thebastion | Event: Day 355 [OPEN]

[Sorry Zayna, getting lectured at isn't helping him. So he's going to respond to Ghaleon now.]

Do you remember anything from the first Calamity? The one Zulf experienced before this one? Because I certainly don't.

This has all happened at least once before, yet nobody here besides a select few remember the first time. I suspect that it will happen exactly the same way, that only those alive currently will remember all of this. I believe this to be true, because by Zulf's own word I did not survive the first Calamity, and I have no memory of it occurring that first time.

So those who are dead, they will likely not recall any of this. Which is why it is so important that those of us who are still alive make the right choice here.

Sorry, Zayna. He knows that.

[Still smiling, Colin has yet to take his eyes off of Zahi.]

He's too smart not to.

Either way... Reversing your mother's and sisters' deaths is NOT why he's doing this. It's just an excuse he's feeding everyone to get them to go along with him. A pretty story to distract from the horror of what he wants to do, and what he's already done.

Or he's insane. There's a decent chance of that.

[Zuko shoots Colin a glare. What Ghaleon said was harsh, but it was true. What Colin is saying is just more goading. Is pissing people off the only way he knows to interact with them? The only reaction he can predictably produce?

Zuko wants to back Zahi down from a fight, not push him closer to one.]

Zahi. Your threat of force isn't convincing anyone. We're prepared to defend our right to choose our own destinies, if we have to.

Even if you were right about who will or won't remember, look at all of us. We're going to remember what happens today. If there's a fight, it'll be one you started. If you come out on top, you'll still remember everyone you cut down to get there. So will everyone beside you.

I believe there is a right path. But if you have to do so much evil to reach your goal, then you aren't on it.

[So far, Paarthurnax has left the talking to so many others: from Zuko to Zulf to Ghaleon. He knows how he appears to the newcomers, after all: an enormous threat with too many teeth.]

[However... Things are heating up. They've become worse with the show of threat, the explosion. Things are looking less and less likely like they'll resolve peacefully.]

[A low sigh leaves the dragon's throat. His words rumble forth forcefully- a Shout.]

Tiid Klo Ul.

[Those who have attended his classes will have just a moment to translate the words from his maw before he suddenly seems to speed up in a way the lumbering giant has never been before. Not that he's moving faster- to his eyes, everyone else is simply moving slower as though the world is awash in tar.]

[Hopefully no one is too close around the Monument, or else he will have to do his best to nudge them out of the way. Once he's near, he wraps around the Monument. His serpentine neck and long leathery wings do wonderfully for this task. Time, eventually, remerges as it should between him and everyone else. Amazing what 30 seconds can do.]

[Paarthurnax finally speaks.]

Lay down your arms and threats, Zahi. That is no way to win this cause. The lives and deaths of so many is a heavy burden, yet what's done is done. I am older than you by many many years. I have seen the deaths of many companions. Even that of Crona, whom you are are responsible for. Yet to treat the realm of my Father, time, so carelessly as though changing the past can change all the troubles...

We must speak more. We must not make this decision so immediately, so rushed.

That is all that any of us ask.

I will not fight you. However, I will not allow you to do as you please.

Do not try to harm us while we attempt to do the right thing.

Zuko, that is wishful thinking. Not every choice is free from consequences. No matter what choice is made here, someone will get hurt. I only want to pick the one that will help the most people while harming the least.

[And then, to Paarthurnax.]

It is not careless if we act with wisdom. We know what went wrong before, so we can learn from the mistakes made before and make wiser choices this time. Is that not the right thing to do?

And your scrawny young ass is obviously full of wisdom, thus why you've been sneaking around on all of this instead of trying to convince us this is the right path openly from the start - which you probably could have succeeded at, honestly.

Too late for that by far, though.

[Rin had been quiet for a while following the image that Colin had pulled up, but it wasn't entirely out of shock. It was because she was doing everything in her power to not straight up punch the bastard in the face with a fiery fist.

Meg's words did garner a response from the angered half demon, though.]

Face it, Zahi. All of your pretty words ain't gonna fix what you've already done. You fucked up, plain and simple.

