hugtopia_logs | ♥ November (Malom) Event Log

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♥ November (Malom) Event Log

a sunlit orchard with fruit growing on a row of trees

November (Malom) Event Log

With most of Havenwell left in varying degrees of shambles from the prior month's catastrophe, the city seems just a little bit more quiet and stony in ways not just owed to the chill of oncoming winter. However, the gray mood doesn't need to last; the offworlders and locals alike might just be able to band together to pick up the scattered pieces before long.

Unlike previous years, winter is approaching at a slower pace than usual. Whether this is believed as coincidence or the gods opting to give the city more pleasant weather while the reconstruction is ongoing is entirely up to each individual. Nevertheless, the sun is out and there is work to be done.

❥ PROMPT I: Fetch Quest Frenzy

image of neo from the matrix saying ' know kung fu'

With the widespread damage of the previous month still a large issue, offworlders may find the marking-based powers of that incident manifesting again in different, passive forms. Regardless of the color one's ability takes, a little bit of trial and error will lead the markings' bearers to understand the powers are now geared towards helping rebuild or rehabilitate the city in various ways; examples being manifesting as telekinesis to move heavy objects around, or a magical compass to help locate something lost in the chaos. Some may find themselves inexplicably filled with knowledge previously unknown, Matrix-style: characters who have never picked up a hammer before will suddenly possess the skills needed to rebuild furniture or repair structural damage, weld parts together, or get really good at organizing search parties. Feel free to get creative with it, but these abilities are meant to build, not destroy like last month, so destructive powers are not likely to manifest unless for good reason.

There's no shortage of work to be done either; from dismantling petrified worms to running errands for the surviving locals, offworlders may find themselves lucky to have the supernatural assistance of the markings and their powers. With time and effort, taking up such tasks to aid the locals and fellow offworlders alike might just go a long way towards healing Havenwell on both physical and emotional fronts.

❥ PROMPT II: Fruits Basket

a frost-covered branch bearing one red and orange fruit

In places where the worms were slain before their fellows were petrified, their massive corpses have been reclaimed by the ground--specifically, they've turned to surprisingly fertile soil. So fertile that it would appear trees are already sprouting where they fell, bearing an arrangement of oddly-shaped fruits. With how delicious they look, one would surely be forgiven for daring to try them, but the result might be just a bit surprising...

-Eating a round fruit will make one have a sudden desire to cuddle up to someone else; the more of the fruit they've consumed, the more insistent the desire. Just take a bite? Maybe you could do with a light shoulder touch, but eat the whole thing and you'll realize you might be suddenly looking for some big hugs with anyone receptive to the idea.
-The square shaped fruits have a somewhat more subtle effect. The more one eats of a square fruit, they gain a steadily more obvious gentle glow and warmth to their bodies. With enough of one, someone could easily turn into a combination nightlight and comfortably warm space heater.
-Being curious enough to eat a spiky fruit will end up with one having some trouble keeping their footing; this fruit leads one to find no traction underfoot, sending them slip n' sliding around. Be careful, you might just skate right into someone's arms!
-Eating a star-shaped fruit may cause a gradual drowsiness, where residents will feel the urge to lay down and have a nap. Seems the aftermath of the worm attack left some lingering magic. (A small percentage may alternatively find themselves transformed into sheep. Weird.) Being held or gently cuddled, whether on the spot or while being carried home, will reverse the effects.

❥ PROMPT III: Corporate Concessions

four wooden letter boxes spelling 'FACT' with a hand tilting the last two letters to switch the word to 'FAKE'

You might recall that the research towers were awfully unhelpful during the attacks, preferring instead to seal themselves up in protective shielding and leave the rest of the city to fend for themselves. Now that the danger has passed, there have been some understandably divisive responses to this decision from their fellows. Many of the tower workers have pleaded ignorance for this choice, openly (or quietly, to avoid disciplinary action) blaming the higher-ups for creating company-wide lockdowns and not allowing anyone in- or out. Many were helpless to assist in relocating friends or family, and some have quit their positions over this stance. Those in charge of the decision-making are unapologetic for the most part, stating that due to previous security breaches, their priority was to protect their research and their employees, for the greater good of the world.

