genessia | 010 | my reflection wraps and pulls me under

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Current Location: TV World Subarchway

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010 | my reflection wraps and pulls me under

(( OOC: Please read the warning post for this plot before tagging.

This one is especially heavy on the suicidal ideation, the negative self-talk, and themes of abandonment. ))

[ ACTION ]
[ Catch-all for the TV World ]

(( OOC: Please note for the dungeons I DO NOT expect these to be threaded out blow-by-blow. Tags can be about the aftermath of the dungeons, or reactions going in, if you want to use those prompts at all. Handwaving is encouraged. ))

[ OUTSIDE THE ARCHWAY ]

There are probably a Guardian and some deputies here. They might have some issues with people gathering here, or trying to get in.

[ INSIDE THE ARCHWAY - CROSSROADS ]

In the fog, there's a crossroads with four paths branching off.

The widest path leads to a building, which kind of looks like the apartment Shinjiro and Akihiko share right now in Genessia. That door is locked with three keys.

The path to the left leads to a building Akihiko would find familiar. It's an orphanage.

The path to the right leads to a structure which seems to be a mashup between the highschool in Iwatodai and the dorms that SEES lived in.

The narrowest path leads right past the building. It appears to go into a warren of alleyways.

[ INSIDE THE ORPHANAGE ]

Right when you get in, you hear a woman's voice saying, "You're just too much trouble." It's not a voice Akihiko would recognize.

The first floor is filled with whispering adult voices, harsh and judgmental. They're not clear enough to be heard right away. When you find the stairs, they've resolved themselves at last. "Undesirable." "Troublemaker." "Thief." "Bully." "Too aggressive." "Looks suspicious." "Not that one."

The second floor is distinctly hotter than the first. The rooms begin to fill with smoke. There's crying of children in the corridors, and by the final room - which has the first key - the whole dungeon is on fire.

In that last room, when the chest is opened, they can hear Shinjiro's very young voice. "I didn't really want this to happen. I didn't. It wasn't my fault!"

This dungeon drops a lot of Goho-M and Revival Beads.

[ INSIDE THE SCHOOL + DORM ]

When you open the door, you hear the principal say, "Delinquent."

The first floor appears to be just the school. But the corridors are tight, growing tighter, and the ceilings seem to get lower and lower. A shadow eventually can easily block the entire hallway. All around are whispers and snickering, and disapproving coughing. This building doesn't appear to have any distinct voices, one way or another.

By the time you get to the stairs, you almost need to crouch.

The second floor is the dorm. These appear to be spaced just like the actual dorm hallways, and the ceilings are the right height, too. But there are shadows everywhere.

Eventually, one will knock you into a wall. The wall completely collapses, and the sound it makes is a mix of Mrs. Amada and Ken Amada's screams.

After the first wall, the corridors seem to narrow exponentially. Knocking down more walls causes repeats of those screams, but. At least it's easier to move around over rubble?

The final room has the voice of Shadow!Shinji call out - "No, no it's not possible - no -"

This dungeon drops a lot of Goho-M and Revival Beads. It also drops an axe. ~~(Not funny, TV World.)~~

[ INSIDE THE ALLEYWAYS ]

This is a straight-up labyrinth, single floor.

It's freezing in the alleys. Shadows seem to come out of nowhere and ambush the party easily. There aren't distinct voices here - just shouts, and laughter, and indistinct pleading.

As they go through the alleys, it gets colder and colder. It also grows darker. It gets even harder to see the shadows, and eventually, you'll need to find the light of your cell phone to get by.

This dungeon drops a lot of Goho-M and Revival Beads. The shadows also seem unusually fond of casting Marin Karin on the party.

[ INSIDE THE SAFEHOUSE ]

This is Shinjiro and Akihiko's apartment, all right. Except the floor is littered with empty prescription pill bottles, hundreds of them. It's hard not to step on them. The door to Akihiko's room is locked. The bathroom is trashed, the mirror smashed.

Shinjiro's room is where you find them both, Shadow and Persona-user. This room is also pretty wrecked. Here the empty prescription bottle count is highest.

