GBG Session 17.5: Empty Wooden Shoes

<Darkling> After a quick moment of changing, Lit has escorted you down the elevator and into the APC. Even he got dressed up for the occasion, and you now have a rather large pirate as your chauffeur.
Rasia fidgets with her hands, trying not to lick her lips.
Wilhelm_Faustus rests his helmet in his lap and reaches over to hold one of Rasia's hands.
Corrin follows the pirate Captain, slightly glumly. His hat slips slightly, and he pushes it back into place.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja is all dressed and made up now, but doesn't seem especially happy about it. One of the oversized pockets in her dress seems to have been stuffed with something. And she still has those scissors.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Her tablet, too!
Rasia squeezes the Aryan's hand hard enough to make it numb.
<Darkling> After the pilots are settled in the back the APC starts up. Their first stop is the train station at the far side of the dome to let Ivy off.
Corrin shifts in his seat as the APC slows, frowning.
<Darkling> At the far side of the APC seats Ivy sits with her single travel bag, looking rather glum.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja sighs, managing enough energy to glare at the train station. Aside from the homicidal look she's looking rather bleak as well.
<Corrin> "Ivy?" Corrin abruptly says, turning in his seat. His tone's utterly serious.
<Darkling> "Yeah Corrin?" She looks up from the floor.
<Corrin> "Be careful over there, okay?"
<Darkling> "Don't worry, nothing bad really happens to the UN Dome."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Let's stay in touch, Ivy. I can talk to Lit and you can talk to whoever. We can coordinate our plans are meet up in the future if we're both still alive and well whenever we don't have to pilot anymore."
Corrin looks at Lahja at her last words, whatever he was going to say dying in his throat.
<Darkling> "I think I'd like that." She adds a wink.
<Darkling> The rest of the APC ride to the train station goes on in silence, it takes a good half hour to get there and the mood in the air is obviously sour tasting. The door opens and Lit stands on the ramp in with one foot up, pirate cape flapping behind him in the wind.
<Darkling> "Let's go you landlubers!" he seemed to be having fun with this.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja rises with some hesitance, looking back and forth between Wilhelm and Corrin. She seems just a tad torn.
<Corrin> "Yes, sir." Corrin replies glumly as he gets up.
Rasia looks to Wilhelm.
<Darkling> Ivy shuffles out slowly, dragging her bag along behind her.
Corrin follows Ivy out, hands at his sides.
<Darkling> "Pilot Hollander!" Lit snaps to attention. "It's been an honor having you at our home and by our sides, even for the brief period of time you served with us."
<Darkling> Ivy stares, not quite fully appreciating it, but she smiles still. "Thank you Captain."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja exits, sending a peculiar glance at Lit. It's short lived, though. She passes her tablet off to Corrin as if it was somehow a favor.
<Darkling> Lit looks at his watch. "You have a few minutes before the train gets here still." he looks to the other pilots, somewhat expectantly.
Rasia wanders closer to Ivy, leaving Wilhelm for a moment.
<Rasia> It takes a few starts, but Rasia finally settles on just "Bye." and offering a hug. Given she was completely willing to murder and eat Ivy when this all started...
Corrin takes the tablet without looking. "Understood, sir." he replies to Lit, then looks back to Ivy. "Guess this is it again." he says, as matter-of-factly as he can. It doesn't work very well.
<Darkling> Ivy gives Rasia a hug back, a bit more willingly then the other participant too.
<Rasia> There's a brief moment where Rasia wonders if Ivy liking girls makes this different, but she shunts it aside to pat-pat and take a step back.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Wilhelm just waits quietly, gaze occasionally roaming around the station.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Pictures." Lahja says quietly to Corrin. Then she moves in to hug Ivy. It's remarkably less stiff and awkward than the rare hug she dispenses otherwise. "Going to miss you. I'll fill you in on some dreams and silly theories I had when we meet. Then we can laugh at them."
<Darkling> Ivy squeezes back good this time, obviously enjoying Lahja's hug more than Rasia's. "I'll miss you too. Don't worry, we'll stay in touch."
<Rasia> Rasia doesn't seem too hurt by the obvious preference.
Corrin blinks, then gets it and raises the tablet. There's a click.
<Darkling> Ivy looks to Wilhelm. "It's alright if you don't want to hug me."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> He approaches and offers a hand, at least.
