Fandom Fandomronpa [Closed]

[Severia]

After witnessing the closure of the trial, Nana was strangely quiet. She said nothing at all even after being dragged by Cater to his room and hearing his request. Logically thinking, if all he want is just sharing the room then Nana and Shinoa's room, located just a few meters away, would clearly be a better choice. On top of having 2 vacant beds, they wouldn't have to deal with Cater's roommate which was unfamiliar to them. Even then, the girl said nothing as she followed the boy into the room.

While her eyes were seen closed the moment she hit the bed, Nana had too much thoughts in her head to rest comfortably. She didn't even pay attention to how she positioned herself on that cramped bed or any other details, but at the very least she wasn't touching Marie or else that much discomfort from the curse wouldn't be negligible, even in her current state. When the morning came, she still retained her unusual gloomy air and not a single word came out of her mouth as the group headed to the restaurant. None of Cater's and Marie's words seemed to reach the pink girl. Even Monokuma's appearance and his new job couldn't even make her bat an eye.

Then, the moment Cater said something and both him and Marie left the table, life suddenly returned to that teal eyes which had been like a dead fish since last night. As Nana finally sorted out her messed up mind and successfully dealt with her existential crisis, she repeatedly blinked like a person that just woke up from a deep slumber. Looking at Cater and Marie that was walking away from the table, the girl's eyes lingered on where the ultimate influencer kept his tablet for a while before returning to the food Monokuma served.

It was this moment that she noticed another girl sitting next to her and Shinoa, so close that it felt like she was also a part of the group. All the relevant information flashed in Nana's rebooted mind, except how that ultimate gambler joined them in the first place. To the pink girl, most the events that happened after the trial up until the moment she made that decision just now were like a dream never fully registered into her memory. That said, the ultimate class leader vaguely recalled how all four of them slept in room J last night.

"Uh, Jabami Yumeko-san right?"

Nana approached the black-haired girl without doing her routine act of looking up the name from her smartphone. There was no need to fake something as trivial and unnecessary in front of someone with the trait "perceptive" written. "I'm sorry I didn't talk to you earlier. What happened yesterday left a huge impact on me and I hope you can forgive me on that. I'm a friend of your roommate. The name is Nana, Hiiragi Nana. Nice to meet you!" In a sense, what she just said was 100% truth. Fully aware of her own conditions, the girl talked about what happened last night without clear memory of it and finished her line by offering Yumeko a handshake. Her usual bubbly air and friendly smile completely recovered.

Location: Restaurant

HanikamuKitten GamblingGoblins Crimson Baron SilverDingo

 

[HanikamuKitten]

Cater Diamond​

Restaurant>Hallway
GamblingGoblins Severia SilverDingo ​

"I don't think I get it. Don't you think it's a mistake?" He understood where she was coming from. He didn’t really know why he was as high as he was either. None of the rankings made sense to him. It’s easy to rank favorite characters because they’re so black and white, but real people? Though he still supposed it was like any other reality TV show, where the edits create a character entirely separate from the person. Still, no matter what factors played into it, he believed Marie deserved the love from the crowd.

You’re… kind. To everyone. And strong in the face of danger. And you helped in the trial too! Chin up, you deserve it.

…is what he wanted to say. But his brain just said ‘nope’ and called her a Queen instead. He wanted to curl into a ball on the floor.

"I'm not anything like that. I'm just... me."

You’re right. And that’s enough.

…is what he wanted to say. Instead he attempted a mad dash out of the room. His brain was momentarily malfunctioning at his accidentally flirting attempts and he needed to stop talking.

"Wait, will, um... will you all... be okay? Don't be afraid to use the strange metal box if you need us. Please be safe... we will meet again soon."

“Ya totes! Kk see you guys later!”

He gave a quick peace sign and a wink before grabbing the food in one hand and Marie’s hand in the other, and walking out the restaurant.

Truth was, Cater had an ulterior motive for pulling Marie away. He didn’t truly want to leave their little band either; they were practically inseparable now. That was precisely the issue however. He really wanted to get to know each of them better individually, especially Marie. He had a hard time imagining that she would be able to open anyone at all, let alone a group of people. But he had a connection with her, so maybe he could get her to talk. Though, he couldn’t help but think how self centered he sounded thinking that. He wasn’t that special. Still, he hoped maybe if he talked about himself then it would invite her to do the same.

“First I should probably tell you what we’re doing, huh? Claude invited us to meet with him to talk about setting up a new meeting and stuff.”

It was a short walk to the cafe from the restaurant, so about halfway he stopped, dropping Marie’s hand. He didn’t want to get to their destination without having a chat first.

“Claude said he trusts us, and I appreciate that, so I wanted to take him up on the offer. It seems few others bothered to respond to his message.”

He paused, trying his best to come up with a smooth transition to the next topic. His smile wavered a bit as he thought, and he started to doubt. Was this a good idea? Would he be able to get anything out of her at all? And what would Marie think about being dragged into this with no say? She had seemed apprehensive about leaving the group, and now he lied to them too. Maybe he has made a huge mistake. Trust was the most important thing in this game.

 

[Icee]

​

Claude Von Riegan​

Ultimate Stratigist​

themagnoliaofutah
​

Cafe​

"I agree with that, we can't force everyone to do something. Though I guess you would think that more people would agree to keep to meetings after what happened yesterday. A headcount every day is imore important now than ever." Claude said as he glanced at his ghost friend. "It's kind of weird, you know? I commanded a whole army of much more than 30 people and yet in a party of this small, we still can't get a unified front. I mean, sure, most of the army I led was from similar areas but my classmates were all very different, yet unified in being a part of our House. Though...there were many we couldn't save. Those who were loyal to Edelgard and the Empire without sway, mostly. Even our Teach couldn't sway some of them. And we had no choice but to let them fall in battle for our cause."
Claude glanced down a moment. He wished things had played differently. He never wanted to kill anyone in the war. Most of his stratigies involved simply incaoacitating an enemy, not killing them. But Edelgard and Dimitri both could not be swayed. They held too deeply onto their own ideals and paths forward. Edelgard especially. There was no changing her mind. It was her path or his. He shook his head a bit before looking up again

"I guess all we really can hope to do is gather as many people as we can for our cause. As for the others...."

Claude glanced to the side. He didn't want to even think of the fact that some may have to be left to fall. But that may very well be the case. They will see more bodies. They will see more class trials. That's why keeping a unified front as best as possible was so important...

 

[themagnoliaofutah]

Icee

"We'll do our best. That's all anyone can do. But - we have to be able to reach the wider group somehow. Maybe if we can sway one of the more influential ones, we can work out safety - protocols, I guess - that almost everyone will be able to follow. Although we'll still have to contend with the bear-" She had almost said the house. She wasn't there. This was going to be different. "-trying to throw a wrench in the works. If the traitor is still in the game, they might try to stir up dissent. Spread rumors. Maybe even convince someone else to kill, or kill someone themselves. I once saw a case where a man killed himself and attempted to frame someone else for it. The traitor might end up doing something similar..."

