[@Katakon][@Ariamis][@AimeChambers][@Aewin][@addamas][@Pudding][@FantasyChic][@Melo][@Mateotis][@Vocab][@Brithwyr][@Spriggs27][@ThatCharacter] The building was starting to shake. Some of the Infinites noticed chips of paint bouncing off the ground or falling off the walls. Next came the sound. It was hard to make out at first but anyone who ever heard a horse run knew that several of them were headed their way. Everyone's eyes were drawn towards the hospital wing, where they could make out something riding out of the darkness. There were four of them, all on horses colored like Monokuma. The horses were not living creatures, but soulless beasts made of steel. They looked real from a distance, but upon closer inspection the rivet work was more obvious. The riders all looked like school girls, black and white sailor suits. At least they looked like girls, as a closer look at their limbs revealed obvious doll joints. They were all blond, and their hair was held into pigtails by with some Monokuma bear ties. But the styling of each one was a bit different. They stopped side by side before the Infinites. “Hi-hi!” One of them said in a cute voice. Her hair looked more like a skunk's tails than pig tails. She held a large pointy spear in her hand, and twirled it with great speed. “I'm Alexandria! And these are my sisters!” The next one had very spiky pigtails. Her forearms were giant chain guns with her hands sticking out of the center. “I don't give a shit about being part of some sisterhood.” The punk snorted. “But I'm hella stoked to shoot something!” The chambers on her arms started to wind up. “I'm Geina, by the way. Better make sure you can handle me before swinging that name around though.” The second from the last had... breezy hair? It seemed to be caught in some gentle wind that only affected her hair. She held onto a katana, but didn't seem very interested in showing off with it. She was the only one not making eye contact with anyone, looking away With a wistful expression. “What's the point?” Her voice sounded distant. “There's too many of us. No one will remember I'm Nariko. And even if they do, it will only be because they feel sorry for me.” Her eyes shut with a click. “Oh hush!” The last one was the only one wearing a crown, and sounded like a queen. She wore a prideful smile and wielded a lance in one hand and a pirate's cannon under her other arm. “There is no name worth remembering other than mine. For I am Willow, and leading our sisterhood, or anyone for that matter, is my birthright!” Her horse trot ahead of the others. Willow's horse trot right past the infinites. “Dr Killgood, my father, has entrusted your care to me. Come now peasants, it's high time you learned why you were summoned.” Davis leaned in close to Shona. “Think you can take them?” Shona looked over her shoulder at Davis. “Not with a wooden sword. How about you Mr Conquest? Got any tricks up your sleeve?” “Ehhh...” “It's fine.” Shona looked ahead. “We never would have woken up if they just wanted to kill us. Let's just do what they want for now.” After the sisterhood rounded up the infinites, they marched further down a hall into the resort area of Axis Mundi. [hr] The four teenage horse riding robots didn't give the infinites much opportunity to look around. They moved rather swiftly and didn't seem to care if the people they were escorting got trampled. Though the slower patients got special treatment. Nariko had placed Aleecia on her lap so that everyone could move at the pace the horsemen wanted. Once they entered the resort, they made a bee line for the theater and guided everyone inside. “Alright, peasants.” The queenly Willow barked. “Take a seat and grant audience to our benevolent doctor.” At this point Nariko lowered Aleecia into a seat and wordlessly stepped away. The theater was massive, and could easily seat a thousand people comfortably. That was without counting the various tiers of overhead balconies. One would think that all those balconies would create quite a bit of shadow, but the vibrant red and gold colors of the theater were illuminated very well. The seats were surprisingly comfortable, and there was plenty of room for everyone to stretch their legs. The only thing that could have made the experience more enjoyable was if they were under different circumstances. “Buckle up buttercup.” Geina said from behind their seats. “Because you'd better not even think about leaving here while the show's playing. Shit's as annoying as hell! You should have taken that bathroom break before the show started!” There was no waiting after that. The curtains drew back and Dr Monokuma Killgood popped up into the air and landed on a podium. It looked like something you'd expect to see in a cartoon. “Hello everyone! I'm sure you couldn't possibly forget me but... It's your good doctor Monokuma here!” [color=brown]"Hey, so what's this Theater treatment thing you mentioned, you two-tone furry ass?"