WEEKS 7 & 8

[linkupmods]

WEEKS 7 & 8

THE SEASONS TURN...

Time really passes, doesn't it? Before you know it, you're halfway through the time that the goddess Braphine has promised that you'll be here, your home away from home. You are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, maybe, even through all the challenges and eventful (!) twist and turns that have followed you through your stay here. Surely there can't be anything else lurking in the wings, right?

Through the efforts of all of Braphine's chosen, the city definitely is starting to feel a little bit cheerier, in contrast to the temperatures that are starting to cool as the seasons in Sunset City turn and the leaves change their colour. The Shopping District and the Entertainment District look and feel decidedly more warm, and a quick trip into the Nekyia also show that the haze has cleared from both districts, with the Shadows lurking much fewer in number.

Further exploration will find that the haze has thinned to explorable levels in the Nekyia Fashion District - there are Shadows to be cleared, after all. Maybe if you are lucky, they might drop you a little something in reward for your efforts.

DO YOUR PART FOR CHARITY!

On Saturday, there's a notice pinned in the lobby of the dormitory:

CHARITY EVENT FOR THE TEMPLE OF BRAPHINE
9/21
FLEA MARKET AM
FORMAL MASQUERADE BALL PM
Come and support the temple when we need it most!



Yes, you read that right: There will be a Charity Event for the Temple of Braphine, hosted by no one other than her devoted followers. They sent this over to the dorms to request the Chosens' assistance, it seems, and as the flyer says, this is an all-day event to take place on September 21st.

In the morning, there will be a Flea Market! There's a note from the hosts that they'd like the Chosens to either find a vendor to assist, provide entertainment, or participate as vendors in the Flea Market. At night, a ball will be held with live music, dinner, refreshments, and an open dance floor for all. They are not asking for your assistance with the ball, however; rather, you are automatically invited as esteemed guests and are encouraged to dress your finest for the occasion!

Given that this isn't for another week, however, it is highly encouraged that you shop around to find an outfit you'll look snazzy in for the ball. You can also start preparing merchandise to sell; or maybe, perhaps, you'd like to save that street performance for the Flea Market? Either way, you've got a long week ahead of you…

…but it won't be all rainbows and sunshine.

KEEP DREAMING.

Late into the night on Saturday, you will dream. What that dream consists of varies with each individual, but you will have one, even if you've never dreamed before. This dream could be a core memory, or perhaps about something you've always wanted, your worst fear...the list goes on.

The next day, anyone who enters the Nekyia will find that, aside from the strange "Palaces" that have popped up, things aren't right yet again…but for an entirely different reason. No matter where you are, you enter the Nekyia to a hallway full of dressing rooms. It's a fairly long hallway, because venturing down it will eventually lead you to a door that has your name on it.

Why don't you journey there and find out what awaits?

–

After seeing "Sayaka" and finding your door, you'll find something even more strange.

That dream you had last night? Well, it's here. Your dream may manifest as a small, contained landscape from your dream; a creature that you may have dreamt of might be scurrying around; another version of you, different from a Shadow; or you could be unlucky and have one of your memories on full display for everyone to see.

This phenomenon will last for the next two weeks, and dreamscapes will shift with the different dreams characters have. It won't be a one and done ordeal, unfortunately…but there is, perhaps, a way you can stop it.

(OOC: Sayaka's top level is NOT time sensitive, nor is it a mod-run event. This can be treated like a regular top level to be tagged at your own pace!

Please see the "A Dream Unraveled" commission for some details on what's causing the dreamscapes to appear! Welcome to your dreamwalking/memory share event!)

WEATHER FORECAST

Temperature: hot and humid, but gradually getting cooler! Surprise showers may occur during these two weeks when you least expect it, so stay sharp and don't get drenched!

Characters who journery into the Nekyia when it is raining may find HP-restoring items dropped during combat with Shadows.

COMMISSIONS

REAL WORLD COMMISSIONS

BATTLE OF THE BRANDS

Two boutiques on Amaranth Avenue have been at war with each other - figuratively, at least. The sweet lolita brand Cookies for Mice and the punk brand Panthera Punks started out merely vying for advertising space, but have now been taking rather pointed pot shots at each other in their marketing. As the shops are across from each other, it’s plain to see the owners are taking it personally as they can’t seem to stop glaring at each other from across the road. Won’t somebody help mediate before it escalates any further…?

