Event Nine.

[awashmods]

Thus, on Life’s gloomy sea, Heareth the marinere Voices sweet, from far and near, Ever singing in his ear, “Here is rest and peace for thee!”

t's a dark night, and the sounds of feet in the darkness are further dampened and hidden by even more magic, as they are lured away by the soft sounds of dreams that are too good to be true, leaving the Town much, much emptier than when it began. On one side, an island, and a ticking clock to a gruesome death. On the other, the slow realization that those bonds everyone has been forging might mean much, much more than they first thought. Welcome to Awash's ninth event log, everyone! Further information on this event can be found here at the OOC post. You are welcome to start your own posts or logs for this event as well. If there are any questions, please ask them here. Please be sure to very clearly mark where your characters are in your prompts, so people know which they can tag depending on which group they are in. Thank you!

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[unghost]

ISLAND PROMPTS: OPEN TO KIDNAPPEES

i. rise and shine

[ Waking up here is disorienting if all else, because it's still a bit fuzzy how they got here. It feels like there's water in their ears, water completely soaked through their clothes...and most importantly, water has completely washed off the white powder that usually goes on their body, leaving them with a very, very glittery and dark appearance. Seriously, it's hard to look at them fully in the sunlight with how much they are shimmering.

And they don't seeem to appreciate that very much, because if anyone gives them the eye for more than a few seconds, they quickly let you know how they feel about it. ]

What? What are you looking at.

[ They're scowling right at you while moving to take their shoe off, obviously in a sour mood. They'd love to confirm their suspicions about how they got here with the person they just barked at, but first, they have to be grumpy about the staring. It's just like that sometimes. ]

ii. fishing trip

[ Of course, with how barren the island is, it's understandable that so many people are fishing. But what's also understandable? Mistaking the glimmer from their crystal hair under the water for something edible, like one of those tasty mutant fish!! Maybe your spear hits their head, or your line gets tangled up on their neck— either way, there's a squawk that comes from under the water, bubbles coming up to the surface. They're far enough out in the water that when standing at their full height, they're fully submerged, but being disturbed causes them to storm up a few steps, enough that their head comes up above the water. There's nothing human about their appearance, as light reflects all around them and onto the water, but at least they're not a siren...? Just a very irritated looking fae-crystal-person. ]

Do I look like a fish to you?

[ Is that sarcasm or a genuine question...? We'll never know, since they sound too annoyed to distinguish. ]

iii. they protecc, but they also attacc

[ Maybe the sirens are giving you some weird looks, or even blatantly talking about how they're going to eat you next, but the next thing you know, there's a smooth and cold hand at your shoulder, tugging you closer. ]

You don't want to get eaten or whatever, by those things, right. [ They leer in the direction of the sirens, watching them carefully. ] Stay close to me.

[ It's true that the sirens don't seem very interested in getting a mouth full of crystal, but it doesn't seem like that'll stop them from trying to snatch you away from them, since they're making an advance regardless. ]

RESCUE AND RETURN: OTA

iv. to the rescue!!

[ They're surprised when the boats come, when they see how many of the other inhabitants have come to rescue them. It's also a little bit disheartening, because... looking at those rickety boats, they're not sure they're going to be able to go on one of those at all, given their high density. Will they be able to go back at all? Those are the thoughts they're having while studying the boats from their hiding place in the brush...at least until they hear a noise behind them. Maybe you're a rescuee that came from the other side of the island that they didn't see, or simply another kidnappee looking to escape!

Either way, since they've been punching sirens left and right for the last few days, your approach will be met with a hard offensive swing from their fist!! Please duck in time to keep all your teeth. And bones. ]

v. build-a-gorm

[ As soon as the boat Cairngorm is in hits the shores of Chroma, they let out a long groan. Well, most of them does, at least. In order to get across the sea without sinking every boat they stepped foot in, they're missing both their legs and one of their arms— which of course, means, they're not in the greatest condition right now. ]

Ugh... are we here? [ They push themself up on the right arm that they still have attached, blinking wearily. That's right, in the midst of dozing off, they forgot someone else is with them, not to mention the identity of the person they are with. ] Took you long enough.

[ They don't seem to be in pain, but they do seem a little dazed, looking around confusedly at the land that's become home-sweet-home for the last few months. ]

iii

[glaciers]

[He'd rather not be eaten by anything, thanks buddy. But Shouto does let himself stand a little closer to Cairngorm as the Sirens try to decide which one gets to sink their fangs into him.]

You're right.

... What about you? [Their hand feels not like flesh. Something different? But that could just be a quirk.]

[unghost]

I'm made of crystal. They won't be able to eat me even if they try to.

[ That's supposed to be reassuring, but for some reason they have a feeling that even that won't deter the sirens from at least attacking them, which of course means gross siren slobber in their future... they take a step back and pull the other with them, moving a little bit more in front of him as the sirens hiss in their direction. ]

You, on the other hand... you must be human. It's better if you just stay behind me.

[glaciers]

You've always been made of crystal? [He takes a moment to look at them before looking at the sirens. The very hungry, quarreling sirens.] I think they're going to try anyway.

