The Haunter of the Dark

[animusmods]

Characters: Destiny String Players who signed up for the maze event.
Setting: Floor Forty-Nine
Format: Any
Summary: Find the source of the problem, a few hours after the mist starts to fill the tower.
Warnings: Dungeons, Mirrors and Mazes

It looked like this little 'game' might be drawing into a close soon enough. Whatever you were supposed to be here for, you had a feeling that the taunting voice was calling out specifically for you.

You're not too sure why and how you knew this was the floor you had to be on, but going in, you had a strange sense of dread. The type that sent chills down one's spine and hairs standing on end, warning you that you'd have to make sure to be ready before stepping in there. Hopefully others would soon with you...but the cruel laughter didn't seem to stop ringing in your ears as you stepped in.

A flash of light, and what was supposed to be just a mirror maze had shifted and changed. You all find yourself stuck in a strange bottled start. Glass walls separate everyone in groups that didn't seem to have a particular pattern. In fact the angles are strange and disorienting. Stare too long and you might get sick. They all seem to be leading out to mirror-like walls...and a maze filled with mirrors and no doubt other things...

...yet there was nothing to do but press on. At least, once you've talked to each other.

Comments

MINGLE

[animusmods]

[nofairy]

He was shaking. Why was he shaking? Link leaned up against one of the mirrors, trying to calm himself. He couldn't figure out why he was so scared, and even his Triforce mark seemed a little dim.

He could almost feel Epona nudging at him, trying to calm him. Maybe he should just wait here for a little bit before he pressed on.

[universebeware]

It's been some time since Brainstorm's felt this kind of fear. He's not sure whether this is better or worse than nearly dying at the hands of a creature hell-bent on eating his soul. He does know, however, that he does not have his briefcase to cling to, so instead, he'll opt for a gun.

He's sticking to the center of the room. The mirrors are freaky as hell for some reason and he wants to stay as far away from them as possible. Periodically, he'll turn his gun toward one in a jittery motion, and will likely wind up pointing it at someone else in the process more than once.

At least he's not shooting, though.

Yet.

[otakuro]

"Ngh..."

Apart from the brief hiccup of being forced to participate in some sort of bizarre ghost-hunt, the stay at the Tower had been frustratingly uneventful. Each floor offered its own trials, true - but nothing that the residents of this place hadn't seen before. He was beginning to doubt the assumed reason for their appearance here. Was there really even anyone to find?

With the arrival of the mist and the taunting voice, it seemed his doubts were put to rest. Atsuro arrives on the 49th floor and tries to quell the anxiety rising unbidden to his mind. His hands are balled into tight fists, his fingernails digging into his palms.

"...Nyarlathotep..."

[seasidecherry]

"There's a river running r-right before your eyes, a deep, wide river. Even if it's...even if it's deep and dark, you don't need to be afraid..."

Nagisa kept singing the same two lines of the same song over and over, even if her voice kept cracking now and again. She had been drawn here, too, glad that she'd been able to summon Euterpe and get some practice in with her Persona before now.

That didn't mean she wasn't scared, though. She couldn't help shaking, and she wanted to stay away from those mirrors. Nagisa had the feeling she wouldn't be able to do it forever, but she'd do it as long as she could.

[endless_journey]

This was wrong.

Even back home, when the world was in the middle of ending, Tsukasa hadn't really felt afraid. At least, not for himself. For Natsumi, maybe, but she was powerless against those monsters, and, in any case, she wasn't here and hopefully never would be. This is different. It's a feeling of terror, of self-preservation demanding that he run or he'll die without being given another chance.

The mirrors really weren't helping. He was the last person that he wanted to look at right now.

Too bad they're pretty much the only things there. Tsukasa leaned up against one, pressed his hand against his head, and closed his eyes, focusing only on his own breathing. He might have been successful in steadying his nerves if this wasn't the point that that androgynous voice had decided to turn its attentions to the Kamen Rider.

Are you sure that you can afford to just stand there, wasting time? I thought that your were supposed to be the one that was going to save your world. Looks like it'll just be destroyed though. It's their own fault, really, choosing a "savior" as pathetic as you.

Tsukasa tried to ignore it, but it was hard. He'd had those same doubts for awhile, now, but others commenting on it made it much more difficult to deny them.

I wonder what your young lady would think if she could see you now. Not that she could. She's probably long dead by now.

"Natsumi...!" His eyes were wide open again, not staring at anything in particular. For anyone that passed by, it would be obvious that Tsukasa wasn't doing well.

