☆ Event Log: Snatched, Part Two

[faileas]

Event Log: January, Snatched - Part Two

I. A Great Escape (20th, Evening) It's been a miserable six days for the Mirrorbound and refugees kept locked away in a basement cell block, subject to all kinds of torment and experimentation. They're a resilient sort, though, and their efforts to organize and bolster each other are not in vain. As the time passes with no sign of the City Guard drawing close to their operations, the Rathmore family grows overconfident, and characters can hear them talking to each other about another mass-kidnapping in the works. The best opening comes late on the night of the 20th. A few of the family's numbers are out - notably, Thomas Rathmore, his wife, and his mother are attending an emergency meeting of Parliament, and Constance is making an appearance at the Coven. This leaves the more inexperienced cousins in charge, the lesser known Rathmores with no particular skill outside of cruelty. Changing of the guard begins as usual, a handful of Rathmores delivering some sparse rations and taking their time to choose a few prisoners to remove from their cells, but this time, the Mirrorbound bite back. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Daenerys and Asura, along with the prisoners preparing an organized revolt, a fire started in the torture room provides chaos and cover - and one dead Rathmore cousin, whose body gives up some of the keys to a handful cells. Time to play the cards you've held close to your chest over days of torture, your held-back spells, your tricks, your items that weren't confiscated. A mass escape isn't likely, with so many people still present in the building and so many of the captives injured and tired, but with enough of a distraction in the form of a prison riot, which may be enough to overpower the three Rathmores initially left in the cell block, a handful of scrappy Mirrorbound may make it out to safety before reinforcements arrive. a. The Escape Attempt There is one door out of the cell block, the main, heavy, warded door that the Rathmores enter and exit from every few hours. It's locked down tight - but it's possible to power through it, pick the lock, or charm it open. On the other side of the door, in the greater basement area, they'll find themselves free of the Bond dampening. Witch magic make take some time to return, depending on whether they were drugged or only charmed, but it'll be important to move quickly. The Rathmores' basement area is large - the size of the mansion above and the grounds put together, and they'll find themselves on the lower of two levels. The cellblock turns out to be a room within an even bigger room, with the stairs at the opposite end. The dangers are numerous: magical and mechanical traps set in areas marked off-limits, illusions intended to confuse and turn people around. There is only one completely safe path from the cellblock door to the stairs, unless they take the time to disarm the traps and illusions with their returning magic and abilities. That safe path is faster but more exposed, with two or three Rathmores in pursuit, and also the other people that could occasionally be heard outside the door - young aristocrats in on the kidnapping, who thought the Mirrorbound would be sent home. They're just as surprised to see you as you are them. In fact, it's not difficult to overpower these non-Rathmore kidnappers; they're obviously shocked to see Mirrorbound still here, in such states, and some are quite angry, or scared to learn what they've inadvertently gotten themselves into. A good handful flee instead of fight, but some others follow through on the shouted orders to go after you. Use the chaos your appearance causes to your advantage. Once escapees reach the upper basement level, up the stairs and through a hidden door, a few more traps remain, but up here, it looks more like a normal basement; servants' quarters, empty for some time now, storage rooms full of antiques, and winding hallways connecting them. It's easier to hide in this dusty maze to escape any pursuers, and eventually, they find the servants' exit out onto the back grounds. From there, freedom is just a run and a decorative, wrought-iron fence away. b. The Chaos Back in the cells, everything descends into chaos. The Rathmores are furious; while two or three of the cousins go after the escapees, the rest begin to gather down in the cell block, put out the fire, and the interrogations begin. They don't bother taking prisoners out to torment them now - they can't, with their torture room charred and smokey. Their main focus is forcing prisoners back in, and locking everything down with magic and heavy chains, to ensure no one else gets out. They grow more vicious now, and they begin speaking directly to the captives - they want to know which ones got free, how they managed it, who helped them, where they're going, who they're going to tell. Those who refuse to talk will be gagged or muzzled or simply beaten without finesse, and they'll move on to the next captive. Preying on the Mirrorbound's camaraderie with each other is the tactic they quickly turn to, hurting one to try and make another talk. The talk outside the main door grows louder in these few hours, angrier. Occasionally one of the Rathmore cousins will go out to spin some lies, or simply shout down any protesting. Some of the enchantments were damaged in the riot, though - they can hear you, just as well as you can hear them, muffled but still mostly clear. The more they hear from within, the more the confusion outside grows; all the better for the escaped Mirrorbound. ..."What's going on? Those were Mirrorbound that got out-" "We thought you were sending them home!" "You told us there was no risk, that this would make them leave-" "You don't need to worry about that! Go back upstairs!" "Someone needs to get a message to our Uncle Thomas immediately-"... They're all panicking as their grand plans, flimsy as they may have been, start to crumble around them. It's just a matter of time, now. The OOC post for the escape plotting is here if anyone needs to refer back to it! Eight characters will be escaping first thanks to a joint effort. The rescue will be underway within two hours of their escape, but those two hours are likely to be unpleasant for characters who remain in captivity. Any NPC maimings or proposed deaths need to be reported on the City Tracker; please note that mass murder / killing NPCs will still have consequences and needs mod approval first, but we're happy to work with players however we can.

