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pawnstorm2016-03-07 09:52 pm
- !intro,
- !war,
- adrasteius anor'thalion (warcraft),
- aigis (persona),
- allelujah haptism (mobile suit gundam 00,
- allen walker (d.grayman),
- asuna yuuki (sword art online),
- bolin (legend of korra),
- gaius (fire emblem: awakening),
- general hux (star wars),
- gilbert nightray (pandora hearts),
- gilgamesh (fate/),
- haruna (kantai collection),
- ichigo hitofuri (touken ranbu),
- josuke higashikata (jjba),
- kaede (elfen lied),
- kaito kuroba (dcmk),
- kasen kanesada (touken ranbu),
- kavi misra (oc),
- kija (akatsuki no yona),
- kobato hanato (kobato),
- korra (legend of korra),
- levi (attack on titan),
- lord light (original character),
- minato arisato (persona),
- misaki yata (k),
- namazuo toushirou (touken ranbu),
- noel vermillion (blazblue),
- one (drakengard 3),
- potemkin (guilty gear),
- rory connor (original character),
- sans (undertale),
- setsuna f. seiei (mobile suit gundam 00),
- shin-ah (akatsuki no yona),
- shinoa hiiragi (owari no seraph),
- sion astal (lolheroes),
- souji seta (persona),
- tieria erde (mobile suit gundam 00),
- tyrnen monaghan (original character),
- vietnam (axis powers hetalia),
- vivienne stanbury (bloodborne),
- wukong (league of legends),
- youichi hiruma (eyeshield 21),
- zelos wilder (tales of symphonia)
INTRO ♚ MARCH
We’ve all had those dreams: you wake up on a table, to blurry, ominous images and the certainty that you are absolutely buck-naked in a room full of strangers. This is not quite it.
Instead, you come awake to the sun on your face. The soft burble of water nearby. The hustle and bustle of a busy street and the faint, fortifying smell of bread. You open your eyes and there’s no one there at your bedside, but there is what appears to be the end of the world happening just beyond your window.
There’s a crack in the world across the sky, the “sun” is the totally unnatural light spilling from that crack straight into your eyes, and someone’s left a neatly pressed and folded uniform at the foot of the bed that isn’t yours. Somewhere in the room, there’s a strange clatter like beads, the click of claws on the floor.
Something’s in here with you.
Also, you are naked.
Once you’re all dressed and ready, you and the rest of the Heroes are off to the ports to take a ferry! To where, you ask? If you ask your floor nanny or the Heroes who arrived last month, they can fill you in: to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Enprise’s world expositions, this year’s world expo (dubbed The Narcissa Expo) will be held at Palamède, Blanc! Palamède is an island one hour away from Caissa by ferry, so once they arrive, the Heroes will find themselves greeted by sunny weather and white beaches. Unfortunately, the temperatures won’t allow for a dip, but the world expo awaits!
Did the library books leave you curious what the other countries have to offer? Well, wonder no more! At each country’s grand exhibit, you might find Othellians displaying steel craftwork often found in their cathedrals, Mancalans proud of their cocoa concoctions and colorful pottery, L’adderans inviting you to try their spicy cuisine, Mahbusans leaving you in awe of their exotic jewelry, Ma Jiangs enchanting you with their vivid and flowing fabrics, or Gammons showing curious Heroes how to process a sheep’s wool! Shearing included! (The Kingdom of Gammon is not responsible for any injuries received, joining in will happen at the Hero’s own risk.) Heroes get discounts at all exhibits, and if they manage to impress these merchants, they might get some freebies, too!
After a few hours, many visitors will be drawn towards the center stage. The lights in the room dim and the buzzing of the crowd grows quieter amid their excitement. Then, neon lights, spotlights, and a big screen flashing the logo of Blanc’s number one 12-member idol group, Moon’s! The crowd goes wild. Attentive Heroes may have noticed the signs and posters announcing their arrival, who would have thought they were this popular? Some members of the audience are already throwing stuff onto the stage despite the show not having started yet and a starry-eyed man is bouncing up and down near the front. Is that a fairy wearing a I ☾ MOON’S shirt?
Phew! After the last idol has left the stage with a wave, the crowd begins to disperse. Mechanical cleaners swoop in and get rid of even the smallest piece of confetti, wilting flowers and the stray lingerie. If Heroes attempt to climb the stage, they will be shooed off by the broom brandishing robots. Looks like they want to do this on their own! What for?
