January Event: Fade to Black

[lifeaftr_mods]

JANUARY EVENT: FADE TO BLACK

Who: Anyone and everyone!
What: Your true self comes to roost
When: January 21st - 23rd; January 25th - 28th
Where: All over!
Warnings: Dark subjects such as violence and self-destruction are likely to come to the forefront - please mark your content accordingly!

Down in that Darkness

This log is primarily for the Shadow and Light portions of the event, for ease and convenience. Your Shadow can be either the Persona-inspired sort - a "brutal, bitterly honest recreation of a character's worst flaws, darkest fears, and deepest secrets" - or the edgier, more laughable variant. The Lights, on the other hand, will do their utmost to convince their real selves of their best qualities, no matter how little they want to hear them.

Remember that the Shadows will be present from January 21st to January 23rd, and the Lights will be present from January 25th to January 28th.

On January 25th, we will post a separate log for Rejection Rooms!

---

Some useful links, for reference:

[ ♆ ] OOC Event Post
[ ♆ ] Rejection Room Sign-Ups; remember to note your interest in these as soon as possible!
[ ♆ ] Deaths Page; death penalties have been reduced for the duration of this event, but still do let us know if your character dies regardless!

Event Timeline

[ ♆ ] January 20th: The monthly Storytelling occurs.
[ ♆ ] January 21st: Shadows of both initial variants appear.
[ ♆ ] January 23rd: Shadows of both initial variants disappear.
[ ♆ ] January 25th Lights and Rejection Rooms appear.
[ ♆ ] January 28th: Lights and Rejection Rooms dissipate. Those still trapped in their Rejection Rooms by the event's end will suffer a character death.

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

Nezumi | No. 6 | OTA

[jelliclerats]

EMBRACE YOUR DARKNESS

general

[ Nezumi isn't known for a shining personality. He's sarcastic, cold, and willing to care for himself before caring for anyone else -- with one small exception. But beneath the sardonic confidence and exterior crafted out of bravado, is someone who is too afraid to live any other way. While the normal Nezumi spoke about the hell that was the Western District with broad strokes, the shadow version of himself is more willing to confess the fears directly related to himself during his speeches.

And he's more open about confrontation. No longer does he keep to himself. ]

'Hm, it's almost a miracle you've survived so long. I hope you're giving thanks to whatever has helped you manage.'
'Do you really think your kindness is something that will be rewarded? Get your head out of the naivety cloud. Kindness is only repaid with betrayal.'

[He's quick to judge and offer out harsh lines. ]

Closed to Shion

[ Before tracking down Nezumi, his shadow looks for Shion. Weaknesses can't be allowed, after all. Though his defence is almost perfect, there's only one flaw that could threaten anything. After the shadow tracks him down, he grins. Once he handles Shion, his other self would be weakened, and he could show everyone what happens when you willingly accept such burdens into your life. ]

There you are.

SHINE YOUR LIGHT

[On the 25th, a new side of Nezumi will appear. Beneath layers of a scarred soul is someone who isn't entirely evil. His ability to fall so hard for Shion is born from the last little bit of himself that does want to trust, that wants a connection that means he isn't so alone, a connection that allows him to finally feel safe. It isn't a desire he can accept, but it won't entirely die.

Light Nezumi is kinder. Not entirely, but he's willing to approach people with a bit less hesitation. This shows when he approaches not to taunt, but to help, sarcastic as his words may still be. Are you hungry? Nezumi won't spare much, but he'll offer a little bit of food. Openly practising a fight? Want a partner? Sitting alone? Don't be surprised if Nezumi approaches, quoting a play.

But, perhaps the most notable feature is his singing. He'll be singing openly as he walks around town, but it isn't a normal voice for some of you. Some of the residents will find all sense of worry and fear disappearing, no matter how deep, no matter how ingrained they've become. ]

WILDCARD

[Feel free to go wild with either Shadow or Light here.]

(ooc | Please take a look at his warnings here as they may come up. If you want to tag but avoid these, just let me know. The permissions for Nezumi's singing ability is here. Please let me know if it's okay to use them. If you want to tag both shadow and light, that's great, too. You can do two different comments or whatever works best for you.

Finally, I can be reached at wrinklesintimes for plotting)

Shadow

[savedbyasong]

[Shion is not difficult to find. He has spent the morning since waking up from the Story Telling putting his house back to order. Aster wasn't there and it was clear she had been gone a while as well, food had spoiled, weeds were beginning to tangle in the garden area.

He had hope that she would return, but Excalibur and Thelassa were also missing, he could only hope that they had wandered off to find food and would be back soon. Nezumi's voice made him look up and smile in relief. He had been almost too afraid to check, as if not checking would make them any less gone.]

Nezumi! [He waves in greeting and bounds over.] Sorry that I was gone so long. It happens sometimes, we don't know where people go. Some of the time they come back.

The Knight | OTA

[lightlessfuture]

A. do your worst [shadow, 21st-23rd]

[ The Knight being tall isn't such an uncommon thing; they've proudly displayed their charm and used it enough times for it to be normal, as normal as growing up suddenly for a while gets. So, at first, you could be forgiven for mistaking the tall, horned figure as either their sibling, or themselves.

But the pattern on their cloak is subtly different; the item that pins the cloak closed, draws it tight around their shoulders, is in the shape of a brand they would never normally display, much less proudly.

But it's the whispering that constantly goes on around them, a humming, soft voice, that is the real giveaway to their identity...if it can be truly called one. The murmur of voices from their past, tattered dreams clinging to them like webs.

...My King... All for us...
Your light... Magnificent and true...

They wear it like a second skin, like they were born for this. Regal and cold and dispassionate, with no trace of friendliness.

Anyone who catches their attention receives clinical, almost unbearable scrutiny, an analyzing stare. Curiosity without emotion.

They don't speak

yet. ]

B. be your best [light, 25th-28th]

[ The child born from the need to keep things in balance is similar to the Knight yet again; but their personality isn't as drastic a change as their shadow was.

In fact, it might be hard to tell them apart at first. They're more openly affectionate, more honest about the way things make them feel - both their hurts and their happiness - but maybe the Knight's just gotten the idea that they need to be?

It will become obvious, in the end, when they start searching for their original in earnest. Asking anyone they come across, through hands and writing, if they've seen a bug who looks just like them.

But in the meantime, they're gentle and pleasant, willing to help and indulge and encourage others wherever they can. ]

C. shadows dream of endless fire [Closed to Grimm]

[ They're as tall as the Troupe Master, now. Drawn up to their full height, they might actually be a little taller.

They simply stare him down, the whispers around them going silent. Their empty gaze might be eerily reminiscent of a king Grimm once met, long, long ago. ]

D. wildcard

[ Got something else in mind? Go for it! ]

[fireindreams]

[He remembers the first time that same gaze locked eyes with him for the first time.

It had not at all been looking at him. The Pale King's gaze was one that stripped away the self and broke it down to the base components that made up a bug. What they were capable of, what they could offer him. What he could use.

The Pale King had not seen the Troupe Master, not ever. He saw the Nightmare King and once he finally met the God of Nightmares in person...he did not see either of them at all.

To see that same gaze coming from the Knight, even in their adult form, was unsettling. Grimm huffs a quiet laugh, shaking his head.]

That look does not suit you.

[The appearance, the gaze...all of this did not suit the Knight he knew, a gentle hand and a sharp blade. Just as the Troupe Master's Shadow was a monster in its own right, it appears to be the case here as well.

He knows the Knight. They would rather dash themself against spikes then willingly wear the Pale King's color.]

You are looking for them...correct?

[It is..not really a question.]

Troupe Master Grimm | Open

[fireindreams]

A) All that great heart lying still and slowly dying.

[Within the now foggy lands of Monsun visibility was at an all-time low. A desolate sight for those who are unused to such darkness but it was not too much of an issue for Grimm. It is a little dramatic but darkness has been his friend for a long enough time that did not matter as much if he could see or not, just as long as the Troupe Master's hearing wasn't impaired. But Grimm is not so foolish to stay on the side of the island that drew out his darker tendencies. Taking a leisurely stroll was one thing but there was no need to be foolish about it.

But it's such a shame. For today, people's dark sides will come to them.

For those who know the Troupe Master, they'll likely be familiar with his tendency towards a flashy entrance. Teleporting into a room was far more entertaining then simply walking somewhere to greet the crowd. And it appears to be more of the same...but it keeps happening. Firecrack after firecrack as Grimm teleports closer and closer until he is unfortunately on top of whoever is nearby, breathing heavily as if teleporting away was all he could do to get away from something.

And that something, appearing in a flash of smoke, is another Grimm. But this one stands far taller, looking down at his counterpart like little more then an insect.

(Soft-heart, failure of a God.)

The Shadow does not once regard whoever may be here. But Grimm will, an urgency in his voice that is unlike normal. Like he is....frightened.]

You need to get away. Now.


B) All that great heart lying still on an angel wing.

[It has been...a long time since he was small. Grimm's lifespan in this incarnation was over three thousand years old. Some lived longer, some shorter. All met their end at the appropriate time but it has been a long time since the first, since the God they were and were not was among mortals.

