EVENT ✨ Nightmare on Elph Street

[avalonmods]

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The ritual-wiping ritual wasn't the best news for Avalon and magic has been wacky for everyone since it was performed. However, if there was a time for it to happen, it happening before the Spring Equinox was just about the best time it could happen. The Spring Equinox, after all, is a time of renewal and rebirth. It's what you'd call a silver lining. As long as enough people participate in the Spring Equinox rituals, it should be fine... right?

CONTENT WARNINGS:

• 1st Prompt: --
• 2nd Prompt: --
  
• 3rd Prompt: --

This part of the event takes place on March 20th.

Though there is no Spring Masquerade this year as there had bene the last, there is a much smaller token of appreciation from the castle of Camelot to all of those who live within its borders: a gift basket with a salad of edible flowers, eggs, breakfast sausages, and a small bottle of champagne (or sparkling seltzer for those underage) and a bottle of orange juice to make mimosas with. Those of the vegetarian through vegan persuasions will receive vegan white chocolate eggs filled with coconut cream frosting and a mango puree 'yolk' and Avalon's best plant-based sausages. It's not quite a feast, but no one should go hungry on this day of celebration! Brownies will help to deliver these overnight, so you'll find them on your doorstep in the morning with a special spell to keep everything fresh through most of the early afternoon. Since there is no party this time, everyone will have the chance to see Avalon's plants begin to overgrow at a rapid pace within the city.
Those who saw it last year or locals who are normally residents of Avalon will tell you not to fear, this happens every spring. The plants grow around and not through structures, the buildings still safe and sound beneath large vines and leaves and pools and flowers. Most notably, huge beds of vines, open seed pools, and giantic flowers large enough to take a bath in have started cropping up around town, and they all seem to be filled with a vibrant, glowing liquid of some kind.  Each of these floral wonders, locals will tell you, is called a vernal soul pool. Upon entering one, you'll enter a lucid sleep state that connects you to everyone else in Avalon and the island itself. Doing so will cause your magic to be amplified and grow and stabilize, but also allow you to be cleansed and refreshed as a person. How much detail the person you're talking to gives is up to you (in case your characters would back off of it if they had the following details but you still want to experience it). Once someone enters, they will immediately feel as if they are at home and the pod will close over them gently, leaving them in a pool of that mysterious glowing substance-- vines grow further to encase, the pool closes, flowers close into buds instead of open blossoms.  Under normal circumstances, the pools would remain closed and in this state until the witching hour and slowly and gently awaken those within. However, even the magics of the spring aren't stable right now, and what ends up happening is the pools suddenly spill open before anyone's dream sharing can truly get underway, dumping their passengers out onto the ground into a state of jarring awakeness. With them, they will find they are unable to access their Avalon magics but instead have one of the following: Unstable, uncontrolled access to their canon powers. They may start shooting off random magic, they may be unable to shut down a normally passive ability gone into overdrive, or when they try to use their abilities, it goes outright wrong-- "Accio Excalibur" in an attempt to save the multiverse might result in all figurines of Excaliburs within 10 miles to come hurdling toward you, for example. Access to the beginner, untrained level of canon powers of someone whose shared consciousness you entered. Even if you don't have canon powers of your own, you will be able to access someone else's with this option.   This part of the event takes place late night on March 20th through slightly past midnight on March 21st.
	The fairy queen's envoy, Princess Bluebell, sends out a panicked emergency message (complete with the obnoxious alarm that sets off phones even on silent) after a couple of hours of this, and casts a mirror-travel spell to Nicnevin so that any may quickly arrive just outside of its borders, next to the river. The message states that the dream world and reality have melted together due to the majority of magic being funneled into the time freeze spell or the equinox ritual, which uses Queen Mab as a vessel through which the vernal soul pools channel everyone's magic. The Spring Equinox renewal did NOT go as planned, needless to say. Otherworlders must head to Mab's Cavern to locate Queen Mab and absorb some of her energy by touching her to stabilize their magics and drain the spring equinox's out of her before even bigger disaster strikes!
Mab's Cavern is typically a place forbidden to enter under normal circumstances. It is the world of dreams and nightmares takes from our subconscious what we most desire and what we most fear and our memories and turns them into reality. This is what your character will have to face without their Avalonian magic and the above either unstable or beginner-level powers. Mab normally goes into a slumber and connects herself to the whole of Avalon during the Spring Equinox to allow the vernal soul pools to utilize her magic, so she cannot let everyone in or help anyone navigate her realm. Mab's Cavern looks like a normal mountain from the outside, covered from head to toe in pink cherry and plum blossoms trees, shrouded in a fog that's pink itself from reflecting the petals. The entrance to the inside of the cavern is an ancient door, carved from white marble and enchanted to be impassible without an offering and engraved says: "Offer me your most secret dream and enter this forbidden realm. Dream with me for eternity." The offering, in this case, is simple: speak your most secret dream out loud for the door. The open door will allow one person to pass through per offering, and leads into a hall entirely coated in flowers of a variety of colors. These flowers speak, and will ask you how you are, warn you to turn back, tell you and whoever you're walking with that you make a cute couple, sing the national anthem of their people, whatever. They seem to get more and more chatterbox-y as you head inward and the lights grow dimmer until there is no light left. Even if you light one, it seems as if you are in a black space where nothing exists but you and whoever you walk with (if anyone), and voices.