[blitzkriegzwei]

Dammit... this overwhelming feeling of anxiety was not conducive to good planning. There was something to be done on this floor, but what? Obviously, following the maze was a thing to be done. Maybe the reasoning behind the mist would be found here if the administrators had nothing to do with it. Currently, Ludwig was just leaning against a wall, arms folded, trying to settle his mind so he could get some coherent thoughts through it.

Group 1 - Kairi, Link, Atsuro & Adachi

[stringmods]

As you enter the maze, a giant wall blocks your way, forcing you to go left. However you quickly realize that the path branches off in two directions; forward or right.


As you look around for visual clues on which path might be the correct one, the mirrors seem to look back at you. Did that reflection move a little after you?

...hard to say right now.

[Order is Kairi, Link, Atsuro & Adachi. Everyone chooses a direction where to go IC, and at the end, you move in that one. We suggest staying together as much as possible.]]

[princessofheart]

[Introductions done with, the four moved onward into the maze, unsure of what really to expect. Kairi is holding a small ball of light in her left hand, trying to provide some additional illumination in the dreadful and dark hall of mirrors. Soon they hit a branch in the road, and Kairi pauses with a small frown on her face.]

Straight or right, guys? My vote is for right-- I don't know if it'll work for this maze, but normal mazes are all set up so that if you keep your hand on the right wall, you'll eventually get to the end. And just to be safe...

[Kairi summons Peepsta Hoo forth, using 'Enemy Radar' to see if there were any monsters approaching from either direction.]

Group 2 - Garviel, Dakki, Aqua, Shinjiro & Naoto Shirogane

[stringmods]

As you enter the maze, you quickly realize that there's already a choice offered. Left or right?


As you look around for visual clues on which path might be the correct one, the fog around you seems to be even thicker than in the building. At least it doesn't seem to be affecting you for now, but it does make not stepping on each other harder.

[Order is Garviel, Dakki, Aqua, Shinjiro & Naoto Shirogane. Everyone chooses a direction where to go IC, and at the end, you move in that one. We suggest staying together as much as possible.]]

Re: Group 2 - Garviel, Dakki, Aqua, Shinjiro & Naoto Shirogane

[greyerrant]

I think it best to go right. [ Rumbles the huge figure in grey armor, his form positively blending into the fog, a giant lost in the strangeness of this place. ]

Group 3 - Ferrus, Nagisa, Ludwig, Kazuya

[stringmods]

One one direction for you to follow for a while. Something you notice is how eerie the silence is, compared to all of the noise that had been in the tower, and the evil, laughing voice. A little too quiet, actually...


As you look around for visual clues on which path might be the correct one, the mirrors seem to look back at you. Did that reflection move a little after you?

...hard to say right now.

[Order is Ferrus, Nagisa, Ludwig & Kazuya . Everyone chooses a direction where to go IC, and at the end, you move in that one. We suggest staying together as much as possible.]]

[technomaturgist]

Ferrus was not very happy about a lot of things right now. Being separated from Rune, Garviel, and Kais was one of those things - but the mirrors reflecting him and everything around him - including that choking fog, that made him glad for his mask - were disconcerting. In his experience with Chaos and insanity, mirrors had been a fixation of more then one cultist or crazy person. The fear was unappreciated, as well - but that was something Ferrus could power through. Irrational fear wouldn't dissuade him from doing what he needed to do.

Even so, this didn't mean he was remotely excited for what came ahead. He set a pace of walking, for the time being - he was tensed to run if necessary. When they arrived at the bend, he considered for a moment - what was the rule he'd been told for mazes? Follow the right wall? "...We should go this way," he offered, pointing to the path that jutted off of their current direction. Because hey. Mirror mazes required some modicum of sense.

Group 4 - Sam, Brainstorm, Hizumi, Rune & Tsukasa

[stringmods]

Oh you know that this one is going to be a pain.


Already three choices offered to you. Upward, left or right? As you look around for visual clues on which path might be the correct one, the fog around you seems to be even thicker than in the building. At least it doesn't seem to be affecting you for now, but it does make not stepping on each other harder.

[Order is Sam, Brainstorm, Hizumi, Rune & Tsukasa . Everyone chooses a direction where to go IC, and at the end, you move in that one. We suggest staying together as much as possible.]

[primordial]

[Ugh, this place is unnerving, even for something like him. Sam sniffs slightly, peering at the paths as best as he can through the dense fog.]

If only I could see...

[He makes a move towards the left, trying to see if there's anything off about the direction, before turning towards where he thinks the others are, based on the dark shadows nearby.]

Spot anything, you guys?

Group 5 - Shas'la Kais, John Silver, Naminé & Pharos

[stringmods]

As you enter the maze, you quickly realize that there's already three pathways open to you. Two on the left and one directly in front.