Since the Nightmare King was a child.

Come the 25th Grimm can be found safely on Enso, his Shadow dealt with. No longer chased down by the version of himself that hit far too closed to home he can breathe a sigh of relief. Or at least until someone else starts following him again.

For those who met the Nightmare King back in October, they will likely recognize the combination of reds and pinks of the God of Nightmare's appearance. What they may not expect is how short he's become, barely reaching Grimm's hips. His cloak is much shorter as well and does not reach the ground even with the tips. In short, it appears the "Terror of Sleep" is now kid-sized.

And...has picked up the habit of grabbing things to examine them? Be it stick, book, rocks or even someone's hands, Grimm's light side appears dead set on examining everything he can get his hands on.

Grimm himself is close by and watching curiously. It is...quite the change from his Shadow and he knows for a fact the Nightmare King was not like this, not even when he was "young".

What was going on?]


Closed to the Knight) And there forever remains that change from G to E minor.

[It didn't work.

No matter what he said, Grimm would not...why wouldn't he listen? It's not as if he outright refused, but...

Why? Why was he so afraid of what happened? Of...her.

One person. There was one other person that Grimm would listen to. Because they were the same, in a way. Betrayal that ran bone-deep. Down into the dark Abyss, cast away into forgotten realms.

And so Grimm's light side teleports away, knowing their real counterpart would follow. Knight. They needed to find the Knight.

Appearing near their shared house, the small Nightmare King begins to call out.]

Knight? Knight! I need your help!


[ooc: Plotting comment. Option A will likely contain violence as the Shadow will fight anyone who interferes with his battle with Grimm. People are welcomed to tag one or both prompts if they wish to interact with Grimm's Shadow and Light sides!]

closed

[lightlessfuture]

[ It sure has been busy around here. Not just dealing with their own fears, but other people's; they're feeling a bit battered, and so they're using this time, when things have apparently become more peaceful, to rest.

But someone calling for help gets their attention immediately, of course. It's a voice they don't quite recognise, but it's still familiar enough that they drop what they were previously doing to attend to it.

They're momentarily startled by the appearance of..whoever this is. They recognise the Nightmare King, yes, but..

When did he get so small??

Well, never mind. Apparently he needs help, so they'll give it. They look around, and then tilt their head inquisitively.

What's wrong? ]

ASGORE | OTA

[journalname]

a: morning of January 21, Enso

[While traveling around Enso today, one might encounter a boss monster!

In size and general shape, he very much resembles Asgore. But unless Asgore's stumbled across LifeAftr's only cache of black hair dye, it's probably not quite him. This guy's wearing a tall iron crown, and is dressed in a long, dramatic black cape, which swirls behind him as he stalks around the island. It actually looks fairly menacing!

He ruins the mystique nearly the second he sees anyone, of course.]

You! [He throws out a hand dramatically. The cape shifts, revealing that he is not wearing a shirt underneath it. He's got a six-pack. And then another six-pack next to that. Shadow Asgore has far more abs than seems anatomically possible, and they are all so chiseled you guys.] Fight me!

[He summons a giant meat cleaver out of nowhere. It's got a lot of spikes on it for some reason. As if that wasn't enough, a second later the entire thing bursts into flame. He's gonna hit you with this really extra cleaver, watch out.]

b: January 21st - 23rd, Enso and surrounding islets

[Later in that day and throughout the next few, Edgegore will be accompanying Asgore on his daily routine! Nobody is happy about this.

The two are even easier to distinguish when together. Asgore is wearing a pastel pink polo shirt and khaki shorts today, and is carrying a little basket in one hand, which he is gradually filling with mangoes as he forages around the island. Though he tends to keep his less pleasant feelings close to his chest, he seems pretty openly bewildered by the black-clad spectre following him around.]

You're the true villain. The world would be better off if you were dead.

I did tell Wheatley something very like that once. Do you...know who he is?

Of course I do! I'm you, if you just admitted what you REALLY are! You're a murderer! You're the cause of all the suffering in your kingdom. How could someone like you really deserve a second chance? You're so evil, you gouged Undyne's eye out with your thumb!

[Asgore, who has been mostly taking all of this with little protest, stops up short at that.] I beg your pardon, what?

You're the most evil person to ever live! You've slaughtered millions! Bwahahahahaha!

[Asgore watches his double laugh evilly. He looks like he's strongly considering trying to ditch the guy.]

c: January 25th - 28th

[Asgore's Light, on the other hand, is nearly indistinguishable from the real deal. He's dressed in gardening clothes, an outfit that makes sense even if it's nothing that Asgore currently owns, and can be found wandering Enso much of the time.

He's not seeking out anybody in particular. If anything, he's avoiding areas where Asgore normally goes. But when he sees someone Asgore is friendly with, he lifts a hand and calls out in greeting.]

Howdy! May I have a moment of your time?

c1: TEA

[At other times, Asgore's Light fairly stations himself inside Denny. He's got water! He's got tea leaves! He's got fire magic! He smiles warmly at anyone who happens inside. It's been a difficult week for everyone, after all, and this is the sort of thing Asgore would like to do himself.]

Would you like a cup of tea?

a

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

What.

The request isn't even that particularly unusual to Faust - heavens knows why he's used to it, but he nevertheless is - but the actual person requesting it most certainly is. It's like somebody took that kindly goat-person from the beach and tried to make him more commercially appealing to youth from five generations ago.

...oh well. He's not going to get any answers standing here and squinting: With a quick blur of movement, he spins his giant scalpel around him as a Shaolin Monk would a quarterstaff, finishing with it brandished towards the ground with one hand, and the other making the devils horns at this painful-to-look-at Gothic art reject.

"You should have come sooner, for I am a trained professional in mental health and counselling! You need not fear, for I shall heal you of this malady that has tainted your soul to it's very core, no consultation fees apply!"

Disclaimer: Doctor Faust is not a licensed mental health professional of any sort.

"I DON'T NEED YOUR INSURANCEEEEE!"

His familiar battle cry unleashed, he charges forward into the fray, weapon levelled like a pikeman ready to receive oncoming cavalry.

the drifter | ota

[hyperlit]

JANUARY 21ST - 22ND ; SHADOW ; i should've never let myself get attached

[A slow, stuttering slide across a skewed surface. An asymptote crossed. Something clicking into place. Eyes, just a little too dark, reflecting an eerie light when a bright beam cuts across.]

[But other than that - indistinguishable.]

[It stands a little straighter. It is not doubled over in periodic coughing fits. Its expression - closed, even further locked in opposition to the mirror of itself. Its companion sprite bobs silently alongside it. It looks out over the waters and the jungles, and it moves with an unrelenting and unswerving focus. When it encounters something, it moves past it, or through it - whichever comes first.]

[And god help whatever might get in its way.]

[It won't stop for you, or anything. Unless you happen to be attached to the real thing. Then...well, then it might have a little something to say.]

[Aloud.]

JANUARY 23RD ; SHADOW/REAL ; every day is a fight for my life to get some self-control

[In the distance, on the shores of Ensō, on a flat spray of beach, two figures have locked in something vicious and combative. They are twins to one another in nearly every respect - brightly colored bullets that streak into one another, the collision of cyan blades and the piercing, bright hum of hard light energy slamming into ruthless alignment. They twist and ribbon around one another, valuing speed more than they do brute strength.]

[There are differences, subtly evident the longer one looks. One of the drifters moves with more confidence, unhindered by a horrible and toxic leaching in their blood and their lungs. The other is kept on the defensive; more often than not, they sacrifice any openings to capitalize on their double's more brazen tactics in order to effect a retreat, out of necessity. They cannot keep up this dance forever, while the other one can.]

[And, of course, there's the more obvious difference - that one of them will not stop talking.]

[It sounds - ]
[wrong.]

[Strange, grating, and ghastly. It's like coal-smoke and steel scraped over rock. It sounds like something broken, glass shards caught between the trembling strands of dying vocal cords. It's low and tumbling, a fluid cascade of unrelenting commentary; darkling-deep and savagely cruel.]

"You cannot lie to me."

[The Drifter ducks the swipe of their double's blade. The gleam of cerulean momentarily reflects the retinal shine, the eerie gleam of something animal and unearthly in its obsidian gaze.]

"You have betrayed your calling. You have betrayed what you stood for."

[The Drifter swings. Their Shadow meets their strike with a well-placed parry. Cyan sparks flare out from the point of contact, and the two circle away again.]

"You have become attached."

[The Drifter dashes backwards to avoid another predatory swing.]

"You are ATTACHED."

[The word shrills like a wrought-iron tear, like something being shredded apart.]

"You have let yourself become attached, and you cannot bear it. You cannot bear what you have become. You cannot sever those ties, even as you know you should, even as you know you would be STRONGER for it, because you are the same dying thing that you have always been and always will be." [Their blades meet. The Drifter digs their heels into the sand. Their double presses forward, and sends them skidding back through sheer strength.] "You are already dead. You will break them."

[They know.]

