//SCENARIOS.EXE
PHASE I [ 20 00 ]
The evening begins promptly at 8:00 PM. There will be crowds gathered, lining up to get in. Everyone will be allowed, children, adults, the living and flesh-filled, the robotic, and the undead. The music will be thumping as far as the sidewalks outside, and the first thing everyone will notice would be bowls of candy everywhere as far as the eyes can see. They'll be sitting on top of the tables in all their innocent glory. For the most part, they are harmless.
But not the candy corn. Never the candy corn. Within it is a secret chemical that causes those who consume it to exhibit attraction to the nearest object/person to them, whether it be inanimate or otherwise. They will feel compelled to be close, to kiss and touch whatever is around them, though the effects only last an hour or so. Consider it a low-leveled aphrodisiac of sorts.
PHASE II [ 2122 ]
You're dancing. You're moving to the music. Or you're clinging to the walls and wondering why you're even here to begin with. That's when the holograms start playing around with you. The image flickers frequently until a face appears. You can swear it's talking to you beneath the music.
'We need you. We want you. Join us. Come to the back room. Number 005.'
The closer you get to the hologram screens, the louder the voice becomes until it disappears completely, leaving you to question how real it was.
PHASE III [ 2217 ]
For those brave enough, you go into Backroom #005. What awaits you there is a room full of masked and costumed figures. You don't know if they are human or not, but they watch you eagerly, inviting you to join their private party. Unfortunately, if you chose the backroom, you chose wrong. You chose very wrong. The door is going to be slammed shut and locked, and all the figures will then pull off their masks and reveal faces familiar to yourself. Faces from your world. They'll ask you accusingly why you haven't saved them yet. What's taking you so long. Did you forget them?
Their eyes will glow as they crowd in on you, yelling and growing more caustic until the lights flicker. When you can see clearly again, the entire room will be empty save for a single glass of wine sitting on the table. You'll be sure someone was inside just a moment ago. You were definitely talking to someone. You can't be going crazy, right?
PHASE IV [ 2345 ]
Fifteen minutes to midnight. The music is getting louder and more intense. You've been eating candy or drinking all night (or avoiding food entirely if you're wise enough). Yet the music lures you in with its haunting tone, and you spot in the middle, a masked figure dancing more hypnotically than the rest. He's waving his chainsaw around as he puts out his lethal dance moves, and you are being drawn by the music into a violent dance off. You can fight the feeling, you can try and run. Unfortunately, none of the other natives and robots see the masked man but you. Only outsiders can see him, and the closer you get, the more you reach out to touch him-
you discover he's only a hologram like any other. Your fingers move through his shape, and distort it, but you're still so sure it's real.
BONUS [ whyo'clock ]
One of the back rooms has a beautiful fortune teller by the name of Aria. She will be seated inside, welcoming individuals or groups of people to give them their fortunes, and she will be giving them bizarrely specific and intimate details about their life from their underwear preference to how many partners they've slept with and how many moles they have on their ass. Prepare for awkward embarrassment. Ah, but what does the future hold in store? She'll smile when asked, and then her face will fall apart until a drill protrudes from the center to try and stab through your face. If your reflexes are fast enough, you can dodge it. If you're too slow, prepare for a hospital visit to the CERES Medical Facility.
Once that ordeal is over with, her face will reconstruct itself back to normal, and she will smile and say your future looks very bright in CERES.
[ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with trigger-y or inappropriate material and do let a mod know if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so we can lock the meme. ]
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no subject
Ah. [It's a quiet little noise of understanding. NEWCOMERS.] Some of those questions may not be answered for a long time to come, but perhaps I could help you with some of them. Like... [An elegant outward-sweeping gesture follows as Kaoru indicates the whole of the dance floor.] This place is not a trap, but there may be some dangerous elements to it. That is why it's better to avoid following anything strange, or paying too much attention to things that seem out of place.
[And then, glancing over at the tables that Vietnam had looked at earlier:] If you'd like to speak about it, we could take those seats.
no subject
At least Kaoru is understanding about this. She's so sorry, Kaoru!!]
Still a mystery, then... [She hums thoughtfully before listening very carefully.] Ah, I think I understand now. Just like anywhere seedy, as long as we keep out of trouble, we will be fine?
[She nods though, because it'll let Kaoru rest too.] I do not mind. If you wish to, that is, I would not want to impose.
no subject
That's correct. Though this is one of the less seedy places... [SURPRISE, it gets worse...] But it isn't an imposition at all, so please don't worry over it. It would be much easier to talk away from all of this noise, regardless.
[The dance floor can get pretty loud even without rude holograms. But!! With that said, Kaoru will lead the way over to the tables, leaving behind the loudest part of the noise. Once there, a hand will come to rest on the back of a chair, and Kaoru's gaze flicks briefly back toward the dancing.]
