Arc of Reverie Reality/A Rude Awakening

## A Rude Awakening

This is a summary providing details about the Prologue: A Rude Awakening from the roleplay: “Diverged Solstice”. Please note that the information provided about each character has been separated; as everyone is split–we’re just introducing the characters that are important to the story in the first half. So, take the summary with a grain of salt.

### Main Plot Idea for the Prologue

Everyone that participates in this part of the roleplay are casually just going on about their day until an event, known as “**The Awakening of Aria**” takes place in the middle of the San Francisco, **California State Fair**. Individuals will explain and roleplay as their respective main character to get a good idea upon first impressions of who they are *(a starting point in which characters are currently. This is done so the character can develop over time of the story in the long run)*. Everyone is split up, therefore, making this Prologue a bit messy. During this time, the people roleplaying a part of this session are again, all separated.

## Monologue

A voice echoed amongst the conscious of the unknown…

* ***Voice 1***: Ladies and gents…
* ***Voice 2***: …and children of all ages…!
* ***Voice 1***: …Welcome, one and all!

A scenery flickered, showing a figure of a young woman standing on a pile of… [R E D A C T E D].

*(I had a strange dream…)*

* ***Voice 2***: Welcome! And also, konnichiwa world!
* ***Voice 1***: Hello, world! (Psst…hey, what’s the “world” anyhow?)
* ***Voice 2***: Wow, what a fantastic question! Long story short…
* ***Voice 1 & 2***: WHO KNOWS!?
* ***Voice 2***: The definition of “world” depends on the observer!
* ***Voice 1***: Y’mean, until you pop the lid off and take a look-see, there’s no way to know?
* ***Voice 2***: Except, even the act of observing can shape and dye the world itself! “Dye” or is it…”D I E”?

*(There were these two strange voices I keep hearing in my head…and it won’t stop. I don’t even recognize them nor their voices…what is it…?)*

* ***Voice 1***: So, in the end, maybe the world kinda works like a dream?
* ***Voice 2***: Plenty of worlds exist in parallel, an infinite number, in fact. As many as you could dream of. Anyway, as those worlds multiply to a quite frankly bonkers extent, they give birth to paradoxes bordering on blasphemy. There is no code without ERROR, no life free of fallacy.
* ***Voice 1***: Right, like Heisenberg said. And way more parallel worlds than the “three-thousand realms” they talk about in the East!

*(They just keep talking and talking… Blabbering about different worlds and dreams… But…are they talking to me…?)*

* ***Voice 2***: …So that is why….the idea of the “world” in the first place is DUMB. Preposterous. Meaningless. THE BEGINNING IS THE END, and THE END IS THE BEGINNING, and on and on…

*( . . . . . . . . . . )*

* ***Voice 1 & 2***: ANYWAYS, WE’VE GOT TWO QUESTIONS FOR YOU!!

>
> ***"What is it you DESIRE? What is it you WISH to visit…upon the WORLD?"***
> ===========================================================================
>
>
>

## Prologue Summary

### **AGATHIAS RICHTER**'s Perspective

Agathias wakes up to her mother's text and prepares for school, getting dressed and doing her makeup. She exchanges messages with her mom and cleans up before heading downstairs to have breakfast. She checks Twitter and realizes she'll be walking to school alone. After finishing her meal, she leaves the house and starts walking towards school, noticing the possibility of rain. Thoughts about desires and wishes briefly cross her mind, but she concludes that she's content with her current life. She arrives at Stroheim Rosa High School on time, ready for the start of classes.

Agathias finishes her Japanese class and it's lunchtime, but she usually waits until she gets home to eat. She sits at a less noticeable table unless her friends are present. One particular friend, Alice, often skips class but manages to get assignments ahead of time. Agathias considers messaging Alice but knows they won't respond until after school. As the school day progresses, Agathias starts feeling uneasy but attributes it to stress from upcoming assignments and tests. She wishes for the school year to end quickly so she can graduate.

Agathias reflects on the lack of excitement in her life and the pressure to be a perfect daughter. As she walks home from school, she decides to buy some snacks and sends a message to her mom about what she saw and what she bought. She expresses her love and gratitude to her parents but also shares her internal struggle with the pressure they put on her while she is heading home.

