recolle | JULY EVENT LOG

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JULY EVENT LOG

EVENT

SURF AND SUN
With the peak of summer upon the city of Recollé, many people are enjoying some time off to soak up the sun and hit the beach. Pops of green and blue sprinkle the city again though many people don't notice at all. Citizens remain as content as ever, complimenting one-another on their new tank-tops or asking for recommendations of the best ice cream flavors.

It's almost as if there's really nothing strange going on here.

I.
It's a pattern at this point. Those who have been a part of the Retrospec network for long enough have noticed that strange things usually begin on the third of any given month and perhaps some of you may be expecting it. But this time on the morning of the third, everything seems alarmingly normal.

Speaking of alarms, yours seems to be going off. "But I didn't set an alarm, it's summer", you might say, but it sounds strangely like the "wark!" of a Chocobo repeatedly. Some of you are able to turn off your alarms just fine, but others may not be so lucky. For a few selected citizens, disabling the alarm reveals a special pop-up notification from your friends at Retrospec.

A short message appears: B-I-N-G-O! Looking to collect some of your memories? Ready, set, go.

The message quickly dissolves and reveals an electronic 5x5 digital bingo card, each square filled in with an activity to complete. At the center is a prompt that hits almost a little too close to home, whether that be something you would do yourself or challenging you just a little to complete it. Shimmering just under the words of the center prompt, you can barely make out what appears to be a QR code before it promptly disappears.

Wait. Perhaps you may recall that someone once mentioned QR codes. Or maybe you're still learning how this network works and you're uncertain what it all means. There's only one way to find out, isn't there? Grab a friend (or even a stranger) and get ready to play in all districts of your beloved city.

Then again, maybe you really did get lucky and you weren't saddled with one of these cards, or perhaps you're the type to ignore silly games like this. There's plenty happening in the city elsewhere as everyone prepares for the big Fourth of July celebration. Tisse and Chata are bustling with people stocking up and hosting sales, not at all unlike the Founder's Day celebration. Everywhere you turn you may find yourself face to face with people offering samples or tempting you with the best deals around. Are you a shopper today? Or are you one of the employees counting down the minutes until your shift ends? It's just another day in the city of Recollé.

II.
Even though it's the middle of the summer, it's unusually warm for this time of year. A heatwave rolls through the city, but for some of you it's getting hotter than ever. It may be an ordinary day for you when it happens. Perhaps you're a student who's trying to enjoy their summer vacation. Maybe you're cramped up in an office all day desperately trying to soak in the air conditioning, or maybe you're running around trying to fill your bingo prompts. There's no telling where you will be when you come to realize a small item has made its way into your pocket or bag.

Upon inspection, you find a blue-colored fortune cookie, glowing as bright as the Retrospec logo. Some of you may throw it away, while others of you may accidentally break it or even open it out of curiosity. The moment the cookie is cracked, the glow stops and a puff of smoke emits into the air leaving behind a singular white strip of paper.

A short message: "Learn to walk a mile in someone else's shoes."

The heat intensifies for those who have read the fortune before a cool, calming breeze floats over you. Like the crash of a wave, you soon find yourself overwhelmed with a memory that isn't your own, or the feeling of power courses through your veins, the wind whispering a message of a power or memory obtained . Will you seek out who these memories and abilities belong to? Or will you keep them for yourself for a while? There's only one way to change back to the way you were, even if you don't know it just yet.

Yet even for those who aren't blessed with this fortune the heat's proving to be a bit much. The sun beats down intensely and everywhere you turn there are shops handing out cups of water to help keep everyone hydrated. There are several places you can duck into to borrow their AC, but all around the same time at 8pm on the 3rd, a rolling blackout hits the city. The lights go down and the air units stop working. It begins to have the effect of being cooler outside than it is inside (which you recognize as strange, but with the gray sky overhead it's hard to tell if this means rain or another sunset) and you feel the urge to go outside.

That's when it happens. As if on cue, the crickets begin to chirp and cicadas make their presence known. Fireflies begin to pop up in little groups, swirling around Retrospec users in synchronicity. Those off-network will remark how beautiful the bright creatures are, but don't find this behavior strange at all. However, the fireflies will follow users around the city all night long.

