So Familiar a Gleam: Start

[voidtreckermods]

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JINNJAR CITY

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"Welcome to Jinnjar City! A city famed as the central power of all of Diagad, and where the magic happens. It has a big history: the birthplace of the first Heroes Association that led to the creation of the Interstellar Justice Alliance, the protectors of the universe. Compared to other places, Diagad's what many people call a superheroes world, but that isn't true. A lot of us don't have the crazy powers that some of the popular folks have! And people like me? We don't care about saving the world! I'm just trying to make it through school, hang out with friends. Live my life!

People tell thousands of stories about us though, and that I can be proud of. When other planets call for help, it's us that comes running to their aid. Our heroes put their lives on the line for anyone who needs a hand, and sure, I don't count myself one of them... but I want to share their story anyway.

Well, I don't need to be telling you about this city, do I? You're a part of it! Always have been, just like me. So I should talk about some funny stuff that's been going on lately instead…”

---

A TL;DR notes version of days/prompts: (click to show)

EVENT BASICS: Un-apped AU characters were taken 1 week before the event from their own worlds, their minds altered to believe they were always from Jinnjar, Diagad. They have a superpower because of this and a new life either living alone or with family (other NPCs or PCs). Go to the OOC post for more info.

DAYS ONE-TWO:

• Strange streams of colour in the sky have appeared, and looking at them for too long causes strange headaches. At this point you’re not sure what they’re about, but you can investigate them. However, trying to get right close to them is impossible. You will never get high enough. Regardless, let us know if characters will be investigating anything!
  
  
• Voidtreckers arrive, be on the lookout. People are excited about finding these infamous criminals, and may be bothering those wearing peculiar watches, or the colours of Blue, Red, Purple, or Orange. You might be one of them: the bothered, or botheree. Many games or movie criminals are some adaptation of these Voidtreckers. A lot of people are worried they’re behind the phoenonem in the sky.
  
  
• Nevertheless, people will still have their own lives to deal with, regardless of worrying events. Play around with what job your character has, if they’re in school, what work they do; if they’re drawn to a night life or just hanging around wherever they like. Characters not used to technology in-canon may find themselves having trouble with this world (despite believing they’ve always lived here).
  
  
• Some of the Voidtreckers who are most resistant to illusions and mind control will be breaking out by the end of the first day. They will have to lay low and plot in secret, figure out how to make contact with others. The SCA comms do not work.
  
  
• Other Voidtreckers might begin having dreams about their past by day 2-3.

DAYS THREE-FOUR:

• Those who have been brought to the world begin to dream of their real and past lives, if just in very small and confusing snippets. Some of those dreams may bleed into reality, and people may start to recognise absolute strangers, but don't quite always know why. This is stronger for Voidtreckers than 4th wallers.
  
  
• Random electronics seem to be glitching in odd ways, particularly the training centres, which lock people in together, even random strangers. Mostly it's harmless and more of a pain. People also swear they think they see the tops of buildings 'glitching' or colouring out. People have been speaking about pets going missing on walks, though the zoos and such are mostly fine, save for some of the higher up bird sanctuaries.
  
  
• More of the Voidtreckers and some of the more resilient guests will begin realising the reality of the place they find themselves in. That this is not their own world at all.
  
  
• The propaganda of the city starts to escalate, warnings about the dangerous voidtreckers and reminding people of how great the city is.

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DAYS ONE & TWO: SLICES OF LIFE

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"This is an emergency broadcast to everyone in Jinnjar City. At 08:00 today, a breach into the city was attempted by the invading force known as the Voidtreckers, who have tried countless times before to take over Diagad for themselves. While it's believed the group was resisted, citizen are advised to watch out for anyone acting suspiciously in the city, and to watch out for this emblem. Please call the D-F-O-R-C-E hotline if you see anyone you suspect of being an intruder! Remember to keep low altitudes while we deal with the phenomenon above."

