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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FLEA MARKET

[linkupmods]

Flea Market shenanigans can go here!

STREET PERFORMANCE

[idealies]

Their stay in Sunset City has been marked with cold shoulders, distant attitudes, and a god stirring up conflict, but it's in troubled times that people need a reason to smile. Therefore, Ai has decided to proceed with her idea and called together everyone who expressed an interest in helping her shine a light in the city. The show must go on!

Throughout the day, performers take to the streets of the flea market with singing, dancing, circus tricks, and more! If you see them, give a round of applause to our performers and helpers!

Kirumi has pitched in to coordinate everyone's schedules and ensured that the once-littered shopping district is looking spotless and spruced up to receive our stars. She's even rallied the locals and gotten their help in decorating and marketing the performance. Never doubt the talents of the Ultimate Maid!

When not performing, Ai will be flitting around the district handing out water and cheering for other performers. Once the flea market comes to a close, everyone has a few hours to freshen up before the ball begins. At some point during the ball, Ai will call the volunteers together for a toast to their hard work. She couldn't have pulled it off alone! Good work team!

[ ooc: Thank you mods and all participants! ♡ ]

[idealies]

PERFORMANCE

[ You might have been expecting sparkling bright uniforms and peppy songs, but Ai's chosen to go about this performance differently from her usual idol faire. She's dressed simply in street clothes and a baseball cap for most of her performances, and she's taken the liberty to pick a mix of music to sing and dance to. Happy songs, silly songs, even painful ones...

If you only acknowledge the good, the bad only hurts more...Please sing about the hurt.

It's okay, right? For her to put her real emotions into her singing, and maybe it'll better resonate with the people who are also struggling. On this stage, she doesn't have to lie.

So when she steps up for a collab performance with Sayaka and Mafuyu, she decides to put all her feelings into it. The lyrics cut straight to the hardships and absurdities of life and the battles they're fighting. It acknowledges the good and bad and everything in between. How confusing, flawed, and imperfect. That's what "I" am.

Her voice quivers. She seems genuinely emotional at the end of it, and are those tears in her eyes? Maybe it's only your imagination, because she recovers quickly to beam at the audience and wave cheerfully. ]

Thank you so much! I'm happy to be here!

[ She'll disappear for a little while after her performance but be back smiling and mingling soon enough! ]

AROUND THE MARKET

[ Ai can also be found struggling to lug a heavy pack of water bottles with her 4'11" frame or, more in her element, cheering for other performers and being your hype man. You might also catch her holding her phone camera up in the air and shooting a video recording. ]

This is Sunset City's flea market! Let's check out what's for sale! I wish you could be here, I miss you soooo much. I'll have lots of stories to tell when I get home. Oh, that looks like it's...

[ She sounds like she's documenting her stay in the city for someone! Whether she can take her video home though...she's not thinking about that right now! If she spies a Chosen while she's filming she'll wave and ask for you to be part of her video if you're willing. ]

PERFORMANCE;

[beautifulknight]

[ Maybe they're not. After all, Argenti manages to catch the sight of those tears.

...But, it isn't exactly alarming to him. Not quite. Still, he will remember it.

After listening and paying keenly attention, precisely because he has been key to assisting with the performance itself, he will make his approach towards her when she's mingling. ]

Greetings, Miss Ai! You had a splendidly beautiful performance...but how did you enjoy it?

[ He has a feeling he knows the answer, but he will ask anyways. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ This is barely a top level, but McGillis is hanging out at the Sunset Grand Theater booth most of the time. Initially he's just chatting with the people like he knows them fairly well, and eventually he's roped into helping to hand out flyers.

Looks like McGillis sound a hobby he's somewhat passionate about. ]

[cirquedesang]

[Flea market? What flea market? That's clearly just set dressing for all this. Celeste is in his element, openly and obviously having a great time. He can be caught at any point during the day either performing or helping others with their performances - as a spotter, stagehand, or even a ~lovely assistant~ from time to time.]

Cyr

[Braphine saw fit to bring him from home Cyr wheel in hand, so he's finally making good use of it. Perhaps most surprisingly, the different acts he puts on throughout the day and into the night are varied - from technical to whimsical, taking inspiration from other shows than the one he's in at present, or even, later in the evening before the ball, veering somewhat sexy (and, surprisingly, the fashion brands seem to like that one, too. It certainly gets eyes on their merchandise and a demand for a specific item...).

Bookending the performances themselves are when he's most likely to actually be taking some downtime as well - or as close to it as one can, when performance adrenaline is buzzing - either backstage beforehand, or off to the side afterwards.]

Hanging Out??

[...Are people supposed to bend like that?

Throughout the day, he's been doing, just, the most. Workaholic nature on full display for anyone to see. And at some point, someone surely convinced him to just. Pause, maybe? Rest?

Impossible.

