July Event Log

[kaisoumods]

July Event
Dominant Element: Water
Waning Element: Fire

Full Moon: July 2nd - July 4th

※
July comes to Kaisou and brings with two things: heat and rain, leaving the city a humid mess. Time to get dehumidifiers and make sure your AC works, because otherwise, you might just end up melting. The summer storms seem heavier and more frequent this year, with one occurring every couple days and lasting for several hours. All this rain is enough to flood basements and low areas. Wonderful.

Beat the Heat With the Power of Anime

Despite the miserable weather, it's still summertime in the city, so that means the city is alive with activity. With Kaisou being in America, you can fully expect the fourth of July celebrations to be in full swing during the first week of the month. Attend a barbeque or watch the firework show at the beach, which thankfully isn't rained out.

However if you want to go a little more nerd in your summertime celebrations - KaiCon, Kaisou's local anime con, is back in town! Normally, this would have been held in June, but thanks to the tornado last month, it got postponed. Held the week of July 16th, the convention brings in a ton of tourists both in and out of cosplay. There's lot of to do at the convention, from shopping for merchandise, trying Japanese foods, attending panels, entering cosplay competitions, and sitting in a ballpit. For once, those app users with odd changes or body parts won't stand out so badly!

Finally, if you're looking for a more educational way to pass the time, the Kaisou history museum is holding a special exhibit about artifacts from the ancient world. Throughout the exhibit are a collection of artifacts from the Ancient Greek era that are in remarkable condition. In fact, those with archeological training might find it a bit too remarkable, finding pieces in such a pristine condition. Those with a keen magical sense will detect energy signatures indicative of the Spirit Realm. There's even a few objects that hold curses from the Greek pantheon that could be triggered in the wrong hands.

Crystal Rain

It's never fun to be caught in a summer microburst. Even under normal circumstances, they will drench you within a minute and you can kiss any electronic device that hasn't been waterproofed goodbye. And unfortunately, thanks to the damage done to the Spirit Vein, these summertime annoyances have only gotten worse. While regular rain will still act normally, should you get caught in a microburst, you will find your limbs begin to stiffen as crystals begin to form on your skin. The longer you stay out in the crystal-inducing rain, the worse the effect will get and the harder you will find it to move around. Be careful not to let it get so bad that you're stuck as a crystal statue for a while.

Fortunately, the effects seem to be temporary. Once you get to a dry place and dry yourself off properly, the crystals will fall off and your limbs will return to their normal mobility range. While the plant life (which is still growing out of control) doesn't seem to be affected by the rain, animals caught in the microbursts do seem to be. It wouldn't be a bad idea to help out your fellow creature and help dry the crystals off their furs or feathers. As for the normal people, they don't seem to notice the actual crystalizing effect and will just blame any mobility issues on their muscles and bones not handling this rainy season well. Sure Jan.

Mysterious Fathoms Below

Blue Fish Lake has always been a decent sized lake. It's large enough to be a good place to take a take a boat onto it and spend the day fishing the healthy lake fish population. That said, it's not that big. You could always see the other side from the shore, and it's depth couldn't be more than thirty or so feet. A good sized lake, sure, but hardly one that's going to be in any record books anytime soon.

On the night of July 6th, there is an extremely heavy rain storm - one that stands out from the other storms throughout the month. Torrential rains and strong wind blast the city. Make sure not to drive through any standing water, as you might end up with your car getting submerged in water.The next morning, after the storm has cleared and people can begin to (relatively) dry off, there will be reports that not only has Blue Fish Lake flooded, but it's gotten much deeper from the rain. Thousands of feet deeper.

While the normal people in the city don't question why Blue Fish Lake is now as deep as the ocean, it's pretty easy for app users to conclude that there's no way a summer rain storm could cause Blue Fish Lake to get that much deeper. And Zodiac seems to agree, as on July 7th they send out a message over the Libra app.

ALERT: SPIRIT REALM GATE DETECTED IN BLUE FISH LAKE.
Element Classification: Water
Danger Level: High
Designation: Atlantis
Zodiac has detected a Spirit Gate within Blue Fish Lake. Early reports indicate that this may be the lost city of Atlantis and might be worth investigating. Please go to the Zodiac offices for more information.

