realmofstories | Chapter 04: Act III

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Chapter 04: Act III

A MIDSUMMER ROSE: ACT III—

As everyone is taken from the second Act into the third and final Act of this story, they will all share the same visions of how the story has proceeded thus far:

Bonny Rose and Puck met and proceeded to blame each other for the donkey curse, but eventually took a moment to realize they needed to work together in order to brew the cure, with Bonny Rose protecting Puck while he gathered ingredients and brewed the potion. (All while bickering and swearing as only fantasy-Scottish redheads can.)

After freeing the town, Bonny Rose was in a much better mood and got along considerably better with her new traveling companion Nick Bottom, developing an amiable friendship until the two were separated by distracting swarms of butterflies and will-o-wisps.

Titania found Nick in the forest and he followed her willingly to her castle, with the queen demonstrating her considerable might defending her new paramour against a serpentine creature. The two indulged in a steamy bath and soothing Titania's wounds.

Surprisingly, Oberon and Carabosse had a scintillating past as lovers and partners on the battlefield, until Carabosse fell too deep into dark magic and Oberon began to fall for Titania. The two of them had a tense but surprisingly civil conversation about the past, the curse and her kidnapping plans, and Titania's mothering skills, and Carabosse promised to alter the curse and divulged that it can be broken with True Love, romantic or platonic.

Oberon managed to coax a particularly sharp Titania to their room, and eventually managed to break the curse on her.

Titania apologized to Nick for her behavior while under the love potions' effects. He accepted her apology, and the two agreed to part ways and for Nick to be left alone from now on.

Meanwhile, Bonny Rose and Tam Lin met in the forest, and the two normally outgoing youths were so stricken with each other that they became shy. They bonded over their shared feelings of being trapped in certain roles, and Tam Lin managed to charm her by introducing her to a wolf pup and taking her on a ride through the forest.

After the lovebirds parted ways, Tam Lin went to Puck for romantic advice. This was a mistake, as apparently fairy romance is much more complicated than Tam Lin thought, all he wanted was to know how to ask out a girl.

Carabosse managed to lure Tam Lin away with a handsome male visage before revealing her true form, offering Tam Lin a chance to join her dark forces. He refused, and she unleashed the (altered) curse on him.

When they awaken, the Aspects will find themselves in the middle of a desolate looking fortress, everything battered and filled with debris. A few bones and broken pieces of armor can be found scattered about, dark clouds constantly looming overhead—and along with the occasional cawing of crows, the loud roars of dragons can be heard followed by large, dark shadows as they fly overhead.

This is the fortress where Tam Lin is held captive and Bonny Rose must rescue him from. Once again those who must fulfil their role will find a path illuminated for them by glowing mushrooms and lead to different doors through which they must pass through before appearing in their designated scene setting. The rest will be tasked to try and clean out the fortress while protecting their safe location as well as helping the dragons roosting in the many towers overhead.

The Aspects will also discover that while they no longer are in their fairy forms, they can turn into something else—dragons.

§ instructions.

The third Act 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.

Fairy forms are no longer at play, but everyone will now have a dragon form they can transform into. It's mostly by their own will, but a few may have some accidents as they get used to it. These transformations can be either partial or full. IMPORTANT! Characters cannot transform into dragons while doing scenes. Only those playing Tam Lin and Bonny Rose in Scene 6 will be able to use their given dragon form to use.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to follow the glowing path of mushrooms to a designated door 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. Dungeon Sweep. Another Act, another place to clear out to make it hospitable during their stay.

Safe Zone. The safe zone in this location is a central outdoor plaza, which may not seem all that safe, but that's where they end up. Flowers from Tam Lin's forest can be found sprouting around the area and like before, the pollen can be used to help erect magical barriers to prevent enemies from entering. There are also small storehouses, barracks, and a kitchen nearby that can be used.
Haunted Armor. Aside from the monsters, there is an army of haunted armor patrolling the halls and walls of the fortress, and some will even try to break into the safe zone. Although mostly armor, they are formidable foes, each one carrying the spirit of a strong, powerful knight of ancient times. Even if one were to hack off parts of the armor, they will still be able to move and even reattach themselves. The only way to completely destroy them is by piercing through the center of the chest piece where a stone core rests inside.
Disabling Traps. There are numerous traps within the fortress, ranging from classic spikes from the walls to sudden pitfalls to revolving walls and even a rolling boulder. When venturing through the fortress, take care not to set them off because where there's on trap, there are sure to be more.

¶ I. Dragon Egg Hunt. Many dragons can be seen flying overhead, but they don't really bother the characters all that much. If anything they seem to be focused on dealing with some other problems, and those who venture up to the other towers will discover the reason why—as well as why they're able to transform into dragons.

Egg Thief. There are several dragon nests scattered about the towers, but there are these harpies that keep trying to steal them and fly away with them. Chase after them and return the eggs to earn the dragons' favor.
Protect the Eggs. One would think a dragon wouldn't have trouble protecting its roost, but when it comes to smaller threats such as small basilisks and other large snakes, their large size becomes a disadvantage, especially if they don't want to accidentally crush their own brood. Help fend off these threats to earn the dragons' favor.
Egg Hunt. Now some of these eggs are on the move. Whether taken by something else and hidden somewhere, rolled off on their own, or on their way to hatching with their little legs or wings already breaking through, they need to be found and returned to their nest before something truly terrible happens.

