Deer Country Network

[When the video starts, Usagi is pulling on her fingers and biting her lip. She has some bag under her eyes because of the coming and going nightmares but she looks fine otherwise.

She takes a deep breath, opens her mouth and then presses her lips together, clearly trying to psyche herself up rather than, well, out. She clenches her fist and a soft "you can do this, you can totally do this," can easily be heard under her breath.

One more nod and then:]

SO I AM- [She winces, nope, no, yelling bad. Deep breath.

Take two.]

Um, so hello! [She bows to the Omni.] Uh, for those of you who don't know me, my name is Usagi Tsukino. [She bows again.] Um... and uh, well I am starting a business! Uh... that is I can make things- er jewelry! And other things like incense holders and Omni charms or bag charms... or like... clay figurines, I guess.

I have a lot of things already made but otherwise everything will be custom made. [She's too nervous to remember to actually show her products though they are currently sitting behind her if asked.]

So... um- oh, yeah, everything is mostly clay, I can't sew like... at all, so... um... just putting that out there. [Hot glue guns are a gift from the heavens, as far as she's concerned.] I can do other materials like shells and metal but most everything is gonna be clay.

Uuuuh yes! Right, that's it!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! [She bows again. Turns out nightmare induced insomnia causes her to get crafty so as to not think of said nightmares.]

[ she hasn't really made a network post since her accidental outing. ahiru has never been fully comfortable with the network and digitally, she is not the best. but she understood that this was the best way to be heard. and for others to be heard as well. ]

Uhm . . . My name is Ahiru — [ and she bows for a second. ] — And I kind of want to talk about us. Well, not just us, but the people who have left us. There is always a piece of heartbreak and sorrow that stays when friends and family that we love depart on a new journey. And their story from now on may no longer bear us.

[ she pauses. sorrow for her is a complex and simple feeling. it hurts but she is a duck. she expects all people in her life to be transient. gone. and yet.

she must respect what they have given her. what they imparted on her. in this, she is not just a duck. she is also ahiru, someone they once loved. ]

So I thought maybe we could all share a little story. A feeling. A moment. I'll start first. Mr. Bigby seemed like a scary man. He had a lot of scars and hurts from his time before. But he was always so kind. He liked the music I shared with him and he even helped me with my dance hall. Lysithea . . . was strong. She wouldn't let me quit and she took the time to take care of me. She let me help out around the shop and try her new desserts. When I was with her, I also felt strong, just like her.

Varian and Fern . . . Even though I didn't know them well, they took me into their home and took the time to listen and hear me out. I trusted them with my secret and they accepted me so easily. They gave me a warm place I will always carry within.

I know it's hard . . . when we're the ones left behind. But maybe we could all share those pieces of warmth . . . and remember.

[Lexi's grinning because she has an Evil Idea and she can't wait to spring it on everyone else]

Okay! Most of us come from places where movies are things or you've found movies since arriving. So I have to ask, what's the shittiest movie you've ever seen?

There are three levels to this, Easy, Experienced, and Nightmare.

Easy level is, it can't have been featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000. So say good-bye to "Manos: The Hands of Fate," "Red Zone Cuba," and "Eegah!"

Experienced level is, it can't have been featured on either Mystery Science Theater 3000 or on RiffTrax Live! So no "Space Mutiny" or "Starship Troopers" or "The Room" for you!

Nightmare? It's never been featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax Live, or on The Cinema Snob. Midnight Screenings movies are fine, but no Italian horror or Amazon cannibal movies at all! And for those of you who have never heard of the Cinema Snob and will spend the rest of the afternoon clicking through the episodes, you're welcome.

As for me? My choice is easy. "Green Lantern," starring Ryan Reynolds. I knew enough about the comics to see what they were getting wrong, but not enough to understand what the hell they were talking about the other half of the time.

Now....go!

((OOC: The Cinema Snob site is NSFW. they type while at work))

( The feed opens to a woman sitting in a bright cottage kitchen, with a cup of something warm and a soft smile. )

Hello. Some of you may know me already, but to those who don't — I'm Rose Da Silva. Sharon's mom.

( Her smile warms, and she gently sets her mug down so she can turn her full focus on the video she's making. )

I've been here for... a while. Half a year now. I have to admit, this place isn't like where I come from at all, and I'm still... trying to adjust.

