[open] this is halloween

[gunsandveggies]

WHO: Haru Okumura and YOU!
WHERE: Dreamscapes and Recolle U campus
WHEN: All through October
WHAT: Event shenanigans overflow, open to all!
WARNINGS: Violence, sexual harassment, will add if there's more

[ 1. FOG ]

[There's a text that appears over the network. Quick, messy, like someone's texting with one hand and not paying attention.]

Can someone walk me to the school bus stop there's a man following me

[Haru likes to save gas by taking the bus to school, and one of her classes unfortunately lets out a little late, with the fog rolling in. She won't answer any text replies, as she's busy trying to look out for the man who's following her, one hand on her phone and the other in her purse, hand around a can of mace. Above all, she tries to keep moving. She's not sure what will happen if she stops.

If someone goes to find her, they'll likely find her on campus, still walking. Or they won't find her, but this man, looking around the area with his hands fisted at his sides, black particles rising from his feet and disappearing into the air. He appears to be muttering to himself, unaware of the girl who's hiding behind the bushes.]

Where'd you go, you little bitch?



[ 2. KICKED OUT ]

[Ever since the nightmares started, Haru's tried to stay awake. But sometimes, she just can't do it...

You're out on the street. It's dark both directions, the only light coming from the house in front of you. After you get a feel for the place, the door to the house swings open, and Haru is pushed out forcefully. She lets out a yelp of shock, while the woman who pushed her yells,

"Get out! Don't ever come back!"

The door slams shut, and a lock is heard. The sound echoes through the area, sounding more like the lock is made out of large, heavy metal rather than just the usual small latch. Haru turns to the door and starts to knock, harder, then bang her hands against the wood.

"Maman! Maman! Please, please don't do this, please let me in!"

The wood turns into steel. The huge garden that surrounds her house withers and dies.
The windows, once warm and inviting, turn dark and cold. Frost and fog cover them, obscuring them even more. That doesn't stop Haru from going to them, banging on them, trying to wipe at the window to see inside.

"I take it back! We can go back to the way things were before, I promise! Maman!"

A sob escapes her, and she can only hold the windowsill for support as she starts to sink to her knees.

"Please..."]

[ 3. BULLIED ]

[You're in a school. The desks are small, and you have a hard time sitting. Likely a middle school.

Everyone else appears to be the same age, though; Late teenager, like Haru herself, who sits in the center desk. She looks different, though: Her hair isn't a curly fluff, but is straight, if slightly wavy. Her eyes look ahead to the teacher, and while there's numbers on the board, the lesson itself doesn't seem to make any sense. The teacher sounds more like he's muttering, and the numbers keep blurring in and out.

The person behind you taps your back. When you turn, their features are blurry, almost faceless. But the grin they give is clear.

"Watch this. She's such a pushover."

He tears out a paper from his notebook, crumples it up, then throws it at Haru's head. It hits, and Haru flinches... but she just takes in a deep breath, then stares ahead once more.

"Touchdown!"

The teen punches his fist in the air, then looks at you with his hand held up for a high five. He looks expectant. The teacher doesn't seem to notice.]

Comments

Yukiko

[gunsandveggies]

(from here)

[Haru's gaze remains on the spot where the Shadow disappeared, breathing deep to calm her nerves and to catch her breath. The ax in her hands also disappears, jolting her out of her daze from the heavy weight suddenly being gone. Because of that, she notices Yukiko and her Persona.

Any bruises she might have had are gone thanks to the Persona, and instead, that same giddy energy Yukiko feels seems to transfer to Haru as well. She smiles, first a small one, then a larger one, and she bounces on her feet while clasping her hands together.]

We did it! We did it! Ha ha!

[She grins, not hesitating to give a slight jump while she returns that high-five. There's something that seems familiar about it, but that's washed away in favor of the adrenaline-filled happiness she feels.]

You were incredible! You and your - Your Persona? Right?

