Out with the old, in with the new as they say, and this ViViD level is no different. Ever progressive and ever mindful, CERES has decided in their war against the evil carbon footprint to give citizens both new and old a lesson in healthy living. To show this, they've created a level all about... recycling, or as close to recycling as a company like CERES can get. (Which isn't very close at all, honestly.)
This, of course, means that when you're dumped in to today's ViViD level, the first thing that will hit you is the stench. It's vile and rancid and the type of stench that makes a person want to give up smelling altogether, and when you finally open your eyes, you'll see why. There's trash everywhere. The buildings are decrepit and crumbling, the cars are broken down and rusted, and overall, it looks like the apocalypse rolled right on through. Which is weird because this is definitely not a post-apocalyptic game. Yet wandering around this pathetic excuse for a ViViD level will just reveal more of the same -- it's a total wasteland.
And if you look up, you will see a billboard.
RECYCLING AND YOU: HOW NOT TO BE A DIRTY WASTE OF SPACE
You'll only have a moment to be offended by the sign before, amongst the piles of trash and rubble, there's another, smaller pile of trash and rubble. The only difference is this one can talk.
 Welcome to The Dumpster Dive, my cool cats and sweet kittens. A brand new ViViD level, created and innovated to you by CERES's very creative and innovative technicians. We're all here to help you learn to Reuse, Reduce and Recycle, givin' you kids some tools to help you lessen your impact on the planet. After all, we're all here together on this great planet of Tellus. Wouldn't want to ruin it, right? Ha ha!
Happy Trash Day to Cerealians one and all!
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PHASE I [ 6 00 ] So, you're here.
You're probably sitting in a pile of trash because, well, everywhere is a pile of trash. You're in a landscape of trashiness and there's no escape. Your only option is to give in to the sweet, sweet pull of the garbage. The buildings are crumbling, the sidewalks are a mess of bottles (but no bottle caps), rubble, and empty chip bags, and you're stuck in this... trash. This garbage. This hellhole.
Wasn't recycling supposed to be clean?
It probably takes a rat skittering over your foot to get you going but like any good game, the protagonist needs to move. If you're going to find out anything in this trash heap, you'll need to explore a bit. See if you can find someone else! Or something else. Maybe someone more experienced with ViViD can help you figure out how to log out. Even if logging out doesn't seem to be working right now. You should be careful too because one wrong step might cause the pile of trash you're standing on give way and send you into the sewers below.
Which means there are rats, there are bugs, the ground is unsteady and... yep. It's starting to rain.
Good luck.
PHASE II [ 800 ] And then come the... trash drones.
They zero in on any living thing in this ViViD level -- if you’re moving, if you’re breathing, if you have some sort of a pulse, they’ll be there. And they’ll grab you and take you away. No matter how many you shoot down, more and more and more will come, never stopping until you're swarmed completely by them. They have to get you! You're garbage, you're garbage, you're garbage! You're garbage!
And so, you're snatched up.
Don’t worry, though. After a short flight (wave hello to your fellow drone-napped neighbor!), you'll arrive at three huge trash chutes with three equally huge signs above them. GARBAGE, RECYCLING, and COMPOST hang above the chutes and the drones pause just momentarily before announcing one of these options in a robotic voice. You've been sorted and without any preamble, the drone will dump you in whichever one it decides.
Hopefully you don’t end up in the compost. Gross.
Of course, once you down there, there's plenty to poke around in (or not much if you're still not into the whole trash thing). It's piles and piles and piles of trash as far as the eye can see! Again! If you're especially clever, you may be able to use the trash to build a way out of the chute. The very, very long chute. Maybe there's someone around that can help you? And better do so quick, who knows what CERES has deemed to be "recycling" this time.
PHASE III [ 1125 ] CERES's standards continue to shine on again, because after some time, those chutes will finally start working. So if you've been separated from a friend through any of this ordeal, don't worry about it. You're all gonna end up in the same place anyway.
Which is the incinerator, of course! (Wait, that’s not how recycling works.)
