EVENT ★ GILLIGAN'S ISLAND

[futurologists]

MAROONED Three days after the eruptions wrecked their havoc, a storm begins. It's not so different from the storm the recruits first encountered upon arrival, but this storm seems oddly and peculiarly driven. In some places of the islands it's nothing but pattering rain, but in other places it's strong enough to lift a fully grown human off his or her feet. And that's just what it does. It sweeps up recruits here and there -- not all of them, and there is no apparent method to who it takes and who it leaves. Some stay on the Nalawi islands, some are simply swept up into the sky. Here and there the storm grabs a Nalawi as well, but these victims are always dropped again. Sometimes out over the water, sometimes crashing down into land. They do not generally survive this. The recruits stolen by the storm aren't aloft for long. They emerge eventually from the tumbling, buffeting, blinding winds, spewed out onto the beach of a strange new island. This island, to anyone paying any attention to their surroundings, is a recent addition to the surface of the ocean. In fact, flying in the face of physics and statistical likelihood (much in the way the storm had), it seems to have recently been on the seafloor. This island was clearly once inhabited, although it's been a long, long time since then. Uniform structures can be found arranged in streets and avenues, now all thoroughly caked in barnacles, coral, seaweed, and other assorted debris of the sea. Here and there can even be found dead fish, suffocated when the water began to drain away and turn to open air. Most of them are horrifying, the things that tend to keep to the dark depths of the water. Toward the center of this empty, silent, sea-claimed city a giant sea serpent threads around and through several buildings. It's just as dead as the rest of them, its huge, pale eyes staring at nothing. There are a few things here that aren't quite dead, though. Sometimes something armored, dull red, and hungry crawls out of some dark place. These creatures can't really be compared to anything on the surface, but they are each about the length of a human, with three sets of sharpened limbs held up off the ground, used for stabbing forward to pierce its prey, and one set of pinchers below that. The pinchers might anchor prey in place for easier stabbing, but they also create a tiny sonic boom when clacked. Standing too close to this can leave you dazed and momentarily helpless. These creatures aren't fazed by the lack of water around them, they're just hungry and ready to feed on anything nearby -- even each other. The danger they present to recruits is at least slightly mitigated by an unknown force, though. If a recruit finds themselves unable to handle one of the creatures or overwhelmed by it, the storm itself will lash out at the thing. This isn't a very precise defense, but it is generally enough to pick up one or both of the contestants and separate them. Nothing here looks anything like what can be found on the Nalawi islands, except perhaps the flora. It's difficult to tell. What trees have been left are waterlogged, petrified mockeries, it's unclear what they may have looked like while this island still lived. The buildings are all very inorganic, made of processed material and with the obvious aid of machinery. Whoever lived here was actually very proficient with machinery, it seems. Within the buildings, some residential and some commercial, can be found the rusted, now-useless remains of a technologically advanced society. Personal belongings can also be found, waterlogged and largely ruined, and all in an upset as if they had gone through frequent and destructive earthquakes. Still, they can tell the story of mundane, day-to-day lives here for anyone who cares to look. Food is going to be a little tricky to come by unless you're a fan of seafood; fishing will be possible for anyone who opts to brave the edge of the storm, and of course there are the bizarre delicacies so thoughtfully raised up from the seafloor, dead among the streets and buildings. Recruits would do well to be careful with those, though. There is a particular kind of seaweed that, while it looks perfectly innocuous, will cause vivid hallucinations an hour after ingesting, for 10 minutes to three hours, depending on how much was ingested. Above all else, though, is the eerie silence. The storm rages on, but although it completely surrounds the island, it keeps to the perimeter. Even the rain stays off of the island, though the sun is obscured by the heavy, ominous clouds. Thunder rumbles now and then, punctuated by lightning flashes, but there isn't a single sound on this gray, dreary, dead island that wasn't made by an ALASTAIR recruit. OOC INFO Recruits will ICly be here for one week, and OOCly the log will last for two. The storm will prevent any travel off of the island. Should anyone feel brave enough to try risking a trip into it, they will find it still possesses that ability to literally sweep recruits off their feet. It might also be due to this mysterious storm that no one on the island can seem to reach out to anyone on the Nalawi islands via jewelry network, nor to any of the NPC recruits they'd met at Oska. Players who signed up for plot slots will be receiving additional information, which we ask they share with the rest of the characters. You may sign up here for information that can be found while exploring the island, as well. Please direct any questions to the OOC write up.