AN ALTERNATIVE CANVAS

Up-and-coming makeup artists are looking to land a job with a new makeup brand in the area, and their final test: finding a model (or two) to model their work and prove their skill. Characters will find that these artists are on the prowl for willing (or not so willing) faces - but at least you’ll be compensated for your patience as they endeavor to make you look your best?

FISHY FUN FASHION

Saffron Street has been chosen to host a highly regarded fashion show! The theme: aquatic life. They need models of all sexes and sizes to walk the runway in ethereal clothing that brings to mind deep sea creatures like bioluminescent jellyfish, or even angler fish! For those who are not brave enough to walk the walk, volunteers are needed to help maintain the large, specially made tanks the city’s aquarium has generously lent out for the occasion. The tanks are full of friendly fish and plant life to create the perfect backdrop for the show! …You know how to use diving gear, don’t you?

NEKYIA COMMISSIONS

THE LION AND THE MOUSE

She thinks she’s so great… I’ll show her! We don’t need her prissy, holier-than-thou attitude around here! We’ll see how she behaves when her shop’s reduced to shreds…

It seems the owner of Panthera Punks having beef with the owner of Cookies for Mice isn’t just a real world problem - she has her very own Shadow in the form of a level 30 Narcissus. Take him on in battle and help to loosen its grip on her in reality before things get much, much worse.

HER HEART WON'T GO ON

How could he… After all I’ve done, after all the money I’ve spent… He leaves me behind for her?! I’ll make him pay… I’ll make them both pay!!

It seems one of the local models has had a rather nasty breakup, and the ex and other woman may end up suffering a rather harrowing fate if all these feelings of anger are left to fester… Characters who follow these angry rants will find themselves face to face with a Level 32 Leanan Sidhe, a jealous lover all too willing to enact a very real harm on those who wronged her. Fight back against the Shadow and teach her the value in moving on from a lover who was never worth her time to begin with.

A DREAM UNRAVELLED

Deep in the Nekyia, whispers and wails can be heard; a fashion designer bemoans their dearth of ideas, and hotly defends their choice to steal their designs instead. After all, this was their dream, and they can’t give it up now - no matter the cost.

Characters may find the Unfaithful Dream-King in a nest of collected dreams of the populace - including some of Braphine’s own chosen. He will be a powerful opponent for sure, but it seems solving this particular Shadow problem is the only way to ensure everyone can have a good night’s rest once more.

Once he is defeated, he will drop a rare item. Who knows, maybe this will help you in your journey ahead.

(OOC: Please turn in your threads for this commission on the rewards page to receive a stat boost item, valid for one time use during any battle.)

OOC

READ ME!!!!

Welcome to your log for Weeks 7 and 8! Feel free to use this log for any developments that happen during the next two weeks. There will be no log posted next week, but a top-level for the charity event will be posted instead on next Saturday!
For plotting, please feel free to head over to this post on the OOC comm to post your plotting top levels.
For Nekyia commissions, you can assume that the Shadows will respawn until they've been beaten enough times to go back to normal.
Don't forget that the deadline for applications and character swaps is on September 28!

ic comm | inboxes | ooc comm | full nav

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the open door;

[destage]

[The open door leads you into a nicely sized dressing room. It’s not simple by any means; decorated with some pink hanging lights and a small couch with many different kinds of stuffed animals, it’s clear that the room in here was made specifically for the group in question. It smells gently of cotton candy, it’s pleasantness likely dependent on who’s smelling it, but the smell isn’t overpowering.

What’s likely more surprising is the girl at the mirror, seeming to put her hair up in cute twintails. You can’t quite tell by looking in the mirror at first that anything is off–it looks just like Sayaka getting ready for an idol performance, really, ribbons and hairdecs and all.

And very notably, the mirror shows her eyes as blue. Eventually, she does turn around, seeing someone else in the mirror, but…

(Notably, her own reflection in the mirror disappears when she does. Strange, that.)

It’s still Sayaka, at least in appearance and in just about everything. The bright pink dress and shimmery accessories are definitely quite the glow up, but almost everything about her is similar. It’s an almost perfect mirror image.

