sticksandbones | MINI EVENT: GHOST RESCUE

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MINI EVENT: GHOST RESCUE

A HEARTBEAT BENEATH THE STAIRS

As the season turns, and blood sinks into the ground of the Grove, as monsters with your face haunt the halls, waiting to pounce, something else is creeping into light. Distantly one might see a light in the forest at night, and the next it comes closer. And closer. Until in the treeline you can see it: a pitch black manor that looks as if it’s covered in ash. The trees act as its gates, rebuffing anyone who tries to investigate, and the air smells like rot. Something watches in the windows, but vanishes when you blink.

… But not even this dark manor can stand in the way of one very angry grandfather skeleton, who will, eventually, rattle his teeth and bones in a rallying cry and urge others to follow him, sword in hand. It’s time to storm the castle, and Mr. Bone-Jangles has had enough.

The air within the manor is frigid and biting, and the inside itself is as decrepit as you may expect. Lights and candles can light the way… but only for a few minutes. The wood creaks as if the building is breathing slowly, and sometimes you here a loud thum-thump, as if its unseen heart beats while you explore.

For an already imposing building, inside seems even larger and there’s almost no end in sight as it feels like the halls wind on forever and more and more rooms, from libraries to studies to bedrooms to- … is this room dedicated to WWE Wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? … Needless to say, there’s a lot to work through, but Bone-Jangles urges you onward.

Wisps of color drift through. Are they your friends? Or something else?

A NIGHTMARE ON YOUR LIPS

And to those who have been locked away for days, perhaps weeks, nothing in this house feels real. Is it a dream? Is it a nightmare? The mere mention of a potential addition from your lips manifests another new room within the manor, but you cannot touch anything. Light hurts and makes you dizzy, while the night is painfully cold. How long has it been? How long will it be?

The burst of life is- new. Exciting. Distantly, you know these people, but the urges of death are whimsical and cruel. Part of you wants to guide them to the attic, where your souls are chained in full to a portrait of you. Break those portraits, and you're free, coming back to life outside, which is what you want, isn't it? Another part of you wants to chase them out, how dare they intrude upon your afterlife? Another yet thinks it’s time to play, but no longer remembers what ‘play’ is- so surely they can dodge the plates and books, right? Right!

And another yet wants the intruders dead. And if not by your hands, then by the demons guarding this world alongside you.

(CODE)

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[They're working something out of their system here, maybe. They mix it up, throwing Rock at a cluster of pans, smashing another stack of plates, crumpling the edge of a hanging rack to send even more kitchen utensils flying...

Stars, why is this kitchen so stocked? They make another frustrated noise, slashing through more targets.]

He was the only thing that was mine! He was all that I had and you took him from me! [does this kitchen have a stove? not anymore, get Rocked] Haven't I lost enough already?! My life, my face, my family...!!

[ Something in her twists painfully at the despair mixed in with their rage, and at the mention of family. She knows this star, she's sure of it. Are they someone she cares about? She can't quite remember.

She's running out of pots and pans, too. But there are smaller things she can use, silverware and glasses that have mostly been protected from the destruction. On a whim she starts to march those items in the direction of the next room. ]

[Smaller targets! Fun! If they aim right they can knock the larger ones into the smaller ones, that's gotta be worth bonus points. They follow the trail out the door, picking up a wok and hurling it through a line of hovering glasses, pausing to catch their breathe as they watch the rest dance down towards another room.]

Why does it always have to be me?! I've followed, I've followed, I've followed, but you never lead me anywhere!

[Is there even a point in following this? They have half a mind to go in the opposite direction, to ignore it for the audacity of trying to guide them, after everything that's happened... but another instinct tells them to keep going. What does it matter! The Universe leads, and no matter what path they take it always ends poorly for them anyway! So why not this, too!!

They pick up the wok off the floor and hurl it again. Six more points for Loop! Yay Loop!! You're so good at ruining everything!!!]

[ The next room is an excessively fancy, Regency style living room. There's a giant candelabra (unlit, of course), uncomfortable furniture, and tassles on all the pillows and blankets.

