As Arthur wakes up, he will know this about his life: he is an only child, raised by two loving parents. While he had a rough start, being a withdrawn and reclusive child, he finally took a leap forward in high school by joining the Eudora Swim Club. As a result, while still perhaps not the most socially adjusted person, he's learned to make friends and enjoy his life a little. All thanks to the power of swimming...!
As Gregor wakes up, he will know this about his life: he has a younger sister and a loving mother. His younger sister is still in the carefree phase of her life, while Gregor himself has been fortunate that his mother has always encouraged him to pursue whatever he wants, free from unreasonable expectations. His childhood passion is swimming, which led him to joining the Eudora Swim Club in high school. Gotta love swimming!!
It's another day at Eudora High for the both of you, where you're lucky to both be on the swim team and classmates. (Of course, you also have various other friends in your class.) You're in your final year, meaning that graduation looms in the horizon... but you know what's also coming up? Swimming nationals. Your team has never won yet, but this year is your year. You can feel it—and you hope so, since this is your last chance to win.
For reference, both characters will be fully AU'd here; that is, they truly believe this is their life and they are normal high school students. They will not question why they are physically grown men. It's fine. Maybe it's genetics.]
[Today, in class, the teachers passes everyone handouts. With graduation coming up, it's important to seriously think about university and, with it, what you want to do with your life in the future. To assist with that, you'll be filling out this sheet to help narrow down potential career choices.
NAME:
SKILLS:
ASPIRATIONS:
Otherwise, it is a free period. Feel free to chat with your classmates, including each other—whether about the handout, swimming, anything else going on in your life, etc.]
But that's enough thinking about serious things! It's the most important time of school (besides swimming practice), which is lunch.
Arthur, you have a homemade lunch from your parents, who make sure to pack you one everyday. Gregor, you understand that as a single, working parent, your mother doesn't always have time to prepare you a lunch, so you often buy one from the cafeteria. With that said, as an extra snack, you do have misshapen cookies from your sister, who's recently picked up baking as a hobby.
The two of them head to their lockers with their lunch buddies, aka their classmates Anise and Charles. Upon opening them, though, Arthur will notice something in his. It's an... envelope? With a heart sticker sealing it shut? Peering over his shoulder like a shameless busybody, Charles speaks.]
[And now it's time for the actual best part of the day... swim practice! You're on a team with Lovelace (the captain, who swims freestyle), Sinclair (breaststroke), Arthur (butterfly), and Gregor (backstroke). I need to clarify I know absolutely nothing about competitive swimming. I've never even watched Free.
You can just roll to see how well you do in this practice, but for the record, Gregor will think... as they prepare for their upcoming nationals, he hopes senpai (Dante) is watching him. 🥺]
[After school, Arthur and Gregor decide to hang out for a bit, which will hopefully take Arthur's mind off of his mediocre swim practice while Gregor can continue to live off the high of his enrichment.
Eventually, they part ways, going back to their homes and families. Arthur, to his parents; Gregor, to his mother and sister. A peaceful dinner, followed by studying and homework, and then bed.
This being a dream, his memories of the day fade to the recesses of his sleeping mind, and though he doesn't fully grasp everything yet, he intuitively understands: here, he is a former soldier of Edoras, one of the mightiest countries on the continent. Once, he took pride in his duty, but over time, he has no longer been able to stomach the cruelties and whims of its current king, Pardis III. Pardis III is a tyrant, trampling over his own people as the poor grow poorer, executing his men for petty reasons, and waging senseless wars.
As a result, you fled from the army—though not before stealing an artifact from Pardis III, knowing that it'll cripple his war efforts. You don't know its precise nature, only that it is a ring that grants you powers. Arthur, you will know that, using the ring, you are capable of the following at will:
- healing mild-moderate injuries. think a level 1-2 healing spell - summoning a sword shaped from the dark element - generating mist to cover the area and obscure others' vision
(OOCly, there are no particular limits to how often you can use these powers.)
Your escape takes you to the neighbouring country of Riven, in the rural area. Unlike the rocky landscape of Edoras, Riven is full of grass and rivers. Perhaps the change in scenery will do your heart some good.
You can see a village in the distance, but even before that... you hear a noise coming from the nearby forest.]
This being a dream, his memories of the day fade to the recesses of his sleeping mind, and though he doesn't fully grasp everything yet, he intuitively understands: here, he is a newly recruited soldier of Riven. Originally, however, he served in the army of a smaller, neighbouring nation, only for Riven to conquer it and absorb its surviving men into its own. How do you feel about it? Do you resent Riven for taking over, or do you simply focus on serving whoever your lord is, even if it changes? That is for you to decide.
