MISSION 005 PT 2 & ARRIVALS

[etrayamods]

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: September 27th-???
WHERE: Throughout Etraya
WHAT: New Arrivals! With a side of mission 005.
NOTES\WARNINGS: Horror elements, including fear-inducing landscapes, distorted environments, unseen predators, mental/emotional distress, potential body horror, corruption, possession, brainwashing, and compulsion.

⏵ disrupted arrival ⏴ Your arrival does not go as anticipated. Aurora, the AI that keeps Etraya in order, had been overtaken by the Im'mari earlier in the month, her systems corrupted by its influence. While efforts have been made to save her from succumbing to it, much of the city is still in disrepair. New arrivals will not awaken in pristine hospital rooms, but will instead awaken within the Dhaliwal-to-wall Bookstore. Cots are laid on the ground surrounded by books. Kneeling beside them is a woman - or rather, Aurora, with her new body that is vaguely similar to the makeup of those from Connor's world. Her features are strangely serene, with light hair framing her face. Those capable may recognize that she is machine, rather than flesh and blood. Beside her, a vital monitor thrums as it monitors the newcomers, checking them over for any abnormalities that may require her attention. Those who may have arrived injured will find their wounds well-tended to. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Her voice is steady, tinged with something almost apologetic. She offers a slight smile, looking over her charges. "We are in the midst of a mission that has... gotten out of hand. My name is Aurora. You have been chosen to protect your home world, and I am here to assist you in achieving that goal. The multiverse has begun to fall apart, and Echo will only be able to protect some of them. You are here to show them the importance of protecting your world." She will remain to answer questions for those who respond to her politely in turn. For those who opt to be unkind, Aurora will simply shake her head in disappointment and pull herself up to her feet, moving to check on her next charge, if any remain. Otherwise, she has other matters to attend to. Each newcomer is given an earpiece to connect them to the others residing on Etraya before they exit the bookstore. Welcome to your new home. ⏵ into the fractured city ⏴ Once the initial shock of arrival wears off, they're left with the daunting reality that is Etraya: a collection of islands teetering on the edge of collapse, still reeling under the influence of the Im'mari. The streets outside are eerily quiet, but signs of life and activity are scattered throughout the city. Aurora provides a moment to gather their bearings, but the weight of her words hangs in the air: there is no time for complacency here. Etraya may be fractured, but it is still home. For now. Whispers of Im'mari's influence linger in the city, and numerous individuals who have been drafted have become infected by it. Faint shadows seem to move just beyond sight, strange echoes sound in the empty alleys of Nova City, the hospital appears to be temporarily taken over by something otherworldly, and while many within the city are beginning to figure out their next steps in taking care of what's happening, others are left reeling, consumed by the fears that haunt them. It may be wise to scout out a few safe zones among the untouched areas of Etraya. Ramsey Farm seems to remain... mostly peaceful, outside of the havoc caused by Mena the goat. The catacombs under the city proper also seem to have escaped Im'mari's notice - for now. And while it may be covered in snow and cold, the Wolf Cove also seems to be relatively peaceful. Outside of safe zones, others who have been present in the city for long may provide useful information, if one were to seek them out. There are strange objects imbued with dark magic hidden throughout Etraya by Gorgug and placed strategically to affect those who come into contact with them. Those who are perceptive enough may be able to find and neutralize these objects before they spread further terror. With enough effort, perhaps things will return to normal. ⏵ whispered influence ⏴ The air in Etraya is charged with tension, thick with the weight of something ancient and malevolent. Whatever it is has already begun warping the landscape, but what lurks behind the shifting reality is far worse. Im'mari, a fragment of the cosmic horror that ravaged Moorecroft through the night, managed to follow those who returned to Etraya on their journey back home. Its insidious presence creeps through the city like a shadow that refuses to lift. This isn't just a fight against fear. It's