TDM 007

[etrayamods]

content warnings for this TDM include: violence, potential death, body horror, physical transformation, loss of senses, loss of autonomy ⏵ arrival⏴ Arrival does not happen as Aurora usually plans for it. New characters are introduced to the AI, then informed of a mission that they are required to participate in before they can return to their home base of Etraya. A world called Aphaia is falling apart, and while there is nothing they can do to resolve this broken world, they can participate in the Gamerunner's Stratagem. Their mission is simple: step through the glowing purple portal that Aurora creates once they've had time to listen to her, and survive until a similar portal reopens in front of them, allowing them to return to Etraya. The Gamerunner's Stratagem is something they have been working on building for quite some time. She informs all newcomers that they will not be present on this world that long: their exit will appear to them exactly when it's meant to, allowing them to meet the others who have been recruited to save their worlds. She provides each and every arrival with an earpiece, allowing them to communicate with the other Etrayans. Aurora suggests taking a bag full of supplies along with them, which she will fill with a few generic items as well as any specific items they may need: synthetic blood for vampires, protein bars for those who may burn through calories faster, medication for anyone who requires it. ⏵ aphaia ⏴ Aphaia is a neon-lit, chaotic planet. Cameras are everywhere, every action and inaction is judged by the 'audience'. Towering holograms advertise upcoming events while flashing leader boards track the most "popular" players. Contestants are thrown into challenges, many of which are games of skill, survival, and deception all to keep the viewers entertained. Not participating is an option! However, avoiding playing along and not putting on a show will quickly cause participants' score to go down, and scores that reach zero? Well. Unfortunately, there are only so many resources left on Aphaia. Their wildlife has died off, their planet is falling apart, and most others in this galaxy were either destroyed from the inside out, or warring planets trying to gain control of remaining resources destroyed them to avoid others getting involved. Their natural resources are depleted, and only those who manage to keep their scores up are given the luxury of having any supplies. As soon as one steps foot on Aphaia, as soon as they breathe, they intake nanotechnology which tracks their oxygen consumption, their food, everything they do or need. As soon as their scores reach zero? They disappear. There one moment, and completely gone the next. Their communicators go offline, and while everything they were carrying will be left behind, no one will be able to find them. They are simply--gone, erased from existence. This is a death and counts as a death as outlined in the game FAQ! Please keep this in mind. "Points" that go towards their total score will be assigned to contestants from the moment they drop down on planet. This will be visible using the HUD on their earpiece, and will be randomized at the beginning. For the sake of the TDM, we ask that no one be assigned Paragon initially, but you're free to use other ranks! The possible rankings are: 100: PARAGON 99-80: LUMINARY 79-70: CHAMPION 69-50: CONTENDER 49-30: UNDERLING 30-0: SHADE Ranks may change daily, or even hourly depending on the kind of situation one has found themselves in. Are they having a very public break up in which it comes out that they wronged their ex? They may go from a Champion to a Shade before they can even blink. Did they save a defenseless reporter from the big bad villain of the week? They may find themselves quickly elevated up to Luminary and given all the benefits that comes with being upper class. The world is their oyster, they only need to figure out how they'd like to utilize it! Aphaia is broken up into four districts. The Colosseum is a dynamic battle arena where combatants fight for entertainment, with shifting environments controlled by the audience. Victories earn points, while losses depend on performance. The Symposium is a lavish social hub for top contestants, where alliances and betrayals are made under the audience’s watchful eye. The Agora is the public center of Aphaia, where contestants engage with the audience through polls, interviews, and challenges to maintain popularity. It also houses the contestants in high-rise apartments. And Backalleys provide hidden spaces with intentional blind spots for secret dealings, though the Gamerunner is always aware of what happens there. ⏵ st★rlight soirée ⏴ Something special is happening in the Colosseum. Lights flicker as the arena shifts, rearranging itself into a grand, glittering ballroom - if a ballroom had stadium seating, paparazzi drones, and an ever-changing floor plan designed to disorient those within it. Silver chandeliers pulse with artificial starlight, their glow refracted through the crystalline floors. Music swells, but it sounds - unnatural. It thrums through your veins, setting your blood alight with the urge to dance. Why is the ballroom designed as if intentionally put together to throw off one's balance? Well, it's time for the Panopticon Prom, of course! The Panopticon Prom isn't just an adventure in dancing and impressing your most recent crush. It's a test of endurance, cunning, grace, and charm. The floor beneath your feet moves as if it has a mind of it's own, shifting to the beat like a living creature all of it's own. It tilts, undulates, even vanishing in sections to keep dancers on edge. After all, it's difficult to keep up one's pace if they're falling through a hole in the floor to the foam pit below. Drones zip through the air, catching every stumble, every misstep, and every attempt to throw off others on the dance floor. This is a competition, after all; and what fun is a dance battle without having the freedom to thwart someone else on their road to victory? The rules are simple: You must dance with a partner. This can be an ally, an enemy, or someone you intend on using as a stepping stone to victory. It matters not, as long as you have one hand (or limb) on them at all times. The longer you last, the better your chances. Endurance is the name of the game, meaning one must pace themselves on the dance floor. While epic twirls and impressive moves will garner more attention, it may also hurt your chances in the long run. You may sabotage others by throwing them off