Should you head to the Zodiac office, there's a sense of excitement in the air. After all, the lost city of Atlantis isn't something you happen upon every day. The (fuzzy) Professor is there, and he's more than happy to tell you what he knows about Atlantis: It was a country that the philosopher Plato wrote of, one that fell into the ocean thanks to its hubris. Since then, there's been loads of people throughout history who have attempted to locate where the lost city was at, though usually with no success. A Zodiac intern will chime in to add that even many paranormal-based researches suspected it to be nothing more than a fanciful story, what with how long it had been since it'd been supposedly sighted. So the chance to confirm that Atlantis really does exist? It truly is a once in a life time opportunity.

That said, there is the issue of how to get to that realm, with it being so deeply underwater. In order to pull it off, Zodiac has decided to pull some strings and use what resources they can afford. They've been able to get in contact with the Bermuda Brotherhood - a paranormal group that specializes in researching and safeguarding the Bermuda Triangle - and convinced them to loan Zodiac a submarine and crew. Black Order and POKEGO members may have heard of the Bermuda Brotherhood before. They have a reputation for being an ornery group that is extremely territorial about the Bermuda Triangle and, convinced it's the crown jewel of supernatural hotspots. Not bad people by any stretch, but could probably stand to go to shore and touch some grass. Still, eccentricities aside, there's no doubt they're experts on deep sea diving and you'll be in good hands.

Once you're done preparing, it's time to head off. Sitting in Blue Fish Lake is an old-timey-looking submarine. It wouldn't be far out of place in a Jules Verne novel. Ancient as it looks, this is everyone's ticket through the spirit gate, which is submerged under the lake. The geese are, naturally, furious about this, and can be seen swimming around it and occasionally pecking ineffectively at both it and the crew sent by Zodiac to man the damn thing. The sub is big enough to hold a decent number of people, and once everyone's aboard (after dodging any of the angry geese nearby) the sub descends under the waters of the lake.

The sub goes deeper and deeper, much deeper than any lake should be able to go. Seaweed starts to appear, jutting out through rocky outcrops as schools of fish hurry out of the submarine's wake. It's clear you are definitely no longer in a lake, but under the ocean depths. Deeper and deeper you go, as light fades from dappled rays to almost nothing. Eventually, the only lights around are those from the submarine itself, lighting the way down.

At some point in the journey a deep, guttural, pulsating call can be heard in the darkness. For a moment, you could be forgiven for thinking a whale is making the noise, but as it gets closer and closer, it's clear that this is something completely different. The lights of the sub sometimes catch a shadow on a rocky crag, before it vanishes once again. Eventually, though, whatever is stalking you makes an attack on the sub. The craft is suddenly and violently jarred to one side as something very large slams against it. If characters aren't holding onto something, they're going to hit the deck HARD. The crew starts panicking, rushing about trying to assess the damage as the sub is slammed into again, and at this point, the submarine is definitely taking on water. In a desperate attempt to save everyone, the captain orders the submarine through a tunnel in the rocks the lights have just glanced off. Thankfully, this works, and as the submarine moves into the tunnel, a current picks up the downed craft and pushes it through to the other side, where it breaks the surface of the water into a cavern. The submarine is seriously damaged, and the captain states it will take time to fix it. However, the cave does seem to have a way out, and it might well be worth exploring that while no one can go anywhere else.

The Lost City of Atlantis

Following the exit to the cave, you will find yourself entering a beautiful city. Ancient temples rise to the sky, with huge columns of stone decorating the entrances. It looks almost ancient Greek in origin, but not quite. Stranger still is that even though this looks like a city from ancient times, the people seem to enjoy many modern conveniences, magically powered by the crystals worn around their necks. The city runs in a circle, living and thriving. There are people here, who will happily welcome you to Atlantis- the first explorers that they have seen in...well, forever! If you squint and look to the very borders of the city, you can see stone monoliths holding up some invisible barrier. The ocean shifts behind it; fish and seaweed abound in an undersea world full of life. The people are excited to show you their city, though they come across as a very pious lot. If you comment on the city's beauty or vibrance, they downplay it, almost fearfully. If that strange behavior is brought up to them, they quietly point out that their pride and avarice is what angered the Gods enough to sink their city. They do not intend to incur the wrath of the Gods again.

