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The Midnight Train to Nowhere

Wow, it's been awhile since I last did this.

Music Duskdawn with Headphones presents: Something I felt like sharing =3



And this...this...I couldn't resist. I just couldn't...

tentacle

Also, a sweet little story =3

6 AM...Yesterday

SupahCow090 said
Thanks but what I mean is how the Humans are gonna choose their keys. Sorry for not making this clear. Are the human like gonna go in the key shop and choose their keys on the spot in the RP or are we gonna plan things ahead here while OOC? I don't know how to explain it clearly but I hope you kinda get the question. The website's awesome as well. I'm currently working on my CS :)

1. OOC action
It is explained at the bottom of the first page how were are going to work this out technically.

2. IC action
I do believe it is obvious when you read the segments of the "Introduction" on the site.

Guys, just for the record, don't hesitate to write. I've found the need to state this. There are some people out there who don't like reading blocks of texts in character sheets, but I'm not that kind of person. Thus, if you feel like and know that you can write more, do not hold yourselves back =3

The Midnight Train to Nowhere

Awesome interview, Esper-san! (still hasn't decided how to call you) XD Avian is such an adorable husband~ I want that kind of man! Oh, Vicky, no worries, I'm not going to steal yours X3 Just wish there are more of his kind to go around. XP
I can't say which answer I loved the most, since, aw, I loved them all! Kid-zoning was cute and the wedding was so sweet and romantic.~ But I have to admit that the last one was gold. Poor Avian. He's so innocent. XD

I think that next in line should be Ace, since I suggest that we start asking in alphabetic order. If anyone else has questions for Avi and Vicky, they should ask them soon.
Anyways, here are my questions for Ace-chan =3

Top of the morning to ya, Acey =3 Have some questions for ya.

1. Does your hair curl when it rains or does it remain flat?
2. Does your chest area sweat often?
3. Do you like beans?
4. What's the most embarrassing thing you think has ever happened to you?
5. How did you learn to fight?
6. If you had to pick between a flamethrower and a life's worth supply of matches, which would you pick?
7. Has your hair ever caught fire?
8. Do you think that the inside of a dragon is actually a portal to another dimension, where there is fire everywhere and people themselves are made of fire?
9. If you went back in time and met the first person, who discovered fire, what would you say/do?
10. How do you like your eggs?

Kimchi said
Yup the nerd out was totes adorbs xD

^What I pictured Inadi looked like while he was kwehing

I agree with this statement XD

The Midnight Train to Nowhere

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EDIT: I thought you meant you were going to answer questions in character in the OOC. Sorry ^ ^" Can I still have the answers thought? =D

Orpheus said
Feel free to shoot awkward questions to A and V, everyone.

Avian. Vicky ...

1. Since when have you been married?
2. Is Vicky the dominant in the pair?
3. Avian, since you had a "mother moment" with prince Tobias, does this mean you'll sit and watch the kids, while Vicky goes out to work?
4. Do you two have kids in the first place? If not, when you do plan on having some? A marriage without children is like a summer without fruit, you know. ;)
5. Which one of you can cook better?
6. What do you like to eat the most?
7. How did you get married in the first place? Was there a ceremony or just a couple of words and that was it?
8. Where did you get the wolf and tiger from?
9. Who brushes the wolf and tiger when they are shedding their seasonal fur?
10. Avian, what would you do if you hear that Vicky wants to shave half of her hair off?

I feel like such a little child asking those XD

---

Say, why don't we do this for all the characters? Like, each day we all ask one character questions in the OOC and the one who's playing them answers in character in the OOC.

The Midnight Train to Nowhere

Whilst the group of humans strolled towards the stables, where their mounts were said to have been prepared and in waiting, Hakuren took a moment to properly assess the situation they were all in.

