So Familiar a Gleam: Start

[voidtreckermods]

---

JINNJAR CITY

---

"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.

---

DAYS ONE & TWO: SLICES OF LIFE

---

"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

---

[ 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

Jade Curtiss [AU] | Tales Of (AU) | Voidtrecker | OTA

[crimsonsnow]

Day 1 = (something to carry or push me along)

Jade lives a simple life. Accountant by day. Vigilante accountant by night for the Knicknack Knockback Bar. Listen. Someone has to make sure this bar has the finances it needs to not only run the bar but also keep this front open, nevermind the core chip production costs bribery to keep the DForce off their backs.

Oh there's room in the back for him to do his paperwork, of course, but sometimes he brings it out - takes up a back corner of the bar to have a drink and work with the bar chatter as a soundtrack. Comforting, in ways he can't describe.

It's home, more than home itself is.

Either way, he's there almost every night, if you have some reason to need him. For a man who might be better off blending in, he sits with a little ball of light next to him - claims he needs it to help him see his work; whether you believe it or not is up to you. So he's not exactly hard to spot, either.

Maybe you have some news about those Voidtreckers, for him? He's very interested in the rumors, and not exactly quiet about his interest.



Day 2 = (enough is enough)

It's a typical night, back corner of the bar, paperwork and a glass of whiskey. The ball of light that always seems to accompany him flutters over his left shoulder. He doesn't really need it to see, is the thing, but having it there is comforting. It's warm, familiar, and something about it is...

Something's wrong.

The ball of light flickers out. Without thinking, Jade raises his voice just enough to carry to who it needs to;

"Mythra?" What gives? He was using that--

Wait. That's what's wrong.

Mythra isn't here. And Jade sure as anything doesn't have light powers.

Maybe you heard him call the name of a woman who isn't here, who you've never heard of. Maybe you see him afterwards, looking vaguely stunned, as he watches the bar without seeing it. Or maybe you even catch him rising from his seat and leaving the paperwork where it is, something you as a regular patron or friend would know he's never done before.

(And if the air around him gets a little colder, well.)



Day 4 = (i'm taking this rationally, i swear)

If he can't be discreet, he might as well be obnoxious.

He picks a park that gets somewhat heavy traffic and constructs a large ice sculpture where there definitely shouldn't be one, closer to the road than the rest of the park. It's easily ten feet tall, not quite dwarfing the tree next to it. And Jade sits perched on top, like he doesn't have anywhere better to be.t.

Hopefully his reputation as the guy who drags the temperature down several degrees every time he enters a train car precedes him. No, it's not the cleanest way to get the attention of voidtreckers who recognize him, but it's faster than trying to find them on his own.

(Probably a good way to get the attention of other people, too; even those who have never been on the voidtrecker, or those who don't mean him well.)



Wildcard!

[ OOC: anything else? plotting for the above? hit me up on rarsneezes or on discord (i have DMs on from anyone in the voidtrecker server but don't want to put my tag out for Just Everyone - if you really need me on discord send me a site pm and i'll hook you up!) ]

--

[ OOC: The Knicknack Knockback Bar is run by Yondu; a description of the place is in his toplevel.
Also sometimes you just have a song stuck in your head and use lyrics as scene titles it's fine it's fine. ]

Day 4

[morganizedchaos]

[About half an hour after Jade settles into his position on top of the statue, his phone will go off.

You do have your phone on you, right, Jade?]

Jade. Is this you?

[Attached is a Winstagram screenshot of someone else taking a picture of Jade's statue from the window of a nearby building. Jade can probably even figure out which one pretty easily.]

[crimsonsnow]

[He does, in fact, have his phone on him.

Looking at the photo, he laughs. Then he takes a second to figure out which building he thinks it is, and wave at said window. Probably not where Jun is, given it being a Winstagram screenshot, but hopefully it unsettles or delights whoever's inside.]

Ah, looks like I've been caught red-handed.

[morganizedchaos]

You're going to wind up on the news at this rate.

[Which. He's not going to tell Jade to get down from there. You're an adult who makes your own decisions and not technically his patient anymore. Not that that will stop the mental health professional version of UH ARE YOU OKAY from coming through clearly in the next text.]

I've never heard of anyone developing such an extreme secondary power so late in life. Is everything alright? Do you have something you need to get off your chest?

[crimsonsnow]

Give the news something better to focus on than this voidtrecker nonsense, if you ask me. No more potential terrorism, just random assholes making inadvisable ice sculptures.

[He spends a while reading over that following text, trying to put together his answer. He's... not even sure if Jun is a fellow voidtrecker or not. Jade's fake memories aren't very forthcoming on whether or not they met in person, and even if they had, well, he doubts his ability to recognize just any voidtrecker based on appearance alone, especially when they aren't currently standing in front of him.

Still, he'd hate anyone - even a stranger - being stuck in this illusion.]

I might. Answer me something, first. You say this is my secondary power. Remind me again what my primary one was.

