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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 13:31:41 GMT -5
Sarn moved suddenly in the midst of his restless shifting; Ro immediately put a hand to his shoulder to push him back to a resting position, but he fell back on his own. “I caused it, I made this happen. It’s my fault.” The tears were wetting his face now, running in little rivulets over his cheeks and onto the ground. “I’m sorry, dear one … So very sorry …”
"You're awake." It was the first thing that came to Ro's mind, and she couldn't think of what else to say. Her normal response, the one she'd gotten plenty of practice with pages, was to give them a good smack with either the flat of her sword or a palm, and then say whatever harsh and honest opinion was on her mind. Failing in that, she'd leave them in the hands of someone more capable and sympathetic.
This, on the other hand...she had a few things to say about blaming himself for whatever it was that had happened, and, for that matter, flying off without getting her or anyone else from the Castle, but the raw emotion in his words sealed her words. The 'dear one', she figured, wasn't directed to her, but even so. Saying anything at this point would be like kicking a shivering, rain-drenched puppy. So she said nothing and returned to tending to his wounds, a little relieved that it seemed to be working this time. The downed knight winced a little from the pain--her hands, like the rest of her, weren't exactly gentle--but she was finally able to stand and wash the blood from her hands. If only she could get the scent from her nose.
"I would ask you more," she said tiredly, "but I doubt either of us want to hear it now. We should rest here." She whistled to the side, and called "Cima! Aquí!" The horse shied a few steps closer, eyes wary of Sarn. She went up and fished bread from her bag for them both.
And yet, to fall out of the sky...he must have been determined, or an idiot. Possibly both, but from the look he'd had on his face, she was leaning towards the former. "We'll move as soon as you feel up to it." And not a moment sooner.
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Post by Draco on Dec 14, 2009 17:36:35 GMT -5
<<Choppa Crash Site>>
Gil looks at Sytra and smiles, eying her hand. He bows waving one arm to his chest (with the aid kit in it), and the other arm to his back (much like a fancy butler would).
"My name is Gil Maxwell. I hail from the city of Brassport, from a realm not like this one. Our technology is steamed power and alchemy is strong. I was on a scouting trip of this new land when I came about you and your vehicle. I figured now would be a good time to make contact with the natives of this land."
He stands up straight and holds the kit out. "It's not much, but it can at least patch up your scratches. I have a shop back home that could fix this machine of yours, but that would mean traveling back on foot to get a transport airship."
He points to his own airship. "And at most, my Fantome can only hold one of you. I also don't think it could fly very well with it's wing damaged. I could probably drive it on it's wheels..." He spaces out for a few moments thinking then returns attention to the Mercs.
"So, who are you and what land is this realm called? And is there any chance I can examine your machine in the future?"
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Post by Jina on Dec 14, 2009 18:43:18 GMT -5
Merpo's House
"Hold on and watch the spikes, everyone. You, boy? Jump." Jina grabbed on to a spike, but when the Blarf jumped, she was thrown up into the air and couldn't hold on. She landed back on the Blarf, somehow missing the spikes, and rolled off to the side. "Ow. Remind me not to fall off the Blarf."
Jina picked herself up. Hunty said something about shooting first, so she drew her dagger, then went over to the door. "I bet we get chased away by a rainbow-coloured security drone."
The Rubble Sandra arrived back at the hiding spot in the rubble. Patri looked over at her. "He went for help, but he shouted up at whoever is on that roof." Patri pointed, and Sandra could just make out Vyt's silhouette.
"Alright. We sh-" Sandra perked up. "What was that?" They looked around, and saw Kwoi's transformation.
"Whoever that is, I think it will be going in the hospital," said Patri.
"I agree... but I think we should knock it out and throw it in, rather than let it walk in on it's own."
"Why?"
"It might just go in there and transform into something bigger. We don't want the hospital being destroyed."
"Alright, but we'd better get whoever's on the roof, too, just in case." Patri got onto Sandra's back. Sandra transformed into a Roc, and flew up off the ground.
