FINAL WEEK

[strangerpeople]

FINAL WEEK

[This round really has been different.

The beginning of the week brings memories once more, as everyone finally falls asleep, and soon enough it will become apparent that a new wing has opened up, laying bare the entire mall for the survivors. Still, it is no small comfort. Not when the residents have also been updated, bringing home the very sobering fact that over half of those who arrived here are dead.

There are so few left. The Fabricator has been exposed, and somehow that is hardly a victory. It's clear that whoever is running this intends to hold whatever cards they can until the bitter end. Theirs isn't the first time this Game has been played, after all. They can easily outlast their charges on their home turf.

Yet, there is a strange hope. Maybe there is a way out. The question now is finding it and going on the offensive, before those in charge make their next move. Because they will eventually. There is no doubt. Time is not a luxury the remaining Titled can waste anymore and everyone knows it.

So don't waste it - because the clock is ticking. Prepare yourselves.

There are seven strangers left in this place.]

Comments

[ourmagic]

I would never make fun of you, Joey. I think you know that by now. You're the star in MY show.

[incrediblystressedout]

And you're the star in mine.

Or else I'd fight you for Polaris. That's a good name.

[theirmagic]

Sorry, Joey. I have performance seniority. A fair number more years of it than you. I wish I could've told you about this sooner, it's why I was so excited to help you with your routine.

[incrediblystressedout]

Ursula..sorry, Chariot.

I've been waiting to dance with a woman I looked up to my entire life. It's...impossible that I'll ever get to do that with my mom, but I'm incredibly glad I'll get to dance with you now. On stage, or on the face of the woman who brought us here.

[ourmagic]

You can... call me whichever is easier. To be honest, I still have a hard time with people calling me "Chariot"... Croix saying it so many times has made it a little less anxiety-inducing, I suppose, but...

[ She shakes her head, but then lets out a small snort. Oh, Joey. ]

I think I'd like to give her a good kick right between the eyes, myself. I can teach you some really good workout routines to keep your legs strong, do you practice any besides the classical ballet things? Might be good to do this week, to stay in shape.

At the very least, it'll burn some energy.

[incrediblystressedout]

If you can magic me up a pair of tap shoes, or someone gets them out of the vending machines, I can show you the kind of damage I can do with my feet. I usually restrict that to precarious stacks of stuff, but I can branch out.

[ourmagic]

Well...

[ She IS holding a strange bottle in her hand... fancy that. ]

Don't count it out.

[incrediblystressedout]

You're the absolute best, you know that?

[beguiledcard]

Either of you mind teaching me a few things about dancing?

[ ... yes, he's serious. ]

[ourmagic]

... I could definitely do that, Akira. I could teach you a lot. I know all kinds of performance magic... how to tone your legs and arms, how to juggle, how to use magic to make music... it's what I specialized in: performance.

If you want to take an act to new heights... I'm probably the person to ask.

[beguiledcard]

I'm glad. I'm used to being able to do some flashy moves in a fight, since I'm usually battling in the Metaverse...

[ WHY NO ACROBATICS WHILE FIGHT ]

So... I look forward to learning from you both.

[theirmagic]

I could teach you how to fight with your legs very well. ... I... I've been lying to most of you, to be honest.

[ She... looks guilty. ]

Every night or morning, for at least two hours, I spend time training my body. I sort of have to, or the kind of advanced magic I practice wouldn't work anymore. It requires incredibly physical fitness.

[beguiledcard]

[ There's not judgment on his face. If anything, he looks impressed. ]

Man... to think I've been missing out on a good training partner all this time.

[ A gentle smile. ]

We've all kept out secrets. We've all known each other less than a month, after all. It'd be unreasonable to expect us all to have opened up completely in such a short period of time...

[incrediblystressedout]

I'm just...just really happy someone's actually interested in learning besides me.

Ursula's got the stage experience, so she's a better teacher, but I know enough I can help.

[beguiledcard]

[ After saying something to the pair, he gives Joey an exaggerated look of helplessness. ]

I'm a newbie at actual dance routines, so I need all the help I can get.