EVENT - THE BLACK CITY

[faileas]

Event Log: August, The Black City

A STARLESS SKY You feel like you're floating. Around you, colors and sounds and smells swirl as if trapped in a whirlpool, vibrancy and hue ever shifting. The more you watch them, the less solid they are; they only become clear out of the corner of your eye. The area around you begins to feel more solid as well, until your feet are on the ground, the taste of smog and fog heavy in your lungs - and you know one thing, and one thing alone: this is a dream, and an incredibly realistic one at that. Unlike the last time this shared dream happened, only familiar faces of your fellow mirrorbound appear around you; and unlike the last time that flavor of dream happened, those native to the city of Aefenglom are nowhere to be found. Instead, an impossibly tall wall raises in front of you; along it run small windows with people peering from the edges, arrows shimmering with the tell-tale glitter of magic peeking from the darkness, with more figures standing guard or patrolling the top of it. The wall itself is made of a dark, onyx-like stone - it's reflective in the smoothness of its bricks, painting all who look into it in clear darkness, and the effect is similarly found in the wide moat that surrounds the city, the faint sound of a river feeding into it the only thing to hear in the tense silence. Only one massive door stands as the entrance to the city, chains hanging across it with the protective runes of a barrier some of you might be familiar with by now. With a groan the chains begin to pull away, the door lowering across the moat as a bridge, and a party of Witches - for they must be Witches, the pins on their cloaks the same as those found in the Coven in Aefenglom - urges the group inside. Monsters find it easier to obey the orders - compelled to, even - but perhaps that's the safety of the city calling out to you, and nothing more.