A fire-breathing dragon had come down from the heavens and wreaked havoc upon the innocent inhabitants of Sol, destroying their beloved home-place and creating chaos with each flap of its wings. Many brave warriors had fallen in an attempt to slay the heartless beast, alas the scourge continued. The smells of both blood and ash mixed and floated in the air, creating the despondent essence in the atmosphere. Despite being far, moans and groans of fading souls could be heard echoing faintly in the distance. The outworldly party could not see it, but it was clear. This was a time of war, not a fun adventure.
Although some still failed to realize this fact, it was certainly refreshing to witness their shenanigans. Ace’s upbeat and cheerful mannerism was like a warm sunny ray in a cold winter’s day and likely relieved some of the pressure off the shoulders of the kingdom’s current ruler.
With the king allegedly missing, his heir, prince Tobias, had taken on his father’s duties. He were merely a child, stubborn, a tough one at that. The lad’s expression had been tired and grim in their first encounter, most likely due to seeing scenes of carnage, which should not typically be placed before the eyes of children his age. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Worn out and in no condition to be presentable as a royal should, His Majesty had quickly pulled out a map, revealing the location of the demonic lizard’s lair, which was to be their newest destination. To answer the Dragoons’ request to take their leave and join their comrades in the battle field, he denied them, stating that they should accompany Queen Delirium’s reinforcements on their journey. It was an order, albeit a meek one, which the couple could not object.

In the mean time, during their visit to his Highness’ headquarters, Hakuren could not shake off the strange feeling he had. The very first mention of the country’s name, Sol, rang a bell within his mind, however, he could not interpret its call. For a reason unknown to him, it brought up an association with a certain red-haired gun-loving lawyer, which could not be considered entirely odd, if you were to take into consideration how much Gino adored fantacy. It was very likely that the loud-mouthed individual had once randomly mentioned something concerning medieval folklore, yet he felt like there was more to that. The inability to recall that moment in his personal record pestered the green-blue-eyed man quite a bit and did not leave him be right until the point when they were asked to change clothing to something more suitable for their upcoming travel.

Outfitted in a fashion befitting the era, Hakuren no longer wore his signature midnight green coat and black fedora. Having left his possessions at the castle, with the exception of his hard-cover notebook, the student’s new attire consisted of a piece of upper clothing quite similar to a robe, but also to a cloak, for it had baggy sleeves that extended only a bit after the elbow, yet not to the wrist; a turtleneck, the purpose of which was to keep the body warm, due to the fact that, while bodily functions could be carried out normally in lower temperatures because of his power, it was best to have a layer of protection just in case outside effects caused a disruption to the temperature balance; long fingerless gloves; pants and knee-length boots. There were no embroideries or the like, the entire costume being rather plain, for everything was black, apart from the turtleneck, which was white. Yet this evidently simply appearance contrasted well with the weapon he had been given. It was a long staff, light like a bamboo stick, yet as beautiful as a diamond shining under the full moon. The scepter’s pole was pure black, whilst on its upper end was a huge moon with several crystals and jewels shining faintly in a blue colour. Fascinating with its design, this weapon was meant for the casting of spells, yet could also be used without the need of magic, since the moon’s edges were quite sharp, making it similar to a scythe. Carrying the object with ease with only one hand, the young ice magician followed closely behind the red-haired girl due as they marched forward.

Riley said "And you were both awesome as well, Jack Frost and Inadi." She beamed at both boys. "We owned that sucker! Too bad it injured Vinvin though."

Being labeled as “Jack Frost” could only boost Hakuren’s ego. He had seen the movie and planned on doing far greater feats than that albino prankster. Still, being called that was certainly better than something such as “Queen Elsa”, due to obvious gender-related reasons.

“You were quite the pro yourself, Riley.” he complimented her with a smile. ”We certainly aced the first test.”
Once reaching the stable doors, the humans encountered a familiar face, the black bunny girl known as Serenade. With her level-headed demeanor, she greeted and smiled at them, which obviously made Harper feel a bit more at ease. The lad had rarely had a break from the constant nervousness, which haunted his existence, and seeing one of the more responsible guides surely calmed him down.
However, there was something missing. The sound of joyous laughter. The sight of a wide grin. The bone-crushing grip of a hug. Indeed, Dissonance was nowhere in sight, despite being in Nowhere itself. Her adorable expression was something the psychologist missed and he wondered what had happened to the exuberant white hare. Could it be that the dragon are rabbit for dinner last night? If so, it would be very disappointing, seeing as the girl was so cute and friendly. But before anyone could ask a thing, the stable doors opened and the mounts were lead outside.

