we'll explore everything

"... Ah... hello... my name? Oh... It's Clara..." Clara Yamaguchi, SHSL Cartographer affiliated with CITC ALIVE | dead

[shsl-plaguecaller-blog]

And If You’re Still Breathing || Emiko || Motive Reaction || Open

[ultimatecartography-blog]

shsl-plaguecaller:

Emiko follows, sniffling along the way.

In the kitchen, she’s a bit unwilling to let go of Clara’s hand, but relents. Tugging down her sleeves, she rubs at her face. She puffs her cheeks in slight annoyance. Can’t believe she was just crying out in the open like that.

She’s harshly rubbing at her eyes when Clara returns. Lucky she warned her, Emiko was about to chug down that glass. She pauses and sips at the water. Setting the glass down, she stifles a hiccup, closing her eyes and nodding at Clara’s words.

“R-right. S–sniff – sorry….”

Once she returns, she takes Emiko’s spare hand in one of her own. It kind of hurts to be kneeling on the ground like this... but it matters more that Emiko feels better and is comforted! At least it seems she’s collected herself, even if only by a fraction.

“There is... no need to apologize. We find ourselves in quite a predicament...”

She shuts her eyes. It’s not as if thinking the person she loves will forget about her isn’t frightening, but...

“However... think of it... this way. How will Bear-san know who that person is? How will he, a fictional character, reach them...? It is... simply not possible, correct? He simply cannot do it. The people we love... remain safe... as do we.”

[paraflinchjirachi]

Amnesia | Kin | Ch2 Motive/Open

Kin finally fades back into existence from … wherever she was. Probably playing video games behind the burnt tower. Yeah, that sounds like something she would do. If she was honest, the only reason she came to the motive meeting at all was that she didn’t really feel like death by King Kuma’s hands (paws?), and also she’d like to put off dying until she got the perfect EV shiny Jolteon she was gunning for at the moment. 

“…Uh-huh. Okay. Real interesting.” Kin blinks slowly as they’re given the motive. “It’s unfortunate I’ve already decided I don’t give a shit. I mean,” she gives a noncommital hand gesture. “I guess my parents forgetting about me would sorta suck, but I’d get over it. And I don’t think my prized Meganium is sentient enough to know I exist, unless I walked into a creepypasta at some point and didn’t realize.” 

She pauses, then shrugs. 

“Unless this is supposed to be some shitty creepypasta. You’re not doing a very good job at being scary, though. Sucks to suck.” 

[ultimatecartography-blog]

Oh!

The person who had said all of those mysterious things before... she appears once again! Mysterious as in, she mentioned Steven Universe and Clara doesn’t know what that is. So knowledgeable in the ways of the world, and continuing to talk about things she’s never heard of.

It’s also pleasant to see someone not bothered by this motive, since it means she probably won’t murder someone for the sake of it, so it is with those happy thoughts that the cartographer approaches.

“Excuse me... I realize we have not... really interacted, but I had a question... I was hoping you would be able to answer for me. If... you are amenable.”

[shsl-plaguecaller-blog]

And If You’re Still Breathing || Emiko || Motive Reaction || Open

[ultimatecartography-blog]

shsl-plaguecaller:

Her mind feels all jumbled, but she’s somewhat aware of approaching footsteps. Ahhh no, please don’t see her like this! Emiko balls both hands into her sweater and ducks her head in a failed attempt to hide.

“I-I…. I…”

 Words, please work.

They don’t.

She glances over. Spotting Clara’s outstretched hand, she hesitates before quickly reaching out and grasping her hand. She’s got a fairly tight grip. Again, she tries to form a coherent sentence, but can’t seem to get the words out. Only a quiet gasp or whimper. She settles for squeezing her eyes shut and hastily nodding her head.

Clara squeezes Emiko’s hand in her own, unable to fully return the firmness of it but certainly giving it her all. She knows that some people may want to be alone in this sort of situation, but they’re all in this mess together, right? It’d be wrong to leave someone to suffer by themselves.

Carefully, she leads the other girl towards the kitchen, not releasing her hand as they walked. If Emiko needs a shoulder to lean on, she’s more than happy to provide.

Once they arrive, Clara urges her to sit down while she grabs a glass of water for her. She isn’t moving... quickly, but definitely faster than her normal languid pace. Offering the cup, she finally speaks again.

“Satoshi-san. Drink, slowly... And do your best... to maintain your breathing. It is important... that you get full breaths. I do not... want you to become light headed. I will stay right here...”

“That bear is not real. He cannot harm anyone...”

[shsl-plaguecaller-blog]

And If You’re Still Breathing || Emiko || Motive Reaction || Open

There’s no way.