II. The Cavalry (21st, Very Early Morning) The City Guard is closer than the Rathmores think. Thanks to Mirrorbound investigative help, not always strictly legal but still appreciated nonetheless, they've all followed the clues back and determined a possible address. By the evening of the 20th, several members of the Guard and Witches from the Coven, along with any Mirrorbound who followed the trail, are camped out at a manse nearby, the home of a wealthy widow eager to see her nasty neighbors knocked down a peg. Without solid evidence, the Guard can't get a warrant cleared to search the property owned by a Mr. Barclay, assistant to Thomas Rathmore, but solid evidence comes as soon as eight Mirrorbound manage to fight their way out of captivity, returning to friends and Bonded. They are the last piece of the puzzle, and now legal action can be taken. Theodore Rosethorne, leading a small group from the Coven, sends out a magical message to just the Mirrorbound - they've been found. Anyone who wishes to help bring their missing fellows home, anyone who can help with much-needed healing, or anyone who wishes to bring their captors to justice needs to show up now, because time is of the essence. The Guard can't mobilize more men quickly enough in the middle of the night to be useful and they need all the hands they can get, without a floor plan of the mansion or solid ideas of the captors' numbers. They can barely wait an hour for more hands to arrive before it begins. a. The Rescue Sowilo, Theodore's Bonded Fae and a skilled hand at illusions (and seeing through such), leads the rescue efforts, along with some of Theodore's Witches from the Coven. With information from the escapees, they plan to go through the back, take the servants' exit, and make their way down to the basement levels, while Theodore's assault team will go through the front doors, making as much noise as possible. Sowilo's illusions will keep their presence masked at least until they get into the house. The aim is to get through as quietly as possible, find the cellblock, and secure a safe route to take the prisoners out without them getting hurt any worse than they are. It's easier said than done. Magical and mechanical traps of various types litter both basement floors, and heavy illusion work has been placed to obscure the way. Splitting into smaller groups to disarm the traps and deal with the illusions will be necessary, as the entire group will make its way down to the cellblock as quickly as possible. Sowilo hopes they face little to no resistance, with Theodore's group doing their job, but a few, Rathmores and otherwise, are bound to try and stop them; in that case, they will have to fight. "Make sure you can argue a case for self-defense, if you have to hurt them," Sowilo will tell the rescuers and later the freed prisoners on the way out, wings fluttering agitatedly. "Let them be arrested and publicly humiliated in court - ruin their whole family line for generations to come." He's not happy about it either, and will overlook some of the captors getting a taste of what they deserve, but deaths are not permitted on his or the Witches' watch: anyone who takes things too far will find that the person they're attacking has simply vanished - a convincing illusion - before they're handily knocked out with a spell. They face less resistance than the assault team, but less is not none; a few of the Rathmores are determined to salvage their efforts, and some of their unwitting aristocratic cronies have sided with them. Once they reach the cellblock, dismantling the enchantments that keep the prisoners restrained and addled is the first order of business for some. Others can start unlocking cells and helping people out of their restraints. Protection for the escapees on their way out will also be necessary, as well as medical attention back at the temporary base camp. The main focus has to be on those lost friends and loved ones, bringing them back out to freedom and making sure they're tended to - not on revenge. b. The Assault Theodore Rosethorne, along with some members of the City Guard and some Witches from the Coven, leads the assault. While the rescue team goes around the back, they plan to go through the front door, as loudly and conspicuously as possible. The mansion is large and needs to be swept from top to bottom for perpetrators and evidence that can be used in court. Those joining up with this team are warned that it needs to remain legal - the Mirrorbound and the refugees, all of them, have a very shaky, uncertain legal status within the city, and a mass murder could severely harm what good will they have from the locals as well as their status here. After all, many are still neutral to positive on the Mirrorbound, but that could change in an instant. The Coven will take as much responsibility as they can, but they cannot accept the blame for a senseless slaughter. Splitting into smaller groups will be necessary in order to cover more ground quickly. The aim is to locate, subdue, and arrest as many of the culprits inside as they can. The Guard provides magic-suppressing cuffs, and the Coven a basic knock-out spell, but since many will not go so willingly, some degree of force may be unavoidable. If there's one thing the rich fear, it's a legal black mark on their family name and reputation - the Rathmores will fight back harder than their underlings, but they're also the ones they need alive to face the justice system. Those outside the family, those who only knew about the kidnapping portion, are a mixed bag - some might fight back, siding with the Rathmores, but some might give themselves up once the realization of what happened in that basement sinks in. Once they make their entrance, things move quickly. Several wealthy aristocrats either flee or fight, but their attention is thankfully pulled away from the basement and toward the upper levels. There are dozens of rooms to search, and many are cluttered with an old hoarding family's antiques, furniture piled against doors and windows blocking access to some areas, hundreds of nooks and crannies among the sheer amount of stuff provide cover for culprits to hide in. It's going to be work to ferret them all out and bring them in. Worse still, the Rathmores have collected dozens of cursed or enchanted objects that may be used as weapons against the forces of justice. Some degree of force is expected, but still if anyone tries to take things too far, they might find themselves slapped into cuffs or knocked out with a spell themselves. Any NPC maimings or proposed deaths need to be reported on the City Tracker; please note that mass murder / killing NPCs will still have consequences and needs mod approval first, but we're happy to work with players however we can.