Shinjiro is tied up, back against the wall, sitting on his bed. The Shadow is pacing the room, kicking about empty bottles as he goes. His eyes are red, like he'd been crying, but he looks furious. He's holding an axe, and gesturing with it at Shinjiro.

"I'm not going to let you! I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!" the Shadow shouts, sounding a mix between anguished and furious.

As a counterpoint, Shinjiro almost looks bored, slumped in his bindings against the wall. He doesn't look at the Shadow. "Can you just get it over with?"

But then he notices you all there, in the doorway, and his eyes go wide. "Shit."

The Shadow turns, looks at you, and almost looks ... hopeful?

Or maybe he just hopes to use his axe. He runs a thumb over it, thoughtfully.

(( OOC: The boss fight will be "unlocked" in this thread after a) a character calls out what Shinjiro is denying about himself, and b) Shinjiro denies it. Actual fight can be handwaved. ))

[ AFTER THE BOSS FIGHT ]

(( OOC: Descriptive text will be unlocked in a post below after the boss fight. ))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Just as Scott told Cassian, he came to check on how things where doing. He had seen enough mutants hurt by mobs and police alike only because they feared what they were dealing with. He won't get in the way of the Guardian or their deputies, but he will keep a close eyes on them.

And so, anyone there would see a serious looking teen, staring there in silence, watching and waiting.]

[Orihime arrives at last, gaze fixed on the subarchway, but she remains a respectful distance away to keep from getting underfoot. Under her arm she has a black bundle of cloth wadded up. What it was for, she'll never tell.]

[Finding her spot, she folds her arms tightly, looking as if she's cold from the morning chill...or perhaps just doing her very best to hold herself back. It's a few moments before she notices Scott fairly close by, and her serious expression eases somewhat before turning into an awkward smile.]

Did you know Shinjiro-san too?

[Small talk might help take her mind off of the countless frantic worries spinning around, and pass the time as she waits for her friend and his rescuers to emerge.]

[Scott has been watching people come and go, keeping his distance for the only reason that he had promised the Guardian not to interfere. He's concerned about what could come out of the subarchway and how the deputies will deal with it. At first, he was so focused that he missed Orihime's presence until she speaks directly to him.]

Oh...hello. Yes, we talked a few times. I'm worried about him. Is he one of your friends?

Yes, he is!

[As soon as she says it, she remembers what the yellow-eyed Shinjiro said, that he wouldn't regard her as such. He barely knew her. Her voice is more subdued.]

...Yes.

[Even if he doesn't care, she can't help it. He was nice to her, and she'd come so close to making him laugh.]

I guess I'm worried about him too. That message was so strange, it's not like him at all.

[She hugs her arms a little tighter.]

I'm Orihime, pleased to meet you.

[They get along well but Scott isn't sure if Shinjiro would consider him a friend, so he doesn't use that word. They seemed to have gone through similar situations in the past if his last talk with Shinjiro was a sincere one. Scott couldn't be sure, the yellow-eyed Shinjiro might be lying but he doubted it.]

That's good. I think he needs all the support he could get. I'm Scott, nice to meet you. [Scott gives her a small smile and takes off his jacket, offering it to her.] There, put this on. You will feel better.

Heh...? HEH?!

[She's so surprised. Gentlemanly gestures are pretty rare ~~in shounen comics~~ from her friends, so she's almost not sure how to react.]

But won't you get cold? I brought an extra shirt! I mean, it was supposed to be used for a very cost-effective ninja mask to hide my identity when I ran past all the guards but there's no use for it now that I know going in would just make it more dangerous for everyone else so I could wear that for extra warmth but it would be terrible if you got hypothermia or pneumonia!

[From, what, sixty degree weather, if that? Is she rude to take it? Rude to refuse? THIS IS A BIG DEAL (in her point of view)! She takes a breath.]

...Are you sure?

