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Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Sept 6, 2023 21:55:24 GMT
[Chapter 1 Requested by Lyric]
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 6, 2023 23:20:01 GMT
Lyric finds herself sitting out on the back patio, guitar in hand, noodling away at an incomplete melody that's been giving her some difficulty. The weight of their situation is finally starting to sink in, and it's all Lyric can do just to decompress, despite normally being a fan of fast-paced situations. Nothing has ever been this harrowing for them.
Deep down, she's secretly hoping she'll have someone to talk to. Perhaps someone who needs the occasional smoke break?
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 23:44:44 GMT
Raphael took a moment to pull out into the back patio, reaching for a cigarette when she noticed Lyric was about, stringing on their guitar. “Oh, hello, Lyric. You don’t mind, do you?” She gestured to the cigarette she had just pulled out, figuring it would be polite to ask considering the closeness of their vicinity.
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 7, 2023 0:15:47 GMT
"Ah, Raphael, good to see you." Lyric had tried to remain jovial and performative, but the crack in her voice probably didn't fool anyone. "No, I don't mind. Light up, and let's talk. Um, if the music gets distracting, let me know and I'll stop." They began playing a simple fingerstyle pattern, moving through a couple different chords just to keep both of her hands occupied.
"So . . . that was quite the revelation earlier, huh? Think you're on a simple reality show about living in a house with a bunch of strangers . . . I knew there'd be more to it, but murder? That kind of thing only happens in fiction, right? It's beginning to sink in that that bastard sitting in his dingy apartment insulated from all this is actually serious."
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Post by Safy on Sept 7, 2023 18:06:56 GMT
The woman nodded as she lit her cigarette, “right? I did notice some oddities with this game the moment that man showed up. I couldn’t have….predicted this scenario.” She sighed, “I have seen a lot of “death game” scenarios in movies, thought to think that these things can happen in real life.” Her tone became very annoyed, “and they’re just allowed to casually stream it? What kind of dystopian hell story is that, how do you even get that legalized?!”
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 8, 2023 1:22:28 GMT
"Indeed, that part really weirds me out. The way I see it, this is either a thinly-veiled, not-funny-at-all prank gimmick, we're dealing with one or multiple powerful entities who think they can get away with something like this, or maybe everyone producing this show is desperate; willing to go down in a blaze of glory. . . . Um, sorry. There are too many fire-based idioms and I-" Lyric shut their mouth tightly before they could insert their foot any further.
"So, you seem to be getting along well with lots of the people here," Lyric comments, "And I noticed even the most initially cut-throat of the contestants are simmering down. That's good--I want us all to cooperate. Honestly, I no longer feel right about my original reason for applying to the show . . . " Lyric looks down in embarrassment before continuing, "I know I'm nobody special, but it almost feels like they did this deliberately to challenge me."
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Post by Safy on Sept 8, 2023 17:04:23 GMT
Raph sighed not sensing any sort of bad intentions, “It’s…. Fine.” She moved on, “Though, I don’t think this is a prank, at this stage it feels too…well, planned out for that. I could see this being a desperate….’marketing measure’ though from someone with nothing to lose, perhaps you do have a point on that last part.”
“The people here are very strange indeed almost purposefully so, I know Hisoka was kidnapped and forced to participate which doesn’t make sense if there were so many applicants, and well, initially, I myself was approached and asked to participate.” She shrugged, “I can promise you, there’s even less special about me as a P.I. for a small self owned firm in a small town. It’s all definitely not coincidental…. And honestly, at this point cooperation is important, especially with well….certain rules in place. Though it still is a competition at the end day, and one of the rules for points even blatantly encourages us to be at each others throats.” Referencing the starting drama rule, “Which seems like a very obvious way of attempting to drive us apart. I wouldn’t have high hopes this small peace to remain the case for long.”
