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

[dreamposts]

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.

Comments

haunted dollhouse!!!! USATO TOSS

[judicialassistant]

Hiiii-YAH!

[ Ryunosuke's scream seems to cause the other dolls around him to come to life! Including one felt bunny whose kimono may or may not seem familiar to him. Not that there will be much of a chance for him to process it. One moment, he's admiring his little felt paws and his little tiny sword, and the next, he will find himself tossed into the air, landing in a familiar fashion on his back.

Susato doesn't even seem to notice. She's already moved on, though as the other dolls close in menacingly, the glint of the little Karuma does catch her attention for a moment, giving her pause. ]

......H, Huh?

[locumstudentesquire]

[As usual, it happens so fast, he barely even has time to yell about it. His impact against the floor occurs hat-first, which reveals two very important new discoveries: first, the hat is stitched onto his head, so... Um. at least there's no way he can possibly lose it...? He's going to not to think about that too hard when he realizes this later! Second: there's definitely a little noisemaker stuffed into the hat somewhere, which means it lets out a squeak like a dog toy when he lands. How very dignified.

...None of that actually matters though, because even if he didn't recognize the kimono, there'd be absolutely zero chance that he'd ever mistake that devastating special move. He pipes up at once, yelping in surprise despite that he's still laying in an upside-down heap:]

S...Susato-san!!??

1/2

[judicialassistant]

……You…

[ So much is happening. She’s still staring, because she knows that sword anywhere. Heck, she knows that voice anywhere, even if it is squeakier than she remembers it. Hers probably is, too. If she wasn’t a doll, she’d probably cry. ]

You’re back. Naruhodo-san, I—

[judicialassistant]

[ Aaaand before she can even offer him a hand, a sword swings in from behind her, aimed at her shoulder, causing a gash there.

…

……It. It actually hurts? Which is concerning for sure, but it’s a minor annoyance for now, if anything. She clicks her tongue and turns. The little blue flowers pinned to her ears glow slightly and she pushes the offending attacker doll away, knocking some of the others in the process and causing them all to stop, if only momentarily. ]

D, Don’t interrupt! [ RUDE. No respect for a heartfelt reunion—

Wait. What was she doing again? ]

[locumstudentesquire]

[Wait. Did she just say "you're back"...?

...Ryunosuke doesn't have long to puzzle over what that means, because in the next instant his berserk button is getting pressed by these extremely rude dolls landing a cheap hit on the World's Best Judicial Assistant.]

Susato-san--!!!

[He's scrambling up onto his stubby little plush legs at once and rushing to her side, drawing tiny Karuma without a second thought; he'll try to put himself between her and the dolls if he can, trembling sword hand pointed threateningly in their direction, but his focus is mainly on her and the apparent wound she just took.]

Are, are you alright!?

[To say nothing yet of that impressive move she just pulled; her well-being comes first and foremost.]

[judicialassistant]

[ She sure did! Don't you remember, Ryunosuke? Susato remembers. She would probably be crying now if things did not keep happening. Suddenly that fuzzy head of blue squeaks his way to her side, but she's too busy tugging at her torn sleeve to notice it right away. These goons have actual weapons?

At the question, she blinks. Shaking it off, she suddenly reassumes the Takedown Position, which is far less threatening as a little bunny. ]

For now, I think...? [ Yes. ] We have been trying to break the curse, but couldn't find this "hideous heart" to which the clue refers.

[ We? ]

[chippedsoul]

[There's a sound like something whistling. In the next moment, one of the doll's leg is sliced cleanly off. Landing with a squeak, Kazuma appears before them as a plushed cat, minus a mask and also styling with a ponytail.]

Glad you're here with us. [This reunion would be far more joyous were they not facing down a bunch of dolls.] There's a path we could take. [He gestures to their left. There was a bookshelf, some of the book precariously placed in a way that it could easily fall over with just a push.]

[locumstudentesquire]

[It's a relief to see that Susato's not too hurt, at least; he wasn't sure what to expect from that kind of injury, given their current physical state. Ryunosuke is still mad as a hornet about these dolls daring to take a swipe at her, but he's distracted a bit from his anger trying to make sense of this 'clue' thing she's talking about. And then just as he's about to inquire, that line of thought is interrupted... By the most on-brand arrival imaginable from the Certified Bestie.]

K... Kazuma!? You're here as well?!

[There's no way he'd ever mistake that voice or confident tone.

...So they're both here, then. It's a heartening discovery, to be sure... Ryunosuke has plenty of non-rhetorical questions he could ask the both of them, but it seems those will have to wait until after this threat is dealt with. He follows Kazuma's gesturing over in the direction of the books, frowning uncertainly, before he steels himself and replies with a firm nod:]

...Lead the way. I'm right behind you both.

[He's got very little experience with this action hero nonsense. It's probably better to let them take point, and provide backup however he can in the time being.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Ah, there he is! Not everyone can take the sudden arrival with such grace, yet here he is. On brand, indeed. There is a smile of pride, and a squeak from Susato as well as her head turns in the direction Kazuma indicates. Haven't they already checked the bookshelf? she thinks, yet even as the thought crosses her mind, her button eyes appear to have caught glimpse of something.

