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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Comments

[vogelfrei]

I'd count myself among the hopeless dreamers, to be clear. I am here after all.

[ This is funny to him because they are also within a literal dream, but the joke is naturally lost on Eli who is trapped in this memory. Sad. ]

So how come you're not helping personally? Those chains are inconvenient to everyone using the road, but even more so for you, are they not?

[fullmoonmutt]

Not like there's anything else to dream of, is there? Wanting at least one place in this stupid world that's safe to live. Where you don't got to struggle every single day.

[ They have a long way to go to get there, but it's a start. As for the chains, Eli looks down at them, a look of mild surprise flitting across his face. Almost as if he'd forgotten they were even there. ]

I don't think they can see them.

[ He can, though. So can McGillis, which is weird. Ultimately, they're metaphorical chains, so why would they bother anyone but Eli? He looks up again, this time to eye McGillis somewhat sharper, somewhat more suspicious. ]

How come you do?

[vogelfrei]

[ ... well.

This does explain a lot of the confusion he had about Eli being tied up in the middle of town and everyone treating this like the most normal sight in the world.

Unfortunate for his flimsy cover identity, though. ]

Let's just say I'm someone from far away, who came here for you. How do I unchain you?

[fullmoonmutt]

For me? What are you, stupid?

[ Who would ever come here for him? From far away, even. He isn't important. He isn't anything at all. Still, if the guy is intent on unchaining him, well... ]

I dunno. Probably at the other end of them.

[vogelfrei]

Then, let's go and find out, shall we?

[ He's... not actually going to explain why he'd come for Eli unless Eli pushes it harder, because he's an ass. Sorry. But he does want to know what the chain deal is so unless Eli refuses, it's time to follow them down the alley! ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Down the alley, around the corner, and further on. They go a long way through the city, though the next street gives McGillis a better view of the devastation. The part of the city they were in had been the good one.

One side of the street looks under active construction, while the other gives way to what essentially looks like a bombed-out city. It must have been vast and busy at some point in the past. Patroling the wrecked side are people with guns and swords and whatever else they've managed to scrounge up to defend themselves with. They do have a uniform or are trying to, at least. It's vaguely similar to the one McGillis is in, but newer, fresher, and lacking in any Spade card insignias.

So, related groups, but not the same one? ]

Don't think you get to skip the whole explaining why you even care part, newbie. It's a long walk from here to where we're going.

[vogelfrei]

[ McGillis is visibly fascinated by their environment, studying it intently as they pass through different streets in pursuit of the long, mysterious invisible chain.

He'd much rather grill Eli with questions about this world than explain himself to the boy, but sadly the former probably won't be possible unless he manages to clear the latter hurdle. ]

Mhm, you're not going to believe me on a lot of this. But let's try.

[ If he knew more about this world he'd be trying to make up a real cover story, but this is just a dream anyway so it doesn't really matter if Eli thinks he's insane. ]

My name is McGillis Fareed, but you call me Gills. Or rather, you will. You may not know me yet, but I've known you for a while now, Eli.

And I'm going to need you to wake up and return with me, to the people you're currently meant to be with.

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Anyone else, anyone other than Eli, may have stopped to stare at McGillis as if he was a psychopath for saying any of those. There's one thing he says that rings true, however. You call me Gills, he said, and anyone who was nuts or trying to lie to him was so unlikely to realize his knack for giving people stupid nicknames.

Still, he can't help but give him at least a funny look for a few seconds, trying to sort out that entire concept in his dreaming mind. ]

Really? I went with Gills and not, like, Big Man or Giant?

[vogelfrei]

You considered Big Man for a second and you weren't particularly taken with it.

[ Good that his little hint of knowing Eli for real is paying off. That makes this so much easier.

He's still not going to tell you about the McTits consideration, sadly. ]

The original nickname was Rich Guy, though I suppose I don't exactly look it right now. I vetoed that one, so Gills is where we landed.

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Good, because McTits would have derailed the entire dream in a hilarious way. ]

I let you veto a nickname? What the fuck? I never do that. [ Usually? Still, it rings true, which annoys him, but he doesn't find it so suspect that he would disbelieve. ] Christ, this is getting weird... wake up? Be with the people I'm meant to be with? Who? The Spades?

[ He huffs. ]

You guys are the ones who left me and mom here, not the other way around. You could have at least stuck around to support her... She doesn't like having a goddamn desk job, either, even if it does come with a fancy General title!

[vogelfrei]

I'm a Brigadier General myself, actually. Your mother has my sympathies - the administrative work is truly endless. If we had the time, I'd gladly assist her.

