songerein | { mirror mirror }

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{ 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

II. MIRROR WORLD

COMMENTS

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.

I. REVEREIN

II. MIRROR WORLD

COMMENTS

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[ Naminé starts to reach for the scarf, but-- pauses, hand still hovering in the air. ]

Won't you need it?

[ They'll both have to suffer through the stench to some degree, she knows, and yet it would feel wrong to take the assistance to his detriment. Grimly, the blonde gives a nod of understanding at his other words. ]

I'll try to be ready. If they're weak ones - I might be able to be of use.

[ Of course, if he's been helping train her, surely she'll manage more than that. ]

I'll be fine. It was really only useful to me as a disguise.

[And as bad it as will be, he'll gladly bear the brunt if it makes things that much easier.

But he casts a small fire spell, using dreamotion to make it a floating fireball to grant them some light.]

Let us proceed.

[Before they can fall into a polite-off.]

But...

[ The scarf could certainly prove more useful to him now, of course. Still, sensing his resolve - and that same risk of a polite-off - the blonde finally, hesitantly gives a nod and reaches the rest of the way to take the offered scarf carefully. ]

... Yes, Master Ira. And - thank you.

[ Assuming she got hold of the scarf, she'll take a moment to wind it around her face to protect - if only in part - her nose and mouth. With that done, ]

I'm ready.

[ Into the sewer they go, it seems. ]

Then let's go.

[The smell is vaguely familiar as they make their way in. Not a pleasant nostalgia either. But enough that he should be able to manage. Better that Namine has the scarf.

The sewer is relatively spacious, and quiet, save for the sounds of water and the the clacking of rocks. It's dimly lit from glowing sconces along the wall. They should be able to hear anything coming, but the opposite is also true.]

Are you doing alright? We should be there soon.

[ Naminé is accustomed to this smell only in second-hand memories, and consequently walks beside him with her head tucked a little closer to her shoulders than usual, as if that might ward off some of the stench. Still, she tries to look around regularly as they walk, just in case something might be lurking in the gloom.

At his question, the blonde gives an immediate pair of nods, trying to avoid opening her mouth lest any more of the smell reach her senses. (That might, in fact, cast some aspersions regarding the degree of how alright she is, but--) Realizing that her gesture might not be as noticeable in the semi-dark, she follows it up with a small but hopefully sufficiently emphatic, ]

Mm-hm!

[It's about what can be expected, given the circumstances. As long as she's still standing and willing to continue, it should be enough.

They progress a little further, before Ira pulls them in to a small alcove. Up ahead are two figures in the gloom, standing in front of a staircase that rises up into the dark above them.]

I figured there would be some sort of guard here. I'd like to try to avoid conflict, but it might be difficult.

[ It takes an extra moment for Naminé to recognize the nature of the shapes ahead of them in the dark, but she makes no resistance to being drawn into the alcove even before she fully realizes they aren't alone. Tucking herself into the space as best she can, Naminé frowns at the edge of the wall she doesn't dare look past before her gaze shifts to Ira at his words. Eyes widening slightly, the girl would probably look paler thereafter if she weren't already a bit green around the gills at the moment. ]

But they're...

[ Just some guards - innocent enough, potentially. Although-- a beat passes, wherein she blinks as she realizes... ]

... Part of this mirror world, I suppose. It's hard to say if they're real or not.

[ More or less than Ira and herself are here, as part of a dream to begin with? There are a lot of tricky existential questions at play that Naminé doesn't feel equipped to answer. Finally shaking her head, ]

I-- don't want to hurt them, but I won't stand by if they try to hurt you, either.

[ She'll just have to figure out how to be... gentle? With her spells. Easier said than done, considering she's not confident in them to begin with, but a necessary ordeal, perhaps. ]

[Ira nods, thinking for a moment. He had, he supposes, been drawn into the illusion perhaps a step too far. How real is the world they are in? It's certainly a question, and he's not sure how far he wants to take the answer.]

I'd like to avoid hurting them as well.

But, perhaps we would be well served by a sleep spell. That might solve our problem.

[ Better, she thinks, not to assume anything, and to try their best not to (potentially) do any harm. Judging by the clear interest in what of her expression can be seen, she agrees with his suggestion. ]

Sleep... That seems best.

[ Gross though the idea of falling asleep on the ground in a place like this might be, it's certainly the least harmful option. With a thoughtful shake of her head, ]

But I haven't learned that one yet. Do you know it, Master Ira?