‘Just keep your head about you.’ She repeats in her head. Yeah… Be realistic and rational. It’s just some motive. Just something to make them panic and run around!

… Actually, she’s not all that good at staying level-headed for too long. She’s still recovering from the, you know… double murder, body burning, and brutal execution.

King Kuma’s words unnerve her, but she tries to keep her cool. At least until she can get back to the privacy of her room. Wow, lucky she didn’t lose it then, huh. She turns to head back as soon as the bear spins away. She still attempts to stay calm, but his words keep replaying in her mind.

“The one who loves you most losing all memories of you!”

Not gonna happen. Nope. Her fingers twitch, throat dry. Besides! The only way to be sure of such a thing not occurring would be to… murder… someone. And she sure as heck wouldn’t do such a cruel thing!

Ah… she’s feeling a bit warm. M-Maybe she should change out of her sweater when she gets back. Ugh, and maybe flip open her notebook too. She’s starting to get a headache.

“… scramble to piece together a relationship back together without any pieces to work with!”

No no no no no no it wouldn’t happen. There’s no way someone could do such a thing. It’s impossible. They would get caught before they even got to her. She’s fine. She’s fine. How would they even do such a thing?

Well, it’s not like amnesia isn’t an impossibility. Blunt head force trauma is one of the simplest ways for such a thing to occur and in extreme scenarios then surgery would be Emiko wHY ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT THIS

Both possibilities are awful. Awful awful awful. Awful things that shouldn’t happen. No one has to die. Mom won’t forget her. It’ll be okay. Everything’s fine. It’s fine.

One of her hands clutches at her hair, the other tugging at the collar of her sweater. Did it always feel so tight around her neck? Her breathing is heavy, eyes unfocused. When did she stop walking? Has she always been leaning against the wall here?? Too many questions… GOSH, why does her head feel like this??

“Haaah…. h-haah….”

It’s okay it’s okay it’s okay it’s okay it’s okay just get back to your room and it’ll be okay. It’s okay.

[ultimatecartography-blog]

Recovering from the fire, the death, that trial... was certainly difficult, but Clara found it a bit easier when she started to lean on her friends. Kei and Ecaterina were there for her and supported her, in their different ways! This motive certainly set off this little coil of fear inside - the very idea is frightening, even if she believes it’s difficult to pull off.

People had supported her... So it was time for Clara to do the same! Putting on her game face (??? Which looks exactly the same), she makes her way over to Emiko.

... What can she do to help? 

“Satoshi-san. Shall we... sit down somewhere? I believe... it would help if you... were off of your feet.”

Even if she is leaning against the wall. Clara eyes the girl for a moment before holding out her hand, offering herself as something for Emiko to lean against, should she need it.

“Perhaps... to the kitchen? I will... grab you some water. And we... can talk... It may be beneficial. But first... rest.”

[silken-silence]

The Stray (Starter for Clara post-quest.)

[ultimatecartography-blog]

silken-silence:

Ecaterina beamed brightly, mostly cause that sparkly smile was just so cute! She nodded along with what Clara was saying and slowly picked herself up off the tree she was sitting against. “I’m okay with just the floor as well, we shouldn’t risk injuring ourselves carrying a mattress down stone staircases.”

Ecaterina stretched when she was fully upright, then did another quick bow to the other girl. “I’ll go start to gather some blankets and a pillow then, I suppose! Before it gets too much darker.”

Ecaterina turned and smiled to Clara. “You can come with me if you want, but I am pretty sure I’ll be able to lift all of the sheets myself if you’d rather meet at your room instead?” 

That’s probably fair... A mattress would be difficult to move all of that distance. If only it were closer! Foiled again. Clara gives a wistful sigh, but perks back up and nods.

“Yes... I will head to my room and... be sure there is ample space for the bed we shall make...! I am not a messy person... so we should be... alright. If you need more blankets... I am sure we can dismantle another bed. No one is using them but us, after all...”

No one is using them... Now there was an entire group of people disconnected from their rooms and belongings, for nothing but a competition for their bear king’s entertainment.

“I shall meet you there, Ecaterina-san.”

[ultimatecartography-blog]

hello, clara | chapter 2 | open

[ultimatecartography-blog]

shsldollarsign:

Something about having someone be so genuinely kind to him - almost like a … friend - outside his butler was heartwarming for Kei. He lifted his hand to his heart, clutching his shirt nervously. “Clara… Ahaha, yes, that’s what friends do, no? We’re friends, you and I.” He had decided this just now on his own, but having a first name basis with someone was a big deal. It was hard not to make assumptions. 

