oddsandends | 81st ♫ | the gift of life is magical, not just mathmatical

[ This toplevel is ACTUALLY just here for Mastermind BB like i said on plurk BUT HERE'S MY USUAL TOPLEVEL FOR HER IF YOU WANT THAT ANYWAY

Name: BB | Champion of the Mooncell / MoonCancerous (you can pick your poison i'm not fussy)
Age: Good question! | Species: A.I. | Occupation: Final boss-style kouhai
Likes: Senpai, bullying little piggies, humans
Dislikes: Cleaning up everyone's mess, her embarrassing past, humans.
Trivia: Don't be tricked when she acts like a villain. BB's a pure maiden at heart. ♡
[ An A.I. who's been brought down to the level of a lowly regular human and is SERIOUSLY not happy about it. She's a bit of a troll with a petty, sadictic streak who likes stirring up trouble, but has a good heart when things come down to the wire. She calls herself an evil villain and yet, she opposes evil and villainy with all her heart. ♡

since C.C.C. has yet to be properly translated I'm working entirely off the FGO translation and what I can pull together from the wikis s–SO PLEASE GO EASY ON ME ]

[ so all that evil speeching and dramatic unveiling just happened. Everyone is yelling or crying or protagging... and there's the clickclick of high heels.

The survivors part like the red sea and Sae Nijima makes her way over to BB. After everything that's happened surely she has something to say.

...

Instead she will, unless stopped, just fucking open palm smack the taste right out of her mouth]

Whoa, whoa, you're the one behind all this? Like- just to clarify, we're not misunderstanding that.

[Murphy Farenheit, Champion of the Code, is staring in disbelief at the small woman who had just declared herself the architect of their despair.]

...That is so cool. Can I have your autograph before we kick your butt?

[Okay, so this lady's given them titles, they can't remember their names, and they're supposed to be killing each other. Or something. Everyone's freaking out about it. "Caster of White," as the profiles call her, is shrinking into her wheelchair and wringing her hands, but really, she should say something to their captor, right?]

Um... Are you sure you've got the right people? I mean, we aren't special or heroic! Probably. I mean, I'm sure some of these people are! I don't mean to offend anyone!

[Why this.]

Name: Kumi Kawahara | Champion of Water / Disappointing (or Caster of White if we're doing the What If That Scrapped Fate/ Murdergame thing that inspired the meme)
Age: 23 | Species: Human (despite the head frills) | Occupation: Apprentice Cook
Likes: Sweets, books, not being bullied
Dislikes: Herself, amounting to nothing, her old mentor
Traits: Nervous, burnt-out
Trivia: Kumi is a failed chosen one for elemental spirits.

Name: Ardyn Lucis Caelum | Champion Condemned / Adagium
Age: ~2000 | Species: Human-passing | Occupation: Healer, chancellor, arbiter of the end times
Likes: Wine, chess, his car
Dislikes: His brother, his family, Bahamut
Trivia: Formerly engaged to an archaeologist.

[pick your poison: prologue nice guy, canon game shithead, airlocked AU, i'm down]

Edited 2020-06-10 06:39 (UTC)

[It had been a long journey. Though in the sense of time, 'long' for some was 'an instant' to others. And yet so much had already transpired in that time period; a monster had reclaimed humanity, remembered what it was to live again. He'd fought with himself time and again over what he was and what he'd been, struggling to relearn what it was to exist for other people's sake as well as his own.]

[Ultimately, he'd died so no one else would have to, and none left behind were surprised at the outcome. Of course Ardyn Tenmyouji would accept death in place of anyone else still among them, for those they were still trying to save. That was the kind of person he had become.]

[So why, then, was a man with cold yellow eyes and tied back violet hair calmly standing before them now, in a dark coat and hat as if hiding from the overhead lights? Why was there a distinct aura of something deep and dark and unknowably evil around him?]

I think we've all had quite enough of this, have we not?

[It had been a passing fear, when they had been captured between seasons. One quickly disproven, and now one confirmed by that sickly-sweet tone. The idea that what was taken away could be somehow replaced. And what better series finale than an unexpected twist, what better way to crush any resistance from the Champions than turning one of their de facto leaders?]

