Chapter 19 - "The Masks We Wear"
New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Liza, Nasch, Ramon, Randy, Various NPCs
Scott as Aoshi, Tomoe
Session Start: Sun Oct 31 18:19:24 1999
<TheStoryteller> We last left the group as they planned out a rather interesting way to infiltrate the Rancor's Fang... by way of a little costume party.
Mining City Zaback, Warehouse
<TheStoryteller> The morning sun is rising.. it's almost 10 o'clock, the time you were supposed to meet Randy and collect those tickets...
* Tahn has been up all night... again... but has really lost track of time. ^^;
* Scott was gone at first light....leaving a note in Bree's hands and leaving without a word.
* Tahn blinks as he sees sun rising through the warehouse window...
* Jack is snoring like a baby....in a Rob Zombie concert.
* Tahn nudges Bree a bit. "Come on, Bree... wake up."
* Bree blinks and wakes up slowly. "Hmm? Huh?" She tugs the chunk of material back over her, and opens up the note.
* Haylee is still sleeping, curled up in John's arms. ^_^
* Tahn nudges Hay and John with his foot. "Hey you two.. get up.. it's almost time for us to go. And.. uh... get a room." ^^;
* Haylee erks and mumbles.
* Johnathan is holding Haylee, quite awake, but with a distant, vacant, and yet somehow intense look in his eyes.
* Bree grumbles at the two, and goes back to reading.
* Tahn rolls his eyes and goes on to wake up the next person... chainsaw Jack. :P
* Leon sits by the window looking outside, looking as he hasn't moved from the night before.
* Haylee snuggles a bit.
<Jack> *SNNOOOORREE!!!!*.......
* Celyna is sleeping!
* Tahn stuffs a length of cloth into Jack's mouth. :P
<Jack> *Snort*Mmmmnf.ffff.f.........
* Johnathan slowly focuses his eyes on Tahn as he walks away, bringing his attention back from wherever it was. "Ah.. morning already...?"
<Haylee> zzz....
* Tahn gets a sudden impish grin and holds Jack's nose shut. >;)
* Scott's note reads "I've gone off on my own. I cannot in good conscience involve you all in my personal battle. Aoshi, my sparring partner has followed us to Zaback from Horam. He'll join me in this endeavour. Please take care of yourselves. And Bree, remember what I told you."
<Jack> *SCCRNCHT*.....AGHTT.......!!!
* Leon turns and looks at Jack.
<Bree> Tahn... come here... read this..
* Bree holds it out to him.
<Tahn> Wake up, Lumberjacko. ;)
<Tahn> Nani?
<Haylee> Mm...Morning already...?
<Tahn> Okay...
<Jack> Whowhahuhwherewhy.........?
* Tahn goes over to Bree. "What now?"
<Johnathan> Yes.. wake up, Haylee.. it's time for us to get moving, I think.
<Bree> Scott's gone...
* Celyna sleeps next to where Leon is..and looks rather peaceful.
* Haylee opens her eyes and yawns... "Okay... ^_^ Good morning, John."
<Tahn> Gone on own.. can't involve... followed us... take care... This mean Scott's left us for good?
<Leon> Scott's left?
* Bree turns towards the window, away from Hay and John. "I don't know.. he probably means just for this.. I dunno..."
<Jack> Whoa.....I had this really odd dream that I was a guy with huge forearms and a spikey yellow haircut.......
<Leon> You mean that stupid idiot sat there in Horam and gave me a long speech about being a team, and the dickhead runs off on his own?
* Johnathan lets go of Haylee. "Basically, Leon.. yes."
<Johnathan> That's how it looks...?
<Leon> What an immature punk.
* Haylee stands up and streches. "Hmm...^_^ Good morning everyone!"
<Tahn> Eh.
<Tahn> Anywho...
<Leon> A stupid fucking idiot.
<Jack> *Yawn*....So.....What's going on?..
* Tahn turns to Leon. "You were about to do the same thing. Does that mean you're a stupid fucking idiot too, or just a hypocrite?"
* Bree grumbles quietly. "I guess we get going.. get the invitations, and go inside to help him..."
<Tahn> Yeah.
<Haylee> C'mon, both you of you. No arguing today, please...
<Leon> Actually, idiot, I'm still here.
<Leon> Since I didn't give the speech, it doesn't make me the hypocrite.
<Leon> It makes the fucking twit who belched it out a hypocrite.
<Tahn> You wouldn't be if we hadn't basically forced you to come with us in Zen..
<Haylee> Stop it right now...
<Johnathan> Leon never said we'd do this together...
<Johnathan> ...Scott did..
* Haylee glares at both of them.
* Leon narrows his eyes, "I never wanted any of you to come with me."
<Johnathan> ...I'm surprised at this, really.
<Tahn> Anyways... it's none of my business.
<Jack> Okay okay okay....Enough of the arguing here..
<Haylee> Yeah, can we like...go pick up whatever we were supposed to pick up...? ^^;
* Tahn puts on the tunic, grabs the staff John lent him, and walks out. "I'm off to get those tickets. Those who want to follow me, go ahead."
<Leon> To hell with Scott. He's a hypocrite and an idiot.
* Celyna is still sleeping, surprisingly.
<TheStoryteller> Pondering a moment, Tahn remembers Willie's directions.. two blocks down, through the alley, and up the stairs.
* Bree sits up with a chunk of material wrapped around her, holding it to her closely. "I don't wanna move... I feel so self conscious..."
* Tahn follows the directions. ^_-
<Haylee> Bree, something wrong?
<Leon> I guess I'll go get the party passes.
* Bree stays silent for a bit. "Yeah... party passes..."
* Jack goes to wake up Celyna.
* Leon looks at Jack.
* Haylee blinks at Bree, looking a bit worried...
<TheStoryteller> Leon sees Tahn leave...
* Celyna snoozes.
* Bree sits looking out the window, back to most everyone. "If just a few of us go, not everyone'll have to get their costumes dirty..."
* Leon kneels down and pokes Celyna. "Hey..wake up."
* Celyna pulls her eyes open. "Morning already...?"
<Leon> Yes..come on..we have to go get those party passes.
* Johnathan stands up. "Dirty? How dirty are they going to get just walking down the street, Bree?"
Mining City Zaback, Industrial Area
<TheStoryteller> Outside, Tahn goes follwos the directions, heading through a narrow valley, and up a flight of steel steps. There's a door in the side of the brick building, a light hanging oevr it.
<Jack> Yup! The blue star's shinin' overhead this morning!
* Celyna brings herself to her feet, stretching, "Okay..let's go.."
<Tahn> Hmm... This must be it.
* Leon follows Tahn with Celyna in tow. :P
* Bree tugs at the cloth around her ".....I just don't want to walk anywhere I don't have to in this get up..."
* Haylee sighs and sits down, wondering what's buggin' Bree this morning.
* Tahn walks up the steps and enters the door. :p
* Jack catches up with everyone else.
<TheStoryteller> Tahn finds it locked.. there's a small button nearby marked "Randy Cody" in messy scrawl.
<Tahn> Hmm...
<Leon> I guess you didn't sleep very well, did you...
<Johnathan> In this get up? Ah.. your costume..
* Celyna shakes her head, "No..I didn't. But it's okay!"
* Tahn presses the button, hoping Cody is Randy's last name, and that this isn't a whorehouse with someone randy named Cody. ^^;
<Bree> Yeah.. my costume... *stares out the window thinking*
<Johnathan> Speaking of which..
* Johnathan sits down again, and starts fiddling with something.
* Haylee looks out the window as well, singing a song lightly under her breath, sounding chipper. ^_^
<TheStoryteller> You hear a muffled "ding dong" from within, followed by a scream of "GOD DAMNIT!", and after a few moments the door opens.
<Leon> Sorry about how your bed was....this is pretty much what I'm used to..
<Jack> (M) Geez...Happy fella in the morning, ain't he?
* Celyna nods slowly, "Well, we have lived different lives.."
<TheStoryteller> Before you stands a tall brown haired man.. in his late twenties.. in a messy T-shirt and a pair of shorts that look like they were hastily put on. ^^
<Randy> Eh.. what is it? I hate it when people come around when I'm in the shower! ^^
<Tahn> ... Pardon, but we were told to come here for tickets to the happenings at the Diamond Dreams club by a mister... what was his name again?
* Bree rubs her neck, having slept ontop a crate last night "<q> Wish I'd came up with a better costume idea.."
<Randy> Oh.. you those guys Willie talked about..?
<Tahn> Willie. That's it.
<Tahn> Yeah, we are.
<Randy> Ok, ok.. I got yer tickets... just let me get decent here.. :P
* Randy closes the door again.
* Johnathan stands up again, slipping something up into each sleeve. "Everyone ready for this..?"
<Tahn> Arigatou.
<Haylee> Ready as I can be...
* Bree hugs herself. "I guess I'm ready..." *sounds a little distant*
<TheStoryteller> After a few moments, he comes out again, this time in a leather jacket, jeans, and high-top boots. His hair is slicked back neatly.
<Randy> Now.. let's talk business.. How many tickets you need again?
<Tahn> Uh..
<Randy> I made 6 already.
* Tahn does a few mental calculations.
* Leon eyes him.
<Tahn> Six... Six seems just about right.
<Leon> Are you sure..
<Bree> .oO(Good... at least she's not trying to talk to me...) *kicks her feet against the crate lightly*
<Leon> There are more than six of us.
<TheStoryteller> Randy reaches into his pocket, and produces 6 slim, yellow tickets.. they bear the mark of a diamond upon them.
<Tahn> Scott's already left... and..
<Haylee> Bree, what's wrong?
<Tahn> Doh... wait.
* Bree grumbles. .oO(Spoke too soon....)
<Tahn> Could you make one more for us?
<Randy> If you need more I can forge another three, easy.
<Haylee> Seriously...what's wrong?
* Haylee looks concerned.
<Tahn> Hmm, better safe then sorry, sure.
<Tahn> 9 should work just fine.
* Bree hugs herself and turns away from Haylee.
* Randy hands the 6 tickets to Leon, and waves inside.
<Randy> Come on in..
<Haylee> Bree, is it something I said?
* Bree speaks quietly, a hint of being upset. "Can we not talk?"
<Haylee> ..Please...I just want to know why you keep ignoring me.
<Haylee> If it's something I'm doing wrong I'd like to stop doing it...
<TheStoryteller> Randy open the door to his house.. it's pretty small and run down, but looks quite comfy.. other than the mess and beer bottles around. ^^
* Bree narrows her eyes, staring at the wall. "....You're talking to me."
* Johnathan stares out a window, leaving Haylee and Bree to talk.. or not..
<Randy> Have a seat while I do this real quick. ^^
<Tahn> K...
<Haylee> ...Fine.
<Haylee> I won't force you. When you're ready to talk, I'll be here.
* Tahn sits down on a... some sort of chair, he thinks. ^^;
<Jack> Hey....Nice place here....Reminds me of home.....But with less beer bottles on the floor...heh....
* Randy goes over to a desk, and turns on a lamp. He hunches over a similar ticket to the one you were given.. pulling out a strip of yellow paper.
* Haylee walks back to her window and looks outside again, a bit fustrated.
<Bree> You'll be waiting a long time...
<Haylee> . o O ( It's not like I don't know what this is all about either. How do I tell her I know without insulting her futher...? Gaah... )
* Leon stretches.
* Tahn thinks it's a sofa, but he's not sure. The beer bottle decour is quite unique.
<Randy> Well, it's home right... heard you got in good with my boys..
<Randy> Wonder how you managed that, eh? ^^
<Tahn> Yeah... but pardon the gunslinger over there (indicates Leon, who is still outside) He can be a bit of a live wire at times... ^^;
<TheStoryteller> Randy takes out some ink and starts scribbling.. oddly precise, despite his rough demeanor.
<Randy> Hey... we all got beef with the Fang...
* Bree glances out the window and sighs, dreading the party.
* Jack analyzes Randy's work from a distance.
<Randy> Plus I heard Rocki's girl got the hots for him.. ^^
<Tahn> ...Yeah.. they seem a lot alike.
* Johnathan looks at Bree, seeming a little concerned, but uncertain if he should say anything.
