//TESTDRIVE15.EXE

[reparator]

//testdrive15.EXE

The clock strikes twelve. The gong of the grandfather clock in the foyer tolls out the time in slightly unnecessarily obnoxious loud noises. The ambiance of this old mansion demands respect, care, awe -- Okay, no, wait, why are you even in this stupid dusty house? No reasons are forthcoming, because everyone knows that people just end up in places like this sometimes. That's just how the narrative device works. The hows and the whys don't matter -- all that matters is that you're all here, so you'd better get cracking and start exploring, because it's not like you can leave yet. Or ever, maybe. Good day, sirs and madams. Might I interest you in a nice glass of blood...y mary?

//SCENARIOS.EXE

PHASE I [ 0215 ] All you see is white. The crash of thunder hits your ears next, punctuated by the piercing pitch of white noise in the background. After a few blinks, your vision comes back to you. Oh good, glad that you’ve joined us in the land of the living. Unlike the nondescript corpse at your feet – it looks like… a butler? Oh dear. You’ve already killed Murder Suspect Number One in most situations. How terribly ironic. After all, who could’ve killed him but you? You might not remember, but there is definitely a murder weapon in your hand. It’s probably a knife or a poisoned glass of wine or- Wait, is that a toaster? A full on toaster? Or maybe it’s a taser. Maybe you bludgeoned this poor guy with an entire encyclopedia. Either way, it looks like your murder weapon is a little unconventional, whether it’s a stranger’s pair of underwear or a hair curler. Are you really supposed to believe you committed a murder with these? (Yes.) That said in the next second the double doors will be opening up. It’s pretty clear you’re not alone. Think quick! PHASE II [ 0600 ] Exploring more around the compound, you’ll find plenty of those tall, oil portraits of people hung around the walls. When you start walking, they’re all strangers. However by the time that you feel like you’re wandering around for an hour, two hours, they might start looking a little bit more… familiar? Mom? Is that you? You don’t have time to think about that, though. You were clearly framed! You don't’ have a motive for killing some random NPC – “Or do you?” a portrait will ask. Oh. Holy shit. Well it’d just be rude to leave, right? Whether you stick around for conversation or not, you’ll find that was just the beginning. The portraits are going to start grilling you. Welcome to CERES Central’s Roast of You. What was your motive? Don’t you know you should respect the servants? How would you feel if you were caught like that? Careful turning your back on them though, because if you ignore them for too long, the subjects in the portraits may just reach out and snatch you to join them in their portrait world. At that point, the only way to get out is to swap places with some other poor, unsuspecting soul wandering around. PHASE III [ 1045 ] You know what makes me hungry? Murder. What’s the point of making a mansion this big anyway? Who’s even here? Either way, whether you’re looking for the kitchen to make a fine post-homicide sandwich or just trying to escape, you’ll eventually make it to a stairwell. The most finicky stairwell ever. Is that a trail of bloody footprints leading up the steps? What? No. Stop it, just climb. Or well – don’t climb too quickly now. The staircases apparently have a mind of their own, swapping from one doorway to another. You definitely haven’t seen this before. It would seem that these stairs might even be interested in keeping you in a circle forever, no concern for whether or not you’re hungry or, god forbid, need to use the restroom. However the portraits in the stairwell will provide a little tip: “The stairs are gossips, you know. Why don’t you tell us a little something about yourself? Make it good!” Weirdly enough, sound advice – that is, if you’re interested in shouting out your most embarrassing secrets into the void so a mansion can keep talking shit about you. Oh well. Your alternative is just being a stair golem. There are worse fates. PHASE IV [ 1430 ] This hall is oddly quiet. Well, until you hear it – the soft sniffles coming from down the hall, the broken sobs. It sounds like someone’s crying. For one reason or another, your footsteps take you forward – there’s really no point in going back now after all, right? Yet as you continue to walk… walk… walk… the crying becomes louder and louder. More desperate, more despaired. In time, it’s clear that this person is wailing, screaming, “How could this happen?!” Within the span of a breath, all the lights in the hallway go out, leaving you in pitch black. It occurs to you then that you hear a second set of steps. When did you stop walking? A cold chill runs down your spine and you find yourself running then, despite the fact that it feels like this pitch black hallway goes on forever. The other footsteps pick up, remind you that you’re not alone. No, certainly not. Best hope that you find some assistance soon – otherwise it looks like the Butler Association is going to ignite some righteous vigilante justice on your ass. BONUS [ why o'clock ] You’re in the grand ballroom now, ready to present your case. Armed with a cob pipe (don’t smoke inside, it’s rude), a detective hat, and a single spotlight aimed right at you, you now have to explain how you came to the conclusion about the True Killer that is Obviously Not You. Rather, it’ll just be the character of whoever tags into this prompt – yes, you are suddenly so very sure that they’re the ones who are the ultimate mastermind of this entire game and… you’re just going to have to bullshit the reason why even if you know virtually nothing about them. It’s a dog eat dog world out there, you know? Sorry about that. Should you actually provide enough of a compelling case or they take pity on you, having a villainous breakdown for the sake of the plot, you’ll be awarded with a coupon that’ll give you three free scoops at your local ice cream parlor! (Note: you must buy the first two scoops in order to qualify.) Of course, if you’re not able to nail them down as the killer, you are obviously the killer yourself (citation needed). From there, you’ll be dragged off to face your punishment: for six grueling hours you will be tickled mercilessly. [ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with sensitive or inappropriate material and do let a mod know if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so we can lock the log. ]

//RUN.EXE

Welcome to Cerealia's fifteenth Test Drive Meme. For your convenience, we have compiled a post detailing everyone's arrival experience and a FAQ that should explain everything in more detail. Please read them thoroughly before playing. Thank you!

