Side Story » World Ending re:[Construct] Syndrome «



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That multiverse comment really did put everything into perspective as to what was at stake here. As such Jackson could only think of one word to describe their situation which he quietly muttered to himself "Fubar.".



So he's called a 'Turian'....this was a lot to take in for Jackson. Galactic vigilante? Space alliance? Just what kind of places did these guys come from? There was no way this was connected to his world at all. What Garrus said next was interesting when talking about Earth's military so Jackson decided to answer.

"Yep...meant the United States and where i'm from some nations don't know how ta play nice... In fact 'fore endin' up 'ere the squad i's apart of was fightin' those damn Krauts in a French town. Hope Miller and the others got out alright." Jackson spoke quietly muttering that last part. All he could do now is pray they held out long enough a moment of concern flashing across his face as he muttered that last bit thinking of Miller and the rest of the squad along with those paratroopers they were with.


@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @GatheringHallPeeps​


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"It's ...complicated, you two. You see, I'm from the way distant, in the future where the ISA and the Helghast are in the middle of a war. Anyways the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance is friends and allies to the Earth. I'm from the planet Vekta.

I haven't been on Earth in a while but you must of been talking way in the past.

Sev scratched his head, so a Turian, him and the solider from the way way past.

Sev kept his weapon trained down for the time being.


@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @GatheringHallPeeps



 
Add's outcry did little to stop the impending hug, but the assistance of his Dynamos did at least allow him to end the embrace much earlier than Kofuku would've liked. The goddess pouted faintly at the abrupt removal, a little hurt that her friend would shrug her off so quickly when they hadn't seen each other in quite some time. She definitely deserved a hug by now, and with how they'd left off with one another, she had thought he'd come around to her displays of affection. So why would he push her away like that?

The answer was obvious, and Kofuku had worried deep down that it'd come true. Yet even still, she'd hoped that, with his abundant notetaking and logging of their time together, he would manage to be one of the first humans beside Hiyori to actually retain memory of her despite the gods' curse. He had assured her right along with the others, time and time again, that he wouldn't let himself forget. And even though she'd doubted that he'd succeed, the pain of the revelation was... unbearable. She stared back at him as he voiced his confusion, her heart feeling as though it'd just been cracked. There was a certain sadness in her eyes for a moment, but it passed as quickly as it came. She'd been forgotten before; she could deal with it again. But the fact that he was acting as though he didn't remember his alternate self was a little harder to take, she shaking her head in mild dismay before managing to offer up a response.

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"...You shouldn't tease a girl like that, Addy-kun," she sighed, crossing her arms over her chest with staff still in hand. "It's okay if you forgot me. I understand. But you definitely remember Addy-chan-- err, Esper, right? He's the one who got you home after everything that happened before..." She didn't want to rehash the details of the war, or the murders, or how both of her Adds had been murdered. But then again, with all this multiverse talk, and all she already knew about the countless universes...

Her frown deepened slightly, her brain trying to bring reason to a situation that lacked it entirely.

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"You are Mastermind, right? You seem just like him, but... Maybe I'm wrong....?" Maybe he was just another alternate Add. Maybe this wasn't a situation of her being forgotten, but rather, her assuming he was someone he wasn't. If he was indeed someone new, that just meant this was a great opportunity to befriend yet another Add! But if he was mastermind, and he'd somehow forgotten not just her, but Esper as well... what did that mean? And where was Esper? Her own thoughts were so loud and sporadic that she completely forgot about how her poor regalia must be feeling until she felt an acute burning sensation upon the back of her neck. Flinching, she reached up, placing her free hand over the area with a wince. She'd... honestly forgotten what it felt like to be stung, but the small purple mark manifesting upon her neck was utter proof it'd occurred.

"Ah, s-sorry, Kiki; I got distracted," Kofuku apologized, feeling an immeasurable wave of guilt for letting her regalia hurt like this. "We're alright... Take deep breaths and try not to panic, okay? Come along, Kugane."

...

Strange. Nothing was happening. Glancing down at the staff in her hands, Kofuku shifted her hand away from the blight on the back of her neck, instead scratching her chin with mild confusion. "...Huh. Revert, Kugane."

...

"You can come out nowww..."

"I can't." Okay. That was new. "Something's stopping me. It's like I'm walled in. Trapped," the voice only Kofuku could hear explained, its owner frowning deeply to herself from within the pocket dimension of sorts that shinki were stored in. This just confused Kofuku, who tilted her head and raised her brows. "Huh. Really? That's odd," she mused, contemplatively, seemingly to no one at all. "Hang on just a moment, Addy-kun," she requested, before briefly turning her attention to Cassum. Emphatically, she raised her hand, waving it around before voicing a question she couldn't actually wait to ask. "Sayyy, Cas-chan! you brought everyone here, right? Do you know why I
can't revert my shinki to her human state?"


@Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @Lucky @York @Gathering Hall​

"?" Saki's gaze went to Kofuku as she addressed Cassum with a nickname of sorts. A brief look of confusion crossed his features as she continued to speak, but there was also a hint of curiosity. As far as he could sense, she didn't seem human.

There was an almost tingling sensation in the back of his head telling him to be cautious, despite not sensing any hostility from the pinkette specifically or the others still in the gathering hall.

@Gummi Bunnies @Not a Writer @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @Lucky @Everyone @Gathering Hall
 
[ Shortcut to Sign Ups thread here ]

-Prologue-
Missing in Unknown


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Almost like an abrupt awakening, you would feel as if you were pulled out of water like a caught fish. Whatever you were up to moments before, it did not matter. Regardless if this sensation was familiar to you or not, your vision will be greeted with a vintage European-style hall. Outside the windows, a bright blank whiteness took its place over an expected view of... anywhere remotely recognizable, really. There was no telling where you were. Much like a vivid daydream, much like this location didn't even exist. Besides the fact that there didn't seem to be any doors present in this room, you would soon see that you weren't alone. Various other individuals were just as confused as you, presumably so.

❝ Ahem... ❞ A man's voice echoed throughout the hall, sounding like he was trying to gather everyone's attention. Not like it would stand out too much like a sore thumb compared to everyone else here, a man dressed in red sat comfortably on a chair at the far end of the hall. Actually, it seemed like he wasn't here initially around the moment that everyone else had realized that they weren't in a place familiar to them, as if he just willed himself into existence or something.

❝ I take it that everyone is here and accounted for? Fully conscious and aware of your senses? ❞ The man inquired in a casual tone of voice, waiting a mere few seconds before continuing on, ❝ Judging from those reactions alone... I reckon those questions don't need to be answered. There's more pressing matters to get along to, I'd imagine. ❞

Getting up from his chair, the man prepares to address the puzzled group in earnest.

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❝ Players from various worlds scattered across the multiverse, I bid you welcome to the world that revolves never more. A nameless realm with many possibilities, a perfect location for an expansive Game that you all have been chosen to participate in that will serve as a replacement for the Game composed by the heinous Witch who rules over Deception. As your Gamemaster and as the Sorcerer of Nothing, I, Cassum, will facilitate your shared experience with this Game. ❞ The man gives a rather grandiose introduction as to what everyone present in this hall was gathered here for. For those that were familiar with the various multiverse-related incidents, this entire scenario did not bode well in the long run. For those that weren't familiar, however, it probably sounded completely ridiculous.

❝ Hm, and what is this Game, you may ask? ❞ Cassum continues to go on without giving a chance for anyone else to interject, ❝ Well, this Game has this simple directive I shall present to you now: Locate and destroy the Calamity Constructs that are scattered in each of this Game's illusionary worlds. These Constructs are guarded by specific individuals that I have assigned as Bearers. Complete this directive, and you will have victory in this Game's end. Simple, right? ❞

The sound of doors opening could be heard behind the group, revealing that there were two opened doors present even when there were none moments before.

❝ Now, the Game hasn't officially started yet, so you are free to use this time beforehand to do as you wish. You may recuperate at the cafeteria, hone your skills at the training hall, or you may stay here at the gathering hall and ask me questions to further clarify this Game's innerworkings. That is all I offer in this grace period before it proceeds to begin. ❞

With that, the Sorcerer sits back at his chair, keeping himself ready for the inevitable flood of questions that may come his way. It didn't take long for someone to immediately ask one, a white-haired individual from the gathered participants stepping forward.

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❝ And why exactly should we play along? What reason is there for us to blindly participate in a game where we had been taken away from our... respective worlds without any choice in the matter? ❞ The young man presses for an explanation as to why this was even happening in the first place. If it were some normal game, there wouldn't be any need for the forceful abduction.

Cassum didn't seem too off-put by the interrogative response, only answering with a calm tone of voice, ❝ An expected inquiry. I can ensure you, I mean no malevolent intent. I did not put this together for deranged amusement or for personal gain. This Game's purpose is to roughly gauge the... combined efforts of the multiverse's defenses against the hypothetical scenarios of world ending calamities, which is what the Calamity Constructs are simulating in this instance. All while cleaning up the mess that was caused by the Witch of Deception in this nameless realm. I reckon this is a purpose enough for you, but I'm afraid I cannot send you back to your home worlds. As much as I can wish to treat you all well, I am shackled by the responsibilities passed onto me by the higher powers... ❞

The white-haired inventor had a feeling he wouldn't get a better answer than that, so he only silently backed off and lingered in the back of the gathering hall to observe the rest of the group's questions to their Gamemaster. There was a lot to uncover before it all begins...

» Cast List

@Minerva as Aaron Keener (The Division)
@Gummi Bunnies as Add (Elsword)
@York as Aliceviel Von Einzbern (OC)
@Crimson Spartan as Daniel Jackson (Saving Private Ryan)
@Jeremi as Death (Marvel Comics)
@ShadowCoyote0 as Garrus Vakarian (Mass Effect)
@Not a Writer as Kofuku Ebisu (Noragami)
@Lucky as Peter Parker (The Amazing Spiderman)
@Takumi as Saki Hajima (When a Magician's Pupil Smiles)
@Capri as Sunny (Omori)
@dark as Thomas "Sev" Sevchenko (Killzone Series)​
"Uhhh, my head. Guess I really couldn't handle ryncol after all. Dammit, Wrex and Grunt will never let me hear the end of it. Guess I should check on Shepard...and see if Tali is still alive. How much can quarians safely drink? I'll just head downstairs real qui..." Garrus's sleepy train of thought came to a sudden halt as he finally started to process that he was not in Shepard's apartment anymore. He figured his squad mates must've moved him once he passed out. He wouldn't put it past them to pull a prank like this. "Okay, real funny guys! Whose apartment is this?" But it soon became clear to Garrus that something was very off once he saw the other strangers with him. The introduction of the sorcerer didn't help tie any of this together. "What the hell? Did Shepard hire a magician? Unlikely."

The Sorcerer's explanation seemed like pure nonsense to Garrus. Multiverse? Game? Constructs? He didn't have time for this crap. He found himself agreeing with the young man with white hair. He didn't have the patience to humor this asshole. "Look, unlike your proposed hypothetical world ending calamities, I'm currently in the middle of a war with a very real calamity. So, if you could cut the crap and show me the door, I'll gladly be on my way. No hard feelings."
"Blessed be the lord my strength, which teach my hands to war, and my fingers to fight...

BANG

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BANG

"My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer;

BANG

My shield, and he in whom I trust.."

BANG

Shots rang out as Jackson kept firing from his position a tower in a church in a desperate attempt to thin out the German numbers. However soon enough he is spotted by an enemy Marder III Jackson realizing that he and Parker were done for. Despite this he still turns his head to Parker trying in vain to warn his fellow soldier.

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His vision went dark as everything simply faded away.


...

...

What the hell?