[ RAINBOW SKIES. ] "Everyone's been speculating about what's been going on up above. About a week ago, these long streams of twisting colours suddenly spread through the purple skies of Diagad, rainbow colours inking the clouds. They've been growing out, like merging with the sky itself, and news broadcasts have been telling people not to worry. But what even are they? They say that looking at them for too long causes headaches, while some swear up and down they've seen things in them! I've heard a couple of friends talking about investigating them, but I dunno..."

▷ Twisting streams of colour are becoming exposed in the sky, and indeed, those who look too long high up will find themselves receiving headaches and dizziness. They’ll fade once you look away, but those who do decide to investigate by getting close will experience a tug, as if something yearns to take them somewhere. There will be patrolling Heroes - this world's equivalent of police - keeping an eye on things. Maybe your character is one of them, or posing as one. Maybe your character wants to learn more about what these are. Regardless, they won’t be able to get significantly close to the streams no matter how high they aim.

[ THE VOIDTRECKERS. ] "Gossip is HOT about these Voidtreckers. I remember seeing a movie about them once, based on something that happened years ago. They tried hacking their way into taking over a dyson sphere being built - like a giant structure around a star. There's other stories about them too, but are they really the ones behind this? Who are we even meant to be on the lookout for? I don't know... I'm kinda spooked. But do they seriously ride around in a flying train?"

▷ You've heard about the Voidtreckers, whether you remember stories about them or not. Are you bothered about them? The news broadcasts say they got rid of them - then why are they asking people to look out? And what are you supposed to look out for? On top of the emblem, there's chatter going on about watching out for people wearing strange devices on their wrists, and wearing colours of Blue, Red, Purple, and Orange.

Will you defend your city from these mysterious foes? Be smart about it, or rash? Or maybe you're interested to know more for your own deeds… whether or not they’re the Voidtreckers of tale, they may have resources for furthering your own goals.

[ LIVING YOUR LIFE. ] “But nevermind all that! Life’s about having fun and hanging out with your friends too. I work part time, but I’ve got plans after my shift’s done! Doing some shopping, going to see a movie. I can’t stress out about the funny stuff going on. And I heard the new waiter in my favourite cafe is suuuper cute!”

▷ Despite the few anomalies going on, you still have a life part of Jinnjar City. You have a job filled with devices that you’ve been surrounded by all your life, or certainly longer than a week or, so you know how to work a coffee machine, right? You know how to drive an air taxi!

And where would you take one to? To anywhere: to the gym, one of the training centres, a spa, to the movies - normal things that everyone around the city have always been around. Meet up with some friends for fruit smoothies, or watch one of the shadow displays held by the Georgi’s Gang around every street, putting on shows to mesmerise and delight the kids.

Or how about buying your groceries to take back to your apartment or house? You know what all these fruits are! Right? Right?

… … maybe it’s produce from another planet.

DAYS THREE & FOUR: JUST ANOTHER NORMAL DAY

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[ DREAMS. ] “Dreams are just dreams, but a lot of people have been talking about them. Like, really being disturbed by them? Not in a creepy ohhh a monster’s coming for me! way, but like, they say they see worlds they swear they’ve been to before. Or see people? I wouldn’t really think about it except, there’s this guy… not like a super cute guy, but someone I think I knew…”

▷ Talk about dreams have been popular lately, though not everyone has them - or, not right away. Sometimes people may be at work, in school, doing nothing in particular when a name (important to their real self) appears in their mind, a flash of scenery. Coming as quickly as it goes. They don’t know what it means, if it isn’t just a symptom of the latest weird gossip influencing them.

But it sticks with you, something you can’t completely dismiss. But surely it’s nothing - right?

