daiki1k

[daiki1k]

CHAT IS THIS REAL AM I DREAMING OML????????

[daiki1k]

HAPPY AZURE DAY!!

The Daiki glaze omg hey. Heh.

TOV MENTIONED!!!

✧ [ HAPPY BIRTHDAY AZURE ! ]

(an azure photocard to celebrate his 26th birthday. at the back reads a message.)

I hope to continue making music for you guys to enjoy. Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me!

- Azure

AZURE BIRTHDAY FAN Q&A BELOW CUT ⬇️

1) What do you think of your bandmates, Castor and Kyo?

A: I was friends with Kyo before I was with Castor. Kyo was actually the one that formally introduced us to eachother and from that point, RØUND was made.

Kyo is one of the most supportive people I've ever met. I actually got to discover more about myself because of him. He's genuinely fun to be around, the type of guy where you can be yourself with. He embraces these things that you can't see yourself or things that you've hidden from other people. It feels like you can breathe and that's a trait I really admire from him.

Cas and I didn't start well. We tend to argue a few times when RØUND was still starting and we still do—except in a friendly, playful way. It was hard to get along with Cas at first but it gets easy over time, we just needed to understand and know eachother more. Cas has a different way of showing support and that sorta helped me discover more about myself and what I feel, if that makes sense. There's just something about me and Cas's relationship that is unexplainable, simply because it's unspoken. Like, you don't have to say it but you can just feel it, especially when it comes to music. It's an opposite yet similar type of experience.

These two are the greatest blessings I've ever received. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't think my life would be as great as it is now. They genuinely mean a lot to me and I love them lots.

2) What's your favorite food and drink?

A: I really like sweets. Desserts, pastries, and everything else that falls in that category, I really enjoy.

(Staff: If you were to have a sweet treat at the moment, what would it be?)

Ooh! Creampuffs! Creampuffs are one of my favorite desserts and I like the one where they fused cheesecake and creampuff together so it kinda becomes like a cheese bake creampuff? It's really delicious.

Sorry I got caught up talking about creampuffs that I totally forgot about my favorite drink (laughs). I like iced tea.

3) What was your favorite scene to film?

A: I really liked filming Round 0, it's the round where I got to move and feel my character the most.

Azure only appears in Alien Stage for a short while and I don't think that captures all of his character so the semi-canon round really shows the sides Azure never got to show. It was really fun filming with my bandmates too, even though we got into a few banters (laughs).

4) What was your life like growing up? How does it impact your career now?

A: I was exposed to a lot of music growing up. My dad used to be a guitarist in a band during his college years but decided to settle in a normal job to earn a living. Our house was filled with instruments so I learned to play in a young age.

Music wasn't the only thing present in my life but other artistic hobbies as well. I used to do theater as a kid actually (laughs), that's how I got exposed to acting. I really liked watching and reading media too.

Being surrounded by a lot of creative things has led me to pursuing music, my dad playing a big factor in it too as he supported my passions. I really wish he could've seen how far we've gotten, but I know he's up there watching. Now I'm acting too, which is insane! I never thought my childish passion would come back like this (laughs).

Thank you for the support everyone!

5) What's your favorite movie?

A: I really enjoyed "The Truman Show". The concept and cinematography is amazing, the actors did a fantastic job too.

Could you imagine that though? What if everything turned out to be a simulation and the life you're living right now is all fake? It's interesting to think about.

6) How similar are you to your character in ALIEN STAGE?

A: Oh (laughs), very. I actually cried after filming Round 1, there was a lot of emotional build up during that moment, especially since we were using my own song.

I can't really explain it but I just feel connected to Azure. The minute I read the script, I can feel the shoe fit, if you get what I'm saying. I don't know, there isn't really much that Azure shows but somehow, despite that, I know him. It's an interesting experience.

I can point out a few similar traits though like how we both like sweets, have a similar style and are singers but the rest is just that internal understanding, that internal knowing. There will come a time where Azure will reveal more of himself and I get to explain more but that'll be for another time.

7) How do you feel about DAIKI (the character)?

A: I don't talk about the characters in Season 39 enough but Daiki is probably one of my favorites. I really like her style and her character is amazing too.

When Daiki's actor was performing VORTEX, I was actually watching from the side and thought "Is this what having a crush is like?" (laughs). Don't get me wrong though, I just have a great admiration for the both of them (the character and the actor).

8) How did you feel about getting the role of Azure? As well as some of your thoughts on the character himself?

A: When I found out that I got a role, I was very happy and excited. I was secretly hoping to get it (laughs), I could find myself getting attached to the character. I'm glad they saw my potential and chose me for the role, this might be one of my greatest achievements yet.

Azure is a very internal person, the kind to not say or show anything but secretly has a lot in mind. He is also a great analyst, observing his peers' strengths and weaknesses and plans on how to take advantage of it in order to win. I've always loved calm, analytical and manipulative characters and Azure falls right into that category while also having his own flair. He's a character with many potential and I think that's very fun to explore.

9) Being in a show with so many other characters, who did you like the most? Was there a specific character you enjoyed interacting with especially while acting as Azure?

A: As mentioned before, Daiki is one of my favorites. But I also like Akane. I like the way she presents herself, her style is captivating and her round with Tov really blew my mind.

As for the interactions, I can't just keep saying Daiki, can I? (laughs) But I really enjoyed the magazine collab with Azure. Their hidden playful interactions was also entertaining to play.

I also can't just say my bandmates, right? It's so obvious but it's true! Interacting as our characters just feel so natural and the potential is out there.

This is slightly sliding off the question but interacting with Tov more would've been nice. There's also a lot of potential there.

10) How did you prepare for your role? Did you do any special training for the singing or was there anything specific you had to do to get into the role?

A: I prepared by understanding and feeling Azure's character and making it mine. Knowing your character is probably the greatest instrument you could have as you can bend the script while still having it make sense for the character.

For the singing and music part, I actually worked close with the staff because they planned on using my songs for Azure's character so I didn't really need to undergo special training because I'm already part of the music preparation. I just needed to adjust it more the character.

11) What was your childhood dream career?

A: I wanted to be a lot of things growing up so I don't really have a specific career I wanted to pursue but I knew deep down that I've always wanted to do music. Music is an integral part of my life, it's my story. I'm glad that I was able to pursue it as an adult.

12) Did you always want to go into acting? If you weren't acting, what kind of career would you have?

A: I guess so, yeah. I've always been interested in acting, it's an art form I admire and one I had experience with but I loved music more so I pursued it first. If I didn't give ALIEN STAGE a shot, I will just stay as a musician. Although I can't see that happening considering how RØUND is part of this project. Whatever Kyo and Castor plan on doing, there's a high chance of me joining as well (laughs).

13) What’s your favorite song to perform for an audience?

A: Beck is probably a favorite of mine to perform.

I love the instrumental of Beck, the timing and the way my heart beats as I play is very satisfying to me. It feels like I could just let it all out, you know? And hearing Cas and Kyo performing with me? I don't think it can get any better than that. To me, they're the ones that complete Beck.

14) What's your favorite cake and type of icing?

A: I really like strawberry shortcake. It's simple, but delicious.

For the icing, a simple buttercream or cream will do. I don't really like very sugary ones like fondant, the taste and texture throws me off.

(Staff brings out a strawberry shortcake and has a 2 and 6 candle on top)

Wait, what- are you serious?

(Staff: Happy birthday!)

(Azure stares at the cake with awe, blowing the candles, and thanking the staff for the gift)

Thank you so much for the cake, I did not expect this, thank you! I'll be sharing this with you guys later, thank you.

