EVENT #1: THE EMPTY THRONE (PT 2)

[aionmods]

The Empty Throne Pt 2

ESCAPE

As more and more of the prisoners awaken to the Pleroma's power, it soon becomes clear that conflict is inevitable. Strength that was locked away blossoms once again, and simply waiting is no longer an option; those that remain in the cavern have made their choice, and they will not be kept there so easily.

By means that may not be immediately apparent, the Pleroma have found themselves able to cast a spell that will ensure their freedom... but only if they can last the half hour it may take to complete. Whatever this power, Xishen, the Aion orchestrator of the Kenoma's ritual, seems able to sense it. As it begins, she will appear at each of the Kenoma's sides.

"The Pleroma has taken hold of them," she says. "Stop them now, or when you see them again, it will be as your mortal enemies. If you believe in the Kenoma's promise, take a stand. The Regent is watching."

For those that heed her, it will not be hard to find the congregation of Pleroma, the first seeds of their teleportation magic taking form. What's more, the fires of their hope have been stoked by this new chance at survival, granted them a surge of energy born of the Pleroma, compensating for the poor state of their bodies. The tension comes to a head, between those that would follow the Regent's path towards a better universe, and those that would seize the wild power of the Pleroma to escape.

Whatever violence ensues, eventually it will come to an end. Despite the Kenoma's efforts, the teleportation spell will come to fruition, enveloping the Pleroma in a sea of light and warmth. The Kenoma can only watch as fractals of blinding color whisk the Pleroma away.

VALLEY OF INNOCENCE

You will find yourself at the Shrine of the Innocent, surrounded by a valley of flourishing wildflowers. As you step from the shade of the monument, you will find your arrived here just in time to enjoy a warm spring spring morning, the sound of birds and gentle breezes tickling your ears. The sun slowly drifts past the horizon, its rays reaching out to you, as if in comfort. The air itself is alight with a strange aura of peace, as if committing violence here would be a sacrilege. There are no man made structures as far as your eyes can see.

Flowers of all shapes and sizes can be found here, and so can fresh water and various fruits and berries. All of them are safe to eat, and seemingly grow in abundance. There are animals here as well, all the common types one would expect from a place like Earth, with the occasional odd addition. While you can try to hunt them, you will find yourself unable to follow through on any attempts to hurt the creatures here. In turn, they regard you as familiar, and will fearlessly wander close as they inspect these new arrivals. In the distance, you may even catch sight of what appears to be a unicorn, only for its ephemeral shape to disappear from sight just as quickly.

The Pleroma will find safety and comfort here for a time, before they recover enough to travel onward. At some point during the afternoon of the first day, they may spot the occasional humanoid figure moving in the distance; when attempting to move in their direction, they will find an assortment of clothing set out across the grass as if in offering. It will come in many sizes but in mostly plain colors, fitting a general aesthetic of 'things a fantasy peasant might wear'. There will also be some blankets, wrapped cheese, jams, jerky, and bread left alongside them.

While there are trees and brush enough to find shelter, the Pleroma will find they hardly need to while resting here. The weather will be picturesque, a comfortable temperature even at night, and there will be no disruptive rain or aggressive wind. Of course, nothing lasts forever, and even though there could stay here for days, what if the Regent's forces are on their way? Once again, they must find the strength to carry on.

THE TRIWATER

As the Pleroma vanish, those claimed by the Kenoma are left in the darkness of the throne room. The Hylician soldiers are clearly agitated by the fighting, but Xishen herself seems unflustered. She will only sigh before quietly coming to the aid of any Kenoma that still need it, providing some light healing magics and explaining that their work here is over. With the Pleroma gone, all that's left to do is to return to Achamoth.

Things move quickly from there. The camp grounds are packed up, and soon enough the Kenoma will be ushered towards the river at the edge of the forest, to board a particularly large river vessel. As the Hylician soldiers prepare to go their separate ways, you will be told that you are to take the Triwater river to the capital city of Achamoth, where you will finally meet your new master, the Regent. The vessel is big enough for all of you, and it will set off the moment everyone is boarded. Suddenly, the world of entrapment and ruins you've been living in since your arrival will be left behind, leaving you to ponder the nature of your future.

