Hush, little baby, don't say a word...

[onlythingtofear]

Who: Anyone!
Where: Anywhere inside, and outside, the mansion.
When: 1st - 3rd
Rating: Likely some disturbing imagery, at the very least.
Summary: Little fear gas dispensers have been left around Wonderland, by a particular scientist. Treat this as a mingle-party-gathering post. Even if you don't want your character to be gassed, you can come help someone who is. Or be attacked by them for your trouble. Heheheh.
The Story:

Overnight, on the grounds and inside the mansion, toys appear.

Small, innocuous, sweet things. Teddy bears. Ragdolls. Stuffed animals. All of them appear hand-sewn, and all of them are very appealing. That's the whole point of them, after all. Nestled into their neck, or their chest, under and amidst the stuffing, are small devices with a aerosol-delivered payload. Just the slightest amount of pressure will release a small dosage of Scarecrow's very best fear toxin. A new, lighter kind. He wants to know how long it will last, and how effective the housing is for grabbing potential victims.

Wonderland is, unfortunately, the perfect testing ground.

He waits just out of sight of them, placing them when most people are asleep, lurking in the darkest corners of the mansion with a small clipboard to take notes on. What do people from different worlds fear? He's keen to find out, in addition to everything else. He places them in front of doors, in chairs, on tables. Anywhere they'll look potentially out of place and worth investigating.

Everyone here is so good at investigating.

He's counting on you all to help him.

[ooc: I'll tag in for anyone who would like to run into Scarecrow. He's being a good boy and is keeping a distance from his prey, unless you want to come across him. (Said encounter could be lethal. For either!) Otherwise, tag in with what your character is seeing, etc, and where they are, and whether your post is reactionary or open for people to tag! Have fun! Tag around! Have feels! Be terrified! MUWAHAHAHA!

Also, you by no means need to keep things to this post, of course. Feel free to post network entries of fear gas results, or other logs! Have a ball.]

Comments

June 3rd | open | 2nd floor stairwell to start, the grounds later

[colorofthesky]

He didn't think much of it when he happened across a small, stuffed bear sitting in the entrance hall earlier in the day. It wasn't really his thing, stuff animals, but it was cute enough to where he thought Aerith might like to add it to the decor of her room.

He was one his way up to the second floor...when suddenly, he caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye.

He turned, his mouth dropping at who he saw.

"Angeal?!" He ran over to the other. "When did you get here?"

The winged SOLDIER just smiled.

I've always been here.

Nonplussed, Zack stared. "What...do you mean?"

Ignoring the question, 'Angeal' held out a hand. Are you ready?

Confused and maybe even a little concerned now by the strange behavior, Zack hesitated. "Ready for what?"

Another smile, this one somehow sweet if not sinister. You wanted wings, didn't you?

He didn't have a chance to answer as, quite abruptly, the entire area became engulfed in flames. Jerking back, Zack ducked and raised his arms, trying to shield himself from the heat.

"Angeal!!"

Panicking, he looked up, only to see his old mentor catch fire right in front of him.

"NO!"

A quick Blizzaga erupted from his hands, dropping ice on the burning SOLDIER. A wave of steam blasted him right in the face, making his eyes water painfully. When it finally cleared, his heart nearly stopped in his chest.

A slender creature stood before him, all silver, metal, and glistening organs. It's a silhouette he's seen before, except the glow of the crimson eye is sharper and there's an exuding pulse emanating from the main body.

Alive.

"You..." Zack backed away, a hand going for his sword. "You can't be real."

But I am, sweet child. Jenova smiled. Wherever my children are, I will always be.

"I'm not your child!" he snapped, drawing his blade in a flash.

Oh, but you are. You think you've been granted the power you have for nothing? She extended a hand. Come. Mother's here.

"I have a mother!!" Raging, he gestured violently. "I'm not your son!"

Jenova's smile was soft, almost pitying. Silly child. I'll simply have to teach you.

