Crumbled Taco: The RP Archive

[Andrew]

This is the archive for Crumbled Taco, my big summer RP. I've collected everything to store here so the sub-board doesn't have to linger around forever or take up space in memory lane. If you're reading for the first time, then welcome! There are a few implied spoilers for various games/stories, but nothing big.

---

Part 01: The Day of Peace

SPOILER: Click to show

{A field just outside the city}

*Tables with snacks/drinks on them, balloons, picnic tables, and games are spread around.*

It's nice, but... Peaceful Day festival days are on the end of the month, right? Why'd you set it up now?

Lucas, please. *waits for everyone to arrive*

"Okay, are you SURE there will be cake here?"

"Heck no. But free food is free food. Doesn't matter to me either way. And are you sure you should be walking again already? Stepping on swords can't be good for your… feet tendons or whatever…"

*Shriek and Jason walk into the area, both on all fours*

I'm fine, Jason.

Right, whatever you say, Captain.

*a faint red blur can suddenly be seen zipping around everywhere*

*walks over* ...Quick, calm down before I have to use my time stopper. >_>

*stops abruptly by the snack table, almost looking as though he appeared out of nowhere* Aw c'moooon, I'm just excited.

_{Too excited, if ya ask me...}

Chloe: he has every right to be excited FOOD 8^U

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif

[/img] *saunters in* All I'm sayin' is, if you're going to break the laws of physics you might as well do it in style.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/RaptorHappy.gif[/img] *just grins as she follows in*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSNorm.gif[/img] ...Yeah, I'm sure. *looks around* What's going on, some sort of celebratory bash?

Shadow: *walks in, followed soon by Azzie*

*voices can be heard in the distance*

...I mean, you know I've got work to do-
All work and no play makes for a boring character that never shows up. Come on, interact with people!

: *walks up* Alright, fine. :I

Bettyming: THAT'S THE SPIRIT :^D

And that's when I told them that you need elephants to breathe.

I'm going to walk away now. *walks to one of the tables*

Hello, everyone.

*Another blur zips by, coming up to Quick and Flash*

HI GUYS what are you up to these days?

HI BETTS

Well hey hey, it's everyone favorite mad scientist! You know, I heard there's a robot who likes SCIENCE, the Ambassador said something about you meeting them…

Blues: *trying very hard to look like a semi-regular patron and not someone only here for the food*

*bats at her ankles and wrinkles nose* You are allowed to be here, you know.

Blues: *grimaces* Shush, and run interference between me and the buffet table.

*meanwhile*

Miles: *saunters in on the edge of the festivities, curious and wide-eyed*

Bettyming: HI TORKIE
Oh really now~ I shall have to meet them eventually!

: ... *sits down and starts looking over notes*

Torkie:YES INDEED their name is Bursty >:}D chloe says he'll have nightmares for weeks, huehuehue

Bettyming: I HOPE THIS "BURSTY" FELLOW DOESN'T THINK HE CAN OUT-SCIENCE _ME

Chloe: not poor Bursty sfdkjh ;o;

Torkie: sorry chlo :'D

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSSmile.gif[/img] *tips his hat towards the detective* Well, if it isn't Joseph Byrne! Haven't seen you around recently. Been up to any interesting snooping as of late?

: Just the usual sort of work, Sleuth. You?

Bettyming: SO MANY PEOPLE AROUND HELLOOOOO EVERYONE *twirls*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSHeh.gif[/img] Well, there was that curious incident with the rhinoceros the other afternoon, but other than that not much.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/Raptor.gif[/img] *gnaws on one of the table legs*

: *hops out of a pipe that sinks back into the ground afterward* Let's a-party!

: *warps in*

: Aren't you...?

: I am Meta Knight, of Dreamland. I had a fight in the Arena, but I came here to visit the town.

: *walks in* Hi guys!

: *also walks in* ...

*Looks up* ? *Glances back* Ah, Meta! Good to see you again. Welcome to town.

: Thank you, Captain. How are you feeling?

Better, though I did get quite a bit of lip for stepping on a sword. And then General James said—

Oooh, cake! *Grabs some*

Aw, I was gonna have that slice…

Hi Hunter!

Hello, Luigi. Back from your adventures?

Chloe: BYRNEY *clings*

Hey Speedy!

*rolls his eyes, but smirks good-naturedly anyways* Oh joy, Quick in stereo...

*nudges Flash with his elbow* Not a lot really. :B How 'bout you?
Hey, you're just jealous. *Pokes Flash's helmet* And I'm doing fine, nothing too spectacular. I spoke with a nervous younger brother through a door a few days ago, nothing much other than that.

Pfft. What's there to be jealous of?

_{Oh, I dunno, just a little something called ha-}

Shut. It. >_>

*snickers* Alright, alright. A younger brother, eh? Nervous... was it Magnet? ._.

No, it was Burstman. He… seemed surprised to hear from me. Said something about second gen being really old? I didn't quite get it, and he kept the door closed.

: *pushes away, still looking at notes* Hi Chloe.

Bettyming: even when i drag you to a picnic you're still working :I

Chloe: *staaaaaares at the notes* whatcha doin' whatcha doin' whatcha doin' whatcha doin' whatcha-

Thaaaaat's enough from you. >_>

: *partially covers notes with hand* Looking at case notes.

Chloe: Is it a murder mystery 8^U
who died
was it you

Don't make me freeze time and dump the punch bowl over your head.

Chloe: they are legitimate questions man jeez >:'|

: Hi Drew!

: Oh yeah! *begins rambling*

: *walks over to the table and gets something to drink*

What's up?

I... I see. Excuse me *runs*

: Not much. What's up with you?

: But wait, I was about to get to the best part! *tries to find somebody who will listen to him*

Just visiting this Peaceful Day. Interesting, isn't it?

... Please stay away from me, Luigi.

Shadow: *keeps eyeing the food table* *keeps sitting, waiting for something to happen*

Azzie: *braiding some grass for no reason*

Blues: *rolls eyes and taps Shadow on the shoulder, gesturing to the food table* Come on, little guy. You look as hungry as I am. *glances around and snorts* And we're not alone, it looks like the most popular thing here.

: Mm. *points to the raptor with pencil* D'you want her to be doing that?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] What? *looks over* Oy, you. *motions at the raptor* Quit mackin' on that leg!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/Raptor.gif[/img] *ducks out of the way*

Exactly why are we going to this thing again?

Why not?

.....

Exactly. Just enjoy yourself. There is food, and I know how much you enjoy food. Also, people, and I know how much you enjoy people. Just don't do anything stupid

Blah, blah, talk talk. You guys are boring.

-Maddy comes into view, followed by Xander and Dimitri-

Azzie: =D Hi guys! *runs over*

*Ports in rapidly, dragging Starla in tow with her shadow-porting.*

Starla: *Looks unsettled.* Guella, could you please slow down? ;

*Stops and lets go.* Oh, sorryStarla. Butlook, wehave food!

Starla: Are we going to the playground later then?

Yup! *Ports over to the food table.*

Starla: Well, I guess I could use something to eat. *She walks over to the table with Guella.*

Shade & Maria: *sitting at a table away from the commotion with a small plate of snacks*

Maria: *nibbling on a pretzel* So, what do you think this thing is about..?

Shade: *shrugs*

-

: *leaning against a tree, thinking* So, have you noticed anything interesting yet, brother?

•: *currently in the form of his sister's gas mask* Not really..

-

Sage: *sitting cross-legged on the ground, and is tinkering with their arms*

Xander: ZI-ZI! -flings self around Azzie-

Dimitri: :/

Maddy: Azzie, hi! -jumps up and down excitedly-

Azzie: *hugs Xander* ^_^ How are you all?

Xander: Super duper~

Dimitri: Mph.

Maddy: I'm good, how are you Azzie?


*A fireball went whizzing through the air, arcing over people's heads.*

Jace! Don't do that!

Oh, lighten up!

Shadow: *ducks*

*Also ducks the fireball* !

: Was that a..?

•[/color]: Random fire ball? Yup. Why don't you go talk to the guy that threw it?

: *looks around for Jace, looking rather lost*

Azzie: Good! ^_^ You okay there, Mr. Dimitri?

Dimitri: Hmm... oh, fine, fine. Just lost in thought.

Xander: He's jealous of you!

Maddy: -giggles like a maniac-

Chloe: *sits on Azzie's head*

Y'know, it's a good thing you're a ghost. ._.;

Azzie: *looks up* Hai Chloe. =D

Chloe: Yo Azzles B^U
did you know that your head is comfy

: Heh. I've seen a lot of weird things around, but I still wonder how we got a dinosaur.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSNorm.gif[/img] Better than some unspeakably horrifying eldritch demon, that's what I say. i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] Though I heard we have a few of those as well...

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/Raptor.gif[/img] *jumps up on the table, overturning a tray of food on accident*

: Heard about- *points at her again* Uh, she's on the table now.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincLaugh.gif[/img] *ports in, tackling Guella* Hihihiii Guella! How'reya doin?

*Giggles as she's tackled and she starts to wrestle with Glinc.* HiGlincy! I'maw-awesomehow'boutyou?!

Starla: *A smile appears on her face as she watches Guella and Glinc.*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincSmile.gif[/img] Doin'supercool myself, heehee! C'mon, letsget some snacks! *runs over to one of the tables*

Cool! Yeah,let'sgo! Iwanna getdere first! *She starts running over to the tables.*

Shadow: Oh! Hi! *hurries over to the table with Blues* Good idea. Do you know what's happening here?[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

*Everything continues normally for a while, until...*

*BOOM*

[/color]

!!

... What?

*A huge explosion rings out in the distance, knocking out some buildings in the city*

Azzie: *JUMPS* O__O

Shadow: *also jumps a little* .__. W-what was that? *holds tight to the food table*

: *jumps at the explosion* Holy- what was that?!

Bettyming: _{oh snap}

*Stops dead in her tracks as she looks towards the explosion.* ...

Starla: ! *Runs to the Glicons and puts herself in front of them as she faces the explosion and draws her sword.*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/Raptor.gif[/img] *looks up from her tray*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] ...That can't be good.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *suddenly stops* Whoah... whawas that? *ports around eagerly*

...Iono! *She starts porting around with him.*

Starla: Stay behind me! (I want to go check it out... But I can't leave them behind...) _{...I just hope no one got hurt...}

Maddy: EXPLOSIONS!

Dimitri: What was that?

Xander: -shrugs-

Blues: *head snaps up at the explosive sound* Nothing that sounds good.

Miles: *eyebrows hovering somewhere around his hairline* Dark and empty of life in a neon nightscape- not as unusual as that. It sounds like a clumsy cloud-scraping giant gave a misstep.

*just about jumps a mile in the air* WHADDAHGjsdfgjhds

*unable to contain his snort of laughter* Good thing you ain't human, Quick, you look like you woulda wet yourself just now.

*grumbles and glares at him* >_>

Seriously, Quick, you live with a guy with bombs for hands and explosions still make ya jump? *smirks looks over to where the explosion had come from* Seriously though, that don't sound good...

: GAH! *hides behind Badd*

: ...

: *draws sword* What was that!?

: ...

!!!

*Take off into the air at once!*

Rahu & Maria: *both instantly look towards the explosion, then at each other. Rahu smiles*

Rahu: Looks like something exciting is happening today.

-

: *stops looking for Jace, and turns slowly towards the explosion* Please tell me that you had nothing to do with that...

•[/color]: Surprisingly, no..

-

Sage: *looks up from tinkering to glance at the smoke now rising before returning their attention to their arm*

Jamy: *rushes in* Was anyone hurt?

Jace: *strolls in with his hands in his pockets*

Shadow: Hopefully no one was there...

Blues: *darkly* Yes, in the middle of the day in the city.

Vapor: *gives her a disapproving look* *noses Shadow* :< I'm sure the city has protections in place for this kind of thing. How many moons have we crashed, now?

*Trying to gain altitude to see what's going on* Man, if Kristoph heard about this while on his vacation, he'd really flip it…

Jace: Wasn't me.

Everyone, come on! *runs towards the site*

: *several hundred odd-looking soldiers in black/green uniforms start charging out from around the site of the explosion in various directions, some are holding a peculiar flag*

Dimitri: -under his breath to me- This is why you should of let me bring a gun.

Maddy: -hides behind Dimitri- Who are they???

Xander: -clings to Dimitri's right arm- They look really scary.

Dimitri: No use cowering. -follows Lucas to the site, Maddy and Xander following-

: *follows Lucas, avoiding the soldiers*

*zips to the site*

*runs along after him* Jeez, slow down, would ya??

*skids to a halt* Who the heck are these guys? .__.

*holds onto his buster, just in case* How am I supposed to know?

Starla: Who could they--?

Letsgo Glincy! *She starts porting after Lucas.*

Starla: Wait! *She starts running after them, sword out, preparing herself for trouble.*

Jace and Jamy: *follow!*

Jace: What are those?

Jamy: They kind of look like robots!

Jace: Where's Sov when we need him?!

Azzie: *starts flying over*

Shadow: *looks around, bewildered, and stays near Blues*

*Many colorful shrieking curses can be heard from the Eyries*

*Puts a hand to his launcher* This does NOT look good.

([Confound] it! Not this again!)

Blues: *narrows her eyes at the sight of the charging figures and draws a short blade*

Miles: *appears at her shoulder, making faint tsk-ing sounds* Bringing weapons to a peace celebration? How forward-thinking, to protect the calm of the storm with the tornado.

Blues: *starts and then glares at him* You're complaining? Really?

Miles: *shrugs* They could be lime-colored girl scouts. You're so jumpy, really, miss.

Shadow: *was not aware we had crashed any moons, but is not surprised* I don't think those are girl scouts..

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/RaptorFade.gif[/img] *phases out*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] *runs up to the site* ...*reaches towards his hat cautiously*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] *follows after Guella nervously*

: Who are you!?

: ...

: What's going on?

: I don't like this...

Rahu: *mutters to Maria* I'm not the kind to follow, but this seems exciting enough...

Maria: Yea! C'mon, lets go have some fun!

*both follow after Lucas*

-

: Should we follow him? I don't know his background yet...

•[/color]: Oh, come on! You always have to be so cautious! It's laame! If your not going, I am!

: *turns into human form, standing beside his sister. He begins to jog after Lucas, looking back at Haruki* C'mon sis, let's go do something exciting!

: *rolls her eyes, then follows after*

-

Sage: *glancing at all the people moving in the same direction, they somewhat mindlessly stand up, and follow the crowd, not really knowing why*

*The soldiers all assemble and stop behind one person*

Hold it right there!

Who are you?

I'm the General of the NPC Army. I'm here to tell you that we'll be liberating your city from you and your Writer tyranny now.

That's an inconvenience.

... NPC?

We are the NPCs. You understand, the characters in the background who never do anything? They're implied to be there populating the city but they don't have magic, flashy weapons, or grand adventures? Nobody actually writes them? That's us, and we're tired of having you people in charge wrecking our lives. Using us just like we're not even humans. We'll be assuming control now. *points* ATTACK!

x50: *charge at everyone!*

Blues: Shadow! Don't crowd under my feet. *nods at Miles* You've got a louder voice than I do. Call up the noncombatants and get them behind people who know what they're doing. *approaches the site*

Miles: Oh, oh, as you wish, miss. *overexagerated bow* *grins and cups hands around his mouth, projecting over the chaos* OI! You heard the scary sword lady- or, perhaps if you didn't, I envy you, her voice is quite awful- if you're flat-of-foot and sweet of heart, get behind the line of the callous-handed and the weapons-wielding! Even if they are lime-tinted girl scouts, they seem awfully set on pushing their sell!

*Stops to listen to the NPC's proclamation.* Butbutbut.. Mymommy's waznt doin ty-ty-bad stuff! And deother Writers aren't either! Youcan't dodis! *She takes out her kunai and starts porting around, trying to confuse the attacking soldiers.*

Starla: *Takes out her sword and sends a very bright light spell over the army, hoping to blind them. Then she charges and starts attacking one of them.* You call them tyrants, but you take over this place just like that? No one has ever hurt you!

: *shoots a fireball along the ground at some*

: Tyranny?

: ...Whether they got a point or not doesn't matter. They just blew up a few buildings and probably injured quite a few of the people they're fighting for... *fires shots at the army*

: *blasts some ice magic at them*

*Dishcharges a bolt of electricity at a crowd of them, still in the air* You idiots! How is getting yourselves maimed or killed gonna help your cause!?

*Takes out his Fire Tipped Spear and uses Eyrie Dive on one of the Wizards*

*Starts zipping around, rapidly firing Quick Boomerangs at the Knights*

Dimitri: NPCs? I should of known it would be something crazy like this.

Maddy: SAVE ME DIMITRI!
Wait... UGH WHY DID I NOT LET YOU BRING A GUN OR SOMETHING?

Dimitri: I didn't bring a gun.

Maddy: I know tha-

Dimitri: I didn't, but he did. -gestures to Xander-

Xander: -wiggles his left foot uncomfortably-

Maddy: It's in your sock, shoe, whatever?? REALLY??

Dimitri: You act as if you are surprised, but we aren't going to use it, not yet. Let's see what these guys do first.

Maddy: ARE YOU INSANE?

Dimitri: I should be asking you the same thing.

: *draws gun and starts shooting, aiming for the head*

Bettyming: *summons pizza shield* *holds it up and tries bashing a soldier*

Sweet maker- .__. *darts off*

Quick! Now ain't the time to be a coward! *raises his stopper to freeze time for a few seconds, shooting at a few of the NPCs in that time*

I was getting out of range of you! >.> *keeps darting about a fair distance away from Flash, shooting out Quick Boomerangs towards the horde*

Azzie: *ducks behind a shield* Wait, what? *starts putting some more up*

Shadow: ...What? That makes no sense. *ducks around them*

Jace: *launches fireballs*

Jamy: *turns black and forms a vortex to absorb attacks*

Maddy: -gestures to the others- THEY ARE FIGHTING, SO WHY AREN'T YOU?

Dimitri: Fine, stop yelling like a moron. Xander.

Xander: -takes out gun and hands it to Dimitri-

Dimitri: -fires shoots at the army, aiming for the head just like Bryne-

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] ...Yeah that's not good. *pulls a feather out of his fedora, then swings it around as it turns into a sword* Dry up, woncha! *swings his sword towards one of the more magical-looking soldiers*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *pulls out a kunai and dodges one of the other soldiers, then ports towards Guella* Th'Writers aren'tmeenies!

They'redameanies! C'monGlinc! *She grabs Glinc by the hand, shadowports again, and immediately throws her kunai at the nearest soldier.*

Blues: *engaging some foot soldiers on the ground*

Miles: *yelps and dodges a stray blast* Yes, being behind the lines sounds quite good... *scrambles backwards and inspects the fighting from a more reasonable distance* Unusual. I could very much introduce these strange limeade people to a sect of Narrativists. Their arguments coincide quite neatly with- *realizes no one is listening to him and sighs* Shame, my audience is being shot at. Better go rescue them. *lunges at the nearest solider and grabs them by the throat*

Rahu: Hmm... *shrugs at the speech* I honestly don't care about your causes... *grins, and begins charging water and shadow elements* ..I just want a good fight!

Maria: *protects Rahu as he charges, swinging her extended arms in a windmill fashion*

-

/: *they both pull a canister from their hips. Both canisters are marked 'Δ'. The gas in these canisters is a anti-nutrient, that when inhaled, begins to lower essential vitamin and mineral levels in the victim. This causes feelings of weakness, aching muscles, blurred vision, uncoordination, and occasionally mild psychosis (Aspects may vary from victim to victim). They toss the canisters into the crowd at the same time*

-

Sage: *a blank look on their face, they slowly walk forward into the crowd with their arms in front of them. However, their arms have been augmented into giant drills by their nano-bots*

*pulls out a gun and shoots one of them*

*throws fireballs*

_{I hate scheduling. I hate scheduling. I hate scheduling.}

*Several of them are shot/attacked down*

How do you plan to beat us now?!

Pretty simply. Wizards, now.

*pulls out a black/green ray gun and shoots at Lucas*

!!! *falls*

We all know what makes you so powerful is the magic we can't use. So if we take it away from you and use it for ourselves...

*Lucas' health appears to be drained by the ray*

*fires it back at the General, giving him Lucas' magic*

*stands straighter, glowing* That is lovely. *summons a massive fireball and throws it down at everyone*

Jamy: Jace! It's-!

Jace: Yeah. *grimaces*

: *ducks and turns away from the fireball*

Bettyming: *crouches behind the pizza shield*

Starla: *Goes wide-eyed at the General's proclamation.* Wha-- *She is singed by the fireball, and the stone on her necklace starts glowing.* Rrgh! *She pauses for a moment to recompose herself, ignoring the fire.* No, we're going to stop this! *She concencrates a beam of light in her hand and aims it towards one of the wizards, hoping the strong concentrated light will take away their vision and ruin their aim. She then calls to everyone else.* Quick, take them out!

*Looks for the closest wizard.*

: *warps out of the way*

: *transforms coat into tattered wings and follows*

: *ducks down*

: *tries to create a Writer barrier*

Dimitri: What the-?? -shoves gun into pocket, grabs Xander and Maddy and shoves them to the ground, and acts as a human shield-

Maddy: WHA- THIS ISNT GON-

Dimitri: Shut up, and don't think for one second I'm doing this because I like you.

_{Good luck gettin' magic outta us, ya weirdo...}

Wooooooahkay fireball getting outta here bye ; *zips off again*

Would you stop- *freezes time again to give him a headstart and runs off as well*

Blues: *watches Lucas fall and swears, but is quickly distracted by the attack of another solider*

Miles: *goes white* Not that it effects me, but... that does put our opposition in a bargaining position, if they know how to use it. *looks back down at the soldier he's half-riding by the handhold of its neck* I say, my chap, aren't you asphyxiated yet?

I shouldla never left da trailer! *sobs and collapses*

Other! *swears and runs up, aiming gun*

Miles: Oh, dear, oh, my, whatever shall I- *abruptly kicks out at the thinner bone of the soldier's ankle and jabs an elbow into its stomach, grabbing the wrist of the hand holding the gun*

Bettyming: _{Follow me, Byrne.} *sneaks over and tries to take the first soldier's gun*

: *follows, ducking behind Bettyming and firing at the soldiers*
i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] *backs out of the way of the fireball and dodges more soldiers* So much for "peaceful gathering", am I right?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] *follows Guella, kunai in hand* Lookout! *jumps over another warrior*

Ah! *She ports on top of one of the warriors and lands on his head before porting off, following Glinc. She then takes out a throwing star and throws it at the same warrior.*

/: Fire!! *both turn into gas masks, hoping no one would notice them*

-

Rahu: *stares at the fire ball as his charge completes*

Maria: Oh... great... This isn't fun at all! *stomps her foot, seeming to ignore the apparent danger*

-

Sage: *blissfully ignorant of the giant orb of flame, they continue to wreck their way through the NPC army*

-

Rahu: *points his katana at the fire ball before releasing a highly concentrated stream of what appears to be dark purple water*

Maria: _{That isn't going to do anything..!}

! *Swirls fire around him to shield from the blast*

*Thrown back by the explosion in the massive collision of energies*

…!!! (The Blue Menace… he did the exact same thing!) *Starts focusing his boomerang fire on the leader instead*

In my day, we didn't have this nonsense!

*fires at Lincoln and hits*

You can't take magic from someone who doesn't have any! *beats the Wizard down with cane*

This, uh... This isn't working as well as I though-

FOR PUDDING *hits General with a frying pan*

Agh! *kicks me off* That's it! All, retreat! You know where to go! ARENA! MUSEUM! HARBOR! STATION! Take control of them before they get there!

*The army as a whole begins to retreat quickly*

*weakly gets back up*

As for you, Lucas. I hope you enjoy having your magic completely depleted. You are no longer capable of using it. *flies away*

HA! You're idiots if you think you can reach the harbor without a fight! NANCY! ASSEMBLE WINDY'S POINT, CODE RED!

*Sounds of explosions can be heard off in the distance*

*Flies after the leader*

Scrac: AND YE BEST BE PREPARED TO FACE THE WRATH OF THE PHANTOM'S CREW

Shadow: What- what just happened?

Azzie: D: Mr. Lucas *runs over*

*Watches the warriors retreat.* ...

Starla: *Tries to chase after them.*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincFrown.gif[/img] ...Whawozzat he said 'bout those places? Harbor'n'Station?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] *watches the army back away, then turns his sword back into a feather, stashing it in his hat* Only one thing's certain... this joint is in for a heap o' trouble.

'Nthe Arena'n'Musum! We gotta getdere 'nstopem! Whatif theyfind Mommy and Daddy?! C'mon, lesgo! *She ports around anxiously.*

Dimitri: -gets off Xander and Maddy- They seem to be retreating.

Xander: You are really heavy~

Maddy: Agreed. -gets up and brushes self off- -looks around- So what do we do now?

: ...

: *watches the army leave* ...

: ...

: Okay guys, you're with me. Let's figure out where everyone else is going and see where we need to be.

*doesn't know whether to chase after the general guy, help out Lucas or go after the army and so is pretty much running around in circles* @___@

_{Maker, you're useless... >_>} *fires a few more shots at the escaping army members*

: *stops and starts reloading gun*

Bettyming: *peeks out from pizza shield* ... are we gonna smash some skulls

We need to go after them. Split up how you like and we'll go drive them out of the places they... oddly shouted out for us to follow. This is a very big inconvenience.

Bettyming: WILL DO

: *nods* ...

Blues: *doesn't press it as her opponents run away* *half out of breath, pushes hair out of her face* That's our cue, in any case. They're calling out where they're going for anyone to hear. We need to keep them from claiming strategic ground.

Miles: *picks up a fallen helmet and turns it this way and that* Do you think this would be a good color on me?

Blues: *rubs her eyes* You'll get your head shot off by our own people. Please. Put it on.

Miles: Ah, but of course you're right. We must have respect for our fallen opponents.

Blues: No, no. I want to see you get brought down with war crimes.

Vapor: *sniffing fallen NPC's, looting for their socks*

Blues: ...Never mind.

Jamy: Jace! The harbor will be fine, let's go to the arena!

*Grabs Quick by the wrist to halt him* Come on! Let's go hunt them down, Quick!

Which ones who are you talking about they all went off to different places what are they gonna do where are we supposed to go first are we even going to be able to stop them or are-

*whaps him round the head* Jeez, Quick, pull it together. What, have you gone soft now that I'm never around to tell you when you're being stupid?

_{You're one to talk about going soft... >.>;}

Just shut up and follow me then! *Races off*

Uh- okay .__. *darts after him*

*groans and follows them* Oh come on, how am I supposed to keep up with two Quicks?

: *still hiding on the ground as a gas mask*

: *turns to human form* Well, with that out of the way... *picks up his sister and places her on his face as his gas mask* ...let's go! *chases after a group of the army*

-

Rahu: *turns his attention - and aim - to a group, melting the ones that come in contact with his 'water jet'*

Maria: *stops attacking, and stretches* Sooo.... now what?

-

Sage: *looks around to see a large lack of people, excluding the army bodies littering the path behind them* Heh heh... oops?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] *looks at Guella* Yeah, wegotta go'n'stoppem! C'mon! *ports off rapidly*

*Nods and ports off after Glinc.*

Dimitri: What's their game?

Xander: Divide and conquer?

Dimitri: Maybe... I guess we have no choice but to play along, could be interesting...

Xander: And fun~ Don't forget fun~

Maddy: ARE YOU TWO HAPPY ABOUT THIS??? -flails around- Is anyone hurt? Is everyone ok? THAT WAS SCARY.

Xander: Oh! Zi-Zi! -looks around for Azzie-

Starla: *Is still chasing the army, only to see them start scattering. She slows down.* (Wait, they're all going to different places... I can't keep following them like that...) *She looks up to the General and frowns.* (Him then. Maybe I can find a way to stop him before he gains too much power.) *She follows the general direction that the NPC General was headed.*

Rahu: Sigh... I hate it when they separate... It makes it so much more annoying to finish them off.

Maria: ...You've been rather... morbid lately, brother...

Rahu: ... Oh well, I suppose we could set up camp... have a [central hub], or something.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSHeh.gif[/img] *looks at Byrne* Well, it seems that things are about to get very interesting around here.

: *jokingly* Shoulda just worked today.[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 02: Harboring Hatred

SPOILER: Click to show

{The Harbor}

*both run up*

*It's gotten a bit darker and it's raining lightly. Soldiers, especially Pirates, have already arrived and are blowing various boats out of the water. The road is almost covered with propaganda posters*

: *flies into the harbor and lands, drawing sword*

: *runs in after* This looks pretty bad...

*Some very loud music starts playing from one of the rooftops as a Dark mist gathers on the water*

*runs in, grumbling something about NPCs and Writers*

*also runs in, looking around at all the posters* Looks like they've been busy...

: *runs up as well, carrying a Tommy gun* Alright, do we start with the pirates? *points to them*

That's what I would guess. Ugh, bad memories... *pulls out his two daggers*

*there are some shouts as the characters and Writers arrive*

x10: *draw scimitars and charge!*

: *flies at one of them and slashes*

: *stays back, sends a small wall of ice at another*

x2: *get hit and fall over, dropping weapons*

: *starts firing into the group*

*avoids getting hit and lunges at Byrne*

"FIRE!"

*A vial of acid is launched from the rooftop where the music is coming from, aimed at the invaders*

*a pirate is taken out*

*runs up*

Get the medic first. *slashes at*

*dodges and heals one of the Pirates*

Here they come! *swings out hammer and starts attacking nearest pirate(s)*

*also starts attacking nearest pirate(s)*

*hit by Roanne and slams into a wall*

Other! *dodges Jernaths attacks and slashes at*

Agh! *slashed in the shoulder* *moves out of the way of the sword and stabs at again*

*if the one who slammed into a wall was KO'd, goes for another one* *otherwise, attacks that one again*

: Shoot the medic! *sends icicles at him*

: ... *sends a mini-tornado at one of the pirates*

*hit by the icicles and falls, dropping supplies*

*thrown into the wreckage of a destroyed building*

: *avoids the lunge and punches the pirate in the face as hard as he can*

*ducks*

Dang, this one's persistent. *swings axe*

*gets hit and falls*

: *shoots at another pirate*

*shot!*

_{Ad neh tu rah…
Ad neh tu rah…
Ad neh tu rah…}

*The dark mist thickens, now making it impossible to see beyond the docks of the harbor, effectively walling off the ocean from sight*

x2: *distracted by turning to see the ocean walled off and get attacked*

*the remaining pirates talk amongst themselves quickly in a language not immediately recognizable and flee to another part of the Harbor*

...

That wasn't it. There's more of them here.

: Let's go, then. *starts heading after the pirates*

*Red eyes seem to flicker in the dark mist*

Icht hiss tu rah
Icht hiss tu rah
Hako so hiss tah

*Coils of dark mist take the forms of black snakes with green eyes, homing in on the fleeing invaders to bite them in the heels*

Yeah, that can't be it... agh... *clutches at shoulder*

Hm? Oh! You got hit? Here, let me help... *concentrates, five orbs of light gathering around her* *casts them one by one at Jernath, healing the wound a little* I hope that helps a little. I'm not the best healer, but...

It's better. Thanks. Now we'd probably better find out where those pirates are going.

: *gathers the supplies dropped by the medic* Anybody want to keep track of these?

: *gathers some of the dropped swords*

*takes some* I've got it. Byrne, wait... ... Do you guys hear that?

You mean the demon snakes biting feet?

No. I mean... a rumbling sound.

