004 - Lucid Dreaming

[tabularasa_mods]

Lucid Dreaming Event Info Pt.1 ▲ Event Info Pt.2 ▼ Comments Please see the two info posts linked above for details on the nature of the event, the nightmares within, and the setting it takes place in. You may ask any unanswered questions in either post. If your character dies at any point during the dream event, please leave a comment in the death report thread to notify the mods.

As a final reminder, all characters will fall asleep for the full duration of this event whether you decide to take part or not. You may continue tagging threads that take place before the event, but everyone will fall asleep simultaneously.

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Falling Asleep, Waking Up
The shift happens without warning, much like the first time people appeared in the world. Perhaps you remember what you were doing in the last moments before a strange feeling of exhaustion overwhelmed you - or perhaps you remember nothing at all. Whatever it may be, you've appeared somewhere new. A seemingly ordinary train station, if not for the bizarre walls of flesh blocking the only exits. The only path forward is down into the pulsating depths, a humid breeze pushing at your back.

There may be others here with you, or you may be alone. Could there be more people trapped in this strange place? You won't find them just by standing around.

Nightmares
The screeching of a distant train will echo through the tunnels on occasion, shadows flicking through the translucent flesh of the walls. Sometimes, however, instead of fading away the noise will only grow louder, closer, until it sounds like the train should be upon you. It never appears, but something else always will.

The train is a siren call for nightmares, and you're unfortunate enough to be their victim. The shadows turn alive, twisting and growing as they rise up from the ground and begin to transform. What form they take varies, but the shadows of the mind know the true fears of those who walk among them. Are you prepared to face the darkness?

Volcanic Panic

The shadows congeal at the edges of the floor, and soon after a hot orange glow begins to fill the room - molten lava is pooling in from the other end of the tunnel. It rolls slowly forward, devouring everything it touches with an unquenchable searing hunger, leaving behind only the charred bones of its victims... although, strangely, the tunnels themselves appear to be completely unharmed.

Outrunning the flow of lava shouldn't be a problem, but there seems to be no end to it. How long can you run from something that never stops? Or worse, what happens if you find yourself surrounded? You'll need to find a way to higher ground before that happens.

A Radiant Plague

The shadows rise up into familiar shapes, and at first glance it'd be easy to mistake them for people. They may even share the faces and voices of people you know, stumbling towards you with wide, open arms... and empty, glowing eyes filled with an orange light. Something smells sickly sweet, and it's only once they're close enough to grab you that they begin to attack.

These are not your friends, and they'll do whatever it takes to make you one of them instead. Unfortunately, it's not an experience you'll be able to survive. Your only hope is to fight back before the plague can take hold, lest you become another mindless husk that knows only to further spread the infection.

Trust No One, Not Even Yourself

The shadows stretch and fill the air, choking everything in a thick blanket of darkness... before dispersing just as quickly as they'd appeared. A few moments pass and nothing else seems to be happening. You must've gotten lucky this time!

... Or did you?

Surely it can't be that simple. Nothing else here has been, so something must have happened just now. It's only you and the person you're currently traveling with... but are you sure that's really them right now? How do you know they haven't been possessed by another nightmare, waiting until you let your guard down to stab you in the back? Should you interrogate them to be sure, or start with restraining them and ask questions later? Wouldn't it be better to just kill them before things get out of hand? The sooner you strike, the safer you'll be when their true form emerges.

Yes, that must be the real explanation. It has to be them that's been possessed by a nightmare. What else could it be?

Joker’s Wild

There’s no limit to what form the shadows can take. The world may have its own perception of fear, but your nightmares are something only you could understand. What darkness lurks in the depths of your heart?

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code bases by tricklet

Comments

P5 spoilers!!!

[menaretrash]

...Well. You'll at least know who one is. [ Crow, on the other hand... she thinks Kaiba will be able to figure him out real quick too, depending on his demeanor down here. If he's feral, then it might not be so believable that he's Akechi... that's a little concerning in itself. Well, she'll worry about that later, if they even bump into the dynamic duo. ] I don't... really know. I don't know Yoshizawa-san very well. Ren and Akechi are way closer to her than I am.

[ Yoshizawa is an enigma, honestly, and she is concerned for the soft spoken young lady. If she's on her own down here, that is probably not going to end well, depending on which level she's found herself on.

Right now, though, her concern lies with the here and now, and the here and now happens to be one Seto Kaiba. ]

Because I have to. [ She doesn't have to, no one's forcing her hand. But, she can't just be idle and let people run around in this madness, either. She heaves a sigh, and shakes her head again. ] Because there's no point in letting people run around and get hurt, or worse, when there's something I can do about it. Besides, is there really anything else to do?