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Princess Allura // Voltron: RotG

[mouseketeerish]

PHASE I

[Allura drops the bloody hairbrush with a start, her breath hitching in the back of her throat. She's just come to, and already her heart is pounding in her chest, while her stomach tries to drop to the floor. Her legs feel like they're made of the heaviest materials in the universe all comprised in one small package. And though she isn't paying attention to it, it's obvious that her dress is ruined.

There was no way this was what it looked like it was... or wait. No, this definitely wasn't happening! Or... Her thoughts are a jumble as she swallows, and her hands discover they can move. And refuse to stop moving in tiny shakes.]

No... What?

[she swallows again, and moves closer to the butler. Somehow, while she feels this shouldn't be real, given everything she's been told this week, that rationality is drowned out by the body in front of her]

Help! Is... [she drops to the floor, finally moving, looking for some sign of life] Is anyone here? I need help!

PHASE III

[this has been the worst day she's had in a very, very, very, very long time. After all of the other fun and games, Allura has had enough. Impulse says run, but she can't let herself be bossed around anymore by this sham of a house... this... whatever it is. It was cruel and unusual. And she wasn't afraid of it.

Something about losing everything she'd ever held dear really took the scare out of being chased.]

If we must continue this, then let me at least see you, whoever you are.

I will not run anymore!

Phase III

[roughhandjob]

[Approaching footsteps from the shadows of a darkened hallway slow, and a light becomes visible from around a corner, glowing an eerie, almost malevolent magenta- is that- an evil, floating ...hand?]

[...then the glow fades completely as a familiar form appears.]

I knew it was you! Thank goodness I finally found you, I swear this place was starting to play tricks on my head. Are you alright? You're not hurt, are you?

Phase I

[fishyoldman]

Sorry, cute stuff. I can't raise the dead for ya.

[So says a voice behind her. It's not clear how long he's been watching, but if anyone's likely to be a murder suspect, it's this shady looking guy. He moves over to get a closer look, crouching down beside Allura and the body.]

He musta made you pretty angry to hit him that hard. What'd a poor sap like him do to deserve that?

[He grins at her. Either he's very callous, or her hunch that this isn't real is right and he's not taking this seriously. Or both.]

1

[soulfulglasses]

[She takes in the situation, the panicked girl, the possible weapon, and decides to take charge of the situation. Michelle takes ahold of the girl's hand, the one squeezed white-knuckled white on the brush.]

Take a deep breath. I'll check this guy, okay? Just breathe. We'll figure this out.

[whether she's the culprit or not.]

Nico Minoru | Marvel 616/Runaways

[staffofwhat]

Phase I

"Of course you suspect the goth chick."

Nico Minoru dropped what looked like a leather belt with painted purple studs all the way across. Her look of disgust was as much for the Hot Topic label on the inside as the corpse that it might have strangled. Or smothered. Or bludgeoned.

"Look, I can be a lot more creative than this." She felt like she wasn't selling her case well. Had something to do with the overwhelming evidence against her, probably.

Saddest thing was, this was right up Alex's alley. How did you 'win' here? Deceive, then backstab?

Phase IV

Nico was biting and grinding her lips, hoping for a little blood to summon the Staff of One, but really hoping whoever was behind her was just going to give her some new Victorian Gothic ideas for clothes.

The warm, coppery taste suddenly hit her senses, and-- "When blood is shed..."

She spun on her heel, and held it out like bo staff.

"You have until I come up with a good new word combination to come out, hands up," she warned.

IV

[bruiserprincess]

This was not remotely what Molly had been planning to do today. Not even close. But this was apparently one of those days where she didn't get a vote.

And she knows the staff. She knows what it can do. And she knows she does not want to be on the receiving end of it. "Nico? Nico it's just me."

Please don't be a weird CERES illusion that is going to start mocking her with her deepest fears and turn into a monster.

Sokka | ATLA

[doesactivities]

Bonus

"--by virtue of the fact that the moon was shining in the left-eastern window, and therefore could see everything I did, and I would never, ever, ever disappoint her, you can see, Your Honors, why I, an innocent adolescent, could never have committed this grave crime against--" and here he quickly turned his pipe around, to read the etched text, "Percival Jeeves Weatherbee Esquire the Third, the late departed, and my dear friend, and also a dear friend of Her Royal Highness, the moon!"

And here, Sokka's head bowed reverently. He let his final point sink in, before his head jerked up violently.

"But Your Honors, to your own honor, must be wondering-- who, then?"

He blew a few bubbles pensively.

"Who would do this to Mr. Esquire the Third? And in the presence of the Moon herself! Who could so brazenly dishonor Your Honors in front of so noble a witness?"

The spotlight didn't give him enough room to pace, not without having to turn back every couple of words, but Sokka compensated with his hands, whirling his pipe toward the door.

"We can't expect the culprit to walk through this door, of course, but Your Honors, if they did, I would prove it was them, beyond a shadow of a doubt!"

[wasshi]

As if planned for perfect comedic timing, the door in question began creaking open immediately after Sokka's speech ended.

Sadly, no knife-wielding maniac here. Togo had rolled herself halfway into the room before realizing there was anyone there at all, let alone Ace Detective Sokka.

"...Am I interrupting something?"

[soulfulglasses]

Michelle takes a few moments to watch this kid pace and talk to himself, presumably, instead of an invisible judge, and finally sighs to herself.

"What I want to know is...how do you know he's a friend of the moon? A little bit of a jerk to just assign this poor bastard a sob story, aren't you."

