STARSAND MOD (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
starrystorytellers) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
starsand2022-12-28 10:07 pm
starrystorytellers) wrote in starsand2022-12-28 10:07 pm
【EVENT】 New Year's Wishful Dreaming
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Wishful Dreaming Event
On the Eve of the New Year, the city of Starsand is surprisingly quiet. For a place so eager to throw parties, you might think that the streets would be full of life. But instead, Starsand’s streets are quiet and it’s citizens shutting down shops early. In this city, the last night of the year is contemplative and quiet. Citizens might make their last shrine visits, but it’s uncommon to see them out past 11.
They say that it’s important to fall asleep before the New Year, because you want to treasure your first dream of the New Year. Supposedly it’s lucky and prophetic. If you write it down and remember it, that dream can even guide you to your greatest desire. And rumors are always good ideas in Starsand.
Sleep comes easy on this night. Characters will find themselves getting drowsy by 4am at the latest. When they do fall asleep, they fall into a deep and elaborate dream.
They say that it’s important to fall asleep before the New Year, because you want to treasure your first dream of the New Year. Supposedly it’s lucky and prophetic. If you write it down and remember it, that dream can even guide you to your greatest desire. And rumors are always good ideas in Starsand.
Sleep comes easy on this night. Characters will find themselves getting drowsy by 4am at the latest. When they do fall asleep, they fall into a deep and elaborate dream.
☆ QUESTIONS & ANSWERS.
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Also I don't know if this will actually happen but just in case it does. Are there any consequences to uh. Having multiple dreams turn into nightmares at all.
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cw: mentions of murder
There's something about the dream itself that is obviously different, however: the usual pastel hues replaced with much saturated colors here and there. The faint smell of blood in the air that you can find if you walk down an alleyway or corridor.
But in spite of that, the 'Starsand' in this dream seems peaceful, and everyone seems to be happy. Content, even.
However, those who may be paying attention to the whispers will hear the words going around from several schoolgirls from the academy: ]
"Hey, have you heard?"
"Heard about what?"
"The rumors about there being a secret underground assassin! They say that the kami hired her to take out the evil that's been lurking around."
"Yeah! I've heard about her! Nobody knows who she is, right? They just know her code name: Thorn Princess."
"That's why everyone has to be careful to not do anything bad in Starsand..."
"Isn't that scary?"
"It is, a little. But she's going to get all the bad guys, that's kinda cool...! I think she'll keep us safe."
[ That might be something worth investigating.
Of course, for those who aren't interested in the assassin parts here, they might not hear the rumors; instead, they may find themselves in various places that are stereotypical to find a mother in--the grocery store, where Yor is shopping for varying food, in a kitchen, cooking things that actually don't look like poisonous abominations, and even in a park, where they'll even see a small little girl having fun playing various sports from volleyball to tennis. ]
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Spies aren't meant to seek out recognition in the first place.
An odd feeling, his legs moving and his body in motion, yet the strange feeling that he wasn't actually going anywhere, as if he were moving on autopilot. It's around this time that he starts to hear the rumors.
It... was strange. An assassin wasn't necessarily strange in itself, given the wide range of Fallen Stars congregated here. What concerned him was in the minor details-- the kami hiring an assassin sounded out of character from what he knew of them, and the concept of "taking out evil" wasn't sound either. Acting on "good vs. evil" would only lead to more conflict.
What bugged him the most was the name. "Thorn Princess". A name familiar to him, yet completely unknown. That alone was enough to throw him off, all things considered. He'd heard rumors close to this before, referring to some "Rose Heroine", but that didn't cause the same reaction. After all... when he considered that name, for some reason, he could only think of assorted briefings he had with WISE.
This warranted more than a follow up. The next thing he knows, he's on the rooftops, on a stakeout around town to determine the best place to locate this "Thorn Princess". That, or find evidence of someone doing something "bad" to lure her out. If such an assassin did exist, she had to be dealt with before things got out of hand. ]
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cw: unreality, mentions of being fiction; also *
There's nothing immediately different here at a first glance, in fact. But as people wander around, they'll see the signs: most of the shrines are completely absent--they've been replaced with ordinary buildings of a proper city hall and regular housing.
If they ask around for the kami, most younger people will blink at you in confusion. However, if one asks an elder one, they'll tell you that kami do exist in this world and be told that they are just simply people with extraordinary abilities that tie into concepts, no more, no less. They can be pressed further for more details if asked, too.
