Chapter 3 - "To the City of Thieves"

New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Archbishop Sinel, Various NPCs
Session Start: Sun Jun 13 21:57:04 1999

Katarina Zone East

<TheStoryteller> We last left the party as they commandeered a transport bound for Reza... Leon at the helm. The trip was eventful for many though.. as Jack managed to repair Ishtar's Valhalla wings to nearly full functionality.
* Leon hasn't said a word since leaving port.
<Tahn> Uh.. tell me again why we jacked the transport, Leon?
* Jack is looking out the window at the land as it rolls by.
<Leon> ...don't ask me stupid questions.
* Scott has his arm stuck out the window like anyone would on a bright sunny day.
<Johnathan> After a certain someone...
* Johnathan glances at Emili.
<Tahn> Don't do stupid things.
<Johnathan> ..made our presence known..
<Tahn> Good point, John.
<Johnathan> ..hijacking seemed like our best option, I'd think.
<TheStoryteller> As you head down the rolling green plains, you see a large blue bridge between two cliffs at a narrow pass up ahead.
* Emili is in the storage comparment of the transport popping up crates and looking for food to eat.
<Scott> She is rather conspicuous.
<Leon> If you want to live, you'll listen to me.
* Sumire is sitting near Leon, looking out the window. ^^ "Oooh.. what pretty scenery.."
<Leon> If you want to be mouthy and try to be cute, I'll let you die.
<Johnathan> Rather conspicuous? That's like saying the blue star is 'kinda noticable'.
<Scott> This is a beautiful world, 'Mire.
* Leon continues drivin'.
* Sumire nods in agreement. "Yes, it is!"
<Tahn> Anyways.
<Tahn> We're better off discussing this here than in Reza, sooo..
<Leon> ...
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar looks out the window, trying to shake off the sick feeling from the motion.
<Tahn> J.
<Tahn> or Johnathan, whatever.
<Ishtar> Say.. isn't that Nota up ahead?
* Scott looks back. "Are you ok, Ishtar? you look rather pale."
<Ishtar> I'll.. I'll be ok.. just a little carsick.. ^^;
* Bree is in a box. X_x;
<Scott> Ok...but tell me if you need anything, ok?
<Leon> Come here Scott.
* Johnathan looks over. "Yes, Tahn?"
<Tahn> Where the HELL did you learn Jikuu?
* Scott goes up to Leon. "What is it, Leo?"
<TheStoryteller> Emili finds Bree in one of the boxes, laying low.
<Tahn> I thought that type of magic was banned from Vane..
* Leon gets up. "Drive."
* Scott takes the helm.
* Emili smiles.
* Bree is snoozing, rather cramped up.
* Johnathan frowns. "Jikuu?"
<Emili> Hi Bree!
<Leon> This is the stablizer, don't let it drop too low.
<Leon> Also don't go too fast, or you'll drain the batteries.
<Tahn> Dimensional magic. Time and Space altering. Metamagic. That type of thing.
<Emili> Bree?
<Emili> Bree?
* Bree leaps awake, smacking her head. "Iitaaaiii!!!" *rubs her lump*
* Leon walks to the back.
<TheStoryteller> Next to her's is another large crate, the lid tightly sealed.
* Emili brightens.
* Sumire blinks. o.o; "What do all those buttons do?"
<Emili> Hiyas Bree. ^_^
* Jack looks back at Bree's Screaming. "Huh?"
* Bree rubs her head. "Ow... morning Emili..."
<Scott> No idea, Sumire, though it'd be wise to leave them alone.
<Leon> Let me know if you need me to take over, Scott.
<Johnathan> Oh.. that... yes, it is banned in Vane.
<Emili> Ummm...
* Johnathan makes a face. "Not that anyone bothered to tell me.."
<Emili> What's morning?
<Sumire> Hai. ^^
<Scott> I'll be fine. I had to learn to drive these things in the Guard.
<Emili> Is it like heaven's steak? ^_^
<Tahn> Still..
<Jack> Hello, you two....Sharing a moment, I see.
<Tahn> How did you learn it?
<Emili> I want some heaven's stake!
<Emili> I'm hungry!
<Bree> "Morning.. um.. the start of a day" *sweatdrops, looking at Emili oddly*
* Leon looks at Bree. "So, you're awake."
<Sumire> Ala.. I wonder what all the noise is..
<Ishtar> *sighs* Don't mention food.. ^^;
* Bree pats her lump. "Yeah.. aparently so.." She smiles at Leon. "What'd I miss?"
<Johnathan> They did eventually inform me.. around when they threw me in that dungeon down there.
<Scott> Ask Leon. I've got my hands full driving this thing.
* Jack ponders. "Hmm....I wonder what a heaven's steak tastes like....."
<Tahn> Fun. I also see, however, that you're evading the question.
* Leon looks at the smile but doesn't react. "We're going to Reza. It's a good thing you're alright."

Nota Barrier

<TheStoryteller> The pass draws nearer and nearer.. for those of you that are familiar with this area, the hustle and bustle of people and goods across it can mean only one place.. Nota.
<Sumire> Alright. ^^ Excuse me, please..
* Scott does know where the radio is...he puts on some decent music to lighten the mood...and take his mind off the boring road.
<Scott> Hey, guys..looks like Nota's just ahead.
* Johnathan grins. "Evading the question? Would I do that?"
<Bree> Hell yeah! If I wasn't allright... I'd surely object! *grins, getting out of the box* What's in Reza anyways? Any rich people?
* Leon looks at the crate next to Bree. "Looks like something important is there..."
* Sumire walks towards the back, looking around.
<Tahn> No.
* Emili goes off to another crate and pops it open with ease.
<Tahn> More like something quite like you, Bree.
<Scott> A bunch of thieves, Bree.
<Emili> What's in here?
* Leon attempts to open the box.
<TheStoryteller> Emili can't quite budge the lid...
* Bree pats the crate. "Give me a sec and I'll find out.." She tries to get into the crate with what she has. "Oh? Better lock down all your valuables then..."
* Scott checks the fuel gauge...
* Sumire peeks over Emili's shoulder. "Excuse me, what are you doing?"
<TheStoryteller> Leon himself isn't strong enough too either.
* Emili pulls on the lid with all her strength.
<Leon> I've got a key though.
* Leon pulls the pulse rifle from around his arm.
<Scott> Leon, don't shoot that rifle in this transport...
<Tahn> Yeah.
<Tahn> You might take out the engines.
<Scott> You'd blow us all to Zophar's domain and back.
<Tahn> Or us. ^^;
<Jack> Need some help back there?
* Leon grumbles. "Whatever..."
<Johnathan> It'll certainly open the box, though..
* Emili stands conviently in the way of Leon's aim on the crate.
* Emili continues trying to pull the top off.
<Sumire> Do you need some help with that? *tries to help Emili*
* Bree keeps trying to pry into it "Man.. must be something really important.."
<TheStoryteller> While straining herself, Emili notices more of those insignias from the lab on the crate.
<Leon> I've got a good idea.
* Tahn helps pry it open with the Kunai Dagger.
* Leon looks at Bree. "Pick the lock."
* Emili whips out her stick, Sugar Dog and pries it into the crate and starts pushing down on it.
* Jack tries chopping into it with his axe.
<TheStoryteller> While the iron latches look strong, the lock doesn't seem especially complicated.
* Emili doesn't really care about the insignia on the crate, she just wants to know want's inside it.
* Sumire sweatdrops. "I suppose not.."
<Leon> It's not an electronic lock. You should be able to pick it.
<Scott> Hmm....something bugs me, though...about Nall, that is..
* Bree laughs "Yeah.. that would help.. people were standing infront of it before.." She tries to pick the lock.
<Leon> Give the girl room.
* Jack steps back.
<Bree> You know.. for opening it I get first dibs on what's inside..
<TheStoryteller> Bree pokes around in the lock for a few minutes, and feels a few hammers loosen.. CLICK! ^^
<Johnathan> That entire situation didn't feel right, Scott. I'm not sure exactly what was going on..
<Leon> You know, where I come from, it's the man with the gun who gets first dibs.
* Bree flings it open and rushes to get what she wants.
* Emili pulls on the crate's top and looks inside.
<Leon> Good job, Bree. I knew you could do it.
<Scott> John, I'm certain that the crystal that Zlyk used to effect the dragon....might have been his Aura crystal.
<TheStoryteller> Inside the chest is... silver. LOTS of silver. @_@
<Bree> Aww.. you wouldn't shoot me.. *takes all she can carry*
<Scott> Grab as much as you can, guys.
<Leon> Not that I have confidence..
<TheStoryteller> In fact Bree can't even begin to carry any of it.. it's in large, heavy ingot bars.
* Emili looks at all the silver bars.
<Emili> Awww, nuts.
<Emili> No food.
* Emili fumes and walks off.
<Scott> Maybe we can trade it in Reza....Bree, do you have a membership in the Thieves' guild?
<Bree> Damn.. all this silver and it's hard to carry.. we'll have to hide this if we're going in the thieves' town..
<Jack> Maybe there's food in another box? *Shrugs*
<Johnathan> That's an interesting notion, Scott.. it would explain why he couldn't free himself..
<Ishtar> *shakes her head* Something's funny.. why is there money in this transport? :/
* Leon cracks his knuckles. "I'm sure I can carry it."
<Bree> Bah! I don't need a membership.. I'm better than all of them combined.. I'd end up having to run the place.. and I don't want to get tied down..
<Ishtar> Maybe this is a collection for Virtue's shrine?
* Scott checks his gauges again.
<Sumire> Ala.. if that's true, shouldn't we return the money to where it belongs?
* Leon grabs one of the bars and puts a knick in it, attempting to see if it's real.
<TheStoryteller> Everything looks clear to Scott. In fact, the city of Nota has already begun to fade in the rear view mirror.