I know a lot of you are from worlds that may be similar to this one. You've probably been able to settle in a lot easier than me. But... I wanted to offer something. Because I know there are a lot of young people here, people... on their own.

( Her smile wavers, brow knitting slightly. A lot of people without parents, without help. And maybe they've been doing quite well on their own; Rose has certainly witnessed almost disconcerting levels of independence from the Sleeper youth. Often, it suggests that... many of them might not have had a strong parental presence back home, either. Several of them have directly told her as much, or she's seen... memories, shared by accident. )

I can't make things, but I can show you how to buy and use them, if you like. Like... well, if anyone might need some more clothes and could use a hand, I'd be very happy to show you the shops I've discovered around here.

( She's.... offering to help take you shopping, yes. This month, there's a growing compulsion to teach, and maybe Rose is....... filled with the need to do some Mom Teaching Things for others! )

There are some really nice shops in certain parts of the city. I'm sure we could find something to fit your personal style.

( Her smile brightens again; she seems excited. Back home, before she was venturing into the depths of Silent Hill to rescue her daughter, she was one fancy suburban mom. Shopping was her thing. And maybe it seems a little silly, considering so many young people around here are... warriors, fighters, have some sort of strong power.... do they really need something as simple as a shopping trip while she's Mom For A Day?

....The offer is there. She wants it to be there, just in case someone does need it. Because maybe she doesn't have a lot of Trench-appropriate skills to put out here, in comparison to others. But being a mother... that's what she wanted to be for her whole life. She's not explicitly framing it that way, but that's what she feels the most comfortable offering, guidance that might fall under the "maternal" or "guardian" category of teaching. )

I'd be happy to treat you to lunch or dinner too, or show you around other places in the city, if you like. The weather's so nice lately.

CONTENT WARNNGS: forced captivity, child endangerment, coercion of a child to commit violence, gun violence, homicide

The thumbnail of the embedded video is dark and still. Two figures -- a dark-haired man and a willowy and sandy-headed child of nearly the same height -- are held in shadow by a pale, ambient glow from behind.

Clicking play brings the silent scene to life. The camera pans on the two, and the older man stands with his hands clasped like a vice on the shoulders of a boy of no more than eleven. The child is no less auburn than Wrench himself, his lips just as thin and nose a near-perfect match. There isn't much chance to hold the both in their imperfect profiles before the boy's head drops and his shoulders start quaking with an unheard, hiccuping force. The man wracks him at the shoulders, but when the jostling yields no response he grabs him under the chin and forces his gaze back up.

Something in the background illuminates, and in the empty space just behind the two is a businessman in a chair. His hands have been bound behind him, chest strapped with a length of rope tied off expertly, and an improvised gag between his lips. He's is dressed in a pale silver suit and he thrashes against the restraints, his face a mask of tears and lap soiled wet with his desperate horror. The camera holds him as the star for a time, forcing the viewer to watch him flop against the unforgiving restraints like a fish pitched to dry land. To watch his forehead gleam with sweat, and the tears roll mercilessly down his cheeks. His despair is palpable: he knows exactly what's coming for him.

And then the camera finds the first two again just in time to watch the dark-haired man wrack the back of his hand across the face of the boy, who nearly falls to the ground. He picks the child up by his shoulders and stands him in front of the quaking captive. The image pans down to the handgun held loosely in the child's hand. He barely keeps his grip as he shudders and coughs in eerie silence. The first raises a fist again and the boy recoils, but instead of violence he shapes a command. He signs rapidly, and one hardly needs to know the language to understand the force of his insistence.

Defiance floods the boy's features and he squares his shoulders and shakes his head, but no sooner has he drawn that line in the sand than his leader unholsters a revolver from his own hip. He cocks the hammer and aims the barrel toward the young boy's head. Seconds pass unflinchingly and it seems for a time like the child might hold his ground. Might call the bluff for what it is. That is, until the man escalates. He crosses the middle distance and presses the gun square against the child's temple.

There's nowhere to turn. Nowhere to run from the heavy, obliterating silence, or the inevitability of what's to come. The video feed flashes a blinding crack of impossible light and the stillness is at once cut by the shrill and strangled scream of a young voice before everything goes dark.

---

OOC: Couldn't resist the opportunity to share Wrench's worst memory! He's kept his history mostly under wraps since arriving at Trench, but maybe it's time for that to change.