I. THE CITY ITSELF While Aefenglom is known for its dusk-hued skies, made of lustrous pinks and purples and blues, this city is dreary to the core. The streets are covered in a perpetual fog, not unlike the city you hail from, but thicker, denser, tinged with the flavor of industrial smog from the factories whose spires you can see in the distance. Magitech lights - lanterns above doors, street posts, flickering in the windows you pass - illuminate everything throughout the entire day, as if the sunshine can't reach through the foreboding fog nor the onyx walls. Even the windows are barred, offering a paranoid protection against the outside world. Doors seem hardier, and each building is reinforced and protected in a way that may feel familiar to those that have encountered the protective magic wards. They're heavier, leaving an almost ominous presence that causes unease to hang just as heavy in the air as the smog. The people of this city are just as dreary as the streets, though they do mill about with the same frequency as any city. Unlike the citizens of the dead Aefenglom that were encountered just the month before, however, these are real, living people. They can be spoken to. They can be touched. They interact with wariness and caution towards the strangers that have been heralded into their walled in world, especially those that show what they presume to be monstrous traits. Because it becomes quickly obvious that the majority of the citizens that answer a call, a question, a touch to gain their attention... They're human. a. OBEY AND SUBMIT Monsters that can be seen on the streets aren't few and far between, however. Their presence is subtle, in the fog and amidst the passing crowds of passing faces, but they're there. On a surface level, most of them seem to be fairly at ease. Passive and unfazed by anyone that tries to interact with them, as if they're disinterested by their mere presence in a way that isn't reflected by their human counterparts. A closer look shows a strained pinch to their faces, a tenseness to their bodies, a glazed look just at the surface of their eyes. Too many attempts to interact with them will cause some humans to emerge from shops, or ask that you leave their business; these are the ones that are... employed, most often seen in the shopping and industrial districts. But their movements are almost robotic in repetition, and they never speak to anyone even when addressed - even when a keen eye might take note of the sturdy leather collars around their necks, reinforced by metal and with visible places to attach a leash. Some in the industrial district can be seen with these leashes, powerful chains to keep them attached to carts, to keep them from swimming down the river, from flying away and out of the black walls of the city. All Monsters present in the city are clothed, though it's the ones on the clearly decorative leashes with the more delicate collars that are the best dressed. They accompany humans throughout the city, the same placid blankness present much like their busier counterparts. These are the aristocrats and their so-called "Bonded," though implying the same tone one would take in Aefenglom here will net a deep set of disgust. Attempting to rouse these Monsters does very little, and may even result in them jerking away and cowering behind their human company. b. GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE At one end of the city is a massive pavilion, one made of the same stone as the wall, giving off the same oppressive foreboding. Humans come and go from this peculiar town square with a casual air, an intent the same as a stroll through the stalls on the market street. Because that's, essentially, what they're doing. Monsters young and old put on display to show their abilities and strengths, tasks that range from the physically demanding to performances of artistic abilities. Some seem to be just at the surface of awareness, their glazed expressions refocusing at times with a sort of strained fear that's visible even at a glance. Many don't even react outside of doing the tasks they're ordered to do, going through the motions as a barker speaks at length about them, their abilities, how much their labor goes for and what they cost. These Monsters are purchased by the humans of the city at each display, many of them never wearing more than their basic clothes and the customary collar, a chain to keep them tied to their station with a generous enough reach. Most come and go with very little struggle, but some... it becomes obvious that they've broken through the surface and are coming up for air for the first time in a long time. Wooden posts where the chains are connected can be heard splintering with the force of their struggle, metal bending under pressure, the anxious energy of something about to happen. But the fights never last long, as attendants wearing Coven pins on their cloaks swoop in to attend to the situation - and many dreamers might notice a familiar Witch filtering in and out of the events, speaking to the auctioneers before departing for another selling. It's difficult to recall their face later, no matter how clearly one saw it before, but one thing is certain: while not necessarily prim and proper, this person is someone with a steel spine and a sharp eye. And they saw you, just the same as you saw them. c. AT BECK AND CALL With enough observation, or perhaps even experience, it becomes apparently how this is happening: any command or order issued to a Monster is taken to the most literal, and Monsters have no choice but to obey. Many Monsters employed as workers are so deep in the compulsion that they won't obey any additional commands, unless it comes from the person they have this most warped "Bond" with. Others will accept commands from anyone, even the mirrorbound Witches that have come into their city. Even the most asinine command is one that they'd obey, and one that maybe even you'll obey, too. Having a friend playfully tell them to shut up? They're forced into silence until told that they can speak again. Told to jump off a bridge? Best make sure you specify that you don't want them to jump off of a very high one, if you really want them gone that badly. Handstands, cartwheels, jumping jacks - but also, hurting someone, hurting themselves... one has to hope the Monster in question has a strong willpower, or it's a command that goes against one that's already been issued to them. But something of note is that mirrorbound Monsters of Aefenglom will find that they're also effected by this, though they're better able to fight the compulsion. Those with weaker constitutions may need help snapping out of the command, especially as a powerful command will be painful to fight against, and Witches will have to watch their words. Take care that your friends, your peers, the strangers you've arrived with, don't find themselves attending the auction block - it's a very real possibility in this place, with an unknown Monster unattended and uncollared. It should all be harmless, though. After all, this is only a dream... isn't it? No NPCs are available for this log - unlike with the midsummer dream, they're nowhere to be seen. No Nessie, no Mhairi, no one. Which means that there's no one to counsel them as they find themselves exploring the setting, and discovering that they're just as susceptible as the people in the dream...