If nothing else, you're still alive, as is your younger sister, Yuri. Your life could be better, but at least you have a job, rather than being left in the streets to starve. And despite everything, you've managed to hold onto a keepsake of your family—a ring they've long since guarded. You don't know its precise nature, only that it is a ring that grants you powers. Gregor, you will know that, using the ring, you are capable of the following at will:
- his bug arm is able to regenerate and change shape - able to manifest electricity - summoning thorns from the ground
(OOCly, there are no particular limits to how often you can use these powers.)
Acclimating to Riven's army could be harder, you suppose. You've been lucky in that one high-ranking soldier, Hermann, has taken a liking to you and helped guide you. She isn't captain of the army—that would be a man named Ichiban—but she's just about the closest thing after him.
You've dropped by your home, as humble as it is, to visit Yuri. Today, though, you must return to the barracks.]
[Hello... it is time to start thinking about which universities you want to go to! You have various options. Do you want to go to the local university so that you can stay near your family, even though it doesn't necessarily have any programs you're interested in? You could go to a farther, prestigious university. What about what your parent(s) want, or where your friends are going?
You'll have to decide for yourself what you value in your post-secondary education.
Also, while you're at it, it's time to nominate a class valedictorian, who'll be giving a speech at your graduation ceremony. Your classmates are putting up a list of potential names, where you'll vote on one afterwards.
Temenos looks at Arthur dead in the eye and writes his name on the board as a nomination. After a pause, Rodya shrugs and writes Gregor's name there too for funsies.]
[After the vote result that I may have put in the slightly wrong place...
Today, for lunch, your class is... having a pizza party! One of your classmates is feeling generous and providing for the class. Sorry, Arthur, you're not going on that date today. But also, theoretically, these days are not happening literally consecutively so you could've gone on a date with her by now...? Anyway.
They'll get about two different pizzas, keeping in mind people's preferences. What kind of pizza do you two like...
As everyone eats, hanging around the classroom, chatter among your friends starts up.]
You know what we should do right after we graduate? Have a graduation trip! Aren't those pretty standard?
Ah, that sounds like a fun idea. I'd be interested.
As long as it's not too expensive, I'm in.
Yeah, sure. Sounds like fun. Where to?
[as i start to struggle keeping track of who your classmates are but anyway]
A casino!
[You should probably not go to a casino for a graduation trip.
Still, a trip does sound like fun. You do get along well with your little group of classmates—you think of this year's cultural festival. At first, not a lot of people were enthusiastic, given how tiring senior year is without worrying about the silly things, but in the end, it was pretty fun. Your class did a maid/butler cafe. (You just try not to think about how it was the girls as butlers and the boys as maids.)]
[You've got your graduation trip sorted out, and the rest of the school day goes by uneventfully.
But after school, you've got a swimming competition! Again, I must stress I don't know how swimming competitions work. One step on your road to the nationals. You'll be swimming in the order of Lovelace, Sinclair, Arthur, Gregor.
Lovelace nails her part of the relay, beating her opponent easily. Unfortunately, the momentum is lost with Sinclair, who loses to his.
Next up... You can chat a bit before doing your part of the competition if you want, but also, do a roll when you're up.]
Per King Pardis III's orders, the Edoras army is fighting the Westerlings, otherwise known as the Western Tribes of Orsterra. Edoras has long since been at conflict with them, and it has only grown worse in the current king's time.
At first, you were eager to fight—to strike at this threat in defence of your nation, before they could grow too powerful. You thought you were fighting barbarians, uncivilized people who would devour Orsterra if they could. War, in that case, would be a noble cause.
And yet, the fighting is long and difficult. Even though the Edoras army is mighty, the Westerlings attack just as hard. On some days, despite the different uniforms, it becomes difficult to tell the corpses on the battlefield apart. The faces of your allies become almost indistinguishable from those of your enemies.
Eventually, you realize a hard truth—are you not all human? You're not fighting the monsters you thought you were. You are only killing people doing best for their own land, as you are. You can't even recall who actually fanned the flames of war.
Your blade grows heavy in your hands. You wonder if you can even bring yourself to swing it anymore, but you know you must. Hesitation on the battlefield will get you killed. Still, doubt weakens your body, guilt chaining down your arms. An enemy strikes at you, and you are too slow to react—
"Are you okay?" she asks you, as though she is not the one bleeding out in your arms. You are unharmed, at least, but how could you ever answer that you're all right? You do not tell the truth, but you cannot lie either, as the light leaves her eyes.
