THE SOOT OF IGNORANCE: RISING ACTION

[beleos]

BETWEEN UNCONTROLLED ESCALATION & UNENDING PASSIVITY

The moonlit city of Highstorm has always been a tranquil location.

Its people, passionate about the steady leadership of Zenith's leader — Lady Yima — begin their movements slowly and deliberately. Following the lead of their most trusted Shard-Bearers and the word of their Lady, activity in Highstorm begins to increase in the vicinity of Yima's Manor. The Court, the town square outside of it, becomes a hotbed of bustle and voices. Personnel and attendants rush around with documentation, stirring others to action. A select few figures gather the full force of their long-standing houses, calling on family bonds and their own castellans to assist the efforts that build over the course of a few days.

For the tranquility of Highstorm is only ever punctuated by its decisiveness, its faith that their path is the correct one — and now, they will prove it.

In a trickle-down effort, from the most loyal Zenites to the newest, the news unfolds for them: Amos Burton has been tasked by Lady Yima herself to turn the tides back in Zenith's favor. He is to end the life of the 34th Tribune, Cyrus Marcius Germanus Kokkinos, alongside the fortune who have found their way into Zenith's graces. In the earliest hours of the invasion, the figure of Yima herself steps out onto the balcony of her quarters — the highest point of the Manor — with her robes soft around her body and hands extended to her people. Her silence is punctuated by glowing feelings of pride that flow through the hearts and minds of every last sworn Zenite, bolstering their resolve and encouraging them with the cool, ever-flowing might of the people who look to Zenith's Shard-Bearers for their victory.

She sees them off with unspoken sentiments of love, confidence in them — the whispered promises that she knows they are ready to see the war through. And perhaps none of them will know that it is the last time they see her.

For in the sun-dappled sprawl of Springstar, their target awaits them.

The bustle of the city has always been without reservation; the bright and airy attitudes of militant citizenry look on with confidence and celebratory warmth as their Shard-Bearers have brought them to a marginal advancement over their enemies. While Tribune Cyrus's popularity has waned, there are alternative avenues they have begun to explore — the figure of Agapitos Voreen has become deeply popular, with savvy statements, an easy confidence and a willingness to deny Zenith any room to breathe, he is a shoe-in for future Tribune, whenever the next elections are held.

Which is why, in between one moment and the next, the city is rocked by the efforts of their opposition. Zenite-aligned Shard-Bearers and the small house armies of Yima's most loyal core families fill the streets with chaotic distractions, ranging from duels with the Helios Legionnaire to direct attacks on civilians. ( Where does your character draw the line, if they care to? Will it matter in the long run, do they believe? ) Appearing from several Cornerstones hidden within the city's confines from missions long past, tracking the movements of Legionnaires and Shard-Bearers alike from the placement of listening gems and tracking spells, even rising from the bowels of Kowloon to trap the city in a pincer movement — Highstorm goes on the offensive.

Springstar puts up a valiant resistance in return; however, within twenty-four hours, Zenite Shard-Bearers will have hunted down, cornered and slain the Tribune. In that moment, Meridian-aligned Shard-Bearers will feel a splitting pain: the suddenness of having an integral element of their power ripped from them, the sensation akin to being crushed, gasping under the weight of Zenith's swell. The last trickle of emotion from Cyrus for them is a gentle warmth, fondness and forgiveness and the purity of his confidence in them. He believes in them, he always has, and he prays and hopes for their victory even though he will not be around to see it become reality, now.

His death is announced the following day by his assistant Cetina, the deer-morph girl choking back angry tears as she — with a furious and tearful General Ayo Zaman and the somber, mournful figure of Hieropoios Natalia at her side — lambasts Highstorm for the act of aggression, attempts to rouse the city and Meridian's hope, and pledges that she will not let her best friend's murderers escape her vengeance.

Hours after Cetina's message, in the far corner of Highstorm — following the people's celebrations and rejoicing in their strike, the delight in the might of their Shard-Bearers and the renewed passions of their people in pursuit of their victory — a brilliant, golden beam of sunlight pierces the eternal night of the city.

In an instant, the balcony upon which Yima had stood and the rooms beyond it — in fact, the entirety of the Manor, is engulfed in fire and light. The Manor falls, crumbling in upon itself as debris cascades into the living quarters of Shard-bearers and partially topples into the Court beyond. While the Tree of Life, the Reflecting Pools and many businesses around the Court escape extensive damage, the Manor itself is in shambles. And in the wake, many Zenite Shard-Bearers will feel the suddenness of having an integral element of their power ripped from them, the sensation akin to being crushed, gasping under the weight of Meridian's swell. In the wake of the strike, there is a deep silence within them.

Any attempts to contact Yima are met with the same silence a Shard-Bearer feels when reaching out to another who has left the world entirely. And with that, both sides are left to pick up the pieces and weigh the consequences of their actions.