Rumbling? *stops and listens*

: *stops and goes back to the group, listening* …

*From the rooftop* <sub>"Oh geez. I hope we don't have to fight a war engine…"

"Quiet."</sub>

: *flies up to see if he can find the source of the sound*

: *looks around* …

SPOILER: Click to show

*The dark mist walling the ocean is shattered by a beam fired from the sky*

*looks up*

*A fleet of airships is approaching, shooting down at things in the Harbor from the sky. There's one airship much larger than the rest colored red and blue instead of just brown/black*

oh

: ...I should have brought the Halberd.

: …

: *looks up* Now this just isn't fair.

Holy— what are those things?!

They're trouble, that's what! We've got to take them down somehow!

Take them down? They're flying! And they're huge!

I don't know, magic or something!

_{"Worse than war engines."}

"FIRE!"

*A vial of explosive potion is fired at the mothership. Three, actually, in rapid succession.*

*A barrier flies up as a sphere around the mothership! It remains undamaged as a message is shouted from the ship!*

Attention, residents of the Harbor! We're gonna be takin' this place now for... uh... whatever we wanted it for!

[/color][/size]

That doesn't sound very threatening.

*The ships start firing beams down at the Harbor*

That does. Everyone, get under cover!

: *takes cover behind a building* _{How are we supposed to get up there?}

: *dodges beam and warps out of the way*

: *runs*

Gah! I didn't sign up for this! *runs for cover*

*does likewise* Calm down, will you? There's a way to stop them, I know there is...

*In response, the song is only played louder.*

KEELHAUL THAT FILTHY LANDLUBBER
SEND HIM DOWN TO THE DEPTHS BELOW!

"FIRE!"

*Three more rounds of explosive vials are fired at the ship. This time, though, they release bottled whirlwind spells*

*The barrier flies up again and protects the mothership and lasts for the duration of the whirlwind spells*

*takes cover*

*A large crate falls down from the mothership and lands near them*

Oh great here it c-

*some puffy Waddle Dee pop out of the crate and look around curiously*

:

*The music continues to blast, but the firing ceases, as if those responsible are very confused*

_{"…What even are those things?"}

...What the...?

...Uh. I'm guessing they didn't mean to do that?

Or maybe they did, and this is a trap.

: ...What.

: ...What.

... What.

*The Waddle Dee look around and then settle down in various locations to fall asleep*

Uh... Waddle Dee? Those aren't from the Taco's city and certainly aren't our NPCs... And they don't work alone. Does that mean they have characters or Writers working for them...?

: *looks at the Waddle Dee* ... Let's get up to those airships and find out?

*One of the airships zaps a seagull and it falls to the ground, roasted*

... It might be bad to fly up directly.

: We need to take out the normal ones first, uh, _{how do we do this}, what can we shoot at them?

_{"Hmm. HEY DREW! Do you know where the Shy Guys are right now?"}

I know Sgt. Guy went off to the Arena, but I'm not sure about the rest?

_{"This seems like something they would do…"}

*Three vials of bottled wind spells are launched at the nearest airship that is not the mothership*

: I certainly did not bring the Waddle Dees with me...

: If they have Writers working for them, that's... pretty bad

...Well then. Does anyone have any ships or anything we can fight them back with?

: I would offer to get my own airship, but I do not know if we have the time for that...

: …

*Someone says something from the shadows*

_{"The only two flying ships I know of are in harbor elsewhere."}

*doesn't seem too concerned who said that at the moment* Well, I might know a few, but again, they're nowhere near here—

*One airship is stationary at one of the docks in the Harbor*

What the- where'd that one come from?

Get ready to fight-

WAIT! *stumbles out and walks towards them, then stops* I'm not with them! Well, I was... Uh... But now I'm not!

*The Pirate isn't wearing the goggles, but is wearing the rest of the uniform. It looks worn.*

: ...

: So you're on our side now?

Huh? *looks over*

*suspicious* I don't know. How do we know we can trust you?

*From the shadows* “You really might want to start talking, then.”

: Really, now. How can we trust you?

Trust? Well-

*one of the airships fires directly down at him*

*dodges* I think that means I'm out. My name is Preston. I don't remember anything that happened when I was with them, just what happened when I left. They're all fighting for the wrong cause and I swear I saw them bringing in loads of adults and children NPCs that weren't even soldiers against their will. I got this one ship from them... Maybe it's something to help!

: That's proof enough for me.

Well, he seems pretty trustworthy.

...Eh. Maybe.

*ignores* Hey, if we have one of those ship things, maybe we can actually fight back!

I was thinking that, myself.

: *looks at the airships in the sky* Can you fly us up there?

Muerta: *Steps out of the shadows and looks up at the fleet* …It's still only one ship. We'll probably need more, but maybe it can buy time for reinforcements.

I can fly you up there. Maybe Writer Powers would be enough to break the mothership's barrier at close range. Come on! *runs into his airship*

... What else can we do. *follows*

*follows also*

: *follows, but he's got his gun ready*

Muerta: *Hesitates, and then follows after them silently, clutching her scythe*

: *flies into the airship*

: *follows*

It's our best bet! Come on! *scoops up Jernath and follows*

What th— hey![/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{On board the Airship}

I think we're ready. Hey, little buddies, are you ready?

x2: *nod*

Alright. *gets to the helm of the ship* Put up our own barrier, to start with.

*nods and presses buttons on a control panel*

*a barrier flies up and shields against the airships firing down against them*

Ready the wings!

x2: *continue operating the controls, somehow efficiently*

*large wings, like on a plane, emerge from the sides of the ship*

And the cannons, to fire back at the blasted dogs!

x2: *nod and pull two levers*

*a series of large, dark cannons emerge from the sides of the ship and begin to glow with energy*

Now! Start the engines!

*The ship rumbles as the Waddle Dee obey the commands, then begins to move, sailing across the ocean. It moves slowly at first, then begins to pick up speed quickly*

The sails, now!

x2: *leap from the control panel and unfurl the sails for the ship*

It's just a nice touch. TAKE OFF!

[/i]

*The airship picks up more speed as it cuts across the ocean, then finally becomes airborne as it flies up to the other ships' level*

Muerta: *Moves to a position where she can best see what is going on in the air around them*

: *looks over the side of the airship and gets ready to fight*

Whoa!

Okay. So how do we get through their barriers? Writer Powers, you said?

: So now we need Writer Powers to break that barrier, right? You ready Drew?

*Other airships fire wide green laser beams at the airship to try and strike it down!*

*swerves and dodges most, approaching the mothership*

I'm ready. We need Writer Powers to break through their barrier, I'm sure.

*The airship blasts other airships down, finally approaching the mothership! The barrier flies up!*

I'm lowering the barrier on this ship so your attacks can get through! Be ready!

*Preston's airship's barrier lowers as they sail right next to the largest ship and the sparking barrier*

Muerta: *Flattens back her ears* (I'm starting to think Nancy might have been a better choice for this, but she wouldn't leave the rooftop.)

: Time to bust this barrier! WRITERDOUKEN! *fires a blast that looks like a massive tilde made of binary at the barrier*

*also fires a Writer Powers attack at the barrier*

*the barrier cracks, then dissolves*

You got it.

*Another airship fires at Preston's airship and it's hit!*

Argh! All of you, board the mothership now while you can! We're going down!

*board the mothership quickly*

: *boards the mothership*

Come on! *boards the mothership, dragging Jernath behind her*

*dragged* I can carry myself around, you know. *gets ready for a fight*

*Explosive vials are launched from the rooftop, aimed at the underbelly of the mothership, but stop once people start boarding it*

Muerta: (I don't like the sound of this.) *Follows after the others*

: *follows*

: *tries to take the controls* Preston, Waddle Dees, go! I'll keep the ship steady and warp after you when everyone is safe.

I'm going down with my sh-

*the other airship fires again and the beam flies past Preston's head*

... -opping list! Oh look, it's right here *runs and boards the mothership quickly*

x2: *hop after*

: *warps after once everyone is out*

{The Mothership}

*The place is absolutely full of Waddle Dees.*

I guess my Waddle Dee ambush did fail! And some joined the traitor guy!

Who are you?

Just call me Captain Dedede!

... You have the aura of a character.

Yeah? I don't care nothin' about either side's cause! I'm just in it for the loot to get more monsters and.. ... Is that Meta Knight?

: King Dedede! What are you doing working with these people!?

*blinks* Is that a... penguin, maybe...?

*glances between Meta Knight and Dedede* I take it you two know each other?

The greatest penguin in all the land!

You bet we know each other! What's he doin' with you guys?!

Muerta: *Speaks up in a small voice* There was a picnic lunch. With a buffet and stuff. He came along. And then people started attacking, so the lunch was canceled.

: ... *tries sneaking over to the controls*

*hops in his way*

Hey, get over here and join me! The pay's great and the grub is even greater! *points at a spot next to him*

: *tries picking up the Waddle Dee and setting him down behind him*

Muerta: … … *Texts Shriek*

*Ping!*

[Probably not yet, why? —S]



: *draws sword* I will never join you. Waddle Dees! Choose your side!

All!: *look confused*

... *holds up some donuts*

All!: *stand next to Meta Knight and Preston*

Yeah? Well, Captain King Dedede's gonna clobbah all of you! *charges at them with his giant mallet*

: *sends icicles flying at Dedede*

: *spins into a tornado and flies at him*

*hits the icicles back at Meta Knight with his mallet* You're gonna have to do better than that!

Muerta: *Swipes at the mallet with her giant scythe*

*part of the mallet is cut off*

Hey! That wasn't fair!

: *turns around and takes a few shots at Dedede*

Hey! We don't have none of those things in Pop Star! *swings his mallet directly at Byrne*

Really now? *swings out own hammer* You're a bit outnumbered!

*stands defensive for now, not wanting to attack while everyone else is crowded around the target*

*also stands back*

*very lightly tackles Jernath* ... *falls asleep*

... *nudges the Waddle Dee away with his foot*

Muerta: Sure it was fair. ^^ I aimed for your hammer instead of your head. *Attempts to trip Dedede with the staff-like part of her scythe*

*tripped*

: *hit by the icicles* *warps over to Dedede and slashes at him*

: *just tries whacking him with my staff*

*on the floor* Hold on n- *Slash'd! Staff'd* Ow!

: *ducks* You came to the wrong city! *tries shooting again*

*quickly rolls out of the way* You came to the wrong king!

*An NPC airship flies up next to the mothership*

x3: *three pirates board*

: *holds his ground, waiting to see what the pirates will do*

Muerta: *Uses her scythe as a vaulting pole to get up high enough to punch a pirate in the goggles to establish superiority*

Look out! *swings hammer at one of the pirates*

*whirls around and tries to stab one*

*Two of the pirates are knocked off the mothership, but one dodges*

: *fires at the pirates*

: *flies at the remaining pirate and slashes*

*stands up* This ain't workin'! Lucky for me that I got this and you don't. *holds up a remote with just one big red button on it*

... Do we even have to guess?

Probably not! *presses the button* All of you have one minute before this thing turns into a giant firework! See ya! *inhales and inflates with air, then floats/flies off*

Uh-oh. *looks around for a way off, maybe any nearby ships they can board*

: What do we do!? Teleport out?

: *debates on following Dedede*

Muerta: Of all the times not to have Venny with us… Hunter, can you make a giant ice slide?

: Teleporting looks like our only option.

Um *opens a closet door*

*a huge pile of parachutes fall out*

... I guess he didn't think this through very well

: Yeah, he didn't seem too... bright. *takes a parachute*

: Looks like we don't need a teleport or an ice slide. Everybody grab a parachute and jump! *grabs one*

Wait, what are those?

They're our way out of here. Come on! *takes a parachute*

I don't know how to use these things! I'm not too big, am I?

Look, we don't have a lot of other options, so here. *tosses her one, quickly explaining how to use a parachute*

... Really now. *takes one*

*passes the surplus ones out to Waddle Dees*

Muerta: *Looks at the parachutes* … *Shrugs and pulls out an amulet* *Presses the center and vanishes in a swirl of 0s and 1s*

-*-*-

*Looking up at the ships* …It looks like they're jumping ship—that can't be a good sign. We should probably leave.

Nancy: Good point. *Gathers up her weapons and flies off with Shriek*

-*-*-

*also grabs one* Ready?

: *nods*

: Let's a-go! *jumps!*

: *flies after*

Now! *jumps off also*

Ugh. *also jumps off*

*grabs a parachute and leaps off the ship*

*The Waddle Dee scramble and hop off*

: *takes a deep breath and jumps*

*finishes helping Roanne* Alright, I think you're good. Now come on!

Wait, I don't know if—

Hurry up! This thing's gonna blow! *jumps and parachutes*

*takes a deep breath and jumps*

*Everyone parachutes down safely and lands*

It's gonna-

*Dedede's mothership explodes in the sky, bringing down some smaller airships. The remaining ones turn and scatter through the sky in various directions*

All!: *parachuting down, landing one by one*

Nngh... ... It looks like the other airships are retreating.

*relaxes as she realizes she's safe* Okay. That was pretty intense.

*looks up at the sky* Looks like we won... for now.

: So... are we done?

: ... This is far from over.

What exactly happened up there?

We got attacked by a fat southern penguin and his blob army.

*looks around at the Waddle Dee* It looks like they could be paid to clean up with some food. The Harbor's a bit... wrecked.

Whatever. I need a strong drink. *walks off*[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 03: Subdolous Station

SPOILER: Click to show

{Taco Express Train Station}

*At dusk, instead of being busy as usual, everything is ominously empty. The train is nowhere to be seen. More unsettlingly, the grass and trees around the area are completely dried up and dead. There are no lights on, as there seems to be no power.*

*strides in* Where are they...

…I really don't like the looks of this.

Neither do I... ._.;

Good thing Charge ain't with us right now. >_>

Pffft. Yeah. :B

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif

[/img] I hear ya, kid. *frowns, looking around*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/RaptorAppear.gif[/img] *phases in*

*looks* ... A dinosaur.

Starla: *Wanders in, looking like she hasn't stopped to rest much. She stops as she takes in the scene.* ...These plants... What happened here?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/Raptor.gif[/img] *looks over at Starla, shrugging*

Shadow: *looking around as he wanders in* I don't like this..

Azzie: *comes in too* I like trains

*Takes hold of his holstered boomerangs* Who's "Charge"? (Man, I really need to learn more about what happened after…)

*puts a hand underneath his buster, ready* One of the fifth gens.

He has a train for a head.

Yeah, he's one of our weirder looking brothers... *looks around warily*

*Snorts, covering his mouth* Seriously? *Continues to snicker at this and the mental images it brings up*

Yeah, he's somehow even grouchier than I am. The train's got a temper on him, that's for sure.

... It looks like there's no immediate threat of having to fight off soldiers. In that case... *stops to examine a dead tree* We should figure out what could have happened here.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] *coughs* You'll be needing a sleuth for that, I take it. *looks around*

Are there any security cameras in this place we could tap into?

It looks like there are some around here, but they're powered off by now.

*Speedy rubs the back of his neck, thinking this over*

I wasn't really built with many analysis tools. I can't really make too much of this right now—I'm mainly wondering what happened to the train. Those things aren't exactly easy to move.

Starla: *Looks down to the Raptor.* Ah, good to see you here. Maybe you can help us figure this out. *She looks up towards Lincolnbot.* I wonder if they came by anyway and somehow caused all of this... If only I knew how... *She stoops down to check out some of the dead plants.*

Yeah... *just watches the others for now* I hope something gets worked out soon, I wasn't built for investigations. @_@

*The ticket booth is empty, every device/light visible is turned off, the surrounding grass, plants, and trees are dead. There is no train in sight.*

I wonder... Can anyone here perform magic? [/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

Azzie: What kind?

Shadow: *looks around* Can't most of them?

Any kind, just to see. And... I am unable to perform any kind of magic.

Starla: I can. But I just have light magic. Aside from lightening up an area, I don't know how much it's going to help here. Why?

I get the feeling we won't like whatever we find here. For this place to be void of everyone and drained of life really bodes ill.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSNorm.gif

[/img] Well, maybe we can hit some lights in here before we continue, this place is all wet. I can't stand being in the dark... literally, that is.

I would have gathered some wood for kindling by now, but I left my lighter in Texas.

*lights a candle and gives it to Problem Sleuth*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/Raptor.gif[/img] *sniffs the ground, wandering farther down the station*

Starla: *Overhears this from where she is kneeling.* Wait... Drained of life... *She suddenly seems to be in thought.*

Drained of... life. Whoo boy. ._.;

Psh. Just as well we're robots then, eh?

Mmmph. *Pulls the brim of his hat down* The place was also powered down, and they somehow managed to move a train… unless they took it to another station, in which case I would have thought we would have heard about it by now.

Could you try and cast a spell here? I feel like this place was drained of magic and, perhaps, life itself. *gestures at the dead plants* I wonder if magic can still be done...

Starla: ...*Stands up, trying to push back her thoughts.* Okay, I'll try. Here I go. *She extends her hands and attempts to perform a simple light spell that would brighten the entire area.*

*It works just fine*

So maybe that means life could be brought b-

*some shouts ring out from the distance*

... That's an inconvenience.

*a beam zips past everyone's heads*

x10: *charge onto the scene!*

Starla: *The beam just barely misses her as she immediately turns towards the attackers.* The wizards! I knew someone else was here! (They were waiting for us to try casting something, weren't they...?) *She pulls out her sword and tries to get behind something to figure out how to approach the wizards.*

Battle systems activated.

*Puts a hand to his launcher* Well, looks like we weren't as alone as we thought.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSNorm.gif[/img] *takes the candle* Thanks, I- *ducks under a laser* i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSMeep.gif[/img] Well, ain't that just keen. *pulls out a ring of keys, which suddenly turns into a gun* Pose as a team!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/RaptorFade.gif[/img] *fades out*

What the- *instinctively raises his stopper to freeze time, but thinks better of it because of how close Quick is and starts shooting at the NPCs instead*

*pretty much dashed off anyways as soon as Flash raised his stopper* Don't don't don't- x_o

I'm not gonna, Quick! Come on!

Azzie: Uh oh. *begins putting up shields up on the folks on our side*

Shadow: *attempts to punch one of the wizards*

*dodges, then gets shot by Flash*

*beats that one down with cane*

x9: *fire upon the group!*

Aggressive threat identified.

*Speedy starts dashing around, firing boomerangs at the group of wizards from his launcher*

*pushes two others out of the way, then gets hit himself*

*he drops the ray gun as he goes down*

Starla: *Ducks behind the tree she has taken as shelter before charging at the closest wizard, mainly focusing on dodging. If she gets close to a wizard, she slashes him with her sword, aiming for the side of the wizard with the gun.*

*slashed, dropping gun in surprise* !

Shadow: *hit* Ow! *tries to punch another*

Azzie: *dodges* You guys stop being mean!

*switches to a magic-stealing mode on the ray and fires again*

Azzie: *ducks* Hey! That was a /smelly/ shot.

*keeps firing at the NPCs* I'm not gonna use my time stopper Quick, alright? Quit runnin' around like a headless chicken!

Grk- *keeps darting around, but starts firing his Quick Boomerangs at the NPCs*

x2: *do an amazing flip over them*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSHeh.gif[/img] Look, people, why can't we come to a diplomatic agreement? We can just talk things out, you know, stay calm... *shoots at one of the wizards*

*disintegrates it with ray*

Starla: *Kicks the gun away before attempting to stab him. She also at one point quickly turns her head to check for other wizards.*

*Speedy continues to fire at the invaders*

Allow me to try. *tries to smash with cane*

*more of a dodgy combo than McDonalds meals*

You're going to get beaten no matter what may happen, you realize. *shoots*

*The remaining few wizards talk to one another and flee to another part of the station!*

What in- *chases*

*just stands there and blinks for a moment* ...Woah.

*zips around him in circles* Close your mouth, Flash, you're gonna catch flies. *chases after the fleeing wizards, leaping into the air firing more Quick Boomerangs at them*

*scowls slightly and chases after them too*

Starla: *Grits her teeth upon seeing the wizards fleeing.* We can still stop them before they regroup! *Chases after them.*

*Chases the wizards down, looking highly amused*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSSmile.gif[/img] Let's go!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/RaptorAppear.gif[/img] *appears in midair above the wizards, falling on top of one of them*

Azzie: *flies after the wizards*

Shadow: *chases* ...*looking at Speedy and Quick* Those guys are fast.

Starla: *Looks forward towards Speedy and Quick as they rush past her.* ...Indeed. *She shakes her head and keeps pursuing, increasing her pace.*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

As they say, you're too slow. *also grabs one of the Wizards*

*stumbles* *quickly enters a code onto a small remote in his glove*

*a trapdoor slides open, revealing a ladder going straight down*

Other! *The other wizards scramble to enter, but are pushing one another out of the way to climb down. None of them get in at all*

*tries to crawl in* -

No you don't. *smacks with cane*

*passes out*

*Comes to an abrupt halt before falling right into the hole due to too much momentum* GYAH!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif

[/img] *looks at the other wizards* Whaddya say we all go down there? These fellas are certainly in a hurry to get in.

Shadow: *stands by the hole* *sees Speedy fall in* *jumps after*

Azzie: *waits by the top, not having seen either of those things due to trying not to bump into anything* What should we do?

Starla: *Approaches the hole and slows down before looking down the hole. She's about to go in after Speedy when Shadow jumps in after him, so she stops.* I think we should; it could lead us the right way. *She stares down the hole, looking for any sign of Speedy.*

*collects the weapons from the tangled-up wizards, then proceeds down the ladder* Follow me... *peers down at where Speedy and Shadow fell* If you haven't already... _{That seems inconvenient...}

*Sits up* Nnnng… that was—

*speeds over and jumps into the hole after Speedy*

Quick- *comes to a stop by the hole* Gah- does he even think before he- *jumps down the hole as well*

*Gets jumped on* OW!

Azzie: *lands* Mkay. *climbs down*

Shadow: *lands on his backside* *winces*

Starla: *Watches the Robots jump down the hole.* _{But there's a ladder right there...} *She carefully takes her turn at climbing down the ladder.*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] *waits until everyone else has gone down, then swings himself down on the side of the ladder, closing the trapdoor in the process*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/RaptorHappy.gif[/img] *is already at the bottom somehow*

*hops off of him* ...Oops. ._.

Uh. Sorry, Speedy.

{Underground the Station}

*The room looks like a storeroom. It's fairly large, with plenty of NPC uniforms/weapons out with some tables and chairs. It's, predictably, black and green.*

*looks up from sitting at a table, some documents set out in front of him* Ah. So we meet again.

*Looks up, annoyed* You can't be serious.

Shadow: *glares*

Azzie: ...Hi?

Starla: *Looks towards the Velociraptor.* _{I still don't know how you do that...} *She looks up towards the General.* I thought I saw you coming this way... (Even if I lost you pretty early on, actually...) *She keeps her sword up.* What did you do to this place?

Uh- .__. *quickly raises the arm with his launcher on it and points it towards him*

*does the same, though he looks a bit annoyed because he knows he still can't use his time stopping ability without hurting Quick in the process*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSWhat.gif[/img] Oh come on.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/RaptorFade.gif[/img] *tenses up, then disappears*

*stands, stoic* I didn't properly introduce myself. My name is General Geier. I find that we could all be happier if the chaotic Writers in the city are done away with... You don't understand how inhumanely the NPCs are treated because of them.

*listens* ...

*nods at Starla* As for what happened here, this was the first site of testing for our Wizards. I'm not going to ask about the ones that were around here, considering you managed to make it this far.

Azzie: Can you explain, then?

Shadow: ...*Face. Palm.*

Starla: *She glares.* Yes, they're very chaotic, but does they justify you attacking everyone else and blowing up part of the town? The Writers at least never did that. Now what kind of tests did your wizards do?

*Flatly* We tripped over them and fell in. Sorry.

I think everyone'd be happier if you'd just shove-

*elbows him* _{Flash. Not now. ._.;}

The Writers blew up the town, moved it... But most of all, the Characters did with it as they wished. We don't even have to delve into the kidnapping victims for the science experiments of one Doctor Lylin. *gathers up his papers* Any of you with magic can and do destroy our property, our lives, and... well, our moon. Every day.

Azzie: :< But we always put things back!

Shadow: ....

I think you just have issues. Did your mother never love you or something?

*elbows him again* _{Flaaaaash. Quit it.}

*Rubs the back of his neck* What's this about the moon?

Starla: *She keeps her sword up, unsure how to react.* ...You blew up the town too. And that's not true. My light powers are not evil. I use my light powers to help the world.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] *watches Geier steadily, not moving except to pull his ring of keys out* And so you get your own fellas with their own magic to destroy the property of this here train station. That's not screwy at all. *rolls eyes*

Diplomacy was never an option. Unless it's your kind. *faintly smiles* ... What we don't have in power is made up for in cleverness, I like to believe.

*Marching and shouting sounds come from aboveground, drowning out a loud song/anthem playing*

I did enjoy our chat, but our gathering comrades above will enjoy it more when they beat the life out of you. *bows, then vanishes*

*Shouts in frustration, then holds his hands to his head* Ugh, that music is absolutely terrible, too.

Azzie: ...:< No hugs.

Shadow: .... *backs closer to a wall, instinctively*

*looks up* ...Ugghhh, great. x_o

*frowns* Tch. If he thinks we're gonna be brought down that easily, he's got another thing coming.

Starla: No! *She charges forward to stop him, but she's too late. She comes to a halt.* ...They're just like the Shadow Empire... They think they're doing the right thing, but to such extremes... *She shakes her head.* They're going to come down here, aren't they? While we're trapped here.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] ...Maybe closing the trapdoor wasn't the best option... hang on, I've got an idea. It's complete nuts, but it might just work...

What is it?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSHeh.gif[/img] *points at Starla* We get light lady up here at the top of the ladder to kick open the trapdoor and hammer those fellas with as much light as she can take. Then we get legs over here and his twin- *points at the two Quickmen* to clear a path as fast as they can. Everyone else comes up next. Rangers in back, hard-hitters in front. And I gotta think up a snappy pre-doorkicking one-liner...

*nods* They aren't coming down. I believe they're waiting... *looks at Starla*

Starla: ...*Nods.* It might work... But can it work against a whole army? And once we're out, where should we go? *She sheaths her sword and heads over to the ladder.*

They spread out their forces... I'm not sure how many are up there, but not the whole army. *motions for Quick and Speedy to go after her*

*Follows up after Starla*

Shadow: *stands by the ladder*

Azzie: *peers up, curious*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSHeh.gif[/img] Now, for the line... how about "Let me lighten the mood now!" Nah, that's bugged up... "How's this for a bright idea!" Nah, nah... *shrugs at Starla* Just go with one of the classics.

..."Legs"? ._. *blinks, but follows after Starla and Speedy anyways*

Starla: Maybe not the whole army, but I'm sure we're outnumbered... Let's just get ourselves in a better position once we're up there. *She looks over to Problem Sleuth.* Uh, one of the classics? I... Don't really think about these kind of things. ; ...Nevermind. I guess I could come up with something right quick. *She climbs up the ladder and gets near the hatch.* Ready?




{Above ground, Train Station}

*Soldiers are gathered around*

*Among the crowd, a hatch is lifted open before a hand retreats back into the hole. A voice can be heard from below the hatch.*

"Let me shed a light on how BLIND you all are!"

*An extremely powerful beam of blinding light shoots out of the hole, burning anyone who happens to be hit on it. From below, Starla holds the light as steadily as possible.*

*Some of them are hit and tossed aside, while the others shout confusion. Blinded, some turn away, while others fire at the light and into the tunnel down*

*Charges ahead, shoving aside anyone in his way*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] Shake a leg, folks, let's go! *starts pulling the others up out of the trapdoor*

*hops out and starts beating down random NPCs as they're blinded*

Starla: *Gets hit by a few of the bullets, but tries to hang in there with the light as she pulls herself out with the other hand.* _{Can't believe I just said that...} Come on, hurry!

Shadow: *rushes to help people out of the trapdoor*

Azzie: *rushes over too* Are you guys okay?

*doing the same*

*starts shooting at the NPCs as he's helped out of the trap door*

HOLD IT!

*The soldiers all stop and look over*

*stops* …

*about jumps a mile in the air* sjhdgsnot again-

*turns to look for the source of the voice* _{Who the...}

Shadow: *looks over* ?

Azzie: *also*

*Pivots and skids before coming to a stop, but holds his launcher at the ready*

Starla: *Retracts her light, but keeps a ball of light in her hand, preparing herself.* …

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] Huh? ...Agh, what now?

*falls in* Your leader, the fantastic JACK PORTALMAN is here!

... What

And here we have a dramatic scene! *does wide, sweeping gestures to point at the army and the characters* Two misinformed, hurt sides clashing against one another! *spins* A train, stolen from its station! And worst of all... *points*

*an NPC medic, minus the goggles, is tied up on the tracks* ... H-help?

A traitor, left to die by her own General!

... What

*points at Speedy* You! Cowboy! You are clearly the leader of this group, so I challenge you to a duel! Do you accept?

Azzie: ....D: We need to help her!

Shadow: *glaring at Portalman*

… … … I accept your challenge!

Starla: ... *She shakes her head and quickly moves over to the girl tied up on the tracks, hoping to be able to get to her and free her. She looks back at one point, wondering about Speedy's fate before going back to the girl.*


_{I... I tried to betray them, but they...}

*The soldiers gather around to watch the duel*

*puts on hat* This town ain't big enough for the two of us! *also, takes one of the Wizard's beams* We'll walk 10 paces and then draw. Ready?

*a tumbleweed rolls past*

...What the f-

Oooooookay then? .__.;

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSWhat.gif[/img] ...You know what I'm not even going to ask. *pulls out a bag of candy corn and munches on a few pieces*

I am not turning my back to you. I'm not stupid.

Foiled again! *turns, then tries to shoot*

*the beam is clogged up and fails*

... Don't tell me I bought this hat for nothing! *stares at Speedy*

Azzie: *runs over to the girl, too* Starla, do you have something we can cut this cord with?

Starla: It's okay, you were outnumbered... Come on. *She kneels down and uses her sword to try to cut the ropes on the medic.*

*cut free and stumbles off the tracks* Oh, thank you so m-

*the train suddenly appears at a distance and rolls right past them all, not hitting anyone but tearing up the ropes*

Um.

*Levels his launcher* I don't play games. These boomerangs were designed to take down tanks and fighter planes. It's going to do quite a number to your insides. This is your last chance to get out of here before I open fire.

*throws the hat down and runs* Fine! You can keep your hat another day! *runs away sobbing*

*the soldiers turn to one another*

*holds a ray gun in each hand* I can kill more things than vampires.

*The soldiers run, some screaming about quitting*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] ...So I guess that means we win? *pockets candy corn* I'm out, then. *saunters off*

_{...No, seriously, what the actual f-}

Well that was easier than anticipated.

*watches the train as it speeds off* ...Well I guess...

Starla: You're-- *Is interrupted by the train, and stares at where it once was.* ...You're welcome. Let's... Let's just go. ...Question is, where are we going now?

Shadow: *watches the soldiers* ... *leaves*

Azzie: *breathes a sigh of relief that the medic's okay, then leaves*

*Puts a hand to his face, calming down* This place just keeps getting crazier each time I come here.[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 04: Avaricious Arena

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Just outside the Character Arena}

*There are cheering/shouting sounds from inside, but no soldiers visible outside.*

This should be the place.

: *runs up and gets in a battle stance* Let's a-go.

: *walks up slowly*

Jamy and Jace ran up to the Arena. Jamy glanced around nervously while Jace just grinned.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif

[/img] *ports up* Whaddre we gonn'do now?

*Ports in rapidly with Glinc.* Wegot here 'foretheydid! Yeah! Weshuld goin.

Blues: *has a sword drawn and several small-grade explosives tied to her belt along with a pistol- given time to prepare, it looks like she's cast aside knives in the face of open combat* How much do you want to bet they're cheering for the signing of a peace treaty?