[/color] Mason asked the deranged bear while giving it an angry glare. Monokuma sighed and pouted. “Mason, really?” He looked down at his pawss. “I gave you such a good write up, and you completely overlook my third color? My eye? That's so insensitive. You know it could be a really cute Japanese school girl with great fashion sense controlling me right now... or is that the problem?” The bear lumbered to his feet. “Anywho, theater therapy is really simple. You're in a theater, and now you get therapy!” He put out his paw. “It's experimental, and I didn't follow the directions very closely, but I feel it could do wonders for my patients!” Ice has his fists clenched at his sides, "How are you possibly going to take care of these poor innocent patients from all the way over there?" “With my words, my blood donating hero. My words are like the spells flung from a priest's hands in an RPG game. The knowledge contained within my words can heal souls...or fill them with despair.” The knot in everyone's chest got tighter at the mention of that word. “The REAL therapy actually comes from playing a game. It's a very old game, one that hasn't been played for an entire decade. There's a few new twists in this one, but it still all boils down to the exact same thing. So you're basically stuck in this building. However...” Monokuma cleared his throat. “If you can kill one of your friends and get away with it, you can leave.” There was a long silence after Dr Killgood's statement. “Phew! Thank goodness! I was so sure at least one of you were going to doubt I was serious.” Shona gave the bear a sideways glance. “Is killing each other really the only way to leave?” “Hmmmm...” Monokuma tipped his head and stroked his chin. “Well, I guess it is possible to leave without killing anyone. But a lot of other people would still have to die. Regardless of how you look at it, someone has to murder someone.” Aleecia spoke up. "Can't you let the younger ones go?" “Actually... I can't.” Monokuma lowered his head. “Well I mean I could, but I don't want to. Besides!” The bear's head popped back up. “People much younger than the ones here have died to this game. People younger than this have KILLED in this game. So there's your silver lining right?” [color=fff200]"And what if none of us decide to kill each other?[/color] Felix said while spreading his arms. “Oh that's an easy one.” Monokuma threw out his stubbly little arms, possibly to mock Felix. “You stay here forever and ever and ever and ever! It's like a fairytale without a happy ending.” The bear deepened his voice. “...And then Rapunzel stood in her tower for the rest of her days, the end. Hmm...” [color=0072bc]W-Why would you do this to us? Why on earth would you trap us here!?[/color] Kara held her hands close to her chest. “I'm not the one who trapped you, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't get 'something' out of it. A lot out of it actually!” Monokuma cupped his paws around his mouth and started to whisper. His voice was carried across the theater so well that it seemed like he was whispering in everyone's ear. “What if I told you, that dis-bear, likes despair?” He lowered his arms and shouted. “I want to see all of your miserable faces twisted in despair!” Mary put her hands to her hips and sighed: [color=pink]"Geez Louise, don't you have anything better to do with your time? This is overkill."[/color] Monokuma lifted up his paw and extended his claws. “Overkill is what's going to happen when one of you finally decides to get out of here, phu phu phu phu!” The bear calmly lowered his arm. “And no, I think if you're going to do something, you gotta give it your one-hundred-and-twenty-percent!” The bear waddled forward a few steps. “Anyway, this was the first session of your theater therapy, and I do believe it was a success. I'll take your questions...now!” "Yea, I've got a question." Davis folded one leg over the other. "How are the sleeping arrangements in this shit hole?" “For a hospital they're really nice!” Monokuma beamed with excitement. “We've taken the liberty of modifying each patient's room to the specs of the Infinite that will inhabit it. When I'm done answering questions, everyone will get their key cards.” Quill was next. [color=F6BCE2]"What about clothing? Surely you don't expect us to wear the same clothes over and over again?"