Madoria Plains, Canyon Pass

* Emili throws her arms in the air and stretches.
<Scott> I always wanted to see the world....this is a good way to.
<Bree> Why would I need a membership anyway? *blinks, playing with the silver bars*
<Emili> I wanna go flying!
* Emili beams.
<TheStoryteller> Leon can tell they bend quite authentically..
<Johnathan> Sumire... why would we give it to Virtue?
<Leon> Hmmm...
<Sumire> Why not? *blinks innocently*
* Emili pushes the button to open up the door to the transport and looks out at the moving scenery.
<Scott> because she's just the one that's been sending her goons to kill us, 'Mire.
<Leon> I say we trade it off for silver in Reza.
<Scott> Good idea, Leon. That'll be a major help.
* Ishtar acks as her wings scratch against one of the transport walls..
* Sumire sweatdrops. "Oh.. right... I'm sorry, my player is something of a flake.."
<Jack> You alright, Ishtar?
* Leon puts the silver back in the box. "I think I can carry this box too."
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar's wings make a dull clang against the transport interior... but then you begin to hear more clangs.
<Scott> O_o;
<Leon> Scott, that doesn't sound good.
* Scott checks his displays once more... "What was all that racket?"
<Leon> What do the gauges read?
<Scott> I know....I'm checking.
* Emili unfolds her wings, thus her clothes disappear, and leaps out of the moving transport and up into the air as her wings fill with wind.
<Ishtar> I'm ok.. but what was that?
<Bree> Um.. the clanging can't be good...
* Scott looks the gauges over again.
<TheStoryteller> Emili sees a bunch of mettalic hooks falling onto the vehicle from the canyon sides.
* Jack checks Ishtar's wing. "What's going on over there, guys?"
* Emili looks at the hooks.
<Emili> What's these thingies doing?
<TheStoryteller> The nav computer starts flashing... Several dots appear to be closing on on your location from both sides.
* Leon looks at the screen
<Scott> What?
* Bree looks around. "I have no idea what's going on.." *sweatdrops*
* Scott checks the nav comp.
<Johnathan> This can't be good.
<Leon> Damn...
<Jack> That doesn't sound good.
<Leon> Looks like our escape wasn't as smooth as I had planned.
<Scott> Leon, take over. I'm going to check on top of the transport.
* Emili flies back in with a strange look on her face.
<Sumire> Neither do I, Miss Bree... ^^;
<Leon> Stay here.
<Emili> Hey ummm...
<Leon> I'm going up top to take out some trash.
<TheStoryteller> The ship suddenly lurches. o_o
<Scott> Ouch....
<Emili> There's some strange thingies on the transport moving thing.
* Leon stumbles to the side but heads up the main hatch and opens it.
* Bree blinks at Sumire. "You don't need the Miss.... I'm not that old..." *smiles*
<TheStoryteller> Leon sees the tranport held fast by 8 hooks attached to it. It's tracks just move helplessly in the dirt.
<Leon> Scott, do we have any weapons?
<Johnathan> Maybe our escape was fine, Leon.. maybe this is a hijacking of money-carrying transport is all..
* Sumire giggles. "Alright, just Bree then.. Kyaa!" She wobbles when the ship lurches, flailing to try and keep her balance.
* Emili exits the tranport and flies into the air again looking down at the hooks.
<* Ishtar nearly falls again..
<Leon> This is an armored transport, we have to have some sort of weaponry.
* Scott checks his displays looking for any sort of weapons systems.
* Bree leans out, trying to balance Sumire. "Gaaah! hold on!"
<TheStoryteller> There's a yell from the canyon tip.
* Jack panics! "ABANDON SHIP! WOMEN AND SMALL-BRAINED WINGED CREATURES (Not You, Ish) FIRST!!"
<TheStoryteller> Scott finds the only weapon on the ship is damaged.. it must have been the "accident" in Marius the driver talked about.
<Leon> Shut up, Jack.
<Leon> Scott, were are those damn weapons?!
* Bree sweatdrops. "I think you're over reacting just a bit...."
<Scott> Damaged, Leon.
* Emili flies down and trys to pull off hooks.
<Leon> Shit!
<Johnathan> Abandon... Jack, we aren't going to sink.
<Scott> We can't use them.
* Leon pulls the rifle off his back. "Then I'll have to do this the old fashioned way."
<Johnathan> Believe it or not, almost no one has ever sank and drowned on dry land. Really.
* Scott climbs up to the top of the trans from the driver's side window.
<TheStoryteller> Emili's can't quite budge the hooks, but a few heads pop over the canyon walls.
<Jack> Umm...Oh! Okay then, false alarm! *Smiles*
* Bree smiles. "Unless you count quick sand..."
<Leon> Get out of the damn way, batgirl!
* Leon aims his rifle.
<TheStoryteller> [Man] Well.. lookie what we caught...!
* Johnathan grins. "Quick sand isn't dry, is it?"
<Scott> Then I'll join ya, Leo. *draws his sword from it's sheath*
<Jack> Good point, Bree.
<Leon> Drive the damn transport, Scott.
* Bree sweatdrops. "Sure looks dry until it's too late..."
<Leon> I'm going to get us out of here.
<Scott> We can't move anyway...JACK, DRIVE THE DAMN THING, OK?
* Leon opens fire on the lines of the hooks.
<Jack> Aye!
* Scott slices at the other line of hooks.
* Jack heads for the wheel.
<TheStoryteller> The lines buckle a tad, but remain intact.
<Scott> OK...time for drastic measures....
<TheStoryteller> 8 men appear over the canyon's edge..
* Scott keeps slicing away at the hooks.
* Sumire holds her cane, looking scared. "What's going on? Who are those people?"
* Johnathan forms a small mote of energy, and sends it on its way toward a line, crossing his fingers.
* Jack gives the transport everything it has......
* Emili flies up to one of the men on the canyon.
<Emili> Hello!
<Emili> What are you doing?
<Leon> All you girls get into some boxes.
<Leon> Hide.
<Leon> This is going to get messy.
<TheStoryteller> The transport still cannot move, but one of the hooks snaps from Johnathan's magic.
<Scott> We're in a fix and she's trying to make friends....this is just great.
<Bree> Well they sure aren't Santa's little helpers... *stands on guard, sizing up the situation*
<Ishtar> Oh dear.. :(
<Johnathan> Ha!
* Sumire nods to Leon. "..hai."
* Ishtar tries to clamber out...
<Johnathan> Now, lets see if I can do that again...
<Scott> Bree, Ishtar, get in the boxes. We'll defend the place.
<Leon> Keep working on it.
* Emili beams that the man.
<Jack> Keep it up, guys! As soon as those hooks snap, we motor!
<Leon> Scott, let's take out these guys.
<TheStoryteller> [Man] Not so fast, kiddies! We're not letting that shipment get away so easily..
<Scott> Got it, Leo.
<Emili> Hey ummm, can you help us get those hook things off?
* Bree tries climbing in with the silver. "Ahahaha.. I prefer this box..."
* Leon opens fire on the men.
* Sumire hides in one of the boxes, preferably an empty one.. ^^;
* Johnathan forms another, trying to mold it exactly the same as the first, and sends it off as well.
* Scott leaps at one of them, sword sheathed, going for a airborne quick draw attack.
<TheStoryteller> The brigands slide down the lines to the ship.. avoiding Leon's fire.
* Leon keeps firing.
* Bree counts up all the silver, not paying much mind to the battle outside. "One... two... three..."
* Jack floors it with little success....
<Leon> Come on Johnathan, work on these hooks!
* Johnathan slowly continues, attacking each line as he comes to it at what looks to him like the weakest point on it.
* Scott lands, unable to hit the brigand, beside Leon. I'm going to try a DIFFERENT technique this time....He then keeps his sword sheathed and assumes his drawing attack stance, but drops his right hand, the sword hand, slightly away from his blade. The Shun-ten-satsu.
* Leon rolls his eyes. "Whatever."
<Leon> Just kill those bastards.
<Scott> I intend to...
<Johnathan> I'm trying, Leon! This isn't exactly easy here..
* Leon goes back to firing.
* Emili tilts her head with a curious look on her face. "Hey umm, whatcha doing?!"
<TheStoryteller> They seem really skilled at avoiding your blows.. and continue to slide down..
<Leon> How they hell are they that fast...
<TheStoryteller> Scott takes one of them out.. as the rest fall to the roof around Scott and Leon.
* Bree mumbles in the box. "I wonder.. why was I told to go hide... because I'm a woman.. or.. because I'm a theif... both?"
* Emili continues staring at the lead brigand wonder when he's gonna answer.
* Jack hears the sounds on the roof. "Oop! We have company!"
<Leon> Grrrr...
* Scott eyes one of the brigands. "I'll save my best sword techniques for later...right now, I need to do one thing.
<Leon> Don't sing it, bring it.
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Heya girlie.. I'll tell ya what we're doing.. getting this here silver for our boss!
<Leon> So all they want is the Silver...?
* Bree gulps and whispers "Oh great.. and I'm in the silver box..." *sweatdrops*
<Scott> Then.....what are we to do...I think I heard Bree get in that box, Leo.
<Leon> Well that wasn't smart...
<Leon> Oh well, let's take them out
* Bree is greedy first, smart second. ^^
<Scott> We've got no choice right now, but to fight, though.
<Ishtar> *hops up the side, dizzily* Oh no.. I have to help you two.. this is dangerous alone.. :(
* Emili flaps her wings and tilts her head at the brigand.
* Johnathan is still in the doorway, trying to do something about the lines.
<Leon> To hell with them, it's our silver.
<Emili> Silver?
* Jack get's bored trying to speed up the vehicle, turns on the radio and reclines.....
<Leon> Get back down below, Ishtar!
<Leon> Scott and I can handle this.
<Scott> JACK, GET YOUR ASS UP HERE!
* Emili pulls out one of the ingots from the crate.
<Emili> You mean this stuff?
<Scott> Emili, GET OVER HERE!
* Bree peeks out of the box. "H..hello..?"
<Jack> Huh! WhaA!! Oh! YES SIR! SCOTT SIR!! *Rushes upward*
<Ishtar> But I don't want to see you hurt.. I'm helping..
<Scott> It's appreciated, Ishtar.
<Leon> Who cares if I'm hurt...
<Scott> We do. That's who, Leon.
<Scott> Now, let's KICK SOME SERIOUS ASS!
<Leon> Bullshit. Just fight.

