Week 3 Mingle

[foundationmods]

The last week has brought the first spilled blood. Three of the contestants are gone, with the promise of more to fall soon. The atmosphere around the house will start to get heavy around Wednesday, which is when the first game of the week is. It's almost like the house knows something is up...

The conspiracy is beginning to unravel. Dazai isn't Dazai, and the cracks are forming in his act. But that act must be held up, or the Foundation will be brought in to take control of the game. Now everyone must play the part and act like everything is normal, at least on camera. That stress of always performing is bound to make someone crack eventually.

Once again, the cameras and microphones change. The contestants will have to search out new spots for their secret conversations. Even one wrong step, one wrong word, and it's all over for this group. Everyone is watching, and they need to play their roles.

They better keep an eye out too, because storm clouds are starting to loom over the area, both figuratively and literally.

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursdsay

Navigation | Dazai's PCs | Locations | confessions camera | PC post | IC rules

Comments

[foundationmods]

[The window opens easily, and they will be able to drop into what looks like a living room. All in all, it looks pretty standard at first: couch, coffee table, fireplace, bookshelf, and so on. But the hallway that should lead to the kitchen actually winds into a more dungeon-looking layout. But they can see in the next room that a person is there, waiting for them. Said person does not seem hostile either.]

[overconfidant]

[Hm. Well, they usually end up meeting the Palace Ruler before they find the Treasure whether they want to or not.

And lack of overt hostility is a good start. Let's. Try the diplomatic approach? Joker slides his mask up into his hair as he steps into the other room. Besides, he wants a closer look at this person.]

Hi. Think we can talk?

[foundationmods]

[The person there is a young androgynous-looking man, probably in his mid-20s. He has long brown hair, probably close to Akechi's in length, but it is tied back in a loose ponytail. He is also carrying a rather large spear, and is dressed in a Foundation uniform with a white lab coat over the top of it.]

Akira Kurusu.

[A pause, and then the person amends his statement.]

...one of the Akira Kurusus. Are you two here as my backup? This cannot wait much longer, he will get away if we delay ourselves.

[arraignments]

[ He... actually switched Personas, upon seeing that guy (but before approaching). Say hi to a still-masked Crow, stranger(?).

... interesting, though. Crow knows how he'd answer; playing along can usually get more information, while honesty gives a chance at building more trust. There's a slim chance that either one could bite them in the ass, however, depending on this guy.

But, after a glance to Joker, he decides he'll leave this to him. ]

[overconfidant]

[Joker is considering the same things. Along with whether this is the Palace Ruler (feels unlikely), a cognition, or another real person that's managed to get in.

If it's a cognition, admitting they aren't his backup is going to turn straight into a fight, probably.]

We're ready when you are.

[He pulls his mask back down into place.]

My orders didn't include a name, what should we call you?

[foundationmods]

[The person considers that for a moment. And while he considers it, there is actually a conversation Joker and Crow will be able to hear. It's disjointed, not coming from any particular source, but rather existing everywhere at once and also only in their minds at the same time.

I don't like it. They're suspicious.

It's fine, they're both Agents.

How can you be sure? They might work for HIM. Several of our agents were already compromised.

We can give them the benefit of the doubt. We're strong enough, if they try anything against us then we can put them down.

I still don't like it. We can't trust anyone here but ourselves. We're better off offing them and fighting HIM alone.

Why would we 'off them' first?

They can't stab us in the back that way.

No. They're coming with us. It will be fine.

[The young man finally nods to Joker and Crow and gives them an answer.]

'Boss' Will do for now, since I am the one leading this mission.

Be on the lookout for a white-haired man in a red coat. He is our ally here, I sent him to backtrack from the other side.

[arraignments]

[ Ah... That's fine.

Crow gives a nod, though that name has something dimming in his gaze for a split second. ]

Understood, Boss. [ a beat ] You can call me Crow.

[ He will be looking back to Joker. The fuck does he make of those voices, he wonders. And... 'the other side', hm? ]

[overconfidant]

['Boss'. Tch. That's for Sojiro. But he asked. He meets Crow's gaze and gives him a small nod before looking towards the dungeon opening.

He heard it. And he's sure as hell going to keep it in mind.]

Got it. In that case, I prefer Joker on the job.

[foundationmods]

Alright. Crow, Joker.

['Boss' will lead them further into the dungeon then, and we're going to skip all the random encounters for time's sake but just imagine there are a lot of suburban-50's-style family-themed enemies in here. And as they progress further into the dungeon, the house-themed halls start to fill with smoke, and the sound of smoke detectors going off can be heard. Fortunately the smoke will stay well above their heads, so it won't interfere with their breathing. It's just for the atmosphere.

This does not deter 'Boss,' though. And he presses on through the smoke. If Crow and Joker keep following him, eventually they will see...well, not real fire? But it's like cardboard cutouts dancing around the sides of the hall, simulating a fire inside the ridiculously large house.]

Keep an eye out, he can't be far. He is a white male dressed in all black, so he won't be hard to see.

[arraignments]

[ He simply nods.

While the temptation to use Loki is there, these enemies are high enough levels that he could use this as a chance to level Robin Hood up - why not. Also why bother letting someone he doesn't know possibly see more than they need to.

There's a nod at the order, and... well. He'll be making use of his ridiculous skills as a sharpshooter to help keep an eye out for anything suspicious or even just eye-catching. ]

[overconfidant]

[Joker...might be humming "I Didn't Start The Fire" under his breath past a certain point. He's Just Like This.

But he's efficient and brutal in the fights, though he never uses his higher level Personas for about the same reasons as Crow.

He's using Third Eye to watch for anything that might be important. Or valuable, lbr.]

[foundationmods]

[That humming actually gets 'Boss' to snort. It seems he is familiar with that song and approves of Joker's brand of humor.

