WEEKS 7 & 8

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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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[bloodweapon]

[Oh, Sayaka! Fray turns to her glad for the interruption to his train of thought about how totally hopeless he is at this.]

Sayaka. Well... not exactly.

[His eyes dart back to the clothes for a moment, though don't linger on anything in particular.]

I thought it might be wise to consider some other outfits now that several of you have seen my true appearance. Though it's... not going particularly well.

[destage]

[Oh! Sayaka's eyes widen briefly, and a smile quickly settles on her face. That's...actually good to hear, and she seems pleased with that to say the least.]

Ohhh, that's wonderful, Fray! I think a new outfit would really bring out a whole new you--so I can get what you mean, at least. I'm really glad for you, this is a great step to take!

[Sayaka beams brightly, in fact. Though...]

Are you having trouble deciding what would look good? Or...what you might even like? Have you had a chance to try anything on?

[Privately, goes unmentioned. She doesn't know how comfortable he is being perceived, so she can continue to treat this like a secret as long as he needs.]

I, um. Might have something?

[bloodweapon]

[Ohhhh, Sayaka's really excited about this. That makes him feel even worse about being unable to figure out what it is he likes. And now he's going to have to explain that—

Except he doesn't, because Sayaka guesses correctly. Though Fray's gaze darts for a moment again, he corrects it quickly. He didn't need to be worried about that, did he? Sayaka has always had quite a knack for reading him.]

I've never thought about what else to wear. I'm used to wearing my armor.

[He's only ever had the one appearance, after all. Why would he need to worry about anything else, when he was pretending to be Fray Myste?]

You do? What is it?

[And yet again Sayaka surprises him. She was thinking about clothes for him...?]

[destage]

[It's a guess that pays off--Sayaka has seen how little he's ever been separated from his armor. She's always wondered if he had more than one set of it, but she's very respectfully stayed out of his business. He's a private person, and though they're more open with each other, there are some things that Sayaka knows would be tactless to ask.]

...Seems like my intuitions guided me right, then.

[It's gently and softly said--but give her a second to put down the rather eclectic blend of clothes she's got (there is. a very obvious preference for pink), but she pulls out the outfit in question, folded and nice, for Fray's consideration.]

What do you think of something like this? I was trying to find something in a nice blue, and I wanted to try and see if I could find something that'd match your helmet--I...didn't really have any luck there, honestly. [Sayaka chuckles a bit, good natured but surprisingly nervous. She's not sure what he'll say, but...] But...then I figured, maybe something that'd compliment it a bit? I thought dark colors might be an okay place to start...?

[...She's not quite as rigid as she is when she expects to be scolded, but there's still a rigid nervousness to wondering if she's made a good choice that's likely obvious. But still! It's a try, she figures (hopes) that he won't mind it too much.]

[bloodweapon]

[So much pink... But then she shows off something that is gothic as all hell, and if Fray had his helmet off, Sayaka would've seen his ears shoot straight upward. The !!! is probably still obvious in the way he hesitates before carefully reaching out for the clothes.]

...It's very kind of you to consider my helmet. I don't... need to wear it. It's simply something I've grown used to.

[For several reasons, but those aren't really important right now.]

Several of you have already seen my face, so there's little reason to bother hiding it all the time now. Clothing like this is... interesting. I'd like to try it.

[It's not quite praise, but this is already significantly better than his own attempts, so at least there's that!!]

[destage]

[(roll perception: 4)

Sayaka isn't sure what he thinks at first. She sees the hesitation and she's quietly hopeful, though her brows knit into concern a bit too. She doesn't think she picked wrong, or anything insulting she hopes--but there's a part of her that worries nonetheless. Even if many of his memories aren't his, he's still probably at least somewhat influenced by V'rhas, who she doesn't know at all, and that's--

She's overthinking it, because when Fray speaks up, she practically feels a grin grow on her face in absolute delight.]

...I wasn't sure if that was a step you wanted to take outside of there. [There's likely no hiding the relief in Sayaka's tone, nor the joy that he's at least willing to give it a try.] But--that's good to know! It means we can try some other colors, if you're interested after this.

