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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

[... That's more relieving, but this still isn't a show he'd ever want to invite Ren to. He glances away, then back again. While their feelings might not totally be in sync... it's good enough.]

Make sure I don't, then.

[And he'll shyly, hesitantly take Ren's hand with his own, walking after the figure at a brisk pace, hiding it like Shido would care. He'd at least make a snide remark about it, Goro knows, just like he knows that if that man turns his head to ensure he's being followed he'll make one about Ren's presence.

Goro knows this man far more than anyone else, and that really sucks. He shakes his head and glances at his new companion, still tense.]

What counts as carried away to you, Ren?

[ Are they really going to follow this apparition? Ren's noses wrinkles, frown pressed finely, as they trail after the bald figure. Peering forward, he can feel distaste grow second by second relative to his curiosity. Why now? Is this an illusion like October? He knows he lost his opportunity to support Goro at the time, so he's grasping at this chance without another warning. The hold on his hand tightens, hoping this reassures him since he can't persuade him to drop this.

It probably doesn't do much since he can feel his anxiety rise and anger bubble. ]

... When you lose complete control of yourself.

[ He has a perfect image in his mind—it's a memory. There's no need to drag that out. ]

Does your father here look like that, too?

No. He has a full head of hair... the last I saw him, anyway.

[Nonchalant. But that's an acceptable point, apparently, because he doesn't argue it.]

Maybe he does, now. Hopefully by choice, whether his own or another's, because I like my hair far too much to lose it to genetic balding.

[It's a try at a joke, a little one, squeezing Ren's hand in return. It's grounding to have him here. This is probably a trap, considering what he was investigating in the first place, but he needs to know for sure. If this was a man to kill or a ghost that simply haunted him past his nightmares.]

I would miss your soft hair, too.

[ Let that bring some kind of solace. It doesn’t seem like Shido has noticed them despite all of Ren’s laser leers. The man could have been burned into dust by now. He’s doubtful that this is the real thing... There’s one thing Goro and Shido have in common and it’s being ridiculously chatty. They have no clues as to where this ghost is leading them, either. Paranoid, he summons his dagger, marking the trunks of trees that they pass with a swift cut. ]

Have you tried talking to him?

[ As much as he enjoys the sound of his boyfriend’s voice, the forest’s eerie silence and the presence of this politician adds to the heavy atmosphere. The tension can be cut with a knife. ]

No, but it isn't as if I have anything I want to say to him. [...] I did think he might... grandiose a little more, admittedly, but he just told me the direction we were going and expected me to follow.

[Naturally he did, with this hatred boiling beneath his skin. Shido glances over his shoulder, just to make sure they're following, and stares at Ren; he doesn't say a word though, just matches him look for look.]

I came here for a reason outside of visiting though. I'm thinking this may be connected to it, so if possible I'd like to see it to its end.

I thought you would have a lot to say to him.

[ Ren knows that he would at least a couple of lines if he were by himself. He takes a couple of steps forward so they can walk side by side, still marking trees as they go. The glare tackles a flat look, but he bumps his shoulder against Goro’s affectionately. Eyes bright, he practically beams, imploring him. ]

Mind telling me what is it?

[ There are some questions he has, especially with the weird dreams, then there’s the extra set of memories that make no sense. They’re jumbled here and there, though he still has a good sense of self. ]

[Ugh. He shouldn't think Ren's cute when the object of his abhoration is right in front of them, but he is. Objectively. (Subjectively.)

Goro glances at him, then away, fingers tightening idly. Conceal, don't feel, not right now especially. He can't let Shido know. Ghost or not, he can't let him know as much he can never let any of his "family" know.]

There's been rumor of disappearances, so I decided to take a piece out of the other Akechi's book and investigate it. If it's due to beckoning figures of our past, then it'd make sense why so many people wander in.

[So yes, he knows exactly what he's potentially walking into, essentially. He squeezes Ren's hand again, waiting for Shido to turn away again before spoiling him a little by leaning their heads together.]

They seem to return in a few days time, so I wasn't worried about being lost forever.

[ The bubbly disposition dissipates faster than cotton candy meeting water. His eyebrows arch into his bangs as he considers what Goro is saying. It's true that Bosuma seems to the origin of missing people... It was definitely true in April. Ren remembers he was found by chance, also saved by chance.

He leans his head on Goro's as a response, intertwining their fingers to make sure he keeps him here. He can only hope that his heart is here, too... Instead of vengefully latching onto the figure in front of them. ]

So... We're going to get lost together.

[ He hopes that he says it clear enough for Goro, the detective, to hear it. Let that sink in, that's what this silence is for. The question implied is who's going to look for them? ]

He's not real. You know that.

[ As much as he wants a chance to punch his mug, he doesn't let himself fall prey. ]

[Goro inhales sharply, but forces his exhale to be calmer. It doesn't ease the way his fingers tighten against Ren's though, irritation seeping through his physical actions.]

