Who told you so, dilly dilly, Who told you so? ‘Twas my own heart, dilly dilly, That told me so.
ouch is one of the most intimate, romantic ways to be close to someone else. The Town knows this very well -- the Town wants everyone to be as close as possible.
Perhaps that's why this bonding is so...aggressive.
Because you're in for quite the shock on this otherwise peaceful day when you brush against the next person on your path.
Maybe you're going out of your way to touch people. Maybe you've got a terrible urge to just see what's lurking in someone's heart. Maybe you trip over a conveniently placed rock -- whatever the cause, you're getting an up close and personal look into someone else's heart.
Welcome to Awash's eighteenth event log, everyone! Further information on this event can be found here at the OOC post. You are welcome to make your own logs and posts for this event!
If there are any questions, please ask them here. Thank you!
Val is vaguely aware of video game tropes outside of a classical turn based RPG, but this is new. It seems like Chroma is quite fond of throwing new things into the mix when he'd rather just stick to the standard formula. He has some questions about how those smilies are voiced, but that's a concern for another day.
Somebody's messing with the UI, and he's certainly aware of the NO button. However, because he is himself he immediately presses the YES button. 100 points? Let's go.
He doesn't know a thing about this person, but that's never stopped him before.
[ Fanfare plays suddenly with small pops of confetti coming off the pop-up screen. ]
〖 +10 points for choosing "YES." Please continue your efforts in choosing the right options! 〗
[ The screen clears. ]
〖 You are presently on Qing Jing Peak. Everyone present will view you as its Peak Lord, Shen Qingqiu. All actions will be seen as his actions. Now, where would you like to go? 〗
[ What a broad statement! But as soon as those words appears on the pop-up, sounds can be heard. To the left, there are children's laughter but it sounds off? To the right, there is the sounds of furious screaming, echoing slightly like in a cave. ]
〖 1. Check on your disciples? 2. Investigate the secluded caves? 3. Ignore and head forward to your next destination!
Warning. You can only choose one option. All other options will be closed as soon as you choose. 〗
Edited (real glad i copied and pasted this so i can make the same mistake and change it twice sigh) 2019-02-09 15:49 (UTC)
The most reasonable option would be to investigate the caves. Somebody sounds like they're dying? At the same time though, it's not really his business what humanity does to themselves. He's not that kind of demon anymore.
The laughter seems off somehow too. He knows what the kids at home sound like, but maybe that's just what humans sound like?
If he knew more about humanity in general he could recognize all of this feels off. Unsettling. He doesn't bother with that and chooses his option.
[ Val finds himself teleported deeper into the bamboo forest. Those no older than thirteen surround one, holding him by the arms and punching the boy repeatedly in the stomach and face. The boys helping with the bullying are laughing with the same off-laughter Val heard from the path.
A young girl stands just to the side of them, screaming at them to stop. ]
〖 The boy being beaten is Luo Binghe! "Your" disciple. The one doing the beating is Ming Fang. "Your" other disciple! At this point and time, the latter is "your" favorite! And the one screaming is Ning Yingying. You have guessed "your" relationship with her correctly -- another disciple!
Please choose how you would like to proceed.
1. Stop Ming Fang. 2. Watch from the shadows. 3. Leave to return to the path.
Once you choose, you will have full control for a brief period of time! Please act accordingly to your choice, or else! 〗
They're "his" disciples and they're his responsibility. He can't have children growing up thinking this is a normal thing to do to each other (even though it certainly makes sense with the way humanity behaves).
Even his own disaster teenagers have more sense than this. Fighting Gods? Reasonable. Fighting each other? Unacceptable behavior for his comrades. It doesn't matter who they are.
>1. Stop Ming Fang.
He steps out of the shadows of the forest, making his presence known. Val sounds just as dramatic as he ever does. "Just what do you think you're doing?"
[ Yet even so, the System does not do more to stop Val beyond warning of the point deduction.
The lot stops to look towards Shen Qingqiu. Ning Yingying rushes forward -- her pigtails having come loose as she grabs onto his arm. ]
Shizun! Shizun. The boys, they're bullying A-Lou!
[ The one disciple lets go of the boy forced to be a punching bag. The group come to stand before Val, bowing slightly at the waist. ]
Luo Binghe attacked Ming Fan. [ The boys nod in agreement. But the girl clinging to Val's arm adds: ] You all were teasing him!
