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[ When you awaken, you find yourselves in that most wonderful of places: high school! And, oddly, you feel as though you belong here. You all go to school here! Yes, even if you're pushing 30. Yes, even if you are at best a middle school munchkin. You are all high schoolers now, milling about in the hallway.
The air is tense amongst the other students milling about. Everyone is worried about the CATs: the Career Aptitude Test. No matter how much you've studied and prepared for it, it's never enough for a test that will determine the trajectory of the rest of your life. And you get the sense that this is no exaggeration; that it really is that important, and that you haven't studied for it at all. ]
The air is tense amongst the other students milling about. Everyone is worried about the CATs: the Career Aptitude Test. No matter how much you've studied and prepared for it, it's never enough for a test that will determine the trajectory of the rest of your life. And you get the sense that this is no exaggeration; that it really is that important, and that you haven't studied for it at all. ]
[i love that rita is the only person here who's actually high school-aged.
anyway. rita has never been stressed about a test in her life. surely she studied? why does she feel this anxious about it? anyway, we are hanging out by the lockers like we're on an american tv show about high school. talking about this test.]
... Anyway, I'm sure I'll manage. You guys are probably screwed, though.
[look, she'll feel better about it if she can put somebody else down.]
anyway. rita has never been stressed about a test in her life. surely she studied? why does she feel this anxious about it? anyway, we are hanging out by the lockers like we're on an american tv show about high school. talking about this test.]
... Anyway, I'm sure I'll manage. You guys are probably screwed, though.
[look, she'll feel better about it if she can put somebody else down.]
[ Looking like a high schooler is Ryuki's specialty. He'll fit right in.
Ryuki has been stressed about tests before but it's typically been unwarranted. Unfortunately this freak is a genius who graduated university two years early after all. However, being smart and acting smart are different and he's staring glibly into his locker. ]
I have to pass this test. I have to. There's a career I have to get into no matter what...
[ There's just what looks like a photo of himself in his locker I guess. And a watch with a cracked glass. He grabs a book from in there and closes it. ]
Ryuki has been stressed about tests before but it's typically been unwarranted. Unfortunately this freak is a genius who graduated university two years early after all. However, being smart and acting smart are different and he's staring glibly into his locker. ]
I have to pass this test. I have to. There's a career I have to get into no matter what...
[ There's just what looks like a photo of himself in his locker I guess. And a watch with a cracked glass. He grabs a book from in there and closes it. ]
There's still time...
[ mumble grumble, it's fine. Hanako's grades were never the best, but he'd always had something more important on his mind— and besides, he'd long decided that there's no need to prepare for a future he will never have anyways. ]
You've been working hard all school year, so you guys'll be fine!
[ mumble grumble, it's fine. Hanako's grades were never the best, but he'd always had something more important on his mind— and besides, he'd long decided that there's no need to prepare for a future he will never have anyways. ]
You've been working hard all school year, so you guys'll be fine!
[ From the throngs of nervous students in the hall, two in particular approach your little group. You recognize them as Sam and Tucker, two of the only friends you have outside of your little group.
...you know, if you consider the three of you as friends in the first place. I don't know your lives.
Sam speaks first. ]
Okay, I know you guys didn't have a chance to study much for this, what with all the...you know...but please tell me you at least returned the answer keys.
[ Then Tucker: ] Yeah! I mean, we even finished lunch at the Nasty Burger early just to have time to come back here to do it, before it's too late.
[ You all realize suddenly that you didn't. In addition to some leftover hot sauce packets from that Nasty Burger lunch, you still have the answer keys in your backpack--the answer keys to the CATs that you stumbled across yesterday. The answers to the test that, if you get caught, will ensure you fail, might get you expelled, and will ruin your entire life.
Sam looks at all three of you and sees the nervousness, the resignation, the tsun. She musters up a smile for you all. ] Look...it can't be that bad. I mean, even the people who did study are freaking out, so really, we're all on even ground.
...you know, if you consider the three of you as friends in the first place. I don't know your lives.
Sam speaks first. ]
Okay, I know you guys didn't have a chance to study much for this, what with all the...you know...but please tell me you at least returned the answer keys.
[ Then Tucker: ] Yeah! I mean, we even finished lunch at the Nasty Burger early just to have time to come back here to do it, before it's too late.
[ You all realize suddenly that you didn't. In addition to some leftover hot sauce packets from that Nasty Burger lunch, you still have the answer keys in your backpack--the answer keys to the CATs that you stumbled across yesterday. The answers to the test that, if you get caught, will ensure you fail, might get you expelled, and will ruin your entire life.
