Deer Country Network

Hello, everyone— [ Luna has brought news for the second time this month. She looks entirely at ease, as one might when they’ve completed a huge undertaking. Not to mention quite exciting, given the bright, beaming grin on her face.

She holds something in her hands, which she promptly lifts up to show the camera: a blue and gold leather-bound book, engraved with the title: FANTASTIC BEASTS AND HOW TO HELP THEM. ]

I... wrote a book—!

[ The toil of a little over a year. Ever since her own run in with Corruption and descent into Beasthood last April, where she publicly announced both her sincerest of apologies and her determination to do something about what she’d done. This is the result: she wrote a book. ]

It’s a compendium, or directory of sorts, about Beasthood. More specifically about the kinds of Beasts that both Sleepers and natives turn into, detailing their abilities and how best to approach them. [ She’s heavily drawn inspiration from her former mentor and very dear friend Newt Scamander. She likes to believe he’d be very proud of her, Theseus too. ]

It also lists and explains the ways in which Beasts can be brought back to themselves, to be cured of their Beasthood. It isn’t an exhaustive list, nor is the directory itself— I’ve been working on a way around that.

I’ve charmed all the copies of the books with a specific spell. It’s called a Protean Charm. [ Thank you, Hermione Granger. ] I hold the ‘master copy’ of the books, and when I make edits into it — all the copies will be magically updated. So that way, everyone has up-to-date information. So if anyone who’s experienced Beasthood isn’t featured in here, I can add your entry in.

I wanted to do something that means we don’t have to kill Beasts on sight just because they’re Beasts. Sleepers are afforded the ability of resurrection, but natives aren’t. And even if we do have that gift— [ There’s a pause, and she frowns a little. It’s not a very easy thing to explain, really. Difficult to put into words, the true impacts that death has on oneself that go beyond the times where she’d be ill with ‘death flu’, or when she’d forgotten herself and her magic. Not to mention the effect of death on others. ] dying in the Waking World is not an experience to be taken lightly.

I... wanted to make something good out of all the harm I caused last year.

They will be free to everyone, of course. I couldn’t possibly take a payment for them. I know that exactly isn’t a very good strategy in terms of book sales, but I don’t think that’s quite the point... [ ... Well, anyway. ]

They’ll be available from Ritual Gig, or from myself personally. I’m also going to try to… see if I can distribute them amongst the Hunters. [ There’s the tiniest of winces. ] Although I’m not quite sure how that might go.

[ Hunters and Arcane Scholars have a... not-so-straight forward relationship, after all. ]

And if anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

[ ooc page for the book is here! ]

[ The video feed clicks on and currently its just looking at a mess of scrap metal, a laptop or two, some other crap. Tonnes of graffiti on the walls. But fear not! Here he comes, HELLO. Up pops this weirdo from the side of the feed. ]

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT'S GAY MONTH. [ The drama is real, folx. ]

I know there's some other shit going on but that doesn't mean we can celebrate right? AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE being a little gay [ he gets in real close. pinchy fingers here, very small, just a little gay (or like a lot gay, whatever). ] than punching the people you love?

[ His LED display flashes heart eyes. Hands tuck in like some kawaii fucking nonsense. ]SO.

I propose. [ Drum roll please. ] A fight club. For all you queerdos out there that crave violence as much as I do.

[ fight announcer voice activated: ] Tonight, Tonight, Tonight! [ Wrench looks back at the space. ] Uh. after I clean up.

OKAY, BYE ~ 😘

[ The feed opens to... an unusual sight.

It’s no secret there’s been... bad blood between both Luna and Maul over the years, ever since she was part of a trio of magic users who cursed him a couple of years ago. There’s been... several very public call-outs on the network ever since then, too. Maul has been very vehement on his hatred towards the witch, and Luna has been equally open about her own distaste for the Sith Lord.

Which is why it’s a very curious thing to see the two of them currently sat together, albeit neither of them look particularly delighted about it. Although there’s a silent civility between the two of them, which for those watching is... quite a huge deal. ]

Hello, everyone. [ Luna speaks first, waving at the camera. ] We have some news for you all.

