Session Start: Sat Sep 29 21:37:31 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 54: Crystal Teardrops | Location: Crystal Spire | Pool: 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' == SESSION START == The group enters the foyer of the Crystal Spire, fresh from their battle with the Dragon Angel guardian golems. The hallway is decorated in that same crystal and marble motif, with rows of saints with swords pointed down guarding the path deeper into this ancient sanctuary. The air is somewhat stale, but fresh with a peaceful energy that calms your spirits, even as they burn with questions for its matron... The single path leads forward to a central pillar that supports the structure, cieling opening into a large antechamber decorated with stained glass motifs. Many spokes branch outwards from this point, and a hovering silver dias floats in the center of the column. An elevator of some sort? * Saki rotates an arm slowly, stepping forward at a careful pace: peaceful or not, she's extremely wary and her earlier jokeyness is gone to leave a very focused energy about her. * Mikel spares each of the statues a rather wary glance while he walks, though as a whole he looks rather impressed with the appearance of the place. "...if they attack us too I quit." Shh. Don't jinx us. * Niri walks silently through the hallway, her eyes scanning the architecture carefully. Fine. Rather, uh, fancy place though. * Mikel heads along the path towards what seems to be an elevator while he chatters. Guess Althena's followers -- and Lucia -- like things really holy and homey. * Niri approaches the dais and inspects it cautiously. She was like, Althena's right hand person. Shared tastes I guess. * Tanan sounds oddly peaceful since entering the tower. "It's a nice place." I'd ask Niri if her home is like this, but...that'd be in bad form right now. * Saki frowns upwards, trying to see where the elevator might lead. "... to the top, I suppose." * Mikel rolls his eyes. * Mikel steps up to the dias, tapping a foot. Then he just simply hops on. A pair of Althena statues flank the dias, which is large enough to accomidate a large grouping of followers. It's not immediately apparent what powers it, though it seems to be some type of electromagnetism. * Ryllan sighs, "Let's just go." * Niri sticks her tongue out at Trune. "I live in a HOUSE, thank you." She pokes curiously at the dais's apparent controls. "Hmm. A thunder spell might jump start this..." * Ryllan gets on the dias. Yes I know you live in a house, I just wondered if it was...nrgh. Nevermind. * Angie glares at the statues as she steps up to the dais. Does Lucia decorate like this, I think he meant. * Tanan hmmms. "I give it a 9, Trune." * Mikel taps the dias with his staff. "Thunder magic, huh?" * Trune steps on the dias with a slight frown, "Well, it's not my taste but it is nice." The dias reacts to the presence of a few persons on it and it glows with a magical charge. It shudders, and begins to move upwards without any prompting. Or not. You might want to hop on! No. She actually likes crocheted doilies. * Niri makes a face * Saki blinks once, then bolts forwards to catch up to the others, leaping onto the disk. Hey! We're moving...hurry up people! Whoa! Is someone doing that? * Niri leaps aboard! Looks automatic. * Saki helps haul Vytor up onto the disk with a grunt of effort. The ride is surprisingly gentle and slow, as the lift slips into a tunnel of clear quartz, and eventually comes to a rest on the second floor. In writing on the floor is the solitary word 'Mercy', depicted with the blue sapphires. * Niri raises an eyebrow. Fancy, but unhelpful. There are 6 spokes emerging from this central point. Mercy? As in have Mercy upon our tormented souls? Maybe it's somebody's name. Some people are called Mercy. Nearby is also a similar dias, going up further into the heavens. Hmm. Yeah, not exactly subtle... I'm seeing a pattern here. Shall we explore here, or continue up? I'm sorely tempted to keep your mother waiting. You also note the presence of red crosses on the walkways. Niri recalls this as a familiar old world isignia for hospitals. We'll know if the next floor says 'Justice' or 'Susan'. We're busy. * Ryllan steps onto the next dias. What if it says 'Hope'? Floor 3. * Angie looks sadly down the unexplored hallways. "There might be treasure or something," she says. We can loot after we harass Lucia, I guess. We'd better go, Angie. Ryllan doesn't want to sight see. We can always loot the holy relics on our way down. * Saki glances around as she catches up to the others, taking up a spot directly in the centre of the dais. "If we get the option." You wish, Mikel. You know us. Either the tower'll collapse or we'll be thrown out or they'll have to fumigate it for cockroaches all so we can't go back. Just to spite us. Then I'll write a letter of protest. There are rules to be followed about these things. * Mikel hops onto the next dias. Heh. "Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing to complain about the incourteous way we were treated in an ancient tower across the ocean." Maybe I can convince Headmaster Hylan to deliver it to the past or something. * Trune hops on as well, "Even though you were spraying for cockroaches and worrying about the general health of the populace, I really wanted to find that silver piece, damn it! Love, Mikel." * Angie trails her fingertips along the wall as she walks over to the next platform. * Saki sobers and glances sidelong at the group. "... at a guess, we'll be seeing them both very soon." What general populance? Besides the dragon statues. * Niri chuckles. Eleven that time. Uhh...well... * Trune shrugs, "Stray cats? Adorable bone munching monsters? Your guess is as good as mine." The next dias starts arising to the 3rd Floor. This one is marked 'Prudence'. Drat. Could be either a name or a virtue, yeah... So, want to take bets on the next floor? I vote Charity. I'm going with Hope. I'll go with Dorcas. ....What? Two. ...Dorcas? * Mikel turns and looks at Trune. * Saki blinks twice, then puts a hand to her forehead and just sighs as she again stands as close to the centre as she can discern. Dorcas. The only name that's more retarded sounding than my own. ...jury's out on that one. Like before, there is another one arising farther. By your guess there is a total of 8 floors. * Tanan hrms. "Maybe one and a half." * Mikel hops off and makes for the next dias. "This is going to take a while." Prudence also features the image of a judge's gavel. I dunno, I don't think Trune sounds that bad. It's a good name. * Saki huffs out a breath, continuing on. "... we've got time to burn." * Niri heads for the next dais Ryllan discovers soon enough that the next lift takes him to the 4F, 'Charity'. Here is the icon of coins in open palms. Dammit. * Trune looks at Niri, flabbergasted, "You're kidding, right?" * Mikel flips Niri a silver piece. "You cheated." * Ryllan chuckles. * Niri grins at Mikel. "Did not! Just guessed! How could I cheat?" Well, it IS possible that you had inside information. * Niri also shrugs at Trune. "Seriously, what's so awful about it?" Trust me, my mom has never told me /anything/ about this place. Insider information. I didn't even know it existed until she told all of us back at the Academy. * Saki looks down at the floor for a long moment as she passes the insignia. Almost contemplatively, she flips a silver piece directly onto the emblem as she walks past it. Family instinct then. * Mikel makes for the next one. Well...geez, I think everyone and their mothers have taken a stab at it. Prune, Spoon, Goon, uh... * Niri sticks a tongue out at Mikel and continues on. Saki notices the silver twinkles slighty as it contacts, but otherwise does little else. It just screams, "Go mangle it for awesome chuckles." Well, it starts with "Tr" which sounds nice, and also it makes me think of the word "true." Like...you're honest and trustworthy? I mean, sometimes brutally honest, okay, but... *winks* * Angie takes her time traversing the hallway, looking in each doorway that she passes. "It would be more cost-effective to just have one elevator," she says. Maybe it was a security measure? Somehow, I get the feeling they weren't worrying about efficiency in building this place. * Saki smirks, as if this was exactly what she expected: leaving it sitting there, she settles back to wait for the next elevator. "... it's symbolic. Symbolic is important." Anyone who builds dangerous fighting tests into their doors... Yeah, this was more of an emergency sanctuary....not exactly, say, an office building. * Trune slowly smiles and gives Niri a nod, "Huh, never thought of my name that way before. Thanks." Eight. Eight eight eight. That made sense. Most definitely security. Eight? The next dias arises to the 5F, 'Temperance'. It has two chalices flowing into one another. Yup. I can always think of a way to make fun of /anyone's/ name anyway, Trune. Yours isn't any worse than anyone else's! Eight is the number of elements, and the number of points on the compass rose. It's a balanced number. * Mikel points up. "Looks like eight floors. Eight elements, eight prophets, and so on." See? Mikel...Pickle! There you go. Only seven of you, though. * Saki chuckles. "... I don't think I'm cut out for this floor." You're number eight, Tanan. ....Yeah, eight of us, Tanan. * Niri puts special emphasis on the word eight and sounds stern Shiro and Molly might count as a whole