thenearshore | [CLOSED]

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Who: Add, Rin Okumura, Zelda, Oscar, Lenneth... and more TBA!
Where: The depths of Henir's temple
When: October 1st through the 2nd
What: Doing science on the spooky chaos temple core was never a good plan.
Warnings: Various degrees of mind control/manipulation, existential horror, and at least one death. Will update as needed.

Once the formal party is over, Add is already back at his temple making preparations. A pair of messages are sent to his "assistants" to ensure that they're aware of the date—a simple reminder and directions to his temple, along with the slightly ominous "Knock first, I'm not chasing you down if you get lost."

The outside of the temple is looking especially unkempt and overgrown today, but if Add's instructions are followed the door will open up into a wide dark space, blue cubes floating aimlessly about. Star-like lights glitter distantly in the abyss, occasionally blocked out by drifting dark shapes. Even further beyond that is a giant blue orb that never quite seems to stay in the same place. It's hard to miss, at least, but trying to gauge how big or far away it is might give you a headache.

Gravity appears to "stick" to the surface of each cube—any surface—but only as long as you remain in contact with them. So, get used to floating around and jumping between them. The meeting point is at the largest cube near the centre of the cluster, as per Add's directions.

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[It's working-- it's working, her body feels like its on fire channeling this much power, like a wire carrying an electrical current too strong for it to handle, but it's working, she's broken through, she just has to push a little more and they can find help--

All her hopeful thoughts are cut off by sudden and excruciating pain. Zelda screams, wordlessly, in abject agony as the shadows pry at her mind, her soul, her very existence, her light sputtering and flickering as she struggles against the icy bite of the core's wrath. It's only because she's so self-disciplined that she's able to maintain any kind of focus at all, that her light isn't extinguished then and there. This is the kind of pain that leaves men hollow shells of themselves, she imagines.

It stops, eventually, after what feels like an eternity, and Zelda does indeed takes the chance to breathe. Something... is happening down there, between Rin and Add, but she can't quite comprehend what exactly, her nerves too overcome with relief that, for however briefly, the pain has stopped. She runs a mental checklist on herself instead as she recovers; she can still feel her fingers, her toes-- she can still see, for whatever value seeing has in this place, and--]

Os... car?

[Something's missing. She can't-- she can't hear Oscar's voice, she can't sense his feelings... He's still alive, she's sure of it, somehow, but she can't--]

Where... [Her voice is hoarse from her crying, but her tone is still one that demands an answer.] Where have you taken him...?

[The bullets fail to hit any vital points, but they certainly grab the machine's attention. It immediately stops, its 'head' swivelling around to face the newly identified threat.]

I-I-INTRUDERS WILL BE REMO-O-O-VED BY F-FO-FORCE-CE-CE-CE— [It decides to ignore Chikusa and make a charge at Yukio instead, swinging that taser forward to shock him if it gets within range. It doesn't look to be very bulletproof, but it's a bit tough to hit at a range thanks to its small frame and erratic movements. A few shots land on the main body of the roomba, staggering it slightly and making it swerve in its approach]

[Archer narrows his eyes in thought. Energy core sounds like some odd technology similar to those floating things Add always has around. Os ot tpp much of a stretch to consider it also part of his works? He intends to check it first.]

I wonder if it has another use. [he says, swiping one hand in direction of ayakashi with a murmur 'Line.' Cutting borderlines can reveal his position, so instead he sets a barrier between one of the ayakashi and the cube.] How fast is your UFO?

Edited (I can spell) 2018-01-27 22:41 (UTC)

[ Add isn't in the right state of mind. Rin gets that when he goes after Zelda, and stops her from trying to escape. Add wields the darkness as if it's an extension of his hand, and it feeds on his desperation to succeed. Now he's pissed at him from shutting down most of his dynamos, but it does nothing to stop the orbs growth as a whole.

Rin cringes as the darkness around him start to tighten. It's not enough to do damage, but it did make it that much harder to breathe and relax. His adrenaline already surging with the events happening around him. Now the void is squeezing Lenneth of her power, and it makes him even more restless. Rin has nothing else on his arsenal to use against Add. The only thing was trying to reason with his god.]

