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linkingup2024-09-14 11:29 pm
linkupmods) wrote in linkingup2024-09-14 11:29 pm
WEEKS 7 & 8
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.
Characters who journery into the Nekyia when it is raining may find HP-restoring items dropped during combat with Shadows.
COMMISSIONS
REAL WORLD COMMISSIONS
NEKYIA COMMISSIONS
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!
lum pointing at the dreams and going the fucked up one, please
The tunnel continues, turning, twisting, down, down, deep into the earth. It's uneven and full of roots, clearly dug by hand — or paw, perhaps — though it would have to have been many working to make a tunnel this size, this deep, or, perhaps, the dream is simply exaggerating. Regardless, the further Argenti travels, the worse the stench of rot becomes. It soon overpowers anything else.
cw: gore, dead bodies, cannibalism
Ahead, there's finally noise besides the knight's own boots stepping along the dirt floor of the tunnel. There's the crack of bone and the tearing of meat, and Argenti will step out into a large underground den. Bones litter the ground, bodies of animals, large and small, for the most part, but among them... people... torn to shreds... For now, only one beast dwells within the vast den, but there's that sneaking sensation that it may not remain so for long.
Before Argenti is a familiar figure in his equally familiar red leather coat, though his back is turned to him. He's crouched down, growling and tearing at one of the corpses. Human, to be sure, as enough of the tattered and torn body is visible from either side of Eli.
He has not yet noticed Argenti. ]
THAT'S A ME
Argenti only marches onwards through sheer inner determination and will. Dear Idrila.
Anyway, he has been expecting to witness something like a disconcerting sight of some sort, but the familiar shock of crimson attire from behind is even more surprising. Especially since this means that the source of this carnage must only belong to this singular person - or rather, beast.
He is suddenly infinitely more wary at this encounter, though, holding tight to his weapon as a precaution. Eventually Eli (this...beast) - assuming that is truly this memory of him - is bound to notice, beyond the fact that this is simply too gruesome to watch. ]
...Eli. Why...?
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That's when the other growls respond from all around them. Glowing yellow eyes pop into existence first, hidden in darkness, but more figures begin to creep forward out of the dreamscape. They're ragged, wild-looking things, all human... or formerly, perhaps. They still look it, shape-wise, but like Eli, they bear similar marks of lycanthropy, some more than others.
Even deeper into the den, something else, too, stirs. Something big, but still indistinct. ]
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Argenti feels like somehow that reaction is kind of an inevitability since he has crept in this far, so he doesn't exactly find it surprising when Eli turns, acting like a mindless beast. Judging by the corpses, he had been showing signs of acting like one.
But, there is more to it, it seems. Literally, given the sudden numbers creeping out of the shadows.
Though, he watches all of them as well, holding even tighter onto his spear.
It isn't the first he's fought multiple enemies at once; in numbers that would overwhelm many other normal people.
But, what worries him even more is that there's something else that may be even larger, and even he feels something like dread at the idea of potentially facing something like that. ]
...Do you recall who I am, Eli?
[ Yet, despite it all, Argenti's question is measured. He doesn't strike, though he takes note of so many potential creatures he may have to do so in turn. It seems his lack of knowledge in certain respects when it comes to Eli is not going to help him much, but a Knight of Beauty remains unflinching in the middle of danger, and that remains now.
Whether it gets him unscathed from this is another question entirely, however. ]
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...Tin Can?
[ He asks uncertainly. No, no, no, he can't be here, no one should be here, this is the worst place to be— In the depths of the shadow, the larger beast shifts about again and lets out a growl of its own, long and deep, it reverberates through ground and flesh alike, and the other people growl and snarl in response, their eyes glowing bright yellow, all at the same time that the beast in the back's own eyes burst into sight with the same light. It has many eyes, though, and that light finally gives it a clearer form.
A massive wolf-like entity with many, many eyes lining its snout and skull, and all of them focused on the knight that has dared to enter its den.
Eli is no exception, unfortunately. Same as the rest, his eyes, too, glow with that malevolent yellow light. Whatever semblance of recognition he had previously is wiped out, and his face twists in a sharp-toothed snarl.
cw: transformation, body horror
What he doesn't do — if only because he can't change here, even in the Nekyia — is shift forms. The rest, however, these figments of a dream made reality, will find no such issue.
They change almost as if bidden by the giant beast's growling. Human flesh begins to crack, leaking blood, sloughing away as they stop to rip and tear themselves free of their previous form, giving way to blood-matted fur. There is the sound of bone creaking, cracking, and stretching into place. Some cry out in pain, falling to the dirt floor of the den as they flail wildly during the transition; others don't, changing with practiced ease into the half-wolf beast they become. They keep their shape, generally, although their legs elongate, their claws stretch, longer, sharper.
