dreamposts: (Default)
dreamposts ([personal profile] dreamposts) wrote in [community profile] songerein2022-10-15 05:21 pm

{ haunted carnival | test drive #08 - october 2022 }




HAUNTED CARNIVAL


Full details on everything can be found here, but an important reminder that this event log doubles as our Test Drive Meme and information can be found in this section.

This means any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in October and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of October 25 through 31 (this log is forward dated to the 25th). However, outside characters can only thread within this log, so for those seriously considering the game, you are welcome to use non-festival prompts for your toplevels. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count October as their first time in the game without any disruption, so all content will carry over. Those who do not apply will disappear which should not seem too unusual as people randomly disappear already, however players in game can choose to retcon and pretend a character was never there to begin with if it would be easier; or even think their presence was just a dream.

IMPORTANT! All outside characters MUST have "TDM" in their subject line, even if you might not app. This will help people differentiate those who are already in the game and those who are not.

TDM threads are required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any questions here. Reserves will open Tuesday, October 25th and Applications will open on November 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until January.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view; updated 10/28)
American McGee's Alice - Alice Liddell
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Azula
BlazBlue - Noel Vermillion
Case Study of Vanitas - Vanitas
Dangan Ronpa - Chiaki Nanami
Devil May Cry - Lady
Final Fantasy VII - Cloud Strife
Genshin Impact - Albedo
Genshin Impact - Eula Lawrence
Genshin Impact - Kaeya
Genshin Impact - Razor
Great Ace Attorney - Ryunosuke Naruhodo
Helluva Boss - Blitzø
Helluva Boss - Octavia
Jujutsu Kaisen - Fushiguro Megumi
Kaze Hikaru - Okita Souji
Library of Ruina - Angela
Mikagura School Suite - Yuto Akama
My Hero Academia - Bakugo Katsuki
Octopath Traveler - Ophilia
Original Character - Kate Galloway (Jigoku CRAU)
Original Character - Marie Daenthelm
Original Character - Pauline Bonheur
Persona 3 - Ken Amada
Promare - Lio Fotia
Shadow Hearts: Covenant - Yuri Hyuga
Tales of Berseria - Magilou
Tales of Berseria - Rokurou Rangetsu
Tales of Berseria - Velvet Crowe
Tales of Hearts - Chalcedony Akerman
Tales of Hearts - Hisui Hearts (Aefenglom CRAU)
Tales of the Rays - Baldr
Touken Ranbu - Hizen Tadahiro
Touken Ranbu - Ichimonji Norimune
Transformers IDW - Soundwave
Your Wings and Mine - Shealtiel






I. CARNIVAL FUN



The moment a guest enters the carnival grounds, there is a high chance (read: optional) they will find themselves changed in some way to fit the spooky, haunted atmosphere. Instead of just wearing a vampire costume, the character will actually turn into one. Of course, how much of a transformation varies between complete to partial changes. It should be noted that this is only a cosmetic and ability change—no matter what someone changes into, they won't have any personality changes…unless one of the carnival attendants cast a small enchantment to make it so. Of course this is by chance as well (read: optional).

A. Haunted Food. While there is some standard fare carnival food around, the Haunted Carnival has some unique items with even more interesting effects:
Caramel Apples: Tart green apples dipped in caramel and decorated with chocolate to look like they’re covered in spiders and spider webs. Eating one of these will have the dreamer feeling crafty and industrious, just like spiders themselves often are. Also, the idea of eating bugs (or even other spiders?!) suddenly seems strangely appealing…
Cherry Blood Popcorn: Popcorn drenched in cherry syrup and decorated with candy bones. The combination of sugar and dreamotion energy leaves the eater feeling giddy and cheerful, somewhat in contrast to the gruesome appearance of the treat itself.
Funnel "Brain" Cakes: Funnel cakes colored to look like brains when served. Comes in regular or zombie brain varieties. Eating one makes you feel lethargic and hungry, like the only thing that matters is your next snack fix, but you’re not willing to do much more than shamble toward it.
Mummies in a Blanket: Small hot dogs wrapped in biscuit dough and decorated to look like mummies. After eating this, you may or may not want to wrap yourself into a blanket and take a nap—ideally somewhere dark and spooky.