Jackson could not believe what was being said by this guy. Was this some sort of fever dream? Did he somehow survive that blast and is delirious due to trauma? Either way none of this could be real as far as he was concerned. Taking note of his rifle in his hands and his gear with him Jackson tilts his head to the side briefly noticing the....uh....what the hell is that? Glancing at Garrus Jackson really couldn't believe what he was seeing now. This....thing was like something out of a comic book! Shaking his head he looks at the 'Sorcerer' before speaking.

".....You gonna have to run that by me again multi-what? You ain't makin' no sense.." Jackson speaks with his southern accent on full display.

@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0

Saki Haijima Prologue: Yet Another Headache

Finding himself in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar faces caused the Magician to narrow his eyes at Cassum momentarily with a deep set frown. While others asked their questions there was one nagging in the back of the white haired man's head.

While he didn't look it, and in fact it was rather hard to read his current mood in general, Saki was curious about one specific thing their host said first and foremost.

"And what happened to the Witch of Deception?" He asked, searching for his pack of cigarettes and his lighter almost instinctively as his amber eyes remained trained on their supposed Gamemaster. He was taking this whole thing surprisingly well, at least for now. He'd probably be wishing to return home and sleep sooner rather than later.

@Gummi Bunnies @Crimson Spartan @ShadowCoyote0 @Everyone
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Thomas “Sev” Sevchanko’s Prologue

Killzone 2 /Killzone 3 spoiler here

Just before the Terricide:

Sev held onto his gun, and gritted his teeth. He was confused and angry but his fellow ISA squadmates were in the middle of a war and they were overwhelmed and Sev knew it.

He had just escaped near seconds of Helghast fire.He must of been one lucky bastard.

He looked up seeing a alien creature named Garrus, a solider from Earth he assumed but not his version named Jackson and a … kid with black hair named Sunny and another named Saki.

He eyed the other soldiers in the group as he walked toward Garrus and Jackson cautiously .

“Who are you two?

@Gummi Bunnies @Crimson Spartan @ShadowCoyote0
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❝ If you fail in defeating even one... ❞ Cassum repeats the question, not sure how to address that matter. The possibility was surely there in the case of failure, so...

❝ I might not know what truly happens in that case, considering that if it isn't defeated in time and the fact that I myself am restricted from cleaning things up due to this Game's rules... I do hope that these illusionary worlds can keep these Constructs contained regardless, but in the possible scenario of them breaking free and spreading to different existing worlds... it does not bode well. Again, I have no clue on how it would all unfold, so I suppose let's ensure that they're defeated all the same. ❞ There wasn't much else to say than the Sorcerer's hopes that they wouldn't have to deal with that in the near future.


❝ Right, a form of compensation for this strange interference with your lives. I wholeheartedly understand your concerns. ❞ Cassum only realized at this point that he didn't really... have anything in the immediate moment to compensate these people for the trouble.

❝ Let me see here... granting wishes isn't exactly my forte... not that either, the council will have my head if I offer those treasures... hm, ❞ He thinks out loud before finally snapping his fingers upon getting a good idea for an offer.

❝ Alright, here is my offer of compensation for this Game's troubles. ❞ He then conjures up a visual illusion that resembled astronomical observatory structure. ❝ Upon the Game's completion, I shall work out a way for granting all of you access to the grand observatory. In its name, the observatory records events of the past, present, and future throughout the multiverse. It may not seem like much in the way of compensation, but I reckon some are curious about hidden mysteries of the past and the unknown happenings of the future. For now, that is all I can offer until I work out more methods of compensation with my superiors. ❞


❝ Wha- OOF!? The scientist expressed bewilderment that someone was roughly calling out to him, soon followed with him almost losing his footing from an abrupt hug attack. Thankfully, his Dynamo drones were able to ensure that he didn't collapse to the ground, and he proceeded to have the drones separate the energetic pink-haired girl from him.

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❝ Huh... ❞ Add took a good look at Kofuku once his drones carefully placed her back on her feet, blinking curiously at her. ❝ I have no idea how you know my name... roughly, and why did you make it sound like there's... two of me? I don't believe I ever met you. ❞

Cassum caught wind of the awkward exchange between Add and Kofuku, as well as the brief exchange amongst Jackson, Garrus, and Sev. ❝ Ah, I suppose you may get to know each other well. This isn't much in the way of a competitive Game, so it is safe to recognize that you will all work together until the Game's end. ❞ He figured to make it clear that they would have to work together to destroy the Calamity Constructs.

@Not a Writer @Takumi @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @GatheringHall

@York @Lucky


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That multiverse comment really did put everything into perspective as to what was at stake here. As such Jackson could only think of one word to describe their situation which he quietly muttered to himself "Fubar.".



So he's called a 'Turian'....this was a lot to take in for Jackson. Galactic vigilante? Space alliance? Just what kind of places did these guys come from? There was no way this was connected to his world at all. What Garrus said next was interesting when talking about Earth's military so Jackson decided to answer.

"Yep...meant the United States and where i'm from some nations don't know how ta play nice... In fact 'fore endin' up 'ere the squad i's apart of was fightin' those damn Krauts in a French town. Hope Miller and the others got out alright." Jackson spoke quietly muttering that last part. All he could do now is pray they held out long enough a moment of concern flashing across his face as he muttered that last bit thinking of Miller and the rest of the squad along with those paratroopers they were with.


@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @GatheringHallPeeps​
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"Well then one can only hope that the group as a whole can get things done." Saki sighed. Even in his relatively 'mundane' world as a Magician he had a duty to help keep most regular humans from being aware of the magical side of things, with an exception, but the reveal of the multiverse and of things beyond even possibly the Controller's strengths as well as his own threatening his world was more bothersome than it was worth.

"This group is rather...different." He added with a shrug. When Cassum brought up his compensation for them, Saki tilted his head again and thought about it.

He wasn't sure if he really cared about the potential future, because it wasn't set in stone. His views might change or maybe not. Right now he was more concerned with getting home. Cassum then encouraged their group getting acquainted due to the fact that they'd end up working together, which caused the Magician to glance at those still present in the Gathering Hall momentarily.

@Gummi Bunnies @Not a Writer @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @dark @Gathering Hall
The light had been almost blinding when Death emerged in this new place. A far cry from the dark, bleak lands of Sevalith. The first horseman had listened silently to what their host had told them. A quick glance told him there was no one he recognized. He felt his scythe in his grasp. At least he was properly armed, though he didn't feel any hostility. Yet.

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"A purpose to us?" He finally spoke as he twirled his weapon around.

"Spirited away from our realities for a mission not our own. And you expected cooperation through just your words?" The challenge intrigued him but there was something that didn't add up. Why conscript people for a task like this? Did he speak of a game of sorts? Well, beings with the power to pull individuals through reality like this were certain beyond the usual mortal. "And you ask for a boon yet have nothing to offer us in turn? Send us back from a game you yourself instigated? No...what else do you have to offer?"

@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @Crimson Spartan @Takumi @dark @GatheringHall

@York @Not a Writer @Lucky

Jackson was only further confused by the answer given but nodded to show he at least acknowledged it. Still all of this made no sense even as he listened in to further explanation due to more questions being asked. Still Jackson couldn't help but wonder how he was even here in the first place. Last he recalled he had pretty much taken a tank shell to the face yet he was standing here perfectly fine which also made no sense. Jackson considered asking but was stopped when he heard someone address him and the....thing he was looking at earlier.


"Daniel Jackson...US army... How 'bout y'all?" Jackson spoke deciding just to only give this much information for now. While seeming at least calm for now Jackson was wary of these two along with just about everyone else here.....though he seemed more wary of Garrus at the moment given that he'd never seen anything like him before. For now though he kept his rifle pointed towards the floor the barrel pointed away from anyone's general direction finger while close was off the trigger.

@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Takumi @Jeremi @Not a Writer @Lucky @York @Gathering Hall​

Thomas “Sev” Shevchenko

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Before answering the other past solider, he looked up.

"Sergeant Shevchenko, ISA soldier, second in command of Alpha squad. " ISA means Interplanetary Space Alliance. "

"So this multiverse will mess with all our worlds if we don't stop it. Sounds like something only the Helghast would plan out..."

@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Takumi @Jeremi @Not a Writer @Lucky @York @Gathering Hall
Prologue; Déjà Vu

"...Miss Kofuku," began a gentle but strained voice, "is this, uh... really necessary?"

Shifting awkwardly on her feet within the confines of a dressing room was a young woman, no older than perhaps twenty. Her bangs hung in her eyes as she contemplated just why the universe sought to torment her like this, and she silently willed her master to reconsider the matter at hand. But of course, there were better chances for a snowball in hell than that happening. So when she heard a giggle not far off, she would've been lying if she said she was surprised.

"Don't be modest, Kuga-chan~ C'mon, c'mon~ I wanna see~"

Was it a little mean for Kofuku to goad her regalia into trying on cute dresses? Probably. Was she aware of that? Hard to say. But truth be told, the goddess wasn't trying to torment her companion; she just wanted to do what she could to help the girl live a little. The pair of them couldn't exactly make lasting friends thanks to the gods' curse of being forgotten by dwellers of the Near Shore, but if Kofuku could find at least small ways to help Daikugane feel normal and happy while the pair of them were around, then what would be the point of surviving at all?

Granted, she probably should've found ways that didn't involve exorbitant shopping trips. But her heart was in the right place. That was what counted in the end, right? The only problem was that mere moments after her excited cooing, the goddess of misfortune felt a sudden wave of dread. Her blood ran cold as her body froze mid clap, every iota of her being suddenly screaming danger. In an instant, her smile was gone, and she whirled around to face something unseen while simultaneously calling out for her weapon.

"Come, Kiki!"

With a flash of light that shot out of the dressing room and right into Kofuku's palm, the staff manifested in her hand. Totally prepared, she readied herself to break into a fight, except. Uh.

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...

A beat passed. She blinked. The clothes outlet still looked exactly the same. She could feel Kugane's surprise and confusion, even as she wrestled with her own. Maybe nothing was wrong, after all? Perhaps this period of utter dormancy after losing everything she'd loved had set her on end. Maybe her instincts were simply dwindling.

"...Is everything okay?"

Another moment of silence. Kofuku was still looking around with confusion, only managing to snap out of it after a couple moments longer. "Ah." Several employees were staring at her. She already had a bad enough reputation thanks to the way disaster followed her wherever she went. Sheepishly, she relaxed her stance. "...Haha, my bad~ Everything's fine. You can come back out, K--"

The words died in her throat, torn away by the violent rippling and reforming of reality itself. It was over before she could even comprehend what had happened, her head spinning and prompting her to momentarily sway unsteadily on her feet as she simply manifested somewhere new. It was definitely a baffling experience, but she couldn't say it was the strangest thing she'd been through. What she could say, however, was that she wasn't a fan of it. As she appeared in the strange, doorless room among the others, she suddenly felt out of her element. Surely, this couldn't be what she thought it was, right?

A single word from this Callum fellow proved her wrong. 'Game'. This was a game. All of the terrible things that had happened to her and her friends, she felt an overwhelming sense that they were all about to happen again. And this time, she was utterly alone.

Or at least, that's what she thought at first. And yet, unlike the last game she'd found herself in, the goddess was surprised to find that the weapon she'd called to hand mere seconds before still remained grasped in her palm. Kugane's voice rang out in her head, startled by the sudden change in environment, but Kofuku was too distracted by other familiar company to make out what her regalia was saying. She lowered her hands and her staff, her mouth falling open just slightly as her gaze landed on familiar white hair, pale skin, and purple eyes. It couldn't be. It seemed too good to be true. And yet...