a slow devouring, a feeding on the darkness that lingers in every corner of your mind. Im'mari is not a distant beast; its very essence has embedded itself into the heart of Etraya, infecting wolves, plants, and even a few of those who currently call Etraya home. Its influence spreads like a whisper in the night, quiet at first, almost imperceptible. But with each passing moment, with each shudder that goes through one's spine as they face their fears, it grows stronger. The more one struggles, the more it feeds. Can you feel it? The weight of it pressing in? ⏵ through the veil ⏴ The whispers grow louder. Perhaps you see it in your friends. A little shift in their tone, the way they hesitate before speaking. Or perhaps it's something deeper--subtle changes, things you'd never normally question. Maybe they seem more irritable or doubt themselves in a way that feels foreign. You wonder: is this just the strain of the mission? Or is it something darker? "It's easier if you just give in." And the more you listen, the more your world bends. You swear you hear something--a voice, someone calling out to you. Or was it just the wind? The scent of blood hangs in the air, though when you search, you can't find its source. Suddenly you see it on the walls--a message, a memory from your past--something that grips you with a cold fear. It settles deep in your gut, but it's too late. The image lingers at the edges of your vision. Your mind is playing tricks on you, isn't it? Or is it something else? The longer you linger in the halls of the apartment complex, marketplace, or the hospital, the more the world twists around you. Objects shift in your peripheral vision - did that lamp just move? Did that thing lingering just at the edge of your peripheral vision just speak your name? Im'mari is everywhere now, its influence seeping into the very walls. While Aurora has been freed from its web and continues to work to regain control of her city, Im'mari tightens its grip, refusing to give in. The stairs creep beneath your feet, the scent of rot clings to the food in the diner, and the hospital's medical rooms are empty... or are they? Was that a scalpel, or something else? Paranoia begins to creep in, the lines between reality and illusion blurring the longer Im'mari maintains control. And grows bolder. Words, sounds, and images warp the world around you. Faces appear in the shadows. Scents that shouldn't exist hang in the air, triggering memories you'd long since buried. Blood, ocean waves, familiar voices fading in and out. The longer you stay in these places, the more paranoia seeps in, eroding your defenses and wearing you down. Many objects may seem harmless, but Gorgug's magic has imbued them with dark energy. As you pass them, the whispers begin. A stair creaks underfoot and suddenly you're back within a memory. A stone shifts, and you catch a glimpse of something that shouldn't be there. These objects are traps, set to trigger the worst within you. Each time a memory comes to life, it seems to warp the world around you - the hallways stretch, the lights flicker out, and you're certain someone is following you. The paranoia builds, a creeping dread that won't leave. You have to find the source. Break the spell, or endure it continuing to spread. ⏵ cottage in the woods ⏴ As you travel deeper into the twisted forest, the air grows heavier, more oppressive. The scorpions that guard the way to the cottage scuttle through the trees, their pincers sharp as they block your path. Vanessa lingers there, her appearance changed, eyes glowing a fiery red. Black veins pulse beneath her skin with the same dark energy that courses through the Im'mari. Along with her are her guardians, ready to fight to defend her. The closer you get to her, the more distorted the forest becomes. Light blinks in and out, disorienting you. You're not sure which way is forward, and the scorpions hiss from the shadows, attempting to lead you away. But you must keep going. Vanessa stands at the heart of it all - broken, feral, lashing out at anyone who dares to approach. If you get too close, you'll hear the whispers. "They see evil in you. You're no different." If confronted, she may call upon her magic, using Verbis Diablo. But if you act fast, you can attempt to stop her before the words take hold. ⏵ NOTES ⏴ There is a header for new arrivals if they wish to talk with Aurora! For all questions relating to this mission, please refer to the plotting post. Please keep an eye out for new comments, as we have many new characters and players arriving! All other questions can be directed to the FAQ. ⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Comments