B. FUN AND GAMES. Mixed in with the food vendors are several booths advertising a variety of carnival games, including but not limited to the ones below.. The prizes you win may or may not be cursed. Best of luck!
NERF Gun Shooting Gallery: Use dreamotion to shoot foam darts from a gun at various ghostly and ghouly targets lined up on a platform. Advanced players may want to try their hand at making the guns shoot other objects. Water? Fire? Glitter bombs? The only limit is one’s imagination.
Ring Toss: A series of witch hats are lined up, and the objective is to toss rings on the hats for points. Did something just peek up from under one of the hats? It’s probably nothing to worry about.
Potion Bottles: A variation of the milk bottles game wherein you throw balls to knock over flasks and beakers filled with strangely-colored liquid. In most cases, the spilled potion is totally harmless. Once in a while, however, it may have some interesting effects on the player and/or the booth itself.
Slime Pit: There’s a giant pit of slime with a sign next to it: prizes within for those willing to get a bit messy! Said prizes range from giant candy bars to random silly toys to skeletal limbs…? Oh that belongs to the skeleton having fun in the pit, they might want it back.



II. ATTRACTIONS



A. Hall of Mirrors. A classic maze of mirrors that are usually filled with special effects to make one's reflection look distorted. In the beginning the distortions are more humorous, making one look super skinny or extremely curvy. However, the deeper one goes, the reflections begin to look a bit…strange. The mirrors begin to reflect the "worst" side of an individual, but in a more embarrassing manner. When they first wake up in the morning, having a bad hair day, dressed poorly, being lazy on the couch—mostly benign things that would be embarrassing to show others. But there are some that may reveal one's darker self they wish to hide from others and are forced to face—especially when the reflections will step out and follow the original until the end of the maze. They won't do anything, just follow silently like a shadow, but even that may be taxing for anyone, especially if others see. The reflection must either be pushed back into an empty mirror, or it will disappear on its own when exiting the building.

B. Wild Carousel. The creatures on this carousel are not just colorful painted steeds but are more frightening in nature and looking more undead than living. Skeletal horses, direwolves, fanged deer with bloody horns. What makes this ride truly terrifying, however, is that the creatures are alive, restrained only by the pole stuck through them. But there are times when they manage to break free, causing havoc as they run through the park. The only good news is they don't attack, instead aiming for the carnival food as if hungry. Either hang on or help capture them back!

C. Cirque du Souleil. Near the center of the carnival is a large circus tent, and it boasts a variety of shows that are death defying, terrorific, and guaranteed to make everyone scream in fright and awe. The usual acts are available to see: acrobatics, musical performances, theatrical skits, and using ghostly steeds to ride through the large arena. But what makes this circus unique is that all the performers are capable of separating their soul from their physical body, similar to astral projecting or dreamwalking outside of dreams and being visible to all. And now they're asking for volunteer pairs to either participate in a more simple act such as an acrobatic stunt on the swings or tight rope…or eat a special candy that will allow them to have an out of body experience via dreamwalking outside. The only "flaw" is their dreamwalking form will tend to float up to the top of the tent, so their partner who hasn't eaten the candy has to tether them via dreamotion to get through some simple obstacles. No worries, the professionals will help return the soul if they get lost.

D. Spinning Bumper Cups. A combination of the classic bumper cars and spinning cups rides, this attraction has its riders in skull shaped bumper cars that will randomly spin. Riders have the ability to fire off "pumpkin bombs" at the others, which will splatter pumpkin goop to slow down their car. It will also make the car spin for a few rotations. Dreamotion will also help boost the speed, stabilize a spinning car faster, and make the pumpkin bombs more explosive. Just be careful—the barrier around the arena is made of bones and therefore quite brittle. It's not unusual to see a car spin out and lose control driving through the carnival grounds. Stop the runaway car and bring it back! Or shoot people with pumpkin bombs.

