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!

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[moodwrecker]

[-?!

Aubrey looks around wildly for a moment, trying to figure out where the hell she just ended up, only for her eyes to alight on the woman and a child with familiar features...

Frowning, she casts one last glance around before approaching.]

...Aerith?

[gardenful]

[ The woman and the girl both look startled to see someone else there, but Aubrey's youth is an advantage here—it's easy to see that she doesn't pose a threat, not like those researchers.

With a little smile, the woman regards her. She had probably said Aerith's name at some point during the ride, which is probably how the girl knows it... or at least she assumes as much. ]

Did I worry you? It's just a little cough. Aerith is perfectly fine.

[ She smiles at the girl next to her, who looks up at Aubrey and gives her a tentative nod. Her eyes are a bright green, just like Aerith's. ]

[moodwrecker]

[Looking between the woman and Aerith in confusion before it finally clicks.]

Wait...

[...?? Did she go back in time here? More importantly, act normal, Aubrey!]

Er... are you sick?

[gardenful]

[ The woman shakes her head, her smile warm as she regards Aubrey. ]

I'm just fine. You don't need to worry about me.

[ A flicker of worry passes across the younger Aerith's face, her eyebrows knitting together as she looks up at what is very likely her mom.

But before she can say anything in protest, the train screeches to a stop as the conductor announces that they've arrived in the Sector 4 Undercity. The woman stands, reaching out to take Aerith's hand.

She looks at Aubrey. ]

We have to get going now. Take care of yourself.

[ With that, she and Aerith leave the car with poorly disguised hurry.

Does Aubrey follow them? ]

[moodwrecker]

Er- wait, this is my stop too!

[Following after!]

[gardenful]

[ The two have already started running, so by the time Aubrey gets off of the train, they're nowhere to be found.

Well. In theory.

Just off of the platform, the woman rests up against a wall, that cough from earlier resurfacing. Despite her reassurances, she looks unwell. Aerith, meanwhile, frets over her for a few moments before nodding resolutely to herself. ]

I'm going to go find someone that can help us!

[ Her eyes land on Aubrey, and for just a moment, it's like she sees right through her, like she knows that Aubrey is a figment of a dream... but the moment passes. ]

Can you help me?

[moodwrecker]

[She takes off after them, and her relief at spotting them again is quickly cut short.]

Yeah, sure- what's going on? What's wrong with her?

[gardenful]

She's sick. We need to find a doctor.

[ The woman's cough is back again with a vengeance, and Aubrey might realize that she's more than just sick—she's dying. That they need to ask for help is an understatement, but it's all Aerith knows to do. ]

Let's go ask around. Together.

[ Maybe they'll have a better chance at finding one that way. ]

[moodwrecker]

[Aubrey does realize that, and falls silent for a long moment before nodding.]

Fine. Let's go.

[And, to the woman:]

We're going to find someone. Just rest, okay?

[gardenful]

[ The woman offers her a tired smile, but there's a note of gratitude in her gaze nevertheless.

Aerith nods with newfound determination and wastes no time in approaching someone walking by. ]

Hey, mister! Can you help us? We need a doctor.

[ ...

The man continues on, ignoring her completely. ]

[moodwrecker]

[Ugh, that doesn't bode well... But Aubrey will do what she can, too, running up to anyone who looks even a little doctor-y.]

Hey! We need help!

[gardenful]

[ The most she'll get is someone in slightly nicer clothes, but even then? They only spare her a glare before walking on.

Aerith is having little luck too, anyone she asks either biting out an "I'm busy" or "leave me alone" if they don't ignore her entirely. ]

[moodwrecker]

[Ugh... This isn't working out. If Aubrey looks around, are there any businesses nearby that look like they may have medical services?]

[gardenful]

[ There's a real lack of businesses around, actually. A chain link fence shows a bit of a wasteland just beyond, large heaps of metal scrap sitting perilously beyond. Outside of that, there are a few smaller stalls, but it looks like they only sell newspapers, drinks, and cigarettes.

There are a few people milling about these stalls, sitting on tables that are set up in the area and playing cards. They all seem to be pointedly ignoring the pair of kids going around asking for help, however.

Well... except for one woman. She looks concerned, but apprehensive about approaching them—sooner or later, though, she might break and come closer anyway.

If Aubrey doesn't get to her first, that is. ]

[moodwrecker]

[She sees that look, and chases it - what do they have to lose?]

Can you help us? Please?

[gardenful]

[ The woman raises her eyebrows, tilting her head. ]

What do you need help with?

[ All she could see were the two of them approaching strangers and being turned away (sometimes quite rudely, too).

Her response at least is much better than any of the ones they've gotten so far. ]

[moodwrecker]

There's a woman- she's sick or something. Could you please help...?

[gardenful]

I'm not from around here. I don't know anyone who could help.

[ She frowns, shrugging her shoulders in helplessness. For just a moment, it looks like she's going to turn away, to try to extract herself from this situation, but she stops herself from doing so. ]

...Where is she?

[moodwrecker]

[She tries not to feel too relieved - it's far from a promise of help. Just a possibility, really.]

She's this way. Hey, Aerith!

[Waving over the kid before leading the woman to Aerith's mother.]

[gardenful]

[ Aerith is... nowhere to be found!

Except if Aubrey walks back towards Aerith's mother, she'll find the child already by her side. They're having some sort of quiet conversation, as Aerith vehemently shakes her head in protest to something her mother said. ]

[moodwrecker]

[That's where Aubrey was headed anyway, so it's some relief that she did not in fact manage to lose a small child during all of this.]

I found someone!

[Someone she knows... exactly nothing about, but hopefully she can do something.]

[gardenful]

I'm here to help!

[ The woman trailing behind Aubrey runs up, trying to see what she can do.

However...

It seems like she can't do anything, not as Aerith's mother shakes her head, dropping a little pouch into Aerith's hands. ]

I have to return to the planet.

[ Aerith shakes her head in protest. ]

No! We found someone who can help. We just need to go get a doctor!

[moodwrecker]

Return to the planet...?

[Aubrey doesn't understand the exact wording, only that it means that this woman is on the verge of death and there's nothing they can do about that. Still, she looks helplessly at the other woman, as if she may be able to pull out some miracle solution on the spot.]

cw parental death

[gardenful]

[ Aerith's mother grabs onto the woman's arm. ]

Please. Take Aerith somewhere safe.

[ The moment those words leave her mouth, the grip she has on the woman's arm slackens as her hand falls back to her side. Her head lifelessly lolls, her eyes having slipped closed.

Aerith grabs onto her arm, trying to shake her back awake. ]

Mom!

Re: cw parental death

[moodwrecker]

[Aerith...

Aubrey should do something - comfort her, or try to help in some way, but--

All she can do is stand in shock as she watches the life leave a woman right in front of her, unable to do a single thing about it.]