SEPTEMBER TDM

[recollecters]

TEST DRIVE

SEPTEMBER TEST DRIVE - EVENT AND FOURTH WALL EDITION The city of Recollé... ...or, at least, a good mimicry of the city. It's been a few weeks since you've found yourself in this digitized version of your beloved city. You've found yourself surrounded by NPC versions of your friends and family who aren't a part of the Retrospec project, you've encountered strange and new places, and the viruses continue to appear despite the fight you've put up. On the evening of the 17th, things change again. No matter where you are, Alphas and Betas will hear the sound of loud clacking, something similar to fingers typing frantically on a keyboard. The dial-up sound rings out, echoing off of buildings and in your ears as a bright blue flash of code scrolls before your eyes. Perhaps it doesn't make sense, but your handheld device might help. It beeps to alert you of a new message, screen lighting up as a navigation app appears and seems to stick. It appears to be an ordinary app like Google Maps or Waze, but the destination is pre-installed and your feet begin to move on their own accord. I. - IN-GAME CHARACTERS ONLY If you're strong enough, you might be able to break free of the mysterious hold that's dragging you across the city and out toward the outskirts of Tisse. It's hard to locate the source of the pull, but everyone will find that as they traverse the city they're all heading in one direction. The navigation app cheerfully blurts out instructions as your body operates on auto-pilot, causing you to stumble through the city and the other districts. You'll find yourself colliding into another user, soon walking in front or behind them as everyone around you begins to form one solid line. The human chain forms steadily and…aren't you lucky? You get to hold hands! Single file, everyone. Maybe you lucked out and you're holding hands with a friend. If you're stuck between two strangers, well, maybe that's a little awkward but the chain is impossible to break. You continue to move. Locked hand in hand with every user in the city, you'll have to help each other navigate, avoid obstacles, and make sure you don't lag behind. Viruses linger and will follow this mass of people, snapping at your heels and attempting to devour anything nearby. Can you fight without your hands? It may be time to find out. The night sky is a bit cloudy and your only source of light is the moon and the glow of lights on buildings you pass by in all districts. The walk shouldn't take you long, but as you venture further away from the center of the city the sun begins to rise and obscures your vision a bit. Has time sped up? Or are you simply walking further than you thought? What an interesting question. II-A. - IN-GAME CHARACTERS ONLY The navigation app leads the group through a long, winding journey that ends just beyond the furthest point of Tisse as the day breaks. As the app chimes, the air before you shimmers as a glass-walled building materializes. Unlike the other buildings in the city, it appears to be solid and smooth, lacking the pixelated quality a majority of the city has by now. The human chain breaks and you let go of your neighbor. You're now free to explore this place. Stepping inside, you find rows and rows of glass cases and chambers off to the sides and in stacks. Accommodated with work stations and instruction manuals, you may find yourself drawn to these computers before the empty cases. While the manuals appear old and frayed, there are instructions one can follow to create the person of their dreams. Are you looking for someone athletic? Simply change the input for a higher muscle mass than your average model. What about someone funny? Copy and paste some knock-knock jokes to embed in their code. It's easy to create anything you desire. The book allows for anything, even those who aren't exactly human. As you code and build, the glass cases and chambers begin to fog up, smoke whirling around inside as something begins to grow and take shape. Be careful! You may have a clear vision in mind of what you wish to create, but the programming may have other ideas… …for those who don't wish to experiment for themselves, or those who are strong enough to shake off those urges, there are several other floors to explore. Unlike the cases downstairs, these ones are occupied and filled with finished models pre-labeled "Projected Example" or "Reboot". Perhaps these faces are familiar to you, or they're someone who looks interesting. A lost friend. Someone from your memories. Someone who you feel doesn't belong encased in glass at all. The possibilities seem endless when it comes to who you'll find inside, but as you continue to stare at the case before you…the glass cracks. II-B. - TDM/FOURTH WALL CHARACTERS. Where are you? The last thing you remember was a wavering, dizzy spell that forced your eyes closed as you fell unconscious. Upon awakening the glass walls around you are stifling and thick, white and blue smoke dances around your ankles as you blink away black spots impeding your vision. Trapped inside a glass case held behind glass walls, it becomes clear that you aren't where you're supposed to be. Any items you had on your person are missing and the palm of your hand burns intensely for ten seconds as a black tattoo forms. Branded as either a "Projected Example" or "Reboot", it isn't easy to understand what these terms mean. Perhaps that isn't what's important though. Rather, what's important is breaking your way out of this glass case and figuring out where you are. Shadowed figures can be seen walking the hallways just outside your case, sometimes alone or sometimes with a friend. It's hard to make out any of their features, but you can hear the muffled words being said. It's only when someone is close to your case that you find your strength. The glass begins to spider crack