If Heroes stick around, they may begin to notice the large stalls set up in a half circle near the stage. When did that happen? Anyway, it seems there are some contests going on, like the ever-popular eating contest. Another stall seems to be inviting Heroes to show off their cute carriers so the public can vote on the cutest one! For the brave, one stall offers wrangling with a sentient plant with large vines. Are you going to let a plant best you? On the stage, the robots are finally satisfied and move to the sides. The middle part of the stage begins to rise up a little with a hiss, small puffs of steam accompanying the sound. Is that a runway? Some Heroes may be asked by harried-looking staff members to act as models for fashions from around the world.
Those who have not forgotten the horror which greeted the Heroes over the last few weeks in the mess hall will be pleased to know that the various food stalls are offering free samples again! Time to regain all that weight you may have lost!
| Teddy Wow, just look at everything! Isn’t this fun? Let’s go look over there! [ gestures towards ten stalls ] And over there, too! |
|
| Verdoni I cannot believe the Parliament still insisted on this ridiculous gathering when the war draws close. [ OBVIOUSLY PISSED ] Have they no sense of urgency? |
|
| Teddy Why not take a break once in a while? You’ve earned it! I hear the ladies need someone to dance with. |
|
| Verdoni [ heavy sigh ] Has your logic failed you, Prime Minister, or are you as dense as those fools? A break is out of the question when Noir is currently sailing our seas. |
It’s been a lovely day, right? Mechanic birds are singing and the streetlamps almost seem like blooming flowers. On a day like this, what could possibly go wrong? The answer is everything.
Mana crystal displays all over the world expo glitch and briefly switch to a peculiar black flag you haven’t seen since you arrived in this strange, new world. The crowd falls silent, and you get the feeling it isn’t out of excitement. Then, the feed pans to a lovely young woman clad in regal garb and jewelry. She raises a hand in mock surprise.
 |
??? My, my! All this and I wasn’t invited? Oh, how cruel of you to forget about poor Princess Katya! |
 |
??? FOOLS! [ the princess bares her fangs and the background behind her goes up in flames ] Did you really think we wouldn’t strike without an invitation? With the whole world watching, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. [ smirks ] Hello, Blanc. And… Heroes. [ licks her lips ] Noir may have fallen once by your hand. However! From this day forth, I, Princess Yekaterina of Noir, shall show you the empire’s true power! |
 |
Yekaterina [ bites her finger as her face flushes in bliss ] Haa, haa… I can’t wait to know what you Heroes taste like… |
| Teddy Oh, it’s Katya! Ahaha, she really wanted to attend for you, Alex! Look at all her effort; only someone truly in love will strike fear into the hearts of many while trying to impress you with her vampire fangs. They’re obviously fake, though… | |
| Verdoni …Pardon. You knew of this, yet you didn’t bother to inform me? | |
| Teddy Oh! I thought I told you earlier. It must’ve slipped my mind! | |
| Teddy But never fear, I trust you. [ slaps a hand on his shoulder ] Show the Heroes the strategies that make you the greatest in all the land! [ RADIANT SMILE ] Go marry her. | |
| Verdoni I already married this job long ago. | |
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Yekaterina Noir couldn’t send a proper delegation, but I do hope you enjoy my presents. Don’t look away, Lord Verdoni… I’ll show you how beautiful I’ve become. [ strikes a pose ] In the name of the rose! |
A scream pierces the air. The lovely sculptures Heroes may have gazed at with appreciative eyes seem to have lost any of their beauty as they begin to move forward with deadly intent. Their lips part in a soundless wail as they reach out and begin to strangle frightened civilians. The crowds scatter in a wild panic. Stands are knocked over in the relentless effort to get to safety. People are pushed to the ground, disappearing underneath hasty feet with a wordless cry of distress.
| Verdoni Everyone, attention! Immediately convert what is within reach into barricades and usher the citizens behind them. Do not hold back, and hurry! I could care less if that statue costs an organ and a limb. I better not see halfwits blocking the way—build on the sides. And stay away from the center if you value your lives. |
Others running past a stall with instruments come to an abrupt stop, enthralled by the sight and sounds of a lovely music box. The dancers spin and spin and spin before they pull out clumsily crafted knives. It’s bewitching, lovely and hideous because soon, those who watched start attacking one another, scratching and raking fingernails and of they can get their hands on something sharp, they will attempt to stab one another.