Agathias arrives home to find a chaotic scene with police cars and flashing lights. As she approaches, she realizes that her family has been murdered, and she is overwhelmed by shock and grief. Agathias questions the purpose of moving forward without her loved ones and expresses her deep sorrow and confusion. The scene ends with her collapsing to her knees, crying out in anguish.

> *(There was supposed to be a fill-in/side/lore drop between AGATHIAS RICHTER & LAIKA ORLOVA. This was supposed to be where the Police Questioning takes place, but has not been executed yet.)*
>
>

Agathias, in a confused state of mind, wanders aimlessly after a distressing experience. She stumbles upon a fair and reminisces about her childhood memories with her family. Despite feeling heavy-hearted, she seeks solace in the peaceful atmosphere of the fairgrounds. As she searches for a quiet spot, she suddenly loses consciousness and faints on a secluded bench.

### **LAIKA ORLOVA**'s Perspective

Miss Orlova, a detective investigating a dropped kidnapping case, arrives at a gas station in a town. She struggles to read a map and cracks jokes about her lack of direction. Not receiving attention from the unenthused gas station employee, she leaves and starts wandering the streets, contemplating the case and noticing a familiar path between a bar and a high school. Random thoughts invade her mind momentarily, but she dismisses them. She checks the time on her phone and realizes she has been walking in circles for an hour. She checks the weather forecast, laughs off her bad luck, and inspects the case file while occasionally asking strangers for directions that she doesn't comprehend.

* Between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM, Miss Orlova continued her investigation in town, questioning pedestrians and speaking with a news reporter named Meryl.
	+ She learned that the serial kidnapping cases in California were all covered about four weeks ago and discovered new information.
	+ The kidnappings occurred between February and May, starting on the 5th of each month and ending on the 18th, suggesting a pattern related to human trafficking.
	+ Miss Orlova obtained documents from Meryl's reports via email and planned to investigate further.
	+ Around 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, she reviewed potential footage from locations such as parking garages.
	+ After exchanging contacts with Meryl, she debriefed herself and gathered enough information about her surroundings to mark down five notable locations: a grocery store specializing in imported Asian goods, a park with a cat statue symbolizing good fortune, a movie theater showing current films, a fast-food chain known for its chicken, and a gas station with slot machines attracting customers.
	+ As it reached 11:00 AM, Miss Orlova received a call from Lieutenant Coopie, whom she playfully teased. She sensed that something important had come up, interrupting her plan to inspect the identified locations.

Laika receives an urgent call from the police department requesting her help. She teases them about always involving her in cases and reluctantly agrees to assist. She arrives at a crime scene at the Richter Estate, where a potential homicide of a family of four has occurred, and the prime suspect is also dead. Multiple forces are investigating the area, and Laika reviews her file on the previous case while preparing to delve into the new investigation.

* Miss Orlova arrives at the Richter Estate accompanied by Lieutenant Cooper.
	+ She overhears gossip from her colleagues, questioning the need for a private investigator.
	+ Captain Hughs briefs her on the case, mentioning four bodies and a suspicious setup.
	+ Laika examines the bodies, noticing the unusual placement of a gunshot wound.
	+ She collects evidence, including a forged ID and a business card related to the Goto estate.
	+ She suspects a connection between the Richter family and another business.
	+ Later, she continues her investigation, uncovering spoof emails and codes.
	+ The bodies are prepared for autopsy, and Laika plans to question the eldest child in the family (Agathias Richter).
	+ She reflects on the challenges of involving innocent individuals in the investigation.

> *(There was supposed to be a fill-in/side/lore drop between AGATHIAS RICHTER & LAIKA ORLOVA. This was supposed to be where the Police Questioning takes place, but has not been executed yet.)*
>
>

### **REON AHN**'s Perspective

Reon sits on a bench, they receive a call on their burner phone from the Goto group, asking about their next assignment. In the morning, Reon leaves their housing unit and meets their subordinate, Kizuki, who offers to drive them to their destination. Reon tightens their tie and notices a file folder on the dashboard. Kizuki mentions a slow drive, and Reon expresses a desire to unleash their aggression on their targets. Kizuki mutters under his breath in frustration.

Kizuki and Reon “visit” the Richter family and demand payment for a debt. The situation escalates, resulting in the deaths of the family members of Agathias. Reon ultimately kills Kizuki and leaves the scene, requesting a cover-up. She then takes a taxi to the Polar Casino, planning to ensure the prosperity of those who love her and seek revenge on those who have hurt her.

