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

[Scott resists the urge to pinch his nose. Yeah, this already kind of feels familiar. At least he's not bogged down by uncontrollable strength and running from an alien, so he's in a slightly better mood compared to last time. Just slightly.]

What the girl? I don't know man-- it's better if you started off with a description and I'll think if I've seen anyone by that description. That's how this usually works.

[But... wow, she really must be important to Shadow if he's this worried about her. That much is obvious to Scott. Who would've thought that the grumpy asshole hedgehog would care about a human girl? Unless he's trying to kill her-- but that doesn't feel right, honestly.]

Or if she has an earpiece like you and me, you can try and send a message out and see if it reaches her.

You said there were a lot which means you have various descriptions.

[ that's how shadow took it to mean, he would rather know if he's seen her with his own eyes. unless those eyes can't see shit thanks to the lasers coming out of them, but their time on the previous planet had said otherwise.

what he says next only irritates shadow more, sure, the earpiece is a choice, but he doesn't like speaking about certain things over it. it's given to them by an unknown source, they're meant to trust it, and he's sure it probably records any and all conversations that they have.

nor will he go out his way to use it properly, all he's ever gotten were calls, and while he has engaged in conversation over them.

he'd rather not.

and what if she doesn't pick up? what if she doesn't exist? ]

Are you unable to name the list of women you've seen thus far in this world?

[ scott chats, he frequents around other people, shadow stays to himself. and yes, he's ignoring the earpiece information all because he doesn't want to do that.

he'll do it later... because if she doesn't pick up, at least he's the only one to know. ]

I was speaking generally! Like there's a lot of girls with blonde hair and blue eyes.

[But. Okay. Scott runs a hand through his hair, if only because he's trying not to get immediately annoyed by the hedgehog. Why he's even bother trying is beyond him-- it's just because he actually seems worried about someone. Maybe this girl he's talking about really needs help.

Unfortunately, it's just hard for him to see the right color of people, but Scott's not going to admit that much out loud. He can only imagine Shadow's response, probably something among the lines of learn how to control it or get better. Yeah he's skipping that lecture, thanks.]

Look, if you really care about this girl, use the stuff that's been given to you. Yeah I'm talking about the earpiece.

[ he's old and doesn't know how to use it, but will he say that? no, instead he stares at the other as though he's being an annoyance. even if shadow asked him a question, he didn't expect him to be so bad at answer a simple question. all he had to do was explain what blond hair, blue eyed girls he's seen along the way.

unfortunately, he is using what's been given to him.

scott crossed his path for a reason. ]

Then what?

[ hypothetically if that earpiece fails, then what does he do next, what is available to him afterwards? ]

Tell me who you've seen.

[ he is touching at the earpiece showing that he'll use it. ]

[Give him strength, whatever deity is up there. Actually, no, scratch that, because all of this is probably a result of some asshole god.]

Fine, geez. Since I arrived in this hospital? Only saw a couple of girls with blonde hair. Both in their late teens? Early 20s?

[He thinks it was blonde at any rate. A different kind of red? It's just so hard, he's been color blind like this for not long. Adjusting to Earth with his new vision was difficult enough and now he's somewhere entirely new.] But I wasn't looking and memorizing who has blonde hair either-- and no I didn't memorize their eyes. So maybe she's already arrived or will arrive later.

[...] Are you going to tell me anything about her at all? Is she important to the other Shadow too?

[He sure just made a lot of assumptions right there.]

[ it's a slow process, it's not anything shadow does on his own when it comes to understanding this earpiece. hell, his name is still "[default], and that goes to show he hasn't tried this thing at all. rouge would probably break it down for him to make the recon mission better, but this has no uses for him aside from nuisances calling him.

but he's more focused on hearing what this human has to say more than anything, if any information relates to her. his movements are slow regarding the earpiece, but his reflexes everywhere else are fast. from 0 to 100, the hedgehog growls in annoyance from the other's question, and a green spear of energy instantly manifests in his gloved hand, and the tip of it is at the center of the other's neck. ]

Stay on topic.