She snapped her fingers, and instantly, a jolt of fiery agony shot his back. Doubling over, Zack let out a cry, the pain of it nearly knocking him over. There was something crawling -- no, growing underneath skin, like it was trying to shove up and out...

A flash of white erupted behind him, the pain of it making him gasp. He jerk his head around, his face going pale at the sight of a single wing unfurling behind him.

"No..." An aghast whisper.

Jenova simply smiled. Yes.

An inhuman howl filling the stairwell, Zack whipped the Buster sword around, a shockwave erupting from the blade as he brought it to bear against Jenova -- the demon haunting his visions.

An explosion rocked the stairwell, and in moments, Zack would be rushing out through the entrance hall, a sword in one hand, his other covering an ear.


[ ooc: Just as a note, everything Zack is seeing here IS NOT REAL. He has not actually sprouted a wing or any of that stuff. He'll be running out of the mansion after this sequence and generally wreaking havoc across the grounds until someone stops him.

Ping me if you have any questions! o9 ]

[swooshycape]

Dr. Crane is hardly the only one experimenting this weekend. But while he spreads fear and breaks the control of others, Vincent's experiments are all about controlling himself. And despite the previous evening spent in the tender care of a different doctor, Vincent is out and about, testing his transformations. Hitherto he has played it safe, only shifting into one of the monsters that are more a part of himself than anything else. But Chaos... Chaos has always been the hardest to control, the one that requires the most willpower and concentration - and also the one with the greatest power and capacity for destruction. And so Vincent has shied away from experimenting in that regard until now.

And now, as Zack attacks phantoms across the lawn, Chaos swoops through the air, stretching his wings and enjoying the freedom of the skies. There truly is something relaxing and freeing in flight, and it's almost enough to distract from the underlying urge to destroy. However, sadly such innocent flight is not to last, for Zack's shouting catches Chaos' attention, and in circling closer, Chaos hovers dangerously close.

It is unsurprising that Zack mistakes Chaos for perhaps another piece of Jenova, but surprising or not, this doesn't stop Chaos from snarling in rage and Vincent's control from slipping as Zack scorches one of Chaos' wings with a ball of flames.

[colorofthesky]

It's a monster he sees, but not as it truly is.

He's been hearing echoes of Jenova's voice every way he turns, and no matter how many times he sets fire to moving shadows, he can't seem to shake it. Thus, when he finally looks up and see Chaos, all he can see is a winged Calamity from the Sky.

Casting a quick Firaga, he brings his sword to bear, releasing a powerful shockwave into the air.

"Fight me, damn you!"

He's not going to tolerate anymore games.

[swooshycape]

Chaos has no problem doding this second Firaga, diving low and twisting to avoid the blasts, but he doesn't expect the shockwave and takes that full in the face. It sends him tumbling, and he crashes, rolling on the grass before scrambling up. He sends a blast of energy at Zack before launching himself after, claws extended and ready to slash across the SOLDIER's face. So much for staying in control...

[colorofthesky]

Zack dodges and rolls to his feet, countering the claws with his blade...except they're not claws, not to him. They're tendrils of silver, reaching for his flesh, compelling him to obey.

He snarls. "You won't...take...me!"

Shoving back violently, he rushes at Chaos with his blade and moves to strike multiple times.

Octaslash.

[swooshycape]

Chaos takes the hits - or most of them, anyway - but he hardly seems phased, shaking off the hits only to leap into the air again. From that vantage, he once again rains blasts of energy down on Zack - blasts that look somewhat like flaming skulls, if one took the time to study them.

[colorofthesky]

Zack curses under his breath, casting Wall just barely in the nick of time. He tries to dodge, but he can't avoid them all.

Hammered into the ground by fiery rounds, he gives a sharp grunt of pain. He's practically catching fire, the effect thankfully diminished by the quick spell. Groaning, he pushes himself up, using the Buster Sword as a crutch. A little ice magic, and he brushes the flames away, singed and aching. He's determined, though, as he raises his blade once again.