There's not a lot of stuff to throw around except for lamps, which is kind of boring... Instead she picks up a blanket, that waves like a matador's flag in the air. ]

[They toss the wok into the room as they enter, knocking one of those fancy lamps off a table. It smashes in a less-but-still-satisfying manner. They need another moment to catch their breath, the pointless overuse of Craft starting to catch up to them, but then something else starts to move.

They lift their knife, free hand in the Scissors position, wound up and ready to strike, and...

and

and they freeze. They stare, watching the blanket wave in the air, something that would be so easy to shred to ribbons, so difficult to put back together.

They stare for a long time, then... the knife clatters onto the floor. They, too, follow it down, hands balled into fists.

Loop wails into the carpet, face hidden.]

[ So, so gently, the blanket lowers to settle over Loop's back. Two corners are tucked around their shoulders.

Odile is still not entirely sure what's happening to her, but the urge to throw things has left her entirely. ]

[They curl in on themselves further, gripping the edges of the blanket like a lifeline. They quiver pathetically on the floor, wracked with rough sobs, barely keeping it together anymore. They're tired, they're tired, they're so so tired of everything...]

They were right, I should've... if I was better, I would've...

I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Isa, I'm sorry, I'm sorry— [and they just keep going, crying and begging like somehow this will fix everything that's already been said, like they haven't already burned that bridge to cinders]

[ There's a lot of wandering, and it's hard it's so hard when his feet feel like solid rock but he's keeping an eye out for anything familiar something anything he needs to do something. He has to do something right for once

and he stops. It was a glimpse at first, a flicker of light and he should probably keep going. Keep moving. They said--

But there's that sound of a wail and his heart sinks, even at risk of this being a trap or fake or anything he can't just ignore it. How could he turn a blind eye? ]

Loop?!

[ It doesn't take that many steps to come over, crouching beside and very very carefully resting his hands on them. Afraid to touch them, afraid to leave them alone, afraid to make things worse-- ]

Hey, hey.. [ A small breath, softer, quieter. ] It's gonna be alright.. you're okay, you're here.

[They shiver at his touch, breath hitching—he's here, he's here, why is he here, why now? It's too late, isn't it? They already ruined everything, didn't they? Why now?

They don't try to push him away, but it could just as easily be from exhaustion than from want. They struggle to speak, tears staining the carpet.]

I tried, Isa, I really tried... but I'm never good enough. I'm awful, I'm so— so bad at everything, no matter what I do I always— I ruin everything, I hurt everyone, I can't even stop myself because the Universe won't let me, and I—

I should've let them kill me. I had a chance, but I... I thought I could still...!

[They tried so hard to be good, and they still ended up like this.]

[ There's no push, even though he feels that shiver but he carefully gathers them up in his arms. Nothing too tight, nothing too suffocating. More than easy to break out of and pull themselves from if it's too much but.

A hand rubs gingerly at their back, trying to soothe them through their tears. It's okay, it's okay. There's a short breath at the sound of that nickname but he doesn't point it out. How could you be so crabbing blind, Isabeau. ]

..You thought you could do something. You were only trying to do your best, and you still are. You only wanted to do something right. [ A deep breath in. They... really did go through so much and in a way, Isabeau failed them, didnt he? Not believing them right away, blinded by doubt because of his own mistakes. ] I'm sorry, it isn't fair after how much you've gone through to ask you to keep going.

[ And an apology here still doesn't feel enough. ]

But.. we can help you?

[They're limp in his hold, shuddering breaths through empty lungs. They feel small, like this. They can't help but think of calloused hands and sweaty palms, the taste of watermelon on their tongue, an honest request. Memories they still can't help but cling to, painful as they are.

They lean into him, burying their face in his chest. Smells like sleepless nights, long since forgotten.]

... I don't deserve your help again. Last time, I...

[They don't finish, trailing off into uncertain silence. Even when their friends tried as hard as they did, even when they finally succeeded, they still gave up on themselves. What's the point in trying if they'll just give up? Why should anyone bother?]

You don't need me around. You have Siffrin. [Siffrin, who they will get back, somehow. That's the only goal keeping them going right now.]

[ Odile definitely knows this second one. The memories are far away, but the emotions are close. She cares about them both, she's decided. She's going to help them. She has to help them, and somehow she knows that they will help her.