Chocobos.

The human party suddenly found themselves amidst the Final Fantasy universe. With the introduction of chocobos, the game freaks would most definitely immediately come into light. The only one to fall into that category was Inadi, as he began jumping up and down in excitement the moment he laid eyes on the giant walking birds and even attempted to communicate with them. The critters did not mind this person’s antics and even encouraged him by making the same sounds. Who was imitating who was a bit hard to determine.
Rather than spend their time observing in astonishment, the two girls of a flame made haste and each got on the back of a mount, however, Ace was willing to experiment with the reins, which inevitably resulted in a couple of hard kisses with the ground for the lass and Michael Jackson moves for the avian.

And back to “Game of Thrones”.

As he approached one of the chocobos himself, Hakuren noticed how the lovely Victoria bent down, in order to pet a huge white tiger, which seemed to return her affection just as lovingly. Yet the feline was not satisfied with only its owner’s attention and sought the eyes of the humans, some of which it tried to lick, namely Jasper and Lesley, but moved on to begging Inadi to pet it. On the other hand, a giant wolf, which was presumably Avian’s companion, sat at the side and observed in silence, much like its owner.

Harper said "Um, do any of you know how to ride a horse?"

Harper had always been the timid one out of the bunch and this was no exception. Unlike Inadi, who could simply not get enough of the big birds, the student had positioned himself between Hakuren and Jasper, carefully observing both the giant chickens and the two predators on set.
“Relax, Harper. It’s easier than controlling the miniship.” Ice assured him with a friendly expression and stepped closer to one of the calmer chocobos, which had not engaged in the silly chorus of the lightning mage. Climbing on top of one was truly the same as a horse and so was controlling them. Fortunately, the youngster had traveled on horseback a couple of times during vacations.

Ace said "Hehe, we should race these things! That would be so fun! Too bad we can't get rides like those."

Riley said Riley grinned at Ace then at both tiger and wolf. "Yup! But I'm not complaining, these giant chickens are adorable and they look great in armor." He gave the Chocobo a pet on its head then grinned at Ace, Lesley, and Haku. "As for a race, let's do this! I mean, if we're going against a dragon we need to be fast."

“Run all you like, but I’m gonna-” Hakuren grinned but didn’t have the time to finish.

Riley said "I bet I can make it to the end of the field before you guys!"

“Yah, I’ll pass.” he sighed with a smile.
Their journey was going to be a long one and the last thing they wanted was to have tired mounts when an attack occurred. Knowing better than forcing the creature to run meaninglessly, the green-blue-eyed man adjusted the staff, which was now strapped to his back, and made the chocobo walk next to Harper. As far as he had heard, there was some interesting information about to be told.

6 AM...Yesterday

SupahCow090 said
Very interesting. :)Are slots still open? If so, I think I'll play as a key. I never tried running 2 characters at once I may as well stick to one. It's fine if my character dies though ^_^ One question, is it alright if my character, a key, looks like a human? I know you said it can take on any form but I just want reassurance. I'm thinking of a girl that can wield a very large weapon if that's alright with you.

Slots are still open and yes, your Key can be human-like =3.......There hasn't been a key that isn't human-like....Oh well, human-like residents of Cell City are not that common anyway, so it's alright.

6 AM...Yesterday

Updates. Updates. Updates.

Ok, everyone, it's time for some announcements.

First of all, and what you are probably thinking about, the date of story start. It should be in the near future, yet currently discussions are being lead through PMs and so far not that many people actually have completed sheets. I'm not going to give you guys a deadline or anything, but if you want this story to get rolling already, do make haste ^ ^. I don't want this to die so early on.

---

Second on today's topic list are the conversations me and Four (aka John) had on Skype. I'm going to post some of the content here, seeing as some of this information should be accessible to you all.

Q1: How exactly are situations qualified as 'battles' or not?
A: 1.The moment someone or something attacks you with hostility.
2.When two or more beings willingly agree to battle. (friendly match)
3.When you yourself state that you will be entering battle to your Key.

