【MAY plot arrivals】

[berriah]

May Mingle

SHRINES LORE DROP LOCATIONS NPC CONTACT FAQ CLAIMS LIST

❤

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Welcome to Starsand

According to the locals, you are not the first stranger from another world to be dragged to this one. This is a world that, up until five years ago, did not know magic. Fantasy did not expand beyond its designated shelves of the library; There were no gods or spirits, only science and reason.

But five years ago, the secret was blown. Magical 'spirits' exist in this world. You may have seen them as flickers of light; Souls without a body. They were once invisible and powerless, existing silently alongside the rest of the living. But with enough faith from the living, spirits can manifest. They can even have the magic powers that others believe them to have.

Nowadays, spirits and magic are impossible to ignore. Magic has transformed the architecture, average people are learning spirit magic, and technology is being upgraded with this new power. Electricity is going out of favor; Spirits now power homes in exchange for shrine offerings and prayers. Though traces of the old era still exist, they are slowly being replaced by magic. Every city is changing at a different pace depending on how the citizens reacted to the news of spirits.

But you're not here for a lore drop, are you? You just got here.

New arrivals have become commonplace in the City of Star Sand. In fact, the city is named for this phenomena; People from other worlds ("stars") appear so frequently that it's like a beach of sand. Even those who normally travel between worlds have found it impossible to leave the pull of the Star Sand once they get here. Some people have even come from other time periods. (the date here is 2025.) No other city is reporting this unique problem for some reason.

Roleplay-wise; This is a semi-private sandbox for a modern-fantasy blended setting. Characters can either be whisked away from their homes or wake up as AUed residents. While there will be a lot of background lore and a mystery to dig your teeth into, it's all optional. First and foremost, the sandbox is meant to be played in. The City of Star Sand is a very flexible place to stretch your imagination. Some parts of the city may just seem like normal Tokyo, while others might feel like a DnD campaign. The world will gradually expand as the sandbox takes off as well, so you'll be able to submit your own cities with unique cultures.

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Out of Character Notes

It is possible to handwave arrival and assume your character has been in the setting for months.

Anyone can top-level in a mingle post. You do not need to be playing a new character.

You do not need to feel restricted to the listed prompts.

(A) Arrival: The Firm Grip of Space

Typical arrivals to the City of Starsand have always been peaceful. Remarkably so. Characters would blink their eyes and find themselves transported into this new world without any pain or drama (Well, aside from the drama of being in another world.)

But it’s different this time. Characters blink and leave their old world, yes, but there’s a less peaceful transition this time. They can feel themselves being forcibly pulled. Like someone grabbed their arm and yanked them across an invisible border. They are moved without balance, sometimes even aware of a finger grip-like sensation on their arms or legs.

And they do not arrive in the city. They wake up in a space that is strangely empty. The only light comes from their own bodies and the ripples left with every step. If they look at these ripples, they can see scenes of their lives reflected in the not-quite-water; Choices they’ve made, choices they missed, even events that have yet to happen.

Characters may see others in the distance and be able to reach each other. These meetings will be brief. A humming sound grows louder and the lights coming from their bodies gradually becomes brighter. Eventually, the hum is too loud for them to hear each other and the light is too bright to see passed. They’ll ‘white out’ and awaken in the Starsand City.

!

Out of Character Notes

Player characters may use this prompt to interact with each other.

This prompt will invite an NPC interaction.

(B) Arrival Part 2

Welcome to the City of Starsand! Which is still blessed by now out-of-season cherry blossoms, filling the city with a sweet scent. Characters may find their eyes and ears aching from the experience of that other space. Some might even forget the experience all together, or find their memory temporarily blurred.

Regardless, they are here now. And they don’t look like the usual arrivals to the Starsand City. Typically, the civilians regard new arrivals politely and act like it’s a normal occurrence. But this time, there is something different. It’s something that the arriving character themselves may also notice: They have red marks on their skin. It’s always an exposed part of their body, like their arm, wrist, an exposed ankle, or even around their necks. Fingermarks, pressed so tightly (and supernaturally) into their skin that they’re visible for hours.

The townspeople are distant this time. It isn’t the usual friendly greeting of past months. They whisper cautiously: Isn’t it strange? Did a Kami do that? Why would a Kami do that?

Fortunately, spirits will flock to the new arrivals this month. Brave and kind civilians will push passed the rumor to offer aid. Free food, housing, clothing, etc. will still be supplied. But it will not be as easy-going and friendly as before. There are also a lot of new arrivals at once, as opposed to a sprinkling at a time.

!

Out of Character Notes

Most May arrivals are dropped into Starsand at the same time.

The handprints can be anywhere that a person might feasibly grab your character.

The unfriendliness of the locals should not be malicious.

Kami & Spirits will continue to treat Fallen Stars kindly.

(C) Old Arrivals: A Shattered Shrine

At the same time that this month’s new arrivals were dumped enmass, something dramatic happened on the top level. The TimeSpace Shrine, which had locked doors and closed windows, has changed. All of the windows that lined the spiraling staircase have been shattered and have a dark, sparkling liquid leaking from the cracks. The liquid is gathering at the foot of the shrine and everyone seems rightfully afraid of it.

”What is this? Did someone vandalize the shrine?”

”Is the Kami inside there alright?”

”There are so many new Fallen Stars! Are they connected?”

People murmur from a safe distance.

When approaching the shrine, one can hear a strange humming noise. Like static from a radio with a distant melody lost in the noise. As you climb the stairs, the sound gets louder and louder until it’s unbearable. You can hear voices and sounds from the world you once knew, but they’re drowned out by the static.

If you manage to reach the top and touch the door, you may find yourself in the same space as new arrivals. Use this to interact with new arrivals from Prompt A! You can also put !NPC REQUEST in a thread title for an NPC interaction.

!

Out of Character Notes

New Arrivals can also investigate the shrine.

