epidemiology | EVENT ▸ FINAL LOG

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EVENT ▸ FINAL LOG

RECOLLECTION DAY

The next few days following Mission: Drakstaden sees Headquarters transformed into a celebratory atmosphere. Although the Cataclysm had been solved by the Merging, Hathaway's connection to ALASTAIR means that Recollection Day is still celebrated yearly: a festival honoring those whose universes were torn apart by the Cataclysm and the centuries of instability that followed.

However, post-Merging, Recollection Day has taken on a different tone; instead of solemn and pensive, the mood is celebratory and triumphant, honoring the members of ALASTAIR who helped the multiverse merge. Accordingly, former members of ALASTAIR have been invited to Headquarters to be honored, so those who have been around for awhile may see some familiar faces.

The statue honoring those who lost their lives during the war between ALASTAIR and Zymandis is wreathed in flowers, and the fountains in the promenade have been dyed so when the water jets up it's in a rainbow of beautiful colors. Apart from the decorations, there are food vendors throughout the promenade selling a variety of dishes from across the multiverse. You'll find something you like, make no mistake, but you might have to wade through weird alien delicacies before you find it!

Inside the training simulator, the settings have been configured to resemble a pool party, complete with a swim-up bar (stocked with tropical drinks, pineapple, and coconuts) and tiki torches. The alcohol at the simulated party will get you nice and inebriated as long as you stay inside the simulator, though once you exit it, you'll instantly be sober. No hangovers!

For those who aren't interested in the louder types of celebration, there is a gentler activity available: there is a new clutch of squidges that have arrived from planet Zeta-12. These alien babies are made of a transluscent material similar to gelatin, with beady black eyes and short limbs. The squidges communicate with wordless gurgling, weigh about seven pounds, and need lots and lots of attention. A small habitat has been constructed for them, with grasses and small trees to explore; it's big for a baby squidge but the size of a small playground for an adult, so if babysitting is what you're into, don't worry -- you won't get lost!

Otherwise, the rest of Headquarters is open to explore. Some Hathaway employees might need help putting decorations up, others may invite you to try an unknown dish with them, and still others might want help finding a temporary place to train since the training simulator is occupied. There's plenty to do and plenty to celebrate, so get busy!

▸ EPILOGUE

As the celebration winds down and partygoers begin to filter away and return to work, it's a perfect time for current and former members of Guild Ophelia (and the visiting members of the former Team Audentes) to reflect on this whirlwind adventure they've been part of.

Countless worlds, timelines, and universes have been forever altered by your work; for better or worse, every member has left their permanent mark on the Timeline.

As Headquarters drifts silently through space, stars and galaxies slipping past in the windows, word comes to some Ophelia members through their magitek: your incentive has been achieved, and you may leave Hathaway's employ with your earned reward. It might be sooner than expected (or very welcome news), but if you wish to end your multiversal adventure, now's your chance. Otherwise, you can decline and continue on with Hathaway for as long as you wish.

For those who don't receive the message, it's business as usual. The party is over, and so it's back to work: there will always be trouble out there, and Hathaway will always be there to do what it can to help the citizens of the multiverse.

▸ OOC NOTES

This is the final log of Futurology. We hope you enjoyed your time in the game!

As stated in the SOTG post, characters who have been dropped may return for this log! Characters who did not permadrop are assumed to have been transferred to a different guild within Hathaway, and may therefore be present for the celebration. If they were permadropped/retired, you may handwave that they were invited back to Headquarters for the party.

Journals will not be removed from the game communities; you are free to make logs, posts, or continue threading for as long as you like.

The mod team would like to take this time extend a sincere thank you to everyone who ever played in Futurology. Without you, the journey wouldn't have been the same!

▸ State of the Game ▸ Mod Contact ▸ Hathaway Headquarters

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[It was time.

The resources for his army was gathered a little more swiftly than anticipated. The time to return to Wallachia is on the horizon, and so is the ensuing fight with his father. Despite everything, it is the fate of Adrian Ţepeş to help slay his father alongside Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belanades.

Afterward. After that--

He promised. He promised he would stay awake, to help the people, to live as long as possible to help humanity. It's what his mother would have wanted for him, undoubtedly.

Alucard does not seek out the festivities. There is too much on his mind as it is, but he knows he needs to do one important thing.

He needs to start saying good-bye to others.

Slowly, he approaches his guildmates, one by one.]

