Encampment Under the Sea [Open to All]

[applesaucemod]

Since the dreamers of Manhattan had such a lovely time at the last vaguely-nautical-themed party, the Rift has decided to step things up a notch. Tonight, the dreamers will find themselves in what appears to be a city very much like the one they inhabit in the waking world, full of towering skyscrapers, neon signs, and heavy traffic. But there is one rather crucial difference: this city is located deep underwater, and the aforementioned traffic is mostly whales and fish, with the occasional submersible thrown into the mix.

The walls and windows are heavily reinforced to withstand the pressure of the water outside, and the people who dwell in these buildings seem to be doing rather well for themselves, for the most part. Buildings are connected by enclosed walkways, so barring any horrible accidents, the dreamers should have no problem getting around without getting too wet.

Much like the city they inhabit in the waking world, some areas are more obviously affluent than others, and the dreamers are as likely to stumble upon an upscale club as an underwater pub. But while the chances of a full structural breakdown are slim, there are definitely some areas that are on the leaky side, and a general sense of claustrophobia pervades the city wherever you might find yourself.

Explore. Or, if you're feeling particularly ambitious, attempt to escape. Either way, take care - it's hard to say what might be lurking in the darkness just beyond the city lights.



[ooc: Y'all know the drill. All characters are welcome, whether they are in the game or not. Characters can remember or forget the events of the dreaming at the player's discretion. And the party never stops - backtag into infinity!]

Comments

[omnomnom_feels]

Rashad still finds something lacking in this explanation, a core fault he is unable to resolve. "Are you truly without purpose, the both of you?" he asks, thinking that this might be what the angel and demon devil have been getting at this whole time. The implications are staggering. "You are saying that like mortals, you just...are?"

[bibliophale]

"No, of course not," he says without thinking, automatically indignant. "We were both assigned to the Earth, we had our jobs to do." He hesitates, chewing his lip. "And now... well, it's different now, isn't it? We're cut off from the Authorities, there's no sense wasting our energy on all that when it's not even our world." He scowls to himself. He supposes it's too much to hope that makes sense to someone like Rashad.

[omnomnom_feels]

"You don't think this world's mortals are worthy of your angelic protection?" asks Rashad. One world or another, it seems much the same to him. That his own brethren aren't here is perhaps an advantage, a respite from their unending wars and rivalries, but that is no reason to cease in his own purpose. "Or is it that you are unable to act without your Authorities?"

[bibliophale]

"It's not that - not either of those things," Aziraphale says, flustered. He can't seem to explain anything to Rashad's satisfaction. He suppose he'll just be interrogated all night long. "I protect people, I - you know, I help them, but it's different, I mean it's... well, it's my choice now."

Free will rears its head again. He winces slightly at the thought of it, and how Lucifer is trying to take it from Crowley. Free will is complicated - he doesn't want it, but he also doesn't want anyone to take it.

"It's just not Crowley I need to protect them from," he says finally.

[omnomnom_feels]

Rashad could keep this up all night, yes. Impatience is an emotion, after all.

At last, however, Aziraphale has hit on something that might interest Rashad more than the question of himself and Crowley. "You mean the thing that came through the rift?" he asks. "Is it known to you?"

[bibliophale]

Aziraphale blinks at him in slow surprise. He's reservedly relieved not to be questioned about Crowley again, but he's not sure he wants to talk about this, either. He wonders how Lucifer would even react to something like Rashad. Or vice versa, for that matter. Though at least on this subject, he and Rashad might be somewhat alligned.

"Yes," he says. He hedges for a moment before saying, "It's Lucifer."

[omnomnom_feels]

"You're sure?" Rashad...doesn't seem bothered by this. Rashad doesn't seem bothered by anything. He may look slightly more alert following that announcement, but the news that the Prince of Pride is in Manhattan does not seem to impress him. On the inside, however, his mind is whirling. It's unlikely that such a high-ranking devil will bother with the likes of him, but Rashad knows immediately that he will want to make himself scarce all the same. "You have seen him for yourself, then?"

[bibliophale]

"Quite sure," says Aziraphale rather bitterly. "He gave me this." He tilts his chin up to show the fading black mark across his neck, frostbitten skin from the Devil's own hand. "He nearly killed me."

He doesn't expect sympathy from Rashad, nor does he want it. He delivers the information dispassionately, a little numb to it all now.

[omnomnom_feels]

That the average angel could fall victim to one of the principle devils is no surprise. That even this angel who consorts with demons devils should get in a deadly argument is troubling...and begs the question of whether Lucifer will be back to finish the job.

Associating with Aziraphale is not in Rashad's best interest.

"I will not return to your bookshop," he decides suddenly. "Do not tell anyone of my presence on this island."

[bibliophale]

Oh is THAT what we're doing now. Aziraphale stares at him, faintly appalled, and then huffs out a hugely unamused laugh.

"That's what I - no. Nevermind." He pinches the bridge of his nose. "Fine. As long as you leave Crowley be. That's all I ask."

[omnomnom_feels]

That was not one of the conditions Rashad was prepared to automatically offer, particularly considering Crowley has invaded his place of employment. Given the choice between giving up persecuting prosecuting a lesser devil and risking the attention of one of the Princes of the Pale, however, the choice is clear.

"If he will leave me be," he decides. The compromise will have to stand, at least in the short term.

[bibliophale]

"That should not be difficult," says Aziraphale dryly. "Now if you don't mind."

He doesn't care if Rashad minds or not. He's extremely done with this interaction. He turns on his heel and stalks away.

[omnomnom_feels]

Separation is precisely the thing Rashad wants now as well, so no, he doesn't mind. He watches the angel go for a moment, then turns around and strides quickly in the other direction, not bothering with any verbal acknowledgment of the conversation's end.