pawnstorm | INTRO ♚ MARCH

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INTRO ♚ MARCH

WELCOME TO Palamède

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.

ONE ♟ The Narcissa Expo

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.

TWO ♟ Noir's Warning

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.
	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.

THREE ♟ Aftermath

	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.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Another nod, this one after a moment's hesitation.] ...yes, a "robot." Or, to be precise... [She hesitates again. Is this the sort of thing she should be talking about?] ...no, nevermind. "Robot" will do.

[Not 'weapon.' She's more than that now.] If you would not tell other people, I'd be very grateful.

But my name is Aigis.

[ ...? He's curious as to what she was going to say before she stopped herself but he doesn't push it. If she doesn't want to share then it's not his place to ask so he'll just leave it. ]

You have my word. [ He doesn't know if that's good enough for her but he likes to keep his promises. ] And I'm Souji. It's nice to meet you, Aigis-san.

[ He lowers his terrible fish sandwich and outstretches his free hand for a handshake. ]

[She looks at him for a moment before smiling and extending her hand. Though she wears a soft white glove over it, he can instantly feel that her hand is not organic. It's cool to the touch even beneath the glove and hard as steel, even if it articulates and moves as well as any normal hand.] It is nice to meet you as well.

I assume from the expression on your face, that the singing fish sandwich was not very tasty?

[ Souji shouldn't really be surprised anymore at this point. He has the power to enter into TVs, summon a bunch of mythological figures, has defeated a Japanese goddess, and has awaken in a brand new world. Nothing should faze him anymore but knowing that the girl in front of him is a robot does and it's fascinating in a way. What a life he leads... ]

[ He pulls back his hand after giving a firm handshake and then shakes his head with a small chuckle. ]

Surprisingly, it wasn't. I think it's a good thing you can't try it. [ Because this was just terrible. ] Definitely not as good as its singing.

[The weird part is that those all apply to her, too. Except the god wasn't Japanese. And she hasn't done the TV thing yet.] That's a shame. I would hope that stalls here would sell appetizing food. If they don't, then they will close down. [She has an oddly sympathetic look on her face.]

Have you been here long, Souji-san?

[ They have a lot of things in common apparently. Who knew? ]

Maybe it's just a delicacy here? [ He knows that some places could have some delicacies that are totally weird to outsiders but great for the natives. Maybe it's like that here, but anyway, he shakes his head at her question. ] I actually just arrived today. How about you?

Yes, I too only arrived here this morning. It's something of a departure from where I used to live, but it's been... exciting learning about the existence of a different world entirely! Have you been enjoying your time?

...singing fish aside.

[ He can't help but smile at her apparent enthusiasm. Well, he guesses it can be kind of exciting. This place is definitely nothing like anywhere he's been and he's been to a lot of different places. ]

I don't have too many complaints so far. Free food and housing helps. [ Though he'd much rather be at home, at least he doesn't have to pay for anything here. ] What was your home like?

My home was... different from this. I want to say it was "modern," but I cannot say if your definition of "modern" fits mine. I lived in a city... and I went to a high school with my friends.

I'm a third-year student at Gekkoukan High School. Do you go to a school as well?

[ Well, now that's a familiar name! ]

Yeah, I just finished my second year at Yasogami High. Actually, I went to Gekkoukan for a field trip a few months ago.

It's the one on Tatsumi Port Island, right?

[!

How unexpected! Aigis looks visibly surprised.] Yes, that's correct! My dorm is in Iwatodai City, however. You've really been there?

[She hasn't heard of Yasogami High, though...] Perhaps we come from the same universe? Or... could it be that there exists a Gekkoukan High School in multiple universes?

[ He can't really wrap his head around the idea that there are other worlds or universes, but he guesses anything here is possible. ]

Yeah, I stayed there for a few days. Maybe if I tell you some details about the school and island then we can find out if it's the same place?

Hmm... [Aigis seems to be thinking.] Yes, that would be a good idea! Though it doesn't seem very likely that there would exist an Iwatodai City, Tatsumi Port Island, and Gekkoukan High School in close proximity, but they're not the same ones...

Did the school have a very modern architectural style? And a very long front gate pathway.

[ It's been a while since Souji visited Tatsumi Port Island so he has to think for a bit. He does remember the team making a bunch of comments on the school. ]

Yeah, it was huge. It had multiple floors with a school store on the first one, right? I only met one teacher but his name was... Mr. Edogawa? He talked a lot about Japanese mythology while I was there.

Yes, that's correct. So perhaps-- [The next thing he says gets her attention.] Ah! Yes, Edogawa-sensei was the school nurse! And... I think he taught history...?

He mostly spoke about magic, now that I recall it. It was very odd.

But this is conclusive evidence! Surely we must come from the same place!

[ Man, what are the chances? He honestly did not expect her to be from his world. He didn't think there'd be robots but hey, he could enter into a TV. What does he know? ]

And you said that you were also a third year student, right? We're the same grade as well. [ THE COINCIDENCES JUST KEEP PILING UP what next, she says that she can summon mythological creatures and that she's not just limited to one?? ] Talk about a small world. It's too bad I missed you while I was visiting.

[She beams at him.] Yes, I'm a third year student! We're only a few months into the term, however. I was a second-year student until just recently. [...which is how it is supposed to work, Aigis.]

When was your visit? I don't recall hearing about anyone from Yasogami High coming to our school.

[ Aw, it's cute when she smiles like that. Souji reciprocates with a smile of his own. ]

It was around early September. We came when there weren't any classes at Gekkoukan so it's likely no one really knew.

We were only at the school for a day. The rest of the time, we were elsewhere.

September... [She frowns. She was definitely aware during September, and would have heard something about this.] I do not recall anyone visiting during September.

Was this September of 2009, or of 2010?

[ 2009? 2010? Why is she saying a date so far back? Is she just mistaken? ]

No, it was September of 2011.

--2011?! But that's next year!

I will have graduated by then! [Which would, incidentally, explain both why she doesn't remember this, and why he doesn't remember meeting her.]

[ Whoa whoa whoa, hold on a second! What does she mean by this?? ]

Next year? That's impossible. It was 2012 right before I arrived here.

[She shakes her head.] I am certain that it was mid-June of 2010.

...may I suggest that, given that we are in another universe at the moment, our concept of what is and is not "impossible" may need some rethinking?

[ He nods in agreement. ]

So anything is possible right now. Including the fact that I'm from 2012 and you're back in 2010, even if we're from the same world.

In which case, it would explain why our paths did not cross. I have no memory of any students from Yasogami High School visiting Gekkoukan, and you do not have any memory of seeing me there. I do somewhat stand out, after all. [What with being... blonde-haired and blue-eyed. Even if her uniform hides the robot parts.]

Your visit was in 2011, after I had graduated.

I wonder what I was doing at the time you were on Tatsumi Port Island...?

INTRO ♚ MARCH

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