[center][h3]Film Those Freaks - Juri’s Still Out I[/h3]
Zenkichi’s [@Multi_Media_Man], Ganondorf’s [@Double], Juri’s [@Zoey Boey], Level 7 Sandalphon (31/70)
[b]Word Count:[/b] 3381 (+4)[/center]

Out of the four assembled, the first to take initiative toward their shared goal turned out to be the stranger. Not visibly perturbed by Juri’s lack of manners, Sandalphon observed as the woman sauntered over and procured the camera. The way she handled the device suggested a level of familiarity, which Juri then backed up by claiming leadership over the little group. Though that made for a bold assertion, undermined somewhat by her dismissiveness toward Sandalphon. It was true the archangel didn’t hail from a technological world, but she had learned a great deal during her time in Midgar, definitely enough to form a basic understanding of the task at hand. She chose not to belabor the point, however. Instead she kept quiet to give Juri a chance to prove herself, and the martial artist quickly explained her confidence.

Apparently Juri had found a great deal of success on an analogous social media platform in the past, meaning she had plenty of experience with making quality videos. Without giving the others a chance to interject, she proceeded to demonstrate her know-how by recording a quick but effective introduction for the video to come. When she realized she was being filmed, Sandalphon stiffened up with widened eyes, not at all sure how to act. Of course, it was over just a moment later, and Juri followed up by sharing an important tidbit of information. While Sandalphon didn’t plan to engage in vulgarity regardless, and Juri’s liberal indulgence in it would take a little getting used to, she nodded in sagacious appreciation at the trade secret. Faced with this demonstration, the archangel couldn’t help but be impressed; Juri had shown she meant business and already knocked out an important part of the content process, all while conserving crucial seconds. With her in charge, the team’s chances of doing well in this competition seemed very good.

“In that case, we’ll be in your capable hands. For as long as we cooperate, your wish is my command.” Sandalphon bowed her head in pre-emptive thanks, her effulgent golden-rimmed halo dipping slightly. “We are fortunate to have you, Juri.” The archangel had not missed her newest acquaintance’s name-drop during her self-aggrandizement.

In sharp contrast to Juri, Ganondorf remained stoically silent for the time being. And also in sharp contrast to Sandalphon, he didn’t look as welcoming to the vulgar girl as she was. But he voiced no opinion on the matter either, having little to no grasp on the concept of videos, let alone something as modern as an internet video platform like this “SpookTube”.

Juri kicked the dirt and tilted her head. [b][color=ec008c]”Damn straight, Sandy. That’s what I like to hear!”[/color][/b] 

Zenkichi shared Sandalphon’s relief at being partnered, both because she was somebody that he recognized, but also because it was her specifically. He gave her a smile, which then greeted the other two members of his team. He wasn’t quite as uneasy around Ganondorf now, but the large man was still somewhat intimidating by merit of size alone. Juri, on the other hand…she had an energy about her that gave Zenkichi pause. She immediately took the reins, and while he was fairly certain neither himself nor Sandalphon had any experience in video-making (beyond some home videos of himself, Aoi, and Akane), part of that rubbed him the wrong way. 

Her pegging him for a cop, almost immediately at that, made him hum a bit. There was definitely more to this punk than met the eyes, then. He shrugged as she told them to be quiet while she filmed their intro, and when she was done, had his own reply. [color=BFBFBF]”Alright, I’ll play ball. If any of you guys need it, I can probably spare a defense or speed buff, but not much more. It’s already been a crazy day, and I don’t wanna burn myself out before we’re done.”[/color] 

[b][color=ec008c]”Hey! Don’t forget, this has to be scary. No one’s going to be interested in ‘defense buffs.’ Someone’s gotta get mauled for the camera.”[/color][/b] Juri said. As she did, the shop screen caught her attention.

Zenkichi ignored her complete disregard for his offer of assistance, following her attention to the screen.

[color=797979]"Hmph."[/color] Ganondorf grunted, crossing his arms over his chest, [color=797979]"How frightening could these so-called “freaks” actually be?"[/color] He questioned before gesturing to himself, [color=797979]"And none shall believe an intimidating figure like I could be realistically frightened by whatever is down there."[/color] It seemed once again he was going to be at a severe disadvantage. And it was starting to annoy him.

[b][color=ec008c]”The hell is all this.”[/color][/b] Juri muttered, tapping the screen. [b][color=ec008c]”We can buy shit.”[/color][/b] She said. She began scanning through the items, mashing all the buttons with her finger to see as many as possible, often having to double back because she didn’t see enough the first time.

