❪ event ❫ a moment in eternity

[natha]

TO THERE AND BACK     It has been a month of chills uncharacteristic of what you might remember as summer — cold days and even colder nights. The days are short and the nights feel eternal. With the recent disruption of the network and no sign of a resolution for the world outside of Nadril, one has to wonder what the future holds for El Nysa. What of Olympia, Wyver, and their residents? The animals you cared for - are they destined to remain as frozen as wretched Ysverai forever? What will become of the sleeping ones in Thesa when there is nowhere else to go but this icy city? Yet not all hope is lost just yet. The woman that appeared at the start of the network errors finally shows up again in another network post. Greetings to you all. I apologize for my abrupt appearance and departure before… My name is Nurray, and I am the closest thing to a monarch that you will find here in Nadril. Magda is... indisposed, so I am here to speak to you in his place. First and foremost, you will notice that your network devices are fully functional once more. Should you experience any further issues, please report them to me immediately so that it can be taken care of. Secondly… Investigating the strange frequency interference we've been experiencing has brought some troubling data to light. The passage of time outside of this colony has been halted, of course, but the hold seems... unstable. Whatever it is that Darma has done to contain the calamity, I doubt that it will last for long. Time is an unpredictable force, and attempting to control it can only have adverse effects on the world. You could stay here if you so chose, outside the reach of that magic... but to do that would be to abandon the rest of this planet to an unenviable fate. ...ah, but there is no need to take my word for it. You can see the effects for yourselves, if you wish — merely look outside. "Seeing is believing"... isn’t that the phrase? Nurray has a point: refugees have not been given a chance to see the outside. The frequent snowstorm barrier of Nadril has made it impossible to see what it's like beyond the colony. Soon after the network post, as though the snow has been "turned off," clouds will clear. With the barrier created by the snow gone, the red sun shines brightly upon the dreary city with its warmth. You can see a purple haze on the south horizon, a indication that Yservai wasn’t all just a dream. He's still there, so far away, yet so close anyway. Near the entrance, a mound of snow melts, revealing steps leading towards the underground. It seems to be a part of the subway station you might have found earlier during your exploration of the colony — this time, the station has been powered on. Two trains lie in wait — their destinations read: Olympia and Wyver. — El Nysa is waiting. FREEZE FRAME     The technology found in the subway station of Nadril is truly out of this world. The combined efforts of Natha technology and alien minds have truly created state-of-the-art transportation never before seen by the typical Nysan. It takes no longer than one hour for the intercoms to announce their arrival to the outskirts of the Dranbu Kingdom — though, even with the platform available, the train never stops; it instead continues for another half hour for it to reach the North Gate of the Olympian Empire, where it sits until it's time to return to the tundra. All in all, it takes a mere hour and a half for this high-speed subway travel from Nadril to Olympia. The second train does make a quick stop at the Olympian Station, but it will be another painless hour and a half until it reaches the jungle of the Wyver Kingdom. Because Wyver is its own island, connected only by a bridge, you might notice that a small part of the travel was underwater. The trip takes only a total of three hours, but there's plenty of time for sightseeing. After all, isn't that the whole point of this trip? BE STILL MY HEART. Leaving the train, you are immediately hit with the still, warm air of the underground. It's hot, much different from the winter of the north, but perhaps a welcome change. The station is old, but it still has a fairly new smell to it, and not just because it's been unused for so long. It feels out of place compared to the rest of this world, and this is especially true when you reach the surface. The entrance was hidden under the earth right near the North Gate. Upon leaving the station, you're immediately hit with the familiar wretched smell and atmosphere of the undead. Even if you're new, you won’tt be able to miss Ysverai, the risen Great Dragon. You see this massive creature on the horizon, mouth wide and ready to blast El Nysa into nothing. Yet he remains still — as are all the terrified