open log + text

[magicmusic]

WHO: Raine, you, and the network
WHERE: Brick alley & Libra app
WHEN: May 2
WHAT: Raine found this weird app on their phone while walking around town
WARNINGS: None at the moment

[A very human, slightly aging person is in line at the coffee shop, their larger bag over one shoulder. No sense advertising they have their instrument with them. They'll offer to put their change to whomever has the order behind them. Maybe it's even yours! After that, they take a seat at one of the little outdoor tables and sips at their coffee while scrolling through their phone...

Eventually it does get to be mid-afternoon, and they'll make a quick dash to one of the concert halls occasionally bumping into people here and there] Sorry- Just getting through, sorry. [Hopefully they don't spill what's left of their coffee. But maybe there's some unlucky soul who gets splashed on them. Probably a weird thing to notice though is any puddles or spills along the sidewalk seem to split when they step into them.]

Text; UN: levelinbard

[The post itself comes from a username "levelinbard". But there is no other identity indicator visible.]

Seeing as this app cannot be uninstalled, I have some other questions. Has anyone been able to go back through its archive and see what the first couple of posts were? How long has it been availabe and in use? What exactly are we expected to do with this?

Also how do I silence this app? I can't have it ringing, and it bypassed my phone's silence settings.

Comments

[cardinalrule]

[Hmmm. Hunter lets go of his glove and reaches for his coffee, fiddling with it instead of drinking it.

It doesn't occur to him that an impersonal exposition dump might not be the best way to prompt Raine's memories, which means he's left wondering why that didn't work. It should have, as far as he's concerned, since the Coven System is a part of every witch's daily life (unless they're a wild witch). It's very important!!

He tries to push onwards, regardless. Maybe he just needs to keep going?]

About fifty years. That's when Belos came to power and ended the Savage Ages. I have to be well-versed in our history, since I'm the Head of the Emperor's Coven.

[magicmusic]

That's quite a long time for someone to have been in power.

[Something irks them about 'Savage Ages'. Very bad wording, likely.]

And how exactly did you come into contact with this Belos? And get involved in all of this?

[cardinalrule]

He's - .... [Hunter falters here. He hasn't told anyone this, because he didn't want the taunts and insults of nepotism following him in Kaisou.

But this is Raine, who should already know this anyways. If it helps them in remembering, then it has to be worth it. His expression takes on something more determined.]

He's my uncle, but that had nothing to do with my positions as Coven Head and Golden Guard. I worked for them, same as all the other Heads.

[magicmusic]

[OH NOOOO HIS UNCLE IS THE LEADER OF THE CULT.]

Of course.

[They have so many other questions they want to ask, but this kid is delicate because if Raine isn't careful, denying what he's believing to be his reality could send the kid running and that could genuinely be a safety issue. But they can't really play along with the delusion either.]

Would you say things are better that way? With that magic system and organization to what everyone else is living here?

[cardinalrule]

[It's fine, it's all totally fine!

Except for the part where Hunter is getting a little worked up as he responds, because oh boy, does he have opinions on this subject. He's gesturing with his hands.]

Yes, of course they're better. During the Savage Ages wild magic was everywhere! It was dangerous, it's the reason the rest of my family is gone - [That might be a little too personal, so he abruptly stops and reaches to clutch his coffee. Flapjack cheeps softly and flutters down from his branch, to perch on Hunter's shoulder.]

Belos is the messenger of the Titan. He's the only one who can speak to it, and what he hears is keeping all of us safe. That's what the Day of Unity is - per the will of the Titan, it'll purify magic, unite the realms, and we'll inherit a utopia that's free of wild magic.

[magicmusic]

[Ahhh there it is. So guy preyed on a poor orphaned kid who seems really desperate for approval and belonging. How unfortunate. And now he's wrapped up in a cult and Zodiac.]

Well.

I think you can rest easy here. There's no signs of any 'wild' magic or the like here, and there's no titan.

[cardinalrule]

I know.

[Those two words are laced with frustration.]

That's why it's important you get your memories back. So you can help us find a way to get back home. We can't stay here.

[magicmusic]

[And back to square one. Raine's been trying to be understanding, but...]

I don't think I'm who you're looking for, Hunter. I've lived here my whole life, went to high school and university here. I'm sorry.

[cardinalrule]

[Hunter sighs quietly, clutching his coffee a bit tighter.]

I know you think that, but I'm not wrong. Something, maybe the magic here, has altered you for some reason.

[magicmusic]

[Meanwhile Raine sips at their own coffee thoughtfully.]

Let me ask you this. Do you go to school in the area?

[cardinalrule]

[He gives a little nod.]

Zodiac is making me attend Kaisou Public High School right now. Why...?

[magicmusic]

[They smile gently, even as they stand and start getting their bag together.]

Check out their music department. They have a nice history of awards.

[cardinalrule]

[The music department awards??? That's a bizarre thing to suggest and Hunter makes no attempt to hide the confusion on his face, but he nods again regardless because Raine is a Coven Head and they're telling him to do something, so of course he's going to do it.]

Okay, I will.

[He doesn't move from his spot at the table, though. He's going to need a few minutes alone to get his thoughts in order. This has been a lot.

And after an awkward beat, he adds:]

Sorry. If I was bothering you.

[magicmusic]

You seemed like you needed to talk and get it out. So there's nothing to apologize for.

[cardinalrule]

[He really did, honestly, and while he isn't sure he's made any progress he does feel a little better...? That's good.]

Okay.