III. The After (21st On) Activity continues all through the night and late into the morning at the former Rathmore estate. All the Rathmores and a couple dozen other wealthy aristocrats are brought out in cuffs over the course of several hours, while all the prisoners are liberated to receive medical attention and reunite with their loved ones. The Guard take statements from everyone who will give one - what they witnessed, what happened to them, what they know - and all who were affected are told they will be invited to testify at trial. A gathering crowd forms at the end of the street, wealthy neighbors aghast at the horrors they're learning had occurred right in their District. Most are disgusted with the once-prominent family. On the steps of the Parliament building, Thomas Rathmore, his wife, and his mother, all sitting members of Parliament themselves, are publicly arrested in front of colleagues and on-lookers early in the morning. Constance Rathmore is taken out of the Coven roughly in magic-suppressing cuffs, surrounded by a small group of furious Witches, students of the Coven who spent the week trying to find the missing Mirrorbound and refugees with Divination. They escort her to the prison themselves. All who are arrested are transported to holding cells of their own within the City Guard - all except those requiring urgent medical attention, who will remain cuffed to their hospital beds until trial. Nessie and Mhairi make an appearance at one point to give the Mirrorbound their sincerest apologies for what happened, and Mhairi delivers the news that they're pushing for an expedited trial in Parliament, in order to keep Thomas Rathmore from bribing any contacts. They, along with Theodore and Sowilo, and the Guard, are all open and forthright with what will happen next: public trial and a certain conviction, followed by sentencing. They don't expect that the Rathmores will get away lightly; what they did is too public and too horrific for even the anti-Mirrorbound wealthy to stomach. Those others who were involved, who weren't aware of what was going on behind that metal door, they'll still face justice themselves, no doubt. In the meanwhile, those kept hostage will need all the help they can get to reach something resembling normal again. Hug your loved ones, nourish your Bonds with each other, and begin trying to heal together.