residents of Olympia. You've only seen this on the monitors of Thesa Station, and now you're able to experience first-hand how utterly quiet and still the world is now. The native Olympians are all over — you see most of them running away from the Great Dragon. Others equipped their armors and rode their steeds straight toward the danger in hopes of protecting their Empire. And the civilians, having lost all hope, are huddled together — at least they would have been able to spend their final moments with loved ones. Up on Thesa Station, you felt dread when you'd observed Ysverai for too long — this remains true here. That dread reaches your heart and clutches it. You feel his pain and suffering, and for those too in tune with emotions, it may be too much for you to be near him. Best to steer clear from him, or perhaps return to the underground. There is much more to be seen, after all. PRAYING WITH FIRE. Another hour and a half south on the subway, and you'll reach the Wyver Station. It's far warmer here in the station this further south, but Ysverai's dread doesn't reach here. On the surface, you are instead immediately hit with the overwhelming humidity of the jungle. With summer in full swing, the layers you've brought with you from Nadril become a burden. In Wyver, the mood is far different. The Great Dragon Yservai was once a being that was respected and worshipped by the Wyver people — not to mention that the one responsible is none other than Prince Raysc — thus his revival is met with somber resilience. Most of Wyver natives, instead of running away, had gathered around fires in prayer. Trained dragons that were unaffected by Ysverai's influence bow by their master's sides in acceptance of what they feel in their heart is to come with the Great Dragon's final blow. You may even spot your own dragon, eyes beamed up toward Thesa, like it knows you were up there at the moment time stood still. It's hard to imagine where one can go from here. You might start thinking about clean-up efforts, how to achieve proper burials for the fallen ones... but with time frozen, you will find that you cannot actually move anything or anyone. It will be dusk, as Thesa's shines across the skies, when storm cloud gather before Thesa's light. And from the clouds is a familiar figure — Once again, she has descended. TIME & TIME AGAIN     Darma is glowing as bright as the naked eye can perceive. Her massive, true form floats before the world she's built from dust. Is this world salvageable in your eyes, Refugee? We held time in hopes that we fould find a way to dissolve this Ysverai back to the ashes from which he was reanimated. Unfortunately, we continue to be unseeing, thus uncertain of the future... after all, our powers are near depleted. Nurray was correct, Refugee, in that I cannot hold time for much longer. There is... another way, however. It is not ideal by any means, but we shall do what we must to keep Ysverai frozen. As for us... we have expended far too much of our energy — Refugee, I am too aware of the misfortunes you've experienced in your time here. I have failed in my promise to provide better living... perhaps, with more time, I may yet see a better future. Until then, I leave Thesa, our hearts, in your hands. Farewell, Refugee. Her brightness dims as she says her final words — at the same time, raises her arms, palms wide, then closes her hands into a fist. In that instant, time is resumed. It's slow at first, as though time is trying to catch up with reality. It takes a several moments until the slow-motion picture before them reaches normalcy. Darma turns her attention to Yservai, whose motion is also returning, but not for long. In her true form, they are comparable in size; Darma's glow continues to dim as she draws closer to the Great Dragon, and then she coils herself around him, holding him still before assimilating into the wretched creature. By the end of it, time has completely returned to normal, and all residents were able to witness the Natha holding time still for Ysverai — The process turns the Great Dragon, as well as Darma, into stone. HIT PLAY TO REPLAY     Darma has resumed time, and Ysverai is no longer a threat. However, it comes with a hefty price for the Natha. The massive, stone statue of Darma embracing Ysverai looms in the valley between the cities of Olympia and Wyver. It's no doubt an intimidating addition to the world, but there is some peace in knowing it's all over. When civilians finally come to, they can't help but look upon the statue in awe — and their respective cities. It's much to take in all at once. Much destruction has been wrought— buildings lay in ruin, and of the citizens still alive, many look to be in poor physical condition. 