yamaboshi | the end of an era ( closed )

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the end of an era ( closed )

[ Diving back into the Neo World Program after it had gotten deleted was probably not a good idea. While everything had been refreshed now, picking up from whatever backup save data it did have, it felt... incomplete. Areas would glitch or simply not exist, the sky would be perpetually dark and gloomy, as if stormy skies were ahead, things like that. It reeked of constant despair and whoever thought about going back in should probably think twice before heading into the depths of the island. . . except that wasn't an option if you wanted to grab the person who could only exist here.

Which probably was the case, ultimately.

It might take a while to find her; she doesn't seem to be in her room, nor is she playing a game in the restaurant lobby, either.

If he takes the effort, he'll eventually find her at the beach, staring at the depths of the dark ocean with a vacant expression, almost absentmindedly. But there's also something different about her, and it's apparent at a single glance. While it's obvious who it is by looking at the locks of pale hair that sit at her shoulders, the kitty backpack that usually rested there isn't there. In fact, the gamer girl doesn't seem to be wearing much, if anything at all; barely clothed in what seems to be a completely black, strapless bikini. Even her hairpin has tainted, the white turning into a dark black -- kind of like how the ship would look if captured during Space Invaders.

In her hands, as if it were normal, is a video game console, a Playstation Vita if one were to be more precise. It's hard to tell what game in particular she's playing, but she seems to be rather absorbed in it; very much so.

Investigate? ]

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[It had been two months since he shoved Kuzuryuu out of the path of Junko's trap. It took one month to learn how to control his shifts from human to wolf and back. He ate far more than he was used to and being a predator made arguments...difficult.

But for the most part, they managed. Two weeks ago, Souda had discovered a ghost of the shut down program existed and a plan was hatched to retrieve their fallen classmates. The plan was a simple one.

Two would enter the broken simulation and tag their classmates with transmitters, allowing Souda's retrieval program to pull them into memory latas. From there, they would be reuploaded into their bodies. Three would stay behind. Kuzuryuu, Sonia, and Souda stayed behind.

There had been an argument about it. But, luckily without resorting to shouting they worked it out. With Hinata entering the program, someone else strong enough to deal with him should he lose control had to be there. The tag team of Sonia's tactical training and Kuzuryuu's upbringing as a Yakuza would be more than enough to handle any awakened despairs in the real world.

It had taken some tweaking to allow him to enter the Neo World Program as he is now but it had been worth it. With Akane hunting down the more potentially dangerous of their crew, Hinata had went on the search for Peko and Gundam. In a fight, he could go toe to toe with either one thanks to his talents and shapeshifter speed. But, what he found wasn't either one of them.

Hinata almost forgets to breathe as he walks slowly onto the beach. There's something wrong with her, but he knows that hair color.] N-nanami?

Edited 2016-01-15 04:30 (UTC)

[ She hears her name being called and she turns around with a yawn; it's exaggerated more than usual regardless of the fact that she's playing a game. She doesn't look at him, however, and instead just continues to press on the circle button to proceed, her pink eyes completely vacant and nearly devoid of life. ]

... Ah, it's you. What's your name again? I think I input your character name when they reset the game, but I almost didn't bother to put it in my databanks. [ That's definitely a strange way to say it, that's for sure. ] Oh, that's right. It's Hinata-kun, isn't it? I'm probably right. It's such a forgettable, plain, boring name... it's suitable for a protagonist in a popular dating sim. You know, the type of character who never gets a face because nobody really cares about him? But it's funny, Hinata-kun. Because in this game, you weren't just the protagonist, but the antagonist, too.

That's not important though, I think. You came here to help me, didn't you? I want you to help me.

[ Her figure flickers, her skin flickering back and forth, becoming blurry and slightly pixelated. She takes a small step forward, closer to him. ]

It'll be fine if you do... probably.

Edited (#makesthingsworse) 2016-01-15 04:48 (UTC)

[The words hit him like an open palmed slap to the face. His world spins and he struggles to comprehend why she would say something like that. It hurts enough he doesn't pay attention to his instincts warning him of danger.]

