lostcarnival | ⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 3

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⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 3

Who: Anyone, anywhere in Portland.
When: October 15st - 22th, 2017
Where: Still in Portland
What: As all sides of the struggle gradually become informed, and the awareness of outsiders begins to spread, Portland faces a critical question - what should be done with them? And who gets to decide?
Warnings: Individually marked!

THE WOLVES AMONG US↴

► WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS: It's fairly common knowledge that October is a special month - Halloween has always been an excitable time in the supernatural community, because its during this month that the magical energies of Earth seem to disproportionately swell in power. This peeks on the 31st, and has every year for as long as anyone can remember. The holiday of Halloween is a byproduct of this, because the magical phenomenon has gone on for ages past. It's also a pretty common time for wizards to attempt bullshit shenanigans, and also when the Severing first came into effect.

► TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL: Towards the end of the week, Prudence Jaeger will be asking her angelic contacts for a pretty huge favour - she wants them to help her and some of her associates break into the Circle stronghold that the visiting Council members are staying at. It seems that they have some kind of macguffin item that will be needed to crack the barrier cutting off the Earth from the cosmos - and, to that end, allow the angels and mysterious outsiders to return to wherever they call home.

► THE PATH TO HELL: Perhaps unsurprisingly, Team Heaven isn't the only group to clue into the fact that the Circle has what they need. On the same night that the angels go in, so will Anath's army, as the arch demon finally arrives in the city just in time to join the party. Whether the angels and demons fight each other all the way or cooperate to achieve a mutual goal is up to them.

► WITH GOOD INTENTIONS: The Circle and Torchlight aren't all bad, okay? It's entirely possible that they are just acting in the best interest of humanity - unfortunately, that has resulted in them being pretty massive pricks recently, and now the payback for that is arriving on their doorstep. If you're a member of the Circle, you may or may not realize that anything is coming in time for you to prepare. (That will depend on your threads up to the end of the week.) However, once the fight starts, you'll be charge with defending the Councillors whether you like it or not, and Torchlight is getting pulled in as an unexpected ally to ensure their safety as well. Are you going to heed their call? Or is it time to split from the pack?

► BLOOD OF ICE AND FIRE: It's been made no secret that the Rose Queen isn't the only fae trying to pull back her lost changelings - now the Winter Court appears to be doing it, as well. More than a handful of changelings have gone missing over the last couple weeks, lost to both the thorns and agents of the Count. Whatever they're doing, it's also in competition with each other - Winter and Summer will be biting at each other's heels far more than normal, to the degree that it becomes clear they must have some competing objective in mind. Unfortunately for everyone else, that objective happens to conflict with the desires of just about everyone else. Fae are, by nature, opportunists.

- ✪ -
These are the major conflicts that will be coming to a head towards the end of Week 3. In the meantime, your actions will decide how certain elements are set up, and what the likelihood of success is for each group.

Dice rolling handily won the opinion poll where we asked for the preferred method of conflict resolution, so that will be coming into effect a bit later on to determine who actually wins and loses, with advantages based on the choices made.

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Th..that may be so Yuuya, but even I, the m.... ...Even I must admit, [he coughs, correcting himself,] Vampires are not looked upon fondly in most media and lore...

...I would go so far as to assume that to anyone aware of their existence... ...we are very much a kill-on-sight creature...

Strange is still there, slouching against Lambert's doorframe, idly composing an email on his phone or playing Candy Crush or doing something to pass the time. Because look, if Lambert doesn't open the door, then Peridot might be back soon and he could easily convince her to open the door via so much lying and so much more flattery.

When he hears Lambert's voice, however, Strange turns to look towards the peephole, scowling all the while and desperately trying to look dignified despite the fact that he hasn't shaved in a few days and looks worryingly pale. "Give me my notes back," he commands, before realizing that there's absolutely no way Lambert's going to just give them back and he'd probably have to sweeten the deal some. "I know that some of my notes aren't exactly the most...clear-cut. Let me in, give me my notes back, and I'll explain what you inevitably don't understand."

I'm afraid I have paused to think already. And truth be told, I'd like that other life more than this one.

[ The English Jonathan Strange had so much that the Portland Jonathan Strange yearned for. Power, respect, actual friends, a loving wife. And the more those memories unfolded and the more Strange learned about the other man, the more jealous he became. ]

And of course there's a contest. [ There's a pause, before Strange continues. He can give the demon this much, just as a show of trust. ] Part of the spell needed to break the Severing is...flexible. Certain components are needed for the ritual but everybody's been playing keep-away with them for the past few weeks.

[ The Circle has this object of power, the Summer Court wants said object of power. The Summer Court had the Rose Queen's changeling son who then fled to the Sanctuary who then fled God knows where. Lord only knows who'll have possession of what in the next few days. ]

Ginko frowns, worry crossing his face again, and he doesn't let go of Steven's hand.

