thisavrou_log | ( july event log )

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( july event log )

Who: Everyone
When: July 18th and on
Where: Slave trade outpost in the Runoff.
What: The Ingress malfunctions, sending the Moira into a different universe. Some of the crew end up on one of the Runoff’s many slave trading outposts.
Warnings: Sex, murder, kidnapping.

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deep in the murk
"It comes first and follows after. Ends life, kills laughter."

With the outcome of the battle against the Caducans and the Moira having twisted together with their ship to form a strange combination of glass, metal, and organic parts (both across the ship and among the crewmembers), there is still the matter of the Ingress not functioning “properly”. It hasn’t worked correctly since the very first person arrived on the Moira through it, and there is little the Captains themselves know about its functions. However, now, more than before, it’s even worse than that. The Ingress malfunctions yet again. This time, though, it doesn’t simply combine time and space and objects around it—it encompasses the entirety of the ship and sends it far off into a completely different universe. Welcome to:

( click text for a rough map/layout )

This puts the Moira closer to its final destination, and most of the glass has disappeared as the Caducan ship has been left behind aside from small things here and there (i.e., some of the walls in the corridors, random furniture in the rooming decks, the rooms themselves). Even the mess hall has permanently changed. Yet, there is some bad news that comes with this transition. The universe the ship is in is so terrible that it has been given its own name so that travelers avoid it altogether. Even the Captains themselves are aware of just how Bad News this universe is and had originally planned to take “the long way around” to avoid it. Anything shady or unsavory can be found in the Runoff, and while it might not appeal to the majority, it is simply second-nature to those who inhabit it. From arms trafficking to drugs, whatever one might think is illegal somewhere else is suddenly very legal and very dangerous.

Through the transition, some of the crew will accidentally end up on a nearby outpost specifically used for slave trade. It is a covered, temporary establishment used only for this purpose, meaning there are no open markets, hotels, or businesses of any sort. Stalls and tents line dirty streets, and ships litter the space around the outpost. This is a slave trade zone. People come and go but do not stay. Various lifeforms can be found here, and there are many different forms of slave trade happening. The motto “honor among thieves” does not exist in this place either. Crew who end up here will be “free”; however, this means that there is the potential to be taken and sold or kept by those of the Runoff. The Moira will not be close to this outpost, but the signals given from their MIDs will alert the crew to their location. Rescue, obviously, is imminent, but those who choose to help their fellow crewmembers must keep to small stealth missions using transporters or other crafts with one important detail in mind: they cannot bring attention or notice to the Moira itself.

Almost one-third of the crew has found themselves on the slave trade outpost, leaving the rest to plan for rescue. The Captains will immediately divulge all information that they have about the outpost, which is unfortunately very little outside of the stigma associated with the Runoff. The Captains will ask any MID techs or those with skills to create a program that allows person to person location; this function will allow crewmembers to search for those on the outpost via their MIDs. Rescue efforts are encouraged, and all the ships and transporters in the cargo bay will be available for public use. Crew will be told to be careful and quiet, bringing no attention to the Moira’s location, and most importantly, do not stand out. If crew look and act like they don’t belong there, others will notice. Stealth is the name of the game, and blending in is a necessity.

☄ time goes by slowly

The unfortunate crewmembers who ended up on the outpost have now found themselves pursued by those looking to make a profit through slave trade. The standards of hard labor vary from owner to owner, but it is what it sounds like. Rough, hard work that will last as long as the body performing it can endure. If purchased, owners might examine their new property to determine what type of work they’d be best suited for and then split them up into holding areas until they are done with their purchases. Others might have their slaves begin work by cleaning their ship or holding stalls or packing up their tents and gear. The owners, and their needs, are as varied as the universe. Did you manage to escape? Or were you forced to work before you were rescued?