II. THE COVEN Unlike with Aefenglom, there isn't a proper Parliament. A little investigation will lead to the discovery that the Coven of this city is the main governing body, which may explain a great deal about why there's such a massive presence of magic here. Located at the center of town - all roads lead to the Coven, a massive stone building with sharp looking spires - the grounds are notable in that there's nothing even remotely similar to the Looking-Glass House that everyone has come to know, despite its secrets. Should one gain entry to the main building of the Coven itself, they'll find that all the mirrors are within. Their main focuses of magic, rather than the more broad spectrum/free-to-study policy that Miss Nessie encourages, are enchantment and abjuration - for control, primarily. They're also heavy studiers of runes, visible across the city and with an even heavier influence in the wards of the Coven itself. They are, regardless, fairly welcoming to eager young minds wanting to learn. So long as the Monsters are left behind. But who's to say that you can't disguise a Monster? a. STUDY TIME Those curious about the Coven's library are welcome to investigate it for themselves, the Witches all smiling faces as they usher their visitors in. But they'll soon find that they aren't really left to their own devices; a member of this Coven branch is practically around every corner, and while they try to be subtle about their observation it becomes quickly obvious that they're not there for their own studies. They're stationed around the library to ensure that their guests don't make off with any of their resources, or try to get into any forbidden sections of the expansive library. Where the Coven library of Aefenglom - as well as the Undermael College's library - plays devil's advocate, with accounts and studies conducted from both sides of the anti-Monster sentiment and attempt to expand upon outdated knowledge... these ones have a decidedly anti-Monster lean in every regard. Any attempts to find otherwise will be met with bemused amusement by the Coven members, and a note that they don't carry such things here. After all, they're certainly not Aefenglom. They would never carry anything that could put their citizens at risk in such a way. Nevermind those horrid Bonds that Bell goes on and on about - it's no wonder that they're always at odds with their government. If only they'd wisen up, hm? Perhaps these new arrivals would like to transfer to their branch, instead, to better guarantee their growth. b. THROUGH THESE HALLS If one manages to slip away from the library without having somebody tailing them, they'll soon discover that the chilled atmosphere doesn't simply linger in the city itself. The halls are cold, the runes unwelcoming unlike the homey feel that Nerissa Bell's charms offer. Certainly home isn't perfect - and there's no denying that the sentiment is shared by many - but the smiling faces of the Black City's branch are at odds with the feel of their magic, the caged in weight pressing down on everything, including your shoulders. The halls are dimly lit by flickering lights, enchanted lanterns with a constantly burning yellow-white fire. Plenty of nooks and dark corners afford even large Monsters the ability to sneak through the halls, should they be snuck in for better investigation with their peers. Take care, however; there are Witches coming and going constantly. An empty room might lead to a study, a classroom, a bedroom. Locked doors don't yield easily, even in a dream, and may need to be abandoned. But a terrible, foreboding feeling emanates from large double doors that are rigidly locked. Hushed voices speak from the other side, and it's almost like the cold feeling that spreads throughout the Coven itself finds its source behind those doors. Periodically, sounds of pain escape from within - but they die out to whimpers, then silence, before they can ever get too loud. A crisp voice speaks only one word, clear even through the wood and the magic: "Again."

III. THE DARK UNDERBELLY There's always more to a city than the streets that you can see at the surface level. If you're looking, it's not hard to spot the signs. There are runes that mark walls and cobblestone streets like graffiti, and a studied eye might realize that they're not the same sort that have subjugated the more monstrously inclined of the Black City. These are intended to dispel magic, and the moment that a member of the Coven notices it - it's swept up as soon as possible, scrubbed clean or scorched off with magic. People take to the streets in small groups, standing their ground and raising their voices above the muffled din of a foggy city. They carry chains and collars that have been broken, but many of them are undeniably human as they confront something that has so obviously become the norm. Break the chains! they demand. Break the spell! Monsters go missing from the auctions with a well-placed distraction - perhaps you're one of the individuals being freed from the pavilion, or someone that's realized that there are people coming and going through the crowds, wearing the same cloaks as the Coven but without their iconic pins, dressed as aristocracy, from all walks of life... smuggling the Monsters away at the first chance. a. PARTY TO PROTEST Not every uprising can be swept under the rug at first sign, however. Witches take to the streets, looking surprised to see the mirrorbound arrivals from Aefenglom - and it's not the same wariness that most would give them. This is the calculating eye of someone assessing whether the person they've met will help or hinder, and some of them decided that you're to be help. Enchanted slips of paper are pushed into hands, runes are taught as quickly as possible in a hushed whisper and explanation, locations given out to Witch and Monster alike with a word of caution. Use the paper on a surface, any surface, and you'll see. Use the runes to break the compulsion - you might have to do it twice, thrice, however many times it takes to dispel the magic. Don't be caught. Using the enchantment as instructed - pressing the paper against a wall, the ground, a post, anything - will result in glowing runes overtaking the surface. It's the same as the runes that are taught to Witches, used to ward against the magic in place just as much as it is to create a statement of protest. If one goes to a location that is whispered to them, they'll find that they've joined an organized protest. It's small in size, a mixture of Witches and unleashed Monsters. Due to the size and frequency it's easy enough to find them, but the guards are very quick in putting them down or hiding any traces of them from the public eye, despite the protesters' best attempts. There's nothing amiss in the city, and nothing for citizens to worry about. b. REST AND REGROUP But they can't find every source of the resistance. It isn't hard for dreamgoers to find themselves swept up by these protesters. Any help is welcome, and those that show an inclination towards helping the Monsters of the city - or their Monsters that they know, regardless people that shouldn't suffer this way - will be taken into the fold. Entrances to their secret routes can be found in places that are hidden in plain sight. A storefront tended to by a Monster with eyes in sharp clarity when they look up from their robotic work welcomes a group of people in and behind the counter, to where a hatch door is hidden in the floor. A manhole cover is pried up, where people are smuggled down below. A portal is prepared, a different and darker destination on the other side. They all lead to the same location. The sewers are vast beneath this city. Much like the labyrinth that many faced in the Midsummer nightmare, it almost seems winding, endless, and the water is cold when it's crossed. But even with the stank of the runoff, the musty and moldy air, there's never the sense of dread, of death. Instead, there are signs of when you're going the right way - runes that shimmer only when looking at them out of the corner of your eye, or when you know what to look for. Three stars together - sometimes overlapping, sometimes circling each other, but always three, and always five points. While they appreciate the help, the mirrorbound aren't invited in by the revolutionaries to the main hideout. But it becomes obvious by charm bracelets, necklaces, piercings, tattoos, embroidery and stitching on shirts; this symbol, and its presence, is integral to their world beneath the city. But many are welcome to mingle throughout their circle. In the sewers, the shops, the small park where a rune gives secret announcements to those who know where to look for it on the third bench, even the homes of people that certainly don't look like revolutionaries, let alone anyone that would be a protector.

