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

[yesdoubt]

[The anger doesn't seem to faze Momo at all, instead leaving him looking almost bored. Everyone being so predictable in their retaliations against the people who decide whether they live or die.

He does, however, shift his position slightly, raising his head and moving the stick just enough to make it a threat again. The change casts more light on his eyes - there's something jagged about his pupils, as if there's some kind of lingering damage from a spell or something similar.]

I've been "like this" for years, so you can put your sob stories away. Or I can make you. It's your choice.

[twilightskey]

What..?

[That change in stance is enough for Roxas to see Momo's eyes. If his words weren't enough to convince Roxas that something was wrong, those damaged pupils are definitely enough of a tip-off.]

They got to you, too. So they're not just capturing us to infect us...

[He growls under his breath, both human and animal. It's just like what Xehanort had been doing to his vessels...]

Listen to me. This isn't you. We might not have met long ago, and you might not believe me, but I know that you're not like this. I know your heart knows who you really are. The heart doesn't forget!

[yesdoubt]

[The wall around Momo's original memories is thorough and with little in the way of weakness, all the more so considering how many spells had to be cast to burn through Momo's protective tattoo against mind control enchantments. So there's little emotion on his face as Roxas talks, besides a slowly increasing scorn at what, to him, feels like a complicated fabrication trying to find his heart.

Which is why, as soon as the last word passes Roxas' lips, there's a flash of movement as Momo shoves the metal bar he's holding back through the cage bars. In an unpleasant demonstration of control, he stops it about an inch before it would've hit him in the throat, pointed canines bared in the slightest touch of a sadistic smile.]

Try me, and you'll see exactly what I can be like if you're trying to draw my attention. [It's a low, controlled threat, something that actually comes quite easily to Momo given what he's willing to do even under normal circumstances when someone gives him cause to. But it likely looks that much worse to anyone who isn't familiar with his more feral side.]

[twilightskey]

[Roxas recoils back as the bar is thrust back through the cage, stopping just before his throat. His ears flatten as he holds still, surprise and hurt in his eyes as he looks at Momo's expression. How deeply rooted was whatever magic they used on Momo? Could he even remove it without magic of his own?]

[He slowly swallows out of nerves, before he speaks again, slowly.]

I'm not lying, I swear. You might not remember, but your heart does. The heart remembers what's most important.

[He knows that intimately; back home the memories of Xion may have faded from people's minds, but they didn't fade from their hearts. It was the connection needed to bring her, and by extension him, out of Sora's heart. If such a connection could exist in his world, why not in this one?]

[yesdoubt]

[There's a slight scoff at that as Momo withdraws the bar, the repetition of the words seeming to do nothing more to him than the first time around. As he is, it just seems a hopelessly naive sentiment.]

Keep telling yourself that if it helps you sleep at night. Who knows, maybe you'll live longer.

[He rests the bar across his shoulders again, one hand draped over it - and then sweeps it out again to slam at the cage bars a little further up, immediately behind the head of a local kidnap victim who was on the brink of dozing off. They scurry away from the bars and deeper into the cage, and Momo lets out a faint, bored sound through his teeth as they do.]

You're all the same, anyway. Pretty words about caring for others until it's your neck on the block, and then everyone's selfish when it comes down to it. At least I'm honest about it.

[twilightskey]

[Roxas frowns at those words, but flinches back at the sudden slam, the clang of metal on metal resounding in the area. He looks to see if the victim is okay, but he turns to Momo in surprise.]

What..? Why would you even think that? Not everyone is like that!

[yesdoubt]

[Why is it he thinks that? Because he's met so many people like that - people who can't be moved to make a change unless it's posed to suit them in some way, people who would rather be comfortable than courageous. There are precious few people who aren't, but for some reason, Momo can't remember the specifics of all the people like that and all the ones who aren't. Even his master is like that, so the small number of people who aren't trying to use him...

He laughs it off, almost pitying if it wasn't still so unpleasant.]

It's almost cute how naive you are. Maybe if you offer yourself up willingly for becoming an infected husk then it'll stop us from hurting some others for a little while. So why don't you?

[It's a twisted way of making his point, but...well, everyone in this basement is "selfishly" trying to survive. He considers Roxas no different in that regard.]

[twilightskey]

[The offer makes Roxas hesitate, staring at Momo in disbelief. What sort of an offer was that?! He grits his teeth, looking at the other victims in the cages nearby, seeing others in sorry states before looking back at Momo. How to help break through that fog...]

Is that it, then? That's really what you think?

...Then if I said to focus on me, and leave the others be, you'll honestly do that?

[yesdoubt]

[Momo tilts his head, eyes narrowing with a sort of sadistic amusement. It's a fun idea to dangle over his head, but then, there's more than one person on this project.]

Sure, I will. I can't speak for anyone else here, but if you're really acting unselfishly then it shouldn't matter however small the change you might make is, should it?

[It's...difficult to tell whether he's intending to keep to the spirit of the agreement as much as the wording, however. He could just use it as an excuse to drive the point further home - Momo's cunning and manipulative enough to run circles around people who think they're good at it, it's just that he doesn't normally use it for these reasons.]

