#V1. DEFAULT VERSE — ANN

[sharpsuite]

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗦 . . . ( silly handcuffed shenanigain starter call ) 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥: @vulpesse

" . . . This is new. " The handcuff around her wrist is UNCOMFORTABLE but not painful at least. It makes sense with a clubs game. Teamwork is often key. Her head tilts towards the other woman she's found herself handcuffed to. Doesn't recognize her, which means it might be her first game. Or maybe not. " I can't say I've ever been handcuffed before, so one of many firsts here. It's rather odd to do first introductions. But I'm Ann. " She offers up - better to know who you were working with. NAMES HAD VALUE.

[sharpsuite]

Her head tilts with a precise kind of grace ; the way a lioness moves with careful precision that seems as elegant as it is strong. Her body language never seems aggressive nor projecting ; it's steadfast the way mountains do not bow to the wind and how the Earth will KEEP MOVING around the sun. Where other people here flaunt and beg for attention, Ann simple remains. At worst, the steadfast attitude might seem COLD in a world where alcohol and other escapism flourishes. She stays grounded and focused ; KIND ENOUGH TO CARE, but not stupid enough to risk the lives of too many others for the sake of one's stupidity, nor foolish enough to believe she can save everyone. SHE JUST DOES HER BEST. That is all anyone can do here in this world that they all try to find their ways to survive in. Or risk losing themselves entirely.

" Mistake number one, Alice. " Ann's voice isn't accusing or victorious. Only informative like a professor teaching a class. " The house DOESN'T always win despite popular belief or the whisper of despair. Odds favor the house, but it's never entirely in their odds either. If it was, everyone would avoid the place. The House itself is in a precarious position. They have to lose sometimes to keep people coming, but they don't want to lose so much it becomes a problem for themselves or that it's seen as easy. " It's a TIGHTROPE that has to be walked, and that was without factoring in professionals. " You're not winning if you don't gamble, although you are saving yourself potential loss. It's simply not participating. To win, you need to learn the system in a way or be BOLD enough to challenge it. To be brave, although it comes with its risks, but as they say. With risk comes reward. Not blind risks, at least not ideally, but sometimes we have to be brave, whether it's smart or not. " She's had to do that in HER LINE OF WORK before all of this, despite how she prefers the stability of logic. Life didn't care what you preferred, and you had to adapt OR SUFFER.

Her mulberry painted lips lift into a smile at Alice's words ; FLATTERING beyond what Ann really thinks she ought to have earned. " If you mean a name and an identity, then no. It would take much longer than that I think. But I think the heart of this world is unveiling itself. Not so much for me as in the nature of it. There seems to be a certain REQUIREMENT to even be able to be here in the Borderlands, which is a rather fascinating concept that lends itself to be beyond mere coincidence. " NO ONE HERE IS TRULY HAPPY. They're haunted or broken in their own ways ; no perfect porcelain dolls no matter how well they may present themselves. Not even her. Her own struggles seem to be bother augmented and soothed paradoxically in this place.

Dark eyes follow Alice and she simply nods. DOESN'T SEEK TO HIDE IT. People simply haven't ever asked and Ann isn't prone to bragging. Besides, to many, the real world doesn't matter here. " I see myself more as a ROOK on the chessboard rather than the Queen. " She adds with a small laugh. " But yes. I did. I'm very familiar with humanity's darkest sides even without these games, although likewise, the bright side as well. I'm scientific, but others have said I'm rather philosophical as well. "

look at her go! ann is just SUCH AN ADULT, it's hard to look away. and in a world that felt as if it were full of lost boys and girls, it helps provide a near steal-like vision of purpose. even the hatter, well, he's far too paranoid to look at with the same lens, the same hope for critical thinking, no... he knew that wasn't for him, surrounding himself instead with generals to make up for what he lacked. did ann realize her power in this? the authority of her, and the legitimacy with which it helped to establish? ah, well... sometimes it's hard to take anybody serious in a bikini, and perhaps that too, was the point, but that was neither here, nor there, was it?

what are the odds, now, between them? in this game, this slight of hand, she thinks that the both of them were born with talents to survive a game such as this, but alas, it was still a game. there's no real prize, and their lives are what sit upon the line, and what's a game, if it's no fun? the NOOSE draws ever tighter about her neck! she understands it, shining ann! because she's not quite so swept up within the madness of this place, is she? two feet still firmly planted upon the ground, she must have been a precise woman before they're transported through seeming time, into some odd space with where which they found themselves trapped. down, down, that awful rabbit hole! "well, what do you bet when the house always wins? what's brave, what's smart? i'd have always thought that the best way to win was to simply not gamble at all but... alas, i suppose~"

but what a positive light ann looks at this whole affair! truly, alice has something to learn, how to be more patient, a better heroine... she's never quite been as SELFLESS as it demands, but a girl bends, and learns, and finds her footing here and there. all she's got to hope for is that this transformation leaves her at the finish line and not a sucker! but, she has a feeling when looking at the woman peering and thinking her way through this, that she could hardly ever be called that. well, then. "it sounds like you find yourself closing in, closer and closer! does this mean our ann has figured out the culprit in this particular mystery?" perking up, she wants to see! how she makes magic out of science, tongue lapping there between the dry seam of her lips, heart, pitter pattering, white rabbit quick! maybe she's nervous, after all... who wouldn't be, when the next call is about to be made?