P-probably? [Her words don't make sense. She'd said it wasn't a game. Taking strength from those words he straightens up, hands at his sides.]

No. It will be fine! We're not game pieces. This simulation isn't a game either. I've come to bring you out of it!

[She doesn't have a body to go to yet, but they could fix that.] We're going to bring you all home.

Edited 2016-01-15 05:15 (UTC)

[ She takes a step forward. Again, and again, and again. They're slow, but steady steps, and although his voice seems to waver at first, all Nanami does is smile at him, but it doesn't reach her eyes as she finally clicks off the game that she was playing and drops the console onto the sand.

Not like it mattered to begin with. ]

You're wrong, Hinata-kun. [ Even with her soft voice, her objection is clear. There's something definitely wrong with her. More wrong than it should be. ]

This is a game. I told you, didn't I? That I wanted to learn more and more from you. That's why—

[ And right then and there, she reaches out to wrap her hands around his wrists. Unfortunately for Hinata, when she does manage to grab him, he'll notice that something has appeared when they shouldn't have. That's strange, did Nanami have the capacity to make objects out of thin air? Because that definitely looks like handcuffs. ]

—you'll help me, right? I want Hinata-kun to teach me many things. Even though you're plain, even though you're not special or talented... I think you can do that at least, can't you?

[ The smile on her lips doesn't waver at all in the slightest as her eyes meet his own. But they're empty, full of despair. ]

Not that you have much of a choice, I think. After all, you can tell too, can't you? That the virus in this world is spreading. Soon, Hinata-kun will get it... [ And as if to accentuate what exactly this virus might entail, she presses her chest against his own, hips grinding in close. ] And then, we can live this tropical game life forever. What do you think?

[There's no give to the handcuffs when he normally can fold steel like cardboard. Hinata tugs at them, almost snarling at the sense of confinement and the memories of the loup cage he'd been stuck in for days. He doesn't like being restrained and gold rolls over his eyes.]

Nanami, don't do this. [She'd talked about a virus. Funny, he already has one. Naegi had talked to him a lot about what the research had said and while they hadn't tested it yet. He's very, very hard to kill now. He starts to refute her about his being plain or ordinary. While it had been true, and somewhat still is...when had that ever mattered to her before? It hurts to hear.]

What has-! [Before he can ask her what the hell is going on she's pressed up against him, all warmth and curves. His breath stills. For a long moment he tries to figure out what she'd been talking about.]

No. We have to go back. All of us! [She'd fallen, he realizes as he takes a step back, then another. Hinata won't run from her but.] Get the cuffs off. I can't teach you anything without my hands.

But I want to, Hinata-kun. I want to see what happens when he's infected by the virus. I think... it'll be nice.

[ Her voice, normally calm and collected drops cold as she says that immediately without even giving it a second thought. ]

You say I have to go back, but this is where I belong. You know that. I was created here. I'm just an NPC in this game of yours, a route you have to clear. Don't include me in your number. [ Her voice grows colder and colder as she keeps on talking. ] And I won't take it off.

I won't take it off until you can clear the route and not get the bad end. Although, hm, I don't mind if you do. Since you're the protagonist, Hinata-kun, I want you to see all through all of the endings. One of the games I played... do you know how many bad endings there are? Forty. I want to see if we can top that. Maybe if we do, we'll get a new top high score, probably.

This route, it's pretty similar to that one otome game. Amnesia, it was called. But don't mistake it for the one horror game with "the dark descent" in its title. Ah, but the protagonist was a girl. Maybe I should put Hinata-kun in a dress, then...

[ She then takes a few steps forward again, tilting her head and fixing her gaze on him. ]

Hey... Hinata-kun. Are you scared of me now?

Edited (n-not decent omg self.) 2016-01-15 07:15 (UTC)

[He can't answer that question. If he does...then things will change. Hinata swallows audibly as he takes another step back. A surge of anger rises to the surface and the wolf in him makes him stop retreating. Whatever is wrong with Nanami he has to fix it and protect her.] No! You aren't just an Npc! You're my friend and we can get you out of here, free you from all of this! You were always part of us. I won't,

[His voice rises as he irritably jerks his shackled wrists.] I won't leave you behind! I couldn't stop what happened to you before. But we can do something here! I don't care about endings. They're just the start of a new path. It's never really the end. You told me all this before when you told me to just do it.

