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TEST DRIVE MEME #5
TEST DRIVE MEME
A Confluence, capitalized, is the converging of one or more supernatural forces.
Right on the heels of the near-apocalypse, the next Confluence comes right on schedule. Thin glowing cracks split the air like an eggshell, the aftershocks of August's great rifts. They seem normal - or at least, what has become normal over the past year. But since the world nearly ended last month, the people of this world have become far more jumpy. Maybe this isn't the kind of thing they should be getting used to.
Right on the heels of the near-apocalypse, the next Confluence comes right on schedule. Thin glowing cracks split the air like an eggshell, the aftershocks of August's great rifts. They seem normal - or at least, what has become normal over the past year. But since the world nearly ended last month, the people of this world have become far more jumpy. Maybe this isn't the kind of thing they should be getting used to.
A NOT-SO-WARM WELCOME. EXCELSIOR.
This shift in reality comes quickly and painlessly. One moment, you're going about your business in your own world; in the next, between blinks, you open your eyes to find yourself on AN UNFAMILIAR STREET.
The futuristic city you find yourself in appears to have been through some sort of DISASTER recently. Glass and strange metallic debris litters the streets, and the tall skyscrapers are pockmarked and even charred in some places. Despite all of that, nothing terrible appears to be happening right now; rather, there's an active CLEAN-UP EFFORT happening.
Despite this show of community spirit, it seems like a lot of the locals aren't too pleased to see you. People might glare, or even flee, when they see you emerge out of thin air. If you approach one of the groups to ask where you are, or what on earth just happened, it's possible that they'll grumble about "more freaking metas" and try to get rid of you.
You aren't the only personas non grata in the city. If you wander long enough, or are observant enough, you may catch sight of the odd flying car or robotic mechanism that isn't acting like the rest. The ROUGE AI who have survived this far are now in hiding, trying to avoid the destruction that's met the rest of their kin. Maybe you can work together? Or maybe they're even more hyped for the destruction of humanity now.
Eventually, you will be able to find some exhausted-seeming representatives of the (stretched very thin) Guilds, who will gather you up and take you back to their headquarters for orientation. And maybe your new robot friends, should you make any.
The futuristic city you find yourself in appears to have been through some sort of DISASTER recently. Glass and strange metallic debris litters the streets, and the tall skyscrapers are pockmarked and even charred in some places. Despite all of that, nothing terrible appears to be happening right now; rather, there's an active CLEAN-UP EFFORT happening.
Despite this show of community spirit, it seems like a lot of the locals aren't too pleased to see you. People might glare, or even flee, when they see you emerge out of thin air. If you approach one of the groups to ask where you are, or what on earth just happened, it's possible that they'll grumble about "more freaking metas" and try to get rid of you.
You aren't the only personas non grata in the city. If you wander long enough, or are observant enough, you may catch sight of the odd flying car or robotic mechanism that isn't acting like the rest. The ROUGE AI who have survived this far are now in hiding, trying to avoid the destruction that's met the rest of their kin. Maybe you can work together? Or maybe they're even more hyped for the destruction of humanity now.
Eventually, you will be able to find some exhausted-seeming representatives of the (stretched very thin) Guilds, who will gather you up and take you back to their headquarters for orientation. And maybe your new robot friends, should you make any.
DIADEM HOTEL
You're not going home anytime soon. Hopefully, the LUXURY HOTEL they've put you up in will ease that sting.
The DIADEM HOTEL is usually reserved for the obscenely wealthy. Its rooms are enormous, the beds quite literally enchanted to offer the perfect night's sleep, and the food would usually cost your life savings just to sample. But given the circumstances, the Guilds feel its the least they can do to aid your transition into this world. EVERYTHING is complimentary, and everyone gets an ALLIANCE CREDIT CARD to spend on entertainment, clothing, and whatever other necessities they might need. The cards have an obscenely high limit and there doesn't seem to be an expectation for you to pay it back... though if they catch you abusing it, their accountant will be coming for your head.
There's a shopping center immediately across the street. It has an impressive array of outlets that cater to your every need. Food, clothing... and swords? If you can think of it, it's for sale. Although anything clearly supernatural or metahuman seems to be at a minimum and offered under the table. You can grab clothing made to withstand any superpower and a surprisingly mediocre Taco Bell order while you're at it. There's a Super Cinema in the shopping complex across the street that's showing the highly anticipated THOROUGHBRED: HEART OF A CHAMPION movie, a biopic about the first animal-turned-metahuman superhero. It will make you laugh, cry, and determine that yes - a horse can play baseball.