[ sensitive question as it is, he knows where her feelings are, he's seen it. shadow is witness to how much his world maria cares for the shadow of another world. he doesn't need to hear it from anyone else as he's seen the way the other hedgehog has looked at her. she may not be their maria.

when he has to think about it, the chances of both of them gone, his own maria may be with the other. it's not jealousy, it's what went wrong, why are neither of them here? knowing maria, she wouldn't leave the other alone, she would make the choice to save him, prevent him from harm or make sure he doesn't have to go alone.

the energy around his spear grows erratic, popping faster and the other can almost feel the burn against his skin. ]

What does that have to do with anything I've asked you?

[ someone's cranky! ]

[What the fuck?! Scott immediately tries to back away from the energy spear that's pointed at its neck-- nearly burning it and if he bumps into a table behind him and spills all the food onto the ground, he thinks he can be forgiven. Because what the hell?!]

Fuck-- forget I said anything!

[And he doesn't feel charitable enough to try and help Shadow any longer, even if he is looking for this girl. He can go searching on his own. Maybe the other Shadow will help him. And fine, maybe he'll still continue to keep an eye out for a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, but Scott's pretty much done right now. Being threatened like this isn't the way he wants to start his first day in this world.]

Clearly I'm not helping you, so just forget it. I don't know anything about her. [Should he be giving this level of attitude to someone that could kill him right now? No, but too late.]

Hmph. Useless.

[ this is why shadow told scott about intimidation, it works! the way the hedgehog looks at goes to show he doesn't regret his actions, but with the few steps he takes towards the other.

how dare he mention maria and that other hedgehog in the same sentence? as much as he shouldn't be offended, it's that certain wounds have not healed yet, and when he looks at scott, it'a just a young boy who doesn't know when to shut his mouth. ]

You're better when you listen.

[ taking orders really, allowing someone to judge his actions first before he does so because then he would avoid numerous problems that way.

his spear remains, the crackling sound growing louder before it extinguishes in his hand. any other day, shadow would have drove it through the other's chest, but he knows that his irritation is getting the better of him. ]

Get up, you're coming with me.

[ hostage situation. ]

[What's happening.

He half-expected Shadow to just leave him now, especially after the whole 'don't talk about this person ever again' despite being the person that brought her up in the first place. But no, he's telling him to come with him and just why. He doesn't want this, he just wants to go about on his own and not deal with this angry hedgehog again.]

What? Why? [He asks, though there's some level of wariness in his voice, rather than petulance. He knows that even though the spear is temporarily gone right now, it can instantly return and be pointed at his neck-- something that he'd want to avoid thank you very much.]

You just said that I'm useless. In fact, this is like the third time you said that to me.

On your own, when you listen I can find use.

[ because scott doing anything on his own so far like thinking just never works out, is this why so many creatures wanted to kill him? besides, the hedgehog is giving him a chance as long as he doesn't speak things he knows nothing of. despite him being curious, it's a sensitive subject.

...

maria. ]

I'm surprised you remember what I say to you.

[ does shadow get under the other's skin so much? almost like the other hedgehog, but shadow has a way with words that seem to stick. ]

Start moving.

[...And there's the return of some petulance.]

Wow, thanks.

[Useful only when he's listening to Shadow. Great. He really should've just went along his merry way, but it's too late. His mutant ability is stupid uncontrollable eye blasts, not time travel. No, it would be too convenient to have a power that doesn't suck.

The thought of actually trying to fight Shadow is extremely low on his list of ideas, mostly because he knows that he'd probably get his ass kicked. Not to mention that he really doesn't want to try and blast the hedgehog with his powers. Too much risk.]

And of course I remember the stuff you told me. Don't act surprised. [...] So tell me, ol' wise one, where are we going?

[He'll just start moving to the exit of this hospital.]

[ who knew this hostage situation would be real, even so, shadow only clicks his tongue as the other speaks. ]

Checking the surrounding area to gain information about where we are.