The ground beneath you shifts, enough to knock over whatever flimsy excuse for an escape plan you have, and suddenly all of the trash, compost or recycling will be dumped down into an underground furnace -- along with everyone stuck there, of course. Bit by bit, everything moves ever closer towards that red hot furnace and it’s clear that everything's going to be dumped straight into the fire and burned. Say your farewells. Make nice with your neighbor. Finalize your will because --
Oh. It stopped.
Looks like it jammed.
It doesn't remain jammed for long because CERES is, if anything, highly efficient. So it starts up again. But then stops again. And then starts again. And then stops again. This may be a glitch in the level, actually.
So, you're still getting ever closer to fiery death, but... slowly. Very slowly. In fact, you could probably walk away from said fiery death faster than you're going towards it. It's like they can't even program a near death experience right!
PHASE IV [ 1125 ] Maybe you avoided the incinerator. Maybe you ended up in a different part of the level altogether. Maybe you just got lost. Either way, now you’re stuck with the age-old hobby of enthusiasts and the exceptionally desperate alike.
Dumpster diving.
And CERES wouldn't send you down there without an incentive, you know. If you look, it seems like there might be something valuable, something incredibly important and just for you. A shiny item that you’ve always wanted right from home and it’s right there in your grasp, something precious that you could never get in Cerealia. How it came to be there, nestled between an empty carton of eggs and a half-eaten cheeseburger, no one knows, but you'll be filled with the inescapable, all-consuming urge to go get it. Just jump right into that dumpster and get it.
The more you resist the urge, the more it'll hurt. (As in, physically hurt actually. The feeling will be comparable to your fingernails slowly being plucked out.)
This is ViViD though and the moment you hit the trash, the spell breaks. You'll see that your most precious thing, whatever it was, was never actually there. Instead, you seem to have actually grabbed something else and whatever it is, you can't let go of it. Be it an empty bottle of bacon soda or a bicycle tire with a giant hole in it, it's attached to your hand now and no matter what you do, you can't get it off.
Hopefully whatever you grabbed wasn't too big because it looks like you're not getting rid of it. Not till you beat the level.
BONUS [ why o'clock ] The odd thing about being stuck in a trash wasteland is that you can go for ages without seeing another person. Ages. Of course, CERES doesn't like that very much since ViViD games should be co-operative! Player with player! Player against player! Players who shouldn't be playing at all. That's the type of play CERES supports.
Which means the longer you go without seeing another person, the more you might feel an itch. It gets under your skin, making you feel dizzier and dizzier, and shorter and shorter of breath until -- you pass out. Vision going dark, breathing cutting out, and down you go into the trash and whatever this ViViD level has planned next.
It won't take long. You'll wake up feeling slightly confined and there will be a moving body next to you. It seems as if you've finally, finally found someone -- and they're really, really close. In fact, maybe a little too close? When you open your eyes, you'll see that the two of you may be bound together in a way that might be familiar to some.
But instead of a shirt, it's just a garbage bag. A really, really strong garbage bag that can't be broken out of no matter how strong you happen to be. No laser eyes, no super powers, nothing will separate you from this person other than, well, getting along.
There really is only one question you have to ask yourself now. Just one.
What the hell does this have to do with recycling?
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but look, he's considering that very carefully. while it's true that he doesn't want it to hurt terribly, probably the flames would burn hot enough that it'd be over pretty quickly, right? on the other hand, it's not particularly elegant to die in a garbage heap, and while beggars can't be choosers, it seems like this place will afford him many other opportunities.
that sorted out, he hops down from the pile he'd been standing on, giving atsushi a sunny smile. ] I think you're right. I'm sure I'll have better opportunities elsewhere. [ and if not, he can always.. come back???
he shoves his hands in the pockets of his coat, pauses, then pulls an apple core out and tosses it away. ] It seems as if it's just the two of us, hm?
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Sure, his life's been anything but peaceful since he's met Dazai, but. Despite everything, Atsushi returns that smile with a slight lowering of his shoulders, a relaxing of posture and a faint expression of relief. ]
It... seems like it. I haven't seen anyone else from the Agency around. [ which is cause for concern, actually?! how is he going to be able to get Dazai to do anything without Kunikida around?? the relief ebbs from his features, and Atsushi shifts nervously on his feet. ] I can't tell if that's a good or bad thing.