"You will break them with your failure and your loss and you cannot stop it."

[They know.]

"You have enacted a cruelty that you lack the strength to stop. You have become attached, and this is your fault, and yours alone."

[They KNOW.]

"YOU CANNOT RUN FROM IT."

[They - ]

"YOU ARE A FAILURE IN DEATH JUST AS YOU WERE IN LIFE."

[They - ]

[They charge their Shadow soundlessly, always and forever soundlessly. It dodges them easily, catches a fistful of their cloak with their free hand, and slams their knee into the small of the Drifter's back with a brutality that sends them tumbling.]

"YOU WILL LEAVE NOTHING BUT DESTRUCTION IN YOUR WAKE, AND YOU CALL THIS KINDNESS."

[The Drifter does not get up.]

"WHAT PART OF THIS - " [It seizes them by the back of their cloak once more, flips them over, and fists gloved hands into the front of their tunic, a handful of fabric that it uses to yank them halfway off the ground with a hard light blade hovering inches from their throat.] " - WILL LEAVE THE WORLD BETTER THAN IT WAS. WHAT PART OF THIS - [The world peels from its throat, coarse with derision, low and icy and corrosive.] - IS KINDNESS."

[The Drifter shuts their eyes.]

[They know.]
[They've always known.]

[It's why they didn't...]
[They could not bear to let themself get attached.]

JANUARY 25TH - 28TH ; LIGHT ; and i'm the one with the lighter

[The Drifter sits.]

[Anyone who knows them very well might find this odd. They're not one for sitting and resting and waiting, not truly. They are a creature of action, and they seldom stop for anything. But this version of them - this Drifter sits partially reclined, one leg drawn up, one arm draped across its knee, seemingly at rest.]

[Or maybe you see this version of them kneeling, inspecting the surrounding grasses and jungles on Ensō, seemingly at complete peace as it watches a snail crawl up along the length of an outstretched finger. At the beach, you might glimpse it turning a displaced snapling over, so it may squirm its way back to the sea waters.]

[Unfailingly gentle, and even at peace.]

[A strange change of pace, considering the Drifter's typical state of being.]

[How curious.]

WILDCARD ; god what happened to my heart?

[My plotting comment is right over here, though you can always get on touch via my discord (zero#8942) or over at arrpee! I will match prose or brackets!]

23rd

[lightlessfuture]

[ What part of this is kindness, it says in a distorted voice, lashing the Drifter with their words.

(Here is a memory; the Drifter's confusion at their lack of name, their inability to speak, their silent insistence that they should learn how.

A voice freely given, a kindness, a gift.)

The Knight has none.

Lacking a voice to protest or argue, they opt for a spirited attempt to stab the Drifter's unearthly doppelganger in the eye instead. ]

Foster van Denend | OTA

[cacoethes_mori]

Shadow Foster, 21st - 23rd (pls specify if you want Real Foster to join this)

Foster, or what appears to be Foster, is not an unusual sight around Enso or Nuidan. Constant wanderer that he is, he seems more compelled to keep moving for the sake of movement than any real purpose in constant travel around and between the islands. But it's possible you already saw Foster today, possibly even on a different island. And it's possible there's something about this Foster, or the other Foster, that seems.... different. Normal mannerisms, like the way he rarely seems to open his eyes all the way, that are worn differently--like he's bored, or displeased with something that isn't immediately obvious. Like his engagement is perfunctory, or performative, an irritant that he's bound to but feels no obligation to pretend he enjoys.

That's the look he's giving you, actually.

That's the look he gives you before he drops what he's doing (which appeared to be contemplating a heavy growth of orange bracket fungus on his left arm) and approaching--not with ducked shoulders and lifted head, but like a normal fucking person who has 90% of a horse for a lower body. Who is... smiling? Okay, maybe it is Foster.

"You're exactly who I was looking for."

FIGHT | ACT | ITEM | MERCY

Light Foster, 25th-28th

The first weird thing here is that Foster is wearing a shirt. Admittedly, said shirt reads ASK ME ABOUT MY RABIES in large bold text, but it's still a shirt, and Foster has not actually a worn a shirt at any point since his arrival from the interdimensional fae carnival he hasn't told anyone at all about.

The second weird thing is.... uh, he seems pretty relaxed, actually. One hind leg is cocked slightly so that foot is resting comfortably on the tips of its three hoof-toes. He's smiling, and that's not unusual, but he waves? Which is not actually that unusual either. Okay, maybe this is just... Foster. Like, the normal one. Or. You know. Foster's brand of normal, which is equal or even adjacent to exactly no one's idea of normal, but he's not a shadow, at least.

Which he proves as he glances behind him, apparently checking to see if anyone else is around before he makes his approach.

"Mmmm." A familiar, pensive sound. "Not to be too obvious, but you're giving me a look. I have three guesses, and the first two don't count: you don't like me." He doesn't look bothered, but he seems... amused? "I'm not surprised, but what did it? Is it the mushrooms? The necromancy? My charming personality? It's not the shirt, I picked it to compensate for my personality. Oh--if it's the body, I can't figure out how to put pants on back there. I don't even know what size a horse's ass wears. You'll just have to deal."

He's just... shooting the shit with you. Casually.

Foster vs. Foster(????), 25th only

"Fuck you." Foster (shirtless), addressing Foster (wearing a shirt that reads GOURMET but the GOUR part is crossed out, as is the T, and the word VORE is written in front in a scratchy font so now it says VORE ME.) They're otherwise identical in every way, physically speaking. The same fur and claws, the same sherbet-green hair clip, the same fungi--in the same colours and in the same places, down to the number of caps in each cluster.

But Foster (shirtless) has his claws in his hair, a snarl on his face that could be anguish or agony or anger or some combination thereof, while Foster (shirted) has his head turned away, his brow slightly creased but expression oddly dispassionate. Like this is annoying but not especially effective.

"Fuck you, fuck you." Foster (shirtless) is curling in on himself tighter, his prehistoric teeth bared, jaw clenched, his eyes no longer rolled with a ring of white, but shutting against whatever it is he hates so much about his other half. "You're not fucking real. I know. You are not fucking real, you are not--you--" He has to stop to breathe, but barely does before continuing, "you are not fucking real, I know you, I know you, I know you and your lie--"

He lets go of his hair with first one paw and then finally the other as he digs in his bag, fumbling, taking an awkwardly long amount of time to finally produce a rubber duck of all things, which he brandishes at Foster (shirted), whose expression creases indecipherably.

"This is your proof." The vicious intensity of his hatred and the raw satisfaction of being right are both evident in his voice.

This is totally normal. This is totally normal and the unshirted Foster was breathing hard and now he's barely breathing; the shirted Foster looks genuinely upset by the heavily worn rubber ducky between them. This is your chance to back away before--

Too late.

"Don't believe him," they both say at the exact same time. They have the exact same (pained) expression.

WILDCARD

[Shadow Foster and Light Foster are available for other shenanigans during this time, or you can like... approach Actual Foster and tell him his shadow's a dick! I'm sure he'd appreciate that, actually. Hit me up on Plurk or Discord if you wanna discuss a thing!]

Light Foster

[bitch4bitch]

Okay, first of all, since when does Foster wear... anything. Like, don't get her wrong, she's glad not to have his naked torso right up in her face, but also, objectively, this is weird? It's weird. A lot about this is weird.

So, to start with: She makes a face at that shirt. "Y'know, I hadn't really figured you were actually rabid, but I guess it's not surprising."

Chara | OTA

[achievementhunter]

21st || Have I Lost Sight Of Everything

[Just like everyone else in the archipelago, Chara looks to be enjoying the presence of two shadows, today. One is more of a staple than anything- in the sunlight, it stretches out across the ground, replicating Chara's motions exactly as they head towards the temple, then to Denny, then the elf camp- anywhere that people of interest to them are liable to be found.

Their second shadow has an oversized, tie-dye shirt tossed over its head.

It doesn't seem to notice. Or- it does, and doesn't care? As Chara ventures onwards, it follows along at a steady pace... right up until it walks itself into a tree.

So maybe it cares a little. Maybe it just-- can't even handle a shirt.

Either way, Chara is looking increasingly unimpressed by the second.]

25th || Did I Get This All

[By the 25th, however, Chara will be a little harder to locate. No longer hindered by the absolute joke dogging their every step- and with more than one thing to think about, this gremlin is saying a big "fuck that" to socializing for a few days, thank you very much.

In the meantime, their Light has decided to do some gardening.

In the early morning, or just before dusk, 'Chara' can be found working on the garden beds across the islets. Efficient, but careful, they always finish their own gardens quickly enough- and then it's off to tend to the rest of the flowerbeds and vegetable patches they can find, quiet, but- enjoying themself.

Passersby will get a brief smile and a nod of acknowledgment. Those who linger will eventually garner a soft, self-conscious laugh as 'Chara' ducks their head, murmuring;]

If you want me to leave, I will- but in a moment. I'm almost finished.

CLOSED TO Amateratsu, Asgore, Frisk, Ignis, the Knight, Lup, Muffet, Ren, and Tim.
iii. || Wrong?