Edited (formatting hijinks) 2017-09-25 17:58 (UTC)

Uhm..yes, I am. [Scott's a bit taken aback by the reaction but still holding the jacket out for her.] I'm sure, yes. I can take the cold. It doesn't bother me all that much.

[He looks at her up and down for a moment, wondering exactly how much use a cost-effective ninja mask would conceal her identity when the rest of her isn't covered in dark clothes.] It's cold at this hour but I'm fairly certain that we are safe from catching hypothermia.

[He can't help but smile a little more at her antics, that was cute.]

I've been in places much colder than this, I was born in Alaska.

[Slowly, hesitantly, she accepts the jacket since he's nice enough to insist, coloring happily. That was really nice of him. She drapes it around her shoulders and holds it closed like a cloak.]

Thanks. I'm much warmer now! Alaska, that's...

[Somewhere cold, obviously. She thinks back to her geography lessons. That's part of North America, isn't it? The state that isn't attached to the other states that looks like it's trying to kick at Russia.]

Oh yes, I remember where that is now. It's really far north, no wonder you're used to the cold, then! I'm from Japan.

[Just in case her name doesn't make it painfully obvious.]

What was it like? Did you ever run into any bears?

Don't mention it. [He can't do much to help Shinjiro but at least he can do something to help others, even if it's only to share clothes.

And yep, that's the state. The one who looks like it's doing its own thing.]

It's been a really long time since I was there but I haven't forgotten what winter is like in Anchorage. I always wanted to go to Japan. I know there's another subarchway here in Attleton that least to Tokyo, I need to visit one day but I don't speak the language.

Heh. No, I didn't have the chance but I saw a lot of moose.

[Talking with him is helping to take her mind off of her uselessness in the situation too. She'll appreciate that later once she realizes it.]

Tokyo is great! I lived in one of the suburbs so I guess I can't really say I've been to the really big and busy part of the city. But I could translate things for you if you'd like to visit.

[She beams, her shoulders hitching.]

I would have an excuse to visit too, in that case, so it would work out well!

[A moose is not a bear. But she is nonetheless impressed.]

Oh wow...aren't they supposed to be huge? Are they dangerous, or can you approach them?

[It's also distracting Scott from thinking about all the possible bad outcomes, he will be thankful as well.]

Really? I wouldn't want to impose, I'm sure you are busy with other things. But going there with a local would be really helpful. I don't think any subarchway leads to Anchorage or I'd show you around. I lived in new York as well but for the last years I've been traveling a lot, I didn't exactly have a normal house to get back to.

Moose aren't more dangerous than bears but there's a lot more than them. And the Alaskan moose are the biggest in the world.

Oh no, that's okay! I'll just picture it in my head as you describe it. Wow, the biggest in the world...

[Which means there will be WAY MORE MOOSE running around in Orihime's mental version, strolling calmly through the streets of small snowy towns. One moose is the size of a skyscraper. As for imposing? She shakes her head with a smile.]

Mmmm. It's no trouble at all. There are a lot of great Japanese foods to try, and a lot of theme restaurants where the experience can be just as much fun as the food itself. Sometimes better!

[Which says more about the quality of the food, or lack thereof, in those cases. His warmth still lingers in the lining of the jacket, imbuing her with a sense of coziness and security that subtly relaxes her.]

I'm a little envious. I'd love to travel to more countries! How did you get to do that? Were you part of an exchange program?

They get close to the cities sometimes if they are hungry. That's when you need to be careful about them, otherwise, they don't cause any trouble.

[Orihime, you are far too cute. Skyscraper-sized moose, why not.]

Then once all this is over we could have a small trip there. Perhaps Shinjiro would like to come over too, distract himself. I look forward trying the food.

[Given Scott's past, he would never even consider complaining about the food. Anything is good for his standards but he also ha no doubts that Japanese food might be great. He's only heard good things about it.

Orihime's next question has him looking slightly alarmed for a second. Boy, is he bad at lying.]

Ah..yes. kinda like that. My friend is I were part of an organization that moved around the world helping people.

Ha ha! That sounds like some of my friends!