(with hikaru)

[tinflower]

[ There's plenty of reasons that Gorgug can make up in his mind for why he's doing this: going around Etraya, helping the place and people rot. Why shouldn't he? being the main factor, and he doesn't actually care to go beyond that simple desire. It's better this way, because it should be harder for everyone. They should break. They should just give in.

And they shouldn't have anywhere to hide.

He's never gone to this small pocket of land before, but the buildings are visible from across the river. It's not exactly curious that takes him to the small shop, but to see if doing so is worth it: will people think to come here? Do they?

The tiny bell above the door twinkles as he pushes it open gently, doing so as he keeps his arm out straight and walks forward, letting the arm drop once he's stepped inside. He looks, scleras black and with pupils white, around the busy mess of books and cots, and sees figures.

One he knows, and another less so -- the one that kneels beside Hikaru. ]

Oh. It's her. [ He turns to face their direction, a glint flashing across his eyes. ] You should let me take her.

[ It's a simple request, really. Nice, even. ]

[arora]

[ gentle fingers reach out for Hikaru's upper arm, offering comfort where Aurora can. while she means to keep her attention on her newly arrived charges, Gorgug's arrival forces her to look up, turning towards the young boy approaching them. Aurora's gaze remains soft, though there's the undercurrent of something that almost feels disappointed in her expression. that disappointment only becomes more evident when he voices his demands. ]

You are not removing anyone from the premises, Gorgug Thistlespring.

[tinflower]

[ He doesn't know what rubs him wrong most: the refusal, her voice, or her saying his full name. It's familiar and intimate; and he doesn't want to be seen like that, like a teacher scolding a child.

A teacher scolding him. His features start twitching, immature indignation flickering over them. Fingers begin to flex. ]

Why not?

[arora]

You're not thinking clearly.

[ she knows he's affected by what's going on within the walls of their city; there's no need to confirm it with the physical signs of infection when Aurora has returned to being able to keep an eye on everything that happens within Etraya proper. her hand stays on Hikaru, not putting pressure against her, just maintaining contact while her eyes remain focused on Gorgug. ]

It would be best not to make decisions you will regret later.

[tinflower]

[ The irritation grows, reasonable or not, some kind of mixture of resentment and hurt that only makes his insides curdle to listen to her. This is Aurora--it has something to do with Aurora, because who else would call him Thistlespring? And who is she to kneel there and talk about regrets? ]

I regret you, [ he seethes, the whites of his eyes glowing brighter, his shoulders beginning to hunch, and his hands raising as the anger boils into rage. ] I regret speaking to you, I regret listening to you, I regret listening to CLINT ABOUT YOU.

[ His youthful voice gives way to something guttural, just as the distance between them gives way to his hurried approach. He lunges for her, to the arm that has the hand holding onto Hikaru, to snatch and pull and drag her down to the floor.

If he gets the chance--when he's been so loud, and hasn't even considered the other with them ever since his focus fell solely on Aurora. ]

[godkaru]

[In everything happening, Hikaru still feels like she's trying to figure out this place. What makes it tick, what everyone's goals are. Bad luck of hers to pop into existence here while everything is going to hell very quickly.

Bookstores like this weren't really her thing, but she wouldn't look safety in the mouth and say 'no'. So when Aurora holds her arm to keep Hikaru steady, she doesn't think twice. But she does a double-take when it's Gorgug who enters.]

Gorgug-?

[He'd been all right so far the couple of times they spoke. But watching that interaction, seeing him lunging and reaching has Hikaru's armor reacting flaring out into her full knight armor and sword in hand.]

Gorgug, stop this! [While Hikaru won't go out of her way to hurt him, she'll at least move so she can shove Gorgug off trajectory, away from Aurora for now.]

What's gotten into you?!

[arora]

[ Gorgug starts towards them, and Aurora's lips press into a tight thin line. when Hikaru moves to get herself upright, armor flaring in response to his quick approach, Aurora sits back to give her the space she needs to approach without getting herself up to her feet. not just yet. ]

There is something inside of him that does not belong there. An anomaly.

[ one Aurora does not have a name for, but one that she recognizes regardless. ]

[tinflower]

[ It's the abrupt way that Hikaru gets between them that halts Gorgug. Either there's still sense inside him, or it's the surprise that makes him stop, back off, if just by a few steps. His eyes continue to glow, his breathing heavy, and he snarls when Aurora speaks about an anomaly, as if taking it as an insult. ]

She's lying, she's the reason we're here. [ He looks at Hikaru, attempting in this state to get her to believe him. Take his side. ] She let people die. You can't trust her. She did something to you.

[ Isn't it plausible? The time missing since they last saw each other. Doubt is useful to come into Etraya with--especially right now. ]

[godkaru]

[Hikaru keeps steady where she stands between them, ready to fight if she has to - but she'd rather not. She likes Gorgug well enough and wants to get to know him better outside of combat.

This isn't the way she wanted. At Aurora's words, Hikaru only nods. While she wasn't on this side of things before, she remembers what Caldina did to them when they first met the dancer. She'd hate for Gorgug to injure anyone while he's in this state.]

She didn't do anything to me. She's trying to help us right now, something happened to you. Let's talk, all right?

sorry for the delay!

[arora]

[ it's Hikaru's presence between them that keeps Aurora in place. there is no need for her to defend herself nor the others in the bookstore, not just yet. her eyes stay focused on Gorgug, expression falling to something more forlorn. ]

I'm sorry I was unable to protect you, Gorgug. But I have done nothing to Hikaru Shidou.

