MOOD: Trying to stay calm ACTION: Trying to calm down Lourdes
Pendour's first nod, after she had stopped channeling her magic, was apologetic and went towards the blonde Velencyan who seemed the most on edge out of all of them.
"I'm sorry," she said, her shoulders low, everything about her posture as soft and non-confrontational as she could possibly make it. "That was meant to calm down my friend, but the sound carries. I can stop, if you don't like it."
She wasn't here to make enemies. She never was, but right now especially she could feel the worrying gazes of her friends on her back.
She could see a few robots scuttling around out of the corner of her eyes, but that thought could wait.
Her second nod went to Kerberos, and that one was a little more confident, a silent, I'll take care of this.
And then she turning to Lourdes, and putting a hand on her shoulder, and there was nothing left in her eyesother than all of the softness and kindness she could muster.
"Oh, Lourdes," she murmured, her voice much lower. "I know. I know. It was an awful night. I got hurt, too." She held out her other hand, where the pockmarked scars showed under her transcendence markings. "But they're right. Lyndin tricked his own people as much as he tricked us, and he isn't here right now."
Which, was probably good. She'd forgiven the Commodore, but his presence would make things complicated.
Her gaze flicked to the questionable welcome sign, and then back to the Squire.
"Can you take a deep breath for me? It looks like we might have other things to worry about, soon."
MOOD: Well, at least I am surrounded by cats. ACTION: Cautiously approaching the ‘party’ at Ida’s suggestion.
“That’s okay! It doesn’t look like anyone else knows either.”
He was thankful and he nodded to both cats. “Illyria and you, too, can hop on my shoulders if you need a better view.”
Erytheia waved to Ida. She seemed to have the right idea and she seemed to have a group of her own already.
He turned to the two Mauvians.
“What would you like to do? We could either join Ida or find your fellow Mauvians. Either way, I think we’re here for this welcome party since we can’t get home.”
MOOD: A bit nervous. ACTION: Booting… Please wait… New status: Ready to serve!
At first, anyone looking at the being that was Virtual Lady Clarity would see a heavily-adorned floating chalice with wings and heart-motifs. There was nothing in the cup and, if one looked closely enough, it didn’t look exactly like a drinking vessel. At least, it seemed quite a bit more…. mechanical?
It flitted and floated about the place a bit frantically. Only other robots could hear their voice: Is it really time? Is it really them? Is it really…?
But upon seeing the organic beings before them now, they could feel a familiar programming coming to the fore — one far more formal and polished than the disembodied voice had been.
And that’s when a light shown from the chalice’s cup:
“Greetings, sirs and madams! I am Virtual Lady Clarity, your personal assistant. Tell me how I may be of service to you today.”
A holographic image appeared of a short woman with a professional looking lilac dress and stood with her hands clasped in front of her as if ready to serve. Her hair was a mousy brown and held back in tails much like a lop-eared rabbit and she had the symbol of a crescent moon engraved upon her white apron. She looked like an ordinary woman, except for her eyes which were pale and completely blank, occasionally lighting as if from within a screen.
MOOD: Calm but wigged a bit by robots ACTION: Talking to Moira & Fantasia, spots Botein as a familiar face but notices she's helping someone else
Meissa accepted the hug without qualms and noticed the expression on Moira's face before the other senshi broke down in tears. Awkward to say the least but Meissa dutifully patted Moira on her back before giving the mauvian on Moira's shoulders a closer look as she had introduced herself as Fantasia. That was a very intriguing name. Still the idea of getting Moira calmed down was more important. She gently reached under Fantasia's chin though and offered a gentle scratching action for the feline before giving a soft sigh.
"Hey Moira, I'm pretty sure you can get another coffee when we get back from wherever we are. And if you can't well I can get it for you. Trust me I'm not any happier to be whisked away to parts unknown. Even to a place as intriguing as this is."
And that is apparently when their guests decided to roll out the so called "red carpet" for them. Although the carpet had lost it's red coloration ages ago it seemed. The guests themselves seemed to be an assortment of robots. That in itself was strange. But at least strange things would perhaps focus the attention of the motley group that had been brought here. At least she hoped it would. Meissa was kind of intrigued but also cautious. Curiosity would not *kill* this cat ... not today and not again.
