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Entry tags:
{ nightmare city }

NIGHTMARE CITY
On a fine, dreary day while Reverein is still experiencing the chaotic aftermath of worlds bleeding into Songerein, a familiar top hat, long tailed coat wearing figure will appear in the center plaza. Dubbed "The Ringmaster," he calls out to everyone a friendly greeting, and while a bit wary, those who remember him and his crew who hosted the first Halloween carnival and subsequent iterations gather around to listen to what he has to say.
With a heartfelt plea, he asks assistance from the Dreamwalkers to help aid his brethren, "Nightmarians" who are suffering from nightmares of their own. Residing in a city dominated by nostilium, they are creatures and figures who thrive off it and are able to live without issue, but the recent influx has affected even them. In return for receiving aid, they will help absorb the excess nostilium and seal remaining world fragments.
Meanwhile, the tapirs have another mission for those who would prefer staying behind in the city, and that is to start repairing the tethers.
More details on everything can be found here. Because we are in endgame, all events are open to anyone outside the game! Feel free to tag in or start new threads as we march on towards the end!
I. REVEREIN
Those who decide to stay behind will find the tapirs appearing in and out around the town. There are still a few corrupted tapirs that need healing as well as some that need help recovering, however the more important task is finding the tethers and repairing them. Doing so will help stabilize the connections between Songerein and every other world and stop the world fragments from bleeding further in.
A. Moon Crystals. It was a bit of an accident, really. Those in the Observatory were doing their own research to try and determine the connection between Songerein and other worlds, and one topic of interest was the dream world's moons, a medium the Story Eater employed to traverse between worlds. While debating if the twin moons still maintained those connections, somehow the giant floating crystal activated and fired a giant beam of dreamotion right into the moons, which also just so happened to have aligned right on top of each other and right above Reverein. While no physical damage was detected, as in there are no visible giant holes, light falls from the moons and are revealed to be "moon crystals," crystal shards made from the moon and infused with pure dreamotion.

✨ Crystal Collection. While most of the shards are small, those viewing through the telescope notice there are quite large ones that could cause some damage. Quick, collect the ones that have fallen and try and break up the larger pieces before they put a hole through someone's roof!
🌙 New purifiers. The amount of dreamotion in these crystals is significant and could help with the remaining world fragments and nostilium that continues to bleed into the world. While they could just be scattered around like seeds, the Orkilins will be quick to fashion a device that could help amplify and focus the dreamotion into the area. Now they just need those areas to be cleared out of noctaere so they can be set into the ground and activated.
💊 Tapir Medicine. When crushed, these crystals can be used as potent medicine for tapirs who are still corrupted or recovering, either as a pill or even dissolved into a drink. However, the trick is administering said medicine and will require someone to hold down the medicine adverse dream eater. Perhaps offering it with a snack conjured by some nostilium will help.
B. Tethers. By now everyone knows about the tethers that connect the worlds to Songerein, however, no one really knew what they were. They seemed to be this intangible pathway that could not be seen or touched. However, the tapirs have discovered that due to the current circumstances, the tethers are taking physical form in this world. They're still not sure what's happening, so time to investigate!

🔮 World Object Fragments. Within world fragments, strange broken pieces of some kind of object can be found scattered around. They have a distinctive sparkle and shine to them, drawing anyone to them. Collect the pieces, and if successfully able to put it all together, it will take the form of a symbolic object of that world. Perhaps those from that world fragment will be able to recognize it and explain what it is.
📔 Dream storytelling. With these new objects, the tapirs will inform everyone that those from those world fragments should try and create a simple dreamscape based somewhere in their world, perhaps an important or popular place, and tell stories about their world in general. Although they can share personal stories, ones about the world in general will work better. Others not from the world can ask questions to try and learn about the world. These dreamscapes and stories will help strengthen the object.