<Randy> He was cursing up a storm last night on the horn.. heh!
<Tahn> .oO(Both gunslingers, both psycho, both want to kill me...heh.)
* Randy puts the pen down, and presses some kind of cloth against the paper.
<Randy> Ok.. try this on for size..
<TheStoryteller> Randy holds out 3 more authentic-looking tickets.. :)
* Bree looks sad and depressed, not displaying any real anger that John can tell, as she looks out the window
* Randy hands them to Tahn.
<Tahn> Thanks.
* Johnathan slowly takes a few steps back towards the center of the room. "Bree... are you all right?"
<Tahn> Do you need money for this?
<Randy> That's all I can do for now.. I'm out of the paper for that kinda thing.
<Tahn> I'm quite willing to pay... if you need me to. :)
* Bree sighs "Do I look all right?"
<Randy> Nah.. I got plenty of cash.. besides. This might be our chance to make some noise.
<Tahn> Heh...
<Tahn> We plan on it. ^_-
<Tahn> Thanks though!
<Jack> I'm ready to party! Hehe.
<Johnathan> No... not really.. I suppose a better question is... what's wrong? Can we do anything..?
<Randy> Hey, have fun too, man.. it IS a party, you know.
* Tahn leaves and heads back to the warehouse.
<Tahn> Heh.. trashing the Fang _will_ be fun, believe me. ^_^
<Leon> You got the tickets...?
<TheStoryteller> Tahn exits the house with enough tickets for everyone. :D
Mining City Zaback, Warehouse
<Haylee> Tahn! You're back...and you got the tickets! ^_^
* Bree shakes her head "It's no one's business.. and no."
<Tahn> Hai.
* Leon walks back in with Celyna.
* Jack joins with the rest of the group.
<Johnathan> If you're sure, Bree.. but don't hesitate to let us know if we can.
* Tahn looks at Bree and back at Haylee.
<Tahn> Hay... You didn't try to...
<Bree> I'm dead sure...
<Leon> ...
* Bree hops off the crate, still covering herself with a chunk of material. "Let's just get this over with..."
* Haylee shakes her head. "No. I think she saw John and I snuggling and it set her off..."
<TheStoryteller> Looking on the face of a ticket, you see the party starts with a buffet brunch... Noontime, sharp.
* Tahn 's expression darkens a bit. "You.. did."
<Haylee> No I didn't!
<Tahn> -_- I shouldn't have left.
<Haylee> You don't believe me do you?
* Bree gets a sudden pissed look, gritting her teeth.
* Leon goes to cleaning his rifle.
<Tahn> You had to have. She didn't want you to try to bring it up... and I knew what it would do to her if you did..
<Haylee> Oh FUCK you!
* Tahn looks at Hay, somewhat hurt. "...What?"
<Haylee> If you honestly love me, you would believe what I'm telling you. Have some faith in me, all right?!
<Haylee> I'm not that stupid!
<Tahn> So you're honestly telling me you didn't talk to her?
<Haylee> No I DID not!
* Bree turns around and tosses her arms up, cloth dropping. "Everyone just shut up about me already!!" *the cloth dropping reveals Bree's wearing the bunny girl outfit*
<Tahn> Hmm.
* Johnathan blinks, turning to look at Tahn and Haylee, looking a bit shocked.
<Haylee> I asked her what's wrong, and if she wanted to talk...but she didn't and I left her alone.
<Tahn> Anyways, can I talk to you outside, regardless, Hay?
<Haylee> Sure...sorry I snapped at you.
<Tahn> There's something I want to say to you... about.. this.
* Haylee nods.
* Tahn steps outside and waits for Hay.
<Jack> Hey....Can we not have arguments today? We're going to the party to have fun....And I expect you to have fun too, Leo, whether you like it or not. *smiles*
<Haylee> . o O ( I really gotta get over this PMSish problem -_- )
* Bree balls her fists and shakes them. "Next person to even mention my problems will get a fist in the face!!!"
* Haylee follows Tahn.
<Tahn> Hay...
<Tahn> You plan on staying with this group... right?
<Haylee> Yes...why?
* Johnathan pulls his hood up over his head, again obscuring his face, and slipping his hands into the opening of the opposite sleeves. "Understood, Bree.."
<Tahn> You... should go with him.
* Bree stands huffing and puffing angrily. "... and I mean it too..."
<Tahn> It'd be better for all of us.
<Haylee> ...That's also what I wanted to talk to you about as well..
<Jack> Okay Okay, Let's just go and have fun then, shall we?
<Haylee> I...uh...well...
<Tahn> Don't worry about it.
* Haylee looks like she wants to say it, but is afraid she'll hurt Tahn...
<Haylee> Okay...I'm sorry if I hurt you, Tahn...
<Tahn> Sessha doesn't deserve your love anywho...
* Leon goes to cleaning his rifle.
<Haylee> Can we still be friends, Tahn?
<Tahn> I had completely planned on it. ^_^
<Haylee> ^_^
* Bree looks down at the cloth on the floor. "Gak! I let it fall!" *blushes, embarassed*
* Haylee hugs Tahn. "I'd apprieciate if you could talk to Bree...she seems to listen to you...and I want to talk to her...but I can't. :/ You know why of course..."
<Tahn> ...
<Tahn> I talked with her some last night.
<Haylee> Oh...?
* Jack looks at Tahn and Haylee. "Y'see? Let's make the best outta this day, huh?" *Smiles*
<TheStoryteller> By your figuring you have about one hour left to get across the city to the nightclub... you could walk or take some public transportation. :)
<Leon> What a bunch of idiots..
* Tahn blinks. "Could you leave us alone for a few, Jack?"
<Jack> Oop..Sorry....
* Jack walks some distance away. "Heh...Didn't mean to pry..."
<Tahn> Anyways..
* Johnathan looks over at Bree. "Oh, don't worry about it, Bree. It's your costume, we won't hold anything against you for it..."
* Bree points at who ever happens to be left in the warehouse. "And don't any of you try to grab me either... or you'll get more than a fist in the face..."
<TheStoryteller> Leon feels a set of keys slip out of his pocket while he cleans his gun..
<Haylee> Yeah?
* Leon picks the keys back up.
<Tahn> She.. didn't want to talk with you because she knows what you feel about her... and she's afraid to hear the words again.
<Johnathan> Try to grab....? Don't worry.. I wouldn't dream of it. That'd be... what.. unforgivably rude?
<Tahn> She's felt that kind of rejection too many times... and it seems to hurt her more each time..
<Bree> Wouldn't stop Leon.. he's already picked me up and grabbed me too much as it is... *folds her arms*
<Haylee> I figured...
* Leon starts to reassemble the rifle.
<Haylee> But I can't keep going on with her hating me. She's got to hear them eventually. :/
<Tahn> ....
<Haylee> It's just as painful for her to hate me like this than to hear the truth...
<Johnathan> Well, I promise I won't, if that means anything.
<Haylee> You know that Tahn... -_-
<Tahn> ...
<Leon> You people are worse than a soap opera.
<Haylee> Thanks Leon, we try. :p
<Tahn> .oO(For once, you're right, Leon.)
<Bree> Nothing means much to me anymore... *grumbles*
* Jack walks along, whistling a tune.
<Tahn> ...
<Tahn> Anyways, Haylee...
<Haylee> Anyway Tahn...I can't force you to talk to Bree...but think about it... :/
<Tahn> Keep with John, let me deal with Bree... ^_-
* Johnathan sounds concerned. "Bree.. don't fall down THAT path... everything has meaning, if you look for it.."
<Leon> I mean really, all of you are acting like a bunch of love crazed fools.
<Haylee> ^^; Okay Tahn...
<Bree> I'm not falling down any path.. I'm just really pissed off so I'm saying spiteful things...
<Celyna> Oh come on now.
<Celyna> Stop beind so hard on them, Leon.
<Johnathan> Now _that_ I can understand..
<Tahn> "Love crazed"? Give me a fucking break, Leon... look who's swooning over that one chick.. what was her name? Katya? Something like that.
* Leon looks at Tahn, "Swooning? Me? Are you just fucking delusional!?"
<Tahn> Heh...
<Haylee> ^^; I think I'll go inside now...yes...!
<Tahn> You know you fell for her, you pansy.
* Haylee runs back inside the werehouse.
* Leon stands up and walks over to Tahn. "Are you looking to lose a limb?"
<Tahn> I still say you wouldn't have the guts to do it.
* Celyna rushes over to Leon and pushes him back some. "Don't Leon..don't..."
* Tahn chuckles.
<Leon> I have more than enough guts, little man.
<Tahn> .oO(Oh, yeah, he's whipped.)
<Bree> Lets just get this day over with.. so I can get out of this bunny suit... It's a little too much for my tastes right now...
* Celyna puts up her hands. "No! Don't...what will it solve?"
<Leon> It'll get rid of a little annoying gnat.
* Leon goes back to Tahn, "Now answer me, boy."
<Tahn> Answer what?
<Tahn> You're whipped. Your point? ^_^
<Celyna> Whipped?
* Haylee walks back inside...and goes somewhere to change into her costume.
<Celyna> Really?
* Celyna decks Tahn.
<Leon> What..?
* Leon blinks.
* Tahn gets decked and chuckles.
<Leon> ...wasn't..I supposed to do that?
* Johnathan walks to the door, and outside, just in time to see Cel smack Tahn. "Er... uh.. hi."
* Bree turns away so she doesn't have to look at Haylee. "When are we leaving?"
<Tahn> Yanno, for the sake of sounding like a broken reckord, you wouldn't have the guts.
* Jack looks around at everyone as they're going about their situations..."Sheesh, if it's anyone that doesn't have any character development here it's me...."
* Leon blinks at Celyna's decking of Tahn.
* Bree gets her stuff together. "How long is this dumb party anyway? And what the heck are we going to do at it?"
* Leon blinks in surprise at Celyna.
<Jack> (M) Maybe I should join a group that isn't so drama-heavy...hmm....
* Haylee comes back out, dressed up as an angel, with a simple white satinish dress, little wings, and a cute silver halo...with her hair down. ^_^
<Haylee> Perfect! ^_^
* Haylee spins a bit.
<Johnathan> I... not that I want to interrupt.... shouldn't we be going?
<Leon> Wow..that really is a costume for you.
<Haylee> R..Really?
* Haylee smiles. "Hey...thanks Leon."
<Leon> Yeah..pretending to be something you're not.
<Tahn> Heh... now you're drooling. Wipe that up Leon, someone might see.
* Haylee sticks out her tongue at Leon.
<Haylee> I'll ignore that statement.
<Celyna> Are you proud of me now for being so violent, Leon?
<Bree> Let's just go ok? *looks all ready to go*
* Johnathan looks at Haylee, and sounds as though he's probably smiling. "Nice costume, Haylee."
<Leon> ...no, Celyna..I'm not..you're not supposed to act like that.
<Haylee> ^_^ Thanks...and I love yours.... :)
<Haylee> You're really clever, you know that?
<Jack> (M) Maybe I should open a weapons shop...become some no-name guy...
<Johnathan> Clever? Nah. Morbid? Sure.
<Haylee> ^^; Oh don't kid yourself. It's great. :)
<Celyna> Why am I not supposed to act like that?
<Leon> ...because you're..not supposed to be like me...
<Jack> (m) Give the exact same information to everyone that visits the town no matter what day it is... hmmm...
* Tahn walks up to Jack. "Geez... you seem bitter."
<Johnathan> What I really want to see is what Leon and Celyna here are going to be...
* Bree makes a gagging face. "What're we waiting for? Let's go..."
<Celyna> Then you admit that who you are is flawed...
<Haylee> I think Leon should be a...monkey.
<Jack> Hm?? Oh, I'm not bitter....I'm just thinking hard....
<Johnathan> Or perhaps... a panda.
<Haylee> Yes!
<Haylee> A panda!
* Leon coughs. "..maybe we should get into costume.."
* Bree sits back on a crate. "I'm already in costume.. I'm just waiting on everyone else to hurry up."
<Leon> ..I don't know what costume Celyna picked out for me..
* Celyna rummages...
