32 - Blow Your Top

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: A volcano eruption threatens the Western District
When: Jan 14 - 16
Where: The Western District of the Heavens
Summary: The Western District volcano is erupting again, endangering nearby temples and sending ash sprinkling down across the Heavens. Is it natural, or another attack? Those who dare climb the volcano can find out.






Earthquake Warning

On the morning of the 14th, an earthquake rattles windows throughout the Heavens. It's not strong enough to knock down buildings -- unless they're about to fall down anyway, like some of the older abandoned temples -- but it's strong enough to knock things off shelves and startle any late sleepers out of bed.

After the earthquake, strange sights abound around the Heavens. The poetic koi are swimming in organized schools in all of the canals, heading upstream towards the east. Springs of pure water burst out in some areas, and in others, normal springs or fountains have gone temporarily dry. Blue and green lights bob and weave across the landscape.

Falling Rock

The volcano begins erupting with a roar and a bright scarlet glow on the horizon. Ash and bits of rock fall across the Western district, and may even reach into the Southwest, Northwest and southern Central districts. Volcanic glass fibers that look like golden hair collect on trees, fences and buildings.

Trails and fountains of lava are also erupting from freshly opened fissures and wending down the sides of the volcano. Gods and shinki who live in the Western District are going to need some help clearing ash and glass from their roofs, trying to re-route lava flows (the good news is, if you cool one side down enough, you can turn them! the bad news is, that takes a lot of work) or just offering them a spare room to stay until things calm down.

Swamp Gas

It's not just lava and springwater erupting from mysterious new crevasses -- and it's not just mundane volcanic gases, either. Divine volcanic vents are blowing mind-altering fumes all over the Heavens. Anywhere across the Far Shore, but especially as characters get closer to the volcano, they may experience one or more of the following effects:

• Confusion
• Intense emotions
• Anger and irritability
• Impulsive behavior, loss of emotional control
• Hallucinations
• Unusually clear insight into other people and situations
• Coughing, eye and throat irritation, difficulty breathing
• Irresistible impulses to speak in poetry

Most symptoms will clear up after a few hours in fresh air, and all of them will be gone within 48 hours of the last volcano gas exposure.

Mountain Climbing

Natural disasters don't just happen like this in the Heavens... do they? Amaterasu's white-robed shinki are convinced that something is wrong, and they're organizing into search parties to go up the mountain and seek out the cause of this eruption. New and old gods and shinki are welcome to join them, or form their own groups. All of the hazards -- tremors, lava, ash, and volcanic gas -- will get worse as characters ascend the volcano. Strange little spirit flames, in shades of red and blue, dance on the rocks, dazzling, confusing and threatening to singe interlopers.

And there's someone up here, too. A mysterious figure with glowing red eyes is keeping watch on the intruders and vanishing behind boulders whenever someone turns his way. He won't let anyone traveling with one of the white-robed shinki get too close, but solitary gods or shinki might manage to lure him into conversation, if they try....

OOC: Please comment to the 'NPC REQUEST' thread below in order to talk to the mysterious figure on the volcano.

Those climbing the volcano will have a chance to battle the mysterious figure should their characters choose to do so. If you're interested in a fight, please comment to the 'NPC FIGHT' thread below before the top-level is posted. A top-level for the fight will go up on IC Jan 16/OOC Sept 4.

In Summary:

• Don't get rattled
• Help out the Western District with their volcano problem
• Watch out for volcanic gases
• Find out who's behind the eruption
• Have fun~

Comments

[futhark]

[ He got a name, and Caster isn't how it goes- but he responds to the moniker, it is familiar. The staff is a staff again and he digs it end into the ground, as he props himself against it. The hot, irritating air causes a sudden coughing fit-

There was no smoke there, no ash in the air, and the man standing before him was different. Why is he reliving bygone memories again, he's not dreaming.

Servants dream their own memories.

So close, that was close, but he moves forward regardless. Attacking without consideration, swinging his weapon again and again, whatever it is that he's holding. ]

[boneofsword]

[The sudden coughing fit is a sudden stroke of luck for Archer. It's a calculated risk that he takes, dismissing his swords without a second thought. Archer moves fast, getting close and enveloping Caster in a hug. He may end with a concussion, a few broken bones, but it's a small price to pay.]

Caster. [he drawls, lowering his voice.] Caster summoned here as himself.

[futhark]

[ The blind strike does not reach its target- or maybe it does and Archer just doesn't care. Either way, the sudden hold is so effective the staff is let go, and falls on the ground.

They told him he got deified, yet, they still incarnated him from the Servant form. As himself, because almost none of the other gods carries their own name. If some do, maybe they hide it like he does.

A sudden gust of wind clears the air a bit, it's still hot, full of ash and smoke, but it's Heavens he got to know. Not place far away in time, on a day that passed hundreds of years ago. A day he never spoke about to anyone here. If someone asked, he would- but luckily for him no one ever did.

Caster lets out a shuddery breath and puts his hand around Archer's shoulders leaning on him, propping his weight against him. ]

You should have run, idiot. [ He attempts to put his usual bravado, turn it into familiar and everyday chastising of one another. But the danger he speaks of is very real ] What if I killed you?

