Event || The Night of the Thirteen Moogles

[melodiesmods]

Characters: Everyone!
Where: Aqures Ixen (Old Observatory, others).
When: Night from the 31st of October to the 01st of November.
Summary: Midnight is approaching, ghosts are everywhere and clouds are slowly gathering above the old observatory... What does it all mean? This post is open to all characters, there are no sign-ups for this.
Warning: The destructor has come.

Mingle || Before Midnight
Confrontation || Midnight
The Cursed Heroes
King Moggle Mog XIV

Comments

[Yuffie] – Random Hospital Room (2nd Floor)

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie is just outside the observatory when she feels the ground shake. She doesn’t know what’s going on but she has a really bad feeling about this. She hears the cries at the hospital and then watches in horror as the large moogle rises over the city.

It’s really big.

Without thinking she goes running towards the hospital. It’s easy to spot those who can fly heading towards the moogle so she’ll split their defenses. The hospital looks more like a war zone so instead of going in the front door Yuffie can be seen scaling one of the walls. Even with her ghostbuster gear it’s easy, something she’s done a thousand times before at home.

Her leg hooks into a window before pulling her torso into the room. It’s empty, except for the corpse lying across the bed. This patient must have screamed.

She slowly makes her way towards the door, peeking just outside to see a collection of figures in the hallway. She lets out a slow breath before turning back towards the room she’s found herself in. She keeps her back pressed against the wall; the cold surface does nothing to stop the sweat that trickles down her forehead.]

What the hell is going on…

[She exhales before noticing movement to her left. She quickly tries to stand, however the figure is reaching for her, its hands grabbing her shoulder and then pulling as if to tear her arm off. Yuffie screams, her skin burning as she elbows the crystal zombie in the face. She takes a few steps away readying her gun when she sees the face of her attacker.]

Zack?

[Wisps of smoke rise from Yuffie’s shoulder where the purple black energy had burned her. She feels her throat dry while tears rose to her eyes.]

You aren’t him.

[Even knowing that this isn’t Zack she’s unable to hold up her gun, she’s unable to do more than stare as the lumbering phantom comes moving towards her.]

[shinra_dog]

[Reno was still focused on finding the one person he cared to see when he heard the scream. He stopped, torn. He knew that scream... that was Yuffie's voice.]

[But Kyo...]

[In the end, he grit his teeth and made his decision. As much as he hated it, Kyo was probably just like the others. Yuffie needed him now.]

Yuffie!

[He burst into the room and froze, seeing just who stood before him.]

Shit...

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie looks over at Reno, her expression a mixture of fear, confusion and pain. Her palm moves over towards her shoulder but the added pressure only make the burn sting. She cries out again looking up at the zombie slowly moves forward.]

Don’t let it touch you.

[Zack had different plans though, he reaches behind his back as if to grab a sword that isn’t there. Dark energy swirls and gathers in the air as his fingers curl around a familiar hilt. He pulls the sword in front of him its long blade aimed towards Yuffie.]

Shit.

[The room is too small to dodge efficiently and she already knows the pain that black energy can inflict. She swallows a lump in her throat as she slowly slides back. She can’t bring herself to attack but she knows that she doesn’t have another choice.

Right before Zack is going to swing he turns, the blade pointed for Reno. Yuffie’s eyes widen and without thinking she blinks across the room. Her small frame pushes Reno down to the floor and out of the path of the blade.]

[shinra_dog]

[Reno was already moving forward to try to stop Zack, try to protect Yuffie however he could. He hadn't really thought about specifics, but he was going. So his eyes widened to see that sword suddenly turn and swing toward him. He should have known.]

[Yuffie's body hit him with a rush and his own reacted faster than his conscious thought. His arms wrapped around her and pulled her close, taking her down with him as he fell back from the force of her shove. He could feel the wind churned up from Zack's blade sweep over them, just barely missing their heads. It was hot, as if the sword was burning.]

[His back hit the ground hard and he gasped for breath, hoping he recovered fast enough. Because Zack was not going to wait for them.]

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie groans softly, her dark eyes blinking up at Reno before a relieved breath leaves her lips. She made it but she also realizes that she can't stay very long on top of Reno before Zack might attack again.]

And we're moving.

[She finds the ground with her left foot, turns and pushes herself up in one swift moment. She isn't about to stand with her back to Zack. Her proton pack is to heavy so she slips it off her shoulders and pulls out two daggers. She doesn't have the right job equipped but she doesn't care. The room is small, they'll have to be quick.]

Reno? Are they all like this?