She fell silent for a moment, picked at her sweater sleeve. "...I'm sorry. I get - carried away when I'm worried, sometimes. Just - so many ways for things to go wrong. But whoever's in charge of this - they're still human. And we'll find a - a way to outsmart them."

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

Aru already felt a tad awkward when it turned out that she ran into her roommate again. She really hasn't spoken too much to Atsushi since the start of this entire "killing game." There wasn't much to be afraid of, at least in her point of view, considering that their room has been pretty uneventful.

Scoping out the broadcasting room, there probably wasn't a surefire way of trying to communicate with the outside world. With Atsushi focused on the computer, Aru figured to browse through the CDs & records in the recording booth. As she took a CD case out into her hands, that was when that stupid ninja showed up.

❝ Wha-... Sheesh, I'm sure we'll be fine! Just don't jinx us or something. I'd like to live another day, thank you very much. ❞ Aru sounded like she was startled by Tobi's sudden appearance in the broadcasting room. Even then, she spoke as if she was trying to reassure them and herself that no one was planning on killing anyone else. At least... that was her naive way of thinking about the whole situation.

Zenterfold Takumi98 R U S T @RadioBroadcastingSystem​

 

[GamblingGoblins]

Marie - Ultimate Decapitator
Restaurant > Hallway
Severia HanikamuKitten

To say Nana's silence was concerning to her would be an understatement. Marie was deeply worried about the other girl in the face of her overnight bout of silence that seemed to have carried into the morning, she just... wasn't sure what to do about it. Was there anything she could do about it? As Cater took her hand and began to pull her away, she somewhat dragged her feet at first, staring after their pink haired friend even as they began to leave the room. Just when the worry had mounted enough that Marie was about to ask if they could stay, though, she caught sight of a shift in their friend's demeanor. She finally seemed to have broken out of her haze, and even seemed to be starting up a chat with Cater's roommate. Though she wasn't sure of the sincerity behind that smile, or the pain it might be serving to hide, Marie was relaxed by it. Perhaps what Nana needed was a moment away from them, too. Maybe this was what they all needed; a moment to breathe in semi-solitude.

Bearing that in mind, the blonde's hesitance finally ebbed, and she flashed Nana one last parting smile before finally managing to concentrate again. She realized that Cater was now being strangely quiet as well- he hadn't replied to any of her comments, and he seemed a bit lost in his own head. Honestly, she could relate; it felt like she had a whole hurricane of thoughts, worries and questions tearing through her brain, all of which were entirely new to her. Above all else, though, was the incredible weight of guilt. The silence allowed it to fester and grow, and she was more than a little uncomfortable and nervous by the time that Cater abruptly stopped walking and dropped her hand. What if she'd done something wrong again? Was he mad at her? Did he have any idea what she had done?

"...Oh." Apparently not. "Claude... he was the one with the gentle eyes, wasn't he?" The one everyone had been quick to assume had killed Trixie. She hadn't even seen it as a possibility, personally, but his kind bearing had likely given her a rather hefty bias. Her brain was working a bit slowly thanks to the new influx of hectic thoughts running through it, but she tried to catch up to what he was saying. Message? Had Claude sent them a message? She had once again all but forgotten to check her tablet. But the topic of messages at least reminded her, and she fumbled to pull hers out with a small smile. "I understand. I will let Nana and Shinoa know," she offered helpfully. Clearly still unused to the process, she clutched her tablet in both hands, shaking it lightly for no apparent reason before speaking into it. "Hey. Strange box, deliver a message to Nana, Frank and Shinoa--" she began, slow and overenunciated. If Cater wished to keep this meeting private, he'd have ample opportunity to interrupt.​

 

[HanikamuKitten]

Cater Diamond​

Hallway
GamblingGoblins ​

"Hey. Strange box, deliver a message to Nana, Frank and Shinoa--"

She was totally about to blow their cover. Cater reflexively grabbed the tablet.

“No, I-“

He carefully placed the tablet back in her hands and tried to collect himself.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to be grabby, it’s just that I want this to be secret.” The more he talked, the more he wanted to tell himself to shut the hell up. He was sounding so fishy. He couldn’t really help it, it was just kind of his nature. People often told him that his natural tone of voice sounded like he was scheming, like he was hiding something.

He contemplated mentioning Claude’s trust in them again, but it didn’t feel fair to blame it on him. Cater would guess that Claude wouldn’t be bothered by others knowing about their meeting. This was all on Cater, and he shouldn’t make excuses.

“Let’s just keep this between us, yeah?” He tried his best to smile as genuine as he could, without letting the fear show on his face.

A beat went by with Cater contemplating his next move. He realized he didn’t just want to get information from Marie, but maybe he really just wanted to open up to her and get some things off his own chest as well.

For just a moment he wondered: would this boost their audience ratings? He shoved that thought out of his mind.

“Marie, do you-“ he sighed. “Do you, trust me? Like really genuinely. Do you think I’m a good person?”

 

[GamblingGoblins]

Marie - Ultimate Decapitator
Hallway
HanikamuKitten



"!?"

Startled by the sudden removal of her tablet from her hands, Marie's eyes shot up to Cater's, flabbergasted. She had been so concentrated on what should've been the simple task of sending a text message, but was being made into a big ordeal due to her lack of technological proficiency. Still, apparently that was a good thing, since her friend seemed to have objections to her course of action. "Huh?" Why had he taken it away? She was at a loss. Maybe she had done something wrong. Again. Why did it seem she was always messing up?

As Cater returned her tablet to her hands and explained that he wanted this to be a secret between them, she couldn't help but feel a strange mix of confusion and... happiness? "I... don't really understand. Aren't we supposed to stay in touch?" She couldn't grasp just why he wanted to keep this meeting a secret, but she also felt strangely flattered that he was placing so much trust in her. He was relying on her, just like she'd desperately wanted. A meek smile came to her lips, and she cancelled her message draft. "But if this is what you want, that's okay." If this had taken place even just a day earlier, she might've misconstrued his secrecy as a desire to simply rid themselves of Nana and Shinoa. In fact, she might've even offered to do so by her own two hands, oblivious to the true value of a life. But things were different now; she would never allow herself to think such horrible things again.