[ If he reenacted the fight fully- then yes, that's what he worries it would end as. He would try to kill someone. How it be to wake up and learn your Exemplar fell to your own hand. Maybe it is the darkest scenario, but he knows very well that he is capable of winning between the two of them. ]

[boneofsword]

[It's a sudden relief that almost makes Archer's eyes burn. Ash and smoke, nothing else. Gently he wraps one arm around Caster, supporting him. They're lucky Caster has only his staff; waking up to see him all bloody would be much worse.]

I had to take the risk. [to let no one else see Cu Chulainn from this one day in the past. To stop him from staining hands with blood.]

Can you take us back home? [he asks quietly, his voice suddenly raw.]

[futhark]

[ He wants to listen to the suggestion, to follow what whisper says and port them back into the temple- but he moves away, not to disconnect, but to try and get a peek at Archer's face ]

The others- where are they? [ Caster recognizes the logic behind the suggestion to disengage now very well. Whatever is on this mountain is affecting them in a worst possible way. At least him- maybe shinki are not affected because of the seal on their memories? But he can't risk this. If Lancer or Ginia also made a trip, he should find them first ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer himself isn't unaffected. From up close it shows in the weary lines and shadows in his eyes; perhaps he's been u there for too long. Perhaps it's the close proximity of Caster that allows him to show those rare hints of vulnerability.]

I'm not sure. [Archer admits quietly. He's sure Ginia is out there, helping anyone she can. Lancer most likely too. But they're the lesser of his concerns right now.] We can seek them after you clear your head. Get us to the temple, Cú.

[Shinki do not recognize what they're seeing, it's the gods that hallucinations hit full force. With memories intact and full knowledge they're most fragile to reliving the worst moments from their past.]

[futhark]

[ Showing them is probably exactly what Caster needed. Neither of them is unaffected here, he can power through it counting that Archer will make up for anything he might lack- not this time. Caster grits his teeth, it's a painful sound. ]

Tch- I get what you mean. [ He gives up. If he becomes hostile again, that would spell more trouble than there is already now. And no one needs to deal with a crazed warrior on the mountain that is already on fire.

In a blink, their surroundings shift and they are at the door of the temple. The ash is still in the air mixing with snow, but there is no noxious odor filling the area. With reluctance, Caster lets go of Archer and sits down on the stairs. Face looking downwards and a hood thrown up for a good measure ]

Give me a second. Or ten.

[boneofsword]

[The air is different here, tastes differently as Archer takes a breath. Not as deep as he'd want to - even as Caster his partner has excellent aim and strenght to match. A moment later he sits close to Cú Chulainn and wraps one arm around his shoulder, barely hiding a wince.]

Take as much time as you need.

[Like on cue Pal appears, pushing his nose under Caster's hood to lick his face. That's what you get for being in dog's reach.]

[futhark]

[ Caster is unwilling to just shove the dog away, c'mon buddy, that might not be best time- but oh okay, time for some greetings. But as his head clears, he begins to, hmm-- feel something from Archer.

He tilts his head to look at his face, until another wince happens. Then he furrows his brows. ]

You're injured.

[ Not a question, a statement. ]

Where?

[boneofsword]

[Archer opens his mouth to say he's fine, but - if he strains himself it's only going to get worse and he's going to be a liability, he can recognize as much. It's his responsibility to recognize the danger and remove himself from action, no matter how much he still wants to help.]

Broken or bruised rib. [he confirms quietly.]

[futhark]

Seriously...??

[ Yeah, sir, you don't remove the Hound of Ulster from the battlefield itself, citing logic of being more danger and burden then help in a state like this--- and then try to play a hero yourself. Granted, it's a private, personal hero kind. I'm tough, I can help and support u- fat chance! Instead of straining Archer for more movement, Caster warps them- still sitting onto a couch inside.

Aaaah it's warm suddenly. ]

You lie down here and don't move, I'm going to get some things. [ Gently he de-attaches himself from under Archer's hand. That's the last thing you're supposed to be doing!

Hey at least it gives him something to do and not think too much about what happened, and about what had he seen. ]

[boneofsword]

[Caster's hand is surprisingly gentle as he urges Archer to lay down. He doesn't protest; even if he's been long used to pain to the point it rarely bothers him, ignoring it will worsen his condition. The last thing Archer wants right now is to become a burden.]

Your wish is my command. [he counters to lighten the mood.]

[futhark]

[ You're giving him something to do, that's a good thing. How lucky you're injured, really- wait. Caster does have to stop in his gathering of equipment to realize that it's incredibly possible that he is the one who hurt Archer.

Well, fuck. Good thing it was a tough durable Servant who met him there, not someone else. ]

Show me where it hurts- and oh, armor off. [ If this was a shirt, he'd just cut it. But he knows Archer can materialize the armor at will so- time to do that buddy.

In the meantime he drops a pack of ice on the table, and a jar of herb poultice with incredibly strong smell, along with bandages. ]

[boneofsword]

[That's something that Archer was afraid may happen, the realization it was Caster himself and no one else that injured him. Well, fuck.