Now shut the fuck up so the rest of us can actually figure out what the hell we're gonna do.

[And in that moment, Ikuri tenses.]

[This is it, she realizes. His hand's been forced. Soon, very soon, we'll see how far he's willing to take this.]

Wishful thinking? [Okay, now Zuko is getting ticked off. Is this how Uncle felt talking to her? It's a little like talking to a wall. A really stupid wall.] We're talking about what we can do here and now to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.

You're only talking about what we might be able to do in the past. That's already happened. It's done. You don't have any guarantees about changing or fixing any of it.

You could stand down, but if you're so set on a fight, fine.

Let's leave everyone else out of it. I'll take you on.

[Everyone else is arriving at the conclusions he's already arrived at.]

[Everyone else is drawing Zahi's attention at the moment, which makes things easier for him.]

[And perhaps most importantly... Everyone else is fueling the fire. He's just drawing trajectories, mapping backstops, and generally doing math to ensure that his plan works while he waits for his opportunity.]

[When the time comes, he'll be the first to pounce on opportunity. For now... he only needs to be quiet and watch. And hope that Nathan isn't wasting the opportunity they're giving him.]

[He really hopes Nathan doesn't decide on the restore option. The odds still aren't good in that regard, even with the spy and enemy wanting the same thing...]

Edited 2015-10-28 16:50 (UTC)

[Speaking her language-]

I will!

This man has caused pain and horror to myself and those around me and I've relived his deeds in my nightmares! I would seek the right of vengeance!

[Yes, it was impulsive, but in her mind she's drawing fire away from Zuko. This traitor has lied already; he would absolutely utilize tricks in what would otherwise be fair combat. If someone has to be the victim of that...if someone must suffer such, better that it's not anyone but Ikuri.]

[Besides, it probably goes without saying, but she urgently wants her piece of him. Not to deny you yours Zuko, she'll gladly share, but she'd rather you weren't in the line of fire for it. This is her calling.]

[Zahi looks about ready to address both Zuko and Ikuri, in regards to the challenge to a duel, but before he can a bottle smashes to the ground between him and them.

That crowd that had been growing agitated? Yeah, they're starting to turn violent. And if the look on Zahi's face is anything to go by, this was definitely not what he intended to happen.

The crowd will be throwing whatever they can get their hands on at the group that has been talking, as well as busting up nearby buildings. And possibly the monument, though right now they're just kicking it and not actually damaging it.

The ones closer to the group will actually try to throw punches at everyone, too. Though at most they will get maybe a hit or two in before the failsafe kicks in.]

[Not quite what he'd been hoping for, but it's enough.]

ENOUGH!

[Across the Bastion, from well over a dozen points, there are soft thumping sounds. Less than a second later, balls of goo begin slamming into aggressors at a high rate of speed. On impact, the goo immediately begins to spread, immobilizing its targets. It's not gentle, and the point of impact will be bruised.]

[That said, it is non-lethal. And neither is it attacking innocent people. Aggressors, vandals, anyone causing trouble has already been painted as a target, and Colin's hidden turrets are wasting no time in firing upon them. Shots are expertly lined up, targeting the most egregious offenders first.]

[And Zahi. Zahi's getting a goober round straight to the rib cage.]

I have had enough of this POINTLESS STUPIDITY. You come into our haven, we welcome you, and this is how you act within an hour of your arrival? IS IT ANY WONDER WE'RE NOT EXACTLY HAPPY ABOUT THIS?!

And YOU...

[He stares at the now goo-immobilized Zahi.]

THIS is your group whom you would make a go at restoring things with?! I've seen better managed mobs at the war riots of Meklon!

[He looks at Paarthurnax.]

Protect the monument.

[He glares at the crowd.]

ANYONE who makes an aggressive move is getting pasted. Persist, and you will be expelled. This is supposed to be a place of PEACE, not some Football riot! And if you think I can't do it... I planned for this EXACT turn of events. So I will ask again, DO YOU FEEL LUCKY?!

Now can we PLEASE get some intelligent conversation about what to do next?!

[He looks at Zuko.]

