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

[exsoldier]

[ The unfortunate truth of the matter is that there's not going to be an easy way to get one of them to back off and stand down while they deal with the other, which means they're each just going to have to each take one. Zack takes a moment to look between the arachne and the bear, trying to pinpoint which one presents the bigger threat.

And Roxas is probably right. For all that the arachne has maneuverability on its side, there's no standing up to the sheer might of that bear. ]

I'll take him. You know what they say — the bigger they are...

[ With that, he gives Roxas' shoulder a final parting pat and then races toward the bear, undeterred by that roar. If he can get around it and leap onto its back, he might be able to get somewhere in subduing it. ]

[twilightskey]

[Roxas can understand that as well; as daunting as it seems, they will have to face one monster each if they're to survive. Which is why he'll nod once, before Zack runs off towards the bear, leaving him to face down with the Arachne. Just like Zach said... he has to go in and attack its legs, knock it over... he can do this. He has to do this.]

[The bear snarls and lashes out at Zack, lunging wildly at him. It's a strong, wild attack, but it does leave the Shade wide open for Zack to counter!]

[exsoldier]

[ This is hardly Zack's first time facing up against monsters, and so he has the necessary reaction time to both anticipate and then dodge that sudden slash. He's all too aware that if he took a bear claw to the chest, he would not be getting up any time soon. He can't afford to make any mistakes here.

But he is able to feint in, dodging in toward the bear and then leaping up near its flank to hop onto its back. The bear hates this, and starts thrashing and bucking wildly in an attempt to get him off. Zack holds on for dear life.

The arachne, meanwhile, wants to take its time with its prey. It approaches Roxas with slow, methodical movements, sizing him up with eight giant eyes as it searches out the perfect moment to strike. ]

[twilightskey]

[While the arachne takes its time sizing up Roxas, Roxas will flex his claws before running towards the creature. He doesn't have his Keyblades, but maybe there was another way to sweep its legs...]

[He lunges at the arachne with his claws, but the creature is quick. It leaps around him, before hissing and trying to snap at Roxas with its wicked fangs. Roxas barely has time to avoid the fangs, but hisses in pain as its legs strike him down, making him hit the ground and have to roll away.]

[exsoldier]

[ Riding a bear, as it turns out, is really nothing like riding a chocobo. Okay, maybe if it's literally the most temperamental chocobo, but even then, it'd be a stretch. Zack's fingers have to curl in tight to grip onto the bear's fur, and he cinches his legs against either flank in a desperate attempt to stay on.

As the bear swivels around in an effort to throw him off, Zack catches a glimpse of what's going on with Roxas, and it isn't looking great. While he doesn't have much control over what the bear does, even if he's mounted it, he does his best to urge it in the direction of the arachne. ]

Maybe you should fight someone your own size?!

[ Both these monsters are bigger than him, and much bigger than Roxas. Better to pit them against each other. ]

[twilightskey]

[Roxas is a little pinned down, the arachne stabbing down at him with its legs and him doing his best to roll away or scramble back from the onslaught, he slashes at the arachne's legs with his claws, but all that does is aggravate the spider. It lets out a screech before rearing up to strike once again--]

[Only, the attack never comes, because at that moment the bear crashes into it, sending it crashing to the side in a tangle of Cwyld and legs. Roxas scrambles back and gets to his feet, staring in surprise at Zack.]

Zack!

[exsoldier]

[ The bear charges, smashing right into the side of the arachne, and then it just keeps going, as if it's seeing red. It makes sense that these monsters can't really think logically anymore, not when the Cwyld has decayed their brains. Either way, Zack knows when he's overstayed his welcome, and he manages to leap off of the bear's back before it pins the arachne up against the wall.

He circles back to Roxas, reaching his side just as he stands, and takes a moment to catch his breath, his hands braced on his thighs. ]

Hey! I think we can count on them keeping each other busy for a while, at least. You all right?

[twilightskey]

Y-Yeah...

[Roxas takes a moment to catch his breath, looking at the violent display before him. The bear and arachne seem to forget that he and Zack exist, more focused on tearing each other apart than anything. At this rate, Roxas won't be surprised if they become the reason for the other's death.]

[Is that what's going to happen to them if they stay here..? His ears lower a bit, and he looks at Zack.]

Are you okay? Are you hurt?

[If only he could cast a Cure spell...]

[exsoldier]

[ All the Shades seem to want is to attack, to consume, with little consideration for who might be the target of that rage. Zack knows that they also want to spread the infection burning up inside of them, but that need doesn't seem to outweigh a direct target in front of them.

So maybe they will rip each other apart, but there's no reason for them to get involved. Those things are so far from what they used to be that it might be for the best that they put each other out of their misery.

Roxas' voice draws him away from those thoughts, and Zack glances down, shaking his head. ]

Should be all right. How about you? [ He reaches out to set a hand on Roxas' shoulder. ] You're sturdier than you look.

[twilightskey]

[It's a frightening visual, for sure, but given Roxas and Zack are kind of at a disadvantage here (at least Roxas is, since he doesn't have his weapons), it's better if the two Shades do rip each other apart. It'll be less risk for Zack and Roxas, at least, and maybe if there's a survivor they could take it out easily between the two of them.]

[Roxas looks at himself, nodding. He shakes some of the black ichor from his claws.]

I'm alright. It didn't get me.

[A small blessing, at least. Though, the compliment makes him blink in surprise.]

Ah, well... I've fought tough monsters before.

[exsoldier]

Huh, really?

[ Had Roxas mentioned that before, during their first conversation? Zack can't quite remember after the past few days, and he's not sure that it matters that much. ]

Here or back home?

[ Not that now is the best time for a conversation like this. As the bear lets out another booming roar, Zack grabs for Roxas' wrist with little preamble and starts to lead him away from this side of the room, hoping they can find a quiet corner to wait this out until they're collected and put back in their cells. ]

Come on, this way.

[twilightskey]

Both.

[He fought plenty of Heartless back home, but since he still had his Keyblades here (even if they were just giant ornate beatsticks here), he also fought the Cwyld monsters when helping out the Wilders. He might have forgotten to mention that their first conversation.]

[But when Zack tugs him away after the bear roars, he nods and goes easily. Though, he does frown a bit, ears angling down.]

This is...

[Too much? Too cruel? Roxas couldn't decide on the right thing to say.]

[exsoldier]

[ What is there to even say about it? As tempting as it might be to claim defeat and fall into despair over all this, though, especially given that this is Zack's second time going through something like this, he knows he can't do that.

If anything, he needs to be strong for Roxas' sake. To make him realize that he can't give up. Thankfully, Zack has some experience with this. He draws in a deep breath, his chest expanding for a moment before he lets it out again. ]

It's terrible. And they shouldn't be getting away with it. But you told me before about all the friends you have here. They're gonna be looking for you. And if they can't find us? Then we'll figure a way out ourselves.

[ They're far enough away from the fight now that he feels comfortable pausing to shift his hand to Roxas' shoulder instead. ]

You shouldn't have to be going through this, but... hang in there, okay?

[twilightskey]

[Roxas looks up as Zack rests a hand on his shoulder. He tenses a bit, but it's a reassuring gesture, and after a moment he nods.]

Right.

[Zack was right. They just had to be strong and endure until they could escape, or those who were looking for them could rescue them.]

We can do this together.