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

[gardenful]

We get to meet the President!

[ She grins, looking as excited as she can be.

However… there’s something underneath that excitement, too, something like anticipation. There’s more than just meeting him—or at least, more to Aerith’s goals than just that. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ There does seem to be...something?

...

She's clearly the President's biggest fan! It must be rather exciting. ]

How long do we need to wait until we find out?

[gardenful]

Prob’ly a few minutes.

[ She points at the podium on the stage, where a large man with black hair steps up as they all stop in place in front of the stage. ]

Or right now.

[ She shoots Argenti a wry grin before he starts to speak. ]

Allow me to congratulate you on a stirring performance. You've done your company proud. Your passion and patriotism is beyond question, and I know our president can't wait to thank you all.

[ Patriotism. For a company. Yeah, that’s not concerning for the state of Aerith’s world or anything. As she watches, her expression is full of resolve. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ Hm...

That does sound some level of suspicious - if only because he knows very much about how the IPC operates, and it kind of rings similar to that. ]

...Company?

[ He questions, because he assumed it had been a regular military army, though obviously there is something more to it. His eyebrows furrow just a bit. ]

It looks like we're going to meet the President after all.

[gardenful]

[ Aerith raises an eyebrow at him, though for just a moment her look turns searching. It looks like she’s on the cusp of realizing that this is just a dream, but the moment quickly dissipates once that blond man from earlier steps up to the podium. He’s even more handsome from a shorter distance, his jacket well-fitted and his blond hair nicely styled. He begins by bringing up his father's legacy and how he transformed Shinra from an arms manufacturer to what it is today before ushering the crowd into a brief moment of silence. Aerith closes her eyes, but it doesn't seem to be out of respect. No, it’s as if she’s steeling her resolve. Perhaps for some sort of confrontation.

But before Argenti can dwell too much, the president then goes on to talk about his vision for the future, how he wants to usher the world into what he considers the promised land. That particular phrase seems odd amongst the high tech, metallic surroundings they’ve found themselves in, and especially odd as Argenti and Aerith both stand in military garb.

The speech seems to rouse the crowd, however, and the applause goes on for quite a while before finally quieting down so that he can announce the winner of the commendation—Midgar's Seventh Infantry. The excitement amongst the crowd as they all congratulate each other, some even giving Argenti’s hand a shake for doing so well that it definitely catapulted them into a win. Way to go, Argenti!

He’s even invited to go up to the podium as one of the best performers, joining Aerith and what looks to be like two of her friends, given the way the three make eye contact with one another as they head up. The tension is palpable as they come face to face with the president, who gives all of them a knowing, almost smug look, as he requests that they take off their helmets.

There’s a history here, one Argenti has unwittingly gotten caught up in, especially as dream logic dictates that it’s not unusual at all for him to be up here. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti sees the raise of an eyebrow being sent right back at him, blinking right back when she does...hoping she might recognize him or something, but alas, that doesn't seem to be the case at all. Instead, alas, any traces of recognition seem to be interrupted by the man who has stepped up on the podium, and he watches him carefully - he is still as striking a figure as before, though.

But, as he's speaking about Shinra, and he certainly is lending an ear to that, Argenti notices the way Aerith is closing her eyes. He wonders why, but he can't exactly know, and then there's something now about the promised land?? How did it turn from this to that, he wonders? Still, Argenti immediately settles into a smile that is polite as he shakes hands, but the side of him who cherishes victories does feel proud, hehe.

Anyway, after that, he's suddenly having to go over to the podium?! Oh dear. Argenti is looking sheepish...but, let's do take off the helmet.

He's done this before with his racing helmet and knight armor helmet, however, shaking his head back and forth, sparkles appearing all around him after he's revealed his head full of red hair.

Whatever kind of history is happening, he has no clue, but he does feel something like tension. So, despite the frivolous, yet over-the-top spectacle he's making this, Argenti is ready to strike at a moment's notice! ]

[gardenful]

[ What a beautiful spectacle indeed! The president—Rufus, one of Aerith's friends manages to utter as they approach—watches for a long moment, his gaze assessing. ]

Cut the feed.

[ One of Rufus' bodyguards protests, but he obliges and all of the large screens set up around town shut off, displaying the Shinra logo instead of the live feed. ]

So you're growing in ranks, are you?