Even as she thought that she spotted another familiar face in the crowd but noted the direction that the other senshi (Botein) was moving in before figuring they could possibly meet up later.
MOOD: Not sure about her situation. ACTION: Answering Erytheia and Illyria
Xamira nodded at the other cat. "I am Xamira. It is very nice to meet you." Looking around Xamira noticed there were several other guardians.
"What do you think about all this?" She took in what was happening in front of her. She did not know what was going to happen or what to expect but she knew that she had to be on the alert.
"I have never been here before either."
Xamira perked up at the newcomers. She smiled at the knight. "Why thank you so much, Sir. If it's okay with you I would like to stay with you and the others for just a while longer. I had just moved to Destiny City so I don't know many mauvians or anyone for that matter."
MOOD: Unimpressed. ACTION: Leaving so his bitches his friends aren't infected by worthlessness.
Rakovanite had never stopped watching the senshi, and her obvious idiotic outrage at Diasporite's proximity was plenty enough for him to decide that she was entirely irrational. Not worth whatever drama she was trying to incite. His fingers cinched around his lieutenant's forearm, other hand hovering close to Narcissus in case he felt pressed to teleport them and the girl away from any magic he deemed hazardous-
But it was a waste of a thought. The senshi had no self-control and no control over her magic, either. As the force of it rebounded and sent her to the floor, Rakovanite only stared passively at her. If she was content to do nothing besides make herself a target, that suited him. "Worthless vermin," he muttered in her direction before promptly deciding she was nothing he needed to bother with.
"Diasporite, come on," he commanded, pulling the boy to his feet as a scattered few around them started heading to the... party apparently taking place.
It would be completely absurd for them to expect nothing but peace. Rakovaite couldn't remember a time they'd been sporadically teleported anywhere that wasn't littered with various enemies and hazards. This would be no different, he was sure. But as with times previous, he did not know what to look for in terms of what would be significant to helping them escape. He didn't know what planet this was or who its host was... The only thing beckoning them was the robots. And it was probably all they could do to move forward.
He exhaled quietly, and his voice was a low, slightly accented murmur as he spoke. "Andesine, my name is Rakovanite. This is Diasporite and Narcissus." He gestured to his other comrades in turn. "There is no reason for such formality. No one of import is around to witness it. If you are amenable to it, we will probably gather more intel from participation than from seclusion." He notched his head toward the opening, where the word 'Welcome' was scrawled in English on a rusty metal banner. "They know our language. We should see what they have to say."
And that couldn't be worse than loitering next to this disgrace of a senshi. Still holding Diasporite's arm, he beckoned for the others to follow as he moved forward.
MOOD: Chagrined in the face of Greatness. ACTION: Attending a…Party!?
Never in his *life* had he been so embarrassed and grateful at once. For all his stuttered and stunted silence, he was pleased to have been so swiftly saved - and by an entire team no less!! By his General. Oh, the mess he’d gotten into would be tough to live down, but he’d journal about it later. Maybe even practice fighting down things with tails – webbed fingers – horns…
Andesine and Narcissus got looks of pure ‘thank you’; Dia even mouthed the words in their direction, quietly, as he was hauled up and spun away from the grossly terrifying Senshi who seemed to have, somehow, turned her attack on herself? Aliens were so damn strange, and Dia didn’t want to begin to try to understand.
Distance from what’d upset him bred fondness, and he swiped his face into some semblance of less than miserable. Sucked breaths that were far more calm than he felt on the inside “I’m amenable to anything that keeps us away from ‘them’,” sour and squinting at the signs the loomed above them, he didn’t know where to begin.
“I–is it wrong, to say that I don’t feel very 'Welcomed'…” everything looked old and barely strung together. How long had it all been here waiting for them?
MOOD: Ambivalent ACTION: Waiving off to do a little turn on the catwalk.
"Safe? Pfft, what even is 'safe', honestly." and it wasn't as if Syrus didn't believe her. Oh no, he took stock in her tone, the seriousness of her gaze. The way she, and every other party around them seemed three seconds away from bursting into pure fight or flight with all the strangeness around. The most concerning thing? More so than that of a being with no soul, was the idea that said being was -- in all possibility -- immortal.
