colorfuldreamsmkg

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

Hatsune Creation Myth - BoB Ch2 Theme

April 11th, 2:45 PM. The anticipated announcement of the Battle of the Bands theme was supposed to be soon, right? It was certainly around this time the previous instance of her announcing it. The biggest difference from the last time though was that you were receiving this information significantly earlier than the last time around. Naturally, though, the notification arrives right on time.

🎵Hello, everyone! It’s me, Miku! Please come meet me in the performance hall within the next 15 minutes, thank you!

Miku’s teleportation powers were unfortunately now well-documented. It was hard to say everyone felt like coming, even if on a normal occasion something like this might have been nice. The air was thick and hard to breathe, and no room had been given to grieve. To feel, to think, to listen, to speak. It wasn’t like people usually went to work or school the day after a close family member died. Bereavement leave existed for a reason. Couldn’t you get a day off, at minimum?

With heavy footsteps and heavy hearts, the cast made their ways to the performance hall, many taking a seat. It was hard to say on a normal occasion two absences were much to blink at. A room would still feel full, though perhaps not a room quite of this size. But the absence was notable in other ways during the waiting period. Dahlia’s infectious energy was hard to miss, and Hitome’s charm had added to any conversation.

A bright glow emerged from the clock on the wall, presenting hologram Miku in as large of a form as you’d seen her, roughly a foot and a half to two feet tall. It was hard to see the yellow in her eyes with the blue filter over her form, but they were still a different shade of blue in this form than you’d grown used to seeing. She grinned just as usual, bowing to greet you.

“Hooray! It’s so nice to see the 18 of you again. I hope you slept well!! And have had the chance to see everything now. The good news is that this meeting should be short and sweet! You already know the rules so I shouldn’t need to harp on them much. If anyone doesn’t participate in a group, you lose. Winners ranked. So on, so forth! No changes to be had this time, ok?”

A shorter meeting was a bonus. Most of you were getting real sick of seeing her mug all of the time, weren’t you? It would take less time in your day to listen to this nonsense. Less time you’d have to look at her.

“For a change in pace, just this ONE TIME, we’ll be performing in person! I’d like for you all to perform on this stage here instead of your SEKAIs. It would be nice to see what each of you can create without the magic of a SEKAI! I believe in you, though! I’m sure you can come up with something incredible here, too.” “As for the song itself… I’m once more asking for a cover of a Virtual Singer song! I promise they won’t all be covers like this, though. Already, this one is going to be a little different! We’d like for you to create a rearrangement of a song, with your own instrumental choices and the ability to shift genres as you’d like to! Maybe add a little extra lyrics, change a line or two… Feel free to experiment! I’m ok with mash-ups, too. I also don’t mind if you borrow each others’ devices or tools to help out with this, for those of you who’ve never done something like this before!”

Oh god. Some of you having no experience with this was certainly right. Many of you had never even played an instrument or used synth software. How were you supposed to–

“Beyond that, as the theme last time was ‘Love Song,’ the theme for this time is ‘Creation’!! I know it’s a little vague, but I want you to dig deep and think about what ‘creation’ means to you. There’s no wrong answers, I promise.”

Though the information was in shorter chunks this time around, it still felt like it was coming out like bullets. Beyond that, Creation? How to implement that in a way that was both unique AND true to the theme was going to be difficult. There were plenty of things to be discussed with your unit in the coming days.

“Oh! Since I heard some of you were concerned about performing with your virtual singers… I can confirm you can still play with them! They can perform with you as a hologram on your device, though… I would recommend you plug your device into an amplifier so we can hear them properly, ok? It’s nice to see that some of you are so excited to make friends with them and make them feel included, too!”

Well… They were included in the scoring comments last time, weren’t they? The virtual singers, that is. That was also something to keep in mind moving forward, too.

“Anyway… That’s all! Short and sweet, just like I promised. I think you know what to do from here, so… Just like last time, we’ll be doing the Battle of the Bands shortly after I give out the motive! I don’t have any more announcements for you until the motive itself so… Go, have fun, make friends, and rest up for these four days. I won’t be mad if someone kills another early, by the way! It means you might get more time on this theme, too. So long!”

Hoo…. Lots to do, so little time. A whole rearrangement in about 5 days or work? What else was going to be asked of you from here on? Best get to it.

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

P.S. I miss you | Cecilie Erdon | Trial End Reaction

The scene was too much to bear; falling to a desperate silence as others had the courage to word things she could not. She tugged the apron over her head further, hiding akin to a trembling pup amidst the cold water. There was a ping on her phone, a reward given by Hitome to ensure her word was spread. To ensure her loved ones knew. 

All she let out was a strangled groan as she looked up through shadow at the Sunset standing so tall.

She did this. She damned her, Cecilie’s eyes sting with tears as she reaches out a hand a moment too late, and Hitome falls into her throne.