"...Addy-kun?" she murmured, her dazed demeanor shifting to one of overwhelming emotion. A smile spread across her lips like a wildfire, her eyes glimmering with unadulterated joy. The worry about their situation could wait for just a moment; right now, she was just ecstatic to find herself face to face with an old friend. He looked a little older than she remembered, and he apparently hadn't noticed her yet, but that wasn't enough to sway her. Without a second thought, she began to move, attacking the poor man with a joyful hug and momentarily allowing herself to ignore the weight of the situation at hand despite having full knowledge it was there.

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"Addyyy-kunnnn! I'm so happy to see you! Say, how long has it been...?" She hadn't thought full years had passed, but then, maybe that was simply the varied flows of time of the multiverse at work. Regardless, she had snuggles to give and an old friend to love on! "Ah, and where's Addy-chan...? I thought the two of you went home together?" she added, tilting her head curiously. If it weren't for her friend's presence, she likely would've tried to familiarize herself with some of the others and get answers on their situation, or even just revert her regalia, but as it were she was a little preoccupied.

@Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @Lucky @York @Gathering Hall​
As the sorcerer spoke and revealed his symbol, Garrus still wasn't happy about the situation at hand...but he began to take it more seriously. Before he could ask any further questions, he was approached by two humans.

"Uhh, Garrus Vakarian. Turian marksman and galactic vigilante." Seems both the humans with him are fellow soldiers, one even from space. "Interplanetary Space Alliance? I'm familiar with The Alliance, but I have a feeling these are separate from one another. And as for the US army, you mean the United States right? I recall Shepard being born there, but humanity's military force rarely distinguishes itself based on Earth's regions, at least not anymore."

@Gummi Bunnies @Crimson Spartan @dark
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❝ If you fail in defeating even one... ❞ Cassum repeats the question, not sure how to address that matter. The possibility was surely there in the case of failure, so...

❝ I might not know what truly happens in that case, considering that if it isn't defeated in time and the fact that I myself am restricted from cleaning things up due to this Game's rules... I do hope that these illusionary worlds can keep these Constructs contained regardless, but in the possible scenario of them breaking free and spreading to different existing worlds... it does not bode well. Again, I have no clue on how it would all unfold, so I suppose let's ensure that they're defeated all the same. ❞ There wasn't much else to say than the Sorcerer's hopes that they wouldn't have to deal with that in the near future.


❝ Right, a form of compensation for this strange interference with your lives. I wholeheartedly understand your concerns. ❞ Cassum only realized at this point that he didn't really... have anything in the immediate moment to compensate these people for the trouble.

❝ Let me see here... granting wishes isn't exactly my forte... not that either, the council will have my head if I offer those treasures... hm, ❞ He thinks out loud before finally snapping his fingers upon getting a good idea for an offer.

❝ Alright, here is my offer of compensation for this Game's troubles. ❞ He then conjures up a visual illusion that resembled astronomical observatory structure. ❝ Upon the Game's completion, I shall work out a way for granting all of you access to the grand observatory. In its name, the observatory records events of the past, present, and future throughout the multiverse. It may not seem like much in the way of compensation, but I reckon some are curious about hidden mysteries of the past and the unknown happenings of the future. For now, that is all I can offer until I work out more methods of compensation with my superiors. ❞


❝ Wha- OOF!? The scientist expressed bewilderment that someone was roughly calling out to him, soon followed with him almost losing his footing from an abrupt hug attack. Thankfully, his Dynamo drones were able to ensure that he didn't collapse to the ground, and he proceeded to have the drones separate the energetic pink-haired girl from him.

tKAvL7d.jpg


❝ Huh... ❞ Add took a good look at Kofuku once his drones carefully placed her back on her feet, blinking curiously at her. ❝ I have no idea how you know my name... roughly, and why did you make it sound like there's... two of me? I don't believe I ever met you. ❞

Cassum caught wind of the awkward exchange between Add and Kofuku, as well as the brief exchange amongst Jackson, Garrus, and Sev. ❝ Ah, I suppose you may get to know each other well. This isn't much in the way of a competitive Game, so it is safe to recognize that you will all work together until the Game's end. ❞ He figured to make it clear that they would have to work together to destroy the Calamity Constructs.

@Not a Writer @Takumi @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @GatheringHall

@York @Lucky

3825496347_bacd322ef9_n.jpg

That multiverse comment really did put everything into perspective as to what was at stake here. As such Jackson could only think of one word to describe their situation which he quietly muttered to himself "Fubar.".



So he's called a 'Turian'....this was a lot to take in for Jackson. Galactic vigilante? Space alliance? Just what kind of places did these guys come from? There was no way this was connected to his world at all. What Garrus said next was interesting when talking about Earth's military so Jackson decided to answer.

"Yep...meant the United States and where i'm from some nations don't know how ta play nice... In fact 'fore endin' up 'ere the squad i's apart of was fightin' those damn Krauts in a French town. Hope Miller and the others got out alright." Jackson spoke quietly muttering that last part. All he could do now is pray they held out long enough a moment of concern flashing across his face as he muttered that last bit thinking of Miller and the rest of the squad along with those paratroopers they were with.


@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @GatheringHallPeeps
34afe497f066d849ae810613af867fc4ec270cdd.jpg


"Well then one can only hope that the group as a whole can get things done." Saki sighed. Even in his relatively 'mundane' world as a Magician he had a duty to help keep most regular humans from being aware of the magical side of things, with an exception, but the reveal of the multiverse and of things beyond even possibly the Controller's strengths as well as his own threatening his world was more bothersome than it was worth.

"This group is rather...different." He added with a shrug. When Cassum brought up his compensation for them, Saki tilted his head again and thought about it.

He wasn't sure if he really cared about the potential future, because it wasn't set in stone. His views might change or maybe not. Right now he was more concerned with getting home. Cassum then encouraged their group getting acquainted due to the fact that they'd end up working together, which caused the Magician to glance at those still present in the Gathering Hall momentarily.

@Gummi Bunnies @Not a Writer @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @dark @Gathering Hall
Add's outcry did little to stop the impending hug, but the assistance of his Dynamos did at least allow him to end the embrace much earlier than Kofuku would've liked. The goddess pouted faintly at the abrupt removal, a little hurt that her friend would shrug her off so quickly when they hadn't seen each other in quite some time. She definitely deserved a hug by now, and with how they'd left off with one another, she had thought he'd come around to her displays of affection. So why would he push her away like that?

The answer was obvious, and Kofuku had worried deep down that it'd come true. Yet even still, she'd hoped that, with his abundant notetaking and logging of their time together, he would manage to be one of the first humans beside Hiyori to actually retain memory of her despite the gods' curse. He had assured her right along with the others, time and time again, that he wouldn't let himself forget. And even though she'd doubted that he'd succeed, the pain of the revelation was... unbearable. She stared back at him as he voiced his confusion, her heart feeling as though it'd just been cracked. There was a certain sadness in her eyes for a moment, but it passed as quickly as it came. She'd been forgotten before; she could deal with it again. But the fact that he was acting as though he didn't remember his alternate self was a little harder to take, she shaking her head in mild dismay before managing to offer up a response.

View attachment 10898

"...You shouldn't tease a girl like that, Addy-kun," she sighed, crossing her arms over her chest with staff still in hand. "It's okay if you forgot me. I understand. But you definitely remember Addy-chan-- err, Esper, right? He's the one who got you home after everything that happened before..." She didn't want to rehash the details of the war, or the murders, or how both of her Adds had been murdered. But then again, with all this multiverse talk, and all she already knew about the countless universes...

Her frown deepened slightly, her brain trying to bring reason to a situation that lacked it entirely.

View attachment 10899

"You are Mastermind, right? You seem just like him, but... Maybe I'm wrong....?" Maybe he was just another alternate Add. Maybe this wasn't a situation of her being forgotten, but rather, her assuming he was someone he wasn't. If he was indeed someone new, that just meant this was a great opportunity to befriend yet another Add! But if he was mastermind, and he'd somehow forgotten not just her, but Esper as well... what did that mean? And where was Esper? Her own thoughts were so loud and sporadic that she completely forgot about how her poor regalia must be feeling until she felt an acute burning sensation upon the back of her neck. Flinching, she reached up, placing her free hand over the area with a wince. She'd... honestly forgotten what it felt like to be stung, but the small purple mark manifesting upon her neck was utter proof it'd occurred.

"Ah, s-sorry, Kiki; I got distracted," Kofuku apologized, feeling an immeasurable wave of guilt for letting her regalia hurt like this. "We're alright... Take deep breaths and try not to panic, okay? Come along, Kugane."

...

Strange. Nothing was happening. Glancing down at the staff in her hands, Kofuku shifted her hand away from the blight on the back of her neck, instead scratching her chin with mild confusion. "...Huh. Revert, Kugane."

...

"You can come out nowww..."

"I can't." Okay. That was new. "Something's stopping me. It's like I'm walled in. Trapped," the voice only Kofuku could hear explained, its owner frowning deeply to herself from within the pocket dimension of sorts that shinki were stored in. This just confused Kofuku, who tilted her head and raised her brows. "Huh. Really? That's odd," she mused, contemplatively, seemingly to no one at all. "Hang on just a moment, Addy-kun," she requested, before briefly turning her attention to Cassum. Emphatically, she raised her hand, waving it around before voicing a question she couldn't actually wait to ask. "Sayyy, Cas-chan! you brought everyone here, right? Do you know why I can't revert my shinki to her human state?"

@Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @Lucky @York @Gathering Hall​


View attachment 10900

"It's ...complicated, you two. You see, I'm from the way distant, in the future where the ISA and the Helghast are in the middle of a war. Anyways the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance is friends and allies to the Earth. I'm from the planet Vekta.

I haven't been on Earth in a while but you must of been talking way in the past.

Sev scratched his head, so a Turian, him and the solider from the way way past.

Sev kept his weapon trained down for the time being.


@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @GatheringHallPeeps



"?" Saki's gaze went to Kofuku as she addressed Cassum with a nickname of sorts. A brief look of confusion crossed his features as she continued to speak, but there was also a hint of curiosity. As far as he could sense, she didn't seem human.

There was an almost tingling sensation in the back of his head telling him to be cautious, despite not sensing any hostility from the pinkette specifically or the others still in the gathering hall.

@Gummi Bunnies @Not a Writer @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @Lucky @Everyone @Gathering Hall
Alice - Prologue; A Distant Promise
@Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @Lucky @Not a Writer @Gathering Hall

It felt like it had been an eternity, since that fateful day.

The day that marked the end of a nearly week long battle, and... Ultimately, the end of both she, and her father's lives. The last participants of a war between magi, fought under a false pretense in the end.

Ever since, she had been fighting an endless series of battles.

Having vowed to prevent that tragedy she had experienced in the final days of her life from ever taking place again... And by extension, to protect the world, she had become a Counter Guardian, a part of the Counter Force itself.

No matter the cost, no matter what she had to sacrifice. As long as she could save the world, she'd do it.

But fighting these battles, over and over again without much more than a moment of respite at a time... It wore on even her. And deep down, she was afraid she would break her promise to the world some day in a moment of desperation.

In one of her most dire moments, anguish consuming her very soul, threatening to corrupt her spirit origin, she had been granted an opportunity of respite.

The price?

She just had to fight, one last time.

In her eyes, it was the best deal she could ever hope for.

And so... She answered the world's call one last time, praying that promise she had been made could come true.

...

By the time she arrived she listened attentively to the briefing she was given. This time, things were relatively straight forward; she needed not to worry about filling any blanks, for now. So instead, she formally introduced herself.

"My true name is 'Aliceviel von Einzbern'. But... You may call me 'Alice'. I... Know we call come from different walks of life, but we're united in our goal to protect the multiverse, right? It's a pleasure to meet you all, and... I hope we can get along, even outside of battle."
She offered a polite curtsy as she spoke, even though she felt a little like a fish out of water.