person together. If you find a way to combine them I will be horrified and impressed. * Mikel glances at Saki. "Vytor or Ryllan maybe." * Mikel hops onto the next dias. This is the way! * Saki looks askance at Mikel, surprisingly levelly. "... not Ryllan." And she follows on. * Niri grumbles as Tanan smoothly changes the subject, but she continues along with Mikel to the next dais * Ryllan tilts his head, "I gotta say, that's impressive." He hops onto the next dias, "You're not supposed to make water do that." * Trune steps on the next dias, looking slightly more chipper -- well for him, anyway. Mikel is the first to spot the 6F, aptly titled 'Faith'. It's symbol is a person with head bowed before the light. The cieling also appears much closer now, as you can pick out images of angels fighting. There is a multi-headed serpent, breathing lightning and brimstone upon the frightened people, and a goldenclad Lord of the angelic host wielding a great blade. Ooh, that one's me. Wait, maybe he's a bad guy. * Angie points at the mural. No, I think it's very you. * Saki is counting under her breath, it seems; she's counting down the time it takes the elevators to reach the top. If that's you then I will say you have definetely lost weight in the past years or so. If she shoots you I'm not healing the wound, Trune. Well, the camera adds ten pounds. Yeah I realize that. << btw cieling = the stained glass) >> Up we go. * Angie crosses to the next dais and leans against the wall, arms folded, only to get toppled when the lift begins to rise. * Mikel hops once again. I would love to take the time to just explore later. This architecture is fascinating. * Ryllan WALK TO DIAS * Niri looks wistfully at the murals, the ruin explorer in her coming alive. Maybe Lucia can give us the guided tour. * Saki watches the ceiling stonily even as the lift rises. "... we'll make sure to have the chance." Once we're done beating her with rubber mallets, right Mikel? Wait wait wait we have rubber mallets? Why was I not informed. We don't. I checked a while back. The memo said, "Tell everyone except Mikel." * Niri blinks at Tanan, then chuckles. Man, and I let you drive for a bit too. Never again for betraying me. * Tanan clicks the box, another little face popping up: ¯\°_o/¯ The next dias of silver raises you up to the 7F, titled 'Hope'. Here the spokes are very small, clustered around the pillar in 4 discerable rooms. The crystal doors have accents of red, blue, white, and black. You are also right up next to the stained glass mural. ...what the hell. ...the /hell/ is that face, Tanan? ...I can't see it. Blast. The pilalr continue up through the image of the Sun, beyond the raised architecture. * Angie looks up at the mural and takes a deep breath. * Tanan sounds puzzled. "Why is that even..." * Saki stares at the doors of crystal for a long moment. Presently she nods to herself thoughtfully. "... everyone ready?" We'll ask Vytor later. For now, onward! And upwards. Vytor seems occupied hunting around for chips of the mysterious crystalline matter to analyze... The silver dias leading upwards the final time is not glowing, rather dormant. * Mikel peers, hopping onto this dias. Huh, it's not glowing like the others. Wonder if we need to trigger something? Or maybe it just needs a zap? Blasting things almost never makes them work. ...not blasting. I have more settings than just "Blow it up". * Niri pokes at the dais curiously, wondering how to get it moving. * Mikel gives it a bit before trying to see if it is willforce powered or something. * Saki breathes out, and instead starts to make for one of the colored passageways. "Yell if you get it working. I'll see if there's anything else to help around." Apparently at random, she selects the red one to stalk towards. The elevator shimmers in response to Niri's touch. It almost seems happy to see her. ...man * Angie snoops around, rapping on the red door. "Hellooo~!" Nevermind, Saki! Niri did...something? I suppose that was the last line of security. Angie gets no reply. Whatever dwelled here once is dormant, or out to lunch forever. ...Okay weird. * Saki blinks across at Angie. "... have to pay a house visit later," she shrugs, and heads back towards the lift. Name one thing that isn't weird about this. Hrm. Is your book legible here, Angie? Did you get it working? Oh! Niri apparently was the trigger. * Angie digs out the book she took from the tower and opens it up on at a random point. Yeah, for some reason it seems able to tell my ancestry. Go figure. Surprisingly, ANgie's book is now able to be read! The chapter she flipped to deals with experiments on eternal Youth. * Angie turns the book around and holds it up for Tanan (well, Niri) to see, hopping excitedly on the balls of her feet. "It is! Oh damn, can we, like, stay here for a while?" * Niri chuckles. "Not forever. What's the book say?" * Mikel peers over to see as well. * Angie hands the book to Niri. "It says a lot! It's a book." Ha. If anywhere, here. * Niri grins at Angie. "Really?!" No way! * Niri scans the page Angie has the book open to * Ryllan moves to peer over Niri's shoulder, "What is it?" Eternal youth? * Saki frowns in thought. "... could it be useful?" Really, you can read the book? That's...wow. Strange it only seems to work here. It's a tome on Time Magic. Bits seem illegible, but it has enough to get a spotty understanding of the genre of ancient spellcasting. Numerous invocations of Althena predominate, though less than other books of its era... It's supposed to be about Time magic, so... and we found it in Ien so maybe that has to do with it. * Niri hmms, looking it over. Someone from Ien was researching perpetual youth. * Angie shakes her head and steps onto the dais. "It's the star magic. The star-saturation polarizes it so that it can be read." In it are complete direction on how to reverse time for a person, place or object. ....Okay. We're not letting this out of our sight. ...oh wow * Angie paws at the book. "Give it! It's mine." ...well, you took it from me in Ien but fine. * Trune looks surprised, then very troubled as he looks at the floor. Reversing time... dangerous stuff. Be very careful, Angie. Everything useful is dangerous. Power cuts both ways. >> Angie's Mysterious textbook becomes Primer on Eternal Youth - Tool: Enables the use of the 'Reduce' spell. Yeah...I would advise not doing any of that. That's...very dangerous magic. Can't be worse than Gemini Storm. Eh. That's not so bad, compared to some things. * Niri hands the book back to Niri. * Niri hands the book back to Angie Still....it's not something to treat carelessly, I'd think. Stuff involving Zophar doesn't count, Tanan. * Saki crosses her arms, shaking her head. "... ultimately, any kind of star power we can bring to bear could help." S'not Star, I think. I'm talking about things John did. Turning time back a little's not so bad. It might be what we need to nail down the prophetess. That's worth looking into. Just so long as you're careful with it. You told us what else happened to John, Tanan. * Saki nods. "... I agree. At least it might faze her enough for John to land something on her." But yeah, could be very useful. * Mikel grimaces, tapping the dias. Niri, can you tell this thing to go? Shall we head up yet? I...think I can. If we're ready. Unless we're gonna start poking around, let's go. * Trune nods, "Let's see this through. Hopefully we'll get answers." * Saki glances straight at Niri - or possibly Tanan. For her, it's the same thing, it seems. "... if this comes down to a fight, I'm going all out," she notes quietly. * Tanan sounds surprised. "Against Lucia?" * Saki turns around to stalk onto the dais, waving a hand behind her. "... everyone else so far has 'tested' us. Even you." She's got a point there. * Niri blinks * Niri raises her hand to her eyes and shakes her head. If Mom needs to test us as well... * Niri sighs. "I'm going to have WORDS with her, and Dad." Hey. I'm pissed at Lucia too, but I'm kind of hoping we don't have to fight her. * Angie is busily flipping through the book, utterly oblivious to the conversation. Her mouth is open a little. * Tanan sounds skeptical. "We've already faced the guardians here." * Saki smirks, just a little, and turns to face the party again, standing slap-bang in the centre of the disk. "... it's my job to be prepared for anything." Yeah, I'm...well. I don't think we have anything to worry about. I'm /pretty/ sure. So. Let's head on up, but first... *she raises a finger* I want you all to promise to reign in your tempers! << rein in >> The silver lift begins to power up to ascend to the top-most floor, the path through the artistic depiction of the eternal struggle of light and dark clear. * Saki isn't fazed by the jolt of the lift, remaining stock-still. "I'm always perfectly calm," she deadpans, "... and no." You're not allowed to start anything with Mom unless SHE starts something first. Which I doubt she will do. * Saki considers it for a moment, and lowers her head in momentary assent. "... alright." * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 54: Crystal Teardrops | Location: Crystal Spire, Lucia's Chamber | Pool: 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' Finally the group of heroes reaches the last step, the narrow crystalline tube stopping at the 8F. It is labeled 'Love', with a small heart of blue. There is only one walkway here, which leads into a wide open chamber... * Niri nods, seeming