sticksandbones | [CLOSED] Zahliyaquest...2

Entry tags:

[CLOSED] Zahliyaquest...2

Who: Zahliya, Luca, Joshua, Wolfwood, Dipper, Mamika, Siffrin, Loop, & Kiera
What: A gargoyle needs task-doers for character development
When: Mid-August, yes during the rainstorms, good luck
Where: ??? :)
Warnings: Typical Sticks trigger warnings apply, suicide, time loops resulting in multiple character deaths, Wolfwood just shot someone executioner style, more to be added

OOC notes, here is a rehash of your rules:

Mod tags will come either a) after everyone involved has tagged in or b) after 24 hours have passed since the last mod tag. This means if you are absent for any reason, the thread WILL move on without you.
Interaction in this log will be redeemable for MAIN AC, not just Bonus AC like most of our NPC threads.
This questline will shape Zahliya's outcome for the rest of the game, and may or may not result in an almost-full Corruption cure and therefore gamewide impact. I will let people know midway through the quest if he's currently aimed at aggression/confidence/staying in the Grove, or if he's on passive/indecisive/leaving the Grove.
The old OOC plotting post for this is here!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Oh. Oh, okay. So the Warden doesn't want to deal with them anymore, that's fine, he guesses. He was tense for a moment, running through ideas on how to deal with a shadow monster but now it looks like they should regroup for now.]

[Dipper moves back over to where a few of them are gathered, spear still in hand but waiting...]

[First, to Dipper:]

Emergencies only. It's outta juice for now.

[But it seems like it won't be needed, at least for now. The Warden isn't attacking...serving as extra protection for that Gargoyle, annoyingly, but whatever. She's already on the back foot here.

Zonari is being questioned, and...if he's honest, Wolfwood does not believe that anything- ANYTHING- can absolve the Creature from the crimes they've committed. He doesn't care what the sob story is. He does not care if it will turn out that they were wrong all along and somehow the Creature was innocent and defending himself whatever whatever whatever-

Your past does not absolve you of your present crimes. He, of all people, knows this. "Cool story, still murder" is hugely present here. That said, he isn't going to interrupt the attempt to speak, because even if Zonari just tells them all to get fucked, it will be more worthwhile than not trying. They could gather information they didn't yet have, and then it will feel a bit less like all of that gratuitous death and torture was all wasted.

His gun is done for a long while, he knows this much. It winds back down as the barrel cools, still useful for shooting bullets but nothing else. He'll keep his eyes peeled for anything that he may need to jump in the fray of to protect the others from getting ripped apart, but for now he too will stay his hand.]

You're only saying that because he made you to think like that! But there's so many creations who go against their "molds"! Mister Gargoyle is his own person with thoughts and wants and aspirations of his own! We did all die! We did all suffer! And yet we're back here because of the Forest. Do you really think he's gonna be satisfied with just ridding of us when he's already done that?!

[ Mamika waves her wand down, steeling herself the best she can. She knows how talks like this usually go. Usually they end poorly. They always do. But she's tougher this time. What kills you makes you stronger, or something like that! Right? ]

I want you to have a choice, too, but you're not leaving me with much if you threaten to hurt those I care about for reasons even you don't seem to understand.

[Let's answer "how was he betrayed" first because hoo boy no one here is going to like this answer. It's given very simply, bluntly, and in a snarly tone.]

You don't know your own history! His own sister cast him out — told him he was worth less to her than you fucks down here on the ground. She and her bitch wife were the ones who helped torture him on the altar for eons!

[No one will get the sense that Zonari has any disloyalty. Josh wasn't able to get that itch in the back of her head properly. Even Mamika's words strike a dead note; she gets scoffed at for daring to try.]

I know the reasons perfectly well! Don't preach to me, child. All I want for you is for you to die and to suffer!

[And with that, since she's away from her sibling who is now looking at Mamika like "girl are you for real right now", Zonari is going to try to blast all of you with her black fire.

Better dodge! And better decide what you want to do with her, because if you don't want her to die, I recommend yoinking Zahliya before he finishes the job.]

[ There is so much yelling going on right now jfc he has a migraine, can y'all not--

Despite his vision being ten kinds of messed up from the pain, the fire coming right at them spurs on an almost reflexive movement. Joshua tosses a shield up in front of himself - though where it would normally be a very precise size, due to the pain he is pushing through, it's kind of uh. Well. Don't judge him, it isn't his best work. If you're not standing close to him it probably won't reach you, sorry.

