SHSL Amekaji Model

[Icon is credited to Limit.] Affiliated with Regalis Caveat.

[regaliscaveat]

Unbearable | Mari | Trial 2.3 | Re: Regalia Stuff; Kami

Note to self: Don’t.

Everything hurt. Distantly, she could hear concerned voices, and she considered that worse than the pain. Actually, that was debatable, but having both on her plate was definitely something.

On the plus side, it was a lesson that’d be ingrained into her, one that she would not be repeating. …So long as it didn’t slip her mind. That, and now everyone knew what would happen. Theory tested and curiosity satiated! Was it really worth it though?

Not at all.

It was a relief when Masaharu brought her regalia back over to her. The pain vanished. Thank. She pocketed it without a second glance, murmuring a soft ‘{ T-H-X }, NakNak-kun’ to the teuthologist, before propping back up on shaky legs. Jello.

It was tempting to give herself a moment to just sprawl out across the ground, but she can take breather another. Considering how she hadn’t keeled over, it wasn’t broken, and that was good enough for her. There was something, something about being careful and all. Haha, that’s funny.

She propped hands on her hip and held her head up high, strained grin on her face. What? Forced or not, Mari believed she was much cuter with a smile on her face. Her sniveling from how much that smarted? Not as cute. She assured with a weak laugh.

“{ J-K }! { J-K }! Hufufu! Mari’s { O-K }! Totally, like, fine! Nooo need to worry. Throwing regalias has been Mari-tested, and Mari doesn’t think that it’s something Nishi-kun could ignore if he threw it. Or anyone maaaybe? Definitely noooot. It’s kiiiinda, like, a…. ‘SPLAT’!”

What a late and obvious update. Not to mention, lie. It was time for her to catch up on what she missed, only to be bombarded by information. That sure was a lot that was happening. Again, it was too much for her exhausted brain, but from the snippets she could pick up as well as a long stare over towards the right of her, Mari did her best to contribute.

“Mari has no idea what Usagi-kun said oooor anything really, but it seems like he’s hitting on { U }, Okuri-chan? Anywaaaay, wasn’t there, like, that whole sleeve check thing? Would that be { O-K } instead, Okuri-chan? Or what Itou-chan suggested!”

Thanks again, Mari.

[regaliscaveat]

Fur Science!!! | Mari | Trial 1.2 | Re: Ayako; Kabu; Si-hoo; Sachiko

[ cw: rib trauma mention; carpophobia mention? ]

It was wistful thinking that someone would abide by the honor system, but it was an attempt. There weren’t any show of hands. Shame. In hindsight, Ayako hit the mark spot on. If there was an execution of sorts that was to happen, she doubted anyone would just raise their hand. She gave a sheepish grin towards the visual novel artist.

“Proooobably not, but it’s worth a shot!”

Then came the discussion about the petal and what not. See! Everyone’s much better at the whole thinking thing than she was. She quickly chimed in with her own introduction.

“Mari forgot, but Mari is Mari! { H-I }!”

Well. That was pretty obvious. Back on track. A question came to mind, especially since it wasn’t exactly a subject that had been touched upon.

“Did, like, anyone fiiiind what killed Nishi-kun? From what Mari saw, there was a slash wound on his arm, and his ribs were stabbed?– Oh! Okay, Boo-kun!”

What? It made sense to her about the whole ‘Avatar’ explanation from Kabu. She sent in her vote without a second thought.

With that answered, she tackled the next question on the plate. Regalias.

“Ooooh. If Nishi-kun’s regalia was away and To-chan said there’s soooome leeway, should we, like, test that then? Like, to see if Nishi-kun was more stabby? Mari can do { T-H-A-T }! For { S-Y-F-I }!”

One, she had meant science, but that was too tough to spell out. Two, this being a bad idea didn’t cross Mari’s mind in the slightest. She fished through her pocket and immediately flung it towards the opposite side, watching the golden object soar and–

The model crumpled to the ground, as if the floor had risen up and slammed right into her. Or would that be the other way around? Either way, the wind had been knocked out of her, and gee whiz, did that smart and continue to hurt like she was being crushed on the spot.

“….. Mari regrettis. N-No….. spaghetti….”

[regaliscaveat]

Mari votes for the Amazon Avatar™.

[regaliscaveat]

Sleeping Bearty | Mari | Trial 1.1 | Re: Trial Start

A slow blink. What? Toka was already calling them? It was as if time had slipped through her fingers, and she had been unaware of how mere seconds turned into much longer. To say the least, it was overwhelming. Too much to take in a single sitting. Or morning. Or any time.