satisfied, and tries to see if she can get the lift to rise... * Niri cocks her head to one side, eyeing the heart and the lable. Pretty. But...again, not very subtle. *she grins* << Also label. Argh. >> Subtle as a boot the head, I guess. * Saki apparently gets a little humour out of the situation, smirking to herself. "... that must be Trune." She sobers quickly, and starts along the walkway. AT the end of the corridor is a sparkling, and the sound of a faint hum. * Niri snrks. "What? * Trune gives Saki a look, but lets the subject drop. * Niri heads down the corridor toward the sparkle and the hum * Mikel follows along, shaking his head. "Augh, Saki." * Ryllan follows the obvious path. Let it never be said he couldn't take a hint. Your footsteps echo deeply upon the marble, crafted of silver and blue colors intertwined -- like you are walking on a dragon's back. The walkway snakes out over the deep chamber as a causeway over the darkness to a central point. * Mikel murmurs something about the bill to maintain the place being enormous. That point appears now, a large green crystal upon a stand. In front of it is a woman looking upwards at its image, clad in deep sanguine robes draping to the floor and hat that obscures almost all of her body. But you cannot miss the long blue hair. The hum is louder, an echo of the light you eprcieved before eminating from the pinnacle of the Spire. * Niri steps forward. "...Mom?" * Angie hangs back, hugging the book to her chest. * Saki hangs back a little, allowing Niri to move ahead of her; her eyes are riveted on Lucia. ...(w) Nice outfit. * Ryllan lets Niri talk, for the moment. * Mikel steps up, keeping a bit behind Niri and just shaking his head at Trune. Hearing Niri's voice, the woman shifts for a moment in recognition, slowly turning around to face you. From her neck hangs a circular pendant Niri recognizes, the black and gold symbol of a crescent moon cradling the small circular planet. It's Lucia. Lucia smiles tenderly, looking relieved. "Welcome home, Niri." -Trune- To see my random quote file, type: /ctcp Trune quote -Niri- To see my random quote file, type: /ctcp Niri quote ...Um, thanks, but...I'm not sure what definition of home I'd apply to this place. It's pretty cool, but... * Niri shrugs * Mikel raises an eyebrow. "Nice place." So. I'll ask the obvious questions! How did you get here before us, Mom? And why was it so important for us to get here? Also, what's with the outfit? Lucia shakes her head, taking a step forward to gaze at her daughter. Her blue velvet boots click softly on the marble. * Saki doesn't say a word. She's keeping back, and keeping her word... even if she doesn't look it, and is ready to pounce at a moment's notice. Don't bash the outfit. I kinda like it. * Mikel rolls his eyes. [Lucia] Always so curious Niri... so much like your father... Lucia smiles almost sadly. "I always have had the ability to return here. It is the place I was sealed in for millenia. Sleeping, and awaiting the time when the two worlds rejoin." You've slept here for years?...That had to be really lonely. Hey, I'm not bashing the outfit! I suspect the reason I didn't know Mom had it was because if I'd found out, I'd have wanted to borrow it. * Niri turns back to her mother, serious once more. "That...really does sound lonely. Trune's right." Lucia looks saddened. "Yes.. it was very lonely. So very cold. but Hiro.. he warmed my heart, and saved the Blue Star." [Lucia] It was he who Althena once told me long ago about... I almost didn't see it, even as we battled for survival against Zophar. I didn't believe in him.. but then he MADE me believe. [Lucia] the rest... I suppose.. is history now. Even if most don't remember... Perhaps it's better that way. Is it? Historians say history is destined to repeat for those who forget it. Zophar. You were around when he was mortal? [Lucia] Yes, I was. Althena saved my life, and I tried along with her to save people from his lies. Althena told you about Dad? * Mikel lets out a bit of a sigh, mulling over that. Also...how DID Zophar become immortal? Lucia has a little tear. "It's.. hard to explain. her last incarnation on Lunar left me a message." * Angie takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, drumming her fingertips on the cover of the book. [Lucia] Because of that, I in turn changed the world to save his life... You...changed the world to save...Hiro? Huh? [Lucia] Zophar actually has always been immortal. Just like Althena. they are both reincarnated over and over, battling for the souls of men. One fights for heavenly virtue, the other fr greed, power and destruction. Humanity has for ages been caught between these two forces... But he was born, right? In...nineteen something? The cycle, huh? ...so how's this time supposed to be the guarantee of ending him, then? [Lucia] You've probably learned about his recent human life, back during the Devestation War, then? Yeah, we did. * Mikel nods. "We found some records in a city near where we landed." [Lucia] Yes, he did exist then. And tried to revive himself 120 years ago, when I & Hiro thought we stopped him. Was he born human? Why then? * Saki remains silent, just taking it in. * Niri mouths "120 years ago" silently to herself, shaking her head [Lucia] But as a consequence of the Unraveling, the seal placed upon Zophar weakened, and now he aims to make one more attempt at destroying everything in vengeance... Ha. He's not going to get the chance. * Niri spits this out Can he be killed, for good? Is it even possible? * Trune is silent now, his brow furrowed as he thinks to himself; trying to piece it all together. [Lucia] The ancient Damien Zophar was much more than human. Just as Althena was. But now he lacks a human vessel yet to reincarnate in, remaining an ominous spectre... Could he find a human vessal if he wanted to? Will he look for one? Is this a good or a bad thing? [Lucia] If he can be destroyed before he finds a suitable body, then the cycle should be ended. Just as Althena willingly let herself perish a mortal death. * Niri shivers, having a sudden bad feeling about this What would he define as a suitable body, though? Couldn't he just grab any random passerby? Or worse...what if he used, say, Emiria? * Mikel grimaces. "Or Leah." Lucia shakes her head. "Both are very close to him in their former lives. I don't know if its possible, but I can't rule out the chance with enough time." * Niri 's face goes pale. "Leah? NO. Not happening." ...Greaaat. Don't suppose you have a handy little list of who else it could be. Psh. Might be my ex gir...er wait no. Nevermind. * Angie sits down, dangling her legs off the edge of the pathway and leaning back on one hand. "We need to have a guarantee that he can't hop bodies before we kill him. Because I don't want to do it twice." [Lucia] ..did Lure ever tell you how I reincarnated Althena temporarily to ask her a final wish? I don't suppose you can do that again now? Because that would be really convenient. No! No! Jynx. Lucia again shakes her head. "I'm afraid Althena the divine spirit no longer exists in this world. She is now Luna, of Meribia. the mortal." ...Seriously, just let the poor woman rest in peace. While Zophar's still kicking around. [Lucia] But.. I know it is possible to create faux bodies with the biotechnology of the past. A golem a spirit can be inserted into, as it has none of its own. * Mikel frowns. "Can Zophar use one of those?" ... A spirit like Zophar's? You mean there's a person with Althena's soul alive today? ...Great. So how ARE we supposed to defeat Zophar? It sounds as if he's well nigh unbeatable. * Mikel nods towards Niri. "Unless someone here has something that can destroy his spirit they haven't shared yet..." If he's seeking a body, that implies that he's weaker without one [Lucia] There was a Project Lazarus that once pioneered this method. I don't know what happened to it, but if Zophar ever made contact.. I know this would be his goal. * Mikel frowns. "Where was this?" [Lucia] But first -- the key to destroying him forever is the sword of Althena! It was not used in the recent battle between us. Really? Where is it now? Hiro's got it, doesn't he? [Lucia] Without it and its full power, there's no way to fully defeat Zophar for certain. [Lucia] Hiro acquired it from the White Dragon Nall following the events of our battle.. and used it to reach me... [Lucia] But, by itself it isn't the solution. It must work along with other great artifacts, like it did with the Dragonmaster Armor of old. * Niri sighs. "This would have been easier if Dad had agreed to come along!" * Mikel taps a foot. "Right... still, where's this Project Lazarus? It'd be nice to know where he's heading so we can beat him there." Lucia then looks down at Niri's chest. "And that is why... Master Hylan gave birth to you, Tanan." * Tanan sighs, the little :( sign popping up. "That may be the creepiest thing anyone has said to me ever." * Mikel snickers as he waits for Lucia to answer his own question. Still... I'm not strong enough to take the sword yet. I'm sorry. [Lucia] As for Lazarus, it may exist deep in the bounds of Eden. A terraforming effort in Mesopotomia to turn the war-ravaged, polluted desert into a lush garden. A mecca of science and spirtuality. ... Saturn. ...ah shit. * Trune looks concerned now, "She might be in danger." * Saki shakes her head with an amused if rueful smile. Ideally, after we meet saturn, we blow the place up around us. Deal? Lucia