Session Start: Sat Apr 21 21:02:58 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 35: Alma Matters, pt 3 | Location: Hylan Academy | Pools: 720 §, 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | Everyone should copycat Saki in journals.' == SESSION START == It has been a couple of days since the incident at the lighthouse on the coast. Venus and the terrestrial power source for the Moonbase secured, the brave heroes decided to return to Meribia and regroup. Unfortunately, this proved difficult -- the city was still locked down heavily by bree's security teams, now under the orders of acting governor Liza... Trune and Rylan were labelled as domestic terrorists and barred from entry, while others also shared suspicion as accomplices to the Bree murder "plot" as it was being touted as. Saki and lesser known members Angie and Mikel were able to enter, though they quickly found it was not a good idea to remain overly long. It was thus diced to go with the original plan and meet at the Hylan Academy. Once dropped off there by Emiria, she proceeded to sail south and store the Fragarach safely at Takkar for now. << dice = decided >> Upon their arrival, they found their rooms were still in order and got a wonderful night's sleep with few questions asked. The sun rose over the dorms, signalling the start of a day that hopefully would give them answers! * Etir is now known as Ysmsm * Ysmsm is now known as Tanan >> All HP/Mp restored! Niri is apparently sleeping in late, as usual. >.> Leah yawns and Shiro barks, looking anxious. The Destiny is parked outside in the lot. * Vytor sleeps in for once, glad to be in a real bed for once in a very long time. ^_^ * Saki has actually apaprently managed to get a good night's sleep, or at least takes a long while to get up. Contrary to recent appearances her forced rest on the ship has left her healed up and lingering injury-free. When she does finally emerge she's out of the building almost immediately to chill outside. * Trune also sleeps in as well, his trademark notes strewn over his bed. He's appearently been up late researching. * Angie blinks herself awake. The night was restful, but you wouldn't know it to look at her -- she's twisted up in the blankets, arms and legs every which way. The first thing she does is roll onto her back and stare up at the ceiling. Some older students are doing calisthenics in a nearby field, while another group of very young kids is practicing lighting a bulb with a thought * Vytor rolls over one to many times for a bed the size he's in, and lands on the ground with a muffled thump. * Mikel manages to not sleep in for once, getting himself cleaned up and all of that business. Soon enough he's outside, waving towards Saki and heading over to the martial artist. Mbl...more cheese... * Angie hauls herself out of the tangle, gingerly wiggling her toes. She stands up and makes a sour face. "Oog." The dining hall is serving breakfast from the looks of it, as a few people here and there throw on some clothes and grab a morning coffee before early class starts. * Vytor shifts uncomfortably on the hard floor, and brings his head down a bit too hard on the pillow that's not where it should be, and snaps awake with a pained yelp. * Saki nods to Mikel, rotating one arm as she takes in the scene; using the space to her momentary advantage before he gets too close, she throws a few punches in the direction of a tree, which was presumably looking at her funny. * Vytor sits up, rubbing the side of his head and blinks, trying to get his bearings * Angie changes quickly, washes up a bit, and heads out to share her gift with the world. She steps into the dining hall with arms folded, looking around to see if anyone else from the group has a table yet. * Vytor grumbles and gets cleaned up for the day, preferring to have slept in a little longer * Mikel suppresses a yawn and nods, seemingly nonplussed about the punching. "Mornin', Saki." It's still fairly early, so there's plenty of room. The faculty gives Angie a smile. It doesn't appear any of her friends are about yet. * Vytor works some kinks out as he heads for the dining hall At one of the tables is a young woman with short green hair and a blue robe. She's drinking some tea and having a biscuit while pouring over a book from Damon's library. * Trune suddenly starts awake with a jolt, and then grumbles something intelligable as he pulls a stray piece of paper from his face that he apparently fell asleep on. * Saki nods a second time, answeing Mikel with an 'mm'. She doesn't seem quite so terminally grumpy today. * Mikel gives it a bit before begining to head towards the building. "Time to get some breakfast and see if the others are awake, I guess." * Vytor walks into the dining hall, and spots Angie. He looks like he's about to say something, then pauses, getting a devilish look on his face. * Angie returns a smile to anyone who offers, occasionally throwing in a wave as well. Seeing that nobody else has showed yet -- or that they're all gone already -- she heads for the counter to see what's on grill today. * Trune sighs and goes about getting ready, putting his notes away as he does so. * Saki gives Mikel another nod, whether he sees it or not; for now, at least, she's content and concentrating both on her routine. * Vytor starts quietly working his way around the edge of the hall, towards one of far tables where the green-haired stranger is seated. They've got the usual assortment of platters. There's a new feature... make your own omelette! * Vytor sneaks up behind the young woman, waits for her to set down her tea, then sudenly pulls her out of her seat with an enormous bearhug, "GOTCHA!" >> Well, no one would ever suggest that Angie is afraid of new things. She dives fearlessly into the unknown, picking out sausage and onions and green peppers and cheese from the line of tubs. Vytor proceeds to be sneaky. The target remains studying intently, trying to find a tidbit of info in what looks like a long and boring history book... that is until he attacks! :o [Girl] Aack! * Vytor laughs heartily and spins her around once before setting her down! * Mikel steps into the cafeteria, glancing about this way and that as he makes for the actual food. That's what you get for not cleaning up the last time you were at home ;) She looks startled for a minute until she sees who it is, then blushes a bit and squirms. "Vy! Some way to say hello!" * Vytor ruffles the woman's hair affectionately, "How've you been? Its been ages since I saw you last." :) Leah tags along to the cafeteria herself, being nosy. "ooh.. does Vytor have a girlfriend..?" [Girl] Hmph. Alright, I admit I was in error to not clean the domicile properly... * Vytor laughs again * Angie delegates the implementation phase of omelette design to the cafeteria workers. She's an idea woman, she doesn't have time for that sort of thing. She grabs a glass of orange juice to go with it, counts out a handful of change to the attendee, and heads over to meet Leah, plate in one hand and glass in the other. "Hey! How you doing?" * Vytor sits down with the young woman and the two start chattering at each other * Trune walks in the cafeteria, rubbing at his eyes and generally looking grousey. He perks up a bit though when he looks at the menu, "Sweet. It's omlette day." [Girl] I've been well, moreso especially since I got your message. After the whole fiasco at meribia, I was afraid you vanished. It was pretty dicey, and its only gotten weirder since then. But I've come through OK, mostly with the help of my new friends. She also casts a glance at Leah. "I'm his sister, of course. Tilea." * Vytor realizes who Tilea is talking to, and waves at Leah and Angie * Angie leans over to accost Trune with a grin. "Not just any omelette! You get to pick what stuff you want in it, there's like an omelette bar. It's democratic! Mine has peppers." * Saki follows Mikel, at some length, into the cafeteria. Oh yeah, I know. Best combination? Bell peppers, mushrooms, and anything hot and spicey. Best omlette ever. [Tilea] *hugs Vytor softly* Excellent... I've been wanting to meet these friends. There's been gossip and hearsay all over campus about you being "heroes". Heroes eh? That's a bit of a stretch. * Vytor waves people over, "Have a seat folks, and come meet the most intellegent woman I know." * Mikel grabs a tray and begins to load up. Omelette, waffles, pancakes, bacon. The whole nine yards and then some, as is typical when free food is around. Spotting the slowly growing group of folks he begins to wind his way over. "Mornin', everyone." [Tilea] *blushes faintly* Well, not the most... I'm not done with my thesis in Advanced Kymonic Theories... Pish posh, you are the smartest woman I know. Its obvious where all the brains in this family went. * Angie accepts the invitation, siting down and appraising Tilea with a long look. "Smarter than me, eh? Aren't too many of those. I'm Angie." Hello smartest-woman-Vytor-knows. Name's Trune. * Amy (ariana@c-67-171-214-15.hsd1.or.comcast.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Amy * Saki blinks twice at the group as she passes, noting the new face. A couple of moments later and she's back and at the table, munching quietly upon various greenery and bending an ear gently to the conversation. [Tilea] And it's obvious who has the thews and manual dexterity as well. We make a remarkable pair, don't we? That we do. * Mikel takes a seat at the table, chuckling. "A pleasure, Miss. I'm Mikel." [Tilea] salutations, Trune, Mikel. Say, have I seen you in the library once? Tilea, this is Saki... *points*...and Leah...