under the pressure of your hand, allowing you to push and punch as much as necessary to break free. There's no shame in needing assistance, of course. Some cases are thicker than others, and as the glass begins to crack it becomes easier to be heard by those outside of your case. How will you escape? Who will you find on the other side of the glass? It's a mystery and one that will not be answered until you free yourself of your enclosure. Breaking free is easy if you try and it gives you a full range of motion. The glass won't harm you, but sparkles adorn your skin as the sunlight shines through the windows around you. You're free to explore the floors of the building and check out the other glass cases nearby. Perhaps you'll even lend a hand and help others who are trapped. How did you all get here? That's yet another mystery that doesn't seem to have an answer, but more importantly…how do you get out of the building? This place is huge. III. - OTA Lucky for you, this building seems to be a safe haven from the crazy world outside. Though several stories tall and filled with cases and equipment as far as the eye can see, nothing strange seems to be happening and navigating the building is almost a pleasant experience. The glass walls allow for plenty of late-summer sunshine to filter in, giving you and everyone you're with a path to follow. This path, however, won't lead you to the front door. The front exit no longer exists and any attempts to reroute to it will send citizens on their way through the halls of the building again. Several doors and laboratories are found on the journey though you may not enter. Labeled areas such as "memory restoration", "accounting", "legal" and "resources", these areas are scattered and just beyond your reach. As you venture through the building and exit out the back door, the sound of music hits you full-force. Bright lights, thick grass and the sounds of children laughing await you. The grounds are vast and empty of other people. While the area is large and sprawling, it's evident that several iconic pieces of this area are missing. A large sign hangs overhead, greeting you and welcoming you to Rainbowland. Complete with a carousel, children's rides such as spinning tea cups, bumper cars, the hurricane and the octopus, and a midway full of games, this amusement park looks like the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Along with the usual set-up, Rainbowland is host to a special event for the next week. Scattered throughout the grounds are banners and stalls proudly proclaiming "WELCOME TO RETROSPEC." Carnival food of all kinds can be found at these stalls with the Retrospec logo plastered on the side. Eat these foods at your own risk! Sweets will grant consumers super-speed, meats such as hot dogs and burgers kick in a boost of super-strength, fried foods will cause a consumer to move in slow motion and drinks may cause temporary invisibility. Weird, right? The midway has a few strange surprises as well. While most games are easy to play (and free at that, why isn't anyone around to take tickets from park visitors?), there are certain games set up by Retrospec themselves that have equally strange prizes. Stuffed animals of a variety of creatures from other worlds line the shelves (some you may or may not recognize), along with glass dolls of you and people you know. The likeness of these prizes is a little too spot-on; dolls will spout a common catch-phrase and stuffed animals will feel as though they are breathing. Finally, in addition to the Rainbowland rides, Retrospec has provided a wooden roller coaster and a large ferris wheel, both branded with their logo. For those who wish to feel the rush, the roller coaster reaches speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and comes with several hills and one full upside-down loop. Riders, however, will experience brief hallucinations after this loop; as the loop completes they'll find themselves seeing visions of a dark, underground river. The hallucination seems within reach almost as if the cart they're in will dive straight into the water. The ride ends with all riders unharmed, however. As for the ferris wheel? It's just a ferris wheel, several stories high with bright blue, encased cars to give riders a bird's eye view of the entire city and protect them inside. As you reach the top, the car will come to a gentle stop and the view from the window will change. Instead of the beloved city of Recollé, the landscape below is different. Perhaps it's a landscape you recognize, or it's an area of a battle-ridden world. Perhaps you see your friend's high school that they've seen in their memories or islands from another life. Every view is different, but by the time you reach the ground again you're back in Recollé. It's a carnival and it's fun, but several things that don't belong to Rainbowland seem off. Those with a keen eye and who have been around for a while may come to realize one important factor; the symbol is drawn inaccurately. The Retrospec symbol is missing a few loops and the particular shade of blue used is too dark to match. A counterfeit Retrospec...is it possible? Maybe it's best just to stick with what Rainbowland itself has to offer. IV. - OTA So maybe carnivals aren't your thing. No matter! You can leave Rainbowland whenever you'd like and make your way back to the city. On the other hand the city and areas around it may not be as you remember it. "Projected Examples" might not recognize this place at all, but "Reboot" will recognize that the pixelation of buildings, the NPC status of people they may know and the glitches that occur aren't normal by any standards. Exploring the city will allow all visitors to ride the trains and visit the various locations Alphas and Betas have access to, create and travel through the digital scape of half-constructed concepts, and they'll