nods. "Even now, the last truth seeker searches for its power..." * Mikel blinks. "The last? << +" >> Last truth seeker? Who? Oh? [Lucia] Xavier Elrika. A tormented frontierman trying to mend a hert half-ripped from him. * Mikel frowns, mulling. "A seeker, Saturn, Zophar..." [Lucia] You see, back on Lunar, he was a very special ferret familiar of the elven girl, Elrika. [Lucia] One of the truth seekers who battled me as Queen virtue... The last truth seeker is a ferret? A ferret? What?! You're... kidding, right? [Lucia] But when we caused everything to be reborn, she was forced to give her soul to him. he became a human, his lfielong dream, yet.. was torn from his only true love, who vanished into the soil... * Saki huffs out a breath, frowning and cutting in. "... if the system still exists, can it be used? Twice?" [Lucia] This was because Elrika was really herself a fragment of... Saturn's own existence. The last Elementalor absorbed her back. * Angie wrinkles her nose in thought. "But doesn't that mean that the last truth seeker is really Elrika, if it's her soul?" Wait, huh...? * Mikel blinks a couple of times. "Wait wait wait. She was a part of Saturn?" [Lucia] They were always two in one, Angie. He merely took her place. Wait wait wait... Lucia turns to Saki. "The Lazarus system? It should be able to mass produce such things by now, if it wasn't destroyed..." * Angie slumps back so that she's lying flat on the walkway, legs dangling into the chasm. "Metaphysics is hard." * Mikel frowns. "Headmaster Hylan better be keeping the Prophetess busy still while we do this." You're telling me that this Elrika person was in a sense Saturn. The elementlors could be reincarnated? [Lucia] That's correct Trune. Somehow Saturn partially awakened, and reached out with her mind to Lunar. It was given form, and existed secretly as a rach of elven-like beings of great Plant magic power. << er race >> [Lucia] There was something else that followed her, too... to that illusionary world. The 9th Elementalor perhaps? i don't know all the details... * Niri frowns thoughtfully Ninth? The 9th Elementlor...agh, I wish you knew more. I saw something about this in one of the academy's books, but all the information was missing. Even what was there was mostly just in passing anyway. I thought maybe it was a rumor. [Lucia] Even the Truth Seeker Tanan himself was lost somewhere in the dimensions. Nothing always goes how we plan.. and spirits wander to who calls to them strongest. «ooc: Tanan? You mean Johnathan, right? » << I suspect he means Tahn.>> [Lucia] It is not a rumor, I can assure you, trune. Niri has seen the documents with hiro... a commander existed. << You know, the guy who went to ToD for fun.>> << er Tahn, gah >> * Saki has lapsed back into silence, eyes closed, apparently conferring with herself. * Angie sits bolt upright and swivels around. "But wait, that totally ruins all the geomancy," she protests, mouthing something to herself in her moments of silence. She ticks off something on her fingers, then continues. "Eight elements...what's the ninth?" Lucia gazes back at the crystal behind her and sighs. Star counts too, technicaly. A commander...hmm. Remember how annoying those things we fought in Ien were? Basically immune to everything. Star doesn't count. It's on a completely different axis. If there's a Star elementalor, that'd completely change all the math. [Lucia] Just as I am the commander of the Dragons of Althena, in absence of a proper Dragonmaster. Or even Four Heroes. * Mikel glances at Ryllan. "Except for that weird stuff you used to break the barrier, I take it?" [Lucia] And.. regretfully, no more dragons... No, that doesn't sound right. The elementalors aren't really sacred at all. So it has less to do with the elements and more with the fact this elementlor tells the others what to do? Wait! That makes total sense. That's... Anti-star. *he waves his hand irritatedly* It's defined more by it's absence. It does? The Elementalors DID say they'd actually forgotten who was supposed to be their commander. It...oh yeah! Remember? Shit, I totally forgot! They did! So that's probably this mysterious ninth Elementalor. ...kind of an important thing to forget. Does Webbly know at least? * Angie hops back to her feet and approaches Lucia while the others are busy talking amongst themselves. "You talked about artifacts needed to kill Zophar, right?" I think...he knows that there is a commander, Mikel, but his memory banks were damaged. He didn't have all the answers for us, either. * Mikel lets out a groan. "We need to find a record of that project somewhere." [Lucia] Mmm.. Johnathan wanted to create a new set of equipment to mimic the armor. Built up of the precious souls and artifacts of heroes past of humanity. Maybe we will when we find Saturn. * Mikel ...looks at Lucia. "Souls?" [Lucia] Lure has already given you his power... in those boots you now wear. ...souls? I don't.... is that required? Yeees, but. Plural. * Mia_Ausa (~n@pool-71-162-72-117.bstnma.east.verizon.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 Why do these things have the power to beat Zophar? Is it just because they're really strong, or is it more than that? [Lucia] Each item contains a fragment of that great person's soul. A residue from its contact with them... or perhaps even entirely made up of their existence... * Saki listens, still in silence. Her lips move gently to herself. A fragment, then. I really am a piece of John? * Trune bites his lip, "So you're saying people are going to either die or get horribly messed up because of this?" * Mikel narrows his eyes for a moment. "...Lure passed on and gave Niri the boots. Who else?" [Lucia] If the spirits of Four Heroes gather, then the sword of Altherna will awaken. The Four Heroes being? Is the Sword of Althena actually Althena's? Why didn't she use it on Zophar in the first place? Session Time: Sun Sep 30 00:00:00 2007 [Lucia] The sword... it was forged by Althena from pure starlight. To be wielded by ehr greatest Dragon Angel, slaying the Destroyer and purifying Earth for people to no longer live in fear. * Niri blinks. "Yeah, who are the Four Heroes?" [Lucia] Some people worshipped this hero as an Archangel named Michael. The slayer of the serpent that corrupted Adam & eve... [Lucia] The weapon was passed down in various times and forms to many great heroes of the ages, to slay the evil of their time. So are the other people who used it the heroes, then? [Lucia] The Four Heroes were the confidants of the Dragonmaster. his allies against the darkness. each blessed with the aura of a particular Dragon as its representative. [Lucia] The original Heroes being the Dragons of Red, Blue, White and Black. The ones that lifted Althena's fortress into the sky upon their back. And saved humanity from its own extinction. Lucia again stares at the crystal. 'While I... I was left here to wait for the day when people could return. And the Blue Star healed..." If there have been all these people who had the sword, how come nobody killed Zophar before now? [Lucia] After the Devestation War, Zophar was nearly banished forever by Althena... over time he regained power using the darkness in people's hearts, waiting for the chance to return. All the villians the numerous Dragonmasters have slain were merely puppets to him. * Angie folds her arms and scowls down at her feet, troubled by her thoughts. [Lucia] In Hiro's time he was even able to manipulate the absence of Althena and install a fake Goddess the people revered. This and the swaying of Ghaleon's soul to his side enabled his final return to Lunar. [Lucia] briefly he managed to ensnare my sacred powers... Lucia shudders a bit. * Niri stares at the floor. [Lucia] Trying to become the perfect being -- but hiro released the power of humanity and freed me... and we, together with his companions, destroyed him. but he vowed to return, as people still held shadow in their hearts. [Lucia] The Truth Seeker Prophecy of the Prophets grew out of this... and now here we are. * Trune looks troubled, his gaze downcast. * Angie looks up again. "It sounds like he doesn't fight personally if he can help it," she says. "If he doesn't even have a body, how do we catch him? We can't even catch the Prophetess." She pauses, then adds, "Oh yeah, the Prophetess is still alive." Yeah, that's another problem! * Saki pipes up, but it's half-hearted. "... for certain values of." * Mikel settles into a seat on the floor, resting his staff across his lap. "...yeah. If he's harder to catch than the Prophetess we're for a lack of better term screwed until he's in something we can hit." They don't have bodies to go back to anymore, but they're alive. Lucia nods solemnly. "The Prophetess. I don't know what her ultimate goals are. They are not in line with Zophar's however... it is a wild card." * Niri sighs. "Okay, look. We really need to figure out a plan of action." She looks up at Lucia. "So. Any suggestions? Where do we go from here?" If you have a handy way to put Emiria and Leah straight that'd be a good start. We need more information. We need a way to catch Zophar and the Prophetess -- to bring them where we are and keep them there. We need to know what kind of time frame we're looking at here, and we need to be really sure that this plan will actually work, because frankly I'm really skeptical. It seems to me that anyone could have done this at any point, so while I'm admittedly awesomer than anyone