<Darkling> She takes it and gives it a good shake. Her grip is still colder than yours.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja lets go and backs away reluctantly, putting on the rare out of combat smile. Then she moves off to Corrin, taking the tablet. "Thank you." She mutters, almost grudgingly.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "...take care." With that he lets go and moves aside.
<Corrin> "Sure." Corrin replies quietly, then moves.
<Darkling> Well, you're last up Corrin.
Corrin stands there for a moment. "It won't be the same with you gone." he says quietly. "Really, be careful, okay?"
<Darkling> "I will. don't worry." she gives you a chilly hug too Corrin.
<Darkling> Behind you the train has arrived, steam filling the air as it grinds to a halt, brakes shrieking in the night air.
Rasia cocks her head.
Corrin nods, managing a weak grin. He shouts the next bit over the train. "Got it! Good luck, Ivy!"
<Darkling> With everyone distracted by the train, Ivy runs up to Lahja and embraces her quickly, planting icy lips on Lahja's before grabbing her bag and heading for the train, waving back.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja manages to snap out of being stunned long enough to flash a content little smile at Ivy. She waves delicately, maintaining the happy face while pondering.
Corrin stares for a moment, then looks to Ivy and starts to wave.
<Darkling> Ivy hops on the train, greeted by a man who helps her with her bag. She offers a final wave back with a big smile.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Wilhelm sneers, turning his back on the scene and walking back into the APC.
Rasia jerks her head, eyes locked for a moment.
Corrin stands there, still grinning faintly, then lowers his arm.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja's happy face falters. Unlike last time, she makes it a point to stare straight at the familiar face... and then she smiles. It's a lot like the way she'd smile for a Jotun.
<Darkling> "Alright guys, let's get off to your dance. Something good to finish off this dour evening." Lit ushers the rest of you back into the APC.
<Corrin> "Right." Corrin replies distractedly, finally looking away from the platform. "Yes, sir."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja gives the train a salute, still smiling like she's out for blood. "Sir." And then off to the APC!
Rasia jogs back into the APC, wobbling once or twice on her heels.
<Darkling> And off to the dance!
<Darkling> ====================
<Darkling> There's a fair amount of other kids still showing up to the dance as you arrive in the APC. Ghosts, witches, goblins and ghouls abound as they head into the school.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> The knightly Aryan, helmet in place, offering the fairy-princess Rasia his arm.
Corrin stands, his hands in his coat pockets, and cowboy hat slightly askew. For some reason, his enthusiasm for the dance's faded as suddenly as it appeared.
Rasia giggles like a schoolgirl, taking his arm and walking with him.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I have something important I'd like all of you to think about." Lahja exits the APC. She seems overly serious.
<Rasia> "Hn?"
<Corrin> "Go ahead." Corrin looks around, still a bit subdued.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Your last wishes. In the event that any of you die somehow and I live, is there anything you'd like me to try to do? Like if you die and I can get to your body, maybe I could cut a piece of it off and bury it with a piece of Wilhelm's?" Smile.
Rasia colors, but looks at her toes.
<Rasia> "Will consider."
<Darkling> A kid in a pumpkin costume waddles by. From that smell, you know it must be Grundi.
Corrin stares, then shakes his head quickly at Lahja's last words. "Right..." He pauses to think. "There was that thing you told me about." Corrin continues after a moment, turning to look at Lahja. He sniffs.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> A thumbs up and a smile at Rasia. Then a curious look at Corrin. "What thing? You want to be shot down by a sausage?"
Rasia looks up at Wilhelm. He got something to say?
<Corrin> "If something happens because of that thing." Corrin continues, shooting Lahja a glare. "Like a battery."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Keep Rasia safe. That'll be enough."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "The battery." Lahja nods solemnly, and then again to Wilhelm. As if Rasia needed it. "But what about it, Corrin?"
<Corrin> "Don't let it get used up."
Rasia stares at Corrin, completely baffled. What battery?
Corrin is looking straight at Lahja, utterly serious.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "That might well be out of my power to control. But I think it's obvious I don't want the battery to die, either. If you had any doubt it should have been erased after tonight." She almost looks like she's gloating now.
Rasia looks back at Wilhelm.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> He looks down at you Rasia.
<Darkling> Darth Vader walks past, huffing. Looks like you're almost the last kids outside.
<Rasia> "Dance?"
<Corrin> "Yeah." Corrin nods to Lahja, suddenly looking down red-faced. "But that's it."