Despite what she said about looking away, Cecilie watched. As Hitome sat, as shadows danced, as feet carried that which was deemed evil to her final resting place. Cecilie watched a sword pierce her heart, and… 

…

Hitome was dead.

She voted for this end result.

Miku spoke so calmly about team-building, how this was so good, what was good about this?

A murmur in Norwegian, those close enough to her would hear it translated [to your back, to your chest, to your heart] in what feels close to spitting anger, before it all so quickly fades. Sobs wrought from her chest as she cannot even bring herself to finish the recital of a curse she once read about as instead she blips out of the trial room as soon as she was able.

First- appearing in her Cottage, and then even running from that. Back in the usual bunker, she watched messages come in. Volunteers for cleaning- she felt sick.

…

She didn’t wish for them to go through that, not after everything, but she couldn’t even type. Cecilie couldn’t form a word of any sort. Her chest hurt, her head hurt, everything hurt. But she had to keep going.

Cecilie doubts she’d sleep anyway.

Hitome’s plea sticks with her. I don’t want to die, please. Hitome’s list of fears stick with her. To lose my spotlight. Dahlia’s expression sticks with her. The amount of blood. Dahlia’s smile sticks with her. How radiant.

Her legs move on their own, picking up small items on the way.

A pen, stacks of paper, some candles out of locker three, Dahlia’s locker too opened up. The tears never stopped flowing, as she stepped into  a classroom. As she spent hours upon hours drafting out words, as pings continued to come through on the group chat and all Cecilie could do was read them.

Letters were discarded, she left the room to get a match, the candles were lit. Dahlia’s nendoroid was placed upon a desk, she left the room again to get a bracelet making kit. A replica of friendship.

Letters were folded, flowers left in their wake.

When had her tears dried? She felt sluggish, but she couldn’t stop here. 

Collapsing against the bookshelves against the wall.

They’ll be remembered. There was no way to mourn, but they’ll be remembered. Letters would reach them. She missed them. She loved them. She didn’t know them. She hopes they know she misses them. She hopes they’re resting peacefully.

It is no grave stone. It is no big ritual.

But this will have to do. 

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

Addendum - Chapter 2 Start 2/2

The elevator and stairs now allow access to the SECOND FLOOR!

A new item is available for purchase in the store!

Dahlia’s body has been removed, but the blood and mess from her death in the orchestra room and store is left behind until cleaned by someone.

There’s now a wall mural painted in the bunkers and the first floor classroom!

Living characters have received activity reward crystals!

There are 4 days IC before the motive, and roughly a week and a half to two weeks OOC!

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

Flight From Demise - Ch2 Start 1/2

April 11, 12:48 AM. It’s over. How could she look so proud of herself, as if she were a legendary hero for you to celebrate? Were you supposed to cheer and show joy over a friend losing a life? Just to make her happy? The screen flickered, going dark. You were left in uncomfortable loneliness to express any sorrows you might have had. One minute. Two minutes.

Not long after, Miku rose up from the waters, back in her previous clothing and free of blood. However, she clutched onto the bloodied sword as if it were weightless. She smiled, but… Well. Something about her looked different now. She batted her eyelashes, watching for a moment as the group reacted to the execution. Anger, fear, sorrow, numbness. What an interesting array of responses, she thought, as her yellow-green eyes glimmered under the light from the bright blue sky.

“Well, that concludes everything here! And you all look exhausted. Sorry that all of this had to occur so late at night, but I don’t really control WHEN these things happen. Regardless, I don’t want to keep you up much later than you already are, so I’ll keep the announcements short, ok? But to start us off…” “Thanks to your efforts here, I’ve decided to open up another floor of rooms for you to explore! Kind of… I’ll activate the elevator and make sure the stairwell door is open at 8 in the morning, so make sure you get some good sleep before you go out investigating. I recommend using it as an excuse to get to know more people, also, so you should get together with a group for it! Many heads are better than one.”

Oh, joy… More investigations. At least you’d have rest for it, first. Still, it was notably unmotivating to explore after such a violent affair. Yet the world kept marching. The clocks kept ticking. The candles kept burning even if two were snuffed out entirely, leaving two less scents in the room. It was just that… pushing this so SOON was certainly insensitive.

“Also! Before I forget! I’ll be announcing the theme for the Battle of the Bands tomorrow afternoon, also, after you’ve had plenty of time to investigate. I have some new ideas for you to try out! And maybe this also means you’ll get a little more time to practice and experiment this time. I hope knowing each other better will make this time smoother for you!”

Would you even have it in you to put your all into it given the current situation? Why not wait until another day to give this announcement, even? There was no use complaining about it to someone so tone deaf, though.

