Lunar: Illusions of Grandeur - Logs

Chapter 13 - "Nightmare's End"

New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Various NPCs
Lucca as Bunny Girl Marie

Session Start: Sun Sep 12 22:23:20 1999

<TheStoryteller> We last left the group beginning the ascent up Zeio's evil tower... the sound of Haylee's ominous song echoing through the halls.

Zeio's Fortress, Spiral Stairway

* Scott wanders up the steps to Zeio's fort, hand on the hilt of his sword.
* Leon is silent.
* Tahn follows with Scott-san.
* Leon, of course, bubbles in anger though.
* Emili toddles along happily.
<Jack> So how high does this place go anyway?
* Bree pops Leon's angry bubbles with her new dagger.
<Scott> Pretty darn high, Jack.
<Jack> I knew I should've exercized more often....
<TheStoryteller> Except for the singing, the whole place is eerily quiet.
* Emili looks up.
* Johnathan walks inward, a look of firm resolve on his face as he stares around the interior of the altered sunken tower.
* Leon still hasn't said anything.
<Emili> Quiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiet.......
<Scott> It's too quiet, Emmi.....kinda eerie if you ask me.
<TheStoryteller> Looking up, Emili sees the center of the spire is open... it goes up a long way...
* Emili calls out "Hello!" just to hear her echo.
* Tahn jumps nearly 5 feet from Emili's sudden quiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiet.
* Bree pats the wall every few feet. "<q> Boring boring boring....."
<TheStoryteller> Emili's voice doesn't come back.
* Jack covers his ears after Emili's "Quiiiiet!". "Agh...Not anymore..."
<Emili> Aw pooh .
<Scott> But there's this air of evil around here. Do you guys feel it, Tahn, Johnathan?
<Emili> Evil...?
<Emili> Ummmm.....
<Johnathan> Thick in the air.. it's almost palpable... but its irrelevant.
<TheStoryteller> The staircase spirals around the center... there's not much in common with the old sunken ruins at all.
<Emili> Feels kinda warm to me...
* Leon just walks along, stewing in his own hatred.
<Jack> What floor are we on?
<Emili> Ummm....
<Scott> You could cut the evil aura in this place with a kodachi.
* Johnathan starts on the stairs.
<Bree> This isn't a departmant store Jack.. I dont think they're labeled...
* Emili touches the floor.
<Tahn> ..
<Emili> Hard floor?
<Ishtar> Is there even a floor number? It's just one big staircase...
<Scott> Then let's start going up.
* Emili darts up the stairs.
* Scott begins to ascend the staircase.
<Leon> ...
* Tahn goes up the stairs.
* Bree scratches her head. "I don't exactly want to climb to my death..."
<Johnathan> Then stay if you wish, Bree.. but believe me.. we will NOT die... not now.
<TheStoryteller> Up you go, higher, and higher, Haylee's song growing louder.
* Jack looks over the side. "Yike...I think it'd hurt to fall over the railing right now..."
<Emili> Cool song!
<TheStoryteller> You notice that as you ascend the walls become very thin.. almost as if they aren't there, allowing you to see outside.
<Emili> I wonder who's singing that...
* Bree sighs "Hai..." *walks up the stairs with the rest against her better judgement*
<Tahn> ...
* Emili touches the walls to see if they're still there.
<Ishtar> It's Haylee, Emili.. Gregory's making her..
* Tahn keeps his cool, even though it looks like he could fall..
<TheStoryteller> Emili's hand is met by a smooth surface. They are solid alright.
<Johnathan> ..sing this... I hesitate to call it a song..
<Scott> Well, we know what we have to do here. We've gotta kill Gregory/Zeio/whatever the hell he's called.
<Leon> ..it's not as bad as her normal shit.
<TheStoryteller> She also sees exactly how high up you are...
<Johnathan> I've got an idea, Leon. Why don't you stuff it?
<Emili> Wow!
<Emili> What-A-VIEW!!
<Emili> Woo!
<Emili> ^_^
<TheStoryteller> In the distance from the Glacier you spot tiny ships crossing the vast ocean.. Zlyk's armada.
* Bree starts to sing along with the song.
<Leon> How about you come over here and make me, kid.
* Emili stops and looks down.
* Johnathan glances back, an odd light breifly in his eyes. "It's a long, cold fall from here, Leon."
<Scott> Well, I wouldn't want to fall from this distance.
<Tahn> It's also not that long before Sneezy gets here. We need to hurry up..
<Jack> I wouldn't be one to want to jump over the side right now...
* Emili keeps looking down.
* Leon nods, "Remember that."
* Emili beats on the invisible wall.
<Emili> Can't fall, see?
<Jack> Hmph...
<Emili> The wall's still there.
* Bree stops singing for a moment. "Sneezy? Isn't that one of the 7 dwarves?" *smiles big, then picks up singing that song again*
<Emili> Just can't see it!
<Scott> You mean Zlyk's armada...we've gotta haul ass before they get here.
<Tahn> Hai, Zlyk.
<TheStoryteller> Abruptly the singing stops.
* Bree looks around at everyone, trying to determine their moods.
<Scott> Oro? The singing stopped.
<Leon> ..I was just starting to like that too.
* Emili quickly climbs up the stairs.
<Jack> Um...What's going on?
* Scott starts up the stairs faster.

Zeio's Fortress, Pinnacle

<TheStoryteller> The top of Zeio's Fortress... Haylee turns at the sound of Zeio's harsh voice. Across from him is Virtue, chained to the crystalline wall.
<Haylee> Master...?
<Zeio> Why don't you just cooperate and save yourself the pain..?
<Zeio> Tell me what I need to know Virtue.. or else I will sues Haylee here to extract it from your very mind.
<Virtue> No. I will not reveal it to you. You will only work for your selfish desire to change the world.
* Haylee takes a few steps closer...her heels clacking against the crystalline floor.
<Zeio> Be reasonable.. we both have something each other needs... now, one last chance.
<Zeio> Who are the keys to unlock the seal?
* Haylee is silent, but narrows her dead-looking eyes at Virtue...
* Virtue remains silent.
* Zeio lifts a dark hand to Haylee.
* Haylee looks up.
<Zeio> Begin the interrogation...
* Haylee smiles darkly. "Yes...Master Zeio."
<Virtue> Who is the hostage here, indeed...
* Haylee walks toward Virtue and harshly grabs hold of her face, cupping it in her hands.
<Haylee> Resisting this will only make it more difficult. Don't resist...
<TheStoryteller> There is a surge of power as Haylee tries to force herself into Virtue's mind.. o_o
<TheStoryteller> Haylee sees a brief cloud over her mental vision... Virtue is resisting too strongly.
<Haylee> She is resisting me, Master...
<Zeio> More Haylee.. we must know the secret..
<Haylee> Yes...
* Haylee increases her power!
<Zeio> Even if it means your demise, I will still win.. hehe...
<TheStoryteller> Again the fog.. but somehow you make it through..
<TheStoryteller> Past it you see something strange.
<TheStoryteller> There is a crystal, floating in space... Inside you see a black haired young man.. he sees to be in some sort of hibernation.
* Haylee blinks at this...
<TheStoryteller> You are abruptly thrown out..
<Haylee> Aahh!
<Virtue> Enough.. please stop this..
<Haylee> A crystal...I saw a black haired man sleeping in a crystal...
<TheStoryteller> Haylee reels from the mental backwash.
* Haylee holds her head and falls to her knees.
* Virtue suddenly glows blue... her breathing stops.
<Haylee> ...What is she doing?
* Haylee recovers slightly, pulling herself to her feet.
<Zeio> Clever.. she's going into suspended animation to stop us..
<Haylee> Is there any way to pull her out of it?
<Zeio> It's only a matter of time. Get ready for the next stage, Haylee.
<Haylee> ...Yes Master.

Zeio's Fortress, Spiral Stairway

<TheStoryteller> The party continues upward towards Zeio's room. You all note a blue glow that eminates from above.
* Tahn is still climbing stairs... as is everyone else...
<Scott> Eh?
* Tahn stops and looks up at the blue light. O_o
* Leon doesn't look at the light, just continues.
<Scott> Let's get moving....that's got to be from Virtue or Haylee.
* Scott starts up the stairs faster.
* Johnathan keeps walking. "How strange..."
* Tahn walks up the stairs faster as well.
* Emili flies up the steps.
* Bree looks up, stumbling on the stairs. "Gaaah!!"
<TheStoryteller> You all reach a sort of platform near the top....
<Jack> *Huff*...*Wheeze*.....Just....keep going....I'll *Cough* Catch up......*Wheeze*....
* Ishtar helps Bree up.
<Scott> Hmm....this must take us to the top.
<Johnathan> Can you feel that, Tahn? It's an.. unusual feeling, coming from there..
<Leon> ...hmph
<TheStoryteller> Before you is a door, but it seems to have no lock or even knob.
<Scott> Unusual feeling?
* Emili starts banging it with her fists.
* Bree hangs her head, dusting herself off. "T..thanks..." *breathes in, looks up and smiles*
* Leon pushes the door, attempting to open it.
<Tahn> Yeah..
<Tahn> It's not quite..
<Ishtar> Don't worry, Bree.. we're almost there.. :)
<Tahn> Not quite evil.. but it's definitely something.
<Emili> Stand back!
<Scott> Feels like some sort of magical energy field...
<TheStoryteller> It doesn't seem to have any effect.
<Emili> I'm gonna bust it open!
* Jack crawls to the platform. "....*Huff*....*wheeze*...."
* Bree nods with a smile. "Hai.. I'll try not to worry..."
<Leon> Get back Batgirl, I can handle this.
* Emili casts Thunder Wall on the door.
* Ishtar goes to pick up Jack as well.. ^^
<Jack> *Gasp*....Heh....Don't worry about me, Ishtar...
<TheStoryteller> The thunder hits the door full on, but it escapes even the slightest charring.
<Leon> I said get back.
<Scott> Step back, Emmi.
* Johnathan lets a little energy gather on his hand, and touches the door, looking for any effect.
* Leon pushes on the door more.
<Emili> Hmmm...
* Bree goes up next to Leon. "Why not say, Open Sesame!" *smiles*
<Emili> Maybe a bigger spell!
<TheStoryteller> Johnathan's spell doesn't seem to work..
* Scott surrounds his hand in the primal forces of the cosmos as he tries to help John.
* Emili begins casting Dragon Anger.
<Leon> ..because I want the door to open.
<TheStoryteller> You then notice something about the archway.
* Jack looks at Leon. "I see having no feelings can give a person an unlimited amount of stamina...*huff*..."
<Tahn> Ano? What's that?
* Emili stops and looks up.
<Scott> Eh?
* Leon doesn't answer to Jack.
<TheStoryteller> Around it are some kind of jewels, layed in succession.
<Tahn> Something about this...
<Emili> Ooh!
<Emili> Pretty!
<TheStoryteller> They are yellow, green, and brown.
* Scott looks at the jewels.
* Bree runs over and tries to take them. ^^;
<TheStoryteller> The yellow one seems to be shimmering..
<Tahn> Hmm.
* Emili flies up to the top of the Archway and steals the yellow one.
<Leon> ..use air and earth magic now.
<TheStoryteller> Emili nor Bree can yank it out. It's embedded too firmly.
* Emili thinks hard.
* Tahn surrounds his hand in a green aura. "Jack! Your spells could help here..!"
* Emili tries pulling the green one.
<Jack> Huh? Oh, Yeah!!
<Leon> The door should open if you use Earth and Air magic.
<Johnathan> Green and brown.. plant and earth?
<Tahn> Emmi! Get OUT of the WAY!
<Leon> Green is air.
<Bree> Hmm.. I guess this isn't my area...
<Scott> What about the yellow?
* Jack concentrates on casting Earth magic....
<Johnathan> Perhaps..
<Tahn> Winds of fury...
<Scott> What could that represent?
<Leon> Yellow is Thunder.
<Leon> Which Batgirl already used.
<Tahn> Winds of Wrath...
<Tahn> Air Slash!
<Johnathan> The yellow has been taken care of, Scott..
* Tahn casts Air Slash on the door.
<TheStoryteller> Emili is nearly blow away by the gust.. ^^
<Emili> Wee!
<TheStoryteller> The green begins to glow.
<Leon> Now use earth magic.
* Tahn sweatdrops. "I told you to get out of the way, Emmi-chan."
<Leon> Easy enough.
* Jack casts earth magic on the Jewel.
* Emili, due to her ignorance, pulls at the brown one.
<TheStoryteller> A lance of earth shoots from Jack's hand, the brown gem absorbing it. Emili nearly gets impaled this time. ^^
<Jack> Uh, is that a good thing?
* Tahn sweatdrops again. "Emmi.."
<Tahn> Hai.. I think it is..
<Tahn> Wait.. Brown..
<TheStoryteller> The three shine in sequence and then darken once more.
<Leon> Impaling Batgirl? That would be a good thing.
<Tahn> Oro?
* Leon pushes on the door again.
<Tahn> Why did it..?
* Bree sweatdrops. "Oi.. I thought people learned from experience..." *starts singing the song again to herself*
<Johnathan> Lovely.. an order...
<TheStoryteller> The door begins to clear, like a murky pool.
<Tahn> Whoa.
<Johnathan> ..or not..
<TheStoryteller> Leon goes right through it in ripples.. :)
<Johnathan> ..convoluted door openings. Or not. Lovely.
<Scott> Yipes...
* Johnathan attempts, at least, to follow Leon.
* Leon stumbles for a second, but continues on.
* Scott starts through the door.
* Tahn walks through the door.
<Leon> Listen to me more often next time.
<Jack> Wow....I never thought this earth magic would be of any real use....hmm...you learn something new....*Walks through the door*
* Bree pats at the door, then walks through it.
* Leon continues walking, not waiting for the others.