☄ and it seems to last forever

Like the crewmembers taken by general labor owners, the murdersport slavers buy and take whomever they believe can last the longest in the pit. Some take those who appear to be strong or have great stamina, and some take those who are light on their feet or are quick-witted. Some crew are chosen simply based on appearance and how good they’ll look in their gear. If pursued, the slavers will do everything they can to capture the Moirans, and if captured, crew might be taken to a holding stall or a testing pit so that their skills can be witnessed by the public and tested. Some slavers want to show off their new property by throwing them into small roped off areas with other slaves, various creatures, or machines. Some make them stand up in front of groups and simply show them off, boasting that, at the next big event in the Runoff, they’ll surely win the grand prize. What kind of slaver has taken you? Will you be forced to fight before you rescue? Or will you not make it to the Moira before the Ingress pulls you back?

☄ but then it starts to fly ( cw: sex )

As is typical of this universe, slave trade comes in various forms. The most notorious being its illustrious sex trade. Slaves are bought and sold quickly and often, with no notable preference for appearance or species. Buyers come from all over to find slaves to work in their brothels, for personal use, as in-house entertainment, and much more. While the other two most popular type of slave trade don’t care as much about the physical well being of their property, these specific owners usually do. They might try to incapacitate first, so that the slaves aren’t bruised or cut, and if necessary, use binds until they can get them back to their ships or holding stalls. Some owners have their slaves cleaned and dressed in the finest attire, while others shove them into uniforms and tossed into stalls. Were you captured? Did you escape? Or were you rescued before something untoward occurred?

What's more, events of the past always have a way of coming back to haunt you.

Months past, a monster terrorized the crew and left a very literal mark upon those that it touched. Those scarred by encounters with the Ploiatos will find their minds drifting as they work and go about their day. They may also find themselves in a different part of the ship than intended when they come back to themselves. It happens slowly, these small moments of lost time. But both before and after these events occur, one might notice that the scars seem to shift slightly. Where the patterns have been stable for months, suddenly the branching arms of the scars appear to be in a slightly different position than before. More often than not, those who lose time will regain awareness and find themselves in Navigation. When this happens, oftentimes Captain Manasseh will herd them out with a quiet, but undeniably firm, suggestion to visit the infirmary. More unsettling are the moments when they awaken in the I.L.R. standing outside the one door that should never be opened. As for those who were lucky enough to avoid encounters with the creature locked within, they must figure out how to deal with their friends and fellow crew who seem to walk around in a fog with no control of their actions.

( ooc; Please mark all sensitive topics in subject line! )

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Erm...

[Papyrus is the first to react, turning back to the man who pushed him into the ring.]

I think there's been a mistake! This is no mere machine; he is the excellent and talented Mettaton! Star of the Underground and my, uh...

[He tugs a bit on his own collar. His uniform is a bit dirty, marred by oil and scorch marks, suggesting this isn't the first robot he's been asked to dismantle today.]

W-well, you see! He's special to me, and I'd prefer not to--

[He stops with a brief, muffled cry of fear as the slave trader points a gun at him. The last time that happened to him, he hadn't fared so well.

And that had only been a week or so ago.]

[Mettaton sees that gun, and it gets him moving. There's not as much fear for himself as for Papyrus, so he steps forward with purpose.]

Let's not waste time! The audience is watching, sweetheart!!

[Despite all of his false bravado, he gives Papyrus a direct look, trying to convey to him that they needed to get close enough to talk, out of earshot of their slavers. He prayed that the earnest, often literal skeleton would catch his drift.

If not, he'd have to be even more direct, and that's not something he wants.]

What! Do you mean...

[Mettaton had promised him, not long ago, that if he ever put on a show the skeleton was invited. That was a much better proposition than the two of them battling to the death, wasn't it? Any performance featuring the two of them was bound to be spectacular! Perhaps they'd even satisfy the crowd without having to dust anybody!

Papyrus's confident grin returns. His spine snaps straight and he poses dramatically, feet apart, pointing at Mettaton.]

...are you challenging the great Papyrus to a duel??

[The wink he drops Mettaton would have been a lot more subtle if he hadn't followed up by literally saying wink at the same time.]

[Mettaton wants to be upset. He is upset.

But God. Papyrus did you actually just say wink? Be more cute why don't you?! It helps him get back into a more comfortable state of mind. This was just a game. A farce. He wouldn't have to kill Papyrus if they made this look good, right?

Furthermore, it looks as if Papyrus has gotten the idea. Excellent!

