realmofstories | Chapter 03: Act II

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Chapter 03: Act II

The Little Mermaid: Act II—

With all tasks completed and pearls collected, the Aspects are given a brief respite to heal any wounds and rest. But as night falls and the crystals begin to dim, all fall into a deep sleep and share a dream of the story that's beginning to unfold before them.

While the Little Mermaid was nervous about her trials, with the help of her grandmother she is able to succeed to clamp the oysters on her tail. Still curious about the humans, she chances a trip to the surface and happens upon a large ship holding a party. But a sudden storm causes the ship to capsize, forcing a man—the prince himself—to dive into the water. Not wishing for him to die, she quickly swims to him and tries to bring him to shore. It is no easy task due to his weight and the dangers attracted by the commotion, but they make it, the prince losing consciousness soon after.

When he awakens, the prince finds himself washed up onto the shore with no recollection of how he got there. He is quickly found by a lovely priestess and together the two of them begin an arduous climb from the beach up to the castle, learning about each other as they go.

Meanwhile, the little mermaid can't stop thinking about her prince, and wishes for a way to be with him despite the barriers between them. She travels to the sea witch to ask for a spell that would allow her to join the prince on land. However, after being told of the high costs of going onto land—including never seeing her family again, or never remembering them even if she did—the little mermaid decides to stay underwater...and bring the prince to her, at the cost of half her lifespan. The deal set, the two of them brew a potion that would bring the prince to the sea...

However, there would be more challenges awaiting for the mermaid princess. In the following days, the priestess is revealed to be a princess of a nearby kingdom. Delighted by the news, the prince's parents—the king and queen—host a grand ball in her honor. There is also hope that their son may fancy the princess, as a marriage between the two would be beneficial indeed. The princess already has interest in the prince, though be it romantic or something else is still unclear...

The dream fades with the lingering question of what the mermaid will do and who will end up winning the prince's heart. When the Aspects awaken, they will find themselves no longer in the ocean but in the castle itself and dressed to fit the new environment. No longer mermaids, they are now nobles, servants, or musicians and the grand ball is already underway. With the full moon hanging high overhead and clear, starry night skies, it's perfect for a romantic start of this Act. This time special marked doors indicate where those cast for specific scenes need to go.

Of course, danger still lurks outside the castle walls. There are whispers of pirates lurking nearby and the days ahead will be filled with secret trysts and clashes. The Aspects will also find that they are still able to transform into mermaids upon entering the ocean, but will not be affected while on land. Rooms and accommodations within the castle have also been prepared so that they may rest when needed. Rest that may be necessary for the challenges ahead.

§ instructions.

The second Act is underway! This is the designated log for all Main Scenes. Others are free to create their own top levels for the Sub Quests, which are detailed below. Each Main Scene has their own unique top level and those cast into the roles are to thread their scene under each. All scene instructions are provided in the top levels.

As a reminder, although this Act is primarily on land, characters can still transform into their merforms upon entering the ocean. As implied in the above narrative, they will only transform in the ocean. So feel free to finally take a bath, everyone!

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to enter certain doors 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.

§ sub quests.

Everyone is free to participate in the Sub Quests. There are no specific top levels, so you're free to incorporate them however you wish in your own top level.

¶ I. Attending the Ball. Pretty much exactly on the tin, and this is mainly for the first scene. Players can decide whether their character is just some random noble forced to dance on the floor or one of the servants, like catering or musician. It's possible for characters to switch it up if they want, and really they can do whatever. In addition to general attendance, there are some Erasers lurking around. Not many, but some "pest control" may be required.

¶ II. Trimming the Maze. The garden maze is a mess of rotting and withered hedges with danger lurking around every corner. Beware the "living" plant sculptures and the erasers. Characters can walk through it just for fun, but they will also be requested in both eliminating threats as well as trying to restore the maze. To help it flourish, singing or humming songs from the depths of one's heart will help the flowers and bushes grow. Playing musical instruments found scattered around will also help aid in the repair. There are also more traditional means with standard gardening equipment, fertilizer, fresh seeds, and some potted plants if anyone prefers that.

