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EVENT

REVERTED.
"Every moment is a fresh beginning." - T. S. Eliot

Happy July, Retrospecters. Can you believe it's been nearly a year since the city was under attack and several of you were pulled and lost in Unreality? Time sure does fly, doesn't it? But don't fret. It seems as though the city is in for a real vacation this time...rest easy.

THE BEGINNING
Recollé has been fully restored thanks to the effort of the citizens working to paint the city back to life and breaking down the layers separating the city from most of its non-Retrospec users. The sky is painted multiple colors (a permanent fixture, it seems) and some buildings and plants are extraordinary but everything appears to be in solid, functional condition. All buildings are where they should be. The roads are safe. And everyone around you appears to be preparing for one of two celebrations...

THE 4TH OF JULY
With the 4th of July tomorrow, citizens of Recollé are preparing for their own celebration. Much like last year, the city will be preparing with a large gathering at Peach Beach, food trucks aplenty, discounts at several stores in Tisse and Enprise, and of course at 9pm sharp the beautiful and historical fireworks display will begin. Street vendors sell glowsticks and lemonade as everyone gathers to watch the show in the sky.

This year, however, while the fireworks display still shows events of the city's history citizens may recognize a few new scenes added to the show. As they look up into the sky they'll notice scenes depicting several of the events that have happened over the last year ranging from the Retrospec bingo games to the nightmare fog to the mistletoe bats and more. This year will also include scenery and displays from the four regions around the city. Perhaps you recognize these events a little too well. Care to share the tale with your neighbor?

TANABATA
It seems as though this week is a non-stop celebration though. As the 4th of July ends, several members of the city are hard at work in preparation for Tanabata. Celebrated on Saturday, July 7th this year, residents are hard at work decorating areas in Tribunal Terrace and Chata with massive colorful streamers and moving in several bamboo plants. Stalls are set up and prepared and carnival games line the sidewalks for citizens to play.

On the evening of the 7th, all are invited to attend the celebration and try Japanese cuisine, play a few games, and most importantly write a wish on a colored sheet of paper to hang on one of the bamboo trees.

No matter how citizens choose to celebrate at this festival, for anyone who makes a wish and hangs it on the tree they will soon receive a Retrospec ticket in their mailbox. While your wish may take time to be granted, good fortune is upon you and a free gift has been provided.

THE NPCS
NPCs are back in the city and all is well. They are unaware of the layers they were caught between but they are grateful and happy to see you again! Professors will be lenient of students whose finals have been delayed, employers will inquire about your vacation time, and your friends and family may constantly badger you for time and attention. Isn't that nice?

In addition, citizens of the city may now place calls to members outside of the city for up to five minutes. While that pesky growling problem still appears at the tail end of all conversations, citizens will be able to reach out to anyone in the world and speak for that length of time. Let's just hope your loved ones aren't too bothered by the previous radio silence.

THE DREAMS
What was that about resting easy? Perhaps you won't be able to as well as you'd like. Though everything appears to be fine, the moment you close your eyes beginning on July 3rd, you may find yourself plagued by strange, unusual dreams. As you dream you'll find yourself experiencing everything from wild scenarios set in space or on a pirate ship to everyday, mundane interactions. Your dreams will reflect who you are, but...maybe in a different light. Perhaps your siblings aren't related to you in your dreams, or perhaps your hair is a different color. Maybe you find yourself dreaming about a whole different lifestyle than the one you currently possess. Why, you could even be one of the lucky ones and dream about those memories you've been receiving since you've joined the app.

Then again, you'll also find that you aren't dreaming alone. When you look, you may find that someone has joined you. It's easy to move in dreams and intrude on other people's dreams. You may choose to watch the scene play out or find yourself able to change scenarios within these dreams. Some of you will recognize what is and isn't real, but...what is real anymore? Aren't you curious what it all means?

The moment you awake, however, these dreams will fade away and simply be dreams.

