EVENT - THE BLACK CITY

[faileas]

Event Log: August, The Black City

A STARLESS SKY You feel like you're floating. Around you, colors and sounds and smells swirl as if trapped in a whirlpool, vibrancy and hue ever shifting. The more you watch them, the less solid they are; they only become clear out of the corner of your eye. The area around you begins to feel more solid as well, until your feet are on the ground, the taste of smog and fog heavy in your lungs - and you know one thing, and one thing alone: this is a dream, and an incredibly realistic one at that. Unlike the last time this shared dream happened, only familiar faces of your fellow mirrorbound appear around you; and unlike the last time that flavor of dream happened, those native to the city of Aefenglom are nowhere to be found. Instead, an impossibly tall wall raises in front of you; along it run small windows with people peering from the edges, arrows shimmering with the tell-tale glitter of magic peeking from the darkness, with more figures standing guard or patrolling the top of it. The wall itself is made of a dark, onyx-like stone - it's reflective in the smoothness of its bricks, painting all who look into it in clear darkness, and the effect is similarly found in the wide moat that surrounds the city, the faint sound of a river feeding into it the only thing to hear in the tense silence. Only one massive door stands as the entrance to the city, chains hanging across it with the protective runes of a barrier some of you might be familiar with by now. With a groan the chains begin to pull away, the door lowering across the moat as a bridge, and a party of Witches - for they must be Witches, the pins on their cloaks the same as those found in the Coven in Aefenglom - urges the group inside. Monsters find it easier to obey the orders - compelled to, even - but perhaps that's the safety of the city calling out to you, and nothing more.

I. THE CITY ITSELF While Aefenglom is known for its dusk-hued skies, made of lustrous pinks and purples and blues, this city is dreary to the core. The streets are covered in a perpetual fog, not unlike the city you hail from, but thicker, denser, tinged with the flavor of industrial smog from the factories whose spires you can see in the distance. Magitech lights - lanterns above doors, street posts, flickering in the windows you pass - illuminate everything throughout the entire day, as if the sunshine can't reach through the foreboding fog nor the onyx walls. Even the windows are barred, offering a paranoid protection against the outside world. Doors seem hardier, and each building is reinforced and protected in a way that may feel familiar to those that have encountered the protective magic wards. They're heavier, leaving an almost ominous presence that causes unease to hang just as heavy in the air as the smog. The people of this city are just as dreary as the streets, though they do mill about with the same frequency as any city. Unlike the citizens of the dead Aefenglom that were encountered just the month before, however, these are real, living people. They can be spoken to. They can be touched. They interact with wariness and caution towards the strangers that have been heralded into their walled in world, especially those that show what they presume to be monstrous traits. Because it becomes quickly obvious that the majority of the citizens that answer a call, a question, a touch to gain their attention... They're human. a. OBEY AND SUBMIT Monsters that can be seen on the streets aren't few and far between, however. Their presence is subtle, in the fog and amidst the passing crowds of passing faces, but they're there. On a surface level, most of them seem to be fairly at ease. Passive and unfazed by anyone that tries to interact with them, as if they're disinterested by their mere presence in a way that isn't reflected by their human counterparts. A closer look shows a strained pinch to their faces, a tenseness to their bodies, a glazed look just at the surface of their eyes. Too many attempts to interact with them will cause some humans to emerge from shops, or ask that you leave their business; these are the ones that are... employed, most often seen in the shopping and industrial districts. But their movements are almost robotic in repetition, and they never speak to anyone even when addressed - even when a keen eye might take note of the sturdy leather collars around their necks, reinforced by metal and with visible places to attach a leash. Some in the industrial district can be seen with these leashes, powerful chains to keep them attached to carts, to keep them from swimming down the river, from flying away and out of the black walls of the city. All Monsters present in the city are clothed, though it's the ones on the clearly decorative leashes with the more delicate collars that are the best dressed. They accompany humans throughout the city, the same placid blankness present much like their busier counterparts. These are the aristocrats and their so-called "Bonded," though implying the same tone one would take in Aefenglom here will net a deep set of disgust. Attempting to rouse these Monsters does very little, and may even result in them jerking away and cowering behind their human company. b. GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE At one end of the city is a massive pavilion, one made of the same stone as the wall, giving off the same oppressive foreboding. Humans come and go from this peculiar town square with a casual air, an intent the same as a stroll through the stalls on the market street. Because that's, essentially, what they're doing. Monsters young and old put on display to show their abilities and strengths, tasks that range from the physically demanding to performances of artistic abilities. Some seem to be just at the surface of awareness, their glazed expressions refocusing at times with a sort of strained fear that's visible even at a glance. Many don't even react outside of doing the tasks they're ordered to do, going through the motions as a barker speaks at length about them, their abilities, how much their labor goes for and what they cost. These Monsters are purchased by the humans of the city at each display, many of them never wearing more than their basic clothes and the customary collar, a chain to keep them tied to their station with a generous enough reach. Most come and go with very little struggle, but some... it becomes obvious that they've broken through the surface and are coming up for air for the first time in a long time. Wooden posts where the chains are connected can be heard splintering with the force of their struggle, metal bending under pressure, the anxious energy of something about to happen. But the fights never last long, as attendants wearing Coven pins on their cloaks swoop in to attend to the situation - and many dreamers might notice a familiar Witch filtering in and out of the events, speaking to the auctioneers before departing for another selling. It's difficult to recall their face later, no matter how clearly one saw it before, but one thing is certain: while not necessarily prim and proper, this person is someone with a steel spine and a sharp eye. And they saw you, just the same as you saw them. c. AT BECK AND CALL With enough observation, or perhaps even experience, it becomes apparently how this is happening: any command or order issued to a Monster is taken to the most literal, and Monsters have no choice but to obey. Many Monsters employed as workers are so deep in the compulsion that they won't obey any additional commands, unless it comes from the person they have this most warped "Bond" with. Others will accept commands from anyone, even the mirrorbound Witches that have come into their city. Even the most asinine command is one that they'd obey, and one that maybe even you'll obey, too. Having a friend playfully tell them to shut up? They're forced into silence until told that they can speak again. Told to jump off a bridge? Best make sure you specify that you don't want them to jump off of a very high one, if you really want them gone that badly. Handstands, cartwheels, jumping jacks - but also, hurting someone, hurting themselves... one has to hope the Monster in question has a strong willpower, or it's a command that goes against one that's already been issued to them. But something of note is that mirrorbound Monsters of Aefenglom will find that they're also effected by this, though they're better able to fight the compulsion. Those with weaker constitutions may need help snapping out of the command, especially as a powerful command will be painful to fight against, and Witches will have to watch their words. Take care that your friends, your peers, the strangers you've arrived with, don't find themselves attending the auction block - it's a very real possibility in this place, with an unknown Monster unattended and uncollared. It should all be harmless, though. After all, this is only a dream... isn't it? No NPCs are available for this log - unlike with the midsummer dream, they're nowhere to be seen. No Nessie, no Mhairi, no one. Which means that there's no one to counsel them as they find themselves exploring the setting, and discovering that they're just as susceptible as the people in the dream...

