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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"Good!" She sounds pleased by that news, tapping at her tablet device a few more times before returning to him. "We've had a few people suffering dizziness, nothing serious," she quickly assures, "--from after looking at the lights, so I wanted to check. But, that sounds fine! So-"

Since there's reasons other than Inigo's inability to keep his eyes on the ground that she's here for. Bracken walks over to the button console, lighting up a screen.

"What's your ability? Do you have an exercise you normally take?"

"I.. uh, sorry." He's not blushing, you are!! He knows that he's coming across as very awkward in the light of such a simple question, but he just doesn't know how to tell a stranger about it. Especially a woman. It doesn't matter that she works here and is just trying to help out, it doesn't make it any less embarrassing.

But he knows that not saying anything isn't helpful either. So he'll say it, sure, but while he's building up the courage, there's just.. well..

...

An awkward silence.

".. it's kind of embarrassing."

An embarrassing power? She thinks about that for a second, eyes on the panel as she considers what that could be.

And, as delicately as possible, and with a finger raising and ready to tap at some options:

"Should I put on some settings in case there's a wardrobe malfunction?"

"No!"

It's almost shrieked more than said, his hands frantically waving, as if he can wave off the thought that way. Wave the idea straight out of the room. He doesn't want this thought to exist in her head for even a moment longer than necessary.

"N-No, it's nothing like that! Oh gosh, that'd be--" Terrifying. Embarrassing.

"I've never.." Inigo pauses. Nervously. And that's the exact moment it happens. Even though he isn't actively trying to use it, his power kicks in all the same, practically making him sparkle. The world from Bracken's point of view turns into soft pastel shoujo anime colours, there's flower petals seemingly flying through the air as Inigo suddenly looks like the most handsome shoujo manga love interest. "I've never had something like that happen to me.. But I'm still having a hard time getting a grip on my powers, you know?"

How does he suddenly sound so much more charming. Like anyone could listen to him forever.

Has Bracken ever laid eyes on a more fragile young man in her entire life?

In that moment, she doesn't believe so. He's a young man in need, the protagonist of a story that will lead onto a fulfilling journey. Of self-discovery, of confidence; thoughts of her tests and results nudged aside for ensuring the tale of this youth goes in the direction it should.

"Oh-" An 'oh', so sympathetic, so touched, as she walks over to where he is. "--You don't need to worry. I'll help you- we all will," she fixes, with her head turning to her floating companion in gesture, before coming to a stop in front of Inigo, taking his hands between hers.

"This is what our training rooms are for. You don't need to be shy, or scared, or even embarrassed. A lot of people are different, and getting a hang of their abilities can take a very long time. I'm glad you came here today, so we can help you."

Help him become the best version of himself...!

It's always like this.

Inigo never quite realises that his power has kicked in until he sees the effect that it's having on someone else. And while Bracken has been perfectly nice all this time, even in the face of Inigo's shyness and embarassment, this is a little more than that. It's so over the top nice, and it's coupled with the way she takes his hands..

.. and he's dying. He's pretty sure this is what death feels like. His heart freezes up in his chest, his breath in his throat.

"T-T-T-That's.. that's very n-nice of you to say.."

He can feel his hands shake in her grip. Oh god, power, stop, stop. Turn off, turn off!

It's only when he really focuses on it that he realises the effect does disappear - like a switch being activated inside of his head.

Leaving him just standing there, looking his most awkward - on the verge of crying, honestly, there's water in his eyes! - with his hands still sandwiched between hers.

"I.. I'm so sorry!!"

She's pleased, utterly pleased to hear what sounds like agreement. Sure, agreement shaken by this poor young man's anxiety, but you can't get rid of that in a day. And here Inigo was to help himself, with equipment that was just as much hers as it was the city.

Ideas light up her brain, her desire to fix. She's never even had this kind of reaction to a singular person, but--

But the light that glows around Inigo - metaphorically - dims, leaves, and there's something changed. She blinks as he speaks apologies, and...dazed, but not knowing why, confused by his reaction and.

"I'm...sorry? What for?"

She looks down at her hands around his, blinking at the sight, pulling them away - as if only noticing them there for the first time.