~~ COMBAT! ~~


<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 1!
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy Front: Brigand A, B, C, D, E
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy Rear: Hooks 1-7
<TheStoryteller> >> Ally Top: Scott, Leon, Jack, Emili, Ishtar
<TheStoryteller> >> Ally Below: Tahn, Bree, Johnathan

* Bree slinks back inside the box
<Bree> .oO( I wonder if they do get the box.. I can sneak out and sabotage their stuff... )
* Jack takes out "Barberella". "I'm getting tired of the same old fight-and-run tactics....*Sigh*..."
<TheStoryteller> Brigand A takes out a dagger and pokes the curious girl for her stupid questions..
<Emili> Hey!
* Emili tries to dodge!
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: 0!, Attack 2: 0!
<Scott> Ishtar, if you have any healing power at all, I suggest putting it to use...we'll need all the help we can get.
* Emili fumes.
<Emili> Meanie!
* Leon gives the attacker the finger. "Bring it on."
<Emili> All I asked was if you wanted this stuff!
* Emili waves the silver ingot around.
* Scott closes his eyes and begins chanting. "Hear me now, powers of the cosmos, obey the sacred pact and show me my enemy's intentions!"
<Scott> Yeah, but Bree's in that box...
<Leon> I'm not giving them a box with Bree in it.
<Scott> The silver we might could do without...but people we can't...we'll fight if just to defend her.
<TheStoryteller> Brigand B goes for the gunsligner...
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: 0!, Attack 2: Critical! 20 damage!
* Bree feels so loved. ^_-
* Leon cringes a bit.
<Emili> Leon?
<Scott> You ok, Leo?
<Leon> Stupid bastard.
<Leon> I'm fine.
<Emili> Did that mean person hurt you real bad?!
<Leon> No.
<Emili> Grr...!
<Emili> These people are MEAN!
* Scott is keeping himself in tune with the stars....
* Emili gets really really angry.
<TheStoryteller> Brigand C tries to interrupt Scott with his brand of magic.. a blade.
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: Critcal! 21!, Attack 2: 0!
<Leon> One thing is for certain.
<Scott> That hurt, but I can almost guarantee that you won't hit me again after I cast this.
* Leon pulls his rifle tightly to his shoulder. "These guys are toast."
<TheStoryteller> Brigand D thinks Brabrella might make a nice trophy...
<Jack> You stay away from my axe!
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack takes a nice Critical Hit trying to protect his axe... 14 damage!, second strike does nothing.
* Jack is delirious...."As long as they don't hurt you, Barberella...."
* Emili looks at Jack fondling Barberella and then looks at her stick...
* Emili looks back at Jack.
<Emili> Ummm....
* Bree puts herself in a spot where she can strike out when the box opens up.
<Jack> They wanted to take my axe!
<TheStoryteller> Brigand E tries to smack Ishtar a few times..
<Ishtar> *brings her wings out instinctively to block* Stop it.. :(
<TheStoryteller> >> Both attacks do naught against the metal, making nothing but loud noises.
<Scott> You ok, Ishtar?
<Emili> Go, angel friend!
<Leon> Stop flirting, and fight.
<Ishtar> I'm fine... and I'll help you! :)
<Emili> You can't get hurt cause angels are too pretty to get hurt!
<Scott> Who's flirting. I'm concerned about a friend, Leon.
* Emili beams. ^_^
* Leon curls his lip. "You have 8 bloodthirsty pirates here. Worry about them first. We'll regroup after."
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
<Leon> Now *go*
* Emili turns back at the brigands.
<Emili> You tried to hurt my angel friend!
<Emili> MEANIES!
* Scott opens his eyes after his incantation is finished....they shine with the brightness of a star..WARNING!
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott gains Heavenly sight.. his Dodge is increased 25.
<Scott> Now you won't be able to hit me...and I'll be able to hit you as much as I want.....
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Hey, you want us to hurt you instead? Not like we care much about anything else but that treasure..
<Scott> And with that treasure is our friend....you ain't gettin to her, pal...
* Bree sweatdrops. "<w> Baka.. don't tell them I'm in here..."
<Leon> What are you doing, Scott? Don't tell them that.
<Emili> What's treasure?
<Leon> You can have your lessons later, Batgirl.
<Emili> I thought you wanted this silver junk!
* Emili hurls it at one of the brigands.
* Scott draws sword and assumes his best stance, holding his sword parallel with his body, using his left arm as a guide for the blade.
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack's turn.
* Jack attacks Brigand C With the Axe they tried to steal. "YOU'RE NOT TAKING MY BARBERELLA AWAY!!!AAAAGHH!!!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand C avoids the first blow.. Miss! Attack 2: 13!
<Jack> RRGH!
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] *catches the silver* Hey.. Our sources were right about this being a SPECIAL shipment..
<Leon> You damn fool, Batgirl!
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
<Scott> I hope we have a healer around here somewhere...
* Johnathan forms another small sphere of energy, launching it at the next line. "Come on.. break.."
* Emili looks at Leon curiously.
<Emili> What's a fool? A compliment?
<TheStoryteller> >> The 7th line seems like it's crushed in extreme gravity.. 6 lines are still remaining.
* Bree blinks "Special?" She tries searching in the box for anything else buried.
<Leon> No! hy did you throw that to them? Now they'll want to come on here for certain!
<Emili> Oh....
* Emili turns back at the brigands.
<Emili> I'll beat'em up!
<Johnathan> Ha! Two down.. hold on up there, guys..
<Leon> Yeah..sure..you do that...
<TheStoryteller> >> Sumire is hiding in the boxes... she Defends. ^^
<Emili> Stupid meanies!
* Bree keeps searching for the 'special' thing in the box.
<TheStoryteller> Bree doesn't find anything else in the box other than the fortune she's buried in...
* Bree carves at the bars of silver, figuring something might be incased.
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili's turn.
* Emili flies high into the air. As the enemies look upward they are blinded by the intense light of the sun as Emili arrives infront of it. Suddenly in a flash of light, everything is dark, and all the enemies can see are large, fiery, red meteors hurtling toward them.
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili bathes the entire row of Brigands in a rain of rock and fire..
<Scott> O_o;; DAMN, KID!
<TheStoryteller> >> The Brigands take 16 damage apiece.
* Johnathan looks up at the light show. "Flamboyant as hell, but if it's effective..."
<Leon> About time she did something effective.
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Damn.. what the hell is that winged girl doin'?
<Scott> Or useful, Leo.
* Emili floats down and groans.
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Better yet, look what she's wearin'..
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Maybe we should steal her for the boss..
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's turn.
* Emili coughs.
<Scott> Maybe you should BACK OFF!
<Jack> You do that and I'll have to turn you into bloody masses!
* Leon grins and flips the safety off of his rifle.
<Emili> I don't feel... so good.
<TheStoryteller> Don't take Emili, you mean people. :(
* Bree carves a few more "What's so special about these anyway...?"
* Leon aims at the first Brig. "Put your head between your knees and kiss your ass goodbye." He then opens fire.
<TheStoryteller> >> A rain of bullets fires at the Brigand, but he manages to avoid some. Attack 1: Miss! Attack 2: 19!, Attack 3: Miss!
<Ishtar> *looks at her* Are you okay Emili?
* Emili looks at Ishtar "My tummy hurts...."
* Scott feels himself starting to get angrier wtih the brigands. His eyes turn reddish yellow and his expression turns blank. He looks at the brigands with a vengeance as he poises himself to strike next.
<Leon> Damn!
<Leon> I haven't used a rifle in a while..that has to be it...
* Ishtar raises her hands, a soft glow enveloping her allies. "Althena, lend me your power! Calm Litany!"
<TheStoryteller> >> All members up top gain 20 Hp... Jack is restored to Max.
<Jack> Wahoo!! Thanks, Ishtar!
* Bree sighs, still carving. "This is kinda boring.. wonder if the 'special' just means the amount..."
<Scott> Thank you, Ishtar...now these guys DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<TheStoryteller> Bree can't find anything else about them..
<* Ishtar nods back to Scott. :)
<Leon> Scott, you are seriously a fruitloop.
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn, down below, lets an Air Blade fly through the window, ripping one of the cables apart..
<Jack> Look who's talking, Leo.
<Leon> I never said I wasn't.
* Emili kneels down, groaning.
<Jack> ...oh.
<Leon> However I'd believe if any of you were as bad as me, it would be an insult.

