Week 2

[linkupmods]

WEEK 2

WAKE UP, GET UP, GET OUT THERE.

Saturday rolls around and characters may see that there are notices from Mina, saying that everyone will be taking a trip at noon sharp on Saturday, and to have their weapons. Whether characters pay this heed or not, they will in fact hear a ding from their phones at noon, their screens glowing a sunset red with the word "TRANSFERRING..." the only thing to be seen. And then, just like that –

You all enter.

The new world before you can be described in one word: twisted. It doesn't feel great, but it doesn't feel extremely awful, either, depending on how you look at it – it's a distorted version of the already grim city that you've been brought to, and you are specifically in the shopping district. Everything seems to be darker shades of red, yellow, and purple, if you can see it through the haze ominously floating about.

That feeling of something stirring in your chest seems to grow stronger, more potent, burning with the desire to be let free…

…and you, all of you, are surrounded. Various monsters and demons are threatening to attack you, looking at you like you are their prey. That's because you are…but you don't have to be for long. The moment that you engage in battle with them, no matter who strikes first, is the moment your emancipation begins.

Welcome to your awakening.

You feel a surge of energy rush to your palm – for some, it burns like a fiery blaze. For others, it sparks with electricity; perhaps wind circles around it, or a mysterious frost begins to blanket it. Maybe you have a mysterious pink aura around it, or a bright turquoise light; a dark, sinister glow or a calming light. Whatever the case may be, it drives you to place your hand over your heart.

You latch onto something. It is not your chest, it's not your heart, but it's something deeper than that, something from your being. You pull, you drag it out, and there is no bloodshed or any sort of pain, only a very bright light and some struggle as you unearth what is within. You finally, finally feel free as a new part of you literally stands before you. Say hello to your new friend: Your Persona.

Your new skills feel intuitive, and you feel like you can navigate them well enough to at least try to survive. You don't need to question how or why you understand them just yet; all you need to do is let yourself experience your power, and you'll stand a chance.

And with that, it's time to fight.

(Note: Weapon attacks will always deal Phys damage, but Phys spells will naturally do more than just whacking enemies with your weapons. Go wild, dodge, parry – combat is more freeform here than it is in Persona, so play this out however you'd like.

Furthermore, you'll be able to see everyone's cool Personas! You just won't be able to really interact with them directly.)

???

(Picrew by ~danidoninha!)

After the battle, there's the sound of a whistle. Turn your heads towards the source, and…huh? A cat?

"Alright, newbies, it's time to roll out."

…And it talks???

She says it with a scowl on her face, and soon, she leaps up – poof, and suddenly, there is a cat train in front of you. Weirdly enough, this cat is the one driving it. How did she summon the train…who knows.

"Get in, unless you wanna get your asses kicked!"

And sure enough, she's right, because there seem to be more enemies flocking towards you. She will drag you all in whether you like it or not.

SAFE AREA.

And, after a quick ride on the cat train, you find yourselves back at the dorms! ...Kind of. Much like the rest of this alternate world, it’s distorted in shape, though there’s none of the haze you saw when you first arrived. It seems this area, at least, is safe - characters would be wise to note it as a location to base any Nekyia operations out of in the future.

Mina is also here! She looks, quite frankly, relieved to see everyone show up alive in the train. The train, by the way, is gone, because it seems like your mysterious cat friend is now back to her…first…form? And seems to be on her way out. Back to Mina, though:


“Thank goodness... Okay, um, app hiccups aside...

Welcome to the Nekyia - the world of the unconscious. As you can see, the unconscious version of the city is, um... Very, very messed up. The more commissions you complete, the more connections you forge, the more bonds you repair, and the more Shadows you take out will help return the Nekyia to normal - and with it, the real world!

The people of this world don’t have the power to summon Personas... You’re the only ones who can save this city from the influence now. So please...

Help me fix this city from the inside-out!”

Mina has also set up a folding table set up with divinity cookies and water bottles from “Ambrosial Water Co”, judging by the labels. Characters who partake in these proffered snacks will find them rejuvenating - literally. Using a Persona’s abilities takes spiritual energy, but these snacks replenish one’s energy to full again with a single bite or sip. Any characters who want to try venturing back into the thick of the Nekyia today are free to take some with them, but do take care! Mina is only providing snacks for today, and after this characters will need to monitor their energy levels on their own.