Welcome to the Black City! As a reminder, this takes place on August 18th - or rather, 3AM on the August 19th, much like the midsummer nightmare. If you have any questions or need any clarifications, you can ask them here! And as always, while we do encourage you to use this log, you can feel free to thread things out on your own log or elsewhere. Characters are allowed to try and start fights in the city, create prompts based on the information given instead of using the ones given exactly, and poke their noses where they don't belong - we encourage it, actually. But regardless of what you choose, we hope you have a good time!

And as a final parting note: If a character dies in the dream, they'll simply reappear at the beginning rather than waking up like normal.

Comments

the wild card has arrived 🃏

[scaling]

[ Now he's gone and done it.

Akira has been making it a point to stick to the shadows, further shrouded by the smog, as he makes his way around the city. Dream or not, he can't stomach the idea of being caught and ordered around like the rest of the Monsters out there. It's hard enough watching it all take place, but if his work back home taught him anything, it's that suffering this widespread usually has a source all the way at the top. Steal the heart and the rest of it can't survive.

So he knows that it would be pragmatic to just gather whatever information he can. It might not prove to be of any use in the waking world—who knows if this city even still exists—but Akira can't just huddle somewhere and ride out this dream without taking action.

Still, that knowledge doesn't stop him from trying to step in when he sees one of those cloaked Witches on the verge of striking a harpy that seems to be fighting the magical compulsion. Quicker on his feet than ever before, Akira manages to make it out in time to yank the Monster out of the way, but all of that ire turns on him immediately. Well then. He didn't think this far ahead; he can only steel himself against the fog that begins to invade his mind when the Witch orders him to let go.

He does, but it's only partially thanks to his body's sudden impulse to comply. His teeth dig into his lip into he can taste blood. The small but sharp jolt of pain pierces through the veil of the magic's grasp, offering enough clarity that he can ball a now-free hand into a fist. The beginnings of claws dig into his palm as his muscles tense slightly, ready to strike. This Witch will probably give him another order any second now, so maybe with this tiny window… ]

[interlucere]

So this is where you ran off to!

[ The other Witch won't get the chance.

Lux intended on swooping in when she saw the scuffle start, but realizing that the one in the middle of it all was her housemate makes this more pressing. She speaks (airy and light) to give Akira enough warning before grasping for his wrist; middle and index finger unnaturally warm as she presses them gently against his skin. a spell, lying in wait for if they might need it.

She looks much different here—her hair swept back in a delicate bun rather than left long and flowing, and dressed in a dour black dress. Hopefully he will recognize her like this, and won't fight back against her grasp. With a huffed sigh, like this is something she's had to deal with all too many times, she smiles up at him sanguinely. It's not hard for someone who knows her to tell how fake it is. ]

We're you out causing trouble? What am I going to do with you? You're going to make us late. How many times have I told you, violence in the middle of the street like this is disgraceful. [ She directs her attention to the Witch and the harpy both. ] I'm dreadfully sorry, he gets so worked up sometimes. I believe he and I have a few things to talk about in private before our appointment, please excuse us.