gentle, she rounds a table. she touches everything, a curious thing. "i mean did you do things like this before you got sucked up into... well. this game. this world. this little slice of a nightmare that we all happen to be caught up in. only, whatever PINCH you give yourself doesn't quite bring you back to the moment you last remember, and, you've seen things that you can't quite reckon with your reality. that." then a pause, she laughs, far more breezily. "or simply ruled over everything like a queen upon her chess board! you really do have such a cool head. i suddenly feel like i have a lot of catching up to do!"

- @sharpsuite

[paralyziingbios]

ＢＵＦＦＹ ＡＮＮＥ ＳＵＭＭＥＲＳ

NAME: Buffy Anne Summers NICKNAME/ALIAS: Buff, Buffster, Duchess of Buffonia, Slayer, Golidlocks, B AGE: 43 (main verse.) DATE OF BIRTH: January 19, 1981 GENDER & PRONOUNS: Female, She/Her ORIENTATION: Bisexual / Biromantic SPECIES/ETHNICITY: Human/Slayer / White NATIONALITY: American

ＷＨＯ ＩＳ ＢＵＦＦＹ

She's a simple girl who loves sushi, ice-skating, and unrealistic karate movies. But, underneath the surface of frilly skirts and stylish accessories, Buffy was so much more than that. Buffy Summers was called to be a vampire slayer at the mere age of fifteen years old and has been holding that title on her burden-weighed shoulders for years. She's been through more than her fair share of trauma, loss, heart-break, and violence. She was, after all, the chosen one but only until she changed the narrative herself and gave her power to every girl that could be a slayer. Now, she's not the only chosen one. What will she do now?

ＶＥＲＳＥＳ

Main Verse V1.  After Buffy defeats The First, she restores the spell her and Willow used to activate all the slayers, wanting to give them a chance at a normal life if they so wished. The remaining, however, follow her to San Diego where she continues to round up the desired slayers and created the Slayer Organization where she train and recruits allies for upcoming battles and foes. Buffy lives with Dawn and Xander with Willow working at the organization as well as Giles. Buffy follows age timeline in accordance to the show meaning she's in her forties. Buffy travels, as she is in search of other potentials, so she can be anywhere. AGE 43. SHIP STATUS Single / Multi-ship. ACTIVITY High / Default.

Main Verse V2.  Same as above except Buffy is a mother to a set of twins, Joan and Lochlan, who are fathered by Angel as the result of a wish that was granted by the Powers That Be. more details on this post. AGE 43. SHIP STATUS Single / Open for shipping. ACTIVITY Medium.

Canon.  This verse falls under any part of the timeline within season 1 through 3 canonically. This verse Buffy falls within the age brackets of 15 to 18 which means she's minor. There will be no nsfw threads under this verse. Romantic shipping is allowed, but will never go past little kisses. AGE 15-18. SHIP STATUS Single / Multi-ship. ACTIVITY Low to Medium.

Canon.  This verse falls under any part of the timeline within season 4 and 5 canonically. This verse Buffy falls within the age brackets of 19-21. AGE 19-21. SHIP STATUS Single / Multi-ship. ACTIVITY Low to Medium.

Canon.  This verse falls under any part of any time in season 6 canonically. This verse Buffy falls within the age brackets of 21-22. See above for my portrayal of Buffy within this season. AGE 21-22. SHIP STATUS Single / Multi-ship. ACTIVITY Medium to High.

Canon.  This verse falls under any part of any time in season 7 canonically. This verse Buffy falls within the age brackets of 22-23. AGE 22-23. SHIP STATUS Single / Multi-ship. ACTIVITY Medium.

Canon AU.  Buffy was bested by Angelus, and he had ended up capturing her and mentally torturing her… even physically. He had then turned her into her worst nightmare… a vampire. Once she had turned, she had escaped and is now avoiding her friends and family, not wanting them to see her like this. She’s also fighting to keep in touch with the small part of her soul that remained, but every day the demon seems to win some way or another. AGE Eternally 17. SHIP STATUS Single / Multi-ship. ACTIVITY Low to Medium.

Canon AU.  The universe had changed since Cordelia Chase had wished Buffy Summers had never come to Sunnydale. It had come true and Buffy had stayed in Los Angeles and her life, even her as a person, was someone you wouldn’t recognize. She got kicked out of school, her parents were fed up with her continuing to get into trouble with the law, she got kicked out. Her watcher had taken her in, but Merrick shortly died at the hands of vampires. She became a rouge vampire slayer who hardly checked in with the council and went about killing vampires and demons her own way. AGE 18-19. SHIP STATUS Single / Multi-ship. ACTIVITY Medium.

