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songerein2024-03-11 01:52 am
dreamposts) wrote in songerein2024-03-11 01:52 am
Entry tags:
- !event,
- aang,
- aerith gainsborough,
- alastor,
- anastasia romanova,
- azula,
- barok van zieks,
- black raisin cookie,
- cloud strife,
- eustace,
- ferran gallagher,
- flowey,
- g'raha tia,
- gabriel agreste,
- gina lestrade,
- hermes,
- hiyori iki,
- ira,
- iris wilson,
- isabela madrigal,
- maedhros,
- naminé,
- naoya,
- nico di angelo,
- pauline bonheur,
- riku,
- ryu,
- senku ishigami,
- sephiroth,
- sheik (zelda),
- trahearne,
- yato,
- zhongli
{ mirror mirror }
MIRROR MIRROR
With the sleepwalking curse over, everyone will have some time to rest and recuperate—until Jack Frost comes barging in with news of a clue on how to help his beloved Ice Queen who still remains asleep. The clue was the mirror shard that was in her chest, and there are theories that it may have been a fragment of a much stronger, powerful mirror she had been given some time ago. Problem is, he can't find it nor can he remember who gave it to her. He does, however, have a magic incantation that will allow people to enter mirrors and hopefully find a trace. Unfortunately, this horrendously backfires and we have mirror chaos instead. Dammit, Jack.
More details on everything can be found here. We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC .
I. REVEREIN
It all begins in Reverein, where there's a strange shift in the air upon Jack's attempt to cast the spell. But instead of affecting just one mirror, it reflects off the surface and spreads out to the entire town, hitting every reflective surface instead. Ripples can be seen before the surfaces still, but it's too late. Every reflective surface—glass, mirror, window—is under a different effect because of the botched spell.
And some are being unwittingly pulled into them.
Fortunately It is possible to communicate and even watch people from the other side of the mirror, but it's only through certain mirrors and at certain times. It also will be temporary, so while one mirror might work one time, it may not work again.
A. Strange Reflections. While some mirrors may still reflect proper images, many will have…unusual changes.
🪞 You are what you see. Whether it's an odd hairstyle, change in skin color, or style of clothing in the reflection, suddenly the viewer will look exactly like what's reflected. The most extreme is a different form entirely.
🏡 Glimpses of home. Everyone will have a rare glimpse of their home world, and these can be instances from the past, present, or even a limited future. They are just reflections and cannot be interacted with, and future reflections may be blurry to prevent the person from seeing too much. For those who have memory issues, such visions will also be blurry, but perhaps they can help stir some things…
🔮 Most desired. Mirrors that have a bit of a pink hue to them will reflect the viewer's most desired "thing." It could be an object, person, place, or even a general idea. However, if not careful the viewer may become trapped in a trance and will need to be removed or smash the mirror.
B. Clone Wars. Mirrors that do not show any kind of reflection are to be quickly taken away and covered as it will begin to create duplicates in Reverein of what is reflected within it. Yes, even people, and they will be very obviously fake: wrong colors, different voices, odd behavior, etc. and will usually be harmless. These "clones" will continue to appear and multiply until the mirror has been covered, and will need to either be destroyed or captured and shoved into the mirror, where it will lose its "no reflection" status and become a proper mirror again…only for them to appear on the other side in Mirror World.
C. Mirrorsnatched. A mirror with a black rim has the chance of absorbing a significant personality trait or memory of the one looking into it, and when this happens, the person will walk away feeling very muddle-headed and off. The mirror will "keep" this part of the person and someone from the Mirror World side must find their essence and "shove" it back out onto any mirror surface so that the original owner can break the mirror and retrieve it. The downside of this method is that breaking a mirror means one less mirror those on the Mirror side can use, so they need to choose carefully.D. The Unknown. Appearing in both the Mirror World and Reverein will be a strange mirror masked, black cloaked figure called "The Unknown." It traverses through the mirrors and through the walls, seeking those with happy reflections and will try to corrupt them with nightmares. People on both sides of the mirrors will be able to confront and try to stop the Unknown, though beware its chocolate attacks.