[Yuffie's words were weak, her fear reflected in her eyes even as she sought to face Zack. A blade flicked from her wrist and embedded into Zacks leg though it doesn't seem to deter the zombie.

There are a lot of swear words that Yuffie wants to use right now.]

[shinra_dog]

[Reno staggered up after her, thankful that his Jobs gave him some added grace to his speed. It meant he had a moment to prepare for Zack's next attack.]

I dunno... I mean, this is the first one I've fought so far...

[And Zack was already strong as hell.]

But they all kinda look the same. So if I had t' guess... We're in some deep fuckin' trouble.

[thegreatninja]

[She wishes that there was an expression that she could wear that would aptly describe how horrible his last comment makes her feel. They were in a little bit more than just trouble if they don't think of something soon.

Yuffie stays lightly balanced on her feet, her eyes narrowing towards Zack. It can always be worse.]

It can always be worse. [She whispers the words softly while flicking more blades in between her fingers.

At least she's free of the dark.

Yuffie's thoughts continue to tumble as she thinks of a way to fight.]

Reno... if you don't have a better idea I want you to run. [She steps forward and then blinks out of sight and onto the other side of Zack.] Come at me SOLDIER dog.

[Her voice drips with venom and her eyes narrow. He taunt is enough to get Zack to turn towards her, the zombies eyes narrowing at her thin form. He raises his sword again and he has no intention to miss her. Though Yuffie has a sort of horrible plan forming in her mind as she takes a slightly hesitated step back.]

[shinra_dog]

[Was. She. CRAZY?]

Yuffie!

[Fuck! No, he wasn't about to run and leave her here! In the past he might have, but when it was suggested to him -- and by a younger girl, no less -- it was just kind of an insult. He struggled with his pride and the very, very strong desire to book it.]

[In the end, he gripped his daggers hard.]

Fuck.

[With Zack distracted, Reno lunged at him, plunging both blades into the other man's shoulders, wedging them under the plated armor. He could feel them scrape bone and he grit his teeth.]

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie smiles slightly though it might be hard to tell as she leaps forward. Her boot collides with the blade as she jumps up, wisps of smoke and the scent of burnt rubber filling the air as she shifts her body weight forward. It happens in the matter of seconds, her blades sink into Zack's chest aimed for the boy's heart, knowing that not much else will kill him.

As Zack's swing finishes he forces Yuffie backwards, her back slamming high against the wall before falling on one of the hospitals work stations. Tools go flying while one sinks into Yuffie's shoulder. She slowly opens her eyes, her head spinning before pulling the surgical equipment from her arm.

Zack staggers both Reno's and her blade effectively piercing him through the center. A dark magic pulses from his body and is about to be released before he collapse to the floor.]

RENO!

[She's only able to shout as that energy connects with Reno's torso.]

[shinra_dog]

UF!

[Whatever evil force of energy that was, it hit Reno hard. The Turk was thrown the length of the room onto the cold, hospital floor, skidding slightly before he stopped. He could barely move but work his jaw, gasping for air as the wind was utterly knocked from his lungs.]

[But... Zack had fallen. For how long, who could say, but it would appear that they'd done it. Somehow. Miraculously.]

[When Reno could breathe again, he croaked,] Oww...

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie staggers her way over to Reno's side. Her fingers trembling slightly as she pulls a potion from her back pocket. She uncorks it with her teeth before placing the lip of the bottle against his lips. She isn't giving him a choice.]

Drink it.

[Her voice is soft as she commands him and then proceeds to tip the bottle back. She doesn't even look over at Zack's body.

Her shoulder hurt and the small deep gash was slowly trailing blood down her thigh. She'd assume it'd eventually clot and she'd be fine but Reno had to be in good shape if he was getting out of here.

Yuffie can always get herself out but it'd be alone.]

[shinra_dog]

[Reno took a swallow then coughed, choking slightly as he pushed it away.]

Stop.

[He concentrated on his breathing, doing a quick internal assessment. Possibly a cracked rib, but could be nothing. Could definitely be worse. Between the two of them, he was in decent shape.]

You need it more'n I do.

[He pushed himself to sit up, looking over at Zack's prone form. He couldn't help but wonder if the other man was down for good, now. If they'd just killed another Hero, possessed though he was at the time. Reno hoped not. Especially not Zack of all people.]

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie pouts, her gaze still directed away from Zack as she pushes the bottle back towards his mouth. She isn't really taking stop to heart.]

I said 'Drink'

[If he doesn't she'll just drop the potion and let it spill to the ground. It's his choice but she isn't going to take it for herself. Besides, she can always get more... somehow.

Yuffie slowly stands, her weight mostly on her right side as she watches Reno.]