[color=BFBFBF]”I mean…I guess a better mic or flashlight would be a good idea. I’ve seen old movies with bad audio quality, and…I dunno, it takes away from the experience when it sounds like they’re a hundred feet away from the camera.”[/color] He mused. [color=BFBFBF]”Don’t think any of us are rolling in coins, though…”[/color]

Sandalphon shook her head. “I’ve earned only one token so far, though in all honesty, even saying that I ‘earned’ it is something of a stretch.” Juri had scrolled through the items with such a manic energy that she got in her own way and made Sandalphon wonder if it might be a bit performative. Luckily, the archangel had managed to scan everything on offer. The selection led to a little self-reflection on what she could personally offer the team instead. “My halo should provide ample light should we encounter darkness,” she brought up, glancing upward. The radiance of the three rings and their trailing cords tended to be lost in the daytime, but they would shine bright in the gloom. “That could very well increase my likelihood of being targeted, but in a roundabout way even that may benefit our efforts.”

She conjured a divine screen at her fingertips, scanning her teammates. “It would behoove us all to incorporate you both into my network,” the archangel told Ganondorf and Juri. “This would permit us to communicate over long distances, and ensure that the camera can hear all of us, as well.” She nodded at Zenkichi. “The two of us are already connected.”

[color=797979]"As you wish."[/color] Ganondorf responded curtly. [color=797979]"Hm, [i]me[/i], working with angels…"[/color] He further commented, as the irony of this was indeed not lost on him.

Sandalphon moved in to perform the right, the pupils of her unblinking eyes turned to inverted triangles. When standing next to the warlord, she wasn’t much shorter than him. “Then please allow me.” She held her palm by his cheek for a moment, creating a small golden glyph about an inch from his helmet that shone before disappearing. “There. Simply hold your pointer and middle fingers at the spot to engage the link, and repeat this action to disengage it.” Then she stepped back toward Zenkichi, waiting for Juri’s consent -or lack thereof- before she took further action.

Juri was obviously suspicious, narrowing her eyes. [b][color=ec008c]”I don’t fuck with any brain shit. Is that just a magic radio?”[/color][/b] She asked. [b][color=ec008c]”Better tell me the truth. I’m not messing around on this.”[/color][/b] 

“Technically, it is a miracle,” Sandalphon clarified, though she didn’t plan to bore the irritable girl with the details. “But that is a decently apt analogy. It has no effect whatsoever on the mind. Of course, you need not opt in if the idea discomforts you. It is merely a prudent convenience.” On a battlefield with lives at stake proper communication was not optional, but for now at least, it wasn’t strictly necessary–just sensible. Still, the idea of her being more resistant to this suggestion than an avatar of darkness held a vague sense of amusement for Sandalphon.

[b][color=ec008c]”Forget it. I don’t care enough about winning this stupid game to let you perform any ‘miracles’ on me. Besides, I’m excommunicated.”[/color][/b] Juri said. Sandalphon merely looked away.

[b][color=ec008c]”And [i]besides[/i] besides, you guys shouldn’t be doing [i]anything[/i] off camera. So that means sticking by me at all times. Never outside screaming distance.”[/color][/b] Juri said.

[b][color=ec008c]”If we’ve got no ‘token’ or whatever, we should just get this show on the road. This place gives me the creeps.”[/color][/b] She frowned, glancing around at the picturesque landscape. She shuddered and stuck out her tongue, before heading over to the diving bell. With one glance at Zenkichi to make sure he was ready, Sandalphon followed the team’s self-proclaimed leader toward the vessel. Inside, a choice awaited them: the Factory, the Cruise Ship, or the Tunnels.

[color=797979]"Hmph, speak for thyself. [i]Thou[/i] hast no token because this is thy first game."[/color] Ganondorf corrected, [color=797979]"But [i]we[/i] each hath been awarded one for playing the previous game."[/color] He elaborated, but also similarly chose to ignore the shopping kiosk in favor of entering the bell straight away. [color=797979]"But I hath no interest in giving up my only token for some meager upgrade that shall only be useful for the duration of this single game. I would instead save my tokens for the prizes I shall actually be able to keep and use."[/color]

Juri breathed out a laugh, amused. [b][color=ec008c]”Why doth thou assume I give a shit? I’ve got [i]tokens,[/i] dude. Hold onto ‘em if you want. Maybe you can get a gumball.”[/color][/b] She said, looking over the options. 

[b][color=ec008c]”Factory, cruise ship, tunnels…”[/color][/b] Juri mused aloud. [b][color=ec008c]”I like the cruise ship. Worst case scenario I can just climb around on the outside like a spider.”[/color][/b] 

[i]That would be impressive, especially with a camera[/i], Sandalphon thought. Having no preferences on which destination to visit herself, she went ahead and selected the cruise ship. Once someone closed the diving bell’s main door, all that remained was to crank the main lever and begin the vessel’s descent to the Old World. “Shall I do the honors?” she asked, giving one of the others the chance to kickstart the adventure if so desired.

