I'll be certain to take it easy on you and the others then.
[ he says, while smacking at B without even questioning it, Maria teleporting, and how he got into this situation in the first place. it's all autopilot until he's done screaming internally. ]
But I would think combat would suit you the best, hmmm? I'm certainly interested in seeing the difference between our cultures.
[look he'd help but he really just thinks this is vr. zhongli will be fine with his blood, sqq will also do fine now that they both appear to not be dead or anything. he has sandwiches to worry about!]
I don't mind making them myself! I like doing it, you know? As for flavors, um-- definitely something that keeps well without needing to worry over storage too much, and something as many people as possible can eat... I'm thinking we do some that are cucumber mint and some that are egg salad? I'm used to them being called tea sandwiches, actually, they'll tie in with the desserts thematically and the touch of mint in the cucumber will match up well with the flavor...
[Alan's nose wrinkles, but he accepts Zhongli's answer, then grabs a piece of paper to scribble something down.]
Lanterns... kites... greenery. Got it. Okay, we'll go with that.
[Meanwhile, Jeord raises a brow.]
A combat tournament at a party... I guess that's not the most boring thing in the world.
[He writes that down on his paper.
As for Keith...
He's having a good time with Ryan, honestly. There's an almost nostalgic expression on his face as he listens to him wax poetic about types of sandwiches, and he writes down the varieties and adds a note - prepared by Ryan.
As each of them writes, Zhongli, Shen Qingqiu, and Ryan will see sparkles over the paper - and then their surroundings fade to black.
In front of them, a dialogue box pops up.]
With a plan in place, preparations began for the Magic Academy's -̵͉͐̀-̵̦̱̥̿-̸̣̀-̶̗̏-̸̲̎̽̔-̷̛͜͝-̸̬̱̱̀-̸̨̨̾͋-̵̼͈̰̑͛̿ party.
Through hard work and determination, the student council and their volunteers put everything together. However, there was one last matter to be decided... escorts. After all, nobles don't attend parties alone, usually.
Who will our volunteers invite?
[A menu appears in front of them:
1. Invite PRINCE JEORD STUART 2. Invite PRINCE ALAN STUART 3. Invite SIR KEITH CLAES 4. Invite LADY KATARINA CLAES 5. Invite MARIA CAMPBELL 6. Invite NO ONE
For options 1-5, they will vanish once one person taps them; however, option 6 can be selected more than once.]
They’re quite entertaining after all. Not to mention a chance to show off strength and skill with food and prizes at the end. Most students would covet for it.
[ meanwhile he’s slamming the INVITE MARIA option because ABSOLUTELY IN NO WAY IS HE INVITING THIS PRINCE AS HIS PLUS ONE HE’LL REALLY GET SHANKED THIS TIME- ]
What suggestions do you have, however? Certainly there are fun activities you all would enjoy that I am unaware of...?
[For Zhongli, the scene opens in the Academy's courtyard - and Katarina looks pretty surprised.]
Huh...? You want to go to the party with me? Hmm... Well, I guess that should be okay...
[And then, mumbling to herself:]
There's no better way to avoid a Catastrophic Bad End than by taking myself out of the protagonist's way, after all...! If I'm attending with someone else, none of the capture targets can think I'm trying to get in the way of their love!
[For Shen Qingqiu, the scene opens in the student council room, though some time seems to have passed. There are some teacups and pastries on the table.
Maria looks determined.]
I'll go with you... but you have to promise me something! You have to help me make sure your friend doesn't make a move on Lady Katarina!
[For Ryan, the scene opens in what appears to be a classroom.
In stark contrast to how he'd acted during the planning, Keith's expression is dark, and he's muttering to himself and doesn't seem to catch Ryan's invitation at first.]
I didn't think there would be yet another threat to keep an eye on... Shouldn't that useless fiancé of hers have stepped in to stop this...? How could my sister just agree to attend with a stranger...?
[...but then he realizes he's been asked something, and clears his throat!]