Day 4

[chocobosnap]

"Wow, that's really good." Prompto gushed lightly. He was the kind of person who woke up in this strange world with ice powers of all things.

He didn't have a very good control over them, so he was thoroughly impressed.

He didn't look like he knew who Jade was, but he had a purple wristwatch. Voidtrecker issue, of course.

[crimsonsnow]

"Thanks, I'm quite fond of it myself," Jade calls.

Noting Prompto's wristwatch, he waves with the hand his own wristwatch (also purple) is on - to draw attention to it, if Prompto thinks it significant. And if he doesn't, well, then it's just a wave.

"You know, I don't believe we've met. What's your name?"

[chocobosnap]

Unfortunately for Jade, Prompto was not aware of what was going on yet. He'd had some strange dreams, but they didn't seem to mean anything to him.

"I'm not sure we have. I'm Prompto Argentum!" He grinned.

"Although, heh, most people know me from playing soccer."

[crimsonsnow]

Oh, no luck for a fellow voidtrecker with memories, then. Now Jade has to make the call of whether or not he wants to be gentle about this or not. ...maybe he'll take a little longer to guage the situation.

"Ah, that explains it. I don't watch a lot of soccer."

Jade hops his way down the ice mountain so they're not yelling at each other. If it looks like a sketchy jump - don't worry about it, Jade's fine, and he's clearly acting it.

"I'm Jade, by the way. What brings you out this way?"

(Jade realizes he's asking this about a public park. He's chosen to go with the question, anyway.)

[chocobosnap]

"Cool, nice to meet you!" Prompto said with an enthusiastic smile, like he was a naturally upbeat person.

He totally was.

"I was just out for a walk. I had so much for dinner." He rubbed his stomach with a laugh. "It was so good though."

Day 4

[bestbrotherever]

[It certainly got the attention of this frazzled Hero, who stomps up, badge prominently displayed, showing none of his usual charm and poise.]

What do you think you are doing?

[crimsonsnow]

[Jade considers this hero warily, but he doesn't move, and his smile is bright.]

Oh? I wasn't aware I was violating the law.

[bestbrotherever]

If you do not have a permit to install a figure that large in this park, then you are violating the law. Nor should you be sitting on top of it.

[Loki's voice is sharper than he'd usually set it, for something so minor, but right now, when he's on watch for anything unusual while running on almost no sleep, he has no patience even for minor infractions that cause a stir. A Hero's job is hard enough right now, citizens making it harder unnecessarily is very much not appreciated.]

[crimsonsnow]

If you're worried about me falling, don't be. I can handle myself.

[ He's tempted to be even more difficult, but just because he doesn't recognize this man at a glance doesn't mean he's not a fellow voidtrecker caught up in this town's illusion. So. ]

What about you? Doesn't a hero have more important things to be worried about right now?

[bestbrotherever]

Encouraging dangerous behavior should someone imitate you.

[Loki crosses his arms to match his crossed expression.]

All the more reason for citizens like you to avoid causing unnecessary disruptions. I'd like to see your ID and permits now.

Day 4

[fun_thementalist]

Well. That was certainly one way to grab attention.

The irony, of course, is that Gen and Jade had never officially met. But the other man was, at least, familiar-looking - enough so that Gen paused, and looked up. Fortunately, Gen's looks were also a bit distinctive - his two-toned hair, his near-perpetually cheerful smile, his sing-song voice echoing down the train cars as he cheered others up.

"Now, that's rather impressive, my dear," Gen called up to the man at the top, wondering, wondering, if he was indeed from the Voidtrecker - if he was even awake. "You've certainly got some talent as an artist! And it's quite practical as well, considering how warm it's getting this time of year."

[crimsonsnow]

Jade does recognize Gen, as well. Not by name, they've never spoken, but the train is only so large, so you see people here and there even if you never speak to them.

"Right? I hoped it would take an edge off this heat." It's easy enough to play along, tone equally cheerful. Of course, they'll be here all day if they do this, so better cut to the chase.

"You know, I believe we've passed each other somewhere before - in our travels, maybe? I seem to recall a particular train trip..."

A fun way to say 'I'm a voidtrecker and I know I am', without announcing it such precise words.

[fun_thementalist]

"Convection is a wondrous thing," Gen agreed brightly, and immediately approved of this stranger. His way of gaining attention might be flashy (and Gen couldn't blame him for that or he'd be quite the hypocrite) but his question was subtle enough.

His smile was playful. "Ah, of course. How could I forget a face quite so memorable as yours? I always regret not connecting with you that faithful day ... I always did wonder, what would you have done if I approached? Would we maybe have ... found some common ground?"

Gen was a married man, but people were least likely to eavesdrop if they thought they were listening into something private. And, if they were the sorts to voyeristicly indulge - they wouldn't think there was a deeper meaning to this conversation.

"Perhaps I could ask if you'd be interested in a coffee right now, my dear," Gen offered. Talking about how all of the Voidtreckers - even himself, with an amulet! - managed to get caught up in a mass illusion would require a tiny bit more privacy. "Would that be too forward of me?"

