isleofavalon | The Terrible, Horrible, Not-So-Good Morning

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The Terrible, Horrible, Not-So-Good Morning | OPEN LOG

WHO: Emet-Selch + anyone
WHAT: A series of public and very gruesome murders, culminating in a flashy fight between Emet and a generic boss NPC that destroys much of a street
WHEN: From the start of August to mid-August
WHERE: Camelot City
WARNINGS: Violence, death, gore, mutilation of corpses etc. I will not write graphic descriptions of these for threads unless you opt-in to these details.

BASIC BYSTANDER INFO:

The bodies of the dead appear mysteriously during the night and are taken down by Camelot's law enforcement before next sunrise. Those who manage to see the display/s before they're taken down will note they are hung up as a deliberate, increasingly gruesome spectacle [think the 'art' in the TV show Hannibal] as the days go on. It is not a sight for the faint-hearted. If you smell the result, you will in all likelihood throw up the contents of your stomach.

The FIRST WEEK simply involves a single body hung up on a lamp post or some similar, convenient archway/overhang, with one or two more dead bodies below it. None of them are particularly special and all are eventually ID'd as lower tier thugs with shifty reputations.

On the SECOND WEEK, the bodies turn into more...artful displays. Prompt no.2 contains a very basic description of each one. DO NOT click on the links below if you are sensitive to descriptions of corpse mutilation and gore.

1st. "The Puppet"
2nd. "The Blood Eagle"
3rd. "Long-neck"
4th. "The Keyholder"

For those who have underworld/crime connections, you may hear whispers of a local smuggling ring being thrown into chaos. Members are disappearing without warning. Some attempt to go into hiding and turn up again during the first week of murders, dead. Others are simply never heard from after they disappear. Witnesses babble of some dark-cloaked figure who bursts in to places believed to be safe hideouts and slaughters anyone who attempts to escape. Those who DID escape swear up and down they had the luck of the fae on their side.

Emet-Selch finally locates the ringleader in the middle of August and launches into a very public, very destructive pursuit whilst fused with his familiar. Other characters can try and interfere with the chase but he will ultimately kill the ringleader with the help of reanimated corpses of their own subordinates, possessed by some of the spirits of their past victims. After about half an hour when the Soul Catcher he is using expires, he will collapse from his cumulative injuries and be taken into custody by Camelot law enforcement.

For any other questions, please send me a PM to this account or leave a comment here!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ They deserve it, he thinks viciously, gaze briefly travelling past the two boys in the direction of the latest corpse. His expression doesn't change much, but the line of his mouth does tighten. In the dark hours of the early morning, it's difficult to spot before his focus returns to the two boys.

He makes a brief gesture towards the scene. ]

I told you: I could not sleep, so I came out for a walk. I did not see anyone who may be the culprit on my way here. Whatever you may be trying to insinuate, boy, my disdain for mortal kind has no relevance in this.

[ Which is all...perfectly true. ]

If you want to know my opinion, the perpetrator must have some deep-seated grudge against the victims to mutilate them in such florid fashion. They seem to have an intimate knowledge of the body, even if their work is imperfect.

[ Bakugou's expression shifts. His eyes narrow slightly. Part of that is true. Whoever is behind it definitely hated the people murdered. However it's also a statement, isn't it? Something so grandiose and public is attention seeking. Somehow that doesn't really feel like the old man. Maybe Bakugou can concede to that but...

There's definitely still red flags here. He's had quite a few interactions with this guy and if it's something that hits kind of close, then the man gets irritated and his tone shifts slightly. It's his voice more than anything else right now. ]

Sounding like I'm touching a nerve, old man.

[ Hiding something? ]

Maybe you didn't do it, but you're hiding something.

[Well then. Maybe Emet-Selch's disdain for mortal kind does haves something to do with this. As much as that makes a sinking feeling in his stomach.

Izuku steps forward.]

The bodies that are being found are in terrible shape, beyond an accident. So it was someone with a deep-seated grudge. Or anger or something along those lines. We can't keep someone like that on the streets in case someone innocent gets hurt.

[... But why. Why are these bodies so mutilated?]

[ He almost sneers. None of them are innocent. They had all played a part. They all knew what they were doing when they contributed to this industry. Actions have consequences - and it so happens those consequences have arrived in the form of Emet-Selch. ]

Why do you assume the perpetrator is targeting his victims blindly? Do you really think someone innocent is going to be harmed by someone on such a clear vendetta?