[ She looks to Maul briefly before clearing her throat: ]

In Deerington, death was a… process. Upon dying, we traveled to the Death Realm, which was created with the combined magics of Ramona Derwin, who we now know as Deerlona, and Cynthia Sodder — Moon Presence. Within this place was another, known as the Seventh Door. Sleepers who had died in the Dream were able to travel there once the door was unlocked, and a version of Ramona was held within.

For our sacrifice of life, she would grant us an ability. Her magics were able to mold our essences into a form… a deer, to be precise. We would be ourselves, but at our most purest form. However, when we became this form, we were granted abilities, too.

Unfortunately, when the Dream ended, we believed this form was lost as we were no longer linked to Ramona’s magic.

[Maul finally spoke up, sounding a touch sullen over working with Luna but otherwise at least in control of himself.]

After much research, we developed the theory that since Ramona used magic to seal herself off in a separate dimension where time no longer exists in a linear fashion, there is always going to be a version of her that is there and able to be accessed if one can only figure out the way to do so, regardless of what happened to corrupt her into a Beast in the present. We eventually created a ritual which allowed a doorway to be bridged between Trench and that dimension once again. I won’t go into the details. They don’t matter. All you need to know is that we succeeded. There is now a way to be transported to the pocket dimension to that version of Ramona who can grant us great power.

[He lapsed into silence, allowing Luna to take over once again.]

Life in Trench is… terribly difficult. [ Luna may have her own personal reasons for obtaining this form again, there is a very good reason to allow their fellow Sleepers access to this form again. ] It would be good to have all the help we can. Regardless of Ramona’s desperate actions in the end, she did genuinely want to help— dying wasn’t permanent because of her and Cynthia.

You don’t need to trust the Pthumerians or Ramona herself. I don’t. But I have accessed this ability before and can assure you it has been given to the Sleepers without any strings attached.

Provided you have died at least once in either the Dream or the Waking World, you’ll be able to perform a small and relatively simple blood ritual to…. get your copy of your key to the door, sort of speak. From then on, all you’ll need to do is a small ritual each time you want to use the ability.

I can provide instructions immediately to those interested, but I’ll work out a way to get the information out more easily to everyone at a later date.

A note of caution to those who go through with this. It is possible to lose yourself to the deer form and its instincts if you stay in it too long. Many of the deer which roam the city were once Sleepers who have since forgotten they ever had another shape. They can no longer change back. There are ways to bring one back. You must know a person well and know what motivation would be enough to make them change shape once again. [For Maul, it was challenging him to a fight or engaging him flat-out in one that got him back, though he was hardly going to mention that on the network.] And to show you how it is done–

[Here it was that Maul went slightly off-script. He and Luna hadn’t discussed this part but Maul had always been extra and dramatic as all the Sleepers already knew. So he’d had the ritual prepared to go. All it needed was a small amount of his blood to work, so he gave a few drops of his Vileblood to complete it. To those watching, all they would see was Maul dissolve into purple dust. When it reformed, there would be a very spooky-looking deer in his place. Somehow, it seemed to fit Maul’s personality completely. He pulled himself up to his full height and tossed his antlers back as if to acknowledge that he knew just how dramatic he was being.

… Maul absolutely did not mention this part. Luna visibly looks confused for a beat and then stares widely as he dissolves into purple dust and the form of a deer takes his place. Her expression shifts in a flat look. Really, Maul—? ]

... Well, if anyone has any questions...

ooc: Blue is Luna, Red is Maul. | ooc page for this mechanic is here.

[Everything seems... frustrating. Everything seems like it's stewing. He wanders around, trying to find something to do other than swatting bugs and killing (and sometimes saving) beasts.]

[But is everything really... how it's supposed to be? He's not sure. He takes a crystal out of his pocket and stares at it for a while. He's not sure how to use the magic here - he's tried, but maybe because it crosses the rift he can't call upon others? He huffs in frustration, curling up a little bit.]

]But he doesn't let go of the crystal. This crystal, which means so much to him, that came to him through a twist of fate. ... But was it really fate? Or was it always going to happen?]

