October Event Log

[kaisoumods]

October Event Log
Dominant Element: Earth
Waning Element: Water

Full Moon: October 27th - October 29th

※

The fall weather continues as October begins. The wind dies down, and Kaisou's weather is perfect for the fall; the air is crisp and cool, and the trees are dressed in brilliant autumn hues. However, as the month goes on, there is an increase in foggy weather. It's mild, at first, and only lasts a couple hours, but it only increases in length and thickness as the month goes on. Guess fog is a great way to make Halloween a bit more spooky.

Grim Grinning Ghosts

October means one thing and one thing only: Halloween. The entire city is decked out in pumpkins, ghosts, and black cats to get everyone in the spooky spirit. Kids are excitedly planning for their great trick-or-treat adventures, and older folks are picking out the sexiest (or spookiest) costumes for the Halloween parties. To assist in such plans, everyone's favorite seasonal costume pop up shop is back in the city, even if they seem a little bummed they didn't get the former Enki-current Cygnus Acadamy building again this year. ("The displays we had out, man!") They have to settle for empty department stores like everyone else, which can be found sprinkled throughout the city.

It's not all fun and games, though. The barrier between the supernatural and normal worlds is at its thinnest this time of year, just as it has in years prior. This means that, once again, normal NPCs are able to perceive supernatural things for what they are. Unlike the rest of the year where they remain oblivious to all things paranormal, now they absolutely notice that zebra centaur for what he is, and they will notice if you start casting spells. And boy, you better believe they'll have questions. You can expect a lot of dramatic reactions, people asking questions, and the occasional freak outs. Might be better to keep a low profile this month to avoid any incidents.

Osorezan Festival

Kaisou is no stranger to throwing festivals throughout the year, and the month is no different. This month, they've outsourced it to the Osorezan Japanese Cultural Group who have been looking for ways to raise money. Early in the month, they'll begin to set up in Kami State Park. If you want some quick cash, helpimg them out with the setup would be a good way to do it. By mid-month, the festival is ready to go. There's a big opening party where the group's executive director, Ms. Jenna Tayu, thanks Kaisou for allowing her people into their city and making it their home for the next while.

For the most part, it feels like any other sort of fall festival, with festival games like shooting alleys and tests of strength. You can buy masks, enjoy all sorts of Japanese festival food like taiyaki and Okonomiyaki, and generally have a good time! Curiously, despite the wide array of foods available to eat, there aren't any products that use soybeans. If you ask about it, they will say a couple members of the crew have serious soybean allergies. Fair enough! During the day, it's pretty kid-friendly, and there's a parade every evening around six, filled with lanterns and floats like one might see in similar festivals in Japan.

After the parade, things get a little spookier, with several different haunted houses, "tests of courage," and costumed people not hesitating to spook passersby. With the fog this month, it lends the whole festival an eerie air--perfect for Halloween.

On October 28th, the festival holds a sort of trick-or-treating event for everyone in Kaisou. Kids can go from stall to stall in costumes to get their treats (or get a trick played). It runs from eleven in the morning until sunset and people of all ages are more than welcome! Talk about a good practice run for Halloween itself.

The Stable Gates

The Halloween spirit has spread to some of the Stable Gates as well. In Stardew Valley, they are selling pumpkins to carve at the general store. If you want to grow your own, there are plenty of pumpkin seeds to purchase as well. They'll also be holding their own Halloween festival, with their own corn maze filled with spooks. If you're looking for a little real danger, though, the mines are now available. A twisting labyrinth of tunnels, these mines can be used to find rare metals, gems, and other goods. However, there's plenty of monsters down in the mines as well, so be careful.

Meanwhile while there's no people in the Kanto region to celebrate Halloween, it's not without it's own spooks. Due to the changing spirit vein energy, there is an increase of Ghost-type Pokémon, especially during the night hours. These Ghost-type Pokémon, normally rare, are now all over the place. Be careful not to let any of the more dangerous species snag your soul!

They're Fine, Probably.

On the morning of October 7th, several users of the Libra app will seemingly go missing. They are still on the app, it just seems like they aren't around town anywhere. They don't show up to work or school, and they don't seem to be home either. However, while this would normally be cause for alarm, for some reason, the remaining app users don't seem to find it suspicious. Instead, their minds keep trying to go for "rational" explanations to explain their absence -- regardless of how much sense it actually makes. They'll convince themselves that their missing loved ones went on a weekend trip, or are just that busy. It's not unusual for people to be out of touch for a weekend, right?

It's only on October 10th, when the missing folk come stumbling of a portal in Brick Alley, do you realize that maybe it wasn't a normal absence. Many of them arrive either bloodied or injured, or may even speak of dying. Just what happened to them?

[OOC Note: The characters that disappeared are ones who volunteered to take part of the horror side of the event. Anything pertaining to that event will be taking place at this log with OOC sign-ups here. Please be aware that the log comes with MANY content warnings and to proceed to with caution.]

Monthly Gate Intro

On the night of October 4th, Zodiac will send out another message.

ALERT: SPIRIT REALM GATE DETECTED ON CATHERDRAL HILL.
Element Classification: Earth
Danger Level: Low
Designation: The Land of the Remembered
Zodiac has detected a Spirit Gate on Cathedral Hill. Initial inspections indicate that the realm is the Land of Remembered, one of the afterlife realms. Should you choose to investigate, we highly recommend you remain on your best behavior.

Should you visit the Zodiac office, which is also decked out in Halloween decorations, you can find the office is extremely busy. With all the normal people noticing the paranormal, they are working around the clock to help mitigate any issues that pop up from it. The Professor (fuzzy) is there however to try to answer any questions. He explains that according to Mexican beliefs, the afterlife is a festive place for all our remembered loved ones - which sounds pretty nice! He speculates that this might be a good chance to check it out and see if there's any deceased relatives you'd like to reconnect with. If you ask him if there's any deceased relatives he'd like to reconnect with, he seems to get a far-off look in his eyes as he briefly dissociates and whispers "I don't know." in a shocked way.

Yeah you know what, maybe it's best not to pry there.

The gate is found in Cathedral Hill, in an old nearly-forgotten cemetery behind all the churches. It appears to look like a majestic mausoleum of sorts, just like the one that appeared when the Land of the Forgotten came last year. However instead of dark energy, the entire energy of the area feels much warmer. There are Black Order members stationed around the gate, given the job of guarding the sacred realm from any would-be trespassers. Normal citizens will get turned away, the Order isn't above using force if necessary. However, since this time you know the Black Order members, it should be easy enough to convince them to let you pass. However you best be on your best behavior and not looking to cause harm, as the Order have also been ordered to remove any threats. Protecting the Sacred Realms is one of their main jobs, after all.