[/color] “I do not! I am well aware of how vain humans can be, and am aware that they need to shed their outer layers regularly to keep their self esteem up. I mean, how can we expect you to kill without adequate self esteem?” With a sigh, the bear pointed off stage. “Your rooms will have whatever you brought with you to Axis Mundi which... is a lot in your case.” Rika played one of her tapes. "[i][color=ed1c24]May I pet you?[/color][/i]" “Hmmmmm...” Monokuma pondered. “Can you? Maybe. Will you still have your hand? Unlikely. If I ever need a pattah-cure, I';ll let you know.” The mummy played another tape."[i][color=ed1c24]Cutting down the cast of characters is usually done by the casting director, how come you won't do the deed yourself?[/color][/i]" “This is a reenactment! The script is completely out of my paws.” The bear lifted his paw up as if to show his paws were empty. “Me killing you would betray the purpose. It's more fun to convince you to kill each other!” Calvin, after having bit his tongue for a time, interjected. "How'd you get the goons? Are they playing?" He eyed them warily. “Guys!” Alexandria chirped. “He's talking about us! And looking at us 'that' way! I bet it's because he's a blacksmith who can appreciate our alloys and circuitry and lots of other big words.” Geina lowered her arms. “W-what? Uhm. I've never. I mean-” She placed a hand on her chest. “C-could you make me a bad ass war ax? I'm so sick of these bitches making fun of the fact that I don't got a metal blade!” Nariko even looked a little flustered by the news, and actually made eye contact with Calvin. “Nariko got s-senpai's attention? Nariko Kawaii desu? Calvin Kamikaze!” Willow snorted. “I'm not sure what depravity my sisters are participating in, but whatever you plan on doing to them, you should do it to me first.” Some LED lights under her cheeks kicked on, giving her the appearance of blushing. “Y-you are talking about... installing... upgrades right?” Alexandria shrieked. “Willow! How can you say something so indecent!?” “SILENCE!” On monokuma's command, the other robots quieted down. “Firstly, young Ibbs, do not give them any more attention then you need to. They are delirious, even by my standards.” The bear gave the school girls a scornful glare. “But if you wish to know their origins, there's an underground roller coaster on this floor called the Tower of Carnage. They were okay, a little scary for the mood of the game you're all partaking in. But as Dr Killgood, I was able to give them a good ol' MONOKUMAFACATION!” The bear launched himself into the air... momentarily. “As for their roll in this game? Well, if I am the doctor, then the carnage sisters are your nurses. They enforce the rules I lay out for you. If you defy me, they are the ones you will have to answer to.” [color=6c9b8f]"What have you done to my brother? Where's the rest of the patients of this hospital?!"[/color] There was a worried edge to Krista's voice, fingers tightly clenched. Monokuma tipped his head. “Your brother?” Then the other. “Your mother?” Back again. “Your lover?” The bear finally shrugged. “Maybe he checked out? Maybe he's still here? Nobody cares about people who lack talent! I'm just here to manage you numbskulls!” Monokuma paused for a moment before tipping his head again. “And the other patients are healing most likely. I mean duh! This is a hospital!” "Yes, um... Whatever happened to the hospital...to Axis Mundi anyway?" Daimyon gripped the pen, suddenly unable to formulate any thoughts worth jotting down. He could not even come up with a rhyme in that moment. “Things changed?” The bear looked confused again. “Well yea, I guess management did change a little bit. This place is still run by Infinity Initiative if that's what you're asking. We still treat infinites and the wealthy. It's just that the people stationed here are, uh, how shall we say, experimenting?” The bear chuckled and covered it's mouth. “I'm sorry, I really shouldn't say too much about that.” [color=D1c2bf]"How about the world outside? What is happening out there?"[/color] Cyrus asked. “What is it with these politicians and their attempts to appear concerned for other people? It's infuriating!” After the bear's angry outburst, it started to laugh. “Phu phu phu phu! That's your hope isn't it? If everyone's fine outside, you won't sink into despair. Sadly, I need you to trust me, so I can't lie you in despair. An ambiguous answer is also a ruse you'll likely see through.” The bear sighed. “I guess I have no choice but to tell you the truth. The world is safe...” His red eye started to swirl with different shades of red. “...But only for a little while.” [color=hotpink]"Oh, oh, oh!"[/color] the girly-boy cried, waving his hand desperately to gey the bear's attention. [color=hotpink]"Who is Hope and why isn't she allowed to take part?"