In the beginning, there is nothing but darkness and silence. A sleep that gives no rest but one out of necessity in order to keep functioning. Behind closed eyelids, the numbers of a clock tick down - one painstaking second at a time.
TIME UNTIL REBOOT:
And then you wake up.
As you shift to a standing position, you feel something sharp and pointed press against your side. Digging into the nearest pocket, you will find two small puzzle pieces. And from their odd shape, it looks like they would fit into a 3D spherical puzzle. Odd. You've never seen them before, but you do get a sense that these are a currency of some sort. Spend them wisely!
During sign-up, you will have been assigned a faction/NPC based on Intensity's perception of your character and various other factors. Where you start and your relationship with Intensity will determine your standing with the different NPCs as well as your power set.
What you know:
Intensity's heart will reboot in exactly 4 hours.
Puzzle pieces are a form of currency and are used to align with different factions/NPCs.
If you started in Hell, you will have powers appropriate to the wish you were granted (assuming you sign the contract).
If you started in Heaven, you will have canon powers.
If you started anywhere else, you will have the same abilities you have in Imeeji.
How to win (this is known ICly):
By siding with the faction/NPC that has the most puzzle pieces after all Heart runs. You do not have to ICly give puzzle pieces to NPCs. You can also just use the turn-in (see below) after finishing the Heart Game. If you do ICly hand a puzzle piece to an NPC (or lose one), you can't give it to someone else later.
Making changes to Intensity's central programming without causing a core dump. Attempt too drastic of a change and it won't stick upon reboot.
Other OOC information:
In general, I am playing this as everyone is in the same space/time continuum for the first 4 hours of the Heart.
Then Intensity will wake up (hopefully!) and I'll let you exploradora at your own pace and will backtag as long as you want to.
I'm running a Heart Game for Intensity which will be running off time-based elements - i.e. things will be triggered based on the time from when the game starts. During this time, I will run it as all characters are experiencing the heart simultaneously. After the time events are finished, you can run through it like a normal explora dora at your own pace. This is not quite a fix-it heart, but your character will have many options to change things about Intensity should they so desire.
Warnings for:
Being Yu-Gi-Oh!
Death card games (which is really the same as the first)
Potential gore. Mostly of the getting eaten by monsters kind
Child abuse
Being consumed by technology. (i.e. wires in the brain)
Sign-up sheet is here. Please let me know 1) your preferred times and 2) if you want to run with someone as different characters have different starting points. I've put an example in the doc.
Also, if you are planning to sign-up, please reply to this comment with a blurb of either what Hell wish your character would make or a little bit about the home world they are returning to if they would take Heaven's option. If you don't know or don't care, just let me know it's Heart Runner's choice, and I will pick ICly what Intensity thinks your character is going to do.
Thank you! And feel free to ask questions if anything is confusing.
"Phew. I think that's all of them. You can only open one picture a day, alright? Two if you're having a rough day. But we should see each other again long before you run out."
"I know you trust me, I know that I am important, of course I know all of these things! But maybe it felt like you did not trust me to trust myself. I have pride, too, you know!"
[ The darkness returns for you. But not the silence. ]
When someone says "jump" don't answer with "how high?"
Okay, I won’t. What do I answer with?
What do you see? . . . probably those bodyparts . . . Good. And why do you think everyone looks so upset? They look upset . . . because they're upset . . . Why, Angel? Because they don't like pain? And? And . . . because their body parts are in a box? And? And it wasn't fun . . . ? No. It probably wasn't fun.
What happened? ...A lot of things happened. Did they hurt you? . . . they tried to. So you fought back. With the knife. Lace and Little Red . . . both. Good.
You should believe in me. I'm going to take over this place and change it into whatever I see fit. Oh! Okay! Yaaaay, Intensity as the new ruler! And if they try to get rid of you, I'll get rid of them first! And this is why you're my favorite.
Is that okay even if I can’t understand my feelings? Or have done terrible things?
Feelings are a fucking nuisance. And the only person who decides if you can live with the things you've done, terrible or not, is yourself. You don't have to answer to anyone.
Why did you have to die?! You're the nicest person I know, and you're always working really hard, and why can't more people try to protect you, too, I can't seem to do it, but you're helping me even now after all that you've gone through so at least people should leave you alone, it's not faaaair!!
Sorry that I was gone for so long. It is okay, I am not unhappy! I knew you would come back.
Is there anything else you would like me to do? Stay with me. Of course.
Why is she hiding in the bathroom? I told her that I loved her and then she ran away... Is that how that's supposed to go? I do not know. Little Red tried to torture and kill me a couple times, that’s all the experience I got. Okay. I know for a fact that's not nor--- Okay. That's beside the point. I thought she--- Wasn't like that.
...Intensity would never replace me. Right?
There's no one across all the dimensions that could replace you. You're mine, you know. And no one else will ever get a say in that.
