etrayalogs | APRIL MINGLE

APRIL MINGLE

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: April 25th - Early May
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, spring activities, and feathered friends!
NOTES\WARNINGS:

⏵ arrival ⏴
Welcome to Etraya!

Arrival goes as expected - characters awaken on hospital beds and are offered an explanation of their situation: that they have arrived in the city of Etraya, and they are their world's only hope. They are welcome to wander the hospital if they would like to - the upper floors are mostly empty, full of pristine hallways and numerous rooms filled with supplies, cots, and things one would expect from a relatively average 21st-century hospital.

However, if they are arriving from Aphaia, it's a little different, though mostly through means and familiarity. They will still show up in the hospital of course, but how can vary. Either through Aurora offering a portal for escape, their own demise (however it might have happened), or even a simple blink of their eyes and they're in the hospital. They had been given the briefest explanation last time they were here, but at least Aurora can better answer their questions now. No time constraints nor rushing them off to a dying world, this time!

In the hospital's lobby are several party tables set out with miscellaneous baked goods: croissants, cookies, breads, cake slices, as well as tea and coffee to accompany them - or hot chocolate, for those who are opposed to the other offerings.

Outside the hospital, spring is sprung, it is warm and comfortable. Flowers have bloomed, and everything is in a sharp contrast to Aphaia—there is life within the bubble, and even the myriad wildlife seems to be basking in the glow of it all. Almost as if a celebration of that life itself.

Bees are buzzing, birds are—warking?

⏵ Birds of a Feather ⏴

Etraya has always had its interesting assortment of critters, but there seems to be a particularly colorful array of birds wandering around. Those familiar would know they are named Chocobos, those less so familiar, well, these are some strange looking ostriches, or whatever large bipedal bird equivalent fits. While the birds all seem to be of the same species, there are certainly some variety in their features. Some with friendlier faces and others looking a bit more eagle-like.

They are not particularly congregated in any one spot within Etraya, seeming to stick to groups, while others don't, yet even some are accompanied by newly hatched chicks. The observant might be quick to notice that their colors dictate some level of behavior, or even where their little groups mingle:

Colors	Behavior and habitat
Yellow	Can be found just about anywhere in Etraya, they don't necessarily stick to self-made groups, and typically are more likely to be friendly to people. However, if they are in the company of a newly hatched chick, they can become wary, though easily won over with some greens.
Green	These Chocobos are mostly found in grassy or woodsy areas, almost always in pairs, and sometimes found in the trees themselves. They are more wary than their yellow brethren, though if they see someone struggling or in danger, they are quick to offer assistance in what way they can. Doting like motherhens.
Blue	Most often found by bodies of water, these Chocobo seem content to keep to themselves. Three to a group, they are not so easy to approach without being noticed. Their skill and love of water is clear, however, and it's not unusual to find them flapping about or swimming. Though they may flee to the water if you spook them.
Brown	The most skiddish of the Chocobo, they can be found throughout Etraya, though further away from anything occupied by people. They stick to groups of four, though they have a clear leader who sports blue and green feathers, but seemingly is not of the other two types. Should they catch sight or sound of someone approaching they are like to run off, or they might attempt to defend themselves.
Red	There seems to be only one of these running around. Highly aggressive to anyone who dares to approach it. Best to avoid it. Very likely to hurl comet-like balls of fire your way. Untamable.

The birds all favor these strange cabbage looking plants that can be found out and about in the wilds of Etraya. Some proving a little overeager in their voracity to eat the leafy greens. One should be careful, with those large beaks of theirs.

⏵ Gift Hunt ⏴

It isn't only the birds that have shown up out of nowhere. Small to medium sized boxes, wrapped as if they should be under a tree, and maybe not hidden in a tree, have also appeared. For whatever reason (possibly the same reason eggs were given out over winter) there seems to be gifts hidden all over Etraya! Some in more difficult to find locations (in trees, on top of a roof, on snake island), while others look as though whoever "hid" it gave up halfway through and simply dropped it on the ground and put a leaf over it.

For those who need a little extra help, well, certainly your fellow Etrayans could lend a hand, however there are also perfectly capable birds about for those still left wanting. Certainly that blue chocobo could assist with crossing the river to obtain that perfectly balanced gift on a rock! Or what about that green chocobo roosting in a tree not too far from that gift stuck in the branches because it has entirely too many ribbons?

