EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

[futurologists]

THE BARRIER As promised, Arthur has the means to unlock that first, crucial step to saving the ALASTAIR recruits: unveiling the runes maintaining the barrier. He has sequestered himself in a rented room in the inn down the road from the prison; he’s at a good enough distance to keep his concentration unbroken, but near enough that he can reach the runes in question. The recruits are told to be ready, to wait for his signal before they take action. The signal comes just after the stroke of 5 on the town’s clocks, at what would be dawn in a world of less darkness. There’s a shimmer in the air around the brick building of the jail, like the surface of a bubble. Then suddenly the runes are there: glowing bright green, flaming into existence at various points along and within the barrier. There are at least 30 of them along the outside. They’re etched on walls, scribed into doors, carved into the very ground. These have to be destroyed first to make any progress, in any way the recruits are able to. Once these all have been broken, erased, or scattered (and some of them are cleverly hidden or out of reach -- have you checked the topmost brick in the clock tower of the jailhouse?), the first defense of the barrier has fallen. Then the jailhouse itself can be rushed, but magic is still hampered until every rune is destroyed. From there the runes can be found every few feet in the walls, ceilings, and floors of the jail, and only once each one is broken will the spell be completely lifted, magic and abilities restored to the area, and the inmates considerably easier to break out. The recruits aren’t the only ones that can see those runes, though. The jailers are quick to react, and some spring to the defense of the runes while others rush to sound the alarm, calling even more armed guards to the area. Even city guards start to show up in response to the alarm -- there’s definitely a time limit on this venture. Dispose of the runes, rescue your friends, and be out of the area quickly, or you might just be overrun with armed, angry opposition. THE ESCAPE By the time those in the cells are finally brought out, it’s pandemonium. The guards, jailers and city guards alike, might not have been able to stop ALASTAIR’s recruits from destroying the runes and bringing down the barrier, but they’re determined at least to stop dangerous criminals from escaping into the city. And these criminals were due to be hung, so they’re not looking to take anyone down peacefully. They’ll be going for the killing blows. The best chance will be to rely on numbers and scatter. In ones and twos and threes, people should be taking to shadowy alleys, slipping around corners, even dropping down into the sewers, if they have to. Anything to thin out and disappear. The most capable and destructive fighters are asked to stay as long as they can, giving the bulk of the rest of the escapees time to disappear into that unending night. THE COOLDOWN Those that helped free their friends probably won’t run into too many problems in the following days, unless you run into a guard with a few injuries and a long memory. The ex-prisoners, though, are another story. They were in there long enough that the men and women who guarded them know most of their faces quite well, and since they’re out of prisoners to guard, what else do they have to do but take to the streets and search? Ex-prisoners should play it carefully, then, if they don’t want to end up right back where they started. Guards are more than happy to cause an immediate fracas should they spot anyone that belongs in jail. That’s not to say you shouldn’t go out at all! Just, you know, take a disguise with you. As if anticipating the rising demand for them, all local merchant shops seem to be stocking up on scarves, shawls, and bulky clothing. Isn’t that nice? Most of them don’t really care what anyone did to end up in jail, they just want to share in on those ALASTAIR-paid wages. If spotted, townsfolk have varied opinions of the escapees. Some are mistrustful and bitter, and will immediately alert guards upon realizing who they’re dealing with. Some of them really don’t care. They’re tired of the darkness, tired of the conflicts, they just want to get on with life. One old man in particular seems to inexplicably love all ALASTAIR recruits, the ex-prisoners in particular, and will insist on buying a drink and playing a game of chess with any of them he runs into. The goblins, of course, have pretty good opinions of anyone on the wrong side of the king, and will be your best bet for finding lodging and food. Some of them might even think of you as a hero, or at least a roguishly charming vigilante. Spend your post-breakout time well, and try not to make any more enemies.

Comments

[digophelia]

[That's. That's unexpected. Alice doesn't have enough time to second guess, she drops down to her knees, seemingly afraid of touching him. ]

Idiot!

[ The knife still tightly clutched in her hand, Alice glances up to look around in darkness. Thank goodness she can't hear anything, at the moment, but the worry still exists someone or something will storm down the alleyway and find them. Her hands linger, reluctant, before she finds herself flustered and angry- ]

What do you think you were doing? I'm fine! There are worse wounds!

[ Now what? It's not like she can carry him. She looks around, as if she'll find something to help wheel him out of there. ]

[babbylon]

[Well, she isn't a wrong. It had been a mistake, something he'd never ordinarily do, but the cuts, the scrapes, the bruises—they bothered him too much. He felt responsible for them. He felt at fault for the situation and had acted on impulse. He pays the price for it and yet regrets nothing.]

Go.

[He uses his inherent aura of command to urge her away. Onward. To the aid of others rather than himself.]

Alice, I will... I will live. This is far enough. I can—

[Move. Move. Move. He can do this. He forces himself to his feet and stumbles forward. And he keeps going, and going, and going, where freedom lies. He's not sure where he finds the strength. Maybe it's the thought if she can do this then I have no excuse at all or maybe he's just so fed up with himself he can't stomach the thought of slowing someone else down. Whatever the case, it appears he will be fine now.

But he's not done with her quite yet.]

ALICE!

[He roars over his shoulder. He won't be a burden anymore. He's determined.]

You still have... huff... that book, so... huff... don't die and lose it! I'm coming back for it! I'm coming back to see you, do you understand?!

[digophelia]

What?

[ Alice is nearly dumbfounded as she stares at him, for that moment, replaying those words in her head. She wasn't expecting such a switch in behavior. She doesn't seem to budge, lingering there in her confusion. That wasn't what she wanted, she wanted to make sure others got out and were returned safely.

The words hang out of her mouth- ]

What are doing?

[ Alice steps back, to allow him to get back on his feet with her knife still in her hand. All of this, down to Gintoki, it sends her back to the night of her father's last words. Alice is far too petulant to let that go so easily. ]

I don't. I don't understand? Why? You can barely walk, how do you expect to make it back?

[babbylon]

I'm coming back, so wait for me...!

[Those are the last words from his mouth. They are urgent, desperate, as if they are the only thing that matters. As long as she understands, it will be fine. As long she doesn't betray his expectations, he will make it out alive. As long as she keeps his promise in mind...

Wait for me.

...it will be alright in the end.

So Gilgamesh answers her when he retreats to a sphere of light. It zooms off and ahead, to a safe place and a warm bed where he can rest. He hopes she lives; he hopes she dies. He hopes he will see her soon; he hopes he will never see her again, this terrible girl, this insistent girl, who fought with a knife for the sake of everyone else.]

[digophelia]

Wait? But-

[ It happens before Alice can really say anything, at all, watching him disperse. At that time, All she can do is drop her arms at her sides and heave a loud sigh. She stands there, drawing air through her lungs, letting the anger and frustration work through her system before she starts to move again. Slowly, Alice saunters, and turns, brushing hair out of her face. ]

What rotten luck I'm having tonight.

[ She'll slowly start making her way, back to the inn and hope Gintoki is there. ]