Waking Nightmare

Now and again, you wake up in a panic, sweat dripping off your face. Your heart is racing but the reason why is quickly fading from your memory. It was all just a nightmare, you tell yourself, just a dream. Nothing more. 

[oneiroiawaken]

Epilogue: A Circle Always Comes Back Around | The Ringleader.... which one? | Re: K's Disappearance

K was a very near and dear friend to a soft girl’s heart, and she was very loyal to the Ringmaster. Her name was Mika, and goodness, she loved K with every bit of her heart. He was, in a way, her older brother. Not by blood, but by bond. She followed his every beck and call, and strived to pull the circus and all the duties in his stead. Once he moved on, she would be the new leader of the circus, but she was still in training. Being that the circus was actually a full fledged criminal organization of survivors who only had hearts for each other, she too, wasn’t that… lovely. She too, committed crimes just for her and her self given family a decent living. But, she was also kind and quiet. She was unbelievably giving to those she loved. A young maiden with icy blue eyes and golden hair, acted as a mother to a crime family. And she missed her missing Ringmaster.

But where was he? She had no idea where he had went off too. Maybe he was found by the nearby military base… and taken in? No, that was silly, wasn’t it? She knew her dear friend wouldn’t go near there except to steal. Ah, ever since K had met that boy Harold, she knew he was starting to act differently. He wasn’t invested in his work anymore, and he seemed distant all the time. He was only truly happy around that stranger with the accent. Mika hated that Harold boy… because he was taking her dear big brother away. And now he truly was gone! Disappeared without a trace! Mika was beginning to fret, but no. There was work to be done!

For the past months, she had become the new Ringleader, taking on all the jobs that he used to do, such as caring for the members of the circus, finding food to feed them, ration the food, plan raids on other people, find water… etc. She was the new leader, and she ruled with an iron fist. Those who questioned her always fell to her knees, as she looked upon them with such disappointed eyes. It nearly rivaled the way K would strike a man to their knees to get them to serve. Two opposites of a coin, yet they ruled with the same power. One cruel, and one kind. But that meant that the cycle was just continuing.

And so, she set her eyes to the East. In that direction was that base. That base… was surely behind all of his. Despair beating through her fragile little heart, tears streaked down her face as she came to the deluded conclusion that the government was behind all of this… they took K away, didn’t they? K was just trying to help his family. The remnants of what used to be a real circus, that performed for the happiness of their viewers, turned into a group of brutes that stole from and even hurt others just to keep themselves and each other safe.

He could do nothing wrong in her eyes. So he was innocent, right? Right. To Mika, he was the victim, and somehow… somehow, that base was involved. What was happening within it? She didn’t know.

But she planned to find out. So, she stood up, taking her- no. Taking THEIR fellow circus along with her. Armed, she was ready to attempt and find her dear,

dear,

Big Brother K.

[oneiroiawaken]

Awakened

“They’re waking up!”

The harsh sounds of medics running to and fro yanked you out of your slumber as you slowly opened your eyes. The bright white lights of the medical camp blinded you momentarily as you flipped and turned over in your humble little cot. Ugh, what a way to return!

Regardless, your awakening caused quite a stir in the facility and once your physical exams were completed with a clean bill of health, many of the camp’s scientists pressed you with questions. You answered them the best you can and once they were through, they were on their merry way.

Months in the camp passed by and it seemed like research for a cure was at a stalemate. Part of you began to wonder if it would have been better to stay behind, too late to go back now though. For the most part it was just you and your fellow survivors since it seemed like everyone else avoided you like the plague. It didn’t really bother you though, after everything that happened, you didn’t mind time to yourself.

But one day, you were called into the labs. The office of the lead scientist to be more specific.

When you arrived, a tall older man waited for you with his redheaded assistant--uh, Phoebe, wasn’t it? Whatever, it seemed like this was the head honcho around here and you couldn’t help but wonder what he wanted.

He motioned to all of you to take a seat and encouraged his assistant to do the same. Oddly enough, there is something... Familiar about how they interact, but you quickly discount it as he waited for a little while. He mulled over his thoughts, carefully selecting his words while the rest of you waited with anticipation. It was hard to tell by looks alone, but you got the feeling he was actually... Relieved. Why was beyond you since you awoke some months ago--

“You guys, may have the cure.”