1. I. The Sanctuary has sustained much damage, and with the high demand of medical care, cannot serve as the central healing place for those in need. Instead, it is up to individual citizens to find resources and establish places of care. Those with a medical inclination or healing powers may set up medical tents, or work out of their homes. Not everything has been destroyed, and it is still possible to obtain supplies from the market or request them from The Sanctuary. There is also, unfortunately, the tragic task of transporting corpses to graveyards and giving fallen citizens a proper burial. The Temples thank you for your service. II. In order to have a functioning city again, buildings and facilities must be repaired and rebuilt. It's possible your own home was demolished in the battle. With so many important buildings needing to be repaired, city officials are too overwhelmed with the coordination of such tasks to double-check that buildings are restored to their original form. What's more, they seem to encourage design innovation, believing that a new, fresh look to the city will revitalize people's morale. Now is the time to put your own unique flair on the interior or exterior of Olympia's infrastructure. Even parts of the Palace need repair. Time has resumed, yes, but the magic that Darma employs isn't flawless. As powerful of an entity as she may be, to tamper with time is difficult. Some would say it defies the laws of nature. Nature seems to agree, and in the next few weeks, El Nysa will be facing a few hiccups as it finds its equilibrium once more and citizens try to return to normalcy. Strangely enough, El Nysa natives are not disturbed by the occurrence of these events. III. Characters may find that they occasionally (or frequently) suffer from lapses in memory. These difficulties with memory may range from light to severe, although they are thankfully not permanent. Within the span of a few minutes to a few hours, difficulties in remembering people and events are resolved. That isn't to say a similar problem won’t happen again tomorrow… IV. Is it just you, or is your housemate looking a bit old lately? No, it isn't just stress making some citizens appear older. For a short amount of time, some characters may find themselves advancing or regressing in age, both physically and mentally. This particular kind of time hiccup is rare and may be particularly disturbing to the affected person’s friends. Thankfully, there have been no cases of this effect lasting more than an hour. V. At times, it seems as though objects and people in El Nysa will feel a bit out of place. These are beings and things that belong to what some may call "alternate universes." Their presence is transient, and some will only appear for a few instances before returning to their rightful existence. The ones that linger a bit longer, however, may make your day more interesting. Before you stands a pet just like yours, except it talks...? Perhaps you'll meet another version of yourself, a more bloodthirsty version of yourself. Or maybe you'll run into a version of your friend that really enjoys your company. The possibilities are truly endless, and potentially mortifying. VI. Towards the end of the month, the frequency of the aforementioned disturbances will decrease. Following this will be an increase in a different sort of disturbance: one that will either make literal seconds seem like an eternity, or force you to move and talk at a speed you never thought possible. It's as though some higher entity is pressing the fast forward or slow down button on life, and considering your mind works at the same pace as normal, the phenomenon is as frustrating as it sounds. Hope you weren't planning to be on time for anything, because it might be awhile before the universe allows you to take that next step. But these phenomena does draw to a close — and with it, you may wonder what will happen now to those sleeping ones in Thesa now that Darma has turned to stone. After all, it will be near the time of which more refugees should wake... Repairs to Thesa Station should remain ongoing so long as parts can be salvaged from Nadril, at least. And with speed travel via subway possible, it should make travel far easier than ever before. Even with Darma gone, you will have to move forward. There is still much to be done. FINAL OOC NOTES     You may acquire REP for Nadril, and either Olympia or Wyver in this log. An AC-eligible thread for ONE (1) NADRIL REP POINT may be submitted HERE BY AUGUST 26TH, 11:59 PM EST. A second AC-eligible thread for 1 REP for either Olympia OR Wyver may be submitted HERE OR HERE BY AUGUST 26TH, 11:59 PM EST. Please direct questions to the questions thread below! Thank you! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

