Chapter 10 - "An Eye For An Eye"
New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Various NPCs
Session Start: Sun Aug 15 22:06:08 1999
Caldor Isle, Tundra Camp
<TheStoryteller> The sun rises over the horizon as the party sleeps.. even Scott couldn't keep watch forever.
* Scott is sawing quite a few logs....
<TheStoryteller> The snow fields reflect the glare of the dawn, poking through even the tightest of eyelids. ^^
* Haylee murmers in her sleep.
<Haylee> N...No...get out...get out my house....!
<Scott> Oohh....not again...
<Tahn> Y..bastard...can't trust...anyone.
* Haylee starts smacking the nearest person...Tahn, in her sleep! O_o "Get out get out get out get out! ;_;"
* Johnathan slowly opens his eyes, then shuts them again against the light. "Gah.."
* Tahn gets smacked in the back of the head at the same time it happens in the dream. :O
* Xavier yawns and stretches his paws.
<Scott> ....
* Tahn wakes up with a gasp.
<TheStoryteller> Luckily, the snow storm that was raging has slowed to a light flurry...
<Xavier> Damn...*looks at his tail* that hurt!
<Tahn> G..h..it was a dream...
* Haylee is still sleeping, and whapping on Tahn .;_;
* Leon shoots his eyes open...
* Elrika wakes.
<Tahn> ow ow ow ow
* Elrika sits up.
* Tahn moves away from Haylee... O_o
<Haylee> *whap whap!*
* Haylee whaps on the snowy ground, then stops.
* Johnathan opens his eyes again, sitting up, and looking around.
* Scott stands and does his morning practices to warm up before going into any kind of unknown situation.
* Elrika rubs her eyes.
* Haylee sits up and gasps, her eyes snapping open.
<Tahn> You back with us?
<Haylee> ...Sorry...Was I sleeping in?
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar is still sound asleep.
<Tahn> No, but you were beating the hell out of me.
<Haylee> O_o I was? I'm sorry...
* Elrika walks to Haylee. "Are you ok?"
<Haylee> ...I...I...I'll be okay...
* Scott executes a uppercut move with his sword.
* Johnathan grins slightly. "Add Haylee to the list of people who've hit Tahn now.."
* Xavier rubs against Haylee's leg.
<Xavier> What's wrong, big brain?
* Haylee picks Xavier up and pets him. "I wish I could tell you, Xavier...but I just don't know..."
* Elrika offers Haylee a hand. "Here let me help you up."
* Tahn elbows John.
<Leon> It was a dream...
* Leon stands up.
* Haylee takes Elrika's hand, and hauls herself up. "Thanks. :)"
* Johnathan winces slightly. "Hey now."
<Elrika> It's ok.
<Tahn> I think we all had seriously jacked up dreams last night, Leo.
* Xavier whispers into Haylee's ear. "Can everyone hear me now?"
* Haylee smiles, but it does not seem to match her mouth. She looks pale and worn..and troubled by something.
<Haylee> Almost everyone. Leon doesn't want a mindlink with you...
<Haylee> And since I value my life...I don't think I can set one up without persmission...
* Tahn looks the same way, but doesn't bother even smiling..
* Leon is silent. Looks strange.
* Scott goes airborne and dives right toward Tahn, he brings the sword down to intentionally miss.
* Johnathan stands up, looking thoughtful. "All of us had odd dreams...? Possibly.. I know I did. Something about the stress, maybe? Unsettling us a little?"
* Tahn doesn't even flinch..
<Haylee> You had a dream too, John?
<Xavier> So Elrika...why so quiet?
* Ishtar blinks, rising from the log she was sleeping on...
<Scott> Sorry about that, Tahn, you were right in the path of my descent.
<Xavier> Don't be afraid of Leon, he looks like a damn tree trunk. Probably has no brain either.
<Tahn> ...wha?
<Haylee> Oh I wouldn't say stuff like that.. ^^: Not this morning...we all seem stressed out...
* Johnathan looks at Haylee for a second or two, then nods. "Yeah... apparently a lot of us did."
<Scott> You didn't see me doing my morning sword practice?
* Leon looks out over the snow...
<Haylee> What did you dream about? Can you tell me?
<Tahn> No..
<Scott> You must have been out of it.
* Haylee looks down. "If I'm being too nosy...you don't have to say anything..."
* Tahn shakes the cobwebs out. "I'm just kind of zoning right now.."
<Ishtar> Morning so soon... but I still feel tired..
<Tahn> Sorry..
* Johnathan blinks. "No, it's.. it was odd, actually.. it.."
<Xavier> Well if you only knew my dream!
<Leon> Let's stop talking about stupid dreams and get a move on.
<Xavier> It was SO good, my tail caught on fire.
<Scott> Let's go on into the sunken tower...
* Xavier looks at Elrika.
<Elrika> My dream felt too real.
* Johnathan scratches his head. "Odd indeed.."
* Scott starts to the sunken tower.
* Haylee looks down at Xavier and blinks. "Your tail caught on fire?"
<Xavier> Yup.
* Xavier nods his little itty bitty cute head.
* Elrika looks at Xavier. "What was your dream about?"
<Xavier> Um...things.
<Haylee> ^_^; Well...maybe we'll sleep better when we're all in nice warm beds.
<Xavier> Nudity...
<Ishtar> At least there's no more storm going..
<Leon> I hate dreams...
<Tahn> Yeah..
<Scott> That's a good thing.
<Johnathan> The real question, everyone...
<Haylee> You had a better dream than I did, Xavier...
<Johnathan> ..do we WANT to go to this tower?
<Scott> We have to, John.
<Haylee> Do we have a choice... :/
<Johnathan> I mean.. isn't that EXACTLY what Gregory wants us to do?
<TheStoryteller> You can all clearly see the fuzzy black structure in the distance. It's quite visible now. Though it's very low to the ground.
* Tahn ignores the rest of the world and just starts walking to the tower, nothing on his mind but vengance... too many have betrayed him..
<Haylee> ...
<Haylee> . o O ( Something about this...scares me...but... )
<Xavier> Hmmm...
<Xavier> Elrika, you see that?
<Ishtar> But I don't know what else we can do..
<Leon> ...I really dislike dreams...
<Scott> This must be the sunken tower.
* Johnathan shrugs. "Go to the ocean, break off an ice floe.. I'm sure we could find a way to hold it together until we reach Meribia.."
<Scott> Hey, Leon. Enough about dreams, ok?
* Elrika rubs her eyes. "Yeah, I do."
<Johnathan> Or not.
<Xavier> Well WHAT are we waiting for?
<Leon> Be quiet Scott.
<Elrika> Shall we?
* Haylee's voice sounds a little far off, as she gently nudges John along. "C'mon...we gotta go.."
<Xavier> To get frostbite and have my fur coat get covered in snow?
<Ishtar> We have to see Emili.. I know there's a way to help her..
<Johnathan> Oh.. all right.
<Tahn> .....
<Scott> There must be, Ishtar...
<Haylee> Emili...
* Haylee thinks about her dream and shudders.
* Leon grabs his gun and starts walking.
* Johnathan sighs. "I'm just saying that I don't have a good feeling about this. That's all."
<Scott> But one thing bugs me about it. Why did my sword strike go that far out of the way to miss?
* Tahn is now about half a mile ahead of the still-lingering party..
<Leon> I'm going. You're welcome to follow if you want.
* Scott runs to catch up with Tahn.
* Johnathan starts walking.
* Xavier starts to walk ahead of everyone as he looks back. "Elrika come on!"
<Haylee> I have a worse feeling...trust me...
<Haylee> But we have to help Emili...
* Elrika runs up to Xavier, picks him up, and runs toward Tahn.
<Xavier> Emili-smelili, what we have to do right now is go that way.
<TheStoryteller> You all set off at a brisk pace, the snow behind you keeping a record of where you have come from.
Caldor Isle, Tundra
<Johnathan> There's something distinctly weird about all this.. we're marching to this tower, we're all sure something is wrong..
<Haylee> John...about yesterday...I overracted...sorry...
* Johnathan blinks, and looks at Haylee. "Over-reacted? No, you didn't. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I suppose I should apologize."
<Haylee> But...
<Haylee> You never really snapped at me ^^;
<Scott> Something's wrong here...I just know it, but we have no choice in this matter.
<Tahn> ....
* Leon walks along, hasn't been his normal hate filled and mouthing about it self.
<Scott> Hey, Tahn, a quick question?
<Tahn> ....what.
* Elrika walks to Tahn. "It's a shame that Emili isn't with us anymore."
<Johnathan> Well.. in a way. I suppose I should have been flattered when you tried to keep Emili off of me, really.
* Tahn snaps his head back to look at Scott. "What do you want?"
<Haylee> ^^; It wasn't anything at all...
* Haylee looks a bit embarrased.
<Scott> You were in Tira Astorian's before getting into Gregory's right?
* Johnathan laughs. "Instead I took it almost as an insult.. maybe I'm a moron. My apologies, Haylee."
<Scott> Tira's class that is?
<Xavier> It's a shame you think Elrika?
* Tahn looks back and resumes walking. "Yeah. What does it matter?"
<Haylee> I...I don't know what to say...It wasn't your fault...but...if you want...I guess...I can...accept? ^^; I feel guilty now.
<Xavier> She deserves pain ten-fold and a good nose bleed for what she did.
<Scott> Just curious if she's as tough an instructor on her students in the guild as she was with me away from the guild, that's all, Tahn.
* Leon looks ahead and doesn't say anything.
<Tahn> ....
<Elrika> Yes Xavier, it is a shame. She has a kind heart.
* Johnathan chuckles slightly. "Guilty? Nah, don't.. nothing to be guilty about, is there?"
<Haylee> ^^; I guess not...
<Leon> You are all talking to much...put a lid on it.
* Xavier looks at Haylee. "Do you believe this girl, Haylee?"
<Xavier> She actually feels sorry for Emili, after all she did!
* Haylee blinks. "I don't know. I think she's being manpulated...to be honest..."
* Tahn growls in Leon's general direction and picks up the pace a little..
<Haylee> But she has to be stopped...somehow...
<Scott> Even if it means we have to.....
* Elrika looks at Xavier. "Like you never did anything wrong before.."
<Johnathan> Sorry, Leon. I've just always found it better to talk than brood about things...
* Xavier eyes Elrika.
<Xavier> NO!
<Xavier> I am an angel.
<Leon> I'm trying to think, Johnathan. And I can't when you're all running off at the mouth.
<Elrika> Remember Xavier, that girl barely knows right from wrong.
<Haylee> Leon...thinking...? *Mumbles* This is new...usually he shoots before he thinks...
* Elrika laughs.
<Leon> Would you prefer for me to do that to you, Haylee?
<Haylee> ...
* Haylee doesn't answer.
<Leon> Didn't think so.
* Xavier sighs
* Johnathan closes his eyes for a moment, frowning slightly.
* Haylee looks down at the ground, holding her head slightly.
* Scott shakes his head slowly.
<Xavier> Haylee? You ok?
* Elrika walks over to Haylee. (w) "Pay no mind to him. We all know he won't do it."
<Haylee> I know...
<Leon> Don't test me Elf Girl. I most certainly will do it.
<Haylee> I...I think I'm okay...
