Recollé Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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recolle2019-01-05 05:32 pm
recollecters) wrote in recolle2019-01-05 05:32 pm
JANUARY EVENT - PART ONE
EVENT
PREMISE • RULES • FAQ • TAKEN • RESERVES • APPLICATIONS
REGAINS • HIATUS/DROPS • PLOT SUBMISSIONS • CALENDAR • MOD CONTACT • NAV
REGAINS • HIATUS/DROPS • PLOT SUBMISSIONS • CALENDAR • MOD CONTACT • NAV
Re:Format
I.
It starts in the morning. It starts on the morning of January 5th the moment you step outside and notice that something's not quite right here. It's warm enough to venture into the city without a jacket, and over the course of the day the temperature seems to rise to an almost intense degree. All around you the snow begins to melt, rivers of ice water flowing down the sidewalk and into the streets soaking through your shoes and leaving your socks pretty damp. Gross.
That's not all that seems to be dissolving though. For anyone who ventures over to Tisse near Wiffle-Waffle, you'll find that Santa's Workshop is being dismantled. You may recognize the faces of the construction workers as those of the elves you encountered last month, though they are now full-sized people and don't seem to wish to engage. Walls are torn down, set-pieces are moved away, James' dunktank is emptied and Wiffle-Waffle resumes to its original state. Linger too much, however, and you'll be put to work helping haul away materials and load it into the giant moving truck labeled Sleigh-ers.
Likewise, over in Tribunal Square the members of Re:Va and other volunteer associations are working over the weekend to take down and de-decorate the large Christmas tree to haul away and store the ornaments until next year. You may wish to grab anything that's yours, including the baubles from last month. These volunteers could really use some extra hands, so pitch in and get to work! It's faster and easier with everyone tackling the same goal, after all. As the tree begins to droop under the heat and a shower of pine needles falls over you, the baubles containing your past home worlds will become frozen in place with a scene from the location you visited. Touching these baubles will give you a clear vision of the location and though you may not return yet, a pleasant, warm feeling will settle whenever these memories occur.
But that doesn't seem to solve what, precisely, is causing the insane heatwave taking over the city. The sun sets at its normal winter hours (around 5pm) and yet the temperature remains the same. It's to the point citizens can roam in tank tops and shorts if they wished to, and as the evening drags on the scent of something sweet albeit smoky fills the air. Huh. That's weird...but at 9pm on the fifth, a whoosh of air overtakes the city as bright red and orange colors appear in the distance. Looking around, these colors form a circle around the city and seem to be far off in the distance. If you're feeling rather adventurous, however, it's easy to track down the source of light. Approaching the edges of the city just beyond the districts citizens will come face to face with an earth-to-sky-high wall of flames, gently licking the sides of the buildings, encasing the air before you and slowly closing in.
What will you do?
It starts in the morning. It starts on the morning of January 5th the moment you step outside and notice that something's not quite right here. It's warm enough to venture into the city without a jacket, and over the course of the day the temperature seems to rise to an almost intense degree. All around you the snow begins to melt, rivers of ice water flowing down the sidewalk and into the streets soaking through your shoes and leaving your socks pretty damp. Gross.
That's not all that seems to be dissolving though. For anyone who ventures over to Tisse near Wiffle-Waffle, you'll find that Santa's Workshop is being dismantled. You may recognize the faces of the construction workers as those of the elves you encountered last month, though they are now full-sized people and don't seem to wish to engage. Walls are torn down, set-pieces are moved away, James' dunktank is emptied and Wiffle-Waffle resumes to its original state. Linger too much, however, and you'll be put to work helping haul away materials and load it into the giant moving truck labeled Sleigh-ers.
Likewise, over in Tribunal Square the members of Re:Va and other volunteer associations are working over the weekend to take down and de-decorate the large Christmas tree to haul away and store the ornaments until next year. You may wish to grab anything that's yours, including the baubles from last month. These volunteers could really use some extra hands, so pitch in and get to work! It's faster and easier with everyone tackling the same goal, after all. As the tree begins to droop under the heat and a shower of pine needles falls over you, the baubles containing your past home worlds will become frozen in place with a scene from the location you visited. Touching these baubles will give you a clear vision of the location and though you may not return yet, a pleasant, warm feeling will settle whenever these memories occur.