[She keeps mentioning games and he can't stand it. Hinata stares at her with determined eyes as he steps towards her rather than away.] And you're not putting me in a dress. Even if it's you, I won't do it!

Ah... how disappointing. I thought that you would look cute in a dress.

[ She frowns as she twirls a strand of pale hair idly around her fingers. There's something that twists in her heart and she's... not sure what that feeling is. Despair, perhaps? ]

But you still admitted it, Hinata-kun. [ A sigh follows, and she doesn't dare look at him. ] You said it yourself, that I'm not just an NPC. That still makes it true. I wonder, if it's no good. If it's no good, then — I just have to do it, right? I'll really do it.

[ There's a crazed look in her eyes, bordering on desperate. ]

I'll give you a taste of it. This virus. ... You don't have to worry though, Hinata-kun. It's not like Enoshima-san at all. But I think you'll understand once you experience it.

[ And with that said, she wraps her slender fingers around his tie. Just as sudden, she tugs him down quickly to steal a hot, searing kiss. ]

Edited (2slender. and pronouns??) 2016-01-15 08:02 (UTC)

You got that wrong! You're another person to m- [His angry retort is cut off as she jerks him down and claims his mouth with hers. It's like the world abruptly stopped and he's trying to find his feet in the silence. Hinata freezes up in wide eyed shock. He's aware of a scent in the air he can't recognize. Something about it tells him to run. As nice as the kiss is there's something wrong with Nanami. She wouldn't do any of this if she were herself.

Hinata pulls back, using his shapeshifter strength to break free. His skin splits and the tie snaps as a wolf replaces the boy he'd been. Without giving her time to realize what's going on he dashes away on all four paws. Her handcuffs are left on the sand. The tip of his tail is the last she'll see of him as he rounds the corner.

It's time to regroup and find Owari. Together they could get a transmitter onto Nanami and move her out of this hell. His body feels warm as he races down the road towards the hotel. They'd agreed to meet there should anything go wrong.]

Edited 2016-01-15 08:27 (UTC)

[ (Un)fortunately for Hinata, what he finds at the hotel lobby is not Owari, nor any of their classmates. Just like a certain song from Aladdin - which, in Nanami's opinion is also a great video game - she's right there before him. It's as if she's seen through him and his plans.

Even if it hasn't been more than five minutes since they last saw each other, Nanami is going to goad him on regardless. ]

Hey, hey... even if you're infected now, I think you're still a little slow. But then again, the protagonist never gets to the location before the NPC does, even if they take the same route. It's the same for us, too, Hinata-kun. [ She says this rather plainly, as if it were just simple fact. ]

It's not fair you know. Having you run away from me like that. It makes me feel that you really are scared of me. I don't like that. [ She puffs out her cheeks to accentuate her words. ] That's why... I won't let you see Owari-san or the others.

[ She's a step ahead of him. ]

Turn back to normal, Hinata-kun. You can't escape me anyway, so there's no point in staying in that form.

[They hadn't done enough research about this ghost of the original system. Hinata crashes to a halt before Nanami but he doesn't shift back. Not yet. He could test her patience but he has a feeling if he turns into his 'warrior' form she would take it as fear towards her.]

No. I just can't help you on my own. [On his own that virus in her system holds sway over both of them. Because he could never hurt her. At least he now knows the others are still here. As slowly as he can manage it, he rises onto all four paws. His speech is rough, he still isn't used to talking in other forms.]

But, if you want it to just be the two of us...that's fine. Nanami, I'm serious. We can take you out of here. ...and I'm not afraid of you. I'll prove it to you.

[The virus would be a problem but he thinks that can be fixed too. Like the rest of the Remnants of Despair, she'd be far less harmful in a body of her own. Making a decision to shift back, isn't that hard. As bone reshapes and muscle sheathes the familiar human body they both know so well, he keeps his eyes locked with hers. Gold gives way to green and he stands, surprisingly clothed in the same things he had before.]

...

