So Familiar a Gleam: Start

[voidtreckermods]

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JINNJAR CITY

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"Welcome to Jinnjar City! A city famed as the central power of all of Diagad, and where the magic happens. It has a big history: the birthplace of the first Heroes Association that led to the creation of the Interstellar Justice Alliance, the protectors of the universe. Compared to other places, Diagad's what many people call a superheroes world, but that isn't true. A lot of us don't have the crazy powers that some of the popular folks have! And people like me? We don't care about saving the world! I'm just trying to make it through school, hang out with friends. Live my life!

People tell thousands of stories about us though, and that I can be proud of. When other planets call for help, it's us that comes running to their aid. Our heroes put their lives on the line for anyone who needs a hand, and sure, I don't count myself one of them... but I want to share their story anyway.

Well, I don't need to be telling you about this city, do I? You're a part of it! Always have been, just like me. So I should talk about some funny stuff that's been going on lately instead…”

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A TL;DR notes version of days/prompts: (click to show)

EVENT BASICS: Un-apped AU characters were taken 1 week before the event from their own worlds, their minds altered to believe they were always from Jinnjar, Diagad. They have a superpower because of this and a new life either living alone or with family (other NPCs or PCs). Go to the OOC post for more info.

DAYS ONE-TWO:

• Strange streams of colour in the sky have appeared, and looking at them for too long causes strange headaches. At this point you’re not sure what they’re about, but you can investigate them. However, trying to get right close to them is impossible. You will never get high enough. Regardless, let us know if characters will be investigating anything!
  
  
• Voidtreckers arrive, be on the lookout. People are excited about finding these infamous criminals, and may be bothering those wearing peculiar watches, or the colours of Blue, Red, Purple, or Orange. You might be one of them: the bothered, or botheree. Many games or movie criminals are some adaptation of these Voidtreckers. A lot of people are worried they’re behind the phoenonem in the sky.
  
  
• Nevertheless, people will still have their own lives to deal with, regardless of worrying events. Play around with what job your character has, if they’re in school, what work they do; if they’re drawn to a night life or just hanging around wherever they like. Characters not used to technology in-canon may find themselves having trouble with this world (despite believing they’ve always lived here).
  
  
• Some of the Voidtreckers who are most resistant to illusions and mind control will be breaking out by the end of the first day. They will have to lay low and plot in secret, figure out how to make contact with others. The SCA comms do not work.
  
  
• Other Voidtreckers might begin having dreams about their past by day 2-3.

DAYS THREE-FOUR:

• Those who have been brought to the world begin to dream of their real and past lives, if just in very small and confusing snippets. Some of those dreams may bleed into reality, and people may start to recognise absolute strangers, but don't quite always know why. This is stronger for Voidtreckers than 4th wallers.
  
  
• Random electronics seem to be glitching in odd ways, particularly the training centres, which lock people in together, even random strangers. Mostly it's harmless and more of a pain. People also swear they think they see the tops of buildings 'glitching' or colouring out. People have been speaking about pets going missing on walks, though the zoos and such are mostly fine, save for some of the higher up bird sanctuaries.
  
  
• More of the Voidtreckers and some of the more resilient guests will begin realising the reality of the place they find themselves in. That this is not their own world at all.
  
  
• The propaganda of the city starts to escalate, warnings about the dangerous voidtreckers and reminding people of how great the city is.

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DAYS ONE & TWO: SLICES OF LIFE

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"This is an emergency broadcast to everyone in Jinnjar City. At 08:00 today, a breach into the city was attempted by the invading force known as the Voidtreckers, who have tried countless times before to take over Diagad for themselves. While it's believed the group was resisted, citizen are advised to watch out for anyone acting suspiciously in the city, and to watch out for this emblem. Please call the D-F-O-R-C-E hotline if you see anyone you suspect of being an intruder! Remember to keep low altitudes while we deal with the phenomenon above."

