![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
HOUSE OF M(ETA)
HOUSE OF M
A DREAM IS A WISH…
In dreams you will lose your heartaches,
whatever you wish for,
you keep.
Anti-Meta sentiments are on the rise. This is no secret. Check the news and you see it, politicians arguing about the dangers that superhumans pose to the world. What if they go rogue? What if they stage a mutiny? How can they tell that heroes are really the good guys, when so many of them have secret identities. In the last week, multiple protests against metahumans potentially moving to their cities have broken out across the United States. Some cities have proposed legislation that would make it illegal for metahumans to live within their borders.
Excelsior is leading the charge, politicians are looking to ban any metahuman whose abilities are not technical in origin from living there.
It is little wonder, then, that so many go to bed dreaming of a better world. One without the hardships of this one, or of the one they endured before.
Meanwhile, across the country, Sunset Falls is in a state of change. Mayor West finally has candidates willing to take the position of Mayor from him. This shift in the city's attention prevents anyone from paying much mind to the odd and potent energies taking shape. Sure, there are strange occurrences happening. A young woman walks by the school and immediately forgets her name, her job, and where she lives. Others report a strange feeling of being watched. Those sensitive to it may feel something otherworldly and strange hanging in the air. Bearing down on them with oppressive force.
And, dear heroes, as you know - two forms of surging energies create what is known as a Confluence.
In dreams you will lose your heartaches,
whatever you wish for,
you keep.
Anti-Meta sentiments are on the rise. This is no secret. Check the news and you see it, politicians arguing about the dangers that superhumans pose to the world. What if they go rogue? What if they stage a mutiny? How can they tell that heroes are really the good guys, when so many of them have secret identities. In the last week, multiple protests against metahumans potentially moving to their cities have broken out across the United States. Some cities have proposed legislation that would make it illegal for metahumans to live within their borders.
Excelsior is leading the charge, politicians are looking to ban any metahuman whose abilities are not technical in origin from living there.
It is little wonder, then, that so many go to bed dreaming of a better world. One without the hardships of this one, or of the one they endured before.
Meanwhile, across the country, Sunset Falls is in a state of change. Mayor West finally has candidates willing to take the position of Mayor from him. This shift in the city's attention prevents anyone from paying much mind to the odd and potent energies taking shape. Sure, there are strange occurrences happening. A young woman walks by the school and immediately forgets her name, her job, and where she lives. Others report a strange feeling of being watched. Those sensitive to it may feel something otherworldly and strange hanging in the air. Bearing down on them with oppressive force.
And, dear heroes, as you know - two forms of surging energies create what is known as a Confluence.
THOSE LEFT BEHIND
You wake to pandemonium.
An emergency broadcast is blaring across any transmissible signal. A Confluence of unprecedented size has struck. Half of the country has been consumed by it.
By noon, there is a quarantine in place - not that anyone seems to be trying to leave the affected area. No, this quarantine is to prevent people from trying to go in. Unauthorized access is not permitted, not until the capes in charge have a better idea of what is going on. Once again, the Godfall Protocols are enacted. All able-bodied metahumans are recruited to the task, and once again, the Starfallen will find themselves standing shoulder to shoulder with those far weaker than them.
This time there is no giant monster to fight. Just a barrier, invisible to the naked eye, that seems to alter anyone who enters into it. The early metahuman scouts report themselves to be unaffected for the first few hours, but any normal humans who enter this space quickly find themselves… no longer themselves.
Atomight, Frances Starling and Mechanima are all at the Alliance HQ. For once, the three faction leaders seem to be in perfect harmony. This is a bad idea, they cannot send their people into this No Man’s Land… but they have no choice. The Godfall Protocols are what they are, they were created for this very reason. Though they are not arguing with each other, the government agents suddenly standing in HQ are telling a very different story. The three of them are not hiding the fact that they are all too aware that their “freedom” comes with a price, and their resentment is reaching a boiling point.
At some point during these early hours, Atomight finds himself temporarily locked out of his office. While the three leaders are distracted trying to regain entry, Fantastic takes center stage and begins issuing the most scripted heart-felt speech you have ever heard. Unlike the other three, he doesn’t seem to care much for what he could be sending people into. This is not a speech meant to inspire confidence that all will work out in the end, that the weakest among them will be taken care of, it is a speech to inspire soldiers.
By the end of this first day, they have gathered enough information to make a determination. The Starfallen seem to be more resilient to whatever effects are occurring than the rest of the population. They are called to a unique, private meeting - one in which all three leaders attend.
