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

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Selene, like her brothers, was on the short and slender side, though she's in the habit of (over)dressing for the occasion. That's why she's in tight-fitting leather pants and high-heeled leather boots on what's supposed to be a chill night, though she's ditched the severe ponytail, letting her hair down and even putting on a touch of color with a red headband and a small yellow handbag.

In the handbag, though, are knives hidden in a couple of cosmetic cases, and, if you look hard enough, there's also one tucked into her boot.

She catches up with Atem, still relaxed despite the apparent commotion and the rumors about recent Voidtrecker activity. She's armed, and she's with her brothers. It's probably going to be so much worse for anyone trying to get in their way.

"I'm gonna get a drink," she declares after a moment, glancing behind her for signs of their third. "What do you guys want?"

If there was ever any indication that you shouldn't judge someone on physical stature alone it was the three of them. What genetics had denied them (which wasn't much given how stunningly attractive they all were), they more than made up for in attitude and actions. Not to be left out of the leather party, Atem² had abandoned his earlier outfit for this little number. He was also sporting the new bangle he'd recently been given and when he saw the state of the bar he was glad for it since it was of a hard enough metal that he could utilize it during the course of this altercation.

He generally wasn't as well armed as his siblings since he was able to create weapons whenever he needed to and out of whatever he touched. Convenient that.

A drink? At this time? Oh how he adored his sister, and approved of the line of thinking. "A little bit of everything, but vodka to start." Anyone would be a fool to stand in their way or drag them into the growing tensions, but they likely would invite themselves into it when the mood struck.

"They're in high spirits tonight, aren't they?"

The bar isn't always calm. Sometimes there's shouting at whatever sportsball game is going on that the bartender has picked. Sometimes someone has cranked up the jukebox and people are just celebrating. There's even been some rowdy bachelorette parties. (Though Yondu couldn't actually name any of the people involved if he tried).

Only occasionally is a fight.

It's just as they're getting situated when Yondu's kicking open the door and shoving out a hefty man with a Medusa style beard. Things have escalated. And oh! It's this trio.

His mood improves, but honestly for a guy dealing with a bar fight he doesn't look at all upset. Hell! Might be the highlight do his day. "Give me about three minutes y'all and I'll be able to get with ya! ...Won't turn down the hand though. Don't you break that bottle!" He shouts at someone about to grab a beer from behind the counter with a malicious look in their eye.

Well, and truth be told wandering in onto a situation like this was nothing particularly new but might as well join the party for a few before they get down to business or whatever it is they end up doing. In a fight like this? Oh, there was no reason to use any heavy punishment based illusions. Though he might perform a little trick or two to throw some of them off if they get too out of control.

"Feels like a tequila sort of night, doesn't it?" His eyes drift from sibling to sibling. "Why don't you hit the stage, Mr. Rockstar. Think we need a soundtrack for this fight."

And with that said, a devious smile and nod toward their fearless leader, inward he goes into the fray. He'll start with some more classic hand-to-hand, tackling a fellow at least twice his size to the ground and into a triangle hold until the guy passed right out. Sliding up to his feet with a graceful fluidity, dodging some ball of energy hurdling his way before taking down the next.

Vodka and tequila, and rock music during a bar fight? Oh how she loves her brothers. "I'll make myself a martini." With that Selene excuses herself, gracefully weaving through the crowd and dodging people and things being thrown around, even grinning and giving Yondu a little salute as she passes his way.

She pushes herself up the counter just as someone tries to grab a beer, and she intercepts the man by grabbing his wrist and pinning it hard against the surface. "You heard the boss. Don't break the bottle." The angle's a little awkward so it starts to hurt after a moment, but she doesn't let up until the other promises on his mother's grave that he's going to be careful not to break the bottle and that he's going to pay triple if he does.

Then she drops to the other side and starts to get their drinks. "Hey, boss, want a cocktail?" she calls out to Yondu through the noise, totally chill, as if there's no fight or impromptu rock concert happening.

They were all acting like seasoned pros- which essentially they were, as the drink orders were called out, and one of the rabble rousers was forcibly thrown through the door. The first of many, most likely. With any luck the festivities wouldn't die down too soon.

"With no backup?" Atem² raised a inquisitive eyebrow as he looked to his brother, but they likely both knew that he always came prepared and never needed much encouragement to step into the spotlight. Expression melting into a grin, "I suppose I'll just have to make do". Separating from the others, he followed his own path of weaving through the drunken masses. Sometimes he had to pause as a couple of brawlers crossed in front of him, and he couldn't resist making some commentary along the way.