[Gardening won't be the only thing they engage in. At all other times of the day and night, this particular Light haunts very specific places. The entrance to a certain shack. A cozy looking restaurant. A garden in a mountain temple. Wherever they need to be, they are.

Where you commonly tread; all your haunts, all the places Chara would expect to find you-- that's where they need to be. So they are.

And their eyes alight on someone they've been looking for, 'Chara' smiles. Bright and genuine, it remains where it is- unhindered by all the things that would usually dash it off their face like it wasn't there at all.]

Hello. [Chara says. Their voice is- warm. Fond.] I understand that you're busy, but would I be able to steal a moment of your time?

iii

[lightlessfuture]

[ They're working on the garden when 'Chara' comes to see them. They're here at the same time, diligently working every day, like clockwork; it's a comfortable routine, and one they're familiar with.

They're easy to find.

At the familiar voice, they look up. It's a little strange, to see Chara smile that way, but...

If their friend - their mentor - is happy, then who are they to question it? They put down their tools and stand, tilting their head in curiosity. Speaking with their hands in a language that is now intimately familiar to them. ]

Of course
What do you need

Faust | OTA

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

i. Yin (Dud!Shadow, 21st-23rd Jan)

As one goes about their daily tasks upon the islands, one may find themselves accosted by a mysterious stranger: Faust, but...not Faust. They wear a Hot Topic bag, as black as the depths of the soul and decorated with a skull - one of its eyes hollowed out to allow the 'good doctor' to see what he is doing - alongside an equally as black wig, long and flowing like that of a death metal band's lead singer. This is to say nothing of their attire, one giant leather trench coat (yep, also black) big enough to cover all 9'3" feet of lanky man.

And now, he approaches! With a voice like that of an elderly toad, he cries out to you, and you alone!

"Well, well, well. If it isn't another one of Doctor Faust's victims of malpractice! What did he do this time, relocate your shoulder the wrong way? Mix your painkillers with laxatives? I bet he didn't even offer to cover your insurance, the swindling no-good unskilled insidious gene-doping conniving unusually-tall scum-sucking pathetic bastard he is! Why, oh why, do you people keep crawling back to him?!"

Truly the scandal of the century.

ii. Yang (Light, 25th-28th Jan)

Days later, a new Faust-like entity has replaced the previous. This one doesn't fare much better for attire...in that he has none, beyond wearing a bag of his own: a recyclable shopping bag, yet again with a singular eyehole poked through. That said, flowing out from within the depths of said bag is a ginormous grey beard, thick and long enough to censor most of his torso and the entirety of his pelvic region. Good luck not looking at his arse, though. However, unlike his predecessor, he seems more affable towards simply planting said arse in the middle of the more busier areas of the islands, telling tales of medical heroism and compassion to all those within earshot.

"-but he refused to give up on young Lin, even though her friends and family had, for he knew her pain far more than he would ever let on. Everyone else had abandoned her to her fate, but our good doctor held steadfast even under the scrutiny of his closest colleagues. All the way to her final breath, he gave her all the love and compassion of a hundred people. And when she passed, he wept with equally as much grief."

They're not all happy stories. But they have the same recurring theme - That Doctor Faust, a man of indomitable integrity and love, for all his miracles and genius, is still a man at his core. Flawed and very capable of mistakes, but worthy of the same kindness he gave his patients all the same.

iii. Taiji (Wild Card, 21st-28th Jan)

(It's a strange, chaotic situation at the moment. It can also be a time of infinite potential, if you feel so inclined.)

1

[lightlessfuture]

Faust was nice to them, so they look for him even in a strange time. He's fairly new, after all, so they'd like to at least know how he's doing with his first odd occurrence here.

But they....ah.

They're a bit confused, actually. They don't know how to deal with this.

They just sort of...stare...blankly, their head tilting slowly to the side in a look of utter confusion, as much as they can express this with a completely blank mask for a face.

They sure don't know a bunch of those words. And the ones they do know are just muddying the waters.

the hollow knight | ota

[sealedvessel]

i. no mind to think (.shadow)
[There are lines drawn along the ground.

Not metaphorically speaking; whether or not anyone is figuratively drawing a line in the sand is nothing to worry about right now. No, this particular line is entirely literal. And the source of it is easy enough to trace.

It is the Hollow Knight, their nail drawn and carried behind them, scraping along the ground and leaving the telltale marks everywhere. Or... it looks like the Hollow Knight, certainly. But they are acting odd. Odder than usual.

They are wandering, with a posture more hunched than usual. And far from how they usually are, when they're observing everything around them, they seem entirely disinterested in everything. And everyone for that matter... so long as you don't get too close.

If you do... their head snaps up quickly to look straight at you. And they will continue to stare, either until you leave or you actually choose to approach even more.

...If your hearing is good, however, you might hear something before catching their attention. It's muttering. Which can't be, of course. The Hollow Knight has no voice to call their own. But it's there. Faint, echoing... A completely dull and lifeless monotone. They are repeating the same words, over and over...

"Do not think. Do not speak. Do not hope."

...and over and over and over...]

ii. no will to break (.light)
[After all the business with the shadows is over and done with, the Hollow Knight can be spotted behaving oddly again, days later. But this time, the effect is far less ominous.

Actually, right from the start, something is off. Their cloak, usually ragged and a dark, drab color, is instead a bright grey and looks far cleaner. Combined with their posture, no longer weary but confident and maybe even lively, it makes for a stunning change.

The only word that truly described them now is bright.

They are looking for theirself, of course. The real them, that is here somewhere. Finding them hs been a challenge. But the Hollow Knight's light self isn't discouraged. In fact, they're quite enjoying the search.

Often, you can find them stopping to look around their surroundings or just to take a breather. You'll likely find them looking at the clouds, excitedly pointing out an interestingly shaped one to whomever is near.

Or they might be gesturing, curiously... it's a little hard to follow, but it does seem as if they're asking where their "real" self is. They aren't hurrying, though. It's going to be difficult and they know this.

Oh, do they know this...]

i

[lightlessfuture]

[ It's not really something the Hollow Knight does much any more. Acting like that, dragging their nail along the ground.

(It fills them with a sudden fear. Is it here? Is she here?)

They approach with caution, then. Not quite fear, because...

No, they are scared. They are scared of what this might mean. It shakes them to their core.

But still, they push forward. They approach regardless.

Sibling...? ]

Ardyn Izunia | ota | cw: crucifixion, suicidal ideation

[scourgingstars]

[a; shadow; rivers in a dry land]

[It was, at first glance, a pitiful creature in torn shreds of clothes. Too thin, too pale, with long and ragged auburn hair mostly held in a hastily made ponytail reaching halfway down his back. Broken chains trailed along the ground, ending in harsh metal spikes jammed into his shoulders, sides, and through his hands. He staggered more than walked, on unsteady legs that seemed like they'd not been used in longer than any human could remember.]

[But it would be a mistake to think him anything but a danger. Not with how shadow itself seemed to collect around him and come off that too-pale skin like smoke, a black miasma bleeding from where the spikes cut flesh in black rather than crimson. The same cursed darkness traveled along his skin as veins of a visible corruption. It turned his eyes an inhuman gold against black, running own his face like tears.]

[When he spoke, it was in a growl turned hoarse from disuse, and the sentiment said to himself was a very simple one.]

Destroy...destroy, destroy everything--

[b; light; the last ace in a lost hand]

[Later on, another appeared on the islands; a man dressed all in shades of white covered by a long hooded cloak. His hair was so dark red as to nearly be black and tied back in a short ponytail, his appearance disheveled and scruffy as though he'd been traveling out in the wilderness for a few days.]

[A stoic and severe look was nearly constant on his face, and yet when he spoke...there was something calming about his presence. Unkempt as his appearance was, this Ardyn gave off the aura of collected competence; as if he had everything of the situation well in hand. When he came across someone on the islands, he greeted them politely with a slight incline of his head and asked a simple question:]

Do you know where I might find Ignis Scientia?

[Because, among other things, his 'self' would surely be there.]

[c; wildcard; when the hope of new beginnings burned our feet]

[anything else you can think of, come at me]

b - light

[suspecteverything]

[Jules knows full well not to judge someone from appearances. He has looked far worse than Ardyn at various points in his life after all. He's also looked as dangerous. Not that Jules is remotely worried about that at the moment. Even without his extra senses, he can tell there's no need for concern here - though he's not letting his guard down anyway since that's just the way he is.]

Maybe.

[There isn't quite sarcasm in that answer, but it's close. He can't help it.]

tim wright | mostly ota

[postictal]

JANUARY 21ST - 22ND ; SHADOW ; perfect howl of emptiness

[It stands a little straighter, free of the perpetual slump that hunches Tim's shoulders and bows his head. It's cleaner shaven. Its eyes aren't as sunken and shadowed with lack of sleep.]

[It has a lighter in its hand, square and silver. Every so often, the flame spits to life and fizzles out again, a compulsive, repetitive click-click of a thumb on a spark wheel. Something about it seems strangely withdrawn, and not in the way one might associate with one Timothy Wright.]