And now they were trapped in a place of unknown origins with them. Wonderful.
Cryolite was flippant towards those that lobbed passing comments their way; some be-horned white moon Senshi that earned an unceremonious roll of his eyes as he waived Chrysocolla on; and started off towards the startling appearance of...of...
Party attire? Ah yes. This is how he died. Space party gone wrong.
He understood very well that standing there holding his proverbial a** in his hands wasn't going to get him any closer to being off the rock and home where he belonged. With a very Nothing bothered, nothing gained, attitude Cryolite strolled up over the plush rolled out red carpet like he owned it. Picking the most pleasing looking of hosts to approach. Whatever unease he normally would've felt was soothed by the --- beings -- face. There was something soothing about eir features.
MOOD: Warm, fuzzy, and hating it! ACTION: Trailing after Nessa like a lost puppy.
He'd been ready to fight -- but the sudden soft warmth that filled him to his core. Ate away the bitter prickly chill that kept him sharp, and alert. Kicked up rose colored everything, just behind his eyes. All of that followed by a staggering weight of tiredness -- like some lovely little lullaby had been thrown his way.
He hated magic.
Except? The sight of his fellow cadets suddenly so - sweet - Well, maybe he didn't hate magic that much. Tenoch respectfully shielded his eyes from Cae and Fae's bright, affectious display (heehee, cae-fae). No, Café', that would've been a cute moniker. Like the ones humans often allotted to 'star couples', where they melded the names into a single being....
Tenoch shook his head at the silliness, trying to dislodge all the happy-joy he'd been forcibly submitted to, and in doing so caught sight of Nessa trailing off after something loosing pieces faster than it could walk. Signs were popping up, carpets rolling out, but he was too fuzzy-wuzzy captivated to pay it any deeper mind.
It was a party, right? Happy seemed the natural state for these things, and meeting their hosts...."Nessa! Who's your friend? They're falling to pieces..."
MOOD: Assisting with Knowledge ACTION: Chatting with Ash, pointing out Clarity
Perhaps it was being inundated with questions, but perhaps what it was truly inundated with was patience. As she spoke, and pet it--it was an oddly familiar sensation--it listened to every word she said.
It supposed it was space faring, wasn't it! Even if it was not currently doing as such, this was not where it and all of them began. They had traveled here, traveled here seeking out the kind of infinitely refreshable life that the organics were privy to--
"We were once. To answer your other question, that is correct. I am a housework robot originally. I am here for a new purpose now that our circumstances have changed."
The lights danced under its surface again as she spoke of confusion once more of the trial and then she asked of others. It itself was confused by the origin of that question, but the second was much easier to answer as it gestured with a third tentacle toward another one of its fellows.
"Yes! There are many. Virtual Lady Clarity is just over there! I may point out others if it would be of assistance to you.*
MOOD: ACTION: Offering to share his cheese fondue with anyone approaching the party
While the robots were greeting their guests, he was being patient. Waiting. Saving his energy.
He arrived with no table of treasures, no gifts to trade and barter.
He did arrive with a fondue pot (thank you, Kurma) full of liquid gold cheese and a creative spread of crackers, breads, and vegetables–not all of which were even recognizable. Dressed for fashion and comfort, Almadel never missed an opportunity to show up.
He already seemed comfortable, settled into his seat and not the least bit perturbed by anyone or anything.
The crowd nearby was small–too small given the enthusiasm of the eclectic synthetic life forms populating the area. He didn’t dare stray from his cheese fountain, or all the snacks generously laid out–to share. For free.
But, he raised a hand and waved, and then beckoned those that he could see closer.
“Come on, come on. You know what a party is, don’t you? Don’t be shy, come visit. Make yourself comfortable. Do you want a snack?”
A scuffed and tarnished tin soldier bobbled excitedly through the scene, stopping briefly to bow at Nessaela -- "Thank you for assisting Fanny, my dear, she's very excited to see you all --" and quizzically rest a hand on a hip at the bickering Dark Mirror Senshi -- "Please, this is no place to fight, we're having a celebration!" -- before stopping near Almadel, graciously bowing at him as well before turning towards the crowd.
