♥ October (Lasohm) Event Log

[hugtopiamods]

October (Lasohm) Event Log

Lasohm's chilly weather may encourage residents and off-worlders alike to stay indoors and make themselves cozy with blankets and warm drinks or adjust their internal cybernetic temperature in the locals' case. Shops bring in their outdoor seating and stands, and the researchers that maintain the botanical gardens prepare for a seasonal yield of bright vegetables and grains, hopeful to regain their original forms and celebrate the harvest. Cozying up and preparing for cooler weather is not all they do: with the train successfully established, the third option of simply booking passage to Shoremere for fairer weather becomes more popular on weekends. In short, the days that pass this month are mild and uneventful, quiet and homey aside from a little boost in economy and trade.

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❥ PROMPT I: Boos Ex Machina

Spooky Scary Apparitions. On the evening of the 14th, this changes with a drop in temperature, enough to cause an early frost to crystallize at the edges of metal and glass, creeping over the autumn greens, golds, and reds; and as the artificial sun of the barrier sets, a ripple of gold energy moves across the dome to its edges. Twilight, night, and the array of alien constellations usually set upon the barrier never follow the set of the sun, and as locals gather near their windows to watch and anxiously whisper about what this means, the ground trembles as if something taking rattling, frigid breath. The barrier ripples with this quake, then become transparent, revealing the darkness of the world around. Some may worry that it's gone; it's not, for faint, golden shimmers that arc over the city can still be seen, but panic begins to set in as researchers and temple priests are summoned back to their posts in an effort to decipher the cause. For any that wish to leave at this time to Shoremere, the train remains operational.

By morning, the barrier remains clear, the air remains cold enough to see one's breath, and a worried silence settles over the city as the tremors only grow more frequent and powerful by the hour. It's at when dawn- would would be dawn, if the sun was visible- that pale, hazy figures begin to slowly emerge from a tunnel one of the giant worms carved out a year ago, and the only tunnel to be kept closely monitored because of the sealed door it leads to.

Ghostly Invasion. Those who had helped out with creating the corridor of lights months ago may recall the hostile apparitions that wandered outside the barrier. Unlike how the apparitions appearing outside of the barrier could appear animalistic or humanoid and ill-defined, the ones that emerge from this tunnel are distinctly Aellynians as they once appeared. Like the ones encountered beyond the barrier, fending them off can only happen when two engage in some sort of physical contact. Some have feathers, others have feline-like ears, but all bring a chilling, hungry aura with them as they slowly move throughout the city as if searching for something. What that "something" depends on the apparition:

Hostile. These apparitions behave similarly to the ones encountered beyond the barrier, and when they appear close enough to their target, they reach out to attack. Any brush with them will cause the person to forget what they are doing, and prolonged contact with them may result in (temporary) memory loss. Some of these apparitions chant the following words: "Our planet is dying... Our planet is dying." But if you're close enough to hear them say as much, you're not likely to get away unscathed.

Good news! Or maybe, bad news? The apparitions appear to target locals first, and a single pass of their phantom form through their robotic bodies leaves them slumped over on the ground, inert. Stop these apparitions from passing through the locals' bodies, or help bring the ones who have collapsed back to one of the research towers.
Non-Hostile. These apparitions appear even more distinct than their counterparts, and some even bear unique facial features. However, they all appear to be on a set, looped path, migrating from the tunnel to any of the four temples, then back to the fountain with four statues in the middle of the city, where they then kneel and bow their heads. Over and over, they repeat this pilgrimage. Some may occasionally deviate to a particular house or store, but most return to the central plaza, then the tunnel, then temples, then the plaza once again. Like the other apparitions, the same cautions still apply: don't physically touch them unless you want to forget. But if you do happen to engage with them, some might even speak. What are they saying?
"Save us..."
"Don't add too much salt ....or you'll overpower.... the flavor, dear."
"Where is it... my body...."
"Is my wife still alive...? This was her house..."
"I'm not.... ready to move on..."
"I want this to be over..."
"The door…"
All throughout this, the barrier remains translucent, and the world dark. As the city becomes more saturated with these ghosts as they pour out from the tunnels, it becomes increasingly dangerous to venture anywhere without encountering them. But just as some begin to cave into hopelessness, the temple priests come up with a solution: the candles from before. Grab a partner and make a candle with them, or take one of the extras from the temples, and their light appears to attract these ghosts-- perhaps for the nostalgic "scent" from the average-sized candles that evokes memories, or the "sleeping" effect of thinner candles. Whatever the real reason, as soon as the apparition touches the flame, they vanish as if absorbed by the light, and this process turns the flame into colors of silver, pink-purple, blue-gold, and white-red. Once the spirit inhabits the candle, it no longer burns wax, and it will not extinguish. Even so, it might be best to set them somewhere safe.

