Fallen Peak 2

There is a swaying deck below you, but no sky up above. The dark waves of the Unterzee churn and tug at the hull of the ship. The cry you hear is not a gull. There are shapes in the water. FALLEN PEAK: COMPLETE HOPELESS SEA: Chapter 2 In Progress

[fallenpeak-blog]

Winter Wonderland | Whither Arrival

Those of you who spend time out on the top deck, either for work or leisure, may notice a stark drop in temperature as the days go by. And then one morning you wake to find the motion of the ship has stopped again. There's a sharp mineral smell in the air, and a glance outside shows a chilly sight. The white stuff drifting down from the distant ceiling could be snow, or could be salt. Perhaps both? Either way, there's a layer of it over the ground and buildings of the town you've docked at, and your breath forms little clouds in the air should you step outside.

It might be best to bundle up before you go exploring here, but something about the new location definitely piques your curiosity. 

[fallenpeak-blog]

Pig-Out | Pigmote Departure

It’s early evening on the second day after the trial, approximately around dinner time.  Those who are still languishing in their cabins receive a note slipped under the door (or in the case of one cabin, a knock and a spoken invitation).

“Come to the mess hall, bring your friends.”

So you gather, along with your friends and classmates.  Or perhaps you were already there, as it was dinner time after all.  Or, perhaps, you were one of the few who ignored the note, or just missed it.  But those of you who do gather in the mess hall are there to see the Captain stride in, and/or hear her clap sharply to get your attention.

“This is your Captain speakin’.  We’ll be settin’ sail for our next destination soon, and I’ve got a request for when we get there.  Or maybe it’s a new rule.  Try not to get yourselves arrested.  Now, I know none of you were responsible for the little incident a couple days ago.  But if a grown-ass person managed to get themself damn near executed ‘cause they can’t resist stealin’ treasure, gotta admit, I’m wonderin’ what a bunch of impulsive teenagers might do.  And gettin’ arrested might be the least of your worries right now, but if you do get taken away, I might not be able to get you back.”

One has to wonder why anyone would try to get arrested anyway.  It sounds like a pain in the ass.

“Our next stop is Whither.  We’ll be settin’ off in the mornin’.  Volunteers, I’ll be expectin’ you to report to me after the mornin’ bell.”  With that, the Captain turns on her heel and strides out, boots clicking with every step.

-

True to the Captain’s word, you hear the clattering of the bell early the next morning, followed by an increased feeling of motion a scant hour later.  Your time on Pigmote Isle is over.

[fallenpeak-blog]

They Always Sounded Empty | Carla | Execution Reaction/Ch3 Start

Carla does her best to keep smiling as the time approaches, but when Nao is whisked away her brave face falls. "What the fuck...!!" she exclaims as the execution takes place. For a second, she's tempted to cover her eyes or look away, but she knows that would just be cowardly.

Instead she clenches her fists, feeling her fingernails pinch her palms, and lets the anger bubble within her. There'd no way for her to do anything now.

When the execution is over and the Devil has left, Carla stands still, shaken. "It's... it'll all be okay, it'll get better..." she mutters, but even she doesn't seem to believe that now. She leaves quietly, her normal energy completely absent.

[fallenpeak-blog]

He Died A Little Each Day | MaMi | Trial 1 | Execution Reaction

[CW: IDK she's just gross? Why is she like this? How do I even tag that?]

She stays silent for the duration of time Nao had left with them. Other people needed this time more than she did, they had only been friends for a few days. Other people were more attached, had tighter closer bonds. It was fine like this, because she wasn't as attached as them so she could be fine. That was how bonds worked. His words stung though, more than him being lost at sea first dose. Family... Well she's not really sure how to do that. Good people. Family. Take care of each other. That wasn't something she was so sure she could do. In theory sure she could follow his advice but she was at a complete disadvantage here. He knew that, she knew that, they should all know that already.  None of you are alone in this. Ah... well no of course not, they were all physically there so... So...

For a moment her mind wanders to the red ink in the drawer. What a lovely shade that was. Oh right focus now. Someone... Would not be here anymore. What a strange thought, she was used to him being around. Everyone was usually around. So strange...