Zeio's Fortress, Middle Chambers

<TheStoryteller> You all enter into a chamber that by your figuring is about halfway up...
* Bree leaps on Leon's back. "Wee! Free ride!"
* Leon doesn't buckle from Bree's added weight, he just keeps walking.
<TheStoryteller> The walls are more of the smooth clear crystal. Ahead in the room is a lift.
* Tahn gets on the lift. Simple enough.
* Scott walks up to the lift..silent in his thought.
* Bree covers Leon's eyes. "Hey.. wait for the rest.. you're being reckless..."
<Jack> Thank goddess! At least it isn't more stairs!
<TheStoryteller> As Scott steps on it, nothing happens.
<Leon> ...could you not be a back seat driver?
* Johnathan steps onto the lift cautiously.
* Leon steps onto the lift.
* Emili runs up to the lift.
* Bree laughs and starts pointing in random directions. "That'a'way!"
* Jack gets on the lift.
<Tahn> Bree... I think you're having a little too much fun tormenting Leon..
<TheStoryteller> At your feet you see three holes in the floor.
<Tahn> Oro?
<Scott> Eh?
<Tahn> What're these for? Is this like the door?
<Leon> Looks like another puzzle.
<Tahn> Hmm..
* Emili steps on one of the holes.
<TheStoryteller> They are shaped a bit like a diamond, a circle, and a dot.
* Bree hangs on Leon's back. "I might as well have some fun on this trip... it's not like I do anything else right?"
<Leon> ...riding on my back is..fun?
* Jack scratched his head.
<TheStoryteller> Emili gets her foot caught on the diamond one,, it looks deep. ^^
<Bree> I dont know.. you're not moving at the moment...
* Leon takes out a bullet and puts it into the dot.
<TheStoryteller> There's a click. The bullet fits perfectly.
<Leon> Easy.
<Johnathan> Nice thinking, Leon.
<Tahn> Oro?
<Jack> Hey, I like these puzzles!
<Tahn> What's the diamond and the circle then?
<Leon> Next we need a sword.
<TheStoryteller> The circle looks shallow...
<Leon> Or a dagger.
* Scott slides his katana, still in it's Saya, in the diamond.
* Emili pulls her foot out of the diamond thing.
<Bree> Diamond is a blade...
<TheStoryteller> Scott's blade falls to about halfway, and there's another click.
<Leon> The circle is probably soem sort of staff.
* Leon eyes Johnathan
<Scott> That's John's department.
<Tahn> Staff... John, that would be your calling.
* Emili toys around with her glaive....
<Jack> Alright...now Circle....
<Tahn> Magic... then weapons.. I see a pattern to these puzzles.
* Johnathan sets the end of his staff down into the circle.
<Johnathan> I don't think so, but..
<TheStoryteller> Johnathan's staff can't be put in... it's too wide and shallow.
<Tahn> Hmm.. lemme try this...
* Johnathan pulls it out. "Thought not."
* Tahn tries putting in a Star Light..
<Scott> Emmi, your staff might do the job.
* Emili looks at Scott.
<TheStoryteller> The starlight is still a bit small, being less than the size of a hand.
<Emili> What's a staff?
<Tahn> Hmm..
* Tahn takes it back..
<Leon> Maybe an axe?
* Bree points at the circle over Leon's shoulder. "What about a coin? Doesn't fit the pattern.. but..."
<Scott> Your weapon, Emmi.
<Emili> Oh!
<Bree> How about the hilt of a weapon?
<Tahn> Jack?
<Emili> My pointy stick!
<Jack> Maybe...?
<Scott> yeah.
<Leon> ..these are made for us..we're expected.
* Jack puts the handle part of the axe into the hole.
<Tahn> You've got a point there, Leon..
<Leon> I know.
<Scott> It would appear so, Leon...I think Zeio is wanting this confrontation.
<Johnathan> Yeah..
<Tahn> We better expect them too..
<TheStoryteller> Jack's axe handle doesn't fit.
* Bree says right into Leon's ear. "It's kinda obvious ne?" *smiles*
* Emili inserts Snowy Kitties into the circular hole.
<Jack> Ah well, it's worth a try.
<Tahn> Hmm..
<TheStoryteller> Again, it's too narrow and shallow for the glaive.
* Tahn tries to put a Shinobi edge into the circle, hilt-first.
<Leon> I doubt that'll work.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn's dagger falls into the hole edgewise, but still nothing.
<Emili> Oh.... I think I know!
<Tahn> Anyone else have any bright ideas?
<Jack> Hmm...
* Tahn takes his dagger and re-pouches it.
<Ishtar> What could it be...
* Bree looks at her weapons to see if they'd fit.
* Emili uses Vega Slice on the hole!
* Scott looks at Bree. "Your weapon maybe?"
<TheStoryteller> Emili bounces off the crystal floor.. ^^
<Emili> Wee! ^_^
* Tahn looks at Emili the human pinball and chuckles a little.
* Bree hops off Leon and sits at the circle, trying to put her weapons into the hole.
<TheStoryteller> Bree can't seem to find a weapon that'll fit right.. but as she thinks, she notices four to five grooves in the hole.
* Bree wiggles her finger in there and tries to stick her fist in.
<TheStoryteller> Bree's fist fits perfectly. ^_^
<TheStoryteller> The lift lurches and shoot upward, Bree's hand still stuck in it. ^^
<Jack> Well, that's interesting....
<Emili> Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
<Emili> Fun! ^_^
* Bree pulls at her fist. "I... I'm stuck...."
<Scott> Good thing Misogi is still in it's saya.
<Jack> I don't think we'd want to remove the weapons while we're going up.....
* Leon grabs Bree around the waist and pulls a little.
<TheStoryteller> The walls blaze by. Soon you stop...
<Johnathan> You'll probably be able to get free by the time it stops, Bree.. I hope.
<Bree> Heey! Dont grab me! *flails*
<TheStoryteller> Bree gets free..
<Leon> You're welcome.
<TheStoryteller> Your weapons fall to the floor, as well.
* Tahn hands Misogi back to Scott.
* Scott takes Misogi and puts it back under his belt, still in sheath.
<Leon> I hate being toyed with.
* Bree pops free, back towards Leon. "Gaaah!"
* Leon catches her without moving.
<Leon> Careful.
<TheStoryteller> Bending down, you see a hall before you. It's lined with gargoyles, and other carvings of mythic beasts.. At the end is a large gate.
<Tahn> ...Gee. This is a pleasant decor.
<Scott> Tell me about it.
<Johnathan> Patience, Leon... very soon, it'll be our turn to toy with him.
* Emili rushes up to the gate.
<Jack> Wow....Nice place...
<Ishtar> This is creepy...
* Tahn walks down the hall, hoping that nothing leaps out to attack him.
* Scott walks up to the gate.
* Johnathan starts down the hallway.
* Emili busts it down with her glaive.
* Bree grins at Leon, giving him the V sign. "I'm fine."
* Leon sets Bree on the ground, "Good."
<TheStoryteller> Thankfully nothing does leap out, but you feel distinctly watched.
<Jack> So who wants to knock?
* Leon starts towards the gate.
<TheStoryteller> Emili bounces off the door, making a hollow sound. :P
<Leon> I can do it.
<Scott> Zeio's watching us through these statues. I can feel it.
<Leon> Unless it's another stupid puzzle.
<Tahn> Since John hasn't had any part of these little puzzles, I think it's his turn.
* Bree leaps on Tahn. "BOO!"
<Tahn> Gah!!
<Emili> Hmmm...
* Bree laughs. "You looked on edge!"
<Emili> Very funny!
* Tahn lands on the floor..face first.. ^^;
<Jack> Another puzzle! Great!
* Leon gives the gate a push.
<Tahn> Ow.. ^^;
<Emili> This thing is being a meanie!
* Scott looks for any sign of the puzzle.
<Tahn> Guys...
* Johnathan looks for any puzzle-like markings.
<TheStoryteller> It doesn't move. But Leon sees some writing.
* Leon reads.
* Emili pushes at the gate.
<Tahn> The only ones that haven't had part in the puzzles are John and Ishtar... maybe they have something to do with this one..
<TheStoryteller> "Embrace me with the Angel of Chaos and you shall pass."
* Bree lands on Tahn. "S.sorry..." *giggles*
<Scott> Ishtar....
* Leon looks around.
<Tahn> Angel of chaos.... Ishtar, I assume this would be your calling.
<Jack> I think this is Ishtar's....
* Bree gets off and helps Tahn up. "Really sorry..." *rubs her head*
<Ishtar> *blinks* Me?
<Johnathan> You as 'Valhalla', anyway...
<Tahn> No problem ^^; Just don't do it again ^^;
* Ishtar strides up to the doorway...
<Scott> The most confusing puzzle is yet to come....getting back Haylee and rescuing Virtue.
<TheStoryteller> She runs her hand over the surface.. after a while, a panel clicks.
<Jack> Is there anything else inscribed on that door?
<Tahn> Wait..
<Ishtar> Well.. I think that's it.. but it's not opening...
<Leon> ...
<Bree> I won't.... unless I'm bored again.." *smiles*
* Tahn looks behind him. "John. You specialize in the bending of reality... Chaos, if you will... you try the door too."
<Bree> Maybe this is where you say Open Sesame?
* Emili twiddles her glaive.
* Leon says nothing.
<Ishtar> Say, John.. try looking for the panel on the left side..
<Jack> Heh.
* Johnathan looks over the door.
<Tahn> -_- Why does noone listen to Tahn? Aiya..
<Emili> I'm an angel!
<TheStoryteller> Opposite Ishtar's hand, John spots a slight indentation.
<Leon> You're an idiot.
<Emili> Why won't it open for me?
<Johnathan> I'm listening, Tahn...
<Leon> Because you're an idiot.
<Emili> Okay fucking bastard!
* Scott watches with interest as he keeps one hand on the hilt of his katana.
<Emili> ^_^
* Tahn facefaults.
* Jack looks at Emili and Leon, and sighs.
* Bree snickers at Emili
* Johnathan forms a small aura of energy around his hand, and touches it.
* Leon nods, "That I am."
* Emili dances around Leon
<TheStoryteller> His hand becomes attached to it, almost like a magnet...
* Tahn pulls out a pair of his Shinobi Edges.
* Leon swats Emili, "Stop that, or I'll tear your wings off."
<Emili> Fucking bastard, fucking bastard, fuck bastard, tra la la la...
<TheStoryteller> The entry shudders, and slowly creeks open...
<Tahn> No time for fucking bastards, Emili.
<Tahn> The door is opening.
* Scott starts through the door.
* Tahn follows.
<Scott> Let's go.
* Leon starts through the door.
* Johnathan waits for the door to fully open before attempting to remove his hand.
<TheStoryteller> Johnathan and Ishtar's hands are released.
* Jack looks on at Leon and Emili and thinks to himself. "...I hope Whisper doesn't end up like that...."
* Johnathan falls into step.
* Emili follows along
<TheStoryteller> There's an empty room behind it.
* Bree walks along, poking Leon in the back.