find they're even more susceptible to being attacked by bug-like viruses. These viruses will follow newcomers, snapping and biting to try and devour them. Defeating one will generate two more, and while they aren't as prominent in the digital scape you may find yourself with your hands full. There is no way to reach the outside regions of Pesgare, Respatrum, Bosuma and Magatus at this time, but there's plenty in the city to keep you on your toes. Visitors may have to find lodging for the next few weeks whether that's with friends or strangers, but at least all of the buildings remain standing. And if that doesn't keep you busy enough, the NPC citizens of Recollé are happy to provide you with jobs. If you choose to speak to any of these people, they'll go off of their pre-assigned dialogue and provide you with a small quest. "Find ten bananas and deliver them to someone with red hair." "Pet every dog that you see." "Catch three fish from the ocean and sell them to a neighbor." Some of these quests may not even make sense, but they'll be assigned nevertheless. Upon completion of each quest taken on, a triumphant sound will play from overhead and a banner will appear displaying your new title. Deliver those bananas? "Gone Bananas" will flash over your head. How about those fish? "So Long and Thanks For..." will linger for a while. Too bad no one told you those banners won't go away. When you're alone the title will be hidden, but as you speak to more people in the city the banner reappears, hovering over your head for the entire length of the conversation. The titles will change as you complete new tasks, but it appears as though they're permanent now. Congratulations! BONUS. - OTA Everyone will be equip with a handheld device much like a cell phone but downgraded. Containing only a drawing application, the game of Snake, the Retrospec app and the navigation app to lead you back to that glass building, it's...pretty useless. Technology in the city is hit and miss in its pixelated state, but perhaps it's better to ask the Retrospec network what the next step is. While Alphas and Betas are still posting as their A/B IDs, "Projected Examples" and "Reboots" will find that all posts and comments are tagged as their status and their name. Examples and Reboots will also find that a "Welcome to Retrospec" guide pops up, giving them only a brief moment to read the guidelines before a bright flash appears, snapping their photo for their profile and connecting them to someone new on the network. Whether you're sending or receiving messages, a string of colored text, numbers and code will leave or enter your device. These devices also need to be charged constantly, so be careful when taking them out of the house! You'd hate to get cut off at the worst possible moment, wouldn't you? Welcome to the recolle test drive meme, fourth wall event, and September event part two! Please review these instructions for this particular event! As we are combining a few different options here, we want to ensure players know what options are available. Thank you! All characters who are TDMing will be begin in-game AU'd as Recollé residents. You may use any of the above prompts for ideas or make up your own depicting your Recollé AU! Prompts do not have to be set in the districts listed above. You can review our list of locations for what's available. Please note that TDM threads can be used as samples, can be kept as game canon, and can also be used for bonus points for future item regains. Share a few minor details of your AU, tag around, and have fun! Since this is a special event, the TDM is tied with a fourth wall event as well! For players who are fourth-walling characters (canon versions, different canon AUs, CRAU, versions from other games, etc), please label your top-level as "Projected Example." Players who are TDMing to app will fall under "Reboot" and we ask that you label your top-level as such! And finally, characters in-game are not required to label their top-levels with anything. This way, it's easier for your gamemates to know who's TDMing, who's just playing around, and who's already in-game. For Prompt III, any characters who choose to ride the ferris wheel will be able to see the landscape of any canonical world once they're at the top. It doesn't matter if they would recognize it or not, but the image will be brief until the car moves again! Likewise, stuffed animals won from the Retrospec midway games can be creatures your character would recognize from their memories or from other canons they may or may not recognize. Use your best judgment! Prompt IV may be used to create new scenarios and threads based on the prompts from Part One of September's Event! Please feel free to read the prompts in event log one and create your own scenarios for your top-levels. Additionally, you are free to make up your own silly/serious fetch-quests and titles that would be rewarded to your characters. While normally we do not allow this, please remember that current players may earn one freebie by threading with someone who is TDMing! This thread must contain 5 consecutive comments from you to be eligible. In addition, all players may use any threads accrued in this event for bonus points. As a special note, we will also allow current players to use a thread from this Fourth Wall/TDM/Event for their AC proofs! As this ties into a game-event, we are making an exception. However, your other proof(s) (at least ten comments) must come from sources outside of this log. Likewise, as this is an event log instead of just a standard TDM, you may use this log to trigger regains as normal. Please note: you will need a reserve to apply, and current characters must have full AC posted at the time of their reservation. Your September TDM directory is here, and your AU workshop is here! Our mod questions thread for this TDM is over here!

