Why are We Here

Mami Tomoe slowly slid out of bed, not sure as to why she was so tired. Perhaps staying up so late to catch up on homework last night had really gotten to her? She sighed as she made her way to make some morning tea. Checking the time, she noticed that it was 2:00 pm and groaned. "It won't matter that I finished all my homework if I don't even make it to class... I hope Sayaka and Madoka don't worry about me." That's when she noticed four grief seeds and a letter laying on her coffee table, the letter almost looked like some kind of ancient scroll. Mami picked the letter up and read it's contents.

Hello Mami Tomoe, welcome to my world. I have created this world for one purpose... My amusement, I have summoned others here as well, and they are all getting the same offer as you. If you are the last one standing then I will release you from here to your home, and if you wish to get out of here peacefully... Then I have no objections to that either, though I may throw some enemies your way if too many are in on it. It will be just as fun to watch your hope die, and when you realise there is no other way, fight those who have helped you or you have helped... In fact, that might be a more interesting option, so please. Enjoy your stay.

Regards, The Creator.
Oh and PS I gave you four grief seeds so you don't die here, seeing as there aren't any witchs, well at least not yet. Do take care and use your power wisely.

Mami stared at the letter for another few minutes, desperately hoping this was some kind of prank played on her by her friends. Finally she took the grief seeds and decided to see for herself, walking out of her apartment there wasn't anything extremely different about her complex, but once she left the apartments that's when things became clearer. There was no one here. No one, not even a single person. The city wasn't even Mitakihara anymore. "Is this... My punishment for my failures? To die here? And I had just made some friends too." Mami shook her head, she wouldn't give up here, not when she has people to fight for. She begins to wander down the streets of the city.

Darkness. All he could see is a pitch black darkness. One thing's for sure, his heart was still beating. Was he unconscious? Something must've knocked him out. Soon enough, a repeating, high pitched beeping noise had begun in his head. It grew louder, and louder and louder until---

....He finally woke up, quickly lifting his body, and raising a hand to press a small switch on the side of his helmet. Stupid alarm clock. The DJ scanned the area. Right now, he was on a rooftop of some building; in some sort of city, one that he had never seen before. A brisk wind went by, making his tie flutter in the breeze as Vox quickly shook his head to rid himself of some of the grogginess. Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw a folded up paper sitting right next to him. He reached over and took it, unfolding the paper and quickly reading its contents.

Hello....'Vox', welcome to my world. I have created this world for one purpose... My amusement, I have summoned others here as well, and they are all getting the same offer as you. If you are the last one standing then I will release you from here to your home, and if you wish to get out of here peacefully... Then I have no objections to that either, though I may throw some enemies your way if too many are in on it. It will be just as fun to watch your hope die, and when you realise there is no other way, fight those who have helped you or you have helped... In fact, that might be a more interesting option, given your own background and morals, so please. Enjoy your stay.... And make sure to ....'entertain' your foes.

Regards, The Creator.

"Man. If time traveling wasn't enough.... I was really hoping to avoid inter-dimensional travel. And I'm gonna miss my telenovela reruns! Agh!" Sighing out, he neatly folded the letter back up, sticking it into his pocket. Then he got to his feet, putting his hands on his sides to see if his weapons were still there. His hands met the cold, metallic frame of his plasma blasters. Good.

Vox made his way to the edge of the rooftop, peering over the edge. The streets were.... empty, devoid of any people. Eerie. A shiver went down his spine at the sight. ....Well, whatever place he was taken to, he had a feeling that not everyone was going to be as friendly as he was.

"....What sort of sicko would put a guy like me in the Hunger Games?"

I woke up on a park bench. I got up and stretched. Not very comfortable. My body was stiff and back was sore. I looked around. The park was deserted. I saw nobody there. This seemed very suspicious. This realm should be no different than the one I'm used to. It's just another rinse and repeat adventure.
I looked down and saw a note. Curious, I bent down and picked it up. It read:

"Hello Matt, welcome to my world. I have created this world for one purpose... My amusement, I have summoned others here as well, and they are all getting the same offer as you. You may have been a prince in your old realm, however now you serve me. You serve to entertain me. If you are the last one standing then I will release you from my realm and let you continue on to your next adventure, and if you wish to get out of here peacefully... Then I have no objections to that either, though I may throw some enemies your way if too many are in on it. I know you try and help others, it's in your nature. However, in this, you might find that to be more...difficult to do. Enjoy your stay.

Good luck, Matt

I scoffed. I don't know who this being is, but I have my morals and my training to guide me. Fear should not get to me as easily as it thinks. I've been to Hell and back, what horrors are there left? I've explored many realms and this one would be no different. Befriending others and fighting off evil is something I do best.