[Eventually, he grabs his omni and writes out a post. Anonymously, because... well. He doesn't want people to worry. Even if it'll probably be obvious that it's him...]

Is who you were in the past important to who you are now?

I would have said yes, but some days... some days I'm not sure. I don't know anymore.

Everything's so complicated and I don't even know if who I was is who I am now...

Maybe this was stupid to ask. Sorry.

happy 4/20

for those of you not in the know in america they write month first then day which is dumb but whatever

and 420 is traditionally code for cannabis aka weed

no ones totally sure why but anyway happy weed day

smoke em if you got em etc



also i want cookies does anyone have any

i can trade you an action figure

[ Following this broadcast on the network.] ]

Hello, everyone. This is Luna Lovegood.

I've left this open to all, but I'm reaching out those who knew Deerington. I thought this may be the best way to reach out, it's hard to know how many of us are left who came directly from the Dream. Another Sleeper has mentioned that they've been able to contact Ramona in Sleepy Town, something I didn't even know possible. But it has made me wonder about something.

How many of us died in the Dream? And of those, how many of us went through the door and received her gift? The one to transform into a deer?

Ramona's magic that helped us with death and coming back is gone. We don't have our antler tattoos anymore. But maybe we can still become deer, maybe that power is still there in all of us.

I know we all have our own thoughts and opinions on the ones we voted over on their fates. What happened to Ramona Derwin has never sat right with me. I think were wrong to Awaken her. I know it turned out to be what a lot of people chose for her, but... to condemn her to Beasthood? I suppose I could hardly blame her fear of returning to being nothing more than a fictional character, to the uncertainty of existing if she went back. Julia made her real. I wished she'd been Sacrificed.

I wish things could be different. I want to tell her I'm sorry.

Maybe the only way I can tell her is if I'm a deer, but I don't know if it's possible to become it again. My Death Statue is in Sleepy Town, but the danger is too great to go there again. I have to find another way, if I can.

My name is D, for those of you who aren't familiar with me, I organized and designed the Outpost.

For several months Snow White and I have been speaking with the beast commonly called Deerlona, the first Sleeper to arrive in Trench, named Ramona.

She says that when she was released from the nightmare world the waking world was already soaked in blood pollution but beasts were just beginning to emerge, but she could tell they would be permanent. Most things were in chaos, but that as corruption and beasts became more common the world became more balanced.

When we asked, Ramona also said she believes Pthumerians are part of maintaining that balance.

She hated Riteor as well. She called him a power hungry hack and she's glad that we chose to get rid of him.

I have sent further questions to her on the possibility of Hali's offer, but Ramona doesn't always respond quickly.

Anyone who wishes to ask her anything should seek Deer to act as messengers; She is very protective of Sleepy Town and also feels a compulsion to attack people.

There are more construction projects this month at the Outpost, but I also wanted to announce that Manabu will be leading a project to construct a road between Trench and Riteor's city.

And on that subject, I am going to ask Hali to take over or prevent Pthumerian influence on that city.

( The feed opens up to a young man sitting on a bed in a dimly-lit bedroom. Dark circles blossom beneath his eyes like bruises. To say he seems nervous is an understatement. His general body language is tense and a bit withdrawn, and it isn't difficult to spot the way his hands literally tremble as he places them in his lap, or the way his voice shakes here and there at the edges. )

Hey there. I'm uh— not sure how many people might already know me, but I'm Peter. Peter Graham. I don't think I've ever like.... really introduced myself on this thing, but I've been here for a while. I was in Deerington, too.

( He gives a shy little smile that looks more like a wince, something almost apologetic. )

I'm not— I'm not too good at this kind of thing. But I wanted to ask something, something I've been thinking about for.... awhile. I guess this is going to sound kind of weird. ( An awkward pause, and then Peter's leaning to reach for a little sheet of paper, holding it in his hands. Yes, it seems that he's written down what beats to hit.... )

Got my notes. ( Another pained little smile, before the expression slowly sobers into a frown, and his eyes are dropping down to look at his paper. )

Does anyone have any experience with...... séances? Or any information about them in general? Um.... I know what they basically are, what they're meant to.... do. To open a door— a veil? To communicate with someone who's died.

