The Random Scenes Thread

[Andrea]

This entire thing is a giant Phineas and Ferb reference, a cartoon that Torkie got me hooked on. XD You can read it even if you haven't seen the show, though, since it's mostly derp.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Wherever the Judge lives, Evening}

Well, time to go to bed. Goodnight, Objection, my pet Creeper. *goes to sleep*

*sits in pet bed* ... *hits a button with foot*

*a panel in the floor flips over with the pet bed*

*slides down a chute underneath the floor*

*the panel flips back over with the empty pet bed*

*lands in a chair in an underground room*

*a brown fedora flutters down and lands on his head*

*looks up at screen*

*a man appears on the screen*

"Good evening, Agent C. I hope you don't mind these late missions. Other agents don't blend into the crowd of monsters that come out as night the way you do."

*shrugs*

"Anyway! Our sources show that Portalman has purchased all the cheese in the Taco City area. Your job is to find out what he's up to and put a stop to it!"

*Salutes somehow, then runs off*

---

{On top of a large hill}

*hops up*

Agent C, right on time! *presses a button*

*a rope shoots out of a hole in a nearby tree and ties up Agent C*

!

You must be wondering what I'm doing with all this cheese! Well, it all goes back to my childhood in the lost city of Selegna Sol!

---

There I was, just being a young boy, and my mother told me to go buy a cheese wheel from the market!

[/color]

*gives Kid Portalman a dollar*

*accepts and runs off into the store*

BUT! When I bought the cheese wheel, it was slippery![/color]

*walks out of store with cheese wheel, struggling to hold on to it*

And all of a sudden, I dropped it! And it rolled away![/color]

*chasing after the cheese wheel down a hill*

I ran and ran, but it was too late! It rolled right off a cliff!

My mother punished me by making me tear off my family moustache! And life was never the same![/color]

---

Or... until after I got kicked out of the forum. I just got a new one. BUT THAT'S BESIDE THE POINT!

... *still tied up* ...

I swore revenge on all cheese wheels that day! So... BEHOLD! *pulls a cloth off of something*

*a giant cheese wheel is being held up by a machine*

I call it... THE CHEESE WHEELINATOR! I combined every bit of cheese in the entire Taco City area to create the largest cheese wheel in the entire world! And I'll use it to run over the city after getting speed by rolling down this hill! Not even you can stop me, Agent C! MUAHAHAHAHAHA!

*hops up and cuts ropes on a corner of the machine*

Hey! You're not supposed to-

*leaps into the air and kicks Portalman*

GAAAH! *stumbles into the controls of the machine and hits a lever*

*the giant cheese wheel's direction is changed to the opposite way*

*leaps on the machine and hits the "RELEASE" button*

*the cheese wheel is released and rolls down the hill the wrong way, then runs over someone's house*

MY HOUSE! ... I knew I shouldn't have built this cheese wheel so close to it! What do you... what do you have to say for yourself?!

sssssssss

*BOOM*

*goes flying off* CURSE YOU, AAAAAGGGEEENNNT C!

---

{Wherever the Judge lives, Morning}

*wakes up* That was a good rest! *looks*

*has respawned in pet bed* ...

Oh, there you are, Objection! How about some breakfast? Then we can go watch that cartoon, Phineas and Ferb! It sure would be interesting if secret agents like Agent P existed! *walks off*

*winks at the fourth wall*

---

[/spoiler]

[Gelquie]

SPOILER: Click to show

Starla and Guella are walking along a road littered with ruin and trash as they make their way through a city now at peace. Guella walks beside Starla and only occasionally shadow-ports, and she lets out a heavy yawn and struggles to keep her eyes open.

How faraway are we, Starla?

Starla walks along slowly, only looking around her enough to check for potential dangers and to ensure that she doesn't step on anything. But even then, her eyes are unfocused most of the time. Her hair is unkempt and her clothes are filthy, but she presses on anyway.

Starla: ...It's just up ahead.

Good. I'mtired... Whut happened backthere?

Starla: ...I don't know...

Starla frowns to herself and speaks with a weaker voice.

Starla: ...I thought for sure we were going to die...

...Hey. Wedidn't.

Starla: ..._Still...

Starla sighs as she and Guella turn a corner.

Starla: I'm... I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect you very well. I know your mother told me to look after you, and then... all of this happened.

Ah, it'sokay! It's notlike youknew thiswuld happen. And 'sides, I just needa few bandaids! I'mfine! And youlook fine too.

Starla: …Are you sure about that?

Yeah, youjust needa nap!

Starla: .oO(Ah, right... The necklace must have helped a lot...) ...I don't think it'll help...

Sureit will! I'll wait right tillya goto--

Guella interrupts herself by yawning hugely and nearly hunching over in exaggerated tiredness.

'Kay, mabbe not.

Starla: …

They arrive at the steps of GLQ's house. Starla doesn't seem to notice at first, and she tries to keep walking.

...Starla, whereya goin'?

Starla stops and turns around, a few feet away from where Guella was. She begins walking back.

Starla: ...Nowhere.

Starla and Guella step up to the door, which Guella tries to open unsuccessfully, as it is locked. Upon Guella's failure, Starla raps her first on the door.

Starla: You could probably just teleport--

Starla takes another look at Guella's bleary-eyed, tired form and decides against finishing her sentence.

The door opens, and GLQ appears in the doorway.

GLQ: Oh, there you are!

GLQ bends down to pick up the tired Guella before looking up at Starla.

GLQ: Thanks for watching her. You both look pretty worn out though. I heard about that war going on. What happened?

Starla: ...I don't know. I... I'm going to go.

GLQ: What? But you look exhausted. I have a few extra rooms in my place. You can stay the night if you want and wash up.

Starla: ...No. I'm not tired.

GLQ: Then at least wash up--?

Starla: No. I need to get going. Farewell.

Starla turns around and walks off without another word.

GLQ: ...Man. What's gotten into her this time?

Zzzz...

GLQ: ...I guess I'll find out tomorrow. ...Maybe. For now, I should lay Guella down, and then maybe get Amroppe...

GLQ closes the door with her foot and walks further inside her house.

[PFA]

Based on a little thing that happened on the HT last night. :U Some spoilers for Maggie's Backstory.

Reunion Beyond Time

SPOILER: Click to show

*stares up at the AmysGames Offices* (This place looks huge... is she really in there?) ... (...Well, that strange girl said it was safe... I just hope she's right.) *adjusts hood and walks in*

*when she walks in, she immediately notices a pair of colorfully dressed girls talking to each other*

—Don't you think?

Uh... I'm not so sure about that, Blue.

Well, I think it would be cool!

*blinks at the girls, eying them warily* (...Nevermind them, Philippa. Have to find Gloria...) *tries to walk by without them noticing*

Yeah, well— *notices Philippa* ...? Hello?

*jumps* (...So much for that.) *adjusts hood* Um... hello.

Oh! I haven't seen you around here before! *flies over* Are you new here?

*stares at Blue in disbelief* Um... you're flying?

Yep! I'm Blue Water of the Niji Chikara, but most people call me Blue!

But... you don't have any wings...

Nope! We just float around using magic. It would be neat to have wings, though!

I... see. ...And you're human, right?

Yep! Why do you ask?

...No reason. *adjusts hood again* (I don't know if I can get used to this...)

*floats over also* So what brings you here? Are you looking for someone?

...Yes, actually. I don't... know if you'd know her.

We probably know her if you're looking for her here! What's her name?

... Gloria.

Gloria? Yeah, I think she's in the lounge.

! So she is here?

Last I checked. We can show you the way if you want.

Yes, please.

Alright then. Come on, Blue. *floats through a doorway*

Just follow us! *floats off also*

*watches after them for a few moments, before following cautiously, looking around at the area as she does*

*They move through the halls, and Philippa is able to get a few glimpses of various people on the way... some stranger than others. But eventually, the three of them arrive at a small, cozy lounge*

Hey, Gloria, someone here says she's looking for you. *jerks a thumb back at Philippa*

...? *looks up from a magazine* ...Philippa?

