【OPEN FALLEN STARS MEETING】

[aupologizes]

It had been less than twenty-four hours since the cherry blossom's tree became even more unstable, spewing out dangerous goo that frightened many of those who lived in the lower level.

...However, if now wasn't the time to hold a gathering, then when?🗈

Hence why Hanyuu puts up the big sign at the bakery - it may be devoid of the owner, but that doesn't mean that she won't take care of things there as well as using her powers as a kami to have her voice reverberate throughout the upper levels.

There is no sign of the childish tones that those may be familiar with as she speaks.

Instead, it is replaced with clear power, and a serious edge to them, booming like a broadcast through a megaphone:

"Fellow Fallen Stars, citizens of Starsand, if you can hear my voice, then I implore you to help. I wish to find a solution to our current issue, so I would like to work together with all of you.

We shall meet at the bakery to discuss the more intricate details of the current situation; there will be food provided to everyone. I will also offer my personal protection here as well.

There is no need for those of you to get involved if you do not wish for it. However, I would like for you all to listen, at the very least."

That is all she can ask for, really.

And of course, her words ring true: the bakery is open for this purpose as Hanyuu stands tall in her miko garb with serious, but determined eyes, feet several inches off the ground.

But as promised, there is a variety of food as well, stemming from actual meals that could be found for a picnic to cute desserts such as creampuffs.

OOC: This is an open mingle meeting log to discuss the current rumor and is open to all characters involved. As this is a mingle log, please do not hesitate to threadjack or tag around as needed.

Comments

Dimitri | NPC | re: rumors

[melancholie]

[Other than a few words here and there, Dimitri initially stays quiet. He doesn't want to interfere too much with the initial proceedings. Violet eyes observe them carefully, judging how much trust to put in this group. And after the first round of conversation begins to die down, he raises his hand to get everyone's attention. He's made his call.]

Please listen up. I have something to share about this world. But it cannot leave this place carelessly.

[Lowering his hand, he continues;] You're all aware that faith becomes power in this world. The kami here are spirits whose power becomes stronger enough to manifest miracles. The common belief is that kami make their own power and use that power, willingly, to help the humans who believe in them.

But that's not entirely true. Humans can influence what power a lower kami has and how they manifest in this world through their faith. And~. Some humans who understand this abuse it and create kami through Rumors. They entice spirits who have a wish and create a rumor that initially grants it... then twist that Rumor into a curse and use the spirit's power for their own wishes.

[That's it. He's pretty sure they can piece together the rest of his theory.]

[aupologizes]

That sort of thing --

[ Yes, hello, local Fallen Star kami here who was just composed .05 seconds ago starts to tremble, her violet eyes starting to wet with tears as her fingers curl into tight, balled fists. ]

Humans shouldn't be using kami for such awful things!

[ She hates it, she hates it, she hates it, she hates it. ]

[melancholie]

That's why such information must remain privileged. If people knew that the stories they told could become reality... Unfortunately, I think that we would hear more selfish stories than kind ones.

[aupologizes]

Of course. I --

[ She swallows, hesitating before deciding to pour her own heart out: ]

I am a kami as well, whose name was made into a curse... so I understand the awful feeling they must be going through...

[melancholie]

... I see. I'm sorry to hear it. We understand it too.

It's unfortunate for the spirit. With limited time, I don't know if we could redefine their Rumor into something more positive.

[aupologizes]

It is.

[ ... ]

I should ask for more details, but given that we are pressed for time, it will have to wait. Given that this particular one is actively targeting the Fallen Stars, it is very likely that whoever is behind this will make a second attempt if we can solve this neatly.

And if that's the case... that information will help us greatly.

[melancholie]

... Agreed. Even if you solve this one, another Rumor may crop up in its place. You should all proceed with caution. You especially, Kami from another world. It would do no one any good if 'they' found out about your existing power.

[aupologizes]

It seems that we have much to speak about after this.

[ She sighs, something a little heavy.

Honestly, Hanyuu can't help but wonder if she should ask for a kami meeting. Is there a kami council. She would like help. ]

I would definitely not wish to be used in the same way that my name has been used for several centuries.

[nightwild]

You're all idiots.

It's all faith, right? I can tell you, in my world, when we beat a monster that causes this stuff, it undoes most of its effects. That is something I know to be true, without doubt.

Is that enough 'faith' to make it work?

[melancholie]

... perhaps if we gave you some starling, yes.

[nightwild]

Then make with it.

Re: Dimitri | NPC | re: rumors

[marshmallowpurgatory]

[Pidonus listens, but her concerned look soon becomes one of anger.]

So someone who wants to profit from this, or benefit, somehow. There's... A disturbing number of possibilities for who could be so evil, if we're being honest.

My question is... Who do we have to fight, or what do we have to do, to fix it? Or failing that... Where do we start finding out?

[melancholie]

I cannot say, sorry...

But I don't think that we have time to find a mastermind. That idiot can only do so much to slow the spread. I think we need to focus our efforts on the immediate issues that the tree is causing.

[marshmallowpurgatory]

... I really wish you weren't right.

So that leaves our options, near as I can tell, as "figure out how to dispel the rumor", "end the source", that being the tree...

... Or, if I'm understanding rumors right, somehow hijack the hijack. Actually fulfill their wish instead of subverting it to dark ends, maybe?

[melancholie]

... I don't think that's unreasonable. If you don't like how the job is being done, then do it yourself.

And someone is doing a terrible job at playing fairy godmother.

[marshmallowpurgatory]

... Like. What if we could move the tree?

The entire thing would require some massive magic, but enough to let the spirit be not near the bottom of the city? I think it'd need to be more than just a seed, but if it were enough...

[melancholie]

[...]

How... How do you get a cherry blossom tree? [It sounds like a good idea, but he's no botanist.]

[nightwild]

So, then, if I understand your theory... A human who resented the Fallen Stars enticed a spirit, and used its power to start the rumor, that caused people to vanish?

[melancholie]

Exactly that.

So you should all watch your step as you get involved. This is about you, somehow.

[nightwild]

[A grin spreads across Fauna's face. It isn't a comforting, happy grin. She's just... Pleased, in a grim way, that it's going to come down to this.]

Well, that's great news.

[melancholie]

... You have a terrible smile, I hope you know.

[nightwild]

Most people don't see it.

I'm just going to beat the shit out of the person who did this. That should solve all our problems.

[melancholie]

Of all the things to have in common with Chron.

How will we find that person? We've only one day before that idiot collapses or something dramatic.

[fifthdomonion]

Well, that's a kicker. Are you saying that there might be a group or even an entire organization who might be profiting from abusing kami?

[melancholie]

I am. In fact, I'd say that I'm almost certain of it. There have been too many cases of Rumors otherwise.