Forced Confessions

[spoofer]

Characters: Ensemble cast, any/all characters of Xistentia!
Summary: At the end of a spring-time mingle party, D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. unleashes a psychic weapon that forces characters to confess their secrets to one another. Check out the mod announcement for more information.
Date(s): First 2 weeks of April 2018
Warnings/Notes: Psychic influence/coercion, potential trauma, etc. in confessions. Please use subject header warnings appropriately!

Forced Confessions Event

I admit I'm on the rebound And I don't care

Five-Day Party

It begins with a party, out in the woods of Xistentia, with drinks, food, and fairy lights. The glade is illuminated in a brilliant palette of jewel tones, the most intense where the dancefloor stretches out between glow-in-the-dark marked trees, punctuated by F.A.T.E.S.' ever jarring, mismatched combination of musical tunes. Not far from that, you have enclosures of soft bedding set aside in mood-lit shadows, and veiled by mosquito net, for those of us who prefer more privacy.

The deeper nightclub colors fade to a warm, lustrous gold where there are spaces to sit, socialize, and eat.
Dining options feature treats from across the multiverse, including spice candy that will make your tongue feel just the faintest touch of a sting, native meats prepared with sauces and salts, and a variety of fruit and vegetables, some of which have a bioluminescent glow. Some of the wines are strong enough to knock a werewolf's metabolism on its ass— and these are marked with an audio sign, repeating the same warning over and over.

Other liquid refreshments include a blood bar, courtesy of Rafaello d'Este's local business.

Psychic Bomb: The Confessions (April 5-14)

But on the fifth evening, D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. strikes. There's a warning— only 10 minutes in advance-- over the network, even while the vast majority of revelers are a little too busy to pay any attention to their daemons.

A black ball of some writhing, metallic substance abruptly comes tearing through the atmosphere, the size of your average adult human curled into fetal position. As it breaks through layers of gas, it adopts an orange glow for a brief instant. It's easily lost in the canopy, even for the most agile and practiced of Xistentia residents. It's impossible to tell what it is. A faint whine fills the air, and a moment later, the projectile detonates. The scent of tar fills the forest along with shouts of dismay. And too little too late, F.A.T.E.S. warning system begins to blare that a contaminant has entered the atmosphere.

However, apart from a few bruises, panic and partial deafness, nobody seems harmed at all. That is, until the compulsion sets in.

Your secrets, both large and small, suddenly become wrenching fodder for impulsive speech... or signing, texting, any multitude of communication methods wind up hijacked. The worst of it comes when you face someone you know and love. Sheer willpower might stave off the urge long enough for your character to get out of range for conversation, and it might be a good time to avoid company for awhile. It will come randomly, in spikes, for 2 weeks to follow.

Feel free to use the confessions thread here to start some textspam trouble!

Bomb Resolution (April 12+)

A week later, F.A.T.E.S. and both magic and science-minded researchers have analyzed the goop. The worst of the epidemic is localized around the party, though psychic ripples continue to be felt across Xistentia for a few days.

And now we need cleanup.

It's a motley group of unlikely volunteers. Some people are just lucky— they have no secrets they fear to share, or perhaps just no shame. Others are just good samaritans, willing to risk a terrifying level of honesty in the interest of preventing further damage to the relationships that make Xistentia run.

In any case, the group finds themselves armed with gloves, rubber suits, and floating glass containment orbs, manipulable with gestures, that can absorb the black ichor off the trees, earth, and furniture. This will be stored at the temple. And what we'll do with it—

Who knows. Or perhaps you and your compatriots have an idea for the substance permanent disposal to share.

Comments

loki | ota

[dothelokimotion]

( 1. the chemicals are restless in my head )

[ All Loki could hear was the ringing sound. He gropes on the ground before managing to lift himself up. No damage, thankfully or any other malevolent presence lurking nearby. But his paranoia is in full force and there's something in his throat, clogging up his breath. Something was wrong but Loki couldn't put his finger on it. As he rises unsteadily, rubbing his throat raw because there is a — a compulsion crawling under his skin, he can feel it. Loki is too familiar with such things not to repress a shudder —

— and Loki stops breathing because his hand is turning blue. He's turning blue and Loki looks like he's on the verge of a panic attack. ]

No, no, no, no.

( 2. burying the voices of my conscience hitting ground )

[ After that unfortunate incident, Loki has been keeping to himself. However, the lure of a party was a bit much. Loki was never that fond of being solitary after all and the promise of bright lights and food took off the edge of his paranoia a little. He was still the God of Lies. Of Mischief. No strange effect was going to rule him.

