Event #5: Whispers in the Dark

[seasonsmods]

Whispers in the Dark
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Viral Video Event & Consequences

This part of the event is more or less just flavor text of what has been going on in Nightwake and not really a part of the event. Just something to be aware of.

Posted on Every Social Media Platform [ Click to Expand ]

Recently, some videos went viral over Ellipsa's social media platforms. It's about Harrison and a group of Law Enforcement officers confronting and fighting against Autumn Guild Leader, Sawyer in Amberfall, in front of the Autumn Guild building. The young leader shows expectational skill in using earth to defend himself from any methods of trying to render him immobile. After a while of the defensive game, Sawyer seems to disappear after raising some sand to obscure the vision of those around him.

The most important thing to note in any versions of the video is that Sawyer makes sure to never injure any of the attackers with his abilities. He's only playing defensively the whole time.

Later an announcement video is made by Harrison.

"This video is a response to the 'viral' videos posted on Ellipsanet. The scene you saw there was an attempt to arrest the Autumn Guild Leader, Sawyer. Our investigations on the mysterious portals appearing around Nightwake have lead us to suspect him as the culprit.

We request any sightings of him to be reported to your nearest Law Enforcement office."

In the same video, Olwen also makes a short announcement, looking as neutral as he can be.

"Until Sawyer makes his return, the Autumn Guild will be temporary without its leader. Jade has promised to quick travel from her Guild to check on things whenever she can.

The other guild leaders believe in Sawyer and that he will do the right thing. Until then, we will wait for his return rather than hunt him down."

Harrison seems a little displeased at that, but doesn't argue, instead ending the video there.

---

All Hail the Fairy Queen

---

Part 1

After over a month of resting, the Fairy Queen is finally out and about. She can be seen flying around spring and summer aligned districts, taking in the nature and just enjoying the fresh air. Those who will come talk to her and exchange pleasant words or well wishes will receive a blessing of the Fairy Queen: a flower necklace that will temporarily boost their elemental powers once to unleash a mighty attack (sort of like a "limit break"). Were she in her full power, she could make something that works more than just once, but for now she hopes this will help them.

Those who ask her about the kidnapping will find out that most of the incident is a blur to her. After the fairies escaped from the Darkness, she stayed behind the longest, since she needed to make sure everyone got out, but before she could make her way back she was trapped in a magical cage that rendered her powers useless. She managed to see the silhouette of the "Wizard" before she lost her consciousness. When she next woke up she was already back here with half of her powers lost.

Thanks to the Fairy Queen's safe return and her waking up, the fairies are in a very good mood and going all around the city, making sure everyone else has a good time too! This means it's possible to be affected by a dose of fairy dust that will boost both energy and make them happy. Some fairies get a little too excited though and might pour a little too much dust out making anyone extra affectionate towards everyone, even if they wouldn't normally like the person.

Part 2

An event is happening at the beach of Solarpeak, to celebrate the return of the Fairy Queen. Millions of fireflies have appeared there, lighting the evening skies. The fairies have set up small jars for anyone to collect some fireflies into them. They're safe mini environments made with fairy magic where the fireflies can live in, but at the same time they're able to provide light source to anyone who owns one.

Most of the fireflies are familiar with the jars and enter them eagerly, but some like to make it a game of tag first. They tease people to try and make them chase them around. If you defeat them in the game they will enter the person's jar.

To 'activate' the jar, all someone needs to do is lightly tap it and say 'Light my way'. The fireflies living inside the jar will hear the words and appear to give them their light.

If someone ever gets lost they can open a jar and say 'Find my way' and the fireflies will be able to trace the person's steps and guide them back home, no matter what the distance. After a safe return, the fireflies will return to the jar.

---

Portal to the Past

---

Part 1

A new message has been sent to all devices. A mission to restore the Fairy Queen's powers back to their old glory has been announced. Those prepared to take some potentially fatal risks and dive into another dimension are asked to gather at one of the four guilds. Everyone is advised to take their firefly jars with them for the journey.

The mission brief is as follows: the goal is to enter the dimension through the fairy circles set behind the guilds. The dimension takes them to the Fairy Kingdom of the past, which may cause anyone to revert back into younger versions of themselves. Their memories will also revert, but they will be fully aware of where they are and what the mission they have is; basically it's like they've been this young the whole time they've been on Ellipsa.

They might recognize others they've met on Ellipsa, aged down or not, but they also might not; the magic can't control that (players are free to decide that). Perhaps someone they know, who is still their original age, will vaguely feel like an older sibling, as an example.

While inside the dimension, everyone's goal is to find one or more of special fairy items that can only be found here. They're given special pouches that will ensure a safe delivery of the items. Several of the items are needed in order for the restoration to be completed, but the amount of the items a person can carry are limited by the pouch size (12 items total).

The items are:
• Stardust Rocks
• Heart-shaped Roses
• Crystalized Harmony
• Orb of Bravery

One day in the dimension is one week in the real world. The dimension can only be kept open two weeks on the real world's side so they have two full days inside the dimension to find the items and come back. They are also welcome and advised to come back earlier if at all possible because not returning in time will mean death.

They are warned, however, that the dimension will be full of trials due to the nature of the magic, but this is the only way possible to do this.

Part 2

After all the preparations have been done, everyone is instructed to step on the fairy circles. It's a fast process and soon they will find themselves in a very pink and purple colored forest. All of the people inside the dimension have received a clock (wearable on their wrists or as a necklace) that counts down time to when the dimension will close. Some may have aged down, as they briefing said, but find that their clothes still fit them as normal and their seasonal powers work like nothing's changed.

There are several paths to take. Each of them has a small sign, indicating the name of the path and a clue word as to how to make it through each path.

(Highlight the blackened text to see the solution)

Path Name: The Bridge
Direction: North
Clue: Backwards one must walk backwards, simple as that
Description: A very long wooden bridge. Underneath it, instead of a river or a canyon, there's more forest. It's impossible to see the ground; there's just trees as far as eyes can see. The bridge feels like it continues on forever and the longer you go, the more unstable the bridge feels.

Path Name: The Penumbra
Direction: East
Clue: Eyes if one cannot see their shadow the shadow loses interest in moving
Description: A sunny area of the forest. Whoever walks down this path will notice their shadow starts acting differently than they do. If the shadow wanders too far from its owner, it will make the owner stop. If two different shadows merge, the owners will control each others' movements instead.

Path Name: The Sea
Direction: South
Clue: Breathe one can breathe normally underwater and that will let them walk on the bottom like it was normal - so just walk into the water and breathe
Description: A short walk towards south leads to the sea. Instead of blue it's colored pink. The only way forward is straight through the sea, but it seems that anyone who enters the water by jumping or diving will float on the surface. Swimming on the surface is leading nowhere and the sea starts to feel like a good place to fall asleep.

Path Name: The Reflection
Direction: West
Clue: Change changing something in one's appearance will reset the reflection. this can be changing hair style or even taking off a piece of jewelry
Description: A rocky path. The further one goes the larger the rocks around seem. The rocks turn into reflective surfaces and all of a sudden the reflection blinks when the owner doesn't. As time passes the reflection starts changing. Still looking much like the owner, but warping into a nightmare version of them. Those who stare long enough at their modified reflection might find themselves turning into what they see.


All of the paths oddly lead to the same location; in front of a high tower. There the travelers can rest for a while. The springs there are safe to drink from and the moss is fluffy and comfortable to just lay on for a while.

It also seems that the paths are just normal forest paths when going back to the fairy circles they entered from. Weird.

---

The Trials of the Tower

---

Part 1

The tower and its surroundings are where the items will be found. There's just one door leading inside. The tower has seven floors and there seems to be a window open on the fifth. It's the only window in the whole tower as far as can be seen from the side.

The door opens easily. Inside is just a spiral staircase leading up, decorated with vines and different flowers. The stairs lead to a purple hue cloud with no way of getting around it. The only path is to go through it. There are two options where someone can end up to on the other side.

First room is a dark room with just a few candles as a light source at the beginning. Picking up a candle will make the light grow stronger; but in doing so the shadows grow stronger too. Walking around the room will feel harder and harder by the minute until it feels like something is actively pushing them towards the ground. But there's nothing there, no matter how someone looks. Throwing the candle away will make the feeling go away, but it will also darken the room completely. (Abilities and natural skills that help someone see in the dark are disabled for this room through fairy magic)

In the other room there are giant bubbles. Entering one of them will give them an access to see someone in the dark rooms. They can see the route clearly and will be able to assist them with their voice (all forms of telepathy also work here). They can even see a little ahead of where the person is by glancing at different surfaces of the bubble, but not the whole route at the same time. The goal is to convince the person to listen and trust them to be their eyes in the darkness.

By working together the pair will be able to navigate through the dark room that feels somehow larger than it really should be. There are some traps, such as sticky webs (can be wiggled out from, but it takes time), pitfalls (can be climbed out of) and even invisible walls (just there to be rude) and other similarly silly traps that are meant to consume time. The end goal is a door that will lead them out of the room: once that door is opened the person in the bubble room will also find a door near them.

The longer it takes the quieter the person in the bubble room will sound until they completely fade away (at an hour mark). The bubble will then pop and send the person into a black room of their own. The person left without their guide will have to wait for a new one or try navigating through the darkness alone. If the person walking in the darkness is not free in four hours they will be thrown out without any rewards.