[Not really, but it was a joke too funny not to make. The mention of Shinjiro pulls her gaze back to the archway where she watches for a moment, as if Scott saying his name would summon him back to safety in time to protest. But there's no one there. She glances up at Scott once more, readjusting her smile.]

He might like that! I'm still learning about the things he likes, to be honest. So far, all I know for sure is that he doesn't like durian fruits. But I think you'll have a good time, and he will too.

[She'll kindly not introduce Scott to the ice cream that's filled with tiny white fish. That's something she's never tried before, and although she's curious, Japanese cuisine isn't for all Westerners.]

You're part of a volunteer organization? No wonder you're so nice!

[She beams.]

Which one? Red Cross? UNICEF?

[Scott smiled at that, nodding.] Oh, same. Some of my friends practically eat their weight in food.

[It's justified by the fact that some of their mutant and human abilities make them hungrier. But Scott can't exactly tell Orihime that without having t explain the whole mutant superhero gig.

He notices Orihime's eyes darting towards the subarchay and feels a little bad for bringing up the reason why are they both worried and waiting outside the gate.]

I know he likes dogs a lot too. I got one myself, this last week when they were everywhere because Ace freed them from the shelters.

[Yeah ice cream fish might be something that requires some proper warning.]

I..ehm...yes. But we are an independent, nonprofit organization called the Champions.

You have a dog?

[It's attention-grabbing enough that Orihime doesn't just turn her head to look at him. The rest of her turns too.]

What kind? How big is it? I don't think I know who Ace is...

[He seems to have ~~lied~~ explained the Champions, because she appears satisfied and admiring with that much alone. To care that much about other people...and he still seems like he's just a high school student!]

I'll have to ask you which countries you've visited. Then I can live vicariously through your adventures!

[That sure is a lot of excitement over a dog. Good thing Scott is also a dog nerd!]

I do, his name is Horatio. He's still little but I have some pictures. Here, let me...[He fishes out his phone from the back pocket of his jeans and looks for the photos he took.] ...got them! That's him.

Ace is a pirate. He's nice but a bit strange, goes around shirtless and wears a straw hat. Likes fire a lot.

[Technically, Scott did not lie. He was part of a superhero group named the champions and they helped people around the world for free. He just forgot to mention the superpower things they all had in common. Scott's a shitty liar but he's good at technicalities.]

I don't exactly keep a list but I've been everywhere in the states, Spain, England, Africa, Canada, France...[Part of Notre Dame Fell on Scott once and he almost died. It's a long story.] My adventures aren't that interesting, though. We just go where we are needed.

[Not.]

[That.]

[Interesting.]

[Scott you big fat liar. :C]

Aaaaaaaah! He's so cute!

[She doesn't steal his phone for a better look, but she'll definitely lean in closer. She didn't expect the dog to be a puppy! Is there any better way to cheer someone up whose friend is in mortal danger than by showing them a picture of a puppy? Clearly not.]

I don't think I've ever met a pirate before! Just people with eyepatches.

[She beams up at him before studying the pictures again.]

It sounds like you've been almost everywhere! Did you try the local dishes? Or learn any good recipes?

[It's only trouble piled onto more trouble! She really doesn't need to be burdened with that :C

Her reaction gets Scott to laugh and he offers the phone to her.]

He's rather cute. Once all this is over I can show you Horatio in person.

I've meet plenty of those, but space pirates mostly. My dad is one. They're not as bad as the stories makes them to be. And they rarely wear eye-patches. But they do like drinking and causing trouble.

I tried a few things but I didn't exactly had time to play tourist.

Really? I'd like that a lot.

[Especially after this is over. Is there any bad feeling a puppy can't soften with sheer presence alone? She holds the phone in her hands, her expression warm.]

I always wanted a pet back home, but my apartment building didn't allow them.

[Orihime admires Horatio a few moments longer before returning Scott's phone.]

[Or tries to. As soon as he says his dad's a space pirate, her eye size doubles, and she drops the phone out of her nerveless fingers. Oops.]

HEH?! A SPACE PIRATE?! REALLY?!