And so, the only other blanket in the room drifts over to wrap itself around Isabeau. The portraits can come later. Right now she needs them to be safe and loved, even if they don't know who's doing it. ]

[ For a moment, he freezes, but relaxes as Loop leans into him rather than away. Allowing them to tuck into, keeping arms around as he exhales that quiet breath. How small they feel. They're so small and warm. There's a soft quiet noise at that first reply. ]

Even so... I - we want to help. We'll think you deserve it no matter what happened last time.

[ Just like they forgive Siffrin, why wouldn't they forgive Loop as well? That seems cruel. To think of them undeserving of anything. That Loop doesn't deserve that same opportunity. Even with Change, everyone is always welcomed - greeted with open arms. Of course Isabeau is ready to do the same, no matter the differences. There's another gentle rub to their back. ]

And what if we want you around? Siffrin definitely wants you to be, and of course that includes us too. [ Despite everything, they still want them here. From the house plans, to even those clothes designing ones- couldn't they see? Isabeau will likely always want to keep trying, to show as much. ] We want you here.

[ The sudden weight of fabric around him does surprise him, nearly jumping before he sees the blanket and only spends a quick "???" moment to look around. But no harm comes their way, nothing dangerous, so he gently sets that curiosity aside for now. Loop first, then their continued search after. ]

[It's a strange feeling, one they can't help but have a difficult time accepting. To be wanted, and loved, despite all of their perceived mistakes. To still be welcomed, even when they gave up their right to belong. To be given a second, third, fourth chance at being someone worthy of that love.

They should be angrier, they think. Maybe part of them still is. He should've known so much sooner, not just about Siffrin but them... but it's not fair, isn't it? To expect him to believe someone he cares about is a fake, and then push him to the most extreme solution. To expect him to see the truth when Loop hasn't acted themselves, hasn't felt that name was theirs, hasn't looked even remotely like they used to in so long. Why would anyone be expected to see through all of that? They were fooled, too, for awhile. Even stardust was fooled by them once.

They need a minute to breathe it all in. It still doesn't feel earned, they still have so much to apologize for... stars, this could still be some trick of the Forest, couldn't it? But if it is, they've already decided they don't care. If Isabeau up and turns into thorns in a moment, well... they probably deserve it, somehow.

Loop takes another deep breath in, and out, a little less shaky each time.]

I should have trusted you more. Both of you.

... I didn't mean it. I'm sorry.

[ The blanket around Loop squeezes just a little bit, then lets go. She's not sure what they're talking about, but she feels like Loop needs a little extra comforting just now. ]

[ Odile would certainly be right, thank you Odile - even as Isabeau remains oblivious to it.

But he doesn't exactly expect his words to magically fix everything. But it's the same with Siffrin - he just needs to keep reassuring, saying it again and again. He won't tire himself by assuring them even if it needs to be said more than once. Sometimes it's just nice being able to hear it after all.

Even so, he is patient enough to keep trying, and even if later down the line another wall comes up again... he'll just have to be better about handling it. Be a better person that can truly be relied on and trusted. But for now, he would not be upset if Loop was still upset with him, still angry, he can't really blame them. And maybe it's best if it's him. Because he can handle it, he made himself more capable of handling things.

Isabeau only wishes he had noticed sooner. Even if he did see small signs here and there, and maybe with a bit of more time he would have noticed it sooner rather than later but. It's too late for that now. Far too late. He can only try to focus on the present and future. As that silence fills, Isabeau remains quiet, just gently comforting them by holding them in his arms. And Change, his eyes feel a little wet, realizing just.. how much he really needed a hug himself. But no time to worry about that. Not right now. ]

Hey, it's alright. I.. didn't exactly do a great job of handling it myself? I got.. scared. Didn't want to believe that... [ Any harm came to those he loved. But that's a mistake he's going to have to just carry with him now. And in any case, this isn't about him right now. He swallows the weight of those words and offers something else. ] I'm sorry, too. About.. everything. But I'm here, whenever you need.

[ If Loop wants it, that is. ]

[It's a lot to take in, and their skin is starting to buzz from all this physical contact and the gentle squeezing and holding... but it's nice. It's really, really nice. More than they ever thought they might deserve.