Día de los Muertos

♪- Crossing the Marigold Bridge

Stepping through the Spirit Gate, you will find yourself facing countless bridges made of cempasúchil- Mexican marigolds. Despite being very clearly made of flowers, the bridges have no problem holding your weight. They lead into a bright and vibrant city; buildings several stories high, paper lanterns guiding the way through. Music can be heard from every corner, played by skeletal mariachis.

Ah, right. The skeletons. This Gate is filled with them, all with la calavera markings over their skulls. Everyone is colorful and vibrant - it is clear that these skeletons are not to be feared. In fact, they're delighted to see you! "They explain that you have arrived just in time to help prepare for Dia de los Muertos. The day itself isn't until November 1st, but that's not that far away, and they want to make sure everyone is ready to meet their living family when they come to visit. You seem just perfect to help with that!

Not that they need that much help. This place has a pretty constant party atmosphere, but regardless, the skeletons hurry you along, pulling you into the preparations. You can hang some banners, or help make bowls - the skeletons explain that the food (or, at least, the spiritual essence of the food) that their loved ones leave on their offrendas will come to them in those. If you really want, you can find a group of mariachi and help them with their music- they're only too happy to loan an instrument or two! There are also huge floats that travel down the main street in an endless parade. You're welcome to catch a ride on one, if you so desire, to traverse this part of the underworld to your heart's content.

Should you travel a little too far or get yourself lost, you will find yourself in the company of an alebrije - colorful spirits to guide the living and the dead. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the minuscule to the truly enormous. They don't speak, but they seem to be able to understand you just fine. If you need help getting anywhere, flag one down and ask for its help. It will surely lead you safely where you want to go... although, a good pet for all its hard work certainly wouldn't go amiss!

The Remembered

♪- Reunited With Mother

Eventually, either through helping with the celebration preparations or exploring the city, you are bound to find your own family amongst the skeletal denizens of the Land of the Remembered. Be they bound by blood or otherwise, if you considered them your loved ones, they will swarm you, delighted. You might even find ancestors who passed long before you were born. What matters is that the spirit of their memory is kept alive; that is what keeps them so vibrant, so happy. They'll happily chatter about your life- it turns out they've been watching you, and they have plenty of opinions on how you've lived your life, too. Turns out, even family from beyond the grave will ask you what you thought you were doing when you dated that person with the PIERCING? But, for the most part, they are genuinely happy to see you.

If you are an AU, you will find not only family members of this life, but also of your past life. They are possibly even happier to see you than your relatives from your current life. They explain they have existed on the outskirts of the Land of the Remembered, almost forgotten completely, fading away and waiting for what they call "the final death". But as you were reborn and regained memories of them, they have been brought back from that terrible brink, and now they can rejoin the Land of the Remembered! They are only too happy to chatter about your past life; after all, the more you remember of it, the stronger they become. Much like the library last month, this is a way you can connect to your past life, but this time, in a far more tangible way. Get loved, idiot.

AUs might even find traces of themselves, here. After all, you were dead once, too- or, rather your past lives were. You won't remember being dead, no matter how hard you try, but you might find a few effects you left behind. A poster, a favorite mug, a hat. Your family will confirm that this did belong to you, and as much as they miss you being on this side of life and death, they are delighted to see you live a new life, and can't wait to see what else you do with it. Heck, there's always a chance they'll be reincarnated too, and then they can come and join you in the land of the living- wouldn't that be something?

Housing Crisis

♪- El Latido de mi Corazón

Of course, it isn't all smooth sailing. A few official-looking skeletons from the Land of the Remembered will take you to one side- especially if you're an AU. They explain that as wonderful as it is to have your loved ones back in their midst, it has, unfortunately, upset the balance of things somewhat. The natural order is that, eventually, people are forgotten and pass on to their final death- freeing up space for the newly dead and still freshly remembered in the city. But now that reincarnated people are remembering their past lives, it means those who were close to passing on forever have now come back, but with nowhere to go to. The officials don't really blame you, per say. It's not your fault you begun remembering - but you are, at least, part of the problem. You have to hold some level of responsibility for your relatives now suddenly brought back, vibrant and remembered once more. As such, they're requesting some help in dealing with this.

The most obvious way you can help is with building homes. Skeletal construction crews are dotted around, trying to build new homes as fast as they can to solve their new housing crisis. They will welcome any help you can give them. Perhaps you can help draw up plans to prioritize what little space you have with how many homes are needed. Or, perhaps, you'd like to roll up your sleeves and help with the building work itself. Not only will the construction crew be grateful for the help, but your family will be delighted and proud to have a home you helped craft for them. One, they state, you will be able to share with them one day. Everyone ends up here eventually, after all.

Another way you can help all of your skeletal family, original and AU alike, is in Kaisou itself. Your family explain that they are held to the Land of the Remembered by you actively remembering them- by passing on their stories to future generations. They explain the best way you can keep this, keep them hale and happy, is to build an offrenda in the living world. These are small family shrines dedicated to them. Having a picture of them is best, but they understand that's a little difficult in a lot of cases, so a drawing will do! They ask you put candles and food offerings, and be sure to visit it to speak about them, to remember them. They tell you if you leave a trail of marigolds leading from the offrenda on Día de los Muertos, they will be able to visit you. You won't be able to see them, but they will be there, and they will be delighted to see you once again.

The Wager

♪- The Maze

For those who are looking for something a little more exciting to do, the denizens of the land of the dead point you in the direction of their rulers, Xibalba and La Muerte. They are a married couple of Gods who protect their people and lands fiercely, but also have a tendency to enjoy wagers now and again. It turns out even Gods can have gambling problems. Upon heading to La Muerte's castle, they will find the pair bickering- at first, it seems pretty vicious, like they're about to tear the world asunder in their rage at one another, but then, like the flick of a switch, they are spouting sickly sweet words at each other and looking very much in love. If you were around last year, you might recognize this pair of Gods. They certainly recognize you- La Muerte giving you a warm and welcoming smile, welcoming you to her realm and Xibalba rolling his eyes, muttering oh, it's YOU again."

Regardless, the Gods are delighted in the chance to play a game. With a flick of his wrist, Xibalba transports you into a huge stone maze, carved walls towering above you- he and La Muerte watching from on top. They explain that you need to escape this maze and the dangers within. La Muerte bets that you will succeed, while Xibalba bets you will fail. The maze is a dangerous place, you will face sudden trapdoors into spikes, walls suddenly moving around you, threatening to crush you, and big stone balls rolling through to run you down. Eventually, you will get to the center, where a huge, flaming stone bull attacks you on sight. Avoid or confront it. Nothing in the maze can kill you - you're already in the Land of the Dead, after all. But if you get struck down with what would be a mortal blow otherwise, this will count as a fail, and the maze will vanish around you. Only getting through to the end relatively unscathed will count as a win.