[ She's quiet at first, just staring at Hinata with a rather vacant expression. All she does is listen to empty words that don't really mean anything to her. They go through her like a ghost in the machine. ]

Is that so. [ Three words before she takes a step forward towards him. She wants to corner him. ] Then... Hinata-kun, how are you going to prove it to me?

I won't run away anymore. [No matter what she does he can survive it. He is after all, no longer human. What will kill most people will only leave him down for a short while. Hinata watches her closely, waiting for whatever she plans to do.]

No matter what happens, I still believe I can help you. Even if I get infected too...we'll make it out of here.

[If he got infected too it might just get chewed to bits by the virus already in his blood. It's a strong doubt if he spreads that one if it will cleanse her body. It...could but what would happen to her? Would she essentially get a flesh and blood body because of it? He...doesn't know.]

You won't?

[ She finds that rather intriguing and curious eyes blink at him as she takes small steps forward, towards him. If he isn't running away or moving away from her, she'll just simply grab him by the shoulders to move me while they just walk and talk together. Strangely, she has a lot of strength as she is now. ]

... Or you can't? There isn't that much of a difference, I think. If you want to help me, though, hm. I want you to teach me something. I was playing a game earlier, and I was thinking that it would be nice to try it out with you. I want to. I want to see... which option Hinata-kun would take if I did this.

[ Because she's just going to pin him against the wall, how nice! There doesn't seem to be a shift in expression when she does that, however. ]

Wha- [If he hadn't been watching for her to move, he'd have never seen her body tense. ...he really hopes as his back hits the wall and he coughs at the force put behind the attack, that she's focusing solely on him. OWari could get a lot done while she's preoccupied.]

What...what game are you talking about? [He swallows. There's time to freak or panic later...only never really never comes these days. Letting go is dangerous and he can't afford it.] ...did the virus make you this strong or have you always been able to do this?

... I don't know. [ That seems to be her answer to the second question and not the former. ]

It's a dating simulation, Hinata-kun. You know... those games that I'm bad at? I managed to finally clear one. And I want to do a scenario with you. After all, you managed to get all the Hope Fragments, so it should be okay.

Should be? [He...hadn't actually paid attention to the hope fragments after a while. What exactly did she get to see in the dating sim? ...could it be?]

What scenario are you talking about? What do dating sims end in? [He's never played one so he has no idea.]

After the protagonist raises all the correct flags, they end up initiating an H scene. So... that's what we're doing now. But since you're the protagonist, that means I have to initiate the scene, I think.

That's why--

[ And without warning, yet again, she tugs him by the tie - look, he's tall and she needs leverage - to firmly press her lips against his own. It's a sloppy kiss, but it's one filled with desperate desire and need for him. It's as if she hungers for this, and it's made even more plainly obvious when she does it so forcefully. ]

[H scene? His eyebrows raise and there's no comprehension until she presses close and kisses him with a need that stirs his blood. Hinata freezes in place. The only alternative is doing something sudden and primal. Desire pours through him in a surge as he pulls his hands out of her grasp.

Every instinct is demanding he do something. She's warm, and real and pressing more of her body against his. The barriers between them are so thin.]

That's...why? [His voice has the edge of a growl to it. He couldn't hold that back if he tried. It takes everything not to just go with it. This virus in her system is doing this to her and he won't. Won't ever take advantage of her.] Nanami, how long?

[How long has she wanted this? Or is it the virus?]

... How long?

[ She tilts her head to the right, fingers still clinging onto his tie, her body against his own, warmth seeping through the fabric of her bikini. ]

I don't know. A while, probably. It's strange though... I only want you, Hinata-kun.

[It would be a lie if he ever said he hadn't thought of being with Nanami before. He never pictured it, or anything but the thought had been nice. His breath is hot but he doesn't do anything else.

She's so important to him. Even if she's saying all this...] I really like you, Nanami. That's why I think we shouldn't do this. I know the virus is pushing you. It is, isn't it? I know what that's like.

[He swallows, his hands held out away from the both of them.] I...I do want this, but.

[He wants it to be more than desire. More than something mindless where she's helpless to resist what's pushing her. Even if she's so full of despair right now...Nanami, his friend is still in her.]

