War with D.E.S.T.I.N.Y.

[spoofer]

Characters: Ensemble cast, any/all characters of Xistentia!
Summary: D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. comes to Xistentia for the first time, bringing with it violence and havoc. Combat against enemy agents, healing, emergency sanctuary, and "Drift Compatibility" happen here. Refer to the OOC plotting post and the mod announcement!
Date(s): November 4-18
Warnings/Notes: Violence, death, psychological themes, trauma. Please warn for anything else in your subject headers!

WAR WITH DESTINY

By headsman's blade or battle-axe

Fight For Your Life

Everything is, in short, super fucked. Era Ra's warning came at the right time, forewarning of some of the weapons and fighting styles that could be expected from D.E.S.T.I.N.Y.'s agents, but still, the people of Xistentia have not faced a force like this before. The ragtag combination of fighting styles and tactics promises both versatility and confusion.

For better or worse, D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. is in similar chaos.

The first to come are ships from the Western sea, bearing a mix of warriors in and monsters. Some wield old-fashioned steel swords and others bear laser blasters, and their armor is just as varied. Some creatures appear domesticated, while others are feral and snap at their own. However, one primary feature identifies the enemy: their war color is red, which adorns flags and uniforms. Interestingly, the sea and sky of Xistentia seem to be fighting back in their own way, massive waves and a storm, even animals pestering them as they attempt to land the beach. However, it's only a matter of time before the mainstay of their forces reach land, some two hundred fighters. It's then that sentient fires start to whirl into the forests, leaping from tree to tree.

You have the home court advantage. Even the foliage itself seems to cooperate with you, aiding in efforts for stealth by keeping you downwind, twigs failing to crack when you misstep. Soon, you're joined by Xistentia's other forces-- a handful of battered ships taking air, an odd assortment of elves and talking dogs, demons and aliens from outer-space, coordinating counter-attacks.

BATTLE MODE: ATTACK

You're locked in combat with a woman who seems oddly familiar, though you don't know her face and can't think of her name. You hit her in the head, and now a narrow slice of her face shows through her red-rimmed helm. She wields a rifle tipped with a heavy blade, though it crackles with electrical energy. She is a proficient swordswoman, deftly parrying and striking against you, her face eerily expressionless. Her blade has a switch that, when activated, will send out a net that numbs your limbs and drags you to the floor. Here's hoping you won't face this demon alone.

She's not your only problem. You may have noticed, that in every epic battle with evil wizards, there's always some kind of a problematically gigantic elephant. This is one of those days. At least, there's only one, its trunk as wide as a car, its feet moving slow, so that it might crush the trees rather than trip over them.

Fight one or both, or fight the hordes of nameless minions around them. Either way: there's plenty to do. Those of you who thought things were too quiet here? You'll be busy today.

SEEK SANCTUARY

Fighting isn't for you? Well, you'll want to get out of the way, then. The "wards" protecting the city are failing, and people are heading toward The Temple where the protections remain the strongest. Here, the injured need healing in the stone beds. The civilians do their best, comforting children, cooking food, trading intelligence, repairing weapons and armor where possible. Feel free to pitch in; they need all the help they can get.

BATTLE MODE: SUPPORT (PSYLINK)

And here, you've reached the Temple, you've laid yourself down on one of the many glass-and-stone beds within the safety of its stone walls. You know what the other Xistentia residents have told you about it— this is the next phase, after the memory share had raised shields against the psychotropic rain. This is the PsyLink. Through this bond, you are said to be able to activate special defenses. No one seems to know exactly what they are, but desperate times call for desperate measures. And beyond the Temple walls, times are desperate indeed.

Each drift requires at least two people. Your daemons will find and connect you, seemingly at random— and you may find yourself with the unlikeliest of partners.

Drift Compatible

The Kissing Booth participants find it easiest. Everyone else-- it's a wild jumble, finding yourself caught up in a firehose of not only your own memories, but that of someone else. Everything they think, everything they feel, is intertwined with your mind.

You can't get caught up in it. You have to let the memories of the past, your predictions for the future, and the terror of war flow in and out of you, without neither resistance or pursuit, gently tuning them out. And in this serenity, this psychic silence, this acceptance of not only yourself but the other other, you find perfect connectivity— harmony with your PsyLink partner.

In this space, you find yourself having strange conversations. You and your partner will share ghostly images, some of which seem to be images from the past— while others seem to be present-day moments from the battle outside, fighting the enemy, as if you are somehow in two places at once. You must find traction and stay in the now and stay calm, but it's harder than you think.

The instant you latch onto that memory or emotion, it's a mistake... but you forget.

Your shadow is here. Whether out-of-context, or right here where it was meant to be, it's trying to kill you.