Luckily, there is plenty for you to do in the city. You can eat almost wholly seafood-based meals from people only too happy to open their meals or food stalls to those explorers looking for a bite to eat. If you really want, you can go and get yourself a tattoo with glow-in-the-dark ink. If you request a tat of anything that existed after 1000 B.C, though, you will likely get very confused looks. Better stick to fish or Atlantean symbols. You can also get involved in crafting- though as might be expected, a lot of the crafts involve making fish spears or nets. Speaking of, natives will be glad to take you out on boats to the tranquil waters that surround the city, where there's plentiful fish and sea life to catch- you might even be able to catch your own meal! The natives will be very nervous about getting TOO close to the barrier, though, muttering that things have been unsettled with that as of late.

For the more academically minded, you can investigate the crystals all the Atlanteans wear around their necks. They are more than happy to hand one over to you to check out, explaining that the crystals were a gift from the Gods and were what allowed them to be such a thriving utopia in "the old days". For those with either an ability to sense or otherwise investigate the crystals, you will find them to be a perfect blend of magic and an unknown, almost alien technology. You will find that the crystals power everything - from lights, to starting fires, to boat engines, to even acting as a magic translator (just in case you were wondering how they speak English). You can also use them to power stone, fish-shaped vehicles, which you can ride somewhat like a motorcycle. These fly into the air, giving you a chance to view the city from above.

Unfortunately those hoping to find reading material will be out of luck. While the most important events are recorded through murals and stone tablets, scholars will explain that the humidity from being under the ocean makes preserving paper basically impossible. As such, most of their stories are pass down through the oral tradition, with storytellers and theater performers being treated with reverence. You'll be welcome to attend any storytellers performance if you wish to hear about tales of Atlantean history. If you're more interested in the arts, Atlantean theater offers a wide variety of plays- so long as you don't mind all of them being morality plays about the virtues of being pious.

Meanwhile, members of the Black Order who are keeping a watchful eye will notice that somehow they acquired an extra person that wasn't on the submarine. As it turns out, a curator from Kaisou Museum has been using one of the magic stripper poles from the Goodwill to go into different Spirit Realms and grab up relics to put into the museum. The Ancient Greek relics in his exhibit now? Were lifted from the tear Ash was dragged through last month. The curator seems to have no regard for the actual safety or origin of the items, rather just grabbing whatever he thinks would attract visitors. The Black Order will need to figure out how to deal with this man, and return any unsafe items back to the Spirit Realm where they belong.

The Price of Hubris

Once you have enjoyed the city and gotten to know the people well enough, they will lead you to the tribal council, leaders of the city who watch over all that occurs within. They explain that there have been breaks happening in the barrier which blocks Atlantis from the ocean- that leaks have been appearing, and they are worried if this continues, the city will once again sink, and this time the Gods will not protect them.

Finally, with the blessing of the elders, some of the native Atlanteans will take you to the borders of the city. You can see for yourself small cracks in the barrier, water leaking through them. Some have been hastily patched with pitch or mortar, but it's clear this will not hold forever. The people are frightened - they've been so careful, so pious. They've been sure to never let their pride overtake them again, and yet it feels like the Gods are threatening to finish the job. They will allow you to explore, explaining there are some ancient parts of the city they will not go near as they are blessed ground to Atlanteans, but perhaps outsiders would be able to go there.

The "blessed ground" ends up being an ancient cave, untouched for millennia. Ancient texts are stored here, as are cave paintings, made with the same glow-in-the-dark ink that is used for tattoos these days. While you look through the cave, it's clear that things were put here to be hidden away; to avoid, like a dirty secret. Eventually, once you put enough clues together, you learn that "the Gods" did not sink Atlantis, nor did they give the Atlanteans the crystals that they're so proud of. The Crystals were plundered from the Spirit Realm by the Atlanteans themselves. Taken and crafted for their own use, to power their cities and give them an upper hand against the rest of the world. Unfortunately, the Spirit Realm is temperamental and prone to taking back what belongs to it. When it reached out to reclaim the crystals, it took the whole city with it, pulling it into the realm the crystals originated from. It was the ancient Atlanteans' own magictech that saved them, the barriers they'd built against potential invaders sealing them safely from the oceanic Spirit Gate that swallowed them whole.

