Chapter 17 - "Face Off"
New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Nurse Gwynn, Various NPCs
Session Start: Sun Oct 17 20:52:01 1999
<TheStoryteller> The scene when we last left it was very grave.. knights vs infidels, right vs wrong.. or was it? Ishtar was out from the cannon, Tahn wounded, and Haylee and Johnathan barely able to stand after a deck clearing outburst...
Aboard the VSS Epiphany, Denile River
* Scott looks around at his friends and allies. then eyes his enemies. "John, Haylee, Leon, everyone...get to safety. I'll deal with them. And don't worry. I won't kill them."
* Leon stands, giving off his red aura of anger and hatred.
<Leon> Shut up Scott. I will kill them.
* Johnathan leans against the railing of the ship, breathing heavily. "Don't be a fool, Scott.."
* Turless flexes his fingers, but doesn't reach for his weapons yet.
<Tahn> S....
* Scott keeps Misogi in it's sheath. "I have a plan, John..trust me."
<Johnathan> ..and Leon..
<TheStoryteller> Nicolette, Turless, Popoi, Joe, and even Smythe stand behind the captain.. recovering their weapons warily.
<Johnathan> ..look, we don't need to fight here.. can't this be resolved....?
* Leon cracks his knuckles. "I like a good fight."
<Turless> ...
<Tahn> e....
<Johnathan> Learn to choose them, then, Leon.. these people aren't evil.. they aren't our enemies..
<Adam> It seems your friends think otherwise.. maybe it's because you fear the Church after all.
<Scott> I fear no one.
<Scott> But I do not want useless bloodshed here.
<Leon> I will destroy anyone who stands in my way.
* Johnathan stares hard at Adam. "I have no FEAR of the church.. I'm just not yet convinced that it's evil.."
* Turless watches the infidels carefully.
<Johnathan> ..not totally, anyway..
<Johnathan> ...sometimes the ends DO justify the means...
<Johnathan> ..but is this one of those times?
<Tahn> H...
<Adam> Well, we're not convinced you're innocent lambs either.
<Leon> Stop talking and start fighting.
<Celyna> Oh Leon, relax.
* Johnathan sighs. "I never claimed to be.."
<Celyna> If they can talk it out, then let them...
<Smyth> Sir.. are we going to capture them after all?
<Johnathan> ..but nor am I some dangerous infidel that needs to be destroyed..
<Leon> No one will capture me.
* Haylee falls to the ground...
* Scott jumps over and catches Haylee. "Haylee-dono!"
<TheStoryteller> Adam ponders that point a minute, when suddenly you hear a beep signalling an incoming transmission.
* Haylee moans softly.
* Turless stands by, part watching the captives, part waiting for orders.
* Leon stares at Adam with ribbons of red hatred oozing from his body.
* Scott checks her pulse.
<TheStoryteller> Haylee is alright. Just exhuasted.
<Celyna> Nobody's TRYING to put you in shackles yet.
<Adam> Nicolette...
<Nicolette> A transmission? Now...? ...Yes sir...?
<Celyna> Don't jump to conclusions.
* Leon blinks at Celyna.
<Scott> She's ok.
<Scott> But she's out cold..
<Adam> Get the transmission.
<Adam> Virtue probably knows what's happened by now...
* Johnathan is still staring at Adam, waiting quietly.
<Turless> ...
<Leon> Celyna, you don't know what's been going on with the church...
<Nicolette> Yes sir....! *Tunes it up and cranks the transmission out!*
<Scott> We've got to get the wounded to a doctor...if we don't.....
* Adam stares at everyone, his bastard sword gleaming.
* Joe just looks around.
<Celyna> You can't hold that against me.
* Tahn ...uhm... bleeds on the deck. ^^;
<Adam> You'll go nowhere until I say so. This is my ship.
<Celyna> I haven't been gallavanting around the world like you have...
<Scott> Bite me you jackass. Don't you see that man bleeding on your deck there? *Points at Tahn*
* Haylee is also unconcious in Scott's arms...worn out. ^^;
<TheStoryteller> Nicolette hears.. Virtue's voice! o_o
* Turless just stands by and waits, keeping a close watch.
* Leon looks at Celyna but says nothing, looks as if he's backing down.
<Nicolette> Queen Virtue! *Puts her annoucement on the speaker so Adam can hear*
<Virtue> *from speaker* I order you to cease all hostilities with the infidels immediately.. you're primary concern is the RF. Please remember that.
<Turless> ...
<Leon> ...infidels..
* Johnathan smiles faintly. "How odd.. reason from Virtue.."
<Virtue> Treat all the wounded as you would do any of my knights, and give them passage to shore at minimum.. is that clear?
<Leon> And replace Celyna's Boat!
<Joe> Uh, those're the bad guys? *looks at the other party*
<Adam> But...
* Turless moves the toothpick to the other side of his mouth and looks at Adam, "So? What's the deal, boss-man?"
<Scott> O_ox Their objective is the same as ours..
<Johnathan> Again...
<Celyna> Yeah, you'd better replace my boat...
<Nicolette> ...Okay... O_o
* Celyna narrows her eyes.
<Popoi> .oO(Hmm... Wierd...)
* Adam looks at his troop a little grudgingly.
<Leon> You heard me. I said replace her boat.
<Leon> And I don't like repeating myself.
<Popoi> What do we do now, sir?
<Adam> ... well you heard the Queen.
* Johnathan closes his eyes, leaning back heavily. "Twice in a row now, our actions have coincided with the wishes of the church.. how odd..."
<Johnathan> ..ironic, perhaps...
* Turless tilts back his hat and shakes his head.
<Adam> Get the wounded to the medical bay, deck 2. The rest of you go to the planning room until further notice.
* Celyna sighs.
<Adam> I will handle Ishtar personally.
<Leon> What about her boat.
<Joe> Um, Adam.....Which way's the planning roon?
<Joe> Um....I mean...
* Celyna folds her arms angrily.
<Joe> Sir!...
* Haylee mumbles. "Help...Tahn...Help...John...too...please..."
<Nicolette> Yes sir!
* Turless shrugs, and goes to help with the wounded.
* Nicolette does likewise. ^^;
* Popoi goes to help the wounded on the ship.
<Adam> If you want reperations, take it up with Virtue. *to Leon*
* Leon narrows his eyes.
<Leon> How about I take it up with you instead?
<Turless> How 'bout you don't?
<Johnathan> He probably.. doesn't have the authority, Leon.
* Scott follows Nicolette, carrying Haylee to the medical room, then joins Adam in the planning room.
* Adam steps up to him.
* Celyna is somewhat bewildered at Leon's standing up for her...
<Adam> If you want to so badly, we'll resume this conversation later.... infidel.
* Turless keeps herding people to the medical ward.
<Leon> You'll replace the boat you destroyed...or I'll take it out of your ass.
* Joe starts heading inside...and he trips on the stairs and falls....
* Scott taps Adam on the shoulder. "Is that private always that stupid?"
<Joe> Ow...Hey that....*Looks at panel of lights* Ooooh.....pretty lights......
* Leon doesn't break his stare at Adam.
<Turless> Let's go people
<Adam> I think you shouldn't make threats to the person who's your only hope.
<Leon> You are ignorant. I don't have hopes or desires.
<Leon> I just have hatred.
<Scott> Leon, just calm down for a little while.
<Turless> Hurray for you. Now get below already.
* Celyna sighs...
* Haylee mumbles something about seeing if Tahn is okay and if John's okay too because his aura is all whacky. ;_;
* Scott heads for the planning room.
* Celyna resignedly goes below.
<Adam> Then try thinking of new ways to hate me while I go take Ishtar.
<Leon> I don't need new ways...this isn't over.
<TheStoryteller> Adam picks the girl up, over his shoudler.. she moans.. left wing sparking badly.
* Nicolette goes about her business on the ship.
* Leon follows Celyna, maintaining his glare.
* Joe gets stepped on by Celyna on the way down. "Ow....Oof..."
<Adam> You're right.. it isn't.
<TheStoryteller> Bree is escorted by Smyth down below as well..
* Johnathan slowly follows the others down.
* Scott steps on Joe on the way down, but seeing how he's only 5 foot 9 and 140 lbs soaking wet, Joe probably wouldn't feel it.
* Leon cusses up a storm.
<Adam> Joe! Get up!
* Turless heads to the planning room, once the wounded are tended to.
* Scott follows Turless.
<Joe> *Cruch*..ah! Owch! oof!!..*Crunch*
<Leon> I tried to get your boat replaced, Celyna.
* Popoi follows Turless.
<TheStoryteller> Adam kicks Joe down the stairs, rolling him straight into a wall. ^^
<Celyna> I know, Leon.
<Joe> Ah, Don't mind me, I have cartiledge for a spine. Hehe *Crunch*..ow......
* Turless turns to Scott as he reaches the medical ward, "Wait here with your comrades until someone comes for you."
