impacter | TP - PERIDOT DORM 1.0

[Somehow, even though Noelle all this time has been giving pretty skittish and introverted vibes, she's the one who calls attention]

Alright, I think we have walked around enough. If we're all in this same dorm, I guess we're not "staff" or "students". [She hopes so, at least, because next she says:] ...so, how are going to leave this place?

[He's tucked his nose into the kitchenette when Noelle speaks up, peeking out from the cabinets with raised brows.]

What we are may not matter. This place certainly seems to have other ideas for us, if that courtyard is to be believed.

You want to leave?

Of course. Or do you want to stick around?

[She's already trying to turn it around on him. She's so like an alley cat, choosing fight over flight, hah]

[He has no issues with it - he can be the calm to her chaos, if that's what she needs right in the moment.]

Hahah... I mean, it's not where I'd like to stay forever, if that's what you mean.

But I'm not about to leave before I find out what's going on. Especially not if others feel they're stuck.

What kind of person would that make me, I wonder?

...well, that depends of your intention. Are you an altruist or something?

[What's your opinion on yourself?]

Mm.

I can't say it's completely selfless, but... I do find people to be my highest priority. No matter what I might have to do or say, I'd want nothing more than to see them thrive.

What about you, miss--- ah, I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.

Uh, Noelle. Sorry for not saying that earlier. I have been disoriented all day.

[So much has happened and it's taking her way too long to adjust. She's not convinced at all this is real. She still thinks it's likely some parahuman has used a power to lock her in some weird fake place]

I think I'm...I have never been really all that good at talking to people. Normal teenager things.

[Funnily enough, she was the one guys used to be romantically interested in, back when she was in her normal life, so hey, she did have enough people skills to navigate that]

Edited 2025-08-18 00:53 (UTC)

[Oh! His face lights up in recognition.]

Ah, Noelle -- Yes, yes, we spoke on the forum earlier. [About a pretty similar subject, too, so at least she's consistent.] There's no need to apologize. This isn't what I'd call a normal situation.

It's not an easy time of life, bein a teenager. Everything feels so big and yet so restricting at the same time.

What makes it hard, do you think? Talking to people, I mean.

I guess it's the whole thing about not knowing if I'm saying the right thing. People can be hard to decipher.

[More like she has always been a skittish person, haha]

Mm. That can be difficult, it's true.

Is it more important to say what others want to hear, though, or what you believe is right?

What you believe is right. Otherwise you're just...following along instead of having a personality of your own.

[Well at least she didn't hesitate when saying that!]

[Oh what a good GOOD answer for Noelle to peek out of her shell for. He looks genuinely pleased at that.]

Good girl.

I think you're doing exactly the right thing, then. People may not like the answers you give, but if you're confident in what you believe, you will find the people that are worth being around.

I guess I was always a little scared of rejection...

[She won't go as far to be untrue to herself, but rejection still hurts]

It's a hurtful thing. No one wants to be alone with their feelings.

But it's not unusual to feel that way. And it's a hurt that heals with time.

Do you know that from experience or something?

More or less, yes. [What part? He won't elaborate. But his smile, though slight, does at least reach his eyes for once.]

You'll find your place. So long as you don't give up looking for it.

Alright, fine. If my elders say that then I guess I should listen.

[Well, it's easier to try this when you're back to normal. If normality holds up, she will be willing to not give up]

"Elder"? Oh come on, it's not as though I look that much older than you, do I? How mean.

[It's a very obvious tease, since he doesn't sound hurt in the slightest.]

Your hair is graying. That makes you old as hell.

[-1000000 psychic damage]

I promise, my hair has always been this color.

Even when you were my age? I'm sorry to hear that.

[Sorry, Solomon, but this means you have always been real ancient from your very first second of existence]

Even long before!

You could probably spot me in the darkest of holes as a little boy by just the color of my hair if I wasn't too careful.

Edited 2025-08-23 05:45 (UTC)

That sounds kind of cute, when you put it like that.

[Little Solomon, aw]

No pictures, I'm afraid. You'll have to be stuck with your imagination.

[WELL ANYWAY --

once everyone has had a chance to recover from Sika's information and hopefully get their nerves in order after the Don incident:

Solomon will finally, eventually, make his way to the dorms proper, plopping himself down on one of the beanbag equivalents in the main sitting area and just refusing to move, head tilted up at the ceiling with a blank look.

He will raise a hand in semi-greeting at anyone that comes in after him or walks into the room otherwise, not bothering to hide the distaste on his face.]

