lucetilogs | Post-Event Blues

Entry tags:

Post-Event Blues

Who: Everybody, everybody!
What: The battle is won. Now what?
When: The eleventh, twelfth, and onward
Where: Luceti
Summary: With Zompano dead and the cultists routed, Luceti is restored. Kind of.
Rating: F for Feels

On the eleventh, things were slowly breaking down. Memories of their true lives were breaking through. The village, scarred by the battle with the cultists, began to rebuild itself. Community buildings that had vanished were returned to their rightful places. The battle dome was uncovered from the earth that had covered it. Hundreds and hundreds of fake homes slowly faded away. Paved roads gave way to trees and grass. It was an incredible sight for anyone who was willing to sit aroun and watch it happen.

Things wouldn't be easy for the villagers, though. The memories perpetuated by the last ten days would not be easily removed. The feelings and hatreds it had created would take time to conquer and remove. Perhaps, in a way, that was Zompano's nastiest trick of all. The village itself may heal from his invasion, but it would take far more than a few Shifts to fix the people left behind.

Towards the end of the day, their wings returned. Much like some of the buildings, they seemed to just reappear, as if they had never been gone. Their barcodes became visible again as a singular reminder that they were, ultimately, just the property of another entity who as a whole were not much better than Count Zompano.

By the twelfth, the village looked as though nothing had ever happened. Sure, the contents of buildings might have been messed up or destroyed during the battles, but things were otherwise as they were supposed to be. The night before, people would have had to find their old beds to go sleep in, as they no longer possessed the old ones granted to them in another life.

The village was peaceful.

Modly Note: That wraps up the event. As noted in the prose above, you have the option to play up the after effects of the event more than in other ones. While it won't have the same impact universally, the Shift was constructed in such a way that people may have difficulty shaking off the emotions they developed during the event. In effect, it was a cruel send off to Luceti so they would have to deal with the loathing and hatred that came with the less desirable parts of it. Of course, that means the feelings of familial bonds will also persist for awhile as well. It's up to you, as players, to decide how much or little to play with it!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Twice now, Rei had found herself believing that this strange, quirky man had been her real father. The first time, it'd been nice. This time, it was a stab in the heart. She genuinely did care about Helios, and honestly felt like he'd make an excellent father. The memories that came back to her, of Takashi Hino, were a fair bit less pleasant than the false life granted to her by the mad Count. She spent the first day cleaning the shrine, one of the few exercises she could do to keep calm, and the rest of it brooding in front of the fire.

And finally made up her mind to pay him a visit. Things needed saying, and she knew it wouldn't get better without words being shared.

So, into the clinic she goes...]

Helios. I...think we need to talk, if you're feeling well enough to.

[ He was told to rest so that's what he's doing. Combined with the regaining of memories Helios doesn't look like he wants to talk much, but it's Rei...and its twice now that they were made to be father and daughter. It's like a parody given how much he had wanted children with Elise in the past. It makes his heart ache even more knowing that it can never happen even once he leaves here. He'll look up from his book that's nestled in his lap, his good arm folded over his waist. There's some visible darkening around his eyes and he looks a bit more pale than usual but otherwise he's fine. He manages a small smile amidst his dour expression but it lingers only just long enough to look somewhat genuine. ]

Yes, we do. And-and of course. I'm fine to talk.

[It really is a cruel joke, and one she's a bit tired of. Not that she blames him, of course. She just doesn't know what to make of it. Those weird memories of a fake life, with a fake job and a fake father who actually cared about her. A year ago, she'd have cried. Six months ago, she'd have set a building on fire. But now, she's resigned to it. The Malnosso...or whoever is in charge will torment them no matter how they react, so what's the point.

Honestly, she's more worried about Helios than herself. She's good at lying to herself, and even though she knows she's not fine, she wants to pretend. At least...she did.

The look in his eye, that almost smile? That's what breaks through the icy demeanor. She only just manages not to rush over and hug him.]

Alright. I...I'm not sure what to make of this. Not again.

[ Helios motions for her to take a seat beside the bed, his smile sad and his expression conflicted. He knows it was all fake, everything usually was in this place, but having an actual daughter? It was nice, even if it ended up not being as true as he had hoped for. ]

I'm sure there's more than a few people who-who are in agreement with that sentiment. Take a seat, please, there's no need for you to-to stand.

[ Some of his demeanor bleeds into his actions now as he sounds a bit concerned for Rei. The shifts effects taking longer to dissipate do not help matters in the slightest. ] I'm not sure what to make of it either. After all these year...the Malnosso are the ones who actually gave me a family and-and a child to boot.

[ He gives a small shrug, wincing with the action as he absently shrugs his broken arm as well. He'll let out a huff and shake his head. ] They always were ironic with their shifts at times, and cruel too. Are you...are you alright? [ Knowing what Rei's told him about her father made this all the more tricky to discuss. But his concern is genuine and he's all but willing to listen. ]

[Rei lets out a shuddering breath and takes a seat beside him. Not too close, but definitely not distant either. She's thought of him as a father figure before, someone who'd taken her under his wing when she needed it. But having it...and then having reality come crashing down again?]

I...don't know. I keep wanting to call you Papa. And it doesn't really feel all that odd, even though I know I shouldn't. Takashi Hino is my father. [She grits her teeth on that word] But he's never...been there.

[Really, she'd always wanted a father. Someone that really looked after her. An older figure who wasn't Grandpa. Someone that cared. And the Mad Count had given it to her, and taken it away...]

I...I'm tired of being toyed with. I hate being made to feel like I'm some sort of doll, dancing on strings. I've never had a father before...and I want one. And then they give it to me...and take it away.