balance, but keep in mind: everything is televised, and it won't stay secret for long. The arena adapts to the chaos. Expect sudden obstacles, environmental shifts, and sudden changes in the music's tempo. Gravity may shift, walls may close in, but participants can't let that stop them - they must continue to dance, if they wish to win. The audience is watching. Who will make the final cut and become Prom King and Queen? Everyone is vying for the titles: it doesn't matter what rank you started at when you joined the Panopticon Prom. Whoever wins becomes a Paragon until their points drop. There aren't many opportunities to sail through the rankings, but this is a sure way to do it. As long as they can keep up. ⏵ casino royale ⏴ Out in the Agora, another popular quarterly event is being set up! The Casino Royale has been destroyed countless times, but it seems as if the Gamerunner just can't let it go - every time it gets knocked down, it gets rebuilt. There is one rule. One must take a turn at the revolving wheel just inside the door as their entry fee, and whatever the wheel lands on, they must maintain until they exit the building for the night. Sometimes, this is easier: an effect they have no control over and cannot undo even if they wanted to. Sometimes, this is more difficult: an assigned task they must complete. Failure to abide by the wheel once means receiving a penalty. Twice? Certain death if caught by any employee. The wheel's effects are as follows: 1 You must speak entirely in rhyme. 2 Your body has become unnaturally delicate. The smallest injury hurts like a fatal wound. 3 You must avoid stepping into any sources of light. Doing so causes massive burns to appear on any area of your skin where light has touched. 4 You have been transformed into an animal! You can still think as you had before, but you cannot speak or communicate easily. 5 You have been cursed with supernatural strength, but cannot control it. 6 Time doesn't flow normally for you anymore. Each mistake you make makes you visibly younger, slowly erasing your experiences, skills, or even memories. 7 You can no longer form your own words, but only repeat what others have said to you. 8 You cannot meet another person's gaze. 9 You can no longer turn around, physically or metaphorically. If you try to return where you came from, you'll find that the pathway no longer exists. 10 You are given a specific letter that you must avoid using out loud entirely. "A"? Better hope you know enough words without one. 11 Every time you speak, your words come true - but never in the way you intended. Trying to control this is futile; the monkey's paw curls with every new sentence. 12 Within the casino, you lose the ability to feel anything. No pain, no pleasure, no warmth, and no cold. At first it may feel like a blessing - until you realize you cannot feel hunger, or tell if you're injured. 13 Regardless of if you've drunken anything, you still act inebriated. The effect only gets worse the longer you stay. 14 No one can see you. You are invisible, even if you are still able to reach out and touch or converse with those around you. 15 Any special ability you have is gone. You are reduced down to what an average human being is capable of - regardless of if you are human. 16 Violent impulses become impossible to ignore. You are rage incarnate, and you will be heard. 17 Every time you make a decision - to walk into an area, to start a conversation, anything, a small thread pulls loose from your clothing or your skin. Keep making choices, and you may become entirely undone. 18 You may speak freely, but for every syllable you say, your ability to hear slowly fades. You may want to watch your word count - too many, and you may not be able to hear at all. 19 Perhaps you arrived with a friend, or beside a stranger. It matters not: whoever came in either just before or just after you, you feel a powerful urge to protect them to the point of aggression. 20 Love is in the air - at least it is for you. Every time you meet someone's gaze, you feel the need to try and make them fall in love with you, through whatever means necessary. The casino is alive with the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the steady whirl of the roulette wheels. Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over velvet-lined tables, where fortunes are made and lost with the flick of a wrist. But something feels. . . off. The dealers never blink. The cards never seem random. And the house always wins - always. Maybe it's just paranoia, or maybe this casino is something more than just a den of chance. Tonight, you're not here just to play; you're here on a mission. You've arrived dressed to kill, blending into the sea of bodies filling the casino's floors. But you're not here to win points or boost your social standing - you're here to win intel. Somewhere in this casino is a single flash drive containing information on just how Aphaia maintains their system. The only problem? The House knows someone is coming for it. After all, they're well-aware of the game: whoever retrieves the flash drive will obtain information on how to flip the script, to change the rules of the game to fit their wants and needs, rather than following the current Gamerunner. After all, this is the Gamerunner's Stratagem that Aurora has sent them out on! Many apply for 'employment' within the Casino Royale in hopes of getting insider information on where the flash drive is hidden and what it looks like. However, it seems that even the employees have no clue where it has been hidden. ⏵ NOTES ⏴ This is an extension of our Aphaia Mission! We have included enough information in this post that catching up to current in game logs isn't necessary to play with it, but you are welcome to use any part of the Aphaia setting in your prompts as you'd like. Current players are also welcome to bring the events from this TDM into their in-game threads. This mission can happen outside of time as needed! Incoming characters will find themselves introduced to Aphaia as they arrive. Current characters may find Aurora calling on them to visit Aphaia after the current mission for the Gamerunner's Stratagem. Characters already in game are welcome to post to the TDM, too! Please mark them as current characters in your header. Threads can be kept as game canon as long as both characters get into the game! Please direct all questions relating to this log to our mod queries comment! All other questions can be directed to our FAQ. ⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Comments

