Secret of Mana RPG - Logs

Chapter 1b - Rusty Plight

Session Start: Sat Sep 02 16:08:21 2000

- Kippo Village | Mana Holy Day, Daytime -
<GMStoren> We pick up the action as Keylia and Rachel have just completed their assignment and deposited the criminals to justice! (For an appropriate sum of course) Cody, on the other hand, excused himself to do his daily run of delivering herbs to the local populace...
<GMStoren> >> Gained 1000 Luc bounty! :)
* Keylia stretches outside the mayor's house, looking over the pristine village.
<Keylia> Well Rachel, our job's over... what you think we should do now?
<Rachel> We should...move on to another town I guess...
* Rachel rubs her neck and doesn't look exactly thrilled or anything. ^^;
<Keylia> Yeah, same old. I got to admit this place has it's charm though. ^_^
<Rachel> I guess...I've heard things, though..
<Keylia> Like what? Nothing's gone on in this area since the whole Mana Fortress thing...
<Keylia> But I guess that's bad for us... quiet means no work! Hehe! ^_^
* Rachel chuckles. "True. But every town has its more darker qualities...this place probably is a gossip factory and worse...!"
<GMStoren> As you chat outside the residence of mayor Day, you notice two tall kids in the distance going to one of the houses.
* Rachel raises an eyebrow and watches them attentively for a few moments...
<GMStoren> The two boys look rather mischievous, and pound on the door to a shop. ^^
<GMStoren> [Boy 1] Hey Cody! Come on out!
<Cody> (Inside) Not you guys again...Can't you just leave me alone...? -_-
* Rachel looks further intrigued now at the mention of Cody's name and steps forward a few steps. "Mmm...?"
<GMStoren> [Boy 2] What's a matter, freak boy! You think you're better than us or somethin'! :o
<GMStoren> [Boy 1] Naw, he's just a chicken.
* Cody opens the door slowly, so that his head is halfway out the door. "Stop that...you're going to wake up Ms. Miller's baby..."
<Keylia> Hey look.. Cody's fan club. ;)
* Rachel murmurs. "Not quite fans, apparently.."
<GMStoren> The boys look at Cody and make a face. :P
<GMStoren> [Boy 1] Geez Brad, the only baby here is him!
* Cody stares back at them with a stony expression, but there's hurt in his eyes. "Please...just go HOME."
* Cody starts to close the door.
<Brad> What's a matter, Cody? You afraid of Brad and Mark? :P
<GMStoren> Mark grabs Cody before he can close the door!
<Cody> H--Hey!
 I think we have to toughen him up some... what do you say!
<Brad> Yeah!
* Rachel blinks and narrows her eyes, hopping down off the stone she had been sitting on. She starts for Cody and the boys...!
* Cody squirms to get out of their grasp. "N-no! C'mon! Don't!"
<Keylia> Well this is getting interesting... uh Rachel? *mumbles
* Such a hero...
<GMStoren> Rachel runs up to the two boys who are accosting Cody!
<Rachel> Hey! Hey, you dickweeds! Lettem go!
 Hey, who the hell are you!
* Cody is still struggling to get out of their grasp. ^^;
<Brad> Like we'll listen to a girl!
* Rachel draws her sword and points it at them.
<Rachel> How about listening to me now?!
<GMStoren> Mark and Brad instantly bigeye. o_O
* Cody blinks at Rachel...confused.
 Aaah... she's got a sword!!
<Brad> Agh, run!
<Rachel> Let him go and scram!
<GMStoren> Mark and Brad drop Cody and head for the hills!
 You just got lucky!
* Cody crumples to his knees.
* Rachel smirks and sheathes her sword before looking at Cody. "You okay?"
* Keylia walks over nonchalantly.
* Cody looks up at Rachel. "I...I don't understand...Why did you help me...?"
* Rachel raises an eyebrow slowly. "Because I know how it can be. Besides, nobody should treat you like that."
<Keylia> Don't you just love that country hospitality?
<Rachel> Absolutely, Key. ^_-
* Cody blinks again, then slowly breaks out into a smile. "Thank you...Thanks a lot..." ^^
* Keylia smirks. "If this sort of thing is common maybe you need bodyguards." ^_^
* Cody jumps up to his feet, grabbing his herb bag from the ground. "Well...I don't know about bodyguards...but I would like to repay you guys in some way." ^^
<Rachel> Ah...ah... ^^; No, it's alright...