Once the room is cleared, the people will either end back down or onto the fifth floor of the tower that can be reached through the open window as well (which means skipping the weird cloud rooms, if you know how to fly or climb up). They will have three pieces of one the needed items levitating in front of them; the crystalized harmony (a crystal in the shape of a musical note).

The fifth floor only has some chairs and tables, but nothing important. It's just a chance to rest for a while before continuing upstairs. There are rooms full of butterflies in the sixth floor. Anyone passing by will have a single butterfly joining them for their walk as long as they don't do anything mean. The moment they sense ill intentions they will leave.

On the highest floor there is an open window facing upwards. Those who stand under the open window and make a heartfelt wish at the passing shooting stars will receive three pieces of one of the needed items: the stardust rocks (star-shaped rocks).

Once all the materials have been gathered the only way down is through the open window on the fifth floor. If someone has befriended a butterfly it will grow in size and give the person a lift down. On the other hand those who were abandoned by their butterfly will have to figure out another way down.

Part 2

Those who don't want to step inside the tower can also go to a maze made out of rose bushes. It starts immediately from behind the tower and continues far and wide. The roses start as white but as the maze continues they change ranging from basic red to the deepest black. Walking into the maze will feel like walking through a rose garden, at least at first. The maze soon starts branching into different directions. Usually the choices are between paths with bright colored, almost shiny roses or the dark and eerie looking ones.

Those who choose the bright colored rose paths will find themselves feeling good about the path they chose. The air feels fresh and the roses smell nice. It feels a little too safe to walk there. The scent of roses will make a person feel paranoid about their surroundings and expect something to happen any moment. Meeting another person on the path may very well lead to accusations or even a fight. Only a well placed hug will soothe their mind (which is demonstrated by the weird rose vines mimicking hug motions nearby) and return them to their senses. Spilling blood on the path will make the rose vines try and grab the limbs of everyone involved with the thorns pressing onto their skin. The vines are easily breakable by normal means.

The dark colored rose path is eerie from the very beginning. The rose bushes feel like they grow in size the further someone walks in. Occasionally a hand made of vines reaches down and tries to swat the people walking. Those touched by the hand will start feeling despair about the situation. If the person stops for too long time to mourn their situation they will be surrounded by a cage made of thorny vines that grows smaller and smaller. The person affected by despair can be snapped out of it by someone holding their hand for (demonstrated by two smaller hands made of vines holding hands).

The bright colored path leads the people to find heart-shaped roses (they will not wither away even after being picked up) while the dark path leads to the orbs of bravery (an orb that emits a strong, warm light). After that a teleport crystal appears and once it's touched the person will return to the tower.

Part 3

The nearer the time limit the more intense the forest they're in starts to seem. The shadows feel larger and closer and the general atmosphere feels unexplainably thick. When the clock only shows it's two hours until the fairy circles close, the situation changes: the shadows start taking shapes.

Everyone still inside the fairy dimension will find themselves faced with a shadow of something that makes them uncomfortable or scared. Be it a person, a living being, object or a concept, they're now being followed around by their shadow creature. If the shadow touches someone they will get vivid mental images of scenes that upset them that could be either memories or even something that makes no sense at all.

The shadows will try to completely embrace the person it's attached to. If they manage to do that it will steal the person's looks as their own (does not affect the person, other than make them feel nauseous for a moment). After that they will leave the person alone and run for the portal to try and escape into Nightwake. They can be killed like normal as they have gained a physical form.

Those who don't make it through the fairy circles before they close will lose their life (it will feel like falling into darkness until they pass out) and be sent to their giant flowers in their respective Flower Yard.

---

Nightmares in Nightwake

---

Part 1

Unfortunately, the fairy circles aren't completely secure. So while some of the otherworlders are in the dimension, nightmares manage to sneak into Nightwake. Their most basic form is a black, almost sand-like smoke that morphs into different shapes, based on what people are either afraid of or just uncomfortable with (they're essentially the same creatures that appear at the end of the journey in the dimensions). They get stronger the more afraid people are, turning even more vicious - even to the point where they try to suffocate their victims.

Those touched by the nightmares may also be temporarily aged down, the same way they would in the dimension. A piece of the nightmares will be hidden among their person (a jewelry, strands of hair, etc) and they can only be freed from the form if it's found and removed. The person who has been aged down won't notice there's something extra on their person.

The nightmares can be fought with positive feelings and energy. Laughing out loud and making others laugh is a sure way to make the nightmares grow smaller in size. With enough positivity the nightmares will cease to exist and turn into much lighter dust that disappears into air.

Holding hands with someone, especially someone you don't know, is also effective against nightmares as the concept of trust is also what keeps them away.

Part 2

Once everyone is out of the fairy dimension a grand feast will be held in honor of the heroes who braved the dimension to fetch the items. There's plenty of (non-fairy) food and drinks available. The heroes will also find a pouch of seeds (5 seeds per pouch) that will grow any sort of plant they want (even trees) and 20,000 Moon Coins in their accounts (even those who didn't make it back or didn't bring any items back).

The feast will last all the way through the first week of December (until December 10th) and it's spread all over Nightwake.

All of the items have now been delivered to the Fairy Queen and the preparations for a ritual can begin. Whether there was enough materials to restore her power fully remains to be seen (the ritual preparations take time).

The fairies remain positive, spreading happiness and flowers all over the city. The overall atmosphere in Nightwake is very positive after the mission.

---

OOC TIPS

• Ask Event-related questions here!

• Smut is not allowed on the event post, so if your thread is heading that way, please move it to a private entry of your own (your own entry or a new locked post on the comms).

• Remember to content and spoiler warn as necessary!

• This event requires player contribution! In this top-level, please let us know if your character(s) will succeed in retrieving items! The sign ups will close on December 2nd, 23:59 PST.

• The dimension can be entered at any point during the two weeks, but of course the time they can spend in there is less at that point. Characters can also exit before the time limit is up. You don't have to go full math problem in determining how much time they have, just make an educated guess.

• Fairy Circles to the Dimensions will open on November 18th and close on December 2nd.

• Reminder that this month is an Activity Check-in month. Remember to check in before November 30th at 23:59 PST.

code bases by tricklet

Comments

Evangeline | Original (Lobotomy Corporation) | Summer

[abnormalizes]

[all hail the fairy queen: open]
[An excellent question: is Evangeline dosed on too much fairy dust, or is she high off of getting a kiss on the cheek from the Fairy Queen?

It's the fairy dust. But she is in an excellent mood, which contributes to her happily draping herself over anyone she knows, and approaching anyone she doesn't with a smile.]

Isn't it a great day?

[The flower necklace is definitely new.]

[nightmares in nightwake: closed to CR. cw: imagery of death and injury]
[The Fairy Queen is a sweetheart, but that's not enough for Evangeline to choose to risk her life making her more powerful. She stays behind.

She'd say she's being punished for that decision, but no one knows better than Evangeline that bad things just happen to people for no reason.

The shadow figure following Evangeline is in your shape. But it doesn't move like you do - it limps or crawls, streams of darkness flowing out of it like so much blood. Evangeline has seen so much blood, the faces of those she's met in Ellipsa with frozen unseeing eyes, bodies torn apart or crushed or melted or-

And none of that is anything she hasn't seen before, except that she allowed herself to get attached this time.]

-You're alright? You're not hurt?

[Her voice is edged with desperation. She knows what she saw wasn't real, and yet.]

[C: wildcard]
[If you want her help with one of your character's nightmares, or otherwise want to do things in Nightwake, here is your prompt!]

Nightmares

[freedomfighterhammer]

Wh-what? No! Of course not!

[She’s never seen Evangeline so spooked before. But, this is her friend, she’s ready to defend her.]

What happened? What did you see? And I don’t accept half-answers or “don’t worry about it”s!

Nenonen | Original | OTA

[essenceborn]

I. Affection Dust

[ The fairies around town are a bit of an unnerving thing for Nenonen at first. The only time the concept of the fae has been explained to them is when Rosen described them as eating flesh, blood, and souls. So. Y'know. More than once they duck when a stray, celebrating fairy zips on by.

It takes someone explaining that no, not all fairies want to eat you for them to relax enough not to be on guard...which is just in time for a bunch of dust-throwing.

On a normal day when Nen sees someone they know, they give a greeting. A short "hello [name]" and one of their signature almost smiles. But today, on the day they have been doused in fairy dust? They are going to latch onto your character's arm and look up at them like they've hung the moon and stars in the sky. ]

Hello. You are perfect.

II. Fireflies

[ Mostly, Nen is here because people they know are here. They're not a fan of large bodies or water or going near them. They can't swim, don't like being submerged in water, and feel nervous when water goes higher than their ankles so suffice to say, Nenonen has not spent much time on beaches.

But Chipp is here, Shigeru is here, Kenta is here...so Nen is too, empty jar in hand as they watch all the lil fireflies floating around in wonder. ]

III. Nightmares in Nightwake

[ There are a number of reasons Nenonen has chosen not to go into the fae-portals. Between their recent brush with a Dullahan, Chipp's aversion to the fae in general, and the fact that they themself don't know any well enough to want to go out of their way... Nen decides to stay in the city. It should be safer, right?

Well, that's easier to think when there isn't a giant cloud of black smoke overtaking them. Nen falls back with a cry of alarm, shrinking a good foot as they do so. Their clothes shrink with them, leaving a brown-eyed, brown-haired youth with shoulder-length hair struggling to clamber to their feet and try to outrun it.

Emphasis on the "try" there, because they...can't. At all.

Someone help :c ]

Go away...go away, go away...!