After that battle, you desert the army.
Arthur wakes up, in the village inn.
He has spent many weeks here, by now. A part of him is wary to call any place home, lest he have to flee, but perhaps this village is the closest thing yet since his defection. The people here are largely kind and have welcomed him (sans Elizabeth, who has given him a wide berth, and yet seems to spy on him occasionally), and Opal has been a steadying presence—she, too, has stayed, if akin to a mildly feral cat sometimes ready to bite.
He leaves the inn and out into the morning sun. What does he want to do? He has a few options.
> Look for someone > Go fishing > Clear out any monsters lurking near the village > Eat at the tavern > Any other random action you can think of]
He fights against the Riven forces, trying to protect his nation. Still, he knows this is a fruitless endeavour—they lack the might to compete against Riven. And, true to his prediction, they lose this war. Your comrades die for nothing, but perhaps it is a small mercy to die for your cause than to be left behind.
Riven takes over. What was your country is no more, held only together by its shambles. As Riven, as commanded by its king, goes on to conquer more, your country has been left in the dust. With no army left to fight for, you and Yuri fall into poverty. Life is difficult, as the two of you try to get by. Hunger claws at your bellies, and despair begins to creep in your mind.
The thought leaves a bad taste in your mouth, but ultimately, you resort to banditry. What other choice do you have, to keep your sister fed? You're not proud at all, using your skills to prey on those even more disadvantaged than you. Shame fills you every day, when you see the fear and contempt in people's eyes. This was never what you wanted to do with your life.
Yuri finds out, and finally, it's too much. You decide to do better, even if it means starting from the ground up again. With some luck, you manage to enlist in Riven's army, especially with a display of your skill. Those from your homeland might consider your act an betrayal—siding with the reason your home is gone—but you must do what it takes to survive, for you and Yuri both.
Gregor wakes up, in the army barracks.
It's been a week, so Ichiban should be back now. Gregor steps out to find him, heading into a hallway where a few of his fellow soldiers and other servants scurry round. A girl in pigtails is among them, as she gives Gregor a little wave.
[Morning... instead of going to school today, off you go to write your university entrance exams! Three of them for different universities, to be specific. "All in the same morning???" Don't ask me how this high school life works. I make the rules.
What kind of universities do you want to go to? Gregor, you wanted something nearby so that you could stay home and help provide for your family. Arthur, you weren't sure, debating whether to stick with familiar comfort or to broaden your horizons.
In any case:
Arthur wakes up feeling ill that morning. Oh no! That's what he gets for doing whatever an Arthur does, I guess. Still, it's not like he can push his exams to a later date, so off he goes.
He doesn't quite remember what he did during the first exam? He might've been a little delirious. There's a vague recollection of doodling in the margins, but he's pretty sure he at least wrote his name and attempted to answer a few questions correctly. Maybe it's better that he's wiped it from memory, though.
He's feeling better by the second university's exam, but somehow does just as poorly. All of the questions were too hard? Damn. He feels like an idiot now. There's no hope for the future...
And yet, by the final university's exam, he's feeling much better! Physically, that is. Emotionally, he goes in uncertain, but hey, he's already hit rock-bottom, so he has nothing left to lose. This mentality, ironically, allows him to fuckin ace this exam. He is in the ZONE. He walks out feeling pretty good about that one, actually.
Meanwhile, Gregor feels... equally shitty as Arthur. Like, literally equally. Your identical rolls, help me. In his case, he didn't catch a mysterious sickness; somehow, Rodya convinced him to sneak out in the middle of the night, on the basis that he would be too depressed from his terrible swimming at the competition to focus, so having some fun would cheer him up. They didn't meant to stay out that long, but one thing happened after another and there was maybe a chase down the street involved somewhere... you know how it goes.
Anyway, Gregor gets through a few questions in his first exam and then falls asleep at the desk.
On the bright side, while he definitely bombed that one, he means he's somewhat more refreshed for the second one! Unfortunately, teen angst hits him and he's still kind of out of it. There was an essay portion and he feels like he wrote some things in it that were perhaps too personal and not what the poor grader should have to read. It's fine.
Before the final university's exam, he manages to take a quick nap and thus feels much better. Also, maybe venting in the previous exam actually did help? He doesn't know if he did great just yet, but he feels like he didn't do awful. It's just a matter of how well everyone else did for that university, so fingers crossed.