Comments

Reboot: violet evergarden | violet evergarden

[interscribes]

- III.A -

[It was difficult to find her way around the area after having escaped from her glass prison. An exit was almost no where to be found in the massive building. Ione felt she would remain trapped forever.

Passing by countless hallways, with an oxygen tank purse hanging on her person, she will observe her surroundings until she found doors! Many of which had the words like "accounting" or "legal", realizing she may be in a business building. Maybe if she continue to meander, then she'll find a security room. Only to find a:]

Memory restoration...?

[What was this room exactly for? It caught her attention and a sense of foreboding overcame her. Was it literal or a clever wordplay? It was hard to tell.]

- III.B -

[After encountering the amusement park, Ione will breath in a sense of relieve at the realization that she was neither trapped nor kidnapped. She was simply in a building she didn't recognize. It didn't make things better, but she was willing to view the positives to outweigh the negatives.

Right now, she was interested in finding a phone to use to contact her family, but before she can accomplish it she needs to figure out her location first. What was the best way to do it? Acting normal and exploring the area; regardless of her appearance of a frail young woman with an oxygen tank purse.

Heading over to the food stalls, she'll turn to whoever was next to her.]

Pardon me. Do you know about the items they are selling here?

- III.C -

[She was standing by the slower and more child-friendly rides with a hopeful expression on her face. It was clear by the slight movements she would make. Like her fingers tapping onto her oxygen tank, for one. It may just have been done as a reminder to be mindful of her health, but...]

I want to ride it.

[Searching her surroundings, in search of anyone willing and trustworthy, heading their way with a curious look.]

Pardon. May I take a moment of your time? [A beat to breath.] I'd like to know if you're willing to accompany me on this particular attraction?

- III.D -

[After having lost the game she was participating in, Ione will begin to breath deeply, trying to keep herself from wheezing or falling into a coughing fit from the sheer amount of movement she had to do all day. It has been quite some time ever since she had to move without the aid of her umbrella or wheelchair. Normally, her family would be by her side to help her, but...]

...I can do this...just a little longer...

[She'll eye the giant stuff animal prizes, lamenting on her inability to acquire them on her own. Using the stall as support, she'll turn to the next person that catches her eye.]

E-Excuse me...? [Taking a moment of pause to gain better control of her voice, she'll clear it a bit.] Could you do me the favor to help me with... [Eyeing the stuff animal once more.] a task similar to those found in video games, I suppose?

(OOC: Ione Jaegar is an 18 year old, storybook writer and illustrator, with A1AD, a type of pulmonary disease. Here is her workshop top level.)

iii-d

[promisedyou]

A task?

[ She can't help but cant her head a little bit, folding her arms over her chest, deep in thought. ]

Oh, you mean you want one of those? Which one do you want?

[interscribes]

[There may be a slight pause upon being found out. She had wanted to ask for help in finding a way to contact her family or someplace to rest, but...]

That's right. I'd like to win one of them.

[She wanted to win one of the prizes even more. Pointing to one of the prizes.]