Another blink later, and she was back in that theatre, the one that had showcased Akihito’s life. Everything was moving too fast, and she couldn’t help but grind her heels into the ground, as if to assure her that the world wasn’t going to keep fastforwarding.

Considering how she usually took things into stride, Mari didn’t even want to imagine how all of this would be for others. She could feel herself struggling to try to process all that happened.

Not to mention, there was that additional pressure with that whole random sacrifice gig? It was like a pop quiz where she felt underprepared for, except a lot worse. Soooo much worse with the whole death thing being at stake.

And with that in mind, she flipped off a switch per say.

Nooope! Thinking cap! Off! Brain power was never her forte. Instead, she took up a podium, banging idly against it like a gavel, and announced after clearing her throat.

“Mari doesn’t want to, like, { D-I-E }, or anything. Soooo, whoever killed Nishi-kun, please, like, raise your hand!”

….Well, she tried.

[regaliscaveat]

"Soooo, like, To-chaaan? To-kuuuun? Something liiike that? Mari's got, like, nooo clue who did { I-T }, so what happens if we guess wrong?"

“If you get it wrong, we’ll just have to sacrifice a random person. If you like living, I’d try to avoid that, if possible.”

[regaliscaveat]

Glass Half-Furll | Mari | Chapter 1 | Re: Motive; Body Drop

A dream is a wish your heart makes

When you’re fast asleep

In dreams you will lose your heartaches

Whatever you wish for, you keep

Laughter. Ringing. Both were insistent in her ears, but Mari could only muster up the energy to stare vacantly at the ceiling. Sleep didn’t come easily. Not in the slightest. When it did, it was often fitful and restless. The same applied to now. Except, she felt even more drained than usual, and it made her wonder if it was worth getting rest in the first place. The lingering traces of the dream felt heavy, weighing down on her unbearably so. Having an alternate, a path that veered off course, was such a cruel, cruel, cruel thing to plague her. Or was waking up considered worse? She was almost tempted to say that she’d prefer her usual nights over that.

Either way, she stalled long enough. Numbly reaching over for the earpiece…. what a gift indeed. That said, it seemed that attendance was needed. Immediately.

There wasn’t enough time to prepare for the day with how much she had procrastinated with laying in her bed. At the same time, did she really want to be seen fresh out of bed? To be stabbed or not be stabbed? To be cute or not as cute? Those were the questions. This was Mari’s dilemma. Eventually, she grabbed the bare bone essentials and slipped out towards the ballroom, pillowcase on head.

Even if she might have scrawled on a face rather messily, listen, it was good enough.

According to Toka, a sacrifice was required. How reminiscent of Cinderella per say. Well, not really. The whole killing thing aside, if a demon could be compared to a fairy godmother, she supposed this would be the case with Toka willing to grant a ‘wish’ per sayl. She could only hope that one didn’t succumb to it.

After all, didn’t the magic wear off at midnight?

“Uhhhh, Marit, like, { R-L-Y } thinks that’s a { B-A-D } idea. Yuuup!”

—

Bad idea or not, it didn’t change the fact that they were returning to the ballroom a day after as a result of….

Oh.

[regaliscaveat]

Paws-sip Girl | Mari | Chapter 1 | ATTN: Noriko

Staaaaare. Mari’s gaze was piercing, practically burrowing holes, as she peered up the marble staircase and at the stationed guards up top. While there was already plenty to explore in this grandiose castle, she couldn’t help but be curious as what lie within further floors. Footsteps reached her ears, and before she could register who it was, Mari was already blurting out without second glance.

“Haaaave you, like, tried going { U-P } there? Y’know, like, did you get an early invite or something since Mari has nooo { C-L-U-E }!”

She dropped her insistent staring, turning her attention towards the newcomer– Her eyes widened in recognition. Sure, there were faces that she had vague recollections from, whether it be from surfing the internet, hearing things through the grapevine, and what not, but she could pin this one down. How could she not?

“{ W-O-W }! Mari saw you earlier, but just woooow! You’re, erm, Suzuzu-chan!”

Well. She tried. Facial recognition? Yes. Names? Not so much. Still, as off as it sounded once it rolled off her tongue, the model didn’t skip a beat on her excitement.

“Mari, like, follows your blog! Aaaand sees your stuff! Aaaand { U }! You’re { R- L-Y } cool! Totally!”

