Player Plot: The Salvation of Geardagas, Part II

[faileas]

Event Log: February, The Salvation of Geardagas: Part II



CW: This plot has a general content warning for kidnapping, torture, experimentation, violence, drug use (incl. aphro), infection/disease and potential death. This is entirely opt-in.

Spirited Away, Part 2 i. Hypothesis One moment, you were free. The next, you wake up in a cold, dark room with eyes on you and the cloying smell of decay all around you. Characters who have been kidnapped are being kept in the lower floor of Alder's estate, which is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors. Without exception, the way out is always either locked or heavily guarded. All kidnapped characters have been infected with the Cwyld (sometimes by proximity to botanical materials, sometimes by being directly exposed to the violent Shades they already have imprisoned) and are being used to further the Evergreen Circle's research into the nature of the plague. The details of these tests is expanded on in the plotting post and, needless to say, their capturers have very little interest in their wellbeing. They're needlessly cruel, often pitting victims against each other and forcing them to infect newer arrivals as they turn up. Subjects are allowed a few hours of sleep at a time and a small meal- assuming that they're not being purposefully deprived of either- and are locked together in cramped cells. ii. Alternative Theory Some characters, however, escape this particular cruelty in favour of something else just as dehumanising. If a member of the inner circle has taken a liking to someone, they'll take them out of the pool of tests subjects and move them into their households. Servitude is ensured by a strong enchantment that scrambles memories and replaces them with the false knowledge that they've been working there all along. These brainwashed servants might also be forced to participate in the torture and testing of the others.

Initiation The night of the initiation party is here. If you've managed to ingratiate yourself with the cult- or at least a member of rank- you'll have already received an elegant envelope with an invitation and all the details. Or maybe you stole one or put together a convincing forgery. Alder's estate is handsome, with a small courtyard lit up with strings of lights and servants at the double doors to greet guests. Inside is just as grand. The hall and ballroom are impressive spaces with vaulted ceilings painted with elaborate star maps and broken up with marble columns that wouldn't look out of place in a palace. Drinks tables are lined up against the walls and there are several smaller drawing rooms off to the side, all of which are full of guests. Throughout the first hour or so, Alder himself flits from person to person, congratulating them and making smalltalk, but he seems different somehow. Excitable. Eager. Of course, there are other ways one might get in; while the front entrance is closely monitored, the side one leading through the kitchens isn’t. In the hustle and bustle, you might slip through unnoticed. i. Cavorting and Cruelty It isn't long before things take a turn. Alder takes to the head of the room and, with his signature voice amplifying enchantment, addresses his audience. He greets everyone and gives a fairly standard speech thanking guests and welcoming initiates to the Evergreen Circle proper- and then it happens. Servants begin to wheel in cages and tanks, all containing individuals infected with the Cwyld at various stages. Some look to have been drugged, others are wide awake, but the regulars seem delighted by their presence. They whisper and titter and applaud. Some of the more docile victims are even taken out to be showed off like animals at a fayre. "Tonight, let us enjoy the fruits of our labour! Witness the progress we've made and share our blessings among yourselves! Fear will only blind you to taking the next step. Indulge, open your minds and take the first step towards your salvation!" What he means by this quickly becomes apparent. While they're not discussing or mocking the imprisoned witches and monsters, the other guests are partaking of vice the party has to offer. The drinks flow freely and there's a manic energy in the air. Those with sharp senses might recognise that some of it has been artificially crafted by enchantments. Furthermore, if you're looking for missing loved ones, you'll no doubt spot them among the "test subjects" or servants. Good luck trying to snap the latter back to reality, though: their memories have been tightly sealed and it might take some work. One of the drawing rooms has been half curtained off and a woman at the door skittishly offers the curious an aphrodisiac-laden draught, though some might have accidentally had some already. Within, guests are draped over every surface in varying states of undress, though there are partitions up to allow for more privacy. What better way is there to spread the Cwyld and strengthen bonds than intimacy? ii. Midnight Show Things reach a fever pitch around midnight. Once more, Alder calls for everyone's attention. "There's one more thing. I know all of you are loyal, true believers- but everyone must be tested," he says, gesturing to several larger bodyguards, "and we have to protect ourselves. There are those who don't understand us and seek to undo our work. Therefore, we need to tie up loose ends." One by one, the least aggressive Cwyld-infected subjects are dragged from their cages and any remaining individuals are brought out, all restrained. One of the bodyguards is carrying a large ceremonial dagger, which he presses to the vampire at the front’s throat. "Rest assured, their deaths with not be in vain: we have learned much and they will make for the perfect offering to the beings who gave us the Cwyld's blessing!" The knife flashes, ready to cut already decaying flesh- - a blood-curdling scream echoes through the room and glass shatters as a Shade breaks free from its prison. It ploughs into the guests, howling with rage as it tears into anyone and everyone that stands in its way, and others soon follow. At some point during the chaos, Alder appears to realise that he’s been caught. He, along with his inner circle, set to work trying to cover up their actions, setting the basement floor alight and using magic to bring down supports to block doorways completely. If you want to gather evidence, it has to be now, else you can focus your efforts on a rescue mission or chasing the cult leader himself down.