[laserguy]

[Oh no... not another one that's never heard of an arcade before. At least this is a little more expected, since he's speaking to a talking hedgehog, but still. Unfortunately there's no mall for him to suddenly take Shadow to, not in this place. There's probably nothing like that anywhere on this planet. Probably why it's dying.

Still, if there's ever an opportunity for him to take Shadow to the arcade, he's grabbing that chance and running with it. Well, assuming that the hedgehog doesn't glare at him and try to kill him.]

Yeah, super important place. We'll go sometime. [But Scott lets out a small huff at the mutant comment, one hand folding against his hip as he slightly needles Shadow about it.] Wow, talk about racism. But whatever. What do you think a mutant looks like?

Cid Telamon; Starlight Soirée

[levindicated]

[Cid has been working his ass off for weeks to get out of the low rankings and stay out. It has not been easy going, and his body has betrayed him a few times already. But dancing? How bad could dancing be? Cid catches sight of a peculiar acquaintance from across the ballroom. Do his eyes deceive him?]

[He winds closer in a tuxedo made of something black and shimmering, iridescently purple when the light hits it just right.]

[The rules were made plain and clear: last as long as possible. As he cannot find Barnabas, perhaps his longtime rival would be the next best bet. …Besides. Dion surely has been trained to dance, the act befitting his station. Whereas he wasn’t sure Barnabas could do such a thing without a blade in hand.

He approaches from the left, sauntering until he’s near enough to be heard over the music. He sets an empty glass down on a tray and holds out a hand.]