*points*...and that's SHiro down here. [Shiro] Arf arf *tail wag* * Saki nods in response over the makings of a salad. * Amy is now known as Niri Hmm...you might have. I used to pratically live in the library not too long ago. * Mikel waves a hand. "Maaaybe. Must have been a while ago back when I was here though." * Angie takes knife and fork to the omelette, carving it into little squares. Face down, she slides her eyes up to look at Tilea. "You wanna blow off all this studying and come with us? Just think of the heroics." * Niri enters the breakfast room like a whirlwind, plunking herself down in a chair and grabbing something to munch. "Morning everyone!" She grins widely, waving a little over-enthusiastically to everyone. [Tilea] I seem to reside there all too often myself. It's just the way of things in my work. Well anyway I--oh GODDESS Niri where the hell did you come from?! * Vytor waves at Niri, "Hey Niri! Come over here and meet the sister I was telling you about." [Tilea] Oh, I would love to! But sadly, I must finish my doctorate. Double major in Kymonic Willforce Theroies and Applied Field Mathematics. * Niri grins at Trune. "From the bedroom, of course! Silly." At least you had the sense to drop your triple major Ooh, your sister? Hi! I'm Niri. * Saki , practised in this sort of thing, merely leans to the side a little as Niri blasts past. ...you're a far braver person than I, Miss. [Tilea] I'm not a machine like you, Vy Lie. You're a learning machine ;) * Angie chews while listening to Tilea. She looks over at Niri, giving her a flat look and waggling her fingers. [Tilea] You actually have done more than me, if you think of it relatively... Alchemy is really more of an art than a science. Morning Angie! ^^ Oh yeah? And how many research papers have my name on them? Zero. How many have your name on them? Fourteen last time I counted [Tilea] *modest blush again* Well, I did collaborate on a couple... She says modestly You don't give yourself enough credit Tilly * Saki appears to gently zone out of the conversation; she's listening - possibly - but rather far off with it. * Trune munches on his omlette, pouring a fairly liberal amount of tobasco sauce on the top, "Hmm...wonder if I can write a thesis on my theory when all is said and done." * Angie arches an eyebrow. "That's a hell of a lot for a student! I kind of feel bad asking you for a hand now." [Tilea] But we digress! I actually was waiting here for you to let you know the results of my inquests. * Niri grabs an omelette and starts liberally applying extra cheese. Thanks for helping us out with that. [Tilea] unfortunately, there's not a lot I can share on the topic you chose. It's really esoteric -- and rather intriguingly difficult... What topic did you guys ask about, specifically? * Trune hmms and looks thoughtful for a moment, before sliding the tobasco sauce Niri's way, in case she wants any. At least you can show us where NOT to look Tilea takes a bite of her tea biscuit and shuffles through the pocket of her uniform for a little notepad. * Vytor pulls out his sketchpad, flips to a page, and shows Niri the list of items the group has been looking into * Angie snorts, a vicious sound as much anger as mirth. "'Intriguingly difficult' about pins it down!" She shakes her head at the absurdity of it all. "Honestly, at this point we could just use another perspective on it all." [Tilea] Alright, let me see... you first asked for general ephemera on the Prophets, correct? Correct. * Vytor flips to a clean page, and prepares to take notes [Tilea] Well, thankfully this is the easy part. Lots of history books on the heretics of Vane during the Age of the Prophets. I'm sure you have heard of it... * Trune nods, "Bits and pieces of it, yeah." [Tilea] To summarize: The Prophets were a sort of counter-culture in vane when it was discovered that one could work magic without invocation of the Goddess directly. This is considered by schoalrs to be the origin of Willforce techniques. * Saki watches Tilea over the edge of her bowl. Her general stance has shifted imperceptibly; where before she was gently drifting off, she's not alert, cautious, and perhaps a little predatory. * Angie herds omelette squares with the tip of her fork, eyes downcast. "History has its own problems," she interjects. "I mean, it's good, but...I have a feeling that to get the information we need we might have to look farther afield than the official story." [Tilea] Obviously, such beliefs were hardly politically correct and they were brutally silenced. Terrible, it was. * Vytor starts writing things down in shorthand * Saki cuts in, quiet and just a little far-off. "Who by?" [Tilea] The core group was a council of 8. 5 men and 3 women. All specialists in some form of elemental magic and temporal-manipulation. [Tilea] Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Noah, Sarah, Rebekah, Pandora [Tilea] Whom by? The Cult of Althena, of course. They controlled most of Lunar at that time. [Tilea] This was about 420 years ago... * Saki blinks to herself, mouth moving wordlessly for a moment. "... we were wrong. I'm not the minus one. ... I think it's the Prophetess herself." [Tilea] The Prophets, exiled from vane, built several ruins such as the ones known as Mystic Ruins and Lionhead to later explorers. Is it crazy for me to have a very smal sliver of sympathy for these guys? It sounds...a little like me. [Tilea] You asked about Machpelah too.. that's basically their name for the Mystic Ruins. Supposedly their remains are buried there, sleeping until the time the words of the Truth seeker Prophecy come to pass. * Vytor slides a glance at Saki, but continues his notetaking * Saki tugs out a now-battered, small pad of paper; already covered in crosses and strange scribble, she starts scoring it with notes. Honestly? I'm entirely in their corner aside from the whole murder thing. They kinda lost me there. [Tilea] Oh, and there are other minor supporters that assisted them in the revolution too... Anyone that stood out? [Tilea] Most notably an elite cadre of rebel Magic Guards who fought the Cult to a standstill to buy them time to escape. It is documented they had extreme magical dispelling powers. [Tilea] Most other information about this time is redacted from history. [Tilea] I wonder why? We're wondering that ourselves. * Saki , in something of a jerked spasm, almost loses her pencil. Growling to herself under her breath, she crosses something out, adding something in it's place. [Tilea] One thing I can share about your last request. the Treatise is actually quite well known! * Angie leans back with a sigh and a creak of her chair. "Well, it could just be a political thing," she says. "But whatever the reason it makes our job harder. I don't want to keep going with this until we have some real solid information and some kind of plan." * Mikel remains silent as the group speaks, eating his food and listening. [Tilea] Or more specifically, it is famous since it is in Johnathan's hands -- noone really knows exactly what it says. But it is the collected teachings of the Prophets, supposedly. * Niri blinks, realizing Trune passed her the tobasco a long time ago; she's been so intent on eating that she missed it. "Oh! Thanks, sorry...don't like spicy stuff on my food." * Niri has also been listening intently to the conversation. [Tilea] The fact of the matter is that it is what taught Johnathan his enviable willforce powers, and nearly caused him to be slain as a heretic himself. Amazing how he ended up saving humanity after almost being killed? Wait, Johnathan has this thing? Why didn't he mention it before? Or did he and i just missed it? We should ask John about that Yes, we should. And by the way! I agree with Angie - I'm almost on the side of the Prophets. I just have a few questions. [Tilea] *sips tea* Meeting Johnathan is a daunting task. I miss the days he was involved in the student body functions... What is it they're trying to do now - resurrect themselves? And if they succeed, what do they plan on doing next? I'll bet I can get in to see Johnathan! How? Make him a pear tart? That could work! Also, sheer persistence. ...I'm not trying to be smart here. I honestly have no idea...Okay I lied I am being smart. You don't have to agree! * Saki rises from the table, pocketing the pad; there's a bit of fire and brimstone in her eyes. "... we'll get in." ...But it MIGHT really work! ...Yeah, don't mess with Saki. She can do the carrot AND the stick. Darn good pear tarts, or a fist in his face. Or both. [Tilea] Hmm... oh, forgive me. There was one more talking point. Tilea scans down the list, flipping a few pages. [Tilea] Numerological significance of 8. This obviously matches to the elements of the world. * Mikel snickers at Niri's comment, sitting back a bit with his breakfast nearly demolished. [Tilea] Although, there is also the the fact of 5 and subsequently 10. These were the divisions of two "Circles" of the Truth Seekers, and their total number. * Saki frowns, watching Tilea's last point but not sitting down. Circles? [Tilea] You really need to get that story from the horse's mouth as it were. * Niri grins at Mikel. Tilea, you mean...from Johnathan? [Tilea] All I know is the Prophecy specifically divided the seekers into a rare-magic weidling, "higher" portion, and a emotional, "lower" portion. * Angie nods. "I've noticed five cropping up here and there. It's not a number I saw a lot of, but, like, the military headquarters of this whole country is geomantically 5-aligned." She taps her lower lip with her fork. Hmmm. We need to talk to him, and also to my parents. [Tilea] You could compare this almost to Lunar and the Blue Star in a way. Emotional lower portion? It makes them sound half crazy when it's worded