(Staff: We actually prepared one more thing for you.)

Oh?

(The staff showed Azure a picture on what seems like... a meme?)

(Azure stares at the picture, covering his mouth with his hand, trying his best not to laugh, but ultimately fails)

What is this...

(Azure couldn't take it anymore and starts laughing, his laughter echoing in the studio)

(This might be the most entertaining birthday he has ever experienced in his entire life)

[ HAPPY BIRTHDAY AZURE ! ]

tag list: @apriciticreveries @bluemoonscape (KYO AND CASTOR MENTION) @starry-skiez @teapotuser (DAIKI MENTION) @sotogalmo @nottoonedin @paradisedisconcert @ivanttakethis (TOV MENTION) @junebluues @ivanvxos @rwbyofmyheart @yunoftheclouds @aakaneeee (AKANE MENTION) @rockwgooglyeyes (ARA MENTION)

[daiki1k]

MY QUESTION FOR ACTOR AZURE!!! How similar are you to your character in alien stage?

and also, how do you feel about the character Daiki(not her actor)?

✧ [ AZURE : ANNOUNCEMENT ]

AZURE'S BIRTHDAY IS IN A WEEK! to celebrate his birthday, we are opening the ask box for you to ask azure any question you'd like! the questions will be answered by actor au! azure for he will be the focus of this year's birthday. although if you have a question for canon azure, feel free to still leave them! just be sure to put a 🦋 at the of the question and we'll make a separate post for it (or answer it directly while the other questions will be in one post). thank you everyone!

[daiki1k]

I’m crying Daiki always lying abt smth

“Even when we’re busy with work I go out of my way to talk to him and the others” girl you make them mad and get your ass beat😭😭🙏

anywya. This jas been in the works for months, thank you Alistar for being so patient with me hehe

< ANAKT GARDEN’S > power duo!

— AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FROM AZURE AND DAIKI (READ BELOW):

Please, introduce yourselves.

— Hello everyone! My name is Azure. Singer, model, and contestant for ALIEN STAGE season 39. Pleased to be of service.

— Hello there, my name is Daiki. Thank you for having me~!

How do you feel working together for this project?

— It's truly an honor to have worked with miss Daiki as she has been hot in the industry for a while now. Her flashy personality has always stood out during our time in ANAKT and I'm glad to have witnessed it again in this photoshoot.

— Me and Azure go way back- I was pretty excited to get the chance to work with him like this! We both get to show off our talents together, which I think are pretty similar.

You worked well on this set today, how well do you work together in <ANAKT GARDEN>?

— Hm, I haven't thought of that before... But I suppose we work well. We have similarities we bond over (being fake and putting on an act) and differences that make us unique (idgafer and annoying af) but I'd say that's what makes us such great pair. So I suppose we do work quite well.

— Oh we get along just lovely. Even when we’re busy with work, I like to go out of my way to talk with him and all the others.

What traits are you most confident in? (singing, studying, etc.)

— I'm fairly confident with all the traits that have been gifted to me as they are one to be grateful of so I'd say that I have none. But, I personally find my singing something to be confident in as it's said to be my talent. Sweet of them to say.

— I’d like to say adapting to situations, I can sing and dance to every genre and I can improvise well on the spot.

Which other students in <ANAKT GARDEN> would you like to work with? (like this)

— I'm open to everyone so I don't really have a pick. So, if you got any suggestions, feel free to contact us, we will be delighted to see your requests.

— I feel like it’s unfair for me to say Tina, we’ve done multiple projects like this. . . but I’d like to do another after today.

Do you think you have what it takes to be the winner of <ALIEN STAGE> season 39?

— Hm, I'll let you be the judge of that. But either way, I am forever grateful for the support.

— I’d like to say yes. I’ll win, even if it’s in my own way.

This ends the exclusive interview with Azure and Daiki, until next time.

— RED SPIDER, RED ACCESSORIES INTRICATELY WOVEN THROUGH BLOOD AND TEARS.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT (PAGES):

ART BY @daiki1k / @teapotuser

TAGLIST — @apriciticreveries @bluemoonscape @starry-skiez @teapotuser @sotogalmo @nottoonedin @paradisedisconcert @ivanttakethis @junebluues @ivanvxos @rwbyofmyheart @yunoftheclouds

[daiki1k]

Hey so I lowkey am the one who saved Tov dw guys. IM ON THE WAY ILL SAVE YOU

End of Round 30 - Tov’s Log

Cirrus (57) vs. Tov (43) -> Cirrus Win

————————————————————

Hope is not enough.

Love is not enough either.

Not even something as sacred as faith is enough to survive.

To be reborn.

Tov never wanted to win Alien Stage.

She just wanted to live for her loved ones.

Maybe that was why she was here now, at the end of Round 30, staring up at a 14 point loss.

57 - 43

She didn’t want the right thing.

Thinking she could love or hope or pray her way into winning was foolish.

And she would pay the ultimate price for it.

Tov didn’t believe in the Great Anakt, even as a child. She always hoped that when she died, she’d somehow be returned to the stars, rather than to the heavens that supposedly lay beyond them.

I suppose I’ll know soon enough…

She tried to clear her mind. To settle into something more peaceful.

But it was hard with so many things crowding her thoughts, vying for the last of her conscious attention.

Nyx’s smile.

Dian’s teasing.

Tallis’s eyes.

Solei’s light.

Aurien’s steadiness.

Wren’s laugh.

Cassio’s last words to her.

“No matter what happens tonight, I’m proud of you, Tov.”

It was hard not to think of everyone she loved.

Everyone she would leave behind.

She couldn’t change anything now though.

Her fate had been decided.

All she could do was embrace the end and wait for the silence.

Tov steadied herself, took a deep breath, and looked up at the stars.

She wanted them to be the last thing she saw. Before whatever came next.

Tears pricked at the backs of her eyes.

Her heart wedged itself in her throat.

Is this how you felt, Himei?

When you were up on stage and saw the final scores and knew you were about to die?

What were you thinking about as you took your last breath?

What did you see when you looked up at the sky?

Did the stars show you something?

Tov hoped that wherever she was going, she would still be able see them.

If she could, then maybe everything would be okay.

Her eyes landed on a constellation.

The slightly misshapen star.

The one Himei named after her.

Please…

She prayed.

Let this be a swift and painless death.

I don’t want to suffer anymore.

This is my last request.

It all came to an end so quickly.

The bright and blinding death of a star.

A loud crack like a lighting strike.

A searing pain carved its way up her right side.

Tov’s world tilted on its axis.

And then.

Nothing.

“Tov?” A familiar voice called through the fog.

Something nudged at her side.

“Tov? Hey, wake up.”

It — a hand, she thought distantly — nudged her again, harder and more persistent this time.

Tov grunted at the unwanted contact, already missing the deep sleep she’d been abruptly awoken from.

Reluctantly, she opened her eyes and took in her surroundings.

I’m… back in Anakt Garden?

Tov blinked away the bleariness clouding her vision and looked up.

A canopy of broad, green leaves stretched out above her, branches swaying gently in the wind.

Sunlight danced across the grass in pinpricks, like stars in the night sky.

Eden. She thought.

I’m under Eden Tree.

The realization felt comforting, in a way.

Eden was safe. Nostalgic.

An encapsulation of her childhood.

But how did I get here?

“There you are.” The same familiar voice teased, much closer now than before.

“You’ve been out for a while. Did you sleep well?” Himei asked.