E. Ferris Wheel. Ah, the ferris wheel, a gentle ride that elevates one high in the air to allow them to see the sights below, in this case the entire carnival grounds and the surrounding areas like the bordering forests, the Observatory, and the edge of Reverein. However, as with everything in this carnival, the ride is not always so gentle. There are times when the entire ride accelerates to a faster pace, causing the (fortunately) enclosed cabins to rock dangerously as it rotates around. There are times when it keeps going, not letting anyone off until three rotations. And then there are times when the top half of the cabin disappears, exposing the riders to the cooler winds. Fortunately handle bars will appear they can hold onto, but no seat belts. Enjoy the view?

F. Other Rides. There are plenty of rides and attractions at the carnival, too many to list all of them here. A roller coaster, tower drop, gravitron, bungee jumps, pendulum ship—whatever one might think exists, it's there in all its twisted nightmare glory. One thing they all have in common is the more fear and thrill and screams generated, the faster they go. Just hope the ride doesn't stall and get stuck…



III. HAUNTING CLUES



Although the main purpose for these prompts is to find the clues, anyone is free to use them for general use and not focus on getting the clue. For those who do participate, we'll be asking for thread during our Activity Check! Those who are TDMing regardless of application can also have their threads counted by commenting to this thread and following the directions.

#1. Haunted Dollhouse. There is a special building called the Haunted Dollhouse. It's similar to a haunted house, however this attraction is filled with moving porcelain dolls that will try to scare and chase those who enter (it's quite likely some members of the newly added Porcelain Town have volunteered to help). Sometimes, those who enter are cursed into a doll and are now vulnerable. They are also not always able to move on their own will. This is not great as sometimes the dolls kind of…malfunction and will actually become aggressive. The weapons they wield are also not props, so that's a problem. However, they are small and can only inflict minor wounds and can be easily taken out.

The main clue here is "Villains!' I shrieked. 'Dissemble no more! I admit the deed! Tear up the planks! Here, here! It is the beating of his hideous heart!" To help both those who have turned into dolls as well as get the clue, everyone has to find the right place where some candied hearts are hidden. Fortunately the "blood trail" (it's raspberry syrup) will help lead them to the right place.

#2. Abandoned House. A little away from the main attractions there is a run down house surrounded by trees…and a lot of ravens. A raven with red eyes will guide those who dare or wish to face a lost loved one to the house. Inside it's just filled with faceless busts and empty paintings, but soon they are filled with the images of those lost ones. It could be a person, pet, thing, but they are there, just staring. Only the eyes and mouths move, and what the person hears are their insecurities and fears related to how they lost whatever they see. Anyone else will either see the original blanks or their own personalized images.

The main clue is "And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting // On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door // Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning // Shall be lifted – nevermore". To get out of this house, they have to first look for the bust that has the red eyed raven on it. This will be tricky as there will be many ravens with different colored eyes. Once they do, there will be a small picture frame. They must manifest one or more of the images they are seeing and capture it into the frame. This is simply done by waving it like a net, but the manifestation can move around. This can be as easy or difficult as a player wants, and how affected the character is from what they see and hear can also be a factor. The more affected they are, the easier it is to manifest but difficult to capture. The less affected, it will be more difficult to manifest as they have to tap into that raw fear, but will be easier to capture.

#3. Hay Bale Maze. Just outside of the circus tent is a large hay bale maze with the hay…looking as if it's seen much better days. It's filled with spooks that like to jump scare maze goers or bodiless limbs that reach out to grab, but aside from that it's harmless. Except for one particular figure.