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Post by Celestial on Dec 14, 2009 19:08:22 GMT -5
Brassport"She's a witch!" rose a cry from one of the assembled people. Celestial looked in their direction, trying to smile but made it very noticeable that her smile was shaking. They were only making her job easier this way. "There're so many more people like myself. But I mean you no harm. I'm only here with a warning, against the other guilds of this world. If you choose to not believe me, it will onyl create more problems for you," she said to them, trying to look victimised here. They are terrified. This is perfect.Spacefleet NetworkSlowly but surely, she was making her way to the satellite control centre. Mooks were crawling all over the place, as would be expected but most of them went down like chumps. Spacefleet should really recolour their security system from red to a nice shade of green. The traps too were evadable and the codes, were no problem. It was amazing scrambling up something could do. Whoever controls the code controls the network! The Author did not know if she would find an army waiting for her at the control site or something else. All she knew was that for now, the big guy who she was so keen to face was staying put. No fun. Honestly, she really should have went for life support, not for messing with but for encountering more fun enemies. Oh wonderful, another regular trap. This one was an encryption labyrinth, one which changed the codes every few minutes. As well as that, it had laser traps installed into bricks in a random order and placed at intervals a trap that if activated scrambled up your code so that any program was unable to function and was trapped forever, aware of everything. A fate worse than death. What a beautiful, high risk challange until some NPC showed up and gave her a battle. Changing into a white catsuit to better suit the mood of this escapade and waited until the code shift. She conjured up a special headset that would allow her to see the lasers. The code scrambler she'd just have to try to avoid. Because godmode was getting fairly boring now. 1...2...3... Taking a breath to match the atmosphere as AIs didn't breathe, The Author dashed forward, under the first laser and over the second. She weaved and dodged the lasers elaborately, sometimes coming within hair's breadth of triggering one. 4...5...6...The first code scramble trap was coming up. She'd have to go through it quickly and not even think about it, any action on her part that verified its existance would trigger it immediately. The fourth wall, the fourth wall, the fourth wall shattering noisily somewhere. She dashed through. There was no feeling of being burnt alive or similar sensations which only could hope to rival the most amazing body horror. The first hurdle was clear. 7...8...9...Acid pool. That wasn't forseen but honestly, so typical. The Author simply accelerated, heading towards it and turning at the last possible second. Her feet scaled the walls and she didn't even think about the laws of this world which would knock her on this shoulder and ask her what the hell she thought she was doing. 10...11...12...Another code scrambler. Same as last time, don't look. Don't think. Don't blink. It was like that one Doctor Who episode with the statue. Predictably, as she was a PC, she made it through this trap too. 13...14...15She was close to the exit now...so close...why were all these traps possible to evade anyway? Oh yeah, plot advancement. Anyway, she made it across like you would expect with just enough time to spare to have her heel caught in the encryption and become part of the program forever. No big loss. The catsuit changed back into her normal suit. She was here, at last. To her surprise, there were no guards at all. The Author cautiously put her hand onto the door of the satellite control centre. Sure enough, there was encryption and barriers everywhere. As well as one other thing. "Greetings, I am a HUL computer. What is your business here?" a red eye asked, lighting up on the door. The Author turned towards the audience and more specifically, the writer with a look that can be described only as . "You didn't..."
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Post by Goosh on Dec 14, 2009 19:16:47 GMT -5
((Merpo's Pad))
Kassandra had been happily examining the finer points of Merpo's machine for around an hour when the doorbell rang. But the gentle chime held a deep, stirring malevolence about it, hinting of a danger lurking within, warning her of something sinister making its way silently and forcefully toward her--
Oh, the magic was coming back. She could feel it.
"I'll answer it!" she said, heading for the stairs, not waiting or caring to see if Merpo followed. Up two flights of stairs, across four landings, and through three sitting rooms she ran, without ever stopping. Stamina was one of her strong suits--well, she had a lot of strong suits, but stamina was one of her stronger strong suits.
The front foyer was huge but neglected. Dust collected on an ornate chandelier dangled precariously from the ceiling. The floorboards groaned in agony under her feet as she crossed the room and stared through the peephole.
Her. Leaning against the walls and boredly examining her fingernails. The wretched, the filth, the scum that had defiled her home--here, now, just asking to be run through with a sword? The runes on her blade, which she had had forged for her after the pirate plundered hers, glowed with a lavender light.
She was about to yank the door open when she paused. As eager as she was to take down the villain who had stormed into her temple and tore her story to so many gossamer pieces, she had brought her gang with her. A few new additions, and some missing--she didn't see the shapeshifter among them.
And she wasn't at full strength. This was a new story, and a tricky one to master. She took a deep breath, letting potential words flow through her.
