melodiesoflife | Player Plot: Downopolis

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Player Plot: Downopolis

Who: Everyone that signed up for the Downopolis pot
Where: City of Downopolis, Cult Base
When: October 1st-7th
What: With the threat of the Cult of Narayana looming in the distance, a band of Heroes travel to Downopolis to infiltrate their base and discover the truth
Warnings: Violence, more to be added

They had been preparing for today. They had Biggs' approval, half a month to prepare, and much to lose if they were to sit back and hope that the Cult would disappear from relevance. Ales was not going to allow himself to sink into complacency. He spent late nights going over maps and intelligence gathered from Ellie's mission and the most recent one, formulating plans to present to the others. They had assassins and warriors, they were going to succeed.

Heroes, whether they had visited the Sage a few days earlier or waited in Mysidia for the mission day, gathered just outside Downopolis on the early morning of the first day of October. The air was chilly, but Ales hoped that the underground hideaway would rectify that.

With their lives on the line, they would find the leaders of the cult. The fate of the world rested on this mission

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[Lust agreed to hold herself back until the investigation teams had done their thing. She was patient to a tee, and didn't mind waiting for knowledge on the best way to inevitably extract her revenge on the bastards that had attacked their group in the middle of the night, like the spineless cowards they were. Even with the raid on the Hall of Prayers, they'd waited until the Heroes were absent before making a move. They relied entirely on the element of surprise and strategy, which she supposed was somewhat smart.]

[If the Heroes of Light had taken down the Ultima Weapon, what chance did a ragtag bunch of zealots stand against them?]

[She lingered in the small camp away from the main road that wound from Downopolis to Mysidia, watching the people come and go in the daylight hours, and taking her turn at keeping watch or enjoying the warmth of the campfire in the evening. She keeps the camp shielded from the eyes of others with her illusions, ensuring a relatively peaceful (if boring) place to stay while the pieces were moved into place.]

[In all fairness, Lust's illusionary skills are appreciated far more than she's been given credit for. Considering the small group of reconnaissance troops Sephiroth had brought in, for the necessary intelligence gathering before such an operation could be executed, not being able to be detected while they were in downtime offered an edge they wouldn't otherwise have.

It's on one of those occasions, in the evening by the campfire, that Sephiroth takes the initiative to at least learn a little more about one of those that had come along that he didn't know. With a newly filled flask of a warm drink, the silver haired soldier comes around the side of where Lust is sitting in front of the fire and lowers himself down into the next seat around. Cupping bared hands around the flask, savoring that warmth as well.]

How are you holding up?

[Given the mana drain in keeping a passive illusion up throughout all of this.]

A little weary of the taste of ethers~

[She slants a little smile at him, somewhat bemused that one amongst them would actually ask after her welfare. Lust isn't sure she'll ever grow entirely accustomed to that. She can only assume he's inquiring as her illusions are responsible for veiling their forces for the time being, but that doesn't mean she's above a little teasing.]

Are you worried about me?

[How else is she supposed to get to know her fellow Heroes?]

[As unsociable as Sephiroth might be perceived, he's made a great effort whilst being in his role as a commander, to always keep a keen eye for the well being of his troops. On this occasion, there are Heroes of Light who are a part of this mission but not necessarily part of the military. He treats them no differently; if it had been one of his own responsible for keeping the magical stealth field up, he'd have been swapping them out intermittently. For their own well being.

He tilts his head in Lust's direction, agreeing with the comment about ethers. He could relate to that, no matter having never really tried his hand at any of the magical Jobs on Crystallis. It's the second question that seems to confuse him, momentarily. Sephiroth takes a longer look over Lust, in that way he does when he's trying to read between the tells of their body language. Was that a tease? Or sarcasm? He's not sure.]

We should all look out for each other.

[The political answer, for sure, as he takes a sip from his flask. The warmth steaming out and around him the next time he exhales.]

We should. That doesn't necessarily mean anyone will.

[She, herself, falls into the red in that regard. She's very much aware how selfish she can be. It's not as if she expects others to take care of her at least; it's why Sephiroth's inquiry honestly surprises her.]