[ ooc: More information about the event can be found on the plotting post along with comments for questions, and an IC vote concerning Alder's fate! ]

Comments

[darkcharge]

[ Then it comes. A high pitched, nearly hysterical laugh as his good hand now clutches his head and pulls on his own hair. ]

Ha... Hahahahaha! [ Oh Yona... ] Fake. It's all fake! Fake promises. Lies!

[ No one else is going to hurt him? Hadn't someone told him that before? That he wouldn't have to do this anymore. Wouldn't have to go through it. Yet he had. Where was anyone? Why was no one there this time?

Though one thing does get through. That and maybe because the spell that Yona is using is starting to finally clear out his head a little. ]

Sora...

[ Right. Yes. Sora's here. So... Where? Where is he now? ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She wishes she knew the answer to that, because she's not sure her connection with him is strong enough to make an impact here. Not when he's so badly affected by all this. ]

It's not fake. You don't want to be here, Vanitas. None of us want you here, hurting like this. If you trusted me to heal you, I would... I will. But if you can't, then let us at least go find Sora. Can you feel him? Focus on your Bond, Vanitas. He's looking for you.

[ Because wherever Sora is, she knows that is absolutely true. And maybe focusing on his Bonded will help to ground Vanitas a little more. Although she's still keeping those soothing waves of calming emotions twining around him warmly, doing what she can while still keeping her distance. ]

[darkcharge]

[ Well... Her saying that does register a little. Sora. Right. Sora is here. Vanitas feels throug his bond, searching. Yes. Yes! Sora is here but where? And that's when he actually takes note of that soothing feeling slowly radiating through him. Trying to calm his nerves and make him more lucid. It is working, to a degree. Now that Vanitas is being forced to look inwardly, he can sense it and focus on that as well.

Enough that his eyes start to glaze a bit. His head feels heavy though, even as some of the tension slowly melts from his form. ]

Can feel him...

[ then his eyes just shut and he's trying to breathe and reorient his mind. ]

Just want the pain to go away.

[darkestbefore]

I know, Vanitas.

[ Her voice softens at that as she watches him focus, his attention going distant instead of on an imagined threat before him. She still makes no move to get closer, just keeps him wrapped in warm, calming magics. Trying to ease his mind as much as she can. ]

I want that, too. Will you let me help you? Just until Sora gets here. I can take away a little of the pain, if you'll let me?

[darkcharge]

[ For what it is worth, Yona does seem to be reaching him. Between trying to pick out where Sora is and the soothing magics becoming more dominant, he wouldn't say that his mind is clear. But it isn't racing any more. He's not quite seeing things that aren't there. Though now there's something else slipping in and that's just fatigue. ]

...Okay.

[ Please just make it stop. Even if it's only a little while, just stop. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ Relief flickers plain and stark across her face for a moment before she gets up on her knees once more. ]

I'm going to move just a little closer then, alright, Vanitas? Can you hold out your hand for me? You know how healing spells work. Let me help make it stop hurting.

[darkcharge]

[ He does know how healing spells work. Knows them quite well. He doesn't know he got proficient at them, but he is. However Vanitas can't be the only one, right? It takes another couple of moments of silence with nothing but Van's heavy breathing. ]

Right.

[ Slowly he uncurls his arm from his chest. Even slower, he holds it out. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She waits, letting him make the decision to reach out. To decide if he trusted her with this or not. But when he does, he gets a gentle, reassuring smile as she reaches out and folds her smaller hands around his, her touch warm and careful.

She closes her eyes, letting herself focus on him, on the pain she can feel through that touch. She doesn't feel it like he does, but the pressure of it tingling against her fingertips tells her how intense it must be. Taking a deep breath, she summons her magic and lets it spread out from their point of contact, seeping in through his skin as she lets it chase down the pain and injuries she can sense. She's not a healer - she can't fix him entirely or take all of it away, she doesn't yet have the training for that. But she can ease the worst of it, soothe the most dire of wounds he might be sporting. Dull some of the pain from what he's endured. Enough to clear his mind, hold him over until one of the true healers in the city can look him over. ]

[darkcharge]

[ The ironic thing here is that Vanitas actually does know quite a bit of healing magic himself. Right now he couldn't summon it even if he tried. Maybe one day he can teach Yona what he knows.

Right now, however, it is taking all that he has just to remain present. To stay in this moment and not fall into others. His focus needs to remain here. On her. On his injuries and focus on the warm, numbing sensation spreading through his person. No, it won't take away everything, but it is a start. It's a reprieve from the pain he had been feeling. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She spends as much as she dares - the entire night has been a careful balancing act in not overstretching her reserves so she has what she needs when she needs it - and for who needs it most.

