❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE.

[natha]

THE PROLOGUE     Your sleep on the night of the 15th is not a restful one, unfortunately. It’s unclear whether you are in a state of half-wakefulness, or dreaming. The voices you hear certainly sound very real. What is it, Sael? —Is everyone asleep?! Every one, yes. Sael, it appears you do not have good news to deliver...? N-No! I don’t know how it slipped past us, but there’s something powerful coming this way. Something hostile. I can barely keep the core systems online! ... I don't know what to do... I see... and we cannot protect Thesa and Alria in addition to transferring the Refugees to Olympia. This force, they waited for this moment. They knew I have been Intervening, and that I have become weak from such Interventions— ... We've been had. It cannot be helped. To save the Refugees on the Stations, we must eject the awoken unto El Nysa. My remaining energy shall go into shielding Thesa— left defenseless, every being we have saved on this station will perish... Sael, where is the ideal location for the landing? Hmm. There aren’t any people within a ten mile radius of The Outlook, and there shouldn’t be any for a few more days. I think that’s the best location right now. Very well. Instruct Zasere and Roman to begin preparations for an emergency eject. This is the only way we can save everyone. I am counting on you to ward off the enemy on the space front. The rest... is up to our Refugees. The alarms are blaring. It shouts against your eardrums, calling you to wake again. This time, you are in new pod, strapped down completely and cushioned tightly against the walls. In truth, you had no idea when you’d gone to sleep, but it is reminiscent of when you had been saved from the force of the Storm. A voice greets you when you come to, while the conversation between Darma and Sael is still fresh on your mind. Despite their voices playing like an old tune in your memory, you still know it is something that happened. Something has gone terribly wrong. You hear Darma speak, her voice loud in your head. Fellow Refugee, I wake you with regrettable news. A force equal to our own is attempting to engage Thesa, no doubt to steal the souls contained here. My energy is near depleted with this last Intervention, so I cannot send you to the grounds safely as originally intended. However, there is hope yet.This power shall instead shield Thesa and Alria — and believe in me when I swear no one shall be hurt. Your loved ones are safe with us. —Unfortunately, that is at your expense. Your descent will not be an easy one. This pod that contains you shall pierce through El Nysa's atmosphere and land you on an island west of Olympia, simply called The Outlook. Travel east. Find the West Outpost, then continue east until you find the Olympian North Gate. There is a method to this madness. You shall be sent in waves. The inhumanly strong shall be first. The parachute will soften the landing, but I am aware of all your capabilities. The first wave will survive the drop, and will work tirelessly to secure the others. Find your bearings, and ensure the safety of the second wave. They are the healers and medics. Catch their pods, ease their landings, make certain that they shall not be harmed, because you will need them for your wounds. The third wave are your strongmen. They shall help clear the debris and take people to safety, making way for the fourth wave, those can conjure magic to help. Bring everyone to a safe distance. A supply drop will follow soon after; it shall contain tents and tools that will be useful for the long night. The fifth and sixth waves are largely vulnerable humans. With your combined efforts, you shall survive this great misfortune. Forgive us, Refugee. Leave the Moons to us, my promise to you is still in tact— focus on what you can do for others like you. Helping at least two (2) Refugees will earn you one (1) Natha REP. Threads must be AC length to qualify, and can be submitted HERE by JULY 31st. THE DESCENT     FIRST WAVE. The instructions are clear. Those who are a part of the First Wave should be equipped with physical strength and fortitude to survive the drop or the power to regenerate and heal their own wounds. While the pods are already designed to cushion some of the impact, as this is the first group, it will likely to be the most jarring. In all of the waves, some of the pods will malfunction and offer no cushion at all. They will be expected to quickly find their bearings. Their mission isn’t simply just landing, after all. The first wave will be expected to help the next wave, and the wave after that. Whether through their abilities or brute strength, they will be expected to help soften the landing for those who are falling. They will also be expected to pry open hatches, carry people to safety, and to just... survive. It’s not always easy being first. SECOND WAVE. Within the next hour, it’s time for the Second Wave to make their descent. You were selected based upon your aptitude for healing and/or being able to administer first aid. Perhaps you can help the tired and weary. Maybe those who have landed have have strength, but no stamina. Either way, it may be unwise to exhaust all their abilities at once. The night is long, and you may want to conserve their energy for the next waves to come. At least you’ll have