IV. Twelve

[ TINY NEN SHENANIGANS. Pick this option and I'll write you a customer starter post-nightmare shadow. ]

[ ooc; feel free to hmu @ owlits or DM if you want to do something that's not on here c: Nen's plotting comment can also be found here ]

iv

[kerontribution]

[GIMME THE TWELVE]

Zhongli | Genshin Impact | Spring | ota

[brokebitchmountain]

Fairy dust;

[ So Zhongli's been hit with that fairy dust a whole lot, like a lot, so he's definitely in a very good mood when he's run into. Strangers or even people who he knows all get the same smile and nod as he just looks happy. Terrifying, really, but it's not a bad thing so there's that. ] Would you care to share a stroll with me? The day is still young and I know of a few good spots for some excellent tea and cuisine. Perhaps we might spend the entire day together.

[ That also includes the nighttime so /winkwonk ]

Nightmares in Nightwake;

The Nightmare

[ You might be wondering what could be a source of fear for the all-powerful Geo Archon? Well for Zhongli the idea of erosion is something he has always dealt with and has even seen the effects of. Azhdaha's fall most of all affects him in ways he still cannot fully come to terms with. And so the nightmare that follows him, appears alongside him as a shadow of himself. But the appearance is all wrong as cracks and pieces of his ace crumble and all into nothingness as it looms over his shoulder.

Silently watching as it judges all before it with that too familiar piercing, aber, gaze. ]

Wildcard - Chonkli

[ So Zhongli, aka Rex Lapis, aka The Lord of Geo, aka The God of War is now also...Chonkli as he tries to navigate the busy streets of Nightwake without being stepped on or oo'd and ahh'd at because he is just too dang adorable. He will huff out a sigh as he sits on the sidewalk, his short little arms crossed over his chest in a very iconic look, a look of great consternation on his cute, chubby, face, and should you stop to marvel like so many others have you will get hit with...a very deep voice?! ] Hm. It seems I have encountered an unexpected transformation. Would you be so kind as to take me to the nearest tea shop?

[ His short, stubby little legs are making it difficult to navigate anywhere and he could use the help!! How embarrassing to be reverted to such a form!! ] I apologize for the request, but it has unfortunately become a bit harder to navigate these busy streets while in this form.

Wildcard

[icepatch]

[Kaeya, now in the body of a ten year old, looked rather nervous approaching the chubby dragon. Without his future memories in Teyvat, he isn't as well informed. And the only Archon he really knew the face of was Barbatos due to all the statues anyways. So, it didn't cross his mind that this was the Geo Archon. His big blue eye with the iconic star shaped pupil wided as he approached. The dragon was very chubby looking, hardly dangerous like the ones in the stories.

He played with his ponytail, still taking in the dragon quietly. Where was Diluc when he needed him?]

Um... do dragons normally drink tea?

Shigeru Miyata | Original Character | Autumn | ota!

[mysophobic]

His event top-level is here in his monthly catchall!

And if you'd like to plot something still here's his plotting comment!

Aimoto Rinku|D4DJ|Summer

[roundandaround]

[1) All Hail the Fairy Queen -- 2]

[Rinku is all for a celebration, but she contemplates a jar without actually picking it up.]

Hmmm... Do you think I should get some fireflies? They seem nice and it'd be fun, but I don't know what they need to survive, and I think Mecchan would try to eat them.

[2) Portal to the Past -- 2]

[Rinku attended the briefing, but once she's at the sea, she's... well, she's clueless. Diving didn't work, swimming didn't work, and now she's staring at the "breathe" sign like it'll explain something to her.]

Maybe you're supposed to breathe a certain way?

[She takes a huge breath, tries holding it, and then wheezes it out and doubles over.]

I don't think that helped...

[3) Trials of the Tower -- 1(i)]

[In the first, dark room, Rinku holds her candle tight and shivers, trying to stay up.]

My fire isn't lighting anything up... You guys see something, right? Someone's there?

[4) Trials of the Tower -- 1(iv)]

[There, the top floor. Rinku and her butterfly (because she definitely wouldn't scare it off, nor did she let Mecchan try to eat it; he's in his ball and has no idea what's going on) approach the window, and her eyes absolutely light up.]

Woooow! Look at this, everybody look at this! It's a meteor shower! Ohh... I wish for a really, really, really big donut!

[She makes her wish in earnest, practically sparkling, just as the rock shards that appear in front of her are literally sparkling. But then she sees your face and...]

Oh... Maybe I should've wished for us all to get un-kidnapped instead, huh?

[5) Trials of the Tower -- 3]

[She knew she ought to go faster, but here she is, almost at the time limit. Rinku tried to run from the shadows, but one trips her up, and you'll find her shuddering and huddled into herself.]

No way... We didn't die, right? I don't want to have to die and kill people and get weird stuff in the mail! I don't want to be scared of performing! I don't wanna go to hell!

[What the heck kind of vision is she having.]

5

[starlightfriendship]

You're not going to hell! Not if I have anything to do with it!

[And coming in between Rinku and the shadows is a newcomer to the new world, but one willing to save the day. Even back in her younger self. She throws her staff in front of her as the gold head adjusts into a pointed end.]

[Status All Green. Fire When Ready]

No time to mix this world's magic with ours, Raising Heart, we're running out of time. Divine... BUSTERRRRRR!

[And a pink sigil forms under Nanoha's feet as a massive burst of pink energy is fired from the tip, tearing through the beasts.]

[houndofmanchester]

All Hail The Fairy Queen

[This land is not Fairy Britain, and this Fairy Queen was not High Queen Morgan. Nonetheless, a fairy is a fairy and a knight is a knight. Barghest has offered her sword to the Queen until she regains her power, and received quite the gift for it.]

Portal to the Past

[Fairy Knight Gawain had been sent here on a mission, that much she was aware of. She had concerns about diverting her attention like this while the Child of Prophecy was still at large, but she wasn't one to question the orders her Majesty gave.

This has lead her down the west path, the rock and stone reflecting more and more of her the further she goes. At first they were faithful as reflections should be, showing a loyal knight in silver armor. But the more she continued down the path, the more tarnished that armor became. Her reflection's teeth grew sharper, the flames of Fairy Sword Galatine turning a pitch black. By the time she whirls around to face her image, it looks very much like this.]

I have been patient thus far, but you have not only persisted in making a mockery of one of Her Majesty's knights, but your poor taste has only grown. In the name of High Queen Morgan, cease this foolishness and let me pass!

[Were anyone close enough to look, they would see her own horns starting to grow and the whites of her right eye turning black.]

Nanoha Takamachi | Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha | Spring

[starlightfriendship]

All Hail The Fairy Queen - Part 1

[While Usagi did reassure her that things back home wouldn't be affected, Nanoha was still annoyed at the fact that she was kidnapped. Even further adding to her displeasure was the viral videos going on and the "official" response. She wasn't around for the earlier stuff, but all that happened set off warning signs in her head.

Despite that, she was going to see about the Fairy Queen and get involved with things. This, of course, meant talking to her and getting that necklace.

And, of course, being hit with a little too much fairy dust, meaning you're going to have an adorable young woman hugging you, especially if they hadn't met.]

Trials of the Tower - Part 2

[The time portals were such a strange feeling, especially since the portals decided she needed to be younger for this. Decrease in power, less so in memories and skills. But, right now, they needed to cross this maze. Of course, doing so meant she chose the easier bright path...

...and this made her paranoid. Something was certain to strike and fight her, not realizing this was being amplified by the scent of the roses. She'll turn around, aiming her staff at the person she runs into, panic in her eyes.]

Who's there!? Don't come any closer!

Trials of the Tower - Part 3

A) [Two hours left?! Blast, she spent too long here! She'll need to find others and get going! She'll be using her own magic to fly around and try to find any stragglers so they can leave as well. As well, she'll be using her incredible power to blast away the emerging shadows]

C'mon! We're almost out of time! If you need help, I'll give it!

B) [However, Nanoha would make a mistake and get snagged by a Shadow, allowing it to take her form and make a break for Nightwake.]

H-Hey... stop it! H-Hurry!

Wildcard!

(OoC: Any other suggestions? Hit me up here on Discord at AshBlaze!)

Trials 3

[houndofmanchester]

Black Dog Galatine!

[An enormous woman in silver armor appears out of the chaos, striking down the fake with a just as enormous sword. She strides forward as she shrinks back down, using her size to get a boost closer to the portal.]

So once they've taken a form they die as easily as anything else? Good to know.

Jean Kirstein | Attack on Titan (+ Empatheias & Isle of Avalon CRAU) | Summer

[rustyhonesty]

All Hail the Fairy Queen

It's probably a little weird to see Jean in such a good mood, but the same could be said about a lot of people. He just happened to get an extra dose of fairy dust, don't mind him.

Even while he's feeling extra affectionate he doesn't outright just hug people, but he does end up asking something from people he (even vaguely) knows. Possibly even someone he doesn't know.

"Do you want a hug?"


Portal to the Past: Arrival

Jean deages as he enters the dimension. He's now noticeably shorter (175cm) and looks a little younger (he's 12). His clothes are his normal uniform for Survey Corps, since he usually uses the military uniform when he's on Ellipsa missions. But...

"Wait. What the fuck? Why am I wearing a Survey Corps emblem?! If this is someone's idea of a prank it's not funny!"

He's going to join the Military Police, not the corps! Why would he join the frontlines when he can live in safety?!