Some invitation indeed, isn't it. Why does it always have to be something otherwordly...

Edited (EDITING BECAUSE WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO DON CRIES) 2025-08-17 06:11 (UTC)

We're done for.

[Noelle pretty much plops herself on another beanbag, collapsing like she ran out of energy. She just said that, like she already resigned herself to some very horrible events for the foreseeable future. This really feels like a monkey's paw wish thing for her]

So you believe his tale about his 'Father'?

[ It's... uhhh... hard not to, after that display, but he's a normal man from normal 2021 and he can't do this. Give him a moment. ]

I think that I'm here looking like this is enough reason for me to believe there's something powerful going on.

[Noelle, you can't say that and not give an explanation]

That is your point of concern?

[ Not the gory display they were all just forced to watch like a nightmare in 4D? Curious. ]

Do you mind elaborating?

I'm...a little numb to that sort of thing.

[Worm is a dark canon, and Noelle herself has...quite the number of casualties in her past. Blood has stopped being a thing for her. That's not a good thing in the slightest]

I have legs again. It's been about a year since I, well, you get the point.

[Since her lower half was replaced with absolute body horror the size of a house. But she tries to make it sound like she had lost her legs, instead of them turning into something else]

[ ..... ]

That is quite the marvel indeed.

[ He seems to recall there had been a floating apple among their compatriots earlier, but that just slotted into the fever-dream-like atmosphere of the rest of this. The same went for the way Don Quixote was put back together. But... Going from amputated legs to fully functional ones is a much more comprehensive miracle. ]

Forgive the invasive nature of this question, but are there any signs of the 'reattachment' remaining, felt or otherwise?

Nothing, no signs of anything. It all feels like nothing ever happened to me.

[She feels...normal. In every way possible. And that's really unnerving her because what if it's temporary? What if the moment she eats something, she finds out she's still got that horrid power, and she begins mutating again? And if she does the complete opposite, witholding herself from eating or drinking anything, and she ends up going into another rampage and kills everybody?

The mere thought of either scenario is enough to send shivers down her spine]

I have full movement. It's...like I'm learning to walk again.

Edited 2025-08-18 01:09 (UTC)

[ That's... ]

A full miracle healing, then. Downright biblical.

[ It lends unfortunate credence to everything they've been told. Ainosuke looks at his hands, tensely folded in his lap. It isn't hard to buy the idea that God would judge him, but that doesn't make it any more comfortable. ]

It's starting to feel like it's some...convoluted extorsion scheme. Do whatever He wants or you get this taken away. I doubt I'm the only one in this kinda situation.

[Others probably would keep it under wraps better than Noelle does, though!]

Now, now, don't go drowning in despair just yet. That's exactly what he'd want to hear.

[Spite! Let it power you!!!!!

Ah, she's so young, though. Poor girl. He sighs, pushing himself up for a moment.]

Stay there. I'll see if I can find a pitcher of water in the kitchenette. We'll be no good for anything if we don't take care of ourselves.

...thanks. I don't need much, so don't worry about it. Have some tea or coffee or whatever floats your boat.

[She's not trying to be discourteous, she's trying to be polite, from what she remembers before she, uh, well, before her canon happened]

Besides, it's better to not get too used to this place.

I'd prefer not to get too comfortable, either, it's true.

[Given that there's no food in the dorms because GOD IS MEAN I GUESS :crymeow: they'll have to just stay hydrated for now. He continues his chatter from the kitchenette as he fumbles around for dishware.]

I know you were firm in not wanting to stay when we crossed paths earlier. Do you have something you want to get back to, more than anything?

...no. I don't.

[Noelle says that and goes silent and then, well, decides to add something to make it less concerning:]

I just want to go out there and have something at all. Staying here when I didn't even want to be here won't be it.

[A+ job saying something less concerning, Noelle, you nailed it]

[...

Something twists at his gut at that, though it feels a little empty.]

That sounds very lonely, doesn't it?

Still. To not want to be where you are is a start. No need to grow content in it if you want change.

I think the part that bothers me about this place is that I have no idea what's going on.

[Yes, there's that invitation! But an invitation can lie!]

Do you not trust the explanation given to us?

[Like, there's a lot going on here that doesn't make sense, but they can at least start at the most concrete part.]

At this point I think it's best not to trust it at all.

[Ever since she saw the chapel's stained glass, she decided to take everything in bad faith]

Mm.