But you're not trapped here alone. Someone is calling your name, a familiar voice in the pandemonium. That voice comes from your drift partner. It's up to them to pull you back, remind you of who you are, and balance you. Hold on to them - they're your anchor, but you'll have to do the same for them. A successful drift means helping each other. Do it well, and you'll help to power the temple's defences. Fail, and there'll be trouble for everyone seeking sanctuary here.

Comments

i hope this is ok too then !!!!

[astralera]

Era appreciates Aymeric's call more than she can say, for it's hard for her to focus on the big picture, tactically, when she is in the middle of combat. While she yearns to stay on the front lines in the midst of a heated battle she knows that what he says holds true - their energy would be better spent elsewhere at this point.

Emmy had given her a cursory explanation of the Psylink; explained the concept and the dangers. Suggested she pair up with someone she trusted, as though it was being subtle.

Era can't imagine doing this with anyone but Aymeric though, if she's honest with herself. While he hasn't experienced much of what she has he at least was there for a large portion of the Dragonsong War... Which could mean they are both too invested to be able to safely guide one another through the process.

She doesn't let her doubts cow her for very long. A nod of agreement is given to Aymeric and she is quick to take his hand, leading him to a quiet corner (if they can't watch each other's backs this is the next best thing, she thinks) where she pulls a length of soft cotton cloth from her inventory to blanket the floor, then directs her friend to sit down. Once Aymeric complies (long limbs somehow managing to be graceful despite how otherwise awkward the positioning is, which Era thinks is a little unfair of him) she settles down as well - on the floor between his legs, where she can press her back against his abdomen.

It's. Well. Very forward of her. But Era can't think of a better way to do this - to keep each other grounded - if they're sitting a respectful distance apart.

Emmy and Haurchefantd link them together shortly thereafter, and Era knows immediately that Aymeric will feel five predominant things from her: firstly, her resentment for being appreciated so little by Eorzea at large despite all she does for them; second, her self-loathing for feeling such resentment; third, her overwhelming desire to protect - to make sure she doesn't lose anyone else; fourth, how much she cares for him (and how much it frightens her); and lastly, (perhaps most importantly) hope. That things will improve if she works hard enough. That one day she won't be needed anymore. That no one else will die.

She does her best to let the jumble of emotions and memories rush past her like a river, not letting herself latch on to any one thing in particular despite how some memories claw at her. The intensive meditation she has done over the course of her lifetime is a boon that makes it the slightest bit easier. It is by no means an easy task, and Era hopes that because she has so few memories of her own to share that it might make things easier on Aymeric.

[remarkablymodest]

It is indeed rather forward of her; he doesn't comment on it though. Aside from a light pink dusting his cheeks, nothing is said about the position they've taken. His own propriety aside, Aymeric understands that this is a good tactic to keep them close and grounded should any complications occur. Not that he actually thinks any should arise, it doesn't hurt to be cautious.

When the connection clicks, it's a surreal jumble of thoughts, emotions, and memories. He has far more known life than Era does, that's for certain, but it's nothing remarkable. Growing up within Ishgard's guarded walls, be taken care of by Lady de Borel, befriending both Estinien and Haurchefant both during his younger years, and subsequently rising through the ranks of Ishgardian society. Lucia is there, too, someone whom had never left him wanting for a better second-in-command. All of that conjures feelings of security, safety. Comfort.

Which is promptly shattered by revelations brought by unraveling the truth of their history with the Dravanians and Thordan's insistence that was how it was, how it had always been, and would continue to be despite how wrong Aymeric perceived it to be. Everything he'd ever known and believed in was uprooted in such a short span of time, but then-

But then there's Era in all her radiance. The Warrior of Light was an apt title for a woman so bright, so beautiful, so magnificent in no shortage of ways. How deeply Aymeric cares for her - not just as a friend or comrade in arms, but as a person - will be felt in abundance. It tinges practically every memory he has with her; the good, the bad, the heartbreaking. They've shared so much together and it's not a stretch to say that he loves her, in nearly every way that one can love someone.

Unfortunately, there's still a hint of shame underlying it all. Guilt of his own at his foolish mistake of asking her to cast Nidhogg's eyes into the abyss instead of destroying them outright. How much trouble they'd still caused after the fact, practically leading to another Calamity... It was a lot for someone to shoulder. But Era and the things he feels for her helps, a little, in easing that burden. In knowing that he's not alone in the weight he carries. Nor is she, as long as he has any say.

[astralera]

It's both strange and enlightening to see some of Aymeric's memories of life before she entered it. Era has witnessed the memories of others before due to the Echo, but this is much different than that - she can feel the emotions that go with each memory rather than just watching it as one might watch a film. The concept of a mother has always been unfathomable to her but now, seeing brief flashes of Lady de Borel caring for her child and Aymeric's feelings in return, Era can understand it a little better. It's similar to the way the Mothercrystal has always guided her in her times of need, yet not quite the same.