“But for now… Getting too little sleep makes you cranky, and being cranky makes it so much harder to be nice to others, right? So go get some sleep! I’ll return you to where you were now.”

With a flash and colorful particles, you returned to the location you last were in the irl space. If anyone were to pass by the orchestra room or the store, they’d discover that, although Dahlia’s body was gone, the blood and evidence of the crime remained. Were you truly expected to clean all of this up yourself? Yet… if it was just LEFT there, you’d have to see constant reminders in your daily life.

You have a long night ahead of you moving forward. Best curl up and get some rest.

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

Off with her Head: Haven’t I Seen this Before? - Ch1 Execution

Hitome is a bit caught off guard by the hug, staring at Swan with a wild, tearful look as he exclaims that he won’t let her get taken away. “Wh- wha-” Where was this coming from? How did this reaction even spawn? She wants to push him away and snap, but instead, she sinks a bit in the hug. Why did he even care? Why does she? Erika’s request meets a small look, then a nod. “......okay, yeah, I… I can do that.” Quietly, she grabs out her phone, transferring 85 of her crystals to Sonny, and 85 to Cecilie. An even split. She tucks her phone back in her pocket, before lingering in the hug.

Fifteen minutes had come and passed, with little fanfare or hubbub from the people around. Many had already said their goodbyes prior to the voting results, and redundancy would only make this harder, wouldn’t it? Among relative silence, Miku spoke up.

“Well, time's up! I hope you’re happy with your goodbyes, or lack thereof, because this was your last chance to bid your friend farewell. As for me… Thank you for bonding with others, Hitome! It was cute to see how many people loved and defended you. I hope that gives you some relief during what's next, right?”

What, no-

Hearing that the time limit was up, Hitome’s eyes widened in fear. Her breathing hitches. “No. No no no. Miku, I’m not ready. Please, Miku, give me more time-! I’m not ready!! PLEA-”

In a sudden change, the water below her feet became no longer solid, as she slipped through it in a large splash. Though Swan was capable of holding onto her during this, he seemed to be prevented from slipping through in quite the same way. Eventually, with the friction of the water, she slipped through his grasp as he remained upon the surface of the reflective ripples.

The screen within the trial room changed, turning off the voting results and instead showing a view of Hitome, clear and high-definition for you to see. And shortly after, Miku herself passes through the water, leaving you alone.

---

Off with her Head: Haven’t I Seen this Before? Execution of Hitome Hoshikawa

Organ music sets the scene as everything begins to fade into view. Looks like some sort of throne room, with the throne resting in the middle of it all. Dark colors and elegant decals decorate the room, with a red carpet rolling from the seat to the door. Pillars and gothic aesthetic add to the aura of everything, coming off like a complete evil castle from a video game. And what is an evil castle without an evil Queen?

Resting on the throne looks to be Hitome Hoshikawa. Her outfit has completely changed, now in a long, flowing dress, complete with a large shawl and lots of jewelry. Dressed in dark colors and silvers, she looks rather focused and sinister. She appears perfect for the role, and who better than someone who brutally murdered a friend?

She remains, waiting, bored, until she snaps out of it. She hears a noise, a whisper, calling to her. Hitome Looks around, not seeing anything, then goes back to her post. Then again. Nothing. And again, louder this time, clearer this time.

“Look at what she’s done.”

“Did she really expect any respect?”

“Down with the Queen.”

Hitome shudders, sinking in her seat. The whispers get louder, becoming silent shouts. She begins to shake, not wanting to leave her throne. She can’t just leave, just because people want her gone.

“She deserves to be gotten rid of.”

“She truly is nobody.”

“How dare she act like nothing is wrong.”

“Down with the Queen.”

“Down with the Queen.”

“DOWN WITH THE QUEEN!!”

The whispers become chants, as Hitome grows even more uneasy. She knows, she knows.

Just let her remain in peace. She does her best to tune it all out, that is, until she feels a tug at the bottom of her dress. Looking down, she gasps in shock.

A hand dressed in shadow, grabs the bottom of her dress, attempting to yank it back. Hitome responds as she rips the part of her dress back, before stomping on the hand. It dissolves into smoke, until more start appearing. The grab onto her dress, her arms, her jewelry. They’re attempting to drag her away.

She jolts, ripping herself out of their grip. With all her might, she tears herself away, staring at the hands. At the shadows. Then she turns and bolts.

Hitome runs out of the room, throwing open the door and bolting. The shadows continue to chase her, attempting to drag her back. She screams, doing her best to get away. Who knows what all she’s lost from their grip. Some of her dress, some jewels, is her phone missing? She can’t tell anymore. All she needs is to RUN. RUN. AND HIDE. NOW.

Through the halls, she spots another door. She throws it open, before slamming it behind her. The shadows, now trapped behind the door, slowly creep away as she feels the resistance fade from the other side. Finally, safe. Her eyes scan the room, looking at how flat and open it is. What, is this some sort of meeting hall? Lobby? Where is she?