She'd been training her in this old mansion, under the tutelage of her old and wise--well, old--tutor, Merpo. Waiting for the day that justice would be hers, where she could do honour to her house and rid the world of the thieving parasite who had stolen from her. And now that chance was waiting at her doorstop, swearing under its breath.
own the story, write it, make it yours
She advanced towards the door, her breathing heavy, the sword in her hand glowing bright.
control it, it's yours, it belongs to you
She turned the knob.
and no one else
The door opened.
((Outside Chez Merpo))
"Anyway, we should all be on our guard. I mean, Merpo didn't seem all that threatening, but I don't trust him as much as I could see him under all those clothes."
The door opened.
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Post by Nasuella on Dec 14, 2009 19:44:47 GMT -5
Outside Merpo's YE GODS HOW RICH IS THIS GUY?!
Unexpectedly, the blarf had leaped over a freaking gate, landing close to the entrance of a mansion. Out of sheer panic Nasue grabbed some of his fur with her mouth and hands, almost flailing in the air before coming back down on the larger creature with a heavy thud.
Shhhhhh--notmyribs!
The coati climbed down from the blarf, taking care not to hurt herself any further. As she did so, the captain--Huntress, she reminded herself--gave the crew some orders before telling her (the newbie) to use her judgement. Made sense, since the whole "barely knowing you" thing was mutual.
"I-I think I'll stay close to the door, then," she said. "In case we need to get out quickly."
Getting out quickly would definitely be appreciated - aside from the pain her cracked/broken ribs were causing her, another throbbing headache had come up. While she didn't want to show it, it made moving up to the door a bit more difficult.
Then, the door opened. Out came--
Nasue fought the urge to cry out in pain as her headache suddenly intensified.
--
Tabloid Town
It all happened so quickly. One moment she and the feline were more-or-less alone, and the next--they weren't. A giant bird with someone on its back appeared, and flew up towards the feline. And judging from the bird's body language, they were not being friendly.
darn! Kwoi burst into a run, shifting wings onto her back before leaping up. Flapping her wings to gain height, she threw herself at the bird, hoping to slam it out of the air or at least grab onto it as she fell.
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Post by Bacon on Dec 14, 2009 23:21:25 GMT -5
Merc Crash Site
"I think I'm okay. Who're you? It's a pretty dumb idea to be flying around over here at a time like this."
"No, what's dumb is climbing into a tiltrotor without a certified pilot onboard." Clint mumbled to himself as he looked over the wreckage. It was barely recognizable as a V-22, and then only because of the plane's unique design. "A waste of good ol' American engineering."
"My name is Gil Maxwell. I hail from the city of Brassport, from a realm not like this one. ...So, who are you and what land is this realm called? And is there any chance I can examine your machine in the future?"
"We're the mercs. I'm Clint Thunder." Clint threw a brief salute to Gil, before gesturing at the other mercs respectively, "To my left is our landlord, Scar. Over here is Jernath... that's our not-quite-pilot, Sytra... and... I don't really know these two by name."
Clint finished by putting his hands on his hips and looking at the two newer recruits with a confused face. "I want to say Wilbert and Raven, but I don't think that's right..."
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Moonlight
Frequent Visitor
-insert something witty here-
Posts: 153
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Post by Moonlight on Dec 14, 2009 23:53:23 GMT -5
~Chopper Wreckage~
"We're the mercs. I'm Clint Thunder." Clint threw a brief salute to Gil, before gesturing at the other mercs respectively, "To my left is our landlord, Scar. Over here is Jernath... that's our not-quite-pilot, Sytra... and... I don't really know these two by name."
"It's Wilhelm," Wil cleared it up and stepped over to Clint and Gil and smirked a little. "I would never accept the name Wilbert. Never liked that kind of name." He reached out his hand to Gil, not quite remembering his name.
"I guess it'll be tricky to get back on course after this. Though we really should get a designated pilot next time..."
He wasn't blaming Sytra(that was her name, right? Yeah) for it, and at least they were safe. But they should really get someone who could fly a "Choppa" next time they make a big escape like that.
~Mage Manor outside office~
Quietly twisting the handle on the door, Juverna peered inside the hair-thin crack, scanning the room. A white cat sat stretched on a chair in the far corner, paying close attention to the whatever rubbish the mages were speaking about.
Liyer.
Clutching the handle tightly, she ignored all the others in the office and swung the door open, making a swift beeline towards the feline and not exactly realizing that acting before you think was a BAD idea.
But that had always been a fault of hers.
I have nothing against you personally, cat...