"Yes, please, listen to the gentleman here and enjoy the festivities. Your arrival was foretold by the data in this land, and we are so thrilled to finally meet you! Welcome! Welcome to Astraya!"
Quote:
Widely considered to be a myth or fabrication by the Silver Millennium, Astraya is so shrouded in mystery most in modern times have not heard of it at all. Those who have may recall legends of its people achieving incredible wealth and unlocking miraculous powers using the treasures they acquired -- powers could that rival, or perhaps even exceed, the abilities of a Royal Senshi or Knight.
VANGUARDIANS may have learned of Astraya as part of their education, with the understanding that it's a mythological place and its alleged achievements are not actually possible. DEEP SPACE SENSHI may have similar knowledge.
EARTHBORN SENSHI AND KNIGHTS may recall past-life memories or ancestral anecdotes of the place being discussed. Erytheia Knight and Sailor Puck can directly recognize Astraya's architecture as matching the outposts found on their own worlds.
NEGAVERSE AGENTS may have found anecdotes of the legend in documents from the Dark Kingdom, albeit with very little substantial information.
DARK MIRROR SENSHI may have seen artifacts with a peculiar script or aesthetic in Mirrorspace.
Knowing that this strange place is in fact a location so mysterious and legendary means it might be possible they actually achieved what they were rumored to have achieved: immortaility, infinite knowledge, and more. Could some trace of that power, or how to obtain it, still be here? Perhaps Order could use it to beat the Negaverse. Perhaps the Dark Mirror Court could use it to build Mirrorspace to a new stage, or the Negaverse could use it to achieve Metallia's vision for the Earth. Maybe the Vanguard could use it to save their people.
Even if you're not interested in finding anything, it's likely in your best interest to prevent your enemies from doing so while you're sidestepping around overly friendly robots and trying to figure out how to get back to Earth.
This event is now open to private RPs! Feel free to do scenes with other characters / NPCs. You can make up Astrayan locations as you do this within the general description given in the info thread. If your character has IC reasons not to stay at the party, they can do so -- but who knows, maybe Almadel will have answers to some of your questions...
As the event progresses, I may randomly post open starts for opportunities to find out more! Keep your eyes peeled!
"Truly it is an honor to meet you all, truly!" continued the tin man, wiggling about as if he had a spring-mounted waist (something that, considering his semi-clockwork appearance, was quite possible). "Such a sparkling entourage of fresh organic faces, you. I do hope some of you will consider going to visit our ship, oh, it would love to see you in the flesh with its own camera array." His fingers clackety-clacked together excitably. "Please do decide on some representatives at your leisure, and I can lead you there."
MOOD: Intrigued ACTION: Greeting Almadel, pulling Ymir along with him.
Surtur nodded to Ymir in agreement, patting his hand as he held onto Surtur’s arm. He didn’t like the tension from the others. But he knew too little about them to be able to offer a resolution, or even a compromise. At least on his World, he’d known what the different clans wanted. Other Worlds that were desperate for help made easy allies.
He shook his head when asked about the party that seemed to be set up for them. Figures waving to them, and curious robots coming out to greet them.
“I’m not sure. I haven’t encountered these before, or…”
Had he? His memory was fuzzy. Maybe he had seen something similar. Yes, on some worlds, they were more advanced than Surtur but. Was he just making up whatever he wanted to in his head?
Others were making their way over, but it wasn’t until he heard a familiar voice that he perked up and took hold of Ymir’s hand to pull along.
“I know that man. He’s the one I told you about. Look at his glorious horns. He looks like a dragon, does he not?” Surtur asked Ymir, obviously thrilled that the dragon man was there. Even if he never verified if he was a dragon or not.
“You look as radiant as ever, Almadel. Earth’s sun has been miserable, I am glad you were able to escape its heat,” he greeted, although he could tell that the Merchant was a very popular figure, so he remained at a respectable distance so as not to crowd him, or make Ymir uncomfortable.
“Astraya,” Surtur hummed thoughtfully, and then beamed to know that their arrival had been foretold.
“I told you there was a prophecy, Ymir,” he grinned with pleasure.
‘Your arrival was foretold by the data in this land, and we are so thrilled to finally meet you! Welcome! Welcome to Astraya!’