Crossover.  Instead of running away to Los Angeles after killing Angel, Buffy had fled to a small town called Santa Carla... that also happened to be marked as the murder capital of the world. She tries not to fall back into old slayer habits but the town was infested with vampires and it was run by a notorious vampire gang: David and his boys. AGE 18-19. SHIP STATUS Single / Multi-ship. ACTIVITY Low.

VERSES TO BE ADDED: the vampire diaries, the walking dead, MCU, teen wolf, and more ....

ＩＭＰＯＲＴＡＮＴ ＰＯＲＴＲＡＹＡＬ ＮＯＴＥＳ

Buffy's depression, isolation, confusion, and manic persona in season six lasts a lot longer than it does in the show. She takes months to recover who she was before she had died and even then, never fully finds the girl she used to be because that girl is gone. I play Buffy very straight - forward, serious, blunt, and even stoic post season six. Even after she regains a sense of reality and conscience, she still deals with depression as the memories of the heavenly dimension she was in still plague her dreams and even thoughts.

I don't like the Seeing Red scene, we all know it. I do accept it in my canon as I try to heavily stay as canon as possible when playing Buffyverse characters but, I do have an important head canon that I think suits that scene way better than what went down on screen. Instead of Spike approaching Buffy and violating her, he instead has the intention of turning her into a vampire. Of course this fails but it fits their relationship much more than what happened. More details on this headcanon here.

[sharpsuite]

❛ stop predicting what’s going to happen next! you’re taking all the fun out of it. ❜ AND/OR 🙀 to tell spooky stories (can do either or both for whoever you're feeling, but if no preference, then for ann!)

SCARY / HALLOWEEN THEMED SENTENCES + HALLOWEEN/FALL SYMBOLS

Chishiya blinks as he watches the other HUFF AT HIM for his prediction. So he was right. But that was to be expected, wasn't it? There was a FORMULA to the horror and scary story genre just like there was to anything else, be it a genre or a math equation. All it took was a rough understanding of the story format, recognizing the tropes, and then CORRECTLY CHOOSING what would fit the theme. SIMPLE REALLY.

". . . " Is he sorry? No, not particularly. Which is why Chishiya doesn't apologize for his act of predicting where the story was going to go. Did no one else figure it out already? Or maybe that was part of the appeal? TO HEAR THE SCARES, IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE STORY. He treated it like a puzzle to be solved, but others chose the path of fear. Chishiya can't particularly imagine it nor understand that appeal. But he doesn't understand several things the average person does. His brain doesn't work the same.

Instead, Chishiya merely lifts his hands in MOCK SURRENDER at the scolding. " I thought it was obvious. But fine, fine. " His hands fall back to his sides to bury themselves in his pockets. " Not another word out of me on it. " / @samuhelll

[sharpsuite]

“ we’ve been wrong before ” ( alice @ ann )

↳ REMEBER TO REMEMBER ME SENTENCES

Ann is not so ARROGANT as to deny that point or claim otherwise. She's only human after all. Humans are bound to make errors. If they did not, they would never grow or change. There's also the matter of missing information. Ann approaches most problems with a scientific mindset that's practically EMBEDDED in her bones at this point. However, information is limited to what people have been gathered, and there is no proof that certain facts are true merely because THEY perceived them to be facts. There could be errors in that information or key pieces missing.

THEY WORK WITH WHAT THEY HAVE. Her information and evidence is less solid than that of her lab work prior to these lands ; it brings her back to days out in the cold at a crime scene, collecting as much evidence as possible and gathering preliminary idea of suspects or situation analysis.

" That much is true. " Ann acknowledges Alice's words with a dip of her head, taking a moment to bite into the fresh tart on fine china in front of her. At least HERE inside the Beach the obnoxious blasting of rave music is nothing but a faint whisper to strained ears. Something more classical plays on a record player. ( Ann is rather FOND of the older quality - proof of bygone times that linger on even in this ruined world. )

She tilts her head to the side ; observing Alice. The words aren't mean, just commentative. " We have been wrong before. And likely will in the future. But that is a gamble that we have to risk taking if we have any hope of discovering more about all of this. " Her hand gestures around as a sign of the world rather than anything more present. " Besides, it is not as though we have anything to lose. Regardless of SKEPTICISM to the Hatter's theory, we have to play these death games regardless. The fact we can collect the cards does indicate something should we manage to collect all of them. " There is the chance the cards are nothing but a RED HERRING, yet it doesn't seem to be the case. It would go against the spirit of the games so far. / @redemptioninterlude

[sharpsuite]

" I could. " Such is one of the powers of being an executive member ; there's general authority, access to knowledge others are in the dark about, and the ability to suggest another either in the case of a spot opening, or for their feats being worthwhile enough to be a potential member. POWER INEVITABLY BRINGS INSTABILITIY. No matter how iron-clad the authority seems. She doesn't like Chishiya's too sharp gaze or his antics with instigating the volatile Niragi, doesn't trust Aguni as much these days, everything is getting precarious as the Beach flourishes. Does Kuina understand the risks? " But I can't undo the suggestion either. That's why you need to be certain of your wish for future possibilities. "

There's an implication that goes without needing to be said. Anything that could get you demoted is also likely to fall into being a TRAITOR. And that enacts the third rule: death to the traitors. She doesn't want to see that happen to Kuina.