But that doesn't seem to solve what, precisely, is causing the insane heatwave taking over the city. The sun sets at its normal winter hours (around 5pm) and yet the temperature remains the same. It's to the point citizens can roam in tank tops and shorts if they wished to, and as the evening drags on the scent of something sweet albeit smoky fills the air. Huh. That's weird...but at 9pm on the fifth, a whoosh of air overtakes the city as bright red and orange colors appear in the distance. Looking around, these colors form a circle around the city and seem to be far off in the distance. If you're feeling rather adventurous, however, it's easy to track down the source of light. Approaching the edges of the city just beyond the districts citizens will come face to face with an earth-to-sky-high wall of flames, gently licking the sides of the buildings, encasing the air before you and slowly closing in.
What will you do?
II.
Well. That's unfortunate. The ring of fire appears endless and spins around you, engulfing the city at a glacial pace. Strangely, however, it seems as though the flames are passing straight over buildings, flora and fauna without actively burning them. The firewall leaves little damage in its path and it's near impossible to notice that the wall begins to inch forward at its crawling pace.
Your first instinct may very well be to call the fire department. It's hard for them not to notice this, isn't it? The fire department's on the case and will rush to the scene of the crime, but...it's everywhere. How can they fight a fire that's everywhere? The flames aren't destroying the city, and firefighters find themselves puzzled as to how the fire can be active without putting anyone at risk. Smoke inhalation is only a risk for those directly up against the fire, and while they'll encourage citizens to step back the flames are too massive for them to combat on their own.
Good thing a mass text is sent to your phone on the morning of the sixth.
Funny, when they called it a firewall I didn't think they meant literally. It's okay! You should be safe as long as you don't stick too close too long. Beyond the wall is the next security measure that needs to be opened; do your best! We're counting on you! - Jo.
An electrical jolt shocks your hand once the message is read and your whole body grows warm. The heat is a little more bearable now, and as you get closer to the flames you'll come to realize you're just a little more heat-resistant than usual. How convenient.
A voice inside your head seems to speak up, whispering suggestions of how to put out the flames and guiding you to new locations in the city. Following these directions can lead you to the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, a tower of baking soda boxes, the longest hose available in any particular distance or even a stack of blankets. Work together to guide each other and combat the flames, dear citizens. It seems there's something beyond that's worth investigating.
Well. That's unfortunate. The ring of fire appears endless and spins around you, engulfing the city at a glacial pace. Strangely, however, it seems as though the flames are passing straight over buildings, flora and fauna without actively burning them. The firewall leaves little damage in its path and it's near impossible to notice that the wall begins to inch forward at its crawling pace.
Your first instinct may very well be to call the fire department. It's hard for them not to notice this, isn't it? The fire department's on the case and will rush to the scene of the crime, but...it's everywhere. How can they fight a fire that's everywhere? The flames aren't destroying the city, and firefighters find themselves puzzled as to how the fire can be active without putting anyone at risk. Smoke inhalation is only a risk for those directly up against the fire, and while they'll encourage citizens to step back the flames are too massive for them to combat on their own.
Good thing a mass text is sent to your phone on the morning of the sixth.
Funny, when they called it a firewall I didn't think they meant literally. It's okay! You should be safe as long as you don't stick too close too long. Beyond the wall is the next security measure that needs to be opened; do your best! We're counting on you! - Jo.
An electrical jolt shocks your hand once the message is read and your whole body grows warm. The heat is a little more bearable now, and as you get closer to the flames you'll come to realize you're just a little more heat-resistant than usual. How convenient.
A voice inside your head seems to speak up, whispering suggestions of how to put out the flames and guiding you to new locations in the city. Following these directions can lead you to the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, a tower of baking soda boxes, the longest hose available in any particular distance or even a stack of blankets. Work together to guide each other and combat the flames, dear citizens. It seems there's something beyond that's worth investigating.
III.
Despite having the appropriate tools, clearing the flames doesn't appear to be an easy task, now does it? The fire seems to respond best to magic, but the flames can be doused with water, smothered with blankets or even just finding a way to separate the flames will cause the fire to extinguish. Utilizing any methods you have will help though and the further you cut into the firewall, the further back you'll venture in. Creating a tunnel for yourself, the wall expands as it stretches further and further and an inferno expands to give you space to explore. Though the journey is rough and the smoke begins to make your eyes water, inside each man-made tunnel will be a large silver door.