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Oh, hm. [ he doesn't sound all that concerned. he isn't, really. despite everything happening back home and now here, the others can handle themselves. and well, if they've been kidnapped(?????) by some ability user, better that it's just the two of them.
he glances up, peering at the exit above them thoughtfully. ] I'm sure they're fine, wherever they are. [ he glances back at the teenager again, expression one of clear, slightly exaggerated dread. ] I suppose we'll have to climb..
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—If you say so. But I'll keep a lookout for them, regardless...? [ That's that, though, and following Dazai's gaze up, Atsushi looks up through the chute they came down from to offer one of his patented Troubled Half-Smiles. ]
And... I could've carried you up if it weren't for your abilities, Dazai-san. [ tiger legs are really fast, apparently?? The furry life. ] But I guess I shouldn't encourage you to be lazy...
[ Time to plod up this trash hill the slow way. ]
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the comment makes his head whip toward atsushi once more. ugh. ] .. Are you sure you still can't? [ he's joking. .. probably. at least, he starts heading toward Trash Mountain a moment later, so he probably wasn't too serious about being carried. ] Anyway, it's probably for the best. I'm not much of a damsel. [ though he could be. don't tempt him. ]
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[ Regarding the whole damsel thing, he means. But he does offer Dazai a hand as they scale up a particularly slippery portion of trash, making sure not to look too closely at what he's stepping on lest he lose his appetite... forever... ]
You're still so calm, even through all of this. [ a sheepish laugh, here. ] I already got yelled at by a bunch of people I don't know for panicking— Dazai-san really is amazing.
[ Even if he found him trying to die in an incinerator, shh. ]
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once he's on (temporarily) steady ground again, he shrugs, lifting a hand to gently flick the boy on the nose. ]
Don't admire me too much. [ for many reasons. ] My priorities are just different, right? [ his lips part, and for a brief moment, he's maybe the slightest bit tempted to really talk to him-- but it passes as his grin returns. ] After all, I'm always thinking about a good way to die!
[ he turns away again, staring up at the rest of the mountain they still have to climb. ] .. Ugh. This is the worst. I'm being punished. --Do you think there's a rope up there? [ not actually to hang himself with this time.. ]
no subject
So he doesn't question the subject change, or the fact that he'd like to ask about those priorities. Not knowing won't stop him from trusting Dazai inherently, anyway: the other man's already done so much for him for Atsushi to start being suspicious anytime soon. ]
I'm glad you're postponing the dying thing... [ he mutters under his breath, before letting go of his semi-mentor's hand to trot a few paces further up Trash Mountain. ] But, I could climb up first, and... maybe use my suspenders as a rope to pull you up?
[ Would this even work??? Atsushi?? ] Ah, I say this right after I encourage you not to be lazy...
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... ah. he really is a much cuter subordinate than his last one. ]
They'd snap, don't you think? I could be sent plunging down into this sea of trash. [ he considers that briefly, weighing the merits, before ultimately dismissing the idea. ] Let's climb a little further. [ as he.. slowly.. starts moving up.. ] Maybe we can find something better on the way up. [ a beat, holding up an index finger as if to pause the teen. ] And I'm only postponing it until we're in a better venue. This wouldn't make for a very nice obituary, you know.
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Dazai-san sure is moving slowly, though... it's not like they're in any actual danger, but still!! ]
I feel like the others might have something to say about that...
[ He can see it in his mind's eye, Kunikida with his hands folded across his chest: "Dazai buried in trash? Ah, at least he's finally found his place".
...He has to stifle a laugh at the thought of it, despite himself. ]
It's only a little further! As long as the trash machines aren't around— [ you know, those weird screeching monstrosities... thanks Cereal. ] —I think we'll be safe.
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someone had to finally think it. dazai is getting this awful sinking feeling that he knows exactly what's going on in that head of his.. he can't even argue it tbh. ]
Atsushi-kun's become so reliable, huh? [ he chuckles, working his way around what looks like part of a fridge. ] Ah, they grow up so fast. A good thing, too, because I'm pretty much useless against robots.
