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« mini manta board log: abductions finale »
ABDUCTIONS FINALE
This mini log is for the Special Quest listed on the April 2025 MANTA Board. All threads are worth 12 points.
Somewhere far out in the ocean, many days away from where the leviathans currently drift and settle, rests an "island" that can only be described as a beautiful abomination. Completely manmade, at first it looks to be an island of crystal and mist, its colors shimmering in the moonlight to give it a mystical aura. But every so often, when the mist moves and the light happens to pass through the crystal, large shadows with large fins and tails can be seen trapped within. Moving in closer will reveal even more than just crystal—large curved bones protrude here and there, but they are still placed carefully, supporting the crystals that make the island. In the front the bones arch around to look like the skeletal form of a massive whale, the tail deep into the water and a magnificent palace made of crystal and bone on its back. More bones curve around the tail with floating crystal lights illuminating the path down towards the island, the waters stained red.
Several luxury yachts are docked along the pearl studded pier, the sound of music, laughter, and other party making sounds drifting through the wind and echoing throughout the island. Inside the mansion, a number of rich, elite members of society are reveling in the ambergris wine and staring up at the numerous crystal statues of people and animals lining the walls and even hanging from the ceiling. Their eyes sparkle through the clouded haze created by the sweet fragrance that permeates throughout the building.
A stark contrast to the groans and cries that drift from deep, deep down beneath the island, where the crystal and rock form numerous dungeons and caverns housing those who were taken in for one reason or another. Whether they were arrested or kidnapped, they had been rendered unconscious and found themselves in these dungeons for the past few days, even weeks and months. Their tattoos wiped clean and stripped of their powers, the trapped are contained in all different ways: locked in barred cells, sometimes chained to the wall; locked in small isolation rooms, crystal from the walls slowly creeping closer towards them as if to swallow them; hanging in cages over tanks of water where others struggle in their water confinement. Humans, animalfolk, animals, riftfarers, and locals alike—all scattered throughout a giant dungeon and all in some process of being crystalized to become the next grand centerpiece to be put on display. It all seems hopeless…
…Until an ominous song echoes throughout the island, a sound so deep and raw that it rattles both the giant bones and those of the living. A song of no words yet sings of death and doom as the waters around the island begin to recede, making the structure suddenly sink down and slam into the ground. The seafloor, now exposed, reveals piles of bones and barely decomposed bodies of untold numbers of whales of all ages and sizes along with other remains of the victims that were once held on the island over the past few months. As the waters continue to recede and reveal the ghastly graveyard, the waters begin to rise and rise and rise to form a giant ocean wall, a massive shadow slowly passing before disappearing.
And riding at the top of those waves is a fleet of ships, Corsair and Paladin flags whipping in the wind. It is a partnership formed by the renowned Stormbringer and Royal Fortune captains, Fiona "Redbeard" O'Malley and Miranda "Wavebreaker" Thorn, both of whom are ignoring orders from the higher ups to work together, with Miranda leading the fleet through the violent tides, living up to her reputation as the "Wavebreaker". Lines are dropped, row boats surf down the wall to land on the wet sand, and people rush out towards the doomed island.
The raid is thorough and brutal, more and more of the island rumbling as it is gradually destroyed from within and without, ships firing cannons to chip away at the structure. However, they cannot stay forever. Once more the seafloor and the waters start to tremble as a high pitched shrill call pulses through. It's enough to knock anyone off their feet, even stun them for several seconds before there is a whisper of hundreds of voices. Voices so low and eerie, filled with a hatred that claws directly into the minds of all who are there:
"Drown."
That is the final warning before a large red eye glows from behind the waves, so large and bright it could swallow the island itself. Then the once high walls of water start to tip forward, a slow drip before it all starts to cascade downward and rush in to flood and destroy the island completely, crystal and bone shattering into oblivion.
As everything is flooded over, whales and dolphins will rush in to rescue those they can while orcas will move in to hunt down any criminals who managed to escape the first time, biting into their limbs and throwing them high into the air like toys before breaking them with their weight. The fleet of ships that had remained behind will sail in close to pick up those still stuck in the water.
