mid-july event [tdm + fourth wall].

[falsitates]

JULY 16 ~ 31

The fireworks and festivities are over. It's now the middle of July. Outside, it's dreadfully dark as the sun hides behind the clouds. Cold air fills the atmosphere and the sudden change of temperature may signify the start of something ominous. Along with the cold air and strange sensation, there's a white flakey substance lightly falling from the sky. It looks like snow from a glance, but upon further inspection, it's salt.

The city streets are quiet. Those who once inhabited the city of Vitae are no longer to be found anywhere. For seven full days, the citizens and authorities will be suspiciously missing. In their place are something new.

  NEW ARRIVALS

In the distance, disfigured creature with a shadowlike body and golden eyes stands.

It doesn't appear to be particularly fast or powerful, but as soon as it detects anyone nearby, it will begin hunting and pursuing. More and more appear as you run away, breaking through windows and jumping off rooftops. Heading towards the edges of the city only brings out a more powerful wave of monsters. These larger shadows, who are equipped with a variety of spells, fire a barrage of magical bullets at you, leaving you exhausted and weak.

None of them make any attempt to communicate, and they don't seem to understand what you're saying. They attack without regard for who they are attacking and reach out with their long arms. They wrap themselves around you, holding on tighter and tighter until you start to feel weaker and weaker, your energy draining away as time goes on. Taking them out only seems to increase their numbers and force, but they can be killed in the same way that any other living being can die. With enough strength and persistence behind your attacks, they will fall, but before they vanish, red blood oozes from their bodies.

Those with the ability to sense supernatural presences and entities can feel human souls lingering within the monsters.

  SURVIVAL

There's no one left except for you, other holders of the app, and these monsters. Without anyone to run the city, things begin to quickly shut down.

The first thing to go out is the electricity. Then there's the running water. In a city the size of Vitae, there is plenty of food and supplies, but it won't last forever. The monsters appear to recognize the value of food, that it is necessary for survival, and they go after it. They destroy perishables and lurk in grocery stores, waiting for anyone desperate enough to come by.

The sun never does come back. The clouds continue to block it out, and the rain of salt never stops. It gets too cold to bear, and no explanation is given to newcomers to the app as to what is going on. They simply appear out of nowhere and are left to their own devices. They may enlist the assistance of current app users, but that depends on whether or not they are even capable of assisting themselves.

Everyone (including the newcomers) has been strapped with a watch since waking up in this hell. The voting results have been released and they appear to directly correspond to it. They're visible in the app, showcasing who picked what and who. The number represents the number of betrayals you've experienced. If you've been chosen twice to be betrayed, the number will appear as two. It appears as zero if you haven't been betrayed at all.

Those who have been fortunate enough to receive allies or no betrayals enjoy freedom and knowledge. Every hour, the display briefly transforms into a map, outlining the surrounding area and the exact locations of the monsters. It's useful for avoiding confrontations and sneaking into places, but for those who have been betrayed, they enjoy no such benefits.

The screen changes to read 'punishment time' at random intervals. It's at these times when you receive painful electric shocks. The higher the number, the more excruciating it is. There is simply no rhyme or reason as to when it will happen. They appear at the worst of times and last for indefinite periods.

There is no way of knowing when this hell will end. The app is unusually quiet, and no one can respond to your inquiries. So, what are your options? If you decide to travel, you will only find a clue to the end of your misery.

Past the forest and the shrine, there's a castle.

  THE CASTLE

At the front of the castle, there are two marble statues. In addition to this, there appears to be a magical seal preventing entry through the front door. The seal can be broken by finding the stone key hidden behind one of the statues. It's not too difficult to spot with the naked eye.

When you go through the door the first thing you'll see is a long corridor. It's decorated with foliage and beautiful flowers. But wait. When you go to the end of the hallway it just loops you right back to the start. That can't be right. The only way to escape from this place is to speak with the doves chilling right next to the fountain.

"To whom does the true form show itself? I ask: Why did humans disappear from the world? You must answer."

Answering the question will grant you access to the next room.

There's a large ballroom that gives off a strange feeling as soon as you enter. There are Shades here too but they only seem interested in dancing. The sound of a waltz might reach your ears. When you look outside the window you'll see an unfamiliar city. It doesn't look like Vitae or America. In fact, it might seem like a city from an entirely different world with how all the buildings lack colour. Off to the side, there's a spiral staircase.

Going down that route will take you to a massive library. There's a ton of books that cover any topic you can think of. The older books have writing in them but contain illegible runic scriptures. Killing all the enemies in this room will open the door. They're tougher than the monsters outside of the castle.

A strange figure stands within sight.

Comments

BOSS FIGHT TOP LEVEL 7 / 31

[silentends]

[ The air is still and something resembling snow continously falls from the sky.