like that. * Angie rocks back precariously on the back legs of her chair. "But most people never even meet him once! Tilea, you're the smartest one here! Any ideas on meeting the Headmaster?" She lets the chair fall forward, flopping both elbows onto the table. "We should meet Hiro and Lucia first. Go in with as much information as we can." [Tilea] That might have been the intent. but again, I'm not entirely skilled in esoteric topics, more the facts... Tilea frowns. :/ * Niri stands up, having finished her breakfast. "Well, to be honest, I'm about ready to go demand answers out of my parents. Anyone want to come along? And after that I think I'm going to hunt down Haylee and see if I can see Johnathan." [Tilea] I'm sorry. Haylee's the only one I know who can rendezvous with the Headmaster at will. * Mikel snickers. "Crazy might be just what they were looking for, when you think about it." * Mikel snaps his head up, grinning. "I'm game for that, Niri. I need to see if your dad really is /that/ nuts." [Tilea] Hmm... excuse me, Niri... but did you say Hiro and Lucia? I'll come with you. I've got questions. * Angie throws a longing look back at the serving counter, then down at her plate. "I guess I can save some room for lunch," she says, pushing herself up. "Let's go shake down some heroes!" * Saki cracks her knuckles. "... we should all go, I think." Yes, Hiro and Lucia. Mom and Dad, to me. ^_^ And um...well, I'm all for everyone coming, but maybe I can talk to them privately first? Briefly? Or after. I dunno, I don't want to box them in before I have a chance to find anything out. I'm not worried about Dad, but Mom can be evasive. * Angie punches her palm, grinning toothily. "All the more reason to dogpile her! She might get away." [Tilea] Amazing, you're their daughter?! Yep! [Tilea] I had no idea Vytor was fraternizing with such celebrities... * Saki shrugs lopsidedly. "... doesn't matter to me. I've got some things to talk through while we wait." ...Uh...I don't know if you'd call me a celebrity or anything. I mean, I think I'm pretty normal! Whipped cream incident aside. If you want a chance to talk to your folks in private, that's OK with me So she says. Normal, she says. Of course. 'Normal'. * Trune looks like he can barely hold in his laughter. * Mikel gets to his feet, grinning from ear to ear. "Fame is a burden indeed, isn't it?" These folks are top notch, Tilea. They've pulled my fat out of the fire more than once. the bookwormy sister of Vytor glances at Niri like she's studying her... [Tilea] Well, just keep taking good care of Vy, please. Sure thing. [Tilea] he's pretty much all I have in the world other than my work... * Angie chews on her fingertip and her eyes glaze over, that distant look that she defaults to when her mind is working independent of her body. Suddenly she points at Tilea. "Oh!" She says, turning to face her. I remembered. There's one other thing I wanted to look into. * Vytor leans over and hugs Tilea to him in a brotherly way * Niri punches Trune lightly in the shoulder for laughing at her Don't worry! We'll take good care of Vytor. ^_^ He's probably the one who keeps us all sane anyway. Tilea smiles genuinely when embraced by her brother. [Tilea] I expect a good report of foreign lands when you are done. It might be just what I require for an A+! * Vytor raises his hand solemnly, "On my honor. I shall comply." You guys are adorable you know. :D * Vytor chuckles * Trune can't help but smile, "Seriously, we'll take good care of him." [Tilea] Oh, Vy... I've been meaning to ask you... Hm? [Tilea] Have you ever discovered more about Bluetooth? [Tilea] I'm afraid I haven't gathered the nerve to mount another expedition there without you. * Angie takes a step back and watches Vytor carefully. Whatever she was going to say, it can wait. * Mikel glances at Vytor as well, curious to how he'll answer. * Saki taps Angie on the shoulder, pad in one hand. We did. I'm not sure I can explain it, but we certainly found some things out * Tanan walks into the cafeteria, pausing inside the door and scanning the room. So, who's coming with me to visit my parents? I think I'm going to hunt down Mom first. [Tilea] I see. We'll have plenty of time later to talk, if you want. I've just recently had some strange dreams about that shadow we spied but left alone. I'll stay put, I want to talk to my sister for a bit I'll come with, Niri. * Mikel grins at Niri. "I'll go with you." * Angie looks slain. Just when she was getting to the good part! Still, she does the right thing and follows Niri. * Tanan spots the group and starts across the room towards them * Saki nods to Tanan and, as they start to reach the Professor, speaks; "... we're off to annoy the saviours of the free world. Coming?" * Tanan blinks. "I'm surprised you're all still here. I've been waiting for you at the main building. Where're you headed now?" Heya Tanan. This is my sister Tilea. Tilea, this is Professor Tanan. We're going to go hunt down my mom. Ah. Nice to meet you, Tilea. Vytor's told us a bit about you. All good, of course. * Mikel nods towards Tanan. "Mornin', Prof." [Tilea] Good morning, Professor. Your reputation certainly proceeds you. ...Is that a compliment or not? * Niri grins ...took the words right out of my mouth. * Tanan stares at Niri and Mikel for a second before turning back. "It tends to do that, I admit." [Tilea] Oh, it is a compliment -- but of course, he's also quite a controversial figure in some circles. Controversial? Beyond his teachings? We must know more---for educational purposes, of course. [Tilea] Certainly popular, in one way or the other. I figured the stories of him traveling with you were true as he's had some less-than-stellar subs in the meantime filling in. * Saki taps Angie on the shoulder a second time as people talk, and offers the pad towards her; it's hard to make out through the scrawl and occasional gibberish, but on the list of eight-minus-one, 'Rachel' has been hastily scrawled out, 'Sarah' replacing it. * Tanan sighs. "I was afraid of that. I didn't figure they'd really have anyone to fill in. This is more important, though." Well... who can really fill in for that sort of class? * Angie spins around gracelessly, caught off-guard. She squints down at the page, then looks up at Saki, eyes mutely questioning. That's not all I teach. I'd be surprised if that class is still going at all. * Saki frowns in response, tilting her head towards Vytor's sister. "Her list's different to ours. Something's up." It's just the most... well known, if you will. Also, really Trune, what do you think of me anyway? The controversy's over the teaching. Probably. I hope. [Tilea] I find it very interesting. But sadly, I've got my full load of credits and can't participate. Oh come on, Tanan, you know I'm mostly kidding. [Tilea] In any case, don't let me delay you, everyone. VY and I just have some catching up to do... MOSTLY kidding! ;) Well, the 'mostly' part being that my theories could be seen, and are seen, as being more controversial than yours. Trune's got it in for you, Tanan. So it's the whole 'pot calling the kettle black' thing. Hmm. That'd be a hell of a match. Leah grins, wolfing down the last of her breakfast with flair. * Vytor (DNW@c-24-7-99-20.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) Quit (Quit: ) Shiro meanwhile is licking up table scrapsbeneath everyone's legs/feet like the greedy mutt he is! * Angie scowls and nods at Saki. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slow, following behind the group with a dour frown. * Tanan grins. "Yeah, but your theories are wrong." Mind you, I don't think anyone considered the 'ancient superweapons' angle, so I suppose we really can't fault you for that. * Trune actually ...looks slighty hurt at that comment, "Only parts of it!" * Saki takes up the rear as people get moving. Despite the sudden discrepancy to deal with, she seems remarkably unperturbed; frowning lightly to herself, she follows along. * Niri heads off down the hall, grabbing the nearest passerby to ask about her mother's recent whereabouts. * Mikel follows Niri in her grand epic quest to accost maternal units. Niri starts accosting random students for the whereabouts of a long blue haired woman, the famous Lucia! It turns out that she's been spotted in the main university tower. * Saki stands two feet behind and to the left of Niri during this sequence, looming monstriously. «ooc: -i » * Niri cheerfully thanks the students, oblivious to Saki's menacing look. Soon she's leading her little group off to the main tower! * Mikel offers apologies in Saki's menancing wake. * Niri looks around once in the main university tower, trying to identify her mother's distinctive appearance. Saki looms over the clerk at the registery/main desk as Niri asks again, this time finding her mother's just signed out a few moments ago, and was headed for the quad. * Niri bounces out of the tower and towards the quad! Why do I have feeling this will be a long, long day? It always is? * Angie tromps from place to place behind Niri, arms folded and eyes down. She's either thinking deep thoughts or sulking, but finding out which would require direct engagement. True. Hm. * Tanan looks back at the tower. "You know, we should really j- ah whatever." * Niri looks around. "Oh wait, I think I see her!" Fortunately, this time the information is right... sitting out in the sun is the striking blue haired woman. She's in a chair in the shadow of one of the campus buildings, notably the chapel/meditation building, watching the students go to and fro. Outside happens to be a statue of Althena ironically, placed there at the request of the small group of Virtue