Afterwards, the both of you meet up at a cafe for a late lunch. Some of your friends are optionally there if I decide to tag in, but otherwise, feel free to chat about your morning...]
[How are you getting these back in the same day? Again, don't ask.
Arthur, you unsurprisingly did not get into two of them. With the third, however, you see your ID among those accepted. You did it! This was one of the universities you took a chance on—one far away from home, where you might not know anyone. It's terrifying, but maybe a bit exciting? You've been doing well these past few years, and perhaps that momentum will keep up.
Gregor, you unsurprisingly did not get into two of them either. With the third, however, however, you see your ID among those accepted. You did it! Imagine how awkward it would've been if only Arthur had gotten into one while Gregor had to spiral further into teen angst. In any case, this is a university close to home, so that you can commute from your house. It's not going to be the easiest way to spend the next years, juggling school and family and maybe a part-time job, but you're ready. You know where you're needed.
Afterwards, you both go home to your families. They cook your favourite things in celebration, proud of you for getting into university. All in all, you go to bed satisfied.
What was he doing last? He remembers that he was desperate to save someone, his ring responding to his call, but—who? Ah, power—he needs more power if he wants to accomplish anything.
The trickle of the river echoes distantly in his ears. Surrounding him are corpses, lying amidst the grass, that he vaguely recognizes as soldiers. And standing before him is a wary-looking woman, barely able to stand or to hold the sword in her shaking hands. (Were there more people here before? Well, better that they've left you.) She says something, but it's muddy in his mind, like words whose meaning he doesn't understand.]
Come on, Arthur...
[He should kill her, if she means to get in his way. He's strong now, his body transformed into that of a giant, wolf-like creature with powerful eyes and even sharper fangs and claws, but it's not enough. How can he protect anything if he's not strong enough? (He couldn't even protect ██████, in the war.) He needs more. Moremoremore—
In the distance, another voice calls out, that of a young man's.]
What was he doing last? He remembers that despair and hopelessness crept on him, his ring responding to his desire for salvation, but—who? Ah, power—he needs more power if he wants to accomplish anything.
Footsteps echo, the sound of people fleeing the scene. Surrounding him are corpses, lying amidst the grass, that he vaguely recognizes as soldiers. And standing before him is a timid-looking young man, pointing his weapon at Gregor. Everyone else has fled. (Something about this strikes Gregor with regret; there was, perhaps, someone he wanted dead more than anything.) The man, practically still a boy, says something, but it's muddy in his mind, like words whose meaning he doesn't understand.]
Gregor, snap out of it! I'm sorry for everything, just—please!
[He should kill him, if he means to get in his way. He's strong now, his body transformed further into that of a bug-like abomination, both of his arms sharp claws and wings sprouted from his back, but it's not enough. How can he assert his own will if he's not strong enough? (His own powerlessness has led him to ruin, and it may lead even ████ to it.) He needs more. Moremoremore—
In the distance, contrary to the other footsteps fleeing the area, one (or two?) set is coming closer.
[IT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF YOUR LIVES: nationals! You and your team have been preparing for this day for so long, and sure, you haven't been doing great at every competition, but this is the one that truly matters. It's your last chance to win, before graduating from school. You hope senpai is watching you... (Senpai is still getting an education.)
Before the competition starts, your team is bracing yourselves.
Sinclair looks to the two of you with a smile, wishing you luck. Meanwhile, your captain—]
Come on, we can do this. Remember, you guys—you've gotta be Eudora High Swimming Club's pillar of support.
This time, you do not dream. Or rather, you were always dreaming, you now realize. That peaceful, happy life as a student—surrounded by family and friends, with a sport you were passionate over, where your greatest worries were getting into university, dates, or competitions—never existed.
You don't know why you dreamed of such a thing, when it's always been beyond your grasp, but it's time to wake up.
You are lost souls in Hell, bound here by your inability to find peace while alive. Driven by despair and fear, your desperation was twisted by power, your forms distorted into monsters that had to be slain. And now, you wander in limbo, still haunted by your regrets.]
[Arthur, you were a soldier of Edoras, your heart torn by war, needless killing, and deaths of your allies. All you wanted was to be free of that life and live in peace. You found someone you could trust in Opal, you found people who accepted you—and yet your past chased you down. How utterly unfair that is, when you asked for so little.