<Leon> ..but I am generally against this..
<Celyna> Oh, I know.
<Celyna> You're generally against everything fun.
<Celyna> But I think you'd be just adorable in this...
<Jack> ...oh! Yeah, my costume! Almost forgot!! *runs off*
<Leon> ..adorable..?
* Celyna hauls out a big fuzzy panda suit!
<Leon> ...
<Haylee> Wow! Look! ^_^
<Leon> You're kidding, aren't you...?
<Haylee> I can't believe I called that!
<Celyna> Of course not!
<Celyna> It suits you perfectly.
<Haylee> Sexual harrassment panda. ^_^
* Leon raises a finger. "Let's try something a little less...stupid..."
<Celyna> It's just the right size, and it reflects the fact that you're just a big fuzzy teddy bear underneath all those scary muscles!
* Bree hangs her head and sighs. "This is going to take forever.."
<Celyna> You've been doing "a little less stupid" things for your whole life, silly.
<Johnathan> I donno, Leon.. I'd say it's perfect... they certainly wouldn't look for you in a panda suit.
<Leon> ...
* Tahn rolls his eyes and starts walking towards the club... these people are real freaks. But of course, so is he, but who cares? ^_-
<Celyna> It's time to let it all out!
<Haylee> Plus we can hug you and love you like a little teddy bear too and call you cute ;)
* Leon gets a black cloud over his head. "I do not want to be cute!"
* Bree hops off the crate and walks with Tahn. "Wait up.. I'm coming with you..."
<Tahn> Nani?
<Johnathan> Think of it as the perfect camoflauge, Leon.
<Celyna> Too late...you already are! We're just going to make you cuter.
<TheStoryteller> As Bree and Tahn walk outside, they spot an unassuming blue van parked nearby.
<Bree> You're going to walk right? I'm coming with you...
* Celyna runs over to Leon and jumps in the air, pulling the panda-mask over his head.
<Tahn> ...
<Tahn> Maybe.
<Tahn> ...Think we could hotwire it? (indicating the van, smirking)
<Celyna> See, you're looking great already!
<Leon> Get....this....off...me...now...
<Celyna> Now you just have to put the rest of it on.
* Haylee giggles. ^_-
* Bree looks at the van "<q> I could do it.. but, maybe there are people in it..."
<Tahn> <q> Shall we check?
* Celyna starts pushing Leon towards another room while holding the panda suit with her other hand.
<Leon> Celyna! What are you doing!
* Bree nods. "Sure..." *walks over to the van and peeks inside*
* Johnathan steps outside, fighting back his laughter.
<TheStoryteller> Bree thinks she's seen the symbol on the hood somewhere else..
* Haylee steps outside, giggling. "That was classic...!"
<TheStoryteller> Inside is empty... the leather interior looking very comfy. ^^
* Johnathan leans against the wall, laughing hard. "Oh.. oh geez.."
* Tahn goes over to Bree.
* Bree blinks and walks around to investigate the symbol. "Where've I seen this before..." *rubs her chin*
<Leon> Celyna! Watch where you're putting those hands!
<Celyna> I'm forcing you to have a little initiative.
* Haylee laughs with John!
* Leon squeals, very un Leon-like.
* Celyna finally gets Leon into the other room.
* Celyna tosses the panda suit at him.
<TheStoryteller> Bree remembers.. the keys Katya gave to Leon last night! :D
<Celyna> Now I expect you out of there, fully changed, in 3 minutes!
<Leon> ...
<Bree> Bleah.. Leon has the keys to this thing.. but.. not like we need them with me around...
<Celyna> Now hurry up!
<Tahn> Heh...
* Celyna turns her back and starts tapping her foot.
<Tahn> And you say you're useless, Bree. ^_^
<Leon> ...oh go put on your own costume..
* Leon relucantly starts to slip on the Panda costume.
* Bree eyes Tahn, not looking in a good mood. "Not the time or place..."
<Tahn> Hmm...point.
<Haylee> I wonder where the others went...?
<Leon> ..there..
<Leon> ..are you happy now?
* Celyna grins.
<Celyna> Perfectly!
<TheStoryteller> Bree doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary about the locks on the doors... there's a bright red club-like thing on the steering wheel, though.
<Bree> I guess we wait for Leon to hurry up.. but I'm not standing outside this thing.. *takes out her lock picks and tries to get inside*
* Celyna looks for a costume for herself...
* Leon walks out where everyone else is in the Panda Costume.
* Haylee snickers loudly.
<Leon> ..this..sucks...
<Haylee> ^^; Hi Leon.
* Tahn looks at the panda, and then hears what Hay says.
<Tahn> What?! That thing is...Leon?!
<Haylee> Yes! Isn't he cuuuute? ^_^
<Leon> ...shut up.
<TheStoryteller> Leon sees Bree picking the lock to the car..
* Tahn bursts out laughing. >D
* Johnathan tries his damned hardest not to laugh. "Heh.. heh.. hell.. hello, Leon."
* Haylee is obviously having lots of fun with this. ^_-
<Leon> ...
<TheStoryteller> Bree twists and turns.. she's almost got it open. ^^
<Bree> I think I'll make a necklace out of that club thing once I get to it... *laughs*
* Leon walks over to the car and grabs Bree.
<Leon> Stop that.
* Haylee reaches up and honks Leon's nose...which is really a little horn like you find on clown noses. It goes "Squeeek!"
<TheStoryteller> Bree gets grabbed by a big Panda. o_O
*** Leon is now known as Leon-The-Panda
* Bree eye twitches "What.. did I say.. about grabbing me.. while I'm in this costume!" *punches at Panda Man!*
<Leon-The-Panda> I don't know, I wasn't paying attention.
<TheStoryteller> Leon gets slugged across the chin, knocking his headpiece off slightly.
* Bree pushes Panda man out of the way and takes her lock picks back. "It's not like I was going to harm anything..."
<Tahn> Uh...
* Leon-The-Panda kinda loses his balance and drops Bree on top of himself.
<Tahn> Bree...
<Bree> Just didn't want to wait for all you slow pokes out in the sun...
<Tahn> That's Leon.
<Tahn> He has the keys.
<Haylee> Stop molesting the cute panda ;)
<Leon-The-Panda> Get..off..me...Bree...
* Bree beats the foam head. "GAAH!! Quit grabbing me!"
<Haylee> ... ^^;
* Haylee waits paitently for Bree to ...um...release her aggressions.
<Tahn> HEY! BREE! HE'S NOT DOING IT INTENTIONALLY! Geez!
<Tahn> In the name of Althena... take some Prozac, Bree!
* Leon-The-Panda tosses Bree off of him. "Get off me!"
* Bree flips and lands on her feet. "Even if he didn't mean to he still did it!"
<Bree> Anyway... I call shotgun.. I'm not sitting next to anyone...
<Tahn> Uh.. Bree... why do you want Leon's shotgun?
<Bree> Nono.. the passanger seat, Tahn..
* Leon-The-Panda gets up and puts his panda head back on.
* Celyna changes into a tigress costume and looks very sexy.
* Leon-The-Panda grumbles.
<Bree> .oO(Now I'm going to have a deep rooted fear of pandas....)
* Johnathan speaks up again, his voice now a good deal deeper, almost echoing in a semi-ominous fashion. "We all ready to go, now?"
<Tahn> Uh.. you'd be sitting next to Leon then.
* Haylee jumps! O_o
<Haylee> Aa...ah...yeah...I'm...ready O_o;
<TheStoryteller> The side door of the van opens, allowing you all inside..
<Leon-The-Panda> ..I hope you're all fucking happy..
<Bree> Sitting next to him is better than sitting next to some other people I can name... *hops in the passanger seat*
* Haylee gets inside and sits by John. ^_^
<Tahn> I had nothing to do with it, Leon.
<Tahn> Don't blame me, this time.
* Leon-The-Panda sits down in the driver's seat.
<TheStoryteller> There's some seats in the back.. just barely enough room. ^^
* Johnathan sits down, apparently next to Haylee. "This is going to be hard to hold for a few hours..."
* Tahn sweatdrops "I hope you don't mean me. I'll have to hurt you then, Bree."
<Leon-The-Panda> Nice costume, Celyna.
* Bree buckles up and checks the glove compartment out. "Not you... and, sorry Leon..."
<Celyna> Thanks!
<Leon-The-Panda> ...
<TheStoryteller> Bree finds some pictures of Katya in it...
<Leon-The-Panda> Everyone in this thing..
* Haylee hugs John. "You can do it. ^_^ And if not...oh well. You still have the best costume...but Leon comes in second for sure. :D"
* Leon-The-Panda glares at Haylee.
* Bree holds them out to Leon. "Oooooh! Lookie! It's the girl who has the hots for you!"
<TheStoryteller> There's also some hand lotion and other junk. ^^
* Haylee smiles a bit too sweetly back at Leon. :p
* Leon-The-Panda pulls up a paw to Haylee, "Guess how many fingers I'm holding up."
<Tahn> <vq to Bree> The feeling would be mutual ^_-
* Bree digs it all out. "Looks like she keeps her skin nice and soft... hmmm..." *digs like a curious cat*
* Bree squirts Tahn with the lotion. "What was that Mr. Comedian?"
* Johnathan withdraws his own 'hand' up to Leon, a competely skeletal one that's extending one finger as well. "This many?"
<Leon-The-Panda> Stop thinking about her, Bree..she obviously is straight.
* Johnathan sounds like he might be kidding, but with whatever he's doing to his voice, it's a little hard to tell.
* Bree socks Leon again. "I said who ever brought up my problems would get hit!"
<Tahn> Hey!
<Leon-The-Panda> Are we all ready...
<Haylee> . o O ( Bree needs prozac...badly... )
<Tahn> <q to Bree> I meant Leon! Not you!
<Johnathan> Ready.
* Bree sweatdrops. "Sorry Tahn.. I thought you meant... well.. nevermind..."
* Johnathan slips 'his' hand back into the sleeve. "Quite ready."
<Haylee> Let's go.
<Bree> At least I didn't hit you...
* Tahn wipes the white goo off his face.
<Tahn> Not... directly.
<Tahn> Yick, this stuff is nasty.
<TheStoryteller> Leon grudgingly turns the key.... and the motor starts. Next stop, downtown. :)
* Bree smiles and squeezes the bottle at Tahn lid closed, just to bug him "Heh.."
<Tahn> -_-
* Leon-The-Panda pulls out and starts to drive.
Mining City Zaback, Downtown
<TheStoryteller> Meanwhile.. Scott turns a corner near the familiar train station, stopping every once in a while to check behind him.
* Scott checks out his surroundings, blending into any shadows he can find.
<Scott> .oO(Gotta get to the "Diamond Dreams". If my informant is right...then I might find Tomoe there.)
* Scott keeps moving, as he wanders on towards the Diamond Dreams.
<TheStoryteller> You hear a bunch of voices... there's a line of people in various costumes and masks waiting outside the glitzy entrance across the street. A sign above reads "Diamond Dreams Hotel, Bar, & Casino.. the shining Jewel of the nightlife."
<Scott> Hmm....
* Scott ducks into a back alley...making his way stealthfully toward the club.
<TheStoryteller> A big man at the entrance is arguing with some people about their tickets.. distracted for the time being.
* Scott quickly makes his way around the big man, ducking behind anything he can find, and working his way to the back. Scott checks his back to make sure no one's following him.
Diamond Dreams Nightclub, Concourse
<TheStoryteller> As Scott goes inside he meets a very wonderful sight...
<TheStoryteller> It's not too crowded yet, but you see many people gathering around, chatting.. a few instruments are being set up on a stage in the center of the room, as waiters scurry around setting up tables for the coming brunch. A familiar face raises his head.
<Aoshi> Thought I'd find you here, Astorian.
<Scott> I knew you'd follow me....
<Aoshi> They should be in the back room, somewhere...I've already had a chance to look the place over. The upper levels are heavily guarded.
<Scott> Then let's go...that's exactly where we're headed.
* Scott starts out for the back, wandering in the shadows. Aoshi nods and follows him, mimicking his movements.
<TheStoryteller> The whole place gleams of gems and gold on the walls..