Fancy a spin around the dance floor, your Highness?

[laserguy]

[Just seventeen years. That's basically how old he is and the craziest thing that ever happened to him just occurred two days ago when he shot optic beams out of his eyes and destroyed the school bathroom. Not that wasn't hard and fucked up at the time, but guess he didn't time travel.

He is, however, on another planet and talking to all these people that supposedly know. Another version of him. Or whatever. He lost track. So maybe he is living the weird life. Great! Fantastic.]

I kind of understand the whole 'everyone knows who you are' bit. [He states, almost dryly.] But okay, nice to meet you Hope. We can just both pretend not to really know each other.

[oblige]

[ Dion had been quite invested in watching the dance floor in studious silence, arms folded across his chest, for some time now. Allegedly one can easily acquire points in this competition that seems half-dance and half...he hesitates to see it as battle when the attacks are so underhanded. Subterfuge, perhaps.

He's gathered enough information at this juncture that he might be seen as idling by the time he senses another's approach, though he doesn't turn until spoken to. His own suit is perhaps not surprisingly a silver-grey, something just this side of familiar in a sea of so much that is foreign, but only just.

What is more familiar is the presence of Ramuh, more palpable with Cid now close at hand. ]

I believe titles matter little here. [ He says simply, unfolding his arms and straightening his posture before he regards Cid properly. ] But I was considering it.

[ Notably, he doesn't yet respond to that waiting hand. ]

Are you fit for a contest of endurance?

[ Whether that's a matter of concern for the man's health or simple strategy, Ramuh will have to judge. ]

lumine | genshin impact

[ascendingstar]

✦ arrival/aphaia

[ Her hand goes to her head, shaking off the initial confusion. There talking around her from the other arrivals, those confused and those wanting to leave. The one voice she doesn't hear is that of Paimon, her companion. Awake almost suddenly, Lumine pushes her way through the crowd, trying to find her friend, hoping to find her, hoping that she got pulled here too. It's minutes before she comes to the conclusion that Paimon isn't here, and that she'll have to face whatever this was alone.

She was almost certain that she could no longer travel between worlds, so why was she here? Nevertheless, Lumine steps forward, a resolute nod to the AI. A world needed help, and she would help.

Aphaia is so much different thank anything she's seen in her travels on Teyvat, far more modern than Fontaine, far more colorful than Natlan. She stands there for a few moments soaking it all in, almost immediately looking to her side for Paimon. They've traveled for ages together already, and there was a hole where she should be. ]

Excuse me - [ When no one answers her initially, she heads forward into the crowd. ]

✦ soirée

[ Oh no.

Give Lumine a sword, she'll battle her way through anything. Need 100 mint? She'll go find it. Kill a Ruin Guard? No problem. Get a god to overturn a rule that was hurting their people? Piece of cake.

But dance? Nope.

She seems stuck to the walls as the dnacing starts, despite feeling the music deep within, despite the want to dance. Could she sneak out out here? She finds the closest person that isn't dancing. ]

Where's the door?


✦ casino (8)

[ She's been in the casino for a little bit now, and she knows something isn't right. Whe the person at the wheel told her what her number was, she didn't understand at first, but as the night went on, anyone she's tried to talk to she can't look in the eyes. It's absurdly rude not to look at a person when you're talking to them, so she's taken to looking somewhere close to their head when she talks. Better than nothing, right?

There were too many variables in here, too many people that could get hurt should something happen. Everyone not from here was on a mission, and that was why Lumine decided to let the others look for the flash drive while she kept an eye on things. She was sure she could fight better than most people here, even if she didn't have any of the elemental abilities she normally resonated with.

A bump into a person pulls her from her thoughts, and her eyes go upward and away as she looks to them.]

Excuse me! I'm sorry.