II. MIRROR WORLD
Everything in this "Mirror World" is, in a word, chaotic. Imagine an AI-generated monstrosity based off of Picasso, Escher, and Dr. Seuss, where everything seems to be upside down, backwards, colors everywhere and nowhere, and everything feels so fragmented that one step feels like walking towards the edge of a cliff. In a way it's nightmarish in an unusual sense, and those inside can feel that touch of "madness" that seeps through the cold air.
Beware the strange creatures in the Mirror World. They are grotesque monstrosities, many of them looking as if they were stitched together from different parts. Fortunately they are susceptible to weapons and dreamotion and those inside the Mirror World will find they are able to use different abilities, especially those with reflective properties.
A. Fragment of their old self. In order to get out of the Mirror World, those inside will need to catch a small fragment of themselves that has escaped and is running around. This fragment is actually a piece of their old self prior to arriving in Songerein. For some, this self may not be so different, but for long-time residents, they may seem a lot more different. To make things more interesting, this self can be from any point of the character's past. It just has to be a version of the character from before entering Songerein. This version will also appear "homesick" and "want" to return to their original home, regardless if the character actually feels that way. Thus the fragment will seek out mirrors that will reflect anything of their home world. Shattering these mirrors will weaken the fragment until it can be caught. But that's only half the challenge. If the fragment is injured, the original will also feel the damage but to a lesser degree. If the fragment is destroyed, then the original will be "knocked out" for a few seconds before a new fragment appears. However, this fragment will be much more distorted and worse than the one before.
B. Distorted Memories. At random points while traversing, characters may come across strange pockets of the world that they will feel drawn to. Following said instinct will lead them to a shifted landscape that will reflect images of home from different points in time (past, present, maybe even future) as if they've just walked right into it, but just like everything else, they are distorted. The changes can be as subtle as the wrong color of clothes, having too many limbs, to something major like the sky now being the ground. The only way out will either be destroying the anomalies or correcting them, and they will be rewarded with a mirror shard that will aid in their escape.
C. Warped Sense of Self. The longer a person stays within the Mirror World, the less "coherent" they will feel, and sometimes sound. Their memories will slowly become more disjointed, their personality feeling a bit "off", and they may even forget who they are or where they are from. Even their physical selves will start to twist and change, starting with something subtle (e.g. eye color) and then growing more drastic as time goes on (where did those extra fingers come from? Or why are they suddenly much shorter?) Finding those reflections of home will help with these anomalies, but those weak of heart be warned: the distortions may only exacerbate the issue and make them believe that they are the truth instead. Help anyone who might be caught in fixing these so that they can recover.
D. Finding an exit. To leave the world, those inside must find a mirror that will connect back to Reverein, and those on the other side can also try to help by posing as "anchors" for those inside to recognize. Otherwise, there are many mirrors in the Mirror World that will lead to different places within Songerein—presumably. However, perhaps due to the magic or needing something else, they will be unable to pass through any mirrors that are not connected to Reverein. This is where players have the fun opportunity to make up whatever kind of location or place the characters may see reflected on the mirrors. They could be existing locations in the game, or new ones that could be explored in the future. One unique place we can mention will be reflections of a city covered in night. Only upon finding a mirror that leads back to Reverein, but they will also need help from the outside. Someone from within Reverein must also be there to physically reach in and pull them out—while hopefully not accidentally be pulled in themselves.
fragment of self-a
Her attention is quickly focused on the young girl who asks a question of her. Her first instinct is to worry about a kid lost in this place, but the girl doesn't seem troubled at all. Gina smiles softly as she listens to her inquiry, though it's one that raises an eyebrow.]
...Er... I dunno if there's anywhere that's for bowlin' 'round these parts... [She taps her cap thoughtfully.] Wot's a 'bomb-chew'? [It sounds vaguely dangerous!]