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[thetaintedsorrow]

[That laughter is the single most unsettling thing Chuuya has heard in his twenty-two years of life, and that’s saying something considering his background and the people he once knew. It turns his blood to ice in his veins, and all at once he finally understands the true nature of demons. This...this is what Mephisto is, beneath the anime loving exterior that’s grown fond of humans over the years. This is what Chuuya has always thought demons would be like before meeting Mephisto, after all...

He watches through bleary eyes as Mephisto resurrects his bird, and a spark of hope ignites within him when he hears Apollo’s familiar chirps.

He did it. Mephisto actually brought Apollo back to life. He hadn’t doubted his ability to do so, just his willingness, but when Apollo flutters back over to Chuuya only slightly discolored, he knows that his suffering was worth it. Worth it, and yet he can’t stop crying even as he reaches up to stroke Apollo’s chest.]

Hey. I missed you.

[His entire body is trembling now, as if he might fall to his knees at any moment. He barely notices that Mephisto has changed back...]

Yeah. Yeah, I did the right thing. You’re back, and I’m gonna give you all the seeds you want. Then I’ll let you fly outside just like you always want to.

[He’s fine.]

[meinwaifu]

[Mephisto is no stranger to causing pain and suffering in others. He was Samael, the king of time. A demon who has sat watch over humanity for eons, enjoying their struggles and hardships with just as much enthusiasm as their victories and happiness. That's not to say there haven't been times where he fought for one or the other. At his core, the demon he is now cares for humanity. And he would do anything to protect their right to continue to exist... even if it meant becoming their enemy.]

[But the way he was then was so different. The Samael who would go on to travel Assiah for generations, participating in countless wars pitting demons versus humans... the Samael who looked up to Lucifer, despite their vastly different opinions with regards to humanity.]

[He can hear the little trembling in Chuuya's voice, revealing just how emotionally compromised he is from what Mephisto made him do. What a demon made him do, manipulating his emotions-- and for what? Entertainment?]

[Perhaps the worst part of all is knowing that the only reason he feels guilty about what he did is because of how it made Chuuya feel. The inherent cruelty of the act itself escapes him.]

...I suppose I can only hope that you understand now. The truth nature of a demon, and what it means when I speak of it.

[He doesn't even know if Chuuya's listening, but he speaks up all the same.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Chuuya hears him, and it’s those words that snap him back to reality and have him falling to his knees from the sheer weight of his emotions. Apollo curls up right next to his neck, even as Chuuya trembles with the force of holding back his tears.]

It’s stupid, right? Caring about a bird this much? Even if I watched him hatch and take his first breath, it’s stupid to care this much about an animal.

[He only wishes he didn’t care this much.]

Some mafioso I am.

[He laughs, but there’s no humor in it.]

Maybe making me do that was a sign that I’ve gotten too goddamn soft.

[meinwaifu]

...the only thing that's been proven today is that you are human.

[He steps closer, with slow steady movements, reading Chuuya's body language in case he sees signs that he'd rather Mephisto keep his distance. And maybe right now, he should. Mephisto was hardly stable at the moment, with the constant time fluctuations...]

[But even so, he kneels down in front of Chuuya, the expression on his face now softer -- the sort that was actually capable of empathy and emotions.]

Humans draw strength through emotional connections. There's a reason demons only prey on those with lonely, selfish hearts. Because unlike humans, we're deficient in that regard. Our hearts are weak -- in every meaning of the word.

[Hearts are a demon's weak point, after all -- there's almost something poetic about it, for it to be true both literally and figuratively.]

As much as I'd like to say I'm not the same demon now that I was back then... even now, I don't know if I can say for certain whether I truly understand the emotional connection between you and Apollo.

To that end... I can only apologize for how I've made you feel now. I'm sorry.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Chuuya doesn’t try to move away when Mephisto steps closer, nor does he grow angry or resentful. His hat succeeds in hiding his expression, but it’s clear that he’s still crying, which is definitely a record for him. The last time he’d cried this much was the day he found out that Dazai had betrayed the Mafia and disappeared without a trace, which speaks volumes to just how deeply this entire experience has scarred him. The bad thing is that snapping Apollo’s neck wasn’t the worst part; no, it was Mephisto’s reaction to Chuuya’s suffering that truly tore him apart.

And yet he can’t stop himself from looking up into his master’s eyes when he kneels down, revealing his tear-streaked face. He’s so thankful that Mephisto isn’t grinning anymore...

Chuuya actually stops sniffling when he hears Mephisto freely admit that demons are weaker than humans in matters of the heart. Not only is he admitting that, but he’s also apologizing, which Chuuya never would’ve expected. Not once in his life has anyone that had truly wronged him ever apologized, and those words do carry weight, no matter how badly Mephisto had made him feel.]

Weak...

[Chuuya wonders if Mephisto could ever truly understand the kind of connections humans forge in their short, fleeting lives...]

You...you’re not lying. You...regret it?

[Of course Chuuya knows that he can’t lie, and that makes Mephisto’s apology actually count for something. With a shuddering sigh Chuuya sits back on his knees, wiping the tears away from his face and looking rather pitiful. He’s almost childlike right now, with how raw and honest his feelings are. He takes a moment to collect himself before finally speaking up again.]

