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July Intro Log

INTRO LOG

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"Persona, Persona, please come here."

→ I.

The words linger in the back of your mind, but whether it’s your own thoughts or somebody else’s, ceases to matter in light of more pressing things. For one: actual light, mid-summer daylight streaming down upon your face, dust in the air glowing almost golden. Next to your hand lies a cloth omamori, each character’s a different color but all bordered with gold thread, a little black bird stitched in one corner, and… at the bottom...

It is your preferred name, along with another word. For those familiar with tarot, they may recognize it as one of the major arcana. Regardless, it seems to be meant for you, so it might be a good idea to hang onto it.

Looking around, all around you are broken stone pillars and crumbling walls, a spiral staircase that leads to an upper floor that has partially caved in, requiring a bit of a leap to make it to the top. From the outside, the structure looks like a castle, situated in a clearing otherwise surrounded by forest. From the inside, it appears as if no person has been here for a long time. Birds have made their nests in the upper story, eggshells scattered across the floor, and sticks and straw breaking off the nests in the dry summer heat. The occasional woodland animal can be found around the castle, skittish and quick to flee upon approach, but there are also several cats who seem to have no fear for strangers, rubbing against your ankles and padding off again unless you have food to bribe them to stay.

There is also a bear in deep sleep, in the middle of the main hall all characters awake in. Please do not disturb, or you may find yourself in the middle of a bear attack, completely disconnected from any special powers or abilities you may have. Curiously, any injuries you might remember last having seem to be in the process of healing, though by varying degrees, and maybe we shouldn’t undo that! There isn’t a hospital out here in the middle of nowhere, after all. You’ll have to venture out of the castle in search for help like that.

→ II.

A field of dry grass forms the clearing around the castle, with two paths on opposite sides leading into the forest:

A stone path, though broken up and partially buried in the dirt, will lead you out of the forest and towards the town, given you don’t wander off the path to be lost in the woods. But it’s alright if you do! If you keep wandering the forest, you may eventually come across the mountains. And if mountains aren’t an obvious enough sign you should turn back, you can continue through the short mountain range to find yourself back inside the forest; keep on going and eventually you’ll arrive at the opposite side of town. It’s the long way around, but you’ll make it either way.

The road less traveled, however, is one of just dirt, a narrow path that’s been cleared away but after all this time, the weeds have started encroaching again on both sides to reclaim the space. Following this path will take you to a set of stairs, dusty and crumbling but sound enough that you can climb it to the top and find a shrine. A fox yaps at you, and ducks away into the trees behind the shrine. The place could really use some cleaning up, from having the steps swept, to the water in the basin being changed out, to fixing up the sign stating what deity is worshipped here— it’s been broken apart, the name seared off the surface of the rotting wood. Who knows what it used to say…? There doesn’t seem to be anybody around at the shrine, nor anywhere in the forest.

→ III.

Civilization can finally be found in the town, but the people here just look at you curiously, unsure of what you’re talking about if asked about how you got here, and laughing a little when you inquire about the town, though happy enough to talk about their home. ...That’s strange, though? The language spoken here is Japanese, what sounds like an older dialect, and regardless of what you’re used to speaking, you find that you can speak and understand the language here without trouble. How convenient!

While much of the townspeople are bustling around in the mid-day, there are still others more than willing to show you around, or to point you in the right direction if you’d rather wander and explore on your own. Even if you feel like you don’t need a guide, there are plenty of stray cats loitering around the town more than happy to escort you wherever you go. For those who are injured, the walk-in clinic at the hospital has its doors open to treat anybody who needs tending to, for a small fee. Don’t have money? The townspeople are more than happy to hire you on, especially with what seems to be preparation for a festival to be held at the school at the end of the month. The students in the school are also eager to receive what help they can get, building sets, figuring out menus, or creating enough decorations to cover the school twice over.

