Event Log: Field Trip Part 1

[hadrielmods]

Who: All characters participating in the field trip event during February
What: The event log for the Field Trip event
Where: Outside of the city, moving toward new and exciting cities!
When: Feb 16th-28th
Warnings: None

After Love's post to the network, you'll find motorcycles and some food supplies stocked and ready for the taking. Your call to action is pretty significant as it's the first time you'll be outside of the city for any significant period of time after being in it for so long.

Nevertheless, you have supplies to pack and a big checklist of things to bring because there sure as hell isn't anything you can use as food or shelter out there in the desert. Hope you have some extra suntan lotion and sleeping bags too- you'll want them after a long day of driving! The travel should be fairly uneventful, but there's always lots of camping and survival skills that can come in handy for this part.

Once you get to the cities, you know your mission: locate the Hope temple and place one of your orbs onto the altar. Then, you wait- survive for another week or so and hope your supplies don't run too thin because there's no food out here. After that time is passed, then you can go home and restore Hope like the lovely little emotion battery allies you are!

► This log covers February 16th-February 28th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► Please tag headers of threads with content warnings where they apply
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!
► If you didn't pack enough food or you did a really inadvisable moped stunt, please let us know here.
► If you successfully return with an orb, please let us know here.

Comments

Trafalgar Law - OPEN

[hot_mes]

[Law is, predictably and inadvisably perhaps, doing this on his own. It's just the way he rolls, when not surrounded by a crew. Also, he doesn't want people to see him fuck up if he happens to get the motorcycle stalled in a sand dune or flips it or something. Too bad, because he looks like he's made for the thing with the tats and all...

But not going out with a group means that he's following the same compass pulls as everyone else, and ends up continually running into others in the various locations. If someone's already beaten him to the temple here, he'll hang around long enough to resupply and then move on to try the next.]

A

[Ah, shit, missed his chance. Someone's already put an orb here. But the second sun is coming up so he's going to hunker down and keep their company until it's safe to travel again.]

Are you going to wait here the whole time, or go back?

B

[Two things Law is still good for out here: catching fish and patching up injuries. Hopefully people aren't getting themselves too torn up, leaving him a moment or two to get on that first task.

He's standing at the edge of one of the random pools just outside the ruins of this particular town, staring down into the water.]

There's not as many as there are around Hadriel. I can count...less than five. If I catch them all we'll eat tonight, but then you're fucked for the rest of the week.

C

[Aha! He got here first this time! But it's taken him three days to get to this particular half-ruined city, so he'll be camping out here to bring the orb back. That's not a trip he wants to make more than once. If someone else rolls up, they'll find Law sitting on the steps of a crumbling temple, in the shade, shirt and hat off to cool himself since he can't go for a dip in the water.]

Yeah, this one's covered. You're free to hang out for a bit though.

D

[wildcard - hit him up for anything. Got hurt? He can help. Want to eyeball his tattoos? Fine. Got some outstanding business from another event that hasn't been talked through? He's not going anywhere.]

A

[puzzlingly]

「Damn, he did it... Mabye he got there sooner because HE'S SO SMALL AND LIGHT, and was able to go faster or something like that. We don't know.
Amazing, he did this all alone but now, he's suddenly not alone. Sup, dude.

He keeps a rather unredable stare on Law for a second or two, thinking.」

I don't wanna go back.

「And that's not exactly what he asked, but apparently, he just blurted it out. It works anyway, right?」

[hot_mes]

[ngl he was actually happy to see it was Atem, this time. Makes waiting out the sun and maybe even night not so bad.

He plops himself down to a seat in the doorway. Good place to rest.]

I don't blame you. I checked my phone earlier, sounds like something's happening back there.

[with the general undertone of disgust that suggests whatever that something is, it's not serious.]

[puzzlingly]

「It's good that Law doesn't seem to think further into the implications that Atem's own answer carry. Good, good... He can still play along.」

Again?

[hot_mes]

Again. [yep.] I don't know what it is, I'm just happy to not be there.

[some sit with him, kid. Relax.]