( There's the softest flutter of Peter's eyelids, and a gentle exhale, before he continues. )

But is it possible that they can do... more than that? Maybe something else could get through the veil? Something that isn't.... the ghost that a person was trying to talk to. Something that maybe even isn't a ghost at all?

Is it possible that someone could make that happen.... intentionally?

( Peter has to take a few moments to breathe, heart pattering away anxiously in its ribcage. All of this is exceptionally difficult for him to address. )

....Whatever you might know, or could tell me. There are things that... happened, back in my own world, and I'm still.... trying to understand. I've been learning more about the uh... supernatural, from people here. But I figured I would open this up to the public, get as much information as I can.

It's okay if you don't wanna tell who you are though, if you'd rather go anonymous. I know this kind of stuff can be.... weird. Um, personal. ( The lump in his throat tightens, as he slowly reaches to end the message. )

Thanks for listening. I— I appreciate it.

Rose Dawson has returned to the sea, and perhaps home.

I'm not sure if she promised anything to anyone, but please let me know if so, and I will make sure it comes to you in a timely way.

[The feed opens up to an unnaturally beautiful garden. For those familiar with Ange Ushiromiyra or Beatrice's magic they'll certainly recognize the golden butterflies fluttering about the and resting upon the golden roses. While this area looks nothing like Trench, one of the carnivorous plants can be seen going to snap at one of the butterflies.

Only for Ruby Rose to pop up on the screen and slices the plant in two with a scythe made of scythe made of pure energy that she had not been seen with before. In fact she seemed incredibly energetic for someone who should be dealing with the draining effect on cold bloods this month. She's also dressed surprisingly formal for her usually very goth tendencies. She quickly dusts herself off and looks to whatever is projecting the Feed.]

Sorry about that. Just dealing with a few nasty pests that stumbled in here.

Speaking of which~!

I thought it would be fun to give everyone a little tour of The Golden Land my beautiful wife, The Golden Witch Ange Ushiromiya has created.

[The feed turns shows off the beautiful Garden, along with a gazebo with a table set for a tea party beneath it, a massive hedge maze that contains various doors that poke out from the overgrowth unnaturally. As they pass by a couple of the doors one might hear a few bangs or something that might sound like finger nails raking on the doors. Ruby seems to ignore it until she notices one slowly start to open and she'll step in to slam it shut and lock it with a key before turning back to the camera.]

Oh, just ignore that! Some people get a little rambunctious waiting for dinner, you know?

[Speaking of dinner, the next door in the hedge maze is open, and it leads to an extravagant kitchen. Inside that kitchen, one Xerxes Break is not making dinner. He is sitting cross-legged on the table, forming bits of crust into an intricate top for a terribly pretty pie. He has already made cookies and some wads of frosting shaped like roses that probably have cupcakes underneath, and is having a grand time. He glances up as Ruby steals a cookie.]

There you are. When you've finished whatever you're up to, come see me, would you? I was thinking we ought to come up with a present to make for Miss Ange. [As he speaks, he picks up a fork and casually hurls it off to the side somewhere. There's a thunk, and the angry gurgling of another carnivorous plant that tried to follow Ruby in.] Since she's made us such a lovely new home, we ought to make something really great for her too, don't you think?

[Quite frankly sitting on tables and throwing cutlery is just normal Break behavior. But those who recognize him may notice that the one red eye he keeps visible has a distinct glow about it, and his ever present omen — who is on the floor nearby, happily chewing up a pumpkin someone has conjured for him — has all of his too many teeth out in a manic doggy grin he cannot quite seem to put away.]

[Ruby bounces on the balls of her feet in excitement.]

That's a great idea! I'll wrap this up quick!

[And quickly begins to float out of the kitchen and into a grand lobby that seems to be just as over grown as everything else. There is a Portrait of her and Ange that eventually stops by and presents with open arms.]

Any who wish to visit this wonderful world created by our Golden Witch, Ange Ushiromiya are welcome to.

But please try not to cause any problems. I'll only politely ask you to leave once.

[And the feed closes with a smile that seems almost a little too sweet as she again grips that large scythe.]

