EVENT ★ LABYRINTH II

[futurologists]

DEEPER Following the marked path near the lake leads Audentes (and George) further into the maze, closer to the goal found at the center. Some other inmates (including Zymandis agent Mavahari) and correctional officers follow along, having picked up on the organized manner of Audentes and figuring it’s their best bet on getting out of here alive. Unlike the dry stone and sand in the outer ring of the maze, this next section is overflowing with flora. Jungle vines cling to the walls to the point where seeing the stone underneath is a difficult task; trees sprout from between cracked tiles, bearing alien-looking fruit; branches and brambles cross certain parts of the maze, and will need to be hacked through unless you want to find another way around. Water is more plentiful now as well, since obviously the plants need it to flourish. For the first time since setting foot in the labyrinth, a rain begins to fall, drizzling and gentle. This can be a respite or an annoyance, depending on how you look at it: while it’s soothing and can make collection of fresh, clean water easier, walking around in wet clothes is probably not that pleasant. Your fellow ALASTAIR recruit George has inexplicably struck up a friendship with the Zymandis agent Mavahari, and they can often be found exploring the maze together, with Mavahari helping him due to his broken arm. They seem to be getting along well enough, but maybe checking in with George is in order. Otherwise, survival is the name of the game; though the center of the labyrinth is closer, it’s impossible to tell how close, and how long to expect to be here. Collecting water is simple enough, but food is growing scarce. The tree fruits may be a good solution, but it seems as though some have unfortunate reactions to them, ranging from stomach cramps to rashes to fever and temporary blindness. But an allergic reaction may just be the least of your worries. LOVE ME LIKE A REPTILE The monsters seen so infrequently in the outer ring of the maze are now a common nuisance. Giant insects and rats scurry about, hungry for whatever flesh they can find, but they’re easily defeated, particularly if encountered as a group. But with new terrain comes new, adaptive animals, and the labyrinth is no different. Lizards are now the main threat: enormous and camouflaged, they stalk their prey and take their time, looking for the perfect opportunity to ambush. The lizards are three-headed, with each head containing fangs dripping with venom, capable of rendering its victims paralyzed within five seconds flat. Their blood is also poisonous, capable of burning through metal, not to mention flesh. If a head is severed, the lizard will retreat back into the jungle, presumably to nurse its wounds but possibly to grow another head -- no lizard will ever be encountered with less than three heads, so it’s possible they have regenerative abilities. The best way to defeat one is to remove all three heads at once, or simply kill it in whatever way possible. The lizards are quick and mean, but not invincible. Now more than ever, it’s important to take care in exploring the maze. Stray too far from the group or try to make it alone, and you might not survive. OOC NOTES Once again, we have a plotting post here and search requests for the next ring of the maze. Please note: during the labyrinth event, all drops are ICly delayed. What this means is that characters who drop will be handwaved to still be around on auto-pilot until connection with Oska is resumed, at which point they will be transferred to a different team as usual. If you have any questions about the labyrinth that aren't answered here, please direct them to the Leramzen dossier. If you have questions for any NPCs, please direct them there as well! Questions about the game in general should be directed to the FAQ and you may submit mission ideas or player plots at any time.

Comments

PETER PARKER and THE HUNTSMAN / OTA

[webdesigned]

NERD IN THE JUNGLE.

a. ( peter is not a rough it kind of guy. he remembers going camping with his uncle a handful of times, and each of those he was too little to be helpful. he'd just been dazed by the splendor of cooking hotdogs over an open flame and that if you put a hook in the river, sometimes fish would bite it, even though it was ecologically baffling. he hadn't learned anything that can translate to actual skillful outdoorsing, though that's not to say he doesn't try.

he's good for clambering up trees to grab the odd looking fruits, yet when it comes to starting a fire... well, the clump of sticks and leaves might be the sign he made an attempt, it just didn't work out. he remembers reading Hatchet in fifth grade, but he's not quite as cut out for roughing it as fellow city kid Brian.

now he's considering eating some of the questionable looking fruit, trying not to shiver. maybe you can save him, or better yet... put him to work. )

b. ( he may be no help when it comes to camping, but that's not to say he's totally and completely useless. his webslingers are, admittedly, not built to fling him through trees. he's got a branch-shaped mark across his face for swinging into one too fast. still, he's not letting that slow him down, and between that and the ability to crawl even vined and mossy walls, he's got a lot of mobility.

enough that he sees trouble, even heads toward it, if he hears it.

the lizards are fun. he's actually kind of glad he doesn't have his suit when he lands in a storm of leaves and maybe a broken branch. it's fine, he lands on his feet, maybe he's part cat now, too. he swings the broken branch at the one of the heads, before literally kicking the thing away, before gasping in pain as it burns through the fabric of his jumpsuit. ) Wow. Ow. That's great. ( he glances back to the cornered party, concern shifting from his chemical burn to his company. ) You okay? Want a lift out of here?