At the same time, other flashbacks take a hold of you, of another life. Your role in the house, and your years of isolation. Your parents' deaths; the time you had to pick which lives to save, and which ones to leave for dead because you couldn't help them all. Your weakness, and the people who've gotten hurt because of it.
These things play endlessly in your head. What is that you see, that you feel?]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
DAY 1
As Arthur wakes up, he will know this about his life: he is an only child, raised by two loving parents. While he had a rough start, being a withdrawn and reclusive child, he finally took a leap forward in high school by joining the Eudora Swim Club. As a result, while still perhaps not the most socially adjusted person, he's learned to make friends and enjoy his life a little. All thanks to the power of swimming...!
As Gregor wakes up, he will know this about his life: he has a younger sister and a loving mother. His younger sister is still in the carefree phase of her life, while Gregor himself has been fortunate that his mother has always encouraged him to pursue whatever he wants, free from unreasonable expectations. His childhood passion is swimming, which led him to joining the Eudora Swim Club in high school. Gotta love swimming!!
It's another day at Eudora High for the both of you, where you're lucky to both be on the swim team and classmates. (Of course, you also have various other friends in your class.) You're in your final year, meaning that graduation looms in the horizon... but you know what's also coming up? Swimming nationals. Your team has never won yet, but this year is your year. You can feel it—and you hope so, since this is your last chance to win.
For reference, both characters will be fully AU'd here; that is, they truly believe this is their life and they are normal high school students. They will not question why they are physically grown men. It's fine. Maybe it's genetics.]
MORNING
SKILLS:
ASPIRATIONS:
Otherwise, it is a free period. Feel free to chat with your classmates, including each other—whether about the handout, swimming, anything else going on in your life, etc.]
SUBMISSION
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LUNCHTIME
They both really didn't aim high here with aspirations, but working with what they put down for skills:
Arthur's recommended careers: Environmental scientist, florist, farmer.
But that's enough thinking about serious things! It's the most important time of school (besides swimming practice), which is lunch.
Arthur, you have a homemade lunch from your parents, who make sure to pack you one everyday. Gregor, you understand that as a single, working parent, your mother doesn't always have time to prepare you a lunch, so you often buy one from the cafeteria. With that said, as an extra snack, you do have misshapen cookies from your sister, who's recently picked up baking as a hobby.
The two of them head to their lockers with their lunch buddies, aka their classmates Anise and Charles. Upon opening them, though, Arthur will notice something in his. It's an... envelope? With a heart sticker sealing it shut? Peering over his shoulder like a shameless busybody, Charles speaks.]
[He looks to Gregor like ???? he's right, right?]
I really want to see how this plays out...
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SWIM PRACTICE
You can just roll to see how well you do in this practice, but for the record, Gregor will think... as they prepare for their upcoming nationals, he hopes senpai (Dante) is watching him. 🥺]
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AFTER SCHOOL
In the gentle bustle that comes with students coming out of school, they wander the streets. They pass by their classmate Kazuki, playing his guitar for tips as Ichiban dances next to him. If they decide to stop by a cafe for a snack, they'll spot Temenos and Throné hanging out. Familiar faces, enjoying their youth.
Eventually, they part ways, going back to their homes and families. Arthur, to his parents; Gregor, to his mother and sister. A peaceful dinner, followed by studying and homework, and then bed.
And then, that night, they dream.]
NIGHT 1
ARTHUR
This being a dream, his memories of the day fade to the recesses of his sleeping mind, and though he doesn't fully grasp everything yet, he intuitively understands: here, he is a former soldier of Edoras, one of the mightiest countries on the continent. Once, he took pride in his duty, but over time, he has no longer been able to stomach the cruelties and whims of its current king, Pardis III. Pardis III is a tyrant, trampling over his own people as the poor grow poorer, executing his men for petty reasons, and waging senseless wars.
As a result, you fled from the army—though not before stealing an artifact from Pardis III, knowing that it'll cripple his war efforts. You don't know its precise nature, only that it is a ring that grants you powers. Arthur, you will know that, using the ring, you are capable of the following at will:
- healing mild-moderate injuries. think a level 1-2 healing spell
- summoning a sword shaped from the dark element
- generating mist to cover the area and obscure others' vision
(OOCly, there are no particular limits to how often you can use these powers.)
Your escape takes you to the neighbouring country of Riven, in the rural area. Unlike the rocky landscape of Edoras, Riven is full of grass and rivers. Perhaps the change in scenery will do your heart some good.