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Anyway. Though Gina tapping her cap distracts the girl momentarily (that hat looks so cool, and the braids in her hair are so pretty, maybe she can ask Impa to do her hair like that when it grows out a bit more—), she's quick to return to the topic at hand.]
You don't know? [Inconceivable! How can someone who gets to spend all day in town not know what bombchus are?!] They're like... mice! But mechanical! And you have to aim them at the target while also making sure they don't hit anything along the way.
[Spoken with all the certainty of a child who has never actually seen the thing she's talking about, but has definitely been thinking a lot about it.]
I've always wanted to try it... I was so sure a big city like this would have at least one alley... [ :( ]
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Even if she hasn't heard of the darn thing what the younger fellow's talking about! Now Gina pokes her own chin as she thinks further with the description. It sounds like a type of wind-up toy? She's just not familiar with toys being used for bowling...]
I ain't seem them before, but let's not count it out yet, yeah? Why don't we give ourselves a look around an' see if we can find a place that's got 'em. [She tries to sound encouraging, even if she's not entirely sure what they're searching for. But who knows, maybe in this weird mirror place that mostly seems to be London, they'll find what they're looking for, or something close enough. At the very least, Gina wants to make sure the girl doesn't search alone, in case there's danger. And getting her to Not Frown sounds like a worthy mission right now in general.]
Come along now, we got lots o' places to check out!
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Really?! You'll look with me?
[That is... probably a bit too much enthusiasm for such a simple offer of assistance, but, well... she's far more used to being told she needs to quiet down and not waste her time with silly games like this. Not only is Gina not doing that, but she's inviting her to look around the city with her! Does— Does that mean they're friends...?!]
Thank you so much! [She is. So. Psyched. She even reaches out like she's going to take Gina's hand, but stops herself halfway. Ah, manners, and it's not like she's a little kid, anyway!] Let's go! Where should we look first?
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'Course! I'm an inspector, yeah? Findin' things is all part of the job for me! [She gives a proud grin to assure her further. On top of her other reasons, Gina also finds herself really curious about this game and how fun it is.]
Well, I think there's a pawn shop nearby. We can check out their stock first. You never know what'll turn up at a place like that. [She does remember one being nearby, though not one she's been to very often. Gina would prefer that than to going to the one she's more familiar with, Windibank's, and risking reliving the painful memory that unfolded there.
In any case, Gina does take note of that abandoned motion and reaches out her own hand anyway. As the older figure and somehow practically an adult, she feels the need to make sure she doesn't lose the younger girl while leading her towards the shop!]
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Yes, of course it would. So she'll take Gina's hand and keep her eyes forward as they walk, watching the bumpy cobblestone street for puddles and potholes she might trip over. Impa will surely scold her if she gets her dress dirty.]
Mmm, "pawn shop"...
[She parrots, quietly, testing out the phrase in a way that suggests it's not one she encounters often. She doesn't want to look sheltered in front of her new friend, though, so she latches onto something else she feels a little more knowledgeable about.]
"Inspector" is a pretty important position, isn't it? My father speaks with people like that sometimes. [Though her impression of the role is probably a bit more... bureaucratic than Gina's.] What it is that you inspect, usually? Are you allowed to talk about it?
[Sometimes they have to be secretive, she knows. She won't get her new friend in trouble!]
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She gives a nod of acknowledgement about the pawn shop, and a proud smile grows on her face as she asks about her job.]
It ain't really a secret. [Though she won't touch on investigating murders, because that feels a little heavy for the kid.] I solve mysteries an' catch criminals! Like a detective, I am! The name's Gina, by the way.
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There's a criminal she needs to catch, after all. She really should try to find her way back home as quickly as possible. But then she'll just be stuck in the castle, waiting...
—Oh! Right! Introductions. She always seems to forget to do those first.]