CENTRAL CITY isn't exactly the nicest place in the world. Wander too far from the shopping district and you'll find yourselves thick into territory controlled by the local non-meta crime syndicate... but maybe that's where you want to be. Maybe you're here to see just what this world is dealing with. If you're going to be stuck here you might as well make yourself useful, right?
Or perhaps you're NOT the heroic type. Maybe this is simply scoping out the competition.
Regardless, it won't take long for TROUBLE to find you. Test out your new powers, do a little thieving, stop a few muggings - this is your time to use as you see fit.
The DIADEM HOTEL is usually reserved for the obscenely wealthy. Its rooms are enormous, the beds quite literally enchanted to offer the perfect night's sleep, and the food would usually cost your life savings just to sample. But given the circumstances, the Guilds feel its the least they can do to aid your transition into this world. EVERYTHING is complimentary, and everyone gets an ALLIANCE CREDIT CARD to spend on entertainment, clothing, and whatever other necessities they might need. The cards have an obscenely high limit and there doesn't seem to be an expectation for you to pay it back... though if they catch you abusing it, their accountant will be coming for your head.
There's a shopping center immediately across the street. It has an impressive array of outlets that cater to your every need. Food, clothing... and swords? If you can think of it, it's for sale. Although anything clearly supernatural or metahuman seems to be at a minimum and offered under the table. You can grab clothing made to withstand any superpower and a surprisingly mediocre Taco Bell order while you're at it. There's a Super Cinema in the shopping complex across the street that's showing the highly anticipated THOROUGHBRED: HEART OF A CHAMPION movie, a biopic about the first animal-turned-metahuman superhero. It will make you laugh, cry, and determine that yes - a horse can play baseball.
CENTRAL CITY isn't exactly the nicest place in the world. Wander too far from the shopping district and you'll find yourselves thick into territory controlled by the local non-meta crime syndicate... but maybe that's where you want to be. Maybe you're here to see just what this world is dealing with. If you're going to be stuck here you might as well make yourself useful, right?
Or perhaps you're NOT the heroic type. Maybe this is simply scoping out the competition.
Regardless, it won't take long for TROUBLE to find you. Test out your new powers, do a little thieving, stop a few muggings - this is your time to use as you see fit.
BITS AND BOBS. CENTRAL CITY, MICHIGAN
CENTRAL CITY is still seeing some strange after-effects from the recent interdimensional incident! Luckily, no people are appearing or disappearing anymore. Instead, it seems that INANIMATE OBJECTS are still being affected by minor dimensional rifts. Sometimes, things disappear; someone's bike may vanish from the bike rack where they left it, or you might find the furniture in your hotel room has suddenly gone missing.
Far more common, however, are items appearing from other worlds. Some of these are mundane: unusual brands of food or drink, or maybe clothes according to the fashion trends of another dimension. But a lot of them are stranger. Some are pieces of technology clearly not native to this dimension, such as small personal speeders or ADVANCED WEAPONS. Others may be MAGICAL, though if you aren't familiar with the item in question, you might just have to pick up the weird amulet to see what it does.
There's also the chance that something from your world has fallen through. A small trinket that you miss. Your favorite kind of soda, not available in this world. The keys to your car that you'll walk the city trying to find, clicking the unlock button until something responds.
This has never been the safest of cities. Interdimensional weapons are a problem in the wrong hands and those hands are quite ready to kill if you should find yourself holding them. It's a dangerous place to walk alone at night, even for some metas; the criminals here have long since gotten used to having to fight superpowered foes. Emboldened by the chaos the city descended into last month, there's been a rash of muggings and burglaries lately - and these are only made worse by the sudden availability of random, occasionally incredibly good gear.
You may run into bands of particularly ambitious thieves, using their newfound loot to rob banks or hold people up. You may also find these people losing control of these things they don't understand, causing magical or technological backlash. Either way - maybe you can find some good loot drops yourself to help out?
Far more common, however, are items appearing from other worlds. Some of these are mundane: unusual brands of food or drink, or maybe clothes according to the fashion trends of another dimension. But a lot of them are stranger. Some are pieces of technology clearly not native to this dimension, such as small personal speeders or ADVANCED WEAPONS. Others may be MAGICAL, though if you aren't familiar with the item in question, you might just have to pick up the weird amulet to see what it does.
