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Entry tags:
- *game event,
- *mingle,
- *open,
- 2064 rom: turing,
- dragon age inquisition: cole,
- elsword: add,
- fate/grand order: merlin,
- ffvii remake: aerith gainsborough,
- ffvii remake: tifa lockhart,
- ffvii: zack fair,
- ffviii: rinoa heartilly,
- ffxv: noctis lucis caelum,
- original: melinoë,
- persona 5: ren amamiya,
- pokémon: raihan,
- pokémon: samuel oak,
- starbound: indigo,
- watch_dogs: damien brenks
003 - Memories of a False History

OOC ▲ Comments
The Sound of All Things Bad
The sound comes without warning. What the sound is cannot quite be made out - it is at once artificial and natural, bestial and mechanical, rumbling and roaring and crunching, shattering and crashing and screaming. Everything about it feels like a threat, warning of danger. The cacophony of noise reaches throughout the entire Void, loud and inescapable, the mangling and clashing of different sounds leaving each individual with a different idea of what it could possibly have been. It sounds different to everyone, each person able to pick out a part of the sound that ties to their own fears.
What if...?
How long the sound lasts would depend on how the individual perceives time. It might last for seconds, or it might last for minutes, but once it stops it does not repeat. Where it came from or what it is does not become the slightest bit clearer, and people are left to only speculate.
Disaster
No one can quite be sure what has prompted them to remember that day. It might have been that noise of approaching doom, or perhaps it is seeing the crumbling ruins of Hammerlocke itself. Once a stray memory surfaces, it is easy enough to look into the details and recall in full the vivid memory of Hammerlocke’s destruction - the ‘truth’ of what caused the mountainside city to crumble into ruins, as so many have wondered since their first appearance. Though the memory is clear and detailed, vivid enough to have been witnessed in person, it is out of place and does not belong, and anyone who can recall the events knows it.
Attempting to discuss the matter will soon reveal that while others recall the event with similar clarity, the details vary from person to person. Over time, their own memory changes and adapts, occasionally changing to something new entirely, yet the original is never completely forgotten. Memory is a strange and fickle thing, so easy to influence and manipulate, that the truth is difficult to find.
While memories differ from person to person, there are three particular tales that recur:
From the Sky
Though the sky above did not change from its paper-like blank white, the land grew darker and darker as though cast in shadow. The source of the shadow was clear: above, slowly descending towards the wings of the castle, was... something. Something immense, yet shrouded in crackling storm clouds.
As it continued to grow closer and closer, something in the clouds began to swell. It grew larger and larger, an electric hum of energy in the air, until with a resounding crack it burst and a great shadowy beast fell to the ground, landing with such force that the resulting shockwave shook the earth and tore through the stone buildings, causing so much of the city to tumble in an instant. It moves, and it screeches, raising its head up as the great storm above continues to swell and crackle.
This would not be the only beast.
(Based upon: Meteor, the Lunar Cry, and the Darkest Day)
The Battlefield
It was never clear why the fighting eventually made its way to this defenseless city, but it came without warning. The chaos was heralded only by explosions as the city walls were blasted through by tanks that had somehow made their way along the treacherous and narrow mountain path that simply was not meant for such heavy machines. The thundering explosions and the collapse of buildings could surely be heard for miles, and people and animals alike were quick to flee.
Though they reached Hammerlocke first, the tanks seemed like nothing compared to the enemy. The enormous shadowy monstrosity that swooped in from the sky seemed to be made from far more advanced technology. Even just the one towering machine, as large as the castle falling to ruins beneath its feet as it lands, proves deadly as it fires upon the approaching tanks, blasting them all to pieces within an instant before turning fire on whichever buildings remain standing.
(Based upon: Tanks, and Reapers)
The Mysterious StormMisplaced Memories
There had been no way to predict the change in the weather, never mind how destructive it would prove. One moment, everything had been still and quiet, and the next the city was assailed by howling, violent winds and freezing, glittering snow and ice. Though the city was built of stone and had stood the test of time for centuries, it could not stand against these combined forces. The only shelter was underground, for the furious storm was so powerful it could rip through earth, lift up and fling any object in its path with devastating force, shattering windows and toppling buildings.
Propelled by such force, the ice and hail proved destructive in its own right. As the storm froze everything in its path, the hailstones became like bullets and great chunks of ice became missiles. By the time the winds began to grow calm, there was little left standing.