The wolf. [Lowering her hand a bit, as though she needed to think about her next response.] I find it very cute.

[promisedyou]

Oh, that, huh? I think I can get it.

[ Although her voice sounds a little uncertain; she doesn't really see wolves as cute. ]

I just need to shoot things down and that shouldn't be too difficult. Unless it's rigged.

[interscribes]

[Upon receiving confirmation of the other woman's intention of acquiring her the desired item, a small smile will form.]

Is that so? Thank you very much for your willingness to help me regardless.

[She was always taught to keep her manners in check when speaking to other people especially when asking for favors. Turning to the game in question, it was one that require a person to shoot at specific targets while the flying saucer was the grand prize.]

The shotguns are heavier than I anticipated. Will you be all right in using it?

[Even though it was the case for her, she didn't consider it would be the opposite for the other girl because Ione's circumstances were different compare to most people.]

[promisedyou]

It's fine.

[ She smiles a little bit as she takes the shotgun and weighs it in her hands before laughing. For some reason, it feels almost familiar. ]

Yeah, I'll be alright. I'm good with guns.

Memories? Yes please, extra grilled cheese

[flametheif40]

[Al was peeking around, curious. After all, why was he brought here? Might this be a Retrospec office? If so, maybe he can find something about his own memories and learn how to master his recently acquired magic.

Nothing but regular "budget" or "supply" offices so far. Al almost gets bored but when he sees Ione. Al runs toward her surprised, in both a happy and concerned way]

IONE!? How did you end up here!? Little far for peace and quiet ain't it!?

YES LETS MAKE IT CANON!

[interscribes]

[The sudden call of her name will catch her off guard and full attention because she 1) recognized the voice and 2) didn't expect for someone to find her. Not really.]

Al?

[Once he gets closer, she will offer him a weak smile.]

How so? It's perfectly peaceful and silent right now, isn't it?

[This may be her way of lightly teasing the boy considering it was very quiet a few moments ago.]

Re: YES LETS MAKE IT CANON!

[flametheif40]

[AL smiles back, something about her smile always made him smile reflexively in return.]

Who else comes from nowhere? It's my job remember?

[Said playfully]

Well, if you ignore the zombie-like marching and the bugs that want to eat us. I guess it was a nice stroll to get here.

[He said in a VERY non-chalant tone]

[interscribes]

[Her smile will grow by his words. Although most people would realize he was asking a hypothetical question, she decides to respond.]

good friends are like stars.
you don't always see them, but you know they're always there!

[It was clear she was using a quote as her response. She trusts him. That much was clear because even when he mention zombies and bugs it doesn't concern her too much instead she looked absolutely curious.]

Is that so? I haven't encountered any yet. What do they look like? These zombies and bugs?

[flametheif40]

[He didn't realize it was a quote and blushes at the sentiment. She was one of the few people that could say something like that and he wouldn't question it. It just felt right coming from her.

His smile does get wider, and looks away for a moment, trying to think of something to return the sentiment, in the way she encouraged him to do.]

The best treasure I could hope to find
Is not gold, not magic but just you, my dear friend

[His blush gets even redder. He meant every word of it. As much as his magic meant to him, it was only so he could protect her and others he cared about.]

[interscribes]

[The sudden poem as his response will receive a soft smile and a few claps to represent as her praise. She liked the poem he just made, not understanding the reason he was blushing so much over it. As much as normal people don't normally express themselves the way they do, it was all the more important to appreciate his sentiment and acceptance of her quirks as an author and lover of literature.]

Bravo! That was excellent. Did you write that one yourself?

[He hasn't shown her that poem yet. It made her wonder.]

[flametheif40]

[He smiles, soaking up the appreciation. The blush goes away, he was always a bit shy expressing such sentiments, worse still, this one he tried poetically and on the spot. Just because she encouraged him too.]

Well, I'm kinda being literal. So, probably doesn't count.

[Then he remembers her question about the zombies and bugs]

Well, the zombie thing. I meant I was forced to walk here like a zombie. Everything went super stiff while my body basically moved on its own until I got here.

The bugs...uggghh, they are big machine beetles and centipedes, they are all over the city trying to eat stuff.