 <Wilhelm_Faustus> "Lets." He escorts her inside.
<Rasia> Whee~
<Darkling> The interior of the school is still decorated, the hallways echo with music as they guide you towards the cafeteria which is being utilized for the dance. You math teacher is dressed up as a rather convincing zombie as he greets you and opens the doors into the cafeteria proper.
<Darkling> It looks as though a good third of the school has shown up, all in costume too. It might be rather hard to tell who is here and who isn't, other than that giant orange pumpkin moving across the dance floor.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "It's good we're in agreement on the importance of the matter." Lahja flashes Corrin a brief but genuine smile before she walks into the school, taking random pictures with her tablet.
Corrin opens his mouth to reply, then sees Lahja's already gone. Exhaling, he follows her into the building, reaching up to adjust his hat as he goes up the steps.
<Darkling> A large disco ball hangs above, a fake spider attached to it as it spins around, lazily casting orbs of light through the room. Cobwebs hang all the way from the rafters down the walls and to the floor where hay bails provide seating.
Rasia looks up and around, eyes handling the disco light rather well.
Corrin blinks into the flashing gloom, looking from side to side.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Another few pictures directed at the disco ball and random reflected lights. Then another at the hay bails.
<Darkling> Looks like there is some punch being served by a teacher off to the side, as well as some small snacks served by another.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "A drink mi'lady, or shall we dance some?"
<Rasia> "Drink." At least she didn't yell 'punch' and slug you in the arm.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> He pulls off his helmet, holding it under one arm. "I'll be right back." A peck to her cheek and he's off to retrieve punch.
Corrin scowls at the disco ball, then goes back to looking around.
<Darkling> A smattering of princesses run past giggling to themselves.
Rasia turns her head. ...should I join them? Do princesses herd?
Rasia wanders to catch up with them.
<Darkling> "OH MAH GAWD! You are SO adorable!" one of them exclaims seeing Rasia catch up to their group.
<Rasia> Crap. Rasia gives a sheepish wave, cracking a smile.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja takes a picture of that as well. With Rasia abducted for the moment she goes off to hunt down Wilhelm.
<Darkling> "All the guys are going to want to dance with yooooou!" They all agree in a cacophony of giggles.
<Rasia> All...? But aren't you supposed to dance with one person? #5"Wh-why?"
Corrin watches the scene, flashbacks to the bear hunt flashing before his eyes.
<Darkling> "Because!" One says. "You are hot!" They nod in agreement.
Wilhelm_Faustus peers at Lahja as she approaches. "You'll have to fight off Rasia is you want to dance with me."
<Rasia> Hot... Rasia touches her forehead. Well...I am, but I don't see...
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Not my intention. I'm just being sociable while I can. I think there's only a handful of people here who could talk to me for very long without being scared off."
<Darkling> "No deary." Another says, taking her hand. "You are hot, as in sexy! Like us!" They all pose as if it was planned, thrusting chests out and sucking tummies in.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Scared off, is it? They don't know what they're missing then."
<Rasia> ... Rasia does the same, and her dress complains, popping a handful of stitches.
<Darkling> "See girl! Work what your mother gave you!"
<Rasia> Aw, that makes Rasia sad for a moment.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "It's probably for the better. I had offers from a few before the dance even started. If only a couple of people die fighting over me it can be covered up, but if it's the whole school..."
Corrin stares, then tears his gaze away and heads over to the punch, shaking his head once. The hat wobbles, but doesn't fall off. At least nothing's gone wrong...
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "If you do want to dance, I don't imagine Rasia would mind. Nor would I." He watches Rasia, smiling slightly.
Rasia scratches the back of her head, back to that awkward, uneasy stance of hers.
<Darkling> The song being played fades into the next, a bit more upbeat, the bass booming through the whole room. "Come on girl! Come dance with us!" They pull you along Rasia not really giving you much choice.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Good to know." Lahja pauses for a while, looking toward Rasia. "I wanted to take ballet when I was younger, but I wasn't allowed. Now the whole idea of dancing at all is a bit strange."
<Rasia> "Wah!" Clearly still unused to her heels, she doesn't take long to pick up on the dance. She's languid and loose, even if she stops to peek at the next step now and then.
