At first it’s like any other day. You wake up, shower, start to brew your morning cup of coffee, and that’s when you notice—outside the window, there’s nothing there. Just an endless black void. What happened? Where are you? You fret, and look around, but you slowly start to realize that nothing is left. Just the everpresent black encompassing you. You slowly start to lose grasp of how long you’ve been here, but you vaguely understand that it was not terribly long. And finally, something happened in the endless darkness. [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/TlkSEt9.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/5Gf1beq.png[/img][/center] [hider=Nakayama Suzaku] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Nakayama…. Nakayama? Like the seafood? Interesting.”[/b][/color] Suddenly, a featureless figure appeared in front of Suzaku. It’s voice was feminine, but it’s figure was that of a child. But, something didn’t feel quite right to Suzaku. It was as if he were covered with mud, and was moving in slow motion. He would be unable to react to this new development. Before Suzaku would have a chance to respond, the figure continued speaking. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”There’s no response.”[/b][/color] [color=red][b]”Noted”[/b][/color] [i]Huh?[/i] This voice was different than the one from before, but he could not see anyone besides the first individual. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Hmmm....”[/b][/color]. The figure turned around, and began to walk away. But in that moment, Suzaku felt the resistance slowly start to give way. Even so, Suzaku could only stay frozen in place, still trying to digest what’s going on. As the metaphorical chains began to slowly fall off, his eyes searched the room- or whatever it was- he was in, and he grew more and more manic. He then started to feel for himself; His face, his hair, his clothes. [i]No,[/i] Suzaku thought to himself, the grasp on his shirt tightening, [i]This isn’t right. No. This [b]can’t[/b] be right. Wrong, all this is wrong! Wrong, wrong, wrong![/i] In a fury, Suzaku screamed, ripping away at his top, and placing his hand on his chest. [i]... So it’s true.[/i] As soon as he made that realization, Suzaku crumpled to the ground, on his knees. He had calmed down just as fast as he started panicking just earlier. [color=silver]”So this is it, then,”[/color] he spoke to the figure as she walked away. [color=silver]”The end.[/color] [color=silver]”I didn’t expect for death to be a child, though.”[/color] The figure turned back, and looked at Suzaku. [b][color=lightsteelblue]”Oh?”[/color][/b]. Without hesitation, the figure made a neat U-Turn and faced Suzaku. Ignoring his second comment, the figure continued to speak. [b][color=lightsteelblue]”The end? That’s a scary thought. Hey, Nakayama, that’s your name, right? What makes you think this is the afterlife?”[/color][/b] Taking a few deep breaths to calm down, Suzaku clutched at his chest. He allowed himself to absorb his surroundings before he replied. A shadowy room with a shadowy figure… of course Suzaku would only come to such a conclusion that he’s dead. It must be so…. How could it be otherwise? He heard the twang of that arrow, and felt the impact of it all; Recalling what had happened at that moment caused him to wince, slightly. [color=silver]”... Nakayama’s my family name, but yes. “And it [b]must[/b] be the end. There was nothing left for me after that arrow found its mark. It’s true. The moment that arrow sunk in, I was denied living the rest of my life. I didn’t even get to do what I wanted to, when I think about it. Does this mean I will become a hungry ghost? No, I’m sure I wouldn’t be contacted by you if that were the case… Am I destined for Naraka, then?”[/color] Suzaku slowly stood up as he mused on about what he believes is his apparent afterlife, which he spoke about in an oddly calm manner. [color=silver]”Either way, if you are indeed the Reaper, I will have to decline my death. There is still something I must accomplish in this life that I cannot wait to do in the next.”[/color] The figure lifted what appeared to be it’s head. It was unclear if it actually had eyes, and if it would even be able to stare at all, but if it did have eyes it would likely be staring ahead thoughtfully. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Hmm. Something… [i]itches[/i].”[/b][/color] Finally, the figure reached one hand out to place on Suzaku’s cheek. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Nakayama. If this is the after life, then let me be your reaper.”[/b][/color] The figures face twitched, as if it was a leaf swaying in the winds of a storm. [b][color=lightsteelblue]”In exchange for more time, Nakayama Suzaku will form a contract with me.”[/color][/b] [color=silver]”It’s decided, just like that?”[/color] Suzaku looked to the face of the one who had just put him into a position to make such a binding decision. Was it something he said that placed him in such a position? In either case, Suzaku felt like he had no choice in the matter. Letting out a sigh, Suzaku nodded in agreement. [i]What else do I have left to lose? I’m already dead…[/i] [color=silver]”Very well, but I would like two things: My own bow, and a chance for me to become something… [b]someone[/b] better. A [i]hero[/i], if you will.”