The voices characters hear can be from any point in their canon, past or present.

Native characters will not enter the shrine.

The black goo is repelled by Fallen Stars, as if by a magnetic force.

(D) No Plot: Cherry Blossom Viewing

It is a few days after the Shrine of SpaceTime broke. Reception to the new arrivals has grown warmer as the marks on their skin faded away. In order to ease tensions, the Kami of Love has renewed the cherry blossom trees and called for a final good-bye party for the season. Grassy parks are lined with picnic blankets, food vendors are opening all kind of stalls, and cherry blossom themed trinkets are being sold for faith.

It’s an easygoing sort of prompt. Fallen Stars, as out-of-worlders are called, are welcome to join in the festivities. People are encouraged to take a spot on an empty blanket and view the blossoms. The blossoms are renewed with faith every day, so the trees do not go bear for long. But because the blossoms are faith-based magic, they also don’t linger on the ground. Try to take petals home and they’re disappear overnight. Perhaps it’s a small price to pay for reviving the sight over and over again. The blossoms are getting no rest this month.

!

Out of Character Notes

Festival food can come from any culture.

Food is free and leftovers can be taken home in containers.

The cherry blossoms renew at midnight. Petals will fall backwards and back onto the trees.

Blossoms can be viewed on all levels. There are many picnic areas throughout the city.

(E) Rumor: The Fallen Stars

Unfortunately, despite the Kami and their attempts to maintain peace, Rumors still exist. These stories carry the power of faith, which can turn a lie into truth if spoken enough. They’re unfortunately common in the City of Starsand, though admitting to their power will only make it stronger. Very few average civilians realize that Rumors exist, and those that do know better than to explain this dangerous magic to just anyone.

Since the Shrine of SpaceTime shattered, there has been a common rumor about Fallen Stars. It’s one whispered between the native civilians, which they try not to let Fallen Stars hear: ”Perhaps the reason that they’ve come here is to replace us? So many of the Fallen Stars have magical powers unrelated to spirits and Kami. Are they going to replace us? Is the SpaceTime Kami trying to make a stronger and more magical world?”

This Rumor has an unfortunate power. It is replacing civilians with illusions of Fallen Stars. You may see someone you know suddenly running the general store in the place of the old lady who once gave you free snacks. Once you get closer, both the person you saw and the person who should be there are gone. In the civilian’s place is a pile of the dark, glittery substance that was leaking from the SpaceTime Shrine.

The missing people can be brought back. If Fallen Stars visit the broken shrine, they can pray for the return of missing civilians. Missing civilians are typically the ones who bravely reached out to help at the beginning of the month.

!

Out of Character Notes

Missing people can be brought back and disappear again.

Illusions can speak, but they disappear before they can be interacted with.

Goo puddles do not disappear until the missing person is brought back.

The black goo is repelled by Fallen Stars, as if by a magnetic force.

Notes for May

The arrivals in May are different from normal. Arrival process is expected to return to normal in June!

There will be a second part to the Rumor event later in the month.

There is a possible third event that can be triggered by exploration this month.

The NPC contact is open to anyone who wishes to interrogate/meet a specific NPC.

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Comments

Questions & Answers

[berriah]

[dereban]

In regards to the marks, given that they're supernatural what happens if someone were to attempt to use a nullification ability on them? Would anything occur in response?

Same goes for trying to touch the Space-Time shrine with a touch-based nullification ability.

[dereban]

Actually coming in here for a quick question since it might become relevant in the future and I haven't seen anything regarding it so far (unless I missed it?)

What language does everyone speak/write? Also can characters like, swap to any native tongues that they know?

kaguya shinomiya / kaguya-sama wa kokurasetai

[lunarcycles]

💕 option i: kaguya wants to fit in.

[It'd be one simple thing if Kaguya were simply whisked away to another world on any normal, ordinary day.

But instead, she's taken during one of the most inopportune times.

Not to mention that for someone as observant as her, she notices the way the people react; how they speak. There's concerns over the marks on her wrists, she can't help her curiosity.

But first, she should at least keep herself scarce--if she winds up being too memorable, there might be some issues. Hence why she wears a mask of neutrality, trying to tuck away her emotions for any potential audiences.

She's grateful for the free supplies. Being on her own like this is admittedly terrifying when she's so used to either being around others or taken care of (not that she'd admit that) and there's only so much she can do (not that she'd admit that) but she first needs to cover this mark if she wants to get further information besides the snippets she's overhearing from those who have been here much longer than her.

And thankfully for her, clothes are still free, which makes things even less of an issue. While getting something cute would be optimal, what's more important is getting something to cover her skin.

She frowns at several of the choices, purposely using her free hand to cover up the current marking, playing it off as a natural habit of hers instead of trying to hide something.]

Getting something like this makes it seem like I'm trying to go scuba diving... how troublesome. Excuse me, [she manages politely, with a well trained, practiced smile] you wouldn't happen to know where the long sleeved dresses are, would you? It's getting quite cold, and I'm ill prepared for the occasion.

💕 option ii: kaguya wants to find a familiar face.

[After having settled in, she's learned several things about the situation.

That this isn't the first time people have shown up in this place - this 'world', she supposes. And it's because of that she has to find someone--]

Excuse me. I heard that new arrivals were pouring in droves.

[Kaguya, of course, plans on pretending that she's been here long enough that she isn't part of the new wave. The one where all the new arrivals were finding themselves 'marked', basically.]

I'm curious to see if you have met a young man. He's about my age, with blonde hair and sharp eyes. He has quite the presence, so if he's here, he shouldn't be too hard to find.

[Although if he isn't here...

Well, she'll handle things on her own. She'll just need a little help.]

💕 option wildcard

[Want to play something completely different? Feel free to hit me up at tsundereban or message me via PM!]

option i

[omichron]

[Chron's first instinct when she sees Kaguya is jealousy. A girl with natural beauty; It's hard not be envious of her. Especially when she somehow carries herself with a mix of grace, serenity, and some charm that Chron can't place...