Wolfmen, perhaps, would be the best term, and each and every one of them intent upon Argenti. ]
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Yes, perhaps this isn't just a memory - this is a dreamscape that can be interfered with. Though, considering where this concerning scene next seems to move onwards to, that moment seems to dry up soon.
He still has yet to discover what and why here, though. Not to mention, the idea of turning his back when there are so many potential enemies who could attack is completely senseless. Still, it seems he loses Eli too to that darkness. No...oh Aeons, seeing the golden lights in their eyes, and the large wolf - he thinks for one moment, It's the same.
But still, he tries again, calling out: ]
Eli, please! Regain yourself!
Keep fighting it! Is this really who you wish to be?! Wake up!
[ His hand tightens on his spear, watching all of the wolfmen, the large beast, and Eli included. Whoever strikes first - maybe all of them at once - he will be ready. ]
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...But, his reflexes this time are fast enough to side-step it just barely, those outstretched claws a hair's breath of at least almost catching one arm. But next, he swings his spear, not holding back in his act, aiming to try to slash at his back legs while keeping in mind where the other creatures are. Not knowing if it'll be enough to hamper someone in such a powerful state.
In general the prospects are not great because Eli is not the only one he'll have to contend with, he imagines - perhaps he will see some kind of light through this darkness yet. But there is no time to hesitate; he can only fervently pray that Idrila as his guiding light will lead him somewhere towards assisting in freeing Eli from this memory prison. ]
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cw: injured child, body horror continues
To the one Argenti is familiar with, this is a distant nightmare, but for the child, no more than perhaps six, down there on the ground, this is life. He writhes in agony on the dirt floor, not only from the wound Argenti has inflicted but the poor state of his own transformation, too young and weak to completely tear his flesh free the way the rest have. Growls punctuate his crying as he still tries to drag himself towards Argenti, intent on attacking, even now, even as this.
The knight won't get too much time to ponder this horrific turn of events, as soon after, the other wolfmen lunge in to attack this brightly armored intruder. ]
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...Forgive me.
But, Eli...stop, please! You have to wake up! Remember who you are, and stop...stop pushing yourself like this!
[ His voice is a little choked up, because he can't just...Argenti's stance does not break, because still can't afford to let his guard down like this with other enemies around. But at the same time, he can't just strike Eli like this. He has to wake him up somehow.
...Could it be then, that this illusion is...
...Well, whatever else Argenti is thinking must halt because that matters no longer in the face of other opponents; he can't focus for long on this and he brings up his spear in a graceful arc to try to fend off the wolfmen or get them to back off. ]
This doesn't need to keep going on!
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Captain! Take cover! We're coming in hot!
[ Following that, an oblong, green metal object comes clattering into the den, rolling just beyond the knight and the boy. A first glance — and any level of military knowledge — will identify it as a grenade; a closer look would show that it's a flashbang, though there will hardly be any time between it rolling to a stop and going off, to be sure.
Argenti will have seconds to decide what to do before the blinding flash goes off. ]
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Hold on!
[ So, Argenti's first instinct is to protect.
Maybe it is the adrenaline of the situation not affording much time for the red-headed Knight to think, but he lunges forward towards the smaller Eli with one arm, to try to grab a hold of him, so that he is turned away from the device going off - he's the one in armor, so it makes sense for him to shield the young one - to shield Eli, to protect him from harm despite everything and because of all that he is - and that is what he aims to do. ]
I swear I shall keep you safe.
[ Even if they were engaging in battle a moment ago that doesn't matter. What matters more is to ensure he remains safe.
...Though, well, considering it is essentially just a flashbang, there is less exploding going on, huh? ]
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As for the grenade, there's a loud pop of noise, and the entire den fills with a blinding light that sends the wolfmen howling and scrambling back in not only fear but pain, too. Their eyes are used to the darkness down here. Such a sudden light leaves them momentarily blind, which would be the entire point of the flashbang.
From the tunnels rush figures, clad in dusty fatigues and makeshift armor and gear. They go past where Argenti has ended up, forming a line before they begin unloading rapid gunfire into the crowd of wolfmen. The howling and growling become roars of pain, screams, and whimpers, and those that aren't mowed down by the rain of bullets retreat further into the dark, including the massive multi-eyed wolf that had kicked off the entire assault. ]
They're retreating down the tunnels! Secure those entrances now!
