Everything about it is eerie. If you're able to see past all of the green smog- it's only endless hills and rocky formations as far as the eye can see. No signs of plant life, a cry of any kind of animal, it's just... nothing. Some parts of the grounds are cracked open, complete total destruction of earthquakes having racked the lands. As far as you can tell, anyways. What you do know is that this world is a hazard. It's hard to believe it's even a world to begin with. What could still be alive here...? Is there anything alive here?
The sensation is dizzying, catching yourself as you move a bit uncertain on your feet, with some light-headedness that's impossible to ignore. It's almost as if you're having just a bit of difficulty breathing... Oh, huh. That would be because you are. There's something about the air around here- if there's even air to begin with. A strange green miasma is spread all around you that makes it hard to tell apart what's the ground beneath you or just the endless void. Even the shapes of other people beside you are kinda hard to make out at first.
Every breath you take is a struggle, but it isn't too bad at first... you feel like you still have some time to gather your bearings.
Maybe you can start by checking up on whoever else is here with you? ]
this could be worse for chang geng, probably. thanks, 18!
what catches him off guard, first, is actually the armor, but he steadies himself with the large sword so that he can actually get his bearings and assess the situation. after a few, steadying breaths, trying to get his vision to focus on their surroundings gets easier. there's nothing that's... immediately threatening? the vast emptiness is threatening in its own way, but they can probably collect themselves right now.
he reaches up to push the faceguard of the helmet up with his free hand, entire expression a furrowed, frowning squint. ]
As far as new locations go, that this comes with new clothes is unexpected.
[That calmness...indeed, it's November. There he is, already standing up. Instead of his usual suit, he's wearing robes and already has a staff in a hand. Still...he seems to be having a bit of a hard time adjusting -- holding his chest with one hand and taking deep breaths]
Hello, Chang Geng. It seems the air is not as breathable as it should be. Let's try to go back as quick as possible.
[He's pretty sure there will be health issues if there's a long stay]
[ Wicked's breath is notably ragged, and it might be a little difficult to see that she's squinting underneath her armor. One hand gripping onto the axe she had awoken next to, holding it against the earth to keep herself upright. There's a bead of sweat that drips down her chin, something that she quickly wipes away with the back of her hand. ]
She unsteadily gathers herself up, for the moment not even paying any mind to her outfit or the chakrams at her hips. Oh. It's so hard to breathe? Hello? For a moment, she looks woozy, and he face goes a little more pale.]
Hello, November. This might be like one of those trips the living have been on.
[ chang geng frowns even more, doing his headcount and taking stock of who's worse off. chinatsu is right back on the ground, so she's the one he moves over towards - setting a hand on top of wicked's equally armored head in passing - before easing down to kneel next to her. ]
He's right, though, we'd best get moving. Try to keep your breathing steady - if it's poison, then as little of it you breathe deeply, the better. [ he offers poor chichi his hand to help her up with him. ] Let's get you back up to your feet, Miss Chinatsu. If you feel dizzy, please lean on us.
[We have arrived and there's one person down. Chang Geng, moving to Chinatsu, gives some reassurance -- he's a doctor, after all, so he decides to leave that to him. Fanning with his hat to try to keep this potential poison away from his face, November walks around in a circle, getting used to the feeling of walking with robes]
What about you, Wicked? Will you be able to hold up well?
[Chang Geng seems to be in a pretty good state, Chinatsu definitely is not doing okay, what about you?]
[ It isn't long before it becomes clear enough, an opening where there is less miasma- a source to that bright glow. Or rather... glows. Various large draconic beasts seem scattered around this small area. A few around a waterhole that seems anything but drinkable. The colors of the murky liquid are various shades of purple and green. Despite it, there are a few ghastly-looking dragons around it, lowering themselves to drink. There also seems to be a familiar face kneeling by the waters, talking with one of the dragons. If the dragons feel the presence of their newly arrived company... they do not react. Some more dragons appear to be further in the background, either asleep or merely laying down and peering off into the distance.
However, before you can move any closer does something dark, black flicker at the corner of your eyes. A bird not unlike Meteion comes into view, a strange black watercolor-like sensation ripples briefly over the bird's form just as another voice sounds out to you inside your mind just like Meteion's.
A voice that... in a way, is almost familiar. Similar to the one accompanying you, and yet... different. It is almost monotone. Void of any emotion. It seems to address the party first. ]
Why are you here? Are you truly that desperate for your end? And you... you should already know what will come from this.
[ It's clear who it refers to, Meteion's voice sounding out quietly, almost in a plea. ]
Please. I need to understand. If you found the answer, do you truly believe it's this...?
What is there left to understand? Let's start with this one here, what you see is a memory of a world that once was. A world suffering a slow death, whose denizens cried out for the release of oblivion. This was their answer given.
... ...
You should've stayed on the star whence you came. Though, I suppose it doesn't matter, your end will come either way.
[ With another blur of black, the black avian is suddenly gone from sight. It's just Meteion now who quietly flies in place. After a moment, her voice softly pipes up. ]
I.. can feel it from them, the dragons. There's so much... suffering. An almost endless despair.. [ her voice sounds almost pained, as if she's feeling it directly. as if to escape it, she flies closer to Chang Geng, though her attention remains focused on the ghostly outlines of the beasts. ] Maybe if we ask around... we can find out what happened here.