[/color] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Hmm… It could be arranged.”[/b][/color]. The figure extended one hand towards Suzaku. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”How interesting. How very interesting…”[/b][/color] Suzaku extended his arm forward, shaking the figure’s hand in kind. [color=silver]”I suppose this is the dotted line that I am supposed to sign, then. Very well. I hope you’re fine with me.”[/color] [/hider] [hider=Priscilla Rosengarten] [color=#ffb6c1][b]"..."[/b][/color] The lively, motor-mouthed Priscilla suddenly turned quiet. Her glistening eyes were transfixed at the road ahead of her. [i]It was pitch black. Everywhere.[/i] It was as if she had opened the door to another realm. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"Wha.. What is this? Why is it so dark? I thought it was morning!"[/b][/color] Quickly, she turned around, only to find that it was gone. Not only the doors, but even her beloved home was no longer behind her. Her bag landed on the sable flooring, leaving the utterly confused seventeen-year old's grasp. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"Am I... dreaming?"[/b][/color] Priscilla wiped her eyes for clarity, but opening them once more only sealed the certainty that it wasn't. She didn't move from where she was, only looking around her to see if there was anything distinct from the endless darkness. It was dreadfully quiet, which complements the pitch black to strike her with absolute unease. At last, she gave the appropriate reaction. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"What the hell is going on?!?!"[/b][/color] Her screech echoed along the void, slowly losing her semblance of rational thought. And then finally, something, or someone, materialized from the darkness. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Fascinating. I can sense a gate within this one also.”[/b][/color] Suddenly, a featureless figure appeared in front of Priscilla. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"Ah!!"[/b][/color] She was in shock, for the first thing that appeared in this bizarre gloom was a being that harmonized with it. It’s voice was feminine, but it’s figure was that of a child. It stepped closer to her, and leaned in. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"W-wh.. Who are you?! What are you?!"[/b][/color] Priscilla asked with defined fear on her visage, stepping back with the same pace as his until he closened the gap. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"Eeeeeeek!"[/b][/color] There was no denying it. This figure was entirely featureless, except for it’s outline contrasting the void around it. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Well, Priscilla. I’m told the circumstances of your arrival have been changed from our last guest.”[/b][/color] The figure leaned back, and extended one featureless hand to the yet to respond girl in front of it. When the mentally worn Priscilla thought nothing could surprise her at this point, this unknown entity [i]knew[/i] her name, of all things. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"U-um..."[/b][/color] She would accept his offer for a handshake, if this were under any normal circumstances. But this was an event beyond her comprehension that it was only painfully obvious that she wouldn't. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Welcome to my world!"[/b][/color] [color=#ffb6c1][b]"WAAAAAAIIIIIIIIITTTTTTT!!! Hold on!! Just give me a breather here!"[/b][/color] Priscilla exclaimed, her arms extended forward as if to stop him, followed by a brief exhale. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"Y-you're a freaking weirdo, you know that?! Can't you understand the situation you've put me in?! Put yourself in my shoes! In the first place, you didn't even answer me! Who are you?! What ARE you?! Where are we?! What the hell is going on?!"[/b][/color] She was angrily pointing her finger at the featureless figure, her loud, drawn-out ramblings emanating throughout the dark world, though anyone placed in her situation would find it very justified. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"And what is this about my arrival and your world?! Answer me!"[/b][/color] And then, she stopped, exhaling once more. But her inquiries weren't finished there. [color=#ffb6c1][b]"How... do you know my name...?"[/b][/color] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Hmmm. Hmmm… Yes.”[/b][/color] The figure responded curtly, and took step forward into Priscilla’s personal space. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”What’s my name? Hey. You don’t know it? Right?”[/b][/color] It’s head tilted slightly to its side, and the figure remained there for a moment. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”But… you don’t know my name. Me knowing you knowing me learning what your name is… there’s no value in that, right? H-Hey. Don’t you have any idea where you are?”