[ ANOMALIES. ] ”Just what we need! My friend’s dog’s gotten lost! She was taking him for a walk, and then she just says he went running ahead, and poof! Disappeared! Maybe he saw a cat? He’s always been a lazy chubby thing, but even dogs can’t help themselves, I guess…”

▷ The colours in the sky seem brighter today, closer...but it’s difficult to say for some, unless you’re actively studying them. Sometimes when you look above, you might catch - if just for a second - the tops of roofs glitching out, corners or streaks erased, colours meshing with the walls. You think it might be the light or your eyes, as it never lasts long, and even standing around waiting to see it happen again won’t give you what you want.

You may have other things to worry about than tricks of the light. Animals have simply been...disappearing, and always the ones owned, or particularly birds that fly around freely. People will ask you for help, and it’s weird they need to. Most owners have a tracker chip and app, and either apps show a blank map, or show them just standing in place...a place that when you get there, is nothing, no one.

[ TRAINING CENTRE. ]
“Really though, other than the weird sky business and how jumpy the news has made everyone about the Voidtreckers, the only odd thing that’s been up is some weird stuff happening at the training gyms. Even I saw it! I was just doing my warm-ups for the day when the field I set it to, the sky...these shapes suddenly appeared, dark and looming. It seriously creeped me out. But it’s just a glitch, right?”

▷ Young or old, the training centres around the central district are a popular spot for everyone to give their powers a safe space to be unleashed. While there’s basic simulations that’s free for everyone to use, people can be personal trainers, or even run group sessions in the bigger rooms.

Sessions aren’t always linked, since getting private training is allowed. However, lately, people keep getting jumped into other’s sessions, and can’t get out until they finish the routine. Sometimes they’re simple, where you need to destroy building block-esque cubes, or superspeed through courses twenty times. But then there’s also story modes, such as…

Castle Defence: Help protect the castle of Erna from the tricky Voidtreckers! They’re trying to storm the castle, and the world needs your power to help keep them away. Difficulty is based on the amount of people present, and speed of the individual. Do you turn things green? Then turning a Voidtrecker green will make them pop! Good job!

Kama Aid: Floating spheres have been lured inside a giant 3-tiered labyrinth ball. You must help the spheres - come in optional people-shaped or even cute animals - be released back outside where the air is fresh. Use telekinesis to tilt the tiers like a ball tilting game, or use super-strength to destroy the different tiers!

Dia Mysteries: A theft, vandalism, maybe even a murder. The crime scene is locked down, and something is afoot. Use your telepathy to gain information from the suspects, sneak into a secure area under invisibility... the solution is yours to find in this investigative simulation.

[ A PSA or Six. ] ”Stay vigilant citizens of Diagad. Please report any suspicious behavior to the DFORCE force.”

Announcements blare from speakers on public transport. Adverts pop up as they scroll through Diagnet. All remind citizens to be on their guard, report strange or disturbing behaviour and keep a look out for any of the symbols or colours of the Voidtreckers.

"Heroes don't keep secrets! If you have suspicions about any dangerous people in our midst, let your local DFORCE force know. Speak the Truth. Save the World."

▷ Billboards are plastered with bold posters reminding citizens to keep an eye out for the Voidtreckers or anyone who they might have tried to sway to their side. For those beginning to glimpse that this city might not be what they once had thought, this could be dangerous especially if their families and friends believe the city truly is under threat.

---

credits: text box - city banner - city side - coloured sky by benjamin0000

Comments

Silvia Leafe • Yu-Gi-Oh! AU/OC [Team Orange] • OTA

[storms_eye]

I. Home away from home

At the bookstore, Silvia found herself unable to keep herself from pulling her own works off the shelf to peruse them with a satisfied smile. Sure, she had known that she had finally made it when contracts were signed and she acquired an agent but it was different to finally be able to feel the book in her hand and run her fingers over the spines.

One by one she delicately returned them to their place on the display, smile not leaving her lips as she gazed on them with such pride. The publisher had insisted on including a picture of her on the dust jackets but it was small and hidden on the inside. Someone would have to crack it open to the back cover to see it so she should be in no danger of being recognized.