And then something, no, someone emerges from the darkness in front of her. It’s-

…Miku?

Miku, dressed in hero-like garb, wielding a sword, stares down the evil Queen. Hitome blinks, before raising up her hands in surrender. Look, she doesn’t want to fight, especially against Miku. Her eyes scan the room, noticing another door on the other side.

That’s it. That’s her chance.

Hitome huffs, before screaming, attempting to bolt through to the other door. And yet, Miku is faster.

“Down with the queen.”

She points her sword at Hitome, before lunging forward in lightning fast speeds. Teal light flashes all around, slicing through the air in a scratch-like design. Delicately, Miku lands on the other side, before doing a small, heroic pose with her blade.

And the slashes turn into a bright flash of rushing light. A sheer amount of power. The screams from the inside as it all cuts her up. The darkness was the least of her worries. 

Just like that, the light fades, as the evil Queen collapses in her spot. Lifeless, teal lights softly rising from her body. It’s over, the evil has been defeated.

…but does it truly feel so fair?

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

Strange Fruit | Sonny Desiree | Trial 1 Reaction

First thing's first:

"Wha- hey- shoo! Get off her! She didn't give you permission to do that!"

Sonny hurries over to Maria Dolores to try and awkwardly shoo Miku away, only for Miku to be far away by the time she gets there. Well. She can't say she didn't try, right? She just looks at her and gives her a little nod before returning to the others.

And... that's when it all finally hits.

This was really it, huh? Sonny tries not to let the uneasiness show on her face as she then moves over to Hitome, taking her bracelet with a nod.

"I took down the names you mentioned and I'll pass your messages along. I'll also try to track down Dahlia's family, so they'll have some peace.

And I'll be sure to keep this safe till I can bring it back, or send it if the opportunity comes up- girl's honor."

Girl's honor. How much was that worth anymore?

"...I dunno what we're up against. I wanna fight, I wanna scream, Jesus this shit isn't fair. We're all set up to hurt each other. Whatever the hell happens, I'm gonna fight, though, okay?

Whether it's here and now or movin' forward. I'm not layin' my head down."

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

An Incomplete Piece | María Dolores | Trial Reaction

And so, finally, the show comes to a close. It does not end with a triumphant swell, nor does it slowly come to a close with a decrescendo. Instead, it ends abruptly - far sooner than it was ever meant to.

María Dolores thinks, maybe, this was the time to feel some sort of pity. And yet, she has none to spare. All she can see if a pathetic creature in front of her, pointlessly floundering about without any real conviction. 

Too cowardly to own up to her fault; too weak-hearted to commit to her desperate struggle for survival.

None of it matters in the end though. Somebody else was going to die here - it was just a matter of who. It never had to be Hitome - and some part of her can’t help but wonder if Miku would have enjoyed that more, watching the group try to reconcile with the fact a murderer lived amongst them, and the blood of two innocents was spilled. 

Her thoughts are still murky, gaze not directed anywhere in particular as she tries and-

She freezes at the feeling of something warm enveloping her. It’s a foreign sensation - one that catches her completely off-guard. 

It’s the only justification she has for instinctively leaning forward, chasing that fleeting warmth before her brain can process what’s actually happening, or that it was Miku hugging her.

(It was a fanciful notion, really, to think anybody else would be willing to give such comfort anyways.)

María Dolores can feel eyes directed her way, and she knows what they expect. She knows what she should do. She knows she should be yelling at Miku, for pulling a stunt like that in front of everybody, moments before some sort of grisly execution occurred. She should be downright furious. 

And yet, as she stares at Miku, basking in the lingering warmth of that embrace, all María Dolores can bring herself to do is look away, not even a trace of disgust making itself known. 

And after that?

It’s a cacophony of comforts and promises. It makes her blood boil. It makes her want to scream, until there is nothing left to show but that raw anger, overpowering whatever the others want to say.

There’s no point in giving her false hope.

Were they all so quick to forget who had put them here? Who had designed that fear box? Who had run this trial without a shred of empathy? The woman who was, in all honesty, likely the designer of whatever fate awaited Hitome?

Did they think their attempts at kindness would change anything? Did they think there was any mercy in giving out last words and forgiveness? Did they think there was even a chance this would be quick?

(Perhaps this was just what they had to tell themselves, lacking the conviction to face the truth.

It wasn’t as though any of them were going to escape the same fate, after all.)

Hitome would find no comfort from María Dolores, watching as impassively as ever. There would be no words to pitifully try to cushion the blow and lessen whatever cruel fate lurked in the background. No gestures that would grant a brittle sense of peace, oh-so-easy to shatter. 

She had been right: This bunch truly were a group of hopeful idiots all along.