Ah. Hm, yes. Let's go together. [Muttering to himself again:] At least this way I can make sure nothing happens between the two of them...
[Their individual cutscenes fade to black again, and once more, a dialogue box appears in front of them.
The day of the party arrives, and the students of the Academy gather for some fun-filled festivities. However, there's an undeniable tension in the air when Zhongli arrives with Katarina...
Prince Jeord, Prince Alan, Sir Keith, and even Maria can be caught glaring at him every so often.
But it's a party! Maybe things will lighten up...
[The setting changes to what looks like a ballroom. It's decorated according to the theme Zhongli helped with, and the food that Ryan helped prepare is set out. People seem to be enjoying both things! A few nobles are playing mahjong, and there's a sign-up sheet for the combat tournament.
Katarina keeps looking longingly at the food. Keith and Maria are attempting to be good escorts while glaring at Zhongli. Zhongli will feel Alan and Jeord staring daggers at him.
A menu pops up in front of each one of them:
1. Go and EAT SOME FOOD 2. Play MAHJONG 3. Sign up for COMBAT 4. Ask your partner to DANCE 5. Be a WALLFLOWER
None of these options will disappear when selected!]
goodbye soul it’s been a nice run! just watch as it leaves his mouth from sheer exhaustion. at least he doesn’t have to deal with being glared to death from all angles! ]
Perhaps we should keep a more open position...? I’m certain Lady Katarina will be coming to us as the party continues.
[ that sure is a EAT FOOD (and drink tea) while watching this mess unfold option. come and join him for cakes, Maria ]
[ZHONGLI PICKS KATERINA SIMPLY BECAUSE HE RECOGNIZES HER NAME?? FROM THE LODGE?? AND HE WANTS OT ASK HER, UH WHAT THE FUCK?? so he's a little bit surprised when she doesn't go ??!?!?!? with him in the cut scene, but everything fades away so quickly that he doesn't get the chance to ask. and then they're at the party, and his back still]
[kind of aches]
[it's not pleasant, but. . . he's had worse. so he grits his teeth through the dull pain and addresses Katerina, completely ignoring (or oblivious of??) the death glares he's getting]
Katerina.
[thank god things aren't jumping anymore]
Do you know what's going on here?
[. . . anyway, so. this means Zhongli isn't actually picking ANY option, sorry]
[you know, this is just his luck? he gets to go to a party with a hot guy and he's being sidelined because someone brought the hot guy's sister. and that person is one of the people he got dragged here with.
it's enough to make him kind of want to just go join shen qingqiu or wallflower this instead, but-- no, he can do this, he can manage this. it's just a game of some kind, right, and so there is still SOME level of hope. maybe.
so he still lingers near keith, glancing over to zhongli.]
Um, I think he's behaving with her, at least... do you, uh, maybe want to try dancing? For a little bit? I mean, I haven't done this often but if you don't mind showing me, I can help keep an eye on him for you too, if you want...
[please let him have this ONE THING, game, he is silently pleading. please please just this one thing.]
[Shen Qingqiu selects EAT FOOD, and Maria, who is watching Zhongli and Katarina like a hawk, nods.]
That's a good idea! She does like food...
[Over there they go, then! There's an absolutely delightful spread of food here. SQQ can popcorn all of this to his heart's content.
...and Keith... is also kind of glaring, but. Ryan's suggestion (and ASK TO DANCE choice) pulls his attention momentarily away, and he softens his expression. Dancing, huh... well, he can do that well enough.]
That works. [He holds his hand out to him to lead him out to the dance floor. He'll be keeping an eye on them while they dance, but it could be worse.] I appreciate your assistance with this. My sister doesn't have the best instincts when it comes to danger...
[Unfortunately for Zhongli
Katarina is frozen. The choice menu remains in front of him. She appears like she's just paused, waiting for his choice.]