<Celyna> I appreciate your effort.
* Celyna smiles as brightly as possible.
<Haylee> ...John...
* Adam goes to the left and ultimately the medical bay...
<Leon> Why did you stop me from destroying him.
<Scott> I would appreciate you showing me the courtesy of at least telling me of your battle plan against the Rancor's Fang. Our objectives are similar, after all.
* Joe is peacefully sleeping after getting kicked into the wall.....
<Celyna> Because it was unneccessary.
<Celyna> And it would have gotten us into more trouble.
* Turless tilts back his hat, "No can do pal. Not without orders."
<Leon> Well it's not my goal to get you into trouble...but he was asking to have bones broken by my hands...
<TheStoryteller> Those of you who are in the sick bay, you notice a red haired nurse with blue robes..
<Celyna> We ALL want to break somebody's bones sometimes.
<Celyna> But we can't do it just because we want to.
<Haylee> ...mmm...
<Leon> I don't understand why...
<Celyna> You can't just yield to impulse and anger whenever you feel the urge...that makes you no better than an animal!
<Leon> ...I never claimed to be better..
<TheStoryteller> Tahn is layed down on a flat bed, as well as Haylee.. you both feel a patch of cloth-like material on your arm, perhaps some kind of detector.
* Scott sits on the floor, resting his sword against his shoulder. He closes his eyes and lets himself prepare mentally for anything that's to come.
<Celyna> Well, you SHOULD.
* Haylee mumbles a bit...
<Celyna> Because you are.
<TheStoryteller> Adam comes inside, nodding to the woman, who's running around gathering serums and bandages...
<Leon> I don't see how or why I should...
<TheStoryteller> [Nurse] Adam what happened up top.. oh my...
<Celyna> You only get one chance at building a good life for yourself.
* Adam lays Ishtar on the nearest bed.
<Celyna> You can't let it be dominated by silly impulsive desires.
<Leon> ...I don't have anything else anymore.
* Turless tugs his hat down and heads for the planning room
<Celyna> And that's of your own doing.
<Celyna> So if you don't like it, it's your own fault.
* Jack looks at Ishtar.
<Leon> A lot of things are my fault.
<Adam> Gwynn, take care of these three.. I have business with the others.
* Adam turns, looking at Ishtar a second, and walks out as quick as he came..
<Celyna> And the one thing that began all this isn't...
<Leon> Don't.
<Leon> I don't wish to relive it again.
* Jack looks at Adam as he walks out, them turns to Ishtar.
* Ishtar is sweating a lot.. and mumbling.. her left wing is nearly completely obliterated.
<Celyna> Fine.
<Gwynn> Ye.. yes sir!
<Jack> This is my fault, If it weren't for those goddamned wings.....
<Leon> ..I can't believe I'm seeing you again...
<Scott> Jack, don't beat yourself up about it. You designed it, yes, but it was Sinel who put them to use with Ishtar. It wasn't you who installed them in her back.
* Gwynn runs around tending to Haylee and Tahn, checking vital signs. She looks over Ishtar unsure of what to do..
<Celyna> Why?
<Jack> Still....She'll be in great pain as long as those wings remain on her back...And I have no clue how they even put them on her...
<Leon> Because it's a big world...I never suspected to see you again...I always thought I'd be killed before it happened.
<Gwynn> Dear.. are those things grafted onto her skin?
<Scott> I don't know, Jack...I wish I did.
<Celyna> That's an odd thing for you to say, considering you're bent on revenge and won't let anything stop you, even death...
<Gwynn> I don't know if she might have a bad reaction to the vaccines..
<Leon> Well, I am bent on my revenge...
<Jack> I sure hope that she'll get better....
* Haylee calls out, "Just give it to her!"
<Leon> But i still never thought I'd see you again.
* Haylee then rises from the bed, sweating a bit. O_o
<Celyna> Well, something brought us together...
* Scott sits there thinking, sword still resting against his shoulder.
<Gwynn> Miss.. you're extremely tired.. please don't move!
<Leon> ...perhaps.
* Celyna smiles wryly.
<Haylee> Is...Is Tahn...okay...?
* Gwynn injects some sort of solution into Ishy's arm hoping for the best. ^^
<Jack> Soon as she does get better, though, I'll have to repair that wing again....She'll only be in more pain with the condition it's in.....
<Tahn> G...uh...
<Haylee> Tahn!
* Haylee tries to get out of bed!
* Gwynn rushes back over to Haylee and Tahn..
* Leon still doesn't smile at all. "But I don't know what it could be...there are a lot of things I cannot explain."
<Tahn> >_< D...di...did anyone g...et the number of that dragon that hit me?
<Celyna> Of course.
<Gwynn> Please.. he's fine, I assure you!
<Celyna> That's what makes everything interesting...
<Haylee> ...But I have to see for myself...
<Jack> So.....What do we do now....?
<TheStoryteller> Tahn realizes he's in the bed across from Haylee.. :)
<Tahn> Hard to open eyes.. -_-
<Haylee> ...It's okay...Just rest...you'll be fine...
* Ishtar mumbles. "Adam.. don't shoot...."
<Tahn> Did...the wierd bitch with the spear get you? ^^;
<Scott> We wait, Jack. Wait to see what Virtue's Knights do with us.
<Gwynn> Oh dear.. she sounds delirous..
<Haylee> ...No..
<Haylee> I...um.
<Ishtar> Put.. the cap gun away Adam...
<Tahn> G..ood..
<Jack> This could take awhile....
<Haylee> Had a mental temper tantrum.
* Tahn lapses back out of consciousness. -_-
<Haylee> ...
* Haylee sighs and curls up in the sheets, looking down.
<Scott> But still....what other alternatives do we have?
<Ishtar> Nanny will.. yell..
<Haylee> ...Ishtar...
<Gwynn> I'll take care of you, sweetie... just calm down.
<Jack> Hmmm.....
* Gwynn looks at the remainder of people in the room. "Perhaps you should see the captain.. he looked very troubled.."
<Jack> Oh....Okay, we'll go see him. Thanks, Ma'am.
<Leon> Hmph..I have nothing to say to him.
<Leon> Except he better replace Celyna's boat.
<Gwynn> Please watch what you say.. he can have a very bad temper at times. ^^
* Haylee leans back and closes her eyes. "Where...is John...?"
* Celyna smirks.
* Scott heads up to talk to the captain. "Ok, Gwynn-dono." Scott bows as he walks out.
<Jack> Okay. Don't worry though, I've been around temper before.. *looking around for Leon*
<Leon> You certainly look happy, Celyna...
<Tahn> S...
<Celyna> I'm not happy at all.
* Leon glares at Jack.
<Haylee> Tahn?
<Tahn> Hay?
<Tahn> I...still here?
<Leon> You've always been happy.
<Celyna> Have I?
* Jack looks for the planning room.
* Haylee hmms, climbs out of bed, and sits by Tahn.
<Haylee> I'm here.
<Leon> When we were younger, you were.
<Tahn> Eh?
<Haylee> ...It's okay...
<Celyna> Right now, I'm not really happy...
<Tahn> W..where's John and the others?
<Gwynn> Please miss.. Haylee..? Don't over exert yourself..
* Haylee brushes some hair out of his eyes. "Get some sleep...I don't know...I think they're above..."
<Celyna> But on a whole, I am.
<Leon> I'm trying to get you a new boat.
<Haylee> I'll be fine. He needs me right now.
<Celyna> I know.
<Leon> In fact, I'm going to see the dipshit Captain.
* Leon starts out the door.
<Gwynn> Your friends should be heading to the planning room...
* Leon heads out of the room and looks for Adam.
<Tahn> Hay...
<TheStoryteller> The rest of the group minus the three injured members arrives in the large planning room. Virtue's cadre is waiting there as well. It's simply furnished, with just a few chairs, and a large screen in the front.
<Tahn> Wha...what's happened since I was out? Feels like I got run through..
* Haylee ehrms. "You sort of did..."
<Haylee> But you're healing....
* Jack looks around...."Nice room!"
* Turless is kicking back in a chair, hat pulled down somewhat.
<Scott> o_ox This is better set up than the guards briefing room.
<Leon> I'd be a shame to destroy this room.
<Tahn> Oh..fun..
<Haylee> Tahn...just rest...okay...?
* Leon pops his neck.
<Tahn> No... I can't...
<Tahn> Ra..Ramon..
* Johnathan is sitting heavily in a chair, eyes closed. "Don't, Leon. The chairs are comfortable, sort of."
* Haylee hums a soft song under her breath, trying to calm him down... a lullaby.
<Gwynn> Miss, you should too.. you're body seems like it is still in minor shock..
<Leon> If he doesn't give me what I want, then I will.
<Haylee> I will...In a moment...
* Scott walks up to Adam. "So I see we have similar objectives. Care to join forces temporarily?"
