xistentia | Prison World #3: Panultima (tw violence, torture, coercion)

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Prison World #3: Panultima (tw violence, torture, coercion)

Characters: Ensemble Cast, maybe even you!
Summary: The third prison world in Xistentia is a terrifying subdimension where sentient people exploit each other in order to run technology that will fend off D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. The 'ruling' class, Primus, are bound to a system of coupling (see: fake dating!), legacy and nepotism, whereas the Servus are put through an elaborate media circus (see: Hunger Games). You're here to study this world. And perhaps even to free those captured.
Date(s): February 8-20
Warnings/Notes: Violence, torture, coercion

Panultima

You cursed your gods and died

The Primus Life

If you thought Earth was a tough neighborhood, welcome to Panultima. Here, life is sweet. At least, as long as you're one of the Primus class.

It's a sprawling city of wicked spires and elaborate canals, covered in a luminous, translucent shield. Rather than a circular planet resting in orbit, instead, it's a flat plane of matter suspended in space, the foundations of the buildings rooted in only a hundred feet of stone and unknown technology. But the vast majority of citizens care little for that. After all, the city has every amenity and experience one might desire.

Restaurants line the streets. Theater is at an apex in development, with a particular focus on integration of moral philosophical themes. Gondolas run the canals, whereas a railway races over the winding laser-track in the air. Fashion is diverse, colorful, characterized by wild shapes, patterns, and accessories. Food imported from worlds both thriving and dying across the multiverse. At the numerous colleges and institutes, premier technology and opera are under constant invention and reinvention.

COUPLE STUFF

Primus culture emphasizes couples. Trios. Larger groups of lovers than that, even. After all, with romantic love and loyalty to care for, and survival hanging on it... who has the time or energy to care about justice for all?

Not these guys!

In this world, the mission and pleasure roll together well. The implant picks up information, so your main job is to explore. Perhaps you and your partner might enjoy yourself a glow-in-the-dark cocktail in a smoky bar where a two-headed singer is providing the music, a tour of the massive shield generators in the sparkling complex. Or pick fruit from one of the hundreds of bonding trees in the city's central park— so named, because it requires successful completion of questions to "the newlywed game" for each before one of the luscious, sweet fruits is released from a vine.

THE SERVUS LIFE

But for the little guy, life is considerably shittier. Welcome to the arena, the fully manipulable bubble reality set up to torture the slave class. The emotions of pain, fear, anguish, and wild, adrenal victory.

Most days, it looks like a forest— incidentally, very much like Xistentia. There are dozens of hybrid creatures in it, most of which are edible, others toxic, several very dangerous. However, the ground below can change at any moment, turning into mud or belching acid baths. Or you might find yourself abruptly attacked by a bear with biological armor growing from its huge shoulders. The control room, operated by Primus, is concealed from view. Its role is to keep the environment challenging for those competing, shifting the settings of the place to advantage some and cripple others.

But the arena's programming isn't the only threat.

Instead, you have a motley host of macabre killers, other Servus locked up in here just like you. Some have survived in here for years, earning favor from audiences thanks to the amount of pure horror they squeezed out of their victims. Some of the better-known brands are the Bantam Butcher, a fallen angel whose first kills were those who took his wings, and now thrives on torture. The trapmaster seems to have control over environmental factors that rivals the control room. And the baker trio will eat the flesh from your bones if they catch you.

For infiltrators, the challenge is worse. Not only might you need to kill, survive, and explore the arena with your implant— but if you want to save the very same people who are out to murder you, how are you going to do that?

Breakout!

Several days into the mission, and that's when it happens-- the control room shuts down, under attack. And suddenly, there's pandemonium. Within the arena, some of the servus know immediately what this means— and they're willing to make a break for it, cutting each other down, crippling each other if it means that the Primus might have slower-moving people to contend with and allow them to escape. Others seem to have long since given up, failing to respond as the trees suddenly go dark and motionless, the birdsong dying into silence. After all, where is there to go? It's either D.E.S.T.I.N.Y., or to join the system that hates them, isn't it?

Are you inside the arena, or out? Are you there to help the fleeing Servus, or are you merely ready to scramble on home yourself and save your own skin?