[ With your attention focused back to the area, the dragons still seem to not have reacted. But with the feeling you get from the air, you wonder if it is because they deem you all as no threat, or they simply just don't... care. Though, one dragon in particular rests on a hill nearby, staring at the group with sharp green eyes until it resumes looking North.
...Whatever the reason they have, what will you do now? What is your next course of action? ]
[ thanks to chinatsu, they make quick time - although into what, he's not sure, taking everything in as they make their approach. dragons are a thing of myth, in great liang. inspiration for transport and armor and weapons, but not a thing that could be considered living and breathing. or something that was, once, like these maybe were.
it almost makes it easy to miss jiuqing, in all of this. but logic tells him that they are dead, and she is not, and this might be an illusion instead of the real thing. still - ]
... it's alright, Meteion. We'll find out what's happened. Don't pay it any mind for right now. [ he holds his hand up to where she flies close to him, but will let her fly away again if she wants to go to someone else in the party or scout the area herself. ] I'm going to see if this is the real Miss Su, but I'll keep an eye out.
[ still, he has to know. regardless they might learn something. heading that way, while keeping an eye on their surroundings in that direction! ]
[Meteion is one thing. She's dead, after all. November had thought that, perhaps, the rest were the other graveyard residents, but no, that...that is Jiuqing. Who should be alive. Did she die all of a sudden? If not, this can't be good. This also makes him a tad wary of Meteion, admittedly, but he decides not to voice that for now.
Still, he calls for Chang Geng unsuccessfully because I say it'd be silly not to poke everything, so more power to you, Chang Geng, I'm rooting for you and also please don't die.
November turns to Wicked and Chinatsu]
If you see anybody we know is on the living side, if you approach them don't go anywhere with them.
[As for what he'll do...]
That dragon over there noticed our presence and it didn't try to burn us to death right away. I'll attempt to interrogate that one.
[Having said that, November began walking in that direction, yup. If anyone wants to come with him, they're welcome.
November approaches slowly, attentive to any sign of hostility, whether it's from this dragon or anything else in the area]
[ She's just gonna swing this big ol axe onto her shoulders, one hand reaching out to grab Chang Geng by the arm. Still a bit disoriented, but not as bad as before; clutching onto him. ]
Eleven's right. Damien once thought he had seen me and got his throat ripped out -- you really wanna test that? If you're gonna go, at least let someone tag alone.
[ Imagine... the two dps and two tanks split off. ]
[Wow...........actual dragons. What is happening here.]
Wicked-san is right. Some of the others have seen me in the places they went, but I wasn't ever there. They used me against them, too.
[Doesn't mean it still won't work on them, haha! Or that they shouldn't see what's going on here. She watches Chang Geng go that way... and November go the other way... It should truly be Tank/DPS, Tank/DPS, but...
...she starts going after November? Because she's worried, and also... her... dance partner... the dps........... She stops hesitantly, then doubles back.] Wicked-san, please make sure November-san doesn't do anything stupid. [She will
go after Chang Geng. And... switch dance partners... Sorry, November...!]
[ Meteion seems puzzled by those words, as though she's missing something here. However, if he wants to talk with her, she doesn't seem to try and stop him. Unlike Wicked, of course. She merely listens on to their conversation and only flaps in place with a tilt of her head.
But it seems like you guys have made your decision here so, off you go! She gives a glance to Chang Geng and Chinatsu before Meteion flutters after you both once you begin to approach the large ghastly-white dragon resting atop the cliffside.
When you come close enough, it appraises you both with a look that is neither curious or threatening.
...Doesn't seem to bother to greet either of you either, though. Awkward. ]
[ The will of your comrade, your friend, was strong enough to reshape this world so that you might survive. Her sacrifice... it must not be wasted. You feel the need to see this through. You have to, for their sake. You cannot let it be for nothing. In this filling silence, Meteion stays fluttering in place with her gaze focused on where Jiuqing was moments earlier.
Time waits for no one, a gentle breeze coming by as it drifts towards on North. As if guiding you, leading you to where you need to be next. Chang Geng, compared to the others you feel different. That lingering, faint feeling of dread from since your arrival... it has grown much stronger now. Every step you take feels like lead, for now you can move on but... you can keep moving forward. You're capable of staying calm even in the hardest moments. A tightly wound lid on that jar, and though this place seems to have loosened that lid considerably you can keep yourself together.
As the group moves on, you eventually find... a swirling wind of metallic glow by the edge of a cliff. Meteion hovers on over before it, turning back to the group. ]
We'll be able to continue on from here. ..Are you ready?
[ There's worry, concern evident in her tone, as if she's feeling your pain as her own. You hardly have any time to answer, that same earlier pulsing wind brushes against your back, encouraging you on. Go, it seems to say. Before you even realize it- the wind takes you up, as if in a warm embrace of metallic, and in a flash the world around you slightly changes.
