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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[worry not my friend, i figured that was the case--

Either way, Satomi, enraged and injured and near a shattering point herself, attempts to rush down (18) Argenti again--

Only for "Sayaka" to manage to get in front first, taking a pretty heavy hit in the process. No blood expels from her; if anything, the sharp blade goes into her leg hard enough that when it comes out, black, wispy substance comes out when Satomi withdraws her blade.]

Wh--what--?

He's right, you know-- [The Media thankfully invigorates "Sayaka", but Argenti will notice immediately that it does nothing for anything of hers that's cracked. Still, "Sayaka" grins, bright and determined as ever.] --you've strayed in remembering what we fight for, and now, it's time for you to pay!!

[Thankfully, all it takes is one more punch (17) to put Satomi out of commission for good, the girl completely shattering in the process. The Oozes, weak as they are, aren't done--both of them attack Argenti with Dazzler (14, 4), only one hitting, and thankfully not getting Argenti with a Dizzy in the process.]

Argenti--!! Are you alright?!

[ Argenti feels his heart skip in pure, unadulterated concern when Sayaka just throws herself into the way, shock etching itself so vibrantly yet clearly on his face when she dares to do so.

Such that even at this time even formalities are almost thrown out the window- ]

Saya-

[ Only for her to continue talking and Argenti watching as the dark substances filters easily from that leg - but he is glad that the healing spell settles in regardless, even if worry lingers due to it not doing much of anything.

But, Sayaka seems confident even so, words coming right out of her, full of life and determination that make him blink in surprise, before he then smiles, approval on his expression.

He forgets about the Oozes and gets a little dazed, blinking, and shaking his head. Fortunately he isn't Dizzy indeed. ]

Yes, my apologies.

You were incredible against that creature, however. I believe you spoke well from the heart...and the words you said truly embodied Beauty! So, let us finish this once and for all so we can move onwards!

[ And so he can tend to her wounds, hopefully.

Argenti tosses immediately a Mapsio psy spell (16, 17) straight at the remaining Oozes. ]

[Thankfully, the Oozes are very weak; one more good hit like that does them both in, and "Sayaka" seems to chuckle, a little rattled but otherwise fine.]

Embodying Beauty ain't exactly what I'm used to, you know. Usually those jerks want us to embody cuteness, like helpless animals...means a lot to hear that.

[Sayaka will attempt to walk on over, though she's clearly stumbling. (Roll constitution: 9) It's a little hard to walk and it sounds like her leg is getting a little worse, though she tries to walk it off.]

You did a good job too, you know? I don't think I've ever seen someone fight so fiercely or...let me fight alongside 'em. It's better than I could've asked for. Let me see your wounds, yeah?

[Seems even without a Persona, Sayaka can use Dia, though it...looks weird, somehow. (roll 10+ perception)]

[ Argenti is glad that Sayaka seems more or less still alright, even if he's concerned about her current state of being...

Though he covers a frown at hearing that 'those jerks want us to embody cuteness, like helpless animals' because there's a certain connotation he feels reaches him even if he is not very experienced in this area. Still, he offers her a little smile, and reaches out to help her be balanced, keeping his hand on a shoulder as needed. ]

I am glad my words meant a lot to you...and yes, I do not mind at all.

[ As usual, Argenti's perception is dodgy (4), though please let it be known that he did try. ]

Though, I ask that you allow me to heal you in turn.

[ He'll try another Dia even if it won't heal much of those cracks, alas. ]

[that's the idol industry for you! ☆*: .｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

Nevertheless, thankfully, Sayaka's own healing will work; she at least feels a little more energetic, if nothing else, so she does grin in brief thanks. But Argenti should be feeling better too, even if there is the sound of something cracking...]

As long as it's a fair share, then I don't care. I just don't wanna have you go and coddle me; it ain't like I'm made of glass or anything.

[Nevertheless, the next set of doors awaits them. Sayaka will thankfully not kick these ones open, but there's a bright, white light that consumes your vision briefly...]

cw: parental neglect

The memory is of a balmy autumn day. Not that the changing in seasons is very visible in Sayaka's part of Tokyo, but one can see it in the distance from the apartment windows--one that a young looking, no older than 8, Sayaka can be seen in the reflection of as she cleans them, making them nice and spotless. From the reflection, one can see how dull her eyes are, with unhappiness and an almost deep loneliness.