"Hey." [When it sees someone, it calls out to them in a whisper. It's almost like it's afraid to raise its voice.] "Hey. C'mere."

[It's not Tim's dour mood, or even his rarer warmth and friendliness. It's something quietly, earnestly...eager, almost.]

[There's something it really, really wants to show you.]

JANUARY 23RD ; OPEN to ONE ; when they see shadows like these

[Tim is running.]

[Tim is running fast and hard, whipping through the jungles of Ensō, tearing branches out of the way, clearing roots in nimble leaps. There's an oiled coordination that Tim himself ordinarily lacks, moving with more confidence, with more assertion, with more resolve. The same determination that roots deep in Tim's very soul, but now with something almost like self-assurance to back it up.]

[Only now - that determination is being poured into running, running as far and as fast as possible, and also calling out, loudly - ]

"Someone help!"

[Running from something that Tim doesn't want to see. Or maybe - something that something else wants to have seen.]

[Either way, Tim's going to need your help.]

JANUARY 25TH - 27TH ; LIGHT ; but no one screams 'cause it's just me

[And then...]

[Then there's only one. Or two, maybe. But for now, for now all you get is - just the one. A Tim that doesn't smell of cigarettes so much as it does sand and salt and wind. It looks well-rested and maybe its face is still lined with exhaustion that comes with, perhaps, working as hard as it did to carve out something resembling happiness for itself.]

[When it sees you, it smiles at you.]

[It looks at you with warmth and with undeniable fondness.]

"Hey," [it says softly, not unlike its Shadowy counterpart.]

JANUARY 28TH ; LIGHT/REAL ; locked up in myself never gonna get free

Stop it, [Tim whispers. He looks at his other self something approaching absolute devastation.]

"I can't do that," [the Light says simply, not unkindly. It almost looks...sad, even, that it's reached this point.] "There's only two ways that this ends."

What's the other way? [says Tim, quietly.]

[The Light doesn't answer. It just looks at him steadily. That, in and of itself, is a bitter answer enough. The real Tim hisses through his teeth, glances to one side, combing his hands up through his hair and grimacing, trying not to look as distraught as he feels. God, and does he feel it.]

I can't, [he whispers.]

"You have to."

Don't make -

"Tim." [The Light smiles at him - a bittersweet, pained half-smile that looks like it hurts with how right-handed it is.] "This will never be the worst thing you've ever done. That you've ever had to do. It's just the hardest. For now."

I can't -

"You keep saying that." [It touches two fingers to the center of its chest.] "It only worked when you didn't have anything to fight for."

[And now - now, it knows. Of course it knows.]

[It knows that he has so much that he can't afford to lose.]

WILDCARD ; someone needs to clean up this mess

[My plotting comment is right over here, though you can always get on touch via my discord (zero#8942) or over at arrpee! I will match prose or brackets!]

light, january 26

[antepone]

[ It's--

It's different. To see Tim looking like this. Softened, well-rested--she won't deny that it's good to see, but all the same, she isn't particularly sure how to react. She's still getting use to being wanted here. Loved, in some ways.

She looks like a deer caught in headlights. ]

... Tim?

agent washington | ota

[counterblows]

JANUARY 21ST - 23RD ; SHADOW ; just another broken man

[He arrives in full armor. He...it? He. It.]

[The Shadow is indistinguishable from the original. The SPARTAN-styled armor, lighter and less durable and not nearly as so fucking indestructible, the motocross helmet with the faceshielding of Duraplex gold, the silver-gray sheen of the armor with the flashes of yellow-gold paint bright along the ridges, and no glimpse of its eyes whatsoever.]

[It shucks the mag from its battle rifle, checks its ammunition, and slots it back into place. It snaps the rifle to the mag-strip at its back, and draws a knife instead. It's sleek, slender, aerodynamic. It's meant to be thrown, though it can double for close combat.]

[Agent Washington was always shit at C.Q.C.]

[It was a little too personal for a man who fought to be intensely impersonal in almost every respect.]

[If it sees you, you might want to watch out. You'll hear the high-pitched hiss of a knife being flung directly at you, unless you can get out of the way in time.]

JANUARY 25TH - 28TH ; LIGHT ; you got me acting like the old me

[And then, by contrast...]

[The Light sheds its armor almost immediately. It looks functionally identical to the real thing: skin the color of old, busted-up copper, spattered with freckles and scar tissue. The dark, graying roots brighten to an acid, achingly blonde muss of horrible helmet hair. There's a less disgruntled cast to the grayish steel color of its eyes, and maybe most perplexingly, it smiles with an open sincerity that the real Agent Washington hasn't been capable of expressing in years.]

[If it sees you, it'll wave, an almost anxious little bob of motion.]

"Hey. Uh - hey. Hi there." [It genuinely looks pleased to see you.] "Sorry to bother you. I'm just - looking for someone, if you can help?"

WILDCARD ; can i get a witness

[Confrontations between Real/Shadow and Real/Light miiiight happen in threads down the line for any of yall who might be interested; let's hash it out if that's the case! My plotting comment is right over here, though you can always get on touch via my discord (zero#8942) or over at arrpee! I will match prose or brackets!]

Light

[jelliclerats]

[ Nezumi is instantly distrustful, but really, that's his default. Had this been the Western District, he would have instantly refused. Maybe he should anyway. Instead, for now, he raises an eyebrow. ]

Probably not. Who are you looking for?

[savedbyasong]

Shadow

General

[It's been a while since anyone on these islands has seen any Shion and it first might not be all that noticeable that this one is different. For Shion staying calm and in control is a battle he fights daily, under the surface.

But today it seems that battle has taken over. Shion seems terrified and furious at the same time. His body language is that of prey that wishes to both fight and flee at the same time and is at war with themselves over which is the better option.

He stalks the islands. Much of the time he can be found wherever Nezumi is, or around the Monkey Compounds near Connor's house. An overzealous guard dog. Ready to kill anyone who wishes to harm or otherwise inconvenience them. Other times he can be found staring hopelessly at the ocean, glaring at the Story Tellers temple or actively seeking out Shion's friends.

Where Shion normally filters everything he says through five layers of overthinking this shadow version is all too happy to tell people exactly what he thinks. Much of the time the anger is turned inwards but he is all too happy to spill exactly what Shion thinks of those around him.]

Confrontation

[Two figures stand facing each other outside of Shion's hut on the islets. Identical in every way they stand facing each other. Anger, fear and hurt flickering over both their faces. One speaks.]

Are you not even going to try and deny me?

[He was met by silence as a million emotions flickered over Shion's face. Then the other speaks, his voice a whisper.] What would be the point?

Light

[Again it might be difficult at first to tell this light from the real thing. The Light can be found around the island helping anyone who needs it, a ready smile on his face.

He seems more at ease. Like the shadow version he is a lot more honest about what he is thinking and feeling, but whereas the Shadow was predominantly self destructive this Light is more productive. He is still a facet of Shion so can be awkward, but will try and work through situations rather than withdraw.

One of the things he is very honest about is that he is going to need help if he is to be accepted by Shion.] Hello! [If you know Shion or not, the Light greats everyone kindly and is happy to talk.]

Wildcard

((OOC: Anything else? Just let me know. I am planning to tag around with Actual Shion but if you specifically want something with him feel free to use this top level and indicate you want the real one!))

Shadow - while his shadow is confronting the real Shion

[jelliclerats]

[ Now that Shion lives alone, Nezumi stops by more often. More and more, he's even staying for dinner. Tonight, he decides to take it a step further and actually make dinner. With actual food and spices.

It's so odd to have resources.

Before Shion's shadow self can find him, Nezumi spots the shadow. He carries a bag in his hand as he's been shopping for the surprise.

It's not often that Nezumi's surprises are good ones. ]

You're out too? Good. I can use more hands.

Pyrrha Nikos | OTA

[tokenflavortownie]

Shadow: 21st - 23rd [They see nightmares, a mutant swarm]
[There's a figure wandering around the Enso islands, calling out at random for someone with a frantic concern.]

Janue? Jaune?!

[Even if the voice isn't familiar at all, she quickly reveals herself wherever there are others. It's Pyrrha! Except she doesn't look quite like herself. Pyrrha isn't usually this... short, and her hair isn't typically this long. In fact, her whole color scheme seems noticeably darker.

"Pyrrha" is also seemingly unsure of everything, looking conflicted even as she approaches a denizen of the islands.]

Excuse me, I'm sorry. I just wanted to ask if you've seen an adorable person named Jaune? [Her expression grows apologetic.] If not, well... uh, I'm sorry again? It's just that he's so, so very important, unlike me.

[She'll wander off sometimes after that. Other times, she might persist, even throwing out a matter-of-fact sort of threat that, yes, she can break your legs if she really wanted to. And that javelin of hers does look rather sharp.

And eventually, whoever's the last to tell her that they don't know what she's talking about are going to find that this tiny Pyrrha is prone to sad breakdowns... and impressive displays of magnetism that aren't very impressive when every piece of metal for a square mile is coming for your head.]