...Great Elements, you are alive.

It is you! *puts down the magazine and hurries over* It's so good to see you're alright! How did you get here?

*speechless for a moment* I, um... there's so much I want to ask you.

...Um, I guess we'll leave you guys to catch up, then? *floats off, ushering Blue to do the same*

*waves as they leave*

*glances back at Red and Blue, before turning to Philippa again* ...You wanted to ask me something?

...I heard you were kidnapped by the MegaMy. But when I went to look for you, you weren't there. I thought for certain they had killed you. But... you're alive. How did you escape?

Oh, yeah... I'm not really sure myself, to be honest. There I was in the MegaMy base, and then there was this light, and... then the next thing I remembered, I was somewhere really weird.

*blinks* ... Here?

No, not here. A place called Muilic.

...Mui...lic?

Yeah. The sky there is purple, and you wouldn't believe it—lots of people have magic, not just Wari and Myindo.

...That seems an apt description for this place, save the purple sky you mention.

...I guess. But this place is a mix of multiple realities or something. It's not like Muilic.

...Multiple realities?

Yeah, I don't really know how it works. You'd have to ask A.G. more about that... Hey, you want to sit down?

...Sure. *takes a seat in one of the easy chairs*

*does likewise* But yeah... I'd always thought most humans weren't capable of magic, but in Muilic, there are lots of humans with magic.

Humans aren't capable of magic. Not in our world. Otherwise the Myindo wouldn't be shunned like we are.

... Actually... some humans are.

*taken aback by this* ...Excuse me?

Or, at least one person is. From Noen. ...Naturally.

That's impossible. Only Wari and Myindo are capable of magic.

(...I guess I might as well... I've already told her this much.) *takes a deep breath, concentrating and holding her hands near each other* ...

...Gloria?

*soon enough, a faint orb of white light forms between Gloria's hands*

!!!

*it fades just as quickly* (Nn... not enough energy.) ...I have a little magic. I didn't tell you before because I was supposed to keep it a secret, but...

You... you have magic! You!

Yeah. I found out when I was six, and Maggie started showing me how to use it...

How do you have magic? You're... are you part Myindo?!

I... don't think so? My mom doesn't have magic, and I'm pretty sure my—

But that doesn't make sense. Magic comes from Wari blood, right? That's what I've always been taught...

I don't know how either, but... I have magic.

That's incredible... if humans really are capable of magic, then that would change everything.

Well, as far as I know, I'm the only one from Noen... that's why I had to keep it a secret. But like I said, I've met lots of humans from Muilic who have magic too. Maybe you could meet my friend Almodine! I bet she'd love to meet you.

*rubs forehead* This... this is a lot to take in. Humans with magic... it's unheard of.

Yeah, I thought it was weird at first, too... I eventually started getting used to it, but I guess it might have been easier for me because, well... I actually have magic.

It just... it goes against everything I've ever been taught. I don't understand how it's possible.

Again, my friend Almodine knows a lot about magic. Maybe you could ask her about it?

...Perhaps. It may help if I understood better.

Great! I'll go see if I can find her. *stands up and starts to walk away*

Wait.

Hm? What is it?

...Others... others have told me that Myindo aren't shunned in this city. Is it true?

Oh. Well... there's lots of people with magic around here. And there's people who look kind of Myindo-ish, so... ...Yeah, I'd say you're probably safe here.

... (...I can't believe it. My whole life...)

Anyway, I'm going to go find Almodine. Stay here, okay? *walks off*

... (We Myindo have been shunned by the humans for as long as I can remember... as long as any of us can remember. A world where Myindo and humans can get along... it's a dream come true.)

Perhaps, for once... I am free.

[Gelquie]

So I didn't exactly conclude what happened that one night with Tim and Melissa. So...

SPOILER: Click to show

Amidst the chatter of multiple Writers behind her, Melissa climbs as quick as she can up the ladder and into the small set of seats above the oval confines. As she walks among the stands, she looks down at the raving werezombpire below, running around frantically and banging itself against the solid unmoving walll.

Melissa: *Looks on in sadness.* _{Oh Timothy...}

Melissa looks at the syringe gun in her hand, and the strange liquid inside it. With a sigh, she presses a button on the weapon and cocks the gun before getting herself into a position that has a clear view of Fluffy. Kneeling, she watches and waits, keeping an eye on Fluffy.

Melissa: Why would you go after them, honey? After all their antics. After all their deals... After all they've done to you?

Fluffy charges towards a wall near Melissa, just in sight of her. As he hits the wall with his head, he sits down, stunned.

Melissa: ...I've done what I can, dearest.

Melissa takes the opportunity and pulls the trigger, firing a specially made syringe. She hits Fluffy in the arm, and the creature growls as he looks at what hit him. He tears out the empty syringe before taking a moment to lick the wound.

Melissa: ...Timothy? *She walks closer to Fluffy and leans over the railing, a soft yet worried look on her face.* Timothy, I'm here.

Fluffy hears the sound of Melissa's voice and looks up, staring at her as his arm shakes involuntarily.

Melissa: *Lets out a sad smile as she reaches a hand over the railing.* I'm here for you... I've always been here for you... Can you see clearly now? Look at me.

Fluffy stares at Melissa's hand and wanders closer to it, though the hand still hangs above him. He sniffs it before looking up at Melissa.

Melissa: I love y--

Fluffy lets out a bloodcurdling roar and suddenly starts jumping, trying to spring off the wall to bite at Melissa's hand. Melissa, in shock, only just gets her hand out of the way in time.

Melissa: Timothy...

Fluffy, deaf to Melissa's words, begins to repeatedly charge the wall ahead of him, trying to get to Melissa, growling all the way.

Melissa: _{...It didn't work.}

Melissa reaches into a satchel on her waist and looks through it carefully before pulling out a second syringe filled with a clear liquid. She removes the empty husk of a syringe from her old gun before putting the new syringe in and locking it in place.

Melissa: ...I'm sorry. I thought that would do it. I'll keep trying. I promise. For now though...

Melissa aims her gun at Fluffy, cocks her gun, and fires the new syringe at him. This one hits him in the neck, and Fluffy suddenly staggers.

Melissa: ...You shouldn't do that.

While Fluffy continues to try to charge at the wall, it's obviously with much less ferocity. The more he attempts to charge, the more he stumbles and slows down until he eventually falls to the ground below Melissa. He moans.

Melissa: Maybe you can't sleep... But I can still calm you down. And I'm not leaving. Not until I can take you back.

Melissa sighed staring helplessly at the werezombpire.

Melissa: How could I? You were gone from my life for a whole year. You stopped calling. You stopped leaving me messages. You never stopped leaving me messages. And I couldn't find you for a whole year. And when I did... I saw what they did to you. They turned you into a vile monster. For fun.

Melissa buried her face into her hands before sitting down on one of the seats. After a moment, she uncovered her face and looked back down at Fluffy.

Melissa: But it's different. I found you now. And I'll help you in whatever step of the way, even if you still feel attached to those monsters... The real monsters. I hate seeing you like this...

Melissa leaned her head slightly over the railing to get a better look at Fluffy.

Melissa: But whatever happens, Timothy... I'll do what I can. You can trust me. I promise I will never leave you... I will never leave you to face your troubles alone again.

Melissa sat watching the tranquilized Fluffy, both silent except for the sound of their breaths permeating the cold air.

[PFA]

So yesterday I was talking with Azz about how all my AG characters come from a little ways into their respective games/stories so they could be familiar with each other and certain concepts. Then I felt this random desire to make a Random Scene depicting what they'd be like if I'd brought them in from their currently released points in the stories (mostly the very beginning) instead. So here we are! :^D

Why my characters are from the future (silly, not spoilers but probably makes more sense with character knowledge)

SPOILER: Click to show

Oh, can you help me get back home? I don't know how I got here, or where I am... ...Vallen? I should go find someone named Vallen? ...No, I don't know who that is.