While I'd say skepticism is deserved, we're dealing with a power none of us understand and some very firm rules that are expected. Even if we do not trust the motivations or identities of those around us, and even if we don't fully understand how it works, it will still be safer to treat their expectations as a firm truth until we find more information.

Especially seeing what happened to Don today. That was as harsh of a warning as one could be given. [Outside of, like... straight up murder.]

...I guess you're right. As much as I hate to take that stuff as a firm truth, I'll try to for the time being.

[She's not happy about it, but she will try!

Oh hey...she raises her head a little]

I just realized, you're the guy with the weird grave I checked earlier.

Ah! You finally put it together!

[Yippee!]

Are you still mad at me?

Yeah, fuck you.

[Not even a stutter of hesitation. She held back in the forum by saying 'screw' because she assumes others can read it, but now that they're in person she just said fuck even though Ainosuke and Pinocchio and Zelos are right over there.

She doesn't seem particularly mad, though, she's just being a teenager, hah]

But I found you. You owe me answers.

Edited 2025-08-21 16:53 (UTC)

Ahahah - sorry, sorry. I didn't want to feed the gossip pool that is our "student body". The forum felt like a bad place to continue.

[Since he's long since returned with the water pitcher, she's being poured a glass. Hydrate, girlypop.]

So! What were your questions?

[Noelle holds the water instead of drinking. Smooth, Noelle]

Like I was asking before you fled...'elemental and summoning arts'? What's the deal with that?

No "deal", actually. It's just magic.

[Said as though that's a very simple answer.]

You can't just say 'it's magic' and think that explains everything to someone who doesn't know magic.

[Solomon please]

Well, it's not as though I can prove I'm telling the truth while I'm here, right?

[Little miss skeptic over here.]

"Elemental arts" means using elemental spirits and energies for different sorts of means, such as spells. "Summoning arts" means calling on a spirit, entity, or other creature, usually to use them for a task.

Ah. I have seen something like that, but it wasn't considered magic.

[It was parahuman powers, after all. But the ones she knows do it in a veeeery small scale]

Mm?

What would you call them, then?

They're called Masters. They summon or create lifeforms, or they just control existing ones.

[In terms of classification, Noelle Meindhart/Echidna is a Master, given her ability. Her threat rating in that classification is 10, because yeah]

Ahh, I see.! [Uh oh, you've got him interested now.]

Is it something you learn how to do, or something you're born with?

I'm no expert, but... [She tries to remember the details she knows from osmosis] If two parahumans have a kid, it likely will be a parahuman too, even if the powers may be different to the parents'.

But for most, they gain the powers in moments of great distress, so...it isn't something you learn. It's more something you unlock. Then it's up to you to hone it.

[Oh! Maybe she should add...]

A parahuman is someone with powers. There's a whole system of classification, and Master is one of the many categories. Parahumans are rare, about a few dozens people in any big city.

[But the numbers sure pile up when you consider the national and global scale!]

Edited 2025-08-26 00:39 (UTC)

...I can't imagine the shock it must be to have powers you don't understand come to you so suddenly. It must be rather frightening.

[There's a tinge of something hard to place in how he says that. Sympathy, perhaps.]

How are they treated?

[ He'll take a beat before moving over next to Noelle, squatting down near where she plopped herself on. ]

Come on now, don't let yourself get down in the dumps already, okay? Don't give that creep the satisfaction about it all getting to you.

Sorry to say this, but I have never been a cheery person either way.

[Not that she's against Zelos saying this to her. If anything, it's better than a whole lot of other things that could be said to her]

Nothing wrong with that, especially with what just happened. Though I'm sure you've got a cute smile, too.

[ kill! him! now! ]

Just don't give up hope so quickly, okay?

Edited 2025-08-20 02:22 (UTC)

...you're the kind of guy who won't give up until I say I won't give up, aren’t you?

[It's hard to have hope but it does come a little easier when you're shaped like a person, so maybe she can try!]

Not a chance, I'm afraid.

Annoying. But fine, I won't give up.

[She gives a half-assed thumbs up]

My outlook has improved thanks to you. What wouldn't I do without you.

[So highly deadpan and sarcastic, but hey, she won't despair anymore...in Zelos' presence, at least!]

[ Ainosuke is... shaken, which is mostly apparent by how deathly pale he look. He'd appreciate a proper couch right now, but... Well, he sits in the beanbag as though it were an office chair, legs crossed and hands folded over his knees. ]

You seem to be quite familiar with events of... this nature.