The Mysterious Door. Once enough of the apparitions are contained to the candles, the question now becomes what do we do with them? Or better yet, where did they come from? The leaders of Havenwell request volunteers to brave the tunnels that lead to the sealed door. Providing you with enough candles to attract and contain the apparitions, the only other potential adversary is the occasional earthworm; but don't worry, they are smaller in size than the ones from before, and they can be outrun.
At the end of the labyrinth of tunnels is the sealed door, now unexpectedly open, which cannot be closed, and cannot be entered by any off-worlder. What can one see through the door? Vast, endless darkness, with mist that moves in slow, swirling currents. Be careful: apparitions can leave at any time through this portal, but apparently, they cannot renter on their own. Once it's safe enough, make the pilgrimage to carry their candle back down through the tunnels to this gate. Off-worlders will be able to extend their hand through the threshold of the door to place the candle in the darkness, setting the souls back through the mysterious entrance. Watch closely enough, and one might see how the candles are carried through the void. Unfortunately, setting a candle back in through this portal comes with a price: lethargy, malaise, illness, and exhaustion… not unlike the symptoms one experiences when venturing outside the barrier without an exosuit.

❥ PROMPT II: Trick or Treat Yourself

Despite the haunted goings-on, there are as ever attempts to keep Havenwell in high spirits, especially now with their established fledgling relationship with Shoremere. Naturally, the spirit of the season is coming into full swing with decorations and candles available just about everywhere one thinks to look. And while most are largely ordinary, one can happen across some with a little extra 'festivity' to them.

There are all sorts of provided decorations for the season--leaf garlands, synthetic jack o'lanterns, fake cobwebs, scented candles, just about anything one could want to make themselves as festive a display as they should ever want or need. However, in some cases the decorative efforts might just go noticed by some less-than-ordinary force, and any number of things might come along with the new fall atmosphere.

Maybe everywhere you go, sudden unpredictable showers of leaves follow you. Or your hair color continually changes to any number of warm fall colors to match the decor. Does the inexplicable smell of pumpkin spice or apple follow you everywhere you go? Or perhaps you come home one day to a gathering of small plastic skeletons having a dance party on your lawn, and abruptly find yourself in a silly costume befitting the seasons. Any number of things in the nature of the Halloween season could happen, with no clear connection between specific decorations and their unexpected side effects.

❥ PROMPT III: We Put a Spell on You

It starts with a comically large nearly 8 foot tall candle in the city square one day that appears overnight around the mid-month mark. Then on random days at dawn, the candle shoots out a bright blue holographic flame along with some (thankfully) biodegradable glitter, and a doorway opens in the candle to reveal three colorfully dressed natives, cackling with delighted glee. The three natives emerge saying, “It is our time, Sisters!” or “Brothers, it is upon us!” depending on the day, and boast colorful, eclectic outfits in either green, burgundy, or pink. Once released, they link arms and start marching through the city, looking to cause mischief in any way they can.

Most of the natives don’t seem entirely bothered by this trio of weirdos now haunting their city, and even stop to take pictures with them on occasion, or ask them to sign autographs (which they will happily do), but offworlders may find them a little more…annoying.

Flash Mob: You may be shopping, eating, reading a book, strolling through the Botanical Gardens, anything - when suddenly you hear music start up out of nowhere. The Trio emerge, jumping up in a splash of glitter and confetti and begin singing an undeniably catchy tune, including call outs to the audience and somehow? A light show? Natives in the crowd will begin dancing as if they’re being compelled (“Oh nooooo, I can’t stop mooooving!”) and will call on anyone in the area to do the same. If you refuse to dance, natives will start trying to goad you into it, offering their hands to pull you up out of your seats, doing increasingly embarrassing dance moves like throwing a fishing line and trying to reel you in, etc. Whatever it takes to get you up and moving to the beat! Those who staunchly refuse to partake will be summarily booed by the singers and dancers alike, but those who decide to get into the mood and dance along will be applauded and - once the song ends - will find a particularly delicious candy thrown in their direction as the Trio cackle and disappear into the city once again.