Teasing doesn't mean he can just hit one of us! Especially an older disciple! Shizun has to agree! We were just teasing. Luo Binghe is the one that went too far and we put him back into his place. [ The one in question does not do much but sit on the ground, seemingly waiting for punishment. ]
Val pays no attention to the System. He's doing what he thinks is right, consequences be damned.
Humanity is an absolute disaster. Whatever demons are supposed to be hiding under people's beds and scaring them straight clearly aren't doing their jobs. Children can be better than this. Humans can be better than this.
He looks at the girl on his arm and pauses before speaking.
To Luo Binghe, "Teasing? Did those words really cause that much frustration? Words are nothing, they're empty things unless you allow them to be more."
To Ming Fan and the rest of the group, "Luo Binghe went to far? You were the ones who held him down and beat him.
If it's a proper fight you want, you do not hold your opponent down. Proper combat should be conducted one-on-one. What you did is the act of a weakling who doesn't trust in his own strength."
[ Indeed, the children know this. But the way that the System is set up -- the way that his heart is set up -- a person cannot win.
All the disciples step back to tilt their heads in the same fashion at Val. They shake their heads at him in unison. ]
Shizun has always taught up as an eye-for-an-eye. [ The voices say together. The original had meant that none should bully the Peak and should anyone come for them, they should protect themselves and seek retribution for their sect brothers and sisters. But how can that be known? ]
A weakling that does not trust his own strength. That is Shizun, isn't it? [ The lot giggle to themselves. ] Shizun could have stopped all of this without words. But he let Luo Binghe be bullied and ridiculed.
Shizun just handling things with words and doing nothing. Doesn't that make him the weakest of us?
Val, at all times, is never once to mince words. It helps that he doesn't exactly know this person who's heart he stepped into. That's how he feels about himself, huh?
If that's the case then clearly the reality and the way he views himself match. "It does. If he can't find the strength to change what's around him, that's weakness."
[This must be the will of the heart he's found himself in.
What it's saying is wrong. Everybody has the strength to change something. Especially when they're aware of the things they want to change.
Part of him wants to talk some sense into this "Shizun" person, but at the same time, change is something that must come from within. Just because he can point out flaws doesn't mean that the person who has them is going to do anything.
He looks up to the sky. If this is the way the heart works, then there's not much he can do for the disciples.]
[ The group looks between themselves, murmuring. The murmuring sounds more like soft dial-up sounds as they process the question. ]
The System is willing to accept this as a completed event.
[ All the disciples say in unison: ] Because you are understanding the fruitlessness of being anything but a villain. [ They laugh softly to themselves, obviously amused. ]
We can move to another scene now that you understand your role, or if you wish to exit... we are fine with you completing the game.
〖 Very well! The System is always happy to help! Your ejection from this heart will be a painful one, but please try to enjoy yourself! (ﾉ´ヮ´)ﾉ ... 〗
[ Indeed, Shen Qingqiu has not ever met Val and so the heart does not want to hold onto him as tightly as it would those he knew from the past month. But that does not mean that the System is fair. It only plays at being fair, unfortunately.
There is the soft sound of arrows being knocked. The disciples disappear as the scenery fades to black. Through the darkness, one can hear arrows flying. Yes, it won't kill, but it is as the System said -- a painful ejection from the heart. ]
[ Barraged with arrows is what happens! The System is only happy that Val did not decide to fight against fate. It offers a few chirping sounds as it rewards the person with more points for accepting everything so well.
Reality splinters and the two find themselves standing in front of one another. He isn't quite sure what happened that he had ended up suddenly being touched but he offers a small, apologetic smile. What the fuck was that, am I right? ]
... Oh! Are you all right? [ Actually, Val should be. It was within the heart and so there is actually no damage to his real body. Shen Qingqiu still looks him over to make sure that he is actually all right. ]
He wonders how he should actually answer that very simple question. You've uncovered the secret villain that has been living here! Congratulations! It isn't like his heart can lie, right? Very right. He rubs his forehead as he looks away, somewhat anxious. ]
This teacher thinks he could have done better in a lot of his actions in the past.
[ Really putting me on the spot here! I am the villain of the story. The scum villain! The one that gets away with everything with his two-faced and hypocritical way of living!
He really doesn't need one more person thinking that he's a good person, but at the same times, he really doesn't want to be run out of town. Oh wait, there's that trap-filled castle I could live in? Maybe being run out wouldn't be so bad? Oh my god. I would level up from being a cannon-fodder villain to a full-fledged boss that has his own castle!! Fuck! ]
I could have done better, and I hurt people along the way. Far more than what they deserved to be hurt. I liked to say that I had no choice, but there were a lot of choices before me. At least three choices I could have done, but I always to chose the one that would keep me alive.