The robot strikes a pose, his damaged body creaking a little. So what though? He could hold it!]

That is what we are here for!! Come, take your best shot!!

[His fingertips crackle with electricity. Thank goodness he'd gotten a decent charge in--his slaver wanted him operating at optimum battery power for the best results, after all.]

Very well! Dodge this, handsome!!

[Papyrus throws his hand out, imitating Undyne (who was probably re-enacting anime), sending out the first volley of bones. Two rows, both converging on Mettaton at an easy pace to start.]

[Well, that was easy enough to deal with. Mettaton takes a leap over the bones, gracefully landing on one foot. He closed a little of the distance between himself and Papyrus with that jump, and uses his proximity to fire off some electrical magic. The bolt was easy enough to predict and dodge.

This was just a warm-up.]

Compliments will get you far with me, dear. That is probably not as shocking as my magic!!

[The crowd isn't cheering quite yet, but there's a rumble of interest. Clearly showmanship doesn't often coexist with vicious murder here.]

[HOW COOL. It was fairly commonly known that Mettaton started life as a human-proof battle droid, especially to monsters who were in his fan club and got every newsletter and saw all his interviews, and Papyrus was actually looking forward to seeing his attacks.

Especially since he'd apparently started out as a cute ghost. Would that affect his magic?

Papyrus counters by raising both arms, blocking that one easy bolt with a wall of bone that shatters as the attacks cancel each other out.]

Nyeh-heh-heh! You'll have to do better than that, no bones about it!!

[He plants himself a bit closer to Mettaton, hand on hip, cackling proudly at his clever wordplay.]

[Clever wordplay indeed. Who was he fighting here, Papyrus or his brother? It really doesn't matter though, a sense of humor is always a gift!

Papyrus' block is impressive, and Mettaton almost pays him a compliment. Until he remembers this isn't so much a game as a clever ruse, and that being personable might not go over well after a while.]

Oh, I assure you, I can do much better!

[So saying, he darts forward as Papyrus laughs at his own joke. Given the opportunity, he takes a swing at the skeleton. He telegraphs his move with some overexaggeration, that way Papyrus can dodge the right direction.

If all goes well enough, Mettaton will be within earshot of the skeleton in time to whisper hastily:]

Let's give them a good clean show, sweetheart!

[Mettaton is right -- the novelty of a flamboyant robot and a magic skeleton duking it out is starting to lose its appeal, and the crowd's starting to call for more than feints and blocks.

A good clean show. Papyrus is starting to wonder how to successfully put on a show this crowd would want, but he loves the plan. Surely if they make it bigger, bolder, they'll be impressed in no time!

Mettaton's punch lands and Papyrus stumbles back, a little surprised. Damaged or not, his robot body hits hard. He gets a bit of distance between them before posing again.]

N-nyeh! Heh-heh! So you can! Well, then it looks like it's time to up the ante!

[More lines of bones, these ones stretching and squishing back down again. It's not a easy set of jumps, but possible.]

[...Is it uncouth to find it attractive that Papyrus is so strong? Because if it is, then Mettaton needs a refresher on manners.

Furthermore, he looked momentarily upset that he'd hit the tall skeleton, but seeing as the bone magic was coming fast and furious, he must not have done too much damage...or so he hopes.

Dodging the bones proved to be a challenge indeed, and even with a bit of agile acrobatics, he finds himself stumbling to the ground, his leg having been caught by one of the tricky attacks. He's not mad--eye for an eye, after all--but he still puts on an air of irritation.]

Darling, you're making me look bad. You may come to regret that!

[Mettaton's core container opens with a small hiss, and he lets the glowing heart float out. Time to bring out the big guns. Maybe the crowd would appreciate some good old fashioned bullet hell in the form of circular-pattern lightning radiating out towards Papyrus.

The robot, of course, prayed he'd miss. Better him than Papyrus, right?]

[Papyrus's jaw drops -- that attack is impressive, and he actually does get hit a couple of times before realizing he can't just sit around admiring the display. Even though it's powerful and cool and he still can't fully believe this super awesome attractive robot guy is actually dating him.

