prismaticrap | ▶ TDM .011

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You awaken amidst the darkness with only a faint light to greet you. Your body is hemmed in by shards of crystals, gently sparkling and possibly pricking your skin. The surrounding landscape is dyed in the pinks and purples of the dusk filled with crystals protruding from the ground, some as large as a skyscraper. After an hour or two of wandering through the crystal wilderness, a group of people find you worse for wear. They are the gallant Moon Knights from the planet of Prismatica. Because of the strange phenomena during the past months when scientists observed the sudden appearance of rainbow crystals in the sky, the government has been feverishly combing through the moon for more Moonblessed to be rescued. You’ll eventually be brought into Iris’s moon government center.

You all may have your usual inquiries — Where are we? Who are you? What's going on? — and the Prismals are almost too eager to answer. They tell you about their world and about the first appearance of the Moonblessed as the medical staff give you an examination to make sure you’re not carrying any viruses or biological hazards. If you react violently, you may be restrained and nerfed with a specialized neurotransmitting gun that releases a numbing agent through the top of your spine. Once the examinations are over, you’re informed that you will be provided accommodations on their planet during your stay. You will then be escorted to the docks, and led onto a large transport vessel that makes frequent trips back and forth between the Iris moon and the planet. Faces onboard vary from both old and new Moonblessed as well as the local Prismals.

The next destination: Prismatica.

▶ There and Back Again
Iris Moon, Government Center (Arrival) and Planet Prismatica, City of Lunatia | top

Welcome to Prismatica’s hub, Lunatia, the city of your dreams! A bustling metropolis lush with bright lights, vibrant colors, luxuriant plant life, and all the conveniences of technology absent from your own world… It seems like paradise to all the uninitiated. After a quick tour of the city, new arrivals can find themselves getting cozy in their new homes.

A Settle in your new home at Level 2 to find new roommates and say hello to your neighbors! City officials will give you directions to the designated districts across Level 2 and instruct you to pick out a unit. Each apartment complex has a different aesthetic, some may look cozy, some stylish, and some bizarre. The free accommodations have a basic living space that can only fit two or three people at most in one unit.

Starter Chromaspace furnishings are provided which can be controlled with the touch of a built-in panel. Examples are color-changing curtains, transforming sofa beds, cabinets turning into tables, etc. Customizing your apartment or moving out will have to wait until you earn more chroma. Until then, why don’t you check out your new neighborhood or explore the city levels? Maybe your new roommates or neighbors can give you a “hand” with allowance for dinner.

B As a Remooning gift from the Lunar Scientia Headquarters, the dedicated team from the Amphoria Room has released their latest perfected technology: Amphoria Pods. These VR Pods, which can fit up to four people at a time, have been set up in the gaming hub within Level 1’s PrismaPlace. They allow users to upload sceneries of their world in order to create a realistic holographic landscape of their homes that others can access and play around with, granting everyone the means to relive past memories with their loved ones as well as interact with the bestiary of other worlds. The pods also use the same technology that enhanced the popular virtual game, League Match Action Online (LmaO), which means you’re liable to feel the chill of cold environments, the burning heat from boiling water, the hard slap of your ex-lover, or the biting sting of a stray wasp. All who use the Amphoria Pods for the first time this year will also receive a small amount of Chroma in case things get too real.

▶ God Save Us from the Queen
Level 1, PrismaPlace and Level 2, Greatmoon Groves | top

The first month of the year is packed with two of the most important winter events this season: Queen Elara’s birthday and the League Match Action Online (LmaO) PVP semi-finals. It just so happens that the Queen of Lunatia is also a huge LmaO fan. Coincidence? Definitely not! LmaO players and royal family fans alike can meet her at PrismaPlace, where she will be appearing in cosplay of her favorite hero, Ah-Kari, while holding a body pillow of Commander GareBear. You, too, can get an autograph or selfie with the birthday girl if you’re willing to fall in line! Her bodyguards will also be in LmaO cosplay, keeping the crowd under control during the long wait.

Queen Elara

Good day to you all! This may come as a surprise to our guests the Moonblessed, but I am a normal person despite my exalted position. Please do not think of me today as Queen Elara. Instead... my name is Ah-Kari, sorceress of the crystal! With my soul fan blades, through the darkness, I shall slice all who dare hurt my commander in twain!

But when she is not meeting and greeting...

Queen Elara

My comrades, we're going to make history today. We're going for a new record. Perhaps the highest kill counts or the fastest clear for this map — it matters not. We’ve practiced day and night for this tournament, so let us show everyone that we’re not to be taken lightly! Also, the livestream is going in the royal archive, so make your successors proud!!

... she will be furiously grinding her character and training her skills in LmaO in the hopes of qualifying for the finals. Spectators will see her bring her own team full of hapless palace attendants who are there to either serve as her practice match partners or provide support to the one-woman army that is Queen Elara.