Should you be successful in the maze, La Muerte will give you a blessing. She will tell you that should you ever find yourself in a dire situation with no way out, you will get a burst of courage to help push you through. Should you fail, Xibalba will bless you instead, stating should you ever find yourself in a similar situation, you will get a burst of rage to help push you through. The blessings are pretty much the same, they only come from very different places in your heart. It in no way guarantees a victory, but it does give you a little boost to help you along.

Aftermath

Whether you had a horrible or great experience this month, time continues to move on. The Land of the Remembered will be available throughout the month, for anyone who wishes to spend time with their dearly departed. However as it gets to the last week of the month, you will have to say your goodbyes and head back to the land of the living - you still have your life to live, you know?

Meanwhile back in the city, life continues. However, as the month progresses, the fog that started light earlier in the month keeps getting thicker and thicker. What started as a thin haze for a few hours turns into a constant visibility problem. Not only that, but anything designed to detect Spirit Energy levels will have their readings climb higher and higher throughout the month, especially around the areas of Kami State Park. They say the barrier between Earth and the Spirit Veil thins this time of year, but is this normal?

OOC Notes

The dominant element this month is Earth! Anyone with an affinity to the fire 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 Water 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.

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

Comments

August Villareal | OC

[drewthetower]

Día de los Muertos

[August is pretty familiar with the upcoming holiday (thanks Cat), so when he crosses into the realm he wastes no time in getting right to work helping the spirits get everything set up. Given August's particular set of skills, that means patching and making new banners to decorate the place with.

He is swamped. Please help.

At some point, though, he's not really anywhere to be found if you look around the prep area. If you keep looking, eventually August can be found sitting and talking to two men, one of whom looks just like August and another one who looks extremely similar but a bit more bird-like. The more bird-like one also has feathers on his arms.]

--extremely weird to be talking to this life's dad and past-me's dad, y'know? Not that I don't want to, but--

[The bird-dad laughs and says something before patting August's head and going off, leaving August with Johann. Nebiros will find August later. Poor kid's probably overwhelmed as it is.

If you come over to him (and are a friend), he'll happily introduce you to his dad.]

Mid Month

[On October 11th, you can find August running around the city doing various errands. He has several bags with him in a wheeled handcart, and a list on his phone.

He's also not paying attention to where he's going. Oops.]

Wildcard

[HMU if you want something specific! There will be a big open party post going up in a couple of days that August is hosting, forward dated to the 13th. It's his birthday/Halloween party]

Mid Month

[monklookslikealady]

[Libra was also in the city, taking care of some of the cottage errands in the city before he went back for the remainder of the day.

Walking out of a store, he looks down at a list of things he still needs to do, not paying much attention to things around him before someone walks into him.]

Oof.

[He's at least still standing, but he looks at who bumped into him.]

Oh. Hello August. Are you ok?

Día de los Muertos

[youwouldntdownloada]

[This isn't really a holiday for Yasuho, if that's a thing that can make sense. Not that the holiday is specifically 'for' anyone, it's just that in her case she doesn't really have any former relatives to keep an eye out for. Her family is small, perhaps tragically so, which instead leaves her time to wander around the city- is something this massive still a city?- gradually adjusting to things enough to help out with more eagerness.

...but of course, having no relatives here in the Land of the Remembered has her feeling rather deeply for anyone who does.

Acknowledging for herself that she's more of a...passing acquaintence than a friend, doesn't change that she's curious enough to thus be staring just a little at the presence of 'Bird Dad'.

She can't help but comment on what little she overheard-] This life...and the past-life's..?

[...Before of course wincing.] Sorry...I couldn't help overhearing...

Yusuke Kitagawa | Persona 5

[stripartist]

Festival

[It's been ages since Yusuke was at a festival like this, and he's honestly kind of living for it. He spends most of his time in the festival just wandering around, enjoying the atmosphere (and being slightly bummed they don't have any fried tofu, at least until he realizes they have yakitori).

He will also, of course, be found at a table somewhere in the festival sketching up a storm. A few of the workers even ask him to sketch them, but they do have to put up a sign saying he is not working for the festival, he's just Like That.]

The Remembered

[Yusuke steps out of the gate and promptly slumps to the ground, emotionally drained. In his sketchbook?

A drawing of a woman, about his age, who looks a little bit like him. His mother.]

God.

Wildcard

[Want something specific? Lemme know!]

the remembered

[doubledollar]

[ Vash had left a little bit before Yusuke, but he's been lingering outside. He ... sort of wants to go back, but he's tired in more than one way. His head turns as a figure he recognises comes out--and there's that ping in his brain--ah, a friend in need.

An easy distraction from his own feelings is cheering up someone else. Score.

He's gonna slide over next to Yusuke--crouching next to him, arms moving around his own knees as he tilts his head down at the other. ]

...You doin' okay?

Ash Carbide/Ash Cabott | Trails of Cold Steel

[switchaxe]

The Remembered

[If you go looking for Ash in the gate, you may not find him--or at least, not find him all that easily. A little looking and, well.

Two spirits are talking to him in German, both of the emotional as they go on and on about how tall their son gotten, how much they miss him, how happy they are that he found a family. Ash, never a very emotional young man, lets them talk and responds a few times (in German, of course) but it's clear that he's lost. He's just lost. He never imagined he'd get to see his birth parents, even like this.

Eventually he has to step away, and that's when it's easiest to find him.]

Stable Gates - Kanto

[Ash can be found at least one day this month chasing his damn stupid Houndour around Kanto because he brought Orthie out for exercise and a stupid-ass Ghastly decided to scare her.]

Orthie, get back--no, dammit, not the river!

[His life is suffering]

Wildcard

[HMU if you want something specific!]

Kanto

[infezione]

[Eventually, Pat catches up, his Maschiff trailing behind and looking proud of himself.

Lati goes over to fuss a little at Orthie as Pat goes to Ash's side.]

Sorry about the delay. Lati decided he wanted to scare that ghost right back.

Kanto

[whiteshroud]

[Jun was collecting berries and seeds for his rowlet to eat on their long voyage, when he spots Ash chasing after Orthie]

Whoa-

[Before Orthie can jump into the river, he'll quickly cast a binding spell. The ground beneath Orthie will glow as they finally find themselves stuck in place]

Careful Orthie, you don't want to jump in and disturb the water pokemon.

Isabela Madrigal | Encanto | OU

[senorita_perfecta]

Grin Grinning Ghosts
(It has been a very rough month. Not only Isabela lost some friends, she had lost her Tía Pepa the second time around: earlier a few days ago, Isabela had woken up to find Pepa’s door no longer glows golden again. That is very depressing indeed.

