The 9th Hour... (Phase 1: Sept-Oct Event)

[central_librarymods]

The cold presence is seeping in through the dark shadows. The darkness is reaching further, brushing the minds of the patrons and opening doors to dimensions that should not be open. Something wants in. But in the Central Library, there are ways to get through without crossing entirely… through your dreams. Among other things.

Pick one of the options below and make a post for other patrons to join you in the events. You may make up your own, but keep it matching the event at hand as the different phases of the event will progressively get worse.

1. Your dreams are getting dangerous, violent even. When you wake up, there are bruises and injuries that shouldn’t be there. What is going on? Why are your dreams becoming a reality little by little? And why is it getting so hard to wake up?


2. Things are shifting in the Library. The shadows are moving and the temperatures are starting to drop. There are cold spots that sometimes get colder and sometimes it feels like if you turn around, you’ll find someone right behind you.


3. The monsters are looking a bit more frantic and daring to come closer to the center of the Library where they normally will not tread. It seems you aren’t the only ones scared of the dark recesses any longer.


4. The Market is now a lovely little faire of the early Renaissance with all sorts of fresh grain, fruits and vegetables! It is a brilliant sight, but it seems the ominous plague masks they don still gives a foreboding feeling of the miasma that killed over two-thirds of the world’s population… Perhaps you shouldn’t wander very far.


5. New areas are now opened up. A blacksmith and workshop for the tinkers has been created. You might want to look or contribute... You might also want to stop in the new bath area. The large pool has a Grecian feel and all of the walls are made of crystalline glass where the stars are always shining with a different universe in constant succession.


6. Wild Card: Make up your own scenario. Just remember that all of the things above are happening. Things are getting foreboding and growing stronger by the day. Sleep will be a luxury you might not have… You may not see what’s coming, not yet. But you know it’s coming.

Comments

[overcomebywinter]

Bucky isn't trying at all not to stare, but then again his natural state of 'talking to people' was a bit of a 'stare at them' kind of thing. He was doing that thing where he didn't answer questions right away either, but instead watched the question asker (in this case, his younger face twin) for a moment before opening his own mouth to talk. The effect really was just that he was still staring. Damn.

"I'm not sure how far in it has come, but creatures from the outer edges are coming in closer." He said, as if it wasn't much of a problem. "I wouldn't go far with out someone with you." Says the man who is wandering around alone.

Wait, no, he can't let this go any longer. "I haven't seen you before." Bucky, please, you haven't seen a lot of people in this place, as you area recluse and an anti-social, and you say that to the guy who kind of looks like you? really now...

[amery]

"Creatures?" Amery repeated. "What sort of creatures?" He hadn't seen very much to worry about, but then he'd been keeping mostly to himself since he'd gotten here, and this was the first time he'd spoken to someone else in a long time. Maybe the isolation had been contributing to his nightmares, as well, as much as he enjoyed being on his own some times.

"Clearly." No, wait, maybe that had come out a little more rude than he'd intended. "Sorry." He had the grace to apologize, at least. "I have never met you before. I'm sure I would remember it."

[ingrantitude]

He's numb. Staring at his fingers he flexes them and stops himself, looking at the wound before looking back at her mournfully.

"...Nobody would have ever done this for me until you Kara." His voice is soft, "I used to dream...to hope that once I'd gotten away from garrett things would be better. That there would be people who'd do this for me.


I didn't realize I'd have to find you, but now that I have..."

The moment her fingers brush his he shivers.

"I keep hurting you."

[harrys_skull]

"Something dark," Bob agrees with Alec, "believe me I know my dark magic and there is something truly nasty brewing. But this seems darker then our normal ghost stories, so I'm not sure what section we should be checking."

[alec_lightwood]

"But not demonic. Not yet at least." Shadowhunters didn't have a 'sixth sense' about demons but he'd been on enough hunts to know the signs of a demon being around. "It doesn't feel like it's Downworlders or magic like Magnus'. Shouldn't all the supernatural be kept in one area of the Library?"