PrismaPlace is packed with giant crowds, many of them also in cosplay. While the semi-finals are taking place, new and old LmaO players alike can participate in the game’s current campaign: players who form teams get an improved chance of spawning unique monsters as well as winning rare items and skins in those prized lootboxes! Teams can also try to clear the event’s story together, featuring an aerial battle fought on griffin-back, which is heavily inspired by the popular Lunatian epic, The Battle of Abraxas, a colorful and complex story about the conflict between two families fighting over the fictional land of griffins, Abraxas.

A Progression in the event requires acquiring a griffin mount and getting it ready for battle. You can lure a wild one to yourself with a special veggie pie on a fishing pole. Should the griffin reject the lure, your character will be caught in a wind gaol and can only break out with the help of other players. Should you succeed, raising the griffin is a tedious task that involves players training alongside their respective griffins, running laps with them, taking them to hunt monsters, and feeding them properly. Depending on their diet, the food you give them will affect the color of its plumage and their battle stats.

Or you can skip the hard work and simply moonlace with your teammates through all the progression bars and required materials to save time. Once finished, you’ll be able to battle one another through the thunderous aerial domain of Abraxas. Clearing the event will net you an event-exclusive skin inspired by the royal family’s shining celestial robes and a weapon skin of a body pillow with your favorite character, so do your best!

B In celebration of Queen Elara’s birthday, the office of the royal household is hosting a modest tea party in the Greatmoon Groves. Swiffy bots that are normally programmed to remind visitors to keep the groves clean are now playing a birthday jingle on repeat. For people who prefer to be away from the blinding neon lights and the thumping techno music of PrismaPlace, this is the ideal escape. Unlimited tea and cookies are being served!

The tea is a soft-colored lilac concoction made from Ehrysian tea leaves that are known to cause a huge spike of alertness and is popular to Moon Knights and office workers with long night shifts as well as gamers for those all-night grinding sessions. The assorted cookies have either Ah-Kari or Commander GareBear printed on them. In case it isn't obvious yet, both are the birthday girl’s favorite LmaO characters.

Any Moonblessed looking for extra income is welcome to be royal attendants for the day; the hours are paid by Demichroma. They must be properly dressed up as maids or butlers (outfits provided by the royal household) as they serve tables.

▶ Say Cheese
Level 3, Caihong | top

Meanwhile, Caihong is in the midst of Remooning festivities in celebration of the new year, and merriment usually lasts a fortnight, filled with fireworks in the sky. Upon entering the district, beautiful Prismals with rat ears and tails greet you with a Happy Remooning and eagerly tug you along to join in.

Those welcomed will receive a pack of multi-colored sparklers, mooncakes topped with cheese, and a glowing drink called Champagne Supernova, poured in a thin glass in your hand. If you are over eighteen, the rat Prismals will ask if you prefer your drink with a kick. If you say yes, then they will add flavorful ice that causes extreme intoxication and might leave you to be susceptible to all levels of suggestion. Saying no (or if you’re under 18) will simply leave it as a sweet drink.

A One of the party games being played by the locals is called Lucky Tail, which is basically pinning the tail on the holographic rat stand-in — with a twist, it must be played with a partner! Another participant will blindfold you, spin you around, then push you forward. The stand-in is located at the end of unsteady elevated platforms forming a maze, filled to the brim with distracting objects underneath. They’re long, they’re thick, and they’re vibrating furiously in an attempt to knock you off the platforms.

Your partner must guide you by voice to successfully navigate through the maze! The game is rigged with various mechanisms, so stepping on specific platforms will activate a number of traps against you or your partner: machines that may tickle, drop colorful slime, or cause the platform to repetitively spin, and who knows what else?

Should you manage to get through the obstacle course and pin the tail successfully, you and your partner will win copious amounts of Demichroma, courtesy of Buwan from Buwan’s Stop.

B Another attraction is a fun magic glamour booth known for its face or body swap features. The booth staff, clad in their festive rat paraphernalia, will encourage you and your friends to take aesthetic shots using an illusion generator. The effects last an hour. Photographed images can be instantly uploaded and shared in Prismagram. New year, new you! Why not take the chance to celebrate this momentous occasion in a unique fashion? It’s all in good humor.

There are two buttons to press: (A) CUSTOM or (B) RANDOM. Pressing A will allow participants to customize their desired effects. Pressing B will cause the illusion magic to randomly rearrange participants in questionable positions, new outfits (or lack thereof), and you may even come out of the booth looking like your best friend or your worst rival. The possibilities are endless!

▶ Questions
If you have any questions regarding this test drive meme, please ask them in the Questions thread below.