We should speak, you and I. [To you, that is what he says.]

[ To think she would be back so soon.

Not that it's bad — but after a goodbye as final as the one she was allowed, it feels a little strange. She recognizes many of the faces, which is unsurprising, but she bides her time before approaching them.

Other times, she's the one that gets approached. ] Alucard.

[ Her tone smooth and even, but it's not hard to miss the warmth underneath it all. ] If you wish.

What is it?

[It has felt so long since he'd last seen her, but it'd only been a few months hadn't it? He never thought he would actually see her again.

But now, for sure, it will indeed be the last time.

Alucard smiles faintly, unable to hide from her warmth and her friendship. Maybe it isn't about never holding onto it, but knowing he'd had it once at least in his life.]

Soon, I will be departing for Wallachia, my homeland.

It means I will be leaving, for good. To save my country, and the innocent lives residing in it. I wanted to say my good-bye to my friends.

I'm glad I've had that chance to do so one last time with you, Lucina.

[ It's his turn to leave, apparently ( not that it matters, not anymore; she is no longer part of Ophelia, this changes very little ). She no longer has it in her heart to be surprised, especially with the life they lead; nihilism has never suited her, and this isn't it, because she's happy for him.

To have a home to return to — to have a purpose to fill — is a wonderful thing ( she almost feels jealous, but she's already had her opportunities ). ] And you will succeed. [ Not that he needs to hear it, but she says it nonetheless.

She reaches a hand out for him, to shake. ] Again — I am honored to have earned your friendship. [ It's a mirror of their last goodbye, but the words are no less genuine. ] And lucky to have seen you one last time.

[Her hand is taken, gently squeezed.] My only regret is that this is the last good-bye to have. But I will never forget you, Lucina.

I, too, have been deeply honored to have earned your friendship. Take care of yourself.

[ Lissa, on the other hand, is all about parties. The sweets! The music! The mingling! All of it is an absolute delight to her and she's practically a blur as she moves through the crowds to say hello to friends, shove cake in her mouth, participate in party games, and coo over the squidges.

Of course, as the evening wanes so does her energy, and she ends up sprawled on the ground near the pool with her legs sticking out in front of her, a half-eaten plate of cookies at her side. Not very lady-like, but when has she ever been?

She looks up at Alucard's approach, and gives him a tired smile. ]

Hi Alucard. What's up?

[ It's been some time since last she's attended a party.

She's never been much for parties, preferring the familiarity of whatever mission is at hand, but it would be inconsiderate to decline in the face of such celebration. More than that, she still harbors the hope that a return to Headquarters might coincide with the return of other teams, particularly those containing old friends.

With so many back for the festivities, it's near impossible to pick out any particular person. But when she catches sight of a familiar face, seen again for the first time in nearly a year, she's quick to approach and offer a small smile. ]

It's been some time.

[ Too long, in fact. At her side, full-grown and bright-eyed, Black Hayate barks his agreement. ]

[ There are certain faces that Lucina has resigned to never see again — perhaps because they were important to her, their friendships something she keeps dear to her heart, and to try and seek for them wouldn't be doing their work or their friendship justice. ( Strangely, the ones she holds dearest are also the ones that were the most dedicated to their cause. A cause. )

So, there's little she expects as she walks about the party. The thought doesn't even occur as she leans over the food at a particular vendor, grotesque tentacles sticking out of a orange pastry ball. It looks interesting enough that she contemplates buying two, when a bark catches her attention.

She looks down, and her eyes widen, caught off-guard mid-sentence that leaves the vendor hanging. ] Hayate?

[ Which means— no time to apologize to the rando NPC, she's looking around the rest of the room frantically. ]

Riza—

[ Hayate's sense of smell, far better than that of his human master, lets him track down any number of things with relative ease. Today it's food, the smell of sizzling meat wafting delicious in the air. He follows it to his source, ready to leap up onto his hind paws and beg for a piece when his nose catches a whiff of something else.

A friend!!

Meat almost forgotten, he gives a joyous bark and trots towards said (blue-haired) friend, practically shoving his snout into her hand in an attempt to forcefully obtain pets from a long-time-no-see friend.

His master can wait, right now he's obviously the more important one. ]

[Really, Alucard liked to see her behave naturally, so he isn't put off. Instead, he smiles to himself, watching how she sits, cookies at her side. She's drained, but not in a terrible way.

Alucard opts to sit next to her.]