<Scott> nothing here....
* Leon eyes Bree, "What?"
<TheStoryteller> However, there is something above you, shining...
<Bree> Do me a favor one day?
<Tahn> Oro?!
* Tahn looks up.
<Leon> ..which is?
* Scott looks up at the thing above.
<Bree> Smile for me. *smiles at him*
<TheStoryteller> You see the roof is completely transparent... a field of stars greets your view.
<Leon> ..I can't make any promises.
<Johnathan> Lovely... what now?
<Leon> But I don't smile.
<Scott> The stars....I think I know.
<Tahn> Nani?
<Jack> Stars...?
<Tahn> Scott-san?
* Scott nods.
<TheStoryteller> They seem to be in a pattern..
<Leon> ...got to have something to smile about.
* Bree tries poking the sides of Leon's face up into a smile.
<TheStoryteller> It's a dragon's head.
<Tahn> ...a Dragon...
<Scott> Draco...
<Scott> A dragon, the stars....
* Tahn looks back in Emili's general direction..
* Bree smiles. "Smile because I'm funny.. or that I'm silly..." *blinks at the dragon's head*
* Leon doesn't change facial expressions.
<Tahn> Emmi-chaaaaan.. come heeeeere.. ^-^
* Emili sings.
<Emili> La la de da la de da.
<Ishtar> I wonder...
<Emili> Ho hum de dum.
* Jack keeps looking at the dragon-shaped stars...
<TheStoryteller> A few of the stars twinkle at Emili's song.
* Emili looks up at Tahn
<Scott> Tahn, are you getting the same idea that I'm getting? The Dragon...the stars....combine her dragon magic with my star and see what happens.
<Emili> Yeah? =)
<Tahn> Hai, Scott.
<Leon> ..sorry, I don't have much of a sense of humor, Bree.
* Emili shrugs and goes back to singing.
<Emili> La de dum de da, keep your eyes on me!
<Tahn> Emmi-chan? ^-^
<TheStoryteller> A few more stars twinkle in succession...
<Tahn> Emmiiii-chaaaaan..
* Bree hops back up on Leon's back "Since this isn't my area.. I'll just bug Leon again." *giggles*
<TheStoryteller> Obviously, Emili is tied to them somehow.
<Tahn> EMMICHAN!!
<Tahn> -_-
* Emili looks up.
* Leon doesn't move.
<Tahn> Keep singing. ;)
<Emili> What?
* Scott closes his eyes as he begins to chant. "Hear me now, great celestial powers of the cosmos. Let your presence be known. Lend me your strength to solve the riddle before us." Scott then raises both hands above him as a star forms between his hands.
<Emili> Umm... kay
<TheStoryteller> Scott's star floats upward from his hands...
<Emili> I'll sing really good!
<Emili> Watch!
<TheStoryteller> It becomes the Dragon's right eye...
<Tahn> ..Ah!
<Bree> <w in Leon's ear> Is something wrong?
<Tahn> Emmi... Try casting Dragon Anger on the ceiling.
* Emili begins singing a long verse in a foreign langauge.
<Leon> Loads of things are wrong...but I can't do anything about them.
* Tahn sweatdrops and taps Emmi on the shoulder "Hey..umm..."
<TheStoryteller> Emili gets a larger reaction from the starfield this time.
* Bree sighs. "Anything I can do to help?"
* Tahn sweatdrops again.
<Tahn> Emmi-chaaaaaaan.
* Emili keeps hanging on a single note.
<Leon> ..No.
<TheStoryteller> Emili's voice is carried upwards...
<Leon> ...there's nothing that can be done.
* Bree puts an arm around Leon, patting his chest. "What little thing would make you feel better right now? Something small..."
* Scott keeps concentration on the star he created with his magic.
<TheStoryteller> The whole celestial pattern winks in tune to her, synchronizing on the note... they all begin moving.
* Emili starts turning a slight shade of blue.
<Leon> ..nothing, really. I don't have...wants anymore.
<TheStoryteller> They start getting bigger.. bigger.. until...
<TheStoryteller> The image of the dragon crashes into you as you are blinded..
<Scott> -_-x
<Tahn> This isn't going to feel pleasant @_@
* Bree watches the happenings over Leon's shoulder. "No little thing? Like... wearing my bunny ears?" *screams as she's blinded*
* Emili stops on the note and pants.
<Jack> Agh!!
<Emili> Oooh...
* Leon shades his eyes, "That would not make me happy, no."
<Emili> Head toward da light....
<Emili> Wooooo.... Zeio's Fortress, Top
* Emili looks around.
<TheStoryteller> When the light subsides, you are in an elegantly funished room...
<Emili> We're here! ^_^
<Scott> This is all too strange.
<TheStoryteller> Except for the fact Zeio is right in front of you.. ^^
<Tahn> (m, to Leon) What about my head on a silver platter?
* Jack jokes. "I hath seen the light....I now know religion....heheh...."
<Emili> Hi!
<Scott> Zeio.
<TheStoryteller> Haylee is off to his side, next to Virtue...
<Zeio> Well, well, well...
<Tahn> Ah... if it isn't the master "Fucking Bastard" himself.. and his little whorenun.
* Haylee is much different looking than when you saw her last...Her skin is paler than you remember, and she's wearing a strange ribbon like skirt..and a bra that...shows a bit too much. Around her legs, chest, and face are drawn strange glyphs. Her hair is down and long, and her eyes stare at you with cold malice.
<Johnathan> Well.. indeed.
<Jack> Well Well Well WELL Well.....
* Bree reaches over and pat's Tahn's head while he's near Leon.
<Leon> No..that wouldn't make me happy.
<Zeio> It appears you aren't the little chickens I thought you were.
* Haylee smiles coldly. "So they've arrived..."
* Bree grumbles at Zeio. "Damn.. looks like my fun time is over..."
<Johnathan> Haylee....
<Zeio> Coming to save your princess on a white horse?
* Johnathan stares at Zeio. "What have you done to her?"
<Leon> ...I'm just here.
<Emili> I wanna white horse!
<Emili> ^_^
* Scott draws Misogi from it's saya. "And for other reasons, Zeio."
<Leon> I don't have any part of this...
<Tahn> Hell NO! I'm here to kick your ass, Zeio! Whatever happens after happens!
<Emili> Hmmm....
<Zeio> Nothing Johnathan.. merely shown her the truth... hah ha...
* Emili looks at Zeio....
<Emili> Do I know you?
<Haylee> ...That's right Tahn...*chuckles* That's all you are...a puppet dancing for Zeio's pleasure...
<Johnathan> Truth... this isn't truth.
<Haylee> Or haven't you figured that out yet?
* Tahn shoots a look... and a dagger.. in Haylee's direction.
* Bree pats her pockets. "Damn.. left my white horse in my other pants..."
<TheStoryteller> Zeio looks at Emili.. she feels scared looking into his eyes..
* Johnathan blasts the dagger out of the air.
* Emili clutches her head.
<Jack> This may seem a bit cliche but.....I don't like the looks of this....
<Emili> Ow.....
<Haylee> ...Ha ha ha...That's right...
<Johnathan> Don't, Tahn.
<Zeio> No.. it's not the truth...
<Tahn> You think I haven't realized that by now? Ever since Vane I have been... I'm trying to cut the strings now.
<Emili> Stop that...
<Emili> Y-you're....
* Leon just stands there.
<Zeio> The truth is you are a pathetic bunch of insects about to be utterly crushed beneath my heel.
* Emili flashes a grin at Zeio.
<Johnathan> Haylee.. listen to me.. to us.. not to Zeio. You belong with us.. not with him. He's decieving you.. controlling you..
<Emili> Hey Zeio!
<Haylee> Of course...and you step on others to reach your goal..pathetic...
<Scott> Now, Zeio. I think it's time you paid for all that you've done. And my sword is here to collect.
<Tahn> ...
<Jack> Now what Zeio said there was cliche....
* Bree hangs off Leon's back still. "Yeah.. come back with us Haylee!" *smiles*
<Emili> Zeio!
* Haylee ignores John, and raises her hand...Tahn gets a flash in his mind of how he treated Haylee and the others in the Shrine at Caldor.
* Tahn looks back to Bree. "Don't assume this to be a relapse of what I did back at the trial."
<Zeio> Emili...
* Leon gets a sweatdrop.
<Zeio> Come back to me. There is still time to change your mind.
* Emili grins widely and weilds her glaive menacingly.
* Tahn blinks, walks up to Haylee, looks at her... "And I'd do it again."
* Bree looks confused. "I dont know what you mean.." *sweatdrops*
* Tahn then proceeds to slap the hell out of her.
<Emili> Kiss your fucking ass goodnight!
<Johnathan> TAHN! Stand away NOW! SHE isn't our enemy!
* Zeio chuckles...
<Leon> ...I can't believe she's getting her vocabulary from me.
<Tahn> EXACTLY!
* Haylee nods. "Which is why I've sided with Zeio...because you nor anyone else cares..."
<Zeio> I see you are prepared.
<Emili> Let's fight here and now Zeio.
<Johnathan> I care, Haylee! We all do! Why do you think we came back?
<Emili> It's time to finish this!
<Zeio> But a sword and words won't save you from destruction..
<Scott> You got that right, Zeio. Now, it's time to finish what you started 19 years ago.
* Bree climbs up Leon, waving a fist. "Don't slap her!"
<Tahn> That's right. I don't give a flying fuck what happens to you, them, or Zeio. This is for the good of Lunar.
* Haylee reels back. "No, you're lying."
<Leon> How about a gun...
* Leon pulls his gun up.
<Scott> My skills will save me, pal.. as the 14th successor to my sword school.
<Haylee> No, Tahn...for the good of YOU.
<Zeio> Hardly 19 years.... The revival of the demon goddess begins now!
<Haylee> You selfish bastards....
<Zeio> You will not stop me, nor will you stop Haylee..
* Bree fights Leon's arm. "Dont you dare shoot her!" *looks at him with pleading eyes*
<Leon> Oh I've had enough of the fucking talking.
* Tahn looks at Haylee "For the good of me?? Then kill me now. I have no qualms if you do."
<Johnathan> Haylee! To hell with Tahn and Leon! The rest of us are here for you!
* Leon opens fire on Zeio.
<Haylee> What we have planned will be worse than me killing you...
* Zeio forms a familiar staff in front of him, blocking Leon's fire..
* Bree lets him fire at Zeio. ^^;
<Tahn> Oh, really... Bring it on, bitch Goddess.
<Zeio> Haylee, continue with the song.. Virtue will not last forever..
<Haylee> With pleasure..
<Zeio> I will deal with you former friends...
<Leon> You'll attempt to anyway.
<Jack> "Former" is such a harsh term....
<Johnathan> Don't do it, Haylee! He's using you!
<Scott> Zeio, I'll kill you with the very skills you fear most...
* Haylee turns to Virtue, and sings her nice litty ditty about death and destruction!
* Bree hops off Leon and tries to get near Haylee. "Don't... please?"
<Zeio> Meet your end!