I don't understand how you feel, but this isn't how you want to do this! You don't want to hurt anyone! But everyone is in pain, don't you see that?

[ This isn't Add. It's not the same person who was so unwilling for him to go, because Rin could potentially lose his life.]

This isn't worth the sacrifice of your friends, you know that!

[The barrier forms, and one of the ayakashi bumps straight into it with an angry yowl. It's enough of an unexpected development to grab both of the creatures' attentions, snarling and looking around to find the source.

It's also a surprise to the cube, which stops flashing red. It's still being cornered by one of the ayakashi, but there's a higher chance of it being able to escape now that it's only one instead of two. But before trying any desperate escapes, its surfaces flickers with a white light for a few seconds... followed by a fairly large purple sign appearing in the air above it, partially translucent like some sort of projection. Hopefully the text isn't backwards.]

EMERGENCY
REQUESTING ASSISTANCE!

[Her voice is uncharacteristically soft. Not because of the power drain, which she permits without complaint, nor because of her troubles and pains and bleeding soul, which she barely registers. She is quiet because she must admit that perhaps she had misjudged.]

...Is there still a chance?

[Zelda's comment goes completely ignored. Oscar is fine, he's sure. A vessel of shadows belongs with the shadows, not with some goddess who burns with a painful light. He's doing them both a favour. Traitor or not, the void will welcome him with open arms.

Yes. It would be better for all of them to give in to the void.

The thought starts to seep into his mind... though first he has to finish what he came here to do. He needs to reach those other worlds, to pull in his friends (Jakob, and... what was his name again...?) and share this wonderful emptiness with them. So for now he brushes the thought aside, scoffing at his shinki's nonsensical words.]

You don't know anything about me. What makes you think this isn't what I want? [Of course it's what he wants. His heart is empty, it'd be different if he cared, wouldn't it?]

You're not my friend. You're just a tool. All of you are.

[The darkness shudders again, more power being poured into the orb. The whole core starts the quake like it's ready to shatter, pushed to its absolute limits by Add's command. The gravity is becoming painfully intense—even Zelda will find now that a small hand of darkness grips her in place, hanging onto whatever spot it can touch in her weakened state.

It's getting close to completion. Just a little bit more...]

[It hurts.

It hurts.

It hurts.

Her light flickers like a firefly's between the pulses of pain that course through her body, just barely enough to keep herself from being completely caught up in the void's clutches. As she thought, she won't be able to pull off that stunt again. Despair curls around the edges of her mind, thoughts of surrender gently tempting her to give in, let go, why bother fighting anymore when you've already lost? It would be so much easier. It would make the pain stop.

She can't.

She can't.

She can't.]

He's... lost his mind...

[But what can she do? What can any of them do, when the very space around them is their enemy?

She finds her thoughts drifting to Link.

Zelda prays.]

Whoa... an AI?

[The UFO stops its slow flight toward the cave, the lights on the outside flashing and the mechanical parts spinning briefly.]

Here come the buffs!

[Archer should be feeling physically stronger right about now.]

Help that cube! If it's a normal part of this temple, it might be able to tell us more about what's going on here.

Well, Caster - I'm Dokugakuji.

[He raises a hand in greeting just to get that part out of the way.]

I only care about the reward if it's a face-to-face chat with someone in charge. For now, though... how's your jumping?

[Doku takes a full kneel and then jumps up onto one of the cubes, half-expecting to fall straight through it. His balance isn't impeccable, but it's good enough to get one foot landed on the solid face and then slowly lower his other foot down.]

If this cat belongs to that guy Add then maybe it'll go back to his temple in the center of this swirling mess.

[ Rin realizes that his words have no impact on Add.Trying to reason with his god only gives Rin uncertainty in return. The doubt starts eating away at him, making his mind more susceptible to the infiltration by the darkness.

It's true, after all. He doesn't know Add very well. It's possible this was his god's intention the whole time.Maybe, Add's showing his true colors now?