<Leon> I've killed more heroic people than you all.
* Tahn still marches his way towards the castle, hellbent on vengance... .o(Oh yes... Gregory will go through what he put me through..)
<Haylee> That's not a far strech for you, Leon... :p
* Elrika looks at Leon and laughs.
<Xavier> Hey don't talk to her like that, you overgrown ape!
<TheStoryteller> After a while of passing the monotonously white scenery...
<Leon> You have no idea what you're talking about Haylee.
<Haylee> ...Just leave me alone.
<Xavier> Wow...I never thought I would get tired of seeing the same color over and over again.
<Xavier> But white is getting on my last nerve.
<TheStoryteller> You all stop as you confront a massive crater.
Caldor Isle, Caldera
<Johnathan> Ok, that is about ENOUGH.. Elrika, just leave him be, will you?
* Scott looks a little worried about Tahn. .oO(That expression of his is almost like me with DarkStar.)
* Tahn stops, and contemplates how much longer it would take to go around the thing..
<Elrika> Don't look in a mirror for a while then Xavier.
* Xavier inspects the crater.
<Xavier> Where this come from?
<TheStoryteller> It appears to be the remains of a volcanic caldera, and looking over the side you can see very far down...it's a long fall. In the middle of it is the building.
<Scott> Well, let's just take a leap of faith here.
* Elrika looks at Johnathan. "Ok, as long as he doesn't get smart with me."
<Haylee> That's it...
<Johnathan> I have a better idea, Scott..
<Leon> I never liked elves.
<Scott> Oh?
<TheStoryteller> You then here a familiar voice behind you...
<Haylee> You don't like anyone Leon...
<Johnathan> ..let's find a path down. Leaps of faith tend to result in human pancakes.
<Leon> Not anymore I don't.
<Xavier> And I never liked humans who never quite evolved as good as the rest.
<Scott> Eh?
* Scott turns around.
<Haylee> Who's there...?
* Haylee turns around.
<Jack> Hey Guys, long time no see!
<Scott> Yo, Jack.
<Haylee> Jack! O_o What are you doing here?
<Leon> Oh..its Jack-ass.
<Jack> Just...walking around...
<Ishtar> Jack.. how on Lunar did you get here?
* Elrika looks at Leon. "Like you should talk."
* Tahn looks for a path around or through the crater..
<Johnathan> Uh.. hey, Jack..
* Leon eyes Elrika, "But I admit it."
<Xavier> Ok you two, enough.
* Haylee shudders involuntarily, wrapping the cape John gave her tighter around her shoulders.
<Elrika> That's a first.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn sees there's a path around it, but the sunken tower is in the middle. It's too far to just jump..
<Xavier> Let the tension rest, and be settled another day.
<Tahn> ...
<Leon> No, it's not, you stupid bitch. Maybe you should listen instead of flapping your gums together.
* Jack thinks a bit....
<Xavier> Hey why don't you toss me over there?
<Jack> Hmm....
* Scott eyes Tahn. .oO(He sees something.)
<Haylee> Don't call her a bitch.
<Tahn> Guys. How in the name of Althena do we get down there?
<Ishtar> It's getting across...
* Elrika looks around. "Did anyone hear that?"
* Jack shakes it off.... "What's going on, guys?
* Haylee hms. O_o
<Elrika> Must of been the wind.
<Johnathan> I.. don't know..
* Tahn smirks slightly, still not looking back.. "The wind has more class, Elrika."
* Jack sees the crater..... "Ah...That is a problem indeed, isn't it?"
<Elrika> Xavier, why do you want us to toss you over there?
<Ishtar> Jack, do you have any idea how to get to the tower over there?
* Johnathan looks at the tower, then at Haylee. "Ah.. Haylee?"
<Jack> Well....While I was off searching for myself...
* Scott looks.....
* Leon pulls his gun off his shoulder and pokes the barrel in Elrika's face, "Maybe you'll hear this then."
<Xavier> Because...maybe someone strong enough can toss me FAR enough to reach where YOU can't reach.
<Ishtar> Gregory told us Emili is in there.. :(
* Elrika looks at Ishtar. "Do your wings work?"
<Jack> I was designing a sort of "portable bridge".....
<Haylee> Yes John?
* Elrika grabs Leon. "Test me."
* Johnathan looks faintly troubled. "..be careful, will you?"
<Ishtar> Stop fighting you two! This is importnat!
* Leon picks up the elf and tosses her about a mile away.
<Haylee> ...Why? I'm always careful...usually. :)
* Jack looks at Elrika and Leon. "I see some things don't change."
<Haylee> Is something wrong?
<Leon> Stupid bitch.
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar catches Elrika.. ^^
* Jack goes into his backpack and pulls out a strange contraption. Pressing a button it folds out to reveal a sturdy bridge.
<Ishtar> Are you alright, Elrika?
<Johnathan> I.. don't know.. that dream I had.. maybe it's only paranoia, but.. just.. be careful. More so than usual, if you have to..
* Elrika runs up to Leon and knees him where Haylee should of five minutes ago.
* Leon grits his teeth, "And I thought that Batgirl was a twit...."
<Xavier> Ok...who is this man Haylee?
<Elrika> Know I am.
<Haylee> Who...?
* Leon takes the knee shot and then grabs Elrika by the throat, "Don't you ever learn?"
<TheStoryteller> Jack's invention folds.. and folds.. and folds.. it looks long enough to reach across..
<Haylee> What did you dream, John?
<Xavier> The one that smells funny, Haylee.
<Haylee> O_o Leon?
* Xavier looks at Jack.
<Tahn> Calm down, you two, or else I blow both your fucking brains out. Got it?
<Haylee> Oh! Him! That's Jack.
<Xavier> No not Leon, he looks funny.
* Scott crosses the bridge and goes into the tower. "You all coming?"
* Leon tightens his grip a little, "Now, elf, you're going to leave me alone...or I'll pop your head off like a grape."
* Tahn follows after Scott.
<Jack> Sorry for getting lost on you guys.....
<Ishtar> Stop it! Leon.. Elrika.. we're not getting anywhere like this..
* Leon shoves her aside, "Just keep her out of my way."
* Johnathan blinks. "That's Jack? We.. knew that, Haylee.."
* Tahn goes back into his Pseudo-Leon mode. :P
<Haylee> I meant Xavier. ^^; He asked me.
<Johnathan> The.. ferret.
* Leon casually ignored Tahn, for his own good.
* Scott looks at Tahn. "This is it, Igtenos. I guess we both get our shots at Gregory today."
<Haylee> Yeah..you know. The one that *poings* a lot.
* Xavier poings.
<Tahn> ...
* Ishtar glides over the gap, checking the stability of the bridge on the other side.
<Johnathan> ....right.
<Haylee> See? ^_^ Look at him *poing*?
* Haylee follows Scott finally.
<Ishtar> It's safe I think..
<Leon> Would someone please tell me who the hell Xavier is? I don't see new additions to this little day time talk show we have going here.
<Haylee> He's a ferret. Duh.
<Leon> ..a ferret..?
* Jack walks onto the bridge.
<Xavier> Haylee! Pick me up, my paws are getting cold.
* Johnathan walks along. "Right, Haylee. I see it.. the ferret.. right."
<Jack> Sturdy and safe!
<Leon> And this ferret...talks?
<Haylee> Through his mind, yes.
* Tahn pulls out two daggers and enters the tower.
<Xavier> I talk and I can do more damage than you as well.
* Haylee picks Xavier up. ^_^
* Ishtar smiles at Jack, and waits for everyone. ^_^
* Johnathan blinks. "Surreal... but I'll take your word for it."
<Haylee> ^^; I know.
* Leon slaps his face, "And I thought Batgirl was something else..she was just ignorant..but a talking ferret is where I draw the fucking line..."
* Jack wipes the sweat off as he thinks to himself "*Phew*, It DOES work...."
* Scott draws his sword and holds it at the ready position, preparing for any random battles.
* Haylee gulps and heads into the tower, pulling out her bow..
* Leon has his gun at ready, as always.
* Jack walks on into the tower.
<TheStoryteller> You all cross the bridge without incident.. thankfully not looking down. ^^
* Johnathan closes his eyes again, calming himself, then reopens them and follows the others in.
* Johnathan looks down, for kicks.
* Scott enters the tower.
* Leon looks down..shows no fear.
* Elrika follows Scott.
<Leon> I bet a body would make a nice little red spot down there.
* Haylee follows the others, shaking slightly, even though it's not as cold as it was outside.
<TheStoryteller> Johnathan and Leon both see a deep black crevasse, a lot like Gregory's heart.
<Johnathan> Hmm.. it'd be really little, I think... that's quite a drop.
* Haylee looks down for kicks too, and shudders more. o_o
<Leon> Too bad that elf is leaving me alone, or we'd find out.
<Jack> So...what's been going on with you guys when I made my 'unscheduled disappearance'?
<Scott> Emili's turned evil, Jack.
<Haylee> He was there for that.
<Jack> ....
Caldor Isle, Sunken Tower Ruins
<TheStoryteller> Before you is the Sunken Tower's entrance. Set in old stone and bearing more of those Runic markings, you can't help but wonder why these places are important... or connected in a way.
* Xavier looks at Haylee. "He smells like cottage cheese.."
<Scott> And Vane's crashed once again...
* Johnathan smiles faintly. "She is annoying, isn't she..."
<Jack> I know that.
<Haylee> ^^; No he doesn't!
<Jack> ...Vane? When?
<Leon> Quite annoying.
<Ishtar> I wonder how you got off.. did Evol teleport you?
<Scott> After Emmi destroyed the Anti-Gravity generators.
<Leon> And I hate annoying people more than I normally hate everyone else.
* Haylee looks at the markings...
* Tahn is already in the tower, marching ahead.. :P
<Johnathan> Remind me not to get annoying, then..
<Jack> Nah....I was just....walking....travelling....
* Xavier frolics along and enters the tower. "Slow pokes!"
<Leon> You're a wise man, Johnathan.
Sunken Tower, 1F
<TheStoryteller> Tahn sees it's fairly dark and damp inside, but markedly warmer. Torches adorn the halls, as many paths lay before you.
* Scott keeps walking into the tower.
<Leon> Certainly the ferret doesn't talk to you, does it Johnathan?
<TheStoryteller> You can go to the rigth or left.. but all paths seem to lead down.
<Johnathan> No.. can't say that it has..
* Scott looks down both paths...
<Leon> I didn't think so. I think some of the people in this group are a few sandwiches short of a picnic..talking ferrets...really.
* Elrika looks both ways.
* Tahn goes to the left, almost instinctively.
<Johnathan> Well... I suppose it's not impossible that it can communicate telepathically, though.. it doesn't appear to be a normal ferret, at it WAS in that weird forest..
<TheStoryteller> Nothing appears different about either...
* Xavier walks to the right.
* Scott takes the left.
<Leon> Well, I don't like the stupid little thing.
<Xavier> I can see in the dark better than all of you.
<Leon> I have this feeling in my head..if it does talk, it mocks me.
<Xavier> I think it would be best for me to go ahead...don't you think Haylee and Elrika?
<Jack> So Ishtar, how're those wings?
<Haylee> No...we should stay together...