BOSS BATTLE!

<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 1!
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy Single: Demonic Lord Zeio <br>
<Leon> Scott can you cut the melodrama? You're really cramping me.
<Scott> Shut the hell up, Leon...
* Johnathan watches Haylee, his eyes narrowing, and his gaze travelling to Zeio. "That does it... you're messing with our friend."
* Jack whips out "Barberella" "....Showtime!....Wait, that's cliche..."
<Leon> You should focus your anger towards the enemy.
* Scott holds Misogi in a defensive posture as he begins to concentrate on his star magic.
<Zeio> Haha... what good is your sword if you cannot use it?
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio casts Chaotic Disturbance.. Scott loses his turn!
* Emili flips her glaive into the air, spins around and catches her glaive as it comes down pointing its tip toward Zeio.
* Bree puts a hand on Haylee's shoulder, shaking her gently trying to 'wake her', "Snap out of it.... come on..."
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio can action again..
<Zeio> Sceptre of Madness, steal the voice of reason from my enemy..
* Haylee flings her hand outward and pushes Bree away, and continues to sing.
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio leaps at Ishtar, slamming her in a field of negative energy..
* Bree stumbles away looking back, hurt. "<q> H..haylee..."
<Tahn> ....
<TheStoryteller> >> Ishtar takes 17 damage... she is Muted!
<Ishtar> My.. v..voi..c....
<Tahn> Zeio..
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree's turn.
* Bree gets ready to counterstrike attacks.
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree gains counter attacking!
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn's turn.
<Tahn> Winds of Change, obscure with your power! Blur Litany!
* Tahn casts Blur Litany on Scott! Scott's body seems to fade, almost becoming one with the surroundings!
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott gains 51% dodge!
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
* Johnathan stares at Zeio, his eyes pulsing briefly with light as he traces a small shape in the air.. "Enwrap me, time.. hasten my flow... magic, shield me from the onslaught that will surely come..."
* Scott eyes Haylee.
* Haylee is still singing her song to Virtue, almost in a trance.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan casts Mystic Vigor! His two magics then flow outward, engulfing him...
<Scott> HAYLEE....Listen to me, will you. I want you to look into my eyes and remember things as they are. Zeio is manipulating you.
<Tahn> Hmm..
* Haylee either doesn't hear, or ignores Scott.
<Tahn> Is it songs you want...
* Tahn starts singing softly...
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnthan casts Swiftness! He gains an additonal turn! Johnthan casts Magic Barrier! He is protected by a reflective shield!
<Scott> DAMMIT, HAYLEE, LISTEN TO ME...
<Leon> Tahn..come on..I'm trying to fight here.
* Bree works her way around behind Haylee, trying to latch on to her back and cover her mouth.
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili's turn.
<TheStoryteller> Bree is thrown back by the sonic waves of the song..
* Haylee falters in her song slightly, looking at Tahn...
* Leon catches Bree, "Stay here."
<Scott> That's it...keep singing, Tahn.
* Haylee then looks at John...
* Bree flies back and gets caught, looking up at Leon defeated. "Sure... stay put."
* Johnathan catches her gaze. "Haylee.. please.. we're here for you."
* Emili flies upward her body is surround by a pillar of light, when it fades, silver-blue wings extend from her armor.
<Tahn> ... (quietly) o/~ Just like the sun... when my day's done... sometimes I don't like the person I've become... o/~
<Zeio> It's useless to reach her.
* Haylee's expression hardens like ice and she turns away from the party.
* Bree smiles at Leon. "Do you like holding me or something?"
<Zeio> She is already far away from you....
<Leon> Would you prefer me to let you fall into the wall?
<Johnathan> Zeio... we WILL reach her.
<Tahn> o/~ Is the enemy within or a thousand men... should I walk the path of my worse or better half? o/~
<Johnathan> You can no more prevent it than you can stop the pulse of time itself..
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili takes flight... her Dodge and Reaction are up 33!
* Bree sighs. "Gee Leon.. can't take a joke?"
<Johnathan> ....but as you'll soon see.. one can come close..
<Leon> ...I did say I don't have a sense of humor.
<Tahn> o/~ Will someone test me, every day I live? Well, the best in me is all I have to give... o/~
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott can't act! Jack's turn.
* Bree smirks. "You sure are holding me for a long time.. for someone who isn't doing it for fun..."
* Scott holds Misogi ready to strike when he gets the chance.
* Leon puts Bree down, "I think you read too much into things."
<Tahn> o/~ I can pretend... I am the wind.. and I don't know if I will pass this way again... o/~
* Bree baps Leon. "Sheesh! Don't you get embarassed!"
* Jack holds up his axe. "This is what you get for hurting my friends....and Leo..." He lunges at Zeio.
<Leon> ..No.
<Tahn> o/~ All things must end... (very quietly) Goodbye, my friend... (normal) Think of me when you see the sun, or feel the wind... o/~
* Bree sighs. "I guess this scene is kinda romantic... he's singing to her..."
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack attacks Zeio! Attack 1: 30!, 2: 27!
* Tahn does his best to ignore that comment. :P
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's turn.
* Leon stands his ground and lets out a blood curdling scream, "Grrraaaaaaahhh!"
<Zeio> Pitiful...
<TheStoryteller> >> Leons flows with anger! He gains 40 AP!
<Tahn> o/~ I am the wind... I am the sun... and one day, we'll all be one..
* Haylee continues to sing, falling deeper into the song...and trance.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan can act again!
<Scott> Hey, Tahn, how about a little more help here and boost my attack power next turn.
* Leon looks at Bree, "Romance is a bleak feeling..a waste of emotion."
* Johnathan forms another small shape in the air as his eyes flash again, sending it to Zeio. "Lets see how badly time can betray someone, shall we?"
* Tahn repeats the last verse a few times, and starts to repeat the song..
* Bree folds her arms "You got that right...."
<Jack> <<.Com!!>>
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan casts Mystic Vigor, followed by Slacken!
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio resists the effects.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan casts Lag.. Zeio's reaction down 12!
<Leon> ...I don't like emotions.
* Tahn starts singing quietly enough that only Haylee can really hear what the lyrics are..
<Johnathan> ..oops.
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar tries slapping Zeio with her wings in frustration... 18 damage!
* Bree pokes Leon in the shoulder "Hey..."
<Johnathan> See what happens when I try doing something impressive? I mess things up... new plan.
<Leon> ...what now?

<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 2!

