Forum Thread

After the massive cataclysm, the seas disappeared and the worlds shattered. No one recalls the exact events that unfolded, only the fear the brewed amongst them as everyone fought to survive. Hell, no one even recalls what that catastrophic event was, or where it took place. But everyone knows, knows of the Monarch. The Higher Being, the Loving One. They can all remember clearly that the Monarch was the one to bring them out of the barren wasteland, the shining light that brought relief to the broken world. She is greatly revered, having gained a devoted following of thousands upon thousands. They remember when she defeated the chaos disrupting the peace of their planet, bringing them out of captivity. Or do they?……..

Years have passed since that supposed incident, but the family of the Monarch still remains. Ever faithful, adoring of their Monarch, living under her eternal protection. There is none who have dared to oppose her authority, for those who dare to question her love for her people are rumored to never be seen again. Yet the world is never untied. There are people who disagree. People who have found the gaps in their memory strange. Those who wish to escape this enclosed haven. The so-called traitors living underground. And they want to escape the control of the Loving One, or die trying. They are known as the Truth-Seekers, people who believe that the family they have is nothing more than a cult. But it’s not. How could it? Such a loving family with such caring brothers and sisters. Wouldn’t you agree?


It was the final day of the week-long festival dedicated to worshipping the Monarch. Salesmen called out, advertising the hell out of their Monarch-related goods. What better way to boost profits than turning the Monarch’s festival into a marketable event? Then again, weren’t all holidays made to squeeze the money out of your wallet? Brothers and sisters were joyfully skipping around the Town Square, bright decorations adorning every singles street, confetti strewn about as the parade made its way through. Songs were sung of the Monarch’s wonder, and everyone danced happily, calling out merrily to each other. The Monarch herself was to make an appearance later on, to give a speech, which of course everyone was awaiting. All in all, the mood was festive, and nothing could possibly ruin it.

Jasmine swept through the crowd, hood up and mask on. They were meeting soon, the Truth-Seekers. All of them who believed that was something wrong with this whole…shenanigan. Something very, very wrong. To Jasmime, this seemed more like a cult than anything. And if she couldn’t save the others from the Monarch’s control, then she would do anything to try to escape this hellhole. No easy feat, that was for sure, yet Jasmine would die trying.

[Believers are celebrating, Truth Seekers should just prepare to meet up at Jasmine’s brewery.]

Swyn glided through the gatherings and groups celebrating the Monarch, the dark fabric of her mask covering her nose and mouth. Her strange eyes darted to each citizen, studying them for a moment before moving onto the next.
She had a sour feeling of pity for them; the people who praised her and yet were completely oblivious to the truth.

Oh what lies that the Monarch had spread, forcing them to unquestionably succumb to her 'protection'. A few groups took steps back from Swyn as they noticed her presence, though most were caught in their own trance of festivity. But she had orders and that was to be in Jasmine’s, and preferably soon. The meeting place of the rebels. The traitors. The Truth-Seekers.

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Sol rolled her eyes as the purple woman shoved through a few groups, leaving some bewildered, upset or grumbling. Swyn had always been an interesting character, even before she had begun to criticize the Monarch. But she did not value the lives and welfare of her brothers and sisters as much as she did her work, which is why people tended to avoid her.

Whilst Sol hadn't officially met her, it was a small world and so she would see from time to time, giving her a warm smile or gentle wave, only to be returned with a raised eyebrow and a scowl of sorts. But today sparked the week of festivities and adoration towards the Protector. These 7 days of celebration were for the Monarch, not the Rebels.

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The week-long festival was finally coming to an end, and the ever weary and exhausted Dahlee seemed surprisingly... disappointed. She and a small group of friends always attended these festivals as one of the many troupes, dressing up in an identical manner and choreographing a well esteemed dance for the duration of the day, it was something she always looked forward to. She loved doing something she enjoyed with the people closest to her, many she saw once in a blue moon, and just attending the festival in general excited her. Sure, doing something as intensive as this for a week-long period took a toll on her, but she found it absolutely worth it. It was always a bittersweet moment when they approached the final hours of the festival, never wanting it to end but at the same time, glad to have a break.

Of course, the last events of the day meant that the Monarch herself would be here, the moment Dahlee had been waiting for. Her eyes peered among the crowd with a smile, watching as many were enjoying themselves and dancing the day away. There were some who caught her eye, some who didn't match the rhythm established by the crowd, some who seemed a little off. They stuck out like a sore thumb to her, blaring in her vision and hooking her eyes onto themselves. The music and cheers began to drown out and muffle, colors began to blur and fade out of view until those who stood out were the only thing she noticed.

"Dahlee? Hey, you alright?"

Snap.

The vibrant colors seeped back into her sight and he music begun once more. Those who stood out amongst the crowd now looked hardly distinguishable. Dahlee was standing still, she was supposed to be dancing along with her group but her body had faltered. Obviously it was noticeable, which warranted the question from one of the guys she was with. Her eyes flew over to meet his which her smile returning almost instantly. "Yup, just fine." Her tone was light-hearted as always, floating along with the small breeze.

But are you really?

That feeling she had, glancing among the crowds. It was a recurring one, one that always haunted her. One would most likely think nothing of it, considering how insignificant the feeling and the aftermath is, but something about it always bothered Dahlee. It wasn't the fact that they were rebels, she had mostly figured that out by now and didn't think much about it, but it was instead... Something else. It was something that sent a chill down her spine, reminded her of the fear she was burdened with. It reminded her, yet meant nothing to her at the same time. Like an odd case of deja vu, except the memory you think is real never actually came to mind, only the lingering feeling remained.

But Dahlee had a job to do, she couldn't dwell on the little things. She simply turned back around with a smile and continued her dance, acting as though nothing ever happened. Of course they didn't, right? Why would anything happen to her?

There wasn't anything wrong, right? Just odd feelings every now and then, odd occurrences, nothing more and nothing less, right?

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Oh the festival, such a pleasant sight if it didn't have a story to tell. Lovely sights, a nice and uplifting energy all around, that's for sure. Such a shame the mood wasn't something Juniper could thoroughly enjoy, it was quite nice actually. If only things had been different, if only the festival had been for a better cause or even if he maintained his obliviousness, maybe he could enjoy it like everyone else. Today though, the only day he stood on these grounds, he simply looked upon them all with a sorrowful smile and a look of pity in his eyes. He knew everyone here was an unfortunate soul, yet no one ever seemed to want to turn from their ways.

Walking among the crowd felt like being a stranger in a small town, Yün could feel his own presence clashing with those around him, even as he "snuck" around towards his destination. A local brewery, owned by one of those who opposed the Monarch as well. In reality, he was taking his time, his demeanor nonchalant and his eyes set on taking in the world around him. Yün seemed to be in no rush to get to the "meeting", and his expression seemed just as cheerful as everyone else's to the naked eye.

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