WEEKS 7 & 8

[linkupmods]

WEEKS 7 & 8

THE SEASONS TURN...

Time really passes, doesn't it? Before you know it, you're halfway through the time that the goddess Braphine has promised that you'll be here, your home away from home. You are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, maybe, even through all the challenges and eventful (!) twist and turns that have followed you through your stay here. Surely there can't be anything else lurking in the wings, right?

Through the efforts of all of Braphine's chosen, the city definitely is starting to feel a little bit cheerier, in contrast to the temperatures that are starting to cool as the seasons in Sunset City turn and the leaves change their colour. The Shopping District and the Entertainment District look and feel decidedly more warm, and a quick trip into the Nekyia also show that the haze has cleared from both districts, with the Shadows lurking much fewer in number.

Further exploration will find that the haze has thinned to explorable levels in the Nekyia Fashion District - there are Shadows to be cleared, after all. Maybe if you are lucky, they might drop you a little something in reward for your efforts.

DO YOUR PART FOR CHARITY!

On Saturday, there's a notice pinned in the lobby of the dormitory:

CHARITY EVENT FOR THE TEMPLE OF BRAPHINE
9/21
FLEA MARKET AM
FORMAL MASQUERADE BALL PM
Come and support the temple when we need it most!



Yes, you read that right: There will be a Charity Event for the Temple of Braphine, hosted by no one other than her devoted followers. They sent this over to the dorms to request the Chosens' assistance, it seems, and as the flyer says, this is an all-day event to take place on September 21st.

In the morning, there will be a Flea Market! There's a note from the hosts that they'd like the Chosens to either find a vendor to assist, provide entertainment, or participate as vendors in the Flea Market. At night, a ball will be held with live music, dinner, refreshments, and an open dance floor for all. They are not asking for your assistance with the ball, however; rather, you are automatically invited as esteemed guests and are encouraged to dress your finest for the occasion!

Given that this isn't for another week, however, it is highly encouraged that you shop around to find an outfit you'll look snazzy in for the ball. You can also start preparing merchandise to sell; or maybe, perhaps, you'd like to save that street performance for the Flea Market? Either way, you've got a long week ahead of you…

…but it won't be all rainbows and sunshine.

KEEP DREAMING.

Late into the night on Saturday, you will dream. What that dream consists of varies with each individual, but you will have one, even if you've never dreamed before. This dream could be a core memory, or perhaps about something you've always wanted, your worst fear...the list goes on.

The next day, anyone who enters the Nekyia will find that, aside from the strange "Palaces" that have popped up, things aren't right yet again…but for an entirely different reason. No matter where you are, you enter the Nekyia to a hallway full of dressing rooms. It's a fairly long hallway, because venturing down it will eventually lead you to a door that has your name on it.

Why don't you journey there and find out what awaits?

–

After seeing "Sayaka" and finding your door, you'll find something even more strange.

That dream you had last night? Well, it's here. Your dream may manifest as a small, contained landscape from your dream; a creature that you may have dreamt of might be scurrying around; another version of you, different from a Shadow; or you could be unlucky and have one of your memories on full display for everyone to see.

This phenomenon will last for the next two weeks, and dreamscapes will shift with the different dreams characters have. It won't be a one and done ordeal, unfortunately…but there is, perhaps, a way you can stop it.

(OOC: Sayaka's top level is NOT time sensitive, nor is it a mod-run event. This can be treated like a regular top level to be tagged at your own pace!

Please see the "A Dream Unraveled" commission for some details on what's causing the dreamscapes to appear! Welcome to your dreamwalking/memory share event!)

WEATHER FORECAST

Temperature: hot and humid, but gradually getting cooler! Surprise showers may occur during these two weeks when you least expect it, so stay sharp and don't get drenched!

Characters who journery into the Nekyia when it is raining may find HP-restoring items dropped during combat with Shadows.

COMMISSIONS

REAL WORLD COMMISSIONS

BATTLE OF THE BRANDS

Two boutiques on Amaranth Avenue have been at war with each other - figuratively, at least. The sweet lolita brand Cookies for Mice and the punk brand Panthera Punks started out merely vying for advertising space, but have now been taking rather pointed pot shots at each other in their marketing. As the shops are across from each other, it’s plain to see the owners are taking it personally as they can’t seem to stop glaring at each other from across the road. Won’t somebody help mediate before it escalates any further…?