II. Another curtain rises

Unconcerned about the potential threats of these nefarious Voidtreckers, Silvia decided to swing by the theater to see what was playing. As her eyes canned the marquee she debated which of the selections she should try conning her girlfriend into seeing with her. The enthusiasm ebbed slightly when she noticed the latest entry for another Apocalyptic title.

"Maybe... I can convince Bakura to watch something from a different genre this time." Said while debating and biting her lip.

It was so hard to suggest anything else when she knew just how much the other enjoyed such things. Watching others in despair was more like watching a comedy for her significant other. How many of these movies had Silvia endured?

"Oh well- there's always popcorn.."

Eventually, these sorts of movies would have to fall out of favor and then they could finally see something else because seeing Bakura happy was all that mattered.

1

[stepintoyourpower]

There was something about books that was rather calming. Being able to live in a fantasy world and use one imagination at times. The writers were always so creative in the young woman's mind as her fingers gently traced the bindings as she was looking for a particular book.

"There is just so many books to choose from. How do you decide what you want to read?"

[storms_eye]

"It really can be daunting," Silvia answered casually, pleased to engage with a literary enthusiast. "I suppose it all depends on what you're in the mood for at the time, though sometimes- admittedly- if I see an interesting cover I'll go with that." Even knowing that you can't always judge a book by it's marketing, sometimes you could still hit pay dirt!

"What sort of stories do you gravitate to?" Resisting the urge to shove her own book off on the stranger immediately. It might not be the right choice for her.

[stepintoyourpower]

"I guess the stories I enjoy are fantasy style. People who go on adventures, though if the characters are interesting enough I can read most anything." She didn't know why she liked that certain style it was just interesting.

"If going with nonfiction, history is always a good choice"

[storms_eye]

Just as Silvia's fingers slipped off the tome she had replaced, she reached back up to grab it. Her series just happened to be in that genre, and it was conveniently right before her. She was a bit nervous to suggest it, but this conversation would likely be well behind them both before her identity was realized.

"I think this one is pretty entertaining myself." Trying not to lay it on too thick as she handed it over. The cover art pictured an ethereal looking glade with a majestic unicorn on it. "It's fiction, and fantasy."

"You're into history too?" What were the odds. Though that pinged something deep inside her, Silvia couldn't quite understand why.

[stepintoyourpower]

When she saw the other give her a book to try she looked at the cover. She knew to not judge by said cover, but she couldn't help but think it was a beautiful one regardless.

Soon she turned the book over to look at the back, the blurb never gave too much away, but enough to at least get an idea.

"i think I might at least give this a try and see how it goes. As for history, yes. I find it's quite interesting. Do you like history?"

[storms_eye]

Silvia was a sucker for beautiful or intriguing covers herself, so it made sense to wrap her own editions in imagery she would also appreciate. She held her breath as the book was turned over to the other side, but exhaled when that's all that happened.

The description left out most of the details but there was enough to know that it was about how a town falls under a terrible hex, and how the protag has to go on a perilous journey to try and find a way to repeal the curse before it's too late. There are also vague mentions of a few of the trials to be faced.

“Yeah, if a book doesn't manage to hook you by the first or second chapter, there's no need to push it unless you are just curious about it.” Accepting the fair decision. “... Yes.” After a moment's hesitation Silvia answered then she tried to rationalize it in her own mind. “There's a lot you can learn from history- and I think having a better understanding of it helps someone craft more engaging stories.”

I

[chocobosnap]

"Hey there." Prompto greeted the young woman in the bookstore.

"Do you, uh, work here? I could use a recommendation. Not for me! Not for me! I mean that's the kind of thing I could figure out for myself right? Ha. I mean, I know what I like, but there's a friend of mine, you see, real good friend and I want to get him something to read. I think he reads stuff. I just don't know what to get him so that's uh, where you come in?"

Unless of course, she didn't work there, and he was rambling like a disaster.