THE QUESTS
If you're looking for a way to pass the time and bring a little adventure to your life, a new feature on the Retrospec app is the quest hotline! By submitting a request, Retrospec will generate a new task for you to accomplish either in the city or around one of the four regions. While Retrospec cannot claim that all tasks will be exciting, all tasks given are important to the functionality of the city.

Or perhaps you're interested in exploring Mementos or Tartarus...? Just what are these new places anyway? Strange.

Happy questing!

THE REGIONS
Travel is available once more for the regions outside of the city, though do watch out for the common monsters that still linger between districts. It will take three hours by boat southward to Pesgare, an hour underground eastward to Respatrum, two hours west via horseback to Bosuma and seven hours via driving north to Magatus. Depending on where you travel though you may find some surprises waiting for you.

Fishing season is at its prime in Pesgare and it's the perfect place for a seaside getaway this summer. The region remains untouched and stable, and the economy is thriving once more thanks to the repairs after their tsunami and the work of Retrospec users.

In Respatrum, the workers in the mines don't seem to mind the heat and continue crafting and creating. Anyone who ventures into these parts will be put to work, but may be rewarded with small tokens and hospitality from the natives of this region.

Bosuma, however, is a little different. The Swamp Witch is nowhere to be found though the forest is alit with bright, blooming flowers, strange multicolored animals and friendly natives from a nearby village in the woods. Monsters lurk the deeper parts of the woods, but one would actively have to go looking for them.

But should one linger in this region for too long, they may soon discover that they'll start to see things...not just things, but people. Vivid, life-like forms of people you've seen in your memories will appear before you even if you're unaware of who they are. They seem to beckon you to come closer, happy to see you and encouraging you to explore the forest further. Some of these forms may engage in combat if the relationship you remember is a hostile one. Should you follow or fight them, however, you will soon find yourself lost in the woods and it may take days to return to the city. Do keep sight of what's real, won't you?

Finally, over in Magatus, for anyone who has ventured there before they may be expecting the snowy mountains and ski lodge. However, it's summer! Snow isn't fit for the summer and as residents approach the region they'll come to find that the ice-capped mountains have been replaced with cliffs, sand dunes and a desert-esque climate. The iced-over lake is now perfect for swimming and further exploration will lead you to a path in the mountains that's the perfect height for cliff-jumping into waters below. This is the perfect region for you outdoorsy, camping types. Just be careful of the scorpions and rattlesnakes out there.

THE CITY
It's summer vacation everywhere. How are you spending your days? Maybe it isn't such a bad idea to listen to Joanne and plan your days with fun and exciting ventures. Parties and meetings and spending time with your friends...it sounds nice, doesn't it? Even if some of you may notice your friends seem...off.

The city is peaceful. Everything seems to be calm and safe, so much that you may not even notice the difference at first. It all begins in mid-July though. One moment you're sitting in a café and the next you realize you're wearing an apron and you feel as though you should be working behind the counter. One moment you're sitting in your bedroom and the next you look up and notice that the items on your wall have changed. These little hallucinations are minimal and only last a few moments, but they will begin to increase as the month goes on and leading straight into August.

But hey. It's probably nothing to worry about.

Welcome to

recolle's July log! The information above provides loose guidelines of things occurring this month, so please feel free to make your own prompts based on these. You are also free to create your own logs and inbox threads.

Regarding Tanabata! If you would like to claim a free 10-20 point item, please head to the regains page and submit as normal! Please indicate that it is a Tanabata freebie.

Characters are free to travel to one of the four regions this month (Pesgare, Respatrum, Bosuma, Magatus), but keep in mind the effects/changes as listed above.

As a reminder, you may qualify for an additional freebie this month by threading out a dream sequence with at least one person experiencing a new AU! This thread must be at least five consecutive comments from you.

Any questions you have regarding this event may be directed to the mod comment here. Be sure to review the mods' question thread on the plotting post for important information as well!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It may be a fleeting moment of happiness, but at the same time... it's probably crueler for Mio in the end. While the dream itself might be happy, the guilt of having such a dream after everything is going to eat at her.