* Johnathan shrugs. "It's a ferret. If it talks, if probably mocks all of us."
<Ishtar> Well, I think I'm beginning to understand them a little.. but..
<Jack> Hmm...
<Leon> Probably right.
<Leon> ..Johnathan..can I ask you something?
<TheStoryteller> Tahn and Scott encounter a stairway.. it leads down. (DUH ^^)
* Haylee follows Tahn.
<Xavier> Me mock you two? NEVER...damn gremlins...
<Haylee> ~Tahn! Slow down! Wait for everyone else...~
<Johnathan> Sure, Leon. What is it?
* Xavier goes left with the rest.
* Scott heads down the stairs.
<Leon> You seem to have a lot more insight than I do on some things...what do you think of Dreams?
* Xavier scurries down the stairs beating Scott.
<Johnathan> Dreams? ...You had one too, huh?
<Xavier> I wish I had wings...I'd rather fly.
* Johnathan sighs. "I don't know, Leon.."
<Haylee> ~Tahn...~
* Tahn shuts out any incoming telepathy..
<Leon> ..yes...but I dislike dreams.
* Scott holds a fireball in his free hand to create light with which to see.
* Haylee sighs, looking down.
<Leon> They taunt me with things I don't deserve to have.
<Haylee> Dammit...
Sunken Tower, B1F
<TheStoryteller> Down the stairs is more of the stone corridors.. it appears this place is like a maze.
* Haylee runs, trying to catch up with Tahn!
<Johnathan> Some people say they're nothing.. just random firing of the brain while you sleep.. there are other people who believe they're very important..
<TheStoryteller> There's a turn up ahead.
<Xavier> This is getting confusing...*looks at Scott*
<Leon> I see.
* Xavier turns up ahead.
* Tahn turns, completely abandoning emotion and just moving instinctively.
* Jack keeps on walking.
<Scott> Hmmm.....
<TheStoryteller> Xavier turns the corner, and bumps into something.. x_x
<Scott> It could get very confusing....
<Leon> I wish I didn't have them at all.
<Haylee> Tahn, hold up a moment! *Gently grabs his shoulder*
<Scott> What is it, Xavier?
<Xavier> Wha...WHAT was that?
<Xavier> I hit into something...
<TheStoryteller> It's a dusty old chest.
<Xavier> Well someone...OPEN it.
* Scott opens the chest.
* Tahn ignores Haylee... and keeps walking..
* Jack opens the chest.
<TheStoryteller> However, it's already open.. the content must have been taken nearly a century ago.
* Johnathan nods slightly. "I can understand that.. they seem to be troubling more often than not."
<Haylee> Tahn! I order you to stop!
<Leon> Wow, look at that, she's starting to give orders now.
<Ishtar> Haylee?
<Jack> Well....I guess someone was here before us, obviously....
<Tahn> (muffled, due to the fact he's down the hallway) Bite me.
<Haylee> ....
* Haylee looks hurt...
<Xavier> Obviously...
<Haylee> ....Fine! Go off and die! See if I care!
* Johnathan glances at Leon. "Tahn's snapped, hasn't he?"
* Haylee's face looks like she didn't really mean that, though.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn loops right some more, and is faced with two choices.. up or down..
<Scott> He's worse than me in a trance.
<Jack> Xavier?
* Leon chuckles back, "Good for him. I hope he dies."
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar frowns.. :(
* Scott follows Tahn, just to be on the safe side.
<Xavier> Yes, Polly-o cheese man?
* Tahn goes down, still running purely on instinct.
<Jack> Hehe...I like you, you have a sense of humor!
* Scott follows.....curious..
* Haylee walks back with John. "Sorry, I'm just worried about him...about you...about all of us..."
<Xavier> Well, we all need a good laugh. That's why we have Leon to look at from time to time.
* Johnathan doesn't have anything to say to Leon's comment, so holds his tongue.
<Leon> Why would you be worried about me?
<Ishtar> So am I.. don't let it get to you Haylee.. ok? :)
<Leon> I'm not even worried about me.
* Xavier follows Scott.
<Xavier> Where you headed?
<Jack> HAHA!! I'm gonna like having you around, lil' guy!
<Haylee> ...Well...okay, you annoy me sometimes, I admit that...
* Leon steps on Xavier's tail.
<Scott> .oO(Something tells me Tahn knows where to go.)
<Haylee> But you're not all bad, even though I say you are sometimes.
* Xavier screams like a ferret should scream. :P
<Leon> But I am all bad.
Sunken Tower, B2F
<TheStoryteller> Downstairs you go... more hallways.. there's a path to the left, or you can go through an archway to whatever's beyond.
* Xavier bites Leon's leg.
* Haylee snickers.
* Tahn goes straight ahead, through the archway.
<Leon> I have no good qualities.
* Jack laughs uncontrollably... "The ferret's got the right idea!!"
<Haylee> That's a lie right there. You pulled us out of the fire in Vane...at the trial.
<Leon> I am a hate-filled, over-beating, mouthy ass.
* Scott follows Tahn. .oO(He knows something.)
<Xavier> He's right, listen to him. He is all bad.
<Haylee> You could have made it so only you got off, but you tried to get us all off.
<Xavier> He has the bad looks, the bad attitude, and the bad case of rabies after I just bit him.
<Johnathan> I wouldn't go that far, Leon.. you're good in a fight, and you'd make one heck of a lawyer... well.. provided you don't have an idiot like me at the stand.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn comes into an enclosed room. There's stairs leading up and down, plus a chest in the corner. However, this one isn't open like before.
<Leon> There is no reason for all of you to pay for what I did, that's why I did what I did at Vane.
* Haylee holds her head.
<Jack> Hmm...That's not good for him. *Smiles*
* Tahn picks open the chest with a dagger.
* Scott opens the chest as he keeps an eye on Tahn.
<Haylee> See, right there! You're unselfish. :)
<TheStoryteller> *Click* It opens up easily, creaking on it's hinges. Inside is a bow and some arrows. It's lined with silver and a few gems. :)
* Tahn sees Scott already opening the chest and decides to go further down..
<Leon> Hardly, Haylee. I still hate all of you.
* Scott grabs them and continues to follow Tahn.
<TheStoryteller> Scott obtains Jeweled Bow (AP +20, Ranged)! However, he can't quite use it..
* Haylee sighs. "^^ You'll see eventually, Leon. You're not all bad."
<Johnathan> Well.. hate us or not.. an unwillingness to let us go down for what you did is a good quality.. maybe even more so if you hate us.
<Leon> That was...another side of me.
<Leon> A side of me that respected the law..a long time ago.
<Haylee> We all have our dark sides, Leon.
<Jack> You should really try to loosen up, Leo.
<Scott> .oO(I guess Haylee can use that.)
<Leon> Don't ever count on seeing that side of me again.
* Scott tries to mindlink with Haylee. ~Haylee, can you hear me?~
<Haylee> ~Yes. What's up, Scott?~
<Jack> Oh, I think we can count on seeing that side of you more often. Heh.
<Scott> ~Follow my mental patterns. Tahn knows something. I'm following him.~
<Leon> Shut up Jack.
Sunken Tower, B3F
<TheStoryteller> The third floor seem to be a bit fancier.. rather than plain stone, there is some hint of old tapestries that once might have hung here.
<Scott> ~Also, I found a weapon that just might suit you...a jeweled bow.~
<Haylee> ~ Got it...I tried to talk to him telepathically, but he's shutting me out...~
<Johnathan> We won't count on it.. but we won't complain if it comes out again, Leon. You're better than you think.. I think.
<Haylee> ~...Really? Cool!~
<Leon> This is who I am now, and this is who I'll stay.
<TheStoryteller> You are still in a similar enclosed room from upstairs, but the arch way will lead you out.
* Scott keeps a close eye on Tahn. "Something's wrong with that old boy."
* Jack heads to the archway.
<Leon> I am all bad...I would have gladly seperated that elvish head from her shoulders earlier, and not had a second thought about it.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn walks ahead of you all..
<Scott> ~Haylee, will you all hurry the hell up?~
<Haylee> I'm right next to you, Scott.
* Scott continues to follow.
* Haylee pokes him and giggles. ^_^;
<Johnathan> But you didn't..
* Scott hands Haylee the bow. "Here, I happen to prefer the sword."
<TheStoryteller> He heads left at the next intersection.
* Scott keeps following...
<Leon> That's not the point.
<Haylee> Thank you :)
* Haylee puts her old bow away and equips her new one.
* Scott nods. "Anyway, keep a close eye on Tahn...he's not himself."
<Leon> The point is I would have, could have...and probably should have done it.
<Haylee> I will...
<Elrika> Nice bow, Haylee.
<Haylee> ^_^ Hey, thanks...
<TheStoryteller> Tahn sees another chest by the stairs, but doesn't seem to pay it much heed.
<Scott> Anyone wanna open that chest?
* Leon stops at the chest and kicks it open.
* Johnathan shrugs slightly. "Maybe.. and maybe not... but I won't argue this one with you.. you know yourself far better than I know you."
<Haylee> I'll get...nevermind, Leon's got it.
* Jack pats Leon on the shoulder. "Things will get better, guy..." then moves on ahead.
<Leon> No things won't get better..they never will.
<TheStoryteller> Inside is a sort of neck accessory. It has a small eye in the center carved out of jade.
* Jack is heard in the distance. "I can't hear Yoouuu...."
* Leon nabs the Jade thing.
<Ishtar> Say.. that looks like it might be great on John... ^^
<Haylee> ~Tahn, please...slow down...What's wrong with you?~
<Tahn> ~.....~
<Elrika> OOOOHHHH how pretty.
<Leon> What is this fucking thing?
* Scott picks up his pace....keeping up with Tahn.
<Haylee> ~Tahn! Damn it, listen to me...I'm really worried....~
* Johnathan raises an eyebrow. "Not sure.."
<Scott> It's no use, Haylee. Let's just follow him, ok?
<TheStoryteller> Leon gets a Gorget.. he can't make sense of the enchantment on it.
* Leon tosses it to Johnathan, "I don't do necklaces, here."
* Leon turns to Haylee, "Do you want me to slow little Tahn down?"
* Johnathan catches it, and looks at it, trying to figure out what it is.
<TheStoryteller> John is quite forcefully handed the Jade Eye Gorget.. it's Anti-Mute. :)
<Tahn> ~....~
* Jack tries to catch up with Scott and Haylee
<Haylee> Not in the way you're thinking. Put your gun down.
<Leon> I won't shoot him.
<Haylee> How do you plan on slowing him down?
<Leon> By grabbing his candy ass by the neck and stopping him in his tracks.
<Haylee> No. Don't hurt him.
<Leon> I didn't say I'd hurt him.
<Johnathan> Hmm.. interesting.. a fairly simple anti-muting accessory.. Haylee.. you want this?
<Haylee> ...O_o
<Haylee> Me?
<Haylee> No, you keep it, John. ^^;
* Johnathan shrugs. "You're the singer.. you sure?"
* Tahn heads down again.
* Scott keeps following.
<Haylee> But you're the mage. I insist. :)
<Leon> No..you keep it Johnathan...maybe this way I'll be rid of her singing .
<Leon> Anyway, I'll go slow the little prick down.