You, Princess. You lead that. I'm going to go survey the damage and keep the crowd control ready. I'll be freeing people once tempers have cooled.

Edited 2015-10-29 00:16 (UTC)

[Okay, ya'll were headin' the right way for a smack-bottom. With something sharp. And if Ikuri had her way you were like a nanosecond away from getting it: just shy of forcing her to kill momentum.]

[Colin and his machines did that instead, and sooner; battle-readiness swiftly gave way to confusion. She figured out quickly enough that it was the engineer's doing. Amazing, that he incapacitated them so quickly... ~~her respect for him certainly increased after that. brilliant performance, tricks or no.~~]

[...and you know, Zahi is immobilized too. Ain't that somethin'.]

[Let's not waste any time.]

[She hops from the stage, almost leisurely but completely aware despite appearances. Walks calmly toward the fallen Zahi...and you may note her sword is still drawn. To steal a line from the above: anyone trying to get her attention at this interval will also be ignored ~~unless you move aggressively, but why would you? ...oh, right.~~]

[When Ikuri reaches him...she doesn't actually do anything. Right beside him, though notably keeping enough of a distance to put herself out of possible reach ~~even were he not bound~~ - but not his line of sight. No, actually, she wants him to see her.]

[...You. You've been a very naughty boy.]

[Did you really think we would abide this? For one moment, did you believe such blatant aggression would not be answered here? If not by those toys, then surely by me. ...Not that I object to their work, but I certainly would not have argued with finishing this myself. You, especially... I have such a bone to pick with you, as you must have surely guessed.]

[She can't help seizing sentiments for Colin here, but...honestly, this was your plan? Disappointing. Even these numbers, you couldn't have accomplished your coup. There are wolves here, and creatures of power besides; united as we were, your company would have been dead to the last man. And me? Well, I would have seen it only as a pleasant diversion.]

[...she raises her sword. Not to strike, but to point toward his face.]

[And after a moment? Her face becomes hard, and her glare quite cold.]

[You lose.]

[After Ikuri's declaration, Zuko's first instinct at any violence from the crowd is to hold up a hand to her, urging her not to attack. They don't need to use actual weapons against a few bottles and fists. But before she can consider any course of action beyond defense, Colin's hidden turrets are firing.

It takes her a second to process exactly what the crowd was just shot with, and Colin addressing her directly makes her stiffen, clenching her teeth ~~and definitely considering making an "aggressive move" in his direction~~. She takes a slow breath and then raises her voice to the crowd.]

It's just glue. No one panic.

[She may never have been shot by one of Colin's turrets, but she still knows from experience: glue = not fun.

And then she notices Ikuri and strides after her. She's not going to... Is she?]

Ikuri. Not here.

[Not now. Not ever? Zuko knows that isn't completely her decision to make, but she doesn't think that perpetrating violence on Zahi will accomplish anything.

Once she's satisfied that Ikuri isn't about to just... murder someone in front of the newcomers and half the Bastion, she looks up to try to assess the crowd.]

We've never turned anyone away before. That still stands. If you can do it peacefully, you're welcome to make the decision with us on what to do with the Bastion. There are other options to consider than the one Zahi told you about.

If you still want to force it... [She's loath to reiterate any form of Colin's threat, but, well.] It won't get you anywhere.

I decide!

[Whoa, kid. Snappish much? ...but after a moment, she does appear to calm. Marginally.]

[...]

[...but she stays in her original posture. Not moving.]

[Screw you Colin, and screw you Ikuri. You're both lost causes to him.

As he struggles against the goop, he tries to appeal to Zuko.]

You would side with these people? One who serves only himself, and one who would strike down someone who is restrained?

I only want what's right for everyone, not just the select few here. Even if you disagree with my methods, you must be able to see that!

[OKAY YOU KNOW WHAT FUCK YOUR MOUTH]

[YOU'RE GETTING A SHARP FAST HIGH KICK RIGHT INSIDE IT.]

Speak when told, traitor!

Ikuri!

[Well, okay, Zuko doesn't exactly disagree with smacking him around a little, but... She's still going to crouch down to check on Zahi and make sure Ikuri didn't knock out any teeth that he might choke on.]