[ the appearance of a human might work better than someone talking to a hedgehog, the looks he gains when he does speak to someone is always telling. they've never seen anything like him before.

besides, he'll keep his eyes peeled for maria, he'll use this individual for anything else that works in his favor. for now, shadow needs information, he needs to understand how this place works and how all guests are welcomed. if anything said to one another is different from someone else. ]

What did Aurora tell you upon entry here?

[ speak, boy. ]

[...Well, that's not the worst idea he's ever heard. Probably a good one, honestly. Figuring out more about the world they're going to be stuck one is extremely important, but Scott was hoping that he was going to learn all about that on his own and not with a grumpy and probably homicidal hedgehog.

This really is going to be he his first full day at Etraya, huh? He reaches up to pinch the bridge of his nose, letting some of his earlier Attitude return now that he doesn't have something pointed at his neck. That really does wonders for morale. Being outside of the hospital helps too, because out here... it actually is kind of nice. Definitely a sharp contrast to Aphaia.

The question gets Scott to tilt his head towards Shadow though.]

Probably the same spiel she gave everyone? The whole 'we've been brought here because the multiverse is falling apart' and we're supposed to help pick and choose which universe survives like some ultra fucked up version of last man standing.

Edited 2025-05-08 19:08 (UTC)

Last man standing?

[ he doesn't even know what that means, but he doesn't linger on that topic as he's more so fixed on choosing which worlds. that is the worst part of it all, one would think everyone would have to fight, kill and the winner would be the person who gets their world back.

...from what he's seen so far, everyone is too busy helping each other. ]

She spoke without saying what were the requirements, or where to choose.

[ everything about it has gaps which loses all reasoning, it makes it unbelievable, and suggests that she's going to give them the option sooner or later. ]

Even that last world, was she able to save it?

[He doesn't explain, not as the topic shifts and focuses back on Aurora.]

She didn't mention that in detail to me either. Mostly just how our actions here might earn Echo's favor, thus saving our universe.

[Does he really believe all that? He's not sure. It's a lot to even fucking think about and he really hasn't until now. Still trying to adjust to this world, being separated from his friends, all that. It's just been a whirlwind of events since he got his powers, a part of him just wanting to lie on the ground and close himself off from everyone so he has some time to deal with everything.

But instead, he's walking along with Shadow. He shoves his hands inside his pockets, frown increasing as he thinks about Aphaia.]

I doubt that planet survived. She kept on mentioning that it was a dying planet and I felt like I didn't do anything to help it. Unless you did. [Not that he wanted to stay there, but thinking that it's just going to be destroyed or whatever... it's not a great feeling.]

For someone who can save worlds, why couldn't she save that one?

[ that's the biggest question here. he'll put scott onto something he should think about, as he's not trying to instill skepticism, but it's always best to think fives steps head. ]

There are probably worlds that are more worst off than that one from a person here, if she couldn't save that one, who's to save she can save someone's here.

[ it's something shadow has been thinking about since he's left alongside where maria has went, where that copy of his had went to. his world isn't in any danger, but here, it's put it on the chopping block.

he doesn't trust it.

shadow doesn't really trust anything. ]

Apparently they're just deciding on which world survives or not. Doesn't matter if it's 'worse off' or not.

[Because the multiverse is too big?? How is that even possible? Well, guess there are like hundreds of parallel universes at least, but they're all still separate from each other, right? Or. Something. He doesn't know, but he doesn't like it either way. Thinking that some planets won't make it.

All those aliens on Alphaia... are they really just going to die? Even that asshole guy that chased him around? He didn't want that.

Scott continues to frown, clearly bothered by all this.]

But it's all bullshit to me. Deciding which planet survives. If they're even going to go through with their promise on saving ours.

No one has any proof that she's saved anything.

[ or no one he's spoken to has said anything about it which leads shadow to doubt. whether she's holding this to ensue doubt or there's more to her methods that she needs us to take part in, it doesn't seem truthful to him. prove him wrong, and he'll accept that he's wrong. ]

Filling an empty city with people, there's a possibility she's lonely.

[ and wants to watch them run around like rats.

... ]

Pretty sure most of the people in Etraya have been here longer than us. They're probably the best sources of information.