Once the wind seems to ease down, vanishing entirely, you find the colors of darkened skies the same. However, the floors you stand upon are much, much different than the earlier rocky formations before. The unsteady ground and gravel is made of something heavy, hard, metal. The structures, the lights, all of it gives a feeling of something futuristic. For those more used to modern times, something futuristic isn't too jarring but this is an extreme level of advanced technology. A huge contrast to the memory of the world before.
Well, here you are. Now what? In the distance, you can see some things skulking in the shadows... but even further shows an area that could... probably be described as a base. A landmark of sorts full of lights and various structures. That may be your next destination. ]
...Please, don't push yourselves.
[ You have no other choice than to move forward. ]
[ were it any other situation, chang geng might offer the joke of would you prefer jiejie instead? in response to what wicked says. maybe later. maybe when this is over, and they're back in the motel, where things at least are more under their control.
every day is an uphill battle against the thing that's been living in the jar already for years, and now it's too full, fit to burst, and it is everything of his finely honed control to not let it go. there's some implication of a wan smile sent november's way through the helm - because there'll be no rest when they get back, he imagines - but the sentiment is appreciated anyways.
it's fine. he tries not to pay the metallic color much mind. better to just. survey things. ]
More shapes in the distance, maybe more trouble for us, but the lights... head onwards, take a moment to breathe, or do some scouting?
I would suggest scouting, but even the wildlife around here is powerful enough to need all of us to band together to fight it. Sending someone alone is a death sentence. [November pokes the top of his staff. He really hasn't gotten used to this thing] While I can teleport, looks like there's not enough range for it to be worth trying.
[So that leaves two options. From them...]
I'd continue on, as long as Wicked and you can go on.
[They are going to drag Wicked along with them wherever they are going because they are A TEAM.
The whole scenery changes, and she glances around while following the rest of them, expression pensive.]
...A building?
[This is more... modern-looking than the last place, something familiar to her in that sense even though she hasn't seen much like this before. She looks from the distance to the other three.]
...Let's keep going if you're able. Something might get us if we stop.
[ Meteion is still here, though quiet as she is. However, the call has her attention and she flutters on closer, but her eyes seem more focused on Wicked's arm. ]
If it's the same as before, we should keep going.. The air is.. clear now. So we aren't in too much danger but, it wouldn't do us any good to just wander around or stay still.
[ Her voice is soft, looking now to that base seen not far from here. ]
[ You move on. What else can you do but that? You've lost two of your friends now. How much more will you lose? How many must be sacrificed before it stops? How long.. can you even keep going? It's harder now than it was before. Yet, someway, somehow you still have enough hope in you to push on.
However, Wicked... Marie, you're feeling it much harder than the others. Like a piece of you has been lost. Was it worth it in the end? Just to get here? Your feet feel as though they're submerged in the ground beneath you. The world seems a bit more grayer and darker around you. Though, for lack of better words, you're used to worlds that have a tendency to be a shit hole. You have to hang on. After all, you have to hold him to that promise.
The words of the Omicron sound true and real. Mayhaps too real for you, November. A reminder of home. A reminder of what is, what will be. However, maybe that's for the better. It lingers in your mind-- the potential, what can be. A decision that could change everything.
And yet, Chang Geng as you familiarized yourself with this world, as you watched someone who has helped you as much as you have helped her.. disappear, just as the last. You can only feel anger. Infuriated by this wave of despair lapping against your senses. Writhing and trying to dig its fingers into your heart. A curse. Time and time again. But it isn't just you now. You are a team. You cannot forget that.
But all of this, maybe it feels as if you can't really wrap your mind around it all, Chinatsu. Not in the lack of understanding, though-- there's just so much fight in you. Despite everything that has happened, here and in the prism, even if your life before has been so normal.. you're still capable of moving forward. Of fighting back. Not giving up. It hurts, yes, but it hurts because you care. It hurts because you refuse to let anyone give up. You continue to be strong-- you push forward. Even if it hurts a lot.
Meteion flies over head as you make your way up the spiral. Watching, guiding, ever close as you draw upon these answers... these reasons, together. A shining blue light in response to the hope that still dwells within you.
Once you register your newly surroundings, you can only imagine this place was once full of color and life. Now... now it is nothing more than a lifeless star. Abandoned in its final moments. Leaving you and the others here for a moment to breathe. Of course, your presence does not go unnoticed. As the times before, another bird of pure black flutters on by, her voice not unheard. ]
That you still stand... Your determination defies all reason.
What must I do? What pain must I visit upon you to make you surrender to despair?
[ There’s that overwhelming sensation of despair, of grief, that lingers with every step she takes; she is so used to walking on her own, confronting the world and it’s hardships by herself. So familiar, so adjusted, to do everything, but for a brief moment there’s the thought that she can’t do this.
And then she looks to the people beside her: Chang Geng, November, and Chinatsu. They’ve all had their own hardships, their own faults, and in her perspective (because that’s what she clung to so desperately), the support of others to keep carrying on. Each of their presence like a warm rush of water after the cool wave of Crow’s absence.
Marie had the resolve to face the idea of dying for the sake of her friends — Wicked keeps an grip on her resolve to survive. The only difference now being that she wants to take steps forward to a better life with the people beside her.
