Log Title--Failed Ritual...[Closed]

[light_of_willpower]

Log Title Failed Ritual...[Closed]

Characters: Sunset Shimmer, (Future)Trunks Briefs
When: Orientation event, Central Library
Where: The world of Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly
Summary: Two new residents in the Library have ventured into a book, and found more than they expected. Vengeful ghosts, curses to be broken, and a town they can not leave.
Warnings: Angst. Angst. Angst. Mentions of violence and Death.



There are whispers. Voices of children, of adults, screams of pain and echoes of sorrow and tears. It's cold the closer he got to the book. The cover is tattered red leather, a beautiful embossed red butterfly adorning its spine. When he isn't looking directly at it, the wings seemed to move pulling his attention back to it.

Curiosity made him reach out, if only to affirm what his eyes thought they saw. But the moment his fingers brush the book, a flood of red luminescent red butterflies erupt from the book and circle around the warrior. "The ceremony... it must be completed..." The world is dark. A decrepit and falling apart village in Japan came into view. It looked empty for all intents and purposes, but the whispers... the whispers will never stop.

At their feet is a camera. Old. Antique. "Pick it up. It's the only way you will defeat those that linger here as vengeful spirits. Keep them away from the portal. Ease the spirits of the dead. But be careful... where you can't touch a ghost, the ghosts can hurt you."

Comments

[shimmer_on]

Every moment here was like a warning sense going off for Sunset.

She picked up the camera immediately, running her fingers across it. It had no film but it was definitely magical in some way. Looking over at Trunks, Sunset glanced at him with a quizzical eyebrow raise. "Okay so... haunted village, Japan, two of us being here, and my danger sense is screaming at me."

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks wouldn't disagree, although it takes a moment for him to properly recognize someone had followed him. The village was deserted, and while it was different from home—it was close enough. The unease and feeling in the air, and the hint of ruin and age started to be overlay by smoke in his mind's eye. Other buildings, more rounded in style but decrepit and damaged and screams and crying...

The tail-end of Sunset's statement manages to break through the haze first, as he turns to look at her. “That's one way to put it.” came the low comment. “We need information though, about that ceremony.” And to keep them away from the portal...

[shimmer_on]

Nodding, Sunset gazed around, eyes daring from shadow to shadow. It wasn't enough that this was a horror setting, but her danger sense was rising up a little, and flaring every so often when she felt something might be looking their way.

"As much as I hate to say it, the town's the best option. Tromping around the area is going to just attract bad things."

[light_of_willpower]

“Tromping through the town might attract things too.” He pointed out, but it really was the best option. A deep breath, steeling himself and moving off down the path. Trunks was keeping his eyes open, and his footsteps light. Especially if he had someone with him.

The forest itself wasn't very welcoming either, and the atmosphere just felt too strange. He felt constantly like someone was watching him, beyond just his companion. “You ever dealt with anything like this before?”

[shimmer_on]

"I watch horror movies and anime. I'm genre savvy enough to know where this is headed."

Which means she should have asked Pinkie to borrow her PS2. The pink haired girl was always up for a good thrill. Sunset's empathy was going haywire too, as she listened around carefully. "Our path should be clear for now. Let's get moving quicker."

[light_of_willpower]

“Quick, I can do. How fast, and any objections to an aerial view?” Even with another deep breath, Trunks was still tense. Fine hairs at the back of his neck standing on end and feeling like he either needed to run, or to go still.

[shimmer_on]

Trunks wasn't the only one as Sunset whipped around suddenly and brought up the camera reflexively. There was a flash of light from reflexively hitting the shutter and there was a sharp wail before a ghost disintegrated.

"Air. Air is good. Go, now."

[light_of_willpower]

The flash of light had him whipping around too, hand going over his shoulder and grasping the hilt of his sword. A quick step forward, and his free arm was sliding around Sunset's waist. Letting ki flow through him, using it to fly and fly up fast, then heading over the village. Using slightly more, to shield her as well, and only now could he just barely sense ….something. Somethings, and he frowned, as the whispers sounded louder. Screams, crying, all of it overlaying with the sounds of cold laughter and mocking.

[shimmer_on]

Holy crap...

"That's a lot of negative psychic energy," said Sunset with a grimace. "It feels... almost familiar in its malice."

Not surprising, since Sunset had no way to process this emotional energy other than "it was like me when I was a demon". "There," she said, pointing towards the closest building. "Lets check there. I think it's a little thinner there of this spiritual noise."