<TheStoryteller> Tahn feels a magical melody in his ear.. his gets even more sleepy...
<Turless> ...
<Johnathan> Just don't mess with this chair, then...
<Leon> Speak for yourself Scott, I am not joining forces with anyone.
<Haylee> Rest...
* Tahn already has his eyes shut, baka! He never opened them! >_<
* Adam is standing at the head of the room, as Scott walks up to him.
<Tahn> N..o...
<Adam> Not until I know what you are after.
<Tahn> -_- zzzz
<Leon> You wanna know what I'm after..
<Adam> Why are you here now? The RF is not your concern.
* Haylee smiles....kisses his forehead softly, and heads back to bed herself.
<Leon> The Fang is my concern.
<Scott> We're going after the Rancor's Fang at this time. There's a kidnap victim that they are holding that I have to rescue.
<Leon> And I will kill them.
<Haylee> ...Now I have to make sure John is okay....
<Leon> And if you get in my way, or try to stop me, I'll spill your blood as well.
<Scott> Does that tellyou anything, Adam?
<Adam> Probably.. seeing as how you shot Virtue without even hesistating.
<Leon> She attacked me.
<Leon> So I pushed back.
* Turless just kicks back and listens.
<Adam> Virtue wouldn't attack you unless you made her.
<Leon> Bullshit.
<Leon> She's a bitch.
<Scott> Can we quit the theological discussion for a while and concentrate on the real objective?
<Leon> And I don't care about you, her, or your freaky church.
<Adam> If I didn't have orders, I'd seperate your head from your neck right now.
<Johnathan> Her name isn't nessecarily a description of her... I've yet to hear a decent explination of some of her actions...
<Leon> You'd have a hard time doing it with a bullet in your skull.
* Adam narrows his eyes...
<Scott> Leon, take 10 deep breaths and calm down.
<Leon> And just because you have your orders, doesn't mean I have any at all.
<Turless> ...
<Adam> Leon Blackfire.. you certainly live up to that name in person.
* Scott is standing between Adam and Leon and doesn't want to get caught in the crossfire.
<Leon> You don't want to experience the reputation.
<Adam> So you're here to sluaghter the Rancor's Fang like you tried Virtue?
<Leon> Your Goddess damn right.
* Turless tips the brim of his hat up with a finger, "My but someone has a lot of issues."
<Adam> You trying to redeem yourself like some vigilante?
<Jack> Kick back and grab a beer, this one's gonna be good. ^_^
<Scott> Eh? Redeem himself? What in the world are you talking about?
<Leon> No. I just hate.
<Leon> And the only thing I hate more than myself...is the Fang.
<Leon> Unlucky them.
<Scott> Look, all this is well and good, but we have a job to do here, so can we cut out the trash talking and get down to it?
<Leon> Sure..deal with the soldier.
<Leon> But make sure he knows he won't get in my way.
<Adam> If you're going to be taking lives in the name of your twisted sense of justice, you're going to do it by MY rules.
<Leon> I don't live by rules.
* Johnathan laughs. "YOUR rules?"
<Jack> Whatever! What's the deal here anyway? What do we do?
* Johnathan opens his eyes, watching Adam. "Do you REALLY think you're in control here? None of us are.."
<Leon> So screw you and your rules.
* Turless fehs.
<Scott> I, for one, am not interested in taking lives, Adam. I am only interested in a rescue...
<Adam> I have my orders.. to recon Zaback and deal with the Fang. You can think what you want.
<Leon> So follow your orders, Soldier boy.
<Leon> But don't expect me to.
<Johnathan> Do what you will, Adam.. but the church moves rather slow..
<Adam> Do your rescue or your slaughter on your time, not mine.
<Jack> So we take care of this Fang and we go our way. Simple as that!
<Leon> We aren't on your time.
<Johnathan> ..as we found out when they moved on Zeio about as quickly as molasses..
<Scott> Of course we had a hand in getting there eariler, John..
<Adam> Zeio wasn't as cut and dry like you may want to think.
<Leon> Zeio's dead. Forget about him.
<Leon> The Fang is here and now.
<Johnathan> The point is he would have finished your crew off pretty easily, I don't doubt.
<Scott> That's why I think it best if we pool our resources.
<Leon> And I'll follow MY rules.
<Johnathan> ..just stay out of our way. That's all I ask.
<Leon> ..pool your resources..I don't care..I didn't ask any of you to come along anyway.
<Turless> ...
<Scott> .oO(I can always get a hold of an informant or two when we get into Zaback.)
<Adam> I'm in agreement with that. You stay out of OUR way. This is a Church matter.
<Celyna> It's not all about your fight, Leon...
<Adam> When I deposit you ashore, you won't interfere any further in this operation, or I won't be so lenient next time we meet.
<Leon> Of course Celyna..I'll get revenge for us both...
<Celyna> ...and it isn't all about our revenge...
<Johnathan> With all due respect, Adam.. do you like commanding a boat?
<Leon> And what is this about then?
* Scott turns his back to Adam and walks out. "Fine. Knights..you try to reason with them and all you get is that attitude. I think I'm actually GLAD to be out of the Magic Guard now."
<Adam> It's my duty to the Church.. of course, I don't trust this vessel of Sinel's any more than you do.
* Johnathan smiles. "Good... I'm not going to apologize about the cannon, then."
<Jack> Then we are on the same level, aren't we?
<Leon> Just stay out of my way Adam..or I'll wipe the buildings of Zaback with your entrails.
<Turless> . o O (Does this guy think he's impressing anyone?)
* Scott walks back up to the deck...looking out at Zaback.
<Adam> Just leave.. all of you. We're almost to the city.
<Leon> Good boy.
<Leon> Stay that way.
<Leon> And I'll look for Celyna's new boat in the harbor of Zaback.
<Adam> Leon.. if you steal anything, I will personally haul you in myself.
<Leon> Please..don't insult my last name.
* Leon narrows his eyes.
<Jack> Whatever...
* Jack walks out to explore the halls.
* Johnathan stands up, and slowly walks out.
<Adam> I know what you are thinking.. You may have walked all over Zlyk last time, but I'm not like my teacher at ALL.
* Scott pulls the picture from the inside pocket of his dogi. Looking at it, he touches his right hand to the scar on his cheek. Scott closes his eyes as he thinks how close he is to finding Tomoe and putting an end to his search.
* Joe has finally come to after being kicked into a wall....
<Leon> I don't care who you're like and who you're not. You're strength is nothing compared to my power.
<Turless> Pretty presumptuous, aren't you?
<Joe> Oww......Where am I.....???
<Leon> I will not be stopped until I destroy the source of my hatred.
<Joe> Um...How long have I been out??
* Haylee sleeps quietly in the sick bay...
<Turless> Hrmph...
* Tahn does too. ;P
<Adam> Then you go do that. I'm going to plan my strategy with my team, and I don't want to see you again till we get ashore.
<Leon> You'd best hope we never see each other again.
<Leon> Come on Celyna.
* Tahn stirs slightly.
<Tahn> R...Ramon..
* Celyna heaves a great sigh.
<Celyna> Are we leaving, then?
<Joe> Uh, I think I'll go back to my quarters then....I have to go readjust my spleen.....
* Scott keeps looking out at Zaback. His mind racing with memories.
<Adam> I have a feeling we will.
<Leon> ...Well, Adam here wishes to plan with his lackies..
<Celyna> Alright.
* Joe staggers out of the room....
* Leon opens the door for Celyna.
* Celyna walks out, shooting an almost apologetic glance towards Adam.
* Leon slams the door behind him.
* Turless watches Leon go, "Ten bucks says he dies of heart failure before age 30."
* Adam sighs.
<Haylee> ....John...
* Haylee mumbles.
<Adam> You're on with that one.
<Tahn> Ramon... give them back...
<Leon> I don't know what you want to do Celyna..perhaps you'd like to go converse with the others...
<Adam> And where is Joe?!
<Turless> I think he fell on his face outside the door.
<Leon> ..they are most likely curious about you.
<Celyna> Do you think I should?
* Scott is not with the others.
<Haylee> ...Tahn?
* Haylee opens one eye, sitting up, and looking a lot better.
* Leon shrugs. "You should do what you like. You've always been more popular than I have. You draw people to yourself."
<Tahn> Ramon... give.. them.. back, you god damn bastard!
* Tahn opens his eyes with that last word.
<Haylee> ..Ramon?
<Tahn> The... The Fang has them.
<Tahn> The Fang has my parents.
<Haylee> ....!
<Haylee> Since when?
<Celyna> I don't particularly need to talk to them, or indulge their curiosity...
<Haylee> Why didn't you say anything?! O_o
<Tahn> I.. don't know. I just felt it.
<Adam> Turless, Nicolette, Popoi... head to your quarters. You performed well today. and I expect you to do so tomorrow.
<Tahn> I didn't know until now.