What've you been up to? Besides motorcycles.

[puzzlingly]

「What is this relax thing you talk about?」

My phone is dead, so... Same, I guess.

「Having gone into the remains of the ruined temple with the bike, just in case, he approaches to it and fetches the small cage at the end of the seat, only then he pads towards Law and sits next to him, placing the cage in front of him. Yep, inside is one of those fiery salamanders that came through the Door a few moons back. He wasn't going to leave it alone to die. That also means he's probably carrying everything he owns with him, which isn't much.」

What else is there to do?

「Not up for a conversation, it seems.」

[hot_mes]

[Point well taken. Law's eyes are drawn to the cage; he wouldn't have thought of bringing a pet along but at the same time, it's better than being totally alone, isn't it?]

You kept one. Why am I not surprised?

[it is kind of a little dragon, isn't it?]

[puzzlingly]

「Amphibians are not dragons, don't let anyone hear you say that. Heads would roll. However, it is hardly a pet, it's not a thing one can cuddle after all. Nights are still cold as hell for him, it's easier to make fire this way if needed.」

Predictable, am I not?

「There is definitely something off going on there, he's usually more peppy than that. Maybe he's just tired, which wouldn't be wrong, no.」

[hot_mes]

[Law isn't the type to want to talk, but he is a problem solver. And there's some problem hiding here, he can tell. He leans over to study the salamander, genuinely interested, mentally comparing it to a certain walking flame now alive among them.

Eh, Ace can look after himself for now.]

I don't know about that. I can see the appeal, at least.

You look like you need some real rest. Might as well stay here for the night.

C.

[fracturedbeauty]

[It had been awhile since Yukari had seen Law. If it wasn't in the clinic during the war, then it was definitely when he had moved in to kill Atem.

...You know, Yukari may be forbidden from killing anyone anymore, but that doesn't mean he can't tease, now does it?

Unlike Law, however, Yukari chooses to remain fully-clothed in his light tank top, pants, and boots. The edges of an almost-fatal scar peeking out from the corners of his chest and shoulders. It's mostly healed by now; once the skin fades from red it will become a permanent reminder for the rest of his life.

...Unless he dies again and Hope resurrects him. But he's certainly in no hurry to do that.

He saunters over to Law, but it seems Law noticed him first. Yukari gives an airy chuckle in return.]

Well, I certainly don't have a problem with that. I'm only mildly participating, anyway.

[A sly smile. He fully expects Law to have a level of distaste toward him. After all, he attacked Atem. And most people don't forgive that sort of thing so easily.]

Long time, no see. Or something like that, isn't it?

[hot_mes]

[Law might not have been expecting that particular person to walk up towards his position, but Yukari's presence just made this whole thing even more interesting.

He shows absolutely no sign of resentment, though. Sure, he's good at steeling his expression and hiding his true thoughts, but there is nothing to hide, here. Only a flicker in his gray eyes as he gauges the state of that scar, and that's it.]

Something like that. Not surprised, it's been a rough few months.

[fracturedbeauty]

[Yukari notices that glimpse at his scar.]

Flattering, isn't it?

[Definitely teasing, as he waves a hand to motion at one of the corners of it.]

I'm surprised I survived, myself. But yes, that war was even a bit too chaotic for me.

[Mostly because he had spent most of it running himself into the ground to keep himself from thinking of all the events that preluded the war. The scar is the sign of his reconciliation.]

Did you get to see any of the action, or perhaps you were bound to the clinic to assist those in need of attention?

[hot_mes]

Who healed it?

[not that he's jealous, far from it, he's just not up on the quality of care provided by some of his colleagues. If he'd been in charge, there wouldn't be a scar.]

So you got it from the Null. No, I spent the entire time fighting. I barely had the energy to tie off a bandage, let alone do surgery.

[fracturedbeauty]

Someone at the clinic. I didn't check who. I was honestly surprised they even gave me the time of day. I was also barely able to hold onto life when I arrived, let alone conscious. So, you would have to ask Curufin-san if you wanted to know who performed it.