Despite the fact that he had released his grip on her, she sought out his hand once more, giving it a gentle and supportive squeeze. "Is there something on your mind? Is that why you want to be alone? If so, I'll listen." That was what good friends did, right? She didn't know if she qualified as such a thing, but she was doing her best to fulfill that role. So when Cater earnestly questioned her, wanting to know if she trusted him, she couldn't help but stare. Was he being serious? What kind of question was that? For a moment, she was silent, unsure how to even appropriately answer such a ridiculous query. "...Of course I trust you," she settled, gently. She released his hand, moving to instead place her own over his heart, utter sincerity in her eyes. "You're very kind, in here. I can see it in everything you do." A beat passed, and her gentle expression began to falter into something sadder. Her hand dropped away from him entirely, her gaze falling to the floor. "...Not like me." Nothing like her. She wished she could be so fortunate as to bear similarities to her friends here, but that simply wasn't the hand she'd been dealt in life.​

 

[Icee]

​

Claude Von Riegan​

Ultimate Stratigist​

themagnoliaofutah ​

​

​

Cafe​

"Coming up with a strategy to outsmart the enemy is just what I'm good at. Even though this enemy is unlike any even I've had to deal with. And our so called allies are all over the place with values. Even more so than my classmates back at home." Claude responded as he glanced at Louise as she gave him her explaination. "If the traitor is lookong to stir up something benearh us, we just have to be smarter than them. But we need support to do that. The traitor's already got the support of Monokuma, right? For all we know that bear's also enabling the traitor to carry out their plan. That's why we need our own supoort as well. I'm hoping others do show themselves to be on our side here..."

Admittedly, Claude was just as worried as Louise about things. Their enemy was very dangerous. Even more so with moving in the shadows amongst them. And it didn't helo that it seemed so many didn't beleive in him either. But Cater was going to show up, likely with Marie too. That was a start, right?

 

[HanikamuKitten]

Cater Diamond​

Hallway
GamblingGoblins ​

Cater had been staring at his feet, until he felt Marie squeeze his hand.

"Is there something on your mind? Is that why you want to be alone? If so, I'll listen." She’d…listen. He was so used to being the one to listen. Anytime his friends had an issue he’d listen. Once in a while they’d extend an offer that it was his turn, but he’d always turn it down. He was a good listener.

When Marie said that, he was sure. They could both be listeners together and be able to know more about each other.

Marie placed her hand over his heart. He glanced at her, a blush creeping onto his face. He silently hoped she wouldn’t feel his the quickening pace of his heartbeat.

"...Of course I trust you,"

Ba-dump

That felt good to hear, to know that they had a mutual trust in each other. He’d always felt that, even with his best friend Trey, there was always someone else. He recalled a time where Trey had said something along the lines of

‘Me and you are tight, but me and Riddle are tighter.’

Of course. Trey and Riddle were childhood friends. Naturally they would be closer. But as much as he tried to play it cool, it still hurt so bad. To be second fiddle for someone he cared about a lot. He knew at the end of the day, if it came down to it, Trey will always choose Riddle.

"You're very kind, in here. I can see it in everything you do."

Her hand suddenly dropped from his chest and her eyes found the floor.

"...Not like me."

Was she opening up? Even if just a little?

“Hey you’re doing that thing again. I- I want to know about you. But if you’re aren’t comfortable yet, then I can tell you about me first. And then maybe you can share okay?”

He took a deep breath.

“Where do I start?”

He didn’t need to go so far back right? Just the basics, he supposed. He hoped she wouldn’t be too confused.

“Well I have two older sisters. I never really got along well with them, as much as I pretended to. They were kinda pushy. Plus my family moved a lot so I didn’t make any long lasting friends. I guess that’s why I turned to social media. Oh you probably don’t even really understand my talent.”

He paused to make sure Marie was still listening and following along before he continued.

“There’s this thing called Magicam where I’m from. You can post pictures for people to see and they can comment on it and give it likes. Here, I’m apparently the ultimate influencer, but I wouldn’t really say I’m that good. An influencer, well- ‘influences’ the people that follow them. I keep up with and add to trends of what to post and what people enjoy. Makes sense?”

He waited for another sign from Marie before continuing.

“So yeah, I turned to social media because I,” he struggled to find the words. He had mentioned his home life before but never really admitted a lot of this out loud. He sighed. “I wasn’t really very happy at home. But then I went to school at a place called Night Raven College. It’s a school for magic. When I got accepted I was so happy. I got to leave home and be on my own for once. I made lifelong friends, and I miss them a lot. Especially my best friend Trey. He would sometimes let me stay at his house during vacations when I didn’t feel like going home. He’s a really great guy, and I really admire him a lot. But I’ve always felt he didn’t feel the same way I did.”

He didn’t realize how wet his eyes had gotten. He attempted to pat the wetness away with his sleeve.

“Sorry I’m rambling now, but I guess that’s kinda a bit of my story. You kinda know the rest. I came here, and I met you. And as much as this situation sucks, I’m really glad I did. I’ve never really told anyone this stuff. Not even Trey. So please don’t say you aren’t kind, or that you don’t feel like you’re worthy of praise. Because you’ve helped me a lot while I’ve been here, just by being you.”

Cater attempted a smile, tears still in his eyes. He held both of Marie’s hands in front of them.

He couldn’t believe he said all that. It was like a weight was lifted off his chest. He wasn’t focusing on the feeling from being in contact with Marie. He simply let it be.

 

[LuckycoolHawk9]

Stiles Stilinski- *Needs a coffee first*

Stiles was about halfway to the Extreme Sports section when he realized how tired he was. He wasn't sure if the coffee filter and pot had been replaced after the incident, but he knew that he wasn't going to be able to focus until he had something to drink. He would take a look, avoiding the people talking in the hallway and saw more people talking. "Don't mind me, I'm going to make a cup of Coffee," he paused for a beat and then went over to the boarding, scrolling something on it.

ThIs iS an apology for inTerrupting wHat seems lIke a Super Awesome SweEt time for CoffeE RighT from the daMaged lEEking Totally Inhibited by Nearby Guests? Isn't it?

He would go to make his coffee after doing that.

Icee themagnoliaofutah @Cafe Crew

 

[themagnoliaofutah]

Icee LuckycoolHawk9

"Maybe - there's a nonviolent way to get the audience's attention. If there's just one person watching who is willing and able to help us- we need them to process that we're real people like them. They're desensitized. We need them to wake up. Maybe if - if we can get calls to our friends, our families out there - they'll know we don't deserve this. That no one deserves this... so many here are so young, too. If the audience can - process that, they stop watching, or come to save us. No audience, no show. No show, no reason for people to die. To suffer. "

Louise glanced over and nearly jumped, making a small squeak of alarm - she hadn't heard Stiles walk in. "Oh, um, uh, hello-"

 

[GamblingGoblins]

Marie - Ultimate Decapitator
Hallway
HanikamuKitten LuckycoolHawk9 (ish)
​

"...Hm? Cater?" He was being oddly quiet again. On top of that, his face was looking oddly red and his heart felt like it might beat out of his chest. The sensation wasn't unpleasant to her, but it was a tad worrisome. "Are you alright...?" Without thinking about it, she reached up to place her hand against his face. "Do you have a fever? We should find you somewhere to sit down if you aren't well." Of course, if she were even a little world-wiser, she might've realized that he'd be fine if she just stopped invading his space. Unfortunately, though, she seemed completely unaware of the fact that she was the source of these issues. She was just about ready to physically drag him off to find him somewhere to rest, but it was just then that he spoke up, explaining that he wanted to know about her. It was somewhat startling, honestly. Had anyone ever asked such a thing of her before? And how was she even supposed to answer, given she was nothing but a fragmented existence?