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Post by Omni on Dec 15, 2009 1:32:42 GMT -5
Mage Manor - an office
Omni continued pacing nervously. At least, until a voice spoke up.
"Does it have something to do with the two mages that recently came out of the Underdeep? I don't know about you, but there's something about them that makes me suspicious, I just can't think what it is."
Omni paused. "Actually... yes. You see... I can sense auras. I thought I felt something... Underdeep-like enter them before they were pulled in. I couldn't feel it after they got out, but their emotions, especially Rikku's, felt odd. Well, odd for them. I think they're possessed. No wait, I think that would feel different... maybe influenced? Or at least have a spell on them?"
"Oh, by the way, before I forget, I'm Lupehunter. My real name is Ian Park, but I prefer Lupehunter."
Lupehunter... Omni tried to learn that name, unsure of how well she would do. At least it was easier to remember than his real name. She held out her own hand, taking his. "Omniscia. You can call me Omni."
About then, the door burst open, causing Omni to jump and unintentionally dig her claws into Lupehunter's hand. In the midst of the excitement, she hadn't noticed that a cat had snuck in. And this little surprise caused her to forget to say 'sorry.'
She tried to think of something to say to the girl who just interrupted, and failed.
*****
Tabloid Town - spaceport
"Well, let's see," Fraze replied sarcastically, rubbing his chin. "The Underdeep is expanding at an unbelievably fast rate, it's broken out at Mage Manor and a host of other places, at least one person has been killed by it, and a hacker has broken into Spacefleet's security system. That's about it. What's going on with you? It looks like you're really in a rush somewhere."
Ethan blinked, unfamiliar with things the natives. "Wait, how's the Under-"
"Commander! Something's attacked the area near the Tabloid Town hospital. Many of the buildings around the hospital have been damaged, but the hospital itself seems undamaged. Also, Royal Envoy Shade, the ninja Vyt, and I encountered and fought a strange monster earlier. It dissolved into dust and went into the hospital. I came here for backup. I left one of my minitanks here in storage, I can get it out and bring it with whoever else you're sending to investigate."
Ethan paused. An underground cave that kills people, and strange dust entering a hospital? That was something he definitely hadn't encountered before. And if said homicidal cave had expanded to a certain building...
He turned back to Leoness. "Are you sure you want to head for the manor? If not, I think the people in the hospital could use your help."
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Post by Scar on Dec 15, 2009 1:37:37 GMT -5
- Mercs, Crashed Choppa -
Scar opened his eyes. Ah, it seems they had managed to land safely. Osprey was a mess but he'd seen worse. Already he could hear the others climbing out of the wreckage and thought to himself, maybe I should get out too.
"I guess it'll be tricky to get back on course after this. Though we really should get a designated pilot next time..."
"Well there wasn't anyone else around at the time was there?" Scar snapped hoarsely from his seat, glaring out the window beside him at the small group of Mercs and a strange looking man. Could it have been the person flying that machine earlier? Perhaps.
Oh right, he needed to get out of the seat. How silly, he should've done so a while ago.
And what's this? He patted his right leg with one paw and raised it to his face. There seems to be some sort of sticky fluid on my pants. I know about this but I can't recall ...
Scar snapped his fingers weakly. Ah yes, blood. How did that get there?
Then he saw the three foot long shard of bent metal sticking out of his femur.
That would be it. I think I'll take a short nap. That would be great.
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Post by Jina on Dec 15, 2009 3:37:27 GMT -5
((Kwoi - I'll give Vyt a chance to respond before I do anything in the fight.))
Outside Mage Manor Halin and Corenu arrived near the large purple building. ((Hey look, it's Barney again. =P)) They stopped to take a look at it.
"Yes... the Underdeep is very strong here. I can tell by the feeling in my stomach," said Halin.
"I'm too busy paying attention to the feelings in my head. This place is magical, we should be careful."
"I shall lead the way, then. Be ready to shield us." With that, they approached the Manor.
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Post by Strife on Dec 15, 2009 5:02:25 GMT -5
The Commander sat cross-legged in the center of the second floor of Gil's shop, and the fifth floor of the entire building. Apparently, the shop was twice as big as he first realized, with an entire garage on the top floor. Vehicle parts, as well as unfinished vehicles, were spead across the edges of the walls. There was even enough room for a small airstrip. Perhaps the people of this city were technologically adept afterall...