[/b][/color] [color=#ffb6c1][b]”Ugh…”[/b][/color] Her anxiety shifted to aggravation, Priscilla covered her head, rubbed her face and confronted the figure,her forlorn facial expression prominent. [color=#ffb6c1][b]”Look… I don’t think I need this weird dream from out of nowhere right now… I have exams coming up… Can you please just bring me back to reality? Whoever, no… Whatever you are!”[/b][/color] The figure turned away, and placed both of it’s shadowy hands on it’s nose. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”After I have been so kind. After I have been so so so kind…”[/b][/color] The figure turned back to Priscilla, and reached out to grab her shoulder. [b][color=lightsteelblue]”You want to go back to reality, but what you mean is you want to leave here? Right? RIGHT!? How much is that worth?”[/color][/b] [color=#ffb6c1][b]“Isn’t that the same thing?! How do you expect me to react to all of this and be sane after?!”[/b][/color] And then, Priscilla paused. It was pointless. Talking to it and talking to a brick wall were pretty much indistinguishable. It was most certainly messing with her head. She plopped down on the pitch-black bed, asking the figure once more.[color=#ffb6c1][b]“What do you want from me...? Why is this happening to me…?”[/b][/color] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Make a deal with me.”[/b][/color] The figure responded promptly. Priscilla’s behavior was at first alarming, which had put the figure on edge. Now, the figure was somewhat disillusioned and it showed in its voice. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”I’ll let you leave this void, if you form a contract with me.”[/b][/color] [color=#ffb6c1][b]”A-alright! Alright, already!”[/b][/color] The waif exclaimed, half-reluctant but she wasn’t given much choice on the matter. There wasn’t any point in dragging this further. [color=#ffb6c1][i]”I’ll just remember this as a bad dream, and move on...”[/i][/color] Getting back to her feet and pulling her bag which she just noticed to have stayed with her in the encompassing void, Priscilla approached the figure. [color=#ffb6c1][b]“So what is this… contract?”[/b][/color] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”A deal. One thing for another, you know, just a little thing called commerce.”[/b][/color]. The figure retracted its hand, and reached the other towards Priscilla in a hand shake gesture. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Hey. You said you value leaving this void? That’ll do. In exchange for that, I’ll form a contract with you.”[/b][/color] [color=#ffb6c1][b]”... Fine.”[/b][/color] She still doesn’t fully understand, but hey. [color=#ffb6c1][i]”Maybe all of this has happened for a reason, right?”[/i][/color] It was, as far as logic would go, seem to be the most acceptable explanation for everything that had transpired up till now. Extending her right arm at last, Priscilla’s palm making contact with the anonymous’ own. [/hider] [hider=Kimura Yuuki] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Amazing. It’s so amazing. After weeks of nothing, we’re on our third successful trial.”[/b][/color] Suddenly, a featureless figure appeared in front of Yuuki. It’s voice was feminine, but it’s figure was that of a child. It was fairly animated, but when it turned toward Yuuki it froze. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Hm? Something’s not right…”[/b][/color] The figure took a few steps forward. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”How did you get here?[/b][/color] The darkness of the snowy night was replaced by something much less meaningful, an emptiness vaster than even the icy plains that he had grown up with all his life. For a moment, the lack of a constant, biting cold perturbed him, like the absence of something important yet unidentifiable, but soon, he discarded such feelings. There was darkness, yes, and his mind was weighed down by more than his worries and his lack of sleep, but Yuuki still had a goal. So he walked onwards, the snow melting off his rubber-soled boots, searching for any change within this blackened world. But the void was uniform in its emptiness. Uniform except for the indistinct aberration that emerged before him. Instinct told him to strike. Intuition told him to escape. Reason told him to stand his ground. And that’s what he chose. The tools strapped to his large pack rattled against each other as he stopped, pulling down his scarf to show a harmless smile. A god? A ghost? A dreamweaver? [b]“I walked,”[/b] Yuuki replied simply, [b]“Would you happen to know how I can leave? Can’t keep my friend waiting and all.”[/b] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”I walked?”[/b][/color] The creature leaned back, and placed both its hands on it’s hips. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”What do you mean ‘I walked’? This is not true. That is very not true.”[/b][/color] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Could it be — [i]you lied to me?[/i]”[/b][/color] The figure leaned forward, and assumed a more neutral stance with its hands. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Hey. Kimura Yuuki. That was your name, right?”