Although she can't help but laugh a little bit when his face turns red. It's really cute, if she's going to be honest. But his words of confirmation as he forces her to look right at him makes her blush quite a bit. Or rather, a lot.]

Ah... geez. Saying it like that is embarrassing, Leon.

[ In his eyes, every little thing about Mio is extremely cute. The moment he sees her cheeks changing color, he instantly forgets about his own blush and smirks at the sight. While he may not have been happy with the arranged marriage at first, he understood why his parents set him up with her and he feels so blessed to be her future spouse. ]

Is it? All I'm saying is the truth. Although, I can't deny that your embarrassed blushing face is really cute.

[ He's usually the one that's easily embarrassed so whenever he's able to turn the tables it's the best feeling in the world and Leon just wants to bask in the moment.

But even so, she's so cute and he can no longer resist her charms. Leaning his head down, he closes the distance and captures her lips for a kiss, allowing himself to linger for a little while before pulling himself away. ]

Now, shall we go? We have a beach waiting for us.

... If you're going to say that, maybe I should do it for you some more.

[She doesn't mind blushing a little more if it means that he'll compliment her more. Even though it definitely makes her heart race like crazy. It's embarrassing.

But he then leans down to kiss her and her cheeks darken to the point where it spreads to the tips of her ears, letting a rather needy sound pass her lips before he finally pulls away from her.]

Yeah. Let's go.

[In fact, she'll grab his hand, wanting to lace her fingers with his own. She wants to feel the warmth of his hand in hers.]

It would make me happy if you did. My heart flutters whenever I see you blush since you look so cute.

[ What he said is honestly just as embarrassing but he means it. He really likes watching her cheeks turn red, especially knowing that he's the one who caused her to blush.

As soon as he feels her fingers lacing in-between his, he reciprocates by intertwining his fingers and leading her to his car. ]

Are you excited? I know I am. I've been looking forward to our beach date.

Ah...

[He called her cute and that's enough to make her blush come out at full force as she finds herself glancing away to hide her embarrassment.]

Why wouldn't I be excited? I'm going to the beach with the best fiancé in the world.

[ That right there is more than enough for him to smirk and puff out his chest in pride!! Yes. Praise him more, Usamio-chan. Stroke his ego. ♥ ]

Well, I can't deny that. You are lucky to be with not only the most intelligent man, but also the most handsome. I truly am a catch.

[ Stfu Leon. This is why your mun gets embarrassed writing your fucking tags. ]

But I could say the same. I'm very fortunate to have the best fiancée ever by my side. I'm sure there are people who are jealous of me because the most wonderful girl in the world belongs to me.

I don't think it has anything to do with luck, Leon. We were fated to be together.

[Although she's not entirely sure that fate is the right word for this, either. But she wants to believe that so desperately.]

And of course! It's too bad though, since I would never leave you. Not for anyone else, ever.

Edited 2018-07-07 03:49 (UTC)

Fate, huh...

[ Leon contemplates that word with a smile. Yeah, he definitely believes that they were destined to be together. There was a reason why he never fell for anyone in his previous life. ]

I believe that too. We were meant to be together.

[ His heart flutters in his chest when she says those endearing words and he couldn't be any happier. A blush on his cheeks begin to form as he leads her to his car and opens the door for her. ]

Me too, Mio. You're the only one for me and I would never leave you for someone else. I want to be with you alone...

You better not. I won't forgive you if you ever end up with anyone else in any future or past lifetime.

[Which is kind of hypocritical considering that Shion definitely had strong feelings for Satoshi, but she's going to say it nevertheless as she slides herself into the seat that's right next to his, putting on her seatbelt so that she stays safe.]

Anyway, I really hope you like my swimsuit... but I have no doubt that you will.

Wow. That's pretty cruel of you to say. [ Yet somehow, he finds himself laughing a little before he earnestly responds. ] It's a promise. I shall love you in this life and will continue to love only you in my future life.