help in getting settled. THIRD WAVE. Akin to the First Wave, the Third Wave will possess some durability, and some manner of strength, making you a reliable ally. Especially in a time of crisis... Or so we hope. While the landing is tough, and some of you may need first aid. As soon as you’re all healed up, you’ll have no time to dawdle. Your help is required. “Please help those still trapped in pods. Carry those unconscious to safety. Lift debris, and rescue all you can.” May be a vague message still stuck in the back of your head. Something whispered to you while you were just waking. Well, might as well roll with it. It’s the best shot you have, after all. FOURTH WAVE. Those in the Fourth Wave, as Darma projects, were selected due to the versatility of their abilities. No one expects one man to do the same as the next. Rather, that’s precisely the point: to be different. To be able to accomplish something unique. While one individual may be blessed with powers that assist in putting out fires, another may have the ability to shield those from oncoming debris. Maybe one even has the ability to channel all of these. Regardless, it’s up to you and your quick wits to see what tasks are open. It’ll take some coordination, especially as there are more people mixing into the fray, but, you can do it, can’t you? FIFTH WAVE. If you are in the Fifth Wave it is likely that you have a specific power or ability. One that isn’t easily channeled or called upon. Or, perhaps, you were merely placed here for insurance. Whatever the case if, your expertise will presently be put to the test. Maybe you’re quite proficient in survival skills, and you’re already eyeing the supplies that were dropped between the Fourth Wave and now. Goods all ready to be salvaged. Okay, maybe some can’t, but as they say, “it’s the thought that counts.” Besides, the injured from earlier certainly need a space to rest, and camp isn’t going to make itself. Regardless, maybe you feel more comfortable joining in the efforts to assist those who still require it. Whatever it is, you are sure to find your place and use. Darma obviously held the same faith. FINAL WAVE. The Final Wave is fortunate in a variety of ways. With Thesa Station a bit more stabilized, Darma utilizes the last bit of her powers in insuring that these last remaining pods are met with the softest landing, right beside the fifth, that is. The fragility of life is nothing she is unfamiliar with, after all. Still, that isn’t to say nothing is expected of you. Most of the individuals that have dropped earlier will likely be exhausted. An hour stretched between each one, makes several hours for the first couple of waves. They'll need a place to relax. You will act as the final group of helpers. Settle into whatever role feels best for you. Are you an excellent cook? Great at rationing supplies? Perhaps, you have a secret skill in ______ that might come in handy here? Or, maybe, despite the gentler landing you still managed to get hurt. The sky's the limit, and you got this! Meanwhile, in the distant kingdom of Olympia, the Empress and her loyal subject discuss matters late into the night... I’ll have the results of that dragon toxin study ready for you soon, Your Highness. I just need a few helpers to— oh wow, is that a meteor shower? Oh yes, it appears so. How beautiful.. hehe. Let us thank Thesa for this blessing. GATHER YOUR BEARINGS     All in all, the descent lasts for nearly seven hours. After the deployment of the last wave of refugees, it’s only natural that you may be feeling pretty worn out. A. Within the remains of the pods, Refugees will find basic camping supplies such as small tents, sleeping bags, and compasses. Not all of the supplies remain intact, thanks to the impact of the crash. But, sharing resources will ensure there is enough for everyone to rest for the night. Can you really in good conscience leave that stranger next to you without shelter? B. Although you may be tired after such a life-threatening ordeal, there is still work to be done to ensure your survival. Fortunately, it works out because now there are plenty of empty hands. There are stray debris and metal parts that should be collected and disposed of. There's firewood that needs to be collected, and campfires to upkeep. The nights in the Outlook are particularly chilly, and so it will be imperative to keep warm! C. Your clothes are tattered or too bloodied to sleep on with comfortably. Fortunately, Darma thought ahead. There will be various types of clothing provided, mostly robes that resemble her own in earthy tones, all to help them camouflage you for your next big adventure. FINAL OOC NOTE     This INTRO event will be broken up into three parts! Please keep this in mind when plotting your threads/tag load. PART 2 will be posted on JULY 18TH and PART 3 on JULY 22ND, at 6 PM EST. In the event of CAPTCHA, we will be providing an overflow. In the event of a second CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. The NETWORK is currently down, as Sael must concentrate all of his efforts on warding off the invading force. Characters may still message each other's personal IC inboxes. Submit two (2) AC-eligible threads from this log for one (1) Natha Orbiter REP point here by JULY 31ST. Recommended Listening: Alex & TOKYO Rose QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[earthy]