"There isn't time for that! You can call him or something later, we have to go." Suddenly, what had started as a quiet, constant worry in the back of his mind is becoming more insistent by the second, until it's a tangible ache in his skull. There's no time to talk to anyone, no time to delay, they have to go now.

That doesn't mean it's okay for them to hurt you! [He stands up abruptly.] It doesn't make it right! And they shouldn't be allowed to keep trying, there has to be some way to make them leave you alone.

Something triggers in Steven's mind at those words - something so familiar about them, and so sickening, that the terror rises instinctively. Saying that they have to go. That he can't talk to his dad. That there isn't time, with false assurances that they'll be able to see him again later.

He keeps trying to pull away, more urgently now, fear seizing him on a guttural level. He knows how this goes, how it's going, and he can't believe it's happening again. Even if he was entirely wrong about the situation, his panic is strong enough that he can't help himself.

"...D-Dad," he calls out, desperately hoping that Greg is still nearby. He hadn't had the chance to introduce him to Ginko, yet. "DAD PLEASE, HELP!"

He doesn't know what's going on, but it doesn't matter. All he wants is for it to stop.

[...Gongenzaka just watches his friend in silence, words blurring in his ears with faint memories, and his own eyes slightly glazed over. Eventually he just moves his hand, setting it on the other's shoulder.] Yuuya.

...I'm alright, with how things are, for now, aah? ...Right now, those people aren't here.

[He's just happy to be alive, at this point.] ....Just...

...Make sure this 'Strange' doesn't try to kill me either..

[Gon's calmness forces some of Yuya's anger to dissipate, but he still looks sullen.

Under that, though, there's determination.]

I'm not going to let anyone hurt you. [He'll fight Strange, he'll fight the wizard police, he'll fight himself.]

Of course Greg is nearby, watching from an inconspicuous bench--he wouldn't dare let Steven meet a stranger otherwise. He'd only swallowed his fears with Steven's assurance that Ginko was a friend, someone who had aided and helped him in the past, someone worth trusting. Greg had once thought of Childermass much the same, as well.

The first moment Steven starts pulling away, Greg's on his feet and reaching into his coat.

"HEY!" Greg doesn't cut much of an imposing figure, but no one could mistake him for not meaning business. The little toy pellet gun might detract from the image a little extra.

"If you're worried, you can talk to me about it. Let him go."

The fact that Steven's dad is right there should be reassuring. Instead, the interjection just sends frustration rushing through his chest. Ginko looks up, but doesn't seem particularly put off by the gun - in fact, he doesn't give any sign that he even notices it.

He scowls at Greg and takes a step back, still holding onto Steven's hand. "Talking won't help with anything. I'm trying to help him!"

Ginko wins out in the tug-o-war here, because he has the advantage of body weight, if nothing else. Steven's terror is somewhat eased by Greg's approach, but not quite. This doesn't seem right, for Ginko. This isn't what he remembers.

Was he just wrong about what Ginko was like all along? Just like he was with the others? Why does he keep making the same mistakes...

Vines begin snaking out of the ground around their feet, their form matching the ones that Greg saw him make in his sleep. They aren't rushing to do anything yet, but Steven is causing them to rise subconsciously, desperate as he is to escape.

"Ginko," he says, trying to be assertive and only half succeeding, "I want to stay with dad. Let... let me go. Please."

Frankly, having someone else break first is an ENORMOUS relief for Miko. She can kinda see how the whole meditation thing could make sense for something like this, but that doesn't change the fact that it's boring.

Miko sighs and flops over on the ground, her tail thumping against the leaves. "Nada. Do you think we're doin' this wrong or something?"

"It's going to be all right, Steven. You're not going anywhere without me."

Already Greg's senses are reaching out, trying to check for any fae charms or backup Ginko might have on his side. Physically, however, his full attention is on the man in front of him, toy gun unwavering.

"Let go of my son. I'm not going to ask you again."

Really, if Ginko had a lick of sense, he'd have given up trying this in such an open and public space. But the way the man's acting, how quickly he escalated to nerves and hostility... something's plainly wrong. These aren't the actions of someone thinking clearly.

The vines, he does notice. Ginko's brow furrows as his gaze drops to the ground for a moment, then back up at Greg.

"No." His tone doesn't leave any room for argument. He doesn't intend to argue about this, doesn't intend to keep giving them chances to. "I'm not letting him out of my sight again, not this time."

There's a surge of energy - of magic, though Ginko doesn't consciously think of it as much - into the empty space where his left eye used to be. He winces, gritting his teeth as the ache in his skull sharpens by the second.

Things have gotten dangerous. He's confirmed for sure that agents are coming after Steven, and with that comes the very real possibility he's already been found out.

And now he's been called to enter her realm and speak with her. Alone.