<Cody> No...Really! I...Hey! I know...my Mom and Dad run an Inn here...how about you guys have dinner and a free room for the night. On me.
<Keylia> Hey, I like the sound of that... it is the Holy Day after all. :)
* Rachel sweatdrops and rubs her neck again, shrugging a little. "Uhm...sure....free is free...." ^^;
* Cody nods, the smile still on his face. "Great...! If you two could follow me?" ^^;
* Cody starts off for the center of town. ^^
* Rachel follows, her gaze occasionally resting on Cody and then on the scenery around them...
<GMStoren> Keylia nods, and struts off confidently after Cody.
<Cody> I have to warn you both though...my parents...Well...they're umm...
* Cody looks flustered.
<GMStoren> It's not long before you reach a two-story house in the middle of the country town. By the signs around it you can see it's a general store as well as an Inn.
<Rachel> As long as they aren't giant rabites, we'll be fine. ^_-
<Cody> ^^; Well...Ah...you'll see for yourself. ^^;
* Cody pulls out a key and opens the door. "Mom? Dad? I'm home."
<Cody> I have company!
* Rachel raises an eyebrow and runs her hand through her hair to straighten it a little. ^^;
- Kippo, Hylissa General Store & Inn | Mana Holy Day, Daytime -
* Cody opens the door and heads inside, beckoning the two warrior girls to follow. ^^
<GMStoren> You don't hear a response at first, but a shifting of boxes as a delivery just came in. ^^
* Rachel follows Cody, briefly sizing up his butt before looking around. "Nice scenery..." ;)
* Cody thankfully hasn't heard Rachel. ^^; "Um...Dad? That you?"
<GMStoren> After a minute, a middle-aged man pops his head over a stack, and smiles at Cody.
<Cody> Hey Dad...Sorry I'm home so late...I have company though ^^;
<GMStoren> [Father] Oh hello Cody, sorry I'm a little busy...
<GMStoren> The man instantly looks over Keylia and Rachel.
<GMStoren> [Father] Those are your guests? ^^
<GMStoren> [Father] Didn't I teach you better than to hang around with people like that?
<Cody> This is Keylia and Rachel. ^^ They helped me out today...so...If it's not too much trouble...being that it's Mana Holy Day and all. ^^;;;
* Rachel sweatdrops and chuckles. ^^;
<Cody> No! They're not like that Dad. They're nice... ^^;
<Rachel> Yeah, we've only committed minor felonies. ;)
<GMStoren> The man opens the counter, and steps out into view. He's a rather stocky fellow with graying hair.
* Cody kicks Rachel in the foot gently. (w) "He'll take you seriously...so shhh!" ^^;;;
<GMStoren> [Father] Well, if you helped my son, I guess that's a different story... we're just very skeptical about outsiders obviously.
<Rachel> Of course, sir, you have every right with the events lately..!
<Keylia> No big deal. I bet we're the talk of the town apprehending those bandits. ^_-
<Cody> ^^; Yeah, did you hear about that? ^^;
* Cody looks really nervous. ^^;
<GMStoren> [Father] Oh, you actually caught those no good thieves? I lost a lot of business with them around.
<Cody> Yeah...and from what I heard they did a good job too. ^^;
<GMStoren> [Father] Stay as long as you like, but don't make trouble, ok? I'll have my eye on you.
* Cody tries to cover up the small gash he received from them with his hand. ^^;
* Rachel grins widely. ^^; "Thank you, sir."
<GMStoren> [Father] Oh and Cody, your mom's waiting for you upstairs...
<Cody> Thanks a lot, Dad. I appreciate this. (turns to Keylia and Rachel) Um...you want me to show you your rooms? ^^;
<Rachel> Uh, sure. ^^;
<GMStoren> [Father] Did you get cut from those bullies again? You know she'll have a fit.
<Cody> Y...Yeah. :/ But these two stopped them before it got really bad. ^^;
<GMStoren> [Father] Next thing you know I'll be paying them to protect you.. haha! ^_^
<Keylia> Well hey, I have good rates!