[Terra raises his free hand in a vaguely halting gesture, emphasizing his refusal.]

I'm okay, really.

[Though he does wonder what her healing magic is like. If it's not just unlimited but stronger magic, maybe even capable of healing illness or poison or the like. The three tiers of Cure work wonders for injuries, but they're no help for anything else.]

How should we do this? It'd probably be safer if you stayed at the edges of this area and then I could wave you over when I find someone hurt in a pod... [He scans the wreckage left by the first and second waves. Hopefully the third wave will be here soon with their 'strongmen', as Darma called them, to start clearing more of the debris out of the way.] Or I could bring them to you, if they're not too badly hurt. Or... if their injuries are severe and it's too dangerous for you to cross the field, I could...

[His train of thought is interrupted by a low whistling sound from off to his left. He starts to turn his head to look and that's the precise moment a flying chunk of debris collides with the front of his helmet, shattering half his visor and sheering through the metal around it. The force and surprise of it spins him around in a tight circle and then he's falling, landing heavily on his back.

He stares up at the fishy stranger in plain shock, a little blood dribbling down his cheek where broken visor glass caught him.

At least it was half his helmet and not half his face.

Still. Less okay now.]

[fisherwife]

[She listens to him try to plot and plan, a faint smile on her face. It's nice to see people this invested in helping others and ensuring everyone's safety--it definitely gives her a feeling of hope.

She'd contribute more to this conversation, but the sudden interruption by a really rude piece of debris completely derails them both. She hears the whistling noise and tilts her head, but by the time she connects the sound with what's making it, it's too late to warn him.

Down he goes, and Mipha can only utter a cry of surprise, staring wide-eyed down at him] Oh! [HOLY SHIT.

Mipha rushes to his side and kneels, hand already out and glowing. It might be a minor cut, but still, there could be something else wrong that she doesn't see beneath the surface] Are you alright? Hold still, this should only take a moment. [It's a smaller wound, so it shouldn't take any time at all.]

[earthy]

[It takes Terra a minute -- his mind's still reeling, still desperately trying to catch up and figure out what just happened -- but he eventually manages a shaky breath and a little nod.]

I think so.

[Half his face hurts, but it's a mild, stinging pain. That seems like the full extent of it, although he wouldn't be surprised if his back were to turn out bruised later, too. In no real hurry to get up right away, he lies still, assuming the suddenly-glowing hand means he's about to be on the receiving end of a healing spell.

That's just fine with him.]

That was close.

[Too close. He's got to keep a better eye out for danger, for his own sake, for the people he's trying to help, and for his friends tucked away in their pods in Alria. This can't be his end here.]

[fisherwife]

[She lets the healing light wash over him, just trying to repair damage where she might not be able to see]

It was an accident. [Obviously, but she means it more in a 'so don't beat yourself up for being caught off guard' way.] Thankfully, you did just rescue a healer. [Mipha smiles encouragingly, though her eyes anxiously scan the skies for more wayward debris.

The glow fades then and she lowers her hand] Can you sit up? [She reaches out to help him] You should be able to get back to your work soon. I can help extract people from the pods, though I obviously can't catch them myself...

[earthy]

[Little does she know he's secretly a professional at beating himself up.