Oh.

Her cheeks begin to burn when she realizes that she's being addressed.]

Oh- Right! Of course, uh.

Wait.

Isn't it supposed to get warmer after blossom season?

ii

[nightwild]

[Fauna listens to the description. Blonde hair? Sharp eyes? ... White's a kind of blonde, right?]

Oh, that guy? He's been here a while. I've never talked to him, though.

himeko inaba / kokoro connect [scp crau]

[dereban]

♥ option one.

[Being dropped from one world to the next was actually not something all that unfamiliar--

At least, not for this iteration of Inaba, anyway.

And while it comes to her as a bit of a shock when she shows up, she has to actually double check herself, mentally. She shuts her eyes and tries to focus hard and finds herself sighing in relief when she notes that the abilities that she has as a 6350 are still there.

Although it's definitely concerning, for sure, given that this isn't home, but it certainly isn't The Foundation, either.

She listens to her surroundings, clearly unbothered by the ill treatment - after all, it wouldn't be the first time that she's had someone treat her in such a way, or even regarded her in such a fashion.

But kami, huh? So this world is one where that sort of thing seems to be prominent?

Guess she's going to have to start asking questions and getting more information. She'll have to be careful, however, which is why she opts to keep her nullification abilities on--meaning that if anyone with supernatural abilities dares to attempt and touch her, they'll immediately notice that their powers immediately clamp shut on physical contact.

Of course she's trying to look for those who are native, or at least those who look like they've been here for quite some time.]

Excuse me! I heard that there was something about a kami--I know you might not want to talk to me, but I want to understand why someone so revered would actually want someone like me. Or would do something like that...

[Her thoughts whir; she can't help but be curious. Were these kami that they were praising the same ones that...?

Nah, no way. That was probably just a thing from the Foundation, she's sure.]

♥ option two.

[Eventually, she finds her way into the Space Time shrine. After all, curiosity killed the cat, and while Inaba certainly isn't one, she sure has a lot of lives like one.

And besides, she can't help but be curious.

As someone who can nullify the supernatural...

...what would happen if she dared to touch the shrine?

So she does, uncertain of what would happen. Perhaps it'll be fine--after all, buildings aren't just simply made of magic in most cases.]

♥ option three.

[Seeing cherry blossoms makes Inaba feel a bit nostalgic; there weren't any cherry blossom flowers on any of the Foundation sites. It's nice to do some flower viewing every now and again, at least.]

They really are pretty... it's nothing compared to the cherry blossoms back home, though. Especially at the Minato Mirai 21.

[Ah, yes. She's a Yokohama girl through and through.]

♥ option four.

[The fact that the rumors are afoot doesn't make Inaba happy at all. But when she sees the face of a familiar young man who seems to have replaced one of the shopkeeps, Inaba's own eyes grow wide.

She hadn't seen Taichi in years.

Her heart swells and she reaches out to him--

And he disappears, being replaced by the glittery substance that leaked from the shrine. Careful, she mentally switches off her nullification ability in her head to pick up the dust, wondering if she could possibly use it for something. Anything, really.]

Maybe this can be researched a bit...

♥ option wildcard.

[Hi! As a note: Inaba over here is from a CRAU where she knows she's a fictional character and those who have any sort of spiritual sense might notice that her soul is blue with tinges of white, as well as notice that she's not in a human body, even if it basically looks like a 1:1. If you want to play something else besides the above, feel free to message me on plurk at tsundereban or PM this account!]

option four

[nightwild]

[Hey Inaba, think fast.]

You! [Fauna roars as she charges, fist raised, and that's all the warning Inaba really gets as Fauna's trying to take a superpowered swing through her.

... Or rather, if Inaba doesn't actually move at all, Fauna will completely whiff and stumble through the glitterdust in obvious confusion. Depends on she can avoid moving when an angry girl is trying to punch someone she saw there.]

option 2 | npc

[spacialeyes]

[The SpaceTime Shrine hums at Inaba's approach. People who approach it will hear static and the distant sounds of their home worlds, like a radio that is just out of tune. When Inaba touches the shrine door, all of that sound roars like a rushing train and so many images flash across the door that it goes white.

Then there is silence. And nothing.

Before Inaba is shot back from the shrine by an unseen force. Fortunately, something else is nearby. Well, someone. Who adjusts the gravity around the shrine so that Inaba won't get hurt and can safely find her footing.

What Yuuto can't fix is how angry the spirits have become. Harmless lights flock around Inaba, like a frenzy of bees without stingers.]

Wh-What did you do that for? Are you trying to make the spirits angry?

Fauna/Night Wild | OC

[nightwild]

i. shattered shrine

[Fauna has spent almost all of her time here aggressively trying to get into that Shrine of Space-Time. She wants to go back. She has to go back. She can't let gods force their wills on people anymore.

Yet once she turns her back, something else did it? What she spent all this time trying, someone else does in a minute? No. She refuses to acknowledge it.

She dives for the stairs, plowing through everyone in her path without caring, jumping the stairs. She practically flies up them, taking them three, four at a time, leaping up like gravity has no hold on her as she speeds up the stairs. She hears voices, sounds, static- The noisy horns of Tokyo traffic, the voices of those she's harmed, the voice of her Goddess- All drowned out in the static as she rises higher and higher. She can't stop. She won't stop. She flies at the door, arm pulled back, and unleashes her strongest, most devastating punch--

And into the realm where the new people arrive, her fist meeting no resistance, leaving her stumbling to the ground, rippling behind her.]

ii. rumors

[Fauna's barely recovered from what happened with the shrine when she walks along, and sees...

Her blood runs cold. Those eyes, blue and cold, a smile that knows everything yet is so far above humanity it's laughable to think you could ever understand it. A Goddess, true, powerful... the one who Fauna owed everything to. The one whom Fauna would never forgive.

