Session Start: Sat Feb 02 21:17:21 2008 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * Retrieving #lunar-iog2 modes... * TheStoryteller sets mode: +m * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 66: A Dragon Crashes to Earth, pt 2 | Location: China, Luoyang | Pool: 8 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' == SESSION START == Following their defeat of the threat to the Vile Empire, the victorious party was invited back into the throne room to have a follow on audience with the Emperor for his formal thanks... * Amy is now known as Niri * Niri hangs to the back of the party, not feeling particularly victorious. * Vytor tries his best to be polite and attentive, despite feeling down about how it all ended. Xenobia and Royce are both flanking the leader of the nation, looking thankful and honestly surprised at recent events. * Trune is very quiet and somber, his gaze rooted at the king, but something in his stare suggests his mind is far, far away from the proceedings in this room. * Saki is somehow still standing despite her self-inflicted beating in front of Leah: the armor is scarred and scorched and battered but she's leading at the front of the party, all business. [Emperor Xiahou] I don't believe any words that I have can express my thanks for saving our peoples from certain disaster. truly, you were the ones to set the balance of Heaven and Earth right once again. * Mikel pats Niri on the shoulder as he walks beside her, though Xenobia looking thankful throws him off for a moment. It's probably noticable that he has a second sword sheathed at his belt now to go with the copy of Ghaleon's sword. Thank you for giving us a chance to try and set things right. * Niri kind of shrugs. "We did what we had to do, your majesty." She hangs her head a bit. * Saki nods slowly, treating herself at least a little gently. Slowly, with perhaps a creak or two, she bows. "... mm. It's our pleasure." [Emperor Xiahou] You also have my condolences about the loss of your friend, but this was an end that all paths come to when following the lures of the darker side of our natures. Leah did seem peaceful in ehr final moments... I pray that she will rest easy with the ancestors now, purified of her actions here. * Huw is now known as Huwnap * Saki shakes her head. "Not an end, not for us. We've a way to go, yet." True enough. The repitlian humanoid nods and strokes his long white beard once. [Emperor Xiahou] Indeed. What is next in your quest? And how might we aid you in its fufillment? Some supplies would be nice. Supplies are always good... ah... hrm. * Mikel points at Xenobia. "Give her a vacation. She needs one." * Saki ... pauses, and looks blankly at Vytor. "... mm, but beyond that..." She blinks once, and hunts at a pouch at her belt. The leader raises an eyebrow and Xenobia sighs. [Xenobia] I'll be getting plenty with the dragons vanquished. * Niri blinks a bit at Mikel. [Royce] Mmm, that's good sister. You've been pushing yourself too hard since then, fixing a mistake I probably caused. * Saki pulls out a slim folded slip of paper, tapping her chin with it in thought before stepping forward once and proffering it towards the pair for Xenobia to ferry across. "... I hardly doubt this should be honoured, but it's not right that we keep it, either." * Mikel gives Niri a quick grin and wink before nodding. "Good." Xenobia nods with recognition and shows the Yuan note to the Emperor. [Emperor Xiahou] Ah, I see. What a relic this is.... where did you come across it? West. Very very far west. [Emperor Xiahou] This is a piece of our country's history from millenia ago. Back when China was one of the world's major powers in trade. How things have changed since then. It would make a fitting addition to the cultural museum I maintain here... [Emperor Xiahou] In return, perhaps I have a few pieces of history that might be given to you for your bravery... * Vytor begins to look interested. . o O ( We're running out of time...how long are we going to have to go through these formalities? ) * Mikel raises an eyebrow. "Oh?" As he speaks, Vytor's wandering eyes spot what looks like a lion figure carved of an iron alloy he vague recognizes near the foot of the dias the ruler rests upon. * Niri manages a small smile at Mikel, then eyes Trune, thinking he looks a bit agitated. [Emperor Xiahou] I have heard that you utilize the metal called silver for weaponry. is this true? * Vytor stares and the figure for a moment, then his eyes go wide. O_O That's right. * Saki lowers her head. "... that would be most welcome," she adds quietly, then as the discussion moves to smithing she steps aside to leave it up to Vytor. Uguh...err..yes! Yes we do. [Emperor Xiahou] It's been studied throughout the ages as having properties that ward off evil and conduct heat and energy. Perhaps that is the secret of your powers? In any case, I'm willing to grant each of you 5000 silver each as a small token of my thanks. We have little need of it besides coinage and jewlery. Umm...excuse me? Emperor Xiahou? That small Lion statue near the foot of your dias, is that important? * Niri nods her gratitude to the Emperor [Emperor Xiahou] Hmm? That statue is of a spirit said to guard the dynasty's masters. It was carved from a stone that fell out of the heavens many ages ago, during the Devestation following the great battle. * Trune 's eyebrow rises just slightly at the mention of money, but the agitation seems to still be present. This is going to sound weird, but...can I have that? o_o; * Mikel lets out a low whistle. "Thanks..." * Mikel blinks at Vytor. [Emperor Xiahou] ...well, I don't believe I'm in a position to deny your request. But what do you intend to do with it..? For a craftsman like me, that material is one of the most precious and wonderous things in the world. [Emperor Xiahou] I see. I'm sure it will be useful in protecting you, then. I will have it delivered to you as well. Really? O_O * Vytor is almost trembling with excitement now. * Niri smiles a little at Vytor's reaction. [Emperor Xiahou] As long as it will continue its duty in spirit, I will be satisfied, Vytor. Please take it with my blessings. * Saki remains mostly nonplussed, but nods in thanks. * Vytor seems frozen for a moment, and then in the blink of an eye he's got the Emperor in a fierce hug, thanking him over and over again! * Saki stiffens in an instant, eyes on the guards at the side of the room. * Niri just...stares at Vytor, her mouth agape. * Niri turns to Trune and Mikel. "...Did Vytor just do what I think he did?" Xenobia tenses up immediately and the seer is likewise shocked as he runs up and embraces the elderly Emperor. * Mikel ...blinks. ...Yes, yes he did. * Mikel buries his face in a hand with a sigh. ...Vytor, I think he gets the point. And that you're making people a little twitchy. Can you come back here, please? [Emperor Xiahou] Haha... you are very brazen, barbarian! If I was a bit younger, I would take this as a challenge to combat! * Mikel mutters something under his breath to Niri. * Niri can't help but grin. The legion of guards looks very leery as well... Oops. Sorry. ^^; * Vytor releases the Emperor and returns to the group, still looking giddy. The man pats him once and then carefully pushes him away as to not make a scene. * Niri mutters something back to Mikel, momentarily forgetting her gloom. * Saki breathes out at length, eyes closed. "... moving on from the diplomatic incidents..." [Royce] ...in all my years I have never seen anything like that. Ah, yes. Has there been any word of our friend in the flying machine? [xenobia] Oh, if you mean that woman called Chrissy -- she's alive, but we blockaded her and the flyer in Chengdu area after it was quarantined. [Emperor Xiahou] On that subject -- I have something I'd like you all to see before you return to your own lands, if there are no more ardent requests of my generous nature. Oh? [Emperor Xiahou] I've spoken before of why we had outlawed all aerial machines, when some clans long ago headed to the Moon. [Emperor Xiahou] However, one still does exist that only the Dynasty lineage can access. Cool. [Emperor Xiahou] If you are going to battle the greater evil at work in this world, then it may be put to better use in your hands. [Emperor Xiahou] What good is a weapon that collects dust, after all? The battle it was made for is happening once again, so it is only fitting that it rises again, a Phoenix that can save or turn things to ash. * Niri nods. "That would be much appreciated, Your Majesty." Thank you. The robed elder leader arises from the throne and pushes a small button on his wrist. There's a faint red glow as he and the group are transported to a dark room. * Saki seems to hang on a point, thinking to herself hard enough she doesn't