Sure, he's not running around, or helping others with their acts, but he sure is staying warm for his own by... well, he'd call it stretching. Anyone sane would call it becoming a pretzel, when poses like this one are the least strenuous and most comfortable on the list. He can be interrupted, though!]

hanging out

[goei]

[Of course Izou had shown up for ALL of the performances especially since our darling Mafuyu was one of them, but seeing Celeste do his crazy wheel stunts (how Izou would describe it if asked) really... Was something else.

But he told himself he could be composed enough to talk to Celeste and compliment his talent, only to find him.... Continuing to be unfairly seductive??]

Why the hell're you sittin' like that!?

[cirquedesang]

[Let's be real, the only times Celeste also actually chilled out to watch would be for the ones our darling Mafuyu was participating in, too... but that means Izou can't talk to him then because they wouldn't be paying attention. So. That's right out.

(And Izou isn't wrong, they are absolutely crazy wheel stunts.)

But! He does look up at Izou (for once) when he's? Asked? And even has the gall to look a little bit confused for a second or two before settling back into the baseline amusement he has at the barking.]

Why not?

cyr...

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Fuuuuck, why did they set up their stand in direct view of the performances again? Right, because no one wanted to miss them while running the cookie stall, but! But! It does not help that Eli is immediately distracted from hawking cookies whenever Celeste does his thing with the weird hoop.

It's bad enough that he's gotten prodded, nudged, or even snapped at by now for spacing out watching the show. Frig, this isn't going to get better. Inevitably, once he can tell Celeste is between work, he passes the hawking to poor Aubrey and tells them he's taking a break.

Said break is going to 100% be taken up by Eli tracking down where Celeste is taking his own break. ]

H-hey, Celeste. How long you got before you're back on?

[cirquedesang]

[Luckily(?) for Eli, any staring goes entirely unnoticed on account of he's, you know, in the middle of a performance and thus being watched by lots of people. Tragic, since the extra ammunition to tease him with would have been great to have...

But, hey, maybe after this he'll know to throw Meaningful Glances over towards the cookie stall for good measure.

Ultimately, he's not hard to track down at all, lingering as he is near the stage, but it's also unlikely anyone will bother him with someone else around actually, you know, encouraging this break-taking.]

Hmm? [If he perks up a little more when Eli comes over... no he didn't, you didn't see that.] Oh, I've been filling empty time, so-- [Could be ten minutes, could be two hours--] But you've been so busy with the cookies, you must have missed it so far, no? I can text you next time...

[For once it's his turn to make incorrect assumptions!]

[townmusician]

[The idea of performing at a market like this... it feels very much like something IDOLiSH7 would do, a quaint, wholesome marketing gimmick that fits their brand. It's not something that Tsukumo would set ŹOOĻ up for, especially not with Utsugi as their manager, but that's not the reason Haruka hasn't signed himself up for performing himself. It's not beneath him, but...

Well, there's a whole lot to it, and he wasn't around for the planning of this whole thing, anyways. Still, he's curious about what talents the rest of Braphine's chosen might have, so there he is, watching Celeste perform.

When its over, Haruka isn't sure what to do, but... His industry-preferred manners kick in for once, and he approaches Celeste feeling oddly... shy?]

Your performance was really good.

[And also very sexy but he's not! Going to think about that!]

[imperiosity]

performance

[After a tumultuous week, the flea market and street performance is a breath of fresh air compared to all the interpersonal drama that's been happening everywhere. It's also been some time since he last performed with his specialty, and even if this isn't a professional venue like he's used to, he might as well go all out, right?

That's why he's dressed up in his theater costume for his sword dance performance, movements graceful and rhythmic in contrast to his usual brash demeanor. On occasion though, he seems to incorporate something a lot more flashy -- like flipping the sword into the air and catching it -- before resuming the rest of his routine.

If he also recognizes you and likes you enough (which, honestly, is pretty much anyone who's spoken to him as long as your name is not McGillis), he might even blow you a kiss.]

flea market

[After the performance, Aaron will be just hanging around the flea market once he's back in his usual everyday wear. He's not helping with anything but he will peek in on peoples' stalls to see what they're offering. If he runs into you at some point:]

Doesn't hold a candle to some of the markets back home, but I guess this isn't too bad.

performance but also [not here] ig

[vogelfrei]

[ McGillis is in the audience of the performance. He wasn't kidding when he said he was interested in sword dancing - few things in the world are more beautiful to him than dual swords, for they evoke the image of Gundam Bael.

With so many of the rest of them in attendance it's easy enough to pick out that Aaron is completely ignoring him in fanservice - and that is fine, the allure isn't what he's here for and he doesn't exactly need Aaron to like him.

But it also ensures that after some genuine applause, McGillis vanishes again and does not stick around to congratulate Aaron on his performance. It's fine if he's not wanted here, he enjoyed the show anyway. ]

[imperiosity]

[Aaron may be giving McGillis the silent treatment (so to speak), but that certainly doesn't mean he isn't paying any attention to who's in the audience, especially when there are only so many 6'8" blonds around. Of course, he's not about to chase after the man when he decides to make his exit, but he will look over for a little bit before turning aback to the rest of the audience.

Anyway, this is all to say that he will remember this!!!]