<Nicolette> Aye, sir.
* Nicolette leaves.
<Adam> And pick Joe up on your way out if you see him.. ^^
<Haylee> ...Tahn..
<Tahn> But I know it's true.
<Haylee> If it's true....that the Fang has your parents...I'll help you save them...
* Turless hops to his feet, and heads out.
<Leon> I suppose.
* Leon snickers slightly, "You're more like me that you realize."
<Tahn> In the name of Althena... the Fang has their hands down everyone's pants, don't they?
<Haylee> ...Well...except mine, really...and John's.
* Popoi salutes a little awkwardly, and leaves as well.
* Scott stands at the bow of the ship, looking outwards.
<Tahn> ... You can't be one hundred percent sure of that.
<Celyna> Heh. Maybe you're right.
<Leon> ..I'm sorry to get you caught up in this, Celyna..it was never my goal to get you involved.
<Haylee> I hope I'm right...
* Gwynn comes over to Hay and Tahn...
<Tahn> Besides...
* Tahn turns to Hay and smirks. "Who says you ever wore pants?" ^_-
<Leon> It was only supposed to be me...
<Haylee> Hey now! I'm wearing pants now! ^_-
* Jack heads up to the deck and looks out over the railing.
<Celyna> You don't need to apologize...this might actually be fun!
<Gwynn> Are you feeling a bit better now?
<Celyna> ...eventually...
<Haylee> Yeah...I am.
<Leon> ..what would be fun about this?
<Haylee> Thank you, Miss.
<Tahn> Hai. Still feels like I got jabbed in the side though. What happened, anyways? How did I end up here?
<Celyna> It's an adventure...something interesting...
<TheStoryteller> Jack and Scott see the clouds above starting to break up, a few rays of sunshine coming through as the waters off Zaback calm.
<Leon> ...I see.
<Leon> I'm going to the deck.
<Gwynn> I'm not quite sure.. but I heard fighting upstairs...
<Scott> I wonder if I could make it to shore by jumping from the bow of this ship.
<TheStoryteller> Scott hears a voice from above.
<Jack> Heh. Be my guest ^_^
<Scott> Eh?
* Scott turns around.
* Leon walks up to the deck.
<Smyth> Not a good idea.. you may get caught in the suction.
<Jack> I'm not going anywhere as it is...so I'm gonna stay put.
* Smyth turns the wheel a little to port to bring the city in view.
<Smyth> This is no ordinary boat, you know.. it's a hovercraft.
<Scott> You don't have any personal reasons to go anyway, Jack.
* Scott looks once more at the pic. "I wish I had disobeyed orders and not taken that mission to escort Evol that day."
<Jack> Something bothering you, Scott?
<Scott> A lot's bothering me, Jack.
<Scott> And it goes back to that damn spirit I killed back in Horam..
* Leon notices Scott and Jack, but doesn't speak with them..heads to a place on the deck where he can watch the approaching town.
<Jack> Hm?
* Tahn finally limps his way back on deck... With Gwynn harrassing him to get back in bed, as you'd expect. ^_-
<Scott> Remember me telling you all of the second time DarkStar came out? On the road between Vane and Azado?
<Tahn> Yeah. ^^
<Tahn> Heya, Scott-kun.
<Gwynn> Please Mr. Tahn.. you must rest.. what if you fall off.. please don't make me get the sedatives.. ^^
<Scott> Hi, Tahn.
<Tahn> "Fall off"?! Fall off of what?
* Johnathan looks over from his place by the railing. "Ah.. Tahn.. I see you're up and walking.. good."
<Scott> I was just explaing to Jack the reasons for my going after the Fang.
<Jack> Um.....My Tahn, you're looking spiffy.
<Tahn> Gee, thanks. You look like you've had better days, too.
* Leon notices Tahn, but says nothing.
* Jack smiles.
* Gwynn blushes. "Well.. I don't like boats..."
* Tahn walks up and leans on the railing next to Scott. "...They have my parents. I don't know how I know, I just feel it."
<Scott> Then I think I'm starting to fomulate a plan to get Tomoe and your parents back, Tahn.
<Gwynn> I'm coming back to check on you... Ishtar is still in trouble.
<Scott> And let Leon kill as many as he wants.
<Jack> So...It seems a good lot of you are after these fang folks, aren't you?
* Gwynn goes back down to deck 2.
<Tahn> You should be too, Jack... Remember Lane, and what he did to your shop?
<Leon> I kill for a reason.
<Jack> He was part of that Fang group??
<Tahn> Lane was one of the leading officers of the Fang... before he got "splutted", as it were.
<Scott> According to my intelligence information, he was called the "Heart"..or the chief organizer of the group.
<TheStoryteller> You see a few clouds drift into the sky from the town ahead.. likely from the many refineries and mining equipment there.
<Jack> Wow......I don't think he ever told me about that.....
<Scott> The Rancor's fang is very secretive....
<Tahn> And apparently he had done a bit of embezzling and whatnot on the side... so they got rid of him.
<Tahn> And used me as the implements to do it.
* Leon seems to be meditating.
<Jack> So who is the new head of the Fang, anyway?
<Tahn> "New" head?
<Scott> The leader of the fang is Ramon.
<Leon> And he will die.
<Tahn> The new Heart of the Fang... I believe her name is Lisa something.
<Johnathan> Sounds like this gang has messed with about half of you people... how odd..
<Scott> His right hand man is Nasch Byars...he handles the darker movements of the Fang.
<Leon> She will die too.
<Tahn> Nasch will die several times through.
<Scott> He's mine...
<Leon> Take a number.
<Jack> Hmm....So they were behind the destruction of my shop.....But my problem is nothing compare to you guys....
<Johnathan> Does it matter, Leon, whether you or Scott kill him? He'll be dead either way..
<Tahn> John has a point there.
<Tahn> How about this... ever heard of teamwork?
<Leon> I don't do..teamwork.
<Leon> I don't need, nor did I ask, for any of you.
<Leon> This is my fight.
<Johnathan> Yes, well, you're stuck with them..
<Tahn> You and Scott take Nasch on together. Maybe with our help. I hate to break it to you, Leon, but if you go in there alone, Ramon will rip you to shreds before you can blink.
<Jack> Well, whatever it takes, I will help you take care of the Fang... (Whether Leo here likes it or not, hehe)
<Johnathan> Or at least it's their fight too, in their own ways..
<Scott> Let him be, Tahn. If I know Nasch, he'll come after me before he goes after Leon anyway.
<Leon> You wish, Tahn
<Tahn> It's not Nasch I'm worried about as far as Leon, Scott.
* Smythe comes down on deck, leaning over the railing and taking some notes.
<Tahn> Ramon is more powerful than many would think.
<Leon> You'd love to see me die...but you won't.
<Jack> I wouldn't doubt this Ramon's power.
<Johnathan> None of you will die in this.. not if I can help it..
<Scott> I don't want to see anyone die, Leon. I am not a killer. I don't take glory in the taking of a human life.
<Smyth> Minor breech from impact.. cannon outfitting... *scribbles as he passes by the conversation*
<Tahn> He has influence, control, pure physical strength... and could probably take on Leo quite nicely in a sheer one-on-one gunfight.
<Leon> Oh please...you threatening everyone with your flying sweet and sour chicken dive or something
<Jack> I can believe that, Tahn.
<Tahn> I know... I've seen him in action... right before I was hired. -_-
<Leon> Hired...?
* Leon stands up and glares at Tahn.
<Leon> Hired..?
<Scott> Oh great..here we go again.
<Tahn> Oh, come on. You must be deaf.
<Leon> Hired to do what?
<Tahn> I've said it a thousand times, RIGHT TO YOUR FACE!
<Tahn> I was hired. By the Fang. To kill Lane. For 10 grand in silver. That's all. Yeesh!
<Scott> Tahn was hired to assassinate Lane Motovo, former Heart of the Rancor's Fang.
<Leon> Ah.
* Leon scratches his chin.
<Leon> I suppose then I won't kill you for that.
<Jack> Obviously you never got your money then....
* Scott turns back to the sea. "Someone get that guy some prozac. "
<Tahn> Not yet... because I got swept up into this group's little charade.
<Tahn> And I doubt I'll get it now, since Ramon is a cock-sucking bastard.
<Tahn> And we all want to kill him, anyways.
<Tahn> Sooooooo...
<Scott> Let's just concentrate on the task at hand.
<Leon> No one..no one..as that desire as much as I do.
<Leon> After that..I don't care what happens to me.
* Haylee walks out of the sick bay, looking for the others...
<TheStoryteller> Haylee now walks up on deck, the doctor following her this time instead of Tahn. ^^
<Leon> I just want to see him dead.
<Johnathan> Don't be surprised if you're still around afterward, Leon..
* Scott puts the picture back into his inside pocket. "I have to get a plan together..for that, I have to recon their hideout. Tahn, do you know where their hideout is?"