"Come on...Calamity."

Take your best shot.

[swooshycape]

The raised blade serves only as an invitation, and Chaos dives for him, collecting energy in its claws as it picks up speed. It is a being created for destruction, and right now that seems to be its only goal. How fortunate it is that Zack is made of very sturdy stuff.

[colorofthesky]

Very sturdy.

He watches the other hurtling toward, his jaw set. He's had enough of running so the only thing for it is to face the beast head on. Regardless of what happened in the past, the uncertainty he's felt about his own mutated genetics since his chat with Sephiroth, he's not going to show his back to this monster.

He will not be afraid.

Swinging his blade abruptly, a powerful shockwave erupts from the length of the Buster Sword. There's a bright flash of light, and he shields his eyes just briefly.

When it clears, his eyes go wide.

That's not Jenova...

[swooshycape]

No, it certainly isn't.

But it is just as dangerous in its own way, and Chaos still regards Zack as a threat, particularly after that shockwave knocked Chaos out of the air and into the dirt. But even as the monster clambers to his feet, his wounds are already starting to close up, and his golden eyes flash, as he flexes his claws and crouches to spring again. Chaos is a creature of instinct and reactions, and fury burns strong in response to Zack's attacks.

[colorofthesky]

...what is that?

Regarding it with caution as well as confusion, Zack takes a step back, the Buster Sword hanging loosely in his hand. He thought he was fighting Jenova, but this- he's never seen anything quite like it.

Hovering back, he keeps his distance this time and doesn't try to approach. If the creatures tries to attack him, he'll be ready, but now that he's broken through the illusion, he's less inclined to engage.

[swooshycape]

That the offense abruptly stops trips something inside Chaos, but his reaction is still going strong, and for now, at least, Chaos does not halt his attack but instead launches once more, both flinging the pent up energy and following after in a dive with claws extended.

If Zack pays very close attention, he might notice that Chaos' left claw bears an uncanny resemblance to Vincent's - albeit somewhat mutated - and he might notice the way the wings are reminiscent of Vincent's cape, in a way. But of course, Zack might be a little too distracted defending himself and recovering from the awful illusion to really pay attention.

[colorofthesky]

Deflecting the blast with his sword, Zack dodges the rush and rolls to the side. He's not exactly sure what to do in this situation -- attack or defend -- and it doesn't help that he's hurting from that last attack. The wings and claw do catch his eye, though, a glimmer of wonder crossing his features.

Could it be...?

He shakes his head. He can't be sure, but he doesn't want to make another mistake, either.

That's why, yet again, he hangs back.

[swooshycape]

Dodging is definitely the right move, as is deflecting instead of reflecting or otherwise attacking back. When not faced with a very direct threat, Chaos hesitates a few moments, hovering in the air. He is positioned for another dive but the change in Zack's demeanor sparks a change in Chaos. It's slow, and the quick flickering of expressions across his face hints at some sort of inner struggle. The yellow glow of his eyes dims a little, and he sinks lower in the air, but then they flash brighter, and he dives towards Zack once more.

However, this does not go the same as before, for Chaos veers off course a little and instead skids into a landing a little ways past Zack. He stumbles forward a few steps, wings folding around him and turning almost smoky and shadowy, billowing and coalescing back into Vincent's cloak. He ducks his head and staggers another step before collapsing onto one knee, seemingly oblivious to Zack for the moment, as the man struggles to catch his breath. If Zack approaches, he will find Vincent supporting himself shakily, eyes closed and face even more colorless than normal, if that's even possible.

[colorofthesky]

He's about to dodge again when the creature veers off to the side and crashes into the dirt. Straightening with a little effort (the fear and adrenaline is fading, making him stiff and sore), Zack watches the transformation with...not quite surprise, exactly. He hurts, and though he is curious about the now-recognizable form on the ground (what is he, exactly?), he doesn't have enough energy to be more than that.