even notice the shift in location outwardly. "... when you say 'only the Dynasty lineage can access', would that include piloting?" * Vytor blinks at the sudden change. ...Niri flying.. * Mikel ...starts snickering. Somewhere underground in the dank hangar, a glimmer of light catches your eyes as a bank of floolights turns on one by one with audible clicks. They illuminate a sleek craft sitting on three wheels, it's skin painted red and golden hues. Two fins extend from the back, surrounding a pair of jet turbines. The crew quarters are not a cramped cockpit, but a much larger one This calls to mind pictures Niri saw of long range fighter-bombers employed in the Devestation War. Whoa. o_O * Mikel ...lets out a whistle and stares. That's... that's awesome. * Niri turns to Mikel. "Hey! Why are you laughing? Also, that's totally awesome." [Emperor Xiahou] This is the last surviving model of the J-99 Phoenix. It was once the pride of the air forces of the People's Liberation Army, having fought against Zophar before the collapse... * Trune winces a little as the lights flick on, but his mouth drops open slightly at the sight of the ship, "...Okay that's pretty awesome. I'm driving." * Niri , despite herself, looks at the jet with shining eyes. I think Niri's driving. Bloodline and all. If that's what he meant by access. Yeah, finally, someone's going to let me drive! Psh, I'll find a way. So, what powers it? That's an impressive-looking machine. * Saki blinks at it slowly. ...Well, that's... something. [Emperor Xiahou] It actually can nearly fly itself. Not much training is required. It can be powered with various liquid fuels, as the old petroleum long dried up. There is enough in the tanks to fly you across the continent.. after that you will have to find a way. Perhaps even silver itself could be modified? Hmm. ...man, the Doc and Miss Vulcanon are gonna be begging to see this. [Emperor Xiahou] It also has relic bombs and cannon that you also could fashion with some creativity, as it is armed only with what we could salvage from the old storehouses. [Emperor Xiahou] The speed this could achieve was incredible for its day, or so it is written. I'd love to see the blueprints for this thing. * Saki nods in slow comprehension. "... so we fly this back to, say, the Spire with Chrissy in tow, and leave it with her to work on a while until we've a fuel source, I suppose." [Emperor Xiahou] The only thing it could not do was fly into orbit, but thatw as for our spacecraft's realm. [Emperor Xiahou] Sadly, the last one was stolen by the splinter tribes and flown into space during that time, and likely crashed on the far side. Blueprints for both are rather nonexistant, my friend. That'd be the best plan - though we may wish to take her to the Landing, at least. More infrastructure there. True. * Saki nods. "... mm, but our friends the sparkly balls of light might have a little more to say." [Emperor Xiahou] yes, what is your plan with those essences? You speak of breaking a barrier? * Trune begins to look agitated again, nodding at Saki's words. His voice is calm, but steady, "...Yeah. We should go back. Soon. Time's of the essence if we want something to go back to." That's what we're hoping to do. Could fly back to the Landing and then use the wings to get back to the Spire. * Ryllan nods, "I'm not even sure where we'd /land/ something like this at the spire. It's a mite rocky in there." I think Mikel's plan is best. * Niri turns to Ryllan and says softly, "Did they agree that we can...take Leah back with us?" * Ryllan nods at Niri, speaking equally quietly, "Yeah. I wouldn't be here if they hadn't." [Emperor Xiahou] It is your friend. SHe deserves the proper rights in your culture. << burial rites >> * Niri nods quietly. << Also she, I hope. >> << Er, silently >> [Emperor Xiahou] Please rest tonight as our honored guests; you are still very fatigued from your battles. * Saki grins wearily. "... actually, I'm pretty much always like this. ... appreciate it." But we -- * Trune then bites his tongue, and nods, "...Thank you for your hospitality." Thank you for your hospitality, but... We're on the clock, your Excellency. [Emperor Xiahou] Once morning comes, your destiny is your own to decide. I'll keep you no longer. [Emperor Xiahou] It will also take a bit of time to arrange for all the supplies you needed. * Saki looks over the group silently, and shakes her head. "... I can't agree. Not this once. I'm about to drop, and the rest of you look like it. ... get a little rest. It's not the end of the world yet," she adds in a softer tone of voice. * Niri nods. ...yeah, I'm with Saki. [Emperor Xiahou] The Great Teacher himself once said, the more haste, the less speed" after all. I'm feeling pretty rushed myself...but we need rest. * Trune looks like he doesn't fully agree with Saki's statement, but majority rules after all. Plus, he does look pretty wiped. * Ryllan closes his eyes, twitching for a moment, then nods his assent. * Saki splits a rather triumphant grin at Ryllan. "... bodyguard knows best. ... besides, from the sound of it we just cut our travel time back by a fraction." She's got a point. * Mikel snickers. "I can't even make a glass of water like this." And so the group is treated to the VIP quarters this time as well as a masterfully cooked meal by Saki! HP/MP restored 75%! >> They also gain 5000 silver in their offshore bank accounts. hehe >> That morning... Sleeping heavily from the previous night's dining and exhausting battles, the group is woken up at the crack of dawn not by a cock crowing or even a alarm clock. No, it's a loud explosion *BOOM* The nearby hillside in view of the windows explodes into a cloud of dust and debris as something strikes it at intense speed. * Mikel falls out of bed with a curse. Vytor's bed also seems to be empty and still relatively made. * Trune instantly springs out of bed at the noise, as if he wasn't sleeping heavily, and looks out the window towards the hillside. * Saki twitches awake: two blinks and she's out of bed with only a momentary hiss of pain at sore muscles. Barely a moment later she's glanced out the window and started to get some semblance of moving, foregoing her armor for speed. * Mikel grabs his clothes, tugging them on even as he dashes out. The group might spot him running down the hall tugging on his jacket while cursing a lot * Ryllan half-falls out of bed, but pulls himself up quickly, and starts moving swiftly. Damn...can't see from here... * Trune turns way from the window, sprinting out of his room towards the commotion. The soldiers are abuzz with an alarm thinking it's another attack, and one maid who appears to be dog-like nearly drops a bunch of sheets as people whiz by her. "Are you looking for your friend? He left some time before dawn." * Saki blazes past Mikel in the hallway. As she goes past he gets a helpful elbow for his effort. She's outdoors as soon as she can be, trying to get her bearings on the direction the explosion was in. * Mikel just keeps running. * Saki blinks in incredulity. "... --Vytor?" A roll of her eyes; "... I'll kill him. Where to?" Saki and Mikel catch the debris cloud settling in the hills to the west of the palace that surround it and the garden from the bigger city. Kill later, find out what the hell happened now! * Niri rushes out of her quarters, looking frantic. "What was that noise?" * Mikel makes for the debris cloud. Vytor...? Huh, you'd think he'd keep a low profile. ...Crap what did Vytor do now My guess is he's having fun with all the goodies he recieved last night. * Niri hurries after the others * Saki moans, rolling her neck with a pair of nasty cracking sounds as Mikel goes ahead. "... as accomplished so discreetly yesterday," she notes to Trune, and slumps. "... I'm getting too old for this," she adds, and hauls herself up. * Trune seems mildly concerned, and follows after the others. The trajectory of the projectile is followed, leading to a rather desolate spot in the hillsides. You begin to catch sight of what looks like the Destiny and a familiar blue-haired friend fiddling with the forge. * Vytor is standing next to the forge, or at least it looks a little like the forge. He seems to have hooked up what looks like a collection of warped kitchen appliances and a volkswagon to it for some unknown reason. He's dirty, greasy, and smoking, but looks very happy. The cannon on the vehicle's top is smoking, too. Did it fire the blast? << actually axe my line >> ...See? Vytor is having way too much fun. * Saki sighs, stumbles back a step, and opts to sit down in the shade of a tree to make a decent attempt to fix bedhair. "... while I appreciate you may be jealous of Mikel..." she starts. * Mikel gives Saki a look. "Hey!" * Vytor is flipping various switches on