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…”

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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.

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

Comments

Aerith Gainsborough ❖ Final Fantasy 7 (1997) CRAU ❖ 4th Wall ❖ OTA

[fallen_cetra]

I. Dreams of Lavender and Chamomile

When you can't seem to get your superpower to work properly (not very helpful, is it? It's no good at all! she'd laughed about it once), you either train harder or you find something else to do in a city of heroes. Well, it wasn't as if her power was totally useless, but there was only so many times she could try punching something without feeling a little silly. It just wasn't fun without someone else. So instead she busied herself with her day job, the flowers in the shop always seemed more comfortable than surrounding herself with people, but what really made it worth while was the smiles on the customer's faces.

So she'd flit around the shop, making sure each spray of blossoms and bundles of greens were well-tended as she hummed and chattered cheerfully to them, whiling away the hours until she could clock out and hit the gym for one more try. After all, just because she wasn't any good at the whole punch-things-until-they-popped business didn't mean she was a quitter. Besides, sometimes she got to grab a prop and throw it at the target, and even if she wasn't the best, she could still have a little fun.

II. Whispers of Amaranth and Jasmine

She'd been fine! Why wouldn't she be fine, honestly? But someone had said something about the clouds and she'd nearly stumbled. Her basket tumbled from numb fingers as she stared up, squinting at the sky—there was fire and ash and the plate was falling—and it was clear, vivid blue, or was it? A flicker at the edge of her vision, her head turning just enough and she could have sworn the person passing her was all in black leathers with pale hair and a whisper of eye-searing flames, and yet she blinked and it was gone. Just someone passing by the shop. Like any other day.

With trembling fingers she stooped to gather up the fallen blossoms to put out in the
display tubs, but she's shaking all over and it's hard to focus. What's the matter, my dear? The voice as her jolt, and she's flinching and glancing over her shoulder, eyes scanning the street outside the shop but there's no one. Why would she expect someone? It's the middle of the day, people are working or at school, why would they...come...

The smell of the camellias suddenly makes her want to vomit and she doesn't know why, and when she rubs her arms to chase away the chills and the tremors she could have sworn she saw scars like little starbursts littering her freckled arms. Aerith can feel her head go funny and she has to find somewhere else to be right now, immediately.

Suddenly this shop doesn't feel safe anymore, like a cage, and she has to fight the urge to bolt out of the shop and off down an alley as if she's being chased.

She wasn't being chased, that'd be ridiculous...wouldn't it?

III. Mint and Marigolds

Try as she might everything felt wrong. Like any moment she was going to shrug right out of her skin. So she found herself trying desperately to distract herself. Tending the plants in her apartment helped a little, blending herbal teas almost scratched the itch, but something about the cherry blossoms in one of the parks had sent her running in what was almost a panic and she couldn't make heads or tails of it. So when that didn't work, she grabbed her keys and made for the gym.

Maybe whacking the heck out of some training exercises might help settle her nerves.

Or maybe she was going to stop lying to herself because nothing felt right and it was leaving her more anxious than she had any right to be. Maybe someone else might know what was going on, because honestly? This whole business sucked and that wasn't even starting to count the drama with whoever those Voidtrekkers might be.

IV. Wildcard

Need a misplaced flower girl? Need a partner in crime? Just need someone for hijinks? Then Aerith is more than likely the girl you need! She can be found wherever there's greenery growing, drawn to it like a magnet, or perhaps you'll find her trying (and failing for the most part), to practice her martial arts and get her new super strength under control.

The last one's a bit iffy. She's trying, bless her, but this one's not exactly built to punch things like she thinks she should...

III

[redmeguca]

You've noticed it too, haven't you?

[On her way to the gym, a girl in a red dress steps out of the shadows. Or did she? It's hard to tell if she did or if she just stepped out of a wall that isn't there anymore. Further complicating matters is the fact that her face is a blur, details impossible to make out.]

That things here don't feel right. That things don't quite line up. I have the answers if you're interested in knowing the truth of this world.

[fallen_cetra]

What do you mean?

[Funny, she sounds far more calm that she feels; flickers of fireworks and dizzying lights of a club, memories of a red dress that looks nothing like the one the other girl is wearing. She looks about Yuffie's age—

But who was Yuffie?

Her fingers grip her keys tighter, the sense of unease only growing as she could feel the way her gaze slid off their surroundings when they kept changing, how no matter she tried she couldn't make out the girl's face.

Something's going on and I don't like it.