[burningblossoms]

[This is absolutely what Yukiko had hoped for. That Haru would get back some of her spirit and happiness and not be dwelling on how much of an asshole that robot shadow man thing was. She grins and steps closer, putting an arm around Haru and using the other to gesture to her Persona. The glowing golden figure bows, deep and low, it's eyeless head seeming to look at them all the same.]

Absolutely we did. You and that ax. That was great!

[She'd love to know where it came from, but at the same time, she's feeling an urge to explain.]

And yes, it is. This is my Persona, Sumeo-Okami. Amaterasu.

[Since she is never sure who knows the more arcane form of the sun goddess's name. The Persona swirls her wings and vanishes in a puff of cherry blossoms and leaving behind the scene of chrysanthemums, her time spent. Yukiko lets out a puff of air, sagging slightly but still energetic and brimming with delight.]

Sorry. It...takes a lot of mental energy to keep her out for long. I'm still working on that part. But there you have it. My Persona. How'd you know what she was?

[gunsandveggies]

[Haru doesn't even know who Amaterasu is. It sounds familiar, like she's heard the name from her past here, but hadn't really looked into it. A Japanese figure, to be sure; maybe she could ask later.

Right now, though, she gives a pleasantly surprised noise at the Persona disappearing, but looks up at Yukiko as she sags, one arm going around her while trying to support her.]

Yukiko?

[The explanation settles her nerves a little, at least. It... makes sense, that a Persona would take energy. If that's all a mental thing, then... wow. Yukiko really is amazing.]

You mentioned it earlier, but - when I heard that name, it sounded so... familiar to me. I even had one of those visions, of someone - someone from my team - using one? I'm still not entirely sure if that's the case, but it was, at least, similar.

1) kukki can't escape me

[maskreant]

[ Akira notices the text and decides to come help his friend. While he would usually text or call to secure her location, it may give it away to this man that is following her. Quickly ambulating around campus, he's nimble on the tip of this toes. He has his own little illusions to deal with, but...

Is that her by the bush? And he hears some muttering in the distance. Quiet, he lays low before scuttling closer to her. Lightly he taps her shoulder and hopes she doesn't squeak. ]

ah but i lured you into my trap

[gunsandveggies]

[Haru's peeking through the space in the bush, worrying her lower lip and just hoping the man doesn't see her. The sudden hand on her shoulder doesn't make her squeak, but it does make her jump and take in a sharp gasp, then whirl around, her hand quickly moving to her purse to pull out her mace -

And stop halfway when she sees who it is. She stares for a second, eyes wide, before she lets out a sigh, her other hand moving to press against her chest.]

Akira! [She says it in a whisper, then scoots closer, both to get that feeling of safety and companionship, and to whisper to him further,] Did you get my text?

2

[me_matey]

-Everything about this situation screamed at May that she shouldn't be seeing this. That she had no goddamn right to see this. To witness this cold, dim scene and feel that deep, empathetic cut in her soul as she watched Haru desperately cry out for some kind of return to normalcy, return to warmth...

Yet here she was. There was no unseeing it, no unthinking the thoughts she had as she did so. She couldn't help drawing the comparisons. Her life had basically started on the streets, but that feeling of rejection, that feeling screwing up somehow, destroying what little family was left...

She'd walked out on the church. Johnny had put himself in prison trying to provide for her a remotely decent life. Being on your own. Out in the cold.

The cold that never let up, never showed any mercy... Black and dead.

She approached, laying a hand gently on Haru's shoulder. She didn't say anything, because what could she say? That it was going to be alright? They both knew that was bullshit. That she knew what it was like? Despite the similarities, that wasn't any more true. But something, she hoped, carried through that touch. Just a bit of warmth. Maybe not the one Haru wanted, but something that would keep that cold back..

... even if just for a little while.-

[gunsandveggies]

[Haru just about jumps out of her skin from the touch - There shouldn't be anyone else here. She turns with a gasp, barely seeing who it is from the tears in her eyes. Even with the blurry vision though, she can tell it's not anyone she knows - at least, not anyone she's met outside of texting.