Well, yes he can. He's great! It's still exciting, though.]

Nonsense! Your fighting style is powerful and extra cool! Much like me.

Now, prepare yourself!

[Ping. The glowing soul turns blue, and while he's still upright, Mettaton only has a moment or two to put it back before hitting the floor. Whatever attack Papyrus is preparing, it's huge and taking shape over his head.]

[It's lucky he does manage to pull his soul back to him before that, he'd rather not have it exposed for too long.

Mettaton lets out a grunt as he's forced to the ground by the display of blue magic. His head whips up in time to see what Papyrus is starting to build up. His eye widens, and he attempts to push himself up off the ground, despite the gravity well he seems to be caught in.

He's a tough guy, no doubt he'll at least get to his knees, but he couldn't help but feel the toll of being slammed down; his left arm functions were starting to trip up, just enough to delay his reactions with that limb.

...It doesn't seem to unnerve him. He and pain have a bit of a love-hate relationship, leaning more on the side of love since...well, he really does like Papyrus. ]

Well well well. What a challenger!!

[Give him a minute. He needs a good counter here, and sometimes the best offense is in fact defensive strategy!]

[Papyrus doesn't add to the banter this time, mainly because he needs to judge this attack very carefully. Mettaton's HP isn't all the way full anymore, but that's all right. He's not standing up, so aiming a blast over his head is still possible. There's a ring of people beyond the ropes, of course, but for some reason the crowd seems to have thinned out remarkably on the other side.

Still, he feels a need to address them as the giant skull finishes forming above him and charges up.]

Attention, people in the audience! Now is a good time to move to the side! This attack is powerful, and meant only for a worthy opponent!

[There's a lot of commotion, people jumping out of the way and the man who "owns" Papyrus trying to order him to stop doing whatever the hell that is, but it's too late. The jaw drops and a volley of white-hot magic blasts past Mettaton, scorching the ropes and inadvertently leaving them with a wide path to freedom, if they react fast enough.

Papyrus, for his part, hunches over and rests his hands on his knees. He's proud of that attack, but it took a lot of magic.]

[Mettaton's arm might be lagging, but his body sure isn't. It becomes apparent that, not only that he'd missed on purpose, but the attack had taken it out of Papyrus because Mettaton's soul is no longer blue. He moves under the tail end of the attack, using the surprise and fear it caused to run towards Papyrus quickly.]

Darling, that was amazing!!

[He takes hold of the skeleton's arm, tugging him forward.]

Come! If we move quickly enough, I can get out of here with you!!

[He sorely hopes that the blast had taken out his owner, because that meant he wouldn't have the means to control Mettaton through the collar. But for his part...he really doesn't possess the courage to look right now. Only the courage to run.

It's really apparent on his face, and the way his eyes...or maybe just the one...beg Papyrus to retreat with him, absolutely no pretense written on his face. It's a little pathetic actually, as the blast had swept Mettaton's hair back and even exposed the hole that used to be his sightless eye. Not a sight he wanted the skeleton to see, but obviously his appearance wasn't at the forefront of his mind.

This was serious.]

Really? Hff... you think so? Because I... hff... was worried it might be too much... hff...

[He had never even considered using it to escape. After all, he'd been ordered not to.

His plan had mainly been based on hoping the two of them could impress the crowd enough to make them realize both monsters were valuable and call off the violence. Their impatience was the only reason he took the calculated risk in firing a single blaster -- well, that and the fact that while it was dangerous, it didn't necessarily have to be fatal. People might have been injured, needed healing or medicine, but nobody was likely to die just from that one hit.

People are starting to get up off the ground, recover from the blinding white. Mettaton's escape plan is too good to waste. Papyrus grabs his hand and grins.]

Looks like it's time to get these bones shaking!!

[Mettaton smiles softly, not entirely assuaged about the situation enough to laugh, but he turns his apprehension into praise for Papyrus as they run, hand in hand, out through the hole created by the magical blast.]

Sweetie, as soon as we get back on the ship, we're going to have a talk about how you can never have enough flashing lights and powerful magic!! You put on a great show, and I'm impressed with you!!