---

...Vallen Hawkeye? Am I supposed to know the name?

How about a picture *shows* :U

...He looks familiar... where have I... ...Wait a minute...

~Have fun~ *hands him the picture and runs*

---

Sesrina's Wand? Yeah, I was just thinking of going to the Cave and trying to find it! Wouldn't it be cool if I found it? ...Huh? Sanry? No, I don't know who that is.

---

Larissa and Ceresa...? Sorry, it doesn't sound familiar.

---

*not significantly different* ...

---

Ai-no-wha? What's all that garglemesh supposed to mean? ...Indigo Ninja? Is that that weird kid who was on my ship? Yeah, I dunno what that was about. Why?

---

Niji Chikara? What the heck is a Niji Chikara?

(etc., etc.)

[Andrea]

There I was, having a perfectly normal day, free of communist dictators. And then Stalinbot charged in, flubbed a revolution, and got into all sorts of trouble. (Pages 139 - 147)

I was taken away by the cruel thing that is sleep after that, but I thought I should write a scene to follow that up.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Setting: ? ? ?
Time: Nobody stays up this late, right?}

[/size]

In a normal house decorated by normal carpet and normal furniture, dozens of figures- some made of metal- stand motionless. No movement escapes their blank gaze.

One empty slot in the wall breaks the pattern. Only a lone portrait of Stalinbot fills the empty space.

The real Stalinbot isn't too far away. At least, half of him rests on a simple table, wires peeking from below his torso.

"It escapes me how those whitewashed Wyn managed to screw up a robot simple as this," a woman says, face buried in the papers she holds.

No response. The army of figures continue staring ahead, waiting for a command. And yet that satisfies her enough.

She fails to even think of sleep until the last circuit is attached, the last metal parts are in place, the extra finishing touches completed. She presses the ON button.

For an instant in the parting morning light, her eyes meet the man's robotic set. The latter pair narrows.

"Tell me the meaning of this unglorious foolishness!"

"You're all better now. Take caution with that self-destruct feature, you hear?"

Stalinbot pauses, mind reaching for an appropriate response, until he settles on: "What?"

A laugh. "Some miscreant modified your wiring a hair. I, a Good Samaritan, took it upon myself to repair you."

Again he attempts to think of something to say. Failing because his vocabulary doesn't contain 'Thanks', he simply exchanges a curt nod for his new form. Then he's out the door.

She then proceeds to make a cup of coffee, like a normal person who spent her time sleeping instead of creating a robotic soviet dictator. And she waits for the next time, the next time when she has to bring one back into the world after certain unfortunate circumstances strike.[/spoiler]

[Gelquie]

We had a Random RCI in the Skypechat and it turned into things. Mixed tone. Has been trimmed for length.

Has references to Empire of Corruption, AA: T&T (some spoilers), and various other IC chat things.

SPOILER: Click to show

Nico: Anyway, we're thinking of getting our own place somewhere. We're leaning for the HR, since it's a gated community.

GLQ: If it works for you.

Azzie: It sounds nice!

Nico: Oh, very nice! And very safe, we've been promised.

GLQ: That should be good, then. ^^

PFA: this reminds me, i still have no idea where chell lives

Torkie: rci fuel go

GLQ: ...You know, I don't know where Chell would be either.

GLQ: Hmm... DICE! Summon a character and ask them where they live for me. *Goes to roll.*

PFA: derp
i remember she got taken in by silver at one point, but she probably went somewhere else by now

Azzie: My characters just have houses. XD 'Cept Owen, who doesn't count and lives at the hotel.

GLQ: The dice rolled Reina.

Reina: I live in the town of None of Your Business.

Nico: …Who are /you/.

Reina: Rebecca, an assassin.

GLQ: No, call her Reina.

Nico: *Raises an eyebrow* An assassin? Professionally employed, or freelance?

Reina: Oh, I work for the Shadow Empire, but I can be both.

Nico: I see.

Nico: .oO(Something tells me I won't be finding any files on her.)

Reina: Of course, if by "freelance" you mean "killing whenever I want".

Nico: I meant a gun for hire. As the saying goes.

Reina: Oh. Well, I have my hands full already. .oO(But maybe later...)

Nico: You misunderstand if you think /I/ want to order a hit, ma'am.

Nico: .oO(Others, though, that's another thing.)

Reina: Plenty of time to change your mind. Of course, unless someone kills you first.

Nico: If you had asked me a few days ago, I might have given a di— *His eyes flash red* …—fferent answer.

Reina: *Doesn't visibly react to his eyes flashing red.* Oh. Went soft?

Nico: Soft? How cheerful of you, you remind me of one of my little brothers.

Reina: Oh? Does he get things done pretty well?

Nico: Not anymore, he doesn't.

Nico: If you catch my drift.

Reina: Then he can't have been exactly like me.

Nico: *Laughs at this* No, he was more charming.

Reina: Oh, is that all he had? No wonder he died.

Nico: I think you'd be surprised, woman.

Reina: Surprised he didn't die earlier?

Nico: No. By that. *Points behind her*

…she doesn't fall for OH GOSH SNAKE

*The Search Snake starts making a break for it*

Azzie:

Reina: *Turns and sees the snake.* Well then. *She throws a throwing knife at the snake, taking into account trajectory and speed.*

*KKKKT!*

Nico: Congratulations. He now knows what you go by, who you work for, and has a recording of your speech pattern and one of your combat moves! Have fun with that.

Nico: *Also makes a run for it, sensing now is a good time to leave*

PFA: oh snap *snaps fingers*

Reina: One, I didn't even tell you-- *He's already going off.* Well, not like I can't fight him off, metalhead.

GLQ: I'unno Reina...

Azzie: :/

GLQ: And so Reina plays MM3.

PFA: derp

Torkie: Why do I see this ending with her trying to fight Shadow

Azzie: oh dear

Torkie: ~And so Viper proceeds to make enemies out of everyone~

PFA: ~yaaay~

Torkie: What does the Prosecutors' Office have to say on the matter *Curious*

Diego:: Not a whole lot, as it's just cameras for now. Other than the whole "explosive" part.

Torkie: when did you get here

GLQ: It seems only natural. xD
~Yaaaaaaaay.~

GLQ: Oh hey Diego. Long time no see.

Azzie: Sir ^_^

Diego:: I did make a point to the girls to avoid any snakes if they saw them, though.

GLQ: The girls?

Reina: He doesn't mean me.

GLQ: Well, that goes without saying.

Diego:: *To Reina* My family, woman. I meant my family. Go away, please, you cause more trouble than it's worth. *Sips coffee*

PFA: /ooooh/

Azzie: :/

PFA: Seriously, ouch XD;

Azzie: Poor Ms. Reina.

Reina: I was just asking. Besides, it's not like you or your family is of any interest to me.

Reina: *To Azzie.* Don't. He's right, I do.

Azzie: *shrugs* You're not going to convince me, I'm afraid.

Reina: Well then you're blind.

Diego:: *Wry grin* It takes one to know one, and I am one, so I know her. She's a trouble maker, always on the hunt or making sure no one is in her way.

Diego:: And that is a good way for people to get hurt. She's very good at that. It is her job.

Azzie: *grins* I've been told similar.

Azzie: Mr. Diego:... *hugs*

Reina: Only makes it easier. Why should I care about what other people think about it or me?

GLQ: Well, there is the whole "making too many enemies thing".

Reina: As if I can't fight them off.

GLQ: That's... That's not entirely what I mean, Reina...

Diego:: No, but it's what she means.

Azzie: *small theories* *old theories*

Reina: Exactly. *Turns to GLQ.* On the other hand, /you/ have a deal to uphold.

GLQ: I know, but I have to finish this other storyline first. Then I promise to fulfill the deal.

Reina: You'd better. I don't want any more excuses.