[ RAINBOW SKIES. ] "Everyone's been speculating about what's been going on up above. About a week ago, these long streams of twisting colours suddenly spread through the purple skies of Diagad, rainbow colours inking the clouds. They've been growing out, like merging with the sky itself, and news broadcasts have been telling people not to worry. But what even are they? They say that looking at them for too long causes headaches, while some swear up and down they've seen things in them! I've heard a couple of friends talking about investigating them, but I dunno..."

▷ Twisting streams of colour are becoming exposed in the sky, and indeed, those who look too long high up will find themselves receiving headaches and dizziness. They’ll fade once you look away, but those who do decide to investigate by getting close will experience a tug, as if something yearns to take them somewhere. There will be patrolling Heroes - this world's equivalent of police - keeping an eye on things. Maybe your character is one of them, or posing as one. Maybe your character wants to learn more about what these are. Regardless, they won’t be able to get significantly close to the streams no matter how high they aim.

[ THE VOIDTRECKERS. ] "Gossip is HOT about these Voidtreckers. I remember seeing a movie about them once, based on something that happened years ago. They tried hacking their way into taking over a dyson sphere being built - like a giant structure around a star. There's other stories about them too, but are they really the ones behind this? Who are we even meant to be on the lookout for? I don't know... I'm kinda spooked. But do they seriously ride around in a flying train?"

▷ You've heard about the Voidtreckers, whether you remember stories about them or not. Are you bothered about them? The news broadcasts say they got rid of them - then why are they asking people to look out? And what are you supposed to look out for? On top of the emblem, there's chatter going on about watching out for people wearing strange devices on their wrists, and wearing colours of Blue, Red, Purple, and Orange.

Will you defend your city from these mysterious foes? Be smart about it, or rash? Or maybe you're interested to know more for your own deeds… whether or not they’re the Voidtreckers of tale, they may have resources for furthering your own goals.

[ LIVING YOUR LIFE. ] “But nevermind all that! Life’s about having fun and hanging out with your friends too. I work part time, but I’ve got plans after my shift’s done! Doing some shopping, going to see a movie. I can’t stress out about the funny stuff going on. And I heard the new waiter in my favourite cafe is suuuper cute!”

▷ Despite the few anomalies going on, you still have a life part of Jinnjar City. You have a job filled with devices that you’ve been surrounded by all your life, or certainly longer than a week or, so you know how to work a coffee machine, right? You know how to drive an air taxi!

And where would you take one to? To anywhere: to the gym, one of the training centres, a spa, to the movies - normal things that everyone around the city have always been around. Meet up with some friends for fruit smoothies, or watch one of the shadow displays held by the Georgi’s Gang around every street, putting on shows to mesmerise and delight the kids.

Or how about buying your groceries to take back to your apartment or house? You know what all these fruits are! Right? Right?

… … maybe it’s produce from another planet.

DAYS THREE & FOUR: JUST ANOTHER NORMAL DAY

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[ DREAMS. ] “Dreams are just dreams, but a lot of people have been talking about them. Like, really being disturbed by them? Not in a creepy ohhh a monster’s coming for me! way, but like, they say they see worlds they swear they’ve been to before. Or see people? I wouldn’t really think about it except, there’s this guy… not like a super cute guy, but someone I think I knew…”

▷ Talk about dreams have been popular lately, though not everyone has them - or, not right away. Sometimes people may be at work, in school, doing nothing in particular when a name (important to their real self) appears in their mind, a flash of scenery. Coming as quickly as it goes. They don’t know what it means, if it isn’t just a symptom of the latest weird gossip influencing them.

But it sticks with you, something you can’t completely dismiss. But surely it’s nothing - right?

