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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.
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Either way, she got handed all of the weird gadgets and listened when they told her to not stay inside the Confluence for too long... and promptly dashed straight inside.
Finding out that Tsubasa was a famous artist was hardly a surprise to Hibiki. In fact, if anything, it felt more normal than how things have been for Hibiki lately in the first place, what with Hibiki being famous rather than Tsubasa. It did mean that Hibiki wasn't sure how she'd be able to approach her, but fortunately, she doesn't have to worry about that right now.
Hibiki couldn't help but ogle at all of the Tsubasa merchandise. As a superfan of Tsubasa back home, it felt nice to see after all this time... but more important than even all of the Tsubasa merchandise was the head of white hair that Hibiki would recognize anywhere. ]
Ch...
[ Walking out of the music store with a number of CDs in-hand... ]
C-Chris-chan!?
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"Chris-chan"? Is that what people are calling me now? Look, I don't know how you know me, but I can't get you Tsubasa's autograph or anything.
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[ Man, all of this is way too complicated for Hibiki... but for now, she can't help but let out an audible sigh of relief. ]
Thank goodness... I thought it'd take me ages to find you! I wasn't even sure where to look!
[ Though in hindsight, buying her Senpai's merchandise makes a whole lot of sense. ]
no subject
"Know where to look?" What, do you jerks think Tsubasa will notice you just because you found her girlfriend? Buzz off, weirdo.
no subject
Eh!? You and Tsubasa-san are girlfriends in this world!? Ahh!! Congratulations! Ahh, I know you don't remember anything, but it looks like all my wingmanning finally paid off! Though, wait, actually... if it happened here, then I guess it didn't...?
[ Hibiki tilts her head, looking up and trying to re-sort everything in her head for a second before... ]
Ahh whatever! It's fine! What's important is that you two finally got together! Ooh, maybe now we can do a double date? A-Ah, probably not until all of this is handled though, huh?
[ ...listen, Hibiki didn't have a plan when she came in here. She's quite literally piecing things together as she goes along, and it just so happens that she's an audible thinker. ]
no subject
[ She's just going to stare at Hibiki now, both confused and unnerved at the same time. ]
Back the fuck UP, who the hell even are you?! What the hell do you mean 'wingmanning'?! And how are you so into our relationship? Are you a stalker?!
no subject
[ She was already mostly aware of the situation, but it still does kind of... kind of hurt when directly facing the situation right in front of her.
Well, that's not good at all! She can't help Chris remember if she's busy being bummed! She claps her hands in front of her and the earlier subtle pain in her expression all but vanishes. ]
Well, that's fine! Everything's fine! [ Heiki hecchara... ] If you don't remember me, then I'll just have to start by introducing myself just like how I did last time! My name is Tachibana Hibiki, age 17! My birthday is September 13th, and my blood type is O! I haven't had my height measured in a while, but I'm pretty sure I'm still 157cm! My weight... oh wow, I completely forgot to tell you my weight after we became better friends! A-Ahh... maybe later, though.
[ Priorities, Hibiki. ]
My hobby is saving people and my favorite things are food and food! And finally...!
[ Suddenly serious... ]
I HAVE A GIRLFRIEND!!
no subject
Uh...huh.
[ She turns around and begins to walk away. ]
I'm leaving now.
no subject
[ Hibiki is quick to chase after her. ]
Cuz you were attacking me and you called me a bunch of mean things and I was all like "that's not my name!" so I dumped all that on you and—Aah! Wait please come back! I'm being serious I promise!!
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[ Chris doesn't turn to face her. Instead, she glowered, shoulders slumping as she walked. ]
I'd never attack anyone...I'm a paramedic, for god's sake!
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[ Hibiki's face lights up a little more... and with it comes her wolf ears and tail popping out as a result. ]
Ah, a paramedic! That means you heal and help people, right? That suits you! Ah—I got distracted again!
[ Since Chris isn't turning to face her, Hibiki runs forward and around her to face her instead. ]
C'mon, I gotta be ringing at least one bell here! Moon fragment? Lydian? Utazukin? Um, what was the way your lyrics went...? Gunpowder and smoke... red heels... soothing pain... uhhh...
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Just stop it! I have a good life here! Why are you trying to tell me I lived somewhere else?! I have a girlfriend! I have a real job and not something crazy! My parents are alive! I...I...
[ Are those tears beading at the corners of her eyes? ]
no subject
[ Chris' parents... yeah, Hibiki gets it now. No wonder she doesn't want to remember...
Still, even so... ]
But... but what about your life back home! The one where everyone is waiting for us! Kirika-chan and Shirabe-chan...! The place you told us is where you belonged!
[ Hibiki sucks in a breath. ]
I... I know you've lost a lot! But... but you gained a lot as well! A lot of irreplaceable things! You told me that! You told us that! Tsubasa-san as well!
no subject
I did say that...
...but that was before I found something else I didn't want to give up either...
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[ Hibiki bites her lower lip... but she knows that Chris—or at least, the regular Chris—would never forgive her if she just gave up now. ]
..."I'm gonna live through the present at 120%... doing that'll make my past even better".
Those are your words, Chris-chan. It's the song in your heart...! But this isn't the present... it's not! If I stay here, I'll probably end up finding something just like you have, but it's not right! If I did that, then I'd be denying the life I've already been living! And everything in it that I cherish!
[ She holds out her hand to Chris. ]
Please, Chris-chan... I know it'll probably hurt, but... we'll all be with you. Me, Miku, and Tsubasa-san too...!
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...But something. Something in it was true. Something real.
Or at least, she deserved to find out for sure if it was. ]
I can't. I can't go with you now. I...I have to talk to her. I have to face her. I need...I need to know how she really feels...
no subject
I understand... it's important to tell the person you care about how you truly feel, but...
[ She reaches forward and takes Chris' hand in her own, gripping it tight. ]
Our hands have connected, and even if you can't come with me right now... the fact remains that they've connected! And even if we're apart, it's a connection that can't be broken! And the same can be said for Tsubasa-san, so...!
[ There's no need to worry. ]