( don't be intimidated by the broken branch overhead nor the imprint of one on his face. it'll totally be fine. )

WOLF IN THE WILD.

c. ( unlike parties that are better left unnamed, Graham is remarkably gifted with living off the land. even land that is just barely habitable, it turns out. a jungle growing out of a labyrinth? sure. the real sad thing here is he's already faced worse.

it's more than just getting a shelter together, branches and vines providing some sort of cover to a potential threat. it's more than the collected food items, carefully cleaned and stowed away. it's even more than the fire he managed to start, and god only knows how. there's just a sense he's completely at home, a welcome change to anyone that knows him and sees how opposite of that he was in Asterion proper.

when he spots someone that looks like they need it, he nods to the spot adjacent. ) Campfires are generally big enough for two. ( he'll share more than his fire, too... looks like he's cooking some kind of meat, and he brushes a bit of cooked meat over. the question is, are you brave enough to eat it. )

d. ( unbelievably, his confidence extends even farther than making camp. it comes in walking through the trees, too, the bow he's managed to reclaim from the guard holdings makes short work of any rat or ominous looking bug that skitters a little too close.

when it isn't the huntsman that wanders, there is a wolf with dark eyes and a gray scruff over his chest that pads through the trees. he's even more silent than the huntsman himself, which his actually rather remarkable. the way his ears bend seems to imply apology for any surprise, before he continues his hunt. join him, or don't — but make sure you step lightly. )

WILDCARD.
want something else with mr cracker or parker man? feel free to hit me up, and we can always chat via pm or on plurk at ~meowed if you want something more customized!

ace mystic

[webdesigned]

( he doesn't do close these days. not that it is usually a problem — there's generally only one person who wants to be, and they're still putting together pieces and making sense of what arrangement they're going to be in now. Stiles is both brave enough to test his aversion to touch and understanding of why it exists, pushing past the limits slowly. nobody else on Audentes likely knows or even cares, and that's mostly fine since Peter still doesn't want to talk about it.

there's an exception to every rule, though, and Peter's exception is a shivering mystic holding hands over a meager campfire, that doesn't seem to offer half enough heat to keep anyone warm. she's simultaneously shivering and falling asleep, which is a miserable combination.

it takes a moment to rouse his bravery, run through all the checks and balances of the risk of being close to someone. and once he's jumped through all the hoops, he shifts over and puts an arm over her shoulders, pulling her close to her side. he's incredibly warmer than she is, and he rubs at her shoulder just trying to offer some heat in the friction. ) If only we had that dress from the gala, coach, ( he muses gently, in a tone that will do absolutely nothing to rouse her. it might be that he wants her to give in and sleep awhile. ) We could have made a blanket for every member of Audentes and then some.

[feytality]

[She's shivering badly (which is funny considering her training involves ice and cold and freezing waterfalls), but where she might normally comically complain, instead she keeps quiet and tries to fight off the creeping sleepiness because the least she can do is stand watch. Or something.]

[She definitely isn't expecting Peter to pull her against him, or for Peter to be so warm, period. It's enough to wake her up, momentarily -- as she initially freezes at the unexpected touch and heat, then relaxes and nestles against him to get that warmth. It's more instinct than anything, but hey, he started this.]

W-We could have sleeping bags, too. And w-wires to hold up tents.

[She's shaking enough that her teeth chatter, apparently fifty feet of hair do little to keep body temperature up]

[webdesigned]

( presumably standing in waterfalls is not a permanent situation, and she had some preparation and plan for recovery after. unfortunately there's not really any escape from the cold, even if they have the smallest campfire in the universe trying desperately to give off a little heat. it's not much he can offer, body heat, yet if it helps Maya warm up even a little it's worth offering.