They are aware that doing this was not by any means a good look, so as an olive branch, they have released the research materials confirmed as stolen in the previous security breach to the public network, as they have been unable to track down those materials and would rather control its distribution themselves. Damage done, after all; those who know could pass it on as they please. Additionally, they are reallocating some tower resources to helping with restoration and rebuilding the surrounding areas and public buildings, and have donated a substantial amount of dora to the city budget for whatever purpose the council deems appropriate. Whether you think the released data is true or if their efforts are sufficient is up to you, really.

This event will run from November 15-30. Click on each prompt's title to see the text. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread. You can also use the Havenwell Status page or the General Plotting Comment to give you other ideas for original prompts!

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[ he may have died (or be dead, in the sense of the word), but he still cares if he hurts, he still cares if the fruits trick him, he still cares if something bad were to happen. he is shackled to his existence in a way Kaworu is not.

To Kaworu, death is the ultimate freedom because it's when nothing shackles you. But to be an angel, by not holding their existence high, they are quite free too. ]

I do. [ he says that and takes another bite. This is now kaworu's favourite food (mostly because it's the first food he has tasted) ] And there is no pain. [ in case that worries Héctor ]

[That sure is a whole lot of stuff that he'd hate to hear. What Kaworu actually says is much better even if he is still a bit on edge. If he's honest, he's always going to be a bit on edge, waiting for the moment when the undetected poisons and drugs kick in. He doesn't say that.]

Well... I'm glad then. Both that you're enjoying it and it doesn't hurt.

[Don't mind him if he just... hangs around. Just in case.]

[ kaworu chews away his fruit, although his eyes turn to the tree again. For a second there kaworu is engulfed in faint white light that shines from his own body, and suddenly some of the fruits fall off the tree and roll around as they hit the ground. He has no issues using his telekinetic powers near others (with the exception of Shinji), but he also never thinks to warn other people about them.

Regardless, the angel moves to collect the fruits.

yes, he wants more of them. He likes them a lot, apparently ]

I will take some with me. [ he has decided ]

[The sudden light makes him jump a little, but he's far to used to sudden magic at this point to react further than that. He's starting to think his world is the odd one out for the lack of crazy powers.

As Kaworu begins to collect, he laughs softly and has to ask--]

Do you want help there?

[ well, he has telekinesis, he could easily carry the fruits.

But at the same time, he doesn't mind Héctor's company and enjoys talking to the other ] If you'd like. [ with a couple of fruits on his hands, including the half-eaten one, kaworu glances back at the buildings of the city ]

The house I was given is not far from here. [ so yes, the fruits go into the house, at least Kaworu knows that's the place where he has to keep the things he gathers, even though he rarely visits the place (the fruits will be a good excuse for him to do so) ]

[There's no telling how the kid's powers will work, or if there's a limit. He still wants to be sure Kaworu makes it home okay. But, there is also the face that he'd just like to help.

He starts to gather things on Kaworu's behalf, minding that, with the use of the cane he's got to sacrifice an arm. A little annoying, but he's not giving up the task now.]

That's good. Do you mind I go inside with you?

[ it's not deeply important for kaworu to get all the fruit - again, he can easily just gather and carry it himself - but Héctor asked to help. He carries as many fruits as his arms allow, leading the man towards his house.

When in front of it, Kaworu nods and the door will open slowly - again thanks to kaworu's telekinesis ] You may enter.

[ the house is... well, completely empty and pretty much untouched. Doors are open so it's easy to spot that right besides the bed that has apparently never been touched, Kaworu keeps small things he is given - a flower, an empty cup, some feathers - and there is a chair where Kaworu keeps his clothes (all exactly the same, Kaworu has no sense of fashion so he acquires whatever is similar to the clothes he knows).

Though Kaworu will place the fruits on top of the table in the kitchen. First time using it, in fact ] Than you, you may place the fruit here.

You've got some fancy power, kid.

[He says it with a shake of his head, but not with any surprise. All these powered people. How does the universe even hold them all?

With these crossroad worlds, he supposes after a minute.

He raises his brow a little at the untouched bed, but, it's not like he has that much in his house either. Even the clothing isn't too out of place. Before being coerced into this new stuff, he'd be wearing the same things all the time too. The most interesting things are the flower, cup, and feathers. As they pass by, he asks--]

Are those treasures of yours?