[regaliscaveat]

Stay With Me, So Violently || Ayame + Mari || Chapter 1 || [Re: Chapter Start]

For a moment she thought this place was welcoming. Friendly. Hah, to think this foolish thought.

Ayame recalled her exploration of the place, in the company of friendly people. Some were familiar, some were strangers who had graduated to the status of cohorts, but all of them were kind and treated her well. As it should be. One must bestow kindness upon others, but expect to be treated the same in return. Nothing had given her reason to shake that belief up until now. But this changed very quickly as the events of the day unfolded in front of her.

A shift in schedule so it seemed, heralds brought with them the winds of change. Momentary disappointment took hold of Ayame - she regretted not being able to linger in the stargazing room, but she knew that what unfolded in front of her was far more important than that. At least, for one time in her life, the gardener had her priorities in order. And those, at the moment, appeared to be avoiding the fate that was befalling the unfortunate blue-haired person being tormented by…

Was that a demon?

On a normal day, the comments that would come from the lady would seem something like “Oh, how fascinating!” or “Are those authentic devil horns?” But this was far from a normal day, especially since the liquid dripping from his mouth quite clearly resembled blood. And it didn’t come from any visible source-

Dimly a memory came forth. Some force, prompting her to keep her flower hairpin safe from the others. Now, she was many things, but she certainly wasn’t a fool. Whatever happened, it was a very bad idea to land it in any peril. The consequences were very, painfully clear. The demon child would come, and through some magic or another obliterate her. A punishment for being careless, was it. Just like in faery tales, bad behavior did not go un-rewarded, and by the regulations of this location this was plainly bad behavior.

A fact that was confirmed by the demon child. Ayame’s face did not bear a flicker of emotion for the fallen boy, instead she seemed deep in thought. So, one of their classmates landed them in this situation? Fair enough, she’d have to never trust anyone again. Those who died stayed here? If she could see the planetary room, that wouldn’t be so bad. Some Hell, right.

Oh, and she was falling. Right. Ayame woke up on a stage after falling, and witnessing the death of her classmate by demon before then too. Fun. Ah, but there was another man. How many strange people were there in this place? And for him to be dressed in princely attire-

Princely attire.

The vaguest trace of irritation crossed her face before she listened to what he had to say. Perhaps it would be some valuable insight about- scratch that, it was his name and some esoteric speech about being brought here. At least her life wasn’t being threatened, which was a clear step from before this place. But the gardener’s attention was quickly grabbed by the plush animals wandering around, and she cupped her cheeks with her hands as she cooed at them. So enraptured in this wonderful new place she was that any irritation she felt towards the man in red disappeared, and Ayame almost missed the voice of the other girl from behind.

How many people were there here? Too many. Too many who might also threaten her life, take her golden hairpin…

Kill her?

The fact was that Ayame had to content with this. Someone potentially offing her for… some reason. While she wasn’t sure why, she felt that it was better to be safe than sorry. After all, she didn’t know the people here or their intentions. Throughout this entire matter her eyes had stayed shut, but now as she draped her hair in front of them to survey her classmates, they opened ever so briefly.

Eyes held the windows to the soul, and Ayame wasn’t letting others anywhere near hers, least of all a demon who was in contact with one of them.

They closed again. She didn’t know how much time passed, but afterwards she found herself in front of someone she could call familiar, though with far more reproach than last time she interacted.

“…Ah…. Maricchi… Now may I ask if you know what’s going on?”

Once again, she had her priorities in order.

[shslamericano]

It had been quite the surprise when she had entered a guest room and all her belongings were there, but she easily took it into stride. Duuuh. Magic was totally a valid answer. Besides, she wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. It was a relief to have one thing checked off her growing list of concerns. She had taken her time reapplying her makeup and freshening herself back up, fully embracing the cathartic experience. She needed to wind down from earlier, and focusing her attentions elsewhere definitely helped.

No sooner has she finished up and exited her room, Mari found herself being spoken to by Ayame. She blinked owlishly, tilting her head to the side.

“Huuuuh? Shida-chan, are you suuuure you’re asking the { R-I-G-H-T } person for that? Mari isn’t, like, { R-L-Y } smart or anything. Y’know, like, Mari doesn’t know exaaactly and stuff like that. We’re in a castle or something?”

Well, it seemed that way. She couldn’t really explain much, considering she had holed herself up in a room immediately after the course of events. At most, she could only loosely grasp that they were in some grand place - a stark contrast in comparison to where they were before.