The entire story is just as stupid as the kid looks, with his bubbles, but he does seem harmless.

Mai Taniyama | Ghost Hunt

[makesthetea]

[ PHASE I ]
... What? I--

[What the heck is she clutching in her hand. It's like a chain reaction from there, waking up to the sound of crashing thunder to feeling the ache in her hand from how tightly she's gripping that house key in her hand. She barely even has time to unfold her hand and acknowledge said key before her feet try to move her forward automatically. Naturally one foot snags on said nondescript corpse just before her and she tumbles over it with a shout.

The doors will creak open to Mai face down on the carpet, her legs draped over the poor dead butler.]

[ PHASE IV ]
[After a run in with one particular painting that looks and sounds way too much like her narcissistic argumentative boss, Mai's been trying to steer clear of the rest of the paintings. She's still fuming though over the argument she had and at first doesn't quite notice what hallway she's turned down. The more distance between her and those paintings, the better!

Naturally she ends up lost, stalled in a hallway. She turns, looking back behind her and mutters:]

If I came from that way... this has to be leading toward the front door.

[Then she looks to the wall nearest her, brow drawn.]

I haven't seen any doors opening into rooms though...

[ BONUS ]
[On one hand she's so sure the person near her is guilty. They have to be, there's just something inside her insisting on it. And there's also something insisting it isn't the case, can't be the case and she'd be making a terrible mistake if she insisted they were the killer.

As such she's not mastering a real convincing argument of their guilt here. Instead she's adjusting her hat as she's stuck here in the spotlight, looking so damned convinced by her own words to the point of being frantic.]

None of us did it. That's what I believe. Sure they could have done it, I mean I know I didn't do it but-- no, that's not right either.

[How does she explain this?]

[ WILDCARD ]
[Throw me some prompts if you want to.]

I swore I'd actually tag you this time. Bonus

[testoffayth]

[Yuna has just tried to keep quiet today. She really hasn't wanted to deal with this, but now that they're seemingly at the end? Well, she's not going to hold back. She's frustrated and wants to get out. And this girl's awkward explanation is just not...exactly...convincing. So she thumps her staff on the ground.]

Slow down, miss. Think about what you're saying and be clearer with your words, okay?

sakura saber (okita souji) ▶ fate/grand order.

[mtb]

▶ phase 1.

Huh?! What's this?

( who is this dead person on the floor? did she do that? well? sometimes that happens. there's a shrug that follows as she looks around and then down at the toaster in her hands. this doesn't seem right, she doesn't recall doing anything as bad as this and with a toaster no less. looking down at her side, she notices that her two blades are missing and ... wait. )

Kashuu? Kiku? Where did you go? Where did you GO!?

( there's a look of worry on her features, her head turning from left to right as she searched for her two blades. not seeing them around, the moment that the door opens and someone enters the room is enough to hit her nerves. throwing up the toaster in shock, it slowly falls back down and slams right on top of her head. the collision is enough for her to hack blood; the liquid trickling from the side of her mouth as she turns back to the person who has came in. )

Well, I've had worse. Have you seen my swords? ( not like she needs to talk about the dead body behind her. )

▶ phase 2.

( da vinci? is that you? really, with these talking paintings everywhere, she can't help but relate them to the caster back home. even if she asks them questions, they aren't going to respond with what she needs which brings the biggest frown to her features. hiding her hands into the sleeve of her haori, she squints and begins to speak. ) I should have realized... trusting paints will get me nowhere!

( no where at all she believes as she decides to turn her back to one of the many unfortunate. a hand slowly reaches out and grabs the black scarf around her neck, yanking her back and her body collides with the wall. there's a loud yelp that leaves from her mouth as she tries to pull away. now, she isn't going to use her swords to cut away such important fabric around her neck so what's the next best thing to do?

ask for help.

seeing someone coming by, she waves towards them with a dilemma written all over her features. ) Hey! You, yeah you! Do you mind helping me out, I'm in quite a bind! ( perhaps they'll see that one angry portrait that's holding her back, please help. )

Phase 2

[magicburst]

[While she's dealt with the paintings so far, it's not gotten quite so hands-on with her.]

Don't worry, I'll have free before you know it.

[Because at the very least if Jessica is anything, it's a good aim with that whip of hers. She unwinds it with a quick flick of her wrist and a quicker flick has it snapping against said hand yanking on the other woman's scarf.

The painting in turn seems to take great offense to the gesture. It yells, turns the scarf loose quickly and then immediately begins complaining.]

You hit me! You really, actually hit me! How dare you hit me!

keith | voltron

[flion]

I — *SHAGGY VOICE* WASN'T ME
[ so yeah, sure, keith has a jump rope in his hands. and maybe the dead butler in front of him (who he’s crouched over with one hand checking for a pulse) has some pretty suspect looking marks around his neck, but. like. that’s not on him.

good thing he has an amazing defence for when those double doors open up. see, this is his cue! flatly: ]

… Come on. [ g o d. ] Look, whatever you’re thinking about this is wrong.

[ NAILED IT! ]

II — MULLETS ARE IN, SHUT UP
[ keith’s life is really hard. it all began on one fabled night, where an experience with a flying lion— okay, no, that has very little to do with the situation right now (he thinks), but he’s very used to having to go “why” when circumstances are thrown at him.

especially considering his company at times! this part of his misfortune might in fact be related to his current predicament, because that sure is a familiar voice grilling him, as he stands there somewhat frustrated and wondering what the heck is going on.

he doesn’t like getting pestered on a regular day, but it’s double “what did i do to deserve this” when he’s got to take it from lance. or. well. not!lance. portrait lance.

again, what did he do to deserve this. there’s a comment resembling something like “i know you did it because you were jealous of his hair. like, that mullet… yours, i mean. not his.” before keith just turns to the painting, and: ]

I know you’re not him, but you're doing an almost convincing job of it. What is your obsession with my hair? Who would even kill someone for that?