[It never occurs to her for one second that he might have made this claim just to mess with her. She wants to believe that it's real, so therefore, it is.]

How did you wind up in Alaska? Have you been to space too?

[Wow, he's just so cool...!]

Ah, that's too bad. I never had one either as a kid because pets weren't allowed in the orphanage. I live in this city now and I take Horation out for walks often, there's a lot of small parks and green areas for pets to play and run around. Do you live in Attleton too?

[Ooops, and there goes his phone Thanks, god the thing's sturdy. Scott might want to hide his mutation from her but he wouldn't like to Orihime, or anybody, to make fun of them.]

Y-yeah. His name is Christopher but he goes by Corsair. [Scott looks a little overwhelmed by all the question, it's a touchy subject, but he knows he only has himself to blame for bringing it up. He decided to go for a much simpler version of what happened to his family. First he picks up the phone from the ground, to save himself some time.]

Dad was a test pilot for the National Aeronautical Space Administration and had his own plane. During one of our family vacations, the plane caught on fire and crashed. For the longest time, I thought it had been just an accident but it turned out we were attacked by aliens and they took my parents. Things...happened. Bad, complicated things but he managed to escape in the end and became a space pirate. My mom didn't...

[Scott is anything but cool, Orihime his whole life is just a cosmic joke.]

[It's an incredible story. She at least has the dignity to blush when he stoops to pick up his phone, she didn't mean to throw it on the GROUND. But she can see that she's starting to tread into territory that might cause him pain. He's been nice enough to open up to her like this, and for a moment she's torn -- let him talk it out with her, or change the subject to avoid hurting him?]

[She studies his face for a moment. She's not really the type of person to make physical contact with another, for fear of invading their personal space or intruding where she doesn't belong. But Scott just...]

[Orihime takes a step, moving to stand at his side with her jacket-covered shoulder nudged up against his arm to give her silent support.]

I'm sorry. It sounds like growing up was probably really hard for you.

[She smiles a little, to show she understands. She can kind of relate, given her own childhood and family situation. She looks at the door and shakes her head.]

No, this is my first time setting foot in Attleton. I haven't been here all that long, actually! But it seems like a nice place to live.

[Orihime smiles up at him then looks back to the subarchway.]

If your dad ever shows up here, I hope I get to meet him.

[To say that Scott is surprised by the reaction is to put it mildly. His eyes widen behind his visor and close as she is to his face, maybe Orihime can see them behind the red lenses. He relaxes a second later and gives the girl a soft smile.]

It got a little better later. [And also much, much more complicated. But he wasn't so alone and for that he was grateful.] Thank you, Orihime. [He might not look like it, serious as he usually is, but Scott always find comfort in touch and closeness.]

The neighbors are somewhat old-fashioned and very nosy but it's part of the charm. They would come to you to make small chat at the first opportunity and also bring sweets. It's nice, like from an old black and white American tv show.

[That last comments gets a laugh out of Scott.]

If my dad shows up here you will know immediately. We look alike but we behave very differently. He's easy going and makes terrible jokes sometimes, like most pirates.

Ha ha ha! I didn't know pirates were good at making terrible jokes!

['Good' is such a relative term. But she's happy getting to talk about pirates and making a nice new friend to boot. He really needn't thank her just for standing next to him, but she's happy he appreciates the gesture.]

It does sound pretty ideal. Are apartments cheaper out here than in the main city?

[Because she is all about thrift. Perhaps she'll consider being a nosy neighbor herself, she's already got the sweets thing down pat!]

Most of them have an awful sense of humor, you would be surprised. They have really cool ships too, it's important that they're both fast and armed to the brim. Being in space was fun but the food was terrible.

[Space pirate life isn't nice, Scott learned that the hard way.]

They're not much cheaper than other cities but much better equipped and spacious. I also chose Attleton because I'm going to the school here.

[Scott's all about saving money too as well as being practical.]

010 | my reflection wraps and pulls me under

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Let me know if this is okay!

Absolutely :D

Yay!

♥!

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