isleofavalon | september catch-all

Entry tags:

september catch-all

🧙 WHO: Jade & anyone!
⚔️️ WHAT: Quests, other open prompts.
🕒 WHEN: Early September.
🗺️ WHERE: Various
⚠️ WARNINGS: Sexual themes/content involved in the Hot Knights quest.

i. hot knights

a. undercover
[There had never been any question as to whether or not Jade would take this job. The description alone brought back countless too-vivid memories, the bright reds and golds of the casino at Octagonia still burned deep into her memory, along with the cries of those who had been captured to become food or playthings for monsters— or, in many cases, monsters themselves. Indeed, there is no question about what needs to be done for these Celliwig knights, and while the predicament she had found herself in upon storming Octagonia on her own should give her pause, it doesn’t. Instead, it only fuels her further, driving her to make use of her experiences in that place to get in and get out undetected.

She opts to go undercover. At last, that costume some power had seen fit to have accompany her to Camelot as some kind of cosmic joke will finally be put to good use.

It’s mildly unsettling how quick the establishment is to take on new talent, but Jade has already decided that this is the best way to gather the information necessary to free the captured knights without causing more ruckus than she absolutely has to. And, should things fall apart and the situation ends up requiring a more direct, violent approach— well, win-win for her. She’ll take that, too.

Of course, being undercover means actually having to do the job, though as a new ‘employee,’ she’s fortunate enough to end up waiting tables. She approaches the table she’d been pointed towards by the bartender with a tray of glasses, collecting herself and letting her lips curl into a sly smile as she does so.]

Hey, there. First timer?

[Regular patron, fellow would-be knight-rescuer, familiar face, or some combination of the above? You decide.]

b. rescue
[Once she has the opportunity to break away from the main floor of the club, Jade spends every free moment she has trying to figure out the layout of the building, mapping out escape routes in her head. None of her breaks are long enough for her to make as much progress as she would like, but once her shift is over in the early morning hours, she quickly sets to finding where the Celliwig knights are being kept. Whether the owner of this place means to use them as talent or keep them as pets, it doesn’t matter— she intends to see each and every one of them set free, and any other unwilling souls who have found themselves trapped here, besides.

Why, of all things, must places like this be constants between worlds?

Once the captives are located, she starts making quick work of the bonds holding one particularly despondent-looking knight— he shies away from her when she first approaches, assuming her to be in league with their captor, but she quickly shakes her head as she frees his wrists.]

Keep it down! I’m getting you out of here!

[Here to help out, or maybe a captive yourself? Whichever the case, better get out quick before drawing too much attention.]

c. wildcard
[Maybe you, too, have chosen to go undercover. Maybe you’re among those friends Jade has informed of her whereabouts— just to be safe— and want to make sure she’s not getting in over her head. Perhaps you’ve found yourself in a compromising position in trying to take this job on for yourself, maybe even caught the eye of this establishment’s monster madame while trying to help the captured knights? Whatever it is that’s brought you to this monster-run strip club, it probably won’t be easy to get out alone and unscathed. Time to join forces!]

ii. shear determination

[Jade hadn’t fully appreciated how tall a single foot wasn’t until she saw these sheep in person. Even aside from their fire-breathing abilities, she can see why even experienced sheep-shearers might have trouble with these— a cautious approach was going to be necessary.

She exhales as she collects herself, folding her arms in front of her as she gamely looks to her partner for this particular quest. No time like the present!]

Well, then. Any thoughts on our plan of attack?

[Caution should definitely be at the forefront of their minds, she thinks. If they do well here, it will be well worth it— the pay being offered is nothing to sneeze at.]

iii. national mushroom month

[Normally, Jade is inclined to take the more active sort of odd jobs that pop up throughout Camelot— typically those that require a rather physical solution in the interest of playing to her strengths, but the simplicity of gathering mushrooms for National Mushroom Month had appealed to her in a way she couldn’t quite explain. As a result, she now finds herself at the edge of the Dusklight Woods with whoever else has seen fit to volunteer for this particular task, gathering and sorting mushrooms depending on what’s fit to eat and what’s better off being sent to the apothecary.