[light_of_willpower]

Curious statement there, but not unheard of where Trunks was from. Finding a safe place to stop, and just take in the view. “It's not just...” Trying to put into words what he could only just sense the edge of. “If they're vengeful spirits, then it's rage and pain too, right?”

It seemed like where they'd managed to get to, gave them an over-view of a village. At least part of it. It seemed there was a lake, with a long bridge spanning the distance. Floating them lower afforded them a better look at pathways between older-style Japanese buildings and the streets around them. Landing near the outer edge of one of the buildings, Trunks didn't release her just yet. Touching down, holding it for a second or two to make sure it was safe and ready to go back up and fly if needed.

[shimmer_on]

Checking around when Trunks set her down, Sunset peered through the camera briefly to make sure nothing was sneaking up on them before nodding. "Clear. I figured the camera was our only major defense right now."

The town was full of dark energy, and it felt somewhat familiar in its swallowing embrace. "All this pain," said Sunset, answering Trunks. "It feels ritualistic. Like those old stories."

[light_of_willpower]

Placing a hand on the wall then walking against the edge of the house, and peering in through a doorway. “It's old, and looks like it's been abandoned for a while now.” A quick jog to the end of the row revealed a T-intersection, and looking down the side-path lead to wide stairs. Making sure to keep Sunset in sight, but not hard to jump up and levitate over one of the roofs for a better view. Confirming what he was looking for—there! Across the lake was the largest house and that was probably where they'd find the best information.

“Over here! Down the stairs—we need to go across the lake.” If Sunset turned, she'd catch a trail of ghostly red butterflies leading her the way he'd said, to the stone steps leading down. Along the wide avenue that ended at an ornate large gate with tall doors, one of which from the sounds of movement, Trunks had opened to reveal the start of a stone-outcropping and a bridge. Across the expanse of the lake seemed to be another gate on the other side.

[shimmer_on]

Sunset did turn, and noticed the butterflies with a frown. "That... does look like the right way to go," said Sunset cautiously.

"I hope it's not anything worse than what we're in for."

[light_of_willpower]

"It'll probably be worse than what we dealt with already." Trunks murmured grimly. They really didn't have a choice though. "Deep breaths, tell me if you start feeling overwhelmed. Keep that camera ready and I can take point."

Not that he wanted to, but it was what he was used to. A glance over to be sure she was ready too before moving at a quick jog across the bridge towards the other side.

Opening the gate revealed a large house that was eerie in its stillness. That it was the biggest, meant it was likely the wealthiest family's and Trunks was betting that would be where they'd find their information. It didn't feel pleasant though, with kind of a low-level hum for Sunset's Empathy. The lantern light inside also didn't provide much illumination at times.

[shimmer_on]

"Spooky house, check. There was not good things happening here, ever."

Sunset stayed close to Trunks, gripping the camera. There was something here, presences that worried her. But they had to find out and stop this world from spilling out.

"What do you think we'll find here? Clues?"

[light_of_willpower]

"Books." He replied, unsure if his sword would do any good but keeping his hand ready near its hilt just in case. "The largest house in a village like this, usually meant the most influential family. If anything is to be found, it'll be here somewhere."

Moving, being sure to keep her close as they entered the mansion. Some areas were darker than others and did nothing to aid their nerves as they moved through hallways and poked their heads in rooms. Trunks held out his left hand, and let a small amount of ki concentrate there to act as their flash-light. It wasn't like they weren't going to attract attention anyways.

Trying to keep a mental map, there were some brief moments were Sunset's empathy spiked. A ghost or two, easily dispatched by camera; Trunks almost seemed to be a good distraction as they seemed to head for him first--especially if he was using ki to light the way. Making their way towards the center as much as they could, towards rooms where they hoped documents would be stored or hidden.

[shimmer_on]

Sunset did notice this, as she briefly checked her camera every so often. They were drawn to him, like moths to the flame. Which meant they were attracted to the energy Trunks was putting out.

Keeping quiet, and briefly checking behind to make sure there was nothing behind them, Sunset followed feeling more nervous as they traversed the halls.

[light_of_willpower]

Every time they had an encounter though, the tension returned and his anxiety raised a bit. Trunks also realized they were probably drawn by the ki, but it was a necessary evil in order to see as far as he was concerned. It wasn't as if he wouldn't be distraction and shield for Sunset as necessary.