AN ALTERNATIVE CANVAS

Up-and-coming makeup artists are looking to land a job with a new makeup brand in the area, and their final test: finding a model (or two) to model their work and prove their skill. Characters will find that these artists are on the prowl for willing (or not so willing) faces - but at least you’ll be compensated for your patience as they endeavor to make you look your best?

FISHY FUN FASHION

Saffron Street has been chosen to host a highly regarded fashion show! The theme: aquatic life. They need models of all sexes and sizes to walk the runway in ethereal clothing that brings to mind deep sea creatures like bioluminescent jellyfish, or even angler fish! For those who are not brave enough to walk the walk, volunteers are needed to help maintain the large, specially made tanks the city’s aquarium has generously lent out for the occasion. The tanks are full of friendly fish and plant life to create the perfect backdrop for the show! …You know how to use diving gear, don’t you?

NEKYIA COMMISSIONS

THE LION AND THE MOUSE

She thinks she’s so great… I’ll show her! We don’t need her prissy, holier-than-thou attitude around here! We’ll see how she behaves when her shop’s reduced to shreds…

It seems the owner of Panthera Punks having beef with the owner of Cookies for Mice isn’t just a real world problem - she has her very own Shadow in the form of a level 30 Narcissus. Take him on in battle and help to loosen its grip on her in reality before things get much, much worse.

HER HEART WON'T GO ON

How could he… After all I’ve done, after all the money I’ve spent… He leaves me behind for her?! I’ll make him pay… I’ll make them both pay!!

It seems one of the local models has had a rather nasty breakup, and the ex and other woman may end up suffering a rather harrowing fate if all these feelings of anger are left to fester… Characters who follow these angry rants will find themselves face to face with a Level 32 Leanan Sidhe, a jealous lover all too willing to enact a very real harm on those who wronged her. Fight back against the Shadow and teach her the value in moving on from a lover who was never worth her time to begin with.

A DREAM UNRAVELLED

Deep in the Nekyia, whispers and wails can be heard; a fashion designer bemoans their dearth of ideas, and hotly defends their choice to steal their designs instead. After all, this was their dream, and they can’t give it up now - no matter the cost.

Characters may find the Unfaithful Dream-King in a nest of collected dreams of the populace - including some of Braphine’s own chosen. He will be a powerful opponent for sure, but it seems solving this particular Shadow problem is the only way to ensure everyone can have a good night’s rest once more.

Once he is defeated, he will drop a rare item. Who knows, maybe this will help you in your journey ahead.

(OOC: Please turn in your threads for this commission on the rewards page to receive a stat boost item, valid for one time use during any battle.)

OOC

READ ME!!!!

Welcome to your log for Weeks 7 and 8! Feel free to use this log for any developments that happen during the next two weeks. There will be no log posted next week, but a top-level for the charity event will be posted instead on next Saturday!
For plotting, please feel free to head over to this post on the OOC comm to post your plotting top levels.
For Nekyia commissions, you can assume that the Shadows will respawn until they've been beaten enough times to go back to normal.
Don't forget that the deadline for applications and character swaps is on September 28!

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[prozaic]

[The encampment is quiet now, save for some music, the plinking of piano keys, almost tapping out a lullaby. The childrens' tent is right there, utterly silent, but the tent entrance hasn't been touched. If he looks in it, he won't find either of the children he's looking for.

Instead, the snake is at the fringes of camp, hiding in between rocks and trees, under a bush with his tail wrapped around his leg. He's not crying, but he looks shell-shocked. Enough that he doesn't notice Haruka? Or... perhaps he can't perceive Haruka at all.

This is not a memory anymore. This has become a nightmare. A long dream.]

[townmusician]

[Unfortunately for the both of us, Haruka continues to be stubborn and stick through this hellscape instead of, like, trying to find a way out.

He doesn't stop searching until he finds the snake, pausing for a moment before he sits down next to him. There's a long, long silence, before...]

...Shalem?

[prozaic]

[The boy doesn't respond-- it's clear he can't perceive Haruka. Instead, he takes out the dagger he'd used earlier, staring at it with intent... And the intent is not what might be implied if someone takes out a dagger. Instead, the little snake stands, shaking leaves out of his hair that's on its way to becoming long and unruly enough to curtain his face.

He takes a few swings with the dagger, a few stabs in the air, the way his teachers had been showing him earlier. He has a terrified look on his face, like he's only doing this kind of training so he doesn't die, the way his peer did. To become competent enough that they wouldn't take him aside for being weak and useless.