She pauses to give one an experimental sniff after picking, looking thoughtful for a moment.]

This one is safe.

[Into the growing basket of edible mushrooms it goes. Something about foraging reminds her of some of the warmer moments in her childhood; there hadn’t been many, to be sure, but she and Rab had spent so much time on the road fending for themselves that there had certainly been many instances in which the only thing they had to eat was whatever they could find for themselves in the wild. A faint smile pulls at one side of her mouth as she approaches the next cluster of mushrooms; when she had been small, she’d always hated chores like these, but Rab had managed to spin things by turning foraging into a sort of game, knowing that speaking to her competitive nature always put the princess in better spirits.

Fond memories are interrupted as she investigates the next bunch, recoiling and wrinkling her nose as the scent marks them as clearly not safe to eat.]

Ah— apothecary, for these. [She makes sure to put it in with the appropriate findings, then looks to whoever is gathering alongside her.] I think it’s been an even split so far. Find anything particularly interesting?

iv. shining karaoke

[Jade’s work at Shining Karaoke typically keeps her in the kitchen, but tonight the establishment’s public bar had been a bit short-handed, and with the security portion of her job being typically light given the nature of the business, she had been quick to offer her help. It was good for her to keep busy, especially lately, and over the last few months she’s found herself quite at ease with the bar’s general ambience.

She smiles and approaches any newly-arrived patrons who may head towards the bar, leaning against it with one arm as she inclines her head to greet them.]

Looking to make use of a room, or just here for a drink?

[Either way, she’s happy to help.]

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[Kudos to the both of them for managing to keep the conversation light in addition to informative, though Jade has to stifle a laugh as she catches a glimpse of those two fellow employees looking quite ruffled by Zidane's thinking aloud.

Rather than brush it off, she opts to laugh and play the part of the dedicated employee, sliding into the booth beside Zidane and helping herself to his arm, linking hers with it as she pulls close.]

Now, you don't think any of them could possibly be prettier than me, do you?

[Ugh, leaning into this is making her skin crawl just a bit— reminiscent of past experiences she would rather forget— but those experiences are exactly why she's here and determined to get to the bottom of this.

She gives Zidane a tug, pulling him towards the edge of the booth.]

Come on, handsome. Maybe you'd like to see one of our private rooms?

[Read: time to go hunting for some knights.]

[If there's anything Zidane's good at, it's thinking aloud to stir the pot. But really, those girls look like the types that're always worried when new blood arrives.]

[Raising his brow when she pulls his arm, he flashes a smile.]

Prettier than you? No way. Besides, I'm parroting what my friend wants to know. Yeah, probably could've come themselves, but letting me miss out on seeing some beautiful girls? C'mon...

[There's tension in their distance, and not the good kind. Oof, he really hopes it's not him causing that.]

[At the tug, he slides along.]

With you? Sure~

[Yeah, let's get to that and bail.]

Well then, that was awfully thoughtful of your friend to put you first.

[She gives him her most dazzling smile as she slides out of the booth and pulls him along to follow— noticeably, it doesn't reach her eyes, but she's willing to bet that most of the staff members and paying customers aren't paying close enough attention to notice.

She leads him towards a door that almost blends into the wall itself, thanks to the dark color and the dim club lighting, but a round window set in its top half shows a glimpse of the lighted corridors beyond.]

Right this way, sir.

Right? They're the best!

[Sliding out of the booth after her, he continues with the intrigue. There's a few jealous looks their way, but eh, what can you do? Certainly can't explain there are other priorities. Either way, they still have other entertainment and lose interest fast as another performer comes onto stage.]

[Led over to the door, he takes one brief look back to make sure no one's paying attention - nope. They're in the clear. But in the event they're being overheard.]

Right behind you~

[She only offers another smile in response as she, too, looks back over her shoulder to make sure no undue attention has been drawn. Convinced that they've managed to fly under the radar thus far, she heads through the door to the back and pulls him along with her— only to drop her hold on him almost immediately as it swings shut behind them, quickly turning her gaze down the corridor on either side to ensure they're alone.

For now, they're all set.]