Will you focus on bringing the power back like you may have once before? Or will you enjoy the show? The fireflies will be with you no matter the choice.

III.
Down at Peach Beach a celebration's set up to take place over the course of the next two days. A stage sits on the sandy beach to host a variety of musical acts (including a few open mic hours) and food trucks are parked along the walkway. Some of you may notice that thanks to the fiasco during the food truck rally, several of the trucks have been stopped with parking boots. The boardwalk has a variety of games and specials to offer as well, fun prizes for anyone who plays along, buckets and pails prime for the taking to build sand castles and several carts selling Recollé's famous Peach Beach popsicles and ice cream parked along the docks. Best of all, the sun is high and the water's fine, the scent of the gray ocean wafts toward the sand.

However, for those who venture into the gray ocean you may notice that it takes a little longer than usual to cross the sand to the water, the distance stretching before you. The water's clear as ever and refreshing from the sun, though the waves appear choppier than you recall from the past. Perhaps that doesn't bother you. Perhaps you're a great swimmer or you tell yourself the waves aren't nearly as intimidating as they look. Several citizens are out there surfing and sailing. How bad can it be?

Do be careful if you venture further and further from the shore though; after a certain point far enough from the shore, adventurers may find themselves face to face with large, unidentifiable shadows under the water, a slick slide of something brushing against limbs in a gentle caress before the shadows retreat. Walking further will reveal a drastic dip in the ocean floor and you may sink under, the water strangely clear for being gray. Whatever touched you swims out of sight before you can get a close look, but it's clear its multiple fins and limbs propel itself forward and away.

Following it seems to be futile. The waves grow rougher and should you travel too far, the water will carry you back to the shore almost as if it's protecting you from harm.

Weird, isn't it?

IV.
But life goes on even aside from the weird ongoings of Retrospec. Life goes on, the world keeps turning, and the mayor still loves holidays. The Fourth of July is no exception and the city is bustling with activity.

Much like the day prior, the shopping district and the beach seem to be where many residents gather. Several others enjoy the day in Hollingberry field with friends and family, barbecuing and playing games together. Those with bingo cards will receive another sound of alarm, a startled wark! from their device before there is a flash revealing that one day has gone by since the game began. Those who harbor a power or memory that isn't their own feel the impact a little more heavily, urging them to find their match.

However, the world seems to stop as dusk settles around the city. Citizens hustle and scramble to pick the best viewing points for the annual fireworks show. Street vendors sell glow rings and popcorn and sparklers for anyone who wishes to play with the lights. The Mayor sits atop Seabiscuit in Recollé Square with an ice cream cone in hand, anticipating the time the bursts of color will appear.

At 9pm sharp, the first boom begins. Displayed across the sky appears the history of the city in pops of shimmering color, pictures painted across the dark tapestry above among the stars. With most of the city distracted though, now may be the perfect time to do some last-minute sale shopping or cross off a few things on your lists without question. It may even be the perfect time to sneak away from the crowds and get up to some mischief.

BONUS.
It's quiet around the Retrospec building, but the doors unlock for anyone who ventures toward them. They have been locked tight since the first part of May, but you can't help but observe that this seems to happen periodically. A pattern? Maybe, but who are you to look a gift Chocobo in the mouth?

For those brave enough to enter the building, they will find that rooms that were previously accessible are no longer available. Doors are missing, the elevator refuses to work, and the secretary's desk appears to be as clear of evidence as always. However, soft lights adorn the handrail of the stairs beckoning characters toward the second floor.

There appears to be only one room upstairs and the door is ajar. Is it a trap? Possibly, but further investigation shows that it was simply a careless action. Inside this room is another desk, a laptop seated on its table-top and the room itself not much bigger than a walk-in closet. Scattered around are books on biology and genetics, notes about evolution and hybrid animals. Comic books and horror movies sit in a neat pile in a corner near a small TV, screen frozen on a large monster of some sort. A table in the back is home to a few fossilized items in jars, along with empty coffee cups and house plants. In another corner is a clothing rack with a handful of costumes and a sewing machine sits on the floor nearby. Tacked on the wall is a reminder of the dates of the Recollé ReConvention.

