dreamposts: (Default)
dreamposts ([personal profile] dreamposts) wrote in [community profile] songerein2024-07-19 02:36 am

{ 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.

A. Nightmare Medicine. With help from the Orkilins and dragons, a special type of remedy can be made that can be consumed or thrown at the affected Nightmarians. It is made by a mix of dreamotion and nostilium, which must be channeled together. It might still be too difficult for one person to do both at the same time, so they suggest one person focuses on nostilium and another with dreamotion. This is why they need the Dreamwalkers as the Nightmarians can help provide nostilium. The moon crystals from Reverein can also be used here, though only a small amount is needed so be careful when measuring!

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.


D. Capture the Cute. There are cute creatures terrorizing the Nightmarians. Capture them and either bring them back to Reverein so they can be used to combat the noctaere there, or destroy them.





familyalien: (Focused)

The Doctor | OTA

[personal profile] familyalien 2024-07-18 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Reverein

Collecting Moondust

"There's nothing that I haven't stepped in that wasn't interesting. So the question is- what is this?" The Doctor goes to lick one of the moon stone, "Where are you from? What's breaking apart? Don't like it when that happens. Seems to be a crystal of sorts but from where?"

Taking out his sonic screwdriver he points at the crystals, "The moon. But that's impossible! Something strange is going on here."

Pickup/Storytelling

The Doctor is noticing random pieces of a broken down object, so he begins to collect and try to rebuild.

"What is this? More importantly why is this broken?"

Cuteness Overlord

This is really a day or rather a reality and The Doctor feels that they're passing though many realities with this place.

"Oh, blimey the sun is smiling. Where's the stairway back to the other reality?"

Worst Nightmare
The other things didn't make The Doctor flinch but seeing Rose, Martha, Donna, Jack, Amy, Rory, River, Bill all slowly being blown to dust, that did. The Doctor goes to run to them but he can't get to them. There's a really big shadow dog like god that is even keeping The Doctor able to run to them. Along with the ToyMaker pulling the strings on The Doctor who is chained down, he is locked up tight in a small prison designed just for him. He can hear the Daleks and The Cybermen rejoicing in their victory. Let him out of pandorica!

Wildcard

Have an idea? Let's do it. Will match format
lonelysmiles: (Aimless!)

Collecting Moondust

[personal profile] lonelysmiles 2024-07-19 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
"Very perceptive, my good fellow!"

Alastor swooped in from behind to greet the newcomer. How does a non-flying person swoop, you ask? Excellent question. Regardless, it was the only way to properly describe the way Alastor swiftly slid all seven feet of himself in from seemingly nowhere.

"Many many strange things go on here, to be quite honest!"
empyreancatastrophe: (mr tough guy over here)

Joshua Rosfield | PLAYER PLOT TOPLEVEL | OTA

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-07-19 03:31 am (UTC)(link)
OOC: The State of the Realm


As stated in the main post, thanks to the efforts of our investigators, options have opened up that will impact events in Part Two. This event post marks an Intermission of sorts! Following the conclusion of Intermission (see the final prompt in this comment), we'll have the setting for Part Two, which will take place in Joshua's dreamscape. I’ll have another OOC plotting post up within the next couple of days complete with sign-ups and further information on what to expect (also rules for the battle system I’ve put together). That post will include extensive information on the kaiju battles, final boss, as well as an outline on other ways to get involved without fighting and how that involvement will impact on how the battles go.

Thank you to all who participated in the investigation process! Please consider this a friendly reminder to send in your conclusions ASAP if you haven't already so you can receive your rewards!

And because y’all have uncovered enough clues, congratulations!

ENDING B UNLOCKED


There’s still one more (the “true” ending) that you can get, where if everybody (and I mean everybody; not just players/characters who've joined in already!) comes together during the second half of the story, all your hard work will pay off even more (and will hopefully be personally fulfilling, as well!).

Please stay tuned for Part Two, and please accept my sincere gratitude again to everyone who participated in Part One. Seriously, it means a lot, and I hope it was fun! Enjoy the Intermission!