[ ANOMALIES. ] ”Just what we need! My friend’s dog’s gotten lost! She was taking him for a walk, and then she just says he went running ahead, and poof! Disappeared! Maybe he saw a cat? He’s always been a lazy chubby thing, but even dogs can’t help themselves, I guess…”

▷ The colours in the sky seem brighter today, closer...but it’s difficult to say for some, unless you’re actively studying them. Sometimes when you look above, you might catch - if just for a second - the tops of roofs glitching out, corners or streaks erased, colours meshing with the walls. You think it might be the light or your eyes, as it never lasts long, and even standing around waiting to see it happen again won’t give you what you want.

You may have other things to worry about than tricks of the light. Animals have simply been...disappearing, and always the ones owned, or particularly birds that fly around freely. People will ask you for help, and it’s weird they need to. Most owners have a tracker chip and app, and either apps show a blank map, or show them just standing in place...a place that when you get there, is nothing, no one.

[ TRAINING CENTRE. ]
“Really though, other than the weird sky business and how jumpy the news has made everyone about the Voidtreckers, the only odd thing that’s been up is some weird stuff happening at the training gyms. Even I saw it! I was just doing my warm-ups for the day when the field I set it to, the sky...these shapes suddenly appeared, dark and looming. It seriously creeped me out. But it’s just a glitch, right?”

▷ Young or old, the training centres around the central district are a popular spot for everyone to give their powers a safe space to be unleashed. While there’s basic simulations that’s free for everyone to use, people can be personal trainers, or even run group sessions in the bigger rooms.

Sessions aren’t always linked, since getting private training is allowed. However, lately, people keep getting jumped into other’s sessions, and can’t get out until they finish the routine. Sometimes they’re simple, where you need to destroy building block-esque cubes, or superspeed through courses twenty times. But then there’s also story modes, such as…

Castle Defence: Help protect the castle of Erna from the tricky Voidtreckers! They’re trying to storm the castle, and the world needs your power to help keep them away. Difficulty is based on the amount of people present, and speed of the individual. Do you turn things green? Then turning a Voidtrecker green will make them pop! Good job!

Kama Aid: Floating spheres have been lured inside a giant 3-tiered labyrinth ball. You must help the spheres - come in optional people-shaped or even cute animals - be released back outside where the air is fresh. Use telekinesis to tilt the tiers like a ball tilting game, or use super-strength to destroy the different tiers!

Dia Mysteries: A theft, vandalism, maybe even a murder. The crime scene is locked down, and something is afoot. Use your telepathy to gain information from the suspects, sneak into a secure area under invisibility... the solution is yours to find in this investigative simulation.

[ A PSA or Six. ] ”Stay vigilant citizens of Diagad. Please report any suspicious behavior to the DFORCE force.”

Announcements blare from speakers on public transport. Adverts pop up as they scroll through Diagnet. All remind citizens to be on their guard, report strange or disturbing behaviour and keep a look out for any of the symbols or colours of the Voidtreckers.

"Heroes don't keep secrets! If you have suspicions about any dangerous people in our midst, let your local DFORCE force know. Speak the Truth. Save the World."

▷ Billboards are plastered with bold posters reminding citizens to keep an eye out for the Voidtreckers or anyone who they might have tried to sway to their side. For those beginning to glimpse that this city might not be what they once had thought, this could be dangerous especially if their families and friends believe the city truly is under threat.

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

Comments

[blitzcheer]

Uh huh, it's not like that. Though Tidus may have to play innocent here for now, the call-out that is likely to be pointed towards his own remark - but if he's lucky, the guy doesn't have much in the way of good hearing, so he'll just play casual.

Unlike his pal here.

"Uni," Tidus properly answers, pointing from Inigo to himself. "Dance, gymnast. And yeah, we saw a flyer. Figured learning some fencing would be fun. We're not late or anything, are we?"

Given by the way the guy already looks. Isn't he ready to hit the showers than to be giving any lessons? But Tidus's mouth behaves, he'll let the other guy speak for himself. Not much older than either of them. Twenty, at most?

What kind of twenty year old is giving lessons?

