realmofstories | Chapter 03: Act II

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Chapter 03: Act II

The Little Mermaid: Act II—

With all tasks completed and pearls collected, the Aspects are given a brief respite to heal any wounds and rest. But as night falls and the crystals begin to dim, all fall into a deep sleep and share a dream of the story that's beginning to unfold before them.

While the Little Mermaid was nervous about her trials, with the help of her grandmother she is able to succeed to clamp the oysters on her tail. Still curious about the humans, she chances a trip to the surface and happens upon a large ship holding a party. But a sudden storm causes the ship to capsize, forcing a man—the prince himself—to dive into the water. Not wishing for him to die, she quickly swims to him and tries to bring him to shore. It is no easy task due to his weight and the dangers attracted by the commotion, but they make it, the prince losing consciousness soon after.

When he awakens, the prince finds himself washed up onto the shore with no recollection of how he got there. He is quickly found by a lovely priestess and together the two of them begin an arduous climb from the beach up to the castle, learning about each other as they go.

Meanwhile, the little mermaid can't stop thinking about her prince, and wishes for a way to be with him despite the barriers between them. She travels to the sea witch to ask for a spell that would allow her to join the prince on land. However, after being told of the high costs of going onto land—including never seeing her family again, or never remembering them even if she did—the little mermaid decides to stay underwater...and bring the prince to her, at the cost of half her lifespan. The deal set, the two of them brew a potion that would bring the prince to the sea...

However, there would be more challenges awaiting for the mermaid princess. In the following days, the priestess is revealed to be a princess of a nearby kingdom. Delighted by the news, the prince's parents—the king and queen—host a grand ball in her honor. There is also hope that their son may fancy the princess, as a marriage between the two would be beneficial indeed. The princess already has interest in the prince, though be it romantic or something else is still unclear...

The dream fades with the lingering question of what the mermaid will do and who will end up winning the prince's heart. When the Aspects awaken, they will find themselves no longer in the ocean but in the castle itself and dressed to fit the new environment. No longer mermaids, they are now nobles, servants, or musicians and the grand ball is already underway. With the full moon hanging high overhead and clear, starry night skies, it's perfect for a romantic start of this Act. This time special marked doors indicate where those cast for specific scenes need to go.

Of course, danger still lurks outside the castle walls. There are whispers of pirates lurking nearby and the days ahead will be filled with secret trysts and clashes. The Aspects will also find that they are still able to transform into mermaids upon entering the ocean, but will not be affected while on land. Rooms and accommodations within the castle have also been prepared so that they may rest when needed. Rest that may be necessary for the challenges ahead.

§ instructions.

The second Act is underway! This is the designated log for all Main Scenes. Others are free to create their own top levels for the Sub Quests, which are detailed below. Each Main Scene has their own unique top level and those cast into the roles are to thread their scene under each. All scene instructions are provided in the top levels.

As a reminder, although this Act is primarily on land, characters can still transform into their merforms upon entering the ocean. As implied in the above narrative, they will only transform in the ocean. So feel free to finally take a bath, everyone!

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to enter certain doors 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.

§ sub quests.

Everyone is free to participate in the Sub Quests. There are no specific top levels, so you're free to incorporate them however you wish in your own top level.

¶ I. Attending the Ball. Pretty much exactly on the tin, and this is mainly for the first scene. Players can decide whether their character is just some random noble forced to dance on the floor or one of the servants, like catering or musician. It's possible for characters to switch it up if they want, and really they can do whatever. In addition to general attendance, there are some Erasers lurking around. Not many, but some "pest control" may be required.

¶ II. Trimming the Maze. The garden maze is a mess of rotting and withered hedges with danger lurking around every corner. Beware the "living" plant sculptures and the erasers. Characters can walk through it just for fun, but they will also be requested in both eliminating threats as well as trying to restore the maze. To help it flourish, singing or humming songs from the depths of one's heart will help the flowers and bushes grow. Playing musical instruments found scattered around will also help aid in the repair. There are also more traditional means with standard gardening equipment, fertilizer, fresh seeds, and some potted plants if anyone prefers that.