Alright, I'll be the leader. Let's go. *walks in the Arena first*

: *follows*

: *also, keeping his hand on his gun as he does so*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincFrown.gif[/img] *follows as well, keeping an eye out for any enemies*

Jace: What? Why does he get to be the leader?

Jamy: Maybe he doesn't have magic. You don't want to get drained by some surprise trap, do you?

They followed.

Blues: Yeah, all right. This doesn't feel like a trap at all. *follows anyway*

*Follows them in, looking around for anyone to show up, though not necessarily enemies.*

{Character Arena- Lobby}

*The place is disturbingly empty*

Of course, they're in one of the arenas. The Outdoor one, judging from the sounds of it. *looks*

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.[/color]

Uh-

*The alarm begins to sound, a red light flashing in the room. The cheering doesn't subside, though. Thick steel sheets slam down over the doors to every arena, every window, and the doors they entered from.*

... How about you be the leader? *hides behind Badd*

Ah. I see you found your way in.[/color]

: *hides behind Sgt. Guy behind Badd*

: *at the voice* ...And who might you be?

*Stares around as they're trapped inside.* ... W-wecan still 'portusout...

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *clings to Guella* Asdfsas- *pulls out his kunai and attempts to wave it around threateningly*

*Allows one of her arms to cling to Glinc as well before taking out a kunai with her other arm.* Gudidea...

Jamy: *squeaks*

Jace: Yes! *ignites* A fight to the death it is!

Blues: *mutters* I should start being snarky a lot louder.

Blues: *to the others, a little louder* Badd, you bots- be careful with projectile weapons in here. The arena can throw up a shield between us and where the spectators are, and there's too many of us in a contained place. It would be too easy to off someone else with a ricochet. *grips sword more firmly*

I think you've found that, if there's one thing the NPC Army loves, it's a good fight. Don't you think?[/color]

Yes?

Normally, I'd assume they'd force prisoners to fight. If they win, though, you Characters will be the prisoners anyway.[/color]

*the blockade over the doors to the Outdoor Arena slides away*

They're waiting in there.[/color]

... Good luck to you guys, I'll just teleport ou-

The lockdown also prevents teleportation.[/color]

Of course. *enters the Outdoor Arena*

: *nods in acknowledgement to Blues, follows Sgt. Guy*

: *charges after*

Blues: *smirks and claps Sgt. Guy on the back* Come on, Sargent. You'd think you'd hadn't seen battle before. *enters the outdoor arena*

Jace: *grins and follows*

Jamy: *just follows*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincFrown.gif[/img] You mean we gotta fight? *turns to Guella* I thoughthawe were jus'gonna see the giant slide... *looks toward the Arena* Well, lookslikewe gotta go.

Iguess so... _{Yeah, an' nowwe won'tgeta goonit...} Dunworry. We'llget outta here! *She starts going in. While going in, though, she attempts a short shadow-port just to see if it works anyway.*

Jamy: _{Don't worry kids, just stay behind the adults.}

{Outdoor Arena}

*It's the regular Outdoor Arena, though the stands are filled with NPC soldiers cheering and shouting.*

*enters* Yeah, let's get this over with.

The Characters have entered. Let the matches begin.[/color]

Could you stand to be a bit more enthusias-

*a gong sounds*

x10: *Some knights charge in*

Jamy: It's like we're-

Jace: GLADIATOOOOOOORSSSSS! *launches fireballs*

*absorbs a fireball with magic-resistant shield and slashes at Jace with longsword*

Other! *hit by a fireball and is knocked backwards*

: *crouches down and springs upward, trying to land on one of the knights*

: *fires at a knight*

*Luigi'd!*

Other! *gets shot, but charges forward and slashes at Badd*

*Watches as the knights come in.* Thassalot. Whydothey gotta fightus? Wedidn't doanythin'! *She takes out a throwing star and throws it at one of the knights.*

*steps out of the way* ...

Blues: *immediately charges a knight, angling her blows to get under his shield- if successful in getting under his defense, she'll slap a sticky bomb onto his armor and jump back*

*prevents Blues from getting under shield and tries to stab forward*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincAnnoyed.gif[/img] *looks at Guella* I'unno, well... les'just not gethurt, okay? *dodges another knight*

*Nods.* Yeah, an' let's stopdese mean bullies! *She ducks out of the way of a knight before launching a kunai at one of them.*

*puts barriers up over Glinc and Guella* You two can throw through them, it blocks incoming at-

*punches Sgt. Guy*

*grabs by the fist, throws Knight up into the stands*

*The barrier protecting the Soldiers in the stands appears and bounces the Knight far across the Arena*

Thanks! *She grabs out more throwing stars and throws them at the knights.*

*bounces it off shield*

Some of my best magic is in support. *mumbles a spell*

*the kunai glows, flies back at the knight, and explodes*

*goes flying back*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincGrin.gif[/img] Thanks! *throws a kunai at another knight*

*does the same trick*

*exploded, crashes back into the wall*

Woah, cool... *She then goes back to the battle.*

Blues: *parries the blow and tries again to get under the knight's defenses*

*steps back and lunges forward with sword*

: *shoots a fireball at some knights*

: *hit by the sword slash, but ducks out of the way before he's seriously wounded*

*Tries to throw Luigi off as the other Knight dodges a fireball*

: *thrown off the knight*

: *fires at the knights again*

*The same Knight is shot again and falls*

Jace dived into the dirt to avoid the longsword. Jamy turned black and charged at his attacker. Where her feet touched grass quickly withered before vanishing.

*holds shield up against attack, bracing self, though looking around to see if he can tell where Jamy went*

Blues: Oh, come on- *the thrust forces her sword out of her grip and slices across her side* ! *she swears and stumbles backward, pulling out her pistol and firing off a crack shot at the knight*

*gets hit by the shot, but lunges forward to slash at Blues*

It's so much less risky this way. *snaps*

*A Knight gets hit directly by a throwing star and is defeated; the explosion also knocks out a partially wounded Knight.*

Other! *pulls them out of the way and stands with shield up*

*fires a beam of energy at the Knight*

Other! *dodges the attack*

: *throws more fireballs*

: *continues shooting*

Jace: *stands up and draws a gun*

Jamy: *hits the shield with the side of her 'body', starting to eat her way through it*

Blues: *forces the blade aside with the magically-reinforced leather of her coat and fires again*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincSigh.gif[/img] *keeps attacking* How long're these guys gonna keep attackin'? *pulls out a juicebox and throws it at one of the knights* Go 'way!

*Takes out another throwing star and attacks.* They hafta stop sumtime!

*The Knights are all hit by the attacks until all of them are defeated, laying in a heap. The audience cheers, even though the Knights lost.*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

Was that all?

Not at all, friends. Round 2.

[/color]

x4: *run out and snap some odd chains hidden by the grass and rocks*

...

*A series of massive, waving tentacles/arms, some with claws at the end, explode out from the ground!*

... Badd is leader, this is his fault.

*a massive green eye opens in part of the arena's ground, then the surroundings tear open*

*An Eldritch Abomination roars*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *looks down* ...Nope nope nope nope *ports around nervously*

*Stares in horror at the Eldritch Abomination that appeared.* Stoppit, stopbeing mean taus! *She takes out a kunai and throws it at the eye of the abomination.*

: ... *begins firing*

: *pulls the Poltergust out of hammerspace and shoots it at the Abomination, trying to weaken it*

Blues: *swears violently* This is clearly outlined in my contract! I don't do tentacles! I know how these things end! *reloads and unhooks several small explosives from her belt, arming one and lobbing one at its eye just to gauge its reaction and then firing*

Jace: YES! *throws a fireball*

Jamy: *screams*

*Hit by most of the attacks in the eye, letting out another roar*

nope *becomes a Shy Guy and hides in Badd's coat*

*Sweeps its arms to try and knock everyone down*

: *tripped by the tentacles*

: *manages to jump over it*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *trips on the tentacles as well*

Blues: *dodges the tentacles and unclips her last three bombs, flinging them into the eye of the Abomination*

*Runs out of the barrier to try to get a better shot at the Eldritch Abomination before it swings its tentacles.*

*Is tripped and falls on her back.* Aah!

*Jace and Jamy both avoid the tentacles*

*Three of the Soldiers that freed it fled*

*One last soldier tries to escape*

*hits him against the wall*

*The Soldier hits the wall. His goggles crack and break off*

nope *holds out wand and fires a bolt like a lightning beam at it*

*finally blinded by all the attacks and starts to thrash around wildly*

Agh! *runs behind the others*

: What do we do now!?

: *fires at it more*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincNotamused.gif[/img] *tries to throw another kunai at the arena*

*Manages to get back up, and she reaches for another kunai when the abomination starts flailing.*

*She manages to avoid it this time, and she throws the kunai towards the abomination's eye again.*

Blues: ...*looks at empty clips where the bombs were, her empty sword scabbard* *looks at the wildly thrashing arms, contemplates ricochets and her admittedly not great aim* ... *gives a kick at a tentacle that isn't moving as much*

Jace was knocked over by the thrashing tentacles this time. Jamy thought about just 'eating' her way through, but didn't have the nerve to try it on an Eldritch abomination. She continued to jump instead.

*Is seriously, visibly wounded, thrashing about*

alright *turns back into a human*

*grabs one of the monster's tentacles*

*throws Sgt. Guy up into the air*

*clings onto the tentacle, then glows with energy* Um... go away! *with some effort, spins, and throws it at the stands*

*slams into the barrier around the spectators and gets shot back, then lands in a heap on the ground*

... That was the stupidest one-liner ever. *lands*



: Is it dead?

: ...

Blues: *at Sgt. Guy* There are worse ones. Believe me. *walks over to the body, wincing and rubbing at where the knight hit her* That belonged to the NPC Army, right? *nervous laughter* Because, only, if it didn't, that thing was under the arena the whole time. That's not right, right?

Jamy: I sure hope not 8c

Jace: I wonder how well it burns *throws a fireball*

*Once the beast falls, she runs over to the abomination and kicks it once.*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincAnnoyed.gif[/img] *also runs up and kicks the monster*

Blues: *warily* Kids, maybe we shouldn't go kicking the corpse of the giant tentacle monster before we know if it's dead or not...

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincFrown.gif[/img] But itsa big meany smellypoo monster'at smellsbad!

Yeah, it'sa real meaniepants! Like Glincy said!

It's black and green. It almost certainly belongs to them.

Y-yeah, it did... *applying bandages*

? ? ?: _{Grr... stupid soldiers...} HEY! Make way for the real champion over here! Coming through!

... That voice.

*Stomps in, holding arms up* This is great! I'm getting treated like the royalty I am, and that wordy guy promised me all the power I can absorb to stomp Mario and snag Princess Peach!

... King Bowser?

Huh? Who are you, blondie?

... Nevermind.

Great! It looks like Mario isn't here to- Huh? Hey! It's you! *points at Luigi* Green one! Uh... what was your name again?

: King Bowser! I'm not even going to tell you my name, because I, Luigi, am going to stomp you too fast for it to matter!

Jace: Do you think we can ransom him?

Jamy: *sighs*

Jace: What? He's a king.

*Guella looks over to Bowser coming in.*

But but but they're doin' badthings. Whybe withem?

Luigi! *starts stomping foot* Grargh! I knew one of you Super Shrimpy Mario Bros would come here to get in my way! Well, victory dinner is going to be all mine, baby!

Round 3. Go.[/color]

... ... ... I'm just going to sit this one out.

*Breathes fire at the characters!*

: *leaps over the fire and tries to land on Bowser's head*

: *dodges as well*

Blues: *cleanly avoids the fire, brings up pistol and fires off a cluster of shots*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *dodges the fire*

Jamy: *absorbs the fire*

Jace: Hah, like that's going to phase me.

Jamy: Your fire probably won't phase him.

*Manages to jumps over the fire. She takes out a throws a throwing star at Bowser before trying to shadowport a bit farther away.*

*retreats into his large spiked shell against Luigi and the shots*

Um... I... wasn't... *hides*

You suck at being a soldier.

Smith! My name is Smith! Does that sound like a brave name to you!?

*spins rapidly in the spiked shell towards everyone*

Jamy: It sounds like a braver name then "Jamy".

Jace: Stop socializing and attack! *flings a fireball*

Jamy: He's in a shell

Jace and Jamy both dived away from their spinning spiked opponent.

*Runs to the side and just barely avoids the shell.*

: *jumps over it*

: *dives to the side*

Blues: *gun clicks empty, realizes her shots are useless* Crap. *sees spinning shell heading straight for her* ...Double crap. *grabs the spikes of the shell as it spins towards her, uses them as leverage to hurdle over the shell and lands more-or-less with dignity on the other side*
Blues: ...*bursts out laughing* Oh, man, that was so- oh. Right, battle going on. *scrambles across the field for her fallen sword*

*Sgt. Guy and Smith are knocked over like bowling pins*

*knocked back into Shy Guy form* wfdadf

*comes out of shell* The heck?! You're one of my baddies!

I, uh, can explain being on their side-

Forget being on their side! You turned into a blond guy?! Don't tell me you quit being my minion so you could pose for fashion magazines!

*Bowser's standing there stupidly, vulnerable*

Jace: *fires his gun*

Jamy: *forms a tiny void-ball and throws it*

*hit* Cheap shot! My back was turned!

Blues: *retrieves sword and takes a running start at Bowser, striking towards his exposed areas*

Hey, lady, know any princes- Ow! Hey!

*Runs up and throws a kunai at Bowser.* So? He's stilla goodguy!

*hit* Bowser Baddies are supposed to be bad guys! It's, like, the first thing in the textbook!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincNotamused.gif[/img] *tries jumping on Bowser's back* Hey! Don'be anudder meanie!

*spins before Glinc can get on his shell* If wordy guy gave me my power first, all of you would've been toe jam by now!

: *runs up to Bowser and tries a Super Jump Punch*

*hit and goes flying off into the sky* No! I'll get you next time, uh... green guy!

*Bowser flies off*


i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] ...So, do we win?

Blues: We're not dead. They're not trying to kill us anymore. Counts as a win for me.

: *V for victory pose*

: ...

Jace: He would have made a lousy hostage anyway.

*turns human again* Um. Smith, I'm guessing you're with us.

Yes, sir! *salutes* It so happens that I have a lockdown key right he-

I must congratulate you on your victory, but it seems the self destruct switch has been flipped. You have exactly one minute to evacuate.[/color]

*The Soldiers in the stands look at one another in confusion and evacuate also, screaming*

Then use the key, Smith! *runs out of the Arena*

*follows, unlocking doors as he goes*

Blues: Oh, come on! I liked this arena! The gym is really nice! *flees*

: *runs!*

: *jogs after*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *Exit, pursued by a bomb*

Jace: What! We've got to save the arena!

Jamy: .... Why would the arena have a self-destruct setting?

Jace: I don't know, but we've got to disable it!

Jamy: We can't do that in a minute!

We have 20 seconds by now! Not enough time for that! *runs out*

: *dashes outside*

: *follows*

Jace: But-

Jamy: *returns to her normal gray color and grabs Jace's arm* RUN! *follows Smith*

*Runs as fast as she can, following Glinc.*

{Outside the Character Arena}

*stops once he's a safe distance away with the others* Ugh...

*Soldiers are flooding out past them, not paying them any mind, some shouting in confusion about a self-destruct going off. Eventually, they're out of sight.*

Sir? It's... been a minute. It should blow up.

It has been. Why isn't anything happening?

Heh. There wasn't a bomb in the first place.[/color]

So you got us to- Who are you!?

I suppose you'll find out.[/color]

*the voice's presence vanishes*

... I give up. *leaves also*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] ...Well I'm leavin'. Lemme know if anythin' important happens, okay? *ports off*

Blues: ...Well. They don't hold the location anymore, and that's the main point. *sheaths sword and turns to walk away* There are other places in the city to hold up against them, I suggest you all find one.

: *walks off*

: ... *walks off also*

Jace: What are they up to...

Jamy: I don't know. It doesn't make sense, scaring your own people out as well.

Jace: Maybe they just wanted to see us run. Come on, let's go see what they're doing in there! At the very least it needs protecting in case they come back! *drags Jamy along*

... ... I'm gunna lookfor mommy an' daddy. *She ports off.*[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 05: Machiavellian Museum

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Museum Lobby}

*walks up* Getting here took longer than expected...

Miles: *beaming* This is rather a nice place, isn't it? All the columns and marble and wibbly bits? Why, if I were to invade- not that I would, this is really rather too overt for modest old me-, this would be a nice start to my parthenon of pillage.

*looks around* I've never been here before... if I knew where it was I probably would've gotten here sooner...

*also looking around, keeping one hand under his buster just in case* ...

Miles: *peeking in* Rather dark, don't you think? Could use the illumination of our heroism, right enough. Aaaah, we shall blind the unworthy with our deeds! *grins brightly at the two robots* Or perhaps with the shine off your armor. Not built terribly well for stealth, are you? I suppose it would be difficult enough to build a robot for stealth and not clunk, I suppose. *inspects Flashman's outer casting with open curiosity*

It's kinda hard for Flash to be inconspicuous when every bit of light reflects off his shiny head.

*whaps Quick round the back of the head* Oi. >_>

*snickers* Sorry, sorry.

You can hardly say anything anyway, Mr. Banana Forehead.

*puts a hand to the boomerang on his forehead* Hey, it's not a banana...

Xander: Museums are boooring~

Maddy: Nu uh, THEY ARE EDUCATIONAL! -nods-

Dimitri: -looks around- So where are they?

The place seems oddly... very quiet, though. And then there are more mysteries going on here. ... I can feel some of my time magic coming back, just enough to get some visions.

*he walks towards the center of the room*

For example, two monster kings that definitely aren't NPCs are leading divisions. Does that mean they have Characters, magical characters that they hate, working for th- GAH!

*Lucas falls down a hole with the trapdoor open*

Miles: Ah. *peers down the hole* Our intrepid leader has lead the way most bravely! A dark and... gravitational path he has chosen, indeed. Worry not, fair Ceasar! No Brutus shall I be- I follow you! *hops into the hole*

Dimitri: You probably should of watched where you were going. -Slowly walks over to the trapdoor and looks down- Are you ok?

Xander: What kind of museum has trap doors?

*flinches* Woahjeez- o__o

*runs closer to where Lucas just fell, trying not to get too close though* Oh great, not more holes...

Probably would've helped if they put this up...

[/color]

*a ladder is placed for them to follow down*

Dimitri: I guess we're going down.

Maddy: Yes, let's go down the scray trap door, that makes sense!

Dimitri: You climb down or I push you.

Maddy: YIKES -climbs down followed by Dimitri and Xander-

*goes down the ladder* No jumping in this time, Quick. >_>

Aw, that's no fun... *goes down the ladder as well anyways*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Underground Maze}

*There's a maze of bookshelves underground the Museum.*

... Yep, the NPC Army definitely put this here. "Stupid maze of bookshelves" wasn't a feature of this Museum before. *tries to push one over, but fails*

*The walls/bookshelves are enchanted and can't be broken, teleported through, flown over, etc. Ghost temporal alligators will eat anyone who teleports. It's best to just go with the maze idea.*



*The characters are all group A on the map. They can move in any direction, but moving south (down) will take them back to the ladder, where they started.*

Which way should we go?

Xander: Enie, meanie, minie, mo.. Umm, that way~ -points East-

Dimitri: I highly doubt it matters which way we go, we will probably walking into a trap whichever way we go.

Shh, I LIKE MAZES!

Oh great, a maze...

Hmm... maybe I could have a run around and see what leads where? It'd only take me a few seconds.

Knowing you, you'd get lost and we wouldn't see you again. >_> We don't know how big this place is yet. My vote's on headin' north.

_{No I wouldn't...}

Miles: Isn't this a brilliant idea? Airholes, for the earth! So the underground doesn't overheat itself. I can't imagine it would be too convenient for a tunnel to sweat. *peers up the hole, to the lobby* Such a convenience that it chose to send up a cooling channel to where we happened to be.

Miles: *inspects the bookshelves* Oooh, I don't believe I have this one in the series.. *straightens up* How ingenious, to build a maze for the feet out of mazes for the mind- for what is a book but a way of fooling your consciousness into seeing and feeling and tasting at the whim of another? *taps chin* For my answer, any good journey begins easterly, so that we might return westerly- into the sunset.

... Well, we all picked something different, so I guess we could split up. *walks East*



*Lucas is now B on the map, on his own. Everyone else is still A.*

Miles: Ah, fine, fine. I'll return to the sunset prematurely, then, if I must. The poor sun will be shocked out of his wits. *goes westerly*

I guess me and Quick will go north then.

Why do you get to decide? I'm the older brother here.

Yeah, well you don't act it. >_> Come on. And don't even think about runnin' off, else I'm gonna have to use my time stopper. *starts to head off*

*grumbles* Fiiiiiiiiine... *follows after him*

Dimitri: That probably isn't a good ide- Sigh. Alright Xander, follow Lucas, Maddy and I will go West.

Maddy: We will?

Dimitri: We will.

Xander: Aye, aye Captian -slatues and runs after Lucas-

Dimitri: Come on. -Grabs me by the arm and drags me down the west path-

SPOILER: Click to show

*Continues* ... Hey, Xander.



*They continue along that route and can now go East or West.*

---

*Flash and Quick go North.*



*They can go East, West, or return South.*

---

*Miles goes West with Maddy and Dimitri, then should turn and continue until reaching more paths.*



*They can go North or West.*

---

Dimitri: I hate mazes. -turns to Miles- Which way are you going?

Maybe we should stick with him, we don't wanna get even more spilt up.

~At the other intersections~

Xander: Hi~ Which away should we go??

---

Miles: Hmmm... *taps chin* I shall go north, I believe. *turns to Maddy and Demitri* You may follow me, friends, or strike it out on your own, wot?
*goes north*

Dimitri: We'll be following you, at least for now. -Has a tight grip on my hand and walks north leading me behind him-

---

*looks at the available routes* Hm... I think we should go east from he-

Come ooooon, it's my turn to chooooose.

...Oh fine. Which way do you want to go?

West. *looks smug and walks off in that direction*

*follows him* You may be older than me, but you're definitely not more mature. >_>

SPOILER: Click to show

I suggest East. *goes that way*

*They go East, then turn and go North. They then go West, as it's the only way to go, until reaching more paths.*



Do you want to decide which way?

---

*Flash and Quick go West.*



*They can keep going West, go South, or return East.*

---

*Maddy, Miles, and Dimitri go North.*



*It's a dead end, and a Knight falls from the ceiling!*

*holds out sword*

---

Xander: Umm... South maybe?

---

*keeps going west*

...Shouldn't it be my turn to decide now? >_>

Nope. I get two choices because you were being a jerk. :>

*curls his lip and rolls his eyes, but keeps following Quick anyways*

---

Miles: Oh, hello, sir. We appear to be a mite dislocated, would you offer a bit of advice as to our path?

Dimitri: Hahahaha, great, it was trap. -takes out a gun- Stay behind me Maddy.

Maddy: Eeep -cowers behind Dimitri-

Dimtri: -shoots at the knight-

SPOILER: Click to show

Let's go! *heads South*



*It was another dead end! There's a treasure chest there, however.*

Ooh, treasure. *opens it*

*There's a scrap of paper inside.*

It, uh... doesn't make any sense.

---

*Flash n' Quick keep going west.*



*A dead end! There's a sign there which says "whoever took this route smells like dung". It's sure to hurt some feelings.*

---

*Miles, Dimitri, and Maddy stay where they are.*

*shot and drops sword, falls over*

---

Xander: -tilts head- What is it suppose to mean? It's just a bunch of letters all jumbled, is it like a puzzle or something?

---

*sees the sign* ...

*smirks* Whelp, you're the one who decided to come this way, Quick.

*turns around and heads back the way they came, "accidentally" shoving against Flash with his shoulder as he passes him* Shut up. >.>

*follows after him, still smirking*

---

Maddy: Whew.

Dimitri: Let's go back. -takes my hand again and drags me back the way we came-

Miles: Oh, dear. I suppose he won't be helping us, then. *turns and follows Dimitri*

SPOILER: Click to show

Yeah, it's some sort of puzzle... *pockets it* Well, let's go back.



*South is a dead end. Going East will take them back to start.*

---

*Flash and Quick go back.*



*West is a dead end, going East and then South will take them back to start. They can go far to the East or go South.*

---

*Miles, Maddy, and Dimitri go back.*



*North is a dead end, and going South + East will take them back to where they stared.*

---

Xander: Let's go north this time, maybe we'll find more puzzle pieces.

---

We're going south this time, dung boy.

Shuuuut. Uuuuup. >.>

Heh. *goes down that direction, stillllll smirking*

---

Dimitri: The only way left to go is west. -walks west with me following behind him-

Maddy: ONWARD!

Miles: To the west, then, brave adventurers!

SPOILER: Click to show

Good idea. *goes North*



*They can continue North or West.*

---

*Miles, Maddy, and Dimitri go West.*



*It's a dead end, and unfortunately nothing is there. Seems like an unlucky day.*

---

*Flash and Quick go South.*



*It's a dead end. There's a sign that says "whoever took this long route smells like super dung".*

---

Xander: Umm. Umm.. North again?

---

*stares at the sign* ...

*snickers*

*groans exasperatedly and turns to go back* Yeah yeah, laugh it up, banana boy.

It's not a bananaaaaa. >:T

---

Dimitri: I suppose we should.

Maddy: You really suck at mazes, Dimitri.

Dimitri: Shut up.

Miles: *jogs down the passage* I see it! I see the light of heroism! Wait, fair warriors, let me come and bask in your glory, the blinding light of- *skids to a halt in front of Flashman* Oh. It's you. *polishes a bit of his armor* Are you lot faring any better?

Dimitri: Oh joy, jogging. -pulls me along after Miles and come to an abrupt stop- Hello there.

Maddy: HI ROBOTS!

Oh, uh, hello again. ;

Any luck with you guys? >_>

SPOILER: Click to show

*They continue North.*

There are some other paths, but I hear things up ahead. *goes further North*



*The two of them, group B, have made it to the exit. Everyone else is currently group C.*

---

Xander: Looks like it's the end~ I wonder what's this way? -exits maze-

---

Miles: *sighs dramatically* We have hands as empty as the eyes of those who dislike donuts. Come, we must rejoin the final group- perhaps they have been more successful than we have.

*goes to meet up with the final group*

Dimitri: No, just dead ends.

Maddy: And a scary NPC knight!

Dimitri: Yeah, but we took care him. Ah, yes we probably should.
-drags me behind him and follows Miles-

We just had a few run-ins with some immature signs... >_>

Yeah. ; *goes with them to meet up with the rest of the group*

SPOILER: Click to show

*Once everyone is brought back together at the maze's end...*

Took you guys long enough.

*stumbles up, injured*

What happened to you?

They're... they're right up there. *points* There's a huge secret vault with all the scrolls...

What scrolls?

All the city's records and secrets. All the stories written for the Taco. And beyond that, just... general secret stuff. *runs out*

Well. It's time to go get the thieves. *walks up into the secret vault*

Xander: Hahahaha, you guys are such slowpokes~

Maddy: IT'S NOT MY FAULT DIMITRI IS BAD AT MAZES

Dimitri: Shut up. If there is top secret information is in there was need to make sure it isn't compromised come on. -Xander, Dimitri, and me follow Lucas into the vault-

Oooh. Secrets are always cool.

... >_> *follows them into the vault*

Miles: *smiles with a certain kind of grimness* Yes, I believe it's time I had a talk with 'them'. *walks forward*

{Inside the giant vault}

*The General is there with Soldiers, who have taken all the scrolls.*

*looks* Oh. You fools made it here, too? I only just got out of the Station's hidden part.

You! ... Whatever your name is!

General Geier. I'm glad you showed up, Lucas. Your magic powers are working quite well for me.

*The Soldiers round up the scrolls in crates and vanish with them.*

I don't need them. We have what we came here for. *pauses* You see... You Characters and Writers kill us NPCs without mercy and without remorse. You use magic, incredible powers, incredibly foolishly.

*Shadows gather around Geier*

It's time I repaid the favor. The Wizards steal magic so it can be in the hands of the capable.

That's... that's...

*a fireball shoots past Lucas' head*

It just so happens that I am capable. Now fight me.

Too bad for you, I ain't magical. Hope ya like the taste of plasma, ya freak. *raises his buster and fires*

And, uh... boomerangs? ; _{Wow that doesn't sound threatening at all} *zips about anyways, firing off his Quick Boomerangs*

Maddy: B-b-b-but! Writers don't want to kill NPCs! Why would we ever want to hurt NPCs? We- Well I would never do that! That sounds terrible!

Dimitri: I doubt he is going to listen to you, so save your breath.

Xander: You seem really mad~ I love mad people! I have a question, aren't you just like the writers and characters because you are using your magic to hurt people? Cause that's what is soooounds like~

Dimitri: As the robots said, we aren't magical. -gets out gun and takes aim-


Miles: *straightens abruptly- it's almost frightening how much taller he seems when he isn't in a relaxed posture* *He walks to the center of the room, a new, unusually cold edge to the way he holds himself.* Enough. No. There will be no fighting. This stops now.

Miles: *turns to the leader* I have come a long way. I have no doubt you have been watching us, and allow me to tell you this now- allow me to warn you. You have no idea who I am or what I am capable of. What I have behind me. You have come too far and forgotten too much.

Miles: "Breaking the fourth wall". "Plot hole". The people of this world use the terms as readily as an atheist says "Oh, my god". The characters believe that every one of us has our own creator, a "writer", that writes out the world like the script of a play, or a novel. They believe that most people will never encounter their writers, but if you do something with your life, if you have a story to tell, someday you might meet your own, be guided by them. Some groups believe you don't have a choice, that the writer choses you, writes your world so that you act out the story they've written.

They believe. I know.

When I was seventeen, I wanted to cure the world, to go out and be a hero. To have them tell my story. Then I met a man who told me something very similar to what I just told you. I learned later that there are heroes who never get their stories told, because they fail, because they thought that the story was about them when it was about the timid barmaid behind the counter.

Sir... sometimes stories make mistakes. People meant to live get hurt. Heroes never fail, but there are always monsters that they aren't fighting. Crimes go unpunished. People suffer. But they stay quiet, because what if it's a part of the story? *opens his eyes* Someday, long ago, someone realized this and created... the Company. We were damage control. Heroes can't be everywhere. We nudge the path, stop monsters from ever begining to destroy, fight back what the story forgot to eliminate.

We are the heroes without a story. We're the ones protecting the world left behind when the story's somewhere else.

*narrows his eyes* But for all the faults in the stories that are woven, look at the world it's created! A place, where heroes are real, and there is opportunity for incredibly rich epics and tales- a place of rich, loamy soil for creation. How can you possibly try to turn against a world of such creation?

Sir- we need a story. We need stories. It's what we're made out of, what we return to, what we live on. And even to us resisting it, it sucks you in like the call of your true name. Sometimes I wonder if the Company has forgotten that, the reason why we exist.

*growls* I tell you this now not out of hope of your redemption, but out of mercy. I give you a choice- give up this violent folly and join us, the Company- help from the outside, sight unseen, in peace, in justice. Or you can ignore the truth I've told you, and I will destroy you for threatening the world I love.

Xander: Oh! I like you! Talk some more~

*gets hit by the attacks, but doesn't break his poker face*

*listens to Miles*

... *shakes head* No. You speak those words because you have the aura of a Character. You live a pampered life, because unless your Writer is very sadistic or you are considered a supervillain, you are destined to always live. Some characters have died... Doctor Lylin, for example. He was psychopathic. He misused his magical powers blatantly. That is the type of person we are trying to stop. No other Character can say that they understand how NPCs suffer because of them.