She charges, once again, this time like she intends to attack the Goddess with her own bare fists...

and once again, she misses, swinging, stumbling into a pile of the dark substance.]

The- The hell is this stuff, anyway?!

shattered shrines | NPC

[borderlineconflict]

[Ripples of light spread out from Fauna's stumbling steps. The reflections of other times and places come with distant voices, echoing through the air and vanishing into silence. And Fauna is not the only one is this strange space; There's a figure very close by, crouched down in front of Fauna as if to offer a hand. That hand never comes. The figure, feminine in appearance, is brightly lit and painful to look at. Their face especially is obstructed by cyan light.

They tilt their head, uttering a light voice;]

-here?

How did you... get here?

Are you lost?

i

[omichron]

[Whenever Fauna gets out of the shrine, there will be someone waiting at the bottom for her. Chron heard about a firey redhead blazing up the stairs and guessed pretty quickly who it might be. Best let her release some steam on the shrine, right?

It's not like Chron could climb the steps to reach Fauna, even if she wanted.]

... Hey! You- What took you?

Battler Ushiromiya | Umineko No Naku Koro Ni

[checkmater]

-one- arrival

[The first experience, when Battler arrives, is something like the Meta layer, except more demanding. There's no extravagance to it. There's no tea party. There's just...a hum. And reflections - reflections of the past games he's been in, of his past. His future? He can see hints of...a wedding. He's happy. Beatrice is t--Beatrice isn't gone?

Beatrice isn't--but there's a blinding light. He's helpless to see anything more. And when he opens his eyes up--he shuts them again immediately.]

Ahhhh, shit. It stings!

[His eyes hurt. His ears are ringing, too. Where is he? What's going on? When he can finally open his eyes, he then sees the fingerprints. It's around his wrists. He stares at them appraisingly for a moment, then realizes he's now being given a fair amount of attention he never asked for. So he straightens his tie and clears his throat.]

...Yo. What's going on?

[That's too casual for this situation, and he knows it. Ah well. At least it seems like he's not alone in this...]

-two- cherry blossoms

[It's been a few days. Battler has had time to adjust - time to get his bearings, and he's needed it. Despite the circumstances, this is...normal. Jarringly normal. He's gotten so used to tragedy and mystery that the normality of this situation is what puts him on edge. And...furthermore, the fact that to his knowledge, he's alone.

None of his family is here. None of the witches are here. He's just...by himself. And he has to adjust to that again. During the six year stopgap between him leaving his family and then returning to Rokkenjima, he hadn't been alone. When the threat appeared that he might have to be, he returned to Rokkenjima after those six years. So perhaps, he realized, he wasn't the best with dealing with solitude.

No choice now, being a 'Fallen Star'. Made him sound like some kind of washed-up actor. Tch. He strolled past the stalls. An easygoing smile was placed on his face so that he didn't attract too much attention being stoic and paranoid, and because he probably would return to being easygoing sooner rather than later, but for the moment, it was a mask.

He strolled over, sitting on a blanket. This was what you were supposed to do, right--?

And then he realized he'd sat on someone else's blanket without thinking. Immediately, he jolts out of his thoughts.]

Oh! Crap, sorry. I was, uh, kinda...thinking there. Sorry. Thought this was open. [He prepares to rise and go elsewhere.]

-three- the fallen stars rumor

[It's by this point that Battler's started to build up a rapport with the citizens. A few of them, at least. There's a nice young woman who works at a flower store. An older gentleman who works at the bakery. A few kids who he's played around with in some weird substitute for the time he missed - was missing - with Maria.

That is, until he sees her one day. And he stops dead in his tracks.]

M...Maria?

[The little girl is alone, and she's peering at a chalkboard near the bakery stating the special. Battler almost expects her to turn towards him, but she doesn't. She just keeps her eyes locked on her target - but even that's not unusual for Maria. If she found something she was fixated on, she stuck to it. For better and for worse. He faltered, his throat growing dry.]

Oiiiii. Maria. Have they got some magical bread on sale or something? Ihihihi. I'll get it for you, if you wa...

[He stops midsentence. As soon as he got close, Maria was gone. And in her place is some kind of dark glittery substance.]

What the hell--?! Ahhh, is this some kind of sick joke?!

-four- wild card

[Anything else? Hit me up at osomatsuniisan or via PM.]

two

[nightwild]

[Honestly, Battler, this might actually be your blanket after all. Why? Because the girl who's already there just shrugs.]

Not my blanket. Don't care.

[Which is odd, because she's definitely eating from the basket of food there, whether or not it's Battler's.]

Osamu Dazai | Bungo Stray Dogs

[bluemackerel]

(one): arrival

[When Dazai feels the tug, he makes no effort to resist. Of course not. Why would he? It's interesting, and a new experience, and he's clearly wanted or needed somewhere, so he'll go along with it. Besides, fighting back would just be tedious. He lets it tug him along, and the flashes of his memories that he sees are...unpleasant.

Being in the Port Mafia. Finding Arahabaki. Getting promoted to executive. Odasaku. Changing his morality code based on the wishes of one man alone. Then the quest to become a 'good person' sets in. He's smiling the entire time, even if it doesn't quite meet his eyes. Dazai has always been known for being remarkably difficult to read, and this time is no different.

He's taken into a blinding light, and then he just...opens his eyes. Unlike some, he's not effected in the least. That could have been No Longer Human kicking in when he needed it most, but he doesn't think too hard about it for now. What matters is the new location he's in, surrounded by others in varying dress, his hands in his jacket pockets as a small gust of wind kicks in.]

What a beautiful spring. [He muses to no one in particular.] I wonder how strong these trees are. Tis the season.

[Dazai, no. He doesn't even notice the fingerprint on the right side of his neck.]