Calming Circle: If you’re out and about, you may find yourself suddenly surrounded by the Trio as they link hands and dance a circle around you. “We’ve caught you! We’ve caught you! Now we’re going to eat them up! Oh, they’ll never break our circle, because they don’t know we’re so weak to love and tenderness! Oh ho!” they chant as they spin around you, skipping and cackling away. Of course, you’re free to push past them and run, but they will continue to hound you if they spot you again.

But the easiest solution is probably just to listen to them when they so negligently give away their darkest secret. Any prolonged affection shared between you and another person will have them crying dramatically, clawing at their faces like they’re being burned. “Noooo!! How could they have known! Affection! Our greatest weakness!!” they’ll scream as they scurry away to find their next “victim,” leaving a small but delectable candy treat for you behind.

Bewitchery!: Glitter bomb to the face! You’re probably minding your own business, chatting with a friend, having a nice meal, praying at a temple, whatever it is that people do, when an absolutely obscene amount of biodegradable glitter gets sprayed all over you and your companion. The culprits are, of course, the trio of tricksters and they wiggle their metal fingers at you, waggling electronic eyebrows as they declare you’re now under a truth spell. You have to confess a truth to your friend or they’ll gobble you up right then and there! If you refuse, they’ll just throw more glitter at you and stare uncomfortably until you finally relent, so you may as well. It doesn’t have to be a big truth or even anything all that shocking, but once a truth has been told, the lead “spellcaster” will toss some candy into your hands and then the three of them will slink away, vowing to get you another day….

However annoying you find their antics throughout the day, it seems darkness is the Trio’s greatest enemy, for as soon as the sun starts to set, they screech and run back to their candle. They dramatically shake fists at the sky as they retreat, crying as they go, “We’ll get you next time, my pretties!!!!” before the doors close and the blue flame turns off.

Anyone who sticks around long enough after will see three regular looking natives sneak out the back of the candle later, returning to their normal lives until the next time they decide to bring their strange act to the city. If asked about the “trio,” however, they’ll feign complete ignorance and shock that they could miss such colorful people running around. What a shame! Maybe next time!

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This event will run from October 15th to October 31st. Click on each prompt's title to see the text. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread. You can also use the Havenwell Status page or the General Plotting Comment to give you other ideas for original prompts!

Comments

Teo | Semi-OTA

[ghoulserrand]

I - Night Of The Living Dead

It appears overnight. The world is dark and cold, but he doesn't mind that in and of itself, so long as he doesn't consider what it might mean. There's an easy distraction in the form of that great candle. He's just in time to see the first bit of performance and he grins wildly behind his gaiter just to be seeing any live performance at all. He applauds them and watches from a distance as they go.

Though he's surprised the people here have a concept of Halloween, he can't he say he minds it. Not having to worry about the coming winter, he can enjoy the leaves that fall down upon his head, the scent of pumpkin and apple that follows (and covers up his being a corpse better than usual), or the way the hair that peaks from his hood shifts to amber, orange, and golden yellow. He explores the city just to see the decorations put up. It truly feels like a world alive, despite the death creeping about.

When the trio appears before him again, dousing him in confetti and glitter to go with his covering of leaves and neon hair, he can't help but laugh. Even if he coughs after, his laugh rings out. There's no hesitation from him. He joins the dance showing off moves he can only recall by movement. And the first friend he spots is being waved in.

"Come on...! Join us...!"

II - Dawn of the Dead - Semi-Closed

[OOC: Hello! Tags are welcome so long as one is up for discussion first! I can be reached on plurk via dumbhippiekid or by PM to this account! There we can determine injuries, aftermath, timeline/logistics, etc. Thanks!]

They come with the dawn. It interrupts his joy to see them marching in a path, looking not-quite-present. They're the first ghosts he's seen outside of the apparition, the first time his abilities might be at all important. But still, his heart seizes in his chest, fearful not of the ghosts but of himself. They look different than the apparition he saw. They must be, surely.

But what if he's wrong? Can he risk that again? On the other hand, he was given these powers for a reason, wasn't he? Is he really going to turn away like a coward? They need him...

He makes up his mind too late. He turns only to come to face a being without one, a shapeless form stepping close and filling his heart with dread. He hears it whisper.