[...Best laid plans, however. Their hold on Xander had already been shaky, and a gamble like this one certainly couldn't have paid off. Whether she and Price were even still alive was unclear; there had been no physical sign of either in the investigation on the way here.]

I certainly have. It's well past time we brought this whole tale to an end. [He gestured vaguely with a gloved hand; shadows swirled through his fingers like water and evaporated like steam.] We need not bother with introductions, though a grand re-entrance is never complete without one. [With a flourish, he removed his hat in a sweeping bow before straightening back up and replacing it.]

Ardyn Lucis Caelum is my proper name. And it is one I'll see known across the stars henceforth.

[mind's consumed with fury]

Edited 2020-06-10 06:40 (UTC)

["One if those they were trying to save" was here in fact- brought from the simulated death by one motive or another, it didn't matter.

And as they traveled here they found a lot of the items still waiting to be sent down by the Benifactors. Which is why Ardyn now has a very bright green light arrow pointed at him. The PIP might counter powers, but an item is an item. And Xander already had his so like hell was Takumi going to be out done by a Nohrian traitor.]

You need to stop show boating and start talking.

[Odd, all that evil smoke and fuckface is making Takumi very very nervous and when he gets nervous arrows start flying, even at former friends]

Edited 2020-06-10 20:11 (UTC)

Really now, Takumi. Need I even tell you how little good that will do?

It'd make me feel better.

[he's petty enough. In fact, if it really won't effect anything... he takes the shot right there.

And with a flick of his shoulders sends two more where he predicts Ardyn would go if he dodged. He only saw warping once- when Junpei had the power. But it's enough to know what might be coming.

And he knows Ardyn favors one leg over the other, so that gives him a better idea of the direction he'd naturally take. It's not a perfect prediction, but it's enough for him to bet on.

And honestly even if Ardyn just takes it to prove a point he won't complain. It WILL make him feel better]

[The Champions are reaching the end.

You've descended into the depths of the spaceport. You've had to fend off your latest Overseer, PAL. It took violence, in the end; his programming - re-programming, as you've all come to recall - never slipped an inch. There's nothing there of the little robot you recall. Luckily you had help: the secretive spaceport AI SIS, who whispers from monitors and only flickers into holographic form where the cameras can't see. She's clever and quick, and knows more than she says.

(She has friends somewhere on the outside, you know, people she's in contact with. Still, she always seems a little sad.)

The room you find does not seem set up for a dramatic, televised confrontation. It's like a hospital or a lab space, brightly-lit and sterile. You can easily see the faces of all your dead friends, asleep in the shiny steel pods stored on the walls.

Standing at the main console, Dr. Yl'lb Ein looks up as you enter. He looks much the same as he ever did, dressed in a neat suit with a lab coat over it. There's no bowtie, though, and he rolls his eyes upon seeing you.]

Oh. I suppose it was too much to ask that Nina keep the subjects contained, for once.

[This is going to contaminate so much potential data...turning from the console, Yl'lb flicks his hovering tablet screen into being and presses a button.]

Send someone down to deal with this. [And, with another button, a warning pulse jolts through all of your PIPs.] I suggest you all wait quietly.

[ science rules!!! ]

(( also this is the context ))

Edited 2020-06-11 05:16 (UTC)

[So, there are several ways people have reacted to their hostess, BB. Some people have settled on just living in fear of her. Some are actively plotting against her. A few have attacked her and suffered for it. A few others have tried to seduce her and also suffered for it. (It's unclear whether that's a success or a failure.)

And then there's Commanding, as her profile calls her, or Arianna, as almost everyone else calls her, who immediately decided that they were friends in defiance of all logic and reason. Which is why she's seeking her out as a shoulder to cry on after a long trial with a painful conclusion.]

Dame BB...

[HEAVY PERSONA 5 ROYAL SPOILERS BELOW YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

It's been a few years since Nina was ousted and arrested. The survivors of her "show" have moved on.