"I'm going to punch whoever's idea this was." But for now he wanted to focus on the mission, of course. "Anyway, want to choose a path with me?"


Trials of the Tower: Dark Room Trial

This was definitely a turning out to be annoying. He should have just used his gear to get up to the open window instead, but no. Here he was, trying to walk forward with the candle, but slowing down all the time. Until he stops because he can't lift any part of himself anymore.

"Stupid. Fucking-"

He drops the candle down, which helps him move again and the moment he picks it up he's immobile again so he leaves the candle be there.

"Right. Fine. I'll just use my magic then-" Jean lights a fireball but it doesn't light up the room for some reason. "... really? What am I supposed to do then?"


Trials of the Tower: Stardust

Jean's butterfly is a blue morpho butterfly and it's currently hanging out on his shoulder as he stares at the meteor filled sky. He's never heard of the context of making a wish to shooting stars, so he's unsure what he's supposed to do in this room.

At least the stars were pretty.


Wildcard

Feel free to run into him while leaving the portals or right after returning to Nightwake when he's back to normal and pretty embarrassed of his younger self. I didn't choose a specific path for him, but if you want to choose one for us, go for it. Also I will match any format you want to use, I just defaulted to prose on a whim.

portal sorry not sorry

[callyourname]

AH.

He's . . . younger and shorter and apparently all the way back to how he wanted to join the Military Police. Great. Hopefully he doesn't notice the ring on the girl before Mikasa thinks to hide it. She's still herself, in her Survey Corpses uniform and all. But this Jean sure as hell hasn't seen Mikasa with this long hair or anything, also she's older and taller from what he currently remembers.

. . . She's so tempted to say it was HIS OWN IDEA for them both to go through the portals like everything would be fine and so on, she keeps that to herself for now, but good luck to him with punching himself if he really will seriously punch whoever's idea that was!

Ah, choosing a path with him?

"Mm, sure."

Mikasa nods.

Toshirou Hijikata | Gintama (+ Prismatica & Isle of Avalin CRAU) | Summer

[mayoninofukucho]

[OOC: Only the prompts taking place in the fairy kingdom of old will feature 17-year-old Hijikata (he's a bit quiet, he but can talk, I swear); in Nightwake City he'll be at his usual age!]


1) Viral Video Event & Consequences

[After multiple videos of the incident went viral, Hijikata soon formed an opinion - and as so often, it’s based more on his gut instinct than anything else. When even the TV in an electronics shop’s window shows a replay of Harrison’s and Olwen’s statement, he exhales a waft of cigarette smoke and turns to the fellow otherworlder next to him.]

What do you make of all this?

2A) All Hail the Fairy Queen (Part I)

[While it’s a relief that the fairy queen has recovered from the ordeal of her captivity, Hijikata makes no attempts to speak with her. She may seem warm and friendly, but who knows what side effects those flower necklaces she gifts others may have!! He won’t let anyone turn him into a pig again! But for better or worse, her subjects don’t stop short of him. Before he knows it, he gets doused in entirely too much fairy dust… and he can’t even be angry with how energetic and high-spirited he feels all of a sudden. He smiles at the next best person.]

Looks like our efforts with the rescue operation paid off, huh? We already had a big feast, but I'm in the mood to drink to our success once more! Can I count you in?

2B) All Hail the Fairy Queen (Part II)

[The beach of Solarpeak looks incredible drenched in golden light by countless fireflies. It somewhat reminds Hijikata of the many candles from last month, but the atmosphere is distinctly different. He initially didn’t see the need to catch fireflies into the jar he was given (it feels like a school project!), but the importance of the task was emphasized to everyone, so here he is, wandering around in his casual kimono and simply holding his open jar in his hands. If any fireflies want to enter it, he won’t stop them, but he’s too lazy to chase after them! He gives a weary little smile to the fellow otherworlder who crosses his path.]

Did you catch any yet?

3) Portal to the Past

["Those prepared to take some potentially fatal risks" definitely includes Hijikata. He already died once in this world; what's one more time? At worst, this time around it'll probably be a little less pathetic! That said, he isn't exactly eager to enter a fairy circle of all things... weird things happened to people who did that back on Avalon!! Alas, he has a duty as a policeman.

Once he finds himself in a forest dominated by pink and purple hues, he remembers his mission clearly, just like his time on Ellipsa... or so it seems. The three swords - real swords! - at his belt briefly confuse him. But right, he got those from a swordsmith he's friends with when he had saved up enough quest money, didn't he? (He didn't.)

He approaches a crossroad in the woods that has other explorers pausing too. Instead of chosing quickly, he takes his time to think the potential benefits and pitfalls of each route through and observe who is taking which path. It'd probably be wise to go along with people who look like seasoned explorers. But then who'll help the kids and other non-combatants if they run into danger?]

...

[Not his problem, really. They shouldn't have come out here in the first place if they're not fit to make it through.]

4A) Trials of the Tower (Part I)

[Hijikata pauses partway up the spiral staircase. He doesn't like that purple hue cloud and the way it seems to swallow everybody up. After some deliberation, he wordlessly turns back and descends the stairs. He'll figure out another way to get in! He saw a window from outside...]

4B) Trials of the Tower (Part II)

[The maze is a beautiful place. Hijikata wonders who maintains it, given that he hasn't seen a soul who isn't a fellow otherworlder, but apparently this dimension recreated the fairy kingdom of old without its inhabitants. As he cautiously walks on - alone, because why would be team up with anyone? - he finds it a little bit ironic to be walking through all these roses, given that the people back home call him "Thorny Toshi" (which, honesly, isn't even that mean of a nickname for a violent delinquent).

At a crossroad he briefly stops and considers, then turns onto the path with the dark roses like an edgelord. They surely suit him better.]

4C) Trials of the Tower (Part III)

[Only 2 hours to go before the portal back home will disappear... no matter, though. It's not far anymore. Hijikata briskly walks on... and suddenly stops. What is this eerie atmopshere? The forest has alrady been feeling more and more oppressive, but it really spiked just now! He slowly turns around... and then he sees it. A horrible ghost, leering at him.]

HAAAAAAAAAH!!

[Wow, look at that; he has a loud voice after all! And he's really fast on his feet, too... but alas, he won't be able to outrun a shadow.]

5A) Nightmares in Nightwake (Part I)

[Back in Nightwake City, Hijikata soon finds himself back to his 27 (or 30+, after all that CRAU?) year old self... but the effect doesn't seem to be the case for everybody. He lights himself a cigarette as he puzzles over whether he knows a nearby child as an adult or not.]

Weird how some people didn't get their proper age back... I hope that isn't permanent.

5B) Nightmares in Nightwake (Part II)

[Another feast? Count him in!! And 20,000 Moon Coins?! When is the next cross-dimensional mission? Sign him up in advance!! He's in very good spirits, matching the overall mood at the big table.]

This was so worthwhile!! I just don't know what do do with my seeds... what are you going to do with yours?


[OOC: If you'd like to plot anything, hit up my Event Plotting post!]

Nightmares Part 1

[icepatch]

[Kaeya crinkled his nose a bit when Hijikata started smoking. It didn't smell nice, he always liked Father's though. Still, he tilted his head a little as he looked up at Hijikata.]

What do you mean?

[Kaeya was currently still about ten years old. He was noticeably lacking his usual teasing tone or playful smile, he looked rather shy, in fact. A black ribbon was tied into his hair, low and to the side. He still wore an eyepatch, of course.

He didn't notice the black sandy nature surrounding the patch, of course.]

rafal | fire emblem engage | autumn

[nilhilistic]

( i. portal to the past, part 1 — "nil" )

[ you never know what to expect in a fairy forest.

like, for instance, there is a man with pale hair and red eyes, seemingly cowering at everything. he has a large axe in his hands, but his grip is lax and weak and he cringes at himself. when someone approaches, he gives a weak smile, fear in his eyes. ]

I — I'm — I'm sorry. I seem to be lost. H-Have you seen my sister?

( trials of the tower, part 1 )

[ rafal curses. it seems the dark is quite literal. no spell he possesses could help him. he's only thankful his elemental power keeps him stable and will hopefully, guide his steps. hopefully.

he would be very annoyed if he died painfully here. in some decrepit tower. he knows he committed himself to saving this world, but he would prefer a nobler death. with a sigh, rafal pushes his hair from his face and even, grudgingly, extends his hand. ]

Worry not. I will keep you safe.

( iii. trials of the tower, part 3 )

[ even this tower seems to recognize that rafal is no fool. he does not fear shadows and tricks. he will not be cowed. his companion, however, may not feel the same way. he sighs, hefting his axe, ready to cut down any nightmare in their path. he'll deal with their emotional ramifications later. ]

Say the word and I'll kill them. And I won't ask why.

[ very compassionate, that rafal. ]

( wildcard )

[ got a different prompt you’d like to do? ping me on timmtams / pm this journal. I'm down for any prompt listed! ]

i

[tireurdelite]

Rafal...?

[Was he really like this when he was younger?]

No, I haven't seen Nel recently.

Eva Ushiromiya | Umineko no Naku Koro Ni | Spring

[angerintomiracles]

Prelude to a Fall

[Please see here on her last catch-all, where I've added new prompts for pre-event things and finishing up any desired child-Eva CR, as she'll be canon-updating to an adult after this event.

Note that her hair's gone white and she'll feel unnaturally cold through most of this event thanks to the whole frozen heart situation creeping back.]