There's no such thing as Starling, but there doesn't seem to be any sort of replacement currency for it either. Spirits are around as well, but they can be actually heard by the others. If pressed further on the matter, the citizens will even tell you that a long time ago, the sprits did not have physical form and could not even speak. But through the power of science, they were able to gift spirits a proper form. It allowed spirits to choose tangibility, if that's what they wanted. It allowed them to be understood by the people around them with no issues at all. It is said that a good half of the Starsand population consists of spirits, in fact.
If people ask about shrines, they'll be told that Starsand city does have one--it's the one where the Shrine of Love is, in fact. But there's something different about it, something inherently... off. You'd blink and you could swear that it looks like the normal Shrine of Love. But then you'd blink again, hear the sound of static, of something glitching-- and the shrine looks just like a rather plain one that you'd see anywhere else in Japan. While people come and go to this shrine and give their prayers, it's made obvious that this place isn't as vital to the world as one might expect.
At the center, praying at the shrine is the back of a young teenage girl.
But looking closer, there's something even more strange about her.
While she looks human, she seems rather flat, in the literal sense. She's paper-thin, almost as if she's made of paper. It's soon revealed, as she turns around, that she's Inaba Himeko in her school uniform, wearing a serious expression.
And then, her mouth begins to move-- ]
"I'm surprised that you've come here."
Even though I had said that, it wasn't how I actually felt. In fact, my feelings were the exact opposite--it felt obvious that another Fallen Star would eventually show up here. After all, their memories were intact.
It wasn't as if they had forgotten anything, in this so called 'utopia' that I had created.
No, calling it a 'utopia' would have been arrogant of me. After all, it wasn't as if the changes I made were picture perfect.
[ --but instead of her voice, what comes out is a script of words that appear next to her on a magical floating sheet of paper, the sound of a keyboard clacking with each word, revealing not only what she intended to say, but her inner thoughts as well. ]
"Did you have something that you wanted to talk to me about?"
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Something was wrong.
When had she transformed?
The last place she could think to look was evident, and she felt relief momentarily when she approached the Shrine of Love. She wanted to check on everyone, make sure that they were okay-- but as the static reverberated through her ears, all she could do was close her eyes until the feeling passed... and the Shrine itself had changed. A bitter, familiar feeling invaded the pit of Ryoko's stomach, and she pressed on. Spotting this odd looking figure in front of her.
Cautious. Trying to expect anything. If this were a Nightmarescape, she'd have to fight her way out on her own-- nothing seemed off, and Aisaka-san was sleeping.
...why would this be a Nightmarescape?
Ryoko relaxes for a brief moment when the figure's revealed, but then, she "speaks". The words were legible, Inaba herself was inaudible... and Ryoko felt her heart rate spike. No, calm down. Deep breaths... she can do this. ]
I did. [ She calmly replies, folding her arms. As calm as she was, she couldn't escape the sinking feeling she carried with her.
Non-judgmentally, she asks the obvious question: ]
Did you do this, Inaba-san?
[ If this was Inaba to begin with. ]
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cw: the unreality is gonna get heavy w/ uai here
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cw: family abuse and manipulation mentions
You've been placed in a role to help with the play, in fact. If you ask further about it, you'll find out rather easily that the story is titled 'Asahina Mafuyu' and are given a rather simple script by one of the anonymous showhands after being told that "If you don't do what you're told, the director and author is not going to like it..."
And if pressed as to who the director is, exactly, they're given the name of Asahina
If you peek onto the stage, you'll see Mafuyu herself with the spotlight shining on her--but what people will notice is that her entire face is covered with a blank white mask that doesn't show her expression in the slightest bit. As she talks to several people in different sets: a school set, a cram school set, a home set, a Starsand set, her voice continues to be rather chipper and she sounds pleasant. What they'll also notice is that there seems to be strings attached to Mafuyu's limbs, too, attached to the ceiling.
It's only when the scenes change elsewhere that the spotlight seems to dim, just ever so slightly.
On the archery set, her mask seems to continue on being on, but cracks start to show through it.
And then, there's one more set... her room. It's only here, in complete darkness, when her mask is completely off. The strings are still on, but they don't seem to be connected to that ceiling anymore.
Of course, the Fallen Star who finds themselves here can interrupt during any section of the play--or even investigate behind the scenes, too. What will they do? ]
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There was no concern when she spoke, though something tugged at the back of his mind. This seemed wrong. From that director, to the way Mafuyu spoke, it didn't seem right. The spotlight was fading, and Mafuyu's mask was crumbling.