adherents among the students. * Niri brightens. "Mom!" She hurries forward, running to give her mother a hug. "I've been looking for you!" She appears to be lost in thought, observing the comings and goings. She's in a very conservative sundress, which almost makes her seem a lot younger than the middle age she has reached. * Angie keeps her distance for now. "Darn," she mumbles, seemingly to herself but not so quiet that others can't hear. "She has a lot of escape routes." Lucia shifts her gaze towards the incoming freight train of Niri, scooped into a massive hug! ...It's almost as if you /want/ her to run away, Angie. [Lucia] Oh, Niri... there you are! ...well, no escape now. Hurricane Niri has arrived. Niri immediately feels a comforting warmth in the arms of her mother. Some things never change. * Niri releases her mom and glares at Trune. "Wanna get punched again?" She sticks out her tongue. * Mikel grins. "It's gonna happen anyways. Why fight the inevitable?" * Saki appraises the spot; apparently liking Lucia's sense of style in location, she quietly sets herself down to the ground, leaning up against the wall to enjoy the shade. [Lucia] I see you're having fun with your new friends. I'm glad you're well.. Well, for a given value of fun. I mean we are! I love traveling with them! But uh...we've got a whole heap of trouble, Mom, and we were hoping you could help us find some answers. * Niri plunks herself down in the grass cross-legged. Lucia pushes some of her azure locks away from her eyes to look clearly at Niri. She always had a kind face, though there was an underlying sadness everytime she stared at her daughter, as long as Niri can remember. * DooM_GazE is now known as Ryllan [Lucia] Oh, I know. it's become very serious, hasn't it? * Angie gravitates toward the statue of Althena and leans back against it, staring at Lucia with a blank expression. the statue is of the female deity holding a crescent in an embrace as one would a child. [Lucia] Adeventuring with your father is one thing, but this Prophetess -- * Tanan looks back and forth between Niri and Lucia Yeah. We know some stuff about the Prophetess...but we're still kind of lost on what we should do about it. I mean, basically, the only thing the Prophetess has really done WRONG is to mess with the Truthseekers. Stealing people's souls from their bodies and stuff...well, not too nice, you know? * Ryllan watches Niri and Lucia, just to establish his presence in the session. * Saki pipes up from her seat; her voice calm and steady, her eyes closed. "... Niri's holding her own well." Aside from that, it sounds as if they just want to revive themselves, I guess. I've got no problem with that. But yeah. We need to figure out what it is they intend to do, and what we should do about it. * Niri blinks at Saki, wondering what prompted that. Lucia sighs, looking to the faces of the assembled. << nah scrap that last line sorry >> [Lucia] I can see you've started to become a team. I knew one day Niri would meet people like yourselves. i also knew one day you'd become involved in this... ...Okay see, right there. Mom, we're kind of wondering what you know about this whole mess that you haven't mentioned so far. We uh...kinda need to know. ^^; * Angie pushes off of the statue with a shrug of her shoulders, stepping up and butting in. "Then you know what we need you to tell us, right? You'll be 3 for 3." * Ryllan buries his head in his hand, "Well, that was kind of horrific. My apologies for Angie." [Lucia] mmm... Niri. I just didn't want to see you hurt. Long ago, we started asking these exact same questions, Hiro and I, and it inevitably led to a journey that changed the world. Do you think you can handle that? * Angie swats Ryllan over the head, glaring angrily at him. "Don't apologize for me!" * Saki frowns. "It's too late for that," she puts in quietly, "There's not any choice as to whether we can handle it now; we just have to." * Ryllan rubs his head, "Ow. Um. Yeah, as Saki said. Doesn't matter at this point whether we can handle it. We need to know." Yeah, no matter what happens we're involved. It's best we learn as much as we can from this point out. [Lucia] *smiles forlornly* You can't blame a mother for wanting to protect her beloved child, can you? But no -- you are right. It really is time to go do what you were meant to do. ...Hey, I can handle most anything, Mom. Don't underestimate me! *she grins* Dad trained me well. Plus, I've got my friends! Didn't you have the same? [Lucia] That I did... i've had many.. many friends... I treasure them all. [Lucia] i wish i could have many back. Perhaps one day I'll see them again in this new life. Why don't you start there. What do you mean, 'new life'? [Lucia] Sit down for a minute, would you...? This might take awhile. * Trune shrugs and sits down on the grass, "I'm all ears, I guess." She gestures to the grass at her feet. You almost detect the hint of a commanding tone. Like you are children to her. * Ryllan raises his eyebrows, but settles down onto the grass. * Niri rolls her eyes slightly, but keeping her mom from seeing. "Well, we've got time. Go for it!" * Saki leans back, eyes still closed, and rests against the wall. [Lucia] Now then - new life. I mean this more in a rebirth of the soul. It's still fresh in your memories of the Unraveling, isn't it? * Angie lets herself down carefully and crosses her legs, leaning forward intently. ...I'm still kind of confused on the whole Unraveling thing. Most of us weren't alive for the unraveling, I fear. * Saki frowns. "... I'm not sure I was, now." [Lucia] You wouldn't be alone. You see, the old Lunar was a construct, a dimension, maintained by the goddess. When her power faded, and belief in her did as well, the enchantments began to collapse. * Tanan is still standing, arms folded, but with a polite and attentive expression on his face. * Angie opens her mouth, an objection hanging from her lips, but she swallows it and leans back, listening. * Trune blinks several times at Lucia's statement, but doesn't say anything. [Lucia] The Unraveling was the finale to that slow progression. But, it actually was intended by Althena [Lucia] She was reborn long ago as a mortal for the final time. Luna... and was laid to rest for good. [Lucia] This was the symbol that humanity was slowly regaining what they lost in the Devestation War... and outgrowing their heavenly 'prison'. * Mikel just takes a seat as he listens to this. * Niri blinks, taking this in and turning it over in her mind like a puzzle piece, seeing how it fits in with her father's old stories [Lucia] When the Prophets discovered this Truth, they tried to hasten the Unraveling, but it was not the proper time... [Lucia] But they left behind the Truth Seeker Prophecy, foretelling what eventually came to pass. And as the world crumbled, the collective souls of humanity returned to their true home -- the Blue Star. [Lucia] The Seekers were instrumental to doing this... and thus became the heroes of this new life, as the rest were reborn anew upon the frozen land. So wait. Althena kept humanity imprisoned on Lunar? [Lucia] It... it's a bit like you and I, Niri. Wait...what is? What's like you and me? [Lucia] Humanity nearly destroyed itself as Zophar wished... and the remnants, like babes, were protected in their mother's careful embrace. But they would grow up and need to venture out again... I mean, I understood most of it up till there, I think. [Lucia] If you think of it this way, it's easy to grasp. And Ryllan, I'd guess that Althena kept humanity there because it wasn't safe for them to go back. Even now, the Blue Star's not totally habitable yet, as we've seen. >> Now that does it. Angie finally interjects, jabbing the air with a finger. "But what about all the people who died in the Unravelling? What happened to their souls?" Her face is twisted with confusion and annoyance. [Lucia] It's thanks to the Seekers and the soul energy that the planet is revived as much as it is. Though there are still many imperfections... and as for the deaths, actually everyone will once more be alive with time. [Lucia] That is Lure's job... the Green Dragon some call him. So wait...everyone will live again? Wait, what? What do you mean everything will be alive? * Trune looks utterly confused. * Saki doesn't say anything, and may actually have dozed off. Certainly she's breathing shallow. [Lucia] Souls are still being reborn into new bodies as we speak. [Lucia] The strongest spirits may even recall memories of their former lives... * Trune takes a sidelong glance at Saki as Lucia says this, "I...I see." [Lucia] And some rare shards of darkness creep into the hearts who were troubled.. * Angie looks even more confused, and, yes, even more annoyed. She glowers down at her feet. "I don't get it," she says flatly. "Do you mean everyone who was on Lunar when it died will be reborn, or everyone EVER will be reborn?" [Lucia] Actually, there was a place on Lunar and the Blue Star which stored everyone's spiritual power. A spire that awaited the chosen time. I was... a caretaker of that place. And I saved Hiro with that power... * Saki frowns deeply at this point, opening one eye to glare owlishly across at Lucia. "... 