<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 2!
<TheStoryteller> >> 5 cables remain, 5 Brigands still up top.

* Bree peeks out of the crate again. "Hey.. the fight over yet? Need help? I'm bored.."
<Scott> ......
<Leon> No Bree, it's not over yet.
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Hey! Let's get down below and check out that silver!
* Bree tries taking a bar or two. "<m> Better get some while I can..."
<Leon> Over my dead body.
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand B goes down below, fleeing the battle above.
* Emili groans and struggles to get back up.
<Leon> Shit..Bree, watch out!
* Scott brings his guide arm up to the hilt of his sword, using a full 2 handed grip, eyeing his target. .oO(9 critical points on the human body. have to strike fast enough to hit them all simultaenously.)
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand A attacks Leon to cover his friend..
<Leon> Oh come now, do you really want to piss me off?
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: 0!, Attack 2: Critical! 14!
* Bree stands on top the box, taking out her weapons. "Hey! This crate's all mine! Back off!"
* Leon jerks for a second. "OK, you're gonna have to die now."
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand B] Oh hey.. it's a girl and a crate of silver! This must be my lucky day!
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand C tries to take Barbarella again..
<Bree> Hey.. I ain't just a girl pal!
<Jack> Rat-Bastard! I'll bury My axe into your head so dare you touch it.....
<TheStoryteller> >> He can't quite keep a grip on it as it clatters down. Jack is Disarmed!
<Jack> $&#&(^%#^%(#@&%#*&%..............
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand D tries to smack Emili around while oogling her a bit..
<Leon> You guys really need some new lines...goodness..
<Scott> .....
* Emili looks at the man and tries weakly to dodge.
* Scott focuses on his enemy, Brigand A, watching his every move, and ready to attack.
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili is hit hard without her clothing on.. Critical! 21 damage! Attack 2: 1!
<Emili> Ow!
<Scott> ......
* Emili falls and lands on her butt.
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand E does a small flip back, and leaps at Scott..
* Scott notices and tries to block.
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: 0! Attack 2: Miss!
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree's turn.
* Scott turns his attention back to his enemy...
<Scott> ........
<Jack> I feel so...weak.....
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Hey.. why don't you give me that nice treasure before I have to take it.. and I'd hate to hurt such a pretty thang..
* Emili groans and gets back up groggily.
<Emili> I-I'm gonna beat you all up you stupid meanies!
* Jack shakes off the groggyness and picks up his axe. "This won't happen again..."
<Ishtar> Emili.. if you're hurt.. I can heal you..
<Emili> Ummm.. heal me?
<Emili> It hurts....
* Bree beats the living crap out of the Brigand. "Why you!! I'm not a thang!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree's Anger Punch gives her a real fighting fury on her greedy opponent. ^^
<Scott> .......
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: 1!, 2: Critical! 19!, 3: Critical! 22!, 4: 0!, 6: Critical! 20!
* Bree grins "Take that ya freak..."
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Oww! *holds his bleeding side*
* Johnathan glances into the ship. "Well.. he certainly got more than he bargained for.. you have everything under control back there, Bree?"
<Bree> Yeah.. like I said, I'm the best.. no contest. *smirks*
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
* Scott hits top speed in a mere step as he rushes at Brigand A. When he is within blade range he starts making rapid slashes at all 9 critical points in is opponent's body.
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott deals the Brigand 5 damage.. but gets his sweet spot alright.. Brigand A is defeated..
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack spent his turn recovering his weapon.
* Johnathan grins. "I'll keep that in mind. If you need any help, just say so.. but it doesn't look like you will."
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
* Johnathan forms another little mote of energy, throwing it at the next intact line.
<TheStoryteller> >> The fourth line buckles as a spear of light pierces it straight down the middle... 4 to go.
<Bree> Heh.. I'll remember it.. none of these guys are getting my silver...
* Leon looks down at Bree. "Do you have that one taken care of, or do you need assistance?"
* Johnathan grins a little wider as the line breaks. "Ah.. that was a good one."
* Emili weakly gets back up and leaps over to one side of the enemy row.
<Bree> Bah.. I got him..
<Johnathan> From the way he's looking, I certainly believe you, Bree. Remind me not to tick you off, huh?
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Oh shut up! It's just a flesh wound!
<Bree> Oh I don't think you'll need a reminder.. *grins*
* Johnathan laughs. "I stand corrected.. and intimidated."
* Leon nods. "As long as you can handle it."
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili's turn.
<Emili> Take this poo poo heads!
* Emili creates a strange crescent wave that plows through the enemy line!
<TheStoryteller> >> Sooooooonic Boom! er Buster!
<TheStoryteller> >> The row of Brigands is slammed for 34 damage each.
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Hey.. I thought those Church guards couldn't use magic?!
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's turn.
* Leon puts Brig C in his sights and open fire.
<Scott> Then you'll really hate this...
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon pummels C with a blast of concentrated fire! Attack 1: 27!, 2: 21!, 3: Miss!
<TheStoryteller> >> The Brigand goes down..
<Leon> And down he goes. Ha. Prick.
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] I think this might be more than we bargained for..
<Leon> No shit. Now beat it.
* Emili collapses groaning.
<Emili> It hurts, it hurts!
<Bree> Gee you think? *smirks* Well.. we can't let you leave alive...
<Leon> . o O (If Bree were any more bloodthirsty..she'd be....me...goodness how frightening...)
<Ishtar> Emili! I'll help.. I can't see you in pain..
<TheStoryteller> >> Ishtar casts Heal Litany on Emili.. she is healed to max!
<Scott> Hey, Leon. Looks like time to show these guys to the corner of Know Your Role blvd. and Candy Ass lane.
* Emili stands up feeling much better.
* Emili blinks and looks at Ishtar.
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn's Dagger Toss pierces the metal of a line like butter.. 3 lines to go.
* Leon raises an eyebrow. "Are you feeling alright Scott? You are talking extremely...odd."
<Emili> Thank you Angel friend!
* Emili beams ^_^
<Ishtar> *smiles back* No need Emili..
<Scott> Just a little trash talkin in a fight...hehehe..

<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 3!