The memory's gaze shifts with hers; it constantly looks to a clock that seems to be getting later and later as more tasks are cleared around the house. Dishes are done and put away nice and neatly. Countertops and a table are cleaned. The living room is vacuumed, dusted, and everything is nicely organized in their shelves. Even Sayaka's room--pristine and bright pink already, is given some tender loving care.

It seems to be something she's used to. After all, her father works long hours, and he can't do it himself. She wasn't even taught by him how to do a fair portion of these things; a lot of it she's had to kind of trial and error herself.

By the time the entire house is spotless, Sayaka looks to the time and feels her expression fall. If her father was going to be home, he would be by now. He works so much and she's all alone. It'd almost be a blessing if the school year had started proper so she could have an excuse to get out of the house. But here she is, all alone once again.

Once again flicking on the TV as her only company, thinking about how she's going to be preparing dinner soon.

The memory is juxtapositioned with one of Sayaka much later in life; only a few years younger than she should be now. She's talking with one of her managers, and it's--

"Are you sure we should be keeping that make-up artist?" Sayaka seems to ask, her head tilting in the memory. "She went and ghosted us again..."

"And this is her third time doing that, correct?" The manager looks to Sayaka, who confirms it with a nod. The manager seems frustrated, but she nods her head nonetheless. "We're going to have to find someone on short notice to cover again, but we'll get another one hired very soon. You have our sincerest of apologize, Maizono-chan."

"It's okay. I know you're doing your best for us, so it's no trouble." And at least in that moment, it seems true. But Sayaka speaks up again shortly after. "Do you need to waste so much money grabbing another, though...?"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"I've been practicing some of the techniques that the previous artist was doing for us on some of the other girls. I've been having some good luck with it, too. Maybe you could save the money and teach us how to do our makeup? Or I can try to--"

The managers barking laughter fills the room, startling Sayaka out of her thought for a moment. The manager's face is bright, pearly white teeth practically looking sharp, before she speaks up.

"Oh, Maizono-chan. That's a cute little joke you just made!"

"Wh--" Sayaka seems...very startled briefly, and confused. "What do you mean by...?"

"Sweetie, your only job is to go up there and put on a beautiful show. And you girls do that very well, don't worry about it." There's something weirdly intimidating about the pleasantry of the woman's smile. "You don't have to worry about doing things like that! Leave that to the professionals."

"Ah--sorry. I really just wanted to think of a way to take the burden off of you--I promise I didn't mean--"

"Oh, I know you didn't mean anything by it! Don't worry your pretty little head." Somehow, that sounds worse. "Your hard work is going to make your future husband very happy one day, so don't worry about it too much. But while your here, you have a very simple job to do. And we'd greatly prefer if you remained devoted to that above all else, okay? We can't have a jack of all trades, master of none in here, after all!"

Sayaka feels herself tense, but she bows her head nonetheless. It feels strange to let other people do things, when she's been so used to doing it all herself for a while, but...it should be a good thing, right?

...Why does it feel like there's a pit in her stomach, though?

[After that, the two of you will end up...well, the space is somewhat dark, only able to make out faint light in the distance, but you can at least see each other. There's a lot of props and the like back here, though there appear to be some other, formless people as well in the distance...

Welcome to the backstage. Needless to say, "Sayaka" is clutching her head a bit, and quite disoriented.]

What'd they have to go and blind us for...

[ GOD...it is so very terrible...but, that said, Argenti's glad that Sayaka appears so much more energetic now.

Seeing the brief grin in gratitude and well, he does take note of his own better state. Only to pause at the sound of the crack? Maybe it's from Sayaka?

But, he looks back at her if she says that, and nods. ]

But of course. We must depend on one another, after all. There is no shame in that.

