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.

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You'll regret that.

[ When Akira ever decides to talk about extremely dumb stuff, maybe. He releases his arm so they can better relax against the wooden panels and take in the cool relief of the shade. It takes some time for him to collect his thoughts, form them into words, then repeat it in his mind a couple of times to make sure it's coherent... It still makes no sense, but whatever. With a nervous smile and the rustle of his own hair, he begins. ]

I got this weird memory—hallucination... Whatever you guys call it. It implied that I could change the hearts of others. [ That he was part of some group called that called themselves the Phantom Thieves, they apparently do this to criminals or something. ] It didn't go into too much detail, but "extracting confessions" was one of the perks. The detective being interviewed said this ability and the people who have it are a threat to the masses.

[ Falling back into silence, he ponders a little longer. He can see why... From what it sounds like, whatever pieces he has, it's manipulation. ]

It didn't seem like I had any doubts in my actions... I seemed so confident despite everything, yet it seemed [ unsettling? ] weird.

[ He's actually envious of this other him—a person of conviction, someone with direction. ]

Sorry, this must have been boring.

[ He might regret it, but he won't regret offering; he would sit through hours of extremely dumb stuff if it meant one moment of confidence like this, trying to parse through what Akira means and what it meant to him.

When Akira apologizes, Ryoji shakes his head immediately, sitting up a bit straighter because it wasn't at all boring— it was disconcerting and a bit incredulous, but not boring. ]

Changing people's hearts, their feelings and beliefs, it does sound dangerous, but...

[ The "but" lingers in the air, words falling from Ryoji's mouth before he could think of how to follow through with the disagreement. Extracting confessions sounds terrifying for him who is keeping secrets close, and having a change of heart is something he wants to be able to himself without being forced into it by somebody else. But. ]

But sometimes confessions are what needs to be let go so that they will stop festering, and a person can move on and be healed. Something like that? Abilities are just abilities, but the person who uses it decides— You're not a bad person, so...

[ He doesn't even know the full potential of this ability yet Ryoji is always looking for ways to make it sound positive. Unfortunately, Akira is already lost in thought, mesmerized by this perceived "justice" his other self sought out with others.

When Ryoji reaches his last point—"you're not a bad person"—Akira snaps out of his trance. It reminds him of the doubts that well inside his chest, doubts he didn't have in the vision. For some reason he finds enough strength to crack a sheepish chuckle as he slides down against the wall, now plopped onto the hay. ]

You think so?

[ Part of him isn't sure. Part of him instinctively doesn't believe Ryoji. Despite that, there's an inkling that does want to latch onto those words. What matters in the end is how the person uses those powers. ]

How do you know that? Maybe if I get that ability back, I'll come after your heart, Mochizuki.

[ As emphasis, he grabs Ryoji's waist and starts digging his fingers into his sides for a tickle. ]

I think so— AH!!

[ Ryoji lets out a yelp of surprise and laughter when Akira's hands poke at his sides, but he's already backed up against the wall with nowhere left to run. He's never been tickled before, squirming away at the lightest touch, and doesn't know how quickly laughter can turn to pain when he runs out of air for trying to wheeze out his half of the conversation— ]

You don't have to, because I'll give you my heart!

[ —lost somewhere in between laughs and gasps and weak attempts to kick Akira in the stomach so he'll stop. ]

How can you give me your heart when you're kicking me away?

[ Akira miraculously catches Ryoji's foot, grabbing a hold onto his ankle, and pulls him in for some more tickles. There's nothing more refreshing and comforting than the hardy laugh of others. It puts a smile on his face, soft and endeared, but it becomes rather cocky pretty fast. He makes sure to secure at least one let with an arm so he can tickle with his free hand.

Ryoji's sides are not safe, sorry. ]

You know if you keep laughing so loud, we'll get caught.

[ Then the sounds of footsteps can be heard kind of nearby. ]

[ He'd wrench his heart from his chest and slap it at Akira's face if that's what it'd take to get him to stop, sides in stitches and tears in his eyes. It feels like dying, but dying like this wouldn't be a bad way to go at all.