Of course, he's simply a tool. What value does someone, who doesn't remember their past, and has already died, have? He should just give up, right? There's no use fighting anymore.

As the void squeezes around his form, the resistant spirit that Rin possesses, begins to yield. The mental strain of the core paralyzes him. He closes his eyes, feeling weaken by the abyss's influence. His consciousness slips with the numb coldness of the core trying to consume him.]

[She has no objections at being a tool. That is her purpose. That is her duty. That is her existence, her reason for being. Had she not engaged in all this with the hope of returning to her proper full duty? To once again serve Lord Odin in her full capacity.]

[And yet, she lifts her head, then one hand, stretching it out to lay it on Add's shoulder. Not in comfort, solidarity, or support, but as a reminder she exists, and perhaps as a threat. Under assault she might be, but her body is her will, and her nature is divine. She cannot weaken until she breaks, and she is not yet broken -- which means her full strength still lurks in her muscles, waiting to be applied.]

You did not answer my question.

[Archer just nods and projects his swords. Futaba's magic is definitely welome.]

Get the cube and retreat, I'll join you later.

[He can distract the ayakashi and that's what he's planning. Archer jumps down, leaping from one roof to another as he circles the ayakashi coming from the opposite direction. When he's close enough he focuses, letting his borderline vanish as he immediately swipes a cutting one at ayakashi's legs, followed by another one.]

[He almost doesn't notice her, his body impossibly cold and numbed to her touch. It's not just the cold of the void dulling his senses, though. Add is normally a frail person, but his frame feels surprisingly resistant to her now. The shadows wrap around him protectively, and though they don't limit his movements like they do to the others they certainly push back against anything trying to move him.

It's the small ripples in the darkness from her movement that draw his attention, rather, a reminder that his most useful pawn is still a person despite his efforts. He cranes his neck, peering back at her with a glazed expression. Did she ask a question? He can't recall, and it wouldn't matter if he did. She's just a tool to him anyway, and once she accepts the void they won't have to waste time on such frivolous things. Nothing will matter anymore. They'll all be in perfect harmony within this empty world. The thought brings him a peaceful bliss, and he offers her a hollow smile as he looks back towards the ever-growing orb.]

Isn't it beautiful...? Soon everything will be within my reach.

[It feels like the core has reached its absolute limit, the massive black orb occupying almost all of the available space. If it grows any larger they'll surely be sucked in or crushed against the walls of the core. The shadows around them start to get thinner, their bonds loosening, the pull of the orb impossibly strong—

There's a deafening boom through the void, cutting off all senses for a fraction of a second that feels like an eternity. When their sight returns, though, everyone is still living, and the core is still intact. They're no longer locked in place and the intense gravity is gone, along with the massive orb that once consumed the void.

Except it's not. At the centre of the core, twinkling faintly with the light of a billion worlds, there's a hole. It's barely large enough to fit a person, but the shadows grasp at its edges, scattering like dust and swirling into the gap as they come too close.

Dynamo beeps once, a small holoscreen popping up next to the machines. The glowing text reads off some long and complex readings along with a much more direct PROGRAM COMPLETE.

Against all odds, the plan actually worked.]

[The ayakashi snarls at the unexpected attack, staggering back. It appears to be injured by the line, but it's not enough to completely disable the creature. It's merely slowed by a slight limp. The other ayakashi is still healthy, though, and with the barrier down both of them turn to the source of the attack. The second one growls furiously, leaping into the air. The distance is large enough that it shouldn't be able to reach him, or at least he'd have plenty of time to react before it gets there, but the ayakashi disappears in a flash of blue only to abruptly reappear right in front of him, claws and fangs bared—

There's another loud screech from the cube, its strange body shifting into a flower-light polygonal shape as intense heat and light builds at its core. Seconds later a thick pink beam pierces through the air, narrowly avoiding Archer as it knocks the ayakashi out of his path. It's not as effective as a borderline, but it's enough to send the creature sprawling back to the ground below.

... and after that the cube returns to its normal shape, quickly moving away from the ayakashi while they're still torn between following it and going after Archer. It's hover seems a little lower than before.

