songerein | I've been shaking, waking in the night light

Entry tags:

I've been shaking, waking in the night light

Who: Joshua (

empyreancatastrophe) and your character
Which: Open Log
Where: You get to pick! Outskirts of Reverein, Wikki Archives, or Crystal Caves
What: A catch-all for part of October!
Warnings: If you haven’t finished Final Fantasy XVI and/or care about spoilers, don't click that cut text.

No More Playing Flames [OPEN]
[Joshua finds himself practicing at the edge of town—far enough not to hurt anyone, but close enough to seek help if he should need it, if he thinks to ask. He’ll have to see if it’s worth it if he finds himself in a groove. Only time will tell.]

[With a deep breath, he begins to channel this still mysterious power of dreamotion, both familiar and foreign, carrying its own weight distinctive from the magicks of home. As he extends his hand, a fiery glow envelops his fingertips. It dances like flames in the night, ethereal and unpredictable. He's practiced this skill tirelessly, seeking to harness its potential and overcome the fatigue that always follows. He has to become stronger. He has to be able to protect others.]

[And that’s today’s goal. He’s created barriers back in Valisthea, yes, he hasn’t honed the art to accommodate the split-second decisions necessary in battle without Phoenix’s raw power. Not yet, at least.]

[Drawing upon his emotions, he reaches deep into his heart, searching for a source strong enough to bolster his attempts. Although not outwardly emotional, Joshua finds no trouble in tapping into the one well he knows will never run dry: the love he holds for his brother. He remembers their childhood, the laughter, the shared dreams, and their promise to protect each other. He’s already decided that it’s this love, this unbreakable bond, that will fuel his magicks here in Songerein.]

[Now he just has to get them to work in a way that won’t leave him drained.]

[The barrier materializes like a fiery wall, a translucent, otherworldly shimmer that wavers in the air with the intensity of a blazing inferno. His brow furrows in concentration as he infuses it with the strength of his emotions, willing it to hold strong and last longer than before as it crackles with power, a fiery resonance that vibrates through his veins. Still, Joshua can feel the toll on his strength, the way dreamotion saps his energy with every passing second. It's a different kind of fatigue from what he's used to, a weariness that settles deep within his bones. Vastly preferable to coughing up blood after greater manifestations of his power, but not ideal.]

[Regardless, he stands his ground, determined to push the limits of his abilities. The barrier remains stable, its fiery glow unwavering, as if infused with the essence of his love. A sense of accomplishment washes over him, and for a moment, Joshua believes that not only can it contend with the exhaustion, but possibly win. He's making progress, slowly learning to control this enigmatic magic while connecting it to his deepest emotions!]

[But all good things must come to an end. With each passing second, the shimmering wall weakens further. The fiery glow fades to a smoldering ember, and cracks start to appear, like a fragile glass sculpture on the verge of shattering. Desperation takes hold as he struggles to pour more energy into the failing shield, to reignite the fiery glow, but his fatigue proves too heavy an anchor. The barrier sputters and disintegrates into a shower of fading sparks and dissipating flames.]

[Joshua stumbles backward, drained and defeated, his body aching from the effort as he lowers himself to the ground with heavy breaths.]

[He didn’t mean to make such a show, and thankfully there are few civilians who can see him from where he is, but it’s still enough to call attention to anyone curious enough to check up on that peculiar burst of flame.]

Page Against the Machine [OPEN]
[The Songerein Wikki Archives proved far smaller than Joshua initially thought they would be when he first questioned about their existence. However, the treasure trove of information is far from disappointing, and he’s found himself darting in and out of the archive over the course of multiple days, poring over text after text in search of the truth about his noctaere incident.]

[Days that he’s easily spent hour upon hour deep in research. Sure, he could take the books home, and he has a couple of times, but there was something about the atmosphere that made him more productive in his search.]

[Or it would if he could find exactly what he was looking for.]

[Joshua’s tired eyes scan the pages with increasing frustration. The symbols blur together, and the words become a dissonant jumble in his mind. If anyone were to ask, he’d vehemently deny it, but the truth is that he hasn't slept much, if at all. The lines between the past and present practically disappear as fatigue gnaws at his resolve. He's run himself ragged, driven by the need to understand why this incident echoes the burden his body bears back home. He’d trapped that monster within him wholly of his own volition, and he would gladly undertake the task a hundred times over if it meant protecting his brother, but he can’t deny its mental and physical toll.]