[/color] The carnage sisters, who just minutes ago were driven to 'lust,' were now shrieking with despair. All except Nariko, who had quietly dismounted her horse to commit seppuku. “Hope...” Monokuma lowered his head. “Hope is what makes you spend too much money at the arcades. She's what makes you waste money on lottery tickets. She's what makes you take on a wife and children you don't have the funds or the patience to please. Hope makes you take unnecessary risks, she whispers sweet nothings into your ear, coaxing you to go to follow those dreams just a little bit further... right off the edge and into a pit of despair! Hope is exactly what I'm trying to cure you all of!” Mondatta was not impressed with the spectacle. [b][color=gray]"I see you are a conflicted soul, finding solace in naught but discord. Perhaps you would like some spiritual guidance?"[/color][/b] “Buddy, I even love my own discord! And by the looks of things, so do you. But I actually do Tai Chi daily, so I think that's about all the spiritual guidance that I need.” The bear spun around in place. “And speaking of spiritual guidance, I think it's high time everyone got their E-handbooks! Girls?” The carnage sisters started handing out E-handbooks to all of the infinites. “A quick breakdown in case you've forgotten, those E-handbooks are personal data assistants, key cards, and so much more! Your name comes up when you first start it up, so that's a good way to make sure you have the right one. It can also function as a camera and voice recorder, and has an app for writing notes as well as a map file for the floors of Axis Mundi. The hospital’s regulations are also in there, so be sure to read up on that. It would be a shame if you broke a rule...” The bear momentarily pouted. “While you are unable to access anything wirelessly with it, it can receive updates straight from my database, so I'll always make sure the information is up to date for you.” The bear covered his mouth. “Oh! And I know a lot of you are too weak to get an advantage over your fellow infinites, so I've enclosed a gift in everyone's new room. The gift isn't for you, but for one of your victims. Use it to build a relationship with your friends that you can exploit to murder them later. Remember, a trusting victim is an easy victim!” The carnage sisters guided everyone to their rooms. After everything that happened, they fell asleep shortly after their arrival. [hr] Shona was not completely impressed with the renovations. It was still really obvious her room was intended for a hospital patient. The addition of some medieval accessories like armor stands and statues did make the room a bit more comfortable though. She hadn't checked last night, but the gift for her 'victim' was resting on her nightstand. She quickly popped the top of the gift box off and looked inside. “Athletic Support cuffs.” This was obviously intended for Felix. Shona honed her body, but her joints didn't take the same abuse as the infinite free runner's did. She wondered if anyone was planning on trying to hand them out, or if Monokuma's closing comment made them too afraid to do so. That bear did have a way of driving a steak between people. Shona looked through her clothes. While there were many pleasing choices, her 'armor' was the only thing that made her feel safe, even if it wasn't very effective. When the knight walked out her door, she could see Davis sitting in front of his door pushing something around with his thumbs. “Prayer beads?” “Yea...” Perfection's voice sounded tired. “I guess I'm suppose to kill the monk.” There was something wrong. This was not the Davis Shona had encountered yesterday. This one looked defeated. “Did you sleep well?” “Do you mind if we talk inside for a second?” Shona was surprised by Davis's invitation, but didn't show it. Nor did she budge from her spot. “Is there something you wanted to say Davis?” “I think I'm the reason why we're here.” Shona wasn't as good at hiding her surprise this time. She exhaled sharply. “I don't have time for this.” She turned away from perfection. “I need to see Cyrus. There's something very troubling about these rules. Someone will get killed if we let that bear isolate us. If you're looking for someone to talk to...” She eyed the beads in Davis's hands. “We do have a spiritual councilor among us. You might want to consider speaking with him instead.” And with that the knight departed. Despair was already starting to take root on once hollowed grounds. [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/157933-danganronpa-tower-of-carnage/ooc?page=24#post-4114738](Announcement)[/url]