* Cody blushes. ^^; "Dad...I don't need protection...I'm fine..." *^^*
* Rachel sweatdrops. "Oh gods. Cody, can you show me my room? I'm really tired..."
* Cody coughs and starts to head upstairs. ^^ "S...Sure Rachel. This way."
<GMStoren> Cody's dad gets serious again.
<GMStoren> [Father] I was kidding. Now run along... I need to finish inventory before suppertime.
* Rachel follows Cody, shaking her head a little. ^^;
* Cody points to one of the rooms. ^^ "This is your room. If you two each want a seperate room...I'm sure I can do something about that." ^^
<GMStoren> A single, rustic stairway leads to the top level, where you find an older woman in a simple dress making a bed off in a side room. She's humming a little tune.
<Cody> ^^; Oh...Hey Mom. We've got guests. ^^
<GMStoren> As Cody heads into the room opposite, she turns around and looks up.
* Rachel raises an eyebrow and nods a little. ^^;
<GMStoren> [Mother] Oh, my sweet little Cody! I was just making the beds... what... guests?
<GMStoren> [Mother] They look like mercenaries... you're not in any trouble are you? o_O
* Cody sweatdrops. "^^ No...No it's okay! They helped me out today... ^^;"
* Cody looks a but flustered. ^^;
<GMStoren> [Mother] What happened? You didn't get hurt did you? You're cut...
* Rachel watches quietly, eyebrow raised slightly.
<Cody> Oh...just those...bullies again mom. These two stuck up for me though... ^^;
<GMStoren> Cody's mom zips over to him like any mother would. You can see her age is showing by some wrinkles on her face. ^^
<Cody> No...No really! It's not that bad. ^^:
<GMStoren> [Mother] I've told those children's mothers a hundred times to shape up those boys...
<GMStoren> [Mother] I hope Cody didn't cause you two any trouble.
* Cody shakes his head, looking embarrassed. ^^;
<Rachel> Cody? No way...he's a good guy. ^^;
<Keylia> I like chasing bullies away... of course I like free rooms even more. ;)
* Cody coughs. "Anyway...is it okay if they have dinner tonight too?" ^^;
<GMStoren> [Mother] Well, if you're Cody's guests and you saved my little darling, I guess it's the least we can do. We don't have much to offer...
<Rachel> Ah...ah I don't eat much...at all... I think I'll just get some sleep....Keylia eats like a horse though. ;)
<Cody> Thanks a lot, Mom. ^^
<Cody> You sure? :/
<Keylia> Hey now!
* Rachel nods a little at Cody and smiles a little. ^^;
<GMStoren> [Mother] Well, then make yourselves at home... I'll be downstairs preparing dinner. Don't be late now or your food will get cold.
<GMStoren> Cody's mother kisses him on the cheek and heads downstairs. :)
<Cody> You should eat something though...Who knows when you'll get a free meal like this! My Mom (winces a bit at the kiss, but coughs) ^^; My Mom is a good cook.
<Keylia> Bah. Sure seems like normal parents to me. ^_^
* Cody sighs. "They just like to treat me a bit too young for my age...That's all."
* Rachel shuffles her feet. "Nah, it's okay, I'm sure she's a great cook...but I'm just really tired... okay? Just...keep an eye on Keylia and make sure she doesn't eat everything in the house." ^^;
<Keylia> Hey, it's not my fault if I can eat well and keep my girlish figure. ;) Take a load off Rachel...
<Cody> If you say so...Your room is that way. ^^; At least have breakfast tomorrow, okay?
* Rachel winks at Keylia playfully before pausing and eyeing Cody. "Ah, probably. Anyway...give me a holler if something comes up..."
* Keylia heads downstairs too. ^^
* Cody smiles, and waves. "See you, Rachel. And thanks again!"
<Rachel> Not a problem. ^^;
* Rachel waves a little and heads into her room, closing her door. ^^;
* Cody heads downstairs.
<GMStoren> As Rachel heads into her room, she notices something a little out of place. A sword sits in a small holder, sheathed... probably just a decoration or a memento. ^^
* Rachel blinks and touches the sword's sheath curiously.
<GMStoren> It doesn't seem like anything unusual to the touch... plain leather. You even notice a few hints of rust.