“… Then, I suppose you can call me ‘Kei’, so long as it’s not intended disrespectfully. Which… I presume you have no ill intent, so we’re okay on that front.” 

He nodded to himself and kept standing next to the wall, breathing hitched a bit. He dropped his hand to his side. 

“I have not been anywhere… I’ve more so been in my room than anything else. A bit hard to get around with… “ He paused. “Not that I’m not fine, of course. Eiji patched me up, ahaha.” He quickly flicked upwards with his hand, revealing the map with a pout. “In any case, the new areas are unappealing. Nothing that strikes my interest, but I’d be happy to join you in searching. Or, perhaps we could waste time by doing something else? I’m open to suggestions. Games… Er, is there much else?”

He sighed. 

“Boring, boring, boring. I could not be more unimpressed. Bear, we committed murder for you. Won’t you at least entertain us?” 

Oh! They were friends? What a pleasant surprise! Clara had been hoping, but she didn’t want to assume... But, if Kei says so, then it must be true! Her eyes brighten noticeably in response to his words, even more so as he extends the offer back to her.

Clasping her hands together, she smiles earnestly at him.

“Yes, Kei-san! I promise... I mean no ill intent. We are... friends... yes?”

And the smile dims as he noticeably struggles. Her hands droop, lowering to her sides once more, and a worried frown overtakes her expression. Despite saying he’s fine, she can’t help but be concerned.

For her friend!

“Of course... that is quite understandable. I am relieved he... managed to patch you up, at least. I did... look around before, with Ecaterina-san, but... I did not find any games, unfortunately... If we are seeking entertainment... it appears we must make it ourselves. My sole interest in the castle lies... in the layout... which I have mostly memorized... So perhaps we shall find something stationary to do? I would not mind sitting...”

It’s for Kei’s benefit, mostly, but her aimless wandering has left her legs aching. Clara shifts her weight, wincing slightly when she does so.

“That bear... would likely have us kill for his own entertainment... before thinking of what we want. ... A poor king, if you ask me...”

[ultimatecartography-blog]

don’t don’t don’t don’t | clara | motive reaction

People... forgetting her. Of course that would be awful, and she knows right away who she fears forgetting her, but... In a digital world like this, she could overlook all of the inconsistencies; ghosts were here because, surely, they weren’t dead in the real world. It was merely a change in avatar.

Memories, though? Something like that couldn’t be done. There was no reason for her to believe it. So, despite the unease curling in her stomach, weight like a ball of lead, Clara brushes some hair from her eyes once the bear finished.

Did she have all of her memories? There were no blanks, but... they would be bad at their job if there was.

Thinking that they would forget her... Even the chance of it...

“... I... see. It is strange... that you would know who that person may be.”

How would he know? He can’t.

[corpses-inthecastle]

Don’t You (Forget About Me)

Everything was going relatively well for half of you being barred from your rooms. But that was only for a while. The going well, not the barred from rooms.

“Heeeeeeeeey, bastards! It’s time for another royal decree! Get to the courtyard, now! Upupupu!”

Of course another one of these things had to come. But what was he calling you together for? Another competition? You were still a little sore from the last one, if you were being honest.

King Kuma stood in front of the charred prison tower as you pooled into the area.

“Welcome, welcome! About time you made it over!”

“So, I’d been thinking… I got kinda bored of the anime I got the idea of this whole locked-in-a-game thing from, so I moved on to this other one, and you know what would be cool?”

“The one who loves you most losing all memories of you!”

“Well, maybe you guys don’t think it sounds all that fun, but I do, and I’m the only one that matters here!”

“I’ll give you all three days. If you don’t distract me with a nice, juicy murder by then, I’ll wipe every memory your love has of you! Then even if you escape this place, I get to watch you scramble to piece a relationship back together without any pieces to work with! Sounds like a hoot!”

“And don’t act like it’s not possible, either! After all… are you even sure you have all of your own memories? Upupupu!”

“All right, bastards! We’re burning daylight, so you’d better get to business!”

With that, he spun and vanished.

Three days… Could he really…?

[ultimatecartography-blog]

hello, clara | chapter 2 | open

[ultimatecartography-blog]

shslbento:

Hummmmm… I don’t know… You sound… kind of tired, too…”

“I do wonder… what they taste like… They have to… taste like something… right?”

No worries, Yuki; Clara is always tired, and no number of stamina potion will help with that. She nods insistently.

“My fatigue... is easily solved with more sleeping. However, you have been injured... so it only seems logical... that it is best with you, no?”

