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]

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!

[oligomania]

I'm not your babysitter... or your mistress. [ Seriously, what the hell? It's not they even have that debt between them anymore. Velvet eyes those blots warily but starts searching for medical supplies. ] Personally, I'm satisified enough getting to see yours.

[ And that he didn't get to see hers where she sang.

She's been around him long enough to know what he likes best. ]

Follow that up with alcohol and a home cooked meal and it's a perfect date. You make for the oddest princess around.

[rokubro]

[He'll just have that annoying, amused grin but will leave it at that.] Isn't it a bit unfair though? I would have liked to see how you did. [Exaggerated sigh as he is very helpful by looking for te drink cabinets instead.

But... Hm?]

...Didn't we kind of do that already? Fought when you first arrived and then you cooked dinner for me before. Add to the dance and fighting together earlier—

[Hah. He leans against a cabinet near her and smirks.]

Velvet, is that what you were really up to?

[He is playing with fire and he knows it.]

[oligomania]

[ She glares at him, completely serious and deadpan. ] I would have had to kill you. [ It's bad enough he heard her humming once. Velvet doesn't really expect him to be helpful.

A hand is waved in his direction. ]

With you, it has to be all of them in a single date. Our fight and dinner were on different days. [ Though... they've probably done that since then seeing as how they spar and she sometimes cooks for him. Not that she ever saw those as dates.

A hip is pressed into the counter, arms crossed over her chest. ]

Would you die from shock if I said yes?

[ Is that... a joke? Or not? Hard to say. ]

[rokubro]

...Now you really make me curious. Guess should ask Naomi later. [She was the one who played the sea witch right? Really he should stop playing with the blaze named "Velvet," but he continues to skirt the line.

And as for that...the smirk remains as he meets her gaze.]

I wouldn't believe it and just call your bluff by asking you out myself.

[Also a question of whether it would be a joke or not.]

[oligomania]

Good luck with that. [ Neither of them wanted to sing in the first place so she doubts that Naomi will say much on the matter. It's a dangerous line to skirt but he knows that all too well, so if he wants to do it Velvet will rise to meet him.

She looks at him for a very long moment. ]

Then I suppose you better start asking.

[ And it begins. ]

[rokubro]

[...All right. He hadn't quite expected this, but they've gone this far. He doesn't think she actually thinks that way so this is now just a matter of who will back down first. Plus it's Velvet. If she really doesn't want to she'll just reject—and that's what he fully expects.

So that smirk widens just a bit.]

Well then, Miss Velvet Crowe. Will you do me the honor and go out on a date with me after we're done with this story?

[This is the path they chose.]

[oligomania]

[ Good thing that Rokurou doesn't often make bets on what Velvet will do in certain situations -- that Magilou isn't here to encourage him. Because right now, he would seriously lose.

She smiles but there's a hint of amusement and challenge in her gaze. ]

Very well. It's a date.

[ Someday other people are going to regret this. ]

[rokubro]

[Should he be surprised? Bit of both. Given the flow of their conversation perhaps this really was the likely outcome because neither are backing down. So while there's a small arched brow of surprise, there's just a small laugh and an amused grin of his own.]

Just don't disappear again or my heart might not recover.

[Said in jest of course. But man that would be the worst way to be stood up.

They will realize their mistakes and many people will regret so much.]

[oligomania]

[ Both of them are too stubborn for their own good and this is where it gets them. She pushes away from the counter and continues her search for the medical supplies. ]

We both know that wouldn't break your heart. But don't worry, I don't have plans to leave any time soon.

[ Velvet knows that Rokurou is a man of his word, unusual for a daemon. The least she can do is stick around to help him honor it.

What has been unleashed upon the storybook realm? ]

[rokubro]

[He just laughs as she calls him out on his joke before he also moves away, idly checking cabinets both to help her and to look for something for himself.]

It would be your first one, too, right? Guess I should put in the effort.

[oligomania]

[ What Velvet finds first isn't what she's actually looking for. Though she does pull it out and offer it up for Rokurou. It's some kind of alcohol, she didn't look to see what. ]

Despite Niko's complaints and insistence, I never dated. This could be my first and last date so it better be damn good.

[rokubro]

[In return, Rokurou will be the one to find the first aid kit, which he'll wave a little as he holds it out to her in exchange for the alcohol. Looks like some kind of rum, likely used for cooking.


He'll take it.]

Ouch, could be your last? Not even pretending there could be a second?

[oligomania]

[ Trade done, Velvet looks inside the kit for proper bandages. Since the wound wasn't too deep she won't have to resort to stitching them closed. ]

Thinking about a second date already? Aren't you getting ahead of yourself?

[rokubro]

I'm just that confident you'll enjoy it that much.

[A smirk, as if implying that she'd actually want to have another after the first.



Not that he actually believes that, but it does make their...dare, challenge, whatever the hell this is more interesting.]

[oligomania]

I'll believe that when I see it.

[ The stakes have been raised. Soon it will be time for Rokurou to deliver on his end of the bet.

Good thing there's a while before the end of the story. ]

[rokubro]

Then look forward to it—because I'm not going to be cheap with this.

[STAKES HAVE BEEN RAISED he's going all in.

Long enough for them to realize their mistakes. Mistakes they'll keep making, anyway, because neither will back down.]

[oligomania]

Let me know when you're prepared.

[ YOU'D THINK THEY WERE GOING TO BATTLE not on a date.

Mistakes that will keep going long after the first date and may potentially burn down the next story. ]

[rokubro]

Don't worry, I will. Though let me guess—you're not the fancy girl type, right?

[KNOWING THEM THEY PROBABLY WILL BATTLE while on the date. But he does have a few other thoughts, so. May or may not be inquiring a little bit. He's also going to be super rude and snatch a sandwich from a passing waiter.

Does Velvet want a bite? It has beef in it.]