As it is, he barely has any breath left to laugh, but he tries to stifle himself anyways with both hands clamped over his mouth, trying his hardest to just stop breathing but that doesn't work— he can't even manage two full seconds of silence before it all comes bubbling forth again and he has to smother his face in Akira's side so he can pin down at least one of those merciless arms. ]

Mochizuki.

[ Akira's fingers halt instantly when he hears the soft hay crumble. Someone is definitely around here and they're having a zoo slumber party here. Body frozen, his eyes dart towards the direction of the sound, hoping to hear more footsteps away from where they are.

As a safety net, he supports Ryoji's head and continues to press his face into him. Shhhhhhhhhh. When he thinks they're safe, he releases him, but—"who's there?!"

Oh. Oh? Oh. ]

We have to go.

[ Ryoji already can't breathe, but he lets himself quieten at the sound of his name and stillness about his sides. Ahh... if they get caught, they won't be able to see the lions tonight.

He keeps himself low to the ground, peering around pillars to see how they can get out, sticking close to the shadows for a place to hide, but there's only one exit to the stables and they'd be found out there.

Distraction? All Ryoji has on hand that he can spare is his hat; he flattens it and flings it out the window like a frisbee— the rim hits a rock with a thud, the sound of footsteps coming to a quick stop and turning heel. ]

[ WELL PLAYED. Akira is impressed, but there's no time to praise him. As the footsteps trail off, he's quick to grab RYoji by the wrist and move them out of the stable. They can't just stay anymore when guards are on high alert. They only need to evade security a little longer before their returning to their safe haven.

Actually, he thinks they can maybe slip out now. The sky has darkened quite a bit—how long have they been here? Looking over his shoulder, he signals with some hand signs that they're going to head to the lions. Whether Ryoji understands... That is up to fate.

The zoo feels really different at night. When they're in the clear with no other living soul in earshot radius, he whispers softly: ]

Do you want to pick up your hat after this?

[ ... Yes. ]

[ The hand signals mean nothing to Ryoji, but all he needs is to follow close behind Akira and recognize that they're heading back to the entrance where the lion are. He can't hear and roars or chuffing from the large cats, nor see any gleam of eyes telling him that they're awake, even though the sky is so dark... ]

We could. But I don't think I need it anymore.

[ Since the sun's dropped out of the sky already, and all this time he'd been looking at Akira with those red eyes of his and Akira never asked, Ryoji never had to hide it. ]

...I wonder if the lions will wake up if we meow hellos at them.

[ If Ryoji says so, he accepts that with a slight nod. There's not enough time in the day for Akira to point out his eyes, the strange color—it did catch his attention earlier... But he got swept away in their conversation, their shenanigans, and defending himself from some weak kicks. He wonders if it matters at all?

In the end, he decides that if Ryoji ever wanted to talk about it, about anything, that he'll do it on his terms. All Akira can do is wait, though his approach may change with different circumstances.

But he isn't going to wait for the lions. It's time. ]

Meow! Meeeeowwww. [ It seems like one stirs? Maybe they need to both meow. ] Maybe we should meow them a song.

[ This is getting out of hand. ]

[ He'll talk, eventually, someday. But right now isn't the time for painful threads, it's time to cling to the chain link fence and hope their song reaches the lions— it's the meow mix song. meow. meow. meow.

The same lion stirs, an irritated flick of the tail.

It's working. ]

[ Akira, unfortunately, also knows this song by heart and meows with Ryoji... It seems their prayers and meows reach the lion though they're big cats that don't meow at all.

The sound of heavy padded paws approaches the fence. The moonlight shines in big round eyes and trace the cat's muscular form; it seems like they got a hold of at least one? It's one of the many females of the pride. She huffs a bit before pacing back and forth by the fence, now restless. Her eyes are definitely on both of them, but— ]

I think she has a crush on you.

[ a soft gasp, because he would absolutely love to be loved by a lion— or anyone, or anything. ]

Hello, gorgeous, [ Ryoji whispers past the fence at the golden eyes that stare back at the two of them, ] I love you too.

