cuddlecity | EVENT: SHAKE THINGS UP.

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EVENT: SHAKE THINGS UP.

It starts with a roll of thunder.

At least, that’s what you think it is—a low growl through the atmosphere that seems to echo deep and low in your chest—as you turn over in bed, or perhaps as you’re finishing your last drink at a local pub with some new acquaintances, or even as you’re walking home on otherwise safe streets, lamps and moonlight guiding your path. All’s well that ends well: the city is your haven, it’s been sold to you as such, and a little stormy weather never did much harm.

You close your eyes. You take a drink. You turn the corner.

But the sound continues, the vibration grows more oppressive, and you may think to yourself:

Thunder shouldn’t shake my nightstand.
Thunder doesn’t send a pulse through the tequila in a shot glass.
Thunder wouldn’t compel the asphalt to rumble and churn beneath my boots.

It all happens very quickly after that; things fall apart.

The cheers of late-night partygoers tumble into a minor chord, sliding into screams—a party of five has just lost sight of two of its members as Main Street splits itself in zigzags rippling out from the city’s center. One side surges into the air as the other half plummets several feet down, small ravines forming along the thoroughfare. The damage replicates itself like dominoes, and citizens new and old alike cry for help into the empty night.

Someone is hanging onto the edge of one jagged, yellow-striped mound of asphalt, fingers slipping, grip temporary.

Do you know them?
Do you help?

Within minutes, buildings begin to buckle under the stress of the earth shifting. Metal and concrete siding, roof tiles, window panes—what first sounds like cannon fire clearly presents itself as establishments crumbling while panicked citizens race to covered positions or out into the chaos of the openly shaking streets for any semblance of safety.

“Earthquake!” You hear. “Cover your head!”

The tallest buildings suffer the most damage (the bigger they are, the harder they fall). At the city’s heart, the clock tower sinks almost gently down as if feeling faint, seeking solace in the skirts of its foundation. People blink in shock as the dust rolls over them moments later.

Victims covered in soot and debris, looking for all intents and purposes as if they’d been disturbed from their graves, disperse across the city, trying to reach the authorities, to find their loved ones. It’s clear that amidst the rubble, both formed and newly falling, some of these loved ones are trapped. You hear desperate, muffled calls, buried beneath layers of shattered stone and cement. Voices struggling to be heard through the ongoing shriek and groan of the earth… still… shaking. One of these voices may even be your own.

Are you near? Can you lead someone to safety?
Can you pull victims from the rubble? Are you, yourself, in trouble?

The city bank’s vault is loose, no doubt. The shops are in trouble, security gates destroyed.

Do you take advantage while you can?

Whatever you decide, watch for the emergency vehicles and fire trucks barreling their way toward the center of destruction, rescue crews ready to spot those in need. Perhaps you can help them. Perhaps they can help you, instead. (Perhaps they can apprehend you, too, if you misbehave and don’t cover your tracks.)

The rumble continues, curls its way like a fist further out towards the city limits, losing ferocity as it does, but it takes the temporary housing district for its final victim. The city’s newest arrivals won’t get much sleep tonight. Rifts in concrete walls crawl their way from the ground floors, up, all vine and sinew and spider web. Some are more severe than others. While the first floor rooms may find more damage to their walls, bedroom windows bursting as foundations tilt, the upper floors will see things end up just a hair off in balance—askew. Put a glass of water on the table, and it may not stay in one place for long.

Surely the building isn’t safe enough to sleep in, not now.

Can you make it safe? Can you reach out to your neighbors? How do you manage?

Three hours after the initial disturbance, long after earlier news programs had urgently advised all city dwellers to take due cover during the apparent earthquake, a crackling message filters through across television screens, electronic billboards, and on your city-issued devices. Mayor Drake sits in full view in front of the Energem, the symbol of the city, its life force. It is in one piece, from the looks of it, and so is she (if understandably haggard and dark around the eyes).

“Citizens of Cadelle, as you know, we’ve suffered quite the seismic anomaly this evening. Tectonic plate shifting is not abnormal in a city so near the coast, but we had yet to experience an earthquake of this magnitude in all our recorded history. Although most of the damage was focused towards the city’s center, that center was hit hard.”