¶ III. Beach Cleanup. There is a lot of broken glass and trash scattered all over the beach and within the waters. Apparently the nobles who attended the party are just slobs. Help clear up the beach and deal with any rogue blots or Erasers. Beware of random pirates that may try to attack as well as other sea creatures that may try to attack. Care should taken around any particularly shiny shells as they are actually explosive to the touch.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Meant more that he'll have to figure it out the next time he's stuck in a dress. Velvet, teach him your ways.]

Yeah,can't say mine are all that great either.

[As more suddenly jump up from beneath the terrace onto the railing to try and surround them, Rokurou hops back closer to her and holds out his hand, a smirk forming.]

Should we show them how it's done?

[You know, with a nice, deadly "spin."]

[ Just because he's dressed as a girl doesn't mean he gets to learn all their secret weapon hiding spots. ]

Is it too much to ask for some stronger ones?

[ These are more like average daemons when they'd both prefer to be fighting some Code Red level ones. Even if their numbers are increasing.

When he holds out his hand, she places her right one in it as her left is still transformed. ]

You sure know how to show a girl a good time.

[Oh come on sharing is caring!]

I try my best. [A cheeky smirk as he slashes one Eraser that tried to get close and kicks it away.] Wouldn't want you to feel bored after all!

[He tightens his grip on her hand as he shifts his stance, a signal for her that he's ready. And when she is, he'll swing her almost rather elegantly around so that she can deal with the encircling Erasers. To make it even better, it's most in time to the music.]

[ Nope! ]

I'm more afraid of what you'd do if you were bored. [ As much as she enjoys a good fight, Velvet doesn't feel the need ot go pick one.

The only signal he gets is a squeeze to his hand and up she goes. Some of the Erasers get slashed by her claw and others get kicked in the faces. ]

[So cruel.

He just laughs in response to her statement before it's time to focus on the battle at hand. His swords disappearing, after a full revolution he pulls her back in for a proper spin, hand catching her waist as he grins.]

Very nice. Think you're ready for the lift?

[More like a toss up as he looks up at the Erasers clambering down along the wall.]

[ Once the ones surrounding them have either been annihilated or pushed back, Velvet allows her arm to go back to normal. Especially since Rokurou is pulling her in close again. ]

Whenever you are.

[ She momentarily debates kicking off her high heels but if she can fight in metal shoes, then these should pose no problem. ]

[Rokurou won't question her decisions, not really thinking about it.]

Up you go!

[He'll bend down a bit and hold out his hand to use as a step, and once she's in position he'll easily launch her high into the air to deal with the enemies above.

In the meantime, his swords will reappear in his hands and he'll deal with the ones that are crawling back onto the terrace, even switching to his gunblade to fire off a few shots to hasten the elimination. He's still aware of Velvet above him, but he's going to try and keep the are as clear as possible so he can catch her if she doesn't decide to land on her own.]

[ Velvet's careful not not stab Rokurou's hand with the heel when she steps into his hand. Then suddenly she's leaving the ground and him behind. She doesn't pay attention to what he's doing below, knowing he can take care of himself.

Instead she allows her daemon-wolf arm to form and tears through several of the enemies. Claws catch in the stonework of the castle, which Velvet takes advantage of by kicking a couple more off the wall so Rokurou can take them out.

That's when it happens. One of them comes up behind her, creeping along the wall and rips over four wounds on her leg. For her part, Velvet only grunts lightly in pain before letting go of the wall and closing her claws to grip the Eraser instead. The creature doesn't make it to the ground. ]

[Thank you for not stabbing his hand, that would suck.

Between the deathly wails from above and those around him, it's a wonder that no one inside has noticed what's going on. Or maybe the screams are just lovely accents to the music. In any case, Rokurou has to occasional glance up and step out of the way of any bodies or limbs that may escape Velvet's claw and fall nearby. There's also the matter of the "bloody ink" and ash that rains down on him, but he's already wearing black so it wouldn't matter if he got a bit splattered. Not that he would cared if he weren't—he's making a mess of his own down on the terrace, anyway.

After cutting down the last one and shoving it over the railing, he turns and looks up to Velvet to see how she's doing. For some reason the way she's going down...doesn't seem right and he immediately runs over to catch her.]