Still the month can’t stay depressing for long as Isabela finds herself checking out for anything spooky to decorate Casita in (even if the magical house tried to veto the idea) at the department store. What’s more: she is starting to feel a big boost in Earth magic as she is feeling more inspired than usual after a very rough Earth weakening month. She is currently looking at some black cats on display, wondering if she should get them.)

Día de los Muertos
(Crossing a bridge of marigolds may seem to be a bad idea but, much to Isabela’s surprise, she is able to get across and arrive at the Land of the Remembered. As soon as she arrives, the skeletal mariachi band greet her and the others with music, it is starting to remind her so much of home.

Before she could try to dance to the music, a skeletal old lady begs her to help in getting the decorations ready for Día de los Muertos and there is no time to waste. Not that being asked to help is a problem for her, a Madrigal wouldn’t say no to a request. One can find Isa bringing out the banners or creating bowls for the food offerings with Olivia, her Palisman, tagging along for the ride.)

The Remembered
(While she is taking a break from the celebration preparations, she decides to have a nice walk around the city center with Olivia by her side. As they turn around at the corner, Isabela’s hazel eyes widen in surprise as she encounters someone from her family tree. While skeletal looking and dressed in white, he looks very happy to see her as he gently waves at her.)

Mi querida angel. I believe that you must be a daughter of Julieta.

Abuelo…

I never thought that I would see you in ever, but I’m very happy to see you for the first time. Look at you, you’re a beautiful flower, mi hermosa. Perhaps we could make things up for all the lost years of not being present in your life while you’re in here.

(Olivia looks stumped at the presence of Pedro Madrigal, her head craning in confusion, but Isabela is in a loss for words in seeing her own grandfather for the very first time. She must have wondered if everyone else in the family had met him over a year ago. This is going to be the most bittersweet family reunion she is going to have.)

Día de los Muertos

[standless]

Ah, Isabela..!

[Hey there Isabela- recognize the bat way up on the awning over there?] What wonderful timing..! Is that banner perhaps meant to hang from over here? I've been attempting to help affix things!

Jamie Carter (Harry Potter) | Harry Potter | Modern Paranormal AU

[phoenixwiz]

Grim Grinning Ghosts
(For some reason, Jamie is not in a great mood right now. He is stuck on ideas and feeling more sluggish than usual, a consequence of being a Water magic user. To make matters worse for him, not only does he dreads Halloween more than the average person, he is also getting loads of people whispering about why his backpack looks very stuffed. Geez, what is with everyone being so weird about the supernatural at this time of the year?

He certainly hates to be that one person getting all the stares for the wrong reasons, his old fears of being called a freak slowly resurfacing. At the moment, Jamie is hiding in the janitor’s closet in Kaisou Univerisity, just praying that he doesn’t get spotted with his seal pelt or practicing water magic.)

The Remembered
James! It looks like he’s here. Oh really, Lily? We should get Sirius and Remus quickly to let them that he has come to see us.

(Uh oh! Somebody must have recognized him in the Land of Remembered and it is coming from unfamiliar sources. Just moments ago, Jamie is walking around the city, carrying decorations needed for Día de los Muertos, with his Hoothoot Stephen and his cat Polly following after him. Yes, the animals are here to help Jamie out in the decorating process. But then he could hear voices saying about him being here and they sound so excited to hopefully see him in person.

Oh dear. Jamie is so not looking forward to having any awkward encounters right here, right now in the Spirit Realm as he awkwardly turns his head to find the voices who recognize him. Stephen hoots to ask him what’s wrong while Polly could detect hear footsteps coming closer. The first thing in his mind is literally screaming him to Run.)

The Remembered - hopefully this works?

[youwouldntdownloada]

[No doubt, Jamie and Yasuho cleared up with each other who they expected to see while in the Land of the Remembered. That being a big whopping 'no one' on Yasuho's end. Perhaps they even clarified for past lives- she can't remember anyone she properly knew dying, though. No one close anyway.

...Evidently, well.] ...Jamie, [she whispers, tapping his shoulder.] Jamie they recognize you-

[yes yasuho that is why he is walking resolutely Away]

Thancred Waters | FFXIV

[censorshipnutkin]

The Stable Gates : Kanto

[Since Thancred had arrived only recently, he hadn't been able to spend a lot of time in the Gates someone had mentioned. He'd ended up in Kanto, taking a look around to see what was going on with the 'Pokemon' he'd heard so much about.

They seemed a lot like the minions some of the adventurers in Eorzea had following them about... but with a bit more personality.

Anyone else who arrives will find him wandering with a Honedge nearby, following him about.]

You know sword-buddy, you've been following me for a while. What do you want?

[The Remembered]

[He'd wandered into the new gate that showed up, finding himself in a world that seemed to be all celebrating a version of All Saints Wake. It was different than in Eorzea, but it was still close enough he recognized it. He'd taken some time to help the residents with setting some final things up and watching one of the parades.

After that, he'd ended up at the Land of the Remembered... And anyone who's adventured with Thancred, will recognize the blonde he's standing and talking to... and probably having a hard time hiding the fact he does want to cry.

Even if he's smiling at the same time.]

Minfilia. I've missed you.

Wildcard

[ooc: Thancred's going to be around all month! If there's something else you want to do, hit me up, I'll probably be down for it! Especially Halloween antics in the city. :) ]

remembered

[sunforging]

[Much as perhaps she might not have wanted to...of course she'd come. An adventurer could not resist the call of realms unexplored. And besides that...]

[...well, she'd made a promise, long ago and far beneath the sea. There could be no turning away from the past, even as part of her dreaded what lay within it--still, this was very like the Aitiascope in a way. Even though she was uneasy and uncertain, there was no danger to it.]

[So, for now, she simply stood back and watched--saying nothing, lest she interrupt.]

kni | trigun stampede

[ornamentals]

[ a - grim grinning ghosts ]

[after absconding from vash's workplace with the excuse to visit the library, kni sets off into the city with a few destinations in mind. donning his dinosaur hoodie with the hood itself pulled up, he admittedly is enjoying the cooler weather and changing colors in the foliage. warmly colored leaves litter the sidewalks and paved roads, pumpkins with carved faces that have kni stopping more than once to peer curiously at, and decorations that hang in the front windows of businesses including the one kni is interested in patronizing today.

it's just a bakery, one he spotted before while en route to school during the week, now decked out to be seasonally appropriate. he spends all of twenty minutes inside, having practiced on the walk over from vash's work what to say when it was time to check out. he'd watched vash and wolfwood go through the process of purchasing goods more than enough times now, he'd be fine.

anxieties aside, kni exits the bakery with a pastry box filled with treats. most are for vash and the others back at the cottage, but a few are for someone else entirely. a small commotion down the sidewalk snags his attention to see some frazzled woman all up in a panic about how she just saw a centaur one street over. kni just shakes his head.

honestly, humans will cry over anything.]