[OOC Purple is Break.

TLDR Ange has made an interdimensional hidey hole centralized There will be a log coming up in the next few days to explore the area and have some fun!]

What's up, losers? Put aside your weekly mental breakdown for like two seconds and listen up because I've got a hella important message to make.

[ She takes a pause, like she's giving people an actual moment to stop what they're doing. This her attempt at being polite here. ]

It's only two more sleeps until it's officially National Give Chloe Price a Present For Being Born Day. That's me. I'm Chloe Price. It's March 11th, for those who don't know how calendars work. Don't forget, I hold grudges for life.

And before I get the small talk "Aw, how old are you gonna be?" shit: 22, which is the awesome age of not being a fucking child, so the next person who calls me "kid" better be old enough to actually be my parent or I'm punching you in the teeth.

[ She's fine. It's fine. This isn't a sore spot for her or anything.

She takes a breath. That's probably good for her to do. Except that as she does, it's easy to feel fucking exhausted. Practicing with her blood powers this month is not leaving her up for her usual angry outbursts. ]

PSA over. Is there like a quick energy fix in this place? Red Bull? Monster? Fucking Starbucks Double Shots, I'll take anything at this point.

[ Luna is... looking a little overwhelmed, although it might be hard to determine considering she's usually so wide-eyed all the time. But it does look like there's honestly too much going on all at once. The poor girl is a bit over-stimulated with the latest round of blood effects. Her senses are in overdrive, and just... so terribly confused right now. ]

How do I make a room that's silent—? Like from the outside? So I don't hear what's going on outside? Or perhaps someone has some very powerful ear-plugs? That might be a bit more convenient for going about outside, really...

[ She trails off for a long moment before she grimaces a little and then continues: ]

Something is... not quite right. Sometimes it's fine and then everything just goes... weird. Things... taste. And feel. When I shouldn't be able to taste or feel them in the first place. I just keep getting all these tastes in my mouth and they won't stop. [ Eating has been a nightmare the last few days. ]

It's... like I know what people taste like. And feel like.

[ Because that doesn't sound absolutely horrifying in the slightest. ]

This... is a blood thing, isn't it? I'm a Paleblood, if that helps. It must be a blood thing. Is... anyone else having this issue?

ooc: pls feel free to drop hints as to what character voices may taste like or physically feel like in ur tags. or I could just make something up for them.

Since everyone else is asking questions:

Bonding Pacts: How revealing are the connections? Can you feel everything the other is feeling? Can you keep anything private?

Has anyone had a bad experience with a bond?

Did your bond help with corruption or beasthood?

Did you regret getting one?

[ ...and then another, since he might as well: ]

And unrelated: How many times have you died here? Does it have side effects?

[ By the 15th, this post will have disappeared off the network. ]

[ When the feed starts, it’s at a bit of an awkward angle, a teenage boy half-staring at the camera, but still clearly fiddling with the Omni itself. At least he does seem kind of aware he turned it on, since he mumbles: ]

So you send a message this way..?

[ In fact, if you look, the teenage boy may look faintly familiar - just a few decades younger than people who know Daniel may be used to. But that sure is Daniel LaRusso as a teenager, seemingly trying to figure out the Omni– though he doesn’t get too far with it before he is suddenly lifted up by a dashing, handsome young lad in a red leather jacket with a distinct cobra design on the back of it, making Daniel drop the Omni as he’s startled by it. But just as quickly as he is lifted up, the boy turns and dumps the other kid in a steel trash bin. There’s a lot of banging, clattering and shouting that gets cut off as the blonde boy puts the lid on it and holds it down with one arm.]

What the hell was that loser doing anyways?

[Teen Johnny then steps away from the trash bin before suddenly pushing forward and shoving it down. There’s a crash and off camera it sounds like the can is rolling down a hill. Johnny steps back and notices the camera rolling. He smiles an 80’s heartthrob smile and fires finger guns at the camera.]

Hey babes.

Johnny Lawrence here, Ace Degenerate.

Me and LaRusso here are throwing a badass party once we find a place to host it. He’s a dweeb, I know, but trust me. I’ll make sure it’s awesome. It’s going to blow that other big party out of the water.