[ sqq, now armed with a very fancy box of popcorn (POPCORN!!! IT'S BEEN SO LONG) and a pot of tea, seems to have found peace in the midst of shenanigans because he sure looks for all sense of the word, Incredibly Content. whatever fire is about to occur can wait until after ryan lives his best life and he's finished with all these munchies ]
Now then.... it seems we may have quite the short wait.
Well, if it helps, um-- I think Zhongli probably isn't very dangerous? I haven't known him that long, but he's seemed like an upstanding sort of guy.
[he sounds slightly distracted, though. sorry, zhongli, he's trying to help but he's also out here living his best life! a lot of his focus is going into this, thanks, he doesn't want to mess it up.]
We can still make sure nothing happens, though. And, um, I do appreciate you coming with me, for the record, this is-- I've never been to a party like this before? It's pretty nice.
[but this is a britt cyoa so i, personally, feel fear even if ryan is just happy to be here.]
[As soon as Zhongli makes his choice, Katarina's entire face lights up, and she grabs his hand to drag him over to the spread of food. Hi, Shen Qingqiu! Hi, Maria!]
Ooh, this all looks delicious! [She's now shoveling little desserts into her mouth.] Sorry, wait, did you ask a question earlier? The party's going on, right? Is there something else? I didn't notice anything else...
[Maria is now relaxing and can't help but smile at the fact that Katarina is 1. enjoying herself and 2. not getting hit on by Zhongli. Whew. She seems to be easy to pacify, at least... Though the two princes (and Keith) are still looking over here.
Keith, at least, is only glancing over occasionally. The rest of the time, he's dancing with Ryan, who seems to be saying just the right things to calm him down, too. It helps that Ryan made a good impression on him earlier.]
...really? I guess I don't need to be too concerned, then. [Whew... he'll give Ryan a little twirl. Graceful.] I wouldn't have guessed that this was your first party. You're doing well.
[He gets a small smile! With their activities chosen, their surroundings take on a dull, almost dreamlike quality, and a dialogue box appears in front of Zhongli, Shen Qingqiu, and Ryan.]
The party continues peacefully enough, with the concerns over Lady Katarina's escort being laid to rest. The princes participate in the combat tournament and win first and second place, respectively; mahjong is a smashing hit, and is sure to become quite popular among nobles.
Halfway through the evening, however, there is the sound of screaming from outside... although no one but the three volunteers seems to hear it.
[A menu appears again:
1. IGNORE the screams. 2. INVESTIGATE the screams.]
[well. . . so much for hoping Katerina knew what was going on :/ Zhongli shakes his head and declines to answer her question as she helps herself to the food, and he'll even pick a little bit at the snacks himself! SQQ, being nearby, gets a nod and a very confused--]
Have you any idea what's going on? I'm finding it rather difficult to understand. . .
[though the jury's out on whether SQQ gets to answer before TIME SKIPS FORWARD and a new dialogue box pops up. Zhongli kind of DEAD EYES THE DIALOGUE BOX, before the screams suddenly shove him back into high alert, shoulders squared]
[he moves to place a hand on his spear, ready to jump into action and investigate the screams, but-- then he remembers]
[AND CHOOSES THE "INVESTIGATE THE SCREAMS" OPTION]
[ sometime later sqq will vaguely wonder if he accidentally just introduced gambling to the otome. OH WELL, NOT HIS PROBLEM. ]
It’s quite difficult to explain but when this is done-
[ that’s if the scenario finishes any time soon. hey!! he was enjoying his peaceful tea time!!! who knows if sqq got to finish his sentence before or after the next quest marker pops but he’s sure getting up out of his seat while absently making sure 2 is chosen. ]
Am I-? I guess you're a pretty skilled teacher then, right?