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

During ( and in the wake of both assaults ), there is plenty for any Unharmonized Shard-Bearers and more moderate Meris/Zenites to partake in. Damage has been wrought to both cities at differing times, and there is a degree of life lost no matter the best efforts of those who value innocents over the price enacted by acts of war.

In Springstar, the citizenry has been ravaged by attacks stemming from the depths of Kowloon: as monsters in the form of both individuals with unusual appetites (cannibals and vampires, for example) and heavily-drugged, superpowered addicts have been finding their way into the city, slaughtering civilians indiscreetly, picking fights with the Legionary, and engaging in general criminal mischief and violence. Following Zenith's assault and subsequent assassination, the city will be on high alert and be deeply hostile toward Zenith-aligned Shard-Bearers, as well as mistrustful towards any Unharmonized ( for good reason: they might still Harmonize with Zenith! ). After the day of the attack, the attacks drop off significantly, but do not vanish entirely, for now that some have gotten a taste, it will take time for Yura to reign them in once more.

The people of the city turn to their Shard-Bearers in the wake of their Tribune's murder; even though his popularity had waned, it isn't as though his death doesn't affect them! Deeply concerned and frightened for their future, they demand information about what will be done to protect the city from another assault like this? Some civilians will turn to the church, or perhaps community leaders, but it seems very few turn to the legionary, after they were so focused on the attacks that they missed the forest for the trees. Their trust in their military leaders is waning, and they’re looking for answer. Some community leaders have tried to soften the hurt and anger of Springstar’s people, but they look toward those whom were not a part of the current establishment to answers.

In Highstorm, Yima's Manor lays in shambles, but the rest of the city is unharmed. Shard-Bearers who were living in the Manor will find that their living quarters suffered from the collapse and subsequent fires, but any precious items/belongings they had in their rooms can be recovered after sifting through the rubble. One of Yima’s most trusted, Florence, seems to be taking the reigns of control, and while there are still pockets of the manor that remain on the outskirts of the building itself, she encourages any Zenites who had not moved out to move on quickly, since what is left should be used by any newcomers who need shelter, and not those whom have had the opportunity to make bonds, and have allies that they can rely on.

The main issue now plaguing Zenites is the sudden, overwhelming crowd that begins to gather in the Court, demanding information from them about Yima's safety — they are frantic, and rightfully concerned about further assaults of that incendiary degree from Meridian. The city will be on high alert and be deeply hostile toward Meridian-aligned Shard-Bearers, as well as mistrustful towards any Unharmonized ( for good reason: they might still Harmonize with Meridian! ). The Manor itself is almost entirely destroyed, with only a shell of the outskirts left, and though those who are left are already trying to sift through the rubble, they are often overcome by their sorrow, and it is not uncommon in the wake of Meridian’s destruction to find some of Yima’s most loyal in distress, for the loss of their leader.

A LIGHTHOUSE AGAINST THE ENCROACHING STORM

A few months ago, all current Shard-Bearers experienced a mass dreaming event, full of teeming darkness and a pervasive sense of terror. Following the death of Cyrus and the "presumed loss" of Yima, all Shard-Bearers will receive yet another dream.

This one is a simple, direct thing: rife with a haunting sense of being watched, observed as if from the reeds and brush by a hunter. Whatever your power level, however skilled you are and confident you are in your place, your decisions, your heart will quake before the severe impression of something prowling at your heels. Just out of sight, but never out of mind. Every Shard-Bearer's shard will wrench free of their body upon waking, falling from their physical form as if to flee this sensation of something waiting, patient, for the right moment to pounce.

Echoing in the back of their mind, a wordless, shapeless promise lingers: Forward, or back. Back, or forward. Dart and weave, flit and flutter, scamper and scurry. We are here, now. In the back of every mind, what was in the process of coming before is — it is here, now. Looming right above, waiting for the outcome, watching for which way the last lives at the end of existence will flee.

Upon awakening from the mass dream-become-nightmare, Shard-bearers will slowly become aware of the exacerbation of previous events that have been persisting since October. These events are no longer subtle, and will impact everyone regardless of faction allegiance, with purposefully targeted strikes:

— Darkness has spread within Springstar. Wherever there is shadow cast by person, object or building, it has deepened, darkened, and grown in size. Walking through any shadowed area or touching a darkened shadow will fill a Shard-bearer who enters that area with feelings of dread, of something lingering just out of sight, of danger prickling along their spine, and entice them to run and flee. If they are not quick enough, an unseen entity savages them — aiming directly for wherever their Shard is hidden and held. They are being hunted.

— Light has spread within Highstorm. Starlight and moonlight seem to sear what they touch, leaving patches of bleached-white scars upon person, object or building. Being touched by the light or coming into contact with a white-scarred entity will fill a Shard-bearer with feelings of malaise, like they should simply lay down and accept what comes next. Suffocating hands waiting to pin them down. Even in the safety of the shadows, the scourging glow of any light reaches for them and rakes across their bodies, seeking the place where their Shard is hidden or held. Ravaging them with hot-and-cold burns. They are being sacrificed.

