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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

[Even if he wanted to move away, and it would be better, logically, if he did, Ren's hands are warm and grounding, a reminder more than the pain and healing numbness, of this life, of the person he is now... Of the odd sets of memories he has, which perturb him more than the ones of being a hitman, frankly. At least he knew that kind of life. The sorts of people one interacts with, the mindset one must have when dealing impartially--

but he never could, with Ren, could he. Not at this point. Goro swallows hard, something heavy in his chest, and takes a breath before looking at Ren as asked. Blotchy faced with tears starting to swell again, but his lips are pressed into a thin line and his eyes can't. quite meet Ren's, flicking to and away. He can't appear nervous, can't be scared of someone else's opinion.]

... What is it?

[He won't admit it to himself, to Micchan or anyone else, but Ren has a stronger hold on him than the boy thinks, than he realizes. Fuck.]

[ Don't sputter. Don't sputter. What somber expression painted on his face falls fast, now donning on a smug (but amused and happy) little smile. This isn't what he wants, but he will take the little glances. Why was he ever worried...? He knows these moments can be overwhelming with memories that hit like a truck and brings all their emotional baggage with them subduing them in a rush—why was Akira in Recolle so worried when Goro is just a soft little bunny?

No, he knows why. He has the same, concealed dread... Maybe even more so with his own past, his own family's history, and how such a darkness can sweet him away again with whispers of sweet justice and vengeance. ]

Not going to pull away? I'm surprised. [ The Goro he remember right now used to be a little cold, far too astonished by the thought of holding hands. Fond, he speaks a little softer: ] I'm staying right here.

[ His grip moves to Goro's wrist, pulling him closer so he can assault his face with little pecks, especially near the corners of his eyes. After a couple of rounds of smothering, his fingertips find their ways to an unfortunate someone's sides, digging them in for a tickle. Ren wants to show that nothing will change what he thinks of him. ]

[It's-- it's very smothering, it's a lot, and he's generally used to Ren's affections it feels weird and wrong and stifling, but it's something he tolerates with a squeeze of his eyes and a soft, unhappy whine. Just the sort of sound he'd usually make when dealing with so much at once.

The tickling, though, activates his fight or flight response so soon after dealing with the literal demon from his past and he shoves Ren away, scowling at him with a flushed face. Okay. If he can still act that way, then things are... fine, they're fine, it's not like his family history is going to come and put a hit on Ren anytime soon (probably?), so he doesn't need to worry about this side of him showing more.

He just is also keeping his hands up for more incoming attacks.]

You-- caught me at a bad time, that's all. [Yes. That's why he didn't pull away, certainly. And the red in his cheeks is from everything but his embarrassing realization.] Don't touch me unnecessarily.

[huff. But it isn't like he'll draw away if Ren gets closer again, as long as his intentions are without tickles.]

[ At first, he grumbles when shoves away, already missing the ball of warmth that his boyfriend served. Now there's this void where his hands should be, also in his arms. Empty... Forlorn. At times like these, Ren misses Morrigan who for a good almost two years have comforted him, now almost a year comforting him in this hot and cold relationship.

But Ah. This is definitely the Goro he remembers—prickly, fussy, and quick to draw away in a huff. Ren keeps his hands up, flexing his fingers as he takes steps forward. It's just one step at first. Then two. Then three. Eyes bright, he tries to play up the innocent look and sweet smile as he approaches him. More like corner him. There's no way he's going to give up until Goro smiles genuinely at him. ]

But all of this is necessary.

[ How is this supposed to make him smile...? These grabby hands seem more terrifying than not. ]

[His lips twitch and he bites the inside of his cheek, trying to remind himself that letting Ren take an inch means giving him a mile, shaking his head with a soft laugh.]

You can't fool me, Ren, I'm not letting my guard down around you. You're trying too hard to look innocent.

[Goro's taking a step, two steps, three steps back, but they're in a forest; it's only so long until he bumps into a tree and is trapped like that, with Ren steadily advancing on him. They're leaving the scene of the beat down, which is doing a lot for his personal nerves.]

And that never spells anything good. Put your hands above your head and I'll think about letting you closer.