[compliments... his biggest weakness. his face is definitely very flushed as he's twirled. this is the best time he's had in actual years, being able to be surrounded by people without being completely afraid of it; maybe he should get a vr setup himself if it really helps this much...
but then there's the shift in their surroundings and the dialogue box.
he wants to know what's up with the screams, he really, really super wants to know, but-- but. zhongli is going, shen qingqiu is going, he's having a good time and also katarina's escort just bailed and he thinks someone might need to deal with that situation? that person is him. he will gladly be the martyr in this scenario who bravely holds himself back from investigating and stays here. with hot sir keith.
he hits IGNORE and mouths shout if you need me to the other two, trusting that if sqq knew what was up here he will understand the gesture of miming holding a phone to his ear for a second. bye! scream again but more urgently if you have issues!]
[Katarina's escort is bailing, but that leaves her in the company of Maria, who seems happy as a clam to have her undivided attention. Okay, it's not really undivided. She's paying more attention to the food, actually.
But it's fine. The princes even stop glaring entirely after Zhongli bails! They'll head over to the food table and now three of them are just watching while Katarina stuffs her face. I'm going to be real you guys dodged a bullet there. Catch me after we finish this CYOA for deets.
Keith, oblivious to why they're leaving (and really just grateful that now he only has to deal with the devil he knows, and also that Alan and Maria are nearby to keep Jeord in check), turns his attention back to Ryan. They're just having a nice time now.]
You're good at turning a compliment around on someone, aren't you?
[He seems amused! But now they're just chatting as they dance. Ryan, the only one who is playing along with the storyline the characters from this otome game seem to be acknowledging.
As for Zhongli and Shen Qingqiu...
...they pass through the door, and they don't find themselves outside.
They're inside, actually. It's the same room that they were in before. But it's different, too. There's the heavy stench of blood in the air, and it mingles almost unpleasantly with the stench of peppermint. Most of the room is shrouded in darkness - the lanterns Zhongli proposed decorating with have been slashed.
Also, all of the party guests have been brutally murdered. Including Ryan, who is bleeding from several stab wounds on his sides! (The Ryan who is dancing with Keith is just fine, though.)
There's a horned, shadowy figure scrawling something on the far wall - it's jagged letters, written in blood, just barely illuminated with an eerie red glow:]
[. . . the sight is, quite unfortunately, rather familiar to Zhongli, who spares a glance towards Ryan's corpse, his amber gaze narrowing. he has his spear drawn now, the weapon held at his side, pointed end facing the floor. but even so. . . he looks ready to launch into battle any second now]
[ Hello?? Ryan?? Oh shit did we abandon our boy??? He’s sweating real bullets now-
BUT YOU CAN’T JUST SAY THESE TYPES OF THINGS AND HAVE THE DOOR VANISH? WHAT KIND OF USELESS THREAT IS THIS?
he’s not even prepared for this type of thing!! his qi is completely blocked and xiu ya isn’t even with him!! but it’s fine zhongli has it under control, probably. he can cheerlead from the back, yeah!
[but he says it with a slight laugh, albeit a sort of awkward one. please, he's bad at taking compliments gracefully, let him live!
ryan is entirely oblivious to what's going on with the others, he Will continue to just vibe here. he's not the best dancer by any stretch, honestly, but he is trying.]
And it looks like there wasn't anything to worry about with him after all, right? Think that means you get a little more time to just- enjoy yourself, if you don't have to spend quite as much keeping an eye out?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ he says, while smacking at B without even questioning it, Maria teleporting, and how he got into this situation in the first place. it's all autopilot until he's done screaming internally. ]
But I would think combat would suit you the best, hmmm? I'm certainly interested in seeing the difference between our cultures.
no subject
I don't mind making them myself! I like doing it, you know? As for flavors, um-- definitely something that keeps well without needing to worry over storage too much, and something as many people as possible can eat... I'm thinking we do some that are cucumber mint and some that are egg salad? I'm used to them being called tea sandwiches, actually, they'll tie in with the desserts thematically and the touch of mint in the cucumber will match up well with the flavor...
[he's so invested in this fucking food planning]
no subject
Lanterns... kites... greenery. Got it. Okay, we'll go with that.