Mm? Oh, I don't know if I'd go that far. Religion does come up in the research I tend to do, though.

[Ah, but before he can get any further probing, he's pushing himself back up to a standing position.]

Stay there for now. Both you and the girl look ready to collapse, and I won't have that.

Will your stomach protest some water for now?

[ 'Ready to collapse', huh? Such a state is beneath him, and Ainosuke doesn't appreciate having it called out that he's rattled... but he's also much too well-mannered to let as much be known to a stranger right away. He smiles, mild but very charming. ]

Collapsing is not a concern so long as we remain seated, no?

[ Also, Ainosuke Shindo doesn't collapse. ]

I doubt some liquid will be an issue, if you're offering.

You'd be surprised at how fast adrenaline can wear off, even at rest.

[He slips off to the kitchenette, the clattering of dishes and the echo of water from the tap as he fills up a pitcher. At least they have plumbing, if not any readily available food in here.]

No need to keep too firm of an upper lip here, you know. You're only human.

Or, rather, I'd assume you are, anyway. I'm sure we're going to have a lot of doubts about one another after today.

[ It's all the same to Ainosuke that Solomon makes himself scarce after that pointless little explainer, because it means he can glare after him in peace. (Noelle, who is still here but being ignored for the moment, might certainly perceive how much the mood drops around Ainosuke though). ]

Some might see that as even more of a reason to keep a firm upper lip. I admire your boldness, declaring your inhumanity in the same breath as asking us to relax around you.

Who said I wasn't human?

[It's an openly confused question as he twists the tap shut, brow furrowing as he looks back over to the sitting area.]

See, this is exactly what I meant. I really intended nothing by that, I just didn't want to go assuming. Especially when we have talking apples wandering around, of all things.

Edited 2025-08-17 21:31 (UTC)

You speak with a lot of detachment for one who considers himself part of humanity.

[ And a lot of authority on matters of the divine as well, but not in the way a priest would. ]

But perhaps you just ought to take your own advice and let down your guard so the tension can drain from you?

Ouch. You can just call me a bad conversationalist, you know. I can take it.

[He feigns a pout as he crosses back over to the sitting area, pitcher in one hand and multiple glasses looped into the other. He'll hold it out for Ainosuke to take if he wants, but it won't be forced on him.]

Do I seem tense to you?

[ 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 ]

[ohhhhh if only he could still do magic he'd get u pretty boy]

[ After getting this far, it would be more trouble than it's worth to refuse the glass, so it'll be accepted and Ainosuke is even going to take a sip. ]

You do not... though a woman was just blown to smithereens in front of us all.

[A hum is his only response at first. A hand fidgets, slightly, a second signet ring not marked with a rose sitting on the opposite hand of that claimed by Father, the band catching against the handle of the pitcher as he exhales, finding an empty place to settle it within arm's reach.]

Yes, she was. Torn apart to the atom and not allowed to die. And I would not wish to see it happen again.

I don't need to be beside myself to still feel the cruelty for exactly what it is.

[ That's an interesting response. Ainosuke is quiet as well, eyes measuring Solomon. To think he'd feel the need to defend himself on what Ainosuke never intended to be part of the accusation... It makes him feel better. ]

But of course. We should all strive to honor our engagement and be spared the fireworks.

I think I'd call it concession more than honor.

[A slight correction as he finally drops back to his own seat, glass clinking against the metal of both his rings as he pours himself a drink.]

Nothing of that pointless show of suffering was worth honoring. Fearful, perhaps. Intimidation. But there's no need to honor a tyrant.

I'm not about to collapse.

[Noelle calls from where she's pretty much lying down on that floor pillow. She's being contrarian, hah, just carry on]

Edited 2025-08-17 20:09 (UTC)

[Almost convincing! 5/10.]

Right, right -- let's keep it that way, then, okay? Call me nosy if you want, but I genuinely am concerned about both of you.

[P seems less shaken, but that doesn’t mean he’s not upset about all that’s happened. Still, he doesn’t expect everyone to react the same way, and he pipes up, simply-]

Are you okay?

[ Being asked this again makes Ainosuke feel on edge. He is not meant to show vulnerabilities and his body is betraying him by making them plain to see for others.

... which means that he'll compensate, so his face just lights up with a smile. ]

Thank you for the consideration, but I'll be alright, truly. This was a lot to take in, wasn't it?

[Hm. Pinocchio can't help but wonder if he wants to take that at face value or not, given all that's happened, but maybe he won't push for now.]

