We all have a Rite to Rescue

[damegane]

WHO: Sheep, Weeds
WHERE: The Pasture
WHEN: Day 53, shortly after folks are kidnapped

[After seeing Aides get kidnapped and heading back to the pasture to try to get a handle on the situation, it becomes increasingly clear that there needs to be some kind of organization before people go running off to the mists to die.

So! He'll just start a Crowdsourcing Rite on the spot and call out with a surprisingly loud voice:]

Hey!

If we want to get those guys back, we need Weeds to guide us, right? Well, we aren't going to get anywhere without the help, so - let's figure that part out first, all right?

If there are any Weeds willing to guide groups into the mists, or if any Sheep know of any Weeds who might be willing, get them over here. Sheep, organize your teams around the Weeds, make your negotiations if needed - whatever. Just don't go running out there without one.

Comments

[shortforever]

[Odin is grabbed! But he doesn't look at Lupin. He's still focused on the other 'him'.]

I can't go back either. He'll hurt people.

[survivaltricks]

. . . if you leave, he won't follow.

[Lupin says, but that was only true for his nightmare. he has no idea if it'll also be true for Odin's. but at the same time, he wants to comfort him somehow, so. . .]

[shortforever]

You don't know that.

[He's too scared of this nightmare hurting others to even think of moving, not until the nightmare is gone.]

[survivaltricks]

Mine didn't follow me.

[it's kind of eerie that this nightmare is just. . . standing there, being menacing, and not outright attacking like Lupin's did]

Come on. Why don't we try?

[shortforever]

[It's possibly because it doesn't need to attack to get to Odin. Just standing there and being overtaken by the red marks seems to be enough. Eventually the nightmare starts bleeding from its eyes, nose, and mouth. The nightmare reaches a hand out towards the boys, and Odin's breath catches in his throat as he grabs for Lupin's arm.]

Okay, let's try.

[survivaltricks]

[. . . Lupin's grip on Odin's arm tightens ever so slightly. and as the nightmare reaches out, Lupin steps away, gently tugging Odin along with him as he goes]

[but although he is turning away, he is paying attention to the nightmare, just in case it decides to attack]

[shortforever]

[Still dripping blood, the nightmare starts to glow red, just like Odin does when he's using gravity manipulation.

Suddenly dark spikes are being launched at the boys, aimed with deadly precision. Odin has turned away, so he doesn't see the attack coming.]

[survivaltricks]

[GOOD THING LUPIN IS!! because he immediately summons chi you and uses his shield to parry those dark spikes]

Tch. . .!

[shortforever]

[There he go.

The spikes are parried, but the Odin-shaped figure just lets out a horrible laugh as it launches itself at Lupin, aiming to kick him in the gut if he reaches the boys. This Odin's eyes look hollow and the kick lacks Odin's usual playfulness. Whatever this thing is, it's not pulling its punches.

Odin has finally looked up when Lupin summons Chi You, but Lupin will get to make the first move against nightmare!Odin.]

[survivaltricks]

[the good news is, with Chi You already summoned, Lupin has his shield ready. the nightmare can launch itself at him, but. . . once again, his Persona is there, using the shield to block that kick with impressive, impenetrable steel]

Hah! Nice try!

[but. . . he isn't going to counter. this is Odin's nightmare; Odin should come to terms with how to deal with it. right?]

[shortforever]

[That seems to be what Odin needs to start moving, honestly. Seeing the other being try to attack Lupin, Odin grits his teeth and jumps up with his gravity manipulation. A moment later he's bringing his foot down on the other-him's head, sending the being falling to the ground.]

Don't you dare hurt him!

[But the marks on the other being spread, covering most of its skin in those terrifying red marks. It starts bleeding more heavily from all of its orifices, plus from the marks themselves. The nightmare is slowly dying on its own, and Odin's fierce look still holds some fear in it.]

[survivaltricks]

[. . . it's a gruesome sight to watch, and with the nightmare downed. . . Lupin dismisses Chi You to reach for Odin again]

He isn't you. Okay?

. . . and you will never be him.

[not with Thistle at his back]

[shortforever]

[Lupin can take Odin's hand. With the nightmare gone, he's looking more tired now.]

I know he ain't me, but that doesn't change that it might still happen.

[He! Kind of hates not being in full control of the thing inside him!!!]

[survivaltricks]

It won't happen.

[he says that with the utmost confidence]

Because the people who care about you won't let it.