I will be returning to my homeland soon. HATHAWAY has what I asked for.

But I wanted a chance to say my farewells first to my friends.

[He holds out his hand to her.]

[ Even grown up Hayate is a giant menace and I would not have it any other way.

Because Lucina isn't heartless — her heart pounds at the thought of seeing someone she was certain she would never see again, but she's not so distracted as to leave another old friend in the dark. It takes her a moment — frantic glances around the crowds turns into a surprised stare back at the dog that is demanding her attention, before a chuckle bubbles out of her.

She leans down before she can help it. ] It's good to see you too. [ She reaches behind Hayate's ears, gently scratching it. It really is just like old times, except everything else has changed.

— Including the introduction of a very jealous, waist-height wyvern, coming out of nowhere and snarling at this thing that's obviously taking up the attention of her beloved mom. ]

[It felt like a lifetime ago when he went on adventures with ALASTAIR and then was returned home. So much has happened since then...

...and now, here he is, at this party for the new group that isn't ALASTAIR. At least this time there doesn't seem to be any deadly missions or danger.

Steven Universe makes his way among the party, sampling some of the dishes and combining some of them in odd and unexpected ways as he seeks out any familiar face. The small boy will meekly greet anyone he sees!]

Hey there!

０１ ↣ 祭り ↣ FESTIVITIES

[Hayame had been more than pleased to get off Drakstaden and back into her proper shape, and though she'd been tempted to avoid the Recollection Day celebration... In the light of what she had been forced to confront under the influence of the truth spell, she makes an appearance, dressed in the formal wear she had procured in Hanabira.

She can be found wallflowering in the main area, slinking through the food stalls on the hunt for anything remotely familiar... and as the hour grows late... you might hallucinate her in the pool, by all appearances... very, very intoxicated.]

０２ ↣ さらば ↣ GOODBYES

[When it comes time to go... Hayame is among those who have accepted the offer. She'd never imagined that she might hesitate even a second for the chance to return to her world, to accept the aid ALASTAIR had promised her... and yet.

She pauses on her way to the transfer point, gaze drawn out the window on the side of the ship to the sight of the stars in the black that had once terrified her. That in a way, deep and unsettling... still did. Her original clothing was far too blood-stained to return home in, but she's changed to a look more fitting for her world, bow and quiver in hand, with two small baskets lashed to harnesses across her flanks. Spoils of war.

She was going home. Back to where she belonged. To where everything made sense. To where she now could actually do something honorable. Make up for what she'd done. See other jinba again.

But just for a moment... she reaches out, hesitant... before she presses her palm to the glass.]

０３ ↣ 鬼札を引く ↣ WILDCARD

[If there's anything you'd like to do before the end, here's your chance! Hit me up via comment or at

stormcoming.]

[D also doesn't pursue any festivities, but this isn't anything surprising. He's satisfied watching the celebrations from afar, quiet and statue-like in his haunting.

The brim of the hat lifts away from his eyes and face when he tips his head up at Alucard's voice. If he has any inkling what the conversation might be about, it doesn't show on his face. Of course.]

I'm listening.

[Saying farewell had been difficult with others, but no one has been able to truly understand him save for perhaps D. This feels... more complicated. Though D has not implied any real sense of kinship, to Alucard he's the closest thing he's had for family.

There will never be a replacement, but at least he understands.

Alucard keeps himself steady, watching his fellow dhampir.]

My army has been assembled by HATHAWAY. I will be returning to Wallachia soon.

To end your father's reign. [D remembers. In a way, they have the same goal. D doesn't need an army, but he does need a location. His rusty eyes search Alucard's face for a moment.] And after?

[He's sure Alucard hasn't forgotten their promises; it actually hadn't been very long ago when the pact was made. But he wants to hear Alucard say it here, now, when time is drawing quickly and sharply to an end.]

And after, I will remain awake, helping humanity rebuild and attempt to help them. As Mother would have.

[His throat tightens a moment.]

D, for you-- is going back to the Frontier all that there is for you?

01 ⚗ GUESS WHO'S BACK, PARTY PEOPLE

[Sieglinde hadn't expected to come back here. To be able to. When she'd gotten the call... well, there was only so fast she could physically accept the offer, but. It was the easiest "yes" she'd ever said.

Time is a funny thing. It seemed like just yesterday, and maybe to them it was, but it's been nearly a year back in her own world. A lot has happened. She cut her hair. She finally started the growth spurt she'd been waiting for.