¶ III. Beach Cleanup. There is a lot of broken glass and trash scattered all over the beach and within the waters. Apparently the nobles who attended the party are just slobs. Help clear up the beach and deal with any rogue blots or Erasers. Beware of random pirates that may try to attack as well as other sea creatures that may try to attack. Care should taken around any particularly shiny shells as they are actually explosive to the touch.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The priestess happens to catch the mermaid speaking with her prince, and she is outraged! How dare that monster try to steal her beloved! The next evening, the princess must seek out the mermaid and engage her in a singing contest, the two of them expressing their love for the prince and why the other should make like Atlantis and get lost.

As they sing, the environment around them will be affected by heartfelt and emotional they are. The priestess will have influence on the land and the mermaid the water. In addition they have one pearl each that can can provide one of the following effects: 1) Big City Nights (Spotlights, marquee, ringing bells); 2) Spread My Wings and Fly Away (Swan wings capable of short flight, flock of swans flying overhead, brilliant sunset background); 3) Rollin’ on the River (Forested stage, backup dancers, dogs on unicycle); 4) Guns and Ships (Battleship stage, fireworks, cannon fire); 5) Let the Storm Rage On (Shining glacier pedestals, snowflakes ala confetti, lightning strikes).

Regardless of how the characters decide to "end" the battle, their efforts will remain permanent to the setting and will help reform the story.

I have to sing?

[Elma has faced countless challenges in her life. The threat of xenocide, the potential for extinction, battles against seemingly insurmountable foes -- all of those she didn't particularly enjoy, but at least she knew she could face them with all the skill and strength at her disposal.]

[But singing?]

[Shaking her head, Elma paces across the rocks that lead to the edge of the island, looking out for whoever is supposed to be her, uh, opponent.]

[While Elma might find herself unsure with the singing requirement, Roxas finds it to be no issue; since coming here, singing and humming has worked its way into his life, and he doesn't mind occasionally singing to himself from time to time. He's sung to someone once, but he's never sung duet with anyone before.]

[He swims to the island, and spies the only other person there; the one who's probably the priestess in this role.]

Are you the priestess?

What, don't I look like one?

[Elma can't help but smile wryly, knowing that the answer is 'hell no'. Even dressed up, she can't help but move like a warrior and look out of place.]

[On the other hand, the mermaid is apparently male in this scene. This really is much more of a mess than she'd initially envisioned it. Oh well!]

[Elma clears her throat, then shifts to a more proper tone.]

And you are the fish out of water, the sea-dweller that thinks to betake themselves to land.

Huh?

[To be fair, he's never really seen a priestess before, so he's not sure how one should act. Oh well, the scene is going on!]

What's wrong with wanting to have what my heart wants? The land is big enough for one more, isn't it?

If your heart craved the sun, reaching for it would burn you. If your heart craved the lightning, reaching for it would shock you. If your heart craved cut glass, reaching for it would bleed you. If your heart craved pain, reaching for it would be you.

[Elma makes the sentences into a chant, rolling each up and down in rhythm -- the setup for the song to begin in earnest. Is the music just going to happen? Is that how it's going to work? Because if it's just singing without anything else...]

[Roxas notices the sentences rhymed and rolled in a rhythm, like it's meant to be in a song. Which is fitting; they're meant to sing, aren't they? He slides further out of the water, using his tail to push himself onto the sandy shore.]

You're just trying to scare me away. Making me fearful so I wouldn't want to stay. But I know my heart and I know what I feel is true. And I won't be chased off by the likes of you.

[And in response to Roxas's own lyrical sentences, he looks up in surprise as music begins to play around them like magic. It seems the stage is starting to be set.]

[So it is going to be like that, huh? That helps, she supposes. All right. Elma takes a deep breath, forcing herself into a composed mindset. This is just like any other mission. Focus and get the job done.]

Fear, you fish?
It's a question of worth!
A creature of the water
Should not consort with the earth!
Will your love compare
To his loss of the air?
Or will you forever be apart
From the very start?

You're two different worlds.
You should never cross.
I can give him so much more.
Just accept your loss!

[With the music picking up, and Elma getting more into her role, it's easier for Roxas to take his own role seriously. He'd sung on his own before, but it hadn't been this intense.]

Love isn't something
That's easily bound.
It's something I can see
You've never found.
If it's true and borne from the heart,
Then not even the seven seas can tear it apart.
I'd gladly give my home in the sea
To have my true love next to me.

The judgement in your eyes
Can't stop the rising tides.
We're two different worlds,
But we share the same sky.
One sky, one love, you won't deny!