You can see a village in the distance, but even before that... you hear a noise coming from the nearby forest.]
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GREGOR
This being a dream, his memories of the day fade to the recesses of his sleeping mind, and though he doesn't fully grasp everything yet, he intuitively understands: here, he is a newly recruited soldier of Riven. Originally, however, he served in the army of a smaller, neighbouring nation, only for Riven to conquer it and absorb its surviving men into its own. How do you feel about it? Do you resent Riven for taking over, or do you simply focus on serving whoever your lord is, even if it changes? That is for you to decide.
If nothing else, you're still alive, as is your younger sister, Yuri. Your life could be better, but at least you have a job, rather than being left in the streets to starve. And despite everything, you've managed to hold onto a keepsake of your family—a ring they've long since guarded. You don't know its precise nature, only that it is a ring that grants you powers. Gregor, you will know that, using the ring, you are capable of the following at will:
- his bug arm is able to regenerate and change shape
- able to manifest electricity
- summoning thorns from the ground
(OOCly, there are no particular limits to how often you can use these powers.)
Acclimating to Riven's army could be harder, you suppose. You've been lucky in that one high-ranking soldier, Hermann, has taken a liking to you and helped guide you. She isn't captain of the army—that would be a man named Ichiban—but she's just about the closest thing after him.
You've dropped by your home, as humble as it is, to visit Yuri. Today, though, you must return to the barracks.]
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DAY 2
MORNING
You'll have to decide for yourself what you value in your post-secondary education.
Also, while you're at it, it's time to nominate a class valedictorian, who'll be giving a speech at your graduation ceremony. Your classmates are putting up a list of potential names, where you'll vote on one afterwards.
Temenos looks at Arthur dead in the eye and writes his name on the board as a nomination. After a pause, Rodya shrugs and writes Gregor's name there too for funsies.]
VOTING
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VOTE RESULT
Wow, Arthur is voted as class valedictorian. Congrats!]
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LUNCHTIME
Today, for lunch, your class is... having a pizza party! One of your classmates is feeling generous and providing for the class. Sorry, Arthur, you're not going on that date today. But also, theoretically, these days are not happening literally consecutively so you could've gone on a date with her by now...? Anyway.
They'll get about two different pizzas, keeping in mind people's preferences. What kind of pizza do you two like...
As everyone eats, hanging around the classroom, chatter among your friends starts up.]
[as i start to struggle keeping track of who your classmates are but anyway]
[You should probably not go to a casino for a graduation trip.
Still, a trip does sound like fun. You do get along well with your little group of classmates—you think of this year's cultural festival. At first, not a lot of people were enthusiastic, given how tiring senior year is without worrying about the silly things, but in the end, it was pretty fun. Your class did a maid/butler cafe. (You just try not to think about how it was the girls as butlers and the boys as maids.)]
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SWIMMING COMPETITION
But after school, you've got a swimming competition! Again, I must stress I don't know how swimming competitions work. One step on your road to the nationals. You'll be swimming in the order of Lovelace, Sinclair, Arthur, Gregor.
Lovelace nails her part of the relay, beating her opponent easily. Unfortunately, the momentum is lost with Sinclair, who loses to his.
Next up... You can chat a bit before doing your part of the competition if you want, but also, do a roll when you're up.]
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NIGHT 2
ARTHUR
But even in his dream, he is dreaming.
At first, you were eager to fight—to strike at this threat in defence of your nation, before they could grow too powerful. You thought you were fighting barbarians, uncivilized people who would devour Orsterra if they could. War, in that case, would be a noble cause.
And yet, the fighting is long and difficult. Even though the Edoras army is mighty, the Westerlings attack just as hard. On some days, despite the different uniforms, it becomes difficult to tell the corpses on the battlefield apart. The faces of your allies become almost indistinguishable from those of your enemies.
Eventually, you realize a hard truth—are you not all human? You're not fighting the monsters you thought you were. You are only killing people doing best for their own land, as you are. You can't even recall who actually fanned the flames of war.
Your blade grows heavy in your hands. You wonder if you can even bring yourself to swing it anymore, but you know you must. Hesitation on the battlefield will get you killed. Still, doubt weakens your body, guilt chaining down your arms. An enemy strikes at you, and you are too slow to react—
But Throné—your swift, faithful comrade, and above all your friend—isn't. She darts before you just in time, though not with enough to parry the blow. The blade goes through her gut, before she uses the last vestiges of her strength to slit the foe's throat.