BUT!
[Al poses heroically]

Your bodyguard now has a very portable flamethrower! So don't worry about them, I won't let them hurt you.
[He says warmly and reassugingly]

[interscribes]

Why not? Not all poems need to be subtle nor hold abstract thinking. I believe the best poems are the ones with a message that can be understood or relatable.

[It was clear she understood the message behind his poem. She was his friend, and with his willingness to protect and adapt to her whims wasn't unnoticed by her. He offered her a great deal of effort to make his feelings known. He was a good person, in her eyes. She could tell he didn't hold himself in the same esteem, so she was going to do it in his stead.

All the more reason to believe in his word concerning his experience, it didn't seem like he was trying to tell her a dream he had, since he was the type to easily fall into daydreams. His tone of voice in explaining the situation sounded quiet dire until he made his proclamation. Needless to say it was enough to lift her mood.]

I wouldn't expect any less from my muscle. [With a more amused smile, she'll offer a light chuckle.] Or rather, my flaming shield, I should say.

[It was rare for her more informal way of speaking to pop up. She already felt her throat was growing uncomfortable with the amount of talking that was taking place. Maybe she should have him do all the talking for them.]

I haven't encountered any machine-like insects nor had the feeling in being forced to move, but... [Showing the other the dark tattoo on the palm of her hand with the words "Reboot".] Do you know anything about this?

[flametheif40]

[He smiles, he adored her praise and felt warmth deep within his heart. It was clear that she cherished their friendship, he did save her purse plenty of times after all. With her, he got a chance to be more like the person he wanted to be.

So what if she was a bookworm, quirky and needed protecting? He would take on the world for her and try his hardest to make her happy. Because her happiness and safety somehow gave him some in return, which filled his empty heart a little before the suffocating darkness would return]

So I'm a fox with a flamethrower now?
[He smiles and laughs a bit]

And I bring you, sweets! I'm pretty sure your doctor hates me by now. A fire hazard, sugar hazard, a thief magnet...what else can we add to the list?

[He chuckles with glee, he liked to see her a bit informal, however infrequent that may be. But regardless of the formalities, she insisted on, he just accepted her.

When he sees the dark tattoo, his face sinks]

How long have you had that for? Because...

[He hesitates and is uneasy, he shows her his own tattoo a scarlet "B" at the back of his hand.]

I'm not one hundred percent sure, but...this is going to sound strange, I need you to trust me, okay?

iii-a

[liberal_arts]

I... Ione!? [ Just what the hell was going on? This wasn't the first non-retrospec user he'd come across, and certainly not one he remotely expected. Though he sincerely had to wonder just what one WOULD expect at this point, chastising his own circular thinking. ]

Hold on! Don't go in there!

[interscribes]

[The sudden call of her name will catch her attention. As curious as she was about the door in front of her, she was more interested in finding another familiar face.]

Mr. Kaneda? [Bowing her head.] It's great to see you. Thank you for calling my name.

[But after a thoughtful moment, she'll point towards the door in front of her.]

I was going to ask for help by the staff inside. Is it no good to do so?

[liberal_arts]

Firstly, I'm really not certain there's anyone IN there. The whole facility is lacking in staff.

[ And secondly... ]

This place is dangerous. Call it a very strong hunch. Things like this rarely turn out to be a good time for all.

iii-c

[unlightmusic]

[What makes this mass of pessisism look trustworthy? A young woman about the same age as Ione turns around sharply at the request, her mismatched and strangey colored eyes narrowing. Being rather antisocial, she's prepared to scowl, to decline politely but firmly, to advise they both have better things to do---Suzu's expression softens considerably once she gets a good look at the woman trying to get her attention. The frail appearance, that oxygen tank, yet having a strangely glimmery air about then... It reminded her---in the back of her mind----of her mother, as well as certain others that made a significant in her life, both in this one and the one long past.

She sighs.]

... I guess. Within reason, of course. [She makes it sound like she's being hesitant, but:] So? Which ride would that be...?

[interscribes]

[The other woman's reaction wasn't one Ione found at all strange. She wasn't the most social neither. It was rare for her to haunt other areas outside of her usual spots without someone she trusted by her side. Just like she has an odd appearance, in travelling with an oxygen tank, something most people did not have the need for, Ione has learned to never judge a book by its cover -- which included other people.