[/b][/color] The creature darted forward, faster than any normal man could react to, until it’s face was nearly pressed up against Yuuki’s chest. This close, it was undeniable that it was a featureless outline. Logically speaking, it shouldn’t even be able to make noise — there was no visible orifices on its body. It looked up at Kimura, before speaking. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”You want to know how to leave this void, right? How much would that be worth to you.”[/b][/color] [b]“What I mean? Well, I walked, and then I came here,”[/b] Yuuki said with a shrug, [b]“And yeah, that’s me. Don’t think we met though? What’s your na-”[/b] This time, he did take a step back, grabbing some distance again even though there was no hope in matching the impossible speed of this formless avatar. Dangerously fast, even if it was such a small existence. His blue eyes narrowed, just slightly, before he held his hands up, in a show of non-hostility. [b]“Wow, you’re a fast one, aren’t cha?”[/b] the youth half-laughed, [b]“Before I answer your question though, gotta ask...does it mean anything to you if I’m stuck here? If you’re lonely or something, I can arrange for occasional visits or something. Just can’t sell my soul or such, yea?”[/b] The figure stepped back, and... [i]growled?[/i]. It turned what was presumably it’s head down, in what probably would have been a show of anger for a normal fully featured human. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Nonononono. No. You being here is worth nothing. You cannot trade for it. You can not trade it. It’s valueless.”[/b][/color] The figure looked up again. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”No more questions. Just tell me. What value do you give to your life.”[/b][/color] [b]“A value equivalent to the lives of three others.”[/b] A pause, before he scratched his chin, that damnable half-smile emerging again. [b]“I mean, like, yeah, can’t exactly do anything else while I’m dead and all, so that’s pretty high priority, right? Not like I got here by killing myself.”[/b] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Can you be so sure about that? Hey, Yuuki. You said three lives, right? Then...”[/b][/color] The figure extended its arms out to its sides, and lifted it’s chin up. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”In exchange for that life, you will form a contract with me.”[/b][/color] Yuuki let out a low whistle. [b]“You’re saying you’ll kill me if I don’t form the contract?”[/b] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”I said what I said. It’s your responsibility to interpret it.”[/b][/color] the figure extended it’s hand towards Yuuki. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Shake my hand, and form a contract. If you refuse, I’ll destroy everything. I no longer have time for questions. Decide now.”[/b][/color] [b]”Same old, same old, huh?”[/b] Yuuki reached out towards the aberration, grasping its hand tightly. [b]“Well, there we go. What’s next?”[/b] [/hider] [hider=Ashton Andrews] [b][color=lightsteelblue]”Hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm”[/color][/b] Ashton could hear a voice permeate the darkness. It was a very feminine voice, and did not sound very young at all. However, when he looked for the source of the noise, he would only find a small featureless child standing contrast to the nothingness around him. [b][color=lightsteelblue]”Interesting. How interesting. It makes me itch...”[/color][/b] The figure took a few steps forward, until it was close enough to breath on Ashton. After a brief pause where it did nothing, it took a step back. [b][color=lightsteelblue]”Od Laguna has been [i]very[/i] generous to this one.”[/color][/b] [b][color=lightsteelblue]”So, [i]Ashton Andrews[/i]. Welcome to this world.”[/color][/b] Ashton’s first reaction to being stuck in the void was to deny its reality; he must have been dreaming, he must still be dreaming! The second reaction, once denial can no longer be sustained, was to tremble in fear, fear that he would no longer see Pidgey II again. [i]Calm down, wait for help,[/i] he thought, and some more seconds (?) later, someone [i]did[/i] come. And it confirmed Ashton’s worst fears. “I have a family who loves me! I have a pet and a house and a life! You can’t take me away from them!” the boy was terrified, even as he patted his pockets for his written guide that he had written for fun. He felt the small scrapbook on the left side of his pants; small comfort. [i]I presume there are advantages to taking someone content with their life, though,[/i] were further thoughts. [i]Just dangle the prospect of return and they’ll jump like a fish.[/i] [b][color=lightsteelblue]”Hmm? Od Laguna is very interesting. Alright then, Ashie.”[/color][/b] The figure stepped back, and turned away. [b][color=lightsteelblue]”You’re awfully acute to immediately tell me what you value most. Hey, Ashie, before we do anything else, how about you tell me how much that life was worth to you.”