[There was no warning, really. The first day of June rolled around and Equius was just sitting there in his house, sipping a glass of milk freshly poured for him by his loyal centaur omen Arthour. He was relaxing, grunting as he looked through bow schematics when he noticed a soccer-ball sized eyeball sitting on top of his centaur's head. The hell? A tendril reached out, touched his forehead, another reaching out to his omni, and suddenly he and all of Trench were getting treated to a vision of another world's past! It was hard to tell if this was Maul's curse or just bad luck. It didn't matter. The video played.]

Watch on YouTube

"You never know what this kind of knowledge could do to a person" [The words of the announcer seemed all too poignant as Equius sputtered and started screaming bloody murder.]

( Cut for a profanity laced and insane tirade about buckets )

(CW: Attempted child murder and mildly disturbing images)


[Snow White's memory begins in a very lovely and pleasant way! In fact, there is the sense that Snow White hasn't been able to do something like this in such an agonizingly long time. As she collects wild flowers, she hears the cries of a little bird calling for help. Snow White quickly comes over to the little bluebird to assure it everything will be fine, they'll find the parents soon.

She is completely ignorant to the huntsman behind her. She has no clue he's looking all around to make sure there is no one to watch, no one to observe his next act.

He approaches her, dagger raised high, having every intention to cut out her heart, just as the queen commanded. He steps ever closer and closer until his shadow looms swallows her form.

She turns around and screams at the sight of him ready to kill. She has no defenses. This was the point. She is supposed to die.

But his hands are shaking and the huntsman drops his dagger. He can't, he says. He can't bring himself to kill her. He warns her of the queen, how he wants her dead, she's jealous, mad with it, in fact. She must flee! She must get out of here NOW! No time to do anything but run.

Run! And never return!

Flee!

Her head is spinning, one minute she's being threatened. The next she's being told to flee and never return. She can never return. She can't come back! She has to get away, to get out! No food, no supplies, no nothing, just get away and don't return!

She runs and run, every turn seems like the eyes of her stepmother watching her, every branch that snags her feels like claws trying to drag her back to her stepmother. All she can hear is the blood rushing in her ears.

Snow White has no clue where she's going! She has no idea! She's never been outside of the castle before! Every which way she turns is unfamiliar and looming and dark. As she stumbles back, she feels the ground beneath her give way and she tumbles.

Finally, a voice cuts through:]

Oh dear! Faramund, what are you showing people?

[CW: There is canon-style violence in the clips linked, which include a fight which ends in an implied beheading (not shown directly on-screen) and a character being impaled on a lightsaber.]

[The memory begins as Savage, Maul, and a purple-eyed man walk into a throne room. Maul, in all his dramatic glory, challenges the leader of Death Watch to a fight to the death, something he knows Pre Vizsla can't refuse. Maul is given his lightsaber, gives out an inhuman roar like a big cat would, and the fight begins.

For a while, it seems like Maul has bitten off more than he can chew. Vizsla is giving him a challenge and he's on the defense for a good portion of the fight. But Maul isn't stupid and this has all been planned out. He refrains from using his Force powers and even switches to his right hand, his non-dominant one several times in the fight, to make it a more even playing field. He's deliberately holding himself back. When the Death Watch leader shoots off tiny blades at hi, he laughs and it's clear Maul is enjoying himself. This fight is a lot of fun for him, and while Pre Vizsla may be a tough opponent, he's no match for the Sith Lord.

When Maul decides enough is enough, he grabs hold of the man's arm and brutally breaks it, making him drop his weapon. Then the Sith Lord brutally beats him down, kicking him so hard at one point that a tooth goes flying, until it's clear Maul is the winner. He calls the Darksaber to him. Vizsla, surprisingly, takes his impending death well. "Like you said, only the strongest shall rule," he says just before Maul slices his head cleanly off. He looks up and sees Savage smiling proudly at him, a rare expression to see from the younger Zabrak.

Half of Death Watch is quick to follow but the other half, lead by Vizsla's second-in-command Bo-Katan refuse. Maul orders them executed and the two sides begin to fight. As for Maul himself, he sits back on the throne. He is in command of Mandalore now, and by extension, his power in the galaxy has grown.

As the memory fades out, Maul's voice in the present can be heard as he talks to his Omen.]