Until there was nothing. Where Rinne could start to feel relatively lucid again, stepping forward as if he were a part of the scene, removing the hood he wore as a kuroko. He couldn't see regardless, so he calls out. ]
How much longer do you plan to perform, Asahina Mafuyu?
[ He hadn't called her by her full name in a while, but it felt thematic in a way. The words coming to him clearly. ]
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[Statistically, people do not visit the Spacetime Shrine on New Years. Not because it is irrelevant, but because the kami is thought to be asleep and despondent. Even so, Yuuto waits at the snow covered shrine in case there are any visitors. Usually people want blessings of love or learning for the New Year. Honestly, he’s not sure what he can even offer…
But he’s still there. Moving snow with his power, creating packed sculptures and paved pathways to entertain himself, and waiting for anyone who cares to stop by. Don’t mind the lingering Rumor goo; He’s not sure what to do about it. He’s not sure how to react when he finally sees someone coming up the hill either, except to gasp in delight and wave;]
Hello! Welcome, uh..! Can I help you?
(b) A Blank Dream
[Yuuto’s dream is of complete dark darkness. There is nothing in view, except for a white door covered in prismatic chains. Ripples pulsate from the base of the door, bringing with them faint laughter and cheerful voices.
Yuuto stands at the door, pushing his full weight against it. Anyone who looks at the hinges may find this suspicious, because this is a pull door. Even if it wasn’t chained shut, pushing it wouldn’t help. But he makes a valiant, also useless, effort to force it open.]
I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry. I won’t wish for anything ever again…
A
[ A typical defensive, smart-ass remark. The other shrines were crowded, full of bodies wanting some worthless blessing.
In this case, she remembered hearing about the Space-Time kami, and how they're one of her tickets out of there.
And so. ]
I wanted t'show you a bit of respect in exchange for a full an' meaningful year.
[ ...her soul might also be burning a bit, but that's probably fine. ]
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[Of all the shrines, it’s that of Love which is most busy for New Years. Satou is in full kami mode as she smiles politely and sees visitors. She’s handing out small blesses objects upon request and encouraging conversation.
It’s only as midnight draws near and the crowds begin to thin that she truly has a chance to breath. Sighing softly, she regards the approaching Fallen Star with a worried look.]
I’ve never heard them fuss about their first dream of the New Year like that… Something isn’t right.
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[The Shrine of Curiosity is flooded with students of all sorts. School aged kids wanting to pass exams in the new year, adults wanting to try new things, and all sorts of curious types who need a boost with their research. Shugo is three coffee cups in and starting his forth by ten o’clock. He has to pretend that he’s socially competent and forces a smile until his cheeks are sore… Anyone with a keen eye may see that he is exhausted and his social battery has run dry.]
Can I help you leave? I mean- Help… with a whatever? Blessings? Why is everyone so obsessed with blessed dreams?
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Right now, he's absolutely spotting Shugo running on fumes. It's familiar to him, how often he'd looked in the mirror and saw that same kind of face looking back at him. ]
Would you be willing to help me search for a certain book? You can continue your blessings in a moment.
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[If you dare to ask around for it, a scarce few civilians will be able to direct you to another shrine for New Years… Though, they’ll certainly give you a wary look. The Shrine of Destruction isn’t exactly a place anyone wants to see their neighbors go for a New Years blessing.
But here you are! Located on the first level, deep within the woods, is an old, dead cherry blossom tree. The tree is cut clean in two and has a glowing purple crystal connecting its two standing halves. Its trunk is charred black, almost appearing crystallized, and it’s branches carry not blossoms or leaves, but strips of white paper that have been twisted in their place. Each paper contains a name of some sort, whether a person or establishment.
If you come here without making a greeting, you are unlikely to receive one in turn.]
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Besides, she wasn't really all that concerned in the slightest.
So when she shows up and eyes everything here, she can't help but cup her hands around her mouth and speak up, loud: ]
Graaaamps, are ya in here? I gotta talk ta ya 'bout somethin' important!
[ ... ]
I brought ya a late Christmas present...?
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fauna's dream
Back down on the ground, though, the nights are peaceful. The peace of the night is protected by the heroic figure, Night Wild, and anyone you ask is willing to talk about it. The threat of Rumors and Distortions is over, enough that everyone seems to know about them now. It's safe. Even if someone becomes a Rumor, the hero Night Wild will protect them... though no one knows said hero's true identity. Isn't that strange?