[regaliscaveat]

(o*゜∇゜)o～♪♪ ♥ sachiko ♥ chapter 1 ♥ attn: mari

Honestly, it would be a lie to say that Sachiko had completely recovered from the events that had brought them to this castle. That would be jumping the gun far too much, considering everything that had happened. 

But she did have to admit: finding a guest room full of her things (first time too! Which WAS pretty lucky, she had to admit, unless it was magic again!) had done a bit of work in cheering her back up into some sense of feeling normal. And she also had to admit that just lolling around in that room was only going to hype her up more and drive her some sense of crazy, and so Sachiko had taken herself out exploring- once she’d picked a handbag to pack and reunite herself with anyways.

Besides. An actual castle?

This was MUCH more her thing!

(Running away? Nahhhhh.) 

Her current loop of exploration had taken her into the music room for now, and even though Sachiko was only very partially aligned with music at this stage in her life, the actual sight of the grand room was enough to make the girl pause in the doorway akin to a child entering a large toy store for the first time- she didn’t know where to start with all this, honestly! 

In the end, after a few moments of deliberation, Sachiko made for the simplest choice: a quick run across the room and the girl was sliding herself onto the seat at the grand piano, taking another moment to drop her bag by the seat and sweep her gaze across the whole line of keys with a giggle before juuuuuust…

Reaching out and pressing one, letting a low note ring around the room.

Then the next note up. And the next.

The next two together then, just for the full effect of a cat walking across the keyboard. 

She kept on at this for a few moments longer, just pressing random notes up and down the scale to hear them ring out with some air of amusement- until turning her head to reach right out to the top end of the piano let her catch sight of someone in the doorway, and she paused abruptly to focus on them. Her call out to the other girl didn’t exactly sound shy, but could have been classed as wavering just a bit in sheepishness at least.

“Hee, sorry, sorry..! I didn’t reaaaally catch you there because- well, I was playing this and didn’t hear-!”

Sachiko idly hit another key, just to prove the point further. 

“Weeeeell, maybe playing is too nice a term, hee…”

[shslamericano]

Ouuut of sight, ouuut of mind! At least, that’s what Mari would have liked, but the image of a motionless Akihito still lingered if she let her mind drift. In fact, his lack of presence made it all the more unsettling. Sooo much for that saying. That meant distractions were all the more welcomed if they could preoccupy her. The castle provided plenty of that. From the elegant clothes that Mari had definitely eyed in her closet to the lavish ballroom she hoped to dance away in to, well, everything in general it was a castle after all, there was so much to explore in comparison to where she had initially found herself in. And explore she did!

Hopping from one room to the next, Mari’s adventure was put on hold as she caught ear of notes from a piano. A pitter patter of noise, nothing strung together in a melodic sense, but it was there nonetheless. She followed after it, idly humming along to each pang from a key, until she found herself in the music room. 

A girl, who she vaaaguely recalled from maaaaybe being famous Mari wasn’t quite sure on that. She looked familiar, and the model was bound to put a finger on it someday! Hopefully., had been spotted at the piano! AHA! Found the culprit red-handed.

Mari grinned triumphantly, planting her hands on her hips.

“Hufufu! Mari caught { U } though! It was, like, a { R-L-Y } nice sound though! Mari could tell you were having a lotta { F-U-N }, and that’s what matters!”

She gave a firm nod at that before skipping on over to join Sachiko near the piano.

“Mari wants the prize to be joining your { B-A-N-D }! Since y’know, like, Mari wants in on { T-H-I-S }.”

Let her in. Let her in. Let her in.

[regaliscaveat]

Look For The Bear Necessities | Mari | Chapter 1 | Re: Events

Akihito Toujo.

She never knew him personally, but without a doubt, she could recognize the net idol. He was a celebrity of sorts on the web. It was inspiring with how he strived towards his dream. She had hoped for a chance to speak with him, to ramble on about her admiration and to listen to his passions and zeal.

That wish was short-lived. Similar to the dead teen before her.

Everything was moving too quickly. With the introduction of Toka, talk of sold souls and murder, and what not, it couldn’t sink in. Not with how Mari could only stare numbly at the limp form before her. Still. Unmoving.

Dead.

She had gone through the motions - touching the mirror, sinking and sinking while darkness enveloped her vision. Then came the show. It was a heart-wrenching display, one that twisted and tugged at her own, because this was someone else’s story being told before her. It wasn’t a fairytale complete with a happy ending. Not in the slightest. Unknowingly, tears began spilling from her eyes as she watched, unable to pry her gaze away.

