15strangers | FINAL INVESTIGATION

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!))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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!!!!!!

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

[SULK SULK HE'S SO SAD]

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

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

[ 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. ]

[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.]

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

Volume's getting a bit overwrought, though.

[ 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!

Edited 2023-07-22 04:16 (UTC)

[Him shifting to carry her in one arm is impressive, for all that she'd always known he was strong.]

[... but she's able to move past that, at least. The way he smiles at her, and this passionate declaration of love....

Roland isn't the one she loves, even if he is a dear friend, but it's all so intense that she starts to turn pink, and for a moment he's handsome and right in front of her, and that's Kind Of Overwhelming?]

[But, after a moment, she's able to move past that as well, and, still slightly too pink, she nonetheless puts on a deeply determined expression.]

My lord!!!! Your noble father!!! You mustn't take such risks for one such as I!!! Not when his health is so close to failing!!!!!!

[Did they need more drama here? Probably not. Is it being injected? Apparently.]

[ In 'saying' that to her, he most certainly was channeling his real feelings for Alastor and somehow that made everything seem much more realistic in the end. He almost broke character seeing how she'd went a bit pink, but sure enough she recovered and managed to continue.

A touch of surprise flashed across his face and perhaps a bit of conflict? He was doing his best here. ]

You hadn't heard? There was a betrayal and my poor father sacrificed himself in my stead!

[ His expression twists, and he almost looks ready to cry now as well. ]

There was nothing I could do!! He told me to run, and warned me your life would be in danger! You, my sweet princess, are all I have left!

FINAL INVESTIGATION

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