It's NICE to hear laughter in a world that seems devoid of all things soft and sweet. ( It isn't though - ONLY AT THE SURFACE. It is rarer, but it is not entirely lost. ) " Of course I can, I just don't often have a reason to. " She admits with a lingering ghost of a smile. Cute? Her laugh is cute? Ann's...never heard that before and there's a faint flush. OR MAYBE IT'S JUST A TRICK OF THE LIGHTING. Still, the ghostly smile continues to linger like a spirit bound to a place. " That I don't doubt. You seem to liven things up. "

With the shift back to seriousness, Ann's expression reflects a similar seriousness bound in attentive curiosity. She'd figured. Kuina didn't strike her as the type who would enjoy being on any executive board meetings, much less the Beach. For a moment, she doesn't say anything. Then - " I think things would be better off if others had a similar mindset as you. " People who valued lives and trying to make something like GENUINE HAPPINESS. It had been the original intention of the Beach but somewhere it had gone awry. " That's what The Beach was meant to be. Not this situation it has now. " She glances off towards the other players - then back to Kuina. " I think it might be best to offer the suggestions and avoid the web of the entanglement. " She gives a softer puff at the thought. " At least potentially. You're around Chishiya more than anyone else, excluding meetings. " So really, Ann's not sure how free of a mess Kuina might or might NOT be.

« @sharpsuite »

Keeping Ann in her peripheral, Kuina too attempted to school her expression into the signature unwavering, cold one the woman wore — and failed, because serious wasn’t an expression Kuina liked to wear. Maybe it was easier for her to do with oversized sunglasses.

Rather than risk Ann catching her and think Kuina was making fun when in reality it was more flattery, the tallest broke into an easy grin, a shoulder lifting nonchalantly. “You’re technically a member, right~? You could suggest me.” Had Ann there, didn’t she? It was difficult to outsmart the Diamond player typically, and Kuina subjected the poor woman to constant talking. Anywhere she could except Ann’s dead body lair, title Kuina wouldn’t dare let Ann know was what she called it simply because she admired her and wanted to know her.

When asked if she was interested in being part of the executives, Kuina’s glance broke to the players slowly gathering in numbers before it snapped back in attention to Ann. ‘I’d prefer you over some of the members.’ Now that stroked Kuina’s ego, heart skipping slightly in her chest from pride, she assumed, praise something she chased. Pair that with Ann’s laugh, Kuina’s own was bubbling out her… until she abruptly gasped with a sudden realization. “I’ve never heard you laugh?! I didn’t know you could~! It’s a cute sound, Ann.” Cheeky grin frozen on painted lips, she bumped the woman playfully. “I bet I could make the meetings more entertaining~ then we wouldn’t be bored to death.”

It was nice discussing anything but the game they were about to play. Kuina thrived on connection building before them — ever the team player. Turning serious for a moment, she went back to the initial question asked, humming thoughtfully. “No, by the way — from before. It’s not that I’m interested in being part of the executives exactly… I mean it wouldn’t be for power or status…” Her lips pursed around her fake cigarette, nibbling on it before continuing. “If I could help make The Beach a better place with ideas by being part of that? Then I would.” Plus, a bonus would be listening in on the conversations about the cards… because she had a strong feeling Chishiya was still keeping things from her.

[sharpsuite]

💀 for both/either, follow ur heart

↳ SEND 💀 TO WALK IN ON MY MUSE KILLING SOMEONE

Ann doesn't like violence as an answer. She never has and she never will. It doesn't mean that she doesn't know when PUSH COMES TO SHOVE that she might have to do something that she doesn't like. Like now, with this man in the game with them. She's exhausted all other options and avenues she would ordinarily use and he's not listening. If it would work, she would have just knocked him out until it was Game Clear. But he's dangerous, he has a weapon, and Ann isn't going to gamble with everyone ELSE'S life if he wakes up. ( Even less so when she knows there's a young child among them - to her own horror. She'd never seen any kids here until now. )

Police training kicks in with ease, and NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME she's glad she took extra classes. Its a hearts game ; maybe she shouldn't be so surprised. The gun sits in her hand as she peers around the corner into the room where the man is yelling for the group to come out. They won't, Ann already got everyone else to a safer spot. One life for everyone else's. Ann leans a bit further out and shoots while his back it turned.

He goes down easy, but the gunshot echoes in the space like a death toll while she goes to check on the body. It isn't guilt that Ann feels. She did what she had to for everyone else and herself to survive. But it shouldn't have to be this ; these lands brought out the worst in everyone. If he never was here, maybe he'd never hurt a fly. But he is here and he was out to HURT everyone. So she had to do what she needed to.