the forge, and the various add-on started to shudder, then go quiet. You aren't really awesome in this group unless you make something explode. *Sighs* * Niri blinks at Vytor. "What on earth are you doing?" * Vytor wipes his face with a greasy cloth, and notices the group, "Hi guys!" * Niri glances at Trune. "Don't feel you explode enough things to measure up?" Well, nothing compared to THAT, and then there's Mikel nearly exploding himself...It's pretty hard to top. Sorry about the rude awakening back there. I just go so excited I couldn't wait. ^^; * Mikel points at Trune. "You, stay quiet." Discuss my explosions later. I sense bitterness. * Mikel makes his way over, peering at the forge. "...so, uh, what the hell is all this?" * Saki sighs weakly. Without her usual padded gi or the bulk of her armour, she looks surprisingly small. And tired, that too. As the conversation appears to take a technical bent she draws her knees up to her chest and tries to go to sleep in a little ball. Something awesome? * Vytor pats the conglomeration. "Its not pretty, but it worked just the way I wanted it. This is the engine that made my latest breakthrough possible: artificial galvorn alloy." Hey Saki, before you nod off. ...once more, in something I can understand. * Saki blinks up with a noise very similar to "--muh?!" * Vytor walks around the forge, then returns a moment later with a sizeable object wrapped in a cloth. He walks over to Saki and hands it over, "As requested. Took a while, but I did it." * Saki blinks twice, uncomprehending. Then something dawns and she scrabbles to her feet, opening the cloth in an absolutely delicate manner. * Vytor steps back and grins hugely. Inside the cloth are Rachel's Gauntlets, restored to their former glory. Where the breaks in the Black Dragon Diamonds once were they are now filled with a barely cooled meteoric black alloy that must be the galvorn he mentioned, as well as a coating of the modified RAM tiles from the Fragarach. While it is a real hodgepodge, the master smith still made it beautiful.. and deadly. * Saki appears to be holding her breath as she removes one from the wrapping, turning it in her hands. * Mikel lets out a whistle. Wow, that's really incredible, Vy. I'm really pleased with this one. * Niri looks at them admiringly. "Beautiful, Vytor." * Saki is suddenly all smooth action; buckling and fitting them as if she's done it a hundred times before. They look bizarre on her unarmored frame, but she doesn't seem to mind, and when they're on she merely drops her arms and releases the held breath slowly, eyes closed. "... thank you," they both state simply You're both welcome. The rest of the group can definitely detect that old aura of willforce-shattering about the martial artist again, like when she first found them in the tomb. * Saki flexes her hands in them experimentally; she's /beaming/, and apparently not paying attention to anything else. Aaaand we lost her. * Vytor turns back to the group, "So, what's next on tap?" We need to go back to the tower. We need to drop Chrissy and the jet off at the Landing, too * Niri nods. Chrissy is also not far away, clapping loudly... :P ...and speak of the devil. * Mikel turns to look, waving. "Hey! You're gonna /love/ what they gave us!" * Vytor hears the clapping, looks over, and waves, "Hey! Doctor C!" [Chrissy] Hey! Just in time to see another Vytor masterpiece! I knew you were the best. * Trune rubs at his eyes, and gives Chrissy a tired, half wave. * Vytor puts a hand behind his head and grins. [Chrissy] Sorry about the delay, but those Viles had be bottled up tight in that crater zone. Then they backed off and told me you were here. So viola, the Doc is in. << be = me >> * Vytor starts prepping the modified forge for travel, as it obviously wasn't refitted with that in mind. [Chrissy] So what's this about what you got? A new toy? *beams* This is my modifed forge, designed to create the conditions I needed to make artificial galvorn. Once I get the kinks worked out, I'm gonna write a thesis on the design. * Mikel yawns, stretching his arms out over his head. "Yeep! I suppose we're gonna be getting ready to go now after that, ah, wakeup call." * Saki starts suddenly, apparently back in reality, and coughs to herself to hide not a little embarassment. "--/well/. I suppose we can forgive a little landscape destruc--..." she trails off as she notices Chrissy, and starts trying to piece together the intervening time she missed. Chrissy pats Vytor's shoulder and reaches up to muss his hair. "You're a regular genius." Yep, I managed to reproduce all the conditions of prolonged exposure to deep space, complete with the fiery re-entry and the..uh...explosive splashdown. ^^; * Trune mumbles under his breath, "Is she flirting with him?" * Ark is now known as Aleph * Niri shakes her head at Vytor wryly. * Mikel snickers. "We got the explosive splashdown part, yep." [Chrissy] I saw the fireworks, I'll say. Jack would be proud. We've gotta get this save the world gig down first. Just think of all the fun he's missed? Yeah... [Chrissy] If you've got things wrapped up here by the looks of it, that means the barrier's our next target, right? The dropship is ready to go when you are. * Trune coughs, "I'm going to gather my things -- we probably should leave as soon as possible." Weeell. We gotta show you our new toy, first. We need to drop off the new toy at the Landing, then... yeah, come see. [Chrissy] Oh so it wasn't the galvorn contraption? Lead on then... * Trune tries very hard not to audibly sigh at the others. Can't this wait? * Niri falls in next to Trune. "Something wrong?" * Vytor finishes tying things down on the forge. Then reaches into his tunic, and pulls out the little lion statues, beams at it, then returns it to his pocket. I...I just think we're wasting time is all. We're gonna need it working, so. Ready when you guys are. Part of the group splits off to show Chrissy the Phoenix, which is resting in the underground hangar outside the capital which they now have access to. A set of hidden doors appearing as grassy ground cover it from the world. * Niri shakes her head. "I can understand the feeling, but don't worry, I think we're ready to get moving. I'm anxious to get back, too." Yeah... * Vytor looks weary and dirty, but otherwise happy and satisfied. Chrissy is obviously super-impressed at what she sees. 'I'll be -- it's a long range fighter-bomber! And in such pristine shape too! Last time we saw anything this preserved was the Fragrach." * Niri pats Trune on the shoulder, giving him a wavering but somehow reassuring smile. * Trune smiles back at Niri, but the smile does not meet his eyes. So, want a lift back to the Landing? It needs some work with fuel and weapons too according to them... Chrissy starts inspecting it. "Well, we gotta synthesize some energy source for this thing.. maybe it can run off the Sentry stuff for at least short flights. Gotta research it more thoroughly. It's got weapon hardpoints too we could reverse engineer with some time and use it against Zophar's cronies." That's the general idea, yes. [Chrissy] How about I use the dropship to carry this back? Flying it right now might still be dangerous, I wager. Let me look it over completely first. Besides, you got that magic teleporting doohickey right? I think so. * Gayo (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034194184.nb.aliant.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +v Gayo * Trune nods. [Chrissy] OK! Sounds like a plan! When the barrier is down I can get this back to Vulcannon Labs and it'll be ready in no time! Right, we can use the Wings to get to the Spire as soon as everyone is ready. * Mikel nods, frowning. "Let's gathering everything up then." [Chrissy] I've also got the mecha we've been working on too. We'll need every edge we can get. Right. ...You brought that? * Mikel blinks and looks at Chrissy. [Chrissy] No, it's back in the Lab's bays! I did make that promise to you about retrofitting it, eh? * Vytor goes to collect his things, and perhaps clean up. Oh, good. You scared me for a moment * Trune quickly turns heel and goes to collect his things, not wasting any more time. [Chrissy] Although testing it out here would be fun -- hope everything back home is alright. If it isn't, we'll fix it. Simple as that. Chrissy gets to her task with vigor. "That's the spirit. Give Sonyele my regards if you see her before me, alright?" * Saki keeps an eye on the group as a whole, frowning to herself. She looks infinitely more relaxed; just worried. Sure, Miss Vulcanon. * Gayo (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034194184.nb.aliant.net) has left #lunar-iog2 * Niri goes to get her things as well, and also to see that Leah is taken care of for the journey * Vytor