I(a). I am the monster you created (OTA)

[Somewhere in Reverein, under the cover of night, a large wolf stands at the entrance to a shadowy alleyway. In his mouth, he holds a basket, and his eyes gleam with a wary intelligence. If approached, the wolf growls, a low and menacing sound that's a clear warning to stay back.]

[Behind him, there's a soft groan and the shift of something that previously looked like it could have been some debris from the recent incident with the world fragments. A breeze picks up, and a downy red feather tumbles down and along the narrow path. The wolf glances behind himself, concerned, before refocusing his attention on this new stranger.]

[Oddly enough, he looks like he can be reasoned with, if someone is brave enough to try.]




I(b). I am a ghost, a fallen angel (Open to CR)

[To anyone who knows Joshua or Torgal, the evening brings an unexpected encounter. Torgal approaches from a side street, his behavior urgent and uncharacteristically desperate. Gentle, but also without warning, he'll grab onto a friendly sleeve with his teeth, tugging and whining insistently. If that doesn't work, he'll start pushing with his massive head towards a nearby alley.]

[It's hard to see with the shadows, but something stirs. Look closer (Torgal will insist on it), and it's Joshua slumped against a wall. At first it’s hard to tell it’s him. Small tufts of red feathers stick up from his hair, while larger feathers jut from between his shoulder blades, though they don't form full wings. His forearms, too, are covered in feathers with red, green, and blue hues, and his otherwise humanoid fingertips end in talon-like claws. A gnarled mass on his chest glows a disturbing purple, feeding into a web of dark veins that snake up his neck, across his chest, and up his face. His sclera are completely black, and his irises glow a brilliant sapphire blue.]

[He coughs, then looks towards the entrance.]


Torgal? Are you back already?




II. Stars are only visible in darkness, and I've been poisoned inside (OTA)

(Both of the first prompts can lead into this one based on player preference!)


[Joshua, now trapped in a form that is neither fully human nor noctaere, has been brought to Nightmare City. Specifically, to a facility that's a hospital first, and a quarantine second. There is some promising news that comes up over the first couple of days of his admittance: based on records, names, and recounting of events during investigations into Joshua's disappearance, the crew at the facility may be able to work with some doctors to adjust an existing cure to treat Joshua's specific condition.]

[In the meantime, he’s confined to a single room designed for comfort but also security. It's small but functional, with a bed pushed against one wall, covered in simple but clean linens. A sturdy desk and a single chair sit opposite the bed, providing a place for writing or contemplation. The room is sparse, the walls bare except for a small window with reinforced glass that's just big enough to allow in some light. Despite its utilitarian design, the atmosphere is meant to offer some measure of solace amidst his confinement.]

[Here, those who wish to ask questions about what happened to him can do so. Alternatively, visitors are welcome to come see him--although he may not be one for much conversation, understandably.]




III. Nobody can save me now, the King is crowned, it's do or die (OTA)

[The normal evening hustle and bustle of Nightmare City is shattered by a small explosion.]

[Immediately after, anyone in the area will catch sight of an enormous Phoenix that seems to materialize mid air. It's just as big as the building it's escaping, although thankfully the hole that's filled with billowing smoke is relatively small. Just about the size of a large window. Glowing as if with firelight, it screeches as its wings catch the warm city air, allowing it to soar quickly through the night sky. The Phoenix moves with a sense of urgency, frantically dodging skyscrapers and covering as much distance as possible before it vanishes into the darkness on the outskirts of the city.]

[For anyone who wishes to chase after, it isn't hard to keep tabs of. No giant firebird would be--that is, until it disappears. Thankfully, it's relatively easy to track its trajectory, and find the silhouette of something vaguely human against a barely visible horizon where grass and the night sky meet.]


...Pray turn back, friend. Before it's too late.