* Jack catches up with Scott and Haylee.. "Hey, Why you guys moving so fast?"
* Haylee blahs. :p
* Johnathan chuckles. "Thanks, you two. I appreciate it."
<Haylee> We're worried about Tahn...
<Leon> You're worried about him.
<Leon> I'm not worried about his stupid ass at all.
* Haylee hugs John. "See, look! It's much better on you than it would be on me."
<Jack> Tahn? What's wrong with him?
* Leon jogs after Tahn.
<Leon> He's a dumbass, Jack.
* Johnathan puts it around his neck., and slides it under his robe.
* Tahn manages to stay ahead of Leon, without even jogging.
* Scott keeps his pace, following Tahn. ~What is that old boy up to?~
Sunken Tower, B4F
<TheStoryteller> This floor is more of the same... you can head around the center bend.
<Jack> Was I talking to you, Leo?
* Johnathan looks surprised at the spontaneous hug, but hugs her back. "Heh.. thanks!"
<Haylee> ^^ No problem.
<Leon> Slow down you stupid little bastard, or I'll blow a hole in you the size of that crater outside.
* Haylee tries to probe Tahn's mind, seeing if he's being controlled in some way.
<TheStoryteller> You all loop around the central room... and come to a dead end. There's a chest, but it's conspicuously devoid of it's treasure. Back the way you came there was another archway, however...
<Haylee> ...Nothing...
<Haylee> ...I guess he really is angry at me.
<Elrika> Ok, now where to?
<Scott> Hmmm...keep an eye on Tahn.
* Tahn, almost mechanically, does an about-face and starts going back to the last fork..
* Leon starts running now, trying to catch Tahn.
<Johnathan> He's snapped, I think, Haylee..
<TheStoryteller> You hear some voices as you approch the entryway.
* Tahn happens to now be advancing TOWARDS Leon..
<Johnathan> He's furious.. but not at you, I think.
<Haylee> ...I hope to Goddess not...
* Leon catches Tahn and grabs him by the neck, "I've got him!"
* Scott watches....
<Haylee> Leon! No!
* Tahn smacks Leon out of the way with quite...unnatural... strength. He then continues walking..
* Elrika follows Tahn.
* Jack follows Tahn, keeping his distance.
<Leon> Wha...?
* Scott follows Tahn.
<Ishtar> Tahn.. there's someone there..
* Leon hits the wall... "OK...I don't got him."
<Haylee> Damn it..
<Tahn> ..I don't care.
<Leon> Stupid little shit...
* Elrika looks at Leon. "Are you ok"?
<Leon> Save your concern for someone who cares, elf.
* Haylee runs after Tahn, getting an idea.
<Leon> Why don't you let me shoot him in the kneecaps?
* Elrika goes after Tahn.
<Johnathan> We might need him later, Leon... well.. maybe.
* Jack looks at Leon... "And there are people who don't respect anything..."
* Scott keeps his sword at the ready, just in case.
* Haylee stops in front of Tahn, and mumbles. "This is either gonna kill me or snap you to reality..."
* Haylee slaps Tahn!
<TheStoryteller> Tahn is about to enter when Haylee smacks him hard... o_o The sound echoes through the hall.
<Haylee> Stop! Do you want to get killed?!
* Tahn slaps Haylee with the same force he did Leon... while it only knocked Leon off, it knocks Haylee into a wall.. O_o
<Haylee> Agh!
<Leon> Haylee, he's not Tahn...
* Scott runs up to Haylee, picking her up off the floor.
<Haylee> ...Ow...That hurt...
<Leon> He's not a pussy like Tahn is.
* Elrika runs up to Tahn and tries to trip him.
<Haylee> ...Well, that went well. I thought he was actually going to kill me.
<TheStoryteller> In all the commotion, two winged demons carrying large gun-like weapons flutter out of the room..
<Johnathan> ...actually, if you shot him, I wouldn't necessarily complain...
<Leon> But you don't think I'd kill you?
<Johnathan> ..you all right, Haylee?
* Tahn looks at the demons and chuckles.
* Elrika pulls out whip.
<TheStoryteller> [Angel Cannon] Hey? It's them!
* Leon shakes his head and chuckles, "You have a screwed up sense of reality."
<Haylee> ...I think so...Gah, now my face and head hurt.
* Jack catches up to Tahn. "Alright, where's the REAL Tahn and what did you do with him?"
<Tahn> (to Jack) Step away unless you want to end up like them.
<Johnathan> ..heads up, people.. we have company!
<TheStoryteller> Then a familiar figure materializes... It's the vampire woman from the Cave of Trial.
<Leon> Oh well..time to kill something..
* Scott holds his sword ready.
<Haylee> You!
* Jack slows down but doesn't stop.
<Tahn> So you want to stop us?
<Johnathan> ...you AGAIN?
<Tahn> Nice try.
<Vixen> Well hello loves... time to play one more time?
<Tahn> I don't think so.
<Leon> Gladly, slut.
<Haylee> Would you like me to sing your favorite song again?
<Vixen> Ooo.. I love it when you talk dirty.. ^^
<Leon> No singing.
~~ COMBAT! ~~
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 1!
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy front: Angel Cannon A,B
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy back: Vampire Vixen
* Jack looks at Vixen. "Who, may I ask, is that?"
* Tahn goes up to the Vixen and holds a dagger to her throat. "Let us pass or I'll be sure your insides decorate the wall quite nicely."
<Johnathan> Didn't we pound you bad enough last time?
<Haylee> Leon, it hurts her. I'm going to sing whether you like it or not.
* Johnathan sighs, and steps back next to Haylee. "Nothing's ever easy, is it."
<Leon> This gun hurts her too.
<Haylee> No, it's not John...
* Jack goes to pull out his Axe when he pulls out "Cherry Pup" instead.
<Jack> Oop.
* Jack puts Cherry Pup Back and takes out "Barberella".
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar takes the back, while Bree is up front, drawing her knives.
* Jack takes the back.
<Johnathan> Hmm.. I wonder..
* Haylee stands in the back.
* Leon stands beside Bree, almost looking like he would be protecting her, but hey, this is Leon we're talkin' about..he doesn't even like himself.
* Elrika takes front.
<Leon> Tahn is still an idiot.
<TheStoryteller> >> Vixen's turn.
<Leon> Bring it on, hussy.
* Vixen slips out of Tahn's grasp, and points her hand at the group.
<Vixen> Hehe..Get them boys! And leave some for me.. ^^
<Haylee> Wha..?
<Jack> That doesn't sound right....
<Leon> It's not supposed to, Jack-ass.
<TheStoryteller> >> The angels lift their guns high.. energy gathers in them..
<Jack> Shut up, "DiCapprio".
<TheStoryteller> >> Elrika/Xavier's turn.
<Johnathan> DiCapp.... what the heck did that mean?
<Haylee> I have no idea.
<Leon> Why don't you come over here and try and make me? Or are you afraid I'll shove that stupid little axe up your ass?
* Elrika calls Xavier to her side as she begins to rock him back and forth..."Spirits of the night, show your eyes of wisdom and nuturing care. Place my enemies in your hands as they deserve a long and quiet sleep...Herbal Breeze!"
* Tahn detects what Elrika is doing and quickly prevents himself from breathing any of the gas..
* Elrika targets the Vixen.
<Leon> That's not going to work.
<TheStoryteller> >> The soothing breeze washes over to her, but doesn't seem to do much.
<Vixen> Ooh.. what a lovely fragrance.. ^^
<Leon> Here's a little lesson for you elf.
<Haylee> ...Worth a try, anyway...
<Leon> The undead, doesn't need sleep.
<TheStoryteller> >> Vixen is Immune to Sleep!
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
<Leon> You can't put something asleep that's already gone through it's eternal rest.
<Scott> Well, she's not immune to this...
* Scott begins chanting....
* Johnathan forms a small sphere of energy. "Now, in theory.. if reality were to just utterly reject someone.."
<Leon> ....oh how I would love to be dead....
* Johnathan tosses it forward, but it clings to him and pervades into his body. "Ack! Hey! Waitasec!"
<Haylee> John! O_o
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan feels a strange sensation as his body literally fades part way out of existence...
<Haylee> O_O John!!
<Scott> JOHN!
* Johnathan seems suddenly transluscent. "Well fuck."
<Haylee> Damn it! No! O_o
<Jack> What the...??
<TheStoryteller> >> John shifts phase.. he is immune to physical strikes!
<Leon> What in the hell did he just do to himself?
<Haylee> Are you okay?
* Haylee waves her hands around, both of them pass through John's body. O_o
<Johnathan> Yeah, I think so. This feels really weird...
<Jack> -_0
* Johnathan looks down at Haylee's hands.
* Haylee looks up at John's face. "Now THIS is more surreal than a talking ferret."
<Leon> You're a strange man...
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree blinks, freaked out a bit by John's transformation.. o_o
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn's turn.
* Tahn methodically takes his dagger and rams it at tremendous speed into the Vixen.
* Johnathan scratches his head. "Thanks, Leon. I think."
* Haylee stops waving her hands about and concentrates again on the battle. ^^:
<Johnathan> Oh well.. maybe this is a good thing... provided it wears off.
<Haylee> I hope so. ^^:;
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn drives it home with such anger unlike him.. Vixen takes 37 damage!
<Jack> ...Wow!
<Vixen> Well, I've learned a few new tricks, hun. I won't go so easy on you this time.. ^^
<Leon> I'm almost impressed.
<Haylee> Tahn...
<Tahn> I don't want you to go easy. I want you to leave.
<TheStoryteller> >> The angels level the guns....
<Tahn> Leave and you may live to use that trick you've learned.
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack's turn.
<Vixen> Oh you're so silly, little man.. no wonder Gregory likes playing with you.. ^^
<Haylee> Playing...?
* Tahn gets the Vamp in a chokehold. "Say that again. I dare you."
<Leon> Did someone give Tahn some of my asshole pills this morning?
* Vixen flies up, as Tahn stumbles forward.
<Johnathan> I have no idea, Leon. This is NOT his normal self..
<Tahn> Bitch! Get down here so I can show you just what I think of you and your master!!
<Haylee> ...I'm really scared...for him...
* Leon snorts, "I think the little prick is trying to upstage me in being an ass."
<Vixen> Hehehe.....
* Jack readies his axe and charges, putting all his strength forward as he embeds the axe into one ot the Angel Cannons....
* Johnathan attempts to put a hand on Haylee's shoulder. But fails miserably.
<Leon> Way to go Casper. You almost succeeded there.
* Haylee blinks. "Who touched my shoulder?"
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack goes for the angels before they finish whatever it is they are preparing.. Attack 1: 20!, 2: 18!
<Haylee> It felt like a small breeze...
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
<Johnathan> .....ok, both of you, that's enough taunting the immaterial moron..
* Jack thumbs up.
<Haylee> O_o I wasn't insulting you!
* Scott gestures right in front of himself as a prismatic barrier appears...STAR SHIELD!
<Leon> Are you talking to me??
<Haylee> Was that you?
* Johnathan sighs, looking faintly amused. "I am such an idiot..."
* Haylee blinks at John.
<Leon> Nevermind..
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott is shielded from all magical attack!