At question of the taste, she hums in thought. Honestly, she hadn’t even opened them to smell them, but if it’s meant to raise your stamina... And they could taste everything else just fine, right? What were foods that raise energy?

“Honestly, I am... uncertain. They must taste, but I could not... even begin to guess at what the ingredients may be. As this is not real... perhaps the taste will not even relate to what is put in it.”

[silken-silence]

The Stray (Starter for Clara post-quest.)

[ultimatecartography-blog]

silken-silence:

“A-ah..” Ecaterina stared at Clara for a few seconds before bowing her head. She couldn’t really resist that smile when it was making such a solid case. And it was pretty clear Clara would probably keep trying until she relented. Ecaterina pointed a finger at the other girl.

“On the condition that whatever our sleeping arrangements end up being, you keep the better one for yourself.” She didn’t think they could get a mattress all the way downstairs from the second floor guard rooms, so she wanted Clara to keep the mattress in her room, for herself.

“If you accept that, I suppose I have no choice but to accept. And I’m..really grateful. Even if I seem hesitant.” She bowed her head to the other girl quite deeply.

Ah! Hesitation? Could this be a victory for Clara Yamaguchi? She is nothing if not determined! Eyeing the finger, the cartographer cannot help but relent to that demand; perhaps in the future she can raise the argument that switching back and forth isn’t that big of a deal, but for now, she’ll take what she can get.

And, she takes it with a glowing smile, shaking off the last dredges of the stagnation that had been hanging over her.

“It may be difficult... but I am willing to try and move... a mattress. If not... many blankets will have to do. The floor... is not too uncomfortable...”

Uh, are you speaking from experience there, Clara?

“... I understand... of course. You merely... did not wish to impose. But it is not imposing. We are... in this together, yes? It is... not fair that you have been locked out of your room.”

[silken-silence]

The Stray (Starter for Clara post-quest.)

[ultimatecartography-blog]

silken-silence:

Ecaterina perked up a bit as she listened, then raised her hands, palms forward, as if to push back the idea. “Oh, no no. I couldn’t impose on you like that. I’ll be fine, the guard rooms have beds, I can just sleep there!” Of course those rooms are open 24/7 and anyone could get her in her sleep, though.

“You don’t have to open your room to me, but I thank you for the offer!” She flashed a slightly nervous smile to the other girl and put her hands back down into her lap.

“Besides, then you’d get to see me with bedhead and my makeup off!”

Clara raises her own hands, palms forward, pushing the idea right back to Ecaterina.

“I would like to insist. It is not imposing... if I am offering. The doors to my room lock... We can dismantle... a bed from the guards quarters and make another in my room. I am content... to switch back and forth from a bed... and blankets.”

“I am sure... you are lovely regardless... but I have makeup in my room, as well...”

[silken-silence]

The Stray (Starter for Clara post-quest.)

[ultimatecartography-blog]

silken-silence:

Ecaterina giggled as Clara drew close and admired the same sky she had been. “I feel the same way. I’m doing okay, thank you for asking.”

She looked up at the sky again and hmmed. “I probably could have done really well at the archery, but I realized all of my friends were on the other side and couldn’t bear to. I just couldn’t lock my friends out of their rooms! But it looks like I am locked out of mine instead. I am most frustrated that I lost access to my knitting and sewing supplies and my makeup!”

She pouted her lips and glared over at the dorm rooms.

That sounds just like her, to be thinking of someone else instead of herself. A selfless, kind mindset that Clara has, in their short time together, already come to expect from Ecaterina. She glances over at the dorms, humming under her breath.

Looking back at the other girl, she tilts her head and gives a small smile.

“You are welcome to stay in my room from now on. I questioned... Bear-sama... and he did not tell me ‘no’, merely that you were not permitted... access to your own room. It... would comfort me greatly to know... that you have a place to sleep and are safe.”

[silken-silence]

The Stray (Starter for Clara post-quest.)

Ecaterina was leaning against a tree out in the courtyard, eyes directed upwards at the sky which was starting to turn orange. It had been a few hours since the results of the Archery quest, and she had finally ceased her restless roaming of the castle to rest here.

It would be night time in awhile, and she’d probably want to stay inside the castle walls where there were torches and warmth, so she figured it might be best to stay out here for as long as she could to admire the sky, then the stars. Fake as they were, they were still quite pretty.

She was jostled out of her melancholy when she saw a familiar hair style bobbing along, and a familiar face along with it. Ecaterina raised her arm and smiled in greeting to Clara. It didn’t really matter if the other girl had been looking for her or just happened to find her here, a friendly face was more than she could have hoped for. Especially when King Kuma had publicly announced she put the least effort in!