[/color][/b] Ashton looks archly at the Slenderboy or Slendergirl that had just appeared before him, saying: “Oh, no, I am not giving you material with which to emotionally manipulate me more, not without something equivalent in return. And while I am curious about who this Od Laguna is, that’s only worth a sliver of information from me, I feel it.” [b][color=lightsteelblue]”Emotionally… Hah. Haha. Hey. Hey Ashie. Sometimes I get very itchy. My face itches. My leg itches. My arm itches. But I don’t have any skin to itch.”[/color][/b] The figure stopped, and raised both its arms up towards whatever passed as a sky in this void. [b][color=lightsteelblue]”I would trade so very much for a skin, Ashie. I would trade this world, your world, every world that ever existed.”[/color][/b] Abruptly, the figure lowered its arms and swiveled around towards Ashton. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”But you don’t have a skin for me. Do you now understand the situation you’re in? I am going to offer you a trade. I would like to know how valuable your life was.”[/b][/color] The boy, his sixteen years showing on his wide, fearful eyes, nodded. “Sorry, sir or ma’am; I should have realized you held all the cards.” Nodding, he would think it over for a few seconds, making sure to glance at the featureless child at least twice in order to indicate that he wasn’t avoiding the question, before saying: “I value it. I value it a lot. I want to go back, I want to go back to my parents and Pidgey II and my friends and everyone.” A sudden realization that almost brought tears to his eyes. “But I’m not going back, am I? Are there at least people who need my help? New friends?” [i]Don’t ask about adventure or a test of capabilities.[/i] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Then, let’s make a deal.”[/b][/color] Neatly avoiding Ashtons second question, the figure extended its arms out to its sides, and lifted its chin up. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Form a contract with me, in exchange for that life.”[/b][/color] The response was, “What choice do I have? And what’s your name anyway?” The figure lowered its chin and arms. It tilted it’s head. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Cameron. I am the New God’s queen.”[/b][/color] The figure extended it’s arm forward, then continued speaking. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Shake my hand, and we’re done here. If you refuse…”[/b][/color] The figure reached into its… [i]pocket?[/i] Regardless, it materialized an item somehow. Upon further inspection, it was a purple pocket watch. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Then I’ll destroy everything. I don’t have time to answer questions. Decide now.”[/b][/color] Ashton shook Cameron’s hand; he won’t waste time. [/hider] [hider=Hilda Gunarsson] [color=yellow]pending[/color] [/hider] [hider=Alistair Archibald] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Alistair? Your name is more familiar than the last five.”[/b][/color] A featureless figure appeared in front of Alistair. It had the voice of a woman, but the figure of a small child. There was no details, no marks, no anything on its body besides a vague outline surrounding it. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”You’ve also been blessed by Od Laguna. Very interesting. Very very very interesting.”[/b][/color] The figured leapt towards Alistair, and stopped a few feet in front of him [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Alistair. Do you know where you are right now?”[/b][/color] The appearance of this 'figure' had surprised Alistair initially, though only for the briefest of moments. He adopted a scowl, almost as if he were irritated at the presence of this 'thing', and attempted to stare it down before realizing that it possessed no eyes with which to do so. [color=c1ba46]"Do I know where I am?"[/color] Alistair scoffed, eying his surroundings in an exaggerated manner before returning his gaze to the figure. [color=c1ba46]"Certainly not."[/color] he declared as though it were something to be proud of. [color=c1ba46]"But I do know where I was. I remember I was at home, and even better, I recall not falling prey to any form of alcohol or blunt trauma to the head. So that should mean that I am not suffering some sort of hallucination, which is what common sense tells me would be the cause for this dark void. So no, I am at a complete loss as to where in the world I am currently."[/color] When his ‘assessment’ of the situation had concluded, he took a short, but noticeable pause, before asking of the figure, [color=c1ba46]“Have I died, somehow?”[/color] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Od Laguna is [i]very generous[/i] today. Blessed by Od Laguna. Very very very interesting.”[/b][/color] The figure leaned in closer, until it was close enough to breathe on Alistair. [b][color=lightsteelblue]”Hey? Archibald, right? You’re the fifth consecutive subject to think that. I wonder if dying actually does feel like this.”[/color][/b] [b][color=lightsteelblue]”Well, [i]Archie[/i], I’ve decided that I’m going to be the reaper of this after life today. [i]Let’s make a trade.[/i]”[/color][/b] Alistair didn't seem too fond of the invasion of his personal space, turning his head away in apparent disgust. [color=c1ba46]"I wouldn't know what death feels like, and I’d rather not find out."