However, if you are standing close? It should at least protect you for a brief couple of seconds. It's not as strong as the one he tossed on Siffrin earlier, unfortunately. He's dealing with like ten debuffs. ]

[everyone else seems to be at the end of their ropes, the time for diplomacy dwindling to nothing in seconds. kiera is under no impression that zonari's opinions could be changed overnight or even over months, but beasts, when will they ever get a font of information this deep again?

assuming they can sweep out of the way of that swipe of flames, protected by a small wall of ice and some extra shielding by joshua, kiera... decides to step between their party and the gargoyle and all but plead with her. one last try. they plant their feet, showing both zonari, zahliya, luca, and everyone, that they dissolve the ice-dagger and extend their empty hand to her.]

Then help us understand. Reaching an understanding is never impossible.

If family is truly important to you, don't force your brother to kill you. Help us mend both your family and your parents' -- don't break them further.

[To be honest, Luca's patience is wearing thin. He manages to just barely summon enough flame to protect himself from the wall of black fire, a shield of his own to burn away the potentially corrupting flames. He squares himself up, ready to step in with his blade and help land the killing blow —

but then Kiera steps in.

He watches the dagger disappear and very nearly finds himself unleashing a diatribe of oaths and swears. When their words manage to fill the air first, though, he stops short. His brows draw together. The references to siblinghood, to mending bonds keep him from taking another step forward.

At least for a moment. And when he does move, it's solely to try and that Zahliya's wrist. It isn't completely holding the gargoyle back. If he truly wants to strike out, Luca will simply let it happen. But he does offer a soft, gentle urging.]

Ahli. Wait. Please. For them.

[He nods to Kiera. It isn't surprising that they might be touched, or perhaps bothered, by the sibling's quarrel. After all, he himself had made the same comparisons at the start of their fight. Though his own sibling might try to hide their vulnerabilities, it would take more than they were putting out to hide themself from Luca.

Which is why when he does speak, it's in a hushed tone and meant for Kiera only.]

Keep trying, Ki. Please.

[The good news for everyone here is that Zahliya isn't so far-gone in his rage that he cannot listen. If stopping is what he must do, then stopping is what he will do.

And Zonari... well. She looks alarmed by all of this. The Warden continues to swirl around her to try intercepting attacks, but none come, and if smoke could look confused, it sure would. Kiera speaks, and she looks briefly... surprised? Taken aback? Conflicted? Perhaps all of those at once, a solid cocktail of emotions.

She thinks hard about it. In the end, her loyalty outweighs her psuedo-suicidalness, where dying is strangely fine with her if only because it's for her father's cause. But there's a what if in the back of her head now. She knows better than anyone how important the Golden Sun is to him. She knows, because she's lived those stories for eons now, and if she hadn't betrayed him, if he hadn't felt lesser... would there be a need for her, an exact copy of everything Zahliya stands against? Would the Black Sun be happier?

Would Zonari herself exist?

Why do these technically-mortals care?]

I doubt the outcome is what you'll want it to be. He will kill you. I don't believe a gaggle of humans and their adjacent counterparts can bridge that gap. ...but you're strangely fixated on trying.

Why? Will you cast me aside as well, when you realise I'm loyal to the one who created me? Your ending won't be some idyllic fantasy like you preach if you take me along.

[ Mamika is far too busy looking to Luca and Kiera at this point, but had kept her mouth shut because Zahliya was giving her looks that made her feel Really Stupid. Thus, she decides to let the adults talk this out. What was she even supposed to say here? More of her silly ramblings of saving people's souls and wanting everyone to get along and trying to do the right thing...

They're doing better than her, at least! Mamika's... well, a little awestruck to see Kiera and Luca actually doing this. She admires it! She'll even lower her wand fully now in hopes maybe... they could come to some sort of peace? ]

[mamika's insistence at the start of all this was definitely... a source of inspiration, at the very least. leave it to someone younger, someone who hasn't let go of some amount of idealism, to help those who've lost so much hope find it again.]

None of us doubt where your loyalties lie; you've made them more than clear. That doesn't mean your death would serve more purpose than your life may yet.

[in a sickening parallel, kiera is also fully prepared to be attacked, maybe even killed, for extending this olive branch. it wouldn't be the first time they stuck their neck out when they felt it necessary, and it likely won't be the last.

as charming as they try to make their words, zonari won't find any deception in kiera's face. if anything, it's humiliating for them to strip themself bare in front of strangers and acquaintances both. perhaps without luca at their back, they might not deem the effort worth it.]

You can be something more than a copy of another. More than a tool to someone. But that choice, and the dedication you must have to it, is yours alone.