Diego:: Deal with the Devil, indeed. *Fades out*

Reina: I don't see anything wrong with it if it'll get this whole thing done. Now if you'll excuse me... *She walks off.*

PFA: welp

Azzie: Goodbye, Miss Reina. :/

Reina: *Doesn't respond as she leaves.*

*Ten minutes later*

Diego:: *Fades back in*

Nico: *Walks back in*

Diego:: Smart move, [moron].

Nico: Sorry, she just rubbed me the wrong way. - -";

GLQ: She's like that.

Azzie: She does that.

PFA: Sort of related to an earlier thing btw, I have no idea where Pearl is during all this ITAA stuff. XD; Maybe with Iris or something?

GLQ: Perhaps. *Doesn't know.*

Diego:: That sounds about right.

Diego:: Iris has guests all the time, and we usually have Pearl stay with her every so often so that she isn't isolated.

PFA: i'm just going to go with that because everyone else is off doing... things

GLQ: I actually already fulfilled part of her deal, actually, since I already started to write some of the scenes.

Azzie: Probably!

GLQ: Just not enough.

Azzie: I have so many feels and thoughts. XD

GLQ: Yeah, I think Pearl has lots of places to go.

GLQ: Here, I'll roll someone more agreeable. *Rolls.*

*Starla can be seen walking in from a distance.*

Diego:: *Slight smile* You'll have your hands full with these boys, I think, Ms. Fae.

Nico: Well, I'm hoping we… perhaps I'd better not say, that didn't work out so well for Cardinal.

Diego:: Talk about someone fate had it in for. But you're probably right.

Nico: I'm glad we got repairs for him. I wonder what happened to Merritt, though.

Torkie: workin' on it, check back in a few days when i can respond to that thread again

Diego:: By the way, why do you have your helmet on all the time? Isn't that uncomfortable?

Nico: No, not really.

Azzie: I guess if you get used to it.

Torkie: He's just self-conscious of his appearance. :V

Nico: > >

GLQ: :U
We ask a similar question to Reina all the time.
But she won't answer. :U

Starla: *Catches up.* What about her?

Diego:: Hi, Starla. How are you doing?

Starla: Godot! I haven't seen you in a long time. I'm doing... well, okay, I guess. How about you?

Diego:: Livin' the good life with three sweet girls and a lovely wife~

Azzie: Aawe!

Starla: That's wonderful to hear. *She smiles.*

PFA: Yaaay : D

Diego:: *Smiles* We've had a good time. A few interesting things here and there—life with Maya is just like that sometimes—but for the most part, things have been going well.

PFA: Yeees
Interesting things indeed /cryptic

Diego:: Working with the change of command in the investigation branch has been interesting, but has proven more effective. Not sure what the rest of the Office thinks.

Starla: I'm glad things are looking up for you. .oO(...I want to ask you how you did it...)

Diego:: *Traces a finger around the lip of his mug* Of course, there was that one recent case…

Torkie: oh come on, don't taunt us, even /i/ don't know about that one

Torkie:Starla: *Looks concerned.* Recent case?

Diego:: You'll find out. Eventually.

PFA: yes, it's
a case

Diego:: What's more pertinent is the now. Have you been to town lately?

Starla: ...I hope it's nothing horrible. With me right now... *She clears her throat.* Er, yes, I have, though I haven't been going as much as I used to. I'm just too busy. Mostly researching things in the library.

Diego:: …Er. /How/ recently?

Starla: How recently have I been going to town? ...I think I went a week ago, but I'm not sure. I've been losing track of time...

Diego:: Well then.

Diego:: *Puts a hand to her shoulderblade and pushes her an inch toward Nico* How 'bout you two have a nice talk?

Nico: Me?

Diego:: You were a firsthand witness.

Nico: …Well, that's true.

Starla: Wha-- *Pushed towards Nico.* I... Alright. *She turns towards him.* What's your name?

Nico: Um… I go by "Nico" most of the time.

Azzie: *grins at Diego* You heard?

Diego:: /Heard/? You couldn't miss that explosion, my friend. We all heard it. We were in a staff meeting. Edgeworth /almost/ jumped, he was that startled.

Starla: Nico. I'm Starla. You were a wit--? *Her eyes widen.* Explosion?

Azzie: Oh dear! D:

Nico: Yeah… explosion.

Starla: What happened, if I may ask?

PFA: Though I'm wondering if that's what Azz was asking about XD

Azzie: It was. XD

Nico: Beats me. By the time I got called there, a giant magnet had picked up all the robots in the city, and a bunch of spare metal to boot. It wasn't easy to reverse the effects—it was very powerful. And I did, but I couldn't get the magnet close enough to the ground, so people fell.

Nico: There were some injuries, and then while I was rescuing my oldest brother, two other robots got into a fight. One of them self-destructed.

Starla: *Her eyes widened.* That's... Wait, I think I heard something about this. You were the one who freed people from the magnet?

Nico: *Rubs the back of his neck* …Yeah.

Starla: That was good of you to do, even if you couldn't lower the magnet more. ...I didn't see what happened. I just came to the city one time, and there was this good part of the city in ruins...

Starla: I can't imagine being there...

Nico: Most of that is at least partially repaired now. There are a lot of people who were working on it pretty quickly.

Nico: It was… a bit nerve-wracking. I was carrying my brother out of the scene. We only just got away.

Starla: Your brother... Is he doing better now?

Nico: My memory banks only go up to the point where they're about to begin repairs. - -

Azzie: Time warps, I believe, are to blame for that. ^^;
come to think of it, I forget what I'm doing there

Nico: He basically had your human equivalent of crushed ribs, a punctured lung, and beginnings of heart failure.

Nico: It was /bad/.

Nico: But we got him to a hospital.

Starla: *Raises an eyebrow at the memory banks part, but doesn't say anything.* That's... He's lucky to be alive... I'm sorry for what happened.

Nico: We're combat robots, we're pretty sturdy. But I doubt he would have made it much longer.

Nico: It is what it is, we've all been there actually…

Starla: He's lucky then... Wait, you have?

Nico: Yeah. Been a while, don't care to repeat the experience. *Nods* I got into a fight with my girlfriend's older brother.

Starla: Let's hope not... You did? That doesn't sound good at all...

Nico: It wasn't. Part of it was me being stupid, but I'm lucky to have survived. Cardinal was the one to save my life, actually.

Starla: The fight went that badly? ...I'm so sorry. Who is Cardinal?

Nico: Cardinal is my brother who is injured right now.

Starla: Will he be alright?

Nico: I think so. The hospital is very well equipped.

Starla: That's good, then. ...What are you going to do about your girlfirend's brother?

Nico: Nothing. She loves him. I don't want to hurt her.

Nico: Besides, he thinks he killed me, so it's not like he's looking for me.

Starla: I... ...I'm glad you're looking out for her. But will you ever see her again?

Nico: … … … … … … … … …

A problem has been detected and AI_DWN_018 has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. All unsaved data has been lost.

The problem seems to be caused by the following programs: BetaEmotions.exe

If this is the first time you have seen the Stop error screen, restart your chassis—

REBOOTING…

Nico: *Blinks and shakes his head* Sorry, did you say something?

Starla: ...*Stands there dumbstruck.* ...I... *She looks down.* No. Nothing.

Nico: *Somewhat confused expression* I feel like I'm forgetting something…

Don't think on it too hard, kiddo.

Nico: … *Puts a hand to his helmet* Oh yeah, Cardinal. Yeah, he'll be fine, the hospital is well equipped.

Nico: We're looking into getting somewhere to stay, the five of us, once he's better.

Starla: That's good to hear. ...That sounds like that would be for the best.

Nico: ^ ^ Yeah. Other than the craziness, the town seems pretty nice. It's nice to have other robots around.

Starla: It's usually pretty nice, yes. ...I just wish I didn't have to worry as much about the Shadows.

Nico: Shadows? You mean like the beasties in the bad side of town?

Starla: Well... They're a type of undead that infuses Shadow Magic in the souls of the fallen if the correct things happen. They're not necessarily evil, but... But I'm being hunted by an Empire of them.