The boat itself is well equipped and comfortable for what it is. A variety of colorful hammocks are hung in the lower decks and are open to be claimed for the journey back, which will take a day or two. The Kenoma will be offered a change of clothes of a similar style to what they already have if necessary, and there are plenty of blankets and cushions available to make life in the hold more comfortable. There are dice available for games of chance as well as some mystifying decks of cards that seems to have twelve suits with five cards each, themed around the Legacies. The twelfth suit is for the Regent.

Though the sailors controlling the vessel will mostly keep to themselves and leave the Kenoma alone, one of them will occasionally play harp music on the deck. Though they probably don't actually need help running the ship, they will let the Kenoma help them with chores and ship running tasks if they are so inclined; generally speaking, these sailors just seem like normal people, albeit a bit shy of their passengers. If you're polite to them, they may even gives you a river tour of Horos. On this ride alone, you'll get to see several magnificent bridges spanning the Triwater's width. At night, you are treated to a clear spring sky filled with stars.

As you make it closer to Achamoth, you'll notice the landscape shift, becoming mountainous and dotted with more and more military watch posts. The land becomes increasingly lifeless in a way that's hard to put your finger on, nature giving way to man-made creations of impressive architectural prowess. Soon, you will meet the person behind it all.

QUESTIONS

Can my Kenoma character fight against other Kenoma and/or help the Pleroma?
Yes, though if you do this you must describe what your character has done in a reply to the "Committed Actions" top-level below. This way, the mods can be aware of what happened and have your character treated accordingly. They are unlikely to receive immediate consequences if they don't hurt their fellow Kenoma, but their choices will follow them into Achamoth. If a Kenoma vs Kenoma conflict escalates into serious violence (attempted or successful) committed by the Kenoma rebel, Xishen will intervene and consequences will happen immediately which may restrict their actions until the next event post.

Can our characters leave the valley?
They can, yes, but really this event is just meant to cover the day or two they spend recovering before finding a more permanent place to go. You are free to have your character investigate the valley and probe the spaces beyond it, but please save any plans for large scale travel to the next event, which will be happening on April 2nd. The game will move into a 1:1 time ratio as of then.

Can our characters leave the boat?
Technically yes, but any Kenoma who wander too far will get in trouble. You are expected to report to the Regent, and behaving as if you are considering doing otherwise will not make an good impression.

Does the hope-based Pleroma boost last into the valley?
The boost to Pleroma characters will fade shortly after arriving in the valley, like coming down from a high. They'll have to recover the normal way from there.

Comments

[inutilis]

[ the pressure at his shoulder is unyielding, and Abel finds the hard press of the ground biting into his spine where Gen has forced him flat again. he's still dazed after the concurrent blows to the face and head, but he seems to be holding on to cognizance despite it - because those blue eyes are still and incessantly attentive, watchful through a wince, even as Gen's fingers tangle into dirtied silver hair.

...the boy is atop him. Abel is pinned, and if he wanted to free himself it would require removing the weight atop him, and forcefully at that. it's painfully obvious that Gen is not going to oblige even a polite request; no... if anything, with things having already gone this far... it merely speaks, screams to validate the pieces Abel's put together of his assailant's demeanor. Gen's demands are meant to serve a purpose - to prove something, to keep the balance of the boy's world views, to make right of something that Abel's behavior has disrupted. an understanding of how things work; an understanding of his place in it all, maybe. the natural order. justifications.

the next breath he takes is a bit deeper, shakier-- before Abel lifts his hand to tangle his fingers loosely at whatever he can find considering his limited range of motion in this position. a sleeve; the back of Gen's shirt-- it doesn't matter. ]

...Please.

[ begging; pleading; even groveling is not too much to ask. he has no pride. he has no shame, but-- ]

Please-- go with the others. Even i... if you won't come with me, then-- go with them. Get out of here.

[ if Gen goes with Xishen... if he returns to this 'Achamoth,' to the Regent--

all this darkness, all these tendrils of pain will fold all the more closely around this boy, threaten to further damage an already battered and bleeding heart that has been made to know a devastating lack of love. and Abel does not want to see what is left of the light stolen from Gen's eyes, if he can help it. ]

1/2

[epiprocta]

Shut up!

[ Abel could have chosen his wording better, honestly. Because having vindication dangled before his eyes for a moment before it's snatched away in favor of that pitiful plea just makes Gen's blood boil hotter. He hadn't thought he could find Abel any more frustrating, but he's swiftly proven wrong -- that noble insistence on worrying for him, telling him to get safety even as Abel himself coughs red has his pulse thudding in his ears with rage.