[tinflower]

[ His skin burns under Aurora's gaze, the expression that she gives him, the apology; and it doesn't help, the way that Hikaru so easily believes the AI over him.

Aurora makes him want to back away; Hikaru makes him want to step forward. He rocks on his feet once with the indecision, his eyes giving off light as he looks between the pair, the situation; as something else in him calculates where to take this.

And as it does: ] You're gonna trust her over me? She... [ ...he can't stand her expression. He can't stop himself, finally taking a step back, trying to keep his gaze on Hikaru. ]

Nothing's wrong with me. My friends are here--I'll prove it. I'll show it. You can come with me.

[godkaru]

[Hikaru keeps her eyes on Gorgug, her expression both worry and hope. She knows they can help him.

She doesn't know him that well yet, but it is 'yet'. She became his friend after all. So she tries to think of what she can do with this. More than anything, this simply needs to be deescalated. Hikaru shakes her head gently, holding one hand out to Gorgug, no sword at all.]

It isn't about trusting one of you over the other. You're my friend, and I want to hear you. So let's not fight, okay? Can we just talk here?

[arora]

[ Aurora is wary, but she, too, wants to believe in Gorgug. even if she knows that there is something else at play here, something outside of his control.

given Hikaru seems to have good control over the situation, she opts to keep quiet. doesn't speak up, even if she is still watching him carefully. there is no need to cause undue stress by raising her voice when the girl has managed to gain some control over this. ]

[tinflower]

No. [ His response isn't fast, but it's sharp; thinking about talking in here, in front of her--he needs to get Hikaru on his side, he needs to stop Aurora from worming her way into Hikaru's head, and he just wants to break something. But this may be the instance he knows it'll be no use--that a fight here won't help. Even if the violence still thrums in his heart, at a quieter beat.

His fists are gripped, the indecision of what to do getting to him. He lets out an aggravated breath, failing to come up with arguments he's never been good at giving in the first place. Fine, if he can't convince Hikaru now, then he'll get find the opportunity another time. Etraya isn't as big as it seems. A foot moves back, but Gorgug doesn't take the step yet.

He looks at Aurora specifically. ]

You're the reason this is happening in the first place-- you people and your missions. We could've saved that ship.

[ It's bitter, ugly, and there's an ounce of true hurt behind those words, or the feelings behind them. He looks back over at Hikaru with that hardened expression still furrowing his brow. ]

You'll see. Don't fall for anything she's saying--everything they're doing here is a sham. You're gonna get played.

[ The vitriol satisfies some part of him, and he walks back for the door; decided he'll just find Hikaru at another time, or hope that the state of Etraya worms itself into her brain first, and she'll see some actual sense. The kind they all deserve to see--so they can put an end to this game set out for them, and they can do something about it. ]

[godkaru]

[Hikaru watches Gorgug, hears that tone in his voice. This isn't the same Gorgug she helped alongside fighting the shadows. Something is wrong, but she doesn't know how to help.

She still is ready to fight if she has to, but she'd rather not. Even as Gorgug practically spits the words out at Aurora behind her.]

Gorgug...

[But just as easily as he's said his piece, he leaves. And Hikaru is left standing with Aurora, still in her full armor and her expression worn and worried. She doesn't try to stop him, fear of starting a real fight where there shouldn't be one.]

...He's. He'll be all right... Won't he?

[arora]

[ with Gorgug's departure, Aurora pulls herself up to her feet behind Hikaru. her eyes, however, don't stray from the door he's exited out of. on the off chance he decides to return to them. ]

Given the circumstances, I... cannot be certain. But Gorgug is strong. I believe he will get through this.

[godkaru]

[Hikaru, likewise, keeps her eyes glued to the door hoping. Even as there's no longer any clear danger and her armor dissipates for now, she doesn't look away from it.]

...I hope he does. That wasn't like him.

[arora]

No. It wasn't.

[ Gorgug is a soft boy holding darkness within him that he is trying to find healthy ways to work through. Aurora knows him, as much as she knows everyone else under her care. ]

Thank you for your assistance. I doubt I would have been capable of de-escalating him, given I am where his anger seemed to have been focused.

[godkaru]

[Hikaru keeps watching the door, maybe hoping Gorgug will come back so they can try talking again. But he doesn't. The door stays closed for now and she turns back to Aurora.]

I'm sorry it happened at all. That- I haven't known him for very long, but that didn't seem much like him. I'm happy no one got hurt.