[color=797979]”Aye.”[/color] Ganondorf said with a nod of his head.

Juri leaned up against the wall and crossed her arms. [b][color=ec008c]”Sure, Sandy, let’s rock this rustbucket.”[/color][/b]

Zenkichi nodded, mentally preparing himself for what was about to come. [color=BFBFBF]”Go for it.”[/color]

The archangel pulled the lever, and with a sharp jerk, the team’s journey into the unknown began.

[hr]

For some time the diving bell just descended uneventfully, the only sound the harsh but rhythmic metallic clank of the massive chain in motion, dulled by the vessel’s think hull. Without any windows to peer through, its occupants were blind to the world outside, but Sandalphon didn’t need to see out there to realize that Juri had been right about one thing. If their destination really did lay underwater, a sunken cruise ship in the benthic depths of some ocean, they would have felt the diving bell’s impact against the water’s surface. She could only imagine, given the crew’s starting point and hints about darkness, that they were descending from the sky islands through a cloud layer so thick that no light reached the world below. Luckily, she and the others didn’t have to wait and wonder for long. They could feel the diving bell slow down, then finally stop, its landing almost hard enough to knock Sandalphon down. For a brief moment the archangel flailed, unsteady.

Zenkichi immediately reacted, carefully grabbing a hold of Sandalphon’s arm to steady her, his own stance far steadier. [color=BFBFBF]”You alright there?”[/color] He asked with a concerned smile.

A second passed before she seemed to find her voice. “Yes, thank you.”

When the vessel’s door creaked open, the upper deck of a cruise ship stretched out before them, albeit one cast completely in shades of murky gray. Everything from the walls to the floor to the tables and deck chairs appeared to be of the same exact material, almost like paper. Orbs of pure white light floated in seemingly random spots, divorced of any support or housing, but beyond the radius of their light it was terribly dark. Everyone could at least see the outlines of the ship itself so as to not blindly blunder off an edge, but on the other side of those railings lay only an infinite black void.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/5ZoGGDj.png[/img][/center]

To Sandalphon, that emptiness looked far deeper and darker than even space. Some part of her -probably the part gained from Parvati and Leanne- felt a twinge of fear at that boundless darkness. If no floor lay beneath it in this simulated wonderworld, one could conceivably fall forever. She knew that she could teleport up to either Zenkichi or Ganondorf, though, and she found solace in the light of her halo. Once she exited the warmly-lit diving bell and strode down its ramp, her halo’s yellow glow provided a brilliant, unmistakable beacon in the darkness. The team had been lowered onto the cruise ship’s upper deck, but another open deck lay a short jump away, one floor down. In the other direction stood a doorway, and though it looked similarly dark inside, Sandalphon could see what resembled a bar and a set of [url=https://i.imgur.com/6S6lscy.png]stairs[/url] in the light of a ghostly orb.

Without saying anything, she turned to look at Juri, ready to take her cues. Her bright green power-symbol eyes said [i]lead the way[/i].

Juri glanced around outside. [b][color=ec008c]”Woah. Wicked cool.”[/color][/b] She admired this place. It was way cooler than the kiddy crap up top. So toxic you couldn’t even breathe? Awesome. She blew her hair up and it settled back into place underneath her big dumb helmet she hated.

 [b][color=ec008c]”Alright. Cop and Sandy go first.”[/color][/b] She pointed at the two of them.  [b][color=ec008c]”Big guy, you watch my back.”[/color][/b] She said. Clearly, Juri enjoyed bossing people around. But she wanted to win, so she wasn’t going to get them to do something stupid. Unless it was really, really funny. Then maybe.

 [b][color=ec008c]”If there’s anything scary, it’ll be down those stairs. Let’s go!”[/color][/b] She took a second to get an establishing shot of the view from the inside of the open diving bell, establishing the upper floor and the staircase they were heading down. 

[color=797979]"Tch."[/color] Was Ganondorf’s only response. Having to play bodyguard for this vulgar woman was certainly not on his list of things he wanted to do. But at the same time he offered no objections nor suggestions of his own. Maybe he just wanted to get this game over with? It was impossible to tell. He did, however, hold his right hand and clenched it into a fist. This triggered the glow of the Triforce that said hand was branded with and that glow served as a potential source of light for this dark sunken ship. He supposed the ship had to be haunted in some way, but didn’t look particularly concerned by that. The Warlord clearly had plenty of experience dealing with demons and spirits. He doubted anything they ran into down here would be all that different.