Characters with further questions may ask Mina and she will do her best to answer! You can also try to catch the mysterious cat from earlier, too.

To go back to the real world, all characters need to do is press the "RETURN?" button on their phones. Much like the "TRANSFERRING..." message, this is the only thing on their screen.

All phones will now have a Nekyia app that will enable them to come in and out of the Nekyia at will.

OOC

READ ME!!!!

• Welcome to your Week 2 event log!
• Here is your promised Persona debut. Fighting is very flexible, so please just thread the fights in whatever format you'd like.
  
• A reminder for those of you who have gotten their Level 10 skills: These do not unlock ICly until Week 3, starting on 8/17.
  
• As always, please let us know if you have any questions! Enjoy!
  

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Comments

[destage]

[...

Sayaka would like to go one day without having to worry for her life. Really, that's all she wants! One simple day! But at the very least after getting home from her first day at work fairly early, she's aware of what's going on--girl wakes up at 4am for funsies, she's got some time to mentally prepare and try not to scream, but...]

wake up

[...She thankfully doesn't manage to scream, but needless to say, there is one girl very much clutching her knife like a lifeline again and trying very valiantly to not have an anxiety attack. And she's succeeding! Mostly.

Sayaka sticks pretty close to the group, and needless to say, the strange itch of something wanting to awaken in her, and as the monsters close in, Sayaka feels herself tense up. Planning someone else's murder had seemed so easy on paper; being prepped and ready to kill, to do anything for her dream, it seemed so easy at the time. Everything in Sayaka is tense, and she wonders briefly if she would've had the guts to go through with it at all.

But something sparks in her. Maybe you're getting attacked unnoticed. Maybe a monster's just a little too close. But either way, Sayaka tightens her resolve and starts to rush at whatever's coming at them--]

Stay away from them!

[Perhaps it's fate, that Atropos awakens along with Sayaka, as Sayaka brandishes her knife and all but tackles the monster as she attacks. Sure, she's quite weak even when she attacks, but she somehow manages to strike true. (roll: 18)

...Of course, once she's actually managed to stab the monster--who isn't quite dead, Sayaka has to back away for a moment as she looks down to what she assumes is it's dead form. Her eyes are wide and quite frankly she looks like she's gonna be sick, but--

She at least spares a glance to the person she's managed to protect, and despite everything, she manages a shaky smile.]

...You--are you okay?

[...She admittedly, does not notice the monster is not quite dead yet but that'll be a problem in a few moments--]

safe zone

[...Yeah, so after all of that, Sayaka is. Admittedly going to be off to the side again, but she's just kind of going to chew on the treats provided, and one might see the slightly silly event of Sayaka attempting to offer Atropos one of those treats. It...admittedly does nothing, and if one squints the Persona may be giving Sayaka an odd look. But she's. Trying.

Either way, Sayaka will be at least a little more amendable to checking on others, and you may find her grabbing some stuff for you and approaching you, especially if you don't look like you have anything--]

Are you going to be okay? I imagine that must have been a lot to handle...

real world

[...

So at any rate, Sayaka's favorite past time is cooking. It's one of the biggest things she can do for others, and having gotten her commission payment, Sayaka has gone on a little bit of a shopping spree to grab groceries for the house. One might find Sayaka in the kitchen preparing a nice big batch of curry! She's very hard at work, though she seems pretty distracted...

Though, if you catch her attention, Sayaka might look to you for a moment before tilting her head a bit.]

Hey, could I borrow you to taste test something for me?

[Eventually, you will find the curry and some nice rice set aside with a sign from Sayaka--

Please feel free to help yourself!
♥ Sayaka

And you might even find Sayaka out for an evening jog. And...probably still picking up trash around town because she's nothing if not trying very hard to be helpful--]

wake up. don't ask why i have this icon

[incompletely]

[ Oh, that was a close one. He hadn't noticed the monster (Anzu) had been that close, and when Sayaka saves him, he gives her a tired but grateful smile. Damn, she can fight, huh... ]

I'm fine. Thank you-

[ Oh, it's not dead yet, though, and it looks ready to get its revenge on her, specifically. Tenn's eyes narrow and he pulls out his gun. King Pudding turns with him. ]

Stay down.