<Rachel> Mmm...interesting...I wonder...ah...wait, wait, let's size up the bed first...!
* Rachel looks at the bed eagerly and hopes it's fairly big!
<GMStoren> It's not a bed fit for a king, but it's sure decent, and neatly made! :)
<Rachel> Ohhhh god yeah!
* Rachel leaps onto the bed, landing face first and bouncing!
<GMStoren> Rachel realizes she was more tired than she thought, and drifts off after a few moments...
- Kippo, Hylissa General Store & Inn | Time: Mana Holy Day, Night -
<GMStoren> Later that Night...
<GMStoren> After eating her fill (and Rachel's too), Keylia and Cody head to bed as well. But something seems wrong...
- Cody's Dream -
<GMStoren> You're not sure exactly how you ended up at the foot of what seems to be a large Shrine. The stormy clouds outside tell of rain coming your way, and the simple robe and sandals you have on likely wouldn't protect you. The door to the shrine hangs open, a silent air hanging about it...
* Cody blinks in confusion...idly touching the fine cloth of his robe, before he looks up at the storm clouds and figures that he should head inside.
* Cody opens the door quietly, and heads into the Shrine.
<GMStoren> It's already open... as you head inside, you notice several people milling about. Statues of what appears to be a Goddess and small potted trees line the marble halls.
* Cody looks at the people milling about, wondering if he knows any of them.
<GMStoren> For whatever reason you can't make out the faces...
<Cody> . o O ( This is really odd...why am I here...? )
<Cody> H...Hello?
<GMStoren> But as you continue to stare, they stare back at you.
<GMStoren> [Voice] It's him!
* Cody looks and waves at one of the people, hoping to catch a glimpse of his face.
<Cody> Huh?
<Cody> Do I know you?
<GMStoren> Cody doesn't have much time to react as more and more of the shadowy clergy pop up. They start grasping for you with a myriad of hands...
<Cody> Hey! Ow! Stop...Stop! That hurts! Let go!
<GMStoren> It's like you're being smothered by a sea of humanity!
* Cody begins to panic, trying to wrest himself free. "Stop it! Stop!"
<GMStoren> [Voice] You... you... must...
<Cody> What? What? What do you want me to do!? Please let go!
<GMStoren> Cody tears himself free from enough of the hands to move, only to see a huge hand pointing at him from above.
* Cody feels himself shrink back. "What...you're...!?"
<GMStoren> The singular finger outstretched has a huge fingernail, directed at your heart like a lance.
<GMStoren> [Voice] ...must... die...
* Cody's eyes widen and he struggles to escape. "No!"
<GMStoren> Before you can struggle enough the nail impales you painfully! o_O
* Cody barely cries out, as the fingernail impales him fully...He crumples over the nail as blood escapes from his mouth...then sinks back into the sea of hands.
<GMStoren> And the dream ends...
- Rachel's Dream -
<GMStoren> You seem to be standing on a black plain of scorched earth. Burning houses stand around you, in their final throws before collapsing utterly. In the center of the smoldering ruins stands a young man with red hair tied in a bandanna, looking down at a sword stuck in the ground.
* Rachel blinks a few times and steps towards the man. "What...what happened here? Who're you...?"
<GMStoren> [Man] It's happening again...
* Rachel hugs herself slightly. "What is...?"
<GMStoren> It seems like the man can't speak without struggling...
* Rachel approaches the man some more and reaches out to touch him. "Are you okay...?"
<GMStoren> [Man] The end... I couldn't stop...
<GMStoren> He looks you over with a piercing gaze, finding his voice.
<GMStoren> [Man] You.
<Rachel> W...what...?!
<GMStoren> [Man] Knight...
* Rachel blinks and takes a few steps back, looking confused by everything. ^^;
<GMStoren> [Man] The sword.
<Rachel> The...?
<GMStoren> He looks down at the blade, and crumples to his knees.
* Rachel blinks and rushes forward, kneeling beside him. "Are you okay?!"
<GMStoren> [Man] Protect the one... for me...
<GMStoren> He collapses, and disappears. o_o
<Rachel> T...the one...? Wh-... woah!
* Rachel sits back. O_o
<GMStoren> Rachel feels the dream fade away.