[Sayaka grins a little bit. She's so excited???]

Did you want to see if we could find a few more outfits to try, or did you want to try this one on, first? I'd love to help you pick out some more, if this is what you like!

[bloodweapon]

[Oh come now, how could he ever be harsh on Sayaka? He has a pretty big weak spot for her at this point, after all...]

Let's see if we can find some other suitable ones. Something in this style would be good, I believe.

[Show him the section you got these from, he's going to live there.]

[destage]

[It's that anxiety, babey!!! But even so, Sayaka inwardly chides herself on it, and her posture relaxes almost instantly.]

Let me show you where I found them all, then! It's definitely got a fair amount of variety!

[Sure, much of this store is dedicated to the cuter side of lolita fashion, but there's a part of the store that Sayaka takes Fray to that has a sizable amount to look at. Sayaka's eyes are careful and full of scrutiny, considering all sorts of angles. What would look good on him? What colors would he like--blues are a consideration, as are reds, but perhaps an all black ensemble works? Perhaps gold, silver, or dark green...it's much to consider, but...

Sayaka herself manages to put together a few outfits. (one (fourth image), two, three (arranged with a long sleeved black shirt and pants)) But she'll check in with Fray, hoping he's not too overwhelmed by choice.]

What do you think of these? Do any of them strike you well, do you think? Let me know if there's any colors I should avoid.

[bloodweapon]

[Oh, he is absolutely overwhelmed by choice. Paralyzed, even! This is definitely the right style, but aside from a few things immediately standing out to him (longer shirts and pants preferred, he is not wearing shorts; black is definitely his preferred color; he's going to need to get silver earrings to match most of these) he ends up just sort of... staring.

Sayaka returns with some outfits, and thank the gods she does, because this at least helps give him a starting point.]

These two are excellent. [The first and the third. He pauses on the second, inclining his head a bit as he considers.] This is a bit too... extravagant for daily wear. Though I suppose it would be nice for that event coming up.

[He hasn't even started considering fancier clothes...]

[destage]

[That's what Sayaka is here to help with! Sayaka beams a bit at the praise for the two outfits, though she nods in agreement with the second.]

I was a little worried it might be a reach...but it's good to know what your limits are to fancy looks! [Sayaka chuckles a bit though, awkwardly.] To be honest, I wasn't even thinking about that little event...I'm nervous enough with the performance Hoshino-san's been trying to set up that I forgot. I'll have to start looking too.

But! [that is! not the focus!!!] Do you want to keep looking around, or do you think that these are a good start? I'm sure these are going to look amazing on you...!

[bloodweapon]

[Ah, there she goes, moving along before he can even ask her about it... Well, Fray will let it go for now.]

This is a good start. Let's see how they look.

[Off we go to the dressing room!! It's going to take Fray a little bit to actually get out of the armor and into the chosen clothes, but! Once that's done he hesitates in front of the mirror for a moment. V'rhas would never wear something like this. He prefers practical, comfortable clothes that are easy to fight in. It looks out of place on him.

But it isn't V'rhas in the mirror, and differentiating himself from the Warrior of Light might be easier than he thought with clothes like this. So Fray steps from the dressing room.]

How does it look?

[...His ears give away his own opinion on it, as they're perked up in ! position. He's definitely pleased with her choice and the fit.]

[destage]

[she can focus on that crisis later it's fine fray--

Either way, Sayaka waits in anticipation. She knows it's a little bit of a chance to take, and there's a minor anxiety that she's done too much or that he won't like it at all. She doesn't want to disappoint him. It's not the same as not wanting to disappoint her managers or father or anything, it's...

Something Sayaka isn't going to think about, because when Fray comes out--no helmet on, which is still something she has to get used to--her expression brightens outright, and she only barely notices the way his ears seem to be perked up from her own opinions on it--]

Fray, oh! You look amazing! It really compliments you, I think!

[Her eyes are practically sparkling; he genuinely looks great in that outfit, and Sayaka can feel herself practically beaming.]