<Darkling> There's a cough beside you Corrin, you recognize Kurt as Robin Hood from earlier in the day. "Enjoying the dance yet?" He asks.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "I have the knowledge to dance, but haven't put it to use before."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Under different circumstances I might be imagining you in a pink tutu right now."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "...pervert." He smirks and nudges her.
<Darkling> Well, dancing is easier than you might have expected Rasia, maybe that research payed off, though it does feel pretty natural.
Corrin shrugs, then grunts when he realizes who the speaker is. "Yeah, I guess."
<Darkling> You even earn a few whistles from the crowd.
<Rasia> Whee~ I'm dancing like a person! Though she does kick off her heels, to dance smoother, her eyes closed. Clearly enjoying herself.
<Darkling> Kurt gets a cup of punch for himself. "You sure? He asks.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja cracks an amused smile. "Maybe I am. At any rate we should talk a little later about some things. Just not tonight. Tonight is the night of fun and you get the flower of the school." She snaps a quick picture of Rasia dancing.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "I'm glad she's enjoying herself. Maybe I'll hang back until she comes looking for me."
Corrin watches the scene beyond the punch table. "Pretty sure. What's it to you?"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Would you like me to take a picture of you together?"
<Darkling> "Can't a guy just be friendly?" He sips the punch.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "If you would be so kind."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I'll take a bunch and send the best one your way. Or follow you both around like a stalker, waiting for the perfect moment."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Hm. Here." He moves in close and takes the tablet from her. With an arm around her he operates the tablet, taking a picture of them. "I suppose...this is what you do with a friend."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> She puts on an oversized smile. It's a bit stupid looking as opposed to being filled to the brim with murderous intent. "Thank you, Wilhelm."
Corrin just stands there. "So what about you?" he finally asks.
<Darkling> The song changes again, something more slow paced. The herd of princesses start to break up and off as they are taken away in couples.
<Darkling> "Just biding my time. This isn't really my kind of thing, but still fun."
Rasia stands in the middle of the dance floor, looking for her shoes.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Excuse me, Lahja." He pulls on his helmet and strides in toward Rasia.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Enjoy." She salutes Wilhelm.
Corrin glances at Kurt at that, then looks back to the dance floor.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Rasia, a pale boy in shining armor is offering you your shoes. He goes so far as to kneel, holding one out so you can slip your foot in.
Rasia lifts her foot to slide it on, smiling as wide as she can.
<Darkling> You hear a few sighs and 'awws' from nearby dancers.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Picture perfect! Another one for the collection.
Corrin watches the scene, cup in hand.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> After getting her shoes on he stands, bows low, the moves in close to embrace her. "Lead as you like mi'lady, I'll follow you."
<Darkling> "So," Kurt continues, even if he is pestering Corrin. "How come you're not dancing?"
<Rasia> Dammit! But she starts with something...a little archaic. Wilhelm's encyclopedia-brain probably recognizes it as a ballroom dance that hasn't been popular for a couple hundred years.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> He smiles and falls into the proper pace. Maybe she'll understand he's letting her lead so she'll grow more confident. "All you did was watch vidoes? You dance very well."
Rasia giggles, admitting to 'little practice in bathroom'. Let's see...this step, back, and a twirl...
<Wilhelm_Faustus> He actually manages a soft laugh as he twirls the girl.
<Corrin> "I've got no idea how. And I don't see the point, really." Corrin admits at last, not looking around. "Besides, the one I was going to ask... has got someone else."
<Darkling> "That's not a good enough reason. Is that other person here?" Kurt inquires.
<Corrin> "No." Corrin snaps, turning. "Got any other stupid questions, or are you just going to be useless?"
<Darkling> He ignores the tone. "If they aren't here, their loss. Go make the best of the situation."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Are you having fun, Rasia?" He asks in a hushed tone once they're closer together again.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> A few pictures of Wilhelm and Rasia later and Lahja stops. She looks around at all the couples dancing around, then takes to dancing with an invisible partner.
<Rasia> "Yes. Dance fun." She giggles in reply.
Corrin looks around the room, searching.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Did you make some new friends with the other princesses?"
<Corrin> "Oh, what the hell..." Corrin mutters, then heads towards Lahja. "Hey."
<Rasia> "Um..."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja seems alright as a dancer. Some potential might be there, but it's buried beneath awkwardness. "Yes, Corrin?"
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Either way...you looked the best amongst them. You outshine everyone here, Rasia." A hand leaves her hip to stroke her cheek.
