Posted December 1, 2019 (edited) Quote XTRA DIMENSIONAL TELEPORTATION TERMINAL FIRMWARE 1.0.1.4 Finding coordinates... ok. ~ Mission ID: 0101-3 Participants: Giorno, Mista, Raine, Natsuki, Duke, Jowan, (Guest(s): Kelsier and Dynarst) World: Scadrial [Mistborn] Location: Luthadel Time: Early Evening Current Environment: Light Mists Status: Getting up to speed The jolt was sudden, even if it was expected. Kelsier had kept his eyes open wide in an attempt to decipher the secrets of worldhopping. Clear air and glaringly green grasses were replaced almost instantaneously with the familiar stench of a city covered in soot, as if one wiped away a picture in his line of sight to reveal another one underneath. The XDRS’ base even now felt like a fever dream, now that he was back. Kelsier wanted to show everyone what he had seen — flowers, grasses, sky... Even if those things were from another world, they were real, and that made Kelsier all the more convinced that this was how his world should have been. He was still burning tin. The wet mists swirled around him in response to his allomancy. For some reason, tin helped allomancers to see through the mists, putting them at a distinct advantage. It didn’t make sense, but that’s how it worked. The skaa who had accompanied them — Dynarst the street-sweeper — seemed to be incredibly nervous about the mists and hung behind Duke like a shadow, gripping the end of his cloak as if his life depended on it. It wasn’t hard to see why people like him would be so superstitious about the fog, if assassins and monsters lurked within. All that said, even without tin the mists were not too thick this evening. He could make out the limelights pouring out the windows and the pointed silhouettes of houses and keeps. Keep Hasting, if his sense of direction was correct. Which meant that Club’s shop was right around the corner. From the extravagance of the lights, Kelsier assumed that the Hastings were hosting a ball tonight — though he hadn’t gotten wind of that, curiously. Was it a surprise event? They weren’t supposed to hold one for a couple months. Either way, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to sow a little discord, at the very least. For now, though, Kelsier turned his attention away from the castle. The nobles will still be doing their frivolous dances come sunrise, giving him plenty of time to revisit the premises later. He had otherworldly guests to entertain first. The bird that Giorno gave him was the brightest-looking thing on Kelsier’s ensemble and it was a constant and unfortunate reminder than they were here for other reasons. “We’ll see if my crew’s in tonight,” Kelsier stated. “Follow me.” At the very least, the safehouse would have extra vials of metal on hand. And his ever-important mistcloak. While Raine was a little apprehensive about following Kelsier's lead, it appeared that they didn't really have much of a choice. He was the one who knew these streets the best. She cupped a hand over the delicate creature that Giorno gave her, and followed. The man led them confidently down sidestreets up to the backside of a store like any other, where ash had already been accumulating for days. Kelsier took the vial of steel that kid had reluctantly given him back at the green star world and downed its contents. He didn't doubt he could scale the wall all the way up to the window without allomancy, but this just made it a little easier. He dropped one of the teaspoons he stole from the dining hall and pushed on it while jumping. His steelpush sent him flying upwards just enough for him to grip the windowsill with both hands. With a grunt of effort, he pulled himself up and into the room, where five middle aged men -- one as blond as Kelsier -- bore solemn expressions over their respective drinks by candlelight. "Whats up, Dox?" Kelsier asked, adding a laugh at the end once he realized that the room was uncharacteristically tense. "Breeze, Clubs, Ham! You all look like you've just seen a ghost." Dockson was the first one to break the silence, standing up in a fit of rage while slamming his palms onto the table. Breeze moved to steady his wine glass while he watched Dockson point an accusing finger at Kelsier while yelling. "Where the hell have you been?! You disappear without a trace for nearly three months, presumably to do something bloody insane, and you show up the day we finally decided to toast your death?!" "I, for one, am offended that you would pronounce me dead after a meager three months," Kelsier retorted, palms up. Then the words set in. "Three months...!? How could it have been so long...? I've only been gone for a week! At most!" He swung himself around and looked out the window where the XDRS was gathered, seeing an explanation but knowing better than to yell down towards the street. Three months! Kelsier then turned to his crew members. "The strange people down there are with me. Let them into the kitchen. I suppose we have some catching up to do." ~~~ Kelsier -- Club's Shop, Kitchen [ with dockson, breeze, clubs, ham, marsh (and spook) ] - [ meet the xdrs ] Having jumped back out the window to avoid explaining any further, Kelsier had motioned the agents to follow him to a concealed door opened from the inside by one of the servants. The door led to a set of stone steps downwards, and opened up to a larger den lit by bright torches and the hearth itself. Six people sat at a wide table, waiting -- three middle-aged gentlemen (one of whom bore a striking resemblance to Kelsier), a