[ His little skulk comes to a halt as Goro tries his hand at negotiations. The pause isn’t filled with any agreement or disagreement, no counter conditions or pleads. His own expression falls back to the usual neutral and blank, possibly contemplating over the deal or maybe scheming. Who knows? People close to him probably can guess, but really.

Who knows?

His hands lift up a bit, looking like he’s obediently complying to the demands, but then he darts straight to him. You better run if you want to live. ]

[It's scheming. It's definitely, definitely scheming, and Goro feels right on the money when Ren darts at him; he yelps in surprise, ducking under Ren's grasp and running to duck by tree cover. Is he going to play the game of keeping it between them? Of course. He's dumb, he could just have Robin Hood keep him at bay... even if Robin is unusually soft towards Ren, in stark contrast to Loki's prickly nature.]

I'm warning you, Ren, don't do this. You have a long life ahead of you. You should cherish that fact.

[He's nervous about being tickled again. They're empty threats.]

[ He huffs when he finds himself empty-handed, but is quick to turn to Goro. Hands are back up in their “predatory” positions, he takes his time to take steps to circle him instead. He needs the element of surprise, so he tries to ramp it up by strafing slowly back and forth to feign a pattern. This may all seem childish, something they can easily end by stopping completely, but! Hey! It’s fun.

By the way, cheating only opens doors to more chaos. Think wisely. ]

Sorry, Goro. I think it’s the forest’s curse... It’s telling me to tickle you until you can’t get up! The only way you can win if it’s you run back home.

[ Out of the forest and everything. Ren, believe it or not, is actually sick of being here. His own Bosuma incident is a blur yet sticking around so deep in the forest makes his stomach do flips. ]

[It is fun, and even if Goro shouldn't, even if anyone who knew him before this year (except Sena, maybe) would be bewildered at the sight of him playing along, he concentrates on Ren's movements and tries to stay a step ahead, humming in amusement. He's definitely focusing too much on the feint.]

If you want to leave, I wouldn't say no. There's no need to go through all of this just to chase me out.

[Even if he'd like to see if it's repetitive, or if it's just a one time occurrence.]

My personal research is finished. I found what caused the disappearances, though I'm not certain there is a way to stop them if they prey on memories and minds -- possibly the work of some kind of plant's pollen, or the spores of one of the mushrooms here... I'm no expert, so I'll leave it in someone else's hands.

I just want you to be safe.

[ He’s curious himself, but it’s hard to shake off the heavy feeling in his chest and the anxiety from nowhere. His movements slow as they go over this topic a little more seriously, now tugging at his bangs as he considers their options. It’s difficult to help others when they need saving, so... He hums the same tune as Goro, pensive.

Hey, at least boyfriend is brighter. This is a small victory though the Recolle mystery continues. ]

We can come another day to see if it’s different, but for now it might be better to warn people and police the outskirts.

[ The game seems to end—except it doesn’t. Ren shuffles quickly to Goro and tries to latch onto him. ]

[Goro jerks slightly when he's approached so quickly, hands raising to fend off an attack and just... sort of coming to rest on Ren as he's clung to, balling up the warmth in his chest and tucking it away. Hesitant, he pets Ren's head, slight affection bleeding through the comforting gesture.]

It's... all we can do, I suppose. As unhappy as that makes me.

[Almost genuinely so. He's. Grown used to caring for others, a bit, and to thinking the way Ren does. His grandfather rolling in his grave for thinking of people outside of benefits.]

The town here is safe from the illusions, and the temptation of them; I've been staying the past few days, and... I wouldn't mind your company, if you wanted to share a room.

[He's. Awkward, just a bit.]

[ Ren closes his eyes, mentally purring into those little pets. This is a good life. If only he could be a cat instead of a person riddled with the complex human mind. It looks like that's enough to placate him, so the tickling is held off for now. ]

... Same here, but I'm sure we will find our answers. We just need to keep being obnoxious and meddle.

[ He knows it's hard to say, seeing that they've always come back with very little aside from Retrospec and the layers are at it again...! Despite that, he is confident they can do something. His arms wrap around Goro's waist, imprisoning him here.

......... wait what did goro say ]

Why are you so nervous? I sneak into your room at night all the time.

