Fantasy Music Box

[sox]

Celene rubbed her arm before shrugging. "Alright..." She finally made her way back to the guy who had gotten a blast of air. "Hey, uh, sorry 'bout shoving you before. I'm just kind of on edge, you know? This whole Festival thing... I don't want to die," she admitted, anxiety and terror evident in her eyes. She knew that no one had ever gotten out alive. It was highly unlikely that she would be any different than the countless victims before her. Still, she pledged to herself that she would at least try to survive in the hell that awaited her.

 

[Priya]

Luke watched everyone go up and try the slot machine, not getting involved for some time. Once everyone had gone through and nothing happened to further the festival, he decided he should probably try it too. Luke strolled up confidently and yanked the lever, oblivious to anyone else. The machine spun and whirred maniacally, and he was hit square in the chest with some invisible force. He landed with a thump on the floor, rubbing his head slightly. He got to his feet and gave the machine a solid kick, but only ended up probably breaking a toe. Grumbling under his breath to himself, Luke returned to the group to introduce himself.

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"Vous êtes intéressant...." she mumbled, but grinned anyway, "Just give me a little warning there and I might succeed in trying to catch you." This man was quite the card indeed. Dixie couldn't help but return his infectious grin and even returned his little bow. Quinn certainly was different, she had to give him that.


"Now see..." her grin fell to a simple smile as those little shoulders shrugged up. "That I have no clue about. Not.everyone has taken a wack at the little demon slot. machine,so perhaps we will just have to wait until they. have all had their dose of pain huh?" It was her best guess, but all that she could provide for him at the time, though she knew by now that she would not be bored with this man talking to her.

 

[sox]

Celene wanted to feel bad for the guy who got hit by seemingly nothing, but the sight of him kicking the machine was too comical for her to hold back a soft giggle. "You okay?" she asked when he approached. "What did the machine show?" She hadn't seen what the thing was that pushed him, and he probably hadn't either, but that didn't stop her from asking.

 

[SkyFilms]

Neah observed the sociable people around him for a few minutes before wondering what he could do himself. Reaching into the inside of his trench coat his gloved hands slithered into the interior chest pocket retrieving the leather faced journal which occupied the otherwise lint littered spot. His finger played with the small but thick notebook before opening it to its past page as if it where a book.


Just as his eyes found the line he had left a voice spoke up in front of him, drawing his attention to the ice girl he had picked up the name up of, Celene. Lowering the leather coated book to his side before sliding it back into its rightful home being left before he could speak.


Eyeing the boy who had as well as others fallen before amusingly kicking the machine. Letting out a sigh Neah reached into his pocket once more, wondering if he'd fit in with such a diverse and unpredictable group.

 

[Priya]

"Fine," Luke growled, looking up to give the woman a grin. "It said something about earth, but I didn't see what hit me." Luke brushed some of his jet-black hair off his face. "So... What happens now?" He looked around the room again, taking note of everyone present and talking to each other. Did they know they'd soon die in each other's presence? Regardless, Luke placed his hands squarely on his hips and waited for something to happen next.

 

[Bawadaboo]

They were at a loss. With nothing much to do in the middle of the room Quinn turned to face the nearest wall. "Well Dixie, would you care to join me in the cheap seats to watch the show?" he asked, spreading his arms invitingly as he scooted to the edge of the room. It was odd, but as the moments wore on the room was getting brighter and brighter. It wasn't his eyes adjusting to the darkness, no the room was actually getting brighter. No one else seemed to notice it, at least they didn't speak up. But at this rate he was sure the room would be fully illuminated in a matter of minutes. He fell against the wall lazily and dropped to a seat. He had a nice view of the slots from his seat, and hopefully the real show wouldn't start too quick, at least it could have the decency to wait until the lights were on.


He tapped the concrete next to him, inviting Dixie to take the seat.

 

[sox]

"Well, there are still two people who haven't given it a try," Celene reminded the guy. "What's your name, by the way?" From the looks of it, he was younger than herself yet taller, much to her displeasure. He also wasn't bad-looking, but that wasn't very high on her priority list at the moment. She needed to know if these people were smart enough to figure out ways to avoid death. At least they weren't accompanied by any small children.