Something about the storm seemed somehow unnatural, but where it came from was anyone’s guess. Some, however, may have spied a vague figure through the tempest, of unclear appearance but its presence somehow threatening.
(Based upon: Weather, El shortage, and Diamond Dust)
Worries about whatever disaster must have befallen the ruined city of Hammerlocke aside, people quickly become aware that memories of the disaster are not the only invasive, foreign memories. How the other memories come to them seems, on the surface, to be very similar: a connected thought occurs, and upon realizing the memory is not theirs, people are compelled to think more about it until the memory is uncovered in full detail. Unlike the memory of the disaster, however, this one quite clearly belongs to someone else. Someone who is here.
On puzzling this out, some might find they have more than one stray memory sitting in their minds. More importantly, however, is the feeling that something from their own memory is missing, and whatever memory is missing feels like it is something important. It could just be their own phone number, or it could be their name, or the face of whoever is most important to them. It could be something small, it could be something big, but all people know is that it’s something important and it’s gone.
There is no clear, immediate answer as to what people can do about their lost memories. With regards to their new memories, however, the path might seem a tiny bit clearer, for surely it seems a bit unfair that they can see into someone’s past in such a manner without their knowing. Perhaps it’s best to talk to them about it?
Although the lost memory is not always the same as the ones borrowed, taking the memory back to its source and prompting them to discuss and think about it proves a great help - as they talk, the invasive memory leaves, a lost memory is restored, and those who succeed are able to tell others the solution.
While the invasive memory is gone, people can still recall having it, and can still recall the details, but they will no longer remember it from the other’s point of view. Perhaps it might change how they see each other from now on?

Ann Takamaki | Persona 5 Royal | closed prompts listed below!
awakening - Seto Kaiba. cw; sexual harrassment/abuse of a minor, mention of attempted suicide
With him, is another familiar face -- it's yourself. Or in this instance, another version of Ann Takamaki, dressed in a skimpy little bikini and a tiara with cat ears, giggling away as she clings onto the man. There's a feeling of hurt and confusion, and of course, fear and anger all mixed into one.
Across from you, there are two masked young men -- a blond in a skull mask, and another, probably far more familiar youth with messy black hair and a white mask. ]
I bet you're just like those thieves. You came because you're pissed at me, huh? [ The 'king' asks, smiling smugly. ] But uh... ah. I forget that chick's name, but it's your fault that she jumped, you know.
[ Anger rushes through you, and despair, as you suddenly think back on what lead you to this situation: the same man, dressed in normal gym clothes and non glowy, yellow eyes, smiling at you across from his desk. He tells you that in order for your one and only friend to become a starter on HIS volleyball team, you need to do whatever he says. You're his girlfriend now, and there's nothing you can do about it. This is for the best, he tells you -- he knows your parents are never around, always traveling, and that no one else in school other than Shiho Suzui likes you. That if you don't do what he says, everything and anything, he'll destroy Shiho's chances at ever getting into any respective college. He'll bench her, and make sure that your future, your budding career as a model, will be finished for good, too.
A phone call, demanding that you come over to his apartment. If you don't comply and spend the night with him, Shiho is done for. You argue, tell him that you're not feeling well, it's not a good time, and he hangs up. Despair.
Whispers of rumors as you walk down the hallway at school. Kamoshida's bitch, Who does she think she is, with that blond hair and those horrible blue eyes? fills your ears, but it's nothing uncommon. This is every day now, and has been.
A scream, and a rush of panic as a girl throws herself off of the roof. The very girl who is your best friend, Shiho, has just tried to kill herself. You rush to her side, and she whispers Kamoshida... ]
You were so reluctant to throw yourself onto me, that I had her take your place. [ The man grins again, and that hot, angry rage fills your veins again as you realize what's happened: because you didn't go to his place that night and sleep with him, he took out his needs on your best friend, and in turn, she tried to kill herself. ]
You BASTARD! [ You scream, angrily struggling against your restraints again. But your anger turns back into panic as a large... thing in a suit of armor approaches you with a sword, ready to execute you. ]
NO! [ Shouts the blond man, and the king, Kamoshida, leers. ]
Take one more step and I'll kill her on the spot. Just sit back and enjoy the dismantlement show.
[ Fear fills you again, and your eyes go wide. ]
No, don't! [ You plead, only to receive another grin from Kamoshida. ]
Maybe I'll start with her clothes... [ Beside him, your doppelganger giggles and comments, 'You're SUCH a perv!'