And then, suddenly, there it is on the space news (the spews)- that she had been released due to a "lack of evidence" and "lack of mental culpability"

Odd, since last anyone checked she was already long convicted and all her crimes were well documented thanks to them, literally, being broadcast.

Any of the ex-Champions who investigated would find that, well, information is disappearing, and no one is really outcrying her release. And a few months later- a new "season" is announced.

This time for sure it's not real. Legally checked and double checked! All actors!

Of course after that people start... disappearing. New people and old champions alike.

This time your Overseer is-

- not Maruki- It's some sleazy guy?. Takashi Koizumi seems to delight in all the new tortures he inflicts on you all and is more than capable to just killing anyone in his way. Proving a point when he shoves a spoon into the top of someone's hand on day one when they got too sassy.

He's not the only one here though. As part the "show" of this being above board and safe there's a therapist in staff to talk to! And unlike Takashi he seems to be disgusted by all this even though he seems convinced it's fake. He's here to listen and help though in private required sessions!

Odd though, over time it's Takashi that seems to get swayed more and more to you side... and Maruki that digs his heels in that it's fake.

... so maybe it's not a surprise that when you call out the show runner it's him who steps out above you all.

Oh, and your "overseer" is in a gilded cage nearby, literally cursing up a storm and chewing the bars. Someone might have labled it "gay baby jail" at some point.]

... does it really have to come to this, we're almost done. It's almost over.

Edited 2020-06-12 18:26 (UTC)

[ Name: Haruna Wakasa | Champion Survivor
Age: 16 | Species: Human | Occupation: Average High School Student
Likes: Sour candies, ramen, bears
Dislikes: Rainy days, homework, zombies
Traits: Cheerful, energetic, clever
Trivia: Her friends and family call her "Ruu".

Ruu's not, shall we say, a veteran in matters of murder but once she wises up to what's going on she buckles down into survivor mode like a pro. She's not happy with any of what's going on, and sometimes she's sick to her stomach with the idea of what might be happening back home, how much everyone must be worrying... but that's just all the more reason to get the hell through this. No matter how bad the universe apparently wants her dead, Ruu's not going down without a fight.

Her preferred method seems to be killing with kindness. From day one, she makes it her personal goal to annoy both their Overseer and their therapist into being her new BFFs. It works, in a weird, lopsided sort of way – she and Takashi get along, even though she tells him to his face she thinks he's a crapface who can rot in hell for what he's doing but, eh. What's a few strong words between Champion and Overseer? Really, it's just the name of the game. Maruki, she never gets a real read on, but she's careful never to trust him as far as she can spit, which goes against literally all of her instincts as someone who goes to real, actual therapy. But it works, and it keeps her alive.

And she's determined to keep as many of her new friends alive as she can, too. Even though it takes so long for them to finally get a leg up, now they've got the showrunners cornered, she won't be letting them go without a fight. ... Probably a real, actual fight at this point. By the time Maruki comes stepping out in his suit and hit shitty slicked back hair, she really wants to punch something.

And in the face of all this... there's only one thing she can say. ]

I fucking knew it! [ A near-hysterical bark of furious laughter. ] You shady sack of shit!

[he looks legit started by her out burst, almost knocking over his little podium]

Wa... wakasa-san! Now there's no need for that, please.

[Takashi is cackling from his cage]

Could you not?

There's every need for it! Eat shit! [ KIRBY'S FUCKING PISSED ] Was it fun, sitting around and listening to us spill our guts to you? About how freaked out we all were and how much we wanted to get out of here and go home? Did you get off on it, you fucking freak? What the hell is the matter with you?!

[ By the time she's done with her little rant, she's panting like she's just run a marathon. Looks like she's been holding onto that for a while. ]

Oh... Wakasa-san no, not at all! It broke my heart knowing you've been suffering like this. Not just here, but it your lives before this too.

I doubt you can forgive me for this, but I promise this is for your sake.

Edited 2020-06-12 22:46 (UTC)

[ There's so much to unpack here that she could turn into more swears but – okay, answers now, beating up a shitty old man later, (ruu he's like thirtysomething) ]

My sake? So, kidnapping me, putting me in the middle of your tripped out death game, that was all for me? Wow, thanks! I feel so valid! Just one question – what the hell was I suffering from at home that risking getting me killed was worth it?!