There's also the chance that something from your world has fallen through. A small trinket that you miss. Your favorite kind of soda, not available in this world. The keys to your car that you'll walk the city trying to find, clicking the unlock button until something responds.
This has never been the safest of cities. Interdimensional weapons are a problem in the wrong hands and those hands are quite ready to kill if you should find yourself holding them. It's a dangerous place to walk alone at night, even for some metas; the criminals here have long since gotten used to having to fight superpowered foes. Emboldened by the chaos the city descended into last month, there's been a rash of muggings and burglaries lately - and these are only made worse by the sudden availability of random, occasionally incredibly good gear.
You may run into bands of particularly ambitious thieves, using their newfound loot to rob banks or hold people up. You may also find these people losing control of these things they don't understand, causing magical or technological backlash. Either way - maybe you can find some good loot drops yourself to help out?
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR. SUNSET FALLS, MASSACHUSETS.
There's a DEMON in Sunset Falls. Which isn't at all a surprise - there's always a demon in Sunset Falls.
Yet this one is special. The first extra-dimensional visitor since the universe was restored to its rightful place in the wider multiverse. Attracted to the power of the Hellmouth and the lingering magic of the Willow Maiden thick in the air, a Wish Demon known as Charles has settled within the city. New arrivals will find themselves met by a friendly stranger who is oh so hungry for the energy they're radiating, their connection to this world fresh and begging to be harvested.
I can grant your hearts desire, he says. And you needn't answer him. The thought that pops into your head is precisely what he sets about giving to you... though of course, it's not exactly what you want. The demon derives his power from the misery and despair left when hope breaks. Wish to return home and you'll find yourself in an illusionary world where everything has gone wrong. Your body will remain on the ground, and all those who touch you will be transported to this nightmare.
Wish for the object of your desires to return your affections, and you'll find them suddenly obsessed with you. Either compelled to look like you, or desperate to be with you.
Wish to be the most powerful or skilled at something, and find all those around you suddenly weaker while your strength remains unchanged.
All in all, the demon thinks himself untouchable. There's no real sign that he's done anything. No contract made or signed. He's simply granting unspoken wishes. The beings of this realm don't appear to be very powerful or intelligent and so he leaves himself unguarded. Perhaps you'll rearrange his smug little face to free you and the others he's trapped from their curse.
Yet this one is special. The first extra-dimensional visitor since the universe was restored to its rightful place in the wider multiverse. Attracted to the power of the Hellmouth and the lingering magic of the Willow Maiden thick in the air, a Wish Demon known as Charles has settled within the city. New arrivals will find themselves met by a friendly stranger who is oh so hungry for the energy they're radiating, their connection to this world fresh and begging to be harvested.
I can grant your hearts desire, he says. And you needn't answer him. The thought that pops into your head is precisely what he sets about giving to you... though of course, it's not exactly what you want. The demon derives his power from the misery and despair left when hope breaks. Wish to return home and you'll find yourself in an illusionary world where everything has gone wrong. Your body will remain on the ground, and all those who touch you will be transported to this nightmare.
Wish for the object of your desires to return your affections, and you'll find them suddenly obsessed with you. Either compelled to look like you, or desperate to be with you.
Wish to be the most powerful or skilled at something, and find all those around you suddenly weaker while your strength remains unchanged.
All in all, the demon thinks himself untouchable. There's no real sign that he's done anything. No contract made or signed. He's simply granting unspoken wishes. The beings of this realm don't appear to be very powerful or intelligent and so he leaves himself unguarded. Perhaps you'll rearrange his smug little face to free you and the others he's trapped from their curse.
I DREAM A DREAM SO PRETTY. EVERYWHERE.
The Dreamers of the Willow Maiden are one of the better known cults in the world, though calling it a cult feels a little... extreme. They're harmless and sweet, offering guidance on getting the best night's sleep possible. They believe that to be well-rested and happily dreaming is to be close to the divine.
As such, they've provided a generous donation to the Diadem Hotel. Pillows.
Laying your head upon one of their enchanted pillows will allow you to fall into a deep and restful sleep. And in this sleep, you will find yourself having the most vivid dreams.
Perhaps you dream of something mundane. You go through your morning routine as normal, unaware that the words you're reading are scrambled and the clock won't tell you true time. You see nothing strange about the people around you being more concept than human. Perhaps you're the kind to dream yourself late to work, rushing to the office and not realizing until you've arrived that you've forgotten your clothes. Others blink and find themselves cast as classmates, or coworkers.