What is all of this? A note on the desk reveals that all of this belongs to someone named Maurice and that "he better work harder or he will not receive his school credit."

But what's an intern doing with all of this research? What a great question.

Welcome to

recolle's July event! All characters will be begin in-game AU'd as Recollé residents. You may use any of the above prompts for ideas or make up your own based on the ongoings of the city! Prompts do not have to be set in the districts listed above. You can review our list of locations for what's available and be as creative as you'd like.

As a note, while you are more than free to use this log to play with the bingo cards and regains swap these are in effect all month! You are free to make your own posts all month long as well and these will qualify for your bingo cards. With regards to the regains swap, as per our notes how your characters switch back is up to you! This could be anything from a hug, a synchronized dance, a duel, etc. Be creative! There is no right or wrong answer.

Please see our monthly plotting post/event sign-ups posts here and here.

Any questions you have regarding this event may be directed to the mod comment here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Ryoji can feel that he's being stared at, but instead of shying away from it, he turns his eyes towards Akira, honestly shocked because twenty hours? That leaves less than a 17% chance of catching them eating or playing or do something more interesting than lie there. ]

We'll have to keep a vigil and stay overnight. I wonder if we could hide somewhere after closing.

[ You know... Of all reactions, he did not see this one coming at all. A little startled by the proposition, Akira is speechless for a moment as he gives Ryoji a strange look.

You know what? Why Not?! ]

I'm sure we can probably hide in an emptied exhibit.

[ This is bad. ]

[ now they gotta ]

The pamphlet says the chocobo stables are closed. We could hide behind the bales of hay. Let's go scout it out to make sure we can.

Mochizuki's here with a plan.

[ Color Akira impressed? Here he thought he needed to wingman for him to hit on some poor unfortunate souls trying to enjoy the zoo. He gives the lazy lions one last glance before leading them to the chocobo stables. In passing, they get to see a good variety of animals—as Ryoji says, it's closed and under construction with a sign. ]

We would still need to be careful of the night security guards, but... This might work out. [ Hm. ] Are you sure about this?

[ Akira can totally wingman for him, I would NPC a million people for him to get that chance, no worries. But for now, Ryoji's attention is on the future prospects of watching the lions awaken, so there's no hesitation in his nod. They would probably get in trouble if they were caught, but... that's easily solved by not getting caught. ]

Of course~ We could do something like this...

[ It's bare bones of a plan, but the chocobos in question have been relocated in a smaller subsection, more a strip of land than it is a wide open space for them to roam. This enclosure would take them nearer the lions, though, if they could get inside under the pretense of riding the chocobos, and hide somewhere before they're supposed to leave. ]

[ Please stay faithful, Ryoji... Akira's gaze follows his and they seem to the on the same page. He can't say he thought about riding the chocobos to lead them to cover around the end of the day, but it does seem natural. It also covers his bingo square, how convenient. ]

Smooth. It's almost like you've done this before with someone else. [ Just teasing a bit as he bumps their shoulders together. ] Is this on your bingo card, too?

[ There's nothing wrong with being opportunistic, but the accusation makes Ryoji laugh. ]

I've never done it before. And that's exactly why I want to.

[ He'd lived the last three years of his life with little to no adult supervision; it's the #yolo life. Also. Chocobo racing is on his card, as he shows the card to Akira; there's also a handful of fighting ones he's not so sure about, singing ones, overall silly little tasks he would do with or without prompting. ]

I think fate aligning itself to present to us this opportunity is one that shouldn't be passed. Having you here with me also feels like fate.

[ Because Akira's his friend, somebody who would go along with him. ]

[ He quickly glazes it, finding none of them outside of the young man's charm and power. The fighting ones... It makes him look at Ryoji again and imagine it happening. Maybe pillow fight?

And, of course, anything about fate and ~implied friendship~ startles him into stupor. What the hell? ]

... You're embarrassing. I'm here because I want to be with you, not because of fate. [ Reaching out, he tousles Ryoji's hair. ] Let's just hit the petting zoo.