[ like talking back is going to do anything but GOD

HE JUST WANTS TO THINK (NOT BROOD) IN PEACE. ]

IV — SPOOPY
[ he's just being super tested here. he’s had enough of creepy residences and running in the dark while something’s trying to chase you (probably) so excuse him if, upon you seeing him and him seeing you, there’s a red sword outstretched and aimed in your general direction.

he’s having a bad day. also has some paranoia issues, probably, when thrust into the unfamiliar. don’t blame him. ]

I have nothing to do with that’s going on here, so why are you chasing me?

[ fuck the butler association tbh ]

wildcard
[ whatever you like! ]

I

[notsolomon]

[This was a scene to have walked in on. Why did William always get involved in such things? This was tedious.]

...you know, I actually believe you, because I cannot believe an actual murderer would be that bad an acting in the face of all of this.

Kristoph Gavin | Ace Attorney

[westdefense]

((PHASE I))

[ Kristoph looked down at the spectacle before him. He's had to deal with many things in the recent years, but this oddly took the cake. He's seen his share of strange and baffling murders and trials. Hell, he's taken his part in some of the most baffling if he could say so himself. The very nature of his world was that the law was a strange beast that couldn't be tamed by the faint or sound of heart.

The difference was he at least REMEMBERED the murders he committed.

This butler was dead. He's seen more than enough dead bodies (did this count as a real dead body?) in his time to look at the scene before him and know what's happening. Looking further to his hand he refrained from rolling his eyes. Guitar string? How horrific. Instead of unwinding it, he held it taut between his hands to examine the string. This had to be the weapon. The way the string's clear color tainted towards the middle could have only meant it was.

Kristoph brought the string up to his ear, plucking it once in curiosity. It was G. Of course, it was G. He's not even sure what's happening and it's already shaping up to be a tiring day.

People were at the doors, threatening to come in and spot him at the scene of the murder, and Kristoph couldn't space an ounce of care. He's already been in jail. Going back for something he didn't do wasn't much of a concern. It was a nice cell. To the newcomer, he turns and smiles pleasantly at them, still plucking at the guitar string. ]

I was beginning to think I was alone here. Good evening. Do you happen to know who is here at my feet?


((PHASE II))

[ Oh, this was fun. It reminded him of home. Who didn't love being interrogated by no names with no business questioning him about foolish things?

The questions and accusations continued to come at him and Kristoph could only offer a smile and a couple of sighs. It was a valid interrogation, at least. It didn't ring with the wild and far-fetched methods of his friend and most hated person. He could let all of these roll off his back easily enough until the portrait of one Zak Gramarye laughed at him.

Kristoph stopped in his tracks, the cool look in his face cracking with an irritated twitch in his lips. It wasn't a question, an accusation, or anything. It was a laugh. That man came to make fun of his misfortune as per usual. It was so slight, so small, yet the blood boiling in his body was evident in the glassy look in his eyes. This bloody bastard. ]

My, I didn't know the dead could laugh so loudly. I must be losing my mind in the midst of this foolishness. That must be my cue to rally out the killer and make my way out of his miserable mess as fast as possible.


((WILDCARD))

[ Find Kristoph walking around trying to solve a murder, or in the afterward where he's calmly telling anyone who approaches him that he will kill him if they so much as touch him. Some people just can't take a joke at their own expense, you know? ]

Phase I

[bewrightback]

[With each door Phoenix opens in this place, he has no idea what to expect on the other side. And this room is no exception.

It's none other than the wicked defense of the west himself, and with a freshly dead body no less.

That's enough to leave him still with surprise and a vague sense of dread for a moment. After all, it's been a long time since he assumed the role of having a perpetual poker face. With his badge back, he's gotten more used to acting like his old self again.

Still, after a moment, he manages to find some chill and smiles as he slides his hands into his pockets while regarding his old "friend".]

Good evening, Mr. Gavin. [A small glance towards the dead body.] No, I don't believe that we've met. Would you care to introduce us? [At this point, he is assuming that this is some sort of a set-up, but the last thing he wants to do is to give Kristoph an easy time.]

Hiyori Iki | Noragami

[withmyownfists]

{i}

[ There are many unfortunate ways to die in life, but few of them are so unfortunate as to involve a pair of sweaty tracksuit pants. Fortunately, those occasions are rare. Unfortunately, one of those occasions is... now. Yes, you heard right: the murder weapon, currently lying in this girl's hands, is a pair of black, sweaty gym pants. ]

Wha...

[ She is too busy being REALLY CONCERNED about the fact that— ]

If I have Yato's pants... then... Is Yato not wearing his pants somewhere?

[ --to have noticed the dead body behind her OR you. Yet. Enjoy. ]

{ii}

[ Here in this set of hallways, you encounter a young girl, seemingly in high school if her uniform is any indicator . The portrait of a fat, older man is in the process of berating her. ]

Young lady! Just what do you think you're doing with some boy's pants? It's obscene!

[ She holds her hand up to her mouth (well, with one of them anyway; the other still clutches said pair of pants) and looks—well—predictably alarmed. ]

I-I'm so sorry, sir! I know it's un-lady-like, but—

[ The portrait of a woman with white hair in beehive style cuts her off in order to berate her. ]

I know what she was doing! Murdering the poor butler! Hast thou no shame!? Trollop!