Tov opened her mouth to respond, before clamping it shut with an audible click.

Wait—

Her heart skipped a beat. Maybe two.

She definitely wasn’t breathing anymore.

Slowly, she lifted her head from where it had been resting on a shoulder and her gaze met a pair of dark brown eyes and long lashes that she’d only ever see again in her dreams.

“Himei?”

Himei smiled at her, “Of course. Who else would it be?”

A deep ache took root in the soft tissue between Tov’s ribs.

Her voice trembled in its wake, “H-How… how are you…” How are you here? How are you alive? How is this happening? “…feeling?” She settled on.

Himei tilted her head slightly to the side — a question all on its own — and a few short curls of her hair fell in her face.

Brief memories of Round 24 flashed before Tov’s eyes.

Her new haircut.

Her struggle to survive against Cirrus.

Her desperate smile right before it was all over.

Himei is dead.

But if I’m here with her, that means I’m dead too.

Right?

The mere thought was paralyzing.

She died on live broadcast, in front of thousands if not millions, including the people she loved.

They would suffer in the aftermath of her death just as she had suffered for the ones lost before her.

She was just another trauma to them now.

“I’m fine.” Himei said, oblivious to Tov’s unfolding spiral.

Tov’s eyes snapped back to hers, stunned to silence.

Himei’s gaze held no deceit, only the kindness Tov knew better than the back of her hand and missed more than anything.

Something in her core cracked.

Fine.

Himei was feeling fine.

Himei was feeling fine.

And Tov…

Tov wanted to scream.

Tov wanted to scream and cry and laugh until she made herself sick.

She wanted to rip at all of her seams.

She wanted tear something apart with her teeth.

But she didn’t do any of that.

In the face of her best friend, her first love, happy and alive and safe—

Tov crumbled.

Her resolve broke into a watery mess.

She was tired.

So, so tired.

She just wanted to be held.

She just wanted to rest.

Tov closed her eyes again and leaned against Himei’s shoulder.

Her throat constricted as she pressed closer to her warmth.

The ache in her chest worsened.

“I missed you.” She said, holding back tears that threatened to choke her.

Himei hummed at the admission, warm like the Sun. “I know,” Her hand gently smoothed down Tov’s braids and she sank into the feeling. “I missed you too.”

“But it’s time to wake up now.”

————————————————————

It’s not fucking over yet!!! TRUST!!!

Tov may not have won the season, but I’ve had some ideas for her beyond Season 39 for a while now.

Her loss just forced me to get my ass in gear and make those plans a reality!

I also need a Tovallis reunion, so Tov can’t go anywhere yet 😁

Everything will become a bit more clear in the next log. Stay tuned!!

Himei and Tallis belong to @lookatmysillies.

Nyx and Dian belong to @rockwgooglyeyes.

Solei belongs to @solei-eclipse.

Aurien belongs to @aurienneirua.

Cirrus belongs to @cirrusoftheclouds.

Tagging: @billwasnot @sotogalmo @junebluues @4listr @geospiral @starry-skiez @tsukacchako @pwippy @waterydream @daiki1k @season39

[daiki1k]

STOP BOTHERING ME HELLPPPPPPP I must draw this.

✧ [ AZURE : THOUGHTS ]

— since blue ( @lookatmysillies ) is doing the intimacy levels of his ocs with others, i decided to do mine for azure! except it isn't intimacy levels but just short thoughts about the others ( i will make a more detailed version of this someday because it's part of azure's whole character :] ).

solei —

the sunshine of our batch. your personality serves as an inspiration for the one i will be displaying in the future.

khoi —

everybody likes your kind personality; i shall take note of that.

aurien —

you're the first to approach me for a conversation. i don't get why you'd to that, you just wasted your time.

tov —

i don't get why you're so interested in me. you're wasting your time.

castor —

people like you proves to me how easy it is to take advantage of someone full of love.

kyo —

you and i almost sound the same when singing, although it is quite easy to differentiate us both when we talk (i don't talk often, so it's clear who's talking).

thank you for being the catalyst of my victory. i'm thankful that we have such similar voices. (2)

cirrus —

i lost against you. you brought up my fate quickly than i expected.

parted for a clear sky, rest in peace. ✧ (2)

vera —

poor soul, rest in peace. ✧

nyx —

i can sense your dislike for me. doesn't bother me one bit.

rose —

i thought my cold personality would be enough to keep you from coming up to me; i guess not.

evon —

i notice you and jae glancing at me, you know?

daiki —

stop bothering me.

noora —

give up, you'll end up being more frustrated if you keep talking to me.

flor —

you keep looking at me weirdly...

(2) = another thought, ✧ = re: azure. (the one for rose actually applies to anyone who still talks to him despite him showing signs that he isn't interested.) tagging @solei-eclipse @bittersweet-adagio @aurienneirua @ivanttakethis @cirrusoftheclouds @imperfectnothing @rosedeleca @heycloseyoureyes @daiki1k @kamersona @sotogalmo

should i make a part 2? feel free to ask about azure's thoughts on your character ٩(^ᗜ^ )و

[daiki1k]

Daiki😭😭😭😭😢😢😢😢😢😭😿😿😢😢😢😿😿😿😢😢😢 actor au they’re best buddies trust

Character Intimacy Levels: S39 Pt. 1

Based on the character intimacy percentages from the art book. Covering my characters’ intimacy levels with characters they have notable relationships with within and outside of their classes. This is part 1 for my S39 kids, then there’ll be Non-Competitors (Eddy and Itsaso), S40 (Naz and Yael), and S41 (Light and Halo).

Send me an ask if I miss your character and you want to know the intimacy level between one of my ocs and yours!

Tallis

Himei: 100% You picked me, of all people. I don’t know why you picked me. Sometimes I worry you just took pity on me.

Tov: 100% Is this what it’s like to be truly understood? I never knew it could be like this. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt.

Eddy: 85% We met under the worst circumstances. Maybe that’s why I’ve grown to love you so fast.

Lang: 80% I just like to… sit with you. And watch you make things from nothing. You calm me.

Khoi: 78% We used to be closer, but after Sai and Vera… well, we’re just not as close anymore. Still, I think I love you very much. You taught me more than anyone ever has.

Nyx: 76% You can be cold and sharp, but I know you’re full of good. You’re my friend. I feel safe with you.

Stasya: 65% My roommate. You keep your things tidy like me. I like you a lot.

Sai: 64% After everything, I still wish the best for you.

Castor: 60% Your inability to take things seriously gets on my nerves. But you look out for me.

Noora: 45% What a sweet girl. You’re the first human I ever saw.

Flor: 25% I don’t get you…

Daiki: 25% Maybe we could be friends in another life.

Cirrus: 12% If only I knew you better. I feel like I can see the answer to life itself on your face, and then a million new questions.

Azure: 5% I think Tov likes you? You make me nervous.

Castor

Kyo: 100% Kyo, lovely soul, I’ve never deserved you, your gentleness, or your grace for someone who only hurts the people he loves.

Nyx: 96% Baby brother, I’d like to think I’d do anything for you. I hope I’m right.

Haneul: 88% You make me feel safer than I’ve ever felt. I used to find you difficult to understand. I understand you now.

Aurien: 75% You make me feel such love and protectiveness. And yet your trust in me scares me.

Faolan: 73% Hehe, you remind me of my Kyo!

Jae: 66% You make me laugh every day.

Flor: 50% You remind me a bit of—well, me.