¶ IV. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[I. A: Safe Zone]
[Back home, Fuuka had been a terrible cook. Her dear friends, Minako and Shinji, had helped her become a decent cook; showing her how to not over think recipes and actually follow them, not just guessing at what needed to be done. It had taken her the better part of a year, but Fuuka had finally been able to make something that didn't make anyone sick.

Since coming to Index, she hadn't been able to practice or cook for anyone, something she regretted. Now, standing in the safe zone--which had a kitchen--she saw an opportunity. An opportunity to help! To feed others! To give them comfort in a stressful time. Yes, she would definitely be an asset here!

Or at least, that was her plan. As she stared at the bubbling monstrosity in front of her--she had hoped to make a vegetable soup but it resembled a charred lava pit--she was reminded how long it had been since she had actually cooked anything. And that she didn't have anyone guiding her like before, gently stopping her from going overboard.]

"Oh dear...m-maybe...maybe...some more vegetables would help...?"

[Moving to the pantry, she began grabbing anything that looked remotely like a vegetable--should she really be grabbing that much ginger?--so lost in thought she didn't notice her pot of sludge beginning to boil over the sides.]

[I. C: Disabling Traps]
[This had definitely not gone as planned. Back home, Fuuka was very good at sensing traps and finding monsters. She no longer had her psychic powers here, but she had hoped that didn't mean she would totally clueless. But as she hung upside down on a rope by her feet, pushing her skirt down to keep herself modest, she knew that had been a fool's hope. Controlling wind was a good power, but not very helpful when it came to avoiding traps. Looking down, she noted the spiked pit that had opened beneath her as well.]

"This used to be your job you know, keeping people safe. Telling them when and where there was danger...now look at you. Can't even go into a simple fortress without setting something off..."

[She muttered to herself, glancing down the hallway. Hopefully someone would come by soon and could help her down, as embarrassing as it was.]

[II. C: Egg Hunt]
[Though Fuuka had initially been disappointed in her small dragon form, she was finding it to be quite the asset in hunting down eggs. She could fit into areas the bigger dragons could not, and she could sneak past most dangers without any trouble. Because of this, was had taken it upon herself to look for a golden egg that had, apparently, rolled out of the nest. The mother dragon was certain it would hatch soon, and it needed to be found ASAp, lest the poor baby hatch on its own. Fuuka took the task with enthusiasm, instantly heading out into the wooded area in search of the egg.

Still, she was no bigger then a cat, making the forest even bigger then if she was in her human form. Perched on a rock, her blue, green, and purple butterfly wings fluttered as she squinted into the underbrush. There were plenty of sounds and movement...but nothing denoting a lost egg. Crossing her claws, she hummed in thought. The other eggs had been closer to home. Surely this one couldn't have rolled TOO far. Lost in thought, she was oblivious to anyone coming close to her, dangerous or otherwise...]

F-Fuuka?!

Oh shit, oh shit, he'd been looking around the other room, and heard something clickCLICK-- and Fuuka's startled voice.]

F-fuuka where are you--W-whoa!!

[S-She was totally hanging upside down...!! He ran to her-- only JUST noticing the spike pit in time to skid to a halt.]

Are you okay?!?

"Junpei!"

[Relief washed over her when she saw him come to a stop at the edge of the pit. If anyone could get her out of this, it was Junpei.]

"I-I've been better...but I'm not hurt."

[She glanced at her legs, held firmly by a rope, then back at Junpei.]

"Maybe a bruise later, but if that's all I get, I'll be fine! Do you see anything that could help get me down...?"

O-okay, good...

[ He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, trying not to stare down at the pit. Of Spikes. That Fuuka was totaaaally hanging over.

What was this, a video game?! But-- okay, okay, Focus! He looked around, and sure, he had his sword to cut the cord, but... ]

...N-not without dropping you...

[ And he definitely didn't wanna do that.

Ugh, what could he do... think... think--

He paused a moment, hearing the flapping of wings outside from the dragons-- ]

...Wait, I got it!

[ Junpei hadn't really gotten the chance to try out his dragon form yet, but what better time, right?!

He concentrated, closing his eyes...and like when he took on his small bear form, he felt his body changing...! ]

Edited 2020-05-21 04:26 (UTC)

[Fuuka watched her friend, staying quiet, and trying not to move too much. Maybe Junpei wasn't a great strategist, but he often had ideas she never would have thought of. Together they could definitely get her out of this mess.

So when he suddenly started turning into a dragon, she was felt a rush of excitement. She had totally forgotten about her dragon form! Of course, with her dragon size, she might just get more tangled.]

"W-wow, Junpei...! You're beautiful!"

[He reminded her of ancient dragon paintings she had seem in museums and in history books.]

[ He'd only just opened his eyes to look at his new AWESOME kinda... bird-y esque claws, to hear Fuuka exclaim that...