[Lust watches him drink for a moment, then extends a palm.]

May I? Just a swallow should wash out the taste.

[He used to be a hell of a lot more selfish than the man he has turned into. To the point where his selflessness has been somewhat of a detriment to his own well being.

Lust isn't wrong, individual agendas goals and theories would forever hamper any and all attempts to really move as one unit unless there was leadership. That's one thing about being a man of military leaning, there is always a structure of authority that it's everyone's duty to obey.]

Oh- [He takes a second longer than most to realize what she's indicated towards, almost as if he's forgotten he's even holding a flask where he's been distracted by the flames dancing not so far in front of his eyes. The scalding heat of the campfire appreciated.]

-sure. [Who's he to deny anyone a drink if they needed one? However, too quickly he extended his right arm out to hand it to her, but with the uncomfortable pull of his shoulder Sephiroth deftly swaps the flask into his other hand and reaches it out -turning and reaching across himself- for her to take.

It's a tea of some sort with a strong cinnamon taste to it. Warms not only in it's temperature but all the way through when it hits your stomach.]

Thank you~

[Lust tips the flask only briefly for half a swallow. She expected alcohol, so when the pleasant taste hits her throat instead of annihilating it, her brow arches, and she looks at the flask with renewed interest.]

That's surprisingly good. What is it?

[She said she'd only wanted one swallow, so she returns the flask as she'd promised rather than indulging in another. She feels oddly relaxed, and though its subtle, a little of her tension and weariness leaves the gentle slope of her shoulders.]

[Never alcohol before a mission. Or really after it either; Lust doesn't know but him and alcohol don't have a good relationship. Sephiroth hadn't even been watching Lust take her sip, having returned his gaze to the fire before them and -polite as ever- doesn't look back until she returns the flask to him.

Another smooth sip later, and then as if he were subconsciously picking up on the subtle change in her posture, Sephiroth actually offers a light smile.]

From my world, I'd have called it cinnamon -with just a touch of vanilla- but actually it's a blend of various spices and some dried out wildflower.

[Clearly, he's not a botanist and he didn't concoct it himself, so can't name the exact properties.]

It's...warming.

[He means in a more comforting way, and Lust doesn't have to be psychic to ascertain that it's somewhat personal, more than the fierce fire that burns before them. ]

It is.

[And she can share that smile, rare as it is. She isn't always a bundle of darkness and sarcasm, she can have her nice moments too. Don't tell.]

[She brushes back some of the thick black hair that's drifted over her shoulder.]

It's strange to return after all of this time. What's the goal?

[She wrests her gaze from the fire to glance at the silver-haired soldier.]

Do we plan to talk, or slaughter them where they stand?

[WELP. The nice moment was good while it lasted!]

[It takes Sephiroth a few moments to really get at what Lust is talking about. The only other Hero from the 'other side' that he's every really engaged with is Lucrecia and...well, that relationship is full of all the wrong kind of complications. He's not even been back to that house to stay a single night since...

Out of no where, a shiver seems to creep over him. It's short-lived though as he seems to show a little more interest in the conversation so as to keep his mind occupied on something else.]

My apologies. I didn't realize that you were one of those others, too-

[The glance is held, for the most part. But underneath his cool and collected exterior, Sephiroth knows immediately what his gut tells him should be the way. It's logic and reason that soon close that violent knee-jerk of a reaction away, though. Going in to annihilate the cult might indeed rid them of a potential threat, but they wouldn't learn anything new.

Still, Sephiroth huffs lightly in a softer agreement with Lust; or at least an acknowledgment of how she feels.]

Lets see about breaching their stronghold, first, hm?

I don't know if that's deserving of an apology. Surely you must know that my feelings aren't quite so tender.

[And there's that usual smirk of hers, a curve of dark lips that holds no true warmth. She waits for his answer, then chuckles when none emerges.]

I take it no one has decided on a goal, then. I suppose I can't be blamed for acting as I see fit.

[What those actions are, she doesn't say. It might be rampant murder. It might be torture. It might be gifts of fruit baskets and a hearty handshake.]