The extra boost in heat-resistance will help you here as the doors would normally be too hot to touch. You can place your hands safely upon them and even take the time to review the carvings engraved on each panel of the door. The scenery reflects locations you may recognize as the locations of the founders' estates you received access to in November and this close you can hear the sound of the wind howling and voices behind the door. Was this what Joanne meant about security measures? There's only one way to find out.
Granted, you may find that your door doesn't open. No matter how hard you push or shove or even try to punch it down, the door will remain locked and a small keyhole glows just enough to grab your attention. Without a key these doors will not budge, but another path of flames opens up for you to follow. Several doors that you come across will provide the same results, though you will find yourself rerouted until you hit a door that's already been opened. Will these doors contain what it is you seek?
The unsealed doors will remain open until two or more people step through the threshold at which time they'll swing closed and glow a golden color instead, indicative of being occupied. The world beyond each door appears different than the last in spite of how many doors you seem to find. Beautiful landscapes, desolate wastelands, and looming planets lurk in these spaces. The path is much less clear now as the space before you stretches for miles past your line of vision. The door behind you closes again, sealing you into this space and immersing you in this pocket dimension for the time being. While each space is different, you'll find that no matter which door you slip through the space around you shimmers and warps, reaching directly to your presence. Sinkholes appear beneath your feet. Clouds of dust loom over you. The pull of gravity gives out and in some cases these pockets send you somewhere with its own set of rules. You may find yourself wandering for some time, unsure of a clear path, but don't fret. It's only a matter of time before the sound of barking fills the air, and you come across one of ten creatures, all wearing collars.
Don't linger for too long though. They're impatient little things, and they will immediately grab whoever's nearby to begin dragging them along. Good luck getting them to release your pants from their jaws.
Despite having the appropriate tools, clearing the flames doesn't appear to be an easy task, now does it? The fire seems to respond best to magic, but the flames can be doused with water, smothered with blankets or even just finding a way to separate the flames will cause the fire to extinguish. Utilizing any methods you have will help though and the further you cut into the firewall, the further back you'll venture in. Creating a tunnel for yourself, the wall expands as it stretches further and further and an inferno expands to give you space to explore. Though the journey is rough and the smoke begins to make your eyes water, inside each man-made tunnel will be a large silver door.
The extra boost in heat-resistance will help you here as the doors would normally be too hot to touch. You can place your hands safely upon them and even take the time to review the carvings engraved on each panel of the door. The scenery reflects locations you may recognize as the locations of the founders' estates you received access to in November and this close you can hear the sound of the wind howling and voices behind the door. Was this what Joanne meant about security measures? There's only one way to find out.
Granted, you may find that your door doesn't open. No matter how hard you push or shove or even try to punch it down, the door will remain locked and a small keyhole glows just enough to grab your attention. Without a key these doors will not budge, but another path of flames opens up for you to follow. Several doors that you come across will provide the same results, though you will find yourself rerouted until you hit a door that's already been opened. Will these doors contain what it is you seek?
The unsealed doors will remain open until two or more people step through the threshold at which time they'll swing closed and glow a golden color instead, indicative of being occupied. The world beyond each door appears different than the last in spite of how many doors you seem to find. Beautiful landscapes, desolate wastelands, and looming planets lurk in these spaces. The path is much less clear now as the space before you stretches for miles past your line of vision. The door behind you closes again, sealing you into this space and immersing you in this pocket dimension for the time being. While each space is different, you'll find that no matter which door you slip through the space around you shimmers and warps, reaching directly to your presence. Sinkholes appear beneath your feet. Clouds of dust loom over you. The pull of gravity gives out and in some cases these pockets send you somewhere with its own set of rules. You may find yourself wandering for some time, unsure of a clear path, but don't fret. It's only a matter of time before the sound of barking fills the air, and you come across one of ten creatures, all wearing collars.
Don't linger for too long though. They're impatient little things, and they will immediately grab whoever's nearby to begin dragging them along. Good luck getting them to release your pants from their jaws.
IV.
The dogs (and cheetah) are very excited to see you and will immediately begin leading you onward on a mission. These creatures aren't what they seem at first sight, and as you delve deeper into the closed off areas, they will use their specific skillsets to help you.