[ She gives his arm a tug, hoping to make it out of here without causing even more of a stir. ]

[scaling]

[ The haze of the magic, the fight-or-flight instinct pumping adrenaline through his veins, and now that familiar voice piercing through all of it saying things that don't make any sense at all... Akira is momentarily disoriented to the point of even allowing his gaze to stray away from the current threat—towards the source of the voice and now the hand on his wrist.

It is Lux, only she doesn't look at all like she usually does. It's almost like this city chewed her up and spit out this dreary version. The fake smile is what finally tips him off, along with the magic humming in her fingertips. The subtle jabs as she continues speaking help too, of course. That part is familiar, although her scoldings usually come in a much warmer manner than this.

So he doesn't have to exercise much acting skill in order to play along. Anger has his cheeks slightly flushed and his lips pulled tight together, but that can play off well enough as the result of being reprimanded in public, as is the way he drops his eyes as he tries to think.

She's trying to bail him out, but he can't just leave that harpy here... But trying to resist might force Lux to do something she doesn't want to, either. It could risk blowing this cover she's created for herself and put her in danger as well.

There's some resistance at first as his feet remain glued in place, but Akira soon begins to step behind her. Reluctance lingers in the tiny lines of his otherwise blanked out expression. ]

[interlucere]

[ He would be right to assume that this was all a carefully-constructed rouse. Lux may have the benefit of anonymity here, but even still, she has to work in order to make herself blend in as much as possible. The best tactics were to either blend into the walls, or do everything possible to stand out and draw attention away from anything else. Clearly her intent is the former—it makes it easier to drop in during situations like this and pluck any unchained monsters out of danger. Finding Akira this way had been completely accidental; but heavens, she was glad to have found him when she did.

Feeling resistance when she tugs at Akira's arm, her stomach knots. She knows, and there's a part of her that wants to do something, but that would put the both of them at risk. But she does have an idea... one she'll have to apologize to him later. Pulling him to face both the Witch and harpy, she raises the wrist she's holding, having him wave farewell along with her.

Wave—and commit as much of what they look like to memory as possible, in the few seconds they have before both parties depart.

Continuing to hold his wrist, her grip tightens as soon as they manage to escape from the tense situation. The tapping of heels on cobblestone is the only sound she makes for a moment, the forced smile on her face easing once they're out of earshot. She slows her gait to keep him close, while still appearing like he's being led. But to where..? ]

Are you all right? You're not hurt, are you?

[ Heavens help that Witch if he is... ]

[scaling]

[ Deep down, he knows there must be some angle here at she forces him to wave at the two. If Lux really wanted to force him, she could do it with a single command. He can tell she's specifically avoiding that with carefully worded sentences. Still, Akira feels his skin crawl with a sense of defiance as he resists the urge to yank away, somehow keeping his limbs loose.

It's over in a flash. Akira lets his gaze linger over his shoulder for just a moment as they retreat, trying to note if the other pair heads off. The fog hazes them out before he can tell for sure. ]

I'm not hurt.

[ He's really not, and he would've been fine even if Lux hadn't chosen that moment to step in. Akira is confident he could've pulled it off. Her intentions were good, however, so he bites down on that frustration the same way he did his lip earlier. Unconsciously, he flicks his tongue against it, tasting the faint hint of blood there. ]

But that harpy isn't okay. We can't leave her there.

[interlucere]

That's good, I'm glad.

[ Lux wants to avoid giving him any commands—no, she refuses to. Even when she feels his arm go somewhat limp, and guilt settles in, she won't tell him what to do. Won't even suggest it. She won't rob him of his free will.

Hearing the conviction start to flood into his voice, it reminds her of that night. He did most of the talking that time, and all she did was label herself as the type to keep her head down and refuse to fight.

But this isn't her home. ]

Did you get a good look at them?

[ The question might not make sense at first; nor why she suddenly quickens her pace, pulling him toward a nearby alleyway. She glances back towards him, her smile finally falling away as she makes sure to meet his eyes. ]

Because I did.