is back with the ground in about a half hour, looking like he cleaned himself in a haurry and packed even faster. * Trune heads back to the ship at about the same time. He looks a little tired as he hefts his satchel over his shoulder. «ooc: ship=ground. WTF :( » * Mikel goes to gather up his belongings with a yawn. It doesn't take him long, though he does make a point to annoy Xenobia some before rejoining the group. * Saki awaits departure, back in a rather more cleaned-up version of her now typical armor that has been quickly modified to allow her new gauntlets to be laid where her old were. They fit well with the whole 'black evil warrior' theme she appears to have going on; overall she's wearing an air of smugness like a palpable veil. <> * Mikel blinks at Saki. "That's kinda offsetting." * Ryllan returns, fully outfitted, and his eyes lock on Saki for a few seconds, before he jerks his head away. * Saki blinks, uncomprehending. * Mikel thinks, trying to find the right words for it. Eventually though the adept gives up and simply shrugs. * Vytor walks over to Trune and looks him over, "You look tired. You didn't sleep a lot last night did you?" * Trune shakes his head, "Not really, no." Hm. I see. Well, if you want someone to listen to you, I'm all ears. * Trune glances at Vytor, a ghost of a relieved smile flitting over his face for an instant, "Thanks. I'll be okay though. I used to pull all nighters back at the academy, and I managed to function." Mm, OK. Then you can keep an eye on me if I start to nod off. Okay, but if nothing intresting is happening, I might just let you sleep. I mean, why waste a good opprotunity? * Vytor chuckles. * Niri returns with her things in hand, including the White Dragon Wings Are we ready to go? I'm good here. * Mikel stretches. "Let's do it." * Ryllan nods, "Let's go." Yeah, let's go. * Niri concentrates, summoning a brilliant light from the White Dragon Wings. The light enfolds the group and whisks them away in the blink of an eye. >> Niri holds the artifact aloft, as the DRagon spirit lingering within wraps the heroes and their belongings in holy light, and the sensation of riding on the back fo a white, furry dragon comes to mind as all is light for a fleeting moment. When your vision clears you are suddenly at the other end of the Asian continent, a cold wind blowing through the lofty peaks that surround the entrance to the Crystal Spire. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 66: A Dragon Crashes to Earth, pt 2 | Location: Crystal Spire | Pool: 8 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' * Mikel peers up at the Spire. "...Still can't quite get used to this place." Oh? ...It's starting to feel rather...comforting to me. Can't quite explain it. << er Eurasian >> It's probably because in many ways it's connected to your family past. Your home. He's probably got it. Let's go put the essences in place, all right? The essence globes you hold begin to glow softly in response to the proximity of the holy place. * Vytor exhales once, "Back again." * Niri nods. "Yeah, that's probably it." * Mikel rifiles through his jacket, removing the ones he grabbed. "...yeah, time to open the door." * Saki nods at it. "It's also the most grounded place you could find on the planet," she supplies helpfully. * Ryllan nods, "Go on and open the door. Trune, stay back and... give me a hand, would you?" * Niri heads forward to enter the spire. * Vytor stands back and waits. * Mikel makes for the Spire, handing off one of the essences to Niri. Give you a hand? Er, sure, how? * Saki blinks once at Ryllan. The two stone Dragons stand vigil over the entrance as you left it. The damage you delt before seems to have vanished.\ from their effigies, which make not a movement or sound, the foyer open to Niri, the rightful mistress of the place. >> In response, Ryllan reaches into the back of the Destiny, and comes out with a pair of shovels, pressing one into Trune's hands. * Trune looks down at the shovel with a somber look, and nods, "Guess we'd better begin, then." * Mikel throws the dragons a little salute as he walks in with Niri. * Niri heads for the chamber where the essences are to be restored, with Mikel and the others following... * Saki winces softly, then looks around at the mountaintops around them. "... we could," she starts, then pauses, then-- "... place her in state somewhere in here?" she finishes only once Niri's out of earshot. If there's a suitable spot for her, maybe. << scratch "and the others" >> * Mikel ends up passing Niri a second essence as well, shrugging. "Match 'em with their color. Hopefully they won't kill us or something." * Niri nods and takes the essence, then looks for the appropriate sconce. * Mikel goes to place blue and black, having left white and red for Niri. * Ryllan frowns, "Might be... difficult. Lying in state only works for so long, and I don't know when we'll be coming back this way." Niri's path up the clear marble lift is swift and soon she's on the floor right under the stained glass window, the four colored doors hanging open and awaiting the spirits to be placed at rest within the sconce at the far end of the miniature caverns. * Saki scratches at her cheek - or starts to, but her new gauntlets impede the process. She blinks at them a second, then frowns and nods. "... mm, alright. Call me if you need a hand. --and be careful. It's not the best of conditions out here." * Trune hefts the shovel up, "It's okay. Just tell me where to start digging." * Ryllan hefts his own shovel and leads Trune off, looking for the most suitible spot. * Niri places the first essence where it belongs, stepping back to see if there's any obvious result. * Saki nods, and heads indoors, catching her way up to the others only at length * Vytor stays with Trune and Ryllan, confident that Saki can keep tabs on Niri and Mikel. Placing the white spirit orb on the pedestal, the faint ethereal flame there merges with it and the two become one for a minute. The taint of darkness on it is purged and the image of an elder white dragon, with fur and elegant horns appears before Niri. * Niri looks a little surprised, but nods in what she hopes is a respectful manner. [White Dragon] ...it's been a long time since my final incarnation looked upon a hero. You've journey far and endured much, Niri, but I can see that Johnathan was right to choose you, descendant of the holy ones. Er...yes. Thank you. * Saki slows to a respectful gait as she reaches the top of the stairs: sensing the dragon's presence she hangs back and eventually settles for sitting on the top step, listening in. [White Dragon] Restore my 3 brothers, and with the last ounce of our strength, we will open the way to the Destroyer that threatens your world. ...Last ounce? * Mikel meanwhile makes his way into the Black Dragon's chamber, essence in hand. [White Dragon] Without the Goddess Althena, we cannot remain in the living world... her death as a mortal sealed our fates in times past. She knew humanity was ready to stand on its own two feet and confront their old sins. * Niri looks at her feet with a heavy sigh. "All right then." [White Dragon] With some of the stolen aura reclaimed, we revived long enough to grant you this last favor before our time watching humans comes to an end. [White Dragons] Believe in your friends and yourself and nothing is impossible. The old Dragonmasters changed this world -- now it's your turn to write the next chapter when old gods fade away. << er dragon >> * Niri nods again, giving a gesture that looks vaguely like a salute, not knowing what to say. She awkwardly heads for the next pedestal... * Mikel places the black essence, stepping back a moment just in case something goes wrong. The illusion glimmers and fades back to the cold flame. * Saki glances behind her as the mages move back and forth, keeping an eye on them. The similar effect appears before Mikel, as a vision of an onyx scaled dragon forms from the ether. "Thank you. perhaps we aren't dissimilar, you and I. Two sides of everything in existence, and yet there is a heart to fill that void that seems endless. Let me grant you strength to find your way back to that light in the long night." * Mikel gives this a moment's though before nodding, grin appearing on his face. "Much appreciated, thank you." * Niri goes to the red pedestal next, carefully placing the essence there. The red dragon is reborn for a fleeting moment before Niri. "What an impressive fire you have in your spirit! It reminds me of your father. Long ago I served him against Zophar... now allow me to do you the honor in his memory." Session Time: Sun Feb 03 00:00:00 2008 * Mikel steps out of the black chambers, making his way into the blue ones while Niri deals with the red dragon. * Niri quirks a