It's not hard to find her, though, if you look- In the back alleys of Starsand, a vulpine armor is locked in battle with a shadowy figure, leaking black Rumor goo. However, the advantage is clearly the hero's- and with a burning kick, she strikes the shadowy figure, who is blown backwards... and leaves a person behind at the impact, who Fauna catches.
As the hero turns around, back to the shadowy figure who she kicked away, said shadowy goo monster.... explodes. A huge fireball, that nonetheless doesn't seem to hurt anything. Night Wild checks on the now-unconscious person she saved, before leaving them down on the ground and turning to leave.
Prime interruption time, don't you think?]
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Typical. ]
Just thought I'd get your praise out of the way now. It'd probably kill ya to go without for a while, huh?
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tap's dream
You find yourself in a fantasy city, a plaza, but the people there are... well, there's a lot more than just humans. Elves, people with animal features, small people who look more like animals than humans... Even some undead, people made of crystal, and a couple of robots overgrown with plants.
If you ask, you'll be told you're in the City of Argo, on Isle Argos. If you're confused by the 'Isle' bit, they'll simply point you towards the edge of the city...
Once you go, or if you explore there on your own, though, the world will look very strange- The whole island is floating above a sea of clouds. In the distance, you can see many, many such islands around. Some of them are connected to each other by bridges, others chained to each other as if they'd drift away otherwise. And up from this sea of clouds, floats an endless ocean of bubbles, drifting from the clouds below to the clouds above.
Airships float between islands, drifting slowly. And smaller figures dart around them, as if flying on their own, and looking closely, you might notice that they're... people. Just flying through the air effortlessly, gliding with grace as if it's something they're born to do, occasionally getting more height by bouncing on a bubble.
And as you take in these sights, you're approached by a possibly-familiar bunny girl.]
Hey there! You new here?
Re: tap's dream
Um. Hi. Yes?
[Of which the first big question was 'how did I get here?!', but she wasn't asking that yet. Waking up here meant she hadn't gone through the tutorial zone...]
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*
Maybe you're in what looks like a school, where all the students (and possibly you!) are in uniform, milling around and discussing their grades -- and also alien attacks? You'll come upon Kokoro in uniform, and she looks up and steps back with a startle when she sees you.]
You're -- were you sent here as well, instead of home?
[Or, alternately, you're in space? You don't need a spacesuit, it seems -- not when you're suspended in a weird mecha-musume craft like the ones here, wearing it around your waist, and you're either dressed normally or wearing some ridiculous outfit that has an 80% chance of being impractically skimpy and having clear plastic elements. More importantly, there are spaceships shooting at you, and... robot penguins? Jelly aliens? Is that a giant brain back there?
Kokoro's also in her own Ride Viper and uniform, and you'll see that hers are on the sensible side as these things go. She nods at you with a frown.]
Stay alert. Any mistake could mean doom -- be serious!
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At least the sight of Kokoro is reassuring. Her words might ring some alarm bells, but he’s happy to see her.]
Kokoro-san..? What do you mean? Where are we?
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Pidonus' Dream | ******
Pidonus herself is on stage in her regular outfit, singing and dancing and fawning over the artificial cheers of the artificial crowd, lights shining on her as she speaks out joyously about her appreciation of the crowd. As if not noticing that the 'love' she is getting is hollow.
Or maybe she does see it. Every so often, a single tear is clearly visible. Like she realizes that this fawning crowd isn't what she actually wanted. Just what she was told she should want as a Succubus and Bard. The adoration of the crowd, the better to use their euphoria. Distant from all - no real connections to get in the way.
A dark wish, and now she's experiencing it for who knows how long.]
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She sits in the crowd for most of the performance, mesmerized by the sights and sounds. It's all so different from her world of eternal darkness that at first, selfishly, she indulges in the vibrant dream. It isn't until she notices a tear slipping down Pidonus' cheek that Ariel realizes this dream cannot be fun. She stands from her seat, showing no regard for any usual manners or protocol expected of an audience member, and walks to the front of the stage. Then, after checking her skirt, she manages to find a little napkin and holds it up. In the middle of the show. Oblivious to the social norms.]
... Your eye?
