❪ march event log: taken! ❫

[natha]

CW: This event log will contain descriptions and threads involving extreme violence, torture, and possible death. While we do not intend to push beyond any boundaries indicated in sign ups, players may opt out of any aspect of their group write-ups that they find uncomfortable. Characters who have been assigned a role for this month's plot will find specific information about their groups and locations in headers below. We encourage that you thread among your groups within these headers, and as a reminder, only characters with plot roles may participate in rescue threads or hostage situations. All characters, however, are welcome to toplevel and tag in this log. To receive special commendation and be recognized as heroes in a future post, hostages and rescuers must submit a short summary of their event participation HERE by March 24th. OVERVIEW     While the riots and fanatic celebrating in Olympia and Wyver have subsided, neither city is naive enough to believe that life has yet returned to normal. There remains a tension among the citizens: not the slow simmer waiting to boil over that had preceded the aforementioned events, but an apprehension and fear that, despite the Royal Guard and Knightryder’s best efforts, the worst is yet to come. In Olympia, as night falls on the 18th, their fears are proven true. With their previous attempts at revolution through the riots having fallen short, the anti-Simwe radicals in Olympia carry out a more covert operation in their efforts to seize power. Having compiled a list of persons of interest, observed them, gathered intel and taken efforts to ensure that their movements will not be tracked, the radicals strike on the night of the 18th. The entire operation is discrete, and one by one people go missing from streets, homes, and businesses. News that the kidnappings were a large scale operation doesn’t break in Olympia until the following day, but whispers have already travelled to a similar group of radicals in Wyver, who, fearing what a political coup in Olympia would mean for Wyver—or, more specifically how this could affect their chances to stage their own coup should Shanrian choose to step in—launch their own gambit for power with a similar scheme in the early hours of the 19th before dawn. Many are taken straight from their homes, or on their way to work. For all their historical tension and division, Olympia and Wyver aren’t that different once the authorities become aware of what has happened. Both cities remain on the alert. In Olympia, Simwe orders immediate action from the Royal Guard, eager to win over the loyalty of her citizens by showing her commitment to freeing the hostages, while in Wyver, Shanrian is equally quick to take action with the Knightryders. The Altar of Volkkra is one of the most sacred institutions in Wyver, and the threat of the radicals drawing followers using its banner is too great to ignore. ABDUCTIONS AND THE SEARCH     1. Radical groups in both cities have decided that certain citizens of their respective cities would prove to be valuable hostages. Perhaps you've been traveling between cities. Or maybe you've drawn their attention by being outspoken, excelling at your city job, or being an active citizen with a great reputation. What were you doing before you got snatched up? Did someone attempt to stop this terrible thing from happening, to no avail? Did you put up a valiant fight? Regardless of how it happened, you will be forcibly outfitted with an accessory that renders you completely powerless. The extremists are no strangers to magic, either. 2. Those that didn't sign up can still witness characters being abducted and attempt to stop it, though in the end they'll fail to stop the radicals. Characters who either witness these kidnappings or notice the absences can spread the word via missing persons posters, making calls to action, or embarking on searches. Characters that would ICly look for hostages but did not sign-up for the event can still go investigate, but will ultimately not find any kidnappers. All characters may also conduct investigations in locations not included in the clues. 3. With key figures around the cities abducted, several shops and organizations are left stressed and short-staffed. Characters may find themselves working long hours, and can volunteer to help the Guard/Nightryders as they're stretched thin, as well as other key locations such as the Institute, the Fields of the Exalted, etc. There are also children, elderly people, and pets who have been left without care, due to their guardians being kidnapped. Everyone is asked to lend a helping hand. TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS     1. As rescues take place, extremists will be fleeing the following locations: Simwe Institute, the Sanctuary, and the Royal Guard Academy for Olympia, and a cave high on Namarak Mountain, or an island tower off the coastline for Wyver. Characters that did not sign-up can still catch and round up fleeing radicals as hostages are rescued, with additional details on what the extremists in a particular region are capable of in the group details below. 2. Hostages, both NPC and PC, will be gradually found and recovered between March 18th to the 24th. With how harrowing the experience is, rescuers and abductees alike may require medical attention and a helping hand. Perhaps you hope to support them with a shoulder to lean on, or by being there on Natha Station when any dead awake. Either way, the extremists may be defeated, but morale across both cities has taken a hit. 3. Healing doesn't always mean taking care of just the physical harm. Affected people in the cities, both PCs and NPCs, may have significant emotional scars from their experience. These are much harder to heal, and may not be going away anytime soon, but the people are doing their best to provide happy distractions to those who were taken hostage. Acts of kindness are encouraged and appreciated. Perhaps you can cook a few meals to take a burden off their shoulders, organize a fundraiser to help with relief efforts, or read a book to someone in recovery. A little bit of your time may go a long way. FINAL OOC NOTES     Once again, hostages and rescuers may find detailed info on their scenarios in subheaders below. These may also be used as top levels for each group! Additionally, all characters, including those that did not sign up, are welcome to toplevel in this log. For characters that are dying, please be sure to review the FAQ on death! We've updated it to provide more details for everyone this event. Don't forget to submit a summary of your event participation to guide our plot forward and earn influence with the NPCs! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[eaudevamp]

