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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[destage]

[It's unlocked, and the room it leads him to is...

Hers.

Well, sort of. There's still an exceeding amount of pink in here, and the busy streets of Tokyo below are visible, but it's a time both of you are familiar with. The early morning sun rises, brightening the room very slightly, and while Sayaka isn't here, there's much to see.

Her vanity is perfect and maintained, along with her bed being perfectly made. But what's likely surprising are the dolls sitting and gently propped up on her bed...

Including one of you, Fray. The little pink orb floats towards it, as if gesturing him to come closer. Will you?]

[bloodweapon]

[Ah. So this is her room - that's right, she said she'd switched rooms with Naegi, hadn't she? Then it follows that this is her real room - a place she'd feel much more comfortable in. Fray marvels at the view for a moment (this city is nothing like the ones he's used to, after all) but the familiar early morning rays of sun make him feel oddly nostalgic, despite the fact that he'll undoubtedly wake up around the usual time with Sayaka nearby.

He follows the pink orb toward the dolls, kneeling down to get a better look at them. A Fray doll... Is he in his armor? Who are the other dolls, are any of them familiar faces?]

[destage]

[They're all familiar, actually. It's just about everyone that Sayaka has talked with in this strange, beautiful place. Argenti is right beside Fray, as if he'd be anywhere else. Mafuyu, Ai, Eli, Celeste, and Izou are all cuddled together in a pile. Arven and a tiny Mabosstiff are off to the side, though Arven's hand seems velcro'd onto Mabosstiff's head. Sunrise and Richard sit side by side...Yoon seems to sit close to everyone, as does Soujuurou and Aerith. Aubrey's off in her own little corner, but there's a cute rabbit plush to keep her company. The others are about, if he looks for them...

But you know, it's funny. Fray isn't in armor--he seems to have been given an entirely new outfit, something almost gothic in nature. As for who wears his armor...

...Well, there's a plush sitting at the vanity with some distinct blue hair that may have in fact stolen it.

"Negative emotions like hatred and frustration and fear, things that could hold one back but instead give us strength when we know how to wield them. It is not an easy path to tread, but it is the one I have chosen."

Woah...that's incredible. People can really do that? Harness those emotions, those horrible things, and use them for good?

"You sound like a very strong person, Fray-san. It really is to be admired."

I wonder...maybe if I learned something similar, could I be just like him? Could I learn how to do that, and inspire people? Maybe if I try really hard, I can manage it. Even if it'd be odd, and strange...

Huh. Isn't this a familiar conversation? But with some...added context. It's strangely light and bright, and that pink orb floats by Fray as some thoughts continue.

The comfort she felt, letting him be the first to know that she had been trapped in that school. (He...he believed me, he...actually believed in me...) When he confronted her down in Nekyia, when she snuck off by herself. (He'd really want to train...me? I better not disappoint him..) The comfort after she spilled her thoughts out on that network post. (I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you had to see that. But thank you...thank you, for hearing me. Thank you for seeing me.) The battles they've fought, the determination flowing through them, the sheer joy of it all. (I won't lose. I can't lose--I'm not going to let something happen to him, or any of the rest!)

Even some more casual thoughts, simple ones, but...significant.

(I hope he's okay with this. With me doing things for him. Fray does so much and takes so little time for himself...I should do something nice for him. He's struggling to find himself, so maybe some nice clothes? Or maybe something nice to eat, that I can bring back for him...

I know Fray will find himself. I believe in it, so much. Even if I'm afraid of losing him, he's always stood by my side. I...want to do the same for him. I'm still trying to find myself, so maybe...maybe I can help him down the path, too, and help him find happiness. Because he's as human as the rest of us, and he deserves it. I want to see him smile.

...I wonder. Would he ever let me walk the same path as him? I want to protect. I want to reach out to the world, a shield in hand to protect those dear--and a sword as well, to protect myself and others. To harness all of this negativity and use it for something good...

Would he be proud of me?)

...The pink orb gently floats around the room, the soft, dawning light growing just the slightest hint brighter.

It's okay, you know. If you need to rest. If you need to cry.

Whatever it is you need to do, I'll be here. And you'll wake perfectly on time, so...please, take as much time as you need to. This space was mine, once, and I offer it to you gladly.

So...take your time if you want, okay?

It's not even necessarily a voice. It's a suggestion, gentle and kind, though one could attribute a voice to it if wanted. But if little else, it's an invitation, and one he can take if he needs it.]

[bloodweapon]

[Ah... What a beautiful scene. The people closest to Sayaka are the ones she's met here, the ones who have reached out to her and asked for nothing in return. She doesn't need to be the perfect idol for any of them, she just needs to be herself - so of course she values all of them highly. It's nice to see them here, represented in tiny, cute doll form. Fray's eyes linger on his own doll for a long moment; it would seem she chose to represent him out of armor, which is interesting. His eyes are drawn next to the vanity, which explains where his armor went.

The words that echo in his head are very familiar, but with the added context of Sayaka's side of things. He wonders if he should be hearing this... but then, it would seem that Sayaka herself invited him in, so perhaps these are things she wanted him to know.

After all, it makes sense. The other Sayaka was frustrated that he wanted to protect her - and seeing this now, he can understand why. Sayaka admires him, wants to be like him, and she can't do that if he doesn't allow her the space to grow and learn, to become a Dark Knight like himself. Such a thing is immensely flattering; the path of a Dark Knight is hardly an easy one, but for Sayaka to want to pursue it, to protect others as Fray does, means the world to him.

His fingers brush over the little Sayaka doll's head and he turns his attention to the pink orb.]

...Thank you. For showing me this... for trusting me, and for your unwavering support. I have a much better understanding now, and if this is the path you seek to walk, then I would be honored to guide you.

[Perhaps these are words he'll need to say to her again, depending on just how much of this they remember when they wake. Regardless, it doesn't hurt to say them now.]

You've come so far since we first met, Sayaka. I couldn't be more proud to see the woman you've become.

[destage]

[A genuine, cute giggle rings out through the room, echoing gently and the sound bright.

Think nothing of it. You've worked so hard to reach out to me, even when I didn't understand it. The world had taught me that nobody reaches out a hand without expecting something in return, but that's only a small part of this beautiful world that we live in, isn't it?

I'm not afraid of it anymore. Of you, or anyone else. There's no motive behind anything you all do, and I've never felt so free. I've never felt so much warmth, though I always reached for it. Fearing it and craving it all the same, like it would burn me to cinders if I took it selfishly.

...Thank you, for being proud of me. For caring for me like no one else has.

The pink orb stops in it's floating for a moment, before rushing off to the vanity--it carries that little, armored Sayaka doll back onto the bed, placing it with the other dolls. No longer alone or separated off, but together with them all.

The pink orb itself practically flies into Fray, seemingly disappearing, but he'll feel a presence like warm arms around him. Undaunted by armor, perhaps even ignoring it as it hugs him warmly and kindly.

I hope that one day, I can say everything I have in the waking world. Because you are precious to me. All of you are.

...But I think it's time to wake up.

I'll see you soon, okay?

Love you, nii-san.

The dream will fade into beautiful, warm white light.]