The news hit you hard and you have no idea what to say about that. He looks up and smiles broadly, almost like a child who is about to be rewarded for a good deed.

“For those of you who don’t know, we’ve concluded Iceleus is a disorder which worsens as you sleep more and more. In all the case studies we have found, as a patient sleeps they show common symptoms: aggression, paranoia, recklessness, and the most obvious of all: hopelessness.” “All of you were asleep for six months and when you awoke, we were so sure you had it. But none of you showed any of the symptoms, and I am beginning to suspect the five of you may be the answer to this crisis.”

Yet again, you had no idea what to say about the matter... He leaned on his desk and gave a warmer smile, one which was full of hope.

“So, would you like to help me give this world...” “Some hope?”

[oneiroiawaken]

Farewell Program Oneiroi

One by one you found yourselves disappearing from sight; it didn’t feel painful as expected. As a matter of fact it truly felt like you were just waking up from a long sleep. Your consciousness begins to fade when you find yourself in what felt like another world.

The dead world...?

The smiling faces of the dead greeted you; the faces of friends and foes (or foe) alike left a semblance of comfort and hesitance at the same time. A part of you probably felt reluctant to leave all of them behind, but they wanted you to awake up from this nightmare as badly as you do. The least you can do is honor their wishes along with their memories.

We’ll be fine...

At last darkness envelopes you.

[oneiroiawaken]

A Decision has been Made

Silence fell upon the courtroom; you all have made up your minds and has hurtful as it felt... It was for the best anyways. Anon looked around and smiled gently to all of you, almost like how a father would comfort a child. Your hearts feel a little lighter after seeing that and you became more attentive when he spoke.

“It would appear you all have reached a decision. No need to vote, your faces tell us what you want. Phobie?”

“Right.”

With haste Phobie focused on the task at hand and you felt yourself stabilize along with the world. Granted it still had some glitches here and there, but it was leagues better than where it was before. You look around once more and soon realize that the dead have fully recovered from their fatal injuries. Perhaps, the red-headed AI wasn’t as cruel as she first seemed.... Perhaps.

However, it wasn’t over yet.

[oneiroiawaken]

The World Goes On | Tso | RE: Discussion

Tso had tried to learn about the crime scenes from Hyun Ae, but when they found themself in the courtroom again, with every podium filled, they just… locked up. Their hands shook and they couldn’t make themself look up, couldn’t speak up… couldn’t do much of anything. They were useless once again.

But… The others… figured it out.

They wrapped their arms tightly across their chest, trying to block out everything that was happening. Being ‘dead’ had been incredibly hard on them, and being thrown back into the trial environment was an impossible adjustment for them to make. 

Finally, though, it was all over. They swallowed the lump in their throat when the AIs spoke. Let the others wake up, and have the possibility of waking up…. with almost a guarantee of Icelus? Or… staying here forever. 

Tso’s eyes flickered up for the first time in the trial, to look over at Hyun Ae before finally speaking.

“… I…” They swallowed again, taking a deep breath before trying to speak again. “… I think y-you should…. go.” Tears pricked at their eyes as they thought of what was out there for them, what was out there and far beyond their reach. 

They bit their lip, but then looked up at Hideaki and Logan, pleading. “B-but… Please, there’s someone… If you s-see Suyin, she… she looks a-a lot l-like me. If you c-can find her, or my parents… t-tell them I’m s-sorry…” They paused, wiping at their eyes. “M-my ipod is in my p-pocket, give it… to Suyin. And please…” Their voice broke, and fell to be very quiet. 

“T-tell her… Tell her I w-will miss her… a-and… to not give up…”

With those words, Tso buried their face in their hands, trying to stop themself from crying. What would happen to them if this world was gone? Would it be like sleeping forever, without these dreams? Would they and the other dead kids be together? Or would it be… nothing?

The thought of that terrified them, but they knew that those who were alive had to go. The others had to wake up.

'I’m sorry, I tried…’ Suyin had to know … If only they could have passed the message on themself.

[oneiroiawaken]

The Final Bow || Miyako || Re: Discussion, Hideaki

And then, it was over. Miyako watched the entire execution with a stony expression, and slowly, slowly, the rage built in up her began dissipating. The actress’s shoulders eventually slumped, and she simply turned away from the screen. He was beyond pity, now. Or so she thought. What could she add to the discussion? Well…

"Look, I know that I might not be the most… Pleasant of people, but I’m here now, and I want you to listen to me. Go. get out of here. There’s nothing left for you, and it’s just a false utopia. You have to bring hope back to the outside world, and you have to continue going. This place will just leave you with empty regrets and false expectations."