Battle with Leviathan

As you exit the cave with all this newfound knowledge, the barrier is SHAKEN by another shockwave. This time, however, you're close enough to see what's caused it. This is no act of the Gods either. A huge sea serpent is slamming against the barrier, full of snarling, frothing rage. Get close to the city and the Atlanteans will offer a terrified explanation- that is the Leviathan, a sea monster which has haunted their city since it "sank". You realize quickly this is what attacked your sub when you were coming to the city in the first place. The Atlanteans say it was only a threat to anyone trying to leave the city previously, making it impossible to explore outside their literal bubble. It's never attacked them directly like this before, and they don't understand the change in behavior.

Regardless of what can be causing the increased aggression, this needs to be dealt with, or Atlantis really will be sunk beneath the waves. The Atlanteans luckily do have a means to breathe underwater- thanks to the crystals, they have invented a breathing mask to allow you to breathe underwater for about an hour at a time. They could never use it to truly escape the city thanks to the Leviathan's presence, and they were too fearful of it to actually attempt to fight it. But now you're all here, and maybe things can be different! Maybe you can be rid of the creature for good!

If you head to the cave where you originally entered, you will find the captain still working on the sub. He explains it's not ready yet- but you have other fish to fry. Literally. Using the flying fish vehicles, you drive into the water and use the apparatus to follow the tunnel out into the open ocean again, where the Leviathan is waiting for you. You will have to be able to swim and fight at the same time, and if you're a fire user ... well, good luck. The creature puts up one hell of a fight - it's fast and it's HUGE. Easily fifty feet in length. It can churn the water around it, sending out blasts of the stuff like aquatic projectiles. It will not be an easy battle at all. During the fight, you might notice it stop to swallow a discarded crystal- it seems this is what the creature feeds on, which would also explain the attacks on the city itself. Either way, it will give no ground, and you will have to work together to dispatch it for good.

Aftermath

Once the waters have settled and the Leviathan has been defeated, the barriers will slowly begin to show signs of repair. The Atlantean elders are surprised by the revelations of what actually caused their downfall, and they will request discretion as they sort out how to go about telling their people (after all, news on this scale could completely undo their way of life). Should you ignore their request and tell the population on your own, you can expect Atlantis to experience several instances of unrest throughout the month.

Either way, the people of Atlantis will be thankful for your help. The elders will grant you permission to keep your own power crystals, should you wish. Which leaves characters with a choice. A magic energy source like this could easily give you the power you need to build your own version of the Libra app, and even break free from relying on Zodiac or any other faction. However, if not handled carefully... these could drag all of Kaisou into the Spirit Realm, just like Atlantis.

It's not an easy decision to make, so characters should probably talk it over with one another before deciding.

No matter what you decide, the submarine will be repaired and ready to go within a few days. Once everyone returns to the surface, with the waters now safer, the city of Atlantis will be available to visit for the rest of the month before it disappears back into the dark oceans of the Spirit Realm.

OOC Notes

The dominant element this month is Water! Anyone with an affinity to the water element will find themselves boosted throughout the month. This could mean a boost to their power, having more energy, feeling more inspired with creativity, having better luck on different attempts -- the boost can manifest in all sorts of different ways. By contrast, anyone with an affinity for Fire will be experiencing the opposite. Perhaps their powers will be weaker, they have less energy, they're having a creative block or general worse luck - again it can manifest in all sorts of way and players are free to play with this mechanic as they'd like.

NOTE REGARDING THE POWER SOURCE: Whether characters decide to take the Atlanteans offer on the power source will have lasting consequences in the game, as such this will be put up to a vote among players that'll be open until July 12th. The vote can be found over here.

The original OOC plotting post for this event can be found here. Another Zodiac Post will be going up July 15th to serve as an intro post for new characters and allow characters to react to developments over the network.

Comments

Sung Jin Woo | Solo Leveling | Closed to BO members

[lowestclass]

[ given his role coming up in a certain mission with his new assignment, Jinwoo is definitely taking the whole thing pretty seriously. How long has it been since he hasn't just been backup or support, but having offered himself as an actual front-line member for any sort of mission? Of course he's nervous. Switching from one foot to the other as he stands outside the museum, waiting for one of the few members of the order he'd invited--on different days--to stake out the museum with him.

He had no idea what sort of relics they were looking for. Which ones were the ones needing to be returned. Which ones were cursed--he was totally out of his element with this.

Which is why he'd asked for a few stakeouts with other members--so he could figure out which ones were the ones he'd have to aim for when mission d-day was on them.