INTERMISSION: Epilogue


Regardless of the conclusion in the above prompts, Joshua is committed to his decision. In a desperate bid to protect everyone from the imminent danger he poses, he intends to seal himself away. Fire erupts into massive pillars that seem to touch the edge of the sky, marking boundaries that blend reality and the dreamscape held within. Although far from the city, the giant wall of flame is easy to see for anyone on the accompanying edge.

To most, it's a spectacle, to some, it's a sign of trouble to come.

Anyone who happened to follow Joshua here will be met with a wave of sweltering heat. The same silhouette that was difficult to spot moments ago now strikes a sharp contrast against the dancing lights of fiery waves behind him--

--and it changes.

Wings unfurl from Joshua's back, accompanied by long, winding tail feathers and a feathery crown fit for royalty. Red. Orange. Green. Blue. The colors swirl around him, blown about by hot winds buoyed by the growing fire. Eyes, amber now against black and laced with more red plumage, glint with the wavering light, and his face splits into a smile, fanged and sinister as the laugh that pierces through the crackle of the blaze swallowing him. He manages a single taunt before disappearing into the dreamscape.

"See you soon."

Edited 2024-07-19 04:17 (UTC)
senorita_perfecta: (Miracle at Work)

Isabela Madrigal | Encanto (OTA)

[personal profile] senorita_perfecta 2024-07-19 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
Crystal Collection
(Isabela clearly didn’t expect to hear stories falling moon crystals falling down on some roofs she happens to be passing by while going on a walk. But yet there she is, trying to gathering as many moon crystals as she could before the roofs could get holes on them. She must have been wondering What on the realm is going on in here? as crystals begin to fall from the moons to the ground below.

She looks rather concerned as she continues to pick up the big crystals and attempt to break them apart as fast as she can. Perhaps tou could lend her a hand in this task?)


New Purifiers
This seems to be a good place for the Orkilins to place their devices at. But it is currently overrun by the nocteare at this time. We need to flush them out so they can set them up safely.

(Good news: Isabela has found a perfect spot at an empty section of the marketplace for setting up the Orkilins’ dreamotion purifier devices. This should be looking good for everyone right? Well, the bad news is that there are still nocteare running amok in town and Isabela knows that it will take a lot of work to get rid of them so the devices will be set up in no time.)

It is going to take a long while for us to get them out of here. Do you have any suggestions to clear the area of the nocteare?

To Envy is Power
(Growing up with a gift and a beauty that might have been a curse than a blessing, Isabela had grown very envious of her sisters for having something she could have traded her gift for: Luisa is strong and tough and, while not given a Gift of her own, Mira had a more normal life and creativity beyond one’s dreams.

So when she is told by the Nightmarians that she has to focus on a sin in order to face Nightmares, she knows of the one sin that comes up to her mind very well. The problem is that she has a hard time trying to focus on being envious than she expected. Isabela might be needing some help with this one.)


Wrecking the Cute
Agh! There is so much cuteness here. No wonder that many of the Nightmare City residents are having such a hard time trying to sleep well.

(Much to Isabela’s horror as soon as she steps into a Nightmarian’s dreamscape, the scenery looks rather too cheery for anyone’s taste with oddly smiling faces, dainty crystals flora and happy puffballs running amok in pastels and big eyes. This is starting to get on her nerves, reminding her too much of how she felt caged up by high expectations from her grandmother to be super perfect.

But then she gets a very clever and sneaky idea and it could be vital to save this particular Nightmarian in no time.)


Hey! I think that I have a great idea for us to use to get the Nightmarian back to reality. Want to help me out with it?
grandduchess_anya: (Aside Glance)

Anastasia Romanova | Anastasia (1997)

[personal profile] grandduchess_anya 2024-07-19 05:28 am (UTC)(link)
Tapir Medicine
Come on, little one. You need to take this so you can regain enough energy to be fully active again.

(Anya is in the middle of trying to offer a moon crystal dust medicine drink to some tapirs that are very reluctant to take it. She knows that it is going to take her a long time to get them to get the much needed medicine.