Footnotes

Please ensure that threads are marked with appropriate content warnings!
The plotting post for this event can be found here, and the original announcement with some other details is here.

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[ It isn't a false proposal. Not in his eyes. Despite the circumstances that led to it being less than ideal, he realized soon as he saw Era injured that even though it was something that must be done to ensure her safety... it was also what he wanted to do to.

He finds the way she's suddenly tied inexplicably adorable. He won't say that, of course, but- He doesn't have to. The smile that spreads across his face at her saying she'll marry him is bright enough to rival the sun shining off Coerthas snow. To say he's a very happy man in this moment would likely be the understatement of the era.

It's with simultaneous ease and care that he slides the ring onto her finger. It fits perfectly and something about that is reassuring; like that this was meant to be. ] I haven't the words to express how happy I am to hear it.

[ Jubilation is a good look on Aymeric. ]

I hadn't planned for a ceremony all things considered, but... The arrangements can be easily made if that's your desire.

[ Era balks at the thought of a ceremony - she isn't fond of having much attention on her, nor would she want such a thing while she is missing a horn. If Aymeric would like one she won't object, but considering he hadn't planned for a ceremony Era thinks the chances are good that he doesn't particularly care. ]

I would be happy to just sign the proper documentation. There isn't much need for a ceremony.

[ If she's being completely honest she doesn't want a real ceremony if her friends and allies in Eorzea and Othard are not able to be there. Era hasn't thought about marriage before, but she knows of a few traditions. It would mean the world if Edmont could walk her down the isle, as he is the only father figure Era has in her life, and it was his son who made this possible in the first place. ]

My only request is that I craft our rings.

[ Truth be told, he hadn't prepared for one due to similar reasons. There were so many people that he would want to be there - both for her sake and his - that it didn't feel right to host a proper ceremony. But he wanted to make sure to give her the option, at least. He knows that Era would likely cherish the company more than the actual event and so-

They'll wait. Hopefully, when they come back to Eorzea they can have a small, private marriage with all those considered family and dear friends. That was how he wanted to do it originally, if he's being completely honest. Time wasn't on their side though and he can't actually regret the decision despite the circumstances.

She's safe. She's... going to be his wife. He has to get used to the idea, actually, but. It's certianly not a bad thing. ]

Of course, [ he says, smile less intense than before but still lingering. ] To both conditions. I tried to find the best goldsmith that I could in this world, but people seem to be rather content with mediocracy.

[ He knows you could make a way better ring, babe. ]

They do seem to care more for standing out than they do for quality. [ She has only been in the hospital and now here so far, but it isn't a very difficult observation to make even then. ]

I will need half a bell to craft them, then we can be wed as swiftly as the ruling parties here wish.

[ Because the first thing she's meant to do as a 'free woman' is sign herself over to the one who purchased her. Which Era is fine with since it's Aymeric. Had it been someone else, however... ]

And then we can find a place to sleep, that you might be my pillow.

[ Because despite her injuries being healed Era is rather exhausted. And would like to just curl up against Aymeric's side for a while regardless, honestly. ]

[ He wouldn't have allowed it. Despite knowing other parties could have possibly been interested, he moved swiftly enough that it thankfully wasn't an issue. Anyone trying to treat Era as a prize to be won would have had to answer to him. He likes to think he's a fairly reasonable man, but- The idea alone makes him just a little tense.

He softens immedaitely gain though at her words. ]

It shouldn't be too terribly long, I imagine. After all, they have such an...urgency about people in this class being betrothed. [ It was a little strange admittedly. The dichotomy between this caste and the Servus just got more and more disconcerting the more he thought about it. ]

I can't promise to be most the comfortable of pillows but hopefully one that will suffice for now.

[ Or forever. Y'know. No biggie. ]

[ Era will be the first to admit how strange it is, but strange is par for the course when it comes to her life and experiences so she doesn't think too intensely on it. Instead she sends Aymeric a considering and definitely appreciative look. ]

So long as you don't wear your armor you make a fine pillow, Aymeric.