Peter considers taking off his sweatshirt to offer her, but he isn't sure Maya will take it. maybe after she falls asleep. )

Organza sleeping bags. At least it'd be glamorous, ( he says with a mumble of a laugh, and with Maya as close as she is she'll feel it more than hear it. ) You should try and get some sleep. ( he's got this even if he falls asleep; his dumb spider senses will wake him up at any noise that seems even mildly concerning. )

[feytality]

[That and she's kind of just a skinny little weenie. She hides it well, though (no she doesn't)]

[She burrows closer against him for that sweet, sweet warmth. And just maybe the physical contact is welcome, too. She doesn't often get it, here, (not that she really did back home, after Mia died) and despite her dedication to remaining peppy and loud and cheerful through it all, their situation has done nothing but amplify the loneliness she'd already been feeling before Audentes picked her up]

It's too bad. I wonder if the dress is still around, in the ship.... maybe the guards wanted to wear it when they confiscated it.

[They could save Audentes with so much fabric]

Mmm.... what about you, Peter? Spiders need to sleep too, don't they?

C!

[grunehexe]

[If it was someone she expected to do well in this terrain, it would be Graham. He always seemed far more at home in the wood than in the cities of humans, within walls of stone- but of course he was. She knew of his ways, perhaps more than anyone not of his world, with as long as they'd been on this team together.

How long it seemed, sometimes.

Sieglinde has changed back to her blood-stained prison uniform, finding the thinner fabric and pants more suitable for their new terrain than her heavy and delicate gowns, hair done up in a messy bun. She pauses suspiciously upon being invited to sit while passing through, though, looking Graham's shelter over very critically first. Looking for someone.]

You are not... occupied?

["Occupied" is how it sounds. Though she is intending to be polite, and ask first, she can't help but perk up at the smell of dinner.]

[dishearten]

Technically, yes, but luckily just shy of so overwhelmed that you can't sit down.

( he finds it a funny question, hence the empty teasing in return. he's cooking meat, not anything mentally or physically rigorous. there's no reason she can't join him, bless him he has no idea why she'd think he would be. for all the thinks he does notice, there's all too many he may never.

speaking of things he does notice, he spots the blood on her clothes and frowns. )

Are you well? ( nevermind the Emma Inquisition, he's got bigger fish to fry. knowing Sieglinde, that could be her blood or a patients or something worse still, hence the question. she's able to amble around, yes, though knowing each other through more than a year together has granted experience to them both. Graham knows Sieglinde will ignore her own woes to feverishly attend to those of others.

if she won't think of herself, then he is always keen to remind her. )

[grunehexe]

[Well. His... companion doesn't seem to be present at the moment, so perhaps she is not disturbing anything yet. With the best of manners in mind, she gives a small last peek to make sure she doesn't spot any blondes before she takes her seat.]

In that case, I shall stay until you need retire.

[Again, with that tone that sounds more like "retire". At the question, though, she promptly shakes her head.]

It is not my blood.

[She knows what that question really means- and no worries, the stains are already browned with age.]

[dishearten]

( the odd tone to retire does catch his interest, though Graham can't quite say what it's insinuating. he glances at Sieglinde over the run of the fire, though in his experience... if she has something she wants to say, she'll say it. no need to pester.

all the same, his answer on the subject is easy. ) I've taken watch for the first half of the night. That's quite a stay, though I'd take your company.

( hers. maybe not everyone, but to be fair, that was a long time to hang out and Graham just wouldn't bother if he didn't want to. )

Eat something, ( he suggests, instead of remarking more on her bloodied clothes. as long as she's not hurt, he seems fine with letting it be. )

A!

[skelepun]

[When it came to roughing it, Sans had a spotty track record. On the one hand, he came from a people who single handedly rebuilt their civilization (twice) out of nothing after being shut away from all they knew.

But also, y'know, that was then. They microwaves and Undernet and central heating now. That tinder your own flame urgency of his ancestors was now a thing of the past. The most roughing it Sans had ever done was when he was a kid, and that felt so distant it barely counted.

Still. Even he knew the problem with Peter's fire. They hadn't talked since Peter's apology -- not out of malice on his part so much as simply... not knowing what to say -- but Sans had a soft spot for the pathetic. And you'd be hard pressed to find a more pathetic sight than Peter.

From his spot leaning against one of the trees circling the informal Audentes campsite, Sans doesn't bother getting up. Instead he raises his voice enough to be heard, skull turned towards where Peter sits.]

Your wood's wet. [He offers, striking a more academic tone than condescending.] That's why it's sending up a buncha smoke.