It will be a long voyage home, and those who are injured or have the crystalized effects will receive immediate treatment with Eltrut able to provide more full treatment.
If you have any questions, comment here.
Somewhere far out in the ocean, many days away from where the leviathans currently drift and settle, rests an "island" that can only be described as a beautiful abomination. Completely manmade, at first it looks to be an island of crystal and mist, its colors shimmering in the moonlight to give it a mystical aura. But every so often, when the mist moves and the light happens to pass through the crystal, large shadows with large fins and tails can be seen trapped within. Moving in closer will reveal even more than just crystal—large curved bones protrude here and there, but they are still placed carefully, supporting the crystals that make the island. In the front the bones arch around to look like the skeletal form of a massive whale, the tail deep into the water and a magnificent palace made of crystal and bone on its back. More bones curve around the tail with floating crystal lights illuminating the path down towards the island, the waters stained red.
Several luxury yachts are docked along the pearl studded pier, the sound of music, laughter, and other party making sounds drifting through the wind and echoing throughout the island. Inside the mansion, a number of rich, elite members of society are reveling in the ambergris wine and staring up at the numerous crystal statues of people and animals lining the walls and even hanging from the ceiling. Their eyes sparkle through the clouded haze created by the sweet fragrance that permeates throughout the building.
A stark contrast to the groans and cries that drift from deep, deep down beneath the island, where the crystal and rock form numerous dungeons and caverns housing those who were taken in for one reason or another. Whether they were arrested or kidnapped, they had been rendered unconscious and found themselves in these dungeons for the past few days, even weeks and months. Their tattoos wiped clean and stripped of their powers, the trapped are contained in all different ways: locked in barred cells, sometimes chained to the wall; locked in small isolation rooms, crystal from the walls slowly creeping closer towards them as if to swallow them; hanging in cages over tanks of water where others struggle in their water confinement. Humans, animalfolk, animals, riftfarers, and locals alike—all scattered throughout a giant dungeon and all in some process of being crystalized to become the next grand centerpiece to be put on display. It all seems hopeless…
…Until an ominous song echoes throughout the island, a sound so deep and raw that it rattles both the giant bones and those of the living. A song of no words yet sings of death and doom as the waters around the island begin to recede, making the structure suddenly sink down and slam into the ground. The seafloor, now exposed, reveals piles of bones and barely decomposed bodies of untold numbers of whales of all ages and sizes along with other remains of the victims that were once held on the island over the past few months. As the waters continue to recede and reveal the ghastly graveyard, the waters begin to rise and rise and rise to form a giant ocean wall, a massive shadow slowly passing before disappearing.
And riding at the top of those waves is a fleet of ships, Corsair and Paladin flags whipping in the wind. It is a partnership formed by the renowned Stormbringer and Royal Fortune captains, Fiona "Redbeard" O'Malley and Miranda "Wavebreaker" Thorn, both of whom are ignoring orders from the higher ups to work together, with Miranda leading the fleet through the violent tides, living up to her reputation as the "Wavebreaker". Lines are dropped, row boats surf down the wall to land on the wet sand, and people rush out towards the doomed island.
⚔️ Insignias. Due to the distance, the effects of the insignias on everyone will be lessened a little to allow cross-Armada interaction for longer periods of time. Otherwise, the effects are still active and while there may be some remedies around the mansion, it's still so new there wouldn't be too much.
🏃♂️➡️ Escape. Due to the sudden drop of the island, some doors may have broken open or sealed even tighter. Chaos will have erupted so the guards may also be scattered and confused, making escape attempts much more viable. Just be wary of the crystal golems and mechanical sentries that will be roaming through the lower dungeon.
💎 Crystallization. The crash has activated the magic system that will seek and target anything that appears living and try to fire a blast of cold air that will crystallize the area hit, similar to ice freezing over. Some fire more concentrated "goop" of crystal that will quickly solidify and start growing to encase the target.
🤖 Defense systems. Defense systems outside the island are still active. The "underwater mines" are now settled on the ground and while easy enough to avoid, some may still detonate. There are also sharkfolk mercenaries that will rush out to fight anyone they see. For those who may try to sneak through, there are some hidden entrances now made available, many of the larger crystal structures cracked to reveal ways in and out. However beware of the leeches that might attach to those not careful. They're mostly harmless, but instead of blood they will drain one's energy if not removed quickly.