[scaling]

[ He expects an argument. Their hearts hold the same compassion for those suffering, but Lux made it clear that night that she won't jump into a fight the way he will. It's such a comparatively small one to risk so much over, he's well aware. Even if it's just a dream, the memories of whatever happens here will stick with both of them.

There is no argument.

Akira pauses at the question, uncertain of her aim, but the trust is there. His feet take up longer strides to follow her into the alleyway. Just when he's about to voice his answer, she glances back with fire in her eyes.

Well, consider him corrected. ]

What are you thinking? [ He waits until they're tucked away in the alleyway to ask, leaning back against cool brick. ]

[interlucere]

[ This is risky, and a bit unlike her. But the red-hot anger that's been burning in her since she set foot in this city wasn't going away, and even if this was a dream, these people felt real. Their suffering felt real, and she wasn't sure she would be able to face Akira (or herself) if she refused to act. That was enough for her; she would deal with the consequences later, once she had gotten Akira and the harpy as far away from here as possible.

With a flash of relief in her features, Lux redirects her attention to the task at hand. Extrication wasn't her expertise, but she knew enough to be able to wing it with his assistance. That harpy looked like she was shaking off the compulsion already, so that would make things easier. ]

We need to separate them, or distract that Witch long enough to have a chance to break the spell. I believe it takes some time for a Witch to recast it, so that should give a good opportunity to escape.

[ Reaching into a small purse at her side, she pulls out a folded up slip of paper before offering it out to him. A faint trail of runes bleed through the underside. Clearly she's already designated herself as the distraction. ]

Here. This will dispel it. If we're lucky, we may still catch them there, but we will need to hurry.

[ Pressing her lips together, she pauses. She never had much of a chance to find out during their time at the caves, so Lux has to be sure before moving forward with this operation. He's full of surprises, but she isn't as certain about this. ]

...Are you able to fight, if it comes to it?

[scaling]

[ If he'd gone at it alone, it definitely would've taken a violent turn. With the two of them working together, they should be able to avoid that. Akira glances down at the paper as he accepts it, noting the runes. Well, Lux came prepared. Slapping it on a nearby surface should be enough to disrupt the magic in the area, or so Akira's come to understand in his shallow research of runes.

He nods, folding the paper into his palm. ]

I'll be fine if a fight breaks out. [ He might not have the same expanse of powers as before, but Akira can still hold his own. His main concern is going to be smuggling that harpy out of there, though.

There's a pause as he steps away from the wall. ]

Stay on your toes. He'll probably realize something's up. [ That's to be expected. It's really just that brief opening before the Witch does that they need to take hold of. ]

[interlucere]

[ There are a lot of things he doesn't know about her, but that's a conversation for another time. She may not have as much experience working in the shadows as he does, but she knows how to find what she's looking for—and in this case, that was the resistance. She might not be one of their numbers, but they gave her supplies just the same. It's about time they saw some use.

The corner of her lips tugs upward when he warns her. Understandable, but unnecessary. ]

Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.

[ Time to see if she's as good a student as she thinks she is. Tugging a few tendrils of hair free from her immaculately-tied bun, she brings the same hand to the side of her face. With a whispered illusion spell, she traces it over her cheek and the corner of her lips like a paintbrush on canvas, leaving the clear signs of a scuffle on her face. ]

Stay out of sight until I have his attention. The fog should hopefully help with that. Do you think you can do that on your own?

[ Splitting attention on her spells would be difficult, so she needs to know if she will have to adjust her plan. ]

[scaling]

[ Akira's breath almost catches at the wording. The paper housing the enchantment may he clasped in his hand, but it's not activated yet and can do nothing to stave off that strange feeling that comes over him again. She's not asking anything terrible of him, but he still resists the compulsion that tries to mold his thoughts away from that concern.

The pain that twists inside of him is distracting, but Akira tries to focus as she prepares her appearance. That's clever. It might even allow her to walk away without garnering any true suspicion. ]

Yeah, just... [ He gives her a smile that barely covers a cringe. ] Be a little more careful with the phrasing, please.