The blond man, now angry and panicked as the guards come at you to finish this, shouts TAKAMAKI! but it's fruitless. Defeat fills you, along with despair as you think about the girl who tried to kill herself. ]
Is this... my punishment for what happened to Shiho? [ You ask yourself quietly, not expecting an answer. But you get one anyways, when Kamoshida grins. ]
It's like I always say, slaves should just behave and--
Shut UP! [ You snap suddenly, anger taking back over, along with resolve. ] I've had enough of this. You've pissed me off you son of a bitch!
[ It's at this point, something akin to the worst, most hideous headache you've ever experienced in your life suddenly takes hold of you. You feel like you need to vomit, like your very being is suddenly being torn apart, and on instinct, you find yourself struggling against your restraints for an entirely different reason as a new voice fills your head. ]
My, it's taken far too long, [ The voice murmurs, almost soothingly. ] Tell me... who is going to avenge her if you don't? Forgiving him was never the option... such is the scream of the other you that dwells within.
[ That feeling of sick is only intensifying, and it's apparent it's coming to a head as beads of sweat drip down your face. ]
I am thou, thou art I... [ It's then that the pain and sick hits it's peak, and you scream as you slump forward, out of breath. ] ...we can finally forge a contract...
[ As you hang, limp, trying to catch your breath, it all makes sense suddenly. ]
I hear you, Carmen... [ You mumble, head hung. But as you look up, there's something, a mask, covering your face. ] You're right! No more holding back...
[ Suddenly, despite the fatigue, you're filled with nothing but determination and a sudden burst of energy. You manage to pull yourself free, the shackles holding you bursting into blue flames as you stagger forward, and the voice continues: ]
There you go, nothing can be solved by restraining yourself... understand? Then I'll gladly lend you my strength...
[ You reach up, and without hesitation, rip the mask off of your face. There's one last, blinding burst of pain as you feel warm blood suddenly trickling where that mask was, but it's over in a second. There's a flash of white, and when it's gone, you're standing, left feeling completely energized and wearing something completely different. There's also some sort of large, spectral woman standing behind you, glowing and giving off nothing but absolute power.
You look over at one of the guards, and before it can react, you run at it, kicking the sword out of its hand, before you turn and leap through the air, sword above your head, and come down right on your counterpart, who screams and dissolves into shadows. Kamoshida whimpers and takes a step back, shielded by one of the many guards.
As you slowly stand straight, you turn towards Kamoshida again, your rage white hot and burning through you once more. ]
You know what? [ You stand up from where you'd just crouched over your dying shadow, turning to glare at the man. ] I'm not some cheap girl you can toy with... you scumbag.
Bitch! [ He hisses, though he backs away as you suddenly walk towards him, releasing the sword from your grasp. The two young men flank your sides. ]
You stole everything from Shiho. You destroyed her... now, it's YOUR turn! [ Behind you, the large, spectral being, Carmen, awaits. The gentle clinking of chains signifies the bond you have with this being, how she is chained and bound to you just as you are to her. You lift a hand, and point at him -- ] I will rob you of everything!
[ The three guards growl and suddenly merge, forming some kind of demon, who hisses at you. 'How dare you, enough of your insolence!', but you're not afraid, not anymore. Instead, you grin. ]
No. I've had enough of you. No one's gonna stop me now! Let's go, Carmen!
1/2 cw. because more suicide, child abuse & wonderful things like that.
CRACK!
The loud sound reverberated through the room, striking your ears only moments before a fresh wave of pain seared through your small body. Tensing, you screwed your eyes tightly shut, and grit your teeth trying not to openly exclaim, fighting against the urge to show weakness, but the sharp intake of breath was enough of an indication that the blow had struck deep. A few more hits like that and it would be impossible to contain yourself. This wasn't the first time this had happened and it was a humiliating and demoralizing experience, still there was so much riding on the line that there was no escape from it.
"It's just not good enough Seto- transcribe it again!" A gruff, powerful voiced boomed. Only risking a quick glance you could see the man towering over you with his riding crop in hand, his dark hair was cut short and starting to grey with age but it made him no less imposing in his full suit and all. Then you focused back on the table before you that was piled high with books covering a wide range of subjects that you were not only expected to learn, but to master. The worst part was these didn't even represent half of the curriculum. Would there ever be an end to it?! Not wanting to risk another assault, you pressed pen to paper and tried to comply, scratching hasty marks into the paper.
THAWCK
"Augh!" Wincing again with the additional strike.