Haruka may feel hands on his shoulders, a tight grip, but there's no one there but himself, and a very, very young Shalem.]

[townmusician]

[It's truly been a while since he's felt so useless, but all Haruka can do is watch him train. He pulls his knees to his chest, hugging them loosely, and watches.

He tenses slightly at the feeling of someone unseen gripping his shoulders, but not for long, the tension loosening. He doesn't look back, not caring if whoever (whatever?) it is means to hurt him or not. (Or if it's just a figment of his imagination.)]

Well? Are you going to do anything?

[It's directed at whatever may (or may not) be there with him and the young Shalem, because he knows very well that someone in Shalem's position can't choose what to do himself.]

[prozaic]

[Perhaps Haruka didn't need to ask.

The boy's swings become more frantic, less practiced. Desperate, afraid. And yet he still doesn't stop, sparring with an enemy only he can see. His teachers? The little kitty? His peers? That giant figure that took Solitaire away?

He manages a wide, strong swing that leaves a gash in a nearby tree, shredding through bark and causing the sap within the tree to begin to well up.

The "boy of the abyss" smiles widely, wildly, his growing fangs on display, just for a moment before his expresion sharply drops and he drops the dagger. He puts his face in his hands and shakes. The sound of the first sob that escapes him is remarkably lower than the voice of a boy who hasn't even hit puberty yet-- more like the voice of an older man.

The grip on Haruka's shoulders grow stronger, and he may just feel a yank, until the scene he's looking at disappears and all that in front of him is an adult snake, almost a decade older than that boy in the forest. Shalem's eyes are wide.]

Haruka. [Shalem's voice is soft, almost hoarse.]

[townmusician]

[Watching the boy just brings back that sense of unease from when he first wandered into this dream, and when the grip becomes a pull, he gasps in surprise.

He looks up at Shalem, scrambling up to his feet. There's a brief—very brief—where it looks like Haruka is going to say something, but then he's stepping forward. There's no hostility to his actions, which isn't to say Shalem will pick up on it, or that he'll be prepared for Haruka burying his face in his chest, clinging onto Shalem in a hug. (i'm using the 15 for this u can't stop me)]

I'm sorry.

[For what happened...? Or for the fact that he saw something that must be so painful to remember? It's not his place to pry into these things, and he doubts it's the sort of thing anyone would want someone to see, much less someone like Haruka.]

[prozaic]

[Oh his fucking god, why.

Shalem is not expecting the hug, nor is he expecting the apology, and he freezes, unsure of what to do. What is happening right now?]

Sorry... for what? What happened?

[townmusician]

[Sorry, Shalem!!]

I don't think I was supposed to see what I did.

[He at least has the decency to step back after he says that, collecting himself. He hugs his arms close to him, looking down at a spot on the floor.]

Maybe it wasn't really, but... You know. Strange things have been happening, lately.

[prozaic]

I don't understand. [Which is... a rarity in his life. He tends to understand quickly because of the amount of watching he does, before he just does anything. But he feels like he's asking one thing, and Haruka is telling him about something else entirely.]

What are you talking about? I don't know what you saw.

[townmusician]

[He looks back up at Shalem, chewing on his bottom lip.]

I...

[Right. Starting over, from the beginning.]

I walked into this lounge, with all these paintings, and I walked up to one that looked like someone looking around some curtains... then I found myself in some camp, where there were all these kids being... trained... to dance and fight...

[He trails off, glancing back down.]

One of the kids looked kind of like you. Same hair color, a little tail... And there was another kid, with these big fluffy ears, while everyone else was kind of fuzzy? Or covered up in robes.

[Except for that butler, but. Fuck that guy, honestly. Haruka thinks he's the worst.]

[prozaic]

[Ah. Now it all makes sense.

Haruka saw his childhood-- not the entire thing, but a significant snippet of it. Solely because every moment he spent in that Troupe was an opportunity for the claws they had in him to dig just a little bit deeper.]

A day in the life. [A soft murmur in response to Haruka.] That was what my life had been like until I became an adult.

[So yes, he'd been in theatre at some point or another. But he didn't drop out to become a bodyguard. Haruka just assumed, and Shalem filled in some details.]

[townmusician]

[Well, he knows now that his assumptions were entirely off-base and there's a tragedy hanging around Shalem's neck, which...

Hm. He wonders.]

...Is this why you didn't come to spend time with us?

[He straightens back up, arms dropping to his sides.]

When we went out for hot pot, I mean. After Yoon... y'know.