Though there were certainly outliers, a good number of people who had answered their call here were seasoned soldiers, or warriors in some form. No other servants like herself yet though, which was probably for the best.​
 
View attachment 10900

"It's ...complicated, you two. You see, I'm from the way distant, in the future where the ISA and the Helghast are in the middle of a war. Anyways the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance is friends and allies to the Earth. I'm from the planet Vekta.

I haven't been on Earth in a while but you must of been talking way in the past.

Sev scratched his head, so a Turian, him and the solider from the way way past.

Sev kept his weapon trained down for the time being.



@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @GatheringHallPeeps

"....Guess some things never change..." Jackson comments as he hears Sev mention that his verse was also at war at this time. The comment about how far in the past he was got Jackson thinking about just how far back he really was compared to these two. So looking at both Sev and Garrus Jackson decides to ask " Just how far back is 'June 1944' from y'all". Jackson had to admit he was now curious not only meeting an alien but meeting folks apparently far after of him when it came to time.

@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @GatheringHallPeeps
 
SUNNY
@Gummi Bunnies @Minerva

View attachment 10896

"…hm…"

Sunny shook his head. He seems to be able to speak, but opts not to, as he vocalized during a small exhale.

View attachment 10897

"…"

He stares at Mimi. Perhaps if she was perceptive enough, she could see his unhappiness. But it wasn’t something simple kind words could magic away.

But even if she wasn’t that perceptive, she could still definitively see a twinge of skepticism in the boy’s eyes. He doesn't seem to believe in magic, as that’s the stuff that lives in his headspace.​
NPPnCS4.png


Mimi could only blink at his response. It must've been the norm for her to induce happiness to others so easily, such that Sunny not exactly perking up right away surprised her.

❝ Huh... well I do hope you feel better later on... and stuff! It wouldn't be too nice as someone like me to force you to feel happy. ❞ She says as she decides to give the boy some space. For a moment, she goes silent, before making another comment.

❝ Oh, I think it's almost time for the Game to start! ❞
Add's outcry did little to stop the impending hug, but the assistance of his Dynamos did at least allow him to end the embrace much earlier than Kofuku would've liked. The goddess pouted faintly at the abrupt removal, a little hurt that her friend would shrug her off so quickly when they hadn't seen each other in quite some time. She definitely deserved a hug by now, and with how they'd left off with one another, she had thought he'd come around to her displays of affection. So why would he push her away like that?

The answer was obvious, and Kofuku had worried deep down that it'd come true. Yet even still, she'd hoped that, with his abundant notetaking and logging of their time together, he would manage to be one of the first humans beside Hiyori to actually retain memory of her despite the gods' curse. He had assured her right along with the others, time and time again, that he wouldn't let himself forget. And even though she'd doubted that he'd succeed, the pain of the revelation was... unbearable. She stared back at him as he voiced his confusion, her heart feeling as though it'd just been cracked. There was a certain sadness in her eyes for a moment, but it passed as quickly as it came. She'd been forgotten before; she could deal with it again. But the fact that he was acting as though he didn't remember his alternate self was a little harder to take, she shaking her head in mild dismay before managing to offer up a response.

View attachment 10898

"...You shouldn't tease a girl like that, Addy-kun," she sighed, crossing her arms over her chest with staff still in hand. "It's okay if you forgot me. I understand. But you definitely remember Addy-chan-- err, Esper, right? He's the one who got you home after everything that happened before..." She didn't want to rehash the details of the war, or the murders, or how both of her Adds had been murdered. But then again, with all this multiverse talk, and all she already knew about the countless universes...

Her frown deepened slightly, her brain trying to bring reason to a situation that lacked it entirely.

View attachment 10899

"You are Mastermind, right? You seem just like him, but... Maybe I'm wrong....?" Maybe he was just another alternate Add. Maybe this wasn't a situation of her being forgotten, but rather, her assuming he was someone he wasn't. If he was indeed someone new, that just meant this was a great opportunity to befriend yet another Add! But if he was mastermind, and he'd somehow forgotten not just her, but Esper as well... what did that mean? And where was Esper? Her own thoughts were so loud and sporadic that she completely forgot about how her poor regalia must be feeling until she felt an acute burning sensation upon the back of her neck. Flinching, she reached up, placing her free hand over the area with a wince. She'd... honestly forgotten what it felt like to be stung, but the small purple mark manifesting upon her neck was utter proof it'd occurred.

"Ah, s-sorry, Kiki; I got distracted," Kofuku apologized, feeling an immeasurable wave of guilt for letting her regalia hurt like this. "We're alright... Take deep breaths and try not to panic, okay? Come along, Kugane."

...

Strange. Nothing was happening. Glancing down at the staff in her hands, Kofuku shifted her hand away from the blight on the back of her neck, instead scratching her chin with mild confusion. "...Huh. Revert, Kugane."

...

"You can come out nowww..."

"I can't." Okay. That was new. "Something's stopping me. It's like I'm walled in. Trapped," the voice only Kofuku could hear explained, its owner frowning deeply to herself from within the pocket dimension of sorts that shinki were stored in. This just confused Kofuku, who tilted her head and raised her brows. "Huh. Really? That's odd," she mused, contemplatively, seemingly to no one at all. "Hang on just a moment, Addy-kun," she requested, before briefly turning her attention to Cassum. Emphatically, she raised her hand, waving it around before voicing a question she couldn't actually wait to ask. "Sayyy, Cas-chan! you brought everyone here, right? Do you know why I can't revert my shinki to her human state?"

@Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Crimson Spartan @Jeremi @Lucky @York @Gathering Hall​
Every word that came out of this girl's mouth only raised more questions in his head. He chose not to voice some of them, considering it must seem obvious to Kofuku on what his responses would be. So he focused on the more important terms...

❝ Hm, it's true that I used to go by the codename of 'Mastermind' a few years back... I don't recall anything related to an esper, or anything related to you in particular. I would assume you were mistaking me for someone else, but you also got some details correct about me and not by sheer coincidence at that... ❞ Add thought out loud, idly checking his database via Dynamos to see that he didn't have anything recorded related to her. There must be a reason for it, considering that his thoughts of the multiverse had only expanded a mere few minutes ago.

Before he could try and ask for her name at least, it was now their Gamemaster's turn to be lost.

C-Cas-chan? The Sorcerer of Nothing was not expecting to be called that, but he didn't dare question that any further once Kofuku wondered why she couldn't revert her regalia back.

❝ I don't see a reason why you shouldn't be able to do so. Maybe there's some underlying rules that even I don't have the knowledge on, apologies if I cannot assist with your problem right away. ❞ Cassum scratched the back of his head. It definitely didn't make any sense, considering the very diverse participants that were gathered here in the first place. It wasn't exactly a matter that was capable of being solved at this moment, anyways.

...

Without warning, those that were in the cafeteria would be teleported straight back into the gathering hall, and a white light began to engulf everyone.

Pa8xBLc.png


❝ I guess it's finally time to begin. I was wondering how much longer we would be waiting here for... ❞ Cassum deduces that everything was prepared, set, and ready to go. He raises a hand to generate a similar aura of white light, much like the light surrounded each and every individual in the room.

❝ Ahead of you, there will be seven illusionary worlds to go through, and seven Calamity Constructs and corresponding Bearers to defeat. I'm afraid I can't describe how everything will appear and look once you depart to the first illusionary world, but I am sure that you will catch on quickly. So with everything prepared at last... ❞ The light begins to become brighter, almost blinding... ❝ All that is left to do on my part, is to send all of you in. ❞ Cassum snaps his fingers to disperse the white light around his hand.

Then everything went dark.


-1st Construct-
Lost Under Sick Trickery


bMu5xsw.png


Feeling like mere moments passing by since they were at the gathering hall, the group would find themselves smack dab in the middle of a rural village during the night. Just like before, everyone would see their belongings and equipment still on their person, and whatever special tricks up their sleeve were still around.

Nearby them, there was a few prying eyes peering at them from one of the houses, a local resident peeking from the window's blinds before moving away from the window upon making some eye contact with the group.

❝ Judging from that, I suppose this isn't the most welcoming community to us outsiders. ❞ Add comments with a hushed voice, having a feeling that they were already on thin ice. With all that talk about the Calamity Constructs earlier, it made Add skeptical that there was even a problem in a place like this.

❝ Unless somebody here wants to try asking the locals, I suggest that we get a good scope on the area, assuming no one else has any other good ideas? ❞ The scientist crosses his arms, hoping to at least get a clear consensus from the group he'd be working together with.

Off to the side, a large bush was rustling about despite the fact that there was no hint of a breeze...

» Cast List

@Minerva as Aaron Keener (The Division)
@Gummi Bunnies as Add (Elsword)
@York as Aliceviel Von Einzbern (OC)
@Crimson Spartan as Daniel Jackson (Saving Private Ryan)
@Jeremi as Death (Marvel Comics)
@ShadowCoyote0 as Garrus Vakarian (Mass Effect)
@Not a Writer as Kofuku Ebisu (Noragami)
@Lucky as Peter Parker (The Amazing Spiderman)
@Takumi as Saki Hajima (When a Magician's Pupil Smiles)
@Capri as Sunny (Omori)
@dark as Thomas "Sev" Sevchenko (Killzone Series)​
 
Death noticed the prying eyes from one of the houses. Was it really surprising with this group suddenly materialized at their doorstep? Even so, questions had to be answered.

Suddenly a rustling from one of the bushes! On instinct Death's scythe left his hand landing blade first into the ground a few inches away from the bush. "Reveal yourself. Lest you'll be judged a coward."

@Gummi Bunnies @Everyone
 


"....Guess some things never change..." Jackson comments as he hears Sev mention that his verse was also at war at this time. The comment about how far in the past he was got Jackson thinking about just how far back he really was compared to these two. So looking at both Sev and Garrus Jackson decides to ask " Just how far back is 'June 1944' from y'all". Jackson had to admit he was now curious not only meeting an alien but meeting folks apparently far after of him when it came to time.

@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @GatheringHallPeeps

Sev seemed a little awkward as he raised a eyebrow "You sure you want to know how far my timeline is from yours, Jackson?" Well I come from the year 2357 only 413 years away from yours in the future. The Earth is mostly known as UCN or United Colonel Nations now anyway.

Sev didn't have time to respond anymore as the group suddenly appeared and reappeared in another area, this time a strange village. A bush rustled and before Sev could say anything or go to check it out, the strange Death figure moved his scythe toward the bush.


@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Jeremi @Crimson Spartan

 
Every word that came out of this girl's mouth only raised more questions in his head. He chose not to voice some of them, considering it must seem obvious to Kofuku on what his responses would be. So he focused on the more important terms...

❝ Hm, it's true that I used to go by the codename of 'Mastermind' a few years back... I don't recall anything related to an esper, or anything related to you in particular. I would assume you were mistaking me for someone else, but you also got some details correct about me and not by sheer coincidence at that... ❞ Add thought out loud, idly checking his database via Dynamos to see that he didn't have anything recorded related to her. There must be a reason for it, considering that his thoughts of the multiverse had only expanded a mere few minutes ago.

Before he could try and ask for her name at least, it was now their Gamemaster's turn to be lost.

C-Cas-chan? The Sorcerer of Nothing was not expecting to be called that, but he didn't dare question that any further once Kofuku wondered why she couldn't revert her regalia back.

❝ I don't see a reason why you shouldn't be able to do so. Maybe there's some underlying rules that even I don't have the knowledge on, apologies if I cannot assist with your problem right away. ❞ Cassum scratched the back of his head. It definitely didn't make any sense, considering the very diverse participants that were gathered here in the first place. It wasn't exactly a matter that was capable of being solved at this moment, anyways.