Venge, what is that? What are you doi--

[And then it cuts out again as the second memory starts. Maul's in the same throne room but now it's night. He seems a little distracted. "Hmmm, I sense a presence. A presence I haven't felt since--" Then his eyes grow wide as he realizes who has arrived. "--Master!" There's more fear expressed in that one word than two years of living in Pthumerian-run towns could ever produce in Maul.

Then Darth Sidious strolls on in like he owns the place, casually strangling two Mandalorian guards as he does so. It's tempting for anyone who's heard about Sidious to be a little confused. This is the man who inspires such fear in Maul? This little old man wearing a dark robe who isn't even as tall as his adopted son? Maul immediately starts in about having done everything to make his way back to his master's side, hoping to buy time. Unfortunately, Sidious knows Maul far too well and can tell he's lying.

He starts in by using the Force to pin Maul and Savage to the windows before letting them go. Maul glances at Savage. This is going to be their toughest fight ever and they'll need to do their best if they want to have a hope of surviving it. When the three start dueling, it becomes apparent that Sidious has outclassed Maul and Savage just as much as Maul had outclassed Pre Vizsla in the last clip. He's enjoying this fight, smiling and laughing as he toys around with the brothers like they're a pair of novices.

At one point, Maul gets knocked out of the fight and he loses consciousness for about twenty seconds, the screen going dark before he staggers to his feet, his sight blurry and not quick to come back. Unfortunately, this costs him everything he holds dear. Sidious quickly gains the upper hand and impales Savage through the chest. Maul's face is one of devastation. "Brother...." He ignores Sidious and leaps to his brother's side.

Savage gasps out his last words. "Brother...I am an unworthy apprentice....I'm not like you....I never was...." Some people think Maul is a heartless bastard but that is proven incorrect as he looks like his hearts are breaking when his brother dies. All he can do is hold onto him as he slips away, knowing there's nothing he can do to stop it. He can't even bring himself to say how much his brother means to him, struck dumb by grief.

There's no time to mourn, however, for Sidious start taunting him. Maul turns back to his brother's killer and he's shaking with rage. This time when he goes after Sidious, the old man isn't smiling anymore. He's not just toying around as Maul fights him, he's actually having to put forth effort. He's pushed his former apprentice over the edge and this time Maul's determined to make him hurt. Those who know lightsaber forms will realize Maul's style of Jar'Kai, using two lightsabers at once, mirrors of that of Sidious' exactly. It was where he learned it, after all.

But his advantage doesn't last for long as Sidious overwhelms him once again. "Have mercy! Please! Please!" For those who know Maul, they might find it odd he's begging for mercy, his tone like that of a scared child. It's unlike the Sith Lord to ask an opponent to spare him. But that's not what he's asking. The mercy he wants is for Sidious to kill him, for he knows that anything the Sith Lord has planned for him is far worse than the sweet release of death would be. But he doesn't get it as Sidious tells him there is no mercy and continues to torture him with Force Lightning. The memory ends with Maul screaming in terror and pain.

Once again, Maul's voice in the present speaks up. This time, he's more aware of what has happened.]

What. Was. That?! Venge, how did that even happen? What did you do? Turn it off! Turn it--!

[And finally the feed cuts out.]

[OOC: An opening post to get the ball rolling for the player plot going on right now!]

[The feed opens up to an aerial shot of the Gate but things are a little different than normal. The normal blood curdling screams of monsters being slain is absent. There is no blood being spilled. In the middle of the arena two large wooden sparring stages have been erected instead, both lined with blue mats with a golden fist in the middle. Johnny Lawrence knew that would bring in the crowd. The omen broadcasting the feed swoops down toward the matts directly at the fist, just before it looks like it might crash it twirls in midair before breaking away and flying toward a podium set up where the two robotic commentators of the tournament are seated. The omen lands on a perch before settling in on a shot of the two commentators.]

Salutations, Trench, and welcome to the First Annual Great Trench Karate Tournament! My name is Penny Polendina--

--and I'm K.

--and together we'll be providing commentary for the competition. Let's meet our instructors!

First, we have Professor Ozpin of Beacon Academy!

Wait, I think...

[ There's a rustling of papers. ]

--Oh, a slight correction. Professor Ozpin is here representing Clockhouse Academy.

[ From the crowd, Black Alice interjects: ] I wanna see all you morons kick butt!