'some' rare shards? How much do you know about us?" [Lucia] There's only a finite amount of spirits in this world. You've had many past lives, every one of you. * Ryllan eyes Niri, pauses, then sighs and asks, "You were a caretaker for something like that. Either there was a long line of such, or you're much longer lived than the average human." * Angie watches Saki and frowns. [Lucia] Why, in a past lfie you may have been a cult member, an explorer, a hero, or even a... Prophet. Session Time: Sun Apr 22 00:00:00 2007 So does that mean that there's only like a finite number of people in existence ever? So people who die are still out there, somewhere? * Saki turns on the spot, both eyes open. She's glaring, eyes aflame once more. "It's no past life!" she blurts, angrily. "She's right there with me!" * Niri frowns. Mom, what do you mean you "saved" Dad with that power? Lucia shakes her head to Saki. Past lives...man. [Lucia] I'm sorry... you have a heavy burden, don't you? But you don't have to be ruled by it. * Trune looks like he wants to ask questions, but is still in the process of figuring out all that Lucia said. [Lucia] The Prophets left the stream of souls. That is the problem. * Mikel frowns for a moment. "...man, what a mess." They wanted to be reborn as themselves, not someone else. Lucia nods. [Lucia] There was a folowwer of theirs, zeio, that Queen Virtue destroyed. In some ways, the woman you carry with you is like him. Angry, forgotten, vengeful. As if a demon. * Saki heaves out a laden sigh, falling back against the stonework with one hand resting on her forehead. "... damn it, why couldn't anyone have told me about this years ago." [Lucia] You aren't alone... there are many who have forms of "soul sickness". * Angie leans back on her hands, staring up at the clouds. "Is there any way for people to /be/ reborn as themselves? I mean, why aren't they?" She's quieter now. [Lucia] Actually, they are reborn as themselves. Just they do not recall the past lives. [Lucia] You see the great explorer Dyne... Leah, who has been quiet up till now perks up. 'What? My adopted father?" * Mikel glances at Leah. [Lucia] He is actually the same Dragonmaster Dyne who lived over a millenia ago. ...What? Seriously? Leah gapes. "You must be kidding!" Mm. ...but even then, they can only be reborn as one of their selves. A HA! So you ARE from like a hundred years ago! Lucia doesn't immediately refute Angie's assumption. * Niri stares at her mom, wide-eyed. "You're kidding!" [Lucia] You';re thinking I'm not human, aren't you? I'm sorry to disappoint... So okay....what does that mean for the Prophets then? They seem to want to be reborn...and as themselves...but if what you're saying is true, this whole thing they're going through is totally unnecessary. [Lucia] But it is true that some time ago I was 'cursed" to be immortal -- Unless because they're out of the loop, the rules don't apply. [Lucia] but that time is over, now that the Blue Star is alive once again. * Mikel opens his mouth to ask something, though he quickly thinks better of it and clams up. So how come you guys remember, but nobody else does? [Lucia] Hiro and I settled down, desiring nothing more than peace and for people to achieve their dreams. You're the symbol of that promise, Niri! [Lucia] I love you more than words can express... [Lucia] That is why I tried to shield you from this tumltuous past. * Saki looks over at the area of Angie's voice, eyes closed. "... I do remember. It's sketchy, but... there's bits and pieces." * Niri sighs [Lucia] Only the Truth seekers really remember what took place... But why you as well? Mom, I love you too, you know. But um...I'm seventeen, and I don't think I need shielding anymore. Not after all we've been through already! What we really need to know is what's going on so we can decide what to do next. "Why didn't they tell us?" There's a faint sulk to her voice. She almost sounds hurt. Because everyone's still caught up in shielding us. Lucia gives a tiny smile to Trune. "That is a secret for now." * Ryllan says this softly, with no rancor, but there's a hint of repraoch in his eyes, "I thought humanity had grown up enough to leave the shield." But the more we're shielded at this point, the greater hurt it could cause in the long run. ^^; * Mikel frowns. "A secret?" [Lucia] I won't protect you anymore, Niri, everyone. This is the time people have to stand on their own two feet. Except you still are. [Lucia] Unfortunately, Zophar is returning -- [Lucia] We don't have Althena to stop him, and Hiro and I are no longer as powerful as we once were. I... would think that things are getting to the point where all the cards should just be laid on the table, so to speak. * Angie rocks forward and leans over. "I keep hearing about Zophar. Why is Zophar coming back? What does this have to do with anything else?" She pauses and sighs. "Do gods get reborn too?" Well. The elementalors said he was a man, at first. So presumably... Wait, what? Zophar IS returning? [Lucia] That is the truth, Niri. I'm not lying. I mean, I had that suspicion, but...wait, how? Who's responsible? Does this have to do with the Prophetess? Is SHE doing this? Zophar's returning. That's lovely. I'm still interested as to why you're still trying to shield us, Lucia. [Lucia] Long ago, I only banished him... he vowed with his last breath that he would return to destroy everything. And that as long as evil remained in the hearts and souls fo humanity, he would always be able to return. You banished him? Is he unkillable or something? Hey, I'll fight him anytime, anywhere! ...But first we need to know details. ^^; How do you know he's returning now? And where will he show up? In what form? There's lots we still don't know! * Angie rubs her eyes with her palms and spits out an exasperated sigh. "Does this happen often? Did you guys have to kill Zophar every few centuries back in the day?" [Lucia] He's still gathering strength in the hidden places of the world. There is some time before he's actually able to manifest. I get the feeling I need to talk to Dad about this too! [Lucia] Hiro still has the sword of Althena, but it's a shadow of it's old powers... [Lucia] And with the lifting of my curse, my magic is not what it sued to be. << used >> Hmm. * Saki opens one eye again, peering at Lucia. "... so what are the Prophets trying to do with whatever they're gathering from you all?" [Lucia] You will battle him Niri... I know that much. But you also need to gain strength and experience... Yeah, but what about the Prophetess? * Mikel frowns. "So.. where does the Prophetess fit in all this?" [Lucia] The Prophets have an agenda that remains a mystery even to me. They are a wild card. Gathering souls to live once more. Will they aid or help him? I cannot say. But I do know this... [Lucia] Even I fell into their words of prophecy. * Angie groans into her hands. "Look," she says, spreading her fingers to peek through them, "I really, REALLY appreciate your being so up-front about all this, but I'm thinking this is going to take a while. Can we maybe go someplace, I'll get my notebook, buy everyone a pitcher?" Lucia looks to the statue a moment as Angie asks. 'Now that you mention it..." Except for the kids, I hope, angie. <> Well, here's the thing. The Prophetess is planning some big Reunion thingy, we think. To revive their souls. Now we need to know before this happens whether or not we should stop it. I was thinking of asking Johnathan. [Lucia] I was about to see Johnathan myself. You are going to need his help. [Lucia] Shall we visit him together? Oh, we figured THAT out already! Yeah, that sounds good to me. Oh, I know! Let's go get a pitcher first. I'll take him some pear juice or something. No Alchohol for you, Niri. * Mikel can't help but snicker. * Niri eyes Ryllan. "I think that's for my mom to decide!" Mom, can I have some berry wine? * Angie hauls herself to her feet, gingerly disentangling her numb legs. "That sounds good. We were wondering how we'd get in to see him again." * Saki heaves another sigh, getting to her feet. She seems angry; possibly rightfully so, as she stares off into the middle distance moodily. Actually, it's for the law to decide, you minor you. Lucia chuckles. "If you can take on this task, you can certainly be responsible with a drink." [Lucia] Hiro has been sneaking them to you anyway. Somehow I don't think someone will protest if Mis Saylan says okay. * Mikel gets to his feet as well. << Miss* >> You know, last time I checked, university policy on drinking contradicts itself in five seperate places anyway. Lucia breaks the whole "ancient hero" visage and becomes a mother for a minute. Thanks! *Sticks her tongue out at Ryllan* ...Although I think Dad thought you didn't know about that, Mom. Moms know everything. /Everything/. Lucia nods. Lucia then raises her hands for a moment as a gentle blue glow envelops her. I think you're right, Mikel. * Mikel grins. "Personal experience." The statue nearby emits a similar glow. Then Niri's Dragon Wings start also harmonizing. * Niri blinks at Lucia, then grabs the Dragon Wings. "...What?" * Saki grits her teeth, tugging angrily at her hair at the magical buildup. She's still off-kilter from the conversation. * Trune stares at Lucia. He's been pretty quiet for a while. [Lucia] Just knocking genbtly on Mr Hylan's dimensional door. That's gently? I'd hate to see what happens when you kick the door in. Dimensional... door. Everything seems to gradually fade out -- Heh! That's one way to do it! >> Everything seems to gradually fade out... >> ........ >> As slowly as they faded, they fade back in! >> Brief snatch of inn music << hehe >> * Johnathan (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 << "Oh no, something went wrong!" *appear in north pole* >> * TheStoryteller sets mode: +o Johnathan * Niri blinks, looking around as things fade back in. * Johnathan stands up from his desk as the background of his office fades into view. He has a few papers with angular markings on them on his desk, and everything seems to be as it was last time you saw it... except that the sun is overhead instead of a roof, and where the walls were, there are the beginnings of what appear to be orchards. * Niri brightens as she sees the office appear around them, heaving a sigh of relief. * Angie takes a moment to appreciate the scenery. * Mikel ...opens his eyes, and very quickly is giving Johnathan a formal bow. ...Hey, the sun and trees are new. I was wondering when you people were going to show up. I didn't think th-... Lucia. Johnath- I mean, Headmaster Hylan! I'm so GLAD to see you! *Niri darts forward and grabs him in a hug* Lucia courtseys to Johnathan. It's been a wh- ack! Nice place, Headmaster, and... * Ryllan pauses to sigh at Niri. * Mikel ...then just kind of stares as Johnathan gets attacked by Niri. "...Hurricane Niri strike again." * Tanan blinks Lucia is fairly serious but she can't hide a grin as Niri tackle-hugs the big man on campus. * Niri lets the headmaster go, smiling cheerily. "I like what you've done with the place!" Wha- th- ...hello? * Johnathan blinks a few times, looking completely disconcerted * Mikel coughs. "Erm, morning, Headmaster Hylan." Hurricane Niri, indeed. * Angie paces, holding a hand out in front of her in the expectation of encountering an invisible wall. * Saki wobbles - the usual disorientation and slight crawling feeling she gets whenever she's assaulted by enough magical force, and it's suddenly all around her. * Trune shakes his head and chuckles, "Man, one of the strongest guys in the world magically just got bear-hugged by the human incarnation of sugar." ...Hey now. That's not fair. Well, not entirely fair. * Tanan looks at the papers on the desk for a few moments, then looks off at the trees. "Oranges?" No, it seems the proper judgement. [Lucia] Please forgive my overzealous daughter, but I fear my stories have gotten her a bit uppity about saving the world. I'm sure you can relate... Yeah, we're inducted into the secret "everything is totally fucky" club now. * Niri rolls her eyes at her mother again. "Uppity?" * Johnathan pats Niri on the head in an uncertain fashion, looking at Lucia. "Not particularily. What makes you say th- oh. Right. Yes, of course." * Angie cracks a wry smile, inwardly worrying whether she'll come off as casual or crazy. [Lucia] I thought I'd bring them all here to see you, now that the Elementalors are on side, and 'Rachel's begun to awaken. * Niri grins, totally at ease by the looks of things, and snickers a little at the idea that Johnathan would forget saving the world. Well, there's actually one still left I think... Also, I'll need to speak to your wife, and possibly you later. I have a passenger. * Saki whips around, staring plainly at Lucia once again. "You even knew her /name/ and I wasn't told?" Yeah, that has to do with the help you provided the last time we came to visit. Ryllan's big plan had unexpected consequences. * Niri gives Saki an apologetic sidelong glance. * Mikel coughs. "Better than the worst-case scenario." Lucia shakes her head at Saki. "No, actually I did not." I'm glad to see you're still alive, Ryllan. I admit I had my doubts. We'll see what we can do for you. And... I don't believe I recognize this young man. Your little group keeps growing. Although a few faces are missing, too. Is everyone all right? Vytor's just catching up with his sister, right now. [Lucia] But I've been watching you through the wings Niri was carrying this whole time, more or less. Yes. Some of them simply decided they couldn't stay with us. * Mikel inclines his head, alread- then he's turned to look at Lucia. "...Wait /what/?" Yeah, what? You can do that? * Niri looks a little hurt that she would do so without telling them. (w) Talk about a lack of privacy. * Saki puts a hand to her forehead, closes here eyes, and takes a long, slow breath. The faint edges of black linger around her hands for a second before she all but slumps to a sprawled sitting position on the floor, apparently having given up on being indignant. [Lucia] That's why I had Hiro give them to you, although he also wanted to make sure you could run if you got into trouble. They are an artifact of the old Dragons and the Goddess after all... * Niri tries to remember if she's done anything particularly embarrassing on their journey! Well, it would have been nice if you'd TOLD me that.... :/ * Niri eyes Saki. "You okay?" You know, Lucia, you keep telling us you can't protect us anymore, but you also keep keeping these lovely little secrets. a mite contradictory of you. * Angie sighs and rubs her forehead with her thumb. "Well, we've got plenty of time for revelations yet. It's not even noon." [Lucia] Well, I did say I would tell you the truth now. And you can't blame me, can you? * Mikel just lets out a sigh before turning back towards Johnathan and giving another little bow. "....erm, anyways. A pleasure to finally meet you, Headmaster. I'm Mikel Sayeld." * Saki waves a hand at Niri. "... just one thing after another." ...I'm still not keen on this whole spying thing. But you're still not telling us the whole truth, are you? Wait, wait, wait. We're doing something dangerous, we find out we have people looking out for us, and we're mad? * Tanan pinches the bridge of his nose as though he has a headache. I think it's more the whole not knowing we were being watched. * Johnathan watches the group and Lucia, actually looking slightly amused. "Ah. Welcome then, Mikel." [Lucia] There's really no need to watch you anymore. I was just trying to make sure you were safe. * Saki sighs out. "Enough, enough," she adds just a little weakly. "... we can debate this afterwards. We've more important things." * Angie feigns a conversational tone, but her voice is a little too loud. "So! From the point of view of our shadowy guardian angel..." A beat. "Am I doing okay?" (m) Mothers. Know. Everything. * Johnathan reaches down to touch the papers. "While they're sorting this out, and before I forget. Professor?" * Tanan winces. "Yes sir?" (w) Of course they do, Mikel. [Lucia] The next part is now up to you and Johnathan. All denied. Except the hat. * Tanan sighs. Lucia waves a hand in his direction. * Mikel ...looks at Tanan. "Er... what?" Huh? *Blinks at Tanan* * Johnathan represses a grin. "The professor here submitted some absolutely wonderful proposals last time you were here, once we managed to translate them. Delightful really." I.. didn't think anyone would bother to.. erm.. * Tanan coughs. ..../Translate/ them? What were they? *Looks intrigued* ...Okay, now I'm just curious. [Lucia] And Ryllan, you want the Truth, but noone holds all of it. That's the purpose of this journey you're now on. So what's the hat? Is it like a world-saving hat that when you wear it it lets you save the world? We could use a hat like that. * Johnathan sifts through the papers. "Sadly, no. They're all relating to professor McVrey, actually. And one to young Trune here." Yes, but you hold more of it than you're sharing. Why the secrecy? What purpose did it hold to hide the secrets of the Unravelling to the populace? * Angie looks at Tanan, eyebrow cocked and ready, smile twitching on the edge of her lips. I really can't award Trune a medal for not taking after his father, sadly. Nor can I censure his grandmother for.. what was it... 'not beating her son properly when he was little' [Lucia] Do you really need to ask that question...? Think awhile and it will be clear. This is a fresh start for people. And even for me. * Niri blinks, then stares at Tanan. "Wow, I gotta read this myself." Nor is there a... 'department of applied douchebaggery', I don't pretend to understand what that means, to name him head of. * Niri starts giggling. I did have them send one of those explorer's hats with the little light on it to him, though. That was nice of you, really, professor. * Saki picks up on the other conversation, and has something of a grin when she heaves herself back up to her feet. "... alright. So we get to business. What am I? And what's in Ryllan's head? I know the two are different somehow." Of course. And then to continue hiding it from us, after we were ordained by the prophetess as... whatever we are? Why cripple us? * Tanan stares off at the trees. "...must be hard to see with his head up there. Could use a light." My impression of you has gone up quite a bit, Tanan. * Mikel starts snickering. "Tanan, you're the /best/." You said it was a secret, but franky, I don't think we have time for secrets and games, Lucia. <> I should really discipline you or something, but by the time I was done laughing I'd lost the heart for it. * Johnathan waves a hand dismissively. "Anyway, that's not why you're here." Ryllan kind of has a point, honestly. Surely if reincarnation is real, it'd be good for humanity as a whole to know about? Aww, I was sort of liking this whole conversation. * Saki steps up to the desk, staring directly at Johnathan. "... I need to know more about what and who I am. I'm not sure I could take on the Prophetess like this." Lucia adopts a hard stare, a little unexpected. "Ryllan... trust me that such secrets are better left forgotten. They have no bearing upon our current situation." * Mikel lets out a sigh. "All good things, Trune." [Lucia] But when Lure is done, people will remember. That is all I can share. I'm sure they do. Until the exact moment when we're deep in it somewhere and it becomes important. And then we die. * Johnathan looks at Saki. "Yes. I agree. I'm afraid you're going to need to go south, but it might be best if you didn't quite yet." Okay, yeah. Johnathan, we've got a problem with that whole mess. WHY do we need to go south? What will we change by being there? Look, I get that the big bad conspiracy is important. But isn't this whole stopping Zophar thing a bit more important