<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand B tries to assualt Bree and get that chest..
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] I'm gettin that money, honey..
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand hits a metal pole.. Miss! Attack 2: 1!
* Bree sticks out her toungue. "Nyaaaah... do you make a habit of giving papercuts?"
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Damn it.. slow down so I can hit 'ya!
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand D swipes at Leon, trying to take his rifle from under his nose..
* Leon snickers. "You looking for an early retirement?"
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's weapon goes clattering down. He is disarmed!
* Johnathan interrupts his low chant long enough to laugh. "Watching you fight is quite an interesting experience, Bree."
* Leon whips out his pistols. "Looks like you didn't know that I'm always prepared..."
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand E takes out a Jasmine.. he is healed to Max.
* Bree smiles, keeping her eyes on the Brig. "Eh? How so?"
<TheStoryteller> >> Bree's turn.
* Bree repeats the last action to try and finish the Brig off.
<TheStoryteller> >> The Brigand gets pummeled backwards after each hit, barely dodging most of them..
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Ha! You missed! :P
<TheStoryteller> Then the door opens behind him and he falls outside..
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Shit! x_X
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand B withdraws.. ^^;
* Johnathan shakes his head as the man falls, laughing again. "I'd say that watching a pretty girl nonchalantly beat someone into the ground is pretty interesting in and of itself.."
* Bree laughs. "Jackass... I meant for that to happen!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Scott's turn.
* Scott's hand bursts into flames as he chants ever so softly.
<Scott> FIRE ARROW!
* Scott points to Brigand E and the fire expands to a shaft that impacts into it's target.
<Scott> EAT THAT!
<TheStoryteller> >> The Brigand gets nicked by the arrow.. 7 damage.
<TheStoryteller> >> Jack's turn.
<Leon> Who the hell are these guys anyway?
* Jack attacks! "AAGH!!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand D dodges the first.. Miss! But the second strikes home! 18 damage!
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand D falls.
* Leon calls over the Brigs "Who the hell are you guys?"
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Why should I tell you?
<Leon> Because I'd like to know who it is I'm killing.
<Jack> Yeah!
* Emili gets ready
<Emili> Hey ummm...
<Emili> Mister person sir....
<Emili> You're losing!
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] There's now way you're killin me today, not without the money that belongs to us.
<Bree> This silver belongs to me pal!
<Leon> You all must be a bunch of pathetic smugglers, I've seen much more talented gangs before.
<Emili> Money....?
<Emili> Oh!
<Scott> If you didn't know, pal, then YOUR ASS BETTER CALL SOMEBODY!
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's turn.
* Johnathan finishes his spell, launching it at the next line.
<Emili> That silver disc stuff!
<TheStoryteller> >> Pop! A line simply fades out of existance..
<Emili> But I thought you wanted that silver junk.
<Leon> Scott..when we get to Reza..I think you should seek professional help...
<Johnathan> Oops...
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn gets another one out of the way.. 1 to go!
* Johnathan looks a little worried. "What on Lunar did I just do to that one..?"
<Scott> They tried that in Vane. It did little good. I'm very excitable in battle.
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Not smugglers!
<Leon> Then what are you?
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] This whole transport is layed claim to by none other than... the Rancor's Fang!
<Scott> Probably from the Reza Thieves' guild...am I not correct?
* Emili looks at Brigand.
<Emili> Huh...?
* Leon snaps to attention from nonchalant... "What.....WHAT did you say?!"
<Bree> Not very good thieves who can't hold on to their bounty..
<Scott> Rancor's fang? Never heard of them. Though I've only been in the guard a few years.
* Leon's face gets a very bright shade of red.
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] I said the Rancor's Fang, mister gun totin' attitude... now if you know what's good for you..
<Bree> Eh? You blushing Leon? *blinks*
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili's turn.
<Scott> Still, you'd better be gettin' gone...or I'll kill ya myself.
<Leon> Y-y-y---youu......ooouuu...
* Bree bothers Leon, awaiting her turn ^^
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar blinks..
* Leon is in a certain zone right now, isn't paying attention to anything around him except the enemy..
<Jack> Well, If anything, it's the first time I've seen Leo's face turn into any other color besides Morbid. Haw!
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili draws back, loking weak.. she DEFENDs.
<TheStoryteller> >> Leon's turn.
<Leon> I...I....I...will.....I...I...I will..killlll...each..and ever...y...one of you...oooo...GRRRRRAAAHHHH!
<Johnathan> ...He's snapped.
<Scott> .oO(And they said I was nuts in the guard.)
* Leon just pulls out both pistols and opens fire on anything that moves on the enemy line.
<Ishtar> Mister.. Leon.. o_o
<Jack> He's gonna blow!
<Scott> He's flipped.....he's outright lost it.
* Bree eye twitches. "I hope he isn't including us in that 'everyone must die' thing.."
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand E is loaded with repeated pistol rounds... Attack 1: 21!, Attack 2: 19!, Attack 3:, 24!
<Leon> I'll kill all of you and take down your whole fucking ship next!
<Scott> Join the club, Bree.
<TheStoryteller> >> Brigand E staggers back...
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Who the hell... are you??
<Leon> I'm the demon that's gonna send your ass to hell where it belongs!
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] Not if boss.. Ramon.. has anything to say about it...
<Bree> Hey.. as long as I keep the silver.. you can send him anywhere you want... *plays with the silver again*
<TheStoryteller> >> The Brigand hops off the side of the transport and slides back up the line quickly.. turning his tail and fleeing.
<Leon> Oh no you don't!
* Leon hops on the line, going right after him.
<Scott> Oh great.....someone's gotta go after him.
* Bree huggles the silver. "Ehehe.. all mine!"
<Jack> *Sigh* Let me handle him.....
* Jack goes up the line.
<Ishtar> Poor Leon..
<Scott> OK, Jack. We'll wait here...and hope the Rancor's fang doesn't show up again.
<Leon> I'll kill all your scum!
<TheStoryteller> [Brigand] *takes out a knife* I'll cut this rope and kill us both! You're not gonna attack us and live!
<Leon> Fine! Kill us both! I don't care!
* Leon dangles from the line with one hand and pulls out a pistol with the other and opens fire on him.
* Bree frowns. "Wish it was in coin form.. I could toss it up in the air..."
<TheStoryteller> The Brigand cuts the line.. and gets shot right through the head in the process.
<Jack> Oh, Great, you've done it this time, Leo....
<TheStoryteller> Leon abruptly falls, but Emili is there to make the save...
* Emili zips down and catches Leon as he falls.
<Leon> Let me go, Batgirl! I'm going to kill everyone of those rat bastards!
* Emili flies up with Leon.
<Ishtar> But Jack is on that line too!
* Scott jumps into the air and catches Jack. He then makes a flip to land back on the transport.
<Emili> You got him didn't you see?
<Jack> Good Catch, Scotty.
<Scott> No prob. That's what friends are for.
<TheStoryteller> >> The Brigand falls to the canyon floor, dead.
* Johnathan watches Leon struggle in Emili's grasp, holding a spell ready.
* Leon makes lunges to try and jump to the canyons.
* Jack gives a thumbs up.
* Emili heaves Leon aboard the transport, and floats down beside him.