[alec_lightwood]

There were things in the shadows but none had come close enough to Alec for him to see what they were. Something was wrong. His instincts warned him of that but he had no idea what it was. Not demonic. Not Downworlder. Not a spirit. At least not the type he was used to.

Whatever it was, it wasn't something that Alec had encountered before or read about in the Codex.

When Kara lifted her hand, he knew that she assumed he meant the scars. "Yes, the black eye," he clarified. The scars weren't something that bothered or frightened him. He looked at her as if the scars didn't exist.

"I don't think we're giving ourselves these injuries in the usual way." Kara might have given herself a black eye and split lip but he doubted she had. His own injuries would have been impossible for Alec to give himself.

"Something similar happened to me. I dreamed about a battle and woke up with a version of the wounds I had." Thankfully they weren't exactly the same or he'd have died an agonizing death since no one here would be able to help him. "They're claw marks. Definitely not made by a human." Or a Shadowhunter.

"I've seen something. I don't know what they are. They seem too solid to be shadows."

[likeagerbil]

He couldn't imagine what this was like for Bucky. Memories coming back slowly after decades of torture and death. Then whatever was happening dragging those memories to the surface so he doubted what was real...

But it was real. Steve had seen it too and there was no reason for him to add that context to the figures unless there was something to trigger the memory.

"I think it was both." He tried to ignore the cold but it seemed to creep closer, biting at his face, almost making him shudder. A few years out of the ice and it still bothered him. It had to be worse for Buck. "I think you remembered it and somehow it ended up in here."

When he noticed the look Bucky gave him, Steve grinned. "So skinny that the wind could've knocked him over? Probably wheezing while he tried to take on guys three times his size? That's what I was like before the serum."

He wasn't sure how much of that Bucky knew. His handlers might have told him some of the details but it was probably more the enhancements that the serum gave him than what Steve had been like before. "I grew almost a foot taller when they gave me the serum. I was tiny back then. And I did throw myself into fights to protect you even if you ended up having to save me most of the time."

[harrys_skull]

"Witches and spells and ghosts are in one section, ghost stories are in another, and cultural magic is in another. See the problem," Bob says, "not to mention faeries and magic tricks are mixed in there too. We need to narrow down what this is before we start digging for more information."

[alec_lightwood]

"We could get some of the patrons that understand those types of Downworlders and magic together and have them check those areas." Magnus wouldn't like the idea of splitting up but Alec was getting used to patrolling alone. "We might not figure out what it is but we might be able to narrow down the possibilities."

I AM HEEEERE!

[elrohir_elrondion]

The dreams had been visiting him as well. After centuries of his mind always dragging him back, never letting him forget, Elrohir thought he was used to them. Expected them even. But these felt far too real. Like he could still feel the sting of being slapped away when trying to reach for her. The stench still turned his stomach as well as the sight of it all.

So when he surfaced from that horrible sight, it felt like coming up out from under the surface of water. Like he had to swim to the top just to catch his breath. But once he started to feel like the world might just come into focus, he realized why he forced himself awake. Elladan.

His head turns to the sight of his brother curling in on himself on his makeshift bed. Rising to his feet, he moves shakily at first across the small space and slips onto Elladan's bed to wrap his arms around him from behind. If he shared in that dream, he knew the scars on his brother's heart were much deeper in a lot of ways. Pressing his face into the elder's shoulder, he hugged him close. "You are not alone in this, nor shall you ever be, muindor."

[harrys_skull]

"That's a smart idea," Bob agrees, "I also don't like these new areas popping up all the sudden. It's almost like the Library is trying to sooth us into being okay with whatever is going on. Or I could just be a nervous Nellie."

[alec_lightwood]

"I don't know if it's meant to distract us or if it's because we're helping." It could be either. Without knowing more about the Library, Alec couldn't be sure which was more likely. "Have you seen the Librarians lately? The Cat should be around. He's usually busy snarking with you when you're out and about.

I thought I'd leave conversation or dream up to you

[likeagerbil]

The baths didn't appeal to Steve as much as they would have a few years ago. Water was something he tolerated but immersing himself on purpose wasn't something he felt comfortable with considering the nightmares he'd been having lately. Even if the water was warm, the idea made him shiver.

