estoria | //EVENT023.EXE

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//EVENT023.EXE

Who: Everyone + ~~the ghosts of Christmas past~~ the ghosts who aren't the ghosts of Christmas past
When: OOC: 12/16 to 12/23 ; IC: 4/22 to 4/26
Where: All around Cerealia
What: We have some new friends visiting.
Rating/Warning: PG-13 for violent and dangerous situations; please let the mods know if the rating needs to go up or the log needs to be locked!

//event023.EXE

The metaphorical sun is shining today -- until it isn't. All of a sudden, there's a creeping sensation up your spine, and the sense that something bad is coming. The day seems a little darker. And those closer to the source who are in their homes in the residential district will understand that sensation better than anyone.

The pure of heart throughout the city who have been feeling under the weather lately will suddenly feel a terrible sense of all-encompassing dread overcome them. A loud metal groan will echo throughout the city as once again, the city undergoes surprise renovations. But today it is not what has been keeping the residents in – but rather some surprise visitors who have wanted out.

And there's a message on the wind, one that might be heard for anyone who listens hard enough...

Murderers.

Murderers.

Murderersmurderersmurderers.

//SCENARIOS.EXE

PHASE I

[ 900 ] The peace of the morning in the Residential District shatters just as the wall caves through. It’s a small segment of wall -- no more than five feet across at most. And yet the crash and groan of the metal being stretched is ominously accompanied by the distinct piercing screech of metal and another sound. A raucous noise, a combination of ungodly wailing and sharp, victorious laughter spills forth from the hole left in the wall as a myriad of ghosts and spirits erupt from the newly created exit. Characters with any type of spiritual sense will find themselves nearly overwhelmed by the amount of negative ghostly energy that suddenly floods Cerealia and characters with no sense of preservation will find any attempt to enter the hole blocked by the fiercest of ghosts, met with deadly force if they try to pass, as the ghosts won’t hesitate to do things such as reach straight into your body to try to stop your heart.

These ghosts are out for blood, and they don’t seem to stop no matter how you try to talk to them -- they just hiss out, over and over again, “Murderersmurderersmurderers.”

From there, the ghosts move on. Their true target, after all, is CERES… but to them, there’s no difference between the character players and CERES. They’ll go for whoever gets in their way, phasing through walls and becoming tangible long enough to reach for characters before fading away again. Characters with special abilities will find themselves in a similar state. Their abilities may increase and decrease in power sporadically, or be completely gone. They may attempt to cast a spell only to find that the wrong spell is cast instead, or an attempt at healing may end up a more dangerous spell. Be careful with your own magical skills!

Those with items or powers specifically intended to ward off spirits will still fulfill their intended purposes when used – unless malicious spiritual energy gets to them first.

PHASE II

[ 1400 ] It seems the ghosts have more tricks up their sleeves. It seems that a not-so-friendly ghost has decided to play a game with you. It doesn't matter where you are, or what you're doing, because a moment later a voice calls out -- Hey. Can you see me? -- and once you turn your head, you’ll come face to face with a surprise.

Who is it in this world (or your world, or any world) that you have managed to disappoint the most? A family member? A friend? Yourself? They face you now, eyes full of sadness, and they say, “I need you to do something for me.” Without another word, they’ll turn away and begin to walk. Your vision grows foggy, focused solely on the need to do whatever this person wants – they need you, after all. Your legs move to follow them, unless you manage to somehow resist.

But you apparently don’t seem to notice that you’re the only one who can see this person – or that they’re leading you stray toward that monorail track with the sound of the train coming closer, or that busy intersection, or right off the sky bridge.

PHASE III

[ 600 ] Other ghosts don’t feel like borrowing faces in order to inflict damage. No, they’ll inflict their damage on a far more personal level. They manifest suddenly and without warning – then all it takes is a simple touch. A ghostly hand reaches out to you and it feels like the cold wraps around your heart, and your vision skews, and then... they leave just as suddenly as they came.

Those who have been around for awhile may very well recognize the ghosts, at that.

But the damage has already been done. Depending on a character’s assigned sense, they will feel one of the following changes:

Sight: Hopefully you aren’t in the habit of bending the truth. Dead men tell no tales, they say. But what happens to a living person unable to tell lies? Any attempt at telling any lie or falsehood will cause the character to feel as though their throat has closed off, and they can do nothing more than choke.