The cheetah is quick and she will be a good battle ally, charging in to destroy all foes. The chihuahua sports a tiny bowler hat but when pet in the right fashion, he will grow to be about 50 times its size. The german shepherd's eyes will glow like headlights and he can light up even the most darkened caverns. While the husky is only good for puzzle-solving, she's a clever girl and may help locate hidden items or crack codes. The bloodhound will pinpoint items buried in the dirt and he'll dig as far as the eye can see. The great dane is protective and if she senses danger she will bark and bark until she spits out fireballs. If told to speak, the dalmatian will open his mouth and spit out a hydrojet of water. The golden retriever will be able to knock out walls and he can deliver physical blows, the pomeranian (with a tophat) is small enough he can slip through small crevices and cracks, and the shiba inu has the ability to teleport ten feet ahead and search for hidden objects, and he has the ability to sense out wrong paths.
These creatures are used to search and rescue missions by now and will help all Retrospec users navigate the areas around them searching for hidden keys. These keys will be used to unlock the doors you've previously encountered, but for every door that becomes unlocked more keys appear inside.
Even with the animals helping out with these missions, combating monsters and helping you find the right paths, the keys themselves will not be easy to obtain. Sprouting silver wings or little feet, the keys will send users on a wild goosechase through the area. It will take some clever thinking (or brute force) to catch the keys and take them back, but upon holding them in your hands a thin, silver-esque substance will begin to spread over any expanse of exposed skin. The longer you take to get back and find the exit to unlock another door, the harder it will become to move the parts of your body coated in metal. For the truly unlucky, this may even mean becoming a living statue, stuck in these portals until someone can figure out a way to either pick you up and bring you back or break the key curse itself.
How does one break the curse though? Your four-legged friends seem to have the answer as they will disappear and return with a note tied to their collars, elegant handwriting bearing instructions.
The key to unlocking is unlocking the key.
Very specific, isn't it. If users appear stumped, the creatures will begin to bark (or meow, in the cheetah's case), waiting for users to understand the clue. It seems that something in particular must be said to the silver-bearing user to shed their second skin, and with some trial and error users will discover any use of the word "understand" does the trick. "I understand where you're coming from." "I don't understand you." "I wish you understood more." A conversation of enlightenment provides an answer, but it will only work with the right questions.
Good luck, Retrospecters. There are lots of tunnels to explore and doors to find, keys to obtain and paths to unlock. The task may seem endless, but as more doors are opened the flames around the city will begin to lessen.
The dogs (and cheetah) are very excited to see you and will immediately begin leading you onward on a mission. These creatures aren't what they seem at first sight, and as you delve deeper into the closed off areas, they will use their specific skillsets to help you.
The cheetah is quick and she will be a good battle ally, charging in to destroy all foes. The chihuahua sports a tiny bowler hat but when pet in the right fashion, he will grow to be about 50 times its size. The german shepherd's eyes will glow like headlights and he can light up even the most darkened caverns. While the husky is only good for puzzle-solving, she's a clever girl and may help locate hidden items or crack codes. The bloodhound will pinpoint items buried in the dirt and he'll dig as far as the eye can see. The great dane is protective and if she senses danger she will bark and bark until she spits out fireballs. If told to speak, the dalmatian will open his mouth and spit out a hydrojet of water. The golden retriever will be able to knock out walls and he can deliver physical blows, the pomeranian (with a tophat) is small enough he can slip through small crevices and cracks, and the shiba inu has the ability to teleport ten feet ahead and search for hidden objects, and he has the ability to sense out wrong paths.
These creatures are used to search and rescue missions by now and will help all Retrospec users navigate the areas around them searching for hidden keys. These keys will be used to unlock the doors you've previously encountered, but for every door that becomes unlocked more keys appear inside.
Even with the animals helping out with these missions, combating monsters and helping you find the right paths, the keys themselves will not be easy to obtain. Sprouting silver wings or little feet, the keys will send users on a wild goosechase through the area. It will take some clever thinking (or brute force) to catch the keys and take them back, but upon holding them in your hands a thin, silver-esque substance will begin to spread over any expanse of exposed skin. The longer you take to get back and find the exit to unlock another door, the harder it will become to move the parts of your body coated in metal. For the truly unlucky, this may even mean becoming a living statue, stuck in these portals until someone can figure out a way to either pick you up and bring you back or break the key curse itself.
How does one break the curse though? Your four-legged friends seem to have the answer as they will disappear and return with a note tied to their collars, elegant handwriting bearing instructions.
The key to unlocking is unlocking the key.