"Our planet is--"


In the middle of the city, simply standing there, is Teo. He doesn't move. He doesn't seem to breathe. He's simply there, held in the grip of an apparition.

III - Day of the Dead

Only after he's gained a candle from a passing bot and learned of its effects does he allow himself out, and only for good reason. If candles are the key not only to helping the souls of the dead, but to make him safe to be around, then it's his responsibility to pitch in and makes some too.

Nevertheless, he tries to situate himself away from the others. He's not sure how much he trusts himself or the effectiveness of the candle. But sitting in wait and then tearing through doors or whatever else because some ghost found him instead, unlimited by physical barriers, isn't much of an option either.

Crafting the candles makes him think of old traditions, ones he's not sure he ever took part in. It's an abstract knowledge, one he imagines he gained by osmosis of stories more than experience. But he vaguely recalls an old sort of light he might have enjoyed in life and he knows that a light, a candle, for the dead is always welcome. It seems much more tangibly so here.

He crafts one candle up until its end only for the light to putter and die, his brief hope dying with it. Contact. Of course. Everything runs on contact here. It's one thing he can't afford himself, especially not nopw. He gets up, taking the rest of his half-finished work and dumps it all upon another table, where others are.

"Just needs... a little more..." He says, to whoever's in earshot, trying to suppress his misery. He prepares to leave, the lit candle he already was given coming with him.

IV - Diary of the Dead - For Faust

His eyes are squeezed shut, trying to fight stupid and hideous tears. He keeps typing and retyping what he wants to say. His heart wars with itself between wanting to live, not wanting to hurt Faust, and yet knowing he's going to hurt others. He has hurt others. He told himself from the very start that he would only allow himself to live for as long as he could control himself and, clearly, he can't.

And still, he hesitates. He should be telling them to kill him now. He should be confessing what he is. He should, but he's a coward.

He gets up. He doesn't even know if Faust is home but he wanders until he finds him. Then, there, he sits himself down and leans his head against Faust's shoulder.

V - Survival of The Dead

At the end of the tunnel, there is a door with no light. He's taken what candles were already finished in the temples and gathered as many ghosts as he could. They weren't all threatening and he feels some guilt now that he was so afraid, even if he's had good reason to be. They were just people like he was once. The dead have always just been people, some more lost than others.

"It'll... be okay..." He tries to tell them. "I'll stay... with you... I'll be there... You won't be... alone..."

Candle by candle he walks the tunnel back and forth. He's tired, so tired, but there's still more to go. Every time he wavers, feels ill, drops to his knees, he reminds himself that he is who and what he is for a reason. The dead need light in the dark. Just like he does, like he had, like he will...

He's on his knees again, rasping, but it's not as though he needs breath. He shakes himself and forces his head up. Before him, a little light has appeared, a small little firefly for him too. Has he gotten so weak that the firefly is warning him? No. No, no. It's just his soul. Just his soul to make him safer to be around.

Or maybe it's his light to walk into the dark. He glances back at the door, then to the golden firefly before shaking his head and getting back up. It zips in slow circles around and before him.

"Still more to go..." He mutters. Maybe that's why the door doesn't let him through...

II let's goooo

[heir_of_dragons]

Things have been a little weird, and Tai knows it's not just because his hair has turned red. There were actual ghosts in the city, something that he was still trying to wrap his head around as he made his way down the street.

Then he spotted Teo standing there, then the ghost seemingly holding him.

"Hey!" Tai raises his voice, making a beeline toward Teo. Maybe yelling would scare the ghost away? If not he's already untying the hoodie around his waist to wave through the ghost to startle it. "Get away from him."

[ghoulserrand]

Teo doesn't move or react. He remains frozen in place, his look of shock only evident in his posture, but his gaiter is seconds from slipping. The waving of the hoodie doesn't help that.

Nor does it seem to help with the ghost. The faceless apparition tilts its head but otherwise makes no move. Like always in this world, only an attack fueled by contact seems to work.

At least there's one option for contact right here.

[heir_of_dragons]

Tai really does not want to touch the apparition, last time he did by accident he had a chill and couldn't remember what he had been doing.

Which is probably why Teo hasn't moved or reacted. When he's close enough he reaches out, trying to carefully push Teo away and out of the ghosts grip and plant himself between the two. Surely that couldn't back fire at all, could it?

[ghoulserrand]

Teo is pushed back. He stumbles out of the ghost's grip and the gaiter upon his face finally slips low. Something else is touching him now. Something warm.