An accident I shouldn't have allowed to happen, he bites back the comment, shutting his eyes as the light sweeps over him, sinking in under his armor and providing immediate relief. The stinging across his cheek abates and he trusts without reaching up to feel the side of his face that the broken skin has smoothed over.

A bit different looking than Cure but about the same effect. On minor injuries, anyway.

She's definitely got a point about how he at least saved a healer right before he got beaned by debris.]

Some good luck, for a change. [He agrees, mustering up a small smile. He sits up with her assistance, then gets his feet under him and stands. His hands are slightly shaky for a second, but after that fades, he's pretty much good as new.]

Thanks for the healing, miss. [He divides his attention between her and their surroundings.] I guess it's best if we just work together out here.

[Directing another look her way, he motions to his chest.]

I'm Terra.

[No better time to introduce yourself than after a near-death-ish experience.]

[fisherwife]

[The thanks gets a smile--it's really no trouble, but she won't deny him his thanks] It was no trouble, I'm glad to do it.

[She looks around again, nodding at his suggestion--working together would probably be for the best, and generally her reflexes were good enough that she didn't think she'd have to worry overly much about being hit by falling debris. Hopefully.

Her attention turns back to him and she bows her head a little in greeting] I am Princess Mipha-- although, I would ask that you please just call me 'Mipha,' as I am hardly the princess of anything now. [Her smile is a tad sad when she straightens, but resigned to it.] I am pleased to meet you, Terra. I hope we can work well together to help these people.

[earthy]

Princess?

[He had no idea. Well. Turning back to face her fully, Terra swings his Keyblade off to the side, folds his other arm behind his back, and dutifully bends at the waist, returning her bow with a deeper one of his own.]

Mipha. [Despite the gesture, he respects her request not to be called by her title. He lifts himself out of the bow and, keeping his tempered smile, adds a curt nod for good measure.] The pleasure's mine.

[Then he's back to watching the landing zone around them. The knowledge that she's royalty re-energizes him, bringing a new sharpness to his gaze and body language as he searches for potential danger... or anyone in need of an armored or webbed helping hand.]

I'm sorry about what happened to your world.

[What happened to all their worlds. He assumes the Storm swallowing up her kingdom is why she claims she's 'hardly the princess of anything now'. No, she's no less a princess, as far as he's concerned, but if that's her reasoning, he can kind of understand it.]

[fisherwife]

[Mipha clasps her hands gently in front of her and stares out across the field without really seeing it. In her mind she sees Hyrule, the way it was when Ganon first attacked, war-torn. But she sees it too a hundred years later, when life was beginning to return. An ending and a beginning, possibilities.

She blinks slowly and takes a breath.]

Yes. As am I. [The Storm or Ganon, one or the other would have ended it, she thinks, but at least they had mounted that final offense against Ganon. At least they probably would've won. Against this Storm...

Mipha isn't sure what to do. Another enemy she knows nothing about.]

I'm sorry for all of us and what we have lost. But... [Mipha smiles, soft and sad] But that's why we can't give up now. We have so much riding on our shoulders now, entire worlds. We simply have to keep moving forward.

[She gestures] So, shall we? [Move forward and rescue and heal.]

[earthy]

[Terra's eyes flick to Mipha when she starts to speak, but he's quick to turn his attention right back to the field around them as she goes on.

A faint smirk twists his lips.

Once a princess, always a princess.

She's right, too. About everything. All that's resting on their shoulders now... Doubts and worries he'd given no thought to since waking up to find himself falling out of a strange world's sky threaten to rise to the surface of his heart again. How is he supposed to bear those weighty responsibilities after everything that's happened?]

Yeah.

[But he forces a confidence he doesn't feel into his voice and closes his hand tighter around the Keyblade's hilt. Because she's right. About everything.

They have to keep going here. They have to do everything they can, for their fellow Refugees and for the worlds themselves.

Terra flashes Princess Mipha another smile and nods firmly.]

Let's go.

[Forward, to rescue and heal.

Forward, to one day set this -- all of this -- right.]