Happiness for someone else.

Negativity that came with fame.

Smiling. So much smiling.

Oh.

The sight was whisked away from her in no time, and in its place was a glorious and lavish castle. Perhaps if it was under different circumstances, Mari would have marveled at the sight. Now? Everything felt hollow and empty, as if someone had scooped out all her feelings and left her only with a husk. Edel and Evangeline came soon after, and it was a whirlwind of information, a flurry of too much at once.

After they were all left on their own, it crashed down on Mari. Hard. Her makeup was ruined! Dark streaks of her eyeliner ran down her face from her tears while her lashes were loosening. How was she supposed to know that she would have needed waterproof at this exact moment? And off she dashed in hopes to fix it.

Was she avoiding the situation? Perhaps. For now, she needed some time - for recollection, for solace, and for herself. All without the scrutiny of others.

[regaliscaveat]

prologue | 疾如風， 徐如林侵 | usami | [attn: mari]

[shslamericano]

hikitorinin:

—— He raises a hand lightly, not too high but noticeable enough to make a meaningful gesture in response to her offer.

❝ Oh dear, you do not have to exhaust any energy on me. It’s in my nature to wish to be helpful to others– troubling yourself over me would be unreasonable. I never sought repayment or a symbiotic sort of relationship, you see. ❞

He worries that wasn’t worded politely enough and adds–

❝ I would be interested to see what you would make though. I’m certain it would be wonderful. Nothing short of commendable with the limited resources and fire power at our disposal, haha. ❞

Hm… probably still not good enough. Shame. He doesn’t let his disappointment in himself show on his face, keeping his countenance strong and pleasant.

❝ Heheh, close enough. I am Haruaki Usami. You are Mari Kanou if I am not mistaken? ❞

Mari merely gave an owlish blink to him, tilting her head to the side.

“Huuuh? Mari doesn’t geeet it? Mari doesn’t haaave to, but Mari wants to! There’s, like, a difference. It’s not ‘exhausting any energy’ or ‘troubling Mari’ at all! It’s the least Mari can do for a { P-A-L }!”

A pause.

“Mari doesn’t know what ‘symbiotic’ means though!”

She grinned, unabashed by her lack of knowledge.

“Hufufu! Mari would be interested too. Totally! Hopefully, it’s edible! If not, maybe Brm-Brm-chan miiiiight still eat it?”

With her free hand, she gestured over to the self-sweeping broom in the corner to indicate who she was talking about. Ghost friend? Yes. Good food? A mystery.

“Usami-kun? Hmmmm. Usami-kun is cute enough as is, but Usagi-kun is, like, cuuuter? So, Usagi-kun!”

She affirmed with a firm nod. Well, that was one nickname that was sticking. Sorry, Usami.

“{ Y-U-P }! That’s Mari! And Mari will only, like, take ‘Mari’ as a name. Nooo ‘Kanou’.”

[regaliscaveat]

Prologue || celestial limbo || Masaharu [@ Mari]

[shslamericano]

shslteuthologist:

This gigantic bubbly girl.

(He was never going to get rid of NakNak-kun, was he.)

“Ah… well, I was going to take a look at the room just past this one —”

Masaharu gestured at the, like, barely visible door leading to the library.

"— but I suppose it couldn’t hurt to take a moment to look around here again. It’s… beautiful.”

Eloquent, dude.

He walked over to one of the walls and gently rapped on the glass. tamp tamp

"Is this some sort of projection…”

More to himself than anything else.

Just pop all the bubbles from her.

(There really was no escape from Mari’s nicknames until she found something even better.)

“Oh! Thaaat room? Can you, like, read anything in there, NakNak-kun? Mari tried, but then again, Mari’s so not good at lingos and all. Except for, like, the journal! Totally!”

Maaaybe someone else would have better luck with that. Mari only knew that she definitely wouldn’t considering her grade in English. Whoops.

“It { R-L-Y } is! Do you, like, think there’s something on the other side of this glass though?”

[regaliscaveat]

Fanily-Furiendly | Mari | Prologue | ATTN: Katsurou

[shslamericano]

shslfans:

The Tall Club, huh? Well, the both of them certainly seemed to be one of the tallest people in this colorful bunch from what he’d seen. At least he could make out this much from the short meeting in the main hall - though he could remember seeing others who were either roughly as tall as them or even taller.