(two): cherry blossom viewing

[It's a festival! And it's rather solemn without the ADA accompanying him, sadly. But Dazai isn't one to let great loss get to him. If he did...best not to think about it. This was a joyous time! He's gotten some hanami dango, at least. So there he sits, idly, on a blanket, staring up at a tree.

If these trees were based upon faith, then what did that mean for a faithless man, like himself? He'd never considered himself the pious sort. And he wasn't about to start now. Maybe his entire being would make the tree rot from the inside out, if he were to touch it.

And that's why he doesn't. He keeps his hands to himself, and he sits there silently. Someone sits nearby, and without looking at them, he remarks]

These won't last long. I've always found these festivals to be kind of mournful.

(three): the fallen stars rumors

[A mystery. Now that was something up his alley. That was his element. Perhaps this could be the start to a new branch of the ADA! ...Probably not. But pretending was kind of fun, sometimes. So. Locals were fearing being replaced by the Fallen Stars, were they? There had to be some rhyme or reason as to why.

It all clicked when he noticed that instead of a young man he'd spoken to a couple of times at a general store working the counter, Chuuya was there instead.

It clicked, of course, after he burst into uproarious laughter.]

Chibi! Chibi! You've taken a counter job, Chibi?! [It was like an overexcited bully seeing a new target, because if this were Chuuya, that'd be exactly what it was. But it isn't. He can tell. If this were Chuuya, he would've had to dodge a kick by now.

So it wasn't. This was an illusion. He didn't get too close to the counter - didn't spare a second glance with his teasing - and tutted to himself as he exited the shop.]

I do so hate when people think they can pull the wool over my eyes with that little effort.

(four): wild card

[Anything else? Hit me up at osomatsuniisan or via PM.]

two

[undermoonlight]

[Atsushi has been here for a few months now. Without his friends or their guidance. That time was not spent entirely alone (he's been good to the locals and they're been good to him,) and he hasn't sat around uselessly (there's an entire library of information to read.) But he can't say he's been happy either.

That unhappiness was only amplified when he found out about the SpaceTime shrine. It's obvious to him that this festival is an attempt to distract from something horrible, which made enjoying the festivities nearly impossible. Already on edge, it was impossible for Atsushi to miss a familiar face among the crowds.]

D, Dazai-san? When did you... How long have you been here?

Kokichi Oma | Danganronpa

[violetlies]

I: arrival

[Kokichi, unlike a fair few others, is taken at the actual perfect time. There's a tug on his wrist, and he's being pulled along. As he follows along aimlessly, his mind wanders - is this what the afterlife is? Just...this? A hum, and reminders of his past?

None of it is pretty. None of it is anything he wants to see. Which is why it's probably a relief that he forgets that little opening number, and to him, it suddenly feels like he's been jerked away from the killing game into what looks like another crowd of people, all of them unfamiliar. Hm.

He clicks his tongue.]

...

[And then he looks pensive. There's too many people here for this to be some kind of unknown 'round two', so what was it?]

II: cherry blossom viewing

[This is about the time when Kokichi has pastries stuffed into his cheeks, looking very much like a squirrel. He'd always told himself to never abandon his childish side, and there was no better example than this. Simply walking along, his face stuffed to the brim with sweets...until he finally swallows them after chewing, and lies down on a blanket on his stomach, his legs kicking behind him lightly.]

Sakura, sakura~

[He's just singing to himself. This is...all because he feels this is all too nice. He's waiting for something to go wrong, but until then, he's deluding himself.]

III: the falling stars mysteries

[A terrible rumor was more what he was used to. The normal citizens were fearing being replaced, were they? Interesting. Well, he supposes it's only natural. Some strangers appear out of nowhere and assert themselves, and it's no wonder people might think they'd be driven out of town.

Kokichi paid it no heed. But he stayed alert anyway. Anything out of place? Anything--

That's when he catches sight of Kiibo sweeping the floor outside of a cafe. Now, he was fairly certain he might've noticed the Ultimate Robot if he were present. The living toaster didn't exactly blend in, however much he wanted to. And now to just be sweeping outside like this? Conveniently when he came by?

He skipped over.]

Kee-boy! What a miracle upon miracles to find you--

[No more Kiibo. Now it's dark glittery stuff. The broom clatters to the ground.]

Interesting. Very interesting.

[So he's got a lead.]

IV: wild card

[Anything else? Hit me up at osomatsuniisan or PM.]

iii

[omichron]

[The sudden clattering of the broom gets Chron's attention. In one moment, she saw a strange person sweeping away. A Fallen Star, she had assumed, doing work to earn faith as payment. But with the clatter, Chron sees that person is gone. In their place is that gross goo from the shrine.

Unfortunately for Kokichi, Chron has a temper and assumptions. She reaches out to roughly grab his shoulders while, at the same time, aiming to back him against a wall. Her red eyes flash with blatant anger and her accusations aren't very subtle:]

What was that? What did you do?!

NPC | The Firm Grip of Space | Plot Prompt

[borderlineconflict]

[There's a tug on your arm, pulling you into a strange space. One where the only light comes from your own body and from the ripples of time-space under your feet. For many, this experience is quick. It ends like a dream, leaving them unsure as to whether it was real or a fantasy.

But for others, it lasts longer.

And for some of those, it involves seeing the far of silhouette of... someone. A voice, presumably of this mysterious figure, calls out over the rising hum;]

how--

How did you get here?

[checkmater]

Mmm?

[This silhouette he sees...is wholly unfamiliar. As is the voice that comes from it. He can tell it's not a witch. It's not someone he's met before.

But they're asking him how he got here.]

I can't quite say. I just remember I was talking to a few associates of mine...we were preparing for something big, and then I felt a grip on my arm tugging me through things that did and didn't happen. Other games, I suppose. Now I'm here.

How about you?

Elliot Nightray | Pandora Hearts

[rejectedchain]

Arrival

[The last thing Elliot remembered was that he couldn't feel much of anything, other than a bone-deep exhaustion once the pain had faded. So he's surprised to find himself being pulled...is this some sort of hallucination meant to ease the process? If so, his body has horrible taste.