*crosses his arms* You might point out that we are being hypocritical, using the magic we take. We do this to put it in the hands of people who deserve it. The way things are now, any fool can get magic and use it to destroy an entire building. We want to prevent this from happening. We are forced by your own hands to use the magic to defend ourselves, our cause, because you are the ones that come here to drive us out and stop progress itself.

It's true that, even if magic didn't exist, there would still be crime and death. But not on the same scale. A man can grab a gun and kill ten people, but a fool with fire spells can blow up an entire city block. Just like what they've done to everyone I used to know.

With that, I find that it's time to not just be easy on you. You all have wandered into your own burial ground and I admire that. It's the only brave move of Characters in history.

*the vault door slams shut*

*smiles faintly as shadows gather around him* I will go into my magical form now... a form of nightmares, of darkness.

*he transforms*

Ah... Finally. *summons two gray fireballs* Enough talk. Die. *throws fireballs at the group*

Miles: *scowls* Then you are an arrogant fool. You've chosen the losing path. *pulls his sleeves back, revealing gauntlets of woven metallic wire- it absorbs the fireball aimed in his direction and glows with ambient energy before dispersing it*

Insomnium. That's what you may call me in the moments you have left.

Oh jeez- .__. *darts away from the oncoming fireballs*

This guy is nuts- *leaps back, firing a few more rounds from his buster*

*hit by one of Flash's attacks*

Dimitri: Ugh, great. -grabs me and Xander and drags us away from the incoming fireballs-

Maddy: What is with you saving us from fireballs lately?

Xander: Lately? This happens all the time for me~

*slashes at*

*slashed* Petty fool. Are you perhaps jealous that I put your powers to use better than you did? *shoots fireballs back at Miles, Lucas, the robots, and Dimitri*

*hit, falls over*

Dimitri: -dodges fireball- You don't give up. -aims gun and fires-

Xander: Oh oh I have another question! Who is going to regulate the magic used and stuff like that~? It's going to be you isn't it?

Maddy: Be quiet Xander!

Why, I'll tell you that it'll be- *shot* Rrrgh.

That's the price you pay for not shutting up.

*keeps firing, managing to avoid the fireballs*

*ends up being hit and sprawls to the ground* Ow ow ow-

*glances over* You okay there, Quick-?!

*pushes himself back up* I'll be fine- I've lived with Heat for the past maker knows how long- x_o

*hit by Flash again* You fools must want me to take your-

What magic? You took mine, and nobody else here has any.

...

Looks like we're still doing fine. *trips, then slashes again with sword*

*hit* I can't control this form properly yet!

Thought you were capable.

Enough!

[/b] *shoots a fireball at the ceiling*

*BOOM*

*part of the Museum's floor/ceiling caves in on them; chunks of hard metal/tile fall towards everyone*

*hit by one*

*also hit* Gah-

*manages to zip out of the way this time* Oh jeez-

Miles: *absorbs the fire* I have no power but what they give me- isn't that obvious? But the equally obvious answer is that I have no power- and I wield that! I have seen stories from the outside- I am a character only by your narrowminded definition. *tries to get in close to physically attack, but-**is forced to dodge a fallen bit of ceiling*

Maddy: -manges to dodge the falling debris-

Xander: -also manges to aviod the falling debris- Is that really the best you got?

Dimitri: -is hit- AUUGH -trys to steady self but falls to the ground-

Xander: Dimitri! -runs over to him-

We have to get out of here before it gets worse!

Too late. What, do you plan to fly out, or suffer through the maze I placed again? *shoots another fireball up*

*the hole in the floor/ceiling widens as more chunks fall*

*dodges*

For the love of- *hit by a large one and pinned*

You don't need to fly. *on the ground floor of the Museum; places the ladder from earlier down so they can climb from the vault to the ground floor of the Museum, then runs*

I'll hold him down! You guys escape before the whole place gets destroyed! *points at the ladder going up*

Miles: *dances neatly around falling debris* I have no 'power' bestowed upon me to fight you in the first place. Isn't this clear? I am no more a character than you are. I, too, exist outside of the storyline- except when I do. As a fool, as entertainment, a distraction. But the real me? I have no more favor than you do. We're fighting for the same cause, but because you do this- *gestures at the destruction* But because you interfere, because you are obvious and violent and blunder blindly with how things are supposed to be? Because of this, you fail. You will die, and I will live to go on to live and work behind the scenes.
*spits in distain and climbs the ladder*

Maddy: Xander come- AH -is hit by a falling piece of ceiling-

Xander: I ca- AHH -gets hit by a piece of ceiling, and collapses-

Dimitri: -gets up shakily- I can't leave you two for a minute. -grabs Xander and gently slings him over his shoulder- Maddy, can you walk?

Maddy: -nods, holding head-

Dimitri: Get to the ladder, hurry.

Maddy: -runs to the ladder, swaying a bit, and climbs up-

Dimitri: -tediously climbs the ladder with Xander on his shoulder-

Don't have to tell me twi- *hit again* -iiiiiiicejsdfhss

*dodges the pieces and and urges Quick forwards* C'mon, Quick, we gotta get out of here- _{ugh, if I could just use my stopper-}


{Outside the Museum}

*runs up after everyone else escapes* Ugh... They got the scrolls, but the General was seriously injured in that.

*pulls the paper out of his pocket* I don't know what this means yet, but we should meet up with the others... they've probably succeeded their tasks as well. *walks off*

Dimitri: -nods-

Xander: Mgeronjs?

Dimitri: It's about time you woke up, we won, sort of?

Maddy: Time to go home?

Dimitri: Time to go home.

-all three of them walk off-

*rubbing his head* Jeez, that wasn't much fun... @_@

Heh. So much for the speed demon.

*half-heartedly elbows him* Shut uuuuuup.

Alright, alright. C'mon, dung boy, let's get going.

I'm gonna hit you in a minute. >.> *follows him anyways*

Miles: *looks at gauntlets, as though first realizing what he did* ...I might have gotten a little carried away. *he flinches at the volume of the voice in the communicator in his ear*

A LITTLE? Miles, do you have any idea how much trouble your little speech just caused me? I have to make sure none of the organics remember that brouhaha- or at least don't grasp the specifics. And I need to figure out how to get in and rewrite the day memory of those robots. This is weeks of headache, Miles. Weeks of overtime headache.

Miles: *mutters* Well, I will pay said overtime. [/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 06: Flashes of the Future

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

{A field just outside the city}

*Sgt. Guy has gathered everyone back to the site of the Peaceful Day celebration, where they started. Some other characters have gathered also, and were told about what happened so far while waiting for the others.*

Why are we back here?

We've all succeeded in driving the NPC Army out of the four places they tried to conquer. In following some of the leaders and soldiers as they retreated, I believe I located their headquarters.

Starla: Really? Good! Where are they?

: *walks up to the group with Byrne, carrying a rifle and talking* ...and that's why you can't be too careful when you're dealing with swarms of bees! Neat story, right?

: _{Man, you're weird.}

Blues: Does this mean the fighting will be over soon? *looks slightly disappointed* …Goody.

We've also had quite a number of casualties. A number of people are greatly injured or missing….

Jace: Headquarters? Good! Let's finish this once and for all!

Jamy: Do you think there's a chance we can compromise with them?

Mirage: From what I've heard, that sounds unlikely, Jamy.

Jate: *polishes her sword*

Ooooh. This is getting good.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/T.png

[/img] Well, that's good enough.

Dimitri: Well, let's go and finish this then.

Azzie: Where?

Shadow: Ugh.... I have a headache from this.

Their... headquarters?

I've been told that they had a special base underground the Station, and knew exactly where to go to get to the vault under the Museum. I found that they all retreated to another underground base in that building, right nearby. *points*

*He's pointing at an ordinary-looking building near the one that was blown up at the beginning.*

: *looks up at the building* So that's it?

Miles: Like an anthill, this is where they swarm, our army ants? Unassuming, but then again, so is an anthill, until you step on its ominous dirty exterior…

Jace: This is their base?

Jamy: I guess...

Mirage: This building is too easy to get into.

Jamy: The last building we went into was like that, and it was a trap.

Jace: Maybe we'll have to fight our way out of this one too! *races in*

Jamy, Mirage: JACE! *chase after him*

Jate: *shakes her head and follows* ...

*blinks* ...Interesting choice.

Azzie: Hmm. *looks at it curiously*

Why would they blow up a building so close to their own headquarters?

I'm not sure. But they did all flood out of somewhere, and it has to have been their base. The General will get too powerful once he learns to control his magic, and the army has done enough damage to the city. We need to hurry.

We should go drive them out of there once and for all, then. Let's go. *walks off*

If we have to. *also walks towards the HQ, followed by Lucas, Sgt. Guy, Lincoln, and Roosevelt*

Starla: Alright... The sooner we get to his base and stop him, the better.

Yeah, let'sgo! *She starts porting around frantically.*

Starla: Guella, wait! Maybe you shouldn't go... It'll be dangerous...

Iwas fineinthe Arena. And Iwanna stopthose meanies before theydo badthings! Iwanna help! *She ports off before Starla can protest.*

Starla: _{...I've got to stay near her...} *She runs after her.*

: _{HEADS ARE GOING TO ROLL} *follows the group into the building*

: *gets Tommy Gun ready and follows*

… … …

Muerta: *Looks up at him* …Are you going?

… … … *Flattens his ears back* I was only visiting. My place is elsewhere. I am injured; fighting now would be a bad idea for me. I must leave.

*Shriek flies off*

Muerta: I see many Writers here. Where is the Ambassador?

*Shakes his head, looking off into the distance for a moment* …I have not seen her in a very long time. She's around here less and less these days, for reasons she does not say. She claims she is busy working toward being a teacher, and while that is true… I think there is something more. The fighting wearies her. Come. We should follow the others.

*Muerta follows Piers into the building.*

Psh. Let's go show those idiots once and for all. *follows them along with Quick*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincNormal.gif[/img] Yeah, we should go already! *ports off*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSNorm.gif[/img] Hrmph. The sooner this is finished, the sooner we can call it a day.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TGrin.png[/img] *chuckles* Not necessarily, but that's as close to the truth as we'll get. Off we go, then.

Well, better get going, then. *follows*

*also*

Azzie and Shadow: *follow*

{The NPC Army HQ}

*Underground the building is a sprawling underground complex. It's bright and cheery, decorated in shades of white and green. There are balloons and games, with some NPC children running around. Upon the Characters entering, though, they all hide in various other rooms. Uniforms, flags, goggles, and other items belonging to the NPC Army are all over.*

This... isn't what expected...

Starla: Wait! We're not here to hurt you!

Yeah, comeback!

: ...DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING

: ...Okay, something's up.

Blues: *gives Sgt. Guy a sardonic look* Awfully young, for soldiers.

Miles: All ages fight. Whether pigtail-pulling or property pillaging, what’s a sense of scale but what when you feel the need to go on a diet when you step on the mechanism?

Muerta: *Peers at the children curiously* I did not expect it either. oo I have not seen many children in quite some time.

Jamy: I guess it's not a trap...

Jace: Just kids. *dissapointed* No fighting here.

Mirage: Where is everyone...

*looking around* ...What the heck?

_{is it just me or is this sorta creepy}

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincOhNoes.gif[/img] Hey, I know summa those kids! They're alwaysat the playground.

Looks more like a party than an invasion!

You're sure this is the right place?

Dimitri: Well, then.

Xander: Oh...

Azzie: *takes a deep breath* Nice place. *looks sad that the children ran away, though*

Shadow:  ...*stays close to the group*

: Cheerful decor does not always mean a cheerful atmosphere. Stay alert.

*footsteps*

*walks up* Perhaps you weren't expecting this because you're on the wrong side.

Starla: ...The wrong side?

Blues: *laughs darkly* Hardly. In case you haven’t noticed, we had children fighting, too. *draws sword*

Mirage: You haven't exactly given anyone a chance to-

Jace: DIE! *throws fireballs*

*spins to face Geier* oh jeez where did you come from-

*scowls a little and puts a hand to the underside of his buster* ...

...I guess so.

*narrows eyes*

Dimitri: Oh, great him.

Xander: Yay, him~

Shadow: *just snorts*

Azzie: Sir?

You recovered quickly, Geier. Seems like an inconvenience. *shoots at*

*protects self with a strong barrier* I'm in the process of recovery. That's why I'm here, promising these innocent children that murderers like you won't stop us from securing peace for this city.

Starla: *Grits her teeth.* I am not a murderer! And we didn't blow up any city! Why would I want to hurt innocent children?

Yeah, I'djust wanna playwith them!

*Unimpressed* Securing peace? Good luck.

Muerta: *Peers up at Geier* There have been none to secure peace in a very long time, much to our dismay.

Good luck with the Elves, Geier. Feel free to have that problem all to yourself, we'd be glad of it.

Jace: *glares*

Mirage: We may be murderers, but your way isn't any better.

Xander: Ah, no fun he does actually care.

Shadow: *just looks incredulous* Us, the murderers?

Azzie: We don't want to hurt anyone.

: Peace...? Is that why you attacked our Peaceful Day...?

Peace? What, with all the fighting you're causing?! *laughs* What, do you want your own little stories? Will that make you pipe down?

You are being awfully hypocritical, you know.

Jamy: *fidgets*

Xander: Yeah, this isn't exactly peace. You started it~

Dimitri: Maybe he is under the belief that fighting brings peace for his side in the end.

More stories? Heavens, no. Don't misunderstand our cause like that. We don't want our own stories. We want stories to stop being written completely.

Stories written don't cause harm. If they harm NPCs, that is unintentional. You could have been diplomatic about this.

...But a life without stories is boooooooring!

Miles: *dryly* You would have the water drained to keep the fish from drowning. I’m sure they’ll thank you, the instant they evolve lungs to have the breath to do so.

Muerta: Interesting. It appears you lack knowledge on certain aspects of stories. But it appears you shall not listen. I will not waste time further.

Mirage: We're literary characters. Without stories we stop existing, as do you.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSNorm.gif[/img] *coughs* The way I see it, there's been more than enough diplomacy for everyone.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TNotamused.png[/img] Yes, well, your idea of diplomacy is punching people in the face.

... _{Depends on the story, but...}

Shadow: Archives? But how do those hurt people?

Azzie: ...But stories are the bones of this place.

*shakes head* No. No, we couldn't have. Even some others have been in support of our cause. But they are always ignored or killed.

*he takes out a scroll*

This is one of the scrolls I took from the vault, called "Rewind". Allow me to read you a passage.

It mystifies me, though...

What does?

Your Writers are in complete control of you. They move you like puppets and clash you against each other for amusement. Nothing else. And yet... We get called the evil Writers around here, still.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/FutureGlincGoggles.gif

[/img] Tha'scalled Character Dev-dele-development though! ...You.. you don't even have characters![/quote]

Just at a glance, a newcomer can tell that the justification for your Writers making you fight to the death against one another... going through all that suffering... is "character development".

Starla: ...*Is silent.*

*Piers gives a loud and bitter laugh, his aura rippling like drops of dripping water into the ocean… from an iceberg. Overall, the effect is both subtle and eerie, while clearly hiding a much more powerful exterior.*

You think that is all there is to it? You are blind. You are utterly blind. You have no idea what you are talking about, none! No wonder things are so miserable, if that is all you see.

Jamy: "Rewind"?

Mirage: We weren't involved.

Jace: We never are, anymore. We're practically forgotten characters.

Jate: *frowns* Our Writer does not force us to do anything we don't want to do. Creator, yes, controller, no.
Well gee. That sure makes all the times Metal has sliced our limbs off all the more reassuring.

*absently puts a hand to his arm* ...Uh.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TFrown.png[/img] You know, technically speaking that scroll is intellectual property of the authors, and illegal procurement of said document via piracy, theft, or any other method means that whoever obtained said document illegally is applicable for fines of up to-

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] Hey, Timebomb.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/T.png[/img] Yes?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] Cut yer yappin'.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TFrown.png[/img] *grumbles*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] Whozzat cool-lookin' guy with'the awesome goggles?

...

Shadow: What?  Y-you're taking this too far.

Azzie: D: We don't do that! You've got it wrong.

: One cannot grow stronger without hardship.

: Luigi wouldn't be who he is today without Nintendo throwing him in a haunted mansion.

: Yeah! Who's Nintendo?

Remember the turncoat Medic?

The reason she joined our army was that her fiancé was, along with hundreds of NPCs, murdered by the explosion of an apartment building. A Character caused it, and the incident was never reported. Nobody needs "development" like that. Bad things happen day to day, I get that, but they are amplified by Characters running loose with magic and committing insane acts of murder. Magic must be controlled more strictly.

Starla: *Continues to be silent.* ...But, I... But she turned on you!

Andit'snot our fault what happened toher!

*Piers and Muerta just glance at one another. Piers has a grim look on his face, putting a hand over his heart. They return their gazes to Geier quietly.*

Jace: Nope, never met her.

Mirage: What's your point? Do you really think NPCs are innocent? My father was killed by NPCs.

Jate: ... My family was killed by an NPC.

Mirage: Jamy used to be an NPC, until other NPCs tried to burn her alive.

Jamy: You don't have to say it so loud.

Jace: I was kidnapped and used by NPCs! And betrayed and hunted by NPCs! And they killed my mother!

Mirage: My entire clan was killed by NPCs.

Jate: This isn't a contest...

Hey! That's not our fault! It's not like all Characters kill people just for fun!

Dimitri: Magic is fine and dandy, and weird as heck, but there is always other forms of murder.

Xander: You can blow up an apartment building without magic, you just need a good bomber~

Shadow: But if you want to prevent damage, why would you test things that cause damage?

: That's something you should take up with the police... Before you start attacking innocent people...[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

You lying snake. There were other explosions in the city that day caused by your people that affected your people! Do you realize how many burn victims we have been treating as a result?! Utterly despicable.

Shadow: But if you want to prevent damage, why would you test things that cause damage?

Uh... huh. That's not hypocritical.

Blues: *looks uncomfortable* They have a point. They always have, really, but if they didn’t kill anyone in that explosion, then their only crime is attacking us. I know people that have done worse.

Miles: They’re moralizing, Miss Bluestone. If they wanted peace, they could have taken this road in peace. No matter how bright their goals, if they use dirty tactics, the entire operation becomes soiled.

Mirage: You forgot to handwave away what you did to your own medic.

Jate: Poor girl...

Then we are allowed to destroy our own buildings and areas of the Taco in an accident of magic. The Writers and Characters always repair the damage they do.

... Not all of it. A building might be replaced or a tree might be regrown, but the damage done to families and lives of NPCs is permanent. A Character may be brought back to life, but nobody saves the lives of "insignificant background characters".

Muerta: Death is an natural thing. To interfere is to go against the will of nature. I could teach you about it, but you do not care. I will say this—revival does not remove the heavy trauma of the experience.

Mirage: I know differently.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TNotamused.png

[/img] "Nobody saves the lives of background characters"- do you know who you're talking to? Did you even bother to read the rest of that scroll that you took from the vault?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] *points at Future Lucas* His powers that you stole helped save this entire timeline from going awry. We have stopped countless doomed futures, we've prevented invasions, we do everything that we can to keep this place from falling into ruin.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TWatch.png[/img] If you could see the terror, the pain, the suffering that takes place in the myriad other timelines... you would know that we do try to save this place. We do our hardest work to prevent this timeline from becoming a bad future. It's our job.

...Jeez, never really thought about it like that...

Psh. We're combat robots, Quick, we ain't programmed to dwell on stuff like that.

Yeah, but this place is different to where we come from... you know?

Starla: *Can't help but glare, but there's an odd look on her face.* ...That's not true. I do my best to help any innocent in danger.

Shadow: You're taking this too far. Why not just call a doctor?

Azzie: ...

The Writers are children. They are not fit to lead a city. Often, even regular problems of NPCs are completely ignored and they're killed in the side effect of a "harmless story".

*he turns on a large TV screen*

My mommy 'n daddy aren'tkids, silly.

Jace: Scrac's an old fart, not a child.

Jamy: _{The Captain doesn't like it when you call her that.}

Imagine how life would be without you. And how it would be if only the capable and trustworthy used magic.

: You claim that none of us are capable and trustworthy? Myself, a knight and commander, Badd, a detective, Luigi... ...is at least trustworthy?

…What on earth makes you think the Writers rule this city? The city is in minimally-chaotic anarchy, you fool. The Writers themselves are beholden to others and they have their own problems to deal with.

*The screen shows the NPCs living peacefully. Only a few officers and soldiers are obviously using magic, but don't use it to attack anything. Everyone seems happy.*

_{...Well that's nice and all, but it looks sorta dull...}

: *hands on hips* That's just propaganda right there. I can tell by what's in it and seeing a lot of propaganda in my time.

Shadow: *stares at the screen, confused*

Azzie: But everyone deserves to live peacefully!

Jace: *gags* Looks like the Soft Taco.

Jate: *sighs* Looks like a lie.

Mirage: Who exactly decides who the "capable and trustworthy" are?

*Guella and Starla watch the video in silence.*

But things're already okay likeitis! There's lotsa nicepeople!

Starla: *Just watches.* ...

Hey! That's not true, either! We don't want anyone to be hurt!

... ...

: *he seems to have lost interest, but looks up at the video* Tcch. *lights a cigarette and takes a drag*

I should know that the damage is never fully repaired. You stood by and just did nothing when an entire city blew up and killed everyone I have ever known. You believe this murder is a way of life. I know the damage, and I know that just asking you to be kind to us isn't going to work. The lives of NPCs are insignificant to you.

Damage like that is from villains who intentionally misuse the power, and we try to stop them as well.

Imagine a city where those "villains" didn't exist in the first place. Where average people didn't get tortured in inhumane ways and where magical people didn't have to fight to the death against other magical people. Like... oh, any city on Earth, the one that the Writers themselves come from. If we win, there will be no more "villains", no more stories, no more suffering.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TNotamused.png[/img] Because there obviously isn't any antagonism in real life. That would be plain ridiculous.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] *pulls out a scroll of his own* Consider the words proposed by the famous Taco philosopher, Platocrates: "That which remains unwritten still exists." If an event takes place and a writer doesn't record it as a story, that doesn't mean it hasn't occurred- it happens either way. You think that the reduction of magic means that people are going to suddenly get along? Performing a hard reset never solves anything... *glances at his pocket* Believe me, I know that far too well.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSNorm.gif[/img] Who's this Platocrates fella, and why ain't I ever heard of him?

I don't believe this...

Jace: When did that happen? Did I sleep through it?

Mirage: We might have been at sea...

Jace: Hey buddy, at least get your facts straight. It's not NPC lives I don't care about. It's all lives but mine.

Mirage: Jace, shut up.

Jamy: I care... :c

Mirage: You really are an idiot. The world the Writers come from has more suffering then ours, no happy endings, and still plenty of stories. You can never escape stories!

Dimitri: Not going to argue that point, the writers really are children and not exactly capable of running a city, but then again when are the people running a city really fit to run a city?

Xander: That video is cute~ But silly, really silly~ There is always suffering and death, always~

: *flicks cigarette to the ground and steps on it* Everyone says there's gonna be an end to suffering if they're in charge. They're all liars. Living means hurting, in one way or another. That's just how it is.

Shadow: T-there's villains in every world.

Azzie: ...I'm sorry about your city. It was a tragedy. But there are stories everywhere. If you achieve what you're planning, this world will die.

Starla: *Just listens, not knowing what to make of the Geier's words.* _{Your family...} *She seems to be fighting back tears.* ...But we're not bad... We're not all bad... but...

Butyou're also blowingthings up and killingpeople! That'snot nice!

Starla: ...She's right. It doesn't justify you killing innocent people. And I only fight others when I know it's right! I-I-I'm not going that far!

*mutters* <sub>Then that sorta begs the question of what'd happen to us...

...Us? ._.

Yeah. Us DWNs. We're all built for fighting and some of us are sorta reluctant to give that aspect up. We ain't villains, but a lot of us sure ain't good guys. What'll happen to us?

...I dunno... the guy has a good reason, but I don't think he's going about this the right way. We should focus on stopping him.</sub>

*There is familiar dark, howling laughter at this*

/*Snickers* You think that driving them away would cause us to leave? It's far too late for that./

\*Scornful sound, feminine voice* Even should you succeed in your rise to power and glory, the utopia so desired… *Sense of a grin* …You know you need power for it…\

-*Deep voice* …Even then…-

[The three voices speak in unison]

We shall never leave. We exist across all time and space.

You cannot defeat us, Geier… nor can you drive us away.

/But you did well while you could, Geier… it certainly has been interesting to watch. You'll see very soon just how wrong you are…./

But you're going too far. You're using the magic you take to harm and terrorize everyone else. You plan to kill or abuse all the Characters. You won't be treating everyone equally like you claim.

We're done putting up with your lies and getting ignored. You Writers and Characters deserve to be punished... no, killed as well... for the deaths you've caused. Are you going to make the argument that you "can't control your characters"? Then you have no right to rule, and the magic rightfully belongs to those who can control. And do you think we're the ones "not using diplomacy"? You ignored us through years of slaughter.

We haven't ignored you! We take care of everyone! We—

Starla: *Her face hardens and she grits her teeth again.* Sh-Shut up! I've been fighting those murderers!

We have also volunteered at your hospitals. There were efforts made to put laws in place to prevent such things, but that's a story for another day… it didn't end well, either.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSWhat.gif[/img] Well yer using diplomacy now-

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] Other diplomacy.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] *rolls his eyes*

: ...So you punish all characters for the acts of a few.

: Killing all of us? *STARTS LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY* LIKE YOU COULD EVER DO THAT

: Because murdering a bunch of people for your agenda always works out so well.

Jace: My homeland underwent a genocide. It gave us dead bodies, not peace.

Mirage: It's all too easy for an NPC to become a character. Will you kill anyone who slips over the line as well?

Jamy: Just because a Writer doesn't control their character does mean they can't... they just prefer we have free will. You're talking about giving that power to someone who will use it to force others to do what they want. That's wrong.

Jate: *smiles a little at Jamy*

Dimitri: It's utterly funny how you think any city on Earth is an ideal place free from inhumane torture.

Xander: 'Cause it's not~

Shadow: What makes us any different from you? We live here, too! What makes you any better?

Azzie: I'm so sorry... *looks a mite confused, though*

What about the argument for us robot "characters" that we can't control our programming? One of my bros loves to blow things up and another likes to set things on fire. They've probably unknowingly killed or hurt a bunch of you "NPC"s, but they're just doing what they were built to do.

_{True, but don't forget the whole "writer" thing, Flash...}

*the screen blips on again, revealing the face of a man with white hair and a top hat*

*on the TV screen* Geier. What are you doing?

...Who the heck...?

...Ooh. Nice hat.

Sir. *bows* I was... I was just trying to make these fools see the truth...

Muerta: And yet you fail to hear. You paint us all the same… you're going to be in for a nasty surprise.

Huh?? Who're you?

Buh? Who's that?

Shadow: We're the fools? You're the one who won't listen.

Mirage: You sir, are the fool.

Azzie: *looks interested*

Blues: *if she looked uncomfortable earlier, she’s far less comfortable now* How hard can it be to just have a situation where I can just kill things without morality sticking its head in?

Miles: Yes, it’s a pesky thing, isn’t it? *inspecting his nails* Oh, is he done yet?

Starla: *Stays silent, not caring about someone new appearing in front of them on the TV.*

Same to you, Geier.

That's your leader?

Pleased to meet you all. My name is Chalk. I am the leader of the NPC Army. Geier here is just my head General.

Xander: Oh, he isn't the leader~ Not really, that's kind of sad, this guy seems more stable.

Miles: *perks up* Aaaah, a new military man! Perhaps you’ll flim-flam less and flop gums in a more productive manner.

Mirage: Chalk..?

Jace: Like what police use to draw the outline of a murder victim?

Jate: *sighs* His name is not the important part.

... *Giggles.* _{Heh, Chalk...}

Starla: _{Not now, Guella...}

..."Chalk". Seriously?

We can't really say anything with names like "Flash" and "Quick"... >.>;

Shadow: Why are you doing this?

Azzie: Nice to meet you, sir!

Shadow: *looks at Azzie like she's nuts*

What kind of name is...?

What do you want?

Oh, that's simple. I believe the best way to get you to see the truth is through force.

Jace: I feel the same way!

Mirage: You would.

Starla: The... The truth...?

Xander: The truth~?

The truthis that you'reallabuncha meanies!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] 'Cos the forces are so strong for these ones!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] *pats Glinc on the head* Kid, don't antagonize the mean man with the Napoleon complex.

Shadow: *shakes head* But that's not how it works.

Azzie: Force never works. It only ends in both sides getting hurt. Can't we just talk about it? Please?

Are we finally going to see some action, here?

Not how you would expect.

*A Wizard walks in, though he's dressed a bit differently.*

Shadow: *steps back*

: *gets into battle position* Let's a-go, then!

And here I thought we were about to start being reasonable.

*Sighs and makes a sign with his right hand as he puts his other hand hand to his sword hilt. He mutters some prayers, bracing himself for attack and preparing for the worst.*

Starla: *Turns to face the wizard, drawing her sword.*

Blues: *grips both hands on the hilt of her sword, looks relieved* About time.

Watch out! *swings out hammer*

Buh? *snapped out of whatever thoughts he was lost in*

Jamy: *hugs Mirage*

Mirage: *pats her gently* Everything will be alright.

Jace: *flings fireballs at the wizard*

: *throws a fireball*

Xander: He doesn't look the same...

Dimitri: No, he doesn't. Strange.

*turns and shoots the Wizard*

*a Writer Powers barrier flies up to protect him*

Writer Powers...?

Shadow: *looks around* ?

Azzie: Hmm! *looks a bit excited*

Shadow: What is it?

Huh? Buthow?! *Tries to shadowport behind the wizard.*

Jace: How in the raging seas did he summon a Writer shield?!

Mirage: Has he... become a Writer?

...Uh. ._.

Wait, what? But that's impossible!

I'm not so sure...

*Teleportation is blocked in the hideout*

... We can't get out of here, can we.

Get them.

*creates a large portal in the middle of the room, which begins to suck everything in like a black hole*

It's... it's too powerful to run or teleport away from... *pulled in to the portal*

*try to escape, but are also sucked into the portal*

Oh jeez- o__o *tries to dart away from the portal but gets sucked in anyways*

*instinctively raises his stopper, but looks to Quick and lowers it again, scowling* _{Urgh- why does my time stopping have to hurt you-} *sucked in as well*

: *tries to fly away but is pulled in*

: *pulled in also*

Blues: ! *stabs sword into the ground in an effort to establish a lifeline, but both her and the sword are knocked free and sucked in*

: What th- *dragged into the portal*

: NO NO NO- *also dragged in*

Jace: Hey!

Jace and Jate: *grab onto whatever they can*

Mirage and Jamy: Help! *pulled into the void*

Jace: Dang it... *lets go and enters after them*

Jate: *does the same*

Xander: What's...?

Dimitri: Just go with it. -both are pulled into the portal-

*Despite her best efforts, she begins to be pulled into the portal.* Aaah! Help!

Starla: *Trying to resist being drawn in, and she tries to hold onto something. Then her expression fades. She looks helplessly over to Guella and gives her an apologetic look before she stops resisting and lets herself fall into the portal.*

Aaah! *She's dragged into the portal as well.*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] Wha-*pulled in*

Nngh! *tries to run, but to no avail*

Wha— *sucked in also*

Shadow: *tries to run* *is sucked in* N-no!

Azzie: *looks scared* *runs in, though*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSMeep.gif[/img] *dragged in as well*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] *snaps fingers* Stop time.

*Time temporarily freezes as everything takes on a more faded color. Everyone is frozen except for T*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/RaptorFade.gif[/img] *phases in*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TNotamused.png[/img] You're late. Next time I'm going in without you, you understand? Where even were you, anyways?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Misc/RaptorHappy.gif[/img] *nods* *grins*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/T.png[/img] ...Whatever. Just keep on the downlow, in any case. It will help to have extras in number. As you were, then.