(Behave. Why is he in the mood to try and rile this guy up so much...?)

[adregem]

Ah. That makes more sense. If they didn't find him on flyers, his social ads circulated in the university newsletter every week anyway. His expression relaxes some, Roland's shoulders drawn back in a sign of a more renewed interest.

"I see. I guess that's why I kind of recognize you two. Our buildings are across each other." A nod. "Public Administration, though I'll be moving to PolSci after I get an internship. So we'll eventually be three buildings down."

He's not normally this talkative with his classes...No matter. It's a simple exchange of information. Tit for tat. They're here not for pleasantries, but for business, in a sense. Fencing sounds like fun, he says. There's a quick assessment drawn as Roland's sharp brown eyes go from one person to the other -

- and it's weird. The back of his head begins to thrum some, not unlike a headache but not quite the same nightmare of a migraine he almost suffered this morning waking up to a sky peppered with color and light. Roland shakes his head, rests a palm over his forehead, before taking a slow controlled breath. He must be more tired from practice than he thought.

Not tired enough for teaching though; that'll always power him through anything. It's important to pass down information, to keep people prepared.

(For what, for what, why is he always so eager to do-)

"Right. Thanks for coming. I'm Roland. Welcome to beginner's fencing. Nobody's late because I didn't think anybody would show up today, so congratulations. You'll be each other's sparring partners." His arms cross over his chest. There's another feeling supplementing the first now; one to want to impress, to show himself off some. God, it's weird. Or is he always like this when he conducts bigger groups? No, focus. Back to work. The work that matters...

"Since this is mostly casual play, you don't have to worry about wearing the full fencing gear or using the equipment." The red beeping boxes behind other students, lightning fast reflexes trying to score one point over the other on the board. "Just try and enjoy and maybe you'll carry something over to your classes. I imagine dance and gymnastics are physically demanding in a lot of ways. Fencing's great for balance and quick reflexes." He lightens up some, but only by a fraction of how one might expect casual tutorials of this kind to be. Roland leads them on, gesturing with a beckoned wave, to a set of lockers seemingly dedicated for his particular set of lessons.

[flatteries]

It's odd. As the flustered feeling slowly starts to fade away and Inigo instead listens to the other - actually listen to what Roland is saying, there's a thought going through his head. It's almost instinctive, since by the time Inigo realises that he's thinking that the other is giving away more personal information than expected, the thought itself catches him by surprise.

After all, why would he think that? What does he even know about this guy when he's literally only now meeting him?

It's an odd feeling, so Inigo quickly dismisses it, prefering to focus on the rest of what the other student tells them.

"Uh.. I have a question!" Look at him. He's even politely raising his hand and all, as if he's waiting to be called upon in class. "Is it possible to get hurt during this casual play?"

Look, if Tidus is his sparring partner?

There's always a possibility.

[blitzcheer]

Three buildings down, he says, and Tidus wants to quip, 'Don't break your back with the walk' without an intensity, that only his closed mouth holds back his tongue. Why, when it doesn't even make sense - when this is the first time he's meeting him, and he's like, how old? Older than them, yeah; waayyy older than them--

Geez. It must be that weird sky getting to him, an itch in his body and feet that's lurking in him, giddy and ready to move. Already a question, but somehow, Inigo gets speaking first. Though it works for what he wants to talk about, his eyes on Roland's back as they walk, an excitement he hadn't quite had before about these lessons now present in his chest.

"We should use the gear if we're gonna learn something, right? And what about getting a swing with the teacher? Show us your skill, since you're gonna be teaching us."

A beat. He manages a beat to hold it, but- "'less you're worried?"

[adregem]

There's a lot of general rummaging about when Roland reaches his own locker, but none of their words fly over his head. He finds himself easily engaged in keeping up with their dovetailed conversation; from the amused twitch of his lip from the hand raised in question, to the challenge beset him.