born to date, I have doubts about our abilities to succeed. * Saki speaks up at length. "... at least we might have a way to test Lazarus." * Mikel looks at Saki. "Why do I have this bad feeling?" Rachel... Well, that could just work. * Niri blinks. It's insane. I like it. ....Now that's...an interesting idea. * Tanan sounds confident. "If we can stop his minions, Zophar will have to come to us to rule or destroy. If he could have done anything but talk from where he was, he'd have fried us already." [Lucia] The secret is in your ability to fight things with the power of hope and humanity only. All times before, we've relied on the divine to save us. but now, the power comes purely from human souls itself. Together all of you can be a symphony even greater than Althena's power... A symphony, huh? But aren't we relying on the sword? Yes, but was there some specific reason we needed to come here first? [Lucia] Althena released this potential long ago, one that Zophar kept in check through war, hatred, and distrust... [Lucia] Even on the paradise of Lunar, people still bickered and fought. Even I was not without this sin myself... I am only human in the end... * Mikel mutters something under his breath. Lucia reaches up to clasp her pendant, and steps closer to Niri. [Lucia] This is the true reason I wanted you to come here. The sword will be useful to end him, but it's not going to be a magic stick, poke him and be done. If you think Niri is going to face him alone and win... * Niri blinks. "Your pendant, Mom? But..." [Lucia] ...you don't face him alone. I will be by your side. What little power I have left... Wait, your power? What do you mean? Does the pendant contain some of your power? [Lucia] I've always loved you Niri.. maybe I wasn't the best mother, but I tried to raise you and protect you from this path. But you chose it all the same... and thrive upon it. What could make a parent happier? * Niri looks downcast for a moment. "I'm...not sure I thrive...at the moment. But I do what I have to." * Mikel looks up at Lucia, frowning. "(m)Bad feeling..." * Ryllan sighs, shaking his head, "You sure about this, Lucia?" * Tanan falls silent [Lucia] Though there are times of confusion, I see in you the power to make dreams come true. This is what the world needs in a person to inspire... this is why it needs you, Niri. My beloved daughter... * TheStoryteller Lucia places the Pendant in niri's hand, and embraces her. Lucia places the Pendant in niri's hand, and embraces her. * Niri slowly curls her fingers around the pendant, then hugs her mother back. * Saki looks askance at Lucia, face neutral. As mother and daughter hug, she tugs on her gloves in preparation. >> Niri acquired Lucia's Pendant! Tanan's 2nd accesory, channeling his Dexterity & more Willpower! gains the artifact spell 'Atomic Burn'! Ah... * Niri backs out of the hug, then looks at the Pendant in her hand for a moment. She then reaches up to clasp it around her neck. [Lucia] This is.. the last blessing I can give you. * Trune suddenly has a very, very bad feeling. * Tanan shifts, opening a hole for the pendant to rest in. * Mikel has had a bad feeling since Lucia started talking. Trune's feelings are confirmed as a surge of willforce suddenly makes its presence known. ...Something's coming! * Mikel springs to his feet, grabbing his staff. "Oh goddess /now/ what?" Hey! * Angie sprints forward, too late. * Trune pulls out his athames, looking right and left whatever has dared to intrude upon this moment. Wait...what? * Niri looks around, shivering in apprehension. * Ryllan draws Misogi and his offhand weapon, "Dammit..." He curses. * Saki raises her head, eyes closed, trying to sense better what's going on. Lucia turns around sharply as her sense register the dramatic power surge... and out of the blackness shoots a burst of pure magical might, knocking the Apostle back into the crystal sharply from the blow! Mom! What's going on? Mom!! [Leah] DRAGON CANNON! [Lucia] Ugh! Leah! NO! * Saki rockets forward at that moment, launching herself at full speed in Leah's direction. Lucia! Wh...shit! * Niri imposes herself in front of Lucia, arms outspread. Lucia breathes heavy as the impact cracks the crystal slightly and her back cracks painfully from the impact. * Trune darts forward as fast as he can as well! * Mikel spins around to face Leah, lifting his hand with a spark of blue taking shape. "And now you've gone and done it. Freeze!" A flick of the wrist and he's sending the spark spiralling towards Leah! [Lucia] L..Leah? From the other end of the walkway appears the white cloaked form of the malicuous girl, now the reincarnation of the ancient Magic Emperor. * Trune already has healing energies gathering in his hand, kneeling down by Lucia, "She's not Leah anymore." Trune! How's my mom? Is she okay? >> COMBAT! >> Surpise Round on Leah! * Saki is about halfway to Leah and accelerating: only now her eyes open, blazing. "You'll pay for last time!" she roars. I don't know how badly, but she's hurt! Give me a moment! Can you take care of her? We'll hold Leah off! [Leah] Haha... I knew I'd find you here. Cowering in the shadow of the dead goddess! I told you to run Niri! * Niri draws her sword, eyes flashing. >> Mikel Jolts and can act first! Yeah...Niri? Be careful, okay? Don't do anything dumb! I never backed down before...why should I start now? I refuse to run from you, or from anyone, Leah. * Mikel continues his spell, gritting against the strain. "Ryllan, give this one a bit of a hand!" * Trune grits his teeth and goes back to focusing his healing energies on Lucia. * Ryllan raises a hand toward Mikel, lending energy to his spell. >> Mikel's Cold Blood finds its target, as Ryllan boosts it sustantially! But Leah's massive magical endurance softens it considerably.. 544 damage! * Mikel snaps his hand back, frowning. "...great." [Leah] ..is that the extant of your powers Mikel? Don't make me laugh! ...oh, you want a demostration? Niri... >> Saki's action. * Saki barely gives Leah time to gloat; in the wake of Mikel's spell she's roared in straight behind it, blasting through the last of the ice hanging in midair. As it shatters around her she lays into Leah with a quick snapped series of punches, then aims to drive her back with a final uppercutting smash. * Niri shakes herself, responding to Tanan. "...Yes?" Her voice sounds strange. >> Saki attacks with reckless abadon, but Leah's speed dodges an impressive amount of pain. 90, 87, 81, 99! >> Niri's action. * Saki kicks away from Leah awkwardly, not expecting her speed but managing to connect well enough to propel her backwards and to the side a little. "Go!" she yells «ooc: +. » [Leah] You are strong, but still hardly a match for me. Lucia cough as trune tends to her, struggling to stand. Lucia! Stay down! You shouldn't be doing this! Leah! Don't do this! * Niri pulls her sword up into a strike position, as it begins to hum steadily. Letting out a pure, clear, musical cry, Niri jumps forward with a slash at her best friend, thunder crackling around her as she does so. "Harmonic Strike!" Leah draws Ghaleon's sword from its scabbard, glowing with evil intent though there is a brief hesitation. "...it's useless to fight him, Niri. Back down now and you can live." Never know until you try, they say. Why would I WANT to live in a world ruled by Zophar? There's no such thing as life under such a ruler. Like I believe that line of trash! Who do you think we are? >> Niri replies with her own longsword, Harmonic Strike! 228 damage.. now weak to Thunder! >> Tanan's action. * Tanan changes shape, letting out a musical series of tones, sounding almost like a set of chimes... >> Tanan invokes Niri's tenuto, raising her own Stamina and Willpower >> Angie's action. * Angie slashes the air three times with her hands, entrapping Leah in three interlocking rings of light. "Wounds heal. You can take your shots and run and it won't amount to anything either way." She touches a hand to her glasses and the lenses flare to life as reams of information rush across them. * Angie narrows her eyes, looking at and through the diminutive terror . Dozens of beams of light harmlessly pierce Leah, each casting light on a different facet of her tarnished soul. * "But if you don't plan to finish this here and now, you're going to regret it. Because humans aren't like other animals -- humans learn. And I learn fast." Angie holds out both hands, fingers extended, and then yanks them back, shattering the spell and drawing the energy back to her in a rush. >> Angiogram is cast! the data pours into her field of vision: >> Leah 5261/6390 HP 438/438 MP, Mus 183 Sta 183 Tal 183 Wil 183 Dex 136 Agi 136, Weak to Thunder, Resist All Status >> Trune ministers to Lucia in the meantime... >> Round 1 [Lucia] ...thank you Trune, I'll be alright.. but how did she get passed the wards? I...I don't know. But I felt something too. Hang tight...I need to help the others. I'll be back! [Leah] You mean the two guardians your "heroes" so lovingly softened up? not that i needed the help... >> Leah swirls her arms about her and prepares to Doublecast! * Mikel grits his teeth. "Dammed tests." * Niri growls under her breath. >> One is a malicuous wind spell, targeting everyone but Niri! The second also aims for everyone but the girl, pulsing with spirit force! [Leah] Now, let me repay you for such a rude welcome... ... * Trune steps into a defensive position, knowing full well he's going to kiss pavement