The fan maker nodded enthusiastically, glad to have found someone who can relate to his height problems. Thus, he couldn’t help but respond right off the bat:”Indeed, it’s really nice to not look down for once! I think our necks will be thankful for that too, ehe~!”

Mari’s forwardness was certainly welcome, but when she was complimenting him so much, Katsurou’s blush seemed to only deepen in color. What could he do, if such a darling was being so kind to him?

“Thank you, I take great pride in my fashion sense, after all~”

Not like that wasn’t obvious already, but whatever you say, Katsurou. Whatever you say.

“Ohhhh, it would be an honor for you to braid my hair, ehehe~! I would certainly like to extend my offers at doing your hair as well - I’m certain it would be a lot of fun! Oh and your mother and Mi-chan definitely know what’s up - doing what you like most will always make you shine like a radiant star on the firmament!”

He didn’t even met either of these people yet and he already liked them!

“Aaaaand gotcha, dear~! Either name would sound cute, but Mari-chan definitely has an especially cute charm to it~!”

Mari giggled into her hand, agreeing with Katsurou. No pain for either party here if they were both at eye level. It was definitely a refreshing feeling.

“Yup! Yup! Very { T-R-U }! And if we ever stack up, we’d be, like, twice as tall! Then, we’d be the tallest here. Totally!”

Just imagine all the things they could reach! Or… all the door frames they’d crash into. Fun.

“Mari would love that! There’s a loootta clips for us to use in Mari’s bag--”

For all her energy, she couldn’t help but stop in her tracks when a thought came to mind. Oh. That miiight have put a damper on everything.

“Kon-kun? Waaait. Mari’s so noooot { R-L-Y } sure where Mari’s stuff is. Do you have your things with you?”

[regaliscaveat]

Prologue || celestial limbo || Masaharu [@ Mari]

[shslamericano]

shslteuthologist:

Masaharu kinda just. Stood there. Listening to Mari ramble. He’d seen her in pictures, of course, and he had heard about her from her older brother, but meeting her in the flesh was.

Well.

Exuberance always took him off guard when it came from people who weren’t, like, four.

(God, he felt so old.)

“… NakNak-kun? Can’t say I’ve ever heard that nickname before.”

Still, his tone was light, and he shifted into a smile.

"Alright… Mari. It’s good to finally meet you, based on what I’ve heard from Kumagai-san.”

He looked up at Mari, and it was then that he realized how much taller than him she was. Jesus. This was going to be interesting. help i forgot how to write

“Weeell, it could have been juuust Nak-kun, but NakNak-kun sounds, like, a lot cuter!”

Two syllables sounded better than one! Duuuh. Well, excluding the honorific of course.

“It’s { N-I-C-E } to meet you too! Except, like, you’re kiiinda shorter than what Mari thought you’d be.”

She gestured, using a hand to compare the gap between their heights. There was a pause before a cheeky grin spread across her face.

“{ J-K }! { J-K }! Mari’s the one who’s tooooo { T-A-L-L } here. Hufufu! Anyway, what are you, like, doing here then, NakNak-kun? Admiring the view? That’s what Mari’s doing! It’s sooo pretty here! Mari would rather sleep out here than with all the bunk beds. Not that Mari doesn’t like bunk beds or anything. They can be suuuper { F-U-N }, but like, y’know, it’s different.”

Less stifling. Yeah.

What’s writing? Can you eat it?

[regaliscaveat]

prologue | 疾如風， 徐如林侵 | usami | [attn: mari]

[shslamericano]

hikitorinin:

—— ❛ She’s eager to be helpful, ❜ he mentally notes down for himself, ❛ that’s a good trait to have. ❜ Though her pace wasn’t the most efficient, the ring to her voice resonated with him briefly.

It was best to be a patient man anyhow. He had nowhere to be going in that immediate moment ( he wonders idly to himself of what the day is– had much time passed or just a few hours since his last memory? ) and in the case she blundered, all he would have to do is forgive and explain. There is nothing much to be gained out of scolding, he thinks.

❝ Ah, no. I have no intention of eating at all actually, but I would not mind trying to make something for someone else should they be hungry at this time. I figured it would be best to familiarize myself with my surroundings. ❞

He says this all whilst reading the label with his newfound light source, mumbling to himself things like the serving size and the sodium content. He turns his head up from his reading towards the blonde, placing a smile onto his face again.