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 8, 2023 21:35:12 GMT
Lyric nods. Getting to vent feels pretty nice. She responds, "Yeah. Honestly, they've probably figured out how to insulate themselves from any repercussions, whether or not they're desperate. They supposedly have a legal team, after all. There's probably a bunch of stuff in the forms we signed that absolve them of responsibility. I can even see it now: 'All we did was lock them in a house for 100 days. We had no idea they were gonna start killing each other! And on live TV, too!' They're clever. Slimy, but clever. They're not forcing anyone's hand; just making the circumstances ideal to bring out the worst in people. But . . . I dunno. I agree with you. There's no way it's just 'live out 100 days and you're free.' There's going to be some inciting event. I can feel it. Whether it's one of us snapping or the production team causing it remains to be seen. Anyway, this feels like something right out of Hunger Games. A bunch of commoners cutting each other down while the big powerful company sits back and laughs all the way to the bank. They even wormed their way out of having to foot the bill for the prize. It's so frustrating!"
As she pauses in her response, she switches up the rhythm and the pattern of her playing. "I desire novelty and near-constant change. It's something deep in my soul, it feels like. I also wish to inspire change in as many people as I can. That was to be my self-imposed role on this show. I was to be an instigator. A pot-stirrer, as it were. But, not like this! I don't want to ruin anyone's life, let alone take it!" Their playing had sped up as emotions began to get the better of them. They tried a couple deep breaths, which helped . . . barely. "I'm sorry if I'm oversharing."
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Post by Safy on Sept 9, 2023 3:18:27 GMT
“The producers trying to encourage an inciting event would feel even more like out of the hunger games.” She recalled her own experience with the book. “So you think if we don’t do the killing rule, they may encourage it out of us? I can also feel as time goes on everything will start getting to our heads regardless.” She took a deep drag from her cigarette, “I mean, let’s say one of us is desperate for their own reasons, and start seeing themselves dip in score as the time passes. They might’ve not wanted to kill at the start but then things can change….I do feel like….” She seemed for once, a bit scared, though she quickly adjusted from a rare sight as that, “that murder rule is inevitably going to be utilized.”
She clenched the cigarette to her mouth, “Tell me about it… I came here for the money, and even the fame I need. I need both for answers…..I….have no desire though to get those from such means…. My whole journey would feel hollow…. It would be just like-“ she stopped, and muttered, “heh well seems we are both sharing a lot.” She flicked her cigarette a bit, “though I think we have a couple pot-stirrers ourself already-,” She didn’t name names.
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 9, 2023 5:19:05 GMT
As Raphael finishes talking about her reasons for joining the show and the presence of other pot-stirrers, Lyric begins stumbling over their playing. They try to recoup but their left hand is trembling.
"Okaaaaaaay, enough of that for nooooooooow . . ." she finds herself singing somewhat erratically, trying to empty her lungs on the long, drawn-out note. After taking in a deep breath, she continues. "There's noooooot . . . erm, sorry. There's not a lot of truly friendly-seeming people here, and I find myself running a bit scared. You're right about there being pot-stirrers, but they're also here to win. I wasn't-I didn't come here to win, though. My satisfaction would've come from the chaos that unfolded as I encouraged others to go after those big plays. Plus, I can inspire change in a lot of people at once if it's being broadcast to the world. But now . . . well, I'm no stranger to not having plans, but I feel like I could really use a plan now more than ever, just to get through this. And . . . I think you're someone I can count on."
With her mind no longer racing, she shifts her focus over to Raphael. "So you're a small-town private investigator who was approached with an opportunity to join this show, and you took it because you need money and fame to seek answers . . . to a mystery you're trying to solve? Well, in any case, I . . . I know it's none of my business. Even so, I want to do what I can to help make your dream a reality." Their face brightens up as they say those words.
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Post by Safy on Sept 9, 2023 19:27:49 GMT
“Hmmmm….. is that so?” After their spiel, Raph raised an eyebrow, “You know, you’re not the first person to say something that like.” She seemed a bit uncomfortable about the impression she might be giving off, “I suppose it’s flattering just, surprising.”
“You pick up surprisingly quick for someone not in the line of work…I do appreciate the offer to help it’s just,” she held a hand to her own chest, “fairly personal…. And I have a hard time putting trust in such things to people I’m not familiar with. How can I know you’re being genuine with your offer, there’s many others here too with probably their own dreams that might conflict. Who’s to say you might not want to help them instead?”