Starla: I don't have to face them all at once... But I do have to worry about assassins or... *She gulps.* Or the Generals of their army.

Nico: Do you need a place to hide? You could stay with us.

Starla: I... *She looks up.* You could do that? ...I'm used to hiding out in the Forest, but I'll think about it.

Nico: Sure we could. We know what it's like to be hunted.

Nico: We're going to build a place of our own. You could spend some time with us—you don't have to stay the whole time if you don't want, but the door's open.

Starla: ...I think I could use the help. Thank you.

Nico: *Smiles beneath his mask portion of his helmet, though it shows a little in his eyes* No problem.

Starla: *She smiles back.*

Starla: I know I'll have to fight them eventually... But I want to be prepared.

Nico: Do you have to fight them? Truly?

Starla: I know I have to. If I don't, they'll take me when I least expect it. And... There's trouble there.

Starla: I don't want to fight them... But I don't have a choice.

Nico: I understand, completely. I had to do something like that once.

Nico: I'd suggest faking dead since that works for us, but that tends to be dangerous and one of those "don't try this at home" things.

Starla: The Shadows are a species. It's the Shadow Empire that wants me. They're running under martial law right now, trying to stamp out any threats to the Shadows. And they're... Well, they're going overboard.

Starla: Faking dead? ...I don't know...

Nico: > > .oO(Boy do I know THAT feeling.)

Nico: You won't have to worry when you stay with us, though. Do you like music?

Starla: I'll be glad for the break. ^^ And sure. Just... don't expect me to sing.

Nico: That's okay. We play music sometimes. Cardinal plays the saxophone and Speedy can play guitar and harmonica.

Starla: How long have they been playing?

Nico: That's a good question. ? ? I'm not sure how old they are.

Starla: Fair enough.

Starla: ...For now, I need to go. But I'll talk to you again soon. *She waves and walks off.*

[♥ Azzie]

SPOILER: Click to show

Shadow woke early to excited chirping around him. He didn't tune in to what was going on at first; all he noticed was some chirping, and the sun in his eyes. It was warm that morning. He stood up, stretching his legs out, and waddled over to one of the groups of chattering birds. "What's going on?" he asked.
"What root have you been under?" asked the tallest, a stripey Naleap. "It's all over the land by now. The kingdom to the north has been attacked!"
Shadow shut his beak mid-yawn and looked sharply at the Naleap. "Attacked? By who?"
"A horde of zombies!" piped in a Beekadoodle. "Alistair saw them marching on the castle last night."
"Zombies?" Shadow repeated, wondering who Alistair was. "Where is this?"
The Beekadoodle tilted her head. "Guardsland." She chirped.
"Uh..." Shadow began.
"Up north! Across the bay." The Naleap prompted. "With the big house? The castle? Haven't you ever left the forest?"
"You mean Dunburrow?" Shadow asked.
"The humans call it Dunburrow, yes." The Naleap raised an eyebrow at him.
Shadow shook his head. "Thanks. I've got to go." Without waiting for his companions to answer, he leapt down from the tree and took wing.

When he had left the forest, Shadow turned sharply toward Tabloid Town. It was still early, yet, but he needed to get more information. He landed near the outskirts, where the lines were blurred and the eastern streets led into the suburb known as the Icy Taco, and reverted to his normal form. He had to stretch for a few moments. He really needed to stop sleeping like that. When he felt the stiffness had subsided, he made his way down the roads until he finally reached the square.

A few robots were sitting around, talking. Nothing out of the ordinary. There was a giant cat sleeping in a tree, and people strolling about. He supposed it made sense, in a weird sort of way; the birds did tend to hear things faster than the people here. But it felt surreal.

A sudden thought struck him, and he looked rapidly around for any of the people who called themselves "Writers". He didn't see any. Why did they have to look so like everyone else...He looked again, but he couldn't remember ever meeting any of these people before. They certainly hadn't been with him in the battle last summer... though if they had been, he suspected, he wouldn't have remembered. It was easy to be preoccupied then.

He turned and ran in the other direction, ran until the little library was in view, and then slowed down. He was quite tired already. But he made himself keep moving.
If he knew anything about this town, he knew that this place, at least, had a good chance of giving him answers.

[Gelquie]

SPOILER: Click to show

In a house, there is a blond woman sitting at a metal, looking at some test tubes in front of her, illuminated by a nearby lamp. She works steadily, though she looks fatigued by her work as she drums her fingers on the table. After a moment, she takes a glance out the window to find that it's dark.

Melissa: _{It's been too long... Where are you?}

A short time after she says that, there is the sound of a door opening and closing. A few seconds later, Tim walks into the room.

Tim: Hey, honey? Can we--

Melissa gets up and turns to him before he can answer.

Melissa: There you are. Where have you been? It's already after dark. You know how I feel about you going out after dark.

Tim: I know, Melissa. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been out there that long.

Melissa: It keeps happening, though.

Tim: I just lose track of time.

Melissa: You can't afford to lose track of time with your... _{with your condition.}

Tim: I haven't failed to make it back on a full moon.

Melissa: Yes, but you need to keep up the habit.

Tim: I know... I'll try harder.

Melissa: *Sighs.* Please. I just want to make sure you're okay.

Melissa sits back down and resumes working with her test tubes.

Melissa: I didn't have time to make dinner today. You'll have to scrounge up that pizza from the other night.

Tim: That's okay. I'm not that hungry. Actually...

Tim gives a long look at Melissa for some time before sighing.

Tim: Melissa, can you take a break for a moment? I need to--

Melissa: You know I can't afford to take many breaks. I can't tranquilize you every night. You're getting resistant to the drugs. I have to get you under control soon.

Tim: That's related to what I want to talk about. I'm glad you're so concerned about me and are working so hard to help me. But this is taking over your life.

Melissa hesitates before putting the vial back in its holder and turning towards Tim, frowning.

Melissa: What else do you expect me to do? I'm the only one around who can really help you.

Tim: That's not true and you know it.

Melissa: Tim, I'm not working with those demons!

Tim: I wasn't asking that right away.

Melissa: Then what are you asking?

Tim: There was this robot I met while in town today. I met him while GLQ was talking to him about this situation. He wants to help out.

Melissa: How could a random robot help us out?

Tim: He's not so random. He's the robot version of Eisenhower.

Melissa: ...Why would he be interested in us?

Tim: ...I don't know. But he wants to meet us and see if there could be some sort of compromise.

Melissa: There can't be any compromise with those demons.

Tim: They might listen to a former President.

Melissa: You know, I'm not so sure about that.

Tim: Look, he already heard about it from GLQ and Bettyming. All he wants to do is get your side of the story. We can meet at that coffee shop you like tomorrow. If nothing else, it'd be a good break.

Melissa: ...

Tim: He could be a good mediator. We might be able to sort something out that'll get me in control. Just give it a chance?

Melissa: ...He wants to hear my side? Alright then. But he only gets one chance.

Tim lets out a quiet sigh of relief and gives Melissa a hug.

Tim: Thank you. I'll call him and let him know. We should come out of this all right.

Melissa hesitates before hugging him back.

Melissa: ...We'll see.

[Gelquie]

Since spoiler titles are broken:

Back to Before (serious, neutral)

SPOILER: Click to show

<<In a hidden room somewhere. May 1st, 2013. 11pm>>

GLQ is reading through a book while writing something on a nearby table, sitting along the sides of a circular room which appears to have a dark blue summoning circle in the middle. There are a few glowing stones in specific places along the circle, each glowing a different hue. At one part of the room is a stone door with a large latch on it.

Near GLQ lies an unconscious figure, curled up against the wall with a blanket thrown over her sleeping body. Suddenly, the woman begins to rouse. GLQ looks over to the woman.

GLQ: Ah, good, you're finally waking up. We need to get started.

The woman blinks as she stares at the room around her, trying to gauge where she is. She then gasps and reaches for her sword along her belt while looking threateningly at GLQ.

GLQ: Relax, you're fine. I'm sending you back. You agreed to this, remember.