Or perhaps your mind is more given to the fantastical. You're recreating the plot of a movie you just watched, yourself as either the hero or the villain. Or the side character that's suddenly thrust into greatness. Do you fall into the fantasy of it, believing yourself to be someone else? Or are you lucid, controlling everything within the dream?
There's also the chance for a nightmare. One that twists out of your control, growing on every anxious fear. There are the regular ones - the ones that involve teeth, or falling, drowning, anxiety driven things that have you waking just before you meet your untimely end... only these dreams are so solid, so deep, that you need someone to reach out a hand and remind you that this isn't real. That you're safe back in your bed.
Whatever your dream, you'll wake rested and feeling surprisingly...loved.
As such, they've provided a generous donation to the Diadem Hotel. Pillows.
Laying your head upon one of their enchanted pillows will allow you to fall into a deep and restful sleep. And in this sleep, you will find yourself having the most vivid dreams.
Perhaps you dream of something mundane. You go through your morning routine as normal, unaware that the words you're reading are scrambled and the clock won't tell you true time. You see nothing strange about the people around you being more concept than human. Perhaps you're the kind to dream yourself late to work, rushing to the office and not realizing until you've arrived that you've forgotten your clothes. Others blink and find themselves cast as classmates, or coworkers.
Or perhaps your mind is more given to the fantastical. You're recreating the plot of a movie you just watched, yourself as either the hero or the villain. Or the side character that's suddenly thrust into greatness. Do you fall into the fantasy of it, believing yourself to be someone else? Or are you lucid, controlling everything within the dream?
There's also the chance for a nightmare. One that twists out of your control, growing on every anxious fear. There are the regular ones - the ones that involve teeth, or falling, drowning, anxiety driven things that have you waking just before you meet your untimely end... only these dreams are so solid, so deep, that you need someone to reach out a hand and remind you that this isn't real. That you're safe back in your bed.
Whatever your dream, you'll wake rested and feeling surprisingly...loved.
CLIFF NOTES.
➢ Newbies will be arriving in Excelsior. Have fun dealing with unfriendly locals and maybe-friendly, maybe-murderous fugitive robots!
➢ Current Players are welcome to treat this as a bonus event. These events are canonically happening within the game but can be largely ignored if you'd prefer to use the month for personal plots. You can tag into the TDM, reference these prompts in network posts, or use them in your own logs.
➢ The biggest rifts in reality have been fixed, but there are some lingering affects, such as random items disappearing or appearing. You can take advantage of these loot drops, but it seems that criminal elements are doing the same.
➢ There's a wish demon on the loose again in Sunset Falls! He's granting cursed wishes, even unspoken ones, though it shouldn't be too hard to find him if you want to put a stop to it.
➢ Newbies will find that the enchanted pillows have appeared in the Diadem Hotel as well! Anyone who sleeps on these can have dreamwalking adventures with each other - or nightmare adventures, as the case may be.
➢ Current Players are welcome to treat this as a bonus event. These events are canonically happening within the game but can be largely ignored if you'd prefer to use the month for personal plots. You can tag into the TDM, reference these prompts in network posts, or use them in your own logs.
➢ The biggest rifts in reality have been fixed, but there are some lingering affects, such as random items disappearing or appearing. You can take advantage of these loot drops, but it seems that criminal elements are doing the same.
➢ There's a wish demon on the loose again in Sunset Falls! He's granting cursed wishes, even unspoken ones, though it shouldn't be too hard to find him if you want to put a stop to it.
➢ Newbies will find that the enchanted pillows have appeared in the Diadem Hotel as well! Anyone who sleeps on these can have dreamwalking adventures with each other - or nightmare adventures, as the case may be.
WILDCARD.
Metaheroes takes inspiration from all walks of comics. Take a look at the CITIES to get an idea as to what day to day life is like in the other cities. Perhaps you've encountered a supervillain (or hero) who needs to be thwarted, or a metahuman with unusual powers creating bizarre effects. You can also take a look at the MISSION BOARD to get your start as a professional hero, villain, or vigilante.