Almost.

Bright, yellow eyes stare at whoever has decided to come into the room with her, and while she seems startled for a moment, she looks…well, outright relieved actually.]

You came–you actually came here? Please, close the door, I–

[She’s not sure what to expect, but what comes out next is a surprisingly pleading tone, raising both hands to show she’s unarmed–]

Please–I hate to burden you, but…we need help. She needs help!

((cws included in this dreamscape: idol culture bullshit, idol industry bullshit, self sacrificial shit (not quite hitting suicidal ideation levels but adjacent enough to the imagery that i’m gonna plunk it down as a caution), depersonalization shit, shitty management practices, just kind of the whole nine yards of shit. buckle up gang))

gimme all the idol bullshit

[idealies]

[ Now this is a scene that looks familiar. Ai can tell she's in a dressing room, though there's something off about it. The faceless adults talking around her and ignoring her presence, the atmosphere bustling yet cold, the pressure to look picture perfect...Actually, this may not be all that different from her own past experience in dressing rooms. Hmm, wonder why that is!

Keep calm, smile, and be polite.

She doesn't even stop to wonder where the suggestion comes from. She can certainly do just that! Ai claps her cheeks and rearranges her face into a neutral smile that hides her uneasiness before she begins to wander through the halls. She walks past the pristine corridors, past the open door, until she comes to a girl in front of a mirror. ]

Maizono-san?

[ Under the makeup, the sparkling accessories and brightly-colored uniform, it must be her. Seeing a familiar face, her expression lights up for only the briefest of seconds before a worried frown overtakes it. ]

What is it? What's wrong?

MOST GLADLY MY FRIEND

[destage]

["Sayaka" pauses briefly, considering everything for a moment--but only that moment. She winds up getting up from the chair she sits in and takes a deep breath.]

We need to get out of here. This place isn't safe--the managers already took her away, and I don't know what's happened to her. The...the real me. Because they think she's the defective one, and not me.

...Hoshino-san, right? You recognize what this sort of place is, I take it?

[idealies]

The real you?

[ Ai blinks, confusion written on her face. She's only starting to understand what Palaces are - if this could be called a Palace. This place held Sayaka's memories and feelings and it hits her that oh, how did she not realize? Did she only see the mask that Sayaka wanted her to see? ]

This is your dressing room back home, isn't it? From when you worked as an idol... and these are your real feelings about it.

[destage]

[She's quick to catch on, but...]

Maybe, at least...I don't really know. For her and I, when we woke up here, this...felt like some kind of a dream. Maybe it's some kind of mix of both. I don't know. I just woke up here, I barely know anything, it's...

[No. "Sayaka" shuts her eyes, shaking her head and firming her resolve.]

...Yes. This place was supposed to be her salvation, her way of getting away from the life she had before. The only thing it did do was give her enough issues to the point that she's not even sure if she's a real person, or just a pile of masks at this point.

["Sayaka"'s expression goes bitter, angry and open in a way her real self would never be.]

She finally tried standing up to them here. Her managers. And that's when we got separated--I don't know what's happening to her now, but I can't just sit here and do nothing.

...I hate to ask this of you, but can you help me? Help us?

[goei]

[Surprisingly, being from the past as he is, Izou actually has a vague understanding of what an idol is, mostly against his will thanks to the presence of multiple "#1 DRAGON IDOL ELIZABETH BATHORY" in Chaldea, along with an event he'd rather not think too much about mostly because it involves a lady he still owes money.

But anyway. He's outrageously out of place here and he knows it. He probably smells like the diametric opposite of cotton candy. But still.]

... Knife-chan?? Who're ya talkin' about?

[He will close the door though.]

1/2

[destage]

[i swear to god every fact i learn about fate/grand order is wilder than the next. rock on, you fucky dragon.

Either way, "Sayaka"...in perhaps an uncharacteristic moment, openly gives Izou a quirked brow.]

Knife-chan...? Who the [GENTLY CARESS] are you...?

2/2

[destage]

[talking about, is what she wants to say, but...

...That actually gets a laugh out of "Sayaka", who takes it in a surprising amount of stride. If the weird sensor (which will sound noticeably off, though Izou's speech is unaffected unless you wanna play autocorrect swears because it's ~improper~), but either way, she seems to appreciate the door being closed and nods her head.]

