middleofsomewhere | So Familiar a Gleam: Start

So Familiar a Gleam: Start

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Day One - Working
Xue Yang doesn't mind his job. In between dealing with people he can play however many video games he wants to. He likes the fighting games. Ones where he can beat up his opponents with as much power as he wants to. He has to be careful though because if he gets too into the game, his power can activate. And the last thing he needs is to cause the power to go out in the store.

He is currently seated behind the counter, playing on one of the machines. His long hair is pulled up into a high pony tail on his head and tied with a long black ribbon. He hears the ringing of the bell as someone walks in. He has just finished his match so he sets the controller down and relaxes back in his seat. He looks towards them.

"What are you looking for?" Not the best people skills to be working in a retail environment but he hasn't been fired yet.

Day One - Home
He always hurries home after work, glad to be freed from the work day and ready to just relax at home. And mostly likely do a lot of the same things he does at work. He might be a video game junkie. But he also has more reasons to want to be at home. There is a pull to get back to his family.

He hops up the steps and pushes through the door to the house, a wide smile on his face.

"I'm home!"

Day Three - Dreams
Xue Yang doesn't like the nightmares that have started to plague him during the night. Things he sees himself doing, an excitement running through his body as he swings a sword. Imagines as if he were inside one of the video games he plays. But when there is one that he can't handle and every time he sees the man in white raise the sword, he jerks awake. Unable to watch the rest of it.

Being careful he removes himself from the room, being as quiet as possible so to not disturb the other occupant. Luckily he is very stealthy so it isn't hard to get out of the house soundlessly. He walks until he finds a bench and then sits down on it. He lets out a sigh as he covers his face with his hands.

"Maybe I need to stop playing so many games."

Day Three - Sunbathing
Xue Yang is at one of the parks, laying out on the grass and staring up at the weird lights in the sky. He doesn't know if he trusts what the people are saying about the sky being caused by the Voidtreckers. He's not sure he even believes that they exist. But there is a small piece of him, like a nagging in the back of his head that it is more then just a rumor.

He has the day off so he has decide to be outside and clear his head for awhile, which is why he has collapsed onto the grass and stretched out.

"This is boring..."

Relaxing but boring.

Xingchen's sight is very poor, but he can very much feel every degree of joy that goes into Xue Yang's smile even as he steps out to meet him, leaning in for a soft kiss.

"So you are.

"There are fresh baozi, try one or two of them before you start on the sweets, hmm?"

He wraps his arms around Xingchen and gives him a kiss. Feeling happiness through his whole body as he embraces his husband.

"Of course I'll eat them, because A-chen made them." But his husband knows him too well. There will definitely be sweets eaten as well.

Xingchen's own happiness and Xue Yang's create a positive feedback loop - something Xingchen is more or less used to by now but it's still utterly exhilarating. For a sweet, sweet moment, he melts against his husband, smiling widely against his lips.

"Then I'm glad, A-Yang." Another kiss, because why would the ones so far be enough? "Come, clean up, they are still warm. How was your day?"

He doesn't quite want to let go, but also it's nice to wash your hands and splash a bit of water on your face once you're home. Even Xingchen's somewhat more sporadic hours let him know this much.

He sneaks in one more kiss before finally lets Xingchen go so he can go wash up. He walks up to the sink and runs some water as he replies, "Just another day. I wish I could stay home all day with you instead."

That would make the most perfect day. He wants to be able to spend all his time with Xingchen but he knows that is impossible. At least his job isn't that bad. It's not like he has to do much. He just prefers to be by his husband's side.

He finishes and dries his hands, "How was your day?"

"Oh? Should we plan a full stay at home day for at least one of the days of the weekend? I can prepare breakfast and lunch for us, and then we can order dinner in, something very nice."

It should feel nice, he thinks, to just spend time with each other. Perfect day, indeed.

He leans against the doorframe of the bathroom, for no reason other than to be close still, and when A-Yang is done, he leans in for another kiss.

"I am getting better and better at not being overwhelmed by the emotions of others when they are very strong. Which is a good thing, people seem to feel strongly about the warnings we have received. So," tiny shrug. "Everything is well."

He can't help but lean into that kiss. Any kind of affection is like a drug. For some reason he can't hep but want as much of it as he can get..as if he has never known it in his life.

"Let's do that!" Xue Yang is excited by the prospect of being able to just be at Xingchen's side all day with no obligations.

"Are you worried about the warnings? I feel like it is just people being paranoid." But he will worry about his husband if such things are bothering him or if the emotions are becoming too much.

It is... somehow both thrilling and very safe, when he is with his husband. Like the defense mechanisms he has been building all his life against the emotions of others rushing through him like tides are suddenly impenetrable, and he can be ... himself. Because Xue Yang will make sure Xingchen is protected, and that's enough.

He smiles, because now that's definitely a plan, and then hums, shakes his head.

"I'm not personally too worried, no. Why would voidtreckers bother with us? You and me, we are who we are. It is just very easy to pick up worries and even fears and anger from others, that is all."