[ He will lead first because he's flustered. Bye. ]

[ "I want to be with you" Who is the embarrassing one here?

Ryoji practically glows as he trots behind Akira all the way to the petting zoo, the smile on his face never leaving because how could he not smile when he's in the company of somebody he likes, surrounded by tiny goats with their satanic slitted eyes, hungry for anything without reach— the hat in Ryoji's hands, the hem of Akira's shirt, his fingers if he tries to reach out and pet them. Cute. ]

[ SHUT UP!!

Ah... If Akira had one regret today, it would be that he wore a nice shirt. The billies make no time to ruin it. Shoulders slumped and a couple of bunnies cradled in his arms, he ponders on his state of being. Is he soothed? ]

Maybe we should feed them...

[ Because he can see the alpacas hovering over Ryoji's head, ready to feast on his hair. ]

[ It is lunch time, and the animals here all perk up at that word 'feed.' Actual food is better than hair and cloth, so Akira's shirt is spared, while Ryoji's antennae bangs only get a few nibbles in before he's able to duck out of the way and find the animal feed dispenser near the entrance of the enclosure.

One cup of is a dollar, and Ryoji only carries twenties, so... ]

Here!

[ He hands Akira a small bucket to hold under the feed dispenser while he cranks the lever. The alpacas move in, smothering the two of them in their fluff, and there's the kwah! kwah! of chocobo in the back as it tries to push through a swarm of bitey geese also looking for a meal.

Everybody is coming for them. This is what it feels like to be loved. ]

Mochizuki—[ He. Has. Dollar!! Bills! Before he can utter another word, the feed is flooding into the bucket very much like the animals that swarm them like locust to crops. Akira is definitely overwhelmed as they push and shove him around in order to get their share of the food, squawking and yowling in the process.

It's suffocating through all the wool and feathers, stuffy underneath from all the critters trying to pick up some of the feed that poured out from the commotion. Akira is gently nudging some of the llamas and alpacas so he can make sure they haven't been separated, but... Nope. Can't see anything for several feet. ]

Hey, are you alive?

[ Maybe he should be angry to be the beacon of food, but he's concerned. ]

[ There's no answer. Ryoji's alive, but only just in time to die, trying to untangle himself from legs and tails and sharp beaks that poke his sides in seeking out the chopped carrot and pellets that have fallen in his pockets. Akira's voice gets lost in the commotion as Ryoji turns on the spot trying to find him, decides he's not getting anywhere like this, and seeks out a higher vantage point— he heaves himself up on top a chocobo, foe and savior both, and calls out for Akira, a ready hand to grab his friend's when he finds him. ]

[ A true opportunist and a savior. Akira can kind of see the trademark cockatoo weft, so he raises his hand to indicate he's over here? Actually, why is he still holding onto the bucket? He finally releases, making it easier for him to make his way to the Chocobo Prince—it's still hard though when he's not on high ground.

Help. He's waving over here. ]

[ The bucket is the beacon the chocobo hones in on, so that when it goes flying? Ryoji barely has time to grab Akira's hand to haul him on top of the bird behind him before the chocobo joins in the fray, this does absolutely nothing to escape the mealtime bloodshed when they're sitting right in the middle of it all, smelling like food.

Maybe

they should run for it. ]

[ He doesn't want them to become feed next, so he'll slip off the chocobo despite only enjoying it for mere seconds. With a gently tug, he pulls Ryoji off and into his arms. There is only a quarter of feed left and it rings alarms in his head. Quietly, carefully, he slips through the cute animals and exits through the gate that should put them closer to the elephants.

The hoard of cuddlies hasn't noticed. Thank the heavens. ]

I had dollar bills, you know...

[ He peers down at Ryoji with this semi-dark look. ]

[ Ryoji should be apologetic, but

nah ]

That's great! We'll have to come back during dinner time, after all.

I'd rather have dinner than become dinner, but... Whatever you want.