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Kanade's Dream
But the mess is almost drowned out by the state of the the walls, even the ceiling; Everything's papered over by sheet music. Not a single inch of wall or ceiling space can be seen beneath the paper, all the pages scrawled with musical notes. For those who have an eye for reading music, they might notice Nightcord at 25:00's songs spread across the walls, but some don't seem to be familiar at all.
Echoing outside the room are voices. Like the low din of a crowd, it can be hard to pick out what exactly everyone's saying, but those that can be heard often talk about Niigo's music; how the songs reached them when they were in a bad place, how the songs resonated with them, now it felt like they were able to keep going through rough patches because of those songs. And among all those voices, one stands out; Mafuyu, sounding so happy and hopeful as she speaks of the future, of finally finding a goal for herself and wanting to chase it. The more she speaks, the softer her voice gets, like she's walking away...
All the while, Kanade herself remains in this room, sitting at her computer.]
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... Tap knows, that trying to convince the girl there to do it herself would be wasted. She would never have listened to someone who told her the same thing. She doesn't think she can convince her with words... but she can't just leave her alone.
There's only one thing she can do.
Surveying the room, Tap starts out with the boxes- Picking up a trash bag that doesn't seem full yet, she starts by taking the instant food trash, flattening the boxes, and stowing them in the bags. There's not a lot to work with for cleaning, here, but it's a start.]
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( open ) karin's dream*
Yo! I'm back.
[ Karin Kitano emerges from the ether, holding up a hand and a bag of sodas. She looks a little sheepish, rubbing at the back of her head. ]
C'mon, they won't miss it. Y'know I ain't gonna steal from this place.
[ She leans against a wall, popping the tab on a soda, taking a drink. ]
Gotta tell you about this place. It was real weird, a place full'a spirits and kami. Felt like there was a little faith around, but I couldn't contribute to it.
[ A pause, with the other figure tilting her head. ]
It ain't home. It ain't this place.
[ With a sigh, Karin looks out to the front of the store, followed by the other figure. The day turned cloudy, and something distorted seemed to be forming near one of the arcade machines. Seriously, right now...? ]
Hey, you there. [ She finally addresses the "customer" in the store. Luckily, they normally don't see what she does.
...Normally. ]
We're closin' up shop soon, so make it quick.
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He closes his eyes tight and shakes his head, but cannot will the images of the girls away. It's hard not to keep looking back at them, even as he talks to Karin.]
Right, yeah. You have anything here that... smells strong, I guess?
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Akutagawa's Dream (*)
It's a moment before Akutagawa himself arrives. He's using his ability to carry groceries, and in addition to the earring Yuuto had given him, there was a new ring visible on his finger. He looked healthier as well, less tired and pained. When he catches sight of someone standing near his house he does sort of hesitate, raising an eyebrow, wondering what you're doing, but not looking too far into it yet. ]
Do you need something?
(Alternatively, if it's Yuuto)
Is something wrong, starlight? What are you waiting out here for?
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But a familiar voice grounds him. Yuuto turns his attention to Akutagawa, checking for their matching earrings to identify 'his' Akutagawa... and then noticing the ring. Huh. That's... new. Why is it making the gears in his head turn so much???]
... Oh! Sorry, uh! Should I- Can I help with the bags, um- [He flails awkwardly before hurrying over.] Welcome home, Ryuunosuke!
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fujinami's dream
Sure enough, they decide immediately to check it out! Maybe follow them?
If you do, you'll come across a little spot near the sea, looking to have been built by hand out of wood. Hanging above the door is a sign proclaiming this to be the "Dragon Tea House". The clientele are mostly girls, with a few guys scattered about, mostly discussing the sea, the various treats being sold, and of course, the one running the show.
A couple guys go over to chat up a table of girls, leading to them being told to buzz off. They look to be causing a problem, before-- ]
Hey, everythin' alright over here?
[ Out strolls Ryuunosuke, a towel over her shoulder as she regards the guys unimpressively. She's wearing an apron, a red shirt that still states "We ♥ The Sea" and a pair of swimming trunks. They tell her to butt out, and tell this "guy" to get lost. After hearing that, she wraps the towel around one of the guys face, swinging around to kick another one out of the door. She goes right ahead to lift up and javelin throw the other out too. Sighing, she gives the table she passed a smile. ]
Sorry 'bout that. Let me know if they give you any more trouble after you go, alright?
[ If you've enjoyed that little show, great! You may make eye contact with Ryuu, and she'll rush right over. ]
Hey, welcome! What can I getcha?