Will he be the same bird?

[It’s all he can think to ask right now.]

[meinwaifu]

I cannot lie to you. Even in that form, had I tried-- I would have doubled over as though physically ill, until I told the truth.

I take my promises very seriously, whether I remember them or not.

[Seeing as he's not being pushed away-- he poofs a handkerchief into his hand, reaching up to slowly dab at the tears in the corners of Chuuya's eyes. He's never seen Chuuya cry this much... to think he was the source of that pain, of magnifying the pain caused by losing his home and nearly losing his pet, causes a heavy weight to coil up in the pit of his stomach that he's not quite sure how to deal with.]

But he is through and through the same bird. Animals experience trauma just as humans do -- but I don't believe he was aware enough of his surroundings to know what was happening.

[J-Just in case that thought crosses Chuuya's mind. Not that Apollo would ever be able to put two and two together for how Chuuya's powers work, but still.]

The power to restore life was one I learned from the Natha. But given the nature of a demon's blood-- for him plumage to change color like that indicates that a small amount of my power now exists within him. I can't imagine it would have any great effect when so small... but it's possible he may have gained anything from a boosted immune system to a significantly longer lifespan.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Chuuya knows that he should be angry, and a part of him still is, but the anger is buried underneath heaps of confusion and exhaustion. He’s hardly eaten and slept just enough to keep himself coherent, but all of this is starting to catch up to him in the worst ways, and it shows in just how tired his eyes look. But he stays still and allows Mephisto to dry his tears, letting the fact that his bird is alive and well finally sink in.]

Maybe he’ll benefit from it, then.

[There’s a long pause, filled only with the occasional sniffle.]

If I wasn’t your familiar would you have done the same thing?

[Would any of it have played out differently? Did his status truly matter then? Or would any human’s suffering have sufficed?]

[meinwaifu]

[Mephisto will let the silence linger. But at some point, he'll poof away the handkerchief and instead reach down to take Chuuya's hand, holding it palm up. And snapping his fingers -- he summons a little handful of birdseed for Apollo, who readily hops down Chuuya's arm to start eating. It's probably not the first time Meph's done this, keeping birdseed ready for whenever he visits Chuuya in his home -- but he figures it's important that Chuuya be the one to feed Apollo right now.]

[Because he does understand that sort of connection -- he just doesn't realize it.]

...that's hard to say. You were the first human I ever spoke with at that time, and I had very very little information to go off of. I wasn't nearly as childlike the first time I incarnated, as my powers over time game me a great deal of information to work with.

Though it may sound strange to you... if I had my full power, I would have recognized you from my knowledge of whichever timeline we would eventually meet, regardless of "when" I came from.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Just that small, simple gesture is enough to lift Chuuya’s spirits, and watching Apollo eat the seeds with as much vigor as ever puts a tiny ghost of a smile on his face. But part of him feels like he doesn’t deserve this, that the hands that had taken Apollo’s life shouldn’t be things that the bird finds comfort in, but once again Chuuya is being incredibly selfish and decides to allow himself this brief moment of joy.

Chuuya finally looks back up at Mephisto again, this time with just a little more light in his eyes.]

Then...if you knew it was me, maybe...

[Maybe he would’ve spared Chuuya that experience. Or maybe not. Either way, things played out how they did, and all that’s left is to move forward.]

I should’ve asked you to revive the man you’d been standing over when I came across you. Or, I guess I should’ve let you show me a miracle.

[Chuuya rubs behind Apollo’s crest with a sad smile.]

I wonder what it’s like to be given a second chance when you’ve experienced death itself.

[meinwaifu]

[There's no way he would have openly subjected Chuuya to such an experience if he knew what he knew now. He knows at least that much.]

If I had, I wouldn't have been able to save Apollo like this. The spell itself is rather limited. Attempting to use it more than once every few weeks can cause it to backfire into me -- which would have only been even more traumatizing, I'm sure.

[He doesn't know what that spell backfiring looks like either -- for all he knows, it could kill him.]

[...but he doesn't really want to let Chuuya dwell on the idea of losing both Apollo and Mephisto in one fell swoop, so he doesn't pause as he continues.]