[ ...Even if a part of him did only learn that moreso in truth recently. To rely on others more, or at all, in earnest. Then, the bright light hits, which afterwards so does the memory. It isn't exactly pleasant, but it is one nonetheless, and the feelings that cycle through him are complicated, and he feels the displeasure settle in afterwards. The lack of love Sayaka was given, also the sheer wretched emotion the manager showed towards her. ]

...You did not see it? It appears I witnessed a memory of yours. Perhaps that was the intention, as unfortunate as it was.

Those managers of yours truly should have reflected dearly upon their actions, for one. And I see...you did not have much in the way of support back home, either.

[ He says, still blinking a bit away the disorientation. Still, he looks around, to make sure there are no immediate dangers, before turning his gaze back to Sayaka. ]

["Sayaka" pauses at Argenti when he speaks up after that, mulling it over for a moment. Now that the room is so dark, there's a gentle if eerie glow to her yellow eyes that lights the room a tiny bit at least. Not nearly enough, but...]

...I saw it. Didn't think you would've. She...we talked about this. She and I. When we woke up in this place. We...talked, about some stuff like that.

It was the fact she had to do things all by herself, right? Mixed in with the managers trying to strip that independence from her and tell her she's just gotta be a pretty face. For daring to want to help.

[...]

Her dad was...I don't think he was evil, or anything.

[Let's walk while we talk; for now, Argenti may be able to hear some noises in the background, but nothing too spooky. It sounds like people talking, just out of reach, but... (roll 5+)]

He worked a lot, from what she told me. Had to, to keep a roof over their head after her mom left. She just got more and more shoved onto her as she got older, and like...she loved her dad, but she also resented him. He made promises he couldn't keep to her, a lot of the time. And he always insisted that she come home to help as soon as school was done, so she didn't have any time to try and ease her loneliness with anything but TV.

...Heh. It's kind of [GENTLY CARESSED] when you think about it, huh? She really didn't have anyone but herself.

[ ...Ah. It's hard to miss the glow in this state of absolute darkness.

Argenti takes note of it, and the implications are clear - not that he hasn't missed the subtle hints already that this Sayaka is not exactly as she should be. He has had an idea of that already. ]

It's good that she hadn't had anymore untrustworthy figures to worry about, though I wish she would have had someone she could have relied on for certain.

[ He means her dad, of course. But as for his listening to that, Argenti is good at properly splitting his attention (17) ]

...Though I do judge the fact that he held her to such a high standard to not have time for anything else at all, considering she was not allowed time to spread her wings going on outings, and the like.

In the end, I won't disagree with your conclusion. I cannot.

Even if now, things have changed. I firmly believe that as of this time she does have others to rely on.

People who would look out for her when all is well, and when all seems to have gone dark around her.

[ He clenches one hand determined, as he finishes gently with words tinted with unrestrained resolve. ]

...That is why I am here. I refuse to let her face this alone.

[Argenti can hear some pretty good snippets, at least--

"How much longer until we can start this properly?"

"We still haven't taken care of those stupid defectives. If we don't do that, the boss will kill us."

"Well, get on it, then! They can't have gone far!"

"But sir, what about the girl on stage? If they get to her--"

"She's plenty occupied with the trap we put her in, don't worry about it--"

...That probably doesn't sound good, and it appears to be coming from further ahead. "Sayaka" sadly doesn't hear it due to being distracted, but she's alert and looking around at least. Keeping eyes toward where the enemies could pop out...]

Oh, trust me. You're not the only one. If I could deck that [REAR END IN A TOP HAT] myself I would. After some of the things he said to her before she left for that academy...

["Sayaka's" hands ball into fists, and she looks deeply angry.]

...This place, it's...it's really the first time she ever got the chance to spread her wings and be a human being. She's been so tightly and rigidly wound for so long, without any sort of reprieve or anyone to help her. She...

She really cherishes the [GENTLY CARESS] out of you all--

[Something knocks over, immediately causing "Sayaka" to jump in front of Argenti and hold a hand out.]

--We got company. Eyes peeled and stay behind me.

[Roll a 1d20 for me to determine how the battle starts~]

[ Argenti hears the voices speaking amongst one another, wondering about them indeed. It's essentially impossible for him not to, really.

