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EVENT

Reverted
The city of Recollé...have you looked beyond the city lately? It may be time to do so.

I.

The good news, perhaps, is that everyone is back in their original bodies. The last few weeks may have been trying and embarrassing for several of you, but never fear! You're all in this together.

The nice thing about returning to your original body is that everything else seems to disappear along with the unintentional swapping. Your dreams on the evening of the 16th and the 17th are unoccupied and you're blissfully alone. Hallucinations fade away and the city almost feels brighter and cleaner. The messy paint job from May and June slowly flakes off to reveal a sparkling almost-new landscape below. All buildings, landmarks, flora and fauna are back to their original colors. The sky, however, is still painted a strange wash of colors and symbols.

The other nice thing about returning to your original body is that it's much easier to feel the sudden, sharp pain on your palm at midnight on the 18th, a needling high-pressure pain that lasts for all of 30 seconds. Upon looking at your hand, however, you'll notice something new.

In bright red font there's a new marking that reads: 13 Days:23:59:59.

58. 57. 56...

The timer steadily counts down, each second synced with each beat of your heart. As the days pass by the timer will slowly shift from the red to a dark, ominous purple. The glow of the mark becomes harder to ignore, and there doesn't seem to be a way to remove it. Good luck with that.

II.

The Retrospec app doesn't seem to be much better. The scrambled messages and posting errors seem to have stopped and users are no longer receiving messages and pictures about themselves.

In fact, the app seems to be quiet for a while.

As users continue to use the app they will find that any post, comment or message that they send via the app will be tagged with a different ID. Instead of their name, all messages will be from Alpha##### or Beta#####. The string of numbers will be unique for each user and cannot be changed at any time. Individual mailboxes will be attached to your name, but the Alpha/Beta ID has made its way there, too.

Over the course of the rest of the month, Alphas (those who have had the app for at least a year from August 2017) will find that messages to other Alphas are sent more easily than to Betas (those who have had the app for less than a year from August 2017) and vice versa. Messages to anyone from the opposite "faction" may drop out half-way or appear blank entirely. It might be wise to find a better mode of communication in the meantime.

III.
Even if you're alone in your dreams, you're not alone in the waking world. No one is free from the timer on their palm, though they may come to find that it impacts some users more than others.

Some users will experience a steady pulsating in their hand as the timer counts backwards, each second ticking by. Standing still just long enough will send the pulse out of their hands and through the rest of their body, over their arms and through their feet straight into the ground.

The earth begins to shake under these unlucky users, little quakes and trembles that spread out and seek out anyone else nearby. Whether you know this person or not, whether you're alone or several of you are impacted by this earthquake, the ground beneath you splits open and you're pulled straight down into the crevice, falling aimlessly. Instead of finding your own life flashing before your eyes, you'll find yourself witnessing events, faces, and memories that are important to the user the pulses came from.

On the outside of things, the user will promptly collapse into a coma-like state no matter where they're at. Inside their mind, however, a scene begins to set itself to welcome you as you land. It isn't a memory and it isn't a hallucination. It's a construct of someone else's innerworkings that have trapped you and blocked you in.

As the haze around you dissipates, the puzzle you received earlier this month floats in front of you. Whether you have finished building it or not it is now fully completed and all of the words have faded except for "Gordian Knot."

Your cell phones will not work in these dreamscapes, and even Retrospec seems to be disconnected. It's up to you to venture further into someone else's mind and help them untangle whatever mystery is hidden within themselves.

IV.
So about that timer. As time begins to run out, more and more people begin to experience dream dives and encounter the knots of others that they must fix. Even inside the dreamscape, the timer glows just as brightly as it had out in the real world and it continues counting down.

At least it gives you a sense of time and just how many minutes, hours, or days you've been stuck inside someone's subconscious. You might even realize that the timer is directly tied to just how much time you have to unravel the knots of your friends, loved ones, and strangers.

Easy, right? Take caution, citizens. The monsters and demons lurking in the corners of someone else's psyche can manifest to something quite powerful. You will not wake up and be booted out of someone's dream if you are attacked, but your physical body and mind will shut down and remain unconscious for one week.

Be careful how you approach these knots, however! Should you change any part of them too much, the host will find themselves rejecting this new information. Too great of a change will result in the loss of an important memory to them and no way to recover it inside the dive.

Even with these possible losses divers are responsible for fixing what's gone wrong and relieving the knot wound tightly in the host's mind. Venture forward, explore, and break it apart to awaken then. You will be greatly rewarded for your effort.

