❪ 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

[tub]

[ interesting.


while most might have taken offense to that. shu, really doesn't. rather, it also didn't matter much in hindsight if he lived or died. he had no reason to pursue either. though, the latter was likely infinitely harder. nevertheless— ] Oh? What a coincidence. It wouldn't matter to me, either.

[ still, seeing as how archer managed to pique his curiosity, he sort of wants to see just what's so great about this tent that has him so set on setting it up. ] And what if that was my goal? [ to annoy him, that is. or so he's saying to be contrary, but...

he's pretty much already sat up half-way to get a better look so there's that. ]

[fakers]

[ if that's his goal... shu is definitely succeeding.

archer noticeably bristles at that, finally turning his attention away from tent building for a moment. ] What kind of fool doesn't care about their own life? [ look, he recognizes the hypocrisy of him making that statement, but he doesn't care. he's allowed to be flippant about his own life, but others aren't. ]

I don't know if you're merely trying to sound cool and nonchalant, but talk like that just makes you sound like an idiot.

[ he's already pretty much finished the tent at this point, so: ] Hurry up and get it in already.

[tub]

[ archer logic is evidently at work here.

if shu only knew the context for this. ] Then, let me ask you. Do you care about your own life? [ it's the natural progression of conversation, is it not? or, maybe he's just being intentionally difficult. still, archer didn't strike him ... as normal. not that shu had the patience or the level of attentiveness to be able to draw what those specific nuances were (or the right mental fortitude to define what normal was), but, it's a concept that sticks with him anyway.

it keeps him on edge, if just to hear what he has to say. only, then he hears that last bit. while he's moved in relatively close. a part of him still feels those last few inches are the most exasperating. ] Don't rush me. [ he moves like an inch per seconds, before he just barely puts a hand in it.

he's honestly probably crawling over archer to cut some corners in moving around him and not even... caring. ]

[fakers]

[ why you like this.

see, that question would actually put archer on the spot, if he wasn't a lying liar who lies alot. so, without even a moment's hesitation, he chuckles before replying. ] Of course. Like I said, only a fool wouldn't. [ i mean... he does care about his life, he just mostly cares about finding some weird cosmic loophole that will allow him to end it.

no luck so far, so here he is helping weird lazy dudes with no regard for personal space get into tents. ]

While I'm not trying to rush you... [ twitch. ] I'm fairly certain you could have made it into your tent without... whatever this is. [ what are you touching right now shu, kya. archer is a pure maiden, please do not despoil him. ]

[tub]

[ i'm securing the natural world order.

it isn't that shu accepts his words at face value, but that he decisively concludes that it doesn't matter. if it was lie, he'd live with its weight. if it was the truth, he'd soon discover how horrifically wrong he was to value anything as fleeting and flimsy as a life. hence, he merely gives a shrug, with from his current position... likely didn't add up to much, but an additional weight and pressure against archer's thigh or foot, as he moves over him. ]

This way was faster. [ and it literally is?? prob. by like the margin of a whole five seconds, but look. facts are facts. it is what it is. it was what it was. ] Why? Don't tell me you're getting excited? [ dude, he's a vampire. he's all about spoiling maiden archers.

but, by this point, he's far crossed over most of archer's body. except for his dirty feet. sorry, not actually even like 0.0001% sorry though. ]

[fakers]

[ nothing about this is natural...

archer honestly can't figure out how to react to any of this, so he just continues to stand there rather sternly... disapprovingly. he had gotten so caught up in making this tent that he hadn't stopped to consider what kind of monster he was making a tent for. but now... now he's gotten his answer. ]

Excited isn't the word I would use.

[ would anyone notice if shu disappeared? ...would anyone mind? he could use the tent as a body bag, and no one would ever know... ]

Among those that fell in the pods today... is there anyone who knows you well? That would miss your absence? [ just checking. ]

[tub]

[ according to diabolik lovers, killing a vampire is the ultimate expression of love...

archerkun. //// still, shu seems to garner a genuine touch of humor in regards to archer's words. he releases an exhale from his nose. something between a snort and the start of a laugh, before he continues. he's made it 3/4's of the way into the tent, before he turns his head back. ] I thought you said everyone should value their lives? What happened to all that preaching?

[ meaning: maybe he shouldn't answer this question. regardless, he does... offer some piece of information. granted, as in usual sakamak fashion— it's nothing paramount of usable. ] Knows me well? Hah, don't make me laugh. [ the idea of anyone being familiar with him was... comical in a sense. nevertheless, he concludes it with a simple: ] There's just some troublesome brat. [ shu gives another lazy ass shrug. ]

Maybe he's dead.

[fakers]

[ alright, one day archer will show you all his love, shu. ]

I haven't changed my mind. You should value your life. [ but does archer value it? the jury is out on that one. at least it seems like their weird display of physical affection is coming to an end, and archer can move on to... he's not even sure what he's going to do now. go take a bath? he feels unclean right now. ]

Oh? I'll take that as as no then. [ good to know. that actually genuinely brings a smile to archer's face.

apparently shu does know someone, but from his attitude... he doubts this other person would mind if shu just mysteriously vanished one day. ]

Sleep well tonight. [ it might be your last one. ]

[tub]

[ 두근두근.


still, archer's words mostly fall on deaf ears. especially, as shu is now 100% in the tent, his legs gradually giving out beneath him as he simply slinks down. if anything, while most would have been concerned with the ominous touch to the other male's words, shu doesn't give it that much consideration. even with feeling the off-set of displeasure behind archer's pleasant smile. if anything he just mutters a quiet: ] Tomorrow... [ before,

passing out appropriately. what he truly means is. where's his tent for tomorrow and the day after too??


dude, do you ever just think about how archer just foreshadowed their ai? this is like the actual visual novel. ]

[fakers]

[ 왜...

once shu is finally out of view, archer is satisfied that he's done his good deed for the day and can move on... and just forget about this encounter entirely, and hopefully never see shu again. the lust for blood gradually subsides as he begins to turn to walk away-

wait, "tomorrow"? what the hell is that supposed to mean?

he just stares back at the tent, a look of complete bewilderment on his face. was he saying he'd see him tomorrow? no, archer will pass on that. was he asking for something tomorrow? ...archer will pass on that too. there is no possible good meaning that "tomorrow" could have!!!

STOP PLAYING MIND GAMES WITH HIM HIS PATHETIC SHIROU EMIYA MIND CAN'T HANDLE THIS. ]