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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

I think that would be faster, so... yeah! I'll take the subway. It's been a while since I've taken one... I hope it won't be too crowded.

[ The television is really distracting and Daisuke glances over at it every now and then. Everything is new to him. ]

That website sounds like a big deal, huh? The poll that they're talking about.

Sorry to dash your hopes, but it's near impossible to find a seat.

[ Though Akira has gotten lucky before, finding a seat once in a while so he can read some books. He doesn't perk up in the same way Daisuke does, just eating his curry like usual. He even drinks his tea with ease, not at all unsettled by the way the news lifts the thieves are heroes of justice. ]

Yeah. It's almost the only direct mode of communication the people have to the Phantom Thieves.

[ Hmmm. ]

I should probably vote before the deadline.

[ Standing won't be too bug of an issue... Probably. Daisuke thinks about that idly as he takes another spoonful of his curry. It's so good, but it doesn't distract him enough that something seems really out of place. ]

Isn't it... kinda weird that people depend on phantom thieves like that?

... It's not like the police are doing anything.

[ It's a sentiment he felt since he came to Tokyo. However, there's a haze that overcomes him. Something about this isn't right—the people should be learning to stand for themselves.

But then he's back to how he is, composed as ever. ]

They definitely didn't help me when I needed them. I'm sure the Phantom Thieves would have. I'm sure they can help you, too.

[ Daisuke feels like that hit a sore spot for Akira. Oops. He looks at the plate of curry and finishes up whatever he has left. ]

I'm sure... they would, but I feel like the Phantom Thieves wouldn't be able to get to everyone if they all want something from them.

[ ... ]

I don't think I need anything from them right now though... I can do it myself.

They mostly go after big names, but sometimes they deal with smaller cases like bullies or abusive parents.

[ Scratching his cheek, he can only say that because he's the leader of the thieves. Akira takes a stand, taking his plate and depositing it in to the kitchen sink behind the counter. ]

But that's good. You have to be able to hold your own in Tokyo. [ Suddenly, a strange wave passes over them— ] ... But the police should be able to do more, right?

[ Akira contemplates before suddenly forgetting. His demeanor changes with the drop of the hat, like he never asked that question. ]

Almost done?

[ That change in demeanor spooks Daisuke a bit. He felt something odd, and the situation at large feels just as strange. Is it normal for a city full of people to just depend on a small group? Even when they're named as the Phantom Thieves? Daisuke really doesn't know much, but--

Wait.

Wait a minute.

He definitely remembers Akiren telling him that he was a part of the Phantom Thieves, but seeing Akira act like this has nothing to do with him is... weird. Daisuke thinks it's weird. It makes drinking his beverage pretty difficult. ]

... Yeah.

[ He gulps it down anyway. ]

Did you want to say anything about the police?

[ Tilting his head, he's trying to backtrack because he can't seem to remember. He stands there with the stack of dishes, just staring at him. Give him a moment, he's got this. ]

... No, I lost my train of thought. [ But now this is kind of peculiar to him? ] It's not coming to me.

[ And he heads to the kitchen, rinsing them off for a bit. It doesn't take long, so he's back. ]

I'll probably remember once we hit the arcade.

You'll be too busy beating me at every game.

[ Daisuke is pretty average when it comes to video games since he's not much of a gamer, but still, the arcade should be fun. Games should be fun to play.

However, he can't shake off this feeling and it's not like he can just ask Akira about the phantom thieves and how he's a part of it out in the open. That's ridiculous. ]

I was just thinking... Even if it's for the good of the people, it feels like a huge burden to keep up with expectations of everyone that wants something.

I'm not that good at it...? But we can just take a walk around here then.

[ He's only good at shooting arcade games. Everything else... Like basketball hoops, he doesn't know. However, they might not even have basketball hoop games in a Japanese arcade. Akira is just basing this on what he knows of arcades based in america.

Come on, come on. He even nudges Daisuke a bit. ]

Is it? They just need to keep doing what they're doing and everyone will be happy for some kind of entertainment. People are like that.

[ Which... Is an awful strange thing to say because it's nonsensical. There will always be those who are unhappy. There will always be those who want to rebel. Right now, Akira can't understand that—it's beyond his scope of thinking. ]

[ Onwards! Daisuke cleans up after himself and leaves, walking alongside Akira side by side. He frowns a little at what Akira says though and wonders why... ]

I mean... I guess a majority of the people could feel like that, but there's always going to be someone that will feel differently about it.

