❪ 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

[circulets]

You're hopeless. [ Sorey's a bad liar, but Mikleo's sure he doesn't need to say it at this point. He sits next to him, already beginning to chant the same healing artes he's been using for years. He closes his eyes, a warm light appearing from seemingly - disappearing once he's finished talking. ]

There. How does that feel?

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey's heard this same chant a hundred -- no, maybe even a thousand -- times before. Even in this place, that warm light is still the same as ever, and he can't help but relax some as it spreads over him like a soothing balm.

Once Mikleo's finished, Sorey turns his arms this way and that. ]

You do good work! As always. [ An earnest smile sent the seraph's way. ] Thanks, Mikleo.

[ A beat, and he exhales audibly, the sound half-sigh. ]

So, guess our plans got put on hold, huh?

[ He's not happy about that. ]

[circulets]

[ Mikleo can nearly hear the disappointment and discontentment in Sorey's voice. His gaze lowers. He just hopes that Sorey's not blaming himself what what isn't his fault, but... it isn't a situation that neither of them were happy with.

... Still, he can't help but be happy that he's with his best friend here - that all his friends are safe. ]

.. It's seems so. It's definitely a sticky situation. Still, it wasn't anything in our control, either.

[ofseraphim]

[ It's hard for him to blame himself when he has so little idea how this all came about. Looking back on it now, even, it still feels like a whirlwind.

He exhales, eyes still downcast for a moment. ] Yeah. You're right.

Guess we'll have to figure out how to make the best of it, won't we?

[ And he'll end it on that note for now. ] In the meantime...

[ One of the blankets he'd been pushed to keep is at his feet, so he leans forward to grab it, unfurling it some and handing it to Mikleo. ] Better keep warm and rest up, right?

[circulets]

You've got the right idea. [ Mikleo's lips tilt upwards into a teasing smile. ] ... For once, anyways.

[ Though, more seriously... He'll take the blankets, sending Sorey a meaningful look. ] You should use both of those blankets. It's going to get colder.

[ofseraphim]

Hey! [ But Sorey's laughing, already failing at any attempt at legitimate retort, or even pouting. It's not his fault -- he's just a little too relieved to know that Mikleo's here with him, that he's safe for any of that right now. ]

I can't take both of them! And leave you out in the cold? [ He shakes his head here, as if to say that's a solid no-go.

Then, without thought-- ] At least share them with me.

[circulets]

I can use you as a vessel, remember? [ So, he won't be cold. ... Though, if Sorey asks him to sleep next to him, he won't say no either. ]

[ofseraphim]

Mikleo... [ At that comment, Sorey looks one part concerned, and one part vexed. ]

Are you sure we can still do that here...?

[ Not saying he’s tried yet, obviously, just that... well, his other powers are miraculously gone, so this one might be, too. ]

[circulets]

[ There's a lengthy pause at that. Was Sorey... no longer the shepherd here? ]

... Sorey. Do you feel differently here?

[ofseraphim]

[ He looks concerned, perhaps a bit sad at that question. More so at his answer. ]

Yeah. [ Turning his hand this way and that, he makes a fist, then unclenches it. ]

I've noticed I don't have the same powers here that I had before.

[ He's still a strapping young man, of course; but he's, well, powerless. And malevolence is still a thing, he can only assume. ]

1/2.

[circulets]

[ Mikleo goes silent at that for a moment. He'd suspected that something might be up, but... he'd assumed it had been because he'd been far away from Sorey at the time. Still, in this case - that means that Sorey only has his fighting abilities to help, vs the shepherd's powers.

And... Mikleo. Mikleo would be without a vessel. ]

[circulets]

You've been fine without your shepherd's abilities before, haven't you? ... Besides, I don't think there's any hellions to purify here.

[ Still, Mikleo will be... looking out for him all the more. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ True, he hasn't sensed malevolence here just yet, (...can he, still?), but Mikleo is, for the time being, without a vessel.

For that reason alone -- not his own well-being, that's for sure -- his expression remains stained with worry. ]

It's not me that I'm worried about.

[ And it's directed at his cohort now. ]

Will you be okay, Mikleo?

[circulets]

... I'll be alright. I was fine in Ladylake without a vessel, remember?