⛓️ Arrests. While some may be quite happy to just stab their captors and those operating this island, taking a few back for questioning would also be worthwhile, especially since clearly a number of powerful people are here. But there are also some well-known riftfarers in the mix…
🪦 Underwater graveyard. As the tide recedes, it will reveal an underwater graveyard. Anyone rushing in to help with the rescue efforts or escaping might recognize partial or whole remains and bones of not only countless whales, but of animals and people who had been taken as well. The Captains are asking people to find and take back what they can find, whether they are remains or mementos, so that they can have a proper burial.
🏃♂️➡️ Escape. Due to the sudden drop of the island, some doors may have broken open or sealed even tighter. Chaos will have erupted so the guards may also be scattered and confused, making escape attempts much more viable. Just be wary of the crystal golems and mechanical sentries that will be roaming through the lower dungeon.
💎 Crystallization. The crash has activated the magic system that will seek and target anything that appears living and try to fire a blast of cold air that will crystallize the area hit, similar to ice freezing over. Some fire more concentrated "goop" of crystal that will quickly solidify and start growing to encase the target.
🤖 Defense systems. Defense systems outside the island are still active. The "underwater mines" are now settled on the ground and while easy enough to avoid, some may still detonate. There are also sharkfolk mercenaries that will rush out to fight anyone they see. For those who may try to sneak through, there are some hidden entrances now made available, many of the larger crystal structures cracked to reveal ways in and out. However beware of the leeches that might attach to those not careful. They're mostly harmless, but instead of blood they will drain one's energy if not removed quickly.
⛓️ Arrests. While some may be quite happy to just stab their captors and those operating this island, taking a few back for questioning would also be worthwhile, especially since clearly a number of powerful people are here. But there are also some well-known riftfarers in the mix…
🪦 Underwater graveyard. As the tide recedes, it will reveal an underwater graveyard. Anyone rushing in to help with the rescue efforts or escaping might recognize partial or whole remains and bones of not only countless whales, but of animals and people who had been taken as well. The Captains are asking people to find and take back what they can find, whether they are remains or mementos, so that they can have a proper burial.
The raid is thorough and brutal, more and more of the island rumbling as it is gradually destroyed from within and without, ships firing cannons to chip away at the structure. However, they cannot stay forever. Once more the seafloor and the waters start to tremble as a high pitched shrill call pulses through. It's enough to knock anyone off their feet, even stun them for several seconds before there is a whisper of hundreds of voices. Voices so low and eerie, filled with a hatred that claws directly into the minds of all who are there:
"Drown."
That is the final warning before a large red eye glows from behind the waves, so large and bright it could swallow the island itself. Then the once high walls of water start to tip forward, a slow drip before it all starts to cascade downward and rush in to flood and destroy the island completely, crystal and bone shattering into oblivion.
As everything is flooded over, whales and dolphins will rush in to rescue those they can while orcas will move in to hunt down any criminals who managed to escape the first time, biting into their limbs and throwing them high into the air like toys before breaking them with their weight. The fleet of ships that had remained behind will sail in close to pick up those still stuck in the water.
It will be a long voyage home, and those who are injured or have the crystalized effects will receive immediate treatment with Eltrut able to provide more full treatment.
If you have any questions, comment here.
no subject
"Come on, come onnnn."
[Wasn't it said that the one thing that could chip crystal was itself? Or was that only diamond? Either way there is a countdown happening in a language Axel can't discern and he needs to get out and get out NOW. He drapes the chain around a particularly large shard and picks up another piece to begin to bash anew when--]
"Roxas?"
[It's faint but.. yes.. yes he heard it. Axel practically sensed the former Nobody before he heard it.]
"ROXAS!!"
[The stupid machine in here is loud though; the round chamber deep and closed off enough to have a bit of an echo. Even if he yells, there's no telling how far the sound will travel. Roxas might run right by if Axel can't tell him he is there. He has to find a way to tell him!