But yes, you are correct. It's from the Null. I threw Curufin-san out of the way to protect him and took the hit myself. They have rather inconvenient timing, you know. I had just finished apologizing for all I had done, and we had just decided what would become of us. One showed up, and next thing I was aware of, I was in the recovery room. I'm happy you got to be part of the battle, though. You are an impressive fighter, after all.

[He means that sincerely. After all, he remembers their first combat session. Before all of this take his name off the list drama went down.]

Speaking of, you care for Atem-sama, don't you?

[He's getting right to the point, now. He actually has something he needs to talk about. If only for Atem's sake.]

[hot_mes]

...I might. [it's not the shoddiest work he's ever seen but. He probably wasn't in the shape to do the work at that point so maybe it's for the best.] It seems to be healing well enough, at least.

[he doesn't address the compliment, but the ensuing question makes him raise his eyes, only slightly wary]

He's a friend, as much as I can call anyone here friends.

[he literally has like two friends, and Atem is one, so yes.]

cw: suicide ideation mentions

[fracturedbeauty]

At least. I'm hardly bothered by my new adornment.

[Don't be worried, Law. He's not in it to hurt him, he promises.]

Good. I'm only his vassal, and I'm afraid he only sees me as such. Actually, I doubt he even sees me as a vassal. If anything, I'm probably viewed as someone he needs to keep in check. Not that it bothers me, I don't expect him to trust me, much less come to me.

In fact, I only asked him to so that he could keep me in check. A King to keep me balanced. However...

[A pause, a brief thought. Then a chuckle.]

I hadn't expected him to grow on me. Protecting him means more to me than just being his shield, now. But I don't expect him to come to me, and I'm not the best at advice.

[He twirls a curl in his hair idly, pausing again. He can hardly believe he's saying all of this. But, the story helps, doesn't it? If only to get what he wants out of this.]

He said something... concerning a while ago, asking about suicide. He had asked about what one should do to stop feeling that way. I don't know if he was talking of himself or someone else. But the fact that he had called me to combat him doesn't bode well to me. Of course, my advice was insufficient, and I was dismissed after trying my hand at such.

[And finally, Yukari sighs, then looks back at Law. He's still smiling, but it's a much more serious smile. If one could possibly manage that.]

I don't care if he doesn't come to me. I know I'm not what one would consider well-intentioned, much less what could be called a 'friend'. I just hope he's coming to someone. Has he said anything to you of it?

[hot_mes]

[the stuff about a king doesn't mean anything to Law, that's their business as far as he's concerned. But the rest?

Given the way his gray eyes widen, he hasn't been apprised of any of this at all. At least, not as of this field trip.]

No...nothing on that level.

[he drops his gaze, hunting around the steps as if to find an idea he dropped]

I don't even know what I would say to that. Atem-ya has been...dour, lately, not at all cheerful, but I can't read minds, I wouldn't have guessed he was thinking about such things. But... [he's sure Yukari probably knows this but still] ...he has told me that he's supposed to be dead, back where he comes from. Maybe a second chance at life isn't what he was hoping for.

B!

[synthedick]

[Nick keeps his eyes on the darkening skies as Law takes a look into the pools. The aforementioned tonight is coming soon, and short as it may be on this ruined planet, it's still a hazard to be dealt with. Though they're far enough away from the city that there aren't any monsters -- not much life period after a certain point, save for rarities like the fish in this pond -- the night brings the cold and the winds, the dust and sands picking up with them. The nights are dark outside the city, and with as uneven as the terrain has been thus far, it might be best for them to bunker down for the night. Nick hadn't anticipated the company when he came upon Law in the ruins, but he's not about to complain.]

Here's hoping anyone else delivering these orbs packed a lunch. You gonna be all right?

[hot_mes]

[Of all the people he could have run into, Law is fairly pleased that it's Nick. He's spoken at length with the, er, guy, enough to know that he would be good company at a time like this. Also, not competition for scarce resources.]

Yeah, fine. I've suffered far worse than a scant dinner before. Room.