Ann lifts her head from checking the pulse (there is none after a few seconds) to see Pat - and it's HARD to decipher the Executive's expression. Ann's killed on accident here before ; but intentionally like this had been NEW. It doesn't sit well with her despite knowing it's what had to be done. Ann stands up, switching the safety on as she puts the gun in her back pocket. "...We can all clear this game now. " Ann remarks after a moment of silence. This time she doesn't look to the body when she stands up to head towards the room entrance where Pat is. " It won't be hard now that everyone will cooperate. We've got five minutes. Let's go. " Her voice is calm and composed as always ; more the image she projects of herself at The Beach than what actually is behind her mask. / @cartelheir

[sharpsuite]

∗ 58﹕ sender is found collapsed by receiver . (for ann)

↳ 100 NONVERBAL PROMPTS

With the fall of The Beach in the ten of hearts game, everyone was forced back into SURVIVAL MODE. There would be no more parties, no more electricity, no more pretending the days were okay. Especially not with the face cards reveal. Any sort of peace that MIGHT be found could easily be destroyed by the King of Spades and his hunt for the survivors. Somehow the death game arenas had become both death trap and safety. Ann wasn't content with that. Not when there were so many unanswered questions. Maybe learning more about whatever the Borderlands was would help more. It made sense; it was a logical approach in her eyes. To solve a case you neeed the details ; to handle the changed game of this world, she needed more details about it. She had the days ; her visa already had a fair number of days even before the ten of hearts. She could afford venturing off on her own.

Ann had been used to seeing bodies even BEFORE the borderlands given her line of work, but it was still grim to see so many who had survived this long just to fail. She didn't pay too much attention to their faces ( didn't want to see their expressions of HORROR or FEAR or DESPAIR ). At least, not until she spotted a familiar figure laying on the ground, the smoldering remains of a burning blimp of one of the face cards still burning in the distance.

" Pat? " Ann's voice was soft, as if speaking it would somehow affect reality. ( ILLOGICAL, she knew that. ) Her hesitation lingers only a minute before she rushes over to the collapsed form and kneels down beside her. She doesn't care how the hot asphalt burn her knees as she quickly rolls Pat over and pulls her onto her lap. Despite the fear in her heart, her actions remain calm and methodical. There's a pulse, she's not dead. It eases the panic in her chest a moment. No major injuries either, nothing besides the normal scraps and bruises most of them have. Ann isn't a doctor, but she can at least assume then that it was either exhaustion, the heat, or both that had ended up taking a toll on her. " It's okay. You're okay. " And maybe it won't mean anything to Pat, Ann's not assure how aware she is ; if she's entirely unconscious or not. DOESN'T MATTER. " I've got you. Let's get you somewhere cooler. "

Ann moves Pat carefully, shifting until she can pick up the other woman with a huff of effort. It's not hard once she has her up, carrying her carefully into the shaded inside of a nearby building. There's not MUCH here, but cool tile and shade is better than hot asphalt and sun. Ann sets her down carefully and then drops the backpack from her shoulder. She pulls out a strip of cloth and soaks it in a bit of her water, wringing it out before she places the damp cloth around the back of Pat's neck in an effort to help cool her down. " You're going to be okay. " Ann says, her voice calm and confident despite the songbird of worry lurking in her chest. / @cartelheir

[sharpsuite]

∗ 9o﹕ sender  helps  receiver  patch  up  a  wound . / Micah with Ann ; can be reverse if you like !!!

↳ 100 NONVERBAL PROMPTS

INJURIES are not something that can be greatly afforded in the Borderlands. Everyone was bound to experience them sooner or later. But the less serious, the better. While some games might rely more on the mind than anything else, many games still had a physical component to it. INFECTIONS were possible and the consequences for weakness could be detrimental.

Ann clenches her jaw as she limps out of the game venue. GAME CLEARED. Six more days to her visa for a Spades game. Normally Ann clears games without any issues. But she is only human. A spinning blade had managed to nick her at the last second. She's just lucky it wasn't too deep or hit any major blood vessels. It HURTS and it's not a PRETTY sight to see pale skin stained crimson, but she's thankful it's nothing serious. ( Even if sweat beads her forehead and her leg wobbles trying to support her weight and balance in wedge heels at the same time. )

Kindness isn't to be expected here. Ann sinks down against a stone step just to give herself a moment to breathe. Once she gets back to The Beach she can patch this up properly and take some time to rest. She has enough days on her visa. What she doesn't expect is for someone to stop to HELP HER. Brown eyes widen for a moment in surprise but she accepts when they offer.

" Thank you. " Ann offers a polite smile - she doesn't RECOGNIZE them from the Beach or a previous game. She has to wonder if they are new here or simply have managed to never cross paths. It HURT to clean the wound but it's what needs to be done and she won't complain when someone is taking the time to help her without any reason. It's not like the other world where they might gain money from it. That's worthless here other than as fire kindling. But...

But there are things many people miss here that only The Beach has.