[ She turns around to face her new accuser, looking outright bewildered. ]

I—err—what? I don't... what does that even mean?

[ A third portrait of a couple, neither that old, dressed to the nines in a suit and a glitzy ball gown, get in on it too. ]

So this is what's become of our grand house! Degrading to the control of an uneducated, violent, libidinous heiress! Woe is us! Our house has fallen!

[ Her protests are becoming increasingly frantic by now. ]

E-Excuse me!? But this isn't even my house!

[ Perhaps you could be so kind as to help even up the odds to 2 vs 3? ]

{iv}

[ Of course Hiyori would be lured by the sound of someone crying! She doesn't even suspect it's a trap until the lights suddenly go off. still, it's not the darkness itself that gets her to run, but the fact that she's being chased!

Sure, she could fight back, but--somebody's been murdering people around here! They mean business. No amount of her frankensteiners or choke holds are going to help with that. Running seems like the best option here. That, and calling for-- ]

Help! Somebody help!

[ Surely somebody other than this crazy person chasing her (or those wacky portraits) will hear.

She can't really see where she's headed, but then again, she's also not really looking. so it should be of no real surprise, then (except to everyone involved) when she runs straight into you. Because, you know. it's dark in here! ]

hello i woke up from a nap just to tag u; i

[rejuvenate]

[ It's true that sometimes people didn't die in the most normal or even the most kind of ways. Giorno has seen that a few times first hand himself but the way that this girl reacts to to the unfortunate state of the situation is...perplexing. He's not particularly bothered himself, but he would have thought she would have been upset over the death than the weapon. ]

Yato's pants? [ It wasn't that weird of a weapon. You could have easily used to strangle someone but...that's definitely not what she's worried about. Interesting. ]

Is that the name of someone that you know?

Dio Brando | JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

[masterofzawarudo]

PHASE I: [However did he, Dio get here? One minute he had been about to take Jotaro's head, and the next he was here in this place. The metal street sign in his hand replaced with a.... bloody spoon? The large vampire in gaudy clothing then looks down at the floor to see a dead body lying on it.]

Clearly I, DIO stepped on an insect without knowing it. Oh well.....

[He shrugs and tosses the spoon away. He had better things to then wonder why or even if he killed the man or not. Such as figuring out where he was and how he got here. The current surroundings, he finds himself certainly brings back memories of waits for whoever it is to come in throug the doors and be seized by the throat by a his youth with Jonathan in an mansion such as this... Though any reflections on the past are cut short as he hears someone coming this way. Slipping into shadows, Dio massive hand with a grip of iron and to look into a cruel yet sensual face.]

Hello, I'm DIO and I have some questions for you....


PHASE II: [You know who isn't bothered by the pictures grilling him? One Dio Brando, immortal vampire and genuine nasty piece of work. If anything he just looks bored as hell.

Yes, yes... maybe I did kill him but then how many files do you remember swatting in your lifetime?"

YA DAMN INGRATE, SERVANTS ARE SUPPOSE TO VALUABLE!!! I DIDN'T RAISED A SON WHO WAS GOING TO BE WASTEFUL!

[The portrait of an ugly drunken-looking old man is the most vocal of accusers. Dio just rolls his every time he speaks.]

Like a worthless failure of a thief who spent whatever money he'd gotten on booze and women would really know the value of things... It was one of the many reasons why I, DIO poised you...

[Anyone care to interrupt this family squabble?]

2!

[rosaichthys]

Raised? Was it you who speak so improper and like a child? Please stop talking.

( here comes saber walking by, seeing this tall man who she guesses has such bad grammar. horrible, as a roman emperor she can't even bear to listen to such filth. )

What else was it. I must also enlighten you that this so called "DIO" isn't an action. So you'd be better off speaking in a different tongue than making up words.

Might Guy (Maito Gai) || Naruto

[spandex_rex]

Phase I

Guy shook his head, reorienting himself.

"Huh? What's this... " He raised his hand. "Chopsticks? But I wasn't eating anything, let alone something with red sauce - "

He'd been a ninja long enough to know blood when he saw it (given a moment for poor lighting). Eyes widen as they turn from the bloody chopsticks to the body on the floor. A puddle of "red sauce" to match pooled freshly around it. Guy's gaze turned back to the chopsticks.

Back to the body.

Back to the chopsticks.

Back to the body.

"OH MY GOD!!!"

Guy dropped the chopsticks and knelt next to the body, checking for a pulse. Nothing. He suspected as much, but his optimism beat out suspicion for the moment. The door opened then, another strike against his optimism.

"You there!" He called to the stranger. "I need help!"

((OOC: Just the one phase to keep things simple. A quick warning that I'm super slow but I'mma try my darnedest!))

I-I don't even know...

[fairbrook]

( Y'know, there's something awfully familiar about that jumpsuit... and that bowlcut... and those eyebrows...

Yeah, okay. Despite only hearing descriptions of the man, Integra is fairly convinced she knows who he is. It was only a matter of time before they met, really, considering their circumstances.

There is no hesitation or trace of uncertainty on her face before she beelines in Gai's direction. )

So, you were framed.

( Whoever this woman is, she seems very assured in her declarations. Why might that be? )

Waspinator || Beast Wars: Transformers

[blowntopiecez]

Bonus

The hat and cob pipe looked a little odd on a robot, but then again, odd tended to happen in Waspinator's vicinity. He paced back and forth within the spotlight, mumbling to himself in thought. He was in big trouble, after all, and he put all his processing power to work on figuring a way out of it.