Evon: 45% I hated when Kyo had a crush on you, but I could never hate you. You’re beautiful. You gave him solace in ways I couldn’t.

Dian: 31% My little redheaded buddy! You’re good for Nyxie, following him around all the time. He needs to not be in his thoughts so much.

Moran: 12% Therapy party pooper.

Tov: 10% Uptight and unnerving. You have qualities I respect, though.

Azure: 1% Ugh.

Solei: 1% Sometimes I can’t help but loathe you for flying. For saving Aurien. Because I couldn’t.

Cinna, Leto, & Light: 1% I’m sorry.

Ok boy oh boy let’s see who to tag

@ivanttakethis for Tov. @pwippy for Lang. @bittersweet-adagio for Sai and Khoi. @imperfectnothing for Nyx, Dian, Han, and Fao. @billwasnot for Stasya. @kamersona for Noora. @sotogalmo for Flor. @daiki1k for Daiki. @cirrusoftheclouds for Cirrus. @azureitri for Azure. @aurienneirua for Aurien and Cinnabar. @kofeedoggo for Jae and Evon. @geospiral for Moran. @solei-eclipse for Solei. Aaaand @14-alc for Leto. Jfc okay time to retag like 80% of these in comments now that I have all the users in one place

[daiki1k]

I started frothing

5:36 am

Yeahg..I'm on a roll with these.ehhwheheh.

Himei: @bluemoonscape . Now I believe this is my actual belated gift to you 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 gra / @ivanttakethis for mentions of Tov/Airglow! / Also tagging @teapotuser for the very very subtle mention of Daiki ("I'll live to deliver the penance to the one who just won't die", feels very Himei towards Daiki to me)

Oh! Also

The lyrics are from The Song I Heard Somewhere, re cover by vibking & Whereabouts Of The Miracle cover by glitterbee

[daiki1k]

Daiki pov:

Round 24 - Himei POV

Himei's pulse throbbed in her ears when she stepped onto the stage.

Cirrus looked like something entirely beyond human, as usual. They hadn't interacted much with Himei before the show but to smile at her silently once when she was caught staring. She'd torn her gaze away, quiet resentment bubbling up in her chest. Fizzling out at the ever-present thoughts of Lark and Noora.

Her bruises had healed, for the most part, but she still required a bit of extra makeup to make herself presentable for the stage. Inside and out, Cirrus was better. They were just better. They looked it. They acted it.

They were better.

Himei had conquered the stage twice for a third kingdom come, and yet she felt as the spotlights beamed down on herself and her opponent that it would be the last. She wondered if this was how Tallis felt. Small. So small and insignificant.

The music reached her ears as if from some distant, long-forgotten dream or memory; perhaps a memory that turned out to be a dream after all, a fallacy of the mind. Her PR team had only just barely agreed on her song choice. They wanted her to stick to what was working, songs with attitude, songs with scoffs and snarls, but she argued that her fans would enjoy more depth from her now that she was in the final eight.

And that was probably true. It wasn't why she chose it, but it was probably true.

She could feel her heart down to her stomach, throbbing against the corset that sat snug around her torso, the perfect centerpiece to her flowy blouse and skin-tight pants with tall, thigh-high boots. They limited her movement, but she didn't need that freedom as she had her first two rounds. Her moves were slow and liquid smooth when the first words came from somewhere deep in her chest, flowing out with all the calm dignity she found from within as her eyes fixed on a point in the sky that seemed random to any viewer:

Just a moment Right before all the song and dance...

Himei had kissed Tov again before she was taken to the performance site.

It was a frenzied, frantic thing, an immediate clash of lips and teeth when she came to see Tov in her quarters. She maneuvered her so her back was to the door once it closed and kissed her until they were both breathless, then again until Tov planted two firm hands on her shoulders and shoved her back.

"What were you thinking?" she asked. She didn't sound angry. She didn't sound afraid, or affronted. She just looked sad. "Coming in here and doing that at a time like this? Like you're never going to see me again?"

Wasn't brave enough to tell you But there ain't gonna be another chance

Himei wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as if to swipe away the shame of her own actions, the taste of fear and self-loathing lingering on her tongue. "I don't know. I don't know, Tov, really, I don't know. I'm sorry."

Tov crossed her arms. "Sorry for what?"

Confusion made Himei's brow tilt. "For... for kissing you? You just said—“

"Well, I wish you weren't." Tov blinked, and only then did Himei notice a telling shine of moisture in her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but Tov beat her to it. "I wish you weren't sorry for kissing me, but for your own apparent need only to do it when you're afraid."

Himei stared, mouth agape.

She didn't know what to say or do. It felt like she was an inmate on death row about to meet the consequences of her crimes - what does one do on their last day? What can one do? Everything, and yet nothing at all?

Tov stepped into her space, gently as opposed to Himei's ferocity, always gentle when she needed to be and firm when she needed to be that, and Himei was always the wrong one at the wrong time, nothing but a broken record. Tov cupped Himei's face in her hands - smooth, unlike Tallis's. Smaller than his.

It's not long until All that I have And everything's still The minutes are racing

"Don't kiss me afraid," Tov whispered, her voice breaking. It sounded like a plea. "Just kiss me."

So Tov pressed her lips to Himei's, and Himei did.

They kissed. The moments passed as they embraced, as if it would be enough to rid of all the baggage and clear a path for the future, just this one moment.

Maybe it could.

In some other world, it could; the ghost of Tallis wouldn't be sitting with his chin propped up in one hand, staring vacantly through them. Lark and Noora wouldn't be whispering in Himei's ears, calling her a liar, a killer, a coward. Daiki wouldn't be perched on the desk in the corner with her feet on the chair looking Himei dead in the eye and hissing not so fun now that you've got it, huh?

They wouldn't be pursued by the ghosts of those long gone.

But right here, right now, they were.

Whatever I've done

That's why Himei had slipped her letter to Leona in the event that she lost.

I did it for love

Dearest Tov, she wrote, if you get this note, we both know that I lost. Guess it's about time, huh?

I did it for fun

I guess this is both a confession and a farewell. Don't get excited, it's not a love confession. If you're not dense, you should already know I love you. But that's not what this is about.

Couldn't get enough

I want you to do me a favor and turn this note in to the guards once you're done reading it. That way, maybe they'll be off your back for good. I know you see me in such a positive light, and it breaks my heart to think that you might not think that now, but I hope you can understand why I did the things I did—

I did it for fame

—I had a hand in poisoning Lark.

But never for money Not for houses Not for her Not for my future children Until now

No, that's stupid, I was the hand. I poisoned him. I received the drugs from an outside source and used them on him before your round. I was scared. I've never been very good at that faith thing you're so fluent in. I was so scared because this source I mention had considered using the drugs to take Min out so she wouldn't be a threat to me, and I almost died against Min. I considered using them on Daiki before Round 7 and then I didn't and Tallis paid for my mistake. It's something I can never forgive myself for.

How could I love again? How could I ever ask for more?

And I was afraid that you would die too, and I could have stopped it. I think if your round against Akane came before mine with Cirrus, I would probably kill her too. I don't care about the consequences anymore. It scares me as much as I'm sure it scares you.

And to the road ahead Into a life I can't ignore

I didn't mean to turn into this. I never wanted to become this person. I don't know if it was the real me all along and if this ugly competition brought it out in me, but I can't make it go away, and it can't go on. Noora showed me that it can't go on. So it has to stop tonight, and if it doesn't, I have to do something about it myself. I don't want you to remember me this way.