The execution was.... Something. She couldn't keep her eyes off it. There was just a strange beauty and sadness to it all. Something her art could never capture, a very human beauty. So very human. It made her feel warm but also gross. There was... something... not good about it. Of course there would be that was... Normal. The... Normal... reaction. Normal. Just be normal about it. There wasn't something... hot about it. Just be normal, please for once in your life. She needed to leave now. Confusing, shouldn't be confusing that was- not right. Strange strange strange.

The gross feeling in her chest got worse. Something she had delicately sewn shut so long ago had re-opened. It never had healed right had it? She didn't like it, this was not a feeling she was accustomed to, it was uncomfortable at best but it would get worse with time. The solution would be simple of course, sew it back up and hope for the best. She could stand to let it bleed out for a day or two, that was only natural right? Mourning. That's what people normally did wasn't it? Feel terrible for awhile and then get back to work. She could do that, would do that.

[fallenpeak-blog]

Amplified Screams || Chase || Execution Reaction

The once photographer sat in Aka-san's seat, saying no more. He had things to say but nothing that would make things better. He felt pathetic. He was fine with Aka-san going to Nao. He curled up in the chair, his hand tightening on the cane and bowing his head.

Then heard the execution start.

His knuckles turned white from gripping the cane and took deep breaths... He couldn't keep it up though. Eventually the cane slipped and clattered to the floor, and his hands covered his ears.

It was too hard though. Nothing could block out Nao. Nothing could stop him hearing the sounds.

Even when Aka-san approached and spoke up, Chase actually flinched. He slowly gave a nod. He slowly reached for Aki, and bowing his head.

"Cane... I dropped it... Then... let's get out of here..."

Chase's voice was sounding very blank again. But it was fragile and forced. Like he was trying not to crumble.

[fallenpeak-blog]

Don’t | Aka-san | Trial 1 | Execution reaction

Aka-san just stares at Nao dully, clenching his jaw. He knows he’ll crack if he tries to talk again, so he just looks down, staring at his chest. But when the chain shoots down to drag him away, he automatically surges forward, crying out. 

“Don’t--! Don’t, please..!”, he tries to beg, but... he’s not chance for a machine that quick. Nao is gone very soon, and all Aka-san can do is stare at the screen like an idiot. 

And while at first he’s hopeful it’s not an actual death execution, the moment the bristles touch Nao he starts to tremble. What.... what in the fuck... 

“.............” 

He wants to pass out. But he can’t. He... he can’t. He wants to die. But never like that, jesus fuck. 

His eyes are glued to the screen until it shuts off, at which point he turns around and stumbles back to his seat where Chase is. “...Ch...chase.. w-we gotta go...”, he just sobs, trembling violently, breath erratic and wheezy. God he'd do anything to just pass out and never wake up again, but Chase...

Whatever they just saw, that wasn’t an execution. That was someone having fun with Nao’s life. His pain, his terror. That was a purely sadistic way to torture someone to death. 

He hadn’t really absorbed this whole killing game idea yet, but it hit him now. Just how terrible it is. Just how sadistic and fucked everything here is. And it’s shaking him to the core. If there was one way to spook him off of killing someone at any point, it was that. 

[fallenpeak-blog]

To shut him up in a sepulchre | Jasper | Execution Reaction

Nao had been… So calm. He really accepted his fate. Jasper nibbled their lip as they listened to him, squeezing on tight. The way he sounded was so convincing. They would be okay, they would take care of each other, everything would be fine…

They were barely putting the key in their pocket, nodding slowly, when the Devil read out the verdict. Panic started to rise in their stomach. They turned, sitting up to kiss him one last time. Their face was still wet, and they were hiccuping as they did so.

“I love you, I need you, you idiot,” they blubbered.

And all too soon, he was gone. As the screen went down, Jasper made quick work of grabbing onto Kimiko. They pulled her to their chest, hiding her face against them and then burrowing their face into her hair. They closed their eyes tight, holding onto the smaller girl.

They missed the brutal attacks, but looked up too early. They caught sight of Nao’s corpse, red and blue and limp and dead. They stared until the projector clicked off, and then slowly turned to look at Kimiko.

They knew then that they wouldn’t be okay, that everything wouldn’t be fine.