“We don’t know what you will be facing there,” they state plainly. “But we know you have the best chance of making it out with your minds intact.”
The choice is yours. You can help secure the area, you can retreat to Little Love and hope that this expands no further, or you can step into the unknown.
You can engage with the leaders here.
HOUSE OF (M)ETA.
Inside the quarantine zone, all is well.
Your alarm rings a little late and you find yourself groggy and briefly disoriented, as though waking from a very long dream. One that you find yourself considering to be unpleasant, and not worth thinking about. You stretch and slide out of bed, perhaps kiss your partner good morning and prepare yourself to wrangle your children and get them prepared for school, but today is like any other day. The world is as it always has been, and you find yourself oddly comforted to know that things are not as bad as they could be.
And then your day begins.
If you are a card carrying member of the Guardian Alliance, then you report to work before most of the world is up and running. Atomight appears to be busy in Central City, as he is not present and is not answering any calls, but you know what to do. The Guardian Alliance is all about finding ways to be useful, without enrolling in any of the government run Metahuman departments. It pays less, and you have to have frequent check-ins with actual government approved heroes, but you find a measure of freedom in it… though the pressure is immense. One wrong move and you may find yourself imprisoned for “irresponsible” use of your powers, branded as the reason why metahumans should stay under the thumb of the government after their service ends, and not allowed to organize themselves in fear they may take over the world.
If you took the darker path, then you will find yourself reporting to an ordinary office building in whatever city you live in, for a boring job that you do not have. Villainy is not a safe passtime, but those who band together tend to stay alive a little longer. The Society of Villainous Reformation exists to provide the community that most villains lack. Villainy comes in many shapes and sizes, and the Society has all sorts. The only uniting factor in this faction is the fact that you do not want to be used the way heroes are. You want to use your powers as you see fit, whether that means you get an edge on tests or rob banks to your heart's content is up to you.
Or are you a vigilante? A complete wildcard, answering to nothing and no one but your own personal sense of justice? Vigilantes have a reputation for being brutal and efficient, needing none of the teamwork and oversight that the guilds use. They are also generally less accountable, unless The Society or the Guardian Alliance steps in.
Starfall, formerly Starstruck. He was one of the first heroes to enroll in the government's War Hero project, which has now become a mandatory military service for all young metahumans upon reaching 18.
The most concerning thing right now in the world is the cult, the Battlements of the Shining God. They are known to sacrifice people to their fearsome God, stating that it will give them the power to put things right. But… you have never seen them in person. Only heard of the wreckage they leave. But disturbingly, if you tune in to the nightly broadcast that the Dreamers of the Willow Maiden put out to help lull you to sleep, you will note they seem… off. Warning of a war that is coming. You are fairly certain you can handle a confrontation with them, though. After all, nothing you couldn’t handle has ever happened.
And as you fall asleep at night in this perfect world, in your perfect life, you swear you hear The Lady herself whispering in your ear. Wake up, wake up, this dream is not yours to live.
Yet when you try to hold on to those words, they slip from your thoughts. And when you awaken, all remains as it should be.
SNAP BACK TO REALITY
For those who agree to go into the quarantined zone, you find yourself given the best gadgets both the Alliance and The Society can offer. They are unsure how to prepare you for this, though the scouts that made it back say that things seem… fine. Peaceful, even. Everyone seemed so happy, but they did not recognize them.
Contact will be difficult to maintain. The radios were functioning while they were inside, but it seems that the further they went into these zones, the worse communication got.
When removed from the quarantine zone, those who were affected regained themselves bit by bit. Some held on stubbornly to their illusionary life, but when presented with undeniable evidence of the life they had before, and reminders of any joy they found within it, they came back to themselves.
“Are you saying that they have to befriend them to remind them of their sanity?” Mechanima asks, torn between incredulity and amusement.
“What he’s saying,” Frances cuts in, “is that they need a reminder that they have a life worth living outside of whatever the hell is going on in there.”
Atomight nods. “This appears to be a shared delusion manifested by magic. So, a mass psychic relay would be the best way to break the hold. However, it will take time to do safely.” He turns to the gathered volunteers. “Your job is to start cracks, so the whole thing shatters when we deliver the final punch… and no one soul is left bearing the brunt of that psychic backlash.”