The woman stares for a little while longer before sighing and taking her hand off her sword before standing up.

Starla: You didn't need to knock me out.

GLQ: Look, the location of this room is secret. No exceptions, not even family. With some, I could've just blindfolded them, but I think you might have paid attention. So I knocked you out.

GLQ closes the book and sets it on the table before picking up the staff leaning against the wall. She then stands up and starts walking towards the portal.

GLQ: Point is you're here. And I'm ready to perform the ritual. The sooner the better. You're already kind of breaking the timeline as it is.

Starla: I guess... *She takes a quick look at the door, a frown on her face.*

GLQ: ...Something wrong?

Starla: ...No. It's just... I've been trapped in a cage for whoever knows how long while I had already lost my mind. When I came back here, I was hoping to finally be free. But then you told me to be careful because so much had happened. I want to know, but... But I've seen the consequences of time magic. Still, I...

GLQ: I'm sorry I had to hold you in for longer periods of time. It had to at least be nicer than your cell though, right?

Starla: Yes, but... I don't belong here. I can't stay inside all the time. I just... I don't...

GLQ: It's fine, I understand. I don't like being cooped up either, although I don't dislike it nearly as much as you do. Still, you pretty much grew up outdoors. I don't blame you.

Starla: ...

GLQ: Anyway, you'll have plenty of time to think about it when you get back. Sorry you have to miss summertime, though. With such a lousy "spring" we've had, it almost feels like I'm cheating you.

Starla: I don't like it either... But I'm just going to be stuck inside longer if I stay longer.

GLQ: That and you further risk endangering the timeline. ...Anyway, I'd better get started casting. The sooner you get out of here, the better.

GLQ brings her staff to the ground and begins changing, the gem on her staff glowing as she chants. Starla stands back and watches in awe as a lump of magic appears in the blob, which begins to swirl. GLQ waves her arms to determine the direction of flow as the blob begins to take form.

It takes a long time before the portal is complete. Starla had resigned herself to a sitting position as peruses one of her books, a worrying frown present on her face. She takes glances towards the portal and the door, but she rarely takes her eyes off the book.

Eventually, the magic in the circle forms into a perfect blue circle before opening up as a portal.

GLQ: Starla, get up. It's time. Get up in front of the portal and wait till I say "go".

Starla gets up, clutches her book tightly, and warily walks towards the portal, staring at the magic in front of her.

GLQ: Remember Starla, in this timeline, you're still alive. But that doesn't mean that you can't branch off into an alternate timeline if something goes wrong. If that happens, you most likely won't be able to tell, and it could happen at any time. You can't assume that you're safe.

Starla: *Grimaces.* ...I understand. Just finish it.

GLQ: Okay. Good luck out there. *Looks up to the portal.* Take this being back to the past! To October 3rd, at 0200 hours! *She looks to Starla.* Go!

Starla only takes a single step into the portal before she is dragged in. After a moment, there is a flash of light before the portal closes behind her and disappears, leaving GLQ alone in the room.

GLQ: ...That's that then. ...I really hope I did it right.

GLQ takes her staff and walks out of the room.

GLQ: _{Because if I didn't...}

[PFA]

Some silliness based off of Taco events from last night, involving characters no one knows yet and written primarily to amuse myself.

Sunglasses (derp, no spoilers)

SPOILER: Click to show

{In an inn, somewhere in Curissya...}

*standing over a map of the continent, pointing out routes* Alright, so it looks like we're going to have to go through—

*pushes the door open* Hey guys!

Warris? Where have you been?

And what, praytell, is on your face?

These, my friends, are shades. *cool pose, sunglasses glinting inexplicably with light* They keep the sun out of your eyes, and they look cool.

...On the contrary, I happen to think they look rather foolish.

*walks closer, examining the sunglasses curiously* I've never seen anything like them before. Where'd you get them?

In the Icelands!

The... Icelands?

...Warris, we're in a desert.

Well, it might not have been "Icelands." "Icy" something.

How can this place be "Icy" if we're in an area devoid of ice?

Well, it wasn't actually all that icy. Maybe it used to be icy? But anyway, this guy there in cool armor had some of these shade things, so I went and found some of my own! They've got whole shops full of them!

Well, I think they're pretty neat. *grabs the sunglasses off his face*

*shades swipe'd* Hey!

*puts them on curiously* Can you show us where it is?

Well, uh... I'm not actually sure how I got there. Or how I got back, for that matter. But they said there were mages there. Maybe they magicked me there?

*perks up at this* A secret society of mages? Are you sure?

Why not? That's where we found you.

...Perhaps, it just seems strange that even though I have never heard of such a place, somehow this bumbling idiot found himself right in the center of it and purchased eyewear.

Hey!

What, was I incorrect in the assumption that you bought them?

Guys. If this place really exists, it might be worth checking out. I mean, if there's mages there, and they sell, er... equipment.

*takes the shades off* Hey, these things could actually be useful! They make the whole room look darker.

Yeah! They're supposed to keep the sun out of your eyes, but I bet they could keep other stuff out of your eyes, too!

I am admittedly curious... ...But this is all assuming Warris can find his way back there.

Hm... well, I had this weird feeling like someone was talking about me, then I just kind of... was there. Ooh! Maybe I was selected!

As though any mage would wish to summon a buffoon like him...

Hmm. Was there any particular place you were at the time?

I don't know, I don't really remember. I could look, though!

We can try looking for it tomorrow. If we don't find it, well... I guess there's not much we can do. We do still have a mission, after all.

Yeah! *takes his sunglasses back* I bet we'll be able to find it, though. *puts the shades on cooly* It's pretty awesome. I think you guys would've liked it.

Please tell me you're not planning on wearing those ridiculous things constantly.

Why not? They're cool! *tries walking, walks into the table* Oof! *takes them back off* Okay, I guess that's why not.

*sigh*

Anyway, so as I was saying...

[Omni]

Song and Dance (Ranges from derp to serious. Possible spoilers for MoDEoN and some MegaMan X games.)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Awhile ago}

*walking down the corridors of the Sky Base*

We can go where we want to~
The night is young and so am I~!
And we can dress real neat from our heads to our feet
And surprise 'em with a victory cry~

? *turns to look into the room where the singing is coming from*

*whilst dancing* We can act if we want to~
If we don't, nobody will~
And you can act real rude and totally removed
And I can act-

Like an imbecile?

! *freezes* *turns toward the door and stands in a slightly-more-relaxed 'at attention' stance* Sir.

Just what are you doing here?

... Gate told me he was 'nearly finished' with Vile's repairs and asked me to wait here until he called me in. That was an hour ago.

*laughs* I see. Well then, as you were. *walks away*

...

-----

{More-recently}

*sitting in his room, holding a tablet, staring in the direction of the ceiling, off into space*

Something on your mind?

Hmm? Oh. Just thinking of something that happened in the Sky Base.

*tenses at the mention of the Sky Base, but notes that Axl doesn't seem to be pained at the thought* ... Should I ask?

Well... Once Sigma walked in on Lumine dancing.

*shows a bit of surprise at this* ... Dancing.

Yeah. Just singing a song and dancing to it.

... Excuse me. *walks away, stifling laughter*

... *turns his attention to the tablet and starts writing*

One thing I remember seeing in the Sky Base is Lumine singing and dancing.

Singing. and. dancing. He was pretty good at it too.

I'm not really sure what to think about this. Mostly it suggests that there's something to him besides the Maverick behavior. Granted, he said he's different from most Mavericks, and I think I understand how, but is this more of a good thing or a bad thing? On one hand maybe he could decide to do something besides conquer, but on the other, I always thought that when someone became Maverick their old self was lost and they just became a monster. Now I'm wondering about other Mavericks. Does Vile like flowers?

... *bursts out laughing for a few minutes*

Okay, probably not, but still, maybe I should think about this.

[Omni]

What various characters have been up to. (Pretty much derp.)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Maverick Hunter HQ}

*rather dinged up, to say the least* *pant, huff, pant* Again... Send me on another mission!