[ Rufus directs that question to Aerith's friend, a blond man, before quickly continuing: ]

I have a proposition for you. My father left me a mountain of unfinished tasks. Like a recapture of a fugitive of Ancient descent... [ Rufus looks pointedly at Aerith, and her eyes widen sligthly. ] The recovery of a stolen lab specimen... and of course, the arrest and execution of Avalanche. Of course, your new friend is included in this too. Guilt by association, as you well know.

That's why it's in your best interests to accept my proposition. After all, none of that matters to me at all. I'd gladly wash my hands of it.... because I have a new vision for Shinra.

[ Beside Argenti, Aerith tenses. A new vision? She wasn't expecting that, and the surprise is written all over and her companion's faces. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ Rufus is his name, huh? At least now he has a name to go right alongside the identity of this smartly dressed man...

Argenti blinks as he even goes so far as to have the feed cut? By Idrila, this man is quite confident, isn't he? Or, is it perhaps arrogance, due to being a man in power? The red head listens to the questions Rufus directs towards Aerith's compatriot - another blond man - before listening to what the said blond man in charge says.

...Then, when he starts to add words like that, his expression goes tense. ]

A new vision of Shinra? Please, do take the time to explain.

[ He can see Aerith tensing up and he wonders, what exactly is an Ancient, and what he means by recovery of a lab specimen exactly, but it does not inspire warm, fuzzy feelings here.

...Wait a minute, is he also being included in this? As guilt by association? Well, at that, he'll just raise a brow elegantly - he isn't afraid of him, even though he asked for elaboration. ]

[gardenful]

[ Rufus regards Argenti for a moment, like he's really seeing him for the first time. Sure, he's observed Argenti (especially during that performance) but it's now as if Argenti is being seen as an individual and not someone simply in his orbit. ]

No longer clinging to the past. Shinra is now under new direction, and while I'd like to build on what my father started, I believe that Shinra can do so much more than he ever imagined.

Which is what brings me to my proposition. I'd like Sephiroth dead. He's a stain on Shinra's past—a failed experiment.

[ Argenti doesn't know who Sephiroth is, but it seems Aerith and her friends do, as they all stiffen, their expressions hardening. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti is being seen by Rufus in a dream-memory! Now that is somehow something he has not anticipated even if it seems to have been something wherein interactions were definitely possible between him and others, to an extent.

But he will meet it head on regardless, looking at the blond, unafraid. ]

...A failed experiment?

[ The red head's expression turns tight as well. He knows nothing about this Sephiroth, and instantly his mind flashes back to Fuyu. What he did to failed experiments...

...Is this Rufus the same?

Though his question is careful all the same, if he can get some more information here. Even if his heart is already hardened and he isn't exactly happy about this man thus far. ]

[gardenful]

[ Argenti is thinking the right questions here. What does happen to these "failed experiments"?

It seems like Aerith and her friends are in agreement on this particular one, however, because her friend quickly agrees, nodding at Rufus and saying that it's a deal. Aerith's mouth is a tight line as she nods too—it's clear she has some strong feelings about this.

But Argenti doesn't get much time to ponder on all of this, much less a response from Rufus, before something comes flying down from up high and towards them. It's a weapon of some sort—a four-point shuriken if Argenti can identify it—that rips through the air.

It's aimed right for Rufus and would have killed him if his bodyguard hadn't stepped into take the blow instead.

Maybe it's a good thing Rufus isn't dead, but there's not really any time to think about that before guns are pulled on Aerith, her friends, and Argenti. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti wanted his interrogation, damnit!!

Anyway, this is definitely bad news bears, especially with the situation deteriorating without him able to gather more answers. Agreements are obviously now off the table with the little interference and now there are other things to worry about.

Instead, he's just flat out going to attack once the guns are pulled because Argenti doesn't want to be just a sitting duck.

Or he will try anyway, to blast them with a medium multi-level Psy attack (Mapsio).

No one can say he is a person of inaction... ]

[gardenful]

[ They certainly can't! The attack lands on a small group of soldiers and flings them back, knocking them out.

It gives Aerith just enough time to reach for Argenti's wrist to try to pull him out of the scene. ]

Let's go! We can't fight all of them here!

[beautifulknight]

[ That works out for him!

Argenti can't really afford to wait around for anything. So, just like that, he ends up allowing Aerith to pull him along- ]

You are most certainly correct. I appreciate the reminder!