<Scott> (w)Somebody spent a bundle on this joint.
<Aoshi> (w) You're not lying.
<TheStoryteller> Scott and Aoshi brush past a blonde girl in a white dress tugging on the arm of a tuxedo clad man, mumbling about waiting for food... ^^
* Scott and Aoshi make their way towards the back. "We can't let ourselves get distracted...come on."
<TheStoryteller> They come upon an elevator... it's apparently locked, needing a sort of key to operate.
<Scott> Hmmm...
* Scott looks around for anyone with a key. .oO(A guard should hold a key to this thing.)
<Aoshi> I told you the upper levels were well guarded.
<TheStoryteller> A waitress in a tuxedo comes by, holding some glasses of champange on a tray. As she passes, you see two suited men standing by a door farther down the ballroom.
<Scott> Hmm....
* Scott looks to Aoshi, nodding. Aoshi knows what Scott's thinking as the two make their way toward the door, taking the long way around so they don't attact the men's attention.
<TheStoryteller> The two just stand their post stoically, one adjusting his dark glasses.
<Aoshi:>(w) Let me handle this.
* Aoshi takes a couple of tranquilizer darts and throws them at the guards' necks.
<TheStoryteller> One of the guards turns as he hears a whizzing noise, and abruptly collapses, holding his neck...
<Scott> I'll deal with the other one.
<TheStoryteller> The other one reaches into his suit for something..!
* Scott casually sneaks up on the other guard, and uses a modified nerve hold...
<TheStoryteller> Scott strikes a nerve in the man's shoulder area, allowing some time for Aoshi to silently tranq him as well.
<TheStoryteller> Luckily, noone noticed your little scuffle in the flurry of activity. The door beyond them is gilded, and has a simple knob.
* Scott turns the knob and goes in, followed by his sparring partner and long time friend.
<Aoshi> That went smoothly....
<Scott> Let's not look a gift horse in the mouth, pal. We were lucky.
<TheStoryteller> The room beyond seems empty... it appears to be a small study.
<Scott> Gotta be some sort of entrance here to....
* Scott examines the room closer, wandering around, observing his surroundings. Aoshi checks some of the bookcases.
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi finds a book by Machevelli... as he fingers it, one of the walls slides open.
<Aoshi> Jackpot.
* Scott nods as the two go into the opening...
Diamond Dreams Nightclub, Wine Cellar
<TheStoryteller> You're in very different surroundings.. dark hallways. There's a set of two doors.. one of them has a light shining from underneath.
* Scott continues through the hallways to the door with the light.
<TheStoryteller> It's hard to see in the dark, but you find the handle..
* Scott turns the handle on the door..after finding it, of course...
<Aoshi> This could be Nasch's trap...
<TheStoryteller> As the door opens.. inside you see someone... it's.. Tomoe!
* Scott runs into the room.
<TheStoryteller> She has her head slumped down, tied in a chair rather uncomfortably.
<Scott> Tomoe!
* Aoshi cuts her loose with one of his Kodachi as Scott picks her up.
<Tomoe> Who...SCOTT?
<Scott> The one and only...now, let's get the fuck outta here...
<TheStoryteller> Just as the tearful reunion gets underway, the door clicks shut.
<Aoshi> I knew it....a trap.
<TheStoryteller> A shadowy voice echoes from the room, as the light gleams off a long bladed weapon...
<Scott> You would expect anything else from the Fang?
<Nasch> So we meet again, Astorian.
<Scott> Nihontou....It would have to be you, Nasch.
Mining City Zaback, Downtown
<TheStoryteller> Back up top, the party has a bumpy ride considering Leon's disomfort in the Panda suit.. but they get to the corner of the club.
* Bree clutches her seat belt for stability "Geez... I'm getting tossed around here..."
<Leon-The-Panda> Oh shut up.
<Leon-The-Panda> We're almost there.
<TheStoryteller> You can see out the windows the fancy exterior of the place, and the line waiting to be admitted.
* Bree twirls a finger in the air. "Oh whoop dee doo.." *smiles*
<Tahn> Geez, Bree...
* Leon-The-Panda parks the van rather crookedly.
<Tahn> What is with you lately?
<Leon-The-Panda> Let's go.
<Bree> <q to Tahn> You know what it is...
<Tahn> <q> Any reason for you to take it out on the rest of us then?
<Tahn> <q> Or more appropriately, the rest of _them_?
* Bree opens the door and hops out, fittingly enough since she's a bunny girl. "<q> I'll be fine in a little while..."
<Celyna> C'mon, you big teddy bear.. :P
* Tahn jumps out as well. ^_-
* Leon-The-Panda opens the door and stumbles out onto the ground, still not used to the panda suit.
* Celyna helps Leon out of the vehicle..
<Leon-The-Panda> ...I hate this damn thing..
* Bree smiles at the line. "Look like I'll have some fun... <q> And a bigger pocketbook...."
<TheStoryteller> Everyone files out, pausing to regard the line...
* Leon-The-Panda steps up in line, next to Celyna, after being helped up.
* Tahn facefaults.
<Haylee> I didn't think there'd be so many people...
<Tahn> <vq> Bree! Don't pickpocket them!
<Leon-The-Panda> You know, Bree..you've been pretty pissed off.
<Bree> <q> Why not?!
<Tahn> <q> What happens when you get caught? :P
<Bree> Yeah.. well big deal right? I'm pissed off..
<Leon-The-Panda> You shouldn't be.
<TheStoryteller> You see the big bouncer at the head of the line, yelling.
* Bree folds her arms "<q> I've never gotten caught..."
* Leon-The-Panda eyes the bouncer, "What a small fry."
<TheStoryteller> [Bouncer] Please.. if you don't have tickets, get outta here! There's no more room unless you have a reserved spot!
* Bree files inline behind the rest of the group.
<Tahn> <q> Law of Averages. There's a first time for everything.
<Bree> <q> The way my luck's going.. you're right.
<TheStoryteller> A chorus of grumbles and moans goes up from the costumed crowd. :P
* Tahn pulls out 8 little yellow slips. "Here. You, who needs one?" ^_-
<Leon-The-Panda> I do.
* Tahn hands em out.
<Johnathan> As do I....
* Bree holds out her hand. "Me too..."
* Leon-The-Panda snatches two of them, and hands one to Celyna.
* Tahn realizes he has one left over. ^^;
<TheStoryteller> The bouncer points to Tahn. "Hey, is that a ticket there?"
<Tahn> Yeah.
<Tahn> We got our tickets.
* Johnathan takes hold of one with the tips of two of the fingers of what he's using as a hand extension.
<TheStoryteller> [Bouncer] Well hurry up, mac. This crowd ain't moving anywhere.
<Bree> <q> Here.. lemme scalp that one.. *pipes down hearing the bouncer ^^*
* Tahn pulls out the ticket, and hands the spare to Bree. ^^:
<Leon-The-Panda> Let's go...and don't say my name in there..
<TheStoryteller> The suited man takes the tickets, looking them over...
<Johnathan> Of course not.
<Tahn> Okay... Genma. ^_-
* Leon-The-Panda sweatdrops.
* Bree heads behind everyone in the group and tries to peddle the ticket off for some extra cash. ^^
<TheStoryteller> [Bouncer] Ok.. you're at table 17.. don't forget that.
<Tahn> 17?
<Tahn> Thanks.
<Leon-The-Panda> Table 17.
* Tahn enters the club. ^_-
<Bree> Aww man, I have to sit with you guys too? *sighs*
* Leon-The-Panda awaits Celyna to enter, then follows.
<TheStoryteller> Bree finds a guy waiting behind everyone.. he looks very upper-crusty. ^^
* Bree follows along, not wanting to try her luck and get caught. ^^;;
<TheStoryteller> [Bouncer] Hey by the way...
<Tahn> ...Hai?
* Tahn blinks. "What is it?"
<TheStoryteller> [Bouncer] I gottta say that Panda outfit is a real riot. ^^
<Leon-The-Panda> ..what?
* Leon-The-Panda sweatdrops.
* Tahn chuckles and goes back in the bar. ^_-
<TheStoryteller> [Bouncer] Maybe you should try for the awards later.
* Johnathan laughs. "Isn't it, though..?"
<Leon-The-Panda> ...awards...
* Bree laughs and pats Leon. "He sure is a barrel of laughs" *tugs at Leon trying to get him away so he doesn't kill the guy*
<TheStoryteller> [Bouncer] You all got class.. c'mon in.
<Tahn> :)
* Leon-The-Panda is pulled into the club by Bree and Celyna, stopping him from ripping the bouncer apart.
* Bree heads inside and looks around, sizing up the crowd like any thief would.
Diamond Dreams Nightclub, Concourse
<TheStoryteller> As you enter we find it even more packed.. this time people have started to sitdown and chit chat while some mellow music plays in the background.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..I'm going to our table.
<Tahn> <q to Bree> Ix-nay on the eivery-thay.
<TheStoryteller> While Bree's looking around she spots a blonde haired woman, steeping up to the stage..
<Leon-The-Panda> ...I dislike parties...I dislike costmes...I dislike music..I dislike danc...OK, I dislike everything..
<Tahn> -_-
* Bree nods to Tahn, watching the lady, absently following the group to the table.
<Tahn> I dislike disliking.
<TheStoryteller> She dressed in a tux without the jacket, straightening her bow tie before she grabs the mic.
<Leon-The-Panda> I don't care.
<TheStoryteller> [Woman] Ahem... may I have your attention, please.
<TheStoryteller> Some of the chit chat dies down considerably, as you all find your way to a table.
* Johnathan follows the others in, doing his best to try to cultivate an ominous aura.
* Leon-The-Panda sits down at the table..still pissed.
* Bree takes a seat on the outside, so she can leave if she likes. "Hmm.. wonder what she wants..."
<TheStoryteller> [Woman] I want to thank you all for coming to this years Costume Extravangza here at Diamond Dreams..
* Seth walks in, dressed in a large trench coat, hiding some very shiny armor. Wearing some shades and keeping with his usual heroic black hairstyle.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...get on with it.
<TheStoryteller> [Woman] I, Liza Rosetta, will personally be hosting this gala event tonight, so I want you all to enjoy yourself.. and let yourselves go.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...yeah right...
* Seth sits down at the bar, keeping his back away from the tables and the stage for the moment.
<Bree> .oO(Go where?) *giggles to herself*
<Liza> Brunch will be coming out shortly.. so why not join the first dance of the evening with that special someone?
<Leon-The-Panda> ...dancing..
<Tahn> Liza Rosetta?
* Tahn blinks.
* Bree grumbles and plops her head in her hands. "Special someone indeed..."
<Liza> Maybe you'll find a new love tonight... who knows what could be behind that mask.
* Seth flips a coin.
<Johnathan> There's a scary thought.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...
<Leon-The-Panda> No shit.
* Liza puts down the mic and steps off, as the band starts to strike up a new tune..
* Tahn taps Bree on the shoulder. "I know there's nothing between us, but I still can't see you like this. Shall we have the first dance?" ^_-
<Seth> Heads..... damn....
* Seth snaps his fingers and adjusts his shades.
* Bree smiles a bit. "I guess it'd be all right... just, dont get any funny ideas and grab me..."
* Seth walks up to the stage and taps the mic.
* Tahn blinks "I'm not an old horny panda like Leon is." *smirks*
* Liza stops. "What have we here?"
<Leon-The-Panda> Shut the fuck up, Tahn.
* Tahn stops
<Tahn> ...
* Bree giggles. "You two never quit..."
<Leon-The-Panda> And I told you about using that name..
<Tahn> .oO(She didn't hear me. She didn't hear me. In the name of ALTHENA she didn't hear me.)
* Johnathan looks up at the woman. "What's she..?"
* Jack walks in wearing his normal clothing and wearing a facemask that does a bad job of hiding his identity.....
* Liza regards Seth...
<Jack> Hello people!
<Seth> Names..... Luke....
<Leon-The-Panda> ...
* Seth holds out his hand.
<Tahn> <w, vq to John> Liza Rosetta. The new Heart of the Fang after Lane's assassination.
<Liza> Well, Luke.. I can tell by that look in your eyes... You have a song deep down, don't you?