Heeding Juri’s instructions, Sandalphon advanced at the forefront of the group, taking measured steps in a long, careful stride. Each click of her heels against the floor rang out through the stillness, threatening to alert unknown horrors to her presence. Given her undiminishable light, however, the archangel could only make peace with the eventuality of attracting monsters, and be ready for when it happened. As she proceeded toward the stairs, she watched for any sign of movement, reasoning that anything aside from them had to be an enemy. This went double once she stepped into the interior where an ambush could come from any angle. With every step, the glow of her halo sent the shadows into a frenzied dance, but for now the only contours she could see belonged to tables, chairs, bottles, glasses, and ashtrays. Sandalphon was so focused on the corners and shadows that she failed to look up.

“...Ah!” Right in front of the stairwell, something wrenched her upward with terrifying speed and strength. Freakiest of all was the fact that whatever it was seemed to have a grasp on her halo, and by virtue of some unseen connection, that dragged Sandalphon into the air as well. As she rose, stunned, with her neck at a hangman’s angle, the light of her halo revealed her captor: a [url=https://i.imgur.com/5JcLbZ4.png]starfish-like creature[/url] attached to the ceiling, its color and texture indistinguishable from the surrounding material. Sandalphon struggled as she swung, vainly grasping for the monster that now had her in its grasp.

Juri turned the camera on and swung it upward to focus on Sandalphon. She hit the record button, but she wouldn’t spend too much time on this. Just a basic jumpscare, not that scary. [b][color=ec008c]”Woah, oh my God! Woah! What is that?! It’s got Sandy!”[/color][/b] She feigned, grinning. 

Having followed just behind Sandalphon, Zenkichi bit back a curse as Sandalphon was yanked upwards, but the thing didn’t seem to be hurting her [i]too[/i] badly. For the sake of the video, he didn’t immediately summon his pistols and start shooting, but instead looked around for something to throw at it. Quickly spotting a sturdy-looking bottle on a table, he rushed over and grabbed the makeshift projectile and hurled it at the starfish-looking thing to try and get it to drop her. [color=BFBFBF]”I’ve got you!””[/color] He cried, only having to ham it up a little. 

Zenkichi’s not-so-magic missile worked like a charm. The moment it struck the starfish, it released its captive, though maybe its inability to get its circular mouth around the archangel’s three-ringed halo played a part. Sandalphon slowed her fall as she neared the ground, then drifted away from the danger zone, landing softly a second later. She turned, rubbing her neck, with stress marks in her pupils. Falling for a trap like that did not please her, especially once a second look confirmed the presence of (questionably real) bones scattered beneath the predator. “Lesson learned,” she remarked, her tone hard but quiet. When she glanced at Zenkichi, though, her irritation died down. “Good thinking. I am in your debt.”

Zenkichi just shrugged, waving off the thanks. [color=BFBFBF]”Nothin’ to it. I’ve got your back.”[/color]

“Looking more closely, I can just barely make out some sort of dangling appendage. Highly transparent,” Sandalphon observed. She then looked around the room, counting her blessings as she realized just how bad the arrival of a second monster would have been during the disturbance. She summoned her Aether Lance. “I experienced enough strangulation to lower the hit point counter displayed in my helmet,” she reported as she healed herself, noting that this didn’t effect her assigned ‘hit points’. “I will endeavor to be more careful.”

[color=797979]”Would that not defeat the purpose of why we are here?”[/color] Ganondorf inquired, still so far being largely uninterested in all of this. [color=797979]”We are meant to be frightened of these… things, not to defeat them.”[/color] What he said was logical but his tone and expression told a different story. Namely that he wasn’t especially enthusiastic. But he was still right, regardless.

[color=BFBFBF]”I mean, that’s true, but once we get the footage of ‘em…not much reason to keep them around once the camera’s off,, right? Unless we want to do some stupid horror movie cliche where we’re running away from something else and stumble into the trap, making it all dramatic and us look like careless idiots while we get our brains munched on or something.”[/color] Zenkichi had [i]some[/i] genre-savviness to draw upon, though he didn’t entirely disagree with Ganondorf, either. 

Juri had long turned the camera off. [b][color=ec008c]”Nah, Sandy’s right. That was good for one. But that won’t keep being scary. That thing didn’t even get you by the neck. It’s just some stupid starfish. I can’t think of a less intimidating animal. It’s no spider, that’s for sure. We gotta avoid the lame-ass shit.”[/color][/b] She said. She looked to keep walking, but used her body language to indicate Sandalphon and Zenkichi should still be going first. 

The archangel nodded, and began to head toward the stairs leading deeper into the cruise ship. This time, however, she kept her staff at the ready. Zenkichi followed just a step behind, eyes scanning in figure-eights to make sure he didn’t miss any obvious signs this time around.