[ Because he's a freak of mature who actually doesn't mind doing mountains of paper work. He was a fearsome auditor once, tireless and merciless.

But he's not in the Nekiya memory space to show Eli how to file orders and manage budget. ]

The Spades have nothing to do with it. The uniform is nothing but a disguise for me right now. Why did they leave you? Or rather, as General, why did your mother let them leave?

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Weirdly enough, showing Eli how to do any of that would make him feel actually useful, though perhaps not here in his own dreamscape. This twisted concept of his own life doesn't lend well to bookkeeping lessons. ]

You're a what? [ Staring at McGillis again, trying to compute. ] Huh. I mean, sure, whatever. You do look like the kinda poster boy the AADF would want...

[ But that's beside the point. As they continue, the city begins to feel closer, crowding around them and narrowing. It wasn't friendly before. It's starting to feel hostile now. More indistinct people begin to populate the streets, and that's when the whispers begin.

Isn't that Walsh's kid? Who would call a beast like that their son?
Maybe it's like having a guard dog?
She should keep him on a shorter leash, in that case.

Eli grimaces, but all he'll do is tug the hood of his hoodie layered under his jacket up over his head like he's trying to hide. ]

They left because she said they should. She... she can't be in the field anymore, but that's where we were the best. Only now she's too hurt from retaking this stupid place to be out there with them... and I... I mean. I could have gone... but...

[vogelfrei]

[ McGillis knows these looks and he knows these whispers. It doesn't matter that Eli is a 'monster' and he is just illegitimate - there is something about the cadence of those hushed voices that is the same. He's sure some of them genuinely think themselves out of earshot, but he's also certain that some of them know they are not.

Eli is hiding, but McGillis doesn't like that strategy much. He had someone who taught him to hold his head high early on, and even as his relationship with her had fractured, that piece of advice has remained. ]

But you're tied here, by chains only you and I can see.

Would going have required untying them? Are you keeping them on yourself voluntarily?

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Are you keeping them on yourself voluntarily?

That question alone appears to trigger a ripple effect throughout the dreamscape. It twists, the city closing in to trap them. The whispers only grow louder. Worse is how people somewhat less human-seeming join in, people not unlike Eli himself, questioning if he can even be trusted when he's some normal human General's kid or if he's only hanging around them to cause more trouble.

He doesn't belong here, he doesn't belong here, he doesn't belong here; the feeling is drummed into both of them, and Eli feels the weight of the chains grow. He's stopped in his tracks, though it's to turn with some difficulty to yell at McGillis.

Aggressive to the end. At least that hasn't changed... ]

What the fuck?! Why would I...?! Why would I keep these fucking things on myself?! Do you know how stupid that sounds?!

[ Only it really does seem like McGillis has found the root of the problem here. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ Well, that struck a nerve. McGillis tenses up, not because he feels bad for what he said, but because he's preparing himself to call forth his Persona any minute now.

His eyes are firmly on Eli though. The chains clearly are responding to his mental state - which makes McGillis suspect they are as metaphorical as the dolls were in his own room. ]

Expectations. Obligation. Shame. There are any number of reasons someone might keep their heart chained up - or remain in a situation they do not particularly agree with.

[fullmoonmutt]

I'm not...!

[ Eli's cut off short as the chains finally become too heavy, even for him, and he collapses to his knees on the cracked asphalt of the street. ]

...shit... [ Why are these so much heavier all of a sudden?! How does that make any sense?! ] I'm not. I. If I leave, who's going to watch her back, huh?! She didn't leave me behind when she could have! I can't!

[ Though McGillis is wise to prepare for summoning his Persona. Those whispering figures are closing in along with the rest of the city. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ Ah... There it is. Not just obligation... guilt. Had McGillis been dragged from the gutter by anybody better than Iznario Fareed, would he feel the same way today? It's hard to imagine.
Eli's mother is surely a good woman, who may even deserve the support of her son, but... McGillis has never been a fan of chains or bonds, and he sees them as intricately linked.

So instead of validating Eli's dilemma... ]

You can't? So you'll just suffocate yourself instead?

I think you could stand to take a long hard look at who you are, and what you truly want. Not everything is quite as one-sided as you may force yourself to think.

[ Hm, this is getting claustrophobic. They're going to be swallowed up pretty soon at this rate. Then... ]

As a gift of inspiration, allow me to wake you with the powers of a wolf.