Ah, but that's hard to say! I don't think most animals would think much of it. But many humans see near-death experiences as life-changing -- confronting ones mortality has a way of making them appreciate life to a greater degree.

Naturally, the answer would be rather different for a conditional immortal like myself.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[All Chuuya can do is hope that time remains stable for now, because he’s not certain he would be so kind to child Meph should he see him again.]

I’m glad I was selfish, then.

[He only wishes that he could’ve spared the poor little guy the pain of succumbing to Ysverai’s rot and nearly dying alone on Chuuya’s bed...

Ah, but dwelling on such things will only make him more upset, and he’s glad that Mephisto changes the subject at least a little bit, though the idea of him losing his master now, even after all that’s happened, does stick in the back of his mind, haunting him.]

...even after all that, I don’t want you to die again.

[meinwaifu]

I won't die.

[He says it with certainty -- even knowing it may become untrue in the future. But so long as he's the one saying it, that means it has to be true, right?]

[Tentatively, he reaches out and rests his hand on Chuuya's cheek.]

And so long as it is within my power to prevent it-- neither will you.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Chuuya has no choice but to believe both of those statements, but it’s the second one that really hits him hard. How is he supposed to feel when Mephisto forced him to do something so cruel and follows it up with a promise to protect him?

...

It’s too much to think about right now, and Chuuya simply nods as he leans into Mephisto’s touch for a brief moment.]

It could happen again, couldn’t it? You turning back into a kid.

[meinwaifu]

...it could. In fact, I'd wager it will.

[Something about that doesn't feel right, and he ends up pulling back his hand before Chuuya can get too comfortable with it.]

To be quite honest with you, this might just be the longest conversation I've had all week without being subjected to one change or another. As the concept of time itself given ego, I'm far more sensitive to the fractured flow of time in this area, and all the effects it brings.

Much as I'd hate to leave you alone right now, I don't think it would be wise for me to stay here much longer.

[thetaintedsorrow]

Right.

[Chuuya really doesn’t want to end things here, but he needs time to cope with everything, and he really can’t deal with little Mephisto again. Apollo chirps as Mephisto pulls his hand away, and flits over to him to land on his shoulder.

Chuuya gives a wry laugh.]

Looks like he knows who saved him.

[But is seemingly ignorant to the person who killed him...]

[meinwaifu]

...I wouldn't be surprised if he feels an affinity to me now, given the trace of power I've given him.

[He reaches up with his hand to coax Apollo into perching on one of his fingers, before holding him out to hop onto the brim of Chuuya's hat.]

But just in case it happens again and we should cross paths... I'm going to tell you something that you can say to me to make me leave.

It should work regardless of what "time" I am from, provided I don't remember you.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[It makes sense for Apollo to be drawn to him after that, and also considering what Chuuya is to Mephisto...

Chuuya knows it’s silly to bring it up, but...]

It’s kind of funny. I really liked sharing those chocolates with you.

[But he needs to hear this anyway, obviously.]

What is it?

[meinwaifu]

[He won't reply to that. He doesn't think it needs to be said that he enjoyed it as well -- even if the memory is rather tainted now.]

[He moves to stand first, turning on his heel so his back is to Chuuya -- as if he doesn't want him to see the look on his face when he tells him this.]

...introduce yourself as an envoy to the King of Light, Lucifer.

Tell me he's disappointed in me. And will coming soon to return me to Gehenna by force.

If you tell me this... I'll do everything in my power to get as far away from you as possible.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Chuuya has a feeling that whatever face Mephisto is making is one he wouldn’t want to see...

He has so many questions about all of that, about Lucifer and Gehenna and why Mephisto would be sent running from that, but it looks like questions will have to wait until another time.]

Got it.

[It’s a bit much to remember, but Chuuya can do it. Even if he hopes that he never has to use it.]

Later then.

[Because no matter what happens, Chuuya is Mephisto's familiar, and he’ll be bound to him for as long as he lives.

Even now, Chuuya wouldn’t change that even if he could. Whether that makes him a fool or not has yet to be seen.]

[meinwaifu]

Until we meet again -- hopefully under better circumstances.

[And with a raise of his hand, he snaps his fingers-- and with a poof, he's gone.]