But that didn't mean he wouldn't spend time at the baths. As long as he wasn't in the water he'd be fine. Anyway, someone needed to act as lifeguard. Occasionally he hummed snippets of songs from when he grew up and things that he'd picked up from the past few years.

WHOO!

[huntingorcs]

Elladan doesn't speak but he uncurls enough to turn and wrap his brother in his arms, pressing his face against his twin's shoulders. His tears are silent, but he shakes, and his voice is very soft when he does speak.

"I failed her, 'Roh."

Re: I thought I'd leave conversation or dream up to you

[wearebothangry]

Bruce is half asleep when Steve's humming eases into his dark dreams and he starts awake with a gasp and a bitten off word in another language. He looks around wildly for a second before he settles on Steve and calms down slightly. "What were you just humming," he asks carefully.

[likeagerbil]

That was not the reaction that Steve expected from his humming. At least Bruce can't change into the Hulk here since he isn't sure what kind of nightmares his friend might be having lately. But it wasn't something that Steve really would be afraid of even if Bruce could change. He wouldn't hurt Steve but he might need someone to talk him out of tearing apart the baths.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you." The question about the humming caused Steve to pause and think threw which songs he'd gone through. "Some Andrews Sisters. Some instrumental stuff that Natasha suggested awhile ago. Probably some Led Zepplin." Yes, he listened to the stuff that Tony played in the workshop; teasing Tony about it was just part of their usual games. "Some of the songs my Ma used to sing to me when I was sick."

1

[silvan_captain]

Fire. All around her the forest burned. The forest that had sheltered her from childhood, the forest she loved, her home. Despite her banishment, the Greenwood would always be a part of her. And now, all around her, it burned, and she was powerless to stop it.

Still, it did not mean she would not try. She would fight this enemy she could not see. The ones that dared to burn her forest. She ran through the trees, the branches cutting her as she did not bother finding an unhindered path. She had to get to the King’s halls. If these fires continued to rage, they would be trapped there, and there would be nothing she could do.

Something blocked her way, but the smoke stung her eyes, and she could not see it. Everything around her went dark. Everything was black, and a voice rang out in her head, menacingly taunting her.

“You are failed, Tauriel, Captain of the Guard. You have failed.”

With a cry, Tauriel jerked awake, surprised to find she had fallen asleep where she sat. Elves were not ones to drift off unexpectedly, but lately, she had been finding herself falling asleep more and more, and into a much deeper slumber than she was accustomed. It was strange. Shaking herself a little, she got to her feet, hoping to shake off the dream which still plagued her mind.

It was a dream. No more. It was not something worth dwelling on. Still, she could almost smell the smoke, as if something had burned quite recently.

Suddenly she realized the burning smell was not imagined. Inspecting her hair, she found the ends shockingly singed. That was odd. She could not remember being near an open flame, and she never burned her hair, even when she was. She also seemed to still have the cuts from running through the trees, on her arms. This was also surprising, there was no logical reason her arms would be cut, especially since she always had sleeves.

Something was amiss, and it set her on edge. She did not know what was happening, but she knew she dreaded the next time she would sleep. What would happen if the dream returned?

[dulcet_cellist]

Sebastian pushed wet hair back away from his face, not as long as it used to be, but he still felt the ghost touch of fingers from time to time. This time it caused goosebumps to spread across his skin and he sunk a bit lower into the water. The sting from the cut also gave him a unsettling feeling. Jack had stood up to Christian Scott, even saved Sebastian from him once. It wasn't anything like being saved from death by poison, by he imagined the feeling Magnus had for Alec was similar.

It still made him feel jealous and bitter, but the feeling wasn't directed at Alec or Magnus. For them he felt....happy.

"Did you want to be a...a Shadowhunter?"

Re: 4!

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey'd been exploring himself, vigilante gear and all, ignoring what few strange looks he did get. Of course, after the first round of pointing and shrieks, he'd made a quick exit and kept the Hockey-Mask up. He also didn't have anymore face-paint, so no skulls visible as he moved through the crowd. This was like something from a Renn Faire, or the History books.

