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.

---

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

Comments

4TH WALL ENTRY - 'SHEM'/PAST LIFE AU JONOUCHI FROM 'SKEIN' - PROMPTS UNDERLINED

[shemshepherd]

[(Days) One, Two,]

The name on his work ID says 'Shem'. It has his last name as well of course, but there is a funny feeling he has whenever he looks at it he finds, as if the name is foreign, unfamiliar, and not his at all. He wonders if maybe it's a midlife crisis. A little early for that- he's not that old, though then again one of his daughters is working and the other is starting highschool come September last he checked but...

There is something odd. He can't quite place it.

Shem might look familiar to others- some more than most, certainly. The man is more often than not spotted in his work uniform, bright identifying red and white jacket on with a handy image advertizing the local zoo and rehabilitation center for animals, a look that sits quite nicely with his dark shin and silver-white hair. Sometimes he stares- stares a bit longer than necessary at someone as they come near, but that's fine. He'll even explain why if he's asked- but sometimes he seems to stare at nothing at all, blinking it off with a frown.

At work, he can be found tending to the animals for the most part. He's often helping with the petting zoo, it seems- goats, or at least things that seem like goats, and other probably-pettable animals are thrilled by the company...and even more for the food!

"Care to join?" he'll ask anyone who comes by, a small smile on his face. "They won't bite..." ...Probably.

He has life other than work though of course. In particular as he goes about the city, and the news and gossip spreads, he can't help but hum. "The colour red huh?" he'll joke with a grin, keeping himself from elbowing the nearest person. "I suppose I should ask for a uniform change then, aah?" He's clearly not serious.

Maybe he's never serious.

Or maybe...

At home, that's where the grin falls. When he's sure his family won't see, and when he's sure no one around can hear. That might not necessarily work of course- the girls are good at getting past him, and so are others who know him well. It wouldn't be surprising, if they caught him with his hands steepled in thought, as he sits at the dining room table. Something isn't right. Something isn't right...

But what is it?

[...Skip a Few, (Days 3 & 4)]

He has more than just dreams about the desert. More than just dreams about goats (he knows they're goats), about alligators (he knows they are), hippos, birds, dragons...he can see carvings on a wall as a dragon tells old tales, and hear the screams of others as they fall one by one to a blade. He dreams of a Name...

When he wakes the dream has faded.

But to those in the house, he seems particularly morose. He can't help but feel the dream had...something to it. Something...terrible.

Maybe he just needs to relax. Take a walk. Loop around the city, get some air. The birds in the air don't seem as plentiful he realizes, looking up on his way to and from work. The animals at his work have been acting odd. He...

"..It's gone," he realizes, and somehow he can't even quite realize what.

Maybe Training will help, not that he does that much. His power is more personal. Watch, stare, identify. As he sits there at the gym however, he finds himself hesitating. He almost...doesn't want to. As if there's some reason he shouldn't. That can't be right however can it? It can't...

(There's something dark in the air, he feels. Something ominous.)

He holds his head in one hand, and grimaces.

Home - Day 3/4

[deage]

Shiho hasn't actually been home too much lately - everybody in an official capacity like hers is in full Voidtrecker hunting mode, and Shiho, for one, has been taking it very seriously. Probably has something to do with her rivalry with the detective boy.

But, well, she's home now. And she's not blind.

"Is something wrong, dad?" She doesn't exactly look worried, unaware of how serious this may or may not be, but she does look a little concerned.

Maybe they were behind on bills. If so, she can help with that. Just let her know.

[shemshepherd]

"Ahhh...just a bit of a migraine," he insists, smiling weakly at the question. Ahh, of course he was picked up on, of course of course...well. Best not to make her worry too much, since he's sure that she will if it comes to it. "I think it might be the state of the sky; it's been a bit strange to look up at, after all." Definitely nothing he should be staring at for too long.

"You haven't been taking looks at it yourself have you?"

[deage]

"I heard the reports on what looking at it does. So no. Not extensively." She gives him a Look. "Surely you've heard not to look at it, too. Please take these sorts of warnings more seriously."

[shemshepherd]

"It wasn't extensively?" Dad's in trouble! Dad's in trouble! "Working outside, it can be difficult to avoid even a passing glance, and sunglasses haven't really helped it feels.."

[(Days) One, Two,] At work

[nell_of_soulwood]

Since Nell worked at the zoo as well, she'd certainly seen him around before, but had never actually been introduced. She was having her lunch break by the petting zoo and had to chuckle at how happy the goats were to see him.

"Those goats love you, you know," she called over to him.

[shemshepherd]

Shem, at that comment, just beams. He's quite happy with his job (and his coworkers for the most part, but really mostly his job), so hearing that the animals around visibly love him back is perhaps the best compliment he can get! "Aah? You think so? It feels like they really get me, you know?"

[nell_of_soulwood]

"Oh yes," Nell assured him. "That little brown one in particular. She says she'd even skip eating to be with you."

[shemshepherd]

"Hohh! Skip eating?" Shem quickly looks to the little brown one, as indicated. "Little miss, you'd better not- you have to make sure you eat properly, or you're stuck going to the doctor!" Never a good time, little goat!

[nell_of_soulwood]

"He says you better eat, little miss," Nell told the goat. The goat tried to shimmy even closer to Shem, thrilled with the extra attention.

Nell couldn't help but giggle at the goat's antics. "Well, there you go!"

