cursed carnival isn't the best place for this sort of thing? but sometimes that doesn't matter. )
no subject
[They have to go accomplish these tasks, so they can't stay here long, but he strokes her hair softly just one last time.]
All right. If you're feeling brave now, we can go get these taken care of. Just promise me you won't do anything you'll regret. And if you get scared, I'll find you.
no subject
( given the circumstances? she's in no position to disbelieve anything honestly. reluctantly, she does pull away from their embrace, glancing away for a moment before pouting. )
I promise. But you have to do the same, alright? ... And. One last kiss before we split up?
no subject
I'll come back to you in one piece. Be brave, Shizuku. I know you'll be fine.
[A little laugh.]
Honestly, if you get into trouble, just pout at the nearest person. They'll help you out.
no subject
( she nods, content if only for a moment. his faith and love is empowering, in a way. ... wait- pfft! she can't not laugh at that- )
Ehe, I'll keep that in mind. Look for me when you're done.
no subject
I'm gonna help you down, then we split up. Opposite directions. If you hear my voice, don't assume it's really me. Just run.
no subject
yeah okay he can get away with that. shizuku nods again, shuffling to the edge already. )
Okay. ... Do you really think your double will come after me?
no subject
Not if I find him first.
no subject
wait- )
Madara? Please don't do anything too reckless...
no subject
[She gets one more kiss. Just a quick peck.]
no subject
I won't doubt that! But- I just want you to be okay. For your sake.
no subject
I'll be fine. I'll come back to you in one piece.
[A grin.]
I promised myself I wouldn't make you cry, after all.
no subject
( this would be so much more ominous if shizuku was literally anyone else, ever. she does hug him one last time before stepping back. )
... Find me when you're done. Okay?
no subject
[He says it like it's its own promise.]
You got this.
no subject