Crossing her arms, she gazed at the others in the courtroom, as if daring them to say anything in return.

"Hideaki. Please try to escape, there isn’t anything here for you, either. It will just… Hurt in the long run. I’m sorry, but I’m going to be blunt. Anyone who wants to stay is a fucking idiot, and that’s all I’m going to say about that."

Blunt, as always.

[oneiroiawaken]

He'll open a flower shop, and name it Golden Iris | Hideaki | RE: Iris

Hideaki let the tears flow freely. It was something, something he could hold on. Maybe, just maybe, that would be enough... Something for him to live for. If he could never be with her again... maybe this would be the next-best thing.

“O-Okay... I-I’ll... I’ll keep it for you, I... I promise... I-I’ll bake, I’ll learn... s-so people wont forget about you... I-I’ll do anything...”

“”I-I... I’ll never forget about you, no matter what, mon cheri... I promise...”

[oneiroiawaken]

A gift for the tennis bae || Iris || Re/Attn: Hideaki

Iris felt tears coming to her eyes when he replied to her. The blonde's heart ached, but it was for the best... right...? She wiped her eyes  dry, the sad smile still across her lips.

"There is something... You can have though." she said once her voice was strong enough to work. "The bag they gave me has a picture of me and my parents... and a small bag of my own sweets... I'd like you to have it."

A nod and another teary smile from the girl. A few tears started falling down her cheeks.

[oneiroiawaken]

To Go Or Not To Go | Hideaki | Re: The Bae Iris

“I-Iris...?”

Well, that was a surprise. He couldn’t bring himself to leave, he just couldn’t... right? But she wanted him to leave...

She wanted him to live... for her...

He couldn’t say no to that, right?

After a few seconds, he turned to face Iris, putting his hands over her spectral hand. It was the best he could do, considering. But man, he desperately wanted to hug her, hold her, feel her warmth one more time. He didn’t want to let her go, just like that...

What else could he do but listen to her? The inner struggle brought tears back to his eyes.

“I... I... I-I don’t know... I don’t know what I’m going to do without you... I-I’ll never see you again, right...? W-What am I going to do out there...? W-What can I do...? T-There’s nothing out there for me, t-the only thing for me is in here, i-is... you...”

He lowered his head, biting his lip. That was about all the resistance he could muster. Once the damn broke and the tears came back anew, he knew he had to go.

“I-I’ll try... I-I... I’ll... f-for you, I-I...”

[oneiroiawaken]

lmao i finally submit a thing after being dead all the time||Nikki||Attn: survivors.

Nikki hasn’t exactly followed the trial at all, since they pretty much zoned out. When you’re the first victim and never assisted in the trials, it’s only natural you’d feel lost, heh?

But the rest of the people found the culprit and he got executed.

Good riddance, they thought.

Now on the topic of leaving or staying...

“I may have not spoken with all of you... But I do agree you should leave. None of us who ‘died’ here will be truly gone...! Right? Even if... I don’t know most of you... Could I ask a request?”

Nikki pointed to their fish hairclips on their braids.

“Those fish hairclips I own there, yes? You can take them off my hair and hand them to my boyfriend, his name is Valentino Takamitsu. Long blue hair, dark skin, has a red scarf, wears long sleeved striped jacket along with a black shirt under. He’s also reaching my shoulders as height. I believe that should be plenty as description. Just tell him... To wait. And tell him sorry I disappeared for a while. But I will be back soon...!”

The astrologer smiled... They weren’t particularly feeling anything weird. But they did not want to feel sad... They knew they would wake up one day. Waiting was all they could do until they’ll reach their non comatose status... Patience is virtue, after all.

[oneiroiawaken]

... I Naoki I RE: everyone

"...."

the tall teamaker took some deep thought before he spoke again, stumbling over his words of course.

"I say you-you should leave..a-as hyun-hyun-ae said.. yo-you all ear-earned it.. t-t-there is a ch-chance yo-you will w-w-wake up wi-with th-the sic-sickness.. but-but also-also a chacne you-you will not.. i-i-i say t-take th-that chance.. and-and leave..."