It'd make me feel better anyway, Ren. If you could pretend he was.

[It wouldn't solve anything though, would it. Beating up an illusion. He's like a cognition, except anything might just fall right through him, it might not even effect him, and the thought hesitates his next step more than anything.

... And if they got lost together, what then..? They might find their way out of the forest by themselves. They might not. Goro had sent the text just in case he had failed and become a victim himself, as a subconscious motivation, but.]

I... feel I have to, for him. My other self. He never got to see his father beaten down, so I thought... that maybe seeing that might be something satisfying, in a way.

[For his own satisfaction too, since he could never do it to his own father. He brushes some hair behind his ear, glancing down at his feet.]

Do you think me wrong, Ren? I always value your differing opinion as much as I do your agreeing ones, [even if that's sort of like swallowing a needle at times.]

[ Ren straightens up, no longer leaning on on Goro so much as his mind swirls around the fated question. Recolle proves itself once again that it’s like a second chance—a new life with new relationships... But it has dipped deeper than giving them things they didn’t have in the memories of the cognitive world and its conspiracies. He keeps Shido in line of sight, but his attention darts back to Goro every now and then. They don’t know how dangerous this illusion can be, whether Shido can be armed like cognitive Akechi. He rubs the base of Goro’s thumb, trying to ease the nerves and drive the irritation away.

Deep breaths. He runs his fingers through his hair, tugging at curls before shutting his eyes as if to take a break from all of this. ]

... No, I don’t think it’s wrong. [ He won’t lie about it. ] It should have been your justice.

[ Goro Akechi should have been there with them. He should have been by their side to watch Shido’s fall, then face judgment himself for his actions. This is that second chance, but Ren has other concerns... opening his eyes, he observes Goro, scanning his expression with undivided attention. ]

What did you have in mind?

[The relief Goro feels is odd and unreal. Ren's opinion matters quite a lot to him, even when it shouldn't, but

that's a part of liking someone, maybe, outside of benefits. If he has to think of the why. The smile he turns to Ren is altogether fond and thankful, grip loosening as he's soothed, reassured.]

I... think what I may want to ideally do is too far, so instead I'd like to simply see if I can leave him unable to leave. [Careful, careful, he doesn't want to tip his hand that he's far too normalized with brutality for a man his age.] I cannot think of a more fitting fate for someone so full of themselves than to be left forgotten in the middle of nowhere.

[Except to be turned crazy by the very powers he'd honed in his favorite pet, encouraged and abused.]

That's cruel.

[ And something he can get behind. Attempts at murder (again) on a ghost don't work. It never does.

How can he not smile back? While his boyfriend loosens his grip, Ren picks up the slack, swinging their hands up and down. The nagging worry still settles in the back of his mind, but he is genuinely charmed as usual. Bumping their shoulders together, he tries to knock Goro off course from following Shido. Sorry if you hit a tree. That isn't his fault. ]

...Would you pass up the opportunity to beat up his Shadow?

[ The perk in his voice vanishes with that question, thoughtful. Looking at Goro, his eyes illustrate that he remembers something. ]

[He bumps into one, but it's fine, Goro's just pushing Ren right back. Die.

... Hm. Would he..? He knows the look in Ren's eyes and wonders what he's remembered, exactly, slight nerves jittering beneath his skin. Was it something bad? Telling? Even so, Ren wouldn't say anything, would he..?]

No, of course not. I'd take great pleasure in it, for all he's done. That man needs to be taken down a few pegs... and his shadow would too, I'm certain.

[ He sputters (or did he lose his breath when Goro practically tackles him back)—what’s with that somewhat hesitant look?! Now he’s wondering if Goro even wants to know what Shadow Shido is like. He continues to press and fight him off, digging his heels into the ground as they walk to make sure he doesn’t lose balance over this dumb contest. ]

He does. [ ... how does he go about this? ] Try to guess in what way his Shadow transforms.

[ There’s no need to explain to the cognitive assassin that took on Shadows, from underlings to Palace rulers, on his own... Though a part of him hopes he never receives those memories. What Goro has received has been a wild ride by themselves. ]

[God. This feels like an answer he doesn't want to know, frankly, and Goro'll keep pushing back too. The prolonged contact is oddly grounding, between this and their joined hands.]

I can't begin to imagine. It's no doubt horrifying, considering how you've put the question, but in what way... [ugh.] Does he get an enlarged head, like a fetus?

[... Also like Mitsuo in Persona 4.]

[ He shifts his head so he can whisper into Goro's ear, stopping their little shove fun so he can drop some details that the other boy would have never known. Brace yourself. ]

At first, he wears armor and his helmet has a lot of long spikes, but then he gets really buff like a bodybuilder and takes off his shirt. [ ... ] And only gets buffer.