Was she one of those voidtrekkers? Did it matter? Glancing around to be sure no one would notice them, she kept her tone as casual as she could while everything seemed to be rippling at the edges. Was it safe to admit to her own doubts and worries?]

What's going on?

[redmeguca]

Follow me and I'll explain.

[Should Aerith follow her, she'll be lead into an alleyway. Looking behind her, the path will be blocked by a wall again. From the outside, there's no sign this little alley exists.]

This world is an illusion. A trap for the Voidtreckers by a being that can manipulate memories and the senses. Thankfully I'm an illusionist myself, so this sort of thing is right up my alley, if you'll excuse the pun.

[fallen_cetra]

[Aerith follows her in a heartbeat, slipping into the shadows with a practiced ease that seemed at odds with her demeanor or her job. Casting the wall a suspicious glance, she hurried after the younger girl on silent steps. Yet something about this revelation almost had her stumbling.

The fae brought us her, but nobody knows why—

Hey, be careful about what you eat, you never know what kind of enchantments are on the food—

It was like someone had taken a mirror and thrown it on the floor, shattering it to expose the wooden frame behind the glass, but it was too well made for the pieces to fall out just yet. Her head started to ache with the effort of trying to sift through the proverbial pieces.]

No, no, that was a pretty good one.

[She sounds distracted, and for a moment, she could almost feel something...]

So if the whole world is an illusion, what do we do? I have to help the others.

[What others? Aerith could almost see their faces, their names were on the tip of her tongue, they'd been in trouble, she was sure of it!

..or had it been her that had needed saving, again?

Wait, again? Now her head really hurt!]

[redmeguca]

Thing is, it's an illusion that's falling apart. It's too big to maintain, and t's falling apart at the seams. People are remembering the truth, incidental parts vanish now and then, and the Void is visible in the sky. All it needs to fall apart entirely is one good push.

Only problem is that it's not time for that yet. There aren't enough awakened yet, so it has to wait a bit longer. A day or two more should probably do it. Right now all you need to do is be ready, but be subtle. I'll let you know when to act.

II

[bestbrotherever]

[Something about the flower shop gets Loki's attention, but he's not sure what. He's officially off the clock, but he's always patrolling, even when wandering the city. Especially with the threat of these Voidtreckers.

[So when he enters the shop, he immediately sees the proprietor's subtle signs of distress and hurries over to her.]

Ah, are you all right? Not falling ill, I hope?

*gently reaches for!!*

[fallen_cetra]

N-no, I think I'll be alright, I don't know what came over me, Loki. Thanks for asking, though.

[She'd been brushing her hair out of her face to try and pull herself together, sounding harried, but froze when she realized she's said someone's name. Yet when she glanced up, she froze again as whole world seemed to ripple around her.

Those clothes weren't right, his suit was different, but she didn't know him. She couldn't have.

Yet she knew how it would have felt if he'd touched her shoulder or elbow. She was certain of it. Which couldn't have been possible at all.]

proper hugs once they're both restored

[bestbrotherever]

[A huge wave of relief washes over Loki when he hears her voice, even before she says she's all right. Completely out of proportion with the worry he felt for her minor weakness shown.]

I am glad to hear that, Aerith. [The words slip out of his mouth before he realizes, including her name. And she knew his name. This made no sense, but...]

Do you... have the feeling that we have met before?

i; a mix of the two options (pre-starting training session), hope this works!

[blitzcheer]

"Heyy, miss flower lady. Doing a training sess?"

Tidus's experience with the flower shop is little to none, but Aerith is a familiar face all the same around and outside the store on Tidus's walks between wherever he has to go. Familiar enough that he feels fine with saying hi, an idea in mind with the training rooms ahead of them to be picked.

Well, depending on how Miss Flower Lady herself feels about it.

Looks perfectly fine to me!

[fallen_cetra]

"I sure am!" She flexed with a playful grin, showing off her biceps (which were not as big as they could've been, but she was working on it). As if struck with a bright idea, she clapped her hands, her smile lighting up her whole face.

"Hey! Wanna join me? It'll be way more fun with a partner, you know?"

[blitzcheer]

Well, if she was making the offer-! "Sure, why not! What're you training? I don't have anything real good for fighting...or a green thumb."

Is he just throwing out the assumption that flower seller = a green thumb power? You never know, okay, and he doesn't want them to come together and end up stepping on each other's feet.

Which is why he'll admit, "My power's turning invisible - so long as I hold my breath."

IV. Training Buddy?

[chocobosnap]

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Prompto had to apologize quickly as he lost control, and now there was a streak of ice on the ground.

"Oh maaaaaan." He groaned. "I just can't get it right."