Of course, I know. Of course, I know . . . but I still . . .
Then let me prove it to you anyway. Do you want to go home?
I don't mean ... you don't have to prove it.
You act like being overly dramatic isn't something I enjoy.
Intensityyyyy...I won’t let anyone try to take you awayyy... Of course you wouldn't. Don't think so little of yourself.
[[ Powers:
Krystal Avatar: You are under the protection of Intensity's true heart. You may call upon him from anywhere in the Heart. ]]
"Ohhhhhhh. Does it embarrass you that I like being with you? Seek you out when I'm upset? Come find you when I'm worried? That I like to fall asleep and wake up next to you? That I like the look of my ring on your finger, so everyone always knows you're mine?
"
You think this is winning? Don't get ahead of yourself.
Oh? If you're going to claim that, then you'd better share your criteria for winning. Otherwise I'll just assume you're full of shit.
The criteria for winning is for the other person to admit defeat. Obviously. And I don't fold just because I've been backed into a corner. That just means my victory will be that much sweeter.
What a terrible criteria. Neither one of us is going to fold.
I believe you owe me one no-holds barred duel, Your Excellency. Fine! If it's a fight to the death you want, then that's what you'll get.
You're dead. You know that, right? ... Yes. I'm well aware. You shouldn't be. Intensity... I lived three thousand years before you were even born. Like that fucking matters.
Would she catch us if we fell? If I want her to. I'll leave the decision in your hands, then. You're so certain that I'm going to save you! I'm testing a theory!
You say we're equals and you're right. But that means I'm walking that road too, right next to you. I'm right here.
If you die again, I'll never forgive you.
Promise? No. I'm not going to promise. You'll not become my obligation. And I'll not be another one of your responsibilities.
You've always been my only rival. And you always will be. That alone is worthiness. Because no one can surpass you, or even compare. You're too smart, too cunning, too stubborn. You always meet me with your all. I can never let my guard down. And I'm better for it.
You're so certain I won't kill both of us. You'd never take the easy way out.
[[Powers:
Kisara's Last Wish - We Will Not Lose to the Darkness: In areas of the heart that are dark or cold, you will be unaffected. ]]
----
[ Neither the darkness nor the silence return for you. ]
Nothing will keep me from you ever again. Not time. Not distance. Not dimensions. Not death.
So gather your flock of endless friends. Take as many under your wing as you like. Because when you inevitably sacrifice yourself piece by piece for people not worthy of you, and they cry and wring their hands at their own loss and helplessness---
I will pick up the pieces. I will find you. And set your wings so you can fly free again.
Every. single. time.
There is no where that you can run from me.
I will never give up. I will never lay down. Because someone needs to stand toe-to-toe with you until the end, and even after that -- so you don't lose your edge when it really matters. So you don't end up getting too comfortable on that throne.
And I'm the only person who gets to do that. Because we've been thrown together as rivals in multiple dimensions for a reason. Because you're mine.
And when you try to close up and hide from me, I'm not going to let you. I'll chase you down every time, and I'll be standing there whether you like it or not, because there's nowhere you can go to escape me, either. That would be too easy, and we're not here for easy.
"You actually care about me. If I started saying something, if I gave even the slightest hint I needed to talk, you'd listen. So when you need to talk, I wanna help too. Also the 4am visit was funny and that has a lot of value."
It's rude how everyone wants to interrupts your sleep.
The first is Silver as he ruffles your hair on his way to the gym. Gotta get up early and train. The national championship isn't going to win itself, you know. As he's very cautious about not being too loud. You barely even wake up for it.
The second is Gold on his way to do prep work for his store. He never really stopped being a workaholic even when he did leave volleyball as just a past time. He brings you breakfast in bed and a kiss on the cheek and you try to pull him into bed like you do every morning, but off he goes.
The last is C - a tornado of noise and energy and color as confetti or streamers or something goes off as he talks excitedly at you. You don't quite remember what he says but it has something to do with a combini, your "adopted stray", and carbonated beverages. And it sounds safer than his last endeavor, so you send him off with words of confidence and a yawn.
And last (and most certainly least) is the buzzing of a phone that you haven't picked up in ages. Yet it incessantly buzzes in the furthest back corner of the dresser, prompting you to drag your protesting body yet again to fetch it. The lock screen is a picture of AlcheME! The background of the twins and tinies. And one unread message.
CEO: I need you to stop by today.
How long has it been since you heard from your boss? Months? Years?
Regardless, you shove your phone into yours jeans pockets and head toward the door and---
You wake up again.
[[ Powers:
B Who You Wanna B: B will return his canon powers to be able to shapeshift into anyone he wants - looks, sounds, smells, the works. Like his canon powers, pain brings him out of the transformation. Unlike his canon powers, you are free from snake-y influence.
