Chapter 03: Act II

[storyevents]

The Little Mermaid: Act II—

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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.

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§ 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.

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§ 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.

Comments

[rokubro]

On their own, huh...

[Everyone knows how mature Rokurou is.

Which is why he's just going to look at her thoughtfully before suddenly snapping his fingers to the far side of her head. Not close to her ears, but he's clearly trying to see what he reaction would be.]

[oligomania]

[ She eyes him warily. For good reason apparently.

At the snap, the ear closest to the sound pivots to the side the next second. ]

Seriously? Are you done or is there more you'd like to do?

[rokubro]

[He knows he's testing her patience, but he still can't help but laugh.]

Okay, sorry, I'm done. But guess we can use you like a bloodhound with your canine senses, huh?

[Smirkity smirk.]

[oligomania]

[ Velvet doesn't know whether to expect him to take advantage of the "offer" or not. ]

Just remember that this canine bites.

[ In both forms. ]

[rokubro]

[He's banking that for a special occasion.]

Just means I have to stay away from the teeth.

[oligomania]

[ Sorry, that offer has an expiration date. ]

You aren't afraid of a little wolf bite, are you? [ She smirks at him before turning to continue making her way to where she thought to kitchen to be. ]

[rokubro]

[That was never said???]

Afraid? No. But I'm also not that dumb.

[oligomania]

[ As if Velvet would have an open-ended offer like that. ]

You're one of the few people here who knows that my bite is worse than my bark.

[rokubro]

[Time to bank it tonight then—]

Exactly. But I'm also one of the few who could take the risk and still live to tell about it if I felt like it.

[And fully admit that he was being dumb based on what he said before.]

[oligomania]

[ Good luck with that. ]

I wouldn't let you off that easily. Not when I can make you pay for a longer period of time if you're alive.

[ Thankfully it takes a lot for Velvet to get to I'm going to kill you levels of revenge, even for a daemon. ]

[rokubro]

[Fine, fine. When they get back.]

Now I'm curious how you'd actually go about doing that.

[oligomania]

[ A glance at him over her shoulder. ]

The only way to find out is to try it.

[rokubro]

[An exaggerated hiss between his teeth.]

How tempting. I might have to think about it.

[Hah, like he really would try to tempt fate and get on Velvet's bad side. So he really has no plans to be that reckless... But who knows.]

[oligomania]

[ Just how many times have they made plans and actually stuck to them all the way through?

Leading them up the stairs now. ]

So what was with your performance earlier, princess? Are you trying to put the prince off?

[rokubro]

[Too many.

At her question, he made a face that she might not be able to see since he's following behind her as they climb up way too extravagant stairs.]

Do you really expect me to try to be charming like that? And to Dojima of all people? Yeah, no.

But it was fun messing with him.

[oligomania]

[ Velvet misses the look itself but can picture it from his tone of voice regardless. ]

It's no wonder that these stories get mess up, when they decide to constantly switch who's in the role. Glad to know you had fun at least.

[rokubro]

We had some "fun" outside, so that helped improved things. [The priestess is now able to fight demon monsters or something. Maybe.]

Though I haven't gone back to look at how things really are in the ones we've helped. Might try and visit after we get back with this one.

[oligomania]

You know, you could go out now. I'm sure there will be more enemies for you to fight. [ She's capable of making it to the kitchen on her own. ]

I hope you end up as a princess if you go back to the last one.

[rokubro]

I could, but I think I might grab something to eat and a drink. [And totally not because he just wants to make sure she gets the treatment she needs or whatever.

...No, really, at this point he's just hanging around her to pass the time since he knows her wound isn't too bad.]

And how about you be a princess for a change? Being the mermaid doesn't count.

[oligomania]

More alcohol? Also, there were a ton of fish dishes from what I saw. What's a wolf got to do to get some real meat around this place? [ Just because they're in a story about mermaids doesn't mean they have to live off of fish alone.

That gets an amused laugh as she follows her nose to... the kitchen! Success. ]

You make such a good princess, why would I ever want to take the position from you?

[rokubro]

You know how I am. Most of it has worn off already, so should be good for a few more drinks. [Said rather cheerfully.] But if you want real meat, you're probably out of luck. Doubt there's anything edible to hunt outside, either.

[And wow.]

You say that now, but just wait until you have to play the prince against me.

[oligomania]

Just know that I'm not hauling you inside the castle if you pass out after finding some other enemies to fight. [ That's a lie, she wouldn't leave him out there to potentially die. ] I'm ready for this story to be over already.

[ A snort. ]

I almost did. If I play the prince against you, we'll definitely mess the whole story up.

[rokubro]

That's what you say, but I know you would. [Teasing smirk as they reach the kitchens. He'll be so polite and open the doors for her.] But we have... ...Honestly I have no idea how much more we need to do. Still the ending to go, I guess.

Would you actually be charming and try to woo me? Or would we try to fight each other? I feel like it would probably be the latter.

[oligomania]

No, I'd leave you where you lie. [ Velvet would just... camp out with him and watch over him. Completely different. She skirts around him into the kitchen. ] The prince has to pick who he wants to be with. Maybe we'll get to see the priestess and mermaid fight.

In your case, wouldn't fighting you be the right way to woo you?

[rokubro]

What a cruel, cold-hearted mistress! [Well. He said most of the alcohol had worn off, not all of it. But he's just joking around as he follows her in, the blots looking up at them but not really doing much to chase them out.] Too bad we can't watch the other scenes. We'll have to wait to see what ends up happening.

[If only they knew the "fight" was a sing off...

Rokurou actually stops for a moment at her remark before he laughs.]

Haha, guess you're right!