But also... this is Vanitas and she can't quite keep herself from offering a little more on his behalf. Can't resist chasing down as many of the deep pains as she can feel. Her magic is a whisper-light touch of heat, soothing and comforting, shimmering in soft hues of crimson and gold.

It's only when she can feel the worst of the injuries start to knit - enough to hold him over until they can get him to a healer, at the very least - that she draws her magic back. Taking a deep - if shuddering - breath, she opens her eyes, a glint of her magic still lingering in violet depths like a flicker of flame. She looks a little more drawn than before she'd started, but the smile she offers him is genuine if a little hesitant. ]

Did that help a little?

[darkcharge]

[ It's enough though. Enough for Vanitas to at least relax a little. At least his breathing evens out and he isn't distracted by images that are not there. No voices at the moment.

Of course he wouldn't ask her to expend all her magic. No way. Vanitas has been there and knows how taxing it can be. So it's enough. ]

Y-yeah...

[ Just being able to have a clear head for a few moments is a blessing. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ There's relief stark in her expression as she studies his face. One hand reaches up, brushing his hair back out of his eyes. He looks a sight and it makes her heart hurt, but at least he's looking at her with recognition now and not fear and anger.

She gives him a tearful, wobbly smile. ]

Hi.

[darkcharge]

[ Hopefully Yona doesn't try that too much. At least the movement is slow enough that Vanitas can track it. Pushing his hair back just means that she can see the scrapes along the side of his face and the bruising.

But he doesn't flinch. Not this time. ]

Yona...

[ Finally some recognition? ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She won't. But there is a flicker of sorrow in her gaze when the gesture just reveals more of the injuries decorating his skin. Too many.

When he murmurs her name in recognition, there's a relived smile that curves across her lips briefly. Her tone remains soft, quiet, not wanting to give him any starts that might send him back into the grip of that fear and anger that had held him. ]

Yes. It's me. I've been so worried.

[darkcharge]

[ It's a smart move, of course. Sudden movements would be pretty bad. As long as she takes up his full field of vision, Van shouldn't have any issues staying lucid. For now. ]

Hnn. [ Worried... Gross. Worried isn't good, his foggy brain supplies. ] How long?

[ How long have they all been missing? He's lost track of time. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She gives a faint shake of her head, because she doesn't know exactly when he was taken, only that he's been missing a while. ]

Around a week, I believe. Maybe a few days more.

[ Far too long, either way. ]

[darkcharge]

An entire week...

[ Why though? Why had it taken people so long to come and tear this place up? Had they not known the location?

It's a horrible thought to have. yet Vanitas has it and holds onto it with all his might. ]

[darkestbefore]

Everyone's been searching for you - for all the others, too. There were so many taken, but this cult... they hid you all deeply. It was only when they announced this 'gathering' they're having tonight that those of us searching found a way to reach you.

[ There's sorrow in her face at that, and hints of the frustration, as well, of all those days with leads that lead nowhere but dead ends, of all the others that had also gone missing in the process. ]

I'm sorry we couldn't find you sooner, Vanitas.

[darkcharge]

[ Maybe he should feel bad. It's not like it is her fault or any one else's that it has taken them so long to get here. Vanitas might know this on some level, but it doesn't take away from his emotions at the moment. That's just how it is. He's not able to deal with all of those things at the moment.

He's barely able to focus on THIS moment. ]

At least you bothered to.

[ Which might say something about his headspace. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She doesn't take it personally - she's just relieved he's not flinching away in wary fear and unrecognizing anger anymore. ]

Do you think you can stand? I can try and help you get out of here, if leaning on me can help.

[ Is she strong enough to help support his weight? She sure hopes so. She's sure as hell going to try. ]

[darkcharge]

[ Next comes a weak little scoff. ]

They didn't hurt my legs, surprisingly enough.

[ But then he shakes his head. ]

Don't keep touching me. You've done enough and no sense getting infected.

[darkestbefore]

[ She frowns at him. ]

If it means getting you safely out of here, I'll risk it. We need to get you to the healers.

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas scowls right back. ]

You want to risk it...

[ But maybe Vanitas doesn't. Not right now. Not while he's lucid. That could change in a moment. He could shift into that stage where he wants to infect others/ ]

It isn't worth it.

[ Because he really isn't worth it. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She just gives him a scowl, because she can interpret what that really means and she's not having any of it. ]

Maybe, but you are. So come on, work with me here or else I'll figure out a way to drag you out by your feet and that will just be mortifying for us both.

[ She'll do it, too, don't think she won't. ]

[darkcharge]

Then you're going to have to knock me out...

[ LET HIM BE DECENT FOR ONCE YONA! ]