At last, he stopped. He spoke, "s" sounds turning to "z" in a buzzing voice fitting to his animal namesake.

"Waspinator has proof that he did not offline the fleshybot with a toilet seat!" he declared, holding up a pointed finger. "Not only that, but Waspinator will prove that the murderer was none other than..."

The finger turned from upward to the nearest person. Once he got a better view of them, he'd give them a "-bot" name of their very own.

And also frame them for murder.

((OOC: Same mun as Guy above. Super slow but here to try. ♥ Please note that Beast Wars-era Transformers are generally within human height ranges - Waspinator here is around 6" or so.))

Gilles de Rais | Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist

[raisdiant]

Phase I.

[In the center of the room, above the prone figure of the butler, Gilles stands clutching a huge souvenir replica of the Tour Eiffel. He has no idea what it is (it's from after his time), but he's holding it by the top and swinging its legs through the air as he spins across the carpet. The oversized tourist merchandise is covered in blood, as if it has just been used to bludgeon someone to death, and Gilles' gleeful handling of it does little to detract from the impression that he is the bludgeoner.]

I do like this weapon. A little crude maybe, but what's the matter with that? Ah—

[He examines the dead butler with much more curiosity than concern.]

You're not looking well, dear.

[When the door creaks open, Gilles continues to display a complete lack of concern. He raises the Tour Eiffel over his head, with a smile, as if prepared to strike. He's not doing a wonderful job of appearing innocent.]

Phase II.

[Along with the portraits, there happens to be a mirror, and before paying the paintings much mind, Gilles pauses to examine himself. He's rather pleased with what he sees. He still has his Tour Eiffel souvenir in one hand, because he's grown attached to it.]

I know I've said it before, but that was an excellent choice of hat, Gilles!

[When one of the portraits starts to hiss at him to get his attention, he studiously ignores it at first, carefully adjusting his hat, but the foolish thing is persistent and continues to harass him, whispering his name: Gilles, Gilles de Rais.... Gilles narrows his eyes. When he can finally ignore the portrait no longer, he turns toward it with a sigh.]

I don't see why anyone would paint a picture of you, Grandfather. You're absolutely ugly. I could have happily existed for the rest of eternity without seeing your withered face again. Of course I had a motive! I fail to see how that's relevant.

[Everyone's going to consider being a demon a motive for murder. What's the point of arguing about it? Some of the other portraits are starting to chime in, and Gilles peers at them irritatedly, thoroughly distracted from his hat-admiration now.]

Ugh, what are you doing here—Charles?

Phase III.

[He would like something to eat. Perhaps a cream puff. Something light and airy. Not that he doesn't like meat as well—preferably rare. As long as it's well-made. Getting to the kitchen is more difficult than he'd anticipated, however, because what's the matter with these stairs? It seems like he's been walking forever, and when he tries to fly instead—it makes no difference. No matter how fast he goes, there's another door, another twist of stairs, another series of bloody handprints.

It's getting boring. When the portrait suddenly whispers its advice, Gilles raises an eyebrow—he doesn't generally trust unfamiliar portraits—but why not try what it suggests? At least it's not a portrait of his grandfather this time.]

Then they're in luck. I love gossip. You should have said so sooner! What a naughty portrait.

[Gilles wags his finger at it, but he starts to brighten. He does enjoy gossip. And talking about himself. He begins to pleasantly recount a series of unfortunate events, most of them crimes he's committed. This recitation really does seem to be cheering him up.]

Phase III and OMG?

[notsolomon]

[William had decided to make his way downstairs, because he was hungry and the least this particular experience could do was compensate him with food. But he'd quickly realized there was something wrong with his descent and had tried to back track with little success. Levitation magic had proved no more useful and after a bit he had resigned himself to keep going down and see exactly how long the loop was.

Which is when he comes across a sight he hadn't expected. Gilles de Rais. Talking to a portrait about...

Well, that was a bit uncomfortable, to put it delicately. The first demon from home to appear before him and it was Gilles de Rais on an magic staircase.]

...you really never change.

Hanyuu | Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

[aumygoddess]

phase i
[ It takes a few moments to click in Hanyuu's mind that she's currently holding a bloody gohei in her hands. A very cheap-looking one that might snap in two with excessive force. Such as beating someone's head in. ]

Wh...

[ oh fuck ]

N-No! No, no, no! I did not do it! I did not kill him...! It is impossible!

[ GET THIS EVIL GOHEI AWAY FROM HER ]

bonus
[ Can't say she's ever worn a sweet hat like this before, but damn if she hasn't seen enough mysterious murders to know the genre well enough. Hanyuu taps the pipe on her cheek before speaking up, a little hesitant: ]

...this is some sort of game, right? We will be alright?

[ just checking before she starts throwing accusations of murder around. to be safe. ]

phase i

[dereban]

And how exactly is it impossible?

[ Looks at Hanyuu. Looks at horns. Looks at dead body. Yeah, those sure are things that are happening here. ]

fi | legend of zelda

[masteredsword]

iii.

[the stairs move, and she pauses on them, letting them finish their course before taking another few steps up. moving again? hm. gently leaping down to another staircase and it doing the same thing? troublesome, some might call it, but Fi is patient. be it a device or some spirit that is causing this, she has more capacity to wait than they do, she's certain.

still. while she waits, she should work on the solution to the puzzle before her. tell us something about yourself.]

What do you request to hear of me?

[some might feel silly to proclaim that into open space, but she lacks the capacity to feel ashamed. if they want to hear from her, then she must fulfill their wish as she can. if there is no reply, she will wait, eyes looking upwards towards the potential source of this game.]

wildcard.