A small gasp (accompanied by another squeak). Without explaining, Susato closes the distance on the bookshelf, noting a healthy pool of red oozing out from underneath. ]

You're right, we missed something. Is this... blood?

[ Well, it would be a good guess, and she's not about to eat it right away without good reason. Hearts bleed... right? ]

[chippedsoul]

[Normally one would simple avoid liquids that look suspiciously like blood, but in this case, it may possibly be the clue they need. Eitherway Kazuma's focus is to make an opening for them to put some space between them and the dolls.]

Worry about it later! Go and I'll keep them busy! [He swings his katana as one of the dolls gets a little too close.] And don't worry, I'll be right behind you two. [Cause he knows these two will fuss if they're made to leave him behind.]

[locumstudentesquire]

[DARN STRAIGHT they'll fuss >:T Actually, you know what? He's going to fuss just a little bit right now, making a stern comment to Kazuma while he pauses to sheathe his own sword:]

We'll hold you to that--!

[And then he scurries off as fast as his little legs will carry him to catch up with Susato.

He stumbles to a halt at her side, glancing quickly over the 'blood trail' in question. Something seems a bit off about it to him, but it's hard to put his finger on exactly why. Too many thoughts racing through his head and competing for his attention, at the moment.]

I, I'm not sure exactly what it is you're both looking for, but... Kazuma has a point, surely? Can't suspicious blood trails wait until we've managed to lose those horrible little monsters?

[They're dolls, Ryunosuke. Rude little dolls.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Thank you, Ryunosuke, for fussing at him before she could. In the year they've spent together, she has done enough fussing over Kazuma to last a lifetime, and it still doesn't feel like enough. She'll tell you all about it over nonalcoholic drinks at the Wild Harvest, but before that, the dolls are lighting a literal fire under their butts.

There's no time to explain the clue to Ryunosuke. She just sprints, light on her feet, even as a stuffed bun, and is forced to think just as quickly. She shifts direction away from the bookcase, but an idea sparks within her when the stampede of dolls actually causes the bookcase and everything else in the room to shake.

She stops once there's sufficient room to breathe, helped by Kazuma doing as he promised. ]

Kazuma! Keep them within range of the bookcase! Naruhodo-san and I will knock it over, but don't you dare get caught underneath it yourself! [ Ah. There it is.

Even if they somehow fail to knock it over, hopefully they will still create an avalanche of books from the attempt, resulting in a similar effect. ]

[chippedsoul]

[Yes and all her fussing has made him try to at least take better care of himself. He promise he won't do anything reckless. This time. His little plush cat ears wiggle at Susato's voice.]

Understood! [He hops about, getting the dolls attention on him. Be it cutting into them or blocking their path if they didn't go in the right direction. He manages to dodge their swipes, but the space between him and the books is getting smaller. Eventually one doll manages to get a good punch in and sends him skidding along the surface, squeaking about. He digs his sword into the wood to stop his movement. He's fine, he'll probably feel that later, but right now, he has to get back on his feet-]

I'm fine! [Just stick to the plan.]

[locumstudentesquire]

[Ryunosuke winces internally; it's kind of hard not to cringe and flinch at every blow between Kazuma and the dolls, but he tries to steel himself and do what Susato suggests, hurrying ahead and diving to try and wedge his round little mouse body between one end of the bookshelf and the wall. Somehow he manages, to get in there, putting his back to the shelf and pushing off against the wall with his feet...

He raises his voice in a bit of a panic, appealing to them both:]

I'm sorry but, how are we supposed to move this huge hunk of wood when we're this tiny!?

[Despite the complaints, he is still giving it his full effort. He just doesn't see how it can possibly be enough.]

1/3

[judicialassistant]

[ !!!!!

Susato visibly freezes at the (even ruder) doll's lucky blow to Kazuma, but his reassurance is enough to keep her going. It's her plan, after all, and it'll be a waste if she doesn't see it through. She can see Ryunosuke squeeze in at one end of the bookcase, so she scurries over to the opposite end to do the same. There is definitely an impressive layer of dust that is dislodged in their attempts, getting on Ryunosuke's hat, her flowers, and everywhere else.

It'll be hard to believe her bunny form was once white, pretty soon. ]

The same way you—

2/3

[judicialassistant]

—you were able to sail across the seas, and—

[ The words are spoken with effort, strained. She pushes with all her might, and if plushies could sweat, she certainly would be. She could feel seams tearing—most certainly from the spot on her shoulder where the doll got her before. She would feel that later. ]

learned to be a lawyer of merit—in a language, a country—an entire culture that was not your own.

[ Just a little more...! There's the rattling of books, and some fall onto the ground, where the catch the attention of some of the dolls chasing Kazuma. But it's too late. ]

[judicialassistant]

...With unwavering belief and spirit!