[ There’s a suspicious sound in the background, if you can hear it over Johnny Lawrence chewing up the scenery over here. Something akin to more clattering, and then a rush of footsteps. ]

Be there or be squa–

[ Unfortunately Johnny doesn’t get to finish that sentence, because Daniel suddenly runs back into the frame, tackling the blonde straight to the ground– and onto the Omni, meaning the feed cuts out. ]

[ Off-center on the screen is a small freckled child with an impressive green bedhead. His T-shirt, of a suitable size for a teenager, is now as long as a bedgown. He fitfully rubs the sleep from his eyes. ]

Please... Anyone we know who can watch us... and reach high things... and cook katsudon? Paul-kun and I are seven years old now. Kaworu-kun is two whole years younger than us. He’s so little...

[ Tears prick at the edges of his huge green eyes. He just woke up like this, he misses his mom, he barely remembers how to work the Omni, but he must make his case. He has to ask for help for the sake of his friends, one of whom is very tiny!

However, the tiny one seems unconvinced.] Someone always comes. They leave you alone for a bit and then come back when they need you.

[ The other seven year old in question stands behind Izuku with his arms crossed over his chest, an effect somewhat undercut by the fact the sleeves of his too big sweater flop over his hands and dangle towards the floor. He glares from underneath a fringe of messy curls that match Izuku’s except for their dark colour, and amends Izuku’s statement with a crisply pronounced: ]

Which doesn’t mean we can’t defend ourselves.

Oh! [ Izuku remembers, ] And I’m very sorry, but you can’t watch us unless you’re our friend. Mom taught me not to talk to strangers.

[ Paul nods emphatically, then turns away from the screen to disappear to the left. When he does, the end of a sheathed knife that’s almost comically large for his small frame is briefly visible under the hem of his sweater. He is not kidding around about self-defense. ]

[ Izuku glances offscreen after him. ] Paul-kun, what do you have there—

[ Cheerfully, without an ounce of hesitation, Paul answers: ] A knife!

[The pale haired boy tilts his head curiously.] What’s a stranger...?


[ ooc: Due to last year's recurring event, these are temporary AU versions of Deku wannasmash, Kaworu peripheries, and Paul terriblepurpose ]

( this little recording takes place between the misfire adventure argument she had with her sister, vi, but before the sleep farm hell grounds. the first thing one will notice is the girl's hair. it's blue, naturally but there are some red streaks along the locks. if anyone knows of jinx personally or face to face, at least, this means she is somewhat in a huffy mood.

but despite this, she is smiling but in a smug sort of way as she tilts her omni upward, so anyone watching can get a bird's eye view of her. it seems she is outside, AT FARTHER SHORES, to be exact. and maybe this time around, jinx will finally make an announcement or do something on the network that isn't chaotic. )

Hiya, hiya! Didya miss me? 'Course you did. 'Cuz not havin' your local "The Loose Cannon" around to excite your days will just be a set up for dullsville. And who wanna live like that?

( wiggling her eyebrows and clicking her tongue, she resumes on. )

I'm on my way to dive into the ocean! ( she raises up her free arm to let it transform itself into a squid tentacle to do a brief "the worm" motion.)

I had a BLAST idea that maaaaaybe there's somethin' I really need and it's at the bottom. So I'm gonna swim for it.

( her arm resorts back to its natural state with an amusing hum in her throat. there's a slight skip-glitch in the video, but it's fine. we're fine. )

But! — Before I do that, there's a lil' game I gotta finish for a friend. And I need a volunteer for it. So...

( jinx lowers the omni so those can get a better look of her. the grin on her widens but with so much mischievous play in it. )

Who wants to make out with me? ( she giggles then before raises up an index. )

Before all of you jump, I got a few requirements. One. You gotta be the right age for this. I'm eighteen so... figure it out. Two. I swing both ways, all the more lovin', right?

Three? If you DON'T blow my mind like I'll blow yours, I'll hang you up to dry.