The best way I can put it is...the "real me". The one that the managers separated me from, because they think she's defective. I don't know what they did with her, but I've been trying to act normal to try not to rouse anymore of their suspicion...

We need to get out of this place. And if we can kill the people in charge of it, that might be the best shot.

[goei]

[Izou's brow is furrowing because this all sounds pretty confusing to him, but then she says the magic word and he brighten up.]

Oh, you need me ta kill some [ASH]holes? That's easy!

[... Huh. His cuss came out weird too! Weird!!]

[destage]

[...this is about to be world's WORST production of who's on first--]

Ashholes...? You mean [REAR END IN A TOP HAT], right?

[Even so--"Sayaka" grins, and perhaps surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be ill intent behind it. She had a feeling he'd probably be the best one to ask for something like this.

Something both of them want.]

You don't happen to have an extra weapon on you, do you? I didn't have anything when I woke up, and her knives all got confiscated--I'm kind of flying blind here, with all of this [POO POO] going on.

But the sooner we can kill those conniving jerks, the better. I can't say I know my way around here perfectly, but if we can find our way to the stage...I...think that's where they might be.

[And trust her. She's looked around this room. There's not a single sharp object in sight, and she hates it!!!]

[pointzeropercent]

[Just wandering in like it's no big deal-

Ah. Yellow eyes. That instantly makes him worry. He's not a combatant, if this comes down to a fight he's going to lose badly. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

But he tries his best to not show those fears, and instead focuses his concern on Sayaka.]

Yeah? What's wrong? I'll see what I can do to help her.

[destage]

[Thankfully, "Sayaka" seems to be in the interest of being direct, and she nods her head. Despite the strange eyes, her expression of concern and worry betrays nothing.]

The managers took her backstage, and separated us from each other. I don't know what it is they've got planned other than a "show", but...you've seen this place, right? This place is terrible, [LOVING] abysmal for anyone's mental state.

I want help to destroy those jerks, and get her back before they try to do something to her. Or...stop them, at least. Can you help?

[pointzeropercent]

[Seeing the dress, seeing this set, and knowing how bad the idol culture is in Japan, Sou can guess at how bad this situation is. But despite everything, he seems pretty calm.]

Hey, don't worry about it. I can take care of this.

[He's already calculating ways to rescue Sayaka and make these men regret what they've done, and he has a plan pretty quickly.]

Do you have a computer or laptop around here? I'll need that.

[destage]

["Sayaka"'s brow quirks, but it's definitely not a lack of interest--no, she's here to let him cook.]

Gimme a second, I think I saw one of those in here...

[She can't be one hundred percent sure--it's something Sou might notice, too. (roll perception: 5 or higher) It feels almost like something's trying to tug in your mind and take away some thoughts as soon as they occur. They haven't quite struck yet, but...it's a definite feeling, to say the least.

Either way, dream logic does manage to prevail, and "Sayaka" manages to find a laptop! It is. Very pink and looks like it was decorated with a lot of stickers--some older than others, but she turns it on and passes it over to Sou.]

What do you have in mind?

Re: the open door;

[moodwrecker]

[nani tf]

Wha...

What is this? What's going on?

[destage]

[Ah, Aubrey!

...Oh fuck, Aubrey--

"Sayaka" seems to pause a bit at seeing her, rubbing the back of her head in a gesture that's a little too casual for how Sayaka normally carries herself, but--]

I'm not gonna mince words. I don't know what the [GENTLY CARESS] this place really is, other than some real messed up talent studio. We both woke up here and got separated by the management, and she's...

I'm not sure what the fuck they want to do, but they think she's defective. The management, I mean. I don't know how much time there is before they do what they're going to do, but the best way I can think of dealing with this [POO POO] is bashing their skulls in to get her back.

Think you can help me with that?

[moodwrecker]

[...

Did Sayaka just say fuck???????]

Okay...?

[It's not so much that she's unsure about bashing in some skulls (she's totally down for that), it's just the entire rest of the scenario that has her on the back foot.]

[destage]

[...