The Key is the one who changes the mods. It may or may not agree to enter battle, which would render you incapable of using your active and passive skills. This, you could say, is also one of the Key's functions. Keeping the owner in check. Humans aren't allowed to kill citizens, who aren't on the wanted lists. Thus Keys prevent humans from harming innocent townspeople. Of course, the Key itself might want to harm them, yet the game system punishes such actions most of the time.

Q2: What would a "life story" of a key be like?
A: Keys have rather complex stories depending on their age, which you may or may not chose to describe in detail. However, there are a few things, which you should take note when writing a Key's history:
1. Time in the Key Shop
2. First run
3. Owners and overall experience in the game.

Q3: Do Keys have a life of their own except when with a human?
A: They have a life of their own, however, it is somewhere between the consciousness and subconsciousness. When in the shop, the Key doesn't do much, other than stay in an endless loop of nothingness, in an abyss of darkness they can not escape. They are not capable of entering Cell City or any other place. Their entire being resides inside the key (object), which is more or less their residence. Inside the key, it is complete and utter darkness. They can no see anything, not even their own limbs. Truth be told, they wouldn't have limbs inside the key to begin with, due to the fact that they would exist inside the key as a spiritual being. A soul, in very very simple terms.

When in this state, it is not impossible for them to converse with beings of their own kind. However, the ones who are capable of creating a connection, a telepathic connection, are those who generally have a higher psyche. The process would not only require a high stat, but also for the two or more keys to be close to each other. When in the shop, the keys are near one another. Thus those with a high psyche can talk to other keys, yet the ones with a low psyche can only wait for someone to talk to them. Once a connection has been established, they ones inside the "chatroom" can talk with each other.

However, a Key can not simply start talking while inside the object. In the first place, it has to realize it isn't simply unconscious when in the darkness. After all, most people wouldn't really shout out to others. They'd think that this was their own mind. That is why I stated that, when not materialized, Keys are somewhere between the consciousness and subconsciousness.

Q4: What are restrictions on stats? are they tied to levels or the such
A: In highly depends on how you look at the question.
On the one hand, stats aren't tied to levels, because they aren't restricted by them.
On the other hand, stats are tied to levels, because each time a user and their key level up, they receive stat points, which can be used in order to increase stats.
I've placed stat restrictions on the character sheets, since you need starters as newbies. But once the characters are in the game, there's nothing restricting you to having 100 Speed at level 12, so long as you find a way to earn the stat points.

---

Thirdly, I would like to request that you all state under your active skills what kind of stats affect the said skill. You can take the skills offered in the areas as an example. Some stats lead to a skill's power to increase, while boosting others lead to a skill's decrease in power.


That's all I have for tonight, folks =3 I probably forgot something, seeing as it's late at night, but I'll look through this post tomorrow and maybe add more information. Who knows. Oh, and I've almost finished my human's sheet. She's up on the site at the moment....*looking at in-game information*....I wonder if lack of sleep does this to everyone. XD

6 AM...Yesterday

Sonatina said
Can I play a human? I'm incredibly interested in this.

Indeed, you can =3 . Send me your character sheet whenever you are ready. Thank you for being interested ^ ^

Fire Fairy said
So we just need two more humans? I can have my character just be human if needed to do so.

Fire, if you feel comfortable with playing two characters, I would advice them to be a human and a Key. However, if you wish to start off with only one character, be my guest and make them whatever you wish =3.
Right now, our balance is splendid. We have three confirmed keys and two confirmed humans. If Sonatina creates an acceptable human character, this would mean we would have three humans. Thus you and Krauxis may create both a key and a human, without tilting the scale.
Even if you decide you want to make only one character, I don't think that it would cause much of a problem, seeing as I plan on allowing a few more people in. I'm going to keep this Int.Che. up for a little while more, in order to see if anyone else would like to participate, but at this very moment, the assembled team looks promising and perhaps even enough to get the story started.
Still, I would personally prefer to have five humans and five keys in the very beginning, just so there would be more chances for different interactions and variety.

In other news, how are you all? =3

Sharing a little video for motivation X3

The Midnight Train to Nowhere

Riley said "They'll need some help. Ace, Haku, you heard the lady let's hammer it with some fire and ice."