Estinien and Haurchefant and Aymeric taking on the ranks of Ishgard together makes her heart practically burst with fondness. Era can only wish she could have experienced it all for herself alongside them, and it makes her all the more grateful for what time she did have with her Elezen companions. Lucia, too, is an ally she is glad to have met and one that she finds herself surprised to miss of her own accord rather than from any of Aymeric's influence.

Aymeric's feelings for her, however, surprises her even more. Though it's a pleasant sort of a surprise; one that warms her chest and puts a smile on her face. Saying she can't understand why he feels such things for her would be untrue - the link between them gives her some inkling as to his reasons. Still, it's hard to wrap her mind around such a wonderful person caring about her as more than a friend or comrade and so she focuses instead on the shame and guilt she detects.

It had been a sensible idea. At the time none of them could have known something would manage to whisk the eyes away from such a hostile and inhospitable environment. Era recalls thinking it was the best course of action; agreeing to it, when she could easily have forced them to come up with a different idea. She pushes her own perspective and feelings of that moment at her friend's shame, supportive and stern.

Coming back into her own self devoid of her link to Aymeric's mind, Era finds herself far more disoriented than when they had first been connected. Once moment she was thoroughly encompassed by the warmth of what he felt for her, and the next it has faded to nothing but the warmth of his body against her back.

"...Aymeric?"

[remarkablymodest]

"Era," he answers, before he's truly lucid. It does take a moment of readjustment.

In a blink, they're back to the present. He's back to the moment where Era is sitting with her back against him, her closeness keeping warm in more than just the physical. There's the muffled sounds of combat outside the temple walls. He knows this is hardly the time, honestly, for this sort of revelation. They have much more pressing matters to concern themselves with. Yet, neither of them could have known that in trying to aid in the fight against D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. that such a thing would come to light.

"I had no idea," he starts, arms moving to encircle around Era, "that you felt the same way." He should have, he thinks. In hindsight, it seems so obvious.

[astralera]

Era is unspeakably relieved that Aymeric doesn't move to separate them just yet; that his arms come to wrap around her instead of extricate her. Not that she believes he would wish to - not after what she learned of how he felt - but because it feels too good to be true. Things usually seem to go wrong for her just when they've started to look up.

"It was a recent revelation," she answers quietly, allowing her full weight to lean into her friend's arms. "Though I did not believe you would ever..."

That he would ever care for her the same way. Regardless of how clear his feelings for her have always been.

Era exhales deeply, trying to refocus her thoughts to the situation at hand. This is an inopportune moment to deal with their mutual feelings for each other. There is a war to be fought and won. Her tail twitches the slightest bit in agitation. "I need to return to the front lines soon," she says, doing her best to keep the reluctance out of her tone. "Would you care to join me for a quick meal?"

[remarkablymodest]

That's a sentiment that he certainly shares. In a way, he is almost afraid that this is something too beautiful to truly be reality. Part of him wonders if they aren't still in the drift, but no- He can hear clearly the sounds of battle, of mayhem and chaos. Much as he wants to indulge in this and discuss further, it is a rather inopportune time.

Time is a luxury though in Xistentia. He has no doubt that they'll come by more of it and better suited to their needs before long. For now, however, he gives a slight nod at her words. "Aye," he answers. "No doubt they'll be needing your expertise before long." He does actually believe that they're at a great disadvantage without the Warrior of Light by their side, even if he'll also be the first to try and get her to rest.

"I'd be happy to accompany you, too," he continues, pulling his arms back and allowing her to make the move to stand first, following suit.

[astralera]

"Then let us find a table," she smiles, withholding a sigh as Aymeric moves his arms. Responsibility comes first, always. Even when she would rather stay curled up in her friend's arms.

Era rises to her feet after a moment's pause, though before Aymeric can stand and while they're still close to eye level she gives him a kiss on his cheek. It's a quick, chaste thing, but a kiss all the same; slightly chapped lips to warm skin.

Immediately afterward she continues on as though she hadn't just done such a thing, yet her cheeks are the slightest bit flushed and the very tip of her tail curls up and down repeatedly. Era doesn't mind making small gestures of affection like that, but would rather not have any attention brought to it.

[remarkablymodest]

That is a sentiment he agrees with wholly. Even if he would much rather throw responsibility to the wind in the moment (and might have, were he a younger man), he understands now more than ever the importance of fulfilling one's promises. They agreed to help F.A.T.E.S. fight off D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. and so they shall. Protecting this world was their priority, especially as it meant that the rest of theirs would also still be secured.

He isn't expecting the kiss so that's likely the reason it makes his heart jump. Ironic that he just felt like a man and a kiss from a beautiful woman whom he admires reverts him back to a teenage boy in what feels like a blink. He's too stunned at first to properly comment on it but the swiftness that she moves on keeps him from doing so even after he's recovered.

"Let's," he agrees, standing up and following suit. "Hopefully we will be able to find something suitable and get you back to the frontlines soon."