[Joshua should have been free of that malady—he certainly was from others—in this form made to traverse dreams, and yet…]

[…he has run into nothing but wall after wall. He’s uncovered plenty regarding the dangers of nightmares and noctaere, the cleansing thereof should one find oneself in possession (in all senses of the word) of one, and how to confront them, but nothing on their unique brand of affinity towards him. Or the other way around.]

[Leaning back in his chair, arms limp in an undignified spread over its sides as if defeated, Joshua huffs his displeasure aloud.]

Founder preserve me, if it is not one thing it is another.

[Lamentations thrive on woe and despair, neither of which are solutions, but they sure feel good when you’re grumpy.]

[This probably isn’t a good impression for anyone meeting him for the first time, and to anyone who’s gotten to know Joshua a little bit over the past month and a half, it’s definitely a change.]

Fortune Favors the Cave [CLOSED TO RYU]
[Joshua's heart pounds in his chest as he and Ryu stand at the entrance of the cave, the glow from the small orb of fire he’s called forth to light their way flickering against the rough, jagged walls. Shrouded in darkness, the deep cavern holds the answers he seeks to the mystery of what has happened to the Orkilins’ precious dreamotion crystals. Despite their undeniable beauty, Joshua can't shake his feelings toward these otherworldly, yet somehow familiar, gems.]

[He remembers his home, where the power of crystals was both revered and feared. They were coveted for their power to cast the magicks that only came naturally to a select few, manipulating the very essence of life. But it was that very power that slowly inched Valisthea into chaos and ruin. The Blight, its swathes of death and decay sprawling across the land like a sickness, was, as far as he and the others knew, the product of the Mothercrystals’ insatiable thirst for aether. Joshua had seen firsthand the destruction crystals could cause. It would be foolish to say this knowledge doesn’t at least partially fuel his determination to uncover the truth behind the recent thefts.]

[As they begin to venture into the cave, the walls seem to close in around them, and the echoes of their footsteps bounce off the rocky terrain. Joshua's eyes remain fixed on the crystal formations, their soft, ethereal glow casting an eerie light. He can't deny their beauty, but it's the knowledge of their potential devastation that keeps his fingers from reaching out to touch them.]

[Joshua's oddly quiet, even for someone as reserved as he is. Ryu may want to break the ice for this one!]

Wildcard!
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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

(Anya has been visiting the Creamistry ice cream parlor for quite some time since it opened. So it is safe to say that she has been a frequent customer at the place by now. When she has heard of the upcoming ice cream challenge, her interest has peaked to the point that she wants to give it a try. She is always down to do something that she would have never done in her world.

For their own health though, she had to leave Pooka the dog and Mashka the lucky rabbit at home despite them wanting to go with her so badly. She doesn’t want to get them sick by letting them eat food that is bad for them. She has arrived at the ice cream parlor, wondering if there are any more people willing to give the challenge a shot like her.)

[Joshua remembers hearing about Senku’s shop from their brief conversation back at the refugee station. Although the concept of ice cream isn’t entirely foreign to him, the good doctor had mentioned other things like ‘soda’ and what Joshua assumed were other kinds of sweets. He’s had to learn to live with a simple diet in the years following his less than voluntary expulsion from the noble life, but he had no reason to complain (except when someone put carrots on his plate; that was, is, and forever will be a non-negotiable evil).]

[So, given the opportunity to indulge in the midst of a busy few days full of research and roadblocks, Joshua takes it. He makes his way to the shop.]

[Imagine his surprise when he catches a familiar face that he didn’t expect. At the sight of Anya, Joshua’s tired eyes brighten and he bows his head in greeting.]

What a pleasant surprise!

Oh hi Joshua. It is quite a great timing that we happen to be at the same place and at the same time.

(Anya waves at him, quite relieved to find a familiar face in the Creamistry at this time. She does wonder if he is also here for the ice cream challenge. After all, she took a look at some of the people trying and failing to overcome it at various points when she came here.

But perhaps two stomaches can beat this challenge that one person may not be able to handle.)

I take that you’re also here for the ice cream challenge. It seems to be attracting loads of people to come here and bravely attempt it.

[He hurries his stride to meet with Anya, coming to a stop within a step or two. Crossing his arms, he glances at a sign advertising the challenge with a quizzical glance.]