"Are you okay?" she asks you, as though she is not the one bleeding out in your arms. You are unharmed, at least, but how could you ever answer that you're all right? You do not tell the truth, but you cannot lie either, as the light leaves her eyes.
After that battle, you desert the army.
Arthur wakes up, in the village inn.
He has spent many weeks here, by now. A part of him is wary to call any place home, lest he have to flee, but perhaps this village is the closest thing yet since his defection. The people here are largely kind and have welcomed him (sans Elizabeth, who has given him a wide berth, and yet seems to spy on him occasionally), and Opal has been a steadying presence—she, too, has stayed, if akin to a mildly feral cat sometimes ready to bite.
He leaves the inn and out into the morning sun. What does he want to do? He has a few options.
> Look for someone
> Go fishing
> Clear out any monsters lurking near the village
> Eat at the tavern
> Any other random action you can think of]
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GREGOR
But even in his dream, he is dreaming.
Riven takes over. What was your country is no more, held only together by its shambles. As Riven, as commanded by its king, goes on to conquer more, your country has been left in the dust. With no army left to fight for, you and Yuri fall into poverty. Life is difficult, as the two of you try to get by. Hunger claws at your bellies, and despair begins to creep in your mind.
The thought leaves a bad taste in your mouth, but ultimately, you resort to banditry. What other choice do you have, to keep your sister fed? You're not proud at all, using your skills to prey on those even more disadvantaged than you. Shame fills you every day, when you see the fear and contempt in people's eyes. This was never what you wanted to do with your life.
Yuri finds out, and finally, it's too much. You decide to do better, even if it means starting from the ground up again. With some luck, you manage to enlist in Riven's army, especially with a display of your skill. Those from your homeland might consider your act an betrayal—siding with the reason your home is gone—but you must do what it takes to survive, for you and Yuri both.
Gregor wakes up, in the army barracks.
It's been a week, so Ichiban should be back now. Gregor steps out to find him, heading into a hallway where a few of his fellow soldiers and other servants scurry round. A girl in pigtails is among them, as she gives Gregor a little wave.
> Inquire anyone
> Move along]
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DAY 3
UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE EXAMS
What kind of universities do you want to go to? Gregor, you wanted something nearby so that you could stay home and help provide for your family. Arthur, you weren't sure, debating whether to stick with familiar comfort or to broaden your horizons.
In any case:
Arthur wakes up feeling ill that morning. Oh no! That's what he gets for doing whatever an Arthur does, I guess. Still, it's not like he can push his exams to a later date, so off he goes.
He doesn't quite remember what he did during the first exam? He might've been a little delirious. There's a vague recollection of doodling in the margins, but he's pretty sure he at least wrote his name and attempted to answer a few questions correctly. Maybe it's better that he's wiped it from memory, though.
He's feeling better by the second university's exam, but somehow does just as poorly. All of the questions were too hard? Damn. He feels like an idiot now. There's no hope for the future...
And yet, by the final university's exam, he's feeling much better! Physically, that is. Emotionally, he goes in uncertain, but hey, he's already hit rock-bottom, so he has nothing left to lose. This mentality, ironically, allows him to fuckin ace this exam. He is in the ZONE. He walks out feeling pretty good about that one, actually.
Meanwhile, Gregor feels... equally shitty as Arthur. Like, literally equally. Your identical rolls, help me. In his case, he didn't catch a mysterious sickness; somehow, Rodya convinced him to sneak out in the middle of the night, on the basis that he would be too depressed from his terrible swimming at the competition to focus, so having some fun would cheer him up. They didn't meant to stay out that long, but one thing happened after another and there was maybe a chase down the street involved somewhere... you know how it goes.
Anyway, Gregor gets through a few questions in his first exam and then falls asleep at the desk.
On the bright side, while he definitely bombed that one, he means he's somewhat more refreshed for the second one! Unfortunately, teen angst hits him and he's still kind of out of it. There was an essay portion and he feels like he wrote some things in it that were perhaps too personal and not what the poor grader should have to read. It's fine.
Before the final university's exam, he manages to take a quick nap and thus feels much better. Also, maybe venting in the previous exam actually did help? He doesn't know if he did great just yet, but he feels like he didn't do awful. It's just a matter of how well everyone else did for that university, so fingers crossed.
Afterwards, the both of you meet up at a cafe for a late lunch. Some of your friends are optionally there if I decide to tag in, but otherwise, feel free to chat about your morning...]