Comments

closed to gilgamesh;

[invisiblade]

[as if adjusting to a mortal body weren't enough of an obstacle for Saber to overcome, the storm has left her with a twisted ankle and made travel all the more laborious as a result. not to mention the grueling need to fight off hungry human-sized sea monsters, which proves infinitely more difficult in her current crippled state. after just narrowly escaping a deadly assault from one such creature she finds herself deposited deep within the jungle via a gust of wind from the storm that managed to intervene in the nick of time. though really, referring to it as a 'rescue' is far from accurate. scraping her injured body up off the jungle floor takes time, but once she manages to right herself and gather her wits Saber proceeds to evaluate the damage done to her body.

she's got minor cuts here and there, a good deal of them earned from crash landing into a cluster of skeleton like trees. warm blood trickles down her face from a fresh head wound but all in all it's nothing too serious. her main concern lies with the large bleeding gash on her left forearm where she'd blocked one of the monster's attempts to stab her with it's sharp edged limbs. ripping the material of her pants she uses it to shakily bandage her arm, pulling the wrapping tight with her teeth.

there's hardly a moment to catch her breath before she hears the nearby rustling of company approaching. immediately assuming it to be the sea beast seeking her out for round two, her hand desperately gropes for Excalibur's hilt. survival instincts kick in as she scrambles to defend herself. she hefts up her sword- gritting her teeth through the pain and nearly falling back as she swings her body weight to face the assumed opponent at the other end of her blade. slumped in a disheveled heap with eyes wide and fearful it's clear she's caught unprepared for a fight. she's a sitting duck and she knows it.]

[babbylon]

[He cannot find her.

Of course, during the time he would want her most, the time Rin insisted she remain by the woman's side, he cannot find her. She's human, now, without the source of prana that identified Servants like blips on a radar, and so he's forced to forage on foot. To race ahead, because anything could prove deadly to her now. As they both well knew, no mere human could wield Excalibur. It was useless in her grip against anything formidable than a fly.

Gilgamesh wonders if Arturia has ever understood weakness in all her life. True helplessness, beyond the horrors of that hill. And when he emerges from the brush to come face to face with her, face to face with fear so out of place on her proud face, he grasps the answer at once—she'd known only strength, at least ever since pulling that sword from the stone. Strength that had serve to alienate, and condemn her own kingdom, but strength nonetheless.

And now, she knows only frailty.]

Peace, little King. Only a coward would cut you down now.

[Gilgamesh allows her to fall into a slump, so she can clearly see he's no enemy. He crouches before her, surveys her condition.]

Last I tried to heal you, you threatened my constitution. Would you let me near now, that I might attempt the same?

[invisiblade]

[ah, how the tables have turned for her to feel relief flood her body all at once at the sight of Gilgamesh standing there. oh how the mighty have fallen.. she acknowledges this, reluctantly, and as her wildly beating heart calms in response to his presence, her trembling arms slowly lower her sword back down. he draws closer- and she pulls her limbs inward towards herself and leans away out of habit.

her brow wrinkles at his offering- staring back at him in utter bewilderment. the strain on those who still retain their magic is no secret- she recently went through the very same struggle before losing her power completely. while Gilgamesh may still retain other means to acquire prana for himself, she knows he too must be suffering.

for someone who looked so petrified a moment ago, the Saber before him now is completely calm and collected.]

