#V1. DEFAULT VERSE — ANN

[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]

" LIFE isn't fair. I wouldn't expect it to be any more fair in these lands, hence my omission of acknowledgement. Some people do everything right and still face tragedies and injustices. " It's a comment that earns a rather somber moment from the executive as she gently places her cup back upon the saucer. SHE KNOWS IT ALL TO WELL. Too many attacked or dead people who did everything right, yet life cared not. Much like the ocean who cares little for those who travel her back. It's simply a grim fact of their reality. It is better to expect it here too than not.

Ann still manages a wry smile at the mention of unfavorable odds. " Rather fitting for a world revolving around cards, no? " She offers up. " Like visiting a casino, where the ODDS always favor the house. " In this case, there's a multitude of reasons. Those who arrive here not only have to survive death games, but also adapt to a world that is different than what many of them have experienced. Few have gone without the luxury of electricity and running water for long periods of time. " Yet, life has a way. Whether its humans or nature, life often finds a way to persevere in the face of extreme odds. " IT'S ADMIRABLE. Whether it is a weed, a butterfly, or a person. Life finds a way.

The reason, at least for people, may vary. From NOBLE CAUSES to spite, they push forward all the same.

Is that what she means? Ann looks to Alice for a moment. Just like the games, she does not rush in to conversation blindly. She takes time to consider her words. " It is certainly something we should CONSIDER, both in regards to ourselves and in regards to others. " Ann confirms after a moment. " It is true that there are those here who relish a sense of superiority or inflicting pain on others. But there are also those who still yearn to help others, or take no pleasure but wish to avoid incurring wrath. " Right or not, she understands. It's like those who WITNESS a crime and keep quiet for one reason or another. " It is not the knife that destroys peace. It can just as easily protect as it can harm. Rather it's about the wielder. "

" FOR BETTER OR WORSE, I wonder . . . " Ann doesn't disagree. Knowledge is invaluable. She prizes it above most others. But it can both hurt and help just like any other tool. " I AM curious about this world, I confess as much. But perhaps not as muc as some. Too much can blind you. " She shrugs gracefully, her back resting against the plush chair. " Did I do what before? " Certainly never experienced this world before, although there's SOME she sometimes wonders if they have. But if it is her logic, her look at life and people, that would be closer to a yes.

the borderlands! they ought to be wilder, she sees the way some people devolve. but not all. some cling to a sense of familiarity, whilst others seemed to thrive among the chaos. wild dogs, snapping at heels, looking to bully others into their conceived rightful place. what a mess it serves. ann seems to be above that all, chosen not because she was meant to be STRONG, but because she was so awfully smart. a clever weapon, in a game that demanded so much more than brute strength. alice is watching! waiting, knowing there's something brilliant about to unfold.

and hey now, who wants to MISS THE SHOW!

"you make it all sound so terribly transactional. but the truth is, you could pay the fare, and still die at the hand off. that's not quite fair, now, is it? then again. the odds were never truly in our favour to begin with." it's a game! a grand, terrible game that they were caught within, and no amount of PROBLEM SOLVING would remove them out of this within the frames of their usual understanding! so it was time, wasn't it? to move beyond that - to embrace the insane, the unlikely, the conspiratorial. out here, all of it could be all too real.

they talk about the idea of denial, for more then the fact of a river in a place they might never see again. they exist in a space between what feels real, and strange, and within it so comes too the chaotic nature of all that they NO LONGER KNOW nor hold to. peeking to her, but ann, oh how infinitely wise she was, to know how fragile the peace was that those here were bound to. perking up, she's not so strange a person to hide herself, by much, was she? heart upon the sleeve, wishes made clear - she simply wanted to go home. leaning in, she smiled, so left, and so right, yanking at the wheel almost in proverbial distraction. "then what you mean to say is that we've our baser instincts to think about. fear. revulsion. cowardice. mania. there's so many here that get off on the pain of others! strength becomes a knife becomes the destruction of peace. or is it simply the other side of a mirror to remind us of civility? even that's simply a thin attempt at fraud, isn't it~?"