[ How bad of an idea would it be to suggest climbing the fence... or to let the lions loose so they could enjoy their freedom outside the constructed savannah grasslands of the enclosure... ]

[ Ah... So Ryoji is catfucker #5. Akira only has a lopsided smile as he watches his friend flirt with the lioness. Not surprised. Not impressed. But it gives him time to admire Ryoji a little more. The big cat continues to pace, eyes specifically on Ryoji since he's so close. ]

Hey, I thought you were mine today?

[ Taking a step closer to the fence, he bumps their shoulders to catch his attention. Also. Do. Not. Release the lions. Akira is looking for a thrill, not to endanger the lives of the guards. In addition, he'll say this sweetly: ]

Mo-chi-zu-ki.

[ yeah............ YEAH. I'd say thank god Akira wasn't there when Ryoji sang love songs to the cat cafe cats/Yu but that was probably Akira's cafe.

Ryoji ducks his head when he gets called out on flirting around, an embarrassed smile on his face with some apology when he leans back against Akira. But only some. ]

Who? That was a sacred pact between Akira and Ryoji. No Mochizukis involved.

[ mentally shakes Akira by the shoulders, say his name. ]

[ A cheeky catfucker... Akira freezes up when he says that. There's a flash of an uncertain and almost defiant expression, but he tries to recompose himself. He can do this. It's just... a name. He has already gotten used to Ryoji saying his first name, so it shouldn't be difficult at all. ]

Ryoji.

[ It's hushed because he's put on the spot?! ]

[ Hushed only makes Ryoji lean in closer and closer, until his temple is pressed against Akira's. ]

I didn't catch that~

[ He really really really wants to ask "why are you like this?" but digresses. There's a nervous curl of his lips as he tries to lean away from that press, but to no avail. Dumb guy will probably follow after him. ]

Ryoji.

[ Let him live. ]

[ Ryoji would absolutely follow until he inevitably leans too far and Akira right over. But the sound of his name gets him to stop, so, so, pleased as he finally lets Akira go. ]

So you can say it! Now you're never allowed to use Mochizuki ever again.

[ If he thinks Akira is a well-behaved boy, then he has to think twice. Those words spark something in him to rebel. No matter how cute Ryoji is, he won't let him win. ]

What can you even do about that, Mochizuki?

[ He feels better now. ]

[ HUFF PUFFS AT THIS BETRAYAL

But what can Ryoji even do about this? His first instinct is to continue along the childish thought of ignoring Akira until he relents and uses his first name, but that's impossible. He could never ignore Akira. So he decides on the opposite route of attack: he confiscates Akira's hand, interlaced fingers and all. ]

You're my Wednesdays, so I won't let you go until you call me Ryoji!

[ Ignoring Akira will definitely not work on him, either. Life goes on, Ryoji. He's ready to take this victory and usher Ryoji out of the zoo. They've bothered the lions long enough, but his composure is once again being attacked by these loving assaults.

Uhm... He squeezes Ryoji's hand once. This isn't a big deal, but he won't let go? ]

What if your Wednesdays need to go to the bathroom?

[ Since they're locking hands, he tries to sneak them out of the zoo... He can already hear the footsteps of guards. ]

[ Ryoji quietly waves his goodbyes to the lions with his free hand while he gets dragged to the exit. But why would bathrooms be his problem?

As solemnly as he can manage: ]

In that case, it would be a test of will.

[ Which is not very solemn at all, his frown quickly breaking at the edges into a grin, because he knows this is coercion and not choice. ]

[ He doesn't want to shower with you, that's why?? Anyway, they're out of the zoo by the front gate, though they have to hug the brick wall by the gate when he sees the stray beam of light from a direction. No matter what they say, they'll be deemed as suspicious individuals. ]

Ryoji. [ Fine. He'll yield—unfortunately there's a guard close by and flash their light at them. ] Run.

[ He says that, but he's running with Ryoji in tow. Sorry. Very Sorry. More of the guards come together to chase them for some distance. The tale of Two Idiots at the Zoo ends here. ]

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JULY EVENT LOG

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