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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.

IB
[But when he spots the familiar shape in the shadows he rushes forward. He can see the changes, but - but it's Joshua. He stops in front of him and kneels to get close. It's still him. He's still there.]
Joshua?
[His voice is soft and he digs into his bag for his water canteen. He thrusts it towards the other, not sure what else to do.]
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[The sound of a familiar voice stirs Joshua from his doze, his inhuman eyes blinking until they focus on the face in front of him and the offered water. Without thinking or any regard for greeting Ryu, he grabs the canteen with his clawed hands and drinks greedily. Between the small fangs encasing the mouth of the bottle, the talons holding it still, and the way he guzzles it all to the last drop, he's sure he looks even more the monster he's transformed into.]
[Remembering himself, Joshua stops drinking, wipes his mouth, and turns his head in shame. It's finished, anyway.]
...Thank you.
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[He sits down next to his brother and gently leans towards him.]
I've been wondering where you went. ... You scared me.
[He doesn't want to make Joshua feel bad, but... still.]
... The treatments aren't working anymore, are they?
[The monstrous visage, the desire to hide away... he knows that this isn't what Joshua would prefer. He knows that things must have been going downhill. ... So they have to think of another way. He gestures towards Torgal - c'mere. Group snuggle.]
What are our options?
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They haven't worked for quite some time now. Moons.
[They'd lost efficacy a bit before Clive and Jill disappeared. When they did, any hope for his treatment may as well have been lost.]
There were no options left. None that I nor the physickers could think of. It was only a matter of time before I turned.
[He holds up a hand, examining the feathers and claws.]
But this was not the work of my affliction alone. [He coughs.] Someone did this to me.
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[His voice is firm as he looks up into his brother's eyes.]
If you can't find a way, we'll make one for you. If you think you're stuck, we can help pull you out. Me and the other people who care about you.
... But who did this to you?
[He just wants to Talk, okay?]
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Mayhap.
[Joshua's somber tone points to resignation, but there's maybe a little bit of hope. If Ryu believes, then that's enough for him.]
As for who did this, his name is--
[The moment he tries to speak the physicker's name, Joshua erupts into a coughing fit. He braces himself against the ground, heaving. Torgal stands up from where he'd laid down and starts to growl.]
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[Panic starts to infiltrate his tone and he puts a hand on the other's back. Torgal's upset and - he peers into the darkness in the direction that he's looking.]
Who's there?
[His free hand drifts towards his sword. He doesn't want to use it, but he'll defend Joshua with his life if he has to.]
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[As Joshua's coughing dies down, Torgal keeps growling, then barks once in warning. As if on cue, one of Joshua's arms shoots up to grab Ryu by the shirt, the other following immediately after. Lifting himself, he aims to slam and pin Ryu against the wall. His eyes flash amber as he snarls, fangs bared and voice warped.]
Don't dig too deep, little dragon.
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[He doesn't see it coming because he trusts Joshua, no matter what's going on with him. But the sudden slam into the wall knocks stars into his vision and pain blossoming from his head. ... He might be bleeding, he's not sure.]
[In response there's a blast of energy as he shifts into his hybrid form - still pinned against the wall but no longer wearing a shirt to be grabbed by. He lashes out with his clawed feet, trying to get 'Joshua' to let go.]
You aren't him. Let him go.
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[There are some benefits to turning Akashic. Joshua would never admit to them, but the noctaere that he's trying so desperately to wrestle back under control is more than happy to demonstrate them.]
[The kicks connect. Draw blood, even. But he holds firm, digging his own claws into Ryu's shoulders.]
Think about how much he's hidden from you, already. What we've hidden from you.
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[He struggles and tries to slip away from the other's grasp. Joshua wouldn't hurt him. He knows this in his heart - he knows his brother is a good person who doesn't want anyone to get hurt.]
The love I hold for him will not be so easily broken.
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[Joshua steps away with a sharp bark of a laugh. Torgal takes that chance to step between him and Ryu, more to protect the latter.]
[His gaze glints amber with cruelty and his lips curl in a sneer.]
You truly believe he sees you as such?
You were naught but a replacement. A toy. Something for a lonely prince to play with until his true brother came along.
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If I could bring him joy, that is enough.
[He has no 'true' family other than Fou-Lu. It's never been in doubt that he's a strange creature, not really belonging to any world. All that he can hope for is to share joy.]