That’s right. In this world that had always sworn to hate her, sworn to kill her, and came so very close time and time again, she will survive. Because, like those beside her, it is what she deserves. ]
I’ve already lived through all a world can throw at me, dumbass. If you’ve been trying to just hurt my feelings, you’d realize I’ve got thicker skin than that.
[ She grabs her axe, her usual tone resurfacing. ]
And I refuse to let you or anyone ever be the ones that kills me after the shit I’ve been through!
[ chang geng huffs a noise that could've been a laugh in another life. ]
Others before you have tried, and failed, the same as you'll do. I've been living with despair breathing down my neck for most of my life - so all you've done is earn my ire with these games.
[ xiu niang - hu ge er - with her red painted lips, her bloody mouth, her final words and curse, live as a reminder even to this day.
no one will love you; no one will treat you with sincerity. in all your life, you will only have hatred and suspicion in your heart. you will be violent and murderous. you will bring disasters everywhere you walk. you are destined to pull all the people you know to their demise.
what will this dark songbird do to him that hasn't already been promised? jiuqing's warm smile, teary-eyed as she was - it's not as if he hasnt' had nightmares like this, hasn't lived with every hallucination of those he cares for dying since he was twelve.
wicked is here. chinatsu. november. meteion, even, though perhaps she is not at the same time. regardless, they have people waiting for them - if they give in to despair here, then what will they gain?
[Near the end of middle school, she had quit dance. There were several (very teenage) reasons, but it all really boiled down to this--despair. She was a part of a girl's only pair, unable to participate in the tournaments relegated to male-female couples.
Her best friend was holding her back, leeching her potential. The few boys in matchmaking didn't want a girl who was only used to leading, who turned into a wild mustang on the floor and wouldn't be tossed around. The men only wanted the sick comfort of having a young girl in their arms, under their hands.
Her mom wanted to know why it was worth it if she wasn't going to be a professional. Her dad wanted to know when she'd finally be in the dress. So she quit, exactly like all the other girls she looked down on before for not being able to keep up.
The bird doesn't get a single whisper out of her. Her eyes grow a little harder, and she renews the stern energy in her stride along the path they take. She has tasted despair before, as normal as it was, but she started dancing again too.]
[ There is only a moment of silence, but you can feel something has changed. Something is different. Like an electric chill running through your spine, a faint suffocation as though a hand has wrapped around your throat. When another reply comes... it's just as cold as the chill in the air. ]
I see... But no matter how much hope exists, ever will there be more despair. You've seen proof of it in those memories, of the stars before you, you see it back in that ever colorful plane of existence you came before here. It is the same there. The despair. It will soon follow you back home as well.
[ All around, you can see distant black shapes circling in the skies. A closer look and it's the same kind of black avian before you, numerous, endless of them circling together in a storm of feathers and voices that sound louder and unite. An array of dark colors and bright blurring together as they do. ]
Ever will the living curse the present and lament the future. So shall we sing until life ceases to be.
[ A tornado of black abyss shift and form, within the depths does the sight of a black pool of liquid take shape. Higher and higher, rising to the height of a mountain and begins to take a more solid outline. The top of a head shows, long black hair with wings on either side of their head. Black voids for eyes glisten and shine until becoming a bright gold, gleaming with the accents of gold that accessorize this newly created being. More notable is their extensive lengths of feathery wings that cover their whole body like that of a cloak.
When they speak, it is a voice not like that of Meteion's, or her sisters, there's a treble that shakes your very core. As though the lands you stand on quakes and shakes at the sheer sound of it. ]
Ahhh, the rage... It rises... Rises...
[ As those long wings unfurl, it shows the rest of their body to be an endless galaxy of stars against black. Not that you will have much time to focus as rocks and earth seem to form on either side of them-- large foundations form to the size of sheer planets and get sent your way.
As they shatter into the lands that you stand on, various sizes of shards from the created planets get sent in every direction. Chinatsu, with that 20, manages to just effectively dodge most of it! That en avant getting some good use as she darts back and forth, side to side-- a few shards nicking here and there but mostly goes unharmed!
Any that go Chang Geng's way, he manages to fend off with that great sword in hand, not to mention the bulkiness of that armor. However, he is not as lucky as his Dancer companion. A smaller shard pierces right into his thigh, embedding itself there as he's clipped all around him with other shards. Chipping at his armor, denting and causing hard ricochet as he feels more of the collision slamming into him.
As a caster and with your defense, November is not as fortunate. Given his attire of mostly robes, he's shredded by various shards and spears of stone and earth that explode on contact not far from him. Making it newr impossible to avoid all of it.. Pieces gourge along his arms, his legs, but a few pierce into his body as well. A nasty gash cuts cleanly right by his cheek-- a thought that had it been just a slight different angle, he could have lost his head.
And... Marie. Wicked. You quite literally feel the weight of the world on you. Almost immediately a large piece flies at you and collides right against her helmet. It sends that piece of armor flying, but she should consider yourself lucky she had one to begin with. It is sent off and her along with it, the eruption of stone against that helmet sending a sharp ring bursting through her ears. Her vision blackens for but a moment, body skittering across the ground and just as she begins to gather her bearings.. it does not end there.