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On the other hand, that display of toughness may have turned her on a little. At least two of her eyes have made contact, and now she's blushing like crazy when her friend walks over. ]
I... Uhh... I... Dunno? [ Excuse her, it's hard to think through moments of having crush. Plus she hasn't looked at the menu yet. ] What do you recommend?
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Ceto's Dream (*)
No one in the dream seems to acknowledge this fact however, least of all Ceto himself, who apart from seeming a little... off was largely the same as normal. Those who can tell when things are fucky with time even in a dream space, he's essentially been popped out of the timeline. He can easily be found either on the top level of Starsand City near the Shrine of Love or down in Diamond City near a mansion in a high class residential district.
If running into him at the Shrine of Love, he is standing with a woman of about average height wearing an elegant white dress. Her hair was long and pink, held back in a ponytail with a red bow. Those who met Ceto in the dream world from June may recognize her as one of Ceto's friends. They appear to be discussing if or not the woman should get a love blessing or not.
"Tam will come around eventually" she insists, when he tells her that there's no way "Tam" will make the first move
They'll continue affectionately teasing each other unless approached, whereupon the woman will smile warmly and wave, and Ceto will tilt his head. ]
Oh, did you come here for a blessing too?
[ If running into him at the mansion He'll actually first be spotted on his balcony on the second floor. Mimi is napping peacefully on the railing and Ceto himself is tending to some plants. Assuming he knows them, he'll wave to the one approaching, evidently under the impression he invited them over. ]
Up here! I'll be right down to let you in, hold on.
[ It's a minute or so before he reaches the door, but he pushes it open and gestures for them to head on into the foyer. ]
Gale's home, but he's busy playing a game in his room so he shouldn't bug us.
mansion!
Th-thanks for having me. Uh, what's the occasion again?
[ Probably the most head empty she's been! ]
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Oz Vessalius l Pandora Hearts
He immediately goes over to a man with long dark hair, excited.]
Gilbert! Gil!!
[He also seems especially emotional to see his sister, a girl probably about his age physically, with long blond hair. And his uncle. Oscar. Oz will go about checking in with everyone, sometimes crying amid his laughter and hugs, his smiles and joy at seeing them again.]
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... You were quite emotional in meeting everyone. Why?
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Gus l Sweet Tooth (Netflix)
Gus seems both excited and nervous, apprehensive. He hangs back, uncertain. Mostly given how he is already still reeling from recent revelations back home in finding her place where she had used to live. What he had found there, those records and what he was told. What else he might find out from her now she was there. Gus hangs back, just observing her at first.]
I guess I didn't think too much on.....where to start?
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[ Hanyuu is here, understanding that this is a dream. A dream, to Hanyuu, is just another Fragment - another world - so she decides to act as naturally as she possibly can, keeping her calm. ]
Anything is fine.
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There seems to be a picnic set up with picnic blanket strewn about and tables full of food.
Balloons can be seen strewn about, and there seems to be some rather particular ones that spell out, in English: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAGUYA.
Outside of that, you might find a few other oddities--there seems to be a rather sizable painting of Mt. Fuji, a hawk sitting on a perch with a bow on its head like a present, and a girl dressed up in an eggplant costume. Don't ask.
There are also other guests around, many faces unfamiliar to most - with one exception, naturally - genuinely enjoying themselves.
Eventually a young woman approaches you with a soft smile full of confidence. ]
I'm glad you could come. I rented out the whole area for the day, so if you want to walk around the park, please feel free. There's plenty of things to do, and we also have a lot of food as well. Oh - and don't mind Fujiwara-san's... ridiculousness.
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She'd been invited to a fancy party before, which usually ended up with something exploding or something like that. She had a lot of questions about the painting, and many about the eggplant girl, but that seems like too much of a pain to get into right now.
When Ryuu's addressed, she tenses up. ]
Uh, oh! Uh, not a problem. [ Rented out the area, so this might be... ] Happy birthday?
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ryoko's dream*
The sun is bright and all around are students chatting, holding their diploma and offering up congrats. Some hugging and crying, some shaking hands as a farewell as the cherry blossoms bloom around them. A melancholy feeling fills the air, bittersweet in knowing that this may be the last time they see each other.
Folks are still buzzing about the assembly given by the school's top student, a tall young man with red hair and glasses. Right now, he's speaking with someone familiar.