It doesn't matter what he calls me. I will stand by him.
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He calls you nothing except "burden".
[A pause as he looks away and grimaces in what looks like pain. His arm twitches, as if he's fighting to keep it under control.]
But I don't. I wish to thank you, instead. Can you think of why?
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[He knows he's a lot. He knows he's difficult. He knows he's a burden to the people he cares about, but they care about him regardless.]
[That's what friends and family are for, at least from what he's seen.]
No. Tell me.
[He reaches out and grabs the other's arm carefully, not wanting to dig his claws into him. He'll fight if he must, but only at a last resort.]
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[Disgusting how much love this 'brother' has for his host. Disgusting how much love his host has back for that stupid dragon.]
[No matter. He has more tricks up his sleeve. He just has to use them before Joshua regains control, painfully close as that is. Between that nuisance's shouting and the wretched bird's screeching, he's lucky to have this moment out and about.]
['Joshua' takes the arm grab in stride, sparing little more than an arched brow and a wrinkle of his nose.]
Because this is your fault.
If you hadn't nearly killed him, he wouldn't have needed to go to that clinic. One thing led to another and, what do you know, I wound up with the opportunity of a lifetime.
So, really, I must thank you.
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[It's fine if he gets hurt. It's fine if something happens to him - Joshua needs to live. Ryu's had such a short life and despite the people he cares about meaning everything to him...]
[If this is how things end, he'd just be happy that Joshua is safe.]
Whoever did this to him... I'm talking to you. Take me instead.
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[Torgal growls as 'Joshua' tries to step forward, and he acquiesces to the wolf's warning. He may be a monster, but he's not enough of one to hurt an animal just doing his job. He has principles. Some, anyway.]
You see, we've accomplished something incredible. Joshua and I are truly one and the same. One being. Just like he is with that... what was it called? Eikon? That thing is here, too.
It just so happens that I'm a little more assertive, is all. Someone has to be.
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[He doesn't want to fight. He doesn't want to hurt Joshua. But he understands Torgal's warning - this is a dangerous game. He doesn't have enough information. He's not the sort of person who knows how to fix this.]
We will get him back. No matter what you say or do, Joshua will return to us. And not you.
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['Joshua' inspects his claws, then Ryu, as if assessing their potential efficacy.]
[He lowers his hand with a shrug.]
[Not enough time, and that filthy dog will try to stop him.]
As a show of good faith, I'll give him back to you now.
Just bear in mind what questions you ask him, little dragon. Unless you wish to see me again.
[He grins--toothy and cruel--before the amber flickers away, and Joshua drops to a knee, coughing.]
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I'm here. I've got you. You're going to be okay.
[He has to be. There's no other option. Nothing else is acceptable.]
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[Torgal takes on the job of supporting Joshua's other side. He whines up at Ryu. Do you see what he's been dealing with???]
Thank... you.
I need but... but a moment.
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Take all the time you need. I'll be here to support you. Always.
[He's worried, but worrying isn't going to help his brother right now.]
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[He glances down so he can catch Ryu’s eye.]
…Even after all that was said?
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You are my brother, Joshua. Family. A friend. All of that. I know I'm not your birth brother. I know I'm not your Shield.
[He's told Ryu enough about Clive for him to know how close they are. He's not Clive and he doesn't want to replace him, but he will take care of Joshua as well as he possibly can.]
But I will not let you go without a fight. I will not let someone manipulate you. ... And you know what my feelings are about people who... who modify other people without their consent.
[Yuna. What he did to Elina is unforgivable.]
You make my heart happy, Joshua. You make me feel safe and warm. You're someone I care about as deeply as I possibly can. I don't... I don't really know what love feels like, but I think I love you.
[Not romantically, of course - but everything he's read and heard about familial love? This feels right.]
The idea of losing you is - is worse than I can even say. If I can support you, I will. If I can protect you, I will. If I can - if I have to get hurt to keep you safe and happy, I won't even have to consider it. You are one of the most important people in my short life. And I want you to live. I want you to be safe. I want you to be happy.
... The fact that you're my friend is - it makes me so happy. The fact that you consider me family is - is something I'd never thought I'd ever have. ... I'm not going to lose you, Joshua. And you're not going to lose me.
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