[ Like, Daisuke. He just points at himself. ]

That's...

[ Akira wants to say true—not everyone is going to feel the same way, join the mob mentality, or have similar feelings towards the Phantom Thieves. It was like that before when they had opposing sides.

Despite that, the weird wave comes back as they step out. ]

Because you're new.

Are you saying that I'll get jaded eventually?

[ Akira... Please. Well, it's a possibility, but something about it doesn't sit well with Daisuke. ]

I thought at least you'd feel different about it...

Isn't that what happens to everyone over time? No one is spared.

[ That gets a bitter laugh from him as they head towards the subway station. As usual, it's crowded, even on a Sunday... On the way, they see a cat or two, but on the platform they witness a mugging right down the stairs.

Should they intervene? It's too late, the thief runs past them, zooming right through. Akira stops momentarily, looking back as if pondering. ]

I--

[ Daisuke is interrupted by the thief zooming past them. He quickly gauges the situation and thinks he can catch the mugger, so-- ]

Hold on a sec!

[ And he immediately sprints after the thief. ]

Hey—[ He was thinking they can catch the thief if they take a shortcut, but it's too late. Stumbling at first, he runs after Daisuke.

The thief weaves through the masses who only step aside, as if this doesn't have anything to do with them. It makes it easier for them to chase after him, but that's it. For a second, Akira is unsettled by how distant people are, no one even speaking up about the sight. ]

Let's split up.

[ They can intercept. ]

Okay! I'll keep chasing the guy and you go another way!

[ Mostly because he doesn't know his way around here. Daisuke seems pretty earnest about catching the thief anyway. Irony at its finest, ]

Got it.

[ The thief runs into the alley, dodging them between the clothes lines. Akira disappears and will be there to corner the thief when they get there.

For now, Daisuke just needs to not lose sight of him. Constantly, the thief tries to toss things behind him. ]

[ Daisuke is doing a pretty good job at keeping up with the thief, though he maintains a small distance between them just in case. And to give himself some reaction time to dodge the things that are thrown at him. ezpz!!

When he sees Akira, he feels relieved and tries to grab the thief's attention so that he doesn't see Akira coming. ]

Your throwing sucks!

[ ... Well, it's not a good insult, but they tend to grab attention, right? Hopefully. ]

[ The thief does turn around, almost growling at Daisuke, but doesn't take the bait for too long. That's enough for Akira to swoop in and apprehend him—with a tackle.

Cause he doesn't know how else. ]

[ Daisuke is almost startled when Akira tackles the thief. He rushes over to both of them to make sure the thief doesn't do anything stupid though and gets him in a hold. Hm, how did this work again... He thinks back to his memory when he was almost captured by Satoshi and--there we go. He holds down the thief with his hand behind his back somehow. Mission accomplished! He breathes out a sigh of relief and looks at Akira. ]

... You know, I thought you would have stayed behind for a moment.

Why would I?

[ Akira, even in this play, is a figure of justice... He just can't see past what his friends are doing, garnering popularity and being the only force of justice in Tokyo. It would be out of character for him not to help, especially when it happened right in front of him.

He hassles the thief for the wallet, waving it over—ah, the thief is threatening them. ]

We should run.

[ Time to be the mouse. ]

[ TIME TO BAIL

Daisuke nods in agreement. ]

Let's go! Do you think we can turn it into the police or try to find the person who lost it? I don't think they'd be there at the same place...

... I don't know if we can trust the police to uphold anything.

[ With crime rampant, the force has been working more, though their efforts are fruitless. Some don't do anything at all, only doing paperwork for those that do turn themselves in. ]

If we look through their wallet, we might find information about them.

[ Yet he doesn't question the state of Tokyo where everything is chaos. This is just how it is. ]

Oh, that's a good point... Let's look through it.

[ Going through someone's wallet shouldn't be a big deal... right? Especially if they want to return it! Yeah, it's for the greater good.

But Daisuke has that feeling again. It's so weird. ]

... I wish crime rates would be lower here.

[ Irony coming from him, but. yes. ]