[ Ozpin steps forward, hands folded very delicately over his filigreed cane. ]


[ Ozpin doesn't get to finish his introduction, however. At this point Johnny pushes his way forward and shoves Ozpin out of the way. ]


[ Johnny holds a fist close to his chest. ]


[ From the gathered competitors one can hear Deku, angrily and slightly feral, interject with: ] SENSEI! WE'RE ALL KISSING!!


[ Also from the students, Sayo gives a shout of: ] Cobra Kai!


Uh.. that was Johnny Lawrence of Cobra Kai!

Certainly an... inspiring speech from sensei Lawrence, providing an illuminating glimpse into the lives of his students. ...A tongue?

Second, we have Terry Silver of... wait, what?

Yes, I believe they're both...

... Ahem. Terry Silver, also of Cobra Kai!

[ Terry's been awkwardly watching Johnny this entire time like his speech just made him die inside a little. ]


A sentiment I think we all can get behind.

And here is Sasuke Uchiha and his Super Awesome Ninja School!


Always a man of few words. Speaking as a student of the Super Awesome Ninja School, I'd just like to say that Sasuke has proved himself to be a very capable teacher, as his other students will no doubt demonstrate. Also, the bear rumours are entirely true.

And finally, Amaterasu! ... Is that an actual dog?

And isn't she adorable. Look at that smile!


... Well! You heard it here folks: "Woof!"

Truly wise words from miss Amaterasu. Who's a good girl? Is it you? Yes, it is! --Ahem.

And that's it for our competing schools! Hayato Ichimonji will be serving as referee, and Clark Griffin will be the medic on call.

To all of our participants, good luck and have fun!

[ Johnny steps forward with one last message for the students. ]


[ He then raises his arm up before pointing it specifically at Sasuke.]


[OOC: Please find the Tournament Log here and feel free to jump in.


Red is for Johnny Lawrence
Green is for Penny Polendina.
The darker Green is for Ozpin.
Navy Blue is for K.
Blue is for Terry Silver
Violet is for Sasuke.]

[The image that came on the screen was ... not Equius. Dusky blue skinned, with snarled and snaggled teeth, it came with a pair of massive tusks on the side of the lips, one of which was broken just like his right horn was broken. He was still as muscled as ever and wearing the pair of broken shades on his person, but it might take a moment to figure out who this was.

At least until the instant he opened his mouth and spoke.]

This is explicitly irritating and it would behoove whoever is responsible for this alteration to my biological and morphological form to renew the appropriate, hemospectral glory that is my body forthwith. Any length of time taken to return me to my natural appearance will only complicate the mastication process, which is itself an irritation.

And before any of you inform me? I have already read documentation at the library to verify what I have been transformed into. I am aware that someone out there considers it deeply ironic to re-render my domesticated form as yet another of the thousands of multi-planar variations of "Troll" in existence. I do not require further explication of string theorem to understand that there are many different forms of troll. This obscenity will not assist in the process.

[...yeah... only Equius.]

That said, given the current circumstances, it appears that transformations at present are not associated with corruption. It would behoove residents not to engage in needless strife. Unless that is your thing. In which case, enjoy the novelty of strife with altered forms. I am told it can be quite the experience to be forced to utilize new tactics when engaging in strife. Quite the development of a think-pan's strategic acumen.

.... hmmm... I am getting myself excited again. Excuse me. I will fetch a towel.

[Equius... why are you like this?]

So, I'm curious. I'm from the 31st century, so I feel like I'm missing out on a lot of music.

What are some good songs and bands?

I love Cuts You Up by Peter Murphy and Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division personally, but I'm willing to listen to just about anything.

Except for music for the Terran father god. Yuck.

Thanks! ❤

Greetings, Trench!

[ Ford offers the feed a friendly wave. Behind him, a considerable pule of beans sits on his workshop table. ]

Those of you that have been here for some time might remember a coffee bean duplication project I started a couple of months ago. At the time the results were rather underwhelming, and the beans I managed to produce had approximately a third of the efficacy of normal beans.

It's taken some tinkering, but I believe I've finally perfected the process! I'm looking for volunteers to help confirm that this batch is indeed true to life. You can stop by my workshop to retrieve a bag like last time, though the Prosperitea House cafe has also requested a batch if you'd prefer a single serving.

Help yourself, and please be sure to tell me how it tastes!

