PSEUDO-UNITSWAP GAME

[opening_act]

Who: Calling all units
Where: To the game tower and back
When: Day 215, Afternoon

[ When you find yourself in the game tower elevator, Exael's hologram is stage-whispering, one hand aside her mouth as she leans in like she's sharing a secret. ]

Shhh, shhh, everyone let's not spoil the surprise! I can't wait to see them, all topsy-turvy and mixed up, and in all new cute stage outfits too! It's a challenge for all our idols, all of them given each other's scripts. Anyway, it's starting soon, so let's dim the lights and start the show!

[ And her hologram vanishes, as the elevator comes to a halt. And lets you off… in your own dorm? But something's different. Something is very different.

Your phone vibrates, and you can see your lives and aesthetic have been temporarily reassigned. ]

Comments

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Same feel, Shrike. Same feel. Wearing this, by the way.]

You can fix the lack of a sword easily enough.

[softlyfalling]

Ah... I do have one that Harpy bought me some time ago, it's true. I guess I wouldn't have thought too much of carrying it a couple months ago, but I think that sort of thing makes people nervous...?

You look like you're enjoying yourself.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Even when you're wielding it?

Then what about a parasol. I'm sure you'd be efficient enough with that.

[Angel does well enough with her flag, after all.

And yes.

Yes Intensity is enjoying himself very much.]

[softlyfalling]

[ deadpan: ]

Well, I wouldn't want to infringe on my best friend's territory.

1/3

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

I don't know who your best friend---

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Is.

...

[💡]

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Yes. Can't steal their MO. That could get awkward.

[softlyfalling]

Besides, I couldn't hope to do any better than him with it.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Taps his chin thoughtfully]

Then we'll have to think of something else for the new Taisho you.

[softlyfalling]

[ she—laughs? yeah, she laughed? ]

Maybe one of those really large brush pens.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[... Cute]

It has potential. Especially if you wield it like a lance.

How big were you thinking?

[softlyfalling]

Hmm...

[ she makes a gesture just a bit above her own elbows. ]

Don't they make them about that big for doing calligraphy for banners?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Make an approving (if somewhat noncommittal) sound]

Wielded like a mace or lance?

[softlyfalling]

[ she looks thoughtful, for a moment, and makes a handful of small experimental gestures with her hands. ]

Maybe more like a quarterstaff or a spear...

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Well versed in bludgeoning as well as piercing.

So tell me.

What was your weapon of choice back home?

[softlyfalling]

...well, avante's pretty spot-on for that; my best weapon's always been the sword.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

And your fighting style? Is avante also spot on for that?

[softlyfalling]

...well, it's certainly not wrong, no.

To think I didn't think I fit in very well at first.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Congratulations on being here long enough that you're now a fixture of your unit.

[softlyfalling]

Ahaha... so that's how it goes, I guess.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

What's the matter, Lady Knight? Embarrassed?

[softlyfalling]

...no, I don't think so, just...

[ "hey shrike, don't you know what your own emotions are?" ha ha ha that's a good one ]

Sort of snuck up on me, I suppose.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

I see you're giving yourself little to no credit.

[softlyfalling]

It'd be a bit off-brand if I did, though, wouldn't it?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Touche.

Is that your character arc then?