* Bree sweatdrops at Jack. "Boy.. and I thought I had a hard time picking a costume..."
<Seth> Err.... well....
* Johnathan keeps his voice low. "I.. see.."
<Leon-The-Panda> ..I'm going to see what I can find out..
<Seth> Ummm...
<Leon-The-Panda> Dance or have fun or whatever..
* Seth tilts his head.
<Seth> Yeah.
<Johnathan> Have fun, panda.
<Jack> I am NOT Jack.....I'm....uh.....
* Leon-The-Panda sweatdrops, "I'm sure you'll be able to see me.."
<Bree> Oh yeah.. people will really spill their guts to a walking panda.. *giggles*
<Liza> Well go on.. sing what your heart tells you.
<Jack> Leo....Leo the great....yeah....!
<Leon-The-Panda> ...aren't many 6'5" pandas around here..
<Liza> It may just be your lucky night. *winks*
* Leon-The-Panda claps Jack's mouth, "Do NOT use my name in here.. you fucking twit."
<Seth> Uh, okay....
* Liza steps down once more...
* Leon-The-Panda turns and starts walking around, listening to what he can find out.
<Jack> I don't know who you are....let me go!
* Seth picks up the mic. "Ahem... testing one... two... three...
<Bree> Shh.. you're drawing attention...
<Seth> Hi!
<Celyna> Leon.. try to lighten up a bit, will you?
* Seth waves his hand.
* Tahn buh-blinks.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..sorry, but this is serious business to me..never been so...close.
<Seth> I'm Luke... and I'll uh... be singing a song this evening....
<TheStoryteller> There's a little rigning sound as the mic clears..
<Seth> Hope you guys don't mind....
<Tahn> (m, to John) Don't we know him...? I know he's wearing a mask, but that voice is familiar...
<TheStoryteller> A couple people cheer :D
* Johnathan stares at the man with the mic. "Luke, huh? I can sense that little key of yours.."
<Tahn> Key?
<Tahn> So it _is_ him?
* Johnathan sounds just a little hostile. "..Seth."
* Leon-The-Panda walks out into the crowd..and attempts to listen to what the Liza character has to say.
<Bree> Am I supposed to have a mask on? *blinks*
<Seth> .oO (God I hope I can pull this off.....)
<Seth> Ahem... so....
<Seth> Let's begin....
<Leon-The-Panda> ...not more music...
<Johnathan> Hope a certain someone doesn't get her hands on him.. for his sake.
<Tahn> (to Bree) So long as you have a costume, and nobody identifies you (who you don't want to identify you), you're fine. ^_-
<TheStoryteller> The band starts playing a smooth rythm...
<Seth> \o I was dreaming about resting in your arms, \o
* Leon-The-Panda continues looking around.
<Seth> \o I woke up and noticed that I was alone... \o
<Bree> That guy better not try anything with me... *meaning Seth*
<Seth> \o I started crying, from loneliness... \o
<Jack> The Music is great! The people are great... The entrees... *Picks up a muffin and eats it*...are great....
<Haylee> John, do you want to dance? :)
<Seth> \o The color faded sofa, the pair of cups that we used. \o
* Bree grumbles and looks off into the crowd
<Seth> \o The bed that's too large for me alone... \o
* Liza walks around the tables, saying some greetings to a few people..
* Tahn takes Bree's hand. "I believe this is our cue. Come on... don't be grumpy like that."
* Leon-The-Panda walks back to the table, "Not going to find anything for now.."
<Seth> \o I'll get over them, someday, \o
<Tahn> <vq> And make sure you don't look at Liza.
* Bree blinks. "I'm not really sure I wanna dance... <q> Do we know her?"
<Johnathan> I.. uh.. er.. dance? I don't think I can, really..
<Seth> \o I didn't love you so that you could keep on loving me, \o
<Celyna> Leon.. you sure the grumpy bear doesn't want to dance a little?
<Tahn> <vq> You don't... I do... but she might know you.
<Seth> \o I thought I knew that, but now I can't go to sleep, \o
* Leon-The-Panda looks at Celyna. "You know I can't dance.."
* Jack walks around looking like a superhero and generally being an idiot.
<Seth> \o The song we liked, \o
<Bree> <q> Oh... doesn't look familiar to me though.. but, I guess if you want to dance... *stands up*
<Haylee> Well.. it would be funny wouldn't it? An angel dancing with Death? ^^
<Seth> \o The movie we watched together... \o
<Tahn> <q> Nobody looks familiar to you. You suck with names. You said so yourself. ^_-
<TheStoryteller> Jack passes a table with a man in a giant chicken outfit.. ^^
<Bree> Names yes.. faces, no...
* Johnathan chuckles. "I suppose so... oh, why not."
<Seth> \o I can't forget them. I was hoping that tomorrow, everything would back to the way it was... \o
<Jack> Good day sir! And how you might be?
<Bree> You have to know who to avoid in my line of work.. alot of nameless faces..
<Leon-The-Panda> ...
<Seth> \o Since then, I tried calling you once. \o
<TheStoryteller> [Chicken Suit Guy] I'm having a good old time.. how about you? Though I wish they didn't run out of good costumes at the store downtown.. ^^
* Johnathan stands up.
<Seth> \o The girl who answered had the phone \o
<Seth> \o Had a gentle voice, \o
<Jack> I'm having a grand ball! I AM Leo the Great!
<Leon-The-Panda> ...
* Tahn dances with Bree, the best he can while still talking to her.
<Seth> \o Your voice calling my name... \o
* Leon-The-Panda makes a mental note to kill Jack.
* Jack picks up a few muffins and starts juggling them.
<Seth> \o The fingers that ran through my hair, \o
* Bree looks at Liza. "Nope.. I'd remember her I think..." *dances with Tahn, not dancing comfortably*
<Seth> \o The eyes that were so pure... \o
* Tahn looks at Leon who is glaring at Jack. "He meant the White Knight, Genma-kun. Not anyone you know."
<Seth> \o Now, they're so far away. \o
* Liza takes a glass of wine from a passing waitress, walking over to the group...
<Seth> \o We laughed together, we argued together, \o
* Leon-The-Panda looks at Liza approaching, "..."
<Leon-The-Panda> ...guess I have to..act..
<Seth> \o We believed in each other; I'm all alone... \o
<Bree> <q> Uh oh Tahn.. here she comes...
<Liza> Good evening.. enjoying yourselves so far, hmm?
* Tahn sweatdrops, hoping she doesn't notice him.
<Tahn> Hai! ^^;
<Leon-The-Panda> Yes, we are.
<Seth> \o I want to see you again, I can never see you again... \o
* Bree keeps Tahn's back to her, and smiles. "Yes we're having a lovely time.."
<Seth> \o I know, I have to give up my hope... \o
* Liza smiles at Bree, keeping her gaze on her a little longer..
<Seth> \o But I just want the Two of Us together again... \o
* Bree blinks startled, and blushes slightly.
* Jack grabs an hour-d'-ouevre froms the table and eats it while juggling with one hand.
<Liza> You remind me of someone...
* Tahn sweatdrops BIG. ^^;
<Liza> It's funny who you run into, isn't it?
* Liza smiles, pushing some short blonde hair out of her eyes.
* Bree blinks. "Who do I remind you of?"
<Leon-The-Panda> I hope no one recognizes me...
<Tahn> .oO(How can they? You're the jolly monochrome giant, Leon!)
<TheStoryteller> The crowd claps at Seth, some asking for more. :D
* Jack stumbles and drops the muffins.
<Liza> Noone in particular...
* Seth sweats. "Uh... thank you very much!"
<Jack> Oops! Uh...heh...got it under control here...
<Seth> And I hope you guys have a wonderful evening tonight.
* Leon-The-Panda eyes Liza.
<Liza> You know that bunny suit is really you..
* Seth kisses off the crowd and steps off the stage.
* Jack attempts to pick up all the muffins on the floor.
* Seth breathes.
<Liza> They wanted me to wear one of those this year, but it's not my style.. ^^
* Jack eats a few to lighten the load.
* Johnathan has by now been dragged out onto the dance floor.
* Bree blushes. "You think so? I.. kinda didn't want to wear it.." *smiles*
<Bree> I bet you'd look good in one though...
* Leon-The-Panda has yet to have been drug out, and has maintained his seat. ;)
<Liza> Maybe.. but then they might accuse me of joining the Bunny Karate School back home.
* Seth looks around for Liza.
<TheStoryteller> Liza is talking to Bree.. :)
* Bree blinks ."Bunny Dojo?" .oO(Gaaah.. she notices where the outfit's from!)
<Liza> I have to greet the rest of the guests...
* Bree smiles and nods. "Sure.. of course.."
* Liza pats Bree's shoulder. "See you around.."
* Jack places the rest of the floor-ridden muffins back on the table and casually walks to a different area of the room.
* Liza sips her wine and walks off slowly.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...that wasn't promising..
* Seth spots Liza, but realizes she must be busy so returns to the bar.
* Bree smiles and nods. "See you too.."
* Leon-The-Panda eyes Celyna, "You're quiet..figured you'd be out dancing or something."
* Seth meekly looks around the tables and spots the party, and a giant panda....
<Celyna> Well I was trying to drag you out there...
<Leon-The-Panda> ...you know I don't know how.
* Tahn sweatdrops more
<Celyna> You should still try sometime..
<Leon-The-Panda> ...fine..take me out there..
* Leon-The-Panda sweatdrops, "Not like this could get any worse.."
* Seth then glances up the steps up to the second floor and quickly proceeds to them.
<Celyna> Now that's the spirit! *drags the teddy out there*
* Jack is mingling with the other people "Say that's a nice costume! Is the parrot real?"
* Leon-The-Panda is drug along, "Don't...get...carr..ie...ed....a...wa..yy.."
* Seth looks around, and makes a mad dash up them.
* Bree watches Liza as she makes her rounds.
Diamond Dreams Nightclub, Wine Cellar
<TheStoryteller> Meanwhile, in the passages below near the wine cellar, Nasch comes out of the shadows...
<Nasch> You're so easy to read... I knew you'd come for her blindly.
* Aoshi takes Tomoe to a safe distance, allowing Scott to draw his sword.
<Scott> I'll bet you didn't expect two of us, though.
<Nasch> No, that is a surprise... but at least I know you do have some kind of a brain to know you can't fight me on equal terms.
<Scott> I intended to fight you alone, Nasch...I brought Aoshi along to protect Tomoe while I fought.
<Aoshi> Careful, Astorian. He has an advantage with that Nihontou.
<Tomoe> Be careful, Scott.
<Scott> I'm always careful..
* Nasch brandishes the weapon omninously. "As long as he's here, it's not the right time..."
<Nasch> I'll let you take the girl, but we'll finish this in a more appropriate place...
<Scott> Aoshi, get her out of here now.
* Aoshi nods.
<Nasch> For now, how about a little target practice for the real thing? You'll need it..
* Tomoe and Aoshi run from the room.
<TheStoryteller> Aoshi is cut off by several masked men..
* Aoshi draws his twin Kodachi.
<Nasch> Come to the stage if you make it alive.
<Scott> Hmph...coward. He wants to wear us down...
<TheStoryteller> Nasch fades out into the shadows where he came from.
* Tomoe stands back a safe distance from the fight.
<TheStoryteller> The figures yank out several katanas, poising to strike! There's only one way out...
* Scott steps up to the fray. "Like old times, eh?"
<Aoshi> You said it.
~~ COMBAT! ~~
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 1!
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy front: Yakuza A-C
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi's turn.
* Aoshi runs at Yakuza A, leading in with his right Kodachi, then slashing six times consecutively. "KAITEN KEMBU ROKUREN!"
<Scott> O_ox You have gotten stronger.
<Scott> Let's have the stars give us a hand, what say?
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi launches into a flurry of hits! 1: 20! 2: 27!, 3: Critical! 60! 4: 25! 5: 22! 6: 20! Dispatched!
<TheStoryteller> >> Yakuza B charges Aoshi with his weapon slashing madly! Attack 1: Miss!, 2: 15!
<Scott> I'm impressed, old bud. When did you learn the Kodachi Nitou Ryuu ougi?