There’s a moment of silence. You find yourself being handed resources for your trip inside - no weapons, just first-aid kits and any items you may have told people to gather that could remind your lost friends of who they are.
"This is going to change everything," Atomight continues. "Even if all this goes to plan, the fact that it happened at all means things won’t stay like they’ve been."
He doesn’t elaborate. Mechanima’s mask turns to troubled static, and Frances throws a glance back towards the Alliance’s tents. Many of the native metahumans are gathered, and Fantastic is posing for photos with them. The hashtag #METASTOTHERESCUE has been trending for hours, and were you to believe social media, Fantastic is the one leading the charge.
You turn, take a deep breath, and walk through the invisible threshold into another world. The teleportation devices you have been given will take you directly to the city of your choosing.
IN SUMMARY...
- The unrest in Excelsior and the upcoming election in Sunset Falls has caused a massive confluence, which has affected a great portion of the country.
- Anyone within the border of these affected areas finds themselves thrust into an alternate universe, wherein they lived a very different life as a native citizen of this world. In this version of the world, the Godfall Incident never happened.
- All metahumans - regardless of if they belong to Society, the Alliance, and the Unaligned - find that the Godfall Protocols are being enacted, meaning that metahumans will be conscripted into assisting. Knowing most metahumans do not stand a chance against whatever metaenergies are causing this, the leaders of these groups are asking the Starfallen to enter willingly.
- Being in the alternate universe for more than 72 hours will make you start to believe that you are part of it. It is very keen to assimilate you into it, and you may find yourself slowly developing false memories the longer you are in there.
- Exiting isn't an immediate cure, but the longer you are out, the faster you will come back to yourself.
- You can bring your AU-affected friends back to reality by reminding them of who they are, and that the life they have outside of the bubble is equally good as the one inside.
- Anyone who wants to sit this one out can kick back, relax, and enjoy some Kansas hospitality. Little Love is a safe area and will protect any citizens who do not feel capable or are unwilling to jump into the unknown.
Please direct any questions regarding this log HERE.
no subject
A drink or two takes the edge off, and the crowded bar is... reassuring, in an odd way. She can get lost in the crowd, the press of dancing bodies.
It's easy and simple and when she looks up there's a girl watching her. The smile that crosses her face feels like the most natural thing in the world, as if it was always meant to be there, and she finds herself relieved when the girl comes closer.
Dancing has always been something she enjoys. Whether she's good at it or not hardly matters; she has fun, and that's exactly what she's doing now, with Cass. The girl moves like she was born for it, a fluidity that Steph could only dream of when she was aiming for the Olympics. It's beautiful and breath-taking and maybe it should make her feel self-conscious, except there's no discordance despite the obvious disparity in their skill level.
When there's a brief lull in the music, Steph leans over without hesitating, a hand on Cass's arm to keep her balance while she speaks against her ear.]
Can I buy you a drink?
no subject
But Cass... rallies. And smiles.]
Yeah.
no subject
Cass smiles, though, and Steph smiles back.]
Awesome, what'll you be having?
[She links her arm through Cass's, fully intending to drag her to the bar.]
no subject
She squints at the drinks listed on the wall until she realizes that even if she bothers reading it, she has no idea what any of the words mean.]
I'll have... what you're having?
[That's allowed, right?]
no subject
That works! Hope you like cheap vodka and cranberry juice.
[Because that's exactly what Steph's getting them, once she catches the bartender's attention and hands over some cash.
While she's waiting for the drinks to be made, she turns back to Cass.]
I'm Steph, by the way. Hi.
no subject
I'm Cass.
[It's her turn to talk. She should say something. They're at a bar. Getting drinks. Talking. There are things she's supposed to say in this... situation.]
Um... come here often?
no subject
Maybe English isn't Cass's first language, and that's why she's not as confident.]
Not super often, I go to school nearby but I'm mostly online. How about you? Are you in college?
[She's about the right age for it.]
no subject
[She nods in thanks when the bartender gives them their drinks.]
What do you study? [She takes a small sip. Cass' tolerance isn't... great. She will take her time with her drink.]
no subject
She decides not to ask right away, since there's a drink to occupy herself with, and Cass is asking questions of her own.]
Kinesiology. I kinda wanted to do medicine, but who has the time for that, right?
[She reaches out again, rests her hand on Cass's arm partially to keep her attention, but it's also just for the sake of contact.]
They have a pretty cute little courtyard out back if you don't wanna keep talking over the music?