Jasper didn’t speak. What was there to say?

[fallenpeak-blog]

Sinister || Ashley || Execution Reaction

Ash had been silent ever since Nao’s confession. She honestly couldn’t believe what was happening. He actually killed someone. But... Nao was probably the best friend she had here, and now he was gonna be punished for his crimes. 

“I’m gonna miss you, Nao.”

Nothing could prepare her for what came next. She had previously thought the punishment would be another dismemberment, or a devil prison or, hell something that wasn’t death. No, instead, he had been brutally dragged off to his own demise. 

She didn’t wanna watch, but it was impossible to look away. They wouldn’t go that far, would they? He wasn’t gonna be killed, right? But he was, and Ash had just witnessed the death of a close friend. Ashley felt sick, she couldn’t take it, but the only thing worse than that feeling of nausea, was the guilt. She had voted for him. His fate was partially her fault. She had played a part in killing her closest friend.

[fallenpeak-blog]

Too Little, Too Late | Anaki | Execution Reaction

All the yelling had subsided, and Anaki was sure that there would be more. There would be rage at the Devil, rage at Nao, there would be screaming and fighting and denial-- all of Anaki's past experiences told her this. But...she was wrong. Everyone was there, somberly and calmly thanking Nao for his friendship. Forgiving him, reassuring him, and quietly accepting his fate.

And then there was Anaki, whose rage and misery grew with every passing moment. These people were doing things that she just couldn't do. They were crying, they were mourning, they were grieving and offering the exact kind of comfort that was needed in the moment. But Anaki couldn't do that. She never could. Not even for the one person who she claimed to call a friend.

Anaki sternly closes her eyes and listens to Nao's parting words, fighting down the growing lump in her throat as various scenes played out in her head. In that moment, she couldn't bring herself to think of the recent times they'd shared; the training, the long talks, the late night walks-- all she could picture was their sordid past. The names, the yelling, the hitting, the crying, the blood-- she was truly awful to him, and in the silence that filled the moments before Nao was taken away, Anaki murmured one final statement in as strong and controlled a voice as she could manage.

"I'm....so fucking sorry...."

She wasn't even sure if he heard it or not. He never got the chance to respond before he was whisked away. She could do nothing for him.

Then, she could only watch in stunned, sickened horror at the execution he was given. It was a nightmare-- no, this couldn't possibly be real. How...how did they put something like that together? And why? Was it not enough to just shoot him and get it over with? 

Her fists tensed more and more as her expression grew darker and darker. When it was all over, and they were free to go, Anaki put every ounce of willpower into speaking in an even tone, despite the agony that fought to shatter that illusion of control.

"....anyone who still wants to learn from me, find me tomorrow. Doesn't matter if you're weak, blind, injured, or whatever. Anyone can defend themselves, an' I suggest you all fucking learn."

Without allowing herself to look at anyone, she stormed away from the group and disappeared to their normal vessel. She could only hope that no one would find her.

[fallenpeak-blog]

Like the Three Wise Monkeys | Akira Shimeji| Execution Reaction

Akira felt like any word he said would have been pointless at this point. Nao had done something horrible to protect the others, and in away it showed a bravery Akira could never have.

Akira just wasn't sure if Nao's actions helped more than they hurt.

Everyone was distressed over it, and worst of all in this heartbreaking time he felt a strange hint of jealousy. It was sickly feeling in the bottom of his stomach as everyone showed so much passion for there loved one that they cared so much about. He had to wonder how Nao ever thought he wasn't loved.

Before he could even process such an ugly emotion Nao was dragged off, and what preceded wasn't an execution so much as torture.

At first Akira watched mouth open in confusion at the spectacle, but as the first blood was drawn he closed his eyes and curled up in fear.

The cries of pain turned to screams, and Akira's shaky palms couldn't even block out the noise.

Akira just wanted to cry, but he didn't even do that as he shivered quietly.

Why did the Smiling Devil have to display Nao's death like a macabre matinee?

When they are finally free to go Akira runs.

[fallenpeak-blog]

Nao That’s Over | Chapter 3 Start

The projector clicks off, the panels all slide back into place. It’s over. The Devil stands from her chair again and claps lightly, ignoring any of your reactions.