Though, they don't sound all that friendly, yes. Argenti's lips curl into a deep frown, and he is certain that soon enough battle will be upon them.

But, first, he listens to what Sayaka says, which doesn't bode well for how Sayaka's father had been treating her in the slightest.

He can at least imagine, though. Which isn't exactly helpful either, and makes him wish he could sit the man down for a six hour lecture; that enough would make him regret his actions, he is certain. And if it made him mad instead...so what?

Alright, that last part is not something a Knight of Beauty should think, but it's fine, he too is embracing how he newly is walking this Path. ]

...I am glad. She deserves a place to -

[ Wait, what. That sure is a sound. When Sayaka leaps in front of him, his eyes widen momentarily. ]

- wait. You do not need to do that!

[ And...we've got a (2), which clearly means we're starting out stellar here, folks. ]

[...This encounter is so unfortunate for people with eyes, because "Sayaka" also gets a 2 and proceeds to look away from where the enemy is to give Argenti a sour look.]

I'm doing this because I want to, someone has to keep you safe--GAH!

[The room is sadly too dark to make out what enemy is attacking, but given the blast (14) that hits "Sayaka" and sends her to the ground, it's definitely on the stronger side. Another blast that Argenti will realize is a similar element to his own whizzes by his head, missing him in the process. (5)

It seems as if the enemies are hiding behind some props...there's a couple different racks of costumes the enemy could be hiding behind--three to be precise. Roll your normal attack roll and pick which one you want to try attacking!

(You can also try to misdirect the enemies if you want to! Seems like they can't exactly see either.)]

[ Argenti gives a look to go with the sour look she's giving back at him because we're just adding on more and more to this stellar wonderful performance from both parties here.

He is about to even say something, about knights and protection, only to see that she ends up on the wrong side of a blast of some sort. He lets out a sound of dismay and runs on over to "Sayaka', immediately casting Dia right on her. ]

Are you alright?!

[ But indeed perhaps his movements ensured he would miss a blast being sent his way...making him recognize it was his element. Though, he looks irritable at that - and immediately flings an Eiha straight towards the second rack of costumes (11)

But then he will try to help "Sayaka" up if she needs to, quietly, and farther away from the racks. He should probably think of a strategy in regards to misdirection, but he can't think of one right now (7) ]

I'm--I'm fine, stop worrying about me and keep yourself safe! You're the one who's got more to lose here!

["Sayaka" has decided it's her turn to protect, for better or for worse. Which is very unfortunate given the visibility in the room.

...And also the unfortunate fact that neither monster hid behind the second rack, which just feels unfair. Both of the monsters laugh a bit in the process. (roll with advantage this turn!) On the minor plus, the attack does send the rack over so they can't hide in it, and it vaguely lights up the room to let Argenti see a bit more. Perhaps most importantly, the two enemies he fights against; a Nue and a Shiki-Ouji! Neither of them hide this turn, growing confident...

Which means Sayaka is absolutely rushing into the fray to punch the Shiki-Ouji in the face. Sure, she absolutely cracks her fist and hand a bit more, but it's worth it to see the Shikigami crumple like that!]

Who's the boss now, mother[LOVER]?!

[Thankfully, this does mean the Shiki-Ouji misses it's Psio (4) on Sayaka, but uh. The Nue takes aim at Argenti with an Eigaon, heads up-- (16)]

Edited (hey sable. usually it's a good idea to use your other rolls and make the monsters attack.) 2024-10-21 21:06 (UTC)

You do remember that I'm a Knight of Beauty? Please, I am only trying to help!

[ Any further words are halted in that moment because there is suddenly a lot going on, what with the monsters suddenly deciding to get cocky and attack - that is what that horrendous laugh means, right? Argenti's nose wrinkles in dissatisfaction at hearing it.

But, then there's Sayaka leaping back into the fight, slamming her fist into the Shiki-Ouji, and honestly? Argenti feels proud of her.

He actually lets out a surprised sound of something that sure is close to a laugh on his own part, though delighted all the same. ]

...You did strike that monster well!

[ And then he gets hit with an Eigaon. Alright, buster.