 

[Priya]

"Ah, right," Luke replied hastily, hoping to seem like he knew that fact already. "Name's Lucas. Most people call me Luke, though. Nice to meet ya," he extended a hand amiably. Maybe if he found an ally in this girl, he'd stand a better chance of survival. Everyone else seemed to have that idea, anyway. Luke brushed the troublesome bangs out of his face again, studying the woman who had greeted him and gauging her survival abilities. Aside from the fact that she was distractingly pretty, he couldn't tell much from her just by looking at her.

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

Without another though, the Cajun gladly plopped down into the seat, not the best idea it seems because her bottom was still incredibly sore from her fall from the blast and she squeaked quietly in discomort a bit before settling back down. She watched with renewed interest in all of the others here, forced to be here for the most vile of reasons. Lord...how could kill them? Any if them in that fact, she wasn't a killer, she couldn't even kill a lobster when she tried making it to go with gumbo!


With a sigh, her head fell into her palm as she keaned forward, watching the area carefully just in case any more surprises decided to show up. "What do you think will happen after everyone takes a pull at the machine cher?" She asked Quinn quietly, not taking her eyes off of the others.

 

[sox]

Celene shook his hand firmly before dropping her hand to her side. "Celene. Likewise." A pang of irritation swelled in her as she realized she had to look up to talk to him, even though it was slight. "So you got something earth-related," she thought aloud. "Maybe this has something to do with magic the rules mention?"

 

[Priya]

Luke shrugged. "Who knows, man. This whole thing never made sense to me, ya know?" He rubbed the back of his neck thoughtfully, casting his gaze across the collection of people in the room. "I never understood why it exists. But now I'm in it. I guess we'll know more soon, eh?" Luke turned his attention back to Celene. "Sorry. I sometimes forget other people can talk, too." He flashed a bright grin.

 

[sox]

Celene smirked. This guy was alright. "Yeah, I see how that could be a bad habit." Tucking her hair behind her ear and sweeping her bangs out of her face, she crossed her arms and assessed Lucas. He seemed like your typical teenager, if not a bit more built in stature. "How old are you, bud?" she asked suddenly, curiosity stomping all over courtesy.

 

[Bawadaboo]

Quinn had been trying to shut the thoughts of what was to come out of his head, but that didn't seem possible right now. He knew of the Festival, and he knew no one had ever gotten out alive. It was a hard thing to know that he'd been chosen. He out of everyone else on the planet, had been chosen to play the deadly game.


Dixie's cheerfulness had faded to worry once she sat. That was understandable, she was probably just as scared as he was. He rubbed his head once more and leaned forward with her. "What do you think will happen after everyone takes a pull at the machine cher?" He turned to look at her. She was clearly shaken up.


"Not sure..." He wished he had a real answer for her, but since no one had ever returned from this trip, no one knew what they were up against. "I have to assume something rough is coming. Something dangerous." He dropped his hand on her shoulder. "But perk up alright?" he requested with a smile. "You don't seem like the type ta let this beat you."


It must have been his imagination, but Dixie's shoulder was hot... like really hot, and getting hotter by the second. Come to think of it... the room had almost been completely lit up by now. Something strange was happening... he removed his hand. Her shoulder was actually starting to burn... like a day old lightbulb. He had to have hit his head harder than he thought.

 

[Priya]

Luke gave Celene a weird look. "Uh, excuse me?" Did she just ask him how old he was? What the hell? How was that any of her business? Luke blew his breath out short, raising an irritated eyebrow as he looked down at her. He did have a more youthful face, but Luke was very much an adult, at least in his own eyes.

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

Quinn was right, on everything he said to her. She knew that they would have to face something horrid, and that she shouldn't let this keep her down. She was not a quitter, no matter the situation, she had never gotten depressed or sad because she knew that it would only weigh her down and ruin her chances and this situation was no different.


"You're right Quinn." She moved her gaze to him and returned the smile once his hand left her shoulder, and instantly her mood had its usual pep back. "Enough with this depressing stuff huh? Tell me about yourself mon ami."She stated, using the French phrase he delivered to her earlier in their meeting.