It stops near Futaba, pausing to assess the situation before presenting her with another holoscreen.]

INQUIRY
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.
I AM SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!
PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELVES AND STATE YOUR BUSINESS.
ARE YOU HERE TO HELP MY MASTER?

This thing isn't meant for snatch-and-grabs, you know!

[But it's too late, he's already off and fighting the ayakashi. Thankfully, the cube seems to have some defenses of its own and manages to break free. Futaba floats over top of it, getting ready to bring it inside Necronomicon if necessary - but not before responding to the message.]

I'm Futaba, that's Archer, and this here is the Necronomicon.

[...]

Long story. Tell you later. Short answer: yes. We're the rescue squad.

God.

[ Called back. He's still got that gun primed, just one at the roomba still. At least it's coming for him. Good. That'll get it off the other man's back.

He takes a couple more shots, waiting until it gets close enough before dodging. He rolls to the side, taking the time to reload and landing on one knee to let out another string of shots. Gah he doesn't have time for this! His brother's out there in this madness somewhere. ]

We might have to take this down before we can proceed any further.

[Archer's already on the move when ayakashi retaliates. It almost gets him when the cube acts. Huh, that was close, time to change the tactics. Next cutting borderline he aims at the joint with intent to disable, dismissing his swords and projecting his bow. Several arrows fly at the same target, each modified to explode after contact releasing holy water.]

[ Reaching the core was the first step. Apparently the easiest one. Now for the second.

That second step one wasn't very precisely defined to start with. Locate Zelda and make run for it, but once they dive into the core he realizes-- the "run" part might be harder than expected. The magic in the air tastes sour, and the darkness becomes encompassing in a sense much different than just lack of light. This thing- this place gets into your head. In a different situation, he'd be properly equipped to shake this off- natural magic resistance, willpower, that kind of things- with a good, strong Master backing him up. But no one like that is here, and he has to manage his resources carefully. ]

Eh, you really overdid yourself this time. [ That's no praise, Add, just a statement ]

[ The strange hole in the middle of the core, whatever it is, Caster feels a repulsion at the sight of it. For a second he wonders if it's "worse" or "just as bad", as the thing that spilled in the doomed city he was summoned to. But such musings are unnecessary right now and he tries to locate how many people are around- or rather locate one very specific person. ]

Princess-!

[ She's too far away, and with this whole- no gravity thing going on it's not easy to move. He pulls three acorns from the sash attached to his belt. Sure he could probably write a nice and long spell, one boosting the resistance against this darkness, making him stronger, faster, who knows maybe even luckier. But what does it matter if he can't freaking move?

Resource management, right.

He throws the acorns away, wondering how much can he manage right now. A hand, or if he's lucky, maybe even a whole arm? The acorns burst into flame but don't turn into ash- they twist and grow, and form a massive wooden - wicker - hand. First hand, then part of the arm, as long as it's formed past an elbow it can move-

And it's so large, Caster can now comfortably stand on it. If Doku is nearby at this point, he gets his own spot by proxy too, free of charge.

The good old trick of summoning just parts of the giant, instead of the whole thing. The arm stops growing and never reaches the full form, but there's enough of it to move and reach forward. It can also be a good jumping off point, to gain some momentum in the otherwise zero gravity space. ]

Time to get out of here.

[ While his main target is Zelda, he's not going to deny anyone who's close enough to grab it for a ride- and a possible way of escape. Because maybe, just maybe, they can also escape with this, if he can keep the construct materialized for long enough- Here's hoping for the best!! ]

[ Caster gives a firm but quick handshake to the offered hand. If they were not pressed for time, it wouldn't be that quick ]

Any reward it will give is yours to take [ Caster has no reason for a face-to-face chat with a higher-up, he just wants to save a friend. He owes her as much.] I don't need any of this crap.

[ It's said without any meanness or condescending- he simply doesn't care, and making it obvious that they are not competing for anything will only strengthen the temporary alliance, right?