[Meanwhile, Jeord raises a brow.]
A combat tournament at a party... I guess that's not the most boring thing in the world.
[He writes that down on his paper.
As for Keith...
He's having a good time with Ryan, honestly. There's an almost nostalgic expression on his face as he listens to him wax poetic about types of sandwiches, and he writes down the varieties and adds a note - prepared by Ryan.
As each of them writes, Zhongli, Shen Qingqiu, and Ryan will see sparkles over the paper - and then their surroundings fade to black.
In front of them, a dialogue box pops up.]
Through hard work and determination, the student council and their volunteers put everything together. However, there was one last matter to be decided... escorts. After all, nobles don't attend parties alone, usually.
Who will our volunteers invite?
[A menu appears in front of them:
1. Invite PRINCE JEORD STUART
2. Invite PRINCE ALAN STUART
3. Invite SIR KEITH CLAES
4. Invite LADY KATARINA CLAES
5. Invite MARIA CAMPBELL
6. Invite NO ONE
For options 1-5, they will vanish once one person taps them; however, option 6 can be selected more than once.]
no subject
They’re quite entertaining after all. Not to mention a chance to show off strength and skill with food and prizes at the end. Most students would covet for it.
[ meanwhile he’s slamming the INVITE MARIA option because ABSOLUTELY IN NO WAY IS HE INVITING THIS PRINCE AS HIS PLUS ONE HE’LL REALLY GET SHANKED THIS TIME- ]
What suggestions do you have, however? Certainly there are fun activities you all would enjoy that I am unaware of...?
no subject
[he stares at the menu for a moment, but. listen. as if he wouldn't pick Hot Sir Keith, he is hitting the button right afterwards.]
1/5
with their choices made, the darkness solidifies into - something else.
a cutscene, perhaps...? each one of them will see a different scene.]
2/5 - INVITE: KATARINA
Huh...? You want to go to the party with me? Hmm... Well, I guess that should be okay...
[And then, mumbling to herself:]
There's no better way to avoid a Catastrophic Bad End than by taking myself out of the protagonist's way, after all...! If I'm attending with someone else, none of the capture targets can think I'm trying to get in the way of their love!
Okay! Let's do this!
3/5 - INVITE: MARIA
Maria looks determined.]
I'll go with you... but you have to promise me something! You have to help me make sure your friend doesn't make a move on Lady Katarina!
4/5 - INVITE: KEITH
In stark contrast to how he'd acted during the planning, Keith's expression is dark, and he's muttering to himself and doesn't seem to catch Ryan's invitation at first.]
I didn't think there would be yet another threat to keep an eye on... Shouldn't that useless fiancé of hers have stepped in to stop this...? How could my sister just agree to attend with a stranger...?
[...but then he realizes he's been asked something, and clears his throat!]
Ah. Hm, yes. Let's go together. [Muttering to himself again:] At least this way I can make sure nothing happens between the two of them...
5/5 - THE PARTY BEGINS
The day of the party arrives, and the students of the Academy gather for some fun-filled festivities. However, there's an undeniable tension in the air when Zhongli arrives with Katarina...
Prince Jeord, Prince Alan, Sir Keith, and even Maria can be caught glaring at him every so often.
But it's a party! Maybe things will lighten up...
[The setting changes to what looks like a ballroom. It's decorated according to the theme Zhongli helped with, and the food that Ryan helped prepare is set out. People seem to be enjoying both things! A few nobles are playing mahjong, and there's a sign-up sheet for the combat tournament.
Katarina keeps looking longingly at the food. Keith and Maria are attempting to be good escorts while glaring at Zhongli. Zhongli will feel Alan and Jeord staring daggers at him.
A menu pops up in front of each one of them:
1. Go and EAT SOME FOOD
2. Play MAHJONG
3. Sign up for COMBAT
4. Ask your partner to DANCE
5. Be a WALLFLOWER
None of these options will disappear when selected!]
no subject
goodbye soul it’s been a nice run! just watch as it leaves his mouth from sheer exhaustion. at least he doesn’t have to deal with being glared to death from all angles! ]
Perhaps we should keep a more open position...? I’m certain Lady Katarina will be coming to us as the party continues.