smile briefly, then looks very sad, remembering her father's stories of the red dragon. Thanks....Ruby, right? As Mikel enters the rooms alloted for the Blue Dragon, he finds something there he was not quite expecting... in the foyer is the unconscious form of Yuriko, the martial artist from Horam. She has apparently collapsed, leaning heavily on one of the spartan couches there. The red dragon nods once to Niri before vaguely smiling and disappearing. * Mikel blinks before letting out a whistle. "Saki!" With that he makes his way over, crouching and seeing if she's alright. * Saki looks up from where she's been daydreaming, and gets to her feet to walk after Mikel's voice. "... mm?" Yuriko mumbles Saki's name once as Mikel approaches. She's in fairly good shape, but a few bandages from their last fight can still be seen on her torso, underneath the fighting robe of the blue dragon school she wear. << wears >> * Saki turns the corner, halts in surprise and confusion, then hurries forwards. "... what's she even doing out here?" * Mikel relaxes, sighing as he stands. "No idea. No serious injuries or anything at least." * Niri hurries to see what's up, hearing the two. * Mikel steps over to the pedastal to place the blue essence, keeping one eye on Yuriko. Mikel places the blue essence. For a moment the same purification takes place, but nothing happens after that for a few moments. The air in the chamber does seem to become more tense and charged. * Niri waits expectantly * Saki kneels over Yuriko, nodding as Mikel places the essence and checking her for wounds with a better medical eye. Yuriko mumbles again and begins to groggily get to her feet. [Yuriko] Saki... * Saki rocks back on her heels to give the woman some space. "Mm. Nice to see you too," she smirks. There's a dull rumble and the essence glows brightly, and a line of energy flares around Yuriko, an aura of blue, causing her to clutch her head and stagger back. [Yuriko] ...it... it wants you... purified... * Mikel frowns, stepping back as he watches Yuriko. "...now what." [Yuriko] The darkness in your hands... it's going to consume you if I don't stop it! * Saki freezes a moment, then grabs Mikel by the arm. "--back /now/!" she yells, suiting actions to words and hurling him out the door. Wait wh-ACK! * Mikel is promptly hurled out of the room, landing with a thud. SOmething about Yuriko seems wrong... her fighting power is magnified several times over in the rpesence of the soul. * Saki startes to take the same route, carefully pacing backwards towards the door. Her eyes are riveted on Yuriko; she's making fists. "... you can try, if you like," she mutters half to herself. * Niri tries to catch Mikel but doesn't quite make it in time to prevent him from taking a large bruise. "What's going on??" [Yuriko] The Blue Dragon.. it's crying out...! Saki... dfend yourself! * Mikel groans, sitting up. "Yuriko. Something about purification." * Saki glances back behind her for long enough to yell "It's her Rachel--" before Yuriko yells out and her attention's back on the incoming battle. The likely possessed fighter begins gathering her magnified chi and dashes at Saki! ...get the others, just in case. >> Duel: Saki vs Yuriko! * Niri nods, running off to fetch the rest of the party. "Keep them from killing each other!" Behind the two the door momentarily shuts! ...after I break down the door, sure! >> Round 1 [Yuriko] You're using that power... It's her doing isn't it? SHe is wrong. She shouldn't be here. * Saki stands her ground in the doorway, pausing only to note her cut-off escape route. "... I'd really rather not hurt you," she mutters to herself, raising a hand Yuriko's direction. * Saki shrugs one shoulder, starting to circle around Yuriko carefully. "... let's see what she thinks." * Etirfk is now known as Tanan >> Yuriko begins concentrating and her leg glows with force. >> Saki enters into Dark Stance! stats up! * Saki swings an arm around her, and looks on Yuriko with new eyes. "... it's you. --no, it's not. ... interesting." >> Yuriko, or more correctly, a fragment of the resurrected blue dragon's soul cries out as a typhoon engulfs Saki from above as she sails over. "Comet Tail!" >> Saki is struck 3 times for 589 damage! >> Round 2 * Saki grimaces in pain and grounds herself in front of the door, glaring balefully at Yuriko. "... I think you've got me all wrong," shr growls dully. "--unless you /want/ me to be a threat." [Yuriko] ...I've got to use.. all my power... this one strike... the dragon's will and my own... >> Yuriko begins gathering power for the Haduken, but something seems different. * Saki tosses her head. "-- fine, then! Come on! Your will against mine!" >> Saki's action. * Saki kicks away from the door and shoots forwards in an all-out attack, pulling back a fist with a yell. >> Saki's punch is just about to land when the energy that was building flares up even brighter and a roar echoes for a split second in tandem with the girl's voice. "Purifying strike... Tensei no HADUKEN!!" And in a bright flash she releases it right in the face of the berserker Saki... * Saki barely utters a yelp of "--wha--" before it's lost in the noisy volume of the room. >> the huge energy wave literally tears right THROUGH the very souls that make up the warrior -- Rachel's cry of agony mirrors her own. 68 Mp damage, extra converts auto to HP... 567! Saki is KO'd!! * Niri meanwhile has found the others and has alerted them to the situation in the Spire... * Mikel has meanwhile been blasting away at the door the entire time! The door is also broken down by the force, as Rachel's spirit is actually RIPPED away from its host entirely. * Mikel ends up having to duck a flying piece of door. * Vytor looks alarmed at Niri's news, and races for the tower. Yuriko's eyes roll up into her head after it and she falls to the ground with the vaguest smile. * Saki scatters backwards, coming to a rolling stop in a heap of groaning body. Wisps of energy trail off of her as she heaves in pain. * Niri races back to the Spire with the others in tow ...ah /shit/. Saki! * Rachel (~arpee@192.168.0.51) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Rachel ...What the hell happened?! * A mirror copy of Saki slides to a similar stop, but rather than groaning in pain launches into a colourful collection of swearing in esoteric languages. * Mikel dashes into the room... then skids to a stop, blinking. "...w-what the hell?!" * Trune kneels by Saki and begins to gather willforce in order to heal her. Is everyone...eh?! o_O * Rachel is half-there, though visible; fuzzy around the edges, she's not quite real enough to be real but solid enough to not be a ghost. * Ryllan dashes up, "What happ-" His eyes lock on Rachel, and a slow curse escapes his lips, "...oh." Is that Rachel? ...Yeah. It's Rachel. I... think so/ >> Trune's KoD heals 462 Hp damage on Saki, but there is apparently a deeper spirtual pain he cannot treat. What happened here? Yuriko. * Mikel gestures towards the other downed martial artist, watching Rachel carefully. * Saki heaves again as the healing spell is cast, making a frightened choking noise in her throat and retreating into her ball some more. * Vytor bites his lip, not sure what to do. * Niri kneels down next to Saki and reaches out hesitantly. "Saki...?" She turns to look at Rachel, an unreadable expression on her face. * Tanan sounds unreasonably calm. "Huh. That's unusual." How the hell did Yuriko seperate them? I'll say... * Stelas seems more lucid than Saki, though the strings of curses haven't stopped for a moment and seem to be rather directed towards certain Blue Dragons. She remains on her hands and knees, arms shaking in pain. * Rachel seems more lucid than Saki, though the strings of curses haven't stopped for a moment and seem to be rather directed towards certain Blue Dragons. She remains on her hands and knees, arms shaking in pain. «ooc: Hi Stelas! ;) » «ooc: SHUT IT » What do we do? The blue aura seeps out of Yuriko, and returns to the ball. * Mikel carefully steps towards Rachel, frowning. "I... have no idea." * Rachel gulps for air she doesn't need, and comes into some faint focus, the edges of her body solidifying a little. "--hhhn! For a start, if you so much as try to step through me then floating soul or not, I'll find a way to put my fist through your face." * Trune wipes a smudge of dirt on his face, frowning, "Something spiritually is wrong with Saki, too. I can feel it." I mean, with Rachel standing there, I guess it's a given. Just saying. Honestly, Rachel, if we can go through you then putting your fist through someone would be the simplest thing in the world. I don't mean to doubt teh wisdom of dead dragons, but how exactly did this help? * Rachel glares balefully at Niri's chest, then just