[ McGillis doesn't like his persona either. The Fareed family crest... the tight-knit pack of Tekkadan... Fenrir, the wolf slain by Vidar... There's nothing but bad associations here. And yet there is a glimmer in his eyes now, as he summons it up - a giant beast with bared fangs towering behind him, ready to take on the town. ]

[fullmoonmutt]

I'll... [ Eli struggles to stay up even on his knees. McGillis is right. It's the guilt. That guilt of wanting to leave, go anywhere, do anything else. ] I'll... I'm not...

[ Then Fenrir arrives, and the city finally collapses in, the shadows attacking. They reform, turning into the Nekyia's resident demons that they truly are at the sight of the Persona. If it's a fight McGillis wants, it's a fight he'll get. ]

I... I don't even know what I want... I'm just... All I've ever been is her son or... or a stupid beast... to everyone else!

[ Who is he even supposed to be? What future is there in being nothing more than a hero's son? He'll be nothing more than a footnote in her life, even if she herself doesn't see him that way. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ In true 'saying big words and then rolling really badly' tradition, McGillis' Magarula on the surrounding shadows does not land (10)... But it's okay, he'll also cast a Rakukaja on Eli to raise his defense, since he needs it more direly than McGillis right now. At least he himself is free to move. ]

You don't know and you refuse to look for it - would looking be a betrayal of her? Are you afraid you'll find that they are right? You're just making excuses to remain right where you are, stationary and powerless!

1/2

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Would it? Would it be a betrayal? Is he afraid they'll be right?

It feels like it would be; he fears they will be. Neither of those will undercut the absolute anger he feels when McGillis tells him he's only making excuses. With great effort, he lifts his head again, all just to yell at the man. ]

Shut... shut the fuck... up! I'm not... I'm not! I'm not powerless, damn it! You don't know a damn thing!

2/2

[fullmoonmutt]

[ But it isn't only McGillis that will hear Eli's shout. McGillis will find the both of them granted a brief respite from the encroaching shadows before they can pounce as an icy gale surrounds the two and McGillis' own summoned wolf, pushing the monsters back and briefly blinding them with the snow that swirls around.

When it settles, there'll be two wolves. This one is red, neck wrapped in a heavy spiked collar that trails a chain of his own, though tied down to nothing, loose, leaving him free to run wherever he wishes. He's chosen to be here, however. Even though Eli did not mean to summon Garm, he appeared, looming over his master with a thoughtful stare turned down upon him. ]

Wh-what?

[ Though the reason the red wolf has made his appearance will become apparent soon enough, as the beast opens his mouth to drop something once Eli meets his gaze. There's a glint of metal as a key lands on the ground and from then on, Garm simply stands, watching, waiting. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ Now this is what McGillis likes to see. Garm's appearance makes him grin - not the polite little smiles he throws around so freely, but a real teeth-bared grin of exhilaration.

Behind him, Fenrir appears excited to see Garm - he won't approach and ruin the moment (not that he could, intangible as Personas are outside of combat), but his body language is attentive and friendly. McGillis may hate the association with a pack animal like this, but Fenrir is intrinsically a little more honest. ]

This is Garm, the ferocious guardian of Hel. It is also the incarnation of your very soul.

[ Sorry for the grandiose narration, he can't help it. ]

The key has been within you all along. If you're not powerless, if you're not too afraid, go and take it. Face your potential!

[fullmoonmutt]

[ No amount of narration will help if Eli can't make himself pick the key up. He struggles against the weight of the chains. With freedom in sight, they only grow heavier and heavier, leaving him to struggle as he stretches out a hand for that key. ]

I'm... not... afraid.

[ He grasps it, fingers scraping painfully against the street's asphalt as he closes a fist around it. He has it, but this isn't over yet. Garm's appearance only held the shadows off briefly, but McGillis will find them creeping back up on them.

Their disguises have been ripped away by the icy winds of Garm, revealing that two Ame-no-Uzume and one Shiki-Ouji have made a very unwanted return. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ On the one hand, he could probably help Eli try and unlock his chains. On the other hand, it feels like that would turn the whole action meaningless.

McGillis decides that he wants to give Eli space to claw himself through to his own freedom. He turns to the monsters. ]

Don't interfere!

[ His Magarula lands on all enemies (17) but the Giant Slice aimed at the Shiki-Ouji right after misses. (3) ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ This is when Garm finally does more than stare down at Eli. He turns, snapping at the Shiki-Ouji, only to miss that one before following up with a Mabufula. Only one shadow is struck by the ice, however, but that does wipe one of the Ame-no-Uzumes out, leaving only two enemies to deal with.

As for Eli, he does the wise thing of unlocking one of the manacles that weight his wrists down first. This frees one arm, making the other manacle much quicker to drop. All that remains now is the shackle strangling him at his neck. ]