✦ wild card

[ hello! i'm manda. if you want any of your characters to meet lumine anywhere i don't have up, put it here! ]

[dreamsofearth]

[Maria relaxed a little between the two Shadow's as her friend allowed her to hug a little closer. She felt his arm around her waist and she bumped her head lightly to his before giving a quick kiss of gratitude to his cheek. Much like she had to the other Shadow. Though her overstimulated nervous system ultimately craved the deeper pressure of a tighter longer hold, she still felt completely safe and protected between the pair.

The hug as it was, did not last for long, and Maria sagged back on her heels and leaned into the other Shadow's warmth when her Shadow sat before them on the pavement. It was thankfully quiet despite the pounding music from within the colosseum. There were still beings wandering about and keeping their distance as they traversed the square at the base of the stairs or went in and out of the colosseum itself. Of course there were the ever present camera drones keeping tabs on everything.

Oh, Shadow was giving her the look after she spoke of the other Shadow dancing with her. She recognized it as the one he always had when he was chiding her for overexerting herself. Since it had been a slow dance, she didn't get any adverse effects and looked forward for another opportunity at a later time. Due to the serious nature of the conversation, Maria refrained from doing her usual playful responses such as winking or sticking out her tongue. She simply looked down at her lap.

She was quiet as she worked on centering herself as she held onto the other Shadow's hand. She resisted the urge to wrap an arm around him like before, not wanting him to be uncomfortable. She was grateful that he was still at her side through all this. The pair conversed, speaking of shelter, but also about the mission that sent them all here and how an exit could present itself.]

Aurora had told me that we wouldn't be here long. [She confirmed.] I don't know anything of this Gamerunner's Stratagem. But...as for shelter, I found out there were apartments in the Agora for competitors. I...I think what kind of room and amenities you get depends on the amount of points.

[thelightshines]

[We...? Just like that? Scott hasn't been terrible company. They did answer his questions, but he didn't expect this to go further after they were finished here.]

I don't even know who you are. [Why are you inviting him? Then again, they claim it's an important place. So he should go...??? He tilts his head at the question.] Not human...? [More experiment gone wrong style, bug head or swamp monster.]

[dreamsofearth]

It's amazing isn't it?

We've learned so much, all because of the fossils that we have found. There's Museums in cities all over the world that display them and educate people about dinosaurs and the environments in which they lived.

[dreamsofearth]

[Maria nodded.] Yes, Robotnik. Our family is from a long line of Scientists and inventors! [It was clear she was quite proud of that.] I do remember seeing some when I was little. With my Mom and Dad. I remember the last trip that I went on before I went up to the Ark was one to Spagonia. I remember really enjoying the food.

[She sighed wistfully.] I miss my parents. I still communicated with them while I was in space, but it's not the same as being with them, you know? I even have a baby sister that I haven't had a chance to meet!

[fireboost]

It sounds like you have a very distinguished family line, and I happen to have visited Spagonia myself—it's quite beautiful.

[ blaze can agree with that much, but this girl herself... despite her family name, she sounds quite innocent. so much as blaze recognizes the name—may be on guard because of it, she doesn't seem like a threat. still, concerned, blaze cautions at least one question further: ]

Have you met any of your family here? It would be good if you had a familiar face to keep you company—not to mention your illness.

[dreamsofearth]

[Maria nodded, figuring that she'd be able to find out her number somehow. It shouldn't be too hard right? Considering that leaderboards and things were flashed up on multiple screens in the area. It still hadn't hit her fully what the significance of those numbers meant or just how much danger that everyone was in here if their ranking got too low.

She smiled a little at Shadow's words, resting her head to his contentedly. It was okay if he didn't take her hand. Just leaning into his warmth was a comfort. Knowing he was really here.]

Don't worry, I will. I'm just happy to get a chance to sit in some quiet right now. [She gestured at her backpack.] It seems like I have what I need in here for now. [She considered with a thoughtful frown.] Aurora did say we won't be here for long so there is at least that. This place is....well there's something creepy about it.

[sabigoe]

[ They have only been with each other for a little while, but Blaze has quickly given her a positive impression. She could definitely shower the purple cat with more praise... thankfully, her curiosity over the magical jewels does distract her from causing any further flustering.