[feel free to use any of the other prompts or a location in Cerealia proper for other situations!]

iii!!

[bewrightback]

[Phoenix has been trying to make sense of the situation himself, and his attention is quickly diverted by the odd blue person asking open questions. He nervously tries to address her.]

Um... It sounds like they want to know interesting rumors, or secrets. Stuff like that...?

nobuchika ginoza | psycho-pass

[reavowal]

PHASE I: WHODUNIT?

[ Nobuchika Ginoza is not a killer.

Well, not today. He's killed — he prefers the word disposed of, thank you — criminals before, but he has no proof here that this poor butler committed a crime. It's rather suspicious that he's waking up only now with a hair curler in his hands.

Not suspicious towards him, but of the whole situation at hand. Ginoza assess it quickly and stows the details away in his head for further reference. This could be a crime which means it would be appropriate for him to figure it out and make some arrests. While he may not be an enforcer here, he can still do what he can. Besides, if he uses a firm voice and provides a logical conclusion they should believe him.

Or at least give him a chance. On that note — he hears footsteps approach the door. Now is the time to prove his innocence. First, he mustn't seem guilty. If only he had a psycho-pass reader to really prove it. Ah well.

Before the stranger entering can say anything, he speaks up. ]

Judging by the state of this man's body, he's been dead for a while.

[ He stays calm. Clear. ] Do you know of an authority we can alert?

[ Trying to pass off the job here, Gino? Well, he's got better things to be doing... ]

PHASE IV: DARKNESS MY OLD FRIEND

[ Gino is no stranger to dangerous situations. He's dealt with criminals ready to shoot a dozen holes in him and bombs strong enough to blast more than a few limbs off. Considering the damage that a dominator can do, he feels lucky they don't have any of those around here. It's pretty gruesome.

So when he hears steps behind him, he doesn't panic. The stranger is given a few moments to reveal themselves or declare their intentions. Gino thinks this as a short period of amnesty, a moment for innocent persons to speak up. But the stranger doesn't say anything — granted, they're running and it's hard to speak while sprinting.

Still, it's better to be safe than sorry. Once Gino has a clear enough assessment of where the wall is he spins around, intending to slam the stranger against the wall with his forearm across their neck. He misjudges it slightly due to the darkness and misses, which means he'll have to do a full blown body tackle. ]

Who are you and why are you following me?

[ Straight to the point. ]

Chihiro Fujisaki // Dangan Ronpa

[true_ego]

[Phase I]

[Chihiro claps his hands over his ears at the loud crack of thunder, willing himself not to cry out at the sudden noise and bright light. Everything in this school has him on edge and nights are the hardest. He clings to the duffel bag at his side and for the first time notices something else gripped tightly in his fingers- a kokeshi doll? It was one of those electronic ones that vibrated and- Oh.

He dropped it to the ground, making a face, and it was only then that he noticed the blood on it. He stumbled backward away from the offending object and managed to trip over a large something sprawled on the floor behind him and Chihiro tumbled to the ground, skirts askew, but padded the majority of the fall.

As he padded about in darkness to find what on earth he'd tripped over, a sick feeling bubbled up in the pit of his stomach. It was a body.

He screamed.]

[Phase IV]

[This is a complete nightmare. Chihiro has stumbled from one foreign hallway to another, each with a strange new terror and still no answers to that murder in the dark. When he hears crying in the distance, he's almost convinced it's his own, thrown back at him with mocking cruelty, but no, there's someone else here.]

H-hello?

[After a few moments of listening, he can make out the words, "How could this happen?!" and feels a sense of dread come over him. Others have found the body, haven't they? They'll blame him no matter what he says. he couldn't have hurt the poor man, he couldn't have! It had to be some kind of accident! He's on the edge of hysterics himself and starts running away from the sound of sobs when suddenly the lights go out.

Sight gone, he trips, the scream bubbling in his throat becoming more of a hiccup and a wheezing sigh as the air is knocked out of his chest. He scrambles to the nearest wall, still on the ground, back pressed to it and knees drawn to his chest.]

I- I didn't mean to hurt anyone!

[He's sobbing now, hands clapped over his ears as he shakes. They're going to come for him next, he's certain. And they'll do the same thing- Leon... Maizono...

When his voice comes out, it's barely a whisper between sobs.]

Please... I don't want to die.

Bonus: Bullet Time Battle?!

Phase IV

[niceguypose]

[Rock Lee recognizes that voice. It's one that has been in the colony before... and one that he learned something heartbreaking about just recently.

The bowlcutted young man quickly seeks him.]

It - it is alright! ...I will not let anyone harm you! [For once, he manages to not let on that he already knows the person in question.]

Mio Akiyama | K-ON!

[onbass]

PHASE I

[ A loud shriek accompanies the characteristic sound of a bass guitar cracking against a human's skull and then... silence. Ordinarily Mio would have been terrified throughout, but the sound of thunder and white noise stops her from panicking.

As soon as it fades, however, and Mio gets a good luck at the butler she very nearly faints. Who could have done such a terrible thing?! There's a pretty gruesome hole in the man's head, blood pooling around his cranium.

She looks left, then right, but isn't able to find the perpetrator. Afraid for her life, it takes Mio a few seconds before she looks down and sees her very own bass guitar in her hands. Not only that, but there's an unmistakable red stain on it's bottom.

No. No this isn't possible. I couldn't have...

The thought passes her mind as her voice whispers, low and afraid. ]

Did I... do this?

[ Impossible. Mio was a sweet, kind, law abiding citizen who was deathly afraid of even the smallest of insects. How could she have held herself together long enough to commit murder?!