[webdesigned]

( wow rude he's not pathetic he's just outdoorsily challenged

Peter has not been reminded of that weird way Sans doesn't trigger his senses until it's almost pointless to notice him in the first place, something to do with the teleportation tendency the guy has. the... skeleton has. is that the proper terminology here? he's still wrapping his head around talking to a sassy skeleton.

he jumps, and he never jumps, because he's usually never surprised. when he glances back to look at Sans, though, he's not angry or resentful. though, any reminder of Woodhurst and what happened there, and just looking at Sans was enough to make him remember. Peter still tries to push that to the back of his mind and focus on the suggestion, instead. )

What? It's ... ( he's still close enough to toe at the fire that couldn't with a sneakered toe, as if he could possibly ascertain the dryness that way. he can't, but. ) It looks dry to me, how do you know if its wet or not? ( it's not like it had been raining nonstop in the labyrinth, either, how did it even get wet in the first place? )

[skelepun]

[When Sans speaks again, he's abanonned his distant tree and is sitting across from Peter's outdoorsily challenged firepit.]

All that smoke, no flame. Also, y'know, it was drizzling earlier. [He shrugs, striking as helpful a tone he can.] If I knew more fire magic, I'd help you out, but it'll dry out eventually.

You cold or trying to cook something? [He nods to the fruits Peter was scrutinizing earlier.]

[webdesigned]

( he'd been so sure he'd gotten wood that was at least passingly dry. it was hard for a city boy to know that dry wasn't as simple as just not being wet. he sighs, looking at the sputtering nonstarter and running a hand through hair that seems just as damp as the firewood.

it makes his hair stick up, by the way, to a ridiculous degree. feel free to laugh, anyone passing by. )

I was... I don't know. ( emphasis on I don't know because he doesn't even remotely know what he's doing. it seemed like the right thing to do, seemed like a way he could help, even a little... and he hadn't quite managed it. ) Just seems like what you do in situations like this, right?

a;

[pummelling]

[Jin's never actually gone camping for fun, he realizes, boots crunching softly in the underbrush as he makes his way through the maze. His family had always been too occupied for anything of the sort, and anyway, what was so good about the dirt and the weather and the bugs? Better to stay indoors and avoid the bites and the sunburns.

Figures, that he'd wind up needing something like that. But at least he's earned the know-how himself by now. He might've learned it on the street, but the knowledge is all the same: a good fire means you live through one more night.

Apparently, somebody here isn't into not freezing to death in the middle of a jungle labyrinth.

Jin takes one look at Peter's sorry firestarter, and gives a low, (un)impressed whistle--]

Wow. I see you're really going for that campfire badge. Might want to actually start a fire first.

[he'll help.... probably... when he's done being a jerk........]

[webdesigned]

( Peter is, overall, a hard kid to ruffle. he's notoriously difficult to annoy, sometimes it almost seems like he's intentionally refusing to be bothered just because that's a more satisfying payback then actually reacting. he's not perfect, though, and even his patience can wear down after awhile. being thrown from space and stuck in a labyrinth with even less food he could stomach than the prison isn't doing Peter's mood any favors.

his attempt had not been made with the hopes to fail. pointing out the failure didn't help anyone, either. there's obvious annoyance laced in the mildly petulant response. )

Gee, thanks. I guess we're even, but I didn't know there was a Unfunny and Unhelpful badge. ( if there was, though, Jin was nailing it. does seem a bit against boy scout tenants, though. )

[pummelling]

[Hey, there's nothing like a little bit of friendly fire before setting up the... actual fire.

Jin shrugs, seemingly pleased by the fact that Peter's shot back a little.] I'll take unfunny, but not unhelpful. The wood you have here's no good. We need something scrubbier than this-- easier to burn-- and, fortunately, I saw some drier plants just around the way.

[He turns to look at his younger teammate from over his shoulder, brows raised in inquiry.]

C'mon, chief. Are we making this campfire happen or not?

[this is him making an effort.]

[webdesigned]

( Peter isn't expecting the offer to help, and while he doesn't apologize for snapping — his expression does soften when he realizes Jin's sass wasn't just driveby. he probably should be mocked for his mediocre attempt at a campfire... for such a smart kid, he's sure not smart about everything.

he shifts to his feet, and dusts of his pants, before he nods. ) Yeah, okay. Does this make you the Scout Master? I've never actually been a scout before, wait til I get home and tell my aunt.

( this joke is less peevish by a mile, proving while Peter can be annoyed on occasion, it doesn't stick long if the person doesn't deserve it. ) So, how dry are we talking? I thought that wood was dry.