— Shard-bearers readily become lost in familiar places, as if their homes and bastions of safety and security have become strange ( estranged? ) from their minds. The route to that favorite haunt ( perhaps even their own place of business ) eludes them, and searching for it alone becomes an impossibility. It takes another Shard-bearer, at times, to aid them in breaking free of the mild befuddlement. You're just tired. It's just the strain getting to you.

— Citizens of both Springstar and Highstorm continue to speak about neighbors who have 'suddenly moved away', or the disappearance of a favored shop or cafe. Some mention favorite, useful landmarks vanishing, causing them to forget where they are coming from, or where they are going. When directly asked about this circumstance, they shrug and declare that it happens all the time these days. In fact, there's nothing to really be done about it. And if pressed, the citizenry's eyes go glassy and expressions become confused as they ask who, what, where, and why their Shard-Bearer has begun asking them such strange questions. None seem bothered by this strange occurrence, as if all is well and normal.

— Shard-bearers will begin to see familiar faces in crowds, standing on street corners, peering through their private windows, waving them down at their familiar haunts. People from their own worlds, loved and hated alike rush for them — adoring and hostile alike. Family members and friends who seem to attempt to meet their eyes before the crowd swallows them up; loved ones who should be captured in Shards try to flag them down, calling their names and asking them where have you been? what's going on?; enemies and abusers seem to advance upon them, pushing their way forth hungrily. And then they are gone, but not before leaving behind the impression, the strange sensation that, they are real. Really there. If only for a moment.

OOC & (IMMEDIATE) WORLD CHANGES

The full document for this event can be found here!

So, what does the world look like now that this has all gone down?

The world of Kenos ripples from the effects of our players!

Springstar is (mostly) physically unharmed, though the population has been reduced thanks to the number of murders and criminal mischief that has taken place during the attack. Damage seems constrained to things like broken doors and windows, looted property, and murdered civilians, though the severity is up to how many defend Springstar from the concentrated might of Ryad’s regulars, and a practical army of addicts rising from the depths below the city.

The leadership of Springstar is also shaken, though there are procedures in place for this – if one is particularly studious, they will recall that this is not the first Tribune that has been assassinated, though it is the first in a long while – and the Church and the Legionary have stepped in to maintain the peace while elections begin to be arranged.

Cyrus’s body is interred publically at the Church in Heliopolis for a week after his passing, before his body is immolated during a service, his soul returned to the Tree of Life. Those who attend will feel the light of Meridian fill them, and their Discord may be reduced by one level thanks to the warm hope that fills them, even as they despair at the loss of their leadership. Meridian calls to its most loyal, and asks them to do what they do best, show hope and unending resolve, when things look to be their most hopeless.

Highstorm is another story. The destruction wrought is more property, but the number of people who were within the manor is difficult to count until a week or two after the destruction has been evaluated, and cleanup has begun. The loss of life is not devastating compared to what was leveled upon Springstar, but perhaps the most distressing is that Yima is not present. Florence reassures those in Highstorm with her calming, but firm presence.

With few of Yima’s softer adorations to be found, Florence instead pushes the faithful to muster their will and begin the recovery efforts. After all, they have long proven to have faith in Yima’s guidance, and they should believe in it now when it is difficult. It is not the first time their fortitude has been tested, after all.

Her words fill those in Zenith with a sense of calm resolve, and they may feel their distress and discord from this destruction alleviating slightly. Highstorm’s government works smoothly without Yima, and those who are interested in history will be able to see Florence’s name throughout the annals, as one that would guide Yima’s faithful when the matron was in convalescence, or respite. What Zenith does best, after all, is build something new when faced with destruction. Consider this a primer for your new world, to help bring the faithful back from the brink of their despair.

The unharmonized have a choice, as they so often do. This time, however, the stakes appear even higher than before. The cities are not as welcoming as they once were, and those that have not chosen are beseeched by the civilians of both Highstorm and Springstar. ‘Do you not understand what they’ve taken from us, and what they will in days to come? You cannot let this continue, standing on the sidelines. Imagine the ways in which you could help us,’ they beg, and it feels as though your neutrality will become increasingly inconvenient, as time goes on.

What can we expect next?

As the month of Pelu ( aka March ) dawns, you will begin to feel it. Something tugs at you.

Those who have lived through more than one will feel that anticipatory anxiety rise, as the next oracle is coming. Are you ready to fight to claim it, even when it feels so dark, and even when everything feels different, and harder? Do you look to the stars, and dream of your home? Or do you gaze outward, into nothing, and dream of what you will make from the ashes?

Anticipate the oracle in the coming month of Pelu, and to learn more about those that will step into the voids left by Cyrus and Yima.

And as always!

Questions can be directed here!