Wicked hardly has a moment to breathe, unable to pay attention to her surroundings when her stomach erupts in a hot flash of pain and she... finds she can't move at all. A broken spear of earth has embedded itself directly into her middle, pinning her to the ground like a butterfly on display. Which means she has no way to avoid that big slab of earth falling right on top of her in an immediate crush.
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saturations) wrote2022-03-28 05:50 pm
A §trαnge New World
[ It starts off as any normal day within the Graveyard, except in one moment you were walking through onto another location...
Only to end up somewhere completely different.
Everything about it is eerie. If you're able to see past all of the green smog- it's only endless hills and rocky formations as far as the eye can see. No signs of plant life, a cry of any kind of animal, it's just... nothing. Some parts of the grounds are cracked open, complete total destruction of earthquakes having racked the lands. As far as you can tell, anyways. What you do know is that this world is a hazard. It's hard to believe it's even a world to begin with. What could still be alive here...? Is there anything alive here?
The sensation is dizzying, catching yourself as you move a bit uncertain on your feet, with some light-headedness that's impossible to ignore. It's almost as if you're having just a bit of difficulty breathing... Oh, huh. That would be because you are. There's something about the air around here- if there's even air to begin with. A strange green miasma is spread all around you that makes it hard to tell apart what's the ground beneath you or just the endless void. Even the shapes of other people beside you are kinda hard to make out at first.
Every breath you take is a struggle, but it isn't too bad at first... you feel like you still have some time to gather your bearings.
Maybe you can start by checking up on whoever else is here with you? ]
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this could be worse for chang geng, probably. thanks, 18!
what catches him off guard, first, is actually the armor, but he steadies himself with the large sword so that he can actually get his bearings and assess the situation. after a few, steadying breaths, trying to get his vision to focus on their surroundings gets easier. there's nothing that's... immediately threatening? the vast emptiness is threatening in its own way, but they can probably collect themselves right now.
he reaches up to push the faceguard of the helmet up with his free hand, entire expression a furrowed, frowning squint. ]
... is everyone alright? [ doctor mode: on ]
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[That calmness...indeed, it's November. There he is, already standing up. Instead of his usual suit, he's wearing robes and already has a staff in a hand. Still...he seems to be having a bit of a hard time adjusting -- holding his chest with one hand and taking deep breaths]
Hello, Chang Geng. It seems the air is not as breathable as it should be. Let's try to go back as quick as possible.
[He's pretty sure there will be health issues if there's a long stay]
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[ Wicked's breath is notably ragged, and it might be a little difficult to see that she's squinting underneath her armor. One hand gripping onto the axe she had awoken next to, holding it against the earth to keep herself upright. There's a bead of sweat that drips down her chin, something that she quickly wipes away with the back of her hand. ]
... It's not poison, is it?
[ She's trying... so hard to appear fine.
She Is Not Fine. ]
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She unsteadily gathers herself up, for the moment not even paying any mind to her outfit or the chakrams at her hips. Oh. It's so hard to breathe? Hello? For a moment, she looks woozy, and he face goes a little more pale.]
Where... ar...
[And then she very promptly
collapses back onto the ground.]
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[ chang geng frowns even more, doing his headcount and taking stock of who's worse off. chinatsu is right back on the ground, so she's the one he moves over towards - setting a hand on top of wicked's equally armored head in passing - before easing down to kneel next to her. ]
He's right, though, we'd best get moving. Try to keep your breathing steady - if it's poison, then as little of it you breathe deeply, the better. [ he offers poor chichi his hand to help her up with him. ] Let's get you back up to your feet, Miss Chinatsu. If you feel dizzy, please lean on us.
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What about you, Wicked? Will you be able to hold up well?
[Chang Geng seems to be in a pretty good state, Chinatsu definitely is not doing okay, what about you?]
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★ Friends Gathered
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On Burdεned ωings
[ It isn't long before it becomes clear enough, an opening where there is less miasma- a source to that bright glow. Or rather... glows. Various large draconic beasts seem scattered around this small area. A few around a waterhole that seems anything but drinkable. The colors of the murky liquid are various shades of purple and green. Despite it, there are a few ghastly-looking dragons around it, lowering themselves to drink. There also seems to be a familiar face kneeling by the waters, talking with one of the dragons. If the dragons feel the presence of their newly arrived company... they do not react. Some more dragons appear to be further in the background, either asleep or merely laying down and peering off into the distance.
However, before you can move any closer does something dark, black flicker at the corner of your eyes. A bird not unlike Meteion comes into view, a strange black watercolor-like sensation ripples briefly over the bird's form just as another voice sounds out to you inside your mind just like Meteion's.
A voice that... in a way, is almost familiar. Similar to the one accompanying you, and yet... different. It is almost monotone. Void of any emotion. It seems to address the party first. ]
Why are you here? Are you truly that desperate for your end? And you... you should already know what will come from this.
[ It's clear who it refers to, Meteion's voice sounding out quietly, almost in a plea. ]
Please. I need to understand. If you found the answer, do you truly believe it's this...?