[ He uses Virtual Angel; he and Sayaka will hear a series of fan cries for Tenn, specifically. His eyes widen at the cheers, and he aims right at the monster to shoot it for Electric damage (11). ]

Don't touch her.

listen it's fine, the idol can have a gun as a treat--

[destage]

[Despite how shaky Sayaka is, her smile warms a bit--Tenn seemed like such a reliable fellow, so it felt good to do something for him. He's been there for her, so it was her turn to be there for him, in a way.

...It at least stops her from feeling sick, and that's what matters as she tries to beam.]

No prob--?!

[It's not dead. It's not actually dead, the strange lion creature isn't dead and Sayaka is. Actually kind of beside herself with fear for a moment, but--

Well. Two things happen. Atropos has manifested, and Sayaka does. Not know what to do with that, but Tenn manages to summon his own--and she hears the cheering, briefly, and she's awed. Is this what it sounds like at his own concerts? It's a feeling she's missed ever since she...

...

No time to think about that. Sayaka tries to shake it off, breathing in and trying to hold it in herself, as she...]

Atropos, please--help us!

[Atropos admittedly does her best, firing off an Agi--but unfortunately, it misses (5) as the Anzu manages to get upright again, causing Sayaka to grit her teeth. Drat.]

No, no--come on, Sayaka, think, think--

[Come on--]

Kujo-kun, do you think we should aim for it's wings? Maybe...maybe that'll get it to stop moving so much?

[incompletely]

[ Please pardon the giant King Pudding in the background. That is his Persona. Chat has decided it is the size of a building (well, it seems that way, at least. It's smaller.) so here he is, in all his glory. ]

It's worth a try-!

[ He says this as the Anzu moves to target Tenn. He readies his gun again and points it at a wing, but his aim is off and he misses (8).

The Anzu claws at him, and yeah, that definitely hurts. Tenn cries out in pain and stumbles back -- King Pudding moves to be at Tenn's side. ... Backside. He's too large to be next to him right now. ]

...Tch...annoying.

wake up

[goei]

[Izou, meanwhile, is thriving in this environment, but it's actually this that allowed a monster to almost get the jump on him as he relishes a little too much in finishing off an inugami.

As Sayaka attacks the other inugami that was aiming to sneak up on Izou perhaps avenging its fallen companions, Izou whirls around in time to see his unlikely savior. He's almost impressed at her fighting spirit, to be honest!! But unlike Sayaka, he's pretty well focused on fighting monsters, so he does notice the monster's not finished off (18), and drives his sword downward through the inugami's head.]

'm just fine. But you gotta be careful, these things ain't got the same vital points as humans.
[As if Sayaka was aiming anywhere in particular.]

Besides, you look worse off than me, girlie.

[destage]

[It feels strange, stepping in to save someone--someone who seems like he's having such a grand time fighting these strange creatures, someone who looks like he belongs in a different era...

And yet, Sayaka does her best to smile shakily.]

Yeah...yeah, I think I'm starting to get that. Whatever these things are, they're definitely not normal.

[But, ah--]

...That obvious, huh? I couldn't just sit by and let anyone get hurt, so...I'm trying to contribute as best as I can--

[And speaking of. Look alive, Izou, looks like an Angel's coming down now--]

--Incoming, look out!

[This Angel's definitely an asshole, given that it's more than happy to try and divebomb at them both. Sayaka dodges, but not without at least a bit of a scrape. (11) You faring any better, Izou?]

[goei]

[Izou dodges it easily (16), but then fails to land a hit on hit as it passes by and swoops back skyward, sneering at them. Bitch. He glances at Sayaka and her scrape;]

That's all well'n good, but if ya get hurt in the process cause you ain't trade, what good is that?? Stay back else yer just gonna get in my way!

[IZOU SHE LITERALLY JUST HELPED YOU TWICE???]

Safe Zone

[kandata]

It is highly unusual. Part of me still refuses to believe this all is real.