[interlucere]

[ It doesn't register at first what she did wrong, so Lux is left blinking at him in confusion. Careful with her phrasing? He was the one who asked her what her plan was, so why would he—

Oh. She winces apologetically, the current state of her face making it much more severe. ]

Ah, right. Sorry. [ Damn this place, everything about it makes her blood boil. That wasn't her intent at all! ] ...I'll go on ahead.

[ She bites back the urge to ask him to follow behind, opting to give him a quick nod instead. Taking a few lumbering steps out of the alleyway, the heels of her boots clicking at an uneven rhythm against the cobblestone, Lux quickens her pace, retracing her steps back to where the initial altercation happened. Hopefully the Witch and the harpy wouldn't have gotten far.

As luck would have it, the pair hadn't strayed far from where Lux and Akira left them. It's easy to surmise what happened in the time between then and now. The harpy's head partially tucked into the bend of her wing, a pained expression in her glassy eyes, her shoulders shake as she futilely struggles against her Witch's compulsion. He stands over her, lamenting in a mockingly soothing voice about how it was her fault that he raised his hand; that he didn't want to be forceful, but that she left him no choice. ]

P... [ She swallows down her anger, playing it off as fear rather than frustration. ] Please, you have to help me! I thought he was acting strangely, but—!

[ Half jogging, half stumbling toward the Witch, she looks and sounds beside herself. Her act pulls his attention away from the harpy, as he looks Lux over before beginning to walk toward her. Look what that monster did to her lovely face. How terrible. Of course she wouldn't have control over him; someone delicate and weak-willed like her shouldn't be keeping something so wild-looking as a pet.

Akira better make this quick, she won't be able to hold herself back for long... ]

[scaling]

[ Akira offers a more put-together smile this time. He knows that wasn't her intention at all. This time, though, there's something edging on determination in his eyes. Time to head out.

He lets Lux go first, grabbing any attention that may be nearby. Once the fog begins to shroud the edges of her figure, he moves, sticking to the shadows. This dreary city has no shortage of them, making it easy for him to proceed with ease.

Lux's strained voice reaches his ears. She's playing her role with an impressive amount of skill, but that shouldn't surprise him. Even more so than him, isn't she used to playing one? She knew exactly what she was doing when she designated herself the distraction; and Akira, in turn, makes the perfect operative, slinking smoothly along out of sight.

In a way, her command ends up becoming useful. When he hears the Witch nearby, coddling Lux with backhandedly sweet words, Akira can simply allow some of it to seep back into his mind. Enough that it combats the urge to rush out there and finish what he was about to start before.

The Witch moved, but the harpy stayed put, trembling with effort. Akira gets as close as he can before he unfolds the paper from his hand and presses it against the nearest wall. There's a bit of warmth underneath his palm as the enchantment transfers and activates. Unsure of how long it really needs to finish, Akira lingers briefly before letting go and making his move. ]

Come with me.

[ It comes out as a whisper as he takes the Monster's hand, enough to catch her attention amidst her confusion over the compulsion suddenly weakening. Akira draws her close to the buildings while the Witch is distracted with Lux. Back to the alley from before; that's the most logical place to meet up again. ]

[interlucere]

[ It isn't hard to play this role, all she has to do is act as a noblewoman would in this situation. She's helpless (not true) and can't do much for herself (also not true); clearly she needs this Witch's help. But oh, what she wouldn't give to make him stop talking.

The Witch doesn't realize what is going on at first, making his way toward Lux and continuing to belittle her with a sweet tone of voice. She has to remind herself that she has a mission, and if she lets her temper show, she might be putting both Akira and the harpy in danger.

She sees Akira appear from the fog, her gaze briefly flicking from the two of them back to the Witch. As he draws close, he reaches out to touch her face. Lux quickly slaps his hand away out of reflex, briefly breaking character as she realizes her mistake almost immediately. The Witch reacts quickly, snatching her hand by the wrist and tugging her towards him—close enough to see the spell she's drawn on her face.

She can't look to see if Akira and the harpy have escaped by this point, and as he pulls her in, the Witch begins incanting a spell. ]

...

