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

[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! ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She gives his head a very pointed look, as if she's considering just that. But then she gives an exasperated sigh and meets his gaze instead. ]

Can you walk on your own? Because don't think I won't go find Sora and don't think you can talk us both out of it.

[ Yes, she will play dirty. ]

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas is pretty stubborn within his own right! Though many kind of out stubborn him at an alarming rate, honestly. He huffs and then groans, feeling light-headed from the gesture. ]

I don't know, may -

[ His eyes focus on her again. She'll what? ]

Don't you dare.

[darkestbefore]

[ She just arches an eyebrow. Are you really gonna challenge the princess right now, Vanitas? I don't think that will end well for you...

She holds out a hand to him instead. ]

You can let me help or I'm getting backup.

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas huffs. Then groans. In the end he just sort of flops there with a pissy little face. ]

Do what you want.

[darkestbefore]

[ Her lips press together - but it's more to hide a smile than out of exasperation. If he's feeling well enough to be grumpy at her, she'll take it as a good sign.

But considering he's flopped back to the floor rather than taking her hand still leaves them at an impasse. So, instead, she turns and settles down to sit beside him, her eyes on the room at large. If he's not ready - or unable - to move on his own to get out of here just yet, she'll wait with him until she can get enough help to get him out of here. Either way, she's not leaving his side until he's safe. ]

[darkcharge]

[ It's only one or two minutes more of just being crumpled there that Vanitas really gets the idea. Yona actually has no intentions of leaving him, despite how difficult he's being.

There finally comes a resigned sigh. ]

All right. All right... You win.

[darkestbefore]

[ She shoots him a glance out of the corner of her eye, even as she keeps a wary glance on the room around them, making sure no one comes near enough to Vanitas to be a threat. A few times she's carefully aimed her bow and shot across the room, even from where she's at, taking down cultists with an intense frown, when the opportunity presented itself.

When he sighs, she arches an eyebrow at him. ]

I'm not trying to win anything, I just want to make sure you get out of here without getting any more hurt.

[darkcharge]

[ He's slow with the way that he tries to push himself up. One arm is still being held fast to his person so he's very shaky. Looks like he could fall over, but he's not about to accept help on this right now. ]

Even if you might end up hurt in the process?

[darkestbefore]

[ She bites her tongue because she wants to help, but she knows how stubborn he's being right now. And she realizes, in part, that maybe he needs to do this for himself. If only to prove that he still can, perhaps?

But she does give him a sideways look in exasperation. ]

And you think I'd actually ever walk away when you could get more hurt if I wasn't here to help watch your back?

[ Honestly, Vanitas, it's like you haven't paid attention to her at all. >.> ]

[darkcharge]

[ That is, unfortunately, the exact reason that he is being stubborn about it. Vanitas has been stupidly weak throughout this entire experience. He's "allowed" for things to be done to him that he hadn't "permitted" in a very long time. Now he's angry at himself for not being strong enough to push his feelings down and for being weak enough to allow all this to happen. ]

No. I know better than that. That is who you are... Even if it means putting yourself at risk. A stupid risk.

[darkestbefore]

[ She just looks over to meet his gaze, her own expression serious. ]

A risk that's worth it to me.

[ She may not understand why he's being stubborn about this, but that doesn't change her stance on it any. ]