[ After seeing her get settled in, he places their belongings in the backseat, along with the food he's packed for their date. Once that's done, he gets into the driver's seat and begins the journey to the beach. ]

Since you claim it's your best swimsuit, I'm expecting good things. However... I also have no doubt I'll like it. Because you look good in anything.

I'm not cruel!

[She can't help but pout a little bit, puffing her cheeks indignantly as her brows narrow in what seems to be something akin to frustration. But the moment he makes that promise... is the same moment that she can't help but feel warmth in her heart.]

But good. Because I'll make that promise, too. Maybe I didn't love you in my past life... but I want to change that, starting from now. I want us to have the happy ending that we couldn't have before.

[It's a little cliche, she has to admit, but she thinks that's what she wants the most. Not just in this dream. But in reality, too.

Even if the real Mio thinks she doesn't deserve a happy ending, at least in a dream like this, she can indulge in it.]

Of course I'd look good. There's no way I wouldn't. Especially not with you by my side. [...] But you better not stare at anybody else but me, okay? I'll get angry about that, too. And I don't want you to... show yourself off to other people, either...

[ So cute... whenever she puffs of her cheeks, he feels like cupid's arrow has shot through his heart. She's so freaken adorable and god dammit, he's the luckiest man on the earth.

He feels even more lucky when she says those heart warming words. It means a lot to him to hear that. Given what he knows about her past and how much she loved Satoshi. ]

... Thank you, Mio. Those words have made me the happiest man on the planet. My one wish is for us to live happily ever after together and I'm going to do everything I can to ensure we'll have that happy ending.

[ They deserve it. Even if she doesn't think so, Leon wants to give her the happiest life, one that Shion never got to experience. ]

W-Well, I suppose I can't deny that you look even better with the great Leon Zhong by your side. [ Leon... ] But don't worry, I promise I won't stare at anyone else. No one else compares to your beauty and my eyes will be on you all the time. I also won't show myself off but you can't blame people if they stare at me.

Then... all I want is to live with you. Just the two of us. And we can have a really extravagant wedding and invite everyone we know.

[She thinks that would be really exciting. A large wedding... that would make her the happiest girl in the world.]

I don't care if anyone says that we're too young to marry or maybe we're being too hasty for that reason. I want to live life out to the fullest and enjoy it. But good. I just want you to look at me. Except when you're driving, since that's dangerous.

[Mio.... please...]

I can't, but I don't want people to stare at you. I'll get jealous.

Edited 2018-07-08 07:14 (UTC)

An extravagant wedding... I like the sounds of that. If that's what you want, then I'll be happy to grant you that wish. I want to give you the wedding of your dreams...

[ Having a grand, extravagant wedding is something that Leon would like as well. Their wedding should be celebrated among everyone they know. ]

I don't care either, Mio. If people want to judge us then I will happily ignore them because you are the girl I want to spend the rest of my life with and I don't care that we are young.

[ He does laugh a little at the mention of driving. She's right!! Road safety takes priority. ]

That's fair, because I don't want other people staring at you as well. So, if anyone happens to be looking at the either of us... I'll kiss you to show we are taken.

[Look, they are not going to die from a road accident. It's not happening. But she likes hearing all of these words from him. They're words that relax her.]

You should be kissing me even when people aren't looking, too. I want you to kiss me a lot.

[She... wants to be spoiled by his kisses.]

Edited 2018-07-09 05:43 (UTC)

Oh? I'm not opposed at all but aren't you being very greedy today?

[ Of course he doesn't mind and is definitely going to fufill that request. ♥

Speaking of which, he sees the beach in full view and immediately steers his car into the designated spot and brings it to a full stop. While smirking, he takes off his seat belt and leans in close to Mio, bringing his lips to meet with hers for yet another kiss.

He's more than happy to grant that wish of hers. ]

[Don't call her greedy!!

But when he stops and suddenly kisses her, she feels herself melting into it, already yearning for more as she presses deeper into the kiss, her cheeks already lighting up as her heart races in her chest, her eyes fixed on his own before pulling away slightly, her voice breathy as she speaks.]