The main clue is "Who dares?" he demanded hoarsely of the courtiers who stood near him --"who dares insult us with this blasphemous mockery? Seize him and unmask him --that we may know whom we have to hang at sunrise, from the battlements!" There is a red clad figure wearing a skull mask. He will randomly bust through the hay walls and engage maze goers into a fight. Those who are incapable will flee in terror while the figure will chase, which will be a pretty good clue as to where he is. Once engaged, any weapon and dreamotion can be used at their disposal and the challenge is to just simply best him in a fight (not to the death). Striking the figure even once will earn a victory and the skull mask will be granted.

#4. Musical Catacombs. For a bit more lighthearted fun, there is an underground catacombs that is filled with tombs. Some of them have actual skeletons and ghosts sleeping in them, but they won't harm anyone if bothered. Just be a bit cranky, maybe throw a bone. At someone's head. Down here it's quite lively, filled with music, dancing, and a lot of alcohol. Minors will only get sparkling juice.

The main clue is "'Ha! ha! ha! — he! he! he! — a very good joke, indeed — an excellent jest. We will have many a rich laugh about it at the palazzo — he! he! he! — over our wine — he! he! he!' // 'The Amontillado!' I said." One of the games is a dancing game where the tombs will light up a certain color and participants have to properly hit the correct corresponding floor panel (basically a music rhythm/DDR themed game). Should they make a perfect score, one of the tombs will open and have a crusty wine bottle in it. It has competitor and co-op mode.

itstillhurt: (pic#15818532)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2022-10-16 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[Azula's sarcastic tendencies aside, it sounded a lot better this time around. That does relax her incrementally. She'd adjusted to the last place she'd found herself, but it was never exactly comfortable.]

Well, I assume you eventually dealt with the dragon problem, so there must be some resourceful people around here.

[So resourceful that they could enchant a mirror to torment newcomers, for instance, though she keeps that little bit of judgment to herself.]
monoceroscaeli: <user name="optimisty"> (120)

haunted dollhouse!

[personal profile] monoceroscaeli 2022-10-16 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[This place is creepy for sure, but it's definitely far from the scariest place he's ever been. Which is why Childe seems to be able to keep his cool easily as they enter, his finger tapping his chin as he thinks.]

It's a good question, isn't it? There's only one way to find out. Why don't we choose one and see where it leads us? It wouldn't be much of an adventure if we stand around wondering all day.

[The Harbinger laughs- it's really not a big deal to him, even if he finds the whole carnival a little suspicious. But it's nothing he can't handle if things turn sideways.]
whatsthehurry: (100)

[personal profile] whatsthehurry 2022-10-16 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Capturing.. spiders?

[ what a thing to ask. kaeya looks stumped. ]

I suppose I've caught a few in cups to put outside, before. Why?
senorita_perfecta: (Smiling)

[personal profile] senorita_perfecta 2022-10-16 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, everything with the dragons has been resolved now. Not only we managed to mend amends with them, several of the leprechauns responsible for the theft were even handed over to them to deal with.

Oh yes, many of us have came up with many ways to return the stolen eggs and treasures to the dragons once we learn why they came to attack the town whether by sheer skill or dreamotion abilities or creating means to bring them back their eggs and stuff.
whatsamada: (Gives You Hell)

[personal profile] whatsamada 2022-10-16 10:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[Well then....! All Ken could do was gave a slight frown before looking down at the dog and then back at her.]

No, it doesn't but it does make me wonder how much you know about the future. I'll say this, at least we have popcorn and an ice cream maker.
whatsamada: (The Savior)

[personal profile] whatsamada 2022-10-16 10:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Nah, I just don't want a fight with so many mirrors around.

[Not to mention how awkward it was to see yourself arguing with someone. Although, with the sound of the footsteps, he started to scan the area. So far, nothing seems to be unusual just yet but...]

Was that following you too? I think we need to get out of here.
whatsthehurry: (113)

[personal profile] whatsthehurry 2022-10-16 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ well that's. unexpected.

kaeya turns on his heel to find the boy in the reflection now standing before him, saying nothing, doing nothing, save for staring with that empty eye of his, knowing, forward, bringing to mind all manner of things kaeya would rather keep buried. ]


All right, why don't you scram, already?