This portion of the event contains a FOURTH WALL EVENT element and takes place on March 21st.
 

That is, until you hear a new voice and the chatterbox flowers hush. Anyone from any canon can appear and team up with you within Mab's Cavern as this is a fourth wall event. Guest characters will have access to their canon abilities, but cannot leave Mab's Cavern or affect the environment outside of it. Your new party member can accompany you through Mab's Cavern, which takes the form of a location from in-game characters' memories. Within it, their darkest fear will turn into a physical enemy and attempt to hunt them down. (How you interpret this is up to you as a player-- please create your own monsters based on your character's fears, even if they are more conceptual than physical.) Within it, their deepest desires may find fulfillment (we leave this to player
interpretation again, but be sure to ask permission if it involves another character who is in the game or a part of the fourth wall) and their new party member may need to convince them to leave instead of staying in the dream world forever. Characters who are able to get past both desires and fears will find themselves able to see a door that wasn't within their memory before. Upon going through it, they will be able to find Queen Mab, asleep in the center of what appears to be a glowing, underwater pond with stones that raise above the surface that lead to her bed some hundred feet in. Beneath the surface, more of the talking flowers start to cry about their woes-- unveiling that they failed against their fears and desires, and those who do will find themselves turned into flowers within Queen Mab's cavern, only able to escape if they are able to touch another living person!  If you've trusted the flowers, you'll find yourself in trouble. These are actually souls who crossed Queen Mab and attempted to steal their desires away from her cavern and bring them into reality. Their curse? They can escape if they trade another soul for theirs. Now would be a good time for a partner to help pull you out because as soon as you touch one of the flowers, they will turn into vines and attempt to wrap around you to pull you under the water and drown you! The "water" itself is the same liquid used within the vernal soul pools, so you'll find your life literally flashing before your eyes as this happens, making it very difficult to escape without someone else's help. If you die in the water, the flowers who did it will transform back into their original selves and flee, and you will be transformed into a talking flower yourself. If you make it to Queen Mab, you'll need to place a hand on her and all dreams and reality will sort themselves out within you-- that is, your broken powers will disappear and your Avalonian magics will return. As you head out again, the guest character brought in to help you will begin to fade away slowly enough that you can say your goodbye before they are gone. There is no way to stop this. All memories of fourth wall visitors will be retained as part of game canon. After enough people have come to take Mab's powers enough to deplete the effects of the Vernal Pools, the Fairy Queen herself will come to Mab and run a strange-looking dagger through her heart. All of the Spring Equinox magic that was being filtered through her will be released into the land and stabilize magic for everyone, and a flower will blossom out of Mab's heart around the dagger. Within the center of the bud glows a small child version of Mab, and anyone still in the cavern will find themself just wandering around in a dark cave. The Fairy Queen glows in the dark and will lead them out with little magic glow bubbles that try to make them follow if they get separated from her vicinity, but is still not speaking to anyone. She will also transport anyone who has been turned into a talking flower out of the cave via some kind of levitation spell and give them to someone they know-- whether they know them in a positive or negative light is up to you, she can only register connection on sight with magic, not emotion. A little research will reveal the following solutions to restoring your character: Siphoners and countercurse potions can remove the curse to get them back to 100% normal. Animal mages can transform them back into their original species (but they will still smell like flowers for the rest of their life). Green mages can use their magic to cultivate them into flower people-- who look like themselves, but now require sunlight and water to survive instead of food and occasionally sprout a flower or two in their hair.