Maiden of White: Can summon Blue Eyes to his side at any time. ]]
[ The darkness returns for you. But not the silence. ]
You forgot your speech. Really, do none of you know how to perform your own Live?
I felt like this was more of an intimate moment, but if you want everyone to watch me hand your ass to you, next time I'll prepare a gripping monologue just for you.
Oh please. Shame on you if you kick my ass once. But shame on me if you kick my ass twice.
Gyahahaha! Don't tell me you're deluded enough that you think you could take me in a fair fight.
Nothing wrong with second place in a competition like this, Intensity. Though if you think of it like every member of our unit outranking you, that actually puts you in seventh place, doesn't it? Gyahahaha! Check your math! You're only 1/6th of fucking first place! Well, 1/6 still ranks above 2, doesn't it? Shut up! And CHALLENGE FUCKING ACCEPTED! I'll show all of you! What are you gonna do, take someone on a date so bad they swear off romance forever? I still owe you a coffee date, don't I? —A nice coffee date, asshole!
Man☆Eater: whew you been keeping up with this trainwreck? Man☆Eater: crazy times we live in
CEO: Whoever you are. CEO: You're under my contacts list as 'sensei'. CEO: So you're either going to have to identify yourself or I'm just going to default to my normal bullshit.
Man☆Eater: what really??? Man☆Eater: wtf you're adorable Man☆Eater: ok let's play a guessing game to jog your memory Man☆Eater: hint 1: i'm very cute Man☆Eater: hint 2: my unitmate was decapitated yesterday
CEO: God. CEO: Is that you?
Oh really? Have you hidden any bodies that I don't know about? If I told you that, it wouldn't be much of a secret anymore. What? That isn't a fifth date topic. How many dates do I need to unlock that achievement? Hidden achievement. You'll just have to keep going out with me until you find out.
[Motions him to come closer]
. . . [ moves closer. absolutely 100% casually. ]
[Leans down to press his lips against Man Eater. A very short (but not necessarily sweet) kiss]
[ between the shock of that and everything else that happened, for once his brain doesn't work fast enough to properly to respond to the kiss. when Intensity pulls back, before he can put the brakes on and stop himself, just the first word of a question spills out: ] ... You—?
You're welcome.
What do you want?! To remind you that I won't let you walk away from me. Or leave you behind. Gyaha—hahaha! You won't, huh? Maybe I should "remind" you why you'd be better off if you did. You can try. And fail. [ . . . ] Cute, sensei. Is that it? Of course not. That's your warning shot.
Where the fuck are you going?! —With you. I want to go home with you.
Bold choice of meeting spot for the number one person you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley. I like to live dangerously. Or so I'm told. So. Shall we continue? If you've got something to say, then say it. What are your expectations? So I can properly not live up to them. What does that have to do with anything? Unintentional is not my style. I prefer to be much more deliberate about things. ... Well, I don't do expectations.
What are your expectations? That you don't expect me to change. I don't want you to change.
You really don't get it at all—! Fine. Fine. Fucking explain it to me! It's love. Obviously. That’s not... You can’t—- This is a fucking rating grab for fuck’s sake! A fucking game! Hey Izu-chan~ If this is a game. Then by the rules, whoever wins has the stronger feelings, right? Ah—! Izumu Niounomiya. You've been charged with the crime of stealing my heart. How do you plead? Guilty. And I'd do it again!
[[ Powers:
Krystal Avatar: You are under the protection of Intensity's true heart. You may call upon him from anywhere in the Heart. ]]
"I feel bad that I've hurt you more than other people because of that. You're right that it's happened a lot. I realized I regretted killing you after I did it. I realized that I wanted to be with you after I broke things off. I realized I wanted to trust and work with you after I ran off to do things on my own."
[ An image flashes in your mind - like the mirage of a desert oasis.
You're sitting on the ledge of a tall skyscraper with Intensity, peering down to the seemingly endless stories below.]
It's the moment you realize you're two steps ahead of your opponent and they haven't caught on yet. The moment you take your own life in your hands and flip death off, knowing you're doing something reckless but also knowing that you're going to walk away from it laughing with your head held high. The moment you turn the tables on someone and the look of surprise on their face. The moment all the puzzles pieces fit after all the blood, sweat and tears you put into what others claimed impossible. That's what it means to fucking feel alive.
Well, feeling like a person is something like that. It's doing something because you want to, and no other reason. Weighing risks and then putting your money on what you believe in, no matter how impossible it seems or what anyone else thinks. Having someone look at you, and knowing they're seeing something that's a reflection of your efforts. Feeling like you have a connection with someone that wouldn't happen between anyone else.