Smell: The cold passes, but in some way that it never really leaves. And then everything seems perfectly normal. Nothing has changed, right? You're fine -- except that in a short period of time with how crazy things are, it becomes apparent that you're unable to feel pain. The damage to your body is the same as ever, but dangerously, you can't feel a thing.

Taste: It would appear as though the ghosts have a sense of humor. From those who rest in eternal slumber, try a few days of being unable to sleep. Everything seems fine at first... but slowly but surely, that lack of sleep will start to take its toll.

Hearing: Most others would feel relief once the ghosts left, finally a moment of peace. But you? You don’t feel anything – nothing kind, anyway. Rather, you have been left unable to feel joy. Everything seems either bleak or as though it simply has no emotional impact at all.

Touch: How many deaths have been caused in the name of heroics? Apparently in an attempt to keep future casualties down (or perhaps for their own laughter), the ghosts have left you unable to be brave. Suddenly, a situation you'd face fearlessly is one that has sent you running, panic sharp in your chest.

These effects will last throughout the event, if a character is caught by them.

PHASE IV

[ 1000 ] While chaos erupts throughout the city, some of the more misguided ghosts (but still bloodthirsty, so very bloodthirsty) just happened to run into the wrong part of town and don’t know how to give a proper scaring. One ghost seems to think that it was a great idea to possess a masseusebot from the Spa. You’re grabbed suddenly! You fight for your life but can’t seem to get yourself out of its metal grip! With expert precision that only a robot can mange, it finds your pressure points – and releases all that tension from this Incredibly Bad Day. The ghost inside the robot is confused, distressed -- why is this human suddenly so relaxed? It only wants to murder. But the only illegal thing happening here is how good this massage makes you feel.

Maybe later you’ll walk down the street and get stopped by the ghost that possessed a balloon dispenser. Perhaps a ghost has possessed the friendly McCERES mascot, and is now handing out coupons with murderous intent. And of course, there are always the hug bots...

Look, they tried really hard, okay.

Of course... they might end up possessing technology a little closer to home as well, at which point it's not so funny.

BONUS

[ xxxx ] Hopefully you have friends who have ghost-fighting skills. Or ghost-taming skills. Or ghost-bellydancing skills, who knows, we won't judge them if you don't. But what of those poor people who come from worlds where the supernatural is some weird television show?

Worry not, poor souls, for CERES is here to provide! Some time after the ruckus begins, characters will find what looks to be a hand-held vacuum cleaner situated innocuously in their rooms (only one per person, you greedy gus). The logo on the side will helpfully inform you that this is of CERES make, because the paper pamphlet beside your new device? Well, it's more like a picture book. Observe Stick-Man Sully as he uses his vacuum cleaner to capture ghosts! Learn from his stellar example! Do not stick the hose in your mouth or attempt to give the vacuum CPR, there's a big X over that picture. Also of the one where Stick-Man Sully sets his captive ghosts free once more, we don't want that, do we?

Your new ghost vacuum should prove effective against any ghastly ghoul that shoots your way, but beware! Should you capture a ghost and not turn in your vacuum to CERES for weekly ghost disposal, your ghost will serenade you in the wee hours of the morning with its song of choice. If you capture a whole horde of ghosts, well, congratulations. You have a boy band living in your vacuum.

[ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with sensitive or inappropriate material and do let a mod know if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so we can lock the log. ]

//RUN.EXE

Welcome to Cerealia's DECEMBER event! Please visit the OOC information here, and should you have any questions, feel free to ask them here! You can also check the FAQ for more general inquiries. This event will last from 12/16 to 12/23, or IC 4/22 to 4/26. Should this event log hit Captcha, there is an all-purpose overflow here. Thank you!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Otome is used to days of this. Of chaos, of murderous creatures running rampant-- so even though she's still not feeling very well, and she's tired, she's coping much better than most people she's seen.

It's by sheer chance that she runs into Steven and his... plant, and she only has a few seconds to notice that he's hunched over before she takes action. She can ask questions later. For now... ]

Kazfiel-- heal him, please!

[ The demon with her nods, turning towards Steven's huddled form as his hands begin to glow with a pale green light. Any injuries, at least, should disappear.