There is no need. [she draws her left arm in close to her chest.] They are mere flesh wounds, they will heal on their own.

[babbylon]

[It is true. Gilgamesh suffers.

However, Gilgamesh was a man of unshakable will and fortitude. Even beaten down into the dirt, bloody and dying, he would reach for life. He would fight for it. So he fights now, against that which suppresses him, towards some uncertain future. Answers... he needs answers, needs to see for himself just what transpired in that future they all revile him for. Needs to understand what becomes of him, and of the humanity he was sworn to protect.

But until then, he presses on. And so, against her wishes, he presses forward.]

They are unsightly. Then, I relieve you of them.

[Ultimately, and unsurprisingly, his asking made no difference. He will be touching her anyway, on the shoulder, and sending soothing magic flowing through her veins. It cannot provide any nourishment, as it once did, but the injuries will heal and she feel warmer and stronger for the effort.

Gilgamesh still values his limbs, however, and Excalibur could still cut, and therefore he's quick to back off.]

Come along. We've more to explore.

[He won't coddle her too much. He's already set off at a brisk pace.]

[invisiblade]

[damn him.

one of these days she's going to instill the meaning of the word NO into that thick skull of his- however today is not that day, evidently.

she frowns after him as he scurries off, silently cursing him under her breath before urging her aching body onto it's feet. despite her dissatisfaction with his constant disregard for her wishes, her body is certainly thankful to be rid of the burning cuts and scrapes she'd endured in battle.

nonetheless Saber follows after him- albeit at a slower pace but she needs to give Gilgamesh an earful about flat out ignoring her, yet again!]

I do not need your assistance. I can take care of myself.

[she's a grown ass woman!! sort of!!]

[babbylon]

As you've done so splendidly already.

[Was that sarcasm? No, never. Gilgamesh wouldn't dare address the King of Knights with anything less than the total and unflinching respect she deserved. He'd also never marvel at any and all excuses for bodily contact and he definitely didn't find her messy hair or disheveled appearance or general limping along cute. Not in the slightest bit.

Gilgamesh shoots a sneer over his shoulder.]

And since you are looking after yourself with such skill, you would do well to keep up. There are to be no burdensome parties on this journey.

[So step it up, slowpoke, or he's going to remedy that himself, too.]

[invisiblade]

[she frowns, barking back a retort to his snide comment.]

I am still alive, am I not!?

[that has got to count for something!!!

meanwhile if a touch to the shoulder is all it takes to get him wound up he must have some serious tension built up under that slimy flesh of his. her mind is far from focused on her appearance but rather the journey ahead and how much longer it's going to drone on with Gil by her side. or, well, ten steps ahead of her, give or take.]

I've no need for a traveling companion, so by all means abandon me if you find my pace so unbearable!

[she's hobbling along as fast as her little legs will take her, okay??? it's not easy getting around with a weak ankle- she has to bite back the surge of pain that shoots up her leg with every step.]

[babbylon]

[Actually...]

Living never counted for much of anything, I'm afraid.

[A fact she should know well enough from her own experiences. Perhaps that is what tips him off something isn't quite right here; an Arturia in right mind and good health wouldn't make so pathetic a claim, he felt, would simply hold her high and not dignify it with a response. He does stop, and he does look back at her. What's gotten into her now? His magic should've healed her, and yet...

His eyes, still sharp as ever despite the power loss, pinpoint the problem area immediately.]

Your offer tempts, but then you'd merely fall prey to whatever else lurks in this miserable jungle.

[And that is a fate Gilgamesh will not accept, on her behalf. He folds his arms and arches a brow.]

Stubborn woman. Salvation stares you straight in the face, and you refuse it. Typical of your tale.

[invisiblade]

I am not rendered incapable of survival simply because I am human.

