realmofstories | Chapter 03: Act I

The Little Mermaid: Act I—

§ instructions.

The first Act of our third campaign is underway! This is the designated log for all Main Scenes. Others are free to create their own toplevels for the Sub Quests, which are detailed below. Each Main Scene has their own unique toplevel and those cast into the roles are to thread their scene under each. All scene instructions are provided in the toplevels. There are also toplevels for each Sub Quest this time around, but players are more than welcome to create their own individual toplevel if they have something else in mind they would like to do.

As a reminder, characters will find similar information and instructions within their journals so they won't go in blind. Also to note, all characters will have all their belongings within them as well as the additional supplies provided to them by the Storyteller. As you know, everyone has undergone a special "mermaid" transformation upon arriving into the Book, but do note: characters in Main Scenes will have a second wardrobe change while acting the scene. Their merform will stay the same, but they'll have additional bits to add to their role. Outfits will be provided in the prompts themselves, and these outfits will only be in affect during the scene. The moment they leave the setting area, they return to their other wardrobe.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to travel to the "setting location" and then return. Threading all of that isn't necessary, but it's to help give a better idea that characters can take a break between scenes or wait a bit to help with other things like the Sub Quests.

Feel free to refer to the Game Notes for more detailed info as well as ask questions or clarifications.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Look when you've nearly drowned and have to belt out a song to save your ass, it's not going to sound pretty, okay? And the only thing he could think of for some reason was that damn Junes song...

Still, Eustace followed after him, his voice... a lot cleaner and more 'mermaid' sounding than his. Dojima had to practically shout those lyrics, but the other man's voice just carried naturally... even if he sounded as awkward as Dojima felt.

"...I'll buy you a drink, after this."

Least he could do for the guy.

For what felt like an eternity, they waited, for... something, anything to appear, as they weathered the storming sea. The 'prince' was feeling like they had humiliated themselves for nothing.

But... as Dojima squinted in the darkness, he saw something... white, in the water. And upon the next flash of lightning, it became clear as the noon day sun--

A whale. A very large, humpback albino whale...!

"It... it worked...?!"

Eustace just let out a sigh at the offer. He was a bit weirded out by how his voice sounded, but he wasn't going to comment anymore than he had to about what they both had to just go through.

An effort that he was starting to feel like they wasted. He was about to just drag Dojima to get this over with when he heard Dojima's exclamation.

"...?"

Turning towards where the older man was looking, his eyes widened in surprise. That... That really worked?? At least they didn't have to do this again (hopefully). Still surprised by the sight, the whale eventually drew near close enough to them and seemed to wait patiently.

"...So it would seem. Let's not waste anymore time."

Time to pull Dojima closer so he can climb up on the whale.

"Yeah, definitely--"

The adrenaline rush from before was starting to wear off again, and if this kept up he was definitely going to get hypothermia. Still, Dojima kicked along with Eustace's swimming, to try and help, even as he cringed from the pain. Those claws digging into and slicing down around his calve was coming back to him, now that he wasn't in immediate danger.

Th whale was low enough in the water that Dojima could scramble onto it's back, ignoring the pain from his still splintered covered fingers. He sat there, hands holding onto the creature-- which, if he could let himself be honest, was pretty amazing, he'd almost, ALMOST say magical...

"...Uh, thanks for the lift."

...was all about he could say to the whale. What do you even say to a whale...?

After ensuring that Dojima was on the whale, Eustace contemplated joining...but now that he was able to see Dojima's state, he somehow managed to climb up alongside him. He actually got a little help from the whale, the creature lifting its long flipper to boost him up a bit.

"Don't need you falling off," was all he said before Dojima could question his actions.

"If you feel you need to rest, go ahead."

"...Heh, thanks."

Dojima couldn't help a wryly smile at the other man, sighing as the whale began to move towards the lighthouse, finally.

"...But I'll rest when we dump me on the beach. I don't... sleep on jobs."

Eustace would understand, right? Dojima could tell by this guy's actions... he was some sort of soldier or trained professional. And this was a 'job', after all.

Eustace was silent for a moment as he watched the lighthouse slowly draw nearer.

"The prince was unconscious when the mermaid rescued him."

Although the delivery was his usual dismissive tone, there was a very small upturn of the corner of his mouth as he glanced over at Dojima.

"...Mm. Good point."

Dojima glanced over at the other man, noting that small smile, before sighing through his nose.

"Alright, alright. I... I trust you." He still didn't like being a burden, but...

He was reaching his limits, his whole body truly starting to ache. Letting himself slowly shift so he was laying down more fully on the whale's back, he glanced up at Eustace.

"... I was serious about that drink. Once we're back at the Index."

Already though, his eye lids were starting to droop.

Although he wasn't saying it, he knew the kind of stress Dojima had just experienced. His efforts to try and stay awake was valiant, but it would be better for him to rest, be it falling asleep or just closing his eyes. There was no point in him possibly worsening his condition. Really Eustace would like to try and tend to his wounds, but he had nothing to work with.

At the mention of trust, his eyes remain fixed on him with no change of his expression as he watched the man settle more fully onto the whale's back. Only at the mention of the drink does the Erune allow himself to show a more relaxed expression, one that's just barely visible but there.

"I'll hold you to it."

And after Dojima's eyes closed, he quietly added, "You did well, Ryotaro Dojima. I'll make sure you arrive back safely."

If Dojima had more strength, he would have huffed, said he didn't do much, it was mostly Eustace's skill that saved them...

But... he didn't. Everything was suddenly catching up to him; the cold, the lack of adrenaline, the pain...

And with a soft breath, his eyes closed completely, his body slumping entirely against the creatures back.

You get the last word this time, Eustace.

Eustace watched over him for a moment or two longer before looking back out towards the fast approaching shore. Riding on a whale was...different, but it was at least smooth despite the stormy waters. As they drew nearer, the waves seemed to calm and once they reached as far as the whale could go, everything seemed to be a little brighter and the skies clearer.

The whale submerged itself, allowing Eustace to grab Dojima and wait until they were both floating on the surface. With an awkward nod and word of thanked to the whale, he then adjusted Dojima onto his back and made his way to the shore. Then came what he expected to be the hard part—actually putting Dojima to shore. He could only drag and push him so far without legs.

However, it would seem he didn't have to do much. Once the upper half of Dojima's body touched the beat, they were both engulfed in white light and are back at the underwater base camp. Eustace was surprised as he wasn't sure what to expect, but after seeing Dojima's condition he wasted no time. Immediately he placed him on a safe location before going off to find some help. Who was it... Naomi who had healing potions? It would be a start at least.

After that well...his job was done. He would reflect on this experience to keep in mind should he ever be chosen again.

Chapter 03: Act I

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