[But he lets himself get pulled back. Today is not a good day to be eaten.]

Maybe we should just get away from shore.

[unghost]

Yes. I'm not human, my kind are born like this.

[ They'd love to elaborate, but this probably isn't the most ideal place to do it. What the other says makes sense, so they continue retreating further away from the craggy shores, farther up on the rocky hills that make up this island. ]

I don't know if it'll be worth it for them to follow if we go far enough away. [ The sirens at least seem to be arguing about it— it's not like they are adapted to maneuver on this terrain. It's a lot of work for one meal. ] I guess that's what that song is for.

[ Maybe covering their ears is the best solution to their problems. ]

iii

[scooptimistic]

[ Maybe if Maya could stop sassing the Sirens or summoning up enough strength to summon Artemis to drive them back with a burst of ice every now and then, or stop looking like she has meat on her bones(????), this wouldn't be a problem and they wouldn't want to gnaw on her quite so badly.

But here they are, and here is this... person? This crystalline person???

Sure, she'll stay close, but she's also bracing herself as the Sirens don't seem all too daunted by the prospect of having to fight for her. ]

I can't say this was the kind of bonding I was expecting, but sure, let's be great friends.

[ And she will indeed stick close. ]

[unghost]

In what way does this have to do with friendship...

[ They heave a sigh, not looking particularly worried despite the state of things. One of the sirens creeps closer to them, low to the ground, and Cairngorm moves half a step in front of her— enough that they're clearly guarding her, but not far enough away to leave her open to anyone else. ]

Either way, I thought they might give up since I'm here, but I guess they are that desperate. [ The other two sirens behind the one that's advancing lie in wait, as if watching for whatever scene is about to unfold. ] You don't happen to have some sort of weapon, do you?

[scooptimistic]

Unfortunately, I don't sleep with my guns. But I have a way of fighting back, if that counts?

[ It just takes a draining amount of effort on this island, so she's not too sure she'll be all that helpful if she uses it. She also feels a little bad using this nice, exasperated person as a shield, but she also won't move away from them. ]

[unghost]

[ The siren makes a leap for Cairngorm, but they don't particularly mind using their arm as a chew toy if they can effectively hold the beast back. When the teeth make contact with their forearm, there's a clinking noise, their free hand coming to push back on the forehead of the monster— for how delicate they look, they match the siren's strength easily. All they do is frown in annoyance at the circumstance. ]

And what would that way of fighting back be?

[ They seem completely fine with having this nonchalant conversation during this!!! ]

ii

[withwisdom]

[ at first zelda just thinks she's hit a very large rock, but quickly stumbles her feet back as something bubbles up in the water. her first instinct is to grip the spear back to her person and ready for an attack, nerves frayed and the sirens ever lurking. but when she sees a familiar head pop out, her survival instincts come to settle. ]

Cairngorm? [ she says dumbly, before letting out a heavy sigh, annoyance now in her voice as well. ] Oh gods, you gave me such a fright!

[unghost]

[ Their brows furrow when they hear Zelda's familiar voice, both relieved and stressed out to see her on this island. They're at least glad she recognizes them, even in their slightly altered state. ]

How do you think I feel? I thought you'd chip me...

[ On cue, they walk forward out of the water more so they can feel their face for any crack or other flaw, sighing just as she is. ]

You're fishing right now?

[withwisdom]

[ she gets a better look at them now that they left the water, and is definitely surprised by the different tone in their rock make-up. is that just from the water right now, or something else? ]

I am. It isn't pleasant, but there's no fruit on the island or vegetation suitable for consumption. [ ...she tried eating the leaves is what she's saying without saying here. ] Do you want me to help check? I don't think the wood is strong enough to do any lasting damage.

[ or so she hopes, they have enough troubles here as it is. ]

[unghost]

No, it's alright... it should be fine if it's just wood.

[ With a shake of their head, they continue approaching her, putting a hand at their hip and giving a quick scan to make sure there's no sirens about. ]

But if you're looking for fish, there aren't many over here. That way, however... [ They point to the left, glancing down into the water. ] I don't have to breathe or anything, so I can help you look for them from underwater. It'll save time.

[ Who knows, maybe the fish would be drawn to super shimmery stuff too!! ]

iv

[swordfucker]

[Or maybe you're just Guren, who led this stupid trip to the island and has that uncanny talent of getting past people. He'd intended to get further into the island to give the Sirens a surprise— but it's Cairngorm who he finds, instead. He had intended on greeting them quietly, but the fist kind of ruins that.

Thankfully, he just leans to one side because he thinks he's such a cool guy, reaching to take the gem's arm afterwards.]

Is that how you always greet your rescuers? [hi]

[unghost]

[ It takes a few seconds for them to recognize him and make sense of what's happening, eyes wide. ]

Guren... [ His words finally register, and they pull their arm out of his hold slowly, much gentler than they might have usually. ] Rescue? What, you planned all of this?

[swordfucker]

It took us a while to be able to see the island, so sorry we're a little late.