[ It's just a room!!! With an awkward smile, Ren chuckles because you're embarrassing him. ]

[Ah, he sees, Ren wants to be punished. He's asking for it, teasing his boyfriend like that. Pointing out his nervousness. Goro's going to stop petting him and pinch his cheeks, tugging at them slightly.]

I'm not nervous. You just don't seem to like the area, which is understandable, so I'm only thinking of you. And I've said this before, but don't sneak into people's rooms, key given or not. I'm going to wake up and kill you one day, thinking you're a burgler or something like that.

[It

is admittedly nice to be woken up by Ren, or to have Ren at his side in the morning in that way, especially as a surprise, but assuredly he is always scolded for it. If Goro really wanted to stop it he'd just change locks, but... he doesn't, so.]

[ Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. He tries to respond, but releases Goro so he can first swat, then grab onto those hands. Let. Him. Go. His cheeks aren't fat enough for this amount of pinching and it's starting to hurt. Those hands can meet his lips instead. Peck, peck. Forgive him, lord Akechi. ]

... Thank you for being so considerate of my feelings and sparing me over a thousand times.

[ Ren knows when to stop teasing or else he might get hurt. He doesn't doubt that Goro might punch him or kick him instinctively, though not enough to knock out teeth or break bone. Still, he wishes to respect his space and limits. It's almost a year since they've been together yet there's untouched territory here and there. He lets go of one hand, thinking he has hogged it enough, but twirls his boyfriend as if they were dancing and this was a ballroom. ]

Tomorrow, I'll go into the forest first, all right?

[ Just to test some theories and see if there's some kind of pattern. ]

[Hmmm. Forgiven, apparently, because he pats his cheek gently instead, hand lingering for a moment before it drops and he's twirled, biting the inside of his cheek as he spins himself away from Ren, though he won't let go of the hand yet, kissing it briefly instead. While they're mimicking dance conventions.]

If you insist. I won't be far behind, just in case you run into trouble.

[He trusts Ren not to... fall for the same sort of thing he had, really, and he's curious to see who would appear for him as well. But now Goro would like his hand back in his space, thank you, the overt affection he'd shown making him a little self-conscious; even after all this time, almost a year and counting, some things don't change.

... Though he's definitely better than he had been back then, at the very least. It's just. A little weird, having dreams of being infinitely more affectionate and then not being that way in this reality, watching movies and feeling like they should be closer. Does Ren prefer it..? The lovey-dovey person that Goro was to Akira, or the person he is now..?]

I'd... like it if I didn't lose you somehow, [it's quiet, face turned away,] so don't leave too early. Understood?

[ Goro's faith is misplaced. While Ren is less likely to follow an apparition in comparison to Akira, he would still follow it for the sake of getting answers, just getting a fix for his curiosity. On the other hand, he's swept away by the small gestures Goro gives him. They are few, so he treasures them dearly and doesn't trail after the hand and latch onto him again. His hands slide into his pockets, keeping to himself—space acquired.

For the most part, he's happy with how things are. What matters is now after all. Right now they're still warming up to each other at their own pace, though he does have questions. What happened in the past that left him so adverse? Maybe on the journey back to the town he can finally pry it out of him as gentle as possible. He hopes that they've ranked up enough for that. ]

You think I would just leave before you wake up?

[ Even though... He has done that. Akira has also done that. Don't correct him. The wry smile on his face already tells it all. ]

Your face confirms my suspicions as such, Ren, so should I even bother answering that?

[Really. Goro starts along, tucking some hair behind his ear idly. He really, really wants to ask at some point, but he won't be satisfied with knowing the answer.]

I'll be cross if you do. I might even leave you to your fate, just to see how long it takes you to find your way back. Of course, after a certain period of time I'd look for you myself, but experimentation is important in a relationship, isn't it?

[Not that this is the sort of experimentation one wants in a relationship, necessarily, but still.]

[ He huffs again as he follows after him, very used to this treatment. Goro used to be agreeable, pleasant, and the good boy until they got to know each other. Now he's like this, which Ren guesses is a good sign... His boyfriend is comfortable. ]

Sometimes I wonder if you actually like me.

[ It's a joke over the treatment and nothing more. He has no doubts, at least until something spurs from those words—foreign feelings that... Feel so right. It's an underlying fear, especially as he pulls the memory of Akechi screaming how much he hated him.