Ryoko Asakura stands there nervously, laughing in a way that contrasts with the other's dour expression. Next to her, naturally, is Taiga Aisaka-- who quickly flees the scene, deciding to go meet with some of her friends with plans to meet back with Ryoko later. The young man decides to take his leave as well, giving Ryoko a wave goodbye. There's a few people that she speaks to-- a teacher that lightly pats her head. A pair of underclassman twins, one more friendlier to Ryoko than the other, who seems to be far more reticent to speak to her, despite the pair of sunglasses resting on his forehead. A pink-haired girl, who may be familiar to some here, that immediately attaches herself onto Ryoko, crying. Maybe less familiar is the girl with her, who instead regards Ryoko with a scowl, but eventually softens into a smirk and a nod. It seems like, for the time being, she's finally alone. Except, she doesn't stick around.
Ryoko's decided that there's one last place she has to go. ]
Well... they're the last ones I have to say goodbye to. Guess I'd better hurry.
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Having your yearbook signed, are you?
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Noe's dream
[Anyone who visits Noe's dream will find themselves in a university library. Books of all subjects scale the walls from the floor to the ceiling. It appears to be some time in the afternoon, based on the warm sunlight that pours through the windows that are almost as tall as the bookshelves. Despite the classical appearance, the students who are either studying or conversing could be from any world or time period, as varied as the fallen stars themselves.
Noe sits at a table, a dark haired woman and someone with similar features, both appear to be in their 20's, sitting by his side. Noe releases the large book in his hands about astronomy that he's been reading, groaning.]
I didn't understand the professor's lecture today! Why can't I be smart like both of you?
[The man sitting beside him smirks-- a bit cruel but teasing, and responds.
"You wouldn't be struggling so much if you paid attention instead of texting your friend all the time!"
"Louis, stop picking on him."
The woman beside him pipes up, looking unimpressed and personally offended. She rests her head against Noe's shoulder, peering at the book he's given up on, the two starting their own argument. Noe frowns, trying not to get smacked by either of them as he grumbles.]
I don't text him that much-- Oh no! I got so distracted that I think I forgot my pens!
["It's okay, mon chéri." The woman smiles affectionately. "I thought something like this would happen so I brought different colors...did you have one in particular you wanted to use?"]
You did?! I like the purple one! ...Hm?
[He just notices the newcomer and stands up, gingerly letting Domi go. Louis gets shoved to the side. He smiles warmly.]
Did you need something? Are you lost...?
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When addressed, she makes a soft sound of surprise... then shakes her head.]
No.
I've no where to go. Watching you was the most entertainment I've had.. in ages, really.
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rinne's dream*
The first is a brightly colored, traditional looking village. In the sky, a large wheel slowly rotates, a single-file line of figures waiting their turn to pass through. If someone asks, they'll be told this is the Kyoukai, a place where shinigami live in order to fulfill their duties. Assisting spirits in going to the Wheel of Reincarnation to pass on.
The most important part right now is a fairly official looking building, similar to that of a town hall. From there, Rinne Rokudo emerges, holding a piece of paper in his hand. He seems to be in tears, unable to take his eyes off of it. ]
Finally... Finally--
[ Rinne skips down the stairs, somehow not tripping or falling or anything. He yells out. ]
My debts have been paid!
[ If you don't choose to interrupt here and keep watching, the scene will shift once he gets far enough away from the building, to the other location. It looks like a modern Japanese town, specifically a school's courtyard. It seems like the school itself is completely empty, no one else seems to be around, except for two people on a picnic blanket, relaxing. One, naturally, is Rinne. A smile on his face, taking in the sun and the feeling of being completely debt free. The other is, a girl with long braided pigtails, happily chewing on an onigiri.
Once the rice has gone down, she speaks. ]
"Thank you again for paying for this date, Rokudo-kun."
[ Rinne simply laughs it off, arms folded as he picks up a sandwich. ]
It's no problem. For lending me so much money over the days, this is the least I can do as a bonus.
[ Tilting her head, the other girl speaks again, her typical somewhat stoic expression remaining. ]
"But you already paid me back?"
I could never pay you back in full, Sakura Mamiya. Really.
[ And he goes to take a bite of his sandwich. It's delicious! ]
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The girl, still drenched in her own darkness, watches Rinne as he exits the building. It's difficult to take her red eyes off the wheel and the idea of what it offers. She finds her hands joined together, digging her fingernails into her own skin to punish herself.]
If your debts are paid, do you get to go in there?
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