She also, at one point, appropriates the PA system near the food stalls for her own nefarious purposes, her voice coming on over the speakers.]

Will the friends and compatriots of the charming and lovely Green Witch, Sieglinde Sullivan, please report to celebration reception and collect her- ouch, unhand me, I am just making a single- fine, I am going- !

[Please come collect her. Or find her at the bar.]

02 ⚗ GOODBYE AGAIN, FOR NOW

[But as glad as she'd been to visit again, as heartening as it had been to see faces she'd feared she never would again, to once again sail the stars... it had to end soon enough. There was a world she had to return to, tasks left undone, and discoveries waiting yet.

Still, even as she readies herself to return... she knows now that there will always be Recollection Day. She's smiling.]

... until next time, then?

[Isengrim didn't bark. Not like a true dog. Maybe it was a lack of vocal cords, Sieglinde loved him too much to vivisect him and find out, but either way... only the scuffling of claws on the ballroom floor give away his approach, tail wagging somewhat incongruously with his fearsome skull.

And a moment later-

Sieglinde slams into Riza from behind. Not in a fall, actually. Just a hug.]

[Gently, D nods in acknowledgement. He doesn't want to control another's life. There's already too much of that with the Nobility. But he doesn't want Alucard to give up either.]

Hathaway has given me a way to track the Sacred Ancestor. [Which is to say: undoubtedly, the Frontier is the finality of him. But he hasn't said yes or no technically.] Why do you ask?

Edited 2018-06-10 14:38 (UTC)

CLOSED TO FORMER CR.

[ hop up to a vendor and place an order and something strange happens: food or drink slides neatly across the surface, evading you. make a grab for it and it sails through the air as if tugged along on an invisible rail in a path culminating in anakin's gloved hand.

still wearing too much black and too much leather, though the jedi robes have long been set aside; a new lightsaber hangs from his belt. his eyes too are different, a subtle lightness about him, as if some monumental weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

the asshole smirk is exactly the same. ]

I see recruitment is still low.

Edited 2018-06-10 17:31 (UTC)

Likewise. [ She holds his hand for a moment longer, before letting go, and straightening up — no tears this time, just like the last. ]

I pray that we'll be able to see each other again — under better circumstances. [ Than saving worlds, with the amount of problems Alucard has to fix. ]

D.

[Alucard reaches up to his own chest, feeling the scar underneath. His fingers curl, and he knows asking this is going to be pointless. There is only one goal on D's mind, and he is so certain.

Still, Alucard feels like he'll regret it if he doesn't at least say it.]

You can come back with me. To Wallachia.

[They wouldn't have to be alone. What a quaint idea. But hadn't D already told them it was their fate as such?]

[While D's gaze doesn't break away from Alucard, he is quiet for a long time. Many people have asked him to stay, some have even begged him. But they were all either purely human or purely vampire.

None have ever been something in between.] What a dream, right, D? Ten thousand years in the past! You'd be a god to them! All work and no play, isn't that how it goes? [He's aware the parasite is heckling, and not just Alucard, but him mostly, too.

Maybe that's what it is.] Alright. I'll go. [Maybe it's also the fact Hathaway is able to use rift machines, and going to Wallachia doesn't mean he's stuck in Wallachia. It'd be another journey, like the many he's taken on the Frontier.]

What?! D, are you serious?! I was only joking! We've got a job to do!

[His eyes still haven't looked away from Alucard.] I can't stay in Wallachia forever. But if you need help with your father, I'll do it.

[Expecting refusal, Alucard had tipped his chin down, preparing himself. The teasing from the hand is expected, and he'd honestly almost anticipated being mocked more.

But D accepts, and Alucard looks up sharply, pleasantly surprised.]

It doesn't have to be forever.

[More grateful than he can say, Alucard smiles genuinely. There are urges, and he wants more than what he does, but his hand reaches out and lightly touches D's forearm.]

Anytime that you can give me, I'd be glad to have. Thank you.

[He glances down at the parasite.] Even you, I suppose.

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EVENT ▸ FINAL LOG

Adrian "Alucard" Ţepeş

sup

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riza hawkeye (+ doge)

jokes on you, wildcard

how dare you, quite honestly

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can't stop won't stop

Steven Quartz Universe

Hayame

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Sieglinde Sullivan ⚗ OTA

-ish

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