▶ As a reminder, test drive memes are for new characters only. However, current players are more than welcome to use these prompts for their own posts in the IC communities, personal inboxes, catch-all posts, etc.!
▶ As our test drive memes are game canon, feel free to keep any threads that happen here as canon for your character should they be accepted.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

England...?

[She doesn't recognize the name of the kingdom. Not even from the list of more modern names. Nothing pops up into her mind. Leaving her at a loss. She'll cross her arms, hoping to stop the sudden chill filling her form. Protecting herself from what was to come because she is certain there will be more. Other than learning his name.

Allen Walker, huh?

She'll remember it. An easy enough one to remember. It wasn't pretentiously long, yet it holds its weight as well.

Lowering her head, she'll continue to listen to some of his encouragement, already sentencing herself to some solitude after their meeting was over. No matter what he had to say, it won't be enough to sway her. After all, it wasn't too long ago since she gave up her human life in exchange for her world and all those in it. She had parted ways with Livi. Breaking their engagement. Something she has wanted for a long while and yet the way it happened felt unfair. As unfair as the way it began, it ended in the same note.

All of this was unfair! She decided to be part of her world. Why was she taken away? No one asked her!!! Doesn't her permission mean anything?

As she thought about it, everything explained to her will return, and at the time she had disregarded it as a dream, a test, or just a memory she was supposed to explore to better understand her situation. Or the reason her world the way it was.

There were too many things going through her mind that she was growing deaf at everything else. Except for one thing.

A hesitant hand will be offered to her.

Allen Walker was offering her a hand. Did she look that worse for wear? If she could only see herself now, she would realize -- all of this time she has been crying and quivering ever since she became pensive. Allowing all her emotions and memories to go through and be expressed. She was holding onto herself for dear life, hoping to not fall into despair or lose heart. After all, she has done it before -- all on her own!! With no help!!

A piece of her almost wanted to take a step back and disregard his kindness. Put on a brave front. Force herself to smile and prove she was okay. Just easily swayed. Nothing to worry about, but...after everything that had transpired early...

IT TOOK EVERYTHING SHE CAN NOT CRY IN FRONT OF LIVI. EVERYTHING IN HER MIGHT NOT MOURN HER DECISION TO NO LONGER BE HUMAN. ALL OF HER COURAGE TO TAKE THE PLUNGE. EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING SHE HAD!

So for once, just this once, after remembering how at peace she felt in his arms, how homey, how warm, and how safe she felt. Feeling the best she ever had. For once she was going to reach out for help. FOR ONCE IN HER LIFE SHE WILL ACCEPT THE SUPPORT.

Releasing one of her hands (keeping the other as close as possible while shrinking as much to herself as she naturally can), Nike will, at first hesitantly, begin to reach or rather give the boy her hand as she continues to cry. All she can do was allow the tears to overflow as she bit her bottom lip to keep anything else was escaping. She just needed a moment. One moment of support, just to know she wasn't alone. Not completely, at least.]

[ A light squeeze.

She gets a light squeeze of her hand; a small sort of gesture, one that would be easy to miss if it wasn't significant in how understated it is. "It's okay," without ever needing to say that aloud. And he smiles gently, bittersweet, because at least she was able to take his hand, even if it is such a small gesture.

Mn. It is hard. But he won't insult her by saying what's obvious, and instead continue just to let her hold on as long as she needs to.

And it's warm... still warmer than it should be. Like a glow or radiating pulse from where their hands touch, however faint. It is then like Shino had said earlier, it wasn't a fluke. He supposes he should be a little unsettled maybe, that something so basic and so important has been changed and is... regulated and documented and put on display as A Big Deal. That here it's somehow "energy" and it's more important for that. Monetized. That's kind of demeaning, actually? But, well.

When did he ever let something like that interfere with how he conducts himself. Especially when trying to help reassure someone else. ]

Edited 2020-01-12 02:27 (UTC)

[The silence was appreciative! She was content in simply having someone hold her hand. Such a simple gesture felt more encouraging than anything he could have ever told her. It was....distressing to be in the situation she was in after everything she had gone through. To be taken away from her purpose, she was at a loss. Her mind and emotions were moving at a chaotic pace. It was difficult to remain calm and consider the positives.

Not yet, not until the dark cloud left her soul. Which will take time to accomplish? Even if she is a guardian spirit, she was still human and was once again in this world. She doubts this planet would accept her as a guardian spirit. So far she was having a difficult time distinguishing the planet's voice and the voices of those living within this world. There was too much to feel and recognize. Too much, too sudden.

So all she could do was allow her soul to cry out in pain and frustration until she can clear her thoughts. If the dark souls have shown her -- it was easy to get lost in one's own emotions to the point of falling on instinct and losing the sense of reason.