❝ Hm… a candle as a makeshift stove, you suggest? I wonder if you would get anything more than just cold pumpkin soup with those methods, ha ha… ❞

After years of being scolded to be careful around open flames, scissors, knives, and well, anything potentially dangerous, Mari was assured that slow and steady was the best route to take for herself. At least, just for this. Even if it was sooo tedious, being a turtle had its benefits, especially if it didn’t involve watching the room burst up into flames or something of that sort. It didn’t apply to her ramblings though.

“{ R-L-Y }? That’s, like, suuuper { N-I-C-E } of you! Sooo, like, if you do get hungry, Mari doesn’t mind making something for you in turn! Aaaall the marshies may have been eaten up though, but Mari’s sure something { T-A-S-T-Y} might come from pumpkins and jerky! Totally!”

She nodded eagerly before humming in thought.

“Maaaybe? The stove-stove doesn’t, like, work, but if one candle doesn’t work, there’s a gazillion more in the other room! Maybe if we, like, combine the wicks, the fire power might increase! It still miiight take a { W-H-I-L-E } though!”

Wait. With the candle brought closer and granting a somewhat better yet still poor lighting, Mari could almost swear she recognized the other from somewhere. Hmmm. Where, oh, where. It was on the tip of her tongue--

“Oh! You’re, like, Usagi-kun, right?”

Close enough.

[regaliscaveat]

Prologue | A Light In The Darkness | Ayako (attn: Mari)

The most distressing part of this whole experience was the lack of control Ayako felt over her own state. Every encounter opened with questions, and the few answers she got in return were vague and unhelpful. Ayako didn’t fare well under unfamiliarity, and the more expeditions she set out on with other people, the more wary she grew of her surroundings.

It didn’t surprise her in the least how draining all of this was. There were only so many disgruntled spirits she could handle in the span of a few hours, and stressing over them was only going to burn her out even quicker. Ayako needed to get away from them… but where to go? With so few rooms accessible to her, she found herself retreading old ground again and again.

Ayako was resting in the living areas (again), lying down on the bottom bunk of one of the beds. The smell that seeped so deeply into the fabric was… disconcerting, but Ayako couldn’t find the energy or willpower to get off of the mattress. She was going to become one with this piece of crap bed, she supposed. ~Oh well.~

She held her arm straight up above her, holding her defunct phone. The screen remained dark as ever no matter how many buttons she pressed, and she couldn’t even check the time. It didn’t matter so much right this moment, but… but Ayako didn’t know if she could keep time on her own. It wouldn’t be a problem if her sleep schedule was consistent, but given how the hours could slip by her so easily at night, she didn’t think relying on her own broken internal clock was a good idea. Someone here had to have a watch, she kept telling herself, but somehow she couldn’t quite believe in that.

Ayako continued to stare at her phone, though she soon lost focus instead began to study play of shadow and light in this tiny alcove – especially the lights. Now Ayako was certain the golden shimmer she kept seeing wasn’t merely a trick of candlelight, but something innate to objects that had never glowed before. And she frowned. Why this, of all things? Why change this? She had spent years trying to keep it in good condition, to the point where she’d gone months hiding it in her dresser instead of having to display it every day…

Something in the atmosphere of the room shifted, and Ayako relaxed her arm and set it at her side, sitting up to look around. Almost immediately, she was able to single out the bright colors that stood in cheerful defiance to the bleakness of the room. Was that Mari again?

Ayako scooted to the edge of the mattress, unsure if she should call out for her. Was she looking for anything in particular, or just looking for rest? Then again, maybe it was a good idea for people to come here and claim resting places – if it really did come down to them having to actually spend a night here.

“…Kanou-san!”

In the end, the need to be polite won out. She had to make sure others were holding up under the situation, of course, although somehow she got the feeling Mari was doing very well for herself.

“Have things been good lately?”

[shslamericano]

Flittering in and around rooms, Mari’s initial enthusiasm had yet to be squashed. Her energy came with abundance as per usual, and it made it difficult for her to stay in a single room for long. Even if it was still the same drab sight over and over, it gave her legs a nice stretch to wander around so frequently. Staying put? Now that would have been boring!

Upon hearing her name called, Mari brightened up, whipping around to catch sight of Ayako. Though, in a drop of a pin, her grin was replaced by puffed out cheeks and pursed lips. She immediately crossed her arms, forming a large ‘X’, as she made a buzzer noise.

“BZZT! BZZT! It’s { M-A-R-I }, Itou-chan!”

It was too stiff for her ears and seemed to plant a set distance between them. At least, that’s how she always viewed it, and it was one hurdle she wanted to tackle. She asserted.