drops her head. "Let me have my fantasies, at least. They'll help the pain. --gh..." So noted, Rachel. * Mikel (Zack@dorms-89-104.loyno.edu) Quit (Connection reset by peer) * Zack (Zack@DORMS-89-104.loyno.edu) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Zack * Saki twists a little out of her ball; far more reticent and ill-composed than Rachel, she peers over an arm of her huddle. "... what...?" Hey, welcome back, Saki. Saki, are you all right? * Vytor walks over to Rachel, seeing that Saki has many fussing over her now. * Zack is now known as Mikel * Mikel is somewhere between close and cautious distance from Rachel, scratching the back of his head. "So... any ideas?" * Saki unfolds herself to sit up, a hand on her forehead. "... hurts all over. Feel like I'm missing an arm." She blinks at Rachel, takes a visible amount of time to process the data, then opts for "... oh." You've been seperated. I don't quite know how or why though. I think you two need to decide- do we try to put you back together, or try to fix things so you stay apart. Yuriko offers a whimper from the hard blue crystalline floor. "Dammit, dammit, okay!" Ryllan snaps, then his mannerisms shift abruptly, and he looks at Rachel, "We need to you back together, or into another body, now. I agree with Ry- er, Noah. * Vytor leans down near Rachel, far less hesitant than Mikel. "How do we do that?" Rachel, there's pain? How much? * Rachel rubs her face in an angry spasm of movement. "--sure, let's go visit the new body shop. I'm not that stupid; we've only one shot." She grimaces and nods. "Put simply it fucking hurts. How'd it feel when he had only half of you?" Then we're low on time. * Niri starts suddenly. She stands and walks over to the pedestal, eyeing the essence. I don't suppose there's any insight on how to plug her back in? * Saki seems zoned and out of it, coping with the apparent pain much worse than Rachel. But they both appear to be recovering, and Rachel visibly steels herself. "... it's alright. I can bear it. ... we've time to think, at least." ...Is Yuriko all right? * Niri appears to be asking the dragon essence. Maybe someone at the academy could do it? Like /who/? Master Hylan's the only one I'd figure capable of it. * Saki breathes out, then finally sounds lucid: "... John or Haylee could put us back together, maybe. ... we already know how to get another body, if..." * Rachel lifts herself from her hands and knees, but only to prop herself up against a helpfully placed wall. "If we want to separate, we've got that Blue-whatever machine. Lazarus." Isn't there anything we can do in the meantime? We'd still need to get you into... Mmm. Miss Salyn, how is your mother faring? * Mikel blinks, looking over at Ryllan. "...oh, Noah." A faint whisper enters Niri's mind * Rachel stiffens, then looks aghast at Ryllan. "--not likely! Hold on, hold on, I'm not going to--" [Blue Dragon] The girl.. lives.. your friend... needs to decide.. what path she walks. * Niri repeats the words she hears in her mind in a somewhat odd, distant voice. * Niri doesn't appear to hear Ryllan...er, Noah. * Rachel looks about ready to spit. "--damned meddlers." * Trune glances at Niri, "...Are you okay?" The mages aren't available, Rachel. This Lucia may be your best hope for getting you back in a body before it's too late. * Mikel frowns. "If she's recovered from the attack." * Saki gets to her feet, wobbling a little but holding steady. She doesn't answer Niri's statement; Rachel doesn't answer Noah's ultimatum, avoiding his eyes. Darn it... * Niri shakes her head a bit as if to clear her mind, then turns to Saki and Rachel. "I guess it's up to you." * Mikel rubs his face with his hand, sighing. "...well then." The four essences begin to harmonize and the air fills with particles of light. The breaking of the barrier has begun, likely, as her White Dragon Wings begin to glow with greater powers than ever before. As they do so, there's another voice that fills the chamber. "Come upstairs" beckons Lucia's faint wish, reverberating across the motes that filter upwards. * Rachel gets to her feet herself, glaring daggers at Noah. "... I'm not making either of us make a decision like that immediately. I--" ...that answers that, I guess. * Vytor looks up at the voice, hoping that maybe there's something that can still be done to help Saki and Rachel. I... uh, would offer a hand but. * Saki rubs at her face, but seems more calm. "... but you haven't even figured out how you do it, yet. It's alright. ... let's get going, then." * Vytor heads upstairs, not knowing what else to do. * Trune rubs the rest of the dirt off his face, looking wiped. He follows the others upstairs, at a distance. * Niri 's expression lightens for a moment, and she hurries out of the room, with an apologetic glance back, obviously unable to wait. * Ryllan follows up. * Saki treats herself gingerly, but has the sense of mind to raise her eyebrows in a question to Trune before she heads off. Rachel waits, hanging back a little and absolutely not doting on Saki. * Mikel makes sure Yuriko's alright before following the others. Though he does shoot a look at Rachel and gestures for her to come along. * Trune gives Saki a slight smile before continuing up the stairs. * Rachel helps Saki along, raising one eyebrow at Mikel archly. "--I'm not a family dog. We're following." Yuriko appears to be going in and out of consciousness, having spent nearly all of her willforce. Mikel rests her up against the cavern chair once again, hopefully she will have come to ehr senses by then and explain. * Niri waits for the others at the lift, a little impatiently, but trying to control herself. * Vytor stands by the lift, and waits for Saki and Rachel. * Saki is walking on her own power by the time they reach the lift, and the pair move onto it in tandem with not a little awkwardness. Once upon the lift, you arise to the peak of the spire, and at the end of the long walkway sits the seren crystal that holds Lucia. But with the energy released with the dragonr estoration, power appears to be flowing into it. * Rachel blinks around the impressive peak, not having witnessed it with her own eyes yet. She whistles with a certain lack of respect, impressed. The nearly completely frozen solid woman is now thawing and the color returning to her cheeks, even as she remains trapped in the green hued stasis healing crystal . * Trune eyebrows raise in surprise, "Well, I'll be damned." * Niri approaches the crystal and gently lays her hands flat against it, looking upward. "Mom?" Lucia opens her eyes and looks down to Niri with a warm smile. * Vytor hangs back and watches. * Niri sniffs suddenly, wiping her eyes. "You're okay..." * Trune watches the reunion, a geninue smile creeping onto his face this time. * Mikel lets out a small sigh of relief, nodding to himself. Her voice echoes out through a fluid in its sound, though her mouth doesn't move. "I'm glad.. that you're safe." * Saki , leading ahead of Rachel by a step, smiles very gently at Niri's words; Rachel has the presence of mind to at least shut her mouth and just watch, hand on one hip. [Lucia] If I'm recovering this quickly.. it means.. is Leah... gone? * Niri looks at the ground. "...Yes." [Lucia] I'm so sorry it had to come to this, Nirika. You've lost a friend, but at least I'm still here with you yet. And my beloved... I worry he is in great danger... [Lucia] With your hard work you can now go home and see him again. He'll be so happy when you return so brave and strong, I'm sure of it. * Niri shakes her head. "Nothing's gonna happen to Dad. Not after..." She swallows. "Mom, how long till you're recovered...do you think?" [Lucia] It will be a few days until the effects disappear completely, I'm afraid. This was a powerful curse. * Saki nods. "... 'days' is better than we could have hoped." Yeah, really, that's good news. Yes. I'm... very glad to see you're doing better. [Lucia] That may be too late to help you fight Zophar, though... his power is growing stronger. Just like how I sued a vessel to restore Althena briefly, he's likely going to have to find a body to contain it in. << used >> * Niri nods. "They're right, it's very good news." Normally I'd want to stay till you're all right, but...you're right. We can't wait. A body... * Niri looks a little torn, but when there are certainly others' lives at stake, there really is no question. ...Yeah, we have an idea of one source for that back home. We're going to go break it. * Vytor looks back over to Rachel. [Lucia] ...so you've discovered the secret of Lazarus? It makes sense that this would be his recourse. * Rachel looks awkward and out of place, but is at least staying behaved, one hand planted behind her head and dug in her hair. I'd really rather not break Lazarus before we can get a body for Rachel. [Lucia] There's nothing there but a factory of soulless creations. It would be a simple matter to borrow one, but it'd have to be special... and that may take some time to create. [Lucia] ...Rachel? [Lucia} ...why are you unbound? * Aleph is now known as Ark Oh yeah. About that... * Rachel raises her head, and one eyebrow. "I'm special." * Mikel groans. Ask Yuriko. * Saki puts a hand on her forehead and sighs. "... Yuriko... did something. Blue Dragon?" [Lucia] I think that woman was possessed by the dragon spirit. It drove her mad in ehr desire to save you from the dark you grew so reliant on for power. I had no idea it got to this level... * Rachel opens her mouth once or twice and turns side on, arms crossed. "Save who from what, exactly? 