Which also means being outside during the daytime, which was already making his skin itch, as even with the microbursts of rain, there were still patches of sunlight that made his shadows shrink in close to his body.

When one of those he invited out shows up to greet him--either he'll be surprised they saw him first...

...or...

enjoy having the little shadowy cryptid sneak up on you, and tap your shoulder because you didn't notice he had been standing there this entire time. The shadows that seem to cling to his body making him rather hard to notice half the time.

Just don't scream. He doesn't want to drop his umbrella. ]

--It's been a busy place for a few days. Bet the curator is delighted with how much attention the stuff he has is getting...

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli is staring at a brochure in his hand for the Ancient China exhibit, which actually covers from 221 BC to 220 AD, when he feels someone tap his shoulder. He's been trying to run into Jinwoo intentionally so it's not like it's a surprise.]

Ah, Jinwoo. [He's been standing out here without an umbrella because he's figured out how to cheat with magic, and it's only for a little bit.] There is no doubt in my mind that he believes in his own success.

I've already visited the other exhibits, so we don't need to waste any time investigating them. I know the items we're looking for. Are you ready?

[lowestclass]

It isn't really success if it's stolen, in my opinion. He's just making a mess of things, like this...

[ like, for hell's sake, look at how busy this place was? it wasn't a huge crowd, but it was definitely sizeable. ] No idea what kind of curses these items could be, he could seriously hurt someone...

And hey, did your research in advance, huh. I appreciate that.
I am ready, just one question.
How are the windows in there? ...Places like this don't generally take well to hoods being up, but I could still carry my umbrella, if they're a bit much.

[lapislazily]

Oh, I agree. Artifacts are not something to be toyed with, particularly those of a magical persuasion. Long after an entity has died, the remnants of their grief and anger can still cause harm. It's imperative that this situation isn't allowed to continue... or be repeated.

[That sounds like a promise rather than a threat. He's Unhappy about this.]

The windows? [He stops to consider...] The exhibit is on the darker side of the building. Sunlight tends to degrade items so you won't find a lot of natural light outside of the lobby and gift shop.

[lowestclass]

[ jinwoo can't blame zhongli for being angry. he's been with the order long enough to see what kind of things curses can do to people--and usually, said curses are caused by greed, just like this. things with power that die suddenly could leave behind pure hate, and that hate could easily become a monster if left unchecked. ]

Sounds like you have previous experience with this sort of thing, then. [ he sounds amused a little, but... hm. ] I agree, though. Taking items that don't belong in this world from another world is dangerous. It tips the scale a bit too heavily, and you don't know what sort of danger you might be causing ...

[ he's reminded of someting in his past life. Something about magic stones... ]

Ah--I'm glad to hear that. I'll completely avoid the gift shop, then. ...Not that I expect I'll attract attention. [ most normies dont even see him whe he enters a room.
but at least that means, by the time he and zhongli reach the proper exhibits, Jinwoo can take his hood down, and pocket his umbrella into that robe of his. ]

[lapislazily]

In my past life, residual energy like this would act as a blight upon the land—summoning diseases, famine, and monsters to terrorize the common folk. [All the more reason to nip this in the bud.] I would not like to see that happen to Kaisou and its people.

I've been told in no uncertain terms that I'm not allowed to set foot in there, so it isn't a problem for this mission.

[He rummages in his coat for his wallet. Zhongli's version of bad luck means he actually brought it this time... But it turns out they do get a discount since he's a professor, so he gets them into the building for relatively cheap.

This isn't his first time through here but he doesn't want to look suspicious, so his pace is unhurried as he strolls through the first part of the exhibit. When he speaks again, he keeps his voice low.]

The majority of the cursed artifacts can be attributed to the god of war. Weapons, armor, and depictions of battle are all involved. There are eight items that we identified as needing to be recovered, and I'll point out what we discovered as we go.

god sorry i took so long with this one

[lowestclass]

--That's horrifying. No wonder this mission is pretty important...

[ there's a sound in jinwoo's voice, quiet and stiff as he tries to imagine someone dragging items from another world onto earth being the cause of some previous calamities--and while Jinwoo isn't any sort of scholar, he's not so airheaded that the meaning is lost on him. ]

If you're not allowed in there, we'll avoid it, then. [ he'll look around once inside--and Zhongli was right; once inside the lobby, there isn't much natural light at all. A few windows off to the side, and near the front part of the lobby, but once inside, it's pretty closed off.