During the past half hour or so, The Commander had rummaged through Gil's parts and salvaged enough materials to fully repair his jet boots and personal flame shield. They weren't as heavily damaged as his Leech gun, and as much as he would have liked to keep it, he had to scrap the weapon. In its current condition, it would be useless against his fast-moving, hard-hitting foes. In addition, he had also managed to repair the hole in his chest plate from when he drove 'himself' into Hunty's rune sword.
With his eyes firmly closed, he levitated just a few centimeters off the ground, with his right hand raised as though he was holding a mystical orb in it (which he was not). As he did this, various vehicle parts and pieces of metal floated through the air in front of him, seeming to have minds of their own as they snapped themselves together. Because metal was a product of raw earth, he discovered that he could manipulate metallic objects in almost the same manner as stone. Stone was still easier to rip out of the ground, though.
As the parts danced with each other and assembled themselves, The Commander held the gem fragment in his left hand that was once used to power his Leech gun. He dipped his head backwards, held it over his mouth, and dropped it in, swallowing it in one gulp.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2009 7:00:01 GMT -5
Sarn accepted his share of the bread gladly, nodding his thanks to his fellow knight as he did, then regretting the action as his head exploded with pain. His whole body gave a violent spasm before he slumped back once more, twitching slightly. His shallow breathing was broken by intermittent moans of pain and every now and then, he would lose track of everything around him. The pain would consume him utterly and the Feberi would be lost to the conscious world for minutes at a time.
He nibbled at his bread when he had the strength but every movement sent agonizing pain stabbing through him. The night was long.
At times, Sarn would attempt to say something. At first he would speak coherent sentences, albeit pausing to gasp or wince. Things such as murmuring his thanks to Lady Ro for her aid or trying, in vain, to make some sort of conversation, hoping to distract himself from his torture. But as the night progressed, he slipped further into the depths of delirium.
“There was darkness and,” he paused to pant before continuing, “fear all around. I felt it and … and then there was something else on the other side. My sister was there. I needed to bring her here so I started trying to pull her through and then the earthquake and everything fell to pieces … the ruins … the Underdeep is growing because of the rift and I made the rift grow … And Brassport … I never meant to pull the whole city through … I wanted my dove …”
Post confession, Sarn’s ramblings turned to the vague and incoherent. His words became garbled and he mumbled about nothing in particular until finally, his eyes closed, his breathing evened out and his body relaxed. Sleep washed over him in the early hours of the morning and, when he woke in the dawn, much of the pain had subsided. He needed to reach Brassport and he needed to convince Lady Ro that he was well enough to continue.
Doing his best to sit up without wincing, Sarn glanced at the other knight. “Did you sleep at all, my lady?” he asked politely, genuine concern evident in his voice.
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Post by Ian Wolf-Park on Dec 15, 2009 8:47:30 GMT -5
Mage Manor
Lupehunter winced in pain as soon as Omni's sharp claws dug into his hand, causing some bleeding to occur. She had been startled by something.
"Whoever you are, what do you want from us?" he asked whoever entered the room.
A few seconds later, he sensed something outside the manor. He knew he had to let Omni know about it.
"Omni, I have a bad feeling about this. My wolf's intuition tells me that there's someone or something outside the manor and I think they're going to attack us."
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Post by Vyt: Down, but Not Out on Dec 15, 2009 9:27:02 GMT -5
((Tabloid Town))
When Bird instantly stopped, Vyt took no step further. It had been looking behind for quite some time. Just for the benefit of a doubt, the catboy took the chance that he was spotted. However, the transformation that appeared right in front of him was probably the main reason. Bird's size increased dramatically, and the feathers that instantly turned into scales would have been a sight to behold.
Only Vyt was not stirred. Is Bird really a friend or a foe? Something is deeply wrong. His animal instincts could tell him, for half of him was troubled for some sort. His knees trembled and shook, though only mildly in fear or premonition.
The catboy grasped the wound on his shoulder; it seem to have healed somehow. However, he was not happy at this sight. "Great. I needed blood for that."
And as soon as he realigned his sight at Bird, another creature had appeared. Was this the one Bird was warning him about? No, this was just probably disturbed by Bird's transmogrification. It could have scared anyone in this delicate situation.
The seconds it took for Vyt to see this scene was enough for him to focus some of his energy upon his hands.
"I don't know who is who and why you all are here, but if you're putting me in the crossfire, BOTH OF YOU WILL REGRET FACING ME."
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