He dismisses his overcoat and armor at will, leaving only pants and shoes on. Now that his bare torso is on display it's easy to see the darkening bruise on his side; luckily his armor protected him from major injury, and instead of a stab wound he's left with broken rib.]

It's dulled, I don't feel pain as acutely as most do.

[futhark]

[ That's a curious information, no lie ]

You don't? [ Caster is not sure if it's just some macho posing and bravado - oh he knows that's a thing, he's guilty of it all the time - or true. At least he doesn't poke injury to check it. ]

If so remember to breathe more shallow then you usually do. Deep breath every now and then is needed and important, but overall- don't strain yourself. [ He starts putting the poultice over the inflammation and bruise. The smell grows even more intense now. Some might find it pleasant, others too intense, too earthy. It's not made for aroma though. He puts gauze over it and then writes a rune - one above the injury, one below it. Both directly on his skin. ]

Now let's see if I can wrap you up.

[boneofsword]

[It's true that Archer still can feel pain, but he's so used to it that it takes a lot to register. It takes more than just pain to slow him down, and this injury is the best example.]

I will. [he nods after listening patiently to the instruction. He's keeping his breath shallow, to not aggravate the injury. The herbal scent is pleasant and the medicine feels oddly soothing on his skin; perhaps it's simply his imagination latching onto the care which Caster displays while patching him.]

Do your worst. Just no ribbons.

[Look, he's just trying to be himself and keep the mood light.]

[futhark]

[ How hilarious.]

Just you watch- I'll pack you like a damn Christmas gift.

[ The truest impossibility is happening here. Archer is cracking jokes, and Caster is the grumpy one, wanting to smack him across the face for being an idiot. What did the hell happen here? Oh right, one very shitty day. ]

Guess making you lie down was a mistake, think you can raise yourself on elbows a little bit?

[boneofsword]

[Archer does as he's asked, keeping his left hand still.]

My bad. [he says in almost apologetic tone, and then asks in quieter voice.] Is it gone now?

[futhark]

[ Caster flicks him in the forehead. The apologetic tone made him almost bad for being an asshole moment ago. Don't say sorry, it was well-meant. Then he proceeds to reach around Archer's wide chest and starts indeed, wrapping him up with the bandages. ]

I'm here now. Don't worry. [ Hallucinations are -mostly- gone, he might here a voice he knows is not there, see something on the edge of his vision, but that's all. Memories stirred, are not gone, but it will pass. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer closes one eye at the flick. It's much more like Caster, though, and the following words make him breathe with relief - and cringe in result.]

That's good. Mine are almost gone too.

[He's been as much affected, and lucky enough to not lose himself in the illusion. If it had been the void - well, Archer would rather not consider what might happen.]

[futhark]

[ So everyone is affected, shinki too. Caster bites his tongue before he inquires what is it that Archer might have seen. It's probably best to not touch that ground, to not have him realize that those things might have been related to his sealed memories.

It's a downward spiral from there ]

I wonder what caused this- [ He should be plenty resistant to magic, dammit! With his runes even more so. ] Whatever it is, the source is on the mountain.

[ Just being away from it makes the effects subside, so they're on a good way to get better. Broken rib aside. And true to his word, regarding Christmas gift-packaging. Caster ties the ends of the bandages into a tiny little bow ]

[boneofsword]

[At the sight of the tiny bow Archer can't stop the chuckle. Dammit, are you trying to kill him? He sobers almost immediately, though.]

I have a suspicion. When I met Kurosaki earlier, near a few fissures, the hallucinations lessened once we got away.

[While the effects aren't secluded to the volcano only, it's logical if fissures open almost everywhere.]

[futhark]

[ Fissures. He vaguely remembers one when there was the first time some of those visions set in. ]

If the fault lies in the air that the mountain expels... [ Would explain why the wards against fire and magic didn't help. Because it might not have been magic. Or might have been a magic mist, which still overrides some of the wards. The thing with runes is that- they can be pretty literal at times, due to being a writing system. ]

You rest here, and let me try something. [ Caster heads to the basement and returns after a moment with dried white sage leaves. He walks to the fireplace and sprinkles them into the fire- ]

Let's see how your cleansing properties work.

[boneofsword]

[Once again Caster proves how well suited he is to the class he's summoned into. Archer isn't sure if his god realizes it.]

Come here, Cu. [he requests extending one hand. Caster had been hit hard by the illusions, and copes by throwing himself into action to not think. Archer wants to give back at least a bit of the care and help him.]

[futhark]

[ How predictable he is, but it is indeed true. It's easier to do things and not think.

And nope, he doesn't realize that little fact how Caster he acted for a moment. Right now it's literally the last thing on his mind, as finds a small ceramic bowl and he fills it with rest of the dried herb and ignites it. He returns to Archer when prompted with it, and puts it on the table nearby. Close enough to get caught by Archer and sit down on the edge of the sofa. ]

The scented smoke from sage leaves is supposed to purge the evil spirits and clean the air.

[ And even if it doesn't it smells nice. ]

Worth trying, I say.