Comments

A!!!!

[ichibukuro]

[Ichiro has really got to stop doing this. He's only just recovered from the events of last month and yet, here he is, wandering down a cavern after being unable to ignore Princess Bluebell's panicked message.

It's not long after he passes through the door that he hears an oh so familiar voice echo through the cavern. The familiarity of it compels Ichiro to walk faster in the direction of it and completely ignore how the flowers at his feet seem to stare at him as he goes. The shock of red hair stops him in his tracks.

No. No way, no way, no way.

He's aware this could be a dream. With everything that's been going on recently, his mind has been on Kuko more than usual so of course a place like this would bring him into being. But... what if it's not a dream. What if that Kuko is very real, just like the others here in Avalon, and he's probably about to get into more trouble than what it's worth?

Ichiro can't take that risk. He's never been able to turn his back on Kuko anyway.]

Kuko- Don't! [With his powers gone, Ichiro can't do anything from afar so he runs to throw himself between Kuko and the figure. He catches Kuko's punch in his fist - just thinking of how a simple touch from one of the knights of the Hunt had made him so, so sick. They're not the same but Ichiro doesn't know what to expect anymore.

He twists his wrist so he can grab onto Kuko's forearm and then tries to make a run for it.] C'mon, run!

[punkmonk]

[Wait, that voice...it couldn't be. Kuko knew this place was weird, but he had no idea it would bring the person that has been on his mind for a long time. His suspicions were confirmed when Ichiro caught his fist, one of the only people in the world who could stop him, as his eyes widened at the person in front of him. Before he could open his mouth to talk to him he followed Ichiro's decision and ran. He still wanted to beat that figure's ass for bringing up something so private out in the open, but he could let it go for now.

Kuko looked over at Ichiro on the way. Was it really him? After everything that happened he still helped him out, but that was Ichiro.

He may have been relieved that that side of Ichiro never went away.]

Hey! What is that thing?

[ichibukuro]

Don't know, don't care. I've learned not to fight the shit that shows up around here. [He'll explain later but for now Ichiro just wants to get as much distance between them and the creature as he can.

Once they are a good ways away, no longer able to see the humanoid figure over his shoulder, Ichiro slows to a stop. Then he can finally take a good, long look at Kuko. He looks similar enough to the last time they saw each other but there are slight changes that not even Ichiro's subconscious would be aware of, and where Ichiro is grabbing him is solid. Warm.

This Kuko is real.

The realization leaves Ichiro's mind blank, speechless. He can only continue staring before he finally snaps out of it and releases Kuko's arm as if it suddenly burned.] Uh - sorry.

[The awkwardness settles in. The juxtaposition of wanting to fall into their familiar banter all over again versus not knowing how Kuko feels about him in this moment. It's the worst.]

[punkmonk]

Those things are normal here? [He had more questions about what kind of creatures were in this world, but he could save that for later.

When they stopped running Kuko took in Ichiro in a similar way. His hair was longer, his outfit different than the last time he saw him, but it still suited him. He knew Ichiro changed in more ways that he couldn't see, yet he could feel. How long has it been since they were together like this? Even Ichiro taking him away from a fight felt nostalgic to the times he used to do it when they were outnumbered or Ichiro told him the situation felt off.

Then there was his hand. Still warm, still leading him when he needed. One of the few people he would follow.

Kuko shook his head as he slowly touched his arm.] ...It's fine.

[Kuko hated once the silence settled in. If only that thing didn't happen then they would be cracking jokes with each other. Now they stared at each other as if they were strangers. He hated this.

Well, there was a reason they met like this. Away from their groups in a place outside their home where their responsibilities didn't weigh them down. A place where they could have the chance to set some things straight. Kuko wasn't one to question why certain situations happened. They definitely happened because it needed to happen. He shouldn't take an opportunity like this for granted.

Kuko walked over to Ichiro and looked up at him with a rare soft look. One that Ichiro saw during those moments when he let his guard down. He had to do this. He avoided Ichiro for too long.]

Hey, is there a place where we can talk?

[ichibukuro]

[Fuck. Kuko can't look at him like that. Not so soon, so suddenly. His face warped in disdain has been Ichiro's last memory of Kuko for so long that the difference is jarring. Overwhelming. But this is Kuko. This is the real Kuko he actually remembers.]