[ There is a long comfortable silence that stretches on between you for many moments. And then---
You both jump. ]
Parties and Assignment. This agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of the xx day of the month of xxx, 20xx (the "Effective Date") by and between ___Intensity___ (henceforth referred to as "The King of Hell") and ___Scarlet Artemis Blade Morning☆Glory Night☆Shade___ (henceforth referred to as the "demon minion"). The contract is in regards to professional freelance services to be performed on/for the following project(s):
Prince of Vengeance
Personal bodyguard to the King of Hell
Bringing baked goods to potluck business functions
In consideration of the mutual covenants made herein, the parties agree as follows:
Compensation. The "demon minion" will be granted dominion over the influence of Vengeance. This includes (1) the Devil's Right Hand - the ability to summon the King of Hell for aid without recourse and (2) the strength of her attacks being directly proportional to the amount of anger she is currently feeling. Ability (2) is colloquially known as "The Secret is I'm Always Angry," but R&D determined this attack name too long to be shouted during battle.
Termination. Any betrayal, perceived or otherwise, of the "demon minion" against the "King of Hell" will result in one hearing on behalf of the "demon minion." Should the hearing be failed, all powers and identity will be stripped of the "demon minion" immediately and s/he/they shall become one of Damned until their recycle date to be re-placed within the Production.
When you enter this room, it's very much like being transported inside the Future is Now dorm. All the surfaces are slick, silver, lined with fluorescent neon lights and, of course, cube-shaped.
The center of this room is dominated by a large glass box with four screens overhead, counting down the time from the start of the game. The same timer you saw when you arrived here. And in that box, breathing but otherwise unmoving, sits Intensity. Numerous wires are coming out of the base of his neck and disappear down into the floor. He does not look over at you upon your arrival. In fact, he doesn't seem aware of anything around him.
The rest of the room consists of three walkways leading to three exits, and the fourth leading to a large bulky 90s computer (much like the one in Intensity's lab) with two large dual flatscreen monitors that are much more modern by contrast.
TIME UNTIL REBOOT:
There are three exits: [ Heaven , Hell, and the elevator behind the glass box ] Beneath the walkways is a dark abyss. You cannot see the floor.
You enter a very modern and very corporate office space - obviously of some higher ranking official in the company. If the pricey decor wasn't enough to give that away, the fact that you can see nothing but open sky outside of ceiling-to-floor length windows is just another data point to that fact. Also, if you have any experience with corporations or negotiations, you'll notice that this is a high-ranking reception room due to its sparse furniture. And no chairs on the customer-facing side of the desk indicates one meant to intimidate.
On various surfaces on the room, a single word has been - for lack of better description - erased. Where the company name should be (K̵̭͋̀̇̽ȁ̴̗͕̰̄̚ì̵̭̹͍̬̋͘b̴̰̦̝͕̆̇̈́ȧ̶̮͈̮̏) and the first letter in the company logo (K̵̭͋̀̇̽), it looks like static if you stare at it too long.
Behind the opulent desk (which still manages to have a 90s-style CRT desktop), the chair is turned away from you and facing the windows. But by the sound of fingers tapping together, it is obvious that someone is there.
On the edge of the desk sits a large crystal bowl that one might use to serve candies at a party. It currently has one (1) puzzle piece.
You find yourself in a wide, expansive cathedral with ceiling to floor stained-glass windows and heavy columns lining the unnecessarily long walkway. Pews are lined up neatly (perfectly so) on either side of you and a dark blue carpet framed in silver cushions your steps.
There is a figure at the end of that carpet, lounging comfortably in a silver throne behind a silver desk. A symbol of everything that is modern and all things technology in comparison to the layout of the room.
Even at this distance, you can see that Intensity's skin is paler, almost porcelain-like, and his hair has a bleached-silver sheen to it. Probably even more noticeable is the two giant white metallic wings that spring from his shoulder blades and the long dragon's tail that peeks out from the hem of his coat. Oh. And one more thing. You can very obviously tell there's not a single inch of human flesh on him - he's 100% artificial.
The King of Hell greets you with cold eyes and a colder smile, lacing his fingers in front of him.
Before your eyes even adjust to the dimness of this room, you are bombarded with feelings that are not your own. A vengeance that is not yours. But, oh, for those few precious seconds, how it sings in your veins as if it was.
You've (They've) been searching for years for this person - this wretch who took everything from you (them), your (their) purpose, your (their) loved one, your life's work, and left you there, a shell of your former self - only to find them dead, dead of natural causes, the end of their normal lifespan they had glorified so much while looking down on you. They've left your reach with everything they've ever wanted - celebrated and at peace, propped up on a pedestal and praised to high heavens while you're still drowning in the muck they threw you down in. You can't stand it. All you had left in life was to find them and make them pay. All you had was them, and they even took that from you. You can't stand it. You absolutely can't stand it.
But you don't have to let it end this way. You can bring them back.