We need to move. The crystals... they might keep regenerating. [It's a long story as to why she thinks this is going to happen and it isn't really the time to tell it. She isn't strong enough to force Reno to stand but she'll step passed him and peek into the hall.

There is so much blood.]

Hospital

[vindr]

[Honestly, Manami had been lying low ever since the whole ghost thing got started.
They're... scary, when they're real.

But all the commotion today was impossible to ignore. He was riding not too far from the observatory when he saw the huge moogle-- and Yuffie go zooming past.

She looked like she knew where she was going and what she was doing, so he impulsively followed her. Even sprinting on his bike, her agility was hard to keep up with though--
Especially when she climbed her way to a second-story window of the hospital.

...

Yuffie-san...

[That's okay. He'll use the front door.

He almost immediately turned back. The smell was staggering, and the dim shapes of the corpses and blood gruesomely terrifying.

...

At least, did this mean that the ones who had done all this killing were gone?
But then, what was Yuffie-san doing here? He's got a bad feeling about this...]

[Now Manami is quietly making his way through the halls, trying to find Yuffie after having come this far. (And perhaps... he feels like he kinda owes her one, even if she doesn't remember it.)

After climbing the stairs to the second floor he pauses, listening carefully. Is that some... shuffling? Some sort of movement.

Crouching so his head is close to the floor, Manami cautiously peeks out from the stairwell doorway, and breathes a heavy sigh of relief when he sees Yuffie, recognizable even in the dim light. The atmosphere of this bloody place is weighing heavily on him though, so he remains cautious as he makes a small gesture to try and catch her attention and whispers,]

Yuffie-san, over here.

Hospital

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie pauses as she hears her name and quietly steps out of view and next to Manami. She’s very hurt, her left shoulder burned and her clothing singed. There were cut and scrapes all over her and it looks as if she’s careful not to put any pressure on her right arm. Dark red stained her shorts while a large gash trailed down her leg.]

Manami! What are you doing here?

[She has no idea that he can fight and seeing him here makes her more worried about getting out of the hospital alive. There is no way of knowing if they’ll turn into one of those things if they crystalize now.

Yuffie pushes at his shoulder as if to lead him down the stairs but the gesture is weak.]

You should leave it isn’t safe.

[vindr]

[Manami grimaces once he sees her condition. What happened? He takes a vial of potion from the pouch at his side and hands it to her with an unusually serious and pale expression on his face. Drink it.]

Then let's get out of here together, Yuffie-san. [As if his face can't bear being without some sort of smile, he smiles wanly as he explains,] I just kinda followed you, because it looked like you knew what you were doing. Are you done here?

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie takes the potion but just holds it at her side for the moment. There isn't time to worry about her wounds and she doesn't know how much the potion will really help.]

Those in crystal stasis are walking around like zombies! [As if that explains why it's stupid that he followed her.] Done here?! They're killing everyone!

[She can't just leave even if she's at her limit she wants to help. What Yuffie doesn't expect is the lumbering figure that's standing behind her now. The smooth flow of his long coat as his dark eyes fixed on Yuffie. A hand reaches out slowly aiming to grab Yuffie's shoulder as by the one winged angel; Genesis.]

[vindr]

[You... are supposed to drink that, not hold it...

He gives a start- like zombies? In a flash he remembers the dream where he'd been Fukotomi-senpai, fighting crystal zombie-like people...

And then a shadow looms up from behind Yuffie. Manami is shocked into stillness for a long moment- even in the dim light he can see the unnatural paleness of the skin and vacant expression.
Zombie-!

Like ghosts, they are only not scary if they aren't real.

As the man's hand reaches out to take Yuffie's shoulder, Manami raises his spear with a strangled shout.]

Yaaa-!

[He thrusts his spear past Yuffie and takes takes the man in the side, but he merely pauses and turns his gaze down to Manami, his eyes lighting with an eerie purple glow. Wincing, Manami pulls his spear free and quickly says to Yuffie,]

Let's use vanish! Run!

[From their sparring match, he knows she can move in an instant like he can. That will be their best chance to get away.
Even if the zombies are killing - or have killed - everyone here, the two of them can't stop the number of people that were-- had been in crystal stasis. Plus, this guy looks strong...]

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie doesn't look behind her, she already knows that something is there. She leans forward wrapping her arms around Manami and then teleporting them both down one flight of stairs. The zombie however seems drawn to Yuffie.]

Damn... it's going to keep following me.

[She smiles at Manami and then slowly stands. He'd saved her though they still aren't out of the fire yet.]

You run. I'll keep fighting.

[Yuffie straps the potion to her side intending to use it later. She's hurt but she can still fight.]