[Loop is still hanging back—this isn't their scene, not their lines, and frankly, they still don't trust this woman to just give up. It never worked on the King. Some people cannot be swayed from their motives, and it's foolish to try.

But this isn't their scene, so they'll allow it. They remain glued to Siffrin's side, an arm half-shielding him on reflex after the flames from earlier (thank you again, Josh). Listening, if only because they don't know this script, want to be ready if they need to fight again.

...

Copies and tools. They'd laugh, if it wouldn't be speaking out of turn. As if it's that simple.

Maybe they can relate to Zonari more than they'd like to admit.]

[Luca's chest aches the longer Kiera speaks. There are parallels there that they should probably talk about, but now is not the time. This isn't hte first time he's thrown his support in for his sister in one of her escapades — how many times had he lied for her after a prank gone wrong, or a father scorned.

This, at least, was easier. There are no lies to be had here. Merely simple support.]

I believe many of us here know what it feels like, to be a tool. A weapon. A host. [There are very pointed thoughts being directed toward the Phoenix here, thank you.] But all of us have made choices to stand in defiance of what has been deemed our purpose. If that's the choice you make, then we will support you.

And if it is not... [He glances toward Kiera once more.] None of us will begrudge you for remaining loyal to family. It is like you said. "Family should stick together.

As long as you do not seek to further harm us directly, we will do no harm to you. And perhaps we can both learn from each other. It... would not be the first time I have done that. Today, even.

[This time, he turns to glance at Mamika. He gives her an apologetic smile, but one laced with gratitude all the same.]

[Wolfwood doesn't trust this. He doesn't trust people easily, and he sure as hell doesn't trust the pawn of the Creature. But he would be the largest hypocrite in the world if he said he didn't relate to everything Kiera and Luca are saying. He's spent his entire life as a tool. He was raised to be an assassin, solely taking up the mantle in a desperate effort to protect the one place in the world he still cared about, full of innocent kids who deserved to grow up and life a life better than the one he had. To live...at all.

His expression is difficult to read as all of this plays out. His features are hard and it's clear that he's conflicted, but he's biting his tongue harder than he's ever bitten it before, the cords in his neck briefly visible in the effort to keep his opinions to himself. Jaw set, eyes forward. This feels like a terrible idea, one that's going to backfire on all of them, because Zonari has no reason to want anything to do with them. It would be so easy for her to prey on the good will of those less jaded than he is, to pretend just long enough until she's someplace she can do the most damage.

For "him". For "her father".

He lacks memories that would ultimately change his perspective here, of time he has yet to experience. Either way, it doesn't particularly matter. He isn't going to thrust his gun at her and fire in the middle of a crowd, nor is he going to be the one to make that decision now. It was...different, with Rollo. Far more of a situation of "this is a mercy, not something I want to do". This situation is clearly far more complicated and nuanced than that.

Wolfwood will not kill her, nor will he put his hat in the ring for doing so. He doesn't like this, and he doesn't feel confident it's going to go in their favor, but he knows he has to have faith. And if there's anyone he feels like maybe he could put his trust in...it'd be these bozos. Luca's final words to her, though... As long as you do not seek to further harm us directly, we will do no harm to you. He has to bite his tongue, yet again, not to scoff. Good luck.

Since he's still standing near Dipper after their scuffle with the Warden, Mamika is probably a good distance away from him currently. But, should she look his way, he'll readjust the way his Punisher is slung over his shoulder. He can tell just by looking at her how frazzled and overwhelmed she is by everything, and he feels like she hasn't had a single good turn since all of this started. She's been trying but, you know. He can tell when someone is compartmentalizing.

So he doesn't say anything. He'll just open his palm close to his side if she looks, subtle enough to not be blatantly obvious to anyone standing around, but more of a silent offer for comfort if she needs it.]

[Neither Gargoyle understands you people at this point. Zahliya is pinching the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger, clearly disapproving but not saying anything more — it's whatever you guys want at this point, he's got his swords and half a brain left, and one of y'all (not present) ate Moder and fixed everything wrong with her so like, fuck it we ball. Zonari, meanwhile, is doing that exact same pinching motion but in a way that's more like "why are you guys so confusing".

She does not intend to play nice. But if the Black Sun would be happy being reunited with his sister — and she knows he wants to be, somewhere, somehow — then fine.]

Fine. Either we come to an accord, or all of you die anyway, so I have nothing to lose.

[Lol. Lmao, even.