[He really hasn't gotten the chance to ask about all that stuff yet. Most of his focus was surviving on that other planet, and now that he's here... he pretty much only really talked to Aurora and some other recent arrivals. The quickest way to gain information is probably asking through the earpieces, but.

Too risky?? Scott sighs lightly, hands still in his pockets as he just wanders around without any real direction. Or just following Shadow, because he's his hostage--]

She's just a hologram though. Like she's not actually here. Probably working with that Echo person she mentioned.

[ aimless more like i need to open the map, for now they're going to have to figure it out on their own because shadow doesn't use this earpiece unless he has to. ]

No one has seen "Echo" believing word from Aurora that they exist, or they're accepting because there's no other choice available.

[ as shadow things about it, he probably would have caused damages until someone came out. he's better than that, he won't start destroying what's around him off a simple hunch. he glances at the other briefly, for an idiot who can't act, his thoughts do not reflect poor actions.

he waits, finding themselves now outside in the city where a companion bot closes the distance between them, holding out a map for them both to take. with a raises brow, shadow ignores the help as the bot now offers it to scott. ]

If you meet "her", you'll relay what you know to me.

[ child labor. ]

[Scott will take the map from the companion bot at least, because why not? Might be useful to have on hand. Give a good idea of the basic geography of this place and note anything of actual significance-- maybe see a place or two that's familiar to him. Somehow. They're on an entirely different planet, but there's probably something similar to McDonald's or some shit right. At least a diner.

Although, looking at Shadow... he doubts that the hedgehog wants to go there. Where does he want to go anyway?]

Right, sure boss.

[The teen's voice is dripping with sarcasm. He doesn't feel particularly indebted to do anything for him, but whatever. Honestly Scott's a little surprised that Shadow is even interested in hearing whatever information he has; he's well-aware of his low opinion of him. Something that he sort of wants to change, but at the same time, just brush the other off entirely. Teenage emotions--]

If I find their secret headquarters labeled on this map, I'll let you know.

[ child.

a roll of his eyes, the hedgehog continues walking and ignoring whatever quips the other has to say. he really is the least of shadow's problems, but he only brings him along like some sort of punishment.

despite his low opinion, he chooses the option that doesn't cause trouble down the line, and this being one of the many. ]

I'm sure it won't stand out to you.

[ he's much aware scott wouldn't even know what a secret headquarters is if it stood out to him in his face. ]

Choose a location.

[ and shadow is judging. ] We'll go there to see what it has to offer.

[ scott can get his happy meal... ]

[A punishment for both--

Scott just rolls his eyes as well, for once not rising to the bait and just letting Shadow's comment brush off him. Is it sad to say that he's used to it now? Maybe it helps to think that the grumpy animal treats everyone in pretty much the same way, he's just the lucky focus right now.]

Well, I'm going to the diner because I didn't get the chance to eat my croissant. [Because an angry hedgehog decided to pull him into a hostage situation.] That's the only battle I care about right now.

[Filling his stomach.]

[ he should be ecstatic that shadow even talks to him, it's rare for the hedgehog to even keep this going because he doesn't want to talk to anyone. has scott piqued his interest or is he just the unlucky punching bag of the day? ]

....

[ shadow doesn't even have to eat, but he feels as though he should take this opportunities because what if maria is hungry? ]

Alright.

[ stopping, he turns to look at scott as though he has to lead the way. ]

[Scott tries really hard to hide his surprise when Shadow agrees with his suggestion without any real question. Really? Just like that? He can't fully stop the way in which he blinks, head tilting at the hedgehog as if expecting the other to suddenly change his mind. Nothing? Well, okay?? Sure. His stomach is grateful because he is actually hungry.

Might as well head towards the diner before Shadow changes his mind.]

I'm getting pancakes. And bacon. [...] Definitely eggs too.

[He carries on like this isn't such a huge deal, the mutant leading them both-- and occasionally looking back at the map to make sure he's going in the right direction.]

APRIL MINGLE

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

sorry for the late! getting back from con stuff

you should be sorry!! (dont be hope you had fun :3)

i did! thank you :>

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)