soon. * Saki remains crouched on the floor, much like a sprinter; she braces herself ready for the attack to come, and tries to avoid the pulsing headache. >> Declaration Phase. << forgot that >> * Ryllan roars as blue streams of energy snap to his fingers, "I will /not/ let you do this!" his voice rumbles, as strands reach out to attach to Tanan and to Leah herself... * Mikel raises his staff as he fixes his attention upon Leah. "Storm's calling. Last chance to give it up, Leah." >> Battle Phase. * Niri gathers energy to herself, little sparks arcing around her. >> Angie, Saki, Trune defend themselves! Vytor steps in to guard Mikel as he gathers power >> Mikel's action. * Mikel whirls his staff about, ice gathering on one tip as lightning crackles along the other. "...twin sons of the storm, arise." The two elements spread from the weapon, wrapping about the adept in a swirling storm of willforce. "Gemini Storm." The familiar howl comes forth as elemental energies work their power... and then there are two Mikels, both burning with their own respective elemental energies even moreso than before. >> Mikel splits into the Gemini Storm... both crackle with larger power than last they were summoned... and subsequently more of their own minds. ...Mikel! You idiot! * Mikel` (Zackv2@DORMS-89-254.loyno.edu) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Tanan sets mode: +o Mikel` ... ...Ugh, Mikel, WHY? [Leah] Oh, what is this? There's a little more to you than it seems.. but your little rainstorm is nothing before the whims of the air! Silent Vacuum! * Mikel gestures, staff of lightning taking shape in his hands. "...a little rainstorm?" >> Ryllan may act * Mikel` forms a staff of ice and water. "Least you can control what you cast now." >> The blue strands attaching to Leah's body snap and twist, expanding and wrapping around Leah's body, binding the worst of the spell, "I said I wouldn't let you do this, Ghaleon. I meant it." >> Leah causes a wave of air to descend upon the group, choking the very air and voice from their lungs... though thanks to Ryllan it is not as severe as it could be, with Leah also suffering from backlash! >> Leah Resists Mute! No effect. Saki is Mute for 2 turns. Vytor blocks the Mute intended for one Thunder Mikel, MUTE for 1 turn. Water Mikel however is struck MUTE for 2 turns. ANgie is strong to Wind, Mute for 1 turn. Ryllan is Mute for 1 turn! Trune Resists! * Mikel` opens his mouth to say something... but nothing comes out. He frowns for a moment. [Leah] Hmph. Your parlor tricks will not save you. All of you - BEGONE! Anesthesia! * Mikel frowns. "Baaad feeling." ...Very bad. >> Everyone is suddenly knocked clear off the platform into the floor below with a huge blast of concussive force. ALl members but Niri and Lucia are Blown Away! Removed from combat! >> Niri's action. >> Tanan's action. * Tanan glows, pulling energy out of the air inward. * Niri 's eyes go wide, and she lets out an involuntary shriek before whirling to face Leah, fists clenched. Leah, STOP THIS! >> Ryllan's trailing energies boost Tanan's Fountain of Mana.. but Niri is the only target remaining. MP regen enabled! Leah stands her ground, Niri now the only thing standing between her and Lucia. * Niri lets loose with a burst of thunder magic, which crackles around Leah in a web of electricity, multiple thunderbolts striking her one after another >> Niri's Thundershock deals 440 damage to Leah, hitting her weakness from the harmonizing swordstrike. [Leah] I'm afraid.. I can't do that, Niri. I have to stop you here... if you revive the armor... our plans will be ruined... >> Round 2 Whose plans? Zophar's? So he's trying to stop Tanan, huh? [Lucia] Niri! Leah... stop this now! >> Declaration Phase. * Niri casts a vaguely incredulous glance back at her mother. "Stop this?" [Leah] You are nothing anymore, Lucia! Making your daughetr fight your battles! Pathetic! [Leah] It's just like Dyne! You're all the same! Niri! Why the hell are you still up there? Grab your mother and get your ass down here /now/! Yeah, come on! We'll take her down here! My mom never made me do anything! Sure, she pushed, but I always chose my own path...and that's what I'm doing now! Hurry, Niri! Grab her and run! ...so that's how it is. [Leah] ..you've never had choice! You're a pawn like everyone else before you was! We shall end this.. end everything! Mom, go on, get out of here! I'll follow! >> leah begins gathering absolute freezing temperatures and pressures, aiming for Niri! [Leah] ...heh... Niri... I won't kill you though. I won't let them make you die. You'll stay just the way we were... forever... Did I just hear Leah talking about being a /pawn/?! Oh, that's real rich! Well, I guess you'd know, Ghaleon. You can't even break free of the Zophar anymore! ...And who's we? Spare the dialogue and just JUMP already! Yeah, seriously! Leah, I make my own choices. No one is making me fight Zophar. Not my mother, not Tanan, not anyone. Lucia clenches her fist, as a worried look crosses her face... * Tanan becomes almost clear, with wisps of green moving upwards from the boots. "Go, Lucia." Get OUT, Mom! Go on! I can handle this! >> Battle Phase. * Niri actually sounds fairly confident that she can.... >> Tanan invokes Green Dragon Vigor... casts Phase Barrier on Niri! [Leah] ...Niri... your shield can't stop the inevitabile crisis. Sleep! Crystalis! * Niri darts forward toward Leah, her body crackling with electric energy once again. "I can stop whatever I have to...including you!" >> A bolt of sustained icy forces batters Niri's magical shield! It just keeps flowing and flowing, driving Tanan's artifact magic backwards as Niri propels herself forward. the pressure builds to a critical point... Back, Niri! * Niri brings her arms up to protect her head, slowing and then backing up a bit as she is forced back by the force... >> Leah screams gutteraly, throwing all her MP into the incantation! Tanan's shield cracks and begins to buckle, as a tendril of liquid crystal pierces the tiny opening and grips Niri's body. She begins to lose feeling in her arms as they go numb... [Lucia] NO! Niri!!! * Niri grits her teeth against the cold, trying to hold on to the thunder spell's energy long enough to find an opening >> Lucia suddenly darts in front of Leah's stream of willforce, blocking it with her own body, and nullifying it! [Leah] W..wha...? MOM! STOP! [Lucia] You won't have her! Not while I can still draw breath... >> Leah backs off in shock, as Lucia tumbles to the ground cold and numb. Bits of ice and quartz form on her body, similar to someone being gradually petrified. [Lucia] ..ugh... >> Niri's Thunder magic strikes Leah head on, as she brings up her cape to block. "Fine... Lucia. Savor this delicious irony you reap. We'll meet again in the East!" [Leah] ...this isn't over Niri... * Niri pants heavily, letting the last of the electricity flow from her hands, then whirls to check her mother's condition. Mom! Can you hear me? Come on, talk to me here...what did she do to you? Leah backs off and turns to run into a shadowy portal ripped in the ehthereal space. Meanwhile, below, Trune summons Mercury to zoom everyone back to the walkway! She's getting aw-... there'll be another.... ....Lucia... But they arrive only to discover a kneeling Lucia, who's now almost half-turned to solid ice. [Lucia] Ni..Nir... * Mikel` lands on the platform and immediately lets out an imaginative curse, making his way over towards Lucia and kneeling beside her. "What the hell did she /do/?" He holds up a watery hand, trying to see if there's anything to be done. * Niri grits her teeth, frantically trying to think of a way to melt the ice. Froze her... What...what the... * Niri looks up at Mikel's watery counterpart, looking panicked, her cheeks wet with traces of tears. [Lucia] P..please.. f..forgive me... * Saki takes in the tableau in an instant, and proceeds to--... not move, in the slightest. Instead, she just watches, head slightly bowed. * Ryllan looks at the scene, and can only find a single word, "... Fuck." * Angie is still dazed. She took a good whack on the head when she landed. * Mikel` grits his teeth, attempting to work some healing or at least slow the process. Okay. Healing. Curative spells. Anything. Quickly. * Tanan makes an angry sound, the pendant resting on Niri's chest glowing with a bright red light. * Trune shakes his head, and wracks his brain on a way to melt the ice without hurting her. Trune, over here. Start some healing spells while I try to work with this. * Trune then kneels by Lucia and begins to once again summon healing magics in attempt to stop the spell. >> Tanan casts ATomic Burn! All bad status/debuffs are stripped away! but it isn't enough to melt Lucia. * Niri clutches the pendant once the spell dissipates, her jaw starting to ache from clenching. [Lucia] L.long ago.. H..Hiro.. the.. s-same... the.. crystal.. p-place.. me in.. c-crystal.. * Mikel hangs back with Saki for the moment, not exactly able to do much. Tanan! Maybe with a bit of a boost... Lucia free arm grasps helplessly towards the large spinning gem. The crystal? *Niri's eyes widen, and she reaches down suddenly to try to lift her mother in her arms.* This...this is completely unatural. I've never seen anything like this. It's so agressive... The crystal...? Quickly! * Mikel` frowns, looking over at the crystal for a moment. "R-Right!" * Niri staggers forward with Lucia, heading for the crystal as quickly as she can. * Mikel` tries to carefully but quickly get Lucia over there, as his counterpart darts forward to help as well. * Trune goes to help Niri, taking Lucia's legs, "I've got her. Keep going!" << Eh, nuke Ryllan's line. We know the result.