As you look around for visual clues on which path might be the correct one, the mirrors seem to look back at you. Did that reflection move a little after you?

...hard to say right now.

[Order is Shas'la Kais, John Silver, Naminé & Pharos. Everyone chooses a direction where to go IC, and at the end, you move in that one. We suggest staying together as much as possible.]]

[greatergone]

TO solve a maze, all we need to do is follow the wall on the right hand side.

[It may be a little difficult but it was slightly helpful.]

I'm going straight.

[He was a loner anyway so he wasn't much for group activities.]

Group 6 - Yosuke, Arturia, Dark Pit & Yamato

[stringmods]

All three directions are open to you.


Who knows where each one leads, but as you look around for visual clues on which path might be the correct one, the fog around you seems to be even thicker than in the building. At least it doesn't seem to be affecting you for now, but it does make not stepping on each other harder.

[Order is Yosuke, Arturia, Dark Pit & Yamato . Everyone chooses a direction where to go IC, and at the end, you move in that one. We suggest staying together as much as possible.]

[bakegarasu]

[Otoha has his sword out, expression grim as he looks around. A few options, huh? ... Dammit, he was never good at mazes. He looks back at the group of people he'd run into and shrugs.]

Anyone got any ideas?

Group 7 - Samus, Nikolai, Eikichi

[stringmods]

As you enter the maze, a giant wall blocks your way forward, forcing you to go either left or right.


As you look around for visual clues on which path might be the correct one, the mirrors seem to look back at you. Did that reflection move a little after you?

...hard to say right now.

[Order is Nikolai, Samus,& Eikichi. Everyone chooses a direction where to go IC, and at the end, you move in that one. We suggest staying together as much as possible.]

[doesasordered]

<]>This was not going to be good, but Nik hoped this would go fast enough before any huge problems arose. He turned to his two teammates.]

I'm not sure what we can do here other than pick a direction. However, does anyone have something like a pen or marker on them? Maybe we can mark our route.

CONTINUED FOR TEAM 1

[animusnpcs]

[You feel sick to your stomach here. Despite how pretty the place is as you walk forward, there's an unending nerve of dread...fear...pain...despite your best efforts, you're trembling. You shouldn't be here, this shouldn't be happening...but there's no exit. Just a giant stunning gazebo surrounded by walls of mirrors.

You can hear someone at the piano, playing. It's somewhat upbeat, but unquestionably creepy. As you get closer, you realize it's a girl...well at least you think it is...

At first she doesn't seem to notice you are here, as her head moves back and fro to the sound of the music, lost in the music's sway, fingers touching the keyboard in rapid succession. It takes all of your energy not to just run away, somehow.]

So you are the first to arrive...the Sun, the Star, the Emperor, and the new world Fool...

[She's not looking at you yet, continuing the song.]

...should I congratulate you? The game has been enjoyable so far. Yes...all the chaos you've sown by your presence in this world...

[Finally, the music stops. Once she turns around, you realize that's it's that lady you meet when you first came to this tower... Ruana...




...no. Wait. That can't be right. Somehow it feels wrong.]

You all played your part rather wonderfully. The pandemonium that sprung forth and the seeds of doubt you've planted here will echo for years to come. That is...if there are years left...Quite an interesting place, wouldn't you agree? Why, I believe its inhabitants are learning something about themselves at this very moment, created by a slight distraction that wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for all of you...

[The voice doesn't fit. It has an edge, distorted sound that you don't remember her having. Neither was that terrible smirk plastered across her face. Where her eyes always this bright, inhuman yellow?

Somehow it's even hard to speak here. And she seems to know that.]

Ha! You should see the look on your faces! Now say something!

new order: kairi -> adachi -> atsuro -> link

[princessofheart]

[Adachi might feel Kairi's grip on him tighten slightly, her body starting to shake a little with anger that had been accumulating since they arrived. Beyond that, the oppressive fear that the room seemed to press down on them in tons didn't help in the slightest for her nerves. She opens and closes her mouth a few times as she tries to muster up something to say to Ruana-- or was it Nyarlathotep? Whatever was going on and whoever this was, she had quite a few words to say to you, miss(ter).]

....Hello.

[She finally manages to get out one word against the taxing atmosphere, expression practically seething.]

Teams 2 & 7 together

[animusnpcs]

[You feel sick to your stomach here. There's another group with you, standing close. Despite how pretty the place is as you walk forward, there's an unending nerve of dread...fear...pain...despite your best efforts, you're trembling. You shouldn't be here, this shouldn't be happening...but there's no exit. Just a giant, terrifying gazebo surrounded by walls of mirrors.