"Even if they bothered us I would make sure they didn't touch you!" No one is allowed to harm even a hair on Xingchen's head as long as Xue Yang is around. He wishes he could protect the man from everything that his powers do to him, but since he can't then he has to protect from as much of the physical dangers that are out there as he can.

Xue Yang has electricity at his disposal and it is good at keeping people at a distance. Sometimes it is hard to resist sending a small jolt towards anyone that tries to get too close to Xingchen. But he also doesn't like to get scolded by his husband so he has gotten better about trying to keep people away. But he would do anything to make sure Xingchen is never hurt or sad.

"Don't listen to anyone else's fears. I'll make sure to distract you from them."

"You will? My brave A-Yang...

"I think I'd like that distraction." Xingchen smiles, drawing his husband closer with his hands around his hips, and takes another kiss, long and... interested.

"... after dinner."

And does his best to slip off - if he succeeds, he'll take Xue Yang's hand and lead them towards the kitchen.

A spark of excitement goes through his body as Xingchen entices him with delectable activities. Diving hungrily into the kiss that makes it seem like they might proceed right towards them. But when the man pulls away, Xue Yang whines with a pout, "What a tease A-chen..."

But he lets the man escape and holds his hand securely as he gets pulled towards the promise of a meal. A small tingling current travels from his hand into Xingchen's as just a tease of his own in retaliation.

Xingchen's breath hitches at the tingle, fingers tightening as though asking for more even if he doesn't for now.

"Building the excitement up seems a good thing to do. Everything can become more intense, after. Besides, you should eat something before strenuous physical activities, no?"

... yes, he's continuing with the teasing, A good distraction might be great for both.

There is so much about what the other man says that is driving him crazy. He doesn't need to build the excitement when his own desires for the man are already far too intense. But he knows how to read his husband well and can tell just by the little change in the hold of his hand that he has no protests over what he just did.

So he reaches out and just very lightly runs a finger up his back with that same teasing pulse of electricity.

"Then you better feed me a lot for all the physical activity that will be coming."

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"Hey brother." Senku couldn't help but greet as he sauntered into the shop right about lunch time.

"Got time to grab lunch with me or whatever?" He grinned. "I promise you will be back on time..this time."

"You say that every time and I'm pretty sure I've never been back on time." Not that he cares. He doesn't really care about getting yelled at for being late. He is grinning as he looks at his brother. It is a welcome distraction as he pushes himself away from the desk and comes out from around the counter.

"Are you treating?"

"If you ask me, a forty-five minute lunch break is a travesty, and should clearly be extended to a full hour. How else are you supposed to go somewhere nice for lunch?" Senku chuckled.

Later, one might reflect that this was one powerful illusion to make him so...relaxed.

"Yeah, sure, why not." He shrugged. "What Gen doesn't know won't hurt him."

"I don't really think they expect us to go somewhere nice." Not that they really expect much of them other then to sit there and make sure no one walks out with the merchandise.

"I'll make sure he doesn't find out." If it means he gets a free meal then he will know how to keep his mouth shut.

"Well I'm not feeding you garbage. What's the point if the food's no good?" Senku scoffed, beckoning Xue Yang to follow him.

"I don't think he'd be that bothered anyway, he's pretty easygoing."

He follows him out, knowing there are others in the store that can keep an eye on things. He falls into step beside him. "So what good food are you going to treat me to today?"

"What are you thinking about something with a little heat? There's this wrap place that has all kinds of spiced meat and you can add other fillings to your sandwich, and they make these fries loaded with all kinds of toppings." Senku hummed.

"Not fancy, but totally sounds delicious."

"Worth a try. I don't mind spicy. A-chen doesn't put a lot of spice on things when he cooks. Might as well see if my taste buds can still handle it."

His husband's cooking is fine and he enjoys eating it so he isn't complaining. He just enjoys trying new things once in awhile too.

"Should've asked him that when you got married." Senku chuckled. "It's alright, we can go enjoy some heat. Fortunately, Gen enjoys it too."

He had no trouble leading the way, walking along easily. "Busy day? You looked really bored."

"I'm always bored. It's not the most exciting way to spend the day but its better then some jobs." Something about it just doesn't feel like what he should be doing but he also doesn't know what else he would rather do.

"I'd rather stay home all day but can't exactly do that."

"Ah, your husband is so mean to you, not working so you can stay home all day." Senku laughed teasingly as they navigated to a restaurant and he opened the door.

"I don't have a steady flow of work so what's a long lunch break?" One might wonder just how Senku managed to run his own workshop successfully, but somehow he did.

"A-chen is anything but mean and he'd probably let me stay home if I wanted. But as much as I'd like to do it, I would go crazy if I didn't actually have to go to work. As bad as it is to go, at least it is different scenery." There is a point where being home all the time would probably get to be worse then having to go to work. So he will stick with going to work so that going home to his sweet husband is a wonderful treat each day.

"Maybe that would be the answer. Finding something I can do for myself." Self employment probably is the most ideal type of employment.

So Familiar a Gleam: Start

Xue Yang | The Untamed | Red Team Voidtrecker | OTA

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Day One - Wildcard-ish, he doesn't want to work right?

of course not!

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