[ Where are they running towards? Where's the exit? ]

[gardenful]

[ They're running into... a hangar! It's cold and metallic, the sound of Shinra soldier footsteps echoing down the hallways as Aerith and Argenti follow behind them from a distance. ]

I think we can get out that way, once the soldiers are far enough out of sight.

[ Not that they couldn't fight them, but it's easier to sneak around and call less attention to themselves. ]

There should be a boat heading out... I think.

[beautifulknight]

[ Of course their enemies are in hot pursuit. Argenti is almost tempted to say that he can serve as bait to let her get away, but then she mentions a boat.

So, the plan in regards to that shifts slightly.

Maybe. First, he'll ask: ]

A boat? Is it one you're familiar with?

[gardenful]

Weeeell... if this dream goes the way it should, then it should be headed to Costa Del Sol. So you could say I'm familiar with it.

[ When did she realize this was a dream? At some point between the assassination attempt and when they arrived in the hangar. It was like a veil had been lifted from her vision, possibly brought on by the way it felt so strange to have someone else other than Cloud or Tifa with her. ]

[beautifulknight]

Oh!

You realized that this was just a dream? Just now?

[ That must have been when, right? Maybe? Well, that means they still have to finish it, probably. ]

...Well, either way, I am glad. If things hadn't worked out, I would have thought of another plan entirely. It seems you had gotten into quite an amount of exciting things, however. I assume for the betterment for this world, considering how...suspicious that man was.

[gardenful]

Yep, just realized. Sorry it took me so long.

[ But maybe that gave Argenti a better picture of what her world is like. She hopes so. ]

He sure is suspicious, huh? But... I have a weird feeling his deal was the real thing. [ She motions for Argenti to follow her to another corner, where she peeks out to see another empty hallway. ] Our friend was the one who tried to kill him, though.

[ She shrugs, giving Argenti a wry smile. ]

Can't say I really blame her for it, even if having Shinra off our backs would've been a huge help.

[beautifulknight]

It is alright, Lady Aerith.

[ Argenti isn't going to go ahead and start faulting her for it now, of course. He has gotten a good picture of her word, in retrospect from it indeed! ]

...I wish we had the chance to question him more as well.

I suppose I can't quite understand the decision for her to attack like that, even if it might seem pragmatic.

[ By which to say that Argenti doesn't wholly agree with that just yet, though he understands he still hasn't completely understood the situation entirely. Around this time he is making sure to follow her, prepared to go forward too whenever Aerith is ready - seems he doesn't always have Leeroy Jenkins tendencies! ]

But, Shinra seems like they are quite influential for being a company. The last that I heard of a corporation that had such might was the IPC. Though, not for the good of the universe like they say that they are. I suspect this is the same case.

[gardenful]

It sure is.

[ She peeks into another corridor and motions him to follow. There's a door at the end, which hopefully leads out to the dock... ]

Shinra has... done a lot of bad. Sure, they gave us all of this technology you see here, but this whole region was taken over by them too. And my friend's home? They tried to do the same thing there.

That's probably why she took what she saw as her best chance at getting rid of the President.

[beautifulknight]

[ Hopefully it does! Argenti will head straight towards the direction she's motioned him to follow in. ]

That does truly explain her motivations.

Especially if they were...not very kind in how they took over the region. The IPC can be rather forceful when they too come to bringing worlds under their thumb.

I suppose it is far too late to presume! But, I do assume the worst, considering the apparent might of Shinra, and what you have said of them just now in performing unrighteous actions.

[ He also recalls instantly the fact this Shinra has a military force? ]

[gardenful]

You're right to assume it. They'll use their soldiers to do all their bidding... and they love coming after us.

[ She frowns. ]

They've even got an elite guard called the Turks, who tend to do all the dirty work. It's kinda shocking how deep all of this goes with them.

[beautifulknight]

...Because they wish to rule the world with an iron fist and you alongside your friends shall not stand for it?

[ This company deserves to be put in its place, as far as Argenti is concerned. ]

Regardless, it does sound rather deep and quick intricately insane how much power they have, to even have an elite guard. It must have taken them quite awhile to get to that point - though I wish they hadn't in the first place.

[gardenful]

[ She nods. ]

They struck gold. They figured out how to use the planet's energy for electricity and technology. Everything here is because Shinra figured out how to make it.

[ And technological advancement is its own form of currency, isn't it? ]

But you're right. They basically wanna take over, even if that kills they planet. [ She frowns. ] Which they know they're doing. They know they're going to run dry of energy at some point.