His torn face exposes his teeth as they part in a hungry growl, low in his throat at first, then building to a snarl. With no more warning, he pounces. His jaws snap at the living being before him, blood and warmth and life and all things needed. His fingers twitch, grasp, try to claw and claim all that he must. The hunger roars in him, demanding and overpowering all else. He is nothing else.

II

[the4united]

Something isn't right. There's little doubt about that, and it sets Devon slightly on edge. Normal humans can't stay that still for that long. It's not possible. There's always some slight movement. Some slight twitch. Something. So far though, he's heard nothing of the sort. Part of him wonders if this is a statue. He hasn't heard any breathing so far, but gut instinct (or maybe the slight warmth of a body or beat of a heart) tells him it's not.

There's also the sense of something more wrong than just the statue person. A feeling he isn't used to and can't pinpoint. He takes a slightly tighter grip on his staff just in case it's needed and calls out.

"Hello?

[ghoulserrand]

There is no heartbeat from him. There's not even a fading warmth. Teo doesn't respond to the call, held in the apparitions grip, but the latter seems to look at Devon, in so much as something can without a face.

[the4united]

Devon may not be able to see the face turn toward him, but he can sense the gaze. It sends a small shiver through him. Immediately after he calls up a bit of magic, the water swirling around you.

"What are you?"

The question comes out harsh and full of warning instead of fear.

[ghoulserrand]

The apparition isn't deterred. It doesn't even bother to speak. It cannot be harmed unless Devon has contact with another, after all.

Teo remains perfectly still in its grip.

IV

[relictus]

He went looking for Teo, once it became clear enough what was happening outside. But he was waylaid helping to fend off some apparitions from harming the citizens and directing others not to touch them, even if they're not hostile. Once he has an opportunity to return home, he does- and though Teo isn't there, he waits. He'll come here eventually, he's sure...

And when he does, his relief is tempered by the way he sits down and leans against him. He doesn't need to say anything for it to be clear to him that something is wrong. His hand moves to lightly rest over Teo's.

"...Are you all right?"

[ghoulserrand]

It should be a simple question. It's not like he doesn't know the answer. But it gets caught in his throat. He's not sure he can voice the gravity of what's happened. Especially not when it might mean losing Faust, one way or another.

He doesn't want to answer. He doesn't want Faust to pull away from him now. He shakes his head against Faust's shoulder.

"... I want... to be selfish... I want to just... stay with you..."

[relictus]

He frowns, worry rising. Something must have happened. He feels guilt for a moment, that he didn't find Teo himself sooner. But now's not the time to dwell on things like that. He holds Teo's hand in his and gently asks,

"What happened?"

He knows he won't like whatever he's going to hear. But they've made it this far. If Teo wants to stay with him, then whatever happens, that's what he's going to strive for.

[ghoulserrand]

Just thinking about it makes panic rise up in his chest. His breath picks up, but panic is the last thing he needs, so he simply opts not to breathe.

"... Again... It happened again... those ghosts... and I just..."

He lifts his head off Faust's shoulder, ashamed. But his hand stays where it is, where Faust is holding it.

"I attacked someone..."

Shinji Ikari | OTA

[hedgehogsdilemma]

I
Ghostly apparitions again, huh? He'll take them over the worms from last year, or the spidery creatures from the first year after the offworlders started arriving. They're eerie! But as long as they aren't hostile, then Shinji can deal with the spooky visitors, especially if this is the worst he has to contend with after the barrier started acting so strangely.

Once it's clear what sending the spirits back off will take, getting to work making candles is an easy enough task, in fact it's one he's done before! It works best with a partner, so why not buddy up to make some candles? After enough have been whipped up, though, it's time to try and capture those spirits. Let's take them out toward an area with some apparitions, carefully shielding the flame of the candle against any sudden breezes.

"Is this really all that it will take...?"


II
It would be very hard to miss the thematic décor sneaking its way in to every corner of Havenwell, but the hardest part to miss the trio 'terrorizing' the inhabitants of the city. Shinji's torn between wanting to wander and enjoy some of the regular seasonal changes, and keeping himself scarce so that he won't end up in any ridiculous antics, but just like anyone else, he's not safe from being trapped in a circle or getting hit with an absolute deluge of glitter with whoever he may be walking too closely to.

Oh. Oh no. Here he gives his designated partner a resigned look. "I'm sorry..." We are stuck here until we bend to their wishes, it seems. Sorry, he's sorry.