“What is this? “Game of Thrones”?” Hakuren smirked in response.

Despite all the effort put into their attacks, the slimes had only increased in number and now, with an even greater opponent before them, a gigantic smile towering over the catbus, the situation looked grimmer than Greg Eagles’ Grim Reaper.

The goddess of fortune smiled upon the humans by granting them back-up, a duo, composed of a lovely femme fatale and an astounding male warrior. The movements and skills of both were most impressive. It was as clear as daylight that they were experienced on the field of battle. Yet, before they could reach the main target, countless of little monsters surrounded them, inevitably blocking their way. Even with these extra two players, the party was at a disadvantage.
With the liquid in the majority of amulets reaching its final limits, things were looking gruesome for the Lost Souls. The mages, who were meant to be the main battle force, were weakened, their attacks growing less effective and accurate. The only method they could use was unbreakable teamwork. Quite the hassle, considering how many enemies they had. It would be hard to simply keep yourself out of harms way, let alone to watch the back of someone else.

Despite the fact that the scale was not tilting in his favor, the young man in the midnight green coat continued smiling and casting spells. Standing on the roof of the feline, he limited his rain of icicles to only a specific range around his companions. Whenever Ace found it necessary to chatter with Riley regarding teamwork, he would lock down on the slimes, which were closest to them and stab the critters with an icy needle.
This reminded him of a game he had once played, where the objective was to shoot as many flying roosters as possible. It was a fun piece of entertainment, yet not something he enjoyed on a daily basis back in his own world.
However, this game was a million times cooler, both literally and metaphorically. He could not feel the cold, yet the light ring-like sound ice made whilst forming in thin air was like a symphony worthy for even Beethoven to take off his wig. The flow of magical shards was like the pitter pattering of a little mouse on a smooth marble floor. Each time a slime was engulfed by frost and frozen in place, be it by a strike or by being near a fallen icicle, it was as if it were being embraced by the hands of a gentle mother, an embrace which granted eternal sleep.

Marvelous this artwork of magia was. Alas, it would not last long. The two girls of a flame had begun making their attempts to attract the slime Queen, succeeding each and every time they took action, yet Hakuren was in no condition for a boss battle. Indeed, he had his teammates for support, but his energy was alarmingly low. Stars had started sparkling in front of his eyes in the middle of shooting ice at a couple of animate gelatins, which had wished to take the opportunity to attack the fire benders from behind while they weren’t looking. Taking a moment to catch his chilly breath, a quick glance at his egg-shaped charm proved that he could not possibly continue his duties as a magician, not when his life was hanging by a thread.
All of a sudden, he felt something strange. Ever since he had obtained his power, the youngster had not sensed a single pinch of the cold he was emitting. And yet now, as he was on the brink of collapsing, there was the strange sensation of his own temperature dropping from the inside out. It was peculiar. Could it be that, once the liquid ran out, the magic one was granted consumed the owner? He could only applaud the idea, for it was something he would come up with, in order to give some character a dramatic death. Albeit his entire being was signaling how life-threatening his current state was, the boy did not believe he would die. No, not at all. It would be far too disappointing to end things here. And, if you found his annoying so far, then he certainly had not the slightest intention of ruining this pleasurable experience for you.

And in this darkest hour, if time at all existed, came a savior, a ray of hope, which shined like the sun over the wary and insane. Jasper, the polar bear of their group, used her abilities as a healer to bring light into the darkness of her comrades’ existence. Her holy blessing healed their hearts and granted them spirit for the future ahead. Bit by bit, the liquid increased and soon enough it was restored to only one quarter below the maximum.
Turning to look at the praying lass, Hakuren noted her medic potential before having his attention be drawn back to the happenings in the center of the battle arena.

The Grand Duchess of slimes let out a terrifying roar of rage and ferocity. This being was positively furious. Consumed by wrath, it charged forward, crossing the plain and in the direction of Riley and Ace. It meant business and not the sweet kind.

Riley said "We got it's attention! Ace...I hope you're speedy." The girl gave the swordswoman a salute then began running in the opposite direction. For a giant slime that thing was actually speedy.