TEEN COOKIE STALL

[moodwrecker]

[Braphine's chosen (and all other purveyors of the flea market) may be treated to the sight of two known punks and two non-punks running... a cookie stand???

There are little cellophane bags tied off with bows containing your pick of a variety of types: chocolate chip cookies shaped like bunnies, snickerdoodle cookies shaped like dog bones, or even sugar cookies shaped like flowers or pokéballs, the latter two featuring cute and delicate piped frosting to add some color to the pastries! They are very cute. Please buy oodles of them to fund??? teens???????? running shops instead of causing trouble probably??????????

Aubrey, for her part, is simply sitting with her arms folded, though she'll get to her feet quickly enough if it looks like they have someone attempting to steal the goods. Eli is the one hawking the wares, on accounts of being loud as fuck. Yoon, for his part, is actually being helpful in getting the cookies wrapped up and thanking customers for their patronage, while Arven handles the most important job of all: actually dealing with the transactions and handling the money, along with helping Yoon with packaging in between sales. You can indicate in your subject line if you want Aubrey, Eli, Yoon, Arven, or any combination thereof to respond!]

Any!

[vogelfrei]

[ McGillis is drawn here by the siren's call of candy, hello. He's only buying these to support you guys, of course, like a good older member of the same team--- ]

You decorated all these yourselves?

[ They look nice!! ]

Any!

[idealitas]

How much will this buy?

[ The equivalent of $100 is set on the table. ]

anyone!

[oinkoink]

[The combination of cookies and a couple familiar faces running the stall is what brings Sally over. How can anyone resist cookies? Especially when they look like that?]

They're all so cute...

[She knows she should be good and not get, like, a crazy amount of cookies, but she seriously can't decide between them.]

Can I get a few of each?

Any!

[idealies]

[ Ai has her phone out and filming, adding casual commentary as she browses the market. A bag of purchases swings from one arm. When she sees the cookie stand, she gushes over the cute designs and hits pause on her video to greet the crew. ]

How adorable! Did you bake them yourselves?

Any

[cleansewithfire]

[ Oh, the cookies all look so cute... Sunrise is looking at them contemplatively. ]

What flavors are they?

[ Even if she can't taste, she can get some to share with Richard and other friends. ]

[metagame]

performance

[With help from some of the locals and Celeste, Atem has managed to set a small stage up for magic tricks. He's nowhere as talented as his friends Mahaad and Mana, but he's still a decent enough of illusionist and expert bullshitter to pull a multitude of tricks off. His cardistry--- extra care given to not ruin any cards--- seems to be his specialty, particularly his faro shuffle and two-handed interlocking cuts. Though he mostly dazzles his audience throughout the day with card and other simple sleight of hand tricks, an ominous-looking escape box sits behind him. Rented! There's no way he could ever afford to have one made.

It isn't until Celeste has time between his own performances that the escape box finally moves to the forefront.]

Ladies and gentlemen!

[Atem gestures his arms wide with flourish.]

It's now the time you've been waiting for..! Behold: the mystic box of death!

[The box screams tetanus with its chains, rust, and various knives. That's fake, of course, all painted to look real.]

Now this might seem unsafe, but I'd like to perform for you all today a magic trick rarely seen before!

First, give a warm welcome to my lovely assistant, Celeste!

flea market

[When he isn't playing cards or fake stabbing Celeste with knives, Atem can be found around the food stalls resting and sampling a little bit of everything. Especially the spicy foods.

When he spots someone familiar looking for something to eat, he's quick to wave them down so they can try whatever he's eating. And hand them bottled water, too. Stay hydrated!!]

Yo! You want some?

performance

[chimken]

[ Falin looks just EXCITED to see some sort of magic trick. She clapped slightly for Celeste, wanting to make sure she kept her attention on the trick - maybe she could see a different type of magic! ]

performance

[idealies]

[ Ai is riveted by the magic tricks, her wide eyes following his hands back and forth. She has no idea how he's doing it! When Atem announces his next act, she gives a warm round of applause for Celeste and also an exaggerated gasp. ]

What's gonna happen to him?!

[beathollow]

❄️ PERFORMANCE

( alongside ai and sayaka, mafuyu is there, singing. and as they all have their own routes, she has a a solo... or two. ... maybe three. don't worry about it. unlike the others, she doesn't focus quite as much as dancing and her stage presence has to be drawn out of her in play, but her voice, at least, is clear and beautiful.

afterwards, she mostly just wants a drink, but can be found to talk with- though a few other residents of the city seem to be pulling her aside to talk about the music too. would kanade be proud, if she knew? )

❄️ FLEA MARKET

( honestly, mafuyu's been neglecting the commissions after a few initial clothes purchases... so she's more window-shopping than anything. )

... It looks like everyone's having a lot of fun...

Performance

[privatedomicile]

[Of course Jesse's gonna try and find her and talk her up after seeing that performance.]

Yo, Mafu! You friggin' killed it up there! Did you like, write those? Because holy crap, that first one went kinda hard.

[Jackpot Sad Girl truther Jesse Pinkman here.]