" I know somewhere that has electricity. I can take you there as thanks for helping me. " Ann offers after a moment while they help bandage the wound on her leg. It's not like HATTER will disagree ; the more people there are, the fast that cards can be gathered. He never turns anyone down anyways. Not even dangerous people like NIRAGI, much less someone who helped her simply because they could. / @solarisgod

[sharpsuite]

" Of course, it's open to adjusting as situations arise. But even a skeleton of a plan is better than no plan at all. " If there was no plan, it would be simply mindless running. And that was a very effective DEATH STRATEGY. Ann has never once seen anyone survive by simply bolting for the end. ( That, or the end turned out to NOT actually be the end. ) A vaguely amused huff leaves her lips as she tilts her head. " No, I don't imagine most have. Even for people who have been here a while, there's no guarantee a strategy in one game is applicable to another. It often ISN'T. " Even within the same suit it could vary drastically.

Ann sets a quick but maintainable pace. TOO FAST could mean missing dangers. TOO SLOW could mean getting caught. They have a goal, they just need to move. ( And she's rather thankful she took those extra courses the police offered. They weren't required for her job, but some were free or greatly discounted - so it just made sense to take advantage of them. They were interesting and SOMETIMES useful here. ) It seems relatively quiet - until it isn't.

Ann halts at the appearance of another person before she recognizes his face. Not an employee to end them. What REALLY catches her eye is Johanna's reaction. Rather than relief or hope, Ann watches her tension and the hostility that lurks in immediately seeking out a weapon. She chose AGGRESSION. It's noteworthy because that isn't what her INITIAL prediction would be for someone new. Perhaps it has something to do with her experiences or job in the ORIGINAL WORLD. Either way, Ann makes a note to put Johanna closer to handling any of the MILITANTS. At least for now.

" Resorting to violence right away is a good way to make UNNECESSARY enemies. " Ann replies as she holds up one hand, palm outwards. " He's another player and this game is low level with no survivor limit. There's no reason to attack since he's not an employee. " But she hadn't seen him pass or be ahead of them. "...But since he's here, that does mean some of these smaller stores connect through the walls, which the employees surely know too. " Her lips purse for a moment before she decides to walk closer - though not without a whisper to Johanna of " Keeping the bat might be a good idea though...for the EMPLOYEES at the very least. "

Johanna nods and follows instantly. The goal, while simple in its initial instruction - to go to the exit on the other side of the mall - would mean that going up would leave us in a bit more of a tight space. And it was important that you had enough room to hide and see when it was the most advantageous to attack. “ Seems like a solid plan, not that I’ve been in a similar situation. But I’m guessing most haven’t, so maybe that makes the game be as fair as it could be. ”

She didn’t care about things being fair, and when the first scream echoed around them, she could only feel a small sense of relief. One less person to compete against. The two of them made haste, not running, not yet anyway, but walking with a sense of where they wanted to go. She didn’t think they should go all the way down to where the shipments were, since that seemed like a good place to get stuck. Unless the plan ended up being waiting it out, and letting everyone else get picked off. But that also could make it so you don’t get out on time. Each game was its own little universe with new rules. Not paying enough attention could also get you disqualified, and that would mean you’re DEAD.

Johanna had no desire to allow anyone to decide to end her life, that would and should always be her own decision, and dying was not in the plans. “ We need to get down that hallway and the stairs would be…” Another contestant walked out of a nearby store, she had recognized him from before, remembering that he was Australian if she had been right in identifying his accent. Moving to her right, there was a sports store and an array of different golf clubs, never taking her eyes off the man, she picked one up, fingers wrapping around the handle tightly.

It was obvious that he was staring them down, and he would do something, but he seemed to be waiting for them to get closer to do something first. This was the quickest way towards the stairs, and going around would mean that they would most likely see more people and more employees. “ We go through him, what do you think? Unless you have a better plan. ” The man wasn’t too bulky, more lanky, but taller. Probably assuming that the two of them would be easy targets, fresh for the picking. How wrong he would be.

[sharpsuite]

❛ i was worried something happened to you. ❜ // for ann maybe

↳ SOFT AND SWEET SENTENCE STARTERS

ANN is well aware of the fact that she is not as interconnected at the Beach as many. To many she's cold and distant, head buried in work that no one else seems interested in. Maybe it's because they believe Hatter's story, or they want to simply drown out the fears of the future or lack thereof. Ann would rather find out the TRUTH behind how they were here, how the lasers worked, and see if she could find some sort of explanation or alternative way to leave. It had been a FRUITLESS endeavor so far.

So it comes as a surprise when Rei expresses concern over her wellbeing. People like Ann because most of those who join games with her come back alive. Most. Her head tilts to the side for a moment before red lips form something of a reassuring smile. It's NICE in a way to know someone cares about if she lives or dies. In the other world....well. She's not sure how much her absence matters outside of a WORK CAPACITY. Her parents would be sad, there was that.