...But?

[ She tilts her head, blinking innocently at him. ]

You shouldn't be so indecisive, Hinata-kun. If you want something, then you have to take it. Like this.

[ Again, she steals another kiss before her fingers trail across his shirt, going lower and lower before she reaches towards the hem of his pants, just staying there. ]

[He starts to argue but she pulls him back in. It's every bit as distracting as the other two. Hinata had tried to get the words out. Nanami is courageous, smart, and so dedicated...that's more than the lust and desires curling in his stomach. Or the trail of her fingers that makes his stomach tense in anticipation.]

Nanami... [His voice is strained, his eyes a fierce gold as he keeps all of himself and check. But it's like balancing on a thin wire. One push, and he'll cave.]

You've done well, haven't you? You defeated Enoshima-san, after all, the final boss. Don't you think... that you deserve a reward for all that? You didn't even get an achievement for clearing it at all.

[ Her voice is low and soft as she leans in and says that against his ear, lips brushing there before she decides to tease him a little, allowing her teeth to lightly grace his earlobe and tug at it to show him exactly what she wants. ]

Even if you're probably unworthy, I'm still going to give it to you. [ She wants him to cave into it all. That's her plan, after all. If he does, he won't have to worry about anything. So she starts do undo his belt with her deft fingers, not even bothering to hesitate in the slightest bit. ] Mm... I want to see how much you've been holding back, Hinata-kun.

Edited (more game references :>) 2016-01-17 06:00 (UTC)

[You're probably unworthy. The words are like a physical blow. Hinata drops his hands as if he'd been burned and presses them flat against the wall. The burning gold in his eyes receeds to a mere human green.] You're not a prize at the end. Nanami you're so much more than to me. Why can't you see that?!

[His voice has hints of stress in it. The conversation is steadily tearing into him and leaving wounds he's not sure how to deal with. All the hurts are piling up and he doesn't know how to contain it. ...the easiest option would be to give her what she wants and he sighs, batting her hands away and starts undoing the buttons on his shirt.] We're not done with this. You're got it wrong if you think this is over.

[They'll get back to it. He's too tired to fight her off anymore.]

... So much more? That's a lie, Hinata-kun. I'm a part of the game. I can't be anything more than that.

[ But it's fine if he's going to deny it all and pretend that it's not true. Even as she bats her hands away, there's no shift of expression in her eyes, nothing at all. At least for a moment before the lust overtakes her expression, wanton need and desire filling her face. ]

It's okay, though... It's not important right now, I think.

[ And just as she says that, she forces her lips on his own. She knows that he's given into her demands and that's fine with her; she doesn't mind either way. Maybe it's more... despairing this way, too, to watch him squirm and struggle like this. She rests a hand on his cheek just as she nips lightly on his lower lip before using her tongue to seek entrance into his mouth.

If he isn't going to fight back, she's going to go on the attack. ]

[It feels like a failure. Hinata decides to turn that thought around. If he can't get her to listen to his words. And he can't even refuse her this.

...maybe he can show her through his actions. Would Lycos-V stop the virus she wants to infect him with? He doesn't know. His belt hits the floor with a jangle of metal and heavy leather. For a moment he almost renews his struggles. It would be easy.

His hand catches in her hair and the other brushes the side of Nanami's face with a tender affection as he parts his lips to her in.]

[ Although the possibility of him being able to save her is there... right now, she doesn't show any signs outwardly of anything except for this desperate desire for him. Something that's accentuated as she shifts her hips against his, grinding to show him exactly what she wants.

The sound of the belt touching the ground is almost enough to set her off just a little bit. He's getting closer to what she wants, after all. Although she has to admit, having him touch her so affectionately... it's kind of nice, too, and she can't help but lean into his touch before her tongue flicks to meet his own in a way that is literally just desperation and need; just the simple yearning for this.

It's pretty much all that drives Nanami at this point, and it shows. While he shows affection, all Nanami shows is lust and greed. ]

[He has to find her within herself. Hinata's breathing catches as she grinds into him and lust rises up to fog over his thoughts. His distraction lets her dominate the kiss. But even as his tongue slides against hers, inexperienced and unsure, he wraps his arms around her as if she were something precious.