<TheStoryteller> >> Emili's turn.
<Bree> Teach me to kill my emotions?
<Leon> ...No.
<Zeio> I must admit you are putting up a good fight. But you shouldn't try in vain to defeat someone who will be your god.
* Emili growls forcing her power and strength to build, in the distance, a roar can be heard.
<Scott> That kills it, Zeio. You're DEAD!
* Johnathan smiles grimly. "Dear, dear fool. We're not in Vane anymore."
<Tahn> o/~ I face my destiny every day I live... and the best in me is all I have to give... o/~
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili gains 59 AP!
<Leon> You will not be like me.
* Haylee falters slightly.
<Zeio> You are right, John, this isn't Vane...
* Bree baps Leon's shoulder. "If you dont smile.. I will end up like you..."
<Zeio> This is MY world now..
<Leon> Don't lie.
<Zeio> I control what you see and think...
<Tahn> o/~ Through thick and thin.. I always will.. 'cuz I will fight both life and death to save a friend... o/~
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio's form wavers... he gains counterattacking!
<Johnathan> Your overconfidence is.. refreshingly stale, Zeio. My thoughts are my own.
<Bree> "I'm not lying.." *sighs*
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree's turn.
<Leon> You are.
<TheStoryteller> Virtue remains motionless through all this, Haylee's song is lacking some of her original power...
<Haylee> ~No...you're lying...this isn't real...~
* Scott stays silent as he eyes Zeio.
<Bree> Hold that thought Leon.. I need to let out some agression... *takes out her weapons and dashes in to fury punch*
<Johnathan> All right, Scott...
<Johnathan> ..lets see if I can't do you a favor this time around..
* Tahn repeats the song one more time.....
<Haylee> ~Stop singing that song!~
<Scott> it'd be appreciated, John....
<Leon> ...
<TheStoryteller> >> Fury Punch on Zeio! 5!, 6!, Critical! 14!, 5!, Critical! 13!, 8!
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio counterattacks!
<Tahn> ~I have no reason to stop.~
<Haylee> ~Why do you do this?~
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree is hit for 15 damage.
<Tahn> ~Friendship, love, camraderie...~
<Haylee> ~You...you are a LIAR!~
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
* Bree stumbles back. "Damn.... I let my guard down...."
<Leon> Yes, you did.
<Haylee> ~*Tahn once again sees images of himself in Caldor being...well...a prick. ^^; Even the stuffing the cloth in Haylee's mouth bit*~
<Tahn> ~Reality is a lie in and of it's self. How can you trust what you see, if you don't know you're actually seeing it?~
<Zeio> I know your attacks, before you make them..
<Haylee> ~Because you can't be trusted.~
<Scott> Tahn, remind her of the mysic ruins....
* Tahn winces slightly, but shrugs off the mental pain... and starts singing louder than before..
* Bree gives Leon another bap. "Don't agree with me on that sort of thing!"
* Johnathan repeats the by now familiar pulse of light. "Come to me, forces of magic.. and aid me in rewrapping time's tendrils where they once were.."
<Leon> ...
* Tahn pauses the song long enough to say. "She's doing a good enough job of reminiscence on her own."
* Johnathan draws lines of energy into himself as he sends a small shimmering form to Scott.
* Tahn goes back to the song... a different one than before..
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan casts Mystic Vigor, followed by Swiftness.. Scott gains an additonal action!
* Bree sighs. "Sorry Leon... I'm not myself right now..." *plays with the wound, wincing*
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan concentrates for 101 wisdom!
<Leon> ..that's fine. I am myself.
<Haylee> ~And John...heh...you're no better. You claim to be here for me, but you...all of you left me behind. All you have are lies and deciet!~
<Tahn> ~All you know is lies and deciet.~
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn's turn.
<Johnathan> ~I left against my will! Ishtar's teleport was meant to include you, but failed.. I returned as soon as I could!~
* Ishtar flails helplessly at Haylee, trying to speak to her..
<Haylee> ~Liar...Liar...~
* Tahn continues singing, and lobs a few daggers in Zeio's direction, trying to see if that helps
<Johnathan> ~NO! Hear me, Haylee! It's Zeio who's the liar!~
<Tahn> ~That is truly all you can say..?~
<Haylee> ~You...everyone...you left me...Zeio...they can't be speaking the truth!~
* Bree sweatdrops at everyone. "You know.. this is the corniest thing I've seen in my life... a sing fight..."
<Scott> ~If I could have fought to save you, Haylee, I would have...and now I'm going to. DarkStar was keeping me from hitting my target when we last faced Zeio.~
<Johnathan> ~We came back!~
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn's attack.. 1!, 2! Critical! 7!
<Leon> My thoughts exactly, Bree.
<Leon> Three stupid people, singing to each other.
<Tahn> ~All you truly know is a lie.. You think you know me, Haylee Diawen...~
<Ishtar> ~I tried to save you, please believe me, Haylee...~
* Haylee stares at Zeio with wide, vunerable eyes. ~They're lying, aren't they?~
* Bree frowns. "Yeah.. I'm not going to sing.. I'm not going to turn this fight into a musical..."
<Zeio> Silence.. stop playing with an already broken toy...
<Leon> I don't do singing.
<Zeio> Of course they are.. the whole world is a lie..
<Johnathan> ~NO! HE is the liar!~
<Haylee> ~Of course...how could I doubt....~
<Zeio> I'm the only one who will lift the viel from the world..
<Scott> ~We're here to rescue you, Haylee. We are your friends. Now, remember for once, how you helped me back in the mystic ruins? Now's my chance to repay the favor.~
<Jack> I have no clue what's going on here...and I think it's best if it stays that way....
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
* Scott rushes toward Zeio and goes right by his opponent, turning his blade to attack with a lateral slash at Zeio's midsection as he goes by..RYU KAN SEN TSUMUJI!
<Tahn> ~Zeio doesn't know how true he is... the whole world is a lie. He is a lie as well.~
* Scott lunges at Zeio bringing his blade up in a later upwards thrust at his opponent's jaw, pushing the blade with his other arm, and jumping to bring more damage to his strike....RYU SHOU SEN!
<Tahn> ~So why side with the lie that will destroy, instead of siding with the lie that protects...?~
<Haylee> ~And you are even more of a lie...Tahn...You all are! Don't confuse me! I am the one that will break all lies! Don't stop me!~
<Bree> "Gee.. I wouldn't have guessed you didn't sing Leon.." *grins*
<Johnathan> ~NO! The world is NOT a lie, but Zeio's version of it is! We're your friends, the ones who love you, Haylee.. he's using you! Trying to turn you into a mindless tool, a pawn!~
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott lances into Zeio! Misogi Katana has Critical Effect!
<Haylee> ~...Love?~
<Leon> Singing is for bleeding heart weaklings.
<Johnathan> ~And he's trying to make you LIKE it! Don't listen to him!~
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: 47!, 2: 53!
<Zeio> That wretched blade... but it's a mere stick to me...
<Haylee> ~...I...~
<Leon> ...and I am no weakling.
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio counters, sending Scott across the room.. 13 damage!
<Johnathan> ~ZEIO doesn't love you, Haylee. He doesn't care at all.. we're all just things to be used, in his eyes.. don't let him use you..~
* Bree pokes Leon in the chest. "Hey.. I sang on the walk up here.. and I'm not weak..."
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's turn.
<Haylee> ~And you supposedly love me? Ha!~
* Leon takes his normal ass kicking stance and screams yet again, "Grrrraaahhhh!"
<Scott> ~Haylee, we do care for you. Remember how we helped you against Sinel back in Reza?~
<Zeio> Haylee.. put your mind at ease.. remember who left you that day...
* Bree jumps out of Leon's way. "Gaah! Warn me when you're going to do that!"
<Scott> SHUT THE FUCK UP, ZEIO!
<Haylee> ~But...they said...it was...~
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon gains another 49 AP (scary!)
<Johnathan> ~...I... ....yes! I do... and yes.. remember who left.. but also remember who came rushing back for you..~
* Jack looks at his axe. "....Hmm....Any more adventuring and I think I'm going to retire when we're through..."
* Bree digs over her heart. "<q> I wish they'd stop singing..."
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack's turn.
* Haylee holds her head, barely singing her song.
<Leon> It is horrible singing, isn't it?
* Bree laughs a little. "Yeah.. and the words suck too..." *looks down, digging*
* Jack attacks Zeio, another day another dollar.
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack's attack! 34!, 41! :)
<Haylee> ~You...you...~
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio counters.. 9 damage!
<Scott> ~Remember this. We may have left, but it was not because we wanted to. Ishtar transported us out. And we're back. Look at us. Look into my eyes. What do you see?~
<Leon> ...you know, this group is on the borderline of evil.
<Zeio> She sees the innocent eyes of a fool...
<Johnathan> ~We came back for you. Here we are.. please, don't turn away from us..~
* Haylee falls to her knees, barely able to breathe..and stops squeezing. "S...Stop it...Zeio...hel..p me..."
<Bree> What do you mean Leon?
<Scott> I'll deal with Zeio...my Katana has a critica effect on his srry ass.
* Leon looks at Zeio, "Then she better not look into my eyes..she won't like what she sees there."
* Zeio helps Haylee up...
<Zeio> Stand up. You are stronger than these weaklings..
<Haylee> ...M...Master....
<Johnathan> Leave her alone, Zeio..
<Zeio> Only you can change things..
<Haylee> ...Only me...
<Zeio> They are nothing.
<Haylee> ...Nothing..
<Johnathan> ~Don't listen to him! He's the deciever! The liar! Listen to us..~
* Haylee says this in a monotone voice, almost as if she's getting brainwashed.
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott can act again!
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's heal Ring glows.. he regains 10 HP.
<Scott> No, Zeio. You are nothing more than a liar.
* Scott rushes his opponent and quickly slices right through Zeio. FASTCUT!
<Haylee> ....You're liars....
<Haylee> I can change the world....
<Haylee> Love...frienship...you're irrelevant...
<Haylee> They're irrelevant...
<Leon> Wow, I agree with the bitch.
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's sword knocks Zeio's black form away... 28 damage!
<Johnathan> They AREN'T irrelevant!
<Scott> Anyone can. If they have the courage to do so. But what really changes the world is the power within us. The humans of this world. Zeio only wants to destroy.
* Haylee turns from the party, and begins to sing again.
<Zeio> Feelings are a sign of weakness... the whole world is weak..
* Bree looks down "<q> I'm actually starting to agree with Leon..."
<Johnathan> Haylee.. don't!
<TheStoryteller> >> Ishtar's strike misses Zeio! He counters for 14 damage!

<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 3!

