destinystrings | Fall Festival + 13th Hour Log!

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Fall Festival + 13th Hour Log!

▼ Joint Fall Festival and 13th Hour Log!

Who: Anyone
Where: Virgo and all over the city!
When: The 22nd of September and any 13th Hour!
Summary: A combination Fall Festival log and 13th Hour log!
Warnings: Stay away if you are allergic to celebrations and fun. ...Or demons.

▼ As long as Heaven and Earth endure, I offer such to you...

The last of the effects of TRIHARDO have faded, and the city has slowly returned to its senses. Sheepish civilians emerge before dawn to restore graffitied property in shame; friends and family alike murmur awkward apologies as they realize the transgressions committed in the previous days. They work quickly. By daybreak of the 22nd, it seems as Hinoto-Ri has largely recovered from the effects of the Zodiac monster...

Just in time for the annual Fall Festival. Close on the heels of the previous event, the attempted feeling was much the same. Booths selling assorted merchandise including lucky bamboo rakes and all manner of gourd-based household items (have you ever wanted a bowl made from a squash?), activities ranging from bobbing for apples to what appeared to be a 'largest squash' competition, and of course, food. Lots and lots and lots of food, from fresh fruits and fresh berries to candied apples and yams to more traditional chrysanthemum candies and taro and rice cakes. Consciously or not, Hinoto-Ri has fused a variety of customs into a single event, allowing for familiar fun for those of any background.

Through it all, though, there hangs a sense of unease and a slightly subdued atmosphere. Painted trees and bushes are still visible, and the destruction of property caused by overzealous citizens has not been fully restored. Whether or not the people of the city blame the Visitors for the events of the previous weeks remains uncertain...

▼ Tis now the very witching time of night

Soon enough, the curfew comes and in the blink of an eye, it seems, the festival has disbanded. The memories of the Virgo attack are still too fresh, and citizens and merchants alike retreat to the safety of their homes. Whether or not the private conference from earlier that week had any conclusion, the Visitors, it seems, are still granted free rein of the night.

11:58. 11:59. ...Now. Once again, the night sky is dyed a crimson red as the 13th Hour falls upon the city. And from the ether, the demons come forth, called by the fanatic light of the moon. It is only three days from the full moon, and the monsters remain aggressive.

But the 13th Hour is hardly a unique phenomenon. It comes nightly and by now, both Visitors and citizens alike have doubtlessly learned to accept it. On any night of the week, venturing out during this time will surely result in trouble...

▼ OOC Blurb

[ This is a dual log encompassing both the Fall Festival on the 22nd of September and 13th Hour posts running throughout the entire week and even month. We're trying a different format this time with more potential prompts; go ahead and start as many threads as you'd like under the appropriate section! Please tag with your character's name and OPEN. If you respond to the 13th Hour section, please write the days your character is out and about.

You have free rein in this log - join other people's posts, explore the festival, post them fighting monsters and enjoy leveling up/interacting! For this log, you can level up persona ONCE PER IC WEEK, but not in the same thread IC-wise. Please do not abuse this. The conditions are that the fighting must happen on different days. The threads should be long enough that an attack is possible and shouldn't just be a few comments for the sake of leveling up (i.e.: we want effort in them, as much as you would make with a normal log.)

FOR THE CREATURES: The creatures have to be in the Bestiary for you to use them. You don't need to use creatures from your own home worlds either, as long as someone's put in a creature in there! (Also, make sure your characters could logically take on the creatures you pick let's not have them take down a giant creature when they couldn't normally.) ]

DON'T FORGET TO TAG YOUR RESPONSES WITH NAME AND/OR DATE

▼ Quick Links

OPEN CHARACTER POSTS
Coming Soon!

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[Maybe when he starts getting real facial hair, the familiarity will click! As is, Dagran just sizes up his future companion and crosses his arms, trying to not stare at the eyepatch as best he can.]

It'd help if everyone wasn't standing around like dead fish though. Some people want to actually see the things and aren't quite tall enough, right?