*Time restarts, and they both get pulled in as well*

Miles: *grins cheerfully* All righty then! *leaps into the portal headfirst*

: *manages to stand his ground for a moment, but charges in the portal after seeing everyone else being pulled in*

*Piers withstands the pull firmly, his body used to the tug of the sea and high-powered energies. He stubbornly continues his prayers over the noise and against the panic.*

… *Faces down the portal* I do not fear the death you seek to cause me. *Walks toward it, sword drawn, using his own power to do so steadily rather than being knocked off balance*

*Muerta hovers above the ground, becoming taller and more menacing, looking like a truly imposing Harbinger of Death. She follows Piers in silently.*

N-not me too...! I can't escape, Chalk! *being pulled in*

Perhaps you deserve a look at truth also.

*the screen turns off and Chalk's image vanishes*

No! *Pulled in to the portal*

*Everyone is pulled in and the portal closes.*[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

SPOILER: Click to show

{A Deserted Building}

*They appear in a desolate, unkept office building on the ground floor.*

Where is this?

_{Ugh, my head...}

Jamy: Where.. where are we?

Shadow: *edges away, trying to get near the window*

Azzie: Wha? *looks around*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TSmug.png

[/img] Sergeant, the question isn't where... but when.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] ...Nah, it's definitely where.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TFrown.png[/img] Well I don't see why it couldn't be when too...

I don't know, however... look out the window there. It's the City, but...

*Outside, everything appears to be drained of life. No grass is alive, trees are old and bare without leaves, no flowers or other plants are growing. The sky is gray and seems polluted.*

… (This reminds me of something Crono told me about. …I wonder….)

: *looks out the window* This is the work of COMMUNISTS

: *also looks out window, cringing*

Miles: Language is the proof of life. When we uproot those who guard the written word, we also tear away the aspect of life. We leave the body living, but the spirit is gone.

Blues: That’s poetic.

Miles: With the writers missin’, the world ain’t worth kissin’.

Blues: Ugh.

Starla: ...*Looks around in horror.* Wh... Where are we? What happened to this place...?

*Stares at the nothingness.* ...

Starla: ...This can't have happened that quickly. Maybe we're in another universe?

...Wow.

This isn't real, right? This isn't real.

Jate: ...

: Oh no...

Shadow: ....

Azzie: This place... An alternate universe?

Dimitri: Hmm... I don't this is the city we left, not anymore anyway.

Xander: Looks really sad...

Man... good thing Wood isn't seeing all of this. ._.

Yeah. He'd go nuts.

… But not the city we know. *adjusts his glasses calmly*

Oh, you finally made it here? I was beginning to think that you were dead.

: *turns around to face voice* _NO

! *Rapidly shadowports for a while in shock before stopping to meet the speaker.*

Starla: *Turns toward the voice.*

!

Jate: Whose there?

Shadow and Azzie: *turn around* ?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] Huh? Whozat? *turns around*

*quickly turns to face where the voice came from* Oh jeez-

!

*An old man in a medieval-type outfit walks up with a cane.*

Welcome. This is the Icy Taco, about 100 years in the future.

… Louis?

Muerta: *Returns to normal size and blinks at Louis* oo …You must be living on pure willpower, sir.

Blues: Not even heroing is that stressful of a job…

Starla: *Is bewildered by the sight.* 100 years... *She clutches her sword tightly.* We went forward in time? To... This?

Butbutbut...

...Please don't tell me we've been stuck in there for 100 years...

Jace: The only thing that's going to kill me is old age. _{Which looks like it might take you at any moment.}

Mirage: What's going on?

Jamy: The future?

: Hey Louis!

: You look different... did you get a haircut?

Azzie: ...

Dimitri: Time Travel? Great, that is just great.

Xander: Hey, that's that guy who blew up the moon that one time~

...Wait, how'd we end up in the future?

_{...Are we seriously in the future? .__.}

*is present, but very silent* … “Louis”?

I am the wise hero Louis. I am the wisest and smartest person in the entire city at 119 years old. *coughs*

I could sense something like this was up. *glances at T* What happened here? My friend and I have been to timelines like this before.

Well, at first, you all vanished through that Wizard's portal thing. We all thought you'd be back soon. *leans on cane* Months passed, and you were gone. They tried to sense where you were, but they couldn't track you down. And even with a General missing, the NPC Army won with all of you presumed dead.[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

*Crosses his arms* For me to accept that would be to accept that all my friends are either dead or departed for their own worlds, abandoning this place.

: *looks sort of horrified* ...

: *looks down and shakes his head*

Blues: Ugh. Timey-wimey. Someone tell me when we get linear again.

Miles: *hovering close over Geier, his face dark*

Starla: *Listens solemnly before shutting her eyes tightly and turning her head.* _{We weren't there... Then I...}

Mommy and Daddy...

No way...

This isn't happening. This can't be happening.

Mirage: They won?! That's impossible! The rest of the crew was there! And what about those robots?

Jate: The teleport pads could have been destroyed and a magical barrier raised to prevent the robots from coming back to the city. I don't know about the crew...

Jamy: _{Weren't some of the robots living in the city?}

: ...Dead?

: No way! My game isn't over yet!

Shadow: *leans against the wall*

Azzie: .... *sits down where she was standing*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Tmeep.png

[/img] But... that can't be possible. *checks his watch* That's preposterous!

...

_{But- this can't be right... ...what will have happened to Gar? D:}

What do you mean, nobody could track us? We know time travelers. … Some of us are time travelers.

You simply were gone. They couldn't find your spirits, either, and based on that black hole, they wondered if you suffered something worse than death. So the life and magic in the city was drained. But that doesn't stop our secret bingo tournaments! *slaps knee and guffaws*

… (Then here… I see. They would have gone down fighting…)

Starla: *Opens her eyes and glares at the old Louis, but she quickly ignores his comment.* ...Then we're the only ones left...

*not laughing*

Jace: ...
Mirage: ...
Jate: ....
Jamy: Drain the life of the city? That means everything is dead? All the magic is gone? How does anyone survive?

Shadow: *quietly* So we died.

Azzie: Wha? *keeps sitting, thinking*

Xander: If we are in the future... that means...

Dimitri: I knew I should of dragged her along. She told me she was too tired, now she's...

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] That's terrible...

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincOhNoes.gif[/img] I know! You mean that you gotta play bingo in secret?

That is impossible. Our goal is not to drain life in the city completely. This is just some stupid alternate universe.

Maybe you should find and speak with your leader again.

Fine.[/b] *storms off somewhere*

Miles: *watches Geier stalk off* *turns back to Blues, considerably less ominous* Still feeling swayed by their clever arguments, Miss Bluestone? That one seemed particularly charismatic to the cause, no?

Blues: Shut up.

Starla: *Watches Geier storm off.* ...He... He was wrong, wasn't he? And I was starting to believe him... *She grumbles something under her breath.*

Jace: For the record, leaders can be very misleading.

: It appears that corrupt leaders are in no short supply here...

Shadow: Alternate universe?

Azzie: Mr. Louis?

Xander: No fun, looks like he did want happiness and peace and all that stuff. Just when I was starting to like him~

...Another alternate universe thing? ._.

Can't we go back and stop this from happening?

No. You were brought here for a purpose. Chalk is missing in this timeline. But... I saw him and some others time travel in also. I don't know what their purpose is, but you have to go kill him in this future and escape. If you go back, he won't be there anymore.

: So we kill him here, and then the paradox is... NO I'M THINKING ABOUT THIS TOO HARD

: I... think I get it?

Starla: But... Why would he strand himself in this future then? There's nothing here...

Mebbe he dintwant to be 'round when he killed everything.

Starla: ...Maybe.

And that'll stop all this from happening, right?

Jamy: If we go back and defend the Taco the NPCs will never take over and Chalk will come to a future where he's a wanted criminal. Fighting in a Taco where we're the disadvantaged ones doesn't make much sense.

Jace: Yes it does, the army is bigger now with more power. It's almost a fair fight.

Shadow: ...So we were brought here by him to kill him?

Azzie: Are you sure?

How do we get to him?

Well... the Army is a lot more powerful here. And the absolute strongest forces guard the City Hall, where I presume Chalk went. You'll need to create a distraction. The strongest warriors of your group need to go to the plaza and draw the attention of soldiers away from the City Hall. The rest of you will need to destroy the City Hall's defenses and break in. Then, you meet up and venture in to find him. Neither is an easy task, but we are relying on you, since you are the only ones that can use magic or even weapons that we used to have. Now decide how to split up and go.

Very well. *Turns sharply on his heels and walks off*

Muerta: *Follows closely*

: I'll go to the plaza _{AND PUT THE FEAR OF GOD IN THE NPC ARMY}

: In that case, I'll head up to City Hall.

Blues: *sighs* Thank goodness. That I can understand. *hefts sword in hand and heads to the plaza*

Miles: Heh. Well, I always did like breaking into things. Shoes. Puzzles. Minds. Faerie rings. Electron colliders. *heads to the City Hall*

Starla: *Thinks for a long time.* ...As much as I want to find out what's going on, I think I'll be better going to the Plaza and helping with the distraction.

...Iwanna goto the City Hall!

Starla: Guella, it's too dan--

Ican shadowport easily! *She ports around to demonstrate.* Ican breakin likethis! 'Sides, d'ya want me inthe Plaza instead?

Starla: No... Alright. Just be careful... Stay near everyone else.

Wasn't not going to! *Waves and ports off towards the City Hall.*

Starla: *Sighs and heads towards the Plaza.*

... *narrows eyes* I'll fight.

Well, I'm still kind of in-training, so I probably don't count as the "strongest." But I'm definitely willing to help take down their defenses.

Let's go. Now. *heads off*

*also*

Jace: The strongest, huh? We'll be at the Plaza, then. Good luck to the City Hall folk.

Jate: Maybe some resistance forces will come to our aide. I recall some of the robots lived in Taco City.

: Detective, let's go to the plaza. Luigi, Hunter, you can go to the City Hall.

: *nods*

: Okey-dokey!

: _{Since when are you in charge...}

Shadow: *thinks* *then quietly heads to the City Hall*

Azzie: ....I need to talk to them. *heads toward the City Hall too*

Dimitri: This is where we'll split up again, you go to the city hall, I'll go to the plaza.

Xander: Aye, aye~

Dimitri: I'll see you soon.

Xander: Pinkie Swear?

Dimitri: Pinkie Swear.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] Well... we might as well head off. I'll be heading to the City Hall, and you two are coming with.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] *shrugs* Fair enough. *heads off as well*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] *follows*

We'll head to the plaza. I figure a pair of robots built specifically for combat will be a pretty big help.

Yeah... ._.;

*Everyone else heads off*

In the meantime... I found this. If you're the smartest person here, could you decode it? *hands over this paper*

I will, and I'll meet up with you as soon as I can. Now go.
[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 07: Plaza of Peril

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

{The Future Plaza}

*The characters arrive.*

But now what?

Now we make a distraction. *THROWS A BOMB*

*An alarm begins going off as troops rush in. Helicopters fly above, and tanks tear through the alleys towards the characters. They're completely surrounded.*



: *throws a mini-tornado*

: *fires at the NPCs*



*A tank swerves out of the way of the mini-tornado*

x3: *a few of the soldiers are shot down* _{This was a badd decision...}

*takes out bow and an arrow, shoots at the nearest troopers*



x7: *are taken out by Jernath's arrows* _{I guess bows are cool now.}

: That sure is a lot of people here to fight us... WHERE ON EARTH WILL WE PUT ALL THE BODIES!? *starts shooting at the soldiers*



x11: *are shot down by Patton* _dfadsfdafda

*grabs one of the guns from the fallen soldiers and attacks*

*fires small magic blasts at them*



x5: *fall, defeated* _{I never thought that I'd get killed by two blond guys.}

Starla: *Stares wide-eyed as the enemy troops pour in, complete with technology far beyond what she knows. She stands there for a moment before shining a column of light into one of the windows of the helicopters, hoping it'll do something to the machination.*



Helicopter: *flies out of the way of the attack*

*Tanks roll in and fire at Patton and Meta Knight. Other Soldiers shoot at everyone.*



Blues: *ducks under a bullet* *grinning madly; the ethical troubles from earlier seem to have blown away in the face of a prospective adreniline rush and she doesn't seem to care that she's outclassed in weaponry, hacking away at soldiers as the come*



*Two Soldiers are slashed down*

_{I've got the Blues!}

Other! _{Shut up, Ted!}

: *dodges tank attacks and continues shooting into the soldiers*



*The Soldiers all flee for their lives, pointing at something besides Patton*

*BURSTS ONTO THE SCENE IN A TANK PAINTED LIKE AN AMERICAN FLAG AND STARTS SHOOTING*



*A dozen Soldiers fall*

_{I feel out of place.}

Starla: *Frowns at missing the helicopter as she takes out her sword.* She creates an area of blinding light over the ground soldiers before moving to attack one of them.*



*quickly dodges*

: *hit by the tank's shot and knocked back*

: *fires at soldiers*



*Some Medics are shot down this time*

_{I need a drink.}

Whoa! *tries to duck out of the line of fire, somehow* *keeps shooting arrows*



4! *arrow'd!*

Darkness began to gather around Mirage, and she took the first few steps of her shadow clone dance. She turned to Jamy and swept her arm and shoulder downward before twisting and taking another step.

Mirage: Jamy, would you guard me?

Jamy nodded and took a defensive stance.
Jate and Jace had their eyes on the helicopters. Jate flexed her wings and fingered the skull necklace she wore.

Jace: If you wouldn't mind giving me a lift, I'd like to figure out how to fly one of those things.

The shoyru nodded and the eye sockets in her necklace began to glow. The eerie light crawled across her form, and she began to grow. Spikes burst out along her spine, and soon a demon was standing beside Jace, not an abnormally short Christmas shoyru. He grinned, climbed onto the moster's back, and they soared up to a helicopter. Jate swiped at the machine's door with her large claws.
On the ground, Mirage's shadow copies had started rushing at the NPC army, and Mirage herself was hidden in a cloud of night.



*The helicopter's door is slashed and damaged, but it manages to fly out of the way momentarily. A Soldier starts firing from inside, while eight of them are hurt on the ground.*

Dimitri: - dodges bullets then aims gun and fires at soilders-



*An alarm starts going off after everyone makes their attacks*

*stops* ... that's bad

*A group of Wizards on the rooftops quickly appear and fire one massive blast of magic-stealing rays at everyone!*

!!!

*A bright flash of light blinds the group*

... Wait, what happened?

*A powerful Writer Powers barrier has been raised over them*

This is enough to hold them off for now. More are going to keep flooding in, but your friends should've made it into the City Hall by now! Go, you won't be able to win if you stay here!

[/color]

don't have to tell me twice *turns back into a Shy Guy and skitters off quickly*
[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 08: Towering Threats

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

{The Future City Hall}

*Everyone arrives.*

"Looking for a way in?"

[/size][/tt]

!

*An earthquake begins as something emerges from below the City Hall. The small building is raised into the sky as a tower below it unveils itself, raising steadily up, until it stops with the original building resting on top in the clouds.*

That... uh...

"And what good would a tower be without its dragon?"[/tt][/size]

*falls in* This is the day! Oh, finally the day where unimaginable power graces my mustache! *begins transforming*

*Portalman transforms into a giant dragon*

Now, which of you do I dine on first...? *stands in the way of the City Hall tower*


: Uh...

: I'm not going to let some dragon have a better 'stache than me! *jumps on his head*

: *fires ice at him*



Ice type attacks are usually super effective, but this time they missed! *flies out of the way*

Azzie: ...O____O *begins putting up shields on people*

Shadow: *removes his shoe and throws it hard*



*dodges that shoe* I'm like an American president!

Uh-oh! *throws a javelin at dragon!Portalman*



I can't decide if my name should be Dragonman or Portaldragon, but that isn't helping me see the point! *javelin'd!*

: Can't say I saw that coming. *tries shooting at one of Portaldragon's legs*



I can say I saw that coming! *dodges*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Tmeep.png[/img] ...Would it help if I took back all those times that I was snarky towards you?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] Probably not, gotta say. *reaches into his coat* Now seems like a pretty good time for some trusty knives! *throws two knives at Portalman*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] Porta'man, eating people is bad! You could get body parts stukkinya teeth! ...An' it would hurt the people too! *throws a kunai*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] *uses his watch to summon a time clone, the both of which attack at the same time*



AGH HOW DO I EVEN SNARKILY RESPOND TO ALL THAT *attack'd!*

*throws a rock at his eye*

Well, then. *shoots a magic blast of energy*



*dodges rock* Ha! The great Portaldragon bets you think you're so- *blasted*

*Watches the City Hall rise into the sky.* ...Thas gonnatake a looooong time to shadowport up...

*She continues to stand there as Portalman transforms into a dragon.*

... Uh, I'dthink nonaus. Wedon't taste verygood. *She shadow-ports around.*



*covers ears to the comment!* That almost hurt my feelings!



*Unleashes the Djinn Shade to raise a barrier over the group*

Muerta: *Looks up at Portaldragon* …Hmmm. *Jumps and attempts to cut off half of the mustache with her scythe*



My mustache! Oh no you didn't!

*Portalman the Dragon inhales a large gulp of air, then breathes fire at everyone*




Miles: *gauntlets absorb the heat of the fire, glowing dangerously bright before managing to disperse the energy; it's not built to withstand intense hits* Aha, what a clever one! Here's a question, answer me- if fire turns wood black and air white, what does it turn your tongue? *flings a small capsule towards the dragon's head- as it whirs through the air, it erupts into flame-retardant foam; if it hits the dragon's mouth, it will stick* The answer? It doesn't matter; it turns not fast enough to compete with me!



Well, THE AMAZING PORTALDRAGON has news for you! You're too slow~! *dodges*

Well, eatinus isn't verynice either! *She tries to shadowport out of the way, but she doesn't react in time, and she's hit by the fireball.* AAH! *She furiously throws a kunai at the dragon. Then she starts trying to put out any fires on her while crying.*



I guess I deserved that. *looks down sadly* ... ... ... JUST KIDDING!

Azzie: *hit by the fire* Ow! *too late, puts a shield up on herself*

Shadow: *ducks out of the way* Hey! *throws other shoe*



*x2 SHOE-DODGING COMBO!!!!!!!*[/font]

: *hit by the fire*

: *jumps over the flames and sends a huge icicle flying at Portalman*



*dodges* I feel... odd... this isn't supposed to happen....

*The effect of Piers's previous Djinn reduces damage! But he still cries out in pain as he takes the attack.*

Muerta: *Silently panics a bit as she tries to put the fire on her robe out*

*Casts Diamond Berg on Portaldragon*



Wait... I GET IT *a giant lightbulb appears over head while he dodges*

Whoa! *tries to dive out of the way of the fire* *throws another javelin*



There's the point! *hit* I'm not used to this massive form, and because of it, the amazing Portaldragon is... losing... energy...

*darts about, leaping into the air periodically and launching Quick Boomerangs from his wrist*

*sprays plasma shots from his arm cannon*



*clumsily dodges the boomerangs, then gets hit with the plasma shots and slams into the ground*

Xander: -gets burnt by the flames- Hey! That wasn't... ouch... nice... ouch.. that- that hurts. YOU BIG JERKFACE! Your mustache was ugly anyway! And taste bad, I bet if someone ate you they would die because of how horrible you taste! And and and... umm... No one likes you! So there!



*dodges the comment* ... ... Wait-

: *his coat catches on fire, and he quickly throws it aside* *tries shooting at Portaldragon's face*



I feel like I'm having tremendous luck with these dice rolls, though! Muahahahahaha!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *dodges the fire* Stoppit you big Portalmeanie!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSHeh.gif[/img] *dodges the fire, then throws another two knives* Sleuth roll!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Tmeep.png[/img] *one of the T's gets hit by fire and fades out- the other dodges* Hmm... Glinc, throw one of your weapons at him!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] *throws a kunai*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TWatch.png[/img] *speeds it up using his watch*



*does a dragon somersault* Ha! My dragon skills dragon-dodged your dragon kn- *hit by the sped-up kunai* OW!

I'm done with this foolish fight. Lincoln, now! *powers up his next attack with his own magic*

... ... *pokes Portaldragon with cane*



*beat*

NOOOOOOOOOO! *goes flying back, crashes through a tower wall, then is sent off into the distance*

... Well, that's over. If you would?

*pokes the huge tower doors with cane again and they blast open*

Let's go. *walks in the tower*
[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 09: Death of a Prophet

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

{City Hall Tower, Ground Floor}

*Everyone gathers inside the tower that holds the City Hall on top. The interior is extremely fancy and pristine; chandeliers light the huge entry room, which is decorated in green and black. The room they gather in is huge and ominously quiet, with no more Soldiers coming to confront them.*

*looks around* It's way too quiet...

Keep your guard up, everyone.

: *walk in*

: Fancy place. Too bad we're going to DESTROY IT.

Shadow: *shudders*

Azzie: *looks around* Creepy.

*Shadowports in after getting over her wounds.*

Starla: *Enters, sighing.* That was a lot... I hope the rest of you didn't have too much trouble. *She looks around.* ...This could be a trap.

Muerta: *Looks around* (Looks like Piers didn't come back from his side trip yet. I wonder where he went…)

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif

[/img] ...

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/T.png[/img] Well, at least there's no more enemies, right?

Jate: Of course.

*enter the Tower*

Took you long enough. Listen, I found some things out while we were gathering. First, it seems like magic is usable here, but weakened. *makes a fireball smaller than usual* Of course, he has made it impossible to teleport or fly to the top.

Miles: Shame. I was hoping we could pop out for some bagels.

: Of course they could not have made it too easy...

Mirage: It does seem strange...

Good thing I don't use none of that "magic" stuff... >_>

Muerta: At least from the ground level. Perhaps it will lift as we go up the tower?

Starla: *Looks down at her hand.* Hmm. I wonder what's causing that?

Can't shadowport up? I'll showim! *She tries shadowporting up, but ends up only going a few short feet before falling.* ...Kay, mabbe Ican't.

Shadow: Figures....

Azzie: Aw.

So he followed us after sending us and Geier here, and now he's inviting us up to face him? That doesn't sound very... smart.

That's probably what he wants us to think. This is the guy that apparently managed to kill ME- I mean, the Tacoers and have his army win. I'm not going to underestimate him.

Blues: Okay, again… I’ve gotta say: trap. No one else getting this feeling?

Miles: Pish posh. You probably have indigestion.

Xander: It is kind of weird...

Dimitri: What does he have to gain? Why not just stay in the past?

Muerta: I would expect many enemies with the strength of many more, not just one… though one with an equivalent would not be too much of a surprise, either.

Starla: I think he's right... And there's still much we don't know about Chalk... Maybe it is a trap.

Shadow: You're right.

Then let's do what Chalk wants. We'll climb to the top of this tower and prevent this future from happening. *walks towards the stairs*

You know... I do have an idea-

*a giant demon breaks in, dragging flaming chains on its wrists and ankles*

: Uh... I don't think that was a very good idea.

Jate: *responds by turning into a demon herself*

*practically jumps a mile in the air* WHERE the asdjdskf-

*snorts a little with amusement at Quick's reaction and instinctively raises his buster, but doesn't fire*

Dimitri: Oh, you have got to be kidding me.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSMeep.gif[/img] What was that idea of yours, Sergeant?

Muerta: oo *Gets her scythe at the ready, though is confused*

*Looks over to the demon in chains.* ...

Starla: *Turns to face the demon while pulling out her sword.*

Shadow: *steps back*

Azzie: *screams very loudly and girlishly*

:

: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED-

Whoa!

*pulls out an arrow and aims*

_what

Demon: ... :3 Gotcha. You shoulda seen the looks on your faces!

*the Demon shapeshifts back into a small light blue girl that looks like she's made up of clouds*

Jamy: *passes out*

Jace: For crying out loud...

...what the heck just happened

Heh. You shoulda seen the look on your face, Quick.

I wasn't expecting that, okay. >.>

Too skittish for your own good, kiddo...

Xander: Oh, it's not a monster, it's a....umm... a thing?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] ...A prank, eh? i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSHeh.gif[/img] Good one, I'll give you that. *chuckles*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] Y'shuldn't scare peoples like that, s'not nice! ...Not that I was'scared or anything...

Muerta: …You? *Surprised*

...*Starts laughing.* Goodone!

Starla: ...* Bewildered, Starla sheathes her sword and stares.* ...Who are you?

Shadow: Who are you?

Azzie: Narra! =D *waves*

: ...You can't scare us like that, alright?

...A girl?

... *cautiously lowers bow* You should be careful. I could have shot you.

Um... not to be rude but what are you

My name is Narra! I'm a Personification and a shapeshifter. I'm the Personification of the Ideas that Writers have!

Blues:… Okay, no offense, but you’re probably the cause of every single terrible thing that my writer thought "would be cool" to have happen to me. Not feeling the love, here.

Mirage: That's an interesting thing to be a personification of...

Dimitri: You're a what...?

Xander: This place is really weird~!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincGrin.gif[/img] Woah, tha'sreely cool! Awesome!

Muerta: Personification? *Thinks on this* (Then perhaps other Personifications are still around here somewhere, especially since they are timeless…)

Thatsocool!

Starla: I see... What brings you here? This place could be dangerous.

Shadow: *shakes head*

Azzie: And she's really really nice. ^_^

Uh... huh.

This is kind of an inappropriate ti-[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

Narra, you traitor child.

[/b][/color]

Blues: *startles*

Miles: *scowls and stiffens*

: Again!?

Mirage and Jate: !!

Jace: *trying to wake up Jamy*

_{oh maker now what @__@}

Dimitri: ...?

Muerta: .__. This sounds unfortunate. But child to… what, exactly?

Starla: *She looks around frantically for the source of the voice, but finds none.*

Huh?

Shadow: *looks around for the source of the voice*

Azzie: What?

Gah!

*looks around for the source of the voice*

!!!

Wh-what...?

You are a failure of a Personification and as a living being completely. You have betrayed your family in Personifciations and have interacted with the twisted Writers for months without remorse. For that, you must pay the price![/b][/color]

*a massive bolt of lightning appears from seemingly nowhere and strikes Narra, creating a huge explosion and a blinding flash of light*

: Again...

Jate: Uh ._.

*clamps his eyes shut involuntarily, flailing a little* whagrahgds my optics-

*manages to bring his arm up to shield his eyes in time* Gah-

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSMad.gif[/img] Gah! *puts his hand over his hat*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Tmeep.png[/img] *backs away from the light*

Muerta: *Is thrown back into a wall and knocked dizzy*

Starla: *Shields her eyes from the light.* Aah! Narra!

*Also shields her eyes.* Oh, so theycan use big magic, but wecan't?

Shadow: *ducks*

Azzie: Narra! D: No!

: What the- *shields eyes*

: *also!*

Mirage: AUGH! *cowers and hides behind someone else to shield herself from the light*

Holy—

What the—

Agh! *shields eyes from the light until it fades*

*Narra's laying on the ground, extremely weakened and surrounded by floating 0's and 1's*

Xander: Oh! I guess Narra did something to make the other... what'cha me call ems angry.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincOhNoes.gif[/img] Oh no!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSMeep.gif[/img] That can't be good.

Starla: *Uncovers her eyes and is shocked by the sight. She runs over to Narra.* Someone start healing her!

...*She shadowports over to Narra.*

Shadow: *starts to approach*

Azzie: *rushes* D:

Jate: *rushes over to see if there's anything she can do*

Wh-whoa! She needs help! *runs over and starts preparing a healing spell, which takes a bit more effort than usual*

Narra! *runs over*

_L-listen. *looks up weakly* _{That voice was... I know that voice. But there was something...} *stops mid-sentence, coughing as she begins to fade*

Blues: Crap…

Miles: *approaches Narra and kneels down, his voice gentle* You can’t kill a personification- not really- come on, kiddo, you’re a petulant prophet, push and pull yourself together-

...Sumthing?

Shadow: No..

Azzie: Narra. D: Can we help you?

It's okay, just hang on... _{Come on, spell, charge}...

What do you mean?

_{... ... when you get to... Chalk...? ...} *weakly stands* _{... don't kill him.}

Jace, Jamy, and Mirage now come over as well*

Jace: *really confused* Don't kill him? Why?

...Don't kill him? ,'

Xander: Don't kill Chalk? Boring, but interesting...Maybe he isn't the bad guy either.

Starla: Don't kill... But... But he...

Shadow: *simply nods*

Azzie: *tries to help steady her*

: ...Sure thing?

...What? Why—

Be banished, child. Accept that you must cease to exist. We have no room for failures and traitors.[/b][/color]

_{... well... we just met, but... i guess this is already goodb-}

*Narra fades completely, nothing but a charred mark left from where she was*

Miles: *wilts*

Blues: *gives the space Narra disappeared some respectful distance* Why not kill him? I doubt it’s because of emotional attachment. Might be a bit of a lord-tied-to-land situation here- hate to collapse this timeline by killing off its keystone.

Jate: …

Well that was weird. >_>

Yikes. ._.

Xander: Gone... just like that...

Dimitri: Yeah, just like that.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TFrown.png[/img] ...Let's go.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincFrown.gif[/img] Aww...

Starla: ...*Stares in silence.* .....But he did this to you...

*Looks in sadness.* …

Shadow: ... *steps back*

Azzie: Narra. D:

: All the more motivation to k- stop Chalk?

: …


*starts to cast Healing, just before she vanishes* No...! ... Sorry, kid.

That was... sad.

And random. Oh well. Let's go. *walks up the stairs*

*glances back at the entrance* (Louis...) ... *follows*

*follow also*

: This is the bad future. This is the time we stop this. *follows with my characters*

*[Scrac's characters] go up the stairs*

*both follow*

Xander and Dimitri: -both follow the others-

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] Yeah, that Geier guy isn't going to stick around all day. *heads up*

Muerta: *Staggers to her feet with a groan, rubbing her ear stalks*

*Walks in*

Muerta: You're so late… where were you…?

Doesn't matter. Up we go. *Follows the others*

Muerta: *Follows after with a small sigh*

...*Follows.*

Starla: *Looks on in thought for some time before sighing and following.*

Shadow: *follows the group, getting lost in the crowd*

Azzie: *follows also*

Patton and Byrne: *they both follow*

*dismisses spell with a sigh* *follows*

... *hesitates for a moment, but follows*
[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 10: Disastrous Dreams

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

{City Hall Tower, 3rd floor}

*Everyone continues up the stairs.*

Are we sure there's not an elevator?

Come on already. *stomps ahead, uncharacteristically* I just can't believe how slow absolutely everyone except me is!

You're... running, you know.

*As they pass by some statues of Chalk, the eyes light up with what look like green flames on the inside. Characters can easily feel the temperature rising as they continue.*

Geez, is it hot in here, or is it just me?

It's not just you.

Oh, really? 'Cause I'm from the mountains, and it's real cold there—

Yes, it's hot even for us. We need to keep going. *keeps climbing*

Starla: *Trying to pace herself as she goes up the stairs.* I wonder if they go up these same steps every day...

*Trying to catch up and catch her breath, not keeping a steady pace at all.*

Jate: I can fly and carry people up the stairs.

Jamy: So can I!

You're all slow compared to me, but I don't really wanna run ahead. >.>;

(Joy. It's like Mars Lighthouse all over again.)

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif

[/img] This is tiring... but hey, at least there aren't any monsters we have to fight.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/T.png[/img] Yet.

Shadow: *shivers*

Azzie: *shudders*

{City Hall Tower, 7th floor}

Maybe we should... stop and take a rest. ... What's this? *pulls a lever on the wall*

Don't pull th-

*a huge pile of goggles like those worn by NPC Soldiers fall out of nowhere*

Whoa!