With that said, there might also be some dangers in trying to take one of the myriad gifts from a chocobo's nest, especially if there's a chick presently sleeping next to it. Perhaps befriending them would be a good idea first, besides, isn't friendship with a big bird the truest gift of all?

On the tag of each and every gift box says the same thing:

To: You
Love: 💋

Each gift has a random assortment within. Some contain candy, others contain alcohol, make-up...maybe even a pair of socks, very perfunctory gifts with very little thought or feeling put into them. However, there is at least one gift that is personally relevant to each character in Etraya. This item will be the equivalent of a 5 point AC reward, and does not have to be found by the person it is intended for.

What better way to break the ice than to give someone their gift which you opened!

⏵ NOTES ⏴

Welcome to Etraya newcomers and happy spring to everyone!

It appears that someone is trying to correct her previous mistake of handing out eggs during the winter holidays, and now there's a hunt for gifts accompanied by a bunch of lovely birds to help out!

Some notes in regard to Chocobos:

-Each color can be tamed except for the red one, he's a free spirit. Should someone wish to harm or attack this chocobo, let us mods know. There is only one of him, after all.

-The others will just take various amounts of work to win over, however, but they are loving and cute companions for those who are willing to put in the effort! And who knows, maybe more colors could arise with time and patience...

-Feel free to pull from all the designs of chocobos throughout the Final Fantasy series. If you fancy FFXII's, for example, there are some that look like that. Variety is the spice of life!

Concerning the personal item, be sure to plot out and get permission when finding someone else's item. This is meant to encourage possible new CR and mingling, but the choice of the item should ultimately be within the hands of the player who is receiving it.

If you are uncertain if your item is appropriate for the reward cost, feel free to ask here!

For all questions relating to this log, please refer to the mod queries comment. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hmph.

[ look at him chasing after the bird like he's it's keeper, even going as far as to find it another scarf that matches what the chocobo already has. the creature looks at the scarf, tilting its head, and then the beady eyes of it looks down at a table where accelerator can set it, but where he chooses it is even better.

a clothing rack. that way the bird can walk over, drape the scarf over the handle to take a look at the two.

watching, shadow doesn't interrupt, but it is something knowing how less inclined the other was in the last location, but going through so much effort to appease a bird.

the scarf must mean something to him. ]

...

[ the bird squawks, taking both the scarfs now to hold in its beak before hopping happily at accelerator, and moving to another section to peruse more clothing. ]

[He is going to murder this bird. He is going to turn it into fried chicken. Downright KFC.]

Tche.

[Okay, that didn't work. He is not wrestling a bird and he is not about to do something that causes property damage to the store, because that would be really immature. He has better control than that.

He keeps on watching the chocobo, though after a few minutes he glances over at Shadow.]

Any idea what species this thing is?

[ imagine being the adult and you're just a hog, that's how it feels to watch accelerator run around chasing after this thing for a scarf. ]

...

[ shadow remains quiet, the look on his face gives off that he doesn't care what it is, but if he hasn't learned by now then accelerator really has kept his distance from these things. ]

Chocobo.

[ whatever that means, but he will offer some insight on what he's learned. ]

Usually hungry. This one's different.

[ could it believe that the scarf is it's favorite food? or reminiscent of it? who knows, but at least the bird doesn't seem to be acting out to rip it or anything. ]

Yeah, it's like it's mimicking someone going shopping.

[It's a little unsettling, when you think about it.

He sighs. Maybe the library would have books on chocobos, but he doesn't want to leave this thing alone.]

What do they eat? Maybe it'll give the damn thing up if there's food right in front of it.

[ could have been an esper in its past life, be nice.

shadow stands there, looking at accelerator then to the bird before figuring he can just leave. the other is now going as far as to want to feed the thing, so he can be the keeper this time.

...

and shadow turns away, walking towards the entrance of the building to leave.

the chocobo is still within the shopping plaza, accelerator can hear it as the creature knocks over a stand... stares at it, then continues on. it's the first one its bumped into so it is mindful of its surroundings! ]

........

[Okaaaay, don't answer his question. Accelerator sighs a bit, moving over to the chocobo to fix the stand it knocked over. It's kind of a pain in the ass since he has only one usable hand due to his crutch, but it is what it is.]

You're a real pain in the ass, you know that?