Really, it's no wonder everyone squabbles so often.

Edited 2016-10-12 20:37 (UTC)

[There is no answer to her first, indeed. Sephiroth's just being his usual polite self and hadn't quite expected to be left almost feeling offended where he'd meant to avoid offending her. He doesn't quite allow his expression to close off and fall into frowning again, but it's easy enough to tell it wouldn't take a lot to cause it to drop again-]

Humph. [Another huff of a noise at the comment about acting as she sees fit. The frown does return then, though; did this woman think that there should be more of a leadership here in this mission? Was she implying that he should decide on a goal when others hadn't really pinned down the exact objectives yet?]

You think that the Heroes lack a sound leadership-?

[Mostly an assumption based on the signals she's given, but not totally. Sephiroth agrees at least in some way with that notion.]

Don't you?

[She'd probably chuckle condescendingly at anyone who claimed that the heroes were organized and led in any degree.]

It's a little short-sighted to storm an enemy's fortress if we don't even know what we want to do with that enemy. Even just a basic outline of what to do in certain circumstances would be more prudent than charging in blindly. Otherwise we're all going to threaten and scream at each other again.

[Her voice remains a soft purr. She doesn't seem to bear any ill will, but she also doesn't seem like she's interested in walking on eggshells for anyone's sake.]

But maybe people secretly enjoy a little conflict and drama.

Some situations don't call for leadership.

[The fact is, they aren't and the closest they had ever been was when Zelda and Ashelia had first founded the Heroes Guild at the Observatory. Even then, he's one of those that had always kept a polite distance from getting himself too involved and had even strongly opposed some 'collective' actions back then too. So many different people, different outlooks, lifestyles and moral compasses' for it to ever work as one cohesive unit.

All having a leader would accomplish would be for those displeased to have a scapegoat to vent their rage at. Not helpful at all.]

I for one wouldn't pass up the opportunity to learn at least something of their motivations, first. Their goals are, at least superficially, in direct contradiction to the savior-role which many have taken up as the desired end to this game. I wouldn't be so surprised if it's not all that clear-cut.

[Not to mention the big 'huh?' that had been squared over the whole circumstance with them being able to somehow sneak into the Mysidian Tower and activate a Sapphire crystal around Downopolis...

Sephiroth's not about to answer on the question of human nature and conflict going hand in hand, but by the small curl to his mouth into something just shy of a grimace he's not too fond of the fact.]

Hmmmm, this is true~ Perhaps 'organization' would better describe the resource we're woefully lacking.

[She tips her head back, regarding the moon idly from beneath her long fringe of thick lashes. At least he's not stupid or bloodthirsty about this, and that does give her some reassurance. And Deadpool isn't here ~~yet~~ so that does seem to be a plus in their favor as far as handling the matter rationally.]

I see you recognize the value of information. That's good to know.

[She gives a single quiet chuckle before dropping her gaze back to Sephiroth.]

I admit, I'm rather curious to know what they'll do upon seeing your face. They were so keen on preserving your stained glass window, after all, while recklessly destroying all the others. ...Oh my, you weren't there, were you? Perhaps you weren't aware, then.

Perhaps. But organization needs to have structure and we're still painfully feeling around in the dark for the various ways and means that we might be able to find a way to end this damned eternal cycle.

Nothing is concrete enough.

[He's not about to say it out loud in front of Lust, but it's obvious to him at least that the ending to the cycle will ultimately lead to the end of Crystallis anyway. It had been a dying world when the ancients had sought to make it immortal, what would happen if that were all undone?

Certainly wouldn't be saving the innocents that he's pledged to protect as a part of his military duty.

In the meantime, Sephiroth's eyes have turned back to the fire after the latest sip from his flask. The golden flames nearly wash out the ethereal gleam to his green slitted eyes, but at the same time seems to draw a greater definition to his own thick frame of eyelashes. Dark in comparison to his hair which for the most part is pulled forwards over one shoulder, almost touching the floor considering how he's sat a little leaned forwards.