The side of her mouth twitches minutely, as though she is biting back further words, and instead, she plasters on a smile of pure grit.

“Our top tier seismology center is already on the case, and the administration will keep you informed of any significant findings. In the meantime, we wish to thank all our rescue workers and volunteer citizens who helped our loved ones find shelter and safety. Please be advised we will begin reconstruction of our Community Housing Facility immediately. Volunteers to assist with this project, and with the restoration of privately owned establishments along Main Street, are welcomed, even encouraged. After a more in-depth assessment, we may be able to create paying job opportunities for the duration of this project. Please stay tuned.”

A constructive spin on this tale couldn’t hurt, could it?

“For now, we wish for you to stay safe. Food and shelter accommodations at the public gymnasium are being made ready for those of you currently left without rooms. We apologize for the communal nature of these accommodations, but it is the best we can provide on emergency notice. We appreciate your patience, and your help.”

And with that closing remark, the feed cuts.

Mayor Drake’s shoulders slide out of their poised position, and she bows her head, hand over her brow.

Behind her, unbeknownst to anyone, the Energem flickers—just once.

On the far side, beneath the cover of the protective wall, a small fissure has formed in the crystal surface.

A kinetic rift.

For more in-depth information about this event and how it affects your character, to ask event-specific questions, and to plot with your fellow players, please visit the event's OOC PLOTTING POST.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

a; don't you tell me what you think i can be

[ Steve's not a stranger to destruction and mayhem. It's like the Invasion all over again. Except this time no portals opening up in the sky. No aliens streaming in. Just an Earthquake. Which he can handle. For the most part. Once the shaking stops. He shouldn't suit up, but it's been with him since Eudio. The patches are missing. The things that made him Captain America stripped away by Steve's own hand. He's not Captain America anymore. He made sure of that. Right now he's just a citizen that wants to help.

When the dust settles in his apartment he dresses. Quickly. His door won't budge though. He could spend time trying to do that or he could pop open his window and dive out it like he's not on the sixth floor. This would be better with his shield, but Steve tucks and rolls once he hits. He doesn't even stop. Once he's on his feet he's running. Arms and legs propelling him forward as he gets on the move looking for anyone that could use a hand. ]

b; begging you for mercy (for patty)

[ It's not been easy. Builds damaged. People injured. This place is definitely in a state. How they weren't prepared for something this vicious is beyond him. Then again it's hard to really plan for this. All you can do is hope for the best and deal with the aftermath. This place must be really different if it's subject to things like this. Eudio never had problems like this. Not that he really encountered there at the end of his stay.

At some point during the day he's helping people trapped in a store front. A large column supported on his back as he bows. Attempting to make a small archway for the citizens to get through. ] Move, move, move. [ He shouts. Dust and dirt cover Steve by now. There's a few cuts and scraps, but nothing he's not handled. Sweat traps the particles to his sticky skin by now. The last one through is being helped by someone due to an injury. Steve's body groans under the weight of the store front. He can't hold it forever. ] Don't jostle them too much. [ For whatever pain he's in he knows they're in more. He doesn't want them to make it worse. He'll just have to hold it.

They get clear and Steve pushes back against the column. A groan escaping him as he pushes harder. Something metal. Piping maybe? It punctures his back and he howls. He doesn't stop though. Instead he pushes through it and buys himself some time to roll clear as the front finally comes down. The chaos and commotion makes the citizens trapped run and Steve's left with the injured party on the street. He hoists them up into his arms and he starts to cart this person to the public gymnasium. ]

c; do we get what we deserve?

[ Steve has a moment finally. Breathing heavy, dirty and grimy. He's holding together though. Probably more than most of the citizens that are here. He fires out a message. ]

Sound off if you're okay.

[ For the people he knows. The ones he considers close. The ones he needs to know are okay or if they do need his help. ]

d; who can you trust?