Failure to break the knot and save the host from this comatose state will result in all parties suffering a loss. At first it may not be obvious, but over time it will be clear an important memory or item has left your possession.

Is it just limited to dives though? Some users will feel that even with successful diving they don't quite feel like themselves. It seems as though there's some further self-evaluation they must meet in order to fully recover who they are...or were, as it may be.

Tick-tock, Retrospecters. Mind the time.

BONUS.
Ever since he moved in back in February, the lights have always been on in Zee's office and home at the top of the Towers. Office hours are whenever he feels like making them and he's usually reachable by phone, email, or app.

However, beginning on the 18th, messages to his inbox begin to go unanswered. Checking the inbox itself will reveal a change as well.

Delta#02018329 is no longer receiving messages.

On the 19th, the lights go off permanently. Beginning on the 20th, anyone who ventures to his office will find the building empty and locked, no sign of Zee at all. Reaching out to him receives a bounce-back error message.

Any previous correspondences with him will remain, though his name has been replaced with his Delta ID.

It's hard to say what's happened, but after some time, all users will finally receive a message from Delta#68422.

Stop him.

No other messages will be sent or received from this account.

Welcome to

recolle's August event, part 2!

As notated in the plotting post, the dreamdives are now live! Players are in charge of creating their own unique dive experiences for characters to explore and play through. These can be as harmless or as dangerous as you'd like. However, please be sure to let us know here if your character will be failing a dive and what memory/item they will be losing!

For Prompt II, characters IDs will be comprised of the following: The date your character first appeared on Retrospec (so in Zee's case, that was 02/01/18) and the last four digits of your character's IC inbox as found in the HTML (in Zee's case, 8329.) These IDs will be more relevant in September, but for ease of playing/making sure no one ICly overlaps please use these numbers!

Friendly reminder that if your character will be keeping their new AUs, please reply to this comment on the OOC plot post! As per Prompt IV, characters who are failing to recover their original AUs will begin to notice something is off and will not be able to accomplish what is needed to regain their original AUs. What this is is up to you!

As per the plotting post, threading out successful dream dives will earn you a free memory! Qualifying threads must be at least five comments from you and can be from you either hosting a dive or participating in one. Please note that failed dives will not be eligible for freebies.

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

[Kenta, you stick out like a sore thumb anyway to Draco.]

Never? Our parents must run in different circles. Ooshima right? I've never heard of your family. What do they do?

They're Yakuza. Crime syndicate.

[Technically, he's told Derek that before... but this child version named Draco probably won't remember.]

But I don't think you've heard of that before.

[The Slytherin students around Kenta and Draco go silent and they all turn to look at Kenta. Their faces show a mixture of alarm and surprise. Draco's eyebrows raise at Kenta's response and he puts his fork down. He stares at this odd classmate of his, trying to figure him out.]

You're very daring you know that? Talking about that sort of family business within these walls. You do realize many of our parents work or have connections to the ministry don't you?

[Draco reaches over and picks up his goblet at takes a sip of his pumpkin juice.]

I have to say Ooshima, you're really lucky you're talking to me and not one of those goody-two-shoes Griffindords over there.

[Draco motions to the table on the other side of the hall filled with students sporting the red and gold ties.]

You tell them of your family business and they'll instantly report it to their mummy or daddy, not even caring what happens to you. Ever had your home raided for dark magic artifacts before?

[Draco places his goblet back down on the table.]

But that's what makes being in Slytherin so great. We actually know about the importance of connections and keeping friendships. We don't betray our own like they do.

[Draco looks around at his fellow Slytherins. He smirks and leans in across to table toward Kenta. His voice low.]

I think it's safe to say your secret is safe with us. I have to admit, I'm impressed you're willing to trust us with this sort of information. But don't worry, I know how to keep my mouth shut.

[Draco leans back and sits back on the bench. He extends his hand towards Kenta.]

I do believe we have great potential for a lasting friendship. What do you say?

[The looks of slight fear and respect are nothing new to Kenta. The kid he knows as Derek talking about his house being raided, or having forbidden artefacts? Now that's new and brings a raised eyebrow to his face. Again, a situation he is sort of familiar with, but that he didn't expect Derek, of all people, to be acquainted with. Or whoever Derek was right now.

He glances back at the other table when it's pointed out to him, then around at the kids seated around him. He might look like a kid right now, but he's pretty sure he still knows how to glare.

He hesitates for a second as Dreco/derek extends his hand... then takes it to shake it.]

I'm ... willing to see where this goes.

[Draco smiles.]

Excellent!

[As soon as their hands shake the world around them disappears and small Draco vanishes. Yay! Kenta has passed the first level of Derek's psyche!