<Jack> I have to ask ya, Johnny.....If you're transparent and go through things, how come you haven't already gone through Lunar's crust?
<Johnathan> Yeah, Haylee. That was me.
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee's turn.
<Johnathan> .....I don't know, Jack.. I'm just happy I haven't.
<Leon> I wonder if he's can't be touched physically, if Magic spells would really fuck his world up.
<Jack> Hmm...I have to look into that....
* Haylee puts her hands to her head...concentrating and focusing her mind. Her body glows white as she seems to levetate up into the air...there is a bright flash, and then as quickly as it appeared, it fades, and Haylee floats down to the ground.
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee focuses her willpower.. she gains 51 wisdom!
<Johnathan> It's.. possible, Leon. I hope not, but..
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's turn.
* Leon twirls his gun and aims at the first angel, "Is your gun bigger than mine?"
* Leon squeezes off 3 quick rounds.
* Johnathan grins. "Impressive, Haylee. Nice light show."
<Haylee> ^_- Actually, I didn't need to do the light show. It just looks cool.
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon squeezes the trigger.. Attack 1: 30!, Attack 2: 34!, Attack 3: 29!
<Leon> And it's still standing, shit.
<TheStoryteller> >> Angel Cannon A is barely aloft...
<Leon> Someone finish it off before I get pissed.
<Johnathan> I'd say it's about to have bad day then, Leon. Either someone polishes it off..
* Ishtar looks deeply at Haylee...
<Haylee> Ishtar...?
<Johnathan> ...or you'll get pissed and probably blow the living hell out of it.
<Johnathan> I personally wouldn't like those odds..
<Leon> Indeed I would...
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee feels a warm light within... her soul is bonded to Ishtar's. Empathic Tie. :)
<Leon> Not like I'm not already pissed.
<Ishtar> Trust me.. I think I know what's coming..
<Haylee> Okay, Ishtar...
<TheStoryteller> >> The angels gather up the energy.. one aims at each of the rows..
<TheStoryteller> [Angel Cannons] FIRE!!
<Leon> Bree, you should attempt to steal those guns.
<Haylee> Oh no... O_o
* Jack braces himself...
<Leon> And then maybe I'll keep one of them..if they are well made enough.
<TheStoryteller> >> The whole party notices a huge blast of plasma spout out of the weapons and come crashing down on everyone!
<Haylee> Ow! OW! ;_;
* Tahn doesn't notice. Hah.
* Elrika falls to the ground.
* Scott hopes his shield protects him from this.
* Leon doesn't even flinch.
<Elrika> Ouch.
<TheStoryteller> >> Elrika takes 60 damage.. KO'd!
* Johnathan closes his eyes, really hoping this doesn't further evaporate him or something.
* Xavier falls off Elrika.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnthan is rendered immune.. no effect!
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree takes 79.. Ko'd.
<Leon> Damn!
<Leon> ...OK..don't steal their weapons.
* Johnathan breathes a small sigh of relief.
<Haylee> ...I think I'm gonna die. -_-
<Haylee> Ow.
* Scott really hopes his shield holds up.
<Leon> Only if I'm lucky.
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack takes 92.. he's barely standing! (1hp)
<Jack> AAGHH!!
<Johnathan> Don't say that, Haylee..
<Jack> @_@
* Xavier looks at Elrika and is enraged.
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's shield doesn't stop a non magical assualt... 65 damage!
* Scott falls and gets up...but is very wobbly.....
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon takes the hit.. 99 damage.
<Leon> ...hey...that kinda hurt there...
* Leon drops a knee.
<TheStoryteller> >> The attack strikes Haylee....
<Leon> OK..that really hurt...
<Scott> You're telling me, Leo.
* Haylee tries to defend herself!
* Johnathan blinks. "Holy cow, Leon.. that would have done me in at least three times over.."
<TheStoryteller> >> But as she is about to feel the pain, Ishtar falls to the ground, yelping..
<Haylee> O_o Ishtar!!
<Scott> Ishtar?
* Jack is doubled over in pain "It only 'KINDA' hurt, Leo? ...ow."
<Haylee> Ishtar...why did you...?
<TheStoryteller> >> Ishtar absorbs Haylee's damage.. 53 damage.
* Leon looks back at Johnathan, "Well, I've taken worse...."
* Haylee looks a cross between worried, touched and worried.
<Ishtar> I said.. I knew what was coming.. ow.. ;_;
<Haylee> Don't worry, I'll do my best to stop it...
<Vixen> Oooh.. this is no good.. they're still standing!
<Scott> As will I...
<Leon> It'll take more than a little plasma to do me in.
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 2!
<Tahn> Exactly. Now do you want to continue this futile attack or do you want to run tail-between-legs like a good doggy?
* Leon flexes his 30 inch arms.
* Scott surrounds himself in fire as he begins chanting. "Undead....say hello to a little FIRE MAGIC!"
<Haylee> Ishtar...if you could heal everyone, I'll try to attack with my mind! Is that okay, or do you need help?
<Leon> Scott....don't...attack..the vampire...you IDIOT.
<Leon> Tahn the moron is taking care of the vampire.
<Scott> Then I'll take out the others with magic.
<Ishtar> I'm working on it..
<Leon> The Angel Cannons almost wiped out asses out.
<Leon> Get the picture?
* Scott prepares his incantation.
<Leon> Good goddess, now I have to draw you people battle plans too.
* Johnathan hrmphs. "That one cannoner, at the least, is going down before it shoots again.."
<TheStoryteller> >> The Vampire tries to call forth a ball of dark energy, that lances out at Scott.. but his shield blocks it.. no Effect!
<Leon> Focus on the first cannon.
<Scott> HAHAHAH......
<Vixen Oh poo.
* Johnathan grins. "How about I tag both of them, Leon?"
<Haylee> Poo on you, lady. :p
<Leon> That'll work, Johnathan.
<TheStoryteller> >> Xavier's turn. (Elrika is Ko'd)
* Xavier start growing bigger and bigger till his fur tears off his body. Standing where Xavier once was is a big demon surrounded in flames, rushing toward the enemies with the speed of light, enraged with anger......Demon Rush!
<Leon> OK, that's the most fucked up thing I've ever seen.
<Johnathan> ...Yeah. You have to admit it lends credit to the possibility of it being able to talk, though.
<Leon> I dunno...I am pretty fucking nuts myself.
<TheStoryteller> >> Xavier becomes a giant.. thing.. and rushes the enemies in a huge explosion! Angel Cannon A takes 56 damage! It falls! Angel Cannon B takes 52! Vixen takes 17.
<Haylee> Hee hee hee. ^_^ Take THAT!
<Vixen> What the heck is that naughty little rodent?
<Leon> Now there's something you don't see every day.
<Haylee> A ferret.
* Tahn shrugs off what little bit of the blast that hits him.
<Leon> I dunno. But I bet it tastes like chicken, feel free to chow down on it.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
<Johnathan> Well.. one's down.. let see if I can't give you a hand, Leon..
<Xavier> Thank you Haylee. At least someone knows what I am.
* Johnathan forms a little sphere of energy, and lets it roll off his hand and over to Leon.
<Leon> Just go ahead and take the damn thing down.
<Haylee> ^_^
<Leon> Or...this..?
* Leon eyes it
<TheStoryteller> >> One by one the spheres hit Leon... and he seems to become more alert. Reaction up 30!
* Xavier readies his second attack.
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn's turn.
<Tahn> I want you to relay this to your "master", Gregory.
<Johnathan> ....ok, that wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but..
* Tahn grabs the Vixen, slams her to the ground, and slams a dagger into her. "Don't fuck with Tahn Igtenos. Got it?!"
* Leon feels more mobile now.
<Haylee> Tahn! Please stop it!
<Leon> Well....that's different.
<Scott> TAHN...CUT IT OUT!
<Leon> I haven't felt this light on my feet since I was a kid...
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn amazingly pins the creature down... 23 damage!
* Tahn ignores the rest of the party's cries..
* Leon eyes Johnathan, "What was it supposed to do?"
<Jack> Wow...
<Vixen> Oh.. so that's how you want to play, boy.. ^_^
<Johnathan> ..I was hoping it would do that thing to sharpen your vision again, actually.
<Leon> Oh..
<Tahn> Play? Hah! You make it sound like this is a game.
<Leon> So what you're saying is that this thing could have blown me back to Vane?
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's turn.
* Haylee sighs.
* Johnathan blinks. "Nah... I could tell it was going to be beneficial.."
* Leon looks up at the last Angel Cannon, and squeezes the trigger of his rifle 3 more times.
<Vixen> Oh it's all a game.. and we're going to end it right here..
<Johnathan> ..I just wasn't entirely sure what it would do.
<Tahn> That's right. And I refuse to lose.
<Leon> That's very disturbing Johnathan...
<Scott> Quite..
<Leon> If I actually gave a damn about myself, I might be upset at you..well..more than I normally already am.
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: Critical! 80! Attack 2: 43... Good night Angel Cannon B.
* Tahn kicks the Vamp while she's down. "Those who can't win... cheat."
<Haylee> You don't mean that Tahn....
* Johnathan scratches his head again, since he can't seem to interact with anything else. "I'll not do that anymore, if you want.. nice shooting, by the way."
* Leon saves the last shot for the Vamp/Tahn.
<Scott> O_O; TAHN!
<Leon> No, it's OK. Don't worry.
* Tahn quickly dodges out of the way of Leon's shot, letting it hit the Vixen.
* Leon fires the last shot at the Vamp and Tahn, whoever it hits, he doesn't care.
<TheStoryteller> The Vampire slips out from under Tahn, kicking his back into the floor... but in doing so she gets nicked.. 4 damage.
<Leon> Shit.
<Leon> Damn fool.
<Haylee> Tahn...!
<Leon> Take the bullet like a man, you little pussy.
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack's turn.
* Tahn gets back up.
* Tahn dusts himself off. "Was that supposed to do something to me?"
* Jack uses whatever energy he has left to take a swipe at the demon fiend....
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack tries to hack at her.. but he doesn't have much luck, as she dodges the blows easily. Missed twice! :/
<Jack> Damnit......
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
* Scott shoots a shaft of fire at The Vixen. FIRE ARROW!
<Vixen> Oo.. a little fireball.. that bit about us not liking fire must still be going around... hmhmm.. ^^
<TheStoryteller> >> The firebolt crashes against her skin, but does nothing. 0 damage.
<Scott> O_o;
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee's turn.
<Johnathan> ....well.. uh.. so much for that..
<Leon> That was nice and pointless
* Haylee stares the Vixen down. "Time to sing you a lullaby...your favorite. Enjoy."
* Haylee extends her arm gently, reaching out towards Vixen and closing her eyes.. Opening her mouth delicately, a beautiful and soothing melody flows out and echoes unnaturally around her. The song fills Vixen's heart with new hope and heals all wounds!
* Vixen blinks....
<Leon> I...hate..this..music.
<Vixen> Not you again... aiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeee! Horrible signing...!
* Tahn clutches his head, trying to get the song to leave his soul... "No.. not.. that..."
* Haylee keeps it up, clasping her hands to her chest.
<TheStoryteller> >> The healing spell has a horrible effect on her once more.. heightened by Haylee's focused power..