[shemshepherd]

"Aaah, coming over instead? That's not food at all, you silly thing!" he scolds, but his heart is clearly not into it- there's a grin on his face, and his hand is already finding a sweet spot behind the goat's ears, giving the attention that she's so desiring. "Ahhhh... ...How has your day been going then?" he asks Nell, looking to her. "Anyone have amusing things to say?"

More amusing than silly adoring goats, of course.

[nell_of_soulwood]

"The lion cubs are just coming into their voices," Nell said. "And they're ridiculously cute. Lots of squeaking about who gets to do things first and who gets more attention. I swear I could sit with them all day."

She looked up at the strange sky and then back down again. "The leopards and older lions don't like the new sky colors."

[shemshepherd]

"Aaaaah, they are now? Soon enough they'll be arguing for territory just like that then, won't they?" he cheers, smiling over the thought that he's not sure he'd actually have known that.

Well, it hardly matters. Right? What matters more if anything is...

The sky. Shem looks up as well, the smile fading. "Very right of them," the man finds himself muttering, absently scratching at the goats in the meantime. "...It'll be good when they can sort that out- they haven't even determined what it properly is, have they?"

Home, days 3/4

[hanabibloomingatthegates]

[If Shem's hoping to find some measure of cheer in the house through his youngest daughter, he'll be sorely disappointed. Ayumi is sitting at the table, absentmindedly gazing at her homework as she turns the incident at the training center over in her mind, again and again. What... was that? A memory? A dream? Something else?

...it felt more comfortable than the blurry days of the rest of her life, somehow. Or just as comfortable but in a different way, a realer way. It was impossible for Ayumi to describe.

She rubs one of her eyes, feeling something oddly itchy behind it, while rapidly twirling a black knife with her other hand. It's a nervous habit of hers, with the the speed of the blade corresponding with how hard she's thinking.

The knife is almost too fast to follow.]

...oh. Hey, dad. Are... are you okay?

[shemshepherd]

[He's not okay. He's not okay at all, but he's doing...his best? His best, yes.

He's...trying.

Rather than answer initially, he frowns at the knife.] You shouldn't be playing with that inside, [he lightly scolds, before sighing as he resigns himself to the mood.]

It's nothing to worry about- just an odd dream, mm? I just need a good coffee, [he adds with a smile.]

[hanabibloomingatthegates]

Ah-

Ah!

[Ayumi startles when he points it out and fumbles the knife. Thankfully, it disappears before it does any real harm.] I'mSoSorryDadIDidn'tEvenRealizeIWas-

[She blinks once. Twice.]

...you had a nightmare too?

[shemshepherd]

[Shem is up on his feet in an instant.] ...You had a nightmare?

[Daughter is more important than Dad!!]

About the city

[golden_idol]

[Atem slid his shades low enough to behold the guy that presumably was addressing him. He actually hadn't been keeping up with the news save for of the entertainment variety. Why should he? He was a star, and he was beyond the troubles of the common man. Didn't this person know who he was talking to?]

I'd ask for one anyway, it's dreadful.

[ooc: I'm sorry in advance for my prima donna AU pharaoh >>; who thinks himself to be a rockstar.]

ah yes...

[shemshepherd]

[Hahaaaa, well now, one of these sorts is he? He wonders what these guys' parents were doing, whenever he encounters the sort.] Hahaaah. A uniform isn't about fashion for most, you know- I work with animals, it's not going to look pretty by the end.

[golden_idol]

[He sure is. As for parental units, those were long gone and well out of the picture.]

No, but if you have to wear something for the better part of your life it would be preferable if it wasn't an eyesore.

[Said with a shrug as he offered up his unique perspective. At the thought of all the duties animal care entailed, he barely resisted the urge to grimace. Mucking stalls was not for these hands.]

I still think it could be done without sacrificing functionality. [.. but this stranger didn't seem interested in pursuing the subject] What brought it up anyway? [Sure, he'll bite. Inform him on why red should be avoided right now]

[shemshepherd]

If that's your thinking, then perhaps take that one up with the ones in charge of such things, [he half drawls.] But otherwise, standing out is what takes priority.

[Now then. He gestures to the screen.] Best to pay attention to the reports for a while- they're calling to look out for some noted criminals, garbed predominantly in four colours. Blue, Orange, Purple... [He gestures to himself.] And Red.

At work

[rule63hime]

"You were right the first time," Adena smiled pleasantly and continued. "They won't." She moved a little closer her skirts shifting as she walked. It was so nice to see someone else who treated the animals with respect and care.

"The one on the far left says he's sorry that he got over excited and tried to butt the last person."

oh my gosh....

[shemshepherd]

"Ohh?" Shem blinks, eyeing the girl with a bit of amusement. Not usually the answer he gets after all. That she seems to be translating has him narrowing his eyes- but not dropping the smile.

"I could check, but it's probably rude...but do you happen to have a communication power, young miss?"

[rule63hime]

The reaction the caretaker displayed was not anything that was unusual for Adena to encounter. For a few moments she regretted assuming it would be ok, reaching down to smooth out her skirt just as something to occupy her hands. At least he was still smiling but was it masking his true feelings on the topic?

Also, unsure of what he meant by “checking” Adena glanced aside and back. “You might not believe it, but I do.” If it hadn't been for some reassurances from the animals she might have retreated already. As of yet he hadn't done or said anything uncalled for so they were right, she was reading too much into the little things.

[shemshepherd]

"Hmm? And why wouldn't I believe it little miss? There are powers such as speed, and strength, so why not something like that. In fact," he adds, winking, "I've a coworker who can do the same."

It's where the surprise comes, honestly. He's not met someone with the same ability, and he never expected to.