@ultimatecartography

[ultimatecartography-blog]

Fortunately, Clara had been seeking Ecaterina out. Following the annoucement of the results, her emotions were... mixed. On one hand, it had been nice to know that she would regain access to her own room, and that those who had been injured would not be forced to leave theirs, but...

Ecaterina was her friend! It was upsetting to see that she would be denied a place to sleep over a measely archery competition. The cartographer had put in a decent amount of effort herself, but it didn’t make her completely happy.

Which is why, when the bear didn’t explicitly tell her ‘no’, she decided she didn’t care either way and went to hunt down the other.

“Ecaterina-san. I was... looking for you...”

... Slowly. Just as slowly, she ambles to the other, standing next to her and peering up at the digital sky.

“Ah. It is... still quite lovely... despite not being real... How are you fairing...?”

[ultimatecartography-blog]

hello, clara | chapter 2 | open

[ultimatecartography-blog]

shsldollarsign:

He struggled to stand up, noticeably so, holding the wound as tightly as he could.. But for the amount of energy he was exerting, he still kept a smile on his face nevertheless. Being weak and vulnerable was not a strong suit of his. 

“Bleh. Well, the fire is gone, so it’s best to let bygones be bygones. It was a fairly stupid case, however, and I felt I could have solved it on my own, but some people like to take the spotlight.” He was just salty he’d done nothing of merit, much less even had the ability to look at the body because of his squeamishness. But it was easier to pin blame on others, as usual. 

He shook his head and changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on the previous death any longer. He’d much rather forget he was stuck here. 

“Errr… Yamaguchi, would you like to find something to do with me - waste some time, per se? It would be nice to get our minds off things. N-Not that I’m worried at all, of course not, but in the event you might be…” He paused. “If not, I understand, but company would be nice, no? We could, um… Explore, I suppose. There’s some new locations opened, I believe.”  

Ah, as always, Kei was so kind to wave all of that off! And, smart to boot. Clara continues to smile at him, fully believing that he was capable of solving the case all on his own and simply hadn’t because of the others. He had the idea to make breakfast for everyone before, which had been quite a good one, so she had no reason to doubt his abilities!

“... Yes, I am relieved for that. I... can only hope we never endure... such a thing again.”

She shuts her eyes for a moment, and opens them swiftly to shake off the lights that threatened to flash behind her eyelids. Focus on Kei. He was saying something.

Oh.

“I would be quite happy to do so, Kubota-san. You... may call me Clara, as well... Perhaps we... shall find somewhere to sit. I... would not want you to strain yourself... Company... would be welcome. Maybe... this new area... will have something of interest, no? Have you... been into any of the places... that opened up yet?”

[ultimatecartography-blog]

hello, clara | chapter 2 | open

[ultimatecartography-blog]

shslbento:

Yuki nodded slowly. Clara was fine… All right…

“I don’t think… I’ve seen anything like that… There are… potions…? I don’t know what they do…”

Potions...? Oh! That’s right! Clara nods firmly, as if just remembering something herself - which she has. Once she got the potion from the church, she had totally forgotten about it, not understanding the purpose, but maybe it would be of help to Yuki.

“I have... a stamina potion. I obtained it... at the church. Would... you like it? Perhaps... it will help you. I have... no... use in it myself. It is better with you...”

She is ready to run off and grab it if asked.

[ultimatecartography-blog]

hello, clara | chapter 2 | open

[glitchedcoding-blog]

Ayato opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind and closed his mouth, staring at her silently for a few minutes before he finally decided to speak.

“This conversation is over” And back through the wall he goes.

[ultimatecartography-blog]

She tilts her head, watching him go through the wall with interest.

“Oh, you are... quite rude, I see. Perhaps I... should not be shocked... considering what you have done... Have you left?”

Knock knock on the wall. Leave him alone, Clara.

[ultimatecartography-blog]

hello, clara | chapter 2 | open

[ultimatecartography-blog]

silken-silence:

“Yeah, I think that’s how it’ll play out too. But talking about boredom, do you want to go do anything, or did you already have plans? We shouldn’t stay standing here in the middle of the hallway forever!”

Ecaterina still seemed cheerful, but her energy was her undoing as well. “I’m sure there’s something we can go do! And if you already had plans I can go bother somebody else, if you’d prefer.~”

Clara remembers, all at once, that they are simply standing in the hallway doing nothing. She blinks slowly, scanning their surroundings with an air of bemusement before turning back to Ecaterina.

“... I am... not doing anything. I would like to. I... would like to do something. Anything... is preferable to standing around and doing nothing...”

“... Of course, you are no bother, Ecaterina-san. We... are friends... yes?”