Date sent: Sat, 27 Jan 2001 20:39:57 -0800 (PST) From: Trisha Lynn Subject: More Hiko Logs To: ranma@falcon.cc.ukans.edu ************************************************************ Logging Started: 11/19/2000 at 21:32:47 ------------------------------------------------------------ Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Yep... let's gaaaaame!" John the Ultimate Whitey says, "Okay, we'll start with Hiko, and likely I should be able to work in Shaft a bit later, since he was going to be heading back to Amber." Juri asks, "Ready, Hiko?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Ready... last time, we left off... still in Corrine's palace, ne? Or did we go back to Amber?" Juri says, "You're still in Corrine" Juri says, "Corrine's palace." Juri says, "Juri was about to trump back to Amber, unless you have something you want to do here first." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not I. We go back to Amber. I've got research to do." *** Foxtrot goes IC. *** Hiko the Firechilde nods to Juri and looks at Gabrielle. "We need to return to Amber... I'm sorry, but we can't help right now." Gabrielle noddles. "Okay!" Hiko the Firechilde looks to Juri again. "Maybe we should contact King Tylor again? See what the situation is back at home?" Juri says, "A good idea. " Gabrielle exclaims, "Ooo, oo! I can do that!" Juri says, "As I need to ask him how I can best help in the wars anyway." Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Gabrielle. "I'm sure you could, but maybe we should do it ourselves." Gabrielle exclaims, "Nonono, this is SPECIAL! " Gabrielle says, "Hold out your haaaaannnds....." Hiko the Firechilde blinks at Gabrielle, then Juri. Juri blinks and holds out her hand. Hiko the Firechilde holds out her hand, too. There's a flash, a *pop*-ing noise, and pieces of jewelry drop into Juri and Hiko's hands. Hiko is holding a gold ring with rubies on it, and Juri a gold-and-red Rose Signet ring with crossed swords on it. Hiko the Firechilde looks at the ring. "This is... gorgeous." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine ring. hat." Juri smiles and pats Gabrielle on the head. "Thanks for the nice present." She puts it on. Akemi pages, "It's a manifestation, which links the bearer to the Gabrielle construct across Shadow. Hiko the Firechilde puts hers on, too, smiling. Aerianne pages, "it looks like: http://www.eyrie.org/~aerianne/ember/tokens/douze-token.jpg , fyi. :)" to you. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Any more rings, and I'll need a second hand." Akemi pages, "It lets Gabrielle communicate with you and feed you power/information." to you. Gabrielle says, "Yay, no I can call King Tylor for you!" She rubs her hands together, and sparks fly from them. "SHAZAM!" Akemi pages, "Also, Gabrielle can manifest herself through the ring (project a solid light body for herself)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Like chibi-gabrielles?" to Akemi A Trump Gate opens. You see Tylor on the other side of the gate, holding a foot long sandwich...well, it was footlong, but it just got cut in half. He bites down and chews. Juri bows to the King. "Umm, should we call you back later?" Hiko the Firechilde bows to King Tylor. "Hello your Highness... have we called at a bad time?" Vash sticks his head through the trump gate. "This doesn't happen every time you steal food from the kitchen, does it?" Tylor shakes his head, swallows, then says, "Hi there, everyone. How are you two today?" Hiko the Firechilde blinks. Hiko the Firechilde says, "We're fine, your Highness. We found Corrine, but lost her again. Her new allies are going to be continuing the search." Tylor shakes his head. "Corrine never USED to vanish all the time. Or did she always do it when I wasn't looking?" He looks thoughtful. "So what are you two planning to do next." He looks at Gabrielle. "Did you have another daughter, Juri?" Vash says, "Would anyone else like a sandwich?" Gabrielle giggles. "Nope! I'm Gabrielle, Princess of Ember!" There's a *poof,* and Gabby is wearing a miniature version of Corrines dress. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I need to do some more research in the Royal Libraries." He bows to Gabrielle with a flourish. "A pleasure to meet you, your highness." He turns to Juri. "I will be needing you to go kick some people in the head soon, sister." She nods. He turns back to Hiko. "I will tell Travis to assist you." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Can you pull us through?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yay! New toys!" to Akemi Gabrielle says, "OOC: It's a Trump Gate. You can just walk." Tylor nods. "Yes, but don't be too loud; Vash and I are conducting a covert raid on the kitchens, and liberating a midnight snack." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "I didn't KNOW that, okay?" Juri says, "OOC Umm, I said a Trump Gate opened up, Trish." Hiko the Firechilde nods, then walks through. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly thwaps herself. "So you did." Juri follows you. In the kitchen, Vash is busily making sandwiches as Tylor talks to you. It's dark and quiet; must be night here. You have impression Ember must not have a real 'night.' Gabrielle waves goodbye to Hiko and Juri and Tylor and Vash. "Bye girls! Bye your highnesses! I'll tell Mom where you went when she finishes with the Ravager Beast!" Hiko the Firechilde whispers, "How many days have passed since we last saw you?" Juri exclaims, "Thank you, Gabrielle!" Gabrielle says, "And when you see Ota-san, tell him he's better call or visit!" She shakes a fist at the air, and then the Trump closes. Tylor says, "You've been gone about a day." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I take it the negotiations with the ambassadors went well?" Tylor nods. Tylor says, "We need to send forces to deal with a massive fleet and army moving against the Isle of Emeralds. The Sea Peoples are on the move again. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Sea Peoples?" Hiko the Firechilde realizes that she's hungry, and starts to make herself a sandwich. Tylor says, "The Sea Peoples are a group of oceanic nomads who launched a major attack on us a few years ago. We drove them off, but it looks like they're coming back for a second round. With Kozue having run off into Shadow with half our fleet, I need Juri to organize a new fleet and take it to the aid of our allies on the Island of Emeralds." Juri frowns intensely. "She took half the fleet?" Tylor nods. "She took the Shalomar fleet and sailed off into shadow with it." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is she all healed now? Or is she sulking?" Tylor says, "She is healed and sulking." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Ah, I see." Hiko the Firechilde finishes making her sandwich and sits down to eat. Tylor sighs. "I fear she may have fallen under Annadil's influence. Or possibly her anger is about to make her do something crazy." Vash finishes his footlong. "Would you like something, Juri?" he asks. Juri says, "Give me a six inch roastbeef, please." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Tell us all the news... what's gone on since we left?" Juri goes and waits for her sandwich. Tylor says, "Well, let's see. Drake and Nanami managed to rescue Yuriko from the coup in Kashfa, but Wakaba seems to have fallen under Annadil's sway and is running around somewhere in Shadow." Tylor perches on a stool, alternating eating and talking. "Shinobu is having fairly good luck against the Therin army, although she's worried because there's rumors some army is marching through shadow to reinforce them." Bite, chew, swallow. "Ota just got back successfully from his quest." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "That's great! Where was the Sword?" Tylor says, "I haven't talked to him about it yet, but I understand it was in the shadow where Gil-Galad was being held captive, so he managed to rescue Gil-Galad as well." Juri perks up. "So Gil-Galad was alive after all?" Hiko the Firechilde nods, and smiles. "He's the uncle who was an elf, correct?" Tylor nods. "I assumed he must have died, but he's been rotting in a cell for centuries instead." He turns to Hiko after taking another bite of sandwich. Crumbs fly as he says, "Half-elf. His mother was Findulias, an elf-maid." Juri nods. "One of Father's mistresses." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Findulias? The woman who was in the squid?" Juri shakes her head. "A mere coincidence of name. As I understand it, that Findulias isn't even from our universe. And she didn't look like Gil-Galad's mother, either. Not much, anyway." Juri asks, "Where is Gil-Galad now? I will probably go see him tomorrow before I begin my naval duties." Tylor says, "He's asleep by now, I think. He's become a lot quieter and more subdued than he used to be; in the old days, he would probably just now be finishing going drinking, but he turned in right after dinner." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Having to deal with the possibility of multiple shadows is bad enough. But multiple universes?" She shakes her head. "I think I feel like I could sleep, myself." Tylor finishes off his sandwich. "It does get rather confusing." Vash says, "Shadows from other universes? What?" He looks rather confused. Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's all very confusing to me, too..." Hiko the Firechilde yawns. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Another day, then? I think I can work better on a good night's rest." Juri nods Juri says, "It has been a long and tiring day. Goodnight, everyone." Hiko the Firechilde makes her farewells, then goes back to her chambers. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Fast forward to the next day?" Juri says, "OOC Yep. You go home, you sleep, you rest, you wake up refreshed." Hiko the Firechilde takes the time to rerack her spells, then seeks out the Royal Libraries. AND the Librarian. Ook! Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Not that one!" You head down to the library without any problems after getting some breakfast. You find Travis busily showing a flock of children around the library. Hiko the Firechilde waits patiently, looking around to see if Snickers is around as well. Something brown and furry streaks past you, chasing a dustbunny. Hiko the Firechilde smiles and calls out, "Is that you, Snickers?" Snickers shouts, "Yes," and vanishes among the stacks. Hiko the Firechilde giggles, and sits down to wait for Travis to finish with the wee kiddies. Travis, the Royal Librarian finishes giving the children the highlights, then suggests they watch Snickers play as an introduction to the odder hazards of research in the Library. "And what can I do for you, Miss Hiko?" Hiko the Firechilde bows to Travis. "I'm in need of much research, particularly into the Unicorn Prophecies." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Any books you can point me towards?" Travis, the Royal Librarian nods. "An intriguing subject, particularly to those with a mystical bent." Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's sort of become relevant." Travis, the Royal Librarian picks up a book titled _Sayings of the Unicorn_, by Nostradamus. "This one is an interesting one to start with, although it doesn't get much above third-grade level." Hiko the Firechilde takes the book. "I was also wondering if you had any books about the Icons?" Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "_Getting Horny_ is, alas, a very informative book crippled by a sense of humor that never managed to leave the gutter." Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "_Prophecies for Dummies_ has a couple of useful bits in its section on the Unicorn, but only worth a quick look in passing." Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "I see." She adds it to her stack. Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "As far as the Icons go... there are some bits in a couple of the books on famous magical artifacts." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How famous are they? Who created them?" Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "Takashi's _Artifacts of Near Amber_ is a good place to start." Hiko the Firechilde takes that book, too, and realizes that she might need a bag or a cart or something. Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "The origins of the artifacts are lost in antiquity. The Temple of the Unicorn held them for quite some time, and they have gained a modicum of fame from that." Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "The Dorians stole most of them during the Day of Darkness, but the Temple of the Unicorn would still be a good place to investigate further; they have a couple of books that I haven't been able to obtain copies of." Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "One final book to check would be _Unicorn Augurium_." Travis heads back into the stacks to look for it. Hiko the Firechilde nods at Travis' back, then starts to speed read, absorbing the material quickly. There is a rending crash from back in the stacks, and a huge puff of dust rises above the level of the shelves. It sounded like a large stack of books just fell over on someone. A few moments later, a rather dusty librarian emerges, holding a book by his fingertips. "I believe this is the one you want. As tends to be the case with prophecies, the books are dense and often confusing and seemingly contradictory. And some of them are only obvious after the fact, such as 'Fido will assault the City of Flames when the Phoenix rises from the Ashes' Hiko the Firechilde shakes her head as she reads, looking up at Travis. "Are you okay?" Travis, the Royal Librarian shrugs and grins wryly. "Happens all the time. You get used to it." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Not hurt?" Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "When your books are often a little sentient, they want to get out for some fresh air once in a while." Hiko the Firechilde blinks. Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "Nope. Just picked up some dust." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Okay... well, I think this should help." Hiko the Firechilde hefts the books. "I'll send them back once I'm done making my notes." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And can you tell me how to get to the Temple of the Unicorn?" Travis, the Royal Librarian nods, and gives her a set of directions that gets her there quickly, and takes her by some interesting sights along the way. Hiko the Firechilde goes back to her room to finish speed reading the books. Okay, you sit down and read through the books. What specific topics are you looking for clues on? *** Foxtrot goes OOC. *** Hiko the Firechilde says, "the exact nature of the prophecies, who set them forth." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Any info on what the Heart can do, why it's an artifact. How it works." Hiko the Firechilde says, "How the five work together to open the Gate." Juri says, "OOC Righto." There are many different sets of prophecies, collected by various oracles and high priests of the Unicorn over the years. The Prophecies of the Unicorn proper, were delivered by Fuyutsuki to the first High Priest; he claimed that the Unicorn wrote them. The Icons' origins are unknown, but it is known that together, they can close the Forbidden Gate (Indeed, only they can close the gate). The keys to OPEN the gate are different, and rumored to consist of the two Pattern Blades and two matching Logrus Foils. All that's known for sure about that is that the keyholes in the gate look right to hold swords and foils respectively. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What about how they work independently?" Each of the Icons grants some degree of power related to the element it is linked to: The Bag of Winds controls Air, the Sword of Truth cuts through anything and reveals lies, the Heart of Fire creates flames and passions, the Cup of Life brings healing and controls water, and Seed of Hope controls and sustains plants and brings renewed hope. They're easiest to use if you first attune yourself to them, which can be done through prolonged study, or by walking the appropriate Pattern with them. And they tend to work best for those with strong minds. Hiko the Firechilde smiles to herself. "And I know where to find a Fire Pattern, too." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Anything else?" A lot of the books tend to repeat each other, or tell anecdotes about past uses of the Icons. None of them explain how to use them to close the Gate, they just say it takes all of them, used together, by the Five Children of the elements, who will come to Amber shortly after a new king is crowned. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Any cool notes about the Heart?" The heart has been used on three notable occasions. During the 500 AY celebrations, the HP of the Unicorn used the Heart to set off a fireworks display that lasted for three days without stopping. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "HP = High Priest?" Yes. Queen Haruka used it at the battle of Kolvir Pass in 657 AY, immolating thousands of Cimbri with a single burst of flame. Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Yay Mom!" Tybalt waves little 'Go Harad' flags. And it's rumored that Gendo used it to help cause Catala to collapse after the assassination of its king (Queen Sakura's brother) by inflaming the passions of the Royal family of Catala against each other. Hiko the Firechilde nods to herself as she reads. A particularly corrupt High Priest of the Unicorn was also rumored to have used it to help him seduce women. Shaft says, "OOCly good thing shaft doesn't know about this toy......" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Right... I think a visit back to Ember is in order." She writes a quick note detailing what she's going to do and has it sent to Juri, then activates the 'douze' ring. The heart is said to work best in amplifying already extant passions--ones the wielder doesn't feel or that the target doesn't feel are harder to enhance. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ember = Fire pattern, ne?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Exactly!" to you. Gabrielle pops into existence in the library. "Hi hiiii!" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hi, Gabrielle! How are you?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "AND, I'm back in my room." Gabrielle says, "Skippy! So, this is Amber?" Gabrielle morphs into about twenty chibi-Gabby's, who scamper about the room. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yep! This is Amber... well, my room to be precise." She looks at the smaller Gabbys with amusement. "How do you do that?" One of the Gabby's jumps on top of your head. Well, first I access my Pattern, and backfeed it into my Trump poewrs, then calculate..." The explanation takes about five minutes, and gets more complex and vague as it goes on. Hiko the Firechilde nods and starts to feel her eyes cross. She interrupts quickly. "Er, Gabrielle... can I ask a favor of you?" Gabrielle says, "Sure!" She recombines into one person. "Whaddya need?" Gabrielle says, "I make stuff blow up reaaaaallllll good......" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't need stuff blown up. I was wondering if you could transport me to the Fire Pattern in Ember. I need to attune to this artifact." Gabrielle giggles. "Of course I can, you big silly." A sheet of fire appears across one wall of your room. You notice your ring begin to glow a bit. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Which one?" Then it peels back into a Trump Gate, showing the Fire Pattern of Ember. (The one Gabby gave you.) Hiko the Firechilde asks, "is that the pattern chamber?" Gabrielle says, "Uh-huh! It's me!" She gigles. "Aren't I PRETTY?" Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "You're the Pattern? I though Corrine said she was your mother?" Gabrielle exclaims, "She is!" Hiko the Firechilde blinks some more. Hiko the Firechilde decides to process that knowledge later. "Okay... do I just walk through the Gate?" Gabrielle exclaims, "Yep! I'm very user-friendly!" Hiko the Firechilde walks through the Gate. You're in the Fire Pattern Chamber. It's like the ones you've seen, except turned ninety degrees. There is a man here in red armor, standing near the doorway. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Is it the Red Knight?" He nods to you. "Greetings, Princess Hiko." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are you the Red Knight?" Gabrielle says, "Daddy!" She flashes across the chamber and GLOMPS! "WAI!" He nods again. "Yes, I am known as the Red Knight." He picks up Gabrielle and hugs her. "And this is my daughter." Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "I wonder if my child will look like her." The Red Knight looks thoughtful. "Your child should have dark hair, like you and the Green Knight." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I am here on an errand. May I walk the Pattern?" "Most certainly." He steps out of the way. "I am just here because I fear there may be problems during the reconstruction." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Reconstruction?" He says, "Much of Ember City was levelled in the battle, Lady Hiko. There is much damage to be healed." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm sorry... I was responsible for some of that." Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "(at least it's better than the LAST time it got Fido'd...)" "You fought to save us, Princess. I do not blame you." Hiko the Firechilde bows again. "Thank you." She waves to Gabrielle and the Knight. "See you when I get done." Hiko the Firechilde puts her foot upon the beginning of the Pattern and begins to walk. "You know," Gabriele says idly, now that it's to late, "I don't think a pregnant person has ever walked a Pattern before." Hiko the Firechilde sighs. "Thanks for telling me, Gabrielle." The Red Knight says, "Her body will insulate the child. She should be fine, I believe." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "D'oh! I was about to ask about that, but forgot... Hiko the Firechilde walks on. You walk the Pattern. It's a very, very draining experience, and by the time you reach the middle, you're exhausted. But you make it without any trouble. Rod pages, "does hiko know she's preggers, btw?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yep." to Rod Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Huh... should I have taken the Heart out while I did it, or is having it in the satchel okay?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You're not sure; the sources didn't say. You can feel a link to it now, though." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay... that shoud do it then, ne?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You think so." to you. Hiko the Firechilde gets to the middle of the Pattern, and sighs. "Send me back to the Red Knight!" Swish. You're back to the Red Knight and Gaby. Gabrielle claps. "Yay!" She waves a tasteful little 'GO Hiko!' pennant. Juri says, "OOC I'm gonna need to cut fairly soon, as I'm tired, and it's late, and I want to finish off COAEG18" *** Foxtrot goes OOC. *** Shaft says, "OOCly ah, well, can shaft another day" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Okay... I can go to the Temple some other time." Juri says, "OOC Hopefully, we can do Shaft tomorrow or Monday when you have it off." Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Yay!" Hiko the Firechilde grins. "Two patterns under my belt now!" Aerianne pages, "Heh. Pity Corrine doesn't know about the Wood Pattern yet -- she's got the other 4... ^_^" to you. The Red Knight stares at you for a second, then relaxes and laughs. "Going to try and walk all five?" Aerianne pages, "(though by now I think she SUSPECTS... she just doesn't know where it is yet. :)" to you. Gabrielle says, "Ooooooooooo. I think only Gran'pa has done that." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yeah... I'd like to try for all five." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Heh. I know where the Wood Pattern is. Was the first one I walked." to Aerianne Aerianne pages, "Oooooo. Coool." to you. The Red Knight nods. "Corrine has walked almost all of them, but yes, I believe Gabrielle is right in saying that only Fuyutsuki-sama has walked all five." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What does walking each Pattern symbolize?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I mean... do you gain any inner knowlege in doing so?" Aerianne pages, "(I know, OOC, where Wood is, but Corrine doesn't IC.)" to you. Gabrielle says, "Well, _I_ gain inner knowledge from YOU." There's a thundercalp, and a fifty-foot tall Gabrielle face fills the chamber. "I AM THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ!" The Red Knight smiles knowingly. "There are things which must be experienced, not told. But yes, there are things to be learned. To walk all five is to imprint yourself with the five elements, the totality of the pillars of order. But there are things beyond and above those pillars which one can then pass on to." He pats Gabrielle on the head. "Dear, don't frighten your cousin." Hiko the Firechilde steps back, surprised. "Like what sort of things can you tell about me?" The Red Knight says, "When you gaze into the Pattern, the Pattern also gazes into you. When you brand yourself with the Pattern, the Pattern knows what it is branding." Gabrielle reverts to normla size, and begins spewing facts; bra size, age, weight, history of lovers, status of pregnancy, etc. Foxtrot lowers the prod and grins. "Does she know about Batousai-san?" Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "This is Corrine's daughter. Scared now?" Shaft says, "OOCly i was scared before, thank you" Gabrielle says, "Oh, and you posses the Blood of Chaos, making you a union of the Order/Chaos bloodlines." Akemi pages, "You don't know. :) Although she doesn't spew off that information." to you. Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Okay, I get it..." She hears a certain name and winces. "That's ENOUGH!" Gabrielle says, "Beyond that, I can't tell you a thing." She smiles innocently. The Red Knight says, "That's enough, Gabrielle." He sighs. "She's a very ebullient child, and sometimes she can get a little out of hand. Sorry, Hiko." Gabrielle giggles for the umpteenth time. "I am all the wonders of creation." Hiko the Firechilde smiles faintly. "Yes, you are. You are a very nice Pattern, and a very nice girl." The Red Knight says, "I would suggest, should you do a tour of the Patterns, that you finish with the Air Pattern." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Why that one?" "It is the most difficult to walk, and there are things I believe you will wish to see there after you have seen the others." Hiko the Firechilde nods... "For it is there that the Forbidden Gate stands." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "And that's the Gate Annadil wants to open." He nods. "The Gate of Revolution. It requires the combined power of Amber and Chaos to open the gate. And the five elements to close it." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What do you know about how to close the Gate once it's opened?" Gabrielle floats serenly in the air, playing with the Battle-Action Figures Gran'pa gave her. Esme Pariseau OOCly breaks down laughing. Corrine, meanwhile, in another time-frame, does not know wether to go Awww or facepalm. Castle Brandenburg floats about nearby. The Red Knight says, "The Icons must be borne together to the Chamber of Revolution, and used there to close the Gate. Which means you could only shut the gate when Tir'na-nog is actually in the sky--on a clear night with a full moon." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "But how do you do it?" "It has never been done, for the gate has never been opened that I know of. Each child must bear their own Icon, I know that. And they must first attune themselves to it. But the exact process....only Fuyutsuki-sama knows if anyone does." Gabrielle says, "Gran'pa knows EVERYTHING." Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "Well, this Child is ready... and with that, I take my leave. There are some priests I need so see, and maybe I'll talk to Fuyutsuki-san again." The Red Knight bows to you. 'Good luck, Lady Hiko." Hiko the Firechilde bows in return. "Farewell." She pulls out her trump of the Castle Amber courtyard and steps through. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Cut here?" Juri says, "OOc Cut here." Esme Pariseau OOCly Yay! Tybalt says, "Woo hoo." Tybalt wonders what other PC's he can con into walking the Fire Pattern. [CONTINUED ANOTHER DAY] Akemi pages, "Want to do some gaming?" to you and Shizumaru. Shizumaru OOCly says, "Both of us together?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Why not? Unless one of us is ahead of the other timewise." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Actually, considering my travel time after getting the Seed back, I may be a bit ahead of you." Juri says, "OOC You're close enough to each other that I think this is a good time for you to finally run into each other." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Cool... I can take him to Arden to help him with the Seed." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "IIRC, I just trumped back to Amber after talking to the RK?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Hold for logging...." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Cool. I may pause intermittently, as I am on the job. :)" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Okay... I can handle that." Juri says, "OOC Okay, we'll pretty much start with Hiko trumping into the courtyard as Shizumaru is crossing it" Juri says, "OOC Nice and simple :" Shizumaru OOCly says, "Okay. :)" Hiko the Firechilde grins. *** Foxtrot goes IC. *** *** Shizumaru goes IC. *** [BEGIN SESSION] Hiko the Firechilde trumps into the Castle courtyard. She looks around, then spies a figure in the distance... "Cousin Shizumaru? Shizumaru walks through the courtyard, looking decidedly happier than he was the last time he was here. He pauses at the sound of his name, and looks about. "...Cousin Hiko? Ah! How have you been?" He changes direction and walks over toward her. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I'm good. How are you?" She looks him over. "I hear you were having problems with the Seed?" Shizumaru smiles. "I had been, yes...but it is finally back. Kept in a safe place until it is needed...." He pauses. "That may be soon, actually, as I plan to attune myself to it shortly." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Wonderful! I know exactly where you need to go. Want me to take you there?" Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "I've got a friend at the Wood Pattern. I believe you've met him already." Shizumaru blinks. "Ah...now? Well, actually...." He stops and tilts his head. "...why not? I believe I am ready by now." He nods and smiles. "The Green Knight. Of course. Just let me get the Seed, and I will join you." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How does the Going to Arden thing work, anyhow? I just think of it, and there I am?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You just concentrate and BAMF" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I like BAMFing.] Hiko the Firechilde says, "Time is of the essence, Shizumaru. With all the instability in the kingdom, our enemy can strike at any time." Shizumaru nods. "I will hurry." He dashes off, and soon returns with the Seed. "Shall we proceed?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "We shall. Take my hand." Shizumaru takes Hiko's hand. Hiko the Firechilde concentrates, bringing up an image of the clearing next to the Wood Pattern. An image in her mind, that is. You appear in the clearing at the entrance to the Wood Pattern. The forest is very thick and old here, and quite beautiful in late spring. And then, off in the distance, you hear the sound of...cows? They're mooing loudly and angrily. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I've already attuned myself to the Heart... what's that?" Shizumaru takes a deep breath, savoring the fresh air. "Ahhh...ah? That sounds like...cows." Hiko the Firechilde wonders how far away they are. Shizumaru looks around, trying to spot them. [Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Spotting the cows, Drew?" Shizumaru OOCly nods. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "There's a pun in that..."] You can't see the cows, but they're getting closer. "MRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Hiko the Firechilde looks for some trees to climb. Shizumaru does the same. Gosh, you wouldn't find any trees to climb in ARDEN, no sirree... [Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Any sturdy enough or tall enough, silly GM." Shizumaru OOCly c.c Shizumaru OOCly says, "And one that would provide a good viewpoint."] You both quickly climb up some trees. Soon, the herd of angry bison show up. They begin milling about, looking up resentfully at you. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hey! What's the matter?" [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yes... I like talking to animals.] Shizumaru peers down at them curiously. "I do not believe I have offended any livestock lately, but I suppose I may be wrong." [Shizumaru OOCly tries to score another point on the quote page. The Prof grins at Drew. "You never know..."] They begin butting the trees with their heads. The trees begin to shake. Hiko the Firechilde cups one hand and shouts. "What's the matter???" The bison continue to moo loudly and angrily. [Akemi pages, "There's something unnatural about these bison, you can sense." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "They not speaking to me??? Wai!" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine bison.] Shizumaru calls out to Hiko, "Do you think you could summon the Green Knight and ask him why they are here?" [Akemi pages, "They look like ordinary bison, except they seem to be cooperating suspiciously much." to you.] Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't think these are your normal herd of bison... I don't think that these bison should be here." Hiko the Firechilde pulls out her trump of the GK and activates it. [Rod McCarthy says, "I'm just waiiting for one of them to do a Bison Torpedo." Rod McCarthy says, "Sorry, street fighter flashback"] Shizumaru prepares himself to jump to another tree if necessary. The trees shake more and more. Hiko the Firechilde throws up an invisible shield. [Akemi pages, "The Green Knight answers the trump. "Good day, m'lady."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hello, dearest.... help?" to Akemi] Shizumaru starts tree-hopping, using his umbrella to glide if necessary. Hiko the Firechilde points at the ones surrounding her and Shizumaru's trees. "Sniper's Flame! Back, ye beasties!" [Akemi pages, "You can't use a trump and cast spells at the same time." to you.] Hiko the Firechilde takes back that last page. Hiko the Firechilde takes back that last action, I mean. [Akemi pages, ""What is the matter?" he asks. "I see the tree is shaking, but there shouldn't be an Earthquake."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Bison. Lots of them. They're not answering me. Where are you?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I fear they may not be from around here.] Shizumaru asks, "Any response from the Green Knight?" Hiko the Firechilde is talking to him right now. [Akemi pages, ""Oh yes, the Questing Beast left a herd of angry, horny bison lying around the forest when he abducted Corrine a few weeks ago. They've been ravaging her rangers ever since. Would you like me to pull you out?"" to you.] Hiko the Firechilde gestures towards Shizumaru. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I've got a guest... could you come to us instead?" to Akemi Akemi pages, ""Allright."" to you.] [Mercutio pages, "You just try to use one of Gabby's nifty functions?" to you.] Shizumaru settles down on a tree for a moment, and gets his trump of Corrine out, but does not activate it yet. Hiko the Firechilde reaches through and pulls the GK through the trump. Hiko pulls the Green Knight out of the air. The branch he and Hiko are on promptly snaps, forcing both of them to catch a lower branch that puts them ALMOST within reach of the bison, who whack the tree harder. Hiko the Firechilde says, "This is not pleasant..." Hiko the Firechilde points with one hand at the bison below her. "Sniper's Flame!" You fry a bison to ash. There is an awful silence. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And this isn't the same beast as the Squid I saw recently? Or is that the Ravaging Beast?" Shizumaru yells out, "Cousin!" He snarls, and casts around for a pinecone or something to throw. But he stops after Hiko blasts one of the bison. And sweatdrops lightly. The bisons' eyes turn red. Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Yeah, and the REST of you might get the same, so back off!" Hiko the Firechilde meeps internally. The Green Knight says, "Ahh, I see, these bison are from another universe." [Demetrius watches Horny Bison invade TAMD.] Hiko the Firechilde says, "They can go BACK as far as I'm concerned." The Green Knight says, "Which is why I haven't been able to find them before. I'm afraid I'm powerless over them." Shizumaru blinks. "Another universe?" He thinks back to his recent trip. "I hope I did not somehow lead them through the Cave of Worlds," he mutters. The bison back up, drawing away from Hiko's tree. In the process, they knock down several trees. [The_Prof pages, "Been nice knowing you... :)" to you.] And then bullfighting music begins to play. Shizumaru says, "..." Shizumaru trumps Corrine. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Transform douze to gun.] The Green Knight turns to Hiko, "I would suggest doing something to get us OUT of here." [Akemi pages, "Okay, but don't forget, guns don't work close to Amber." to you.] Hiko the Firechilde aims at the bison closest to her. "DEEP FREEZE!" Oddly, you don't seem to be able to contact Corrine. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay, transform to crossbow.] You freeze a bison in a block of ice. [Akemi pages, "No problem." to you.] Shizumaru arghs, and puts the trump away. "Maybe we should get back to the Castle and regroup, Cousin." Sadly, there are several hundred of them. Hiko the Firechilde narrows her eyes. "I need two hands for this next one...." And then they charge your tree, piling up on top of each other in a mad, frothing mass of bison, like something from a horror movie. There is a great crack, and your tree begins to topple. Hiko the Firechilde eeeks! and jumps free. Shizumaru yells, "Trump back to the Castle! Just go! We can come back later!" Hiko the Firechilde unleashes the crossbow and shoots bison as she falls. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Kinda busy here... meet you back there?" Hiko lands on the back of a bison. The Green Knight, not very nimble in his heavy armor, simply falls among them like a rock. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly meeps again. Many bison get shot up, and there are trampling noises at work. Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "No!" Hiko the Firechilde holds on with her knees and aims at a large group. "Rings of Fire!" Shizumaru answers, "All right! But...." He curses, and tries to jump closer, to get a good view of where the Green Knight landed. A group of bison get fried. The ones around the one Hiko is sitting on try to butt her legs. Now the bison are surging around everywhere. [Vixxy asks, "I'm fighting Horny Bison.... how did I know this was gonna happen eventually?" Chris B. asks, "Are they horny for you?"] Hiko the Firechilde shoots more bison with her crossbow. Like the ones around where the GK fell. Hiko the Firechilde calls up another spell, aiming it at the ones around her. "White Noise!" [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Thank god for spikards. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "The douze ring was mainly a shapeshiftable weapon, ne?" to Akemi] Bison die in droves. Shizumaru begins bouncing tree to tree, then drops down among the Bison and manages to pull the Green Knight up from among the horde. He is unconscious. [Akemi pages, "You can also use it to contact Gabrielle and get her to use her powers through the manifestation." to you.] Shizumaru yells, "Meet me in the Courtyard!" He uses his trump to escape with the GK in tow. Hiko the Firechilde growls, and calls Gabrielle. Hiko the Firechilde is also holding on for dear life... There's a *pop*, and Gabrielle appears riding a bison next to Hiko, wearing a cowgirls outfit. "Hiiiiiiii!" The bison keep trying to shake Hiko off. Shizumaru would bogleg if he had the chance to. Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Don't worry, Shiz, before too long you'll likely -get- your chance." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Hi, Gabrielle! I need some help. Can you transport these bison into the sea? They're not playing nice." [User got disconned and couldn't get back online for a long time. Note: I remember saying something like how they were pets of the Ravager Beast's.] You mean like that? Okay, silence settles over the forest as the bison finish vanishing. OOC Notes that Drew cannot get on here; he has no IRC at work. ooc: Am I still sitting on one? * Hiko oocly nods. "OOOOOOO! Taking Mom to another world was NOT NICE!" Giant, flaming Gabrielle looks around for something else to burn. She points, and an ancient redwood reduces itself cleanly to ash. * Hiko nods at Gabrielle. "Um, Gabrielle? Could you take your frustrations out on other things?" OOC all the bison are gone; you nearly fall through a trump gate into 'The Shadow of Bison Stew' with it. >POP< "These trees belong to your uncle..." * Gabrielle returns to her normal state, breathing heavily and sweating. "I feel better now." * Hiko leaps free and rolls when she hits the ground. * Hiko nods to Gabrielle, lying on her back. "Thanks, Gabrielle." * Gabrielle looks around. "The trees are pretty... but won't they burn easily?" "I feel like I should burn them..." "They usually do... I can't think of what you could burn, but please not the trees?" "Why do you want to burn them?" "I don't KNOW!" Gabby stomps her foot angrily. * Hiko awkwardly gets up and pats Gabrielle's shoulder. "It's gonna be okay. We'll get your Mommy back." "I can't FEEL her anymore!" "It's like there's a big hole where her mind's supposed to be!" Hiko freezes. "Could you always feel her before?" "Yes! She was always in the Castle, or with Daddy out where he's Warden, and now she's NOT, and I don't know what to DO!" Gabrielle sniffles a little. [And... back to Kawaii] [Esme Pariseau OOCly tries to summon Trish. Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Yaaaaaaay!!!!" Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "... wow. it worked." Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Didn't even have to pull out the GK plushie."] Hiko the Firechilde pats Gabrielle's shoulder again... "We'll think of something," she says, a bit weakly. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I need to make sure the Green Knight is okay. Can you find Shizumaru?" Gabrielle sniffles a bit more. "Thankyo." She blinks., and looks gratified at something nonthreatening to do. "I think he's in AMber. We should go; I don't think this place likes me very much." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Why not?" Gabrielle says, "I don't KNOW!" Gabby looks to be on the verge of tears, and keeps opening her mouth try and articulate something she can't quite. Hiko the Firechilde awkwardly gathers the girl next to her in a hug. "Let's go find Shizumaru." Gabrielle sniffles into Hiko's shirt. "'kay..." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Where do we start?" Gabrielle waves a hand despondently,and a Trump Gate opens. You can see Shizumaru and the Green Knight on the other side. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Thank the gods... are you okay?