[He goes head and places the fruit on the table as Kaworu did.]

[ they are fancy until one realizes what they are for. Kaworu won't say that, though, but if Héctor tried to ask anyone from kaworu's world about his "fancy" powers, he would probably be horrified. Spoiler alert: his world did not hold them at all, no.

he looks back at Héctor when he mentions treasures. Are they? Treasure is something with value and Kaworu supposed he sees those things with value, in a sense. So he nods ] Yes. They were given to me. [ he doesn't understand why or what for. But they were given to him, so he keeps them. And besides: ] They help with loneliness. [ because they were given to Kaworu by other people and in a sense, he sees those people when he looks at them, thus he isn't as lonely. ]

[What Kaworu doesn't understand is that this particular Héctor has seen such a tremendous amount of fucked up horrible shit, including powers, that to know more about Kaworu's powers, he would likely just stare, blink, nod slow, and wish he had a cigarette.

He smiles at the confirmation, though that smile slips when Kaworu explains their purpose. That... is a reason to hang onto treasures, but he hadn't expected it from this boy.]

Do you often feel lonely?

[ he promises he won't use them here. After all, he doesn't want to kill people.

Kaworu nods with ease at the question. ] Very much so, and always. It's not something I can erase. [ and Kaworu will admit to it, very easily. Lilin often hide away their pain and their loneliness, but Kaworu does not; he asks people about their own loneliness and that makes them uncomfortable, but this angel is the opposite.

To talk about his loneliness is normal because being lonely is normal to him, ever since the moment he was created.

He starts putting the fruit back in his fridge - which is empty too, naturally. ] Are you lonely, too?

[Always good to know.

The ease with which Kaworu answers would be surprising from anyone else. But, Kaworu has shown by now that he isn't like others, even when it comes to admitting that he's not entirely an unfeeling robot (so to speak) after all.

Also by now, he expects the question. He doesn't flinch from it.]

Yes. But not in the same way, I don't think. [He answers easily.] I don't feel it the same way I did when I was young either. It's no longer about what I've never had and more about what I've lost. Homes, loved ones, people I trusted and counted on but will never again. There are few who can fully understand my experiences. and would not recoil from them. Or me.

[He passes one of the fruits to Kaworu.] But I am not alone. I have a spouse whom I love, a boy who is familiar with my daughter, and people who are kind to me. I am not lonely in the way of not having enough exactly, but for grieving what can't be. That is a loneliness I will always carry.

Will you tell me then how things are with you?

[ he watches Héctor as he explains, patiently letting him finish. And after he nods because, even if Kaworu doesn't fully understand all the emotions the man speaks of, but he understands what he means ] Man can never completely erase loneliness and its pain because all men are fundamentally alone, therefore, pain is something that men must endure in their hearts. But life doesn't have to be pain because of that. By opening the heart to others and accept love, one can forget the pain loneliness brings. People will always need each other.

[ kaworu finishes placing the fruit inside the fridge, but he leaves out the one he had started eating before ] It's the same with Angels.

[ Kaworu watches the fruit in his hands, conflicted between taking a bit or speaking before that. He decides on the second option ] My soul was placed inside a body that is not my original. Even for humans that would be conflicting, but my soul is of an angel and my body is of a human.

This conflict causes hole inside that can be called "loneliness", and the only one thing that can erase it is joining the body that was once mine and become whole again. [ just like humans, his loneliness can be erased by having another. Except Kaworu means joining in a very literal sense. ] All angels wish to return to Adam [ their mother and Kaworu's original body ] and be one with Adam again, for all of us are lonely and we wish to erase this loneliness.

That is how things are with me, Héctor-san. [ he finally takes another bite ]

Edited 2021-12-15 22:42 (UTC)

[He nods along with what Kaworu says at first. It's true. It's been true for everyone he's ever known. Some are selective, some deny, some break what they have, and others just get by on the most shallow of attentions. But all the same, they all share this, don't they? It's not even exclusively human.

But he's not about to assume Kaworu is the same. Sure enough, the explanation is something weird. He tries to take it in stride, considering it all quietly.]

I know the feeling of being displaced. Wrong bodies or bodies made wrong. I can understand how that could be... isolating. [The deep sense of wrongness...]