[ An order is barked by one to the others, and then a few turn to surround Argenti, finally seeing what he has there. ]
Fucking Christ, Captain, is that a kid?!
[ There's an uncomfortable pause from the figures, their faces indistinct, shrouded by the dream, but even then, the air fills with a feeling of dread, of guilt. ]
That thing is infected. Just look at it. What should we do? Put it down?
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The sound of such creatures retreating is also not lost on the Knight of Beauty, who listens keenly to the words of the 'back up' and he blinks as he looks up to see those who have come closer.
Is it that he is this "Captain" in this memory, he wonders? Well, whatever the case, he isn't going to allow them to do that, 'dream-memory' or no. ]
We should try to help him. It's not too late.
[ Argenti simply says, not letting go just yet. He is wary of these trigger-happy folks. And then, right then and there, he recalls instantly the brief moment of lucidity. ]
...For a moment, he had responded when I had called out to him. I believe something can be done in his case.
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You heard the Captain. Move it. That wolf needs to go down if we're saving this kid.
[ That has them moving, though the last figure to speak lingers. Argenti can feel their gaze on him, thoughtful and sharp. ]
You sure you're strong enough to pull the trigger if we can't do anything for him, Walsh? Because that's the only mercy we'll have left if you aren't right.
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As for the question...
...No, because of all the mercy kills he's had to do they were never so young. Still, he returns the gazes without breaking eye contact, stubborn as they come. ]
It shall not come to that. Whatever the case, I have the situation handled.
You can be certain of that.
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Go help them track down that demon, Archie. I'm getting him out of this hellhole.
[ When she moves to walk away — a short, sturdy woman in fatigues and gear similar to the other figures — the dream begins to fade away. The light and landscape of the regular Nekyia follow, replacing the dank chaos of the wolf den he had been in before.
This dream has ended. Eli is no longer here. ]
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But, at the least, he thinks it ended well. There is no other alternative - even if he doesn't know these people.
Well, there are other ones, but hopefully all continuously for the better. Maybe he should see if Eli is nearby, and if not, he can always catch him later, though. ]
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...Oh, Eli, there you are!
I was concerned about you based upon what I witnessed in that odd dream. It looks like there's been some kind of oddity other than Palaces going on. Do you know what I mean?
[ He just comes out and says immediately so sorry for ruining the post-nightmare snack... ]
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Oh fuck. That... Did that actually happen?! Did you see all that bullshit?! I figured...! I mean, since I woke up in bed, that! I thought it was just another nightmare?!
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It was...well, rather shocking. But, all the same, I feel as if...
I managed to see more than I thought I would.
[ Argenti has had an inkling it wasn't just him who was experiencing those parts of those memories, though at this point in time this is actually the first time he's wandered into it this week. So, what a nice choice for the very first. ]
I had no idea you went through such a struggle. Though, I hope it did not leave you with any adverse lasting effects.
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Sorry, Tin Can. That... that wasn't something I ever wanted anyone to see. I, uh. I don't get that nightmare as much now as I did when I was younger, so. That was sort of a surprise.
[ If only he could shake it forever. ]
Wish I could tell you better, but there's still a chance of that happening to me. S'why I was so worried about the full moon. That bitch that turned me, though... She's dead, at least.
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...It wasn't your fault. I don't think you could've controlled my seeing it.
[ It was unexpected, but out of their hands on what he'd end up viewing, from his own perspective.
As Eli continues to speak about that, he doesn't like the implications. Moreover, though... ]
I understand the concern about potentially losing yourself very well, though.
[ He does and he is not just saying this for being placating. He is vaguely thinking of his own situation, where it can happen (in a different way), after all. ]
While I am glad the cruel person responsible for your condition is no longer alive...
...Maybe there is a way to have it completely suppressed. Even after you leave this place.
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[ He was there. He saw. It felt hideously close to his own dilemma, but at least he didn't have any oaths or roads to worry about straying from. As for completely suppressing, well, to that, he shrugs. ]
Short of a cure, I dunno. Lycanthropy is technically a disease. Uhh, I think they use the word... metamorphic for it? Anyway, what we settled on was this.
[ He'll reach under the collar of his shirt and pull out a necklace. It's a thick metal chain ending in a giant wolf tooth pendant. The tooth is about as long as an index finger and wrapped in silver wire. A closer look will reveal runes carved over every surface of the fang, too, but those aren't immediately obvious. ]
They had to dip into all the magic bullshit that leaked over when the portals opened back home to come up with something. S'long as I have this, I won't change. Same goes for other folks with lycanthropy. Dunno what we'll do if we ever run out, but... that ain't really my problem to solve.
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