( what... does that even mean? she won't tell. )

So when you're ready — ♪ Baby, come get it! ♪

( and now suddenly singing: )

♪ I want you to be my entertainment. No, no, no. Don't keep me waitin'! ♪

( he doesn't typically make use of the network, content to read and stay within his own boundaries but he's feeling a little thoughtful today so.

so, here he is. )

if you had the choice, would you stay alive eternally and watch everyone you love eventually die or would you die young and miss out on a life lived?

[ It's in the early hours of the morning of the second that Luna opens the feed. At first nothing looks awry, there's simply the cosy low-light of her bedroom and from what can be seen around Luna's shoulders everything seems calm. Well, slightly eerie, considering the soft glow that comes from under her skin, even slightly visible through her pyjamas. That's a new thing for this month, as if she (and everyone else for that matter) might see the very pulse of her blood within her veins. It's like she's turned into a literal nightlight.

And then Luna's face comes into view as she brings the camera up: bedraggled and wide-eyed and expression strained. There's panic in her eyes, worry. Her breathing's shaky as she stares at the camera for a moment, not sure how to start. Something is clearly wrong. ]

I need— answers. [ Her gaze shifts off-camera, then back. She swallows thickly, relenting. ] We were fine, we went to bed. We had a nice day, and we were fine— he was fine, and now— now he's— I'll just— let me show—

[ With much fumbling, she shifts the camera round. It turns to her bed, where a strange, human-shaped mass of grey lies upon it. She moves closer, and it slowly becomes clearer that the mass is in fact Peter Graham — concealed in the grey mucus, covered in tiny eyes that all stare up at her. The young man doesn't seem to be in any obvious distress: he simply sleeps inside the gross-looking slime that covers him. Luna keeps the camera on him for a long moment before she turns it back to her. ]

What is this—? What does it mean—? [ The questions come quickly. It is rare for Luna Lovegood to get herself all in a fluster, but this is Peter she's talking about. She's worried, and the fact that even she's openly worried and scared for him speaks volumes. ]

I've heard about... something like this. It happens to Sleepers sometimes, but I've never seen it. Is this when they go home—? Is that what it means—? Where do they go? Where did he go? I need answers, someone must be awake—

[ It might be obscenely late, but surely someone will be up to provide her with information. Does it mean going home? Luna's... frightened of that. She doesn't know everything about how things were in Peter's world, but she knows more than most. And she knows that there's nothing good for Peter back home. ]

How long will he be like this? How long does it last? He'll come back, yes? He has to. [ She flops down to sit on the edge of her bed, Peter just behind her in the camera's view. She's fretful, bewildered. Silence falls for a long moment, Luna looks utterly exhausted. But then again, this is hardly the most pleasant way to wake up in the middle of the night. And she's woken up plenty times in the middle of the night due to horrible, terrible and sometimes disgusting things.

Her voice grows very small, barely a whisper. How did this happen? ]

... I don't understand, he just— it was his birthday—

( This is not Peter Graham, though of course, posting anonymously takes away that possibility. The user didn't want to use the boy's network handle, to inevitably be seen through the filter of "Not Peter."

The user is trying to define his own identity. )

why did you choose your title here on this THING
what is the meaning
?
?

( ...Texting is still something he struggles with, though the demon has been watching and learning and forming his own conclusions on how to do it. Autocorrect is a life-saver. Two questions get two question marks. ....Even if they go in the wrong place. )

i will grant you a
GOLDEN COIN
if you
RESPOND

( ...For those who know Paimon fairly well, that particular offer of exchange might betray who he is. But the demon of Knowledge is curious to hear reasons, and within them: perhaps stories, memories, self-perceptions. There is a meaning to everything, whether simple or complex.

And perhaps by the end of it, he will know what title he would give himself, here on the network. )

Good evening,

I need a bit of some assistance or advice. My sleeper isn't being active and all she ever does is sleep. Making her get up just to do daily tasks like brush her hair, teeth, eat, and etc... it's just been very difficult!!

I'm wondering if this is happening with other sleepers or is it just her? And if this is happening with others, can you please give me some ideas on what I should do or what's been helpful? Thank you very much in advance!

— Signed,

A very concerned anonymous Omen.