[ but the child doesn't answer, nor does it move. kaeya takes a step back, and it steps forward toward him, still silent. he sighs, smoothing a hand back through his hair. ]

Well, that's certainly not creepy.
whatsthehurry: (19)

[personal profile] whatsthehurry 2022-10-16 10:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, you're certainly right about that.

[ he taps his eyepatch. ]

Thankfully both of your eyes seem perfectly intact!
whatsthehurry: (06)

HERE HE IS.. THANK YOU FOR THE TAG IN!!

[personal profile] whatsthehurry 2022-10-16 10:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ well. that almost makes him feel a little guilty! this guy is taking it so well!! he isn't even a little bit angry. also, he's a glowing plant? hmm. kaeya takes it in stride, with an easy smile blooming across his face. ]

Well, I'd say you'd have to try quite hard to have such terrible aim.

[ he says, as if he hadn't done it entirely on purpose.. ]

So sorry for the inconvenience.
grandduchess_anya: (Contemplation)

[personal profile] grandduchess_anya 2022-10-16 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
I have been overhearing many locals about it for hours now and how delicious it is. That’s how I have gotten some idea of what popcorn is. Now I have been wanting to try it out as soon as I got here but with all the things to do in this carnival, it just slipped out of my mind for a good while.

Bark, bark, bark!

(Don’t worry Ken, Pooka is a good boy and Anya will more than happy to let other people to pet him. He won’t hurt a fly unless it is in the form of the Story Eater or green flying bat like minions or a certain vengeful mad man.)
lestray: (shock)

There can always be another time for chibi animal adventures!

[personal profile] lestray 2022-10-16 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[Gina is huddled up in the middle of the room, overwhelmed by everything. She just wanted to see Gregson again. But not like this! Every word he spoke was just a reminder of everything she feared. That she can't live up to him... that she isn't really detective material at all, not even a great one. That she wasn't worth giving a chance too.

She hears a different familiar voice cutting through Gregson's taunts, and she looks towards her with wide-eyes.]


S-Sooze! [She gasps. She feels relieved to see her here. But she's still mostly on guard and wary. She shrinks back slightly.]

You 'ere to... to 'ave a go at me too? [She asks shakily.] I know, I... let people down...
whatsamada: (Hey Jealousy)

[personal profile] whatsamada 2022-10-16 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
That sounds like a plan, I'm sure we'll find out where it goes eventually.

[Even if he really doesn't like the idea of wandering around until they find something. But then again, it wasn't all that different from what he dealt with back at home. Still, he gave a sigh before taking a step forward in said house.]

I'm ready whenever you are! Although, you don't seem all that scared to go in.
whatsamada: (Hey Jealousy)

[personal profile] whatsamada 2022-10-16 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[With the mention of his eyepatch, there was a hint of curiosity. As childish as it might seem, he just had to ask.]

...Did you really....?

[...Did he??]
lestray: (flat)

[personal profile] lestray 2022-10-16 10:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[She practically facepalms as he falls over. And she rolls her eyes.]

Yeah, well for me, runnin' for me life 'as really 'elped speed up the learnin' process! [She answers frantically as she continues her evasion of the doll. Her experience as a scarecrow the other month is also helpful for this instance!]
monoceroscaeli: <user name="optimisty"> (137)

[personal profile] monoceroscaeli 2022-10-16 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course not.

[The carnival, though sus af, doesn't seem like it's trying to hurt guests that come in. If anything, it seems like nothing more than a horror-themed park that has some real elements of the undead to it. But he hasn't forgotten that this is a dream world, and that things like this are probably...normal-ish.]

Don't worry. Stick with me, and everything will be just fine.

[Famous last words.

Childe will gladly take the lead, moving through a hallway that has twists and turns, sharp angles, mirrors, the whole nine yards. But he does notice a doll skittering across the floor in one of the mirrors, stopping in his tracks.]