Welcome to Part Two of January's event log, Snatched! An aftermath summary of the trial and sentencing will go up on Feb. 4, the day after the City Tracker deadline, so get your submissions in if you have them! More politically-oriented characters may find an opening in the near future to enact change within Parliament and provide their own representation within the city...

And as a general reminder, please make sure to use content warnings where necessary in your headers!

Comments

[inlikethebrume]

[The shards prick and one even manages to hit her cheek and that's her cue to strike back. After all, it was they who threw the first punch so to speak and that means Mira is in full right to give the Self Defense excuse. However, while they decide to use ice, the dark knight cackles as she slams the tip of Shadowbringer into the floor and raises her hand up. While her actual ability cannot be used on this star, she is able to recreate the movements as spikes of dark flame surround her in a circle, picking off the icy attack.]

I've seen Brumelings pelt me with snowballs with much more power than this!

[The hand which grips her sword then becomes ablaze with the same dark flame as she spins to strike down any other ice shards being aimed towards the puca. The magic stays on her blade as the knight dashes towards both of the nobles, the sharper sides being shown rather than her typical blunt sections of the weapon. No no, they get no easy time with her as she jumps up and moves into strike. They'll remain alive but she cannot promise they will not get some nice stabs or broken limbs in the process.]

Allow me to personally be your guide into the Abyss.

[It comes off as a low purr but there's venom lacing Mira's tone. They really did not think this through, did they?]

[glitzandglamour]

[Before he has any need to move a "muscle," in a manner of speaking, Mira's already taken care of Mettaton's protection. It's ice against fire, a perfect combination all but guaranteeing a swift victory, isn't it? Mettaton laughs, confidence in Mira's ability overwhelming any (stupid!) instinct his new body has. No more of that ridiculous freezing behavior if Mira comes in swinging a flaming sword!

Mira's hit lands easily against the ice-practicing Witch while he tries to focus. Truly, he didn't think this through. Though he tries to produce a short spear as a means of defense, it's poorly done: in doing so, her burning blade makes forceful contact with his weapon. The knockback alone forces the pole into his chest, snapping his collarbone in the process. The aristocrat lets out a strangled yelp.

This is something else. MTT brings a hand up to rest against his cheek, a self-satisfied smile gracing his lips as he gives Mira a performative swoon at her dark tone of voice.]

Ohhh, yes! You steal my breath away with moves like that... Only to make me weak in the knees with such a sensual line delivery? That's what I like to hear!

[He doesn't know what the capital Abyss is, but it sounds dramatic. He eats this stuff up, especially when it's dangerous.]

Well done, beautiful. If only you could have come to our rescue earlier. Much, much earlier... [A beat.] Now. Where did that other pesky Witch go...?

[It seems one of the two nobles took a chance to escape. That, or he lurks close-by. A Witch might be able to tell better than Monster, especially with a Puca nearby: he's employing an illusion.]

[inlikethebrume]

[Maybe he appreciates it because he's a performer on the TV thing? Or perhaps it is due to the situation that Mira is focused on taking down as many culprits as she can and get those people out. to get him out he better be alive.