Nike will hold onto the sole hand offered for all it was worth. Keeping it close to her. Bringing herself close to him, hoping to entrap more of the spark or flow she was sensing. Something about it felt like a very good thing. Needed, wanted, and necessary. Almost like the rain in her world. Just thinking about her sky, the new sky she created after summoning the pure darkness, she will slowly begin to remember the explanation of the moving images concerning the history of this world. How it was destroyed. How it needed some type of energy to survive. The energy created by -- what she assumed to be -- other guardians, only to realize it was from her, Allen, and all those like them.

This world was once destroyed, it was striving to survive...

She just needed to be reminded of this. Be told. To make certain it was real. Maybe. There were doubts. Her perception cannot be entirely trusted, not until she can regain her courage. Green, tear-stained, eyes will turn to the boy before her, fear will be seen as much as uncertainty and concern.]

....this world....it was once destroyed. We're here to help it....? Through doing things like these?

[By which she means was holding hands. To make certain he understood it was hand-holding, she'll change their position by awkwardly lacing her fingers with his. A new sensation will be felt as she does so. It looks like she wasn't far off. Not when the warmth sensation felt more soothing, yet a little more exciting....or was she mistaking it for fear.....? Well, it didn't feel like it, was she perhaps self-conscious...? But that was the case why did the warmth offered by such a simple gesture remind her of the refreshing feeling of drinking cold milk after having had a very warm and relaxing bath???]

[ Oh, well -- drawing attention to it like that will get his cheeks to color a bit. The warm prickle from the contact would do that too as she moves her fingers against his. ]

Ah— [ lacing... ] ...something like that.

[ Hesitantly, only because she was the one who seemed to be experimenting too, he flexes his fingers back against hers curiously. But it's a comforting gesture as well more than anything, like confirmation or a promise.

More of that tingling feeling though, warm and gentle. ]

I don't really understand it to be honest, but that's how it was explained to me.

[ -- !! ]

Not that -- that's why I...! [ FLUSTERING, and he'd wave both hands around except it'd be rude to rip the one from her, so he just does with the one free left one. ]

I wouldn't be doing such a thing just for that purpose!! Ever! [ As in, he isn't just holding her hand because of the whole "moonlacing" thing, helping the world and somehow padding his new bank account(?) or not. It'd be disrespectful!! To her!! And both their feelings, because he did it to make her feel better!!

And so she'd feel a little less alone. ]

Even if it has that's also something it does I hate the idea of that being the main reason...! It's demeaning!!

[ BYPRODUCTS SHOULD BE BYPRODUCTS NO MATTER HOW BENEFICIAL AND NOT THE MAIN INTENT ITSELF but she should really interrupt him before he just keeps digging his grave deeper... ]

Edited 2020-01-12 07:57 (UTC)

[The feeling will grow stronger once he reciprocates by flexing his fingers in a comforting gesture. Her green eyes will be on their held hands. It was fascinating to notice such a simple gesture, she felt better. Holding Livi's hand wasn't something she always reached for nor being affectionate with him unless she was terrified. If anything he was the one who always initiated it. So it was surreal to find that she had initiated and hasn't stopped since she met this boy.

Hmm. Her attention will be towards the sky above them, only to find she can feel it's different compared to her own -- there was more hint of magic. Could it be whatever they were producing by touching was being returned? Hm. She wanted to turn her attention towards the ground but Allen begins to stammer and move his hands in an odd way.

HUH? DID SHE MISS SOMETHING?

She'll continue to listen to him. Why did he look so flustered? Demeaning? WHAT DOES HE MEAN? Nike will use her free hand to, well, basically place a finger over his lips to silently instruct him to be quiet and relax.]

What do you mean by any of that? [It was all asked in a curious but slightly suspicious tone.] If this is about protecting yourself, don't. You're making yourself more suspicious even when I know you have no ulterior motives. I trust you. Never once did you do anything demeaning to me. [If anything...] The one who should be saying everything you just said should be me. I mean, I forced everything on you. [Her feelings, her touches, and her confusion. It was all unfairly dumped on him and still was!!!!]

And besides, what's wrong about helping a world? Protecting it...? Aren't we doing a good thing by getting along? [Well, she does admit.] I'm not usually the type to do this sort of thing. Touching. Being physically affectionate. Especially to a stranger. And even then I was never like this with my own fiance. [Which goes to show just how she isn't the type to be like this at all.] But if it helps this world, I'm willing to do it. As long as it helps.

[ ... dumbfounded. He is absolutely dumbfounded.

Also shushed, for once in his life. He shut up immediately the moment the moment she put her finger against his lips, eyes fluttering wide in — not comic alarm, actually. Surprise, but he's also more sobered by the gesture and suddenly paying a lot more attention than that. ]

...There isn't anything wrong with it. [ At all. And as far as battles to save the world, he'd rather this sort of "fighting" than one that destroys lives. For sure.