"Just how is anyone supposed to read that! Do it again! Mind the Penmanship. If you're to take over as the head of this company, you won't get anywhere with such juvenile looking drivel!" Everything, had to be perfect. ".. and that's a big if. Shape up or it's back to the orphanage." Then with a pointed pause and a sneer, "For you both".
A flash of a younger boy with a mane of fluffy black hair flashed into your mind, reminding you in part with why you were enduring all this suffering to begin with. Your younger brother. You wanted the pair of you to have a better life than you did previously. Mokuba, especially, didn't deserve a hard life. He was the one bright spot in this whole miserable world and you would do anything to make sure that light wasn't extinguished. Buckling down you really applied yourself to the work at hand, several hours passing. By the time you were eventually allowed to take a break you were exhausted, both mentally and physically collapsing in a heap before another tutor would arrive not much later to rouse you.
Over time you began to entertain notions of how to strike back at your adopted father, to take away everything that he owned. It wouldn't be enough just to become successful, you had to pay back what you'd been giving. That malicious intent grew overtime and Gozaburo Kaiba provided the ammunition you needed all on his own. After gifting you with 2% of Kaiba Corporation's stock you were tasked with the assignment to earn ten times that amount through investments. Using the knowledge you had gained over time, you exceeded expectations but in the process you managed to get the board of directors on your side. With their help you pooled together 49% of KC stock. The final shareholder you swayed to your side was your brother, Mokuba. Despite how coolly you'd been treating him lately it was all apart of the game, to create an illusion of a rift between you to fool that old man into thinking that Mokuba wouldn't come through for you in the end.
How wrong he was.
There at the top of a monolith of glass and steel, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the area, Gozaburo Kaiba stating that he had one final lesson to inpart stepped closer to the massive window in his office. Stating that losing was akin to death, he made good on those words... and jumped.
2/2
That. Monster. That absolute bastard. He didn't deserve to be remembered.
It was as clear to Seto now as it had been when it happened. The restraints, the cruel lascivious taunting, he'd never felt more irate or vulnerable. Not to mention what had happened to... the image was a little fuzzy. Shiho? It was Shiho wasn't it, who had suffered in his place. She couldn't handle the humiliation, and the violation to her body and tried to end her life... and this asshole was trying to shift the blame for HIS actions.
The worst part was Kaiba partially believed it..Kaiba was the one that was in a position to do anything about it- who should have protected Mok-Shiho. Trying to calm his breathing he reached up to place a hand to his forehead tousling his bangs. There were some inconsistencies that didn't make any sense. Sure, there was a 'king' in his life that fulfilled an adversarial role but not one that was capable of this? Or would be caught in a sparkling pink cape and a speedo? Then this copy of himself...... was clearly more curvaceous. Still, the thought of her made him simmer with rage.
This was wrong, what was this?! Why did it feel so real?
Then there was the catsuit? I mean- he didn't doubt that he could pull off wearing a skintight ensemble, but the theming didn't match his mo. The sentiments did. There were plenty of times where he wanted to rob someone of everything they h- the phrasing struck a cord with him. It sounded familiar, as if he'd heard it recently and not in this vision.
Some of the haziness drew back like a curtain... Ann Takamaki?]
congratulations u get the ugly crying face icon
But out of everything she's witnessed and experienced today, including Ren's ordeal, Seto Kaiba's memory had been the icing on the entire fucking cake. The absolute worst. It had taken her a little while to realize just who it was, of course -- the discourse and confusion and the pain had been ridiculously intense.
That man -- that stupid, horrible man in the suit was an absolute demon, who treats children like that? The beatings, the non stop studying, the threats. And then there was the little matter of... M... Mokuba? A brother. A little brother at that.
She's got no way of knowing how long it's been since that particular memory decided to bubble up within the depths of her mind, but it's been a while. She knows she has to face Seto at some point, of course -- that's how this works, isn't it? It's been that way with everyone else, at least. But this one, she's had to gather her courage for; much like Ren's hideous memory, this one had her sobbing hysterically, and she's really, really had to pull herself together. Her eyes are still red and puffy, and so she decides that the best course of action will be heading back to Heavenly LeBlanc to get a glass of water, sit back and take a deep breath, before searching him out.
Not just that, but she is one thousand percent certain that she owes Seto a huge apology. He wasn't kidding when he said that he earned his way to the top, and the proof is certainly in the proverbial pudding.