You can hear someone at the piano, playing. A slow song, its player seemingly quite into it. As you get closer, you realize it's a man...well at least you think it is...

At first he doesn't seem to notice you are here, as his head moves back and fro to the sound of the music, lost in the music's sway, fingers touching the keyboard in rapid succession. It takes all of your energy not to just run away, somehow.

And if you only knew this scene was being played out for the other groups, you'd wonder how this was possible...but it's not like you'd know.]

People, chained by monotony, afraid to think, clinging to certainties... they live like ants.

[What does that even mean?]

Now, now, and what a group of ants to crawl into this lair! An Emperor, a Magician, the Hierophant, a Star, the Wheel of Fortune, Strength and not one but two who carry Death in you.

[He's not looking at you yet, continuing the song...but there's a smile that creeps in his face, making a chill run down. This is more than simple fear; it's like gazing into the face of terror itself.]

So I ask you, how have you been enjoying this little piece of hell so far? The game has been rather enjoyable for me. How do you feel, knowing that your trip here will change absolutely nothing to this place? But the chaos you've sown! Ahh, what delightful little sounds...

[Finally, the music stops. Once he turns around, you've heard of this guy. Jason right?...

...no. Wait. That can't be right. Somehow it feels wrong.]

Ants at war, trying to stir the hornet's nest. You've find this place much worse than you could have imagined...and to think! There are even worse places in this multiverse where you could have ended up...so count yourself lucky! You were quite fortunate after all! Even now, the echo of your actions are causing its inhabitants to learning something about themselves at this very moment, a slight distraction that wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for all of you...

[The voice doesn't fit. It has an edge, distorted sound that can't possible be human. Neither was that terrible smirk plastered across his face. Were his eyes always this bright, inhuman yellow?

Somehow it's even hard to speak here. And he seems to know that, as he crosses his arms, the grin never leaving his face.]

Ha! And still you keep quiet! You'd think at least one of you would have said something by now!

[OOC - Order is by whoever tags first, and we go down this way. Every two days there will be a new mod tag if not everyone has tagged, until we get to the end.]

[greyerrant]

[ Loken doesn't bandy words with inhuman monstrosities from beyond. He just kills them. And so, when he asks for response from Loken, Garviel responds EXACTLY like an Astartes is meant to. Crosshairs are superimposed over "Jason" with his occulobe/helm linkup, mated to the targeting on his bolter, and Loken smoothly raises the weapon, and squeezes the trigger.

He lets the bolter do the talking for him. Fear will strike him. Terror will grip him, but he will not let the darkness of this place enter into his soul, he won't waste time with this thing. There is only the mission, and his adamantine-hard determination and defiance. The man that stood against the Warmaster, the conqueror of the galaxy, now stands against this petty manipulator. He he defies him with blade in one hand, boltgun in the other, charging even as he fires, the only reason his charging fire is at all accurate is because of just how well-designed the posthuman warrior is. ]

Teams 3 & 6 together

[animusnpcs]

[You feel sick to your stomach here. There's another group with you, standing close. Despite how pretty the place is as you walk forward, there's an unending nerve of dread...fear...pain...despite your best efforts, you're trembling. You shouldn't be here, this shouldn't be happening...but there's no exit. Just a giant, terrifying gazebo surrounded by walls of mirrors.

You can hear someone at the piano, playing. A slow song, its player seemingly quite into it. As you get closer, you realize it's a man...well at least you think it is...

At first he doesn't seem to notice you are here, as his head moves back and fro to the sound of the music, lost in the music's sway, fingers touching the keyboard in rapid succession. It takes all of your energy not to just run away, somehow.

And if you only knew this scene was being played out for the other groups, you'd wonder how this was possible...but it's not like you'd know.]

The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear...

[He continues to play, ignoring them. In fact, you seem to be unable to move...]

And from this fear, ignorance, doubt, revenge, anger and innocence were born...are you enjoying this world's examples?

[Still, there is not an inch of acknowledgement towards them, just in voice only, continuing the song...but there's a smile that creeps in his face. This is more than simple fear; it's like gazing into the face of terror itself.]

Now now, with all of you here, shall I list off all your fears, secret desires and that which you loath? And what a group you all make! A Hierophant, two Stars, two Emperors, a Chariot, a Tower and Death!

And now, the curtains rise on your next task? Or is it simply for my own amusement? Haha! What a question you must be all asking yourselves now...what should you do? How can you save this place?

[Finally, the music stops. Once he turns around, you've heard of this guy. Dax right?...

...no. Wait. That can't be right. Somehow it feels wrong.]