Compared to your real talents, graverobbing was arduous but simple. Their death was recent enough to leave their body still mostly intact, so there's only a few things you'll have to replace to revive them. It's perfect: you'll make them into one of your own creations, the things they scorned so much, and you'll force them to know the real value of your work firsthand. Fingers, eyes so they'll finally have to look at you, and then when you place a heart in their chest and start their life again, they'll become a mockery of their own legacy. And then finally, after so long, so long dreaming about it, finally, finally, with you're own hands, you'll kill them. Over, and over, and over.
You arrive in a very opulent and expansive throne room (minus the people), the room surprisingly cool and comfortable for being in the middle of the desert. As you glance toward the throne itself, you see a figure enshrouded in light. But it's too bright - you can't tell who it is.
After a few more uncomfortable blinks, the light vanishes and you're left alone. And the sound of singing drifts in from your left. The words are unfamiliar (unless you are fluent in Ancient Egyptian), but you understand them all the same:
The corpse sinks to the floor The vessel becomes sand, becomes dust Even the brightest gold, Even the Sharpest sword Is wrapped in the sheath of time Woe to the pharaoh, for his body lacks even his name
Time is the battlefield of souls I cry the song of battle, the song of a friend To the place far away where souls meet Guide me
There are two exits: [ Behind you to the desert and left to the palace gardens ]
The room you arrive in is plain and simple in contrast to everything you know about Intensity. There is one bed large enough to fit two children at most pressed up against the far wall. A chess set sits on a folding table with two chairs. Yu-gi-oh cards are scattered atop the rest of the table's surface - this one sitting proudly on top.
And the far wall is almost entirely dominated by this image.
In the center of the room sits an Intensity that can't be more than 10 years old and... smiling. Like. Actually smiling as he carefully puts together a 3D puzzle that looks like it would take a long time to complete even for an adult. But he seems to be entranced with it as he carefully slots two pieces together.
Perfect fit.
He looks up at you as you enter.
There is only one exit: [ Back to the Fin Common Room ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bluescreenwhitedragon) wrote2015-01-20 06:23 pm
Introduction
Flavor text
And then you wake up.
As you shift to a standing position, you feel something sharp and pointed press against your side. Digging into the nearest pocket, you will find two small puzzle pieces. And from their odd shape, it looks like they would fit into a 3D spherical puzzle. Odd. You've never seen them before, but you do get a sense that these are a currency of some sort. Spend them wisely!
Game start.
OOC Instructions
What you know:
How to win (this is known ICly):
Other OOC information:
What factions are available:
[[P.S. Sorry if any of the fonts/styling bork when viewed on mobile. Webdev or CSS master, I am not.]]
Sign-Up Information
I'm running a Heart Game for Intensity which will be running off time-based elements - i.e. things will be triggered based on the time from when the game starts. During this time, I will run it as all characters are experiencing the heart simultaneously. After the time events are finished, you can run through it like a normal explora dora at your own pace. This is not quite a fix-it heart, but your character will have many options to change things about Intensity should they so desire.
Warnings for:
Sign-up sheet is here. Please let me know 1) your preferred times and 2) if you want to run with someone as different characters have different starting points. I've put an example in the doc.
Also, if you are planning to sign-up, please reply to this comment with a blurb of either what Hell wish your character would make or a little bit about the home world they are returning to if they would take Heaven's option. If you don't know or don't care, just let me know it's Heart Runner's choice, and I will pick ICly what Intensity thinks your character is going to do.
Thank you! And feel free to ask questions if anything is confusing.
Turn-In
Player Characters
Mokuba
Trust: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Rivalry: ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Uneasiness: ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Starting Faction Representation: Heaven
Blue Eyes
Trust: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ | ♦ ♦
Rivalry: ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Uneasiness: ♦ ♦ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Starting Faction Representation: Blue Eyes
Angel
Trust: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Rivalry: ♦ ♦ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Uneasiness: ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Starting Faction Representation: True Heart
When someone says "jump" don't answer with "how high?"
. . . probably those bodyparts . . .
Good. And why do you think everyone looks so upset?
They look upset . . . because they're upset . . .
Why, Angel?
Because they don't like pain?
And?
And . . . because their body parts are in a box?
And?
And it wasn't fun . . . ?
No. It probably wasn't fun.
What happened?
...A lot of things happened.
Did they hurt you?
. . . they tried to.
So you fought back.
With the knife. Lace and Little Red . . . both.
Good.
Oh! Okay! Yaaaay, Intensity as the new ruler! And if they try to get rid of you, I'll get rid of them first!
And this is why you're my favorite.
Is that okay even if I can’t understand my feelings? Or have done terrible things?
Sorry that I was gone for so long.
It is okay, I am not unhappy! I knew you would come back.
Is there anything else you would like me to do?
Stay with me.
Of course.
I told her that I loved her and then she ran away...
Is that how that's supposed to go?