Yeah. I've seen a lot of bad things happen to a body... but not like that.

[Don being so... pulled apart. Like petals shorn from a rose. He'll be thinking about that for a while now.]

It should not be possible, not where I'm from.

[ The rules of the normal world, familiar and unshakable all his life, now need to be cast off entirely. Neither this building, nor the people, nor the violence make any sense. ]

As far as displays of all-encompassing love and ownership go, it was effective.

[ Somewhat beautiful, too, but he keeps that to himself. ]

Love...? That looked like love to you?

[All-encompassing... love? Is he missing something here?]

[ Yes. Absolutely, completely. A love that will only accept perfection because it only wants the best for you. That's what God is to Ainosuke. ]

I'm certain that's what He would call it.

[A cruel parent.]

...Maybe.

I think at some point, though, even "love" can turn into something bad. Maybe it shouldn't ever be that all-encompassing, as you put it.

Invitation… One that ended up feeling like some kind of trap or. Experiment.

[Or holy test? That’s a little out of his wheelhouse — well. To a degree.]

Divine influences are more trouble than they’re worth.

[ there's a snort from across the way. ]

No kidding.

Have you had some experience, too?

Something like that.

[ How specific! ]

Lot of people will do a lot of terrible things if they think they've got some kind of divine mandate. Even if it all just ends up being one big con in the end.

[ Which really makes the idea of all of this having to devote oneself to Him and make a sacrifice all the more Bad™. ]

Edited 2025-08-17 22:59 (UTC)

[Very!]

Maybe. But it seemed like everyone was pretty suspicious about this whole thing. I mean, no one looked very happy about what happened to that one lady, that's for sure.

[ A shiver goes down Zelos' spine at mention of what happened to Donqui. That's going to take a lot of suppression. ]

No, but at least the guy can put his money where his mouth is. Maybe the risk of all... that [ makes a vague hand gesture in an unimportant direction ] is enough to run the risk of getting split into eighty different parts and stay that way.

[Ugh.]

...I hope I never have to see that again.

They sure do love to make their assumptions about the people trapped under their mighty thumb, don't they?

Still, he's gone and established a firm enough threat. For whatever reason he intends, he means us to take this seriously.

[Will he? Lol. It's fine, his Salt Levels should not be a surprise given the fuss he made at Sika.]

Right. That was made pretty clear…

[rip Don]

So what do we do? Play along?

For the moment, at least, I would recommend it. No use toeing the line if you don't know where it is to begin with.

Our intermediary seemed open to discussion and on a firmer middle ground than they could say, so perhaps we could start there in learning a little more about what power we actually hold here.

[He nods.]

Are you going to speak with them? They seemed to imply that if we help with... [well. he doesn't know] ...something, then there's a chance of this never happening to the people we care about.

When they'll deign to answer, I plan to be there.

I already tried once tonight and came up empty. We'll just have to hope the consequences of their intervention won't block them off completely from us.

Consequences... This "Father" really is something.

[ ... ]

Well, if you figure something out, and you need help, too, just let me know. I'm starting to think this "wish" might not be worth it.

Mm? Well, I think it would depend on the person. The invitation did say there was a wish at play.

Feelings are a powerful thing. A beautiful thing. But they can lead to people making choices they can't take back. And wishes can come from very desperate places.

They can, that's true. But do you believe a wish is worth it if it means killing innocent people?

I don't, no.

But who's to say others will feel the same?

[Ugh. That's a good point. P frowns.]

In other words, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. I guess it's nothing new, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.

Have you met very many people yet? Talked to them? Anyone you think is...

[He trails off, but it's probably easily heard, unspoken: -the type of person to kill?]

I'd be more than a little concerned if anyone actually liked it, so I think your feelings are perfectly fine.

[What an open question, though... At least this poor boy's defenses are appropriately raised.]

We've only had one day, so I can't say one way or another. I think jumping to too many conclusions based on appearances isn't the wise thing to do.

Even our little vampire surprise seemed to look horrified at herself at the end of it all.

[Another good point. He nods.]

I know. I felt sorry for her... [He trails off, thinking, then continues.] Well. I guess part of this experience is bonding with each other. We can judge better from there on out.

[Though it sure would be great if no one killed anyone!]

For the most part, at least. All save for whatever fragment of us that has been lost. Shoved into another like a splinter of glass.