".. That was my power," he says. Some of the frantic energy is slowly starting to eb out of him, sure, but it's replaced by a total defeat instead. As if that frantic energy is also taking along every single ounce of energy that was left in Inigo in general with it.

"It.. mesmerizes people. Into liking me, and listening to me.."

'Charming' is the word Inigo would usually use, but right now he's mostly just focusing on not collapsing into a ball of shame on the ground, thanks.

He doesn't even dare to look Bracken in the eyes as he's saying it.

"But it kind of.. comes and goes of its own accord. It's really hard for me to turn it on or off on purpose."

She's quiet as she listens to him, really want to hear what he has to say. Can read the guilt and shame as if it's palpable, but she's thinking, wants to find to address to underlying problem.

A power he can't control. A power that affects other people. Silent for a second or so, it's to her companion that she looks to first.

"Sandy, were you recording already?" There's a whoooOOOp sound! "Good, great. "Send me the data of the energy patterns that just took place."

She raises a hand, a band around her wrist that she presses on, a screen popping out. Inigo might see a footage through its semi-transparent back-side, but Bracken does speak up eventually:

"I see... so, when this happens, is there a pattern? You were worried about having another person around because of their effect. Does it ever go off when you're calm? What about anger?"

They're questions, but questions with a purpose, each given steadily.

They're also questions Inigo has to really stop and think about for a moment, his gaze traveling between Bracken and her little droid pal as he isn't quite sure of the answer initially. After all, he's often so embarrassed by his power suddenly having activated that he never considered the circumstances under which it happens, and whether or not there's a pattern.

"Um.. It happens sometimes when I'm calm..? But.. less often, I think.." It's true that it's much more that it starts after he gets nervous first, and then those powers only accelerate matters.

He glances at the half-transparent screen, unable to decyper anything on it, before he speaks on.

"I guess it does happen more when I'm worked up in some way."

"So your emotions can be a trigger, but maybe not the only one." That was workable, even great, and she looks away from the screen and to him, smiling. "It can be a psychological trigger - which plenty of powers are! I might not be the best help after all, but we have plenty of trainers around who work on these kind of talents. It's about teaching yourself to turn the trigger into one that you choose to set off - a form of therapy."

She presses a button on her wrist device, the screen still up, but she folds her arms now in a relaxed manner.

"Why don't I help you book a trainer who deals with therapy? We can take your details and set up a phone call or meeting, or send an e-mail with an appointment. I can check today if anyone's free, but-" she waves up a hand. "Things have been a little busy lately."

It's a good idea, Inigo thinks - no, he knows. He's going to have to learn how to get this power under control at some point, after all, before he spends the entire rest of his life getting caught up in increasingly more awkward situations.

And she's been helpful, really. Despite his dumb shyness, despite the dumb activation of his power. He ought to say yes and thank her, but..

.. well, there's still one slight problem with this plan she's presenting to him.

A problem Inigo seems to having trouble speaking up about, though, since he's really waffling and hesitating before he finally manages to speak up.

"Uh, do you maybe.. have some male trainers..?" Please, he already almost died spending time one on one - not counting the droid - with Bracken here. He's not sure he can deal with that when things go even more indepth.

"Male?" she repeats, which she really shouldn't - it's a normal enough quest, that she follows easily: "Sure, absolutely. Why don't you come with me and you can fill out any preferences? If there's anything more personal you want to put down, it'll be kept confidential."

She brightens however, giving him a warm smile. "Well! This wasn't what I was hoping to do, but I'd say this is turned out well. Unless you had a training simulation you try out here? Do you still plan to give it a go since you came all this way?"

Would he want to leave early, just because she suggested a personal trainer?

"I, uh.. I should probably go home."

Inigo definitely was planning on doing a little more around here, but after what just happened? He'd like to just curl up on the couch or something. Anywhere he can hide from the world after such an embarrassing display.

But it feels rude to just storm off right after she was nice enough to help him like that. So even though his cheeks are still very much red, he at least gives her a polite nod.

"T.. Thanks. For helping me out." Even if it's just her job here, it's still just the nice thing to say! Especially since she's been so nice about his weirdness.

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So Familiar a Gleam: Start

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