As she makes her way into the bar cafe fusion, she starts towards the bar, keeping her head down because she just wants to head to the sink and do her thing without being a bother, and also, she can't imagine that the red-puffy-eye thing is very cute to look at, either. She picks up a glass and fills it up, takes a swig, and that's when she sees him: one Seto Kaiba, staring down at the table top.
She damn near chokes on her sip of water, and turns away quickly to rub at her eyes with the heels of her palms because wow. Okay, well, guess this is happening now. She really wishes she had her sunglasses right now.
Taking a deep breath, she straightens her posture and heads back out to the dining area, quiet for a moment, before she speaks. ]
...Kaiba-san? Are you alright?
[ That's probably a stupid, loaded question, given everything she knows now, and the look on his face, but... it's as good of a place to start than any, she figures. ]
What kind of a prize is this?! Seto doesn't know what to do with tears.
Ann Takamaki.
So, he hadn't been wrong about her potentially having skeletons in her closet afterall, though what he had envisioned hadn't been on this scale. Mentally running back over what he'd been shown, his expression hardened, but his stance didn't change. Was this supposed to be the person he had reminded her of before when he'd gone off a particularly egotistical tirade? Now he was insulted. He might be many things, but a sexual abuser wasn't one of them. Heh- somewhat ironically he could be blamed for an attempted suicide however....
Still, there was something about the whole ugly scenario that was in a sense relatable to him. If he hadn't conditioned himself to tolerate the mental and physical trials during his formative years, he might have been desperate enough to follow in Shiho's tentative footsteps. Even he couldn't bring himself to think of the girl as weak- which was his usual go to. She'd just snapped. To be driven into such a level of despair.... this Kamoshida guy really deserved worse than he got. Though there was some vagueness about the result, no level of punishment was enough for a creep like him.
The rest of it with it's more magical elements, was a more difficult to make sense of. The two versions of Kamoshida and Ann- the submissive one clinging to that guy's arm was more like an insulting caricature. Had to be a fake.
Kaiba didn't hear her at first, perhaps thinking the voice was from the vision, but after a moment he realized the oversight, the room coming back into focus. Realizing that he had no idea how long he'd been standing there staring blankly at a table, he shook his head and righted himself.]
Why shouldn't I be? [Trying to obfuscate here. When he saw the evidence of her emotional outburst on her features he startled a second time, still not having gotten full control back over his composure. Honestly, he wasn't sure what it meant, why she'd been so upset in the first place nor why she just happened to be here now, it was jarring to have to deal with this now.] Looks like you should be worrying about yourself. [In his obliviousness he hadn't been aware of Ann entering the café, just anyone could have snuck up on him in that previous state. He looked past her briefly, trying to see if he could spot one of her friends to redirect her to...]
bottle them and use them for your wizardry, seto!!
It's still a little confusing, because even though her memory has returned, the vision that she'd been shown of Seto and his adopted father are not going away, and that's also not a bad thing. It gives her a little insight to the man, fills her with both sympathy and empathy, and it makes her remember that it's not good to just judge someone by their attitude. Everyone's gone through different things, no matter what, and it shapes them.
She can do nothing more than stare at him tiredly for a few moments, before she moves to just sort of pick up his fallen cup so that he doesn't... end up stepping on it or getting hurt. ]
Just making sure. [ She picks up the cup and the little piece that fell out, keeping her head down and letting out a shaky, nervous laugh. ] I'm good, it's just allergies. [ Allergies that don't exist here, but that's her story and she's sticking to it, thanks. She stands and quickly moves back around the bar to toss the cup, it's as good of an excuse as any to keep her back to him anyways.
How to go about this... ]
...Hey. Can we talk for a minute? Since it's just the two of us right now.
Magic does NOT exist!
Not seeing anyone else in the café that could alleviate him of his current dilemma he was forced to look back at her, puzzling over the various sides he was now aware of. Ugh, he did not want to deal with her baggage anymore than his own. These events should have remained unknown to him, he was aware that he'd somehow managed to infringe on her privacy and was trying to refrain from letting that fact be known. Without discussing it however, his memory would remain cloudy and distorted.
She's kneeling down to collect the cup before he can stop her- just leave it he thought. He was capable of cleaning up after himself, despite how he hadn't exhibited that behavior previously.]
... [Stoicism is winning out- for the time being. That excuse she gives would have fooled literally noone. What should he do in this moment? Not being in touch with feelings in general he is left staring at her retreating form and debating what the dweebs might do in his stead. It's not his responsibility to look after her. Ann is a teenage girl- not a child, and yet this odd guilty sensation was welling up within him. Could he just... leave and do nothing?]