[ It's tough to get Steve to sit down. Tough to get him to stop moving. Which is probably why he's rarely seen inside of the gymnasium to take a rest or to take cover. Instead he's on the streets. Spending most of his time recovering whoever needs him. His device close at hand in case it's the only way to get in touch. When it's time to get everything squared away and cleaned he's out there as well. Bandaged and tired looking. His beard has more dust and dirt in it. Hair sweaty and pushed back every chance he gets. But he doesn't stop moving. For whatever pain he's in or whatever exhaustion he's feeling Steve is stubborn and he keeps moving. ]

[ OOC: Steve is basically running around an helping. Feel free to write another way to meet up with him. These are not the law. But just don't tell him to sit down because chances are he'll ignore you. If you have any questions feel free to PP me or hit me on plurk under mikaelson. ]

[ Patty had the same idea as Steve, taking people to the gymnasium nearby where she assumed there was, at the minimum, sound structures and more than just the basic first aid kits (and plenty of them). So when she's exiting the gym, out of breath but ready to help still (also covered in dust and dirt and tiny scratches), she's surprised to see Steve carrying someone her direction.]

Steve! [ She immediately makes her way towards him, to help him. When she gets to his side, she notices his side.] You're hurt. [ She looks at him worriedly, not surprised that the wonderful guy she'd been on a date with was playing the part of superhero. That's what he was, after all. ] Let me help you. [ Carry this person, get them help as well as him.]

[ He should have expected to see Patty out here. She was a police officer at one point. Now she does CSI studying, but she's an officer probably at her core. Helpful. Dedicated. It's a relief to see her though. He's not one to not accept help in this regard. Listening to someone telling him to take a break is something else entirely though. This he can do. ]

I'm fine. [ He's more concerned with the person his arms. But he's not going to turn down her help with the person. It'd be stupid and probably a little irresponsible. ] Can you take their legs?

Edited 2017-08-21 02:15 (UTC)

[ Patty only had to go on one date with the guy to know he was the stubborn sort. Not in an arrogant jerk kind of way, in the way that most heroes were. They needed to help others but sometimes forgot to help themselves. Patty had been drawn to those types all her life.

As it is, she knows better than to lecture him when he's got someone in his arms and is trying to help. Help him with this and then she can force him to take care of himself. Maybe. ]

Yes. [ She moves to position herself to help, grabbing the person's legs and hoisting them up a bit more. She begins to walk backward towards the direction she just came.] There's people with first aid in there, I've been bringing people here because the way to the hospital is blocked, I think.

[ He will admit it hurts a lot less when she takes some of the weight by supporting his legs while they move. He tries to keep things going fast. Getting them laid up and some help will maybe help lessen whatever damage they suffered from the building and the jostling around that no doubt happened in the trek it took to get here.

It's good to see Patty. A friendly face. A nice face. He's not alone out here. He hasn't found the others just yet, but he knows they're out here. They wouldn't just cover their heads and hide. ]

Do they have anyone out there trying to unblock it?

[ He could get out there and try. If he could contact Wanda he knows she could work pretty fast. ]

[ She moves to help him as best she can and once they get their patient laid up and safe. And once they do, she can focus her attention on Steve. For now.

She nods at his question.] Yeah, a few. I thought I'd be more help getting people here and organizing. I know some first aid and basic triage.

[ He moves with Patty only because he doesn't want to be in the medical professionals way when it comes to that patient. He knows she wants to help him and look at the injury he sustained, but he's not sure if slowing down right now is wise. Especially with so many people out there. ]

That's good that you're here. They probably really appreciate having you here, Patty.

[ Despite his notion of leaving Steve removes his helmet for a moment to take a breath. Hair wild and sweaty. ]

[ They get aside and she watches him remove that helmet and somehow he makes worn out look sexy, it's annoying. And distracting.

But she focuses and she smiles.]

I'm doing what I can. [ She raises her eyebrows in his direction.] Speaking of... Can I patch you up?

[ He's good at that. Making weird and mundane things look good. Don't tell him though, Patty. He'll feel self conscious. Or something.