I just... I want you to kiss me as much as you want so I won't forget it. So I won't lose my feelings for you, or-- [A finger twirls around her long locks of hair, unable to hide her embarrassment.] If something bad happens. Besides, I like kissing you a lot. It makes me happy when you do. You're the only one I've ever kissed, after all. I don't want to kiss anybody else. I'm yours, forever and always. Right?

[ Can't stop won't stop!!

As soon as she pulls away, it takes every ounce of will power to prevent himself from leaning in to kiss her again. He could never get enough of her soft lips. The only thing that was stopping him, was the need to catch his breath. His own voice is a little strained when he responds to her. ]

If that's what you desire, then I'm more than happy to grant that wish of yours. [ It's exactly what he wants as well. Kissing her is something he always yearns to do. ] That's correct. You belong to me and me alone.

[ He says without a hint of hesitation in his voice. ]

Likewise, I love kissing you and you're the only one I want to kiss. I'm also yours forever and ever.

That's good. I'd be pretty sad if you couldn't grant me a wish this simple.

[Although what makes her heart race is when he says that she belongs to him. It kind of... gets her excited. But she should keep her excitement down a little bit, although it's hard when her cheeks are warm and her breaths a little hot and needy.]

Um... since we're here, you don't mind if I change in here, do you?

[ Just like that, his confident smirk instantly evaporates the moment she asks to change inside his car. Even though they've been together for so long, it doesn't take much from Mio to turn him into a blushing blob of red. ]

Y-Yeah, that's fine. I don't mind...

[ Her needy breathing also didn't help matters either. He feels both blessed and cursed to have such an enticing girlfriend. ]

Okay, then turn around and make sure nobody peeks through the car while I do, Leon.

[Because she's going to change. The swimsuit she got is one that she couldn't just wear underneath her clothes so she actually has to practically strip down to nothing and swap out her clothes so that she can throw on her swimsuit. It probably looks good with her normal ribbon and her hair braided up, she thinks.]

... I'm done, so you can look now.

I sure will. There's no way I would let anyone look at my Mio.

[ He makes sure to put an extra emphasis on the my part of the sentence, wanting to further make a statement that she belongs to only him. Thankfully, she told him to turn around because there's no way he would be able to watch her and keep a straight face. ~~and not feel a sense of yearning~~

As she was changing, he slides his pants off, revealing his own blue swim trunks that he wore undearneath. He unbuttons his shirt and puts over a light weight hoodie over his shoulders since he's one of those types that wears a jacket when going to a pool or beach.

When he gets the okay to look, he turns his gaze to meet her and just the sight is enough to take his breath away. She looks so great in that swimsuit. He's a little surprised by what she's wearing because he didn't expect her to wear a bikini that looks like a maid outfit. ]

You're right. That is the best swimsuit I've ever seen. [ Wanting to at least feel her warm touch, he places his hand on top of her head and threads his fingers through her hair. ] You look beautiful.

See? I told you.

[She puffs out with confidence, although she finds herself blushing even harder when he starts to thread his fingers through her long locks of hair. It's so warm and comforting when he does that. And he doesn't want him to stop touching her.]

I thought you would like it, since it's a maid bikini, and I'm yours, so...

[This is really embarrassing to admit, if she's going to be honest.]

[ The way she puffed herself out with confidence made her even more attractive in his eyes. In response, he continues to run his fingers through her soft hair. He couldn't get enough of her warm touch. ]

You know my tastes really well, my adorable Usamio.

[ The way he says that is breathy and needy, especially when she utters the phrase "I'm yours". He feels like the happiest man on the earth. Giving into his urges, he leans in for yet another kiss, this one being more chaste before he pulls away and presses his forehead against hers. ]

And I belong to you as well.

Ah...

[It's kind of embarrassing when he calls her by her nickname. Even more so when he says it in that breathy and needy voice that makes it incredibly obvious what he wants.

Even though he gives her a rather chaste kiss, there's a part of her that wants more. Then again, she always wants more.]

You know, it's weird for you to say that you belong to me... when I'm wearing this.