We'll have to move quickly. If we head to our left, there's another door around the corner that leads to a number of dressing rooms. They're being kept in one of those.

[Once the door closes, Zidane let’s put a sigh. That was getting a bit close, but the floor might be preoccupied by other discussions than the two of them disappearing for a bit. Looking at Jade, he nods.]

Got an exit route figured out?

[He doubts any exit will be left unguarded at this time.]

There's a staff exit we could use, if we keep ourselves from being discovered and create a diversion, or we could use the emergency exit in a pinch— that might draw more attention, however.

[Magical sirens, and all.]

Barring that, some of the other dressing rooms have larger windows— the ones for the performers that aren't being held here against their will.

[Not everyone is a reluctant participant in this place, thankfully, but these knights certainly will be.]

Honestly, once they're all free, I'm more than happy to punch my way out.

Might draw more attention, or cause some extra confusion. Either way works for me.

[He's definitely up for causing some mass confusion since they wanted to kidnap some folks.]

So staff exit, emergency exit, or windows... Let's find out how these guys are doing before going with that last option.

[Might be asking a lot depending.]

Haha, agreed. Alright, let's see what's behind door number one and start searching some dressing rooms.

Edited 2021-09-20 22:17 (UTC)

Right. There's no telling what shape they'll be in. I wasn't able to get a close enough look earlier, but I'm willing to bet some of them are... worn out.

[In various ways, potentially, depending on what the owner here has them doing— but mostly, she's willing to bet they're underfed and tired of being restrained.

She nods in agreement, quickly looking in either direction before reaching for the door that leads to the hallway of dressing rooms, pressing her back against it as it opens and quickly waving Zidane through.]

This way!

I wouldn't be surprised is the Madame put them through their pacings...

[And while that would probably be okay for some others guys, that's a big 'yikes' in his opinion. Not that starving and restraining until they behaved was any higher.]

[Gotta move fast, Zidane nods and, not wasting any time, follows, keeping his ears listening out for any trouble. Once they enter the corridor with dressing rooms, they had to listen closer. Time to try their luck and hope they didn't encounter an employee.]

Eeny, meeny, miny... moe...

[Picking a dressing room, he presses against it, and listens. Who might be in here if anyone at all?]

Do you hear anything?

[Jade has her own ear pressed against the door opposite his— best if they divide and conquer if they want to narrow their options quickly. The faster they're able to get these knights loose, the better.]

This one's a dud, moving on to the next!

Yeah, it's occupied, but not by anyone we wanna encounter.

[His answer is at a whisper as to not alert the occupant and he quickly moves onto the next room himself.]

Let's see about this one.

[Jade nods to him before trying another door— nothing— then crosses the corridor to join him. They're running out of options; it has to be this one or the next, otherwise they'll have to consider that the knights might have been moved.

Heavens above, she hopes not.]

By process of elimination, there's a good chance.

[She curls her fingers into a tight fist, ready to launch herself at anyone who might get in their way— but if they're lucky, the knights will be untended for now. If everyone is supposed to be working, a security might have decided a lock was enough, and between the two of them, she's sure they can break or pick it.]

Taking a chance then...!

[It's 50-50 and if they're wrong, they knock anyone inside out and run to the last room. From there, they could bail... but now that he's thinking a little, would they be able to get the knights out of here scot-free? When there was a spell keeping underage patrons out?]

[They can worry about that later, he picks the lock and opens the door.]

[Oh, getting out of here scot-free was always a distant, distant dream— but they'll deal with the consequences when it's time. For now, the most important thing is locating and freeing the prisoners.

The door swings open, and a number of fey knights bound in iron shackles look up at their would-be saviors with some small amount of trepidation, while Jade clouts Zidane on the shoulder as she passes in quick, wordless thanks of his lockpicking skills.

"Please, let us rest, or feed us—" one of the knights begins, and Jade shakes her head, holding a hand up.]

We're here to let you out. Keep it down, will you? We'll get these bonds broken in no time.

[Right, it'd be too boring if it was so simple.]