They wouldn't mind staying like this for longer, greedy little thing that they are... but they didn't come here to make up with Isabeau. Loop takes another deep breath before finally peeling themselves away, at least enough to look him in the eyes again. They stare for a moment, then look away again before they have another stupid breakdown, but—]

We can talk later. There has to be something here, to get rid of the doubles, or... [they don't dare say it, jinx it, but the possibility is on their mind] We should get moving. This place is huge.

[ Isabeau allows them with little to no difficulty to pull back, peering down at them as their gazes meet before Loop is looking away and ah. Right. More extensive talking would be better left for later. ]

Yeah, talk later. Focus on everyone else for now. [ A deep breath before he drops the contact, moving to stand up but not without holding his hands out to them to gingerly help them up if they allow it. But if they want to stand on their own, he won't be offended. ] There has to be something here for us to work with, but I haven't really have had much luck yet.

Though.. I guess there was this blanket? I'm not too sure where it came from-- [ pspspsp M'dame ]

[ Things seem to be... alright. She can feel the weight of emotions still in the air, but nobody is crying or wailing or attacking the house anymore. That's progress, right?

Now they're even asking for help, though not in so many words. Maybe it will be easier now.

Both blankets gently tug in the direction of the next room. ]

[Loop retrieves their bone dagger first, and... hesitates, hand hovering, before very carefully accepting Isabeau's offer. Their hands might still be shaking, and they're quick to wrap themselves back up in the blanket after, but they sure did hold his sweaty hand for 2 seconds there. Progress!]

I don't really know, either... there were things floating around, and when I came in here—

[They JOLT when the blanket suddenly tugs them towards the door. Whoa haha okay!! Still doing weird things in here! It does grab their attention, though.

Unfortunately now that Loop is shaken out of the House-induced mania, they have to decide if it's actually a good idea to follow the mysterious invisible force that's been throwing things around and ??????? comforting them, maybe????? Stars it was easier not to think about things.]

... I think it wants us to follow.

[ Progress! ..But also sorry for his sweaty hand?? He was really crabbing nervous about this ordeal and still kinda so! Isabeau does stare at them as if surprised by that brief contact, even if he was previously hugging them not too long ago.

..Anyways!! Isabeau jumps at the tug, even as gentle as it is, and whips his head around. ] WOAH!

[ How.. gentle! Nothing that spells danger or a threat, so that's at least something. He nods, peering around before focusing more on where it felt like... to the door? Another room? ]

Seems like it? We.. probably should, right? It doesn't feel like it's bad. But we should keep up our guard a little just in case.

[ A gut feeling says it might be fine though. So he gestures for them to head that way, but he will stay semi-close to Loop, ever the shield ready to take a hit for them if needed. ]

[Their eyes dart between the blanket and the door ahead of them, still feeling uncertain... but Isabeau is right. It hasn't done anything to hurt them, and it gave them this when they broke down. Loop stares down at the blanket, tugging back lightly.

... It couldn't be...]

Stardust?

[sorry madame they think you're alive but also, they're taking the lead, still clinging to that blanket as they hurry to the next room.]

[ Something tells her that's a name. But it isn't her name. Both blankets go limp in protest.

But it's totally fine! Outside this room is a wood-paneled hallway decorated with subway maps from cities they've never heard of. There are several doors on each side, and one at the end, each with someone's name on a plaque. The hall smells like old books.

The fluorescent lights on the ceiling are all off, but one flickers dimly about three quarters of the way down the hall. ]

[ Oh, all weight to the blanket is now gone. ]

...Someone else? [ Or.. something?? Still, he follows close after Loop as they take lead, covering their back with a cautious glance backwards. So far still just them. Though, as he takes in the change of scenery...

Huh. Arms cross, head tilting as he looks to the decorated maps on the walls. Squinting at the names on the plaques, before he's quickly distracted by the one flickering light in the distance. That's probably where they're meant to go next, maybe? ]

[... they try not to look disappointed. Okay, maybe not stardust...

They slip back into old habits easily enough, slinking across the hall like they weren't a sobbing mess just five minutes ago. Isabeau behind them feels right, and that helps their nerves quite a bit. There's a comfort in footsteps following behind them, even if the number is still too small. Even if the situation itself is still too familiar.

Anyway, the flickering light must be what they're looking for. They stop to check the door's plaque before reaching for the knob under their blanket-cloak.]

Edited 2024-10-16 01:20 (UTC)

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