...

Without warning, those that were in the cafeteria would be teleported straight back into the gathering hall, and a white light began to engulf everyone.

Pa8xBLc.png


❝ I guess it's finally time to begin. I was wondering how much longer we would be waiting here for... ❞ Cassum deduces that everything was prepared, set, and ready to go. He raises a hand to generate a similar aura of white light, much like the light surrounded each and every individual in the room.

❝ Ahead of you, there will be seven illusionary worlds to go through, and seven Calamity Constructs and corresponding Bearers to defeat. I'm afraid I can't describe how everything will appear and look once you depart to the first illusionary world, but I am sure that you will catch on quickly. So with everything prepared at last... ❞ The light begins to become brighter, almost blinding... ❝ All that is left to do on my part, is to send all of you in. ❞ Cassum snaps his fingers to disperse the white light around his hand.

Then everything went dark.


-1st Construct-
Lost Under Sick Trickery


bMu5xsw.png


Feeling like mere moments passing by since they were at the gathering hall, the group would find themselves smack dab in the middle of a rural village during the night. Just like before, everyone would see their belongings and equipment still on their person, and whatever special tricks up their sleeve were still around.

Nearby them, there was a few prying eyes peering at them from one of the houses, a local resident peeking from the window's blinds before moving away from the window upon making some eye contact with the group.

❝ Judging from that, I suppose this isn't the most welcoming community to us outsiders. ❞ Add comments with a hushed voice, having a feeling that they were already on thin ice. With all that talk about the Calamity Constructs earlier, it made Add skeptical that there was even a problem in a place like this.

❝ Unless somebody here wants to try asking the locals, I suggest that we get a good scope on the area, assuming no one else has any other good ideas? ❞ The scientist crosses his arms, hoping to at least get a clear consensus from the group he'd be working together with.

Off to the side, a large bush was rustling about despite the fact that there was no hint of a breeze...​
Death noticed the prying eyes from one of the houses. Was it really surprising with this group suddenly materialized at their doorstep? Even so, questions had to be answered.

Suddenly a rustling from one of the bushes! On instinct Death's scythe left his hand landing blade first into the ground a few inches away from the bush. "Reveal yourself. Lest you'll be judged a coward."

@Gummi Bunnies @Everyone
View attachment 10928

"...Mm." It was the only response Kofuku gave at first, a soft hum that carried the weight of discontentment and resignation all at once. Her features fell slightly as her gaze drifted downward, amethyst eyes clouded with something akin to sorrow. "I see. I was afraid that that'd happen..." Truth be told, she should've seen it coming. In fact, she imagined the others had likely forgotten her by now as well; Shizuo was one thing, since he did his best to see her frequently to help him retain her memory, but she wondered if Esper or Toboe would know her face if they saw her again. If even Mastermind- who had spent the entirety of their time together recording her presence- had forgotten, then...--

She perked up suddenly, clasping her hands in front of her eagerly as she met his gaze with urgency. "Ah, wait, that's right; you took notes, didn't you? Would that help jog your memory?" she wondered, letting herself get her hopes up. He'd sworn he wouldn't forget. She knew it was a childish thing to cling to, but... she didn't know how she could accept losing yet another person she cared about. Even if it might've been better for him that way. "And... are you sure you don't remember Addy-chan? You're not pulling my leg?" It made sense he'd forget her, but this just seemed weird. Or maybe he had... amnesia? Or some sort of mental shutdown, the mortal mind's last ditch effort to forget things best left forgotten? "Do you remember anyone from the war? Shizuo-kun, Tobi-chan... anything?"

View attachment 10929

Her quandaries would have to wait, though. Paying absolutely no mind to Cassum's clear confusion with the nickname she'd given, the goddess of poverty instead looked surprised by his eventual answer. "H-huh? Really???" she squeaked, glancing frantically between the man and her staff. "Ahh, sorry, Kiki... you'll just have to hold out a while longer. Can you do that for me?" She was definitely worried about her Regalia, especially given that they'd not had the opportunity to engage in combat or review her abilities more than once or twice... nor had Kofuku gotten to tell her about how important it was to keep her emotions in check. But even so, she sensed her weapon's trust in her; a mountain of faith that eased her worries just slightly. "...Good. We'll get through this just fine!" she assured for good measure, steeling herself and straightening her back. If Kugane could be tough in the face of this adversity, then damn it, so could she!

Except, uh. She had a kinda bad feeling about this. And she'd had several questions she'd actually wanted to ask Cassum still, but apparently, their time was up. Frantically, she flailed, as though this would magically slow the flow of time. "A-ah, w-wait! Cas-chan, when you said this was a game--"

Everything went black. So much for her questions. Both had been pressing, but the biggest of the two was definitely the one regarding what would happen if a god that embodied misfortune itself found her way to a calamity construct... she was admittedly feeling less than great about what the answer was.

View attachment 10930

This is bad!!! Th-this is really, really bad!

Play it cool, Kofuku. With a deep breath, she let her moderate concern about whether or not her being involved in this situation was really okay slip away, instead focusing on peering around her surroundings. At which point, she cradled her staff just a little closer, looking around with a faint pout. "This place is scary... Such an ominous air..." And then, her eyes landed on Death. A beat passed. She stared at him, blankly.

...

Finally, realization set in. She blinked away the confusion and lightly poked Death's side with the tip of her staff. "What're you doing that for? You shouldn't just point your weapons at anything that moves, y'know... What if there's a cute little animal in there?" she lamented, raising her chin and shaking her head with disapproval. She was definitely, uh, on the carefree side. Or at least, that's how it seemed.

@Gummi Bunnies @Jeremi @everybodyyyy (rock your bodyyyy)​
 
SUNNY
@Gummi Bunnies @Everyone

ADB0006-D-A0-FB-467-B-861-C-6603-B33-C8864.gif


"…wh…"

The boy was confused, distressed, and didn’t know how he got here. With a labored breath he drew his knife, aiming it at anybody, a panicked look in his eye. He even swung it, thankfully not hitting anybody.​
 
❝ G-gah! ❞ A brief yelp came from the bush right as the scythe landed way too close for comfort. It didn't take long for a teenage boy to pop out from the bushes, obviously spooked by the group.

TE2iG3L.png


❝ I-I would very much like NOT have a heart attack right now! ❞ He says while trying to regain his composure, glancing around to see if anything else would happen. After nothing else seemed to come up, the boy takes a good look at the group, and feeling puzzled over their overall appearance.

❝ A-anyways... uh, ❞ The boy now takes a more hushed tone, somewhat retreating back to the same bush he was hiding in but still having his head peek out as he kept talking to them, ❝ You guys... are not from around here, are you? You're not here to get involved with... erm, that lady causing trouble in the village, r-right? ❞

Add figured that this would be the best lead they'll have to start out with. He walks up to ask him, ❝ What do you mean by a trouble-making woman? ❞ The boy attempts to answer, but immediately shuts himself up and hides in the bushes without much warning.

The group would then see a couple of the local residents starting to approach them with the lantern's light to navigate the nighttime paths. There were three of them, appearing like the village's farmers and for some reason carrying pitchforks and rakes. Unlike the boy's initial reaction to the group, these villagers didn't seem all too concerned about how outlandish some people of the group would appear, aside from the obvious fact that they still weren't too welcoming to outsiders.

❝ Have you come here to be enlightened by our fair lady Cecilia? ❞ The lantern-holding villager asks in a blunt voice, his eyes giving off a distant look. The question more sounded like a forced interrogation rather than an offer. For a moment, it was almost like the villagers locked eye contact with Sunny before awaiting the rest of the group's answer.

@Jeremi @dark @Not a Writer @Capri @York @Everyone
 
❝ G-gah! ❞ A brief yelp came from the bush right as the scythe landed way too close for comfort. It didn't take long for a teenage boy to pop out from the bushes, obviously spooked by the group.

TE2iG3L.png


❝ I-I would very much like NOT have a heart attack right now! ❞ He says while trying to regain his composure, glancing around to see if anything else would happen. After nothing else seemed to come up, the boy takes a good look at the group, and feeling puzzled over their overall appearance.

❝ A-anyways... uh, ❞ The boy now takes a more hushed tone, somewhat retreating back to the same bush he was hiding in but still having his head peek out as he kept talking to them, ❝ You guys... are not from around here, are you? You're not here to get involved with... erm, that lady causing trouble in the village, r-right? ❞

Add figured that this would be the best lead they'll have to start out with. He walks up to ask him, ❝ What do you mean by a trouble-making woman? ❞ The boy attempts to answer, but immediately shuts himself up and hides in the bushes without much warning.

The group would then see a couple of the local residents starting to approach them with the lantern's light to navigate the nighttime paths. There were three of them, appearing like the village's farmers and for some reason carrying pitchforks and rakes. Unlike the boy's initial reaction to the group, these villagers didn't seem all too concerned about how outlandish some people of the group would appear, aside from the obvious fact that they still weren't too welcoming to outsiders.

❝ Have you come here to be enlightened by our fair lady Cecilia? ❞ The lantern-holding villager asks in a blunt voice, his eyes giving off a distant look. The question more sounded like a forced interrogation rather than an offer. For a moment, it was almost like the villagers locked eye contact with Sunny before awaiting the rest of the group's answer.

@Jeremi @dark @Not a Writer @Capri @York @Everyone

SUNNY
@Gummi Bunnies @Jeremi @dark @Not a Writer @York @Crimson Spartan @ShadowCoyote0 @Takumi @Minerva @Lucky

Sunny_Afraid_%28No_Background%29.gif


"...guh!"

Sunny could feel their stares. In his heightened panic state, the fact they focused on him made it all the more terrifying.

He pointed his knife at the lantern-holding visitor, shaking his head violently to adamantly say no. He backed up, knife still pointed at the villager, held up with trembling hands.​

View attachment 10928

"...Mm." It was the only response Kofuku gave at first, a soft hum that carried the weight of discontentment and resignation all at once. Her features fell slightly as her gaze drifted downward, amethyst eyes clouded with something akin to sorrow. "I see. I was afraid that that'd happen..." Truth be told, she should've seen it coming. In fact, she imagined the others had likely forgotten her by now as well; Shizuo was one thing, since he did his best to see her frequently to help him retain her memory, but she wondered if Esper or Toboe would know her face if they saw her again. If even Mastermind- who had spent the entirety of their time together recording her presence- had forgotten, then...--

She perked up suddenly, clasping her hands in front of her eagerly as she met his gaze with urgency. "Ah, wait, that's right; you took notes, didn't you? Would that help jog your memory?" she wondered, letting herself get her hopes up. He'd sworn he wouldn't forget. She knew it was a childish thing to cling to, but... she didn't know how she could accept losing yet another person she cared about. Even if it might've been better for him that way. "And... are you sure you don't remember Addy-chan? You're not pulling my leg?" It made sense he'd forget her, but this just seemed weird. Or maybe he had... amnesia? Or some sort of mental shutdown, the mortal mind's last ditch effort to forget things best left forgotten? "Do you remember anyone from the war? Shizuo-kun, Tobi-chan... anything?"

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Her quandaries would have to wait, though. Paying absolutely no mind to Cassum's clear confusion with the nickname she'd given, the goddess of poverty instead looked surprised by his eventual answer. "H-huh? Really???" she squeaked, glancing frantically between the man and her staff. "Ahh, sorry, Kiki... you'll just have to hold out a while longer. Can you do that for me?" She was definitely worried about her Regalia, especially given that they'd not had the opportunity to engage in combat or review her abilities more than once or twice... nor had Kofuku gotten to tell her about how important it was to keep her emotions in check. But even so, she sensed her weapon's trust in her; a mountain of faith that eased her worries just slightly. "...Good. We'll get through this just fine!" she assured for good measure, steeling herself and straightening her back. If Kugane could be tough in the face of this adversity, then damn it, so could she!