[When she posed the question, he folded his arms, looking to the door then back. With a shrug he consented, feeling like he should be on his guard.]
... I have a feeling that even if I said no, this conversation would be inevitable. What's on your mind, Takamaki? [Literally. What in the hell are you currently thinking about?]
it exists in your heart and mind!!!!!
First of all- it's a HUGE assumption that I even have a heart. Secondly....
MISTAKES WERE MADE--
THEY MOST CERTAINLY WERE
SETO NO
TOO LATE
#exTRA
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General wrap up /o/
rumors - Ahsoka Tano
As you board the subway, it's packed, filled with busy people heading to work, and many teenagers in the same uniform as you. You're all headed to the same place, to the same school, and while they greet each other pretty merrily, they don't come to you. Instead, they give you looks, and some start to giggle.
Over the sound of the train as it begins to move and the other chattering of passengers, you can hear a few of the girls talking. ]
Just who does that Takamaki think she is? It's like she doesn't even try to fit in. [ One girl mumbles, and the other girl with her laughs. ] Yeah. I don't get it, that horrible hair and those eyes make her stand out like a sore thumb. She should dye her hair.
[ You hear it, but you are actively ignoring it, pretending instead to look down at your phone, pink in color and sadly, devoid of much other than a few game apps, something to listen to music on, and a few text messages from someone named 'Shiho'.
A boy pipes up next, though, sounding more hushed but still audible enough. ]
Hey, be careful what you say. Didn't you hear? That's Kamoshida's girl, [ He whispers, sounding cautious. You stiffen slightly, more focused on listening than before. ] Do you think they're really screwing around? Man, she must be easy.
[ You shift, chew your lower lip as a horrible feeling of upset and guilt eats away at you suddenly. What those kids are saying isn't exactly true -- you're only seeing your stupid teacher because if you don't, your friend will be benched and her chances at getting a scholarship to an amazing college will be forever destroyed. And it'll be your fault.
As the train stops and you exit, a few of the same girls rudely bump into you and laugh, but you don't respond. You just watch them go, and then follow along. You walk down the path, and up the stairs into school, and the mumbles, the rumors only continue as you make your way upstairs. ]
Hey, there's Kamoshida's bitch! She'd better not screw this up for the volleyball team! [ Whispers another boy to one of his friends, who laughs and replies: ] When Kamoshida is done with her, I wonder if I can have her?
[ As you finish your way up the stairs, a large, overly friendly man greets you. A whistle hangs around his neck, he's a gym teacher. A volleyball coach. The man whose blackmailed you into 'dating' him. ]
Morning, Takamaki! [ He greets you with a bright smile, and all you can do is swallow the bile that threatens to come up and deal with this. If you don't, Shiho's future will be ruined. ]
Morning, Mr. Kamoshida... [ Instinct has you grabbing onto your schoolbag tightly, and your gaze averts. The man, unfortunately, takes this as a sign that you're clearly playing hard to get, and he laughs. ]
Have a good day, I'll see you after class... [ He states, clapping a hand on your shoulder and giving it a knowing squeeze before he departs. You shudder, and walk into the classroom -- where your classmates have seen the interaction, and immediately, they're all whispering. Did you see that? It's true, they're banging! or Wow, she's got some nerve, dating Kamoshida. What a slut!
You ignore it all and slide into your seat, staring blankly at the front of the classroom and waiting for the teacher to begin her daily lesson. She makes no attempt at stopping anyone from mumbling, even though it's clear that she can hear what they're saying.
Your phone buzzes, and it's Kamoshida. He's blowing your phone up with text messages, and your heart sinks. ]
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[ of all the memories that flooded back to her, of so many different lives lived, this one was sharp. a knife that kept cutting, first shallow, then deep, then gutting. tears, without warning, welled into her eyes and fell down her cheeks. it took her a while to collect herself, to calm, but how can anyone be calm after seeing what she saw? at best she is not crying. she does want to scream however.
she's anxious in her search for the girl she saw in reflection through the memory. the girl she was, for a brief moment, living a life that was not what she deserved. not what any person deserves. she has to find her, she wants to find her. she... wants to know if the girl is ok.
and, as she keeps failing to find her while she rushes across a world she has no recollection of, she finally gets fed up enough to let out that scream she's been holding in. ]
Takamaki? Takamaki! Can you hear me?!