bulky, slightly younger man, an older gnarled-looking man, and a boy who sat at the far end, slouched and looking out of place. Kelsier nodded to himself, satisfied that all the key members of his crew were present, bar Vin and Sazed who were likely keeping an eye on the political climate. The number of agents added managed to fill the room but there were enough seats for everyone. The one who had brought his wine glass down, Breeze, was the most portly of the men and bore a perfectly groomed mustache. He wore a dark shirt under his vest, for once. He was usually quite colorful, though Kelsier supposed he wore the one black shirt owned just for the occasion. Breeze absently swirled his wine and once everyone seemed to be comfortable, he spoke to break the tension. "You never cease to amaze me, Kell. Your brother was certain you were still alive, and I'm pleasantly surprised that Mr. Ironeyes ended up being correct." "If you haven't witnessed his corpse, he's not dead yet," Marsh warned, his bitter voice concealing his other emotions. He looked nearly identical to Kelsier, save for his piercing blue gaze and the fact that he looked like he had never smiled a day in his life. "He has a knack for beating the odds." Dockson, the intense-looking man with a half-beard, cut in before Kelsier could reply. "It's been two and a half months since we last spotted you. We've been continuing preparations as per plan, but I wish I were lying when I say that everyone has been losing morale. In the last few weeks, particularly, the skaa of the western districts have been afflicted by an illness they've been calling Mistblight. Some even go as far as calling it retribution for worshiping the Survivor instead of the Lord Ruler." "It's not uncommon for time to be de-synchronized," Raine explained. "It is part of the reason we tend not to leave a world during a mission unless we absolutely must. However, could it be that the time difference is getting more severe? From our prior knowledge, it should have only been about three weeks, barring an error in our records..." Kelsier narrowed his eyes. Three weeks was still a lot of time. They probably didn't inform him so as to avoid getting him to rush their departure, but they definitely should have. "Crew," he addressed his own people, "meet the eXtra Dimensional Restoration Squad. They're here on official business to help with the sand that's supposedly in this city. As you can plainly see, they're not really from Luthadel, or anywhere else known to us..." He locked eyes with his brother. "They have flowers on their world, Marsh. It was-- it felt unreal. They're from a whole other universe." "You really are insane," Dockson grumbled, putting an exasperated hand to his face. "I don't even doubt what you're saying with dimensions and universes, stuff that Ham's usually rambling about. But every day you make me wonder how the hell you get tangled up in these kinds of things." "Mostly I ponder the existence of alternate timelines, or alternate universes very similar to our own..." Hammond clarified. Out of Kelsier's crew, he seemed the most out of place with his neat, military haircut and sleeveless uniform which exposed his muscled arms. Kelsier assumed that Dockson must have chewed him out on ripping the sleeves off himself. "Those exist too," Mista added helpfully. "There was this one universe Giorno and I visited where everything was the same, except Giorno's dad stuck around and we had a nice Chirstmas dinner..." "Must have been great," Ham mused. "Seeing an alternate universe version of yourself must be jarring, especially if they're doing better than you. Think there's a timeline out there where we just get to live our lives without worrying about the Empire? Have you ever thought about or needed to replace and live as an alternate version of yourself, temporarily or forever? We think about how it would be nice, but in that case, which one is the real instance of 'you'?" "Enough of that," Raine interjected. She bit at her lip once she realized how snappish her tone was. She had no desire to continue this theoretical discussion. Edited December 1, 2019 by TehUltimateMage Share this post Link to post
Posted January 3, 2020 Jowan Allies: Duke, Raine, Natsuki, Giorno, Mista, Kelsier, Kelsier's Crew, Dynarst Location: Club's Shop Jowan wrings his hands, ready to try to pick up as much information as he can. He’s unused to this kind of setting, all dimly lit and secretive, and he doesn’t want to miss anything or fall behind. Duke, of course, manages to distract him almost immediately. Jowan looks at Marsh nervously, convinced that the man had heard because of how loud Duke was. He doesn’t notice the man’s hair so much as he notices his eyes, blue and piercing. Marsh’s gaze falls upon him for a moment and Jowan looks away, uncomfortable. Marsh’s eyes aren’t the same shade as Neria’s had been, but he’s reminded of her all the same. “I guess so,” he mumbles, much quieter than Duke had been. Surely there’s better things to focus on. Alternate versions of themselves…? Duke sounds so confident, so assured in his position, but Jowan can’t feel the same way. The idea is disconcerting; is it possible that there’s a version of him somewhere that’s just better? Smarter, better at magic, a Jowan that didn’t make so many awful decisions? One that never picked up the knife? Well. Even in the most idea of circumstances, he’s sure that he’d have messed it up somehow. Couldn’t have escaped with Lily. Couldn’t have passed his Harrowing if he stayed. He’d