[Unfortunately for him, Val doesn't know the meaning of the word "chill". So here he is, standing in front of him, judging him for his words and actions.]
You think your biggest crime is self-preservation at the cost of others?
He almost coughs up some blood but swallows it. A very bad habit that he has. When he hears something terribly upsetting news, his cultivation energy spikes and causes something inside of him to rupture which in turn causes blood to pool in his mouth and he swallows it before using his energy to heal what he has upset. ]
[He can still smell the blood, but it's not as though he's going to point it out. Val won't drink it either.]
You know what you're doing wrong, which is more than what most humans can say. Change yourself. You aren't a vengeful ghost that's existed for 400 years.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
ouch is one of the most intimate, romantic ways to be close to someone else. The Town knows this very well -- the Town wants everyone to be as close as possible.
no subject
Somebody's messing with the UI, and he's certainly aware of the NO button. However, because he is himself he immediately presses the YES button. 100 points? Let's go.
He doesn't know a thing about this person, but that's never stopped him before.
no subject
〖 +10 points for choosing "YES." Please continue your efforts in choosing the right options! 〗
[ The screen clears. ]
〖 You are presently on Qing Jing Peak. Everyone present will view you as its Peak Lord, Shen Qingqiu. All actions will be seen as his actions. Now, where would you like to go? 〗
[ What a broad statement! But as soon as those words appears on the pop-up, sounds can be heard. To the left, there are children's laughter but it sounds off? To the right, there is the sounds of furious screaming, echoing slightly like in a cave. ]
〖 1. Check on your disciples?
2. Investigate the secluded caves?
3. Ignore and head forward to your next destination!
Warning. You can only choose one option. All other options will be closed as soon as you choose. 〗
no subject
The laughter seems off somehow too. He knows what the kids at home sound like, but maybe that's just what humans sound like?
If he knew more about humanity in general he could recognize all of this feels off. Unsettling. He doesn't bother with that and chooses his option.
>1. Check on your disciples.
no subject
[ Val finds himself teleported deeper into the bamboo forest. Those no older than thirteen surround one, holding him by the arms and punching the boy repeatedly in the stomach and face. The boys helping with the bullying are laughing with the same off-laughter Val heard from the path.
A young girl stands just to the side of them, screaming at them to stop. ]
〖 The boy being beaten is Luo Binghe! "Your" disciple. The one doing the beating is Ming Fang. "Your" other disciple! At this point and time, the latter is "your" favorite! And the one screaming is Ning Yingying. You have guessed "your" relationship with her correctly -- another disciple!
Please choose how you would like to proceed.
1. Stop Ming Fang.
2. Watch from the shadows.
3. Leave to return to the path.
Once you choose, you will have full control for a brief period of time! Please act accordingly to your choice, or else! 〗
no subject
Even his own disaster teenagers have more sense than this. Fighting Gods? Reasonable. Fighting each other? Unacceptable behavior for his comrades. It doesn't matter who they are.
>1. Stop Ming Fang.
He steps out of the shadows of the forest, making his presence known. Val sounds just as dramatic as he ever does. "Just what do you think you're doing?"
(it's ming fan; i put a 'g' whoops)
[ Yet even so, the System does not do more to stop Val beyond warning of the point deduction.
The lot stops to look towards Shen Qingqiu. Ning Yingying rushes forward -- her pigtails having come loose as she grabs onto his arm. ]
Shizun! Shizun. The boys, they're bullying A-Lou!
[ The one disciple lets go of the boy forced to be a punching bag. The group come to stand before Val, bowing slightly at the waist. ]
Luo Binghe attacked Ming Fan. [ The boys nod in agreement. But the girl clinging to Val's arm adds: ] You all were teasing him!
Teasing doesn't mean he can just hit one of us! Especially an older disciple! Shizun has to agree! We were just teasing. Luo Binghe is the one that went too far and we put him back into his place. [ The one in question does not do much but sit on the ground, seemingly waiting for punishment. ]
no subject
Humanity is an absolute disaster. Whatever demons are supposed to be hiding under people's beds and scaring them straight clearly aren't doing their jobs. Children can be better than this. Humans can be better than this.
He looks at the girl on his arm and pauses before speaking.
To Luo Binghe, "Teasing? Did those words really cause that much frustration? Words are nothing, they're empty things unless you allow them to be more."
To Ming Fan and the rest of the group, "Luo Binghe went to far? You were the ones who held him down and beat him.