But she does know that tapirs love snacking on nightmares and nostilium so she can try to conjure one out of it. At the same time though, she is going to need someone who can help in gently keeping them still. So she turns to the first person she sees and asks them for some assistance.)


Oh hello. It seems that I could use some help in getting these tapirs to take this medicine drink. Perhaps you can help me out with it?

Worst Nightmare (cw: mentions of deaths, corpses, bats)
(Seeing the dead bodies of her family and friends scattered across an abandoned cobweb strewn ballroom is not a pleasant sight to behold and it does scare her quite a bit. Pooka barks in fear and Mashka huddles behind as Anya tries to hold back the fear and faces her biggest fear of all.

To make matters worst, green bat like creatures fly in the sky like they’re giant swords swinging ominously over her head and an eerie green glow fills the room. She almost freezes as she sees every dead person and tears begin to water her eyes. Get her out of this trance and help her to conquer her fears!)


Capture the Cute
Hey! Get over here, you little rascal! You should stop terrorizing the locals right now or I will have to do it for you.

(Anya runs as fast as she can all over Nightmare City, giving chase to the cute creatures who are bringing terror onto the poor Nightmarians. She thinks that they could be of better use in Reverein which is why she is going to catch them alive in one piece. But these creatures are just too fast for her and she is honestly getting annoyed by how fast they run already.

Pooka and Mashka are also helping in chasing after them as well, but even they are no match for the cute creatures’ speed. The little dog keeps barking at them relentlessly as they keep chasing them. If you happen to be near by, maybe you can step in and help them catching these speedy cute pains in the neck and ship them off to Reverein ASAP.)
itstillhurt: (pic#15818535)

Azula | Avatar: The Last Airbender

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2024-07-19 07:07 am (UTC)(link)
I. Mix 'em up right in the kitchen sink...

[Azula still doesn't trust herself anywhere near Nightmare City, suffused as it is with Nostilium. However, she's still compelled to be helpful now that the Noctaere and nightmare creatures have died down. Gathering crystal shards? That's something she can do. By an odd coincidence, it's something she has done before, and under far more humiliating circumstances. And if these things are the best way to treat the corrupted Tapirs...]

Stop squirming, you irritating little rodent!

[This is being spoken to an agitated Tapir, smoldering with Nostilium corruption. She's wrestled it to the ground on its back through brunt force, and she's currently attempting to restrain its forelimbs with one arm while using the other to try and force crystal shards into its mouth.

Helping.]



IIa. Welcome to your life

[When not plying, uh... medicine... she can be found trying to repair tethers in these fragments of other worlds. She might stumble into yours, looking... well, annoyed, but that's pretty typical. Still, she is genuinely here to help, which is... big for her. If you're hunting pieces of these tethers, she's willing to help.

Alternatively, you might stumble into a fragment of her world- this time, it's not a prison, it's a vast stone courtyard leading up to a large staircase and a ceremonial building, under a dim red sky with a blazing comet overhead. It's not clear what the purpose of the plaza is, but those who have witnessed her prior dreams might recognize it as a recurring feature.

She'll pause for only a brief moment, frozen in place to stare with a slightly pained expression, before her face sets into a more typical smirk.]


Good, I know my way around. This shouldn't take long.

IIb. I can't stand this indecision

[Or perhaps you'll stumble into the plaza later, after she's fully assembled the object. In her hands, she now holds a flat hair ornament in the shape of a gold stylized flame: The 'crown' of the Fire Lord

She's staring at it, her face oddly distant, and she's clearly so captivated by the object in her hands that she's totally oblivious to the arrival of another person. She knows she's supposed to share stories of her world, but apparently she's a little out of it right now, because it's the furthest thing from her mind.]



III. Wildcard!

(OOC: Don't see anything you like? Have something else in mind? Feel free to DM me or hit me up on the discord!)
itstillhurt: (pic#15817854)

Ia.