[ She just... stares at him at that, and her shoulders slump a little bit. ] It's not reverse anything, it's giving you a choice. I'm not going to drag you into the depths of a literal hell if you don't really want to come. [ Glancing off to the side, she frowns. ] You have to promise that if it gets to be too much, you'll tell me. The further down we go, the more crazy it's going to get... at home, there was a literal God waiting for us when we reached the final layer. I don't know if he's down there, lurking, or if something worse is waiting in his place.

[ She glances back at him, then, because as far fetched as that probably sounds, he deserves to know the truth of what they could potentially run into, should they even make it that far. ]

You say I don't have anything to worry about, but I'm going to worry no matter what. I can't help it. You're worth worrying about, so...

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[The brunette was confident that would be the case. There were only so many people to choose from- the void had seen to that -unless this odd pocket dimension had allowed in more outsiders that is. He never had seen the feral side of Akechi, but he always had an inkling that the overly polite guy was capable of it] I see.

[From what he's seen, Ann has every right to be concerned. That girl hadn't impressed him as being all that resourceful, always relying on someone else to aide her. Likely an unfair assessment from the two times he'd seen her]

You don't have to do anything. There's always a choice. [At least she didn't start spouting off about how it was her destiny to save others.] It just sounds like you're trying to avoid survivor's guilt. [Putting it harshly] I don't have that hang up- everything in life is a battle, and there are always winners and losers. I intend to be on the winning side myself. [There were just too many unknowable factors involved in this scenario, and she was ready to rush recklessly into it]

Literal hell is an oxymoron since it implies there is a hell to begin with. [Mincing words and deviating away from the point] I might not know what's really go on here, but don't delude yourself into thinking there's anything divine about our opponents. Stop giving them that power over you. [Mocking the concept as a whole. Gods... really] I can handle it. [Not giving her the promise she was asking for] Whatever it is, once I'm committed to something I don't give up.

[That last part stunned him into silence for another moment. His lips parted like he was about to say something, his eyes meeting hers but then his just closed them, and reassessed his potential responses]

You.... don't know what you're saying. Sure, you might know something about me courtesy of that invasion into my memories but you really... [Was he implying that he didn't personally think he was worth worrying about? It was hard to tell] Look- let's just focus on the task at hand. Don't get soft on me.

[menaretrash]

If we do bump into them... I'd suggest maybe staying out of Crow's way. [ Because Seto's right: his usual polite attitude is a guise, one that he's likely to drop here, especially if he gets... too into the scenery. ]

You're right, I do have a choice. And this is my choice. [ He just has to go and mention survivors guilt though, doesn't he? That does make her bristle, and she levels a glare at him. ] This has nothing to do with that! I do have survivors guilt, yes, it's true, but that's reserved for one person, and one person only! This has NOTHING to do with that. This is just called being a decent person!

[ She huffs and looks aside sharply, both offended and a little hurt, trying to reign in her temper and finding that she's having a difficult time doing so. ] I'm glad you don't, that's nice. But don't just assume things about me like that.

[ Ah, this is going to be a mistake, dragging him with her like this, probably. She's silent for a little while, taking in a deep breath and exhaling slowly through her nose. Now is not the time to be annoyed and to let emotions get in the way. ]

Yeah, well, think what you want. But remember, this comes from my world, and I've seen literal hell and God. You may not have that in your world, but I have it in mine. So, keep that in mind, and proceed with caution, Kaiba-san.

[ She turns away from him now, so that she doesn't have to look at him -- somehow, it makes speaking like this a little easier, she thinks. He can't see the look on her face or read her if she's not looking at him. ]

I know exactly what I'm saying, and I mean it. I don't have to know anything about you to feel like you're worth worrying about. [ She doesn't like what he's implying about himself, here. Or rather, what it sounds like he's trying to imply. ] I think you're very much worth it. You're worth a lot of things. [ They may come from different worlds, different backgrounds, and different status and social statuses, but they really are more alike than she thinks he realizes. But she's not about to bring that up right now. ] Anyways, if you're so sure... let's get moving.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

... [That seems to confirm his earlier suspicions. Kaiba has learned so much about the others from his discussions with her.]