“Not the best execution I’ve seen, but it had a certain flair, didn’t it? Shame two of you couldn’t appreciate the artistry. Anyway, y’all can go now.” At her words, the panel that had covered the exit moves aside, and the door is opened, held presumably by another devil standing out in the hall.

“Try not to dawdle, unless you’d like to sail with us. Though I reckon you got a couple days before we’ll be movin’ on to the next destination.” She makes a little ‘go on’ gesture at you with one hand, then walks out herself, humming pleasantly. When you can all bring yourselves to leave, the various random devils running the ship will show you back to the dock, and once you’ve all disembarked the gangplank is drawn up again. Looks like the devil’s ship isn’t an area you’re free to explore... not that you’re likely to have wanted to.

[fallenpeak-blog]

Art Demands Blood, Sweat, and Tears | Execution

[TW: 2D Gore, Blood, Throat/Neck Trauma]

For a moment before the time is up, Nao pulls back and stands up, strong and firm. His jaw is set, his fists are clenched, and there’s a gleam of something like defiance in his eyes. But only for a moment. A panel in the wall slides open and a chain shoots out, a metal collar closes around his neck, his expression falls and his shoulders slump. He doesn’t try to put up a fight as he’s yanked out of the room like a rag doll.

The panel snaps shut behind him, and two others on the opposite side of the room slide apart, revealing a blank white surface. A screen, and a projection device is already descending from the ceiling and flickering on with the clicking of outdated technology, sending an image humming onto the screen.

And then there Nao is again, strapped to a flat vertical surface, metal cuffs at his wrists and ankles and a leather strap around his waist holding him to what almost looks like a plain white wall. The view pans out, and it becomes clear that it’s a giant blank canvas. He tugs half-heartedly at his bindings, but they’re very secure, he’s practically bolted down, and after a few seconds he just lets himself hang there with a heavy sigh.

Even when an enormous paintbrush descends from the ceiling into the scene he doesn’t react much, just watches it with weary eyes and his lips pressed together, resigned to his fate. He mumbles something, seemingly rhetorical, that the audio picks up. “What even is this? Can’t we just get this over with…?”

The brush dips down, and comes back up with the tip covered in blue paint. It begins to sweep over the canvas in long, broad strokes. It’s difficult to tell, from this angle, if it’s actually painting a picture or not. Surprisingly it doesn’t touch Nao, at least not right away. 

Instead it paints above and around him, moving down to scoop up more paint occasionally, and spreading it so thick that it begins to drip in some places. Nao shudders as thick drops of paint roll down and hit his head, shoulders, and outstretched arms. It seems to only be causing him discomfort for the most part, though at one point a glob passes over his face and he hacks and spits and snorts as it gets in his nose and mouth, shaking his head furiously to try and keep it out of his eyes.

During this, the brush finally drags down and passes over his left arm, and Nao suddenly jerks and swears violently. Blood begins to pour from fresh cuts on his arm where the brush touched, and suddenly the loud scrape of it over the canvas becomes more sinister. The brush isn’t made of hair or some other soft substance, it’s almost entirely stiff, constructed of metal wires and tines, like dozens of giant needles.

Like a Tebori brush.

It’s not quite enough to tear or poke through the sturdy canvas, but it’s obviously sharp enough to slice through Nao’s flesh, the point only emphasized as it arcs up and passes over his stomach.

The wounds aren’t deep, enough to make him bleed profusely but not do serious damage. Nevertheless they clearly hurt, if the way Nao shouts and is now struggling in earnest is any indication. Fresh panic appears on his face every time the brush moves towards him again. Blood mixes with paint, turning it purple in places, making it hard to see how many or how bad his cuts are becoming, but there must be dozens now. On his arms, his stomach, his legs, over his chest and shoulders. And then the brush drags across the bottom half of his face, and his neck. Nao’s screams turn to chokes and gurgles, the sharp “bristles” clearly hit a vein.

The brush pulls away, leaving the bleeding and painted boy to jerk through his last seconds of life, and then he goes still, hanging limply, blood and paint still dripping slowly down from his dead body.

NAO BLACKWOOD-FUJIWARA, SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL TATTOO ARTIST, HAS BEEN EXECUTED.