[ b - osorezan festival ]

[while he isn't dressed up in costume like so many of the other kids (and adults, even) running around, kni is wearing a hat that may or may not actually belong to him. dante hasn't asked for it back, sooo...]

This blood looks way too fake to be considered scary. I can't believe anyone would think this looks authentic.

[is he critiquing one of the haunted house workers standing outside? yes. is he doing it close enough where they can hear him? probably. does he care? no.]

[ c - wildcard / byo prompt ]

[adventures in a spirit halloween shop? trick r treating? dia de los muertos? let's go!]

closed to dabi

[ornamentals]

[troublebound has just found itself some trouble by the name of kni.

walking from the bakery, he recognizes the shop name from that one network post made by the zombie-looking person and, well. he's curious. so here he is walking inside, the pastry box tucked under one arm.

he's never seen the inside of a tattoo (and body modification) shop before, so hopefully dabi doesn't mind having a dino hoodie-wearing child poking around the artwork displays without bothering to call out to the owner's attention.

he'll either notice him or he won't, kni doesn't particularly care either way.]

takame kesi | ffxiv oc | ota

[hoshikiri]

i. familiar festivities

[Takame did say he would go to the festival, after all. He was asked so nice and could never deny either Yusuke or Vash. When not near them, however, he could be found probably by the food stalls to make sure that his boyfriend was well fed and pretty clearly recoiling at anything strongly candied being offered despite probably taking it anyway... He could also be coerced into the Tests of Courage if someone so much as taps him lightly on the shoulder about it.

Hearing around the grapevine about the allergy to soy beans made him let out a hum to himself, recalling some loose things towards his homeland.]

Hm. Curious.

ii. familial frustrivities

[His allies that were lost among the Scions, the Ishgardians, the Doman and Ala Mhigans, the Crystarium residents. Those were who Takame expected and perhaps wanted to see in the Land of the Remembered.

What he saw was instead the visage of another Au Ra with a meek and submissive demeanor despite his sickly appearance. Perhaps you passed them by as they spoke, Takame's tone was clearly conflicted and angry. The other auri man's tone was regretful and pained.

Those who know some basic Japanese may have heard Takame refer to the man as his father.

The man was here because to some degree, Takame did want to see him.

He wasn't ready to face that, though. And turned away, but did not walk away. To continue he needed a little courage.]

...

ii

[stripartist]

[Yusuke, finally done speaking with the ghost of this life's Madarame (nothing useful was said, but he had to try), goes to track down his boyfriend. It doesn't take long, and he waits until the anger has died down a little before approaching.]

Takame?

Pannacotta Fugo (Patrizio Fugo) | JoJo's Bizarre Adventure | Paranormal AU

[infezione]

Kanto (OTA)
[At some point in the month, one may find Fugo in Kanto.

Surrounded by a small crowd of Ghost-types that he's frantically trying to wave off, with something small and red cradled in his other arm. His Maschiff is barking and trying to run off some of the ghosts as well.

... He could maybe use a little help.]

The Land of the Remembered (limited-- close CR only, please!)
[If you're looking for Fugo, it's not difficult to find him. When he's not spending his time hanging banners or making bowls as requested, there's a particular skeleton he's in the company of--a particularly colorful and vibrant-looking woman speaking rapidly in Italian. Sometimes, Fugo can be seen writing things down in a notebook.

If anyone approaches that Fugo knows, the woman promptly hops up and hurries over.]

Oh, it's you!

Ah, Nonna--

Wildcard
[Want something besides one of these prompts? Hit me up!]

[switchaxe]

[Ash is once again being accosted by a skeleton but this one isn't even one he thinks he might be able to identify.

And then Pat comes over and it sorta clicks.]

Uh.

Elliot Craig | Trails of Cold Steel | OTA

[fiddlestick]

I. School and Coffee shop
[Elliot remembered people perceiving the supernatural from last year, and boy, is he not happy to have it returned. He feels stressed out on a normal day, so it's hard enough to hide his cat curse. As such, while he's at school, he's doing his best to hide his cat ears with a hat upon his head. When people ask him about it, he tries to claim he's just having a bad hair day-- but from the way his voice goes up an octave and he laughs a bit too nervously - are dead giveaways that he's not quite telling the truth. He never was a good liar.

Still, besides the appearance of the hat, he'll try to go about his day as a teacher normally as possible, helping students with their music practices and attending rehearsals for any upcoming music recitals.

When he's off work, he's easiest to find at Central Perk. He'll sit down at his favorite table with a Pumpkin Spiced Latte and his school laptop. Sometimes That Group is there to watch, but other times he really is hoping to keep on top of his grading and paperwork. Whenever someone glances his way, he'll swallow a bit self-consciously. Did they notice something off?]

Really can't wait for this time of year to be done...

[He'll bemoan to himself]

II. The Remembered
[When Elliot got the message about the realm this month, he was just...overrun with too much curiosity. So, while he was never the most adventurous type, he decided to venture forth into this month's realm.

For those looking for him, they'll have to look no further than his own family's place. There, he's talking to a woman (or rather, the skeleton version of her), and it seems to be a very emotional talk from the way Elliot looks teary as he talks to her. He never thought he'd get the chance. ]

Sorry I couldn't bring Dad or Fiona with me today. Dad and I are still pretty shaky, but I'm trying really...

[The woman hushes him and reassures him that it's okay. She's just happy to see her son's all grown up. Now, has he been keeping up with his music? What about his life?

He's going to be here awhile.]

III. Wildcard
[got another prompt for me? Hit me up!]

II

[switchaxe]

[Ash has been...having a Time with the gate this month. Despite really not wanting to be here, he keeps coming back like he's poking at a bruise.

He may be a little conflicted about the place.

This time, at least, he hasn't run into anyone he used to know or is related to, so he's not too much on edge when he runs into Elliot. He starts to say something, realize he's probably talking to a relative, and instead turns to leave.

And promptly trips on some cobblestone.]

Ow, fuck--

Varian | Tangled | OTA

[droptheious]

Kanto

[As a POKEGO apprentice, Varian is largely here to try and make sure no one gets themselves murdered by Pokemon. He doesn't actively seek to catch any of the ghost types of his own, instead he's wandering around with his Zigzagoon, Newton and also his regular-ass raccoon, Ruddiger- who seems to be under the impression he can do exactly what any bitch-ass Pokemon can do. Varian will wander over if you're looking lost, smiling and raising a hand in greeting.]