I'm Childe, by the way. Not to scare you, but we're being followed.
whatsamada: (Obey)

[personal profile] whatsamada 2022-10-16 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[He wasn't going to question that. Not when Childe seemed rather confident in what he was doing and especially with how much taller he was compared to him. Although, that didn't stop Ken from keeping his guard up.]

If you say so but just be careful.

[That said, it didn't take long before he noticed that something seemed a little off. Looking around, it seemed like a typical doll house but he couldn't help but feel rather uneasy...]

Then Childe-san, shall we run and see where this path leads? [Because no doll was going to scare him!!]
whatsthehurry: (96)

[personal profile] whatsthehurry 2022-10-16 11:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[ edits.. gently..

kaeya's brows lift, before a smile spreads across his face, warm and easy. ]


Remember you?

[ his hands plant onto his hips, and kaeya turns more fully toward aether, his expression open and inviting. ]

Come now, do you think so poorly of me as to believe I would forget our beloved Honorary Knight?
Edited 2022-10-19 03:33 (UTC)
monoceroscaeli: <user name="optimisty"> (137)

wildcard! DDR let's goooo

[personal profile] monoceroscaeli 2022-10-16 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's been participating in this little scavenger hunt of sorts- though he's surprised that it's led him down into this catacomb of tombs. He's careful around them, not quite knowing what to expect, least of all a bar with people dancing and having a good time.

That's a new kind of music he's hearing too. It's not bad but he can't imagine ever hearing this in Teyvat...and the way people are dancing is really interesting, he's never seen that before. What is going on? Is that a game?

Either way, the first thing he does is head to the bar. Surely they'll have some Fire-Water, right? He saddles himself up on a stool, before looking over...now that uniform is quite Favonian, isn't it? And with a cryo vision to boot.]


Hm, seems I'm not the only one here from Teyvat. That's an interesting costume you've chosen.

[He smiles to Kaeya, noting the ears and tail...looks like this guy got the werewolf treatment when he got here.]
whatsamada: (Numb)

[personal profile] whatsamada 2022-10-16 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Then how about this? You try all the food here at the carnival and see which one you like! That way, if you want to try it again, you can make it whenever you have the time.

[Not that it was sure if recreating said food was possible with the lack of ingredients but it was worth a try! That said, that's when he gave a chuckle before finally giving an attempt to pet Pooka.]

I think he agrees too.
grandduchess_anya: (Happy)

[personal profile] grandduchess_anya 2022-10-16 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmm, sounds like a great idea. I am definitely all in for trying each food item the carnival has to offer. Come on, let’s go

(So she floats (she is a snow ghost lady for this one) to the booth where they are selling caramel apples. After being offered one to try out, she bites onto it and actually enjoys it quite a bit.)

My oh my, this one is quite tasty. The caramel is spot on and the apple is pretty delicious.

Vanitas | Case Study of Vanitas | TDM

[personal profile] vampirist 2022-10-16 11:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He will be walking around in the full regalia of a plague doctor, his mask on for the beginning of his time here, his own set of tools remain at his waist and an odd book with a blue leather cover and pure black pages hanging from the back of his belt in view of all to see. ]

i. arrival
[ Somehow Vanitas has landed right in the middle of something that could be taken as the Parade of Charlatan, plenty of costumes and odd figures are moving around the edges of his vision - hindered by the googles inlaid within the mask upon his face. The teen reaches up to touch the beak made of leather, then the edge of his hat which is in view. A familiar weight rests at the small of his back, alerting him to the presence of the book that remains in his possession, glad for that much.

He shifts out of the main path between the various stalls, using this opportunity to take in everything. It doesn't take him long to realize that this isn't the Parade, but some sort of festival or carnival. The ferris wheel standing out in the distance catches his attention, and Vanitas moves back into the crowd to make his way to it. On the way, he'll stop to ask a few people a question. ]


Pardonnez-moi, s'il vous plait. May I ask you something?