<Aoshi> Only recently.
<TheStoryteller> >> Yakuza C follows thorugh on Scott! 1: 8!, 2: 12!
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
<Scott> Ok, to hell with star magic....this one dies.
* Scott leaps into the air, getting as much elevation as he can. he then dives at Yakuza-C bringing his sword down like a hammer on his opponent's head. HITEN MITSURUGI RYU....RYU TSUI SEN!
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's slash goes clean through his torso! o_o Yakuza C takes 180 damage! He's gone...
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 2!
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi's turn.
* Aoshi runs at Yakuza A, leading in with his right Kodachi, then slashing six times consecutively. "KAITEN KEMBU ROKUREN!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Aoshi strikes six times rapidly.. 1: Critical! 58!, 2: 30! 3: 25!, 4: 27!, 5: Critical! 61!
<TheStoryteller> >> The six hits nothing as Yakuza B falls down dead.
~~ Victory! Scott & Aoshi gain 10 XP and 200 $P. ~~
* Scott sheathes the sword. "Aoshi, get Tomoe out of here. I'll deal with Nasch."
* Aoshi nods. He and Tomoe run from the room as Scott follows.
<TheStoryteller> You see a hole near the side of the room.. it looks like a trapdoor of some sort. Beyond it is a ladder leading up.
* Scott goes up the ladder, followed by his two friends.
Diamond Dreams Nightclub, Concourse
<TheStoryteller> Upstairs, the food is being served to the customers.. a literal buffet of treats. ^_^
* Jack is pigging out.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..see, I told you I can't dance.
* Johnathan and Haylee have sat back down for now.
* Tahn has stopped dancing with Bree by this time, and is pigging out alongside Jack.
<TheStoryteller> On his way upstairs, Seth bumps into someone.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...I never could before..and I can't now.
<Liza> Oh, excuse me.
* Bree is eating respectibly, casually glancing around curiously for Liza.
<Seth> Oh, sorry to run into you like that ^_^;
* Johnathan is watching Seth, contemplating going to have a little.. 'talk'.. with him.
<Liza> In a hurry, little man? You are running like you have a girl waiting for you..
<Seth> o(Errr... think of something quick!)
<Bree> Say.. Tahn... who is Liza anyway?
<Seth> Actually... I'm looking for the bathroom....
<Seth> o(You IDIOT!!)
<Liza> Sure... but it's the other way.. ;)
<Leon-The-Panda> ...
<Tahn> <vq> The new Heart.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...so she's one of the Fang..
<Bree> New heart? *eats and cokes*
<Bree> She's part of them?
<Seth> Err, thank you.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...excuse me...
* Liza turns Seth around..
* Leon-The-Panda stands up and starts to head off to find her
<Seth> By the way, may I have your name?
<Liza> Just don't be shy. It doesn't suit you.
* Jack says with a stuffed mouth, "I can eat more than the average civilian...."
<Liza> I'm Liza.. the proprietor of this establishment..
<Seth> Ah...
<Liza> I hope you find who you're looking for.
<Tahn> <vq> A rather crutial part. She's the... PR, for lack of a better term.
* Liza walks back onto the floor.
* Leon-The-Panda sees Liza and attempts..well..not to be looking for her.
<Seth> So you're that lady..... uh..... oookey.....
* Tahn goes back go eating. A lot. ^^;
* Johnathan stands up, and slowly makes his way over towards Seth, after first making sure his cloak really is obscuring his entire face.
<Bree> I can't beleive she's one of them... *eats, mumbling*
* Jack has got his head in the punch bowl.
<TheStoryteller> Haylee and Celyna have a few bites to eat..
* Leon-The-Panda follows Liza quietly...as a 6'5" Panda bear can.
<Haylee> Jack, are you alright? o_o
<Tahn> <vq> The Fang isn't pure evil. They just walk on the wrong side of the law, so to speak.
<Jack> Bubblebububub.........
<TheStoryteller> Leon follows Liza as she goes to the stage...
<Bree> Well.. I guess that describes me, sorta...
* Leon-The-Panda stops at the stage.
* Tahn pulls Jack's head out of the bowl. "Don't go crazy, Punchy."
* Seth checks through some of the upstairs rooms, hoping to find 'her'.
<TheStoryteller> Liza extends a hand as the band quiets down..
<Jack> It's good to be me......
<Bree> Geesh.. what's the matter with you Jack? *giggles*
* Leon-The-Panda appears to minding his own business
<TheStoryteller> Seth cannot get upstairs.. the elevator to the higher levels is locked with a special key.
<Jack> I am NOT this Jack person, civilian!
* Seth grimaces.
* Tahn moves the punch bowl out of the way and slowly sets Jack's drunken face back on the table. :P
<Seth> I'll bet she has the key too....
<Liza> Once again, here's your lovely hostess...
* Jack points to a bunch of croutons near Tahn. "You're gonna finish that?"
* Seth sighs. "I'm not cut out for this."
<Tahn> Yes.
* Seth heads back downstairs.
<Liza> I've wanted to let you know, that we've prepared a special entertainment for you all..
* Tahn finishes them, as to prove his point.
* Johnathan is waiting at the bottom of the stairs, standing quietly.
<Tahn> .oO(Entertainment? What type?)
<Jack> Okay then...I'll finish the crawdads.....
* Tahn gets an oddly twisted grin on his face.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...I don't care about entertainment..get on with it..
<Liza> They've traveled from across Lunar to be here tonight.. to give their passions out on this very stage..
<Bree> <q> I don't like the sound of that...
<Liza> Please give a warm welcome to...
* Tahn gets an even more twisted, perverted grin on his face.. ^_-
<Leon-The-Panda> ..must be that idiot Scott..
* Johnathan raises a skeletal hand, pointing at Seth as he comes down. "So we meet again."
* Scott pops his head out of the trapdoor, looking around. "Where's Nasch?"
<Leon-The-Panda> ..as I figured..idiot.
* Tahn blinks.
<Tahn> Nani?
<Liza> Eh..?
* Seth glances at John and tilts his glasses down. "Huh...?"
<Seth> You knew?
* Scott launches himself out the trapdoor with all his upper body strength.
* Jack starts arguing with Tahn over the last piece of pie
* Liza looks down and then up at Scott.
<Liza> You're late, Mr. Astorian. ^^
* Bree sighs. "Great.. just great..."
* Scott helps Aoshi and Tomoe up. "Now, you two get out of here. I'll meet you back at our warehouse."
* Tahn shifts it over to Jack's place "We have more important matters than food at the moment. I think we just overstayed our welcome..."
<Liza> Yes.. Scott Astorian.. all the way from the great city of Horam...
* Leon-The-Panda waves his paw at the others.
<Johnathan> I know who you are, yes...
* Scott stands up, hand on his sword hilt. "It's not you I'm after, Rosetta. Where's Nasch Byars."
<Seth> What are you doing here?
* Tomoe and Aoshi make tracks.
* Jack stands confused. ".....?? I think it's time for me to make my Exit! Leo the Great! Dash off!!" *Runs off*
<Liza> And before you all he will engage in a life or death struggle.. with.. our very own.. Nasch...
* Tahn buh-blinks.
<TheStoryteller> Liza bows out... as a scaffold starts to lower itself...
<Tahn> What the...
* Tahn wonders if he should get up to help Scott... o_o
<Johnathan> Oh... I have my reasons.
<Leon-The-Panda> Hmph...
<Scott> Talk about melodramatic...
<Johnathan> ...really.. I felt I should warn you th-.....
* Leon-The-Panda awaits.
<Seth> You sound kinda different.
<TheStoryteller> In one swift move, the dark haired Nasch leaps down, catching his blade on Scott's.
* Johnathan lets his voice go back to normal as he turns towards the stage. "Ah damn."
<Tahn> ...
* Scott raises his sword in just enough time to parry Nasch's attack.
<Nasch> Time to give them a show to die for, Scott.
<Bree> <q> Great.. now we can't get to him to help...
* Seth sighs.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..fuck him.
<Seth> You guys are blowing my cover...
<Johnathan> ...you'll have to excuse me.
<Scott> This is no show, Nasch. Fight me seriously....or you'll never be able to avenge your men.
* Tahn notices Seth suddenly.
* Tahn turns to him "Cover? You here against them too?"
* Johnathan walks away from Seth and towards the others.
<Seth> Hey don't ignore me!
<TheStoryteller> Nasch leans closer to Scott, using his weapon's length advantage to press him away.
* Seth wanders over to the spectator seats, and looks at Tahn.
<Seth> Against them? No way...
* Scott skids backwards. "You're stronger than I anticipated, Byars. But that Nihontou makes your attacks slower."
<Nasch> I'm serious... it's this room who isn't.
* Leon-The-Panda looks for Liza.
<Seth> I was looking for Emili and heard that some girl was kidnapped.
<Seth> I thought it could Emili.
* Johnathan leaves the crumbled remains of what used to be the hands of his costume behind on the ground. "All right, people... now what?"
* Liza is standing to the side of the fight..
<Tahn> Fraid not, Seth..
* Scott rushes toward Nasch and goes right by his opponent, turning his blade to attack with a lateral slash at Nasch's midsection as he goes by..RYU KAN SEN TSUMUJI!
* Johnathan looks up at the stage and back at whoever's still at the table.
* Leon-The-Panda motions to Liza to come down to speak with him.
* Tahn indicates the stage. "See the guy with the katana... the one with the scar? The kidnapped girl was more likely than not his squeeze.
* Bree sighs and eats, watching the fight. "And I thought this would be a good night too..." *sarcasticly*
<Johnathan> ....We're just going to leave him to do this himself?
* Tahn looks at Bree. "Calm down, Bree... it's fine. Besides, we didn't come here to have a good time." ^_-
<Seth> Squeeze....?
<Bree> What can we do? I mean.. if we go on stage, we'll have all their guards on us..
* Nasch takes the hilt of his sword against the attack, stopping it cold.. "Kaishi Tousei!"
<Bree> I'm not upset Tahn...
* Tahn looks to Seth "Mate. Lover. Sex kitten. Girlfriend."
<Seth> Ah.
<TheStoryteller> He then pierces Scott's arm slightly.. a cut opening up.
<Seth> Figures....
* Seth snaps his fingers.
* Leon-The-Panda motions again.
<Seth> Ah well...
<Seth> See you guys later...
* Scott skids to a stop....now bleeding. "He anticipated my Ryu Kan Sen....gotta think of something."
* Tahn looks over at the almost dancing panda near the stage and turns back to Bree.
<Nasch> Now we fight for real.. no games.. and noone to save you.
<Tahn> <m to Bree> Looks like Leon's turning into Vanna White. ^_-
<Scott> I always fight for real.
* Johnathan looks again at everyone, and back up towards Scott. "People?"
<Tahn> Hold on..
<Bree> What's the panda want? *looks over at Leon, still eating*
<Tahn> We can do this without letting them know.
<Haylee> Scott's in trouble up there...
* Johnathan lets a little energy gather in one of his hands. "Yeah."
* Scott sheathes his sword, taking the battou stance.
* Tahn chants out a Heal Litany spell, making sure to make it inconspicuous till it gets to Scott.
* Leon-The-Panda waves his paw at Liza.
<Nasch> If they interfere, you'll just doom them all... haha...
* Seth starts heading to the side of the stahe where Liza is watching.
<Seth> Hey... good fight.
~~ COMBAT! ~~
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 1!
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy single: Nasch Byars, Right Hand of the Fang
<Scott> I believe in my friends and comrades. Hey, guys!
<Tahn> <m, to John> Keep down. We don't want all of the Fang on our necks.
<Scott> We're more than strong enough to deal with you, Byars.
<Tahn> ...
* Bree sweatdrops "<q> Aww geez, just point us out why don't you." *sweatdrops*
<Tahn> -_- Scott, you damn imbicile, you're gonna kill us all...
* Liza waves an arm, a little disinterested..
* Leon-The-Panda grumbles.
<Liza> Well, I've got my money on Nasch....
<Seth> Mind if I help out that scar guy?
<Leon-The-Panda> There's a matter I have to discuss with you, Miss Liza.