~~ Victory! 20 XP, 50 Silver, 30 MEXP gained. ~~


<TheStoryteller> >> ...Plus a big fat crate of money. :P
* Emili pants.
<Leon> Where did the fuckers come from?!
<Ishtar> *tries to help Emili* Leon.. calm down.. don't do anything rash.. :(
* Emili falls to her knees and holds her tummy.
<Jack> Knowing him, he would...
<Leon> I'll kill each and every one of those damn fools!
<Emili> I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HUNGRY!!!
<Scott> The canyons. I'd heard reports of attacks in this area, but I didn't find out who it was.
<Johnathan> Leon.. please.. calm down.. now isn't the time or the place..
<Leon> FINE
<Jack> We're near Reza, no?
* Leon storms back down into the transport.
* Bree hordes the crate. ^_-
* Bree doesn't know how to do all the stat stuff.. no one explained it
* Leon doesn't even look at Bree, but he's giving off some very powerful vibes of anger.
* Emili folds her wings her clothing reappears on her body.
* Emili groggily gets back up but continues to hold her stomach.
<Leon> ...
<TheStoryteller> The canyon is deathly silent.... as one grappling hook is still tied to the transport.
<Emili> I'm hungry...
* TheStoryteller tries to help Emili...
<Jack> Okay.....Now to get this transport the rest of the way.....Aw, We're still not moving....
<Emili> Can we eat now?
* Bree is sitting in the crate, guarding the silver.
* Leon yells from inside. "Cut the damn line and let's go all Goddess damn ready!"
* Emili looks at Ishtar "Can we..?"
<Ishtar> *gives a reassuring smile* Don't worry.. there's plenty of food in Reza.
* Scott cuts the rest of the lines.
<Jack> Alright, we move again!
<Leon> ...
* Johnathan launches another bit of energy at the final line.
<TheStoryteller> The line takes a few shots from his blade, but without the tension on the other side, it can't hold up. SNAP! The ship is freed.
<Emili> Is it far away angel friend?
<Leon> I said let's GO!
* Johnathan watches his spell fly through empty air.
* Jack starts back up the vehicle and we start moving again.
<Ishtar> Well.. we would have been there already if not for this detour.. :/
<Leon> ...
<Ishtar> I'm just glad you are all alright..
<Emili> What's a detour?
<TheStoryteller> >> Johnathan's spell hits a canyon wall, turning it shades of pink. ;)
<Jack> Don't worry, we shouldn't be far from Reza.
<Bree> Something that slows you down from your destination Emili..
* Leon starts to take some deep breaths in attempts to calm down..he's still quite animated.
* Ishtar checks up on Leon.
* Emili gets even more confused.
<Emili> What's a destination?
<Bree> The place you're going.. *sweatdrops*
<Scott> The place you're going to, Emili...like our destination is Reza.
<TheStoryteller> Reza is around the next bend on your left.. at least by the computer.
<Emili> Our destination is Reza?
* Emili thinks...
<Emili> Why are we going to Reza?
<Johnathan> Darned if I know...
* Leon doesn't acknowledge Ishtar at all.
<Jack> Ah...So that's what this crazy bleeping thing is.....
* Ishtar frowns a little..
<Scott> No idea. I just hope we can keep from getting robbed while we're there.
* Emili tries to remember....
<Emili> Oh!
<Emili> Now I remember!
<Emili> ^_^
<Ishtar> It hurts me seeing people mad.. :(
<Bree> I'll rob the people back.. and make up for what we lose. *grins*
* Jack turns back on the radio. "Ah....Now this is more like it..."
<Leon> Then you shouldn't be around me.
<Emili> We're going to Reza `cause Lure said so!
* Scott walks up to Ishtar. "Let's leave him be for a while. He just needs to cool off."
<Emili> So let's go!
* Emili beams.
<Ishtar> I just want to help.. I do owe you for saving me.
* Emili pushes buttons and pedals and other such doo-dads.
<Johnathan> Just out of curioisity.. Emili.. who on earth is Lure?
<Jack> Ah! Watch it, Emili!!!
<Emili> I wanna do this thingie!
<Leon> There are some things that cannot be helped. I am one of those things. Do not waste your time on me.
<Jack> Okay....You wanna do something? Hmm...
<Scott> Then try to cheer Leon up....wait a minute...that might not be a good idea.
<Bree> Nai nai.. not a good idea.. you might end up swiss cheese... *smiles*
* Emili grabs the steering wheel and whirls the transport to the left.
<Jack> Look out the window and tell us if there are any other people we should be watching out for, All right? Emili?
<Leon> I am not going to shoot her for trying to help.
* Leon shoots an eye open.
<Leon> But I cannot be helped.
<* Ishtar bows her head...
<Leon> Anger is all I have left. Anger for them.
* Emili looks at Jack and nods.
<Emili> Kay!
<Ishtar> But if you spend a life of hatred.. bad things happen to you.. :(
<Bree> Bah! It's a waste to be angry all the time..
* Johnathan stares at Leon for a few seconds. "Nothing is beyond help, Leon.. you might not see that now.. but perhaps you will some day."
* Emili peaks out the window watching closely for anythong moving.
<Scott> Your answers will come in time, Leon. Till then, at least let us try to be civil...hell, we might even be friends by the time this trip's over. We've all got our demons, so I understand how you feel.
<Jack> Great! Keep us informed, Emili. *Salutes*
<Leon> Nothing worse can happen to me than what has already transpired in my life.
<TheStoryteller> Emili doesn't see anything out of the ordinary.. except a few Ambushes in the distance..
<Emili> Hey, there's some moving bushes!!
<Emili> And there's a spikey green thing!
<Emili> And and....
<Jack> No kidding.....
<Emili> Look at all them rocks!
<TheStoryteller> Ahead of you is a circular town.. with a large gate.
<Emili> And look!
<Leon> I will kill them all...I will...
<Jack> ?
<Emili> A strange looking giant...
<Emili> Something!
<Jack> Aha.....
<Emili> Uh...
* Bree looks out the window. "You mean the gate or the town?" *sweatdrops*
<Emili> I dunno what it is!
* Leon appears to have calmed down a great deal.
<Jack> It's a "Gate", Emili.
<Emili> A gate!
* Emili beams.
<Emili> Yeah! It's a gate!
* Jack smiles.
<Leon> There was something I wanted to say...
* Emili then tilts her head in her usual curious manner
<Ishtar> I'm not going to stop you from running your life, but as a priestess I can still help you when you need it..
<Leon> But in the heat of battle...I lost track of it...
<Emili> What's a gate?
<Leon> Ishtar, the only help that can be bestowed upon my is death.
<Jack> Heh...A gate is usually a BIG door to keep unwanted people out.
<Emili> A door!
<Emili> Oh I know!
<Ishtar> Leon..! Don't talk like that, please. :(
<Emili> It's like what I have! A door!
<Jack> Huh?
<Bree> What you have..? *raises an eyebrow*
<Scott> Yeah, Leon. Look at it this way. Now you've got a chance for a little justice against the Rancor's Fang...and a little closure to that part of your life.
<Leon> I would apologize, but it's true, Ishtar.
<Emili> I got this door all the way up in the mountains!
<TheStoryteller> The town draws closer.. it is definitely a gate.. and it's guarded by two sentries from the Church.

Madoria Plains, Reza Gate Station

* Bree falls over.
<Emili> It goes all into this really pretty cave!
<Emili> Where mommy--
* Emili stops and holds her head.
<Scott> O_o;; This place is supposed to be a city of thieves....not the church.
* Leon eyes Scott. "A little justice? This isn't about justice. This isn't about doing things for the goodwill of man. This is about revenge."
<Johnathan> This transport WAS headed here, Scott.
<TheStoryteller> One of them raises his hand.
<Scott> Then so be it..as long as you have your reasons. I have mine too. I plan on taking on the church. If I have to do it alone, I will, but I won't allow what they're doing to continue.
<Leon> ...and even after I kill them all...I won't be satisfied...
<TheStoryteller> [Sentry] Halt...
<Bree> You ok Emili? *goes over to her*
* Emili looks up a Bree, taking her hands off her head.
<Emili> What?
<Johnathan> We need to get ready.. everyone with a uniform in the open.. everyone without, hidden..
<Bree> You looked upset... you alright?
* Scott gets out into the open.
<Leon> Bree, as soon a I get a chance, I need to say something to you...I just remembered what it was I wanted to say.
* Leon walks up front in the uniform he's still wearing.
<TheStoryteller> [Sentry] *sees Scott* Are you the driver of transport 567?
* Jack is looking out the driver seat window.
* Johnathan heads somewhere less visible to the outside.
<Scott> Actually, *points to Leon* He is. I'm the head of the guard detail assigned to this shipment.
* Emili looks at Bree confusedly.
<Emili> Upset?
* Leon coughs a little. "I asked Jack to take over for me, Sir. I haven't been feeling to well here in the past few minutes."
* Bree blinks at Leon. "Eh? Um.. sure.. ok.." She turns back to Emili, looking confused herself. "Yeah.. like you thought of something bad.."
* Jack nods.
* Emili looks confused.
<TheStoryteller> [Sentry] *nods* Well then... go to the service entrance to the left if you're heading to the Shrine. Want to avoid causing a ruckus as much as possible.
<Emili> I don't know what you're saying.
<Scott> OK...let's go.
<Leon> Yes sir.
<Ishtar> We should be quiet Emili..
* Emili looks at Ishtar.
<Emili> Kay, but I want something to eat!
* Ishtar tries not to be seen trough a window.. her wings are too obvious..
* Bree sweatdrops. "Guess everything's ok then.. eheh..."
* Leon goes to the back and sits down, covering up Ishtar's wings if he can with his large body.
* Jack pulls the vehicle to the service entrance.
* Scott whispers back. "Those who can, hide in the crates."
<TheStoryteller> The sentry presses a button to raises the small gate.. it's a lot like the one in the laboratory.
* Emili returns to looking through the window just like Jack told her to.
<Jack> Any reports, Emili?
<Emili> I see lots and lots people!
* Bree looks for Leon.
<TheStoryteller> Beyond it you see a tunnel that leads into a dead end...at least it seems that way.
* Scott whispers back. "Do you want to be spotted, Emili? Get back away from the window."
<Jack> She's my lookout, let her stay.
* Leon's face has returned to a nice normal color now.
* Ishtar trys to get in the crate again.
<Jack> Just try not to show your wings, okay Emili?
* Bree blinks. "Leon..?"
<Emili> But, sometimes I have to Jack!
* Leon looks at Bree. "Yes? What is it?"
<Bree> What'd you want to say anyway?
<Jack> I understand, but try to keep them hidden when possible, OK?
<Leon> Oh...
<Emili> I'll try!
<Leon> Well, I noticed before I...flipped..*cough*..that you fight with a lot of...anger.
* Jack bows his head toward Emili and keeps riding.
<Bree> Yeah.. what about that?
<Emili> Jack, when can we eat?
<Leon> I want to offer you some advice on that.
<Leon> Which is...don't.
<Jack> Very soon, Emili....I can just smell it....
* Emili sniffs.
<TheStoryteller> You come to the dead end after driving down the ramping tunnel. It's a round room.
<Emili> I don't smell it
<Jack> Funny...I thought I did....
<TheStoryteller> After a moment, the floor shakes.
<Leon> If you do, you'll end up being just like me..and I don't want anyone..anyone..turning into what I've become.
<Jack> Wh-What???
<Bree> Wow.. I must be good.. you thought that was real anger... *blinks*
<Emili> Hey! Neat!
<Emili> An earthquake!
<Emili> I like this!
<TheStoryteller> The vehicle begins to rise in a sort of elevator. :)
* Emili beams.
<Emili> Weeee!
<Scott> I think we're going underground, Jack. I was never told anything, but sources in the church's holy guard told me of this place a year ago.
<Jack> Wow, we must be really hungry Emili, Our stomach's are growling! Heh.
<Scott> I just never believed it...
<Leon> Well, I believe I can tell when someone is fighting with that type of emotion in mind, Bree.
<Emili> My stomach growls?
<Emili> What's a stomach?
<Emili> And what's a growls?
<TheStoryteller> Within moments, the rising abruptly stops. Now there is another tunnel before you, much more brigthly lit and well kept.
<Jack> That tummy that you hold and it makes a gurgling sound.
<Bree> Bah.. you have to look tough when you're a girl.. and a thief.. otherwise no one will take you seriously..
<Emili> Gurgling sound?
<Emili> What's that?
<TheStoryteller> Ahead is a cargo bay.. it contains crates similar to the ones you have on board.