It's very nice to meet you, Inspector Gina. I'm Zelda, Princess of Hyrule. [The title flows naturally after her name, like she hasn't even considered that she should hide it. Inspectors are important, trusted people, and Gina has been nothing but kind so far. She pauses, briefly, before squeezing Gina's hand a little tighter.] You're helping me so much already, but would it be alright if I asked you a few more questions?
[Maybe Gina will have some ideas for what she should do while Link is gathering the Spiritual Stones!]
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Oi, you're a princess?! Um, it- it's good to meet ya, yer majesty! [She exclaims with surprise and some nervousness. At least this Zelda seems a lot more 'normal' than she'd expect from a princess. Gina also doesn't miss that 'of Hyrule' part. While it tracks as she felt like Queen Victoria didn't have any little kids, it also confirms she's someone from some other place she hasn't heard of. She must be some other resident of Songerein?
With numerous thoughts filling her head, it takes Gina a moment to nod along to Zelda's request.]
Sure. Ask me wotever you'd like!
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It's all right—you can call me "Princess" if that's more comfortable. Or... maybe just "Zelda"...? I think... I'd like that, too.
[Her voice goes a little distant, then, as she casts her gaze out to the strange and foggy streets of the mirror's London. Like she's somehow not entirely certain of why she would enjoy being known simply as "Zelda," just that the thought sounds appealing in a way beyond the usual idle flights of fancy she entertains while daydreaming through a particularly boring economics lesson.
(There's always been a part of her that's existed along the threshold of time, finding familiarity in things she's never seen before and prophesying events that have yet to unfold. Elsewhere, a Sheikah youth trekking his own way through the mirror world feels something like a pit open up in his stomach.)
But Zelda shakes her head, clearing it of those thoughts.]
Um. In any case, I was wondering... what would you do if you knew someone was doing something wrong, or you knew they were going to do something wrong, but the people in charge said you weren't allowed to stop them? Have you ever had a problem like that before?
[Now that she actually says it out loud, it does sound like a bit of a long shot, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say.]
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Alright then. If you're fine bein' called Zelda, than that's wot it'll be. I may not be no royal guard, but I'll still look after you all the same, yeah?
[It's not like they're near her home kingdom anyway. Or at least she thinks, as some of the surroundings look unfamiliar, as if this mirror world has blended several different cities together. In any case, Gina's set on helping this young princess around. They can worry about getting out of here after trying to play this game, right?
Zelda's latest question gives Gina pause for different reasons. She keeps moving at the same pace, but she finds herself thinking back to her experiences back home and the whole can of worms that last case was.]
...Well, it weren't exactly the same, but I did learn about things that were like that back where I came from. People high up were coverin' for people doin' no good. They tried to limit what I could investigate, but I went an' checked wot they told me not to anyhow. An' I managed to find some evidence that turned some things around in the trial! So I think there's always a way to figure out how to get 'em caught in the system for sure... but it's dangerous business, yeah? You gotta find the right proof for it.
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She squeezes Gina's hand as they walk and does not swing her arm even though the temptation is there. If there's anything that the young princess should recognize as being Hyrulean, she certainly isn't acting like it yet, scanning the storefronts they pass with idle curiosity but keeping her goal fixed in the back of her mind. She doesn't have the time to waste looking at everything, and Gina's story is more important, besides.]
The right proof... [She parrots, considering. Something happened in Kokiri Forest, she knows that much because of Link, but... no one goes there. That on its own wouldn't be enough to convince her father.] Mmm, I'm trying, but... it's hard. I'm not normally allowed to leave the castle when I want. I do have someone helping me who can; I just wish there were something more I could do besides wait for him to come back.
[Sometimes, in the quietest parts of the night when she's on the very cusp of sleep, she gets this awful feeling like... she won't be able to wait that long.]
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I thought a princess could do wotever she wanted! ...I guess 'cause you're a kid... [A thoughtful frown.] I ain't sure there's much else you can do if you're stuck 'round the castle. Wait for your friend, see wot you can investigate wivout leavin', keep tryin' to change people's minds... [She offers a reassuring smile.] Or get me over to your place. I'll put me in all into investigatin' for you!