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

Baby Got Back | Ozzy Driscoll | 1.4 | RE: Results, Miku

Goddamn, his legs are sore.

Having finally finished making the arduous trek back across the infinitely mirrored and infinitely long trial space to his podium, Ozzy slumps against it with a huff, catching his breath and lifting his sunglasses up to wipe his forehead. Jesus, walking and occasionally running for that long of a distance non-stop really is a workout.

His brow furrows as he sees the scene he’s returned to. The votes displayed clear as day and called correct, Swan hugging Hitome and refusing to let go, Erika negotiating with Miku and somehow succeeding. Damn, guess he missed a lot. As he hears Miku mention his name, he instinctually flips her off again, muttering under his breath while pointedly looking away from her and slumping over his podium.

“Fuck off, knucklehead. Shut yer evil ass up and never speak again.”

He huffs out a breath, biting his tongue and clenching his fist as he resists the urge to try and punch Miku again. At this point, he knows she’s not worth the effort and that any hit he tries to get on her will just be countered with another long walk, or maybe something even worse. Better not to risk it, but goddammit just being around this bitch was pissing him off.

He’d never thought the day would come that he’d hate Hatsune Miku of all things, but this one was an exception. At least the ones in the SEKAIs were chill. The version of his idol that stands before them all now is truly the worst of the worst. Absolute F tier Miku. But that’s not important right now. What is important is that the girl standing next to him was about to die, and he needed to say something to her before that happened. Ozzy looks up at Hitome, only able to make eye contact for a second before looking away.

“Sorry ‘dis is how things turned out.. would’ve loved 'ta game wit’ ya. If we really can save ya like bird boy wants, then goddammit, I’m doin’ whateva’ I can 'ta make sure 'dat bitch doesn’t get what she wants. But in case we can’t… we’ll make sure yer death ain’t in vain. We got yer back, Tome.”

Gamers don’t die. They respawn. Hopefully that age old quote holds true. 

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

Knight of Kairos | Miku | RE: Swan, Erika

Miku brushed her bangs, arranging them properly around her face casually, not even a little bit concerned about Swan's apparent threat to interfere with the execution.

"Aww, you know, that's really cute! I'm glad you feel so strongly about Hitome and keeping her safe, but you should know that you're really not as much of a threat as you think you are. That goes for everyone here! Ozzy included." "Mmmm.... How about this. I'll let you pretend to be a princess's knight for a little while. Just until the time to say goodbye is up, alright? So you can show people just how honorable you are."

She smiled politely, making no effort to move Swan from his position. Instead, she turned her attention to Erika. What an interesting proposition!

"I never considered delivering an item that wasn't newly purchased! What a novel idea, Erika. I'll think about how to price that for awhile, but know that I'll reserve the right to turn down certain items, like letters that share information or personal devices with apps on them. An object like a bracelet should be fine, though!"

Oh, so... she was receptive to that, huh?

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

Living Dead Girl | Erika Singer | Trial 1-6 | ATTN: Hitome

The votes all come in, the answer is correct, and Erika allows a little of the tension around their heart to lessen. Someone is still dying, but it isn't her. That's all that matters to them right now. Live to see another day, worry about the rest as it comes. 

After all, did constantly trying to prepare for everything she was scared of help Hitome? Making herself stronger, teaching herself to fight, always looking over her shoulder.... The only thing all that effort did was make Hitome more likely to kill when the slightest issue arose.

Not like Erika at all. Not like Erika, who was scolded for calling out the cowardice for what it was. Not like Erika, who was seen as in the wrong because they couldn't know what someone went through. As if Hitome was the only one whose fears mattered as much because they moved her to kill. As if Erika didn't know what it was like to have her life changed for years and years, just to have that thrown in her face in the fear zone. As if their fears were somehow lesser, just because it reduced them to a sobbing and panicked mess rather than try and murder the person they were with over it.

No, better to keep their head down and not try. Not trying kept her as rational as she could be during all of that, kept her from not trying to get away with murder. This is a better way to live, and this trial has proven it.

....

"I don't know how much you spent, but you should have crystals left, right?"

Their voice is soft for a second. Surely they're not about to ask for them after calling Hitome a coward, right--

"You could always send them to Sonny or Cecilie or someone with the time you have left. Miku keeps adding things to the store and wants us to bond, maybe eventually she'd let one of them send your bracelet out for enough crystals so you can be sure it gets there?"

Or maybe it'd just keep someone Hitome cares about alive a little longer. Their piece said, they proceed to just slide down their podium, wrapping their arms around themselves a bit as they lean against it. She's so sore, and it sucks to be here...

Hopefully things will be quick. If she just closes her eyes, maybe she can ignore it.

Her head hurts.