<Haylee> Everyone...
<Johnathan> ..and maybe then you can move on..
* Haylee smiles. ^_^
<Scott> Haylee-dono!
<Gwynn> Don't any of you have concern for yourself.. you're going to pass out.. ^^
<Leon> ..I doubt that..I have nothing else, anymore.
<Tahn> Their main headquarters is in Meribia, I'm sorry to say, Scott.
* Tahn turns back.
<Haylee> ...I'm okay now! Really! ^_^
* Johnathan looks over. "Ah.. Haylee.."
<Tahn> Haylee-sempai! ^_^
<Haylee> John...are you okay? You too, Tahn? You both had me so worried...
<Jack> Haylee! How's Ishtar?
<Haylee> ...She's...
<Tahn> What happened, anyways?
<Johnathan> Yeah.. how is she?
<Scott> Then why are we here? Why didn't we just go to Meribia?
<Tahn> All I remember is that wierd bitch about to stab you with the spear.
<Haylee> I'm not sure. She seemed delerious last I saw her..
<Smyth> Gwynn, maybe you should just relax.. You get worked up over patients..
<Tahn> Because the Fang is holding a..."convention", if you may, here in Zaback.
<Haylee> Well...you sorta pushed me aside Tahn...and got stabbed yourself..
<Gwynn> Well, you drive a ship.. taking care of people is much different!
<Tahn> >_< That's why my side hurts so much.
<Haylee> ...
<Scott> Meaning they're about to occupy this city like they did in Takar several years ago. I read reports on that. Definately not a pretty picture.
<Leon> Hmph.
* Haylee looks down. "I'm...sorry..."
<Tahn> Takkar?
<Smyth> You're ruining my concentration... I got to do this damage report. And what about Valhalla?
<Tahn> _Several_ years ago?
<Scott> When I took on the mission of investigating the Rancor's Fang, I did some research as to their movements in the past.
<Tahn> Takkar was occupied about 10 years ago, Scott...
<Gwynn> Oh dear.. I need to get that ready.. *walks off again*
* Leon lets out a heavy sigh.
<Scott> That's still several years, Tahn.
<Tahn> I was still in your mother's class at the guild.
* Haylee growls. "Her name is Ishtar. Not Valhalla."
<Johnathan> Ishtar. Not Valhalla.
* Johnathan glances at Haylee.
<Smythe> I'm sorry.. I just know the name. All the techies were in a big hoopla over it.
<Jack> What's with the whole Valhalla name in the first place? What's up with that? Can someone tell me?
* Haylee glances at John. "Erhm! We're thinking along the same lines...eh?"
<Johnathan> Seems so..
* Haylee smiles. ^_^
<Haylee> Are you okay, now?
<Tahn> Project Valhalla... apparently what Virtue code-named those wings you built, Jack.
* Johnathan smiles faintly. "Oh, I'm fine.."
<Scott> Still..the details I read about it were sketchy at best. Hardly any witnesses...and of those that survived, most didn't talk about it afterwards.
<Leon> . o O (What will I do after this is over...)
<Smythe> Sinel's design.. it's magnificent, as always. Sure wish I could do that..
<Tahn> T...Ta...
* Haylee rests her hand on his shoulder. "Sure?"
<Tahn> Wait a minute...
<Jack> Wow....they did a good job keeping that part secret from me.....
<Scott> Eh?
* Tahn looks at Leon. "You?"
<Smyth> But I just pilot his ship. Maybe someday..
* Smythe goes back to writing..
<Leon> What about me...
<Johnathan> ..yeah... I'm just...
<Johnathan> ..nah. It's nothing. I'm fine, really.
<Tahn> Takkar.
* Haylee hugs John.
<Haylee> It's okay...
<Leon> ...What about it?
<Scott> Aren't you from Takkar, Leon?
<Haylee> You can tell me if you want...I'm always here...
<Tahn> He never told us that.
<Leon> Orignally I called that my home, yes.
<Tahn> His father, however..
<Tahn> He passed through Vane...once.
* Leon waves his finger, "No."
<Jack> Wow...Going back to your homeland.... makes me miss Meribia.....
* Johnathan looks out over the water. "It's.. complicated.. and it's not really the point right now... there are other things at hand than.."
<Leon> I'll never go back to Takkar..
<Smyth> Damn... you guys are going to cost us a bundle in repairs.
<Scott> No, but I finally put two and two together. I remember the last name Blackfire in the reports of that incident. Nothing concrete...a forensic investigation wasn't carried out.
<Haylee> But...
<Tahn> Blackfire...Dedrick, am I right?
<Leon> Yes.
<Haylee> ...I'm worried about you...
<Tahn> That explains why you did so well at the trial...
* Smythe walks back up top, taking the helm off auto, and preparing to guide it into Zaback.
<Leon> When I was normal, I learned all about the laws of the land of Lunar.
<Tahn> "When you were normal"?
<Leon> You heard me.
<TheStoryteller> The city ahead starts to veer out of your view.
<Scott> Eh?
* Johnathan sighs. "I've just been wondering.. whether what we're doing.."
<Haylee> ...is right?
<Scott> What about what we're doing, John?
<Leon> ..what does this have to do with anything anyway...
<Tahn> ...
<Smyth> Everyone, I suggest you hold on. We can't just steamroll into Zaback.
<Tahn> Leon can.
<Johnathan> Not right now, you understand.. I mean.. I'm sure this gang needs to be stopped, I have no objection to that..
<Tahn> But he'd get swiss-cheezed.
<Leon> I have my methods.
<Scott> Just putting two and two together, Leon...no wonder you have such a deep seeded hatred of the Rancor's Fang. You were a survivor of that incident 10 years ago?
<Smyth> I'm setting her down by the northern mines.. mountain cover, as per orders.
<Johnathan> ..but what if they're.. oh, nevermind... I'm just rambling now..
<Haylee> We have to find out the truth...John. The Church has done some terrible things...
<Leon> No..I'm not a survivor..
<TheStoryteller> Smyth flicks a switch as the sandy shore comes racing at you...
<Leon> ...I'm a prisoner.
<Tahn> ...
<Leon> But what the fuck does this have to do with anything.
<Johnathan> What if they're right, though? Sometimes the ends do justify the means..
<Scott> I think it's just that we're finally starting to understand you, Leon. That's all.
<Tahn> Leon... what is gonna happen to you once the Fang is gone?
<Smyth> Boy, I sure love this job..
<Haylee> ...We won't know unless we try to find out the truth...and for that...we've got to go on...
<Leon> ..I'm not wanting to be understood.
<Leon> And I don't think I'll be coming back from this trip, to answer your question, Tahn.
<TheStoryteller> The whole ship lurches upwards as it thumps onto land for a split second.. then a cushion of air forms underneath as it glides over earth instead of sea.
Aboard the VSS Epiphany, Marius
<Tahn> You... the past 10 years of your life have been driven by revenge...
<Leon> I'm willing to do anything to destroy the Fang.
<Johnathan> Do we really?
<Haylee> ...You want to leave...don't you? :/
<Tahn> I'd say more than "Leave", Haylee..
<Haylee> To be honest...I don't blame him at all...
<Scott> I don't either..
<Tahn> He...
<Haylee> What, Tahn?
<Tahn> John... are you starting to sympathize Virtue?
<Leon> All this heart filled bullshit is annoying me.
* Smythe looks down at Jack. "Isn't this wonderful? Almost like the old Destiny! Sinel's a genius.."
* Johnathan closes his eyes. "Beyond this Gang.. what's left to keep fighting?"
<Tahn> Who says we need to fight?
<Jack> Yeah....The Destiny......
<Haylee> ...The truth, maybe?
<Johnathan> What if she's right, Tahn?
<Tahn> What?
<Tahn> What are you talking about, Hay?
<Tahn> "Fight the truth"?
* Haylee shakes her head. "I don't know what the truth or the lie is anymore. I'm going to find it..."
<Tahn> Impossible... the truth is always there... it always happens... Fate is unchangeable, Haylee.
<Scott> I think he means "What if Virtue's right?".
<TheStoryteller> You see more of the smoke as the mines approach, a few railways and such spanning out from them like a spiderweb to the city to the south.
<Tahn> Virtue..
<Tahn> She may be right.
* Johnathan nods.
<Haylee> But she can't be...even if she is...she's no saint!
<Tahn> But I'm not taking the chance.
<Tahn> Not after what I saw in the Blue Dragon Cave.
<Scott> But we have to find that out...and what of that brown haired kid that Haylee saw when she entered Virtue's mind?
<Leon> Johnathan...
<Haylee> She helped us before only because it served her interest...
<Tahn> Brown haired...
<Tahn> Lure?
<Johnathan> Yes, Leon?
<Scott> Could very well be.
<Leon> I need a word with you, in private.
<Haylee> If I didn't kidnap her...she would have never gotten involved with Zeio.