Whether it’s cooking, mending, delivering, or something else, there’s a variety of odd jobs to be done, and the extra pocket money will serve to be helpful, especially once night falls. The temperature will dip overnight, a dense field of stars covering the sky like a blanket when the sun sets and the moon takes its place, but it’s warm enough in the summer that camping outside is a viable option for those who are used to sleeping outside or want to save money. No worries keeping warm without blankets, either; there’s a good chance a stray cat will wander by and sleep on your face. The inn, rumors have it, is haunted… but it may be the cheapest option if you want a roof over your head and not a broken castle or a cat.

Mod notes:

⬥ There is no Lockdown period for the first week, and as such, Personas cannot be accessed until week 2
⬥ A new post will go up detailing the Lockdown period and Persona summoning process next week, but this post may be used for threads taking place throughout the month
⬥ The name on the character’s omamori is up to player discretion, whether it’s the character’s full name, first or last name, or nickname
⬥ Please see the locations page for visuals and more details about the setting

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's been a few days, and Killua's still no closer to finding any answers. It's frustrating as hell, not knowing what the heck's going on here, or what happened to Alluka. Especially the latter.

There's a scowl on his face as Killua trudges through the streets, until he spots Mondo crouched down and petting the kitten nearby. Almost reluctantly, some of his tension lifts. Just trade the cat for a dog, and Killua could imagine Knuckle there instead--even the hair's a little similar.

He's broken out of his thoughts when he feels a pressure against his legs, and he's smiling just so when he looks down at another cat who's come up to greet him. He gives it a gentle nudge out of the way.]

I already fed you earlier. Don't tell me you're already hungry again.

[Yes, okay, he's a little weak for animals, too. What about it??]

[ As fellow dog person + tough guy with Hello Kitty heart, he can relate. Not that he knows of all these unfortunately...

Mondo looks up from the tabby to the kid (sorry Killua), examining. ]

They yours?

[ He also happens to be weak to kids... hence the relatively (?) gentle tone he's using. ]

Nope. [He pops the last syllable, gamely trying to ignore the cat still trying to get his attention.] Just some stray that came up to me yesterday.

[Calmly, he gives Mondo another once-over, carefully cataloging the details. If he remembers correctly, this guy was there at the castle that first day, too.]

Can't really have any pets when I just got here.

[He says it casually, waiting for Mondo to take the bait. It doesn't hurt to test the waters, he figures. The more careful side of him wants to stay wary at these strangers, but it's become increasingly clear with every wall he runs into that he might have to work together with some of them to get anywhere.]

[ Well, his hair is pretty unforgettable, for one. ]

Huh. So you ain't from 'round here.

[ He wonders what it is with the air of maturity this kid's exuding, though, it's like he's got everything together. Mondo subconsciously stares at him a little too long, while his hand still runs over the soft fur of the tabby kitten. ]

Found a place to live yet?

[ Mondo's the opposite of being careful. At this point, he doesn't want to bother anymore. He does want to keep a certain distance from people so as not to get too invested, but... ironically, talking to people have helped taking his mind off the thoughts that keep going round and round his head. ]

Nah, I woke up in the castle, same as you. [From what he's gathered so far, they all found themselves here the same way, no matter where they were before then. If the pattern holds, Mondo must've gone through the same thing.]

I've been camping out in the forest. The money I have on me doesn't work here. [Finally, almost grudgingly, he leans down to pet the cat. Then, he glances up, giving Mondo a sly grin.] Why, you offering me a place to stay?

[ Hah! Cheeky. He doesn't hate that at all. Mondo returns that with a snicker of his own. ]

Only if ya work for it. Things don't come free, kid.

[ Someone's acting like an old man when their ages aren't even a decade apart... ]

If you talk to the people 'round here, they'll let ya help out with stuff and give you some space ー been sleepin' at some storehouse nearby.