[Art by Michael]

[fallenpeak-blog]

HIganbana | One Day We Won't | Trial 2:6 | RE Nao

She could have said nothing.

She could have stood there, crying as silently as possible while trying to keep smiling.

She could have let those last words be all she said to him.

But she couldn't. Not after she'd written his name. Not after she'd helped send him to death.

Higanbana drew in a shaky breath, finally opening her eyes, looking to Nao as best she could.

"Nao-kun..." she called out, soft and gentle as she could. Willing her voice to sound as even as possible. To stop crying. "I...

"I'll open that restaurant for you. Okay? And I'll...I'll get a tattoo, I'll bear the pain and get one! And I...

I'm sorry. I forgive you, you're a great friend, I won't forget what you did for us, we won't let this happen anymore."

[fallenpeak-blog]

Might As Well Tag Everyone Dang | Nao | Re: Anaki, Aka-san, Chase, MaMi, Torahiko, Pheenie, Atty, Higanbana, Carla, Kimiko

It hurts a lot more than his ribs, not knowing what to say or how to be there for everyone. Nao looks over at Anaki when she speaks, he doesn't deserve anything more than her ire, and probably a punch in the face, but part of him- the selfish part- wants to explain anyway. She was his friend, too. Anaki was stronger than him, in just about every sense, not just a physical one. Maybe he'd become attached to more people, but the group needed her more. 

"I'm sorry..." Aka-san's angry outburst stings, both because it shows how upset and hurt he is- and Nao had never wanted that, ever- and because in a lot of ways it's true. Nao doesn't think he's better than anyone, on the contrary, he's an asshole, worse than that, he'd killed a girl. What had been a noble sacrifice on Banbi's part was a cowardly act on his. And a selfish one. That's the true part, the part Aka-san is right about. He's selfish. He couldn't bear to watch the others hurt, couldn't stand the thought of losing any of them, so he'd taken the easy way out.

But... he'd never expected them to care this much. No one had ever cared about him this much. Sure he'd known they'd be upset, but knowing what he'd done, seeing what kind of garbage he really was, he'd thought that maybe that would be enough to show them this was really the best option all along.

"I'm so sorry..."

It just keeps coming. Himiko explains it better than he could, exactly how selfish he really is. He was a protector, he was supposed to keep them safe, and he'd already failed in that... how could he let that failure continue? What was he good for if he couldn't do what he was supposed to do and prevent his loved ones from being harmed? If he wasn't already crying, her words would've started the waterworks for sure.

"Midnight-san, you're... really a good friend." He doesn't know what else to say, genuinely touched by her support. By the support of everyone who's giving it. Nao is relieved that the majority are voting for him anyway, but stunned that so many of them are saying they don't hate him, still consider him a friend, even Torahiko says he doesn't blame him. Somewhere in all the excitement Chase mentions selling his soul and Nao can't even process that with everything else, holy shit. At least he knows the photographer will really do anything to protect Aka-san...

"D-don't... Pheenie-chan, don't hurt yourself." Nao can't bring himself to leave Kimiko and Jasper, this may be his last chance to be near them, but he straightens up and watches Seraphina struggle to speak with alarm. It's too soon, it must be painful. "You have nothing to be sorry for, it's- I'm the one who..." Seriously how does Himiko do it? How do words even work? 

And then Aka-san is there, retracting his previous statements, and it's all just... too much. Nao wishes he had another arm so he could pull the boy into the hug as well. His throat is closing up, choked with emotion and suppressed sobs.

"It's... it's okay, you can... be angry, you got a right to, I just... I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm such a fuck-up and I couldn't... think of what else to do. I just wanted everyone to be safe. I'm a fuckin' idiot, and selfish, like you said, and... I'm sorry, little brother." Nao shifts a bit, so that he can grip a fold of Aka-san's hoodie for a moment in solidarity without letting go of Kimiko or Jasper.

It just keeps coming. Atumemhet doesn't even vote for him, Jasper is still crying. Nao presses his face into their hair for a moment, murmurs I love you, too. Tries not to completely break down. He did this. He hurt them. But, even now, isn't this still better than the alternative...? Better than what the Devil would have done...?