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "All the bison are gone." Shizumaru blinks, and looks up from a trump card he has in his hand. "Cousin? They are gone? Ah, good. I am fine. The Green Knight will be all right, as well. He just needs some time to rest." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is he awake?" Shizumaru shakes his head. "No, he is still unconscious. I would rather not wake him prematurely--we should let him sleep and try to figure out what happened, in the meantime." Wasyuu says, "He'll probably wake fairly soon, I think. He seems tough as a log." Hiko the Firechilde nods to Gabrielle. "I need to see him. Please come with me? Maybe ... Grandpa can help us find Corrine." Hiko the Firechilde sighs with relief. Gabrielle nodds sullenly. "'kay." Shizumaru nods, then says, "Please give me a moment," before turning back to the trump. Hiko the Firechilde is clearly at a loss as how to deal with Gabrielle. She pats her shoulder again and nudges her. "Ya wanna come with me?" Shizumaru puts away his trump and turns to Hiko. "What is happening, now?" Gabrielle says, ""Gran'pa is nice," she says. It seems like acquiescence. " Hiko the Firechilde picks up Gabrielle and walks through the Gate to where Shizumaru is. Hiko the Firechilde says, "This is Gabrielle. She's Corrine's daughter." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Corrine's been taken to another world, and we have no idea how to find her. That's why she hasn't been answering any Trump calls. I saw her briefly, but we were engaged in battle, and she got taken away again." Gabrielle holds onto Hiko, looking depressed. Wasyuu pats Gabrielle on the head. "Would you like some candy?" she asks. [Vixxy exclaims, "Ya know.... finding Corrine would be a job for..... SHAFT!"] Shizumaru blinks repeatedly. "...oh. I see. Er." His brow furrows. "I should like to help get her back...." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not so fast, Cousin. You need to attune yourself to the Seed first. That shouldn't take too long." Gabrielle says, "Yes, please." She smiles tremulously at Washuu. Hiko the Firechilde says, "There are so many things we don't know about the Icons. I know how to use mine... somewhat. And I'll be you don't know how to use yours." Shizumaru nods grimly. "I understand." Hiko the Firechilde boosts Gabrielle a bit. "We need to take care of some business here first, but then Cousin Shizumaru will help you find your mother...." She breaks off her sentence, a worried look crossing her face. Wasyuu hands a box of snickers. [Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Not the cat, I hope." Meow. The candy bar, not the pet.] There's about eighty one inch long mini-snickers bars in it. Gabrielle gets down off Hiko. "Oooooo." The prospect of sugar seems to perk her up. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I wonder if that's what he wants us to do. Scatter, and defeat us one by one." Hiko the Firechilde pauses. "Has anyone heard from Nagisa or Mikage?" Shizumaru shakes his head. "I have been gone from Amber for a number of weeks, out of contact from them." [Shaft says, "OOCly A month ago! ^.-"] Wasyuu says, "From what I understand, they're off on a mission for Queen Moire of Rebma." Wasyuu says, "Hunting pirates or some such thing." Shaft wanders into the infirmary with a large bruise on his head. Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Ota-san!" [Vixxy says, "Hee hee... let the Gabby drooling commence."] Shizumaru blinks, and turns. "Ota-niisan?" Gabrielle s-lo-wl-y looks up from her big box of snickers. Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "'Ota-niisan'?" Shaft pauses and stares at the two of you. "Oh.... hey, whasap." OTA-SAN!!! WAIIIIIIIIII!!!! Shaft notices Gabrielle and groans Hiko the Firechilde stares at Ota and Gabrielle. "I take it you've met?" Gabrielle _zooms_ across the room and GLMPS shaft at full speed. Shizumaru glances at Hiko. "Apparently...I am actually Utena's son," he says, sweating a bit. "A long story, which I can relate at another time." Shaft says, "aw Shi-" *WHAM* Shizumaru just kind of stares. o.o; Shizumaru has not quite registered the fact that Gabrielle is Corrine's daughter, by the way. Gabrielle hugs Shaft's prone form like she's never hugged anything before. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'd love to hear it when we have more time." Shaft says, "Can't.... breathe......." Hiko the Firechilde is sorta gaping and gawking. Shaft taptaptaps on Gabrielle's shoulder Hiko the Firechilde gathers herself and crosses to where the GK is lying and takes his hand. Gabrielle relaxes her grip and looks up into shaft's eyes. "You left without saying goodbye, Shaft." She pouts cutely. "But I forgive you." While he doesn't wake up, he does gently squeeze your hand, perhaps instinctively. Shaft facepalms. [Vixxy the Vixen giggles. "Did a runner on her, hmm?"] Shizumaru scratches his head. "I suppose there have been a few stories that I have missed, myself...." Shaft turns to Washu. "Just gimmie somethin' for this lump an' I'll be outta your way, doc." Shaft stares at Shizumaru for a moment. "Man, don'cha hate it when your mamma spontaneously procreates...." Shizumaru twitches slightly. "...I suppose so, Niisan." Gabrielle is glued to Shaft's arm, smiling happily. Hiko the Firechilde blinks slowly, squeezing the GK's hand. She looks up at Washyuu. "Do you think a healing spell would work? Or does he just need rest?" Shaft eyes Gabrielle nervously. "So, er... what the hell you doin' down here?" Gabrielle says, "Cousin Hiko brought me to save her from Horny Bison!" She smiles. Wasyuu says, "He just needs sleep." Shaft stares at Hiko. "Where's that crazy girl been bringin' you?!" Wasyuu says, "He was heavily bruised, possibly a mild concussion, but my treatment should fix his concussion in no time." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Crazy?" Hiko the Firechilde pats his hand gently, then leans down to give him a kiss on his forehead. Shaft patpats Gabrielle's head. "Now if anyone brings ya to animals that're a liiiiittle too friendly, you just tell'em 'no', okay?" Hiko the Firechilde turns to Ota. "Who are you calling crazy? They were pets left from the ravager beast." Gabrielle giggles. "Okay, Ota-san!" Hiko the Firechilde says, "They started attacking us." Shaft nods at Hiko, very slowly. "Okaay, ravager beast, whatever y'say, cousin." Gabrielle exclaims, "Its true!" Gabrielle exclaims, "It was a big, angry squid, with knobbly tentacles!" Shizumaru listens in bemusement. Shaft patpats Gabrielle's head again. "Of course it is. Now Washu, if you can gimmie a magical head-lump remover...." Shaft says, "and Tentacled thangs, Gabrielle, are a no-no." Hiko the Firechilde glares at Ota. "I am telling the truth!" Wasyuu hands Shaft a potion bottle labelled 'Bump Remover'. "Just drink this." Shaft raises his hands defensively. "Hey, I ain't sayin' you're lyin, am I?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't like the patronizing tone in your voice." Gabrielle climbs up Shafts arm and whispers in his ear. Shaft blinks Shaft nods at hearing Gabrielle's words. "Ooooh, okay." Gabrielle drops back down and beams. "It was neat!" Gabrielle says, "Hey, did you know that Hiko has the blood of chaos, just like you?" Shaft turns to Hiko. "I see, I see, glad y'feelin better, Cousin." He then turns to Washu. "Now the last time I guzzled your shit, you had me drinkin' unicorn piss an' mud. TELL me this is-" He pauses at Gabrielle's words. "Say wha?" Hiko the Firechilde sighs. "This is serious, though. Corrine has disappeared, into another UNIVERSE and I've met a woman who looks like my mother but is *not* a Shadow of her." She cocks her head at Gabrielle's words. "My father was from Chaos?" Gabrielle nods happily. "Or your mother!" Hiko the Firechilde says, "You've met my mother, Gabrielle." Shaft elbows Shizumaru. "Y'know, the rate this thang's goin', she'll end up bein' our half-sister." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I know who my father is." Hiko the Firechilde clenches her jaw slightly. Shizumaru shakes his head slowly. "I make absolutely no guesses at this point, because they would likely be wrong." Shaft opens the bottle and sniffs cautiously. Hiko the Firechilde says, "In all my research so far, I never knew that he was a Chaosian... it does explain a lot." Gabrielle claps her hands, and weird magical diagrams of Hiko and Shaft appear. "See? Right here. Blood of Chaos." She points at black squiggles that look just like a bunch of other black squiggles. Shaft blinks. "Wha?" [Foxtrot lowers the prod and grins. "Does that mean that I can eventually shapeshift?" Akemi pages, "If you are indeed Chaosian, yes :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Gabby could be wrong?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Even the Pattern isn't all knowing :0" to you. Akemi pages, "But she's rarely wrong." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Right. Still, Ludovicus as a chaosian... explains his hatred of Amber.] The bottle smells like Pepsi. Shaft shrugs and holds the bottle to Gabrielle. "Tell me what's in this." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I'm gonna have to check the records again." Gabrielle squints at the bottle, and spouts a long series of chemical codes. Shizumaru finally seems to realize that he hasn't been introduced to Gabrielle. "Hello...Gabrielle, is that your name?" he says, smiling. Hiko the Firechilde falls into deep thought. [Shizumaru OOCly says, "It's about time that Shizu finds out his favorite auntie has a kid. And has become queen of Ember. And a whole bunch of other things. o.o"] Shaft stares at Gabrielle for a moment, shrugs, and downs the bottle in two gulps. Gabrielle beams. "Uh-huh! I'm the Princess of Ember!" Shaft exclaims, "AAAAAAAAAGH!" It tastes like Pepsi. Shizumaru smiles and bows. "My name is Hisame Shizumaru. I came from Lipun, and am a prince of Amber." Shaft scowls and tosses the bottle away. "Shit, tasted like PEPSI." [Shizumaru OOCly laughs.] Shizumaru flinches slightly at Shaft's outburst, but tries to ignore it. Shaft blinks slowly and scratches his skin. [Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Clear signs that Wasyuu's a quack. Her alchemical potions taste like bad soft drinks."] The bump on Shaft's head starts to shrink. Then Shaft's skin starts to turn purple. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Oh my..." Shaft exclaims, "WAAAAAAAASHUUUUUU!!!!!!!!" Gabrielle giggles. "You're cute when you're purple," she coos. Shaft pulls out a trump, then pulls a large mallet out through it. Wasyuu looks at Shaft, then frowns. "Oh wait, I used that flask to rebottle the last of my Sipping Logrus after it escaped the bottle it came in." Shaft exclaims, "I'm PURPLE!" Shizumaru twitches again. "Ah-ha...so. How do you know Aunt Corrine? I heard her being mentioned while you and Hiko were takling earlier." Shizumaru is doing his best to to be thrown off-track by Shaft's Colorful Adventures. [Shizumaru OOCly says, "Not to be thrown off track, that is."] Shaft says, "how can I go put the mack on-" He pauses and glances at Gabrielle for a moment, thenn turns back. "How'm I supposed t'go out like this, woman?!?!" Gabrielle gigles. "She's my mommy, silly! The Queen of Ember!" Shizumaru stumbles. Shaft asks, "an'what the hell is sippin' logrus?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I've been trying to figure that one out myself, Cousin." Shizumaru asks, "Pardon me...did you just say that you are Aunt Corrine's daughter, and that she is the Queen of Ember?" In the background, Shaft throttles Washu. Gabrielle exclaims, "Uh-huh!" Shizumaru looks very thoughtful. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Something wrong, Cousin?" Shizumaru finally says, very slowly, "Yes, I have been missing out on a lot of information, it seems." Wasyuu says, "Sipping Logrus is made by distilling Logrus Tendrils." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Well, unless you have something better to do, we can trade stories at the pub near the castle." She continues, "It's slow brewed in fast-time shadows for millenia." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Or at least as much as I know." "And it has hideously unpredictable effects on people who bear the blood of chaos, but haven't learned to shapeshift properly." Shaft's bump is now gone completely. His hair turns plaid. Shaft THROTTLES Washu. "FIX THIS, WOMAN!!!" Gabrielle looks curious. "Did you have the Old One 'eyed Serpent blend, or the more piiquant Thelbanes Tears blend?'" Wasyuu makes gurgly noises. [Dancing Ed OOCly says, "Well, plaid probably goes better with purple than pink did..."] Hiko the Firechilde tries not to stare at Ota too much. Shaft exclaims, "I cannnot GO to the CASTLE like THIS!" Shaft asks, "How LONG does this LAST?" [Dancing Ed OOCly says, "Just tell 'em Washu sent you. They'll understand."] Shizumaru is still nodding slowly. "That sounds like a good idea...I will be there later. Perhaps I can bring Rimururu-san along. I need to show her around Amber." Wasyuu says, "You're in the castle, Shaft. Oh dear, the mind-warping effects must be kicking in." Wasyuu says, "Well, I finally get to study the effects of this on a chaosian, so it's not ALL bad!" Shaft suddenly gets an idea. "Hey, Gabby, zap me to your kingdom for ten seconds'n bring me back. That oughta be... what, a couple'a hours?" Gabrielle says, "Okay!" She snaps her fingers. Shaft says, "'least I'll get my tan back...." Shizumaru is just not looking at Shaft, for fear of having his train of thought derailing completely. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Well, which do you want to do first? Show your friend... Rimururu-san around? Attune the Seed?" [Shaft exclaims, "OOCly AAAgh! Shaft not there for nut jokes!"] [Shizumaru OOCly says, "Rimu's still getting her trump portrait done, right?"] Hiko the Firechilde finally succeeds in getting her brain back on track. "Now that the bison are gone, we should be able to do it fairly quickly." Shizumaru answers, "Attuning myself to the Seed. Rimururu-san is having her trump portrait done, still, and will probably be a little while longer." [Shizumaru pages, "You may notice a faint blush appearing on Shizumaru's face when he mentions Rimururu." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And I think I know how to get Shizumaru in that compromising position... can we say Heart-inducement?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Heh." to you. Foxtrot lowers the prod and cackles.] Shaft appears again. He now has several bath buckets hanging off him. Shaft says, "don't ask." Hiko the Firechilde nods, then smile at Shizumaru, doing a double take at Ota. "..." Shizumaru says, "Do not worry, Ota-niisan. I will not ask." Gabrielle says, "Oh yes, that's right.... they finished rebuilding it." Wasyuu says, "Hmm. I could attempt to purge you of the Sipping Logrus." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How is the reconstruction going on?" Shaft mutters, "Guess I'll go find some chicks that don't mind the Dr. Seuss look...." Hiko the Firechilde (don't think about Ota... you'll just blow a brain cell again) Shaft grins maniacally. "Hey, Yumi's a mage, yeah.... she might fix this....." He rifles through his trumps to find Yumi Shizumaru picks up the Seed of Hope again, looks at it speculatively. "So, Cousin Hiko...what will I have to do, exactly?" Shaft mutters something about whooping God-Ass and getting rewarded with plaid..... Gabrielle asks, "Yumi? That's a woman's name." Hiko the Firechilde says, "We need to go back to Arden." She pats the Green Knight's hand again, then gets up. Shaft blinks and patpats Gabrielle. "Why don'cha go help Hiko'n Shizzy there, baby?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'll tell you what you need to do when you get there." Shaft says through his trump contact, "Hey, you'll never believe what happened t'me, baby...." Hiko the Firechilde looks speculatively at Shizumaru. "I wonder if you're strong enough.... do you trust me?" Shizumaru moves to follow Hiko. He pauses, then bows to the others in the room in parting. "Very good, Cousin. Let us go." Shizumaru blinks at Hiko. "I...should I have a reason not to trust you?" Shaft says, "hey, shizuie, c'mere a sec." Hiko the Firechilde says, "No... I just--" She looks around. "We should go." Hiko the Firechilde concentrates on Arden, and the clearing and takes Shizumaru's hand. Shizumaru does not hear Shaft, however, as he's already off elsewhere with Hiko. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "We reappear in the clearing?" to Akemi] Shaft blinks and looks at Gabrielle a moment, then rolls his eyes as Shizumaru and Hiko depart. "Well, his loss." Shaft pokes Gabrielle. "You didn't cut off my trump, did you?" [Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Need to do a split scene here, ne?" Shizumaru OOCly says, "What were you thinking of, Rod? o.o" Shaft says, "OOCly I was thinking of a) plaid b) sex c) Dr. Seuss"] Gabrielle blinks. "I can cut off Trumps?" Gabrielle smiles innocently at Shaft. [The Green Knight says, "OOC Hai, we'll need to split the group."] Hiko the Firechilde and Shizumaru reappear in the clearing in Arden. [Shaft asks, "OOCly and shaft is done for the night, right>?" The Green Knight says, "OOC Pretty much, yeah, Rod." Shaft OOCly sits in the peanut gallery and watches o.o] Shizumaru looks around cautiously for any signs of bison. Just in case. There are no bison here. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Gabrielle teleported them all away to a different shadow... she's got amazing Pattern powers." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Most likely because she IS the Pattern." She holds up a hand. "Don't ask me to explain." Shizumaru sighs in relief. "Ah. Well, no, I will not ask. Too many things to ask about at this point." Hiko the Firechilde says, "To walk the Pattern takes great strength of mind, and from what I remember of seeing you at Kozue's duel, you don't seem to be very strong... Pardon me for being blunt." Shizumaru flushes slightly. "I...understand." He sighs. "I had been meditating in order to strengthen my mind in preparation of walking the Pattern. I hope that will have been enough." Hiko the Firechilde says, "The Green Knight helped me when I walked the Pattern here for the first time. I was hoping he'd be able to do the same for you." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I wonder if I could do the same for you... that's why I'm asking if you trust me." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hey... what would happen if I took the Heart with me through the Wood pattern?" to Akemi] Shizumaru blinks a few times. "Really? Oh, I see...." He nods. "I do trust you, yes. I have not known you for long, but we have already faced a number of things together. I believe we are on the same side." [Akemi pages, "Nothing bad will happen." to you. Akemi pages, "It might have weird side-effects, though :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Like what?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You'll have to find out :)" to you.] Hiko the Firechilde nods and points at the archway. "There stands the Wood Pattern. We can walk it together. But I think I need to put the Heart away before I walk it. I'm not sure what affect attuning it to the Wood Pattern would have, and I don't think I want to find out." Hiko the Firechilde pulls out her trump of King Tylor. Tylor answers. "Good morning, Hiko." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hello, your Highness. How are you doing?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are you busy right now?" [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "This would be the perfect time for the Embran KT to show up, btw--- " to Akemi Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.] Shizumaru waits patiently, regarding the Seed and the Wood Pattern thoughtfully. Let's hope it goes okay. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Could you do me a favor? I need you to hold something for me... put it in the Vaults, even." He nods. "No problem. What is it?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's one of the Icons. I need for it to be safe while I do something." "Alright." He holds out a hand. "I'll take it down to the vault after we finish eating." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is it lunchtime? Who's there with you?" [USER DEATHLAGGED BEYOND ALL REASON, SESSION CONTINUED ANOTHER DAY] Hiko the Firechilde peers around to see if she can see who King Tylor's eating with. "It's just me and Utena and Yuriko," he says. Hiko the Firechilde nods and holds out the Heart to King Tylor. "Could you hold this for me, while I help Shizumaru attune his Icon?" [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It would be just my luck if KT turned out to be a fake. Akemi pages, "Heh." to you. Akemi pages, "Well, you trumped him, so the odds it's a fake Tylor are fairly low." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "But (and this is ooc knowledge) a fake Tylor answered Nagisa's call. Akemi pages, "As I said, the odds are low :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ah-hah.... " to Akemi] He nods and takes it. "Certainly." Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "We should be coming back for it soon." Hiko the Firechilde bows and closes the trump connection. Shizumaru has been waiting quietly for Hiko in the meanwhile, and finally walks up to her. "So that is your Icon...." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yep... it wasn't easy getting it, either. Almost burned my hand and arm off because it was booby trapped." Hiko the Firechilde says, "My foot, too. Luckily, my shoes didn't burn away." Shizumaru blinks. "That must have been unpleasant." Then he stops and looks down at the Seed of Hope. "Then again, my experience in getting this was also rather unpleasant, to say the least." Hiko the Firechilde grins, remembering her time in teh City of Brass. "C'mon, time's a-wasting, and we can exchange stories later." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Shall we?" Shizumaru nods. "Of course." Hiko the Firechilde takes Shizumaru's hand, and leads him along the path and under the archway and onto the path of the Wood Pattern. The Wood Pattern is like walking down a path through the forest which twists and bends, with pine needles for a floor, and trees vaulting up around you. You feel a definite jolt when you take your first step. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What about me?" to Akemi] Shizumaru blinks, then concentrates on moving slowly and carefully. Hiko the Firechilde keeps her hold on Shizumaru's hand, letting him go at his own pace. [Akemi pages, "You also feel a jolt." to you.] The air is warm, and birds sing, but every step slowly becomes more difficult as you press forward. Shizumaru proceeds deliberately, step by step by step.... He keeps his eyes on the pathway just before him, not looking right or left beyond what is about to come. Sweat drips down his face, but he does not move to wipe it away. It reminds Shizumaru a bit of his trip to Lord Totoro's home, really. Although Hiko is rather older than Mai. The air gradually grows warmer, and then you come to a place where the branches come together, nearly blocking the path. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Big jolt or minor jolt? Because I've walked this pattern before.] Hiko the Firechilde says, "The first veil..." Shizumaru faintly murmurs, "I remember this," more to himself than anything. He presses on slowly. Hiko the Firechilde lets Shizumaru lead. [Akemi pages, "Walking the Pattern is never easy." to you.] Shizumaru moves forward, and gradually forces his way through the first veil. Carefully, but with determination. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I agree.... but I've done it twice, so far.] Hiko the Firechilde pushes through after, her brow furrowed. As you brush through the branches, you feel a rush inside your head, a surge of half-forgotten memories of your childhood, of happy times and sad. [Akemi pages, "It doesn't get any easier :)" to you.] Tears start to stream down Hiko's face, and she wipes them away with one of her sleeves, her hand clenching around Shizumaru's. And now the air is hot, and animals can be seen frolicing beyond the thick growing trees. Birds sing loudly, and the trees show their full splendour. Shizumaru almost wobbles, but grits his teeth and maintains his balance. That was expected, from his research into the Pattern, but not easy to handle. "Mother," he whispers. With every step, you remember your training as a martial artist, and the times of your young adulthood. You keep going, and your head begins to throb. Your body will hold out, you're sure, but your brain might be another matter... The path begins to curve and doubleback on itself. And then you come upon the second veil. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Both of us? Or just him?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Your brain is fine, thanks to high psyche. the pain is a minor annoyance." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Thought so. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I lend him psychic strength?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Yes." to you.] Hiko the Firechilde whispers to Shizumaru. "How're you doing?" Shizumaru twitches. "My head hurts. I am...having a little difficulty assimilating all the memories." He pauses. "Would using a power word be a good idea right now?" The veil draws nearer as you keep walking. Hiko the Firechilde says, "If I remember right, Power Words use your life force to sustain it... I'm not sure if you want to do that." Hiko the Firechilde says, "If you let me, I can help bear the brunt of it." [Akemi pages, "You think power words won't work well on the Pattern, either, as it tends to negate magic" to you.] Shizumaru nods. "I would appreciate it.... Thank you, cousin." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Plus, power words might not work well on the Pattern, as they tend to negate magic." Hiko the Firechilde holds Shizumaru's hand tightly and insinuates herself into Shizumaru's mind, acting as a buffer. Shizumaru relaxes slightly, and approaches the next veil. The second veil passes, bringing back memories of the day your life forever changed, when you fought the Silver Armed Man. Shizumaru grits his teeth again. "I will find Mother," he mutters, repeating his promise. The air begins to chill, cooling from hot to warm to cool as you walk along. The leaves are brightly colored, but falling to the ground, littering the path, now, and the animals are less energetic. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What kind of memories are filtering in?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You can't see much more than bits of the memories, as you have to focus most of your attention on giving him strength and not screwing up yourself." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Right... Akemi pages, "And the memories well up inside his mind; they don't crawl in through your buffer." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay. Wasn't sure how this was working, only that I could do it.] Memories of your experiences in Amber well up now, strange and confusing place, strange memories and stranger people. The visions for which you hung upon the Tree of Wisdom rise up as well. Hiko the Firechilde blinks and concentrates on her own footing. [Akemi pages, "You get some really WEIRD flashes from those, as he seems to be remembering being Gendo..." to you.] Shizumaru smiles grimly. The tests he passed to gain the Seed.... These are, in their way, good memories for him. Hiko the Firechilde really blinks this time... You feel the elation of your gaining the seed as the road bends and twists, turning and turning. Shizumaru's voice comes faintly. "...is something wrong, Cousin?" And then branches rise up before you, the third veil. Hiko the Firechilde mutters, "Talk later, walk now." Ice coats them. Shizumaru nods and falls silent, and presses onward to the their veil. And as you brush through them, you remember discovering the seed had been stolen, and ice coats you as well. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And me?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Hmm. You probably have a flashback to one of your less pleasant experiences with your little buddy the Battousai here." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ick.] Shizumaru shivers slightly, but brushes off the chill and continues to focus on making his way through. Hiko the Firechilde shivers, and tries to brush away the ice from her face. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I meant, is the ice on me, too? I'll just assume it is. Akemi pages, "Ahh. Not literal ice; emotional ice." to you.] Now the road is ice covered with dead leaves and pine needles, slick to the touch and tricky to walk on. The trees are brown and seemingly dead. The animals are silent. And all your failures of your life rise up to taunt you. Hiko the Firechilde grits her teeth, swearing voluminously under her breath. "......getyoufuckerfindwhereyoucamefrom...." Times wondering about the father you never met. The disappearance of your mother. Your near-defeat by Venir 2.0. The theft of the Seed. Killing all those knights in the Cave of Worlds... Your body is tired, but it's the mental pain, the regrets, the fears, which make it hardest to go on. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How much mental juice do I have left?" to Akemi] Shizumaru grits his teeth so hard that his jaw locks. He counters the memories of those failures with his later successes. Yes, he lost the Seed...but he got it back. His mother is still missing--but he will find her. The knights...he will make reparations someday, surely. Surely. [Akemi pages, "You still have goatloads of mental juice. Having Buttloads of Psyche has its privileges :)" to you.] Hiko the Firechilde pours more strength into her buffer for Shizumaru, giving him a little mental pickmeup as well. Shizumaru growls. "It is not over...I will not give up." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I love having BUTTLOADS of Psyche...] And then the final veil rises, wet branches, dripping water to the ground below. Pushing through it is like shoving through a wall. And then the resistance gives and you tumble to the ground, inside the Wood Pattern, feeling the Seed pulse in your hands like a heart, wishing you could take a nice, long nap. There's an open area here about fifty feet across with a slight mound in the center. The air is nice and warm. The birds sing and the sun shines down. Shizumaru blinks owlishly, peering around. He does not stop walking, though, unsure if the walk is completed, and moves toward that mound. You can feel a link to the Seed now, and more peace of mind to go with your exhaustion. Hiko the Firechilde looks around... is this the same place where she met the Unicorn? Shizumaru says, ever so faintly, "Can I stop yet? Is it finished?" Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "Winter has ended... life returns to the forest." Yes, it is, but the Unicorn seems to be out at the moment. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Life is an eternal cycle of growth, maturity, death... and we are at the center of it all, here in Arden, here in the glade of the Unicorn." Hiko the Firechilde squeezes Shizumaru's hand. "You did wonderfully." Shizumaru is still walking, almost zombie-like. "Life, indeed.... Thank you, Cousin." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Um... we're done." He pulls her along. "I said, we're done now." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I give him a little mental wake up?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I don't think he's very strong mentally, is he?" to Akemi] Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are you okay, cousin?" Shizumaru nods and says, "Oh." He takes a few more steps, then releases Hiko's hand, and pitches forward. "So tired." [Akemi pages, "He's not very strong mentally, and right now, he's exhausted." to you.] Shizumaru curls up on the ground with the Seed like a giant acorn plushie and closes his eyes. Hiko the Firechilde kneels down, and hauls Shizumaru up against her. Supporting Shizumaru's head, and wrapping her arms around him and the Seed, she cradles his head on her breast. "Take us to the infirmary at the Castle Amber, now!" [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Mission accomplished. ^_^" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hee hee!" to Akemi] There's a blink and you're back in the infirmary, sitting on one of the beds. Shizumaru yawns, slumps, and breathes in that deep, measured rhythm of a sleeping person. Hiko the Firechilde slumps backwards at the sudden teleport, toppling over onto the bed. "Medic!" Wasyuu comes over. "You two been off having fun?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Not quite... he's exhausted, poor boy... do you have a quiet place where he can lie down and not be disturbed for at least twelve hours?" Hiko the Firechilde nudges him slightly. "Shizumaru... can you hear me?" Wasyuu says, "The infirmary's full of beds; I'm sure he can sleep here just fine. Or I could help you take him up to his room. Wore him out, did you?" Shizumaru snores softly in response. Hiko the Firechilde blushes. "It wasn't like that." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I think he might feel safer in his room. Do you know where it is?" Wasyuu nods. "I know everything." She helps you pick up Shizumaru. "Let's go." Hiko the Firechilde supports him on the right side, looking for a pocket or a pouch she can put the Seed in. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Well? Does that count?" to Akemi] Shizumaru gets carried. While he is, for the most part, rather relaxed, he does maintain a deathgrip on the Seed. It would take some doing to pry it loose from his arms. The Seed is over a foot across; it's too big for a pouch. But you can put it on his stomach as you carry him. Okay.... You soon get him up to his room and put him in bed. Hiko the Firechilde supports his head and arms, arranging the Seed on his stomach. [In a page-pose to you, Akemi noogies you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Well???? Or do you want more?" to Akemi] Shizumaru mutters some words softly, mostly unintelligible. But you may hear 'Mother', perhaps, and 'Rimururu'. Hiko the Firechilde writes a quick note: I'll make sure no one disturbs you as you sleep. I'm off to do research on the Icons, and I'll try and find out how yours works. I'm proud of you, Cousin. -- Hiko. Hiko the Firechilde leaves the room quietly, and strides towards the courtyard, taking out the Trump of King Tylor as she does and activating it. Shizumaru @sleeps. [Akemi pages, "I have feeling I must be forgetting something." to you.] Shizumaru sleeps. And sleeps and sleeps. We'll get back to him. [spoofed by Michelle] [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Forgetting what?" to Akemi] [PAUSE SESSION] Michelle pauses game to discuss Pattern stuff with drew. Shizumaru OOCly says, "Sure thing." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly pauses as well. Okay, Shizumaru sleeps, what you gonna go do, Hiko? Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Go to the temple of the Unicorn and talk to the priests there about the Icons." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "But I need to get it back first." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Hence, trumping King Tylor." Tylor eats your brain...oh, wait, no, he just takes your trump call. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly thbbbpts at the GM. Shizumaru OOCly snerks. Hiko the Firechilde bows. "Your Highness." He smiles at you. "Princess Hiko. Come to get your heart back?" Hiko the Firechilde nods. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes... Shizumaru's sleeping now, and I wanted to talk to the priests of the Unicorn about it." He reaches into his trenchcoat and pulls it out, passing it to you. "I've been given hearts before, but this was perhaps the most impressive one I ever gave back." Hiko the Firechilde smiles, reaching for it and putting it away. "I'm sure Yuriko would love to hear that." She winks. "I'll also tell the Green Knight you said hi." Tylor smiles. "I haven't given Yuriko her heart back yet, you see. I had to keep that one for myself." He frowns a bit. "I understand the Green Knight is in our infirmary." Hiko the Firechilde closes the connection with a laugh, and sets off for the Temple (after getting directions from a guard(. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Whoops...." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Player error." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes, we had some trouble with the guardians the Beast that originally took Corrine left, but Gabrielle was able to take care of them." She quails. "Not before he got trampled by them." Tylor shakes his head. "I always thought the Green Knight was invulnerable so long as his pattern lasted. But then, I have never really studied the lore of Patterns." He cocks his head listening to something. "I have a request to make of you in turn." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yes, your Highness? These were not natural bison." "Long ago, I stumbled upon a rather unusual tower in shadow. I've come into some evidence which may indicate it is being used as a base by some of Annadil's forces. I'm hoping you can find time to investigate it." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Where is this tower?" He says, "About two weeks travel from Arden. It stands on a cliff with fire to one side, a chasm of air on the other, and a sea of water in front of it." He shakes his head. "A very strange place, and filled with a weird energy that drove me away the time I visited it. Gave me the creeps." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "If it can drive you away, what makes you think I can get close enough to investigate?" Tylor says, "You possess one of the strongest minds I've ever seen, and well, I've never been an expert in such things. And you possess a spikard and the Heart of Fire. If they together are not sufficient to the task, then I suspect no one but Derith or Fuyutsuki would be able to make their way to it." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I'd want some muscle going with me. I'm not a great fighter." He nods. "Ramon isn't doing anything, and I think Shaft is lounging about drinking somewhere. And purple too, from what I hear, but I'm sure it's just a phase." Shizumaru OOCly sniggers. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think the two of them have worked before. Maybe having both of them with me would help." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Would you ask them for me if they'd come with?" He smiles. "I'll lean on them for you."" Hiko the Firechilde bows. "If that's all, I need to be getting to the Temple now." He nods. "Have fun in the library. Don't let the priests convince you the rite of rutabagas is necessary." He waves bye. Hiko the Firechilde waves, and closes the connection, NOW, asking for directions and making her way into town, to the Temple of the Unicorn. You make your way down to the Temple of the Unicorn, a grand and beautiful cathedral of white marble and stained glass in the gothic style. A young tonsured priest greets you at the door. "Blessing of the Unicorn upon you, traveller." Hiko the Firechilde says, "The Blessing of the Unicorn upon you, good priest. I require some assistance." "With your pregnancy?" Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "I take it you have a different problem?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Um, not yet. I'm only a few weeks along, if I've counted correctly." He nods. "So how may we aid you?" The_Prof pages, "That's right, I forgot you're gonna be a mommy. :)" to you. [Rod McCarthy says, "I am going to actively avoid anyone short of mom and the king for a while, thank you o.o"] Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's a research problem. I've been asked by King Tylor to come here to do research on the Icons." He nods. "Let me take you to Brother Abelard." [Vixxy asks, "What if the King asks you to accompany your cousin on a mission?"] Brother Abelard turns out to be a middle-aged man in saffron. Rod McCarthy says, "in that case, don't have a choice" [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Bits of Sirena are creeping in. I'm lying to minor lackeys...] [Demetrius says, "It's sad how Hiko would have to be the stable, intelligent one for that mission."] [Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.] Brother Abelard asks, "How can I be of assistance, Princess?" Hiko the Firechilde bows. "I'm told you're the one to see about research into the Icons? The Prophecies have stated that we five childen are the only ones who can close the Gate, but I have no idea how we're supposed to do it." Brother Abelard says, "Well, it's never actually been done, so not much is known about how it could be done, although I can share various works of half-baked speculation with you." Brother Abelard says, "My own suspicion is that it would probably require you all to form a psychic link to each other, to coordinate your efforts." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is that what it says in the books?" Brother Abelard takes you round the library, gathering various books as he talks. "In some of them. Others claim that keyholes will open up, or that a giant cow will come out and eat them, or..." Brother Abelard hands you more books. "One of the problems is that no one knows what's on the other side of the Forbidden Gate or what happens when it's opened." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Which books do you lend credence to and why?" Brother Abelard asks, "Are you familiar with the speculations of Steven of Langobard?" Hiko the Firechilde looks frantically for a cart to put the books on. There are no carts, only Zuul. Brother Abelard waves about 'The Fruitcakes of Doom' for a moment, then puts it back on the shelf. "I tend to incline to the theory that opening the Gate would destroy the Pattern and the Logrus." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Seriously... cart or no cart?" There are no carts, only Zuul. Brother Abelard says, "Well, that's part of the problem. About a quarter of the books we can dismiss as fruitcake theories." Brother Abelard says, "For example, the theory that you use the icons to make fruitcakes to close the gate is UNLIKELY to be true." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How do you see that?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "About the Pattern and the Logrus, I mean. Not the fruitcakes." Brother Abelard says, "Well, the Gate has to be opened using weapons connected TO the Pattern and the Logrus. Which means the Gate either will be powered by them or will do something TO them." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "So, using the Icons would involve negating the powers of the Blades?" Hiko the Firechilde looks for a desk to set the books on. There are several reading tables. Brother Abelard says, "Anyway, the Icons don't draw on Order or Chaos, but on the Elements for power." Brother Abelard says, "So they can keep functioning even if Order and Chaos lose strength. Or so I speculate" Hiko the Firechilde mumurs to herself. "That's as good a theory as any." Hiko the Firechilde puts a lot of the books down on the tables and goes to follow Brother Abelard. Brother Abelard hands you twelve different commentaries on the Prophecies of the Unicorn. "Now, where is Fear and Loathing in Amber..." He starts running his finger along the spines of various books. He hands you three more books. Hiko the Firechilde blinks at the large amount of books on the tables. Even with the speed reading skills.... "Can I send out for refreshment while I read?" Brother Abelard says, "Yes, you can." Brother Abelard says, "Another one of the great mysteries is why the Gate is in Tir'na-nog." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What's the prevailing theory?" Brother Abelard says, "To reduce its accessibility." Brother Abelard says, "After all, Tir'na-nog doesn't exist most of the time." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Cloudless day, during a full moon." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What's the crackpot theory?" Brother Abelard nods. "Exactly. It reduces the time frame within which anyone could open it. Others think perhaps the Gate has some sort of power over dreams and that's why it's in Tir'na-Nog, the Dream Castle in the Sky." Brother Abelard says, "Indeed, I've known some to speculate that it spends most of its time in the place where dreams happen, wherever that is." Hiko the Firechilde nods, too. Brother Abelard says, "Some have speculated that if the Gate is open, the Castle will become the reality, and all that we know will be reduced to but dreams and mist as it is now." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And then what would happen to Amber if that were to happen?" Brother Abelard says, "I suppose it would appear in the sky under Tir'na-nog whenever the moon was full, but fade away to mist the rest of the time. Or maybe when the moon wasn't full..." Brother Abelard says, "Whatever the results, it would be bad." Hiko the Firechilde nods slowly. "I see." Brother Abelard says, "Of course, Rileve the Blue used to argue that Tir'na-nog was the primal pattern of which all others were just reflections, and that's why it holds the Gate." Brother Abelard says, "He believed the tools needed to draw a new Pattern were locked away behind it." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "A new Pattern... what would that do?" Brother Abelard says, "We can only speculate, but it would radically reshape the face of Shadow." Brother Abelard says, "Casting it in its maker's image." [PAUSED FOR ANOTHER DAY] Akemi pages, "I can pretty much summarize your research findings for you by page, though." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Please?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Ahh, sorry. Doing too many things at once." to you. Akemi pages, "There's only a few things which all your sources agree on--The Icons work best in the hands of the Children, and they have to be used together to close the Gate. It remains unclear how anyone knows this, though, as the Gate has supposedly never been opened." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "But HOW??????" to Akemi Akemi pages, "No one seems to have a clue. The Gate has never been opened and all five have never been used in unison." to you. Akemi pages, "There's a lot of metaphysical speculation on--what the gate is, what is behind it, and what opening it will do." to you. Akemi pages, "It seems to be known that Fuyutsuki either won't, or can't discuss the subject, except to say it is BAD." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How abou how each one works individually? Like how the Heart had several anecdotes about its use. Akemi pages, "They all seem to work on the basic principle that you have to attune yourself to it, either through extensive meditative exercises, or by walking the Pattern with it." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Riiiiight, but what do they do? Bloody scholars, rassum-frassum... Akemi pages, "The Sword of Truth reveals the truth and is a Pattern Blade. The Bag of Winds has power over wind and weather. The Cup of Life controls water and brings healing. And the Seed of hope controls green and growing things and brings hope." to you. Akemi pages, "Gendo used the Cup and the Bag several times to destroy entire fleets." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hope, Passion, Truth, Healing... and Weather?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Queen Yvette is said to have used the Bag of winds to make beautiful, delicate cloud sculptures." to you. Akemi pages, "Some of the books believe the cup of life may have been responsible for Queen Haruka's extended lifespan, which remains a disputed issue." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Extended?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "The average Amberite lives around 400 years. The royal family has muchly extended lifespans, and those who walk the Pattern seem to have extremely extended lifespans. Tylor is 862, but looks 30, for example. However, Queen Haruka showed no signs of aging at a normal rate, but rather stayed around 30 for most her reign, only dying because she was murdered." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "My gramma, right?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Your Grandma. The cause of this is unknown, although Queen Anthy seems to have the same life extension as well." to you. Akemi pages, "She's known to have been especially adept in handling the Seed of Hope; this is usually thought to be because she possessed Vilya, the Spikard of Wood." to you. Akemi pages, "Which was lost when she was murdered." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Is there a spikard of flame?'" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "So I did research all night? And returned to the castle in the morning?" to Akemi In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods. You'd probably keep reading until they threw you out when they closed up for the night. Akemi pages, "You've never heard of a spikard of flame, but you haven't studied spikard lore much." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay, so they threw me out at night, and i went back to the castle, slept. Next morning, I went down to the infirmary to see how the Knight was doing. Akemi pages, "I'm not done yet telling you stuff you found out :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You're not? Okay... continue. Akemi pages, "There's several schools of thought surrounding what happens if the gate opens--" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I'm not getting ANYTHING useful... or things at least that Hiko would consider useful. Akemi pages, "One school holds that whoever opens the gate would gain the ability to create their own Symbol of Power like the Logrus or the Pattern." to you. Akemi pages, "A second school believes the Logrus and the Pattern will both be destroyed when the Gate is opened, and it will be up to whoever opens them to create something new to take their place." to you. Akemi pages, "The third school believes that the opener will become the Master of both Logrus and Pattern." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "THAT would be interesting. All three sound bad when you think about who wants it. Akemi pages, "The fourth school believes something is imprisoned beyond the gate and will simply come out and eat whoever opens it and go on a rampage." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Fido? Skippy?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Who are these four schools. Akemi pages, "They basically represent trends of thought you see as you read many different books; some of them include living scholars you could go talk to." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Like who? And who are teh living ones affiliated with?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "There's also a fifth school which argues that the Gate won't actually do anything at all, and a sixth school that argues that the Gate actually opens into the Logrus." to you. Akemi pages, "Two of the living scholars are priests of the Unicorn, you read a book written by Touga which argues the third theory, and a fellow who argues the fourth theory lives in Harad City." to you. Akemi pages, "There's a lot of argument as well over whether the Gate predates the Pattern or the Pattern formed around it." to you. Akemi pages, "And who could have made it, if it's the case." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Which of the Patterns is the oldest? why are there so many?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "There's another good question. Scholars argue over whether Fuyutsuki drew all five, or if four are a reflection of just one of them." to you. Akemi pages, "Some of them point at the five icons and how each icon and each pattern reflect an element and argue that five had to be made in order to establish order over all five elements." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Them damn scholars... ^_^" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Some scholars believe there's a sixth pattern somewhere, and the five we know are all shadows of that primal Pattern. Indeed, some scholars think the Primal Pattern is what is on the other side of the Gate of Revolution." to you. Akemi pages, "Others argue that the Air Pattern must be the first one, because it's the only one different from the others...it has the gate and the others don't." to you. Akemi pages, "Several of the books claim that the White Knight who defends the Air Pattern is said to know more of the Gate's purpose, but has refused to say anything until 'The Knight of Air and Darkness comes to claim his heritage'" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ah... lots of Knights around... Akemi pages, "Yep." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How many?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "How many Knights, you mean? Each of the Patterns has a Knight which defends it." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay... Gray defends which one?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "And the Prophecies of the Unicorn seems to make reference to nearly another dozen Knights of various kinds." to you. Akemi pages, "White--Air. Blue--Water. Grey--Metal. Green--Wood. Red--Fire." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay. ^_^ Hey, if Corrine's the Queen of Ember now, do I get to be Queen of the Forest?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Heh. Well, I suspect Hiko will be Warden of Arden by the time of the Next Gen Game, since Corrine can't really do both jobs and you're pretty ideally suited to it :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "SUGOI!" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Getting back to scholars rambling...Some of the 'something which eats people is imprisoned by the gate' argue that the beast imprisoned is some enemy of the Unicorn and the Serpent which they cooperated in imprisoning, which is why it takes both the Logrusfoils and the Patternblades to unlock the prison." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Wow.... you've got tons of info on this... Akemi pages, "It's a central issue of the campaign, ya know :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I see... are you glad someone finally asked?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Yes, although there's one big issue no one still hasn't thought of :)" to you. Akemi pages, "Another thing a lot of the sources try to speculate on is what exactly existed BEFORE the Logrus and the Pattern, and which one is older." to you. Akemi pages, "After all, if Fuyutsuki drew the Pattern, he had to have come from somewhere, and something had to exist for him to draw it on...but everything that exists is sustained in existence by the Pattern, or so it seems..." to you. Akemi pages, "So some scholars think some aspect of the Pre-Pattern civilization may be behind the Gate." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "PrePattern civ?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You glad someone's finally asking?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Well, scholars speculate some sort of civilization must have existed before the Pattern which Fuyutsuki came from, though what it could have been is unknown." to you. Akemi pages, "That's about the sum of the information." to you. Akemi pages, "Although I can give you some more anecdotes about past uses of the Icons." to you. [GAME CALLED ON ACCT. OF NPC FIGHTING] Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Okay... where did we leave off again?" Ramon says, "OOC You'd just finished doing a lot of research." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "What time is it when I finally get out of the Temple?" Ramon says, "OOC Pretty late at night. You're there until they kick you out, and you could easily spend several more days reading everything they have." Hiko the Firechilde sighs to herself as she finally gets ushered out. It is VERY late, and she decides to take a walk back to the castle, mulling over what she's learned. Hiko the Firechilde says, "No one knows what the Gate hides, no one knows how to close it once it's open" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How in the WORLD did Annadil find out?" The heavens do not give you an answer, unfortunately. Hiko the Firechilde mutters to herself as she walks back to the castle. It's a looooong walk up those stairs, and by the time you reach the top, you're pretty worn out. You also discover some annoying person has shut and locked the gates. There's a sentry up on the walls, who looks down at you. "We don't want any," he says. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm a guest in the palace." He pulls out a sheaf of papers. "Name?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Lady Hiko." He rifles through the papers. "Hmm, you're not on my guest list. You sure you got the right castle?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think so unless I'm in the wrong Shadow, and I doubt I am." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Ask King Tylor; I've been doing research for him." "The king tends to get rather annoyed if I wake him up in the middle of the night, you know." "And you might sneak in while I was gone." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Alright... I guess I can wait 'til morning..." He nods. "Righto." He goes back to gazing out over the countryside. Hiko the Firechilde thinks, "Of course I could just trump in, but that would be also suspicious." Hiko the Firechilde thinks, "And that would be the last thing I need." Hiko the Firechilde calls up, "Is there any place near by where I can find decent lodging? Some place safe?" "There's about twelve million inns down in the city, and most of them are fairly safe, so far as I know. There's a little place just inside the gate, called The Blue Dragon. Quite nice from what I hear." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "They take guests this late at night?" He says, "People show up at all sorts of odd hours around here." He looks down pointedly at you. Hiko the Firechilde smiles a tad sheepishly. "It was a lot of research." He says, "I'm sure that if you have money, they'll be happy to give you a room." Hiko the Firechilde searches her pockets.... only to find them empty. Hiko the Firechilde curses mildly. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I forgot that I don't have ANY money at all... :P" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde smiles her biggest smile. "I don't suppose there's ANY one up at this time of night who could vouch for me? Like Misato?" Akemi pages, "Heh." to you. The guard says slowly and carefully, "I can't leave my post to go around asking if anyone knows you. That's how evil soul sucking chaosians slip into the castle and eat all the Jello." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Well, actually, I've still got the Efreet credits, but that won't do any good here. He continues, "And then Nanami straps me to the bell again. No thank you." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Can't you get one of the other guards to call for Misato?" He waves his arms about. "You see anyone else? Everyone else is off chasing some dog." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Dog?" "Some dog tried to climb up the wall, and everyone's gone off after it; must be halfway round the mountain by now. Damn werewolves think they can just go around marking their territory on people," he grumbles. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Werewolves?" Hiko the Firechilde looks around a bit fearfully. You hear a distant explosion. Hiko the Firechilde swivels her head towards the sound. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "From what direction?" Off to the far right, around the curve of the mountain. Then you hear some cheering. Hiko the Firechilde wishes she could see what's going on. And then there's silence. The guard says, "Hmm, sounds like they got it." Hiko the Firechilde thinks to herself again. "I have no money, I can't trump into the courtyard, and everyone's probably asleep." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Did Misato go with everyone else after the werewolf?" "I'm sure Misato's in bed right now. Just a dozen or so of us and Bob the Mage." Hiko the Firechilde nods slowly. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are there any hostels that would take me in until I can get the money wired to me or messangered over from the castle?" He says, "What's a hostel?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I guess not." Hiko the Firechilde sighs. Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I'll just... Oh, I don't know." A group of guards carrying a baked dog come into sight, walking round the curve of the mountain. Hiko the Firechilde looks towards the group. The guards come closer, wearing their uniforms. Two of them are carrying the rather charbroiled looking husky. As they draw closer, one of them yells, "Blake, open the gates!" He looks down at them, "How do I know you're not all werewolves now?" One of the guards looks very annoyed. "Blake, open the damn gates or I'll climb up there and..." Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "Looks like no one's getting in tonight..." "Hah! You can't fool me! Now I KNOW you're a werewolf!" Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "Only a werewolf could climb up this wall!" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine the annoyed guard. Akemi pages, "The annoyed guard is tall and skinny with short blond hair and brown eyes. He seems to be an ordinary human." to you. The guards form a huddle and start whispering among themselves. Hiko the Firechilde eyes them with interest. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "My sword going off?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You sense no particular danger." to you. The guards then notice you. "Hey, who are you?" one of them asks. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm a guest in the palace doing research for King Tylor." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Everyone who can vouch for me is asleep." Hiko the Firechilde looks up at the guard. "And he won't let me in, which is good, but I need a place to sleep and I have no money." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine the guard. Akemi pages, "The one up on top of the wall?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yep... the one they called Blake. "Oh, he's just a moron. And ever since Nanami strapped him to the inside of the bell and rang it to celebrate King Tylor and Queen Yuriko's anniversary, he's been sort of paranoid." Akemi pages, "Dark haired, handsome but fearful looking, somewhat muscular, seems to be an ordinary human, no enchantments on him." to you. [I just now realized that I did this twice, and I have no idea why] Hiko the Firechilde says, "I can understand paranoia, with what's been going on lately." Blake says, "Go away werewolves, or I'll call the guards on you!" "Blake, you freak, we ARE the guards!" Hiko the Firechilde bursts out into laughter. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Just for Hiko's paranoid sake, examine the rest of the guards with me, and the werewolf carcass, too. Akemi pages, "They all check out as human. The werewolf checks out as not quite dead yet, though they clearly think it is." to you. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Excuse me, gentlemen...." "Hmm, what, ma'am?" Hiko the Firechilde pushes her way past them to the werewolf carcass, reaches for her silver dagger and plunges it into the heart of the beast. It screams and howls as the dagger strikes home, then goes limp and turns into a scaly humanoid with purplish scales and pink eyes. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "I guess I don't need to use the Power Word on it, hmm?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It dead now?" to Akemi Blake shouts, "Ahah! Going around turning things into demons?" Akemi pages, "It's pretty dead now." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Good. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Demon, you say?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "More like shapeshifter to me." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Or is that the same thing?" "Close enough." Bob the mage steps forward and points a wand at Blake. "Let us in or I'll turn you into a turnip again!" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How many have you had recently?" "Threatening an officer of the law! That's illegal you know! Don't make me call the guards on ya!" The guard says, "We get something trying to crawl into the castle about every night, since the crisis started." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Beginning with the theft of the sword, right?" Bob waggles his wand at Blake. "Don't make me use this!" "Ever since that duel between Princess Kozue and Lady Madoka, really." Ramon says, "I'm not afraid of your magic twaggler!" Blake shouts down. "You couldn't ensorcel your way out of a pile of dead noodles!" Hiko the Firechilde sighs. "Don't remind me of that... I almost got possessed." "I'm not afraid of your magic twaggler!" Blake shouts down. "You couldn't ensorcel your way out of a pile of dead noodles!" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "O.o.... you know, some of Hiko's paranoia's coming back, with Sirena's propensity to lie. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It's a shame I couldn't play her insane longer... that was fun. Akemi pages, "Heh." to you. Bob waves his wand. There is a poof of smoke and Bob turns into a turnip. Blake begins laughing hysterically. Hiko the Firechilde blinks, and examines Bob the Turnip very carefully. Another one of the guards sags and sighs. "Not bloody again. I keep telling him that spell doesn't work right." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine spell, to see how to undo it. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "He one of the castle mages?" Akemi pages, "You think you can undo it pretty easily." to you. "He's our night watch mage. He's good at blowing things up, but not much good at any other magic." Hiko the Firechilde thinks to herself and points at the turnip. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay, undo the spell, if I can. He turns back into Bob. Hiko the Firechilde says, "That should do it..." Blake says, "Go back to chaos, all you werewolves! And tell them Blake the magnificent repelled your foul assault!" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think you forgot a lynch pin somewhere." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "What time is it again??" Bob says, "Maybe I should have been wearing my copper amulet to do it right." Ramon says, "OOC It's about 1 AM at this point." Hiko the Firechilde purses her lips. "Perhaps." Blake does the Superior Dance. Hiko the Firechilde yawns. "I'd love to jaw outside the castle all night, but I'm exhausted, and I need a place to sleep. Is there anywhere I could stay until morning, and have King Tylor or Princess Juri send some money to pay for my lodgings?" Jeff-kun OOC Wonder if Blake is a cousin of Joxer's The guards say, "Oh, just wait a little longer and we'll get this moron to let us all in." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Not yet." to Rod Blake says, "I HEARD that! If you call me a moron again, I'll summon the guards!" Hiko the Firechilde nods... then stifles a laugh. Ramon says, "Go ahead! SUMMON THE GUARDS! SEE IF I CARE!" one of the guards shouts. Hiko the Firechilde calls up. "Didn't you say all of them were out here tracking the werewolf?" Blake begins ringing a very loud bell. "Intruders! Intruders! Werewolves impersonating guards and some woman are trying to get in!" Hiko the Firechilde looks at one of the guards. "Is he soft in the head?" Blake says, "Hah! It's obvious the werewolves must have killed you all and taken your place!" Hiko the Firechilde looks around again. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You sure they're ordinary guards?" to Akemi The guard says, "Blake's never been the same since the bell incident." Akemi pages, "They seem human to you. And their minds aren't very strong, so it's not likely they're tricking you." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay. "Being used as a bell clapper...not fun." You hear movement inside the castle. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I can imagine... what did he do to get that kind of treatment?" "Oh, he let someone into the castle who turned out to be a chaosian infiltrator." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Ouch... I think he may have gotten off lightly." A woman pops into view on the ramparts. It's Nanami. "Blake, you moron, why are you ringing the bell in the middle of the night? I'm trying to SLEEP." Blake points down at all of you. "Look, werewolves!" Corrine of Amber OOCly says, "... oh dear." Hiko the Firechilde waves to Nanami. "Hello auntie." Nanami looks down at Hiko blearily. "I suppose you have something to do with this, do you?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not at all. I was just coming back from a late night research session." Hiko the Firechilde points to the carcass. "The guards found another Chaosian... and your man up there seems to think we've all been turned into werewolves." One of the guards says, "We had to chase down a chaosian, and Blake locked the gates behind us and wouldn't let us back in, your ladyship." Nanami looks as though she's eaten something very sour. "Wonderful. Are you a werewolf?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I should think not. I don't think they are either." The guard says, "No, ma'am, I'm not a werewolf." "Good," Nanami says slowly. "None of you are werewolves. I'm happy to know that." She looks at Blake. "Open the gates." Nanami says, "And bring the Chaosian inside." Blake nods nervously and goes and turns the crank which opens the gates. The guards haul the dead Chaosian inside. Hiko the Firechilde follows the guards inside. One of the guards says to Nanami, "It tried to climb the walls, but we spotted it in time, fortunately." Nanami heads down from the wall to join Hiko and the guards, casting her best 'You will be dealt with in the morning when I'm awake enough to think up something sufficiently nasty' look at Blake. Blake stays up on the walls. Nanami nods. "Good job. Burn the body as standard, and make sure Makoto is informed that we had another attempted intrusion." "Yes, Ma'am, will do." Four of them take it off to burn it; most of the others go back up on the wall. Nanami turns a sweet smile on Hiko. "And what have you been researching so late, dear niece?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Some stuff for King Tylor. And then I'm off on a mission." Nanami rubs her eyes sleepily. "Mmm. That's nice. Everybody's going off on missions. Where are you headed?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not sure yet. Only that it's supposed to be a strong hold. I have no idea why they're sending me." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think I might need a few people coming with me." "Mmm. Probably something incredibly vital to make sure that Amber isn't destroyed by our enemies," Nanami says, yawning. "That's nice. I'd send my son with you to absorb blows, but he's already going with Ota and Keiko to retrieve our prodigal." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Prodigal? You don't mean Uncle Touga?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is there anyone else you'd suggest to accompany me?" Nanami says, "Mmm. No. Wakaba." Nanami's sour expression increases at the mention of Touga. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Ah... Wakaba... I hear she's been turned?" Nanami says, "They're going to find her, knock her out and drag her back, where we can hopefully get the icky nasty Chaos influences out of her silly little head." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Wait... I do know that right?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It's hard to figure out what I kno ICly and what I don't know. Nanami asks, "Mmm. Something like that. Have you any idea just what you will be up against on this mission?" Hiko the Firechilde nods... and shakes her head. "That's why I was doing research. I haven't the foggiest. King Tylor had some quick words with me while I was out with Cousin Shizumaru. I suppose I'll get briefed tomorrow... er, today." Akemi pages, "Heh. I think you know that IC" to you. Nanami looks thoughtful and slightly more awake. "Well, a good policy is always to choose companions who have strengths you don't." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "Ota-san is very skilled at arms, which I am not." Nanami nods. "Yes, but Ota's occupied with looking for Wakaba. How about Shizumaru? I understand he's good with a blade. And with that umbrella of his. Or has he been dispatched on a separate life-or-death mission?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Last time I saw him he was deeply asleep and exhausted. I think he may have overdone it... I'm not sure if he'd be up to a mission so quickly." Nanami snorts. "Men are lazy by nature. They need to be spurred into action. Besides, he's a member of our family, which means he's resilient." She thinks some more. Nanami says, "Well, you could see if Derith isn't busy. Or Miki--his duties aren't exactly onerous, unlike, for example, mine." Hiko the Firechilde nods, and waits for Nanami's assessment. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are both pretty skilled in stealthy missions?" Nanami pauses, then says. "And as long as I'm loaning my people out for dangerous missions into Shadow, I suppose you could borrow Tsuwabuki." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I don't believe I've met him. Is he another cousin?" Nanami says, "Tsuwabuki commands the Trained Bands for me, but I don't really need him at the moment, since I'm here to do it myself." Nanami asks, "Tsuwabuki is a good man on a stealth mission, and Derith has his Rebman Inscrutability Skillz; you've seen how he pops up suddenly when he's not expected, haven't you?" Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I'd love all the help I can get. And I'll see if Cousin Shizumaru is up to traveling with me." She grins. "I haven't been near Uncle Derith a whole lot, so I'll just take your word for it." "Of course you will." Nanami sniffs. "I'm eminently trustworthy and honest as the day is long." [PAUSED, HIKO GOES TO BED AFTER MAKING MORE IDLE CHIT CHAT AT ONE IN THE MORNING.] Hiko the Firechilde wakes up the next day, reracks her spells, and goes downstairs for breakfast, hoping to catch her mom around. You sleep soundly and wake the next morning. What's your game plan? Hiko the Firechilde OOCly points to the above. Ramon says, "OOC Doh, hulk blind :)" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Hopefully catch my mom and ask her what she's gonna be doing, plus ask advice on missions." Juri is nowhere to be seen at breakfast. A drowsy Nanami is breakfasting with Makoto. Drake is eating with Misato, and Miki is here with Madoka. Hiko the Firechilde blinks, then pulls one of the waiters aside. "Have you seen Princess Juri?" "No, ma'am. I understand she's gone down to the fleet." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And the Fleet is where right now?" "I don't know, Ma'am." Hiko the Firechilde nods, then looks around at who's in the room again, and where. Lots of people you don't know are here. You can see Drake and Misato having breakfast. They seem quite cheerful. Miki and Madoka look a bit glum at their table. Nanami keeps nearly falling face-first into her cornflakes, while Makoto periodically catches her head. He looks amused. Hiko the Firechilde goes over to Miki and Madoka. "You mind if I join you two for breakfast?" Miki says, "Sure, join us." Madoka says, "I don't mind." Miki is having pancakes and oranges. Madoka has a large bowl of mixed cereal, fruit, and milk. Hiko the Firechilde sits down and starts to eat. "I haven't seen you two in a long time. How are you?" Madoka coughs. "I have a bit of a cold. And we've had to delay the wedding until all the wars are over." She sounds irritated by this. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm sorry you're not feeling well, but well, a war is a war." Her own face betrays a bit of intense emotion. "Things like engagements and life tend to get in the way." Miki says, "I am worried there may be another raid on Nedra. My brother told me that some undersea marauders attacked, and I'm worried they'll return in force." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Nedra? Where's that?" Miki says, "It is Derith's home, a beautiful coral forest which surrounds and protects Rebma as Arden protects Amber. He is its warden. I have visited many times; it is wondrous to behold. We had been thinking of holding the wedding there, as Derith had invited us to do so." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "And where is Uncle Derith?" Miki says, "I believe he is with the Mystara Fleet, bringing it north to protect the approaches to Amber." His face clouds over. "Kozue has gone renegade with the Northern Fleet, it seems." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Mother's supposed to be with the Fleet, too. I was hoping I'd be able to talk to her before she left." Miki says, "I think Tylor sent her out into shadow to recruit a second fleet, since one of ours has now run off with my sister in one of her fits of pique." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Tylor's going to send me on a mission, too. I've only got the vaguest of details." She leans forward. "To tell you the truth, I'm terrified." Miki glances over at Madoka. "It's not that cow again, is it?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Cow?" Madoka throws a strawberry at Miki. "Why are you so worried, Hiko?" she asks with concern. Miki shakes his head. "If you have to ask about the Cow of the Atlan Tepes...you don't want to know. So where is he sending you?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Why is this the second time I've heard about a cow?" She smiles at Madoka. "I've never been a part of anything like this, and I'm terrified of screwing up." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Hold, while I drag it up from my files." Miki says, "The Cow...let's not think about the Cow." He pulls out his stopwatch, clicks it, then puts it away. Madoka asks, "Didn't you go on a quest for your Icon? Surely this can't be worse than that." Hiko the Firechilde says, "That wasn't that bad, but Mother was with me. I could ask her for guidance." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I can't find it in my files... where exactly did Tylor want to send me?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "To a shadow he'd visted before, where realms of fire, wood, metal, air, and water came together at a strange keep filled with energies that drove him away when he'd visited it. He believes Annadil controls it." to you. Hiko the Firechilde says, "His Majesty wants to send me to a place where he'd been before once, but was driven away by the mystical energies." Her face takes on a set look. "He thinks Annadil controls it." Miki says, "He doesn't expect you to go by yourself, does he? What sort of place is it?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Of course not! Me? A neophyte on a tactical mission? I'd want all the help I can get." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I have no idea. I was hoping I could talk Mother into going with me to the briefing, but she's not here." Madoka gives Miki a look Miki looks back at her, then purses his lips. "I wouldn't want to see you having to go on something like this by yourself. Especially not into the territory of someone like that. I would be willing to go with you." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Would you?" Hiko the Firechilde looks very relieved, then looks at Madoka quizzingly. Miki says, "There will be little need for a master of the revels until all this is done. I have some skill with the sword, and a moderate talent for Trumps." Madoka coughs into her cereal. "And it has been a while since I have had a real adventure." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is this okay with you, Madoka-san?" He reaches over and pats Madoka's hand. "You should go see Dr. Wasyuu." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are you okay, Madoka-san?" "I would like to live, thank you." She turns to Hiko. "I don't mind. It's just a nasty cold and some sinus drainage." She takes a swig of water. "Drives me nuts around this time of year." Hiko the Firechilde nods... Miki asks, "When do you plan to leave, Hiko?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Anyway, once I was done with breakfast, I was going to look up King Tylor..." She looks at Nanami once. "When I saw Nanami last night, she said she would ask one of her men, Tsuwabuki, to join me as well." Miki nods. "Ramon's father. Yes, he's a good man." Hiko the Firechilde nods slowly. "Would three people be enough?" Miki says, "If we intend to be stealthy, the fewer the better." Hiko the Firechilde nods slowly as she considers this, and looks down at her near empty plate. "I don't think I have much appetite. I'm just too nervous about this." Mercutio pages, "You can just Trump juri, y'know. Or use Gabrielle." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "If Juri's on a mission, I don't want to jeopardize that." to Mercutio Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And I want to meet the other characters, too." to Mercutio Madoka says, "You'll regret it later when you're hungry." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I can eat almost anywhere... and I will pack some rations to go." Miki says, "She's old enough to decide if she needs to eat." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Why are people forcing me to eat? First mum, then Madoka... any minute now and I'm gonna start not trusting the food. Akemi pages, "Cuase you're a young and growing girl :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Young my ass! I'm as old as Nanami!" to Akemi Akemi pages, "To them, you're young :" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hey! I'm still as old as Nanami!" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Hehe." to you. [PAUSED AGAIN, FOR GM AND PLAYER TIREDNESS] Miki asks, "OOC Okay, Hiko, you were about to go see Tylor, right?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yeah... and Miki was going to go with me." Hiko the Firechilde finishes her breakfast and wipes her mouth. "No time like the present." Hiko the Firechilde gestures for one of the servants. "Have you seen King Tylor this morning?" The servant says, "No, m'lady, but he's probably up in his quarters." Hiko the Firechilde nods. She turns to Miki. "Should we get Tsuwabuki-san first?" Miki trumps Tsuwabuki and pulls him in. Tsuwabuki is revealed to be a young looking fellow, somewhat short, with short blond hair and a weedy looking moustache in a Trained Bands uniform. Hiko the Firechilde bows to Tsuwabuki. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "What does the uniform look like?" Miki says, "OOC Blue uniform with the unicorn rampant in gold. 18th century style dress uniform." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "As if I know what that looks like... ^_^" Miki says, "OOc I don't know the proper terminology to describe it in detail." Miki says, "OOC And if I did, you wouldn't know what I meant :)" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "heh." Jeff-kun says, "OOC lots of ruffled lace" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Thanks, Jeff." Miki says, "OOC He's pretty well covered up and elaborately dressed. Heavy, long coat, many layers." Tsuwabuki bows to you. "Good day." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Did Nanami speak to you this morning?" Tsuwabuki nods. "Yes, she told me you will be going on a dangerous trip and she wishes me to assist you. I will do my best." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I thank you for your assistance." Hiko the Firechilde pulls out her Trump of King Tylor. "Your Highness?" Tylor answers. "Ahh, good timing." He holds out a hand to you. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Do you mind if I bring Uncle Miki and Tsuwabuki as well? They've said they would help me." He says, "That's fine. You'll likely want some help." Hiko the Firechilde looks over her shoulder at the two. "You ready to be pulled through?" Miki and Tsuwabuki nod, each putting a hand on one of your shoulders. Hiko the Firechilde takes King Tylor's hand. Tylor's study is quite full now, as Derith, Utena, a secretary none of you know, Shizumaru, Tsuwabuki, and Miki are all crammed into it. Oh, and Hiko too :) Keiko exclaims, "OOC: And Wotan!" Hiko the Firechilde nods to the people she knows, bows to those she doesn't know and looks for a place to sit. Shizumaru turns to see the others arrive. He smiles to them and quietly says, "Good morning." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Good morning Shizumaru-san. You're well rested now?" Tylor sends the secretary to bring in more chairs. Soon, you all can sit. Hiko the Firechilde sits near Miki and Tsuwabuki. Shizumaru nods. "Muchly. Thank you again for helping me in the Walk, Cousin." Derith is glaring at Tylor as everyone trumps in, but the expression vanishes as he nods in greeting to everyone, hidden behind his usual neutral demeanor Shizumaru takes a seat near the King. Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "It was necessary." Tylor is in his usual cheery mood. "Derith, you're familiar with the Keep of the Five Worlds, right?" Miki says to Derith, "Hello, Brother." Derith says, "Hello, Miki. I trust you are well?" He turns to Hiko, "And neice. You have been keeping busy, I hear." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes... I haven't been this active in a long time." Derith waves to the servant to bring drinks around, including a Rebman brandy for himself. Derith settles back in his chair. "This could take a while in the telling, so please, be comfortable." Once done with the chairs, the secretary rings for someone to bring drinks. Shizumaru has some tea. It's too early in the day for sake, at least for him. Hiko the Firechilde takes a glass of water, and settles back. She thinks, "What is everyone doing here?" Derith looks at Hiko with a small smile, as if he can hear every thought she has. ;) Hiko the Firechilde smiles back at Derith. Miki gets tea as well. The servant returns with drinks for everyone, even people who didn't tell him in time what they wanted get what they want. Hiko thinks to herself, "I dislike eavesdroppers." And slams up a psychic barrier. Akemi pages, "You sense his mind is stronger than yours." to you. Akemi pages, "Although you can keep him out unless he forces matters." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "No duh! He could tell what I was thinking without even TOUCHING me or making eye contact. Derith begins. "When I was younger, I took to traveling among Shadow. I was preoccupied with honing my abilities with the Pattern, using what I learned and performing experiments to expand upon that." Shizumaru listens quietly, sipping his tea as Derith speaks. Hiko the Firechilde pays careful attention to what Derith says. Derith sips his brandy. "I took risks back then that make me shiver to consider now, with what I know. Be wary of moving too far, too fast with the Pattern, young ones. It can be deadly." Derith says, "In my wanderings, I began to notice an... oddity in Shadow. It is hard to describe." Derith reaches into a drawer and pulls out two decks of ordinary cards, not trumps. They have different backs, one blue, one red. He takes a few blue cards and sticks them in the red deack, then shuffles them. You can see a flicker of blue among the red backs. Derith says, "It was like that, a flicker of something that was out of the ordinary in the structure of Shadow." Hiko the Firechilde nods, puzzled. Being rather lost, Shizumaru simply continues to listen quietly. Still sipping his tea. Derith says, "Naturally, I sought out this phenomenon, curious to learn more." Derith says, "It was difficult to find, as if it existed in some kind of blind spot. I began to suspect that it was in some way like Amber, resistant to the workings of the Pattern. I could not really seek it out, I had to seek out the resistance to my Shadow Walk. Go in the direction that was the most difficult." Derith says, "Eventually, I found the Keep of the Five Worlds" Derith says, "It is... a construct of Shadows. Five of them, each representing one of the five classic elements--Fire, Water, Air, Metal, Wood--that have been forced together. The five shadows meet under the keep, feeding their power, their conjoined energies, into it." Hiko the Firechilde nods... then spots the connection and frowns. Derith says, "My arrival did not go unnoticed... something was odd about the place, like it was trying to plant barbed metal hooks into my mind if I lowered my shields even a little.. A fiery apparition appeared before me, claiming to be 'Bargle the Infamous' and ordered me to leave at once." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How long ago was this?" Derith shrugs. "Hard to say. I spent some time after that in fast and slow Shadows." Hiko the Firechilde nods, and keeps her counsel. Derith says, "Maybe a little over a century ago, by Amber time" Derith says, "In any event, I refused his demands, of course." Hiko the Firechilde nods. Derith says, "He sent his creatures after me. Strange, unearthly constructs of pure energy. They were cold to the touch, rainbow-hued, always shifting in shape." He pats the hilt of Greyswandir. "My sword passed through them like ghosts, though they seemed to fear its touch. I tried to press on, but it seemed he had a limitless number of them, and I could do nothing to seriously harm them, so I retreated. I always meant to deal with him another day, but other concerns arose... like the death of our father," he nods to King Tylor, "and the chaos that surrounded his passing." Tylor nods. "Every once in a while, bits of blimp still drift down onto the palace, even decades later." He shakes his head. "Like dandruff from heaven." Shizumaru sweatdrops. He hasn't heard much of succession crisis after Gendou's passing. Hiko the Firechilde blinks at the word 'blimp' but again, keeps her counsel. Derith chuckles. "We learned far more than we liked about Chaosian Hydrogen that day." Miki nods. "I will never forget the sight of that exploding over the gulf." "I'm surprised Drake ever found Werewindle again after that, though." Derith says, "Go up to the Tirna-nog'th some time. On the right days, you can see it replayed." Miki looks thoughtful. "Those creatures sound like some sort of Trump elementals." Derith shrugs. "I am more attuned to Pattern Energies. I am not a trump artist." Derith asks, "Do you intend to seek out this keep, brother?" Hiko the Firechilde sweatdrops... this had better not be the place Tylor wishes to send her. Miki nods. "Well, I have studied Trump quite extensively over the years. I would surmise the Keep's master must be quite an impressive Trump Artist to make such things." He takes a sip of tea. "I have offered to aid Hiko in her quest, which I surmise must be to go to the Keep, unless Tylor simply felt this was Story Hour." Tsuwabuki looks distinctly uncomfortable. Derith frowns. "He is known for his ARBITRARY, IRRATIONAL whims, so I would not put it past him." Derith seems to be continuing some earlier argument with Tylor. Shizumaru frowns at Derith, wondering where this friction is coming from. But it certainly isn't his place to say anything about it. Hiko the Firechilde looks uncomfortable. "Your Highness? Is this where you wish for me to go?" Tylor says, "Yes, I have discovered that some of Annadil's chaosian allies have taken over this Keep and are using it as a base. Furthermore, I took a trip to Tir'na-nog recently which inclined me to think it would be well to have this place investigated properly." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Fuckety FUCK!" Shizumaru OOCly says, "Parents need the phone or something?" Miki says, "OOc No, Trish is experiencing the icy grip of FEAR :)" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "No! I'm going on a REAL mission! I'm goonna diiieeeeee!" Shaft says, "heh" Shizumaru OOCly laughs. Derith looks thoughtful, then stands, hand on his sword. Shaft OOCly polishes his 'I kicked a god's ass' trophy Dancing Ed OOCly patpats, and hands Hiko a nice cluster of licorice whips. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly fehs at Shaft. Keiko OOCly rubs her 'NPC played by player whose character killed Brand after letting him out of the Abyss' consolation ribbon. Shizumaru OOCly o.o;;; Keiko says, "OOC: It's quite small, and my name is spelled wrong." Gabrielle says, "OOC: It says PrincessJuri is a Nice' in badly-written crayon." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Back to the scene, fellas!" Derith says to Miki. "Brother, take Greyswandir with you. It did not seem to harm those things, but it did give them pause." He unbuckles his swordbelt and hands it all to Miki. Hiko the Firechilde gulps, and looks at Miki and Tsuwabuki. Shizumaru's eyes widen. Sure, they're brothers, but lending out a Patternblade is not something lightly done. Derith definitely is serious about this, it seems. Derith looks at Tylor with a certain smugness. Miki's eyes widen, and then he smiles. "Thank you, Brother. I greatly appreciate the trust you are showing me." He buckles it on. "I will return it to you as soon as I can." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "examine sword" to Akemi Akemi pages, "It's got the pattern inscribed into the blade and radiates huge wadges of power." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Cool. So it's not a fake Patternblade. Akemi pages, "So far as you can tell." to you. Derith places his hands on Miki's shoulders. "Remember, brother, that the Honor of Rebma goes with you. Greyswandir is part of me and my line. With it, you shall triumph." Hiko the Firechilde looks between Derith and Miki and gulps again. Tylor says, "Do not allow it to fall into Annadil's hands." Shaft says, "OOCly this is a GM hint that YES you will face Annadil ;)" Tylor sounds more serious than usual. "It would be a great catastrophe." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "I had a feeling. Well, he can't claim my mind automatically... that's a good thing." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes, it would... all the research I've done indicates that it takes two Patternblades and two Logrus foils to open the gate." Shizumaru looks up, now, somewhat troubled. "Tylor-sama...did you intend for me to go to the Keep also?" Tylor nods to Shizumaru. "Yes. I believe the two of you with your Icons may be able to tap or at least deflect some of the power flowing about the site, and I was thinking she'd need a bodyguard." Hiko the Firechilde smiles weakly... Shizumaru frowns, but nods slowly. "I...understand." He sighs quietly. "I suppose my plans will have to wait a little longer. But this is for the good of Amber and all of Creation." Hiko the Firechilde says, "'Bargle' was the name of the last human to get his hands on the Heart of Flame. But he died over six centuries ago, by Amber time, if I recall correctly." Tylor asks, "What were you planning to do?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Get nookie, what else? He's a Tenjou!" Shizumaru smiles faintly. "I was thinking of searching for my mother. That is, the woman who bore and raised me." And spend more time with Rimururu...although she might be persuaded to come along and help. But it's dangerous. But she was able to take care of her self last time. But this may lead to an encouter to Annadil. But.... One can almost hear the gears cranking in Shizu's head. Tylor nods, and looks sad for a moment, then perks back up. "Good luck on that when the time comes, Shizumaru." Shizumaru nods. "Thank you, Tylor-sama." Derith says, "I can speed your journies, if you like." Hiko the Firechilde sighs. "What other kinds of impressions did you get from the place, Derith-san? And how far away were you when it noticed you?" Utena, who has been listening to all of this silently, frowns slightly. Tylor gestures to a servant, who goes to get something. Derith says, "It was long ago, but it did not seem very friendly to me. It definitely wanted to control me, to use me for its own ends. What those would be, I have no idea. And while it was not Chaosian in nature, it still was not very receptive of the Pattern" Derith shrugs. "I'm sorry I can't be more specific. Thari does not have the words to adequately descibe what I saw. I can share its Psychic impression with you, if you lower your shields." Derith says, "But you have to remember, it was long ago, and may not reflect what exists now." Hiko the Firechilde eyes Derith cautiously. Miki twitches for no discernable reason. The servant returns and hands two purple cloth bags to Tylor, each tied shut. Shizumaru tilts his head, then nods. He has little to fear, here. Derith says, "In any event, I can accompany you off Kolvir, and then make a Pattern Gate to within a few days travel of the Keep" Miki eyes one of the bags nervously. Tylor passes the other bag to Miki. "Miki, this is my ship-in-a-bottle. You might need it." Hiko the Firechilde nods, and looks to Miki and Tsuwabuki a bit helplessly. He passes the bag which makes Miki nervous to Hiko. "You might need this if things grow overwhelming. Miki nods and carefully puts the bag he was handed on the table next to him. "I'll take good care of it." Shizumaru blinks a few times. "What...what are these items, exactly?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "examine bag. Hiko the Firechilde holds it cautiously in her hands. Tylor says, "My ship-in-a-bottle, if removed from the bottle, grows to full size and can be sailed on just about anything liquid. It can be steered through shadow, even in places where Pattern does not work." Akemi pages, "The bag itself is not magical, but there's something magical inside it." to you. Miki says, "Please tell me that is not the cow in the other bag." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I sense what's inside it?" to Akemi Tylor says, "The other item may be useful for covering a get away." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What is it?" Shizumaru sweats at Miki's statement. Akemi pages, "Nope. You could cast a spell to give you X-ray vision, but opening the bag would be easier :)" to you. Miki twitches. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Feh. Hiko the Firechilde looks inside the bag. "It summons the Giant Cow of the Atlan Tepes, which then goes on a mad rampage. Very useful for when you need a distraction to summon your escape." Miki buries his face in his hands. Shizumaru nods very slowly. "Ah." Tylor looks over at Miki. "I'm sorry, but it's the closest thing to a portable nuclear weapon I have." Hiko the Firechilde looks at Miki and Tsuwabuki and quickly CLOSES the bag. Miki mutters something into his hands. Tsuwabuki's eyes suddenly widen. "So THAT is what Nanami meant about Miki's last girlfriend." Miki's head snaps up and he GLARES at Tsuwabuki. Tylor says, "The cow has been known to become somewhat...amorous...towards certain people. But it means well." Hiko the Firechilde blinks and decides that she doesn't want to know. Shizumaru fights off the impulse to ask and keeps his mouth shut. Shizumaru . o O ( Oh. I was right not to ask. ) Miki sighs. "Just keep it away from me, please." Shizumaru OOCly laaaaughs. Tylor says, "Any other questions before you leave or anything else I can get for you?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What do you want us to do when we get there?" Shizumaru shakes his head. "I believe I am fine. I only need a little bit of time to prepare and, ah, speak with some people, before we head off." Hiko the Firechilde goes into tactical mode. "We need to plan what we're going to do. And get supplies. And a resupply chain." Tylor says, "Basically, I want you to find out what they're doing there. Stop it if you can, otherwise, just report back and we'll figure out what to do about the place." Hiko the Firechilde nods. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Reconaissance, then. Okay. I think I can handle that." Shaft exclaims, "OOCly bring Lina inverse! she's great for subtle!" "Anything you can learn about exactly what it is, would be appreciated." Shizumaru nods. Derith stands to go. "I have business to attend to... trump me when you reach the foot of Kolvir and I will arrange your Pattern Gate." Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Uncle Derith!" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Magic works there, right?" Derith says, "I would not know. I am not a sorcerer." Hiko the Firechilde nods. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I'm up shit creek if it don't. Tylor says, "Magic works, but its effects are sometimes unpredictable." Derith looks at Tylor in irritation. "If you know so much, why ask me to describe the place, your HIGHNESS?" Tylor says, "Because my last trip was five centuries ago, and yours was only a century. And I know there are many things you would see that I would not. And because I trust your memory more than mine, Brother." Derith asks, "If I may take my leave?" Tylor says, "It sounds like the squid men had left by the time you came to it." Tylor says, "Farewell, brother." He continues, "Give my regards to Queen Moire." Tylor shakes his head and looks sad for a moment after Derith leaves, then perks up again. "Oh yes, one other thing." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a smiley face button and hands it to Shizumaru. "This is for you." Shizumaru accepts the button, and stares at it. "Ah...thank you, Tylor-sama." He looks at it some more. "It is...an interesting...an interesting...what is it, exactly?" Tylor says, "It's a smiley-face button. You wear it and it brightens everyone's day." Shizumaru blinks, then shrugs and nods. He affixes it to his tunic lapel. "Thank you." Tylor continues, "Appropriate for someone who bears the Seed of Hope, I think." Shizumaru smiles. "I see. Yes, that would be true." Tylor says, "If you need supplies, you can draw them from the kitchens or the storehouse, Hiko." Hiko the Firechilde smiles faintly. "So... when do you want to meet in the courtyard? I've got some preparations to make." Miki says, "I will need to gather a few things. I can be ready by noon." Tsuwabuki says, "I will go and consult with Nanami-sama." Shizumaru thinks. "Noon. Yes, I should be ready by then." Hiko the Firechilde nods, then gets up and walks over to Utena. "Aunt Utena... are you okay? You're a little quiet." Shizumaru looks up, starting guiltily. He'd missed that his birth mother (or something like that) was here in the room. "Ah...Utena-kaasama...." Utena says, "I am worried about my sister. Ota and Ramon and Keiko have gone off to try to rescue her, but..." She frowns. "It will not be easy for them. Wakaba is tougher than she looks." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Wakaba?" She frowns. "Yes, I'd heard about that. How did that happen?" Shizumaru nods quietly. "I see. I hope everyone comes back all right." Utena says, "Wakaba aquired a spikard during her adventures in Shadow. Annadil used it to take control of her, and through her, me for a time, until Corrine and my son managed to free me of Annadil's control." Hiko the Firechilde looks down at her ring and sighs. "I'd had one of those for a while, too. But the Unicorn fixed it." Shizumaru blinks repeatedly. "I...I had not heard of this," he murmurs, rather surprised. Then again, he's only been back in Amber for a couple of days. Her voice is very tightly controlled as she speaks of this. She glances over at Tylor. "I attempted to resign after I came back to my senses, but the King would not accept my resignation." Tylor says, "All's well that ends well. What's past is past." Hiko the Firechilde pats Utena on the shoulder. "You shouldn't blame yourself. Things like this happen, and you just have to accept the past, and change the present accordingly." It's clear from Utena's stance that she's less ready to forgive herself than he is. Shizumaru stands there stiffly, for a few moments. Then he quickly moves forward to give Utena a hug. "I think everything is all right now, Utena-kaasama," he says, voice slightly muffled as his face is buried in her shoulder. Utena says, "I failed in my duties. Eventually, I was going to be used to kill Tylor." She shudders. "And there was nothing I could do to prevent it." She accepts the hug and relaxes a little. "Thank you, Shizumaru." Hiko the Firechilde pats Utena's shoulder again, lending her support. Shizumaru eventually releases Utena, smiling faintly. "Please, do not blame yourself. Annadil is powerful and crafty. He is a worthy adversary. But together, we will be able to defeat him, I am certain." Utena says, "We must." Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Shizumaru. "Yes, we will. Because that bastard's gonna fry for manipulating me. And my foster parents." Hiko the Firechilde's smile turns downright sinister, then she wipes her expression clean away. Tylor says, "Amber has faced many foes and not fallen. This is just one more." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I must go now and prepare. May I take my leave, your Highness?" Shizumaru nods. "And I as well." He waits for permission from Tylor to leave. Hiko the Firechilde takes her leave, going back to her room. Akemi pages, "We need Drew to start your mission; we don't have Drew. He's taken off until Sunday night. ^^;;;" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Bleargh. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I could have gone pubbing tonight... ^_^" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Gomen! When we discussed this, I didn't know Drew would be gone." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I do pre-mission stuff by page?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Yes." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Starting now. In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods. Hiko leaves King Tylor's chambers, telling Miki and Tsuwabuki that she will meet with them in the morning. She finds her way to her own chambers where she changes into a soft purple dress, with black roses appliqued on it. Hiko goes to the infirmary where she asks one of the attendants where the GK is sleeping. You find him pretty easily. Hiko looks down to see if he's awake, taking his hand in hers carefully. He seems to be sleeping peacefully. Hiko bends down and brushes a kiss against his forehead then reaches in to test his mind, to see if he's still unconscious. GM: Your mental probe bounces off his brain. Hiko sits by his side for a while, waiting to see if he'll wake up. Hiko calls over to one of the attendants carefully. "Has he woken up yet? How is he?" Nurse Joy says, "He'll be fine. He seems to be suffering some sort of strange metaphysical ailment that is baffling Dr. Wasyuu, but he seems physically unhurt."" to you. Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "What kind of metaphysical ailment? How long ago did this start?" GM: She shrugs. "Apparently his wounds were inflicted by beings from sort of...reality where the Pattern has no sway, so it's had weird side effects."" to you. Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I think I know what happened... sort of. How can he be healed?" GM: "As far as we can tell, he just needs rest. He seems to be mostly immune to the magic we tried to use to speed his healing."" to you. Hiko the Firechilde furrows her brow in thought. "He's the embodiment of the forest. Does this mean that there's something wrong with the forest as well?" GM: Nurse Joy looks nervous. "I suppose him being injured might affect them."" to you. Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "Them?" GM: "The forest," she says. "I'm not sure how close the linkage is."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "She shudders in remembered thought. Squeezing his hand once more, she kisses his forehead. "Let me know the minute he wakes up. Send word through King Tylor, please?" GM: "I can't use the king as my own personal message service, ma'am."" to you. Hiko the Firechilde blushes. "Of course..." She is at a loss. "Well, could you have Washyuu try to contact Miki when he wakes up?" "I will do that for you, madam." Hiko the Firechilde nods again, then gives him one last kiss. She strides out of the infirmary, troubled. How could he be hurt if he's the avatar of the forest?" to Akemi GM: Where to next?" to you. She goes back to her room, a bit disappointed that she didn't get to show off her dress to her paramour. The thought of that word makes her grin with glee for a while, then she gathers herself. Hiko the Firechilde changes out of the dress, putting it back in the wardrobe and changes into her 'military' outfit (black sturdy boots, black pants, a black and purple top". Hiko the Firechilde decides to ride to Arden to do a little investigating before she heads off for the Keep the following morning. She goes to the stables, first, looking for the horse that bore her to the City of Brass. GM: It's a full day ride to Arden; you don't have time to go there.. GM: Unless you delay heading out for the Keep. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Feh. I teleport then to Arden. GM: Bink! You're in Arden. Hiko takes a look around, walking stealthily through the forest, to the clearing near the Pattern's entrance. GM: Actually, you're not sure where that is from where you are. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Oh great.. well where am I?" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde looks around at her surroundings. GM: You're in a small clearing, somewhere in Arden. A stream runs through the clearing. Hiko the Firechilde follows the stream to its source. GM: So you're heading for the spring it rises from?