<Haylee> She would have sent her lackeys to kill me.
* Johnathan nods. "Sure.."
* Leon walks over to the other end of the ship.
<Scott> I think that somehow, she and Zeio are connected in some twisted way.
<Tahn> Lure.
<Tahn> The truth..
* Johnathan moves away from the railing, and follows Leon.
* Tahn blinks, slightly understanding.
<Haylee> Wait...John!
* Haylee follows him!
<Tahn> Wait, Hay!
<TheStoryteller> The ship stops in a small valley near the tracks, engines slowing to a small hum.
* Johnathan pauses, looking back.
* Leon narrows his eyes
* Tahn grabs Haylee. "Leon wanted to talk to him. He'll be fine."
<Haylee> ....
<Haylee> Okay...
* Haylee steps back and sighs...
<Tahn> Besides, I still need a word with you, too.
<Haylee> ...Okay Tahn...
* Leon looks over the railing, "What I'm about to do..is hard for me."
* Scott jumps overboard..."Do we go through the mines?"
* Johnathan walks over to Leon.
<Tahn> Haylee..
<Smyth> Alright, people.. it's now or never.
<Johnathan> Hard for you...?
* Tahn jumps overboard. "Come on, Hay... we'll talk when we're off the ship."
<Leon> Yes. I haven't had to ask this of someone in a long time.
<Leon> But I'm doing it because I respect you.
<Leon> And I know between you and Bree...it'll get done.
* Scott is already overboard and walking to the mines.
* Johnathan nods slowly. "What is it?"
* Haylee nods and follows Tahn, jumping down with flair...with some telekensis. ^^;
<Leon> When I started this trip..
<Leon> I didn't need anyone.
<TheStoryteller> It's not far to the ground at all, however the air cushion does blow the dust around a bit, getting in your eyes. ^^
* Tahn moves out of the way of the air cushion.
<Leon> I still think that if it were only me..I wouldn't need anyone..
<Bree> Well, time to jump ship.. for the last time I hope.. ^^
<Tahn> Haylee. If... well..
<Haylee> ...What?
<TheStoryteller> Bree descends off the vessel.
Marius Zone, Outside Zaback Mine
<Tahn> If I were a woman, how would you react? ^^;
<Leon> But something's happened between here and there...
<Leon> And since I don't suspect I'll be returning from this trip...
* Haylee blinks. "What do you mean?"
* Jack jumps off of the ship.
* Scott starts walking into the mines.
<Tahn> I mean... if I were female, but had the same feelings for you that I do now, how would you react to it?
<Leon> ...Should I die..I want you to make sure Celyna makes it back alive and well.
* Haylee blinks. "You mean homosexual feelings?"
<Tahn> Erhm... Yeah, I guess. ^^;
* Haylee hmms. "Well...actually...my best friend in Racuili is a guy...who likes guys. ^^; Although I might be a bit shocked...I wouldn't hate the person any less."
<Haylee> Why?
<Tahn> ...
<Tahn> You wouldn't hate the person any more you mean.
<Haylee> ...No, that's not what I meant.
<Tahn> But would you like them any less?
<Leon> Do you think you can do that...?
<Haylee> Well...
<Haylee> Yes. My feelings wouldn't change.
* Johnathan nods. "I promise. If you don't make it.. I'll watch out for her."
<Tahn> Would you feel for them like they did for you?
<Johnathan> But Leon..
<Haylee> If I liked the person, I'd still like them...as a friend.
<Haylee> No...I wouldn't. I'm straight.. ^^;
<Tahn> ...As a friend.
<Haylee> Exactly.
<Tahn> Like I've said..
<Tahn> Love is genderless, Haylee.
<Haylee> ...And who is it, Tahn? Emili?
* Tahn blinks.
<Johnathan> ..don't count on dying.
<Haylee> Cuz if is I'm about to facefualt. ^^
<Tahn> What makes you think that I'm talking about someone in our group?
<Haylee> Oh it's OBVIOUS!
<Tahn> ...
<Leon> ..I have a gut feeling that I won't be coming back, Johnathan.
<Haylee> And I had this conversation with my best friend before. ^^;
* Johnathan smiles grimly. "I don't intend to let anyone but that gang die here.."
<Tahn> ....
<Leon> Well, as long as Celyna is okay...
* Haylee pats Tahn on the shoulder. "I won't say anything. Who is it?"
<Johnathan> So I'll tell you what... if you don't make it..
<Leon> She doesn't deserve to be caught up in this.
<Johnathan> ..I'll watch her for you, until she's safely back.
<Tahn> I.. kinda swore not to tell you. *sweatdrops*
<Johnathan> But if you DO make it..
<Haylee> Gaah! Tahn, now I'm wondering! I want to talk to this person and sort things out!
<Haylee> Is it Emili?
<Haylee> Ishtar?
<Scott> Hey, Tahn. I have to ask you a favor.
<Tahn> Ehm... ^^; No, it's not Emili.
* Smyth calls down. "Guys...Adam's ordered that Val...Ishtar stay here. Don't worry, Gwynn's like a mother to this here regiment."
<Tahn> Or... Ishtar. ^^;
<Johnathan> ..try to move on.. go back to a normal life.. you DO have friends, you know.
<Haylee> ....Bree?
* Tahn turns back to Scott, glad to change the subject. "Yeah, Scott?"
<Haylee> ....It's Bree...Oh my...
<Scott> Should I wind up in a fight with Nasch, alone. Don't let anyone interfere.
* Leon doesn't answer, "Let's catch up with the others..that loon Scott will get himself killed with his boasting."
<Haylee> I'll have to talk to her...
<Tahn> N...
* Haylee almost looks like a cross between flattered and shocked.
<Tahn> No, don't do that.
* Johnathan nods, and grins faintly. "Right.. lead the way, my friend."
* Tahn looks back to Scott. "Will do, Scott-dono."
<Haylee> . o O ( John...Tahn...and now Bree? What's fucking next? The ferret?! )
<Leon> ....
* Leon heads after the others.
* Tahn looks to Haylee "I heard that."
<Haylee> ^^; Nono.
<Tahn> ~The ferret likes Elrika, sorry.~
<Haylee> It's not what I mean...It's not negative...I just wonder why I'm so....um...
<Xavier> Hey, someone talking about me? If you are, share!
<Scott> Popular?
* Haylee blinks, not wanting to sound egotistical.
<Tahn> Eh...
* Tahn facefaults.
<Haylee> ...Uh...yeah? ^^;;;;;
* Xavier poings off the ship. ^^
<Tahn> Forgot you were here, furball.
* Johnathan follows Leon.
* Leon manages to catch up with the others with John.
<Tahn> ...You are, well, you.
<Haylee> Well...we should probably get going...
<TheStoryteller> The Epiphany starts up and backs out of the valley slowly.... before long, it's gone.
<Tahn> I mean, not only do you have looks that could kill, but you have such a personality that makes it, well, hard to not like you.
<Haylee> Ah...er...
* Haylee blushes. ^^;
<Tahn> Except for Leon, who doesn't like much of anyone, really.
<Haylee> T...thank you.... ^^;
* Leon grabs Tahn by the belt and pulls him back.
<Leon> What was that?
<Tahn> *Urk*
<Haylee> Let him GO, Leon.
<Tahn> Uh... Nothing! ^^:
<Tahn> Nothing at all! ^^;
* Haylee puts her hands on her hips and pouts.
<TheStoryteller> Around you you see a set of tracks leading north to the mines, or south to downtown Zaback.
<Tahn> Just the wind!
<Leon> Good. Make sure you keep saying nothing.
* Leon shoves him back forward.
<Tahn> So...
<Tahn> Zaback, right?
<TheStoryteller> The evening isn't long away, as a few lights begin to flicker on in the distance.
<Leon> Perhaps we should camp out before heading into town.
<Leon> The Fang will have everything under their observation.
<Scott> Good idea, Leon...
<Tahn> Yeah.
* Haylee hums under her breath.
<Tahn> And we don't want to let them on to our presence..
<Leon> Not yet anyway.
<Tahn> Hmm..
<TheStoryteller> A few whisp of dusty soil fly up in the gentle breeze as the last of the clouds drifts northwards.
<Tahn> I seem to be in best relations with the Fang... with John closeby... Maybe we should find a way to disguise the rest of you.
<Leon> Wow, these plains sure are detailed.
<Haylee> This town is a dustbowl...hm.
* Haylee hmms..
<Haylee> Scott, can I talk to you alone for a moment...?
<Scott> Sure, Haylee.
<TheStoryteller> Along one of the tracks, you spot a freight train heading south.
* Haylee smiles. "Thanks a lot!"
<Tahn> Or make it harder to see you... like.. an invisibility spell, perhaps?
* Tahn looks at John.
<Tahn> ...Or, we could hitch a train like that'n.