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2024-07-19 07:21 am (UTC)(link)
[Azula is admittedly a little distracted- sloppy of her, inexcusable really- when she realizes that the creature behind her isn't random wildlife. No, that's almost certainly something intelligent. Holding a basket, growling in warning. And that was a red feather blowing from the alley behind it. Hadn't she heard something about red feathers and an unknown threat? At night? It hasn't injured anybody, that she knows of, but that may only be a matter of time.

She carefully composes her face to keep the growing suspicion from marring the mild, detached neutrality she usually shows.]


Not the time and place I would choose for a picnic.

[Can it understand her? She can't say for sure, but she strongly suspects that it can.]
grandduchess_anya: (Surprised)

I-B.

[personal profile] grandduchess_anya 2024-07-19 07:26 am (UTC)(link)
(The first one to spot Torgal as he comes in happens to be Pooka who notices the wolf running towards his master in a very urgent manner. The little dog barks to Anya to alert her of the wolf’s presence.)

Huh. What’s wrong? Is there anything urgent you want me to attend to?

(Before she could say anything more, Torgal tugs on the right sleeve of her blouse, causing her to go to the nearby alley he is trying to take her to. Whatever is causing him to run to her and take her to an alleyway, it must be a very serious matter. Pooka and Mashka follow after the two of them as well, not wanting to be left behind and nervous for their master’s safety.

Soon enough, she finally enters the alley to find Joshua in a very rough state: neither fully human nor fully bird. And honestly, she is very terrified of what is happening to him and is speechless upon seeing the current form he is in but she tries to put up brave face for her friend as she tries to get close to him and see if he is okay.)
Edited 2024-07-19 07:27 (UTC)
crouching_sin: (calm and thoughtful)

III

[personal profile] crouching_sin 2024-07-19 03:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[No, it's not hard to find the firebird. Naoya follows with a firebird of his own in tow, both of his demons out and ready to protect their tamer if things turn rotten. He's also precasted a shielding spell just in case.]

[He's not sure how Joshua feels about him right now, but he has to try. He read the letter, of course... but people have complicated feelings. And he's been able to predict most... but Joshua seems to act counter to his expectations at times.]

[He's still worried about Kazuya, but... he can't do anything about it right now. He does know that if something happened to Joshua that Kazuya would be upset, however.]


Too late for whom, Joshua? You? Or me?

[It's unclear if it's a threat or a genuine concern coming from the young man, after all. But he has to try to see this through. ... There's no other choice.]
Edited 2024-07-19 19:17 (UTC)
familyalien: (Focus)

Re: Collecting Moondust

[personal profile] familyalien 2024-07-19 04:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"Blimey, what are you? You're remarkable. Oh? What sort of strange things?"
amnesiadragon: (truth and dreams)

IB

[personal profile] amnesiadragon 2024-07-19 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ryu has been worried about Joshua - he isn't sure where his brother has gone. The appearance of Torgal is a welcome relief - surely the canine will lead him where he needs to go. He follows without prompting, wandering through the streets with him. He rests a hand on Torgal's flank as they go, trying to reassure him.]

[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.]
empyreancatastrophe: (torgal torgal torgal torgal)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-07-19 06:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Azula's suspicions are very much correct. The wolf eyes her warily before he places the basket down and responds to her with a blustery HUFF from his nose. Good thing she isn't a pig in a straw house.]

[Is he offended? Nah, but he's definitely giving back a little bit of that underlying sass.]

[Perhaps more important is the fact that despite his size, he's clearly not trying to pose any actual threat towards her.]
empyreancatastrophe: (okay fine don't nap whatever)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-07-19 06:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[Now that he's found someone to take a look at Joshua, Torgal takes his place at the mouth of the alleyway. All the better to make sure nobody tries to intrude.]

[When Anya approaches Joshua, it takes a moment for him to stir. At first, he's startled to see someone there, and he freezes between flight and fight. Once he realizes it's someone familiar, however, he relaxes. Barely.]

[Anya's doing her best to hide her fear. That much is apparent, even with her attempt at a brave face. As she gets closer, Joshua looks away.]


Don't. Please.