I do get it. You're desperate to get back what you've lost.

But you're right, I don't agree with your methods. And I don't agree with your goal. Learning from your mistakes means moving forward. You can't just make things the way they were, however much you want to.

Don't insult me by thinking you can persuade me. You've lost.

Try to accept that.

[Rin really didn't have much to contribute to all of this, given that when the fighting broke out it took all of five seconds for one person to decide she was the best face to throw a punch at.

Which meant that they were getting the hilt of a sword back at their face and promptly sat on until the glue started shooting. Rin luckily dodged it (just as Zayna did so by stepping away from her father) and went over to where Ikuri and Zuko were, glaring down at Zahi as she heard him practically spitting fire at the two of them.

Ironic, considering there were two fire wielders standing right there.]

Of course we're gonna fuckin' side with that asshole. He's an asshole who has actually proven he can be trusted, unlike you.

I agree with Ikuri-chan here. Please. Shut the fuck up.

[So, Ibuki came back with the intention of evacuating innocents before the fight broke out]

[... whoops, looks like she was too late]

... whoa...

Everybody got boogered!!!

Does that mean we won???

[Dammit, everyone, this is why we can't have nice things.]

[With Paarthurnax seeming content to curl around the Monument, Zulf has to hurry over to Zahi. Sorry, everyone, he got separated for a moment. Because. You know. There was a riot.]

Ikuri, no- Ibuki, it's complicated so no.

And Zahi...

[Zulf is looking tired, but when he glances over to Zayna, there's a hopeful glint in his eyes. He's been betrayed, but not completely like he thought. He can get through this.]

Zuko is right. Don't judge Ikuri so harshly. Tempers are frayed, after all, or else we wouldn't have had a riot just now.

The end doesn't justify the means. I'm sorry, but I can't stay trapped by the past anymore. I don't think anyone else should be, either. When trying to go back to it all involves methods such as this, I disagree all the harder.

Everyone needs to calm down. That includes you as well.

[And Ikuri. Definitely Ikuri in second place besides him.]

[As some of the crowd jumps, Megaera steps forward, intentionally taking several punches. While she is definitely reacting with grunts and getting knocked around a little before Colin's secondary turrets kick in... She's pretty obviously entirely unharmed by the end.

And then Ikuri is in Zahi's face, and Zuko's checking him, and...

... She just sort of walks in towards Zahi.]

... Ikuri. Don't kill him in an act of rage. If death is truly what he deserves, it should be done only with due deliberation.

As for you... It's funny. If you'd chosen to speak instead of scheme, my oath back home would have bound me to help you. Now, though? That same oath's exactly why I cannot, no matter what, take your side.

You murdered that child's friend while she was on a mission of peace and aid. A kick to the mouth is the least you should expect from her.

[Colin's inspecting a building that the newcomers had set upon. He doesn't look happy, but his tone is level and relaxed.]

Ikuri. Come to me. He isn't going anywhere. This is now a matter for the justice system. Ibuki, join me, or head over with Ippo again?

If anyone cares, it would be safer for Zahi and everyone involved if Zahi were placed in the brig. I'd offer to do that myself, but I suspect that none of our guests have a high opinion of me being left alone with with their leader slash guide.

I'll get you the solvent for the goo if you decide to move him. We can leave him there for now though, if you prefer.

In the meantime... we still have a final core that we supposedly need to decide what we need to use for. Nathan's got a good plan for an alternative to Zahi's plan.

But that's just my opinion.

[He doesn't see any need to give Zahi any more attention. There's far more pressing matters that require their attention.]

... I dunno, it kinda seems like we won, Zulf-chan.

[she runs over next to Ikuri, gently nudging her towards Colin]

Ikuri-chan, Ikuri-chan, come on, let's go with Papa-chan.

... say, Papa-chan, are we still watching movies tonight...?

Edited 2015-10-29 20:03 (UTC)

Event: Day 355 [OPEN]

thread 1, for Zahi-talking

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[1/3?] - ends up being simpler/cleaner

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[3/4] - last one comin' up.

[4/4] - end of tealy dears

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