- Cody's Room at the Inn | Time: Mana Holy Day, Night -
<GMStoren> Back in reality, Cody wakes up with a start from his painful nightmare, only to realize something is indeed grabbing him!
<Cody> Ugh...? Aaaagh!
<GMStoren> It looks like a person, yet it's features are all twisted and contorted.
<GMStoren> [Warped Townsman] Garagh...
* Cody screams and tries to kicks the person back.
<GMStoren> All around you hear screaming coming from outside...
* Cody opens his eyes fully...rubbing them. "What?!"
<GMStoren> The form rolls away landing with a thud by the door, but gets up almost mechanically, revealing the torn outfit of Mark! o_o
<Cody> O_o M...Mark?! What in the Goddess' name is going on?!
 Co...dy...
* Cody grabs the walking staff, which was resting by his bed, and holds it up in a defensive position. "Stay back!'
<GMStoren> The door is barred by this twisted bully! o_O
<GMStoren> >> Warped Mark appears!
<GMStoren> >> Begin Combat!
<Cody> Mark...why are you? What do you want? O_o
 The water...ungh...Cody!!!
<GMStoren> >> Warped Mark attacks!
<GMStoren> >> 17 damage!
<Cody> Agh!
<GMStoren> >> Cody's action!
* Cody is thrown back and hits a table. "I...I don't want to hurt you..."
* Cody slips into an offensive position, and attacks Mark!
<GMStoren> >> Cody goes Offensive! Cody attacks!
<Cody> I'm sorry...!
<GMStoren> >> The blows catch him in the gut... 9 damage!
 Can't see straight...burning..
<GMStoren> >> Warped Mark goes offensive!
<Cody> Mark! Get a hold of yourself!
<GMStoren> >> Warped Mark attacks Cody!
<GMStoren> >> 19 damage!
* Cody stumbles back, then suddenly falls to his knees, feeling lightheaded. "No...Not now..."
<GMStoren> >> Cody's action!
* Cody 's head dips forward, as if he's incredibly dizzy.
 Must get...Cody...
<GMStoren> >> Cody powers a mysterious spell?
* Cody suddenly gets to his feet...although his face is oddly emotionless and his eyes blank. He points his hand to Mark.
<Cody> Terrae speculum clamo, lamna mucro e Albas, talio ex viridis et caelidis! Emane! Lamente! Anhele! Intere!
* Cody pushes his hands forward, and the ground begins to rumble; something begins to surge towards the enemy. Suddenly, a pillar of green crystal erupts from under the earth. The crystal begins to resonate, then ring, then howl, then scream! Finally, it bursts into shrapnel and green fire!
<GMStoren> >> Cody casts Potensa Detonation from within! The energy decimates Mark, throwing him backwards through the door in the magical explosion... 43 damage! Mark is out of combat!
* Cody closes his eyes, and crumples to the floor, unconscious.
- Rachel's Room at the Inn | Time: Mana Holy Day, Night -
<GMStoren> Meanwhile, a loud crash awakens Rachel!
* Rachel falls out of bed. O_o
<Rachel> Uhgngnnghh!! What the...!
<GMStoren> Suddenly the door is kicked in by a disfigured person whom you identify as Brad... o_o
<Rachel> O_o Ah, god, it's Clinton!
<Rachel> I mean, what the fuck!
<Brad> The sword...ugh...
<Rachel> Sword... O_o
* Rachel instantly looks at the sword that she saw earlier and grabs it from its holder!
<GMStoren> >> Warped Brad appears!
<GMStoren> >> Begin Combat!
* Brad claws at Rachel and snatches her old sword instead!
<Rachel> O_o Hey!
<GMStoren> It gets thrown to the ground and you hear a loud CRACK. Uh oh...
<Rachel> ...
* Rachel narrows her eyes and growls.
<Brad> Cody...sword...gagh...
* Rachel draws the old sword from its sheath and readies it for battle, dropping into offensive position. "Cody?!"
<GMStoren> >> Rachel gains the Rusty Sword!
<GMStoren> The blade is coated with rust, yet it seems to feel right sitting in your hands.
<GMStoren> >> Rachel's action!
* Rachel rushes forward and slashes at the warped Brad, her new sword driving into his stomach!
<GMStoren> >> Rachel attacks Warped Brad!