* Tahn drops to his knees. "Shut... up..."
<Jack> Heey........not a bad tune.....
<Scott> Nice song, Hay.
* Haylee blinks at Tahn, but keeps it up regardless, wondering if Gregory is reponsible for Tahn's little lapse with reality.
<TheStoryteller> >> Vixen is weak to Health! She takes 109 damage!
<Leon> I hate that singing!
<Xavier> *curls up into a ball* Stop it, stop it...
<Leon> I hate it hate it hate it!
<Tahn> Can't... stand...it....
<Johnathan> Lovely, Haylee. I'd applaud, but..
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn seems to suffer some ill effects...
<Vixen> Ow ow ow ow!
* Haylee doesn't stop ^_^;
<Vixen> This is embarassing...
* Scott steps between Haylee and Tahn, for whatever good it would do.
<Leon> Yeah, and your boobs are hanging out too.
<* Xavier twitches.
<Leon> Quite embarrasing.
<Haylee> . o O ( ...Wow! They are! :O )
<Ishtar> How about this!
<TheStoryteller> >> Ishtar casts Revive Litany... on the Vixen! o_o
<Jack> Hehe....That's the way to go at the undead!
<Vixen> Damn it. Looks like playtime's over for good... :(
* Haylee keeps on singing, hoping to help Tahn.
<TheStoryteller> >> Vixen is engulfed in holy light.. and ceases to be.
* Tahn seems to suffer no blight from the spell... but that may be the song that's still tormenting him..
<Johnathan> Light and life. What else screwed up the undead's day, hmm?
<Leon> How very strange...
~~ Victory! 14 XP, 45 MEXP gained. ~~
<Tahn> Rrrrgh! Shut... the...hell...UP!
* Haylee doesn't.
* Johnathan mutters. "...now.. solidify.. come on..."
<Haylee> ~Tahn, what's WRONG with you?~
<Leon> She's gone Haylee...
<Leon> Put a sock in it.
<Tahn> ~....~
<Johnathan> Leon.. look at Tahn.
<TheStoryteller> >> All deceased members revive with 1 Hp! John comes back into phase.. Scott's shield disappates.
<Leon> Who cares about that idiot Tahn.
* Haylee points to Tahn, then gives Leon a glare, and keeps singing.
<Leon> I'm talking about my ears here.
* Johnathan shrugs. "Plug them... this might be what we need to snap him out of this."
<Jack> Shee.....Everyone's a critic...
* Tahn picks himself up, and moves step after step towards Haylee... rips a length of cloth off of his robe... and shoves it in Haylee's mouth! O_O
* Elrika gets up very slowly, holding her side. "I think they broke my ribs."
* Johnathan blinks as he solidifies. "Thank heaven.."
* Haylee nearly chokes on the cloth! O_o
<Ishtar> Tahn.. what on Lunar..
* Haylee pulls it out and keeps singing!
* Johnathan steps forward, to put himself between Tahn and Haylee. "I don't think so."
<Leon> ...this is very annoying.
<Haylee> ~John, don't...~
* Leon walks over to Tahn.
<Tahn> (growling almost ferally) Blackfire... Help me shut her the hell up. I know you hate it as much as I do.
<Leon> Actually, I find this pretty ammusing, kid.
* Johnathan looks briefly surprised at the voice in his head, recoiling away slightly.
<Haylee> ~Sorry....I guess is this first time I talked to you telepathically, huh John...~
<TheStoryteller> The room is quiet... except for the resounding voice...
* Xavier looks around.
<Tahn> ~GET OUT OF MY HEAD! I WON'T HAVE SOME STUPID BARD INTERRUPT MY VENGANCE!~
<Leon> And help you..really? Remember who you're talking to here, you idiot. I don't help anyone.
<Johnathan> ~What.. the.. you.. how... nevermind..~
<Haylee> ~Tahn, please! Calm down! Your vengance isn't worth you loosing your life!~
<Elrika> My head hurts.
<Scott> Haylee, mindlink me to him.
* Leon walks back over to Bree, since she's still unconcious and stuff, and places her on his shoulder.
<Tahn> ~It's already lost to the powers of fate!~
* Haylee mindlinks Scott. ~Don't think it will help, but we can't go forward until he's sane.~
<Leon> I've got a good idea.
<Tahn> ~I died years ago, Haylee.~
<Xavier> Um guys...what about Gregory?
<Leon> Why don't you let me just kill Tahn...and get it over with?
<Haylee> ~No you haven't! You're a good person.~
<Tahn> ~What you see here is nothing but a shell.~
<Leon> Good plan? Right?
<TheStoryteller> In the midst of all of the fighting... there is another stairway calling to you.
<Haylee> ~No, shells do not care about the world, or friends, like you have shown me.~
<Haylee> ~You are not a shell...~
* Johnathan 'pulls away', ending the link with Haylee.
<Leon> Just let me put a bullet in his head.
<Tahn> (not flinching) You will eat those words one of these days, Blackfire.
<Tahn> You will see what it is like to be at the receiving end of them.
<Haylee> Sorry John...
* Haylee looks down.
* Haylee stops singing as well, realizing it does nothing.
<Scott> Eh? Blackfire? Why does that name sound so...familiar?
<Leon> I've already experienced enough pain in my life.
* Elrika walks towards the stairs.
<Leon> Anything I recieve from here on out would pale in comparison.
* Tahn takes the advantage and rushes down the stairs.
<Haylee> Tahn stop!
<Ishtar> Tahn.. please wait..!
<Jack> Hey! Wait for me!
* Jack follows.
* Scott follows. "I don't care....he's throwing his life away..LET'S GO!"
* Haylee follows!
<Johnathan> Don't worry about it, Haylee.. it's not your fault he's snapped... you tried to help him... now all we can do it follow him, I guess.
* Leon holds Bree on his shoulder, but doesn't touch her butt, and follows everyone
* Johnathan moves as well, keeping pace.
<Bree> I'm ok Leon.. I think.
* Elrika trips down the stairs, grabbing Scott on her way down.
Sunken Tower, B5F
<TheStoryteller> This floor is nothing but an empty room, completely enclosed. You can only go down once more..
* Scott picks Elrika up, so he doesn't fall.
* Scott keeps going.
<Leon> Just quiet Bree. You're still weak.
<Elrika> Sorry Scott
<Scott> S'ok, Elrika.
* Tahn keeps going, uncaring of what he may be moving into.
* Jack keeps going....
<Leon> Someone tell me something...
* Haylee runs along.
Sunken Tower, B6F
<TheStoryteller> This time the stone room has a opening leading out. Beyond it you see something shimmering..
* Elrika blushes while looking at Scott. "Thank you."
<Leon> How did Tahn know my last name.
<Scott> Eh?
* Scott sets Elrika down on her feet.
* Tahn just keeps walking...
* Scott follows slowly,
<Leon> ....I never told any of you my last name.
* Elrika stands up.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn finds what appears to be... the head of a Dragon.
<Haylee> ...I didn't know that was your last name...
* Tahn buh-blinks.
<Johnathan> He's called you that before, too.. he must have known it.... somehow?
<TheStoryteller> It's carved out of the rock, and ornately designed..
<Scott> I didn't either, Leon,....till Tahn just blurted it out.
* Elrika walks up to the dragon head and inspects it.
<Tahn> ...
<TheStoryteller> The eyes seem to be missing.
<Johnathan> Wait.. did you identify yourself at the trial?
<Leon> No, I didn't.
* Elrika sticks finger in the slot whick hold the eyes.
* Johnathan frowns. "Huh.."
* Tahn sticks a dagger in the slot for the other eye, hoping to feel around for a switch.
<Leon> Tahn, explain to me how you know my last name.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn and Elrika find nothing out of the ordinary about the holes...
* Tahn ignores Leon. He's shut out the world at this point...
* Leon pulls his free hand over with his rifle, "Might want to consider answering."
<Haylee> ...I don't think he can hear you...
<Leon> He's going to hear a gun shot then.
<Jack> Maybe you can try kickin' those tunes again, Haylee.
<Haylee> Don't shoot him, please...
<Haylee> ...But...oh, all right...
* Scott stays quiet and observes...
* Haylee looks at Leon, and takes a few steps back. "Sorry Leon...Believe it or not."
* Haylee begins to sing...
<TheStoryteller> Haylee gets a strange chill... Scott and Tahn as well.
* Haylee shivers in mid song. O_o
<TheStoryteller> Somebody is here..
<Scott> Eh?
* Tahn doesn't hear Leon, doesn't hear the song... he's dead to the outside world...though he feels the chill, he pays no heed to it.
<Haylee> ...Someone is here...
<Scott> A presence....
<Scott> It feels like.....
<Haylee> Gregory...?
* Leon takes the gun barrel and pokes Tahn in the head. "Hey stupid, I'm talking to you."
<Johnathan> Odd.. I don't feel anything..?
<Tahn> ...
* Elrika looks around. "Where? I don't see him."
<Scott> Could be, Haylee. Be on your guard.
<TheStoryteller> Suddenly without warning, Tahn is taken off his feet by some invisible force..
<Haylee> O_o Tahn!!
<Johnathan> ..if both of you feel it.... oh hell.
<Leon> I didn't do it!
* Tahn hears nothing but that one word... Gregory. He doesn't even notice the force... he just keeps hearing that word echo through his soul...
* Haylee tries to push Tahn down mentally.
* Emili laughs.
<Leon> ...Batgirl.
* Elrika gasps.
<Ishtar> That's Emili's voice...
<Jack> @_@???
* Emili causes Tahn to twirl in circles and start dancing.
<Haylee> Stop it Emili!!
<Johnathan> Emili!
* Emili giggles with delight.
<Johnathan> Dammit.. here goes again..
* Emili hurls Tahn into a wall.
<Haylee> Tahn!! O_o
<Elrika> This chick is a nut case.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn manages to avoid most of the blow, but he slides down hurt nonetheless.
* Tahn takes vague notice.. "I see you fancy that you've made me your puppet, hellspawn."
<Scott> Emili...now CUT THAT SHIT OUT!
<Haylee> Okay now, Emili. You're bordering on Fucking bastard to completely fucking retarded!
* Emili appears just before the party in her black and laced with gold armor. Her wings, from tip to tip, touch the ends of the wall.
<Elrika> Emili, please stop.
* Tahn takes his dagger out and picks himself up, shrugging off what little pain is there.
<Tahn> Prepare yourself.
<Leon> You know, it should be very disturbing when I'm the most sane one of this bunch.
* Haylee stands by John.
<Ishtar> Emili.. please.. I know this isn't you doing this.. :(
<Jack> ...
* Emili glares at the party.
<Tahn> And send a little message to "Daddy".
<Emili> Amazing how you survived....
<Haylee> Don't kill her, Tahn!
<TheStoryteller> Then the dull clicks of boots are heard reverberating off the walls...
<Emili> Oh, and here he comes now.
<Haylee> ...I think "Daddy" is here already, Tahn...
<Gregory> Why send her? I'm right here.
<Leon> "Don't kill him!" "Don't kill her!" Shut the fuck up you pacifist. Someone's going to die here.
* Emili moves aside and lets Gregory into view.
* Gregory grins upon the party, particulary at Tahn...