" I'm sorry to cause you to worry. " Ann replies, her stern voice a bit softer in tone than it ordinarily was when she addressed others for work or game related conversations. " The car we took there had some issues when we tried to come back, so it took a lot longer. " Hence the delay , and explained the UNEASE that seemed to have settled at the Beach until she and her group had arrived back. " I'm hopeful that someone here can fix it though. Vehicles are a rare commodity and certainly more useful. " It's a logical thought that follows her TYPICAL pattern before she refocuses on Rei again. " But I'm okay. The game itself was rather easy, all things considered. Did you have to play tonight? " / @xyumeni

[sharpsuite]

“ He deserves to die. “ (for Ann)

↳ FROM A MEME I FORGOT BC I ACCIDENTALLY SAVED THIS TO DRAFTS

Ann's expression is even MORE impossible than it typically is as she looks at Pat and then outside the car window towards the man that seems to be the target of Pat's wrath. But she doesn't stare long, no longer and nor shorter than she would look at anyone else before she turns her attention away to stare ahead without immediately answering or replying to the words. Pat's essentially just told her she intends to get the militant killed with a comment like that. Maybe not EXPLICITLY, but it's not hard to imagine. Does Pat know him, or is it just some conflict that's erupted here? At the end of the day, it DOESN'T MATTER.

The Executive has a rather complicated relationship with violence even before the Borderlands. She disliked it - but it would be a LIE to claim she had never wished unspeakable suffering upon some of the perpetrators of crimes she solved. She'd hated them and never felt any regret for her ill-will towards them. She saw their crimes, understood it more than even the arresting officers. It was only natural to feel an ugly hatred for those people, for the cruelty of the world, the injustice done to the victims and their families.

And then HERE in the Borderlands. Death was necessary to survive. There are few who had played multiple games whose hands were clean of bloodshed. That was without the part of the Beach's rules were death to the traitors. She knew they were killed and accepted it as an grim reality of the situation. It was what it was. Who is she to say anything on this matter that Pat has? The victim is nobody. At least not an executive which would warrant her potential intervention.

She stares at the sign outside the game venue as she leans back against the driver seat. Weapons hadn't been allowed inside the venue. It was the perfect time to strike.

When Ann finally speaks, her voice is collected and glacial. This is just logic. It's not HER responsibility to get involved in others matters unless its a personal risk to her, the other executives, or The Beach as a whole. " Try not to get caught. This could get messy if you do. " It won't affect her record at least ; Ann isn't playing, just driving tonight. " And Pat? " This time Ann looks properly at her, with a thin smile. " Good luck. " / @cartelheir

[sharpsuite]

i can use my fists! / pat abt to fight someone. for ann

↳ INVISIBLE MAN SENTENCE STARTERS

She can already feeling the beginnings of a HEADACHE gathering as a dull pressure at her temples. This was typically why she preferred to work in the basement. Very few people dared to go down there, much less into her make-shift lab. Her usual lab was far more advanced, but she's worked with LESS out in the field before, so she has no complaints overall. She takes a sip of water from her bottle before she stands up. The LAST thing they needed was to let the trigger-happy militants have a go at problem solving.

It's not all that surprising either to find Pat involved given the other's temperament. And it's true. Pat might not have weapons on her but she certainly has her fists. ( And heels. Ann's seen JUST HOW EFFECTIVE high heels could be as weapons. All the male cops had been shocked at seeing a man lose an eye to them. Only the other women at the scene like herself hadn't been too surprised. Ann thinks the other person is LUCKY Pat is only choosing her fists. ) The crowd parts to let her through as she closes in on the confrontation with an aura of authority.

" How about we DON'T resort to violence quite yet? " Ann folds her arms across her chest. Her gaze may be concealed behind her signature sunglasses, but the PRESENCE of her stare is enough to make it known when she was looking at them. A gaze she fixes everyone involved in the mess with. ( Even the one trying to slip away into the crowd. ) " Does anyone want to explain what this is about? If you turn this into a blood bath, no one is intervening. I advise you consider the CONSEQUENCES before making a choice. " She won't get involved ; it wasn't worth the risk. There's a crowd forming but luckily no one jumps in to kickstart anything one way or another.

She lifts her hand to pull down her sunglasses just enough to properly fix with a PIERCING stare. " If you want to settle this with the least amount of chaos, I'll be at the table over there. If you want to settle it in other ways, you're responsible for the rest. " With that, she turns to start to walk towards the table and leave the CHOICE in their hands. / @cartelheir

[sharpsuite]

The car isn't parked far at least, which is more of a relief than it probably needed to be. But some days were like that; the borderlands made you appreciate even small inconveniences. ( If she got back to the world, she wouldn't complain about parking lots ever again. ) Ann gestures for her to towards where the car is carefully hidden.