[ She realizes a moment later that she's staring at her dear friend in a manner similar to that of the shallower Ishgardian women who titter on about how handsome the Lord Commander is. Cheeks burning, Era averts her gaze instead to the ring on her hand as she pulls her goldsmithing hammer from her inventory. The change in her clothing is instant - one moment she is Era Ra the Red Mage and the next she is a master Goldsmith. ]

I shall finish our rings post haste.

[ While she might believe the way that she looks at him is similar to noblewoman hoping to steal the Lord Commander's attention for just a little while, he doesn't think so at all. Her gaze is something he'll never compare to the trite, surface-level infatuation of the high house's ladies.

He doesn't seem too surprised by her sudden transformation. He's witnessed it before, after all, and- It makes sense that she'd want to finish this right now. ]

I look forward to seeing your craftsmanship. [ She's made clothes and other miscellaneous items for them both during their time in Xistentia but this is different. He knows the importance of this and while he isn't doing anything as boyish as waiting with baited breath, he's still decidely intrigued. He wants to see what she thinks will suit them both best. ]

[ As this will take more than a few moments - Era wants to do an exceptional job, after all - she leads Aymeric over to somewhere he can sit while she works. Accustomed as she is to kneeling at her workbench, Era needs no seat for herself and is quick to settle in on the floor. With no need to keep an eye on her surroundings (Aymeric is there and will keep guard if need be) she fixates on the task at hand.

She's seen various plain wedding rings, and while there is nothing wrong with that... Era has sapphires and diamonds and the skill to imbue protective elements into the precious gemstones. Her mind's eye supplies her with the perfect rings - bands of yellow gold with almond-cut sapphires the shade of Aymeric's eyes and diamond accents to make them stand out.

In short, it reminds her of the Lord Commander's armor and the Lord Commander himself. She's certain Aymeric will like it; while jeweled it isn't of an effeminate cut, and it sports his favourite colour. There are no gemstones Era knows of that match her eyes but she can engrave some embellishments that are reminiscent of her scales...

With a vision in mind it takes very little time for Era to hammer out a pair of rings. Her own is too small to engrave anything on the inside beyond the date. Aymeric's is much larger, giving her the room to carve in very small Eorzean: May we ever walk in the light of the crystal, my love.

It's... perhaps overly sentimental, but the writing is difficult to see with the naked eye let alone read. Only with her magnifying monocle can Era read it herself.

She runs a little longer than half a bell but not by much, and when she looks at the rings resting in her palm she can't help the pride the wells up inside her. They are marvelous. Better even than what she had imagined.

Putting her equipment away, Era changes into her ao dai in an eye's blink as she stands, exhaling somewhat sharply at the aches that make themselves known.

She may not have a wedding dress but her ao dai is a suitable enough substitute. Aymeric won't care what she wears, Era knows, which makes her even more determined to look as beautiful as she can for him - even with a missing horn. ]

Shall we go?

[ He waits while she works. He doesn't let his gaze linger overly long since he knows he doesn't enjoy the pressure of someone looking over his shoulder while he worked. Lucia was a nice presence to have but even so he needed his time alone when he was required to focus.

Even for as much freedom as Xistentia has offered both of them in no shortage of ways, when they infiltrate brutal worlds like these he misses the comforts of home most of all. He misses his morning tea, paperwork, and relatively simple life. Wars and revolutions aside, of course.

When she's finally finished, he can't help but smile despite himself at the outfit she adorns. It isn't a wedding dress, no, but it's more than he imagined she'd have available. He'd marry her in any garb she chose, honestly, just as long as she was comfortable and content. He thinks Era is beautiful no matter what she wears, she's right, but he does know to appreciate the effort nonetheless.

When he has time to view the engraving, he'll appreciate that. More than words might be able to actually express. Hopefully, his actions here in Panultima make up for his ineloquence when that time arrives. ]

Yes, we shall. Hopefully, this will ensure that our remaining time here goes swiftly and F.A.T.E.S. will be satisfied with the information we bring back.