Stay where you are.
empyreancatastrophe: (good he's finally napping)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-07-19 07:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Grateful to have found someone who he knows can understand him, to some degree at least, Torgal visibly relaxes when he finds Ryu. The reassurance helps even more, and when they make it to the alley, Torgal bumps Ryu with his nose and huffs in thanks. He knows his youngest master is in good hands.]

[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.
amnesiadragon: (flutter)

[personal profile] amnesiadragon 2024-07-19 07:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course.

[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?
empyreancatastrophe: (i'm really tired of labeling icons guys)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-07-19 07:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Both of us.

[Joshua turns to face Naoya. It's dark, almost too dark to see his expression, but between the purple glow from his chest and the blue glittering of his eyes, there's enough light for an approximation--if not one that errs towards the eerie.]

[His brow is furrowed in a plea and there's a sense of resignation that runs through his features.]


The one who did this to me... he seeks to use my power. Even now, he whispers his commands in my mind.

I won't allow it.
crouching_sin: (but here's my number)

[personal profile] crouching_sin 2024-07-19 07:33 pm (UTC)(link)
... And how are you going to stop it, in this state?

[He takes a step forward, the light of Huoniao flickering enough to cast him in a somewhat warm glow.]

Do you think this is the end? Because it's not. It won't be, if you don't let it be.

[He thinks back to what he found. What he read through... the name that jumped out at him as being important.]

... Ultima?
empyreancatastrophe: (human sublet for big bad alien god)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-07-19 07:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[Joshua can only smile sadly at Ryu's questions. Even as Torgal pads over to curl up against the two of them, his expression remains somber.]

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.
amnesiadragon: (gotta turn it around)

[personal profile] amnesiadragon 2024-07-19 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
... There's always an option, Joshua.

[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?]
empyreancatastrophe: (hero pose part two)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-07-19 07:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[Part of Joshua wants to tell Naoya that he doesn't have to keep his demons at hand. That he poses no threat to him--but he can't guarantee it. Not with how hard he has to fight against the orders urging him to start destroying everything in sight.]

[He won't yield, but he doesn't now for how long.]


No, not Ultima, but as I'm sure you already know, I suspected that fiend for quite some time.

[Joshua touches at his chest with a claw. A monster making contact with another monster.]

I was wrong.

Someone took interest in the noctaere festering inside of me and saw fit to encourage its growth. That is who speaks to me now. He would have me turn completely and do his bidding.

[He tries to catch Naoya's eyes in the dim light. His voice is soft.]

That cannot happen, Naoya. The destruction will be immeasurable. If I seal myself away, then I can at least buy more time for everyone to come up with a solution.

...Even if that solution is my death.

[In other words, he's pretty sure this is the end.]
empyreancatastrophe: (it's the sad boy simulator)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-07-19 08:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[His smile just grows wider and sadder.]

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.]
Edited (adddiiiing extra infoooooo so my next taaag makes some seeeense) 2024-07-19 20:55 (UTC)
amnesiadragon: (truth and dreams)

[personal profile] amnesiadragon 2024-07-19 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Joshua? Joshua!

[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.]
xenamorph: Source: Bre Blair in The Babysitter's Club (Glaring)

Rachel Berenson | Animorphs

[personal profile] xenamorph 2024-07-19 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
I. Wishing doesn't change that.

[Nightmare City sounded like the place where most of the danger was, so it's probably no surprise to anybody that knows her that it's where Rachel decides to go- especially since she's not entirely convinced that the Nostilium is out of her system from her bout as a tapir.

The place is kind of quaint compared to the nightmares she's used to, but she knows better than to assume it's safe based on that. When the locals begin asking for her help dreamwalking, she assumes that the danger is finally here, and she'll eagerly volunteer to help out. Obviously, her tune will change when she sees just what sorts of 'nightmares' she has to deal with...

Well, as long as she's here walking in their "nightmares" anyway she may as well help. But she can't pretend she isn't a little disappointed.]