(Lose her) how could I love again? (Move on) how can I walk this path for sure? (Lose her) with no more time to spend (Move on) I know the answer more and more

Please do me one last favor, the biggest favor I could ever ask of you - please remember me as I was, not as I am.

As long as I can Long as I can Spend some time alone

Remember me as the girl who sat under Eden with you and named the stars in the sky after the people we loved. Remember me as your roommate who left her socks everywhere and tried to talk to you long past any reasonable hour. Remember me as your best friend who loved you and our Tallis very, very much.

As long as I can Long as I can Be the man I am

Look at my constellation and remember me as the brightest stars.

As the numbers on Himei's side of the scoreboard continued to steadily drop despite her passion, despite how fiercely she belted, she let the tears come freely, her eyes locked on the night sky before her, shining just for her as she shouted out to the heavens.

Oh, life is strange For one more hour I can rage For one more hour

No more lies. No more death.

As long as I can (lose her) As long as I can (move on) Spend some time alone As long as I can (lose her) As long as I can (move on) Remember who I am

The music began to peter out, and Himei's eyes searched not for her guardian in the crowd, not for her guardian’s child, but instead for Cirrus on the stage. You don't deserve this like I do, that last, fighting voice of rage and resentment cried.

Just a minute, fella, right before you go out there All your voices said you wouldn't last a minute bare One more hour and you'll know your life is one to share

You haven't suffered like I have! You haven't had to do the things I've done to get here! It should be me!

Just a minute, baby, right before we go from here All those people said we wouldn't last a minute near I'm with you and I could roll into another year

It should be me, the voice spat weakly, fading into nothing. It should be me.

But then why shouldn't it be Tallis? Why not Nyx for Dian? Why not Min? Lark, or Noora?

Why should it be any of them?

The music drew to a halt, leaving Himei in nothing but the silence of her own thoughts and ragged breaths.

She reached for the sky and—

BANG!

Just a minute, fella, right before you go out there All your voices said you wouldn't last a minute, bare One more hour and you'll know your life is one to share Just a minute, baby, right before we go from here All those people said they wouldn't last a minute near I'm with you and I could roll into another year Just a minute fella right before you go out there

Tov belongs to @ivanttakethis. Cirrus belongs to @cirrusoftheclouds. Lark and Noora belong to @kamersona. Daiki belongs to @daiki1k. Min belongs to @starry-skiez. Nyx and Dian belong to @rockwgooglyeyes.

[daiki1k]

I’m going bald as we speak.

AREPH Main Facility - Eddy POV

Tallis was brought to the facility shortly after Round 7.

While his companion, the guard, Hayate, was dragged unconscious to the lower high-security floors that Eddy had yet to attain access to, Tallis was immediately transferred to the ICU. Usually, this space was reserved for injured workers, but Tallis was an exception. He was placed in the same bed that Eddy had been vacated from after a long rest and recovery following its near-death encounter with the target Solei. Or... whatever they were now. Eddy wasn't certain. It was still set on the idea that it could save them and bring them home after such a long absence.

While Eddy was slowly integrated back into the field, they lingered in Tallis's room during the long days. At first, they merely observed him; a real Alien Stage contestant, up close! It was a marvel. He was marked for death by his loss against the contestant Daiki with her edgy wit and charm, but AREPH must've had bigger plans.

Maybe they brought Eddy a friend after all this time. They hadn't had a friend for a very long time. Not since... not since him.

Eddy tried not to think too much about Sebastian most days. Some days they allowed themselves to look at his baby pictures and smile and tear up.

Tallis was a lot - well, bigger than Sebastian was, but he worked well as a friend all the same. Eddy clumsily re-braided his hair whenever his braids loosened in his unresponsive state. It checked Tallis's IVs and the bandages on his midsection, one for the first bullet (it definitely got him good, but only pierced the fatty tissue of his side) and another for the second, which had pierced his abdomen. The aliens who tended to Tallis's health joked that Eddy might as well be their boss, seeing as it was there even more than they were.

It read case files to Tallis to stimulate his mind, ate meals in his presence and told him that he would love the pudding from the caf once he woke up, studied his calloused fingers (how did they get so rough?) and gently wiped his face and neck with a wet cloth every now and then to keep him clean. When one day, Tallis was transported to the lower levels where Eddy couldn't go, it was sad to see its new best friend go. Waiting for him to wake up felt like it was taking forever.

When he re-emerged a few weeks later, he was still asleep - kept in a medically induced coma, the doctors told Eddy, for his health. They told him he should wake soon and put him in one of their medical observation rooms. Eddy couldn't braid Tallis's hair anymore, as it had been buzzed sometime when he was gone, but they could resume their usual routine.

Until Tallis did finally wake a few nights after Eddy monitored Round 16 to watch for Aurien and Solei.

And Tallis was not happy.

They got past the initial awkwardness after Tallis threw things at them the night he woke up and spit in their face. Tallis must've realized relatively quickly that he was surrounded by aliens and his best bet was to let the only other human stick around.

He rejected Eddy's friendly gestures for a solid week. He pushed away the warm washcloths and refused to eat much of the food Eddy offered him despite his gaunt, sunken appearance. The only times he addressed Eddy directly (or anyone, really) was to ask questions.

Where am I? The AREPH facility. Where's the facility? I'm so sorry, I can't tell you that! How am I alive? The guard saved you - I'm glad he did, too! Where is he, then? Undergoing treatment in the lower levels, then he'll probably be questioned. Are you going to question me? Soon, yes, we think you might have information pertinent to our investigations.

Tallis's jaw ticked at those words, and Eddy knew he knew what that meant.

Tallis had ties to high-profile figures.

(And that was the only reason he still lived, not because his life had any worth to anyone, but because he had information on the people who really mattered in the eyes of others.)

Which brought them to their first compromise.

Eddy wasn't technically allowed to show Tallis any information regarding Season 39 of Alien Stage. He was supposed to be in the dark.

But it broke Eddy's heart to reject him any information on his friends, Tov and Himei. He cared about them. He had a human connection with them, like Eddy had a human connection with Sebastian once upon a time.

"I'll be your friend if you tell me if they're okay," Tallis said ever so quietly one night from his bed, eyes wide and teary. "Just tell me if they're alive. Tell me how many of my friends are still alive."

And Eddy broke.

"Tov," Eddy whispered in his ear so no sound systems would pick up on it. "Himei, and all the others who won their rounds before you, all but Vera. Khoi." Tallis's eyes fluttered shut. "Lark, Akane, Jae, Lang, and Onyx."

Tallis's throat caught on a harsh swallow. "No Castor?"

Eddy hesitated, wishing not to have to be the one to confirm it.

"No Castor," it murmured, shrinking away when Tallis's face briefly crumpled, a single tear released from his eye. Then he wiped his face with his blanket like a small child might and forced a stoic look upon his face, though his lips still trembled.

"Tell me," Tallis said shakily, "who wins the next row. If you can."

Eddy couldn't turn him down again after that.

"I can."

AREPH had different plans.

Eddy didn't have to tell him one thing, because for Rounds 17 and 21, Tallis was placed on a chair in the observation room with wires and electrodes attached to his head. Eddy and a few others had already taken a few cracks each at getting Tallis to talk about his classmates and he had thus refused.

"Is this necessary?" Eddy whispered to the small alien named Yakun, chewing on the inside of their cheek behind their facemask. Tallis's face was nearly green with sick as the countdown to Tov's round whittled down, his friend about to meet the fate she was destined for either way.

Eddy hoped she won, for Tallis's sake and their own preferences. She was Eddy's favorite contestant. She was radiant.