Individuals less-inclined to busy themselves with either effort, or looking for a way to gain a foothold/explore the world can report here for exploration attempts. We recommend examining the Kenos Wiki's Locations for ideas, if you don't know where to start. Or! Ask someone in the Discord Server for a recommendation, we have long-time players eager to help.

Lastly, remember that Cyrus and Yima will be a little occupied this time around, but anyone who might ICly have reason to contact them regarding the brewing troubles can do so here!

CODING

Comments

sakamoto ryouma | meridian | harbinger

[kaientai]

① SAVE OUR CITY open to all

[ It's almost too much to bear for an instant, and there is a long, dreadful moment before Ryouma manages to reign in the sense of despair that feels like it might crush him for real if he lets it.

It takes a bit longer than that to realise the feeling is external, but knowing that doesn't keep it from seeping into his head anyway — the Tribune is dead, and there are countless invaders in Springstar who are out for blood. If it's hit every other Meridian just as hard, that's not going to end well.

All at once, he shuts it down — even to his fellow Harbingers — withdrawing into whatever protective interference Oryou's Shard affords him. It isn't much, but it's enough to feel more confident that everyone can't just peek into his mind. There will be time to feel later, probably (or, maybe he'll just skip it). Right now, he needs to do something.

🅐 MERIDIAN + UNHARMONISED

[ He gets moving, and soon enough, Ryouma locates a group of civilians needing aid. He can tell they're wounded because he can smell the blood, which is enough to know that anything seeking an easy meal will also be able to smell it. It's clear that if he wants to get these people to a safe location, he won't be able to do it on his own.

That's why he doesn't hesitate to call out when he spots someone else passing nearby. ]

Hey! These people need our help. Give me a hand?

[ If nothing else, he just wants to save someone. ]

🅑 ZENITH

[ Ryouma isn't hunting for Zenite Shard-bearers, but it's inevitable that he'd encounter them while he's trying to keep innocent people out of harm's way.

He doesn't draw his weapon right away, but his hand rests upon the hilt of his sword anyway, just in case. His expression is unreadable, and his dark eyes have an eerie hollowness that belies the anger and frustration roiling beneath the surface. He's been a Servant for a very long time and has had to do plenty of fighting he never wanted to do, but this part never gets any easier. ]

You need to leave this city. Now. Don't make me have to do something neither of us will enjoy.

[ Whether the Zenite in question is helping or causing harm, he has no choice but to treat all Zenites with equal suspicion. Some might say his "duty" as a Meridian should compel him to attack first and ask questions later, but that's never been his way. ]

② AFTER THE STORM open to all

[ Ryouma hates everything about funerals and didn't even intend to go, but somehow, he's managed to find his way here anyway.

It's not about Cyrus directly — he barely knew the guy — but what Cyrus represented matters. It's the look on Cyrus' face during that welcome speech that Ryouma can't shake and that last bit of warmth and fond forgiveness before Cyrus was gone for good. It feels undeserved somehow.

His own death had never really bothered him, but he can't help but think about it now anyway. After all, they had both met violent ends at the hands of their enemies and not on a battlefield. To make matters worse, Ryouma had only been one person, just a nobody, and he'd been careless. Cyrus was a leader; he had an entire city to protect him, and they'd failed anyway. Ryouma doesn't blame anyone — even if he should and even if some part of him might be tempted — but he can't help the bitterness inside him whenever he thinks about it.

What could he have accomplished if he'd arrived here months ago? Why couldn't it have been different, like he'd hoped? He knows it's pointless to think about, but he's been pushing those feelings down for a long time — the futility of it all. Always being too late. On top of everything else, Ryouma just can't muster up the strength to force it all down again, at least for now. He's sure he'll manage it later, but everything is so much harder all alone.

In any case, it's fine; Ryouma is sure he'll survive for ten more minutes. He'll pay his respects, and then he can leave and find a bar in this city that isn't on fire so he can drink until it all stops.

Tomorrow is another day. ]

③ WILDCARD

[ ooc; if you're interested in something else, feel free to throw me a starter here or hmu @ koutenko! ]

🔆 QUETZALCOATL | LAST RESORT

[kaientai]

[ When Ryouma entered this fight, he didn't think it would be this difficult. It's only one monster, and he's stronger now than ever before, even if you take his weapon out of the equation.

Unfortunately, the problem is twofold. First of all, Ryouma is unaccustomed to having to fight solo. The muscle memory and reflexes gained over years of training and experience expect someone to be there to watch his back when he attacks too recklessly or fails to keep his defences up as well as he ought to. One-half of a coordinated attack doesn't work as well either when your enemy can see you coming.

The other compounding issue is that this is the first time he encounters Shimmer. No one had ever explained what sort of drugs were spreading around down Below, so this was a fight he'd walked into half-blind in that regard.

....Which is why he's now picking himself up out of the shattered rubble of a brick wall he's just been punched straight through, the two halves of his weapon turning back into a single katana. ]

Alright. You know, I really didn't want to have to make this unpleasant...