[ Quite honestly, Velvet's prepared to land hard on the ground. It wouldn't be the first time and while she may be hurt, it's just a small wound.

Except she stops well before she expects to impact and lands on something... softer. Well, softer than the ground. Warmer too. Looking over reveals that the something is actually someone. Thankfully it's not Rokurou's back like the time they came out of the earthpulse and she was actually standing on his prone form that was face down in the dirt. Velvet is cradled safely in his arms. ]

Thanks. Any left? [ Spoken as if she's not concerned about her wound, which she isn't. ]

Doesn't seem like it, looks like we scared them off.

[Yet even as he answers, there's none of his usual humor as he looks her over. Given the dim lighting, the distance, and potential carnage, it would have been difficult for him to notice her wound from afar, even with his daemon eye. But now that he had her in his arms, the marks on her leg are quickly made apparent.

He knew it.]

But looks like we're done for now, anyway.

[Even if he's not pointing it out, he's immediately turning to... ...Okay, maybe not straight into the ballroom. Last thing they need is to draw unnecessary attention. Fortunately there's some steps leading down, so they'll just take a small detour to get back in the castle to find a room so he can treat her.]

For now. I'm sure they'll be back.

[ Even without looking, she can feel his eyes on her and can tell it has nothing to do with "checking her out" and everything to do with checking her over. Velvet doesn't even try to hide the wound from sight and it doesn't look too bad.

A hand presses against his chest, ready to push him so that he puts her down except he's already moving. Not towards the ballroom but down the stairs. Still carrying her. Not how Velvet planned for things to go. ]

I can walk, you know.

With a wound like that? More like a limping hobble.

[It may not be the worst they've seen, but it's still bad enough. So nope, she's getting the princess treatment as he hurries down the steps and shoulders a door open. Hm...which room to try... Hopefully one has a bathroom attached or something.]

You're underestimating the strength of my legs.

[ Yet please notice that she isn't struggling because honestly, Velvet does not want to end up accidentally dropped. Plus she's well aware that Rokurou also has a habit of tossing people over his shoulder when they get fussy and fight him. That's something she'd like to avoid in this dress.

When it seems like he's hesitating over picking a door, she sighs and points to one at random. ]

Try that one.

—You do have strong legs, I can't deny that.

[No hidden meanings or anything, cough. But nope, he's going to be holding her until the bitter end so she is wise to not protest.]

Besides, you're currently a "noble lady." Can't let you walk like that.

[Bullshit, of course. but he goes through the door she indicated and what luck! It's... ... ...Yeah the room could probably use some cleaning but what are they to expect given the conditions. He'll set her down on the couch and start checking the doors—oh, jackpot, a bathroom!]

[ Knowing that protesting further won't do her any good, Velvet lets it drop. ]

"Noble ladies" don't fight monsters in the first place.

[ She's so far from being a noble lady that it's laughable. When she sees the state of the room, gold eyes glare at him as if daring him to put her on the dusty furniture. Which does her no good at all. The instant he leaves her though, Velvet shifts to perch on the arm of the couch. She won't sink into the cushions this way and get even dustier. ]

Is there anything in there that's clean?

[WOULD SHE RATHER THE BED.

Of course he'd ignore her glares. Besides, it's just until he gets something around her leg and he'd rather not go through every single room that's probably in the same state.]

Surprisingly, yes. [Voice a little distant since he's rummaging through before there's the sound of him testing the faucet.] Water's clean, too.

[After washing his own hands, he'll soak a hand towel in warm and carry out a few more back to her. He'll pause when he sees her perching on the arm of the couch.

...Wow, really. SHOULD HE HAVE PUT HIS COAT DOWN FOR HER???]

Comfortable?

[Just a slight smirk as he steps around to face her.]

[ WHAT ABOUT THAT CHAIR OVER THERE?

They don't have Phi healing their wounds up, she'd rather not have the wounds get dirtier from all of the dust laying around. ]

That's something to be grateful for. [ Getting an infection just because the castle is a mess would have been terrible.

Her gaze is fixed on the doorway when he reappears in it, frowning at him... or perhaps just at the situation.