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 9, 2023 21:03:39 GMT
"Honestly, I think it's your chosen profession," Lyric notes, taking stock of Raphael's apparent discomfort, "I mean, it's a very common foil for mystery stories, so . . . Yes, this is a real-life situation, but murder is a possibility--being encouraged, even. Thus, people are going to latch onto the investigator to take up the mantle if--and let's face it, when--the time comes." Deep down, Lyric still hopes everyone will cooperate. Of course, she, themself, wouldn't be able to stop someone from defecting.
"Thanks. In the work I do for money, you have to know how to figure out people. The things they won't tell you, you have to figure out some other way. Huh, I guess I'm kind of an investigator as well!" Lyric smiles, and then nods, "No, of course. I was pretty sure it's a personal thing. One would have to be pretty naive or desperate to trust someone they've only vaguely known for two days. I'm just laying down the card, and leaving it for you to decide if I become trustworthy enough to pick it up. And . . . I guess if I ever find out two dreams directly conflict, one of two things will happen: either I'll help the one who got to me first, or I'll just try to help both as much as I can and see who has the stronger willpower to achieve their goal. That scenario hasn't happened yet, but I guess if it's gonna happen somewhere, a closed-in reality show murder game would be the place." The dour look belies the casual tone with which they say the final sentence.
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Post by Safy on Sept 9, 2023 23:24:43 GMT
Raphael gave a bit of a crestfallen expression, “Ah…. Even though I know the inevitability of it all, I still am having a hard time thinking about that actually occurring.” She coughed awkwardly, or from choking a bit while trying to smoke. “Erm, I took on fairly small scale cases though, I never investigated a murder…. I sure hope the others aren’t expecting anything too high of me in that regard….” Though she couldn’t help but acknowledge she had possibly the best skill set from her career choice more so than the others for that sort of thing.
“I suppose I’ll see then….” She concluded after listening to her explanation, “Say, what exactly is this line of work if you don’t mind me asking? I honestly assumed you were a simple musician like Dae.”
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 10, 2023 1:19:18 GMT
"What can I say? I used to be a realistic optimist, but now I'm an optimistic realist." Lyric lets out a halfhearted chuckle. "Yeah, your information-gathering skills will be greatly appreciated. I just hope the others don't think they can just stand around. I know I won't. But, wait. You said you worked for a firm, right? Doesn't that mean your colleagues and/or your boss know you're here?"
"Hm, well I provide inspiration services. Some may call it a 'life coach,' but that title's a bit boring. Music is a big part of my identity, being my longest-running hobby. I've done some busking, I guess, but no big gigs or anything like that. I sometimes sing or play guitar in my work, if I think it'll help my client to achieve what they're going for. I like to think of myself as a modern-day Muse of sorts." They stand their guitar upright next to them and attempt to strike a charming pose. "Do you happen to be musically-inclined at all?"
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Post by Safy on Sept 10, 2023 5:04:03 GMT
“My firm…..” Her voice cracked a bit, “Erm well….I was never able to hire anyone else…I mean…. No one In my town…. Would want to work with or for me…..sorry if you were expecting some assistance for our situation from any of my connections…. I’m sure they out there if anything are loving the situation I am in.” She shot a nasty tearful glare at a nearby camera before quickly looking away. She seemed to find herself glaring at the cameras a lot.
She shook her head, “I see, well I never liked vague jobs such as that or lifestyle guide,” In reference to Jackson’s career choice, “Though I suppose I can see the need for it, for some people.” She quickly moved on, not wanting to offend them, “anyways, I was, I used to play the drums. Well, until what happened. I’ve lost a lot of coordination from losing half my vision and damaging part of my nerve endings, and fell out of the hobby.”
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 10, 2023 19:28:38 GMT
"Oh, I see. I . . . did not expect that," Lyric admits, sighing, "I guess it's kind of like that lawyer from Ace Attorney, where he works at a firm technically but it's just him. Though he does have an assistant most of the time. Anyway, I don't feel right asking why you're sure nobody will work with you, but it sounds like you don't have many people on your side, do you?"