[ She better be, for all that Era's sacrificed. ]

[ Era inclines her head at the mention of F.A.T.E.S, having let the purpose of her information gathering slip her mind for the past day. Understandably so, of course. If F.A.T.E.S. is displeased Era honestly would not be able to find it in herself to care about it all too much. She did her best and nothing less.

Rings held carefully in her hand, she uses the other to take Aymeric's in her own (or perhaps more accurately wrap her hand around the ends of a few of his fingers, as his are so large where hers are so small). Era isn't sure where they're meant to go from here but knows that he likely had the bureaucratic nonsense figured out ahead of time.

She keeps him to her left, as that is where she lacks a horn and is most vulnerable until it grows back. What Era cannot hear coming Aymeric most certainly will - a fact that eases any lingering tension. ]

[ Honestly? Aymeric himself had put it to the wayside until mentioning it himself. He's not sure that what they've paid here will be worth whatever F.A.T.E.S is looking for. Hopefully, it's something that will help restore everyone's worlds and nothing less. He's not sure that he can accept any less at this point.

He's happy to take her by the hand to get everything situated. They forgo a formal ceremony despite the insistence of the Primus filing the paperwork that it's such a joyous occasion and worth celebrating. Aymeric might agree, any other time. He thinks those things are true of marrying Era still but that fanfare isn't anything both of them are up for as they'd discussed.

It's a basic exchanging of rings under someone watching to officiate. He's careful and delicate with hers, promising in his on the spot vows to do it again properly someday in the near future. It's all said and done in a few hours time. They're returning to his overly spacious apartment sometime late in the evening. This world never seems to sleep, colors and celebrations going on during all hours of the night,
but he's certainly tired.

He can only imagine Era's exhaustion. ]

I suppose it's time for me to fulfill my promise of becoming a pillow, [ he says, to try and alleviate some of the tension. ]

[ Era keeps glancing at her ring finger once the ceremony is over and done with, almost as though she isn't sure what just happened. She's happy to be with Aymeric - overjoyed, really - but it's also very... overwhelming. Her head spins, and not just because of her missing horn.

Somehow it isn't surprising to find that Aymeric's current residence is larger than her cottage back in the Lavender Beds. It gets a tired breath of a laugh. Why do people need so much space to live in? Anima would likely wish to explore every nook and cranny, were he not safe in Xistentia with Peki.

Her dear friend - now her dear husband (and that will take a good long while to get used to) - does indeed lessen the tension with his statement. Era has been yearning to simply curl up against Aymeric's chest and be held in his arms for days on end. It's a tad bit frightening how much she has come to need these things from him in her life. Is that what love is? ]

If you would be so kind. I shall get ready for bed.

[ Her posture screamed of how exhausted she is as soon as she stepped through the threshold into Aymeric's apartment; spine curved and steps more a shuffle than a stride. It's as though gravity has put in extra effort to drag her down.

Era offers her friend a smile before making her way to where she believes the bathroom to be. She takes a moment to wash her face and brush her teeth with a spare toothbrush she scrounged up, then trades her ao dai and tights for her favourite pink yukata (minus the obi) and her favourite pair of lace-trimmed cotton panties.

With that finished, Era exits the bathroom and looks for Aymeric. ]

[ Even for someone with a manor that he usually calls home, he has to admit that this is... excessive. People of the Primus class acted as if it was just a standard affair to have abodes large as a cathedral. If that was the norm, he wasn't sure he wanted to see the land that people who were actually wealthy called their own.

Not that it matters. They'll be free of this world soon. Not soon enough, of course, but he hopes it goes swifter than drag on for the remaining days. ] Of course, [ he says to that, moving away from his wife (also a mental adjustment he'll have to make) and to getting himself ready for bed.

By the time she's finished getting ready, he's already lounging on the overly large bed. His back is propped up against the headboard. He hadn't wanted to get too comfortable without her, you see. His gaze turns to her with a warm smile; unlike most men on their wedding night, he isn't anticipating anything more than what they've already discussed. It wouldn't feel right to besides not with Era injured and exhuasted. For as traditional as he can be, too, he doesn't buy into the one that claims sex is the only way to consummate a marriage. ]

I hope it isn't too soft for you, [ is all he says, knowing her preference for firmer beds. Unfortunately, the population of Panultima seemed to enjoy emulating sleeping on clouds. It was a bizarre trend. ]

[ Had there been a need to consummate in the traditional sense, Era likely would have refused the proposal - not because she did not wish to be married Aymeric, but because it would be unfair to the both of them. And Era had a strong inkling that there would be some manner of prison break at the Arena sooner rather than later.