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

XO | Swan Song | Trial 1.5 | RE: Results | ATTN: Hitome

And like that, it's over. Just as anticipated, his vote meant nothing in the end. Nothing but a cowardly excuse to say he tried. He did what was in his power, and what else could be expected of him? Just because he said yes, of course, always, he wasn't a miracle worker. He couldn't move mountains. A few minutes passed as he white-knuckled his podium. No, but what could be done? He couldn't split oceans. And the seconds ticked away.

All he could do was wait. Wait for it all to be over.

He couldn't stop this. He couldn't save her. He couldn't stand up to Miku...Could he? No, but...Maybe...

He relinquishes his grip on the podium, taking a few steps back. He stares through a static he can't comprehend, and faces and figures all meld into indiscernible flesh and there's only one person he sees through the tempest.

"Hitome,"

His approach is careful and deliberate, but far from staggered and desperate. He comes to her podium, resting a hand atop it, opening his mouth to try to find the words, the numerous apologies he could give, tallied up to seventeen, one for each vote damning her to death.

"I know...I know you probably don't like me. Or what I represent, but...I'm sorry."

Sorry he never got to know you. Sorry this was happening to you. Sorry you had blood on your hands. How many times could he say it? How many times could he mean it?

Glacial slow, two arms come to wrap around Hitome, obvious in approach and able to be avoided, intercepted, whatever she might need. Because this was never about him. It never is.

Hitome's the only one in the world right now, and her time is ticking away, second by second, minute by minute, separate, limited eternities between each, stretching to finite infinities. He doesn't want to let go, not of her, not of everything she has to offer. Her perfumed scent only adds to the dizzying atmosphere, only further makes him question if any of this was real, if any of this was happening. Her hair tickles his skin, his foreign flesh, and he's caught in the confines of sensation. The room spins, his vision he can't focus. His ears are ringing. There's a sharp taste of pennies on his tongue, blood yet to be spilt.

No, no, no. He wants to disappear within himself, but something, every little thing, was dragging him back, front and center. 

A dastardly trick, reality was playing, suffocating him through each of his senses. Shackling him to existence. And he wasn't even the one under the executioner's blade. He couldn't even imagine what Hitome must be feeling. He squeezes, slightly - was this as close as he gets? Share some of that burden with him. Atlas takes on the weight of the sky, Bahamut bears the world on his shoulders. He's nothing like those beasts of burdens, nothing godly or divine, but he could take some of this. He'd gladly take anything and everything you could give.

And still, it wouldn't be enough, maddeningly never enough. He can't take this. He doesn't want you to go, not yet. He just needs more time. If he had more time, might he have been able to save you?

We just didn't have enough time. He, who barely knew what it meant to live, his clock's been off a few minutes since birth. He's always running behind. And you? Your time's been up since sixteen, a perfectly preserved corpse that forgot it shouldn't breathe.

How could he do anything but sing your praises? You weren't a murderer, not entirely. You were a survivor. How could you condemn one and not the other?

"I won't. I won't let go, I won't let her take you."

Even if it amounted to nothing, let him offer this one last comfort. As false or unfaithful as it might be, in the end, he'd let her imagine a momentary reprieve from the nightmare, if that's what she wished. One last chance at hope.

He always had to be that which someone wanted. Or what he thought someone wanted. A pretty dream that lacked substance, sustenance. It never lasted long, he never lasted long.

He had to be what Hitome wanted right now, in this moment, even as brief as it might be. Even as hollow as the sentiment rang. Because if not that,

then he was nothing at all.

"I won't just let her kill you."

[colorfuldreamsmkg]

TTYL | Hitome | Trial Reaction

And just like that, it’s over. As the votes are announced, and with the overwhelming majority, it all falls on Hitome. She just watches quietly, before hanging her head. There’s a few quiet sniffles, still trying to bring herself back. She doubts she would ever be ready for what’s about to come. Instead, she opens her mouth, trying to come up with something to say.

  “...well, I tried…”

  Tried, staying above water and not succumbing to it all. Every part of her wants to keep screaming and thrashing, but even in her selfish mind, it doesn’t seem worth it anymore. Instead, she slowly raises her head. 

  “I’m… I’m still very sorry. I hate what I’ve done, but just… please carry out my requests and everything, you know.”

  A glance to her groupmates. “Please hold strong without me, I’m sorry for doing this. You all can do it, like, I believe in you.”

  She lightly laughs. “I’m talking like I’m already dead…. What the fuck, it’s so not fair…. Just, keep at it all, yea?”

  “.......please, god, I don’t wanna die. Please, please something stop this.”

Only wishes to empty ears. It’s over.

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Shine a Light - Chapter 1 Trial Results

What a ride…. Through the arguments and defenses and those that chose to BELIEVE… The group had mostly come to their conclusions. It was unfortunate, truly, to have to bid someone farewell in a situation that shouldn’t have dictated such an end. But the glow of the light upon Hitome’s podium never changed before it dimmed. Never did it shine upon anyone else in the room. Perhaps, as a result, you already knew who would be getting the axe moving forward.