Wildcard
[Got something else you wanna do? Hit me up over on plurk sandshrew to plot or just chuck whatever words you want my way and I'll roll with it.]

Kaito | ota

[whenyouneedme]

I. Uh oh, Spooky
Kai... had never learned his lesson about spirits and apparitions. Back when he was still at his loneliest, he'd walked willingly into the arms of the ones that had crept into everyone's dreams. The other ones that had followed him around hadn't been a problem once he figured out they hadn't meant any harm. Sure there were some spookier ones here and there, but ultimately nothing bad had ever happened from interacting with ghosts.

This of course meant absolutely nothing wrong would happen now! That's how it worked. Obviously. Which was great because these said processions were tugging at all of Kaito's needs to lend a lonely soul a helping hand.

Here he was with one of the spirits that had wandered off the path, gingerly leading them by their spectral arm. "I'm not sure where it is," he was telling them gently. "Let's check out where the others are heading."


ii. Spooky, scary... skeling...tons??
Today, Kai's hair was a brilliant burnt orange. That alone was mysterious. Even more mysterious was the party of tiny skeletons in his yard. They were having an absolutely grand time boogeying down in circles to a phantom beat. Sometimes they were twirling around Bug as it rolled around between them. Sometimes they moved over to the driveway to start tap dancing their way across the hard surface and leap up on to Kai's bike.

Kai stood at the edge of the yard with a cup of (??spicy smelling??) coffee, silently watching this unfold. Yes. This would happen. Yes.


iii. wildcard
Do you want glitter thrown in his face? Good. Should he join your calming circle of affection? He can do that. Tackling a ghost to help out a brobot? Sure is something he would do! Follow your dreams, [and formats will be matched however you desire them.]

uh oh, I'm here now

[daikonrose]

There Kaito was! Leading that ghosty fella! There they went!

And here was Kyoko, squinting at him from their living room window, brow slowly creasing as her eyes followed his progress.

Was this? fine? Maybe it was fine? It didn't look like he was actively doing a dangerous thing, but--no, maybe he was? She didn't know! Maybe he'd just get a little chilly from touching it, or maybe it would lead him to his death!

In any case, this was definitely the kind of thing she shouldn't let him do on his own. Hurrying to the front door with the candle she'd meant to set down in the living room, Kyoko called out carefully--though loud enough that any housemates present might hear-- "Kaito? Where are you--what's going on?"

wuh oh

[whenyouneedme]

Man, he'd said that they'd go join the others but where were they doing that exactly? He'd been so sure of where they were headed a few moments ago. Somewhere up ahead of them sounded... right? They were just going to have to wing it and hope for the best. As long as he could keep this ghost friend calm then everything would be--

Kaito?

Well that sure caught him off guard. Kaito's pace faltered a step, a brief look of surprise coloring his features as he shot a look over his shoulder towards the house. Huh. "... Oh? We're--" he glanced between the girl and the ghost before gesturing towards the path "--just getting them back to the others."

[daikonrose]

So he was taking the ghost... to where more ghosts were. That didn't not make sense, but Kyoko knew absolutely nothing about what it might actually entail. The one Kaito was dealing with right now didn't seem actively aggressive at least, but there was no telling what could happen with a whole crowd of other, unknown ghosts.

Striding out to join him, she chided, "Don't do this kind of thing on your own. If something happened, no one would even know where to look for you!"

[whenyouneedme]

Oh, hello. Now she was there and he was getting chided. Up went his brows just a touch. Geez. What a silly thing to be getting worried over, no one was going to be looking for him.

"Y'don't need to worry about that," Kai assured her, not letting those self-deprecating facts into the wild. "It's fine, s'just a stroll." There was no need for her to go and change her plans or whatever. They'd just be on their way!

... was the plan, but Kai quickly noticed as he started to move that the ghost was not being guided by his hand anymore. Their attention was now very intently on the flame flickering warmly in her hands. "... Home..."

Tyler Warrens l OTA

[heir_of_dragons]

I - Distractions Make Perfect

It was sort of hard not to get into the holiday spirit seeing all the decorations going up. Just wlking around Havenwell reminded him of home, just a little. Around this time of year the town was always decked out, and come Halloween the local library always threw a big party complete with costume contests, makeshift haunted house-

Of course... Thinking about that made his stomach twist. Halloween had, for him at least, only been a few days ago before he was brought here. Time was seemingly catching up with him and when he stopped to think about it a buzz of anxiety swelled in his chest.