never really stood a chance, but he’d still managed to make everything worse along the way. The small bird the Giorno gave him -- he doesn’t know what it’s called, but he wants to know -- cries, a shark aak-aak sound, as it hops around and clings to different parts of his shirt. The sight is cheering, and he allows himself a small smile. If only he could just sit and watch the small creature. It’s fascinating -- at the circle there had been some seabirds, but they’d been difficult to see through the high windows, and he’s never interacted with an animal so closely before. Hesitantly, he holds out a finger, and the bird makes a short jump to land on it. ☙🙙❧ Natsuki Allies: Duke, Raine, Jowan, Giorno, Mista, Kelsier, Kelsier's Crew, Dynarst Location: Club's Shop “Our priority is the Anchors,” Natsuki says, though they doubt that Duke will listen. The only thing they really need to know about the sickness is how to avoid it, and Duke likely wishes to cure it or something similarly fanciful. They know how deadly and politically important plagues can be, but even slowing its spread would require time and resources that they don’t have. Frankly, the illness doesn’t sound particularly relevant to their mission, and nor does the discussion about parallel worlds. “What do you know of the golden sand and people turning into monsters upon contact with it?” they ask. Share this post Link to post
Posted February 1, 2020 (edited) Kelsier -- Club's Shop, Kitchen [ with dockson, breeze, clubs, ham, marsh (and spook) ] - [ planning with the xdrs ] Ham nods in agreement to Duke's musings, satisfied with the answer. "Very astute. It's true that I wouldn't be the man today if it weren't for the conditions of this world." "That's exactly it," answers Dockson. "Saves us some explaining. The monsters and the sickness are one and the same. We don't think the transformations have anything to do with the mists themselves and have even less to do with the Lord Ruler, but superstitions end up having disproportionate power... After all, both the mists rise and the walking corpses shamble at night." Kelsier scratches his chin, thinking. The colorful bird Giorno had given him took the opportunity to wiggle out from his coat and flutter down onto the table, attracting an inquisitive expression from Marsh. "This is setting us back more than I ever could have anticipated," he says. "Given that we will be clearing out the sand anyway, that's one miracle we need people to witness. Is there any way to get the victims to turn back to normal?" Raine pauses. She knew Kelsier wanted to make himself into a myth but didn't think he would be so overt with his intentions. Fearlessly walking among the sick and healing them would no doubt make him seem like a divine figure. Whether or not that was a good thing was yet to be seen. "If we can contain one of the monsters, I'll see what I can do." If there was anything the multiverse taught her, there was always a way. In her own world she herself performed the feat once (and only once), though there were so many variables in play here that it would be hard to say if her magic would save a sand creature or obliterate it. She hesitated to make any promises. Staring intently at a knot on the table to avoid eye contact, she rationally adds, "However, it would be unwise to compromise our own safety if we are attacked, so in fight assume the creatures are beyond saving." She looks at the agents. "Jowan, do you still have the document? According to the information I have compiled, the most effective weapon against the sand creatures is the Dagger of Time, currently under Giorno's care, which also renders the wielder immune to the sand's effects." "Before you get any further," Kelsier interjects, "I'm going to get Vin and Sazed, so we won't need to explain this twice." "She's probably out dancing with that little rich boy at the Hastings Ball down the boulevard," Breeze teases, eyes squinted mischievously. "Biggest event of the month, you know. Unfortunately, she hasn't fallen out of love yet. I'm surprised neither of them has moved on from the little fling, despite all the vitriol from Dox." Kelsier is silent for an uncomfortable amount of time, then showed his widest grin of the night. "Sounds like we have a party to crash. We probably won't be making a move on the sand until tomorrow once everyone is rested, so that would leave time for you all to get acquainted." Before anyone could stop him, he leaves the table, jogging upstairs to prepare himself. His avian companion takes flight and pursues him. "There he goes again," Dockson sighs. He puts a hand to his forehead. "You don't need to follow his antics tonight. We can get some rooms prepared for you." Amidst the talking, Dynarst felt very, very out of place. He thought that it would be simple enough to follow along and contribute. In reality, he was too aware of his own presence to pay attention to what was being said. Edited February 1, 2020 by TehUltimateMage Share this post Link to post
