EVENT: Kind Gestures and Dark Mirrors

[spoofer]

Characters: Ensemble cast, any/all characters of Xistentia!
Summary: While F.A.T.E.S. encourages kind gestures to repair the city's shield, D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. sends their agent to sabotage everything with a virus. Infected characters turn into dark mirror versions of themselves, ready to burn the very bridges we were supposed to rebuild.
Date(s): 9 - 26 May. Check out THE MOD ANNOUNCEMENT for more information.
Warnings/Notes: Psychic influence, potential trauma, violence and upsetting themes. Please use subject header warnings appropriately!

KIND GESTURES & DARK MIRRORS EVENT

It's emotional warfare on a dimensional scale.

NOT SO/GRAND GESTURES

While the confessions might have helped some, hurt looks and uncomfortable silences abound across the city. The shield over the city has started to flicker and transmit odd, geometric shadows across the ground. One thing is clear: we have to fix this.

F.A.T.E.S. has a solution. On the morning of 9 May, F.A.T.E.S. will send a message to all residents through their daemons:

F.A.T.E.S. WARNING SYSTEM
Threat Assessment: Moderate
Phenomenon Type: Shield Fluctuations
Predicted Duration: 2 weeks to Critical Failure

The psychic bomb has crippled the defense system over Xistentia. As a result, the modified laws of physics that protect physical consent within the city limits are experiencing problems. Be aware that this means mild injury from physical assaults are now possible within the city.

To repair protective functions, residents are kindly requested to kiss and makeup. Just kissing would also be helpful. Friendly gestures varying from gifted coffee or morning salutations will also be extremely helpful contributions. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In other words, it's time to rebuild bridges. Residents are all encouraged to talk, to reach out to the people around them. Do something nice for a friend, or an acquaintance, or a stranger in need. Of course, if it feels a little forced— that should come as a surprise to no one. F.A.T.E.S. is but an awkward SUPERCOMPUTER, after all.

Good Samaritan: Help a little old lady across the street. Alternatively, given the consent defenses are dialed down, maybe you'll catch somebody about to be hit by a falling pot plant from a higher-floor window. Time to rescue!

Grand Romance: A single rose, a bouquet of flowers; their named tattooed over your heart, or a sword engraved with the insignias of one's ancestors; a boombox held outside the window or an acoustic guitar solo among the fireflies. If you love somebody, this is the time to let it out.

Family Dinner: Whether it's blood or a found family, this would be the time to reconcile over a spread. Or at least-- to try. Funnily enough, even conflict technically feeds energy into the city; a little bickering never killed anybody. But of course, if the argument kills the relationship... that's a turn for the worst, for the city as well as for you.

Apology Gifts: If you made a mess during the psychic bomb event, this would be the time to clean it up. Write a letter, send the text, or show up on the doorstep amid pouring rain.

Wildcard: Want to make a different gesture? Be F.A.T.E.S.' guest.

Enter the Villain

That doesn't really work for D.E.S.T.I.N.Y.


The enemy takes the opportunity to contact their agent Ignacio, giving him instructions to plug a data stick into the Chronological Cartographer in the Temple, in order to release a virus.

During the early hours of the morning on 9 May, Ignacio carries out his mission. The virus takes F.A.T.E.S. by surprise, crippling their internal defences and spreading quickly through their system. All computer systems managed by F.A.T.E.S. suffer disruption, including characters' daemons. All over the city, individuals experience change. The infected have turned into Mirror Versions of themselves. They remember everything about their lives, but their personalities and perspectives have changed. Instead of trying to rebuild, they want to tear down everything they once held dear.

DELETING THE VIRUS (May 26 +)

Over the course of the month, F.A.T.E.S. will be working desperately to clear the virus from their system and from every infected timeline. Daemons will continue to experience glitches, lag and crashes throughout the month.

Finally, by 26 May, F.A.T.E.S. manages to isolate the last pockets of the virus and stop it from replicating. From there, it's a simple matter to delete it from the rest of the system. Over the next few days, all afflicted individuals will return to normal.

Over the next few days, all afflicted individuals will return to normal - and then it's time to pick up the pieces.

Now feeling much more like themselves again, everyone who turned into a mirror will remember everything they did while infected. Now is the time for damage control - both for your personal lives, and for the city's defences. Xistentia is now more vulnerable than ever.