II. THE COVEN Unlike with Aefenglom, there isn't a proper Parliament. A little investigation will lead to the discovery that the Coven of this city is the main governing body, which may explain a great deal about why there's such a massive presence of magic here. Located at the center of town - all roads lead to the Coven, a massive stone building with sharp looking spires - the grounds are notable in that there's nothing even remotely similar to the Looking-Glass House that everyone has come to know, despite its secrets. Should one gain entry to the main building of the Coven itself, they'll find that all the mirrors are within. Their main focuses of magic, rather than the more broad spectrum/free-to-study policy that Miss Nessie encourages, are enchantment and abjuration - for control, primarily. They're also heavy studiers of runes, visible across the city and with an even heavier influence in the wards of the Coven itself. They are, regardless, fairly welcoming to eager young minds wanting to learn. So long as the Monsters are left behind. But who's to say that you can't disguise a Monster? a. STUDY TIME Those curious about the Coven's library are welcome to investigate it for themselves, the Witches all smiling faces as they usher their visitors in. But they'll soon find that they aren't really left to their own devices; a member of this Coven branch is practically around every corner, and while they try to be subtle about their observation it becomes quickly obvious that they're not there for their own studies. They're stationed around the library to ensure that their guests don't make off with any of their resources, or try to get into any forbidden sections of the expansive library. Where the Coven library of Aefenglom - as well as the Undermael College's library - plays devil's advocate, with accounts and studies conducted from both sides of the anti-Monster sentiment and attempt to expand upon outdated knowledge... these ones have a decidedly anti-Monster lean in every regard. Any attempts to find otherwise will be met with bemused amusement by the Coven members, and a note that they don't carry such things here. After all, they're certainly not Aefenglom. They would never carry anything that could put their citizens at risk in such a way. Nevermind those horrid Bonds that Bell goes on and on about - it's no wonder that they're always at odds with their government. If only they'd wisen up, hm? Perhaps these new arrivals would like to transfer to their branch, instead, to better guarantee their growth. b. THROUGH THESE HALLS If one manages to slip away from the library without having somebody tailing them, they'll soon discover that the chilled atmosphere doesn't simply linger in the city itself. The halls are cold, the runes unwelcoming unlike the homey feel that Nerissa Bell's charms offer. Certainly home isn't perfect - and there's no denying that the sentiment is shared by many - but the smiling faces of the Black City's branch are at odds with the feel of their magic, the caged in weight pressing down on everything, including your shoulders. The halls are dimly lit by flickering lights, enchanted lanterns with a constantly burning yellow-white fire. Plenty of nooks and dark corners afford even large Monsters the ability to sneak through the halls, should they be snuck in for better investigation with their peers. Take care, however; there are Witches coming and going constantly. An empty room might lead to a study, a classroom, a bedroom. Locked doors don't yield easily, even in a dream, and may need to be abandoned. But a terrible, foreboding feeling emanates from large double doors that are rigidly locked. Hushed voices speak from the other side, and it's almost like the cold feeling that spreads throughout the Coven itself finds its source behind those doors. Periodically, sounds of pain escape from within - but they die out to whimpers, then silence, before they can ever get too loud. A crisp voice speaks only one word, clear even through the wood and the magic: "Again."