<Rachel> Ugly bastard! In the name of the moon, I will punish you!
<GMStoren> >> You could swear the sword flashed white a brief second... the blow drives clean into their side, propelling the figure across the room with force! 45 damage!
<GMStoren> >> Warped Brad is unconscious. x_X
* Rachel blinks and freezes, staring at the sword. "Woah. That's some good shit."
* Rachel snaps out of it and heads out of her room and into the hallway!
<GMStoren> Looking through the door, you see Cody lying in the middle of his room, out cold!
<GMStoren> There's some more clatter from downstairs, and Keylia runs up.
<Keylia> What the hell's going on in this town!
<Rachel> I think they all got a bad case of the uglies! Where the hells his parents?!
<Keylia> They are downstairs... but they just passed out!
* Rachel skids to a stop by Cody's body, nudging him with her toe. "Wake up...!"
* Cody winces a little. "M...Huh?"
<Keylia> And people are, like, convulsing in the streets. It's a nightmare or something...
<Rachel> This is screwed over...Cody, are you alright?
* Cody has several cuts and bruises on his body, but he suddenly awakes with a start. O_o
<GMStoren> Cody comes to. He seems like he just exhausted himself... as you see the smoking remains of Mark. ^^
* Rachel sheathes the new sword in her old sheath for a few minutes and touches Cody's shoulder. "It's just me. Wow, what happened to stinky?"
<Cody> Huh...? *blinks* Rachel...?
<GMStoren> Mark is burned badly by... whatever it was, but he's still alive.
* Cody looks over to Mark and pales. "I...I don't know...I must have blacked out..."
* Keylia looks over Mark.
<Keylia> Someone must've used some kinda poison...
* Rachel gently helps Cody to his feet. "Any ideas why the whole town is apparently having a group spasm?"
<Cody> You mean the whole town is like this?!
* Rachel looks at Keylia. "Gods....poison?!"
<Cody> ...My parents! Where are they!?
<Keylia> Downstairs... they passed out and were calling your name...
<Cody> What?! O_o Oh no!
* Cody rushes out of his room without another word. ^^;
<Rachel> Ah, gods...! Wait up!
* Rachel sighs and rushes out after Cody, drawing her sword as an afterthought.
<GMStoren> As the two leave the room, Keylia rubs her chin.
<Keylia> Hmm.. so is that the way, Julius? Geez you're a bastard alright...
* Keylia gets up and hurries after them..
* Cody runs down the stairs, two at a time. "Mom! Dad!"
* Rachel runs after him, watching out for danger.
- Kippo, Hylissa General Store & Inn | Time: Mana Holy Day, Night -
<GMStoren> You go downstairs and find what Key said was true. Your mom is passed out in the kitchen, and your father nearby, like he was protecting her from something.
<Cody> No!
<GMStoren> Your mother mumbles...
<Rachel> Cody, they're alive! It's alright! Be careful, damnit!
<GMStoren> [Mother] Cody.. where's my sweet Cody...
* Rachel looks around nervously, brandishing her sword easily...
* Cody runs to his Mom and kneels by her. "I'm here Mom...Don't worry..."
<GMStoren> Your Mom opens her eyes, but you can feel her hand is burning up... a fever?
<Cody> Mom...how?
<GMStoren> [Mother] Oh Cody... you're safe... something... in the water...
* Rachel peers out the front door curiously...
<GMStoren> [Mother] Is the town ok... I can't see too well...
<Cody> ...Everything'll be fine, you two. Don't worry...I'll fix everything...
<GMStoren> Rachel sees several people either unconscious in the streets or limping around half-dead. :(
<Rachel> Cripes...
<Rachel> Keylia was right...it has to be poison...
* Cody looks like he's about ready to break down. "Don't worry..."
<Keylia> Darn right... the whole town is like this just about.
* Rachel turns and notices Cody's upset, reaching out and grabbing his shoulder. "Hey. Hey. Where does all your water come from?"
<GMStoren> [Father] Ugh... Cody...
* Cody flinches a bit. "It comes from the spring north of town..."
* Cody then turns to his Father. "Dad..."
<Keylia> Pandora springs?
<Cody> I think so, Keylia...
* Rachel looks at Keylia. "The spring north of town. You up for it?"