[storms_eye]

"Oh, hey?" Silvia answered a little nervously not having expected to be approached by anyone.

Oops, during the course of her shuffling through titles and replacing them on the shelf he must have assumed she was putting up stock. The mistake was an easy one to make. Raising her hands defensively, one book still held in the left she waved them back and forth as she tried to explain, "Not really?" A beat. "I mean, not at all. I know how it must have looked but- I just... you see.. sometimes I.." Joining him in becoming a rambling mess it was likely hard to follow either of them.

"So this friend of yours, what sort of books does he like, do you think?" Employee or not she would still try to guide him in the right direction.

[chocobosnap]

Prompto was so glad that he found someone who knew what they were doing!

"Okay, well, I'm not too sure? Like, I know he likes some really awful horror movies. Do they make awful horror books? Or like, video games, he likes those too." He gushed.

[storms_eye]

"Yes, actually. There's a whole section of books dedicated to horror." Amused by his enthusiasm. "We're at least narrowing down the possibilities."

"Do you think he would prefer the hands on action of a video game...? But.. I think this store only sells used games, books are their main product.."

"This guy sounds really important to you, is it a special occasion?"

[chocobosnap]

"Yeah, I think that's what he likes." Prompto said sheepishly with a light chuckle.

"So a book." Prompto agreed. At the question though, he blushed. "Ah! No! I don't think so? I just thought he could use something to distract him, from all this weirdness."

Prompto was the kind of person who liked to see people happy.

[storms_eye]

Hopefully the guy was right about the preferences since as of yet she didn't know who the recipient was so she was unable to offer more suggestions. Speaking of which, “Do you mind if I ask who it's for?”

The reply came so quickly that it inspired suspicion, that coupled with the fresh infusion of color on his cheeks. “.. Oh, you mean the announcement? Or.. something else?” Silvia's expression tightened at the mention, unease evident. “Do you think there's a reason to be concerned?” As of yet, she hadn't run into anything nefarious and she was hoping it would remain that way.

In that they were similar. It's why Silvia hadn't complained about the myriad of terrariums at home, or some of Bakura's other eccentricities. Granted she did like animals but it felt a little odd being so outnumbered by the scaly house guests.

I

[nell_of_soulwood]

"Is that a good one?" Nell asked. "I'm looking for a new good book to read."

She loved to disappear into a good book once she got home.

[storms_eye]

"What this?!" Startling a bit at the question, then Silvia laughed nervously and held it out to the other. "I think it's pretty good, yeah.. but everyone's mileage varies."

That was something the pair of them had in common, unless that was meant literally.

[nell_of_soulwood]

It was not meant literally, but wouldn't that be something if they could? Nell would probably sign up for it!

Nell looked at the back, reading what it was about and smiled. "Oh, I think this will be just what I was looking for!"

[storms_eye]

Silvia would too! Just imagine all the worlds you could visit and experiences you could have! One moment you could be soaring through the air on a steam-powered airship, and in another you could be riding across a meadow on a griffon, or anything!

At that exclamation Silvia's eyes lit up. There was something satisfying about hooking another potential reader. “I'm so glad! If you do end up liking it, you'll have to let me know.... you know... if we run into each other again and everything.” Did she just make this weird?

[nell_of_soulwood]

"Oh sure," Nell said easily. "I come here a lot to find books, so hopefully we'll run into each other again!"

She adored her books, almost feeling as if there'd been a time when she hadn't been allowed books - as if her father would ever have done that!

[storms_eye]

"So do I!" Pleased to have hit upon common ground. "Hey, just to be fair- maybe you could recommend one for me to try too?" Then they could both compare notes on volumes they already knew they enjoyed.

All the more reason to devour as many tomes as she could now. Really, who would deny someone the pleasure of reading?

ii

[blitzcheer]

"Ugh. Hey, you seen that movie? It a downer?"

