middleofsomewhere | 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

"How typical," Elidibus answers, as if he's seen this situation an endless amount of times. His gaze slides from its study of the woman who talks of scent to the... pyromancer? The corners of his lips curve up a little more as though amused. "You claim there is no need for violence, yet you are quick to wield it as a threat while leaving questions about your intention unanswered."

Briefly, the Ascian looks toward Tidus. Then he adds to the group. "Will you oblige us with your queries? Or shall we end this farce that you intend this to end in any other way than conflict?"

After all, Mr. Pyro still has his flaming arm and fireball. The woman seems pretty sure about this scent. It's as if they have a pre-determined answer. What else could they want to 'figure out'?

'I read energies,' the low-voiced woman speaks up - the one who has been speaking about scents, her eyes on Elidibus. 'You both have an energy. A new energy. I've been smelling it, everywhere. People with devices on their wrists.'

She looks back to Tidus. Neither of them have their SCAs visible, but it doesn't seem to matter. The one guy who has been silent until now speaks up, glaring between the pair.

'Well? Show us. You're with them, aren't you? What's your plan? You're the guys sneaking 'round here looking for trouble. You think we don't know what you do?'

His gaze settles on Elidibus more at the end of that.

Elidibus appears intrigued by the young woman's stated ability. "Is it only a scent or can you perceive it as well? Is this new energy you speak of all you can smell? Or is there more?"

Both he and Tidus may be surrounded by the force borne from the SCAs, but it is not the only energy present. Call it a passing curiosity. Or an intentional effort to mislead, considering his next words. "Might we not be victims? How many others could you have assaulted under false pretenses?"

The Ascian makes no move to show any of the three anything. Though his gaze now settles on the third of the group. "I do not seek trouble, only knowledge. And when I happened to see you taking advantage of an acquaintance, I thought it best to step in and see if I might resolve matters."

Elidibus's eyes shift briefly to Mr. Pyro. "Yet make no mistake. I will defend myself and this youth, if the need arises."

...That manner of speaking is so familiar. A note Tidus can make from where he's standing, unsure of if this is going to break out into a fight or not now. He hates this not knowing, but if they can de-escalate this, then alright. Though he's looking at them all, baffled.

"Can someone tell me what he and me have in common?" He waves a hand over at Elidibus, frowning as he looks at him, something nagging at him, but- "What's with all this smelling and energy got to do with anything?"

'We're just protecting ourselves,' speaks first Mister Pyro, a careless shrug given. He lowers the flames on his arm and hand, but not completely. 'Can't fault us in these dangerous times, can ya?'

It's far from a real question, and the young woman speaks next - the one they seem to be following to 'sniff' out people, at least. 'There are many energies around us. But yours, his - there is...something more. A connection. You and others - if I study it, I can find more.' She pauses, then looks at Elidibus carefully. 'Will you share what it is?'

All three of them look at him at that moment. Will they come to an agreement? ...don't mind Tidus, he's just here like HELLLO, YOU WERE GONNA TRY AND KICK MY ASS A SECOND AGO??

Alas poor Tidus. Caught up in the moment, no one addressing him directly. Elidibus... Is that a slight shift of his hand? Indicating that maybe Tidus could try to make a break for it while the trio is focused on the Ascian?

Well it's a subtle gesture, trying not to let it be noticed is important. So maybe it could be missed. Maybe Tidus could be a little too irate to just leave a this point!

"I might share my knowledge," Elidibus answers the woman. While Mr. Pyro has not entirely put away his weapon, as it were, the lessening of the flames is taken as though it were a lowered but still present weapon.

"Yet it is a dangerous knowledge. One I am not inclined to speak of so publicly, lest my intentions be misunderstood." It may be a quiet corner of a certain type of park, but it is nevertheless quite public. "Suffice to say, without this energy you speak of, I would not be alive in a sense you would know."

This is true. Despite it being unintentionally similar to Tidus's circumstances by the sound of things, Elidibus actually refers to the fact that he had been plucked by the train from circumstances that, if it had not ended him utterly, would have sealed him most thoroughly.

You think he's going anywhere?! Tidus wants to know what this is about - and really, everything bizarre that's been happening recent. But unfortunately, the direction that this conversation is going gets Tidus to speak up, confused in a more personal way than he was predicting. Baffled in what he's having to say:

"Hey, what're you talking about? I'm alive - do you guys think I'm dead? I'm not dead!"

Thank you very much!! The woman's expressions are slight, but to Elidibus's admittance, she does allow a degree of curiosity to show, examining him in a way as if seeing into him - but her sight is hazy, and she looks from him to Tidus.

'Not human, but something else,' she gauges at most. 'Dead, living - everything has energy. But there is another - the one we've been trying to follow.'

'What she's saying is,' interrupts not Mr. Pyro, but the other with them, '--Are you part of those guys? Big train, colours, wristbands and all that. He's acting like he don't know you-' the guy gives a nod back at Tidus, '--so what's your connection?'

Elidibus briefly trains his attention on Tidus. "My apologies. I didn't mean it in that sense."

Which doesn't confirm or deny what condition Tidus exists in, Elidibus. Not at all.

The Ascian seems interested in what the woman suggests; there's another besides himself or Tidus? A brief narrowing of his gaze suggests interest and that he'd like to follow up on that, but the third of the group interjects and makes it difficult in the immediate sense.

"I consider myself a relatively impartial observer. As to the young man," Once more Elidibus glances in Tidus' direction. "We've met, though he seems not to remember. And his perspectives on things we have talked about are interesting."

Not unpleasant company. It'll be a while before Elidibus realizes, much less admits there's something like friendship involved.

"So if nothing more than gratitude for the diversions, I'd prefer not to leave my companion in such a state. I'm sure you would agree if you found one another in similar circumstance?"

Not talking about trains here. Nope, not at all.

So Familiar a Gleam: Start

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