“‘Kanou-san’ is, like, waaaay too formal. We’re { P-A-L-S }!”

Already leaping onto the S.S. Friend Ship? Why, yes, yes, she was. Well, her huffy expression didn’t last. A smile spread across her face once again upon answering the question.

“{ Y-U-P }! Mari got to meet a looootta { C-O-O-L } people! What about Itou-chan? Are you, like, alright? You kiiinda weren’t looking all too great after everything. Well, you always look { G-R-8 }, but like, Mari means in the not having { F-U-N } sense!”

[regaliscaveat]

Fanily-Furiendly | Mari | Prologue | ATTN: Katsurou

[shslamericano]

shslfans:

Mari’s speech pattern was certainly unique, which Katsurou found to be rather fascinating. Somehow, she made it work so well, even though it would sound clumsy and tacky with the majority of humanity. Maybe it’s her bubbliness that makes it work so well…? Well, whatever it may be, Katsurou found pleasant company (which actually went to anyone he met so far!).

Not to mention the sheer amount of praise he got from Mari! It was so sweet of her and… well, made Katsurou’s cheeks only grow redder. Not something that he was entirely aware of, but given that he felt even more flustered, he had all the reasons to keep up his smooth act as much s he could! How could fabulous ol’ Katsurou face everyone here otherwise?!?

And how could he not do it better than to engage in this very conversation?

“A-Ah, you’re right! It’s actually a bit of a relief that I’m not the only tall person here… It tends to hapen pretty often, ehehehe…! Ohhhh, but I do like the sound of that idea~! I usually don’t wear the kind of clothes that you seem to fancy, but who am I to pass up on new experiences?! I think it would be tons of fun~!”

Instead of musing over their overall situation, this is what Katsurou is getting hooked up with - clearly, priorities have been set straight there.

“Do you think we could make cute, little twin tails with my hair? I mean, if we’e doing it, might as well go aaaaaall the way out! And trust me, darling, I can assure you that you’ll look splendid in my attire~!”

Especially because blond hair tends to go well with these kind of colors that Katsurou was sporting… Oh, that would be something to look forward to, that’s for sure!

“You can call me whatever you want, buuuuut– yeah, it would be an alliteration! Double the K! Well, even triple if we add kun into all of this! My, my, I suppose I can certainly give out some K’s for free then, hm?”, Katsurou chuckled behind his fan like an exceptionally happy high school girl.

(Well, he IS in high school, so that part’s right, at least.)

Ecstatic!!! That was one word to put it. She was overwhelmed with joy at the prospect that her suggestion could actually be a thing! Sure, she always meant what she said, but not everyone was willing to go along with her, especially not at first meeting. To have someone actually hop on board with her idea was a delight! She’d been told countless times of how forward she could be, much too imposing upon first meeting, but she couldn’t help it. She just liked company!

“We’ll be a part of the { T-A-L-L- } club then! Mari, like, gets that though! Mari’s always been taller than the other kids. Sooo, y’know, it’s nice when there’s a pal around who you can, like, see eye to eye with.”

At least, for her, she was never alone in height problems since her siblings seemed to have inherit the same giraffe genes. It seemed the same here as well! If she remembered correctly, there were even a few taller than her!

“Mari doesn’t { R-L-Y } get the chance to wear your style either, so this is, like, suuuper exciting for Mari! Your clothes are, like, totally pretty!”

It was definitely times like this where Mari would have whipped out her phone and asked to take a picture. Unfortunately, her batteries were dead. Boo.

“{ Y-U-P }! Maaaybe we can add, like, braids along with it! Mari’s good at doing hair! Huufufu! You’ll look { G-R-8 } yourself! Well, you already do, but we’ll both look sooo { C-U-T-E }! Y’know, Mama always says that feeling happy about yourself is a good start to being the cutest! Mi-chan agrees with that too since, like, she thinks that’s when people shine the brightest if they’re enjoying themselves! Mari thinks that’s { T-R-U } too! So, let’s have lotsa { F-U-N! }!”

She proudly puffed out her chest with hands on her hips. Mari really did hold her family’s words dear to her heart. It simply made sense to her. Sure, everyone was cute enough as it was, but there was an extra oomph and spark for those who were pleased with themselves in some way or another. Pride. Accomplishment. Passion. Aaaall incredibly neat! Well, that was how Mari saw it anyway.

“Kon-kun it is! If Mari joined in with the K’s, it’d be Kanou! That’s sooo { N-O-T } allowed though. Mari only accepts Mari as a name!”