At first everything is silent and black, but soon a everything seems to brighten and the sound of chattering voices starts to grow louder and louder. A school bell rings and the sounds of books and bags being shuffled are also noticeable.

You will find yourself in to an Freshman English Literature class at Recolle University. In the seat next to you is a nineteen year old Derek, talking to a girl to his right. She is very beautiful, with very curly brown hair. She laughs at something he says and then waves good-bye leaving the classroom. Derek's eyes follow her every movement until she exits. Once gone, Derek slumps in his chair, his face slightly pink and just looking down at his hands in his lap. You should probably see what's up with him.]

[Now this setting is much more familiar. Kenta went to Recolle U for his own studies, although never really in these areas, but he at least recognizes the building, and he definitely recognizes Derek.]

Why the long face? She looks cute and you made her laugh.

[Derek's face grow even more pink and his ears turn red.]

I-I know that. And my face isn't long... I'm... I'm just trying to figure something out.

[Okay, that's actually pretty cute. Not something Kenta ever thought he'd think about Derek, really but there you go.]

Figure out what, exactly? Have you asked her out yet?

[Derek's face grows even more red.]

That's what I'm trying to figure out OK? When and how to ask her!

[Derek turns in his seat so he is facing Kenta.]

You've know me since we were seven and you've seen the girls I've dated. And well... she's... different. Smarter for one thing. I've told you about how smart she is in the chem class we share. I just... I'm not sure about the timing... I mean... she's only recently broken up with her ex....

What do I do?

[ooc: Derek currently sees your character as his childhood best friend who he grew up with and is roommates with.]

[This is... definitely easier to navigate for Kenta. Not that his own love life was all that stellar - he's always broken up with people pretty rapidly when they became aware of Jirou being in the picture. Oh and of course, with the way he looks, people usually ask him out, not the other way around, but that means he's been on the receiving end of that a lot.]

.... Invite her for coffee after class? What's the worst that could happen?

[he is also a little curious after that conversation with Derek where he said he tends to piss off all the women he dates.]

[Derek rolls his eyes.]

Oh, I don't know, she could say "NO!" I mean... how long do you wait for someone to recover from a difficult break up to ask them out? Plus, her ex is in the military. What if he hears I asked her out and he's not over her and then he smashes my face in?

Well, if she says no, then you will know for sure she's not interested in you that way rather than pine after her indecisively. And if she's interested but not ready yet, how else are you going to know if you don't ask? As long as you are willing to back off, I don't see why you shouldn't try it.

[And that last reason gets you a Look, Derek.]

Then you go to the police and sue him for assault. But you don't use it as an excuse to make eyes at her without saying anything for two more months.

[All of these are good arguments. Still, 19-year-old Derek is stubborn.]

B-but... but what do I say? And well... you know I don't have the best reputation right now...

[Derek covers his face with his hands and lets out a long breath. What comes out next is mumbled.]

She... she does know about my dating habits during last semester... she just doesn't know it's because I couldn't ask her out... She may think I'm not serious... if I ... ask her...

How about something like 'Do you want to get some coffee after class today?' That sounds about right.

[Derek hasn't talked a lot about his college days to Kenta... but from those words, it's easy enough to understand. Not that Kenta would ever judge anyone for that, especially not a 19-year-old college student.]

Derek, we're in college. People party and sleep around. It's something that happens. Besides, she knows and she's still talking to you and laughing with you, so I don't think it's bothering her that much.

[Derek lowers his hands and looks over at Kenta.]

You think? But... class is already over and I don't have class with her again until the day after tomorrow... I might loose my nerve by then...

[Derek shifts in his seat.]

Do... do you think it would be weird if I just... uh... waited outside her next class for the next... [Derek glances at the clock.] 40 minutes and ask her then? Or would I just be a creep for knowing her schedule?

Don't wait for her after her next class.

[That is creepy, Derek, what the hell,...]

You've been waffling about this for months, you can wait two more days until you are in the same class room again. But you'd better do it then. I'm not going to watch you dance around this for much longer.

OK, OK I won't do that!... Waffling?

[Derek shakes his head and calms himself down.]

Fine I'll do it the next time we have this class.

[Just as Derek says that, time will seem to freeze and then suddenly fast forward (except Kenta of course). If Kenta looks, he will see the clock moving forward and a very fast speed and many people walking around him (possibly sitting on him) as if he wasn't there. Eventually this stops and Kenta will hear a bell ring. Derek is again next to him in the desk.