Unsure what to say in the face of his words, she simply nodded, letting her hands fall back to her sides. She had told him she'd listen if he wanted to talk, and she attentively did just that, giving him her undivided focus as he spoke. Sisters, huh...? She wondered what that was like. She had been an only child in several senses, so she couldn't really imagine having a pushy family. His lack of friends, however, was something she related to on a deep level. But right now, all she did was give another nod to express she was following him. The explanation of just what social media was was appreciated, though she didn't fully understand it. It didn't really make sense, but it gave enough of a gist for her to at least follow what he was saying to a small extent. "I... think I get it. Sort of."

As her friend went on to detail the rest of his situation, she could only frown weakly out of sympathy. She understood what Cater was getting at. She knew firsthand what it was like to feel truly, completely alone in the world; it was how her entire existence had been spent, prior to Cagliostro's unexpected entrance into her life. But Cater seemed different. It was as she'd said before; he wasn't like her. He was far too good a soul for his worries to be true, and she fully intended that he hear that. "I don't know this Trey person, but... to me, it sounds like he cared about you lots, too," she offered, gently. After all, how couldn't he? Cater was an impressively likable person. Still, a sigh escaped her, and she shook her head. "I'm sorry you got pulled into all of this, away from your friends. It... isn't fair." None of it was. She wished she could undo it if it would make them all happy again.

The words that followed from him shook her from her melancholy stupor, and she couldn't help feeling incredibly touched by the sentiment. It warmed her heart to hear him say such kind things with that expression of sincerity, but... it felt like she was living a lie. As much as she wanted to thank him and accept things as they were, it didn't feel right. She couldn't so blatantly deceive him into believing she was pure. So she reluctantly pulled her hands away from his, instead going to gently wipe his tears away with her thumb. "You're very kind. It makes me happy to know I've helped you even a little." That much was true. Yet, she drew her hand away, finding herself unable to meet his gaze any longer. "But I don't think you get it. I..."

How could she put it into words? Visions of blood and death and dismembered, faceless figures clouded her mind, draining her of all logical thought. Those things had never bothered her before, but now, she felt as though the mere thought was enough to make her come undone. "I don't know why I can touch you." It wasn't the cleanest way to begin her story, but it was what came out. Her pitiful communication abilities deterred her, and she hesitated for a moment before trying to continue. "I was never able to touch anyone before. Not until I met Ren. When I touched people, they...-" Another crimson vision filled her gaze, vivid enough that she almost choked. She swallowed that fear and remorse down, squeezing her eyes shut. "...B-bad things, would happen to them." She hadn't ever thought anything of it. Hadn't known the weight of what was transpiring. But now, despite her intentions having been to comfort Cater, she herself felt like she was verging tears again. Whether it was good fortune or bad luck, Stiles appeared, the sound of his footsteps and prompt apology quickly pulling her attention and momentarily overriding her sorrowful spiral. "O-oh no," she gasped, softly. "I-I'm sorry. Our secret is ruined now, isn't it...?" Well. It probably was now, considering her attempt at whispering was still pretty audible.

 

[R U S T]

Tobi

Tobi stood there silent and dropping his arms quickly as he suddenly went quiet for a moment, staring at the two silently as he listened carefully to the outlaws words.

Then his attention went over the outlaws shoulder to see some sort of computer that seed very important.

He stood there silently.

The sudden tension almost choked everyone in the room, the tension raising higher and higher, he stood there menacingly as he’s started to straighten his back making him taller as he death stared the two.

“Are you saying you fear for your life at this very moment?”

Spoiler: Original version

All of a sudden the hole of his mask started to glow an eerie red, and his childish and young voice started to suddenly dissolve into a deep and suddenly menacing tone and whole different voice.

The intimidation only grew higher as he started down the two. The sudden change in voice would most likely startle the two. It was like he changed his whole persona. The sleeves covers up his arms and hands hiding anything that he could possibly be holding.

“KIDDING! HEHE! YOU GUYS SEEM PRETTY TRUSTWORTHY! WE SHOULD STICK CLOSE TO EACH OTHER AND WATCH EACH OTHERS BACK! ME AND FAUST ARE IN AN ALLIANCE! ILL WATCH YOUR BACKS DONT WORRY! HEHE!”

The eye glow suddenly disappeared in a flash. And he raised his sleeves showing that in fact, he was holding nothing at all.

Gummi Bunnies Takumi98

Mentions:
Crunch ​

 

[Takumi98]

View attachment 969536

Tobi

Tobi stood there silent and dropping his arms quickly as he suddenly went quiet for a moment, staring at the two silently as he listened carefully to the outlaws words.

Then his attention went over the outlaws shoulder to see some sort of computer that seed very important.

He stood there silently.

The sudden tension almost choked everyone in the room, the tension raising higher and higher, he stood there menacingly as he’s started to straighten his back making him taller as he death stared the two.

“Are you saying you fear for your life at this very moment?”

Spoiler: Original version

All of a sudden the hole of his mask started to glow an eerie red, and his childish and young voice started to suddenly dissolve into a deep and suddenly menacing tone and whole different voice.

The intimidation only grew higher as he started down the two. The sudden change in voice would most likely startle the two. It was like he changed his whole persona. The sleeves covers up his arms and hands hiding anything that he could possibly be holding.

“KIDDING! HEHE! YOU GUYS SEEM PRETTY TRUSTWORTHY! WE SHOULD STICK CLOSE TO EACH OTHER AND WATCH EACH OTHERS BACK! ME AND FAUST ARE IN AN ALLIANCE! ILL WATCH YOUR BACKS DONT WORRY! HEHE!”

The eye glow suddenly disappeared in a flash. And he raised his sleeves showing that in fact, he was holding nothing at all.

Gummi Bunnies Takumi98

Mentions:
Crunch ​

At the sudden tension in the room coming from the ultimate ninja, Atsushi bristled from where he stood slightly bent over the computer. Standing straight at the change in tone when Tobi spoke next, the weretiger turned his body slightly to watch the other closely, his pupils thinning in a silent warning as he stared Tobi down like a predator ready to strike at a moments notice.

Though when the man quickly reverted back into his childish persona, the white-haired teens lips pursed as he watched the man wearily.

He wanted an alliance? Blinking, his pulls returned to normal as his brows furrowed at the direction this conversation was going.

Weighing the pros and cons of such a thing, Atsushi was sure that it wouldn't be good for his health if he had to be in the vicinity of either Tobi or Kotomine for long periods of time if the later had every intent on being near Wanda who was usually in his general vicinity by association, as well as with the former simply giving off mixed signals in how he presented himself.

The thought crossed his mind that Tobi wasn't a possible threat to just him and Aru in this moment; but Sophie, Pinkie, and Usagi as well and it left a bad taste in his mouth. There was also what happened with Wanda after the trial as well to consider.