It's much nicer here, isn't it?
no subject
There's a small, awkward laugh over here though.] Less seedy. Well then. [Now she wonders how much worse it can get.] As long as your are alright with it, then I am very grateful for your help.
[She might be too old(?) for this kind of action anyway, how do all these teenagers do it? And so she follows Kaoru to the tables, feeling much more relaxed when the noise stops pounding into her head.]
Indeed it does. [She shoots the dancing a glance before turning to speak to Kaoru.] I've never really been much for dancing, but I do not understand why they must make the sound so loud.
no subject
After giving the dance floor a last look, Kaoru pulls out one of the chairs to take a seat, both hands folding together neatly. An upward, expectant smile is given to Vietnam. Have a seat!! Together they can complain about kids these days...]
That seems to be the way things are done in this day and age. To be honest, if my workplace didn't have a little radio of its own, I'm not entirely sure that I would know music could be played at a softer volume.
[Judging by the wording alone, it's probably easy to tell that Kaoru's a bit of a fish out of water in regards to the technology here.]
no subject
Vietnam will humbly accept this offer to complain about kids these days! Always just talking about the rap music and the hip hop(s). She pulls out a chair just to the side of Kaoru, so that she can face her, but also so that she's not too far away that they'd have to yell like butch men. Thanks music.]
It got louder from my time, too, it seems. But oh? Where do you work?
[A small pause though. Looking at how Kaoru is dressed and the way music was just described...] Did this not happen often back where you lived? I was sometimes unlucky enough to experience such loudness in taxis.
no subject
Is that so? My... It's a wonder no one has gone deaf. [This said with a light and airy laugh like it's a joke, but really, Kaoru has to wonder. Maybe people in the future are born with supersonic ears??]
My place of work is located in the shopping district. The cosmetics boutique on the main street's corner, if you'd ever like to stop in and say hello.
[A friendly smile follows! And then another laugh, this one softer than the first. At least Kaoru's pretty used to this question and its accompanying answer by now.]
Where I lived, we had nothing even remotely close to this. I've heard that it's very far in the past for most... Keio 3 is the year that I come from. [A thoughtful pause, and then:] The calendar year would be 1867, I believe?
no subject
Actually, they have warned many that if they keep it up, they will go deaf. [Amazing! Nope their ears still suck, and they probably suck harder if they keep doing this. Vietnam wouldn't be surprised if someone went home with ringing ears tonight.]
Oh! I would definitely like to go visit, as well as find some nail polish. [Her one cosmetic weakness.] A-ah, what should I call you too? [Because it would be embarrassing to go visit and not know this benevolent stranger's name!] My name is Vietnam.
[As for Kaoru's humble roots, Vietnam's eyes widens in surprise. She really shouldn't be surprised, considering how they all got here, but it's still so fresh that she can't help but be affected by it.] Goodness, 1867! I am from the beginning of 2015. Much has changed since then. Though in 2015, it's nothing like it is here.
no subject
[A headshake!! Whippersnappers these days are so careless with their ears, gosh.
Kaoru seems quite pleased indeed to have her offering to visit either way though, head dipping gently in some approximation of gratitude.] I can help you with that as well, if you require it. But please excuse my manners; my name is Nagumo Kaoru. It's a pleasure to meet you, miss.
[But the early 2000s seem to be pretty par for the course as far as other people and their timelines tend to go. There isn't much surprise present in the expression that follows.]
I've heard! To be honest, even 2015 sounds like it would have been easier to adjust to than a time and place like this... [Going from somewhere that doesn't even have electricity to Future City 3000 was definitely a shock.]
no subject
[Or so she heard. But really! Maybe it is better that they do go deaf (ah).
But oh! It seems like she was careless in not introducing herself.] A-ah, I would like the help very much! But it is fine, I apologise for not doing so before! It is nice to meet you, Nagumo Kaoru. My name is Vietnam. [And she bows her head politely.
Kaoru's lack of surprise and exclamation makes her suspect that there are more from around the same time. The idea of time still confuses, nevertheless.] Yes, I think it would be. [From experience, seeing as she has lived...a long...time.......] While there is a lot of technology, electricity, it wasn't all that. Those little helper pets I keep seeing, we didn't have those.
no subject
Vietnam... Ah - are you like America, then? [Kaoru's never spoken to him directly, but definitely saw his broadcast on the network... WHAT A QUESTIONABLE DUDE.]