At least her Empathy gave them warning, and then surged right as they came to the doors of the great hall. Opening the door, clearly this was a scene of tragedy as it was visible to both of them. Laughter, mad laughter and in Trunks' mind overlay with cruel chuckles and smirks as he went to one knee. Trying to keep his mind in the hear and now, instead of the past with cold inhuman eyes haunting him.

The feelings of pain and anger were tangible here, as they saw a girl in a white kimono with red obi, standing amidst a flood of bodies.

It seemed even more vivid for Sunset in shades of bloody red amidst darkness with stark white. Gradually, as the laughter continued, there was a spectral figure hovering near by the girl. A tormented visage who'd clearly been tortured, rage and pain radiated off the figure.

The girl's mad laughter continued, while the ghastly wraith behind her stayed for a moment, then dove straight towards Sunset.

She had their only effective tool though, and Trunks managed to pull himself together enough to put himself in the way as an arm reached out and pushed at him.

Cold, pain-rage-anger-fear-pain-pain-pain-pain! It hurt and he felt his consciousness start to slip from him. "Go...run." Gritted out, as he had to keep them from getting his partner. Summoning ki from within, if they were drawn to it then he'd give them something to be drawn to. Pulling it more and more, almost to a golden-aura.

Down on a knee, panting and holding on for his life, as it drove the ghost back enough for Sunset to run. He couldn't take another hit like that, and neither could she. They'd confirmed what they needed though.

[OOC: Time to run, explore to find film/medicine, and build some CR right?]

[shimmer_on]

The specter in front of her almost made Sunset freeze up, but a wellspring of energy pooled up as she brought up the camera and snapped a picture. Then, she grabbed Trunks' arm and hauled him to his feet.

"Not without you," she grunted, her body shimmering with red flame as she pulled him along with as much strength as she could muster.

"C'mon, the door's almost there!"

[light_of_willpower]

Well, he wasn't dead yet--and whatever didn't kill him, with enough time to heal would quite literally make him stronger. It was how saiyans worked. Still--it couldn't have been very easy for her to haul him up.

Stumbling but managing to get to his feet enough to start to run, and the red flame radiating off her was warm. Helping remind him that no--they had to get out and he grit his teeth. Determination surging, as they wove through hallways.

He could rest in a bit, they had to get out and away from the house as the wraith was following them. Cold anger and pain radiating off of it still.

Out the front door and forget about opening that gate--they needed distance and space. Trunks pulled at his reserves, moving to loop an arm around Sunset and heading for the air. Just enough ki to fly and fast--across the bridge and lake and over the other gate and wall. The abandoned village had to be safer than that house, as they touched down on the streets and moved. At some point, the wraith had dropped or faded, that feeling of cold-pain-and-anger fading in the panic.

Time to find a place to hide and rest.

[shimmer_on]

Clinging to Trunks when they made their escape, she continued pulling him towards a side alleyway. There was less activity than she could pinpoint but at the same time, the cruel menace that had flared in that house was definitely gone.

"Here," said Sunset. "Rest up. You okay? That thing practically took a bite out of you."

[light_of_willpower]

Don't mind as he slumps against the side of a building, breathing heavily. That's about how he felt, and he wasn't looking forward to it happening again. "Better me than you. Still, that was a close one."

Okay, that slump has him now sliding to the ground, and sitting. "You alright?" She had the camera, and had the instinct or whatever it was to sense things; that was why he'd play shield. "What's your name, by the way?"

[shimmer_on]

"I'm fine, I'm more concerned about your well being than mine," said Sunset, checking over him to make sure he wasn't wounded physically.

"I'm Sunset," said Sunset, examining him carefully but swiftly. "Sunset Shimmer. And you?"

[light_of_willpower]

Physically he's fine, if tired from pulling at his reserves. Mentally and spiritually are another matter, thanks to that attack and this whole place. To her empathy, if she can sense anything over the 'noise' coming from him specifically, there's a hint of pain and frustration-anger as well as desperation-needing to hope.

"Trunks Briefs." Offered quietly, as he tries to pull himself together. "You said you'd seen stuff like this before, on TV? or played games? How do the heroes in those stories usually deal with things like that?"

[shimmer_on]

"On one game yes," said Sunset. "Haunted Picture, it's one of Pinkie's favorites. As it stands, that's DEFINITELY a no-win boss fight right there. We need to find a way around it before we get involved in that house again."

There is a noise, growls of frustration coming from him that Sunset can pick up. And she added, "Rest, and we'll start again. I'm sure we can defend ourselves here for now."