She walks along, listening with interest. Blaze sounds like a heroine she would find in an adventure story! ]

Are there many bad people that want the Sol Emeralds? For... power? [ A thoughtful hum. ] I bet you must be super worried to be far away from home right now.

[sabigoe]

[ Fio smiles just a little wider when Shadow stands by her side, completely unbothered by his gaze. A little surprising too, to see that he continues to follow along. It's unfortunate the camera focus didn't earn him any points as she hoped. She'll need to brainstorm more ideas that can paint him in a positive light for the crowds...

Looking across the arena, she studies the example and the tiles. It's... intimidating. She knows she needs to be brave. She tries to think about winning and less how deep the fall might be. This is not the scariest situation she's ever been thrown into anyway! ]

Don't worry, Darkie. [ She says, even if he doesn't appear to display any sign of worry. ] I'll make sure you stay on your feet.

[ Then the spotlight takes her by surprise. ]

Me first? 'Kay! I... uh... [ The answer shouldn't be hard, but the sudden light briefly throws her off guard. The smile returns shortly as she tries to maintain composure for the cameras. ]

I've... always loved seeing the beautiful ballerinas in my picture books. So that's what I wanna dress in! A frilly and fluffy dress that's as beautiful as a ballet dancer's dress!

[ Fio twirls once in place while pretending that she's already donning a fluffy dress. It might not be special enough for the audience, but maybe she can use this small chance to experience an old daydream of hers, even if it's only temporary. If life had gone differently, perhaps she could have grown up to become a ballerina on stage. ]

[sabigoe]

I know we're supposed to help Miss Aurora to save our world. And I know the goal here is to survive. I know this world is already dying. That's really sad...

[ A small frown. Just giving a basic rundown of what she knows (and understands) so far. Looking down, she gives her supply bag a quick examination, then gives him a nod. She'll start to follow once Lars is ready to head off. ]

I'm good. Don't worry.

[ Fio is the type to insist she's "fine" even if she's clearly struggling to walk. Fortunately, she does look to be in good enough health to move on her own! It feels like the half-eaten crumbly bar is enough to get by on for now. She thinks. Perhaps until she discovers the "free" meal is real and not a dream... ]

[levelshift]

I'm sure there is.

[Aleister is Aleister and always had a million plans going.]

That's the official reasoning for the city, anyways.

[thelightshines]

[The bit of light that Manny manages to remove is enough. There's a flash of light where he once stood as he blips out of existence. The two at the bar are startled by the lights suddenly going out, but that's all they have a chance of doing before they're suddenly grabbed from behind and whisked away, drinks left unfinished.

Shadow will reappear once more beside Manny, the two that were sitting at the bar with him, tossed onto the ground between them.

"What the fuck-"
"Who brought the zoo?"]

Where did it go? [The two looked at each other. Where what? Ah, shit-] What was being delivered, where is it? [I ain't telling you! Uh, You even know what we were talking about?] Talk, or I'll have him crush your heads. [He gestures to Manny behind them. He's not expecting Manny to actually do it, just hoping they'll play along until he gets the information out of them.]

[dreamsofearth]

Accelerator's growled response didn't intimidate or bother Maria at all. She merely smiled a little. His terse response sure reminded her of someone she was close to though.

"I see." She murmured thoughtfully. Though she was genuinely curious too. "I hope you can get back home soon then. What's your city like? Are you like a mayor?" Running a city sounded like a pretty big job. She could understand why that would make him snappy if he was concerned about his duties.

[fireboost]

You're right, I am.

[ blaze looks off ahead of them, seeming rather serious as they make their way. ]

Unfortunately, they happened to be with me when I was brought here. I trust the royal guard very much, so I plan to ask Aurora if they can be sent back to my world during my stay.

[ after all, she knows too well that it will fall apart without them. it isn't something that she can change at the moment though. rather, the topic feels like it's taken a serious turn, so blaze looks up to the young girl beside her instead. ]

But enough about me. You don't want to tell me about yourself, Fio?