Jayce Talis | Arcane |
⚒ A NOT-SO-WARM WELCOME
If he weren't so confused, he would be fascinated by the city's design and the amount of new technology he can see, scientific interest piqued. He tries to talk with the locals, looking somewhat on edge but asking politely, yet his questions are met with either a cold shoulder or people throwing profanities at him. Some people go one step beyond simple words. ]
Okay, okay, I get the message! [ Jayce dodges a piece of metal - was that a robot hand??? What the hell? - that a small group of angry workers throws at him, and decides that a strategic retreat might not be a terrible idea.
He's not looking where he goes as he turns to leave hastily, too busy trying to avoid a flying broken pipe aimed at his head. And because he is not looking, he ends up colliding with someone in front of him, almost knocking them both to the ground. ]
Oof. Ah, sorry, I was just... [ 'Trying to run away from a mob' sounds too dramatic for his tastes, but that's exactly what he has been doing. ]
⚒ THE WONDERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Jayce is trying to figure out what the cellphone he's been given actually does. While he is fascinated with all the new tech available, he doesn't fully understand how each app works, or what sort of stuff people are used to sharing and asking for in each one of them.
He tries, with more or less success. Usually less. Like now, when he doesn't even bother with a handle, and the nuances of what makes an Instagram photo interesting escape him. So he simply puts one of himself and asks what he needs.
⚒ BITS AND BOBS...and fur
It lunges at him when Jayce reacts with little more than visible annoyance at being told to give this man everything he has on him, despite his growing tension at the situation, but he thankfully dodges his attacker before the blade can get in contact with his chest.
Jayce only wants this day to end, and more than anything, he wants to be left alone.
And then something weird happens. One moment he's catching his breath, ready to find a way to disarm this man before he hurt him or anyone else, when his hand is no longer a hand and his skin is no longer just skin. There are claws and black fur, a sound echoes in the alley that sounds like a roar, and it takes Jayce a startled moment to realize it comes from him. The attacker drops his weapon the moment he sees a big, black leopard standing where Jayce used to be. He decides this isn't worth the trouble, and turns to run away.
Jayce almost doesn't notice, overwhelmed by the changes, the loud sounds of the city filling his ears, and the new smells he can notice. Some of the people walking around notice him and start yelling. Which, okay fair. He would get alarmed too if there was a leopard loose in Piltover. While trying to get away from the screaming, Jayce figures out three things fairly quickly: One, this must be the 'possible new power' thing people mentioned to him. Two, it seems like the changes are stress-induced. Three, coordinating four different extremities and running in a straight line is harder than it looks.
He falls on his face, and goes tumbling around. When he manages to stand upright, there are white and black feathers all over him. Two legs this time, a small mercy, even if his attempt to fly away while in a secretary bird body only makes him fall to the ground again - et, tu, gravity?- and shapeshift into a caracal cat after the landing.
At this point, he's just making a spectacle of himself, changing into different animals every time he trips or hits something while looking for a place to hide: red panda, sugar glider, siamese cat, fennec fox, sea otter, a Black otter rex rabbit, even a Mononykus...
It's possible to see him transform into one of these animals until Jayce exhausts himself. His eyes are always gold, and the scar on his right eyebrow doesn't go away no matter the shape he is in, so at least some things are constant.
By the end of the night, he's looking like a very tired Utonagan dog, thankfully a form that doesn't attract the most attention, lying on his side under a park bench and wondering if he just died and went to hell. ]
⚒ WILCARD
Instagram
[ Robin comments with a link to the Central City library, and also a link to the maps app so he can find his way there. She's been spending a lot of time there, catching up on the last few decades' worth of history and technology. (Social media included.)
She also adds, ] If you're looking for information about magic, though, you should probably go to Sunset Falls.
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Oh, thank you! [ He gets distracted clicking on the links, having never interacted with one of those before. His next reply comes a few minutes later, when the map pops up, and Jayce manages to eventually go back to the other app
This man is a professional engineer, promise. ]
I didn't realize this thing knew cartography, that's very useful. What's Sunset Falls like? Do they study the arcane there?
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[ Cartography? Wow, maybe this guy is from even earlier than Robin and her friends. ]
It can do a lot. Maps, media, shopping. You can order food delivery from it, too.
I don't know if they study the arcane in Sunset Falls, but there's always a lot of magic and monsters stuff going on there. Just... Be careful what you wish for. My best friend temporarily turned himself into a werewolf when he was there.
[ After another friend inadvertently wished himself into being a vampire. It was a whole thing. ]
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I can get food with this? Helpful. The money I have from my world is worth nothing here, so I was given a square plastic card.