Nier isn't even aware of what's happening to himself or the city around him. His body moves on its own as if it were possessed by someone or something. He appears to be wearing different clothing as well. In another life, that's the outfit he would use when he goes hunting.

Who's he even trying to hunt down and turn into his prey? The smaller monsters don't intrest him and he's looking for something in particular.

That's right, he's looking for blood. He's already drenched in it from head to toe but apparently it's not enough.

Consider yourself unlucky if you happen to find Nier walking down the streets. If he spots you then he's very likely to attack with murderous intent. Feel free to attack him back!

You can start running or maybe you want to fight and take down this guy instead. Whatever you choose the decision will be yours.]


[Ooc: Boss fight for this top level will occur in this thread ! thread jacking is welcome or you can make other sub threads as you please. I can be contacted at springbloom Thanks! Just a notice that there's likely going to be a lot more blood for the upcoming tags as a result of various injuries. This is going to be a mess. ]

[whiteshroud]

[It's been a long week. Whenever he wasn't resting, Jun had been working hard to try to resolve this situation- to return this city back to its former state. But despite several leads, theories, battles- he hasn't had much luck. Logically, it's understandable why he hasn't succeeded yet. He was trying to solve an anomaly the size of a metropolis, with almost no resources, manpower and his own powers greatly limited. There was no one in the Underground back home that'd be able to resolve something quickly under these conditions. He understood this and ... yet, with each passing day, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of frustration at himself for failing to beat all those odds.

And so, he kept going. He's on his way to investigate another part of the city when he spots Nier. Nier had been on his mind, being one of those he hasn't be able to locate this started. Unusual, considering the guy was still on the app as far as he knew. So of course, he's approaching.]

Nier? [He slows as he gets closer. Is...is that blood? And...] Uh, what's with that outfit?

[Which is kinda rich considering he's still in a maid costume, but hey Nier's outfit is STRANGE]

[silentends]

[ He notices Jun and begins walking closer. He doesn't reply to the question that's asked or even pay much mind to the outfits they're wearing. On his face, there's a blank expression that suggests he's in a daze or a trance-like state. There's a strange glow to his eyes as well. It's the same glowing eyes that the shadows have. Nier is definitely not okay and he hasn't been okay ever since this entire ordeal started. Earlier in the previous weeks, Nier had gotten possessed by his own shadow. He's more like a monster than a human when he behaves like this. Maybe if he was in the right state of mind he would have asked if Jun was doing alright. He still considered Jun a friend at some point.

Instead of a friendly greeting or a typical conversation, Nier points his bloody spear at Jun. He's ready to engage in combat at any time. ]

[whiteshroud]

[It's hard not to notice Nier's strange reaction, as well as the change to his appearance. He didn't seem anything like the guy who helped him move furniture a few weeks ago. But those glowing eyes, the blank expression, the lack of recognition...and most important, the raising his weapon at him.

The pieces click together in Jun's mind. ]

...I see. So you're the source.

[Well this just sucks. Perhaps it was a possession, or something controlling him. Either way, he had to be dealt with. Even if Nier was a friend, a mission was a mission. So Jun will raise his sword and move into a battle stance - ready for Nier's attack]

[silentends]

[ It's like Nier can't understand human language when he's in this state. He's only moving by instinct wanting to strike down anything in his way, including Jun.

Nier had spent a long time hiding his emotions all while deeming them unimportant. At some point everything in his mind just burst out leading to this. He was vulnerable and susceptible to possession.

Deep down he was always angry at everything and there's a lot of rage that goes into his next attack. A bolt of dark magical energy forms from nothing and starts moving towards Jun. ]

[morient]

Jun, wait!

[ Noah comes a moment after, intending to meet up with Jun. His demeanour has changed subtly over the past week - he's still the gentle and graceful young man on the outside, but something within him has definitely snapped, producing a hidden cold steel in his eyes like moonlight.

He has a bow and his saint robes, though his role still remains supportive. He casts a silver barrier around Jun to protect him. ]

Don't kill him. Leave him within an inch of death, if you must. I can heal him after.

[whiteshroud]

[While his spiritual senses are dulled so he can't feel the energy itself, he can see the telltale signs of magic being cast. Somehow, Nier has learned magic through this possession. Dark magic, of all types.

He tries to move out of the way. He's not quite quick enough to dodge the full bolt- but Noah's shield goes up in time to block it, protecting him. That catches him by surprise, giving a very glance as Noah calls to him before looking back at Nier.

Don't kill him huh...]

I'll try, but I might not have a choice if he can't get back to his senses!