No. He has to push that aside. ]

[A smile twitches at his lips at the joke, and he slides an arm around Ren's waist, pleasant and charming as he ever is.]

There isn't a day I don't, Ren. You're good company and a better conversation partner.

[There. Joke or not, this is... part of what people in relationships do, they reassure with fond words and affectionate actions. A boyfriend quota, if you will, that he fulfills in his own way. Even if he's. Kind of figuring it out as he goes.]

I didn't have any doubts, but thank you. I'll try to chat you up like you do to me.

[ It's something so simple, yet here he is... Charmed as usual because Goro doesn't give out his affection so easily. Reaching out, he ruffles his hair into a brown mess, strands flying and sticking up everywhere. ]

... Hey, did you have a bad experience in the past?

[ It would be one thing to prefer not to get close, but it seems to get a visceral reaction to it. It worries him, especially when Akechi in his memories kept everyone at arm's-length. ]

[His life is a bad experience, but he doesn't quip so; he tilts his head at Ren instead, idly petting the ruffled hair back in place.]

What do you mean?

... I just have a feeling you have a story and—[ In his dreams, when his name is Akira in Recolle, it took time, but Goro did end up talking about his family. He was even invited to their holiday gatherings, meeting his mother and relatives more than once. Then in memories of another world, Akechi dumped everything on him and Futaba in Leblanc.

But here... He has only heard about the absence of his mother in small instances, offhanded comments. Nothing more. It's casually and smoothly avoided. ]

It feels like I don't know a lot about you.

[ And it saddens him. ]

[... Ah.

The smoothing pauses, then finishes; he drops his hand down and thinks to slip away from Ren again, to pull away as he always does, and decides it's probably a fine course of action. So he takes his hands back to himself, shifting his steps so he moves away just as well, and stares ahead, smile thoughtful and somewhat apologetic. Goro, like Akechi and unlike the separate memories he has about Recolle, was raised an actor.]

A story, you say... Everyone has a story, Ren, of course I'd have one. [...] I didn't realize you knew so little about it.

[A straight up, bold faced lie. He's been very careful not to say too much.]

Well, I can't say I'm surprised you'd think something bad happened to me, considering my attitude at times, but I can assure you I grew up in quite the well-off environment; I never lacked for attention, my desires were met, and I was surrounded by people who treasured my future. I was quite lucky.

[Half truths, lies more in the context of each trait than the words themselves, but maybe Ren would be satisfied with that.

Even if Goro's tone certainly is similar to Akechi's when he's being interviewed, something he doesn't realize himself.]

[ Mm. Goro may be able to fool everyone else with his pretty words and bright smile, one that Ren is very fond of, but he doesn’t buy them. They’re twisted truths that lend nothing substantial, only enough to satisfy a one-off question so they can move on. He doesn’t say anything, at least not yet. Is this the right place? The right time? ]

... You’ve always been good with words.

[ A curse, he thinks. Akira wouldn’t press anymore, but Ren feels differently. He closes whatever distance Goro makes and takes his hand. ]

We’re in the middle of a phase where we have to figure out who we really are. That doesn’t bother me much, but... Not knowing you does, Goro. Please.

[ Akira may have known Akechi, then Akira may have known Goro, but what about him...? Will he be left, eventually lost in his own self, not ever knowing the person he loved? ]

[So he's trapped.

No matter how far he goes, Ren will chase him; it's that sort of feeling that comes with the gesture, the words, and Goro exhales quietly. Not quite a sigh, but close.]

I don't see why it matters. Whether you know me or not, isn't it enough that I'm here?

[Not dead. At Ren's side. Whatever. He shakes his head, turning his face away.]

No, don't say anything. I believe the answer's already obvious. [In that Ren won't be satisfied with that alone.

Goro pauses, then glances aside at his boyfriend. Opening up... is hard, harder for him than any other iteration, he feels, because they were both explosive in their dealings, bottling things until they over spilled to the first heart willing to understand; himself, though, he cut them into pieces for easy consumption, minus a few things here and there too big too swallow. Almost dissection like in anything he'd told Ren, a scientist over a scope, and he waves his free hand.] Begin your questions, then.