Except, uh. She had a kinda bad feeling about this. And she'd had several questions she'd actually wanted to ask Cassum still, but apparently, their time was up. Frantically, she flailed, as though this would magically slow the flow of time. "A-ah, w-wait! Cas-chan, when you said this was a game--"

Everything went black. So much for her questions. Both had been pressing, but the biggest of the two was definitely the one regarding what would happen if a god that embodied misfortune itself found her way to a calamity construct... she was admittedly feeling less than great about what the answer was.

View attachment 10930

This is bad!!! Th-this is really, really bad!

Play it cool, Kofuku. With a deep breath, she let her moderate concern about whether or not her being involved in this situation was really okay slip away, instead focusing on peering around her surroundings. At which point, she cradled her staff just a little closer, looking around with a faint pout. "This place is scary... Such an ominous air..." And then, her eyes landed on Death. A beat passed. She stared at him, blankly.

...

Finally, realization set in. She blinked away the confusion and lightly poked Death's side with the tip of her staff. "What're you doing that for? You shouldn't just point your weapons at anything that moves, y'know... What if there's a cute little animal in there?" she lamented, raising her chin and shaking her head with disapproval. She was definitely, uh, on the carefree side. Or at least, that's how it seemed.

@Gummi Bunnies @Jeremi @everybodyyyy (rock your bodyyyy)​

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To Kofuku, Saki gave a soft sigh.

"It could also be a threat, but I'm sure they'll keep your words in mind next time." He reassured her, before his attention was taken by a teen that happened to be in the bush. Okay then.

"Why are you hiding out in a bush, kid? Are you hiding from the woman you mentioned?" Saki asked, just before a group of villagers arrived with lanterns and pitchforks, causing the Magician to raise his guard.

66480f36287347ec2eac13f696738e092754783e.jpg


Saki moved between Sunny and the lantern weilding villagers upon noticing that they put the boy in a panicked state. This is the second child he's met who was swinging a knife around and the last thing he wanted was to have to stop the kid from hurting someone in their group or himself.

From the teen in the bushes reaction, it seemed that this Lady Cecilia might have been who he was referring to. Though...could it be that it was the same Cecilia as last time? Or maybe the similarities stopped at the name.

a497c5891ec427aeca6d0737cce370923ee9e914.jpg


"We're just passing through." He answered rather nonchalantly.

@Gummi Bunnies @York @Capri @Not a Writer @Jeremi @dark @Everyone
 
View attachment 10915



Sev seemed a little awkward as he raised a eyebrow "You sure you want to know how far my timeline is from yours, Jackson?" Well I come from the year 2357 only 413 years away from yours in the future. The Earth is mostly known as UCN or United Colonel Nations now anyway.

Sev didn't have time to respond anymore as the group suddenly appeared and reappeared in another area, this time a strange village. A bush rustled and before Sev could say anything or go to check it out, the strange Death figure moved his scythe toward the bush.


@Gummi Bunnies @ShadowCoyote0 @dark @Jeremi @Crimson Spartan

For the one moment before being sent into the game Sev would see Jackson look absolutely dumbfounded at what Sev had told him.

NPPnCS4.png


Mimi could only blink at his response. It must've been the norm for her to induce happiness to others so easily, such that Sunny not exactly perking up right away surprised her.

❝ Huh... well I do hope you feel better later on... and stuff! It wouldn't be too nice as someone like me to force you to feel happy. ❞ She says as she decides to give the boy some space. For a moment, she goes silent, before making another comment.

❝ Oh, I think it's almost time for the Game to start! ❞


Every word that came out of this girl's mouth only raised more questions in his head. He chose not to voice some of them, considering it must seem obvious to Kofuku on what his responses would be. So he focused on the more important terms...

❝ Hm, it's true that I used to go by the codename of 'Mastermind' a few years back... I don't recall anything related to an esper, or anything related to you in particular. I would assume you were mistaking me for someone else, but you also got some details correct about me and not by sheer coincidence at that... ❞ Add thought out loud, idly checking his database via Dynamos to see that he didn't have anything recorded related to her. There must be a reason for it, considering that his thoughts of the multiverse had only expanded a mere few minutes ago.

Before he could try and ask for her name at least, it was now their Gamemaster's turn to be lost.

C-Cas-chan? The Sorcerer of Nothing was not expecting to be called that, but he didn't dare question that any further once Kofuku wondered why she couldn't revert her regalia back.

❝ I don't see a reason why you shouldn't be able to do so. Maybe there's some underlying rules that even I don't have the knowledge on, apologies if I cannot assist with your problem right away. ❞ Cassum scratched the back of his head. It definitely didn't make any sense, considering the very diverse participants that were gathered here in the first place. It wasn't exactly a matter that was capable of being solved at this moment, anyways.

...

Without warning, those that were in the cafeteria would be teleported straight back into the gathering hall, and a white light began to engulf everyone.

Pa8xBLc.png


❝ I guess it's finally time to begin. I was wondering how much longer we would be waiting here for... ❞ Cassum deduces that everything was prepared, set, and ready to go. He raises a hand to generate a similar aura of white light, much like the light surrounded each and every individual in the room.

❝ Ahead of you, there will be seven illusionary worlds to go through, and seven Calamity Constructs and corresponding Bearers to defeat. I'm afraid I can't describe how everything will appear and look once you depart to the first illusionary world, but I am sure that you will catch on quickly. So with everything prepared at last... ❞ The light begins to become brighter, almost blinding... ❝ All that is left to do on my part, is to send all of you in. ❞ Cassum snaps his fingers to disperse the white light around his hand.

Then everything went dark.


-1st Construct-
Lost Under Sick Trickery


bMu5xsw.png


Feeling like mere moments passing by since they were at the gathering hall, the group would find themselves smack dab in the middle of a rural village during the night. Just like before, everyone would see their belongings and equipment still on their person, and whatever special tricks up their sleeve were still around.

Nearby them, there was a few prying eyes peering at them from one of the houses, a local resident peeking from the window's blinds before moving away from the window upon making some eye contact with the group.

❝ Judging from that, I suppose this isn't the most welcoming community to us outsiders. ❞ Add comments with a hushed voice, having a feeling that they were already on thin ice. With all that talk about the Calamity Constructs earlier, it made Add skeptical that there was even a problem in a place like this.

❝ Unless somebody here wants to try asking the locals, I suggest that we get a good scope on the area, assuming no one else has any other good ideas? ❞ The scientist crosses his arms, hoping to at least get a clear consensus from the group he'd be working together with.

Off to the side, a large bush was rustling about despite the fact that there was no hint of a breeze...

» Cast List

@Minerva as Aaron Keener (The Division)
@Gummi Bunnies as Add (Elsword)
@York as Aliceviel Von Einzbern (OC)
@Crimson Spartan as Daniel Jackson (Saving Private Ryan)
@Jeremi as Death (Marvel Comics)
@ShadowCoyote0 as Garrus Vakarian (Mass Effect)
@Not a Writer as Kofuku Ebisu (Noragami)
@Lucky as Peter Parker (The Amazing Spiderman)
@Takumi as Saki Hajima (When a Magician's Pupil Smiles)
@Capri as Sunny (Omori)
@dark as Thomas "Sev" Sevchenko (Killzone Series)

Jackson took time to process what was happening. He knew for sure he wanted to get to higher ground feeling very exposed just in the middle of a village so suddenly. The folks he did spot gave him distrusting vibe which made sense considering they all just appeared out of nowhere. He spotted the bushes rustle but the big Egypt monster looking creature was handling that so he focused on keeping an eye out.

❝ G-gah! ❞ A brief yelp came from the bush right as the scythe landed way too close for comfort. It didn't take long for a teenage boy to pop out from the bushes, obviously spooked by the group.

TE2iG3L.png


❝ I-I would very much like NOT have a heart attack right now! ❞ He says while trying to regain his composure, glancing around to see if anything else would happen. After nothing else seemed to come up, the boy takes a good look at the group, and feeling puzzled over their overall appearance.

❝ A-anyways... uh, ❞ The boy now takes a more hushed tone, somewhat retreating back to the same bush he was hiding in but still having his head peek out as he kept talking to them, ❝ You guys... are not from around here, are you? You're not here to get involved with... erm, that lady causing trouble in the village, r-right? ❞

Add figured that this would be the best lead they'll have to start out with. He walks up to ask him, ❝ What do you mean by a trouble-making woman? ❞ The boy attempts to answer, but immediately shuts himself up and hides in the bushes without much warning.

The group would then see a couple of the local residents starting to approach them with the lantern's light to navigate the nighttime paths. There were three of them, appearing like the village's farmers and for some reason carrying pitchforks and rakes. Unlike the boy's initial reaction to the group, these villagers didn't seem all too concerned about how outlandish some people of the group would appear, aside from the obvious fact that they still weren't too welcoming to outsiders.

❝ Have you come here to be enlightened by our fair lady Cecilia? ❞ The lantern-holding villager asks in a blunt voice, his eyes giving off a distant look. The question more sounded like a forced interrogation rather than an offer. For a moment, it was almost like the villagers locked eye contact with Sunny before awaiting the rest of the group's answer.

@Jeremi @dark @Not a Writer @Capri @York @Everyone

....Seems they were being approached by some of the villagers though Jackson noticing they had pitchforks caused his grip to tighten on his rifle. This guy speaking was a bit unnerving but Jackson outwardly managed to keep his cool. Them all locking eyes on to Sunny made Jackson raise his rifle just a bit before Saki stepped in and spoke.

3eeaeb7ba97ea4ceba52c076b22c878f1d6c6dfc72ac3860a7b6fbbcbfa2485e._RI_V_TTW_.jpg


"Like he said...we'll be out of ya hair shortly if y'all let us by..." Jackson spoke after Saki staying outwardly calm though he occasionally glances to right or left of the group to make sure they weren't being flanked. Truth be told he wanted to get out of this town and to a vantage point where he would be most effective if this village did indeed have what they were looking for. He briefly wondered if giving his rank and profession might help but given the look of these folks it was likely they didn't know much about the military....let alone to U.S. Army.
@Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @York @Jeremi @ShadowCoyote0 @Not a Writer @Lucky @Takumi @Capri @dark @AllY'all
 
SUNNY
@Gummi Bunnies @Jeremi @dark @Not a Writer @York @Crimson Spartan @ShadowCoyote0 @Takumi @Minerva @Lucky

Sunny_Afraid_%28No_Background%29.gif


"...guh!"

Sunny could feel their stares. In his heightened panic state, the fact they focused on him made it all the more terrifying.

He pointed his knife at the lantern-holding visitor, shaking his head violently to adamantly say no. He backed up, knife still pointed at the villager, held up with trembling hands.​
36cc0a3c128eb31ee8f1e525ef2498e0921a6f37.jpg


To Kofuku, Saki gave a soft sigh.

"It could also be a threat, but I'm sure they'll keep your words in mind next time." He reassured her, before his attention was taken by a teen that happened to be in the bush. Okay then.

"Why are you hiding out in a bush, kid? Are you hiding from the woman you mentioned?" Saki asked, just before a group of villagers arrived with lanterns and pitchforks, causing the Magician to raise his guard.

66480f36287347ec2eac13f696738e092754783e.jpg


Saki moved between Sunny and the lantern weilding villagers upon noticing that they put the boy in a panicked state. This is the second child he's met who was swinging a knife around and the last thing he wanted was to have to stop the kid from hurting someone in their group or himself.

From the teen in the bushes reaction, it seemed that this Lady Cecilia might have been who he was referring to. Though...could it be that it was the same Cecilia as last time? Or maybe the similarities stopped at the name.

a497c5891ec427aeca6d0737cce370923ee9e914.jpg


"We're just passing through." He answered rather nonchalantly.

