Sure enough, time loop after time loop, eventually, things just fall into a far too tiring routine. At least, that's how it was for the two high schoolers, who almost always reigned supreme in the rest of the game. Taking a step back from all the files, it is a bit funny. Two teenagers, no older than seventeen years old, were within the top three of those with the best chance of winning.

While the real game goes on outside the box, the ginger sits in something of a blank room. There's nothing in here except her. And maybe the countless clown masks that she always managed to get her hands on after another test was run. Her eyes stare at the growing collection of masks that don't belong to her, but to someone she holds dear.

He can feel his senses growing distant, and suddenly, the dried blood on his hands doesn't feel so dry anymore. On that note, the blood doesn't run down his hands either. It feels like it simply evaporate, as if it never was there in the first place. If he thinks about it too hard, he wonders if it was ever there in the first place. It all gets reset anyways, doesn't it?

Of course, there's always one thing she can count on. Her eyes shut before she knows it, that yellow room that she slowly grows to slowly become more and more acquainted with fades.

It's dark for a while. He's used to the dark, especially in most of those attraction he's learned to clear with ease. The passage of time feels fast, but unbearably slow all at the same time. He wants to expect that woman's face will appear soon enough, talking to him with an oh-so tired voice. Sara liked to think she was just some scientist with nothing better to do than to talk to him. The dark presumes for a while, though.

And so, she waits.

And waits.

... And waits?

There's something different now. There's something... touching him. It's uncomfortable, almost, but he can't make any move himself until the click of a button is heard. As soon as he hears it, he steps back, red eyes shooting open to figure out what was going on. After all, that's never happened in any of these simulations.

Her eyes quickly land on a green haired woman in a lab coat, taking steps back themself. They look much closer than ever, as if there's no screen blocking the AI and the only form of connection she'd have with what goes on outside those simulations.

"A-Ah... um-" She opens her mouth, yet struggles to come up with some kind of quick answer. Sara waits, crossing his arms and looking the other up and down. The most he's ever seen was her sitting in some kind of chair, body almost slumped with a clipboard in her hands.

"... H-How do you feel?" The scientist inquires, looking up at the AI. All she can do is shrug before properly responding.

"Fine, I guess? A bit confused... I thought the real death game was already in progress." He shifts his gaze to look elsewhere, spotting a mirror in the strange room. He clears his throat before continuing. "What are you- What is that?"

She stares at a cord that hangs from behind her. She moves around a little, trying to shake it off, only to be met with nothing happening and a sigh from the other.

"... You've been transferred into a doll, Sara. For now. Since you were so um... distraught... by the passing of the real Anzu, I-I thought you'd appreciate it if you got to meet the closest thing we could get of her. On this floor, the participants are paired with those who passed in their first trials... w-which includes Anzu, as you can guess. That's a charger... once your battery goes out, you fall asleep until I put you back into the simulation port. Does that make sense...?"

If he were being brutally honest? Hardly. The only thing he really got from that was something about Anzu--the real Anzu--being here in something similar of a state as he was. A doll.

"... Are you saying I'll get to see them again?" She wonders, her voice sounding much more hopeful than she would've liked. Her eyes stare at Safalin through the mirror, who simply nods their head.

"Yes, that's basically the gist of it... Um- Anzu, along with the other five dolls, are currently getting things explained to them too... Y-You should be able to meet up again with her soo- H-Hey! Don't go yet-"

And without another word leaving him, Sara fumbles with the doorknob before pushing it open. The door closes behind her, and the scientist holds their head in their hands. Of course he wasn't going to listen.

The ginger hurriedly walks down the corridor, walls all so unfamiliar to eyes that thought all she'd ever know were the same rooms over and over again, with the same faces and voices, the same events and deaths and-

A figure dressed in mostly yellow passes by through intersecting parts of the hallway. Almost akin to a puppy, Sara's eyes light up, his pace quickening and his footsteps echoing much more. The other's footsteps seem to get drowned out in the noise, yet when he goes far enough down the hallway and makes a quick right, he can spot the doll pause in her steps.

"Um-" Anzu gives an awkward grin, waving her hand. "Hiya? Can I... Can I help you?"

For a moment, Sara's totally speechless. Another simulation hasn't gone on for weeks, solely because of the preparation and the running of the real death game, and so she was stuck in that room. She was there, all alone, by herself. The most company she'd get was the occasional check in from the scientist, who only came every once in a while when they weren't busy. Sometimes, the soft hum or whistle kept her busy enough, but aside from that? Just Sara and... herself, really.

To see Anzu here again, in person... He can't help this happy feeling that swells up inside him. Sara's learned better than to swoop the other up and hold them in his arms upon first seeing them, but man, he kind of really wants to.

"Oh, uh...! You look happy," Anzu pulls down her hoodie, mirroring her grin, even if it's a bit... awkward.