Softer and calmer that he sounds though, he's also a touch hesitant. This is not a comfortable sort of conversation to have with anyone, let alone with a girl who's still holding his hand. It's not that he's really thinks twice or thinks there's anything wrong in the act of taking someone's hand? He's a prude(ish ... it's hit and miss) but not that sort of a prude. At all, if he's that comfortable around someone or he wants to reassure them he will freely do it without a moment of being self-conscious. It's when it's the idea of talking about it or putting it on display as a Big Deal that he gets uncomfortable. ]

Not at all. It's admirable. [ Even if to Allen it's always less about saving the world, and more about saving the person who's right in front of him. One after another after another. ] It's just—

[ He hesitates again, expression a bit cloudy (a bit sullen maybe, too) as he looks down at their hands. It's a bit easier that way. ]

To me, the most important thing in the world, the thing that binds us— it's the way people feel about each other. The bonds they have, telling someone "welcome home"... everything in the world happens because of that. Even the most terrible things, so often they happen because someone felt so deeply for someone that they grieve and can't let them go. [ The creation of an akuma. ] And expressing that, even if it's just by reaching out to someone to tell them "it's okay"—

[ Even if a little unsure still, he presses his thumb gently to her. A simple, light squeeze that's grounding. ]

...it's important. Just because of what it is. [ He breathes out finally. A final sort of sigh, like he's collected himself fully again, or shedding some invisible weight. And he smiles gently at her. Warmly, a beautiful sort of smile, but— ]

Edited 2020-01-12 18:51 (UTC)

[ ...There is something so inherently tragic in it, too. Wrought with perhaps some apology as well. ]

It's fine if it's something that helps the world. But if it's something that's just done just for that sake alone and nothing else, because we're told or pushed to do it, or because it's a bare necessity just to survive, not because it's something you want to say to another person— [ A pause, rephrasing. ] If it's without meaning...

[ if it's without feeling ]

...Then I think I'd hate that.

[ And he re-laces their hands. Squeezes gently, this time with more certainty. ]

That's all.

[ ............ although wait, did she say "fiance"? ]

Edited 2020-01-12 18:46 (UTC)

[She'll give him all the time he needs to string his words and thoughts together. The way he was hesitating and placing all of his concentration on their held hands was telling. It made her wonder if he was the sort to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself or rarely express them. And yet it did not feel to be the case because of the amount of thoughtfulness he was expressing them. To a stranger, one he felt comfortable enough to explain.

That was the feeling she was getting from him -- everything he had said, it was all connected to his experiences.

Only someone who holds social values from simple and mundane interactions, ones many take for granted, herself included, between friends and loved ones are those who rarely experienced them beforehand. If he can still appreciate them wholeheartedly, then....he may have been...alone for a very long time. Her green eyes will watch his next movements intently, noticing even more details -- the soft tone he was using sounded a little melancholic; his smile was not entirely happy as he admits it because it felt heavy as well; the emphasis he places on emotions, on feelings, was another interesting detail. He values connections. He values love more than anything else. Genuine love without it being forced or with reason to be. Affection was important. Which may mean: he wants to feel affection while he gives it in turn?

Then again, ever since she held him close, spoke to him with tenderness and kindness, he never once pushed her away. It was only when she teased him as a form to protect herself did he push away and get upset with her.

........................................................................................

.......she is such a stupid girl.

Stupid.

This boy was so strong. Very. He was willing to give unlimited support and affection to others without expecting it in return. If he gets it, then he will appreciate it more than anyone else ever could.

Even though it was all an assumption, her eyes will begin to water especially when he mentions "even the most terrible things, so often they happen because someone felt so deeply for someone that they grieve and can't let them go" will hit a little too close to home. Her decision was exactly that.

But right now, this was not about her or Livi or her world or anyone else for that matter.

Right now this was about the boy named Allen Walker. A boy with the purest and strongest heart created by pure loneliness. What was his story? She wanted to know, but she had something more important to focus on!]

[Using the hand she had used to hush him, she will now be using it to place it under his chin just so she can softly and gingerly bring his silver eyes back to her own. A very warm, welcoming smile will be given while continuing to hold his hand in a reassuring gesture.]

Hey, whenever you are expressing something important, that means the world to you and explaining it in such beautiful words. You should do so with your head up, not down. Share it with confidence and courage. Defend it if someone disagrees or tells you "you're wrong". [After all.] The things that shake you, color who you are. That will be your truth.

[She wanted Allen to be more confident. Nike couldn't bear to watch him express himself with grace and beauty to just have him look down as though he was secretly ashamed of it. It wasn't right!

With that said, she'll nod her head softly.]

That's understandable! Your feelings. It's okay to feel that way. It's okay to look at it in those terms. No one should be obligated to live this way. You're right. To be forced to show affection only because it is the only to survive......it feels superficial, doesn't it?