 

[sox]

"How old are you?" she repeated, not caring that he was obviously irritated. They weren't exactly in a social environment, and Celene would be damned if she didn't get the information she desired. He seemed like a nice enough fellow, but names and ages were something that she felt the need to know. She began to speak again, but a light out of the corner of her vision caught her attention. "What are you two doing?" she questioned, peering over.

 

[Priya]

Luke glared down at Celene. "Eighteen," he replied bitterly, feeling heat build up in his face. He was plenty old. But, looking around, Luke realized he was probably one of the youngest present, if not the youngest. He chewed his lip angrily, trying not to start an argument. "Why?" he asked bluntly, foregoing all niceties. If Celene didn't have to be polite, neither did Luke.

 

[Cyan]

Cian watched on in silence as the others got acquainted. A body seemed to still be fast asleep in the far corner of the room, slightly hidden by the shadows. He crossed the space and peered at the...boy...girl...the child that was still unconscious. He slowly sat down and leaned up against the wall by the persons side, his expression stoic. 'Air, Ice, Warmth, light and darkness, Earth' he repeated like a strange mantra in his mind. His eyes slowly closed as he recalled all the events that had happened until now, looking for clues here and there. Not a second had passed when his eyes snapped open, the realization dawning on him. "Elements..." He whispered, glancing at the others with a strange glint his eyes. He abruptly stood and stalked over to the women who had gotten warmth and placed a hand on her shoulder. Cian immediately pulled back as the searing heat nearly burned off his fingers. "I was right..." He muttered underneath his breath.

 

[sox]

"Curious," she tossed back to Luke idly, more captivated by the growing light around Dixie than the boy's silly anger. "I'm twenty-one," she decided to tell him, figuring he deserved as much. So she was right that he was younger, though not by much. She had to admit that his flustered expression was rather charming, in its own way. Regardless, she pushed that aside and focused on the scene in front of her.

 

[Priya]

"Oi!" Luke called, snatching Celene's wrist. "I'm not done talking to you– what?" Luke released his grip on her wrist, examining his hand with mild panic. "You're so cold," he commented, rubbing his fingers together. "What's with you? You feel like ice," he explained, rubbing his arm with his cold hand to put the warmth back.

 

[Cyan]

"Ice" Cian stated, standing up and glancing over at the two. "And you're earth" He continued, pointing a finger the mans way. He had figured it out. Somehow the slot machine had given them abilities, mostly that of earthly elements.

 

[sox]

Celene examined her own arm, not feeling anything. "What? No, I don't." She put her hand up to her neck, where she suddenly felt the temperature difference. "Holy hell," she muttered, staring at her arms in bewilderment. "Ice. I got ice thrown at me. So it is a magic-giving demon machine." She chuckled dryly. "Unless it makes you turn into whatever you got."

 

[Bawadaboo]

"Tell you about myself..." He stopped to think a bit. Where to start? He opened his mouth but couldn't speak quick enough before one of the people who hadn't pulled the lever marched over and placed his hand on Dixie's shoulder. Quinn's eyes shot up to scan the culprit. What kind of...? He shook his head.


"I was right..."


It was barely audible, but Quinn had heard it, and was very confused. "What exactly... do you know?" he half demanded from the new arrival as he looked quickly to Dixie and back to the other. Quinn didn't know why he was feeling defensive. It's not like Dixie belonged to him or anything. He supposed he'd gotten attached to the cajun in the short time they'd spent together. Regardless, he told himself to tone it down. The man began speaking to others around the room about elements.


"I'm sorry, what was your name?"


The room was now at full light, and Quinn could see the entire boxy area they were sat in. Grey walls and floors, with a lone slot machine in the corner and about eight people. The weird thing though... there were no light sources in the room. It was like the light was coming from everywhere at once.

 

[Cyan]

"Light and Dark" Cian exclaimed, his breathing a bit irregular as he marveled at his sudden discovery. He was mildly excited, an emotion he wasn't quite used too but at the same time uneasy, which he was all too familiar with. Scientifically, his theories were all completely unethical but in a place like this...