III. THE DARK UNDERBELLY There's always more to a city than the streets that you can see at the surface level. If you're looking, it's not hard to spot the signs. There are runes that mark walls and cobblestone streets like graffiti, and a studied eye might realize that they're not the same sort that have subjugated the more monstrously inclined of the Black City. These are intended to dispel magic, and the moment that a member of the Coven notices it - it's swept up as soon as possible, scrubbed clean or scorched off with magic. People take to the streets in small groups, standing their ground and raising their voices above the muffled din of a foggy city. They carry chains and collars that have been broken, but many of them are undeniably human as they confront something that has so obviously become the norm. Break the chains! they demand. Break the spell! Monsters go missing from the auctions with a well-placed distraction - perhaps you're one of the individuals being freed from the pavilion, or someone that's realized that there are people coming and going through the crowds, wearing the same cloaks as the Coven but without their iconic pins, dressed as aristocracy, from all walks of life... smuggling the Monsters away at the first chance. a. PARTY TO PROTEST Not every uprising can be swept under the rug at first sign, however. Witches take to the streets, looking surprised to see the mirrorbound arrivals from Aefenglom - and it's not the same wariness that most would give them. This is the calculating eye of someone assessing whether the person they've met will help or hinder, and some of them decided that you're to be help. Enchanted slips of paper are pushed into hands, runes are taught as quickly as possible in a hushed whisper and explanation, locations given out to Witch and Monster alike with a word of caution. Use the paper on a surface, any surface, and you'll see. Use the runes to break the compulsion - you might have to do it twice, thrice, however many times it takes to dispel the magic. Don't be caught. Using the enchantment as instructed - pressing the paper against a wall, the ground, a post, anything - will result in glowing runes overtaking the surface. It's the same as the runes that are taught to Witches, used to ward against the magic in place just as much as it is to create a statement of protest. If one goes to a location that is whispered to them, they'll find that they've joined an organized protest. It's small in size, a mixture of Witches and unleashed Monsters. Due to the size and frequency it's easy enough to find them, but the guards are very quick in putting them down or hiding any traces of them from the public eye, despite the protesters' best attempts. There's nothing amiss in the city, and nothing for citizens to worry about. b. REST AND REGROUP But they can't find every source of the resistance. It isn't hard for dreamgoers to find themselves swept up by these protesters. Any help is welcome, and those that show an inclination towards helping the Monsters of the city - or their Monsters that they know, regardless people that shouldn't suffer this way - will be taken into the fold. Entrances to their secret routes can be found in places that are hidden in plain sight. A storefront tended to by a Monster with eyes in sharp clarity when they look up from their robotic work welcomes a group of people in and behind the counter, to where a hatch door is hidden in the floor. A manhole cover is pried up, where people are smuggled down below. A portal is prepared, a different and darker destination on the other side. They all lead to the same location. The sewers are vast beneath this city. Much like the labyrinth that many faced in the Midsummer nightmare, it almost seems winding, endless, and the water is cold when it's crossed. But even with the stank of the runoff, the musty and moldy air, there's never the sense of dread, of death. Instead, there are signs of when you're going the right way - runes that shimmer only when looking at them out of the corner of your eye, or when you know what to look for. Three stars together - sometimes overlapping, sometimes circling each other, but always three, and always five points. While they appreciate the help, the mirrorbound aren't invited in by the revolutionaries to the main hideout. But it becomes obvious by charm bracelets, necklaces, piercings, tattoos, embroidery and stitching on shirts; this symbol, and its presence, is integral to their world beneath the city. But many are welcome to mingle throughout their circle. In the sewers, the shops, the small park where a rune gives secret announcements to those who know where to look for it on the third bench, even the homes of people that certainly don't look like revolutionaries, let alone anyone that would be a protector.