🌙 Moon Crystals. If there isn't anyone nearby for a particular world fragment, using the moon crystals will work just as well. Crush it into dust and let the object absorb it while walking around the area while imagining what kind of world the place is trying to represent.
C. Nightmarians. As promised, residents from Nightmare City, the Nightmarians, will enter Reverein to assist in absorbing excess nostilium and serve as conduits to seal off world fragments. However, their initial appearance may startle and confuse the natives as they are creatures that tend to have more "nightmarish" appearance. Try not to attack them! In addition, they will need someone to help them when the nostilium becomes too much by channeling dreamotion into them when needed.
D. Mysterious sightings. Reverein has been abuzz with eerie occurrences over the past two nights following the tail end of the eruption of nostilium and the appearance of world fragments. Witnesses have reported sightings of a strange, humanoid creature wandering the streets under the cover of darkness. Descriptions are vague but some claim to have found fiery red feathers in its wake, along with ominous claw marks etched into the alley walls. In addition to this enigmatic figure, there have also been sightings of a large wolf roaming the area. Despite the unsettling nature of these events, no attacks or injuries have been reported from either the creature or the wolf.
Those who have investigated a slew of recent interrelated occurrences may notice a few things about this creature’s description and the timing of its appearance. Even if not, thanks to their efforts, related professionals in Nightmare City will have a wealth of information to help with dealing with this matter, should it be brought to them (literally and figuratively). Those looking to investigate can also use this toplevel for additional information and responses.
II. NIGHTMARE CITY
For those willing to venture to Nightmare City, a special gateway is erected in the Central Plaza where anyone will be able to enter and leave freely, and will remain for as long as needed. Passing through the gateway may feel strange at first, a sharp chill that seems to overwhelm the senses before it is replaced by a rush of heat as they step into the center of a much larger city square. Tall buildings tower around them with neon lights blinking in and out from windows and signs. Music, chatter, and other sounds fill the air as all sorts of "nightmarish" creatures walk or fly past—demons, monsters, ghouls, masked figures, all from horror based worlds. But rather than dreary, it's lively with laughter mixing in with those ghastly screams. Those from modern cities may liken the city as one of the larger populated metropolises. However while it is busy, there is a tension, and as soon as the Dreamwalkers start to appear many will rush in not to attack, but to plead desperately for their help.

B. Dreamwalking. Right away requests for Dreamwalkers to enter nightmares is called upon, but somehow the nightmares are so terrifying to the Nightmarians they can't even properly explain what they see. Bracing for the worst, what the Dreamwalkers find will surprise them.

😺 Cuteness Overload. In some dreams, the dreamer is surrounded by a plethora of cute things: cute animals, cute aesthetics, cute colors—even the Dreamwalker and the dreamer are "cutified." Big eyes, sparkles, even the sun has a cute laughing face. This has left the dreamer hunched over in sheer terror while kittens and puppies paw and purr around them. Help the poor Nightmarian by somehow ridding the dream of all this cute.
☕ Domestic living. Some may find a dream where one is just chilling on the couch and enjoying a cup of coffee and watching TV relaxing. For a Nightmarian, it's pure hell. They feel trapped, unable to break through the cycle, and they feel their sense of self being drained away, Even the colors are starting to fade. Time to spice up their life, perhaps even shock or scare them back to their old self.
🔨 Dream wreckers. One way to try and break the Nightmarian out of their stupor is to destroy and "horrorfy" the dream as much as possible. Whatever could terrify the Dreamer may be a sweet dream to the Nightmarian, so this could be good practice for someone who may want to try and twist and use nostilium actively for a good purpose.
🚪 Open door. If the Dreamwalker is unable to handle the situation on their own, creating a rift into the dream so that an awaiting Nightmarian can assist is another option. To create a rift, they have to conjure a weapon and use enough nostilium to break through and create a tear in the space. The job isn't over even when the Nightmarian arrives. The Dreamwalker will need to still assist them so they aren't scared off by the contents or worse, fall into the "nightmare" themselves.