I drew my sword and began to walk the streets, now devoid of life. Hopefully, my first encounter would get the snowball rolling. I kept a defensive stance and looked around. I moved quietly to avoid getting killed. Surely not everyone will seek peace as I do.

I could only hope.

It's been roughly seven years since the strange duo have left the village in search of Kyanne's tribe and it's been almost fourteen years since they've met. Cain, the white haired mage was approaching a small forest with what appeared to be numerous lakes all over the forest floor, small natural land bridges made it possible for him to crossover without having to swim. It was hard to admit, but Cain was an awful swimmer and he just hated getting his outfit wet, so he avoided it whenever he could. On his shoulder was a small fairy with arguably the pinkest hair one would see in their entire lives. They've been on the road since early that morning and it seemed night was swiftly approaching the duo, so they decided to camp out near the shorelines of one of the many lakes throughout the small forest.

Cain was most proud of his ability to cook, he cooked sweet things, spicy things, bitter things, but rarely did one of his recipes turn out poorly. Kyanne was busy collecting various berries that grew around the forest, obviously with these trees growing so close to a lake, these fruits would be plump and juicy. In addition to any berries she might find, Kyanne was responsible for collecting some water; of course this was a tedious process for her tiny body, but she was as stubborn as her friend and refused to just give up, so she just brought water back to the camp scoop by scoop while Cain cooked up a simple stew for them.

As they awaited for the food to cook, they watched the moonlight dance over the surface of the water with bright smiles. Just looking at the duo, one could tell they were a close and loving duo, yet it was obvious neither harbored any romantic feelings for one another; though if Kyanne was human sized, there'd be no doubt that they'd be in a relationship with one another, but it just seems like they're two siblings from different mothers. There was nothing but love and happiness between the two. Bright and warm smiles were frequently worn between the two in spite of their sad, painful pasts.

"Do you think we'll ever find my family, Cain?" Kyanne asked as she watched the flames flicker under the small pot. Despite being an ice fairy, she was rather fond of the warmth fires provided. "It's been fourteen years, so I'm wondering if you've lost any hope..." Her voice was saddened, but she was glad to be in the presence of someone she cared for and someone she knew loved her just as much. Cain was silent for a short while, sighing a little. "I don't want to get your hopes up for anything, but I'm not sure if we will or not. We've been traveling so long and I've feared that you may be the last of your kind." He gently wrapped his hands around the little fairy, sort of hugging the fairy. "Though, I hope we'll find something." The two soon fell silent, just awaiting for their food to be ready.

After they'd finished their meal and cleaned up their area, the duo curled up and snuggled close to the other in hopes of conserving as much warmth as possible, which was quite difficult seeing as Kyanne wasn't even a foot tall, but they managed and slept peacefully throughout the night with nothing but lighthearted and happy dreams.

Though, their morning was... strange. They woke in a forest, but it wasn't the same forest they were in the night prior. Axelia's influence couldn't be felt anywhere, so they were understandably confused. "Big brother, where are we? We're not in the Glany Woods, are we?" Kyanne asked in a nervously timid voice, clinging onto his shoulder. Cain looked around with a mixture of fear and awe. "I've absolutely no idea, Kyanne.. Just stay close to me, I don't want us to get separated." He suggested as he began searching for anyone nearby, he just wanted to know where he was, how he got there, and why he got there.

But, that's when they came across a strange note lying in front of them.

By the time you're reading this note, you'll likely be in a world far from your own. I've wish to amuse myself lately and I decided that an overly religious man like yourself, Cain, and the fairy Kyanne would provide plenty of amusement. Oh, but do not fret, you are not the only one who's been wretched away from their homeworld. I do not intend to keep you here forever, but I won't be sending you back right away... why don't you look for these otherworldly visitors and get yourself acquainted with them? Do not bore me and perhaps, I'll return you to that Axelia you love so much.

~Your Creator

Cain stared at the note for several moments as he processed the information. So, a god wretched him from the grips of Axelia and flung him into a whole new world. Was it Kirai's doing? No, it didn't have the same dark, foreboding presence that the Dark One possessed, it felt different... What it was, Cain figured it'd be a good idea to find these other people. "We might as well do what the note says if we want to get back to New Ravenloft." He suggested, holding the fairy protectively as he began looking for civilization.

Nito rolled onto his back with a groan as he woke up inside some kind of ruins in the jungle. “By all the gods, Agh.” He sat up and gave himself a once over, after seeing no injuries he got to his feet. “Where is my stuff?” After a shot while of searching he found an alter with his bag and a scroll sitting on top of it. He took a moment to sense if his Eidolon was still with him, after confirming that Shard was still with him he walked over and opened the scroll.