EDIT six hours later

[ The feed clicks back on and this time Ford looks a little frazzled, but also a little excited. ]

Hello again! If you retrieved some coffee beans from me earlier and you haven't already used them, I strongly suggest that you do not use them and instead return them to me immediately.

[ And now excitement wins out as he adds: ]

However, if you have tried them since then I'd appreciate it if you could inform me of what happened when you did!

( OOC )
This is the IC companion post to the player plot I'm running! Click here for more details.

[ Luna Lovegood is perhaps the best she's looked in months. Despite the exhausted look about her, and the expression of queasiness — she's void of any trace of Corruption. She's been spending the past several days sleeping, and not sleeping; trying to calm her stomach from the copious amounts of wild animals she'd devoured as a beast. While sustenance for her in Beastform, her stomach now she's human again is... far more delicate. But the worst of it has passed, at least. And Peter has been a blessing for her, making sure she's alright — even if eating has been a little bit of a struggle.

She sits in her room, sat on her bed with her knees curled up to her chest, still dressed in pyjamas. Her Omni rests on her bedside as she begins the broadcast. She's anxious; her brow drawn down in a sorrowful frown. It's important, though. People deserve apologies, even she deserves no luxury of apology in return. She hurt people, quite a lot — and while the memories of the latter half of April are foggy at best, she knows she's done some terrible things. ]

I realise a great deal of people may be very upset with me right now. I would have done this sooner, but I... needed a little bit of time to sort out my mind. [ She's still trying to do that, but it's now or never. ]

I remember the butterflies, and then... it gets a bit mixed up after that. [ It was like... falling down a very, very deep hole. Slowly slipping away from herself, and into something cold and dark and twisted. ]

I'm sorry. I know I hurt a lot of people, I know I— I think I killed people, too. I know I wasn't myself, I became someone terrible and then something terrible. A monstrous Beast. [ It hurts to refer herself as that. No beast is monstrous. But she did monstrous things. That is... simply how it is, and she's ashamed of herself. ] I know people might think it isn't my fault, that I became a Beast — but I still did those things. I barely even know who I did them to, I don't remember much.

But I'm very sorry.

[ She doesn't expect forgiveness, not at all. She's alright with that. Luna's quiet for a long tome, just leaving the apology there. But after a while, she inhales and continues. ]

I was lucky. My friends found me, my boyfriend found me. They brought me back. They knew who I was even though I was a Beast. I can only guess others haven't and won't be so fortunate. [ How many times have Sleepers been killed as Beasts? How many will be in future? ]

I've been doing some thinking, the past couple of days. How to... maybe help Sleepers, somehow. Back home, someone very important to me, a hero to me really, led the way in the study of magical beasts — he's one of the greatest Magizoologists known to Wizardkind. He offered a great deal of insight into beast behaviours, abilities and how best to care for them — compiled it into a textbook.

I'd... like to start doing something like that, but for Sleepers in their Beastforms. I want to do it as my area of study at the School of Mutter. An encyclopaedia of Sleepers' forms of Beasthood, noting their appearance, abilities, strengths and weaknesses. But also how best to help them, calm them down. Bring them back.

[ She doesn't want it to mean it's how to kill them. No, no. Not at all. It's how best to help Sleepers, so they don't have to be killed. But also knowing how best to deal with them, so other Sleepers don't end up getting killed when dealing with Beasts. Merlin knows how many Witches and Wizards were likely killed by magical creatures they had no clue on how to handle them. Wild animals are just that, they can kill. ]

I could have very easily met death at the hands of a Hunter, but I was lucky I didn't. Knowledge is a very powerful tool, and I believe it could do a great deal of good. [ That being said: ] If people have information they'd like to share about their Beastforms, or how they've dealt with bringing Sleepers back — I would like to hear it for my research.

If you'd rather speak in person, you may find me at Ritual Gig in Willful Machine. [ There's a little pause, her voice wobbling slightly. ] You... may have known it as John Constantine's shop, but moving forward I shall be taking up the reins in his absence.

[Dee appears on the feed, sitting in the parlor of a surprisingly fancy-looking house. She has a beer on the table, which she quickly sips before starting. In the background, an ostrich warbles to itself and pecks at a white chaise lounge.]

Okay, so I was just hanging out here, drinking the worst beer I've had in my entire life, when I started thinking...