He's heard people say your life flashes before your eyes right before you die, or if you nearly died, so what happens next is less surprising, even if it is devastating. But then there's a sweet scent that hits him. It's gentle. Perhaps this isn't so bad.

Elliot opens his eyes and stares at the sky. The flowers are lovely-

Flowers?

The teen jumps up, recovering his energy as he looks around, part in awe and confusion. There are people here, people who stare at him and whisper about things he doesn't understand, but that sort of standoffish behavior hasn't deterred him in the past. Straightening his posture, he approaches them. It gives him something to focus on that isn't what just happened. There are red fingerprints on his cheek.]

I have a few questions. I don't mean you any h-

[Oh. They're avoiding him. That's rude! Dropping some of his polite demeanor, Elliot stops and starts to seethe at them.]

What the hell are you running away for?!

Cherry Blossoms

[Elliot is still conflicted about his presence here, but there had been spirits and civilians who were kind, and it helped with adjusting to this new place. The cherry blossoms had caught his eye the first time he saw them, and the party wasn't unlike a picnic, so he finds himself sitting on one of the blankets, one knee pulled up and his elbow resting on it as he sorts through the fallen blossoms, picking out the prettiest ones and putting them in a pile on the blanket. It's a bit girly for him, but it keeps him occupied.]

Rumors

[As far as Elliot is concerned, rumors are for the cowardly and weak-minded, and a complete waste of time, so he gives them no thought, preferring to focus on the people he has met who didn't judge him immediately. He's met one such lady who takes care of a small library, and he found himself spending more time there. As a noble, his practical skills are few and far between, but he knows how to arrange and organize books, so he offered to help her in his free time, which he has an abundance of now.

Stepping into the library, he expects to see her behind the counter, smiling as usual, but instead it's-]

Vanessa?

[It's his sister, Vanessa. Elliot is frozen in place. He doesn't know whether to approach her or stay, after what he did. His limbs feel like they're made of lead, but he still resolves himself to move forward. She's alive, so even if he can't atone for what happened, he can't run away. There's no way in hell.

She's-

Where he saw his older sister is now a dark, glittery pile of something. Elliot just stops, seeming to gaze through it, his eyes haunted.]

Cherry Blossoms

[goldspecktacles]

[Right as he got used to the idea of being Glen Baskerville, something just had to go and test him. Leo had accepted that crossing into the Abyss would become second nature to him soon. He'd also had to swallow the idea of different worlds, falling through timelines, so many strange things when he was controlled by Glen. What should be a mystifying and exciting journey straight from a storybook becomes so irritating when it's forced upon him.

Luckily for Leo, hiding irritation is a skill well practiced. He'll thank Elliot for that one, with grief lining that sarcastic thought. No, what Elliot really taught Leo was to be a patient person. He knows how to accept help from the locals and interact with them politely, because life as a valet forced this kind of skill to develop. He had taken up residence in the library and soaked up facts and story alike for the next few days. Visiting the cherry blossoms wasn't a choice, but something the library attendants insisted on.

Another bother, really. Leo is still healing from the whirlwind of emotions from his home world. So many stories ended and he's still trying to process them. He had only just started to find a way to walk on his own. Without his friends. But he'd learned that forward was the best option. It would be what Elliot and Oz would want for him too.

So when he sees a familiar face on one of the picnic blankets, Leo feels angry. Here he is, trying so hard to process his grief, and his mind is playing tricks on him. Someone who looks like Elliot is here, teasing him with his friend's likeness.

All of his contained anger flares and Leo marches across the grass, closer to this person. If he leaves without confirming it isn't Elliot, then Leo knows he'll hope otherwise forever. So annoying! He hopes to get a good look at this person, confirm it isn't Elliot's face, and put this hope to rest--

Then he stops suddenly. Wide eyes stuck rudely to those of this person. No, not 'this person,' a word used for a strange. He's looking at Elliot.]

Hillis Inoaden (Solitary Lady)

[thesolitaryrose]

(I. Cherry Blossom Viewing)

[It's almost funny, isn't it? Hillis Inoaden, holder of the Inoaden power, attending a festival of spring. This is the season that the family's power comes from: It grants her control over roses, both for violence and beauty. And it is that same family of spring that would have otherwise locked their ugling duckling away and forbidden her from attending a party.

So while Hillis isn't fond of noisy events, she does attend the festival out of spite. A laced parasol guards her from direct sunlight as she searches for a blanket. None of them are empty, but she does see one especially large blanket with only one occupant. With the parasol in one hand and a tray of takoyaki in the other, Hillis approaches. She then wordlessly invites herself to sit on the opposite end of the blanket. It's only once she feels curious eyes on her that she speaks up.]

You don't need the whole thing for yourself, do you?

(II. The Fallen Stars)

[The rumors are easy enough to brush off. Hillis is used to people talking behind her back. Rather than grow a thick skin, she just stopped caring. The same applies to stories about the Fallen Stars. Because Hillis has no intention of going 'home,' she doesn't even listen for information's sake.

And yet, she hears enough for the latest rumor to affect her. It takes the form of a young man with red hair and a fancy set of custom red clothes. Hillis stops in place. He stands with a blonde girl, who is a few heads shorter than him and dressed in the finest of dresses. The pair laugh as they window shop. He takes out a wallet when the girl starts pointing at things that she wants.

Hillis would very much like to ignore them. She is disappointed to see her siblings taint this world, but it's not like she can murder them this time. That only worked because it was a part of her exit plan. But just as Hillis thinks back to their murder, the pair collapse into a puddle of black, glittery goo.

It's only now that Hillis approaches. Wide eyes begin to calm as she looks down at the dark substance.]

... That's not my power. [She sighs and shrugs her shoulders. Making eye contact with a stranger, her gold eyes narrow.] Am I supposed to clean up their messes here too?