Who said we're assuming that? You're asking a lot of pointed questions.

[ Which is... Really suspicious, actually? The boys are just asking for information and kind of proof that Emet Selch has nothing to do with it. However, it's clear that the man isn't just observing what is going on out of curiosity. He has taken an interest in it enough to delve into the matter on his own.

So he definitely knows something to move from vague questions to more specific ones. ]

Aren't you assuming a lot of shit? Especially if you claim you came out here just too look because you couldn't sleep. No, there's more to your story old man.

[This really is some good cop bad cop stuff right now. Katsuki is direct and no bullshit, pushing the right buttons and just aggressively enough. While Izuku is trying to be kind and unaccusing. It seems to work since Emet-Selch is starting to get oddly irritated at their pressing.]

It could be dangerous if someone gets in the way by accident. That's what we want to stop.

[...]

What do you know, Emet-Selch-san? How do you know that these victims aren't being targeted blindly then?

[What's the motive? It this comes down to a fight... Izuku isn't sure how to feel.]

[ He clicks his tongue in annoyance. He wants to get back home, slip into bed before the potion wears off and Hythlodaeus wakes. He knows he has to maintain the act, but these children are far too nosy for their own good. Would that he could leave without Bakugou trying to stop him - and he's quite certain the boy would in these circumstances.

He jabs a finger towards the scene again. ]

No-one in their right mind mutilates a body so thoroughly on a whim. The amount of effort gone to display them and conceal their identity speaks to a certain amount of preparation or forward thinking. Crimes of passion are rarely so neat. Crimes of passion are clumsy, hastily concealed. These are not.

[ He lowers his arm, mouth set in a firm line. ]

There is nothing more I can tell you. Since you are so intent on finding out the truth, mayhap you should look into these victims' histories.

Edited 2021-09-10 10:58 (UTC)

[ Oh Emet Selch is 100% correct at the moment. He wouldn't be able to leave without Bakugou putting up a fuss.

He stands there at the moment though, not at all satisfied. His questions have been ignored. Or, rather, he feels as though they have been.

So he'll stand there with an expectant look on his face.

Come on old man... ]

[The tension is high. And Izuku is still believing in Katsuki's intuition here. That's why he's the one who decides to take a step forward towards Emet-Selch, hand going out.]

So then there's a motive.

[A well thought out and calculated motive.]

[ He glares at them both, fists now clenched tightly by his sides. ]

Of course there's a motive. You think someone goes out and kills someone simply because they can?

[ He takes a step forward, looming over them both (but Bakugou in particular). His voice drops to a low, dangerous volume. ]

Now see here - my friend was killed recently. You wish to know why I'm out so late? I am out here searching for the one responsible, and when I find them, I will kill them. So if you know what's good for you, you will turn around and keep investigating those murders over there and leave me alone.

Yes.

[ Sometimes. Some people don't need a reason to kill. Bakugou and Deku know individuals like that. However, he doesn't need to focus on that for too much longer. The old man flat out tells them why he's so invested in this case.

He might not have murdered the victims this time around, but he does intended to commit one if he gets the chance. ]

As if something like that is any better. What're you gonna do to us if we don't do just what you say, huh?

Kacchan, wait.

[There lies the conviction. Izuku's stomach drops because he was hoping Katuski was wrong. That this wasn't tying up to Emet-Selch.

But he has to think back on those questions that Emet-Selch asked him once. What it meant to be a hero. What to do with someone who might have hurt someone else. Giving a chance to someone who might have a chance to change or stop the string.]

Emet-Selch-san...

[He puts a hand up.]

Do you think that hurting whoever hurt your friend will make any difference in the end? Do you think it'll change anything about what's happened? Except more pointless killing?

[ When he turns to Izuku, there's a wild gleam in his eyes and a snarl in his voice. ]

Pointless? They won't be able to hurt him again if they're dead. But before you little 'heroes' start going on and on again about harm to the innocent, rest assured my hunt only targets the guilty.

[ Yeah... This sort of what Bakugou had been thinking. He just had felt that there's more too this and he's not disappointed.

Though the blonde isn't really surprised either. This old man is that sort of guy, huh? Doesn't think there's anything wrong with murder because what... People don't live as long as he and his? They aren't as "whole" or some shit? Or maybe it's just not wrong if it means that the ones you love and want to protect are safe.