[She pauses to drink more of her beer, putting one finger up in the air as she tosses her head back and chugs it down, draining more than half of it in one hit. Yeah, she's just going to make her viewers wait a few seconds because she needs more of that disgusting beer.]

Gross.

[She winces.]

Anyway, I started thinking about how great it'd be to produce and direct a play of some kind. I'm not sure what it'll be about yet, but it could be fun to do a show. So now I guess I want to know if some of you guys might be interested in... I don't know... getting in on this?

[She waves her hand dismissively at the Omni, a small smile appearing on her face.]

Now I bet you're looking at me, and you're like, 'but Dee! I don't know how to act! I couldn't possibly be in your amazing play!' And you know what? I hear you, guys, and I'm gonna tell you that that's okay!

[Her grin grows wider, and she points to herself using both hands.]

Because I'm a professional actor, and I'm willing to teach you a few things and help you along the way! But, of course, my help isn't going to be free, and I'm gonna want to trade my time for beer and shit that'll go towards the play.

So if you have a story you'd like to see adapted, let me know. Tell me about the story, the characters, and why you like it. Just... nothing too nerdy or boring, okay? I want this to be fun, not a geek-fest.

Obviously, I won't be taking any auditions yet because I don't have a story, but let me know if you want to be involved in something exciting and fun anyway. And don't get too upset if you get rejected. Showbusiness is a harsh bitch, and it. Will. Eat. You. Alive.

[Luca and Ahiru of the house might have noticed Luz was gone all day, as were Varian, Rapunzel and Fern, and there were none the wiser about why. The three of them honestly tended to do their own thing, but this time was different. Luz returned later, closing the door behind her, and had stayed up in her room for several hours. Luca and Ahiru were likely to feel the distress in Luz now though, and while Ahiru wouldn't know why, Luca WOULD.

And now, Luz knew, she'd have to let the rest of Trench know.

-



[Late at night, the video feed clicked and there was Luz. Her eyes were rimmed red, she was slightly shaking and she was surrounded by the stuffed animals in her room. She looked at the camera for at least a minute before finally addressing the audience as a whole].

If you guys knew Rapunzel, I'm sad to say she's gone back to being a squid. She was pretty great, looking after us in the house and everything, and we're going to try and keep her tower spotless. She would have wanted it that way.

[She bit her lip, exhaling].

V-Varian and Fern are also gone.

They've...gone back too. I know a lot of you knew them from Deerington. In a lot of ways, they're why I chose to go to move onto the next world. Fern was cunning, quick and upfront about himself. He put himself out on a limb to save people, and was the model of a hero I think we all strive to be.

Varian was different, but in his own unique way. He was stubborn, smart, and one of the sweetest people I know. He'd come up with inventions I could only watch in awe of, and he'd work tirelessly on projects with strength I could never match. He and Fern were my older brothers, and the reason I live in this house now.


They mattered, just like everyone who leaves matters, and leave a mark when they go. If I ever ask myself why I'm here, suffering, I'll remember it's because of them, because they were everything that helped me move on from one bad moment to better ones.

Thank you. Um. Take care, guys, wherever you are.

PIZZA MARKET RESEARCH SURVEY #1

1. What are the best pizza toppings (and nothing weird like anchovies)?

2. Thin crust or thick crust?

3. Do you like orange soda?

4. Do you know how replicate orange soda here?

5. What are your preferred pizza eating hours?

6. How often would you use a horse-based delivery service? Would it depend on what kind of horse showed up at your house with the pizza? Would it matter if the horse was fucking terrifying?

Thank you all for your input.

CWs for entire post/threads within: Discussion of sexual orientation, queerness, discrimination against LGBTQ+, homophobia, transphobia, gender identity, themes of coming out etc.

Coming out is such a fuckin' scam.

There's always someone who has to hear this but damn, don't let anyone guilt you into that shit. You don't have to explain any part of your identity to anyone. Not your friends, not your family, not your significant other. Fuckin' nobody. It's your identity. Yours. Not theirs.

And for the record? Don't sweat it so much if you can't figure it out. Sexuality and romantic attraction and gender identity don't need to be forced into some convenient description you found online. It's fine if you haven't found the right word for it. Language is, oftentimes, limiting to the full expression of our existence.