Welcome to the Black City! As a reminder, this takes place on August 18th - or rather, 3AM on the August 19th, much like the midsummer nightmare. If you have any questions or need any clarifications, you can ask them here! And as always, while we do encourage you to use this log, you can feel free to thread things out on your own log or elsewhere. Characters are allowed to try and start fights in the city, create prompts based on the information given instead of using the ones given exactly, and poke their noses where they don't belong - we encourage it, actually. But regardless of what you choose, we hope you have a good time!

And as a final parting note: If a character dies in the dream, they'll simply reappear at the beginning rather than waking up like normal.

Comments

[selfishwish]

Oh--

[The puca gives an exaggerated sigh of relief at the question. He hadn't been sure at first if this guy was from the city he'd gone to sleep in or not, but that certainly sounded like a good sign.

So, he forces an eager smile.]

Yep! I kind of got on the locals bad side, I guess, and now I'm in trouble. [It's easier to stick with a breezy summary than let himself sound as scared as he is, at least if he wants to maintain any semblance of composure.]

And I think that guy's looking for someone to buy me?

[fiddlestick]

Oh no...

[There's no hiding the concerned look on his face at hearing that news. Even if this kid was trying to sound okay, it really was the opposite of that.]

You're not getting bought. I'll get you out of here, okay?

[It was just a matter of how. He glances around, seeing if there's any opportunity he can use to his advantage]

[selfishwish]

...thanks.

[The faux-bright smile he'd put on mellows down into something a little more anxious and a little more honest. That's reassuring, even if he has no idea how they're supposed to get away.]

It's dumb, but--I don't think I can run if they tell me not to? That's how it was when they caught me. And the Witches here swoop in every time somebody looks like they're going to fight!

[On the other hand, the display doesn't appear to be attracting terribly close attention from the Coven's attendants, perhaps because most of the seller's "wares" appear both less-than-fearsome and firmly pacified. They're clearly meant to be more a stable of pets for the refined than a source of labor. And the seller himself is busy talking up a fae down at the stall's other end, having it flutter in place and show off with minor illusions for a small, gathered crowd.

It's not obvious, at least, that anyone would be on-guard for a more discreet escape attempt, but it's a harder question where they would go. Or what the risk would be if they were caught...]

Do you think we could sneak out? Maybe, if everybody was distracted...

[fiddlestick]

Yeah...it seems there's some enchantment on this city. Monsters are compelled to listen to witches orders. [It's disgusting, in Elliot's opinion. People should be free to decide for themselves, not enslaved.

Elliot's looking around. From his petite size, it's pretty clear he's not someone whose good at brawling. If they were going to sneak out, it'll have to be discreetly.

....]

I have one idea, but I'll have to do some magic on you. Is that okay?

[If he turns this guy into a small animal, he should fall right out of the leash and he'd be able to sneak him out of here. But he didn't want to just do that without asking first]

[selfishwish]

Right. So, we'd have to get far enough that nobody'll notice I'm a runaway...

[And, under the circumstances, that doesn't leave much room for squeamishness. It's only a matter of time before his new "owner" notices someone perusing the latest catch and stalks back over. So, Momiji nods immediately, without even asking what spell Elliot wants to hit him with.]

It can't stink worse than the magic they're already doing on me. So-o...whenever you're ready!

[fiddlestick]

Yeah, we'll get far away from here, okay?

[He feels a little better about the boy agreeing, even if he didn't specify what the magic was. There's no point in putting his plans on blast.]

Alright...here goes. Alla Marcia.

[Magic echos in his voice as he channels his magic. On the other side of the market, a loud auditory illusion goes off. Loud cymbal crashes and horns blasting, almost like a marching band is coming through even if no one is there.

Everyone's attention in the market is drawn to the sound. As they are, Elliot doesn't hesitate to step in from of Momiji and puts his hand on the boy's shoulders. Another spell is cast, but it's hard to hear the incantation over the loud noise.

