imeeji_frontstage | (no subject)

Who: Exael and the Unlucky Contestants
Where: The Game Tower
When: 86, Evening

[ Between one step and the next the walls (or streets, or open air) around you changes. The sight before you is a room inside the game tower, a new pressure at your neck. Reaching up or looking at the people around you reveals it to be a collar, titanium with a small green blinking light set in the center. ]

[ the screen flickers on, on your cellphone. It's a half-second, blink and you miss it— Exael, chewing on a nail, looking uncharacteristically nervous— then the moment's gone and she waves both hands and smiles for the camera. ]

"Ladies, gentlemen, honored guests! Units of all stripes and sizes! I come offering you a game and a few familiar words, rearranged for the occasion!"

Her carnival barker demeanor shifts for a moment as she lowers her head to say: ] "Glory to the highest, and on earth peace—" [ her head snaps up, her pigtails bouncing with it, and she's grinning again, all pomp and energy ] "even if we're not getting much down here! So let's kick up a ruckus, put on a show, and see how much good goodwill alone can manage! If you wish to save your fellows, now is the time speak!"

[ The rules appear on your phones. ]

[ Rules ] [ Rooms ] [ Results ] [ Endgame, Revivals & Winners ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Ah-- of course it's a surprise.

Though in this situation it's hardly surprising that someone might act out of the ordinary. Not after what they just went through. He's happy to offer himself as a means of balance and support.]

I'm not so sure.

[He hadn't been able to help the man before him. He hadn't voted to protect his unit, either. The results of not voting in favor of a particular unit are clear now, too. That lack of vote, however, did not reflect his feelings toward the unit, or the fact that he never wanted this for him, them, and anyone else.]

I can heal you if there are wounds still that need tending to...

No- there's nothing to heal anymore.

[ drops her face to nuzzle her wet cheek against his fingers. her crying has slowed, though she's still hiccuping a bit ]

You must feel so- guilty.

[He-- isn't sure how to react at first or how best to comfort him, a little surprised when he nuzzles against his hand.

He must...truly be traumatized. Even if the tears are beginning to ebb. Helplessly, one hand slips free to gently pat him atop the head.

. . . Although what he says at the end is an understatement. Stomach churning, he glances down, brows knit and fangs clenching. He swallows thickly before managing a reply.]

I am...grateful that my unitmates were spared. [He can't feel bad about that, because he wants to protect them.] But I....... I am very upset.

[He wanted to save her. He had voted to save her and would have gladly taken her place. But in the end, it...didn't make a difference.]

[ a watery smile ]

Who- did you choose?

I chose Heart Soldier Senshi.

[For the obvious reasons.]

But I was outvoted.

[He's still looking rather rough about that fact.]

Outvoted... Who does sensitiv want to protect so much more?

[It feels cruel to say to him when he wasn't saved himself.]

Taisho... [An apologetic glance. He's sorry.] And Wild City.

[It should be obvious which one won out in the end.]