Reza, Unloading Bay

* Jack imitates a funny growling sound like that of an empty stomache.
<Emili> Oh!
* Ishtar tries to stay quiet and not laugh at Jack..
<Scott> This must mean that the church is building a base around here...or it's already completed.
* Leon looks at Bree again. "I take you seriously. But it has nothing to do with how tough you act. Look at me..I look pretty strong..but I'm really not."
<Emili> My tummy makes that noise when I have to go poop!
<Jack> Heh. The stomach can tell you when you have to do that, or when you're very hungry.
<Leon> My...emotion..is geniuine...and I don't want to see you...fall in the same line as me...
<Bree> Only one person can make me that mad...
<Emili> My tummy just hurts when I'm hungry, it also hurts when my magic disappears.
<TheStoryteller> In the bay, stands a single man, clad in green robes. He has a pensive look on his face... as if preoccupied with something.
<Leon> I doubt anyone can get you as angery as I have been.
<TheStoryteller> He looks up at the transport approaches.
<Jack> Ah, Well, my stomach growls really loud when I get hungry.
* Scott looks at the fellow in the green robe. "That can't be anyone important...could it?"
* Emili pushes the button to make the door open and she climbs out and greets the man.
<Emili> Hello!
<TheStoryteller> Scott recognizes the features as you come closer.. it is Archbishop Sinel.
* Emili smiles. ^_^
<Scott> O_O; Sinel.
<Leon> I don't even know why I'm telling you this....
<Jack> Sinel?
<Leon> I shouldn't care.
<Scott> The archbishop. That's who that is.
* Leon shuts up all the sudden.
<TheStoryteller> He looks at the girl a minute, studying her..
<Bree> Heh.. I wouldn't bargain on that Leon...
* Scott points to the guy in the green robe.
<Emili> Where can I get something to eat?
<Sinel> Funny.. I had no idea there was any other cargo aboard.
<Bree> Well, you have to tell someone right?
<Emili> I'm so hungry.
<Scott> Not now, Emili...keep quiet.
<Leon> No..I don't.
<Johnathan> The archbishop.. the higher they are in the heirarchy, the less we can trust them, no doubt..
<Scott> We don't want to attract any unwanted attention.
<Leon> But while you've peeked my interest...who is the only one who can make you mad?
<Sinel> Hungry? *chuckles a little* Well.. I'm sure you're very much so after your trip.. we've been waiting..
* Jack thinks to himself.... "Sinel? It can't be what I'm thinking...."
* Emili nods brightly.
<Emili> Very weird silver stuff in the big boxes.
<Emili> Some mean people wanted it.
* Scott steps from the transport and salutes the Archbishop.
<Emili> But we beated them up!
<Sinel> Thieves?
<Scott> The Rancor's Fang, sir.
<Sinel> I see..
* Leon grits his teeth at the sound of the name.
* Bree narrows her eyes and balls a fist "...the son of a bitch responsible for my father's demise..."
<Scott> There have been reports of them working this area. Now we know them to be true.
<Sinel> They have been annoyances to the Church.. minor really.
<Sinel> I am glad the cargo was unharmed. I commend your.. bravery.
* Jack looks back at Bree. "Who?" He points at Sinel. "Him?"
<Leon> I see..Bree...well...my anger...no..nevermind..you need not know about me.
<Emili> Bravery?
<Scott> .oO(I hope he doesn't recognize my voice. I was assigned to his personal guard for 6 months last year.)
<Emili> What's bravery?
* Bree looks. "Eh.. no.. not him.." She pats Leon on the shoulder. "Tell me if you want.. or don't tell me if you want.. your call."
* Emili looks at Sinel curiously.
<Sinel> My, you are a curious one...
<Scott> What we did in fighting those guys, kid. Now, let's get you a bite to eat, OK?
<Emili> Yep I am!
<Sinel> I think we shouldn't waste time with minor details and questions.. your duty is complete.
* Leon looks back. "Maybe. Ask me again sometime."
* Emili looks at Sinel confusedly.
* Leon eyes Sinel, but doesn't say anything to him.
<Emili> Does that mean I can eat now?
* Scott salutes. "Yes, sir. We'll be going now." *Whispers to Emili* "Now come on. We'll solve that bottomless pit of a gut problem you have now."
<Sinel> Feel free to rest in the Shrine from your exploits... I also can arrange you a meal if you like.
<Emili> A meal!
<Emili> Yeah!
<Emili> I want 7 heaven's steaks!!
<Scott> .oO(I like this less and less.....I never trusted Sinel and if he recognizes my voice, we're finished.)
<Leon> Actually, I'd prefer to take our personal belongings to an inn first, Sir....
<Emili> No... 10!
* Emili smiles. ^_^
* Jack laughs to himself at what Emili said.
<Scott> I have to agree with my counterpart, sir. We'd better stow our gear before we do anything else.
<Sinel> If you desire to be among the town, so be it... but it is still dangerous with those heathen walking the streets.
<Leon> Thank you sir.
<Scott> Just more training fodder, sir.
* Leon picks up some crates, one on each shoulder and prepares to walk out.
<Emili> Hey ummm, person?
<Emili> Can I have 10 heaven's steaks please?
* Ishtar trys to hide in the crates. .o(That's Sinel..)
<Sinel> My name is Sinel, Archbishop Sinel..
* Leon has the crate with Bree on his left, and the one with..Ishtar, I suppose, on my right.
<Emili> I'm Emili!
<Sinel> And you may have all of heaven's bounty once our job is finished.
<Emili> Nice to meet you!
* Emili beams. ^_^
<Emili> No, I just want steaks. ^_^
<Leon> *m* Scott, get a hold of her..now...
* Scott walks out beside Leon and whispers. "I don't like this one bit. I served as one of Sinel's personal guards for 6 months last year and if he recognizes me...."
* Scott grabs Emili and starts for the door.
<Emili> But uh... what's a job?
<Scott> We'll discuss that later, Emili...now come on.
* Johnathan is still in a crate, on board, no doubt.
* Leon follows Scott, toting our personal crates
* Emili strangles out of Scott's grip and walks back to Sinel
<TheStoryteller> Sinel looks over the transport... he seems to be ignoring any futher conversation.
<Emili> Ummm, Sinel?
* Scott runs back and grabs Emili and runs back for the door. "We don't have time for this...NOW COME ON!"
<Scott> Sorry about that, sir.
<Emili> You're a very nice man!
* Emili pulls out of Scott's grip again, and whaps him with Sugar Dog, then walks off to the exit.
* Scott grabs a lift and brings out the other "Personal effects" crates.
<Leon> Do you have those two OK?
* Scott drives up on the lift. "Of course."
<Leon> ...
* Leon puts the two crates off shoulders on the lift. "Ass. Tell me the next time you do that."
<Scott> Hehehe...it's not like I can lift those 2 things..so I had to get a lift.
<TheStoryteller> The door to the main foyer of the Shrine awaits.
<Jack> So...What do I do, then?
<Leon> Let's go already.
* Leon checks the crates. "Is everyone OK back here?"
* Emili looks with wide eyes at the interior of the Shrine.
<Emili> Wow....
<Emili> This is pretty!
* Johnathan mutters something about it being a tad cramped, but all right otherwise.
<Bree> I'm kinda lost.. what're we doing again? *sweatdrops*
<Scott> Also pretty expensive. These shrines are paid for by the church's tax revenues. They apparently are charging the common folk out the wazzoo in taxes.