Lyric nods in understanding at Raphael's opinion on vague jobs, but begins to light up when she hears Raphael say 'drums', until she explains why she no longer does. With a saddened but sympathetic tone, Lyric replies, "I see . . . that would've been perfect, too." She quickly elaborates, "I've been talking with Decker, and since he plays the bass and I sing and play the guitar, we were thinking of trying to start a band here. All we needed was a drummer and maybe a keyboard player. But, obviously I don't feel right asking you, especially if your reason for no longer being able to do it is a sensitive subject. I'm sorry."
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Post by Safy on Sept 11, 2023 2:51:34 GMT
“No, I don’t. “ she answered bluntly to the first half, “A-anyways….I do enjoy music still…. I haven’t had a chance to relearn how to play with my new….disabilities…. But I’m sure I could pick it up again, with some practice.” She scratched her head, “Don’t know where to get a drum set here though.”
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 11, 2023 4:54:57 GMT
"Well, you have someone on your side here, in me," Lyric states with confidence, "And if you only think that's because I don't know your story, then I guess that's what we call a paradox of trust. I will say you don't seem like you deserve to have an entire town against you. That said, I know I've barely known you a day and a half, so we'll see where the next few weeks take all of us."
Lyric resumed their playing; a soft, tranquil melody. "Glad to hear you're not totally against the idea. I think Def Leppard had a one-armed drummer, in fact. But oh yeah, right. Hmhm. I went so headlong into the band idea I didn't account for the lack of any sort of drums for a drummer to even play. Maybe we can buy the drums piecemeal with the points we earn? Or, if nothing else, rig up something? Haha, seems like a theme with me. I'm already encouraging Decker to build a skate ramp eventually because there's nothing good for him to trick off of around here. What's another D.I.Y. project?"
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Post by Safy on Sept 11, 2023 22:56:04 GMT
Raphael gave a light smile, both at the attempt of comfort for her situation and the drum idea, “Could be something to work towards, though at the moment our points are fairly low… I can’t imagine spending any yet. Though, a hobby other than Reading might be nice. Could always use something more to do, if anything to take my mind off this….situation.”
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 12, 2023 0:40:10 GMT
"Indeed, and to your point, it at least seems like there's already no shortage of things to do in this place," Lyric notes, thinking about the different rooms in the house, the space offered outside, and all the stuff people brought with them, "Though I hope nobody here's the type who used work as an escape from people, since we haven't been given anything to do outside this place. But, I guess if any of us were introverted, they wouldn't have agreed to be on a show like this. Then again, Hisoka was apparently brought here against his will, and Yutaro really seems more like he was dared into it, so . . . ." She trails off. Then, she begins to realize how much they've been talking and makes to put their guitar away. "I think I'm going to head back inside soon. I'd love to meet up again once we've had a chance to settle in a bit more. What do you think?"
((The chapter's ending soon, so I'd say it's probably a good idea to wrap this up. Don't wanna leave things awkwardly hanging just in case.))
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Post by Safy on Sept 12, 2023 20:50:38 GMT
“I suppose they supplemented plenty of things for us to do, though I just know the pressure is going to keep getting to us over time,” she sighed. “Well I am fairly introverted myself but I had a need for the resources provided….. bunch of frauds. “ She hissed that last part, still clearly angry about being duped. “Well we are all here for our reasons- erm except for Hisoka I suppose - so Yutaro might have his own reasons too.”
Raph gave a light hearted shrug, still smoking her cigarette. “Sure thing, we should. The more of us who remain on good terms the better, and you seem more level headed than some the others.” She gave a friendly wave, “Maybe we can even have a ‘getting the band together’ moment, sure the audience would love that.”
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Post by JoyTheBard (Slezak) on Sept 12, 2023 21:36:04 GMT
"I see. You really must've been desperate. I'm really sorry you got dragged into this mess," Lyric responds with sympathy.
"I really appreciate that. I put a lot of work into keeping my head on straight, hmhm. You seem like you're good at rolling with the punches as well." Lyric waves too, laughs at Raphael's last comment about 'getting the band together,' and begins to re-enter the house.
Before Lyric steps through the door, they look back one last time with a broad smile and say, "Thank you so much for the conversation. It really helped, I think. See you 'round!"
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