[ It's difficult to tell what sort of creature he's facing with the Shimmer in its system distorting its features, but the glowing eyes and threat of needle-sharp fangs and deadly claws are hard to miss. Even so, Ryouma still doesn't see a monster in his enemy, which has not done him any favours since he hasn't been fighting to kill. He knows exactly how that sets him at a disadvantage when his opponent is perfectly willing to kill him, but Ryouma was hoping he'd find a way to knock some sense into it somehow.

If Oryou had been here, she would've done it before it ever had the chance to strike him. She could always sense his hesitation and act decisively even when Ryouma couldn't. While he knew it wasn't cruelty, Ryouma never realised until now how much Oryou was probably trying to protect him by sparing him.

That's another thing he can't afford to think about right now. Those intrusive thoughts have cropped up more frequently since this crisis began, but he needs to focus. Ryouma wipes blood off of his face with the back of one hand and settles into an unfamiliar stance. He's seen others perform the movements enough to feel confident in his ability to mimic them, and it helps to know that it doesn't need to be perfect anyway because Jigen-ryu is all about power. One strike, one kill. It's not often he's willing to take a page out of Izō's playbook, but he's already acutely feeling what being a soft touch has earned him so far. ]

Sorry about this, but you're not leaving me much choice.

[ Ryouma raises the blade over his head in the highest position and waits — he wants the beast to charge and close the distance between them. He wants it to commit, and then he can strike... ]

[muchalucha]

[ Luckily, there’s a decisive woman in the vicinity.

The chaos in the city isn’t something that Quetzalcoatl is well equipped to handle, but she at least does her best. In this case, she pretty immediately decides that just protecting people and fighting back the invaders is where she’s best able to serve her fellow Meri. And, besides. To be honest, she loves a good, serious fight.

The crash of the collapsing wall is what grabs her attention, and Quetzalcoatl breaks into a full sprint to head that way. She sees the creature staring Ryouma down before she sees Ryouma himself, and that makes her frown. The look of someone who’s been given Shimmer is extremely distinctive to her at this point, so she just quietly curses Silco’s name under her breath. Whatever he’s up to, it’s no good.

It’s just before Ryouma would have struck that Quetzalcoatl leaps into the air, her macuahuitl and chimalli both in hand, and she shouts to draw its attention. ]

¡Oye, ruda!

[ It works. It looks up and away from Ryouma, but only for Quetzalcoatl to land on him with the force of a truck. Her shield is her bludgeon that hits first into its shoulder, and she swings the flat edge of the unusual sword at its head with a strong swing. The combination has it absolutely crumble, and Quetzalcoatl lands on the ground with surprising grace, but with the grin of pulling off an excellent move.

Finally, she looks Ryouma’s way. ]

Hola, sorry I was almost too l— Oh!

[ And it’s once she looks at him that she notices the familiar feeling, and it’s unexpected. Her expression lights up in surprise, and it’s like she’s briefly forgotten that there’s still very much a now pissed off dude at her feet. ]

Another Servant?

[kaientai]

[ This is easily the last thing Ryouma expects to happen.

He stares wide-eyed at the brilliantly executed attack, arms slowly lowering until his sword points towards the ground. Even as confused as he is, Ryouma doesn't fully drop his guard but shifts into a more defensive posture, mostly out of habit since he's feeling pretty confident that she isn't planning on turning on him. ]

Eh?

[ Ryouma recognises the familiar feeling himself a moment later, the surprise on his face turning into something like relief fleetingly before he laughs out loud, and the tension he's been holding onto finally breaks. He's been in Kenos for weeks, but it figures he'd find another Servant in the middle of a fight. ]

So, I'm not the only one after all! I met a kid the other day who said he was a Master, but no Servants. Small multiverse, huh?

[ What pissed off dude? He might as well be having a chat at the grocery store. Now that Ryouma's had time to take a good look at her, he seems a little embarrassed, too. A beautiful, muscular blonde just came soaring to his rescue and bodied the creature that had just put him through a wall like it was easy while breasting boobily. Anyone would have a dumb look on their face. ]

And, uh—... well, I guess I owe you one!

[muchalucha]

[ #justservantthings, really.

Quetzalcoatl is definitely giving him a curious eye too, but it’s the sort of thing that every Servant does when meeting, really. Sometimes its hostile, but there’s no doubt at all that the way Quetzalcoatl sizes him up is friendly and curious. He has a sword, so a Saber, maybe…? (girl no that makes too much sense) She doesn’t have a good guess at all who he might be, though, since beyond the cursory kinds of information the Throne provided, the heroes (and otherwise) of other continents are pretty much a mystery to her. ]

Mm, I was surprised there weren’t more of us! It seems like just the kind of thing that we’d get called up to f—

[ She starts to babble happily, indeed just kind of forgetting that there is still a very pissed off Shimmered fellow at her feet, but not for long. He grabs onto her ankle and yanks it, which makes her shout out in surprise as she just. Absolutely eats shit. All brawn, no brains, this one. He might get to pay her back quicker than he thought! ]

[kaientai]

[ There's something familiar about her, but that could mean anything. Ryouma had been in Chaldea for a long time — at least, compared to his usual jobs — and there had been plenty of Servants around. Maybe he passed her in the cafeteria once or something.