I wasn't aware they were holding a competition.

Hmm… Okay. A competition involving eating ice cream. I don’t think that this is that kind of competition where people have to fight each other outright. This might be more of the type where only bragging rights are the main prize to be won.

Oh, I see.

[He’s pretty sure at least, based on what Anya is saying.]

It’s a festive means to enjoy the shop’s offerings. Have you tried, yourself?

This is actually going to be my first attempt on this particular challenge. I don’t think that we have something like this in Russia at all, even if we have more than enough ice cream to feed the entire country with.

I guess that the whole population aren’t ready for them just yet.

I can attest that Rosaria has no such custom, either.

[He can't really say much about the whole of Valisthea. He also can't say that he isn't at least somewhat curious to find out now... although that's not exactly possible while his dreamself is stuck in Songerein.]

[He gestures to the door of the shop.]

That said, if you wish to join the challenge, I will be happy to act as encouragement.

Oh gee, thank you so much. That would be very great of you to be there to cheer me on while I tackle the challenge head on. Any form of support is always appreciated, Joshua.

[Oh no.]

[Oh no he can't tell if that's sarcasm or if Anya is being sincere.]

[What should he do? Should he offer to join? That's the gentlemanly thing to do, isn't it?]

I... could also assist you, if it is allowed.

Edited (wrong icon!) 2023-10-19 01:09 (UTC)

(Come to think of it, Anya could definitely need a partner to take on that challenge. In plenty of cases, food can be shared with others if her hunch is correct. Plus she doesn’t know how many rounds of ice creams she has to deal with exactly or even what flavors of ice creams anyone is about to get when competing in said challenge.

So yeah, an ice cream challenge partner is very much needed.)

Um, yes. I think that it is possible for two people to take on the ice cream challenge together. So I don’t mind having a partner with me to overcome it. Plus I have no idea what ice cream flavors are going to be served and how many of them every one has to clear through.

[Somewhere in the back of his mind, Joshua wonders if he was just round-about-guilted into eating way more ice cream than is healthy for any human being.]

[But that doesn't seem to be the case. It's just a fun thing he's helping Anya out with, and based on what she's saying, he'd be doing a good deed for her.]

Then the matter is settled. We will attempt this challenge together, and emerge triumphant.

[Confident in their resolve, Joshua opens the door for Anya and waits for her to enter before following.]

[He really has no idea what he's just agreed to.]

(This certainly brings a relieved smile in Anya’s face. She is going to have a fun time sharing ice cream with a friend and competing at the same time. Plus it is free friendship building to boot. So what could possibly go wrong today?)

Thanks Joshua. I know that I can count on you. Let’s get to the counter and tell the person in charge that we would like to compete in the ice cream challenge and see how far we can manage.

[The free friendship boosting alone is worth it. The ice cream is a nice bonus, too!]

[Maybe!]

[Joshua makes his way to the counter, but then faces Anya.]

Could you do the honors? You're far more informed on the challenge than I.

Oh sure, not a problem at all. I will handle this from here. It shouldn’t take too long to get the entry processed.

(She faces whoever is at the counter who then takes notice of her waiting there with Joshua by her side. The person running it asks if they are here for the ice cream challenge and if they will choose favorites or randomize the flavors, she nods as a reply before getting to speak up.)

Yes, me and my friend here are here to take on the ice cream challenge. As for the ice cream flavors we will have to face, let’s randomize them all.

[As Anya takes care of the important things, Joshua takes a moment to observe these new surroundings. He’s been in taverns and shops plenty of times, the former usually out of necessity, but although the general concept is the same here, the atmosphere feels different in a way he can’t quite put his finger on. What’s important is that there’s a similar warmth, the hallmark of a place meant for happy gatherings.]

[He’ll have to come back again.]

[When he overhears the end of the conversation between Anya and the employee, he returns his attention to the moment. Selecting a couple of chairs closest to the counter, Joshua pulls one out and motions for Anya to sit. He’ll stand there until she’s ready.]

After you.

[It doesn’t take long for the employee to begin stacking up their flavors. At first, Joshua figures a few cups isn’t too bad.]

[But then it keeps going.]

[And going.]

[That sure is a lot of ice cream being put together…]

(After the employee gets the interest check and processes the entries for Anya and Joshua, it is time that the two of them to begin the challenge soon. Once she is done with sorting the important challenge stuff, she could see that Joshua has found somewhere for them to sit on near the counter. A terrific choice of seats have been made.