"It is," Yakun told it. "If he won't tell us about his connections, we'll learn ourselves."

Tallis had already been irritable and jittery since he woke up from his coma. Now, he was downright mercurial as the round progressed live on a projector before him. He shook violently in his seat from the beginning till the end. When Lark hit the floor, he covered his eyes, his mouth moving in what could be some silent prayer. He only removed his hands when the announcer bellowed Tov's name.

Round 21 was worse. Like Round 17, Tallis's friend took the early lead and held it throughout, but also like Round 17, there was a wrench thrown into it. Instead of Lark falling to the ground, it was Himei, forced down by Noora. When Noora started raining punches down on Himei, Tallis, who had already been anxious the whole performance mouthing "something is wrong" promptly burst into silent tears, biting down on his fingers as Himei was hurt. The gunshot piercing Noora's neck almost seemed like a relief to him, making his teeth unclench from his flesh, dark bite marks left in their wake.

Eddy hated it.

That night, Tallis was utterly defeated, pale and shivering. He let Eddy clean his face, or maybe more accurately, he had no energy to resist it. He let them steal an extra blanket from an unoccupied room and put it on Tallis's bed.

Eddy watched over him that night, eyes fixated on his sleeping form, pierced by the familiar ache that came with connection.

Sebastian's pictures felt like they were burning against Eddy's leg where they rested in its pocket.

Not much more than a week later, Himei's long black curls were falling to the floor with each rhythmic snip of the scissors.

Daiki was dead. Himei had outlasted her. She won the stupid fucking game she was playing against herself.

But with every photoshoot and interview that came afterwards deeming Himei a member of the Elite Eight, declaring her better than Daiki, pitting her against Tov whose points count loomed ahead of her, Himei knew the truth.

Every time she glimpsed herself in the mirror and saw her bruised, sore face, she knew the truth.

Every time she laid eyes on Cirrus, whether in a magazine, on a billboard, or at mealtimes, she knew.

She didn't win.

She'd already lost, regardless of the outcome.

The morning of Round 24, she woke with a heavy heart.

She needed to see Tov.

Tagging time! Tov belongs to @ivanttakethis; Daiki belongs to @daiki1k; Sebastian belongs to @sotogalmo; Lark and Noora belong to @kamersona; Cirrus belongs to @cirrusoftheclouds. Everyone else is pretty much mentioned in passing, so I won't tag those people and spam their notifs, lol.

[daiki1k]

PUGHOUGHH OUGHHHHH. if only they all met under different circumstances.

yk shit is bad when I start thinking abt the actor AU🙏🙏 guys. pls. highschool au where they’re all happy and free. PLEASE???

Tov 🤤🤤

Himei… I know what you are…

End of Round 23 - Tov’s Log

Daiki (41) vs. Khoi (58) -> Khoi Win

————————————————————

Vermillion was dead.

Daiki was dead too.

Tov didn’t know how to feel. Especially about Daiki.

The television started working again before Round 23. Possibly the first sign that the lockdown was winding coming to an end.

Tov wasn’t sure what compelled her to watch; call it morbid curiosity. But she gave the performance her full attention.

Daiki sang about a vortex of emotion. Truth hidden away in shadows. Fates out of one’s control.

Then.

The music stopped.

A different melody swelled to fill the silence.

And she was singing again.

"In other words, hold my hand~ in other words, darling, kiss me."

"You are all I long for, all I worship and adore."

"In other words, please be true, in other words, I love you."

Daiki was singing for someone.

Just like Tov had sung for Tallis.

She loved someone.

The same way Tov loved Tallis.

How could she fault her for that? For wanting to win — for wanting to live — to stay with that person?

Tov would’ve given anything, done anything, to stay with Tallis.

Perhaps she and Daiki were more alike than she cared to admit.

Maybe they could’ve come to understand each other, under different circumstances.

But Tov would never disparage her opponents. Not in life, and certainly not in death.

The thought of being so flippant about the death of another contestant made her sick to her stomach.

Tov understood what Daiki did for love.

She couldn’t forgive her for her arrogance.

Even still, something small and tender in Tov’s heart broke when the guard shot Daiki straight through hers.

———

The lockdown lifted the next morning.

Breakfast was held in the canteen.

Tov didn’t see Himei yet, so she sat across the table from Lang.

Lang looked up at her with big dark eyes rounded in surprise.

There was so much Tov wanted to ask her about Nyx.

How was he when you last saw him?

Was he scared? Nervous?

Did he laugh or cry?

What was the last thing he said to you?

With only eight contestants left, the room was so much quieter than it had been just a short while ago.

Even if she whispered, the guards would still hear.

So Tov said nothing more than a quiet, “Good morning.”

Lang caught herself, nodding once, “Morning.”

They’d have to talk more candidly later.

Though Tov wasn’t sure how much privacy they would be granted back.

“Morning ladies.” Himei greeted as she took the empty seat next to Tov.

Tov’s spoon, raised halfway to her mouth, clattered onto her tray at the sight of Himei’s face.

New, blooming bruises littered her face. Scratch marks covered both of her cheeks. Her bottom lip was split open.

She sucked in a sharp breath, “Andromedas, what happened to you?”

Himei wouldn’t meet her eyes.

Her collar turned from orange to red.

“It was Noora.” She said quietly.

Tov frowned. “Noora did all of this?” She almost couldn’t believe it.

Noora hadn’t been a violent girl back in Anakt Garden. She was sweet, almost saccharine at times, and bubbly in a way that wasn’t irritating.

Wren reminded her a lot of Noora.

Was someone like that really capable of doing something like this?

If the proof weren’t right before Tov’s eyes, she would’ve said no right away.

“I think she panicked when she realized she’d lost.” Himei said.

She supposed that made sense. You never truly know what a person will do in the face of death until it’s right there in front of them.

But still… something didn’t feel right.

Tov couldn’t help but wonder if Lark played a role in Noora’s outburst.

It was no secret that Tov and Himei were close. Just like it was no secret that Lark and Noora were close.

Could Noora have attacked Himei as revenge?

If Noora thought Tov poisoned Lark, taking him away from her, could she have attacked Himei to take her away from Tov?

“I’ll heal in a few days, Tov.” Himei said, drawing her out of her thoughts. “Don’t worry too much about it.”

You’re one of the only people I have left in my life.

I’m always going to worry about you.

Tov didn’t say any of that. She simply sighed and returned to her food.

———

After breakfast, the contestants were allowed to walk back to their rooms without any escorts.

Not that this provided much in the way of freedom. There were still guards posted at each of the doors on their dorm floor.

As soon as she reached her door, Tov took one look at the guard’s shoulders and knew immediately that they were the messenger.

With breakfast now in a public space, she wasn’t going to get any more notes.

This could be her last chance to find out who was behind the notes and what their motives were.

She needed to act.

The guard stepped aside to allow Tov entry. As she passed by, she noticed a uniform patch stitched on the back of their right arm.

It was white with a green border and a matching green cross in the center.

The guard is a medic.

It figured they would be if they were assigned to her, given her heart condition.

She could use this to her advantage.

There wasn’t enough time to fully flesh everything out, but some semblance of a plan quickly coalesced in her mind.

Tov shut the door, locked it, and set about preparing.

If she wanted to isolate this guard, she needed to get them in her room.

The only way to do that without drawing suspicion was a medical emergency.

Her heart was far too fragile mess with for some information that may or may not be worth the risk.

She would have to fake it instead.