It happens so fast that when he closes his locker, a pair of his favorite purple gloves in one grip, Roland is unable to stop himself from being just as candid. How easy it was to respond to them regardless if this is their first time to meet...Maybe it helps that they're all from the same university? Yes, that's certainly it.

"Err. There's always a chance of getting hurt but I can assure you that as long as I'm coaching, it's not part of the lesson plan..." Unless he's expressly asking for permission to retaliate when it does. "Besides. It'll be impossible to hurt your sparring partner with a fencing sabre. Look-" To demonstrate his point, Roland waves it around in the air. It's more flexible than it is rigid, making whooshing sounds that barely intimidate, with the pointed end rounded off so it lacked even a sliver of an edge to cut. He pokes his opposite arm to further his explanation - harmless by all accounts.

He sheathes it across his hip to make time to wear his gloves at last, securing it over his wrists. A glint of gold band and jewels catch the training gym's overhead light; Roland's hand-me-down ring which he refuses to remove for one reason or another. At least, nobody really dares to ask why he keeps it during training.

"You each get a locker for today's session." His sharp gaze drifts over to the blonde guy, and his own instinct rises to meet the quip just as much as his intuition to reassure the other came and went.

"I'll give you two the plastron and helmet for basic protection. The rest will be too heavy for beginners. They should be inside, so go ahead and put them on. I can come and help strap it up if you need me to. As for having a go at it with me, well." Worried?! Is it because he thinks I'm young? Great. Just great...

It's mildly irritating to entertain the way he wants to be taken seriously, even when they're mostly peers here. Not like he doesn't get this look enough from his professors, his coach. Aren't you the upstart? Tsk.

Perhaps its this particular urge to prove himself that he brandishes the sabre out of its hip sheath with more flair, twirling it three times with a nimble wrist in smooth rotations, before he walks to the other end of the elevated, vertical platform.

Meeting their collective gaze, Roland speaks, lips formed into a semi-smirk.

"Worried isn't the word I'd use. So you can relax. You'll both get a chance to see for yourselves in a little bit. Heh."

[flatteries]

The first thing Inigo thinks of while they're listening to the guy speak is that there's no way he can say 'it'll be impossible to hurt your sparring partner' like that, so casually. At this rate he's almost making it sound like a challenge or something. Either that, or he's jinxing it.

That's always how these things end up.

But before he can mull on that for much longer, it's actually the exchange between Tidus and the guy that sticks out to him. After all, Tidus is like this. Social, jovial, quick to joke around with people.

But.. to this extent? With a stranger?

"Dude!" Inigo says, before shoving an elbow to the side, into those ribs. (Or attempting to, anyway.) "Why are you trying to agitate him?!"

And how come something feels strangely familiar to it, even down to the kind-of-smirk on Roland's face when Inigo glances back at him? He doesn't get it, and that only confuses him further.

".. unless he's into that."

Roland seems like he's into that.

[blitzcheer]

He does feel bad when he's called out. Called out, anyway, by Inigo; to every answer and explanation Roland gives, Tidus wants to meet it in some manner. Watching the deft motion with the sabre and the urge rising ever higher in him, like bile in the back of one's throat. A strange cocktail when it's after that Inigo has a go at him.

The pinch of his brow is for that, but also for the urge to trip this guy up. What a show-off. He could twist around a needle sword too, you know!

This wasn't the exact mood he came into this test of intrigue for, but Tidus is denied a chance to throw any quips back the other guy's way, their teacher, and so instead he turns to the lockers and the equipment pointed out. A plastron - like they know what that word means! - guessed to be the rest of the suit that sits with the helmet.

"Doesn't he just a face you wanna put in its place?" he mutters to Inigo, though there's some privacy of volume thanks to space from said put-in-its-place's face. "Bet I could beat him at running. You think I could take him on? Bet he's know of those guys who knows karate."

Ugh. A fancy pants.