Still, whether he hears it or not, it still should work as - poof -

Momiji is going to find himself to be a tiny bunny. But, at least he's out of the collar now]

[selfishwish]

Oh, wow--[Momiji has just enough time to marvel, before he disappears.

Of course, the clamor provides plenty of distraction. Confusion and concern visibly wash over the crowd around them, even as it becomes apparent that the noise doesn't herald some attack. It could still be a manifestation from some Monster broken free of its compulsion or the signal for some kind of dissident escape attempt.

Meanwhile, the little bunny where the teenager was previously hops right over to Elliot's feet, looking up at him, whiskers twitching. This is certainly convenient; he's great at unexpectedly turning into a rabbit! But it also seems like a better idea to try to bum a ride, instead of making a run for it and risking being stepped on. Or, worse, the spell wearing off.

So, how about a hand up here before anybody notices he's missing?]

[fiddlestick]

[That's the plan! The rabbit form was mostly just convenience. It's easier to change someone into a form they already have some resemblance to - so of course it made sense to turn a rabbit puca into a rabbit.

As the rabbit hops to his feet, he bends down and scoops him up, stashing the bunny in his coat pocket. He then makes to leave, walking in the direction of the loud distraction so it looks like he's going to check it out, but veering off into a side street when no one's paying attention. He keeps his pace a steady one, but not so fast that he seems suspicious. This isn't his first time infiltrating a hostile city.]

You doing okay?

[He whispers to the rabbit as he keeps walking. He...he can't remember if people can talk when he changes them. He doesn't do this that often okay]

[selfishwish]

Just peachy!

[Maybe it's the spell, or maybe it's his changeling nature here lending a hand, but either way: Talking is a go, apparently. His voice has shrunk to match his newly diminutive size, but it's just loud enough to be heard from outside of the pocket he's making himself at home in.

Which, honestly, is the coziest spot he's found in this whole city so far.]

That was so neat! Can you tell if anybody's following you? It didn't look like the owner spotted us--

[Excuse him while he wriggles around to try to poke his head out. He doesn't even look like a Monster, now, so it's not suspicious if he keeps an eye out, right?]

[fiddlestick]

[Well, at least this guy is taking being turned into a rabbit really well. He expected more freaking out, but...not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth.

But oh he sure is wiggling, he'll hold onto the pocket, making sure Momiji doesn't fall out by accident. So far, it doesn't look like anyone is following them, if he can see anything]

I-I don't think so, the distraction should keep them occupied for a couple minutes more. It's just a matter of getting enough distance from there in the meantime.

[And figuring out where to take this guy. The transformation spell won't last forever. Maybe if he found a spot underground to go, or an abandoned building. They just had to last until the dream ended right? Surely there's a place monsters can hole up until then.]

[selfishwish]

It doesn't look like anyone's watching us...

[The neat thing about being a bunny, besides being generally adorable, is that you have great long-distance vision, and in almost every direction. Admittedly, most of the world is blue-green-gray and kind of unfocused, but it's still solid for keeping an eye out for potential threats. Foxes, evil wizards, &c.]

If you get me somewhere out of sight to change back, I can try to play it cool! They picked me up mostly by accident, before, so there prob'ly won't be a manhunt or anything, right?

...do you know how long the spell'll last?

[Back home, it's always kind of unpredictable how long he'll be a rabbit before the Curse lets him turn back, but he's hoping that deliberate transformation magic will be a little more predictable.]

[fiddlestick]

[...........

Boi.]

I...think you might be looking at this situation a bit too optimistically.

[THEY WERE SLAVERS WHO KIDNAPPED YOU KIDDO. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT ABOUT IT]

Um...no, I'm sorry. To tell you the truth, I've only done this spell once...and it was by accident.

[selfishwish]

D'you think? They just grabbed me 'cause I ran into them on the street, and it's not like I can do anything dangerous. It'd be kinda a waste of time to spend that long just looking for me again...

[Unless, you know, your entire city had a paranoid fear of unrestrained Monsters and a fixation on bending them to Witches' will as a means of control.

But, look, he can do optimistic or he can cry a bunch, and this is working!]

That's okay! I don't mind, I just don't wanna poof back and tear up your coat. [Or in the middle of the street somewhere, that'd also be bad.]

[fiddlestick]

I think they'll grab any monster they see without a collar or wandering around. It'd really be better to stay out of sight if you can.