[That's his answer, in a way, hand dropping once Cairngorm takes theirs back, eyes flicking to the movement starting on the rest of the island. Other kidnapees moving, rafts landing at the rocky shore, sirens alerted to all of it. He reaches for his sword.

But even Guren seems to realize something about the rafts.]

How much do you weigh?

[unghost]

What? I don't know my weight in the way that you measure it.

[ Their eyes follow his back to the rafts, knowing exactly why he is bringing this up, since they were just thinking it too. ]

But I just know that I weigh too much to go on those rafts in one piece. They'll sink.

v

[tropism]

Hello.

[ the ... limbs are missing. but they're not bleeding at all? giorno frowns. ]

I can heal, but ... I'm not sure if I should try that on you. [ a pause. ] What usually works for you?

[unghost]

[ His voice draws their confused attention, doing what they can to keep their eyes all the way open. Who is this again...? Given the nature of their species, their memory can get a little fuzzy when they're not completely whole. ]

You're that sheep guy. [ Now that they're sitting up, they rub at one of their eyes. That's right. Giorno, or something like that. ] ...But I don't need to be healed. I just need to find my limbs and reattach them.

[ As if to articulate this, they look across the beach at the other landed boats, remembering distantly that they'd directed the people chaperoning their other body parts to either leave them in the boats or take them to their house, given they knew where Cairngorm lived. ]

[tropism]

... all the same material, right? [ that's a lot of parts. ] I'll do my best to gather as much as I can.

Does this happen often to you? [ he's starting with the ones easiest to pick up first and puts them near them. ]

[unghost]

[ There should be three big pieces along with accompanying shards: all parts of their legs. The rest of them likely is still at sea or already got delivered to their house... ]

I wouldn't say it happens "often". [ They groggily rub at one of their eyes, watching him collect the pieces of black quartz. It really will be a struggle to go back to Flavo and glue them back on. ] I'm only like this because I needed to find a way to not sink these rafts.

[ At the time it sounded like a good idea, but now that they're dealing with playing operation, it's kind of a hassle. ]

v

[heartsteals]

[ by the time Cairngorm is actually back on shore, it can be assumed Lupin knows the situation. Being happy about it is another matter. He definitely chaperoned at least one of their parts back to town (despite feeling utterly dreadful earlier - he found that his strength started returning the moment he set foot on the sirens' island), if not with their actual head and body.

He knows just fine that they can live through something like this - he helped them with it before, after all. It's still unnerving to see them missing limbs and looking so confused. ]

Yeah, we just got here. Are you feeling okay?

[ are they too heavy to carry when they've only got one arm?? he guesses he'll find that out a few moments from now... ]

[unghost]

[ Given that all the gems are about 70% leg, and they're missing both, their weight should be cut down to less than half! They're probably still heavier than he is, but it's definitely a huge step up from their usual weight.

Anyway, it definitely takes a few long moments for them to respond, squinting at him like they're trying to remember who he is. Yes, he looks familiar, and they know distantly that they know him pretty well, but in the state they're in, it's like all the knowledge they have about him is just floating around and they can't really discern what applies to him and what doesn't. ]

It's just a bit hard to stay awake. It doesn't hurt or anything, if that's what you're wondering... my kind, gems, can't feel pain.

[ Have they already told him about gems? How their kind is? They can't remember. They guess it won't hurt to remind him, if they already have. ]

[heartsteals]

I know, I know... You just look awful.

[ he knows that their memories are missing in pieces, too, which is probably why they just told him that again. This is a practical answer to the problem of getting them off the island and across the lake - they're way too heavy to just put on a boat normally. Lupin wracked his brain, but he couldn't come up with a better solution in the middle of battle over there. Cairngorm's not hurt by it, and they can be put back together.

But it's hard not to disapprove - it feels wrong, and cruel, and man, he's looking at this through too much of a human lens, he knows, but how can he help it when he is a human? He frowns, heavily, then gets to his feet, stepping off the boat onto the beach with a small splash. ]

Seeing you like this is bad for my heart. Let's get you put back together before I start feeling any sicker.

[ and with that, he leans down, trying to slip a hand under Cairn's one remaining arm and whatever's left of their legs, provided they don't stop him. ]

[unghost]

[ It's simply too tiring to ask what he means by "bad for his heart" or "feeling sick", even if they'd also like a clarification on the looking awful comment. While he speaks, their eyelids are heavy, and not in the typically sleepy way that Lupin might have seen a few times by now— they really are struggling to stay conscious, brow furrowed more in focus than out of worry. ]

The rest of me should be at my house...in Flavo. [ They add, even though it seems like he must already know where they live. ] If the boats carrying those pieces have made it back, that is.

[ If they're remembering correctly, there should be five pieces total: two halves of each of their legs, and their left arm. It's possible some ships are taking longer to get back, or maybe they are worrying for nothing and all their parts are already home, but they have no way of knowing until they get there. When he moves to pick them up, they actually accommodate him (half because they really have no other choice and half because they really do want to hurry up and go home), leaning into him and moving their hand to grip his shoulder loosely. ]

...Just, don't drop me. [ They're almost mumbling while they close their eyes. ] It'll get complicated if I lose anything else.