[she does not view herself as weaker this way- but there lies the problem. she knows not her own limitations- a mortal body can only push so far, and similarly she can only stomach so much added insult to injury.]

Gilgamesh, do not mistake me for some damsel in distress who is in need of rescuing!

[salvation??? she never sought such a thing from him or anyone else! why would she desire someone to save her when she can just save herself...? she totally thinks she can handle whatever comes her way.]

[babbylon]

A damsel would not prove nearly so obstinate.

[...well, it's not a totally unfair claim to make. But fine. If she's going to be insistent, if she really thinks she can handle it, he'll let her try. At this point it's no longer an issue of physical threat keeping him at bay, but rather not wanting to endure any more of her pitiful arguments. And they are pitiful. Every part of her is at the moment.

Gilgamesh turns his back and marches on. They've got a lot of ground to cover and a whole lot of nothing to get through to maybe find a little bit of something. They won't reach it by standing around henpecking each other and while Gilgamesh may have been prone to apathy, the overall situation has just left him feeling antsy enough to contribute.

It's probably a bad sign when Gilgamesh has decided to be the most responsible party for once.]

[invisiblade]

[hey, just a moment ago he found her pitiful condition to be cute- not that Saber has any desire to be labeled either. besides, he wasn't under the impression they could make it through this trip without an argument, was he? that's asking a bit too much, all things considered. something would be very wrong if she simply consented and let him have his way. she'd have to be abducted and replaced with a saberface clone for that to happen. even then though. let's be real the chances of either happening are completely unrealistic.

Saber follows after him, grudgingly. of all the people to be marooned on an island with, Gilgamesh had to be one of them. it would seem fate will never favor her, no matter the universe. not only in relation to poor company, but her enfeebled state of being as well. no matter how she looks at it, her future doesn't appear too bright with the way things are progressing for her at the moment. nevertheless she pushes onward, far too headstrong for her own good. she refuses to allow herself to become a 'victim' in all this. she'll forge full speed ahead with all her might (even if that only amounts to an awkward turtle's pace by comparison) and she'll persevere. because she has no other choice but to succeed- or die trying.

that said she doesn't particularly enjoy petty squabbling so she falls silent, choosing instead to put her energy where it's needed most in an effort to keep up with Gilgamesh and those long supermodel legs of his.

the struggle is real.]

[babbylon]

[No arguments meant no reason to turn back and lecture her further, so Gilgamesh doesn't. He trusts that she will pick up the pace, that her stubbornness will keep her afloat, and that he needn't coddle her, which would surely have earned him an earful anyway. In a sense, he treats her exactly as she desires: with minimal contact and no apparent concern whatsoever.

So they walk. They walk and they walk and they walk for quite some time in the dreary expanse of jungle, until they reach a strange clearing. At one end, there's a giant hole in the ground, shaped like a footprint of some sort. At the other, there's the broken shell of what appears to be a submarine. Gilgamesh senses no threat from either, but without realizing it, he takes a protective stance in front of Saber.]

I will go and look.

[He expands his prana as much as he's able in his condition, and nothing alerts him as amiss... but with Saber so weak, he's not taking chances.]

Stay here a moment. I will call for you once I ascertain the situation.

[invisiblade]

[ah... a large footprint. awesome. just the sort of thing one wants to see never. Saber gulps.... hopefully whatever made that huge impression in the ground is no longer around. the imprint doesn't appear fresh, at the very least. she squints a bit as her eyes narrow in the direction of the submarine-- a most peculiar looking object. one that cannot clearly be made out from this distance. really the over all vibe of the area just screams doom and gloom, so naturally they have to investigate. she doesn't particularly appreciate Gil ordering her to stay put, however. the dirty look she shoots to the back of his head says it all. who the hell put him in charge of this operation???]

That won't be necessary. I shall investigate, as well.

[it's not really her style to take a back seat when it comes to stuff like this. sorry Gil. she's already moving ahead of him. dealwithit.jpg]