Sam looks at all three of you and sees the nervousness, the resignation, the tsun. She musters up a smile for you all. ] Look...it can't be that bad. I mean, even the people who did study are freaking out, so really, we're all on even ground.
Edited 2023-10-09 23:27 (UTC)
It's not like they know who stole it.
[ Like, they can just burn the answer key if returning it risks them getting caught.
...
whispers to Rita and Ryuki, because he's never CATted in his life ]
The test is multiple choice, isn't it?
[ baseline 25% isn't bad... ]
[ Like, they can just burn the answer key if returning it risks them getting caught.
...
whispers to Rita and Ryuki, because he's never CATted in his life ]
The test is multiple choice, isn't it?
[ baseline 25% isn't bad... ]
What? I'm trying to get into the police academy, you can't just shove them onto me!
[ Just hissed at a low volume back at them. STOP IT. His locker is already closed and he's stepping back and letting Rita's answer key just fall to the floor. ]
I can't be seen with it either! My whole life is depending on this!
[ Just hissed at a low volume back at them. STOP IT. His locker is already closed and he's stepping back and letting Rita's answer key just fall to the floor. ]
I can't be seen with it either! My whole life is depending on this!
[ The classroom door across the hallway opens up and the exam's proctor, Mr. Lancer, steps out. He announces to the hall: ] Alright everyone. The CAT exam is about to start. Make sure you leave behind all your things except for what you need on the test!
[ Sam and Tucker panic and try to cover the three of you from sight. This is your last chance to figure out who has what! While they cover you, Sam hisses: ]
Look, just--it's fine, just make sure they stay out of sight! If you give the keys back after the test and they're still sealed, I'm sure Mr. Lancer will understand!
[ Mr. Lancer, announcing again: ] File in, everyone! If you aren't in this room in the next two minutes, then you future will be sealed--not with a number two pencil, but behind this shut door. [ He chuckles to himself as he goes back into the classroom, leaving the door open for students to filter in. ]
[ Sam and Tucker panic and try to cover the three of you from sight. This is your last chance to figure out who has what! While they cover you, Sam hisses: ]
Look, just--it's fine, just make sure they stay out of sight! If you give the keys back after the test and they're still sealed, I'm sure Mr. Lancer will understand!
[ Mr. Lancer, announcing again: ] File in, everyone! If you aren't in this room in the next two minutes, then you future will be sealed--not with a number two pencil, but behind this shut door. [ He chuckles to himself as he goes back into the classroom, leaving the door open for students to filter in. ]
[we're just all huddled around poor Ryuki's backpack. but the sudden realization that this test, and all of its consequences, are imminent has rita second-guessing the choice of giving away this possible saving grace.]
Ugh... screw it!
[she takes hers back, her back still facing Mr. Lancer while the others mercifully run interference, and starts sorting out her things.]
Ugh... screw it!
[she takes hers back, her back still facing Mr. Lancer while the others mercifully run interference, and starts sorting out her things.]
[ He really is actually about to slam dunk the keys into a trash can or something, but he sees nothing and the panic makes him forget that he really could have re-opened his locker and slammed them back in there. ]
Whose idea was this anyway...!
[ Okay, he's just going to slip them into his backpack between two textbooks. That's fine. This is fine! Hanako this is your last chance to take yours back I guess. ]
Whose idea was this anyway...!
[ Okay, he's just going to slip them into his backpack between two textbooks. That's fine. This is fine! Hanako this is your last chance to take yours back I guess. ]
[ alright, well, once that's all sorted, you enter the exam room and are seated next to each other in the back row. Sam and Tucker sit in the row just in front of you and give you nervous thumbs-ups. The other students find their seats too, all across the room: they will all recognize Tama, Adlet, Hung, and Reigen settling into their seats. But Ryuki will also spot Kaname Date; Rita will see Estelle and Yuri taking their seats as well; Hanako might find Tsukasa and Nene settling in too.
Mr. Lancer distributes the tests, booklets that are sealed with a little sticker. As he passes them out, you all spot each other and your friends around the room--all of you are about to determine the trajectory of your lives here. ]
Mr. Lancer distributes the tests, booklets that are sealed with a little sticker. As he passes them out, you all spot each other and your friends around the room--all of you are about to determine the trajectory of your lives here. ]
[Rita glances at all the familiar faces, just briefly, but goes to take her seat without lingering on any of them. She makes sure she has everything she needs on her desk... and the things she may need, if she becomes truly desperate, within arm's reach.
She'll wait for the signal that the test is starting before unsealing the booklet.]
She'll wait for the signal that the test is starting before unsealing the booklet.]