[There's Kirumi, sharpening her axe. She seems pretty puzzled by everything related to this cognition layer of reality]

[destage]

[...That is certainly quite the impressive weapon. Both Sayaka and Atropos mirror each other in a way, both turning to observe Kirumi, though Atropos seems to approve. Maybe she's expressing Sayaka's inner feelings, but--]

That makes two of us, Tojo-san. It's...all of this, it's a lot to handle--but it's hard to deny it after we've fought so many of them.

[...Still...]

...I don't know how we're supposed to get used to this, honestly?

[kandata]

Through constant exposure, probably. Force you to get used to this by not leaving you with another option.

[Appeal to how adaptable humans can be!]

Wake Up

[moodwrecker]

[Ah crud, she missed one-

but Sayaka manages to handle it just fine. Huh. How about that.]

Yeah, I'm fine.

[Her own Persona stands at the ready - a scrawny rabbit, more like a wild one than domesticated, its fur white and its eyes a brilliant jade green. It stands on its hind legs to about Aubrey's shoulder and has a pestle it rests on its shoulder not unlike a baseball bat, a mortar for its shield.

Or at least, up until Aubrey detects movement from the not-quite-dead Shadow - her Persona reacting faster than she can to leap at it with a lunge and finish the deed.]

[destage]

[Sayaka's distracted briefly, by Aubrey's persona--in a strange way, it's strangely...cute, that Aubrey's would take the form of something like that? It's enough to distract Sayaka from the fact that the shadow's not dead, and she watches it lunge, turning to face--

Ah. Sayaka's breath catches, briefly, before she's able to re-settle. That's...that's good, then, this is--]

...Good. That's...that's good, then. The last thing we need is for anyone getting hurt in something like this.

[She's getting sloppy, sloppy, sloppy, and anxious, attempting to keep calm is backfiring as her hands shake a bit.]

How many more of them are there--it feels like they're never going to end, at this rate--

[Case and point--heads up, we got a Pixie coming at us. Sayaka is thankfully quick enough on the draw, but the fairy dodges the Agi that Atropos aims it's way. (3) Shit.]

[moodwrecker]

[Pixies are about the size of a baseball, so honestly - it's perfectly fine for Aubrey to step forward with a powerful swing of her own, batting it away with what would surely be a homerun swing. There's something almost comedic about watching the creature tumble head over heals as it flies into the distance.]

Tch. We need to get out of here!

[But how? A few frantic glances around and there don't seem to be any obvious gaps in the Shadow onslaught.]

wake up

[supherb]

[This isn’t like battling a wild Pokemon— Mabosstiff’s attacks aren’t as powerful in this world. Arven’s about to throw himself in front of Mabosstiff to protect him when Sayaka steps in to deal with it.]

M-Maizono! Thanks!!

[Arceus, he sure feels about as shaken up as she looks. But the threat isn’t gone yet. Arven notices movement from the monster and gasps.]

Shoot— Watch out! It’s not down!

[He rushes forward and swings his frying pan into the monster with a sickening crunch, sending it sailing across the room (20).]

…oh.

[He looks down at his frying pan, stunned. He wasn’t expecting that.]

[destage]

[...THAT MAKES TWO OF THEM, Sayaka tries to turn quickly in order to get back into the flow of whatever this is, but Arven handily sends it back and--

It disappears, thankfully, hitting a wall and just. Poof.]

Oh, indeed...

[Sayaka's a little startled, but--she'll go over to the two of them once they have a second, the creatures briefly distracted elsewhere. For now, Sayaka has to remind herself. Arven's likely more shaken than she is, she has to--]

Are--are both of you okay? These monsters, they haven't hurt either of you, have they?

[...]

I guess--more importantly, are you going to be okay? This is...this is kind of a lot, huh?

real world............

[cirquedesang]

[So ever since being able to taste cookies and water in the other world, Celeste has been wondering if that change would carry over into the real world, too. The sun not hurting was new. Losing his powers was new. Maybe the "food is tasty and nourishing again" change just took a bit longer to set in...?

He'd just been a bit hesitant to try it (again) just yet.

But, well, with a request, how can he say no?]

You could... though I can't promise it'll go terribly well.

[destage]

[Can't promise it'll go terribly well...Sayaka mulls that over, briefly. She's no stranger to the weirdness of this place and it's peculiarities, but...

...