Someone already sounds less than enthused by the selection on display; Tidus didn't check on what movies were playing before coming, but now he's regretting that choice with the mood most of the imagery paints.

It might not be too bad though, so to the young woman who happens to be near him, Tidus speaks up to. Glancing at her, then back to the display. Though, his gaze does linger for a second. Has he seen her before? Seems like someone he's just...seen around.

Eh, maybe at college.

[storms_eye]

"Not this one, but plenty like it. I bet I know just what'll happen in it without even watching."

Realizing just how negative that sounded she felt moderately guilty, but he did ask! Better to warn him off of this one if he, like her, wanted to see something a little more upbeat.

Under that prolonged gaze she feels even more sheepish. Maybe she hadn't spoken up a tad to quickly or said the wrong thing. There's no way that he recalled seeing her picture from a jacket cover of one of her books or anything. He looked more like the outdoorsy, athletic type- not that it didn't mean he couldn't do both!

"I think there are a few other selections playing, you might like one of those better but I think I will get roped into seeing this one."

[blitzcheer]

Hmm, maybe they were having the same kind of idea of what'll happen in the flick. An ad told a thousand words - or tried to - and this one wasn't selling him on a good use of his time.

But what the young woman continued to say made him curious, though he thinks he gets it with a nod of his head.

"Your date into those types of movies? Or you waiting for some friends?" And then he says, not wanting to give a bad impression (as a guy talking to a lonesome gal), "I came to waste a few hours."

And what wastes them quicker than a movie?

[storms_eye]

They did seem to be on the same wavelength in their assessment of the advertising. Some posters really did give it all away by invoking the atmosphere that would be present in the film through theming and color.

The funny part was that it had never crossed her mind that the blond could have been trying to pick her up. As her girlfriend could attest to were she present, Silvia was generally oblivious to such things. It was a wonder that their relationship had progressed to the stage it had but for as clueless as Silvia was on romance, Bakura was more flirtatious and overt with her intentions. It had simply been impossible to not see the interest that existed.

Since it was brought up, Silvia briefly considered his motivations in talking to her but he diffused it quickly. “My girlfriend is, yes.” Deciding better of saying just how much Bakura enjoyed watching other's suffering even if it was fictional in this case. Looking at the time, Silvia frowned slightly. “I actually don't think she's going to make it today.” .. but then she perked up. “So no apocalypse for me.” Finishing the line out with a giggle.

“If you don't mind a tagalong I wouldn't mind checking out what else is here with you.”

[blitzcheer]

"No? She running late?" That gets a sympathetic frown from him, and though he wonders if she wouldn't be more sure about a late date, Tidus doesn't think about it too deeply; examining instead the other displayed movies.

And behold:

"How about that?" Tidus gestures over to an advertisement that's the equivalent of Air Bud In Space. It has a dog in sports clothes, and other species of people around it, ready to take that dog on. It's so goofy looking, and he's loving it.

"That's a good movie to watch and tell your girl all about to make her regret not showing," he jests, arms folding. Like Silvia's girlfriend was going to detest hearing about the bestest boy playing professional ball.

[storms_eye]

"I'm guessing something else came up." Trying not to look too embarrassed when she thought she picked up on sympathy from the other party. It wasn't too uncommon really, given her girlfriend's line of work. As long as she was okay and avoiding being apprehended it was fine, and they could talk about it later at home.

Silvia smiled easily at the silly poster. "It looks perfect, and you know what.. the tickets and snacks can be on me." She loved animals anyway, and though it was evident this movie has 0 basis in reality it should be fun.

To that she visibly stumbled forward but caught herself. The revenge game wasn't really her thing, and she doubted Bakura would mind missing out on this space movie but.. the sentiment was sweet in it's way. She had missed that the real punishment would have been in relating the movie from beginning to end to her girlfriend simply because it wouldn't have been her thing.

"Ha ha ha... right, I can do that." but I won't. "So what kind of snacks are you in the mood for?"