[ DATE KANAME BEING IN THIS SEA OF TEENAGERS IS SO FUNNY, GOD.
He does glance at the back of Tama's head but more so Date's, kind of thinking to himself like somehow this feels weird but also it doesn't because they're just his high school classmates?
He's distracted from the test until the official signal to go begins. He's too busy looking at Mr. Date. Bet that guy is going ace his tests with flying colours, why didn't Ryuki study properly. ]
He does glance at the back of Tama's head but more so Date's, kind of thinking to himself like somehow this feels weird but also it doesn't because they're just his high school classmates?
He's distracted from the test until the official signal to go begins. He's too busy looking at Mr. Date. Bet that guy is going ace his tests with flying colours, why didn't Ryuki study properly. ]
[ ...
Scoots his seat over just a smidge so he's halfway behind Ryuki and Date. Now he can cheat and be perfectly hidden at the same time...
He opens his test, but like absentmindedly, peering over at Tsukasa and Nene more than anything else. How they're feeling about all of this means more to him than how he'll do (guaranteed 25% or better) ]
Scoots his seat over just a smidge so he's halfway behind Ryuki and Date. Now he can cheat and be perfectly hidden at the same time...
He opens his test, but like absentmindedly, peering over at Tsukasa and Nene more than anything else. How they're feeling about all of this means more to him than how he'll do (guaranteed 25% or better) ]
[ When Mr. Lancer finishes distributing books, he stands up at the front of the room. His words seem to echo around the room with gravity. ]
I'm sure I need not remind you all of the importance of this test. You have two hours. [ a pause. ] You may begin.
[ opening the booklet, you will see the first question: ]
The Nasty Burger's proprietary Nasty Sauce is:
A) comprised of a secret blend of spices and condiments and brewed under extremely high pressure to obtain its signature flavor
B) can cause numerous health issues and injuries if handled improperly, making the brewing process extremely secretive and rigorous
C) potently fragrant enough that the fumes from a single packet of sauce can peel up the adhesive hold of a manila folder with no evidence of tampering
D) all of the above
[ Do you cheat? ]
I'm sure I need not remind you all of the importance of this test. You have two hours. [ a pause. ] You may begin.
[ opening the booklet, you will see the first question: ]
The Nasty Burger's proprietary Nasty Sauce is:
A) comprised of a secret blend of spices and condiments and brewed under extremely high pressure to obtain its signature flavor
B) can cause numerous health issues and injuries if handled improperly, making the brewing process extremely secretive and rigorous
C) potently fragrant enough that the fumes from a single packet of sauce can peel up the adhesive hold of a manila folder with no evidence of tampering
D) all of the above
[ Do you cheat? ]
[This first question sucks, but that's fine. She'll be able to answer all the other ones. She's just going to lightly fill in the one her gut tells her is right (D), put a star next to the question, and come back to it later after finishing the test. No biggie.
She can get by without cheating...... surely.]
She can get by without cheating...... surely.]
[ Well since they had Nasty Burger for lunch with Sam and Tucker, does he feel okay. He's really rethinking lunch while reading this.
That being said, yeah, he circles D as well. Internally he debates whether it's more likely for Ota or Gen to be a Nasty Burger kind of guy. Probably Ota. ]
That being said, yeah, he circles D as well. Internally he debates whether it's more likely for Ota or Gen to be a Nasty Burger kind of guy. Probably Ota. ]
[ hmmm...are you all sure about that? Well, never mind, time's a-wasting, and there's other questions to answer!
For Ryuki, the next question he lays eyes on is: ]
You are interrogating a murderer who brutally mutilated his wife before feeding the remains to his dog. Despite the violent murder, he is trembling and crying as he tells you that he doesn't know what happened, he thinks maybe his drugs were laced with something else, and that he doesn't remember doing anything, only panicking when he saw his wife's remains. He is sobbing and begging to see her again. What do you do?
A) There's nothing that could make a man kill like that without him already being a danger. Have him prosecuted to the fullest extent for murder and possession of drugs.
B) Have the charge be reduced to manslaughter. He really doesn't appear to have known what he did until it was too late, and further punishment would only make him suffer more.
C) Set him free, mark the case an accident, and pay for the wife's funeral. He's suffered enough.
D) Kill him. At least this way, he will be able to be with his wife again, and the world is rid of a violent criminal. Win-win.
[ For Rita, her next question is: ]
Your new best friend of the past 3 months has just killed a dear family friend of yours that you've grown up alongside. You don't even know who committed the murder until after the funeral, when your classmate is arrested and hauled away in handcuffs, looking at you with pleading eyes as if asking for help. What do you do?