She becomes calm as the flame dies on her sword, spitting at the fallen nobleman like it is a second thought but she doesn't withdraw.]

Oh I do not think someone would run away after such big talk. How could they face their friends if they hear how they couldn't take down one Mirrorbound?

[She moves closer towards the puca and speaks in a hushed whisper:]

Stay close and you may want to hold on for a moment.

[And then...she brings Shadowbringer down as a strong gust of wind emerges from around them and proceed to smack anything not bolted down or extremely heavy all over the room. Since her own illusion studying is still very new, she has no idea on how to detect the other Witch.

Which lead to why a bunch of things have decided to be caught in her winds and smack into anything not near them. They have to have gotten hit.]

[glitzandglamour]

[He can appreciate it for both reasons. Stopping evil in its tracks is their goal, but doing it with flair is talent!

Mettaton aids in closing the distance as she approaches, his head tipping and his bright golden eye flashing with interest. When Mira instructs him to stay close, he does so with a nod, leaning into the shorter Witch with a shift of his weight. He's mindful to stay out of her arm's path, considering she wields such a mighty blade. Staying close and holding on would be the wisest course of action to stay out of her way.

What she does next surprises him, and he drops his hand against her shoulder on reflex. He himself is heavy, so he wouldn't have been affected by her gale of wind, but he's still lucky to be tucked behind her figure. Glass shatters, doors go unhinged, and the sound of unfortunate objects smashing on the floor down is a cacophony of disaster that travels through the halls.

...And if the Witch has been hit, he still doesn't show himself. His illusion remains.]

My. You're full of stunning stunts, aren't you? I'm glad I'm on your side. There's no way you didn't hit him... If he's here at all. [He turns to face Mira with a blink.] I have a few tricks up my nonexistent sleeve, myself. Why don't you let me guide your blade this time...? Will you trust me?

[He smiles. It'll be his first time relying upon it, but he's learned that the Puca are supposed to possess luck and finding magic. Surely that should be able to perceive an illusion, related to the Fae as they are.]

[inlikethebrume]

[Blow everything up but do not get the target. Of course her luck had to work out as such. Mira grunts in annoyance but thankfully her new comrade suggests an idea. As much as she does enjoy giving these shitty nobles, she does want them out of the way. There's people down there who need help, those she knows.]

'Twould be folly to not trust you after giving me that warning about the ice. Very well, I shall trust your guidance. My blade will follow.

[And hopefully she will stab strike true.]

[glitzandglamour]

Splendid! Bear with me as I work my stuff. It's not as easy as I make it look, learning to wield a brand new set of innate talents.

[When he figured out how preemptive danger sensing worked, it was purely on accident. This time he's trying to do something with purpose, which makes it a little trickier. Mettaton places his only functioning hand against Mira's shoulder again, partly so that he can feel any motion she makes while he focuses and partly for his own sake of stability — he's a real wreck, all things considered. But he focuses on the room, thinking about the rather boring visage of the missing nobleman: dusty hair, a groomed mustache, wide, down-turned eyes...

Mettaton raps a finger against her shoulder. When he speaks, he does it more quietly, as if someone's listening in.]

...Darling. Believe me when I agree, that this sounds like nonsense. But we're facing the wrong direction.

[How could they be? Behind them, it seems like there's little room for escape: since they're near the end of the corridor, there wouldn't be anywhere to run.]

He's there. But I don't think he expects that we can locate him... He must be waiting for a chance. Call it another gut feeling, but I think he's against the wall. Knock him out, will you?

[inlikethebrume]

[Knock him out?

No no no, that bastard is not getting away with a simple blow to the head. He's caused harm with the purpose to hurt, to be malicious. Pray that he wasn't one who directly hurt anyone she cares for otherwise it would be much worse. Nay, she is not of this world but this man will not escape her justice. Mira simply nods as she grasps Shadowbringer tight, eyes scanning where Mettaton speaks where to find him.]