C. Nightmare Forms. For those who want practice or need help controlling their nostilium, there are a number of experts willing to teach the way of the nightmare, both in and out of dreams. This will require a lot of mental strength and fortunately if someone loses control, they are in a place that will help them. This also includes learning to take on a controlled nightmare form. What that form will be will vary, but as Dreamwalkers will be facing nightmares and their vices, it could incorporate the seven deadly sins.

👥 Strength in Sin. It may sound strange, but instead of trying to face one's fear, Nightmarians will ask Dreamwalkers to think of what their worst vice is. Do they have anger issues? Prideful? Lazy? Gluttonous? Envious? Lustful? Covetous? Because nostilium is also formed by negative emotions, it is easier to try and focus on a negative aspect of oneself than trying to grapple with something more emotional based on fear. By focusing on a negative trait instead, they can lean into that vice and turn it into a source of power and strength. Thus in this exercise, whatever powers they exhibit will reflect that particular trait.
😈 Nightmare Form. The next step will be trying to transform into a unique form born from nostilium. Those who have turned into noctaere before or have transformed in some way will naturally lean into that form. But they can also try and learn something different, one based off their vice. This form may actually be more stable and offer them more control. What look will they have in this form?
🎯 Target practice. Whether in a dreamscape or out in a designated practice zone, participants can go through various exercises and use targets and dummies to help focus, channel, and release nostilium into a controlled force no different than when utilizing dreamotion. Some may use spells and abilities similar to what they know, however with nostilium it will be changed in some way. Different element, different color, curse or hex-like effects, etc.—how it manifests will be unique to the individual. Weapons are treated similar.
🤺 Sparring practice.It's also possible to try and spar against someone, whether it's two nostilium users or one using nostilium and the other using dreamotion. There will be experts supervising and will intervene if someone loses control, so do not worry and push to the limits. These exercises will benefit both nostilium and dreamotion users as they navigate using and countering nostilium.
🪞 Worst Nightmare. After going through the different exercises, those who want to try go further and harness the powers and force born from their nightmares have the chance to take a partner and be launched into a nightmarescape based on their worst nightmares. They will remain lucid, but they will feel the effects of the nightmare more keenly than usual. But if they are able to "defeat" their nightmare and take control of the nostilium and emotions created by it, they will be able to strengthen their powers and their nightmare form.

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[He tries to push himself away, but his body won't respond.]
No!
[That's the last Joshua manages of his own accord before his eyes flash––and stay––amber. His grip on Kazuya's shoulder tightens, talons ripping through the fabric of his clothes.]
Hello.
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If anything... The swap is familiar. Like when Remiel had taken over Amane. Or Jezebel had. If he had to pick, it's an entity far closer to that of Jezebel.
For his part... Kazuya just seems unamused. Joshua is still there, still inside, and this creature will be hard pressed to well up any sort of negative emotion other than... Disdain from Kazuya.]
There really wasn't any need to rip my clothes.
[But this? This presents an opportunity. To rip and wrest whatever it is that this creature is out of his best friend.
But first, he needs information.]
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['Joshua' lets go with a shove. Torgal rushes in to Kazuya's side, growling at the monster that's taken over. He pays the wolf no mind, keeping his focus on the demon in front of him.]
Pray forgive me. It isn't my fault.
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[He lets himself be shoved away, though his hand comes down to hopefully placate the wolf. There's a tightrope line he has to tread here. He already figures that the creature inside Joshua knows that Kazuya won't harm Joshua himself, so any sort of threat of that nature is right out.
That being said, the negativity he can scent coming off of him... It's something any demon would want, so he needs to proceed carefully two-fold.]
Is there a reason you feel like popping up to interrupt? Not afraid, are you? Or are you going to give some stereotypical evil speech?
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[Kazuya's right. 'Joshua' knows that he won't hurt him––but he also knows that the young demon in front of him can take a beating. There's no point in getting violent.]
