Descent into Darkness

[bravenewmods]

As the characters arrive, they will find what appears to be a rather deep cavern. Upon entering, the caverns are quite narrow, with twists and turns everywhere and different tunnels that all seem to be interconnected. As characters travel deeper within the caverns, reality around them will start to warp, they will start to see and hear things that aren’t necessarily there - images of old enemies, past failures, voices of condemnation, visions that strike at the soul and core of the characters. Once this begins, it will only increase in power and volume, demanding it be confronted, lest they be trapped within these caves forever.

[OOC: This event will run for a week. All characters who enter the caves will be subject to some of their deepest fears, darkest demons, and most abject failures. To overcome them, characters must help each other out, finding their purpose through strength of character and resolve to move forward. In general, these visions should require characters to come to grips with themselves. Illusory images and voices can and will appear and can take any number of forms, depending on what is most appropriate to a character. Additionally, characters may thread with each other and are encouraged to help each other out to overcome these personal demons. For those who wish to take part, they are able and encouraged to narrate their own personal demons, which will be on display for everyone who enters their thread. IC threads may be made in this post.]

Comments

[echoingmelody]

[Xiu winces slightly. She didn't like this at all. Her Meganium nudges her, trying to get her to keep moving.]

...who's they?

[She asks, slightly curious, but she looks concerned. Can she make a difference?]

[conquerorofwaves]

[He shook his head - for a moment wincing as he clasps his head together as a voice rang out]

"How cute, trying to play the dashing hero!"

I don't know - But it's digging into our heads, drawing out fears... We better stick together.

[echoingmelody]

Fears...

[She does fear that she won't make a difference at all in this world. She fears knowing the truth about herself.]

Your music is just an escape from reality.

[conquerorofwaves]

"It's lucky for you that you're such a pretty girl or he wouldn't bother."

Stop saying lies, whoever you are.

[Sinbad's tail thrashes angrily. Yeah, Xiu's cute, but it doesn't matter, she's in trouble]

Take my hand, so we won't get separated.

[echoingmelody]

[Honestly, she sort of takes that as a compliment. While he looks angry because of the voices, Xiu just looks kind of sad. She glances up at him when he tells her to take his hand, though.]

Alright.

[She reaches out to take his hand, but...her hand phases right through it.]

You know, don't you?

[conquerorofwaves]

[Sinbad shivers as her hand went right through, eyes widening in surprise - his tail standing straight up]

Xiu...? Xiu? Are you okay?

[Despite seeing what just happened, he moved closer to touch her shoulders, as if to steady her]

You can't help her

[echoingmelody]

[Xiu looks just as surprised as he does, although perhaps a bit more fearful. No. That didn't just happen. Did it?]

I don't know...

[She actually takes a step back before he places his hands on her shoulders, steadying her for now.]

You do know.

[conquerorofwaves]

Deep breath.

[He says as if he's perfectly fine himself, though the thrashing of his tail betrays his own agitation]

It shouldn't matter. You're you, you're the nice girl that likes to cheer people up, you make people's days a little better. Don't let them get you down.

[echoingmelody]

Do I really?

[She has to ask. She's seen some people who liked her music...but there are so many more. Does she really make a noticeable difference?]

[conquerorofwaves]

Yea. It's not always obvious, but even the little things add up.

[The wheels are turning in his head, part of him trying to puzzle out what they're trying to say about Xiu despite himself]

Think you can keep going? There's no shame if you need to return...

[echoingmelody]

Everything seems the same, though.

[She frowns, but if she was going to run, she would have already. She thinks so, anyway.]

I can't go back now.