<Darkling> Left alone, Kurt disappears back into the crowd.
<Rasia> And it lights up.
<Corrin> "Rasia and Wilhelm seem fine." Corrin says matter-of-factly. "Thought there might be an idiot, but nope." He shrugs. "How about you?"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I was hoping for an idiot." Lahja says in a fairly distant tone, seeming a bit distracted. Her internal radio switches to a different song, since her dance style changes a bit. "I came here prepared to deal with one. But I'm fine."
<Darkling> The slow song finally ends, a faster beat picking up as the couples break apart.
<Rasia> Whether Wilhelm's ready or not, Rasia dives back into it, turning to look at him.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> A moment of hesitation and he follows after.
<Corrin> "Yeah?" Corrin replies after a while. "Look, Lahja..." He pauses, a bit lost for words. "I'm not sure what I wanted to say. Just...thanks. Ivy's a friend."
<Darkling> A person dressed as a giant squid dances past, tentacles flailing in a rabid looking dance.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I know. And that's good. She needs friends considering how much of her chances at a normal life have been taken away." Lahja is still going slow, ignoring the change of music. "Did you ever know her to sleepwalk?"
<Darkling> The squid crashes into someone on the dance floor, they both go sprawling, tentacles everywhere over someone dressed up like Sailor Moon.
<Rasia> "..."
Corrin frowns at that, following a step behind Lahja. "Once or twice. The night watch-"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Tell me about it. I want to know."
<Darkling> After a bit of commotion the two are separated from each other and everyone around resumes dancing.
<Darkling> The music changes again to a classic tune even in this bleak era everyone knows: The Time Warp.
Corrin glances at the tangle, then looks back to Lahja, speaking quietly and tersely. "The night watch found her in the corridor. The noise woke all of us up. We didn't talk about it."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Thank you. Maybe on another night I'll tell you about some of my observations and thoughts. We both want to keep her safe, so we need to share what we know." Lahja stops dancing now. "But unless you've got something to add, I think I'm going to go pick a fight."
Corrin looks at Lahja. "I'm coming too, then."
<Darkling> Wilhelm, you might notice someone familiar by your side other than Rasia.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Huh? He lifts off his helmet to look.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> A thumbs up from Lahja as she paces off to watch the crowd. She stuffs her hand into a dress pocket, opening a zip lock bag. "You might not be so bad, Corrin."
<Darkling> A sultry looking belly dancer is moving around you like liquid. Behind glimpses of her fans and the scarf over her face you can tell it's Penelope.
<Rasia> "..." Does Rasia see her, too?
<Darkling> It's hard to miss gyrating like that.
<Rasia> Her head cocks to one side.
<Darkling> "I don't suppose I can tear you away for a private dance?" she asks, ignoring Rasia.
 Rasia growls, baring her teeth--wait, Rasia, people don't do that. She just glares.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> ...what does she mean by that? Wait, no, he can guess. "I'm already here with someone and happily attached."
Corrin shrugs, keeping pace nearby. "Thanks, Lahja."
<Rasia> "Hm!"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I'm curious about something, though. Why the interest in someone who's best known for having a fixation on guns and saying weird stuff?"
<Darkling> "Not even a quick dance?" She pouts through her scarf and leans forward, pushing her chest together with her arms. You can hear nosebleeds all around.
<Rasia> Rasia's starting to rumble, Wilhelm.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "I'm rather fond of Rasia, besides...we've done more than simply dance already." He lowers his tone so only Penelope can hear him, leaning forward slightly.
<Darkling> She scoffs. "I suppose if you prefer animals, you can have you lap dog then! don't know why I wasted my time." She turns to walk away.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> He smirks and moves over to Rasia, taking her hand. "Lets have that punch now, mi'lady."
<Rasia> --ow, ow, ow. Rasia surely isn't purposefully trying to break your hand, but she's awful close.
Corrin frowns, then starts to reply. "Well, you were another Pilot. You usually have the right idea about things. You're good in guns, and the stuff you say's not that weird. And you're pretty." He looks down at the floor.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "I apologize for that Rasia, she said something stupid." This isn't the punch table, instead they're off to the side and away from the dancing.
Rasia bites down on her tongue. In the privacy of staring into Wilhelm's torso, the hurt surfaces on her face.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja nods, not really seeming happy with that answer, but she doesn't press it. "I'm just trying to understand some things. I guess those are reasons as good as any." She turns her attentions back to looking over the crowd.