Huh.

Starla: *Looks perplexed.* ...Goggles? I was expecting a trap. *She picks one up.*

*As she tries to catch her breath, she kicks one of the goggles boredly.*

Jate: Do you want to take me up on my offer now?

Mirage: *tenses as the lever gets pulled*

Great going there, kid. Let's just pull a random lever on the wall, why not. >_>

*stares at the goggles* ...Okay then? ._.

Muerta: … I honestly was half-expecting a hand to come out and steal our money.

Miles: Ooh! They look so slimming! *picks one up and looks through the lenses*

Blues: Seriously. Our little chat about dressing like the enemy. None of that took, did it.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] Hey, goggles are cool!

Azzie: Souvenirs, maybe?

... Er. *kicks one*

Wait. There's something here. *picks up what looks like a small instruction manual*

... Blah blah blah, one size fits all... ... !

Invented by Chalk... *skips a few pages* ... Designed to brainwash the wearer. Wearers obey directives given by a Writer. Directives may not be overwritten.

Brainwashes?!

...Directives given by... a Writer?

Starla: *Immediately drops the goggles.* They.... Brainwashing?

Jate: That doesn't make any sense...

Jamy: ... Remember Smith!? He joined us after his goggles were knocked off!

Aww, but they look pretty cool... maybe they won't work on robots.

One, don't even think about it. Two, we're robots. We don't need goggles. Three, now is not the time to be thinking about accessorising.

: A Writer...?

Miles: *immediately drops goggles*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *backs away from the goggles quickly* Ohjeezwhat

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/T.png[/img] ...Directives from a Writer?

Shadow: *shuts eyes*

Azzie: Hmm....

Every man and woman wearing these was an ordinary person brainwashed into the NPC Army. ... Every one of them that we've injured or killed along the way didn't believe in the cause that they were fighting for.

That... That's terrible!

Starla: ...*Opens her mouth slightly in horror.* Then... *She swears under her breath.* I'm a fool.

It's okay, Starla--

Starla: No, it's not okay. These people were probably innocent... They were tricked. They... They probably weren't evil at all...

But wedidn't know! S'not your fault Mister Chalkface's a jerkyjerk.

Starla: ...That doesn't change that some of them are dead now...

Jace: Most soldiers are the same way. Just without fancy goggles.

...oh

*Piers looks unmoved*

I do not believe that is the case. *Shifts his feet impatiently* What you are seeing is the crowd control, not what happened when the fighters came in. Some of them were, some of them were not, but one cannot just stand there and die. (This is why we practice restraining methods of fighting in addition to lethal ones.)

: ...

: B-but we only did what we had to!

Blues: Does it matter? We were being attacked. We would have had to do the same thing to defend ourselves whether or not they were in their own mind.

Miles: It explains our delirious deserters… perhaps they weren’t so delirious after all, but defying the delirium crammed into their cranium, in the harbor, station, stadium.

: So they were just brainwashed? That's... actually pretty horrifying

: *looks down*

Shadow: *silent*

Azzie: ...Oh man D:

Did Geier know about this?

He wasn't wearing the blasted things. *tosses manual aside* It's really all on this "Chalk" guy, the inventor.

Yeah! Chalkface is reallymean!

Starla: ...Right. Then... *She narrows her eyes.* We should focus on him for now.

Azzie: Maybe not...

Mirage: But why would Chalk invent something that forces people to obey Writers?

Jamy: ... Is Chalk a Writer?

Jate: Is he working for a Writer?

*runs up* That's why you gotta stop!

You. You knew about this?

Uh... no! I mean, yes! Uh... just listen to what I've gotta say, alright?! I'm not good at the whole "helpin' out" thing!"

Starla: Stop? Why would we stop because of that?!

Jate: Explain.

: No, you're really not.

Miles: None of us seem to be, if we’ve been killing innocents all this time.

: What do you want now?

Shadow: We're listening.

If y'all don't stop right now, you're gonna unleash a really really deadly power! *stretches out arms* I can't even express how bad all of us are gonna die if you don't turn around right now!

... ... So we should just turn around right now because of this mysterious, unnamed power.

Yes! I mean, uh... Well, you got to! The world's countin' on it!

Uh... huh.

Starla: ...What is this power? ...And is really worse than what's already been done?

Jate: You've got to give more detail then that.

Wow. I'm so convinced. >_>

…Get out of the way.

: You're either real bad at saying what's on your mind, or you're lying to us, and I'm guessing it's the latter.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] The whole "attacking us earlier" thing isn't really helping out your reputation right now, you know.

Azzie: How do you know?

You have one more minute to explain how.

Listen! You can't just waltz on up and beat up the baddest dude ever, alright?! He killed an entire town of seasoned warriors and brainwashed an army! Now he's inviting you on up in this future where he's got everything he ever wanted, plus more! You're all just lowerin' your heads in offering so he can chop 'em off!


He's got a point, but...

Starla: If we don't go up there though, then he's just going to do more things like this. We have to try.

Jamy: Maybe the bird's right...

Jace: No, we're going to defeat him. Right in his own little kingdom where everything is on his side. Done it before to people more intimidating then him.

*Piers's aura flashes in anger, the tower chilling momentarily as a result.*

You have no idea what it truly means to sacrifice in such a manner. Get out of the way.

: Last time you tried to save the world solo, it made things worse for everyone else. Move aside.

Blues: He’s got a point.

Azzie: Can't we just talk to him?

You're a liar and a fool. We know he's powerful, but we have to stop him or else... *gestures out the window at the lack of life* This will happen. And why should we listen to a penguin that's just in it for the money and food, pray tell?

*stomps foot* Listen! You all don't know what you're gonna unleash if you go up there! You really don't!

Then tellus whatitis!

Starla: Unleash that power, or let him continue his reign of terror... I don't like either option. But I've seen places struggle under tyranny for too long. If we can stop that power from going off, we can still defeat him and restore the land. _{But if we can't stop that power...}

Jate: So tell us.

Jace: The only thing we've never killed is a god. If Chalk's a god, I'll get to mark that off my bingo card.

*Flares with aura* OUT OF OUR WAY, YOU FLIGHTLESS NUISANCE!

Muerta: ._.;

Blues: Like, for instance, a fragment grenade. This isn’t exactly the most open area, if someone tossed one down this hallway, we’d get ripped through. We should start moving again.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TSmug.png[/img] Better the devil you don't know than the devil you do, that's what I say.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSNorm.gif[/img] That's... kind of a terrible philosophy.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TGrin.png[/img] Pssh. Keeps things interesting.

Shadow: *mutters*

Azzie: No we don't, which is why we need to go talk to 'im.

Time's up. Get out of the way or I'll turn you into a victory dinner. *aims a hunting rifle*

Fine. If I've got to, I'll have to stop you from unleashin' death of our worlds by force. *holds up something that's glowing with energy* This is the Star Rod! It's the most powerful weapon in Dream Land, and if I have to... I'm gonna clobbah you all with it!


*raises bow* Really? Because I'm getting the urge to "clobbah" you right back.

H-hey, youdon't needta dothat!

Jace: Good luck with that.

..."Star Rod". Really. I'm so intimidated.

Muerta: That's not going to help you. ._.;

: The Star Rod!?

Blues: Wow. Glittery. I’m terrified.

Shadow: *stares, deadpan*

Azzie: ...That is a shiny rod

Shadow: *redirects the deadpan stare*

*falls in* Hey! Who starts a party without the mighty Koopa King? I'm on EVERY guest list!

*puts on a metal mask* The battle of both sides tryin' to save the world begins!

Hey, is that the Star Rod? I had one of those on-

*fires it at Bowser*

Bwuh?!

*Bowser starts growing, crashing through the next floor, until he's transformed into a huge, terrifying form*

Aw nuts. *swings out hammer*

Hey, it's that meanface!

Starla: You know him?

Arena.

Starla: *Stares in shock as Bowser starts to transform.* What the...

Uhoh. Nowhe looks even more meaniefaced!

Starla: ...There's no other way out of this battle, is there? *Pulls out her sword and prepares for battle.*

Jace: Cool.

Jate's necklace glowed and she transformed into a large demon again.

*blinks* ...Uh.

...Are you intimidated now? ._.;

'Course not. >_>; *raises his buster*

Muerta: OO !

*Looks unimpressed* If it is a fight you seek, so be it, but you will regret it!

: ...

Miles: You were saying?

Blues: Still not terrified! Disturbed, yeah!

: Welp, here we go. *gets ready to fight*

: NOW HERE'S A REAL FIGHT *gets guns ready*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] Woawoawoawhaaaat *ports back*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSWhat.gif[/img] I never signed up for this *pulls out gun*

Shadow: *steps back*

Azzie: Meep.

GRAR HAR HAR HAR! I'm truly unbeatable now! Especially to you, Green 'Stache![/size]

*crashes the Star Rod into the floor and a wave of energy flies at everyone else*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

*tries to dodge the energy, but gets hit* Augh! *throws a javelin at Dedede!*



*hit in the mask, doing minor damage* I knew this thing would come in handy!

*starts shooting arrows at Giga Bowser*



*hit by one* "I'm hit! And I barely care!"

Starla: *Brings her sword in front of her and braces herself for the wave attack. She shines bright light at the eyes of Dedede before attempting a slashing attack on Bowser.*



*holds up giant hand and gets slashed* Oh no! A papercut!

*Shadowports up to avoid the wave before taking out a throwing star and throwing it at Bowser.*



*swats it away with other hand* It's clear that I'm the superior dinosaur here!

*darts off and leaps into the air to avoid the wave, then starts firing his Quick Boomerangs, trying to aim them for the Star Rod in the hopes he can damage it*



*fires a star at one to vaporize it, but the Star Rod gets swiped by another* I guess boomerangs don't always come back!

*shoots a couple plasma shots towards Giga Bowser before being hit by the wave* Gack-



*dodges one and gets hit by another* MY ABS ARE LIKE A SUIT OF ARMOR... EXCEPT NOT ON MY WHOLE BODY!

: *fires at Giga Bowser*



Too Badd, you missed!

: *shoots fireballs at him*



I told you that you're no match, Green 'Stache! Maybe one day you'll be as tough as that Mr. L guy...

: *sends a wave of ice at Dedede*



*creates a huge star-shaped barrier with the Star Rod!* Y'all need to chill out!

: *slashes at him*



But I must say, these dice rolls are excellent! *dodges*

Blues: *hit by the wave of energy* Agh! *slams against the wall and fumbles for her weapon*

Miles: *makes a quick hand motion; this time, the gauntlets under his sleeves absorb and then bounce back the energy at Dedede*



*tries to block it with Star Rod and is hit instead* Agh! I thought this thing worked a lot better!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif

[/img] *throws several kunai at Giga Bowser* !!!



*swiped by some* Aw, you barely hurt me! You're looking a little blue because of it!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/T.png[/img] Sleuth, pass me a gun. *extends his arm*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] What? But-

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] Trust me on this one.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] *grumbles, tossing T a Tommy gun while firing a few shots at Dedede with his own*



SORRY FOR THE PUNS *shot twice*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] Now let's see... *fires several shots at both Dedede and Bowser, then speeds up the bullets*



The thing about playing with time and speed... *throws Dedede into the air to dodge the blasts*

!!

*stands still, dodging them while still being huge* ... Is that it throws off your aim!

Shadow: *realizes he is out of shoes to throw* ... *attempts to punch Giga Bowser*



Did you just try to punch out... ME?!?!?!

Azzie: *starts putting up shields on everyone*

: *avoids energy blast* Joe, take the big guy, I've got the penguin. *shoots both revolvers at Dedede*



*Hit! The mask starts to crumble!* Okay, maybe guns have something over magical wands of dreams!

: *also avoids, more narrowly* Got it. *fires at Bowser*



Hah! Did a fly just land on me?! ... One made of lead? *shot*

*Piers unleashes Shade on the party! The room cools a bit as the Djinn zips about.*

Muerta: Walks quietly along the rim, trying to inconspicuously make her way to Dedede*



*manages to notice this and puts up a shield*

Jace, Jamy, and Mirage were knocked backwards. Mirage's shadow cover vanished for a moment, and her skin began to peel and blacken in the light.

Jate growled and charged Browser head-on, a glowing blade appearing in her hand as she did.



*Quickly turns and shows his giant spiked shell as defense against any attacks* You'll never bust through this shell, baby! A train could hit this and it'd bounce off!

That's an inconvenience. *swings cane at Masked Dedede*



*meets it with the Star Rod and knocks the cane out of his hands* I think that my magical glowing stick works over that thing!

*charges up and tries to slash at Dedede*



Ah, good, the twos are coming back! *spins out of the way*

... Sorry, King Bowser. You're in the way. *uses magical energy to spin him around, then slaps him with a giant floating hand*



WHAT *SLAPPED*

*CHARGES AT GIGA BOWSER ON A BEAR*



*knocks it away with a claw* I guess you'll have to grin and bear it! Grar har har!

*throws fireballs*



*slightly scorched by one* Oh! Well, it's not like I'm used to fire and lava or anything!

*swings the mighty gant axe!*



You starin', mate? *blocks it*

---

Enough playing! Our turn!



*6 people will be targeted for Giga Bowser's attack!*



PREPARE TO BE BARBEQUE! THE SAUCE IS YOUR DOOM! *breathes a gigantic amount of blue fire into the air, setting the ceiling alight*

*Large chunks of burning floor/ceiling fall towards Quick, Drew, Sgt. Guy, Azzie, Jace, and Miles! Damage is reduced!*



*10 people will be targeted for Dedede's attack!*



Time to see what this thing can really do! *swings the Star Rod repeatedly*

*Star-shaped bundles of burning energy fly towards Glinc, Badd, Miles, Roanne, Luigi (twice), Piers, Flash, Byrne, and Starla! Damage is reduced!*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

Shadow: *attempts to punch again*



Ha! You can't punch through my ABS OF STEEL, baby!

Azzie: *the debris slams into the shield, breaking it, and Azzie is thrown backwards but not otherwise hurt* Hey! *puts up another one and loops back around to make sure the others are covered*

*hit by the attack* Nngh! (This is not looking good!) *runs up to Dedede and tries to knock the Star Rod out of his hand with her hammer*


*drops it but quickly scampers to pick it back up* Agh! Hey! This is why I usually let monstahs do my fightin'!

*just keeps shooting at Bowser*



Hey! Just because I'm tall, dark, and handsome now doesn't mean I'm more of a target than short, blue, and stupid! *points at Dedede*

: *hit by stars* Okay, you asked for it! *leaps at Dedede*



What was that, Bowser?! *leaps out of the way and slides*

: *also hit, but continues firing at Giga Bowser* ...



*grazed once* That's some pretty... BADD AIM! GRAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!

: *sends an icicle at Giga Bowser*



*headbutts it into shards* That's what I call using my head!

: *slashes at Dedede*



*dodges* You ain't gettin' this Star Rod back until I send you home with it! Out of our way!

Blues: *recovers and enters into the combat trying to stab Dedede*



*sidesteps* Hey, here's a joke! What's female and about to get hit in the head by a handsome king?! *holds up mallet in the other hand*

Miles: *yelps in pain as a chunk of burning ceiling glances off of his shoulder, knocking him to the floor and setting his shirt on fire- he works it off frantically, left in his undershirt and gauntlets, just in time to dodge the star rod energy**glares* I liked that shirt! *picks up a piece of debris and tosses it at Bowser out of spite*



*blocks it* Well, time to go shopping for a new one! How about... this!? *holds up a "I love the NPC Army" shirt*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif

[/img] Hubadawhaaa- *dodges the energy launched at him by Dedede*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] These fellas are tougher than they appear. *fires off several more shots at Dedede*



Looks like you ain't as good of a shot as you used to be! *dodges most*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] I can't say I disagree with you there, Sleuth. Now let's see... *summons a second copy of himself to do a combo attack on both Dedede and Bowser*



Hey, time boy! How about going back to unicycle shaving? *evades*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincSmug.gif[/img] *jumps off T and tries to land on Bowser's back, aiming two darts at his head*



The mighty Koopa King doesn't give piggyback rides! ... For free! *retreats into shell and spins rapidly*

Starla: *Ducks to the ground to allow the bundle of energy to fly past her. She then gets up, rushes over to Dedede, and attempts a disarming attack with her sword to try to knock Dedede's staff to the ground.*



*pulls it out of the way* I really oughta velcro this thing to my glove!

Noyernot! *She throws three throwing stars, two at Bowser, one at Dedede.*



*The throwing stars bounce off of Bowser's shell!* What do you know? The advice was wrong about coming out of your shell!

*scraped by one* You're a monstah, why aren't you fightin' for me more?!

*continues to zip around and jump about, managing to dodge the falling chunks as he continues to fire Quick Boomerangs from the launcher on his wrist, mostly still aimed at the Star Rod but some are sent towards Dedede's face instead*



*manages to keep hold of the Star Rod* Hah! You guys ain't gettin' it outta my palm- *smacked in the face/mask*

*hit by the attack and stumbles back, clenching his teeth and scowling* _{Maker- this would be so much easier if I could stop time-} *shakes his head a little and starts to fire again, looking annoyed that he can't use his full abilities without accidentally harming Quick*



*starts flying, but is hit twice minorly* This mask is weighin' me down!

Grrr… *Removes his hand, flicking his wrist sharply to cast Diamond Berg at Dedede*

Muerta: *Keeps inching along the wall toward Dedede*



*tumbles through the air and lands enxt to Muerta* Aren't dice rolls annoyin'? It's almost like... there's a mysterious force helpin' our side out...

: *grazed by the attack* Ah- *fires several more shots at Bowser*



*just stands there* ... Wow! It's like I'm the size of half of this entire room and I'm really good at dodging this somehow! Chalk, is that you?

: I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT A REAL ATTACK LOOKS LIKE *fires again at Dedede*



BOWSER, YOU JINXED IT *shot*

Dimitri: -aims gun at Giga Browser- You are annoying. -shoots-

Xander: I'ma just let you take care of this -hides behind Dimitri-



*the bullet scrapes past his head* GRARGH, WHERE DID YOU COME FROM

*puts up a Writer Powers barrier over himself and Sgt. Guy against the burning ceiling* We don't need no water-

*swears under his breath* _{Sorry, King!}
*fires three blasts of energy*



Sorry? You've got nothing to be sorry for! Be a Goomba Fashion model for all I ca- *hit by the third blast* ... You better be sorry for THAT, though!

*AMERICAN PATRIOTIC PRESIDENTIAL DUO ATTACK!*



Watch it, you buckets o' bolts! *blocks, but still hurt*

... *throws a rock*



*dodges* THAT'S IT!

---

*Just two people are targeted for Giga Bowser's attack!*



See how you like THIS! *swipes his giant claws at Shadow and Muerta*




Still got it! *waves the Star Rod at Roanne, Starla, and Guella*

*A storm of the star-shaped blasts of energy rain down on the three of them*

--

*The ceiling/next floor is alight!*



*Burning chunks of debris fall towards T, Byrne, and Meta Knight!*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

Nrgh! *rolls out of the way of the attack* *swings hammer at Dedede's face*



Woah! *barely dodges* Hey, I bet I'm bettah at my giant hammer!

*reaches for an arrow, but notices he's running low* (...Maybe I'd better save those.) *pulls out daggers and tries to stab at wherever looks like a weak spot on Dedede*



*A dagger enters the growing crack in the mask and breaks it apart!*

Wha-?! ... Well, I've still got this!

*Muerta takes damage from the attack, enough that it slashes through her thick Grundo hide! She lets out an unnerving scream (in both sound and odd level of softness) and seems to glow with a Black and blood-colored aura as her robes and white skin start getting stained.

She starts chanting, dark red, suspiciously liquid-y ribbons swirling around her.*

(I'm not seeing that I'm not seeing that I'm not seeing that) *Does his best to ignore the spooky Death Mage next to him and casts Glacier at both Dedede and Bowser, with Dedede as the main target and Bowser as the secondary*



*Is hit! Damage is increased by the lack of the mask!* Gah! This isn't the type of chillin' that the kids do!

*just stands there and dodges somehow* ... Wow! This is awesome!

: *spins into a tornado and throws the piece of falling ceiling at Dedede*



*falls over* Darn it, Meta Knight!

: *super jump punches Bowser*



Gra-AAAAAGH! *flies up, then lands on back*

: *sends icicles at Dedede*



What's with all the ice?!

Frozen penguin! Awesome!

: *fires at Bowser*



*quickly rights self and spins out of the way*

Xander: There were a lot of stairs ok!

Dimitri: -aims and fires at Giga Browser again-



*quickly gets into shell and the bullet just bounces off*

*stillll darting around, decides to try to get closer as he keeps on firing his boomerangs*



I never thought my defeat would involve boomerangs! *falls over*

*The Star Rod falls out of his glove and rolls on the floor until reaching Meta Knight, stopping harmlessly*

*glancing around at the others, but otherwise is pretty much standing his ground for now as he continues to fire*



Bwa ha ha ha har! I can finish the job myself if I have to! *hit by one, seemingly unfazed*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TWatch.png

[/img] *snaps his fingers at the falling chunks of ceiling* Pause. *suspends the debris in the air as if it is frozen in time*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSNorm.gif[/img] *kicks a large piece of debris towards Bowser*



*roars as he's hit by it*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] *gets flung off of Bowser's shell, but bounces off another piece of debris and aims towards Dedede* You guys are bein' real meanies!

*The attack bounces off of Dedede's fat stomach and is redirected towards Bowser instead!*



I WANT THOSE EPIC DICE ROLLS BACK *stumbles back, spikes on shell breaking through the wall*

Blues: *deadpan* This is terrible. This is a terrible place. You are terrible people. *shakes hair out of her face and continues to attack Dedede*

Miles: This is terrible! The worst barbecue ever! Human is the worst of all meats- too much effort, too much screaming, and you can eat a pig and garner the same experience- *kicks at a bit of flaming debris idly and fires off a bit of stored energy at Bowser almost as an afterthought*



Hey, shut up! How about that? *getting more frustrated, obviously*

Mirage gathered shadows and began making dark clones of herself they threw themselves at the masked bird, trying to slash at him with their dirks.

Jace threw fireballs at him, and Jamy created several void shields to try and absorb attacks the other party members might receive.

Jate growled and took off into the air before dive bombing Bowser's head.



*quickly pulls aside, tearing up most of the wall with him* Cut the penguin some slack, will ya?

Starla: *Finds herself singed by the energy rain, and she cringes in pain.* Nngh! *She grits her teeth and presses on, doing a sudden swing of her sword at Dedede to try to knock him off balance to open him up for other attacks.*

*Santa Claus is real! Everyone is so happy that they don't notice this attack actually went to Bowser.*



Uh... It is getting KIND OF HARD TO BALANCE *starts to fall*

Hey, that's cheating. Atleast I'mfaster! *She shadowports rapidly into the air, throwing 3 throwing stars at Bowser for the first three ports. If he's in his shell, she tries to aim for the hole.*



*hit by two of them, has fallen over on his stomach*

: *doesn't quite make it out of the way in time, gets knocked to the side by the chunk of debris*

: *grabs Byrne's arm and yanks him out of the way, then fires at Dedede and Bowser*



Oh, sure! Go for the sitting ducks! Or duck and gruff Koopa King!

Azzie: D= Hey! Stoppit! *does nothing of note*

Shadow: *hit minorly, the shield taking most of the damage* Ngh! *changes tactics, going after Dedede with a punch*

*Bowser is just right there, so why not*



*punched in the nose* I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT ACTUALLY WORKED

*With a mighty roar, Giga Bowser is defeated! He slowly reverts to his original form, then seems to be knocked out.*[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 11: Stories' End

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

{City Hall Tower- Top}

*Everyone stands on the top of the dark tower. Storm clouds are just around them, and the City Hall is in front of them. It seems empty.*



We made it.

*has been slowly healing self on the way up* Finally...

Shadow: Let's go.

Azzie: *looks nervous*

This far, anyway.

*Stops to catch her breath as she reaches the top.* Phew!

Starla: *Lets out a sigh of relief.*

Xander: That was a lot of stairs.

Blues: Great, let’s kill things.

Miles: Can you at least put some joy in that? Your deadpan is less admirable when I can see actual death in the future of the pan.

Blues: I want to go home, Miles. I have killed NPCs, it was fantastic, now I want to go back and make sure this time never happened.

Miles: That’s… oddly empathetic of you.

Blues: They destroyed my favorite pub. This is not a future that can happen.

Miles: Mmhm. I notice, as well, there’s a distinct absence of doctors in this timeline. Missing someone?

Blues: …Medical care is important.

There's only one person waiting for us in there. Shall we?

Nah, don't feel like it today. We should come back tomorrow instead.

_{Now's not the time for sarcasm, Flash. >.>;}

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png

[/img] No reason to delay the inevitable. *walks forward*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] *follows, slightly more apprehensively*

: *nods* Let's a-go.

: It's now or never! Let's go!

Dimitri: Let's get this over quickly.

Starla: Yes. Let's go.

Shadow: *walks in*

Azzie: *runs in*

Let's go. Brace yourselves, guys.

*Everyone enters*

{City Hall, Interior}

*After entering, they end up in a large circular room that was intended to be used for meetings. The lights are dimmed and no furniture is visible.*

Chalk! Where are y-

Silence yourselves. I am right here...[/color]

Miles: *stiffens and brings arms forward so his bracers are at the ready*

Blues: Hello, strange mysterious voice. We are here to kill you. This a good time?

Jate: ...

Thereheis! *She ports but ends up in the same place, just facing Chalk.*

Starla: *Immediately draws her sword and turns to face the source of the voice.*

Shadow: *looks around nervously*

!

*grips daggers*

*fades into view, revealing that his arms are in chains, which go up into floating spheres of binary* ... Hello. My name is Chalk.

...The heck happened to him?

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] Plot twist!

Jamy: Why are you in chains?

: *looks up at the chains* Alright, you better explain just what's going on here.

Miles: *hesitates* Chains have a lot of weight, metaphorically. Namely…

Blues: *slowly* Who’s holding the other end of the chain…?

...Mr. Chalkface?

Starla: There's chains...

… *Stares, mostly expressionless, wary and unwilling to strike just yet*

Shadow: ...What?

Azzie: Hi!

...Huh?

Chains...?

You're... chained up?

Xander: So he isn't in charge either...

Shadow: What happened?

Azzie: D= Are you okay?

... I suppose I should reveal myself now. I was attempting to help you the whole time.

You did a pretty bad job at it. You started the NPC Army and brainwashed all those people.

Actually... I used the power I could to keep them down.

Miles: *swears quietly and facepalms*

Blues:… What, Spooky?

Miles: It all makes sense now.

...Oh.

Jace: Riiiight.

Starla: ...What? *She lowers her sword.* Then how?

Muerta: … *Rubs an earstalk* (That second voice… it's like a shadow in your mind, so very hard to hear…)

Shadow: What?

Azzie: *grins*

Wait, what?

... *trying to decide if he should believe this or not*

You're... the voice from the Arena.

Yes. I flushed them out with threats of an explosion, and they woudln't come back based on that and seeing how easily you won those fights.

... And you saved us in the Plaza with a barrier. Why?

Because I'm not in charge of the NPC Army. I didn't create it.

_{Well now I'm confused. ._.}

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincOhNoes.gif[/img] Double Plot twist!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TWatch.png[/img] *shushes Glinc* Now probably isn't the best time to be meta, kiddo.

Jamy: We just thought you had a warped sense of humor.

Starla: ...If you didn't create the NPC army or those brainwashing goggles... Then who did?

…If you're not in charge of it, why would you be cited as such?

Shadow: Then who are you?

Azzie: ... *sits on hands*

You didn't? Then who...?

I'm tired of the talk. You've got 1 minute to explain yourself more before I shoot you and be done with it.

Actually... I believe I could explain.[/color]

*enters*

Miles: *taps Roosevelt* *quietly* Please do not shoot him. He’s telling the truth.

Shadow: ?

Azzie: HI LOUIS

Jamy: *looks over at Louis*

... Louis. Did you unscramble that note?

*holds onto his chest, near his heart* Y-yes... I, uh...

*clenches fist* Tell us.

*flinches, reacting as Sgt. Guy clenches his fist* Yes! It says... "The spirit and the body... these are the two that manipulate the General."

Blues: *frowns at Sargent Guy* Leave off on giving the guy a heart attack until he tells us what we need to know, for the love of…

Starla: ...The spirit and the body? ...*She tries to puzzle this out.*

Shadow: Two?

Azzie: *looks around for Geier* *doesn't see him* ...:<

Huh?

...Metaphorically speaking, I'm assuming?

The spirit and the body?

Mirage: The spirit and the body? You mean you were possessed by a spirit? Like I was?

Yes. ... I am the body. As for the "spirit"... that would be the spirit that possesses me. The spirit has an incredible power, based on Writer Powers. It is like a God to you all.

Jate: That's not good...

Jace: I never liked gods. Glowing people who declare themselves perfect and darn you if you don't do exactly what they want.

: Bro and I have taken down worse before!

Miles: And thus your answer is provided.

Blues: What?

Miles: Whose hand is on the other side of the chain. Now the issue is… *inching closer to Chalk, looking warily at the characters gathered* Making sure the chain doesn’t switch any hands.

Blues: Small words for my small brain, you’re good on that. Now work on using smaller concepts?

Dimitri: Oh joy.

...Yerbein' possed--posse-- bad things are happening to you?

Starla: *Stares in shock.*

*Piers and Muerta look at each other uneasily*

… (There are too many comments I could make right now about this. I wonder if Alex is still around…)

Shadow: *looks angry*

Azzie: Hmm....

What?

What?

What?

... The Spirit cannot work without a shell to possess. That is me. It created the NPC Army to gain more power... In the moments that I could control my own body, I did what I could to weaken the Army.

Dedede's greed and gluttony... Bowser's drive for power... Portalman's... well, whatever he wanted. All of them were bad leaders. I knew that you could defeat them and the NPC Army units they controlled.

Mirage: You had more control then I did while possessed.

: So that's why you chose the two trouble kings...

Blues: Oh. …Oh.

Xander: Not bad~ I'm impressed!

Shadow: But why would... Writer Powers trying to create an army to...get rid of writers?

Azzie: ....*squeaks*

I thought those guys seemed kind of... dense.

I recognize your dark green aura. You were the one that killed Narra, though.

... No. That was when the Spirit took over.

Starla: That spirit forcing you to... That's... That's just cruel...

Jamy: Of course you were! You advocated a message of mass genocide!

Shadow: ...

Azzie: Narra. D:

_{This is so confusing...}

*Enters* Then what of me, Chalk? Was I bad leadership, too?

... No. You founded the NPC Army when it had a following of about 50. You all meant well, but were extremists that would stop at nothing to get your goals. ... That's why the Spirit gave you the power and followers you wanted.

Jamy: All you wanted was to improve everything by killing everyone not like you.

Blues: *winces* Wouldn’t be the first.

Xander: You are just a boring leader Geier.

Muerta: This is sounding much like The Three, and I do not like where this is going. *Narrows eyes to a glare, gripping her scythe tightly*

Shadow: *quiet*

Azzie: ...

You were one of the ones that weren't brainwashed, Geier. The brainwashings were made by the Spirit as well to get you those followers.

Then what does that make me? All I wanted was to... improve everything.

That makes you a fool.[/b][/color]

Now what-

Jamy: o.o

Jate: I'm beginning to wonder why we didn't bring a healer with us.

Miles: *mutters* The other end of the seesaw reveals itself…

Blues: *flicks a pouch open- inside are small bottles full of odd liquid; chemical bombs* Come on, give me something to aim at…

Xander: I agree with the scary spirit thingy~

Starla: ...Then you-- *She jumps at the voice.*

Ah! *She ports around at the voice.*

*Muerta hisses, her aura radiating alarmingly like Death itself*

Shadow: What?