[ Full on pouting now, because Mephisto was right. Reign was plenty sinful and kinky even before meeting Mephisto. He had his fair share of partners back at Shades Darker. ]

...true.

[ He finally relented in a small voice, fingering a stray strand of loose bandage near Mephisto's hand. Small talk they may be making, but it was as if they were bidding their time, waiting for the gong to sound. ]

[meinwaifu]

[He doesn't laugh this time -- he just smiles. But it's the sort of smile that would almost certainly be followed by his usual snickering were he feeling up to it.]

I didn't think I would find the will to smile in the end... it's rather nice, having someone here.

[Generally, he always met his end alone -- not wishing to subject his familiars to the horror of his body breaking down, nor anyone he might trust enough to see him in such a vulnerable state. Arguably, he doesn't have much choice in the matter here anyway. But that didn't mean it wasn't nice.]

[eaudevamp]

[ That had Reign falling silent. He didn't know how much time Mephisto had left. He could succumb when Reign decided to return home so he could rest, despite wanting to stay, or the demon could suddenly take a turn for the worst in the next five seconds.

He gritted his teeth, then took a deep shuddering breath, uncertain how he should feel about this kind of impending doom. ]

I'll stay if you want me to.

[ Though that meant leaving his pet giraffe at home, which didn't sit quite well with Reign. ]

[meinwaifu]

Perhaps... for a little longer.

[At least until Shura comes back, seeing as he's asked her to stay to the end -- even if she might grumble about it, he knows she wouldn't leave him to die alone. She hates him, but she's not heartless.]

I'm familiar enough with the process... I should be lucid until tomorrow. But... after that, I imagine I won't last beyond sunset.

[He could probably tell him the exact hour he knows he'll pass on, but... that's not something he wants Reign counting down until. Even telling him until sunset feels a bit cruel.]

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign nodded silently, and would have reached out to squeeze Mephisto's hand were the demon not in such a fragile state. ]

Until you sleep, then.

[ Of course, knowing the rough estimate of Mephisto's death only made Reign tear up again. He bit his lower lip, doing his best to hold them back though not very successful, if the whimpering sniffling sounds were any indication. ]

You better not leave before I say my goodbye!

[ He knew he sounded petulant, but he didn't care. If Mephisto was going to go, he wanted to at least listen to the demon's last words, to do a proper parting. ]

[meinwaifu]

I promise to be here so you can see me off properly tomorrow.

You know I always keep my--

[....]

...promises.

[Except he broke a rather important one recently, didn't he? Not that he's in the mood to talk about it. It might just be something he carries to the grave-- it's not like it matters anymore, after all.]

[He takes in a breath and closes his eye, relaxing until he's allowed Reign to think he's fallen asleep. Not because he wanted the other man to go -- but because he knew he wasn't going to sleep any time soon. He knows the moment he does, he'll never wake up again.]

[And he intends to keep the promise he just made to Reign.]

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign had no idea if Mephisto had other promises to keep, or had kept them before, but he always did with Reign, so he would take the demon's word to it. Mephisto may be a demon, but he'd never lied to Reign. At least not something that Reign didn't already had an inkling about.

Mephisto had promised, and so Reign will hold him to it. ]

Yes, you do.

[ And thus Reign waited until Mephisto closed his eye to sleep, and waited some more because he was reluctant to leave, until the staffs came and shooed him away. Not like there was a visitation hour, but Reign clearly looked like he needed just as much rest.

