❪ 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

[silverhound]

I am today. [He says cheekily without missing a beat. Loz been on a roll today when it comes down to witty comebacks. He's sort of proud of himself. ] Now get moving or else I'll pound you into the dirt with my fist!

[That's a baseless threat on his part. Loz isn't really interested in beating someone to death given the situation they're in currently. There's simply too much work to be done right now and they don't have time to waste.]

Back to work, blondie! [He yells as he drags yet another empty pod into the pile.]

[melodiouspacifist]

[Is that threat supposed to scare him? Saix is meaner on his best day than that. Saix he has to listen to. Loz he does not.]

Yeah, I can think of a real hothead who needs me right now.

[He turns instead and lobs a ball of water towards Loz's head.]

Chill!

[Even if he misses, he'll have made his point.]

[silverhound]

[Just When Loz was about to turn around to curse the blond out, he gets pelted across the face with a water ball. The large man staggers a little in surprise and starts sputtering in pure rage.]

You son of a bit---- [He yells as he starts blindly throwing whatever he can find towards the annoying brat. The blond nailed him good with that water ball. It got all over his face, even up his nose and in his hair. His neatly styled silver hair is completely drenched and flopping down onto his face. Loz isn't too happy about that since he takes pride in his absurd silver duckbutt hair.]

Die, die, die!

[First, he chucks an empty pod at Demyx. Then he tosses a second one and then a third. Then suddenly Loz is tossing fucking chunks of stones at him and then people! He's throwing people at the blond. Actual people!]

[melodiouspacifist]

[It's fortunate that he has good reflexes and is fast, or he'd be in a lot of trouble, very fast. Loz does succeed in wiping the smirk off of his face and he's busy trying to dodge empty pods, running around wildly. One pod comes close enough to knock him off balance and he stumbles.

The poor person that Loz throws barrels right into him, knocking him off his feet. He lands pretty roughly.]

You have no sense of humour at all!

[silverhound]

[A humored chuckle escapes Loz after he finally smacks the blond with some poor unfortunate doofus he grabbed out of the blue. Now that he successfully made his point, Loz decides to take a breathier. He flops down onto the ground ungracefully with a tired huff. The overgrown idiot should've took a break sooner but he was pushing himself to the limit to pile all the pods.

Wait? Loz sits up a little so he peek over at where the blond is. There he sees that he thrown about several pods off the neat pile he was working so tirelessly on earlier. It's then that he sucks his teeth and flops back down again.]

Ugh, I gotta do it all over again?!

[melodiouspacifist]

[Demyx isn't really hurt, he'd just been taught a little lesson about teasing Loz. He glances back at the pods. As much as sniping back and forth can be fun, the work does still need to be done, that's just a fact. He's in this boat as much as the rest of them. He gets to his feet, dusting himself off.

He walks over to Loz and extends his hand to help him up.]

I'll give you a hand.

[silverhound]

[Loz had his eyes closed momentarily once the blond decides to approach. He feels so damn tired. It's as if the fatigue itself snuck up on him when he wasn't looking. The poor guy feels so numb and heavy now and his breathing is a little erratic. That stupid blond guy had him waste his strength trying to kill him just now. Loz feels like he's about to pass out until suddenly, there's a black gloved hand in his face.]

Huh? You'll help me...? [He blinks up at the extended hand before hesitantly taking it.] Fine but no slacking off.

[Carefully, Loz pulls himself back up onto his feet.]

[melodiouspacifist]

[His grip is stronger than it might seem, but then again most of his strength was in his upper body. He yanked Loz up in a manner similar to a sparring partner or something to that effect.]

No one's let me slack off yet, it's a real pain in the ass.

[He grins again, come on Loz, just relax.]

I'm not as strong as you, but I can manage alright.

[silverhound]

[Well now, Loz didn't quite expect this guy to have that kind of grip. He just thought this goofy looking blond was just some weak little loser. It seems that he misjudged. Then again, Loz is often wrong about a good sixteen percent of the time.]

At least you're helping, I guess. Half the others can't do anything useful.

[He mumbles with a sight yawn at the end. Even though he's a little sleepy, Loz is willing to put in the work.]

Man, it's been a shitty day.

[melodiouspacifist]

[That was how Demyx liked it, all the better to surprise people when necessary. It was a tactical advantage.]

I figured I didn't have much of a choice, at least for now. I'm just doing what the voice said until I can figure out otherwise.

[He was honestly not sure what he's supposed to do, his Superior wasn't there to tell him.]

I've had better.

[silverhound]

[If that's the effect the blond was gunning for, then he definitely achieved it. Loz still is a little wary of him but at least he knows this man can possibly hold his own whenever the wildlife in this strange new world decides to get surly. Loz hasn't seen any people here or any signs of life other than your run of the mill creatures. Though, that will change later when he does battle with a thirty foot tall snake.]

The voice? Oh, you mean Darma. [He remembers the name behind the voice quite well.] She was talking to another, some guy named Cael I think. That happened when I was still asleep but I heard them in my dreams.

[Loz pauses for a moment as he peers at the blond guy again.]

...How come you can use magic, huh? Do you have any materia?

[melodiouspacifist]

[He was a man who liked being a surprise and used it to his advantage. He'd manage if he had to, not that he wanted to.]

Darma, I guess. [He hums, was it that important? He didn't know.]

Materia? No. [Demyx grabbed ahold of one of the pods and began to pull it towards where Loz wanted the pile.]

Comes to me naturally. It's my affinity.

[silverhound]

Affinity?

[Loz arches his brow some once the blond says that. He, of course, knows what the word means but he's curious as of how such a power could be one's natural affinity. Is it something like him and his inhuman strength and agility? Certainly seems like it.]

You mean it's just a natural skill? You don't need materia for it?

[That's probably why Loz didn't sense any magic in the first place.]

Wow, I'm...kinda impressed. I guess you're not really human.

[melodiouspacifist]

[The entire details might be beyond him, but he can answer the basics. He's just not part of the brain trust that oversees everything in the Organization.]

I'm not familiar with materia, and yeah it's kind of natural? I mean, when I became a Nobody, I got this skill that came with it. I can't do any other elements though, or anything, just water.

[He laughs a little.]

Do I look human to you? Hm! I'm a Nobody.

[silverhound]

[Loz tilts his head to the side as he eyes the blond curiously.]

...You're a Nobody? [He blinks his eyes several times in confusion.] But you must be a "somebody" if you exist.

I mean...you have a name?

[melodiouspacifist]

I am a Nobody. A Nobody is what happens, sometimes, when a Somebody loses their heart. If you had a strong heart, you can become a Nobody.

[He grunts as he pulls the pod.]

It's Demyx. My Superior chose it. He names all of us, taking away our Somebody names.

[silverhound]

[Excuse the way Loz is arching his brows here in confusion. He's not really making sense of what Demyx is telling him. This all sounds horribly confusing and convoluted. Then again, this is the man who easily gets confused about everything.]

...Right. [He shrugs his shoulders as he gets right back to work. Time to get these pods all stacked up and ready to be disposed. He's thinking about electrocuting them all until the metal bends and melts.]

Who's your Superior?

[melodiouspacifist]

[It isn't Loz, it's terribly confusing, even for Demyx.]

His name is Xemnas. I saw him up there on the ship we were on before.

[He groans theatrically as he pulls that first pod into place and walks back for another. He's definitely pacing himself.]

He's our Superior, and then everyone above me is my Superior too, technically. Some of them are real petty about that.

[silverhound]

( OoC: continued here )