[ For now, Vanitas keeps his mask on until he has a better understanding of the situation. ]

ii. haunted food
[ There is so much sweet food on display, he can feel his stomach turning over at the very sight of it. These aren't just regular sweets, there are even more sugar-filled toppings piled over the first layer to make for the worst food set up he's ever seen. Even the non-sweet bread and meat food looks a bit off and Vanitas stands back to observe other people eating him. By now, the doctor's mask hangs from his waist and while he still wears the hat, the hood rests around his neck loosely. ]

This is what passes as food around here? A sausage wrapped in a pastry and desserts guaranteed to make you sick to your stomach?

[ He isn't all that hungry to resort to eating it yet, too busy watching others partake of the sustenance. ]

iii. hall of mirrors
[ All of this looks like something Noe would have a blast at trying, actually getting to enjoy the rides instead of fighting amongst them. Vanitas doesn't go on all of them, but the Hall of Mirrors catches his attention. It gives him his first full look at his costume and he takes the time to appreciate it near the start. Yet the hair on the back of his neck starts to rise the deeper in he goes.

His reflection starts to change, the grin sharper, the eyes duller, the mouth moving to mimic words that Vanitas doesn't need to hear to understand. This is the Vanitas under his own hypnotic suggestion: the one willing to kill anyone who dares to try to see his memories. The one that nearly shot Noe not too long ago. ]


Have you come to remind me, Vanitas?

[ He asks the reflection as it steps out near him. ]

I haven't forgotten. Not for one second.

[ The original's head tilts down to cover most of his own expression with his hair, leaving only the hardest smirk he's ever produced. ]

iv. haunted dollhouse
[ These are more Vanitas' speed, the places that look haunted and abandoned - he avoids the ravens calling him forth after his recent confrontation with his brother. Mikhail had come and gone in his life like a hurricane for the second time, no longer the Number 71 that needed his extra protection. Whatever is going on in that house, he doesn't want to see it — and more importantly — doesn't want anyone else to see.

Dolls, on the other hand, he can handle. He watches some of the dolls move as they attempt to scare him. ]


Are these some sort of automaton or some other sort of curse at work? [ Luckily for anyone with him, Vanitas deals with much scarier creatures on a daily basis.

When they become aggressive, he pulls out a dagger to block the first blow. ]
Now this is more like it!

[ The teen grins ferally. ]

v. wildcard
[ [plurk.com profile] Tsukeru | Xae#7866 ]
itstillhurt: (pic#15817846)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2022-10-17 12:23 am (UTC)(link)
It's a child, how dangerous could it possibly be?

[For all that she presents an amused and dismissive mask, she has to agree. The way it just silently and intently stares at him, matching his footsteps with its own to keep a steady distance, is... unsettling, even secondhand.

She really hopes she doesn't run into hers that way.]
lestray: (neutral)

Ia

[personal profile] lestray 2022-10-17 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
[She's watched by someone who's currently taken on the form of a blonde-haired bat-girl. She could go for a snack, but she's decided to see how others are enjoying them first. At least the stranger looks like she's enjoying this popcorn! Gina watches with a raise eyebrow.]

Must be real good, eh? [She asks, to confirm what seems to be obvious.]
itstillhurt: (pic#15817859)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2022-10-17 12:28 am (UTC)(link)
It seems like it'd be easier to simply not meddle with the dragons in the first place.

[Isabela is... pleasant enough, and informative, which is far more important for Azula's needs. But everything about this still rubs her the wrong way, and she's not entirely over the reflection she saw back there.]

Listen, charming though the atmosphere in the creepy gallery of bad mirrors may be, I think perhaps we should focus on leaving before you tell me anything else about the town.
lestray: (shock)

a

[personal profile] lestray 2022-10-17 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
[Gina's currently assumed the form of a furry bat-girl. But even so, she's baffled by the sight that awaits her by the slime pit. A mechanical cat-girl who is wielding a skeletal arm. She just stares at her for a moment and blinks.]

...Sometin' tells me there ain't an owner lookin' for it no more... [You're not exactly alive anymore when you become a skeleton. ...Right?]