[ He cocks his head at the direction of where the school is. ]

They've got classrooms open for sleeping at night if you help out with the festival, too. [ Which, Mondo will not touch with a stick for Personal Reasons, even if he knows it's technically a lot more comfortable. ] What're ya good at?

[Mondo gets a roll of his eyes for that, though Killua looks more amused than anything.] Okay, old man. [Look, you asked for it by acting that way.] That's how I was getting by the last day anyway. Did some odd jobs here and there in exchange for meals.

So why're you crashing at some storehouse if the school's open for people like us?

[ Hey, that’s fair. He ain’t gonna complain about it — in fact, for a young adult who can’t wait to be an adult, it feels pretty good being called that. Old man, huh? Does he look reliable? (No.) ]

..... [ Ah, shit. Kid’s sharp. He tries to dodge it, anyway. ] Well, I just assumed it’ll be open, since we’re helpin’ with the school, anyway... Never actually checked with them. [ It wasn’t really an answer, but he’s going to push through with it. Anyway, heave-ho, he’s getting up now. ] There should be other places that allow you to live in, too. You cook?

That's a lot of assumptions, considering you sounded so sure about it. [His gaze is both probing and curious this time, lingering even while Mondo stands up.]

Cooking? [It's a skill that he never really picked up, when they had people catering to him while growing up in the Zoldyck estate.] Does roasting over a campfire count?

Keh. Don't get fussy over small details, you won't grow taller like that.

[ He waves his hand dismissively. ]

Heh, prolly not. But if ya learn stuff fast, I think the bakery down the road's offering some space to live if you work for them. What d'ya like to do?

[Mondo please. Killua gives him a look, completely unimpressed.] How does that have anything to do with my height?

[Still, the bakery's a good tip. Especially when he considers the sweets he might be able to wheedle out of the owners.] Don't worry, I'm a fast learner. The bakery, huh? I'll look into it.

[Is he purposely not answering that last question? Most likely.]

[ Mondo erupts in laughter. Ah yeah, he'd be sensitive about his height too if he didn't hit growth spurt so early in his years. He internally nods to himself, as if understanding what Killua's thinking. Assumptions. ]

Yeah, check it out later. Unless ya want me to go with ya.

[ He's joking, for the most part, but he won't mind going with the boy if he requests it. ]

Tch. [Don't be gross, Mondo!! And stop thinking weird thoughts while you're at it.] I don't need a chaperone, if that's what you're asking.

[A pause.]

...where's the bakery, anyway.

[ Being the youngest in his family naturally draws Mondo in every chance he gets to big bro someone else. And that's what he's gonna do!! ]

What's that, you want Oniisan to show ya the way, after all? [ Wide grin, tone teasing. ] Let's go then!

[...]

Never mind, I can find it myself.

[He's outta here.]

[ Ah, he's annoyed. ]

Aw c'mon... 'twas my bad! I'll show ya the way, yeah?

[ God, it just hit him that that was exactly what his brother used to pull on him, and how it irritated him. So this is what it feels... ]

Hear me out, they've got some sick buns! They're fluffy as fuck, and taste like...

[ Heaven is too generic. ]

...NIRVANA!!

[ They are more or less the same, Mondo. ]

They give ya wings, I swear!!

[ Is he trying hard to regain back the kid's interest... the answer is yes.

...

Goddddamnnn, the more he says something the more he realises that he's really becoming like his brother. This is definitely one of the moves that his brother used to pull on him too. NO!!! ]

[Killua slows to a stop. And slowly looks over his shoulder.]

"Give you wings"--really? When you describe them that way, it just sounds super shady, you know.

[Buuuuut, he's not walking away anymore, so he's clearly more interested than he wants to let on. If their regular buns are even half as good as Mondo's saying, then what about their sweet breads? Curse his sweet tooth. The truth is, Killua knows he could find the bakery easily on his own by asking around. That doesn't change the fact that he should be coordinating with the other abductees at this point.]