Very specific, isn't it. If users appear stumped, the creatures will begin to bark (or meow, in the cheetah's case), waiting for users to understand the clue. It seems that something in particular must be said to the silver-bearing user to shed their second skin, and with some trial and error users will discover any use of the word "understand" does the trick. "I understand where you're coming from." "I don't understand you." "I wish you understood more." A conversation of enlightenment provides an answer, but it will only work with the right questions.
Good luck, Retrospecters. There are lots of tunnels to explore and doors to find, keys to obtain and paths to unlock. The task may seem endless, but as more doors are opened the flames around the city will begin to lessen.
BONUS.
Back in the city the fires continue to circulate and as doors are opened wider holes appear in the firewall. Citizens still cannot leave, but upon noticing that the flames won't destroy their homes residents continue to carry on and let the fire department handle it as best as they can. The temperatures continue to be sweltering over the course of the month and you're still expected to carry on with your every day life. Go to school and work during the day, fight the fires and explore the security walls at night. It's a full-time job, but one that can work with your schedule.
This carries on for days, but on January 13th, a new text arrives to your phone from delta#02018329.
Man...it's about time the wall broke down. Do me a favor and fill each other in on what's going on? I still can't receive messages, but I can read them.
Without warning, you'll find yourself put in contact with another Retrospec user via text or video call, prompting you to begin a conversation. Well? What has happened since last August? Inquiring minds wish to know.
Back in the city the fires continue to circulate and as doors are opened wider holes appear in the firewall. Citizens still cannot leave, but upon noticing that the flames won't destroy their homes residents continue to carry on and let the fire department handle it as best as they can. The temperatures continue to be sweltering over the course of the month and you're still expected to carry on with your every day life. Go to school and work during the day, fight the fires and explore the security walls at night. It's a full-time job, but one that can work with your schedule.
This carries on for days, but on January 13th, a new text arrives to your phone from delta#02018329.
Man...it's about time the wall broke down. Do me a favor and fill each other in on what's going on? I still can't receive messages, but I can read them.
Without warning, you'll find yourself put in contact with another Retrospec user via text or video call, prompting you to begin a conversation. Well? What has happened since last August? Inquiring minds wish to know.
NOTES.
Welcome torecolle's January event part one!
You can claim two freebies on this log!
-Players may claim one freebie for attempting to put out part of the firewall. This thread must be at least five comments from you.
-Players may claim one freebie by entering one of the doors and exploring the area. This thread must be at least five comments from you.
-As indicated in the above links for prompts 3 and 4, please use these forms if you would like to sign up and receive a small, randomized location or exploration scenario! You are also free to create your own fantastical, challenging locations for characters to explore based on anything you wish to create, alternate versions of memories your character has obtained or alternate versions of canons not represented in-game. You can also sign up for key missions in prompt 4.
Finally, 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 additional information as well!
Welcome to
recolle's January event part one!You can claim two freebies on this log!
-Players may claim one freebie for attempting to put out part of the firewall. This thread must be at least five comments from you.
-Players may claim one freebie by entering one of the doors and exploring the area. This thread must be at least five comments from you.
-As indicated in the above links for prompts 3 and 4, please use these forms if you would like to sign up and receive a small, randomized location or exploration scenario! You are also free to create your own fantastical, challenging locations for characters to explore based on anything you wish to create, alternate versions of memories your character has obtained or alternate versions of canons not represented in-game. You can also sign up for key missions in prompt 4.
Finally, 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 additional information as well!
no subject
[Sakura, of course, can't help but to be confused, at the heat, the melting snow. She's more confused and worried to focus on the discomfort of the cold water now soaking through her boots to her socks and feet, as she wonders what might be behind the sudden heat.
Which....doesn't take too long to get answered, given that evening, she climbs out from her bedroom to find the source. The literal wall of fire.]
W-what do we do? It's so much...
[It would take a while? Even if they called the fire department immediately.]
II:
[She may not have her cards back yet. But Sakura could at least help in terms of using things such as a fire extinguisher or hose. Which...still puts her pretty close to the fire in dealing with that heat and smoke, but she still wants to try and help.
This may lead to her to possibly overdo it some without initially realizing. Which leads to Sakura tiring sooner than she figures because of the heat, and trying and failing to suppress the coughing from the smoke as she tries to help put the fire out, at least trying to help.]