I do not know. Little Red tried to torture and kill me a couple times, that’s all the experience I got.
Okay. I know for a fact that's not nor--- Okay. That's beside the point. I thought she--- Wasn't like that.
Of course you wouldn't. Don't think so little of yourself.
[[ Powers:
Krystal Avatar: You are under the protection of Intensity's true heart. You may call upon him from anywhere in the Heart. ]]
King
Trust: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Rivalry: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ | ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Uneasiness: ♦ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Starting Faction Representation: Blue Eyes
You think this is winning? Don't get ahead of yourself.
Fine! If it's a fight to the death you want, then that's what you'll get.
You're dead. You know that, right?
... Yes. I'm well aware.
You shouldn't be.
Intensity... I lived three thousand years before you were even born.
Like that fucking matters.
If I want her to.
I'll leave the decision in your hands, then.
You're so certain that I'm going to save you!
I'm testing a theory!
If you die again, I'll never forgive you.
Promise? No. I'm not going to promise. You'll not become my obligation. And I'll not be another one of your responsibilities.
You'd never take the easy way out.
[[Powers:
Kisara's Last Wish - We Will Not Lose to the Darkness: In areas of the heart that are dark or cold, you will be unaffected. ]]
----
Nothing will keep me from you ever again. Not time. Not distance. Not dimensions. Not death.
So gather your flock of endless friends. Take as many under your wing as you like. Because when you inevitably sacrifice yourself piece by piece for people not worthy of you, and they cry and wring their hands at their own loss and helplessness---
I will pick up the pieces. I will find you. And set your wings so you can fly free again.
Every. single. time.
There is no where that you can run from me.
And I'm the only person who gets to do that. Because we've been thrown together as rivals in multiple dimensions for a reason. Because you're mine.
And when you try to close up and hide from me, I'm not going to let you. I'll chase you down every time, and I'll be standing there whether you like it or not, because there's nowhere you can go to escape me, either. That would be too easy, and we're not here for easy.
B
Trust: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Rivalry: ♦ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Uneasiness: ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Starting Faction Representation: Heaven
It's rude how everyone wants to interrupts your sleep.
The first is Silver as he ruffles your hair on his way to the gym. Gotta get up early and train. The national championship isn't going to win itself, you know. As he's very cautious about not being too loud. You barely even wake up for it.
The second is Gold on his way to do prep work for his store. He never really stopped being a workaholic even when he did leave volleyball as just a past time. He brings you breakfast in bed and a kiss on the cheek and you try to pull him into bed like you do every morning, but off he goes.
The last is C - a tornado of noise and energy and color as confetti or streamers or something goes off as he talks excitedly at you. You don't quite remember what he says but it has something to do with a combini, your "adopted stray", and carbonated beverages. And it sounds safer than his last endeavor, so you send him off with words of confidence and a yawn.
And last (and most certainly least) is the buzzing of a phone that you haven't picked up in ages. Yet it incessantly buzzes in the furthest back corner of the dresser, prompting you to drag your protesting body yet again to fetch it. The lock screen is a picture of AlcheME! The background of the twins and tinies. And one unread message.
CEO: I need you to stop by today.
How long has it been since you heard from your boss? Months? Years?
Regardless, you shove your phone into yours jeans pockets and head toward the door and---
You wake up again.
[[ Powers:
B Who You Wanna B: B will return his canon powers to be able to shapeshift into anyone he wants - looks, sounds, smells, the works. Like his canon powers, pain brings him out of the transformation. Unlike his canon powers, you are free from snake-y influence.
Maiden of White: Can summon Blue Eyes to his side at any time. ]]
Kohime
Trust: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Rivalry: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Uneasiness: ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Starting Faction Representation: Kaiba
Izumu
Trust: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Rivalry: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Uneasiness: ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Starting Faction Representation: True Heart
You forgot your speech. Really, do none of you know how to perform your own Live?
Nothing wrong with second place in a competition like this, Intensity. Though if you think of it like every member of our unit outranking you, that actually puts you in seventh place, doesn't it? Gyahahaha!
Check your math! You're only 1/6th of fucking first place!
Well, 1/6 still ranks above 2, doesn't it?
Shut up! And CHALLENGE FUCKING ACCEPTED! I'll show all of you!
What are you gonna do, take someone on a date so bad they swear off romance forever?
I still owe you a coffee date, don't I?
—A nice coffee date, asshole!
Man☆Eater: crazy times we live in
CEO: You're under my contacts list as 'sensei'.
CEO: So you're either going to have to identify yourself or I'm just going to default to my normal bullshit.
Man☆Eater: wtf you're adorable
Man☆Eater: ok let's play a guessing game to jog your memory
Man☆Eater: hint 1: i'm very cute
Man☆Eater: hint 2: my unitmate was decapitated yesterday
CEO: Is that you?