[ Though, they're not sure how strong the malevolence will end up being... Still, he doesn't want to worry Sorey any further. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ He could make a polite jab here, something to the effect of, 'we spent a lot of time apart in Ladylake when you were without a vessel, remember?' but he won't. Now isn't the time for jokes.

This is serious, even if Mikleo obviously wants to skirt the conversation to avoid plaguing Sorey's frame of mind with "needless" worry.

He cups his chin in thought. ]

Yeah, guess so. Still, I wouldn't want to leave you without one for too long, just in case...

[circulets]

... I'll find something. [ It's his responsibility. after all, he is a seraph and all. Still, he'll miss Sorey being his vessel. There was always something comfortable and safe about it.

Lailah's words about water being easily tainted comes to mind... ]

I understand your worries, but this isn't the only thing we have to be concerned about.

[ofseraphim]

[ And Sorey might secretly already miss the ease and familiarity -- not to mention the safety and security -- of merging with Mikleo at-will.

But... things were going to come to this eventually, weren’t they? If they had to, yes. And, well, here in this place, they have to. At least for now. ]

I’ll help you.

[ Because how could he not? In the meantime, he sets to piling up and coiling blankets around his friend and... yeah, maybe sneaking in a bit under the edges. Guilty. ]

You’re right. We’ve got a lot to take in here. [ fiddling with the linens restlessly ] Are you warm enough?

[circulets]

... Just don't forget to worry about yourself, too. [ He knows how Sorey is. Once he starts to want to do something, he won't want to stop until its done.

He pats the next to him, as tough to insist that Sorey join him. ]

Warm enough. Come here.

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey may have brightened just the tiniest bit at that offer, inching over to close the gap between them. As soon as he settles, he pulls the blankets over himself and tucks himself in.

A silence settles in thereafter. ]

It's... weird, isn't it?

[ Mikleo knows what he means. ]

[circulets]

[ ... It is. It's lonely. He's not used to it now. However, he offers some words that hopefully cheer him up regardless. ]

... Isn't it just like it was back at home, though? [ Back when Sorey would often lose track of time because he got too caught up in reading... It'd be too late for him to just go back home sometimes. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ It’s different. It’s lonely. It feels utterly strange. But, Mikleo is obviously trying to cheer him up, and Sorey’s not about to ignore or dismiss those efforts. ]

Fair enough.

[ Sure, seemingly ages ago. They did grow up separately, after all. But once you’ve joined with someone in the way these two have, being without that feels... empty, somehow. Like something’s missing, even if that something is right here next to him.

Hearing Mikleo’s voice in his ears is entirely different from hearing it in his head.

But, changing gears. Sorey chuckles lightly. ]

I don’t think I’m going to be able to sleep after all this.

[ But the gradual sink of his body against Mikleo’s says that’s a lie. ]

[circulets]

It's something that probably can't be helped after today. [ Mikleo says softly. Still, it's important if Sorey rests... He doesn't want him to get sick on top of everything else.

Still, he moves closer - hoping to provide some warmth to Sorey on top of everything. ]

We have to at least try, though. There's no telling what tomorrow might bring. [ so, they should be in top shape if they can. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey looks down for a moment. ]

Don’t say that... [ A murmur, nothing more. ] I’m sure we’ll find a way. [ A way to keep you safe.

Why does he feel strangely inclined to seek Mikleo’s hand as he thinks that...? He doesn’t go through with it, in any case. And a simple cold wouldn’t stop Sorey, not by a long shot; though they both should rest. It can’t hurt.

But it’s not that simple. ]

We? [ Sorey glances at him peripherally. ] You think you’ll be able to sleep, Mikleo?

[circulets]

I've always slept with you before, haven't I? [ He's going to try. In any case, Sorey's presence has always been one that's comforting to Mikleo. ]

... Just don't worry so much. That isn't what I meant, anyways.

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey laughs lightly. ]

Not always, just... [ there’s a half-hearted, minute shrug ] ...most of the time.

[ But that’s not what he’s talking about. ]

But that was home. This place... how can I not be at least a little worried about you?

[ A soft elbow to Mikleo’s side. ] I know you’d do the same.