Probably not surprising that he slaps Abel hard with his free hand, hard, before wrenching his head back, careless of the way stray strands of hair are coming loose in his vicious grip. ]

What's wrong with you! I never asked for your concern! [ Kindness isn't something freely offered to him. It's something he demands, extracts, takes. Because the last time he'd accepted it when it was given to him without his asking, everything had started spiraling out of control. The moment Abel starts getting his bearings enough to fix that bright gaze on him once more, Gen shakes him by his hair. ] What does this bullshit white knight act get you, huh?! Are you in that much of a hurry to die, too? What's wrong with all of you?! -- you think that'll stop me from doing what I have to do? I don't give a shit what happens to you! I'll do it!

[epiprocta]

[ That tirade comes at a machine-gun rapid fire, each word dripping with venom. But as his words peter off, Gen's shoulders slump a fraction, chest rising and falling with ragged breaths -- his next breath escaping shuddering when he looks over towards the entrance of the cave. Towards the Aion, to where he needs to take Abel. ]

... I'll do it.

[ But there's something distant in his gaze as he repeats that phrase, his words softer, hoarser. Like they're meant for himself, rather than for Abel.

Like he's trying to persuade himself.

-- after all, he doesn't have any excuse not to do it now, right? If Abel won't beg for his own life, and if handing him over will probably guarantee an easier life for himself, then why shouldn't he? After everything he's said so far, he has to, right? (Even if Abel suffers. Even if Abel might die. Because of his actions. By his hands.) ]

[inutilis]

[ the edge of desperation behind this violence, this accusation and incredulity drives the uncomfortable pressure in Abel's chest home all the harder. even as there is the bruising sting of another strike to his face, even as his scalp burns and tingles, neck craning from being jostled about-- all Abel can seem to do is try to circle the proverbial drain internally attempting to discern how the hell to get Gen out of this.

...Gen won't go with the others to whatever awaits them on the other end of this ritual. he won't even fathom such a possibility, will he? no; he has determined the Kenoma is where he will find whatever it is he's searching for. purpose? a second chance? vindication? revenge...? love? Abel doesn't know, but the fear of what will befall this boy instead of such lofty dreams is very, very real regardless.

just looking at Gen in this state is achingly, horrendously painful. he looks like a lost child, one pushed to dire straits, to an edge he doesn't want to cross and yet contemplating it anyway just to prove he can. ...no, that isn't entirely right, is it? it isn't for the sake of it. maybe Gen doesn't believe there's any alternative. maybe he has to believe himself the sort of person who would turn Abel over without regret, or remorse, or without second-guessing himself. maybe... that would be easier than acknowledging what an inability to commit to turning Abel in so might insinuate.

Abel's voice is, admittedly, more than a little rough around the edges. considering Gen's position atop him and the fact breathing is a bit labored at the moment, the hoarse breathiness might be expected. but somehow, the emphatic plea manages to carry through in his tone despite it; there is something in him just as stubborn and willful as in Gen, even if the motivations might be decidedly different. ]

...I know you would.

[ because to do so would hurt Gen more than it might hurt Abel, he's willing to wager. and Gen is trying so very hard to kill something in himself - that's what it feels like from the outside looking in.

there are those who could be patient, and eloquent; there are those whose words have stirred him from his deepest despair, who seem to know just the right thing to do, to say to troubled souls in times like these. Abel doesn't possess that gift. perhaps the desperation is leaking into his tone, too; the effort to remain calm and even is fraying, giving way to a frantic need, a frustration at himself-- and an anger on behalf of a boy who might not understand just how grievously unjust his life has been. ]

I believe you. ...But even if you did, I'll still... [ ...damnit. his breath catches awkwardly in his chest, though not from physical discomfort. there is a bloodstained grimace touching at his lips, a grim and unpleasant pang pulling at his insides, ] You... it isn't your job to care what happens to me, you're right. And I told you-- I told you already. You don't owe me anything.

[ even if it had been in jest, Abel had been insistent it was the other way around from the beginning. ]

But, is it so hard to believe someone is on your side...? Because if it is-- that is exactly why this is important. You don't have to believe me or understand the 'why.' You don't... have to listen to me ramble about any of this, either. If I'm stubborn enough-- and I know I am, then... I'll outlast you. You'll see for yourself I'm not going anywhere, no matter what you do. You'll... you will see for yourself.