There is the absolute briefest of considering looks from "Sayaka", that almost makes her look normal, but then she promptly puffs out her cheeks at Aubrey--]

Okay, look. You've got questions, I've got. ...Maybe thirty percent of an answer to some of 'em. I'm just as confused as you are, alright? If you can't believe in anything--at least know I'm being truthful in that, yeah?

Lay them on me if you're gonna.

[...Maybe she should apologize for being so forthright in comparison to Sayaka's politeness, but given that her posture is...honestly it's closer to something Aubrey would have, really, but she crosses her arms in front of her as those yellow eyes watch.]

You're...Aubrey, right? She talked about you a bit.

[bloodweapon]

[It takes Fray a moment to recognize Sayaka. Between the (adorable) outfit, her hair tied up, and the unfamiliar settings, he could almost mistake her for someone else. But she speaks and turns and— her eyes? Yellow?]

Of course, Sayaka.

[He shuts the door without hesitation. Even though this is registering as off, it's not something that is striking him as wrong just yet.]

Who needs help? Explain everything to me.

[The familiar weight of his sword at his back is comforting in this strange environment, but he doesn't move to draw it just yet.]

[destage]

[There's a part of "Sayaka" that seems relieved to see Fray, though he can almost certainly tell that she looks almost...tense, for some reason. Anxious. Confident despite it, and it carries in her body language being far more open than Sayaka's standard.

But if nothing else, "Sayaka" is willing to be forthright, and she keeps her hands in the air for the moment while she explains. Self awareness, perhaps?]

...There's really no gentle way of putting it; the "real me" needs help. I got separated from her by the managers here after we first woke up--they think she's defective, and I haven't heard from her since.

We need to get out of this place. I know that much for sure. And I think we stand a good shot of doing that if we can kill the managers in charge and get her out.

...Can I get your help with this? I don't think I can do it on my own.

[And considering the outright frustration "Sayaka" expresses, she's likely right. It's not like she's got anything sharp on her, after all.]

[bloodweapon]

[Fray notices, of course. It isn't quite enough to make him think she isn't Sayaka, but she's different in ways that are a little unnerving. This at least makes her explanation reasonable - it would seem that in this dream(?) world, there are two Sayakas. Well, that's just one more Sayaka for him to help, so...]

Of course, you don't need to ask me twice. Do you know where they've taken her, or at least what direction to head in?

[destage]

Backstage is my best guess. I've been hearing announcements for the past...while now, saying that there's going to be a show coming up soon. If I had to guess, she's probably the main event--we're going to need to find a way onto the main stage if we want a chance at getting her back.

["Sayaka" looks directly at him, and while there are bits she's not confident in--she legitimately looks like she doesn't know how long it's going to be until the show, nor does she seem certain about a direction to go, but...

As if on cue, a door materializes behind "Sayaka", and Fray may notice that the way he came in has disappeared. Well. No turning back now.]

...I know I can't let something happen to her. I'm not going to. Those--those [REAR END IN A TOP HATS] can't get away with this shit. They're just gonna try and make her like everyone else here.

You've seen 'em, right? Weird, formless, barely even people?

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti himself arrives. He sees Sayaka standing there in her pink dress, and everything seems the same, except for the glow of those yellow eyes - telltale even no matter how everything else screams Sayaka.

He is wary nonetheless, but even if he is walking into a trap, Sayaka's soul - her psyche - is still in some way asking for help. So he focuses on that, watching her, not exactly closing the door just yet. ]

What is it you need help with? I shall gladly lend my aid.

[destage]

[There's some relief in "Sayaka's" expression, and she nods her head. Forthright and honest, at least, this one is.]

The managers of this place--they separated me from the "real me", and took her out backstage. I'm not sure what it is they plan to do to her, but if it's anything like what they're doing to everyone else here? I don't think it's gonna end well.

I--I can't let something like that happen to her. Can you help me? These guys need to get their [REAR ENDS] kicked for what they've been doing.

[beautifulknight]

[ Always, as best as he can be!

Though, Argenti's expression turns concerned before exceptionally determined at Sayaka's words, and grave. He refuses to allow harm to come to Sayaka in any form, and he is battle ready, no matter how this ends up. ]

...I understand your predicament. I shall accompany you on your quest to defeat these ugly creatures who dare to call themselves "managers" and rescue your true self.

Please, just lead the way.

[ He is ready...! ]