[Reads scroll]

"Hello Nito, welcome to my world. I have created this world for one purpose... My amusement, I have summoned others here as well, and they are all getting the same offer as you. If you are the last one standing then I will release you from here to your home, and if you wish to get out of here peacefully... Then I have no objections to that either, though I may throw some enemies your way if too many are in on it. It will be just as fun to watch your hope die, and when you realise there is no other way, fight those who have helped you or you have helped... In fact, that might be a more interesting option, so please. Enjoy your stay.

Regards, The Creator."


“Creator, hm? I feel like I’m dealing with another juve-godling.” He opened the bag and searched it for his staff. But what he felt was “A” staff but not “His” staff. “You got to be kidding me, are the people you got me fighting so frail that you need to steal my staff?” He took out the collapsible staff and examined it.

"Hello Zulae, welcome to my world. I have created this world for one purpose... My amusement, I have summoned others here as well, and they are all getting the same offer as you. If you are the last one standing then I will release you from here to your home, and if you wish to get out of here peacefully... Then I have no objections to that either, though I may throw some enemies your way if too many are in on it. It will be just as fun to watch your hope die, and when you realise there is no other way, fight those who have helped you or you have helped... In fact, that might be a more interesting option, so please. Enjoy your stay.

Regards, The Creator."

~

This certainly wasn't something she expected.

Zulae had just arrived back in her hut, tired, and somewhat stressed after hunting and defending her tribe. Her fiancé was waiting for her as usual, and she was about to play the music from the makeshift box that her fiancé had created.

Then, everything afterward came as a blur.

Now, the Rakehnae was sitting in some weird area, alone. The box was in her hands, along with a scroll rolled gently atop it. Rather puzzled at the odd event, she had slowly unraveled the scroll, and read it.

~

After taking the few moments to re-read the scroll, the Rakehnae stood up from the ground. Opening her wings up slightly, Zulae reached over to her bow. Afterwards, she grabbed a single arrow, and loaded it in the bow. Her senses remaining sharp, the Rakehnae slithered forward, as she kept an eye out for anything or anyone out there.

So, others are around here... Perhaps I can find a way out, without having to shed a single drop of blood..

Mami pulled out her soul gem, the source of her power and abilities. She looked carefully at it, and to her surprise the soul gem didn't blink or offer any kind of response. What that thing said was true, this place was truly devoid of witches, this certainly made things difficult. She could use her ribbons to traverse the city in a quicker fashion, but that would cost her precious magic that she was low on, and any encounter could cost her her life if she wasn't careful.

She began to walk on through the streets, she had never thought of the uneasiness a vacant city would bring her, but seeing one now... Chilled her to the bone. Mami turned a corner when she suddenly noticed motion in the corner of her eyes. Quickly, she transformed into a magical girl and created a musket out of her ribbons, aiming it at the unknown person. "Who..." Why was she pointing a gun at a person she knows nothing about? Would she really stoop to the level of the thing that called himself the Creator? "Who..." She began to tremble, the musket shaking as she leveled the barrel at the stranger. "Who are you? I'll... I'll shoot! I... I have to..."

"Eeek!" Arisa shrieked as she fell to the world consciously. She wasn't knocked out the others and was surprised by the sudden change of environment. She looked around her surroundings before looking at the letter. "Huh...oh no...not one of these..." she sighed. She dusted herself of the dust and stood up. She had a look of the adventurer but her frail and young appearance. She wore attires similar to medieval aura with a cloak and everything, but the style seemed gothic. Her brown hair was let freely that complimented her brown eyes.

I was startled by this woman. "Easy there stranger!" I put my sword up to block whatever she had in her hand. Little did I know it was a musket. The blue and yellow metallic sheen sparkled in the new sun. "I see you're as nervous holding that thing as I am having it pointed at me." I laughed nervously.

"The name is Matt. Matt Bylin. Warrior Prince of a land far away..and maybe...maybe long ago. I don't know. I tend to move about the ages if you will." I smiled at her. "Trust me. I mean no harm. Watch." I opened up my trench coat slowly and put the sword back inside. I extended a hand.

"...and you are?"

As Zulae wandered aimlessly around the area, a faint "Eeek!" had managed to ring in her ears. The Rakehnae female had jumped for the slightest moment, before turning at the direction of this sound. Bow in hand, with the string still pulled back, Zulae began heading toward the sound, while quietly slithering as she had done so.

This may be one of those.. people this 'Creator' had mentioned. Hm..

Zulae started to concentrate more on the situation at hand, as her bow remained raised. After a few more, slow heartbeats away, the Rakehnae would start to notice a small, possibly shadowed figure in the near distance. Rather surprised for the figure to be this close, the Rakehnae proceeded onward, until she would be close enough, but would appear to be a figure in the distance, as well.

Perhaps I'll purposely miss my shot.. I can test how this one will react. That way, it'll probably be easier to know what routes others would take when they encounter a battle...

