epidemiology | EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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.

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[ In a way, Sakura was almost stubborn as she was. She figured she could stay there a little while longer. She smiles to herself as her fingertips brace the book. Alice gestures her for to sit. ]

I don't hear anyone, I think we're in the clear.

[ She should be fine enough if she rests a little longer, just worst case. If not, then there's no harm in sitting with Sakura for a few a seconds. ]

You know what my father used to tell me -- "A weapon's intended function is almost beside the point. Ultimately it's only as good as the person who wields it". He was never really wrong about that, especially now.

I think so too. But we should be careful, just in case.

[Sakura is happy to keep an eye out while Alice rests. While she herself does for a bit, even if she's still alert and standing. It's less exhausting and stressful than helping with the runes, helping get to the prisoners.]

I guess that's not wrong though. If someone doesn't know how to use something properly, it won't be as effective, right? Whether it's a weapon or something else.

I think that he meant more than that. As in, no matter what level of skill, it wouldn't mean anything. What would matter most is their intentions.

[ Her father had always pressed into his children that heart and valor meant more than anything, more than anyone's actions. Just as Alice explained that with a sad smile on her face, she was swept in a wave of doubt in her own skills and abilities. The moment she lost herself wasn't a noble feat -- no, in truth, what it she had done to that guard was nothing more than monstrous. Despite herself, Alice managed a soft, sad smile. ]

What I mean to say is that you didn't need a sword, what you've done is just as noble and right just as some of these people here who did pick up a sword to fight. You didn't need any of that, you had your heart. I only want you to keep it the way that it is.

Intentions....ah, maybe!

[Intentions wise, none could ever say Sakura doesn't almost always have other's best interests in mind, even if she might make mistakes sometimes. She still has her insecurities and fears as any eleven year old, but she strives to rise above that when her friends need her help.

Alice isn't wrong though. What her friend is saying reminds her of Kaho-sensei. Reminds her of what the Light and Dark said to her. Her Invincible Spell.]

I can make the Sword not cut. So I try not to hurt them if I can help it. I know this is....all a lot more than what I was dealing with back home. It's scary. But I still want to help if I can.

[She probably always would. Such a central aspect of Sakura's character and personality surely wouldn't be beaten down nearly so easily.]

You should be careful, the next time something like this happens.

[ It will be impossible for her not to hurt anyone in self defense if she goes further into a fray like this. Alice looks up at her with a tired expression now.

Back in Rutledge, Alice first picked up a knife at the age of twelve. She was small, she remembers that she stole it from the kitchen and held it in her room for a while. She learned to fight with it by observing and listening to the footsteps of Rutledge's staff, all the while she was under her bed. She'll never forget the first time she actually acted out against an orderly, with a sharpened spoon.

Needless to say, Alice didn't think much of life back then. Seeing a child pressed into that angered her. She would rather pick up that knife for Sakura, to protect not only physically, but her mind. She didn't need the darkness and torment that she had, at her age. So, Alice took her hands softly, something she would rarely do with another, offering a small squeeze. Alice was finally getting up, using the wall as support, still with the same expression on her face, almost pleading.

She couldn't bring herself to mention the possibility that, someday, she may have to act out. For now, she deserved whatever bit of childhood she had, even in a place like this. Gentle and soft, Alice couldn't be anything but stern with a child. ]

Even if it's something little, even if you think it's not enough, it's more than you'll know. You're still helping another. Take care, you deserve to be happy and to be like anyone your age. I'd rather not see you out in the midst of things, so please... allow me to do it for you. You keep that heart the way it is, it's just as good as a sword.

[It's similar. So, so similar to what Kero was saying to her, especially once he got his real form back after she captured Firey. That he wanted to help. Alice is wanting the same. Saying she would assist and protect Sakura herself where possible. Where necessary.

Sakura's first instinct is to want to deny it. To spare Alice and anyone else from this, but she knows she can't. Alice is older, anyway, so it wouldn't quite be right for Sakura to try tell her what to do, would it? Instead, she bites her lip, seeming to consider the offer for a moment before responding.]

Even if I wasn't in the middle of it, I could still help like this. Healing people that get hurt. But I wouldn't want you or anyone else to get hurt on my account either....

I doubt that anyone will ever get hurt on the account of you, so as long as you continue to heal others.

[ It wasn't as if Sakura was throwing herself into that fray like she did. Speaking to Sakura, Alice was understanding the weight even more of what her father had said. Gently, she lets go of her hands, now that she's confident that she can walk again. She doesn't feel the same as she did, but it's enough for her to keep moving without her wound being opened up. ]

You need to worry about getting yourself hurt, too.

My healing will definitely help! I mean...I'd rather people didn't get hurt in the first place, but until we stop the fighting, I can at least heal people afterwards. In the meantime, anyway.

[Sakura hovers still, only seeming to relax once Alice straightens and seems fine to move on her own. That's when she seems to let out a breath she wasn't sure she was holding to, as she tries to make light of that.]

I'm sure I'll be fine. I can heal and all. I've always managed before back home. This isn't so bad.

[Referring to her current more minor scrapes and bruises from the occasion things did manage to hit before she activated the Shield card or the like. This is nothing in comparison.]

So, if you can walk, let's get you back home.

[ For good measure, Alice takes Sakura's hand in her protective streak to head back to the inn, with her. If it reassures her enough that she can walk, she can handle that. ]

Try as we might, we are never successful in preventing harm.

[ Her father, yet again, she thinks of and his last moments of his life how he tried so desperately to save all of them. ]

All we can do is be there, by their side, and help them get better. You mustn't blame yourself for not being able to prevent it from happening. It isn't an easy thing to accept, nor is it an easy thing to stop. But, at the very least, we can still be there to see them through to help them. That does more than you realize.

[ To emphasize that, Alice gives her hand a squeeze as reaffirmation of her good deed. ]

You'll do fine, don't press yourself.

[ Don't be like me. ]

Returning to the inn sounds like a very good idea, I can rest knowing my friend is free.

Right! We might not be able to prevent this from happening in the first place, but we can do our best here now to try help.

[She's not so much an idealist that she thinks they can always stop things happening. But it is always worth a try, to help however they can somehow in whatever situation they might find themselves in. Still, the fact that Alice is reassuring her and seems to have similar hopes gives her strength, returning the light squeeze at her hand as she helps Alice to her lodgings.]

[ Her mind is what matters most to Alice; one can be healthy physically, but mentally is another matter entirely. If she couldn't preserve the minds of the orphans of Houndsditch, she would fight tooth and nail here. Sighing to herself, Alice kept her grief hidden, as usual.

Now that the inn was in sight, a weight was lifted off of her shoulders. She wouldn't be stumbling around and could finally make it to her bed.

Still, she wouldn't be able to sleep. ]

There we are.

[ Facing Sakura, Alice gave another gentle squeeze of her hand. ]

Right, then, I want you to sleep well, do you promise me that?

Ah, yes. I think most everyone will sleep pretty well after all this.

[At least, Sakura herself certainly intends to do so! Still, she gives a nod as she helps the other inside. She almost hovers a little, almost wanting to make sure Alice makes it back, but surely from inside her friend could manage to find her room if Sakura heads back to hers.]

You too, Alice. I'll see you later.

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EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

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