...Though I guess you're in the same boat. [He makes a slight gesture between the tops of their heads, grinning a little.] How about this; I watch where I put my arms, and I'll even let you come along with me to the front of the crowd? You can pay me back later.

[Yurick huffs at being reminded that he's a bit on the small side, folding his arms and scowling slightly. Cheeky, this one. Reminds him of someone but....]

If you think this is so exciting, be my guest. I suppose I'll follow, at least it will get me through this blasted crowd.

What, you don't? [Grabbing the corner of Yurick's sleeve and pulling impatiently, he starts much more discreetly (though just as pigheadedly) winding his way through the crowd.] You see this all the time or something? Back home it isn't quite as cheery, so I'm going to see this sort of stuff while I can and go home with a nice memory. [He bites back all his misplaced thoughts about how surely, surely there mustn't be a war where Yurick's from and so he's lucky. That doesn't make friends, after all.]

Hey, it's win-win; you get my company and don't have to mush through this lot, and I get to make it up to you a little for whacking you one! What's your name, by the way? Or do I just get to pick a name for you?

[He starts to protest being dragged along, but by then he's already in the thick of the crowd and he might as well push through it all the way.]

It's Yurick. What about y--

[That's when he sees the ceremonial blade with the distinctive ring-shaped guard strapped to the dark-haired boy. Recognition hit him like a blow and he froze, forcing the youth to stop as well or let go of him.]

D-- Dagran...?

Yurick eh? Weird name, but I like it. [When he's jerked to a halt, he whips around with a curious look on his face which...lasts all of two seconds.] Hey, what's your problem--

...Oi.

[He backs up a little upon hearing his name, knocking some poor passer-by in his surprise. But that doesn't matter, because this place is completely new so how does this guy know his name???]

What's the meaning of this? How'd you know that? We've never met, I'd recognise you!

[Well shit he's about ready to bolt because his reputation mightn't be the best if it precedes him]

[It's confirmation, that reaction. Yurick goes utterly white and stumbles back himself, ending up pressed against a lamppost. He's staring at the boy-- Dagran-- as if he's just seen a ghost.]

It... it's not possible... you're only a child....

[The only thing keeping him from disappearing into the crowd right then and there is the 'only a child' part. Although he's still incredibly tense, Dagran twists his mouth and squares himself. At least he can bluff confidence when this is getting super weird.]

Alright, you got me. If you don't tell me right now how you know my name, and what you mean by what you just said, I'm going to get rough.
'Cause sure as eggs I've never been older than I am now so you're going to have to start talking!

...Wait. [A horrifying idea's just popped into his head, and he lunges in close so they're nearly chest to chest. When he manages to speak again, it's in a venomous, low whisper.]
If Zael's here too and you've hurt him in any way, you better start praying.

[It's almost impossible to get the words out because the statement they make should be even more impossible, but Yurick tries anyway.]

I don't know how, but you're from the p--

[And then Dagran lunges at him and nearly hisses the accusation right in his face. Yurick's stung first by the threat, then the implication of said threat, and it rallies his nerve enough to snap back in an incredulous, slightly withering tone.]

I would never... he's my closest friend!

[He grabs Dagran by the shoulders, holding the boy at arm's length, and stares intensely into his eyes. His tone is firmer now, though inwardly he's still rattled to his core.]

Listen to me. Zael is here, but there's something you need to know. He and I, we're from the same time. He's older than you... he's older than me by a few years. And he's fine, I've not done anything but try to keep him from getting himself killed in this mad world.

[Dagran's hackles are raised nice and high until he pushes the wrong button; it's almost like a slap in the face, to hear that he's not the only person Zael needs and that he's grown up even. He can't even meet that intense gaze after a second of it.]

...So you're his friend too, then. [The kind of emotion that Yurick's showing is pretty hard to fake; he's mollified by it somewhat, going limp in the other boy's grip.] Sorry 'bout that, I just...You know what he's like, don't you?

[His statement hangs in the air, before he laughs bitterly.] Well kind of. He's probably grown up a lot if he's older than you even. But if he's still pulling the same sort of thing then we're just going to have to team up to keep him from giving away everything to every poor sod he comes across.