* Leon stands his ground, "I am not weak. I show no feelings. I only live because Althena will not take my life."
<Scott> Oh so that's what this is. "The Strong survive and the weak die?" That was tried before, Zeio. And that person failed.
<Scott> Now that person's burning in hell. I'll see that you JOIN HIM!
<Zeio> The strong can change their environment. The weak can do nought to stop it..
<Leon> ....I'm not burning in hell.
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili's turn.
* Emili flies high into the air. "Hey Zeio, block this..."
* Leon taps his foot, "If that's the case..you should fear me."
<Scott> Then let me show you just how strong we are. And how the strong should be PROTECTING the weak!
* Emili creates a giantic spacial circular portal, it opens up bringing down dozens of meteors upon Zeio!
<Zeio> Oh.. the little child thinks she can stand up to her patriarch..
<Tahn> John..
<Tahn> Together..
<TheStoryteller> >> The meteors crash around Zeio, who dodges most of them easily.. 7 damage!
* Leon blinks, "I think that guy is ignoring me."
<Tahn> ~Haylee... John isn't the only one..~
<Leon> ...that..pisses..me...off...
<Zeio> I fear nothing...
<Zeio> It is you who should fear you end.
<Leon> I do not fear anything.
<Haylee> ~What...?~
<Leon> Bring it on, little man.
<Zeio> Fear a world where you and Althena will never have existed..
<Tahn> ~John isn't the only one..~
<Haylee> ~Who lied? Of course not.~
<Zeio> Let me show you the light...
<Zeio> Darkness beyond twilight......
<Scott> I do not fear you, Zeio. I pity you. I pity one who thinks that it's the right of the strong to dominate the rest of the world.
<Johnathan> ~I did NOT lie to you, Haylee.~
<Scott> The strong should be protecting the weak, not using them for food for your own ambitions.
<Leon> I do not fear....I am to be feared.
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio raises his staff.. he casts Forbidden Light! A huge gaping nexus of light and darkness swallows the party! o_o
<Haylee> ~No...you are the lie...~
* Jack turns to the crowd reading this RPG, "Are any of you guys writing this down?"
* Leon yawns.
<Johnathan> ~We're not the lie.. we're not the truth either, but we're looking for it. ZEIO is the lie.~
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon takes 100 damage!
* Leon stumbles to a knee.
<Haylee> ~Shut up! Shut up!~
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree takes 81! Ko'd!
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack takes 97.. 1 hp!
<Jack> D'OH!!!....
* Bree goes down, staring blankly out into space with an eerie gaze
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott takes 80! KO'd!
* Leon stands back up on both feet and takes his defensive stance, "Your power is nothing."
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili takes 44 damage.
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn takes 48!
* Tahn falls to the ground, but manages to pick himself up..
<TheStoryteller> >> John's barrier reflects the blast...
* Haylee's voice laughs mentally in your minds... Zeio takes 21 damage.
<Tahn> No.. I will not die yet..
<Tahn> ~Not until you are back with us.
<Tahn> ~I will not die.~
<TheStoryteller> >> Ishtar recieves 42 damage.
* Leon loads his rifle with a death stare on Zeio.
* Scott is dead...ok, you people happy?
<Jack> Agh....Hurt...Pain.....
* Zeio laughs maniacally...
* Tahn takes a step towards Haylee.
<Johnathan> Hrmph... so you wield the forbidden magics....
<Johnathan> ...so what?
<Tahn> ~I.~
* Tahn takes another step.
<Leon> He has no power.
<Zeio> So what? Do you desire another dose of pain?
<Leon> Bring the worse of your pain...and I will return it ten fold.
* Scott can't do a thing...I'm fucking dead...
<Haylee> ~Get away!~
<Johnathan> Poor fool.
<Jack> I dunno....umm...no.
<Tahn> ~I.~ (takes another step) ~Will.~ (step) ~Not.~ (step) ~Let.~ (step) ~You.~ (step) ~Go.~ (step)
* Leon steps on Scott's head.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
<Haylee> ~Stop! Stop or I'll kill you~
<Tahn> ~You cannot kill me. Deep down, you don't want to.~
* Bree is almost dead! Thank goddess I wont have to listen to the singing anymore! ^^
<Zeio> How about I leave you for Haylee to finish off, hmm?
* Johnathan glares at Zeio, his eyes agin flashing, brightly. "Protect me, magic.. and give me back what I have lost.. from the stores of my opponent."
* Haylee holds her hand up, which courses with mental energy.
<Jack> I guess you've heard the old term, "What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger..." I think that also works with Healing hearbs, I dunno....
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan once again casts Mystic Vigor.. he reraises his Barrier!
* Tahn holds up his hand in a similar fashion, channeling all of his inner mana into it...
<TheStoryteller> >> A thing line of force strikes out at Zeio, yanking energy out of him..
<Haylee> ~You'll kill me? You want to save me, yet you're going to kill me?~
<Johnathan> TAHN! Don't you DARE hurt her!
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio loses 90 MP!
<Tahn> ~You won't kill me, Haylee.. not after all this time. I love you, Haylee, just like John does.. I won't kill you, unless that's the only option.. I can't let you go though...~
<Zeio> You cursed magician...
<Zeio> I will show you power undremt of by mortal men.
<Haylee> ~ You're lying...! Love is ...nothing...nothing!~
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn's turn.
<Johnathan> Oh, there's some debate as to whether I'm cursed or not...
<Leon> ...Forbidden magic...cursed magicians..fuck all that, I'm the guy with the fucking gun.
* Tahn channels any remaining mana into his other hand and casts Heal Litany on himself..
<Jack> Try saying that when you run out of bullets, Leo.
<Johnathan> ~Its important, Haylee. It IS... its one thing we know exists.. listen to us, Haylee.. not to Zeio..~
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn is healed to maximum!
* Leon closes the chamber of his rifle, "OK, now who needs some of this medication?"
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack's turn.
<Haylee> ~...No...~
* Jack uses all the strength he has left and makes a desperate swipe at Zeio....
<Tahn> ~Yes. I will not attack unless you provoke. Deny the lies that Zeio is spoon-feeding you. I will bring you back to us if it kills me!~
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack attacks like a Kamizake! Attack 1: 36!, 2: Critical! 66!
<Haylee> ~..Then you'll die...because it's impossible. I know the truth...~
<Tahn> ~What is the truth? Just a popular lie.~
<Zeio> You isolent maggot.. you will die for that.
<Haylee> ~Enough of this running around in circles. My destiny beckons me.~
* Haylee turns away, and shuts off the mental links!
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio counters! 8 damage! Jack falls!
<Leon> Idiot.
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's turn.
<Jack> Heh...I made my move...that's all I wanted...*Collapses*...
* Leon aims at Zeio and opens fire, "Give my regards to the bullets."
* Tahn uses whatever strength he can to reestablish a link... and finally does...
<Tahn> ~Haylee.. I swore that I wouldn't let you go. Accept it.~
<Haylee> ~Leave me alone....~
<Scott> -_-
<Tahn> ~I will not. I love you too much.~
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon fires.. attack 1: 114!, 2: 106!, 3: Critical! 219!, 4: 108!
<Haylee> ~...please...just....stop this...~
* Scott would say something, but is unable...you know..dead and all.
* Zeio staggers back...
<Leon> Hmph.
<Johnathan> Excellent shooting...
<Leon> Fear my strength.
<Zeio> Not bad... but it won't be enough.
<Tahn> ~Give me a good, solid reason to.~
<Haylee> ~Because the Haylee you knew was a lie too...Zeio is the truth.~
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan can act again! :)
<Leon> You're a fool, Zeio. You fail to recognize strength when it's before your eyes.
<Tahn> ~We all learn to lie to get what benefits us.~
<Tahn> ~If Zeio is the truth, you must learn to lie.~
<Zeio> Oh, I don't doubt your strength.. you have come this far because of it. But it pales in comparison to my powers..
<Haylee> ~ That's ENOUGH! ~
* Johnathan glows slightly, drawing more lines of energy to himself. "Magic.. come to me now.. aid me.. strengthen me for what must be done.."
<Tahn> ~I doubt it is.
<Leon> I will strike you down with the flames of my hatred.
* Tahn taps Haylee on the shoulder. ~Boo.~
* Haylee flings her hand back and Tahn is pushed down by a mental bolt that doesn't hurt, but knocks him far enough from Hay that it startles everyone. ^^;
* Tahn picks himself up and starts back towards Haylee..
* Leon eyes Haylee, "You are so idiotic...why don't you just kill the little prick?"
<TheStoryteller> >> John proceeds to Mystic Vigor once more..
<TheStoryteller> >> He concentrates with twice the effort.. he gains an godly 198 more wisdom.. ^^
<Johnathan> Tahn.. can you handle some healing here, if its needed..?
<Tahn> ~This folly has been repeated by many a Dragonmaster with the Goddess herself. Do you think that I will let a puny, delusional singer win over me?~
<Tahn> Sure. Who needs it.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ishtar's mute wears off!
* Johnathan turns his now constantly glowing eyes back towards Zeio.
<Ishtar> Finally..!
<Haylee> ~Puny...do not push me...~
<TheStoryteller> >> Ishtar casts Revive Litany.. Scott recovers with 10 HP!
* Scott stands. Sword ready once again to strike...

<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 4!

<Ishtar> I'm sorry.. I couldn't cast earlier with that attack..
<Tahn> ~I can not push you. You seem to be moving quite well yourself.
* Haylee ignores Tahn.
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili tears into Zeio.. Attack 1: 47!, 2: 59!
<Tahn> ~Truth or lies... what does it matter? Remember the time... before Zeio... You were actually happy then. And despite any of those desperate cries you send out, I can still tell that deep down, you wish for that happiness once again.~
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio bats her away forcefully...22 damage! Ko'd!
<Leon> Batgirl is dumb.
<Zeio> Do not go against me.
<Johnathan> Zeio... you don't understand.. you look at us as mere insects.. but there's something here you're missing.
<Haylee> ~Happiness....~
<Tahn> ~Hai. Happiness.~
<Zeio> And what could I possibly be missing..
<Leon> Saneness.
<Haylee> ~I...I am....happy...now....~
<Johnathan> You're overlooking something very crucial in this battle, Zeio..
<Tahn> ~Liar.. you want to think you're happy.~
<Zeio> Hold your tongues.. while you still have them.
<Scott> ~Are you truly? What about the times you were happy before...with your friends. Look, over there...it's Bree, Leo, Emmi, Tahn, John, Jack. And I most of all would like to think of you as my friend. Please..listen to us, Haylee.~
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio extends a hand to Leon...
* Haylee shudders, her song faultering again.
* Bree isn't looking too pretty right now.. considering she's dead. ^^;;
* Leon stares at Zeio.
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's strength ebbs away.. he loses 25 HP... Zeio gains 25. Leon is KO'd.
* Leon falls forward, "..."
<Scott> Let's end this...John, I think it's time we used Rift Cut.
<Zeio> Fall before me, heroes... you can't stop the new age..
<Haylee> ~...No. That Haylee...is dead. And will remain dead....locked away...forever...~
<Johnathan> No, Scott... Oh, no...
<Johnathan> I think the time has come to go FAR beyond that...
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
<Haylee> ~You can't stop the new age!~
<Tahn> ~Forever? I doubt it. There is a key to every lock.~
<Tahn> ~Love is that key...~
<Scott> No...I REFUSE TO ADMIT THAT, HAYLEE. We will get back that Haylee we knew as our beloved friend.
* Haylee stops singing...
* Haylee's hands fly to her throat, and she begins to stagger, as if someone cut her strings.
<Tahn> What?!
<Haylee> I...I...can't....help me...
<Ishtar> Haylee?
* Johnathan thrusts both hands forward. "Reality, Univserse.. hear me, now.. destroy this foul being that stands in your midst.. remove him from existance!"
* Haylee's eyes roll up into her head and she collapses!
* Johnathan releases a plane of energy from each hand, engulfing the area in a quick flash of light, and a horrendous ripping sound.
<Tahn> ~No... Don't die on me.. whatever Zeio's doing to you... resist it!~
<Scott> Haylee...you're strong enough to fight this...
* Tahn runs over to Haylee and picks her up in his arms...
<Zeio> Blast you.. stop trying to break my control oevr her... what?
* Haylee is unconcious.
<Tahn> ..no... don't do this to me..
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan casts Mystic Vigor...
<Scott> Now, you die, Zeio....
<TheStoryteller> >> The whole room seems to bend and distort.... A rift of pure chaos erupts outward, shaking the very matter that makes up Zeio...
<TheStoryteller> >> Tear deals 404 damage! Tear deals 399 damage!
<Scott> DAMN, JOHN. You go, boy!
* Scott gives John a high 5.
* Tahn resists the power of the reality tear, clutching Haylee in his arms..
* Haylee's skin begins to cool and her breathing begins to slow...
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan is cuaght in the rift of uncontrolled energies.. they sap his wisdom by 34! He loses 20 HP!
<Tahn> No!
<Tahn> Althena.. don't let this happen..
* Johnathan steps backward, shuddering, looking almost terrified.
<TheStoryteller> The gap in space closes up...
* Tahn casts Heal Litany on Haylee, hoping it will help..
<Zeio> What is.. this energy.. it is powerful..!
* Scott runs up to Tahn and Haylee. "Haylee.....Tahn, take care of her...I'll deal with Zeio."
<TheStoryteller> >> Zeio stumbles backward...

Victory!