[ that sure is a EAT FOOD (and drink tea) while watching this mess unfold option. come and join him for cakes, Maria ]
no subject
[kind of aches]
[it's not pleasant, but. . . he's had worse. so he grits his teeth through the dull pain and addresses Katerina, completely ignoring (or oblivious of??) the death glares he's getting]
Katerina.
[thank god things aren't jumping anymore]
Do you know what's going on here?
[. . . anyway, so. this means Zhongli isn't actually picking ANY option, sorry]
no subject
it's enough to make him kind of want to just go join shen qingqiu or wallflower this instead, but-- no, he can do this, he can manage this. it's just a game of some kind, right, and so there is still SOME level of hope. maybe.
so he still lingers near keith, glancing over to zhongli.]
Um, I think he's behaving with her, at least... do you, uh, maybe want to try dancing? For a little bit? I mean, I haven't done this often but if you don't mind showing me, I can help keep an eye on him for you too, if you want...
[please let him have this ONE THING, game, he is silently pleading. please please just this one thing.]
no subject
That's a good idea! She does like food...
[Over there they go, then! There's an absolutely delightful spread of food here. SQQ can popcorn all of this to his heart's content.
...and Keith... is also kind of glaring, but. Ryan's suggestion (and ASK TO DANCE choice) pulls his attention momentarily away, and he softens his expression. Dancing, huh... well, he can do that well enough.]
That works. [He holds his hand out to him to lead him out to the dance floor. He'll be keeping an eye on them while they dance, but it could be worse.] I appreciate your assistance with this. My sister doesn't have the best instincts when it comes to danger...
[Unfortunately for Zhongli
Katarina is frozen. The choice menu remains in front of him. She appears like she's just paused, waiting for his choice.]
no subject
[HE HATES WHATEVER IS HAPPENING!!!]
[with a slightly curt sigh, Zhongli reaches out and chooses EAT FOOD, because he knows Katerina well enough to understand she likes food the best]
no subject
Now then.... it seems we may have quite the short wait.
no subject
[he sounds slightly distracted, though. sorry, zhongli, he's trying to help but he's also out here living his best life! a lot of his focus is going into this, thanks, he doesn't want to mess it up.]
We can still make sure nothing happens, though. And, um, I do appreciate you coming with me, for the record, this is-- I've never been to a party like this before? It's pretty nice.
[but this is a britt cyoa so i, personally, feel fear even if ryan is just happy to be here.]
no subject
Ooh, this all looks delicious! [She's now shoveling little desserts into her mouth.] Sorry, wait, did you ask a question earlier? The party's going on, right? Is there something else? I didn't notice anything else...
[Maria is now relaxing and can't help but smile at the fact that Katarina is 1. enjoying herself and 2. not getting hit on by Zhongli. Whew. She seems to be easy to pacify, at least... Though the two princes (and Keith) are still looking over here.
Keith, at least, is only glancing over occasionally. The rest of the time, he's dancing with Ryan, who seems to be saying just the right things to calm him down, too. It helps that Ryan made a good impression on him earlier.]
...really? I guess I don't need to be too concerned, then. [Whew... he'll give Ryan a little twirl. Graceful.] I wouldn't have guessed that this was your first party. You're doing well.
[He gets a small smile! With their activities chosen, their surroundings take on a dull, almost dreamlike quality, and a dialogue box appears in front of Zhongli, Shen Qingqiu, and Ryan.]
Halfway through the evening, however, there is the sound of screaming from outside... although no one but the three volunteers seems to hear it.
[A menu appears again:
1. IGNORE the screams.
2. INVESTIGATE the screams.]
no subject
Have you any idea what's going on? I'm finding it rather difficult to understand. . .