( the scratches on his throat beg to differ )

Still, he's not going to be ruled by some strange compulsion. And if the truth spews from his lips, Loki will twist it until it works in his favor. Dressed in a dark blue suit, Loki sits at the tiny bar, nursing a drink. And when he's approached, Loki plays it cool. ]

Having a good time?

( 3. how can you say those things and keep a straight face? )

[ When the damage is done, Loki prompts locks himself up in the library. He doesn't go back to his apartment — his shared house with Thor because he can't, he can't — and throws himself into the maintenance of the library. It's closed though and any people who wish to come in would be faced with a fearsome illusion of a dragon guarding the door. Those people, who know Loki, would probably have no problem entering and notice him sleeping, his head resting on an open book as he tries to sleep for the first time in days. ]

( wildcard )

[ you're welcome to throw in your own prompt, catching Loki around Xistentia for some forced confessions ]

3 bc dragons and rng

[astralera]

[ Having slayed countless dragons far larger and fiercer than the one currently in front of her Era can't help the incredulous look she sends its way. Surely Loki could do better than that? She'll have to sculpt him a model of Midgardsormr or Nidhogg someday that he might have references to draw upon in the future.

The thought helps push down the pervasive worry Era has had for her friend ever since the unconventional attack began. As a patron of mischief and untruths she imagines it's been especially difficult for him, and that's not even taking into account all the other reasons this might be difficult for Loki.

While Era doesn't believe herself to have many secrets she would be distraught over blurting out (she's already embarrassed herself thoroughly with Aymeric more than once by now) there are a very select few that she would be upset giving voice to. But her desire to check on her friend's welfare outweighs her own desire for privacy, because Loki is worth more to her than keeping things to herself. ]

Loki?

[ She speaks before she spots him at a desk, head in a book in a rather literal sense. There is a momentary flash of panic as she worries that she may have woken him but there's nothing for it - she can't will the sound away.

Era hasn't seen him since she returned from her unexpected trip home and waking him from what is quite clearly a much needed rest is not how she wishes their reunion to go. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ The sound of his name immediately jerks him awake, his eyes wild and panicked. A knife appears in his hand, but the grip is too tight, showing white knuckles.

Era. Who . . . looks markedly different so his wariness is still high. ]

Era.

[astralera]

[ Era eyes the knife warily, though doesn't feel threatened by it. His grip is too tight, and he doesn't seem to be of clear enough mind to use his knife with as much finesse as Era knows he's capable of.

Her brows knit together in concern, but offers a small smile regardless. She's happy to see Loki again after what has been - for her - a handful of months. ]

My apologies. I did not mean to wake you.

[ She makes no move to step forward, waiting patiently for her friend's panic to subside fully first. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ His hands shake but Loki slowly puts the knife away with a flick of his fingers. His voice is a low rasp. ]

I — No harm meant. Where — have you been?

1! a little powerprose lmk if not okay!!!

[hasitsthorns]

[ Everything had been too nice. That's kind of the way Rose's life tends to go so she's learned, really, that when the universe decides to give everyone a break it isn't usually for long. She's unharmed in the initial blast besides kicking herself for not listening to Apollod. When half the time he spoke nonsense though or words half-garbled by barks, how was she to know he meant it this time when he'd spoken of danger?

She's already in battle mode and checking to make sure everyone else is alright. Vanyel was most important, of course, but then there's others and- She sees a familiar face but not as composed as she's used to. Once her eyes catch that hint of blue, she's grabbing his hand and hiding it with her own best she can. There's still speckles of blue between her fingers but it's the best she can do to obscure it in the moment.

Rose knows far too well about having a side of yourself known against your will and what that can do to a person; before he can protest too much, she's giving their clasped hands a tug and saying, ]

Dude, c'mon, over here. I think it's safer.

all good <3

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki freezes up before yanking his hands away, terror shining out of his bright red eyes. ]

No! No, you can't — You can't touch me. You can't.

[ He's practically babbling, falling over his words, jagged and uneven. Nothing like the way he usually talks. ]

[hasitsthorns]

[ Her expression softens as he tears his hand away. She thought she could ease his fear maybe she'd overstepped, which- That's actually something she tends to do. ]

Sorry, dude, I didn't mean to freak you out more, I just. [ And it hits her then, the same compulsion that he's experienced. ] I'm trying to help but it's not like that usually works out well with me.

[ She's not often so self-depreciating aloud. Yikes. ] Anyway, uhm. We should get away from here, at least.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki looks half-wild, a creature rather than a person. He continues to scrape his nails over his blue skin and ridges. All he knows is that he wants it off, he doesn't want this, this is now who he is —

Nothing. A broken wail slips past his lips as he clutches his arm. ]

Why won't it go away? Why isn't my magic working?