He shall not escape from me.

[She's confident in the puca's abilities considering as she slowly walks in the direction of the possible hiding spot of the aristocrat. He wishes to fear her? So it shall be as Shadowbringer crackles with lightning this time around as she approaches closer...and yet where she looks, it is away from the man. Only a brief respite for him, believing that he has her fooled...]

Found you.

[With crackling sword in hand, Mira thrusts in the air where she was told the nobleman was, hoping to have struck true. Hoping for a stab that leaves him alive but if something of his gets broken in the process, it would still be good.]

[glitzandglamour]

[By the time Mettaton realizes that Mira plans to inflict far more than a loss of consciousness upon their opponent, it's too late. ...Or maybe it's not. Regardless, Mettaton simply turns a blind eye upon it with a smirk. Unfortunately, he's full of anger toward these people himself: he won't stop her.

Indeed, Mira's sword hits true. The aristocrat screams a strangled cry, and his illusion dissipates. Electricity crackling and bone crunching, her Shadowbringer cleaves clean through his shoulder. Mira got her wish.

Mettaton only pretends to look shocked, and plays a mean sort of damage control. Only for Mira's sake, and her actions: according to Rosethorne, they'll be scrutinized by the guard and the court.]

Oops! Looks like! He was right there!! I'm terribly sorry, Mira-darling. I meant to steer you toward the wall next to his shoulder, so that he might only fear us... But it looks like I made you stab him! How cruel. Nobody deserves to be impaled so painfully... [Mettaton's words are dripping with ire, but coated in sugar. But he continues flatly, airily:] As so many of us captives did. Over and over. For an entire week. And more! Good thing you're not one of us, right?

[The aristocrat is pale, enduring shock from the sudden searing pain and the effects of electrocution, but he seems sufficiently incapacitated... And horrified. Mettaton's flexible arm reaches out to pat him atop the head, and he howls in agony when he tries to move his arm to swat him away.]

Hang in there, darling. Unlike your sick band of the magical elite... The Guard will certainly heal your wounds shortly. My. Wouldn't it be tragic, if you had to last a week like this? Ha-ha.

CW: Blood and shoulder injury stuff I guess lol

[inlikethebrume]

[It's a good thing that Mira's wearing her helm because her gaze turns dark that the mention of torture is confirmed by Mettaton. Being as who she is, the idea is not new to her, having seen many things in her short life. And yet here, her Bond ignites in fury as her mind nearly let out a high pitched screech in anger. She should twist her blade more for him, to show that this pain is nothing compared to what she can do to him.

Slave...Slay...

She had cut down others without thinking twice, knowing that if they had lived, they would continue to do the same damn thing over and over. Some even admitted it and that was that. All Mira has to do is just push it in a bit more and that would drive the point home. You get what you deserve and all those who caused harm to these folk...Death is the only answer.

Serve...Save...

Save...save...

That's right. Others need her help. Her comrades need help. He needs help.

Mira is slow when she removes Shadowbringer from the nobleman's shoulder, making sure he feels the steel leaving before pointing the tip at his throat, his own blood mixed with his friend's dripping from it.]

Remember this until you breathe your last. For I see a true monster lying before us.

[Mira knows he'll live. And besides, a witness did see they struck first. Self defense and all that. She sets a hand gently on the puca's shoulder and quietly:]

We need to get you some medical care first. Let's go.

THANK YOU, it completely slipped my mind

[glitzandglamour]

[Thank goodness she didn't go any further. Mettaton sighs in relief, knowing he wouldn't have to try to quell her temper when even he himself feels fury. He'd much rather Mira not be held accountable for the deaths of these pathetic lackeys, and he does what he can to guide her away from them the moment the opportunity arrives.

Mettaton clasps his hands together, giving Mira a starry-eyed look at her offer. In the end, he's the same robot as the box-shaped one, only with added features with which to emote. He takes full advantage of them.]