Sorry, this kid really wanted to run ^.^o

[vindr]

[Manami blinks and makes an astonished noise when he realizes that she's taken both of them down the stairs using vanish.

It... can take two people?

He looks up and sees that she's right- the zombie-like man is following them, his eyes fixed on Yuffie.

Her determination to stay and fight is admirable. Really, it is. Straight out of one of the video games he played when he was younger.
But he thinks of all the bodies he'd passed to get here, and he shakes his head.]

I... don't think heroics like that work in real life.

[He reaches out to take both of her shoulders firmly, and uses teleportation.

The safest place he can think to take them is back home, but she's heavy! Or, at least that's the best description he can think of for the lag he's feeling as he tries to move both of them with the magic.

Of course. He's never done this before. But there is no reason to be afraid.

He changes his destination to a park he is fond of napping in, which is closer to the the hospital and therefore should take less of his magic. As they re-materialize, he staggers to the ground, taking deep breaths. Wow, the world is spinning kinda fast.]

Haa-ha. I suppose I was... the heavy one, because I'm not as cute as you...

Never say sorry <3

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie is as surprised as Manami and she’s now very tired. That takes a little more power than she’s used to and without really thinking about it she falls against him. There can be heroics in real life, Yuffie is proof of that but they are teleporting before she can even argue. She’s sort of glad he’s got this covered even if she hates running away.

It’s a weird feeling and it twists her stomach. When they are finally materializing again she falls to the ground, her body is still banged up and bruised and now the world in tumbling around her. She rolls to her side and slowly tries to stand so that she can face Manami.]

I have no idea what you are talking about but sure.

[It’s shaky but she’s finally on her feet and moving next to him. This time it’s her turn to grab him by the shoulders.]

What are you doing!? We have to fight.

[Except that Yuffie looks like she’s about to pass out.]

<3

[vindr]

[Still on his hands and knees on the ground, he slowly raises his head to look at her. It takes a long moment for him to register that what he'd said, it was from their conversation during the time loop and she wouldn't remember. Ah. Too bad.

When she musters herself enough to take a hold of his shoulders, he merely smiles sleepily in return.]

I'm running away.

[When he opens his eyes from his smile they are tight with seriousness- a contrast to the rest of his smiling expression.]

You know, Yuffie-san, I'm a biker. To climb a mountain, it's a difficult physical battle. The slope doesn't get any flatter because you're tired. The air doesn't get any cooler because you're hot. So I have to be careful with my physical condition. Monitor it. Moderate it.

Yuffie-san, we cannot fight anymore right now. If we find a white mage and get you healed, and if we find a way to restore our magic, then sure we can go again! But right now...

[He unsteadily takes a potion from his pouch holds it out to her.] Right now I'm sleepy! And it's hard to talk to you when you're swaying so much.

So much Manami love

[thegreatninja]

[His response almost makes her want to head-butt him but she resisted the urge and instead just stares at him as if he has three heads. Slowly his words sink in and she realizes that he’s right. She doesn’t really want to admit it though and she never liked saying thank you or sorry. Instead she stares at him for a long moment her eyes flicking to the potion as he holds it out.

She still has the first one he gave her though it’s stashed safely in her pocket.

It’s then that Yuffie’s mind turns. One hand leaves his shoulder and takes the potion while her torso moves against him. She miscalculates and instead of kissing his cheek she finds his lips. It’s quick kiss as she slips the potion from his fingers.

With her thanks given she steps back with a smile and uncorks the potion, bringing the bottle to her lips and downing the whole thing in two gulps. She might have ethers somewhere but they are usually more expensive. She starts thinking of a plan never mind that she had just kissed Manami.]

o///o

[vindr]

[So...

...

That...

That was a kiss, right? He blinks at her, his expression frozen as he watches her take the potion.

But why- what was that for? ... ... Oh? Something like that?]

Ha- haha~ Yuffie-san, is that how princesses from your country say 'thank you'? You surprised me! I think usually, people just say it with words.

<3

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie blinks and looks over at Manami with a smile. Is he nervous? This is going to be fun for the ninja princess. She hasn’t been able to tease Manami yet and now she’s pretty sure she knows how. With her smile slowly slipping wider she takes a half step forward, her dark eyes looking up at the other hero.]

It isn’t. In fact my father would probably be upset with me.

[With each word her smile widens until there is a full grin spread across her lips.]

Maybe it’s because I think you’re cute.

[It’s really hard to tell if Yuffie’s serious or not but she’s watching Manami now. Her gaze fixed on him with a curious glint in her eye. Never mind crystal soldiers and city in danger.]