Reza Shrine of Althena, Main Hall

<TheStoryteller> Well.. it is a bit unfished.. as Emili can see some places that are lacking a fine paint, and some temporary lighting. The Shrine seems empty, as it is almost evening...
* Emili walks through the shrine touching the statue of Althena.
<Leon> We're going to an Inn. We'll let you out when we get there.
<Emili> Who's this pretty person?
<Leon> That's the Goddess Althena, Emili..
<Leon> Scott, do you think we should let them out here?
<TheStoryteller> Emili feels a strange sensation as she touches the feet of the Goddess.
<Emili> Goddess Althena...?
<Scott> With all the empty crates in here, I'd think it's safe to.
<Scott> They're still constructing this shrine after all.
* Emili looks curiously up at Althena's statue.
<Leon> Hey, Scott. Wake up.
<TheStoryteller> >> It seems to smile back warmly.. Hp/Mp restored. :)
<Scott> I am awake....
<Emili> Oooh!
* Emili smiles.
<Emili> I feel much much better!
* Ishtar pokes her wings out of her crate..
* Scott touches the Althena statue, mainly because he's leaning against the thing, tired.
* Emili turns to Ishtar.
* Leon touches the statue.
<Ishtar> Is Sinel gone? ^^
<Emili> Hey Ishtar?
* Bree doesn't know where she is. ^^;
<Emili> Who is Althena?
<Scott> Yes...it's safe to come out now.
<Leon> Yeah, I think he is.
<Scott> He's still downstairs...
<Jack> Wow.....Nice place....
* Ishtar gets out of the box, brushing her robes off...
* Leon opens the crates up, letting out Johnathan and Bree...
<Ishtar> Who is Althena? You really don't know, Emili?
<Leon> Let's get out of here. We'll save the history of Lunar lessons for later.
<Scott> Let's just get checked in at the inn...we've got to get some rest.
<Emili> Nope!
<Emili> Never ever heard of her....
<Emili> Well....
<Emili> I don't remember!
* Johnathan gets out, stretching. "Thanks, Leon."
<Ishtar> I'll explain in the morning Emili. :)
<Leon> Well get fed at the Inn, Emili.
<Emili> I have no memories.
<Emili> Umm... okay...
<Emili> Hey, I wanna go swimming!
* Emili smiles.
<Emili> Where's a lake?
<Leon> Let's go to an Inn.
<TheStoryteller> Outside the windows you can see the sun setting.
* Scott takes out his pencil and pad and starts to sketch the sunset. "This'll be perfect."
<Emili> Well?
<Emili> I wanna eat and go swimming!
<Ishtar> *sighs* I can use a rest.. maybe I'm pushing myself too hard.. :/
<Emili> Don't worry Angel Friend!
<Scott> I can too, Ishtar. We've been working too hard lately. We need the chance to relax.
* Scott looks over at Ishtar and gives her a quick smile.
<Emili> You'll feel better after eating and swimming!
<Ishtar> Oh.. I'm no angel.. just Ishtar, please.. and I don't want to think about my wings right now..
* Ishtar looks a little sad.
<Emili> I always feel better when I do!
<Emili> You are too an angel!
<Emili> You're really pretty!
<Emili> And you got wings like me!
<Emili> And we're both angels. ^_^
* Leon looks around. "Can we go before guards show up?"
<Scott> Good idea.
<Ishtar> *smiles* Thank you Emili..
<Jack> Leo's got a good point. Let's go.
<Leon> I've already flipped out once today...
* Scott starts out for the inn, still trying to sketch the sunset.
<Leon> I don't wanna do it again...
<Ishtar> Now let's move.. I'll try to keep these things down..
<Johnathan> I'm with Leon..
* Leon sighs a alittle.
<Bree> Hai.. lets go.. *snickers* Leo.. like a lion.. *snickers again*
<Emili> You just need to eat and get a nice swim!
<* Ishtar winces a minute and the wings start folding down, becoming half their normal height.
<Jack> Hehe...
<Leon> I need something a lot more than that, Emili...
<Scott> Are you alright, Ishtar?
<Emili> You'll see!
* Leon looks over at Bree. "A lion...?"
<Ishtar> I'm fine.. please don't worry about me. ^^
* Emili looks at Leon.
<Emili> Not you!
<Emili> Ishtar. ^_^
<Leon> Oh.
<Leon> Whatever.
<Bree> Yeah.. you know.. in the stars.. Leo the Lion? I think that's where it's from...
<Scott> Of course I'll worry. You're one of the group. And I always worry about the people I'm with.
<Leon> Oh..Zodiacs..yeah...

City of Reza, Evening

<TheStoryteller>The Ivory doors open.. and before you lays at last Reza. If it were any other time of the day, the streets would be busy.. but it seems fairly quiet. Many shops line the central square, and a fountain lays in it's center.
* Leon snickers a bit. "Never thought of myself like that..."
<TheStoryteller> You spot what looks like an Inn along the square.
* Emili looks at the fountain.
<Jack> Mmm....Sleep.......
<Emili> Its too small to swim in....
<Leon> Of course..I've never had anyone call me..Leo...anyway.
<Jack> What am I? Chopped liver!?
<Leon> I mean you, Jack.
<Ishtar> Maybe a bath, Emili?
<Emili> Bath?
<Emili> What's a bath?
* Ishtar tries to look both ways and crosses the street to the Inn.
<Jack> Oh....Sorry, then. *Smiles*
<Bree> Like swimming, but you clean yourself...
<Scott> That's something we all need, Ishtar. I feel like total hell right now.
* Emili follows Ishtar.
* Leon scratches his head, doesn't seem as...high strung as usual..probably doesn't have any adrenaline in his bloodstream after flipping out.
* Scott follows.
<Emili> Like swimming but to clean yourself?
<Emili> Oh!
* Leon follows.
<Emili> Sounds fun. ^_^
<Emili> But no lake is around....
* Scott stretches. "Man...We've been fighting so much that my blasted muscles have gotten sore."
<Ishtar> You use a tub Emili.. they should have one in our rooms...
<Emili> A tub....
<TheStoryteller> Ishtar hangs back, seeing the man at the counter.. ^^
<Leon> They never make tubs big enough for me...
<Emili> I don't know what a tub is.
<Ishtar> Umm.. you guys go in, please..
* Emili stands beside Ishtar and Bree.
<Bree> We'll just toss you in a pond or something when you start to smell Leon.. *grins*
<Emili> You hafta show me!
<Ishtar> *nods* I'll show you.. but the man can't see me when we go in..
* Leon snickers. "If you can pick me up, you're more than welcome to."
* Leon enters the Inn.
<Emili> No problem!
<Bree> Who said we'd pick you up? Few pokes in the back from all our weapons and you'll hop in.. *smiles*
* Scott follows Leon.
* Bree stays with the ladies.
* Leon gets a sweatdrop, quite odd for him.
* Ishtar trys to hide behind the big Leon, considering she's only 5'2"..
* Emili takes Bree and puts her on one side of Ishtar so her wing is hidden, and then she takes the other side hiding the other wing.
<Emili> There!
* Leon coughs a little.

Reza, The Footpad's Den

<TheStoryteller> There's a man reading the late edition of the Reza Inquirer...
<Leon> We just got back from a killer costume party. We need some rooms for the night.
<Emili> Now we just move at the same time!
* Bree blinks. "This'll look weird.."
<TheStoryteller> He looks up at Leon's call.
<TheStoryteller> [Innkeeper] Ah, you the guards for that transport of Sinel's..?
* Jack looks outside.... "Y'know....I think I'll go outside and walk around the bit. After all that battling, I need some peace and quiet...."
<Scott> We are...
<Leon> ..yeah...
<TheStoryteller> [Innkeeper] Well go on up.. I never like givin rooms for free.
<Leon> No one ever does.
<TheStoryteller> He tosses you a set of keys.
* Leon catches the set.
* Scott goes on up and gets his room, he sits down in a chair by the window and stares up at the stars.
* Ishtar tries to keep a low profile and go upstairs..
<Sumire> Whoo! I finally got back on^.^
* Emili walks with Ishtar.
* Leon looks at everyone.
<Emili> Come on Bree and Sumire!
<Emili> You gotta show me what a tub looks like. ^_^
<Sumire> A tub? *blink*
* Bree sweatdrops. "Just as long as you don't expect me to use it along with everyone else at the same time.. I don't like public baths.."
* Leon stands in the hall. "Who's bunking with who?"
<Emili> How do you use a tub?
<Scott> As long as I can get by the window, I don't care.
* Jack walks outside, then turns left and continues walking.
<TheStoryteller> As you mull over rooms, etc., for the night, Jack steps outside alone.

City of Reza, Evening

<TheStoryteller> The city seems very peaceful, but you feel a certain tension in the air.
* Jack thinks to himself. "Hm...Nice night....It's been too long, living in Maribia, since I've heard nothing but quiet..."
<TheStoryteller> Out of a corner of your eye, you spot Sinel's figure near the front of the Shrine, locking up.
* Jack Looks...."Sinel?"
<Sinel> Yes.. all is going well... with that shipment I can finally..
* Sinel stops, and turns his head slowly.
<Jack> It's been some time, hasn't it?
<Sinel> I know that voice...
<TheStoryteller> The Archbishop looks Jack over several times...
<Jack> Hi.
<Sinel> Why if it isn't Jack Mystere.
* Jack bows head.
<Sinel> No need for that.. you are past all those other ones.
<Jack> What do you mean by that?
<Sinel> Surely you haven't forgotten why I picked you out those years ago.. you have much untapped potential.
<Jack> Ah....But you know me....
<Sinel> Yes. It was a pity you left when you did.. you could have accomplished so much.
<Sinel> But I doubt you came here to ask me to take you back..
<Jack> Well....I don't believe so....
<Sinel> ...
* Sinel straightens his robe a second, and looks to the side.
<Sinel> I know you are a fugitive now Jack.
<Jack> Not by choice, may I add....
<Sinel> It doesn't matter.. the church will not stop till you are brought to justice with those heretics.
<Sinel> But..
<Jack> Hm?
<Sinel> As to why I won't report you right now..
<Jack> Why won't you?
<Sinel> ...I have my own personal reasons.
<Jack> Ah...
<Sinel> Besides, it is late.. you really must get to your room..
* Sinel smiles wryly and walks away..
<Jack> Maybe....One day I'll return to you....
* Jack smiles.... "Someday"....
* Jack heads back in the direction of the inn.
<TheStoryteller> As Jack heads back, his head spins with many questions... and just how did Sinel know you had a room?
<TheStoryteller> But it's not important.. you have a new city to explore, and new dangers to face soon...

~~ SESSION END ~~

Session Close: Mon Jun 14 01:39:03 1999