[ the chocobo has finally realized that accelerator is talking to it, but it doesn't seem to understand what he means. is it because he's picking up the stand so having a response means the bird was doing good?

maybe. it could do another stand just like that just because accelerator spoke to it, but when it tries to do so with two scarves in its beak is when the store's bell jingle alarming them that a customer has entered. the chocobo doesn't respond to it, but there's a black and red hedgehog that's standing right next to accelerator with a green ball of leaves in hand.

...

don't ask. just take. ]

[Accelerator is mulling over a new strategy when the store's bell gets his attention. Glancing over, he blinks, not having expected to see Shadow returning, and with what he assumes is chocobo food, no less.

He huffs, then takes the offered leaves and steps towards the bird.]

Here, c'mon.

[He waggles the leaves a bit. Come here, bird, take the food and drop the scarf.]

[ it's like watching a child train his first pet, he just doesn't have all the tools needed to hold its attention.

the chocobo turns its head once seeing what accelerator has. food! it hasn't had that in awhile now ever since the hedgehog would avoid its advances. that's why the bird slowly makes its way over, eyeing what's in the esper's hand before placing the two scarves down on the table behind it.

for some reason, it feels as though it shouldn't leave them here, so the bird squats down, laying its stomach on the scarves and opening its mouth to be fed. ]

...Tch.

[ what an annoying bird. ]

[A very annoying bird. It's lucky it's a bird and not a person, because his patience is being tested. Accelerator watches the chocobo sit down on the scarves, sighing heavily, and takes several steps backwards so it can't reach the food. If it wants to eat it's going to have to get up.]

[ it is an annoying bird, especially as shadow watches accelerator struggle to get the creature to move. it does wark at the food, wanting to be fed, but since the other seems unwilling, it's when the hedgehog looks at the other take a few steps back.

the creature pushes itself up, turning around to stare at the scarf, but takes a wary step forward. ]

...

[ shadow looks to accelerator and then to the two scarves. he doesn't move at all because the chocobo actually looks in his direction to see if he even attempted to. it's almost like the bird doesn't trust that they're both here at once...

...

but the food? ]

[You know what this feels like? A cat being fussy. Not to say he's at all familiar with animals, but even Academy City has stray cats and from what he's seen (and heard from Last Order and the clones) they all have this kind of stubborn personality.

Still, he can be patient. He sees the bird eyeing both himself and Shadow, and he doesn't let up, taking another step backwards and shaking the leaves a bit. The chocobo is going to have to decide - food, or sitting on the scarves.]

[ this is mean to the chocobo that doesn't know whether it's good to eat or should stay in place. it does have two scarves, more it can say about the esper and hedgehog, and as the chocobo takes even one step further is when shadow disappears in what seems like a blink of an eye, but one of the scarves are missing.

the chocobo hasn't realized this because as it looks back to accelerator and then to shadow, the hedgehog is still in place with his arms crossed as if he never moved. his eyes stare up at the ceiling, bored with what's going on. the chocobo moves closer to accelerator, jumping forward to try and snap at the leafy greens that he has because if it's given to the bird...

it'll want to return back to its scarves, but outraged when the first scarf it had taken is gone!! ]

[It's incredibly mean to the chocobo. Poor bird, life is cruel and unfair.

Accelerator notes out of the corner of his eye the sudden missing scarf, but his attention snaps back to the chocobo before he can say anything. He's quick to drop the greens and back off, giving the bird its food before he gets bitten.

Besides, he remembers Shadow pulling a similar stunt back in Aphaia, so he sidles back over to him.]

You grabbed it, didn't you? [He seriously doubts the chocobo can understand language so he figures as long as his body language isn't obvious, he can ask without issue.]

...

[ watching the chocobo eat something else that isn't him means that shadow can continue what he was doing before. staying out of the way.

when accelerator slides up to him, shadow glances out towards the entrance of the clothing place. ]

Outside.

[ call it him repaying a debt for what accelerator did for him back on the previous planet. with the chocobo focused on those leafy greens, and a loud wark when it notices that one of those scarves are gone.

... shadow doesn't wait to see what happens, not his problem as long as the chocobo doesn't make it one. ]

Coming?

[He gives a short nod, keeping his eyes on the chocobo. That answers his question, so he makes his way back towards the store's entrance.]

Yeah.

[Leaving the bird in here isn't a good idea, but it's alright. Once he's gotten the scarf back he'll track down a companion bot or three and have them wrangle it. Not only could the bird hurt itself, but it's kiiiind of looking like it might be about to throw a big temper tantrum, and there are kids around here. He doesn't want one of them walking into the store and getting hurt.