Trials of the Tower 1A: Darkened Room

[Eva found herself floating up in a huge bubble the moment she set foot in the room, and inwardly cursed her poor luck. Was this another trap?

...Everything ached. The last week having taken its toll on her body and mind- but it would be unlike her to not keep pressing forward all the same. As if, the more she struggled and raged, the more likely she was to create a miracle and change what seemed to be the inescapable final fate the Tree of Death had shown her.

Ngh- she shook her head to clear the fog in her mind, focusing on what was ahead of her- some sort of maze, it seemed, and there was someone else trying to stagger their way through it...]

...Hey, can you hear me?

[...And it looked like they were right about to walk into a trap.]

Wait- Watch where you're going, you idiot!

[This was definitely going to go well. 10/10 for teamwork.]

Trials of the Tower 1B: Golden Butterfly

[It almost felt as if it were taunting her. The large, pale yellow butterfly- one that she felt should have been a gleaming gold if not for her waning magic- that fluttered around her as she walked up to the sixth floor.]

Hey... Beatrice. Future me. Are you enjoying this?

[The jab of a challenge was entirely missing from her voice- perhaps the only reason her butterfly didn't shy away from her right then and there. Instead it quietly drifted through the air at the girl's side, until it flew up high to the window in the ceiling, seemingly dancing with the shooting stars far above them. And there were other people here, too, huh? Was this the end of the path?]

...It's pretty. What do you want me to do, hm?

Trials of the Tower 2: Rose Garden
Warning: Despair/spoilers

Like the rose garden at home, huh...

[She felt a pang, then. Back home...the future that was waiting for her there. Just what she was trying not to think about.

And that memory was what drew her down the more sinister path. The one that felt the most like home. The roses grew, darkened as she walked along the winding route, heart quickening in her chest- it didn't take long for the occasional vine to start swatting at her, as if they could sense the brittleness that had set itself firmly into the usually stubborn girl's heart and mind.]

Ah-!

[She tried to use her wind magic to dart out the way- but it was feeble, and she was struck as she stumbled aside. Eva's footsteps slowed, as she glared at the ground, hot tears starting to prick up. She hated this, she hated all of this. Where was her miracle? What was any of this supposed to do to change her fate, really? Wasn't she just trying to run away?

And to make matters worse, she could hear footsteps behind her.]

Who's there-?! What do you- [sob] - want...?! I know okay- I know this is all pointless but I'm not just- gonna stop and die- like that-

Trials of the Tower 3: Midnight
Warning: Child death/spoilers

[It was only fitting that, with so little time remaining, Eva found herself running through a twisted, eerie forest. Her father had told her about the woods in Rokkenjima. How a Witch lived there, so they must never stray in at night. Here, racing through the dark, twisting trees, she felt as if she was in that very same place.

And she could feel the presence of that old witch. The twisted old woman with wild grey hair and curses in her eyes. Cackling, chasing her down and aiming to grab her with those skeletal hands.

Eva couldn't let it get to her, she couldn't, even though her lungs and legs burned from the effort. She had to get out of here, before the way back closed.]

Get away from me!!

"You can't escape."

[The Witch never grew tired, never stopped it's chase.]

"You can't escape the inevitable fate of Ushiromiya Eva!"

[It's words echoed with a strange weight- with the unspeakable power of absolute truth. With Magic. And in turn, a thin red thread shot out from the shadows of the forest and latched onto her wrist.]

N-no-... Help, help me!

[OOC: Whilst I'm happy for her to be saved in the rose garden, inevitably I want her to fail to get to the portal in time so she can die in prompt 3.

After death- around 7th December- she'll revive having been canon-updated to her post Rokkenjima Prime, 50 year old self, and I'll post a 'hey I'm back and really need a strong drink' Network entry closer to the time.

Feel free to hit up her plotting post if you'd like to do anything specific with her before she ages up!]

Midnight trials (also adds CWs character death/self sacrifice and whatever else this thread will be)

[starshaper]

[Eternal Sailor Moon is busy by making sure, that as many people as possible get out of the dimension before the time's up. Not that she even plans on leaving herself, no, she'll stay here and keep as many shadows here as possible. Yes, she'll die. It's not going to be her first or last time experiencing that during all of her magical girl years.

She's also busy throwing her Therapy Kiss attacks at those shadows, making Sailor Moon speeches here and there and everything else but--

Usagi as herself or in any form of Sailor Moon could never ever be too busy to not hear someone screaming for help. Or at least she sure hopes she'll never be too busy for that. So when she hears the girl calling out for someone, anyone to help her, Eternal Sailor Moon rushes over there.]

Don't worry, I'll help you.

[Hello, here's a magical girl, who looks like an angel to help one way or another? She reaches out to try to take Eva's free hand with her left hand, smiling warmly, gently and softly at the girl.]

We should get you to that portal before it closes. What's your name?

[ . . . Sorry, she doesn't notice the red thread on the wrist, not yet.]

Archer (EMIYA) | Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works | Autumn

[norknowntolife]

(ooc: this is unknowntodeath's companion journal for younger shenanigans. I'll use this journal for Fairy Kingdom stuff and his regular journal for post-dimensions. Use whichever format you want to tag, I just defaulted to prose for the top level and am willing to match.)



Portal to the Past: Arrival/Path choosing

Archer, who entered the fairy circles has now aged several hundreds thousands eternities years down to his young self of Emiya Shirou. Instead of white hair he has orange, instead of lightly tanned skin, he's quite pale.

It's not weird to see Emiya Shirou take on a mission that has high risks. He's standing in the crossroads, reading the signs. Wearing weird red clothes (Archer's). He doesn't let that bother him too much, it's probably some weird fairy magic at work (But he knows who they belong to and why he might have them, but it still doesn't make it okay if he has them! Seriously).

"Which route do you want to take?" He asks the person closest to him.


Trials of the Tower: Rose Paths

Anyone in trouble at the rose paths, either of them, may encounter Emiya who will either cut them loose from vines, breaking their vine cages or fight back the hands trying to smack people using swords that randomly appear in his hands with a blue spark. He's keeping himself focused with concentrating on rescuing people like he normally does.

"Are you alright? If we continue together we'll be safer."


Trials of the Tower: Departures

Shirou can't just leave the dimension when people were still running for their lives. So he stays behind, helping anyone he can by either pulling them along or encouraging them to keep going.

"It's not too far, come on!"

He himself does have his shadows, but once again, he's hyperfocusing on everyone but himself, making sure everyone gets out - so the shadows get quite literally ignored? But anyone seeing them will notice they take the form of fire and carnage.


Post-Dimensions

After returning to the guilds through the fairy circles, Archer seems to be in a rather foul mood. He leaves the items for the fairies and just retreats to somewhere more private, visibly sulking.

Arrival

[triompheduhimbo]

". . ."

Give him a moment. Or two. Or three. He had been going to ask 'Muramasa' when he arrived, but Napoleon did a double take when he realised the young man was wearing... Emiya Archer's... clothing.

"...Sacré bleu, you cannot be serious."

He'd thought Muramasa and Emiya Archer had looked a bit similar, especially when Emiya put his hair down for summer time, or Muramasa took on his more older appearance, but he figured that was just Counter Guardian stuff or something.

No, apparently not! Apparently they were the same person...!

"...So what's your name? Emiya Something?"

His voice a little deadpan, which was unusual for him, admittedly, but just...!

Levi // Attack On Titan // winter // ota

[wingbound]

--1. All Hail the Fairy Queen: Part 2 (( kid or adult version! ))

[ Even if Paradis had fireflies, that doesn't mean Levi has seen any before, especially from up close. Being surrounded by them, the little creatures brave enough to be touched without fuss, is something entirely new. They look like little stars that have landed on the ground, sharing their lights with humanity. ]

[ Regardless at which point in time Levi visits the beach -- maybe he's his normal self, or maybe he's a ratty looking child way too small looking for a ten year old -- he is completely awestruck by the fireflies. His attempts to catch them might be a bit less careful if he's his younger self at the moment, but he still doesn't seem keen on hurting them, eyes wide with wonder. He might even manage a smile. ]

::

[ And sometime later, after having gathered up a jar of fireflies of his own, he can be found still staring up at the sky and the dancing little lights in amazement, while gently cradling the jar to his chest with both hands, as if it's something extremely, unspeakably precious. ]


--2. Portal to the Past: Part 2 (( kid or adult version! ))

[ Levi will likely be coming in here several times, just to make sure he finds and brings back as many fairy items as possible. The portal may age him down one time, but have no effect the other -- so embarking on an adventure with either version if possible. ]

[ For now, though, he's standing at the crossroads with the paths, frowning slightly as he reads over the signs. If he's his younger version, he's probably slowly mouthing the words to himself too, clearly not that adept at reading. Either way, once he notices someone else stopping nearby, he gives them a side-eye. ]

[ This probably means cooperation, and hell, he'll take it. ]

Any ideas?


--3. The Trials of the Tower: Part 1 (( kid version only ))

[ As grumpy and distrustful as the kid has been during most of the ascent through the tower, he looks absolutely delighted at the sight of butterflies. He might even run into the butterfly room rather than continue on their way, not unlike that time with the fireflies - staring up, marveling at the sight, maybe jumping slightly in an attempt to catch any with small hands after brushing them clean(ish) on his pants. There might even be a little squeak that's probably his equivalent of a little laugh when he manages to catch one with both his hands, then bringing them closer to his face to inspect the insect through the gaps between his fingers, careful not to squash it. ]

I've seen one before! [ He exclaims proudly, and he's bringing the butterfly over to show you, too. Of course, as soon as he opens his hand-cage, it flutters up and way to join its brethren, but Levi doesn't seem too upset by that, following it with his gaze. ] T'was kinda fuzzier 'nd more brown, though...