[twilightskey]

[Roxas grips the bars tighter, frowning hard at Momo. He knows that whatever magic is on Momo is making him do this, but maybe if he can get him to focus on him, he could weaken it some. He doesn't know how effective such singling out could be, given Roxas doesn't have that strong of a connection with Momo, but maybe even something small could help. The smallest glimmer of recollection could be all that's needed for Momo's heart to remember.]

[So, it's after briefly looking down with a defeated sigh that he looks back at Momo, expression hard.]

Fine. Then you can... focus on me, and leave the others here alone.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo smiles, indulgent, in a way that shows the very tips of his pointed canines. There's very much the impression of a predator that just had prey practically walk into its mouth.]

Perfect. I have just the thing. [He doesn't show his hand too overtly just yet, instead marking out a spell on his wrist and drawing out a large "bubble" of a shield that presses up against the cage door. While Momo can reach through it to open the cage lock, upon entering it Roxas will find it functionally impenetrable from the inside once it's closed up behind him - it's to avoid Momo getting infected himself, since his master is awaiting more conclusive results before infecting staff as dangerous to compromise as a bodyguard.]

Come along, then. Don't try me, or you'll just die before you can save anyone at all.

[twilightskey]

[Roxas knows he's more than likely walking into a trap; he's not completely naive. But if Momo focuses on him, maybe he can talk to him. Sow some seeds of doubt, perhaps. This might not work, but it's better than not trying at all.]

[Roxas frowns at Momo, but steps forward into the bubble. Out of curiosity he presses against it, unsurprised to feel his being unable to escape.]

Alright. I'm here.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo closes the bubble behind him once he enters, but clearly that's not the trap of itself, since Momo begins to walk with the bubble alongside him - it's a method of transport rather than the end of itself. The intended destination is one of the larger cages - one of the ones that's been used for pitting fighters against each other, but there's currently nobody else in there, and nobody in the midst of using it.

Except Momo, of course. He opens the door on this side of the cage and sets the shield against it, opening it just enough to allow Roxas to pass into the larger cage. If he doesn't leave willingly, the shield will begin to invert towards the hole, pushing him out in the end anyway so Momo can lock it up again.]

I'll be back in a moment. Don't make a fuss, I won't be bringing another person.

[But clearly he's bringing something, because he heads off through the cages and out of sight. It's difficult to tell whether he's looking for a specific cage, another Witch for a specific flavour of experiment, or something else entirely.]

[twilightskey]

[Roxas recognizes one of these cages; being a capable fighter, the other cultists have taken to throwing Roxas into cages like this to see his fighting prowess. Roxas enters the cage warily, but turns to Momo when he begins speaking.]

...Alright.

[He won't fuss, but he's on guard. He flexes his claws and makes his ears stand upright, trying to catch any sound of what Momo might be planning.]

[yesdoubt]

[It's not a long wait. After a minute or two, there's the sound of something rolling along the ground, getting nearer, before another cage is brought to the other opening on the larger one. It might initially look like Momo is breaking his word entirely, but when the two linked cage doors are opened to allow whatever's in the smaller one through, it...barely moves.

It takes a few sharp prods from the metal bar before the shape stumbles through the door with a snarl and flops on the floor of the larger cage. It's a Shade - but it's been seriously injured by another fight, one of its limbs so clawed up it can barely put weight on it and most of the others also heavily wounded or shortened, making even the living corpse-like creature have difficulty moving. While it snarls at Roxas, it's definitely going to take time to gather itself for an actual attack.

Locking the other side of the cage again, Momo comes around to the middle, already with a clipboard in hand to record results.]

This one is running out of use, but maybe it can have one last bit of exercise before it dies. After all, in this condition, it would be selfish to leave even a Shade alive.

[There it is - the point he was trying to get at. He's not hurting anyone else, as promised...because nobody really thinks of Shades as more than a thing unless they knew or saw the person changed into one. And so clearly Momo needed to set up a situation where hurting something else is the less "selfish" option.]

[twilightskey]

[When the sorry excuse of a Shade is dropped into the cage, Roxas recoils at the sight. What... this Shade was in such bad condition! It was barely moving... even Roxas felt a pang of pity for it.]

[He takes a step towards the Shade, keeping his distance from it, but crouching down to get a better look at it. His eyes are wide in shock, and his ears angle down in sadness.]

What... happened to it?

[yesdoubt]

[Momo can't help but laugh quietly, though it's a nasty little thing, like he can't quite believe what he's hearing. Even with the distance Roxas is keeping, the Shade becomes more alert as he gets nearer, snarling and snapping once he crouches down, like it would love nothing more than to launch itself across the cage at him.]

Does it matter? It's not going to have any pity for you, so sparing any for it is a waste of time.

[Indeed, even as he says that, the Shade manages a lurching step forward, jaws practically slavering in its aggression towards another sign of life in the cage with it.] But that means you understand the condition it's in, right?

[twilightskey]

[Roxas looks to Momo, anger flashing across his face.]