" Depends on your definition of a long time. " Ann looks towards her. " I've been here eighteen days so far. " Which, considering the death games, WAS a long time to be surviving and unscathed. " There's not too many rules to these lands. I take it someone translated the game for you? " She asks, because she's never seen any of the screens have english versions. But maybe it was different; it'd be good knowledge regardless. As they round a corner, the old mustang sits in the shadows and she heads for the driver side.

the beach. little does this woman know, pat would've followed her to a landfill if that's where she was going. at the game she'd just played, only one other woman spoke a few words of english; enough to help her out with the game rules, at least until her death, but not enough for a real conversation such as this. maybe there would be others at this beach she could communicate with. and electricity, of course. she did not forget about that. there's no reason to refuse the offer and stick around here, completely alone.

" have you been here for a long time? " she seems to know an awful lot about how this world works. pat isn't sure if a yes answer would bring her any comfort. it would show it's possible to survive, but is there a way out at all?

[sharpsuite]

the dead can’t hurt you / for ann?? or chishiya, she'd do it for either and still be like 🤷‍♀️

↳ SEND "lethal protection" FOR MY MUSE TO KILL TO PROTECT YOURS, OR "the dead can't hurt you" FOR YOUR MUSE TO KILL TO PROTECT MINE

Being a forensic scientist and former crime scene investigator put Ann into the world of crime, but the times of ACTIVE danger were almost nonexistent. ( Almost, because she has scars that speak of the occasions the unexpected happened. ) She went out of her way to learn extra skills. But self defense classes aren't set up for situations like this ; when human emotion is PUSHED TO THE EDGE by desperation and anger and pride. There is no promise the people you play games with will appreciate you saving their skin. There is no law to stop violence afterwards. And self defense classes from almost a decade ago aren't quick to resurface, much less in the face of a former veteran charging, lashing out because his plan had been STUPID and people chose HER plan. ( And they won because of it. ) Or maybe he just hated her ; Ann didn't care either way.

It doesn't mean Ann goes easily. Even with hands on her throat, threatening to crush her, she lashes out. ( She's seen TOO MANY dead girls with vacant eyes ; she's photographed too many broken nails with blood and skin cells under them - the EVIDENCE they used to convict attackers who otherwise would have escaped, she's seen and examined and testified to too many dead women who've been in this position and fought to the end no matter how HOPELESS. ) Ann might not be overly keen on violence but all humans have weaknesses, she stabs at his eye an the soft skin of the throat, but its not enough. Instead she's STRUGGLING to draw in air and keep her windpipe open, but the edges of her vision are blurring and growing black.

Her ears are ringing but Ann hears a loud sound and suddenly the weight is gone. She doesn't care about whatever splatters over her face and the crisp white shirt she wears. Ann rolls onto her side and gasps for air, eyes shut to try to help her regain her balance. There's going to be nasty BRUISES where the man's hands were, she already knows that. But she's alive and she's breathing. Ann's eyes slowly open and she finds Pat near, a smoking gun in hand. There's NO RULE you can't take the weapons from games with you. And for once in these lands, Ann's rather glad SOMEONE has a gun. Her chest heaves with the desperate need to fill her body with oxygen and it's only after a few seconds that she slowly props herself up.

" Thanks. " Her usually steadfast voice is HOARSE in the aftermath of the attack, but the certainty of her voice is still there. She turns her head to look at the man - definitely dead. It's not that easy of a feat for someone who's never held a gun which carries with it certain observations, but Ann COULDN'T CARE LESS. There's scrapes on her arms and legs and the obvious injuries to her neck but it could be much, much worse. It would have been if Pat had been much later. " Good thing you took that. " Finally, only then does Ann unsteadily climb back to her feet - doesn't bother to wipe the blood away. / @cartelheir

[sharpsuite]

067. on the rooftop of a perilously tall building . / ann 💕

↳ SETTING PROMPTS

In the other world, standing atop such a tall building might make the starved feel like GOD gazing down upon the earth. But in that world, there are no lasers from the skies, no visas permitting your survival, and the city below would be full of cars and people even at this hour. THIS land does not permit such delusions to flourish. There are no delusions of grandeur or godhood in a world like this. It is merely eerily silent beyond than the desolate howling of wind through empty streets.

Ann crosses her leg over the other as she casts a glance over the city. Will The Beach gain new cards tonight? Or more duplicates? It seems as though some refuse to ever manifest. Yet the joy of survival keeps any disappointment from the players at bay. They do not truly see the full picture, and they're often too drunk or drugged in the aftermath to consider it. By morning they'll forget all about it in favor of celebration. Ann cannot fathom it. Though, most also could fathom her dissecting and conducting autopsies in the belly of The Beach either.

Her head turns towards the sole door to the rooftop of the skyscraper as it opens and she watches one of the newer Beach members emerge. Akina. She is the first Ann's seen survive the game besides herself. There's still five minutes of the game left, but she doubts those inside will appear. ( They are not Beach members as it is regardless. )

" I see you survived as well. Well done. " Ann speaks, calm despite the game endured. A five of diamonds; it could have been worse. But Death cares not for the ranking, only the skill. She regards the other with an unreadable expression. " We have four minutes and thirteen seconds left. But the odds of any others joining us are at 20% at best. "