.. Potentially throwing everything away for an ideal. [Why did he keep running into people like this? Then he steps on the metaphorical landmine and is more surprised by it than he should be that it evokes this response. He actually takes a physical step backwards as she unloads on him.] Alright, already! Keep your voice down unless you want to attract every monster in this entire facility. [Deeming this an aggressive action based on it's masters posture, the dragon roared aiding in the noise factor as it turned it's attention to the woman clad in the red bodysuit. Hello, I'm still here.] Stand down. [He cautioned the great beast, to which the dragon snorted] I didn't mean to... that's not what I was referencing either. [Feeling the need to make that known, that he wasn't attempting to twist that one terrible incident against her now]

I didn't assume anything, I suggested that it was a potential motive for your reckless actions. [Since he did think this to be foolhardy]

[It certainly wasn't looking like this was going to be the most successful matchup in history, not with them taking turns offending the other or brushing on sensitive subjects. They'd have to make it work, since oddly- he didn't want her going it alone anymore than she did in the reverse.]

There are so many things I could take exception with in what you just said, but I can't see any benefit in arguing theory at this moment so I'm going to drop it. I'll be cautious, is that good enough?

[As cautious as he ever was which might be less than the ordinary person.]

[Essentially he was being reminded not to assume what she thinks or feels, and to stop trying to change either one] We're two different kinds of people- Panther. [Only a little hesitation before he used the codename] That's all I'm saying. [She was better than him, but he couldn't bring himself to put thoughts to words. Despite the things she'd been through she hadn't allowed it to change who she was are her core. He on the other hand grew cold, and bitter. There were the similarities, if he would bother to take them into consideration.] Mm... we've wasted enough time here. [Proceeding to walk down the corridor]

[menaretrash]

That's one way to think of it. Or, losing everything and everyone because someone didn't take the initiative to act on it. [ She's not going to stand down about that. There's a lot of talented, brave people here, but there are others who have no idea how to survive in a setting like this. She's not going to abandon them to this place. Her hands fly to her hips again, and she huffs, looking back over at his dragon as it roars. ] Please, the Shadows on this level are nothing compared to down further. But... you're right. [ She shifts a little bit, her ire dying down significantly as he makes himself more clear. She'll never not be sensitive about that incident, some wounds and guilt don't close so easily, and every time she thinks about it she wants to throw up. But, she also knows... he didn't mean it like that. ] ...Sorry. I didn't mean to snap.

[ She turns her gaze from his Blue Eyes back over to him again, before she looks off to the side once more. ] It's not. And my actions aren't reckless. If you don't want to come, you don't have to.

[ This is going to be an absolute mess, and even she recognizes that yes, they're going to have to knock it off and suck it up again if they even hope to get through even this level of Mementos and... whatever the hell its mixed up with right now. ]

...Yes, thank you. I just... don't want you to get hurt.

[ And that's all she'll continue on about that. ]

That may be... but you've got your convictions, and so do I. And I really don't think we're that different when it comes down to it. [ If he did say something like that, she'd laugh, because that's absolutely, 100% not true. She would never agree to that, and would have to say out of the two of them, he's the better. He doesn't get emotionally compromised, he's strong, and true to his word and his convictions, right or wrong. ] Agreed.

[ She walks alongside him, arms folded under her chest as she glances around, hearing the hisses of Shadows that are lurking around just up ahead. ] ...I know you don't believe in this God or whatever, but like... if he's here, or something similar, that may be our key to getting out of here and going home.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[How he hated when someone twisted his words in the reverse. Just don't expect him to acknowledge that she could be right about that in any way. No, he just snaps.] Don't be so dramatic. [One point to Ann Takamaki. There were so many clueless people in the void that didn't even seem capable of taking care of themselves on a day to day basis, much less in an environment like this. That still wasn't technically his problem, though he wasn't a total monster and likely would help those he came across, he just wouldn't be thrilled by it.] That may be but I still don't want them splattered all over me in the aftermath.. [No, he didn't and for once that's thrown him off his delivery. If there was one regret he had it was that he had spoken without thinking first in this moment. That and his explanation hadn't been fluid and eloquent.] You don't need to apologize..

[Ann hadn't really provided arguments to support her claims about this not being reckless... but sure.] I know. [Ie. he wasn't twisting his arm to go, and he would refuse if he so desired]

[That still baffled him- the fact that she was so concerned for his safety but he tried not to dwell on it.]

Heh- either way, this little debate isn't forwarding either of our goals. [He is what he has to be. If he didn't put aside his emotions long ago then he couldn't claw his way to the top. In business sometimes you had to be ruthless or you wouldn't be taken seriously. They had to believe that you would stop at nothing to crush them.]