ISN'T HIS COAT SPLATTERED WITH THE INKY "BLOOD" OF THE ERASERS? How would that have helped? ]

It'll be easier to treat this way.

[ Seeing as how the wound is horizontal on her thigh and was partially pressed into the cushion. Velvet holds out a hand, wondering if he'll actually hand over the towel for her to clean it or if he'll do it himself. She's not insisting - merely offering him an out. ]

[PRETTY SURE IT'S JUST AS DUSTY.

They just have to make do. Deal with it.]

It's only temporary, anyway. We can try and find where the medical supplies are after this.

[Better to clean this up and at least have something covering it now than wandering around for who knows how long and leave it exposed.

For a moment he does consider handing her the towel. Really, he doesn't have to do this for her, she's in a position that she could do so fairly easily. But instead of the wet one, he places the dry ones in her outstretched hand then drops to one knee to start cleaning the wound.

Yep. He's going to be annoying.]

[ SHE COULD HAVE DUSTED IT OFF.

Either way, it's too late to complain now. ]

The kitchen would be the most likely choice. To take care of any injuries that might happen when cooking.

[ Now Velvet almost wishes her dress were a bit longer to rip some bandages for it.

When he hands her the dry one, she blinks several times. By the time she realizes, Rokurou is already kneeling and pressing the wet one to the injuries. There's a sharp, short hiss at the initial rub but Velvet doesn't make another sound or attempt to pull away. It might sting but she knows it's necessary.

Velvet won't even kick him, just sigh. ]

[Although his coat was dirty, the shirt and most of his tie was actually fine. So that was most likely what he would end up using (who needed a tie, anyway).]

I don't think they'd allow us in if they saw us like this. Kotori would have a heart attack for sure.

[Just a light chuckle as he continued to press the wet towel around the wound. He is trying to be careful his touch surprisingly gentle, but there's only so much he can do. As he works, he's also studying it, seeing how deep it really is.]

At least it's not too deep. [And then another small laugh.] Funny how the Huntsman is taking care of the Wolf. [He glances up at her with a grin before he holds out a hand out for a dry towel.]

[ Maybe if the bathroom hadn't had clean towels and water they would have had to resort to using his outfit. ]

Guess it's a good thing I'm cleaning up now and not doing this in the kitchen then.

[ Velvet would rather have the wound cleaned thoroughly than Rokurou be too careful about it. Yet she does notice how gentle he's being. The fact that he knows how to tend injuries without artes isn't unusual, someone who fights as much as he does should know how to treat them. ]

I've had worse. [ Some of which he was present to see. ] You have to keep the Wolf alive until there's a hooded child and old granny to save. [ She passes it to him, just giving in to letting him take care of her for now. ]

[No fanservice stripping this time around.]

See? I knew exactly what I was doing.

[...Kind of. Was that even related? But he will be quite thorough, even wiping down her leg a little. Not completely cleaning—that would be weird. But just enough to be sure there wasn't anything else before he dries it off.

As he takes another dry towel, he sets it over the wound.]

Hold that for a second and I'll use my tie to tie it down.

Edited 2019-08-21 08:06 (UTC)

[ There's always next time. ]

We should still see what they have later. I doubt this place has any healing gels.

[ Do people here have something like healing artes? Weren't there potions of some kind in the bag they got upon arriving here? She might have had some in her belongings still.

At his words, Velvet rolls her eyes. ]

You hold it down. I'll tie it. [ Velvet reaches out to put a finger behind the knot of his tie and tugs gently until it comes loose. Then wraps it around her leg and towel several times to ensure that it covers all of the wound. ]

Not exactly, but they do have the potions.

[...Speaking of which he had left his bag back in the ballroom whoops. Would have really come in handy right about now.

Before he could even think about protesting, she's reaching out and pulling at his tie. Well. All right then. There's just a small look of amusement as its removed, and he'll lean back and retract his hand once she begins tying it around her leg.]

Looks good to me. [He then stands, reaching up to where his tie used to be and loosens the collar of his shirt a bit. Might as well.]

Going to insist on walking or should I carry you again? [He can guess the answer, but he can't help but tease a little.]

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