* Tahn goes and makes to look like he's mingling.. he'd rather not let Ramon know of his presence... provided Ramon is here.
<Nasch> Come on Scott! Let's end this!
* Tahn still keeps an eye on the fight though...
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
* Scott closes his eyes and then reopens them, as the wisdom of the stars fills his mind and his eyes shine like a star...SIXTH SENSE!
* Johnathan very casually sits down, watching the fight with his cloak still over his head.
<Seth> Hmmm, I dunno...
<Seth> That guy with the scar looks pretty tough....
<Leon-The-Panda> ...there are intruders who have infiltrated this party, Miss Liza..I think you'd like to know about it...
<Seth> I'd have to put my money on him.
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott casts Sixth Sense! He gains 60 dodge%!
* Bree takes her time eating, watching the fight, feeling helpless to assist. "I have a really bad feeling about this... a really bad one..."
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's heal ring flares.. he regains 10 HP.
<TheStoryteller> >> Nasch's turn.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..come on..listen to me dammit...
<Liza> Intruders? Really?
<Leon-The-Panda> ..yes....come with me..I'll tell you who they are...
<Seth> Care to make a wager Liza? Say.... 50 silver?
<Leon-The-Panda> But you must hurry...
<Leon-The-Panda> ..I don't want them knowing they've been found...
<Nasch> Sen Ran Tousei! Feel the whirlwind of your death!
* Scott tries his darnedest to parry.
<TheStoryteller> >> Nasch charges at Scott spinning and cutting rapidly several times in succession!
<TheStoryteller> Miss! 10! Miss! 5! Miss! Miss! 10! 10! Miss!
<Leon-The-Panda> ...
<Scott> O_O; Watoujutsu....
<Liza> Oh don't worry... they will reveal themselves in due time...
<Leon-The-Panda> ...I think it's best if you come with me.
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 2!
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
* Scott leaps into the air, getting as much elevation as he can. he then dives at Nasch bringing his sword down like a hammer on his opponent's head. HITEN MITSURUGI RYU....RYU TSUI SEN!
<Leon-The-Panda> Before something horrible happens.
* Johnathan starts muttering to himself, still watching the fight.
<TheStoryteller> >> Nasch tries to draw back and parry the attack aside.. but it grazes him. 78 damage!
* Scott then jumps back a safe distance from Nasch.
* Bree eating and mumbling about having a bad day.
<Nasch> Damn.. you haven't slowed down one bit I see...
<Leon-The-Panda> ...
<Scott> .oO(I'm having to fight defensively because of the length of his sword.....)
<Liza> I'm staying right here, Mr. Panda...
<Liza> Or is it you who wish to leave because you know something? ;)
<Leon-The-Panda> Ramon will not be pleased..have it your way.
* Leon-The-Panda starts off.
* Scott stands ready for anything...
<TheStoryteller> >> Nasch brings his blade back, swinging it downward, and hitting it to add extra impact! "Shou Hai Tousei!"
<Scott> O_Ox;
* Leon-The-Panda sits back down at table 17, next to Celyna
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott can't dodge in time! 60 damage!
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott regains 9 HP.
<Scott> Gotta keep fighting...but need to.....heal myself......
<Nasch> Scott? Where are your friends now.. one more strike and it's all over for you....
<Scott> Don't underestimate me yet, Nasch.
<Leon-The-Panda> Hmph..fuck him...
* Tahn keeps back... staring at Leon _closely_.. something is up, but what?
* Scott sheathes his sword, assuming a battou stance.
* Johnathan raises a hand, murmuring and drawing energies to himself.
<Leon-The-Panda> This is a trap.
* Liza watches Johnathan.
<Leon-The-Panda> And it won't fool me.
* Johnathan finishes, slowly goes translucent, and begins breathing a bit quicker.
* Tahn watches Leon.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan casts Mystic Vigor! He Phases out! He gains an additional action! :)
* Leon-The-Panda crosses his panda arms, not making any moves.
<Leon-The-Panda> You just screwed yourself, Johnathan.
<Liza> Ahah..
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's 2nd action..
<Johnathan> So you say.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...and probably all of us..
<Scott> .oO(I'll just have to restort to using my ama kakeru ryu no hirameki, the succession technique.)
* Leon-The-Panda eyes Liza.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..idiot.
<Nasch> Well looks like you're not alone after all..
* Johnathan has moved away from the table someone now, and is still slowly drawing energy in towards himself, crafting a shield in front of him and absorbing the rest.
<Leon-The-Panda> Come on Celyna...we have no part in this fight.
<Seth> Hmm, well the battle is certainly heating up eh Liza?
<Scott> .oO(But if it's fate for me to die...then at least I got Tomoe out of here...)
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan Mystic Vigors, followed by Concentrate! Wis up 100! He gains a Magic Wall! :)
* Leon-The-Panda grabs Celyna's hand and moves away from the table.
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 3!
<TheStoryteller> >> Ally: Scott, Johnathan
<Seth> Hmmm?
<Liza> Oh it's just getting started..
<Scott> John, I hope you can heal, pal....
<Celyna> Leon.. what about Scott up there?
<Leon-The-Panda> ..fuck Scott.
* Tahn moves over to Leon and Celyna <q> "I see I'm not the only one who realizes that it was a bad idea to have brought John with us.."
<Leon-The-Panda> ..this was a trap.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..and Johnathan bit.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
<Bree> Well duh this was a trap...
<Leon-The-Panda> Then come along Bree..no sense in all of us going down..
<Tahn> I saw the trap when I heard the Fang was in Zaback, Leon.
* Johnathan raises his other hand, again drawing energy to himself, and sending a little out towards Scott.
<Bree> Where are we going?
<Tahn> They obviously set it up to get us and Virtue all out of the way... so it could go on unapposed.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...away from Johnathan...
<Tahn> ...and away from this club.
<Leon-The-Panda> No, I'm not leaving thisclub.
<Bree> We're just going to leave them?
<Tahn> ...So you're going to go after the trap from a different angle.
<Leon-The-Panda> I'm not leaving the club..
<Tahn> Reeeeal smart, Leo.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan Concentrates! Wis +99!
<Leon-The-Panda> ..no, I'm going to counter the trap.
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan casts Restore on Scott! He is healed to full! :)
<Tahn> Good luck, Leon...
<Scott> Thanks, John...
<Tahn> Ramon is MUCH tricker than you think..
<Leon-The-Panda> ..but as far as Scott goes, fuck him.
* Johnathan nods gravely.
<Nasch> Dirty little mage tricks...
<Leon-The-Panda> I don't care how tricky he is..
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
<Johnathan> You've seen nothing yet.
* Scott leaps into the air, getting as much elevation as he can. he then dives at Nasch bringing his sword down like a hammer on his opponent's head. HITEN MITSURUGI RYU....RYU TSUI SEN!
<Leon-The-Panda> This was a trap to draw me out in the open.
<Leon-The-Panda> I won't bite.
<Tahn> I know.
<Tahn> I think it was meant for Scott and I also..
<TheStoryteller> >> Nasch is again hammered by the blow.. backing up slightly... 74 damage!
<Tahn> And perhaps Bree... she seems to have some sort of connection.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..you know I could give a shit about you or Scott, Tahn.
<Bree> Eh? What about me? *blinks*
<Seth> So Liza, you wanna help your friend?
<Scott> Hey, John.....think we should try that rift cut? It could be useful against Nasch.
<Nasch> Oh.. this isn't over yet.. not until I've killed you with my own hand in front of everyone! *holding his chest*
<Leon-The-Panda> ...don't ask me trivial questions at a time like this Bree...
<Nasch> Like you left those men to die after you slaughtered them like an animal.
<Liza> He can take care of himself.. besides.. I'm doing my job.. ^^
<Bree> I'm not talking to you Leon...
* Scott narrows his eyes. "You still don't realize this is a different Astorian you fight, Nasch. That was a spirit I was possessed with called DarkStar. I've already defeated him, hence I'm the way you see me now."
<Nasch> Make as many excuses as you want.. we are both hunters.. stalking the weak. And only one can be left standing in the end...
<TheStoryteller> >> Nasch's turn.
<Scott> But I can tell you've singled me out for another reason. One of them was very close to you, wasn't he...
* Tahn looks at Bree. "You may have some connection. I don't know what, but Liza _knew_ you, Bree."
* Leon-The-Panda takes a position on the other side of the room
<Bree> I dunno from where... but I think she just recognised this outfit is all...
<TheStoryteller> Nasch bends his left leg, right hand extended, and blade held forward...
<Scott> That's his ougi......
<Nasch> Ko Fuku... Zetsu...
<Nasch> TOUSEI! *strikes*
<Leon-The-Panda> ..I won't be drawn out by such a poorly thought out trap.
<TheStoryteller> >> Nasch unleashes his ougi upon Scott! o_o
* Scott sheathes his blade, and tries his best to counter...
<TheStoryteller> >> Scoot's blade hits the attack, but it's knocked away by the force...
<Seth> Hmmm following orders?
<Seth> You mean this was all just a setup?
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott is nailed right in the chest! He takes 123 damage! Ko'd!
<Scott> -_-x
* Leon-The-Panda snickers, "Serves the idiot right."
<Nasch> Ha! DIE!
* Tahn does his best not to scream out for Scott, and moves slowly away..
<Tahn> .oO(Sacrifices must be made, for the good of the people.)
<Nasch> Opposing the Fang... you can't be allowed to live..
<Seth> Excuse me for a moment, Liza....
* Seth walks up to Nasch.
<Seth> Excuse me, I hate to do this.
<TheStoryteller> >> Nasch is about to twist the blade in deeper for the killing blow..
<TheStoryteller> A scream is heard from the back of the club. It's Tomoe, protected by Aoshi. "SCOTT!!!!!"
<Liza> Hmm.. *turns her head to the door*
* Leon-The-Panda stands there, appearing not to care.
<TheStoryteller> Nasch falters, nearly striking Seth's head off. :P
* Seth ducks.
<Seth> Ahem, as I was going to say.
<Nasch> Don't interrupt my vengence...
<Seth> Before you can kill him.
* Seth draws out his huge sword.
<Seth> You'll have to kill me first.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...who the fuck is that guy.
* Johnathan blinks, surprised. "What's..."
<TheStoryteller> Scott falls to the floor, barely alive.... Aoshi manages to drag him off the stage while Nasch is distracted..
<Bree> This party sucks... *snags a drink from a passing waitress, nothing with alcohol*
<Nasch> Damn it! Out of my way, you little fool!
<Leon-The-Panda> ..does anyone know who that guy is?
<Seth> .....
<Seth> No.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..and why he's saving that idiot's skin?
<TheStoryteller> >> Reinforcements have arrived.. Seth joins the battle.
* Johnathan has his next spells half readied, watching Seth in a little bit of surprise.
<Seth> Let's go...
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 4!
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
* Johnathan points one hand at Scott, pulsing a bolt of energy at him, while pulling one out of Nasch.
<Johnathan> Live, Scott.. and you.. whoever you are.. you won't be needed this..
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan casts Mystic Vigor followed by Revive.. Scott is restored with 40 HP! Nasch is lanced for 30 MP (all he has. ^^)
<Nasch> Rrrgh.. Stop toying around and keel over like you should have before you stepped up here.
* Scott springs back up and to the side of John once again. "Thanks, pal. I owe ya one."
<Johnathan> Stop toying?
<Johnathan> .....as you wish.
<TheStoryteller> >> Nasch braces his nihontou and swipes thrice at Sethius!
<Leon-The-Panda> This is boring...
* Bree looks at Liza. "If she knows me.. it's probably because of being with you guys..."
* Seth pulls out his sword in front of him.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...it's best not to make any moves right now, Bree.
<Tahn> So leave, sir Panda.
* Tahn looks at Bree. "Gomen."
* Tahn goes over to near where Liza is.
<Bree> I'm not moving.. and why are you saying sorry? *blinks*
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: 15!, 2: 12! 3: 13!
<Leon-The-Panda> Shut up Tahn, or I'll toss your ass up there into the middle of it.
<TheStoryteller> >> Seth's turn.
<Seth> Ugh... not bad....
<TheStoryteller> Liza continues watching the doorway instead of the fight...