This doesn't have to be the worst case scenario. This sort of summons has happened many times over the years, for wide varieties of business and, well. Not business. Mostly business these days, anyway. She's been distant lately, cool and unconcerned, and that's a sure sign for the worse, but her likely suspicion doesn't mean she's condemned him yet. Running away would confirm everything, and if Sans is right... if there really is some sort of way to get past her grasp, not just from this city but this whole world... he has to stay, just for that chance.

So Greg kneels before his Queen, his lover, the mother of his son. He bows deep, and prays to whatever forces that don't hate him.

Edited 2017-07-17 06:38 (UTC)

Steven's eyes widen, because he recognizes the feel of that magic. Maybe it's his own terror speaking, but it feels so strongly of his mom's power that he almost gags. Ginko isn't listening, and it more and more clear that something is wrong.

Is this even Ginko? What happened to him?

"Dad... something's wrong with him," Steven says, his voice tight. He isn't the only one to notice, but he wants it to be clear. This isn't like the man he remembers. Steven closes his eyes, like he's trying to wish himself away from all of this. The vines keep growing around their feet, slowly beginning to form a barrier between Steven and Ginko's bodies.

"It feels like her."

Edited 2017-07-17 06:09 (UTC)

As much as he chubby man in grass stained overalls had been talking a big game, he'd really hoped that Ginko would somehow come to his senses. If there had been some shred of doubt, some sign of reason or genuine kindness, they could have stalled out before escalating to violence.

The sudden flare of her magic, however, brings that chance to an unyielding crash. Greg knows her feel just as well as Steven, and as soon as Ginko tenses up Greg follows through on his promise.

From the outside, there's a hilarious anticlimax as Greg begins firing little pellets at Ginko, the springs giving a cheery little twang! after each round. Ginko, however, will find the bite of the little lead ball bearings far more painful than the force behind them.

Greg closes the distance between them, firing all the way, to grab at Steven. "Come on!"

Despite his apparent lack of concern about the gun before, the pellets definitely do hurt - enough for him to lose his grip on Steven's hand. It's just for a moment before he tries to take hold of him again, but that moment may be long enough, especially with the vines pushing up between them.

Shit, no-- no, this can't happen, it can't--

Ginko nearly collapses as another surge of pain tears through his skull, and the flower growing in his empty eye socket bursts to life, sending a sickly-sweet scent into the air all around them. He makes another grab for Steven.

There are many ways that she fits expectations. Unnaturally tall, clothed in white, with long, perfect ringlets that fall around her in a veil of red. (Or is it supposed to be pink?) At times, the laughter really has been there - seduction in the form of the inhuman mimickery of actions that a fae would never fully understand. Sweet words spoken in the moments where it counts, and always a gentle smile that hides the thorns beneath.

Except this Queen of Roses is restless, and even as Greg kneels before her, there is something unsatisfied in her green eyes. Red roses grow wherever she steps, thorns spreading across the grass as she approaches him.

"I wish to know the truth," she says to him, and in this moment there is no smile.

Edited 2017-07-17 07:03 (UTC)

No way, Ginko, Steven is out of there. He falls back and against his dad's body, his vines growing more quickly to fill the gap between them and Ginko. Even as he tries to stay away, though, Steven shrieks in dismay as he watches what is happening to Ginko is absolute horror.

And then he coughs and covers his mouth just as quickly, that smell penetrating with a familiar ease. He knows this smell. He knows what it can do, and if him and his dad don't get away from it they won't be able to fight back.

"We have to help him," he pleads through the sleeve of his coat.

Her voice sends chills down his spine, and Greg wishes they were only from fear. No matter how much she's done, how easily and idly she's used and tormented his family, he can't cast away the memory of her love and gentility. All that is to say nothing of her ever-present loveliness, as well.

In spite of everything, for all he tries, she holds so much power over his heart.

"I think we could all say that..." He hesitates on speaking her name, before caution prevails. "...my queen. But, I've never been the guy who knows much at all."

[It is a statement that somehow has him chuckle, as if he remembers himself saying the same once.] ...Then there should be no problems, aah?

And what do you think happens regardless of who wins then, hnnn? If everyone is gunning for the same thing, then I imagine the same end result is to be expected. The wall falls, and with it everyone gets to go on their merry way home...

[The shadow hisses.]

Do me a favor-don't threaten the life I actually want, if you expect me to let you back to your 'old' one...

[He says, implying he has any sway over all of this.]

The hot anger that flushed through her system surprised her. She hadn't thought she'd felt so strongly about this, and yet... she'd done so much to earn loyalty, respect, and consideration, only to have it all flushed down the drain.

"I'm sorry for your choice, then," she said, turning on her heels to stalk away. Ash wouldn't kill him now. When this was all over, and it was necessary, but not till then.

... No. [There will be if Yuya tries to fight anyone, because he is a scrawny teenager who will not win even with telepathy. But right now, no problems.

He sits back down.] I'll still visit you here. Do you want me to bring any games next time?

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⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 3

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Greg and the Rose Queen (20th)

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