So he tried to ignore the growing anxiety by helping out around town where he could, because compartmentalizing and keeping busy was what Tyler Warrens did best, apparently.

He can be found helping make candles, and later carrying them to the Mysterious Door though he doesn't understand fully what it all means.

When not helping out with that he can be found around the city, his hair constantly shifting from warm shades of brown to oranges to vibrant red and back again. He doesn't seem to mind it all that much, though, and is helping with decorations or trying to figure out why the leaves won't stop following him.

II - This is the opposite of calming!!

There was something so familiar about these three natives dressed in ecletic outfits, but he just couldn't put his finger on it. Whatever it was sure seemed like a lot of hocus pocus.

But they didn't seem all that bad. Sure a sudden flash mob was strange, but he had somehow avoided getting caught in it. So he just took to watching things with a bit of amusement. At least until he was finally caught in one of their calming circles. He tried being polite at first, but when they wouldn't let him pass he'll look to anyone nearby with a silent please for HELP.

The boy is just too nice to just push past them. They picked the perfect person to trap.

III - ANYTHING BUT GLITTER

He was truly just minding his own business, looking around the shops for a baseball mitt and ball when the trio found him again. Anyone nearby might have heard his quiet oh no as he braced himself for another circle.

Tai didn't expect a face full of glitter. It left him sputtering, trying to wipe it away and barely hearing that he was under a "truth spell". Whatever that meant.

"Uh... Noooo thank you?" It didn't feel like he was at least under a step. He tried to step away, but that only got him a second glitter bomb to the face. "What was that for!?"

The sight is probably a little funny... But maybe help him before the third bomb goes off?

Wildcard!

Whatever you want! He's out and about so literally any and all prompts could work for him!

Machina Kunagiri | FFT-0

[tempusfinis]

A: Oh Look, the Consequences to My Actions

[ And here he is, looking entirely exhausted, disconnected, and lost, kneeling some short distance away from the now-unsealed door, staring blankly into void within. It takes hours for him to move from this spot, what with the draining effect an apparition can have on a person and the flood of them he'd initially released. When he does eventually surface from the entrance to the tunnels, he doesn't appear any healthier.

Still, once he sees you, he'll stumble his way towards you, gesturing back towards the tunnel. ] The--... the door. [ He struggles to find his voice, rasping out his words between chattering teeth. ] It's open. I-- [His expression goes slack, pale. ] I opened it.

B: Trying to Help^TM

[ Candle in hand, he's determined to at least do something-- no matter what it takes. Just as the locals have pointed out, the candle's flame attracts these phantoms. Good. Hostile or not, he'll use this. ]

You like this fire, huh? [ He waves the flame at them, dripping wax onto the ground. The apparition in front of him appears to pause, then resumes their approach further. Machina takes a step back from the ghost. The ghost follows the flame.

So, then... if he continues to do this without having the ghost absorbed into the candle itself, they'll simply follow it? The next question becomes, how many can he get to follow him with one candle back into the cave towards the door, instead of using up a candle per ghost?

Foolish is as foolish does, he's going to try. ] The dead sure like the light.

C: Wildcard

[ Machina can be found wherever! Come at me, brah. ]

a

[necromanswers]

[His confession nets him a befuddled expression from Lup, who's in the middle of trying to pick up some other poor soul caught off guard by one of the passing apparations. Thankfully they'd gone past some time ago and been chased off already, so the person is on the mend when Lup spots him.]

Whaaat the fuck.

[tempusfinis]

[ He recognizes her, recalling that she's the woman from the beach. It seems that she's doing okay, despite the chaos he's caused. That's... that's good. ]

There's-- in the tunnels. A door. [ Machina staggers towards her, somehow managing to string words together into a sentence. ]

That's where these apparitions came from!

[necromanswers]

[.......wh-]

Then why the hell did you open it!?

after a bagillion years....

[tempusfinis]

I--... Because-- [ A good question, one for which he does not have a good answer besides "selfishness".

But the question causes a flare of immediate defensiveness, one through which he draws some strength to shout back. ] I was trying to find them-- the gods! [ Machina scowls, using the dust to wipe some of the dust off his cheek. ] The ones that never answer! Because what else are we supposed to do, wait until they show up so we can go home?!