than worrying about who you induct into the fifth level of secrethood? Also, what's going to happen and should we try to stop it or not? We still aren't sure what the Prophetess is really up to with this whole reunion thing. * Saki holds the gaze for a moment, then worries at her lip. "... I'm not sure I have a choice about when I go. I can already feel it like it's right next to me." I don't want to head south until we know for sure that we can ruin their party. What's the party supposed to accomplish though, and do we really WANT to ruin it? [Lucia] I'm here to give you the tools to stop his revival. To that end, I'll share what I know from my experiences... is this enough? Also, what if we didn't go at all? The Prophetess seems pretty obsessed with having us as witnesses... This is... I don't want to be vague, I really don't. Unfortunately, that's the best I'm going to be able to do. I can see things that are going to happen if I try. But I don't really see details or outcomes. Just that something's going to happen. Not even a hint of it's good or bad? * Saki shakes her head, glancing over at Niri. "... it's calling. Louder each day. Like I'm being dragged." [Lucia] But I'm afraid this is not the time for my story. It's about yours. * Niri frowns at Saki. It could be good. It could be bad. It could be vital that you're all there. And it might come to a choice between going and abandoning your friend to go alone. If we HAD to, we might be able to keep you from going, Saki...but I want to know more. * Angie shakes her head. "It's not going to help anyone but them, best case. And if we actually have to deal with Zophar at some point in the future, all the better to not hav the Prophets mucking them uo. Headmaster!" She turns to face john, meeting his eyes for a moment before casting them down. "I had a theory about the Prophetess." I could keep her here, against her will... but that might be the worst thing I could do. How come? How do you know exactly what may be important when we're out there on the spot? Frankly, Lucia, we've been jerked around by just about everybody involved in this from day one. We need to understand the whole picture. Both about the current situation and past ones. She's called you the new truth seekers. When... I and my companions had that name, and fought against... * Johnathan trails off. * Saki frowns, breathing out. "... I'm not sure I'd let myself be held. I want answers. ... the Prophetess is Sarah, isn't she?" Lucia looks to Johnathan a moment. The most important thing we did was to make a decision. Or a set of decisions. And those required us to be in certain places at certain times. Fought against who? * Johnathan shrugs. "Virtue. The stories don't exactly have it right." Or else, it's going to come down, out there in the black, without the gods of the past to help us, to some important little fact that you neglected to tell us about. And then we're gonna die, and Zophar probably won't be stopped. And that'll probably be a bad thi - Wait. That's not terribly important right now, though. * Mikel blink. << +s >> * Niri blinks, then looks troubled and frowns deeply. [Lucia] ...yes, but in the end you were trying to achieve the same things. * Johnathan smiles good-naturedly. "Well, yes. It all worked out in the end. I'll always have a special place in my heart for anyone whose death cell I've sat in." So...what you're saying is, we don't KNOW what the Prophetess is up to and we don't know what we should try to stop, or what we should let happen, or /anything/. Right? * Trune looks confused once more, glancing between Jonathan and Lucia, "(w) This is so fucked up." [Lucia] Even Virtue had to make some difficult choices, Johnathan. she was not omnipotent as they say. ...That one you /are/ going to have to tell us about, unless we're sure that with everyone being reincarnated, the sort of Virtue who'd stick you in a death cell isn't going to reappear. * Angie looks from Ryllan to John, then down at her feet. She folds her arms and sighs. * Mikel glances at Niri. "I... think he meant we can't do anything but continue forward." * Saki sighs out. "... be that as it may, I still need to go. I'm no Seeker. Right now I might as well be an enemy for all the good I could do," she concludes, low and solemn. Yeah, but what if continuing forward means we walk straight into a hornet nest? [Lucia] Virtue's role was at an end, and she vanished with the old Lunar. ...Anyone who cooks as well as you do is no enemy, Saki. Besides, my crime was willforce manipulation. They'd have to build a cell around the whole academy. Impractical. OK, let's talk practical for a second. If anything we do could ruin everything, and doing nothing could ruin everything, we might as well just forget it and do whatever seems best. The same thing the prophets were killed for. Kind of ironic. For my part, anything that involves eating other people's souls can't be pretty. Therefore we stop the ritual, whatever's going on there. [Lucia] A;thena even saved a world that hated her... long ago. Which means we go in with a plan. * Johnathan looks carefully at Saki. "Here's the worst part. Or maybe the best part. I can't be certain that the prophets are really the enemy." Headmaster, you're the master of magic, what sort of rituals could be performed to use powerful souls to bring the dead back to life. * Angie nods. "Exactly! We need a way to beat her or there's no point in going." ? Wouldn't that require some idea of what we're looking at, besides another match with the Prophetess? Headmaster, that's exactly what I suspected. And that's why I had questions about all this. Also, Ryllan has a very good point. * Saki drags a hand through her hair, nodding in agreement with Johnathan. "... Whether they're 'the' enemy or not, they're the problem that got us into this mess." I'm.. not sure. We were... a focus of power, during the unraveling. So to speak. I've never actually tried to raise the dead, so this is all theory, but maybe there's some of that still clinging to us. Is there any way to alter whater path brings souls back, so they don't forget themselves? «ooc: whatever » [Lucia] You're correct, Johnathan. It's a quality of all the Seeker souls. If their spirits are up and moving around, maybe they just need some kind of boost to bind themselves back to their bodies? ....But what would happen to the seekers if they do this? Their souls, I mean? Can you think of any... sort of ritualistic components, specific willforce patterns... anything we could disrupt? Still, they've taken what, five now? Only half. I wonder if what's going on down south is really the end of it. [Lucia] Johnathan, do you know about who is now their prisoner? Prisoner? * Saki shakes her head. "End or no, it's the 'next'." I'm sorry, Ryllan. If you happen to see any large glowing patterns or anything like that, that would be your clue. But I really can't look into their lair from here, without exposing myself far too much. I wonder why they need the Truthseeker souls in the first place. Right. Lucia makes a gesture. "The Green Dragon is moving that direction, last I felt his energy." [Lucia] Do you think they intend to sue his remaining energy? << use >> Wait, who, what? ...ookay back up a step. 'The green dragon' is a title Lure gave himself. He's.. how can I explain this << that was to John btw. >> You know that myth about the guy who wandered around planting things? * Mikel smiles weakly. "In a way we can understand, hopefully." He's like that. Except he's a collection of souls, and he's seeding them back into the world. [Lucia] Remember what I said before we came here? * Ryllan shakes his head, "We have to stop dancing to her tune. Recently that's all we've been doing. Following her around and playing witness. Either she wants us to do it for her own ends, or she wants us to do it for the world's sake. If it's the latter, she can damn well explain the necessity to us. We can't keep dancing to her tune, blindly, and letting her do... well, whatever she wants, good or bad." * Angie sucks in breath suddenly. "That's it!" she says, stabbing the air with her finger. "That's the sort of thing I needed to know about! Composite entities!" [Lucia] Think of Lure, the Green Dragon, as the physical embodiment of all spirit energy given a will. * Johnathan frowns at Lucia. "I'd imagine he'd be ideal, if they could catch and use him." That'd... be quite a bit of power, I think. ...So...let me get this straight...They want to catch this Lure guy and use him...shouldn't we protect him? That way, the ritual doesn't happen. Unless we want it too. Seriously there's been so much info my head is still in reeling mode. * Mikel winces. "We tried the protecting thing already." [Lucia] He existed solely to return this energy and revive the Blue Star. He's lost much with all the births... but he is not yet done. Wait, OK. Yes. So we need to try it smartly. So why is he going there? is he helping them? [Lucia] It appears to be against his will. It all depends on which side they're on. If all they want to do is revive themselves, I don't know if that's such a big deal. If they're actively trying to help Zophar, we need to louse things up however we can. Like say, get him back here, behind all the wards and things we can think of. * Mikel glances at Ryllan. "Barring hiding him here with the Headmaster... or maybe somehow getting him to the Moon.." * Mikel shrugs helplessly. * Saki almost swivels on the spot, eyes flashing as she glares at Ryllan. "You're forgetting something." He wouldn't stay here. He definitely wouldn't go there. Seems to me we ought to hunt down Lure, then! [Lucia] you cannot take on the Prophetess, or more specifically, the