[While all at once, Nike will also point out.]

But it is due to this system that I was able to meet you. Treat you with affection I normally wouldn't offer to anyone else. I'm not really the type to be this affectionate, but....I don't regret it. [It still colors her cheeks though. She can't help feeling embarrassed in having mistaken him for a guardian and showcasing emotions that normally would weigh others down. He didn't feel it was one. She was grateful for it. That small show of kindness was more than enough to move her. It's why....] I don't regret meeting you like this, Allen Walker. If anything, I'm glad about the experience too. I'm grateful to this world for it as well. So whenever you want to hang out or talk about anything with no strings attached, please find me. I want to get to know you better. Enough for you to want to explore this world and society with me.

[ It isn't for shame that he would lower his eyes; it was to take strength from the connection and let himself and his words be grounded by it. But she surprises him yet again when she tips his chin up and he blinks lightly, expression wide open and clear in his surprise.

Ah. She truly is a very frank and open sort of person with her feelings. Even more than him; it's a little shocking.

Although he's kind of crestfallen when she says it's because of the system that she?? would be like this with him??? Nike that's exactly what he was dreading... but... he also doesn't think that's true. Didn't she rush so willingly to him and embrace him on her own when she still believed she was in her own world and this was part of whatever transformation she was going through? She didn't know then, so how could that be her reasoning? No, that was genuinely her, genuinely her feelings, and he has no doubt she is a genuinely affectionate, kind person. Even if maybe she displayed it more than normal because of her misunderstanding.

He hesitates, and ultimately decides it's a stupidly small sort of point and not one worth being contrary over. Especially not in the face of everything else she has to say, and his throat feels a bit tight when she comes to the end.

Welcoming. She's being welcoming. ]

...I think it's a very good thing your world has you, Nike. [ He smiles gently, bemused and a little enigmatic, and will reach out with his left hand to brush her cheek quite delicately, his gloved fingertips blotting the last telling dampness of what had been tears there. Again. He really did make her cry a lot...

She's strong though. Very strong, standing up and saying things like that despite what she's obviously struggling with. And his fingers splay lightly against her cheek, following the tear trail. Gossamer light, like ghost touches. ]

This one too. [ And he'll let his hand begin to drop. Both of them, though he hesitates slightly with the right. ]

If becoming a guardian means taking care of people and their feelings, then you will be wonderful at it.

Edited 2020-01-13 03:06 (UTC)

[The smile may catch her slightly off guard. She didn't expect to get one. It looked different from the other smiles he has given her, even if there was some bit of mystery to it. She can't help feeling happier at seeing him look more peaceful about it. In wanting to get to know him better and help investigate their new surroundings together. Although he didn't reject her proposal, he didn't accept it either.

Just as she was going to ask him about it, his next actions and words will catch her off guard. She didn't expect him to become....so charming....so heartwarming. The light press to her cheek will unintentionally make her feel like goosebumps were invading her arms as her face begins to warm up further. Such a sweet gesture was enough to make her feel like this...? Ah, even his words, they were affecting her much more than anything he has done this far. Leaving her throat parch, a light lump taking its place, and her heart was pounding so loudly. Can he feel or hear it? Why was it so loud? What was going on?

More tears will begin to form to the side of her gaze, realizing how much she wanted to hear those words. That her decision wasn't wrong. That she had what it took to save and protect everyone. She made the decision for Livi and everyone's sake. They need to live in a peaceful world. All of them need to understand the true beauty of the world. She couldn't let it end with everyone so injured. And yet a piece of her knew -- it won't be easy because Livi will never forgive her. Not after their discussions about the future. Making it seem it was so certain when she knew in the back of her mind -- it may be wishful thinking. The world was in pain all this time. She knew it was and yet...

Lowering her head as she begins to force herself to laugh, using her hand to get rid of the tears before they spilled out because she didn't want to worry him so much.]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I almost want to whisk you away. Back to my world. Just to show you my plans for the future.

[Laughing lightly as she continues to clean her face.]

I'll just be happy to show you the beauty of this world instead. I really want to explore this place with you. I really want.... ["To see you again," will be left unsaid. She didn't want to string him along or anything like that. All she wanted was to help him adjust to it all. Grant his wish for their relationship is as authentic as it can be. If he chooses to willingly moonlace with her or not will be up to him because she didn't mind it one bit. If it was him.] To learn more about your world. Experience it through your eyes. I want to learn to appreciate things a little more, now that I have a chance to. [The final one.]

[ "I almost want to whisk you away—" He blinks at that, caught a little offguard. And it's a good thing she continues because he would have laughed rather sheepishly and squirmed at trying to figure out how to answer that. Though in fact his expression drops a bit as she goes on. Going slack with surprise, but—with awe too, and his eyes widen. The way she's talking...