[ Lux doesn't wait to figure out what it is or who its for. She struggles before ramming the heel of her free hand into his nose. The Witch lets go, clutching his face and swearing as Lux makes a break for it, running as fast as her dress and boots allow toward the alley. That Witch won't be following her any time soon (she hopes). ]

[scaling]

[ It's not even the command that keeps his mind free of concern. He knows Lux is capable, much more than she may appear to be at first glance. He trusts that if things get a hairy, she'll be able to pull herself out of it. Akira isn't in the best position to help, anyway, leading the harpy away like he is.

Still, when he looks back and faintly catches sight of the Witch holding Lux by the wrist, he almost stops in his tracks. In a flash, though, the man is nearly doubled over in pain—and that is also his queue to pick up the pace, tugging the other Monster along behind him as he cuts quickly through the shadows towards the alleyway.

They manage to make it seemingly unnoticed, but that's not too surprising considering the distraction Lux provided. No doubt that all eyes were on the Witch who'd just been so rudely assaulted. (He deserved it.) His ears stay perked and alert for the sounds of Lux's arrival, but his attention turns to the harpy. ]

Are you all right?

[ She nods slowly, possibly overwhelmed by the turn of events or unsure what to make of them, but that's good enough for him for now. ]

We're going to see about getting you somewhere safe...

[ Lux may know something about that, considering the paper she was carrying around. He glances back towards the mouth of the alley. ]

[interlucere]

[ It takes a bit for Lux to catch up. Dropping another Witch like that certainly causes a stir, and forces her to take a different route. It might not have been the smartest decision in the world, but she didn't have a choice.

Besides, he deserved it. He can enjoy incanting spells with a broken nose.

Reaching the alleyway, seeing two familiar silhouettes standing there is a relief. Stopping to catch her breath, she flashes Akira a quick smile before redirecting her attention to the harpy. See? Nothing to worry about! ]

I'm sorry you had to see that. Are you both all right? [ Her attention shifts between the two of them. ] We'll need to get her to safety.

[scaling]

[ She takes long enough that a tiny bubble of concern floats up to the surface, one Akira quickly pops. He saw Lux bust that Witches nose; there's no way she's going to get caught and let them take her in for questioning.

And true to his expectations, she soon shows up, looking like she's had to take quite the detour. Akira returns the smile and then glances over at the harpy. ]

Yeah, we're fine. Nobody saw us duck in here. [ Thankfully, as it would've been a problem if they'd had to hide somewhere else.

His attention shifts back to Lux. ]

Do you know anywhere? [ Or anyone, really. Akira saw the protesters but hasn't approached any of them yet. If all else fails, they can always explore that avenue. ]

[interlucere]

That's a relief.

[ Lux already has a place in mind, but making sure that both of them could get there safely takes priority. She trusts Akira to be able to finish the job. ]

There is a hat shop, a few blocks east of here. The back entrance connects to the hatter's workshop. Knock once, wait, then knock twice. They can lead you the rest of the way.

[ Expecting him to protest and insist that she accompany them, Lux circumvents the argument with a smile. ]

I'll come find you when I'm able.

[scaling]

[ Akira commits the details to memory. Really, it's crazy. This is like something out of a movie, and this is coming from someone who used to steal hearts. If not for the way this place makes his skin crawl, it might actually be kind of exciting. ]

... Okay.

[ He still wants to protest but thinks better of it for once, particularly after what he just saw Lux do to that Witch. ]

I'll wait for you.

[interlucere]

[ Part of her feels guilty for that little white lie, especially when he says that he'll wait for her. It's not entirely untrue—she will come find him, if it's safe. But if not, she isn't going to jeopardize anyone else's safety.

Giving Akira a quick nod, she starts undoing what is left of the bun in her hair, letting it down. She offers the harpy a reassuring smile. ]

You're in good hands. We'll take care of you, I promise.

[ Once again, Lux doesn't give him much room to protest, slipping out of the alleyway and leaving them behind. ]

[scaling]

[ He watches her go silently, still displeased with the idea of splitting up again. Akira understands why it's necessary on a few different levels, and he won't speak out, not when doing so would surely unsettle the harpy. She needs to see confidence right now, a guarantee that he'll be able to get her to safety. Which he will—but sometimes he wishes Lux were a little less fiercely independent.

Well, that's a thought for another time.

Once she's out of sight, Akira turns his focus entirely to escaping with the harpy. He'll have to catch up with Lux about all of this later. ]