[crimsonsnow]

"I've found myself often wondering the same thing, you know. Plenty of opportunities we surely overlooked..."

Jade's also technically married, but he sees the game they're playing and is happy to play along. He's used to needing to get attention off of him, through whatever means necessary, and this is hardly the worst of them. He slides down his ice mountain so he and Gen are on the same level.

"Forward? Oh, quite the opposite. Coffee is usually the best place to start. Ah, but I am afraid I'm not entirely familiar with this side of town - would you mind leading the way?"

[fun_thementalist]

So to speak, anyway. Gen asked himself as he looked up at the man why on earth so many people had to be so very tall. It was unfair! If only platforms weren't so incredibly uncomfortable. But, not to get sidetracked.

He gave Jade a charming, flirty little smile. Playfully, Gen said, "I could certainly lead you to a great many places, but let's start with coffee, hm?"

Gen did spot an establishment nearby as he explored, seeking out people whom he might recognize from the train. He gestured for Jade to walk beside him. "So, perhaps I should guess what your profession is. With that ice sculpture ... perhaps an artist? You want to influence the minds of the youth and invite them to see hidden truths about the world."

day 4

[photonedge]

Mythra's not really aware of the thought process that brings her to the park, this morning. She's just - trying to clear her head. It's been a weird past few days. The dreams, for one thing. The sense that things aren't as they should be.

She's missing soccer practice, she realizes, when she finally remembers to look at her phone. Oh well. She's the best player on the team by a mile, anyway. A couple days skipped practice aren't about to change that.

But when she looks up from that, what finally catches her attention is... the giant ice tower rising up in front of her. What the hell? Last she checked, she was the one with ice powers around here.

"Hey," she calls, pitching her voice loud enough to carry as she crosses her arms in front of her chest. "Didn't anyone tell you copying is tacky?"

[crimsonsnow]

The speed Jade reacts to that voice, to that voice, is almost embarrassing. He doesn't even really take a second to study her - he's already throwing himself off the top of his tower. Gracefully, of course, with a near-perfect landing. He's still a blade.

"Mythra!" he says, and he's grinning, he sounds so happy to see her...

And then it hits him.

Or rather, he takes in the lack of recognition in her eyes, and then it hits him.

It hurts, Architect does it hurt, but it should only be temporary. And she's here, either way! For now- that's something. For now... He doesn't have the patience to play out a charade this town wants him to, doesn't want to lie. Not to Mythra. So he jumps straight to:

"You don't remember me, do you?"

[photonedge]

Out of all the ways this guy might have reacted to being called out, this wasn't the one Mythra was expecting. Even less so once his face tightens, falls in a way that feels, inexplicably, like a punch to the gut to see.

Does she remember him? No. But he sure as hell knows her. That's not the way Jade acts when he's fucking with her not the kind of reaction someone can just fake out of nowhere.

And up close, she can't help but remember that dream, the other night - (that set of dreams, really, but now that she thinks about it, this guy had been in every single one)

"No," is what she says, finally. "But something's going on here, isn't it?"

[crimsonsnow]

"There is," Jade says. "I'll preface this with, I know it's going to sound weird, but I promise I would never lie to you. This town is fucking with our memories. Neither of us have lived here more than a week, maybe two--"

It occurs to him he doesn't know how long Mythra has been here. The fact that she's here at all... Justice burns in him brighter than it should, but. Not right now. He can make someone pay later, and she can help him do it.

Jade swallows. And then he remembers the pendant of three crystals hung around his neck, crystals that ward off illusions... Fuck it. What will it hurt? He's got a whole goddamn sentient train backing him up, and Mythra has... nothing. Just him. So he lifts the pendant from his neck and - sorry, no, he didn't ask - hangs it around Mythra's. She doesn't get a say in this, they can argue about it when she remembers him.

"Here. That might help."

[photonedge]

Her expression gets pretty dubious, Mythra taking a half step back as she processes what he's saying - weird things have been happening, sure, but to suggest her whole life here is fake? (Her friends - her family?) That doesn't make any sense. But, still, the vibe she's getting - she trusts him, even if she doesn't believe what he's saying.

"That doesn't," she starts, before he takes his necklace off and drops it onto her instead. And... she lets him. Sure, why not. Mythra doesn't have any better ideas, here. If he thinks a necklace is going to help, she'll play ball.

The second it falls into place, it's like something is lifted. The cracks in the sky, the colors, the way she'd been unable to put into words just what she'd been missing so desperately -

Mythra swallows hard, tears already stinging in her eyes, because none of that matters right now, not when Jade's here, he's safe, he's here. She doesn't even last a second before she's throwing her arms around him, squeezing tight.

"You asshole, I was so worried, I thought-"

Well! She doesn't want to get into what she thought! Instead she just burrows closer, presses her face into his shoulder where it fits the same as it always has.