[ He has yet to understand how credit cards work, beyond being some sort of currency. ]
There are monsters in Ruenterra as well, my home, but magic is not as widely accepted in all nations. Even after a decade of working with Hextech to bring it closer to people, many are wary of it.
A werewolf? Was that transmutation magic? Or a curse...? To change someone like that the spell must have been incredibly powerful. I hope your friend is all right now without any side effects.
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The square plastic card is a credit card. Normally you would have to pay back any expenses you charge to the card later, but I guess the guilds set people up with unlimited funds for their first couple months, before they cut you off. So if you have any large purchases you need to make, it's probably best to do it now.
I'm not sure what it was that turned Steve into a werewolf. I really don't know a whole lot about magic. It did wear off, though, after a day or so.
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That's nice of them. Maybe too nice. [ While it's helpful that they are helping them, because Jayce truly felt totally lost when he first arrived, he's going to be waiting for the other shoe to drop. The hotel they put him in is way too fancy, even by his standards. Everything seems too much to be simply born out of the kindness of a stranger's heart without no seconds intentions. ]
I don't need anything expensive, but I should probably get new clothes so I don't stand out so much. I just don't know where to start, the garments you all wear are so different. Any advice?
[ This man has never worn jeans in his life, Robin, which is a crime with a pair of legs as long as his. ]
Where there is magic, usually, there's also a mage. Maybe it was an accidental spell or some sort of test.
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A not-so-warm welcome
Caitlyn doesn't outright talk to anyone. The wary, on-edge nature of everyone she observes leading her to believe that a formal interrogation isn't quite her best option. It wouldn't have worked in the Undercity and it likely wouldn't work here either. So instead she's just watching, sniper eyes sharp as she takes in as many details as possible. Sure, she's not sure what to do with all of them yet, but it's a start. Once she has more to go on, she'll have a better idea what to do with the knowledge she's gained from observing.
Except she's so busy watching them that she forgets to watch herself. Which is why she collides with a very large object.]
Oh, sorry. My apolo- [She cuts off mid-word, completely surprised. Though maybe she shouldn't be so surprised to see him here. After all, she's here isn't she?] Jayce?
[It's only then that she notices that he's still got some people who look quite ready to continue going after him. So much for his newfound skills as a fancy politician type.]
Come on. [Grabbing his hand, Caitlyn starts to lead him away from there. Only it lasts for one step, maybe two before she's faltering, leaning against him much like she had Vi just a short while before.] We need to talk, but not here.
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Caitlyn! [ It doesn't last, of course, not when he sees the state his friend is in. ] What happened? Are you hurt? Did they...?
[ There are too many questions and not enough time to answer them. When she takes his hand and pulls, Jayce follows easily, not wanting to be around such a hostile group of people any longer lest things escalate even more. He's quick to wrap a firm arm around her waist, inviting her to lean all her weight against his side. ]
Probably a good idea. [ Jayce takes a few steps towards the nearby buildings so there's more distance between them and the hostile citizens, but his concerned eyes are mostly on Caitlyn. Despite their confusion and the tension in the air, he quips, aiming for levity. ] Would you put me in a joint lock if I offered to carry you? You probably weigh less than the Mercury Hammer.
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I'm afraid it's been a very long day. [She pauses, thinks about it, and then amends thoughtfully.] Or perhaps days plural would be more apt. I'm afraid.
[Honestly, she's managing, but he's certainly a lot harder to keep up with than Vi. Simply because his steps are so much larger in comparison, given the height disparity that exists between them.]
I might not be a scientist, but you'll find I'm full of them. [At his request, she pauses. Hesitating before deciding that the situation they were in was more important than her pride.]
Oh very well. [Only because she knows all too well that if she refuses and continues walking, she'd hinder them far more than if she just accepts his help. So while she doesn't like it, given the circumstances she has to agree. She sighs, before fixing him with a mostly playful glare. ] But only this once.
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It looks like it. It feels like everything back home went to hell right after Progress Day. [ He hadn't had much time to talk to Caitlyn at all after she came with Vi to talk to the council and the mess that followed. They had both been racing against the clock for different reasons. Her answer gets him to smile a little, despite the stress they're both under. ]
That's why I like you. [ Who else would call him out on his bullshit? He needs someone who can keep up. It's why he likes Viktor so much as well. ] I promise I won't make any jokes about damsels in distress.