[That scolded child act he's pulling goes on for as long as he can bear it, before he raises his head again and grins apologetically.] So we're all knights together then? When we're older, I mean. I'll have to work hard to catch up to you both if you're really from the future or...whatever.

[Yurick grimaces. Dagran and Zael's dream of knighthood... it's why Zael is noble to the point of sheer idiocy at times. From Yurick's last memory, their childhood dream is still long out of reach.]

Not yet. There are several of us working as mercenaries. I joined you a few years ago, at least by my reckoning. But we're all trying.

[He's not sure how much detail he should give away. If Dagran's really from the past as he seems to be, will it harm anything to tell him things he's not yet lived through?]

...Mercenaries, eh? I was thinking of that not long ago. It sucks if we're still mercenaries, but if we're trying to get to a better life, then it can't be too bad. At least I'm not dead, right?

[He puffs out his cheeks, a little disheartened at the thought of it all taking longer than he'd ever imagined. But if there's a group, and if they're all working for the same thing...] Hey, Yurick. Do we all get along at least? I can settle for that if we're not knights. I probably have some plan set up because I'm good like that, so I trust that older me will get you all there one day no matter what!
[Grinning once more, he roughly pats Yurick's arm, intended to be both reassuring and friendly.] If you really have stuck with Zael and I for a few years at least, then I should...Make up for lost time? I don't really know what to call it when you're from the future.

[Oh Dagran. Yurick's not from that far in the future, he doesn't yet know about what you've done to betray them.]

At least none of us are dead so far. And we do get on well... now, at least. I... had to come 'round. Zael helped with that.

[His expression gentles a bit, and though he doesn't quite smile he looks far more relaxed.]

I suppose I should call him and let him know you're here. Perhaps then we can figure out what to do next.

[~~we don't talk about that he hasn't become that lost now let's all just relish that sobsob~~ I mean. The grin fades for a second as he thinks about what Yurick's said for their future. Not that he'd expected to be king, but it's all still a bit of a shock to hear that things aren't perfect or just as he'd dreamt.]

...That's good. I think we've all lost enough, 's far as I'm concerned. At least I've got something to look forward to even if it's not perfect.
And what'd you expect from him if you were a sourguts before? I'm just sorry I didn't help you out more is all, but at least you did come round in the end! Least I can do is promise that now I'm here, I'll try to be a better role model for you both.

[Dagran turns for a second, hopping up on tiptoes to see through what's left of the human wall lining the streets.] Yeah, might as well let him know; I'm up for seeing how people get messages sent here, since I didn't see couriers or anything. Looks like we missed the best part of the big lights anyway!

[Much as he loathes the COMPs, this is important. Yurick's eye goes vague for a moment as he sends off a quick private message to Zael, giving him their location.]

I just sent him a message. Hopefully he'll be here soon.

[Trying to be as subtle as possible, Dagran leans over to see what the COMPs actually do; he's been distracted by exploring to...actually see what the heck is happening with the weird thing now attached to behind his face. Good job, Dagran.]

So that's how people talk 'round here, then? It looks a bit weird, but I better get used to it if I want to keep in touch with you and Zael. Either that or write letters... [And send stupid messages about things he's found or ask how to use electricity. way2responsible]

...Thanks again, Yurick. You've been good to me considering I was a prat to you from the start, and I appreciate it. [He shuffles a little, looking both sheepish and grateful.]

[Yurick doesn't often send him messages via the COMP system—which is all well and good since Zael doesn't use it all that much himself—so when he does receive a message from Yurick that doesn't say much besides giving him a location, he heads off as soon as he is immediately able. He's not far from the the meeting point anyway—he had been wandering the festival with interest, and easily navigates through the crowd until he spots a shock of white hair. Though he hasn't seen Dagran yet, through the crowd.]

Hey, Yurick!

It's... it's nothing, really. [He says it quietly, still a bit shellshocked by all this.] I'm sure Zael will be glad to see you, once he gets over the shock.