[sabigoe]

[ Fio hasn't thought about how worrying it looks that she's wandering around without a guardian. She's used to it. Especially when her parents grew distant from her, she would often head out on her own. But she always much prefers having the warm company of others. ]

Thank you. [ A small smile. ] Well... hm... there's a lot that I gotta learn.

[ Being a newcomer, there's several things that she could ask about. She's not sure where to begin. ]

One thing I've gotta figure out is how to get a better rank! Do you have any idea how to help with that?

[lordfuckleroy]

"That is a lie and we both know it." He could feel it in the way that the other man was still a hold of his own tuxedo jacket. "This is how you were acting when the cake incident occured, be reasonable Alex."

But it was a shame that the voice continued without any inflection, nothing at all. Unfortunately, it would be like that until he left the Casino. He was locked in, though it was a godsend that it was not something that could kill him for he had no way to circumvent this loss of emotion-- and Alex too.

But there were other ways to die.. on the inside.

[internationalrelations]

"No, it is so not because I was drinking that day. Unl... unlike today."

He swayed on his feet, leaning into Henry all the more. Yeah, no okay. Henry probably most likely had a really good point.

Hang on. He could put this together. "Hen...hry... I think I'm drunk." His brow furrowed as he tried to focus very seriously on the prince. "But I really barely had... had a sip. This is weird. Something is weird... with me. And with you. You're... something."

[lordfuckleroy]

Touche, Alex..

[ he said this with only a trace of humor to his voice, that was before Alex collided into him and then he reached up to wrap his fingers around Alex's forearms, to steady him. Ah, yes water-dancing.. the lost art. ]

I graciously forgive you since we are supposed to be turning a new leaf. I do not know what happened months in the future, I can only go on the now.

[ At the least it meant that Alex had a new opportunity in this new world and with Henry here, he was blessed witj foresight.

The only question was, would he use it wisely? ] This feels like it is only going as long as it take to catch us off guard, it is a test and likely part of this world's competition.. so we adapt best as we are able.

[ He took the lead, dancing a bit slower to go with the puddle. ] Now tell me about my incorrect opinions on Star Wars?

[querulus]

/But—I—What?/

[Isn't offering to clean up Julian's mess helping her? She was the one to make him go ballistic in the first place.

Quentin's just. So lost right now. What is happening why is he getting yelled at for trying to help]

/What, did you want me to lobotomize Keller? I'm not doing that!/

[internationalrelations]

Asshole.

[Alex grumbled at that gracious forgiveness, but there was a fondness to it, the start of a smile on his face. Okay. Recalibrating, this meant:

1. Henry wasn't being a dick and pretending he forgot New Years Eve
2. And also months of what had become a really important friendship for Alex
3. It hadn't happened for this Henry yet, so it wasn't his fault he didn't know
4. ...Henry didn't remember kissing him on New Years because he hadn't kissed him on New Years yet and oh god Alex was getting a headache.

Abandon list.]

And as for what happened... we wound up accidentally becoming friends. And not just contractually obligated friends.

[Alex would not argue allowing Henry to lead right now. More formal partnered dancing was clearly more in Henry's wheelhouse than Alex's.]

Makes sense. I guess that means we've got to stay on our toes for the next trick.

[He snorted at the mention of Star Wars.] Well, I mean. They're super wrong. Imagine actually thinking Jedi is the best movie when Empire is right there. It's impressive how wrong that is.

Casino

[shadowsincryo]

[He almost forgets to breathe. He gently steadies her and looks to the smaller version of the board. Her name is there and it isn’t at the bottom of the board. An audible breath of relief escapes him before he can stop it.]

It’s fine, Lumine. [His hearing is fading with every word he says. He grimaces. This is a worrying situation. He reaches into his coat and pulls out a note pad. He writes fast and offers it to her.]

‘Since I got a number, when I talk, my hearing fades. Writing seems alright. When did you get here? - Kaeya’