It's simple. He gave me an avenue to appear, and so I took the opportunity to greet you appropriately.
'Tis only polite.
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[All of them had been the same sort of thing. "I am evil. I am big and powerful. I will devour all humans. Roar." or some such.
And then he'd gone and eaten them in turn. Funny how that worked out.]
Though I doubt you actually care about being polite-
[He thrusts his hand out, to this unknown entity.]
Kazuya Minegish. King of Bel.
[It's a faux-politeness. He'll dig his own power in, if given the chance. To try and wrest and pull the darkness out of Joshua by force the moment the creature gives him the chance.
It probably knows this. But on the off chance it doesn't...]
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Joshua Rosfield, Dominant of the Phoenix, Crown Prince of Rosaria.
A pleasure.
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[Is what he says the moment his hand is taken and the words are spoken. His grip is tight, unyielding.
More so as he digs his own darkness into Joshua, to grasp and and claw and yank at something that seems so incredibly entwined and twisted, rooted deep through his very essence.
Even if this fails, he will still come away with something valuable. An understanding of how deep this goes, how tightly this creature is wrapped up within his friend.]
Just because you are inhabiting his body, does not make you him.
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['Joshua' doesn't try to stop Kazuya from his explorations. From seeing that the dark, parasitic vines have pierced through and nearly absorbed into whatever healthy branches of the real Joshua's soul are left. To his credit, the spots of light, although few, shine brightly. He said he was going to fight, and he is.]
And since we're getting personal, allow me to introduce myself again.
Joshua Rosfield, Dominant of the Phoenix, Crown Prince of Rosaria... Spymaster of the Undying, liar, manipulator, ruthless murderer, and insurgent.
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[Just so this thing knows exactly what Kazuya thinks of it.
His own magic is dampened, has been since he arrived in this place a year ago now. He hasn't sought to try and learn, to increase his power, because there hasn't been a need. Now he twists his own magic where the vines have coiled tight and pierced Joshua's soul. Some of it yanks, attempting to pry it loose, while another part uses his own darkness to try and help shield what remains.
But the fact is, King of Bel he may be, he is still new. Even with guidance from the other Bels, it may not be enough.
It won't stop him from trying, both eyes turning a brilliant crimson, fire flaring from them as he pumps what magic he can into Joshua.]
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[As much as Kazuya doesn't receive any pushback, there's a moment when he gets a little too close. Starts prying a little too hard. Starts getting a little too involved. It starts to make him grimace from pain, deep and cutting.]
[And if Kazuya is going to place some shields, then it's only fair he gets to use one of his own.]
[The noctaere waits for the right moment, just when Kazuya is about to pull at one of those gnarled tendrils to the point where it'll break. Then, it relinquishes its hold.]
[Joshua's eyes snap to blue.]
[That piece of darkness snaps.]
AAUUUUUGGH!
[With that scream, Joshua––the real one––crumples to the ground, clutching at the mass on his chest.]
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But Joshua is understandably in pain, and Kazuya is quick to steady him, to hold him protectively. He doesn't- He doesn't feel bad for what he'd done, even if it had hurt Joshua. It was necessary. Some part regained is better than none. It's one more piece of Joshua's soul it'll need to re-establish its grip on.]
I'm here, I'm still here, and I've got you.
[But the pain that Joshua has experienced isn't something that should be repeated too many more times, if at all.]
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Thank you, Kazuya.
[Voice hoarse, Joshua takes care not to say too much more until he's sure it's clear.]
I'm sorry. I should not have been so easily deposed.
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It was actually... Kind of helpful. I know more now. I can ask the other Bel's about it. They're more knowledgeable about the soul than I am. And... I managed to break a piece of it. I don't know how long it'll take for it to recover, but it's something.
[It adds time to their side, and time is always something he's found to be sorely lacking.]
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[...Right. Feathers. No more gloves. Ugh.]
[He tries his best to ignore the faux pas and bring his focus to what Kazuya is saying.]