"That had to hurt," Mock wincing as he witnessed a burly gentleman take a harsh jab to the eye. With a chuckle he proceeded onward until he made it to the stage. Atem² only had to kick one overturned chair off of it before he could fiddle with the equipment and get underway, popping in a cd of intrumentals to account for the absence of band mates. A soundtrack they would have. Notes mixing with the cacophony of the fight already in progress it would be a wonder if the neighboring businesses didn't complain, but they wouldn't if they knew what was good for them.

Edited 2021-07-10 03:17 (UTC)

"Eh! Just hit me with another beer." He calls back to Selene, waving the concern of being picky over his shoulder before a woman with a boar-looking face exits the bathroom and has a big burly dude fall back into her. And now she's ready to fight. Just immediately from 'washing hands' to 'throwing hands'. It's that kind of day for people.

Yondu gestures to one of the plants on the windowsill and with expert ease he draws a vine to wrap around their feet. Still, he can't remember where he learned that trick. Seems like he should be able to. No time to consider it now. Or why music during a fight feels so comfortably familiar.

The plant deal is enough to make a couple of fighters carry their ruckus away from the window, out of range of those abilities, but right up into Atem Squared's frame, which they expect to be frailer than they really should.

See? That's the fun of barfights in this place. Because he's never run into one bad enough where they actually had to call the cops. There was always people around what could take care of it. "Better watch out!" He warns them, not Atem.

The music, the various powers and abilities burning holes in the walls and knocking others clean out, Selene and the other bartenders mixing drinks and a couple of patrons sitting at the bar like nothing was even happening had all become something of an average regular night.

Yondu warns Atem's next target but they're too late to take notice. He Launches himself over the man's shoulders, plants his feet squarely in their back and grabs a hold of their vest to give him just enough leverage. Down to the ground they go. Using his feet and the momentum, the guy goes flying clean through a window and onto the streets. He rolls back up to his feet with a laugh.

Yeah, they were all rowdy and this was an intense fight but they could handle their own. Speaking of, Atem wanders over to the bar for a shot and immediately hurdles the empty glass across the room knocking someone who had been sneaking up on Yondu clean on their ass.

"Huh. I don't even think the glass broke," he spoke to Selene over his shoulder.

While her brother's brand of music isn't what Selene typically listens to, it's perfect for bar fights. She doesn't even mind the loudness of it all and how her ears will be ringing afterwards, moving to the rhythm easily as she slides a bottle of beer down the counter for Yondu.

Then she starts pouring out shots for her brothers. Sure enough, Atem moves over to the bar for a drink a moment later, and she watches him throw his empty glass across the room with that grace and power she's always admired.

She pushes herself up the counter so she could lean closer to him, holding out another glass with a grin. The gesture looks flirtatious enough that it's really no wonder there are rumors about them being a thing. Not that anybody dares to say so to their faces. "But I'm sure you broke something of his." She hadn't bothered to look, certain he'd never miss his mark.

From his new vantage point on the elevated surface Atem² has the best seat in the house, or at least he would if he was sitting. There is a sort of fascination that comes from watching his relatives and compatriots enlivening what would have been an otherwise mundane evening by utilizing their unique talents. Internally, as he belts out a few more chords he thinks to himself they better leave some of the action for me. As if on cue the redirected brawlers trying to evade Yondu's plants moved dangerously close to the stage.

"Interrupting my solo?" Said with a sneer, as he spoke up to get their attention. As the closest pair looked up, they soon found a cord wrapped around their throats. Pulling it taught Atem² activated his power, transforming the wire below his hand into solid metal, right up to the socket fixing the thugs in place. It wouldn't be comfortable for them to breath with their windpipes restricted. Then using the surplus cord that led to the microphone, he swung the equipment over his head and then slammed the blunt object square into another aggressors forehead, throwing them off balance.

At least he had completed one number, the cd continued on without him.

When the original pair slipped out of consciousness, Atem² tapped a finger to the metal to remove his gift. When it reverted to it's original form the cord went slack and the two limp bodies dropped unceremoniously into heaps on the ground. Pleased with himself, he aimed for the bar himself.

Yondu's been enjoying himself until someone throws a shot glass. And it's not that he's upset by it per se, it's that he catches it out of the air with a thoughtless ease that surprises him. Like it comes naturally just to grab a fast-moving object, and he can't figure that out.

He's got his beer in one hand, the shot glass in the other, and a potent look of confusion on his face. His power is plants. Where did that come from?

He puts it down on the bar to be retrieved for washing and starts guzzling the beer as he shoves one more person away from the bar before they can disrupt the seated customers. Then he plants the half-finished mug down by Selene (look, she's a pretty lady, if she's got it she can flaunt it all she likes), before going over to the newly unconscious pair and snagging the back of their collars to drag them out.

"C'mon, y'all. I'll just glue your tab to your heads for when you wake the hell up," he mutters (admittedly more for his own entertainment than the fallen dickheads), tugging them along the floor towards the door.

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So Familiar a Gleam: Start

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