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He hops up onto the carcass of what was probably a dresser at one point, teeters on the half-rotten books piled high on its peeling surface to look up. ]
Well, I was told not to do anything to make the Agency look bad. I'm just doing the best I can...! [ But he's more happy for that point of approval than he knows, files it into the back of his mind as "things to keep me going". ] —That reminds me, Dazai-san. I guess you're not the combative type, huh...?
[ Should he be concerned... far be it for him to assume that Dazai is weak, but still!! ]
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he eyes the tottering mess atsushi is perched on with something like suspicion. can he catch this kid if he falls? would it be wasted effort to try? after all, he heals so quickly, surely any fall would hurt dazai more in the end, anyway.. though not badly enough to be fatal. ]
Hm, I wonder who might've told you that.. [ he sure had taken it to heart, hadn't he? it's kind of cute, this earnestness, though dazai knows what it stems from, too. complete strangers had taken in this boy who hates himself, had shown him kindness, given him a place of his own and a way to support himself.. he knows the thought process, he knows the emotions. a part of him worries a little-- in the end, to what lengths will he go?
he blinks, shakes himself of the thought, mouth quirking at the question. ] I guess not. [ ah, well, there's no harm in the lie. he's not much of one, anyway. not anymore. ] My Ability isn't really useful for that sort of thing. --Hey, you're not going to fall, right? [ he flaps skinny bandaged arms once. ] If I have to catch you, we might both die.
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It passes, after which he offers a light laugh. ]
You know I'm sturdy, Dazai-san. I wouldn't ask you to catch me, because I'd probably be alright.
[ But again, he files this under 'things I finally found out about Dazai-san', and looks pleased with himself for being able to offer something onto the table— his strength, for one. His poor sense of self-worth makes it easy for him to put his neck on the line, really.
Turning back towards their exit, he squints up at the chute opening, watches a new stream of garbage fall a few feet over. ]
It looks like the chute we came in from opens once every five minutes or so. If we time things, I think we could both pass through at once...
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[ ah, what's with that look??? does he think he couldn't? .. what, does he think dazai would honestly just let him die if that's what it looked like would happen? the test was one thing, but real life is another altogether. one day this stubborn kid will get it through his head that he has worth. ]
Eh, well, sturdy or not, don't test it, okay?
[ after a moment, though, he brightens for a moment.. then dims once again. ah.. if he got caught by the lid of the chute.. but it would still be a pretty Trashy death. nevermind. ] I guess I just have to be kind of quick, then. And hope nothing too troublesome is on the other side.
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A...ah, maybe we can, practice? Once or twice? Before we actually go up...?
[ Or he could tank this, as per usual. That too.
Cue some weird gestures that don't actually mean anything. ]
It might be better to be prepared, I mean...! I think it's called 'image training'? So neither of us will get caught! In the chute! Because we should both be alive, to do the things we need to...do...?
[ oh my god ]
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Aren't you a tiger-man, Atsushi-kun? You don't think you can make it on the first try? [ he stretches his arms over his head and goes up on his toes briefly, loosening himself up for the jump with the same casual air he does most everything. ] Don't worry, I have full confidence that even if you get maimed, you'll heal. I just have to not touch you, that's all.
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[ He mutters mostly to himself, though he's pretty sure Dazai can hear (and will ignore it, ah). Impossible or very difficult requests have always been Dazai's forte, though, so Atsushi does what he always does— go along with it, despite any misgivings.
His legs take on tiger form, and he jumps up once, twice, to test that he has solid footing here. ]
Should I go first, then...? I'm only getting bad vibes from this...
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he flaps his hands to dismiss the concerns, laughing once brightly. ]
Well, if you want to volunteer, I'm not going to stop you. Good luck!
[ don't get squished by the lid of the chute.. ]
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But, well. It would be incredibly bad if he actually decapitated himself in front of his mentor, huh. How rude would it be if Atsushi died first between the two of them, jeez.
So he actually times his jump well: a second or two of mental preparation later, Atsushi's jumping and hooking his claws into the sides of the chute, digging his claws into the metal to swing himself up and onto...
...more garbage, but it's safe garbage. Success!
He pops his head down (and an arm down, even if that might be dangerous...) and offers a relieved: ] Ah...the coast is clear, Dazai-san! If you jump, I can pull you up here.