[ Jayce puts an arm around her back and bends to place the other behind her knees before he's lifting Caitlyn off the ground as gently as he can. He stands for a moment, pulling her closer to his chest and adjusting the extra weight on his arms, and then he starts hauling ass towards the nearest available shelter. He rounds a corner quickly to get out of sight of the angry workers and doesn't check to see if they're still following them. ]
I don't know what happened there. This city is half destroyed and these people somehow think it has something to do with me.
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That's a very astute observation. [And one she can't argue with. There's been a lot of things going on and it feels like Caitlyn's been in a near constant state of go, go, go with very little time for anything else. The clock had absolutely been ticking or so she'd thought, but now she's beginning to think it had never been a clock. But a bomb just waiting to go off.]
So it wasn't just for my tea making skills after all. I knew it. [Very few. After all, very few people would dare. He's become a big important man now after all. Head of the council and all that other poppycock. He's still Jayce and Caitlyn's not going to treat him differently then or now. Not after all this time.] Good. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to promise what my hands might do if you did.
[It feels strange, the way he sweeps her up so easily, but it's... actually reassuring in a way. But she doesn't let herself relax, instead eyes remain sharp just in case there's any danger he doesn't notice. Jayce is pretty notorious for having a one tracked mind after all.]
It's strange. I've never seen anything quite like it. [Not even the undercity.] You? Maybe if you'd a lab, but you don't look like you've been here any longer than I have particularly.
[More jokes. Maybe because she's fairly confident he won't just drop her out of spite.]
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I might not be an enforcer, but you'll find that accurate deduction is not beyond me. [ Jayce mimics her words from before, even if the amused tone won't last for long. ] Your tea-making skills remain unparalleled, if it comforts you any. Let's keep your skilled hands to that and to shooting, instead of strangling me with them, please.
[ He can't put it into words how grateful he is that she still treats him like she always did. Jayce likes attention, there's no denying it, but only to a point. Everything has been too much, happened too fast, in all the wrong ways, and he is still trying to wrap his mind around it. He's been left with plenty of regrets on his back and blood on his hands, and all he ever wanted was to help people. So much for that.
But he can look after Caitlyn now, avoiding meeting the eyes of anybody else in the street that might be looking at them, since she is keeping watch, and sneaking into a building that looks like an abandoned coffee shop.
One of the walls far to the right has a huge hole in it, as if something has smashed through it, and the inside is all messed up, with broken chairs and turned tables. Jayce manages to spot one chair intact and moves to deposit Caitlyn there. ]
No, me neither. Perhaps there were riots for some reason or another? I just arrived a few minutes ago. The last thing I remember was being at a council meeting, discussing giving Zaun's independence.
[ Jayce kneels closer to Caitlyn to take a better look at her injuries, eyebrows knitting together in concern. Her side seems to be injured. ]
Are you going to tell me what happened? Is anything broken? You're bruised all over.
Not so warm welcome
Its okay, are you all right?
[She doesn't wait for an answer before turning her attention on the person who threw the pipe.]
Just what the hell do you think you're doing?! You think first responders don't have enough to deal with right now?!
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He gives a relieved smile when she offers some concern rather than telling him to fuck off, but he really doesn't have time to answer before she's yelling at the hostile citizens. They complain some more, but at least they don't throw anything else at them. Jayce takes the chance to speak up. ]
I am. Thank you. I had worse in the past. But I don't know how I got here or where I am. A minute ago I was in the Academy and I...I don't know, I might have blacked out or something.
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Well, I'm glad you're all right.
Unfortunately, I don't have any answers for you. One minute I was in Tokyo, heading back to the station after a call, and the next I was here.
[She just came to his rescue because she's a good Samaritan, not because she has any real authority over the people here.]
I don't even know what a 'Meta' is, or why they were calling you that.
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Thanks for the intervention. I didn't want to cause a further ruckus. [ Believe it or not, Jayce has learned how to pick up his battles, and starting a fight 10 minutes after waking up in a strange new world seemed unwise. ]
We're both just as lost. I've never heard of Tokio before, sorry, I'm from Piltover. My name is Jayce Talis. It's nice to meet you, a shame it had to be like this.
[ He hears more people arguing, this time among themselves, but when he looks over his shoulders he sees a couple of people pointing at them and frowning, as if deciding what to do. Jayce's attention quickly goes back to Maki. ]
How about we go talk somewhere else? Perhaps there's a park nearby, and we can figure out what happened before people start chasing us with torches and pitchforks.