If it's a proper fight you want, you do not hold your opponent down. Proper combat should be conducted one-on-one. What you did is the act of a weakling who doesn't trust in his own strength."
no subject
All the disciples step back to tilt their heads in the same fashion at Val. They shake their heads at him in unison. ]
Shizun has always taught up as an eye-for-an-eye.
[ The voices say together. The original had meant that none should bully the Peak and should anyone come for them, they should protect themselves and seek retribution for their sect brothers and sisters. But how can that be known? ]
A weakling that does not trust his own strength. That is Shizun, isn't it? [ The lot giggle to themselves. ] Shizun could have stopped all of this without words. But he let Luo Binghe be bullied and ridiculed.
Shizun just handling things with words and doing nothing. Doesn't that make him the weakest of us?
no subject
If that's the case then clearly the reality and the way he views himself match. "It does. If he can't find the strength to change what's around him, that's weakness."
no subject
That's right. He does not have the strength to change anything. Everything will play out as it should.
[ More injuries erupt upon the young disciples, yet no one has struck them. The lot only seems to beam happily. ]
Shizun is starting to understand.
[ Fanfare starts raining down from the sky as bright, triumphant music plays. No one is supposed to win this game. ]
no subject
What it's saying is wrong. Everybody has the strength to change something. Especially when they're aware of the things they want to change.
Part of him wants to talk some sense into this "Shizun" person, but at the same time, change is something that must come from within. Just because he can point out flaws doesn't mean that the person who has them is going to do anything.
He looks up to the sky. If this is the way the heart works, then there's not much he can do for the disciples.]
Is this the end?
no subject
The System is willing to accept this as a completed event.
[ All the disciples say in unison: ] Because you are understanding the fruitlessness of being anything but a villain. [ They laugh softly to themselves, obviously amused. ]
We can move to another scene now that you understand your role, or if you wish to exit... we are fine with you completing the game.
no subject
I'm not a hero or a villain.
[But he's good leaving this place now.]
I'm done here.
no subject
[ Indeed, Shen Qingqiu has not ever met Val and so the heart does not want to hold onto him as tightly as it would those he knew from the past month. But that does not mean that the System is fair. It only plays at being fair, unfortunately.
There is the soft sound of arrows being knocked. The disciples disappear as the scenery fades to black. Through the darkness, one can hear arrows flying. Yes, it won't kill, but it is as the System said -- a painful ejection from the heart. ]
no subject
But he's not in reality right now. The rules of somebody else's heart is different. So he prepares himself to get barraged by arrows.]
no subject
Reality splinters and the two find themselves standing in front of one another. He isn't quite sure what happened that he had ended up suddenly being touched but he offers a small, apologetic smile. What the fuck was that, am I right? ]
... Oh! Are you all right? [ Actually, Val should be. It was within the heart and so there is actually no damage to his real body. Shen Qingqiu still looks him over to make sure that he is actually all right. ]
no subject
He's perfectly fine, but he also fixes Shen Quingqiu with a thoughtful stare.]
Is that really how you see yourself?
no subject
He wonders how he should actually answer that very simple question. You've uncovered the secret villain that has been living here! Congratulations! It isn't like his heart can lie, right? Very right. He rubs his forehead as he looks away, somewhat anxious. ]
This teacher thinks he could have done better in a lot of his actions in the past.
no subject
Humans can always do better. They usually just choose not to. If that's your definition of villainy, every human is a villain.
no subject
I'm afraid I don't understand.
no subject
no subject
He really doesn't need one more person thinking that he's a good person, but at the same times, he really doesn't want to be run out of town. Oh wait, there's that trap-filled castle I could live in? Maybe being run out wouldn't be so bad? Oh my god. I would level up from being a cannon-fodder villain to a full-fledged boss that has his own castle!! Fuck! ]
I could have done better, and I hurt people along the way. Far more than what they deserved to be hurt. I liked to say that I had no choice, but there were a lot of choices before me. At least three choices I could have done, but I always to chose the one that would keep me alive.
no subject
You think your biggest crime is self-preservation at the cost of others?
no subject
He almost coughs up some blood but swallows it. A very bad habit that he has. When he hears something terribly upsetting news, his cultivation energy spikes and causes something inside of him to rupture which in turn causes blood to pool in his mouth and he swallows it before using his energy to heal what he has upset. ]
... yes.
no subject
You know what you're doing wrong, which is more than what most humans can say. Change yourself. You aren't a vengeful ghost that's existed for 400 years.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)