<Keylia> Then someone there must've done it. No question. But why?
<GMStoren> Cody's father comes to, and stands up in a fit of strength, however drained.
<Cody> Dad...just hold still. No! Lie down! Please!
<GMStoren> [Father] I need to get your mother to... a bed.
<Cody> I'll do it. You two just rest.
<GMStoren> You start to hear some yelling outside.
<Rachel> ...?
* Rachel heads outside for a few moments.
<Cody> ...Rachel? Can you see who that is? I need to help my folks.
<GMStoren> "What the hell? Why is this happening! My baby!"
<GMStoren> "I bet it's all his fault! He's done this to us!"
* Cody gently puts an arm around his Mom's shoulder, and helps her upstairs to a bed.
<GMStoren> Cody's Dad helps too, refusing to acknowledge the fact he can barely do a damn thing.
<GMStoren> Rachel finds a crowd of people outside, with stones in their hands!
<Rachel> O_o Woah there! What the hell are you guys doing?!
<GMStoren> [Crowd] He's cursed this village! You're with him! Get out!
* Rachel narrows her eyes. "What the hell do you mean?!"
<GMStoren> Rachel gets a couple of stones chucked at her, which she parries.
* Cody comes downstairs finally. "W...What's going on?"
* Rachel flicks them easily aside with her sword and glares at the people. "Have you all lost your minds?!"
<GMStoren> [Man] He's a freak! That power has doomed us all!
<Cody> W...What are you talking about...? O_o I didn't do this!
<Rachel> You fucking moron, it's the water! Someone poisoned the water!
<Cody> Someone poisoned the water!
<GMStoren> Rachel finds convincing lynch mob mentality difficult.
<Cody> Please...just calm down...I swear to you I had nothing to do with this!
* Keylia comes downstairs. "Goddess, this town wants you hang you or something!"
* Rachel grabs Cody's hand and tugs him behind her protectively, backing slowly back into the house with her sword in front of her. "This town won't listen...we need to head north!"
<Cody> Wait...
* Cody gently releases himself from Rachel's grasp.
<GMStoren> [Man] Well, if you didn't, then leave before more curses befall us!
<Cody> What if I find the cure for the poison?
* Rachel blinks at Cody and then looks at the mob, tensed.
<GMStoren> [Woman] Well, if he does then it'd be for the best...
<Cody> Will I be able to come back if I have the cure?
<GMStoren> [Man] ... either way you leave. Nothing will be resolved till you do. The mayor's already bedridden and the town's a mess!
<Cody> ....Fine.
<Cody> Let me pack my things, and say goodbye to my parents...And then I'll...go.
<Keylia> Stupid country folk... you just place the blame on the most convenient thing...
<Cody> Can I do that?
<GMStoren> [Man] Get your things and look for a cure. You are banished from Kippo until you come back with it.
<GMStoren> [Woman] Then we'll believe you Cody...
* Cody nods mutely and gulps, and heads upstairs without another word.
<GMStoren> Cody heads upstairs to find his mom in one of the Inn beds, and his dad barely awake in a chair beside it.
<Cody> Mom...Dad...
* Rachel waits outside with the mob and Keylia. ^^;
<GMStoren> [Father] Cody... are you leaving? I heard the ruckus.
* Cody looks down at the floor. "Yeah...I'm going to find a cure. They won't let me stay until I do..."
<Cody> Then you two'll be all right...So don't worry about me...
<GMStoren> [Father] Don't blame yourself. It was just some freak accident...
<Cody> ...Was it? Something...strange happened to me today...I was fighting Mark and I blacked out...but I...*shakes his head
* I don't know anymore...
<GMStoren> [Father] *sighs* Cody, I know you'll help us. You're always our boy... but now you need to be a man.
<GMStoren> [Father] I wish your mother could say goodbye, but her fever's getting worse... and... *cough*
<Cody> You take it easy too, Dad. Don't overwork yourself...I'll come home soon. I promise.
<GMStoren> [Father] If you're leaving, take the crate downstairs with you. It's going to do no use now with this strange illness...
<Cody> Okay...
* Cody hugs his Father. "Take care, okay?"
<GMStoren> [Father] And, come back in one piece. It's a big world out there...