amalgamation of the Prophets. But you can certainly infiltrate their base and prevent his use in their rituals. And that is, Miss Isai? * Saki grits her teeth for the briefest of moments. "We get that bastard out of your head before we go anywhere near the place. ... and my name is Saki. Or Rachel." She stalks off to one side of the orchard-lined room. Yes. Yes we do. All we'd have to do is free him or get him clear. Of course, for all we know they specifically want us to go down there and try to free him That's the next point I wanted to address. That dovetails nicely with what I want to talk about. Can we...sorry, you go first. Noah. He's in my head. I want him out, and I want him somewhere where the prophetess can't get to him. It might buy us some time if she can't find him to include him in the revival. Maybe we can lock /him/ in something. I was thinking a pretty little ball, with a button to help us get information from him. * Angie strokes her chin. "Actually..." She looks up. "Is there anyway we could return him to the, uh, the flow? Get him reincarnated normally? We should try to get information out of him first, but that'd neutralize him for good, right?" That's an idea... The problem is, if he's neutralized, then they may go forward without him. Surely they'll do that anyway. But if there's hope... You don't leave a comrade behind, if you can help it. Would they even know? Hmm. That's easier said than done. I really don't know what people have been saying about me, but raising the dead, trapping souls.. I really don't do things like that. Hard to say. [Lucia] If you wish to try, I can aid you You have the theories of Willforce down better than anyone else. [Lucia] You could say soul energy is my specialty. * Niri looks even more troubled. ...Niri? [Lucia] However, these are not normal souls by any means. Corrupted by the antithesis of holy power... ...What? * Angie looks pleadingly at Johnathan. "But this reincarnation thing, it's a natural process, right? Couldn't we just, like, let nature take its course?" You okay? Oh yeah, I'm fine! * Niri smiles cheerily. ...Okay, but you don't have to hide anything if you aren't. We really should try to get him out of Ryllan. Reminds me of Scott, in a way... could be bad to leave it there. No one is gonna think any less of you. The one thing I don't want is to get him out and send him back to the prophetess. We do that, it was all a waste. Oh, I'm fine! Trust me. Even that might be better than leaving him in, Ryllan. I'd rather you just chain me to the frigging wall instead. * Niri leans closer to Trune and whispers so no one else can hear, "I'll tell you later, okay?" * Trune nods, "Okay. Deal then." [Lucia] Scott... is his body still resting in the infirmary with the others? You can put me next to someone interesting so I can shout multiple personality insults at him. We're just worried that he'll go flying back. Yes. No change, so far. Whatever they did, it's prevented the bodies from dying. They're just.. suspended. This is sort of related to something else I was wondering about. The Prophetess a composite entity. It seems that the multiplicity is the source of her power. Ryllan -- *She indicates him with a gesture.* -- managed to pull one of the souls off her. Is there any way we can break her up? * Johnathan looks at Lucia. "Where to put this Noah once we have him out, though?" Somewhere we can keep an eye on him, that's for sure. It sounds good, in theory, Angie. We could do it if we could get her to stand still. It was turning her own power against her that did it though, wasn't it? I doubt that will work again. * Mikel ...thinks. "Is there another way to divide something like that, though?" What about Saki? * Angie sighs and flops into a chair. "But we HAVE to," she says, despondently. "Otherwise we'll never beat her, even if we stop this...thing she's doing." Mind you if it does, she's stupid, and that solves a lot of our problems. ...Well. I experienced a lot of what she can do. * Saki nods. "... I had a request, as well. But... as far as I know, I am Rachel. She's no rider." I think she's anything but stupid. I THINK I could maybe replicate the patterns, with free willforce to work with, and equipment. [Lucia] Hmm.. a vessel... * Niri frowns thoughtfully at Saki. "You're SURE that's true?" It'd require a lot of refinement... and something that's not actually a soul, but exibits the characteristics to test it on. Saki and Rachel don't seem to have the same kind of relationship that Ryllan and Noah do. Even when Rachel was angry and in control, she still seemed... it's hard to describe * Saki tilts her head. "... not one hundred percent. No harm in getting it checked." Lucia whispers into Johnathan's ear. "I know an item that might help us. A dragon diamond would contain it properly." * Saki tacks on to the end of Tanan's statement. "... I... just feel like Rachel when it happens. Noah and Ryllan fight." d <<...>> << MIGHTY D >> «ooc: OH SO MIGHTY » * Johnathan keeps his voice low. "Diamond? That could certainly work. Do you know where we could put our hands on one?" * TheStoryteller looks down and pulls an exquisite silver ring off of her finger. Set inside it is a large diamond, crystal clear and perfect. It must cost a small fortune. << ack >> Lucia looks down and pulls an exquisite silver ring off of her finger. Set inside it is a large diamond, crystal clear and perfect. It must cost a small fortune. <> <> << *^^* >> [Lucia] ...this was my engagement ring from Hiro... and also the last dragon diamond in existence. Uh...man, that's big. * Trune states the obvious. ...The last. Lovely. So even if we could dismantle the prophetess, we wouldn't be able to put her anywhere. I MIGHT be able to temporarily immobilize her, but....yeah. There's only so many times I can sing "The Song That Never Ends." Really? I can't even sing it once. I can play backup on guitar if it helps. ....but I can't play it through once either without retching. Guess we're boned. * Saki looks over at Johnathan. "... Rachel's able to repel willforce. Do you think you could hold her in place if need be?" [Lucia] So you discovered that did you Niri. I'm impressed. Can we duplicate it in the forge? * Johnathan looks at the ring. "We'll have to be careful with it. Hopefully this can be done without hurting it, I know it must be important to you." [Lucia] Because the prophets left the natural order of things, they are like a melody that is off key... [Lucia] If you invoke the Goddess Gift of song, it will naturally harm them by it's very nature. Oh, is /that/ why it works? Well, I just know that singing sometimes seems to have an effect on things! * Mikel glances at Angie. "Vytor might be able to..." [Lucia] *nod* The universe itself is a great Harmony of being. the stars, planets, everything has a song... creation and destruction can be accomplished simply by learning these patterns. * Angie smiles a little at Lucia's comment. It's not enough to lift her mood, but it got a reaction, at least. [Lucia] Of course, just one voice alone can't work such a miracle... but we can have an affect with enough practice. I always believed that. * Johnathan looks at Saki. "Yes. That shouldn't be a problem, but I can't guarantee it might not hurt a little. Honestly, I'd like you to come back later, after we sort this out. I'd like to talk to you, and to Rachel. I have a few ideas, and hopefully she'll take a chance to tell her side of things peacefully. [Lucia] Zophar wishes to end that song... it's his only reason for being now. [Lucia] That's why I insisted you attend the arts as well as combat and survival, my daughter... * Saki nods. "... that's exactly what I was thinking." * Angie rocks back in her seat. She looks tired now, but a little more hopeful. "I tell you, it's not much fun, but the good thing about this job is you get to meet lots of interesting people." * Niri nods. "I guess that's starting to make sense now." [Lucia] And you are about to discover the frontier. isn't that tempting? So! I guess I'd better spend my time working on my music...I wonder if Haylee will have time for a lesson or two before we leave? Lucia gazes at Niri and puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure I can arrange that. She should be here soon." Leah just seems dazed at this all. "I... i think we all need to sit down for a second." Yeah, seriously. You took the words out of my mouth. * Niri nods. "Oh, before we leave...thank you for all your help, Johnath- I mean Headmaster." And I think I'm going to hunt down Haylee, and maybe Dad...but first I think we need.... You only now notice that the entire time Shiro has been sitting on Johnathan's desk and has ironically fallen asleep :o * Niri gets a glint in her eye Desserts! ...Frankly, I can't disagree. * Johnathan reaches over and scratches Shiro behind the ears. "Right. All of you, go and relax for now. You'll have to head out soon enough, but until then... we'll see what we can do to help Ryllan and Saki." This smells of a heavy brainstorming session, which requires copious amounts of booze and sugar. Preferably in approximately equal amounts. * Trune chuckles, "Ah, sugar cures what ails you, I guess." ...booze and sugar. Booze and sugar, ho? * Saki drags a hand through her hair, then gazes at it for a moment before sighing out a breath. "I'm not going to do this on anything but a clear head. I'll catch up." * Johnathan nods. "Come back when you feel ready." >> And so the party discovered at least one universal truth of happiness! Unfortunately, everything else will not be solved so easily by cake and liqour. But one can hope... == SESSION END == Tah dah! >> 5 XP! Session Close: Sun Apr 22 01:52:16 2007