He feels safe enough to take his hood down, and to close up his umbrella.
...his skin is a little more pallid in colour than the last time Zhongli saw him. ]

God of War items...
I can't imagine what sort of effect those sorts of things will have if they stay here too long.

[ he keeps close to Zhongli, doing his best to look interested in the art, his voice dropped down low. ]

The size is a worry--I can carry some things easily myself, and I can task Igris to help if necessary, but... [ eight items... how troublesome. ]

rofl you're fine i've taken longer

[lapislazily]

It is. [He wonders if Jinwoo is remembering something, and opts not to ask about it. Instead he says,] One of our own recently went through some troubles associated with these items, so it's personal as well. I cannot allow the thief to retraumatize them for his own gain.

[Zhongli has near flawless visual memory, so he definitely notices Jinwoo is looking paler than usual. He decides to wait to bring it up until the mission is underway.]

The cursed items could contaminate otherwise innocuous objects, hence the number. [They stop at a case holding a spearhead. The rest of it has been reconstructed using the guesses of the historians.] This is one of them.

—As an aside, [he says with about as much subtlety as a brick,] you seem paler than usual. Is your... diet... not going well?

[Zhongli did tell Velvet he would keep an eye on him, and they'd adjust their approach to it if there was any issue.]

[lowestclass]

--One of the Kaisou Black Order members? [ sounds strange--wouldn't a black order member know better than to mess with cursed items...? Maybe it was some sort of accident... ] I hope the matter was taken care of.

And hold on, wait, are you seriously saying a cursed item can just... infect regular, non-cursed items with prolonged exposure? [ that fact hits a little too close to home. goddamn. cursed things are just forever not fun???

he does pause to look over the artifact, though, leaning in a bit--

only to twitch a little when Zhongli brings up his pallid appearance. Erk. ]

--Ah, well. It's working, in a way that I'm not... starving, but. I think, over a long period of time, I'll start to get more and more tired until I actually suck it up--

...

Pun. Not intended there.

And actually 'eat' something properly.

[ as in, human blood... ]

[lapislazily]

[A pause. Well, it's fine, probably.] Yes. They were possessed. The demon tried to drag them into the abyss, as tends to happen with some possessions, and some of these artifacts came from that realm. Much to my relief, however, the victim is recovering well... and they are free of their unwelcome guest.

[Ash's story isn't his to tell, and he heard all of this secondhand anyway.]

If the curse is powerful enough, it can.

[Poor Jinwoo. He can probably feel Zhongli's eyes boring into the side of his head, here...]

I thought this could happen, [he says, looking thoughtful.] Just as people must vary their diets, you must also vary your... intake.

[The gears in his head are turning. He lowers his voice as he comes to a decision.] Then, I shall volunteer. It's not as if you could do me any lasting harm. You can drink as much as you need.

[He hasn't regained his divinity, so he's just a human as far as blood goes... probably.]

[lowestclass]

[ usually, his face would be mostly-hidden in shadow, inside that deep hood of his modefied black order uniform--however, now that it's out, it turns out Jinwoo is actually quite expressive: proven in moments how he goes on an absolute face journey when Zhongli offers the last thing to him.

He wanted to process the bit about someone being dragged into the abyss, he did--he has his own uncertainties about his own possessed being, lurking in his shadow even now, but.

Did... Did Zhongli just really offer something like that? He doesn't know how to feel about it. Part of him feels relief, a smaller part of him elation--and the biggest part of him? Uncertainty. ]

--Are you sure? Asking something like that of anyone is... improper. I was thinking of just... maybe going to get a blood transfusion, and seeing if it helps.

[ maybe he'd pick up at a doctor's checkup as being anemic, or... something, since normal people don't notice supernatural things so much. ]

But offering yourself... is easier. But are you sure.

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli shows no sign of anxiety in contrast. He isn't one to go back on his word for several reasons. Besides the obvious, he sees that one of his friends needs help, and he wants to take care of them. Simple as that.]

I'm sure. After we're done here, we can return to your apartment. I'm not confident that the clinic will be able to help you.

[He gestures to the next part of the exhibit.]

Shall we continue?

[Very little ruffles this man.]