The house itself is going to have the usual random loot a dungeon has. Items that heal SP, random weapons, etc. No unique items yet.

'Boss' is equally efficient and brutal in these fights as well. Interestingly enough, they're using Persona-menus right now for fights, and 'Boss' seems to adapt to it instantly. He does seem inclined to 'run away' from the weaker, less dangerous encounters, especially the ones that don't seek them out for a fight. In fact, there's a little internal dialogue about that, even if 'Boss' doesn't say anything out loud.]

We shouldn't be fighting these weaker ones.

Yeah, it's a waste of time. HE will get away if we fight everyone here.

And anyone not looking to stop us doesn't really need to die either.

You're wrong there, but since we're reacting the same conclusion I guess it doesn't matter.

[Interestingly enough, Joker and Crow will still get to choose if they 'fight' or 'run' from any battles.

Also, they're coming up on a door that's booby-trapped, and 'Boss' doesn't look like he's going to stop and investigate it and will probably set off the trap if he's not stopped.]

[overconfidant]

[Are any of the random weapons knives better than a damn switchblade?

Joker will run from the fights that 'Boss' does, not wanting to fall behind. Especially since he doesn't know the range for their eavesdropping of this informative internal dialogue.

At the door, he reaches to catch 'Boss's arm briefly. Just long enough to make his point.]

Wait. It's trapped.

[arraignments]

[ ... Is there Gun? Goro might be looking for Gun.

Also some more damn healing items, yes. He will help carry those, since Hammerspace doesn't exist outside of here. :T

There's a blink at the sudden warning. He wasn't looking, since his focus has been on protecting the rear.

Granted... he does give a dim smirk. Way to go...

... Boss. ]

[foundationmods]

[Sure, there can be like. A butcher's knife in one of the kitchens. Also what kind of gun for Crow?

'Boss' does stop though, giving Joker the chance to do something about the trap.]

[arraignments]

[ He isn't feeling picky - simple handgun would make him happy, tbh. Just something to threaten Shadows with during any potential Holdups. ]

[foundationmods]

[Okay sure, he can have found a handgun.

Also I forgot before but the door is rigged with bombs on the other side. It will go splodey if someone opens it.]

[overconfidant]

[Oh good and him with his Reflect Fire bitchslapped down to a Resist. He mutters a curse under his breath.]

It's rigged to blow up if it's opened.

[He's going to do some looking around. Any sign of a way to disarm the door or a crawlspace to get past it?]

[arraignments]

[ He gives a hum... and then mutters to himself as he starts to look around, as well. He'll be looking on the opposite side of the room as Joker, to save time. ]

And even with the buffs we have, that's too much of a risk to simply take.

[foundationmods]

Che.

['Boss' is already starting to look around for another way through too. But Akira will be able to disarm the trap if he cuts one of two wires: red or blue.

Take your pick Akira.]

[overconfidant]

[Third Eye is incredibly useful, confirming what he suspected anyway.

There's been something weird going on with the color red all game.

He cuts the red wire.]

[arraignments]

[ Well,

Crow would have picked that color, too. He's gonna hang out near him, hand on shoulder. ]

[foundationmods]

[Nerds.

'Boss' is just going to sigh and rush through, not even waiting for Joker and Crow. He is too focused on the mission at this point.

After a few more levels and a few more fights, they will finally reach the end of the palace. It is still very obviously inside, but it's structured to look like a backyard. The house they 'exit' to get to the backyard is completely engulfed in cartoony flames, and there is smoke still lingering above their heads.

In the backyard, there is a scrawny black-haired boy with glasses. He looks like he's maybe 12-ish at most, and he's staring at the burning house while tears stream down his face. He in no way looks anything like what might be expected of the final boss in a palace. He just looks like a frightened kid.

Still, there is a sense of magic to him, like a lot of power is contained within his small body.]

"I...I didn't mean to..."

['Boss' doesn't seem to be listening to the boy, though. His grip just tightens on his spear as he has another internal conversation with himself.]

He has some of 'that person's power within him. Poor child.

We can't leave him here. He already burned down a neighborhood, just imagine what will happen if we don't take care of him.

Then we will call in agents for containment-

No! That man is dangerous, and any trace of his power needs to be eliminated from this world.

This boy is an innocent victim!

An innocent victim that will turn into an enemy someday. We have to eliminate him. Kill or be killed, remember?

...

['Boss' seems indecisive, and with each passing moment the boy becomes more afraid. He glances between the spear and the man holding it, clearly putting 2 and 2 together as he backs away from the situation.

But the question still remains: Who is the boss fight here?]

[overconfidant]

[Joker's fingers clench tight around his knife. He listens to the inner conversation, watches the kid.

Who is the boss fight here?

There aren't any cameras to look good or bad for.

Joker twirls his knife between his fingers and puts it away.]

Killing that isn't necessary is just a waste. Kids don't grow up bad because of a power. They grow up bad because of the things adults do to them.

He's terrified of what he did, of this power he has. You can see it on his face. If we can teach him to control it, save him from it, he'll be an ally, not an enemy.

[arraignments]

[ His breath very lightly catches - possibly just loudly enough to be heard by Joker.

Crow's expression is barely hidden behind the mask, but it's clear he's not liking the options in front of them. And possibly affected by some of Joker's words there. And he will be leaving 'Boss' to his boyfriend. His focus is on the kid.

There's a quiet breath as he slowly steps forward a few feet, sliding the red mask up. He hesitates a moment before setting his weapon down so he can stand there without it.

But, he... will keep some distance, just in case. ]

... Hey. [ he knows how old the kid looks, but for the sake of helping the kid focus on something else for a bit (and to chance tugging at Boss' heartstrings, if he has one) ] How old are you?