I - Cherry Blossom Viewing

[fifthdomonion]

Me? Naw! If anything, it'd boost my spirits to get a chance to view these cherry blossoms with such a beauty!

[That's Kevin delivers to her with a smile and a wink. Thank Aidios for this moment as this is probably his lucky day! He had some takoyaki and a small bottle of sake on the blanket. He wasn't expecting company, but he wasn't going to hesitate to share it with a lady. Should a priest like him really be drinking? Well, no... But it wasn't like the church was watching him right now. Not whenever they were in this different world.]

Anywho, I don't bite at all. So what brings ya to a cozy event like this?

hanyuu / higurashi no naku koro ni

[aupologizes]

fragment one: arrival. [spoilers for higurashi no naku koro ni & meguri.]

[This is new.

Not the idea of being in another world, but actively being pulled towards one.

"Furude Hanyuu" was supposed to have disappeared.

The only thing that was supposed to be left is just simply a fragment of herself. No trace of who she was existed, anymore... with the exception of her descendant, Furude Rika--

And one other person, who she will eventually come to know.

When she finds herself not in the city, but in an empty space, a part of her wonders if she's traversed into another part of the Fragments that she wasn't used to.]

...hello? Is there anyone else there?

[She speaks out, wondering if she was alone.

She wouldn't be surprised if she were.

After all, after their long journey... she had to return to the realm of the kami. Back to being alone.

So she expects nothing.]

fragment two: an unusual awakening.

[Overhearing the whispers of the humans is... well, concerning.

And it's enough for her to want to hide. If people found out that one of the new arrivals was also a kami, and that there was potential problems arising between two, it might cause some friction.

So instead, Hanyuu tries to cover her horns with her hair in buns, although that does absolutely nothing for her miko attire.

Maybe if she just goes into her spirit form and flies off somewhere, she can manage to sneak away...?

She's not very sneaky, however, and it's possible she might just bump into you by accident while in a panic.]

fragment wildcard.

[Want to play something completely different? Feel free to hit me up at tsundereban or message me via PM!]

fragment one

[borderlineconflict]

Hello?

[A timid voice calls out, sounding to be equal parts surprised as they are curious. The figure of a girl can be seen in the distance, slowly walking towards Hanyuu. But while Hanyuu has brilliantly lit ripples beneath her feet, this person leaves no trace of her steps. They stops two or so yards away, hands seemingly clasped to their chest.]

... You're here. You're really here?

Leo | Pandora Hearts

[goldspecktacles]

(a) arrival

[When Leo awakens from the strange place between, he is surprised to find himself surrounded by signs of spring. The colourful shops look nothing like those of his Victorian Era-isc world, with colourful glows floating through the air much like the gold specks of the Abyss. He's transfixed by his strange surroundings, not so much struggling to realize what has happened as he is trying to understand how it happened. With the aching of a hand marking his wrist, he can rule out this being a dream. But what options remain?

It could be a memory, he reminds himself. It could be like Sablier or the visions of the past. To confirm whether or not this is true, Leo seeks out the nearest person for conversation with a polite (fake) smile.]

Excuse me~. Do you know today's date, by any chance?

(b) Cherry Blossom Viewing

[Leo is almost annoyed to be dragged out to the festivities. Almost, because the free food and beautiful scenery are appealing. But they measure equal to, not more than, his past few days in the Shrine of Curiosity. Leo hasn't left for more than a few exploration trips, otherwise diving into the history of this world and looking for answers.

But despite food and scenery being all that keep him here, Leo doesn't immediately seek a snack or a blanket to sit on. He isn't fond of crowds and doesn't have the energy to push through them for food. So he hangs back near a railing, overlooking the sharp drop into the five levels of city below.]

Why is it getting more busy as night gets closer? I thought people would have cleared out by now.

[His stomach then growls, much to his annoyance. He grips the railing irritably and grumbles to himself;] This is ridiculous.

Gus l Sweet Tooth (Netflix)

[fulgent]

[ooc: have yet to get to reading my comics so. Netflix it is. Also. Voice testing.]

Arrival:

[Gus last remembers being with Big Man, with Jeppard returning Dog to him. Having called to the Sanctuary for support. And then.....well, ending up here. He isn't sure on the rest. He isn't sure on what to make of this strange place. Of the marks at his wrists. His neck. But he explores, asking around for Big Man and Bear. By which he means a young girl older than himself and an ex-professional sports star. He may or may not clarify well enough on that though. He's carrying around Dog, a soft toy made from various patches of fabrics from his 'father' as he wanders, alert and with his ears twitching occasionally as he's so on edge in this strange new place.

He will absolutely be keen on the offered food though and all but inhale it. Eating as if starving and he has barely eaten before at all. Which would of course be a lie but he will be particularly keen on devouring any chocolate and sweets. He's like a feral gremlin the way he scoffs it down. And absolutely has chocolate all around his mouth.]

Cherry Blossoms:

[Living in a park in the United States, mostly having been surrounded by woods. Well, Gus doesn't have the most knowledge on flowers and the like. But he does wander to see what the fuss is about. He stands admiring the trees, a hand out to the falling petals as he catches one.]

....pretty.

Cherry Blossoms

[ai_nnihilate]

Do you like cherry blossoms?

[A young woman in her mid-twenties steps out from the bustling festival crowds and towards Gus, a light smile playing across her face. This is not entirely her first time noticing Gus among the flowers; She has a mother's instinct for spotting children on their own, after all. Having noticed him multiple times and also noted his being alone each time, the Kami of Love finally takes action. Though, being subtle about her concerns while she assesses the situation.]

It's impressive how many there are, isn't it?

Oz Vessalius l Pandora Hearts

[satisfice]

[ooc: I am The Rustiest.]