[ she cups her mouth, calling out, and if she doesn't get a response she's off to the next area that feels like it would be populated. it doesn't matter how she finds her, only that she does. ]
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She hears her name.
Her eyes widen and she glances around, before deciding to follow that voice. She rounds the corner, takes a few more paces, and there she is -- another woman, who knows her. At least, her name. She's not stupid, at least; this has something to do with... whatever oddness is happening right now.
Lifting a hand in greeting, Ann smiles almost nervously, hoping and praying to whatever holy deities that reside here or anywhere that whatever this poor woman saw wasn't... too bad. ]
Hi! Yes, that's me -- I'm sorry. [ She's just gonna apologize now, because... she has no idea what she's seen, and, well... she just wants that out on the table right away. ]
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Hey...
[ the woman swallows, flustered, and quickly tries to straighten up her appearance. stand like a normal person, look at the blond, and breathe in to stop her heart racing. ]
I'm the one whose sorry. About yelling your name like that. [ she hopes no one heard and tries to intrude now. it feels too raw and personal to do that to the girl in front of her. ] Hi. I'm Ahsoka. I don't know if you know, but... it seems like our memories may have been mixed up.
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No, please! Don't apologize, I'm just glad that we found one another. Our memories were definitely swapped... I got one of yours, too. It's nice to meet you, by the way, although I do wish it were on better circumstances.
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[ so they're meeting for the first time then? that's nice, actually. some of the other people she's run into clearly know who she is, enough that they may have even been friends. a stranger brings distance that feels welcomed, instinctively so. maybe she was a loner of sorts? ]
I should warn you, I'm missing a lot of who I am. Some of it has returned to me, but... [ she trails off and breathes in, feeling selfish for unloading her current state on the girl. there are worse things than amnesia. ] Can I ask you... are you doing ok? Being here that is. I just want to know.
[ she wasn't ok in the memory, not in the least bit. ]
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friendship - Leo Tsukinaga
You are, in fact, alone. No one is attempting to come and talk to you, not on the train, nor after you get off. And you aren't making that attempt, either. A few girls giggle at you, meanly, as you enter school, and for the most part, after that it's a typical day.
Lunch rolls around, and you don't bother to leave your desk. You don't have anyone to sit with, after all, so you just pick at your food right where you are and keep your head down, ignoring the whispers and mumbles about 'ew, that hair' and 'I can't believe that foreigner isn't even trying to fit in'. It's not that you haven't tried to fit in, it's just that no one really wants you around. You've tried to be nice to these kids, but to no avail.
After lunch, you're in art class. You're drawing -- at least, attempting to sketch out -- what appears to be a sunset. You're so focused on it, and once again, you're not surrounded by your peers like everyone else. You're alone, and that's fine. But one person, another girl, breaks free from the pack of other kids in the classroom. Black hair pulled into a ponytail, kind, dark brown eyes, and athletic, she approaches and stands behind you. She hums, making her presence known, and leans over your shoulder as you squeak and quickly look up. It's very clear that she is assessing your work. ]
Wow, you really suck. [ She comments, but her tone isn't mean. It's amused, light, airy, and friendly, and it's right now that the tension in your shoulders suddenly melts away as she giggles and you find yourself giggling with her. ]
You're Takamaki-san, right? It's nice to meet you. My name is Shiho Suzui. [ She smiles, and sits down next to you, and right away you know that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. ]
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so hello, ann. wherever you are, whatever you're doing, there's that familiar orange gremlin from their cake and church adventures approaching with a wave. he's definitely, definitely trying extra hard to find her -- from personal experience, this one's an important memory that anyone would miss.
he would. ]
Heya, Ann! You missing something? I'm here to help...!
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But she is glad to see Leo, and she offers him a bright smile and a wave, despite her up-and-down again mood. ]
Hey! Aha, I'm missing... a lot. But if you've got something of mine, I've got something of yours, too!
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maybe it's good that they have something like the water to stare at as they work through being exhausted about this mess. it is a lot, leo knows that. even with his boundless energy, navigating through people's more intimate moments is... a lot. his own memories are less of a weighted burden than they were, and more of a reminder, but reliving painful things from his own past is also somewhat exhausting on its own without adding everything else into the mix. ]
Wahaha! They really made sure to make this fair, huh? Like an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth! [ wait, that phrase is more of a revenge thing, isn't it? ] Ahh, I know that means something else that I don't really agree with, but! Maybe "an important thing for an important thing" is better?
