The Labyrinth of the Full Moon

[bravenewmods]

With the thick mists upon them and people being hurtled between worlds, Union was certainly abuzz with rumors and concerns. Much had been tried, but nothing had managed to willfully bridge the gap between the world of dreams and the world of mortals. But on this night, a sense of anticipation was palpable. Something was going to happen. And, at the stroke of midnight, something did.

The moon, which had stood gibbous in the night sky, suddenly became full. Shining a gentle beam of light down onto the earth, its reflection shone clearly and brightly upon the nearby lake. And here it would stay. In the morning, no sun rose. The sky remained dark but the shine of the moon lit the city of Union in an eerie glow.

Those who travel to the lake shrine will find that where the moon shines, the waters have parted. A sturdy stone staircase descends into the depths of the lake, with moonlight shining upon it like a spotlight.

Those with the courage to enter will have to step into the darkness. Once their foot crosses the threshold they will find their world turned upside down as they are overtaken. When they awaken, they will find themselves besides some companions, perhaps known, perhaps not, and surrounded by a shimmering haze, an enormous maze of shifting walls and colors with no end in sight.

Welcome to the Labyrinth of the Full Moon.

[OOC: All plot logs for people in the Real World will occur here. Please make the first post with all the names of the people in your group in the subject line so people know where to post. Mod responses will come about once every 24 hours as long as at least one person has posted.

The group listings are here. We will not be running randomizers anymore, but you may still sign up with a full group of at least three if you can find one and tag in. Keep in mind though that the log may not be finished depending on when it is posted. You may also hop in an existing group as long as all existing group members give permission and the group is not full.]

Comments

[bravenewmods]

As the team moves to attack and assist, they find that they pass right through the fleeing people and attacking Pokemon alike.

And from somewhere, they sense a bit of amusement as a voice echoes in their minds.

Is that your answer? Some might say this is deserved, you know.

[isreallyasun]

[Okay, yeah, that was weird. Sho skids a little on the ground to stop himself from falling over from the force he had thrown behind one of his punches. Kagutsuchi twitches at the sound of the voice while the red-head starts looking around, trying to locate the voice.]

Yeah? And who are you supposed to be?

[roadroller]

[Rin gets a flat look watching everyone else's pokemon phase through the illusions.]

Psh. I knew it wasn't real.

[But that voice in her head is annoying, both because it's disembodied and because she doesn't appreciate what it has to say. She picks her ear in a cavalier gesture.]

Must be the one causing all this... How stupid! ♪

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[Lenna pauses to regard the disembodied voice, looking around uncomfortably.]

Is this... the Cataclysm?

[healthepot]

[Natalia freezes in her tracks, frowning when she hears the voice. She casts an uneasy glance to the closest illusions, but doesn't say anything.

Some part of her wants to argue with the voice, but that part of her is silenced swiftly. The others have already spoken.]

[bravenewmods]

The images fades to darkness and the voice sounds a bit amused.

For your kind, perhaps Cataclysm is the right term. But many of us view it quite differently.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Please... show yourself to us. I'm certain we can talk this out.

[Lenna frowns, briefly bowing her head.]

Our ancestors did unspeakable things to your kind, it's true... but we've come a long way since then.

[healthepot]

[Natalia merely looks thoughtful. If the images really were from that era... then perhaps, some part of her thinks, that the people really did deserve it.]

What they did in those days... was beyond wrong. I'd like to think that we have learned from those mistakes.

[roadroller]

[Rin shifts a little nervously, not saying anything at first. If this is one of those Pokemon Gods, well. Technically she was around at the time of the Cataclysm... so this kinda feels like it's being directed at her or something. Besides, weren't the Pokemon supposed to be over this too?! She was told someone saved them. Was that not true?]

...Yeah, yeah! I don't remember anything from back then, but I've been really nice to my pokemon! Right Treble?! ♪

[Treble speaks up in her squeaky voice, though it's just pokemon language, but she will totally vouch for Rin being very nice and generous with pettings and Lenna's snacks. And she taught her how to rap battle, sort of!

Rin doesn't know what's being said exactly but she feels that she's been supported, so she crouches down to scratch Treble's ears. Good bunny, best friend. At least it's easier to be calm now that the illusion has faded. Now, you weird voice, get over it and give Len back already.]

[bravenewmods]

[The air shimmers around the team and a creature appears. In the labyrinth it's form is somewhat indistinct, but it does appear to stand some twenty five feet tall, with its body length even longer than that. It exudes an aura of grace and power, and while it does not incite terror like the last creature of this kind that Union encounter, it instead evokes an overwhelming sense of awe, even reverence]

While I've no doubt you four specifically are all much kinder, can you say with confidence the same applies to the rest of your species?