Maybe...you can get this off of me too?

[He tilts his head a little, jostling his collar. He'd...really like it off, even if he knows Papyrus is exhausted and that asking more of him was selfish. Even if they got free and clear, it was still effective if within range. And he didn't want to hurt anyone else if he could help it.]

[Tired as he was, Papyrus just about melted at the praise. He did well! Even when using a scary attack that he always worried about being too powerful!

He was so proud of them both. He wished he could have a replay of their cool fight, but even he's not silly enough to go back and ask. They have to find their friends and get back to the ship. He has people in Medbay to check on, and maybe... maybe by now, Sans will be back.

He decides to stop thinking about that.

They slow some once they're out of immediate danger but keep going, past the stalls and arenas and small stands slave traders were using to display their goods. As they move, Papyrus turns to get a better look at the collar.]

Naturally! You'll find that I'm not just cool and magical, I'm also impressively strong! I've been working on my muscles, you see.

[Somehow, lavishing the skeleton with praise was improving Mettaton's outlook on the situation. It's easy to be distracted by something good when you'd rather not think about the bad. He can't push it away entirely, but as they put more distance between themselves and the fighting pit, well...Mettaton can relax a little.

Murderer that he is, he's not interested in talking about it if it doesn't need to be addressed yet. Or ever. It's one of those things...]

Oh my, really?

[He offers a sly smile this time, even if it is somewhat forced, and his free hand reaches up to click gently against Papyrus' glass arms.]

Hmm, seems perfectly solid to me, darling~ Let's see what you can do with my collar, and then I'll see if I can help you with yours!

[Take it off, just take it off. He doesn't want to be controlled anymore.]

R-right away!

[He can't help feeling a bit flustered at the contact; this whole relationship thing is so new to him. He takes a hold of Mettaton's collar and tugs at it, grimacing a little. ]

Heh... wowie! What do you think this thing is made out of?

[Whatever it is, his best efforts ARE starting to warp and stretch it, but it's still mostly intact.]

[The fluster makes him want to be even more forward, but Mettaton holds himself back so that he's not distracting Papyrus for the moment. When the skeleton visibly and audibly struggles with the collar though, he finally speaks again.]

It's made of some type of metal, so you get points for trying!!

[He says it brightly enough, but he's clearly not pleased. And if he thought he could take it off himself, he'd have done it by now.

Mettaton doesn't hold him to too high a standard since he's not a robot with unnaturally powerful arms. He can wait, especially if they're out in the open like this; it's better to play inconspicuous than look like two escaped slaves, right?]

I never thought I'd be so happy for a chance to get back on that ship, but it's looking better every second that we spend here.

[...If Papyrus thought that the arm touching was intense, just wait. Because Mettaton was taking it up a level.

Actual hugging?! Yeah...he needs one. So he wraps his good arm around Papyrus, gently setting his head ontop of the skeleton's skull. ~~Look, Mettaton's tall enough that even average monsters look short.~~]

[It's true, as tall as Papyrus is, Mettaton has a bit of height on him. ~~Probably cheating with those boots~~.

He hugs Mettaton close, feeling... pretty okay about things. He's tired, and he's getting more and more worried about Sans every day he stays missing, but he and his great boyfriend escaped with their lives and now they have time to find their friends and make it back to the Moira.

He isn't alone. And they have a good chance of making it out of this one.]

Don't worry, my dear Mettaton! We always find a way out of these conundrums, don't we?

[~~Wow. It is totally not cheating as long as he looks good.~~

Mettaton had been worried about Sans as well (despite their last conversation), though he could hardly match a brother's affection. And right now, he wasn't too worried about it when considering that Papyrus had been in such a dire situation. He had been too, but Papyrus was far more important to protect.

...And that was a show-stopping thought right there. Mettaton valuing someone higher than himself, even if for a moment!

Of course, now that they were out of that awful ring and he wasn't forced to fight his darling Papyrus, it would only follow that his mood would improve.]

With you, I couldn't imagine an obstacle too difficult to surmount!! [He grins, kissing the top of Papyrus' skull before finally releasing him from the one-armed embrace.]

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( july event log )

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