[ and it is so god damn sad Gen has to learn how to accept something as basic as companionship, as care, this late in his life.

but... God help him-- Abel will be the rock in his shoe 'til he's ready for it. ]

Whatever you choose to do-- I understand. I understand, and it's... okay. If it helps you survive, to keep moving forward, then-- you do what you have to.

[epiprocta]

[ Honestly, Gen's barely cognizant of what Abel's saying at first -- it's obvious even at a glance that he's struggling just to manage the mess of his own thoughts. An ugly maelstrom of determination, resolve, anxiety and dread has been condensing heavier and heavier at the back of his throat, making each breath catch in his lungs, and Gen's grip at Abel's hair remains oddly consistent, neither loosening nor tightening. Like Gen's not sure of how to proceed at the moment, mired waist-deep in indecision despite how easily he'd threatened Abel. The entrance to the cavern where Xishen is waiting feels both terribly close and far too distant, and his field of vision spins with the thought of how he's even going to get Abel there. The weight of him in his hands suddenly feels so heavy.

Pathetically enough, it's not the note of heartfelt plea in Abel's voice that drags him back into the moment; instead it's the familiar tone of desperation in the man's words that finally gets Gen to look back down. Aah, right. That's more like it, that's more what he's accustomed to. The way sentences come uneven and fragmented when someone feels cornered, peppered in between with ragged breaths, each sound pitiful and rushed as the mind races to find the right answer. The tone of voice he's used to hearing from the people he bullied and terrorized back home, people he could control. ]

... like I need any permission from you. I'll do what I need to do.

[ Perhaps Abel can glean some tiny fragment of relief in the way Gen's voice has suddenly lost most of its ire, his words coming low and listless.

It turns out maintaining the level of anger he'd been displaying relies heavily on momentum, and having been thrown off-track by the suffocating quagmire of his own thoughts, Gen can't quite bring himself to reach that same vitriolic peak once more. It helps, too, that he's always found catharsis in control, in knowing that he's still able to affect his own circumstances even in some meager way. So even if he can't quite get Abel to do what he wants, even if he's not getting exactly what he wanted out of this situation ... maybe this is fine. Yeah, maybe he can tell himself this was deliberate. Maybe he can leave turning in this idiot for next time. It's what he meant to do.

Gen had been staring down at Abel, his gaze distant and dark, and there's no real warning before he abruptly untangles his fingers from Abel's hair, letting him go entirely. Abel still won't be getting much room to breathe, not with the way Gen remains kneeling over him, but at least his hands are held loose at his sides now, Gen seemingly having lost the drive to wield any more physical violence. For now. ]

And who asked you to be on my side. 'No matter what I do'? [ He gives a low exhale, too tired to be a bitter laugh. ] Did I hit you so hard you lost your mind?

[ Fucking moron. As if he'd believe that. As if anyone would stick by him like that, much less someone he beat the shit out of. ]

-- fine. Let's call this a test. Do whatever you wanna do. Let's see how long you can keep up that bullshit.

[ He seems to have regained his sharp tongue, his word choice petulant and arrogant once more, but Gen's lost most of his spark. It's obvious he's only saying what he feels he needs to say; his heart's not in it any more. After all, why should he feel any anticipation about this 'test' when he doesn't have any faith in Abel in the first place? The matter of this man turning on him isn't a mater of 'if,' but 'when.' And 'when' will probably be as soon as Abel's out of this place and no longer in immediate danger. Gen looks Abel over dispassionately, because it doesn't seem worth the effort to don a smirk any more. ]

I'll buy into your stupid act for now. Aren't you lucky.

[inutilis]

[ no... there's little relief in the abating of that tumultuous chaos evident in Gen's disposition - because Abel is desperately afraid of what it's absence has led to. what conclusions has Gen drawn for himself? what has he resigned, resolved himself to? just like Amos, though for different reasons - Abel is afraid of what this boy might do in the name of making peace with himself.

the fingers tangled in his hair abruptly loosen, releasing him; Abel finds himself slumped into the cold, rocky surface of the cavern floor, a dizzying vision of Gen's face beginning to re-focus after a tiny bout of vertigo at the sudden motion. but physical discomfort is easily suffocated, buried; the sole object of his attention remains the young man still hovering atop him as a calm seems to befall Gen, bit by bit.

what is he thinking--? it's too hard to tell. Abel is lacking critical pieces of the puzzle that make up his present company, and without them - he is left floundering in the dark. worry sits uneasy in his stomach, a low-burning, steady ache in his eyes. the priest is frustrated by his own impotency, his helplessness. Gen accepted the Kenoma - and like so many others, Abel doesn't think it's because of any truly malicious intent nor will to see everything undone as much as the byproduct of some internal fracture, fissure, hole.