Arrival:

[Oz is.....actually surprisingly casual about this whole thing. Probably because he's more used to being dumped somewhere new than most others, after his experience with the Abyss and the like. He doesn't seem nearly so weirded out as most - probably all - other new arrivals, as he sets about exploring, wandering around to get an idea on where this is, if there are any other familiar faces around. With a mouthful of food, probably a small, sweet snack, he's nibbling on as he explores. Entirely either not noticing or not that concerned about any marks he might have on his body.]

It's not home. Not the Abyss. I guess that's something.....?

Cherry Blossoms:

[They were pretty. Of course Oz is keen to drag his friends there. And have a picnic in the process because he's always about the snacks. He'll be there, sitting on a blanket on the grass, nibbling and sipping, admiring the colour, admiring that spring weather and feeling of warmth at his skin.]

This is nice.

Fallen Stars:

Replace.....?

[Oz has only recently arrived. So of course he isn't entirely sure what to make of that when he hears. He frowns, confused and concerned at hearing such talk as he turns to whoever else might be nearby. As if about to ask them for explanation. Reassurance perhaps?]

cherry blossoms

[aupologizes]

It is rather nice, isn't it?

[The one who speaks up is someone who looks no younger than a young girl of ten, maybe eleven years old wearing a hat over her head to cover her own horns, a little self conscious.]

Manjiro Sano | Tokyo Revengers

[emptyeyed]

ARRIVAL.

[ Mikey would never admit it to anyone, but when he first arrived in this place, he couldn’t help but feel afraid.

Though the fear was almost overwhelmed by the sheer disbelief and shock he felt upon realizing that he wasn’t dreaming, and he really was in a whole new world. A new world! And not just any world, but a world of magic, and kami, and, well… you can’t exactly blame him for taking so long to accept it, can you? He’d never even considered the possibility that magic could be real since he was a kid.

If any of his friends could’ve seen him, they surely would have laughed at the sight of the unflappable Mikey being so stunned. Once he’d realized he wasn’t in danger, he finally started to calm down, but to be honest, he still feels like he’s stumbling around in a dream, barely managing to comprehend that all of this is real.

The difference now is that it doesn’t show on his face anymore. Or at least the shock doesn’t – what does stand out, however, is the fingermarks on his face, gathered near the edges of his mouth. To be honest, it’s a bit of an unsettling sight, and Mikey’s glad that he can’t see it most of the time. But aside from that, he looks completely at home – and now that the fear is gone, it’s been quickly replaced by the excitement and wonder of a kid finding himself in a candy store for the first time. ]

Woah, that looks delicious! [ He exclaims, and suddenly, he’s right in front of your face, not caring as to whether you’re a stranger or not. ] Did someone give that to you? I can’t convince you to let me take a bite, can I?

Re: Manjiro Sano | Tokyo Revengers

[aupologizes]

Ah, um, yes, but... I can just show you to the bakery -- that's where I got these.

[Hanyuu is immediately startled out of her skin and it's only by the skin of her teeth that her buns don't immediately fall apart and reveal her horns.]

Madoka Kaname | Puella Magi Madoka Magica

[protectshope]

[01] arrival | closed to Homura

[Her last memory was of reaching through the darkness, pushing past despair and pain in order to lead her best friend to the light. She had clasped Homura's hands and... then...

Madoka was here. She woke on a sidewalk, pressed against a shop's display window. One look at her reflection and Madoka knew that something was very wrong. Her hair, once longer than logical, had been cut short again. It lay flat against her shoulders, without the red ribbons that she had handed to Homura so long ago. Her eyes had lost their golden omnipotence and turned a rosy red. And her clothes were a white dress, not complicated or lined with space like her goddess attire.]

This is... Am I back in the barrier?

[Her memory felt cracked. Minutes earlier, Madoka had been suffering from self-induced amnesia and had been fighting through Homura's witch labyrinth. Her friend had trapped her in her normal life again, but that cage was now cracked. Madoka knew she had broken free and yet...

A light panic threatened her. If she was back in the labyrinth, then she hadn't saved Homura. Her most precious friend was still hurting and Madoka needed to save her..! Lifting her head, Madoka scanned the crowd. Then, a few feet away, she saw a familiar silhouette. Nothing else mattered but that person. Homura, who Madoka thought was still hurting and beating herself up over her wish... Nothing would stop Madoka from saving her.

Madoka rushed away from the window, barreling towards her friend to hug her from behind.]

Homura-chan!

[02] the spacetime shrine

[Kyuubey had once called her a god. While the world still felt a bit extreme for how Madoka saw herself, she did wonder if she should tread lightly here because of it. If kami were as approachable as she'd heard, perhaps she could ask one of them about it? Madoka didn't want to step on anyone's toes.

Her first point of investigation had been the Spacetime Shrine. Since she herself had been thrown out of the bounds of spacetime, perhaps this kami was one she should acquaint herself with... And yet, the shrine was empty. Not just that, but a black goo was oozing from its openings.

Madoka boldly approached, a soft face hardening to something more serious.]

It looks like it's bleeding... Are you sure? [Yes, she's talking to the shrine.]

[03] cherry blossom viewing

[Madoka laid claim to a picnic blanket and basket, picking a location that was out of sight. It had been so long since anyone could see her... So since anyone could touch or hear her. And so long since she'd enjoyed festival food!

Yes, Madoka was also surrounded by food. A ridiculous amount for someone so small, but hey! She loved to eat! And the Japanese street food was too nostalgic to pass up. She looks at her sample with a nervous smile, feeling awkward.]

Maybe I bought too much... Oh? [Sensing someone nearby, Madoka looks up.] Sorry. Am I in your way? I don't need the whole blanket...

[Well. Except that half of it taken up by food.]

3

[aupologizes]

Ah, no, it's completely fine... I was thinking of perhaps sitting on one of the tree's branches, actually.

[ Hanyuu wears an apologetic smile of her own, wearing a wide-brimmed hat to cover the horns that are atop her head. ]