[It bothers him deeply that he doesn't know where to even start with what has been taken. His wish, of course, hasn't budged. But looking over an ocean to try to find a single ripple...

...]

I wonder if we'd even realize what might be missing from ourselves until it's too late. But... I guess the most we can do is rely on what we know we still believe. Those feelings, important and bright, that I talked about before, will still be just as powerful so long as we do not waver in them.

[The lost fragment. P puts a hand to his chest, contemplative.]

I don't feel any different... But how would I know if I am, or not, if that part's truly missing?

[Drops his hand, sighing.]

You're really confident about all this. I'll try to follow your lead, sir.

...I'm not the best person to ask about that, I'm afraid. But perhaps time will give us more answers.

[A beat passes. He's returned from the kitchenette by now (rip this dorm PC for sending Solomon in five directions at once rip), so he'll set aside one of the empty cups to pour a glass for the boy.]

I don't think I caught your name.

[He will just kind of hover around like a lost puppy, but he will also help if needed.]

My name is Pinocchio, sir. What should I call you?

"Pinnochio"?

Interesting. I think I remember a boy from an old story with that sort of name.

[Here, Mr. Hover Puppy, you're being offered a glass. Hydrate please.]

You can call me Solomon, Pinnochio.

Really? I've never met—or read of—anyone with a name like mine.

[Strange! He wonders, for the first time, why his father named him what he did.

Oh. He takes the glass.]

It's good to meet you, Mr Solomon. Even if the situation is not... very ideal. [He is just holding the glass.]

Please, just Solomon is fine. I don't like feeling too old.

[He settles back down into his seat with a sigh.]

Maybe we can find the story of it in the books scattered around here, if we're lucky. It's about a wooden puppet that wishes to be a real boy, and the troubles he gets into in his pursuit for fun.

[Turns to face him, though his steps still because-]

...Huh?

[Wait, is this guy messing with him-]

[...]

Eh?

What, did I say something strange?

No. It's just... [Well, that's a lie, really.]

I'm a puppet. So...

[...

Well! That would explain the age.]

In what way? You... seem very self aware.

I'm particularly advanced. Father made me that way.

[Um...]

But I'm not flesh and blood like a human, if that's what you mean.

[Huh. Interesting, if the Father believes Pinocchio to be just as alive as the rest.... but then again they DO have an apple just floating around.]

Fascinating... are you machinery, then, or something else...?

[Pinocchio believes himself to be alive, too, though whether or not that has any actual bearing on the fact itself is probably more philosophical than empirical.]

I think that's the best way to describe it. I'm machinery, but I also house a soul inside of me. And I have memories, and react to experiences with emotions, just like any other human.

A soul? Odd, that... shouldn't be possible, I think... Not like this.

Is it unique to you, or was it taken from something else?

A lot of puppets run on something called Ergo, which is just the refined energy of souls. But mine... my heart is special. It was custom-made by my father. To make my experiences more human in general.

[The energy...?]

Here I'd have to wonder how they obtain that kind of power out of a soul...

[He rests his chin against his hand, cocking his head.]

You do seem to fit the storybook, don't you? Though... I might have to see if your face changes shapes if you tell a lie.

[ man, ]

Talk about burying the lede. Must have had a hard time finding anyone willing to go for the whole harem narrative or whatever the hell this is.

[ If it wasn't for Noelle being here, his displeasure would be infinitely more apparent than it already clearly is. ]

[What a sentence to come from such a grumpy grumpy face. Aw. He can't help but snicker, humorless.]

If an actual harem was what they wanted, they're being awfully lazy.

Not to mention the lack of standards.

[ hey, if the guy wants to get engaged to an apple, then great. peggle can make phone calls, etc etc. ]

If you're going to have a type, just go with it. Casting a wide net isn't always the way to go.

No use begging for a partner if you don't even know what you're looking for. And molding someone into the shape you want by force? We're past the Garden of Eden, thank you.

[Humor aside, he sighs, running a hand back through silver locks with a slightly bitter look off towards the unlit fireplace.]

The only "type" I see is someone out there playing a god and thinking their own judgement is absolute towards the people underneath them, simply because they are people. All else might as well be nonsense in my opinion.

[ Hey now, some of us find the story of Adam and Eve to be quite romantic, ]

[u know what he's not wrong

Alas... he never said he was GOOD at making jokes, unfortunately. u_u]

[ After indulging his curiosity and investigating a corpse, Ainosuke's really had enough of this day. It's straight back to the dorms with him.

