The Deadland

So, 'people of Asper'. It sounds like you're all getting the hang of fighting, and I'm sure you can be proud of yourselves for that. [ or whatever. He's hidden his sarcasm well, and mostly just sounds affable and amused. ] But we're not a pack of savages. There's more to civilisation than killing things. The theatre, for example. How many of you have even heard of Shakespeare?

[ and a brief pause later ]

What I'm saying is, who'd be interested in putting on a performance with me.

[Standing outside your room Elliot! KNOCKNOCK]

Elliot?

So... how long is it supposed to be until this universe, um, revitalizes itself? Did anyone ever say?

Lightning was indeed up and about early, as promised, leaving Day to her vaguely incomprehensible water project and Fang to sleep. Both had made off-hand promises to drop by, whether to learn, help out, or in both of their cases, needle Light incessantly, but that didn't mean they needed to be there at some goddess-forsaken time in the morning.

She did, because she needed to hunt down a few feasible weapon types first. The conversations over the radio had driven it home that as far as weapon stocks went, they were in serious trouble. So she had made a few rounds, moving through the city with antigrav-enhanced speed, and had returned to the courtyard with a variety of poles, sticks, knives and sporting equipment. These she stashed in the corner. She'd eaten during the search, so with nothing else to do, she picked a 'weapon' at random and started to try out a standard GC warm-up. The others would arrive soon, if anyone did actually arrive.

When that failed - the pole she'd chosen was too long and heavy for some of the higher flips - she switched to one she'd seen Kain use. Maybe it'd be easier to pretend the thing was a spear.

The night's sleep had restored what the world had drained, and when Lillet woke up, she knew instinctively that she'd have enough mana to alchemise a little of what she needed to be useful. Since she already had the flask and materials assembled, it wasn't a case of drawing a Rune so much as inscribing a small symbol on the inside of the flask with one glowing fingernail, and then pressing her entire palm against the suddenly-warm glass to infuse it with enough mana to create life.

The substances swirled within the glass, chaotically at first, but soon enough eyes formed, a mouth, the cat skull grew and malformed and sprouted muscles and skin and fur, barely fitting into the flask, and the rest of the creature's body formed within the narrower neck and expanded into the air, claws wriggling a little until Lillet obliged and tugged them straight. By the time it blinked and stared through its flask at her, she was ready to lift it and set it upright.

"My creator!" It greeted her, cheerful voice muffled by the flask. "What do you command?"

"First things first: we're going on a walk," she said. "I have to introduce you to everyone!" And, after a short pause, she knelt down to inscribe something else on the flask.

Hello, the writing read, My name is Blende. If found, please return to Lillet Blan!.

With that, she collected it in her arms (it snuggled as well as it could), and left to knock on everyone's doors. They'd be up, right?

Hey! This is Sora Himoto. I don't know your name, but-- um, the person who told me about where witches come from? Are you listening? I wanted to talk to you. I thought of something important.

[ it's nighttime, so maybe everyone's near their radios. Either way, Lightning is finally not occupied killing things or catching up with old friends, so she has time to talk. ]

It's Lightning here. Some of you wanted to learn how to fight close-up, and with this many monsters and ammo running low, we can't afford to be sloppy. I'm no teacher, but I can show you a few tricks that'll make your lives easier and a bit longer. If you're interested, I'll be in the Mercy Street courtyard tomorrow morning. Show up or not, I don't care, but I'll help anyone who does. There aren't many decent weapons lying around, so just bring whatever you can find.

[ Static, then across all channels a voice chimes in. He's very chipper and cheerful! It's probably irritating to some. ]

Hey, Asper! How are you, how's your stay been, hope the food's been good, nice weather we're having. Now that pleasantries are out of the way, let's get to business: everyone's favorite kid has let us know something to pass onto you guys.

Expect a period of time-- an hour at least-- any time during the day for these lil critters to get especially aggressive. There's some weird mumbo jumbo involved apparently, so it said "when something weird happens, that might be the time"! Keep your eyes and ears open.

During the time that weird stuff goes down, you'll find the wildlife drops a little flask when it's destroyed. It's called Energy, and it's just a drink. You'll need this to live on here-- unless you want to be sucked bone dry, anyways! So drink some every day. That's what it told me to tell you all.

That's all!

--- radio ---

[ there's a bit of crackle on the channel before a voice, mellifluous and utterly calm, starts broadcasting. monsters everywhere? psh. that's a minor concern compared to other things. ]

It's all a very interesting game. Familiar, too, in a way. Asper the board, we the pawns, and the synergy between each piece will be what brings about the salvation and success of this faltering world.

he pauses for a moment before he chuckles lightly ]

But it makes you wonder: who, exactly, is moving us all?

--- action ---

[ and for those who might be near the department store and happen to chance a peek inside, they might see a man with a pair of bloodstained scissors in his hands and a faint smile on his face. there is the smallest puddle of blood near his feet, in which lies in the corpse of a puppycat. look closely enough, though, and you might notice that a few usually prominent facial features seem to have gone conveniently missing... ]

Uh... Where did that little kid go? He was saying something about a wish and helping this universe?

I was in the middle of something really important. I mean, I'd really like to help! But I need to finish what I was doing back home first. Can I just leave for a little while and then come back after that's done?

…And to think that just yesterday I had hoped to hear the sounds of animals in the city. Such a desolate place without birdsong, though the howls of animals, while many, haven’t helped. [she tapers off, a little lost in thought before continuing]

For those who haven't met me yet, my name is Ouka. I've been given directions to set up a clinic in Room 112 at the Mercy Street Apartments - [stops abruptly, before sneezing] I’m sorry, for those in need of medical attention. Unfortunately, it’s not in the best of states this morning…all this dust is rather troublesome. But it’s serviceable. Anyone in need of healing is welcome to stop by. I will do my best to treat you.

[the door to room 112 is wide open, with Ouka on her knees on the floor, trying to get at the last piece of dust. feel free to walk by or come in and say hello]

What is this?! Revitalizing a universe, granting a wish - do you honestly expect me to believe that?! I’m not going to save anything - not when you’ve kidnapped me! [ raging elliot is raging ] So you can take your stupid wish and go to hell! And while you're at it - take responsibility for your own stupid universe, idiot!

[ huff huff... ]

Saving a universe – how am I supposed to save it anyway?!

And where the hell is my sword?!

[ elliot is fast realizing that all these animals? THEY'RE OUT TO GET HIM. Brb, running down main street. feel free to run into him. ]