realmofstories | Chapter 03: Act I

The Little Mermaid: Act I—

§ instructions.

The first Act of our third campaign is underway! This is the designated log for all Main Scenes. Others are free to create their own toplevels for the Sub Quests, which are detailed below. Each Main Scene has their own unique toplevel and those cast into the roles are to thread their scene under each. All scene instructions are provided in the toplevels. There are also toplevels for each Sub Quest this time around, but players are more than welcome to create their own individual toplevel if they have something else in mind they would like to do.

As a reminder, characters will find similar information and instructions within their journals so they won't go in blind. Also to note, all characters will have all their belongings within them as well as the additional supplies provided to them by the Storyteller. As you know, everyone has undergone a special "mermaid" transformation upon arriving into the Book, but do note: characters in Main Scenes will have a second wardrobe change while acting the scene. Their merform will stay the same, but they'll have additional bits to add to their role. Outfits will be provided in the prompts themselves, and these outfits will only be in affect during the scene. The moment they leave the setting area, they return to their other wardrobe.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to travel to the "setting location" and then return. Threading all of that isn't necessary, but it's to help give a better idea that characters can take a break between scenes or wait a bit to help with other things like the Sub Quests.

Feel free to refer to the Game Notes for more detailed info as well as ask questions or clarifications.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That was the worst case, worst case! He really is fine! ....Except for maybe some large bruises but he's fine, totally fine.

So just another firm nod.

"Never been hit by a shark before, but it didn't feel as bad as being run over by a garbage truck."

...That's reassuring, right?

“A garbage truck?!”

Yeah, not really! Geez, where’s Shinobu to mother hen this guy into submission?

There's a dark expression on his face for a moment as he recalls the incident. Tch.

"Had a construction crane fall on me, too, but I just shrugged it off."

Literally. He literally shrugged it off.

"It was all because a stupid flea, don't worry about it."

As if anyone wouldn't worry after hearing something like that!!

..... Yeah, no, Kotori panic levels have reached critical mass.

“Are you crazy?! YES I’m going to worry about it! You could’ve been KILLED either of those times! You could’ve been killed just now! And even if you survive, that doesn’t mean your injuries don’t need to be looked at, Shizuo-san! What the HECK?!”

There is a genuine look of surprise. People were so used to his monstrous strength and looked at him as an inhuman being to begin with back home, usually the responses are of fear, awe, and something combined. No one really showed great concern because they knew he could handle it. So this is the first time he's had anyone show that kind of face or have that kind of expression towards him, which is why he isn't really able to respond for a while.

"Ah...sorry..." is all he manages to mumble a bit, still a little stunned.

Seeing Shizuo taken aback actually makes her pause and look away herself, face turning red with some shame.

“It’s...” Not OKAY, but... “Just... take better care of yourself. Please? I know you’re really strong and can handle a lot... but... well there are a lot of people here who care about you and want to make sure you stay safe too.”

SHE cares about him. SHE wants him to stay safe.

Her words only make him feel a bit more flustered and awkward, again not used to hearing those kinds of words. So there's a prolonged silence before he nods.

"...All right. But I really can handle it, you know? Besides it's better me than you or someone else getting hurt."

She looks at him again, shaking her head.

“No, it isn’t... Why...? Do you really think that, Shizuo-san...?”

Does he really think it’d be easier on any of them if HE got hurt instead?

He just looked at her simply.

"I'm physically stronger and can take a lot more damage than you can. I also can heal up faster, so it wouldn't hurt as much compared to if you were."

Shizuo then shrugged a little.

"So it's fine. I can at least use this strength for something useful if I can protect people I care about and keep them from getting hurt."

She takes in the words, the worry never fully abating.... but after a second or two of silence, the corners of her mouth curl up slightly.

"You're a really brave person, Shizuo-san... I'll try not to worry SO much, but... just remember that there are people that care about your well-being too. Okay?"

...Brave?

Doubt flickers across his features as he glances away.

"I wouldn't say that... Rather I'm not worth being called something like that."

He knows many others who are truly fitting of being called brave, thus he believes he shouldn't be placed on such a high stage as them.

She gives a gently exasperated shake of her head.

"You say that just after you saved me from a swarm of sharks. Or went back out that night to make sure Hyde didn't hurt anyone else. And a dozen other things, at least."

Even if it doesn't quite register to her yet that SHE just saved him from the sharks too just now.

"That's just a given. Doesn't have anything to do with being brave or whatever." He just scoffs a little in retort. "What you did back there was braver."

She's deciding whether to press the issue more or let it drop with an eyeroll, when he says THAT.

"I... really?"

And she really is asking. That's... the last word Kotori would ever describe herself with, or expect anyone else to. Hearing it from Shizuo, of all people?

"Yeah," he nods without any change in his expression.

"You were scared right? But you still tried to help me with that pot. Without it, it probably would have been bad, but...thanks to you, we were able to escape.

For me...I'm a coward, but I'm also used to fighting. But that's not the same for you. That's why, I think you were the braver one."

"I..."

Um... wow. She almost wants to argue, but... the words really do touch her heart. It takes a second for her to gulp, and she face is blushing and looking down in humility... but there's a brightness in her eyes too.

"Th-thank you... I'm just... glad I could help you out for once, since I rely on you so much. You're not a coward, Shizuo-san..."

"Mm...well... I don't mind if you need to rely on me, but I appreciate what you do, too. So...don't worry too much about it." There's just a small awkward scratch to his chin before he looks back towards the palace.

"How about we head inside before something else shows up."

He appreciates what she does. Those words... They settle in past her barriers of anxiety and doubt, make her feel... safe, competent. Wanted. How long has it been since she felt that deep enough in her soul that there was little room for doubt?

She's left staring in awe until Shizuo says they should move.

"A-ah, right."

A soft gulp, though, as they begin their swim.

"Shizuo-san? ... Thank you."

And not JUST for saving her.

There's a small glance back before a small smile appears.

"Mm."

Just one of his usual quiet sounds of assent. He is unaware of how his words have impacted the younger girl, or that her thanks is for more than just what transpired. But he's satisfied that she seems to understand his own words to her and is content with just that.

Chapter 03: Act I

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