B

[fintastic]

[ Don't think she didn't see any of that, Peter. As he lands next to her, though, she gets a good glance at the extent of the acid's damage, and if she was thinking about teasing him, it fades away. She glances back towards the creature, and where a spear is buried into the ground underneath it. Well, that was disappointing. Looks like she's going to have to abandon it for now. ]

Shouldn't I be asking you that question? You're hurt! Can you hold on?

so sorry for the wait on this... work killed me

[webdesigned]

( thERE WAS NOTHING TO SEE & HE'S GREAT AT THIS thanks for noticing

Peter has always been good at ignoring his own injuries, especially in the heat of the moment. yes, the burns hurt, and would probably hurt more when he had time to slow down and realize how bad they actually were. for now, though, they're not really a big deal, so much as the fact he can definitely hear more of those not-so-friendly lizards shuffling around through the trees. he'd rather not run into any more. )

What? Sure. Of course. Still have one good arm. ( Peter........ that is not what one would call comforting. ) Not to pressure you, or anything, but there's more coming. A lot more. I can hear them, long story. ( it's not actually that long, but I was bit by a radioactive spider and now I have superhuman senses seems to be too long of a story at the moment. )

[fintastic]

Maybe, but I don't think they can fly.

[ Not that she can go all that far up herself, not here anyway, but it should be good enough.

And sure enough, a set of glimmering pink fairy wings unfurl at her back where they were not before. She flutters them a few times, and opens her arms to him. ]

You ready? Grab on!

[webdesigned]

( fly? what? his eyes are a little wide when he spots the wings — well, it takes some doing, considering his long stay on Audentes, to surprise him with something he's never seen before. that would qualify.

Peter is not often on the receiving end of a save. he almost doesn't know what to do with it when it's offered, almost. if it means he doesn't have to websling into any more branches, he will take it.

even if he looks ridiculously awkward when he carefully steps forward to hold on to his teammate, who is definitely shorter than he is. ) Usually that's my line, ( he mutters, half amused, half... oh, yeah, arm still hurts. ouch. )

A.

[scarredhorns]

[A pair of small hands touch his back only to immediately remove themselves and the owner makes a startled gasp.]

I-I'm sorry! I didn't see you.

[It's Nyuu, or rather--judging by the way her whole body is trembling and the softer tone to her voice, it has to be Nyuu. Lucy had a cold yet slightly majestic air when she was in control. Nyuu was nothing more than a frightened little girl at the moment.

Other than the torn orange jumpsuit, messy hair, and the fact that she looked too skinny, she seems okay, except... She's looking right at Peter, but there's something not right about her eyes. Rather than focusing on him, they're moving around constantly, never settling on one thing.]

i am so sorry for the wait. life has been ridiculous... you can ignore if you need to!

[webdesigned]

( he's not expecting the touch, and stiffens slightly at the surprise of it. it takes a bit of doing to slip past his super senses, and these days it's never a good thing when someone does. nothing horrible happens, though it does make him turn to glance at the source.

of all the people he was expecting, it wasn't Nyuu. Lucy...? the last time they'd spoken it'd been to the reveal there were two of them, and it does take him a moment of hesitation to decide on who he's faced with. he decides on Nyuu, because the girl in front of him reminds him far more of the girl he met on the train than the one he'd met in the madness of the gala.

he shakes his head, though the gesture seems to be lost on her. ) No, it's fine. I'm fine. Nyuu, are you okay? ( he isn't willing to risk touching her, so Peter hopes speaking to her can get through to her when her mind seems a mile off. )

No, no, it's fine! RL's been rough for me as well.

[scarredhorns]

[Though it's been a very long time since Nyuu spoke to Peter personally, she's still able to recognize his voice.]

Oh, Peter-san! It's you.

[One could hear the relief in her voice. Nyuu had feared she touched a complete stranger, or one of the more dangerous inmates from the prison. Without her sight she wouldn't have stood a chance.]

I-I... [She hangs her head and wraps her arms around herself in a hug, but it does little to stop her trembling.] I'm not hurt, but I'm scared. [She sniffled.] I can't see anything right now.

i hope it will get better soon :( <3

[webdesigned]

It's me, yeah. I'm really glad to see you.

( he's not sure if the message he sent through her other personality actually got to her, but he hopes so. he should have added that he'd like to know if she ever came back to herself, but it's too late for that now. it's a moment late that he realizes that something seems a little off, and more than just how fearful Nyuu is. more that no matter the fact they're talking, and she's looking towards him, somehow she isn't looking at him.

he still doesn't connect the dots until she says it out loud. though it does make him gape a little — not hurt, but she'd been blinded? that counts as hurt in his book — before he shakes it off, because that won't help her. )

You can't see? How? Was it from the crash? ( a breath later, before, ) You can stick with me, okay? I can help you.