He should know better than to get so distracted, but this small injection of familiarity in the middle of this crisis is sorely needed. He always sets himself apart from other Servants in his mind because he was registered in the Throne as a Guardian. Uncommon as they are, he's sure it's different for her, a true Heroic Spirit and proof of the existence of humanity! It's a beautiful thought to have right before she hits the ground. ]

Oh...

[ He winces because he's sure that hurt. It's an opening, though, and he is nothing if not an opportunist. Ryouma slides his sword back into its sheath, momentarily adjusting his grip on the handle before he charges ahead.

He'd had a hard time earlier avoiding the monster's powerful attacks while also seeking opportunities to strike, which meant most of Ryouma's attempts had glanced off the creature's remarkably resilient hide.

Now, though, he has a more precise target, and there's quite a bit of power behind an attack from the draw, so separating the arm that had grabbed Quetz from the monster's body is relatively easy now by comparison.

Understandably, their Shimmer'd friend is not happy about this, but it does provide another brief opening for Ryouma to offer her a hand so she can get back on her feet. ]

I guess we should finish up here first. Let's get through this, and I'll buy you a drink when this is all over.

[ When Springstar is safe again, he's sure there will be time (rip). ]

2 i am so sorry this is the most useless response

[furibund]

[ Strangely - or perhaps not strangely - Nebula hasn't been to very many funerals. The first had been Yondu's. The second had been... it wasn't a funeral, exactly. Maybe it was. A very long night on the Milano with Rocket after the snap; When her sister and the Guardians had been dead, when they still believed there was no getting the others back. And then there was Stark. That was it. Before then, she couldn't afford to be sad - to feel - about any of the deaths that had come to be.]

[ After all, hadn't her father taught her that lesson the moment he had taken her from her planet? Her ears and the mechanized whirrs are proof of that, ever proof. ]

[ She does not mourn Cyrus. He is a man that visited her in dreams she does not want to have. He is a man she'd never really met - a single message in communion. And yet, there's that tension; That tight pull of guilt and loss, driven from the warmth of Meridian and a final message. It does not make her mourn him, she knows loss too intimately, personally to do that for a variable stranger. Even if that stranger was the figure head of Meridian. ]

[ But Meridian is still here and they will win. It's a promise. To herself, to them. To him. ]

[ So, she attends because it's the right thing to do. A stalwart figure by the back doors that watches - cautious, careful. And when she sees Ryouma move to pass by her mouth twitches and she shrugs herself off. Doesn't hesitate, but pauses before she offers an incline of the head - to the doors outside - and a brief: ]

Hey.

she TRIES which counts for so much honestly

[kaientai]

Hey.

[ Even in a mood like this one, Ryouma is immediately brightened by the appearance of a familiar face. He never expects anyone to do that sort of thing for him — it's his job to support, not be supported — so that makes any gesture a pleasant surprise.

With someone else to think about, he manages to pull himself into a livelier state. It wouldn't have been worth the effort otherwise. ]

I was about to go grab a drink and try not to think about this stuff for a while.

[ That's the goal, but the truth is he'll probably be turning all of this over in his head anyway. ]

Wanna come?

she tries...

[furibund]

[ Nebula tilted her head - gaze watchful. From put out to brightening, something she notes but does not mention. Doesn't feel it's her place to think about more than she already has as she raises and lowers one shoulder in a shrug. ]

Sure.

[ Though it's annunciated more like "fine," she does not wait for him before she moves back through the doors - eager to put space between herself and watchful mourners. Possibly because she looks out of place to start, but more likely she thinks lingering too long is a waste of time. ]

Bars never seem to close, anyway.

[ Mumbled, half to herself, it's practically a thing - bar owners profiteering off of those that suffer across any galaxy. ]

[kaientai]

[ He follows after her, lighting a cigarette on the move. He's clearly done it enough times that the motion is nearly automatic. His exhale sounds almost relieved, and his shoulders sink as he relaxes a little more. His body doesn't even really crave them like he would if he were still human, but he can still appreciate the other psychological benefits of the simple, familiar action. A tiny bit of control in the chaos of the multiverse unravelling; it's the little things that keep you sane. ]

If they're smart, they'll be having a special.

[ Ryouma can't fault them or anyone else for the profession they end up in. He didn't fault the assassins who tried to kill him once, either. ]

You know, I figured something like this might happen, but I always hate being right.

[ He feels like a bad omen when that happens. ]

[furibund]

If the owner's still around.