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UNIVERSITY EXAM RESULTS
Arthur, you unsurprisingly did not get into two of them. With the third, however, you see your ID among those accepted. You did it! This was one of the universities you took a chance on—one far away from home, where you might not know anyone. It's terrifying, but maybe a bit exciting? You've been doing well these past few years, and perhaps that momentum will keep up.
Gregor, you unsurprisingly did not get into two of them either. With the third, however, however, you see your ID among those accepted. You did it! Imagine how awkward it would've been if only Arthur had gotten into one while Gregor had to spiral further into teen angst. In any case, this is a university close to home, so that you can commute from your house. It's not going to be the easiest way to spend the next years, juggling school and family and maybe a part-time job, but you're ready. You know where you're needed.
Afterwards, you both go home to your families. They cook your favourite things in celebration, proud of you for getting into university. All in all, you go to bed satisfied.
That night, they dream...]
NIGHT 3
ARTHUR
What was he doing last? He remembers that he was desperate to save someone, his ring responding to his call, but—who? Ah, power—he needs more power if he wants to accomplish anything.
The trickle of the river echoes distantly in his ears. Surrounding him are corpses, lying amidst the grass, that he vaguely recognizes as soldiers. And standing before him is a wary-looking woman, barely able to stand or to hold the sword in her shaking hands. (Were there more people here before? Well, better that they've left you.) She says something, but it's muddy in his mind, like words whose meaning he doesn't understand.]
Come on, Arthur...
[He should kill her, if she means to get in his way. He's strong now, his body transformed into that of a giant, wolf-like creature with powerful eyes and even sharper fangs and claws, but it's not enough. How can he protect anything if he's not strong enough? (He couldn't even protect ██████, in the war.) He needs more. Moremoremore—
In the distance, another voice calls out, that of a young man's.]
Hey, what's going on here?
[Another distraction, perhaps. Kill them all.]
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GREGOR
What was he doing last? He remembers that despair and hopelessness crept on him, his ring responding to his desire for salvation, but—who? Ah, power—he needs more power if he wants to accomplish anything.
Footsteps echo, the sound of people fleeing the scene. Surrounding him are corpses, lying amidst the grass, that he vaguely recognizes as soldiers. And standing before him is a timid-looking young man, pointing his weapon at Gregor. Everyone else has fled. (Something about this strikes Gregor with regret; there was, perhaps, someone he wanted dead more than anything.) The man, practically still a boy, says something, but it's muddy in his mind, like words whose meaning he doesn't understand.]
Gregor, snap out of it! I'm sorry for everything, just—please!
[He should kill him, if he means to get in his way. He's strong now, his body transformed further into that of a bug-like abomination, both of his arms sharp claws and wings sprouted from his back, but it's not enough. How can he assert his own will if he's not strong enough? (His own powerlessness has led him to ruin, and it may lead even ████ to it.) He needs more. Moremoremore—
In the distance, contrary to the other footsteps fleeing the area, one (or two?) set is coming closer.
Another distraction, perhaps. Kill them all.]
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DAY 4
NATIONALS
Before the competition starts, your team is bracing yourselves.
Sinclair looks to the two of you with a smile, wishing you luck. Meanwhile, your captain—]
[That's the wrong sports anime. It's fine.]
SWIM
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CHAT
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NATIONALS RESULTS
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GRADUATION CEREMONY
VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH
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CHAT
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N̴I̵G̵H̶T̵ ̵4̶ HELL
This time, you do not dream. Or rather, you were always dreaming, you now realize. That peaceful, happy life as a student—surrounded by family and friends, with a sport you were passionate over, where your greatest worries were getting into university, dates, or competitions—never existed.
You don't know why you dreamed of such a thing, when it's always been beyond your grasp, but it's time to wake up.
You are lost souls in Hell, bound here by your inability to find peace while alive. Driven by despair and fear, your desperation was twisted by power, your forms distorted into monsters that had to be slain. And now, you wander in limbo, still haunted by your regrets.]
ARTHUR
As you remain blind to your surroundings, trapped within your own mind, scenes play out over and over again. The war, Throné dying to protect you. Being caught as a deserter in the village, watching Opal nearly die. Turning on her, and almost killing her yourself.
At the same time, other flashbacks take a hold of you, of another life. Your role in the house, and your years of isolation. Your parents' deaths; the time you had to pick which lives to save, and which ones to leave for dead because you couldn't help them all. Your weakness, and the people who've gotten hurt because of it.
These things play endlessly in your head. What is that you see, that you feel?]
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GREGOR
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