[Had a palace and all of that nonsense.]

[prozaic]

You'd missed me that badly? [All right, that might be too light for the current circumstances...]

I shan't deny it was one of the reasons-- it's best not to go into a celebration like that after a battle.

[Well, it's also far more nuanced than that, but it's not as if Haruka should know everything, even if he has seen quite a lot. Shalem really just doesn't want to be a part of a social gathering, for this reason and that.]

But also... It is a celebration for friends, among friends, and I am not among those counted as friends.

[townmusician]

[He does Not pout at the teasing, absolutely not. This is serious!! (Sort of?)

Considering the look on the young Shalem's face when he cut the wood, and the way it quickly crumpled... He doesn't have all the pieces, and he might be entirely off base!, but he thinks he has an idea of why post-battle parties might be off the table.

That's not the important part. Or, well. It's important, but it's not something Haruka can speak on.]

...Why do you think nobody would see you as a friend? You would be as welcomed as anyone else.

[He huffs.]

And running away just makes sure you don't get friends. It's a self-fulfilling thing! Next time... take a break for yourself, then come stop by. I'll make sure things go long enough for that.

[prozaic]

[He raises a hand.]

I think you misunderstand. I leave because no one is my friend, no matter what they would say about our relationship, and I am content with that lifestyle. [Rather, he made himself content with that lifestyle.] Hence, there's no need to force a gathering to stretch for long enough to accommodate someone who will never come.

1/2

[townmusician]

[He stares at Shalem, quiet, trying to make sense of just—all of this.]

[townmusician]

Wow. You're an idiot.

[sorry, buddy]

[prozaic]

[Shalem merely smiles. He really doesn't care what someone's opinion about that is. He chose to live his life like this years ago, and he's not about to stop now.]

It's all right to think about it that way. Such things won't force me to make another decision.

[townmusician]

[He tuts, shaking his head.]

I don't think I could convince you no matter how much I wanted to, because I'm sure my words don't hold much weight.

[And why would they? Haruka's not anyone special.]

But I'm still going to say what I think, which is that you're being stupid. I don't know if you're happy being alone or not and isolating yourself, but right now... Isn't that just shooting yourself in the foot? We're supposed to be forming bonds and making connections so we can get out of this place and keep the God of Conflict from hurting more people, so sticking to the same old isolation just nerfing yourself? That's why I think you're an idiot, because you're stuck in your ways even though you're somewhere entirely different that needs you to change things up.

[...]

O-or, well, that it wants you to change.

[prozaic]

[Of course Haruka is right, and Shalem just gives a nod here and there as he speaks. But what can Shalem do? If he gets more involved with other people, the God of Conflict won't need to lift a finger.

It really won't change his mind.]

I understand your view-- it's the most logical thing to do, isn't it? After all, we do need to stick together in more ways than one. [But in his opinion, hot pot after fights won't make that much of a difference if people keep fighting each other in the dorms.]

But you can forge connections without having to be a friend.

[townmusician]

[yeah but then izou and mcgillis started smooching weeks later so what the fuck is wrong with everyone in the dorms]

Alright. Fine. Then we're going to have a connection.

[Whether you like it or not.]

And I won't ask why you think not having friends is better for you, but you're not going to get away with being a loner. Maybe no group stuff, but we can't get connected if we don't talk, right? Right.

[He's deciding this for the both of them, sorry Shalem.]

[prozaic]

[At least now, Haruka knows that friendship is off the bloody table, and that's much a weight off his shoulders. Now, if only other people knew this... But how do you say such a thing to them without offending them?]

Yes, yes. You're a worrier, aren't you?

[townmusician]

[We'll just see who ends up where they end up... which is to say your days are numbered, snakeboy. Maybe. Or Haruka will just infuriate Shalem and get abandoned, but that's honestly what he anticipates with most people so it wouldn't upset him too much.

Anyways.

His cheeks flush, and he splutters.]

I'm not a worrier! I just, just... want to do things right. That's all!

[prozaic]

I think you're just a bit off-kilter at the moment, especially with what you just witnessed. [Then he places his hands on Haruka's shoulders again, and gestures to the door.

That's not a subtle hint at all.]

Go. I'm sure this room is not doing you any favours.

[townmusician]

[It's as subtle as a brick to the face, yeah, but! Consider this!]

...Okay.

[He looks up at him, head tilting.]

Come with me, then. I'm sure this place isn't doing you any good, either.

[Being reminded of your past, when it's this...

But he's not! A worrier!]