What do you think of it on yourself? Do you like it?

[She gets the feeling he does, but it's always good to be sure. Does it feel very 'you' is a question on her mind, but she elects not to give voice to it.]

[bloodweapon]

[Oh wait, praise, how does he handle praise...]

Thank you.

[...He is absolutely turning pink. Sayaka has not seen how easily bullied this man is without his helmet on.]

I do like it, yes. It's very different - which is something I appreciate, truly. You've a good eye for this, Sayaka.

[destage]

[Thankfully, Sayaka will spare Fray's dignity and smile at him instead of heaping on the praise.]

Heehee! That makes me really happy to know--I was wondering if this sort of style might be something you like.

[She says it softly, and thankfully, there's nobody else around. She wants to be considerate of everything, and it means the world that she's managed to hit something he likes.]

It gives us a good starting point in case we want to go to any other stores. And black is such a nice, universal color--it's a good starting point because you can pair it with so many others...

But that might be my inner fashionista talking! [Sayaka giggles a bit.] I've always tried to keep up with fashion, because it was always good to help some of my schoolmates out. I'm not always the best at it, but I really am glad that it's helping you, Fray.

[bloodweapon]

It is, yes. Thank you, Sayaka.

[It seems she really does understand the struggles he's going through in finding himself, and she's careful to keep it quiet too. Really, Fray couldn't ask for a better confidant in these trying times... especially when it comes to helping figure out fashion.]

You're doing an excellent job. I hardly care much for fashion, but finding a look that is uniquely mine is important, and you've assisted tremendously today.

[But he should try on the others first!! So with a nod, Fray steps back into the dressing room for the next outfit. This is going quite well, and he finds the next one also fits and looks good - Sayaka really did pick up on exactly his sort of brand, didn't she? He is goth as hell.]

What do you think of this one?

[destage]

[Sayaka practically beams from the praise; it's so strange to receive it but it makes her expression go completely proud. Of herself, and of Fray. To think that she'd be able to help this man find something to call his very own--a being she can't understand in entirety, but she's still somehow able to fumble her way through the dark and find her way around.

It's genuinely heartwarming to her. Maybe, deep down...this is how she truly wanted to reach people. On an individual level, reaching and opening a hand that wants to reach the people around her. That wants to understand, that wants so badly to let them know they aren't alone.

Sayaka carries that thought with her as she looks when Fray comes out, and her eyes briefly widen for a moment as she looks the outfit over, and there's a very firm nod of the head.]

Oh, that dark red works wonderfully. You're definitely suited to dark, rich colors, I think. [...She doesn't know if that's rude to say because he is literally borrowing a redheaded catboy's appearance, but--] It definitely works as a nice accent color to bring some more of the outfit out, and it looks just perfect on you, I think!

Do you like this one too?

[bloodweapon]

[Fray's ears are already up in ! position, but they wiggle a bit at the praise.]

I'm pleased you think so. I assume I should have more in my wardrobe than just black, after all.

[And he has a fondness for dark colors after wearing dark blue for so long.]

I do like it. These outfits you chose are perfect; I wasn't sure what I was looking for when I entered here, but I've found it now, thanks to your help.

[destage]

[...that's adorable...]

It's not a problem at all, honestly. Really, it just makes me happy to see you so happy with them. It's pretty freeing, isn't it?

[It at least helps her mask her own insecurities about what to wear!!!]

I'll have to take you to some of the other stores too, at some point. Now that we've got an idea of what you like, we can have a whole wardrobe for you at some point!

[bloodweapon]

It is. It's allowing me to express myself in ways I hadn't really thought about before, and it makes me look very different from V'rhas.

[He glances at his reflection in the nearby mirror as if to confirm it. Yeah, V'rhas wouldn't wear anything like this. More for practicality's sake than anything else; maintaining clothes this nice while traipsing through the wilderness in search of Aether Currents wouldn't exactly be ideal...]

A whole wardrobe, hmm? I like the sound of that. Thank you, Sayaka. Truly; I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along.