What is there left to understand? Let's start with this one here, what you see is a memory of a world that once was. A world suffering a slow death, whose denizens cried out for the release of oblivion. This was their answer given.
... ...
You should've stayed on the star whence you came. Though, I suppose it doesn't matter, your end will come either way.
[ With another blur of black, the black avian is suddenly gone from sight. It's just Meteion now who quietly flies in place. After a moment, her voice softly pipes up. ]
I.. can feel it from them, the dragons. There's so much... suffering. An almost endless despair.. [ her voice sounds almost pained, as if she's feeling it directly. as if to escape it, she flies closer to Chang Geng, though her attention remains focused on the ghostly outlines of the beasts. ] Maybe if we ask around... we can find out what happened here.
[ With your attention focused back to the area, the dragons still seem to not have reacted. But with the feeling you get from the air, you wonder if it is because they deem you all as no threat, or they simply just don't... care. Though, one dragon in particular rests on a hill nearby, staring at the group with sharp green eyes until it resumes looking North.
...Whatever the reason they have, what will you do now? What is your next course of action? ]
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it almost makes it easy to miss jiuqing, in all of this. but logic tells him that they are dead, and she is not, and this might be an illusion instead of the real thing. still - ]
... it's alright, Meteion. We'll find out what's happened. Don't pay it any mind for right now. [ he holds his hand up to where she flies close to him, but will let her fly away again if she wants to go to someone else in the party or scout the area herself. ] I'm going to see if this is the real Miss Su, but I'll keep an eye out.
[ still, he has to know. regardless they might learn something. heading that way, while keeping an eye on their surroundings in that direction! ]
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[Meteion is one thing. She's dead, after all. November had thought that, perhaps, the rest were the other graveyard residents, but no, that...that is Jiuqing. Who should be alive. Did she die all of a sudden? If not, this can't be good. This also makes him a tad wary of Meteion, admittedly, but he decides not to voice that for now.
Still, he calls for Chang Geng unsuccessfully because I say it'd be silly not to poke everything, so more power to you, Chang Geng, I'm rooting for you and also please don't die.
November turns to Wicked and Chinatsu]
If you see anybody we know is on the living side, if you approach them don't go anywhere with them.
[As for what he'll do...]
That dragon over there noticed our presence and it didn't try to burn us to death right away. I'll attempt to interrogate that one.
[Having said that, November began walking in that direction, yup. If anyone wants to come with him, they're welcome.
November approaches slowly, attentive to any sign of hostility, whether it's from this dragon or anything else in the area]
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Eleven's right. Damien once thought he had seen me and got his throat ripped out -- you really wanna test that? If you're gonna go, at least let someone tag alone.
[ Imagine... the two dps and two tanks split off. ]
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Wicked-san is right. Some of the others have seen me in the places they went, but I wasn't ever there. They used me against them, too.
[Doesn't mean it still won't work on them, haha! Or that they shouldn't see what's going on here. She watches Chang Geng go that way... and November go the other way... It should truly be Tank/DPS, Tank/DPS, but...
...she starts going after November? Because she's worried, and also... her... dance partner... the dps........... She stops hesitantly, then doubles back.] Wicked-san, please make sure November-san doesn't do anything stupid. [She will
go after Chang Geng. And... switch dance partners... Sorry, November...!]
...and be careful.
★ Chang Geng & Chinatsu.
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★ REGROUP.
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★ November & Wicked.
[ Meteion seems puzzled by those words, as though she's missing something here. However, if he wants to talk with her, she doesn't seem to try and stop him. Unlike Wicked, of course. She merely listens on to their conversation and only flaps in place with a tilt of her head.
But it seems like you guys have made your decision here so, off you go! She gives a glance to Chang Geng and Chinatsu before Meteion flutters after you both once you begin to approach the large ghastly-white dragon resting atop the cliffside.
When you come close enough, it appraises you both with a look that is neither curious or threatening.
...Doesn't seem to bother to greet either of you either, though. Awkward. ]
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Vic┨οry ̈ ̈ ̈╳, │̆││ε Lost
[ The will of your comrade, your friend, was strong enough to reshape this world so that you might survive. Her sacrifice... it must not be wasted. You feel the need to see this through. You have to, for their sake. You cannot let it be for nothing. In this filling silence, Meteion stays fluttering in place with her gaze focused on where Jiuqing was moments earlier.
Time waits for no one, a gentle breeze coming by as it drifts towards on North. As if guiding you, leading you to where you need to be next. Chang Geng, compared to the others you feel different. That lingering, faint feeling of dread from since your arrival... it has grown much stronger now. Every step you take feels like lead, for now you can move on but... you can keep moving forward. You're capable of staying calm even in the hardest moments. A tightly wound lid on that jar, and though this place seems to have loosened that lid considerably you can keep yourself together.
As the group moves on, you eventually find... a swirling wind of metallic glow by the edge of a cliff. Meteion hovers on over before it, turning back to the group. ]
We'll be able to continue on from here. ..Are you ready?
[ There's worry, concern evident in her tone, as if she's feeling your pain as her own. You hardly have any time to answer, that same earlier pulsing wind brushes against your back, encouraging you on. Go, it seems to say. Before you even realize it- the wind takes you up, as if in a warm embrace of metallic, and in a flash the world around you slightly changes.