And to think, none of this would have been possible if you hadn't shown up here! The little push, applied to the correct few, now THAT is true science. Count yourselves lucky! You could have ended up in a far worse place, should it have decided so. But even now, while we converse idly, your arrival caused a chain reaction making its inhabitants to learn something about themselves and suffer for it...and it will get much worse...it's just too bad there's nothing you can all do about it. All this knowledge and nothing to apply it for!

[The voice doesn't fit. It has an edge, distorted sound that can't possible be human. Neither was that terrible smirk plastered across his face. Were his eyes always this bright, inhuman yellow?

Somehow it's even hard to speak here. And he seems to know that as he raises a hand, almost pushing them away, the grin never leaving his face.]

Having problems speaking? Now now! Where is that legendary courage that is supposed to be overflowing from Philemon's chosen?

[OOC - Order is by whoever tags first, and we go down this way. Every two days there will be a new mod tag if not everyone has tagged, until we get to the end.]

[technomaturgist]

[ The sense of forboding or of oppression is strong with this one, Ferrus notes to himself. It's hard to speak here, certainly, but Ferrus refuses to be tied down by that - especially at the taunting. He's forcing himself to speak, to talk into his voxes so they can say his voice.

He really doesn't give a shit about your gloating, though, Nyarly. He can tell you're thriving on suffering.

wait what was that about fears and secret desires ]

You're... Nyarlathotep. The one we've been seeking. ...Right?

[ Best to confirm before he tries to shoot you. Even if you're already a dick. ]

Teams 4 & 5 together

[animusnpcs]

[You feel sick to your stomach here. There's another group with you, standing close. Despite how pretty the place is as you walk forward, there's an unending nerve of dread...fear...pain...despite your best efforts, you're trembling. You shouldn't be here, this shouldn't be happening...but there's no exit. Just a giant, terrifying gazebo surrounded by walls of mirrors.

You can hear someone at the piano, playing. A slow song, its player seemingly quite into it. As you get closer, you realize it's a man...well at least you think it is...

At first he doesn't seem to notice you are here, as his head moves back and fro to the sound of the music, lost in the music's sway, fingers touching the keyboard in rapid succession. It takes all of your energy not to just run away, somehow.

And if you only knew this scene was being played out for the other groups, you'd wonder how this was possible...but it's not like you'd know.]

Chaos was the law of nature. Order was the dream of man...

[He continues to play, ignoring them. In fact, you seem to be unable to move...]

And what a wonderful, if deluded dream it has been! In an attempt to create order, he imagines a social order, creating in its wake fear, oppression, revenge, a cycle that continues to echo across the vast multiverse...

[Still, there is not an inch of acknowledgement towards them, just in voice only, continuing the song...but there's a smile that creeps in his face. This is more than simple fear; it's like gazing into the face of terror itself.]

What a varied group of dreamers! An Emperor, a Strength, a Death, not one but two Towers, a World, a Magician, a Hermit and a Devil! Ha ha, how amusing! Your goals are quite different each each other...if only all these secrets were to be made bare, hmmm? How would you look at the others standing before you?

And now, you all stand before me! Confused about what you should do, your ignorance is my own strength. How can you save this place?

[Finally, the music stops. Once he turns around, you've heard of this guy. Riki right?...

...no. Wait. That can't be right. Somehow it feels wrong.]

This place is more like a nightmare than a dream isn't it? I'm afraid it's quite real, and even after you leave, nothing will change. Nothing but a footnote in the grand scheme of things...how do you feel about that? And what poor misguided fools you've all been...or at least, some of you!

[The voice doesn't fit. It has an edge, distorted sound that can't possible be human. Neither was that terrible smirk plastered across his face. Were his eyes always this bright, inhuman yellow?

Somehow it's even hard to speak here. And he seems to know that as he raises a hand, almost pushing them away, the grin never leaving his face.]

Now then, dreamers! Shall you attempt to pierce this reality and say something, or shall I continue to play until this world is utterly destroyed?

[OOC - Order is by whoever tags first, and we go down this way. Every two days there will be a new mod tag if not everyone has tagged, until we get to the end.]

[pistolsakimbo]

[Rune let out an alarmed noise, scared -- no, terrified -- on the inside. Something about this guy was horrifying... like confronting the final boss at the beginning of the game, when all your characters were still level one. She settled her hands on her guns, each still in their holsters, but ready to draw them at a moment's notice.]

You're the one responsible for us being here, aren't you? Show your real face! That one obviously isn't yours!

[Like, seriously, dude; if you're going to mimic someone, at least get their behavior right. Not to mention their eye color.]