<Tahn> Damn it, don't die on me, Haylee... don't die on me...
<Johnathan> Feel it.. Zeio.. feel the universe... feel infinity.
<Scott> Now it's time you died, Zeio.....so quit your croakin and croak!
<Tahn> You can't... damn it..
<Zeio> Hahahaha...ha ..ha... I'm not through yet...
<Haylee> ...
<Zeio> You will perish... Haylee's destroy them...
* Tahn starts to to cry.. "Wake up Haylee.. don't die on me..."
<Tahn> I know the real you is still in there...
* Leon lays on the ground and stuff
* Haylee awakens slowly, and pushes Tahn away!
<TheStoryteller> >> All defeated members revive....
* Johnathan is still shaking violently, seeming as though he might just fall over. "It's over, Zeio... give in..."
* Scott sheathe's his sword..and assumes his battou jutsu stance.
<Jack> ...Ugh.....What happened........
* Tahn picks himself up..
* Haylee tries to collect energies into her hand...
<TheStoryteller> Virtue starts to stir, the same blue glow surrounding her.
<Tahn> You..will..NOT..LEAVE..US!!!
<Haylee> ....I....no...
<Tahn> I WILL NOT LET THE REAL YOU LEAVE US, HAYLEE!
* Haylee sounds like a lost girl...
<Haylee> ...this...this is wrong...
<Zeio> Do it Haylee, wipe them from existence!
* Leon pulls himself to a knee.
<Tahn> Don't, Haylee... remember what each of us means to you... and what you mean to us..
* Haylee struggles with herself.
<Scott> Haylee....listen to Tahn...listen to us..we're here for you...here to help..to rescue you.
<Leon> Go ahead Haylee. Kill me. I want you to do it.
<Haylee> No...No...
<Haylee> Tahn...John...Ishtar...Bree....everyone....my.....my friends....
* Haylee throws her hand down, dissipating the energies. "I CAN'T!"
<Zeio> I see how it is then...
<Jack> ....
* Tahn speaks in unison through both mind and voice.. ~"I knew you were still there..."~
<Zeio> You are of no use to me then... you shall die like the rest of the world. Without you, there can be no truth... haha..
<Haylee> ...Help....please...
* Haylee looks at Zeio.
<Virtue> That is enough.
<Scott> That does it..I'm attacking Zeio wtih all I've got.
<Haylee> ...T...truth...
* Virtue slips out of the shackles without much of a thought.
<Johnathan> Haylee.. we're here.. look to us.. not to him..
* Leon picks up Bree and tosses her body over his shoulder
<TheStoryteller> Zeio begins casting Forbidden Light...
* Tahn walks back over to Haylee "Look to us.. and if not that, then look to Virtue... anyone but Zeio.."
* Virtue walks over to the party, her blood red cape flowing.
* Haylee shudders violently.
<Jack> Oh, Boy...
<Virtue> No more suffering. Not today.
<Scott> Hoo great.
* Bree hangs loose over Leon's shoulder "Damn.. I went down again..."
<Leon> Yes, you did.
* Virtue extends a finger outward..
* Tahn grabs Haylee to keep her from falling.. "Don't lose faith... just remember our feelings.."
<Haylee> ...The darkness....it's trying to swallow me....I'm falling...falling...
<Zeio> I shall destroy you as well Virtue.. I hope your secret is worth perishing for..
<Scott> Then let me deal with Zeio. I'm sure I can kill him with my battou jutsu.
<Tahn> No.. You won't, Haylee. Not while I'm here. We either live or we die, but we won't be apart.
<TheStoryteller> A beam of energy shoots outward from Virtue's finger at Zeio before he can finish!
<Bree> Why do you keep carying me around?
<Leon> You're not missing much, don't worry.
<Virtue> Leave, demon.. Soul Finger!
<Leon> I didn't think you'd want me to leave you laying on the ground.
* Johnathan looks back and forth between Haylee, Zeio, and Virtue, unsure as to what he should do.
<TheStoryteller> Zeio is engulfed in a prism of blue energy, surrounding him..
<Zeio> What?!
* Haylee screams as if in pain.
<Zeio> You cannot possibly be able to...
<Tahn> NO! Haylee! Free your soul from Zeio!
<TheStoryteller> The walls begin closing in on him.... until soon he is nothing more than a sphere of blue, shooting through the cieling into oblivion!
* Bree stares. "Leon.. do you have a better view?"
<Zeio> CURSE YOU! THIS IS NOT OVER YET...! SAVOR YOUR VICTORY.............
* Haylee continues to scream.
<Leon> Not really Bree..this is a pretty boring show of melodrama.
* Haylee suddenly stops, looking on blankly...and falls to the floor.
* Virtue lowers her hand, the light fading.
<Tahn> NO!!!
<Bree> No offense Leon.. but it's got to be better than your rear end...
<Scott> HAYLEE!
<Tahn> DAMN IT!
<Leon> How about, "Leon, put me down."?
* Tahn grabs Haylee. "Damn it all... don't leave me here..."
* Johnathan slowly walks over. "Haylee..."
* Virtue sighs heavily...
<Virtue> Haylee is not gone yet.
<Jack> ......
<Scott> We've got to get her back somehow.....Come on, Haylee..you're strong enough to fight this. If you can seal up a spirit, you can fight this spell of Zeio's.
<Johnathan> No.. she isn't.
<Virtue> But locked away, she can't survive much longer...
<Bree> How about Leon hold me some other way?
<Leon> ...you know better than that.
<Johnathan> How can she be freed, Virtue?
* Leon sets Bree down on the ground.
* Haylee 's breathing begins to slow...
<Bree> What's on your mind Leon? *tries to stand, legs weak*
<Tahn> ...Yes.. How can she be freed and how quickly can we do it?
<Scott> Look, Virtue, tell us how to free her.
<Virtue> You should brace yourself. She's going to show you the way soon.
<Leon> Nothing.
* Haylee suddenly screams, recoiling in pain!
* Johnathan kneels next to Haylee, watching her. "Come on, Haylee.. after all this, don't give up.."
* Tahn feels Haylee's breathing slow.. "...by the blood of Bahamut... the power of Althena... please.. don't leave me here, Haylee..."
<Tahn> What the?
* Bree looks at Haylee "What did you mean by 'you know better than that' ?"
<TheStoryteller> The entire party feels their consciousness slip away...
* Tahn falls unconscious, Haylee still in his arms..
* Bree staggers "Not again..."
<TheStoryteller> Falling...
* Leon blacks out.
* Bree falls over. "But.. I didn't get my answer..."
<Jack> ...*Falls to the floor again*...
* Johnathan slumps backward. Haylee's Home of the Soul
<TheStoryteller> You all wake up in the living room of Haylee's house..
* Scott lands on his face. "Orororororo." ^_^x
* Tahn stands up. "Oro?"
* Johnathan slowly stands, looking around. "..Reza? Haylee's home?"
<TheStoryteller> You hear a soft crying from upstairs....
<Leon> ...
<Scott> Eh?
* Bree blinks awake, and looks around. "Now where the heck are we?"
<Tahn> Haylee!
* Tahn dashes up the stairs like a bat outta hell.
<Leon> ...who cares.
<Ishtar> I don't know.. is that Haylee's voice?
* Scott runs up after Tahn.
* Bree watches Tahn go, then looks down.
* Johnathan heads up the stairs. "Haylee! We're here..."
* Jack looks around. "Now what....?"
<TheStoryteller> Tahn finds a few doors. The one on the left seems to be the source of the sound.
* Tahn goes to open the door on the left..
<TheStoryteller> It's locked...
<Haylee> (A soft whisper...) Who....?
* Johnathan walks up behind Tahn. "...Haylee? Can you hear us?"
<Scott> Prize patrol. You've just won a million silver. ^_^x
<Tahn> It's me, Haylee... Tahn... I'm here for you... and John is here, too...
<Haylee> ....Everyone....E...Everyone...!
<Leon> ...
<Johnathan> We're here.
<Haylee> ...I...I can't....move....to get the ...door...I'm...so...tired...
<Tahn> And Scott, Leon, Bree... yeah, we're all here... we came for you... was there any doubt?
<Scott> That's right...we're all here, Haylee.
<Tahn> No.. You can do it Haylee!!
<Ishtar> We're here, Hay..
<Scott> Then we'll come to you.
<Tahn> Do it for me... do it for John... do it for yourself...
* Bree is actually still downstairs.. so that's a lie. ^^;
<Haylee> But...it's...locked....from the outside....
<Tahn> Fine!
<Haylee> ...Wait...
<Johnathan> Haylee! NO! DON'T give up... fight against it.. hold on. If you can't come out.. we'll get you out.
<Haylee> ...A key...
<Leon> ...
* Haylee struggles to keep talking...
* Bree walks around the downstairs, picking up the memories and looking at them.
<Haylee> A key....downstairs...in...in my mother's jewlery box...
* Tahn proceeds to kick down the door with the same strength he used quite often against Leon. "HAYLEE! I will NOT let you go!"
<Haylee> In the living room...on the dresser...
<Haylee> Look there....
<Johnathan> I'll get it...
* Johnathan hurries downstairs, looking for a jewelry box.
<TheStoryteller> Bree finds an old robe on the dresser. It looks like it was Gregory's from back in Vane.
<Scott> OK, John. We'll stay here.
* Bree lifts it to her nose and smells. "This is too personal..."
<TheStoryteller> Underneath it is a velvet box.
* Tahn continues to use every bit of his strength trying to break said door down to get to Haylee in time.
<Leon> ...this makes no sense to me.
<Haylee> Thank...you...
<Haylee> All of you...
<Haylee> ...
<Tahn> Haylee?
<Scott> What are friends for, Haylee-dono? ^_^x
<Haylee> For...getting...here...and...
* Haylee's voice trails off.
<Johnathan> It's a mindscape, Leon.. Bree.. have either of you seen a.. box? A jewelry box?
<Tahn> HAYLEE! HANG IN THERE!!
<Leon> ...don't thank me..I didn't do anything.
<TheStoryteller> Johnathan catches a glimpse of the box Bree finds.
<Johnathan> ..like that one?
<Scott> You know, I could just slice said door down.
* Johnathan walks over, and tries to open it.
* Bree takes it and hands it to John. "Here.."
<Tahn> Damn it... I'm not going to come this close just to be shot down... I'm not going to..
<Ishtar> Haylee, we've almost got it.. hold on..
<Johnathan> Thanks.
<TheStoryteller> The heart shaped box opens easily. The box plays music...a music box ^_^ A brass key is inside.
* Scott takes Misogi out of it's sheath. "Want to slice the door down?"
* Tahn starts calling out to Haylee, almost in tears. "Don't leave us, Haylee.."
* Johnathan hurries back up, taking out the key.
* Bree lays the robe back down "<sad tone> Don't mention it..." *wanders in the other direction looking at the memories*
* Haylee doesn't answer.
<TheStoryteller> Johnathan turns the key in the lock. Click.
<Leon> ...
* Johnathan reaches the door. "Quit kicking it, Tahn! I have the key.."
* Tahn stops for a minute... waiting for an answer from Haylee... and noticing the song..
* Scott sheathes his sword once again. "Guess we didn't need to cut it down after all."
<Jack> I wonder what's going on up there....
* Johnathan attempts to open the door now.
* Bree wanders into the next room, looking around. "I hope they hurry..."
<TheStoryteller> The door swings open... behind it you find Haylee, curled in a corner, her eyes barely open..
<Tahn> Haylee!!!
<TheStoryteller> She looks so small...
* Tahn runs over to Haylee.
<Haylee> ...Everyone...
<Scott> Hay.
* Haylee smiles weakly...
* Scott runs over right behind Tahn.
* Johnathan walks in, still carrying the little music box, and lays it next to Haylee, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Wake up, Haylee.. we're here."
<Tahn> Haylee... you're here... you're really here...
<Ishtar> Haylee.. you're alright..
* Leon looks as if he could care less.
<Haylee> ...You came...I'm so happy...
* Tahn hugs Haylee. "You're here... you're alright.. you're alive.."
<Scott> Are you ok, Haylee?
* Bree takes a seat and lays her head down "<q> Too personal..."
<Haylee> ...I...the song....Zeio made me sing...drained me...
<Ishtar> She looks like she's been locked in here with nothing to eat.. how cruel...
* Ishtar sighs... -_-
<Tahn> You'll be okay now, Haylee... we're here for you..
* Haylee looks at Scott. "Scott, is that...you?"
<Haylee> You've...changed...
<Scott> The one and only. Got rid of DarkStar.
<Johnathan> It's over now... we.... blasted.... Zeio, and Virtue.. sent him away. You're free..
* Haylee smiles. "I...wish I was there....to see..it.."
* Scott gives Haylee a smile.
* Jack enters the room.
<Scott> Oh, it was just a battle...I'm just happy we've got you back.
* Haylee tries to hug Tahn and John, and anyone else she can. ^^;
<TheStoryteller> Jack sees everyone crowding around a chibi-Haylee... ^^
<Tahn> You were... in your own way... but that's not important... We'll tell you all about it when we're all together again..
* Bree glances around for a door to the outside.
* Jack smiles.
<TheStoryteller> Bree finds there's no door out...
<Haylee> ...Thank you...so much...for helping me...
<Haylee> ...but...you'd better go...back...outside...
* Bree sighs. "No way out..... figures..." *goes back to looking at the things*
<Leon> ...
<Johnathan> Any time, Haylee. Any time you need us.
<Haylee> To the real world....I'll...be weak...for a while...but I'll grow strong agian...
<Haylee> And I'll...return the favor...someday...
<Scott> That's what we're here for, Haylee. We're friends after all. And we would never abandon you. We may have not been there physically, but our hearts were always with you.
<Haylee> ...I know...
<Tahn> Hai..
<Ishtar> Scott's right.. we'll help you get back on your feet.. :)
<Leon> ...
<Scott> Consider this payback for sealing the spirit up back in the mystic ruins.
<Tahn> Especially me and John... we'll never leave you...
<Haylee> I never will...either...
<Scott> Same here. ^_^x
<Haylee> Now...you better go...
<Scott> ok...let's get going, guys.
<TheStoryteller> You all begin getting dizzy...
* Tahn is still holding the Chibi-Haylee, btw. ^-^
* Bree lays her head down. "Good.. it's over.."
<Leon> ...great..how did I get mixed up in this shit.
<TheStoryteller> The house fades out, and little Haylee as well. But at least she's smiling...
* Tahn is too. ^_-
* Scott is smiling too. ^_^x Zeio's Fortress, Top
<TheStoryteller> You all come to in the exact same spot you left.
<Jack> ....Ugh....My whole body hurts...and now my head hurts, too....
* Bree opens her eyes, laying still.
<TheStoryteller> Virtue is nowhere to be seen...
* Tahn wakes up, notices Haylee, smiles again, and then realizes finally how...rather skimpily clad she is. ^^;
* Haylee no longer looks pale...just sleeping.
* Scott stands up and runs his hand through his hair. "Now that that's over with, we should let Haylee rest somewhere."
<Tahn> Hai.. she's back with us. ^_^
* Johnathan sits back up, his face still showing the same emotion it has been since the battle with Zeio ended.
* Tahn picks up Haylee, stands up, and looks to Scott. "But how do we get anywhere?"
* Tahn looks back...
* Leon stands up.
* Bree lays still and silent
<TheStoryteller> There is a small note in Haylee's hand.
<Tahn> Ishtar... could you take us back to Horam? Or.. wait a minute..
<Scott> Let's see if the armada left any ships at the inlet of the glacier.
* Tahn takes the note out of Hay's hand and reads it.
<TheStoryteller> The note reads:
* Johnathan gently removes the pendant-like thing from around his neck, gently lays it around Haylee's, and then staggers off a little way in the other direction, still shivering.
<TheStoryteller> "You all are getting closer..."
<TheStoryteller> "Zlyk has already taken me from the Tower. I suggest you flee before it collapses.."
<Tahn> Oh, shit. We've got a collapsing tower cliche here, people..
<TheStoryteller> It is signed in a symbol of a crescent moon embracing a smaller circle.
<Tahn> Ishtar... can you get us out of here? ^^;
<Jack> Did someone say "Cliche?"
<Leon> ...maybe I should just stay.
* Bree still hasn't moved.
<Tahn> Hai. As in the cliche that now that Zeio is gone, this tower is about to go too. We need to get out of here, and quick!
<Scott> NO, Leon..you're coming with us.
<TheStoryteller> The floor rumbles a litte, and Ishtar looks around..
<Leon> You're in no position to give me order.
<Jack> Geez, I should write a whole book on Cliches...
<Ishtar> Can I really do it again?
<Johnathan> You're coming, Leon.
<Leon> And neither are you.
<Jack> Ya never know until you try, Ishtar.
<Tahn> ISHTAR! GET US OUT OF HERE! I DON'T CARE WHERE, JUST SOMEWHERE! HORAM, MERIBIA, IT DOESN'T MATTER! Otherwise, we're SOL. ^^
<TheStoryteller> Some shards of crystal fall around you.
<Johnathan> Don't make me knock you out and drag you along... just get over here.
* Leon snickers..
* Ishtar nods...
* Leon picks up Bree and carries her over to everyone.
<Ishtar> I'm going to make up for last time.. Haylee's not being left behind.. Ishtar starts glowing white...
* Bree swings around losely, staring out into space.
* Tahn goes over to the rest of the party, still carying Hay in his arms. ^-^
* Johnathan slowly makes his way back over.
<Ishtar> I'm going to.. do.. it...
<Leon> ...take us somewhere...anywhere..
<TheStoryteller> The floor starts cracking...
<Scott> Just get us the hell outta here, Ishtar.
<Ishtar> Hold on!
<Johnathan> Be careful, Ishtar... but hurry. Please..
* Haylee is still unconcious. ^^:
<Leon> ..I take that back..almost anywhere.
<Jack> I have faith in Ishtar, I believe she'll get us out of here.
* Bree closes her eyes, letting out a sigh.
<TheStoryteller> The room is swallowed in light, Ishtar at the center of it. It expands outward, and then contracts, leaving not a soul behind.
<TheStoryteller> At that same moment, the floor falls down into the dark abyss....