Corrin stares at his boots for a few moments longer, then goes back to looking around too.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Don't listen to her. Okay?" He lifts her chin so she'll look up at him.
<Darkling> Corrin, you're shoved roughly as a large person in a tactical warfare getup pushes past you.
<Rasia> She glances over at something, by one of the cafeteria's doors, but her focus returns to Wilhelm. "Mf."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> He bends down to whisper into her ear.
<Rasia> Whatever he said, it got him a kiss and a back-popping squeeze.
Corrin staggers. "Watch it!"
<Darkling> A squeal from over at the punch table, followed by another.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja glares at the fellow, finding the outfit a little alarming. She moves a hand down to her dress pocket, more to cover it rather than to retrieve anything from it.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Did she bend a plate? That poking sensation in his side was new.
<Rasia> "Rr?" Rasia peeks under Wilhelm's arm to see what the squealing is about.
<Corrin> "You were right about that too." Corrin mutters to Lahja. "Goddamn cattle."
<Darkling> There's a good commotion over by the table now, a half dozen teachers keeping students back.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Maybe you can look over my cattle story sometime and offer feedback." She looks over to the table.
Rasia finally sets Wilhelm down, pointing.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Hm?" He turns to look.
<Rasia> "Soldier." Rasia whispers, before her heels are tick-tack-tick-tacking towards the door.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja's back to the tablet, doing some quick typing.
<Corrin> "Sure." Corrin replies. "Lahja?"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Yes?"
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Wilhelm falls into step behind you Rasia.
<Corrin> "You sure you want to write it here?"
<Darkling> The door opens, two more costumed soldiers stepping in. The door clicks behind them firmly.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja's tone suddenly drops. "Something tells me those guys are legit. I can't get in touch with Lit."
Rasia stands in front of the men, drawing herself up to full height with the help of heels.
<Darkling> They look down at her. "You should go enjoy your party." One says.
Rasia curls her lip. Even in a dress I'm sure I could take you.
<Darkling> Even behind that balaclava you can tell he's sneering at you.
<Darkling> Over at the punch table someone throws up.
<Corrin> "But they're all...up there. If they're real and not NERV...we have to get everyone out." Corrin says, staring at the stage, all else forgotten. "Hit the fire alarm."
Rasia clenches her fists. Wouldn't be hard to superimpose a dancer's shroud over that face...
<Wilhelm_Faustus> A hand rests on Rasia's shoulder.
<Darkling> Now that you've noticed what is going on, you can see at least a dozen of the soldiers throughout the room, even in the big crowd. At least three at each of the doorways, and two escorting the DJ off the stage...
Rasia snorts, smashing her heel into the soldier's toe and storming off with Wilhelm.
<Darkling> The soldier doesn't even flinch, though your heel crumples against his steel lined boot.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Let's go speak with Lajha and Corrin." He guides her with a gentle hand on her back.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja nods, quickly looking around the room and cursing the lighting. Corrin actually had a semi-decent idea. Probably not much in the way of potential weapons here. But at least there were scissors.
<Darkling> The music dies.
<Corrin> "See anything?" Corrin mutters to Lahja, inching forwards.
<Darkling> There's some murmurs starting amongst the other students.
<Rasia> "..."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Not yet." she mutters very quietly.
<Darkling> Corrin and Lahja, you're close enough to the punch table now to see that there is a severed hand in one of the bowls, and it's not a fake.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Lahja." His tone is hushed as he and Rasia approach. "Trouble."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I thought as much. What's this about?" Her tone is equally hushed, and she looks over to the punch bowl.
<Corrin> "Scheisse." Corrin mutters at the sight. Seems he's picked up some non-textbook German! He looks up sharply, then stops moving. "Lahja, right wall." he hisses.
<Darkling> Corrin has spotted a fire alarm!
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "No idea, but take this." He squats down and pulls something from his armor...a handgun he holds under the table.
Rasia swivels her head, keeping track of the soldiers she can see, taking guesses at the ones she can't.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> The arm or the wall... decisions, decisions. That gun gets her attention. She hides it in her dress pocket with a nod to Wilhelm. Some of her confidence has been restored.
<Corrin> "I can hit the alarm." Corrin mutters to the others.
<Darkling> Another scream erupts, seems someone found the rest of the arm that hand was attached too.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I'll see to it that you get there. Wilhelm, do you object?"