"No kidding," He rubs the back of his neck with one hand, the other resting on his freckled cheek. He shifts his weight onto one leg. "It's... been a while, huh? Still kind of a crime that they don't let you stay in the winner's room with me between simulation runs... But um- How have you been? When you'd get powered on?" He tilts his head to the charger that hangs from behind them, which Anzu looks at for a split second before returning their gaze, now fused with a confused look.

"... Just a little while ago, actually. I'm assuming the same way for you- Erm... sorry, I might just be like, totally scatteted right now, but like- Do I know you or something? I was gonna say maybe you're one of the participants, but you have a charger too, so..."

"... What?"

All that had really processed through Sara's head was that question. Does Anzu know her? Of course they do! They had to! Them becoming self aware wasn't intended, as the same was for her, but that didn't change when she got put into a doll! Why didn't Anzu remember? It's not like they needed to pretend they didn't know one another, and they weren't really the type for jokes like that.

"Sara!" Safalin's voice echoed through the dark hallways, footsteps sounding behind a doll in total disbelief. Sara simple stared at Anzu, red eyes furrowed in confusion, before a hand grasped his wrist. It didn't hurt, but it was enough to make him flinch a little.

"Why doesn't she know...?" Sara questioned, her voice almost upset yet so very desperate. She looked at the scientist for an answer, and in that moment, footsteps started departing from her again.

"L-Listen- I really have to get going. I was told if I don't get there, something really bad would happen, and I don't wanna find out what! Sorry, erm... I'll see you around, maybe!"

And with that, Anzu's footsteps echoed louder as they dashed off, getting away from the rather awkward situation.

Ransara - Neither one of them was sure what a winter market was, but that didn't stop them from checking it out. The lights shined brightly and warmly overhead as they visited the stalls selling winter themed objects, picking far more things out for each other then themselves. Sara found a pair of homemade knitted gloves that she quick to give Ranmaru, and he found the perfect snowflake pin to adorn her shirt.

Keishin - A simple puzzle has quickly turned into an intense rivalry. They aren't sure when they went from working together to doing half the puzzle on their own and trying to get it completed before the other, but that's what happened. A chuckle rings out as Keiji completes his first, and Shin is quick to mope before the former policeman rubs his back and offers to assist him with the rest. Shin hesitantly agrees, but ends up having far more fun doing the puzzle with him then without him.

Keishima - It's dark outside as Keiji and Mishima share a drink in front of the teachers roaring fireplace. The air around them is pleasantly warm, and they aren't sure if it's from the heat or the company they keep. They share a joke about toasting marshmallows together, before deciding that smores do sound good. They eat their snacks in a comfortable silence before Mishima admits he used to throw markers into a makeshift fire to change it's color. Keiji isn't the least bit surprised.

Q-Mai - Even with the cold air their house is never chilly because of the always running ovens. Mai has made everything she could think of that vaguely fits the theme of winter, and Q-Taro is always the first to taste test for her. He never can find anything to offer criticism about as her treats melt in his mouth, and it makes Mai happy to know that he loves her passion as much as he loves her.

Q-Kai - Q-Taro watches as Kai focuses on the gingerbread house with intense eyes. Each gumdrop is placed perfectly on the frosting, and he's scared to touch anything and ruin his creation. Though Kai is quick to tell him that he won't ruin it, and encourages him to do something with their tube of frosting. He watches as Q-Taro spells both of their names on the roof, and laughs when he jokes that it's their home now.

Kurushin - Naomichi is thrilled when the lakes start to freeze over and make the perfect ice skating rink. Shin is far less enthused, but when he sees how excited Naomichi is he agrees to go watch as he skates around. Kurumada agrees at first but soon starts asking Shin to put some skates on and join him. They both know he has a high fall risk so the boxer promises to hold onto him until they're on steady ground, leading to Shin agreeing hesitantly when he realizes his boyfriend will see through any bluff. They cling to each other as they skate, avoiding any falls thanks to Naomichi's strength and Shin's extreme caution.

Alishin - Shin can't decide if he's lucky or unlucky to somehow walk under every mistletoe in his town with his long time crush Alice in tow. The first time it was awkward as Alice suggested they needed to follow the tradition which lead to Shin kissing his check and leaving both of their faces bright red. The next time it happened they joked about their luck and Alice kissed his forehead. The third time it happened they decided to appease the universe (and themselves) and give each other a small peck on the lips. The tenth time it happened they just decided to make out and blame the universe for being the cause. (The cause is they're attracted to men.)

Reko Describing Mai:  To Reko, Mai is intense. She’s loud and flirty in a hollow way. It reminds her of her younger self, when she tried to bite back her harsh nature to gather band members. It always felt apart, just like Mai’s façade. The real her is someone caring and brave, strong enough to break a computer monitor with a throwing knife. That’s the Mai Reko likes the most. The real her is  captivating. 

Mai Describing Reko: To Mai, Reko is like a piece of baked bread. She’s warm, and always a pleasant addition to the day. However, unlike an bakery items, some can find her intimidating. It’s a trait Mai likes so much, as she holds her knife with the same determination. Yet, much like her, deep down Reko is kind. And this kindness is the most beautiful thing. 

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