Azzie: ..You poor thing. D:

!!!

What—

!!!

*struggling, but mostly remaining stoic* You had no chance of making anything better.[/b][/color]

*a bolt of lightning is unwillingly fired from one of Chalk's hands to strike Geier in the chest*

*slams against the wall, completely charred and unconscious*

_{...Oh. ._.}

Jamy: Hey!

Jate: Really wondering.

Starla: No!

Mr. Chalkface, fightit!

*Muerta shrieks and slams her scythe into the ground, gathering shadows around her and growing stronger as she starts chanting*

*Unsheathes his sword, though also unnerved at this* (Working with Death mages can be quite disturbing…!)

Shadow: What do you want?

Azzie: D= *rushes over*

NO!

I think... this is finally my chance. *still with fist clenched, swings arm across room to point at Geier*

*goes flying across the room and lands near Geier*

*instinctively puts a hand to the bottom of his buster* Jeez, what's goin' on here-

Jamy: I never said you were useless!

Jace: Well, he did lead everyone right into that trap-

Mirage: Jace.

: What the- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! *draws revolvers*

: Shoulda known something was up! *gets gun ready*

Miles: No, no, no… *swears under his breath, pushes past others to try to get between Sgt. Guy and

Blues: *jerks her attention towards Miles* What are you-

Miles: I need to get between them, I noticed the Sergent picked up-

Starla: *Raises her sword up towards Sgt. Guy.* What are you doing?!

Hey, don't be a mean meaniehead!

Sergeant?! What in the name of the elements are you doing?!

Shadow: What?

Azzie: Lucas D:

What the—

What are you doing?!

I'm done. I'm finally done having to be kicked around like I'm useless or having to work scraping the boots of Writers to learn how their abilities work. *pulls out a ray gun that the Wizards used* Because finally, those abilities are mine.

*Sgt. Guy quickly fires the Ray Gun at Chalk*

Miles: -that. Oh, no. No, no, no.

Mirage: Crap.

Jace: Well said.

Xander: Oh, I like him~!

Dimitri: -sighs- You would.

Hey! *She throws a throwing star at Sgt. Guy's gun, but she misses.*

Starla: *Grits her teeth in anger.* You're betraying us for power? *She steps forward with her sword.* I'll stop you before you get the chance to use that!

*Piers's aura seems to explode in rage, his eyes glowing bright gold and his aura slamming against everyone like the force of the ocean itself*

YOU… COWARDLY… TRAITOR!!! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!

Shadow: ...*GLARES*

Azzie: D= No, no, buddy, you're wrong!

Stop!

*simultaneously* It's far too late for that now.[/b][/color]

*a large Writer Powers barrier envelops them both*



*tightens his grip on his buster a little, scowling slightly* ...

_{...can we go home now}

Mirage: *increases the shadows that surround her*

Jamy: Being strong doesn't mean you deserve power.

Jace: Oh great, more "divine right" crap.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] Woah!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSMeep.gif[/img] I know, that barrier looks dangerous.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] No, no... lookit that art! i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincOhNoes.gif[/img] That pitchur's got such good colors!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] Not a good time to be meta!

Starla: *Stares in awe, but with her sword drawn and ready for anything to come out.*

*Stares.*

Shadow: Gh- What's happening?

Azzie: ...last time that happened that wasn't good ._.

!!!

!!!

*The binary on the barrier starts to move more and more quickly until the numbers can hardly be distinguished as it begins to glow brighter. Sgt. Guy's voice bellows from within:*

I see why the Spirit had to create the NPC Army. Because they had to win and drain the life from the City like we have here... Then all that power could go to the strongest who deserved it.

As it stands, this fool Chalk does not deserve it. He can't keep the Spirit under his command. But someone much more deserving like I won't let it go to waste.

This man has all the power in the world, armies that stretch on that could easily conquer universes, and this entire city under his control. And he wants to give it up?[/color]


Miles: *covers his face with both hands* No, no, no…

Blues: What are you doing? All the power in the world is useless if you don’t have anything to have power over.

Starla: ...Taking power from others to... *She glares, her face contorted in rage.* That is the worst thing I have ever heard! *She grits her teeth.* If I had known this from the beginning, I would've told them that it's a foolish endeavor! So you have power, but what for? You strive for power as you kill everyone around it, leaving you brimming with power in an empty world! That's not like what the Shadow Lord tried to do when I tried to stop him. That's exactly what he was trying to do! You aren't the first one to use such awful means to get power, and it leaves you with nothing. And those forces have been stopped in past! Just like we will stop you!

YOU FOOL! THIS WILL BE THE DEATH OF YOU!

Muerta: *Darkly, form changing to that of a large and sinister reaper, her voice like the hiss of demons* Let it be. He is fallen.

Shadow: ...*shakes head*

*The barrier shatters, revealing Sgt. Guy again, but in a different form. An aura of power and ruthlessness literally radiates off of him as he floats over Chalk's seemingly dead form.*

*speaks in two voices at once* I can feel everything surging through me... All the power you helped me get from his fool. I thank you for that. But just to make it complete...[/color][/b]

*From his hands, several beams like those of the Wizards' guns fire at every magic user in the room. They strike before any can even flinch. The magic power drains, leaving everyone else incapable of using magic.*

*takes a small step back despite not being targeted by the beams* What the-

The magic draining beams struck Jace, Mirage, and Jate's necklace.

Jace: Hey! I'm not the only one who needs that!

Mirage: Nooo!

Jate: Bother.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Tmeep.png[/img] !!!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] !!!

Miles: *tries to gesture with his bracers- they leave a brief afterimage in the air before fading* There’s no energy in the air! *face goes pale* He can’t do that- there are different levels of magic present in all worlds- it could kill those of us accustomed to higher levels!

Blues: Chemistry still works, right? *tosses a bottle from hand to hand*

*Zapped by the gun.* Aah! *She tries to shadow-port.* I-Ican'tport!

Starla: Ngh! *She clenches her heart for a moment before attempting to cast a simple light spell. It doesn't work.* ...My spells... Star's light... Gone. *She looks to be in a state of shock.*

*Piers and Muerta both scream in pain.

Piers collapses to his knees, the light in his eyes fading to the point where he falls to the ground, unmoving. A purple stone on a pendant can be seen pulsing over his heart like a heartbeat.

Muerta's form does not actually change, for it is merely another form she can use, not an illusion founded in magic. She staggers back and looks down on Piers's form, halting as she looks down in horror.*

Muerta: (No… he needs Alchemy's energy to live… If we don't do something now, he will die!!!)

Shadow: *feels this very strongly* *shivers and reverts to his normal state*

Azzie: *shakes head* Ugh. D:

Ngh!

No!

N-nrgh... no...

Urgh... You fool! You don't know what you're doing! He might have the magic now, but we can still try and beat the Spirit out of him! Try and use your strongest non-magical attack, now!

*both fire at Sgt. Guy*

*tries to stab him*

*swings axe*

*fires from his buster*

Uh- *quickly raises his arm to fire Quick Boomerangs from the launcher on his wrist*

Jate: *slashes at with sword*

Jace: *fires guns*

Mirage: *smacks at with large soup spoon*

Jamy: *unleashes her own magic-draining attack*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] *tries shooting at Sgt. Guy as well*

: *swings staff*

: *fires*

: *throws a spiky blue shell*

: Get this! *throws sword*

Patton and Byrne: They both start firing at Sgt. Guy.

Blues: *tosses liquid bombs*

Dimitri: -fires his gun-

Yeah! *She throws a kunai at the man.*

Starla: *Grits her teeth.* Right... Right... _{I feel...} *She shakes her head and steps forward.* And so you become more of a monster. *She slashes her sword at the man.*

*Muerta picks Piers up in one arm and swings down her scythe with the other*

Shadow: *lunges at*

Grr... YAAARGH! *runs in to stab Sgt. Guy*

*tries to collect herself* *then swings her hammer with all her might at Sgt. Guy*



*Every attack gets close to Sgt. Guy, then he glows with a brilliant light and all the attacks just strike a barrier.*

HAHAHAHAHAHA! You all are just so... pathetically weak... ENOUGH! It's time to show you how it feels to be as powerless as I was![/b][/color]

... well, time to run, looks like teleporting's out *RUNS*

Rrgh... Geier thought he was doing the right thing, and... *grabs Geier and Future Louis, both of which are unconscious, and runs out carrying them*

Don't need to tell me twice *practically disappears into thin air as he darts off*

Gah- Quick- *runs off with everyone else*


As the light touched her skin Mirage screamed and fell to her knees. Blisters began forming all over her body.

Jamy: Why didn't that work? My attacks can't be stopped by magic, so why didn't that work?!

Jace: Get over here and help me cover Mirage! We've got to protect her from this light, she can't do it herself anymore! Both of you, spread your wings!

Jace picked up the vampire and sprinted for the exit, Jate and Jamy following clumsily, neither used to running with their wings open.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSMeep.gif[/img] I propose we make a tactical retreat... and that's not lingo for blowing things up. *runs*

Dimitri: Time to go. -grabs Xander by the arm and follows everyone else-

Starla: You... You took...

Starla, wecan't gethimhere! C'mon! *She starts running.*

Starla: ...*She nods and runs after Guella, though her run is slower than usual.*

*Carrying Piers, Muerta flees with the others*

Shadow: *starts running*

Azzie: *runs too*

NO! YOU CAN'T DO THIS!

It's no use! We have to get out of here! *drags Jernath behind her as she flees with the others*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

*Everyone runs down the halls of the City Hall and tries to re-enter the tower to flee*

What's the matter, children? Are you... scared?!

[/color]

*a huge green beam, filled with 0's and 1's, shoots past their heads and blasts through the wall*


*grits his teeth and keeps a hand on his buster* ...

Blues: Sometimes fear is the correct response-!

Miles: *running, mind racing* But he’s not thinking like us anymore, we can use that against him.

Dimitri: Hardly.

Starla: *Tries to duck the blasts, ignoring the voice.*

I'mnot scared! You're justa meaniehead!

Muerta: *Curses in a most unladylike and non-family friendly manner*

Shadow: Leave us alone!

Ack!

*grumbles angrily under his breath*

*running* It all makes sense, of course... He organized the Peaceful Day to get us all in one place to go after the NPC Army. He couldn't take Chalk's power on his own. He used us masterfully.

Why, Honest Abe, you always DO tell the truth![/b][/color]

*a second beam shoots down the hallway and strikes Lincolnbot, causing an explosion*

*falls to the floor in a heap of scrap metal*

*looks as though he'd probably blanch if he were capable of it* _{Maker- I am not lettin' that happen to me-}

: YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT! *charges down the stairs*

Starla: No! *She runs over to try to pick up Lincolnbot's remains.* _{He's right... We were used...}

*Muerta keeps running, unfazed by the destruction around her*

Shadow:

Azzie: Hey! D=

NO!

Lincoln!!

There's no time! Hurry! *runs down the stairs*


*scowling pretty strongly to himself as he runs with the others* _{Quick- where the heck are you-}

Miles: *stops, furious* You’re going to leave him there?

Blues: *grabs Miles by the collar* Ghost in the machine! He’ll be fine!

Starla: But he--

Starla, c'mon!

Starla: *Notes the proximity of the beams.* ...I'm sorry I couldn't stop this... *She keeps running.*

Shadow: ...*chases after*

Azzie: *also*

...going to pay. Somehow, he's going to pay.

There's nothing we can do...!

Hahaha... Do you know what I'll do? I'll keep this timeline PERFECTLY STABLE.[/b]

*the earth below them starts trembling, then makeshift screens pop up around the fleeing Characters, showing scenes*

{The Icy Taco Plaza, Present Day}

Soldier: x2: *storming in*

*Things suddenly dim as, slowly, flowers begin to wilt, trees begin to die, and the grass around them drains of life under their feet.*

Soldier: x2: *both stop and look at one another in confusion and shock*

---

{Taco Express Train Station, Present Day}

*The train arrives just as the life around it begins to drain*

Conductor: !

*He scrambles to control the speeding train, realizing the magic controls no longer work, before it crashes and explodes.*

---

{Battlefield, Present Day}

*Mages are defending against advancing NPC Soldiers.*

Mage: *tries to cast a spell, but it fails* ... !

Soldier: *throws an explosive*

*The mages are killed as the buildings around them crumble and fall, set on fire*

---

{The Icy Taco, Future Timeline}

*Several parts of the city are completely ravaged, some parts on fire, and above the sound of sirens is the NPC anthem played while their flag is raised*

*suddenly besides Flash* Someone needs to change the channel on these things. They're bringing back unpleasant memories.

*flinches* Gah- Quick- don't do that-

Sorry, didn't mean to run off. But you guys are so slow. ._.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] *still running* You call that stable timeline theory? You wouldn't know a stable timeline if a paradox punched you in the face!

: No way I'm letting that happen. *follows the group*

Blues: Not real, not real, not real-

Miles: *wrenches free of her grip* It’ll be real if we don’t do something!

Blues: What do you expect us to do?

Starla: *Grits her teeth and clenches her heart as she stares at the scenes.* ...And you want to cause this? Look at yourself in the mirror. You're nothing more than a monster...

Shadow: *doesn't even look at the screens, trying to keep running*

Azzie: What? D=!

*so angry, tries stabbing at the scenes*

*stops him* Wait! I don't know what those things do!

He can't do this.

*stops to stare* No... and we can't stop this maniac!

Correct you are! Ahahahahahahaha![/b][/color]

*several huge fireballs shoot at the walls and ceiling and the tower is quickly set alight*



_{Man- where's that grumpy pump guy when you need him? ._.}

Starla: ! *She tries to run faster.* I wish I could... Deal with him now...

*Stares at the fire for a moment, then she keeps running.*

Muerta: Much war have I seen in my time…
the smoke and fire of Death be found
Fleeing now we entrust our souls
To others before time unwinds… *Dodges falling debris, tearing off part of her cloak that catches alight*

Shadow: *keeps running*

Azzie: *tries to stay out of the way*

*stares at the fire for a moment with a dark scowl* No...

Come on! *keeps dragging him along*

*keeps running and guiding everyone out of the tower*

Ten minutes! You have ten minutes before this timeline WILL be your future and all the power in the world is mine![/b][/color]

Ugh... SHUT UP ALREADY! *keeps running*

*stillllll scowling* Wow. You're so generous.

Dimitri: Ugh, this is just perfect.

Starla: No! We... We don't have time! We have to do something now!

Buthwhat? Wedunwanna get burned!

Starla: I don't want life here to be drained either...

Shadow: What? ...

Azzie: ...Uh oh. .___. No.

No!

It can't happen. It won't happen.

9:28 left[/size]

*The fire in the tower is spreading quickly as they try to flee from Sgt. Guy*

This really isn't good... Sgt. Guy's strong will... determination for Revenge against all those who just saw him as a little Shy Guy, his Ambition to get all the power in the entire city, and his Greed to crown himself king of the place and have its wealth and the brainwashed servants working at his whim... He can control the Spirit perfectly.

Miles: But to have that much control, he’s had to have given up something! There has to be something he can’t do at the same time, we have to figure out what it is and exploit it.

Xander: Wow, that's pretty cool.

Dimitri: Yeah, it would be if he wasn't destroying the world.

Xander: Nah, it's still cool.

Starla: *Lowers a head a little.* _{It's so... corrupting...}

Muerta: *Hisses* The other Vendettas should have struck him down. What became of the Amaré line?! What became of Lee and his father?!

Shadow: What?

Azzie: Hmm....

There has to be something we can do! There has to be...

8:16 left[/size]

*They finally reach the exit of the tower and run out, then stop to catch their breath.*



*The tower is completely ablaze and crumbling. The ground is still shaking beneath them as energy from the past drains and the death settles in.*

<sub>Man... I feel bad for the organics. Look how worn out they are. ._.

They did well to keep goin' for so long. Funny what a bit of fear can do to people...</sub>

Jate: You would think so...

*Falls to the ground as soon as she's far enough away from the tower and pants for breath.* _{It'dbe easier ifIculd 'port.}

Starla: *Stops to catch her breath, clenching her heart and looking back on the tower.* ...I feel... No. We need to stop him. We have to do... _Something. *She closes her eyes, a few silent tears being let free.* (I wish he were here...)

Muerta: If only I were unbound, I could use all this energy for us… *Kneels down, looking at the dying Piers sadly* We are running out of time….

Shadow: *rests*

Azzie: I'm scared.

*again, stops to stare at the fire, cold and distant*

This is horrible... this is horrible...

*out of breath, doubled over* _{But what could... the Spirit be...?}

... I think it's simple, actually. The Spirit is of Writer Powers, isn't it? Then... it's a Personification. One that wanted Narra dead also.

If it wanted the Personfication of Ideas dead, then it wanted the Writers dead too, right? Wouldn't that kill it also?

Blues: Maybe it’s going ‘goodbye, cruel world’ on us.

Miles: *scathing look*

Blues: *shrug* More likely than you think.

Thatdusn't seem smart.

Shadow: ...*looks around*

Azzie: That's what I was wondering! Maybe it doesn't know.

... No clue. *places the charred Geier and the unconscious Future Louis down* Looks like healing magic's out. Does anyone have potions or something?

Oh, that won't be necessary. You can join them soon.[/b][/color]

Aw great...

Jate: *pulls out her bag* I carry potions.

Starla: *Opens her eyes and glares at the voice, not bothering to wipe the moisture from her face.* You! We'll see you dead first!

Shadow: No!

Azzie: I guess there's no chance Narra's relative is actually nice like her.

!!!

*whirls around, holding up daggers as if to stab in the direction of the voice*

6:36 left

*reappears out of the burning tower, still floating and speaking in two voices at once* You cannot even touch me.[/color]

... *reaches out and punches Sgt. Guy*

*electricity flows through T.R.'s robotic body and he falls over*

... .__.

_{...Okay, maybe being robots means we don't have quite a big an advantage.}

Jamy: He's killing all the robots first!

: NO! I'LL SEE YOU DESTROYED, SARGE!

Starla: No!

Mister robot president guy! Thatwuzn't nice!

Muerta: *Looks up, the glow in her red eyes slowly dulling* …

Shadow: ...

Azzie: I'm so sorry. :/

!!! *stumbles backward*

Oh meep it all.

I must say, I thought of you as...[/b][/color] ... ... smarter than that...[/b][/color]


_{...Did the power just falter or something?}

Jate: You have to bind a spirit to control it. Will alone doesn't work.

Miles: And there it is-

Starla: *Stares up at the changed form, speaking bitterly.* ...Is your power finally getting the better of you?

Shadow: What

Azzie: *tilts head*

Did... did you see that?

! ... What's going on?

Isn't that obvious? It's a battle of his will versus the spirit's will to control himself. He lost himself for just a moment.[/color]

Jace: Ugh, Personifications. An idea should stay an idea, not become a person.

Jamy: That's bad news for us, good news for Narra...

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincOhNoes.gif[/img] !!! Hey, it's that voice!

Starla: ...Then maybe we can stop him by making him continue to lose himself.

Goodidea! Hey meanguy! Igotta lot of candy'ncookies but because yer so mean yer not gonna get any at all!

Shadow: Who-

Azzie: Narra?

!

...Narra?

Impossible. I destroyed you with my own-[/b][/color] -... You died, Narra. Chalk struck you down.[/b][/color]

You can't completely kill a personification, you can only weaken it. That's why you all can't save the City.[/color]


What?! But we have to!

Shadow: ...

Azzie: Narra! 8D

Miles: We’ll see about that.

Starla: ...Then wouldn't weakening him enough to lost his grip be enough?

*The voices of thousands echo, Lee's and Samuel's voices most prominent among them*

You are in big trouble, Sergeant…[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

SPOILER: Click to show

4:10 left

[/size]

I... ... Sgt. Guy, you know you can't fully control the Personification forever? You're going to lose yourself eventually.

I'll kill y-[/b] -ou?

Now. *slashes at Sgt. Guy again*

Scrac's Characters: They attacked.

*fires from his buster*

Uh- *fires from his launcher*

Starla: *Charges and slashes at Sgt. Guy.*

*Throws a kunai at Sgt. Guy.*

! *rushes in to stab*

*is hit* What?[/b][/color] ^I_C^M_A^P_N'^O_T^S_C^S_O^I_N^B_T^L_R^E_O^!_L[/b]

*Sgt.Guy clasps his head with both hands as dark stormclouds fill the sky*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Tmeep.png[/img] Not good. Very not good. Storm clouds are the kind of cliche that you can't help but be wary of.

Starla: Is it working?

Shadow: Is he losing control?

Azzie: I think so.

Now y'all have done it! *flies/floats up with Bowser holding onto his shoe*

Yeah! He was talking about bad weather or something before I got all ripped, and now look!

...Wait, what have we done? ._.

Starla: *Glares at Bowser and Dedede.* Bad weather is the least of our problems right now!

Xander: See, they weren't lying!

Shadow: How are you guys flying?

Azzie: Hi!

! You two!

*still clenching his head, eyes closed in pain/anger* _{Spirit! I control you now! Desist fighting at once!}

You really were a power-starved idiot grasping for straws, weren't you?[/b][/color]

Blues: Yeah, kinda.

Shadow: And you're better?

Azzie: Mr. Sergeant Guy, you can't control things like this! Didn't you read the war records?

Starla: *Scowls.* That never does one good. I thought he was better than that.

what

*lands* You know all the Ideas Personification was sayin' about how you can't kill a personification? Well, this Pesonification was weakened! Chalk mostly was able to keep it in control, and would've tried to bring the NPCs to a natural loss! Instead, you all had to waltz on in here with the glasses jerk and let him drain all the power like the Personification needed to recover!

*growls a little* Hey hey hey. Watch it.

Miles: Oh, no.

Xander: Told yo-

Dimitri: Don't start Xander.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/Glinc.gif[/img] Tech'nally speakin' it's his fault f'rwaltzin' in, not ours.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PS.gif[/img] Nuance, kid. *watches the sky warily*

Starla: Wait, you knew what he would try to do, and you didn't tell us?!

Izat what youwere tryinto say?

Starla: He could've just said that!

*Annoyed, Muerta swings out her arm and hits Dedede in the face with a backhand*

Shadow: ...But wouldn't he have fallen eventually?

Wh-what?! No!

2:19 left[/size]

And now that I've recovered, I don't even need a form to possess any longer.[/b][/color]

*a bright flash of lightning strikes Sgt. Guy*

*falls over, charred, next to Geier*

*jumps* Gahsdhgf-

Jamy: Ouch x_o

: Stop hiding, spirit. You're around here somewhere.

Blues: *grips and regrips sword nervously* There’s nothing to fight…

Miles: *hollow voice* Just wait.

Starla: ...What have you done?

Shadow: .....

Azzie: ...:<

SARGE!

*draws sword again* Stop hiding.

*appears* My name is Tion. I'm the Personification of Writer Powers and, to an extent, stories themselves.

Jamy: Why do you want to kill everyone? :c

Jace: *sets Mirage down* At least the darkness is useful for something.

...Then wouldn'tcha knowthat goodguys win in the end?

Starla: *Keeps her sword up in warning.*

Shadow: And you're trying to kill us because?

Azzie: Hi! ...Please stop trying to hurt us. D:

*Again the voices echo, shapes flickering in a gathering fog*

One Personification against many is still not enough to win, fallen child…

We are older and stronger than you. Ours was the birth of reality, and yours the birth of Writing. You are much younger and cannot win this.

*A strange sort of energy permeates the cloud.*

Muerta: *Looks up, startled* ._. ?

*It gives off an unusual, almost undetectable amount of strength, as whispers echo*

<sub>Younger sister… Narra…

Have strength.</sub>

Oh, uh, really? You don't look that... threatening.

...

*Binary appears on Tion as she grows in size and height, towering over the others. The City Hall Tower is still in flames and starts to crumble behind them, the light being given off some of the only in the dark and lifeless surroundings, the sky full of storm clouds.*

*starts to have to crane his neck up to see her* <sub>...Well this is just fantastic.

now can we go home</sub>

Jace: *whistles* Dang, that's big.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] *swears under his breath*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Tmeep.png[/img] Not good not good not good- *backs up*

Miles: *takes a step back* …

Starla: *Stares up at Tion's new form, trying to comprehend her size.*

*Also stares.*

Shadow: ...*steps backwards*

Azzie: ... Please?

Oh no...

*strikes a battle-ready stance*

1:00 left[/size]

Just one minute remains. What will you do?[/b][/size][/color]

... It's no use. We can't fight you.

Jace: One minute until the end of the world... *grabs Jate and kisses her*

Jate: !!! *slap slap slap slap*

What?!

: This can't be it! This can't be how it ends!

: We're just going to die? There has to be a way out of this...

Blues: We can’t- we can’t just give up! Not like this!

Starla: But we can't just stand here and do nothing!

...Idunthink wecan hurther verymuch.

Starla: But we... Agh! I can't just let this world become barren and lifeless!

Shadow: What are you doing this for?

Azzie: Could we talk?

_Ugh... *slowly looks up* ... I... suppose my only question is "why". Why you needed my NPC Rebellion Group to become a full brainwashed army. All this power will destroy Writer Powers- no, Writers themselves, and the Stories that go along with them. That will ruin you, won't it?

Not necessarily. But I did not restore myself to continue living in this world I've been subjected to.[/i][/b][/color]

*A sphere of light, too blinding to look directly at, forms between her hands.*

I'm going to take out this world with a bang... and myself with it.[/b][/color][/size]

<sub>no seriously i wanna go home

Keep it together, Quick-</sub>

Jamy: *covers Mirage with her wings again*

Jace: Ah, come on... *settles for hugging Jate*

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/Glinc/GlincMeep.gif[/img] We gotta be able t'do sumthin!

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/ProblemSleuth/PSAnnoyed.gif[/img] *puts down his gun* Face it, kid. It's over. Done.

i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TMad.png[/img] No... it's not over. i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n557/Icon109/NTWF Smileys/TWatch.png[/img] Not yet.

: No way!

: *swears under his breath*

: _{Looks like this might be it after all.}

Blues: NO! I’ve lived through too much, gotten beaten down and survived through too much crap for something this idiotic to take me down! I refuse to die like this!

Miles: This isn’t… there’s nothing I can do. Not alone. *buries face in his hands* _Charlotte…

Dimitri: Great.

Xander: -wraps arms around Dimitri's waist-

Shadow: Why?

Azzie: ...please don't.

No!

No!

Starla: No! There's a better way! You can use your abilities for other purposes! Do what you can! Don't just give up on this world's life!

Youcan bea nice person!

Starla: Please... (If she won't listen to our words... There's nothing left... We've failed... And the world suffers for it... I'm sorry...)

... !

0:10

Mother... no.[/color]

*The earthquake picked up, and people gathered had to cling to what they could to stop from literally being thrown. The Tower crumbled behind them, the City Hall falling with it.*

0:09[/size]

*Bursts of thunder and lightning accompany the earthquake.*

Silence yourself, child.

0:08[/size]

*Thousands of lines, twisting and breaking and connecting, all glowing with magical energy, tear through the ground and air around Tion and connect. The sphere gets much brighter, forcing them to turn away.*

S-stop it... *tries to stand, still burned* We didn't...

0:07[/size]

*Slowly, more of the 'screens' pop up around them.*

*walking through a captured part of the City carrying a NPC flag, observing the drain of life going on*

*The Goggles are affixed to a random NPC's face. They struggle for a moment, then stop.*

0:06[/size]

You don't know what you're doing![/color]

*The sphere that Tion holds grows in size, with life flooding into it. Fire from the destroyed City Hall spreads easily across the dead grass around them.*

0:05[/size]

I know exactly what I'm doing.[/b][/color][/size]

*Nobody can seem to move.*

0:04

*reappears in the chaos*

0:03[/size]

Child! Get away![/b][/color][/size]

*Beams of light emerge from the sphere and shine in seemingly every direction. Fire surrounds them, smoke filling the dark sky.*

0:02[/size]

It's sad that a Personification could lose such sight.

*The screens continue to flash up around them, showing scenes of futility, of death and of the continuing invasion. The NPC Army pushes through some of the last lines of defenses on a battlefield composed of dead grass and plantlife.*

0:01[/size]

*quickly pulls up one scene- just one image- before the sphere grows too large for anyone to see a thing*

![/color]

0:00[/size]

*The sphere grows rapidly, first taking Tion, then absorbing Narra. Before anyone can react, it grows and surrounds everyone. The sphere envelops the scene of chaos, then explodes.

Then there's nothing.*
[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Part 12: The Peace of Day

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

*An unknown source recorded- anonymously, in a dark scroll, with carefully crafted glowing white letters adorning the page- that the world was crashing down around them.

The stars and the moon were hidden by a veil of storms. Thunder drowned out the sounds around them; lightning struck down parts of the City and the surrounding areas, leaving them charred with dark flames.

The ground below them tore open; nobody could steady themselves to see what was happening around them.*

*quickly pulls up one scene- just one image- before the sphere grows too large for anyone to see a thing*

!

[/color]

*As the sphere expanded over them, no pain was felt. Those inside could feel the tremendous power stored inside and were blinded by the light.*

*stands motionless for a moment* I... I remember...
[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Flashback}
{April/May 2010}

PFA:YAY

*unleashes her chars upon this thread* RUN FREE LITTLE ONES

*dusts self off after being shoved in by PFA* We're not caged animals, you know...

Yay, new thread! *runs in cheerfully* Nick's gonna buy us all burgers for the grand opening, right Nick?

I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

... ... ?

[/color]

: *runs inside and skids to a halt on his knees, posing as he stops* *bad pop song plays in background* Hey, there Edgeworth. Oh, and you other guys.

... w... what...?

... where am i?[/color]

Hunter: Hmm, I guess this is the grand opening. And it calls for celebration!

: Great...

Hunter: *vanishes and reappears rapidly, bringing a new thing each time* Karaoke! Snacks! Drinks! Aaand... a live band if you don't want karaoke!

*notices band running away* ...Darn.

... ... there's happiness here...

... but it's... ... it seems tainted... ...

Torkie:YAY~

RAINBOW TIME~

Torkie: ACK! What are you doing pulling me all the way out here?! We were just preparing potato soup for dinner. D:

Vex: It appears something special has happened and we are wanted for a celebration.

Beren: It does provide a nice change of scenery, I must say. ¬ ¬;;

Max: *Glances around* Well, this certainly is… interesting…

Ky: I'll get the food! 8D *Returns with food for everyone*

Jason: Was it really necessary for us to come? ¬v¬

Daniel: Indeed, we hardly ever show up.

Tyler: I think she just wanted EVERYONE here.

Draconis: ……… Everyone?!

Lee: !!! B-but that means—!

Revenge: *Appears* That's right. Everyone. >D

... i can feel so many presences...

... the auras are overwhelming... ... i don't know... these people, but i can see their fates...?[/color]

Icon: *walks in* Ooh, new board smell.

... *realizes he has no characters* Well, this is awkward. ._.::

Charac...ters...?

... What is... this place?

[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Around the Icy Taco}
{Various months, 2010 – 2012}

*skids to a halt* !!

*kneeling on the ground, clutching at his right shoulder*

*desperately trying to fight—or, at this point, it looks more like he's trying to keep himself from being hurt*

*holding a pistol, aiming at Gregory* It is time to end this, Edgeworth...

w-what...?

...

... such misfortune befalls this... this character...? but why?

[/color]

Drew:
: ? ! ? ! AAAAGH! *in an extreme amount of pain*

Drew:
? ? ?: YOU… THE FAILED EXPERIMENT. I'VE COME TO PUT YOU OUT OF YOUR MISERY.

Torkie:
?!

PFA:
?!

Drew:
: N-no! I-I'm… AGH! *spirit blood pours onto the floor*

Torkie:
STOP!