It's fine. The bots are likely way more equipped to handle a wild animal that large.]

[ the scarf will be hanging nearby, accelerator could just yank it down and mind his business, and upon inspection he'll learn that it hasn't suffered any major damages, realistically none at all. ]

Hmph.

[ there might be a chocobo feather laying on it, but that's to be expected from when it sat down on the fabric.

the bird is causing a little temper tantrum, hopping up and down, walking loudly behind the glass doors. it hasn't begun knocking things over yet, but it'll get there.

even so, shadow will follow alongside accelerator to make sure the scarf is up to his standards. ]

[Upon seeing the scarf Accelerator will turn and make a beeline over to it, grabbing it before the chocobo has a chance to notice it. Too late, his now.

With that successfully acquired, he glances around for a nearby companion bot. He supposes he could use his ability on the bird, but... nah. Better to let a robot who's more experienced with animals handle that thing.

As he looks around he spares a quick glance at Shadow.]

So what was that, teleportation?

[Clearly he's got some kind of power.]

Is that what it looks like to you?

[ perceptive, but the hedgehog shouldn't be surprised given how the other was at the last world. that weird storm of energy that was around him when investigating why his body were experiencing changes.

...

shadow doesn't know what that was, but if they're exchanging information like this.

he won't leave the question hanging. ]

To secure your scarf, I used teleportation and my speed.

[ the easiest way to keep it out of reach of the bird, but it did mean taking a different route so they wouldn't notice a faint breeze brush past them, revealing that he had taken the direction. ]

I saw no other way to get it back unless attacking it.

[Accelerator gives a short nod. It's very reminiscent of the teleportation espers back home, so Occam's Razor. If he's going to ask about that ability, he's going to start with the abilities he's aware of that have the most clear cut similarities and work from there. He isn't too surprised to hear it's a combination of teleportation and speed.]

Well, thanks. I would've been really pissed off if that thing tore this up, but it's just an animal. Attacking it for being a dumb animal would've been fucking cruel.

[Spying a companion bot coming around the corner, he turns away to flag it down. When the bot wanders on over, he'll quickly explain what's going and ask if it can handle wrangling a big angry ostrich-sized bird. The bot seems confident in its capabilities, and it'll trundle off to grab another bot or two to help.]

[ shadow's teleportation at the moment is short, it doesn't take him far, but his speed is enough to fill the gaps. whether he's going to explain that part is not in the cards, but he feels that the nod is enough that the other can seem to understand where what was used. ]

Hm.

[ someone's kind, but shadow is not, the amount he's attacked so far edges to the double digits high in number. all because the damn things won't leave him alone, that one in specific. ]

It's faster than the others, so it's best to keep your eyes open. [ that big bird. ] It'll look for you later.

[ because as soon as that bird notices what accelerator has, it's not going to let him go at all. the same way with shadow, it only changed its mind because of the scarf as it grew rather fond of it. ]

Since you're both attached to the scarf.

Okay.

[He'll keep that in mind. It still likely won't be a problem, but it's good to know he'll need to keep an eye out for any quick movements.

At the comment about the scarf he grips it a bit tighter.]

Tche. It'd just be a pain in the ass if that thing ripped this up, that's all.

[Honestly, he isn't even sure if Kamijou Touma would care if that happened, but he may as well try to protect it. In case that idiot ever shows up here.]

Special?

[ it can be a simple yes or no answer, or maybe there's something magical about it that he doesn't want it damaged. he doesn't feel anything coming from it...

whatever it is, the way the other grips the fabric and seems relieved that it's not torn at all says a lot. it's a scarf, but it appears to have meaning to him in some way. ]

It looks normal to me.

No. [Absolutely not, Accelerator refuses to classify anything, let alone anything Kamijou Touma owns, as special.]

It just belongs to an idiot I know. If he ever shows up here he'll probably want it.

[That's a piss poor reason for wanting to stop a giant bird from tearing up a perfectly average scarf, but it's what he's going with.]

[ the hedgehog becomes quiet as that is an answer. ]

Is there a chance he might appear here?

[ high or low, are there certain requirements, the esper can probably tell that shadow is asking more out of acquiring information than the sentimental route of it all.

besides, he figures that this person is a friend, maybe someone closer.

who goes out of their way to protect a scarf that can probably be replaced. ]

APRIL MINGLE

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