Oh really? Have you hidden any bodies that I don't know about?
If I told you that, it wouldn't be much of a secret anymore.
What? That isn't a fifth date topic. How many dates do I need to unlock that achievement?
Hidden achievement. You'll just have to keep going out with me until you find out.
[Motions him to come closer]
What do you want?!
To remind you that I won't let you walk away from me. Or leave you behind.
Gyaha—hahaha! You won't, huh? Maybe I should "remind" you why you'd be better off if you did.
You can try. And fail.
[ . . . ]
Cute, sensei. Is that it?
Of course not. That's your warning shot.
Where the fuck are you going?!
—With you. I want to go home with you.
Bold choice of meeting spot for the number one person you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley.
I like to live dangerously. Or so I'm told. So. Shall we continue?
If you've got something to say, then say it.
What are your expectations? So I can properly not live up to them.
What does that have to do with anything?
Unintentional is not my style. I prefer to be much more deliberate about things.
... Well, I don't do expectations.
What are your expectations?
That you don't expect me to change.
I don't want you to change.
Fine. Fine. Fucking explain it to me!
It's love. Obviously.
That’s not... You can’t—- This is a fucking rating grab for fuck’s sake! A fucking game!
Hey Izu-chan~ If this is a game. Then by the rules, whoever wins has the stronger feelings, right?
Ah—!
Izumu Niounomiya. You've been charged with the crime of stealing my heart. How do you plead?
Guilty. And I'd do it again!
[[ Powers:
Krystal Avatar: You are under the protection of Intensity's true heart. You may call upon him from anywhere in the Heart. ]]
Glory
Trust: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♢ ♢ ♢
Rivalry: ♦ ♦ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Uneasiness: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢ ♢
Starting Faction Representation: Hell
You're sitting on the ledge of a tall skyscraper with Intensity, peering down to the seemingly endless stories below.]
It's the moment you realize you're two steps ahead of your opponent and they haven't caught on yet. The moment you take your own life in your hands and flip death off, knowing you're doing something reckless but also knowing that you're going to walk away from it laughing with your head held high. The moment you turn the tables on someone and the look of surprise on their face. The moment all the puzzles pieces fit after all the blood, sweat and tears you put into what others claimed impossible. That's what it means to fucking feel alive.
Well, feeling like a person is something like that. It's doing something because you want to, and no other reason. Weighing risks and then putting your money on what you believe in, no matter how impossible it seems or what anyone else thinks. Having someone look at you, and knowing they're seeing something that's a reflection of your efforts. Feeling like you have a connection with someone that wouldn't happen between anyone else.
You both jump. ]
Parties and Assignment. This agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of the xx day of the month of xxx, 20xx (the "Effective Date") by and between ___Intensity___ (henceforth referred to as "The King of Hell") and ___Scarlet Artemis Blade Morning☆Glory Night☆Shade___ (henceforth referred to as the "demon minion"). The contract is in regards to professional freelance services to be performed on/for the following project(s):
In consideration of the mutual covenants made herein, the parties agree as follows:
Compensation.
The "demon minion" will be granted dominion over the influence of Vengeance. This includes (1) the Devil's Right Hand - the ability to summon the King of Hell for aid without recourse and (2) the strength of her attacks being directly proportional to the amount of anger she is currently feeling. Ability (2) is colloquially known as "The Secret is I'm Always Angry," but R&D determined this attack name too long to be shouted during battle.
Termination. Any betrayal, perceived or otherwise, of the "demon minion" against the "King of Hell" will result in one hearing on behalf of the "demon minion." Should the hearing be failed, all powers and identity will be stripped of the "demon minion" immediately and s/he/they shall become one of Damned until their recycle date to be re-placed within the Production.
A fox in hound's clothing
Amaranth
Anubis
C
Cardigan
Cobalt
D.Va
Duality
Eclipse
Gadget
Hurricane
Joker
Lucifel
Maiden
Mars
Medusa
Mori
Nemesis
Nine-Nine
Seto
Shark
Shine
Shogun
Silence - cw gore; violence
Slot
Song
Symphony
Talon
Yugi
Yvette
Zalera
Non-Player Characters
Intensity
Unable to interact with until reboot.
True Heart
The King of Hell
Mokuba
Kisara
K A I B A
Other NPCs
Text box for icons
CPU Core
Flavor text
The center of this room is dominated by a large glass box with four screens overhead, counting down the time from the start of the game. The same timer you saw when you arrived here. And in that box, breathing but otherwise unmoving, sits Intensity. Numerous wires are coming out of the base of his neck and disappear down into the floor. He does not look over at you upon your arrival. In fact, he doesn't seem aware of anything around him.
The rest of the room consists of three walkways leading to three exits, and the fourth leading to a large bulky 90s computer (much like the one in Intensity's lab) with two large dual flatscreen monitors that are much more modern by contrast.