>> eheh Niri finds Lucia, her mother, to be little more than a magical block of crystalline ice, losing what little remains of her face behind a shimmering glass. When touched, the gigantic gem ripples, its surface turning to the consistancy of water. * Niri pushes her mother's frozen body into the crystal... * Saki doesn't help: there are enough people clustered around the ice woman that any pushing and shoving would only be detrimental. She remains steadfast, taking the role of watcher. The crystal accepts Lucia's body with solemn care, as if she had always belonged there. The icy woman is turned rightside up, suspended in there now. Within a coffin of solid ice. Below a few instrument panels appear in midair, tracking her heartrate and vital signs. "Life Suspension System Online." * Niri examines the panels closely, trying to make sense of them. * Mikel peers at the panel, frowning. "...but will it heal her..." [Device] Vital signs stable. Diagnosis achieved. Beginning detoxification process. Current Time to Completion: Unknown. * Trune looks up at the glowing crystal, "...Unknown." Niri's Pendant glows briefly, as Lucia's voice fills her mind. "Niri..." * Mikel` banishes his staff. "...we're going to have to send word back home. Hiro deserves to know, at least." * Niri stiffens in surprise. [Lucia] Please.. don't mourn. I'm still with you... my soul cannot be beaten so easily, even if the flesh is weak. * Mikel looks over at Niri. "Niri?" Niri, what' «ooc: evil! » Niri, what's wrong? * Ryllan looks at Trune strangely. * Niri wraps her arms around herself slowly and shivers a little. "Will you...will you be okay?" What should I tell dad...? *She chokes very slightly on these words.* * Ryllan looks at Niri strangely instead. * Mikel gives Trune a bit of a look as well before stepping forward to place a hand on Niri's shoulder. It might feel a bit weird with him crackling about as pure electricty but. «ooc: nuke my last line. That did not come out the way I intended! ;) » * Niri actually feels a bit comforted, as used to the crackle of electricity around her body as she is. << Nuke "Ryllan looks at Trune strangely." too then. Do we edit logs these days?>> <> << Nope. Maybe if we were offered bonus MXP. >> «ooc: No! Trune may be an idiot, but not THAT much of an idiot! ;) » Then...it is possible, right? I can get through to her somehow... * Saki breathes out a slow breath, and leaves Niri alone to walk down the walkway a distance. It's not exactly privacy, but it'll do. If...if you're sure... I'll try to get him a message as soon as possible. I'll use the wings maybe... * Mikel` takes a few steps back, looking at Ryllan. "...well, you were right. What now?" * Niri whispers, tears tracking down her face, "I love you too, Mom." * Trune keeps quiet for now, not really knowing quite what to do. * Niri stands a stares up at the crystal for a moment, unable to speak. There's a strange light that eminates from Niri.. it comforts all of you and heals your wounds. Hp/MP restored! * Ryllan stares off into space, speaking quietly to the Mikel addressing him, "...I hate being right." He shakes his head, "We rest a bit. Then we go find Saturn and this... Lazarus. With a vengance." Lucia remains in icy repose within it's revolving depths. her magical uniform slowly dissolves away, leaving her unclothed and deathly silent. * Mikel is thankfully keeping his attention on Niri for now. * Niri blinks and turns away, then starts stalking along the walkway toward the lift. * Saki nods slowly. "We endure. We keep going. It's what we do." She turns, and paces along at a slow enough gait that Niri can catch up. * Trune turns away from the crystal and keeps his attention on Niri. He looks very lost, and unsure on what to do next. * Mikel` just nods, letting out a bit of a sigh. As Niri begins to move he falls in step with her as well, keeping a close eye on her along with his electric self. * Niri passes Saki, then stops next to the lift, where she rests her head against the wall and lets out a heavy, shuddering breath. * Mikel carefully places an arm around Niri, muttering something to the girl under the noise of the crackles. ...I'm sorry, Niri... * Niri nods slightly, unable to speak in response, but Tanan can hear her sending a silent thank you his way. * Saki rakes her hair, staring dully at Lucia's iced form with an unpleasant grimace on her face. * Ryllan moves by Mikel and Niri, touching Mikel on the shoulder and saying something quiet to HIM. before stepping onto the lift, "Take as long as you need. We'll take care of the Spire. let us know when you're ready to head out. Or if you need anything." Y--yeah. Anything, okay? * Niri manages a wavering, somewhat unconvincing smile in response. Meanwhile, Mikel realizes he's still split apart... it might be a good idea to try to get himself together first. * Mikel takes a step back, offering Ryllan a slight nod before regarding his watery self. "...well then." Once again the sparks of willforce begin to build between the two, both of Water and Thunder as the adept(s) attempt to reform themselves. Water Mikel and Thunder Mikel try to compromise and reform themselves to the lovable adept, but this time they can't seem to agree with themselves and zap apart in failure! * Mikel` staggers back from the recoil, water rippling before he just lifts his head and stares at the other self. "...oh." Need some help, you two? * Mikel does the same, twitching for the barest of moments before murmuring. "Shit." * Trune looks at Mikel in concern, "You can't go back to normal?" * Mikel` looks over at Ryllan. "That entirely depends on the amount of confidence you have and weaving two opposed parts back together." << and = in >> * Niri shakes herself out of her daze, staring at the two Mikels with some concern. The Elementalor Mercury, who had been silent this whole time after uplifting the group from the fall, pipes up. "I think you pushed the envelope too far this time, bro" Try this first. Close your eyes and concentrate on my voice. React only to what you hear. Are you ready? * Mikel looks over at Mercury. "...figures." He takes a deep breath before looking at Ryllan. "Right, let's try it." He closes his eyes as the other one does the same. * Saki finally turns around to stare at the scene with a slight frown. "... I could punch one or the other," she helpfully chips in. Pass. Very much passing. * Ryllan holds up a hand to hopefully shush Saki, and waits for silence to fall again, then says a single pair of words, "Emili." He waits, an interminably long moment, "...Go." * Mikel grits his teeth for a moment, the sparks of willforce starting to gather again in more force between the two. * Niri blinks a bit, then strolls a few paces away and turns to watch the crystal slowly spinning. * Trune steps by Niri, more or less to keep an eye on her. He still looks like he has absolutely no idea what to say or do. .....if I was stronger, this could have been prevented. I'm sorry, Niri. ...How could you have prevented it? It's not your fault. Ryllan's prompting of the word Emili seems to have a calming and centralizing effect on the two entities as they give it another go. Agreeing on the Star Dragon is one thing.. but they both fail to ignore the fact she isn't here, and the Star field present in his first division is also absent. AFter a moment of chaotic swirling and magical mutation, they both again split. It's Ghaleon's - Leah's - or something. Heck, if you want to look at who's pulling the strings, it's Zophar's fault. We'll get stronger. Next time, I'll get Leah back. * Mikel` staggers back again, letting out a pained noise before going to a knee. "...closer." If the shield was stronger.... yes. You're right. And at least she's here, with that crystal... She'll be all right, in the end... * Mikel finds a bit of wall to lean against, taking a moment to calm the crackling thunder around him. "...but no cigar. Dammit!" * Niri nods. "She will. She's survived so much before. I just...I wonder what Dad will say." * Niri turns a little bit to look back at the Mikel's, frowning. << Mikels >> Niri think for a moment Lucia appears to be improving, but its hard to tell. The light from above shines down encouragingly upon them... ...Johnathan's solution to this would likely work, but... * Mikel` stares at Tanan. "I'd like to not die." Because you know exactly how that'd play out. * Mikel raises an eyebrow, looking at his watery self for a moment. Damn. Sorry Mikel. I can try weaving you two together manually later. But I'd rather you two gave it a few more tries. Focus on getting your mental states as close together as you can - I think that's key. Mm. Probably. THis is probably where everyone who's warned me gets to say 'told you so', huh? I bit my tongue. Let's say that. * Tanan sounds subdued. "No. We'll think about this." * Mikel` mulls for a few moments. "'ppreciate it. The hell am I going to tell Emili..." Mikel, can you manage being split for a little while? I mean, it's not that bad, is it...? Maybe you just need a bit before you can get it together. ...I didn't just say that. * Mikel groans. "I ought to zap you for that... but no, we can remain like this." He frowns, thinking. "...do we even need to, uh, eat? Or