Light: 25th - 28th [I see beauty underneath]
[Once again, out of the blue, comes another Pyrrha Nikos to these islands. Though some people may not even notice that at first. This one isn't short, or prone to accidental Semblance usage.

This one seems to just exude sunshine, with all the kindness and compassion of the real Pyrrha. Is someone having trouble with literally anything? Here she comes with a friendly smile on her face.]

Hello! I couldn't help noticing you could use some help over here, and I know I'm not supposed to try and help with every problem, but...

[Even if you don't need help with anything, she'll take it in stride, apologizing and moving on. But if you need anything, let her know, kay?

She's trying to get somewhere, but is evidently in no rush. She can even be caught humming or singing a certain song. She seems to know it by heart.]

Wildcard
[For whatever other shenanigans you're up for!]

23rd

[savedbyasong]

Jaune? [Shion shakes his head and then takes in Pyrrha's appearance. What had happened? He was aware by this point that there were doppelgangers around, people that looked and sounded like the people they were copying but seemed more truthful, harsher.

But this didn't even look like Pyrrha. Or at least it did... But also it didn't. What was going on?] I haven't seen Jaune in a long time, I'm not even sure he's still here.

Jules Dagger Samari

[suspecteverything]

Shadow

Jules' shadow is prowling the islands, purposefully searching for anyone who might have wronged Jules at any point. Even a slight wrong is worth paying for in the shadow's mind. Look at the shadow strangely as you walk past and that might just be enough for it to attack. This shadow is even more trigger happy than the real Jules.

Jules doesn't go looking for trouble. Okay, he sort of does, but not to this level. He doesn't take this level of revenge either. And it's starting to piss him off.

"I have a bad enough reputation without you making it worse!"

((Let me know if you'd rather face just the Shadow or Jules and the Shadow.))


Light - Not so Anonymous Gifts

Those how have received anonymous help before - magically filled water barrels, unexpected medical supplies, foodstuff mysteriously appearing - may find the amount of gifts increasing. They may not be so anonymous anymore either. Jules' Light is making no effort to conceal what it's doing. It's even asking for requests, all to be given freely of course.

Those who haven't received anything aren't to be left out either. The Light is wandering the islands, offering braided strands of rope and random food to any passing stranger.

"Would you like these? Or is there anything I can do to help?"

Light

[savedbyasong]

"Than you." Shion smiled at Dagger, so glad to see him. It was strange to learn he had been away for so long, Aster still hadn't returned and Shion was worried about all his friends, those he hadn't seen yet.

The shadows had been hard to deal with, other peoples as well as his own and he was exhausted but at least things seemed to be back to normal now. Or at least as normal as anything ever was on these islands. He had noticed the foodstuffs, he had suspected it was Dagger for a while but had had no proof. He had not been about to confront him either, Dagger would just be weird about it.

"I'm just glad to see you."

mira | ota

[antepone]

shadows bleed and the locks will break: 21-23

[ She's already had to face her fears. It should stand to reason that they're settled, right? She has a blade to prove it.

A shame those fears and flaws are so deep-seated. A single confrontation isn't enough to blot them out.

So, what's here is a Mira with a far more guarded expression. It borders on hostile--or it's absolute fear. Regardless, the Shadow is approached, it lifts a red, glass dagger in front of itself. ]

Don't come any closer!

wild light, glowing bright to guide me: 25-28

[ And as the Shadow fades, it brings a Light. The Light is significantly more open, friendly. It seems more comfortable in its own skin, and when it's approached, it fixes them with a smile. It's genuinely happy to see... well, whoever's approached it.

Most notable, if you've seen Mira around, is the absence of any sort of weapon at her hip. What she does have is a bag that's full of various things. ]

Hi. Do you need anything? Food, water...?

we fear rejection, prize attention, crave affection

[ the wildcard option! hmu at sweetstacks if you'd like a specific starter. ]

CW: violence, like, immediately,

[cacoethes_mori]

[The thing is, knives don't really scare Foster. Any Foster. Threats? Imminent bodily harm? They excite him.

So he does, in fact, come closer. All nine feet of him, vertically speaking, though he's ducked slightly, leaning forward as he advances on long equine legs. There's a brightness to his eyes, a breathlessness of anticipation in his voice that really isn't decent.]

....or what?

[The thing about horse legs is that it takes a few long strides to close any gap in seconds--and the thing about bear paws is that he doesn't need to try to cover her hands in his, to take control of the knife and plunge it into his abdomen, burying it up to the hilt as blood beads up around it--]

You'll kill me....?

Héctor | OTA

[vagabone]

A: January 21st - 23rd

[He's wearing his heart on his sleeve... and not in the typical sense. The happy front is gone, the skeleton left behind is distinctly not friend-shaped. Bitter, snappish, and...

Apathetic.

Someone isn't going to be particularly helpful today. Or the next day. Or the next. What does it matter? There's no end in sight. Escape will not come, not in the form of death or home. (Or both, in this weirdly specific case.) Nor does he want to be with others at all, really. He'd much rather snag some unnecessary refreshments and shamble away to a quieter place. It's for the best, as there won't be any kind words from this unpleasant faker.

Fortunately, the real thing hasn't been replaced. It's business as usual, at least until the shadow stumbles upon him, and he winds up in a argument with... himself. Isn't that an interesting sight?]

B: January 25th - 28th

[The best is yet to come. Once he gets used to seeing himself outside of a mirror, it's not so bad. The island being strange is a given. Other Héctor seems much better than the first one, possibly even better than the real thing. The ideal friend to have, an endless fountain of goofiness, good cheer, and praise.

And hey. Nothing odd about a skeleton debating with his identical twin about nonsensical things like what's the best way to play marbles and what the prettiest fruit in the world is, right? Just another day on the island.]

26th?

[cacoethes_mori]

[There is apparently no version of Foster that doesn't spend a large percentage of his time at the orchard.

Admittedly, in this case it's because he's trying to catch his original self again when said self has been doing everything possible to achieve the opposite, but it does mean Héctor and Héctor are approached by Light Foster and Light Foster alone, also known as "the only version of Foster van Denend who wears a goddamn shirt."

This shirt reads DEAD INSIDE on the front in dramatic Chiller font, complete with fake blood spatters, and its wearer approaches through the plum trees... carefully, as though actually aware his presence is sort of a dicey introduction.]

Not that I'm objecting to more rocks, but wait a second before you bust them out, hey.

ann takamaki | ota

[ladytakamaki]

shadow

[ ann hasn't been herself lately, not since the trials; she's been reserved, withdrawn, and a lot dimmer than her usual chipper self. but she's been recovering, slowly but steadily.

despite all of that, this ann is especially out of character. she's angry, seething at anyone who dares to cross her path. if she catches you looking at her, she narrows her eyes, voice venomous and hostile-- ]

What are you looking at?

light

[ on the contrary, ann's light is way closer to the girl who first arrived. she's chipper, smile brighter than the sun. she's open and friendly and will even wave to anyone who's just passing by. she seems perfectly content to be here with everyone.

but if you linger a little longer than a passerby would, her grin widens as she approaches. ]

Hey! How're you holding up?

wildcard

[ anything goes, pm me or talk to me at amplitude for a specific starter! ]

light

[counterblows]

[Second selves, doubled selves, those are the kinds of things that typically only exist in the unfurling layers of internal memory, like pieces of reflections scattered in fractalled splinters. Dreams, memories, the fucking rope around his fucking neck at all times - ]

[He's not a fan.]

[The only thing that stops him from drawing his weapon on her when she approaches him, immediately launching into a demand that she identify herself, is the fact that it's Ann.]

[He's already killed her once.]

[Instead he only has it in him to ask, guardedly:]

Are you...you?

Keith Kogane | OTA

[thermalwind]

I see fire, burning the trees [Jan 21st to Jan 23rd]

- Raise a glass of wine for the last time (Shadow only)
[It isn't uncommon to see Keith walking the shore of Enso. He does it a lot in the early morning. To see him wandering utterly alone and making no move to respond to others around him, however, is different.

These days Keith keeps his hair tied back in a ponytail or a braid. His hair is loose and sometimes his eyes shine with an unnatural light when the light falls just right. He's dressed in all darks as if to make it screamingly obvious what he is. He will respond to his name or stop if you directly cross his path. He'll close the distance and stand just out of reaching distance.]

'You came to me. What do you want? I'm looking for someone.'

[Yet if asked to leave, he only looks resigned as if that's what he expected and no matter what he's doing he'll walk away no questions asked.]

- If this is to end in fire (Shadow and Keith)

[It could happen anywhere, the ring of metal clashing as two dark-haired swordsmen lock swords. It's like a dance, both of them matching each other movement for movement. They break apart and the one with the braid looks at the intruder.]

Wait, we need to stop.

'You're going to deny you need to fight to live?'

[The other retorts as he slashes at his counterpart's side. He forces him to turn into the blow, blocking it with the black-edged white sword.]

I never said that. You need to calm down.

'You're not a calm person. You haven't been calm a day in your life. You found stillness, that's it.'