[though the jury's out on whether SQQ gets to answer before TIME SKIPS FORWARD and a new dialogue box pops up. Zhongli kind of DEAD EYES THE DIALOGUE BOX, before the screams suddenly shove him back into high alert, shoulders squared]
[he moves to place a hand on his spear, ready to jump into action and investigate the screams, but-- then he remembers]
[AND CHOOSES THE "INVESTIGATE THE SCREAMS" OPTION]
no subject
It’s quite difficult to explain but when this is done-
[ that’s if the scenario finishes any time soon. hey!! he was enjoying his peaceful tea time!!! who knows if sqq got to finish his sentence before or after the next quest marker pops but he’s sure getting up out of his seat while absently making sure 2 is chosen. ]
no subject
[compliments... his biggest weakness. his face is definitely very flushed as he's twirled. this is the best time he's had in actual years, being able to be surrounded by people without being completely afraid of it; maybe he should get a vr setup himself if it really helps this much...
but then there's the shift in their surroundings and the dialogue box.
he wants to know what's up with the screams, he really, really super wants to know, but-- but. zhongli is going, shen qingqiu is going, he's having a good time and also katarina's escort just bailed and he thinks someone might need to deal with that situation? that person is him. he will gladly be the martyr in this scenario who bravely holds himself back from investigating and stays here. with hot sir keith.
he hits IGNORE and mouths shout if you need me to the other two, trusting that if sqq knew what was up here he will understand the gesture of miming holding a phone to his ear for a second. bye! scream again but more urgently if you have issues!]
no subject
But it's fine. The princes even stop glaring entirely after Zhongli bails! They'll head over to the food table and now three of them are just watching while Katarina stuffs her face. I'm going to be real you guys dodged a bullet there. Catch me after we finish this CYOA for deets.
Keith, oblivious to why they're leaving (and really just grateful that now he only has to deal with the devil he knows, and also that Alan and Maria are nearby to keep Jeord in check), turns his attention back to Ryan. They're just having a nice time now.]
You're good at turning a compliment around on someone, aren't you?
[He seems amused! But now they're just chatting as they dance. Ryan, the only one who is playing along with the storyline the characters from this otome game seem to be acknowledging.
As for Zhongli and Shen Qingqiu...
...they pass through the door, and they don't find themselves outside.
They're inside, actually. It's the same room that they were in before. But it's different, too. There's the heavy stench of blood in the air, and it mingles almost unpleasantly with the stench of peppermint. Most of the room is shrouded in darkness - the lanterns Zhongli proposed decorating with have been slashed.
Also, all of the party guests have been brutally murdered. Including Ryan, who is bleeding from several stab wounds on his sides! (The Ryan who is dancing with Keith is just fine, though.)
There's a horned, shadowy figure scrawling something on the far wall - it's jagged letters, written in blood, just barely illuminated with an eerie red glow:]
[...unfortunately for them, should they try to, they will find that the door they've passed through has slammed shut and locked behind them.]
no subject
[this is more his speed]
[in a commanding, almost authoritative voice--]
Who are you?
no subject
BUT YOU CAN’T JUST SAY THESE TYPES OF THINGS AND HAVE THE DOOR VANISH? WHAT KIND OF USELESS THREAT IS THIS?
he’s not even prepared for this type of thing!! his qi is completely blocked and xiu ya isn’t even with him!! but it’s fine zhongli has it under control, probably. he can cheerlead from the back, yeah!
(sqq please, you’re a fully capable peak lord) ]
You have much to answer for.
no subject
[but he says it with a slight laugh, albeit a sort of awkward one. please, he's bad at taking compliments gracefully, let him live!
ryan is entirely oblivious to what's going on with the others, he Will continue to just vibe here. he's not the best dancer by any stretch, honestly, but he is trying.]
And it looks like there wasn't anything to worry about with him after all, right? Think that means you get a little more time to just- enjoy yourself, if you don't have to spend quite as much keeping an eye out?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)