Out of fear and confusion she throws the guitar to the ground and takes a few steps back away from the corpse. It doesn't take long after that for the double doors to open, and if anyone were to walk inside they'd see Mio had fallen to her knees by the corpse, face pale and sweat covered, looking up toward the new occupant of the room with an extremely shaky voice and body. ]

I... I... [ She can't speak, but her tone says more than words could've. She's utterly terrified. ]

----✁------------

PHASE IV

[ When had she started running? Mio wasn't sure. At first, the crying voice worried her enough to make her walk in it's direction, but by now things were different. The sobs were disappearing, being drowned out by a second set of footsteps that seemed intent on chasing Mio down.

Her heart pounds hard enough to nearly burst out of her chest and she keeps running. Faster, faster, faster- WHAM!

Due to the pitch black darkness as well as her own fear, it looks like Mio has ended up colliding with the closest person to her location. That person, of course, being you.

What happens next depends on what happened. Did she spill over you? Did you not budge while she fell back? Or, perhaps, are you able to see the person who had given chase and are intent on protecting this poor, ordinary college student murderer? ]

----✁------------

BONUS

There's no possible way I'm the killer!

[ The loud, almost boisterous claim flies out from the female college student as she folds her arms against her chest. The confidence being poured into her body stems from adrenaline and nothing more. Mio couldn't possibly bring herself to pin someone else as a killer otherwise, and the only method she could think to put herself in the right mindset was to pretend she had her best friend's confidence.

It seemed to be working out pretty well. ]

The butler was killed with a guitar, that much is fact. And it is also fact that I'm a guitarist, making me the most likely suspect. However...

[ The dramatic point goes here toward the "judge" or "judges." ]

I am a bass guitarist! The butler was killed by blunt force trauma to the head of an acoustic guitar!

And the only person in here who plays an acoustic guitar...

[ Another dramatic point, this time toward you. ]

Is you!

[ Despite this completely ludicrous statement about a total stranger, the judge (or judges) seems (or seem) to be contemplating this piece of information with a hum (or hums) and a nod. (or nods) ]

Ken Ichijouji (& Wormmon) | Digimon Adventure 02

[empireofmymind]

Phase I

Wh-what?!

[ Ken stumbles back, dropping the bright pink jump rope he'd been holding whip-style as if it were a snake instead. On the floor, his partner Wormmon hurries to steady him - but he doesn't notice, for now. He's too busy staring first at the body, and then at the "murder weapon" in his hands. This doesn't make any sense. He's being framed: or is he just thinking that because it's easier?

No. Calm down. Think this through, one piece at a time. He has to have a very good reason for being here. For being singled out for whatever-this-is. But the facts, such as they are, don't change.

Fact #1: Someone is dead. Right in front of him. That is an irreversible truth, one from which he mustn't tear away his eyes.

Fact #2: ]

.....Again.

I don't remember anything....again.

[ Somebody might want to come fetch him before he starts screaming. ]

Phase IV

[ Ken can't stop running. That isn't an overstatement, or an inaccurate description: he's tried, and failed. Wormmon, at his feet, trips: he picks up the little bug, then has a better idea, looking around in the darkness. It should be tall enough...Right, if this is still that same hallway, its proportions should suffice. And he won't get any answers if he keeps playing this game the way its master intended.

He shifts Wormmon to one hand to pull out his Digivice with the other. ] Wormmon! Evolve!

Bonus

I understand now.

[ Ken looks down at his pipe. It looks like the type that could be used to blow bubbles. Then he looks back up, and, basking in that spotlight as if he were born to be a boy detective instead of some kid who just can't ever get anything right the first time, he glares right at the source of all this confusion and misery. ]

Why? Why would you plan all this? For what purpose was I your ideal pawn?!

Bonus

[hopetype]

[Takeru had to deal with a lot of strange stuff before but entering into a middle of a murder was another. After spending the past few hours running around this mansion, he needed to find a way out of here and fast. However, with all the doors and windows locked, it seemed like he didn't have much of a choice. (That and he knew this a game, so it shouldn't be that bad to present himself as innocent right?

Right??)

As he found himself in the middle of a room, he just had to wince from how bright the lights were. But the moment that he heard a familiar voice, he found himself in shock. No way, he thought. It couldn't be....!]

Ichijouji-kun? What are you doing here?

Ichigo Hitofuri | Touken Ranbu (1st time playing him, pls be gentle!)

[oncealifetime]

[Phase IVa]
[Ichigo hurried quickly towards the sobbing. It sounded too much like one of his younger brothers and he needed to get to him as soon as possible. Yet he remained cautious and on high alert in this strange new place, ready to draw his sword at a moment’s notice.

Then the wailing and screaming intensified and he was certain it was ...]

Gokotai!! Where are you!? Can you hear me? I'm here! It's going to be al-

[Then the lights went off and the wailing stops. Ichigo stays still and quiet, sword drawn, listening. He hears someone approaching. Somehow, he feels the urge to run away but he forces himself to stand his ground as the unknown entity comes ever closer. He'll make sure they feel his blade before they can harm him or his brother.]

[Phrase IVb]
[Ichigo runs down the hallway, clutching at his bleeding side. He’d been outnumbered by those... those... What were those creatures anyway?? He races round a corner and crashes into...!]

IVb

[empireofmymind]

Ken-chan!

[ A sword is drawn. Or, rather than a sword, it's a glowing spike. And it's protruding from the wrist gauntlet on a giant bug.

Who is standing next to a young child. Who, in turn, blinks in surprise at Ichigo, then turns to his companion, dismayed. ] Stingmon, wait!