Tending to my wounds...? Such chivalry. I appreciate the gesture. However. I came down here to see to it that those who helped me escape... would get their due freedom. Their survival takes precedence.

[That said, he shakes his head.]

I've gotten just enough to keep me going. ...Even some of the captives healed me, to help me escape. It's those below who need our help more than I do. Some of them...

[He thinks about the faces he's encountered of people barely holding on, losing hope, rendered speechless or mindless. Mettaton's in wretched shape, truth be told, and it's a miracle he escaped. It's those who have given up that he fears for most of all.]

it happens :3b

[inlikethebrume]

They need help first, aye I do agree. There are comrades of mine as well as innocents down there. I'll do what I can to get them out.

[That's why she stayed her blade as she did, setting it back on her back. Mira will clean it later once shit calms down. But at the mention of those who helped him escape, Mira has to ask even if it's unlikely. She has to ask if he had seen Emet-Selch--he has to be there. Halone, please say he's not-!]

This may sound strange but I need to know: did you see a tall man down there? With brown hair and a white streak and golden eyes?

[glitzandglamour]

[Expressive and readable as he is, Mettaton lights up with the sound of Mira's description, his own golden eye flashing in the dim light with recognition. He wouldn't forget somebody who offered him a conversation quite different from any he's had, nor would those features belong to anybody else. The cyborg Puca can't help it when he slows, rotating his upper body to face Mira more prominently with interest.]

Emet-Selch? I shared a cell with him... at some point.

[How many days ago? Who knows. It could have even been mere hours, but it's all blurring together. He raises his only functioning hand to curl his fingers against his cheek in thought.]

I'd be surprised if you were describing anybody else. His appearance is fairly unmistakable... A pessimistic man, but a sharp gaze of gold, yes. Oh, and nice eyebrows. [Thank you, Mettaton. He smirks at his final addition.] Are you a friend?

[inlikethebrume]

[She did not give his name but the fact that he knew it, makes Mira have hope. That damn annoying little feeling that the pain through the smothered Bond had a point throughout. He was down there and still alive...for the moment.]

Oh thank the Fury-! He is my friend and Bondmate and I have been rather worried.

[Worried is an understatement. A very big one. Besides, Mira has no idea what they were; friends yes but Complicated as Hell.]

I'm...not sure if potions may help you but, [She pulls out two small vials and hold them out to him.] I have these for some healing.

[glitzandglamour]

So you're coming to your Bonded's rescue... Truly, I'm touched.

[Unlike his prevalent dispassion, Mira is far more expressive and worry is palpable. A number of captives feared that their Bondmate simply wouldn't, or shouldn't, care for their capture. Mettaton smiles: anyone who is Bonded should have some sense of care for the other, he thinks. He has no Bond, but he imagines anyone who would Bond with one another has some investment in each other.

(Moreover, his hypothetical thoughts are revisited: Mira's Bonded to him? Does she have to put up with his gloomy disposition, all the time?? He wishes he could ask, but there are more appropriate things to be focusing on right now.)

When she offers him potions, Mettaton raises his hand to decline.]

You're too kind, darling. Remember: I'm made of metal... I'm resilient enough to go without, and I've gotten nothing but boosts in stamina since my brilliant escape. There are captives more vulnerable than I am down there, who might need those more than me.

[A moment's pause; then, Mettaton's smile grows, his eyes narrowing.]

I don't know if I have the strength to make it all the way to the cellblock again... But let me guide you to the stairs down, at least. I know my way around here. So many captives are full of despair at this point... Convinced that they'll meet their demise before they'll ever be rescued. Emet-Selch was awfully sure we wouldn't make it. Inconsolable. [A strong word for it, but Mettaton likes the word.] Won't you see to it that he survives? Defeat his expectations...?

[What a funny thing to say. Of course she would do that, if she's Bonded to him! But Mettaton seems to think it's amusing.]