* Scott readies his sword to strike right at Gregory.
* Tahn glares at Gregory, emotionlessly.
<Haylee> Gregory...what have you done to him?
<Tahn> You did this to me, Windstar. Five years ago you did this to me.
* Leon holds Bree over his sholder and twirls his gun around to Emili and Gregory.
* Haylee clutches her head again. "Grah...no...don't be full now..."
<Elrika> For once I agree with Leon. We should take Gregory down for good.
* Johnathan puts a hand on Haylee's shoulder, keeping his voice low. "Careful, Haylee.. be careful.. please.."
<Gregory> Did what to you? I merely awakened you to who is your rightful master.
* Emili sends a blast into Elrika and Tahn. "Speak when spoken to!"
<Scott> Agreed, Elrika.
<Haylee> John..
<Leon> Don't make a habit of it, elf, or I'll start doubting myself.
<Emili> Not before!
<Haylee> Tahn does not belong to you!
* Tahn raises his head and glares straight into Gregory's eyes. "Master? My only master is destiny itself."
<Gregory> You betray me, and I make your life a living hell.. that seems fair, don't you think?
* Elrika hits the ground.
<Scott> And this is for my master....
<Elrika> You bitch.
<Gregory> Destiny? Hah.
<Leon> I'm my own master.
* Scott leaps right at Gregory, sword poised to attack.
<Leon> . o O (Except in that fucked up dream...)
* Emili stops Scott midway and throws down on the floor.
* Tahn smirks slightly. "Who's doing the betrayal? I mean, really. I haven't done a damn thing more than you have intended."
<TheStoryteller> Scott leaps at Gregory, but again, he somehow misses?!
* Elrika pulls out a whip and lashes it at Emili.
<Haylee> Emili...stop it...please...
<Johnathan> Leon's right... no one's our master but ourselves!
* Scott's eyes start reddening.....something is causing him to miss his attacks and now it's apparent who's doing it.
* Leon puts Bree down by the dragon head and slides her out of sight, "This is going to get messy. Don't move."
* Emili catches the whip and surges it with lightning.
* Haylee smiles at John. "Right..."
<Gregory> Enough of this game. I'm tired of tormenting you. I'll simply end it here and now. And I honestly doubt you can do anything at all.
<Elrika> AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
* Jack thinks of Emili's stick weapon, "Cherry Pup", that is in his backpack.....
* Leon pulls back up with his rifle and starts blaring it at Emili and Gregory.
* Elrika falls over.
<Tahn> Leon's wrong. No one. Not even my own self. No one is my master. And I shall show you, once and for all. Gregory Windstar, the day of reckoning is at hand.
<Leon> You don't know me at all, punk...
* Scott stands up on one knee as he looks up at Gregory. He speaks in a soft whisper. "Wanna bet?"
<Emili> I guess I'll be the spectator this evening.
<Haylee> Gregory....you...have to be stopped...
<Gregory> Oh it is, Igtenos.. for you!
<Tahn> For both of us.
<Gregory> And the rest of this forsaken world!
<Elrika> I say we fight.
<Tahn> This day shall be the doom of us BOTH!
<Leon> We have two cases here of serious overacting.
* Tahn pulls out his two daggers.
<Leon> And of course, it pisses me off.
* Scott shakes his head clear.. "What was that? TAHN NO!"
<Haylee> It's better than Tahn beating the crap out of me...
<Leon> ...So I think I'll just kill them both.
* Elrika stands up.
<TheStoryteller> Gregory pulls out a very large cane.. and gathers dark forces about the entire room...
<Johnathan> Agreed, Haylee..
<Johnathan> ....definately better. But this is still NOT good..
<Scott> LET'S OPEN UP A 6PACK OF WHOOP ASS!
~~ BOSS COMBAT ~~
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 1!
<Gregory> And to show you what a nice.. caring.. merciful.. individual I am..
<Tahn> Guys... *looks back at the party* I guess there's people I can trust after all.
* Emili watches on the side lines of battle, she flashes a dark grin at the party.
<Scott> This isn't just your fight, Tahn.
<Haylee> Tahn, are you back to normal now? ;_;
<Tahn> I realize that... now.
<TheStoryteller> >> Gregory lifts an arm, and dark energies revitalize the group! Everyone's HP/MP is restored!
<Leon> Now.
<Scott> For Vane, Kash, and mostly for our own PERSONAL REASONS, GREGORY, YOUR ASS IS GRASS AND I'M GONNA SMOKE IT!
<Haylee> Hey...uh...thanks?
<Johnathan> ....either he's reeeaally overconfident.. or we are SO screwed..
<Gregory> Fight me with all your might.. and realize your worthlessness as it does nothing!
<Elrika> Lets do this.
<Leon> Scott, you need some temperment control lessons.
<TheStoryteller> >> Elrika/Xavier's turn.
<Tahn> Scott...
<Leon> ...and hearing that from me should really make you think.
* Xavier start growing bigger and bigger till his fur tears off his body. Standing where Xavier once was is a big demon surrounded in flames, rushing toward the enemies with the speed of light, enraged with anger......Demon Rush!
<Leon> I still think that looks pretty fucked up.
* Scott holds his blade in it's sheath, his hand poised for a battou jutsu attack.
<TheStoryteller> >> Xavier plows into Gregory.. but his ebony armor blocks it. 0 damage.
<Jack> ...Wow....I didn't know the little rodent could do that.....
* Emili glances at Haylee for a moment.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
* Haylee looks at Emili....
<Haylee> Wha...?
<Scott> Hey, Igtenos, how about a little immunity to magic, old bud?
* Johnathan murmurs a few words, tightening his grip on Haylee's shoulder slightly and tracing a line in the air near her. "Let's just keep magic off of you for now, Haylee.."
<Leon> Hey Igtenos, how about jumping off a cliff, you dickhead.
<Emili> ~Release me Haylee! Please!!~
<Tahn> Works for me.. But personally.. I don't think I'm the key player in this battle..
* Emili grins darkly at Haylee.
<Haylee> ~Emili...?~
<Emili> I won't let you go off so easily!
* Scott prepares his star shield spell.
* Leon looks at Haylee, "What's wrong?"
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee has a shell of invisible force gather in front of her.. she can now reflect magic.
* Tahn starts chanting a spell, and is surrounded in a deep orange aura..
<Haylee> Thank you, John... :)
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn's turn.
<Tahn> Powers of raw Mana, flow through my veins. Streams of time, carry the immutable beat... Quick Litany!
* Tahn casts Quick Litany on Leon! The forces of time seem to layer themselves on him, making his speed increase tenfold!
<Johnathan> You're quite welcome, Haylee..
<Leon> ....What in the...?
<Haylee> :)
* Haylee turns back to the battle.
<Haylee> ~Emili, can you hear me?~
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's Reaction is raised 30!
* Leon turns back to Haylee, "What's going on?"
<Tahn> Leon, just go after Gregory. That's all I ask of you.
<Haylee> Emili...I can hear her!
* Emili glares at Haylee shutting her mind from her.
<Leon> What's she saying?
<Haylee> She wants to be freed...She's trapped inside...
<Leon> She's toying with you.
<Jack> ....
<Elrika> Poor child.
<Haylee> She's not.
<Leon> Uh huh.
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack's turn.
<Tahn> There are two souls in that body, Leon.
<Tahn> There's Emili, and something...else.
<Ishtar> Emili....
<Scott> Cosmic powers, protect my friend!
<Leon> Well just kill her then..get rid of two annoying things in one gunshot
* Ishtar takes flight... and zooms over to her.
<Haylee> Ishtar...!
* Jack runs toward Gregory with his axe.
* Elrika looks at Ishtar. "Are you crazy?'
<Leon> And don't worry Tahn, I'll kill Gregory...and then I'm coming after you.
<Ishtar> Emili.. don't you remember?
<Emili> What do you want from me, witch?!
<Tahn> Fine by me.. I probably deserve it. But I'd rather die by your hand than by Gregory's...
<Emili> Remember... how you killed my mother?!
<TheStoryteller> >> Gregory's form shifts in space.. the blade goes right through. Miss! Miss!
<Leon> You have some questions to answer for me yet though.
<Tahn> Yes I do. But now is not the time.
<Jack> ..RRRRGHHHH!!
<Ishtar> We didn't kill your mother...
<Emili> Liar!
<Emili> All lies!
<Haylee> We didn't, Emili...
<Ishtar> Would I lie to you Emili? I thought you said I was an angel..?
<Jack> ..??
<Ishtar> We both were...
* Emili gives a good slap across Ishtar's face.
<Leon> I didn't kill your fucking monther Emili. Goddess Damn...if I did, I'd have been proud to have put the bitch to rest.
<Haylee> Ishtar!! O_o
<Emili> Shut the hell up!
* Ishtar gets slapped... floating backwards. She holds her face with a hand, tearing.
<Gregory> Stop your foolish attempts.. she is my angel.. and none else's.
<Emili> ~No...! I'm sorry! Help me! Lure.... Haylee!~~
* Jack pulls out Emili's sword and throws it on the ground in front of her....
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
* Scott gestures toward Tahn as a prismatic barrier surrounds the magician...STAR SHIELD!!!!
<Haylee> She doesn't mean it, Ishtar! That's not our Emili!
* Tahn is still linked through Haylee, surprisingly..
<Leon> I'm tellin' you, do Lunar a favor. Kill the bitch, get rid of two annoying people with one stone.
* Haylee tries to get inside Emili's mind again.
<Ishtar> *looks at the sword* Emili.. don't you remember Cherry Pup? All the times.. you smacked Leon when he got angry?
<Tahn> Leon... Would you rather kill me or Emmi?
* Emili shuts Haylee out, straining.
<Tahn> Good. I knew you'd say me.
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn is shielded from all magic!
* Leon looks at Tahn, "I don't have anything to kill you over...yet."
* Scott begins chanting that spell again.
<Tahn> ...yet.
<Emili> .....
* Haylee keeps trying to find away, straining herself.
<Scott> Now to protect myself.
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee's turn.
<Johnathan> I'm feeling the same way myself, Scott. Works well to cast it on someone else.. but kinda leaves you open, huh?
<Haylee> There's...only one way....
<Haylee> I have...to ...focus...my mind...
<Scott> Got that right, John.
* Haylee claps her hands to her head...glowing softly, and floats a bit into the air as a bright light emits from nowhere...she then floats gently down to terra firma...
<Ishtar> Emili.. I never wanted to hurt you.. none of us did.. why can't you understand? ;_;
<Emili> ......
<Ishtar> We want the sweet child back...
<Emili> Shut up!
<Leon> Speak for yourself!
<Emili> You have NO RIGHT!
<Gregory> This is rather amusing.. but pointless...
<Jack> Yeah, I want the kid that can slap Leon in the head with a stick back.....
<Scott> John, when we get ourselves protected...try your twist spell. I'll see if we can get it to work with Shooting stars.
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee gains 57 wisdom!
<Haylee> I want you back, Emili! The old Emili! The one who showed me how to make Kool Aid and sang songs with me!
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's turn.
<Tahn> I could care less about the kid, Gregory. This is our battle.
<Johnathan> Think we'll even be strong enough to affect him?
* Leon holds his ground and lets out a blood curdling scream, "Grraaaaaaahhhh!"