Please consider yourself welcome to the shop at any time, regardless. [But then, in regard to the pets:] Do you mean the Cybuddies? They're supposedly very useful. I don't have one myself, but I don't dislike the ones that I've seen. Some of them are very cute... But it is a lot to adjust to.
no subject
As soon as Kaoru mentions America, Vietnam pales. It could be noticeable where they're sitting, as it is quiet and the light shines somewhat.] Yes, I'm just like America. [It was a little flatter than how she was talking just before. Actually, it sounds rather apologetic.] He's ah...quite spirited, no? [Read: HAS HE MADE ANY TROUBLE she apologises on behalf of the world for his actions!!]
But yes, I will definitely come! [She clears her throat so that she can have this conversation all nicely again.] Oh! I need to remember what they are called, there's so much to take in. But yes, Cybuddies! The ones I have seen look very cute too. But yes, that is only just one thing we mus adjust to. Did you find the form of wireless communication difficult at first?
no subject
[THAT SURE IS a very polite way of putting it... But Kaoru only offers Vietnam a sheepish smile and doesn't seem to think poorly of her just by virtue of her also being a nation, so there's that!]
I did, though... The fastest form of communication that I was used to still took several days to weeks, sometimes even months, before it reached its recipient. To think that the future is a place where someone could contact their friend immediately, even if they live on different sides of the world... It's still surreal to think of, even though I've grown quite used to using it by now. I feel as though I'll quickly be left behind if I can't adapt, with how quickly the world seems to be moving these days.
no subject
[VERY POLITE YES, more polite than what most of the world would say. Aha, she's trying not to look anymore awkward about this, Kaoru, you are truly a saint (wait a minute).]
Ah, yes, I understand completely. It did get much faster as the years went by. Sometimes I miss it when things were slow enough to understand. I struggled with a mobile phone just years before my present time. Once one adapts though, it is quite convenient, no?
no subject
But that will just be met with a polite laugh and no commentary, since Kaoru is trying to help save Vietnam the awkwardness.]
Mm, I must agree with that. The convenience of this era is certainly difficult to surpass... Though I wonder at times if the confusion and everything else is worth that convenience. [A little sigh follows, but there isn't much actual exasperation behind it.]
That makes me sound so old and homesick.
no subject
No but seriously Kaoru, now that you have saved her from the awkwardness, she is forever grateful...]
Ah, true. If you had gradually grown into it, perhaps it wouldn't have been as difficult. Being thrust into this kind of time...
[Then she quickly waves her hands.] But no, you do not sound old and homesick at all. Even those who are used to this kind of technology probably would find themselves into trouble sometimes. Imagine if everything blacked out.
no subject
That seems to be a relatively agreeable statement either way, and Kaoru nods once.]
The instantaneous immersion is what threw me off so terribly, I believe. [Gradual is still pretty difficult, but it's definitely not as shocking.
THAT SAID:] That happened here once, actually. [Which Kaoru doesn't like to remember, considering it ended in MURDER with someone else doing the murdering. No bueno.] It was a difficult adjustment, but there were more pressing matters at hand so I don't believe it made as large of an impact... Oh - and the heating went out once, as well. That was almost unbearable.
no subject
I do not blame you, I agree myself. It is even giving me some difficulty. [And she has a head start.
But now look at her sitting forward and looking completely shocked that it actually happened. And she hasn't even found out about the MURDER either.] Really?! Goodness, there is proof that no matter how technologically advanced a place is, it still happens! At least everyone was about to deal with it. Aside from losing the heating. That, I am certain, I will have a lot of trouble with. [Her climate...]
no subject
I do hope that it doesn't happen again... The power going out was easy enough to handle, but when the heating was lost, it coincided with the most terrible cold that we've ever seen here. I was truly fearful that some may freeze to death...
[Which might be an exaggeration in any other case, but nope, it only sounds like a statement of fact when coming from Kaoru. IT WAS SO COLD. So cold that even extremely proper people ended up in the unsavory entertainment district!!]
no subject
How awful...in that case I really would've been first to go. I am pleased to know that you managed to survive that.
[LOOK OF RELIEF. Kaoru might be stating it as a fact, which is probably why Vietnam is impressed by how calmly Kaoru's taking it. And if she knew that, she would be so appalled! WOW THIS PLACE, HOW COULD YOU!!!]
no subject
I am, as well. It seems that there were no casualties, but there very well could have been if they had been any slower with getting the power back up and running again.
[IT'S A HARD KNOCK LIFE.]
no subject
What a relief, time was not too unkind. I hope they managed to improve the system enough for that to not happen again.
[Otherwise, time for blanket price rises.]
no subject
I would certainly hope for the same. Still... I wouldn't wish to speak ill of those responsible for providing us with food and shelter, but it's a little difficult to overlook such glaring mistakes when they happen over and over.
[And Kaoru does sound really apologetic about having to speak even marginally ill! Even if it's 100% bullshit... whoops. Got your number CERES...]