[ amazing. he's nonsensical already. ]
Whatever! Y'wanna find a clean spot on the beach to sit down and talk? It's kinda dirty, but I still like the sea...! [ without waiting for her approval, he's just gonna go ahead and move to the shoreline to do that. a glance over his shoulder to check that she's following along. oh, and he's also adding the following with a reassuring smile: ] And, mm, don't worry! What I got is really, really nice!
[ so she doesn't have to be anxious about it, like he knows he's been a couple of times already. ]
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She can only laugh at Leo's words, though, because yeah, she gets his point. ]
Yeah, they did! I guess this is one way to get to know your neighbors, whether you wanna or not, right?
[ Whoops, he's already walking. She trots after him until she's back at his side, walking with him. ]
The sea is nice, yeah! I wonder if we'll ever be able to get it cleaned up, though? It'd be nice to be able to actually swim. [ And fake... sunbathe. ] Aha, I'm glad to hear that! Other people... haven't been that lucky...
[ ...Most others, actually, whoops. ]
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it doesn’t take long for him to find a spot on the shoreline with… not as much trash, and he gets to pushing that aside with his foot to give ann and him enough space to sit.
thinking about it, there’s something about what she said that makes leo smile, amused. that is: ]
Is that why you and Ren are friends? You both end up pretty focused on how “other people” haven’t been that lucky, but if you did end up sharing that much of your more painful stuff, I’d say you guys are the ones that ended up with the short end of the stick.
[ those usually are the things that people don’t want to share, after all. their lowest points, their vulnerable moments.
he gestures to the now clean spot on the beach-- ]
Here, take a seat!
All aboard - Damien Brenks
There is also some sort of cat like creature, who leaps down from his perch to run in front of you. ]
It seems the time has finally come.... Morgana.... transform!
[ That's it. That's all the warning you get, before the feline comically transforms into a bus of all things. All you can do is stare, shock taking over as the bus starts to talk. ]
Come now, Panther. Ladies first. [ It says, sounding very pleased with itself. What a smooth operator. ]
A... A car?! [ You exclaim, and for good reason -- a cat just literally turned into a fucking bus. Right there. The blond boy seems to hold the same surprise as he shouts 'NO WAY', but that doesn't really matter. ]
This comes from the way cognition materializes in the Metaverse, plus a bit of extra training. It's not dissimilar to how you guys transform. [ The bus explains, sounding just as pleased at the teens apparent surprise. The blond boy speaks up again, 'You turnin' into a car is totally different than our clothes though!' And, yeah. He's got a point, you can agree with that. ]
For some reason, "cats turning into buses" is an extremely widespread cognition among the general public. [ The bus continues, sounding nonchalant. ]
...Why a bus, though? [ Because this is the real question here, out of everything you could ask. Why a bus. ]
[ It's then that the memory begins to fade, as the bus takes a thoughtful pause, actually thinking it over, and replies helpfully: ]
No idea.
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[the problem, then, is that he has no idea where to find Ann. (he sure as fuck hopes Wall Market isn't where she likes to hang out, because he really can't get there, with his ruined legs.) in the end, then, he just ends up hanging around in Heavenly Blanc, obviously waiting for someone. it seems likely that she'll end up here eventually, given that it's part from her world, and -- well, what else can he do, really?]
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Right now, it's break time, though. She stumbles back and into Heavenly Blanc, looking just as tired as she feels, when she notices Damien. Okay, one less person to track down, because he has tracked her. She thinks that's probably what he's here for, at least.
Tiredly, she lifts a hand and smiles in greeting. ] Hello, Damien-san. I think I have something that belongs to you. [ ...Not that she thinks he probably wants it back. She wouldn't, and she couldn't blame him, either. ]
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[because so far, everyone whose memories he's peeked into have ended up with one of his. at least she looks tired, rather than afraid or angry. that's probably a good sign. maybe. who fucking knows, anymore?]
[he's very tired, too]
[sighing, he shifts a little, gesturing to the empty half of the booth across form him. they might migrate somewhere else, depending on what she ended up with, exactly, but they can start here] Have a seat?
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[ She's not the only one having a tough time here, at least. She offers him another small smile as she takes the offered seat across from him, resting her elbows on the tabletop. ]
Thanks. So... to start, I know your memories are none of my business, so I'm really sorry that this happened. I don't think we've got any control at all over what's happening right now... but I'm sorry, even still.
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