Down the art galleries, some people stand frozen, staring at nothing. Their eyes are wide and their faces deathly pale as they find they can’t tear their gaze away from some of the paintings. They’re trapped in their own little world and anyone who tries to get them to safety will find the civilian fearful and confused, running into the opposite direction or struggling to get away from the helpful soul who tried to save them.
It is an utter nightmare.
| Verdoni Tch… They’ve got us. Focus on crowd control; we can clean up afterwards. Avoid running around like buffoons—I don’t need the Heroes adding to the chaos! Properly escort the citizens and continue leading them to the barricades. I trust that a majority of you know basic magic at this point… Soothe them with healing or calming spells! And if you don’t, then I permit to use your fist! |
And that wasn’t even half of it. Explosions rock the building the exhibition is held in, and the brightly-colored lights that bloom out of nowhere only serve to disorient the crowd further. In addition to the enchanted exhibition items, monsters will burst out of summoning circles deliberately placed in stuffed animals and dolls, leaving children especially vulnerable. The monsters seem to reflect the toy which they came from so Heroes may find lions and bears running around, followed by the occasional, vicious sheep. Don’t be fooled: these monsters are dangerous. Their teeth and claws are real and they will not be holding back.
| Verdoni Good. Now, finish this unwanted celebration. Wipe them out, and ensure that they do not cross past the barricades. For the dimwitted, may I remind that aside from water magic, you can use thick cloth to put out flames. Be resourceful—there’s hundreds of tents here! |
It’s time to show why you hold your title, brave Hero.
|
Yekaterina That’s right, run! Scream for your lives! Ahaha, watching all this chaos is getting me excited… Mm, I’m so close! Oh, Verdoni… Lord Verdoni, are you watching— |
| Verdoni [ not here; he has good priorities. what about you? ] | |
 |
Yekaterina Tch! … No matter. I suppose this is, how you say, drawing first blood? |
 |
Yekaterina [ chuckles ] Da svidaniya, Blanc. |
What was once a cheerful exhibition now lies in shambles. Most of the stalls and exhibits have been destroyed in the frenzied fighting and horrified bystanders have huddled together in corners. Others lie gasping on the ground, clutching open wounds in hopes of stemming the blood flow. Some already lie still, their eyes glassy.
A young woman keeps walking in circles and lashes out at everyone who approaches, still suffering under the confusion clouding her mind. Some children wander the halls, their cheeks tear stained and blotchy as they call for their parents. Near the stage, a fashionably dressed man is clutching the remains of what used to be a dress, bemoaning the loss of his masterpiece, the love of his life and muse all rolled into one. It is clear these people require aid: healing, potions and someone talking them through the worst.
As Verdoni mentioned earlier, Heroes who have been practicing their healing spells and status spells which soothe the heart will be of use here, but even those who haven’t will find someone asking for help, whether it involves joining search parties or rescue missions dedicated to clearing the rubble to save the civilians trapped inside. Some may choose to organize the various groups within the area and restore some semblance of order. Others may find their calling in comforting lost souls, those who cannot deal easily with harrowing experiences.
After all, they thought they were safe.
Welcome to Crosscheck's March intro log! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!
1b
Somehow he's not surprised to see this guy contemplating it, although he's not sure why. It's not like they've met before. Right? ]
...They went extinct.
[ No they didn't.
On the upside, his own carrier--a petite white cat--is perched on his shoulder, sniffing the air. That smells good, singing or not. Like minds? ]
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[ Also hm, this judging face... It seems slightly familiar but Souji can't really place his finger on it. He's been judged by a Yuri Lowenthal before too so maybe that's it. ]
Do you think it's because they were all made into sandwiches?
[ He doesn't think Minato is joking or not but he'll roll with it. In the meanwhile, Souji's own little cat is just patiently watching. Don't you try to be stealing her bro's fish, okay, that's for her. ]
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[ Dude, don't max in public. Everyone knows that. Get a room if the fish is so enticing. There are things that NPCs just don't need to see...
He may not be able to fill in for your Partner, Souji, but there might have been a little bit of judging. Just a tad. He's willing to go along with the joke, though. Apparently all protagonists are at least a little ridiculous by nature. ]
Yes. [ A beat. ] It's dinner and a show.
[ Minato's carrier doesn't seem to be at all perturbed by the threat of competition. In fact, she daintily jumps onto the stall, only to get spooked when the fish does an impression of the Singing Bass and lifts his head and slaps its tail. ]
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That's a pretty good deal. [ More so that it was free! ] Think if I grab a few more, we'll have a choir?
