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

[themogget]

But you didn't die.

[It sounds cold at first, perhaps, that he would say that so bluntly, but there's meaning behind it. He kneads his paws against Roxas' leg for a moment.]

You suffered, but it's up to you now to decide how that suffering changes you. And it will, there's no doubt of that.

[Mogget glances upwards, then lightly butts his head against the boy's chest, rubbing the side of his face there.]

But you can make that choice. So what will it be?

[twilightskey]

[It is blunt, but Roxas can tell there's meaning behind it. Roxas can understand the bluntness, even if his grip briefly stills before Mogget butts his head against his chest.]

[He nods slowly, reaching up to stroke Mogget's head and offer a few more scratches.]

You're right. I... I don't know how I'm going to change, but... I do know I don't want anyone to go through what I did.

[His ears lower, and he hugs Mogget a little closer.]

No one... no one should feel that kind of fear. That kind of torment...

[themogget]

[The cat lets out a little grumble when he's squeezed, but he did get himself into this and his claws stay entirely sheathed. Roxas isn't hurting him, after all.]

No.

[He quiets for a long few moments, softly purring still. No one in this place yet knows just how old Mogget is, just what he is, and just what he's been through and suffered through over the course of his existence. No one knows, and no one is going to know just yet. But perhaps he understands what Roxas is feeling more than the youngster realises.]

Even I have my limits as to what is acceptable treatment of others.

[twilightskey]

[Roxas tries to not squeeze too tightly, just to not hurt Mogget. The last thing he wants is for one of his claws to accidentally hurt his friend.]

Even you? [The faintest shadow of a grin forms on his face.] That's a strange way of putting it.

[themogget]

Even me.

[And right now, too, Mogget would prefer not to be accidentally provoked into sticking his claws into Roxas' arm. No, he wouldn't call the boy a friend - it takes a lot for him to call anyone a friend - but he cares enough to be gentle.]

I'm very old, Roxas. I've seen many things. I existed before humans did, where I come from. But what I saw that night, I would be happy to work to never have to see again.

[twilightskey]

Existed before humans??

[That makes Roxas's ears perk up in surprise. He's never met anyone or anything that was so old before. He didn't even know such a thing was possible.]

But you don't look very old... I guess looks can be deceiving. [He shakes his head a bit.] You're like me, in a way. I look like a regular human, but I've only been around for about two years. Three if you count my time here.

[To be older than humans... he can't even fathom such an age.]

I guess it doesn't matter what age you are; you can still be affected by what happened.

[themogget]

Long before.

[And hey, even a cat can take a compliment about their age. Mogget, naturally a being made completely of magic, has never aged like any mortal creature would age, but it's still pleasant to hear.]

What happened should not have happened, but don't forget that you do have some control over where it takes you.

[Mogget lifts up a paw to press it lightly to the middle of Roxas' chest.]

Settle down. You're going to get some sleep now.

[twilightskey]

[Roxas means what he says. For an eons-old being, Mogget really doesn't look that old, even for a cat!]

Yeah... you're right.

[He blinks in surprise, looking down at Mogget as he presses on his chest. He lets out a weak laugh.]

I would like to... but I haven't been able to sleep through the night since I got home.

[themogget]

[Mogget makes a thoughtful noise.]

Do you see the bell around my neck? [The bell in question is a small silver bell hanging on his collar, nestled beside the pendant he uses as a focus here.]

Its name is Ranna. It is known as the Sleeper. Its effects are greatly reduced here, but I may be able to use it to help you sleep.

[twilightskey]

Huh?

[Roxas blinks, looking at the bell. He carefully reaches over to tilt the bell with one finger, looking at it closer.]

It can do that?

[themogget]

Properly amplified with the native magic, yes, I believe it could.

[The bell jingles very softly in Roxas' fingers, letting out a silvery, somniferous little chime.]

I do have another idea, if you'd prefer to keep magic out of it. But you will still need to lie down.

[twilightskey]

[At the mention of this world's magic, Roxas pauses. There's a brief moment where panic makes him tense, despite the gentle chime of the bell. But as Mogget keeps talking, Roxas nods quickly.]

Uhm... please. No... no magic, if we can.

[His ears lower again. It's a clear sign of how affected by the Cult he was, if he doesn't even want to feel foreign magic.]

[themogget]

Never without your consent, of course.

[There has been more than enough of that lately. Mogget still needs him to lie down, however, and presses lightly on his chest again.]

You have my word. Now, down you go.

[twilightskey]

Thanks.

[He appreciates that. And at Mogget's insistence, he will lean back and lie down.]

Okay. Now what?

[themogget]

[Mogget moves slowly and deliberately, shifting off Roxas' chest and up to the pillows. There, he curls lightly around the boy's head.

And he purrs.]

[twilightskey]

[Roxas watches Mogget move around his head, curious. But when the cat begins purring? A small chuckle escapes him despite himself.]

Thanks, Mogget.

[It may seem a little funny, but that purring really does help him to relax.]

[themogget]

Mm.

[He nudges one back paw very lightly against the top of Roxas' head.]

Go to sleep.

[twilightskey]

Okay, okay.

[Roxas nods, before getting himself a little more comfortable.]

Goodnight.

[And though he's a little tense at first, listening to that purring? It actually does manage to lull Roxas to sleep.]