So Reign left to return back to his place, to collect his thoughts, reminding himself that he had other friends whom he should also be worried about. He finally slept with Scorch by his side, crying himself to sleep and making a promise to himself to wake early and visit Mephisto. ]

[meinwaifu]

[Except Mephisto won't be keeping his promise.]

[At some point in the middle of the night, his condition takes an unexpected turn: he loses his sight far earlier than he should have. Was it because his other eye was gone, exacerbating his condition? No one can know for sure. But as the morning light shines into his hospital room, Mephisto closes his eye and drifts off to into a slumber from which he won't awaken.]

[By the time Reign arrives, it's clear to the nurses that he doesn't have much time left-- "But he's still holding on... do you think maybe he wanted to wait for you?"]

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign barely slept, just enough to get his body somewhat rested. Once he fed Scorch, made sure the tiny giraffe got as much love as it should, Reign headed for the Sanctuary as quickly as he could, racing against time itself.

As he walked closer towards where Mephisto's bed was, the silence seemed all to ominous and Reign quickened his steps. He grabbed the nearest passing nurse, demanding what happened and not liking what he heard. ]

H-hey, Mephisto? I'm here. Can you hear me?

[ Reign asked as he knelt beside the bed, placing a hand carefully on Mephisto's. The demon couldn't leave, not now. It was barely noon! ]

[meinwaifu]

[He looks worse, as if that were even possible. Most of the bandages have bled through despite how thick they are (even changing them became impossible at some point). His breathing is audible, but short and shallow.]

[He won't get any confirmation that Mephisto can hear him. If he wants to say good-bye, he'd better say it now.]

[eaudevamp]

[ For some reason, Reign could tell that Mephisto's time was almost up. He certainly was glad that he woke early to come, not wanting to lose another moment.

His lower lip wobbled at the realisation that Mephisto likely couldn't hear him, or maybe if he did, then unable to respond. ]

What are you doing still sleeping?

[ Reign couldn't help attempting a joking tone, raising a hand to gently brush the stray strands on Mephisto's forehead. ]

Have you been waiting for me? [ Though Reign had a feeling that there would be other people as well who would visit the demon. ] I don't want to say goodbye yet, but you'll tease me if I don't, right? [ The tears kept falling, but Reign continued on. ] I'll miss you. I already miss you.

[ Another shuddering breath, as if preparing himself. ] Sleep well, Mephisto. Good... g-g-goodbye.

[meinwaifu]

[Even after Reign gives his final, heartfelt farewell, Mephisto doesn't respond. But as Reign kneels there, the sound of Mephisto's breathing slowly begins to peter out, blood soaking into the bandages around his eyes like tears.]

[But that's when something rather strange happens.]

[With a final poof of colorful smoke, floating just a few inches above Mephisto's chest is an oddly beautiful clock, shaped like an anatomical heart. Though no clock face is present, the little gears shift and tick softly, almost like a gentle heartbeat.]

[Which might just make it all the more horrifying when the ticking suddenly stops.]

[The rot that had covered Mephisto's skin spreads up over the heart, quickly causing it to crack and crumble away into nothingness. And when it does, Mephisto's breathing finally stops all together.]

[He's gone.]

[eaudevamp]

[ Even if Mephisto himself didn't wake or respond, it was as if the human host understood the time was up. Reign's eyes widened as he watched the blood soak the bandages at an alarming rate, startled out of his wits when there was a sudden poof of smoke over Mephisto's chest.

With a detached kind of morbid curiosity, Reign stared at the strange heart-shape clock, realising in horror that it symbolised Mephisto's lifespan and heart itself. Time itself seemed to slow as the clock hand ticked, and then stopped, before it crumbled as if turning into ash and nothingness. Reign's heart seemed to have stopped as well, the air as if sucked from his lungs, making it hard to breathe.

He tried to cry, to rail at the unfairness in which Mephisto had to lose his life, but nothing came out. All Reign could do was sob soundlessly, fingers clenching around the bedsheet where Mephisto lay, head pressed to the bed. Then a heart-wrenching wail made it out of his throat, the pain of loss surging from his chest, like his heart was torn and gouged out.

Reign didn't know how long he cried, though he could sense the nurse murmuring words of condolences, nor did he care of the scene he was making. He was going to stay by Mephisto's bed until the staffs forced him to leave. It was the thought of his pet giraffe and the well-being of his friends who were still alive that finally convinced him to leave Mephisto's side. ]