[ Do not indulge in Meowji's curiosity here or else he'll do it. Also, Cream-san also climbs onto the table (only after climbing up Souji's pant leg and jumping on; he doesn't seem to mind at all) and seems amused when Minato's carrier gets scared over a fish. A few seconds later however, the fish does the same thing and Cream-san jumps as well. WHAT A RUDE FISH ]
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[ How quickly you discard your bromance, Souji. Is manly love truly so fickle that it can be cast aside when confronted with a talented lepidotrichia? For shame. You're supposed to be the more emotionally understanding one, here.
The issue with them both being so straight-faced, though, is that it's hard to tell who is joking and who isn't. Maybe it doesn't matter. ]
....Mm.
[ Is he actually thinking about that question? Minato glances upward for a second. ]
..."Hootie and the Blowfish" with a real blowfish...?
[ This needs to be stopped immediately. Tail still puffed from her scare, Minato's carrier jumps again when Cream-san also spazzes out, before offering a conciliatory meow. ]
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[ They're pretty good with those straight faces but Souji's starting to smile a bit. You can tell that he's enjoying this. ]
That'd be pretty interesting. [ Souji pauses for a bit to think as well. Oh no, this is going to turn into a challenge. Just like the puns... ] How about Codplay?
[ Cream-san just lets out a small and defeated meow. She was determined to eat this fish but now she's not so sure... She just takes a few steps away from the fish and just pushes it towards Minato's carrier with her fish, as cautiously as possible. Take it, she doesn't want it anymore. ]
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[ He had his own thirsty Magician, friendship bracelet and all. Though, to be fair, Yosuke is leagues ahead of Kenji in regards to being dehydrated. It's hard being a protagonist.
Minato, on the other hand, is much more passive and a little on the side of unreadable. The pun does make him pause, his (visible) eye narrowing just slightly. Why does this feel so familiar? And why does he feel like it's not worth the battle? ]
Fish.
[ No, that's actually a band. Does he win?
The small white cat, who shall now be known as Shirosabe, backs up a step. She's wary of the fish, even if the gesture is...well, no, she knows it's because the other feline doesn't want it. Does she want it? And where is the off button on this thing? Shirosabe leans forward to sniff again and--gah! It's like it's motion activated! This is the worst. ]
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[ This does have a very familiar feeling to everything, though it doesn't make any sense at all. He's pretty sure that he's never met this fine (short) gentleman, but this is like... deja vu? Hm, Souji hasn't made any puns with his friends back home lately, so he wonders why he suddenly felt like the need to make some now. What a mystery... He does give a small chuckle at Minato's simple "fish" like bro, are you even trying? ]
Featuring Tuna Turner?
[ He's not going to win until Souji runs out of musicians to turn into fish puns. After hanging out with Yosuke, he thinks he has a good grasp on some artists' names and their bands. Then again... he's going up against a dude who practically has his earphones permanently glued to his ears. ]
[ Why would you attempt to engage the demon fish some more, Shirosabe?! Cream-san jumps back again once the fish starts flailing and decides to just escape. Abort mission, abort mission!! She's going to jump right off the table and hide under it instead. Nothing is worth this. Good luck up there with your devil fish. ]
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He's made some awful puns in his life before, but this is a losing battle. Something in his gut tells him this, or maybe that was the bag of something-or-other he had earlier. Can he really hold out against such a formidable opponent? Minato looks up at the other boy thoughtfully for a moment. ]
That's eel-ly pushing it.
[ No...no this is wrong...why is he doing this? Where's his convenient dialogue box with asshole options.
Screw this singing fish. Cats know best, and Shirosabe takes the hint and skitters around to the back of the stand, leaving the fish to kind of awkwardly flap it's fin and take on the chorus of a new song. This is a little strange. ]
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Well, let minnow if you got anything better.
[ You've brought this upon yourself, Minato. Souji was just pondering about the wonders of his fish sandwich when you started all this. ]
[ And thus concludes the thrilling saga of Shirosabe and Cream-san's attempts to engage with the singing fish. May their brave acts be remembered for all time, as they hide. ]
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Although, Minato notices something. Something, perhaps, that acts like a light at the end of the tunnel. His gaze is suddenly a little more stern, a little more serious, like he's sizing the other boy up. ]
...You should've gone with "betta".
[ CHECK. ]
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Whale, you got me there. [ Okay, this is the last one, he promises, since Minato did pretty much checkmate him there. GODDAMMIT IT ] You're pretty good at this.