Someone... would have killed, but would it have happened in time? And wasn't it better that he be the one? Everyone else was precious, too. There had been no good option here, no acceptable sacrifice.

"You are good, Jazz. I'm... shit, I can't even... you're gonna be okay, I know it doesn't feel like it now but you're... all of you, please just. Take care of each other." Nao looks at Jasper, at Kimiko, at Aka-san. He looks over at Anaki again, at Higanbana, and Carla, at everyone he can see from his awkward position on the floor, tears streaming down his face, his voice desperate but surprisingly steady. 

"Everyone, you can get through this. We made it through the first motive, right? I... I couldn't make it through this one, but you're all strong enough to keep going. I know it. Please, look out for each other. You're all my friends, my family... you're all good people. All I ever wanted... my whole stupid life... was a family. And you all... gave me that. So, thank you. And I'm sorry I fucked it up. But please, keep being a family to each other. Try to reach out to each other... just... please. I know I don't have a right to ask anything, but none of you are alone in this. Just... don't forget that."

Nao turns his head to press a kiss into Kimiko's hair. "I know... I'm an idiot. You... deserved a better brother. But you're the best sister I could've had. And you're never really gonna lose me, I'll crawl back up from Hell to come save you if I have to." He lets go, long enough to dig in his pocket and produce the key to his cabin. He presses it into Jasper's hand. "Here, uh... you and Kimiko... you can have all my stuff. If anyone else wants anything, Aka-san or Anaki or... anyone, they can take stuff, too."

[fallenpeak-blog]

All Pain No Gain | Trial End

One by one the votes are submitted, transported to the Smiling Devil, who holds each up for everyone to see as she counts them, leaving no doubt as to what the results will be. And then, in what still feels like the midst of all the upheaval, she stands and snaps her fingers sharply for attention. The more observant among you may notice the low sound of the pneumatic tube shut off. Seems like the polls are closed.

"Y'all certainly don't disappoint! Oh it was fun watchin' all the fuss, but you got the job done in the end. And you're completely correct. With a majority of ten, the Irreverent Tattooist has been found guilty. Which he is, of course. Make sure to say your goodbyes quick, we'll be sendin' him off to his rightful punishment in just a few minutes here."

That's it then. Nao's fate is sealed...

[fallenpeak-blog]

young hearts burst open | kimiko | re: nao

It seemed like Kimiko was completely unresponsive, but Nao was close enough to feel her lean into him, to hear her muttered words.

"I would rather be harmed, lose my talent, than lose you."

But that's selfish, isn't it? Her being harmed would hurt him. And what about Jasper? Nao was right, how would the Devil get to them? And it wasn't like they had something to fall back on, to prevent it from happening, just in case.

Nao and Banbi had sacrificed themselves to save the rest of them, and all Kimiko could do was be selfish and wish they hadn't, wish that none of this had ever happened, wish for things to be different, but not actually act, not do anything to change this.

[fallenpeak-blog]

All Their Words For Glory | Carla | Trial 1 | RE: a lot

Carla has barely any time to react to Nao’s confession before it seems the whole trial room falls apart. “Oi, oi-!” Despite her exclamations, there’s just too much going on, people yelling and crying from all sides.

This emotional sort of business is completely out of Carla’s comfort zone. She glances with sympathetic - or maybe pitying - confusion at Aka-san next to her, but appreciates Torahiko’s more level-headed approach. She looks across at Anaki with a raised eyebrow, and then her roommate Higanbana with worry… Everyone seems to have something to say.

Knowing her big mouth often blunders in situations like this, Carla waits until a quieter break, near the end.

“Hey, Nao, I’m… yeah, I’m upset you killed someone, but you owned up, right? And like I said, I forgive you. It’s one of them ‘less of two evils’ situations, I think, and… Well, I can’t say I ain’t glad I know I can still sail.”

Hesitating for a moment, Carla’s hand goes to grasp the charm of her necklace. “I ain’t good with all this philosophical or moral stuff or whate’er. But you said I was yer friend, Nao, and friends… they stay friends e’en when they mess up, so, yeah. Yer still my friend, or at least, I say so.”

She gives a thumbs up to him, and a wobbly smile.