Erytheia felt his gut sink again. He frantically searched for Kurma, but he was not around. To calm his nerves, he put a hand out to Xamira to pet her fur.
But his hand was shaking.
“Astraya? What — what do you know about it?”
His question and focused was single-minded. He largely ignored his companions, staring intently at the tin solider. He even ignored the merchant Almadel.
Kurma had said that the artifact on Erytheia was Astrayan and — crucially — that it was dangerous and needed to be destroyed.
Clarity reached across the special link they all shared as sapient mechanical beings: Thank you, Home Helper! I shall greet this guest.
And for a moment, the projection faded. And then, nothing.
Virtiual Lady Clarity was gone.
But the chalice-like object moved closer (but not too close) to the Mauvian.
Then, with a flash of light, she was back.
“Greetings, madam! I am Virtual Lady Clarity, your personal assistant. Please tell me your name and designation so that I may register it in my system.”
She smiled and bowed to Ash. What a curious being!
MOOD: Cautious ACTION: With Alastor, Amarynthos, and Ephesus
“Recognized him, yes,” Sessrumnir confirmed, trying to recall everything about that night. He’d spent a good deal of it trying not to be killed or corrupted. And trying to keep his brother and Belmont safe as well.
“I’m not sure what his powers were. He didn’t seem interested in helping the Velencians at the battle on the hilltop. Seems as though he can teleport like the Negaverse. He brought someone to Ganymede to purify, and she did. There were two others she purified that night but… one of their Generals made sure they didn’t help us for long.”
He hadn’t been there, but he’d heard about it from Valhalla. He was glad he hadn’t been there. He didn’t want anything triggered by that image. He needed to stay focused on protecting those he could, while he could.
Just as he had every intention of protecting those who were with him now.
“That man at the table,” he nodded after gesturing for Alastor and the two Pages to slowly make their approach to the party. “He was the one I got the necklace from.” And it was heavily implied that he’d broken into Sessrumnir in order to find it.
“His name is Almadel. He’s some kind of Merchant that trades things. Ganymede said she got a cup from him that once belonged to Ganymede.”
MOOD: Curious/Still a bit scared ACTION: With Amarynthos, Alastor, and Sessrumnir
“Robots,” Ephesus chirped with cautious excitement. They were talking robots! Was that possible? They seemed very lifelike.
“Oh, we shouldn’t eat anything?” he asked, and as if on cue, his stomach whined. They had been planning on some dessert once they’d gotten back from training. Or… their form of training, which was really just waving their little weapons around. But they obviously hadn’t had the chance to do that.
“Those people that are wearing black… they’re the bad guys? They don’t seem very mean,” Ephesus shifted on his feet uncomfortably. He could feel the Chaos. He could feel that it was wrong, but… were they really bad?
Sure, a couple of them had tried hurting him and people he cared about, along with their monsters, but… That didn’t mean they were all like that, right?
MOOD: Disbelieving. Nervous. ACTION: Questioning the validity of prophecies. Lurking just behind Surtur as Surtur speaks with Almadel.
Astraya.
The name was familiar in the way things were when he learned of them but didn’t much care for the information. The reason for his disinterest became apparent as soon as it was said their arrival was foretold.
“Prophecies are not real,” Ymir insisted, though he doubted Surtur would actually listen. “They’re made up nonsense kept just vague enough that any ridiculous thing could apply. Our arrival here was not foretold, and you are not some great savior of the cosmos.”
If he was, surely Surtur’s world would not currently be at death’s door.
Astraya was no more real than any alleged prophecy on Surtur. This was a farce. Someone was having a laugh at them. Probably that man who supposedly had no starseed.
Ymir made no attempt to tug his hand away as he followed Surtur. He came to a stop next to and just behind him, practically glued to Surtur’s side, peering over Surtur’s shoulder at the man with the horns (Almadel). Real horns, it seemed. Not the imitation ones Surtur wore as a Senshi.
“But you met him on Earth,” Ymir said. He made no effort to keep his voice low this time. “How has he come to be here?”
Whisked away like they were, perhaps? He didn’t seem terribly bothered by their current circumstances, in any case.