Fine. [Killua finally turns around to face him again.] It'll be faster if you show me.

[ ...! You know that feeling when the cat that ignores you for the whole day finally sits on your lap? Not exactly that, but that. He's excited but not very visibly so, mostly because it's really complicated for him internally. On one hand he's happy, on the other... the more he feels like he understands his brother, the more he's unsure about this whole situation. ]

Ha! You've got a point there. But trust me on this, it's real good.

[ He leads them down the road. It's not too far, just a lot of left and right turns. Some parts of the town are almost like a maze with their alleys. ]

We'll be able to smell it when we're getting close.

[ The crispy aroma of freshly baked buns. Mmmm. ]

[Congrats, Mondo, you have acquired (1) stray cat! For the time being, anyway. Killua falls into step beside him, footsteps oddly silent as they walk together.]

Smelling them's no use if we don't get to eat them. [The retort is half-hearted, mostly a feeble attempt on his own part to not think about how Gon could've picked the bakery's scent out from this distance by now. Nope, he's not doing this. Moving on now.

If Mondo glances over at Killua, he might catch him in the middle of studying him,.]

Oy. How many of the people like us have you talked to already?

[ That's the second eruption of laughter that Mondo has unleashed in a while now. He likes this kid already. ]

Damn straight. You got it, kiddo! Let's see... [ He checks out the amount of coins he has in his pocket. ] Aight, it's on me up to 3 buns. How's that? Generous, right?

[ He grins proudly, crossing his arms before his chest. ]

Hah? I dunno, don't keep count... Uh. Prolly less than 10? What 'bout it?

Heh, do you offer to buy bread for every person you meet? [Not that Killua doesn't appreciate it, but it's something that he's always struggled with. Being so ready to help, so generous. That was always more Gon's thing than his. And Alluka's, in a way.

Speaking of Alluka... Killua pauses, just a flicker of hesitation in his otherwise calm demeanor before he reaches into his backpack.]

I'm looking for this girl. [He holds up a picture for him look at, though he'll pull it away if Mondo tries to take it from him. He only has one copy of this, after all. It's more precious to him than he's willing to admit.] Have you seen her?

[It's a long shot. By all logic, Killua wouldn't have missed her in the castle, and Alluka wouldn't have left without him. But it's still worth asking, just in case.]

Aah? [ Mondo snorts at that, waving his hand dismissively yet again. ] Nah, 'm not that kinda goody two shoes.

[ If Mondo knows what the other's thinking, he'll be so flabbergasted. Never in his life he'll ever consider that he'd be seen as someone helpful or generous. After all, he's been doing nothing but making people cry back in Wonderland. ...Ah, regrets. At the creeping Not So Good Feels, he quickly waves the thought off, shifting his focus to what the boy's showing him. He leans down to look carefully at the picture. ]

Nah... can't remember seeing anyone like her. [ She's got quite a unique hairstyle, he won't forget if he has. ] This girl your friend?

[There's a flash of disappointment on his face before it smooths out to his usual indifference again. Back the picture goes into his bag.]

My sister. We were traveling together before I ended up here.

[He flaps a hand in Mondo's direction.] Aaanyway. You sure about that? Petting stray cats, giving directions to strangers, buying bread for them--sounds like a goody two shoes to me.

[ And Mondo happens to catch that. He's not surprised, though. Of course you'd be concerned about your sibling. It's a feeling that he can very well relate to. So no teasing this time, he just hums in consideration. ]

Well, you'd never know. We might find her here. The town's not crazy big, but there are many places surrounding that we can try searching at.

[ It's something that he could've just brushed off with empty jokes. But for some reason, he doesn't really want to. ]

...Y'can say it's somethin' like... an atonement? [ He lets out a quiet 'heh' as he shrugs, and yet he doesn't sound remotely amused at all. ] Prolly.

premise ⬥ taken ⬥ faq ⬥ navigation

→ I.

→ II.

→ III.

III

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