Drew:
: I'm Miles E-Edgeworth!

this one.... this one is... very conflicted on the inside...

...

... but for what? ... too much lies ahead of him...[/color]

Y-you! *aims at Kay*

: PORTSMAN! PUT THAT DOWN OR I WILL KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND!

why are there.... why are there these acts of senseless violence?[/color]

No… no, please no…!

Bit by bit… they'll tear you apart…

You know they're right. You've done wrong.

They'll extract the last of will from you and drive you to final death, slowly…

^{Such agony} as you have _{never known.}

You. Will. Die.

Struggle all you want… there is still a noose calling your name.

Can you feel it? It tightens around your neck.

{KLAVIER, PLEASE! HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!}

Kristoph woke up screaming and clawing at his collar. He felt like he was choking, and the Light burned him.

"Oh would you just SHUT UP for ONE [FREAKIN'] NIGHT?!"

SLAM! The sound of the side of a fist being slammed against the security glass startled him and made him cry in alarm. He jerked back, his head striking the stone walls. He cried out in pain and curled up into a ball. Meanwhile, his warden continued to swear.

Klavier, please… please…

Harsh laughter echoed in his mind, and he bit back the urge to howl in despair. He was shaking—a pathetic, whimpering mess.

Just one more chance, PLEASE, just one more chance…! I can't… I can't take this for years, please…

I j-just… just want to see the sun again…

Tears trickled down his face. How long had it been since he was placed in this tomb, where the walls drained his very being? How long had it been since the collar was placed around his neck, chaining him to this realm and rendering him powerless?

What were they going to do to him now? Were they going to torture him faster?

Or was he just going to slowly fade away, driven deeper into this mad despair until at last he could only lay still as this prison drained the last of his energy and will to exist?

One…last… time… … ….

s-so... so much...

... there's... just so much pain in this world...

... personifications?

... more of them caused some of this... ...?

...
... Maybe I could leave a mark on this world too... For forcing me to see these twisted fates every second that I have to live![/color]

{Motinspire Castle, Throne Room}

: It begins... and it ends. My dark muses, my Nightmares, have served me well... for now. Memory has had his rampages, Vision too has gone far out of control, and Premonition guided them both. Even Fantasy's betrayal plays into my hands, perhaps convincing them that I am incompetent. Relying on characters was foolish, however. The manipulation of Payne failed. Not once, but twice. Influencing the summoning of Yew to destroy Payne as an act of petty revenge also failed... Of course the other crows would flock to her. The allies my Nightmares picked were absurd beyond words, but perhaps I shall give them a few more chances. But the main part of this plan shall be my own doing. The End, Icy Taco. *summons scrolls*

So even Writers cannot help but murder each other. And for what...?[/i]

I will.... I will gather my strength here... All this has weakened me considerably...I will.... I will gather my strength here... All this has weakened me considerably...


... they don't deserve that power...

... ... there's pain... and i can't watch it anymore...[/color]
[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{? ? ?}

"Hey... hey, get up."

[/color]

"...?"[/color]

"Oh, great, you're okay! I thought something happened. You weren't moving, and you looked like you were having this terrible headache."[/color]

"Ugh... I- I am, actually..."[/color]

"Well, lying there won't do you any good."[/color]

"..."[/color]

"I'll introduce myself! My name's Chalk."[/color]

"... ... I don't see your fate in my mind... You're not a Character."[/color]

"Huh? Well, no. I'm an NPC, I guess."[/color]

"...NPC?"[/color]

"Yeah. Guess we're easy to overlook, right?"[/color]

"... No. I think I like these people.[/color]

"You look a little disoriented... I'll take you to my friend, Mary. She's a healer. She could fix you up right away."[/color]

"No, I- I'm fine. ... I've just never seen the world with my eyes before... I only see these visions in my head."[/color]

"You're like... that guy, aren't you? Lee? You're a Personification. I can tell."[/color]

"Yes. I'm Tion."[/color]

"Well, come on! If you're alright, then I can show you around!"[/color]

"It would be like seeing it for the first time, to be honest... I would enjoy it."[/color]

---

{Months Later}

"Tion, you... haven't moved in days now."[/color]

"I see them... they're causing so much suffering out there..."[/color]

"Well, Mary is recovering from the loss..."[/color]

"I was wrong, you know. All of the NPCs who died in that explosion... I could see their fates. And I had to watch all of them end right there."[/color]

"But all this pain gives way to happiness and growth as a person, you know. This is how the City works."[/color]

"Be quiet! You... You're wrong! You don't have to see this every moment, you know!"[/color]

"Tion..."[/color]

"I saw that all of them would've done great things! Everyone who died there would've impacted the world in some positive way! They were introduced to me in my mind, and I grew close to them! The Writers tore them away just as randomly as they brought them into the world!"[/color]

"T-tion... Your aura is... It's like death itself."

"How fitting. I will end them myself. I'll... I'll show them that they can't destroy their creations, like the NPCs that died in that, and yet let a suffering one like me live to witness it all!"[/color]

"Listen to me, Tion. ... I--"[/color]

"Shut up! You... You have the strength I need right now! You... you shouldn't have saved me back then. Now I'm forced to do this."[/b][/color]

"AAAAAAAARGH!"[/color]

"Excellent. ... None of them will stop us now. We'll meet with that guy in person... The one protesting against the Writers outside, Geier. We need the will and hatred that fool has in order to bring the end of stories about."[/color][/b]

_{"those... those are NPCs..."}[/color]

"NPCs... the first type of person in this world that I've liked. Wouldn't it be nice and fitting if they helped me accomplish my only goal?

Ending all Writers, myself, and the world we live in?"[/color][/b]

---

[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{The Icy Taco}
{100 Years in the Future}

[/size]

*The image showed Tion and Chalk before the possession.*

... ... ... There are some that are kind at heart out there.

And you're going to end the world here and back in your own time on all of those people.[/color]

These people... all of them did come out to save their city. Would they put themselves under these circumstances if... if they didn't actually care...?

...

*Tion's focus slips and the sphere stops growing*

I can't stand to see them anymore... the visions...

There's other places you can go. To be away from them. There's... the Sanctum. You now have the strength to return.[/color]

... I have brought too much wrong to this world already... ... I've caused the suffering that I despised so much. ... These people have proven how far they will go to protect what they care about... and that's enough for me.

*The sphere shifts into a Writer Powers barrier. The binary starts spinning in reverse, and the world shifts and grows around them. The life returns, the damage seems undone, yet the area is flooded with NPC Soldiers. The barrier lowers as everyone has been taken back to the present day.*

Brainwashed NPC Soldiers. Your directives are complete. My will is no longer strong enough to hold you to this same hatred.

*The soldiers stop, lowering their weapons*

... And now.

*0s and 1s appear and float blissfully through the air, eventually swirling in a vortex reaching up through the clouds.*

*Floats up through it*

*And- just as quickly as it appeared- it's gone.*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Some time later, on the 31st}
{A field just outside the city}

*Everyone has gathered again for an actual Peaceful Day celebration on the proper day. The stars are shining brightly above them, and so is the spot where the moon would be.*

So. Some party, huh?

Yes indeed. I offer my gratitude to the heroes that my spirit form may still manifest here.

Well, it wouldn't be able to if the magic did get drained. I've even got my powers back, too. I don't think anyone quite remembers what happened, though. It was bright, and there was that earthquake thing... Wasn't there a car chase at some point?

... What's a car?

Alright, listen up everyone. I have an announcement to make.

*looks*

What is a car? *looks anyway*

I need to congratulate all of you on your bravery. We went out facing an invading army and ended up at... well, the apocalypse. Chalk's plan wouldn't have worked, in the end. He didn't have the power to keep Tion down enough, and his treachery was kept a secret. Dedede only found out in enough time to fight us, basically...

And be annoying about it.

I'm not sure what to make of Sgt. Guy. When he was taken away, he just wouldn't say anything, no matter what they told him or did to him. But... I think that all of you going out and facing what seemed like impossible odds proved something. I don't think anything like this will happen again.

In this city? Really?

Okay, nothing exactly like this. The NPCs that were brainwashed are mostly out repairing the damage they unknowingly caused, and the life that was drained is back where it belongs. The moral of the story is that sometimes, a crazy lady possesses a kind person and they almost destroy the world because they were angry. You all risked your necks and you can pat yourselves on the back for it. How about we all have some punch?

What, that's it...?

Want to say it for me, Evilworth?

~THE END~

[Andrew]

EPILOGUE

[/center]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Around the Peaceful Day Celebration, The 31st}

*sulking around, having been healed*

Oh, hey. Another formerly-evil guy with dark hair and red eyes. I'm glad we're getting some originality in this character lineup.

Don't break the fourth wall yet. It's too early.

I'm just wondering what you plan to do now that the NPC Army is completely disbanded.

... I don't know. There could be another way that I could keep the stories and Writers from being corrupt. But I'm not ready to deal with issues like that right away.

How about helping the NPCs in volunteering? Cleaning up what they blew up, things along such lines?

Of course. I think there's something else I have to do, though.

What...?

When I'm sleeping... especially when I was being healed, I only saw visions of these eight figures. They were like spirits in some way.

And you think you're going to be taken on some adventure because of it?

... Perhaps?

Yer a character, Geier. Have fun, new character! *walks off*

... ... ... I need a drink...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Outside the City}

Well... I guess our duties of trying to help Chalk and stop the NPC Army are over.

I tried to join 'em and ruin the dogs from inside their group! But the goggles...

Y-yeah. I didn't help that much...

I got tied to train tracks...

I got them out of a burning building.

Well, they only saved the Harbor cause o' me!

... I sent them to the future as Chalk requested and probably saved everyone.

I didn't know you could talk!

... Whatever. I'm going to go get a cup of coffee. *makes a portal* ... From the future. *hops in and the portal vanishes*

You know... *takes off the mask* I don't need to wear the mask anymore. The hat is trendy, though~

You... you're right! *starts to untie the bandana*

Well, Preston? And... whatever the Knight's name is?

This is me real beard.

This is my real face. I'm a robot! My name is 01011000011101.

... Oh.

Well, I'm off back to the Harbor. *walks off*

I'm off to the Hard Taco or something! Maybe they have more ladders! *walks off also*

Well... now it's just you and me.

There, finally undid the knot. *takes off bandana*

!!! ... Mark! It's... really you. But I thought you died in that apartment explosion?

Well, almost. But a light blue portal saved me and brought me to the future here. Now that I think about it, it must have been the Ideas girl.

How come you didn't let me know earlier?

... Surprise?

Oh, come here. *glomps*

*hugs, laughing* I missed you too, Mary.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Bowser's ^{^new} Castle}

Hmm...

What are you thinking about, your vileness?

That dumb NPC thing is over and I still don't have enough power to stomp all over Mario! Of course I've got power, but then he hops out of a pipe and ruins everything! I've got to have a plan!

That sounds excellent, your turtleness.

Grar har har har! You know it does! Bowser OUT! *stomps out of the castle*

---

Well, I've gone and done what I could to save 'em all... Even ol' Meta Knight's gonna be on my case for that Star Rod thing, though!

Hey, you! Chubby features! Come on, we're going to stomp some heroes!

What the-?!

Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot you were the King of lameness.

Grr... Hey! You're a monster! You oughta be bowin' down to me!

You'll be the one bowing down when you're begging and pleading to join my awesome army! I'm going to take these guys over and use them against Mario!

"Mario"? You mean you're getting stomped by that portly plumber guy?

Says Mr. "I get foiled by a baby pink sphere"!

... Yeah... And even the bigger sphere in the mask turned against me!

That's rough, buddy.

Alright! We'll join forces and show these guys the power of two real trouble kings!

You mean you're joining my forces! Hm... *crosses arms* But where to start...

*sitting at a lemonade stand, but the sign has "LEMONADE" crossed out and "INFORMATION" scribbled in* Step right up!

Aren't you that Train Station guy?

Oh, that is so last week. Now I'm running this... information kiosk!

Ouch.

But it's not ANY information kiosk! It's an EVIL information kiosk! You can only ask about evil things!

*holds up arms* Great! That's exactly what we were looking for!

How do we go 'bout takin' this place over and enslavin' the populace so we can look cool?

Ooh, that's a toughie. Let me flip to page 27 of the Evil Handbook from the local Villain College... It says you should gather your strength in an evil team.

Evil... team? I've got one of those already!

No, like a big team! Of super evil villains like you, myself, and... the blue one!

King Dedede!

Here's the directory... Hm... Nightmare group disbanded last year... The Three has applications closed... Porky's army had a power struggle... Do you like space, clones, and cats?

That stuff all sounds totally lame! *stomps foot* We need something awesome!

I know! You can join me and become my henchmen!

GRAAAAAAARGH! *breathes fire at Portalman*

*falls over, charred*

That didn't work.

He had a point, though. We have strength in numbers, because they can't stomp all of us!

? ? ?: Hey! I've got an idea!

Huh?

*SPINS ARMS AROUND*

*falls in* It's-a me! Wario! You guys are-a looking for the new evil group in town? Cutting-edge schemes with a money back guarantee?

Now that's what I like to hear!

*STILL SPINNING ARMS*

*hands over a business card* You should join the minions of the slightly circular table! We're accepting openings for evil legions of mooks that work for minimum wage, too!

*stops* That won't be a problem! Koopa Troop, assemble!

*an army of koopas, goombas, shy guys, lakitus, and other Mario enemies skitter up out of nowhere and stand behind Bowser*

Uh... HEEEYYYY!

*another army of Waddle Dees, some with spears, Waddle Doos, and other assorted monsters appear nearby*

Not bad. I'm gonna get an awesome referral bonus for this!

Looks like we've got this all sorted out! Now don't consider this me joining you, 'cause you are joining me!

... Me too!

Haha, whatever! Wario's out!

*Wario farts and is propelled away*

SPOILER: Click to show

{The Void}

Another year, another summer, another tool… don't make 'em like they used to.

I question the wisdom of using a robed masked midget in the first place.

*Grins, running his claws along his dagger* Come now. We got the chaos we wanted, and few recognize that we were involved. It is another success.

By whose standards?

Our standards, of course. You know that success is not the triumph of evil. If we measured it that way, it would be a losing fight.

*Fingers a ruby* Perhaps. And what next?

Dahlia has her own plans for August… causing chaos of her own. We already tried to recruit Axel…

That failed rather spectacularly.

He would have been a good asset. It is, however, difficult to corrupt those with no hearts unless they have already fallen.

He is not our concern. At least not for now. The plans for next year, though…

*A voice is heard. It starts softly, like a voice in the back of one's mind. *

^Hey...

[/size][/i]

^{Hey, you guys.}

_{Why did you do that?}

[/color]

Ah, if it isn't the little sister. A bit late to be asking that, aren't we?

Why do you think we ever do anything?

Just by asking that question you show ignorance.

*The voice becomes a lot sweeter sounding as it seems to draw closer, very clearly the voice of a little girl.*

May I ask you a question?

…

Ask away. You may or may not get a direct answer, little sister.

*There is very clearly one presence, but many voices speaking at once.*

What would you DO if there were no worlds?

…That is not really our concern.

We cause chaos and division.

We are Discord.

*They start speaking in unison, their voices having an echoing effect.*

We are many and we are one. It is not our concern what happens to the worlds.

If the concepts that you[/tt][/color] represent happened to[/tt] just disappear from all places in all universes, there is no more "The Three".[/i]

_{Is this correct, brothers and sister?}[/size]

Of course. That is how Personifications work.

You have to keep in mind that we are not the same in all places, however.

But yes. In this variation, we would cease to exist. It is the same as the idea of Heartless ceasing to exist if all had pure hearts.

This is the reality of Personifications. It is not something we can change.

_{Then we are done.}

^{I would have concern about the state of all worlds from all times, even if a small concern, by the way.}

[/size][/color]

*The presence and the voices vanish*

…Just because it is not our concern does not mean we don't care.

I do not think they understand it is not within our power to cause destruction on such a scale, that we work more subtly.

Such strange children. I wonder if they have met the Amare line…

Oh please, don't remind me of the disgrace to my line.

…You were saying?

Hmm? Oh, yes. Listen well, for this will take some time to do…[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{? ? ?}

*The room is large and circular, completely spotless. It looks as if it's made of ice, but it's not frozen. There are many screens, but only one is active, showing the Spirit World.*

Chalk.

*wakes up* ...

Your life was ended before it was supposed to. You have exactly 100 days to live. In this time, you are destined to live out the rest of your part of the First story.

... The what?

I cannot explain more. This Execution must be undone.

I also wish to congratulate you. No human has ever set foot in the Sanctuary.

Wait, I-

*The outlines of eight circles appear on the ground. One lights up- dark yellow in color- and Chalk is pulled through.*

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{The Icy Taco}

*The former NPC Army is crowded around some of the destroyed buildings. One by one, the goggles are torn off. The memories of what 'they' did flood back in; they always widen those eyes in recognition of the death they unwillingly caused.*

*An NPC Soldier takes off his helmet and goggles, staring at the building that was blown up in the beginning. A charred NPC flag is outside it.*

Former Soldier: So... it's over.

*A Pirate ditches the cheesy hat and goggles also, looking around.*

Former Pirate: ... I had two sons... I was all they had. I don't remember what happened after a few of the protesters grabbed me... I only remember these scenes of what I did.

*The goggles being torn off are thrown in a heap in the soot.*

Former Medic: I... don't know if my husband made it.

*The pile gets larger.*

Former Soldier: A lot of us didn't. A lot of us died in that...

Former Medic: ...

*One of the former NPC soldiers steps up from the gathered crowd, near the piles of trash and wreckage.*

Former Wizard: Look, everyone. I was put in a wizard hat and used to steal the magic of... of Writers and Characters. All I was... was just a janitor. But this isn't the end. A lot of us died in that, and a lot of us died as accidents in other conflicts. But the Personification realized what she did... and... it won't be repeated.

*The former soldiers listen.*

Former Wizard: I think... we should try and put this behind us. We can repair what we were forced to cause, and... maybe then things will return to normal, you know?

Former Medic: I'm afraid...

*Sirens.*

Former Medic: I'm afraid that's all we can do.

SPOILER: Click to show

{ ? ? ? }

I don't see anymore visions here...

For so long, I couldn't return to a place without them because they weakened me...

...

... ... Looking down at the City... I see them all working together. To rebuild... even though it wasn't really their fault that the destruction was caused...

... It was mine...

... ... Thousands of years of life, and I've never been to a place such as that. I was blinded... by the pain it caused. But now I can only see the beauty in it...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Icy Taco Detention Center}

... ...

*There is a banging on the security glass.*

"You in there. At attention! There's someone here to talk to you."

*frowns* ...

*The lights on the other side are turned on, allowing the two-way mirror to function like a normal window. Lang moves aside to watch from a distance, and someone else walks forward.*

Evening, Sergeant.

*looks minorly surprised for a moment, then just smiles bitterly* ... ?

*Faint smile* You would not be the first to be surprised to see me here. *Thoughtful, pausing between sentences* I'm afraid my reason for coming here is not the same as the last time I visited someone within these walls. There is a similar reason, though.

*adjusts glasses* ...

I'm afraid your case is more serious, Sergeant. And that worries me. I am unsure if you are aware, but the Detention Center functions as detainment cells, jail, and long-term prison. It is not just a place of temporary detainment. There are other parts of the place that are known to very few… but they exist nonetheless.

... *looks away*

I think you know the room I am talking about, Sergeant. *Briefly glares at Agent Lang* You were probably shown it at some point.

*tenses*

I cannot defend you. I am being barred from doing so.

*A pause*

Right now… things are confusing. They only know what we know. We DO know what happened at that tower. The specific actions are documented in recordings and medical records as well as testimony. The attacks are known… the motive, not really.

Aggravated assault and murder are definitely on the list to toll. Arguments may be made for attempted serial murder and possibly something to do with treason, though in my opinion the latter isn't possible to pull off even if the grab at violent power could be categorized so.

I do not know how much you were paying attention for the last trial with such a long list. Even after the full list of charges was settled—and it was quite long—the defendant remained confined without contact for weeks before the trial started. With you… there is so little knowledge of what happened. The Enforcement branch wants a full investigation before the trial, so that they only have to do it once. There's just… a couple problems with that.

... ...

Your silence is your right, but it makes things exponentially harder on you. Without a clear list of charges but evidence to prove part of the list, you may be held indefinitely until there is a resolution in the list or in the part of the law that allows for that indefinite confinement under those conditions. We know The Three were involved. We know Tion had a role. But without knowing the order of events, there is not enough information.

It is not clear how far in advance you had planned things, what your connection was to the war that tore this place apart. If you set things up… it is possible that you will be charged with war crimes. If you were just one pawn of the game, then your charges would be less severe.

*in a voice that is not quite his own* ... ... /You/ ask me if I was a pawn? You don't deserve to even speak to me, you [scoundrel]. Leave me at once.

I am not going anywhere, you will find. I can see it playing out either way. I have seen many used by powers greater than themselves to cause unspeakable horror, slaughter the size of which I shudder to remember. I find it perfectly possible you are not fully responsible. However, I also know you to be a being of considerable power and far more cunning and intellect than he lets on. A mastermind? Behind the whole thing? Also possible.

*His aura becomes icy cold.*

If it is the latter, it is extremely likely that you WILL hang, Sergeant.

... ... ... *Loses his cool demeanor at the shift of aura, looking much more depressed than he did before. Much of his features are cloaked by slight shadows.* ...

*Sharply, even though his aura dies down* They do have the full authority here to implement the death penalty. Many of the crimes here are related in some way to spirits, which is why that fact is not well known. You, however, are alive, and I can tell you right now that it is highly likely that as things are this moment, the person who ends up prosecuting the case will seek to "fix" that. The people involved heavily in law here come from places where that is an acceptable attitude—nay, a common one to take.

You cannot be tried by your peers because the Shy Guys are classified as an uneducated gang. Mostly harmless, but a gang nonetheless. Lawless. You have turned many, MANY people of the town against you, and it may or may not be possible to conduct a trial by peers that way, since jurors are supposed to be unbiased. But considering I can think of three prominent people that want you dead, one of them willing to do so at the cost of his own life… I can tell you that it does not look good for you if that proposition is put forward. …

*Sounds very weary* That, however, is not what I would wish to see.

... ?

*Eyes reflecting the weariness of hundreds of years* The wounds caused by what happened to Kristoph Gavin in the course of his sentencing plague him and us even now. I cannot even begin to describe how much it has unraveled him. Inflicting pain on purpose on another, especially out of hatred, only leaves bitterness all around. I, personally, do not want to see you end up at the gallows. The very idea makes me feel cold and dark. That is why I gave my say accordingly. That will lessen the severity of at least one charge against you; that of murder.

I am far from pleased at all with what you did. I do not condone it, nor would I stand in the way if such a sentence came down on you. But I would defend you and argue against such a sentence… if that were allowed.

... ... *back to a normal voice, but much more weary sounding* ... You know what happened to you back in that Tower.

…It was not the first time someone had done similar to me. It was the third. …Unless you are referring to my… loss of temper.

That was the... third time?

Yes, the third time. The other times I ended up in critical care in the hospital because I was brought in time. That time… it was too late, and I could not withstand the effects. That body was about 400 years old. It could not stay together without a significant amount of energy. That… is why I died.

*turns, finally looking Piers in the eye*

*Calmly* It had been a weakness of mine ever since coming here to this world. I had accepted that a long time ago.

... *weakly* Piers...

…Yes…?

... Voices...

... I hear them.

I don't like it.

*Looks over at Lang, annoyed* I thought with all the barriers, you would have something blocking out hostile powers.

*Glares at them both* My top subordinate is of the Vendetta line. Do you have any idea how hard we had to fine-tune things already? The talk of Personifications is not something we can block without muzzling two of our best supporters!

*Glares, eyes flashing gold* I suggest you speak with Lee about this, Agent.

*Snarls, stomping the ground hard* Why do you do this, Piers?! Why?! You're a man of the law, one of the best there is! You would be devastatingly effective as a prosecutor, and you yourself were not long ago crying for his blood! You can't pamper the scum of existence like the traitor before you! He is a murderer and possibly a serial killer! You died, but you weren't the only one—do you have any IDEA at the number of casualties just by the first fight alone?!

*Stands sharply, spreading his arms apart, his voice thundering* SILENCE!

*Visibly taken aback, almost frightened*

!!

*Headband fluttering in the wake of his aura, one of the wrath of the sea* Was he the one to call together the NPC Army? NO! That was the work—until proven otherwise—of Geier, Chalk, and Tion alone! He was not the one to plant the bombs—Geier admitted responsibility on the part of the NPC Army for that! He was not the one to almost BURN Jason to death—that was Geier! DO NOT ASSIGN YOUR HATRED OTHERWISE!

*Growls, glowing with Light*

*Glaring, aura dying down* You ask me why I do this. I ask you why not! The man was, until the point of turning, known as a friend! You MUST not reject the concept of redemption!

*Bares his teeth in warning* Murder and aggravated assault cannot be so easily written off. You have no idea how long he has been planning this. Even if he did not cause the war, he intended to use the Spirit for his own power and did not prevent it from facilitating war, or even inform authorities of what was going on! HIGH TREASON! The role of Justice is not to excuse such things away! THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING THE LAW!

*Points at Lang angrily* I do not deny that. But execution is a VERY heavy price to pay. You know as well as I how torturous a curse is placed when one is condemned to die! We cannot act out of spite and rage, for the lasting consequences are FAR too serious to do so without taking everything into consideration. I do this because it is the right thing to do, and I cannot support that he should die!

*An explosion of aura sweeps through the room like an extremely powerful blast of wind*

*Agent Lang flames up with Light aura, his aura flickering in the shape of a dragon. Piers looks alarmed, instinctively reaching for his sword despite it having been confiscated at the entrance.*

! *turns away*

*A small about of binary floats through the room serenely, fading before colliding into anything. A sound- almost like wind chimes- is heard.*

Agent Shi-Long Lang.

You would cease to exist, as would every person you know in this world, if Writers and Characters did not show mercy in the way that Piers has done, despite the misfortune that befell him very recently.

Respect this.

[/color]

…

*Looks very frightened*

*Folds his hands together in thought* … *In a thicker Chinese accent than usual, showing a great deal of stress* …Justice and Mercy are not in harmony. For there to be law, there must also be consequence. Justice upholds the consequence. Mercy seeks to forgive it. I am expected to keep some semblance of order when many refuse to uphold even the basic dignity of life. As an officer of the law, I cannot afford to turn my back on my duties. …I admit I got carried away. It is not something I was taught well, to handle my pain. I have, however, arranged for someone to defend him already. I am no happier about this than the honorable Captain. Unlike him, however, I cannot afford… cannot afford to let that prevent me from what the law requires of me. *Quietly* To do so would render me unfit as an officer.

*With that, he turns and leaves*

*Panicked voice* SHI-LONG LANG! Wait!

"*German* {We're through, Piers. I promise not to sip to oblivion this time.}"

*The sound of his boots die down*

… *Curses* (He's going to drive himself to the grave at the same age as his father at this rate…) *Puts a hand to his forehead, lamenting in an ancient language* {Perhaps one day he shall understand, when it comes to light the truth of fire…}

*A pause*

*Sits down, looking worn out* …What Agent Lang said is true. He initiated the search for someone to defend you and was successful.

... *looks exhausted*

Samuel Vendetta will be defending you. I will speak to Lee about putting up something so that you aren't bothered.

... *faint smile*

*Looks over, giving a weak smile likewise* Outside influences are a huge factor in these cases, Sergeant. I turned the tide once myself on such information. I do not see you as a bad man. I really don't see it. It's an uphill struggle, but I do have faith that with the truth, you will make it out alive. *Closes his eyes, tilting his head back a little, worn out* You can't get much better of a Shield than Sympathy itself, other than those of the Amaré line. *Stands, giving a small sigh*

...

*The sounds of wind chimes fade until they are no longer heard. Similarly, the binary vanishes.*

... Thanks.

… *Murmurs* If one who worked directly with the Ring itself is granted reprieve, it is only just that others are treated with as much generosity should the situation allow for it. *Turns to look at Sgt. Guy* I wish none of this had ever had to happen. It was not… not a happy time, nor an easy end. *Glances at the door* I must go now and see to someone's safety. Think it all over… all of what has been said. Goodnight.

*just nods back* ...

*Walks off quietly, vanishing from sight*

*Moves out of the shadows, becoming visible* Rough fight. Quite a sight to see.

...

It's time to turn out the lights now. *Goes over and closes the external door to the area, locking it* They will return in the morning when it's time to eat.

*The lights shut off other than one of the overhead lights in the cell, cutting off sight outside the confines of the room, turning the window into a mirror once more. He is left alone.*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{The End of the World}

[/tt][/size]

*Eight figures are standing together, one of them being Narra. They're completely transparent, however.*

... "Such strange children" indeed.[/color][/font]

... Strange children that destroyed every timeline, every variation, in one instant. Bringing our whole family of Personifications together... all of us "children" together was fated to destroy everything.[/tt][/color]

... "Children", yeah. I'm older than the wrinkled old prune in the suit that they had hanging aruond.

There is, of course, the "little sister".

The lives lost in this Cataclysm... Each life taken warms me. The energy ripped from them flows into my soul.

The villains, they caused QUITE a few problems.

Oh, no. I thought they were just called "villains" for fun.

... This looks like the death of everything, including ourselves. Those villains did a lot to, um... to tear apart...

---

I trust you won't even feel the syringes...

---

You fools, can't you see? Your useless planet is now King P's~

---

Come, now, let's go swimming. The mechanical parts are waterproof.

---

I stand here and watch your "Writers" put you through unspeakably horrible situations in the name of "character development". And I'm the "evil Writer" here?

---

Take that as my "welcome to my lab" gift... Except you're not actually welcome!

---

It is I, Dimentio! Master of dimensions, pleaser of crowds~!

---

That power... they don't deserve that power. I'll take it away from them all...[/b][/color]

---

---

... and they succeeded. A lot. Many people were... were hurt because of them.[/color]

---

Those who dare defy perfection... always face the consequences.

---

So chaos is their game, is it? Fine then. If it's chaos they want, then it's chaos they'll get...

---

---

But the thing about all these Ideas is that everything turns out good. When it's all over, I mean. Everyone gets a kitten or something.[/color]

Child... what are you saying?[/color]

---

: Spreading chaos isn't so bad, is it? Can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, can't make a story without _{BREAKING A FEW PEOPLE}.

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: A fight to the death...? Must it be...? It is for the greater good... But what good requires so much blood spilt...? "Thou shalt not kill"... Must be ignored.

---

: Useless tools... I AM the future.

---

: I grow weary of this game of cat and mouse.

---

: I'm sure your little friend knows the truth in my words. The difference is... I embrace the darkness!

---

: A cost of life as a concept... To save lives in the plural. Death is a beggar, but one who cannot be denied.

---

: Kids and Writers, toys and characters... different words, same broken system.

---

: I am not merely stealing fire from the gods... I'm getting their power, and they're handing it to me on a silver platter!

---

---

I'm saying that... even this can't be the end. Because... because even when YOU were trying to take everything down singlehandedly... everything turned out alright. And lots of the "villains"... they saw what they were doing wrong or they were taken down.[/color]

---

You know how much I absolutely just despise traitors, right~?

---

We are timeless and forever bound to existence. You will never defeat us fully…

---

My blood is on your hands, Wright! I will never forgive your blatant Schadenfreude or how many men you caused to die.

---

---

Narra... time runs short.[/color][/font]

... I know. But... I don't think this can be the end, either. Stories, Writers... the heroes and the villains... This world is unlike any other. It will always live on...

This isn't actually it.

Heh...

I can see it now. This isn't actually the end.

This world... will always live on![/color][/center][/spoiler]

---

_{Thank you for reading.}

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