Sword still in hand, he walks over slowly -- cautious. When he's sure it's a man he sees instead of a monster, he'll get closer.

"Rough night?"

A light, almost flippant question, if not for the shade of weariness behind it.

[swooshycape]

Hearing the voice, Vincent opens his eyes. They're still a little yellow around the edges, but it's fading gradually. He's confused for a moment or so before he remembers what was going on. Right. Zack. Zack had attacked him and... well, here they were. He turns his head to look over at Zack before looking down, taking a deep breath and slowly pushing himself up to a standing position. He wavers a little but remains upright as he looks Zack over, assessing the younger man's injuries (and paying no mind to his own; they'll heal on their own soon enough).

"... yours looked rougher."

[colorofthesky]

He's singed in several places, a bit cut up, burned, and bruised, but honestly, it's not enough to keep him down. If needed, he could have powered on through, healed himself, and continued the fight. He's sore, but the fatigue he feels is more mental than physical.

"I've had worse."

Much worse. He still remembers what it felt like to be shot over and over again without a shred of mercy as his own body gave out on him.

He rubs his shoulder a bit and grunts.

"You mind if I ask what that was?"

[swooshycape]

Vincent doesn't answer right away, continuing to watch Zack for several moments before dropping his gaze away.

"... part of my punishment... for my sins..."

His own fatigue is a blend of physical and mental. The transformations are all both rejuvenating and exhausting in their own ways, but Chaos in particular leaves him feeling wrung out and drained in the end, and his body aches all over. It will fade soon - aside from a few burns and slices, none of it is caused by any injuries, and he's well used to it by now.

[colorofthesky]

He raises his eyebrows at that comment. That really didn't answer his question the way he was looking to have it answered, but well, if Vincent doesn't want to say, that's his business. He did attack the man, thinking he was....something else.

He sighs. "Fair enough."

Sticking the Buster Sword into the earth, he plops down on the grass. He'll heal himself in a bit, but right now, sitting? Sitting is good.

"Sorry about the, uh..." He waves a hand in Vincent's general direction. "You know."

Injuries. He was...really out of his head, just a few minutes ago. He just can't figure how or why.

[swooshycape]

Vincent shakes his head. "... do not worry about it." He's quiet for a moment or so before adding, "... do you need healing?"

He's pretty sure he has a cure materia somewhere.

[colorofthesky]

Zack shakes his head.

"I'll take care of it."

He has Curaga on him; in fact, he generally keeps all his Materia with him -- not because he thinks they'll be stolen, but rather one never knows what could be lurking around the corner.

Right now, though, he's preoccupied and not about anything good.

"...I thought you were something else."

Note: something instead of someone.

[swooshycape]

He lifts his eyebrows a little at that, blinking at Zack once before slowly walking over to sit down next to Zack - albeit at a bit of a distance. He anticipates a bit of a story.

"... what did you see?"

[colorofthesky]

He's quiet for a moment, remembering. It's still so vivid, the sight and smell of burnt flesh, the excruciating pain of a wing bursting from his shoulder. Reaching back, he touches the spot absently, and of course, there's nothing, not even a tear in the fabric.

He's heard of drugs that induce hallucinations (he's pretty sure he WAS seeing things now) -- but why? Why were they so powerful, and how had he been exposed to something like that?

"...The Calamity from the Sky."

[swooshycape]

Vincent can tell that Zack is shaken, but he doesn't quite understand the meaning behind the reaching back yet. The mention of that other name for Jenova, however, gives him a clue, and he nods slowly.

"... Jenova." Another pause. "... was that all you saw?"

[colorofthesky]

"No."

He saw Angeal, but honestly, he's not sure how personal he wants to get in his explanation. It's not as relevant as what happened after.

"She was talking to me."

Wherever my children are, I will always be.

Suppressing a shudder, he rubs his eyes.

"I felt a wing manifest."

A beat.

"That never happened before."