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But she doesn't throw a fit about it, despite her annoyance. Throwing fits just makes people think you're even younger than you actually are. Gina gives her reason to perk up again quickly enough.]
Would you really? [She looks up at Gina, blue eyes wide. She... really isn't used to being offered help with no questions asked, is she?] ... Are you sure? I don't want you to get in trouble with your— um... [What is a boss of inspectors called?] ... captain? For helping me.
[Of course, whether or not this whole thing is even possible is less of a concern than making sure Gina doesn't get fired or something for traveling alternate dimensions unannounced. And, perhaps notably, the idea that Gina hasn't had to report to her commanding officer in potentially a long time on account of being in Songerein doesn't seem to cross her mind at all...]
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At Zelda's concern, she makes a dismissive noise while waving her hand.]
It'll be fine. I dunno if anyone at Scotland Yard would even find out, an' even if they did, they better not get in me way. [She doesn't correct her about her superior's rank, because... she honestly can't remember how the ranking hierarchy is supposed to go and makes up titles for herself and her dog anyway.] This job's s'posed to be all about helpin' people and doin' good. I'd make a pretty shoddy inspector if I couldn't do this for you, yeah?
[Gina doesn't know what she's getting into, but she's determined to help this young person in front of her right now.]
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—Okay, not really, but it's immediately clear that she is incredibly touched by Gina's words, those big blue eyes taking on a watery shine as she listens. She rubs at them with her free hand before letting it join the one holding Gina's, leaning into the older girl warmly.]
... Thank you. Before Link came, my attendant was the only one willing to believe me about this. Father won't listen, and no one wants to side against the King... [Her hands clench tighter around Gina's as she becomes more impassioned.] But I know Ganondorf is up to something! There has to be the "right proof" somewhere...!
[The pair turn a corner, and Zelda's eyes drift to something bright and colorful emblazoned upon the storefront wall. She gasps! She taps Gina's hand! She completely forgets the Very Important Thing they were talking about just a moment ago!]
There! That's it! A bombchu bowling alley, we found it!
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That's the spirit! We'll figure it out somehow, you'll see!
[Gina doesn't know how much easier said than done that may be... but in any case, both of their attentions are quickly taken by the object of their search. Gina looks on with wide eyes, as she takes in the vibrant imagery of the elusive bombchu on the sign.]
Wow...! That's it? It looks real neat! Let's check it out! [With that, Gina picks up the pace while going to enter the place!]
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Zelda finally lets go of Gina's hand in order to rush up to the counter, bouncing on her toes both in excitement and to see over it comfortably.]
Excuse me! [She calls to the sleeping alley worker.
... No response.]
Um... excuse me? Can you hear me? We'd like to play a few rounds of bowling, please. ... Hello?
[Still nothing. Perhaps there are some limits to how much mirror world constructs can do, but that doesn't stop Zelda from deflating, concerned confusion wrinkling her brow as she looks back to Gina.]
... I don't think she can hear me.
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She turns her attention to Zelda and her attempts to rouse the sleeping lady on the desk. Gina frowns thoughtfully.]
Looks like she's 'avin' 'erself a snooze. Lemme give 'er a wake-up...
[With that, she steps over to the counter and tries prodding her a point.]
'Ello there...? Sorry to wake ya, but we're 'ere to play a game! You can get yer winks in later, but can you just wake up for a little bit...
[Taking a note from her lawyer friends, she tries to slap the desk and see if that'll help! ...But she still seems to be asleep, and now her hand stings. How can that seemingly frail Narrow-'Oddo handle slamming his desk all the time...?]
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Zelda peers past the sleeping woman to the shelves behind her. There, half a dozen of the advertised bombchus sit, waiting to be used. Well, it's not the most proper way to go about this, probably, but...]
... Maybe it'll be okay to help ourselves as long as we pay for it.
[It's not like there are cops in the mirror world! ... Current company not withstanding, of course.]