Luckily for them this is not the case. She is here now, chest warmed by the sight of Aymeric waiting for her in a bed that will most certainly be too soft. Her lips curve upward into a small smile.

With anyone else Era would feel uncomfortable bearing so much bruise-mottled skin with already-healing scars and damaged scales - and that isn't even taking into consideration her missing horn (which she does feel uncomfortable bearing even for Aymeric). But for her dear friend and now husband, she does not mind letting her yukata slip from her shoulder and onto the floor near the bed. It had kept her warm on the journey from the bathroom to the bedroom, and now that Era is here with Aymeric to keep her warm instead it's no longer needed.

And perhaps maybe a small part of her did want to do something slightly more 'traditional', even if it was simply allowing him to see her bare breasts for the first time.

Era doesn't make a big production of it - there is no delay between her removing her yukata and moving to the bed (she does pause to crinkle her nose in distaste at how much her hand sinks into the mattress when she puts her weight on it, however). She doesn't make an effort to cover herself with any blankets, simply slides under the sheets and presses herself against Aymeric's side with a quiet, weary sigh.

She is not the type of person who says I love you out loud, but the way she makes sure to press a fleeting kiss to the corner of his jaw expresses it well enough. ]

[ When the cloth of her yukata splits and slides off her shoulders to the ground, he has a hard time taking his eyes off her. Any man in his right mind would. And probably a good handful of women, too! His gaze is fixated to the Auri but with love behind his blue eyes. Desire is there too, naturally, but it actually takes a backseat to how enamored he cleary is just by the sight of her.

If he didn't know any better, he'd believe that Nymeia herself wove Era out of celestial silk with how soft her skin is to touch. Even bruised and battle-worn, he can't remember anything feeling quite as nice. She's radiant as her name Warrior of Light has always implied, yet, the glow around her right now is much softer than he's used to. She tends to burn bright as the sun with a fiery passion for what's right. Currently, however, it's a gentle warmth just for him and something he meant wholly sincerely when he said he would covet for the rest of his days.

A kiss is all he needs to be content as she settles in next to him. Truthfully, he hadn't been about to ask for anything even close to this. Perhaps that why he's treating it with such sincere appreciation because he understands just how valuable this moment is. He isn't the overly sentimental type or someone who says I love you either. The way his arm curls around her though with an instinctual desire to hold her close to him hopefully says it clear enough on his part too. ]

[ This is what Era had been missing those scant few days in the arena. She has grown spoiled over the past weeks by Aymeric's presence, so warm and comforting, and the absence of it was difficult. Coming back to their residence after a day of training and exploring, and then snuggling up to her companion's side...

A soft hum of contentment escapes her as Aymeric pulls her closer. Every part their bodies touch tingles with a warmth she can't put words to. It fills her chest with joy, while his arms bring her much needed security.

The only good thing about her missing horn is that it allows Era to press her cheek flat against Aymeric's chest, feeling the rise and fall with each breath more closely even if she cannot hear his lungs fill or heart beating away. Era keeps one of her hands over his heart to feel it beating away - a reassurance and comfort.

She loves Aymeric so fiercely that it's almost frightening. It is frightening, how quickly she went from loving him as she loves all her friends to loving him as his wife... But Era has a hard time feeling anything other than a bubbling joy about it.

It's more difficult to stay awake with each passing moment no matter how much Era wishes to continue enjoying her current position. Aymeric won't begrudge her her sleep, she knows, but that doesn't mean she wants to just yet.

The Warrior of Light knows a losing battle when she sees one, however, so Era finally speaks up: ]

I will see you when I wake.

[ With that out of the way she allows herself to - finally - drift off for a much needed sleep. ]

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Prison World #3: Panultima (tw violence, torture, coercion)

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