We'll see, we can save the speculation for if and when this god of yours appears. [As they continue forward, the BEWD walking along behind them, it's talons scraping against the ground]

[menaretrash]

It's not dramatic... [ HE'S dramatic, jeez. She'll take that win with a grain of salt, at least, because right now is not the time to point and do a little victory jig. If he's willing to step up and help out, then she'll take that, because any help is better than none. Even if she literally just wanted to drag him to safety minutes ago. ] Yeah, I... I know. [ His coat is white, after all. She kind of wants to know how he keeps it so clean, actually. Questions for later. It's... strange to hear him say that, 'you don't have to apologize'... but it makes her smile slightly. ] Thanks...

[ Reckless is the middle name of any Phantom Thief, and apparently, Seto Kaiba is now an honorary Phantom Thief. Unfortunately for him. ] You know, usually... when you're down here, or in a Palace, you awaken a Persona. I wonder if that'll happen to you?

[ Unless... his dragon is meant to be his Persona. She could see that, really, and his outfit is already pretty dramatic... but if that happens, then they'll have to think of a codename for him, too, and she doesn't think 'Dragon' will suffice. Not flashy enough... ]

Speaking of that... thanks for coming with me. [ He's stronger and smart and if it wasn't for that little mean streak he tends to have, he's everything she wishes she could be. She'd love to have that confidence and fearlessness that he exudes in spades. ]

Yeah... what if it's something different, though? Like... whatever controls this world? I don't think we should try to take it on, if that's the case. I think if we find something crazy like that, we should come back up and maybe... share that info and see if we can't gather anyone who would be willing to try to take something like that on. [ They must look like quite the pair, her dressed like this, him being... who he is, and a giant dragon just sort of lumbering behind them. Something hits her, though, and suddenly she's got her phone in her hand. ] Hey, is your phone working again, too? We should exchange numbers, just in case we get separated.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[It was like the pot calling the kettle, like he's never been dramatic in his life. Surprisingly, he is willing to lend his assistance this time, just don't expect him to make a habit out of it.] ... [There was no doubt that he must be a rather fastidious person given the choice in attire. He wouldn't tolerate the slightest smug. They could really use a dry cleaner here. Ann was always apologizing, or voicing her gratitude but she needn't do either. They were just words, and a person could say anything. Still, he'd interacted with her enough not to question her sincerity.]

[At least he had the reckless part down pat] Even though I saw the process, I can't say I fully got what was happening. It seemed largely symbolic. I doubt it'll happen to me- I'm powerful enough without it. [Such a big ego]

[That would be a bit too plain as a codename, though he didn't have an alternative at the ready. Not Kaibaman]

Don't make it into a big deal.. it's the difference between taking a right hand turn or a left. [Downplaying the gesture as if it was just taking a walk down the street. Ann didn't seem to fully comprehend her own merits, which always baffled him. Perhaps she was far too used to people only focusing on her physical characteristics but she had more to her than that]

[At this next portion Seto abruptly stopped again and jerked a hand into the air palm side up] This is exactly what I was saying before! [He didn't mean to come off completely exasperated but.. he was completely exasperated] .. The only difference is you want to go out and gather more information first before a strategic retreat. At least now we're on the same page. [It was quite a procession. He starts walking again, but does get out his phone when she asks, raising his eyebrows when the thing boots up] It is working. Just don't use this for anything frivolous. [Famous last words... he gave her the number and waited for hers]

[menaretrash]

It's really confusing when it happens, and uh... a little painful, too. Feels like your whole soul is being torn from your body, if that makes any sense. [ Read: AGONY. ] Yeah... it seems to happen during times of really high stress. But, can't argue that, you're an unstoppable force all on your own. [ Big ego, are you hungry? Let her feed it a little bit, okay.

We don't speak of Kaibaman in this house ]

Yeah, but instead of turning left or right, you're going down. With me. [ If only it were just a walk down the street. She'd much rather be doing that with him right now, but... it is what it is, and she's in good company regardless. So, she can't really complain.

You know, except when he stops and whips his arm out like a soccer mom. ] Okay, okay, jeez! I was worried before, give me a break! I'm used to being a follower, not a leader, and I don't exactly want to lead you to your death, you know? [ She sighs heavily, before flashing him... A Look. ] Wow, like I'd do something like that... [ Her phone is ridiculously pink, and if he studies the background long enough, he'll see all sorts of girly things as her wallpaper. She puts his number in and gives him hers in return.

As she begins walking, though, she doesn't really get off of her phone right away. Hey, Seto... you've got a text message! ]