<GMStoren> Your father coughs once more and hugs you tightly.
<Cody> I'll try... ^^;
* Cody backs away slowly, waves, and with a heavy heart goes into his room to pack for the trip.
* Cody finishes packing, and slings the satchel over his shoulder. "...Did I pack everything?"
<GMStoren> Cody notices the sword in the room Rachel was sleeping in is missing.
<Cody> ...Someone took that old sword?
* Cody frowns. "Mom's not gonna like that..."
<GMStoren> Come to think of it, Rachel's sword is laying on the floor, cracked in two.
<Cody> ...Maybe Rachel took it...She's probably better off with it...
* Cody sighs, and scans his room for anything he might have missed.
<GMStoren> Cody's thoughts turn to his pendant, as he sees the small trinket on top of his dresser. You don't know why, but it always comforts you looking at it. It'd be best not to leave it.
<Cody> ...My pendant. I forgot about that...
* Cody quickly puts it around his neck. "Mom'd be angry if I didn't take it...*sigh*"
* Cody tightens his shawl around his shoulders, and finally heads downstairs.
<Keylia> Hey Cody, you ready? The mob's dispersing, thank goodness.
<Cody> ...Just about. My parents told me to open a crate downstairs...
<Cody> ...In fact...it's this one.
<GMStoren> Cody sees the box his dad was fiddling with on the store countertop.
* Rachel stays outside, keeping watch. ^_^
* Cody kneels down to an old crate that's sitting near the counter, and pries it open.
<GMStoren> >> Cody finds 5 Candies, 1 Cup of Wishes, and 2 Medical Herbs!
<Cody> Okay...I'm ready now.
<Keylia> I'm really sorry about all this, kid...
<Cody> It's not your fault...
<Keylia> You want us to go with you to Pandora? I'll do it for half price. ^_-
<Cody> ...You'd do that?
* Cody blinks at Keylia.
<Keylia> Sure... isn't that right Rachel!
* Rachel blinks, outside but hearing Keylia. "Pandora? Uhhhh..."
<Keylia> She meant to say 'Sure I'll go!'
<Cody> (Softly) You don't have to if you don't want to...It's my problem...
* Keylia smiles a bit. "You can thank me later... we should leave before the natives get restless again."
<Cody> If you say so....
* Cody adjusts his bag, and looks at Rachel with a sad gaze. "Ready?"
- Kippo Village | Mana Holy Day, Night -
<GMStoren> Cody sees various people picking up the pieces and carrying loved ones... some people's skin seems to be turning a strange color. :( The leader of the crowd stands by the gate to the Pandora trade road.
* Rachel nods, something in her eyes that Cody can't read. "Never ready but always moving. Let's go get your cure."
* Cody turns to the various townspeople, looking absolutely crushed.
<GMStoren> [Man] You say your goodbyes?
<Cody> Yeah...
<GMStoren> [Man] Then go. We're counting on you. But if you don't have the cure...
<GMStoren> The man stands aside.
<Cody> I will. I won't come back until I find one.
* Cody closes his eyes and runs out of the village, not looking back.
<Keylia> Cut the boy some slack... you're such downers.
* Keylia chases after Cody.
* Rachel glares at the man and follows...
<GMStoren> The man looks at Rachel a little coldly and turns back to town.
* Cody slows down finally once he's out of the village limits. "I'm...I'm sorry...Do you guys want to be paid now?"
<Rachel> We're not being paid.
<Cody> Huh? But...
<Keylia> Call it an IOU.
* Rachel nods.
<Cody> But none of this was your fault.
<Rachel> So? We're helping a friend.
<Cody> A...A...friend?
<Keylia> Yeah, you helped us, remember?
<Cody> Me...?
* Rachel nods a little and wanders off ahead slightly, plagued by certain thoughts...
<Keylia> So stop complaining. We're off to Pandora!
<Cody> Yeah...yeah...Let's go.
* Cody mumbles to himself. "A friend...", and walks ahead.
<GMStoren> As the trio run off to Pandora, noone notices a figure half-hidden in the shadows about the town...
<Nakano> So, they escaped the effects. I need to report this to the Emperor.
<GMStoren> The ninja disappears into the night.
- SESSION END -
Session Close: Sat Sep 02 18:20:16 2000