"I-i hav-have a re-request as-as well..t-t-take my pins... i-if you s-see a little-little girl.. wi-with e-eyes and-hhair lik-like mine... g-give th-them to her.. and tel-tell her bi-big brother is-is sorry.."

[oneiroiawaken]

Last Recording / Ghost!Junta / Atten; Survivors

Well...that was a thing that happened. As Junta listened to the remaining AIs talk to the alive kids about their choices, it was then that Junta spoke up.

“...Ya’ll shouldn’t be sticking ‘round here no more. You guys should leave.”

He shoved one hand in his pocket, his other hand scratching his cheek as he looked to the side.

“...Honestly I don’t expect ya’ll to remember me, considering what I did, but...if ya guys can...my headphones...take em off my ears and give them to a girl named Kazune. You’ll...you’ll know what she looks like...”

Junta closed his eyes as he turned his back away from everyone, leaning back on his podium as he waved.

“...Now go on and get out of here.”

[oneiroiawaken]

I will always... || Iris || Re: Hideaki

Iris stayed by Hideaki during the execution- something even she had to admit was even harsh for the culprit. Her expression was thoughtful, though when the male next to her spoke, she looked somewhat surprised, though a worried pout replaced it soon after.

"Mon cher, no. I don't want you to be trapped here..." her head shook slightly. Even though she wanted to be with him- she didn't want him trapped. "You should go, I'll always be with you..." a smile came onto her face, though it was somewhat sad.

[oneiroiawaken]

Not Worth It | Hideaki | RE: Logan

“...Logan-san? You’re... leaving...?”

Hideaki looked over at his friend, eyes wide. It shouldn’t really have come as a surprise. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that his own mind was made up in his head.

“There’s... nothing left for me out there. Everything I ever knew is probably long gone... If my dad’s still alive, there’s no way I’d go back to him... T-The only thing would be taking the chance that Iris and I would both wake up... I-If that didn’t happen... I-I... I don’t want to take that chance...”

[oneiroiawaken]

Go. || Hyun-Ae || Decision Debate || ATTN: Survivors

Hyun-Ae sighed arm folded across her chest as always; strange how she was on the short end of this stick when back then it was--never mind... She didn’t want anyone here to have any second guesses about their choice. To her, the best one was the obvious one.

“Get out of here. You guys have definitely earned your freedom outta this hell... Dunno what’s gonna happen to us, but I assume we can work with what we’re dealt with, ne?”

She turned away and let out a heavy-hearted sigh; was she pissed that she wouldn’t see the other people she cared about? Oh hell yeah, but... When she thought about it, she wasn’t sure if she could meet them, knowing she killed someone. Ah well...

“Look, I’ve gotta a favor to ask. When you wake up, can you get something out of the front pocket of my jacket? It’s a picture of me, my parents, and my best friend. If... If you see any of ‘em, can you tell ‘em what happened and... I tried?”

[oneiroiawaken]

... Sorry. / Logan / Endgame

Quietly the writer turned towards his friends, gripping at the diamond that represented the Mastermind as he passed on...

But...

He had to turn, mumbling softly with his eyes closed.

"I'm sorry everyone... I have someone else who needs me. I don't know if he will see me with the sleeping sickness, however..."

Logan turned around, bowing low to everyone before standing back up. 

"I will never forget you. Even with my amnesia I will do my best to remember everyone that has passed on in K's game. I'll make sure to write about you the moment I leave here, so I never forget any of you."

[oneiroiawaken]

Wake Me Up...?

Huh... What were Phobie and Anon talking about? Were they working together on getting you out of this nightmare? Well, who were you to say no? You leaned in and listened intently to what was offered.

“We can help wake up the living students... However I can’t tell if they’ll wake up with or without Iceleus. If they do wake up with it... They may very well run the next killing game. On top of that, the dead people may never wake up and if they do... They’ll have it for sure.”

There was chance you could end up like Harold, or even worse, like K? That was a scary thought. Surely, there was another option, right?

“The other possibility is to stay here. We can stabilize the world and you can stay here with your friends until you die. Of course you will never see the outside world again, not that that’s a major loss huh?”

Anon clearly looked troubled by the lose-lose situation but his shoulders slumped in surrender and he turned to the rest of you.

“I’m sorry children, I know this isn’t an easy choice to make. You can talk about it with each other if you want, other wise you can choose now.”