[ She says it with a shrug. ]

[ Maybe these days, she's not entirely sure how she'd feel about walking into a bar that would take advantage of its patrons grief. She doesn't want to think about that. ]

[ Instead keeps moving without quite looking at Ryouma. Half a laugh that's not really a laugh: ]

It was. People get desperate. [ And this reeks of desperation; Of Zenith deciding it was already losing, despite how some of those people will declare they're the right and going to win. ] And most of them don't seem to care what happens to anyone else -

Destruction is in their nature.

[ Is it in her nature? ]

1-a

[clockpunk]

[ chrono had been skittering about town as well as he could for someone with very little combat prowess. athleticism only got you so far when armies and drugged-up monsters were involved. still, he's managed to stay relatively healthy, a couple off scuffs and scratches the worst of it for now.

so when he hears a clear call for help, he quickly darts over. ]

Yeah, I can help!

[kaientai]

Thanks!

[ he looks relieved to have not been told off or ignored, which was entirely possible flagging down strangers in a crisis. ]

I want to help them get to somewhere that isn't so exposed, but it's too dangerous to rely on the hope that we won't get attacked along the way.

Can you fight?

[ it's certainly not a requirement, but at least helpful to know one way or another. ]

[clockpunk]

...not the same way a lot of people here can. I have shield, though.

[ and cure wounds, which he reaches out to cast unprompted on one of the injured citizens. it doesn't fix her nastier wounds, but her bruising begins to fade and smaller cuts start to stitch together.

magic is so weird. chrono stares at his own hand for a moment, even though he'd cast it several times at this point. ]

I still want to help, so I'll do what I can.

[kaientai]

That's an even better skill at a time like this, honestly.

[ the ability to heal, he means. being able to fight is great, but he feels pretty useless when someone needs help he can't provide. he'd always had a companion who could fill that role instead (and she was stronger than him, too, but this is why she is his better half). ]

If you can help patch everyone up a little, I think we can probably wrap up the worst of the injuries to hold everybody over until we can get where we need to go.

Just don't wear yourself out too much. I can probably only carry one person and still be able to fight if we have to.

[clockpunk]

Okay. I can do that.

[ a clear instruction, thank goodness. what an underrated gift. he reaches out for another person's hand - a boy, this time, with grazes on his knees - and casts the spell again, trying not to flinch from the drain of energy.

chrono doesn't mention that he's already pretty exhausted, since... well, he's pretty familiar with pushing himself past his limits and suffering later. it'll be fine, he wasn't even at the limit yet!! if ryouma can fight, it'll be definitely fine, right!! ]

Do you know where we should go?

1A

[picketship]

[Technically, Demeisen isn’t unharmonized at all. He’s actually been harmonized to Zenith for the last few weeks, since not too many days after he arrived and found his bearings in this new place. But this is not common knowledge; some around Springstar may have seen him in recent weeks, visiting bars and cafes, attending the Coliseum, fighting the occasional monster that’s emerged into the increasingly-shadowed streets. He has displayed no allegiance in either direction, and his shard is not on clear display. It’s not necessarily clear that he even is a shard-bearer.

From the blade in his hand, however, he clearly isn’t a noncombatant.]

Eh?

[Demeisen pauses his prowl for more marauding monsters or addicts, looking over at the wounded people and the man calling out to him. The stench of blood is easy for him to pick up, and he judges that one or two of the people in the group might struggle to walk as well.]

Where you taking them?

[kaientai]

I don't—...

[ Ryouma stops and huffs because that's actually a good question. He's not that familiar with this part of the city, but he's sure there has to be a better place than this. ]

Somewhere safer than just leaving them here exposed.

[ He wishes he had a more specific answer than that, but he's making it up as he goes along; search and rescue is admittedly not his area of expertise.

More importantly, given the situation, he doesn't seem to suspect that he's talking to a Zenite. There are a lot of Shard-bearers he doesn't know yet, and he supposes Demeisen wouldn't have stopped if he wasn't someone interested in helping. ]

[picketship]

[Now, Demeisen doesn’t know the city in all that much detail just yet; a few weeks of roaming specific areas do not mastery make. But he does have the benefit of a photographic memory to rely on, and he’s seen maps that detailed the city’s various districts and the public cornerstones peppered throughout them. He probably has a more complete knowledge of the transport network, at least, than many of Springstar’s actual residents.

He strolls closer as though through a mellow party instead of a war zone, his expression alert but not particularly concerned by all the current goings on.]

Fighting will be thickest around Heliopolis, but they could go somewhere else if they reach a cornerstone. Coliseum, maybe. I’d bet it’s defended.

[Even during times when there aren’t events being held there, fighters tend to use the space for training. He’d be surprised if there weren’t already people holed up in the rooms below the structure, relying on those same fighters for protection.]

[kaientai]

The Coliseum?

[ It's an interesting choice. One that makes more sense the longer he thinks about it. Some of the tension eased from his shoulders, and his thoughts seemed to fall into place just fine after that. Sometimes, just a little bit of structure helps. ]

You're right. It's probably well-defended and likely to have people around who know how to heal or can do some basic first aid, at least.