Reon works at a small bar connected to Polar Casino. She receives a message from Sonny, confirming the completion of tasks and informing her about a new assignment involving Yukon Bartoba. Shortly after, Yukon and his friends enter the bar, and Reon greets them warmly, ready to serve.

### **MELVIN**'s Perspective

Melvin arrives at a dangerous mission at a school, assigned to follow someone while also working as a bodyguard. Frustrated by his boss's deception, he conceals his work gear and heads to his first class, hoping the biology teacher will be engaging enough to keep him from falling asleep. He is generally tolerant of people but struggles with social interactions.

Melvin arrives late to class at 9:10 AM and explains to the teacher that he already knows the anatomy of the body. He recalls a promise from his boss for pizza and a milkshake if he behaved. Despite being the only student in class, the teacher shows kindness and understanding. As 10 AM approaches, the student decides to leave, thanking the teacher for the lecture and preparing to pack his belongings since he still has a full day of school ahead.

Melvin, usually rebellious and disinterested, surprises his teacher by displaying knowledge of historical events during class. Despite his nonchalant attitude, he answers questions about the causes of World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Offering cookies as a gesture of smugness, he is ultimately kicked out of the classroom, leaving with a casual remark and a request for permission to leave.

After getting kicked out of history class, Melvin receives a pushy text from a coworker inviting him to a festival. He reluctantly agrees and wanders around the school, considering where to use a hidden pocket gun in case of an emergency. He encounters his biology teacher, who gives him a cookie and advises him to rest. He shares his thoughts on creativity and possibilities with her. Later, he receives a scolding phone call from his boss, but it doesn't faze him. They plan to discuss it further that night.

### CIEL REGINIO's Perspective

Ciel is concerned about her friend Agathias and wonders why she hasn't been responding to her messages. Ciel decides to text Agathias to check if she's okay and reminds her about their unfinished project. While waiting for a response, Ciel's mother knocks on her door and scolds her for not doing her homework. Ciel quickly hides her phone and lies about cleaning her room before doing her homework. After unlocking the door, Ciel's mother expresses disappointment and instructs her to get back to work. Ciel apologizes and agrees to do her homework.

### KŌJI SATO's Perspective

Kōji wakes up reluctantly and goes through his morning routine, including a shower and a cup of coffee. He plans to take the day off from work and focus on finishing a painting commission. He heads to the grocery store to stock up on food, then visits the art store to pick up a special order. Once he returns home, he unpacks the groceries and begins working on his painting. After several hours of work, he finally completes the portrait of the commissioner's late wife, aiming to capture her beauty and bring life to the artwork.

Kōji spends the first half of the day finding something to eat and then working on his next painting, focusing on the theme of the seven deadly sins. He starts sketching and completes a sketch depicting lust and desires. Suddenly, he hears a voice asking him what he desires, which unsettles him. In a fit of madness, he discards the previous painting and starts a new one, obsessively painting a single line repeatedly while questioning his desires.

After hearing about a festival on the radio, the shaken Kōji decides to leave his apartment and attend. Seeking a change of scenery, he gathers his belongings, locks the door, and sets off to escape his current situation.

Kōji arrives at the festival but feels restless and unsure. He hears a mysterious voice asking him what he desires and becomes determined to find its source. After an hour of searching, he becomes increasingly frustrated and starts losing his composure in the middle of the festival.

### MISCELLANEOUS Perspectives

These are perspectives from other parties that are also associated with the story in a way that doesn't associate with the main cast of the story.

#### NEWS ANCHOR

News anchor Sophia Anderson provides two news updates.

* In the first update, she announces the return of the California State Fair, highlighting the presence of two new idol groups, "Sunshine Girls" and "Galactic Boys," who will be performing at the fairgrounds.
* Sophia encourages viewers to mark their calendars and enjoy a day of entertainment.

In the second update, Sophia reports on a potential homicide case in San Francisco, California.

* A family of four has been found dead, and the prime suspect was discovered at the scene.
* Police are investigating the incident, and more units are arriving.
* She also mentions another tragic incident where a 17-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide after accusing her teacher of sexual assault.
* The school has expressed condolences and assured the public of their cooperation in the investigation.