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But Jayce is probably right, avoiding confrontation might be the smarter move in this moment.]
Nice to meet you too, Jayce. I'm Maki Oze, first class fire soldier with the Tokyo Fire Force. Not that I expect that to mean much, if you've never heard of Tokyo.
[The idea of someone who's never heard of Tokyo is bizarre to her, but then again she's never heard of Piltover. Or of wherever this city is. Clearly there's something larger going on here.
She turns back to look at the same group of locals, and frowns.]
...you're probably right, it would be better to get out of the street. If they do break out the torches, though, I'll protect you.
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I had not heard of Tokyo Fire Force before, no, sorry. But I am familiar with soldiers. [ Maki's demeanor reminds him of Caitlyn, and that brings a small smile to his lips. If she's some sort of fighter, then her willingness to help someone in need despite being just as lost as he makes more sense. ]
Much appreciated. [ There's no irony in his tone, only honesty. ] But it goes both ways, of course. I wouldn't let them hurt you either. There seem to be fewer people that way, so let's give it a try.
[ He points towards their left, where the street is covered in less debris and robot parts, and thus it attracts fewer people trying to clean the mess. He can see what seems to be a library in the distance. ]
Perhaps 'Meta' is what they call newcomers here? People are often wary of strangers but this seems taking the dislike too far.
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a not-so-warm welcome
He doesn't usually manhandle people like that. But he's already on edge himself, and when he is, the actuators are always worse. At the least, none of them are decided on whether Jayce is one of the protestors or not; there's more imminent threats. Otto barks in the direction that pipe came from:]
You wanna pick a fight?
[It's sort of a bluff, but - well, he's also not leaving, they're sort of picketing in front of the Guild apartment building. Like, where he lives.]
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For a moment, they look as t if they are ready to escalate things, all glares, and tense shoulders. None of them moves forward, maybe realizing that causing a ruckus right in front of the Guild's building is an ill-conceived idea. So they only throw a string of profanities after Otto's taunt, complaining about metas, robots, and robot-metas, before regrouping with the rest of the people picketing. ]
Thank you, sir. I'm not quite sure how I got here, but I can tell my presence isn't welcome. [ Jayce says politely, his eyes darting from the other man's face to the metal claws around him, eyes looking at them with both confusion and fascination. Prosthetics aren't new in Piltover, there are plenty of people with metal limbs, and Councilor Bolbok was a humanoid machine, but he's never seen a mix like this. ]
Oh, the craftsmanship of the joints is impressive, they look so strong but so flexible. What kind of alloy is this one? [ It's out of Jayce's mouth before he can help himself, a hand reaching out o run a finger over the curve of an actuator, if the things allowed it. He's a metalworker at heart, and this is enough to distract him from the unpleasantness of his arrival. ]
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Not here. Come inside.
[He keys into the apartment building, holding the door open. This is obviously someone from the latest Confluence; letting him in here's fine. There's teleporter access in the main lobby, so Otto can even get him to the Diadem right from here!
He's not just gonna ship him off, though. May as well explain a little first.]
It's a titanium-niobium steel alloy. And you got here through a rift between dimensions - they call it a Confluence. I ended up here the same way.
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Oh, I generally only used that allow in my projects when I was working with super magnets. Did you create them yourself?
[ He cuts himself short from asking if perhaps this person was born with them. That might be rude. He's still curious about how these limbs move so naturally, almost as if they're alive or have a mind on their own, but being told what happened is an effective way to make him focus on the big issue. ]
I've been transported to unexpected places before, but it usually involved a visible magic spell or a portal. Nothing like this, and never to a place outside my country. I don't even remember it happening. Is there a way back?
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[But yes, maybe there's more important topics to cover first - ]
Not yet, but the local authorities announced recently that they should have one available soon. You may only need to stick around for a month or so. You're lucky - some of us have been here for nearly a year.
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[ It never hurts to know who might be interested in the same fields as him. Jayce's expression falls at the news because being here a month is still way too long. Piltover is at imminent risk, and his disappearance is only going to complicate the matter. Still, that's not the other man's fault, and he's right that being here for as long as he has sounds like a nightmare. ]
Almost a year, fuck. That's way too long...ah, sorry for my manners, I'm not having a very good day. Or week, if we're being honest. [ Jayce sighs and then offers him a hand to shake. ] My name is Jayce Talis. Thank you for your help out there.
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