Huh, jumping is good, could be even better if he wrote a speed runes on his legs, but he's avoiding spells unless he will absolutely necessary. Smart spending, etc. He lands on a different cube, and starts following the trail left by the cat that is always, always one step ahead ]

Don't you think it's very convenient we have a guide? [ Cat, what is your game. What are you scheming? Not saying she's leading them into trap... or maybe, yes, that's exactly what he's saying. ]

[The cube is sold at "yes". Its surface flickers brightly, a pair of triangular ears and a face forming on it to help properly convey its gratitude. The cube jitters and attempts to rub up against the side of Necronomicon like a cat, if cats were cube-shaped and could fly. It's an action that could easily be read as pure affection, but the way the cube is shaking and frantically generating more text on the screen suggests that it may not entirely be a positive display.]

RESPONSE
I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT MASTER BUT THERE IS TOO MUCH INTERFERENCE! HE PREDICTED THAT OUTSIDE CONTACT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE AT HIS CURRENT LOCATION BUT AYAKASHI ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO APPEAR AND THERE ARE IRREGULAR ENERGY LEVELS IN THE TEMPLE AND RIN IS NOT RESPONDING AND I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS TO FOLLOW IF SOMETHING OF THIS NATURE OCCURRED! MASTER WOULD HAVE TOLD ME IF HE KNEW THIS COULD HAPPEN AND IF SOMETHING HAPPENED THAT HE DIDN'T PREDICT HE COULD BE IN DANGER! I DON'T WANT MY MASTER TO GET HURT AGAIN PLEASE HELP ME REACH HIM AND CONFIRM HE IS SAFE AND OKAY!!!

[... it's more like panic mode. It seems like even AIs aren't safe from the effects of the corrupt energy, or maybe it really is that worried.

Meanwhile, Archer's attacks land true, and after the holy water comes down the ayakashi are finally starting to back off. They snarl, pacing and watching him from a fair distance away... but they're too persistent to simply accept defeat and run away. One of the beasts raises its head and howls.

It won't be long now before the rest of the ayakashi in the illusion start pouring in. At least he's doing a good job at keeping them distracted.]

[Even if he doesn't make it all the way onto the "top", Doku will be the first to discover that gravity seems to stick to the cubes. Once you're within an inch of two of them, it's easy to land and stay on the surface... any surface. It feels really weird if you try to straddle an edge. Maybe don't do that.

And when Caster mentions their totally benevolent and trustworthy guide, the cat meows loudly in his direction as if in response. What, you don't trust the cat??? Clearly he knows where he's going!

After awhile their feline friend stops jumping and resorts to short teleports, still making sure to remain within their sights. It's still going to take awhile more to make it through to the inner depths of the void, though not nearly as long as it's going to take everyone else. Their guide seems to have a knack for navigating this place, and the surrounding space darkens as they draw closer to the chaotic core in record time.

They eventually reach the outskirts of the core—where not even the bizarre and impossible formations of the void drift, leaving only a wide and empty space. Reality itself seems to tremble and quake from the shockwaves of energy emanating from the core. It's enough to make anyone sick.

The cat simply stops on one of the floating rocks at the edge of the barren space, calmly staring at the pulsing core with its tail swaying gently. This is as far as their guide will take them.]

Can't you teleport?

[Ugh. Typical. He's going to have to resort to something troublesome, isn't he? From his pockets he pulls out a small metal box. For now, however, it seems that the other man has things covered so far, so he won't act just yet.]

What is this place doing to that?

Whoa, whoa, slow down!

[Futaba does her best to read the rapidly scrolling text and keep an eye on how Archer's doing, her eyes flitting back and forth.]

Okay, so everything is dangerous and crazy.

[The bottom of the UFO opens up after a few moments.]

Come on inside, you'll be safer in here. Maybe you can interface with Necronomicon and help us find the fastest way to your master.

[Archer is keeping track of what Futaba's doing, but his main focus are ayakashi. He attacks again, using his class' skills to have his arrows hit true even if the target teleports, aiming for joints and sending a cutting borderline at one of the ayakashi. He keeps moving, pausing only to release another volley of arrows. Better to not stay in one place too long.]

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