[Speak of the devil.... Yurick turns when he hears that familiar voice call out, spotting Zael right away. The swordsman might notice the mage's odd expression pretty quickly. Yurick gestures for Zael to hurry over, though he seems to be keeping someone hidden behind him.]

Zael, you're not going to believe this....

[And he steps aside as Zael reaches them, revealing the much younger Dagran. Hopefully neither Zael nor Dagran freaks out too much, there's quite a crowd.]

[Reassured by Yurick's assurance of a reception at least some shade of warm, Dagran's reduced to nodding and peering through the crowd in unhidden excitement, trying to pick Zael out.

He doesn't have to wait very long, of course, and when he hears-- no, sees Zael's outline from around Yurick's frame, something inside of him goes cold.]

Er...

[His reveal has him looking a bit bewildered, which changes to a frown when he finally claps his seeing gear on his old buddy.

And he keeps frowning as he waltzes right up and starts circling the oldest boy (boy? He'd have to think that over) and pinching at his clothes and arms.]

You're yanking my chain, you are. He can't be this tall. No way is he this tall!

[Once he's done with his cursory ~~and extremely quick~~ examination, Dagran looks up at Zael, then back to Yurick, then back again.] Are you this tall?

Dagran?

[And Zael's stare is immediately surprised when he looks away from Yurick and spots.... Dagran of all people behind him. It's something that pleases him a great deal... except he's so... Young. It's harder to remember those days.

What?

He glances over at Yurick like he expects some kind of explanation.]

Er...

[He takes the poking and prodding. Watches him stalk around, and it brings a slow smile to his face as he laughs at the last question.]

Well, you're certainly shorter than I remember.

And you're certainly taking this far better than I imagined.

[How is Zael able to keep his calm so well most of the time? It's one thing Yurick admires about him, even though it sometimes leads to the swordsman getting into ridiculous amounts of trouble. Anxiety is a preservation instinct, after all.]

I didn't think we could be taken from different times as well as different worlds, but this proves it.

The one and only-- ...Well, One of two? One? I'm not sure how to handle this time stuff. The point is I'm Dagran and Dagran's me.

[He puffs out his chest, grin sly despite the dig at his height.] Not my fault you used to be so little, either; it's all perspective, you see? Long as I'm taller than you from when you last saw me, I don't care; it's just...It's good to know you're safe and you have a smart sort here with you to stop you from blowing your life on someone who doesn't deserve it.

[Still looking rather amused (don't be fooled, it's a front for the quivering excitement over how badass Zael grew up to be and hey, could he be that badass too in the future ~~despite wearing booty shorts what the fuck hunter greaves~~), he shifts his gaze to Yurick and shakes his head in what's meant to be exasperation.] I'm telling you, he was always like this. Bombproof, good and bad!

...So do you think that means that it's entirely possible that...Older me or younger you two could come here as well? How far does it go, do you think? I don't want to be your younger brother forever, no matter how much I like you both. [A lie; it'd be a damn nice change.]

[He laughs.] Should I not be? I know how you act when your startled. I could act like that, if you like.

[Not that Yurick would remember that incident any. He feels a bit badly about teasing him, but Yurick's gotten better towards that than he remembers. He had been so stone-faced and all-business before. ...Still mostly that, but he'll take what lighter moments he can get.

Truth be told, he's just glad to see Dagran again, as small as he might be. It's been some time since they had seen him last. Things hadn't been entirely well between them when he had been taken here. The thought makes his face darken for a few seconds, but it quickly fades back into a smile.]

Though, I don't think I'm that reckless.

[Risking his life on someone who doesn't deserve it. When had he ever done something so foolish as that.]

As for that. [He frowns.] I don't know. So much about this place is a mystery to me; but Yurick's right. You coming here does mean something. I remember more than Yurick... but that discrepancy could be explained by other things.

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Fall Festival + 13th Hour Log!

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omg 1/2

2/2

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ok OK IM HERE IM SO SORRY FOR BEING LATE!!! omg

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