There are three exits: [ Heaven , Hell, and the elevator behind the glass box ] Beneath the walkways is a dark abyss. You cannot see the floor.
Computer Opening Screen
BIOS
Networking
Call Support
Abort Current Process
Falling into the Abyss
Editing a value
The Reboot
Heaven
Flavor Text - KC office
You enter a very modern and very corporate office space - obviously of some higher ranking official in the company. If the pricey decor wasn't enough to give that away, the fact that you can see nothing but open sky outside of ceiling-to-floor length windows is just another data point to that fact. Also, if you have any experience with corporations or negotiations, you'll notice that this is a high-ranking reception room due to its sparse furniture. And no chairs on the customer-facing side of the desk indicates one meant to intimidate.
On various surfaces on the room, a single word has been - for lack of better description - erased. Where the company name should be (K̵̭͋̀̇̽ȁ̴̗͕̰̄̚ì̵̭̹͍̬̋͘b̴̰̦̝͕̆̇̈́ȧ̶̮͈̮̏) and the first letter in the company logo (K̵̭͋̀̇̽), it looks like static if you stare at it too long.
Behind the opulent desk (which still manages to have a 90s-style CRT desktop), the chair is turned away from you and facing the windows. But by the sound of fingers tapping together, it is obvious that someone is there.
On the edge of the desk sits a large crystal bowl that one might use to serve candies at a party. It currently has one (1) puzzle piece.
There is only one exit: [ Behind you ]
Enter Mokuba
Kaiba Land
Kaiba Land Attractions
Hell
Flavor text
You find yourself in a wide, expansive cathedral with ceiling to floor stained-glass windows and heavy columns lining the unnecessarily long walkway. Pews are lined up neatly (perfectly so) on either side of you and a dark blue carpet framed in silver cushions your steps.
There is a figure at the end of that carpet, lounging comfortably in a silver throne behind a silver desk. A symbol of everything that is modern and all things technology in comparison to the layout of the room.
Even at this distance, you can see that Intensity's skin is paler, almost porcelain-like, and his hair has a bleached-silver sheen to it. Probably even more noticeable is the two giant white metallic wings that spring from his shoulder blades and the long dragon's tail that peeks out from the hem of his coat. Oh. And one more thing. You can very obviously tell there's not a single inch of human flesh on him - he's 100% artificial.
The King of Hell greets you with cold eyes and a colder smile, lacing his fingers in front of him.
"Congratulations. You graduate."
There is only one exit: [ Behind you ]
Graduation Ceremony
Challenging the King of Hell
Hell Reception Area
The Real King of Hell
█████ Corp Space Station
Kaiba's Memory
Flavor Text
Kaiba's Introduction
Death-T Room - cw: blood; death; gore
Death-T Room Items - cw: blood; death; gore
Season 0
Egypt
Opening Song
The vessel becomes sand, becomes dust
Even the brightest gold, Even the
Sharpest sword
Is wrapped in the sheath of time
Woe to the pharaoh, for his body
lacks even his name
Time is the battlefield of souls
I cry the song of battle, the song of a friend
To the place far away where souls meet
Guide me
Gardens
Kisara
The Desert
Imagery
Characters
The True Heart's Dorm
Intensity's Lab
And the far wall is almost entirely dominated by this image.
In the center of the room sits an Intensity that can't be more than 10 years old and... smiling. Like. Actually smiling as he carefully puts together a 3D puzzle that looks like it would take a long time to complete even for an adult. But he seems to be entranced with it as he carefully slots two pieces together.
Perfect fit.
He looks up at you as you enter.
There is only one exit: [ Back to the Fin Common Room ]
--- --- ---
(Other tiny!Kaiba icons)
FiN Common Room
Angel's Room
Snake Pit
Laundry Room
The Elevator
Floor Guide
〇 JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku - 6th floor
〇 GROUND FLOOR - CPU Core, Access to Heaven and Hell
〇 DEATH-T
〇 𓁪𓍝𓅊𓁢
Your current location is [ ].
Map (for Cobalt)
Results
Puzzle Piece Turn-In
Total: Total: 5; Scored: 0; Unscored: 5
Mokuba: Increase desire to protect loved ones
Total: Total: 4; Scored: 0; Unscored: 4
Blue Eyes: Increase self-care/self-preservation
Total: Total: 13; Scored: 9; Unscored: 4
True Heart: Increases own agency; Also ++ to trust/affinity to the character
Total: Total: 16; Scored: 10; Unscored: 6
Kaiba: Increases desire to regain canon self
Total: Total: 2; Scored: 1; Unscored: 1
Angel or Little Red: Increased bad romance. Sorry to all Intensity's SOs.
Total: Total: 2; Scored: 0; Unscored: 2
Prime Directive Changes (BIOS)
Other