Ever seen a dragon blush before? Cause he definitely was now. ]

B-beautiful? H-hahah, man, that must be a real upgrade then...!

[ Cute and now Beautiful-- what was he, a model? But he didn't say he disliked it...

B-but! That was besides the point! Now he just needed to see if he could fly...! ]

Here-- One sec...!

[ Turning around, his body... was long and noodley, kinda wavely moved back... before turning back to Fuuka, and walking... running, lifting his legs into the air--! ]

H-holy shit, I'm floating...!

[ The dragon waved and dipped in the air-- before settling ...floating, infront of Fuuka, moving so his stomach was right infront of her, his head near the ropes around her feet. ]

Okay, grab on...!

[Fuuka couldn't help but smile as Junpei reacted to her praise. It was easy to see that he enjoyed it. It was kind of cute.]

"Do whatever you need to!"

[She watched as he maneuvered, then floated up into the air, coming close to her. Her heart raced as he did so, finding him even more beautiful and intimidating up close. Reaching out, she wrapped her arms around him. His scales were cool to the touch, and she held on tight.]

"O-okay! I'm holding on...!"

[ When he had smelled something burning, he had worried that there was a fire somewhere. As Crane arrived on the scene, though, he wasn't entirely sure whether to consider his instincts right or wrong. ]

H-Hey, uh...

[ That sure is....something spilling out the pot and onto the floor. ]

[Hearing a voice behind her, Fuuka turned to see a man standing there, looking a bit distressed.]

"Oh! Hello, can I hel-"

[Now that she had turned, the bubbling over pot could be seen out of the corner of her eye. Whipping around, several vegetables tumbled to the floor as she rushed to get to the stove in time, nearly tripping over herself in the effort.]

"ACK!! My soup!!"

Careful...!

[ He's more concerned about her slipping on the mess on the floor than anything else. ]

[His worry was well placed as her foot slipped on an onion, sending the onion shooting up into the air and Fuuka falling forward with a yelp, her arms flailing to catch herself. How had such a simple act of cooking turned into this?]

Hey - !

[ He jumps forward, trying to be careful of the mess himself as he reaches out to catch her. ]

[Fuuka was relived and surprised to find herself in the arms of a stranger instead of being sprawled out on the floor. Clutching his arm, she let out a huff of air, and carefully stood herself up, not wanting to fall again.]

"Th...thank you...! I...I wasn't paying attention at all...AH THE STEW!"

[Now close to the stove, she quickly turned it off and began to frantically figure out how to handle the overflowing pot safely.]

[ Looking around, he found a couple of oven mitts. Quickly grabbing them, he grabs the pot and lifts it off the stove to help her get it off the heat. ]

[As the man picked up the pot, she trailed behind him, relief clear on her face.

"Thank you so much...! Phew, I was REALLY not paying attention!"

[She bowed quickly a few times in apology and in thanks.]

"I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't showed up..."

[ He holds up his hands, feeling just a little uncomfortable with her profuse apology. ]

It's all right. [ He's really more concerned about her. ] Are you okay, though? You're not hurt, are you?

"No, I'm fine, since you helped me...only my pride is hurt."

[Straightening up, she looked at the pot of the slowly cooling goop. With a sigh, her shoulders slumped and she looked back at the man.]

"Were you coming to the kitchen for anything...? Besides my attempt at stew, this is a very nice kitchen."

Er...not really. I'd just come by because I, uh...smelled smoke.

"O-oh...y-yeah, that was meee..."

[She laughed a bit nervously, twirling her fingers together.]

"T-thank you then, for helping...at least I didn't burn this place down..."

[ He managed a small smile. ]

You're welcome. [ Then he glanced at the mess still covering the stove. ] Did you want some help cleaning up?

"I wouldn't mind some...t-though I'd hate to impose on you anymore!"

[She waved her hands a bit, though she wasn't going to put up too much of a fight. Between the two of them, they could finish this quickly, and then she could figure out what she needed to do next...]

[ He shakes his head with a smile. ]

I don't mind. It'll be easier to clean up with two people.

[ Glancing around, he then spots a mop in the far-off corner of the kitchen. ]

Here, how about you get started on cleaning the stove top while I get some water to help mop up the floor?

[His smile and instance to help was met with a relieved nod.]

"S-sure! I can at least do that."

[After a quick search, she found some sponges and a spray bottle of cleaner. It was a nasty task, scrubbing the orange goop from the stove, but at least it hadn't been left to harden. It was just gross. But Fuuka only scrunched up her nose as she went at it diligently.]

"Oh! I-I just realized, I never asked your name. I'm Fuuka, Fuuka Yamagishi."

[ He glances up from the bucket he's filling. ]

Oh...my name's Jien Huang.

[ He kind of hates how easily the name comes out these days. ]

"Nice to meet you, Jien!"

[She continued scrubbing, wondering how to continue the conversation. It was a bit of a weird circumstance they were in. Glancing at him, smiled some.]

"Do you mind if I ask where you're from? It seems like everyone here comes from all over...different worlds even! I'm from Japan, I..I'd say modern day, but I don't think that means much here."

Chapter 04: Act III

Fuuka Yamagishi | Princess from East of the Sun and West of the Moon

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