[ Which would solve both of the issues he'd been concerned about. In the meantime, Ryouma starts helping to patch up what he can so they can spend less time hanging around here. There isn't much in the way of supplies they can use, so they have to tear up clothing for dressings, and he makes quick work of it between having stronger hands and several sharp objects.

Despite all the wounds, he's started to brighten up a little by the time he's been at it for a bit. He genuinely enjoys helping people. He doesn't even seem to mind Demeisen's laid-back attitude about all of this. ]

I can help the lady who can't walk, and the others will probably be all right to help each other out if you don't mind leading the way.

[picketship]

[Although he doesn’t assist the other man with patching up any of the civilians, Demeisen does at least keep an eye on their surroundings while Ryouma tends to his task. While his manner may lack the gravity one might deem appropriate in a situation like this one, he doesn’t seem inclined to just wander off, either.

When Ryouma has finished, he casts an eye over the rag-tag group, judging the truth of his assessment. They do seem reasonably mobile, though certainly in no condition to flee if any threats show up on their way.

Well. They’ll just have to make this quick.]

This way, then.

[Lifting his free arm, he makes a broad, sweeping motion to beckon the cluster of people. The nearest cornerstone is little more than a block away, so even at their sluggish pace, it won’t take too long to reach it.]

1-a

[ex_fend346]

[ It so happens that Ryouma calls out to a slim little unharmonized fellow who had been looking for more people to help. He comes with a small procession of townspeople trailing after him, from an elderly couple to several young children. They follow closely in his wake like ducklings as he approaches Ryouma's position at a brisk pace.

Only he comes to a standstill a good several feet away, round green eyes flicking to a young woman off to Ryouma's left. Though Subaru's senses feel severely dulled in his present state, there isn't any mistaking what his nose tells him. ]

You need to stop her bleeding quickly.

[ His voice is soft, yet the words come with the firmness of certainty. For the moment, Subaru dares not get much closer. That much blood is near overwhelming, so much so that he brings a gloved hand up to pinch his nose shut. It's been a very long time since he'd last fed, but he has no intention of changing that now. ]

[kaientai]

[ Ryouma isn't sure what to make of what he's seeing right away, frozen in place momentarily as he looks on at the odd procession of assorted people. That must mean the one leading them is capable of protecting such a large party or knows exactly where he's going, either of which would be very helpful right now.

He moves quickly over to the woman to kneel at her side and assess what he can see of the damage. Springstar might be lucky in that the overall property damage is minimal, but clearly, being in the wrong place when something large and violent comes rampaging through yields more severe consequences.

Ryouma is, unfortunately, also not a healer. He had always been able to rely on Oryou for that, so his knowledge is limited, but he thinks he can manage well enough to at least buy time. ]

If the sight of blood bothers you, you don't have to look.

[ He sounds sympathetic. Ryouma assumes that must be the problem to account for Subaru's distance — and why he covers his nose — and by that logic, imagines this has to be an awful situation to find yourself in the middle of unexpectedly.

Still working, Ryouma offers a quiet apology to the woman for having to tear up the fabric of her clothing to use as makeshift dressings and another for having to tie them so tightly. Knowing they have yet to travel to a safer location, keeping pressure on the wounds will probably make a big difference, so he's of the opinion a bit of discomfort will go a long way. Hopefully. ]

[ex_fend346]

It's more that the smell is quite strong on the air.

[ Bothering isn't quite the right word, but Subaru is reticent to correct him. The explanation would only unnerve the people he's trying to help, would only erode what little sense of safety he may have managed to give them in the moment, even though he wouldn't dream of hurting them. They've been beset on all sides by monsters human and otherwise.

An unfortunate number of them have been vampires.

While they may not be like him or Kamui, that doesn't change how it would affect them at such a time as this. It's better they not know right now. Subaru isn't ashamed of what he is: he was born this way. But he can imagine how these people must feel, having been hunted for so long himself. ]

I hear the church is safe ground.

[ His voice is somewhat muffled by his hand, but he presses on. Getting these people to some sort of haven is their best bet amidst all this chaos. ]

[kaientai]

Oh, I see. Well, I bet that doesn't help either.

[ His mind doesn't make the logic leap from disturbed by the presence of blood to vampire, but under the present circumstances, that's probably a good thing, even if Ryouma wouldn't particularly mind if he knew. ]

The church isn't a bad idea. It's probably defended, and they're likely to have somebody on hand who can heal.

[ As he finishes securing the last of the dressings, his eyes unfocus a little, running over a mental map of the city in his head. He may not be a Rider any longer, but it's good to know he still retains the sense of direction of one. ]

Mind leading the way? I can carry her and take the rear position, and we can keep the others between us.

[ He's also hoping the scent of blood will be less of an issue unless the wind shifts. ]