[Because yes, the entire city has a paranoid fear of monsters and a real love for enslaving them]

R-Right, that would be bad. We just need to find some spot...

[He looks around, noticing a sewer entrance down the street]

...I wonder if we can get in there.

[selfishwish]

Maybe if I got a hood or something to cover up my ears?

[There's a pause while he twists his little, bunny body around to take note of where Elliot's looking, then follows his gaze.]

...eww, we have to hide in the sewers like mole-people? [Boy, does dreaming in Aefenglom stink! But, admittedly, it does sound better than finding out what would happen if he got caught again.] Fiiiine. It does look like you could maybe just pull the manhole cover up, if it's not too heavy.

[fiddlestick]

I don't know, that seems a little risky...

[This guy doesn't seem very...discreet

And oh my gosh kiddo. Elliot internally sighs.]

Better in the sewer than enslaved..? [Like bro this is not time to be nitpicky.] Yeah I'll give it a shot.

[He kneels down, setting the rabbit on the ground so he doesn't tumble out of his pocket, before he does his best to lift it. Elliot isn't exactly strong, so it takes most of his strength...but it looks like this one will come off!]

Oh! It worked!

[selfishwish]

That doesn't make it not gross!

[He said it was fine! And this place probably has, like, magical mutant crocodiles in its sewers!]

Good job! You're the best--

Um, are you coming, too, though? I'd go down by myself, but I'm pretty sure I look like an appetizer for sewer-monsters right now...

[fiddlestick]

[I mean sure, but to Elliot magic mutant crocodiles in the city sewer are normal. The joys of being from a JRPG world]

Aha, thanks?

[He nods]

Yeah, I am. I wouldn't leave you alone down there. [He holds out a hand for the bunny to hop back into before he climbs down] Hopefully there aren't too many sewer-monsters down there.

[selfishwish]

Wait, do you think there are actually monsters? I was kidding--

[Despite a note of earnest concern in his voice, he hops right back into Elliot's hand and stays helpfully still during their descent down into the sewers. He wouldn't put it past this nightmare to come with something horrifying lurking beneath the city streets, but he's already seen what's up above, so it evens out.]

Like, dangerous ones. I don't count.

[fiddlestick]

[He appreciates Momiji staying still, he'll put him back in the pocket so he can have both hands as he climbs down the ladder, closing the lid over them so they aren't followed.]

It's possible. There were monsters in the sewers beneath my hometown.

[He sounds entirely too calm about this fact]

[selfishwish]

Um, really? What kind of monsters?

[This probably shouldn't be a surprise, given that he's in a world now where monsters are a literal everyday thing, but it's still pretty weird!

Once they've descended, though, he's busy trying to get his bearings in the sewer, hastily glancing this way and that. And also trying to cover his nose with his little, bunny paws.]

Ech...it really stinks down here. Guess we can just look for a spot that's safe to hide out until we wake up-- [Worst dream ever, gosh.]

[fiddlestick]

Um...giant fish, crocodiles, slimes... stuff like that.

[Also giant bone dragons, but let's not terrify the poor rabbit here.]

Yeah, it does. Sorry there isn't a better place to stash you. [He casts a simple light spell, causing a little ball of light to hang around them like tinkerbell] This dream is pretty awful.

[selfishwish]

That's...way too many kinds of monster.

[Momiji says, a little stunned and a little sympathetic.

Like, okay, maybe monster crocodiles can be excused (how are you even going to keep them out?), but at some point you have to start to chalk having that many monsters up to poor urban planning. Or everything just being, like, super haunted.]

Um, hopefully it's not as scary as that down here. [A small sigh.] It really is! Do dreams like this just happen here? With everyone in the same place?

[fiddlestick]

I guess? That's only if you wander the sewers though. You don't find any monsters in the city itself.

[most of the time. Truthfully Momiji's right. Heimdallr is terrible urban planning and also very very haunted]

Yeah, they happen once and awhile. They can be pretty intense but this...is a whole other level of bad.

[selfishwish]

[Okay, he's pretty concerned about how Elliot says that like he thinks it's reassuring, but he's going to be good and make himself focus on worries localized to the universe they're actually in, now:]

Do we just have to sit here for however long it takes to wake up? I mean, if you could pinch me and fix it, this prob'ly would've done it already...but I do dream about being a rabbit a lot.

[Now it's his turn to say something weird as if it were totally normal! He sighs:]

It's scarier than a normal nightmare, too. Everything here feels like it's for-real--the people all feel for-real. Even the guy who grabbed me...