"I think I'll have to pass on the offer." He responded simply.

R U S T Gummi Bunnies @RadioBroadcastingRoom

 

[Capri]

SOPHIE WALTEN
Zenterfold Xeppy Josh @MusicVenue

Sophie signaled Pinkie to come over, patting the bench next to her.​

 

[themagnoliaofutah]

Icee LuckycoolHawk9

Louise glanced up at the board. "Oh, um, no, actually. The - more the merrier, right? Unless-" She looked sideways at Claude, as if silently asking his opinion on Stiles's question.

 

[HanikamuKitten]

Cater Diamond​

Hallway
GamblingGoblins LuckycoolHawk9 ​

"I don't know this Trey person, but... to me, it sounds like he cared about you lots, too,"

Yeah he sincerely doubted that he could ever care about Cater just as much as he did for Trey, but he appreciated the thought. He remained silent, there was no need to argue on the matter.

"You're very kind. It makes me happy to know I've helped you even a little." Kind? That was never a word he’d been described with. The internet isn’t a place for kindness, as much as he loved social media. Even with his friends he wasn’t the kind one. He was the sassy, chill, jokester guy. The loveable idiot type. He knew that well, he was self-aware. Had something truly changed since being brought here?

He found Marie’s hands at his face, wiping tears from his eyes. He gently leaned into it, letting her know that it was appreciated.

“I’m…different here. Different with you. Kindness wasn’t ever really my thing. Not to say I was mean or anything! I just- I wouldn’t go out of the way for kindness. I was more- self absorbed, and conniving. To most people I just seemed careless. But I’m glad that you think that.”

She withdrew her hands from his face.

"But I don't think you get it. I... I don't know why I can touch you. I was never able to touch anyone before. Not until I met Ren. When I touched people, they...-"

He noticed the look of pain as she spoke. She was recalling terrible things.

"...B-bad things, would happen to them."

“All our abilities seem to have been downplayed or completely erased. That’s probably why we can touch,”

and probably why I get that weird feeling.

“But what kind of-“

The sound of footsteps interrupted his question. Stiles appeared for just a brief moment. Marie looked panicked and dejected, like she was about to cry.

"O-oh no," she gasped, softly. "I-I'm sorry. Our secret is ruined now, isn't it...?"

He didn’t really care if it happened to get out to one person, nor did he think Stiles had any reason to do anything with the information. He just wanted to get back to their conversation. He shot Stiles a look like ‘what the heck man?’ before continuing.

“It’s alright if someone happens to find out, just- please continue. What kind of… bad things?”

He desperately wanted to know more about her, and what made her tick.

 

[GamblingGoblins]

Marie - Ultimate Decapitator
Hallway
HanikamuKitten

To have her attempts at reassurance so readily accepted, her touch welcomed rather than turned away, was a phenomenon that eased the burden on Marie's soul. She smiled softly at Cater as she brushed his tears away, despite the maelstrom of negative thoughts eating away at her own heart. She wasn't sure just when it'd happened, but at some point, she must have grown attached to his smile. It was a flicker of light in this land of darkness, and to see him so wholly vulnerable and sorrowful like this only deepened her resolve. She would bring that smile back to his face. She would do all she could to protect his happiness, fragile and delicate as it may be in this mortifying dilemma they'd been caught in.

"Conniving, huh...?" That didn't seem right. In fact, the idea of the man before her plotting anything was almost laughable. He seemed honest, to an extent of fragility and transparency. But then, that was the whole point of deception; you weren't supposed to know it was happening. Still, she was certain that he wasn't an unkind person. "I don't think you're careless at all. You say these things, but... You went out of your way for me, didn't you?" Time and time again, he had been gentle and patient with her, doing all he could to ease her fears and educate her on things she'd never known. Nana and Shinoa had done the same, but neither of them tended to her quite like Cater did. It was apparent that they seemed to like her, but there was still a strange wall between them. They didn't reach for her hand and hold it fearlessly the way he did. Perhaps they were afraid of her, too.

Even as she pulled away, a shameful piece of her heart wished his hand would find its way to hers again. Wished for that gentle warmth and comfort to help drive away the remorse that maintained a vice grip around her chest.

Staying strong as best as she could in the face of her selfish desire, Marie kept her gaze averted. 'Abilities', he said. Was that what that was? It felt more like a curse. A passive effect, dooming her to destroy all who dare laid a hand upon her. How could such a thing be considered a skill? And if what Cater said was true, and it had been taken away by the ones who brought them here, then... why? Wasn't death and destruction precisely what that strange bear craved? She could have killed anyone and everyone here with naught but a tap of the finger or brush of the shoulder if she'd maintained it, and she likely wouldn't have even batted an eye. So why had things gone this way...?

Tears prickled at her eyes, and she felt her despair continuing to fester and grow. Maybe that was why; that Monokuma creature had wanted her to break, just as Reinhard had. She couldn't comprehend such a twisted desire, but she nevertheless couldn't think about it long, either. After Stiles appeared, a stray pair of tears finally broke past her defenses, rolling down her pale cheeks as she bemoaned yet another failure. But, ah... according to Cater, this wasn't as dire as she'd thought. He didn't seem upset about Stiles appearance, which reassured her a tad in turn. "...Oh. Th-that's good," she uttered in response. But even still, her gaze didn't rise.

"..."

Truth be told, Cater's request for further detail made her want to curl up in a ball and hide away. But he had been brave and opened up to her. She would suck it up and do the same, even if the words that fell from her lips felt like they would tear her apart. "Th-they..." Putting it into words felt like being force-fed a dagger. How could she even describe it? Did she actually know the words? Subconsciously, her hand drifted toward her neck, her fingers delicately brushing over the mark of the guillotine. "They would die." The simple words were enough to break the dam on her tear ducts, and she felt so overwhelmed that she felt acutely aware of the sound of each drop hitting the floor. "I.. I-I killed them. So many people. I didn't know. I--"

Her ability to form words died away, a quiet sob leaving her in their place. She was much like Menma, but so much worse. How many lives had she taken during her accursed years of existence? How many more would fall to the blade that had melded with her soul? Could she ever right the countless wrongs? And... why did she want to? "I don't even have a heart," she murmured, barely audible. "I don't think so, at least. I... I can't feel it. I can't tell where it begins or ends. All that I feel is the hole..." It was an agonizing feeling, to lead an existence you couldn't even be sure was your own. To be unsure if the things you felt were truly yours, or a mere marionette puppeteered by another. "I'm scared. And... And I don't know how to fix it." It was apparently her turn to ramble, her cluttered and disjointed arrays of sentences barely even seeming to connect to one another. There was simply too much going on in her head to lay it all out in a way that made sense.​

 

[Icee]

Claude Von Riegan​

Ultimate Stratigist​

themagnoliaofutah LuckycoolHawk9

​

Cafe​

Claude blinked in confusion as he saw Stiles walk in and write what he did on the board. In all honesty, he just figured it was some sort of prank. It wasn't the best time for those but he somewhat could get pulling a minor joke. He used to do the same thing back at the academy. Though his jokes were more of the putting weird things in others' food more than the writing odd messages on the blackboard type.