[ Woooosh.

In the final moment, a small gust of wind bursts through and gives the bookcase a light push that is just enough to tip it over. There is a creaking sound as that wind dies down, which is the only warning Kazuma (and the dolls) will receive before the bookcase collapses onto its weight, landing onto the ground below in a deafening crash.

Pages rip, limbs go flying. Others are pinned. But either way, everything comes to a grinding halt as dust fills the air like London fog. ]

[chippedsoul]

[Kazuma keeps one ear on the doll army, and one ear on his friends. Dodging and waiting for the moment. There's a tearing sound as one of the dolls swings at him from behind. A mere scrape that he can manage. He's not going to hear the end of it from those two though.

His ears twitch when he hears the creaking sound inbetween Susato's triumphant speech of encouragement. He turns and starts heading in their direction as a massive dust cloud forms in the area. He's going to feel his away around in hopes he'll bump right on into them. Hopefully not too hard that they go tumbling backwards.]

1/2

[locumstudentesquire]

[Ryunosuke is momentarily at a loss for words, stunned by both the depth and sincerity of Susato's encouragement. But then again, should he really be that surprised? She's always excelled at this sort of thing, telling him exactly what he needs to hear.]

Susato-san...

[There's a whole depth of emotion in the way he says her name, but before he can think of a suitably grateful and enthusiastic reply to follow that up with, the wind picks up. He's not sure what causes it (that dreamotion stuff he'd recently been told about, perhaps?), but it more than does the trick.

...The downside here is that the bookcase tipping over means that the thing Ryunosuke is leaning all his weight against in the attempt to push it is... Gone, very suddenly.

There's a huge crash. Dust kicks up everywhere. There's silence for a few moments.]

2/2

[locumstudentesquire]

[...Kazuma's foot presses down on something soft that immediately lets out a squeak of pain.

Surprise!

It's Ryunosuke's ear.]

...Do you think you could give me a hand up. Instead of a foot down.

[He is being only a little bit sardonic about it when he says it; give him some credit.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato, meanwhile, has folded her ears over her little button eyes. Her arms reach protectively over her head as the crash sounds, and she is wincing the whole time, waiting for it all to be over. The flowers on her head glow, but flicker like a light that's going out, and she reluctantly opens her eyes to see the damage.

After all that, she can't hear anything; but eventually, she can make out Ryunosuke's muffled protests. ]

H, Huh?

[ She looks down, just to be sure. Nothing is there.

Then she glances a short distance away and spots Kazuma's feline form. It takes a moment, but a relieved smile starts to creep onto her face. Thank goodness neither of them were crushed. ]

[chippedsoul]

[Oh. He found one.] Don't lay on the ground then. [It's totally Ryunosuke's fault he's on the floor. But as his request, he'll give the other plush a hand, stubs, whatever they have. If there wasn't a dust cloud, one could probably see his tail swishing about. Someone is clearly happy to see Ryunosuke again and trying to keep cool about it.]

Can you move? Are you there, Susato? [He's looking around, looking for some shape within the dust cloud. Is there something glowing?]

[locumstudentesquire]

[Ahhhh... Classic Kazuma. At least he's not compelled to purr while in this form...?

Ryunosuke can't see that tail going, but by that same token Kazuma probably can't see the look he's being given very well either; you know, the fondly exasperated one Ryu offers in exchange for that super helpful advice?

With a grunt of exertion and a lent paw, the little mouse is soon upright again. He's about 3 shades of grey darker now, thanks to all the dust and grime, but he IS in one piece still and appears to be doing fine. He shakes himself out and tries to dust himself off, his huge ears flapping, before he joins in the call:]

Susato-san! Are you alright?

[judicialassistant]

[ Perhaps that relief was a little premature. "Can you move?" Susato's ears twitch as she waits for the dust to settle, and then they go upright completely at the sound of her name, twice over. She scrambles to join them, heading in the direction of their voices. She finds herself stepping on doll parts, climbing over books. She can even hear some pages tear as her large feet dig into them.

Sorry, books. ]

Y, Yes! I'm here!

[ Those flowers sure do continue to glow little beacons though. As she approaches, she straightens out the skirt of her kimono and brushes back her ears like she would her hair. Force of habit. ]

Hehe, I'm glad that worked. That would have been terribly embarrassing for me if it hadn't. [ ...In all the commotion, it looks like a wall has opened up behind the bookcase that is no longer in the way. A new pathway has opened, and the same bloody trail goes on behind it into darkness. ]

[chippedsoul]

[He has an unimpressed look now that Ryunosuke is sending more dust everywhere, on himself in particular. But he will not make a fuss as Susato arrives to join them. The three of them were together again. It's hard not to smile having two people he cherished the most here with him. The smile quickly goes away when he notices the ripped seams though.]

Your shoulder. [The new path will have to wait. He's looking to Ryunosuke to see if he had any noticeable injuries as well. Kazuma isn't in the best condition either. Seams were slightly undone on his back from skidding along the floor. ]