Uh, hey, you okay? This place is a lot more...active than it usually is, so I'd advise not to walk too far away from the trails, okay?

The Remembered

[Varian had been...unsure about visiting this place. He only had one person in his life who had passed on, and she'd gone long before he could even speak. His memories of her are vague, barely put-together fragments of an infant mind. His father- the one back in Corona- had never been all that forthcoming about her, either. He honestly didn't know if that was enough to find her here. And then, what would he even say? The kid has made great strides in dealing with his self-worth issues but meeting his mother, properly meeting her, was a whole other level. What would she think about him? About everything he'd done? Would she be disappointed?

Turns out he had nothing to worry about- you might come across him talking with a red-haired skeleton who seems to be pretty delighted in talking to him. Every now and again, she waves her arms animatedly and excitedly, as if miming an explosion. Yeah. Turns out he got it from somewhere. ]

Housing Crisis

[Naturally, Varian is here to help people out! He can be found helping with the construction of the new homes- largely focusing on the electrics and making sure everything is in good working order. He's still a tiny little dude, though, so you might comes across him struggling under a large piece of timber, trying to get it onto a higher ledge. He has werewolf strength, but that doesn't do much good when you're only 5'2 and your arms are only so long. He peers around it at you. ]

Uh, hey! Hi. Do you mind helping me a little? I need to get it up there.

Wildcard

[Want something else? Let me know!!]

Housing Crisis

[onahairtrigger]

Oh, shoot, yeah, let me help you with that!

[Worry not, Varian, Josuke's here to help. The timber will be up and on that ledge in no time.]

You okay?

Abasi/Alhaitham | Genshin Impact

[admonishinginstruction]

Grim Grinning Ghosts

[Abasi wasn't one to normally celebrate Halloween, the holiday wasn't his typical 'style'. But, considering his current curse as a snow leopard, as the month went on, it was more and more frequent to see him with feline ears and a fluffy tail. He even when to teach classes not worrying about them.

Most of his students thought they were an early Halloween costume anyway.

They even believed that Omen's new appearance was a costume, and he didn't say anything to change their opinion. He can easily be found wandering through the city and the university campus with Omen, enjoying decorations and the fall ambiance (even if he'd never say it). If you time it right, you can find the Absol running through leaf piles.]

You know, fall isn't that bad of a season. Minus the spirit vein issues...

Stable Gates: Kanto

[Abasi'd heard rumors of an uptick in Ghost type Pokemon in the Kanto gate from people who'd been in for a visit recently. So, as a member of PokeGo, he found himself visiting frequently to keep an eye on things, and make sure people who aren't used to the spirit-esque Pokemon didn't get themselves into too much trouble.

Also, he didn't want to write the letter to Professor Oak that someone got injured by a Ghost Pokemon near Halloween.

There's a high chance that characters visiting will find him hear the gate to the city, pausing in reading his book to look at any new visitors.]

Ok. You have three options: Have your own Pokemon for protection, Head back go Kaisou, or deal with me escorting you.

Pick one or proceed at your own risk right now. [Before going back to his book.]

[ooc: honestly, he's not going to stop anyone, but this is how he warns people.]

Aftermath

[As the month proceeds, Abasi is going to notice that the fog has been getting thicker and thicker, reminding him of some video game a roommate played in college. Near the end of the month, he's going to borrow PokeGo's new contraption that could measure Spirit Energy levels in the area.

He can be found around Kami State park taking measurements and writing down notes in a notebook at that point, trying to figure out anything about what's going on in the park or with the fog.]

What... What is going on here?

Wildcard

[ooc: Wildcards are always open! Let me know if you'd like to do anything not set up here <3]

Kanto gate

[doubledollar]

[ vash is quiet for a moment as he's stopped and reprimanded by this guy--he seems so sharp, but at the same time, one of the options the man is giving him is... to protect him. Therefore, he can't be a bad guy!!!
At his side, there IS a pikachu--his whole reason to coming to the gate was to gather berries for the pokemon back at the cottage, but... honestly... ]

I've got Rabbit here, but H'es a lover, not a fighter, you know???

I don't mind if you wanna' go through the trouble of escorting me, though.
Usually when I visit, I mostly just run away from anything unfriendly that I encounter... Ehe.

Ritsuka Fujimaru | Fate/Grand Order | Open

[prunedworlds]

[I. Costume shopping - early month]

On the one hand, Ritsuka has nothing against Halloween. If anything, she enjoys it! At least, in principle. Unfortunately, she also has come to associate the holiday with endless antics from a certain part-dragon wannabe idol, which tends to sometimes put a bit of a damper on her enthusiasm.

Even so, this is a whole other world, and a certain someone isn't here, so she's determined to have fun anyway. Which means that during the first week or so of the month, you might find Ritsuka checking out one of pop-up costume shops, idly browsing the many offerings.

"Oh, that could be fun, too..."


[II. Mou osoretakunai - mid month]

Sometimes, when you're dealing with a lot, it's nice to just have something familiar. Like things that resemble stuff you might see back home, or some nice, hot street food.

Luckily for Ritsuka, the Osorezan Festival seems to have this and more in abundance for her. Which means that during the middle of the month especially, she's likely to be fond there. Mostly just enjoying the sights (and food), perhaps occasionally trying out some of the games. And maybe having some more of the food.

Look, it's hard to beat fresh off the griddle street food from home when it comes to comfort food, okay?


[III. I'll never forget - late month]

Eventually, at some point, Ritsuka is finally convinced (and finally works up the nerve) to visit the Land of the Remembered. Though, if you come across her while there, you might find her a bit indisposed. Apparently she barely managed to exchange a few words with a certain doctor she found there before breaking down into tears.

It's not his fault or anything, mind, if anything he clearly has a kind demeanor. But he also seems to have no idea what to do about this now, so perhaps help the poor guy out?


[Wildcard]

As always, feel free to hit me up with whatever if you have another idea! Or PM me on this journal or discord (Altocumulus) if you'd like to plot.

Never Forget, I say, crying just as loudly as Ritsuka

[youwouldntdownloada]

On the upside for Yasuho, she's not got anyone to find in the Land of the Remembered- even in her alternate life, everyone she knew and loved was...very much alive. There's no one close to her here, which means she's able to simply wander around and help where she can, meeting those who knew her friends instead.

Er....

Though this is a sight.

"R...Ritsuka..!?" As Yasuho rushes over, she soon comes to a stop. Obviously nothing dangerous is happening, but clearly something wrong is happening as well. Something...

She looks to the one that Ritsuka just reunited with. "...J...Just what happened to you for her to react that way..!?"

Eve | Black Cat | OTA

[playtag]

The Remembered

[Likewise, she has followed into the gate. While others have been reacquainted with skeletal loved ones, somehow... no one shows up for her. Perhaps it is for the best.]