* Haylee hmms. "Where should we talk...hmmm"
* Scott walks over to Haylee. "What is it, Haylee-dono?"
<Leon> Or maybe we should just disguise ourselves.
<Haylee> ..It's about John...I...
<Haylee> I don't think...he wants to stay with us anymore. I think he's unhappy....and it's hurting him emotionally...he just won't tell me about it.
<Haylee> I'm not quite sure what to do.
<Scott> I know. I talked to him on Celyna's ship. I'm concerned myself.
<Haylee> What should we do? I don't want to boot him out...I think he feels obligated to stay...
<TheStoryteller> The train is coming closer to your position, light glaring in the hazy air. But not enough to really start to worry yet.
<Leon> He will stay.
<Haylee> But...I love him...I hate to see him hurt...he's such a good person...
<Haylee> Leon. :/ No offense, but this is private....although I guess I shouldn't bitch... He wants to stay?
* Tahn hears the "I love him" and sulks a little.
<Scott> I don't know, Haylee. That has to be up to him..but we can support him as much as possible in whatever he does.
<Haylee> ...I guess...
* Leon sits down and looks out at the town.
<Tahn> ....
<Haylee> I'm just afraid he'll snap...like I did.
<Tahn> This is it, huh, Leon?
<Haylee> On the boat...
<Leon> Yes.
<Bree> Guys, do you think hitching a train ride would be the best way to sneak in? Because our chance is coming right at us.
<Tahn> ...
<Tahn> Uh..
* Johnathan watches the train. "Perhaps.."
<Scott> Excellent idea, Bree-chan.
* Haylee nods...
<Tahn> Yeah.
<Leon> Might be a good idea.
* Haylee runs back to the others.
* Scott follows Haylee.
<Jack> Whadda we got to lose, eh? ^_^
<Haylee> ...Our lives if we miss?
<Haylee> ^^; Gah! I'm supposed to be the optimist!
<Leon> I suppose you value your life.
<Jack> Don't give it a second thought, Haylee. ^_^;
<Tahn> Not like we run the risk of losing those against the Fang anyways, Haylee.
<TheStoryteller> You hear the horn blowing faintly as it comes into view, down the straight rails...
* Haylee sighs. "I...Guess..."
<Tahn> Okay...
* Haylee gets ready to jump!
<Tahn> The moment of destiny has arrived, guys.
<Tahn> On three...
<Scott> OK.
<Haylee> Tahn. Melodrama...! ^^:
* Scott stands ready...
<Leon> It's nearly gutcheck time...
<Tahn> 1... 2... Bite me Haylee...
* Bree looks around...
<Haylee> I'm joking! ^_^
* Jack is prepared.
* Johnathan mutters a few words, thrusting his hands out.. the train suddenly seems to be going much slower.
<Tahn> Damn it, John!
<Tahn> You had to go and screw up my melodrama, didn't you! ^_-
<Haylee> Hey...we can just walk on now! Sweet ^_^
<Bree> Wow.. nice trick...
* Haylee pat pats Tahn.
<Leon> ..you guys...are going to draw too much attention.
* Haylee then pat pats John. "^_^ You're both so talented."
* Tahn hops onto the sluggishly oncoming train.
<Haylee> . o O ( And I frickin' need to choose! )
<TheStoryteller> The train closes in on your positions, the wheels almost visible as they spin in slow-mo.
<Johnathan> Well.. it seemed better than trying to jump onto a fast moving train..
<Tahn> ~I heard that.~
* Leon helps Celyna onto the train and then gets on himself
<Tahn> ~Try breaking that link sometimes. :P~
<Johnathan> ...but I figured messing with the train would be noticed..
<Haylee> . o O ( AAAGH! Stupid mind link! >_< )
* Johnathan shrugs. "So I messed with us.. hope no one minds."
<Haylee> Enough of that, let's go! ^_^
<Tahn> ~I'd personally go for Bree if I were you, but...~
* Haylee pulls Tahn and John into the train!
* Jack looks at the slow-chugging train and boards it "I don't wanna sound vain, but I feel this is making fun of my intelligence...." ^_^;
* Tahn is..uh... already on the train. ;P
* Scott jumps into an open car, making sure to keep a hand on Misogi's saya, so he doesn't lose the sword.
* Johnathan steps onto the train as it passes by.
<TheStoryteller> You all seem to have no problem getting on the passenger car of the train, due to John's magic..
Aboard the A Line, Marius Zone
<Haylee> We did it! :D
<Leon> Get some rest.
<TheStoryteller> There's noone inside the pasenger cars however, except a sleeping miner or two, exhausted, and heading home for the day.
* Johnathan lets the spell fade away. "No sense in taking a week to get there, though."
<Leon> You all will need your rest.
<Haylee> ...Right.
<Leon> ...I'll keep watch.
<Scott> I don't think I'll be able to sleep, Leo...no offense.
<Johnathan> I'm not sleeping either.. I'd rather be...
* Haylee plops down on one of the beds....then hmm.
<Johnathan> ...prepared?
* Tahn hmms too. ^_-
<Leon> ...Well I will sleep then.
* Tahn leans up against the side of the car.
<TheStoryteller> There's plenty of space to sit down and get comfortable... lots of legroom. And the seats are pretty fancily upolstered.. a testament to the boom town that you are heading towards. :)
* Scott sits against a wall, leaning his blade against his shoulder and looking out the door of the train car.
<Tahn> o/~ Tachi mukau saki ni.. kawa ita kaze... hageshiku fukiaretemo.. o/~
* Haylee bounces on one of the seats, oddly giddy. :p
<TheStoryteller> Scott sees mountains turning to hills.. and flat plains..
* Johnathan stands, leaning against the frame of the car's entrance, watching the landscape rolling by.
<Haylee> I think Gwynn gave me a shot of caffiene....I can't stop bouncing. O_O
* Jack sits down near a wall, and starts dozing off...
* Leon sits down next to Celyna..as if he's watching over here.
<TheStoryteller> You hear a voice over the loudspeaker.
<Tahn> o/~ Jumon o hitotsu mo tonaetanara, watashi no pace ni naru... o/~
<TheStoryteller> [Voice] Arriving at Downtown Zaback station in 10 minutes.. please check all your belongings before exiting the car.
<Leon> ..maybe we should sleep when we get into town.
<Haylee> Yeah...
<Haylee> If I can sleep. Gods! I'm so hyper!
<Johnathan> So much for the ten minute nap, huh?
<Tahn> o/~ Daremo ga ura yamu kono pawaa to, bibou ga yurusanai wa.. o/~
<Scott> I still doubt I'll be able to....
<Leon> We'll have to find somewhere extremely out of the way.
<Leon> Like a warehouse..
<Haylee> Ick.
<TheStoryteller> [Voice] This train is heading to Dragon yards for unloading.. sleeping passengers on board past this point will be removed forcibly. Thank you.
<Leon> All the inns and such will be under watch.
<Haylee> Forcibly? With what? Crowbars?
<Tahn> o/~ Donna aite demo hirumanaide, manto o nabika seru no! o/~
* Jack is sleeping, not even listening to the announcement.
<Johnathan> ..can we quote you on that, Tahn?
<Tahn> ^_- If you know what it means, sure.
* Leon clamps Tahn's mouth shut. "Stop that, or I shall have to hurt you."
<Johnathan> I don't.. it just sounded funny.
<Tahn> "I won't flinch from any opponent, as my cape flaps in the breeze", is the rough translation.
* Haylee laughs! ^_^ "That's great!"
* Scott keeps looking outside. "I hope you can sense me, Tomoe. My mind and heart is with you."
Aboard the A Line, Zaback
<TheStoryteller> Within minutes, you see the streets of Zaback rushing past the windows.. tall buildings, streetlights, many vehicles roaming around the roads.. It's obviously a very big place.
* Johnathan looks back outside, sighing. "And if there's no breeze.. who do you flinch from then?"
<Leon> Get ready to get off.
<Leon> And don't cause a scene.
* Johnathan chuckles.
<Tahn> o/~ Aremo shitai, koremo shitai, onna no ko ni mietatte.. o/~
<Bree> Speak for yourself, Leon. ;)
* Leon clamps Tahn's mouth shut again. "I said stop that."
* Tahn looks at John. "And don't you dare quote me on that one."
* Haylee snickers at Bree. "Tee hee hee." ^_^
* Scott stands.
* Tahn whaps Leon's hand away.
<Scott> .oO(I hope I don't stand out in this dogi and carrying a sword.)
<Haylee> . o O ( Whatever Gwynn gave me better wear off because I'm as giddy and airheaded as a schoolgirl! ...Don't quote me on that Tahn! )
* Leon glares back.
<Tahn> ~Oro?~
<TheStoryteller> The movement of the train slows as you enter a tunnel... finally coming to a halt in a fancy station platform.