[lowestclass]

[ and just as easy as that. Zhongli doesn't seem worried at all. So, why should Jinwoo stay strung up on it? His expression melds from one of surprise, into one of comfort and appreciation. ]

--I would like to hold off as long as I can. I will see how I am feeling after this--and then I will let you know if I require it today.

[ maybe he should just push it a little more--until it becomes apparent that theres no other choice but to ask for help. A compromise.

He nods his head at Zhongli, smiling now; genuinely. ]

Unflappable as usual. You really are cool, harabeoji.

[ he's gonna keep moving, eyes drifting across the artifacts.... kind of now wishing he paid a little closer attention in history class. ]

[crisantemo]

[ The first actual indication of Lapis approaching Jinwoo isn't the woman herself, but how nearby shadows extend and stretch towards him, helping to better cover him from the sun. Only once sufficiently shaded over does Lapis appear at his side, giving a little wave as she peers up at him - her own umbrella hooked on her elbow. ]

I'm sure he is. But that just makes us looking around less suspicious. [ The less eyes on them the better. ]

Have you already had a chance to look around before?

[lowestclass]

[ ...lapis, you're kind of the coolest. He has a pleased look on his face as he takes note of the shadows growing thicker around them, and he's going to give her a smile that reflects his appreciation. ]

With all the money he's making, I bet he's more focused on looking for more realms to steal from, rather than preparing for the opposite... [ he mumbles quietly, under his breath as he takes a moment to steel himself, turning to go inside. ]

I went around with Zhongli, to look at what objects were the ones to pay attention to.
I'll share the locations with you while we get a ... lay of the land... so to speak.

Better to be prepared with the layout.

[crisantemo]

[ Jinwoo's smile is returned with one of her own, small but still genuine. She's still getting used to this new ability, but it's nice to see one way she can help someone with it. ]

Considering he's gotten away with this much, he's just going to get cockier. But the lack of extra security is good. [ Makes it all the more easier for them.

So she follows his lead inside, taking a cursory glance around before peering up at him. ]

Right. The last thing we need when we come back here later is getting lost in the dark. [ So time to get to know this place like the back of their hands. ] I'm pretty sure we would never be able to live that down, if that happened.

god sorry i took so long with this one

[lowestclass]

You're right about that. The more people get away with something, the more they think they can keep going--and the less attention they pay to stray threads.

[ he drops his voice a little as they head inside--he'll quietly pay for Lapis' ticket without much fuss--handing her the pass that shows they're allowed inside--clipping his own to the front of the big hoodie he's wearing.

Once inside, he'll carefully pull his umbrella down--fortunately, museums don't have a lot of big windows, due to natural light being dangerous for certain works of art.

He'll even take down his hood--the first time that Lapis will have fully seen his face from behind the swirling shadows he usually hides himself in. ]

I have pretty bad luck, I will admit to you, when it comes to most things. I'm hoping that my first mission here is a change of pace, though...

no worries!!!

[crisantemo]

[ Seeing how he pays for her ticket gets a blink from Lapis, though she knows not to kick up a fuss lest they draw attention - he does get a glimpse of her pouting though, as she quietly plots to pay him back. For now she clips hers to her shawl, adjusting it more securely around her shoulders before they step in - and cue her quiet surprise when she's finally able to get a look at his face. ]

I'm sure it will go well. And if anything goes wrong, you'll have me and the others to support you. [ So it's not as if he'll be left alone to do with any bad luck. But their combined skillset should be enough to balance that out. ]

And, hmmm.... [ Sorry Jinwoo she's peering up at your face now. ] I think this is the first time I've clearly seen your face too.

[lowestclass]

[ she can definitely get revenge on him when he least expects it--he's easily distractable and can't say no to sincere gifts, so...

he raises his hand to point towards where the main area where the stolen items were being shown off, but. When Lapis peers up at him, making an obvious move to stare at his face, Jinwoo can feel his ears starting to go red.

Chill, Jinwoo, chill. ]

--ah. Well, I. Yes, perhaps it is, I don't often take my hood off, for--reasons,

[ he clears his throat, putting a hand up to cover his face a little, as if a bit self-conscious. ]

I'm not hiding any cool tattoos or features, though--so you weren't missing too much. Haha. Ha.

[crisantemo]

[ There's a blink when he turns red, and she cants her head to the side as she watches him. Is there something...