He glanced back at Louise when she spoke. "That would be a simple way to solve this but the problem is, that audience is too far gone. Look at how they acted when the trial was going on! We were all fighting for our lives and they didn't care. They didn't even care about Menma'a execution. For some reason, even if they did know our lives are at risk I doubt that theu are goinf to care. They just wanr the thrill of their show."

 

[HanikamuKitten]

Cater Diamond​

Hallway
GamblingGoblins ​

"...Oh. Th-that's good,"

He wasn’t particularly convinced. She trusted him, but she doubted him just a bit at every turn. It wasn’t her fault and he didn’t resent her for it however, it seemed simply that trust was a still foreign concept to her. It was a matter of gaining confidence in herself. What could he do to make her gain that confidence? He didn’t know the answer yet, but he swore that he would help her find it.

He wiped the tears from her eyes, just as she did for him.

“My turn.” He said softly, with a gentle smile and a small giggle.

“Take your time.” To say they had all the time in the world would be far from the truth, but in this particular moment he saw no need to rush.

"Th-they... They would die."

D-die?! With just- a touch? His mind raced. Images of his dream came surging back into his mind. How with a simple touch, his friends were beheaded. If Marie had looked up at the floor, she would see shock on his face, though he tried to keep his cool. For a moment, all he heard was the sound of Marie’s tears dropping. She was no normal human.

"I.. I-I killed them. So many people. I didn't know. I--"

His gaze focused on the scar around her neck. His dream… had she been-

He clasped a hand to his mouth. His trauma was peanuts compared to her.

But it added up. The way she seemed so accustomed to death until recently, how she was so unsure and afraid. Even how she clung to him like it was the first time in her life because, perhaps, it was. He should have been scared. He should have wanted to run. But yet… he hadn’t wanted to stay so close to her as he did now.

He recalled some of the recent school events. Cases of overblot and people nearly killing others because of it. Accidents. He even recalled Menma, just yesterday. Plenty of others would blame her, but Cater? He believed accidents can be forgiven. She didn’t ask for this- curse.

"I don't even have a heart," he almost couldn’t hear her. He stepped closer, so that their noses were just an inch or two away.

"I don't think so, at least. I... I can't feel it. I can't tell where it begins or ends. All that I feel is the hole... I'm scared. And... And I don't know how to fix it."

Without thinking, Cater pressed his forehead onto Marie’s shoulder.

“I can hear it. It’s there.”

He picked his head up, and then Marie’s as well. He wiped away her tears again and looked her dead in the eyes.

“Your heart. You’re a good person Marie, don’t ever doubt it. I saw the way you looked at Trixie versus Menma. You’ve learned, and you’ve changed- in such a short time. And the people lost to your curse- their deaths are not your fault. The blood isn’t on your hands. And if, after everything that’s already happened, you still feel that it is? Then it’ll be on mine too.”

He wanted to scoop her up and lock her away, far from the world where nothing could ever harm her again. Instead he said simply-

“You’re allowed to feel bad. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I’ll be here.”

He should really take his own advice. Locking away his emotions had never done anything good for him. Like how he should have mentioned that he wanted to know more of the people in her life. Who had been there for her? Who was this Ren person? And why did he feel jealous of them without even knowing who they were?

 

[themagnoliaofutah]

Icee

Her face fell a little at his words, but she nodded. "...you're right. I guess - maybe if we could get behind the scenes, or -"

She was standing in a darkened hall, a cell phone in her hand, watching a painting crumble to dust in front of her.
"Same snake, different skin."

She blinked, suddenly becoming aware that she had stopped midsentence. "...we need to find out who's behind all this. Maybe we can take down this show for good. Save us, the others, and anyone else who - might end up here."

 

[GamblingGoblins]

Marie - Ultimate Decapitator
Hallway
HanikamuKitten

Just as Cater had surmised, the woman standing before him was very much a stranger to physical contact. She had never known the sensation of warmth that could come from something so simple as the brush of her hand against someone else's, nor what it might be like to exchange hugs with friends- not that she had any to begin with. It was all so new to her, yet had already proven to be something incredibly precious. To be able to reach out and partake in the simple joy of intertwining her hand with another's was a blessing the damned girl had never been granted, but was now something she saw as incredibly sacred. She would give anything in the world to be able to live the rest of her days in this way, surrounded by friends who she could laugh and learn with. People she could rely on when things got hard, and who could rely on her, too. Indubitably, in this moment, that was her greatest wish. A place to belong, with people who belonged with her as well. The goal seemed impossibly far out of reach for someone like her, fated to destroy all she touched, but it was nevertheless what she longed for most.

So, when she felt the gentle touch she had come to so deeply cherish, she couldn't help the sad smile that came to her lips. It was weak, and her lips trembled with the effort of maintaining it, but it was a clear sign of her appreciation. His patience with her was nothing short of a godsend, and she couldn't help but wonder how someone so good of heart could have wound up here. She might have deserved this fate, but not him. Never him.

As out of it as she was, she didn't miss the sound of Cater's hand pressing over his mouth with a barely audible gasp. She couldn't help but wince at the sound, mistaking his reaction as one of horror rather than sympathy. "I... I understand." She would have been a fool to think that he would blindly accept her after a confession such as this, so she couldn't say it was a complete surprise. "I-If you hate me. That would be okay." It wouldn't. Not really. She wouldn't have been able to bear something like that; not from him. But she could pretend, as long as it would make him happy. She tried to keep her smile, tried to pretend she wasn't tearing at the seams, but... she wasn't that strong. Her smile fell and her eyes squeezed shut as another quiet sob strangled and severed the words she wanted to say. "I-I--..."

Suddenly, she was acutely aware of approaching footsteps, prompting her to open her eyes out of confusion. Now seemed like the time he ought to be running away, not drawing closer to her. Yet, she was met by the sight of him leaning in close to her, his face lingering close to hers. Closer than anyone had ever dared before. She was so startled by it that she momentarily forgot herself, forgot the weight of all she'd just said. What was he thinking...? She couldn't read him like she could Ren, and she almost couldn't believe how kindly he still looked at her even after receiving all that information.

"!!!"