And on her end, Otome narrows her eyes, calling on one of her own spells. A sound like lightning cracks from the purple-white light descending on the ghosts, and once it strikes, everything goes blinding white. ]

[ the healing spell warms him to his core, but it does little to ease his terror. he can still feel his heart beat as if its about to burst from his chest, as if he's been paralyzed in fear.

the sound of her next spell feels muted to his ears, but the flash startles him almost to the point of yelling out. but he manages to swallow it down with the lump in his throat, trying to focus on his laboured breathing. ]

[ It's enough to drive the ghosts back, if not dissipate them entirely. Good, she notes, Almighty spells seem to work the best. But who knows how long they'll have until the next wave, so Otome pivots and moves closer until she can crouch in front of Steven and check him over quickly. ]

Are you all right? I'm sorry if I startled you...

[ before otome can get too close, cradily will come between them and hiss at her menacingly, tentacles posed to attack, glaring from its two bright, orb-like eyes from the dark, crescent-opening in its head. she's fiercely protective of her trainer, even if this human got rid of whatever hurt him. she could be dangerous.

but before the pokemon has a chance to attack her, steven manages to stutter something out. ]

Cradily, don't! [ it's louder than he intended, having to force it out in order to say anything at all. ] She... She's a friend.

[ at the command, cradily shifts back to give otome the room she needs. he's still breathing heavily, his head still hanging down and hands clutching at his chest. from the way he's reacting, the symptoms seem not unlike a panic attack. ]

It did... something.

[ Otome goes perfectly still the minute Cradily hisses, even as Kazfiel bristles, more than ready to defend his lady-- thankfully, Steven's shakily-worded reassurance seems to do the trick, and she breathes out a quiet sigh and looks to her demon. A simple glance gets him to subside, floating past them to keep an eye for further ghosts. ]

It... [ Once it's safe enough to come closer, she does, studying him with a thoughtful air before she slowly extends her hand to him. Before he hyperventilates-- ]

Can you take my hand? You're also going to want to take deep, slow breaths. Try holding each breath and exhaling, to the count of seven.

[ Calming him comes first. ]

[ he tries his best to do as she instructs, breathing slowly and counting down in his head when he holds his breath. as two rounds of counting pass, he nods, reaching out to take her hand. it's a comfort, but not enough to calm him down completely.

he can feel himself trembling... when was the last time that he felt like this? he can't recall. ]

[ Another symptom... she's known that the sight of creatures like this could probably cause panic attacks, but from the way he'd worded it... could it have done something additional then just showed up and startled him?

Otome matches her breathing with his, to encourage him to keep that up, and turns her attention to Steven's hand. She moves her other hand over and begins to work on rubbing and kneading the tension out of his fingers. ]

There you go. You're doing very well.

[ if he were feeling normal, he'd almost feel embarrassed that he needed to be calmed and soothed like this. but while his breathing is finally beginning to regulate, his heart is still pounding.

with his grip on her hand palpable, he manages to swallow down the panic enough to speak. ]

...Thank you.

[ he feels like he'd be a goner if she didn't drive that ghost away, and like he'd be going insane if she didn't talk him through this. just the thought of those creatures... it makes him grip a little tighter. ]

You don't have to thank me, [ quite sincerely. She remembers doing this to Koharu, and she'd done it for so many frightened patients who were so terrified of death on the operating table... this, by now, is second nature to her. He still seems scared, though, and Otome doesn't think letting go of him just yet would be a good idea. Not when he's gripping her hand so tightly. ]

... Would it be better if you went inside? Some water or tea couldn't hurt.

[ he wants to say "but i do", to be as calm and charming as he usually is, to even flash her the slightest of smiles, but he can't. just being out in the open where another ghost could attack them at any time fills him with a dread so strong that he almost loses it again.

but her suggestion - the fact that it's a possibility brings him an almost desperate hope. he needs to get somewhere safer, and fast. ]

Please- [ his voice cracks along with another tight grip, and he can feel the pain in his chest flare. ] Anywhere but here.

All right. If you're willing to tell me where to go, we can get you home.

[ ... But he's going to have to stand, and she wonders how stable his legs are going to be. Otome may be a little more resilient than most would think, but she's not very strong-- and definitely not strong enough to carry a grown man. ]

Can you stand? You don't have to let go of me, but we'll have to move.

I am.

[ he's wondering that too, and the answer when he tries to slowly stand is: not very. he doesn't quite collapse, but they buckle enough for him to stumble. thankfully, otome is there to steady him.

he's dizzy, but after a few seconds pass, he manages to blink it away enough to stand straight. ]

Just... give me a moment.