... Oh, he's embarrassed. There's a quiet giggle from her as he covers his face a little, her smile taking a more playful curve. ]

Still, I'm glad I actually got to see your face clearly. Even if you say I wasn't missing much, I happen to think otherwise.

[ She steps a little further ahead in the direction towards the main area, all faux innocence as she glances back up at him. ]

Though let me know if you need me to move the shadows at all. I can at least do that much, to make sure you're comfortable.

[lowestclass]

[ he's absolutely embarrassed. Lapis was very pretty, for one--and for two, he's still just getting to know his fellow Black Order members, so he's doing his best to make a good impression in front of his new 'family--' he hasn't had to get to get to know new people like this in a while.

just breathe. it'll be fine. ]

--Ah. [ and then she says something like that, and his ears are going pink all over again.

He's gonna' do his best to regain his composure as he tucks his umbrella under his robe. ]

--It's fortunate that you have that kind of power. It's nice to work alongside someone whose powers actually... work in my favor, for once.

I admit I don't have much martial skill, so I used to get in the way a lot, back in Florida.

[crisantemo]

[ There's another quiet giggle from her, but she is nice enough not to keep pushing. There will always be future chances to tease him -

But her expression softens at his words, settling into something less playful and more genuine as she manages another small smile. ]

Well, if you ever need my powers for anything, let me know. I would be happy to help.

[ Even if it's something small, she's just glad to be able to help wherever she can. ]

Ah, and you were with Velvet and Eizen too... Sounds like that was probably frustrating. [ Working with those two in Florida and feeling like you're in the way... Yeah, that doesn't sound like a fun experience at all. ] Well, at least here martial skill isn't all that matters. Your skills will help a lot with this mission, for example.

[lowestclass]

[ god please he's so easy to tease, he's not used to having people be so friendly with him--due to his bad reputation back in Florida, most people tended to avoid him unless it was for something work related.

Maybe this was the restart he needed? Even if he was wholly unprepared... ]

Being able to shift the shadows around like you do is... honestly a huge help. Direct sunlight can hurt my skin, so...

[ honestly it's really nice having someone on the team who can help with that, instead of him relying on being able to do mission-related work at night or carrying around his giant wooden umbrella... ]

Velvet and Eizen together in a group was... interesting. We got into a lot of trouble, as was to be expected. Just being AROUND Eizen usually caused insane things to happen, and then there was Vel... [ and her love of violence and general wild behavior. but... ] It wasn't all bad.

I'd like to get a little bit of martial skill, but. I gotta' admit, I prefer sneaking around.

[crisantemo]

[ Quiet Lapis may be, she's certainly not meek. So there will be plenty of teasing in the future- ]

Mmm, I see... Then whenever we're on a mission together, I'll try to make sure there's enough shadow around you. Or even if you need to go out during the day and you're having trouble, just let me know.

[ She likes to help!! Especially if it helps him feel a little more comfortable. ]

Yeah, being around Eizen does... cause some challenges, but I always found it interesting. [ She adores her cousin, so even the misfortune aura isn't enough to deter her. Plus, better to be optimistic about it since it's not like he can help it.

And there's a quiet "Ha" when he doesn't expand on Velvet, since she... very much knows what he means. ]

At least it would never be dull, with the two of them around.

[ Her words trail off as they head into the main exhibit area, canting her head as she thinks. ]

If you prefer sneaking, you don't have to change that. Though, hmm... I'm not the best at fighting either, but I'm sure one of the other guardians could maybe teach you.

[ She's a mishmash of sneaking, surprise and agility so she doesn't think she can help with this particular issue. ]

[lowestclass]

I'd hate to trouble you for such a thing, but I can already hear the scolding incoming. 'It isn't a trouble because I'm offering', or something like that, yeah?

[ ...it's nice, having fellow order members who didn't treat him like a number or a troublesome tag-along. it's weird. as much as he's starting to doubt this was a promotion, but maybe for the social aspect alone, this had been okay. ]

He definitely causes a lot of challenges, but. All the same I can't help but to be drawn to him. He's a good friend, at the end of the day. [ though spending too long with him is dangerous, their bad luck is like two storms meeting... ]

I think Zhongli offered to help give me a bit of training, but...
Maybe, if I continue to learn things from my past life, it won't be necessary.