[It's a casual invite and she's leaving it open whether go outside to talk actually means going outside to talk. It's more private, in the courtyard, too.
If that's something Cass might be interested in taking advantage of.]
no subject
She nods at the offer and follows Steph outside. Less people is better. There's a lot for Cass to keep track of inside the bar. Makes it hard to focus on just Steph.
There's something in the set of Steph's shoulders. Not-quite-intent... more of a question. Something Cass has seen before but isn't sure what it means.
There's a slight chill in the night air. Cass moves closer to her friend. Seeks out her warmth. She doesn't think about it. It's habit.]
no subject
She smiles when Cass comes closer, with zero qualms about letting her into her space.]
You want my jacket? It's colder out here than I thought it'd be.
[She thinks she's so smooth.]
no subject
You won't be too cold? [Cass can handle it. Physical discomfort is nothing to her. She doesn't want Steph to be uncomfortable.]
no subject
[It isn't a particularly heavy jacket, anyway; one of those faux suede moto jackets that are more style than function, but Steph shrugs it off with ease and, in a continued effort to be smooth, settles it over Cass's shoulders.]
It suits you.
[Terrible.]
no subject
Looked better on you. But I'll take it. [She teasingly elbows Steph in the side. Gently. This Steph isn't soft or... or del-i-cate. But Cass wants to be gentle-soft with her anyway. For reasons she doesn't understand.]
no subject
Steph lingers a moment or two with her hands on the jacket, and Cass by extension, as if it needs adjusting, before moving back to her side.
Just in time to get elbowed, making her laugh.]
I'd offer to let you keep it, but I didn't have a chance to slip my number in the pocket yet.
[That's not even trying to be subtle.]
no subject
That's-- that's.
Cass doesn't know what that is. It's... surprising? Is it? She isn't acting that differently than usual. Not moving differently. Holding herself differently.
And then there was the kiss...
She's getting distracted. She has a mission. She needs Steph back. Her Steph. But... having her phone number could help with that. Yes. Cass needs to be able to contact Steph. So she should just go with it.
Tonight's about making contact. Making sure Steph's safe. Cass can see her. again.
Cass bites her lips. Gives a nervous smile.]
You could always... give it to me now?
no subject
That totally works, why didn't I think of that?
[Now she's just being silly.]
Do you have your phone with you, or will I have to go shake down the bartender for a pen?
no subject
[Cass unlocks and hands over her phone without hesitation. She doesn't think about the fact that she already has a contact named "Steph 💜", or that Steph might recognize "Jason Todd" or "Tim 🐦".]
no subject
Want me to call my cell so I have your number, too?
[She could just do it, since Cass's phone is in her hand, but it'd be a dick move.]
no subject
Cass nods.]
Please.
no subject
She grins, ends the call, and hands Cass her phone back. She'll sort out her own, later, but she doesn't want to spend too long fussing with technology when there's a cute girl in front of her.]
Now I've got you, and you've got me.
[Feels natural, feels right.]
Does this mean you're gonna be in town for a little while?
[She wondered, with Cass being from Central City, if maybe she was just looking for a one night stand, but exchanging numbers tends not to happen in those circumstances, so she's curious now.]
no subject
--visiting family. I'll be here for a while. Can we... see each other? [She doesn't want tonight to end. Doesn't plan on it ending. But she also needs to make sure that she sees Steph again. If tonight isn't enough to... break through.]
no subject
That was the plan.
[Not to be cocky or anything, but there was a reason she gave Cass her number and it wasn't just to send her silly memes.]
My schedule is pretty packed the next couple of days, but I could totally do something on Thursday if you wanna? There's a great tapas place nearby that isn't like, crazy expensive.
[Her parents still cover a lot of her bills, but she doesn't want to ever take advantage or take them for granted, and prefers to pay for things like food and clothes out of her own money.
Which means she can't splurge on fancy restaurants for dates.]
no subject
Can we still hang out tonight? [It's Steph. She doesn't want to not be near Steph.]
no subject
[First of all, that would be stealing.
Mostly, though, she's just trying to make it clear that she has no plans to go anywhere right now. Cass is fun, and pretty, and there's no reason to end the night just yet.]
We can keep hanging out here, or we could go back inside for more dancing, orrr we could blow this popsicle stand and find somewhere cool.
[It might not be the smartest idea to leave the bar where all her friends are, to hang out with a stranger, but Cass doesn't really... feel like a stranger. Steph trusts her, regardless of whether or not she should.]