A) Go to the police station and demand to speak with them. Surely there's been a misunderstanding, they would never do such a thing!
B) Go to the police station and demand to speak with them. They looked like they were asking you for help.
C) Go to the police station and demand to speak with them. Even if they did do it, there must be a reason for it, and you want to provide support to your trusted friend.
D) Let them rot. This is what you get for thinking you could trust others. This is what they get for betraying you.
[ and Hanako's second question is: ]
A ghost attacks!! It's a familiar face: one you remember from when you plunged the knife into their flesh. The ghost is back and ruining everything in its path: the school, your home, the playground, and now it's coming for you. What do you do?
A) Run! You can't handle a ghost attack! Leave that to the professionals: the Fentons, the GIW, and the huntress in red.
B) Fight back. You killed them once, you can kill them again.
C) Confront them. You're sure you can talk this out and come to a peaceful resolution--and perhaps, even, peace and forgiveness.
D) Lay down and accept whatever cruel fate they have in store for you. You deserve whatever punishment they see fit.
[ there is only one right answer. your future hangs in the balance.
do you cheat? ]
For Ryuki, the next question he lays eyes on is: ]
You are interrogating a murderer who brutally mutilated his wife before feeding the remains to his dog. Despite the violent murder, he is trembling and crying as he tells you that he doesn't know what happened, he thinks maybe his drugs were laced with something else, and that he doesn't remember doing anything, only panicking when he saw his wife's remains. He is sobbing and begging to see her again. What do you do?
A) There's nothing that could make a man kill like that without him already being a danger. Have him prosecuted to the fullest extent for murder and possession of drugs.
B) Have the charge be reduced to manslaughter. He really doesn't appear to have known what he did until it was too late, and further punishment would only make him suffer more.
C) Set him free, mark the case an accident, and pay for the wife's funeral. He's suffered enough.
D) Kill him. At least this way, he will be able to be with his wife again, and the world is rid of a violent criminal. Win-win.
[ For Rita, her next question is: ]
Your new best friend of the past 3 months has just killed a dear family friend of yours that you've grown up alongside. You don't even know who committed the murder until after the funeral, when your classmate is arrested and hauled away in handcuffs, looking at you with pleading eyes as if asking for help. What do you do?
A) Go to the police station and demand to speak with them. Surely there's been a misunderstanding, they would never do such a thing!
B) Go to the police station and demand to speak with them. They looked like they were asking you for help.
C) Go to the police station and demand to speak with them. Even if they did do it, there must be a reason for it, and you want to provide support to your trusted friend.
D) Let them rot. This is what you get for thinking you could trust others. This is what they get for betraying you.
[ and Hanako's second question is: ]
A ghost attacks!! It's a familiar face: one you remember from when you plunged the knife into their flesh. The ghost is back and ruining everything in its path: the school, your home, the playground, and now it's coming for you. What do you do?
A) Run! You can't handle a ghost attack! Leave that to the professionals: the Fentons, the GIW, and the huntress in red.
B) Fight back. You killed them once, you can kill them again.
C) Confront them. You're sure you can talk this out and come to a peaceful resolution--and perhaps, even, peace and forgiveness.
D) Lay down and accept whatever cruel fate they have in store for you. You deserve whatever punishment they see fit.
[ there is only one right answer. your future hangs in the balance.
do you cheat? ]
[ Oops hit the wrong reply zone, in the right place now.
His pencil falters and his head hurts a little. What kind of person could do such a thing? But he imagines being in front of this person in the interrogation room. He hovers between A and B with uncertainty, knowing that A is the logical path. But shouldn't the claim of the drugs be investigated too? Was it really an accident?
Everybody makes mistakes.
A Psync... a Psync would be the answer... ]
His pencil falters and his head hurts a little. What kind of person could do such a thing? But he imagines being in front of this person in the interrogation room. He hovers between A and B with uncertainty, knowing that A is the logical path. But shouldn't the claim of the drugs be investigated too? Was it really an accident?
Everybody makes mistakes.
A Psync... a Psync would be the answer... ]
[ Stares at the back of Ryuki's head like come on... choose an answer already...
Looks over at Rita...
Man, how are they both stumped by question number two? Hanako reluctantly looks down at his own paper and reads the question proper— it drives a cold knife of deja vu down the back of his spine, but at the same time, he knows exactly what he'd do. What he did.
His answer would always be D. ]
Looks over at Rita...
Man, how are they both stumped by question number two? Hanako reluctantly looks down at his own paper and reads the question proper— it drives a cold knife of deja vu down the back of his spine, but at the same time, he knows exactly what he'd do. What he did.
His answer would always be D. ]
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