[There are worse fates, and ideally they'll wake up before anything bad happens. Mirror world or not, there are things Ira would hate to be responsible for.]

I do. It's a little more complex than some of the other spells, but it shouldn't take long.

[ Although she'd figured he'd be prepared, her brow still softens slightly in relief. ]

I'll try to stay out of your way, then. But - I'd like to observe, if that's alright...!

[ Learning is still important, even in a strange mirror realm...! ]

Of course. Watch carefully.

[Keyblade gripped, Ira moves to the edge of the alcove, trying to keep quiet and out of sight. There's a small flash, and the guards seem to notice it, but only react briefly before the spell takes hold and they slump down.]

Come, we should move quickly. There's still a ways to go.

[ Naminé does indeed watch carefully, closely, and with great focus! Not that there's anything else to distract her other than the natural fear that comes from the situation. Once the spell is cast, she murmurs a, 'so that's how it's done,' to herself. It's quickly set aside as Ira speaks to her, and the blonde offers an immediate, dutiful nod with her, ]

-- Yes...!

[ She'll be very careful not to step on any fingers, but - might spend a moment or two peering at the guards as they go by. ]

[Ira moves carefully and quietly around the now sleeping guards, heading up a staircase and into the bowels of the clocktower. It's a confusing labyrinth of many gears and similar looking floors, but he knows it well, and knows the patterns, (even if they are mirrored). He doesn't say much as they make their way up, steeling himself.]

I think we are close now.

[ Naminé can't help but look around curiously, mentally tracking their progress as they go. Even with her strong memory, she wouldn't know which direction to try first were she not following after him, and privately she's grateful not to be doing this alone.

When he speaks up, the lass nods her understanding, looking somewhat apprehensive. ]

In that case... do you have any instructions for me?

[ Now might be a good time to make sure her party member AI settings are all correct in case there's a fight-- ]

[There is a reason why this is a back way into the castle. It wasn't exactly well used unless someone was sneaking in.

Though, to be honest, he is not sure what he expects going forward. A confrontation may be a possibility.]

I think, for the moment, stay behind me, but be ready if things should go bad. But hopefully, it will not come to that.

[ Hands folded together, Naminé nods dutifully. ]

If you think that's best. I'll - try to be ready for anything.

[ Easier said than done, of course. ]

May that be the case for the both of us.

[But the thing is, Ira isn't sure if he is ready. He has a feeling he knows what this is, what he will face down. And a version of him that won the Keyblade war is not one he wants to meet. The five of them were meant to temper each other, and any one of them coming out ahead would probably have their worst selves realized.

And that is what Ira is going to have to face down. Is facing down.

Because he's there are the other end of the room. Tall and imposing and scary. Lacking any of the warmth that Ira might have.]

[ The instant she realizes they aren't alone anymore, Naminé grows very still, her eyes rounding. For a moment or two, she can't help but stare, trying to make out what she can of the differences in this strange other version of him--

But she knows better than to peek too far past the real Master Ira. Dutifully, she remains in his shadow - yet despite her lack of speech, there's an anticipation in the tone of her silence as she begins to frown. ]

....

[It is weird to see himself reflected so. To see himself so hardened. He carries a lot from the Keyblade War, but what would have happened if he won is not something he has really given thought to. His focus being more on the grief the whole situation caused.

But he steels himself, meeting the mirrored version eye for eye. They will be getting out of here, one way or another.]

Do you really think it will be that easy?

[His counterpart asks, seeming to give voice to his thoughts.]

It would be easier if you were inclined to help. I want no part of this world.

Even so. I will block your path.

[And there is a flash as keyblades are summoned.]

[ Naminé, still lurking behind him, is going through her own feeling of strangeness. Ira has been such a comforting presence in her life, and to see a version of him that's so much colder... it doesn't sit right. Perhaps that's even more the case when blades are drawn and it becomes clear that a fight is inevitable.

The lass has no weapon to call to her side, but - still, dutifully, she draws her power to the ends of her fingertips. At the ready, as soon as she finds the right spell to apply it to. ]

[Hopefully, her moment will come.

There's a silence that seems to fall over the room, the kind of silence that proceeds a conflict. And normally, Ira's attention would be on that coming conflict but he has someone to protect. So it may put him on the defensive, but it will be worth it.]

Namine, when I move, you need to hide. And wait for an opening.

[ As much as Naminé always dislikes the possibility of doing harm to another, righteously or otherwise-- ]

I--I will...!

[ Already, she's considering her options. In a place like this there must be lots of places to hide, right...? ]

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{ mirror mirror }

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