1

[mordacita]

[ There was enough of a warning for Rafa to be vigilant, to be prepared. The explosion almost knocks him off that game, sending him flying off his feet and knocking the breath from his lungs. That turns out to be a saving grace. He draws breath once, tastes the strange new tang on the air, and breathes no more. While he generally does breathe, both to smell and to talk, he has no actual need to and it's a simple enough process to stop. Then he's on his feet, moving through the ruined party. He's vigilant for another attack, because surely this will be followed up with more - but it's clear very quickly that it's not poison. No one is dying, no one is even coughing. This is something else.

Then he sees Loki.

Or what looks like Loki, changing into something blue and red-eyed. At first Rafa assumes it's the gas, but how can it be when no one else is reacting like that? And surely Loki would have more resistance to chemicals than mortals would. Rafa goes to him, reaching for his hand in the absence of being able to talk. He reaches for his shoulder too, and then beckons. We need to get out of here, he says without speaking. Let's go. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ The shoulder, at the very least was safe and it takes him a little longer to register that touch than he would have if it had been direct skin-to-skin contact. Still, Loki jerks with a violent shake because Rafa can see him like this and Loki has never felt so shattered, so exposed. ]

No, no. Don't look at me.

[mordacita]

[ That's an order Rafa can't obey. He still looks at Loki, his eyes asking all the questions and trying to reassure at the same time. What's wrong? Don't worry, I can help. He tightens his hand, and then warily, takes a tiny breath. ]

Loki. It's gas. We must go.

[ Even with that little amount, the smell is sweet and cloying, and Rafa wants no more of it. Gritting his teeth, he points out the exit and looks at Loki, expectant. They need to get outside into the wind. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ A little bit of sense threads its way to Loki's scattered mind as he nods, swaying in the breeze. His fingers brush against his face, feeling the ridges that have appeared. Marked. The tears that build up in his eyes are blinked away into invisible cold breaths. Stumbling towards the exit, Loki keeps his arms wrapped around himself and his gaze to the floor. His shoulders are hunched over as if the sheer weight of his appearance is pulling him to the ground like a magnet. ]

1!

[servomotor]

[To be entirely honest, Tony doesn't realize that it's him. It probably would have mattered. Perhaps not so much that he wouldn't have checked the Jotun is okay at all, considering they're all allies, etc., etc., war makes necessary allies out of us all, whatever, pragmatics, but he probably would at least have been less concerned. He knows now from watching Thor get knocked all over the place-- and Loki having survived as much— that anybody that considers themselves an Asgardian native can probably take a widdle boom.

More than widdle.]

On your feet, [he says. He's still half-deaf and stumbling, but he grasps Loki's shoulders and hoists him nearly right up onto his feet. A helper. The lights are out where they are or maybe he'd notice then, but he's looking away, unobservant as a bag o' bricks.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki sways, his mind practically incoherent with his own thoughts buzzing around his head and rising like a frenzied wave. He doesn't seem to realize it's Tony until he is walking once more and his eyes widen before harshly dragging himself away. ]

What's your ploy, Stark?

[servomotor]

What ploy? [he asks, then,] Oh. [Loki. Tony would have let go then, if the Jotun hadn't already freed himself with better-than-human force.] Relax, supervillain. I didn't realize it was you.

[But before he can finish that thought

there are more words pouring out of him, abruptly. Different to being drunk. Arguably worse. It just happens, despite the din of panicky people and disorientation from the explosion.] I know you like fronting up like you are what you are without remorse, but the fact is, you could front up with remorse too. You don't have to cry. I didn't cry, okay? When they come after me, all self-righteous, just like you tried-- throwing dead Middle Eastern babies and eighteen-year-old USAA soldiers in my face, I don't cry.

I just tell them I'm doing different. There's no cross to bear. I'm nobody's symbol or anybody's whipping boy. I still have my pride. Probably more than your average person.

[And then he snaps his teeth shut, a look of confusion on his face.]

the voices;

[shadowblends]

Oh, absolutely! [maybe expressed with a little too much enthusiasm, but kurt doesn't give loki much time to answer. his attention lingers at the god of mischief's neck, golden eyes blinking owlishly before he segues, smooth and easy into friendly conversation.]

What about you? I have to admit, this party sure has it's charms.

[he tugs at a sleeve, adjusts other parts of his outfit to hopefully appear casual. no reason to bring anything up right away-- keep stuff light and cheerful for the moment then worry about the marks when he's sure he won't spout off some truth he might have to explain.]