sleep?" You'll find out when you get tired or hungry...? * Mikel` gets to his feet. "Doubt it, what with being pure elemental energy." * Trune sighs, shaking his head, "What a day this has been..." The willforce duo don't particularly feel hungry at the moment, and are full of vigor. By the more magically aware's standards, they feel more like an elemental monster than a balanced human being. ...Mercury, you get hungry, right? * Mikel looks at Mercury. "Well, does your projection at any rate." Worst comes to worst, Trune can feed you? * TheStoryteller Sure we do. We're still alive and have a body. But we can eat energy just as easily as food. << er >> [Mercury] Sure we do. We're still alive and have a body. But we can eat energy just as easily as food. ...elemental meals. Joy. Looks like I'll be playing chef. [Mercury] yanno.. maybe you should call Brothers Jupiter and Neptune to straighten this out. * Trune perks up, and goes to fetch the ECC, "Good idea." * Mikel flicks a bolt of lightning back and forth between his hands. "You guys fix the thing yet for multiple calls? Also, there better be a chocolate element." One at a time for the moment, isn't it? I dunno, I've summoned more than one before. I might be able to do it again. Mercury grins slightly and vaporizes into a little gust of air, his projection shattering. ...Hmm. I could use some chocolate right now. * Mikel` closes his eyes. "Ien, Ien... managed it in Ien... Emili was there, her name didn't work..." He seems to be thinking out loud to himself, pacing. * Trune fumbles with the ECC some more, trying to establish contact. * Niri sits down on the walkway, her feet dangling, and looks very distracted. * Trune , as he's fumbling with the ECC, reaches into his bag and pulls out what appears to be a candy bar. It looks a little smooshed from travel, but it's still ediable. He holds it up to Niri. * Niri blinks at the candy, then manages a weak smile. She takes it with a nod. "...Thanks Trune." * Mikel watches his watery self pace, leaning against the wall still though his gaze starts to look about... though he seems to be focused on something beyond just looking. * Niri munches on the candy a little disconsolately, but it does seem to help slightly... * Trune nods, "No problem. I'm here if you need anything else." [Jupiter] Moonbase here. Please go ahead, Trune. A life size projection of the golden haired Jupiter appears, looking slightly impatient. * Mikel shakes his head. "...it's close, but lacking. 'ey, Jupiter." Hey. Mikel seems to have split himself in half elementally. One water half and one thunder half. Now he cannot put himself back together. Do you think you and Neptune could help him out, or at least give us advice on how to? ...Humpty Mikel sat on a wall, humpty Mikel took a fall... all the king's horses... okay, that isn't helping my train of thought any. * Saki (~arpee@192.168.0.1) Quit (Quit: ) [Jupiter] Hmm. That is most distressing news. Though there may be a chance we can aid the merging, I suppose. We appreciate it. [Jupiter] I believe the problem lies in the much weaker magical field in this place, also. It was extremely strong in the ghostly island you called Ien. ...oh man, please don't tell me I have to let Emili know I broke myself. Hmm...is there a place that has a strong magical field? We're going to find Saturn next. Is there a strong magical field there? Shut up, sparky. * Mikel mimes aiming a crackling gun at his water self. [Jupiter] Yes, though that is one of Plant enrgies. I think it would suppress the Thunder aspect too strongly to achieve a balanced recombination of psyches... ...oh good lord I'm not going near Saturn like this. If she turns out to want to hurt us it'll suck. * Niri speaks up. "Would it help if we cast some spells to help amp up the magic enough so they could reform?" << switch lord with goddess >> * Mikel` looks at Jupiter. "This place is similar but not even close to as much Star as Ien. Is that the key, then?" [Jupiter] It is worth a try. I do apologize if facing your lover is painful, but it may be best under the current circumstances. Until you can control that. * Mikel buries his face in his hands. "(m)She's going to kill us, she's going to kill us, she's going to kill us. Then fix us and break us again." Just make sure to stand at least... ah... Heh, sorry Mikel. Maybe that'll curb your crazy death wish though. 10 feet back from the centre of the chamber. Until she calms down. * Mikel` sighs. "Don't mind him. He's being a moron." Ten feet, huh? Also, /you/ go in first and explain it then, smartass. Make it 15 to be safe. there's some give. Stronger that wy. You at least can absorb thunder. No. ...Um. Mikel? Can you please stop arguing with yourself? ...but he's going to get me throttled by Emili. No, let him continue. It's fascinating! Better you than me. Okay, well... I'll be over there then. * Niri heads over to sit by the crystal and look up at the panel displays, hopefully out of earshot of the arguments. * Mikel` rubs his forehead, sending drops of water this way and that. "Anyways. Ien, then." * Mikel glances at the floor. "...though it's probably a bit of a detour." Niri can only hope Lucia is in good hands. Staring at the holographic displays reminds her a lot of when Hiro and herself first found the lab monitoring Jupiter. * Trune looks back at Niri, sighs, and stares back at the ECC for a moment. * Mikel makes his way over to Niri, leaving his water self to go back to pacing. "...Sorry." * Niri just shrugs a little... [Jupiter] Pardon my change of subject, Trune. But are you heading towards the Middle east? WE are eager to be rejoined with Sister Saturn soon. * Trune nods, "Yes, that was the plan. Is there anything you can tell us?" [Jupiter] perhaps then we can finally get to work on recalling our missions clearly... [Jupiter] *coughs* Yes, of course. Saturn is sleeping within the bound of the so called 'Garden of Eden'. It is a good deal inland, between two old world rivers. A biotechnology experiment to transform the desert into a lush oasis. * Mikel` murmurs "Lazarus" to himself and continues pacing. A small map appears, blinking to an area slightly east of Jerusalem/israel area. [Jupiter] Please exercise caution, as the dormant weapons of war here may still be online. Dormant weapons of war? Like things that explode? Bombs and stuff? While you're looking into that area, Jupiter, what can you tell us about the "Lazarus" project if anything? [Jupiter] In the Garden itself are probably numerous rogue creatures and flora that have grown out of control without saturn's hand to guide them. * Mikel takes a seat near Niri, looking up at the map. "...That's near Jerusalem, too. Great. Zophar, a Seeker, Saturn, and various weapons and wildlife. It's shaping up to be a regular party there." [Jupiter] Potentially anything, from landmines, to bombs to automated tanks. * Niri glances over at the map Looks like fun. [Jupiter] ...Lazarus? * Niri munches on the chocolate. Sounds like we'll have a grand ol' time. I wonder how we're gonna be able to navigate it? Agh. Lazarus. It was a project based in the area. Driving I assume, Trune. I mean so we don't drive over land mines and bombs. [Jupiter] I... don't believe I know of any such thing based there. [Jupiter] The name is not familiar at all to my memory. But you must understand such things remain incomplete at this time. Oh. That's a bit trickier. Of course. But if you have any records you can search, if you can check with the doctor, anything like that. Call us if you find anything. [Jupiter] I willa dvise the Doctor to check his memory banks thoroughly and get back to you. Thanks a lot. Any info we can get will be useful. Jupiter bows, and signs off for the moment. * Mikel closes his eyes. "Well." * Niri glances questioningly at Mikel. * Angie is now known as Gayo|Gone ...don't suppose we can get a lift to Ien at some point. Can't the wings take you there? Well, yes. We were asking permission. Like Niri is gonna say no. * Niri nods. "I suppose that's all right." ...I need to...go talk to my Dad, too. We're being polite. Also we need someone to calm down Emili after we walk in. I'll go. Maybe we can go back to see Mel and Jessica, maybe send a TIME message. Or I can by myeslf. ...I'll come with you, if you want Niri. If you don't, s'cool. Same here... though I might scare folks a bit. * Niri nods. "Sure. I'd...appreciate it." * Mikel looks down at his crackling self. You.. might attract comment. Let me know when we're ready to start hopping around. Shiro meanwhile runs over to Water Mikel and nuzzles. * Ryllan hops back down to the lower story. * Ryllan is now known as DooM_GazE * Mikel` blinks at Shiro before sitting down to pat the dog. "Least someone likes me better like this." Watch, he'll pee on your leg next. I'm /water/. ...Hi Shiro... * Niri reaches out to pet the creature slightly. Actually, Shiro licks him a little and part of Mikel's leg freezes for a second. Like that'll faze him. * Mikel` ... * Mikel` focuses for a moment, the ice fading into him and replaced by more water. The puppy then appreciates Niri's attention, woofing some and wagging it's two fluffy tails. And so, Lucia's fate comes full circle as Niri's enters into its apex. The Crystal Spire bwos to its new master, and the world awaits the heroes footsteps once more. Will Mikel get it together in time for the next act of this grand morality play? == SESSION END == >> 20 XP! Session Close: Sun Sep 30 03:16:23 2007