'Oh, Saki, I will save you by ripping out your better half!'" she huffs. Talk about being driven... * Vytor bites his lip again and looks at the floor, * Saki sighs out again, and speaks with a carefully placating tone. "I'm sure she didn't know what she was thinking," she adds quietly and diplomatically, which earns her a suspicious glance from the mageguard. <<, = .>> [Lucia] It's possible to forge you back together, and waiting overly long would cause both your souls to degrade... but is this what you really want? You would rather they die? * Saki shakes her head. "That depends how fast we could get to Lazarus." [Lucia] I know that before your ambition was to return Rachel to her old body and lay at rest. When that was impossible, you came to an uneasy truce it looks like. But you may have an opportunity to try again if you can seize Lazarus. * Mikel frowns, glancing at Rachel and Saki. "Your call." [Lucia] You've a handful of days before the bond begins to wear down past the point of no return and both of you fade away. If you don't wish to try, then you can return here when I'm recovered and I will restore all as it was before. * Rachel rubs at her forehead in exact imitation of Saki's own gesture. "Time limit or not, I'm not making this decision now," she states firmly. * Saki only nods absently in response to Lucia, the question clearly on her mind. We could make an attempt if they wish. We need to go back there anyway, so it's not out of the way. The sword is back there, after all. We...could head back there. We need to stop Zophar, now, and he's there. We're on that path. [Lucia] That's right Tanan. You need to get Hiro to bestow the sword of Althena on you Niri... it's the only way we can destroy Zophar for good. I failed last time without it's help... * Rachel smirks, tossing her head in eagerness. "Well, so we've got a few days. Let's get going. Unless you'd prefer to miss the chance to have the two of us show you how it's done?" * Vytor exhales. * Mikel looks at Rachel. "...are you even solid enough to do that?" * Rachel smiles brilliantly, showing her teeth. "Want to test?" she whips straight back. So. * Saki covers her face with one hand. "... I apologise." I guess we don't have long to get moving. *turning to Ryllan* Is...I mean...did you....ah. ...tempting, but I seem to remember all those threats and am quite fond of not getting punched. I hear it builds character. You didn't get punched enough. We all have to make sacrifices. * Rachel shrugs, then glances over at Ryllan. "And you, get back to sleep," she barks in a not-quite angry tone. "I've more practice at this than you. It must hurt." * Niri blinks, remembering that's not Ryllan at the moment, but Noah. * Trune speaks up in Ryllan's stead, his voice soft, "We did." * Niri nods, giving Trune a grateful look. "Then...before we leave, I want to...well, say good bye. Before we leave, anyway." * Mikel nods. "Go, then." Take as much time as you need. Lucia sighs. * Ryllan waits for Niri to continue, then, realizing that no more is coming, slumps back against the wall. When his voice sounds again, it is solemn, though raspy, "You want someone to stand with you?" He makes the question as gentle as he can. * Saki regards Niri silently for a moment, then nods slowly. "... mm. Besides, we've a lot of talking to do too." [Lucia] Take the time you need, my daughter. This is probably the last moment you have before you throw yourself into the fire brewing back in Meribia. * Niri nods solemnly. * Rachel frowns over at Saki, joking and snappishness apparently aside. She raises one eyebrow at Saki and mutters wordlessly; the response is another shake of the head and a nod towards Niri. * Mikel frowns, looking at Lucia. "Meribia?" * Trune 's face pales, "...Meribia?" ..? [Lucia] The social conflict is coming to a head there, even as enemies in the shadows gather up... with the barrier fading, of this I am sure. Wonderful. Wonder if I'm still wanted? Probably. ...First things first. We need the sword, and we need to fix Saki and Rachel. * Vytor facepalms. I'll...be back shortly, everyone. * Niri heads down the lift, glancing back once. * Rachel grows solemn. "... that's simply dealt with. If anyone tries to stop us, we toss them aside. It's pure folly." * Trune 's face droops, "Man, if I could just avoid going back there, I would...also, wow, Rachel, I have newfound respect for you. Thanks." I mean, I know most if it isn't for my sake at all, but it's still kinda awesome you said that. Beating up the local police. Always a nice way to say 'we're baaaack'. [Lucia] Trune... I think you more than anyone has unfinished business there. Until you can put it behind you, then you can't go forward without regrets..? Yeah, I know. It's just...we have to stop Zophar. My problems aren't important in the grand scope of things right now. Can't stop Zophar if there's nothing left to save from him. * Trune blinks several times, then sighs, "You've got me there." * Trune rubs his forehead, "Okay, okay, I'll go face my past and try to evade the law." That's the spirit. [Lucia] Ryllan's correct. You have to get the people to stop fighting and unite. ZOphar will divide and conquer otherwise, as generals throughout history did to their enemies. * Rachel has been looking non-plussed for a while now. "... evade?" she asks at last. * Saki has been looking thoughtful for a while now. "No," she intones at last. Yeah, evade. Not this time, Trune. * Rachel huffs. "It'd be much easier." As Niri departs for some final respects to the grave the group dug near the foot of the Spire for Leah, there's a moment of silence. And then... * Mikel freezes up for a moment in mid conversation, practically staggering a step or two before going to a knee. "Gh!" His staff clatters to the ground as he grabs his head, muttering something over and over. * Trune looks over to Mikel in alarm, "Mikel?" * Niri returns to the Spire in time to see Mikel go to one knee. She hurries forward. "What is it?" ...? * Mikel stiffens for a moment, staring at the ground. "...Ien. I need to get to Ien. Now!" Whu..? ...Emili. She's being attacked! * Niri 's eyes go wide, and she fumbles for the White Dragon Wings, standing next to Mikel and holding them out. What...Niri! The wings! Everyone who's going, behind me, now! * Ryllan steps next to Mikel, making damn sure to remain within the locus of the effect. * Vytor gets behind Niri. * Trune hurries to Niri's side, "Let's go!" * Mikel grabs his staff, standing unsteadily. * Rachel balks back a step, but is then dragged forwards by a nod from Saki. * Niri summons the Wings' power the second everyone is within range. >> The boosted WIngs begin gathering in the ambient energy now, crackling with power. The dragon roars once throughout your ears and the black barrier in your hearts shatters. The coastline races into view and you are hurled across the sea to the mystical island in a heartbeat. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 66: A Dragon Crashes to Earth, pt 2 | Location: Ien, Star Tower | Pool: 8 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' * Niri staggers a little as they arrive, then shoves the Wings away in her pack and looks around a bit frantically The teleportation drops you off at the lower floor library, which looks to have been utterly ransacked. ...shit! There's a dark aura here and some ghostsly guards have been slain by claws, teeth and other manners of energy. What...what happ- *she shakes her head* Never mind, upstairs! Fast! * Ryllan makes for the stairs, throwing caution to the wind. * Niri hurries after the others. * Mikel starts running for the stairs leading up towards the top, willforce crackling for a moment. Then there are two Mikels once again, stride not even broken as they run up. * Saki drops to one knee with a fractured gasp, Rachel betraying the pain with another slew of invective; then, in trademark style, they're both immediately back up and running. * Trune follows behind the others, running as fast as his legs can carry him. * Vytor hustles after the others. As you run up the steps there's the sound of Emili's scream, half-demon and half human. "Aaggghhhh!!" ...NO! Mikel's heart races as his feet do likewise, and when he reaches the landing he eyes are greeted with a horrifying sight The chains of the chamber are broken and glittering with force, as Emili has been ripped right out of them and held up by a 5 armed hulking behemoth. A clawed hand has went right through ehr stomach, and it is withdrawn and her demonic body cast to the floor like a broken doll. Shit! Her book is at its feet open and bloody, and what looks like Rosebud laying on the floor without its master W...w...w...w... [Arch Fiend] Stupid girl. Like taking candy from a baby. * Niri 's eyes go wide. "Emili!" * Trune cant' seem to get the words out. He looks horrified. * Niri grits her teeth, drawing her sword. * Mikel and his counterpart crackle, the starlight and shadow cores within growing in prominence for the barest of moments as they stare at the scene before them. Red sigils pulse on both of them in tune as the energy grows. Then it hits breaking point as the two are consumed in the storm of thunder and water and shadow and starlight. What... Emili gasps weakly once before she ceases all movement, grapsing at Mikel's form with the last once of force in her twisted fingers. She's gone and the link severed. >> Suddenly one form streaks out as the maelstorm fades into nothingness, though it's different looking from Mikel. Clad in a blue breastplate, black slacks and boots and blue underalls his form seems different. Less fragile. Brown hair is now blue while eyes crackling with lightning remain locked on the monster. Then a gloved hand snatches up the spear in mid charge. * Vytor blinks, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. * Niri stares, faltering for a moment in mid charge herself. "What..." [Arch Fiend] Oh? What's this? * Trune gapes at Mikel's transformation, still unable to form words just yet. The demonic entity, an amalgam of terrifying beasts, turns around, just as the spear Rosebud is gripped by the transmogrified Mikel. In his hands it is able to complete a spell Emili has started in vain on it, as it transforms into a weapon of both starlight and night. Vengance. Back where you belong, bastard! * Trune suddenly goes ramrod straight, finding his voice, "YOU! You were sent by HIM, weren't you?" * Niri nods grimly. "An agent of Zophar." She raises her sword. * Vytor hears all that he need to know, and draws his hammer. * Trune draws his athames, his anger dripping in his voice like a poison, "I thougth so. Then I'll crush you into nothing, and your master is next!" * Saki and Rachel shift to the same battle stance, back to back. On both their fists are the reforged Black Dragon Gauntlets; the only difference between them is their expression, and where Saki has calm concentration Rachel is grinning madly. "Shall we test out the smith's work, then?" >> COMBAT! >> Enemy Front: Arch-Fiend [Arch Fiend] You're too late, fleshbag. But if you want to join her, I'll gladly oblige! >> The Arch Fiend prepares a weapon technique on Mikel! * Niri hurries to join the fray >> Before Mikel can complete his maneuver, the creature acts with the speed of inhuman creatures, slashing at him wildly! The mage however endures the assault with miraculous new strength. Quadra Strike! 84! 77! 64! 72! * Mikel doesn't offer an immediate response as he continues the charge towards the fiend. The lance's star and dark is joined by ice, sharpening the point even more so as he finally snarls out something. "Your end will be quick. Your master's I'll drag out." * Niri 's eyes go wide. This is not what she had expected. Niri detects the faint influence of Xenobia's blood rites joining the two halves together into a stronger entity. Between that and his rage, he's become even more powerful... * Mikel simply charges into and through the attack, springing up onto one of the arms and then to another until he's finally above the creature. He whirls the spear about, a veritable whirlwind of ice now gathering about as he reaches the apex of the leap and begins to fall. "Perish!" A whirl of the spear and the tip's aimed straight at the creature's face, the spear driving deep into the demon! Whoa. * Niri stares. >> Mikel uses Frigid Descent! The lance pierces the heart of the abomination as its black blood runs free. weak to Star! 1297 damage! [Arch Fiend] ...guh.. even if I die.. we still have the secret... Zophar... will be reborn...! *gurgle* >> Ko'd! What... * Trune 's voice is low and deadly, "Keep dreaming. It won't happen." * Mikel twists the spear around before kicking off and swinging once more, tearing the demon into pieces. He lands admist the mess, immediately dashing over to Emili. Never. Zophar will die for the last time. The demon is vanquished by Mikel's newfound powers, as the corpse blows apart in a storm of evil force. * Vytor stares at Mikel. * Niri slowly sheathes her sword as she realizes the danger is past. She turns to follow Mikel with her eyes, but her feet stay planted where they are as she watches uncertainly. The reborn thaumaturge stands alone in the center of the chamber, the Star Dragon diary at his piece, a few pages ripped from tis magical bindings. << er at his feet >> * Trune glares at the devestation in front of him, in disgust, "(w) He dies for this." * Vytor looks at his feet, feeling helpless again. * Mikel drives the speartip into the ground, kneeling beside Emili and ignoring the book. He stares for a moment or two, the anger of the moment abandoning him now that the creature's dead. "...wasn't... dammit, no.." * Ryllan frowns, rushing toward Emili, though standing back far enough to give Mikel room to work. * Saki and Rachel both watch in silence. A couple of moments later has Rachel muttering something under her breath and turning away; Saki continues to watch in a solemn silence. Emili's still body, in the definitve shape of the succubus you remember fighting begins to glow softly in Mikel's hands. The pale skin is cold to the touch and is without both its lifeforce and her soul now. ...damn... * Niri nods silently in agreement with Tanan's words. * Mikel eventually reaches over for the book, examining it for just a moment. * Ryllan looks down at Emili and opens his mouth, then closes it again, looking a little dumbfounded as he tries to find words. Sandra's diary, it's silver chain torn from Emili's side, was laying open to a section concerning the AGe of the Prophets in Luanr's history, right before their extermination at the hands of the Virtue regime. * Vytor is now known as DNW-sleep_logging But one page is missing concerning the preservation of the soul. Mikel also feels a comforting warmth as he holds the book of wisdom in his hands. Emili's touch... somewhere, in the mass of the prophetess, her Star Dragon essence yet remains... * Mikel ...narrows his eyes, clapping the book shut and tucking it away. The spear is wrenched out and placed on his back, held in place by something as he gathers up the body and gets to his feet. With that he turns and heads for the stairs, not looking at anyone. In midstep the transformation suddenly fades, leaving a tired looking Mikel continuing to walk. * Niri takes a step forward, then stops. * Ryllan is now known as DooM_As_Per_DNW ...Leave him be. * Niri nods, looking torn. "I know. I just...I..." Yeah...me too, me too.. * Niri clenches her fists and stares at the ground. He's playing dirty now. He's desperate. We're backing him into a corner. Soon there'll be nowhere for him to run. We have to do this, soon. * Mikel is at this point gone, heading down the stairs and eventually out of the tower. Yes. Zophar has to be destroyed, before anyone else...dies... There won't be anyone else. Not anymore. * Niri looks at Trune, meeting his eyes momentarily. * Rachel lets out a breath, arms crossed and face turned away from-- well, the entire room. * Trune meets Niri's gaze, and there is a surprising amount of resolve in them. "Let's go," Saki adds quietly. * Niri frowns, then nods solemnly - to both Trune and Saki, it seems. * Rachel turns and walks from the room without a word, Saki in tow. Only Saki stops to look back for a moment. Yeah...let's go. * Trune takes one last look around the devestated room, before heading down the stairs. ...yes. * Niri nods, then leaves the room in a somewhat numb, wooden daze. >> It would seem that not one but two friends would be buried this black day, as the true evil finally emerges for all to see. How many more would be sacrificed? Time was running out for the colonies. A familiar stage awaited their return for an encore... == SESSION END == Tah dah! >> 27 xp! Session Close: Sun Feb 03 02:31:51 2008