A blink dismisses wherever his thoughts were as Lust brings a certain window to their discussion. He's only ever seen it once, when they had all been called for that first audience with the Sage, and if he can help it he'll never go back there to see it again. He had been otherwise engaged with work when Moglin had invited them all back but-]

You mean the temple in Mysidia- [Not a statement, but not a question either. AS far as he knows anyway there couldn't be anywhere else that she means, though. So the cult hadn't only moved against them at the Tower, in their absence, then...or so it seemed.]

-it's not my stained glass window.

[Abrupt; yes. Defensive; maybe a little.]

Are we going to argue semantics now?

[She smiles slowly, then turns her attention back to the fire.]

Judging by your reaction, you weren't aware until just now. You must have been curious about what the sage had to say to the rest of us, did you fail to ask anyone? Or did someone tell you, and decide you didn't need to know that little detail?

[Whatever his answer, it'll definitely prove to be interesting either way.]

[If Lust hadn't been such amicable company up until this point, Sephiroth mostly likely would have rolled his eyes at her follow up question. As it was he just kept his gaze mostly in the campfire, curling leather clad fingers around the warmth of the flask as it starts to cool.

But what Lust says next ends up with him looking directly at her again. Once more pulling his gaze all over her to attempt to get those body language cues that might feed him something of her intentions in trying at...baiting him?]

I could think of a thousand better uses for my time than traveling all the way there to ascend that staircase and speak to an avatar who clearly is on the wrong side of our interests.

[Not to mention he had been working. The information, or whatever use the Sage had proven himself in the latest meeting, Sephiroth would hear of eventually if it was important enough.]

So what is the reason for the attack there?

Who knows?

[She sighs, lifting her hands and shrugging her shoulders.]

Neither the sage nor his Moogle pet told us, but given that they seem to have run off with Kalki's statue while destroying the others, the signs point to the cultists simply attempting to wreak havoc while we weren't around to do anything about it. Your guess is as good as mine.

[Still, she does think it's interesting that they spared his window and not the others.]

If they're fond of you, however, that puts you in a unique position. Will they listen to you if you direct them? Or will you be put in greater harm should they manage to capture you? Cultists do seem to have a habit of sacrificing what is most dear to them, after all.

[She picks up a broken stick and flicks it into the fire.]

You should be on your guard, moreso than the others.

[Thanks for giving him yet another thing to ponder on entirely-too-much, Lust. As if he doesn't have enough what with the coordination of the three military squads, the scouting party and planning the advance into Downopolis when the time came!

She has sparked a concern, that without her innocent slip of the tongue, he wouldn't have known about at all. Lust might even have adjusted how Sephiroth would play this out, depending on what the reception is like should they eventually come face to face with the Cultists. Yet it's easy for him to understand why no one thought to inform him when the group, that had met with the Sage recently, had returned. Certain personal connections of his probably felt it would be ill-advised.

After a few silent moments, trying to level what could be different about his stained-glass window compared to all others starts to make his brain fizzle. Sephiroth shakes his head slowly, but his expression betrays the fact that her words are considered very seriously indeed.]

Perhaps. Though I say it again, that depiction isn't me. Or rather it was, just...from before.

I wasn't implying otherwise.

[She knows alllll about looking like a previous version of one's self, but having a completely different personality. In this, Sephiroth is the fortunate one who still has a conscience. Lust does not.]

In any case, I'd like to get some rest. Would it be reasonable to assume that the illusion can be dropped for the time being?

Hm.

[This personality has its humanity at least mostly intact, along with the morals that often get called into question. Though that previous version is technically a later version of himself, in which he'd given up everything about being human, to pursue a higher goal.

As it is he'll forever hope that he never wakes up as that man. Just the thought that he might one day have to face that Shadow, is daunting as hell]

I'll get a night watch organized, just to be safe. I daresay we'll need everyone at their best, come morning.

[It seems he's finished his hot drink anyway, so in the next moment Sephiroth stands, nods his head politely to Lust and then marches off back to the larger military tent.]

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Player Plot: Downopolis

Lust - OTA

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