[ (It was probably a moth.) ]

::

[ He looks absolutely ecstatic when one of the butterflies decides to follow him once he finally moves on from the butterfly room, and keeps glancing over his shoulder, lighting up every time he sees it's still there. ]

[ At some point, though, as he's giving you a sort of withering stare, it seems to start fluttering away, and the kid snaps around, visibly distraught. ]

Wait, come back!..


--4. Nightmares in Nightwake: Part 1 (( kid version only ))

[ Of course, it's not enough that he's been turned into a kid at least once by the fairy portal. However the shadows had cornered him, he's a little runt again, prowling through the city all by himself -- until he runs into someone he doesn't immediately recognize, however that someone definitely looks like they might have some cash on them... ]

[ Well. It's scam and/or wallet lifting time. ]

[ There's a small, scared-looking child approaching, anxiously gripping his own hand, definitely appearing lost, though if you're observant enough, you may realize there's something dead in his eyes the way it shouldn't be on anyone this young. ]

[ And he's hesitantly reaching out to tug on your sleeve to get your attention, possibly paired with a "Mister?" or "Lady?" if you don't immediately react. Surely you want to help?.. ]


--5. Wildcard

(( Down for other prompts as well! Feel free to plot with me HERE or just surprise me with a prompt! :> ))

4

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata may have aged back up after returning to Nightwake City, but he remembers all too well what he experienced as a teenager with muddled memories in the other dimension... and he most definitely remembers this little runt of a kid. He himself does look a good bit more official now with his short hair and his Shinsengumi uniform (and Gintoki from back home would confirm to little Levi that this cop absolutely has a fat wallet).]

Hm? What's the matter?

[He's not really concerned or alarmed. Levi may be a puny boy, but he held his own well enough during the mission! What could have him scared like this? There's no way any other kids beat him up (if they tried, it'd rather end up the other way around, Hijikata is sure of that).]

Caster | Fate/Stay Night (UBW) | Summer (Avalon CRAU)

[colchismagecraft]

All Hail the Fairy Queen

[Despite Caster's reservations about trusting the Fairy Queen- and perhaps, or because of being a little frosty in her reception to her- the witch found herself plagued with the desire to give affection. To basically anyone she knew even slightly.

Don't mind the witch, in full creepy dark cloak, giving her best flying-hug by way of greeting.]

Ah- it is good to see you~

[...At least she looks happy?]

Portal to the Past: Bridges

[As soon as Caster entered the portal, she felt herself change- taking on the appearance of a young teenage girl. The dark robes she wore were a little scary, weren't they? She quickly took down the hood and did her hair up in its signature ponytail, before flying out to help out on the quest.]

Why am I dressed like this...that won't do at all! Well, I suppose so long as I can stop anyone from getting hurt, then that will be fine.

...Oh, if only Jason were here to lead a mission like this.

[Or, you know, cower behind Heracles.

Still, soon enough, the little Sorceress could be found looking between two of the bridges- the one going South and the one going East- before offering a bright smile to whoever else was crossing with her.]

Let me see, "Eyes" and "Breathe", hm...? Oh, do you want to come across with me? It's okay, I won't let you come to harm.

The Trials of the Tower: Rose Garden
Warning: Paranoia

[The Rose Garden was beautiful- and the little Sorceress had to resist the urge to pick one right away, they were all so lovely. Ah, imagine if her beloved Jason brought her roses sometime! The thought made her giggle as she carried on her way.

One of the routes left her with an overwhelming sense of trepidation and darkness, so she quickly turned to take the other path. At first, she was certain she had made the correct choice, but it felt a little too safe... like that sense of certainty she had when the Goddess twisted her heart.

That was... fine. It was for her beloved.

Even so, she felt her breath quickening, as she pulled her staff closer to her. Slowly, slowly, her mood started to turn. They were coming after her. They would threaten her- her and Jason and the other Argonauts, maybe even her Master- An ice ran over her, as she turned to face the threat with a sweet smile; ]

Oh- I did not realise someone else was here, as well.

...Is something the matter?

[Her grip on the staff grew tight, ready to cast her magic should they make a move.]

Trials of the Tower: Twisted forest
Warning: Fratricide/Dismemberment/Child death

Ah- are you hurt? I can heal you. We haven't got much time, so-

[With only a few hours to go until the portals closed, the little sorceress was rushing around, staff in hand, trying her best to make sure that no one was left behind. She wouldn't forgive herself if anyone died because they were wounded and she wasn't able to help them!

The forest was growing darker and all the more frightening-... and as it was, she was trying to ignore the shadow following her all the while, dragging itself along the ground after her despite being in pieces. Her brother, she was sure.

But she couldn't afford to worry about that illusion when there were people she could help.]

Please hurry...! I can help you get to safety, so hold my hand if you need-

[OOC: If nothing here strikes your fancy, feel free to Wildcard me or hit up her plotting post.]

flying hugs absolutely

[kerontribution]

[Oh! Hugs! Oryou likes those, Medea can get a squeeze in return - though not too tight. Casters are squishy after all.]

You seem happy.

maomao / the apothecary diaries / summer

[poisontest]

🌿 I.

[ Even though Maomao had been here for only a few days, hearing about a fairy queen was enough for her to have her interest piqued, especially as someone coming from a place where the supernatural was far from the norm.

Hence why people will see that she's without her freckles and dressed adequately enough - well, she only has the one dress at the moment, given her funds.

Of course, she's ever so polite when speaking to the queen, inquiring further on her well being; after all, if she's suffering from some odd memory loss, then there might be something potentially there, right? People might overhear that the fairy queen occasionally feels sluggish, tired, and not as powerful as she should be. Maomao thanks her for her time and bows politely before gifted the boon of the flower necklace.

Which, truthfully, feels awfully familiar.

With that in mind, she's now thinking aloud; a bit of a bad habit of hers, in spite of her adoptive father having told her not to do it so much- ]

Tiredness and loss of power... and a cage that nullifies the supernatural. I wonder if there may perhaps be some artisan who specializes in these sorts of objects.

[ Feel free to interrupt her train of thought. ]

🌿 II.

[ And then there's the "Maomao is a gremlin" option, because the moment she sees the fairy dust being sprinkled onto someone else - maybe you? - she goes to actually attempt and collect some and put it in a small bag.

However, she does take a taste of it first... ]

Hmm. I didn't expect fairy dust to taste like citrus.

[ Maomao???? ]

🌿 III.

[ Maomao has some sense of honor and justice, which means that she winds up on the journey through the portals.

At some point, people might see her just picking the roses and lining her pockets with them. It's probably fine? If someone looks at her oddly, she'll just sigh and shrug her shoulders. ]

What? There's no rules against it, is there?

🌿 WILDCARD.

[ Want a custom prompt? Feel free to hit me up tsundereban or my event plotting post! ]

rose maze - closed to Shoto Todoroki

[sunspotted]

[ Marco's had quite the adventure already! He'd and Jean had been separated early on, though Marco knows Mikasa is also around. He hasn't yet found Jean again, but he's been determined to continue on with the mission, jar of fireflies held tightly in front of him.

He's already had to cross through an ocean that he could breathe through to reach this place. He's decided to explore around the tower before he tries going inside, first. When he comes to the start of the rose maze behind the tower, there's someone else there. It looks like another kid - he's encountered a few more of them at various points in the paths. A lot of them are pretty headstrong, he's discovered.

He still can't help but be concerned, so he pauses a respectable distance away, calling out after a moment. ]

Hello - are you trying to help the faerie queen out too?

[ His tone is encouraging, and he has a smile on his face. ]

Sorry for the delay!

[itsmypower]

[At his unfamiliar voice, the boy (of maybe 5) straightens, glancing back, and there's a rattling, shake of steel before he shifts his face peeking; heavy, ornate-made katana looped through sageo on his left. Wide eyes drift along his freckles first, then—closest memories fogged and blurred—trusting blindly that such a face couldn't possibly mean him harm, he shuffles dithering, anxious steps, his blinking rapid to ward off tears, practically launching himself at a knee from panicked lunge to eager full-on sprint.

Who this isn't matters less, and sageo strings secure his sword, momentum swinging him once he's latched, peeking up and through his fringe to offer shy exclamation—]

Ah!

[He isn't alone.]

Did the faeries send you to find me? [Still beaming, too much pressure applied to hands to read as less than small terror; and still, he doesn't cry, his own version of reassurance rising barely to surface—and here he's smiling to seem too brave, casting his fears off, for two. He almost slips.] I'm— [Fumbling words, fresh tears forming in too-large eyes despite his own reassurance-] Are you lost...? [Because he is, feigning bravery though he himself appears shaken. Heroes smile; All Might smiles. He brightens, desperate.]

I'll protect you, okay?

[As if he's asked- releasing his grip to stumble back, heavy sword's-weight swinging him down, only to pop up grasping hands, on wrists-]

I'm Shoto! [If he'd like to know!]

Mary | Ib | Summer

[ashenrose]

All Hail the Fairy Queen

[Mary liked the beach- being able to feel the sand on her toes, paddling in the 'sea' and beaming with delight as she did so. And what was even more magical was the appearance of the fireflies slowly floating down to dance around the gathered group. So many of them...! She'd seen such things in artwork before, but never like this.]