[Keith growls and whirls, snapping a kick at his shadow and sends it stumbling. He sends vicious blow after blow at the shadow to hammer at its guard until it's backing up and stuck on the defensive.]

I don't deny any of it. We just need to stop this right now.

[The shadow hisses as his anger visibly builds. He grits his teeth and his eyes turn hard and flat, his focus on his regular. Keith glances at the whoever has intruded or stumbled upon them.]

Sorry, give me a second or, help shut him up!

'You would ask for help? Are you that desperate to ignore the truth? I bet you're trying to hide it so you can't drive others away like you always do!'

Now I see fire, inside the mountain [Jan 25th - Jan 28th]

- Then we should all burn together (Light only)

[After the argumentative, determined shadow that saw only his goals and openly displayed his emotions and how he felt even the negative ones? Keith in Paladin gear with a small smile on his face as he wanders with a clear purpose in mind might be a blessing. He greets people and smiles readily as if he were the sort to smile often.

He's there to step in and help if one needs it. He doesn't intrude unless you clearly need the help. Otherwise, he might ask how you're doing and what you're up to. He's rather serene as if little will bother him. Even when he's battling against monsters it's as if he found his place and nothing will shake him from it.

- Watch the flames climb high into the night (Keith or Keith and Light)

[After the shadows went away, Keith thought maybe things were over. He relaxed for a day then it all went sideways. This time Keith avoids his counterpart. He has accepted them for what they are and what part of him they are. But he makes excuses not to hang out in the same space.

It's unsettling to be told by himself how good he is. All the other things the Light said or did, really leave him unsettled.

When one stumbles across them both, Keith is attempting to make an exit. Sometimes by readying to swing up into a tree before he's spotted. Or making some fast excuse to escape.

He really doesn't want to be anywhere near. If someone is nearby when he does, he'll point at them.]

Look, go make friends. I got to go.

Wild card

[Got other ideas? hit me. It's also totally cool to have more than one comment to hit up both shadows and light. If you want a custom prompt hit me up for plotting on discord, or skyheron.]

light only

[ladytakamaki]

[ the doubles worry her. especially the shadows. they just remind her of everything futaba's palace was--her shadow, her true self, and their encounter--it's too close to home. it's too close to the metaverse. and man, if this were it, she honestly wouldn't be surprised right now.

at least the lights aren't hostile. at least this keith isn't going to hurt her, real or fake. she tries to search for qualities that don't seem like him...and how relaxed he looks? loathe as she is to admit, it's not like him. especially during a time like this.

she approaches with caution. ]

Hey...you're...

beauregard | open

[lesbeau]

i. [shadow] all of the good girls act so good / 'til one of them doesn't wait their turn

[While it may be hard to tell the difference between shadows and reals due to their appearance, this one may be a little more complicated due to the nature of it's manifesting. For those that know Beau, few would refer to her as anything other than abrasive and rude- so perhaps seeing her suddenly rooting around your house, camp, or in the Denny is completely normal. But until someone addresses her, she simply won't care about anyone around. She'll root through personal items, take food, and eventually just lay about like she doesn't care if she gets caught. So perhaps she's wearing your favorite shirt. Maybe she's on the bar of the Denny helping herself to the alcohol behind it. Whatever it is, she sure doesn't give a fuck that you've got a problem.

If she's addressed, she'll just tilt her head to the side, a flat expression across her face.]

You got a problem with this?

ii. [light] turn the memory to stone and carve your shoulder / hey holy roller

[On the other hand... those who know Beau know her as abrasive, so perhaps it's even stranger when days later, another Beau is seeking them out. She's not smiling, exactly- even a big warm grin is too much of a stretch for that- but there's a lightness in her step and a grin on her face as she sees someone, walking over and holding out her hand for a fist bump.]

Hey, sorry to bug you-- this is gonna seem, uh, really weird, but have you seen me around? I think she's hiding from me, which I really think says a lot, but I'm working on it.

[Okay she's kinda smiling. That may be the weirdest thing of all.]

[ooc: plotting comment is here, and she has a rejection room as well over here!]

shadow

[savedbyasong]

Um... [Shion blinked at the girl in his home. He wasn't too surprised, after all he had disappeared for a month, Aster had disappeared and still hadn't returned. He didn't recognise this girl., perhaps she was new? It would not be unusual for her to think this hut abandoned. Even with things in it, many of the huts had things leftover from long gone islanders.

But she is holding Aster's coat and Shion had to swallow down the rising anger.] That's my sisters. Have you been living here? It's alright if you have, I'm not mad, we've been gone for a while.

kravitz | ota + 1 closed

[deathfindsaway]

i. [shadow] silence is where are the creatures go / creatures the things we will never know

[It's rare these days to find Kravitz so done up. Island life is rough on finery, and much too hot for a living person, so he's long since ceased wearing his suitcoat and smooth slacks at every occasion. But this Kravitz strolls throughout the island done up to the nines with his scythe by his side. It's quiet. Judgmental. He won't approach others directly, and you may not even see him at first between the trees of Enso. You'll be alone and he'll simply appear, intimidating and quite literally looking down on you. If it looks intimidating... well, good. That's what he's trying to convey.

He'll tick his mouth up in a bit of a sneer, revealing a slightly pointed canine-- and a bit of a sneer.]

And what is it you think you're doing out here?

ii. [shadow; CLOSED to lup] drowning in the bath of eternal sin

[Confronting your shadow is difficult, and Kravitz knows this. Trying to accept the negative parts of him, especially when many of them feel untrue and exaggerated, makes him want to scream rather than talk. But it's important he deals with this, and other issues in regards to having this shadow version of him around.

Unfortunately, his shadow doesn't seem intent on confronting him just yet. Rather, he's found a more direct target.

While the real Kravitz himself may have found a compromise with the real Lup, their Shadows finding the worst parts of them have found no such agreement, and a stalwart Reaper cannot let the existence of a Lich stand. So as soon as he is sure- as soon as he sees her and can confirm- he wastes no time in an ambush, dropping down from a tall tree to make a slice right through her, wordless.

Don't worry though, he has speeches. He's just saving them until he can safely monologue.]

iii. [light] always looking out for the one and only sign / always looking out for the ones who are left behind

[In contrast to the shadow those may have seen in the past, Kravitz' light is almost too joyful. He's wearing shorts- which should be the first flag- but instead of carrying a weapon, he's got Kravitz' new raven. He can be found on the beach, sitting lazily in the sand, letting the water rush in and feeding bits of food to the excitedly hopping bird in front of his crossed legs. Unlike the real man, who always seems just a bit out of place and a little too rigid, this Kravitz is loose and smiling with unrestrained joy at the bird that squawks around his ankles.

When he sees someone come close, he'll be sure to wave them down, pulling himself to his feet and being sure to brush off his hands before going right in for the hug.]

Hello, welcome-- it's wonderful to see you.

[ooc: Please remember to fill out kravitz' permissions if you want his Shadow to have knowledge on your character! Also, plot comment is here or feel free to reach out via PM or at cancerously for another prompt!]

iii

[lightlessfuture]

[ Kravitz - or this version of Kravitz - seems happier than usual, and who are they to argue with that? They don't get that much time to react when he scoops them up in a hug, but they're not going to argue with that either.

Far from it, in fact. They're perfectly happy to return the affection given, but since he's a bit too big to hug the normal way and they want to respect his boundaries, they wrap their arms around his hands instead and squeeze gently.

That's a pretty good 'hello', they think. ]

Alexei Dinoia | OTA

[ideismo]

[SHADOW]
[You know, it's...strange, for Alexei to reach out to any given person; whether he knows them or not, he tends to just handle things on his own unless he absolutely has no idea what he's doing, at which point requesting assistance might be grudgingly acceptable.

Not so, today.

He can be found on Enso, and while he looks strikingly similar to the individual he was created from, this one has a look in his eyes that's almost jarringly bright, manic in a way that Alexei usually is not, though his words are about as composed as ever - lofty, maybe, but composed.]

I don't suppose I might have a moment of your time; I'm looking for someone, you see.


[LIGHT]
[The light, however, is strangely less open; he isn't withdrawn, but he's quieter, less willing to make eye contact and speak up openly.

However, when he does there's a warmth to his tone that usually isn't quite there, something more genuine than practiced; anyone who lingers long enough in his general vicinity will actually get some sort of greeting, stilted though it is.]

Is there something you need from me...?

[It isn't demanding, and he doesn't seem like he'll be offended if there isn't. Just a question, and a completely genuine one at that.]

Erika Fisher | OTA

[bitch4bitch]

A - Shadow - violence likely

Erika considers herself pretty open about her nature - about her history, her temper, her propensity for violence. She doesn’t feel any need to hide how she is as a person… just to manage it enough to maintain some semblance of a social life.

This Erika, however, doesn’t seem particularly interested in that part. In fact, she can’t fucking believe that there is a version of herself out there trying to keep this shit up, trying to ever, ever hide who she is for the benefit of others. What absolute fucking horseshit.