There is something so profoundly lonely about it. And he doesn't buy how she trails off like that, that it's just to "learn more about his world" even if he isn't certain what she meant to say. Just that it's sad, that his words would seem to strike her so hard, and that she would reach out to him in a way that seems so very lonely.

Like she doesn't have anyone else. That's what it feels like.

And a dark, ugly part of him also tenses up at that, because is it really safe for him to form any kind of lasting friendship with someone like her. Is the 14th actually gone? Is his existence, at least for now, no longer a threat to others? If it starts to awaken again, can he fight it better this time?

But that darkness... it doesn't feel as suffocating as before. Nowhere near as oppressive and hopeless. Because even just talking like that have been, even if it hasn't been long...

...it's nice. It's really nice, being able to talk to someone like this. Like a warm light. One that makes his chest feel heavy and ache with a pleasant warmth.

Because it feels hopeful. And that's a scary sort of thing to realize, because it makes him realize just how bleak everything felt before. Is it real? The situation has changed so much, after all. Can he believe this, that it won't come crashing down like a house of cards?

(That there's nothing she wouldn't get unfairly caught up in if it does?) ]

[ So he breathes finally. Squares his shoulders, and exhales. ]

Okay. [ It comes... easily, actually. Said in the same breath he let out, gentle and with a delicate sort of certainty.

It's because it sounds like she needs certainty. That's why. ]

Okay, let's do that then. [ It'd be so silly to take her hand again so he doesn't. Just stands across from her with his shoulders back and looks her in the eye very seriously. Very gently, but soberly and with very clear intent. Like he's swearing to something of the utmost importance. ] I told you before, didn't I?

I won't go anywhere. [ Said without a blink. As if it's the simplest, most obvious sort of thing. ]

Until we can all go home together, I won't go.

[ It's... not a promise he knows if he can keep. But it's one he'd like to. After all, he realized something. In the situation they're in... they're all probably quite lonely, aren't they. Lonely, alone, and away from everything they've known.

And whatever his own issues, he doesn't think he could live with himself if he left her by herself like that. ]

Edited 2020-01-21 03:57 (UTC)

[She almost expected an awkward laugh, not knowing what to do. Not with the amount of cheese she was throwing at him. Trying to butter him up without having to admit in wanting to keep him close. To admit she was feeling anything but happiness right now. She was content with everything. The outcome. Why would she feel anything else? There was nothing else to think about except for the future.

As much dedication she had for her world, she now had to put the same amount of effort into this one. For the sake of the people. For the sake of the planet. She didn't want to fail. Not have anyone ask about other's suffering? Not having to hear "why do some people suffer?"

Nike would have accepted any type of response. Anything! There were no expectations placed on the boy in front of her. She knew he didn't owe her anything. It was best if he didn't...

But when he began to look at her so earnestly, so directly, it felt as though he was pricking into something. It felt so personal. She had no idea the best way to react to it until he began to speak in a very soft, very soothing tone. Almost as if it was inviting her to lower whatever walls she may have unintentionally placed. Her green eyes will open wide as he makes such a simple, bold statement. It left her...]

[WANTING TO TAKE A BIG ASS PAUSE BECAUSE WHAT IS GOING ON!?

DID HE JUST.......DO SOMETHING HERE?

Nike will be left....floating? Did her soul just escape her body again? She was having a difficult time grasping all of this because WHY!?]

[Why was she now feeling the urge to cry? It was such a simple promise and yet...it touched her. To find someone willing to reach a hand out to her without her having to ask. Or simply put, the greatest kindness anyone can bestow on her was to treat her like a normal girl without any type of expectation. Without expecting to have to pay any kind of price?

Nike could not help feel her shoulders begin to slowly slack while releasing a breath she had no idea she was holding onto until now.

What was this feeling? It felt so familiar, yet so foreign. She knew no one could make such a promise. She knew! Just like the way she appeared, she'll disappear. Everyone will meet the same fate. It was expected and yet to know she had someone she could rely on.....

An actual friend. A true one. With no connection to Livius or being influenced by him...

It felt very good to have someone like that. A little nerve-wracking too, but....nice too. Lowering her head, a bittersweet smile will spread as she.....stares at his hands for a moment, at the distance...

This was a good distance while all at once.....there was....some dissatisfaction about it. Why wasn't she pleased about it? About this distance?]

[A pinky finger will be extended towards the other boy. Raising her head, a small smile will appear, almost acting like a smirk if seen at a certain angle, but....it was a smile all the same. A slightly awkward one. It was tough to find an appropriate smile when there was so much to mull together.]

T-That's...I guess what you would consider a pretty passionate statement....?