With renewed purpose, Axel starts chucking crystal at the iron door again.]
"IN! HERE! I'M!!"
[The iron door has no slats from the outside, built practically into the wall, not unlike a kiln or hatch into a submarine. Little sound escapes, but the rhythmic vibrations reverberate through..]
no subject
So it's a good thing that Axel has started throwing stuff because the sound of it hitting the iron has definitely caught Roxas's attention and he slows down. Everything seems to come into a bit more focus compared to his panic from earlier, and he's aware of the vibrations and eventually, the door. He'd almost run past it. That's where the sound is coming from!]
Axel? Are you in here?
no subject
“Is that you? Roxas? ROXAS!!"
[This close, it seems as though there is the sound of some activity behind the door; the redhead holds back on chucking his last piece to stare it down with baited breathe in anticipation of it opening.
He did it. Roxas found him.
Axel sighs, sagging with equal amounts of relief and weariness.
The redhead has definitely looked better, but no worse for wear than his teammate has seen after a particularly grueling mission; he's awake, alert and most importantly, now he's not alone.
The assassin stands about 10 feet away from the door and sporting four cuffs, one chain for every limb. Hope you have a key for those too!]
"Never.. a doubt."
[Mind your step, he tossed a lot of crystal at that door.]
no subject
Instead, it takes a bit of effort. Finding the right key, shoving the door open. But he's there. And he's relieved, if roughed up. And holding an iron bar.]
You seriously weren't thinking I was gonna leave without you?
[He rushes over to start finding the right key to free Axel.]
What were they even doing?
no subject
[Axel stands cool and collected as ever, but something in the way he never takes his eyes off Roxas the second the blond comes through the door, says otherwise. He instantly tries to move closer, in spite on the restrictions.]
"Eh, who cares!" [He holds the cuffs out for Roxas to have easier access.]
"We've wasted enough time on these creeps. Let's ditch this place!"
[Unfortunately the correct question would be 'what are they trying to do?' They aren't out of the woods yet, something the room makes impossible to ignore as the generator hum reaches new levels of LOUD and a glare begins to form on the multitude of crystalline surfaces from the dome light's ever increasing strength. That gets Axel to finally give it a glance.
The answer to his question? It probably isn't hard to guess. Now that Roxas is properly inside the chamber, he might note that it isn't just full of crystal-- everything is made of crystal. As evidenced by the chains, which have been transformed, right down to the locks on the cuffs.
In fact, even if Roxas does find the right key, he'll find it doesn't fit quite as well as it should, the interior mechanism struggling to let it turn properly, now that it's been transformed into rock...]
no subject
None of the keys are fitting! I think I'm gonna have to break the lock the old fashioned way.
[He's got an iron bar and a pretty good swing.]
Unless you got a better idea. We can't use magic or anything.
no subject
[Their strength isn't that significantly different. Not to mention, how easy it would be to slip up and bash his wrists. Roxas may gave good dexterity but taking a battering ram to a bracelet was never going to be pleasant. Axel winces. Actually his hand is starting to sting just thinking about it. For some reason.
Time was short already. There are a lot of keys but surely one of them works?]
"Anything with a diamond shape?" [He tries. He thought he saw it as a repeated insignia on the way in. His hands attempt to fight with the current choice in the lock.]
"Maybe. Just gotta force it?"
no subject
[He says, sorting through the keys before holding up the diamond ones.]
Like one of these?
They got one shot each and then we're gonna have to risk it.
[If only he could have his keyblade.]
no subject
"Like. Like, there! Yeah. Try those."
[Roxas is right, though. They each have one more shot at this. He points at two keys in the set Roxas has picked out. Axel tries one.]
"Mmph. Not this one, what about yours?"
[It looks like it's sliding in better than the others, even if it is still getting a bit stuck. Eventually though--
Click.
The first cuff comes undone.
Three to go. But the same key should work for them all.. right?]
no subject
But he seems to be having success with the second one. He's focused, trying to keep himself thinking straight.]
Where's the next?
1/2
Axel offers the other leg up when asked, and it doesn't take long for the cuff on it too to fall away, now that the blond is finding a rhythm for it.