Speaking of horseshit. If her other self won’t do it, she’d better take care of that moldy goddamn horseman while she has the chance. Maybe it won’t stick, sure, but it’ll sure as hell be satisfying.

The hard part of that, though, is going to be finding him. Which is why she’s storming up to random people, teeth bared, one hand on something hidden in the lining of her jacket, the other gripping her target’s shoulder. “I gotta talk to you.”

B - Light

“Hey, what’s up!”

The call is about a boisterous as those who know Erika might expect from her, but her approach is just as quick and friendly if she doesn’t actually know the person she’s coming up on as if she does. She doesn’t really care! People are people, and she wants to… talk to a person. That’s it, that’s all that really matters here.

“You seen another me anywhere? Totally cool if you haven’t, don’t worry about it - but I do gotta talk to her sometime, so some help there would be great.”

Wildcard

(( OOC: Want to do something else? Hit me up here, on discord, or at omixgirl10! ))

Ginko | OTA

[onegreeneye]

A - You Cannot be Forgiven

Ginko is usually not an exceptionally sociable person. He’s more inclined to stick by the sidelines than to really get involved at social events, or even in more casual groups of people. If someone interests him or there’s something he wants to talk about, he may strike up a conversation, but he’s usually otherwise satisfied to sit aside and observe.

Usually, though, it’s not quite… like this. He’s not approaching anyone at all, not even people he’d generally go chat with. Instead, he’s appeared single-mindedly focused on examining his surroundings - flora, fauna, and people alike - with no apparent interest in any real social engagement… including with the tigerlily cub that’s been hassling him for attention for some time now.

He’s kept pushing her aside, a little more roughly each time. Finally, catching a glimpse of someone passing by, he seems to have had enough. Ginko scoops her up, one hand gripping her scruff and the other braced against her chest, and shoves her unceremoniously at whoever might be closest. “Hey. I need this out of my way.”

B - I Will Never See You Again

“Who do you think you’re fooling?”

The statement - because it sure as hell isn’t delivered like a question - isn’t particularly loud, but it may be accusatory enough to catch some attention. ...The presence of two Ginkos in one place might be pretty noticeable, too: One standing up straight, a cigarette hanging from his mouth, staring down the other. The other Ginko - the one looking at his double less like he’s a rock in his shoe and more like he’s a snake in his path - stands with his hands in his pockets, his mouth twisting with discomfort. “...I’m not trying to fool anybody.”

“Yes, you are.” Flat, dry, and immediate. The shadow cocks his head, one ear lifting. “You know it, too. What do you think would happen if they knew?”

His ear twitches, reacting to some minute sound from anyone watching nearby. He doesn’t look at them. “Why don’t we find out?”

C - You Belong In This World

Ginko has worked hard to get where he is - to let himself care about people, to open up to them, if only a little bit. ...If only by an amount that most people probably wouldn’t even consider to qualify as opening up.

This particular facet of Ginko, free of the doubts and anxieties and guilt typical to Ginko, doesn’t have nearly so much trouble with that. He also, notably, appears entirely human - the crystals and fur that used to cover him stripped away, his ears rounded and teeth blunt… and, since he doesn’t have all the rocks in the way, he’s actually wearing a shirt.

He seems somewhat more relaxed than usual, his gentle smile more genuine and less exhausted than those who know Ginko may be accustomed to - and that smile only grows when he notices someone nearby, whether he knows them or not. “Hey!”

Wildcard

(( OOC: Want to do something else? Hit me up here, on discord, or at omixgirl10! ))

c!

[deathfindsaway]

Truthfully, Kravitz almost doesn't recognize Ginko like this. Even if this was his original body, he's only met him in this world, and the lack of structure is making it difficult. That said, his voice is still the same, and the pieces become easier to put together when that's taken into consideration. He blinks just once as he orients himself, before giving a little wave back.

"Ginko? You look, uhm... well." Those probably weren't the right words here, but he's sure already said them, so it's too late for taking that back. Instead, he'll just clear his throat and approach. "Did you need something?"

Allura | OTA

[diplomacycheck]

I was frozen in a fragile world... (Shadow -- Jan. 21-23)

A. Of make-believe and empty lies... [Shadow only -- 1/21-1/22]
[It's not rare to see Allura wandering about the islands alone, especially Enso or the islets. However, today's a little different. Wearing her space suit and no armor, white hair down completely, easily reaching the back of her knees -- she walks around as if there is a storm cloud hovering over her head. Almost as though she's a hair from snapping at the next person who so much as bothers her with a "hello" or "good morning."

"Her" behavior is such a far cry from what those who know her are likely accustomed to, but the answer might be obvious the moment the light hits her eyes at just the right angle; her eyes shining yellow for a split second instead of the blue iris and lavender pupil. If addressed, she'll pause, but not quite turn around -- almost as if, depending on who it is, she's trying to repress something.]

"What." [It comes out more as a snappish command than a question.] "Do you mind? I am busy."

[Yes, busy wandering about seemingly aimlessly searching for something or someone...]

B. Dressed in the rules of a virtuous game... [Shadow and Allura - 1/23]
[At some point on the 23rd, the real Allura finally comes across the doppelganger, a frown etched across her features as she stands there, arms at her sides and hands clenched into fists.]

"You still hate them; how misguided."

What are you talking about?

"Why, the Galra, of course." [The other Allura retorts, waving it off.] "Hating an entire people for what the few have done to our world and countless others."

[...It's so weird, hearing her own voice twisted by anger and malice. Weird, and infuriating. One breath in.... and out.] That isn't true. The Blade of Marmora are some of our most steadfast allies, and Keith... He's family.

[The shadow scoffs.] "Oh, certainly. You've accepted Keith despite what he is... but you will always hate the people of the man who destroyed our world. ...Shouldn't this also mean you hate your own people, with all Haggar has done?"

No. [The answer comes through grit teeth, her right hand itching for the bayard hanging from the belt on her right.]

"So you're just going to stand there and deny it? Deny us?" [She laughs.] "Face the facts, me. You're just like her."

I am not! [She doesn't even realize the bayard's in her hands until she's pushing against a perfectly mimicked version of the blue bayard in the shadow's hands, a spear - distorted by the darkest parts of her and the emotions she's repressed all this time.] I will never stoop so low!

[The shadow cackles, and they break apart just long enough for the real Allura to spin on her heel and land a kick - blocked by the polearm in the shadow's hands and pushed off.]

"Aha, see? You always try to act so diplomatic." [Her turn. She sweeps at Allura's leg while the counterpart's balance is off.] "That you're better than what you pretend to be..." [She falls and rolls with the strike, staring at the tip of the bladed weapon as the other continues.] "But you always have resorted to violence the moment your ideals are challenged or your feel betrayed."

[Well, that much is right. She can't deny that, but... is she really still angry? Does she hate them? The voices from the labyrinth echo in her head, and-] "You were waiting for an excuse to turn on Lotor."

[Allura yells in anger, swinging her right wrist as the whip form of her bayard extends and wraps around the other's legs and she pulls. The shadow falls over as well.]

He used me. Used all of us. [She corrects, trying to ignore how the pain she represses shines in the shadow's gaze. That's when she notices she has an audience. She blinks, shame writing itself on her features at once.] ...Give me a moment. Please.

Driven by a force so free, to live this life... (Light -- Jan. 25-27)

C. Not paralyzed, but with reckless abandon... [Light only 1/25-1/26]
[In a stark contrast, the counterpart that appeared earlier, the Allura in her royal gowns walks about Enso's shore and Monsun's desert with a warm smile and greets everyone cordially. Even if the real her and the other had gotten off on the wrong foot. It's likely rather unsettling, really. Especially as not only will she speak of how good the real her is, but the other person is as well if she's met them before.]

D. 'Cuz I wanted out... [Allura only or both - 1/26]
[To anyone who is wandering the forested areas of Enso, they may just run into a tree that's branches are... well, rattling a little more than the breeze is shaking its neighbors. Looking up, the answer is obvious: a young Altean princess is currently sitting on a particularly thick branch. She's seen her other twin (is it triplet now?) wandering about, trying to convince others she's far better than she really is. She's not entirely sure what to make of it, but after her Shadow?]

...Are they gone yet? [She asks anyone who looks up and asks what the fuck she's doing up there. ...Please don't tell her father she's here. This is embarrassing enough as it is.]
E. Perfect only makes you crazy... [Wildcard]
[Do you have any other ideas that I didn't have the time to write up? Hit me up for something custom on discord or plurk at twilitfall]

1/26 do your worst

[thermalwind]

No. I saw one earlier near the temple. [Keith keeps his voice low and tugs his hood a little further over his face. Only his mouth is visible. He's embarrassed by this...nicer him. He moves deeper into the branches until only the splash of purple on the chest of his hoodie is visible...if you're looking for it.]

What is their deal? Just spread the 'good word'? I don't get it. Does he have to smile like that?

[It's unsettling to see him look that serene all the time. His darker self had been right. He's never been calm and he's never been relaxed, he's varying shades of on edge and on guard or relaxed guard.

...Shiro being the exception to every rule.]