He had a lot of ice power trying to get out and he didn't really have control over it. "There has to be a way to learn this."

/gently adds another soft chocofluff to her collection

[fallen_cetra]

"It's fine, don't worry!" She hurried to reassure him, letting out a soft curse as one boot slipped and she ended up flat on her back,, staring up at the ceiling. With a startled giggle that built into a full blown chuckle, she ignored the frosty prickling along her back as she waited for the room to stop spinning before trying to get her footing.

"I think I'd rather struggle with ice powers rather than trying to keep my punches in check." Aerith gave him a sympathetic grin as she sat up, taking extra care to push herself to her feet. With her, she either put too much power into her strikes or not enough, and she knew her fighting form was off, but she had no idea who to talk to about it.

"Let's see if we can start small, how about—oof!" Her foot slipped again just as she was settling into a crouch, but she caught herself at the last second, gingerly pushing herself to her feet.

"Let's see if you can maybe, I dunno, cup your hands and see if you can make a snowball or something?"

it's a beautiful collection i'm sure

[chocobosnap]

"Oh no!" Prompto exclaimed as she slid and fell on her back and he moved as though he were going to run to her side and help, lost his own footing and skidded a bit across the ice, comedically flailing to keep his balance.

Just. Barely.

He couldn't help but laugh a little nervously, look at him, almost taken out by his own rogue powers!

"Sorry, sorry, I'm so sorry." He said pleadingly.

It took a moment when the flailing about had settled for her instructions to register. He paused and then smiled at her. "A snowball? Well...I've never actually tried to make snow before?"

Maybe if he'd put as much training into his powers as he did soccer he'd be much better at this.

I. Dreams of Lavender and Chamomile

[nell_of_soulwood]

There was something about the flowers and plants growing that, well, that made Nell feel a little... a little like she was forgetting something, but she couldn't figure out what. When Aerith caught her eye, Nell sort of jumped a little. "Sorry. I didn't mean to... anyway, could you recommend me a little some kind of plant for my home?"

[fallen_cetra]

Aerith held up her hands with a reassuring smile, the expression intentionally warm and comforting.

"Of course! We have all kinds, so it depends on what you're looking for. Do you want something low maintenence, something pretty, or I've got some starters for vegetables or herbs you could grow in your kitchen if you'd like."

[nell_of_soulwood]

"Could I get more maintenance and pretty?" Nell asked. "And yes, I'd love a couple little vegetable and herb plants. Maybe tomatoes and and oregano? Oh and mint, do you have mint?"

II (When CRAUs collide)

[dnaofahalfa]

Its the flowers that draw her in. There is something familiar, safe about flowers. Something she wants after a night of nightmares that wouldn't stop.

Maybe she could buy some for home. Make it feel a little more lively. Less...less...

Laboratories and caves and no sky, only metal and rock-

She shakes her head, heading to the worker to ask what might last a while, but...

She looks almost ill. Rubbing at her arm-She could get them out, she had to be fast-and looked almost scared and its so familiar.

"Are you okay, Aerith?" Asked the little girl whose never been in this shop before.

Yaaaaaaaasss!!

[fallen_cetra]

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" She tries to laugh it off and yet, and yet, her laughter falls a little flat as if she can't quite shake off the feeling that something's wrong. If only she could pinpoint what.

Still, it wouldn't be right to make the younger girl worry.

"Sorry if I scared you, I'll be okay, I promise." Her smile turned apologetic as she straightened, cooking her head as she looked up. "Is there something I can help you with at all?"

Re: Yaaaaaaaasss!!

[dnaofahalfa]

"You're rubbing at your arm like something is under the skin," she said. Which is....

Weirdly specific.

And yet she can't think of the motion as anything else. Its not the same as pain or a normal itch and something in her can't let go of her impression.

"I was...looking for flowers. They're nice and they make things feel like...nicer, and there's so many news reports..." She shrugged. "You seem like someone who'd know a lot."

II

[fun_thementalist]

This flower shop, so far as Gen seemed to remember from the illusion presented to him, had come very highly recommended. Gen was looking for something rather specific - if he was going to do more performances to fit in, he needed high quality flowers within the set - but. He hadn't expected to see the shopkeep trembling while she picked up a fallen display, looking as if she'd seen a ghost.

What exactly was happening here?

Though he didn't recognize her - of course he'd still go to help her. Gen crouched down to help her gather up the fallen blossoms.

"You know what my mother always said," Gen told her in a cheerful, gentle tone. "There's no sense crying over spilled milkweed, my dear. Are you all right?"