[It's just an act, Elma reminds herself. Though she has no time for romance, she isn't one to discourage it, even across species boundaries where it blooms. But this is a mission, and sometimes missions require doing things you otherwise wouldn't.]

How naive, child, that you believe
Love alone is all you need!
So what will you ask him to give up
As part of your endless greed?

Or do you think your sacrifice enough?
Because then you will learn
You'll only feel resentment, kept
Away from the sea for which you yearn!

[Perhaps outside of their roles, they could have a talk as people about the Mermaid's love interest in the Prince. But this is a role they have to play, even if it stirs something in Roxas. He feels genuine sympathy for the mermaid; being told countless times that he's a tool, he has no heart, and being expected to perform a particular role, he can sympathize with her desire to follow her heart and seek what may seem impossible.]

I feel so very sorry for you,
to believe those words as you do.
I'll make a new home in the sea of his heart,
and the ocean and I will never truly be apart.

Maybe it's you who's the monster here,
Afraid that I'll take what you think is dear.
I seek only love, you seek to deprive,
and think my heart needs your approval to survive.

You'd rather see me be banished to the sea.
If the prince knew this, do you think he'd agree?

[This is all business, for Elma. Love just isn't her thing. Which makes it hard to work out just how she should respond, but she barrels on ahead nonetheless!]

You speak so boldly
As if love can provide
Everything that you need
To keep you alive.

But in two years or ten
Your heart will be torn!
For the home that is lost
Will be yours to mourn.

Your path is the selfish one!
No thought for tomorrow!
And how your blissful love
Will turn to sorrow.

Stop this self-delusion!
Wake up to the truth.
Your folly is too rich
In your naive youth.

I'd rather be naive
Than set in my ways,
Being cynical
for the rest of my days.

Who are you to tell me
How to live my life?
You aren't my keeper,
Just causing strife.

If I am naive,
Then let me fail on my own.
Let me learn from my mistakes.
How else will I grow?

If any is selfish,
It's you, and not me,
Trying to dictate the fate of two lives,
Or are you too blind to see?

By all means grow!
Learn from your mistakes!
Fail one hundred times
If that's what it takes!

But do it yourself
And all on your own!
Don't drag the poor prince down.
You should deal alone!

You haven't the right
To cause him such pain
And claim that it all is
For the greater gain!

[The shores around them crash as that latest verse finishes, and Roxas's attention draws to their surroundings. While they were singing, the ocean had grown choppy and turbulent, and the winds around them had picked up. It's clear that their songs have had an effect on the area.]

[He turns back to Elma, and offers her a smirk, momentarily breaking character.]

Hey, you're pretty good at this!

Not the best, but so long as the job gets done well, that's what matters.

[She doesn't refuse to take a compliment, but it certainly doesn't affect her much.]

You've got a knack for this too.

Hey, you're doing pretty good if you're making all this happen.

[He motions to the affected scenery around him.]

Thanks. Um... how should we end this, by the way?

We have these scene-changing things, right? It would be a shame not to use them.

Oh yeah!

[He pulls out his pearl, looking at it before looking to Elma.]

You want to use yours first, or me?

[She gestures to him to go ahead, even as she tugs her own pearl out with her other hand.]

Okay.

[Roxas nods, then gives the pearl a squeeze... which causes it to glow sharply. A flash of light bursts from it, before the proper effects of the pearl are unleashed.]

[At once, the area Roxas was standing on floods with ocean water, sweeping him up in the wave before it freezes into a glacial pedestal beneath him, releasing a flurry of snowflakes like they were confetti. Lightning strikes crackle in the air behind him as it does, making Roxas turn sharply.]

Woah..!

[Elma snaps her fingers tight around her own pearl. In an instant, a half-dozen battleships roar into formation around the pedestal, arriving with impossible speed before settling down into more proper formation. Deck guns swivel, rise, then let off a thunderous cacophony of shells into the air.]

I should have expected this.

[Roxas jumps a bit as the ships rise out of the ocean, and again at the cannon fire. He watches, marveling at the display, before turning to Elma.]

This is really over the top, isn't it?

The battleships are a bit strange. I'm not sure those exactly comport with the setting.

[But all Elma can do is shrug.]

Still, it's what we have to work with.

Yeah. I guess this is what they call a... show stopper?

[He knows the term, vaguely, even if he's never properly experienced it.]

So, should we end this?

SCENE 3: THE PRIESTESS AND THE MERMAID - ELMA AND ROXAS

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