With a small jump resulting in a splash, Miku twirled around in apparent excitement, a wide grin contradicting the tone that this farce of a trial had otherwise held. How could she keep such a cheerful attitude through it all? It was as if nothing could hold her down at all. She took a sip from the mug Witch had given her earlier before clearing her throat and setting it down.

“Well then… I think it’s time to share the results with everyone. I’m sure you already know the winner, but I would like to break down all of the votes, so you can see JUST how much she won by, right?”

The stage screen that had been brought in to display photos lit up, displaying a list of names and numbers, starting with some of the lowest counts.

Swan - 1 Clarabell - 1

“Wow! It seems like some of you tried to unvote so you wouldn’t vote at all. That would be a shame, so I made it not allowed… But if you aren’t going to use the power to vote I gave you in the future, I’ll be using that power FOR you, ok? How about this… I’ll randomize your vote so it counts for someone within your SEKAI instead! It’ll be like turning on your comrades to not vote from here on. OR yourself, if RNG dictates it so. Some of these small number votes you see here are a result of realizing you can’t unvote and only change it! That’s a lesson for the future.” “But as for our lovely winner of the vote…”

She hummed a tune, as the largest number vote rolled in on the screen.

Hitome - 17 Swan - 1 Clarabell - 1

“So there you have it! Your vote is correct! Feast your eyes on the totals yourself. Now… It wouldn’t be kind of me to not give you some time to say goodbye to Hitome, even with the strife she has caused, so… You may take the next 15 minutes to say goodbye. I’m lifting the restrictions on leaving your podium so you can hug each other if you want… Just like this! Let me give you an example.”

Miku trotted over to Maria Dolores and brought her into a brief embrace and affectionate nuzzle before letting go, regardless of whether or not the hug was returned. ...Huh.

“So… Go on! Get the closure you need. I’ll be right here waiting for you before we commence the execution.”

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Unravelling Stasis | Inazuma | Trial 1.2 | Re: Hitome

When the world goes to chaos, Inazuma looks to rules and fairness to catch her. Rules are what give perfection a 33 millisecond window, or punishment to those who deserve what’s coming. If she was going to die in this killing game, at least it would be by the hands of someone who had a good reason. Is it messed up to have opinions on the nature of murder? Actually, no, that doesn’t matter. Hitome is going to get punished for a murder she got tricked into doing! That’s insane! 

Inazuma is well-trained to be a beacon of positivity, so she has nothing but an unassuming, disassociated look on her face. She wonders if everyone else thinks she’s got nothing but positive thoughts in her head right around now. She would prefer instead, that everyone sees her silence not as an absence of positivity, but a sign of uncommunicated anger. Because she is fucking angry.

She watches Ozzy, and wishes he gave Miku a proper smack across the face. If all bets are off, and the Vocaloid can twist the rules whatever ways she wants, why not get up in arms? If there are no rules to act as safety nets, the scrooge who cut those rules to pieces to encourage her sadistic tendencies deserves to fall into the abyss too. Maybe she should go finish the job, actually. Mascot on mascot violence sounds great!

But… that wouldn’t be very like her, would it? Inazuma fiddles with her tie, embarrassed she’s even had these sorts of thoughts in the first place. An eye for an eye makes everyone blind, no matter how badly she thinks going blind is a worthy trade off right around now. She’s got a friend who’s been hurt beyond repair. It’ll be a little harder than assuaging the loss of a perfect combo, but she ought to try.

“Hitome, um… I really liked the time we had together. Even if we didn’t know each other until all of this happened, I thought you were a great person the whole way through! Teaching you the choreography was fun, too.”

“I don’t know if you really believe in, um, an after, if you know what I mean. But I hope it’s a lot nicer to you than I can imagine, and definitely more than that other mascot can imagine.” 

She frowns in Miku’s general direction before turning back to Hitome. Oops. Gotta stay on the ball. But that’s still pretty hard, ain’t it? She had barely even thought about the dark realities of the world a mere few days ago, and this trial by fire has by no means gotten her any better with her little speeches. As the face of a game, she’s used to talking with the reputation and honor of the fandom on her back. Millions of people belong in that category and she doesn’t even break a sweat. Yet, she feels woefully unprepared to carry Dahlia, and soon-to-be Hitome.

“I hope wherever you go has a lot of girlfriends and no kidnappers…”

Inazuma’s dodging a promise and she knows it. Is she scared she can’t deliver? Absolutely. But she thinks about what other triumphant people have done in her situation. Ah… it’s not fun… but if she’s scared about doing something, no matter how heavy it may be, she will need to do it scared.