You were luckier than most, thanks to your sister and the other Champions saving you.

Not all of the people here were so lucky. Your sister wasn't so lucky either.

Don't–

[ Ruu's hands slam into her podium and for a split second, it looks like she might be considering just lunging over the thing at him and taking her chances. But she just barely manages to restrain herself, even if she has to hold her podium in a death grip to do it. ]

... Don't you dare talk about her. You don't know anything about her! You don't know anything about either of us! So how can you talk about how lucky you think we were?!

I know more than you think. I know how your world was destroyed by zombies. How millions died. I know how you sometimes can hear her waking up in a panic at night because of it... and what happened to her on this show too. You told me some of it yourself.

[Some told him more than others, but anything he wasn't told outright, Azatoth whispered in his ear.]

That's why I brought you here- so I could help heal those wounds.

[And from the sidelines:]

Watch out. Guy thinks just because he can do some magic tricks that he can save the universe or some bullshit like that.

[Markui glares at his 'Overseer' but otherwise ignores him for now, much more interested in Ruu. His tone at least does seem very earnest]

[ Ruu blanches at his words, her knuckles bone white as she grips her podium. Heating him say that – it makes her feel greasy inside somehow like she's been turned inside out and examined. Like he's just announced he'll be reading excerpts from her diary to the group.

She really, really wants to take a swing at him. ]

So... that was your genius idea? You know what being in here did to her, so you went "oh, genius idea! I'll do it to her little sister, too!".

[ She scoffs in disgust. ]

You really are braindead. Whatever help you think you could give, we don't want it.

Please, at least listen to what I have to offer first. I'm not here to force you, after all. I'm a doctor- that goes against everything I believe in.

Let's start from the beginning. The world I come from is the same as someone you know. Or, well, I think they might be two different but closely related worlds. The name Akira Kurusu means something to you, does it? It's due to him, or the version of him that I know, that I was able to do what I'm doing now.

[First her sister, now one of her various 'uncles'- this dude is pulling out all the tricks]

[Unfortunately, it would seem that you're in yet another murdergame.

This round appears to be made up entirely of former Champions; for whatever reason, it seems you haven't been let go just yet. Your Overseer is either an AI or someone with an intercom system. Given the quality of the voice from the speakers that calls you for motives and trials, it's a little hard to tell which. They never provide a name, accepting any nicknames or insults anybody lobs at them without comment, and they don't seem terribly invested in all of this. No gloating over motives or deaths; it's all pretty businesslike.

(The one thing - they sounded extremely agitated over That One Case. You know the one; every murdergame has one. Killing is one thing, but if you make someone suffer unnecessarily...well, you'll get it taken out of you come execution time.)

It's not until the investigation that you can definitively prove there's a living person at the back of this. The room you all found didn't have really any personal effects, but there was a messy bed and some food, just enough for getting by.

This evidence isn't quite enough to draw him out. It's an accident, in the end. Someone throws something at the speakers in frustration, and the holo-screen displaying the names and votes flickers and dies. Behind it, Max is slumped at the control panel, head propped up on one of his hands. He seems, at best, mildly surprised by this.]

Oh, shit. Y'know, that's probably a rule violation or something, but I'm not gonna hold it against you. We're good.

[ Even though all she wants to do is pick up her podium and start beating him with it, Ruu makes herself take in and hold a shaky breath to... well, not calm herself down because she's too mad for that, but at least to keep her from flying off the handle until it's completely necessary. ]

What? Did you put him in murder therapy too?

[ ... that doesn't mean she's going to stop sassing him, of course. ]

81st ♫ | the gift of life is magical, not just mathmatical

BB | Fate

mastermind!

MASTERMIND

let's have the initial meeting after the intro log

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airlocked r5 mastermind/overseer AU for shiggles

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airlocked r5 mastermind/overseer au bc fuck nao specifically I guess

mastermind au but they're at an afterparty

Takuto Maruki | Persona 5 Royal | Airlocked R6/Gaiden AU

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airlocked mastermind/overseer au train

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