Whatever the case... ]

It's not pointless, but is that really what they want? I'll put someone in the ground if I gotta if it means that the world is safe and shit. But does he want you doing that shit?

[ Might be a pointed look to Deku here. Because GEE. Why would Bakugou say that? It's not liek Deku doesn't react in anger or anything. Nope! ]

[Izuku clenches his fists. Because he wants to say something but he has to bite back a comment. The anger is really starting to mount now. It's no one's place to decide someone's death sentence. Not the culprit and not Emet-Selch.

The pointed look as Izuku stop for a moment. Letting Emet-Selch reply.]

...I don't plan on telling him. And neither will you, if you care even the slightest bit about keeping your limbs in one piece.

[ He glares down his nose at the two of them. ]

You tried that shit before and failed, Old Man. So you can try again, but I definitely won't take it easy on you this time around.

[ Which should give Izuku the needed hint that Bakugou HAS had to fight the guy before. However the blonde is confident, but he usually is, isn't he? ]

[He does shoot a surprising look at Katsuki for that! ... They fought?? Izuku feels that same sort of drop in his stomach for it.

He feels like this isn't going to end well no matter what direction this might go. But there is one constant that remains true and that if they don't stop the rampage only more killing and mayhem will happen. If the killer deserved it or not it's not for Emet-Selch to go on a revenge spree for it. This violence only breeding more violence.]

Emet-Selch-san... We have to stop you from causing any more damage.

[ That's the final straw. He bristles and barks out a short, unamused laugh. ]

I should like to see you try.

[ He snaps his fingers, immediately throwing up a huge stone wall between himself and the two boys. ]

[ Yeah... Stone wall. Figures. Fucking alchemists. ]

Deku!

[ He's going to blast through that wall. The old man definitely knows that Katsuki is capable. So Katsuki is going to rely on Deku to do something with that stone wall before the blonde shoots through. ]

Got it-!

[It's like they've fought together before! Izuku practically springs into action, his hands slapping against the stone so hard to turn it into gravel that showers down and opens a path for Katsuki to charge.

He didn't want to turn this into a battle. But if this stops more mayhem from occurring they have to try. They have to stop Emet-Selch.]

[ He hears the stone wall crumble within seconds. It hasn't bought him much of a lead. Scowling, he focuses his will upon the souls he has stolen from tonight's bodies, forcefully reanimating the ones slumped on the ground. As the spell takes, he begins to double back towards the street. Perhaps those two bodies will provide more of a hindrance than the arms of stone which thrust themselves in the way of the two boys chasing him. ]

[ Nah, it won't buy the old man too much time. For the rivals that Deku and Bakugou might be, they actually work pretty well together. Maybe it's because no one knows them better than one another. Something stupid like that.

So while Bakugou pushes through, he's not leaving his "partner behind either." With a gust of wind behind him to bring Izuku along with. ]

Go.

[ Because his flames will be aimed at the two bodies before them. ]

[... Death magic? Izuku was worried about that. For all of Emet-Selch's talk about corpses and resurrection--

But before he can think about that Katsuki's wind magic is practically hurling him forward. He sprints forward and taps Katsuki's shoulder like a tag team action before using his body to spring right at the reanimating bodies...]

Kacchan!!

[He slams into the first one with a punch.]

Be careful, Emet-Selch uses a gunblade-!

[Ranged attacks.]

[ He scowls. Despite the warning Izuku gives his friend, Emet-Selch doesn't have his gunblade on his person tonight. A gunshot tends to be noticed more than a quiet gurgle, and a cut throat is messy. He'll let them believe his cloak conceals it though. For as long as he can.

If he only had his native powers...

The corpses crumble before the onslaught of fire and fist behind him. He continues to run, cursing his own laziness that means he is less fit than he used to be when first occupying this figure. A loud, drawn-out fight is the last thing he wants. If he manages to get away, he'll thank them for incinerating potentially incriminating evidence on the corpses. ]

Meddling brats, [ he snarls. ] Your curiosity will get you killed some day!

[ Nyx won't help him. She refused to when he first began this hunt. So he is on his own here as he pulls out his notebook and scribbles a rough alchemy circle as he runs into an alleyway. Before he activates it, he tosses a vial over his shoulder. As soon as the glass breaks, the liquid inside rapidly dissolves into smoke. It won't last long - which is why waiting on the other side of that smoke are numerous spikes bristling off the ground and walls, pointing directly at anyone stupid enough to fire themselves at speed through the cloud. ]

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