she laughs, even if nothing about the matter was that humorous to begin with. but in a VERY REAL WAY, this all thrilled her, what a mystery to be solved, a truth meant to be uncovered! "i think what will change the course of things is knowledge - i'm trying to remain a little bit curious about everything. aren't you?" isn't that why they were here, for them to use what she knew to find more and more and more and more until there was nothing left to hide! what instinct was this? a finger tracing along a table top, hopping upon it as she handed things that were needed along, forever patient, it seemed. "did you do this? before~ i mean."

- @sharpsuite

[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]

💀 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]

" 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]

∗ 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]

❛ 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]

Ann isn't surprised by the chaos that erupts in the wake of the Hatter's death, but it is rather DISAPPOINTING. Yet who would expect otherwise when the militants are involved? Twice so when Chishiya's favorite past time seems to be messing with one of the most volatile. ( She dislikes him for both THAT and the ever present cunning look. ) BUT THERE'S SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS ABOUT ALL OF THIS. Something lurking under the surface that has the investigator in her itching to claw out. The timing is too perfect and and the motive too unclear. If it was simple murder, this could have been done DAYS, WEEKS AGO. So why now?

" Here at The Beach? Or here in these lands? " Ann lifts an eyebrow inquisitively as she lets her gaze shift away from Takeru's corpse towards the other executive member. " I suppose in the wake of events, now IS a natural time for such topics to be brought up. You have a fair point. " ANN CONCEDES THAT POINT. She's been working with death so long both in the other world and here that she wasn't quite sure when the best time would be. But death was bound to bring up thought of the afterlife. It just felt disrespectful to do so in front of someone whose death she believes LESS AND LESS to be from a game. Her eyes narrow slightly as the thought prowls around her mind again.

" No. " Mira's smile and calm may be almost permanent etched but so is Ann's matter-of-fact nature, ice cold facts that make others uncertain until they know more about her. She blinks - then cracks a faint smile. " Oh? We should have gotten dinner. " She replies with a faint tone of amusement. SHOULD because she doubts peace will remain long with Hatter's death. EXCEPT . . . A look of confusion forms on the diamond specialist's face at Mira's comment. " Number one? " She repeats, dark eyes flicking over the other's unchanging expression. " I'm NOT INTERESTED in being number one. " She shakes her head at the thought. It doesn't matter that she's one of the most liked executives here, with players knowing if they're in HER TEAM they're likely to survive because she rarely loses people. " I don't have any desire for such a role, despite my personal unease with Aguni in charge. I don't much care who is number one so long as they're competent and capable. "

@sharpsuite sent: ❝ 𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚞𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜. ❞ 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐚

Chaos ensued. Whispers of a fallen leader ran rampant with fear. What would they do? Who would lead? What would happen to the sacred utopia that sheltered and provided an escape? It was difficult to conceal the Cheshire smile Mira wore from widening with glee as she stared down at Hatter’s lifeless body with curiosity, strings pulling her puppet now limp. How disappointing their fun ended so soon. No more luring poor Takeru down the rabbit hole to nothing, blindly gathering players to her future game venue The Beach as soldiers for collecting the cards to go home. His journey had come to an end.

Just like the Queen of Hearts had planned.

Emotions heightened, the air was thick with tension, and Mira naturally felt the desire to stir the pot further, casually asking Ann if the hunt for the cards was truly worth it if this was the end result. ‘Wouldn’t you prefer to stay here~?’ was answered with a swift and cold reply similar to a cutting breeze on a clear winter day. “Isn’t it the best time to discuss life after death, Ann~? I thought the setting to be perfect~” A sinister coy smile decorated her lips, so signature it seemed almost frozen on her features. With Hatter gone, Mira’s pawns were in place. The game was set. Execution at the tips of her porcelain, perfectly manicured fingers. One by one by one. Oh she was practically salivating with giddy anticipation.