Wide-eyed, all Marie could do was gawk as he gently nestled against her shoulder, tenderly asserting that she did indeed have a heart. She hadn't ever expected such a gesture from him, and his words made her breath catch in her throat all the same. She felt faint warmth rising to her cheeks, her words failing her in the moment. Even once he lifted his head away, leaving an almost painfully empty sense of cold in his wake, she was speechless. It was only once he had guided her gaze to his with the gentlest of touches that she came to her senses. "I...-" Her head was spinning, clouded by a thousand new thoughts and feelings she still hadn't grown accustomed to. She felt strangely self-conscious all of a sudden, hyperaware of just how close he was to her. But... she didn't mind it. His warmth comforted her, and she felt drawn to it like a moth to a lamp. "What if it's hollow?" she whispered, softly. "A... very frightening person pierced me. The hole is still there, and it connects me to Ren." She didn't know if she was making sense, but that was the only way she could think to put it. "The things I feel... I don't know if they're mine, Cater. What if my heart is just a reflection of someone else's?" Could a shade like that ever truly change? Would it matter if she could? And then, there were Cater's words. The sentiment was so selflessly kind, but she couldn't help but feel his closing statement cruel. That wasn't how things worked, and even if it was... "I'd never ask something like that of you." This burden was hers to carry. To pin the blame on a soul like him would be ludicrous. If anything, she would rather see to it that he never had to lay eyes on another wounded person in his life. It was unfortunate things weren't so simple.

Funny how she felt so strongly about such things, but had still wound up being the one being comforted. She was frustrated by her own weakness, but Cater's gentle words managed to stave that feeling off, if only shortly. She was allowed to feel bad...? Sheesh, that seemed like a silly way of putting it. "You really do say the strangest things..." she admired, a fond smile tugging faintly at her lips in stark contrast to the tears still periodically falling down her face. Releasing her inhibitions and casting aside her self-doubt, Marie wrapped her arms around him in an affectionate embrace. "...Thank you." She wasn't very good with words, but she hoped that something like this would help convey her appreciation. "I want to do the same for you, as well." If she could support him like he did her, then she'd know she'd at least have gotten one thing right. And maybe that could be enough.​

 

[Xeppy]

Pinkie Pie
Capri Takumi98 lunar_moth Charles Babel + Music Venue

Music Venue

At first, Pinkie had felt good after giving Usagi her card. The squeezing of the pink-haired girl's fingers, the knowing that Usagi was telling her that they were okay: all good signs right there. That had given Pinkie Pie the optimism to continue giving the blond-haired girl guardian her designated card, letting herself have the slimmer of hope that everything would be okay. Pinkie had given her the card hoping to have her smile wide, like Sophie had. She had given her the card again thinking that if Usagi could try to comfort Pinkie, then Pinkie could try to comfort Usagi. At least, that's what Pinkie thought at first. When looking at Usagi's reaction to the card right now, Pinkie got a sinking feeling.

Tears. That certainly wasn't the reaction Pinkie was hoping for. What had happened? Did Pinkie write something wrong on the card? Was she insulting Usagi by calling her the guardian of love and justice? Were the Ultimate Party Planner's drawing skills for the card that bad that it sent someone into a state of depression greater than what they were already in after the execution? Pinkie's very much insecure thoughts swarmed in her head, causing her to completely miss how Usagi liked the card and was hugging it underneath her jacket. What did I do wrong? Did I draw her brooch wrong? Did I not use enough pink crayon!? Thought after thought attacked and stabbed her, causing an overthinking, pink-haired girl to be standing there. Pinkie Pie didn't usually overthink many things, but when it came to happiness, she would go to the ends of the Earth.

After going to false conclusions about how Usagi felt, Pinkie looked over the girl once more sadly before having her eyes drift over Atsushi's black card with white text inside. Now that she was thinking about it, should Pinkie perhaps not deliver it to him? Was that the best move right now for his overall happiness and chance for a smile? She didn't know if he would burst into tears (not that he has yet) or just act overall disappointed/not happy, but based on Sophie's intense look and Usagi's tears, it was probably best not to. Pinkie didn't even know how Wanda reacted to her card yet. She didn't even know if he would get the message behind the card. The message that she cared for him and the rest of their friends. Perhaps she should just rip up the card and call it a day.

Or... she could ask him how he would react! Yes, that's a great idea! With shaking hands, Pinkie grabbed her bright, glittery tablet, navigating to the MESSAGE app to send Atsushi a quick message. While she was giving the reason that she was messaging him to find out if he would accept her card happily or not, the main reason she was texting him was that she was worried. She didn't want to admit it, because she didn't want to think about how her friends could be in danger, but it was true. Sophie, Usagi, and Wanda were all here, yet she hadn't seen Atsushi. She hadn't seen him at all since yesterday. She had been looking at the door earlier with eagerness for Atsushi because she wanted him. She wanted to confirm that he was safe. Of course, he never went into the Music Venue, most likely exploring other areas, but Pinkie Pie's chest still gnawed with anxiety. With these factors inside her, she typed out and sent the text of:

"hi, atusishi. itss pinkie. in a very very hypotheticl way, if i gave youu a caard, wood you be happy or sad oor mad or anything else?? rmrmmber, its only hypethetical!!!!!
- P. Pie"

Spoiler: Message

"Hi, Atsushi. It's Pinkie. In a very, very hypothetical way, if I gave you a card, would you be happy or sad or mad or anything else? Remember, it's only hypothetical!"

There. He would never know that she made a card for him, since she only said the question was hypothetical. Though, for a few seconds, Pinkie couldn't help staring at the screen in a sense of urgency. She knew why, too. The burning question was in her heart: He would respond, right? Atsushi was going to protect her and them all... so Pinkie had to protect him! He couldn't just disappear! He had to respond! Pinkie's grip on her tablet got tighter and tighter, her vision narrowing and narrowing. He had to. He had to. He had to.

...

She only calmed down slightly when Sophie motioned to her, inviting Pinkie to come sit next to her. Oh... right. Pinkie had almost forgotten about that, with being nervous for Atsushi and all. A light feeling spread across Pinkie's chest when thinking about playing the piano with Sophie- doing something fun with a friend was basically Pinkie's trademark, after all. That was Pinkie, all right: becoming happy by the simplest gesture by one of her friends. Soon, however, this wasn't as true. The moment the light feeling spread across, an impending doom went upon her.

No, no, no, no, NO,nON NOO ON NO NO.

Pinkie pushed the feeling of happiness out of her body, wide eyed at herself. Remind yourself, Pinkie! This is a killing game! Two people died! You can't just... be happy! You can't just smile and laugh around, carefree! It may have seemed strange to others, but Pinkie was reacting to everything by thinking these things. By thinking she couldn't be happy right now. That ever since this all happened, she didn't have the right to laugh and smile anymore. Sure, Pinkie was the Element of Laughter, and she was supposed to laugh in the face of fear... but how could she here? What part of a killing game was any form of friendship? How was she supposed to laugh in the face of people dying, dyiNG, DYING? Her body started trembling just thinking about the word. Some Element of Harmony characteristic she was. Still, even with these negative thoughts inside of her head right now, she still walked over to where Sophie was. She could do (almost) anything in the same of friendship, after all. As she was walking over, though, she noticed one clear message from Claude on her tablet:
​

* Hey, everyone. I don't think Clem is up to doing this whole resteraunt meeting thing. It'd be nice, I guess, for my own peace of mind if you guys answer this mass text so we can be sure nobody's missing. If anyone has another idea for a meet spot that'd be great!! I'm going to be doing some exploring in the meantime

The moment Pinkie read "so we can be sure nobody's missing", she hastily closed out of the MESSAGE app and stopped reading the message Claude sent. Sure, Pinkie was just worrying about Atsushi disappearing, but having the idea of someone actually being gone again put panic in the pink-haired girl. When exiting out of the MESSAGE app, though, Pinkie soon saw and remembered the RANK app that was available to them now. Sure. That could take off her mind, and she could look through it with her friend. As she sat down next to Sophie on the bench, she was quickly scanning the app, slowly processing what she saw.