III:
[She can't help but to be curious about this. The door, the landscapes she sees. Though, given this is Sakura, it's easy enough to distract her when the dogs appear, of course. She naturally, doesn't immediately clue in to the dogs trying to help, or how important they might be. She just thinks they are cute and immediately thinks to Xiaolang's dogs at his apartment with Leon and Li-Na. So of course she is wanting to pet it and make sure the dog is alright.
Which is how the dog nips at her sleeve of her shirt to try lead her along.]
W-wait -- ?
IV:
[The great dane is a help, considering Sakura has no cards to use with her newly regained magic ability. As such, she is basically relying on the dog and how protective it is. And the support of whoever else she might be with at the time.
She chases after the keys, trying to grab it even if it might be something of a challenge considering it can move on its own with the feet. Sakura pounces, lunging and reaching after a few unsuccessful attempts.]
I got it!
[Now to try get it to the doors in time. Which might be taking longer than she anticipates, as she gets more and more restricted with the silver spreading up her arm.]
H-hoeeeee? What -- ?
I
I'm sorry. Have you called the fire department?
no subject
[She pulls out her phone from her pocket, about to dial, which wouldn't take long given it's just the three digits. But the sooner the fire department knows, if someone else hasn't called already, the sooner they could get here and help.]
no subject
Relieved to see some common sense, he simply stands by her as she calls the number. They don't need to be alerted twice, after all, but he still wants to hear what they say once they know about the issue.]
Did you see how the fire started?
no subject
At least now they know. If they might notice anything without the app.
no subject
[He takes a deep breath, then coughs as the smoke accidentally gets in.]
Do you know anything about fire management?
no subject
[A lot. A lot of a lot. Which, unfortunately yet, she doesn't have access to without her staff or cards. So, for Sakura, using a hose or buckets would have to be it. As the best she could manage. But she had come to find out what was going on, not necessarily having expected this.]
no subject
[Mika doesn't even have the fortune of having magical abilities. Not even if his past life.]
I'll go back to town to look for buckets. Do you want to join me?
no subject
[It's worth a try? If they ask around, others should be able to figure gathering resources to help. Surely things like a bucket or hose were easy enough to ask around about and acquire.]
no subject
[He gestures for the nearby path, away from the fires. Mika's not sure that the nearby houses are still occupied, though. Wouldn't people leave once it was apparent danger was nearby?]
You first.
no subject
[She gives a nod, leading the way to follow the paths to some nearby houses, knocking and asking if one of them might have a hose they could use. That would...hopefully be long enough to get to the fire. She does manage to acquire one, and a bucket, which she fills just to be sure they can figure some progress, carrying that while she hands the hose to Mika.]
Let's hope this is long enough.
KEY QUEST TIME
[There was absolutely no question that Xiaolang would try to stick by Sakura's side through all of this-- even with her magic back (which he can feel radiating off of her), she still didn't have much in terms of protection, and in this uncharted land she needed it more than ever. He might have exhausted himself numerous times trying to carve a path to this particular door, but he was determined to keep her safe no matter what they came across. He keeps himself in front of her as they go through the portal, acting as her shield, his own sword drawn and his eyes alert to their surroundings.
His wary expression quickly drops, however, as his eyes travel up... and up... and up.]
Ah--! Th-This is...!
[OH BOY. Of all the things he was expecting behind this door, something out of a fairytale book was NOT one of them.]
no subject
[She blinks, wide-eyed as her gaze follows his, way up, enough to crane her neck to do so. Her magic might be back, and thus she might be able to sense his and perhaps that of some others, but she can't really do anything with it, without her staff, or her cards. At least, as far as she has figured yet, anyway.
It doesn't exactly take long for her to figure why he paused, what they had found when they finally made it through the door. It certainly does remind her of one of those stories she grew up with. About the giant and the beanstalk.]
I guess we climb?
no subject
Sakura's suggestion, however, only gets him to shake his head, his brow creasing in worry.]
No... it'd take us weeks, if not months, to get to the top on our own, and I don't think either of us have the stamina for that sort of thing.
[Never mind they'd need to eat and sleep during that time, too, which would... be fairly difficult considering they don't have the right equipment for it. Still, his eyes dart around the base, seeing if maybe there was some other clue.]
Maybe we need to cut it down? That's what they did in the story...
no subject
[He has a point though. If this thing is really high, it might take them a while to climb up. And it isn't like they packed food and drink. Or were sure on the timing of all this, to know how long before they might get tired anyway. It isn't like she has her own Sword to be able to help him cut the thing down. Unfortunately. Not yet anyway.]
no subject
... no, I don't think it is. The stalk looks a bit too thick for that. [A lot too thick, really--] There has to be a way around this, though. I don't know if there's anything else around here...