The deleting of the virus will mean a sudden and immediate change for some, and a slower, more gradual change for others. However, all characters will have returned entirely to normal by the end of the month.

ANYTHING ELSE

You can find more information on this event, as well as opportunities for plotting, in our Event Plotting Post!

Comments

[sadico]

[ Ignacio did not look at the thrall that dared to get between he and his friend, but an eyebrow did briefly cock. When the offender was dismissed, Ignacio approached freely. Already, he did not like the tone that Rafa took with him- it reminded him too keenly of the vampires he'd dealt with daily back home. And that expression, no, it was too practiced- he instantly hated it. Hated what Rafa had become.

Still, he remained as controlled and as ever and didn't allow his expression to show any weakness. ]

Terms? You have my alliance unconditionally, as well you should know. We are kin.

[mordacita]

[ Rafa lifts an eyebrow at that comment, but says nothing. Of course, they're technically not kin. They're not even the same breed, despite both being vampires. Still, Ignacio is the closest thing to it that Rafa continues to respect him. He briefly waves his hand. ]

There are always conditions, my friend. You must know this. But of course, until now, I have been minded towards peace and restoration. Reclaiming what I had.

[ Another dismissive wave. ]

Now I see further. It occurs to me that our alliance, such as it is, was made in peace, and conquest tends to make a difference. I should not wish to assume.

[sadico]

Does it?

[ This time Ignacio's eyebrow was raised, though there was a playful air to it. ]

A wise thought, but I am not so complicated. Do not attempt to destroy me and I will return the favor is a basic condition, the only one worth noting. Beyond that you can take the city, enslave the populace, turn everyone else into your adoring pets and I will support you.

[ He wouldn't mention Wyatt because Rafa seemed to be dangerous and he would not put the one he cared in harm's way by mentioning him as special. It was the same tactic he used when he spoke to the agent of D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. ]

[mordacita]

[ Rafa lifts his eyebrows, and then approaches. He's not unduly surprised. He's seen a darker side to Ignacio before. He'd found it offputting, and reminiscent of a father that he'd despised up until today. Now, that's not a problem. He comes close, waving the thralls aside, and touching his fingertips to the opening of Ignacio's jacket. ]

And what if it is not only your support that I desire?

[ He lifts his eyes up, meeting the elder vampire's. ]

You wanted more from me than friendship, as I recall. Join me, Ignacio. Help me take this world, and then the next, and then the next. I reject F.A.T.E.S. and their offerings. They make disappointing masters. I want more. I would rather have you at my side than under my heel.

In my bed as well, if you wish.

[sadico]

[ He wanted more than Rafa's bed, he wanted his heart, but Ignacio's instincts told him that it was currently absent. As a result he kept his emotions to himself, and instead rose his hand to cup Rafa's chin and gently run his thumb over his lips. ]

You have my interest. Do you have a plan for such a venture? Where would you fit me in those plans?

[mordacita]

[ Rafa allows him to touch. He doesn’t really react to it, neither leaning into it nor pulling away. He simply lets it happen, his eyes still on Ignacio’s. There are many things he might allow to happen between them. ]

You would fight beside me, of course. That is what I ask you for.

[ What he would give in exchange remains unsaid, but he thinks it’s fairly obvious. ]

What say you? I mean to make war. The time to act is now.

[sadico]

[ He hated that reaction- as if there was no life left to speak of in the vampire he admired so greatly. ]

Very well. Let us discuss our first steps, then, as we are considerably outnumbered. I am not a stranger to overwhelming odds that were not in my favor, but I came out on top in the end so long as I remained patient. Are you also playing the long game?

[mordacita]

[ Rafa smiles. Now he does pull away, returning to the throne so that they can talk business. He’s clearly more comfortable in that sphere. He gestures for his thralls to bring a chair for Ignacio, and one of them summarily disappears. ]

I always do. We shall take one piece at a time. This place is a nexus, connecting to so many worlds. We shall take one at a time, building our army in each place. Of course, reclaiming the resources from our own worlds must come first. We shall have to take command of F.A.T.E.S.’ Network for that, don’t you think?