There were two medical alert buttons in her room: one next to her bed and the other next to the tub in her private bathroom.

The bathroom would work the best.

Tov took off her medical band and set it on her nightstand, before going into the bathroom.

She knelt down next to the tub and turned on the faucet, but left the stopper unlatched to prevent any spill over. Tov just needed to get the guard’s attention, not flood the place.

Once she hit the button, she’d only have a few seconds to get in place before the guard came in.

Forcing them to unlock the door first would only buy her a little more time.

No sense in waiting around.

Tov pressed the button and took off, pulling the bathroom door shut behind her. She could already hear the guard working the lock open.

She vaulted over her bed and pressed herself up against the wall just as the guard came in. The door swung all the way open, effectively concealing Tov from view.

Good.

Keep going.

“Subject-020547?” They called out.

Footsteps quickly crossed the room towards the bathroom door.

They pounded on the door three times.

“Subject-020547? I received your medical alert message. I’m coming in.”

As the guard pushed open the bathroom door, Tov quietly pushed the entryway door closed.

The guard still had their back to her, looking dumbfounded at the empty room with a running tub.

They shut off the faucet.

Tov clicked the lock into place.

Perfect.

As if they had a sixth sense for danger, the guard whipped around to face her.

“Tell me everything you know.” She ordered. “Now.”

————————————————————

Oh how the turn tables…

I had way too much fun writing this log lol. I’m only stopping here because it’s already way too long.

Rest in peace to my favorite morally questionable lesbian, Daiki. You picked an absolute banger of a song to go out on 😔👊 (stream Vortex pls, it’s great).

I thought it was fitting to have Tov see some of herself in Daiki, since Himei tried to embody Daiki during her latest performance. Parallels and all that.

I wasn’t sure if anyone other than Daiki knew about Tina, so I kept it ambiguous who Daiki was singing for here.

Tov also caught onto the fact that Noora attacked Himei for a different reason than she’s telling her, but then completely missed the point and blamed herself. *sighs*

Daiki belongs to @daiki1k.

Himei and Tallis belong to @lookatmysillies.

Lang belongs to @pwippy.

Nyx belongs to @rockwgooglyeyes.

Noora and Lark belong to @kamersona.

(Please let me know if you don’t want to be tagged in these posts, I totally understand that I have a tendency to yap… a lot.)

[daiki1k]

there is an infinite amount of hope in the universe.

but not for us.

was this the outcome she wanted? to know that Tina was safe from the world of alien stage?

yes, of course. how could she ask for more?

but Daiki was a selfish woman.

she wanted more, she wanted to be there with Tina. she didn’t want to be on this stage.

there was a heaviness in her chest, tightness of bandages around her torso making it hard to fully inhale. but being clad in such elegant clothing, who could guess her discomfort?

the music starts, both participants taking their spots. vortex, a fitting word for the current feelings spinning a deep hole into her very being. there was no doubt about it, this was her last round. the current shape she was in. . . no, she wouldn’t be able to win against even against a child.

this was apparent even before the round began.

which is why she quickly planned a shift in her music. after about half of her song, the music stops all together - a different melody playing. ah, at least she let Khoi finish his performance.

but, this was her final message to Tina.

“fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars~”

Tina, I have a feeling you’re watching me. I’m sorry, I wanted for both of us to escape together. I never pictured my life without you, I hope you feel the same way.

“In other words, hold my hand~ in other words, darling, kiss me.”

I’m trusting those rebels to take care of you. try not to make things hard for them, keep living. don’t give up.

“You are all I long for, all I worship and adore.”

when we first met, I wanted to hurt you the way I was hurt. but I couldn’t bring myself to do anything, just to stare and admire your beauty. I was lost in darkness for a long time, I’m happy that I ended up becoming lost in your eyes instead.

“In other words, please be true, in other words, I love you.”

memories of spending every second with you is the greatest treasure I have right now.

guards circle the stage, weapons aimed at the fool of the stage. how did she manage to enter the system again? and what was she planning now? nothing, she just wanted to stay her goodbye.

thank you for being my guiding light, thank you for saving me. from the bottom of my dirty heart, thank you for loving me.

“In other words, please be true! In other words, I love you!”

the scores are settled, Khoi had won a long time ago.

“In other words, I love you!”

a final bow, a curtsy of sorts as hands drop the microphone. and then a singular shot, straight through the heart.

thank you . . . for being the victim of my shallow emotions.

end scene.

Khoi: @bittersweet-adagio

Tina: @noodlesrecipes

@rockwgooglyeyes @season39

[daiki1k]

OMDFFGGGGGGGGG???????

R O U N D 23

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

D A I K I V S K H O I

S C O R E S :

D A I K I — 41

K H O I — 58

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

K H O I W I N S

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

— E N D O F R O U N D —

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

( Since both SIDE A, and B’s 3rd rows are done as of now, we will be taking another week - long break before we return back to SIDE A to begin the next row ! This is partly because it has officially been decided that we take breaks each row .

We hope you enjoyed these week’s rounds, and will enjoy the next ! )

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

[ DAIKI : @daiki1k / KHOI : @bittersweet-adagio ]

[daiki1k]

YAALLLLUGHHHGGG

R O U N D 23

—————————————————————

D A I K I V S K H O I

( Please select your preferred character . )

—————————————————————

S O N G S :

D A I K I : VORTEX

K H O I : —————

—————————————————————

[ DAIKI : @daiki1k / KHOI : @bittersweet-adagio ]

[daiki1k]

“It feels like flying, but maybe - we’re dying.”

So, after Daiki is captured after helping Tina escape, she’s locked up. they weren’t able to fully heal her wound before her round but she’s still expected to participate.

And aside from that.

Her outfit for round 23!!

She’s still gonna sing Vortex yay.

More stuff will be posted later:}

@season39

[daiki1k]

DAIKI MENTIONED YUGGGG

Round 21 - Himei POV

The room Himei was brought into was small and stuffy.

Everything was soundproof and the room itself was hidden away in the deepest recesses of the Season 39 site's main complex, so Himei was under no illusions regarding what was about to happen.

At least it wasn't solitary. Anything was better than solitary.

Not for Lark.

"You look sick," an agent told her bluntly. She was shorter and scrawnier than her imposing partner, who for his part looked like he was about as done with this as Himei was. "Not sleeping well? Hm?"

The agent's tone was sickly sweet, swimming with mock concern. Himei was sick of condescension. The corner of her upper lip twitched in a barely concealed snarl.

"I'm sleeping fine," she said primly.

God, she hoped the light on her collar was green. She'd gotten used to the feeling of it around her neck, but not the read it gave others on her emotions, which were already enough of a shitstorm to deal with.

The female agent tilted her head. "Mmm." Skeptical.

Her partner scoffed and pushed off the wall he leaned against. "That's enough, Agent Pol. Hello, Himei. I'm Agent Irin of AREPH and this is Agent Pol. We're here to ask you a few questions about Subject-012864, known by his peers as Lark."

Himei held the lump in her throat. So much as swallowing felt like a guilty tell. So much as twitching a finger felt like a dead giveaway. "Hello."

Agent Pol took the seat across from her and tipped her chair back so it balanced precariously on its back legs, her feet propped up on the corner of the table. "We had another girl in here earlier. What was her name again?" You fucking know her name. Agent Pol glanced up at Agent Irin boredly. "Toph?"

Agent Irin's throat clicked like he was about to respond, but before he could, Himei snapped, "Tov."

