WHO: Narrative (open for reactions) WHEN: Friday 6/19 WHERE: Zion Mystique WHAT: Teleportation WARNINGS: Intense magical using STATUS: Complete
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It started at daybreak, everything was broken down that could be. Tents that normally stayed up were torn down and stowed. All personal effects from tents were packed up and stowed as well. Wagons, animal pens, everything that could be moved closer, was. Even the shipping containers were moved in. Rides were torn down, it was the biggest breakdown Zion had done in years. Almost like before the teleportation spell. And it took all day, but all hands (that could be) were on deck to help.
The mess tent was the last to be torn down, after everyone had a chance to get dinner. Kristoph took a moment to say a few words to everyone. He rambled a little, but thanked everyone for all their hard work. He got a little teary-eyed when he spoke of Edi's return and ensured everyone she was still recovering. By this point it was common knowledge that Edi wasn't actually a normal human, she was a very advanced elemental. There were some that didn't get what that actually meant, but enough understood and there were a variety of reactions to the news. Most were pleased she'd been saved. Before his speech ended, Kristoph did explain to everyone the gist of what was going to happen that night. Everyone was to bunker down as they normally did during travels. It was extremely important that no one be outside however, so while many normally piled into the back of the trucks and the carriages, it was requested that some open their wagons for those who needed shelter. The details of how they would get home were vague, but he drove home the importance of positive thinking. Last call for those choosing to remain was at 9pm.
-------- 9pm --------
Almost the entire carnival chose to stay, even a few new faces. Jack, Blackstone, Kristoph and Kieran were all in the professor's wagon. The solar panels on the top were charged and Jack was ready. Kristoph nodded to the boy, the teleportation spell had been initiated from Kristoph's wagon and they were all waiting for the charge up. Jack focused and could see the magic thicken around them as the spell weaved it's way around every aspect of Zion. He was grateful that everything had been grouped in a smaller space, he remembered how strong and large the spell had felt when he tangled with it the first time- he didn't want to risk getting lost in it the second.
Mentally Jack reached out and drew in some magic, opening a spout to the leyline. Multicolored wings stringed from his back, hanging limp with no form and appeared to entwine with his chair. He reached out and took Kieran's hand as he reached out and grabbed the strand of magic that only he could see. He felt the teleportation spell wrap around him as he focused on turning back time.
Just as the first time, Jack felt himself rise out of his chair, seeing himself still there below as he got tangled in the other spell. He reached out and focused on the sigils above him as Blackstone had shown him to do. He felt himself pass through them and as his spirit self- astral self, he wasn't quite sure, but that this self of him passed through those magic infused markings on the roof, he felt a jolt of power. He grasped the teleportation spell and weaved his own with it. Los Angeles, Hollywood, California. He could see the world around him moving, time winding backward. His fingers tightened on his lovers hand, his anchor to 1920.
His lover. The man he'd kept secrets from, betrayed. The man who'd taken convincing to show up that night. Who looked at him with a look of distrust of shame.
It was hard to breath for a moment. He placed a hand over his spirit chest as he felt himself suddenly flooded with guilt. Then, a loud snapping sound was heard followed by a harsh crack. The solar panels strained and slip down the center, breaking the sigils drawn on them. Jack felt himself pulled back to his body and watched as the edges of the world darkened. His head lolled forward. He was alive, breathing, just momentarily blacked out from the drain.
------ Friday evening/Saturday ------
They were not back home. That was clear. They were just outside of town, the land around them once again changing to fit their needs as the carnival 'landed' just outside Hollywood, California in an empty lot just off the freeway. From their location they could see the cars, city lights, all still modern compared to 1920s standards, but definitely not still 2020. That night a few tents were set up in haste with people making makeshift bedrolls for the night. Others stayed in wagons of friends and crashed on the floor, chairs or shared beds.
The following morning, at sunrise, the dinning tent was the first put up and after breakfast was served, the chore of putting everything back up began. Living areas were done first, followed by rides and then the show tents and food stalls. The were containers were moved out and by the end of the evening all of the foundation was back to normal. It would take a few more days for personal belongings and props to be back to where they belonged.
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Going forward: - Sunday, Louis and a small group venture out on recon about where they are. They bring the Reverend who once again manages to help secure some money of the era so they can get supplies.
- Everyone is alerted that they are not in Hollywood, 1950. Kristoph assures everyone that it will be okay, that this is just a temporary stop over- it takes more to go back than forward. Most seem to accept this- even if they don't like it.
- Jack spends the next 2 days sleeping with moments of consciousness.
- For the time, all cellphones stop working. But a few determined souls are trying to find a way for Zion to keep the handy form of communication.