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How dare that woman keep on sleeping so cutely there! But she can't hold it against her, as she can't imagine staying awake just standing at a desk all day. Desk duty is not for her! Of course, that's assuming this lady is real. Gina almost forgets that she's actually in some kind of mirror world. But it's fine, she can sort this out after playing a little game with her new friend.
Gina turns to Zelda at her suggestion, and after a moment of thought, she smiles and nods.]
That sounds fair to me! [Of course, Gina's own background may also be a factor in justifying this idea. She scrounges around in her pockets for some coins.] 'Ow much cover us?
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Oh! I can pay for us! It's the least I can do, really.
[Gina's helped her out so much already! It just won't do for a princess to take advantage of someone's kindness. Zelda gestures to the shelves behind the sleeping attendant as she produces a small pouch from the folds of her dress. Did she even have pockets before this moment? Only the Goddesses know.]
Could you get the bombchus? We're allowed to use up to ten per game, it says.
[She reads from a rules placard set on the counter as she carefully plucks out what appears to be an array of Actual Gemstones to apparently pay with: two ruby red, and four aquamarine blue. Meanwhile, if Gina does look behind the counter, she'll also find a box filled with a seemingly infinitely repeating amount of the mechanical mice stashed underneath. It's a bit hard to look at for long, honestly. The box also reads, in big, bold letters: HANDLE WITH CARE.
This is all fine and normal. Absolutely.]
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Thanks, Zelda.
[She concludes with a bright smile while walking behind the counter. She does look back as Zelda takes out those jewels. That has to be the prettiest-looking currency she's seen! Gina feels that if she was still a pickpocket and if Zelda wasn't so disarmingly sweet, the princess would make for a perfect mark.
After getting enough of an eyeful of the money, she goes to retrieve the bombchus. Gina is quickly disoriented when looking at the seemingly infinite numbers of the device!]
Whoa.
[She rubs at her eyes, then she fills her arms with as much as she can carry and brings them over to the alley. It probably takes her two trips back and forth to set down ten of them. Then she cheerily smiles while propping her hands on her sides.]
There! Think we're all set now!
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Okay! So! We have ten tries to hit the three targets, but we're not allowed to step over this line, see? [Just for effect, she taps the line with the toe of her dainty slipper before picking up one of the bombchus and lifting it over her head.] So you have to line up the bombchu, and make certain it won't hit the obstacle down the middle...
[Her voice trails off as she starts to concentrate, watching what can only be described as a bladed roomba runs back and forth across the alley. Then— there's the sound of something like a fuse being lit...]
... so when you let it go...
[Just as the blade trap reaches one side of the alley, Zelda sets the bombchu down, and off it scurries! The fuse burns down as it propels itself forward in a wobbly line, making it past the trap... but then it hits the target wall at an odd angle and swerves, veering away from the target's center before——
BOOM!
The bombchu explodes, thankfully without any shrapnel. The princess flinches at the noise, but otherwise seems more disappointed than surprised or alarmed at this turn of events.]
Aw, I thought I had it...
[itt: the princess of hyrule learns about rigged carnival games]
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She watches as the bombchu goes along its course. The actual explosion has her gaping in wonder (and slight surprise). That really is an explosive toy right there.]
Wow, that's really sometin'. [She glances towards Zelda with an encouraging smile.]
I really thought you 'ad it too. Your aim seemed good. The little critter just moved wiv a mind of its own. [In the back of her mind, she's actually trying to determine how rigged this game may be. She may or may not have run rigged games in her past back in London, but never anything involving little rolling explosives. She wonders if the bombchus' movements have an element of randomness to it or if the game's set up to be unwinnable.]
Thanks for showin' me anyhow. Does that mean I get a go now? [She picks up the next bombchu and then starts to set it into place - aiming keenly and trying to time it right with the bladed contraption... and then sets it off! Now to just see if it stays on the course she set...]
i rolled a d20 to see how she'd do and she got a nat 20, that's street kid luck
amazing!