[sadico]

Yes. [ he agreed calmly as he took the seat that was offered to him. Already he could feel the familiar urge of conquest creeping up his spine, causing him to sit tall and alert with interest. A part of him found this arrangement ideal, another part found it completely heinous for he lost the man he was interested in. Now a shell of what he was, Ignacio had no desire to claim his bed. He ignored the sound of his breaking heart and focused on tactics instead, which were comfortably familiar. ]

I am able to build an army with relative ease, but this technology is beyond me. Are you skilled with such things, or do you have a resource that is? [ Ignacio had a resource, but he was playing his cards close to his vest and did not give even a hint away. ]

[mordacita]

[ Rafa settles back. The thrall that had brought the chair sits by his feet, leaning his head gently against Rafa's knee. Rafa pets his hair idly, not unlike how he might pet a cat. ]

I can acquire what resources we need.

[ He smiles at the thrall, who gazes up at him with unrestrained adoration. This is better than the loyalty of friendship, or the conditional quality of allegiance. This is ownership of the very soul. Best of all, they're all entirely disposable; strengthened in the short term through Rafa's blood, but with desperately shortened lifespans. Ideal soldiers. Ideal pawns. ]

They will live and die for me. They will use all of their skills as I direct. I will take them from far and wide, and – of course – from many different worlds. As for what awaits me at home…

[ He shrugs, and leans back in his seat. ]

My kingdom spans most of what you call Europe. I have werewolves, witches, hybrids, all of them under my command, as well as vampires. They have all the experience we need.

[sadico]

[ Ignacio could see the appeal in thralls, and while he did not even glance at Rafa's he could see the look of pleasure on his face as he stroked it. It was less than a pet to Ignacio, it was more like furniture, and he preferred his not to move or speak. ]

There is the matter of getting our forces here. Particularly if your world is not yet restored. I know that mine is not.

[ Another lie, as his was never destroyed in the first place- spared due to his deal with the devil, so to speak. Not that he could tell Rafa that. ]

[mordacita]

[ Rafa's smile widens. ]

And what troubles it? Only D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. and their machinations. I will beat them back.

[ His eyes flash with the fire of conquest. It's still unfathomable how he managed to live here in this world and not be in charge of his own destiny. He should have taken them by the throat long before now. He should have died trying. Why had he been so afraid? And so terribly concerned with things and people that do not even matter?

He pushes the thrall away and it retreats quietly to its place among the others. ]

When we are done, Ignacio, we need not concern ourselves with one world for many will be open to us. I shall spread our seed of darkness in every one, and they will all bow to us. That, my friend, is as it should be.

[sadico]

I would be lying if I said that I did not enjoy the thought of you defeating both Destiny and Fates.

[ The passion which briefly flashed in Rafa's eyes pulled at Ignacio's spirit, implored him to embrace such fierce ideals. He wanted to, recklessly and brazenly, but he was far too patient to give into that urge. ]

Yes, that is how it should be. You can rely on me, my friend.

[ Until Hunter asks him to rein Rafa in, but that's for another time... ]

[mordacita]

[ Rafa smiles. ]

I am glad to see that we shall have no quarrel.

[ At least until after they defeat their common enemies, that is... ]

Do you intend to join me here, on a throne of your own?

[sadico]

I would never quarrel with you, Rafa.

As much as I enjoy spending time with you, the current company you keep has a particular odor about them. The smell of humanity.

[ He glances at said humans with a look that did not even attempt to hide his distaste for them. ]

When you tire of them, I will join you. Until then, you know where to find me.

[mordacita]

[ Rafa nods, apparently satisfied with that answer. At least, he will be until Ignacio betrays him by helping Hunter. ]

Very well, then.

[ He waves his hand towards the thralls. ]

Are you certain I cannot offer you a drink, to toast our agreement?

[sadico]

[ Ignacio couldn't help but crinkle his nose slightly at the offer. ]

I mean you no offense, my friend, but humans have always tasted sour in my mouth. If you acquire one that is not human, then by all means I will indulge with you.

[mordacita]

[ Rafa inclines his head, cordial to the last. ]

As you wish. Then I suppose our meeting is at an end, Ignacio.

[ His voice is as friendly as ever, but the thralls closest to Ignacio step towards him, with the clear intention of showing him out. ]

[sadico]

Until another time, my friend.

[ He shot a brief, yet hostile look st the thralls to indicate he wanted no such escort, then turned and left on his own.

He never knew what regret felt like until this day. ]