Agent Pol snapped her fingers. "Tov. Right. Well, we had her in here to ask her questions just like you. We asked her about you." She did that annoying head jerk to the side again. "Put in a good word for you. She's your... hmm, friend, right?"

Friend felt reductive. Himei didn't say that out loud. "Yes."

"So she could be covering for you? Or she's just that biased. Or stupid."

Himei's jaw clenched and ticked. If the light on her collar hadn't been red before, it was now. "She's the smartest person I know. Smarter than you, anyway."

Pol snorted, slid a leg off the table, and leaned forward like she was about to say something incredibly important before Agent Irin once again cut her off.

"We won't keep you long, seeing as you have a performance coming up in the next few days," he said after clearing his throat. "I have some questions for you. Did you and Lark associate much, in the Anakt Garden?"

"No." Himei folded her hands and tried not to clench them. Sweat slicked her palms the longer she had them pressed together. "He was quiet."

Agent Irin wrote something down on a tablet. "Did he and Tov associate?"

"No. Tov was... mostly with me."

And Tallis.

More tapping of the tablet. Agent Pol took over the questioning with a sharp, "And you and Tov? You're close. You would have reason to take out an opponent of hers to ensure her victory."

Oh, if only victory was all that mattered. If only it wasn't a game of survival.

"I wouldn't..." Himei flexed her fingers and tried not to let so much as a flicker of guilt cross her face. "I wouldn't do that to someone just to help her win. Not allowing each performer a fair chance is an injustice."

"Yes." Agent Pol lowered her voice to a murmur. "And you know all about injustice, don't you."

A pause.

Agent Irin finished tapping away at his tablet and cleared his throat again. "Recent investigations have shown us that the guard accused of treason, Hayate, is your biological brother. Not only that, but you were not separated at birth and grew up with the same guardian, namely Guardian Iquia. That all sound correct?"

Himei's eyelashes fluttered as she looked down at the table. "That's right."

"Lark had poison in his system when he died," Agent Pol said. "Poison that any ordinary Alien Stage contestant would have a hard time coming by unless it was provided to them. These are experimental drugs used in labs to study humans who know they're dying from the drug and the effects of impending doom on the brain. This isn't just a take-it-and-you're-out type of euthanasia like they use at kill shelters. This is... well, Himei." Agent Pol laughed a little, disbelievingly. "Well, this is just cruel, dare I say. And I'm sure you'd have had no trouble acquiring this drug with the help of your darling brother."

Himei could hardly even hear Agent Pol over the swell of her pulse in her ears. Her skin felt clammy everywhere from sweat.

"I didn't have any drugs," she whispered. "He didn't give me any drugs."

Agent Pol grunted. "You sound hoarse. Need some water?"

The image of Lark with his eyes closed, chugging poisoned water, jumped to the forefront of Himei's mind.

"No." She sat up straighter. "I'm fine, thanks."

The electricity from the harsh overhead lights buzzed in the silence.

Both agents scrutinized her for what was probably only a few seconds but felt like eternity to her. Then Agent Irin folded his tablet shut. "Thank you for your time. We'll escort you back upstairs." He turned to unlock the heavy black door blocking the exit. "I assume you have rehearsals to get to. The show must go on."

The show must go on.

Himei practiced. She tried on the outfit her team had made for her. She didn't sleep a wink the night before her performance, mind plagued with the golden glow of the stage lights, the golden glow of Lark's eyes, the way they morphed into dark hazel.

Another contestant was dead, but the show must go on. That was Alien Stage for you.

For weeks and weeks since Himei made it through her first round, she's been consulting with her team. First, in the immediate aftermath of Round 4, they thought they should try a ballad next time to contrast her pop performance. After Round 7, once Himei could finally think again in the weeks afterwards, she proposed a ballad about grief. Love. Like Aurien and Vermillion's performance during their round. She wanted to encapsulate that.

But plans had changed.

"Grief is overrated in this competition," her choreographer told her boredly. "No one wants to see another weary widow snivel on stage for four minutes before taking a bullet through the brain. You have to have something more interesting in you, or we've already lost."

Himei couldn't even respond to that at the time. She was too shocked.

Her entire PR team was at a loss until her fight with Daiki. If you could even call it a fight. She only got one damn hit in.

Anger, they said gleefully, like it was some kind of divine revelation. You have anger. No, not anger, you have rage. You're the righteous hand of those old gods.

So instead of capturing her audience with softness after initially presenting a diva image, they were taking it further. Pop princess with an edge. Great.

Himei got to choose her look, if not her image. She poured over magazines Daiki had modeled in and cut out outfit references to give to her designers. They were giddy when she presented the idea - ecstatic.

"We've already won," they told her now.

Himei couldn't even muster a smile.

Min died for her. Lark died because of her.

Now Noora would too.

So Himei won.

She won. She would compete against Cirrus in the quarter finals...

And it didn't even matter.

She tried to ignore Noora as she sang. If she couldn't sing for Tallis, she instead sang at Daiki. She spat vitriol into her mic. She became the poison.

The crowd cheered, she took a bow, the world spun, and then she was on the floor.

Dark hairs were still tangled in Noora's fingers that had been ripped right out of Himei's head before fists and nails rained down on her in a fury, hitting and scratching and pulling. Himei thought she might have screamed, but she couldn't hear it over the sound of the crowd.

Her cheek was marred with scratch marks. Her lip split open and spilled blood. She was in so much pain she could hardly breathe.

She didn't register when it stopped. Everything hurt. Everything throbbed and screamed and burned.

Then Himei felt Noora's breath against her face, harsh and anguished. Something dripped on Himei's cheek. A tear from Noora's startlingly emotional eyes.

"He was my friend," she whispered, shoulders shaking. "He was my friend."

He was her friend, and just like the aliens, just like Daiki, Himei tossed him aside like it was nothing.

A gunshot rang out, piercing Noora's slender, delicate throat. A red arterial spray shot from the wound. Noora was gone in an instant, dead weight against Himei, dying her white suit red.

Get off, Himei pleaded, aloud or silently, she didn't know. She struggled against the corpse. Get off, get off, get off!

She scrambled away on all fours in the pool of blood like an animal.

Wasn't she? A collar clicked around her neck, and she was roughly pulled to her feet.

Aren't I?

Bonus: Sometime Before Round 16...

He'd laid in bed for days, dead to the world.

Needles pumped fluids into his veins. A breathing tube pushed past his chapped mouth into his throat, forcing its way down to lodge behind his breastbone.

When he woke, his eyelids fluttered faintly, the steady beep of some strange monitor next to the bed reaching his ears. His eyebrows twitched, stirring. His eyes widened.

He instinctively reached up to yank the tube out, but to no avail. His hands were tied down to the bed. He made a startled noise, kicking, nostrils flaring in a silent scream. Get it out. Get it out, getitoutgetitout

"Subject 060839 is awake!" a voice shouted. Footsteps rushed in and out of the room. He wouldn't let anyone touch him, jerking and fighting, throat tightening, oh god, he was going to be sick, he would choke on this thing...

"Look, it's me!"

A tall gray-haired stranger entered and waved their arms at him. One of his arms wrested free from its bond in his panic.

"Tallis, it's me!"

He grabbed for the small vase on the table next to him and chucked it at their head.

Cranked this out in an hour and a half, yeehaw

Tov and Agents Pol and Irin belong to @ivanttakethis. Noora and Lark belong to @kamersona and the scene on stage is based on their writing. Daiki belongs to @daiki1k. Cirrus belongs to @cirrusoftheclouds.

[daiki1k]

Madoka magica but Daiki and Tina.