II. It's not the demon inside me that needs killing...

[When Rachel hears about the opportunity to master Nostilium, she's quick to volunteer to learn. Partly to make her more effective here, but also, she knows how she is, and she knows what she's capable of. And after the incident with Tobias... Let's just say she has no desire to find out what going Noctaere would feel like.

It doesn't take her long to determine that the negative emotion she's most afflicted by is anger, and that's her focus as she tries to harness that power. It doesn't take her long at all to feel the change come- it seems to be going well, a change that feels much smoother, faster, and more natural than the grotesque morphing process.

When she opens her eyes, she's become something recognizably Rachel, yet distinctly different- far taller, impossibly and inhumanly tall, over eight feet, with powerful muscles, long limbs, a ferocious snarl on her lips, and long, metallic, deadly-sharp claws erupting from her fingertips.

Recognition quickly comes to her face, followed immediately by panic- though she tries to smother the latter.]


I can't- I can't do this. I can't do this.

(OOC note: Rachel's anger problems will be ramped up even worse than usual in her nightmare form, fair warning.)


III. Blood screaming inside you to work its will (Locked to Tobias/@notachickenhawk)

[The good news is that she's managed to get... most of a handle on this form, and the aggression that comes with it. The bad news is, the next step involves confronting her own personal nightmares, and she's had enough of those to last a lifetime.

There's only one person here in this world that she'd trust to have her back for this- honestly, he'd be her first choice back home, too. And the two of them have enough experience with each other's nightmares that they can probably handle it, whatever this shared nightmare throws at them. But that doesn't mean she's looking forward to it. She takes a deep breath, mercifully back in her normal shape, and forces a grin she doesn't quite feel, pulling her dream lantern from her pocket and holding it out on front of her.]


Let's do it.

[She closes her eyes and enters the dreamscape.

When she opens her eyes again, she immediately loses the cocky smile. They're underground, a roughly hewn roof high above them, damp stone walls. An old sewer. One she recognized all too well, though she'd only been there once before.

Last time, she'd been trapped in a transparent box. This time, she was out in the open- but there was a second box, right where it had been the last time. Only instead of Cassie, or something else pretending to be Cassie, there was a small white rat. It was scurrying around the edges of the cube in agitation, trying to find a way out. It didn't seem to notice that it had company. Rachel stares up, seemingly at the room itself.]


Not much of a nightmare unless I'm the one in the box...

[As soon as it hears her voice, the rat stops and turns toward the two of them, staring at them warily.]


IV. Wildcard!

(OOC: Nothing here that inspires you? Have something specific in mind? Feel free to DM me or hit me up on the game discord!)
Edited 2024-07-19 22:38 (UTC)
grandduchess_anya: (Talking)

[personal profile] grandduchess_anya 2024-07-19 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
That is okay. I’m not leaving my position right now, Joshua. Not when a friend is in need of company at this very hour.

Bark, bark! Bark! Bark!

(Pooka barks to him in concern if he is asking him he will be alright. Both he and Mashka then look at each other in concern, wondering how long has Joshua been in this state. Anya meanwhile is more focused on trying to be there for a friend even if she is very worried about his current situation and has been made aware of the failed treatment attempts in the Orkili mines.

Torgal does his best to reassure the smaller animals that they will try to get him back to normal. Even if it will take a very long time to get there.)


Me and Pooka and Mashka, we have been wondering about where you have been to for the last several weeks. We just want to find a way to get to you and make sure that you’re going to be alright.
notachickenhawk: (bird: hawk)

III

[personal profile] notachickenhawk 2024-07-19 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[Tobias follows her, follows the feeling of her into the dream, and... and somehow he's not surprised. David.]

[One of their greatest failures as a group and one that'd stuck with them all this time. Of course she feels some... kind of way about him. They all did. Tobias could have probably eaten him but that felt too close to cannibalism...]

[He lands next to her and stares at the rat, giving it as angry of a look as he can manage while still being a hawk.]


<... So what do we do? There's the easy answer and there's the complicated answer.>

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