The creepy bird-figures had definitely not escaped his notice, and the teenager tried to remember if he'd learned about them at all before. Even if he hadn't, he was good at over-hearing things, and whispers of a plague definitely had his attention.

So did someone who was as out of place as he was, in modern clothing. Observing, as she was now trailing one of the bird-figures herself. Stealth wasn't always Casey's strong-point, but he had learned a lot since he'd met the turtles. Keeping back a little, but following the lady in modern clothing, who was following the plague doctor.

Re: One

[dulcet_cellist]

Sebastian was awake. How could he sleep after the dreams he'd been having. Even worse was the feeling of not being capable of waking up and he couldn't decide what was worse. Nightmares he'd lived or the feeling of being trapped within them. So he was awake and looking for a distraction. Deciding to visit the new area he'd learned about when he heard the voice.

Too polite and accented to be his voice so the slight clenching in his gut was easily ignored even if the instinct to hide wasn't. He hoped he hadn't woken anyone. He had been trying to be as quiet as possible. He was glad he had decided to wear one of the new hoodies he'd purchased with Alec in Yosemite. It would help to hide the cut and bruises.

"I didn't realize anyone would be up...I'm sorry if I woke you."

Re: Multiple-prompts

[dulcet_cellist]

Sneaking off to the new area wasn't as easy as he'd hoped it would be. He'd heard something loud and the sound of someone having fun. Not that it wasn't allowed, but he had a feeling he knew who it was. Not that he knew many people here. And he certainly didn't know them well enough. But he doubted Alec would be running around the library making so much noise.

Sebastian came around the corner at the 'butt kicked' and instinctively raised both arms up to protect his head with a surprised shout.

Re: Multiple-prompts

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey had heard footsteps, skates flipped back to rest against his shins as he advanced, baseball bat held high. The shout was answered by one of his own, but he didn't whack Sebastian at least.

"Bookworm..." Casey was as surprised as Sebastian was, and he peered around behind him for a moment, before re-sheathing the bat. Nope, no dream beavers yet.

"What brings you around here?"

[braveheart_clara]

Well, that should make for an interesting Schooby Doo moment, right? While Clara wndered after a Plague Doctor to see where they went (and wondered if they were going to be robots trying to take over the world or something) she was being followed by someone. What are the chances?

Well, she did stick out a bit, in her modern attire. And if she sees HIM in his mask, she might have to wonder about him too. None the less, she doesn't see him, at least not yet. No, she's too intent on following this bird faced doctor.

Only, as she watched the shrouded figure take a corner beyond a building she had to run to keep up, popping her head around the corner and POUTING. Damn... Where did it go?

She stepped out further, looking around and feeling frustrated, or at least disappointed. So much for that. There were more around though, so it can't hurt to look around for another, right? Bring Out Your Dead indeed. The Plague era was NOT the best place to hold a Market. Not for food, but it was interesting.

Re: Barry Allen l The Flash l Sensing Shadow

[dulcet_cellist]

To be honest, Sebastian is a little surprised there seem to be so many people having trouble sleeping. He knows night and day is a bit...different...here so maybe he shouldn't be surprised at all. But he's not exactly presentable enough to be socializing with people he hasn't had the courage to meet properly outside a random video.

So he pulls the hood of his new hoodie--which he should thank Alec for inspiring him to purchase because it's softer inside than he thought it would be--further forward to hide his face a little more. He could take a different route and avoid an awkward social moment, but maybe what he needed to keep his mind distracted was an awkward social moment.

"Me. I mean...Hello. Barry Allen?"

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey, meanwhile, had definitely improved, and learned some, given his time with the turtles. Which included taking a few routes that weren't on the ground. A task both easier, and harder, than in a modern metropolitan city. A few paces behind Clara, but the higher road had gotten him at least a glimpse of which direction a distinctive shadow had gone.

Besides, why was the other person in modern clothes looking for them? Couldn't hurt to ask right? Right. Heading to the ground-level, staying in the shadow at least so hopefully she wouldn't get a good look at him. "Lose something?" He called, hockey-mask pulled down for the moment.