Despite these incidents, Sophia encourages viewers to attend the fair and advises them to exercise caution and report any suspicious behavior. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment for children and expresses the determination to continue with the celebrations despite the challenges. Sophia assures viewers that updates will be provided as more information becomes available for both news stories.

#### A HOST OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR

The host of the California State Fair welcomes the attendees and expresses excitement for the evening's festivities. The debut of the Sunshine Girls and Galactic Boys is highlighted as a special treat, promising captivating music and dance performances. The host encourages guests to explore the various attractions, including carnival games, food stalls, and exhibits showcasing California's agriculture and industry. The audience is reminded to stay until midnight for a special show. Overall, the host wishes everyone a fantastic evening at the fair.

### CLOSING OF PROLOGUE

The scene blackens out, the voices of the 2 individuals express their disappointment with a plot, discussing their plan to cause chaos and voice their opinions. They pull a lever, triggering the activation of a mechanism that symbolizes purification. Clocks start ticking, and serene voices warn of a looming threat to humanity. The introduction of a mysterious figure signifies the beginning of a game. A breaking news update reports on a large-scale event at the California State Fair in San Francisco. Unknown voices singing "Reverie Cry" have caused global shockwaves, turning the clouds red. The incident resulted in casualties and a mysterious object falling from the sky. The government advises people to stay indoors for their safety. Spirits are being extracted from sleeping individuals, although some remain conscious. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

## End Monologue

### XX:XX:XX - ??? [REDACTED] ???

. . . . . . . . .

* ***Voice 1***: Whoa! Is that it!?
* ***Voice 2***: How lame! The plot didn’t even take a good turn yet!
* ***Voice 1***: Ugh! This is a disgusting way of introducing our cast. Disgusting, absolutely UGLY! You have no shame at all?
* ***Voice 2***: Well, we DO have some decent(?) characters and some…crime in this so-called “dream”. But…
* ***Voice 1***: Buuuuuuuuuuut~?
* ***Voice 2***: We can always make a random ruckus, giving our disgusted opinion about this plot! I think it’s time we pull out the big dawg!
* ***Voice 1***: Oh yeah! Do it! pUlL tHaT BiG DaWg fO ShOr!!!
* ***Voice 2***: Time to pull this damned stupid mechanism NO ONE EVER ASKED FOR!!

*The creaks and turns of cogs have begun to turn.*
*Signifying whether it'd be a curse or purification.*
*The voices thought that it would "purify" the world.*
*And so the sound of clocks tick, tick, tick...*
*Countless clocks, lost in time.*
*The songs of serene voices echoed through the void.*
*As this would be a warning to humanity.*
*There is no time left.*
*"She" who holds the light of this world...*

## Final Cast Message from News Anchor

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is a breaking news update. We have just received reports of a large-scale event that has taken place at the California State Fair in San Francisco. At approximately 9:00 PM, songs of multiple unknown voices were heard echoing across the world, sending shockwaves through the global community. What's even more alarming is that the clouds have turned an ominous shade of red.

Within minutes of the incident, news reporters mobilized to relay this unprecedented event to the public, stirring a sense of urgency throughout the media landscape.

The songs that resonated are now known as "**Reverie Cry**" and have been identified as having the potential to disrupt the emotional stability and mental well-being of individuals, leading them into deep REM sleep. In a tragic turn of events, an unidentified living object fell from the sky during this chaos. Regrettably, individuals who were caught in the path of its descent are now confirmed as deceased. It is a somber moment as we mourn the loss of many innocent lives.

Following the object's impact, it emitted a powerful beam of light into the already crimson sky. Witnesses report that the intense illumination lasted for approximately three minutes before gradually subsiding.

In response to this extraordinary situation, the government has issued a state-wide announcement, urging all civilians to remain indoors and securely lock their doors. For the safety and well-being of everyone, it is imperative that no one ventures outside until further information is provided, and the nature of this crisis is fully understood.

As the situation unfolds, more unsettling developments have emerged. Observations reveal that spirits, reminiscent of those found in soul-like entities, are being extracted from individuals while they sleep. However, it is worth noting that some individuals have managed to stay conscious and retain control of their bodies, despite not entering the REM sleep state.

We are committed to bringing you the latest updates on this unprecedented event as more information becomes available. Please stay tuned, stay safe, and follow the guidelines provided by the authorities. Our thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families during this difficult time.

This has been a breaking news report. I'm [CENSOR BEEP], and you're watching [CENSOR BEEP].