The Warden, of course, is having none of this, and so the smoke simply wraps around Zonari one last time and flies off through the forest. Wheeeeee goodbye, it has to go find a new body.]

Before you drag me to your weird little civilization, though — here. [Y'all had better catch these because she is very specifically hurling three shards at you: One of the sun, the moon, and the stars. Please fucking catch these.] I was going to destroy them. I don't care if you consider it pre-emptive thanks for fixing my father's relationship with my aunt, but don't lose them. Or do. It's not my job to babysit you.

[Let's head back. Please put this gargoyle somewhere where she'll be watched.]

[Luca jumps into motion, ready to catch one of the shards. His hands outstretch and... promptly punch the thing into the air. He tries to catch it as it goes airborne once more, but his ass is short. That's uh... That's not happening. Someone else please make up for his mistake -]

[Once the shard is properly caught by somebody fucking else apparently, he turns his attention back to Zonari. He straightens himself up as best as he can, hoping that she doesn't say anything (and knowing that she damn well probably will). Whatever, he's going to shift the subject back.]

I believe you have something else to give us. To return to us? [He motions to Zahliya.] I do not intend to prevent your passage to the grove. However, I can make it significantly more uncomfortable.

[He lets his own flame manifest, sparks dancing between his fingers. He blows a few toward her in a casual threat, before turning to Zahliya properly. Let him dote on you now babes thanks.]

[Luca he swears to god-

Wolfwood watches him attempt to catch that shard- the moon shard, specifically-, literally punching it further into the air, and his reflexes activate. It sails in an arc thanks to being literally punched, prompting him to reach up and snatch it out of the air like he does with Zazie's bugs when he finds them. It sits heavy in his palm, definitely humming with latent magic he couldn't hope to understand.

He considers pocketing it for a moment, to wait until he can ask someone more versed with these things what he should do with it- Mizuki maybe, or Ain who knows magic- but after some deliberation...

The Punisher walks a few steps over, holding it out in between his fingers to Zahliya.]

Believe you've earned this.

[Alright cool so this is happening now. Loop catches the shard that happens to fly in their direction, making it look rather effortless compared to Luca (lmao). They hold it up curiously, studying it in their own light.

...

Feels... uncomfortably familiar. Haha.

So it's probably not a fake, at least. They would know what a star feels like.

They grip it tightly in their palm, wary eyes falling on Zonari again. Still don't think they should trust her, but.]

Right, because it's such a good idea to let her come in close and "give back" all those memories. Sorry, but I still don't buy it. How can we be sure this isn't a trick?

Losing a bunch of shards you planned to destroy... that's hardly what I'd call proof of anything. That may as well be a fair trade for your brother's memories to you—or his life!

[the hard part out of the way, kiera lets out an extremely dramatic sigh and slips back into their usual relaxed posture. make no mistake, they still fully expect a surprise attack at some point, whether it's two seconds or two months from now, but pretending to be somewhat at ease is their whole thing.

yes, they are most definitely laughing out loud at luca's fumble. then for sure blowing a cold gust up the back of his shirt with a look that says behave.

meanwhile, they give their new "friend" a cheery as can be smile!]

Threats of bodily harm are so childish, aren't they? I won't allow Luca to roast you. I can offer you either a perch atop the barn or a pile of hay next to the sow... depending on how you're feeling about dear Zahliya's memories!

[Moon shard obtained! And Zahliya is immediately sticking it in his mouth and oh hm things are happening—

While the rest of you duke it out over the sun shard, someone please come in here and claim the sun shard looks at Jami lovingly do you still want this, Zahliya slowly stops trying to vore the moon and pays attention to what's happening. Mizuki taught him this okay.]

Yes, yes, the memories. You people really don't let anything go. And look, sun-head, I told you it wouldn't go well and you people demanded a truce anyway.

[She will walk closer to Zahliya, who looks like he's five seconds from hissing like a cat at her, and everyone will get to watch as an array of colourful, crystal-ball like orbs surround her. If you look into them, they're clearly memories she stole away — none of them contain any of you, since she couldn't get those because he was clinging to them, but they're mostly things about fights he's been in, how to actually use his magic before Luca was gay at him, that part where she's been in the background of a lot of his life... Look, he's getting stuff she stole like a thousand years ago back, see? See how cooperative she is.

Zahliya is going to have a migraine for the next three days.]

There. I'll take my barn perch now. Do something entertaining while you have me holed up there, at least.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[CLOSED] Zahliyaquest...2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2 I GUESS

2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

i need to get this done before weaspen hop on a plane sorry-