[there isn't time to fiddle around with catching fish the old-fashioned way, with night coming on so fast. It's better if they're safe and sheltered when the worst of it comes on. Windblown sand can't be any better on a cyborg than a human. Law flicks his wrist to swap two fish for a couple of pebbles and leaves it at that.]

Is there anything to use for building a fire around these ruins? These scrawny things don't make good sushi.

[synthedick]

[Though he's seen a lot of strange things, both at home and in Hadriel, the sight of the magic and abilities some of the folks in town have at their command will never cease to amaze Nick. He's learned to keep his questions to himself in most cases -- he doesn't ask how they work, and they don't ask how he works -- but he almost can't help himself this time around. Maybe once they've settled in -- night is indeed fast approaching.]

Think I saw some broken furniture through the window of that building we passed on the way over. With as dry as it is out here, it oughtta burn easily enough.

[He adjusts his hat and slides onto his motorcycle. The sooner they get there, the sooner they can settle in, hopefully before the cold and the darkness do.]

[hot_mes]

Makes sense to me. I've got what I need, let's get moving.

[a handful of fish and a line on some firewood, perfect. For lack of a better means to carry anything, Law shoves his fish into the same bag with the orb and gears up to follow, content to let Nick make the decisions and lead the way. Only one stop to grab some slabs of anything that looks like wood and sling it behind him on the seat, and he's good to go. To the temple!]

[synthedick]

[Night has arrived by the time they reach the temple, the darkness all around them thick and uninviting. Though he's spent plenty of nights in the wilds of the Commonwealth, Nick can't say he's seen darkness like this too often. At home, there were lights on the horizon from nearby settlements, the soft glow of radiation still lingering in the rocks and trees; there was wildlife, movement and sound all around them to break the still of the night. Even within Hadriel, there was the illumination from the spires, houses, and what streetlights were left.

But out here? Nothing but them and the dead world all around them.

Nick leaves his bike at the steps of the temple, pulling his bag from under the seat. He retrieves his matches from within, lighting up one of his makeshift torches, and heads for the entrance. The darkness seems to swallow the light, but not enough that Nick's eye doesn't catch something on the steps near the top -- shattered bone fragments, the last remnants of a long-dead people.]

Let's hope we fare better than they did.

[hot_mes]

[Even if the stars are strange, Law immensely prefers them to the dull, dead cavern roof. Nights away from Hadriel are as close to being on the sea as he can get, without the lap of water against his ship's hull to break the dead silence. So, he gives no sign at all of being perturbed by this place or its, ahem. Decor.]

Let's face it, I'd look more like them than you would. [teasing! but dryly] But I don't plan on it without a fight.

[he takes it on himself to build a campfire just inside the entrance, far enough in to let the structure retain heat but close enough to the door for the smoke to escape. He's had plenty of practice in survival situations, this is hardly a strain.]

Bring that over here and light it up. I'd like to be able to eat before I try to get any sleep.

[synthedick]

[While Law sets up a campfire, Nick takes a look around the dilapidated temple. It's not any different structurally from the one in Hadriel, save for the condition; even without one of the gods actively residing in it, Nick can feel a hopeful ache rise within his metal frame every now and then, making him feel more human than he really is. He's not interested in doing this for Hope himself; he's doing this for the people of the city, those who call the place home, those who have nowhere else to go. If they can get things up and running again, they might have a chance.

He glaces back Law's way and brings the torch over, igniting the campfire. Their shadows stretch in the flickering light, reaching to the far walls of the temple like long, black tendrils. It's an eerie sight how they come to life, given the general lifelessness of the world around them.]

I wonder if they'll find us again.

[hot_mes]

[the bloom of light and heat in the darkness is where Law's hope takes a bit of a spike. At least, he doesn't look so grouchy as usual as he patiently goes about cleaning the fish to roast over his little fire.]

They...the Null? [not something he likes to think about, but he ought to] We would be extremely lucky if they managed to never find us. I don't think our luck is that good.

[once a pessimist always a pessimist, even in a Hope temple]

It's a race, isn't it? Between them finding us and us figuring out how to use the Door.