[ why didn't i app aigis so i could destroy him—Akira sighs as his shoulder droop, wry smile on his face. They still smell like feed, but they're out. With Ryoji in his arms still, he'll at least carry him to the enclosure he's looking forward to the most.

ELEPHANTS. Elephants are washing themselves, too. Down you go, Ryoji. ]

Why did you want to see elephants specifically?

[ I would kill for an Aigis so she can kill Ryoji, who's being spoiled right now because "whatever you want" is basically his free pass to convince Akira to go along with him, who gives Akira a squeeze of a hug before he's set down to attach himself to the fencing around the elephant enclosure, looking so, so fondly at them. ]

The same reason I wanted to see you today: I like them. And someday, I fear they won't be here anymore.

[ They're quiet and kind, playful and look plain silly. What is there not to like about them? ]

[ As touching as this may be, Akira has never been compared to an elephant before? With an amused lopsided smile, he slides his hands into his pockets as he watches Ryoji for a moment, then the jubilant elephants that play in their own way. The noble creatures trumpet from their trunks, but it doesn't hush the last line that repeats in his mind.

He shifts back and forth, unsure if he should ask. ]

Mochizuki... Is it possible to regress?

[ It has been on his mind. With the chance elephants disappear, much like horses, is it the same with people and their consciousness? ]

[ Like most things, ] It depends what you mean.

[ Evolution moves forward, time moves forward... Larger, furrier elephants used to roam the world, no longer existing save for museums. If Akira means people... Ryoji isn't sure. ]

I think it's possible. I've done a lot of growing up, just to turn around and fall back. And regression isn't permanent, I don't think.

[ Mammoths are cute, but that isn't on his mind. All of what Ryoji says to him makes total sense. People sometimes take one step forward, then two steps back countless of times, but... He rubs his neck awkwardly as he tries to figure out a way to word it. ]

I meant with Retrospec—going back to how we were like before... Blind to the changes and truth.

[ He had only been curious, but now it's unsettling to imagine. ]

Actually, forget it. Look. That baby elephant is going to blow water at us.

[ Retrospec isn't something that can be mentioned and just forgotten. It's been half a year, and he still feels as if he were stumbling through everything blind. For him, so much has happened, he'd never stopped feeling just as overwhelmed as he was the first day, and he wouldn't take it back for anything. ]

It's possible. I know people who have, and I miss them.

[ His girlfriend. Other friends he'd met along the way and now have less a reason to talk to him. A lot of friendships he'd had to start all over again. Ryoji bumps shoulders with Akira, squeezing his eyes shut against the misty spray of water and... spit? snot? it smells distinctly elephant ]

But ignorance isn't always a bad thing? Sometimes, it's just self-preservation.

[ Can't deal with the truth? Just wipe people's memories, it's fine, it's fine ]

[ Gross... Akira wanted to back away, but stayed for shoulder bumps. This is not how he pictured his life. He grimaces and reaches for some kind of napkin in his bag, but his movements slow as he listens to his friend's words. They can revert back to their dazed selves, living life dictated by some kind of narrative.

Something about these pretty words anger him... He channels it into squishing Ryoji's face, aggressively wiping his wet features with the clean napkin from his bag. ]

You might be right... [ He understands how blissful it is and yet— ] But I can't accept that. You shouldn't, either.

[ Akira has been squishing Ryoji's cheeks, using them like stress balls. ]

[ Did you know, Akira is like the 5th person in this game to squish Ryoji's cheeks and they have all been cute, affectionate gestures until now. He puffs his cheeks in retaliation but the air just gets immediately let out under the relentless cleaning. ]

There's nothing we can do.

[ That would probably just make Akira angrier and drying more painful, so Ryoji squirms his way out of his grasp and slips behind him, pressing his forehead against the dry fabric of Akira's back so he doesn't have to force a smile, hands on Akira's shoulders to march him towards... Was it back to the lions? He'd forgotten what path he'd traced out on the map, but there were lions at every other stop. ]

It's not like I want to forget everything, but I don't know what I can do to ensure... anything. How to keep anyone. Maybe it's playing their game, filling out bingos to show we're invested, I don't know.

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