When he arrives back at Peridot, he looks... concerning. The shins of his pants are soaked in blood as he's been crouching in it, and his hands and forearms have ample blood on them as well. One specific smudge of blood stains his cheek where he'd moved his own hair out of the way on the back here.

He looks... moody. He's not greeting anyone as he comes back in, and he's already working to unbutton his shirt while he's entering the combined bathroom/bedroom that is the upper room. Shower, shower, shower time. ]

[Not much later comes a priest. Weird.

Ah, no, it's just Solomon. Weird getup he has on, and the sleeves are mildly stained with a splattering of red at the very ends.

He's taking a peek through the main sitting areas, making sure everyone's accounted for (if they're even here), before slipping his way up to the second floor to--

Oh.]

...What in the world happened to you?

[ It's really a shame that he is in a shit mood right now, because the sight of Solomon dressed as a clergy member is rivetingly unfitting.

Unfortunately, he really doesn't feel like banter, so. ]

I looked at the body.

[ Duh. ]

Ah. You found the rest of it, then.

[Mm.

He quietly pivots to turn his back to Ainosuke, shoulder leaned up against one wall, keeping his eyes on the flowers instead. No need to watch him unrobe.]

Are you alright?

[ This, too, would be worth teasing if he were in any mood for it. So shy, all of a sudden... But no, Ainosuke doesn't care about the courtesy right now, he just needs to get out of his bloody clothes without much regard for being looked at. ]

I could ask you much the same. You just found a severed head.

[ They should be in the same boat here, similarly unnerved. Yet, they are not. Same as on their arrival day. It irritates him. ]

I did. Up on the church altar, no less.

[In some ways, it's easier to talk like this, unable to see his face. Knowing that Ainosuke can't see his in return, that he can't see how unhappy he feels, or how his eyes darken thinking of how Annette had screamed.

"Oh, Solomon, you could have at least shielded the poor child."

...

He exhales heavily as he glances down at the blood on his sleeves, on an outfit never made for him.]

Even bracing for it to happen, it's still unbearably cruel.

[ There's a mirthless laugh from Ainosuke at that information. On the altar - of course. Spiting the God that has decided their wishes are beyond redemption, while following His order all the same. That's how it always goes with God, doesn't it? In the end, your anger just drives you back to Him as well.

He throws his shirt to the side, pretenses of politeness and tidiness forgotten. ]

... you've seen cruelties like this before, haven't you?

[He hums in response. A vague affirmative with little shape.]

Not to the letter, if that's what you're asking.

The broad strokes explain enough.

[ They're from wholly different walks of life, and this drives it home a lot more than something as fantastical as magic could have. ]

A life taken needlessly is a life that could have loved, fought, and encouraged. It could have been so much more. Reduced to nothing but collateral, becoming an object, because of one wrong decision.

[...]

There's nothing shameful in being shaken by that.

Edited 2025-08-23 16:34 (UTC)

[ Ainosuke scoffs. It's a perfect repeat of their first day here. Regardless of what happened in-between, they're just right back where they started: with unwanted sympathy. ]

A beautiful eulogy. Maybe those clothes suit you after all.

[ And with that, he's off to the shower, unwilling to be talked to like a child any longer. ]

Hi.

[There's Noelle. She looks more sullen than in grief over someone dying, but yeah, she's here in the dorms and will stay here until trial time]

[Ah, his visual relief at seeing her is immediate. Hi, girlypop, nice to see your grumpy face.]

Good, you're safe... have you been here all night, Noelle?

...no. I was--I spent the night at the rose garden, with Dain.

[And woke up to a decapitated body, wow]

Dain.... Ah, you mean Dainsleif. That tall blond fellow, right?

[God, but more importantly... the body had been in the garden, hadn't it? That's what the announcement had said, at least...]

Are you alright? Was it just the two of you there when night fell?

Yeah. Lavi must have arrived after we fell asleep. He just wasn't there before.

Did you see anything? Anything unusual at all in the garden before you woke up, or before you came down here afterwards?

Nothing worth telling. Dain and I kept distance from each other, and when I woke up and saw Lavi I left immediately to come here. I didn't want to risk someone killing me too.

[Tremendously numb to horrible death she is, but not when she's the one who could be dying. Sorry, Lavi, self-preservation mattered the most to her]

Mn. That's fine - keeping yourself safe was a smart decision.

...It does sound like they plan on gathering us all later today, later in the evening. Will you be alright, having to leave?

What? What for?