Oh...! Fireflies! Look, look-

[Just tugging excitedly on the arm of whoever's near her, pointing up at the sky and bouncing lightly on her heels. Look!

Later on, she could be found happily running around trying to coax fireflies into a jar.]

Come on, come over here...!

Nightmares in Nightwake
Warnings: Spoilers

[And then, later on, a different sort of darkness descended upon the world. She wasn't afraid of the cloudy creatures, of course. That dark aura reminded her of the gallery in many ways...the place she'd called home.

Although it would have been easier to spook her by taking the form of flames- her pyrophobia had come out once before- the Nightmares took on a more subtly sinister form now. Out the corner of her eyes, words started appearing on the nearby walls, as if in paint.

"Come back, the gallery's waiting for you."

"You shouldn't be here."

Mary shivered, at once the suffocating feeling of the place started to creep its way into her. The dark fog was creepier when you couldn't see the way out of it. When you couldn't hear anything on the other side. When it descended, slowly, like a dark cloud, and it took the form of ashy, half burned paintings hanging from the nearby trees.

"Poor little painting, you're all alone now."

The words were getting hard to read, even as she tried to scribble that particular one out with crayon. And as she glanced around, it was only getting darker still.]

...Hello? Hello, is anyone else here?! Somebody...!

[There had to be someone else here, right? Anyone?? The girl quickly retrieved her palette knife from her pocket, gripping onto it just in case.]

Grand Feast

[Despite the earlier scare, a couple of days had passed and she had gradually bounced back to her cheerful self- sure, it had left her a bit jumpy, but there were so many people at the feast. That certainly helped her feel better.

...Better, if a little too clingy. She'd be going to pester almost anyone, peppering them with questions about the various foods on offer.]

Hey, what are you eating? Do you know what that dish is? I wanna try it too-

[Please acknowledge her and don't ignore her, please...!

Of course, in all the excitement, she eventually came to the discovery that there was, in fact, such a thing as too much food. Later that evening she could be found crashed out on a nearby sofa.]

Hnnn... I ate way too much...

[OOC: If nothing strikes your fancy, feel free to Wildcard me up! She won't be going into the portals, that sounds dangerous, but anything else is fair game.]

Nightmare

[saint_sami]

I’m here! Where are you?!

[Sasami was scared - mostly because she was new and wasn’t used to such a new world, but there was someone in danger!

She would fight through the fog to try and find Mary.]

Rider (Lancer) | Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel | Winter

[snekeyes]

The Trials of the Tower: Into the Dark

[Whilst Rider Lancer had gone into the tower with her Master, she'd lost sight of him somewhere along the way. She, too, had been turned into a younger version of herself- a wide eyed, shy, Lancer-class Servant, one from before she had been cursed by the Gods.

Now that she was by herself, she grabbed a candle from the first dark room and quietly wandered into the next- cautiously trying to feel her way forward with her free hand.]

...Nn...

[That oppressive feeling was powerful here, making the young girl grimace. She was strong enough to keep putting one foot in front of the other, yes, but it was hard and everything felt so heavy. A glance around revealed no one- nothing- that could have caused this. So why-... A faint anxiety came into her expression, but she tried to steel it all the same.

...Hopefully there would be someone in a bubble who could help guide her.]

The Trials of the Tower: Wishing Stars

[Having escaped the darkness, Lancer had ended up on the wide open floor beneath a huge window. It was a relief, to be able to see the stars, after that time stumbling through the last room...and a small smile came into her face. She couldn't help but think about her sisters, then, imaging looking up at the clear sky together like his.

Stheno... Euryale...

Medusa knew she had a duty in this world. That was why she was called here, after all. But once that was done, she hoped she could rush back to her sisters as soon as possible...!]

...I miss you.

[A mumble she hadn't meant to say out loud. But perhaps something about this place played on the yearnings in her heart.]

Nightmares in Nightwake: Baby Snake

[Unlike some of the others, Lancer did not turn back into her adult self immediately once she returned. And so, a young Servant could be found wandering around- hiding in the library or a cafe reading a book a lot of the time.]

...hello.

[Otherwise, she could be found running around evading nightmares- her own, or other people's- oh, don't mind her jumping in surprise as the book she'd been carrying in her arms became infested with the nightmare energy. It changed form, twisting to that of a dark mage's tome, pulsing with power and magic-

The younger her did not recognise it for what it was right away, but she felt a chill run through her all the same as she quickly shoved it away from her.]

...!

Nightmares in Nightwake: Fighting the Darkness

[Once she'd returned to normal, Rider was quick to set about protecting anyone she knew from the grasps of their nightmares. They could not be defeated by fighting them directly, of course, but she could at least offer her strength to others to help them fight back- It angered her, that others were being taunted by cruel visions like this.

Anyone struggling might find the Servant manifesting nearby, speaking in her usual stoic tone.]

...It's alright. Here.

[Offering a hand for them to take. With her blindfold she couldn't see the illusion bothering them, but she tilted her head toward it all the same, as if daring it to come any closer.]

These illusions are... cruel. But they are not real.

What do you see?

[OOC: If nothing strikes your fancy, feel free to Wildcard me up- just let me know if you'd rather have young Medusa or her normal self if they're outside the portal.]

wishing stars

[roundandaround]

[Rinku tilts her head and smiles down at the little girl. She's pretty sure she can tell who this is, but there are a lot of people here.]

Is that your wish? For people from home?

Sasami Masaki Jurai | Tenchi Muyo! | Winter

[saint_sami]

All Hail The Fairy Queen

[Though Sasami was new here, she couldn't helped but be awed by the idea of the fireflies swarming at the beach. Wide pink eyes watched the gathered fireflies and, grabbing a jar, she'll hunt down someone to join her.]

Hey, you wanna catch some fireflies with me? It looks fun!

Nightmare in Nightwake

Prompt A (CW: child endangerment | visions of death)

[While she wanted to help everyone get the items needed, Sasami wasn't strong enough just yet, so she decided to stay behind. She would be willing to help out her own way with frequent visits with various meals.

Of course, it wouldn't go so easily.

The nightmares that snuck their way into the city would also focus on poor Sasami. Visions of Sasami's friends back home looking down on her, faces contorted in regret or hatred.]

Why are you all doing this?! I... I thought we were okay?!

[The voices would say the same things: faker, liar, cheater. Sasami would be brought to tears before gasping in shock at another horrific sight: her younger body lying on the ground, covered in blood where she fell all those years ago.]

No... No! Stop it! Stop it, please!

[And as Sasami cowers in fear, one of the shadows would approach her, ready to bring its hands around her neck to strangle the life out of her.]

Prompt B

[Or maybe Sasami just fainted from shock and horror seeing all of that. However, there would be another sight there: an older woman who looks remarkably like Sasami protecting the fallen girl from the shadows. She'll look up and take notice of you.]

You. I need your help, please!

Wildcard

(OoC: Wanna do anything else? Maybe even go ahead and go through those portals? Hit me up here with a PM or poke me on Plurk at AshBlaze)

Kagami | OC | OTA

[anenemies]

all hail the fairy queen

[It's only natural Kagami took some time out of his day to butter up the Fairy Queen. He doesn't trust fairies, but he kind of likes their capricious nature as it keeps things so interesting, and he's not going to turn down the chance to network. Afterwards, he stares at the flower necklace in his hands with a look of ambivalence.

When he's not considering the potential consequences of wearing a piece of suspicious fairy jewelry, he is being affected by the fairy dust, twirling a lock of hair and gazing at your character from under his lashes. His voice, normally upbeat, has even more of a musical quality to it.]

Hi~ Are you busy~?

nightmares in nightwake (closed to cr)

Sorry! Are you supposed to be scary? No offense, but I guess I just think you're kind of silly--eek!

[Characters may see Kagami eat his words not long after with an alarmed wail as he regresses...leaving a translucent cat where he was, hissing at the Nightmare. The Nightmare itself separates into multiple humanoid figures armed with weapons, circling around him. Ears pressed back against his head, he hisses.

Or, they might find him hiding in some small alcove, curled up in the shadows and...floating? His own light gives him away, and he wears an old, worn bracelet around one arm that Kagami was always sporting too. How weird!]

wildcard

[Want a custom prompt? Let me know!]

all hail the fairy queen

[rollcharisma]

Hm?

[Armin's just passing by - or, at least, that was his intention. But the greeting - and more so the question - make him stop.]

Sorry. Are you talking to me? [He points at himself, as if it shouldn't be obvious.]

((ooc: CWs in permissions post!))

Bucky Barnes | MCU

[bracchium]

Nightmares - A

[Those in the nearby winter apartments will hear something akin to a brawl. When Bucky woke to the sight of not only his former handlers, but those who he killed standing at the foot of where he sleeps on the floor, his heart jumped into his throat. He has to save those he’s hurt, to undo the damage he’s done, but he’s frozen in place, his fear choking him as his handlers reach down for him, drag him toward a chair that manifests out of nowhere.

No. No, he’s not going back. He’s not——

Bucky swings before he can reach the worn cushion and metal arms and it’s a lamp that meets his wrath rarher than the shadowy figures. He needs a weapon, and he scoops up the remains of the lamp, a piece of ceramic in his hand, and he runs.

If they can’t catch him, they can’t use him to hurt anyone again.]


Nightmares - B

[Anyone in the hallways of the winter section of the apartment complex may find a strange, shaggy-looking man alternately running and ducking into alcoves. In his hand, he clutches a shard of ceramic, ready to strike should anyone get the jump on him.]