@Gummi Bunnies @York @Capri @Not a Writer @Jeremi @dark @Everyone


For the one moment before being sent into the game Sev would see Jackson look absolutely dumbfounded at what Sev had told him.



Jackson took time to process what was happening. He knew for sure he wanted to get to higher ground feeling very exposed just in the middle of a village so suddenly. The folks he did spot gave him distrusting vibe which made sense considering they all just appeared out of nowhere. He spotted the bushes rustle but the big Egypt monster looking creature was handling that so he focused on keeping an eye out.



....Seems they were being approached by some of the villagers though Jackson noticing they had pitchforks caused his grip to tighten on his rifle. This guy speaking was a bit unnerving but Jackson outwardly managed to keep his cool. Them all locking eyes on to Sunny made Jackson raise his rifle just a bit before Saki stepped in and spoke.

3eeaeb7ba97ea4ceba52c076b22c878f1d6c6dfc72ac3860a7b6fbbcbfa2485e._RI_V_TTW_.jpg


"Like he said...we'll be out of ya hair shortly if y'all let us by..." Jackson spoke after Saki staying outwardly calm though he occasionally glances to right or left of the group to make sure they weren't being flanked. Truth be told he wanted to get out of this town and to a vantage point where he would be most effective if this village did indeed have what they were looking for. He briefly wondered if giving his rank and profession might help but given the look of these folks it was likely they didn't know much about the military....let alone to U.S. Army.
@Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @York @Jeremi @ShadowCoyote0 @Not a Writer @Lucky @Takumi @Capri @dark @AllY'all
The villagers didn't express too much emotion upon being told that the group was only passing by, almost like that kind of answer wasn't ever in these people's minds at any given moment.

❝ We wholeheartedly insist that you come with us to experience enlightenment from Lady Cecilia. Our village has been blessed by her presence, and it is a must for outsiders that come to Hinamizawa to experience this blessing. ❞ The leading villager of the patrolling bunch heavily emphasized the strange need to go see Lady Cecilia with them. During this conversation, Jackson would notice that there wasn't any immediate signs of more villagers out in the open, but there were more eavesdropping eyes that signified that some of the locals in their homes were watching the exchange a bit too closely.

❝ Tch, look, we've already said that we have no business with this Cecilia you keep bringing up. If this is benevolent enlightenment as you claim it to be, it sounds like you won't take no as an answer. We'll be out of here soon anyways, so go on back to your acclaimed fair lady now. ❞ Add was slowly losing his patience over how these villagers were putting them in circles within conversation. In actuality, he was extremely annoyed that they were being pestered by obvious signs of a village cult when he was this close to getting some clear answers from the teenager hiding in the bushes, presumably from these village folk.

However, the scientist's choice of words struck a chord in the villagers. The nearby house's front door opened, and four more villagers that were holding pitchforks like the initial three slowly joined them.

❝ What do you know about our Lady Cecilia? How dare you speak of her with this disrespect?! ❞ The lantern-holding villager's voice was full of sudden rage and anger, going from emotionless to rabidly upset. The next words out of his mouth didn't even remotely sound like real words. A gargling mess. Only one word could be made out from the collective voices of the deranged villagers slowly approaching and attempting to surround the group with their pitchforks raised.

Purge. Purge. Purge. Purge. Purge.

That's all they were saying besides making incomprehensible speech. At this point, it was clear that talking with them wasn't an option anymore.

❝ Ugh... why did our first stop have to be dealing with the cult lunatics? ❞ Add groaned at how things quite literally fell apart the moment he decided to voice his annoyances, guiding his Dynamo drones to simply shove away the nearest villager away from him before he would've been skewered by a pitchfork. Saki and Jackson were also targeted by two of the villagers, who aimed to impale them with pitchforks.

@Takumi @Crimson Spartan @York @Capri @Not a Writer @Jeremi @dark @Minerva @Lucky @ShadowCoyote0 @Everyone
 
The villagers didn't express too much emotion upon being told that the group was only passing by, almost like that kind of answer wasn't ever in these people's minds at any given moment.

❝ We wholeheartedly insist that you come with us to experience enlightenment from Lady Cecilia. Our village has been blessed by her presence, and it is a must for outsiders that come to Hinamizawa to experience this blessing. ❞ The leading villager of the patrolling bunch heavily emphasized the strange need to go see Lady Cecilia with them. During this conversation, Jackson would notice that there wasn't any immediate signs of more villagers out in the open, but there were more eavesdropping eyes that signified that some of the locals in their homes were watching the exchange a bit too closely.

❝ Tch, look, we've already said that we have no business with this Cecilia you keep bringing up. If this is benevolent enlightenment as you claim it to be, it sounds like you won't take no as an answer. We'll be out of here soon anyways, so go on back to your acclaimed fair lady now. ❞ Add was slowly losing his patience over how these villagers were putting them in circles within conversation. In actuality, he was extremely annoyed that they were being pestered by obvious signs of a village cult when he was this close to getting some clear answers from the teenager hiding in the bushes, presumably from these village folk.

However, the scientist's choice of words struck a chord in the villagers. The nearby house's front door opened, and four more villagers that were holding pitchforks like the initial three slowly joined them.

❝ What do you know about our Lady Cecilia? How dare you speak of her with this disrespect?! ❞ The lantern-holding villager's voice was full of sudden rage and anger, going from emotionless to rabidly upset. The next words out of his mouth didn't even remotely sound like real words. A gargling mess. Only one word could be made out from the collective voices of the deranged villagers slowly approaching and attempting to surround the group with their pitchforks raised.

Purge. Purge. Purge. Purge. Purge.

That's all they were saying besides making incomprehensible speech. At this point, it was clear that talking with them wasn't an option anymore.

❝ Ugh... why did our first stop have to be dealing with the cult lunatics? ❞ Add groaned at how things quite literally fell apart the moment he decided to voice his annoyances, guiding his Dynamo drones to simply shove away the nearest villager away from him before he would've been skewered by a pitchfork. Saki and Jackson were also targeted by two of the villagers, who aimed to impale them with pitchforks.

@Takumi @Crimson Spartan @York @Capri @Not a Writer @Jeremi @dark @Minerva @Lucky @ShadowCoyote0 @Everyone

Hinamizawa villege, huh? Of course. Before he could even ponder it more, a fee in their group was quickly being attacked, which included the Magician himself.

Saki didn't move immediately, mostly because Sunny was still behind him. Instead he sighed in annoyance and put a protective dome-like barrier around the child with his magic first, then from there he attempted to side step the villager attempting to skewer him and kick them away. If successful, he'd stick close to Sunny in case he needed the assistance.

403b6a29624d20361624cac2c635bafba6b53337.jpg


"How annoying you humans are sometimes." He grumbled. Potentially being fatally stabbed a second time was more trouble than it was worth, and he didn't have the patience to try and heal such a wound in a place with people he barely trusted with his own safety right now.

Skrshhh

Glub


Letting Sunny's barrier cracked and dissolve into the air, the temperature dropped a second almost immediately after, followed by what appeared to be droplets of bubbling water floated in the air above the hostile villagers, quickly followed by it dropping to the ground as Saki attempted to use his magic to the increase gravity around their attackers to immobilize as many as possible for the time being. If at all successful he'd stick close to Sunny, in any case he'd likely still try to stick close to the boy if it wasn't successful.

"I have a guess that their Lady is the Construct. That, or the Bearer." He replied to Add, though given their current situation, these people may be the Bearers themselves.

While he likely didn't expect to use too much magic in this place given how many fighters were in their group, with their group nearly being surrounded there was the possibility that it could end badly. He didn't want to bother with such consequences admittedly, as it was going to give him a headache the more he thought about it. No one ever said most Magicians were the best of people, in all honesty.

@Gummi Bunnies @Capri @Crimson Spartan @Not a Writer @Jeremi @Everyone
 
The villagers didn't express too much emotion upon being told that the group was only passing by, almost like that kind of answer wasn't ever in these people's minds at any given moment.

❝ We wholeheartedly insist that you come with us to experience enlightenment from Lady Cecilia. Our village has been blessed by her presence, and it is a must for outsiders that come to Hinamizawa to experience this blessing. ❞ The leading villager of the patrolling bunch heavily emphasized the strange need to go see Lady Cecilia with them. During this conversation, Jackson would notice that there wasn't any immediate signs of more villagers out in the open, but there were more eavesdropping eyes that signified that some of the locals in their homes were watching the exchange a bit too closely.

❝ Tch, look, we've already said that we have no business with this Cecilia you keep bringing up. If this is benevolent enlightenment as you claim it to be, it sounds like you won't take no as an answer. We'll be out of here soon anyways, so go on back to your acclaimed fair lady now. ❞ Add was slowly losing his patience over how these villagers were putting them in circles within conversation. In actuality, he was extremely annoyed that they were being pestered by obvious signs of a village cult when he was this close to getting some clear answers from the teenager hiding in the bushes, presumably from these village folk.

However, the scientist's choice of words struck a chord in the villagers. The nearby house's front door opened, and four more villagers that were holding pitchforks like the initial three slowly joined them.

❝ What do you know about our Lady Cecilia? How dare you speak of her with this disrespect?! ❞ The lantern-holding villager's voice was full of sudden rage and anger, going from emotionless to rabidly upset. The next words out of his mouth didn't even remotely sound like real words. A gargling mess. Only one word could be made out from the collective voices of the deranged villagers slowly approaching and attempting to surround the group with their pitchforks raised.

Purge. Purge. Purge. Purge. Purge.

That's all they were saying besides making incomprehensible speech. At this point, it was clear that talking with them wasn't an option anymore.

❝ Ugh... why did our first stop have to be dealing with the cult lunatics? ❞ Add groaned at how things quite literally fell apart the moment he decided to voice his annoyances, guiding his Dynamo drones to simply shove away the nearest villager away from him before he would've been skewered by a pitchfork. Saki and Jackson were also targeted by two of the villagers, who aimed to impale them with pitchforks.

@Takumi @Crimson Spartan @York @Capri @Not a Writer @Jeremi @dark @Minerva @Lucky @ShadowCoyote0 @Everyone
Hinamizawa villege, huh? Of course. Before he could even ponder it more, a fee in their group was quickly being attacked, which included the Magician himself.

Saki didn't move immediately, mostly because Sunny was still behind him. Instead he sighed in annoyance and put a protective dome-like barrier around the child with his magic first, then from there he attempted to side step the villager attempting to skewer him and kick them away. If successful, he'd stick close to Sunny in case he needed the assistance.

403b6a29624d20361624cac2c635bafba6b53337.jpg


"How annoying you humans are sometimes." He grumbled. Potentially being fatally stabbed a second time was more trouble than it was worth, and he didn't have the patience to try and heal such a wound in a place with people he barely trusted with his own safety right now.

Skrshhh

Glub


Letting Sunny's barrier cracked and dissolve into the air, the temperature dropped a second almost immediately after, followed by what appeared to be droplets of bubbling water floated in the air above the hostile villagers, quickly followed by it dropping to the ground as Saki attempted to use his magic to the increase gravity around their attackers to immobilize as many as possible for the time being. If at all successful he'd stick close to Sunny, in any case he'd likely still try to stick close to the boy if it wasn't successful.

"I have a guess that their Lady is the Construct. That, or the Bearer." He replied to Add, though given their current situation, these people may be the Bearers themselves.

While he likely didn't expect to use too much magic in this place given how many fighters were in their group, with their group nearly being surrounded there was the possibility that it could end badly. He didn't want to bother with such consequences admittedly, as it was going to give him a headache the more he thought about it. No one ever said most Magicians were the best of people, in all honesty.