[isreallyasun]

[Sho crosses his arms and leans back on the balls of his feet slightly. He's not unaffected by the presence this Pokemon has and neither is Kagutsuchi. At the Pokemon's question he shrugs his shoulders.]

Who knows? Hard to say when there are people who'd abandon others without a second thought.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[Lenna seems a bit alarmed at Sho's response - probably not the best one to give to one of the gods. But at least it's honest, and probably coming from somewhere personal, so for the moment she feels that she has no right to call him on it.]

I can't say that, no... but that's why it's important to lead by example. If we show people how to respect Pokemon and treat them the way they would want to be treated, I believe we can come to an understanding.

[Idealistic nonsense? Probably. But Lenna still holds on to that kind of naive optimism.]

[roadroller]

[What a majestic creature. Probably. It's kind of hard to make out what she really looks like, but it's a relief that she was convinced of Rin's kindness. At least Rin doesn't have to worry about that. She stands up again to talk to the giant Pokemon.]

Lenna's right, but let's be real, aren't most people in Union like half pokemon anyway? I'm not even human.

I can confidently say it about Len though! Can you tell me how to rescue him?

[Rin has a thousand tracks of songs and a one track mind.]

[healthepot]

[When the creature appears, Natalia inhales sharply. Absolutely incredible.

Natalia comes back to reality when she hears the others respond to the god's question. She thinks her response over a little bit.] I also agree with Lenna--but even if we can't get through to every person by showing them, we have to at least try.

[bravenewmods]

[The creature seems to consider]

To lead by example is certainly a good thing. But what if the example is unheeded? What then, would you do, when faced by unforgivable action in your fellow man?

[roadroller]

...

[idk, run it over???

Wait, this is getting them nowhere closer to finding Len. Ephemeral pokemon or not, she's getting frustrated with the philosophical conundrums.]

What do you want from us? We're not going to go with 'burn everything', like that scene before... I don't want to go through anything like that again! But my only power is singing, so if I'm to influence people it'll just have to be through that. If there's something you want them to know, I'll sing it for you too. ♪

[It's a lot better than trapping people in labyrinths, she thinks. Cresselia-P could be big. Whatever works, as long as they get to the point and get everyone out of here.]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[Lenna's expression is steely and serious at this, nodding back to the creature.]

When words fail us, and when there is no other way... that is when we must fight. Not for the sake of fighting itself, but for the sake of making our voices heard. For the sake of righting wrongs, saving those who need saved, and protecting those in need of protection.

[isreallyasun]

[Sho glances at Lenna before returning to the creature in front of them.]

I'd knock them down, simple as that. Hey, what's with all of these questions anyway?

[Rin will be happy to know she's not the only one getting a little agitated with all of these questions that require deep (or not) thought.]

[roadroller]

Yeah! ♪

[she does appreciate it so she will back him up!!]

[healthepot]

[The idea of excessive force doesn't appeal to Natalia, but Nerissa chimes in agreement with Sho, leading the Dragonair to sigh in... exasperation?]

If diplomacy does not reach them, then we do make our point through battle... but not with excessive force. Only enough to protect, to save... Goodness, I'm just echoing Lenna, aren't I? [She laughs, a tad self-deprecatingly but returns to seriousness soon afterwards.] We cannot resort to force every time our words fail, but aiding those who are most in danger from the actions of others is important as well.

[bravenewmods]

[Cresselia considers for a moment. Her gaze slooooowly turns and looks at Rin. And stares. It's imperceptible to the human eyes, but for some reason everyone assembled "sees" a rather wicked smirk appear on her features.]

Sing you say? Yes, yes, I think that will do nicely. Know humans that I am Cresselia, and I have a task of vital importance for you.

[The labyrinth breaks away in a flash of vibrant color as a stage erects itself under the very feet of the team. They'll find their outfits break away into flecks of light and are replaced by shimmering (and perhaps a bit gaudy) sequined performer outfits. Rin is in the center of the stage and spotlights are trained on the group]

My husband, Darkrai and I are having a bit of a dispute you see. It's awfully tiresome but I think it may also be causing you all to pop into the Dream Realm uninvited. Really, it's quite the nuisance. I need some help getting him to come to his senses and admit that he was wrong. Sing for me, little ones, and we'll get this all sorted out in no time.

[You may continue with your response here.]