Derek turns to the girl to ask her out, but she is in such a rush, she just says a quick "bye" and starts rushing out of the classroom.]

No... wait...

[But his quiet please were lost to her ears. Derek pauses for a moment and then squares his shoulders. Screw this! He turns to Kenta, with a looks of determination in his eyes.]

Come on, before she gets away!

[Derek shoves his books into his bag and flings it over his shoulder and starts racing out of the room.]

[The fast forward is a little disorienting, but he kind of follows... and sort of automatically follows after Derek as he sprints out of the room.]

.... Remind me again why I have to come with you and how that does not make this a million times more awkward to ask her out?

[Are you in junior high, Derek? Do you really need a friend's moral support for this.]

[Derek rolls his eyes at Kenta.]

You're saying you don't want to see this? What kind of nosy best friend are you?

[Derek soon catches up to the girl and calls out to her. She turns around and smiles. Derek's face instantly starts to go pink. The knot in his stomach is back and he tries his best to stay calm.]

[Oh shit.. I'm starting to feel sick!]

"What's up Derek?"

[Derek opens his mouth and nothing comes out. He closes it and tries again.]

Um... uh... I-I was wondering if y-you would like to... [Derek shifts his weight on his feet.] well, I was hoping y-you might be interested in... getting a cup of coffee with me?

[The last part came out a bit fast and weak. Derek's heart is beating so fast and loud he can practically hear his heart beat.]

[Kenta will able to hear Derek's heart beat, as if it is permeating throughout the dream.]

[The girl's smile broadens and nods.]

"Yeah, when?"

[Derek's heart beat increase. He wasn't expecting this! AAAHH!]

Uh... t-today? Perhaps when your classes are over?

[The thinks for a moment and then nods.]

"Yeah, I think I could fit you in. Did you want to meet me outside the coffee shop in the student center?"

[Derek is trying so hard to stay calm and almost failing.]

Y-yeah! Uh... I'll see you then!

[Time seems to freeze and a bright light radiates from Derek's back, where his heart would be. The bright white light continues to grow until out of it comes a small key appears to be emerging from it. It will float right to Kenta and stop arms length.]

[Derek seriously looks like e's half going to pass out as the conversation plays out, but the young woman seems happy enough to accept, and Kenta almost rolls his eyes as it does... only to see the scene disappear and the key to appear.

He hesitates for a second, then holds out his hand to grab it.]

[When Kenta grabs the key, he will feel a pull, as if he is being lurched forward. This feeling will continue until he suddenly comes to a dead stop. To his left will be a huge iron door with a lock. If Kenta tries to open it, he will fail. It will not budge. To his right is a much more plain door. It's the door to the Recolle Crime Labs. If he enters through this door (because it's unlocked), he will find all the different desks of the different CSI members. Kenta might even recognize some other names of CSI people he may know. Perhaps the key goes to one of the desks in the room?]

[The huge door isn't moving, so he goes to the other one.

He's never been into a crime lab, and he hasn't even seen one on TV, so it takes him a moment to understand where exactly he is. No one seems to be there, so he starts snooping, looking at papers, pressing keys on the keyboards of the computer to see if something interesting pops up.

Derek's desk should be somewhere in there, and there's a part of Kenta that feels strangely vindicated. He knew he was the one going crazy, Derek.]

[Once Kenta finds Derek's desk, he will see that it is kept immaculately kept on the outside. Once he starts opening drawers, he will notice that papers and files will not seem to have any logical organization to them. Derek is one of those people who can find organization in chaos. One drawer is locked though. Hmmmm, I wonder what will be able to open it?

Because inside the drawer is a small black box containing this. Yup, this was the ring AU1 Derek had bought to propose to his ex (the girl you just convinced Derek to ask out). It apparently got very serious. You might want to pick that up.]

[Kenta picks up the box and opens it, watching the beautiful ring inside for a while. Then, he closes it again and puts it in his pocket, because it seems to be important.

This appears to be the only thing not work related in the area, but he'll keep snooping just in case.]

[As soon as the ring box drops into Kenta's pocket the scene around him changes and Kenta is suddenly in Derek's AU1 apartment. This should seem familiar to Kenta. A familiar face will greet Kenta. It's Blaise, Derek's cat. But this isn't the Blaise that Kenta knows who likes him. This is dream dive Blaise and he's here to protect Derek's inner most secrets. Which will probably involve Blaise jumping at Kenta and latching on onto his leg. How do you get past him?

In the kitchen Kenta will find all the supplies, recipe, and ingredient laid out on the counter to make Blaise's favorite homemade cat food. Happy cooking.]