Bars. Rankings. Popularity. What did it all mean? Why would they create something like this? Her eyebrows scrunched up in confusion, and even though Pinkie just witnessed how a big audience wasn't helping them, how they were all used for entertainment, and how people here were capable of murder, she still didn't understand the monstrosity of mankind. She still didn't understand how when they were being ranked for how likable they all were, it was a bad thing, and people shouldn't be doing that. How they were being purely insane for liking and supporting something like this. The Ultimate Party Planner simply looked over the list blankly, seeing all the names of people she recognized. Even though Pinkie was trying to push away happiness out of grief and sadness for Trixie and Menma, she couldn't help herself from feeling happiness of seeing her name near the top of the list. Fourth place! People liked her!

She showed her tablet and the RANK app to Sophie, who was next to her and most likely had already seen the app, with smiling eyes. "Sophie! I'm popular!" After doing so and making this statement, she quickly resumed to seeing where Sophie's ranking was. Pinkie didn't find it for quite some time, as she was searching the top of the list for Sophie's name. But... it wasn't at the top. That couldn't be right. She slowly went downwards, soon finding it at the bottom. Bottom. Bottom? Pinkie's face turned into one of puzzlement, staring at the rank. Was this a glitch? "Fifteenth... place?" She turned her head sideways, as if this was all a riddle, and Sophie actually was first. "But... that doesn't make sense! You're kind! You're smart! You're super duper brave!" Pinkie wasn't saying these things to compliment Sophie or simply to suck-up to her: it was as if she were speaking from the heart, arguing against the system. It was as if she were speaking clear facts. "Maybe it's ranked really wrong! Maybe it's not supposed to have a '1' in front of it and you're supposed to be fifth place!"

Pinkie's optimistic side shined out at this time, which was a clear improvement of earlier. Leave it to Pinkie being around her friends to let her be herself. She soon noticed, though, that she was sitting near a piano, asking to play it with Sophie... and not playing it. She quickly put away her tablet, giving a sheepish expression to Sophie that spelled, Oops, before looking at the piano keys. Now... how did Sophie play that song before? The one Pinkie didn't recognize? Pinkie looked at the keys in a deep concentration- a look she normally didnt have- before slowly playing the different keys. It certainly wasn't the very beginning of Another Brick in the Wall, and the playing was hesitant and quiet, as Pinkie could only play this bit from watching Sophie play. Strill, the pink-haired girl had watched Sophie quite intently, and with her memory, she could quite remember this bit.

Of course, Pinkie didn't get to play her little bit for long before someone came along.

"Did ya sleep well? Thinking about that poor girl that got murdered? Was a big of a bummer, wasn't it?"

The message was not directed at Pinkie, yes, as it was said towards Wanda, but it still seemed to affect the Ultimate Party Planner. She froze, the happy eyes directed at Sophie filling with despair again. She got filled with pain and guilt at the words Sera gave out in the air, and it showed on her face. Guilt because Pinkie had started acting like nothing happened again... and pain because of how Sera said it: mockingly. Mockingly. MOCKINGLY. The greatest, most traumatic experience of Pinkie's life, put into a few sentences, said mockingly? Pinkie turned around to face Sera, her face indescribable.

"How can you just..." Her voice choked, her face becoming one filled with anguish. "How can you just... just...!"

And the tears rolled down again. She started shaking with grief, having the death of Trixie become a mocking joke. Her tongue was bitten, her eyebrows were furrowed, and her eyes were closed. Pinkie had meant to say How can you just say that!?, but the words got lost in her mind. Right now... was so strange. For the first time in her life, Pinkie felt so much anger inside her body. It was like she could explode at any moment, how words were bottling up to only spill out at any second. It banged against her mind, her soul, her entire creation. Oh, how death can affect so many people differently. Pinkie opened her mouth again, about to scream at Sera, before looking over at Sophie.

Whatever look Sophie had on her face right now, however Sophie was reacting, whatever Sophie was right now, Pinkie still felt a comforting sensation at the sight of her. At the sight of a friend. At the sight that someone she cared about was right next to her. All the anger rushed out of her body, but she still had the lasting words of Sera in the air. There was still the reminder that people died, and that they would never come back.

"Did ya sleep well? Thinking about that poor girl that got murdered? Was a big of a bummer, wasn't it?"

Pinkie let out a screech of heartbreak- long overdue, if anything, with what was happening. If Sophie would allow it, Pinkie would try to cling to her arm for a moment, letting out wails that could be compared to Usagi's earlier. This most likely wasn't Sera's intention when she made the comment, but now she had a crying, pink-haired girl holding onto another next to a piano in a Music Venue.

Through her cries, however, Pinkie somehow managed to point at the piano and let go of Sophie's arm at some point. She was signaling that she wanted Sophie to play the piano, or in more specifics, how she wanted to play the piano with Sophie. Even through her sobbing, she still wanted to play it with her friend. Pinkie hoped to have a moment with Sophie, yes, but she also hoped to be lost in the playing, as she was before. She didn't like the feelings inside of her. She didn't like them at all.

She needed to make them disappear somehow. Even if it was only from the piano, she had to do something.​

 

[Icee]

Claude Von Riegan​

Ultimate Stratigist​

themagnoliaofutah

​

​

Cafe​

The Ultimate Stratigist easily picked up on her pause but decided not to say anything just yet. At least not until he had responded to her. Louise's words seened reaaonable. But at the same time he somehow felt even less hopeful. Easier said than done. Right now he was wondering if there really was a way to do any of this.
"Finding the one responsible for this...well, I think the only way of doing that would be finding and exposing the traitor or traitors." he told her as he sighed. "But right now we won't get to do that without some more allies on our side. Whoever they are, they're playing it smart. So we have to do the same. Somehow..."

Claude then looked back at his ghostly friend. Yes. He could call her that. He thinks they have started to become good allies. Safe enough to be called friends. In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but hope his intuition was right. Right now intuition really meant a matter of life and death. Trust the wrong people and you'll easily end up a corpse... It was sad to think, but very much true.

"Are you alright? You...zoned out a bit earlier."

Maybe she was just tired. It was still early. But Claude considered her a friend and as such he was concerned for her well being and wanted to be sure. Not that she woukd give him an honest answer though.