A

[americass]

[Steve doesn't dream too often. The times he does dream, normally, they're not pleasant. He's gotten used to running on so few hours of sleep, that if he takes a few short naps throughout the day he can get in the sleep he needs, while preventing himself from dreaming. Dreaming is hardly pleasant for him.

So as he sleeps on Bucky's couch, he's not too deep in a slumber when his ears pick something up. He's just opened his eyes when he hears the telltale sounds of shattering. He's up in an instant, hand reaching for his shield just as Bucky runs into the room.

He positions his shield in front of him, but holds his free hand up in line with Bucky's sight.]

Buck! It's me! It's Steve. I'm here.

Steve Rogers | MCU (Post CA: CW) | Autum | OTA

[americass]

The Trials of the Tower ii

[When faced with the decision of which path to take, Steve only takes a few moments to decide. Autumn is when most plants are dying, when the colors are mostly oranges, yellows, and browns. It feels like ages since he's seen a vibrant red rose. He feels almost drawn to them. He takes his time down the path, smiling when he comes across a particularly large and vibrant flower.

It's when he's been appreciating a group of pinks and purples for a little too long that he feels a chill run up his spine. He straights up and continues on. It's a peaceful path, truly. It's not often he gets peaceful moments like this--at least not before landing here. He smiles to himself but then he hears a sound, and stops.

He turns his slightly, listening carefully. He doesn't hear anything. He continues on.

A few moments later, he feels the chill up his spine again and he straightens his shoulders. Being followed them. It's okay. It's probably someone else through the maze. Some other lost soul, no doubt.

It's not. He knows it's not.

He continues and rounds a corner. He presses against the maze, mindful not to squish the beautiful flowers. He has the shield at his side, ready.

He waits.

Quietly.

A bead of sweat creeps down his temple.

He moves and holds the shield's edge centimeters from the person's face, waiting.]

State your name. Why are you tailing me?

Nightmares in Nightwake i

[Steve doesn't run on much sleep. (Nearly) Always in tip-top form, his body can function on just a few hours of sleep, which is a good thing since his dreams are hardly ever pleasant. He's gotten into the habit of taking just a few short naps throughout the day to get all the sleep he needs. Long enough that he's rested, but short enough that he doesn't fall into a deep enough sleep to invite dreams.

He doesn't always fight against dreaming, sometimes he's too tired and just lets them happen. Other times, he's had just a good enough day that he doesn't mind having to fight off a few nightmares.

Tonight...it feels like he's welcomed in something sinister.

He sees the soldiers he lost in the war, their hands reaching out to him, their voices pleas for help. He looks at their faces and all he can see is black smoke. In his minds eye he can make out their faces in agony.

He reaches for one, pulls them will all his might, and ends up on his back, their hand on his throat. He fights back, reaching behind him and throwing the pillow at the figure.

He sits up and sees the black smoke creep up from his pillow, now on the floor, halfway across his room. He inhales deeply, hands coming to his throat, wincing at the soreness there. The smoke reaches high and before his eyes he sees his mother, reaching out to him.]

Ma...

[He can smell the booze. His ears ring as his father, standing in front of him yells at him. Steve's mother stands beside his father, her voice shrill as she yells at him for being so sickly, for needing so much care, for causing their family to starve.

Steve's throat is dry. He struggles to swallow.

His father rushes him and Steve barely has enough time to jump out of the bed and make his way to the door. His mother grabs at him and he can feel her nails scrape his arm before he breaks free and runs into the living room.]

Tower!

[tadpoled]

[Tav doesn't mean to trail the group on the autumn path. Without comrades of his own to work with, he finds himself at a loss. However, he lives in Autumn and he wants to try and help in some way, even if it's not in a 'keep the world from ending' manner.

Yet, he's still managed to fuck it up, because one of the members of the group turns sharply to where Tav's at least ten feet behind, in full gear and weapons out. Great first impression. He does seem to constantly have this effect on people.

Holding his hands up in defense, Tav makes sure to look as least threatening as possible.]

Tav, from Baldur's Gate. Just trying to help. Chose my path a little too late. I thought my usual companions would be here, so I waited for them.

[Tav supposes he looks threatening even without any weapons raised. His mismatched eyes-- one milky white-- and the eternal grimace on his face don't help.]

Alhaitham | Genshin Impact | OTA

[rudementary]

All Hail the Fairy Queen Part 1

[ Really, Alhaitham should just stop leaving the house period. ]

[ An outing for lunch had quickly turned into... something else. A need for a shower, perhaps, given the excessive amount of fairy dust on his head and shoulders. Even after shaking out his hair and clothes, there was a certain sparkle to the man now that wasn't normally there. And an beat in his step that definitely isn't ever there. ]

[ He hadn't gotten much more than a glimpse of the culprits, excited and seemingly harmless fairies that fluttered away as quickly as they came, but their cheerfulness was infectious. That could be the only explanation for why Alhaitham, in his glitter-dusted glory, was continuing on his way to lunch and inviting people comes across out with him. ]

Care to join me for lunch?

Wildcard

[ I'm open to other prompts with Alhaitham, if you'd like, you can hit me up in his plotting thread here! ]

All-Hail-tham

[essenceborn]

[ TOUGH FOR HIM THEN that he runs into the one person who just accepts his uplifted demeanour without even bothering to question it. He invites them for lunch, and Nenonen is only too happy to accept. ]

Oh. Yes, please. What is for lunch?

Cho Hakkai | Saiyuki (Deer Country AU) | Spring

[knowsvinewhip]

Nightmares in Nightwake
🌿 - STALKING
[Aside from the chill n the air, the general unease about, nothing seems to be amiss tonight. Enough so that Hakkai stays late at the library today, to finish his reading, browsing. Everything he can get his hands on, really. Maybe there was a way to bridge a gap, here - magic was different, portals worked on some other level here. So maybe, there was a way to return...]

[He's preoccupied with these thoughts as he walks the streets of the city. Heading back to his little shoebox of an apartment. Back to somewhere he can shut himself in and continue reading... So preoccupied, he does not notice the shadow sliding around the alleys behind him.]

[Though, if someone stops him, he'll offer his usual pleasant smile, and greeting, apparently oblivious to anything wrong.] Ah, good evening.


🌿 - CONFRONTING
[It's raining, the next night.]

[Of course it's raining. Raining, and he's confronted on this isolated street. He'd come out to throw the trash away, hadn't even bothered to grab an umbrella. He would be in and out, nothing to it. Except...]

[Except there's a shadow leering at him from across the road. A shadow with mismatched eyes. Long claws. Wickedly pointed ears.]

[Not even in Trench had Hakkai been confronted with... this. Something like this. It isn't a Beast. No Beast was ever this mirrored. They were always something else. Something more, and yourself. Not staring separate in the pouring rain. He's staring, dumbstruck. His hands shift slightly, one almost reaching to his ear before it's forced down.]

[And that little motion is all it takes for the shadow to rush forward, its leer splitting into a snarl full of fangs.]


🌿 - PARTYING (?)
[Well, needless to say, by the time everything settles, Hakkai is... not in a party mood. He attends the Feast out of obligation, rather than any real desire to socialize. Socializing is the last thing he wants to do, after that shadow incident - one of the last things, anyway.]

[He's there, but he keeps to himself, plastering a smile on in sheer reflex. But his conversations will remain surface level. Pleasantries. Ah yes, the weather, very nice, no, no need to talk about the shadows or anything like that, hahah.]

[Hah.]

Dan Heng | Honkai: Star Rail | Spring (ota)

[skypiercing]

All Hail the Fairy Queen
[With all the fairies fluttering around the city, it's certainly changed the atmosphere a bit. While he might not be the most outgoing of people, Dan Heng finds the cheerful mood somewhat infectious, in truth.

Though the copious amounts of fairy dust he's been showered with is certainly helping that. It seems like his introverted nature only made the fairies try harder, much to his misfortune.

Though he can't quite find it in himself to be mad right now. If anything,
He's rather sociable.

Maybe he can be found in the library, pouring over a variety of books: texts on flora and fauna, especially those here in Ellipsa, and deigns to ask for recommendations from anyone nearby. Maybe he can be found eyeballing a cafe afterwards, before--

He reaches out to grab the hand of someone who likewise looks like they might be looking for a meal, just like that.] Would you like to join me for lunch? I could use the company.

[And he's smiling, just slightly.]

Trials of the tower - Maze
[Dan Heng decides to explore the maze, not out of any particular assumption that it's safer, but awareness that if they encounter enemies, his spear is more useful in a maze of plants than in a cramped stone tower.

Even so, it had certainly started out feeling safe, at least at first. But as he ventures deeper into the maze, it feels a little too peaceful.

It feels like a trap.]

Something feels wrong... Be on your guard.

Nightmares
[While he'd avoided the worst of things in the other dimension, once Dan Heng returns to nightwake it's an entirely different story.

Because of course his luck wouldn't hold out, he runs straight into one of the wandering nightmares. Some might find it odd that Dan Heng's nightmare seems to be himself, or what looks to be such: While Dan Heng has been turned into a child, the nightmare is an adult with an uncanny resemblance to him.

He does the only thing he can, being a small child: He runs. The shadow pursues him, however.

Help?]

fairy queen

[kerontribution]

[What a good day to see Dan Heng in a good mood! Oryou squeezes his hand.]

Oryou would love to have lunch with you. What do you like to eat?