But I think I am a little confused about Adam. What with you being an angel, I can't help thinking of the biblical figure.

[ displaced, soul ripped apart, a body that can't contain it properly, a body that is just a shell. Kaworu holds little care for his own body and life partially because of this as well; he is just a fake being created by humans to hold the soul within.

He chews on the fruit watching the other. ] "Angels" is but a name given to us. We are not a religious concept. [ if he had to find a better match word, angels are... ] An alien concept would be more fitting. Even though we have arrived on Earth long before any other form of life appeared. [ they are the original beings of the planet, in fact. The very first and primordial life. ]

Adam arrived on Earth to populate it with her children. But when another arrived, Lilith, Adam fell into stasis and Earth was given to her instead. And from Lilith, Lilin came. [ that is why Kaworu calls Humans Lilin. They are children of Lilith ]

[~~That's rough, buddy.~~

Again, he's nodding along. He has to admit he's much more comfortable knowing religion has nothing to do with it, whether because his familiariry with Hell or the faith he had once, he decides not to examine. Alien makes sense. It's not a term from his time but he's met enough wordly and even contained beings to understand. Adam as an alien woman certainly helps separate.

But when he hears Lilith's name, paired with the suggestion of being her child, his fingers twitch and his expression twists with it, disgusted, angry, wounded. He speaks careful and strained.]

Please. Don't call me that. I have known the Lilith of another world and her children. I bear her no ill, but her children are of no relation to me.

[He can still hear their laughter and feel their touch, making his skin itch and burn.]

So you wish to see your mother, to be one, so you're not lonely. But, you keep treasures to help. Do they help?

[ that is fine. Most humans from kaworu's world would refuse this as well. To come from a being such as Lilith, who is, in her essence, an angel... not many would be ready to accept such and it'd be a too painful reality.

The mention of the treasures makes Kaworu smile though and he nods softly ] Very much so. By looking at those treasures, I am able to easily recall the times I received them.Like today. It made me very happy.

And that is more important than my loneliness. [ Kaworu will always feel lonely. But he is happy because the happiness he feels, temporary or not, existed and he felt it. And that is more impactful than his loneliness ]

[Lilith would probably be a kinder origin than the God he knew. Even Lucifer would've been. But he still can't live with the relation to her children.

Kaworu can be, for lack of a better term, inhuman sometimes, detached in a way that makes him seem cold. But this, right here, feels much more genuine. It makes him smile.]

That is very wise. I'm glad you have that. [He hums a moment, to himself.]

I'll have to think of something too then. Some gift I can give.

[ Kaworu is back to chew on his fruit when he hears Héctor, and takes him a moment to swallow and ask: ]

A gift? For me?

Well, of course.

[He shrugs his shoulders.]

If that's what makes you happy and helps you to feel less lonely, then I'd hope to help too.

[ "of course"? Kaworu looks a bit confused.

Truthfully none of his treasures were given to him with "gift" in mind; they are just small things people handed kaworu at the time and he kept them rather than throwing them away (most would probably have done so, truth to be told). So it's a bit surprising Héctor wants to go out of his way for that. ]

That way I could remember you. [ Kaworu smiles. because even if he says it weirdly, it's true - Kaworu remembers all the people he has met and that touched his life somehow. And remembering those people is important to him ]

[People aren't very nice to you, are they, kid? He thinks the question but doesn't ask.

He's taken by surprise himself a moment later. He blinks and then his whole being seems to soften.]

That would be very kind of you if you did. [He knows it doesn't help him. It wouldn't bring him back in the land of the dead and it wouldn't have saved him if he were still there. Other worlds can't connect like that. But still, the sentiment touches him.] That means more to me than you know.

[ No, they have not. He has said so before, his existence upsets others. That's okay with him, though.

Kaworu nods softly. He knows Héctor told him before he doesn't accept the love of someone who does not know him, but Kaworu does love him regardless if he accepts it or not. Rather than "being kind", he is simply doing something that is natural to him. ]

For as long as I'm allowed. [ for as long he is alive, all things considered ]

[For as long as he's allowed. It's ominous and unsettling, but this time he thinks it's less a product of Kaworu and more that of these crossroad worlds. His smile slips into something more melancholy.]

Until then...

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♥ November (Malom) Event Log

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