“But for those of us still here… um… well, I know I’ll carry you in my heart. I’ll do it for as long as it’s still beating! You’re so cool, Hitome… I’ll see you next time.”

The mascot smiles one more time. For her friend, Hitome... and to prep for the storm she feels is only starting to brew.

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15 Minutes Remaining - Chapter 1 Trial

Banter, arguments, hurt, sympathy, and understanding. There’d been a myriad of different responses to what had happened and the confession from only minutes before. But things felt as though they’d stagnated by now, and Miku Prime definitely seemed to agree.

“Well, then! I think that’s plenty of talk now, so… Without further ado, you have 15 minutes left! It would be a little boring if I left the hot seat on now, so… Let’s turn that off for these last 15 minutes, shall we?”

Miku clapped her hands and the light shining down on Hitome went dark.

Remember to get in your votes!

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The Dog Bit Back | Crimson | 1.3 | RE: Hitome, Dahlia

If you wish to see your daughter well and unharmed, meet me to discuss reparationsー

The rest of the note had been torn off.

“Bloody hell, that note I got wasー”

Crimson just raises a hand, pinching the bridge of their nose. They’d tried not to think about the implications of the paper from the gacha too much. Who’d want something like that back in the first place? It’s not like they needed to know everyone’s private details.

…She’d just been afraid for her life. They couldn’t say anyone here wouldn’t have done the same, convinced that what they were experiencing is real. Convinced that they were in danger. Convinced that they had no choice but to fight.

Having to look over your shoulder every day, paranoidーfeeling unsafe in your own skinー

For that instant, it looks like Crimson is about to pounce on Miku just as Ozzy had, bristling with repressed anger. It’s all they can do to hold themself back, knowing that she might very well decide to make the situation worse.

They take a breath.

They nod slowly at Lau Fei’s words. They remembered her casually giving a thumbs up, which would have been more amusing if her blood hadn’t been everywhere and she wasn’t dying. Shock does that to people.

“…She never seemed like the type to get mad.”

Not that they got the chance to know her better, despite being in the same unit. They’d hardly talked. (Maybe they should have tried. Oh well, it’s too late to think about that now.) They didn’t know anything about her family or friends aside from that girl who she compared them too. Evelyn, was it? Ifーonce they make it out of this hellhole, they’ll have to find a way to track her down.

Although they weren’t the one asking, they take mental note of the people Hitome mentions as well. Hoshikawa is a familiar name, one they’d likely heard on the news.

Someone should at least know.

The big bad wolf can’t run away. They aren’t allowed that. If her blood will be on their hands, they will accept the title of villain. Because in the end, they can’t risk an innocent dying. They couldn’t risk if it wasー

…Well, either way it’d be bad.

So call them evil. Call them heartless. This isn’t a game of a monstrous werewolf preying on innocents, of a coldblooded killer whose death is celebrated.

It’s just unfortunate.

How troublesome.

“Hope it’s quick.”

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Forget-Me-Not? Never will | Kanji Mochizuki | 1-3

Everything is bound to come to an end. Spring is swallowed by summer; flowers bloom and their petals wither; humans are born and then die. It is all part of a cycle, the certainty that it will be that way, the awareness of one’s ephemeral nature, is what ultimately motivates every living creature to carry on. To live life to the fullest, despite struggles and hardships, is what he’s always placed value in.

But this? This just wasn’t right. 

It’s only natural. When threatened, nature develops ways of protecting itself. Thorns, poison, venom, you name it. Kanji can understand everything a little better now. He’s never been the sharpest tool in the shed, but even then he can retroactively make sense of what was unfolding before him. The nature of each individual is shaped by their experiences. 

He was bound to feeling the desire to comprehend others and make them feel safe. For him, strength is a means to protect others. For Hitome, it was a means to protect herself. 

What purpose does strength have if, just like Ozzy demonstrated, it has no use against the turquoise haired girl? 

No matter how much he tries, he’s just not enough. Perhaps he will never be. Just how long can he keep being his carefree self if Miku can easily pluck them and then dispose of them? So many things have been said, yet he can’t say anything himself. It is true, he hasn’t known these people for long. Yet, the loss of a life still germinates and develops into a profound grief. He mourns for everything they won’t get to live; he mourns alongside the people that will be robbed of Hitome and Dahlia’s presence; there are so many things to mourn for.

But… Every life, as small as it might appear, has a purpose. The impact Dahlia and Hitome had on others, not just this small group of people, will always be there. As long as that memory persists, as long as their loss is not in vain and as long as they keep fighting against Miku, they can move forward. 

Kanji’s sour expression, overwhelmed by fear, anxiety and confusion, lights up. Sadness lingers on, but there’s still hope. It’s inevitable, he always circles back into having hope for something better and passion to make that into a reality. 

You two won’t be forgotten, it’s a promise.