Axl, I'm giving you an order. GET SOME REST!!

***

{Elsewhere in the Hunter Base}

*seems to be focussing very hard on two pieces of paper that are each about an inch big, with a bunch of equipment trained on them* ^.oO (...but which is the ID and which is the destination? ... It shouldn't cause problems if I mix them up, but who could I test them with...?)

-----

{~Somewhere~}

I know you're looking at that cave~
And you're feeling kind of brave~
Go to bed, you'll be alright
Don't mine at night!

Alright! Alright! I'll be careful!

^.oO (As if singing somehow makes your point more valid...)

-----

{~Somewhere else~}

*also seems to be focusing hard, but in front of a computer in what kind of seems like a cave* ^.oO (Something like the hard light bridges could work very well, but they'd be nearly impossible to set up and even worse to obtain...)

-----

{~I don't really know either~}

*hasn't got up from where he went to sleep the night before* ^.oO (Okay, Bass. You can stop moping aaaaany day now...)

-----

{SAIA}

*studying a textbook on magic* .oO (I wonder what would happen if I reversed the polarity of a mimicking spell?)

[PFA]

Guess which game I've been playing entirely too much of and which videos I've been watching entirely too much :'D

(this might not be canon because REASONS but I wanted to write it anyway)

Watch Your Blocks (no spoilers, serious-ish?)

SPOILER: Click to show

*The Goldenwave arrives at the blocky shore of a Minecraft world. Cap'n Merritt grins, climbing overboard and onto the sand. His first mate, Pierrick, follows shortly after*

They say this place is loaded with treasure. So much gold the miners are practically throwing it away. And big ol' diamonds the size of your fist!

Yeah, I've been doing some research on the place. I think we'll be fine as long as we watch out for monsters.

Monsters? HA! I ain't scared of no monsters. Come on, let's go find a mineshaft or somethin'. *ventures forth into the forest*

*follows* I hope we're not going mining. I didn't exactly bring any equipment.

If we really have to, the materials here are stupidly easy to craft into stuff. But nah, I was actually thinking we'd find someone's stash. People have been mining here, so someone's gotta have a stash, right?

Heh. I'm sure they won't mind if we borrow some of their extras, right?

Exactly! Okay, let's see... *stops and looks around*

*In the middle of the forest, there are many trees. But off in the distance, there appear to be trees that have chunks missing from them, or are almost entirely chopped down*

*gestures toward the trees in question* There! I see signs of people. Come on, let's check it out.

*As they move through the forest, hopefully approaching civilization, Pierrick looks around at the trees. It's quiet; almost too quiet*

...Are you sure there's anyone here?

Of course! Lots of people mine here, right?

I don't know, it's just... I thought we would have heard someone by now.

They might be underground. Just makes it easier for us!

Yeah, I guess... *continues following, looking around with cautious glances* (No one's here... so why does it feel like we're being watched?)

...

*seems to notice Pierrick's uneasiness* Hey now, you're not wussing out on me, are ya?

What? No. ...Though I did hear rumors that this place was haunted.

Again? Where have we gone that isn't haunted?

Heh. Maybe we should watch our backs, though; the spirits here are supposed to be dangerous.

Yeah, I'm sooo scared. So who's the haunter this time? Some dead miner?

...Might be. Somebody's brother, I think?

*bursts out with hearty laughter* Oh geez, guess we'd better watch out for somebody's dead brother! Ha!

Haha, yeah...

*a faint "whoosh" can be heard in the distance*

It's hilarious, though, some of those ghost stories I've heard. Like this one time, Benji tried to tell me that—

*wunk* *rustle*

...Eh? What was that?

*looks for the source of the noise* ...There. What is that?

I dunno, let's see...

*The two of them wander closer to the mysterious item to get a closer look...*

...It's a torch?

Looks like it. Why is the flame all red, though?

Is that flame, or... *bends down and picks it up, examining it carefully* ...I think it might be redstone.

Redstone? That weird mineral that's supposed to act like electricity?

Yeah. It's supposed to be a pretty good power source. ...The ghost is also supposed to be fond of the stuff.

*a pause*

...Pfft. Someone's probably just trying to scare us. Come on, there's gotta be a cave or something nearby. *continues walking*

... *puts the torch back and follows*

*Though neither of them tried to notice, there was the faint sense that someone was still watching...*

---

A-ha! Here we are! *points out a mineshaft in the distance* Check it out!

I thought you said we weren't going to go mining.

We're not, but people have definitely been here. Which means this place is gonna be full of goods. *grins* Wanna see if we can find a minecart full of diamonds?

Sounds good to me. Let's take a look. *heads inside*

*follows suit, plucking a torch off the wall and using it to light his way* Let's see now, all the miners will probably be deep underground...

*They wander around the dark mineshaft for a while, observing their surroundings: parts of the structure seemed to be broken or all together collapsed, with some entire pathways being buried in gravel*

...I'm not sure this is safe. This mineshaft is looking pretty abandoned.

Let's just go on a bit longer and then we can backtrack, okay? We're close to something good, I can feel it.

Cap'n, I really think we should turn back before—

A-ha! I see something! *runs up ahead*

Cap'n, wait! *hurries after*

*comes up to a minecart with a chest in it* Here we go! Treasure, here we come! *opens it up, peering inside* Let's see... some food, some coal... Gold! Score!

You actually found gold in there?

Yeah, check it out! *holds up some gold ingots* They won't miss these, right?

Especially if there's nobody here. If there's nothing else valuable in there, we should turn back before this place caves in.

Yeah, yeah. *sifts through the chest for a moment longer, before taking the gold and closing the chest* A lot less gold than I was hoping, but it's better than nothing, right?

Yeah, we'll probably have better luck somewhere that isn't abandoned. *turns around, gesturing back the way they came* Let's get going.

*With the gold in hand, they start to backtrack...*

This place is confusing... you do remember the way, right?

Yeah. Don't worry, I'm pretty good at navigati— ...oh no.

What? *notices what he's looking at* ...What's that?

*Set apart from the other corridors in the mine is a 6½'x6½' passageway, cutting into the wall and continuing on with no end in sight. The walls of this mysterious path are lined with redstone torches*

I... don't remember seeing this here before.

Maybe you just missed it? We were going the other way.

No, I'm sure I would have remembered seeing this. The ghost stories talked about corridors like this, but I'm surprised it got here so fast...

...Maybe it was covered up, and someone uncovered it?

But by who? There's no one else in here.

...You got me there.

*a faint "whoosh" echoes from down the redstone-lit corridor*

Anyway, we'd better get out of here. This is getting too dangerous.

Aw, you're not scared of a little ghost, are you?

Look, whether or not there's really a ghost here, this mineshaft could collapse at any minute. It's not safe.

Aren't you at least a little curious what's down the mystery corridor?

Oh no. Don't even think about it. It's probably a trap.

Or maybe it's full of treasure!

treasure

beyond your wildest dreams

It's not worth the risk. Come on, let's get out of here. *continues toward the exit*

*follows after* Relax, Pierrick, I'm just messin' with ya. Are you sure you're not scared of the ghost?

I'm not scared, I'm smart. Like I said, spirits are supposed to be powerful in this world.

Come now, what's this ghost done so far? Put down some torches? Oooh, that's sooo scary.

watch
your
BACK

What th—

*BOOM*

What was that?!

We need to get out of here! *starts running toward the exit*

*The two of them hurry for the exit... only to discover that the entrance has caved in, and is now full of gravel*

Oh no... *starts grumbling in French, trying to dig out the gravel by hand*

It caved in?

Looks like it. I'm guessing that explosion earlier did it... *blinks as a chunk of gravel comes out in the form of a solid block in his hand*

*grr* *moan*

That can't be good. *reaches for his pistol, looking behind him*

*A group of zombies emerge from the darkness, shambling toward them*

Well, this quickly turned into a horror movie. *starts shooting zombies*

*shrugs and throws the block of gravel at the zombies* Try and hold them off! I'll try and get through this gravel... *dig dig*

Can do. *reloads and keeps shooting*

*The zombies drop left and right, most of them killed instantly by the bullets, as Pierrick continues digging through the gravel. However, the zombies keep on coming*

Rrgh, running out of ammo... how's it coming with that gravel?