But it's nice to get the helmet off. For his face to breathe. It's been a long day and it barely feels like it's started at the same time. He's definitely feeling the tired creep into his bones, but he knows that he'll be fine after a breathe. Back on his feet and moving in no time. ]

Yeah. [ He looks behind at him where the injury is. ] Probably should if I'm gonna be any good to people.

( at the first sign of danger, the building rumbling, the sound of pavement being ground up and steel frames bending, sara's on her feet, ripping her clothes off as fast as she can in order to suit up in her off-white, custom made canary suit, boots yanked on, bo staff in hand, and then she's out of her apartment. being on the top floor, her apartment's relatively unscathed, but she's not sure about safely getting out of the building via traditional means — thus she climbs out her window, uses the fire escape to get down to the ground as quickly and effectively as she can, running straight towards the danger.

the white canary nearly collides head-on with the former captain america.

sara stops abruptly, almost apologizes except — she knows that beardy face. it's steve rogers, decked out in full superhero regalia. she's known, obviously, there's something more to steve, but never having seen him outside of one of their apartments ...

she just blinks at him for a second, tries to find the right words. maybe a hi or a hello or maybe a so you're a vigilante, too. none of that feels right in the moment, though, and she merely locks eyes with him, gives him a nod of recognition, and asks, ) Where are we going?

( because with all the chaos happening around the city, this is clearly a team endeavor now. )

[ He will admit that this is probably awkward. It would be more awkward if there wasn't this much chaos. Being seen like this by someone that's never seen it first hand. Steve's just used to the world knowing what Captain America looks like. Used to them knowing that he'll be there with disaster strikes. Even if General Ross would prefer that he wasn't. For whatever she's going through about Steve like this he's going through it with seeing her in her suit. Blue and white. Not a bad combo.

But he's grateful for the simplicity. Because acknowledging that this is strange will do them no good. This is easier. Better. Quicker. Her question doesn't hang in the air for very. Steve hears a shout far enough and he jerks his head in the direction. ] This way. Come on. [ He has a general location, but he assumes that won't be the only scream from them he'll hear. He's moving. Running. Legs pumping as he pretty assumes that Sara will indeed follow him right into the jaws of chaos and destruction. She's certainly dressed for it. ]

On it.

( she may not have any superspeed or an enhanced physique, but sara lance makes damn well sure that she can keep up with the rest of them; steve takes off and sara's quick to follow, boots stomping against the pavement as she runs after him — hell, catches up with him, even.

another strained cry for help grabs sara's attention, makes her skid to a halt, call to him as her head whips around to survey their surroundings: ) — Steve, wait, over here!

( it's a teenaged kid, trapped between a jagged precipice of pavement that'd risen from the sidewalk and the fallen awning of the bodega they're in front of. shit. laser focused, sara runs towards him, crouches down low, eyes wide as she meets the kid's gaze and reassures him that: ) You're gonna be okay. We're gonna get you out of here, okay? Don't move too much if you can help it.

( head snapping towards steve again, she says, almost frantic, ) I think his ribs are broken. We gotta be careful.

[ She catches him. Alerts him to the distress call and he nods. He moves with her towards the downed citizen. The more he moves the more it all reminds him of New York. The invasion that left a lot of people buried in rubble and injured. He wishes constantly he could have done more that day. But he could only stretch himself so far with everything happening. There would always be causalities in incidents like that. He learned that causalities were inevitable after the war. And yet the whole reason Steve is here is to fix that.

He lets Sara talk to the boy. Instead he examines the scene before them. Finally Sara's voice shakes him out of thought and he looks at her. ] He'll be okay. [ He assures her. He's not gonna let anything happen to him. He looks at the teenage boy again and nods. ] You're gonna be okay. We're gonna get out of here.

[ Finally he's back to looking at Sara. It's all he can think to do. It's good she's here because he can't lift and help the kid at the same time. ] I'll lift and you help him get clear? If you have to go slow then go slow. I don't wanna injure him anymore than he already is.

Yeah. Yeah, I got him.