That shit is so fluid most people be wasting their whole life feeling worried about it because everyone around them goes on and on about how they figured their shit out. Like cool, whatever, congrats for them, but trust me, you're not less valid or whatever just because you ain't got a flag to hang yet. It's fine if you never figure it out. It doesn't have to be a bad thing.

It's okay to be confused for a long time and it's fine to want to figure out how to fix that, but like, seriously, a lot of that confusion does come from comparing yourself to other people and their own experiences.

Whatever. I'm making this whole post private in case anyone has questions or would like to talk.

Consider this April's sex education lesson. I'm simplifying things, obviously, but the point is to open the discussion. So. Discussion Opened.

Rules of Engagement:

1. You don't get to ask me who else is responding to this post or what they are saying. I will shove my foot so far up your ass all you'll taste for the rest of your life will be dirt.

2. You are allowed to ask me about my own shit, but I'm allowed to decline to answer if I get a weird vibe from you.

3. Feel free to go anonymous. I won't pry.

4. Do not force yourself to discuss things you are not ready to discuss. I'm not going to beg you for dirty deetz so if you're not ready, then maybe tab the conversation for later.

5. Judgement-free zone. I have been on every sketchy part of the web and am completely desensitized. Imagine a thousand-yard stare but instead of war-torn countrysides, I'm just seeing thousands of years' worth of explicit Sonic x Knuckles fanart. Which, okay, actually, dope ship. Bad example. But you get my meaning.

[Hey, look who has a face again! And he looks like he's actually slept recently.]

Uh. Hi. If you don't know me, I'm Kyle. This is like, extremely awkward feeling, but I'm gonna do this anyway.

It's Passover season. You wanna come for Seder? You can come to my place in Gaze. It's uh, behind an empty storefront called Bi the Garage, just take the stairs up to the second floor. Open invite to anybody, just like... don't show up and try to kill anyone 'cause I absolutely will kick your ass. And if I die, my boyfriend will destroy you so like, don't even bother.

Obviously the menu might be uh, a little different? Because we live in the fucking mushroom kingdom and stuff. Also I'm not orthodox so don't expect this to be like... hardcore. But I'm gonna do my best. Show up on Friday I guess anytime since it's ALL after sundown now, so... yeah. If you show up early I'll put you to work, though.

So. Yeah. Use this space to introduce yourselves to each other and stuff, I'm not your mom.

Chag Pesach Sameach.


[eta OOC: feel free to mingle below, and if you want to thread anything you can use Kyle's house of course. I'm going to be handwaving due to illness.]

So. Little Trenchlets. I've been here for awhile- [She has been here four days]- and it's hard to keep track of all these people I keep hearing about. So many rumors flying about and it's all so fucking juicy.

So, I'm alone, horny for context, and ready to show mine if you show me yours.

I heard there was a huge party thrown at a house in gaze. A bunch of teens drinking, doing drugs, and kissing with tongues that they just don't know how to use, and providing uninteresting details about alien worms. Completely trashed the place.

Even worse, I heard they robbed the man who let them into his house. Thankfully, he'd warded the objects so if you see a shifty-looking kid or two with their hand blown off, now you know why! There's a moral lesson in there... probably.

Now it's your turn. You don't even have to sign your name. I'm that thirsty for the D(eets).

((Feel free to have your character post "anonymously" about rumors they may have heard about events or themselves in the trench or rumors they want to make up! I highly encourage threadjacking and silliness. Of course, keep it IC, civil, and consider asking permission from others if you think you should.))

[ Sasuke thought about asking this through text. He likely should have, because his emotions have been strong lately, a lot stronger than he wants them to be, and his anger has been nearly as quick and hot as it was when he was on his path of revenge. But it feels cheap somehow to ask such an important question via text. He can't do video due to his eyes, so he tries to keep his voice even to conceal just how much this question means to him.

The feed is silent for a little longer than is probably natural, but he's still figuring out how to us his omni, so. Y'know. Be gentle here.

Finally, it picks up a sigh that almost sounds annoyed. ]

How did the world treat orphans where you're from? Was there an age where someone was considered a child versus an adult? Were there children who were considered unworthy of help or were the rules in place blanketed towards all children?

[ There's a pause where he realizes he should make it seem like this is less about, y'know, him, and more about curiosity on how to help kids here maybe. Uhhhh... ]

... Would there be things from your world that you would want to see offered to the children in this one?