I don't know. Here's probably best. 'Cause if there's a way out of here, we have to find Mab first and I don't know how long that will take.

Just... keep an eye out for that thing. If it comes back, we gotta go.

[punkmonk]

Alright, we'll run if it comes back.

[Those monsters were the last thing on his mind. Now it was time to face one of the few things in the world that scared him. He wasn't afraid of much, it was much easier to take things as they come instead of worrying about it, but talking to Ichiro has become a situation he's run through his mind way too many times. Now that he's here in front of him it was time for him to say what he rehearsed in his room since that day he left Ikebukuro. Since the day their group disbanded...

Kuko swallowed as he placed his hands in his jacket pockets.]

So, this might sound like I'm making this up, it might sound like it's not real when this is what happened that day. The last thing I remember is leaving with Sasara. We took a shortcut down my familiar alley when we heard someone behind us. I couldn't turn around to look because it felt like someone took over my mind. I know this sounds like I'm making it up, but I'm not! It felt like there was someone controlling me and I couldn't break free. I heard everything I was saying and I couldn't stop myself. All those things I said is not how I feel! I don't secretly hate you or anything. If there's anything about me that hasn't changed it's how I will let you know what's on my mind.

[Kuko took his fists out of his pockets and balled them up at his side.]

I could achieve enlightenment and meditate when it didn't even help. That's why I went home. I...I wanted to become stronger so next time that doesn't happen. Everything I said has been the truth! Even...even if you don't believe me it's the truth. I...I...

[Kuko grit his teeth as his fists started to shake with the pent up emotion he's kept buried deep down inside his mind for far too long. He turned his piercing gaze up to Ichiro.]

I'm sorry! It won't happen next time. If you don't want to accept my apology I understand...

[Though part of him hoped that Ichiro would believe him. Kuko wasn't one to lie, but he can't deny that his story sounds strange. He never worried about many things in his life, however when it came to Ichiro things were different. Ichiro was one of the few people in his life who opinion Kuko actually cared about.]

[ichibukuro]

[It sounds like bullshit.

Did Kuko really expect him to believe that? They weren't in some game; "I wasn't myself! I didn't mean what I said!" wasn't going to cut it here. It sounds like a flimsy made up excuse.

But Ichiro fights the the gut instinct to balk. He fights to keep his heart open because he knows Kuko. The Kuko from back then hadn't been right: he'd thought that in the moment and he's only confirmed it with Hitoya and Jyushi.

This Kuko looks up at him with such intensity, such conviction in his own words, and such honesty. They're completely different. The Kuko from back then couldn't look at him like this. The walls Ichiro's put around himself shatter and he immediately feels the heat that always hits his face first before tears start prickling at the corners of his eyes.

He, too, grips his fists at his side almost painfully.] You think I'm gonna believe that crap? [He does.]

I - [He gasps, sucking in a sharp breath. He then closes the distance between them, throwing and wrapping his arms around Kuko's shoulders as tight as he can.] - you bastard. Punk ass, wannabe monk!

[It's impossible to keep his voice steady now. The tears have started and they're not gonna stop.] Keep your apology. I don't want it. Never wanted it. Never, - dammit.

[Even if this isn't real or even if it's all a dream, Ichiro's missed Kuko so much. This is all he's ever wanted since that day.]

[punkmonk]

[Kuko waited for Ichiro to tell him that he didn't believe him. He knew it sounded like bullshit, like he wasn't taking responsibility for his actions when everything he told him was true. The only thing he really had to support him was his word, but even if Ichiro didn't forgive him at least he tried. At least he finally got to tell him what really happened that day. The day that replayed in his mind when he least expected it. While it would hurt to lose Ichiro for good after he told the truth it would be something he could deal with even if it would break his heart, he'd take it.

Kuko waited for Ichiro to yell at him then the punch afterwards. He didn't expect the arms around his shoulders or the way his voice shook. Wait, did that mean Ichiro forgave him? Kuko felt his face heat up as he tightly gripped the back of his jacket. Tears pricked the corner of his eyes as his own voice started to waver.]

Well, you're gonna get it! You...you lame ass thug! [He got out as his own tears rolled down his cheeks. He believed him! He didn't lose him again like the first time. The wave of relief and happiness that passed through Kuko was strong enough to make him grip his jacket tighter. He was not going to buckle, not yet.]