FINAL INVESTIGATION

[strangerpeople]

FINAL INVESTIGATION


[Fifteen X-Passes. Six weeks. Freedom at last.



But it's not the end. Of course it's not. There are questions to answer, and souls to save. And now that the group is outside, they can see where they are.

They are inside a massive cavern, illuminated in an eerie green light, standing on a stone path. On one side is the ship-or rather, a massive, ship-shaped tangle of bloody branches, the trunk-like roots snaking out and into the river its buoyed on, as well as into the ceiling of stalactites. Said river is wine dark, but it's clearly not water. No-it is blood.

And on the other side of their little pathway? A root-encrusted palace. It sits over a labyrinthine city, bathed in emerald, and all is eerily silent save for some sounds coming from within the castle. It's clear the infestation somehow started here. And it is here that answers are likely to be found.

The doors are right in front of the group-and they are already open, covered in branches. From the outside, it seems little more than a ruin. Once everyone goes in, though?




It's even worse. The tree has taken over. Whatever lives here is no longer in charge. There's no easy way to disentangle the Qilphoth from this place. But there is life here, somehow. You can see figures entangled within the roots as you explore. And-they are still, somehow, alive. More than alive. They are beings that bleed ichor instead of blood-beings of incredible divinity and power. They are gods. And they are hostage to the tree, forever and ever, trapped in induced ennui, unless something is done.


So welcome, Strangers, to the House of Hades.]







[Once you enter, the investigation shall begin.


Good luck.]



((OoC: And here are team assignments!))

Comments

[superstylishsquid]

Cut!

[Called from across the room, in disappointment.]

I think we need to take it from the top, give Akane a chance to start over.

[godspiousjasper]

What about me? Can I be included in this too??

[ He just wants to be a part of this because it looks fun? He definitely wants to be in on this. ]

[lovedthemost]

[. . .

Y'ALL???]

...are you all seriously putting on a play in the middle of this place?

[WHY]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

It's called having fun, and you should try it sometime!

[lovedthemost]

THERE ARE TREE ROOTS FROM SOMETHING THAT'S TRYING TO KILL US EVERYWHERE!

[BRUH]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

THAT'S SOMETHING THAT'S BEEN CONSTANT THIS ENTIRE TIME, BRAIN!

[lovedthemost]

YOU WEREN'T DOING IMPROVISATIONAL PLAYS BEFORE, MORIARTY!

[hatesdeerstalkers]

THAT WAS BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY ENTIRE MEMORY BACK, AND WE DESERVE A LITTLE LEVITY AFTER EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED!

[superstylishsquid]

There have been tree roots from something that's trying to kill us everywhere for a month and a half.

[lovedthemost]

Yes, but they're a bit more apparent now! [if a shade could gesture wildly at the situation they're in, he would.

Unfortunately, in his current state, it just ends up looking like erratic wiggling]

[exequte]

[Akane pauses in her soulful and Extremely Dramatic pose, and for a moment looks puzzled.]

Is it a play if there's not really a script?

I guess I'm not sure what else to call it....

[lovedthemost]

Eh? [HM???] Ah...well, that is a good question...

[lmao he is now distracted from the yelling good job Akane]

I suppose you could call it an improvisational play...

[exequte]

An improv! Yes!!

[She seems disproportionately excited over this but possibly she's just feeling giddy.

HER FRENS

THEY HERE]

1/3

[lovedthemost]

Ah, so, that's what it is! [he seems almost pleased with the answer]

2/3

[lovedthemost]

[......wait]

3/3

[lovedthemost]

But that still doesn't explain why you're all doing it now!

[somuchshipping]

I'm enjoying it.

[exequte]

[EVERYBODY'S A CRITIC.

Roland, however, wants to join in, and so Akane carefully pushes herself up to standing once again, runs over to him, clasps his hands, and puts on a. Soulful? Expression?]

Sweet prince!!! Mine enemies surround us!!!! Let us flee before they act once more against me!!!!!!

[hatesdeerstalkers]

W-Wait, Akaneeeeee, why didn't you run to meeeee....

[SULK SULK HE'S SO SAD]

[exequte]

[VERY POINTEDLY IGNORING HIM SHE IS TRYING TO HOLD HER BALANCE AND SOULFULLY GAZING AT ROLAND OR SOMETHING]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[....why does he suddenly feel so protective over her???]

[godspiousjasper]

[ Oh god yes he gets to be included!!

He cleared his throat, remembering all the little plays and other things he's seen growing up and will absolutely attempt to channel this. On goes a distraught expression, wrought with emotion as he nods! ]

There's no need to fear, my dear princess! For I will allow no harm to come to a single hair atop your head!

[ With that said? He's just going to sweep her into his arms dramatically. ]

[exequte]

[SHE SQUEAKS SLIGHTLY BECAUSE UNEXPECTED, but she is Light and Roland is Stronk so she is not afraid, and after a moment she manages to compose herself and again enact a dramatic erm. Perhaps vaguely fainting pose.]

Yes, dear prince! For I fear! That they beset us on all sides!

BUT HOW SHALL I LIVE IF YOU ARE HARMED IN MY STEAD?

[Whoops she may have said that last line a little too loud.]

[superstylishsquid]

Getting a bit repetitive there, but I'll give you a break on the ad libbing.

Volume's getting a bit overwrought, though.

[godspiousjasper]

[ It's okay, Akane! He naturally can be a bit loud anyway so this is more than fine.

He holds her close, if not protectively while mimicking the act of drawing a blade with his other hand, meaning he can easily carry her with the other. Going to roll with it. ]

I would take ANY damage if it means your life is spared, a life much more valuable and precious to mine own!

[ Flashing her a believable, happy smile as he looked at her. ]

For you are my one true love and there's nothing in this world I wouldn't do to keep you safe! I will ensure the both of us will escape and live our lives happily together!