There's still a crushing sense of despair that makes the area grow even colder, frost spreading along the walls and windows of the house. But Haru still tries to compose herself: She stands, wipes at her face, and tries to look at May with clearer eyes.]

I'm - Sorry, how did you...?

Goro

[gunsandveggies]

(from here)

[She listens to what he says, going along with the swaying while keeping just where she is. It's hard to imagine Goro being bullied, but then, she's sure there are others who know her who would've never thought she, too, had that problem. The thought of it makes her hands curl into Goro's shirt, even as she lets out a light, humorless laugh.]

If only we met earlier. We could've protected each other.

[She'll do so now, at least. She's not as meek as she was back then, not as likely to follow along with what someone says just to keep out of trouble.

It's cozy here, wrapped up like this. It makes the environment change again, this time to her own home. Goro will find a slip of paper underneath his hand, and if he looks at it, he'll find that it's a suspension note from school. It's only for a few days, the reason being for fighting on campus.]

[twostringsonebow]

[He eyes it, then looks down at the girl in front of him. Haru? Fighting others?

... Well, even he ended up lashing out now and then when it got too much, though he learned that just taking his lumps was nicer than asking for more. Easier to explain too, more than causing trouble for his family by getting suspended. Goro nuzzles into his hair, slipping the hand away to show her the note.]

I hope you weren't too injured in your fights? Or that the other guy looked worse, in any case.

Tatsuma

[gunsandveggies]

(from here)

Her name is Haru Okumura. [He even gives a slight bow.] I would appreciate whatever help you could give.

[So yes, it does indeed match. Meanwhile, Haru herself watches intently. Maybe she can catch up to the boy, explain what's going on... that this man isn't what he appears to be.]

[strawberrypunch]

[...That's a match, then. Tatsuma nods.]

Okay. I have to go now.

[And with that abruptly said, he does indeed begin to move in the opposite direction of where the man was heading, pulling out his phone. He isn't going to go to her message yet, because it would be just his luck if the guy caught sight of her name, but once he's able to he can try to text her...]

Noah

[gunsandveggies]

(from here)

I see! [She lets her petting follow where Tim is stretching, like she would with her cats.] Hello, Timcanpy! You're very sweet.

[But Noah was the one who helped her, so she makes her way to him, though she'll still pet Tim. He's just. He's cute, okay?]

Thank you... for helping me.

[redarm]

[Timcanpy smiles at the compliment. Wow those sure are some sharp teeth there. What the fuck.

Noah meanwhile rubs the back of his neck, feeling awkward. He just did what he thought was right. Nothing more to it. ]

Tch...you alright?

Cleo

[gunsandveggies]

(from here)

[Haru pauses at that, considering her options - but it doesn't take long for her to nod, letting out a little sigh as she does so.]

I'd be very grateful for that. [She sounds subdued, one loose fist rising to rest against her chest.] He hasn't followed me inside so far... It's only been out here. If I can just make it to the bus...

[If she's inside, he won't come after her. And she'd rather be in the safety and comfort of her home than elsewhere.]

[cattack]

[Not inside... That makes sense. These things only appear in the fog, and the fog can't follow them inside.]

If you'd prefer, my motorcycle is nearby, too.

[She glances back at where the axe fell.]

... Though, if I may ask... What was that axe?

Yusuke

[gunsandveggies]

(from here)

[For a second, Haru's hand remains outstretched, as if she didn't notice Yusuke slip in front of her. But after that, it's like a light bulb goes off: she blinks, her focus broken, and looks up at Yusuke as if she has no idea why he's here. He shouldn't be here. She'd call him later, it was the first thing on her mind, but he -

A dream. This is a dream. This is the same dream, just shifted to something different. That's right; before, it was her mother kicking her out for - being the way she is. Now it's a friend of hers, being hurt by... the way she is.

There seems to be a theme here.

Haru lets out a frustrated sigh, hands moving up to hold her upper arms while she looks away. Yusuke's no stranger to the more vulnerable parts of her, and he certainly knows of her fears and worries when it comes to this. But it's still not something she likes having on display.]