( with that confirmation in place, sara's attention turns back to the boy content that steve's got the debris covered; she's seen those muscles that he has hidden beneath his red, white, and blue costume. of course he's gonna have superstrength of some sort — which, much like steve, sara finds herself grateful for his presence.

the kid, she can handle. the awning, not so much. while steve lifts, she takes it upon herself to hold onto the boy's hands, let her thumbs brush over the top of his white knuckles, murmuring quiet platitudes to him. you're gonna be okay. stay as still as you can. almost there ... )

Right there, Steve — hold it right there, that's perfect. ( it gives sara just enough room to wrap her arms tightly around the boy's forearms, teeth gritted together as she rises to her feet, slowly and carefully as she can, pulling him out from underneath the rubble, his feet dragging through rocks and debris. she can't let go now, though; no, she can only hoist him up so all of his weight is leaned onto her shoulders, his arm draped around her neck. she'll drag the kid if she has to, as long as it means getting him to a medic somewhere. )

[ They can do this. They can work through this. She's got this kid covered. Keeping him calm. Keeping him from focused on the predicament that he's in. That's half the battle when helping people. Keeping them from losing their cool. It's not uncommon. You find yourself surrounded by chaos and destruction. Sometimes your mind just sort of shuts down. You find yourself slipping off into hysterics. But Sara has his focus. Keeping him from getting lost in whatever chaos his mind can conjure up about this situation.

Steve doesn't hesitate once he's got a grip. He holds tight and he lifts. Muscles rippling and pulling taut as he attempts to free this kid. There's no ceremonial grunt or anything. Steve's quiet as he holds it up. Waiting for Sara to get him clear. She reacts fairly quickly. Getting a grip on the kid and pulling on him. Dragging him. He holds it up. Keeps his grip and tries to not focus on the way his muscles burn. He's been through worse. But once he sees that Sara has pulled him clear he slowly lets it be lowered. Doesn't just drop it. Scared it could jostle and make more destruction. Down it goes.

Once it's stable he's going over to Sara. He comes up alongside the kid on the opposite side and loops his arm over his shoulders. Helping Sara support some of the kids dead weight as they start to move forward together. ] How's he looking?

Could be a hell of a lot worse, ( sara says with a relieved sigh as steve takes on some of the kid's weight, head turned towards him so she can really look at him.

though she was busy comforting the trapped kid, keeping him as calm as she could and telling him exactly what they were going to do, exactly what he shouldn't do, she wasn't too busy to notice the way steve very effortlessly hauled that awning up with seemingly minimal effort. sure, she's seen those muscles of his, traced fingers over his abdomen, felt strong hands at her hips — but it's so much different to see it in action, this unencumbered strength of his. she's only ever seen one person capable of such a feat, and supergirl's an alien.

her moment of appreciation is quickly diverted as the kid's eyelids droop closed and his body goes even more limp than it already was. ) — No, no, no. Listen. Listen to me. You have to stay awake, ( sara frantically demands, her volume increasing. the kid blinks his eyes back open, seems to be trying hard to follow her request. to steve: ) How many more blocks?

[ He tries to keep most of his abilities on the down low when he's with people. Not because he's trying to hide them, but it seems a little bit too much. He doesn't need people thinking he's trying to show off. After all these years he still lives by Abraham's words. He was going to be a good man. No matter what. They're gonna have to have that talk. He knows that. He knew it the moment she ran into him in the street. The superhero talk. Dealing with the realities of what they can do and what they mean to their worlds.

Steve's just trying to move forward with the kid and Sara when she notices it first. The kids eyes are drooping and he's getting tired. Which isn't good after an injury like that. He stops moving and turns his head to look at him. He looks forward again trying to calculate in his head. With all the chaos and the debris there's no telling how much longer. Saying how blocks they have left wouldn't do a damn thing if they had to take a detour. ]

I dunno.

[ With a grunt he shifts to take all of the kids weight. He swings him upward and into his arms. He starts to move forward. ]

Keep talking to him. Keep him awake. Hey, kid, can you tell Sara who you are? What do you do? I bet you they're gonna have to put a cast on your arm. I kinda wanna be the first one to sign it, but I'm willing to give that honor over to Sara if she wants.