Noticing the way the other woman was willing to offer her attention, she won't shy away from the invitation of making her request known.]

Thank you so much for offering me a moment of your time. I understand and agree with your right to reject my invitation.

[No feelings will be hurt, if it were the case; there may be some slight disappointment, but it was an expected result and was ready for it. Pointing to the ferris wheel, Ione will reveal her intention.]

I wish to enjoy the view by riding the ferris wheel. [Turning to the other girl, with some awkwardness, feeling a little shy in expressing...] I don't wish to be alone...and would prefer the company.

[All expressed while looking down on her feet.]

[unlightmusic]

[Ah. That self-consciousness as well, it reminded Suzu a lot of herself, before she became jaded and overly bitter. In way, that sort of girl still remained somewhere deep in her own soul. In way, she can feel some sort of solidarity well up.

Perhaps it's that reminder that pushes her to unconsciously pat the girl on the head. For once since getting stuck in this weird facility, she manages to smile warmly and affectionately.]

Is that it? [She turns around, intending to head off towards the ferris wheel.] ... Well, in that case, let's go.

[And while she begins walking without waiting for an answer, it looks like she's deliberately slowing her pace so that the other girl can keep up.]

iiia

[usurpers]

[ eren does some equal snooping around once he’s actually free to do so. many of the people are exploring the corners and fillings of rainbowland, but there’s something . . . off about how it’s being done. people are playing with the stall games, earning prizes to pass the time, entertaining themselves on rides— while retrospec “welcomes” them.

eren’s always trusted his gust. almost all the time, he’s been right about what he feels, overly cautious or not. why were these rooms here? why were people in glass cases, like test tubes? what the hell were their lives and how much of it was real?

he ponders the questions people don’t usually dare to, wasting to much time and energy on questions, wuestions, and more questions and would rather pretend they didn’t exist. eren was a mind with inquiries, though. he did not settle for possibilities, or ignoring facts, he sought out answers. as much as retrospec hides what it does sometimes to preserve their public, this, after everything that happened . . . was over the top. they had no communication with the employers, and now they’re here? welcoming everyone? that symbol looked off—

eren is by himself as his mind and thoughts go haywire until he nearly passes an intersection and doubletakes at the blur in front of a door that reads memory restoration. she’s blond. she has a purse, with the light green oxygen tubes slipping out of it to feed her lungs.

eren’s heart skips a beat, and he quickens his steps. ]

Ione— [ he makes sure to call her so that she isn’t startled by him, but boy— does he look startled. just days ago he only say her as a horrid 3d rendered bunch of blocks and cruddy sibling cutscenes. ]

[interscribes]

[The mystery behind the door was the highlight of Ione's attention. Whenever the subject arose, she will always find herself absorb with the task in wanting to either learn more about it or solve it. In this case, she was hypothesizing ideas before finding the strength to knock the door. Once she had, the back of her hand will slightly lift to offer a knock until someone called out her name.

It wasn't just anyone neither. The voice and emotion behind it was enough for her to realize.]

Big brother...

[She finally found one of the few people she wanted to get in contact with. A smile will begin to form on the edge of her lips, feeling her confidence returning and her initial stress was lowering. Although it was the case for her, it won't be long until she notices the expression on his face. Why did he look so amaze?]

Big brother, are you all right? Why do you look so surprise in seeing me?

[Didn't he come to visit her at the little cabin at the edge of Apprassage district and at the outer limits of the woods just a few days ago? He always had the habit of visiting her whenever she stayed more than over a few days outside of their family home.]

[usurpers]

[ saying big brother like that is going to throw a knife right through his heart. ]

I'm— [ a little worried, but he can't hide from that now, can he? she's as clear as he was. as any app user was. ]

Do you remember how you got here?

III-B | That d*ng h*cking series made me cry SO MANY TIMES

[buttwarmed]

[Yasaburo turns to the girl in slow motion from his stool at the food stall. He already wolfed down most of a funnel cake like the certified brain genius he is, as can be seen by the crumbs clinging to his cheeks, which he's slowly brushing off with his palm and thumb.]

Wwwweeellll thheeeyyy sseeeemmm ttoooo ddoooo....ssstttuuufff? Sssooorrryyy.