[Seeing the fey knights locked up in iron shackles, Zidane makes a mental note and nods to Jade after the tap on the shoulder. While she approaches the knights, he spins around and closes the door again. He'll hold back and listen out unless she needs his help.]

Think you got those handled?

I've picked a few locks in my time— and if all else fails, I can slice or punch my way through.

[Fortunately, it looks like there aren't many actual shackles involved— though the variety of bonds used to keep the the captives in place does raise a few questions.

Not the time, she supposes.]

You'll keep an ear out?

If that doesn't work, I'll trade ya.

[But he doesn't think she'll have much trouble getting them out.]

Yeah, I got it covered. Try to be fast. Never know when the Madame will show up.

'Fast' won't be a problem.

[She's quick to set about her task, occasionally glancing back towards the door to make sure nothing is amiss, but moving through the room to either break or pick her way through bonds. One by one, the knights are broken free; there are sighs of relief that echo throughout the room as the captives shake out their limbs and joints, some dropping to their knees once they're free to do so.

Soon enough, they've all been cut loose— but there's the sound of movement in the distance that indicates they're not going to have the clean getaway they might have hoped for. Jade frowns tightly, then reaches to break the lock on the nearby window so that she can slam it open— it's high up, but it should make a decent enough exit for the captives.]

All of you, go through there and run— we'll keep these guys occupied to buy you some time, then follow!

[He promises, he's got the door good and locked down, keeping and ear close, but also looking back over to make sure she's got everything under control. The chains are loud when they rattle off, but no one's coming still...]

[... Ah, there it is. Zidane moves so he's not behind the door but right next to the wall beside it, hands resting on the wall and ready to pounce.]

Yeah, we got this! [Though, he might also insist she follows them just in case someone's waiting outside the window.]

[As though she would leave him to fight alone! Most of the knights manage to make it through the window without assistance, though some are weak or disoriented enough to need a boost. She does her best to help them through, but sharply turns towards Zidane and joins him by the door as she hears multiple sets of footsteps coming closer at a run.

Clenching her fists and raising them in preparation, she falls back into a defensive position and gives him a sidelong glance.]

Ready for a fight?

[This is the fun part!]

[It's not like he wouldn't understand if it came to that. Besides, those knights that need help escaping prove that they wouldn't be able to protect themselves.]

[Still, when she joins him by the door, he nods with a grin.]

Always. Let's show them a good time~

[In another sense.]

[There isn't time for any further exchange before their 'company' arrives. The first sign of their arrival is a loud thump against the door, followed by another. Jade scoots backwards to give herself room, bracing herself for what's to come— just in time for the door itself to end up kicked off its hinges. Three sturdily built men wearing what seems to be the uniform for security around here— jeans and a black t-shirt— stand before them, along with a woman who's quickly scanning the area with a critical eye, assumed to be appraising the situation, anger becoming apparent as she realizes the knights have been set free.

"What the hell are you two—"

Jade doesn't give the man who speaks any time to continue, letting out a wordless yell as she launches herself forward and grabs hold of a nearby chair to vault herself upwards and kick him square in the chest with both feet, sending him reeling.]

[Their company is about what Zidane expected considering they'd been watching the front and skulking about the floor to keep an eye on customers and the workers, occasionally exchanging notes with one or two. It's the first time that Zidane's seen the actual Madame of the establishment. He doesn't say anything - yet - as Jade throws herself at Security, knocking him back into the other two following, but then Zidane grins.]

Ooooh, sorry, but I think your new employees quit.

[Meanwhile, that chair Jade had launched herself off of? It's gonna go soar through the air and knock the next security guard in the head.]

Something about unfair wages and brutal hours— and, of course, kidnapping!

[Jade tacks onto Zidane's bit of mockery as she slams her elbow into the gut of the security guard that tries to round on her, hoping to get retribution for that kick of hers, but to no avail. He's larger than her, but she's must faster, and her strength isn't to be dismissed, either. He grunts and stumbles backwards, hitting the floor this time, and she swiftly kicks him in the side before moving on to the next.]

Here I thought this was supposed to be a business! Not very professional, if you ask me!

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tantailizing - 2021-10-08 03:11 (UTC) - Expand

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