<Haylee> . o O ( I think she gave me a shot of caffiene or an equivalent ^_^ )
<Tahn> Okay... do we get out here?
<Leon> Now..don't cause any scenes..
<TheStoryteller> [Voice] Zaback Station.. this is the last stop.
<Tahn> Doh..
<Tahn> Guess so.
* Scott stands at the door, ready to disembark.
<Leon> Just walk..and keep your mouths shut.
* Haylee stands up. "Let's go."
<TheStoryteller> A couple of the dozing miners rouse with various explicatives, rubbing their eyes and gathering up their bags.
* Tahn casts a minor Wind Soul spell on both Scott and Leon, hoping it helps conceal them from the roving eyes of the Fang.
* Johnathan steps off before the train has fully stopped.
<TheStoryteller> A uniformed man opens the door to the car, letting the passengers off.
<Haylee> John!
<Jack> *Snore*....
<Tahn> Eh, he'll be allright. ^_^
<Haylee> Gah, don't DO that! ^^; Scarin' the crap out of me!
* Scott steps from the car and walks on..not saying a word.
* Haylee steps off.
<TheStoryteller> [Conductor] Sir, please wait till the train has come to a full and complete stop before disembarking! o_o
* Tahn gets off.
* Leon steps off the train, pushing his long black hair into his face, hiding it.
* Johnathan smiles. "Oh.. my apologies."
<Scott> .oO(I hope the fang doesn't recognize me like this.)
* Johnathan turns and rolls his eyes once the conductor can't see his face.
<TheStoryteller> The conductor snickers a bit about whackos, and goes to his job.
* Haylee glares at the conductor and gives him a mental headache. ^_-
Zaback, Train Station
<TheStoryteller> You see everyone filing out across the platform and up a set of stairs marked "to Street Level".
* Scott takes the stairs down to street level.
* Jack is still asleep.....
* Leon heads up to street level, hair still in his face.
* Tahn heads to street level. (Is that up? Down? I dunno!)
* Haylee follows the others...whistling and looking cute so the Fang doesn't kill her off.
<TheStoryteller> The crowd of people pushes and shoves you up the stairs a lot.. (damn rush hour)
<Scott> (W To Tahn) Think they know of DarkStar and his illusion over my appearance?
<Haylee> Ow! Hey! Watch it!
<Scott> @_@
<Tahn> (w, Scott) Hmm.. I wouldn't know.
* Leon snickers under his breath as strangers bounce off of his massive body, trying to push passed him.
<Tahn> (w, Scott) But you let down that illusion in Horam, right?
<Scott> (W) Right...
<Tahn> (w, Scott) Which means that Nasch probably knows what you look like.
<Scott> (W) When Nasch went to Horam, he escaped before I got there.
* Johnathan walks behind Leon, travelling in the relative jostle-free safety of his wake.
<TheStoryteller> With a few more turns and twists, and some turnstiles, you and the flood of humanity arrive on the street.
<Tahn> (w) But did anyone else in the Fang see you?
<Scott> (W) For a few seconds before I killed them. It was a battle in Horam.
<TheStoryteller> Everyone disperses in various directions.. as you stop and look at the city.
Mining City Zaback
<Tahn> (w) Could anyone else have escaped... Saloni perhaps?
<Tahn> (w) That little grogfucker is fast.. and tricky.
<Haylee> Wow...so big...
* Haylee smiles.
<Tahn> ...
<Tahn> Hay... ^^;
<TheStoryteller> Such a big metropolis, with so many hiding spots.. just where could the Fang be?
<Haylee> Yes?
* Leon doesn't say anything.
* Scott looks around, his eyes narrowed as if he's concentrating merely on the task at hand.
<Tahn> ...
<Haylee> What? What's wrong?
<Tahn> Stop acting so kawaii. ^_^
<Tahn> It'll make you stick out like a sore thumb, Haylee-chan.
<Tahn> So stop it. ^_^
<Haylee> Oh...uh...okay..^^;
<TheStoryteller> The heavy city air hangs over you all... as the rest of the city goes on in it's daily routine, oblivious to everything.
<Johnathan> Sure, try to blend in, huh?
<Leon> ...
<Johnathan> ...these cities are depressing, sort of..
<Tahn> G...Goug? What's that?
<Tahn> What the hell...
<Scott> (w, Johnathan) One of us will stand out like a sore thumb, though....how many bushido masters do you see in a mining town?
<Johnathan> ..at least you're not in a mage's robes, Scott.. yeesh, I need to dress differently.
<Tahn> The trenchcoat helps my image. ^_-
<Leon> (w) You all should just shut up and move on..
<TheStoryteller> Perhaps finding a place for the night should be first.. or taking in the nightlife. Who knwos what you may find..
<TheStoryteller> You hear a little shout from downstairs, as Jack flys out on the street. o_O
<Tahn> What the...hell?!
<Haylee> Jack!
<TheStoryteller> [Train Worker] Hey! No sleeping on the trains!
<Leon> ..damn it all...
<Jack> Hey! Nobody told me we arrived here!!
<Haylee> Sorry ...! I thought you were following us!
<Jack> YAAH!!
<TheStoryteller> [Worker] Some people..
<Tahn> Hi, Jack. Have a nice flight?
* Jack gets flung out of the train and onto the ground...
<TheStoryteller> Jack is on the cold street. ^^
* Haylee helps Jack up.
* Tahn noticed. ;P
* Jack picks himself up and dusts himself off. "Geez, you think someone could've waked me up or something....."
<Leon> ..idiot...
<Johnathan> Sorry, Jack.. I didn't think anyone had fallen asleep in..
<Scott> (w) Baka yarou.
<Johnathan> ..look, Leon's right. We need to find a place to.. hide.. and to prepare.
<TheStoryteller> Well, now that you're organized, you should move. There's a side street procliaming "Reasonable rates.. Five Star hotel rooms"..
<Scott> Too obvious....
<Jack> Yeah..
<Tahn> Reasonable rates... five star rooms... and a homocide with every patron.
<Tahn> 'Nuff said.
<Leon> ...we should stay away from Inns.
<TheStoryteller> Next to it is a smaller sign, in the shape of a Diamond.
* Tahn reads the "smaller sign".
<Scott> Diamond Dreams.
<TheStoryteller> "Diamond Dreams Hotel, Bar, Nightclub, and Casino.. The nightlife's shining gem."
<Haylee> Casino?
<Jack> Perfect!
<Haylee> Nightclub....Ooh!
<Tahn> Nightclub? :D
* Haylee can't help being excited. :p
<Leon> They are there.
* Tahn wonders why Haylee is getting excited if "she's straight". :P
* Haylee hears Tahn's thoughts and whaps him over the head!
<TheStoryteller> Something seems to click with that name.
<Haylee> Because I'm from the country! I've never seen anything like this! Geh!
<Tahn> ... ^_^
<Haylee> ...Maybe I should keep that mind link in place. ^_-
<Tahn> Do that again! That felt good! ^_^
<Haylee> ...Pervert! ^_-
<Jack> Well...We're not doing much standing out here....
<Tahn> Arigato! :D
<Haylee> ^_-
<Johnathan> A.. nightclub.. bar.. and casino. That is definately NOT a laying low kind of place..
<Bree> I like a place with Diamond in the name..
<Scott> .oO(I think that place could just be where we're looking to go...but not to stay the night.)
<Leon> ...doesn't anyone listen to me...
<Scott> Not a good idea, Bree...
<Scott> I think Leon's right.
<Tahn> (m, to Bree) You just like a place with a nightclub, Bree-kun. :P
<Scott> There should be an abandoned building around here somewhere....
<TheStoryteller> Across the street is a run down place on the corner.. it has almost no signs about it, but the awning says. "Joe's Motel."
<Tahn> ...
<Haylee> Not the Joe we just met...Is it?! O_o
<Tahn> "Joe's"?
<Haylee> Agh god!
<Tahn> Not that goober on the ship..
<Leon> ...I still think we shouldn't stay at an Inn.
<Scott> We need to even stay away from roach motels like that one.
<Tahn> So where do we stay?
<Johnathan> Leon's right.. better safe than sorry.
* Haylee points. "Is that a warehouse down the street?"
* Leon points to an abandoned warehouse, "There."
<Scott> We go with Leon's idea. Find an abandoned building...or a warehouse.
<Haylee> Yep. It is. Let's go!
<Tahn> Hai!
* Scott nods.
<TheStoryteller> There's a few bars and stores down the main street.. but Leon's right.. farther down is the industrial area.
<Jack> Well...It's something...
<Tahn> May not be comfort, but it'll keep from detection.
<Leon> I hope.
<Haylee> Right...I want to live past tonight. ^^;
<TheStoryteller> Your course set, you head off to the distance, the city moving past you at a blinding pace. You hope you can get lost in this place.. but that's just why the Fang is here too..
~~SESSION END~~
Session Close: Mon Oct 18 02:11:00 1999