[ That's a compliment. ]
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Thankfully, he's going to walk away from this one intact. There's his accomplishment for the day. Screw the rest of this hero stuff.
It is a compliment, yes. Minato nods, accepting it as such. Well fought battle. ]
I knew someone who had a ridiculous sense of humor.
[ What...is that implying...? Don't be a jerk, bro. ]
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That helps. [ If Souji catches onto what Minato is implying then he doesn't seem bothered by it at all. Instead, he just outstretches a hand. ] Souji Seta, by the way.
[ He wants to learn the name of the man who stood his guard against him in a pun battle. ]
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[ Do they have shrinks in heaven? Oh wait, he didn't go to heaven. He became a door. The fact that Pun PTSD is all he's suffering from is a testament to his strength or, really, his apathy.
Not taken off his game easily? Hm. Good to know. Minato takes the offered hand without pause. ]
Minato Arisato.
[ The name sounds vaguely familiar, though. Has this guy been here before? ]
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[ Souji has a pretty firm handshake (after shaking literally everyone's hand in Inaba, including a dead Japanese goddess who really should have gotten her divorce papers settled) and he smiles, but then he hears the name and he stares for a bit. Hmm, this seems.. kind of familiar? ]
... Have we met before?
[ Souji likes to pride himself on being able to remember faces and names pretty well, so this is kind of embarrassing to ask, but he really doesn't remember Minato at all. All he knows is that this has a deja vu feeling to it. ]
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You can learn a lot about someone from their handshake. For as calm as he appeared, there's some strength behind it, Minato notice's. His own is a little less, more casual, though the skin on his hands has hardened a bit from holding a sword (as well as man other weapons).
So this guy is thinking the same thing? ]
I don't think so.
[ At least not that he can recall. He releases Souij's hold to shove his hand back into his pocket. ]
Were you in the tournament?
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[ Souji's hands are just as rough from holding a sword so this is a mutual thing. He takes back his hand and places it at his side, shaking his head. ]
I just arrived today. [ Unless Minato's talking about some other tournament but even then, Souji's pre-Arena so it still wouldn't make sense. Well, now this is a bit awkward. ] Sorry, it was a weird question to ask.
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Just today, huh? Then they couldn't have crossed paths there. Not that he's terribly social otherwise, even if people still talk to him. It's probably for the best that they do, or he'd just sleep all day. (That sounds nice, actually.)
Minato shakes his head. ]
No. I was wondering the same thing.
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Hm, that's pretty interesting. [ Both of them thought that they met each other but they don't actually remember? That sounds like some animu bullshit right there but he won't persuade it anymore. ] Well, it's nice to meet you, whether for the first time or not.
[ That's a good way of putting it. Anyway, let's put this focus back to why they really started talking. Souji just points to his fish sandwich on the stand that their cats have abandoned. ]
Do you want to share this with me?
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Yes, it's definitely strange, but clearly not enough to offset either of them. Minato is used to strange coincidences at any rate, and maybe Souji is just chill enough not to be bothered. Minato figures he might get a tell later on that will let him know why he's feeling the deja vu, but, ou know...
Food. Food is very important. ]
...The singing fish?
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[ Souji does not seem to be thrown off by the fact that his sandwich is singing and totally just sitting there, probably rehearsing the Phantom of the Opera. He looks like he asked Minato to share something normal and not like he just asked him to consume a magical fish instead. This might say a lot about him. ]
Yeah, I'm curious as to how it tastes.
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Minato's Courage is maxed. He's got nothing to fear, really. He just doesn't want to eat a singing fish. Is this guy trying to punk him? ]
...First bite's all yours.
[ Or he'll just see if it makes Souji sick first. ]
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[ Minat's courage may be maxed but his Willpower is weak. Souji just picks up the singing fish sandwich and doesn't look too unsure at eating it. His straight face game is strong. Even Cream-san has come out under the table to watch this. ]
All right. I'll leave a portion for you.
[ Minato better try this shit after but Souji looks the singing fish right in the eye, takes a bite, aaaaand... it's still singing in his mouth as he chews. Wow, this is one dedicated fish. ]
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Shirosabe, on the other hand, seems to be investigating a stall nearby. Away from the singing fish. Minato kind of lets her do whatever. ]
...Thanks.
[ How kind of him.
It's actually a little morbid. Really morbid. Souji eating a singing fish.
Minato is honestly impressed. Disturbed, but impressed. ]
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