You - You're right. It's only a dream.

[fabrefactions]

[Yusuke lets out a relieved sigh, and leans forward just enough to bump his forehead against the top of Haru's head.

He's not going to bring it up. He knows that Haru has things she doesn't like to discuss - even if he knows where her romantic interests lie, it's one thing to know and one thing to be privy to all the fears she has about them. He has things he doesn't want to tell her as well. Close as they may be, they aren't one person after all.]

Yes. [He straightens up and taps a knuckle against the crown of her head.] Difficult though it may be, it would do you good to remember that while you are here. If you're aware of that then... they only hurt you as much as you let them.

[Or so he hopes.]

Vera

[gunsandveggies]

(from here)

[At that offer, Haru shuts her eyes and nods. A small part of her wants to handle things on her own, but there's a reason she sent out that text. That part of her is pushed down by the more rational side, the one that says she can't handle this alone.]

It's more than alright. Thank you. [She opens her eyes and looks out towards where the bus stop is.] I just need the bus to come. If I can get back home... But it looks like I missed the most recent one.

[The next one won't come for another fifteen, twenty minutes. So... yes. Walking around the campus with someone who knows their way around a sword would be a good idea.]

[heiroglyphs]

[Vera nods in response, giving her friend's hand one last gentle squeeze before letting her go. She isn't entirely certain how well she can protect her, but she's going to do everything she can to keep that nutcase away. Haru is such a sweet girl, and the thought of some scumbag hurting her just makes her angry.]

Okay. Any place in particular you'd like to wait? I'd say we should just walk around, but it might be a better idea to get out of this fog.

Shiori

[gunsandveggies]

[The girl's shrill laughter, and Shiori's reaction, makes Haru jump as well. Who is this girl? She's... She seems unwell. The grin, that laugh... Haru's tempted to just guide Shiori away. But... this is important. She knows it is.

Trying to hide her discomfort, Haru raises her free hand to her chest, a concerned frown on her face.]

Yes... You've mentioned Sora, but not Shiori.

[missingache]

[The girl stops laughing, staring at Shiori.] He's not supposed to exist. Things like him shouldn't exist. Things like me shouldn't exist. It's wrong.

[Shiori shakes his head, gripping the picture hard enough to start crumpling it.]

What the hell does that mean?! Of course I'm supposed to exist!

[Staying quiet, the girl shakes her head. She lifts a picture that is clearly Shiori in a black coat, tearing it right down the middle.]

Nobodies are abominations.

Yosuke

[gunsandveggies]

(from here!)

[Haru stares for a moment longer before she turns ahead, fingers twined together in her lap, gripping nervously. This can't be Yosuke, and this has potential to be dangerous, but she's not sure it's enough to risk going back outside to the danger that waits for her. Unfortunately, it takes a while to reach the stop near her home, but maybe she can deal with this for that long.]

No. You just seem... different.

[youraffection]

[ The Shadow cocks his head to the side, brow raised in amusement. ]

Oh yeah? I'm surprise you'd notice something like that. Then again, I guess you figured me out pretty quickly after that night, huh?

Ryousuke

[gunsandveggies]

(from here!)

Huh?

[She looks at the teacher, who doesn't seem to hear them. In fact, he seems to have disappeared, as if the dream didn't need him to be there anymore. Haru doesn't notice that, though, and instead, she looks up at him again.]

Blind? ... Oh, do you mean - [She chews on her bottom lip, her gaze flitting away.] No. I don't think so. They just don't want to see what's going on?

[handstrike]

Any half decent teacher should be paying attention.

[Ryousuke's calm composure is at odds with the anger that he's been able to get away with it up until now.

Bullies aren't something new to him. But he's always been one to give them hell, terrorising kids on the playground who'd dare pick on his younger sister. They'd never walk away with any kind of satisfaction if he could help it.

How can everyone turn a blind eye to this?]

That guy said he'll be waiting outside, right? Shall we go?