Once the wind seems to ease down, vanishing entirely, you find the colors of darkened skies the same. However, the floors you stand upon are much, much different than the earlier rocky formations before. The unsteady ground and gravel is made of something heavy, hard, metal. The structures, the lights, all of it gives a feeling of something futuristic. For those more used to modern times, something futuristic isn't too jarring but this is an extreme level of advanced technology. A huge contrast to the memory of the world before.
Well, here you are. Now what? In the distance, you can see some things skulking in the shadows... but even further shows an area that could... probably be described as a base. A landmark of sorts full of lights and various structures. That may be your next destination. ]
...Please, don't push yourselves.
[ You have no other choice than to move forward. ]
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every day is an uphill battle against the thing that's been living in the jar already for years, and now it's too full, fit to burst, and it is everything of his finely honed control to not let it go. there's some implication of a wan smile sent november's way through the helm - because there'll be no rest when they get back, he imagines - but the sentiment is appreciated anyways.
it's fine. he tries not to pay the metallic color much mind. better to just. survey things. ]
More shapes in the distance, maybe more trouble for us, but the lights... head onwards, take a moment to breathe, or do some scouting?
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[So that leaves two options. From them...]
I'd continue on, as long as Wicked and you can go on.
[That's his vote]
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The whole scenery changes, and she glances around while following the rest of them, expression pensive.]
...A building?
[This is more... modern-looking than the last place, something familiar to her in that sense even though she hasn't seen much like this before. She looks from the distance to the other three.]
...Let's keep going if you're able. Something might get us if we stop.
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I'm fine, I'm fine. I'm more worried that aniki can't keep up~. [ A tease, but she's looking around their immediate area. ]
Blue, what's your suggestion?
[ Come here, Meteion. ]
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If it's the same as before, we should keep going.. The air is.. clear now. So we aren't in too much danger but, it wouldn't do us any good to just wander around or stay still.
[ Her voice is soft, looking now to that base seen not far from here. ]
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┣┨̈//̈ No┨ΦounΔ•••
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★ Forge Ahead
[ You move on. What else can you do but that? You've lost two of your friends now. How much more will you lose? How many must be sacrificed before it stops? How long.. can you even keep going? It's harder now than it was before. Yet, someway, somehow you still have enough hope in you to push on.
However, Wicked... Marie, you're feeling it much harder than the others. Like a piece of you has been lost. Was it worth it in the end? Just to get here? Your feet feel as though they're submerged in the ground beneath you. The world seems a bit more grayer and darker around you. Though, for lack of better words, you're used to worlds that have a tendency to be a shit hole. You have to hang on. After all, you have to hold him to that promise.
The words of the Omicron sound true and real. Mayhaps too real for you, November. A reminder of home. A reminder of what is, what will be. However, maybe that's for the better. It lingers in your mind-- the potential, what can be. A decision that could change everything.
And yet, Chang Geng as you familiarized yourself with this world, as you watched someone who has helped you as much as you have helped her.. disappear, just as the last. You can only feel anger. Infuriated by this wave of despair lapping against your senses. Writhing and trying to dig its fingers into your heart. A curse. Time and time again. But it isn't just you now. You are a team. You cannot forget that.
But all of this, maybe it feels as if you can't really wrap your mind around it all, Chinatsu. Not in the lack of understanding, though-- there's just so much fight in you. Despite everything that has happened, here and in the prism, even if your life before has been so normal.. you're still capable of moving forward. Of fighting back. Not giving up. It hurts, yes, but it hurts because you care. It hurts because you refuse to let anyone give up. You continue to be strong-- you push forward. Even if it hurts a lot.
Meteion flies over head as you make your way up the spiral. Watching, guiding, ever close as you draw upon these answers... these reasons, together. A shining blue light in response to the hope that still dwells within you.
Once you register your newly surroundings, you can only imagine this place was once full of color and life. Now... now it is nothing more than a lifeless star. Abandoned in its final moments. Leaving you and the others here for a moment to breathe. Of course, your presence does not go unnoticed. As the times before, another bird of pure black flutters on by, her voice not unheard. ]
That you still stand... Your determination defies all reason.
What must I do? What pain must I visit upon you to make you surrender to despair?
[ And so, what is your answer? ]
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Spare yourself the trouble. Be quiet.
[Apparently he doesn't even think the question is worth answering]
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And then she looks to the people beside her: Chang Geng, November, and Chinatsu. They’ve all had their own hardships, their own faults, and in her perspective (because that’s what she clung to so desperately), the support of others to keep carrying on. Each of their presence like a warm rush of water after the cool wave of Crow’s absence.
Marie had the resolve to face the idea of dying for the sake of her friends — Wicked keeps an grip on her resolve to survive. The only difference now being that she wants to take steps forward to a better life with the people beside her.
That’s right. In this world that had always sworn to hate her, sworn to kill her, and came so very close time and time again, she will survive. Because, like those beside her, it is what she deserves. ]
I’ve already lived through all a world can throw at me, dumbass. If you’ve been trying to just hurt my feelings, you’d realize I’ve got thicker skin than that.