Something, indeed. Thank you.
[Joshua places a hand to his chest. He feels a little different. Less constricted, if he had to put it in words.]
[But then, of course, there's a question to be asked.]
How are you able to communicate with them?
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[For that, he taps the side of his head.]
I never actually fully subsumed them before I got swept up here. So they're still an active part of me, and still mostly themselves.
[They make very witty commentary sometimes. Ha ha.]
I guess it's mostly just mental communication, why?
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[Plus it's nice to learn how other people deal with the Things in their heads. It sounds like given enough time, Kazuya and the Bel demons will be at least similar to how he is with the Phoenix... and soon the noctaere.]
[Joshua chooses to not think about the latter for now.]
Please express my gratitude to them as well. Whatever it is they can share will prove most advantageous.
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It surprisingly comes from Jezebel. A reminder that it was an angel who held her back from her complete control over Amane's soul. An option that could be used in much the same way.
Kazuya is quiet as he converses, as he tries to figure out the logistics of whether or not it's feasible. Whether or not one of the other Bel demons would be able to hold back the noctaere inside Joshua long enough to find a solution. It's an option. And they're bound to his will, because his will is their will.
It's a minute or two before he seemingly comes back into himself.]
... Would you be against having one more thing share your body?
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[Ever.]
[Then, he sighs.]
...Speak your thoughts plain, I beg of you.
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[At least that long enough. There's no other choice at this point.]
It's more something that Angel's would do, but I'm a demon, and all I have are demons.
[And... Part of him does wish for Remiel, funny enough. The one angel that he'd had an ounce of respect for, because he had genuinely wanted to protect humans.]
They won't over-take you. They won't control you at all. All they'll do is stop your condition from getting worse.
[Hopefully.]
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[Except it's not a bad idea. Especially not when it comes from someone he would trust with his life, and, yes, his very soul.]
...
Alright.
What must I do?
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[Demons can possess by force, this he knows, but it'll be easier on them both if Joshua doesn't struggle against it.
The problem then becomes.... Which Bel should he use? Belberith is undoubtedly the strongest, the most suited for the task. Belial and Beldr are more obedient, though Beldr is the weakest of the two, which might prove both useful and dangerous at the same time if things go wrong. And Jezebel has the experience of being housed within someone's soul.
There's pros and cons to each.]
I don't know if it'll hurt at all, since I've never done this before. And if it does... I'm really sorry.
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[He's used to being in pain all the time. As much as he enjoyed the near nine months that he didn't have to deal with it (before he ruined it for himself, to boot), this is a sort of status quo that Joshua knows he can handle.]
[And now he has an idea of his own. Regardless of Kazuya's success here.]
[Joshua sucks in a breath, holds it, then lets it go.]
I'm ready.
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A hand comes up over his chest, and briefly, he wonders. What will it feel like, essentially ripping a piece of himself out? Well. He's about to find out, and as his hand grips on Belberith's power, he finds it to be exceedingly unpleasant. Not painful, not entirely, but he does hide the grimace as he pulls it from his being until it's a visible dark mass in his hand, crackling with red electricity. It's no surprise it looks as evil as it does, considering Belberith.
But the instructions he's given the Raging God are clear: Protect what is left of Joshua's soul and prevent it from degrading further. Do as little harm to him as possible in the process, and under no circumstance take over his body.
Kazuya's hand shakes a little. And then pushes that energy into Joshua's body, to force him to house the Raging God in the same manner that he houses that other dark entity.]
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[Ultima struggled when Joshua caged him. This demon, no doubt at Kazuya's behest, is relatively compliant. Relatively being the operative word--it's still an awful experience. He reaches out to grab onto Kazuya and steady himself, gasping as he releases the breath he didn't realize he was holding. What's important, he reminds himself, ist hat he can breathe.]
Not... Not as bad as last the time.
[Joshua smiles weakly.]
...Long story.
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