When he was done he just accepted that this staff will do the job for his spells. “Ok, let’s see who we find first. But be good Shard, we want to go home clean.” He smiled kindly “You are my last resort if the others can’t help, now let’s go as see our fellow guests” He took the bag and make his way out of the ruins and into the jungle to search for the other players in killing game.

Eventually, Vox headed down the building via fire escape, and onto the sidewalk. Now that he was actually on the sidewalk, it looked even more creepy to him. He was so used to the hustle and bustle of city settings, the loud background noises, and the sounds of cars driving by.... Empty things like this always unsettled him, as Vox was always so used to sound--hence his occupation and his powers.

After strolling around aimlessly, he paused as he caught a glimpse of someone with what seemed to be.... a snake.... person?

....Oh. My. God. That is so cool!

Vox tiptoed up to the snake lady in a rather inconspicuous manner, and when he was close enough, he reached over and gently tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hey there!" He greeted in his usual jolly tone.

Zulae was rather focused at the other figure ahead of her in the distance. That was why when the strange man had gave a gentle tap from behind, she had jumped and almost shot the arrow into what seemed like the person's head. Luckily for the person though, it only flew just above them, and landed shortly after, a foot or two away.

Zulae huffed, and slithered past the person, after he had said a rather jolly "Hey there!" to her. Rather annoyed, she went over to the fallen arrow, and yanked it out from the ground. A small crack resided in its place, as the Rakehnae female took a glance at this strange looking person before her.

The first words that escaped her mouth were some muttered swears, before she had said something aloud: "What in the hell was that for?!"

The arrow flying past his head didn't startle him all that much. In fact, it took him a moment to realize that something did almost kill him once the snake lady retrieved the arrow from the ground. Vox gave a shrug, sticking his hands into his pockets.

"Just saying hi! I'm only glad to see that you're not trying to murder me in the Hunger Games. So no need to get your....." He trailed off for a moment, glancing down at her serpentine body. "Yeah, nevermind. Sorry about scaring you!"

Mami looked the stranger over and immediately regretted pulling a gun on him. She dropped the musket, the gun disappearing before it even hit the ground. She tentatively approached the man and shook his hand. "My name... is Mami Tomoe. I'm sorry, I just... I'm so confused of what's going on and the Creator said we have to kill each other to get out of here. I know it's selfish, but I thought if I just... I could get back to my friends, to my home."

"EEEK!" she shrieked as the arrow missed her and she dived for cover, "I-I Want p-peace! N-no fights p-please!" She was obviously shivering and was...well not coward but rather shy sort of way.

I saw the musket disappear before it hit the ground. "Quite the magician, aren't we?" It didn't seem to cheer her up.

I smiled. "I knew, even before this, what it was like to be away from home for a long time. The great thing about friends is you can make more." I told her. "You always have a choice, no matter the circumstances.

"This creator nonsense you seem to believe...? Fake stuff. Sure he has powers and everything, but why would a creator want his creations to destroy what he made?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "...but that doesn't mean you should do stupid stuff."

"You must be strong then, I've spent my life with almost no one, and I can't bare it anymore. I just met people who actually care about me, and for once I didn't feel useless, but here I am now..."

Mami turned back to her normal form, no need to waste her magic right now. She held the soul gem in front of her, it was shining with orange energy. Relieved that she didn't need to use a grief seed for this encounter, she extended her arm so that the soul gem was close to the Warrior-Prince. "I am a magical girl, I made a wish to a being named Kyubey and in turn I gained powers to fight witches. This is my soul gem, it's how I get my magic, but it isn't an infinite source of power." Mami reached into her pocket and pulled out a grief seed, a dark ball with a needle on the bottom. "As I use magic, my soul gem becomes corrupted, if it becomes completely black... I will die."

She pointed to the black ball. "This is a grief seed, this is what we use to purify our soul gems so that we may continue to use magic. The problem is the means to get them is not available in this world, and the creator only supplied me with four... The truth is, I don't have much time here." She bowed to Matt. "And that is why I almost attacked you, I hope you can forgive me..."

After a fifteen minute walk through the jungle he stopped at a large tree. “Hmm… No birds, bugs, or spirits, no sound what so ever. That’s good I guess, if I light this place the only people who would get hurt would be me or the others.” He went back to walking through the jungle while taking mental notes on the types of flora this jungle had to offer. “Trap plants or carnivores plants would be uses full, can’t tame them but knowing where they are is an advantage.” He thought to himself as the jungle slowly became less dense.

"I forgive you. It's harsh world."

I pondered at her predicament for a second. Then came to a conclusion. "We should stick together. The less magic you use, the longer you have to escape. Also, two heads are better than one in a bad situation."

"What do you say?"