[ She grabs her axe, her usual tone resurfacing. ]
And I refuse to let you or anyone ever be the ones that kills me after the shit I’ve been through!
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Others before you have tried, and failed, the same as you'll do. I've been living with despair breathing down my neck for most of my life - so all you've done is earn my ire with these games.
[ xiu niang - hu ge er - with her red painted lips, her bloody mouth, her final words and curse, live as a reminder even to this day.
no one will love you; no one will treat you with sincerity. in all your life, you will only have hatred and suspicion in your heart. you will be violent and murderous. you will bring disasters everywhere you walk. you are destined to pull all the people you know to their demise.
what will this dark songbird do to him that hasn't already been promised? jiuqing's warm smile, teary-eyed as she was - it's not as if he hasnt' had nightmares like this, hasn't lived with every hallucination of those he cares for dying since he was twelve.
wicked is here. chinatsu. november. meteion, even, though perhaps she is not at the same time. regardless, they have people waiting for them - if they give in to despair here, then what will they gain?
he echoes: ] Be quiet.
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Her best friend was holding her back, leeching her potential. The few boys in matchmaking didn't want a girl who was only used to leading, who turned into a wild mustang on the floor and wouldn't be tossed around. The men only wanted the sick comfort of having a young girl in their arms, under their hands.
Her mom wanted to know why it was worth it if she wasn't going to be a professional. Her dad wanted to know when she'd finally be in the dress. So she quit, exactly like all the other girls she looked down on before for not being able to keep up.
The bird doesn't get a single whisper out of her. Her eyes grow a little harder, and she renews the stern energy in her stride along the path they take. She has tasted despair before, as normal as it was, but she started dancing again too.]
★ ENDwalker.
[ There is only a moment of silence, but you can feel something has changed. Something is different. Like an electric chill running through your spine, a faint suffocation as though a hand has wrapped around your throat. When another reply comes... it's just as cold as the chill in the air. ]
I see... But no matter how much hope exists, ever will there be more despair. You've seen proof of it in those memories, of the stars before you, you see it back in that ever colorful plane of existence you came before here. It is the same there. The despair. It will soon follow you back home as well.
[ All around, you can see distant black shapes circling in the skies. A closer look and it's the same kind of black avian before you, numerous, endless of them circling together in a storm of feathers and voices that sound louder and unite. An array of dark colors and bright blurring together as they do. ]
Ever will the living curse the present and lament the future. So shall we sing until life ceases to be.
[ A tornado of black abyss shift and form, within the depths does the sight of a black pool of liquid take shape. Higher and higher, rising to the height of a mountain and begins to take a more solid outline. The top of a head shows, long black hair with wings on either side of their head. Black voids for eyes glisten and shine until becoming a bright gold, gleaming with the accents of gold that accessorize this newly created being. More notable is their extensive lengths of feathery wings that cover their whole body like that of a cloak.
When they speak, it is a voice not like that of Meteion's, or her sisters, there's a treble that shakes your very core. As though the lands you stand on quakes and shakes at the sheer sound of it. ]
Ahhh, the rage... It rises... Rises...
[ As those long wings unfurl, it shows the rest of their body to be an endless galaxy of stars against black. Not that you will have much time to focus as rocks and earth seem to form on either side of them-- large foundations form to the size of sheer planets and get sent your way.
As they shatter into the lands that you stand on, various sizes of shards from the created planets get sent in every direction. Chinatsu, with that 20, manages to just effectively dodge most of it! That en avant getting some good use as she darts back and forth, side to side-- a few shards nicking here and there but mostly goes unharmed!
Any that go Chang Geng's way, he manages to fend off with that great sword in hand, not to mention the bulkiness of that armor. However, he is not as lucky as his Dancer companion. A smaller shard pierces right into his thigh, embedding itself there as he's clipped all around him with other shards. Chipping at his armor, denting and causing hard ricochet as he feels more of the collision slamming into him.
As a caster and with your defense, November is not as fortunate. Given his attire of mostly robes, he's shredded by various shards and spears of stone and earth that explode on contact not far from him. Making it newr impossible to avoid all of it.. Pieces gourge along his arms, his legs, but a few pierce into his body as well. A nasty gash cuts cleanly right by his cheek-- a thought that had it been just a slight different angle, he could have lost his head.
And... Marie. Wicked. You quite literally feel the weight of the world on you. Almost immediately a large piece flies at you and collides right against her helmet. It sends that piece of armor flying, but she should consider yourself lucky she had one to begin with. It is sent off and her along with it, the eruption of stone against that helmet sending a sharp ring bursting through her ears. Her vision blackens for but a moment, body skittering across the ground and just as she begins to gather her bearings.. it does not end there.
Wicked hardly has a moment to breathe, unable to pay attention to her surroundings when her stomach erupts in a hot flash of pain and she... finds she can't move at all. A broken spear of earth has embedded itself directly into her middle, pinning her to the ground like a butterfly on display. Which means she has no way to avoid that big slab of earth falling right on top of her in an immediate crush.
You now all have to face your new reality. ]
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★ YOU'RE NOT ALONE.
pray return to the waking sands. (rewards)