Unlike the rest of its kind, this monster was fast and gaining speed rather quickly. If it were allowed to do as it pleased, it could go straight through the ice pillar, on the top of which were Vincent and Leon. Moreover, it could gobble up the entire catbus in one go without even choking.

It was time to cue the music.

“Rosa floret in tenebris est. Is caeruleus sicut nix sub lunam. Secundum imaginariam somnium inside somnis”

(A rose blooms within the darkness. It is blue, like the snow under the full moon. An impossible dream within a dream.)

In front of the beast’s path bloomed a garden of roses, ones made entirely of ice.
A wintry essence waltzed in the atmosphere. Vines full of thorns spread rapidly both upwards and opposite the approaching attacker. They sprouted and curved in various ways, the spikes growing sharper and deadlier, killing off any slime that was nearby. It was a masterpiece. The few flowers, the petals of which were created to the smallest detail, sparkled under the light and shimmed in a soft blue tone. The branches, despite being made of a material so hard, looked elegant and graceful, like the long arms of a ballerina. Beautiful they were and served their role well.
Once the Queen slime slammed into them, her speed dropped dramatically, and, despite still being able to move, the trees and bushes provided additional obstacles, whilst the thorns dealt damage every time the monster inched closer.

This spell cost Hakuren a great amount of liquid and it was down to barely a quarter of the maximum. To his delight, this effort was not meaningless. Riley, the fire mage, had enough time to generate a fireball big enough to send the boss staggering backwards. With the thorns piercing and freezing the bottom and flames burning its top, the slime was stuck between two polar opposites and had no chance to prevail. The victors of the day had already been decided.

Riley said "GUYS!" Riley cupped both hands over her mouth. "There is seriously no time like the present!"

“Don’t be silly.” Hakuren laughed. “In the first place” he took one step back and placed a hand against his head. “there is no...” The roof ended.

Falling from the top of the catbus, Hakuren crashed down on the ground, which, luckily for him, was soft, just like a pastry. The lad let out a groan of displease and pushed himself up. It felt as though he had not slept for days and was about to succumb to sleep. The moment he realized why this had suddenly occurred, he did his best to stand up. There was far too little magical energy inside the amulet. Despite having defeated the giant, the humans were not out of the woods just yet. There was no telling what could come next. This was Nowhere, after all. Thus it was a very unwise decision to leave oneself as vulnerable as him.

Scratching his head, in order to get the blood flowing, the youngster scanned his surroundings. There were still a couple of small critters lingering about and creeping closer to what looked like a pile of pale rags. Upon closer inspection, it proved to be Jasper’s collapsed body. Only the slight ascending and descending of her chest indicated she was alive, for she neither shivered, nor twitched, not even when a piece of gelatin was milimeters away from her.

“Sheesh, what an idiot.” he sighed and pushed himself upwards.

With a snap of a finger a cluster of small ice shards appeared. Moving together, as if they were in an invisible flow, they whisked around the unconscious girl, driving the creatures away and eventually striking them. Meanwhile, the young man walked towards her with his amulet, the substance inside of which was fading away little by little. There was barely any inside now.
He crouched down and took her in his arms, one hand going behind her back, so that her head could rest in his hand, another gently holding her chin. The young man bent and came closer to her face. Eyes closed, lips connected, jaws parted. They tenderly kissed for that very short moment.

Loading...Loading...Battery at 50%

(Will add more from here on out, depending on whether or not Kimchi wakes her up.)
(just for the record, it would be funnier if she woke up XD )

As lovely as it was, there came a time for them to part.
Still holding the girl in his arms, Hakuren shot a few slimes, which were nearby.

“Oh? Has Sleeping Beauty not awaken, yet? Maybe I should try again~” he purred.

Thankfully, Jasper had had enough liquid in her own amulet, in order to heal him, albeit she was not aware.

The Midnight Train to Nowhere

Alright, so I finally got on. Will be making a post now =3 No worries, it won't be a collab. Just a normal post. Yep, just a normal one.

Harper said "PLEASE TAKE CARE OF HER."

I honestly feel sorry for ya lad. I honastly do~