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "No."
<Rasia> "Gas!” Rasia hisses.
<Darkling> Above the din of the scream and the students becoming more and more frightened, the sound of metal hitting the ground in several spots is heard.
Rasia draws several deep breaths in preparation...
<Corrin> "Ready?" Corrin hisses. "Run when it goes!" With that, he starts to push through the crowd as quickly as he can.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja nods. As Corrin moves she goes off to the punch bowl very carefully. Apparently satisfying her fixation for the macabre is important enough.
Corrin slams down on the alarm as hard as he can.
<Darkling> Well, someone took the time to set the severed hand into flipping the bird to everyone.
<Darkling> Huh.. No alarm Corrin.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Hand in pocket. Safety off. Safety on. Safety off. She peers at the hand, actually cracking an amused smirk despite the situation.
 <Darkling> The hiss of the gas Rasia warned about can be heard as it moves around your legs, slowly rising. more panicked screams now as people start to realize this isn't part of the show.
<Corrin> "...Goddamnitalltohell." Corrin mutters, resisting the urge to kick the useless thing. He spins back around to face the others.
<Darkling> The lights flare on in a sudden blinding moment. A voice booms over the speakers. "Teachers and students, please relax and take deep breaths, this will all be over shortly!"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Whatever Lahja had in that zip lock bag, she takes it out. She moves the bag about as if to fill it with air, so much as the little bag can manage to be filled before sealing it again. It might be worth a few extra moments.
Corrin hits the alarm again, then starts to move back towards the others, squinting in the sudden glare.
Rasia draws her breath at the last clean air she figures she'll have, and holds.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja does much the same, holding her breath. She pats the hand before making her way back to the others and trying not to attract too much attention.
<Darkling> The gas reaches your waists and isn't stopping. People are rushing for the exit doors only to be greeted by the soldiers easily beating them back, a few rounds are fired into the air as warning.
Corrin points to the doors, then to himself, then to the others. He's breathing shallowly.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "They're here for us..."
<Darkling> There's a man on stage, a rather big fellow in some high-tech looking suit. "As I said, remain calm, and this will be over shortly."
Rasia bristles, clenching her fists. She breaks her hold to growl, teeth bared.
<Darkling> Gas reaching your chests now, people are starting to fall over in coughing fits and passing out.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "We need to think of something quickly."
Corrin points again to the exit, now holding his breath for as along as he can between gasps.
Rasia draws a deep breath and nods, diving into the gas. Looks like she's heading for the door.
Corrin runs after her, mouth closed for as long as he can as he sprints, then staggers.
<Darkling> Your eyes are really feeling heavy now.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I don't feel well." Lahja takes another breath, tilting her head back. She lifts the collar of her dress up above her nose and holds it there tightly.
<Darkling> A soldier is in your way Corrin, butt of his gun baring down on your forehead and you're out for the count.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> It's inevitable now, isn't it? Wilhelm sits down in a chair and waits, letting his mind work as long as it can on a plan.
<Rasia> Fight it, fight it. You've done this exercise a thousand times upon a thousand times, Rasia. Especially with His eyes baring down on you.
<Darkling> Your mind is pretty foggy, and you drift off peacefully Wilhelm.
<Rasia> There's the door, just gotta take out the guards...
<Darkling> That door seems awfully far Rasia, the floor and guards lengthening in your sight.
<Darkling> The speaker on the sage sets the microphone down, crossing his arms as the last of the people in the room drop to the floor.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Pain. Maybe that will help. Lahja sways a bit as she reaches for her scissors. She stuffs a hand down into her dress, gritting her teeth after she opens the blades and presses down forcefully to slice her palm. Not much help.
<Rasia> Faster! Move! She forces her lungs to stay steady, resisting an urge to yell out.
<Darkling> Lahja receives a crack the the back of her skull just after, forcing her face into the table violently.
<Darkling> The guards stand ready, fading into the black more and more as you approach.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> A quick squeal. But she doesn't even have the time to wonder what happened. It's all stars and darkness.
<Rasia> She throws one punch, feeling a satisfying series of snaps and pops before falling over, a loud thud against the door.
<Darkling> As you lay on the floor, sleep over taking you, you can just make out the feet and mask face of the leader of the group. "We meet.... Rasia.." A boot to the face and the darkness stays.
<Darkling> =================END=================