“Don’t tell me you cared for him? Oh Ann~ were you the best of friends? Confidants? Lovers~?” The latter filled the Queen’s heart with malice, memories locked away threatening to scratch at the surface. “I might be the teensiest bit jealous, I thought that was us~” Which pair or label she was referring to between herself, Takeru, and Ann, Mira gave away no trace. “It could be your spot at the top now, Ann.” Wasn’t that what everyone craved? To be Number One?

[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 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. "

[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]

“ hold still— you’ve got blood on your face. ” / ann

↳ BLOOD RELATED PROMPTS

One might think an open head wound would be rather DIFFICULT to forget. But with the militants going wild in the wake of the Hatter's death and the ten of hearts game, with people panicking and her trying to share the results - it had nearly slipped her mind. THEY'VE WON, AT A HEAVY COST. At the Beach burns, exhaustion replaces where adrenaline had previously been and she nearly collapses when she goes to sit down.

" What? " Ann needs a moment to process Pat's words. But the reminder makes her AWARE of the sticky warmth that covers the side of her head from where she was hit and cut during the process. " Oh... Right. "

Yet in spite of everything, she still manages a weary, weak smile when Pat sits behind her with a bottle of water and spare cloth to help wipe away the wound. It stings but she stays still other than a small flinch. She wonders if it will end up leaving a scar. Either way cleaning it will do wonders to save her from a potential infection. It isn't a high concern given the nature of this world, but she'd rather avoid one if possible.

" Guess it's your turn to be in better shape after a game, huh? " Ann winces as Pat helps but she stays still despite the pain. " It was rather stupid, really. I should have been more alert after I discovered the answer. " Her head lowers, DISSATISFACTION heavy on her shoulders. It doesn't matter how steadfast she is - Ann's still only human. Even she can have her doubts and guilt, no matter the fact she did far more for everyone than anyone else had. " If I'd been faster, maybe more of this could have been avoided . . . " / @cartelheir

[sharpsuite]

"hold still— you’ve got blood on your face." it's a good way to get things going :33 since i'm a slow butt heh

↳ BLOOD RELATED PROMPTS

There are some games where BLOODSHED can avoided entirely. It isn't easy, but it is possible as long as players remain unified. This isn't one of them. It isn't a player versus player game at least, those are often the hearts and diamonds games. But this spades game was not any kinder. Ann is good at getting herself and others through the games with her steadfast composure - but it only helps on the emotional side. When the games require physical feats, there's only so much she can do. Tonight, out of the twenty players total - SEVEN OF THEM DIE. One had rather violently in front of her, splattering fair skin with crimson that in the heat of the moment, she couldn't care less about. ( Because SURVIVAL is what is most important. ) What comes first is herself and those in her team from The Beach.

Her head turns at the voice ; it's only then at the reminder that she really feels the cooling sensation of the blood on her skin. It's not as if blood is an UNFAMILIAR SIGHT to anyone whose been in the borderlands for even just a few days. She would have simply waited to get back to the Beach and have a hot shower and let it wash down the drain, carrying away the weight of the night.

Is her calm mistaken for shock? ANN DOESN'T RECOGNIZE HIM, so it's a possibility. In reality, she's simply waiting for the other three members of the Beach to collect themselves. One is new and shaking like a leaf while the other two are more familiar but still emotional. For now her attention focuses on the man whose approached her with an offer of a survival wet cloth. SMART.

" I'm alright. None of it is mine. " Ann offers as reassurance, although a quick glance down at her white shirt and she could understand WHY one might think she's injured, be it a head or chest injury. " It seems you were a bit more fortunate than I on avoiding ending up coated in blood. " Her lips lift into something of a faint smile. " There's not many people here who would go through the effort of checking on others. " SHE CAN'T BLAME THEM. Not with how this world was. / @goldenfists