He shakes his leg to try and get the stiffness out, offering his last wrist up.]
"Phew. Gotta say, nearly had me going. For a minute there, i--"
[Snap! The key breaks.]
2/2 >3
[The redhead stares at the chunk of metal stuck in the busted but still very much functioning lock.
Okay. Okay no big deal.
Uh.
Um.
The sensation in the pit of his stomach is back.
What was that you were saying about taking matters into your own hands, Roxas?]
no subject
But they don't have time for this now.]
I'm gonna have to break the chain. Hold it tight.
no subject
no subject
But with a focused look, he brings the bar down heavily on the metal. And again, and again, and again.]
no subject
[Axel intones quietly, while the other whales on the chain.]
"Roxas."
[It's not working, man. The redhead looks over the results already knowing what he'll see. The thing looked worn from the beating but.]
"It's not even cracked." [In time, Axel has no doubt Roxas could smash this thing to high heaven, but time isn't something they have. He leans back, eyes shut and skyward. He has to make the call--
His breathe catches.]
"...but that is."
[It hurts to look at with how bright the cieling is, but that only makes the flaws in it more obvious; in the one place Axel hadn't looked before, directly above, hangs one giant chunk of a crystal, a massive stalactite, clearly built up over time with a sizable fissure running through it. Big. Heavy. Sure to pulverize anything it fell onto. Anything.
You seeing this, Roxas?]
no subject
And then to look up.]
A...are you sure about this, Axel? That's thing's huge.
no subject
Suddenly, the cieling starts pulsing. What was once a bright glare begins strobing violently. They're out of time. The process is about to start!]
"Gonna have to be. Go! I'll launch you."
[Axel stoops down slightly so Roxas can use his hands for a foothold and get an extra boost by launching off of his partner.]
"Hit it and head for the door!"
[Let's see that 20x attack modifier at work!]
no subject
You better get out or I'm gonna be mad.
[It's the best he's got on short notice, but if something goes wrong, he will be digging Axel out to his own detriment. He adjusts his grip on the iron bar and runs towards Axel, letting himself be tossed in the air.
And he swings down with all his might on the chain, willing the bar to act like a keyblade just once.]
no subject
Axel wastes no time bolting forward, trusting the chain won't gank him back and trusting further that Roxas did as asked and is making his way to the door simultaneously. There's no time to ensure it worked, he knows the thing fell, he knows he managed to not get smashed. That's all he can know in the heat of the moment.
As both occupants race for freedom, a shockwave from the rest of the shattered crystal coming down only aids in blowing them out of the room, threatening to bowl them over or potentially knock in to eachother on the way.]
no subject
He loses his bearings and there's an "oof!" as he collides with Axel on the other side of the door.
He doesn't move right away, a little bit stunned.]
no subject
A sharp pain shoots up his wrist, he ignores it. It's easy enough to do when the iron door to the room swings shut of his own accord, blocking them both from witnessing the majority of the resulting crystallization blast inside the now closed off room.
Close. That was so close. Too close. Axel grips tighter. Just. Give him this. He needs a moment.]
no subject
It takes a moment to get his bearings, and really remember the last few minutes. But it all comes back and they are here. On the right side of the door, and where they should be. He gives Axel a shake.]</small. C'mon. We have to get out of here. Nico's waiting for us.
no subject
"..No one else.." [He struggles to articulate.]
"Nobody-- hah." [He breaks off with a laugh at the unintentional phrasing and gives up finishing the thought.
No one else would have done what Roxas just did.
Xigbar and Xaldin would have left him for dead. Demyx probably wouldn't have even found him. Saix..
Axel shudders, trying to catch his breathe. He's not gonna think about Saix.
It's not that he expected Roxas to fail. They're not in the Organization anymore, he knows that. Not everyone is a self centered jerk only out for themselves; but knowing and experiencing are apparently two different things; a distinction Axel hadn't considered he ever needed.
He finally takes the offered hand. Yeah, they have a crew to think about. The faster Axel puts this behind him, the better. He meets Roxas' eyes.
Thank you.]
"Let's get out of here."
no subject
But blue eyes meet green ones.
Yeah, you're welcome