[ Isn't it terrifying? ]

[.......... Squints at Shido.

Gross. Back in a whisper, a little genuinely concerned.]

Do you have nightmares of it? Should I look into some way to erase memories?

[ Goro, thank you. Ren's grateful for the consideration and the mental bleach. Actually, that isn't what makes him slam the #yikes hashtag. It's actually what he's going to say with a wry smile, looking away so he doesn't need to face his boyfriend: ]

... No, but it kind of creeps me out thinking about how he might have had your preferred body type.

[ Awkwardly. Laughs. Now that he thinks about it, maybe he should have kept his mouth shut. Goro can literally kill him in the middle of the forest and no one would ever find him. ]

[-- Oh, my god, he's going to kill you. He's going to kill Ren and no one will blame him. They'll hear why and go "hm, no, deserved that" and he will be validated.]

Why would you tell me this..? [ohhhhh my gooooood. Goro's rubbing his head.] Ren, my type is now twigs. I love noodle arms. There is nothing more attractive to me than a stick. Please never say that string of words to me ever again.

[At least he didn't threaten to break up with him.]

[ Hello!? He's being honest with you and you threaten to kill him in your mind. Ren closes his eyes shut as he rubs his temples with his free hand. It has been more painful for him than anything else.

Inhales. He has to roll with this: ]

Hey, if it runs in the family, then maybe you'll beef up, too.

[ And bald. Speaking of bald, is Shido listening to him? It finally hits him that if this is an illusion, it might take the appearance of what he shared. That. Would not be. Good. ]

[Of course he did?! Never be honest with him like that again, thank you, and Ren's getting a Look of disgust before there's a laugh that is. Very much neither of them, and Goro's hair stands on end.

When they look back, Shido has indeed taken on what is most likely Goro's interpretation of Ren's words, an extremely buff man with a spiked helmet and no shirt. His muscles are many and rippling, and he'd look terrifying if it wasn't for one little detail.]

... His head's the same size...

[Hilariously so, considering the man's big head of himself, it's just a normal sized human head with a normal sized spike helmet on a hulking mass of muscles. Goro's lip is twitching and he's trying not to laugh, but it's clear he isn't going to hold out for long.]

[ On the other hand, Ren’s eyes widen at the sudden change. It’s... Somewhat the same? More like the mix of the two forms, but he does not like it. The laugh makes him sick to his stomach, brining memories that still sting despite months of exposure. His expression only conveys concern and awe at the sudden change, little mirth here despite his boyfriend holding down snickers next to him. Gently, he nudges his side with an elbow. ]

Is that something to laugh about right now?

[ Please Don’t or else he’s going to laugh. It’s contagious. ]

No, of course not, but-- I don't think it's quite right.

[And. What else is he supposed to do? It's hard to take him seriously when he's like this, but Ren seems like he's on edge because of Shido's new form; he clears his throat, about to say something when the bodybuilder speaks instead, voice slightly different in the way cognitions are.]

Did you think you could get away with blowing through my Palace, you sniveling brat?

[It's not clear who he's talking to either, since he's staring at them both, a dangerous aura surrounding his form.]

Come here and perhaps I'll forgive you for it; you're still useful to me, if you get rid of that boy like you said you would.

[He's only need one of them, after all, and Goro's amusement is immediately squashed by the sudden desire to tear that tiny head off his body. His form's tense, face expressionless as he stares thoughtfully at Shido, calculating if he'd be an actual threat in a fight or if it'd be easy to strike him through.]

[ Ren straightens up when he notices how the voice reverbs, spooked to high alert. Of course he thinks the first one is addressed to him. Though he has no idea if the Palace was hard or difficult, so he opts out and only offers silence with a deserving leer.

His chest fills with a sense of pride for being alive, reveling in the idea that he’s just a living thorn in Shido’s side. It’s a great feeling that graciously sates his need for vengeance. A crooked and devilish smile creeps onto his slips as he retracts his hand, now placing it on Goro’s shoulder to give reassurance. ]

Hit him.

[ He knows they both want to and this surely is Goro’s chance. ]

[He flinches slightly at the touch -- it's surprise, only surprise -- and stares at Ren with an expression not normally seen; it's a little fond, a little soft, before Ren's smile infects his own and he rolls his shoulders, excitement alight in his eyes.]

It would be my pleasure, dear.

[Of course, Ren has every reason to join him in this, but given permission Robin Hood forms in the air and sets aside his bows and arrows, cracking his knuckles. The Persona is part of him, so when Robin darts across the distance to slam a punch right in Shido's stupid face it's elating, satisfying to the core, and the grin on his face says as much.

It's not going to cause the illusion to disappear, if anything Shido's body hulks out more as he sits up, snarling. Goro's not worried though, tilting his wild smile to Ren.]

Shall we defeat him properly this time, Ren? The way it should've been done in the first place.