Horam, Roof of the Bunny Dojo ^^

<TheStoryteller> Before you all can blink, you thud against something rather hard. It abruptly give way beneath your weight, and you land in the middle of the Bunny Dojo! :O
* Bree thuds against something solid. ^^;
<Bunny Karate Girl> Holy Althena on a Stick! O_o
<Leon> ...this is one of those places I didn't want to be.
* Scott lands flat of his face again. "Ororororo." @_@x;
* Jack rubs the bumps on his head. "Oww..."
* Bree still has her bunny ears on, btw.
<Bunny Karate Girl> What are you doing on the roof of the Dojo, Bree?! O_o
<Jack> This is the.....YIPE!
<Leon> Getting a suntan.
* Haylee slips from Tahn's arms, but appears to be all right.
<Leon> Duh.
* Bree just stares at what ever Leon has her aimed at, eerily silent.
<Bunny Karate Girl> I didn't ask you, Male!
<Ishtar> I think I got it right....
<Leon> ..idiotic bitches.
* Ishtar lays back, hurting..
<Bunny Karate Girl> Sexist Bastard.
<Jack> Hey! It's not my fault I'm up here! And can you please treat me respectfully, my name's Jack!
<Leon> ...how'd you like to end up road kill?
* Scott stands up. "Sorry for that."
<Bunny Karate Girl>....Hey...you're not bad...Mister Jack. I'm Marie. :)
* Bree blinks a couple times, focusing on the bunny girl
<Jack> Thank you, Ms. Marie.
<Bree> <q> Marie....
<TheStoryteller> Tahn manages to cushion Hay's fall so she's not seriously hurt. :)
<Marie> But...you're ...not really my type, if you know what I mean.
* Marie winks at Bree. ^^;
* Jack bows.
* Bree blushes a little, starting to snap out of it.
<Scott> Oro?
<Marie> Nothing!...Hey...is your friend okay up there?
<Leon> ...bloody hell..I need to get out of here before I kill someone.
<Bree> Can you put me down Leon?
* Leon puts Bree down, "Go sew your wild oats..or something."
<Marie> Is that green-haired girl okay?
<Jack> So umm...Where do we go next?....
* Bree grumbles. "Leon... don't say things like that..."
<Scott> Anyway, Tahn, I think we should let Haylee rest at the Aoiya. Gramps and Lisa shouldn't mind.
<Leon> ...whatever.
* Leon leaps off the roof.
<Tahn> Haylee needs to rest somewhere. How about the Aoiya, SCott?
<Jack> It's a long Story, Ms. Marie...
* Johnathan moves to check Haylee. "She'll be all right... she just needs to rest.."
<Scott> Suits me just fine. I'm going to take a walk. I'll meet you later, ok?
* Bree nods. "I think we all need a rest..."
<Marie> Okay...hey, Bree...if you're around town for a bit...feel free to stay at the Dojo and visit!
<Leon> ...I don't need rest.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn nods, still holding Hay, and starts off for the restaurant. ^^
* Bree blinks. "Stay at the dojo?"
<Leon> ..I need to break something.
<Marie> Hai. :)
* Scott leaves the dojo and starts off in a completely opposite direction of the Aoiya.
* Johnathan slides down to the ground, sighs, and closes his eyes.
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar gets up, noticing there's a pair of bunny ears on her head after she fell.. ^^
* Bree nods and smiles. "I certainly need a little space from everyone... I've barely seen a new face for very long..."
<Jack> Well, I dunno about you two, but I really need an inn to go to, I'm hurting all over.
<Leon> ..at least they got Haylee back so they'll stop being so fucking retarded.
<Marie> :) Right...anyway...nice to see you back.
<Ishtar> *^^*
<Jack> Thank you. *Bows to Marie, and Bree, then heads for an exit*
* Johnathan starts walking, not towards the Aoiya, but rather towards the gates of the town.
* Marie turns to Johnathan. "Hey...where are you going, sir?"
* Bree smiles. "I was kinda hoping I'd end up back here.." *bows to Jack, kinda confused as to why he did that though*
* Johnathan looks at Marie. "I.. need to think. To be alone."
* Scott stops in an abandoned house on the other side of town. He takes the picture out of his pocket and starts to look right at it. Tears start to come to his eyes as memories start to flood his mind.
<Marie> Okay, feel better, sir.
<Johnathan> Thank you..
* Leon stands out front, "...."
* Bree helps to steady Istar if she needs it. "Feeling ok?"
* Johnathan resumes walking.
* Marie nods and walks back into the dojo.
<Ishtar> I'm ok.. except these things on my head.. ^^
* Bree looks up and laughs. "We match then..."
<Leon> Speaking of fucking retarded...John where do you think you're going? If anyone is leaving this Mickey Mouse Army, it's me.
* Ishtar laughs a little, and gets up.
<Johnathan> Leon...
* Jack finds the inn. "Bed....." *Runs inside*
<Leon> That's good..you got my name right.
* Bree smiles over at Ishtar. "Looks like everyone's picking their own direction... guess we pick ours.. right?"
* Scott shakes his head.
* Johnathan turns to stare at Leon, his face now still showing the fear from before, but also anger. "I'm going to think. Leave me be."
<Ishtar> I'm going to watch Haylee I guess... Tahn went to the restaurant, right?
<Leon> ..that should be a short meeting.
* Leon waves his hand to John, "Go..think."
<Bree> I think so... wouldn't hurt to check there.. pick up something to eat too.
* Johnathan forces a grin. "Thanks for your permission."
<Ishtar> Ok Bree.. ^_^
* Johnathan starts off again.
<Leon> ..like I'm the fucking leader...
* Ishtar takes the ears off, handing them to Marie, and exits.
<Leon> ..not like anyone listens to me anyway..I can't help it that I tend to be right most of the time.
<Bree> I'll be here at the dojo if anyone needs me... *waves to Ishtar and hops down, going inside the dojo*
<Marie> (From the window) Aww...they were cute on you! *Closes the window*
* Bree giggles as she goes inside. "Hai.. they were cute on her.."
* Leon stands alone out in front of the dojo..then starts off somewhere random.
<TheStoryteller> With that note, everyone goes there seperate ways for the evening... When Haylee wakes up, perhaps things will finally be normal again. :)

SESSION END

Session Close: Mon Sep 13 02:14:55 1999

Chapter 13 - "Nightmare's End"

~~ BOSS BATTLE! ~~

~~ Victory! ~~

~~ SESSION END ~~

BOSS BATTLE!

Victory!

SESSION END