They shouldn't have even been allowed to get this bad! Why are you okay with this?! This is just... just cruel!

[Even if they're little more than a Shade, keeping one in this condition... it's just cruel.]

[Roxas takes a step back when the Shade tries to lunge forward, and he briefly squeezes his eyes shut. It's... it's like what Vanitas said, out in the Wilde. He doesn't have a choice.]

[He grits his teeth, claws flexing. He'd prefer a weapon, but if he's fast enough... he'll dart forward, trying to get around and behind the Shade. If he can get behind it..!]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo's brows threaten to creep into his hairline at that, amusement tinging his expression that little bit more.]

You seem surprised. Everything that's going on down here for the excuse of "the greater good", and this is what makes you realise it's cruel?

[Momo's brainwashing had focused more on switching his loyalties to someone higher in the cult and twisting him to be more cruel in general, so it didn't quite nail loyalty to the broader cult and ideals or buying into the idea that it's a greater good. The nature of his loyalty means he'll do what he's asked of by the person his loyalties have been switched to, though.

The Shade tries to turn around towards Roxas when he moves behind it, but it can't turn very quickly with the state of its limbs, so there's definitely a wide open opportunity to attack it in the moment or two before it can get back to face him. Its jaws are massive and look like they've started to be mutated by the Shade change, though, so it's best to be very quick before those can get anywhere near pointing at him again.]

[twilightskey]

[Roxas is going to be as quick as he can, aiming for the back of the Shade's neck with his claws. He may not have his magic or Keyblades, but he's still a beast when it comes to combat.]

[His claws sink into the Shade's neck, tearing at whatever connective tissue is there. Hopefully he can give it a quick death. As he holds it down and digs his claws into it, his ears angle to the sides as he looks at Momo.]

Everything that's going on here is cruel. It's bad enough we're being tortured and have all these experiments done on us. But I thought the Circle just wanted to infect us all with the Cwyld and convert us into Shades for their own benefit. But even after putting us through all this and forcing us to go through all this torture, they don't even care about the Shades they create! This is... it's playing with lives, in the worst possible way. I've seen Heartless that were more merciful than this!

[He's letting his anger seep into his voice, but he's careful to not include Momo in his rant. Because it's not Momo's fault he's being controlled. It's all the Emerald Circle's doing.]

The Emerald Circle are worse than monsters. This is just... a breeding ground for darkness. Can't you see that??

[yesdoubt]

[The Shade struggles violently as its neck is torn at - it's not particularly thick in the neck, so it won't take too much to break it apart. Still, it continues squirming and twisting until the very end, trying to get purchase to rip at Roxas, so the death won't quite be a mercifully instantaneous one.

Momo almost appears to be only half-listening to Roxas' little speech, busy writing notes on the fight and how this particular Shade has ended up disposed of. But it's clear enough that he's heard all of it by the end, when he rests his clipboard at his front again and shows his pointed canines in a smile that speaks all too obviously that he thinks such concerns are hopelessly naive.]

Do you think I'm blind? I'm doing my job. I don't really care about anything else, honestly, but it's a little bit more fun than I'm used to having on duty, so I'll take it. After all, I have to show at least a little bit of mercy and restraint out in public.

[Just to drive it home that he does not even remotely care. That was the irony the cult turned back on Momo in their brainwashing - because what made him blow his cover was snapping at the first hint he got of what was going on down here, the deepest punishment would be to have him not just participate in it, but do so with relish.]

[twilightskey]

[He tried his best, digging his claws into the Shade until it stopped moving. Whoever this Shade was... he hopes they're able to pass on peacefully.]

[Momo's answer just makes Roxas stare for a moment, completely gobsmacked by the answer. How could he not even care? It makes Roxas grit his teeth, ichor-stained claws clenching into fists.]

You're awful.

[yesdoubt]

[Eventually, the Shade stills, when its head has basically been parted from the rest of it. It's all dry and clean, as Shades tend to be considering their state by the time the magic is keeping them alive, but it's still not a terribly pleasant addition to the cage.

He takes a deliberate moment to note something else down before bothering to look at Roxas, his smile light and on the edge of mocking.]

That's the nicest thing anyone's called me all day, but I'm sure you could come up with something more original if you tried. [He's been called a lot of the same handful of things by the people trapped, and unfortunately his normal state of finding it extremely easy to let insults roll off his back has carried over to this one.]

[twilightskey]

[The casual jeer just makes Roxas growl deeply; a rumbling, animalistic sound. In a flash he's off of the Shade and slams his hand against the bars, which let out a resounding clang! throughout the room.]

How about you come in here so I can knock some sense into you!

[yesdoubt]

[Since Momo had the forethought to stand more than an arm's length from the cage, the sudden attack doesn't even make him flinch. People don't throw aggressive kidnapped monsters and creatures in cages if they don't completely trust those cages are going to hold up to attack, and while he doesn't remember why in this condition, loud noises are far from unfamiliar to him.]

How energetic you are, all of a sudden. Should I bring you another playmate?

[There are plenty of other Shades to pit him against, though the others aren't going to be in nearly as bad shape.]