[He's moving in now for his own hit, swinging and trying to get close so Nier doesn't have a chance to cast another dark magic spell]

[silentends]

[ Jun and Noah's teamwork seems to be paying off! Nier doesn't have time to cast another spell. Even if he wants to launch more magical attacks it will be difficult for him to do that when Jun is up close. His casting time is slower as a result.

Nier can try to parry the incoming blow with his spear and counter attack using a forceful kick. Maybe hearing the voices of his friends helped too. He opens his mouth for the first time since they've met like this. ]

...No! You have to run!

[ That's the only thing he can bring himself to say under these circumstances. There's a lot going on all at once. The possession is still strong and the fight might take longer.]

[morient]

We're not leaving you behind.

[ Noah says firmly, concentrating on replenishing Jun's shield. He knows that he'll only get in Jun's way if he tries to get close for combat, and sniping with his bow takes too long. He'll focus on defensives for now. ]

If you know how we can help you, tell us!

[cislunar]

[ this is where the regular, ordinary and sane citizen would run. panic, cry? johannes isn't a fighter at this point, not quite, and he's more than intimately aware of his limitations in this particular scenario. he's... strangely calm for a man worn from electric shocks and fighting for his life; that fact doesn't change when the next street over he comes face to face with the sight of a familiar face drenched in blood.

even if this were a regular meeting and not one punctuated by what he feels is rather dangerous intent, he still wouldn't feel anything different. it would never be relief... just a mild acknowledgement, and a hint of amusement. ]

... Nier. Did you let your other self get the better of you?

[ it's all he can really think, what with the odd clothing and behaviour.

hahaha. this really is troublesome, isn't it? and a little exciting, if he's being honest. ]

[silentends]

[ There's no audible reply from Nier which should already answer Johannes questions. It would be yes. Nier's eyes have an odd glow to them and he's moving as if something is controlling him.

He's walking closer to Johannes with a sword in hand. The blade he's using looks medieval in style and form. It's a large weapon that's both heavy and covered entirely in blood.]

...I'm going to kill you.

[ Maybe Johannes is acting a little too calm for this situation because that's clearly a threat. Neither of them are acting normal in this scenario.]

[cislunar]

[ wonderful. is this what'll happen to him, when those foreign memories creep into his mind more and more and more? or is this unrefined sight just a special feature of nier's?

"i'm going to kill you."

that little line does give him a rush. not fear, no; just the excitement of the possibility of learning something new. but death... that has to come last. if he dies here, the questions newly posed won't be answered.

as nier comes closer, johannes steps back, his gaze carefully trained on his surroundings. ]

I did come to that conclusion, yes. The bloodstained silhouette and menacing sword communicate that fact rather clearly.

[ he pauses. then, genuinely: ]

... What a shame that you've reached this state, Nier. [ he means that. he truly does mean that. ] Excuse me.

[ and he means that too, as he's bolting down the street now with a wave. byeeee feliciaaaaaa. ]

[silentends]

[ Goodbye Felicia!!!!! It would be nice if this was just a joke and everything went back to normal afterwards but reality can be harsh. Nier isn't backing down with his sword and there's only a piercing cold glare left in his eyes. ]

You bastard. I won't let you get away!

[ That is definitely Nier's voice but it doesn't sound like something he would say at all. He always hated raising his volume towards others and kept his friends close. Surely, he would regret this.

A literal psychopath is trying to chase Johannes down the streets. Welp ]

[cislunar]

Please. I do love seeing this new side of you.

[ who says this when they're about to get stabbed. it's just a regular [redacted]day.

now, does johannes truly think he can get away? it's debatable. but he can't afford any more smart quips if he means to survive -- the little energy he has left is being pushed, and he has to focus it on being quicker. he's certainly not going to win a fight against a possessed maniac with a giant medieval sword.

so he dips into a narrow alleyway, hoping to lose the man in the twists and turns of the city instead. ]

[silentends]

[ Nier's walking speed is so fast that it seems like he's running. He loses Johannes in the turning alleyways but he doesn't give up. ]

Goddamn, son of a bitch. I'll fucking destroy you.

[ There's the sound of one of the walls getting damaged by Nier's magic. He's really losing his patience here. Honestly, it's not like Nier has a grudge against Johannes as an individual. This weird possession has turned him into someone violent beyond words. Maybe Johannes can even hear the destruction or Nier's excessive cursing.]