Posted March 13, 2020 (edited) Kelsier and co. and co. -- Club's Shop, Kitchen [ with dockson, breeze, clubs, ham, marsh (and spook) ] - [ refueled and ready ] "Yeah, me and the Pistols are ready to catch any ball that comes our way!" Mista declares in response to both Duke and Giorno. As soon as he uttered their name, Mista's stand materializes in a halo around his head. "Mistaaa--" Number Seven whines, floating towards his eye level. "We're splitting up already? We just regrouped with the agents!" Dynarst's heart sinks. He was called upon by Duke -- to come along? It was a terribly high honor but also a terribly high request. He looks to the side, not committing -- but not objecting, either. Feeling a presence behind her, Raine did not flinch or acknowledge Giorno's message outwardly, but she makes a note of it. The youth had the uncanny ability to throw his voice, using his stand abilities. His suggestion was sound and the half-elf was planning to stay and listen even if Giorno never suggested it. She sensed that there was little trust to go around at the moment between the two parties. Staying would be the most rational choice. Ultimately, she trusts her fellow agent to tail both Duke and Kelsier, and, in turn, she wouldn't let him down with her information-gathering (and hopefully, diplomacy). "We'll take your offer for shelter tonight, Dockson," Raine agrees. "I will remain here instead of following them. Goddess knows we've been having a long day. Thank you again for your hospitality." Marsh's intense eyes dart around the room, from Raine and Natsuki, then to each of the other agents in turn before settling towards Raine and Natsuki again. He looks pensive, but he does not say anything. The stomping of boots down the stairs over the tense silence causes half of the gathered people to look towards the doorway, where Kelsier re-emerged, looking rather refreshed. He had a fresh set of clothes under his mistcloak and his lorikeet perched on an outstretched hand, but also appeared to stand a little straighter and looked less tired overall. Full of reserves, Raine guesses. Refilled and ready to go. "Has everyone rubbed shoulders I was upstairs?" Kelsier jests. "Come on, be a little friendlier! We're not some cold professionals." "I feel a chill. I'm a cold professional and I take offense to that," Breeze clarifies. "Professional pain in the ass," Ham retorts. This gets their youngest member, Spook, to attempt to and fail at holding back an embarrassingly loud snicker. "Looks like you have an escort party tonight," Dockson says, bringing them back to business. If Kelsier was disappointed, he does not show it. For the people who knew him well, it was certain that he expected to have the opportunity to show Duke the city at night -- else he would have jumped out the window and disappeared into the night as soon as he was ready. "A number of these agents want to tag along." Kelsier shrugs, entirely unaware of Mista's Pistols swarming towards his face, trying to get a better look. "Shouldn't be too troublesome." Turning to Duke, he adds, "We'll need to stay out of sight so we might not get into the party proper, though your uniform might be somewhat passable for the current men's fashion." He heads towards the steps leading up to the back door. "Hold on," Marsh interrupts. "Since you're travelling by foot anyway, allow me to come along for some air." Kelsier pauses on the stairway. He looks down at his brother for an intense second, understanding that Marsh wanted to say something to him -- preferably in private. He doesn't really want to give his brother the satisfaction of doing so at the moment, so, he turns away and continues climbing. "Suit yourself." ~~ Out in the mists, everything is eerily quiet. The fog was heavy enough to reduce visibility but not completely mask where they were going, and the limelights that Keep Hastings pointed towards the sky beamed signals into the air. Hastings was the second greatest of the Ten Houses of Luthadel. The fact that they were still doing an event despite the worries of contracting Mistblight was definitely a show of their strength... But then again, most nobles thought that they were above catching the diseases of the common people. Even surrounded by people much more powerful than him, Dynarst feels incredibly uneasy... or were the powerful people part of the problem? With nothing to hold onto, he sort of just wrings his hands together nervously. Not only were the mists supposedly supernatural, but they also could hide much more mundane threats in the shadows. "Stop." Marsh was so sudden that it actually catches Kelsier off guard. The steel-eyed man is still -- too still, among the mists shifting around him. Dynarst would have mistaken him for a devil, if he hadn't met the man before. "There is something amiss." Despite the warning, Kelsier proceeds, but with a new sense of caution in his steps. He sneaks toward the front gates of the Hastings, his back against the wall protecting the compound as to hide himself within the shadows it cast. The iron-piked gates were open to let carriages in, but his tin-sight pierced through the fog and saw that the front yard was empty. It was well into the night that everyone would have arrived and had their coaches and horses tended to in the stables, but it was unusual to see no one milling about on the front court. That would have been an excellent farce: Hastings hosting a ball, and no one showing up because they feared the mistblight. A trap? With no one on the front yard, there goes his first plan to show Duke the wicked colors of the nobility. Under the veneer of bright lights and pleasantries, they were exceptionally cruel. Sometimes beggars made their way onto the lawn, and sometimes, those self-righteous sootbags would order them executed on the spot. Thinking about it makes Kelsier reach to claw at his concealed scars, but he refrains from doing so. Edited March 14, 2020 by TehUltimateMage Share this post Link to post
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