linkingup | WEEKS 7 & 8

WEEKS 7 & 8

THE SEASONS TURN...

Shopping District

Entertainment District

Nekyia Fashion District

DO YOUR PART FOR CHARITY!

Saturday

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!

Charity Event

Flea Market!

ball

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.

hallway full of dressing rooms.

door that has your name on it.

journey there and find out what awaits?

here.

two weeks

OOC: Sayaka's top level is NOT time sensitive, nor is it a mod-run 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!!!!

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September 28

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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. ]

[ Eli's already beginning to join the slow creep towards Argenti that the other feral people in the den are in the midst of, but that question does seem to get through, if only briefly. He pauses, suddenly reluctant to approach any further, and a moment of recognition flits across his face. ]

...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. ]

[ Something like hope dares to stir within him, when he sees that moment of recognition come upon Eli's face, and even further still when he voices his (nick)name even in the midst of it all.

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. ]

[ He'll have to be ready for Eli, unfortunately, because he charges at Argenti first, moving with an inhumanly fast speed. He lunges, trying to tackle the knight and bring him down to the dirt with him. ]

[ As he's feared, Eli is already submerged enough to act quickly, and though Argenti has been paying close attention for that indication - the problem is the speed. It doesn't leave him an avenue to attack...

...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. ]

[ Argenti's spear connects, and the mere pain of it slashing through flesh is enough to leave Eli landing on the ground instead with a scream, only it's not quite his scream... or is it? What meager ambient light the dreamscape has lent this underground hell flickers, and when it returns, the knight will instead see the version of Eli that did live through this.

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. ]

[ Oh, Aeons, the sound that leaves Eli is exceptionally horrid, enough to lance Argenti with guilt - and the flickering of images that shatter briefly the illusion does not help indeed. The pit in his stomach only grows from seeing Eli in such unbridled agony - so young - tears at his heart. ]

...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!

[ Argenti's words don't seem to get through to the child, but he'll find they don't need to. That light he was hoping for finally arrives. A shout comes down the tunnel. ]

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. ]

[ Given Argenti's experience with seeing military-grade weapons up close even as a child (ha ha ha) he could definitely instantly identify it as a military grade weapon, though he can never rely on being certain that it isn't a grenade with such little time to react. ]

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? ]

[ Eli's in no position to fight back, leaving Argenti to scoop him up easily and shield him, even as he squirms and growls. He'll inevitably begin trying to bite through the armor protecting the knight's arm. It's useless, though. His teeth may be sharp, but not enough to pierce metal.

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?

Edited 2024-09-28 22:35 (UTC)

[ Not enough indeed. At least when the grenade goes off, he too is facing away from it in the first pace - though he certainly hears the other consequences of it as well, the sounds of the creatures' pain in light of all that. Alongside the force being used to subdue them - permanently, at that.

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.

[ There's a stir of uncertainty from the figures around Argenti, but one turns to snap out orders to the rest. ]

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.

Edited 2024-09-30 22:32 (UTC)

[ Well, good thing these folks are very keen to obey hierarchy because Argenti would not be afraid to fight every single one of them.

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.

[ As Argenti speaks those last few words, he will hear his voice in duality or— no, that isn't him. Someone else speaks the words, too, right alongside him. A woman, voice steady and sure, and then he'll feel the ghost of someone standing and taking the young, still struggling Eli from his arms with her as he goes. ]

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. ]

[ Just like that, it all goes away in the blink of an eye.

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. ]

[ He won't be nearby. With the dream ended, Eli has, thankfully, woken up from a fitful nap back in the dorms. If Argenti wants to find him, he can find him there rustling around in the kitchen's fridge for a post-nightmare snack. ]

[ Honestly, it's a relief Eli is doing alright as well - Argenti will endeavor to track him down for sure - so when he sees him he lets out a sigh of relief. ]

...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... ]

[ That blank stare Eli gives him for... a bit. Thinking. Odd dream? With Argenti? Wait, what?! Eli turns quickly from the fridge, immediately alarmed. ]

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?!

I did, yes.

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.

[ Eli's left feeling awkward, for lack of any better word. Of all the things to see... ]

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.

[ Argenti shakes his head at Eli's apology. No matter what, he refuses to blame him for that. ]

...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.

Yeah. That whole Omen of Evil thing...

[ 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.

Edited 2024-10-07 22:27 (UTC)

[ Argenti simply nods at that.

But, he's more or less surprised that he can just shrug at that - is it because he's accepted it too? Or just, he realizes there is no point in constantly agonizing over it? Which he thinks is also valid. Argenti himself didn't necessarily consistently worry over it every day even if it was at the back of his mind, everpresent in his deepest fears.

Yet when he sees that, he feels relief, closing his eyes for a moment. ]

...Oh thank the Aeons.

I am glad that at the least there is something there to counteract it as a just in case. I hadn't realized you managed to obtain such a thing as of late.

But, this is quite the relief. I pray that it will exist as long as possible, and that there is an easy way to refill it should it ever get low.

I mean, someday we're gonna get rid of all the demons, but we may not get rid of lycanthropy. If there's no more wolf demons to harvest what we need from...

[ That's a problem for the future, though. Even if he did concern himself with it, there's no telling when that hopeful demon-free world will come about. ]

It's tricky, I guess. Even if we did come up with a real cure, I mean, I might not take it? Since then, I lose all the stuff that makes me good at tracking demons down and taking 'em out... but if I did lose all that stuff, people wouldn't be so scared of me anymore...

[ He is trying to be more accepting of his werewolf side. Argenti isn't off the mark there. Still, there's an underlying turmoil that Eli may have to live with forever. That "what if". ]

A pity that your world has such an unfortunate demon problem. It seems I had not an idea of the depth of the severity of a great issue. Even if I know what that looks like as well.

...I also had no idea you needed to harvest anything from wolf demons at all.

[ That's curious too, but Argenti imagines that had become the way of Eli's world due to whatever that may have caused it. ]

I see that it also appears that settling this issue for you personally isn't quite so one and done. Wishing to help as you are with those attributes makes sense. Even if there's a risk. Though, I would hope that there'd be a more permanent solution that carries none.

[ There's also a small pause too. ]

...I hope you find your answer, however. Should a cure ever make itself available.

Edited 2024-10-09 13:15 (UTC)

WEEKS 7 & 8

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