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Jackson noticing the multiple pair of eyes watching them thinks to himself that these folks may be lying to wait to see how the group responds to their leader. Jackson begins to form a plan in his mind about how to handle this. Just as he was working out how to handle this Add ends up accidently pissing them off. The leader's reaction was telling and Jackson raised his rifle initially hoping to deter them yet the charging villagers didn't seem to care one of which was charging at him.

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* BANG *

A soldier is taught to stop any threat to their lives and Jackson goes to do just that aiming center mass at the villager looking to impale him on a pitchfork. He doesn't hesitate in firing hoping a round from his sniper would be enough to stop the threat on his life. He also was putting trust in his fellow soldiers alien or not to deal with the others as he left hand moves like a well oiled machine to work the bolt in order to eject the spent round and chamber the next. He had no idea what Saki was doing at the time as regardless of if his shot hit the villager or not he started backing up yelling "WEAPONS ON THE GROUND NOW!" at said villagers. The casual and even friendly southerner was now replaced by a cold almost emotionless soldier.

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"....Guess some things never change..." Jackson comments as he hears Sev mention that his verse was also at war at this time. The comment about how far in the past he was got Jackson thinking about just how far back he really was compared to these two. So looking at both Sev and Garrus Jackson decides to ask " Just how far back is 'June 1944' from y'all". Jackson had to admit he was now curious not only meeting an alien but meeting folks apparently far after of him when it came to time.

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Well...this bastard would quite old by most standards, unless you asked an asari. Liara would probably like this guy. "Well, you see..."

Before Garrus could actually finish his sentence, they were all transported to the strange village. "...far enough. I'll explain later."

As the odd cultist approached, Garrus kept quiet, but had his hands on his assault rifle at all times. Shepard usually handled the talking, so he'd let the others do the same. But, talking didn't seem to do much. Hell, it might've been better to just say nothing and walk away. However, any chance of negotiation dropped the minute Jackson fired his weapon, a decision that Garrus supported. Following the shot, Garrus wasted no time taking aim at the villagers. "For your own safety please, put down your weapons now! My friend here and I won't ask again!"

Garrus didn't want a bloodbath, but if they wouldn't surrender their weapons, he was going to start disarming them himself.

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❝ G-gah! ❞ A brief yelp came from the bush right as the scythe landed way too close for comfort. It didn't take long for a teenage boy to pop out from the bushes, obviously spooked by the group.

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❝ I-I would very much like NOT have a heart attack right now! ❞ He says while trying to regain his composure, glancing around to see if anything else would happen. After nothing else seemed to come up, the boy takes a good look at the group, and feeling puzzled over their overall appearance.

❝ A-anyways... uh, ❞ The boy now takes a more hushed tone, somewhat retreating back to the same bush he was hiding in but still having his head peek out as he kept talking to them, ❝ You guys... are not from around here, are you? You're not here to get involved with... erm, that lady causing trouble in the village, r-right? ❞

Add figured that this would be the best lead they'll have to start out with. He walks up to ask him, ❝ What do you mean by a trouble-making woman? ❞ The boy attempts to answer, but immediately shuts himself up and hides in the bushes without much warning.

The group would then see a couple of the local residents starting to approach them with the lantern's light to navigate the nighttime paths. There were three of them, appearing like the village's farmers and for some reason carrying pitchforks and rakes. Unlike the boy's initial reaction to the group, these villagers didn't seem all too concerned about how outlandish some people of the group would appear, aside from the obvious fact that they still weren't too welcoming to outsiders.

❝ Have you come here to be enlightened by our fair lady Cecilia? ❞ The lantern-holding villager asks in a blunt voice, his eyes giving off a distant look. The question more sounded like a forced interrogation rather than an offer. For a moment, it was almost like the villagers locked eye contact with Sunny before awaiting the rest of the group's answer.

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To Kofuku, Saki gave a soft sigh.

"It could also be a threat, but I'm sure they'll keep your words in mind next time." He reassured her, before his attention was taken by a teen that happened to be in the bush. Okay then.

"Why are you hiding out in a bush, kid? Are you hiding from the woman you mentioned?" Saki asked, just before a group of villagers arrived with lanterns and pitchforks, causing the Magician to raise his guard.

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Saki moved between Sunny and the lantern weilding villagers upon noticing that they put the boy in a panicked state. This is the second child he's met who was swinging a knife around and the last thing he wanted was to have to stop the kid from hurting someone in their group or himself.

From the teen in the bushes reaction, it seemed that this Lady Cecilia might have been who he was referring to. Though...could it be that it was the same Cecilia as last time? Or maybe the similarities stopped at the name.

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"We're just passing through." He answered rather nonchalantly.

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The villagers didn't express too much emotion upon being told that the group was only passing by, almost like that kind of answer wasn't ever in these people's minds at any given moment.

❝ We wholeheartedly insist that you come with us to experience enlightenment from Lady Cecilia. Our village has been blessed by her presence, and it is a must for outsiders that come to Hinamizawa to experience this blessing. ❞ The leading villager of the patrolling bunch heavily emphasized the strange need to go see Lady Cecilia with them. During this conversation, Jackson would notice that there wasn't any immediate signs of more villagers out in the open, but there were more eavesdropping eyes that signified that some of the locals in their homes were watching the exchange a bit too closely.

❝ Tch, look, we've already said that we have no business with this Cecilia you keep bringing up. If this is benevolent enlightenment as you claim it to be, it sounds like you won't take no as an answer. We'll be out of here soon anyways, so go on back to your acclaimed fair lady now. ❞ Add was slowly losing his patience over how these villagers were putting them in circles within conversation. In actuality, he was extremely annoyed that they were being pestered by obvious signs of a village cult when he was this close to getting some clear answers from the teenager hiding in the bushes, presumably from these village folk.

However, the scientist's choice of words struck a chord in the villagers. The nearby house's front door opened, and four more villagers that were holding pitchforks like the initial three slowly joined them.

❝ What do you know about our Lady Cecilia? How dare you speak of her with this disrespect?! ❞ The lantern-holding villager's voice was full of sudden rage and anger, going from emotionless to rabidly upset. The next words out of his mouth didn't even remotely sound like real words. A gargling mess. Only one word could be made out from the collective voices of the deranged villagers slowly approaching and attempting to surround the group with their pitchforks raised.

Purge. Purge. Purge. Purge. Purge.

That's all they were saying besides making incomprehensible speech. At this point, it was clear that talking with them wasn't an option anymore.

❝ Ugh... why did our first stop have to be dealing with the cult lunatics? ❞ Add groaned at how things quite literally fell apart the moment he decided to voice his annoyances, guiding his Dynamo drones to simply shove away the nearest villager away from him before he would've been skewered by a pitchfork. Saki and Jackson were also targeted by two of the villagers, who aimed to impale them with pitchforks.

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Hinamizawa villege, huh? Of course. Before he could even ponder it more, a fee in their group was quickly being attacked, which included the Magician himself.

Saki didn't move immediately, mostly because Sunny was still behind him. Instead he sighed in annoyance and put a protective dome-like barrier around the child with his magic first, then from there he attempted to side step the villager attempting to skewer him and kick them away. If successful, he'd stick close to Sunny in case he needed the assistance.

403b6a29624d20361624cac2c635bafba6b53337.jpg


"How annoying you humans are sometimes." He grumbled. Potentially being fatally stabbed a second time was more trouble than it was worth, and he didn't have the patience to try and heal such a wound in a place with people he barely trusted with his own safety right now.

Skrshhh

Glub


Letting Sunny's barrier cracked and dissolve into the air, the temperature dropped a second almost immediately after, followed by what appeared to be droplets of bubbling water floated in the air above the hostile villagers, quickly followed by it dropping to the ground as Saki attempted to use his magic to the increase gravity around their attackers to immobilize as many as possible for the time being. If at all successful he'd stick close to Sunny, in any case he'd likely still try to stick close to the boy if it wasn't successful.

"I have a guess that their Lady is the Construct. That, or the Bearer." He replied to Add, though given their current situation, these people may be the Bearers themselves.

While he likely didn't expect to use too much magic in this place given how many fighters were in their group, with their group nearly being surrounded there was the possibility that it could end badly. He didn't want to bother with such consequences admittedly, as it was going to give him a headache the more he thought about it. No one ever said most Magicians were the best of people, in all honesty.

@Gummi Bunnies @Capri @Crimson Spartan @Not a Writer @Jeremi @Everyone
View attachment 10942

"Huh? ...I suppose that's true, but it's not guaranteed," the goddess offered nonchalantly to Saki, only to brighten when a seeming teenage boy popped out of the bushes. "Aha! See? Nothing to get all trigger-happy over~" Focusing her attention on the boy, now, she leaned in close to him; probably closer than was comfortable, especially considering the scare Death had given him. "Hiiii thereeee~ Say, what's your name, hmmm?" she wondered, tilting her head like a curious cat. His words did confuse her though, and her eyebrows furrowed in contemplation. "Huh? Trouble-making woman...?"

Before she could get an answer, the boy had retreated back into the bush. She almost pursued him on pure instinct, but fortunately, the arrival of the townspeople distracted her before she could. Seemingly oblivious to their strange auras, she beamed, waving enthusiastically. "Ahh, helloooo!" she greeted, happily. Their question was met with her scratching the top of her head before shaking it slowly. "We don't know any Cecilia. But... enlightened, huh? Say, is this Cecilia another god, by chance...?" If so, maybe Kofuku could get some help from her regarding her... special, predicament. But honestly, the likelihood of such a thing was extremely small; even a ditz like the pinkette knew that much.

But, uh. She definitely hadn't anticipated a fight breaking out.

View attachment 10944

"H-huh???" Frantically, she waved her arms around. "Hey, Addy-kun didn't mean anything by that!" she protested, hoping that the villagers would pull themselves together. But of course, in truth, she fully recognized they weren't in the right state of mind. But... that didn't make this any easier. Honestly, their behavior was strikingly similar to individuals possessed by Phantoms, but Kofuku didn't see any indication of those malevolent creatures here. So maybe...-

Shoot. She hadn't gotten to teach Kugane about severing ties yet either. It seemed like a different solution would be required. She thought about trying to reason with them again, but the sound of a gunshot made her fear that neither side was about to back down easily. So, with features steeling with resolve, Kofuku leaped backwards. "Alright, that's it! Stop..." she began, landing firmly on her feet before swirling her staff to extend it and slamming it into the ground. "Fighting!!!"

...

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The ground beneath her staff cracked. A small rift began to open, before suddenly swirling to life and erupting with what seemed like malevolence and evil incarnate. "...Oh, no." Kofuku fell silent as she glanced down at the first crack that formed before the force exploded outward, carrying her up and swirling her into the air like a tornado, likely doing the same to anyone that happened to be near her at the time. The split in the ground continued to erupt in what looked like pink and purple flames, a stream of negativity swirling high into the sky. "Th-this is awful! A Vent??? Why now?!?" the poor airborne god currently being whipped around hollered. Yeah she was gonna be totally useless here. But maybe the fountain of negativity she'd opened would at least carry up some of those crazy villagers too!

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SUNNY
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They were everywhere. The villagers… everyone. They were… everywhere.

He had to get out of here. He had to escape.

He immediately bolted off, only to be met by an invisible wall.

View attachment 10946

"BWUH…!"

He fell flat on his rear as he looked at everything, practically paralyzed as everyone yelled at each other and fought.

It wasn’t until the pink tornado that things really kicked into high gear for Sunny.

View attachment 10948

He ran. He ran away from everything, hoping to weave in between some cult members like the little slippery snake he is.

If he succeeded, he would aimlessly run through the woods, hoping to find something of value.​
 
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