She immediately heads over there and takes her seat as they wait for the employee to come over with the ice cream flavors. She could see that the employee is pretty busy stacking up the flavors like he is building something out of wooden blocks.

Already even before they can start, this challenge is already going to take to a very, um, interesting turn.)

[Joshua takes his seat just as the ice cream is set in front of them both.]

[The far too tall mounds of it.]

[He literally has to tilt his head up to look at the top of his pile.]

We… are expected to eat it all?

Whoa! That is a lot of ice cream to get through.

(It looks like the employee must have went overboard on the number of scoops. She was expecting like a few rounds of a few ice cream scoops per cup, not what she is looking at right in the face.)

I was expecting to see a few cups of ice cream for each cup, but this is pretty huge. Honestly I have no idea of what to make of it besides trying to see how much we can handle.

I thought the same.

[Joshua is quiet for a few moments, taking in the behemoth of an ice cream display.]

[They signed up for this. Regardless of whether they knew the extent of the challenge, their names have been submitted.]

[He takes in a deep breath.]

[Releases.]

[Picks up his spoon.]

Founder preserve us.

[And begins!]

(Anya is still clearly in shock of what she just witnessed in the ice cream parlor. Never in her entire life she was expecting a very tall pillar of ice cream for an ice cream challenge. But she has signed both Joshua and herself into this challenge already and there is no turning back now.

With a deep breath and her hand grasping onto her spoon, she faces the ‘way too tall for anyone’ ice cream towers and digs into it without trying to break into hysteria or even questioning her sanity. A LOT.)

[Joshua had never experienced anything quite like it. Back home, what equated to ice cream was more of a mild, chilly treat. As he takes his first hesitant spoonful, he wrinkles his nose, not expecting the cold shock that jolted through his teeth and into his brain.]

[But then, a subtle smile creeps across his face as the unique flavors reveal themselves. Vanilla first, with its gentle, almost bland sweetness. It's like a polite introduction to this frozen realm of delight. Joshua takes another scoop, and his eyes widen with curiosity at whatever this flavor is. Cinnamon? Nutmeg? Apple? He's not sure, but he is sure that each new spoonful, moving quicker and quicker, is a revelation.]

[Soon, he's practically inhaling his ice cream, his hands a blur as he attempts to sample every flavor simultaneously, like a culinary speed demon.]

(While the sheer size and volume of the ice cream tower still stumps her, she is also glad to see a variety of flavors in the tower. No two scoops are the same and this is going to make for a great challenge. At least that is another thing to come out of this crazy challenge so far.

Anya has certainly been familiar with vanilla ice cream in her world: There used to be plenty of them being made in her family’s palaces so it is a very familiar flavor. Once she is done with it, she soon faces a flavor that she did (sort of) suggested to Senku some time ago: Coffee Caramel Twist. Not too bitter but not too sweet, it does taste like having iced caramel latte as far as Anya can pinpoint the flavor profile.

Taking in all the delicious flavor with every breath smells really good as she finishes the coffee caramel ice cream and feasts on the sea salt ice cream, a flavor that she certainly has never seen or tasted before. There is a noticeable salty flavor to it but it is not that bad.)

[As Joshua’s spoon digs deeper into the mound before him, he can’t help but smile even wider. With each new and delicious flavor that tingles his taste buds—some of them he has no frame of reference for (coffee? What’s that?), but are delicious nonetheless—he becomes more and more invigorated.]

[The creamy texture that melts in his mouth, the cold touch of the ice cream that refreshes him, and the variety of flavors that make his mouth water. It's a feast for his senses as much as it is for his stomach. And as he digs deeper into the mountain, he can't help but let out a content sigh.]

[This challenge is worth it.]

[For the moment, at least.]

How goes your conquest, Anya?

So far, it has been a really good time.

(She informs him as she finishes through her sea salt ice cream. The ice cream itself is really good despite not being familiar with it before this challenge. Overall a really nice new to her flavor.

As she digs deeper into the ice cream tower, she encounters another flavor that is very new to her. It tastes like apples, but there is also cinnamon in it. She is trying to figure out what flavor seems to escape her mind. Clearly she never had apple pies at home, but hey this is also a good one as well.)

I've been shaking, waking in the night light

Wildcard (Ice Cream Challenge)

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