(roll observation: 3)]

Oh! Do you have any particular allergies that I need to be aware of? I tried not to use anything that I know is a common one, but if that's a problem, I can try and make another batch specifically for you?

[...sayaka...]

wake up

[pointzeropercent]

[He is not paying attention to the fighting, or to the persona Morrigan that is floating along beside him. This man is in pure fight-or-flight mode, and he's picked 'flight'.

So he's grabbing for Sayaka's hand so he can drag her off away from the monsters and (hopefully) to safety, if she'll go along.]

[destage]

[Sayaka's a little startled when she feels Sou grabbing for her hand--honestly, he isn't the only one who's panicking here, and honestly, she doesn't even notice the monster getting up because she gets so caught up in letting Sou take her where he needs to go.

Maybe he's found somewhere safe. Or an exit, or--something. She doesn't know, but she's here to follow along, Atropos floating behind her and keeping pace.]

Are you--going to be okay--?

[She tries to keep it quiet to not attract attention, but. She is concerned--]

real world

[oracool]

[ Grace lights up at the question. She may be a vampire, but that's only magnified her love of human food. Now she doesn't have to worry about silly things like calories and mindful portions. ]

Absolutely, sign me up! Whatcha cooking? Smells great.

[ FOOD PLS. ]

[destage]

[Sayaka can't help but beam at Grace--it really is so nice to have someone who's genuinely enthusiastic about trying her cooking, and her expression is bright.]

I'm making curry! Heehee. It's usually something I make at home all the time, and I try to make it quick...but I wanted to splurge a little bit and make everyone something a little nicer, you know? Especially after what we've dealt with.

I'm mostly trying to decide if it's good enough as is, or if I should split it into two batches...maybe make one a little less spicy, for people who can't handle it...or more spicy? I'm not sure.

[But, ah--before Sayaka gets off track, she'll get a portion set for Grace, and smiles brightly as she presents the curry and rice to the woman! Regular white rice, granted, but the curry's got plenty of veggies and. Definitely a kick to it.]

Here! I can't thank you enough, honestly!

wake up;

[beautifulknight]

[ These monsters just try to strike in sheer numbers only to overwhelm, and thus Argenti's focus narrows to these creatures, tuning everything out as his spear strikes, blessed, true, and with honor. Though, it doesn't seem quite enough, just yet, he has enough battle skill to keep him on his feet...even if he does not have eyes in the back of his head.

The demon that Sayaka strikes is one such beast who would dare try to take advantage, though Argenti passes her a little smile. ]

That I am, and I grant you my sincere and utmost thanks for your timely assistance. But, what of you? This is no easy situation for everyone.

[ As he asks so, the monster turns its attention towards them, and instead he brings his spear down to finish it cleanly, stabbing viciously through it. ]

[destage]

[Sayaka jumps briefly, but the way Argenti cuts the monster down so swiftly...it's enough to get Sayaka to ease, but also to realize how out of her depth she is. A knight can certainly handle this.

An idol like her, though--]

It's okay! I'm glad to provide it--we should all be working together, right...?

[But of course, Argenti--considerate man that he is, asks after her. And Sayaka's smile is shaky as is; she can't fake her way out of this one.]

I'm...I'm doing my best. It's all honestly a lot--this is way more than I could've expected us to get dragged into. I feel...out of my element, here.

real world

[beathollow]

( mafuyu freezes at the question, eyes wide before she deflates and shakes her head. )

I'm sorry. I have... a taste disorder, you could say? My opinion would be worthless. It smells very good, though. I don't think anything's burned and the spices don't seem overwhelming...

[destage]

[A taste disorder...Sayaka's brows can't help but knit in worry a bit at that, but she finds it in her to smile nonetheless. This girl probably doesn't want to focus on what a tragedy it is that she can't taste, right?]

I wouldn't say that! I mean, the fact that you're able to give me an idea of that just through your smell alone is really amazing!

[And that is genuine; Sayaka's gaze brightens a bit.]

I'm so used to working around different spices when I make my own, that it's good to have an outside perspective, and yours is perfectly worthwhile. It means that it won't be too overwhelming for anyone who hasn't had it before, and I really am thankful!

Have you had anything to eat? Once I get this done, I'd be happy to give you some, if you haven't!