[But it feels lonely.]

[Eve will be quiet, watching others with their families. Contemplative.]

Duties for the Dead

[However, she will quickly move that energy into the various tasks around the city. There's plenty to do, even for someone her size. Especially with the ability to fly!]

[Eve hovers in front of a building as she raises and lowers a banner, trying to find the right height.]

Does this look good?

[Once finished, she rests up high on the ledge. Enjoying the freedom of having her wings out and moving finally. As she watches the rest of the city, the alebrije flying around start perching too. Until there is a small congregation of colorful creatures. Up on the roof.]

Osorezan Festival

[So they're here for early trick-or-treating as a test run (or was Vash just finding excuses for more candy). Eve definitely doesn't mind, as the Japanese festival atmosphere is ~new~ for her. Even if Japan, somehow, exists in her world. Eve is dressed in a white gown and a pipe cleaner halo, her wings visible behind her. The perfect way to hide them in plain sight.]

[She points up at the taiyaki stand, her latest mystery.]

Why does this pastry look like a fish?

The Remembered

[whiteshroud]

[Jun didn't really have many relations to return to either. He mostly came out of his own curiosity, watching these family reunions and wondering what it must feel like.

He'll spot Eve a bit aways. Curiously, he'll approach]

Eve?

Vash the Stampede - OTA !

[doubledollar]

i__.// festival and ghosts !

[ vash isn't one of those people who, fortunately, looks so inhuman that he's worried to go outside. Sure, he's a bit on the taller side, and sure, he's got a robot arm that's controlled with vines as opposed to with robotics, but that's beside the point--noone can think he looks SO weird when he's wandering around the Osorezan festival in world's most stereotypical ghost costume you've ever seen. Except he's wearing his dumbass glasses over the top where he has the eye-holes cut out.

He's also got a weird thing rolling around his ankles. When normal people keep asking what it is, he just keeps calling it a prop...

Any friends or hell, new people he might recognise from the app get to close, and you're gonna have the tall man bouncing over, maybe flopping part of his insanely big bedsheet over you--so he can grin and wave down at you from inside the goddamn TENT of a costume. ]

Hey.

Wanna go to a haunted house with me.
I don't wanna' go alone.

ii__.// dead but not gone .

[ it's. Difficult. It's difficult, knowing what you want, and having it within your reach. But being too afraid of what might happen to do it.

Which is exactly why one might find Vash the Stampede sitting on a bridge that overlooks a beautiful garden of sorts. Curled into himself a little, knees tucked up under his chin as he watches a group of people picking bouquets of flowers and loading them up into beautiful wreathes to hang up around the land of the dead for the celebration of rememberance.

He needs to go down there. He wants to go down there. As his eyes fixate on a beautiful looking woman with long black hair, wearing only a simple white shirt and jeans as she laughs along with the others hard at work.

{He shouldn't bother her}{Surely she won't recognise him}{What if she's mad at him for what he did}{What if she's afraid.}

These thoughts pile up as he laughs gently, hiding his face in the crook of his own arm as he mutters quietly to himself: ]

She looks so happy, here. It's probably best it stays that way, right.

[ even if any approaching individuals might not hear him, surely they might see he's trying--and failing--to hide the tears he's fighting to keep off of his face. ]

iii__.// wildcard

[ feel free to hit me with anything personalized or anything we might have discussed otherwise! ]

Festivals and Ghosts

[whiteshroud]

[Jun can immediately sense who this ghost is. Not only was Vash's energy signature incredibly unique, but that height. Those glasses. That clever disguise could only hide so much.

Still, that won't stop him from answering in a deadpan voice:]

I don't know. Going to a haunted house with a ghost seems like a good way to end up as ghost yourself.

Souta Suzukaze | Otogi Juushi Akazukin | OTA

[keyofelde]

Stardew Valley

[As mentioned in his 'sales' pitch, Souta will be spending his free time in Stardew Valley when he can. Preparing the pumpkins for the season. Those that don't get purchased will be either donated or sold to Pierre for the upcoming spring season.]

[There are other crops besides pumpkins, even if they are in less quantity. More abundant are the flowers, with little beds of fairy roses and a row of sunflowers towering next to the log cabins.]

[Whether you're here to pick out a pumpkin or just enjoy the farm yourself, it's a lovely place to be. Souta will wave pleasantly to any visitors from where he's watering the plants.]

Gate Deja vu

[Souta locates this month's gate with curiosity yet some trepidation. Memories of what happened the last time they entered the Spirit Realm at this location, the similar gate name... Yet the danger level is low.]

[That the Black Order is on guard again is also a bit of a start. Suddenly this feels very familiar, but at least they're on better standing this time?]

[He offers a slight wave on approach.]

Hello? Been here long?

The Remembered

[Once inside, Souta only gets to wander a little ways before suddenly a loud shrill cry can be heard.]

["SOUTA-SAAAN~!"]

[That's all the warning he gets before a skeleton with long hair and a fancy dress rushes up for a hug. He's quickly swarmed as a whole crowd of skeletons descend upon him, which is momentarily terrifying before he realizes who they are. Princess Shirayuki, the Musketeers, Ringo, his other life dad. Even people who he thought were old enemies seem happy to see him.]

[Those who see him in the realm will likely find him happily chatting to a surprisingly large crowd. Almost all in fantasy-like garb that cosplayers would envy. He'll gladly introduce folks from Kaisou too, a genuine smile on his face.]

Are You There Mother

[In the midst of helping prepare celebrations with the others, another figure approaches. One he could scarcely remember in this life, yet he knew, he knew. Souta's heart stops in his tracks.]

...Mom?

[His mother opens her arms with a gentle smile. Souta hesitates, a mix of emotions... yet this person from his past life, he knew he loved her most of all. So he starts towards her, first out of respect for that version of himself, yet picking up speed as something catches in his throat. Souta throws his arms around her with reckless abandon, a bird finally coming home to roost. Somehow he's sure of it, that this woman loves him unconditionally, even in this life.]

[He spends a great deal of time talking with her afterwards, trying to learn more about the version of him she knew. What happened. What was she like? She answers every question with a calm and gentle voice, her hand on his.]

[There's so much catching up to do.]

edward kenway | assassin's creed | ota

[jackdawvision]

day of the dead

[Before the ship sets sail, and after coming back from the murder cabin, Edward's curiosity gets the better of him. As it always fuckin' does. He walks through the gate, and almost immediately gets lost in the midst of the afterlife. Which, hey, he actually doesn't mind, because he's using this opportunity to clamber up the buildings and start free-running along the rooftops, letting out a wild, joyful laugh as he does so.