Argenti turns his attention immediately towards these guys before unleashing a Mapsio on both, even if the Shiki-Ouji has a resistance to the attack, (14, 8) is still decent enough to have an effect. For the Nue, though, it gets hit pretty hard (7, 17), so there is that. ]

And I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiment!

[The Shiki-Ouji is just straight up having a bad time right now, but the Nue is having an even worse one. Both monsters aren't keen to give up, but "Sayaka's" words as she cracks her knuckles and casts a Dia on Argenti get her to grin a bit.]

See? I've got a few tricks up my sleeve too. I've spent so long trying to get good to fight alongside you all; I'm not some pretty little princess to be protected.

[The Nue attempts the same trick again on "Sayaka", though this Eigaon fails to connect (7), frustrating the creature further. The Shiki-Ouji, on the other hand, aims a Psio (15) at Argenti, though with a swift kick (14) from "Sayaka", she sends the creature right over to striking distance for Argenti.]

Let's show 'em why you don't mess with the best!

[ Eat shit, Shiki-Ouji and Nue combination!! The Dia is most certainly welcome, though. ]

...I know. You done well to have improved considerably in battle.

I cannot wait to see more that has resulted from experience.

[ Though, that doesn't prevent him in looking out for her wellbeing, naturally.

The Nue's tricks are aren't exactly going well for it, huh. But at least when the Psio lands against Argenti, it's an element that he's familiar with so the attack is something that while has a high hit value isn't too distracting. The red head will turn the tables on it, striking the Shiki-Ouji with another Mapsio (11), even if he'll miss the Nue (2) ]

And now with what I had said, I cannot help but give praise to your teamwork!

["Sayaka" swells with pride at that--even moreso when the Shiki-Ouji falls dead to the ground, disappearing shortly after.]

What can I say? We've learned a thing or two from watching you all work, and teamwork makes the dream work or something like that!

[The Nue, feeling sufficiently ignored, goes on the offensive and. Severely whiffs! (2) Tripping over his own damn face.

"Sayaka" attempts to attack in kind, though, but ends up tripping over her own two feet with the sound of something possibly shattering (1) but don't. Don't worry about it.

Feel free to roll with advantage, this is turning into a clown show. But Argenti can likely see that weird, shadowy black mist pooling around "Sayaka" as she tries to fix something that went wrong...]

I would say that is a perfectly beautifully accurate statement to make!

[ Argenti himself says this and then watches the Nue make a fool out of himself, almost even having him laugh at this silly display. But...

Well, there goes the mood as shock and worry cover his face in an instant. ]

W-wait, are you alright?!

[ Damn! Argenti turns around and stabs the Nue pretty hard (19) before heading on over to Sayaka. Where is this shadowy black mist concentrated? Around a spot in particular or truly just her entire being? ]

[Thankfully, such a heavy blow sees the Nue disappear entirely; the two of you have won this battle!]

I'm fine, I'm fine, d-don't--don't worry--

[It's thankfully concentrated from one spot directly in front of "Sayaka", though it spreads like a pool beneath her that he can definitely see now. The light is still not the greatest, but Argenti will be able to see it no matter how much "Sayaka" tries to hide it.

Her right arm seems to have completely shattered, and the shadowy essence almost seems like blood with the way it sits on the ground. "Sayaka" tries in vain to keep it plugged in, and she's. She's actually freaking out a bit.]

No, no, no--not now, not when she's in danger still--!

You do not look fine!

[ Excellent timing, because he's still worried about "Sayaka" here. He's getting ever the more worried about how that pool's looking, to be honest.

His heart even leaps into his chest as he takes stock of the shadowy essence of blood, and even if he knows it won't work he casts Dia again...like a couple of more times, even.

Even as she says 'she's' in danger. Does she mean the true Sayaka? ]

You're...by 'she' you mean Sayaka, do you not?

[ What does he do? He reaches out to her, without hesitation even so. ]

Is there anyway we can fix this? Even if it shall not be the case, I will protect you to the end. So that we are able to see this through.

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WEEKS 7 & 8

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cw talk of parental neglect

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styllized gore cw

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