[The sound of excited barking suddenly echoes in the distance, breaking him from his thoughts, and it's instinct that has him angling protectively in front of Sakura. So far, all of the pets that have come to help have been friendly, but he didn't want to operate on that assumption when someone close to him was involved. His eyes size up the approaching animal, narrowing slightly, trying to assess whether it was a threat or not. (It most definitely was not, calm yourself boy)]
no subject
[Well. It's true that given how tall and huge the stalk is, it could be blocking some alternate route from their sight behind it or something. Though she blinks then, in hearing the barking, not quite given time to consider the options before she hears the dog and sees one running over to them. Or, she kind of does, spots some movement of what she assumes is the dog, given how Xiaolang steps in front like that.
Probably, she shouldn't be surprised he is being rather protective here. With the danger and strangeness of the app at the best of times.]
A dog.....?
no subject
The dog that approaches, a great dane sporting one of those familiar collars, slows to a trot as she nears the duo, wagging her tail amicably for them. It's not until she barks again, in greeting, and nudges her face into Xiaolang's side that he relaxes slightly, stepping aside so Sakura could see her.]
... I think she used to be Zee's. A lot of his pets have been helping people out in these areas recently...
[He rests a careful hand on the dog's back, giving her a gentle pet as the canine sniffs towards Sakura.]
Maybe she might lead us to where we need to go?
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[Sakura asks, after giving the dog a pet herself. It's kind of instinctive to do, even if with some dogs there is always the possibility of some not necessarily appreciating the closeness, the touch and affection. But this one doesn't seem to mind. Sakura can't help but to smile, before tilting her head in curiosity and question as she asks the dog which direction to go from here. If the dog could lead them.....]
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Xiaolang glances over towards Sakura, before nodding towards the dog waiting for them.]
I guess there's no other choice.
[He holds out a hand for her to take, almost on instinct, before following close after the canine.]
C'mon!
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Still, they had somewhere to go, so Sakura straightens then to give a nod, following the dog and taking Xiaolang's offered hand.]
Alright. Let's go.
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Right now, Xiaolang's following after the dog at a quick clip, Sakura's hand carefully in his own, taking care to go at a reasonable pace. He didn't want to drag her or lose the dog, after all! The closer they get to the beanstalk, however, the more obvious it becomes that there's a staircase engraved in the side, spiraling up and beyond. His eyes light up at the sight of it, the pieces finally coming together.]
Ah--! It has stairs! Is that what you're trying to show us?
[The great dane merely barks in reply, in her own sort of agreement, before continuing to the stalk, making her way up the first few steps. He peeks over his shoulder at Sakura, expression hopeful.]
We can climb up it after all!
[Granted, that many stairs would still be... incredibly exhausting and also time-consuming, but it was a better alternative than scaling it, anyway.]
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[Sakura hadn't noticed before. But with the dog leading the way, getting them closer to get a better look at the beanstalk, it certainly does have stairs. Which Sakura is thrilled about, even if the prospect of that much stairs probably makes anyone's legs hurt at the thought of climbing so many. At the least, that seemed safer and more stable an idea to scale the height than literally climbing it and potentially falling.
So she can't help but to smile, seemingly encouraged by this find as she turns to the dog and reaches to pet it with her free hand not holding to Xiaolang's.]
Thank you!
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So with that in mind, she begins to make her way up the stairs at a quick clip, glancing over at the two teens every couple steps or so to make sure they were following behind. Xiaolang, to his credit, makes sure to keep close to their guide, though he's also maintaining his gentle hold on Sakura's hand as they travel on up. Even if they were on a staircase with nowhere else to go, it was still good to stick close to one another in case anything strange happened!!
He can't help but glance at the steps winding up around them, though, the reality of it all finally sinking in. Just what did they get themselves into?]
... this is probably going to take a while, isn't it?
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[So. Up it is. And well, it doesn't seem as daunting? At least, with the cute dog and Xiaolang with her to help. To encourage her. To get through this with. She ensures the dog is alright getting up the steps even as she keeps a hold of Xiaolang's. She's not taking it too fast, especially given how high up this goes, but she isn't wanting to keep slowing Xiaolang down either.]
If we take it slow, we'll get there. Eventually.....