(no subject)

[opening_act]

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 ]

Comments

[we_meet_again]

Unfortunately not. The best we can do is focus on the things we can do, and do it the best we can.

But you're not alone, Wednesday. We're all in this together. We all help each other out.

[wonderlandgirl]

... what do you do at times like this, Cobalt? Do - I coudn't protect them. Do you think Hiryuu would even want to look at me right now?

[we_meet_again]

I think times like this is when it's even more important to let people know we care. I don't think Hiryuu will be mad... Honestly, I think she might appreciate having friends right now.

[wonderlandgirl]

I... if there's anything I can do to help her, I want to try. Help anyone, not just Hiryuu. Even if I couldn't protect them the way I wanted to... I want to do something. I can't just stand here and - and cry at them...

[How much use is that going to be?

[She scrubs at her eyes. Pull yourself together.]

[we_meet_again]

Mmm... Think about the things that you might appreciate when you're feeling sad. A hug, a distraction, a shoulder to cry on, or just some friendly company... Those can all go a long way. Just letting people know that you're there and you care about them can be a really big help.

[wonderlandgirl]

And... that's all?

[She could do that--

[Can it possibly be that simple?]

I - I mean, that's really really all? They won't think I'm... I wouldn't just be being a nuisance?

[we_meet_again]

I really doubt they would, but if you're worried about it you could always do something like keep the visit brief, or play it by ear and give them some space if they look like they could use it. Sometimes people get tired after games like this so don't take it personally, if they do.

[wonderlandgirl]

Some people...

[Wednesday laughs weakly, she shakes her head.]

I don't think I could take that personally. I... think I might be one of them, Cobalt. I'm absolutely exhausted.

[we_meet_again]

It really is a lot, isn't it!

Make sure you remember to take care of yourself, too.

[wonderlandgirl]

It's... yeah. It's a lot.

Maybe I should just go to bed. I'm not much use to anybody like this. Probably not even me.

[we_meet_again]

Getting some rest could help. If you have trouble sleeping tonight, we have a stash of sleeping potions you're welcome to. Those'll do it.