...but it seems that rage has subsided, and Gen has made his choice. he will not be taking Abel to Xishen in the end, and endeavored through whatever mental gymnastics were necessary to arrive at that inevitable decision. is Abel relieved...? yes, in part; he wasn't quite sure what would've happened if he had allowed this to unfold - for him and the boy. but... it also means that they are parting ways.

and Gen is going to the Regent. there is nothing Abel can do about it. ]

...Then--

[ Abel swallows against whatever he had been about to say, and his jaw momentarily tightens as he seems to think better of it, slightly ragged exhale escaping between clenched teeth. time and time again, is it meant to go like this? watching people take into themselves something none of them understand, accepting something that should be so very unnatural, wrong, and yet--

... ]

Then all I can do, is... watch you go, right?

[ all Abel can do is have faith that Gen will weather whatever is waiting ahead of him; there is no other choice. but... this boy is strong, isn't he? he has made it this far despite an obviously cruel and empty life, still managed to hold out a part of his humanity that hasn't been crushed despite being given reason to be. have faith. he's strong... he is. so-- ]

...I really hope you find what you're looking for. [ even if Abel doesn't think Gen will find it where he's going, that much is true. whatever he's yearning for inside himself, whatever he's told himself it is, whatever it really might be... the priest well and truly, sincerely hopes he finds it. ]

[epiprocta]

[ He saw the way some words had gone unspoken, caught on the tip of Abel's tongue before being swallowed back, and part of him wonders what Abel had considered saying in that moment. More protests? Some sort of admonishment? Another one of those stupidly naive pleas, asking him to reconsider one last time and come with them?

His kneejerk response is to assume that Abel had finally been about to drop that saintly, self-sacrificial façade and talk back at him, maybe cuss him out, promise to extract revenge in the future. But some tiny part of him buried deep under his usual shell of bitterness and cynicism denies that possibility. This guy really had seemed stupid enough to be stubborn to the bitter end, after all. (And maybe, just maybe, an even tinier part of him wants to believe good people really do exist. That he might have had a brush with them, even if such people don't belong in his vicinity.)

Maybe it's for the best that Abel swallowed back those words. He's not sure he would have wanted his worst assumptions to have been proven right or wrong. ]

What I'm looking for.

[ Gen echoes those words at a soft deadpan before giving a bitter smile. ]

Stupid to the end, aren't you. What if what I'm looking for is a way to kill all of you? Just so I don't have to listen to your bullshit any more.

[ It's not, though. Even dizzied and disoriented, Abel must be able to tell that that's not what Gen really wants -- his delivery is apathetic and careless, and he barely bothers finishing that sentence before rising to his feet. His gaze is distant and weary when he looks down at Abel for a moment, but he's also quick to look away because he doesn't really want to meet the terrifyingly clear blue of Abel's eyes.

Doesn't want to give any hint that he's not even sure of what he's looking for any more. Whatever it is, it's probably not meant for him anyway, and he's tired of gazing upon his desires from afar.

... whatever. It's a stupid question, brought up by a stupid man. One he doubts he'll ever have to see again.

Gen doesn't even bother giving Abel a second glance as he gets to his feet; the tip of his boot clips Abel's stomach as he steps away, but it's less a move made out of hostility or malice, more an indication of the exhaustion suddenly weighing heavy against his skin. His feet feel heavy, his limbs leaden, but he can't retreat just yet, can he? He should probably make at least a good attempt to get something done to guarantee his own safety, shouldn't he? ... hopefully the next person he finds is worth picking a fight with. Maybe they can just beat the shit out of each other, and he won't have to think so hard any more. The last thing Abel might retain from this encounter is the way Gen stares bleakly ahead as he trudges away, his gait steady and determined despite the weary slump of his shoulders. ]