God, it feels so good to be somewhere new. And to not have to worry about monsters trying to kill him as well, that too. You might be able to catch sight of him jumping from one building to another with ease, sash flying out behind him as he lands on the next rooftop while following the parade, or even doing the absolute most ridiculous thing anyone would do when in the Land of the Dead: fling himself off a rooftop, landing right into a pile of flowers.

He pops right out immediately with a gleeful laugh.]

This is a much better place than that damned cabin!

the remembered

[Edward avoids his parents like the plague. He's certain Bernard and Linette Kenway would never stand for the things he's done, and he's...not in the mood to deal with that, right now. Instead, he goes to find a few other people.

A. Blackbeard and Mary Read are unmistakable, even as skeletons: Blackbeard's long black beard gives him away, and Mary still walks with the same swagger that she did as James Kidd. The three of them are laughing raucously, toasting each other and chattering about what Edward's been up to since he got to Kaisou:]

[Blackbeard:] Did you really kick a man in the unmentionables in front of children, Kenway?

Am I ever going to live that down? He started it!

[Read:] So you keep saying. You're starting to grow into that costume, though, really.

Starting to? Hey, I'll have you know, this looks better on me than it ever did on Walpole. [He catches sight of someone else, grins, and waves them quickly over.] Oi! Come over here, tell us a story. Apparently mine are too outlandish these days.

[B. Caroline Scott-Kenway is still beautiful, her red hair tumbling down over her shoulders. Edward doesn't notice her at first, busy chatting with a former crew member of the Jackdaw, but then he turns and just...freezes in place. The crew member wisely melts away, because Edward's vision narrows down to one person and one person only.

Caroline:] Edward?

[Edward chokes.] Caroline—my god, Caroline. [His voice breaks, and he moves towards her as if in a dream. She meets him halfway, arms wrapping around him, and Edward finally, finally breaks.] It's you, it's you. Caroline, I've missed you so—I never got your letters, I'm so sorry—

Oh, Edward, I've loved you so much. I'm sorry too—if you had asked I would've come. [Edward keens softly, and holds her tighter.] I am so sorry, that it didn't work out the way you'd hoped.

I'd hoped to come home to you. That was the whole point of it, or—that was what I told myself, anyway. [He pulls away now, and brushes her hair back.] I should've been there for you, at the last. I'm so sorry that I wasn't, and that I wasn't there for our little girl.

Hush, you'll meet her soon. [She presses a kiss to the corner of his lips, and he chokes out a little laugh, skims his fingers over the vertebrae.] She's a beautiful girl, our Jenny. I know you'll love her so much when you meet her.

I will. [They stay like that for a few more seconds, before he looks up and catches sight of someone else coming closer. He puts his arm around Caroline's waist, and says to the newcomer,] 'Lo, mate, what do you need?

wild card

[if none of the above prompts spark your interest, make up your own starter or hmu at mollymauktealeaf or on Discord at foggytealeafs and we'll work something out! a quick note that Edward will be gone on the 16th and onward because of Zhongli's Transatlantic Boat Ride.]

nicholas d. wolfwood | trigun: stampede - OTA

[asipofbride]

the remembered: what happens when the ghosts aren't there?

[ it'd be a lie to say that there's not much in the world that Nicholas D. Wolfwood is afraid of--as a man who's been made who and what he is by monsters, there's plenty to be afraid of. hell, he's afraid of some of the people he's closest to sometimes just because it's sensible and pragmatic because some of the people he's closest to are terrifying, but it's not all about Vash right now.

when Vash tells him the weird magic bullshit that's happening right now, ice fills his veins and he has to smoke about it. a lot. there are piles and piles of words in his head, trapped behind his teeth and escaping unsaid in trails of silverbright smoke as he tries to think about his feelings when it comes to meeting the dead--because there's so little comfort in it. he's a man who looks at what's come to pass and leaves it where it is laid up with a little marker and a promise that he'll carry the load of the memory on his back; he doesn't usually have a ton of time for reminiscing, but.

it gets in his mind and he thinks about it and some small part of him thinks that there might be... something in apologizing, in begging forgiveness. funerals are for the living, and Wolfwood didn't have time to mourn--not with the Eye breathing down his neck, not with Vash the Stampede roiling like a hurricane across the wastelands, not even now where there's so much happening in a day that he just doesn't get caught up in the past overmuch, but it might be nice to... it might be nice to see Livio at peace. to make sure that Miss Melanie and the others aren't.

well.

might be nice and the reality of things rarely come to a crossroads, and Wolfwood's the kind of man that pulls an ace of spades when all he needed was a ten. it takes a while to get him into the Land of the Remembered--joyful and bright, the gentlest death one could imagine, and what a way to lay down one's burdens, and then it takes a while longer to find...

nothing.

Livio's not here. he's looked once, he's looked twice, he's looked a dozen times and nothing about Livio seems to come up, and Wolfwood once again needs to smoke about it and try to master the shake in his hand and the hard, unhappy hunch of his shoulder as he tries to tuck himself away. ]

osorezan festival: celebrate the life you have

[ but regardless of how death laughs in the back of Wolfwood's mind and refuses to grant him even a modicum of peace, Wolfwood... picks himself up and moves on.

it's just another sin on his back, another bullet in his cross, and if he's going to be left with the burden, he's gonna eat weird, sloppy pancakes about it. as a mother of two there are kids to entertain and lots of interesting new food to eat, so whatever Wolfwood may have or may not have seen in the lands of the dead, he'll keep that to himself in favor of the brightness of a festival.

(it is probably a bad idea to take him into one of the haunted houses though; he would be that asshole that punched an actor in the face, but what did you expect?) ]

the remembered

[doubledollar]

[ there was something about finding Rem that had been easy. Like he knew where she'd be, there was a quiet sliver of something tugging his heart towards her. And then towards others he's lost, as well. He remembered the names of all of them, hugged them in his arms, apologised for not being strong enough--and then the line kept pulling.

And yet, as he travelled alongside wolfwood, they found... noone. Surely, it would be like that for Wolfwood too--he'd instinctually know where Livio was, that the man would be waiting for him in some field of flowers, eating food from one of the dozens of feasting tables...

But it's been one, two... three hours, and still no hide nor hair of him. Vash having asked a number of the passed-on spirits from Noman's land as well--have you seen Livio? A man named Livio, does it sound familiar? Silver hair, a rough voice--

but nothing had turned up. Noone. Had turned up.

And that gave Vash a weird sense of hope where it ... seemed to be giving Wolfwood the opposite.

...Why was that? ]

If he's not here, that, to me, can only mean one thing.
They say that the dead here don't disappear unless they're forgotten. And you've never forgotten him, right?

...Which means he's. Alive, out there. Wherever he is.