[inlikethebrume]

[The hero in her says that she will get everyone out. No one gets left behind. That she is used to making the impossible possible. But Mira herself...those she knows are her first priority. But on top of that list, it's Emet. Strange considering but that's only looking at the surface level. Things...have gotten deeper.

Taking a breath, she nods.]

I need to tell the two who I came with first. We've all come for him and it wouldn't do us any good if we did not go together. Just do what you can and not push yourself for our sakes.

[Sworn enemies to save another...odd isn't it? And yet, Mira is without a second thought.]

[glitzandglamour]

Good thinking. You shouldn't go down there alone, if you can help it!

[Ahead of her lies traps and illusions aplenty — even getting through there required Mettaton to run at top speed during his escape, a stunt he's so thankfully equipped for with legs like his. Injured and shaking as they are, that's what healing assistance and a touch of luck is for.

Mettaton takes the lead, keeping his body language open to Mira as though inviting her along with his torso turned in her direction.]

I should warn you about the state of our dear friends, darling. Those less metal than I am... They're in terrible shape. [And even he's ready to break down. He doesn't know how to express all that he saw, it's that bad. His expression sobers, and he casts his eyes to the floor.] Expect broken bones, deep and bloodied wounds, and... Hostility.

[He means this, and he gives her hard eye contact to convey it. Papyrus comes to mind. As does the dark-haired Dragon boy, who was so far gone he couldn't even get a name out of him. Both of them were stretched beyond their limits, unable to differentiate between friend and foe...]

[inlikethebrume]

[Would she ever be ready to face horrors untold? Even though she walks the path and knows of bloodshed, fought in wars, seen things that would make grown men cry and scream at the sheer ghastliness? No one ever is but will that stop Mira from going?

No, it won't as she follows him.]

I have seen horrors before that would make the most veteran soldier quake in fear. Some may make me think twice but I will still go on. However, I will exercise caution once down there.

[Not being cautious gets you killed. There's a chance that Emet or anyone else she knows can be hostile but even so, they must go after them. To bring them out.]

My thanks for your guidance. I would not have been able to go as far without it.

[glitzandglamour]

Exercising caution is all I could ask of you. [His smile's back, though it's warmer, less showy.] After all. They need help... And you've proven to be more than capable. Capable enough to save them... and to keep yourself safe in turn.

[He's got a good sense for direction, and he slides between a slight gap in the walls like a shortcut. With a final stumble, Mettaton catches himself on a nondescript doorframe — one that leads down, down into darkness. He has no sense for smell like most people do, not yet, but it reeks of blood, bile, and sickly chemicals. Steep stairs dip down into the room below, and Mettaton feels himself teetering on his feet as he gazes down.]

And here we are! No need to thank me, beautiful. ... [He searches for words. It's terrifying to think about going down there ever again, and that fear causes him to idly tap his foot — a primal reflex he doesn't realize, a warning for danger.] Save who you can. Whether it's only Emet-Selch, or anyone else.

This bot gives me feels jsyk ;-;

[inlikethebrume]

[The smell hits her and Mira does make a face on reflex. If she was in charge, those noblemen they left behind would seriously have been killed on the spot no questions asked. Not with this evidence of horror standing before her.]

You've done more than enough. Get looked at even if you are feeling better than most; we shall take it from here.

he sneaks up on you like that... THIS WAS A FUN THREAD ♥

[glitzandglamour]

[He's the furthest thing from feeling better than most. Sometimes he's not sure if he's in his own body anymore, or if he's been severed from it by some twist of misfortune. But if he can convey the sense of strength, he'll do it gladly.]

Go get 'em, darling.

[With that said, Mettaton keeps his wits about him and hurries for the exit. If he must, he'll guide more and more to this area, but he wonders if he might have pushed himself beyond his capabilities in coming down here. ...He might be best off getting looked at, as Mira suggests.]