You freak! [ lbr, nier is the freak here not Johannes but okay ]

[cislunar]

[ no, no, there's definitely two weirdos here.

it's why he can't help but smile at the sound of nier calling him a freak, from his hiding place in a bend a bit away from the one hunting him. it's funny to hear that from someone smashing walls with inhuman strength, but even then he can't deny the accuracy. they're both terribly abnormal, and he prefers it that way.

if this guy wasn't threatening to rip him apart, he'd have a wonderful time picking apart his thoughts. "is it you doing this, nier? obviously not. how did it start? how does it feel? are you in pain? can you be in pain, if it isn't you?" it truly is unfortunate that johannes has to go.

except he doesn't make it. this is the worst of times, right? appropriate enough for his watch to switch into punishment time, and give him one those shocks that brings him to his knees with a choked gasp, out in plain sight.

past johannes that hit betray on his future self really do be finding this hilarious, probably. present johannes does, even while the pain blurs his vision. ]

Ah... Haha.

[ yep, absolutely does. he's near laughing, though it's a little hard to let it out as he's holding back a wince.

cursed. ]

[silentends]

[ This is so cursed oh my god. Nobody here is normal and that much is a fact. Nier is frantic to find his next victim. Johannes couldn't have gotten too far. The alleyway streets turn but sometimes they intersect as well. He stops as soon as he looks over to the corner and sees Johannes. ]

I've finally found you. Fucking hell.

[ The crazy murder man is back except now there's an eerie smile on Nier's face.

Does he like slaughter and carnage? Maybe. Nier's not in complete control of himself but even before the possession it always seemed like he was desperately trying to hide something. He was afraid of letting people see this.

It's a bit too late for that now because Nier's getting closer to Johannes by the second.]

[ragewheel]

[What a time to be alive...frankly, Ash is still kind of pissed off about it, but hey, he's still here and hanging on regardless of one heck of a week, so it's something. And while there has been a certain kind of itch biting at the back of his mind, Ash had tucked it away for the more important need of survival-

...until now.]

Hey.

[He's rounded the corner of a building when he spotted Nier;the blood instantly catches his sight. Friend? Foe?? With almost all of his abilities gone, he can't sense for sure.

There's a slight leer as Ash grips at his chakram;he keeps his stance as casual as possible, though his right foot is turned slightly.]

Looks like you've been a lot of fun, huh?

[silentends]

Yeah, I'm having fun. There's a lot of things for me to hunt down.

[ He seemed so pleased with himself?? Nier has completely lost himself to his shadow. This isn't how he normally acts. ]

Get in my way and I'll kill you.

[ragewheel]

[Yikes on trikes! Any normal person would be unnerved. Ash, on the other hand...]

Hah! Funny you say that.

[Wild Pokemon Ash wants to fight!

For real though, his eyes light up with a sort of crazed glee. At the back of his mind, the itch to brawl is burning madly and oh god, he wants to quench it so badly! Ash isn't sure whether Nier can put up a good fight, but man, he sure is hoping.]

I'd like to see ya try!!

[With that, he charges in and takes a swing with his wheel.]

[silentends]

[ There's some kind of omnious aura of dark magic forming around Nier's body. Then something like a giant claw made from shadow sorcery tries to reach out and grab Ash.]

...Die!! Just die already.

[ Yeah, he wasn't joking about the whole killing part because there's nothing but murderous intent in all of his actions. It's not too late to run away if the thought had ever crossed Ash's mind.]

[ragewheel]

[There's a 'clang' as Ash lifts his wheel just barely in time to block it; the force sends him skidding back farther than he anticipated, and makes sure to take a mental note about Nier's magic. That sure is a thing to watch out for!! And yet...interesting. Might even hurt a lot as well.

Ash keeps up his mile-wide smile and chuckles in amusement. Good grief.]

Not bad. [He sees that murderous look alright, and it only gets his blood pumping. rulesofnature.mp4] You really wanna crush me, than-

[He throws his chakram in the air for a moment- and kicks it, sending it hurtling to Nier.]

Ya gonna have to try harder!!

[silentends]

[ He doesn't want to waste his breath talking. Nier lunges himself forward and there are bullets of dark energy, firing towards Ash at rapid speed. They're quite small in size though. It might just be easy to just maneuver around them or take a defensive stance.

There are some openings in between the shots so Ash could also take those oppertunities if he would like to.

]

almost typo'd "nearly" as "nierly", fml

[ragewheel]

[Ash nearly avoids some of the bullets as he weaves around and takes another stance. This time though, he feels the pain when the others hit him, and lets out a grunt. Man, that really stung! More than usual, even!!

He's still feeling pretty battle-high. As soon as he looks up and sees a possible shot, he takes a chance to take a swing. Which in turn leaves Ash himself also pretty open, however...]

Noooo

[silentends]

[ There is something very weird going on. Nier normally would have gone straight for another attack. He feels something burning on his skin like an electrical shock. The words 'It's punishment time!!' Show up on his watch. The current is enough to just knock him out cold right there.

There's no response or movements from him. Now would be a good time to just escape and get far away from Nier. ]