You look nice, [adds the mutant.] The blue's a good color.

[dothelokimotion]

Sometimes it is worth testing out different shades.

[ He scratches at his neck again absently. The compulsion was still there, thick and heavy, like honeyed syrup on his tongue. He would have to talk carefully. ]

I'm surprised there was a party at all, considering recent events.

[shadowblends]

Green seems to be a color you favor. [since he's observant like that.

from his peripheral, he watches loki scratch then clears his throat, tucking both hands into the pockets of his jeans with a grin.]

Something to keep us distracted, so we don't worry ourselves into a tizzy.

1, shows up 25 days late with thorki

[drapes]

[ thor stays the sweet fuck away from this party, seeing as every gathering in xistentia seems to come with some kind of catastrophe attached to it. while the last one he experienced turned out, well, fantastic, he's wary the next could be ruinous. so he stubbornly stays at home, slumped on the couch, watching cartoons. like a grown ass man.

it's the warning that rings out through the network that gets him immediately to his feet, dashing through the door and onto the streets before he so much as hears the end of it. he's aware his brother had gone to that party, and whatever attack or spell is coming, he'll likely be at the epicenter of it. dashing through the party, he probably shoulder checks a few other guests, shouting a 'sorry, excuse me' as he runs through, wildly looking for the suit Loki left in, or the jet back hair he knows to be his brother's.

The moment he spots him is the same as Loki notices the blue creeping up his hands, Thor's eyes widening, not for surprise of how it looks, but because he knows Loki is about to utterly lose his shit. His heritage has never meant anything more than an idle detail to Thor, one that his brother stresses over much more than he does, but he knows him. Knows he's about to cave in on himself and shove everyone away, likely Thor most of all, before finding a place to hide, so he hops a desert table and a pillow pile to speed over before Loki has time to see him and object, arms around him the moment he skids in close enough. ]

Shh, shh, it's okay. Breathe, Loki. [ it isn't that thor doesn't remember the burn that comes from jotun skin - it's that he doesn't care. Loki could be singeing his entire arm for all it would convince him to let go of his brother, his lover, right now. luckily, there's loki's suit covering his skin and thor's armor in between, but that isn't a fact he considers either, a strong arm wrapped around his back to hold him close, and the other hand at the back of his neck, half in his hair, to tug his face against his shoulder. ]

Re: 1, shows up 25 days late with thorki

[dothelokimotion]

[ The noise Loki makes sounds akin to a wounded animal than a person as he struggles in Thor's arms. He is barely coherent, trying to push himself away from Thor. He had to go, he had to go someplace else, he couldn't be here, not like this. ]

Don't — Thor, let go, let go now.

[ Please is on the tip of his tongue and Loki never says that word. Never begs, never backs down, but here he was, panic on his lips and eyes, his red eyes. ]

[drapes]

[ If Thor listened to everything Loki told him, nothing would get anywhere. But they'd also probably not have gotten as divided as they are. But, then they'd never have gotten to this point either - a more full understanding of one another, and a rewarding love between them strengthened. He doesn't so much as consider obeying the commands Loki's giving him.

But, he does lean back somewhat, just enough to peer down at Loki's face, about to tell him something else, but he halts for a moment when he sees that the blue of his jotun nature has already kept up his neck, coloring his face and eyes - already taken over the skin that Thor's hand is rested on. And yet, not burning him. Not yet, anyway. He's breathless for a passing few seconds, looking over all the details of his brother like this. He still looks like Loki to him, nothing foreign about him like one might expect. There's just a certain newness added to it. In some kind of awe, his hand at his neck lifts to trace a thumb along the raised lines at the side of his face, over his forehead, admiring, before he meets his eyes, deep and crimson.

He can't really help taking the opportunity, because Thor's a douche like that. He leans forward and kisses him, deep and firm and full, feeling the chill against his skin and finding something wonderful about the sensation of it. He won't linger for long, because he's sure he's about to get a knife through his one good eye left for this, so, after rushing that kiss he'd stolen from him, Thor pulls back, arms around Loki's back and hips, before he hoists him up into his arms, bridal style. ]

Okay, okay, we're going, I promise. [ but he's clearly not letting go. Sorry, booboo. ]

2

[shadowmarshalllucask]

[Lucas finds himself keeping to himself as he sees Loki while passing by, trying to avoid whatever the man with crazy hair was saying.]

I'm not sure yet.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki shakes his glass before taking a sip. ]

How long does it take to be sure then?

[shadowmarshalllucask]

"I'm not the one usually at parties, but I decided to come anyway because I might learn new info."

"Otherwise, it takes about a good few days"