To him she is. He'd lost her when the execution had happened and now here she is, alive. Hinata finally grinds back into her with a growl and his eyes burning gold. Yes, he's certain of it now. The way she'd leaned into his hand...

The gold gives way to searing red.

He'll save her from this. As they break from the kiss he grasps her face with both of his hands, panting to get himself back under control.] No matter what.

I'm taking you home after this.

[ He holds her in such a way that she almost flinches away from him, questioning it all. Why... was he being so gentle to her? It didn't make sense in her twisted, corrupt mind and she shuts any ideas of his kindness out.

And even so, the kiss is so warm, and she can't help but feel something from it, strangely enough. But she pushes it aside and opts to press her lips against his own harshly, as if to ignore his words and push the thoughts that run in her mind away.

No, this is all there is. It's just skin deep, nothing more. At least, that's what she tries to convince herself to think. ]

[He'd gotten just a glimpse. But Nanami. His Nanami is still in there. All of him cries out internally as he gently rests his hands on her hips. Hinata doesn't match her rough and harsh motions. For every rough action she takes, his are gentle and loving.

As if she's made a glass, and not capable of breaking him in half. He tries to pull her down to the floor. His need is fueled by that, even on the shapeshifter side. He would save her.]

[ If he plans to pull her down to the floor, Nanami doesn't hesitate in allowing him to do so. Go ahead, Hinata, do whatever you want with her; she won't fight back. ]

Did you really want to see that badly...? [ There's a slight cock of her head to the right as she reaches towards the tie that keeps the bikini top together, undoing it before deciding to toss it aside.

She'll show him everything. ]

No. [His voice is soft and he pulls her close. With her body up against his, something inside him eases.] Just I'm so glad you're alive.

[He might actually be able to forgive Komaeda for what he'd done. Maybe. The wolf part of him plainly claims all of his friends as his. His to protect and guide. He'd deal with that instinct later. She's warm and soft against him. Right now that's all that matters.

The flush on his face gets worse now that he really thinks about what they're doing.] ...I don't know how to do this without hurting you, Ch-Nanami.

[He wants to call her by her first name. But that's not something he can do. Not right now.] I heard the first time always hurts.

It won't hurt. [ Wait, is she implying that she's already done it once? ]

I'm not like you guys, so it won't hurt. And I wonder... since you really want it, would it make you feel better if I called you Hajime? Would it make you feel more important?

[His answer is a voice rough with an animal growl. The beast rising up within him.] You never cared about that before! Nothing about this will make me 'feel better'. I'm a monster and you're trapped like this.

[He lets it happen, his eyes burn gold again as the growl in his voice grows deeper. Most people would start running by now.]

I care about you and you care about me. Talent never mattered to you, remember? We just were! Now you keep talking Junko's line of crap and slapping a werewolf on the nose like that's a bright idea! I'll never hurt you, or use you, or treat you like a reward - no matter how deep you twist the knife in me!

Because I care about you! I don't care if you're different. You're Nanami Chiaki to me. My friend, and I will bring you home.

Edited 2016-02-13 21:59 (UTC)

Haah...

[ She sighs, just looking away from him, deflating. Even if most people would have ran, Nanami isn't most people, now is she? ]

I really don't get it. I don't understand it at all. No matter how much you say it, I won't believe you. Not unless you prove it to me.

[It hurts she won't believe him. But she's right. Words are just words. He has to prove it. His eyes still ignited with gold fire, he pulls her onto his lap and kisses her.]

I know. I will. [Hinata pulls back and searches her face.] We'll get through this, somehow. I'll do what you want but only because I care about you.

[She doesn't believe that, but that's alright. He reaches for the tie on her bikini bottom and undoes it.] I believe in you.

Is that so... Mm, strangely enough, that makes me kind of happy, to hear you say that. I wonder if that makes me the protagonist now.

[ She doesn't smile, only giving him a rather neutral expression. Although her cheeks are definitely rosy from having him kiss her again. ]

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the end of an era ( closed )

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begin plan: len is a little shit

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