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leaguer - 2017-10-02 03:41 (UTC) - Expand

[Finally out of the door and on the street. Matt is committed to keeping up the appearance of a Normal Blind Guy. That is all well and good but he is hearing a heart beat coming down to the asphalt at an alarming rate he tenses and turns holding his white cane in two hands as whoever--or whatever-- it is makes a remarkably smooth landing... and takes off running.

His lack of glasses make his head tilt and expression even more comedic.]

[ He's not an asshole, but he does have a one track mind sometimes. Which is why he makes it about forty steps beyond Matt before he slides to a stop. His brain putting together the image of a man holding a cane and looking more than little perplexed. He jogs back to him and comes to a stop. He's blind. At least that's what he's picking up with the way his eyes never truly find his and the cane sort of puts it together for him. ]

Sir, are you okay?

[The whole situation is rattling. An earthquake and everyone and everything around him is more erratic than usual.

The footsteps, the heartbeat come closer. Slow, calm. It reminds him of a march.]

Yeah. Just... Did something happen?

[Unless the shaking is something else? The dread is real and clutches at Matt's heart. The Incident was years ago and it's shadow casts far over his life in so many ways.]

...are you?

[Matt vaguely gestures from the building because that's sure as hell not normal.]

Yeah. An earthquake. As far as I can tell it's a real bad one.

[ Maybe Matt might recognize his voice. When Steve came out of the ice and hit the ground running with the alien invasion people wanted to talk to him. As far as they all knew Captain America was dead and gone. But once they saw him out there they wanted a word. A comment. An interview. Anything. Especially once the Smithsonian got involved in building to exhibit.

Steve follows to where he's gesturing and then looks back at him. ]

Oh. Yeah. My door--something was blocking it after the earthquake. I uh--took a shortcut. Saved time. [ It's not everyday he has situations like this. He's grown used to his life with the Avengers which put his communication with people to a minimum while working. ] I'm Steve. Can I help you get somewhere, sir? Somewhere a little safer maybe?

[This voice. This is a voice he knows. Should know. Matt's brow furrows and his expression is more strained. More confusion. He steps a little closer, seemingly guided by the cane.]

S'long as you're okay.

[Which is more than what he can say for the building itself. Or the people scrambling around them. He lightly shakes his head.] I'm Matt.

[Steve. A familiar Steve... Natasha's Steve?]

Is there a city hall or a public building? I thought I heard a message.

[His thoughts aren't usually so scattered.]

Takes a lot more than that to make a dent.

[ He smiles before he realizes that's likely not that reassuring to a man who can't quite see that smile. It falls away and he takes stock of the man. Making sure there aren't any cuts or bumps on him. Nothing sticking out. ]

Nice to meet you, Matt. Wish it was under better circumstances.

[ Unfortunately him and Natasha haven't talked about her dating habits. Not back in Eudio and not here. Both been a little busy. ]

Yeah. They're having people meet in the public gymnasium. You want me to give you a hand getting there? Not that I don't--I just--landscapes changed. [ Trying to be respectful. ] I wouldn't feel right just leave you out here.

I'll take your word for it.

[Because. Well. As far as Matt can tell he's just an exceedingly fit person. Right now Matt Murdock just looks like a guy who got out of bed like the rest of the town.]

Likewise, Steve. Hell of a way to meet the neighbors.

[He rubs the back of his neck. Twenty years of blindness and you get used to well intending efforts.]

A little head start would be nice. I don't want to impose. People are going to need help.

[ Very fit, Matt. Very fit indeed.

But if this place wasn't going to work together because than he's pretty sure this earthquake might actually do the trick. Not that he doubts the people here. He's always had more faith in people than the system. What they'd want. What they'd do. ]

I uh--I think there more than a few people out there assisting.

[ He nods. ]

This is just as important. Let's get you some place safe huh?

EVENT: SHAKE THINGS UP.

steve rogers | open

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WELL I THOUGHT I TAGGED THIS ugh

LOL. it's okay.

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a, surprise surprise

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