I'm digging, but there's just so much of it, I— oh no.

What now?

Run!

Wh—

Run! *pushes the Cap'n aside, diving out of the way*

ssss

*BOOM*

*coughs, climbing to his feet* What in the name of— ACK! *pistol whips a zombie, scrambling to get away*

*grumbles something in French about Creepers, then looks up at the gravel* ...Cap'n, look! It blew a hole in the gravel!

Is it big enough to get through?

It will be shortly. Come on! *shoves gravel aside, scrambling to get out of the mineshaft*

*hurries after, emptying his barrel on the zombies before fleeing* Okay, this is getting ridiculous. We need to get back to the ship, pronto!

I couldn't agree more. Let's get out of here!

*While the zombies seem to be reluctant to follow them out into the sunlight, Merritt and Pierrick decide not to take any chances, and hurry back for their ship*

Alright, should be just over this hill, and— Whoa! *grinds to a halt*

What is it? More monsters? *comes up next to Pierrick to see* ... *curses*

*The ground is littered with puddles of bubbling lava. The heat is enough that some of the nearby trees are now on fire*

That was definitely not there before.

We're going to have to get around it, I guess... *tries to continue, avoiding the lava pools with a wide berth*

*They manage to get around the lava pools, and make it back to the ship with little trouble. However...*

"Cap'n! Help!"

Aw, what now? *tries to see what's going on*

*A group of spiders seems to have found its way onto the ship, and the crewmembers are now struggling to fend them off*

Could really use a hand up here!

Rrgh, of all the... *sigh* Hang on, we're coming! Come on, Pierrick. *climbs up the ladder back onto the ship*

*follows suit, pulling out a knife* Didn't you say you were running out of ammo?

Yeah, I'm gonna have to grab some more. *smacks a spider with his pistol* Where'd all these things come from?

I don't know! They just all showed up all of the sudden! *shoots a spider*

It didn't look like we're near any caves... *stabs a spider*

They didn't come out of a cave. They just came running. *bang*

I thought— nngh! *wrestles with a spider, stabbing it in the face* I thought these things didn't attack without being provoked?

"There was a man."

Wha?

*emerges from below deck, dual wielding pistols, and promptly starts shooting spiders*

*As more and more of the spiders are killed, the remaining spiders make startled hissing noises, falling back. Before long, the deck is once again devoid of spiders*

Nicolas, what did I tell you about looking cooler than me?

I'm sorry, Captain. But as I was saying. The spiders did not attack on their own. There was a man guiding them.

*frowns* ...Guiding them?

He was cube-shaped, just like everything else on this island. He had eyes that shone like beacons. He appeared for but a few moments, then vanished as quickly as he came. And then the spiders came running, as Benji described. The man led them here, I am sure of it.

...That's it. We need to get out of here.

What? What's going on?

This place is haunted. Literally.

H-haunted? You mean there's a ghost?!

Yeah, and we seem to have gotten on his bad side. We need to get out of here before it gets any worse.

I hate to admit it, but he's right; we're not equipped to deal with this kind of stuff. Let's get out of here.

Y-yes, Cap'n, right away! *steers the ship away from shore*

*as they're sailing away* Kind of a bummer, though. We came all the way out here and only got a few bars of gold. Not even any of the famous diamonds!

Well, if we had some way to deal with ghosts, maybe we could come back.

Yeah! You know what we need? The Ghostbusters!

Pfft. Somehow I doubt that would work.

What, you think we need a Blockbuster, instead?

*laughs* I'm not sure he'd be distracted by a good movie.

HA! Come on, who isn't distracted by a good movie? We just have to figure out his favorite movie! And we can bring popcorn!

Do they even have movies in Minecraft?

I'd think it'd be even more distracting if they didn't. "Holy crap, moving pictures!"

Haha...

*not paying attention to the conversation, watching the shore as they drift away* ...

*The ghost stands on the shore, watching the ship sail away. He stands there for a few moments, before promptly vanishing from sight*

*scowls* (You won't get away with this, ghost.)

[Gelquie]

An Unwelcome Visit (serious)

SPOILER: Click to show

In one of the rooms of a hospital, slightly less bright compared to the others, there lies a Shadow lying unconscious in one of the hospital beds. The Shadow has a face mask on, but their clothes have been replaced with hospital garbs. She is connected to various devices, including a vitals monitor, although there are differences; for instance, there's no heart rate reading, and instead measures various energy levels. In the room are two beings; one is a human nurse, the other is a Shadow doctor. They are both examining the vitals monitor.

Nurse: Are you sure we're okay with leaving her face mask on during recovery?

Doctor: Just as Shadows don't need to sleep as often, they also don't need as much oxygen as everyone else. Besides, it says in her file that she prefers to keep her privacy, and her mask has enough ventilation that any oxygen issues will be negligible.

Nurse: But what if there's a problem?

Doctor: If she proves to be in danger because of it, we'll take it off. I'd just like to avoid being stabbed.

Nurse: Or a lawsuit?

Doctor: It's an assassin from the Empire. A teen-aged one at that, among other things. She'll most likely go for the more permanent option.

Soon, another Shadow enters, and the Doctor and Nurse turn around.

Nurse: Sir, visitations are closed right now. Please leave.

Stranger: I'm not here to visit. I'm a messenger from the Shadow Empire.

Doctor: And we're staff of this hospital trying to help this patient. If you need to talk to me, you should speak to the receptionist first, and I'll get to you as soon as I can.

Stranger: It's more urgent than that, Dr. Corli. Here's the message. We want our assassin back.

Doctor: No, she's not in any shape to go anywhere.

Stranger: She's not your assassin to keep.

Doctor: When she's recovered, we'll send her your way. We don't intend to keep her.

Stranger: *Glares.* You say that like you have a choice in the matter. Do you know what the Shadow Empire could do if you don't hand her over?

The doctor walks right up to the stranger and stares at him right in the eyes.

Doctor: I'm fully aware of what the Shadow Empire can do. I've seen what it's done to people, seen what it's done to my friends, my family. But it's not that simple. She's still recovering from surgery and she isn't stable. If we remove her from the machinery, her condition could get worse. Even if we could move her, we have the best machinery to help her here, while this machinery isn't available outside this place. If you want her to survive, you'll let us keep her here until she's fully recovered.

The stranger pauses.

Stranger: You're still no Shadow of the Empire. She should at least be under the care of one. To ensure that... 'accidents' don't happen.

Doctor: What kind of doctor do you think I am? I don't intend for there to be an 'accident' regardless of what allegiance she holds. I'm a doctor, not a politician. That said, if you have any doctors that would have records of her so that we would know of any pre-existing conditions, then you can tell your leaders to send one over. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until Reina has recovered.

Stranger: ...You expect us to trust you?

Doctor: Yes, I do. If anything happens, I'll take full responsibility. You can send people to check in, but we won't violate her privacy more than you already have. Next time though, check in with the receptionist first. And try to come on visitation hours.

The Stranger pauses again, holding a curled fist to his chest. The Nurse tries to approach, but the doctor hold up a hand and shakes her head at the nurse. Finally, the stranger lowers his arm.

Stranger: ...Fine. But don't think this is over. We're keeping an eye on you.

Doctor: I don't doubt it. Kenneth, escort this man out.

Nurse: Alright, Jinette.

The nurse leads the stranger away. The doctor turns back to Reina--who still hasn't awoken--and sighs.

Doctor: _{Thought our security was better than that. ...think they control everything...}

The doctor looks to Reina.

Doctor: I don't know why you side yourself with them... But I meant what I said. You're not dying under my watch. ...And trust me, I'm not just saying that because they're most likely watching us right now. I don't know what doctors you have. But you'll make it, I promise.