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

[oathkeeper]

[It's quite the display each time but Sora is there for as long as he can be. Reaching out to grasp Vanitas' hand or arm or even at one point hugging him from behind and resting his head on Vanitas' shoulder. All to just keep the other as calm as possible without anything escalating too bad. But it seems like the healers are fairly used to this reaction from the others too. It was a hard night for everyone.

Eventually, there is a time that they finally get released to go home. Sora looks at Vanitas and feels that uneasiness in his heart again. But he moves to help Vanitas up quickly when he almost collapses. This time he's moving to give Vanitas a piggyback ride. Helping to pull him onto Sora's back!]

Vanitas-! I got you...

[He can just sleep on Sora's back as they head home.]

[darkcharge]

[ It speaks volumes about Van's condition that he just allows Sora to do this without fighting back. Without demanding to have some of his pride and dignity intact. Then it says a lot of something else when instead, Vanitas puts arms around Sora and holds onto him like a lifeline. There's still so much residual fuzz left in his brain and that filters through their bond - so much static and relief.

What must Sora think when he can start to feel something wet and warm on the back of his neck? Where Van's face is buried of course...

For Van, it's done. It's over. He won't have to go back inside the cage. However the damage that's been done won't heal overnight. The hallucinations and visions have stopped, but not the flashbacks. It's that sort of terror that still grips at his heart even as they make their way through the streets and back to their home.

Safe. We're safe. I'm safe.

That's all he can repeat in his mind to keep going. ]

[oathkeeper]

[On the way home Sora does try to talk a little bit. Just reciting old stories or quietly rambling about times together or the days before all this happened. He doesn't really know what else he can do right now. Except for just keeping Vanitas safe. When he feels the soft wetness of tears on the back of his neck Sora's heart aches and he squeezes Vanitas' leg gently where he's holding him.

When they get back to their home he knows that Mira should be close by too. She had helped him rip through some cultist.

Sora will slowly take them up to their bedroom. His body is tired and aching from tonight too but he just keeps going... When they get to their bed Sora whispers softly,]

Vanitas? ... Do you want a hot bath?

[darkcharge]

[ It's enough, really. The rambling, that is. Sora just talking and filling the dead space with his words and the sound of his voice is all that Vanitas needs at the moment. Maybe he doesn't focus on the tales that Sora tells or, rather, he won't remember them later. But right now it's needed to put his mind a bit more at ease. Something to focus on because now isn't quite the time to process everything and decompress.

Of course the moment that Sora steps inside the house, where they are surrounded by familiar sights and scents and all things that are theirs, the tension eases out of Van's shoulders.

He doesn't say anything, but nods against the back of Sora's neck. Yes, he wants a shower. He's been dirty for days. Van hates dirty. ]

[oathkeeper]

Okay, let's get a hot bath started.

[Something hot, soothing and clean should be a good place to start. In most cases, Sora would probably hop into the bath with Vanitas but this time he's not too sure yet. He'll stay nearby, though.

He carries Vanitas into the bathroom and very gently helps him down so he can sit on the edge of their tub. Then Sora starts to draw the water.]

Do you think you can keep something down? I'll get some food and water for you to drink too for after your bath. Okay?

[darkcharge]

[ What a ridiculous thing to think. Vanitas is more or less compliant being led to the tub. His brain isn't quite functioning, but he manages to kick off his shoes. That's about as far as he gets with that one.

Sora's asking him questions. He should pay attention. Needs to pay attention. But that's so hard right now... One thing does get through his mental fog -

His bondmate is leaving. ]

No!

[ Vanitas is immediately reaching out to grab onto Sora. Don't... Don't go? ]

[oathkeeper]

!!

[The desperation and that's all it takes for Sora to realize his little mistake. His expression softens and he slides his hand over the back of Vanitas' hand. Then he's moving to sit on the edge of the tub with him while it fills with steamy hot water.]

Okay.

[No leaving. Sora leans forward to press a kiss to Vanitas' temple.]

Let's get the rest of your clothes off.

[Sora's going to help him get out of the rest of it with gentle fingers.]

[darkcharge]

[ Only with Sora soothing has hands does Vanitas find the strength to release the Puca's clothing. He can't... He can't do this without Sora being here. His bondmate can't leave. He needs him badly right now. ]

Clothes... Right.

[ His shirt is mostly gone so that's not going to take much. So then it's just his pants. Just means that Sora will be able to see the bruising. The healers had gotten the severe injuries... Not so much the minor ones. ]

Stay.

[oathkeeper]

[He helps with the pants too and once Vanitas is bare Sora's eyes go over his skin and he feels his heart aching in pain again. All the bruises and marks. Lingering anger makes him twitch and he almost wants to go back there and... rip them all apart...

But it's over. He knows that. Rest time is right now.

He sighs softly and touches gently at Vanitas' hip. He then kisses Vanitas' jaw and then his shoulder. Tender small little movements to not panic or scare.]

Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. It's just you and me.

[He turns to turn off the water and then he'll help Vanitas to ease his feet in first.]

[darkcharge]

[ In return, Vanitas can also feel it. Sora's pain and anger. For a moment it makes Van recoil and feel shame. He doesn't want Sora to have such pain. That his bondmate is feeling any of this at all makes Van feel like he might have failed.

Then he feels Sora at his hip. Then jaw. Those movements are fine, even if Vanitas tenses slightly. It's... Okay. He can be okay. But then comes the shoulder and Vanitas immediately rips himself away. A sudden wash of shame hits him then - to be branded like he had been... ]

Sorry.