<Scott> Time to finish this. John, how about casting that reality tear of yours...I have an idea.
<Leon-The-Panda> ..she's looking for me..
* Leon-The-Panda eyes Liza.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...which means she doesn't know who I am yet...good..
<Johnathan> Look around you, Scott.
* Seth dashes through Nasch once, appearing behind him, dashing through him again he appears with his back in front of Nasch's he backflips into the air and impales him with his sword.
* Scott looks around him. "I can see where that WOULDN'T be a good idea."
<Johnathan> ..yeah.
<Johnathan> As fun as obliterating the building would be, its.. rather.. full.
* Bree raises an eyebrow, seemingly analyzing Liza.
<TheStoryteller> >> Seth goes through once.. 34! Second swipe.. 30! Lastly his blade impales him for 29, shimmering with starlight..
<TheStoryteller> Nasch goes down on a knee...
<Johnathan> So.. this.. he's..
* Liza turns her head to Bree...
* Seth smirks "Pretty good huh?"
<Scott> Now I'll finish this......
<Leon-The-Panda> Shit.
<Leon-The-Panda> She's looking at us.
<Liza> (w to her) You should go now...
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
* Bree blinks and looks off, trying not to give away she was looking. "
<w> Huh?"
* Scott leaps into the air, getting as much elevation as he can. he then dives at Nasch bringing his sword down like a hammer on his opponent's head. HITEN MITSURUGI RYU....RYU TSUI SEN!
* Tahn watches the fight. "This is gonna get ugly. Don't know who it's gonna get ugly _for_, but it's gonna get ugly."
<Nasch> I.. can't lift it in time..
* Nasch tries to bring up his nihountou to block the assult..
* Seth glares at Liza....
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's sword flares brightly! It slices Nasch's weapon in twain!
<Nasch> NO!
* Tahn looks over at Liza. "You know him?" He points to Seth.
<TheStoryteller> >> The unobstructed katana implants itself in his heart.. 78 damage! Fatal!
<Leon-The-Panda> ..for all they know, I'm not even at this party..
* Tahn blinks. "Ow. That had to hurt 'im."
~~ Victory! Scott and his allies gain 20 Xp! ~~
<Leon-The-Panda> ...about time..he wouldn't have stood a chance against me.
<Nasch> This wasn't supposed to happen.. I'm not supposed to be the one..
* Bree looks at Liza. "<q> What do you mean I should leave now?"
* Johnathan turns to look around the room, a sphere of energy clutched in each hand as he surveys for any more threats.
<Liza> (w) They are coming...
* Scott turns the blade and then pulls it out again, swiping it at Nasch's body to get the blood off of his blade. He then sheathes the sword.
* Tahn hears Liza and gulps.
* Liza makes a ducking motion with her hand to only Bree.
<Leon-The-Panda> And now they have revealed themselves.
* Seth puts his sword back under his coat.
<Seth> Well, that was fun....
<Bree> <q> Why're you bothering to tell me? *ducks down next to Liza and looks around*
<Seth> I hate fighting .
<TheStoryteller> Nasch's limp form falls to the ground.. laying on the bloody stage.
<Seth> But that felt good for once.
<TheStoryteller> Just then you hear a loud yell!
<Tahn> Nani?
<Scott> Eh?
<Seth> -_-
<Leon-The-Panda> Stop..saying..Nani..
<Seth> Trouble.
<Scott> that CAN'T be good...
<Leon-The-Panda> Or I'll use my bear paws to ring your scrawny little neck.
<TheStoryteller> [Voice] SURRENDER YOURSELVES, RANCOR SCUM! VIRTUE HAS THIS CLUB SURROUNDED!
<Tahn> ...
<Leon-The-Panda> ...Well well well..
<Scott> Adam Dynastis. I figured as much.
* Bree pokes Liza in the leg. "Hey.. why'm I down here?"
<Johnathan> I'm not complaining.
* Tahn nudges the panda <m> "I think they mean you."
<Liza> (w) Because a girl like you shouldn't get involved in this...
* Leon-The-Panda nudges Tahn, "Shaddup."
* Scott jumps off the stage and walks towards Tomoe and Aoshi.
<Seth> Virtue...?
<Seth> Who's Virtue?
<TheStoryteller> Through the door comes the enitre 13th regiment... lead by the bastard sword wielding Adam.
* Leon-The-Panda looks at Adam.
<Bree> Bleah.. girl like me...? *sits on the floor at Liza's feet*
<Adam> You are all under arrest for conspiring against Virtue!
* Scott is well hidden in the crowd, with an arm around Tomoe and hoping he's not seen.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...lovely..
<Tahn> ...
<Tahn> Yanno what..
<Leon-The-Panda> ..you fucking idiot..
* Leon-The-Panda walks up to Adam, "You..ruined everything, you god damn idiot..."
* Tahn cries out to Adam. "SCREW YOU, INFIDEL SCUM!!!"
<Seth> So who are you?
<Leon-The-Panda> Stupid fucking idiot...
* Seth steps off the stage and walks over to Adam.
<TheStoryteller> Behind Adam is his squad of Nicolette, Joe, Turless, and Popoi.. and even Smyth.
* Tahn glares at Adam mockingly and walks up to him, making sure his face isn't recognizable.
* Bree looks up at Liza. "What do you mean 'girl like me'?"
<Tahn> Is it not true, Sir, that you and your regiment indeed helped the infidels that Virtue has been hunting... isn't it true you helped them _escape_?
<Leon-The-Panda> Go away, you church going idiot!
* Joe has a smile on his face that is making the rest of the regiment look bad.
<Adam> I'm Adam Dynastis, Sergeant of the 13th Regiment of Virtue's Guard... and my orders are to take you all in for questioning...
<Johnathan> ..why on earth are they interfering with them..?
* Popoi looks around at all the costumed people.
<Liza> (w) shh.. just stay down.
<Scott> And I thought Nasch was melodramatic.
<TheStoryteller> The crowd goes nuts at all this. ^^
* Tahn glares at Adam. "If you could not apprehend 8 measly little heretics, what chance do you think you have of apprehending all of us?
<Bree> <q> Sheesh.. it's not like I'm safe sitting on the floor.. these people are going to pile out and I'll still be sitting here...
<Adam> Be quiet! I told you before that I wasn't letting you get off a second time, so don't expect any mercy.
<Seth> Ummm, well, Mr. Dynastis, I'm not really a part of anything here.
<Seth> So uh, could you just let me go.
<Leon-The-Panda> Come...fight me..
* Scott whispers to Aoshi. "What say we sneak out a window, eh?"
<Seth> I really have some urgent business.
<Leon-The-Panda> If you're so confident...
<Leon-The-Panda> Fight me now.
<Joe> Um Calm down people or we're gonna...uh....what're we gonna do?
* Tahn takes out a dagger and holds it to Adam's throat in a quick motion. "Don't expect any from me, either."
<Turless> Some party..
<Smyth> ....
<Adam> Do you really want to do that? You're all going to be in jail soon anyway...
<Scott> But then again...this ragtag bunch of Virtue's guards probably couldn't fight their way out of the Illusion woods without a map of some sort.
<Tahn> Not if I kill the leader of the Regiment.
<Seth> Excuse me, Mr. Dynastis.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...I'm not going to a prison..
<Smyth> Actually..
<Leon-The-Panda> You have no evidence against me...
<Seth> Listen, Mr. Dynastis, I really must be going I have some very important matters that I have continue with.
* Tahn mocks Smythe's voice. "Actually... I don't give a flying fuck."
<Joe> Is the panda right?
* Smythe looks up from behind the guards... he reaches into his uniform..
<Popoi> I really like the panda costume. ^^
<Johnathan> I don't believe those idiots.. why on earth are they interfering with the guard..?
* Leon-The-Panda sweatdrops
* Popoi shuts herself up. ^^;
<Smyth> You're right... I don't either... LEON.
<Leon-The-Panda> Goddess Dammit!
<TheStoryteller> Smythe suddenly draws a shotgun, like a signal!
* Scott just stands there, not saying a word. "Serves that moron right."
* Leon-The-Panda draws his rifle.
<TheStoryteller> As he does so, a rain of gun fire blasts into the club! o_O
* Bree reaches up to a table and takes a drink and a plate of food. "<q> Since I'm going to be down here a while...."
<Adam> What the?!
<Tahn> Ramon...
<Leon-The-Panda> Fuck!
<Adam> Smyth.. you bastard!
* Seth ducks.
* Popoi tries to duck down. "What the...!?
<Johnathan> ..he said the same about you, Scott.
<Smyth> Haha..
* Scott ducks, bringing his friends down with him. "Take cover."
* Leon-The-Panda grabs Celyna and drops to the ground shielding her from the gunfire.
* Tahn legsweeps Adam and puts him in a neck hold, dagger still dangerously close to his neck.. "I wouldn't try it. Shoot a SINGLE PERSON in here, your fearless leader gets it."
<TheStoryteller> The entire crew of Virtue is cuaght in the direct crossfire, the shots ringing out.
<Joe> You know, I don't think this is a happy party......
<Seth> This guy is a loonatic!
<Scott> Tomoe, Aoshi, stay down.
<TheStoryteller> Popoi gets a bullet in her chest.. Joe in his feet, head and arms.. Turless and Nicolette try to dodge but they both go down in a mess, and Adam is nicked in so many places, he can't even stand.
* Bree yanks at Liza to get her out of the way.
* Seth rolls behind the bar.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...This was a grand trap for everyone..
<TheStoryteller> The whole party save Bree is sliced up as well, though not fatally...
<Leon-The-Panda> The church.. myself...
* Scott covers Tomoe with his own body....
* Leon-The-Panda covers Celyna, taking multiple bullet wounds.
* Tahn gets a few nicks on the shoulders and arms, and bleeds a little, but Adam took most of the damage. ^^;
<Adam> N..no...
<Joe> Uhh....Am I supposed to be dead?
* Joe stands waiting for the bullet in his brain to take effect, and then goes down...
<Tahn> RAMON! YOU DAMN BASTARD... WHERE ARE YOU?
* Johnathan falls, cursing himself for letting himself go solid again.
<TheStoryteller> Smyth rips at his head as the party and the crowd lie broken..
<Tahn> ....
<Leon-The-Panda> ....it's him..
<Tahn> I should have figured.
<TheStoryteller> It comes off like plastic, revealing a slicked black-haired man...
* Bree checks Liza over, to see how hurt she is.
<Tahn> Clever, Ramon. Even for you, it's clever.
<Liza> I'm fine..
<Ramon> Sorry I was late...
* Ramon levels his gun and fires a gas pellet into the room.
<Leon-The-Panda> ...shit..
<TheStoryteller> You all start to lose any semblace of consciousness..
* Tahn uses his air magic to keep the gas away from him as much as possible...
* Tahn doesn't succeed very well, now does he? -_-
<Bree> Whew.. you sure you're not hurt any? *yanks a table cloth and tears it in half, handing part to Liza, and using her half to cover her mouth from the gas*
<TheStoryteller> Liza pulls out a small gas mask and doesn't get knocked out, and Bree's makeshift cloth helps her stay somewhat shielded from the fumes.
* Leon-The-Panda lose conciousness.
* Scott falls, still shielding Tomoe from harm using his own body.
* Seth is hiding behind the bar table but gets gassed and goes out like a light, oh well.
* Joe shrugs and walks out of the scene....
* Ramon regards the carnage cooly, as he strides over to the Panda suited Leon.
* Johnathan pulls the black cloak off and tosses it aside before he passes out, hoping he'll not be recognized as the one who helped Scott in the fight.
* Tahn is still somewhat conscious... but not enough to do anything...
<Tahn> R....
* Leon-The-Panda is quite knocked out..even his massive body couldn't take the gas.
* Scott's last thoughts before passing out were, "Have...to..make..sure that...Tomoe...lives."
<TheStoryteller> Kicking the mask off, Ramon stares into Leon eyes as he loses consciousness..
*** Leon-The-Panda is now known as Leon
<Ramon> ...Happy Halloween.
~~ SESSION END ~~
Session Close: Sun Oct 31 22:52:34 1999