[/color] he replied, taking a long step away from the figure. His face betrayed an intense dislike of the nickname the being had suddenly given him, but it softened upon hearing the proposition. [color=c1ba46]“I’m intrigued. What sort of trade could a ‘reaper’ want with myself?” [/color] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Hey, Archie?”[/b][/color] The figure took another step forward, back into Alistair's personal space [color=lightsteelblue][b]”You said you’d rather not find out how death feels to you. How much is that worth?”[/b][/color] [color=c1ba46]“Uh…”[/color] Alistair suddenly felt a bit nervous. [color=c1ba46]“I’m not sure I follow. What’s the worth of anything if I die? That is the implication, no?”[/color] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”[i]Huh?[/i]”[/b][/color]. The figure froze, and the outline around it wavered. For a second, it looked like it was disappearing, but it quickly reverted back to its original state. The next words out of its mouth were monotone and androgynous. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”You mean… Your life does not have much value?”[/b][/color] [color=c1ba46]"I'm offended by such a suggestion! My life is the most valuable possession I have!"[/color] he declared, obviously upset by the figure. He paused for a moment to cool down, figuring it best to think clearly. [color=c1ba46]"You must have misunderstood. I was asking what use is the deal if I were to give my life? I can't see any benefits in it, for me. But perhaps I'm making odd assumptions here. Talking in a void with a faceless being is a bit out of my comfort zone, I'll admit."[/color] He shook his head. [color=c1ba46]"Anyway, do go on. What is this trade you wish to make?"[/color] The figure let out what was presumably a sigh of relief. It continued to speak, this time in the notably feminine voice it began with. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”[i]Itch…[/i] Alright. Alright Archie. Your life is your most valuable possession, right? Good. Goodgoodgoodgoodgood.”[/b][/color] The figure placed both hands on its hips, and lifted what was presumably it’s chin. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Then… trade it to me. In exchange for your life, you will form a contract with I, the New God’s queen.”[/b][/color] [color=c1ba46]"That's an interesting title."[/color] Alistair commented, his tone almost sounding disappointed despite this. [color=c1ba46]"And this contract, what does it entail? I was taught to read the fine print, after all."[/color] [color=lightsteelblue][b]”The title’s a little much… Well, you can call me Cameron. For our contract, you’ll have to know at least one name. That said.”[/b][/color] Cameron turned away from Alistair, and then back. This time, when it spoke, it’s voice was softer. [color=lightsteelblue][b]”I’ve been telling people that I don’t have the time to list the terms of our contracts, but the truth is that you’ll just end up forgetting when it’s forged. I suppose it’s okay for you to know that.”[/b][/color] Cameron’s voice hardened again, and it extended a featureless hand to Alistair [color=lightsteelblue][b]”Alistair Archibald. Shake my hand, and form a contract. If you refuse, I will destroy everything. Decide now.”[/b][/color] [color=c1ba46]"Hmm..."[/color] as if taking a moment to weigh the two options, Alistair started rubbing his chin. Finally, after perhaps a minute had passed, he looked back up at the figure. [color=c1ba46]"I suppose, given the circumstances, declining perhaps would not be the wisest choice. Had you a face and were we not in the middle of nothingness, I might be inclined to challenge your rather bold claim."[/color] He extended his hand. [color=c1ba46]"Alright, Cameron, it seems we've a deal. I'm glad I had a choice."[/color] and then shook the figure's hand. [/hider] One by one, the figure made it's way through the new inhabitants of this world forming contracts. Until finally, the figure had finished. When the figure had finished, a word echoed throughout the Abyss. [color=black][b]”Shamak”[/b][/color] And the void faded. [hr] The new inhabitants of this world found themselves sitting in a seat in a large spacious room. They were littered around one large table, which seemed to encompass a large majority of the floor space. A thin layer of dust adorned every object in the room, including the seats that the newly summoned were sitting on. In the corners of the large room, there was large cob webs, and mice were audibly skittering along the walls. There was a faint but noticeable mildew smell in the room also. By the looks of things, the non-natives were in some sort of abandoned meeting room. The sound of a crowd could be heard out side, bustling along a street and going about their lives. Among other sounds, there was a loud burly voice shouting about recruitment for knighthood, another loud but softer voice shouting about wares they were presumably selling, and the sound of a large animal making it's way down the street. Every Isekaier appeared to have arrived at the same time, the moment the word Shamak was heard.