<Scott> Should be..combine the forces of reality with the forces of the cosmos...could be one hell of a hit.
<TheStoryteller> >> The scream echoes.. Leon gains 35 AP!
<Leon> Heh...
<Johnathan> Combine them, huh? Interesting thought.. wonder if it'd work?
<Scott> We can only try, John.
<Tahn> You need some more help there? Reality and the cosmos are nothing if you don't have the physical aspect...
* Tahn twirls a dagger
<Scott> Then give us a hand, Tahn,.
<Emili> ~Release me! Show me!... Help... I-I-I can't... hold myself... down any longer!~
<Scott> Haylee, Ishtar, keep trying to bring Emili back. The rest of us'll deal with Gregory.
<* Ishtar flies over and grabs Emili...!
<Leon> Just kill Emili, then we won't have to deal with her multiple personality candy ass anymore.
* Johnathan grins. "Tahn, Tahn.. reality itself is the physical aspect, isn't it?"
<Scott> Would you do the same to me and DarkStar, Leon?
<Ishtar> Fight it Emili..! You're in there still, I know it! ;_;
<Leon> I told you I would, Scott.
<Leon> And I meant it.
* Emili growls at Ishtar.
<Haylee> ~I'm trying, Emmy. I really am! Concentrate with me...we can do it together!~
<Emili> Get away from me!
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 2!
<TheStoryteller> >> Gregory's turn.
<Tahn> Au contraire. You can physically cause pain without reality.
* Haylee focuses the power of her mind and tries to bring the good Emili out!
* Emili kicks Ishtar in the stomach.
<Gregory> Foolish.. so very foolish..
<Tahn> Guys... I'd watch out..
<Scott> Good idea, Tahn.
<Emili> ~.... Haylee... I'm.... sorry....~
* Ishtar groans, but refuses to let go...
<Leon> Fools.
<Haylee> ~It's not your fault, Emili. I know....~
<Johnathan> That's a new one to me, Tahn.
<Johnathan> ...um.. I have a lovely feeling about this..
<Leon> Oh just shut up and fight!
<Tahn> I know my teacher. He doesn't toy around when backed into a corner..
<Emili> ~Please...forgive me....for this....~
<Haylee> ~There's nothing to forgive. It wasn't you!~
* Gregory lifts the staff and chants.. "Chaotic Disturbance..."
<Scott> This can't be good, folks.
<Tahn> Oh sweet ALTHENA. We're fucked.
<TheStoryteller> >> The entire party looses all of their actions!
<Scott> Oh shit.
<Haylee> Aahh--!!
<Leon> Hey!
<Gregory> Oh how sweet... what can you do with no time to do it, hmm?
<Tahn> I can do plenty.
* Emili telepathicaly sends a jolt into Haylee revealing all her memories!
<Tahn> I can let you think you've won.
<TheStoryteller> >> However, the spell reflects upon Gregory from Haylee's mirror... she regains her action. Tahn can still move beacuse of Scott's shield..
<Haylee> AGGGH! O_o
* Haylee struggles.
<Jack> Haylee??
* Emili screams. "No!"
<Johnathan> Haylee!
<Haylee> E...Emili...th...hose memories...they're fake...
<Scott> HAYLEE!
<Haylee> They...are twisted...
<Haylee> They'...they aren't...rea..real...
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn's turn.
<Leon> What the fuck just happened?
<Haylee> They can't be...we...we never killed your mother!
* Emili is suddenly covered in a brillant white light!!
<Gregory> Give me your best shot Igtenos. I'm right here.
<Haylee> Emili...!
* Ishtar is blinded and flies backwards..
* Gregory turns his head....
<Tahn> Teacher, dear...You taught me this move... I was so innocent then.. I didn't know what you were doing. You didn't know I'd find out... and then we turn to today.
* Haylee focuses the power of her mind, trying to show Emili the truth.
* Tahn takes the advantage and shoves his dagger straight into Gregory's head! O_o
<Scott> COME ON, TAHN!
<Gregory> What is this..?
* Tahn pumps a countless quantity of wind mana into it as he attacks...
* Gregory is caught unawares.. Tahn gets 10 damage in!
<Gregory> You wretched swine.. begone..
* Tahn jumps back into his previous formation.
<Jack> No....I felt like I've already lost one friend.....I don't want to lose another. EMILI SNAP OUT OF IT, DAMN YOU!!!!
<Tahn> Sometimes... the smallest insects..
* Gregory sends Tahn flying as he hits the ground hard!
* Tahn hits the ground HARD.
<Ishtar> Emili.. what?
* Haylee can do no more, mental power drained, and falls to her knees, staring blankly at the ground.
* Tahn gets up, shrugging off the pain as much as possible
<Scott> John, if we can cast next turn, go ahead and cast twist..
<Scott> TAHN, GIVE US A HAND HERE.
<Tahn> ..can cause the most debilitating diseases.
<Tahn> I'm trying.
* Emili yells from inside the pulsing orb of light. "Gregory...."
* Gregory turns to confront Emili, ignoring the battle...
* Tahn uses the advantage to get another shot in!
<Gregory> So...
<Scott> This could be our chance, John....
* Leon hmphs.
<Tahn> NOW, you two!
<Leon> I don't understand a fucking thing here.
<Gregory> Is this the true form?
* Johnathan kneels next to Haylee, looking worried. "Haylee.. snap out of it.."
* Emili bursts from the orb of light sending a brillant jolt across the area. When the lights dim, Emili stands there in beautiful white wings with a small shade of purple. She's covered in a brillant white dress that appears also to be armor.
* Emili glares at Gregory.
<TheStoryteller> >> Gregory loses his concentration.. everyone can attack...
* Haylee stares at the ground still.
<Tahn> That what you wanted, guys?
<Leon> OK..Batigirl's being nuts again..a killer ferret that talks..what in the fuck is going to happen next?
* Gregory stares back at her.
<Tahn> With luck, Leon..
<Tahn> We kick his ass.
<Gregory> Ah yes, I knew it.. but can you control such power?
* Emili holds her hand out high. "Stars of the Wind!"
<TheStoryteller> >> There's a low rumble that shakes the very ground....
<Haylee> ....
* Scott yells out, "JOHN, TAHN, NOW!" as he raises a hand as the forces of the cosmos begin to surround his whole being....Soon, a rain of stars shoots down upon Gregory...SHOOTING STARS!
<TheStoryteller> >> A shaft of light appears in Emili's hand, becoming a sword. It glistens with starlight.
* Emili whirls the sword and slashes into Gregory, splitting him into two halves!
* Jack looks in awe......
* Leon just shuts up.
<Johnathan> Haylee! Haylee?
* Haylee simply looks at the ground still, in a daze.
* Emili takes a step back.
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili splits Gregory in two.. as the rain of stars pummels the halves into nothingness.
* Johnathan shakes her lightly.
* Tahn facefaults
<TheStoryteller> >> Stellar Rain!! Gregory takes 4000 damage.
* Johnathan looks up sharply. "Holy.."
<Scott> HOLY SHIT!
* Tahn buh-blinks
* Emili looks at the party and smiles.
<TheStoryteller> Then you hear his voice in the chamber...
<Leon> What in the hell was that?
* Haylee doesn't seem to react to the lightshow. In fact, she doesn't seem to react to anything.
* Scott looks up at Emili and gives her a thumbs up.
<Gregory> Ahaha.. just as I suspected.. a shame you used it on your own flesh and blood, dear Emili..
* Emili suddenly loses her balance. "Unuh..."
<Emili> ...What...?
* Scott runs up to Emili.
<Scott> You ok, kid?
* Jack runs to Emmi.
<Emili> How...?
<TheStoryteller> In Gregory's place stands a hulking black creature.. it's nearly as tall as the room.
<Scott> Don't ask me...
* Leon turns to check on Bree, since he's confused and stuff.
<Ishtar> Emili.. what did you do? o_o
<Scott> But looks like time to lay the smack down again, Emmi.
<Haylee> ...
<Emili> ....No....
<Tahn> Gregory... pulling the same trick the Mahou Kotei pulled. 1100 years ago. I thought you'd have more originality than that.
<Gregory> You may have beaten my human form, but this is far from over.
<Emili> Gregory's.... my....father....
<Emili> I.... my power won't work on him!
<Jack> You mean this Gregory guy isn't human?
<Scott> Yeah...looks like it.
<Gregory> Hardly.. don't even associate me with you base creatures.. I Zeio, am older than time itself..
<Johnathan> ..what the..
<Zeio> And since you were so kind to take Emili back from me...
<Jack> Oh boy, another nut case. Here we go!
* Emili breathes hard.
* Zeio levels his red-eyed, demonic glare at Haylee...
<Tahn> What?!
<Scott> Emmi, let's take his sorry ass out....
<Tahn> HAYLEE!
<Scott> HAYLEE!
* Haylee's head rises slowly.
<Ishtar> I'm getting us out of here.. we can't fight him like this..
<Emili> Stop him...before...unuh... he gets Haylee!
<Zeio> Come to me, Haylee.
<Jack> Good Idea, Ish....
<Tahn> NO!
<Scott> ISHTAR, GET US TO THE NEAREST TOWN!
<Johnathan> Leave her alone, damn you!
* Haylee rises slowly, almost like a puppet, to her feet. "Yes..."
* Ishtar starts chanting... it's a teleport....
* Leon lifts Bree back up over his shoulder, "Lets go."
* Johnathan forms a sphere on energy, and launches it at the large... well.. thing.
<Tahn> Leave her out of this, you fucker!
<Johnathan> ..damn... damn..
* Scott sends another rain of stars at the monster.
<TheStoryteller> Johnathan's and Scott's spell do nothing.
* Haylee's pupils dissappear and her eyes become blurred as she walks toward Gregory...
* Emili tries to get up but falls on her stomach.
<Zeio> Sing for me Haylee.. sing your black song of destruction for the world..
<Jack> Not again....
<Scott> Ishtar, get us OUTTA HERE!
* Haylee turns to the party, with a blank face. "Yes..."
<Johnathan> Haylee! No! Get away from him!
<Ishtar> Oh no.. Haylee... ugh.. she's.. too far...! o_o
* Haylee begins to sing...a song that you haven't heard before...a dark song...
<Emili> My.... body... its too weak... to hold it any longer...
<Scott> We'll have to come back to save her...for now, a strategic retreat is in order...LET'S GO!
* Scott uses his body to shield Emili...
<TheStoryteller> Everyone's ears reel at the melody.. it seems to eminate pain...
<Tahn> Ugh..
<Tahn> H...Haylee...
<Scott> I hate to do this, but someone's gonna hafta knock her out...
<Leon> Actually, that's not a bad song.
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar finishes the spell.. as everyone starts fading out.. o_o
<Johnathan> Haylee! Stop! Get...
<Ishtar> I can't get.. h.... Hayleeee...
<Jack> Figures that Leo would like it......
<Scott> HAYLEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!................
* Haylee's face and eyes are blank...no recognition. Nothing as the party fades away...
<TheStoryteller> The party vanishes without a trace.
<Zeio> *laughs* An eye for an eye.
~~ SESSION END ~~
Session Close: Mon Aug 16 01:24:19 1999