[ he feels an intense need to flee the area, but trying now would mean hurting himself more. ]

Take all the time you need. Actually... Cradily, is it?

[ She's going to glance at Steven's protective lily... monster... thing now, making sure to stay close to the man to keep him upright. ]

Do you think you could lead the way?

[ cradily glances at her when she calls her name, tentacles drooping as her focus switches from her ailing trainer to this new human. she process the question and then responds with a nod, shuffling in front of them to lead the path to steven's apartment complex.

with another hard swallow, steven speaks as well. ]

It's not far from here. She knows where it is.

What a good girl!

[ Otome, coo over the monster later. She huffs a little in determination, though, smiling at Steven before she glances ahead. ]

Then let's go!

[ ONWARDS, MY SHAKY COMRADE. Kazfiel will float after them, still keeping an eye out for potential attackers. ]

[ this time, he feels just calm enough to return her smile. something about it sets him at ease, and the idea that they're going somewhere safe, somewhere where they don't have to fight... it clears his head a little.

so they follow cradily, who is just as alert as kazfiel for any potential enemies. thankfully they stay unprovoked the entire way, and they make it to the lobby of the complex in one piece. when the doors close behind them, steven finds himself letting out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. he's definitely calmed down, but he's still tense as he reaches for cradily's poke ball on his belt. he'll move to recall her, but not before giving her a gentle stroke on the head with his free hand, paired with a fond smile. ]

You were willing to protect me with all that you had. Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough.

[ she responds with a happy (and slightly sticky) nuzzle with her tentacles, and it actually makes him laugh a little. with another pat, he returns her to her poké ball. it's a weird show of a bond, but it's relaxed him just a bit more. he turns back to otome, expression finally looking more like himself. ]

[ Otome had spoken quietly to her demon comrade just outside the building, and Kazfiel had agreed to guard the complex, warning her to be cautious. Really, she thinks with a bit of fondness, for a demon, he seemed to worry about her more than necessary.

She watches the exchange between man and Cradily with her own quiet smile, though. It's obvious Steven cares for his team as much as they care for him, and it's heartwarming to see. Also-- ]

It's good to see you looking better, Steven.

[ even aside from the panic and fear, seeing steven so affectionate with his pokémon isn't quite how he's seen back home. he's known for his strength and collected attitude back in hoenn, and it's only his friends who really get to see this side of him. ]

It's good to feel better... I think.

[ he might not be hyperventilating anymore, but that dull feeling of fear in his chest is still weighing down on him. normally he'd say that he can take care of himself from here and ask her to get home safely for her own good... at the moment, the idea of being alone isn't a pleasant one. ]

... Let's get you saying that a little more confidently first! I think it's a good time to sit down and have tea.

[ And then she won't have a small group of overprotective tsun teenage boys breaking her door in the worries that she's overdone it again. See, look! Taking care of Steven and resting. ]

You won't find me disagreeing with that.

[ and besides, the least he can do is show her a little hospitality after all that she's done. panic attack or not, manners are important!!!!

he ushers her into the elevator before him, punching in his floor number and leading her to his suite. the decoration is a little sparse, but it's homey enough for him. the only thing that really does seem to be out of place are... pieces of scrap metal on the living area floor? huh. ]

Ah... Do pardon the mess.

... Were you building something?

[ In your classy but sparsely-decorated apartment? She's not here to judge, but she's definitely looking at the scrap metal with a great deal of curiosity. ]

Oh, goodness no. Aggron just likes to snack between meals; I keep some here so he doesn't have to go scavenging in the junkyard every time he gets hungry.

[ delicious metal sheets and iron ore, good 4 ur strong steel-type bones. but he won't dwell on that for too long, heading to the cupboard to take out the kettle and various teabags to choose from. he'll be having something herbal - relaxation is what he's going for. ]

Aggron... that was that rather large-- actually, he was eating something like that when I met you, wasn't he? I had no idea metal had that much nutrition in it.

[ Fascinating... ]

-- Ah, would you like help?

That's right. It's the iron that has the most nutrients, but any sort of metal will do.

[ but at his question, he shakes his head. as long as there's no danger, anything to take his mind off of what just happened is a welcome distraction. ]

I feel like I've relied on you far too much already. As long as I go at a reasonable pace, I think I'll be okay.

[ he thinks. ]

We're friends, aren't we?

[ As she carefully steps past a sheet of metal. ] I'm sure if our positions had been reversed, you would have done the same for me.

phase iii;

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