[She has no idea what it means to hear passionate words from someone who wasn't intentionally trying to butter her up or seducing her....? Not how Livi would try to say the most embarrassing things to get a reaction out of her. Always exclusively in front of a crowd, no less. It was clear he wasn't trying to. His intentions aren't to seduce or even string her along. He was being sincere. He was being straightforward! There isn't anything deep about any of this. And yet, why did it touch her so? Enough to reach out a pinky as she heads closer to him. Uses her free hand to reach for his gloved one only to stop short because...]

A bold promise like yours', it should be properly authenticated; recognized and....not go on deaf ears.

[She didn't want to force him to anything. She didn't want to make it seem like she was taking his feelings lightly. No. She wanted to be as sincere as he is by offering him a pinky.]

I've....I've seen a lot of kids back in my country do this sort of thing. [A beat.] No, I have seen many children in many diverse places do this sort of thing. I believe it's the most connecting way to reach anyone. [Turning her green gaze towards him, almost shyly but just as sincerely.] And I've always wanted to experience it with someone I want to connect to without magic getting involved. Can we?

[Actually....]

....or does this sort of thing not exist in your world?

[ Nike, is that...

Is she...

.................... no, he actually can't. He just can't. ]

Do—

[ He blinks. Quite rapidly for a moment, as an intensely nervous sort of smile hanging lopsided from one corner of his mouth. The very picture of disbelief and "no way". This girl... ]

...do you mean a pinky swear?

[ she does, doesn't she. she is actually asking him to pinky swear ]

Edited 2020-01-22 02:38 (UTC)

[........................................................❗❗❗❗]

I-Is that what it's actually called!?

[She could've sworn it was always known as a pinky promise, not swear!

.....but.]

.....does it hold great value in your world too? For friends to make these sorts of promises?

[ I mean it's the same sort of thing, but she asked someone with a vagabond urchin past who grew up on the streets and who was incredibly rough around the edges so that's the version she got....... ]

It's one of the things it's called... [ He still has the incredulous sort of smile though. No way. She actually did mean that. Without even really knowing what it was.

It would make sense if she was actually a guardian spirit he supposes, but... ]

I guess you could say it does. Between children, usually.. [ But he starts to trail off a bit more slowly, realization dawning in his expression. Ah, she means it seriously. It really means a lot to her even if it seems like something so silly or for children...

He blinks again, and then one more time before smiling more gently. Bemused and more than a little baffled still, but more gently— ]

[ And he raises his gloved right hand, the fifth and smallest digit of which is crooked slightly towards her. ]

...but I think that's also what makes them the most important sort of promise? [ Warm.

It's a warm smile, as much as he's still so very bemused. ]

Between friends.

[ Is he saying it just to be nice to her? Maybe. But, asking how she did... it does seem rather appropriate for her, somehow. Asking like she did—

It's very innocent. ]

[Why does he seem so amused by her request? Yes, she has seen children make those sorts of promises, but she doesn't get why only children can make them? The pinky promise sounded beautiful to her. The way it connects and treasures relationships. It's important to sometimes hold onto the childlike spirit. The world would benefit from it.

There was nothing to argue about. Nothing to lectured about neither. All she wanted was to treasure his earnest feelings, desires, in wanting to always stay with her until the day they both have to return home. As sad as it'll be once it happens, she was sure to treasure all of their memories together. Including this one. The one that started it all.

So once he offered his gloved right hand, Nike will stare at it realizing...]

If it's the most important sort of promise between friends, shouldn't our hands be touching? [She didn't like the thin walls surrounding them. Even for a moment. Not when they have been very honest and very bare. Would it offend him for being so demanding...? She was curious to find out while all at once knew she shouldn't assume. Not in the spirit of them making an important promise.] Actual touching, I mean? I don't remember seeing anyone do this while wearing gloves... [Would it be considered bad luck to do it this way?] ...would it still count done this way?

[ She... wants him to remove his gloves? ]

Er.. [ Well she definitely caught him offguard there. Wow, she really is being really serious about this. But especially since it was his right hand he'd offered he doesn't see the harm in it...? ]

No, that's fine— I don't mind. [ And he tugs the one glove off, using his teeth to tug the fingers loose after a moment in a subconscious and extremely practiced way like someone used to having to remove his gloves very quickly. If she's very perceptive she might notice what should be a patch of skin between his left glove and shirt sleeve is actually dark red, but he isn't removing that glove and quickly presents her again with this time an ungloved (human) pinky.

Though he also gives her a sheepish sort of smile, cocking his head to one side. ]

I'm just used to wearing gloves is all.

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1/2

2/2 I give you one twue noble dumbass

omg allen it is okay he has been good touching her

1/2 scream, PHRASING

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1/2 allen walker the analysis paper

2/2 now have more touching and emotions thrown at

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1/4 INCOMING WHIPLASH!!!

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3/5 lie one more surprise

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5/5 done!

i am slain

welp lol

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