[ He knows, instinctively, that Sora will do him no harm. Van just can't completely control his reaction as he's set down into the tub. there are a couple of hisses as water hits his cuts and the warmth seeps into his bones and muscles. ]

[oathkeeper]

[This has to be one of the first times that Vanitas has actually ripped himself away from Sora's touch like that. He blinks in surprise and looks down at Vanitas' shoulder at the fresh and tender-looking brand on his skin.]

No, it's ... it's okay.

[What can he say to make anything feel at least a little better than... this? Sora swallows and for now, he decides he can at least help with the hot water and the bath. Once Vanitas is settled he'll let him soak for a little bit before he takes out some clean washing clothes.]

We'll be able to get rid of that mark, I know it. It'll just take some healing magic and bandages, I bet.

[darkcharge]

[ It is the first time in a long time. Likely in almost a year, really. Van feels another fresh wave of guilt and he sinks further into the tub. He hates himself right now, honestly. For allowing this to happen to him. For not being strong enough to stop it and prevent it. Now he's making people all worried for his sake - kill when they don't really want to.

Don't think he doesn't know this in his heart. Vanitas does.

Sora can come and go. Vanitas won't move. Though there are angry and frustrated tears stinging his eyes. There's a sense of loathing that lingers in the air. ]

Removal shop...

[ Magical tattoo removal, yup. That should do the trick. But he'll still know it had been there. Psychologically it may take some time. ]

[oathkeeper]

Yeah. Then it'll be gone for good.

[The memories will be another thing. That is one thing Sora isn't sure can be removed so easily. And all the other hurt and trauma that Vanitas went through. Things are fragile and he can feel it. He just tries to hold onto the words that Yona told him before...

He takes the washing clothes and soaks them with hot water and some soap and gently starts to work on Vanitas' arms to get all the day's wear off his skin.]

But we're home now. And we can take this one day at a time.

[darkcharge]

[ Won't stop him from scrubbing his skin raw and bloody for a while afterwards, no. There are going to be so many old habits that are going to resurface from this. Likely when he least expects it - when anyone least expects it really. And Van will probably hate himself the entire time. It will feel like a step backward.

Otherwise he's pretty much limp in Sora's grasp. Allowing him to just continue to care and look after him. And it's only because it's Sora that he's okay with it. Because he can feel the steady support through their bond. ]

Yeah. Home.

[ He leans his head on the side of the tub - closest to Sora. ]

Don't go far.

[ Because he knows he can't keep the Puca here indefinitely. ]

[oathkeeper]

[If Sora has anything to say for it and especially if he's going to be sticking very close to Vanitas, he won't be scrubbing himself raw. Sora will be there to try and do the washing for him as much as possible in gentle strokes and just enough to be clean. Which is what he's doing right now is slow soft strokes.

He hears those words muttered and Sora then can't help himself. He decides to pull off his own clothing and climbs into the tub with the other. The hot water washes over them gently and Sora carefully tugs Vanitas into his arms. So he can get to washing more of his skin too.]

Hey. [He nuzzles the other gently.] You know I love you, right? And none of this was your fault.

[The tiny slips of guilt that the other feels? Don't... Sora would do it all again the same if he had to. To get Vanitas back.]

[darkcharge]

[ All this is fine. Taking it slow and being gentle is just what Vanitas needs. His broken wrist is in a magic device not unlike a cast to promote healing. He still can't get it too wet so that additional care - help in the shower and in the bath - will unfortunately be necessary.

His head jerks up at the sound of water sloshing around. What is Sora - oh. Oh he's joining Vanitas and okay. After a few panicked breaths, it's okay. Van can lean against Sora. Feel the heartbeat and their connection.

Then he hears Sora's words. Love. Acceptance. Concern and care. He feels it all. ]

I know. [ And he does. Van doesn't question Sora's feelings. Just... Everything else. ] I should have been stronger.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora smiles sadly and tugs Vanitas a little closer to him. Making sure there is little space between them while they soak in the hot soapy water. Sora just can't bear to be apart for long either, it seems.]

You know... Back when I was snatched up by those thugs...? I thought a lot of the same things. I should've been stronger to stop them myself, I should have been faster or done something else to stop it.

[His ears swivel lightly with a twitch.]

But I also knew that sometimes we all need help. It's hard to do things alone, especially when there are so many things happening all at once. It's hard to be strong. But that doesn't make you weak, either.

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas soaks it in. He leans further against Sora. Closes his eyes. Just focuses on everything else other than the stray thoughts threatening to choke him. Hearing all of this - stuff he's told Sora a dozen or so times since that incident - is ironic. His throat feels tight and eyes hot. Vanitas feels like he's going to have another fit again.

He feels guilty. So guilty. Because he shouldn't be putting Sora through this. His Puca is going to be living through all of that again for sure. ]

M'sorry.

[oathkeeper]

[Of course he doesn't think to share those thoughts thinking it's because it brings up his old memories. He just wants Vanitas to know that it's okay. Okay to be weak sometimes and need the help. He cuddles Vanitas close to him, lips against his temple with a kiss.]

Nah, it's ... There's nothing to be sorry for, Vanitas...

[He holds Vanitas close and tight.]

[darkcharge]

[ He wonders about that... If it really is okay. Look at everything his weakness has caused. Sora's concerned and worried. There's something off about their bond and Vanitas knows that's all on him. But right now he can't seem to be bothered to try to pinpoint the issue. So Vanitas doesn't. He just leans against Sora. Vanitas finally begins to let go and allow himself to simply drift. Feel Sora around him and bask in the comfort, safety, and security that it provides.

Eventually Sora will be able to coax Vanitas out of the bath and into sleeping attire. Slowly they will make their way to the bedroom and Vanitas will just fall asleep. It will be a dreamless one this night, brought on by exhaustion and fatigue. This is a sleep that won't allow him to think, feel, or really process everything that's happened.

That will come another day. In time. ]