[She totally missed the details of the incoming trial, having been too worried to listen or remember the 'get away with it' portion of the murdergame. Better prepare yourself for a trial, Noelle!]

It was right when we woke up, from the girls crying from the windows.

"In six hours, the Troupe's on trial. A mystery dinner show, and the whole school's invited."

[Let her juuuuuust bury her face into her hands, tired]

This is going to be horrible.

[In many ways]

So long as you firmly remember what you just told me, you'll be fine. And you'll have others here to protect you.

Unless you're worried about something else?

Edited 2025-08-23 16:47 (UTC)

I mean, I woke up near a mutilated body and fled as soon as understood what happened. I'm worried someone will think I had something to do with that death.

[It's a suspicious thing, after all!]

Edited 2025-08-24 03:44 (UTC)

[He hums quietly, before slowly crossing over and extending a hand to place firmly against her shoulder.]

You're going to be fine, Noelle. You are. Just tell the truth.

Whatever happens, we'll find out who's guilty by evidence. Not by coincidence.

Okay?

...okay.

[Noelle nods, looking more comforted]

I'm trusting you all to do it right, because I'm not really a detective. I'm a strategist, not the one who figures things out.

[And even then her strategist skills are game-based. True, it could translate a little into the real world...but also don't put that responsibility on her, pleeeeease]

[A squeeze is given to her shoulder at that, his smile even and reaching his eyes as he tries to meet hers. The most human he's looked, more than likely, in the entire last week.

They've got you, Noelle. Trust them.]

[And, like a flip of a switch he's allowing her to see before hiding it away again, his expression grows sly with remarkable speed.]

A strategist. What a term to just drop like that, Noelle, you're going to make me so curious!

[That brief moment doesn't go unnoticed. She truly appreciates that]

Ask me more when I'm not in front of you. Forum only.

[Just echoing Solomon not answering questions back then through the forum even though it's perfectly possible to do so. That she's good enough to get a little insolent and throw back at him his antics is a good sign]

Edited 2025-08-25 18:02 (UTC)

[He's definitely pleased with it. It shows she has some bite, and having some bite means there's still some spark of a life in there. In some way and shape. Even for the most dismal.]

Ah, so cruel! But if you'd like to show off for the other students, who am I to say no?

[Noelle has settled in the common area, arms crossed, looking pretty guarded. Gosh, so much blood on you and Solomon...]

So...you tried to deal with that?

[Noelle saw enough to be aware of Lavi's situation, but she sure left the rose garden and came straight here. She doesn't know much beyond that]

[ Ah, there she is. He does recall them crossing paths very briefly when he went on his curiosity voyage, and it's good to see her back in the dorms again. To say Ainosuke holds affection for his roommates would be too much said, but he has no desire to see them fall victim to al of... this.

She gets a vague nod in greeting. ]

I did. It was red on red, yet his red mane was missing.

I kind of...kind of noticed that. I didn't stick around to see the details, but I did catch the head was gone.

[Noelle shudders]

He wasn't in the garden when I fell asleep. He must have arrived later.

There might have been a fight in the garden.

[ ... ]

You were fortunate to sleep through unharmed.

Yeah. I guess whoever killed Lavi wasn't looking for victims at that point. Maybe Lavi ran into the garden and the killer followed him there, already attacking him.

[And Noelle and Dainsleif were lucky they didn't get harmed as collateral damage, really, especially since they saw the corpse so fast after waking up. They weren't very far away!]

[ He nods, rubbing at his hands while he does to get some dry blood off. ]

Judging by the state of him, that seems likely. I suppose we'll be made to discuss that in excruciating detail now.

Father will expect a show.

If he expects a show he better not expect me to give it to him. I don't want to play with His rules.

[But what option will she have, really]

[Hello, Peridot! Whether you are at the dorm or returning to the dorm, you may be around to notice two things:

1) Solomon, trudging through the front door like a sopping wet cat.
2) Later, when it smells like something is burning from the kitchenette. Like, BURNING burning.]

[At some point during the evening, Noelle's empty bed will be found made. Not neatly, as though for fear of losing her fingerprint on their dormroom, but collected as though waiting for her to come back.

They can argue about rearranging things on Monday. For Sunday, it still belongs to Noelle, as far as Solomon is concerned.]

TP - PERIDOT DORM 1.0

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WEEK 1, POST-WHATEVER THAT NPC RULE UPDATE WAS

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also i forgot it's floor pillows and not bean bags it's fine i can't read

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