Ah. [ He looks away and down at the book in his lap a soft smile still touching his lips as he shakes his head a little. ] You never deserved a-a father like that. I-I'm...somewhat glad I wasn't like that, if that's not too terribly odd to say.

[ Because this entire thing was odd, even for him. ] I never had a family before either. I mean...a daughter or-or a son. I wanted them, way back when, but the fact that it was the cultists who-who gave it to me...it's wrong in ever aspect of the word. But I don't regret the time we spent together as family. I'll never regret that, but I understand if-if you're confused and unsure about things now. I certainly would be if I was in your shoes.

[ And he is in a way, they all are to some extent. ] So if you need some time to think...I won't think much of it.

[There's a faint huff of a laugh, and she leans her head against his shoulder. There really is no use in running from this.]

I...guess, it's not that. I really have no regrets about this. I'd rather have a temporary father figure than...never have one at all. I don't really even think I'm that confused, not...about you? I guess. Well, maybe I'll just keep treating you the same way, when we're in private. If...that's okay.

[That much she knows she doesn't mind.]

I know...it's a little...odd, but it...doesn't seem wrong? I guess that's what I-I wanted to say.

[ There's a faint look of surprise when Rei does that. But the look is quickly replaced with one of an acknowledging warmth and understanding. Helios doesn't shift to move away or anything, he simply lets Rei rest against his shoulder as a soft smile creases his features. ]

Well I suppose that would be fine. I don't mind if it's not done privately either. But whatever is more comfortable for you of course.

[ He nods and his smile grows wider and brighter. ] I think we can can both agree that it's not wrong. It's...different and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. But I do mind in the slightest and I'm glad we have similar views on the matter.

Well, it doesn't matter to me, I just don't want to make you feel uncomfortable.

[She keeps her head there, no longer reserved about it.]

It isn't wrong, then. What they did to us, that violation...that was wrong. But it's not like Takashi Hino is suddenly going to show up and claim he's my father. He wouldn't even if he was here. [And god does she hope he stays away.] And this way...we can support each other better.

It isn't making feel uncomfortable at all, actually. I-I know I'm not very good at these sorts of things but for once it doesn't feel all that strange or awkward to admit that I'm fine with this.

[ Helios will give her a sidelong glance as a small smile creeps up at the corners of his mouth. ]

That's true and I'm...sorry that it has to be that way, about your father I mean. But it'll certainly make it easier to support one another now and that's a very good thing.

[She lets a smile flicker across her lips as well.]

Then it's settled. Which means you need to tell me how you got hurt.

[ Helios will frown slightly at those words. ] It was the police...ah, the-the cultists I mean. I was helping at the zoo, trying to get back Luminair and Maggir. The fact that I forgot them and-and they were all alone for an entire...

[ He sounds anger and frustrated at himself as much as the count who did that. ] I got a bit ahead of myself. I should asked for help but it was all so terribly chaotic as it were. [ He sighs and leans back into the pillows. ]

But they're safe and home and happy now, so that's all that matters.

That...is unfortunate. [She looks away, scowling at the floor] I didn't realize I had my powers back until after my memories came back. Transforming without knowing I can just isn't possible. Though I had a little accident with a candle. So I stayed inside.

And you should have gotten help. You're always rushing into things...

I-I just randomly had, ah, my powers. It was intense and-and alarming. Especially since, well, you know I always did think those things were real in that other...version.

[ Helios sighs and frowns slightly. But it changes to a derpy smile and a sheepish laugh. ] I can't help it! I just...I had to do something.

[ He sometimes doesn't consider his own health before running into things. But this is nothing new, which is a good cause for alarm. ]

[She wiggles a finger menacingly.]

Helios. The next time you think about doing something like that, at least track me down first. I know I look young, but I've been Sailor Mars for years, and I have memories of my past life. I can help you, and probably keep you safer than you can.

[Teasing!]

[ There's a wry smirk on Helios' features as he just huff and makes a face back at Rei. ] Yes, well, heat of the moment and all that! I-I would have, I swear, but I was just...taken by surprise and-and so angry about what they did to Luminair and M-Maggir.

[ It still resulted in him getting hurt but he was not going to let his baby dragons go on any longer alone in that cage. ]

I know, but next time...[She doesn't want to say leave it to the professionals...but her look?]

[ Helios gives her a withering look. ] Oh, yes of course, I'll be sure to call you when I'm in trouble.

[ He sounds oh so sarcastic but Helios appreciates the offer. ]

[Rei puts on a look of mock offense and snaps her finger, a single flame dancing along the tip]

See that you do, papa.

[ Helios huffs and smiles ever so slightly at the word. ]

I'll try to remember to when the time comes. Hopefully there won't be-be anymore times like that in the near future. [ But let's face it, there probably will be. ]

Good.

[She leans into him now, returning to the hug.]

Then in the interest of keeping you informed, I've got a date later this week. Not with Narukami-san, though.

[ He'll return it with a one armed, slightly awkward, embrace. Green eyes will fill with surprise at those words though and he'll pull back some. There's a big derpy smile on his face as he laughs. ]

That-that's wonderful Rei! Ah, I do hope you have a good time. You'll have to tell me all about it, if you want to that is. Who's the lucky person then?

[She beams up, proud of her good luck.]

Fenimore-san, one of Grune-san's friends.

Oh! Oh that's wonderful Rei. [ He is happy to hear this news and is most pleased with the outcome. ]

I hope you didn't lock her in the shrine to ask her. [ And here he'll just smirk and try very hard not to laugh. ]

Oh, don't be silly, Helios. [Scathing look of amusement...] I don't deny my feelings. We met at Billy-san's speed dating event.

Post-Event Blues

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)