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yes. GM: Okay, you walk for about six hours, eventually coming to a steep hill where the spring flows out of a pile of rocks. Hiko looks around, trying to get her bearings. She remembers the GK showing her a stream once by which they made love. Is this the same stream? GM: Maybe. Streams tend to look alike. GM: And Arden is honking huge. Hiko the Firechilde sighs and casts out her senses, trying to find any major disturbances. GM: The forest in your immediate vicinity seems to be normal, although your experience of Arden is limited enough that it's hard for you to tell. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "ooc Why do I keep thinking of my Psyche as telepathy..?" to Akemi GM: I don't know. Hiko the Firechilde sighs again. Why did she ever come here? As if she could help heal her lover.. she didn't even know where she was!" to Akemi GM: If you can figure out exactly what you're looking for, you could build some kind of detection spell to search for whatever it is, then build another spell to teleport to what you find. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What if I'm searching for a disturbance in the fabric? A rip in reality?" to Akemi GM: You could search for something like that. Although this close to a Pattern, it would take something pretty dang scary to rip a hole. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What about a slight disturbance?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay.. let's do that. GM: Okay, you spend several hours building a very large detection spell, then hours more while it runs. Hiko the Firechilde relaxes on the grass, having cleared some dirt away and built a safe fire. GM: Okay. It's a pleasant afternoon in the late spring. The birds are singing, fish swim nearby, and various forest animals roam about. GM: Your search reveals three herds of bison, a spear, and some mushroom circles which don't belong in the forest. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How big are the herds?" to Akemi GM: About a hundred bison each. Hiko the Firechilde widens her eyes. "More Bison.. " She puts it to the back of her head and concentrates on finding out where the spear and mushroom circles are. GM: Drawing a directional map in your head, the spear is way off in the southeast corner of Arden, while the bison and the mushrooms are off in the northeast area. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How far in walking distance?" to Akemi GM: You'd guess over a hundred miles from your current position. GM: To the bisons and mushrooms. More like 200 or so to the spear. Hiko the Firechilde ponders and cooks up a flamethrower spell. GM: Easy to do. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "ooc Bison. Why'd it have to be Bison?" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde sighs, and heads off towards where she thinks they are, five flamethrower spells racked. GM: Heh. GM: Going to teleport into the middle of the Bison and start flaming? :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "No. Sneak up on them and start flaming. In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods. GM: Gonna cut here as I need to get some sleep. [RESUMED PLAY] Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Okay... John, what are we going to do about the Bison?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Actually, I think Hiko wants to call Shizumaru in on this... see how he works under pressure." to Akemi Ramon asks, "Good question. Are you going to spend time on the Bison when you're supposed to have already left on your mission by now?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "True... and it is for the King." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde sighs. "I might have to let it wait... but it's the GK!" Hiko the Firechilde dramatically sighs. "Love? Or Duty? I think I know how Mother feels now." Ramon says, "Your call. As GM, I'm happy to go either way." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay... have someone trump me while I'm hunting. Be vewwy qwiet... I'm hunting Bison." to Akemi *** Foxtrot goes IC. *** Hiko recieves a trump call. Hiko the Firechilde looks up in surprise and takes the call. It's Miki, who is tapping his foot. "We were supposed to all meet at noon, correct?" he asks, sounding a little irritated. Shizumaru OOCly says, "Rimu and I would be in the courtyard already, right?" Ramon says, "OOC Hai, since you didn't run off to Arden :) Miki and Tsuwabuki are with you." Hiko the Firechilde facepalms. "I'm sorry, Uncle Miki. I'd almost forgotten." Shizumaru OOCly says, "All righty. :)" Miki says, "Everyone is waiting for you." Miki says, "And has been for several hours." Hiko the Firechilde looks around her at the forest of Arden, then holds out her hand. "I will be back.." she whispers to the forest. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Not a good way to start a mission." to Akemi Foxtrot lowers the prod and sighs. "My fault for wanting to try and singlehandedly save the GK. Her mom's influence is beginning to show." Akemi pages, "Nothing wrong with that. We all are fools for love. But one does face difficult choices...:)" to you. Miki pulls you through to the courtyard. Hiko the Firechilde looks around sheepishly at the assembled group. "I'm sorry to keep everyone waiting." Tsuwabuki has the look of a man who is used to this sort of behavior. Shizumaru actually does not look annoyed, merely reserved and patient. He nods to Hiko as she arrives. Hiko the Firechilde nods. "How do we start?" She looks at the group again. Tsuwabuki . o O (This is going to be one of those trips...) Miki says, "Well, I would say that we could viably approach the Keep either by sea or by land. Land would be slower, but less dangerous. By sea would be faster, but more dangerous." Miki says, "Unless you trump to some location past Arden or Harad." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Who's playing Tsuwabuki?" Shizumaru nods slowly, with a grimace. "I understand. I do not know if we have a week.... Well, can we try trumping away from Amber, then proceeding by land?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Does anyone have a Trump of a place past Harad?" Miki says, "OOC Miki and Tsuwabuki are being NPCed by me." Hiko the Firechilde realizes with a jolt that it's the place of her ancestry and grows thoughtful. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Okay." Miki says, "I have some trumps of places past Arden." Miki says, "However, our directions for a land route from the King assume that we rode through Arden. We could no doubt improvise, but it could lead to some trouble with navigation." Hiko the Firechilde muses... "I'd hate to get lost on the way there." Shizumaru sighs, and rubs his chin, for the first time showing some signs of vague irritation. "The question is how much time we have, and how to balance that against the danger." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What time is it now? It should be pretty late, ne?" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde sighs. "I'm all for safety." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And who is in the courtyard?" to Akemi Miki says, "Well, I would estimate it's going to be at least a two week trip from Arden." Akemi pages, "Miki/Tsuwabuki/Hiko/Shizumaru/Rimururu" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Thanks." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde also looks at the unfamilar person in the courtyard and blinks. Rimururu blinks back at Hiko. Shizumaru shakes his head. "That is too much time already, I feel. Can we really afford another week of having to go through Arden?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hi. Who are you?" Hiko the Firechilde is brusque, but not meaning to be rude. Shizumaru blinks rapidly, nonplussed by the sudden question. He looks between the two people, then grimaces. Shizumaru says, "My apologies. Cousin, this is my friend, Rimururu." Rimururu says, "I'm Rimururu, a priestess. Nice to meet you." She bows. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm Hiko." She blushes. "A princess. The pleasure is mine." She bows also. Shizumaru trails off as they decide to introduce themselves, instead. Tsuwabuki says, "I can easily arrange a ship for us if we want to go by sea." Hiko the Firechilde gets back to business. "How dangerous would it be to go by sea?" Shizumaru nods to Hiko's question. One he would have asked himself, had she not beaten him to it. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Beat ya to it, nyyyyah!" to Shizumaru Shizumaru pages, "Biidah." to you. Miki says, "It depends in part on if we're expected." Hiko the Firechilde muses. "Do you suppose some counter-surveillance measures could be used?" Miki says, "I can keep us from being scried by trump, but preventing other methods is beyond my knowledge." Hiko the Firechilde says, "General anti-detection spell might work." Hiko the Firechilde mulls over the 'safety' vs. 'expediency' issue in her head. Miki says, "There are a lot of ways a boat can sink." Hiko the Firechilde grins. "I know how to swim...." Shizumaru thinks about this for a moment. "Well...that would be preferably avoided. In any case, if it is necessary, we can trump away to safety, I am sure, if something happens to the ship." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Cousin, you need a place to trump to, and all of my trumps are of places and people here... we'd still lose time, ne?" Miki says, "It beats drowning, though." Shizumaru nods to Miki. "And I do have a few trumps of places outside of Amber, actually. Such as...the Beach, I believe." Miki says, "I am inclined to say to go the sea route, though. Tylor did provide us with his ship-in-a-bottle, should we need it." Hiko the Firechilde nods again. "How do you stand, Tsuwabuki-san, Rimururu-san?" Rimururu blinks at Hiko. "I tend to prefer land journeys myself. Salt water doesn't freeze well." Tsuwabuki says, "I think speed is important." Shizumaru looks at Rimururu. He says, with slight reluctance to go against her, "I am afraid I must side with them. We need to move quickly, Rimururu-san." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "Time is of the essence." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Let me work on trying to get an anti-detection spell up." Rimururu nods, though she doesn't seem happy about it. "Alright." Tsuwabuki says, "I will arrange a ship. I should be able to have one ready to leave in the morning." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I'll work on that spell." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Perhaps I can get some help from the Court Mage on building it." More waiting? Ah well. Shizumaru bows to Tsuwabuki and says, "Thank you, Tsuwabuki-dono." Tsuwabuki says, "Be at the docks at dawn. We'll leave then." Hiko the Firechilde looks sheepish at the look on Shizumaru's face, but doesn't say anything. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "We can fast forward, ne? Or do I need to RP the building of the anti-detection spell?" Miki says, "OOC Nope, we can fast forward." Shizumaru OOCly hangs out with Rimururu in the meantime, then. :) Hiko the Firechilde OOCly builds the anti-detection spell, general protection, etc. You all get a good night's sleep, then assemble at Dawn to form Voltron...uh, to board the boat Tsuwabuki found for you. It's a perky little caravel named the Dawn Treader. Shizumaru OOCly says, "..." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Narnia ref! One that I get!" to Akemi Shizumaru OOCly says, "Oh, GOOD, John, another ref. :>" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly giggles Hiko the Firechilde decides to wait 'til she gets out on the water and closer to the Keep before she casts the spell. The captain is a tall, handsome fellow named Henry Morgan. He quickly gets you all stowed away and then the ship heads out of the harbor as the sun rises. Hiko the Firechilde gazes at the sunrise with an unrestrained glee. "I've never sailed before." Shizumaru walks up beside Hiko, sharing the sight. "Neither have I, on anything larger than a fishing boat." Miki says, "I have been on many voyages." Miki says, "Both above and below the water." Miki gazes off south as the boat heads east. "During my century of living at Rebma." Hiko the Firechilde giggles suddenly. "It's so pretty!" She stops, looking ashamed suddenly for the childish outburst. Shizumaru looks at his Cousin and smiles, without condescension or mocking. "It is beautiful, yes." Hiko the Firechilde clears her throat and looks at her uncle. "What's Rebma like?" Rimururu is nearby, looking slightly green. Miki says, "Rebma is a beautiful place." Miki says, "It's deep beneath the sea, a city carven from pearl and coral and jade." Hiko the Firechilde looks at Rimururu. "Are you okay?" Shizumaru glances over, then quickly moves to Rimururu's side. "You do not look well." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I do anti-nausea spell?" to Akemi Miki says, "Surrounded by Nedra, a lovely forest of coral, where my brother Derith makes his home. He guards Nedra as Corrine guards Arden." Akemi pages, "You can improvise one." to you. Rimururu says, "I feel a little nauseous." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'd love to see it sometime." She looks at Rimurimu again. "It's the seasickness." She clutches the rail stiffly. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I can try an anti-nausea spell if you like." "Yes please," she manages to say. Shizumaru nods. "Stay up on deck, so that you can see the water. To go below, feeling motion but not seeing it, may worsen it." Rimururu nods as she sways. Hiko the Firechilde waggles her fingers at Rimururu and casts an anti-nausea spell. Rimururu relaxes a little and gradually de-greens. Shizumaru smiles at Hiko and nods appreciatively. Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "So how did you two meet?" Shizumaru says, "On my way to finding the Seed of Hope, we stumbled upon Rimururu-san...being chased by a horde of, of some sort of demons, I suppose." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How unsettling. I take it you defeated them with ease?" Rimururu says, "It was quite a fight, but we didn't have too much trouble." "Not nearly as much as the ice dragon caused us." Shizumaru smiles a bit self-deprecatingly. "Indeed. The ice dragon was...well, eventually, I believe we simply went around it and took another path, rather than waste more energy on trying to fight our way past." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Dragons... I wonder if he's related to the Guardian--" She blinks. "I'm finding too many parallels. I need to stop this." Miki asks, "Guardian?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Of the Dragon's Fang." Shizumaru blinks a few times, and decides to listen. Hiko the Firechilde says, "When I was younger, I was taken... abducted by Annadil and made to walk the pattern of the Dragon's Fang." Hiko the Firechilde says, "It... changed me." Hiko the Firechilde says, "But he erased my memories of ever having done it. I was going to be his secret weapon, I believe." Miki blinks in surprise. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I fear I've been manipulated by him my entire life." Tsuwabuki says, "In the end, we're all pawns. But some pawns do get promoted." Shizumaru nods slowly. This is...surprising, yet not surprising. Annadil seems to be quite complex, indeed; something like this is halfway expected. Hiko the Firechilde looks down, her hand shaking. She wills it to stop and smiles at Tsuwabuki's coment. "Pawn to bishop? Or knight?" Shizumaru reaches a hand out to squeeze Hiko's shoulder comfortingly. "It is all right now, Cousin. The True Pattern has taken his influence away from you, I imagine." Tsuwabuki gazes back at Amber as he speaks, "I'd not make a very good bishop, but I like to think of myself as a knight sometimes. But I never know for sure what my Queen is thinking..." He shakes his head. "The real question in a game, though, is not who are the pieces, but who are the players." Hiko the Firechilde smiles again, reaching over her to squeeze Shizumaru's hand. "Yes, it has, so you don't have to worry about me going 'rogue' like Wakaba-san." Shizumaru nods. "The Broken Pattern that I walked did not change me, exactly...it reinforced certain parts of me, instead. I had never really been one to socialize with other people--I was even less so after the walk." Shizumaru then smiles, and looks around, gaze eventually settling on Rimururu. "But now...perhaps even before I walked the True Pattern, but definitely then, I am glad to be around others. It feels reassuring, strangely." Hiko the Firechilde smiles, a knowing smile on her face. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How long should it take us to approach 'the Keep'?" Hiko the Firechilde takes the time to cast the anti-detection and general protection spells. Miki says, "Good question. If all is well, I would estimate that it will take us about two weeks. I hope." Miki says, "I will do my best to ensure us fair weather." Rimururu finally, recovered, says, "Are we heading for warmer or colder climes?" Miki says, "A little warmer, I think." Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's better than riding two weeks through Arden to get OUT of Amber..." Shizumaru smiles a bit apologetically toward Rimururu. It just isn't getting much better for her, is it? Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Do you have an affinity for ice?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Or cold, at least?" Shizumaru says, "Rimururu-san is quite accomplished with ice magic." Rimururu nods. "I have powers over ice and cold." She points to her bobbing ice crystal. "Salt water and warm weather tends to make my life harder." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I can understand that. I've got an affinity for fire magic." She grins sheepishly. "I'll try to stay away from you when I'm casting." Hiko the Firechilde looks at the crystal with interest. "Is it a repository for your spells?" She nods. "He helps me focus my powers and draw power from my home shrine." Shizumaru asks, "I remember you saying that it was called...Konril, right?" Hiko the Firechilde reaches up. "Did you create it yourself?" She shakes her head. "Frostspire gave it to me. It's part of him," she says. "Yes, my crystal's name is Konril." She continues cheerfully, "Frostspire is the great Kami of Ice and Snow who I serve." Shizumaru nods respectfully. Their homelands both share the tradition of the kami. Hiko the Firechilde nods as well, a familiar subject. "I have a crystal of my own, but it wasn't given to me. I wonder if they work on the same levels. But I don't want to take mine out near yours." Rimururu nods. "It could be quite dangerous, given they are opposing powers." Shizumaru smiles faintly, looking a bit confused, though. "Magic was never one of the things I studied," he murmurs softly. "Sometimes, I wish I did, but...." Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's very useful at times, but no match for having a weapon handy." Tsuwabuki says, "A good sword is more reliable, if less flexible." A rueful grin crosses her face. "I learned that the hard way when I went on my first inadvertent hellride. Hiko the Firechilde nods to Tsuwabuki. "Which is your weapon of choice?" Shizumaru considers this, then bows to Hiko. "I suppose that is true. Still, both have their advantages. And disadvantages." He smiles slightly, again. "One who is skilled with both would do quite well, I imagine." Tsuwabuki says, "I favor my sabre, although I like to use a mace and chain when fighting from the back of a horse. I used to be good at archery from horseback, but it has been a while." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I fear I am not that person. But I want to be." Tsuwabuki says, "Saionji likes to ramble on about two handed weapons, but I prefer something faster and more nimble." Hiko the Firechilde turns to Tsuwabuki. "What is it you do for Nanami-san?" "Whatever Princess Nanami wants," some passing sailor says. Tsuwabuki glares at the man, then says, "I command the Trained Bands of the City of Amber for her. She appointed me thirty years ago when Prince Makoto resigned his post as Steward of the City and Tylor appointed her the new Steward." He continues, "Mostly, we defend the city and the Vale of Garnath, though sometimes we contribute to offensive operations, like the raid on Lipun last month." Shizumaru suddenly grows very somber. "What...what exactly has been happening in Lipun?" he asks, softly. Hiko the Firechilde blinks. (Had forgotten that Shizumaru was from Lipun) Tsuwabuki says, "The ruling Shogun seems to have allied himself with Annadil's forces. He's renounced their alliance with us, sent forces to attack Hang-Kung, and generally made trouble for us. And a shadow of Wakaba from Embra had a base in Lipun which we sent forces to raid under Prince Ota's command and that of my son, Ramon." Tsuwabuki says, "Sind's turned on us as well, but that was probably inevitable. Cathay and Hang-Kung have kept to their alliances. We're not sure what Siam is doing." Shizumaru sags, suddenly looking rather tired and defeated. "My own homeland siding with the enemy?" One can even see some tears in his eyes. Hiko the Firechilde says, "This is dreadful..." Miki pats Shizumaru's shoulder briefly. "My own homeland and that of Amber have nearly gone to war several times. It is never a pleasant feeling." Shizumaru only stares at the deck, shuffling his feet. "I...yes, I see, Uncle. I understand." The desire to be alone, greatly weakened since the Patternwalk, suddenly has returned to him again--though not as strongly as when he was under the influence of the Flaw, it is there. "Please, pardon me," he murmurs, abruptly turning away to walk to an isolated corner of the deck. Rimururu watches him go, and hesitates with the look of someone who wishes to offer comfort, but doesn't want to intrude. Hiko the Firechilde nudges Rimururu. "Go to him. I know more than anyone that being alone when you're depressed doesn't help matters." Rimururu nods and slowly heads over to him. Miki quietly hustles everyone else further away so they can talk without bothering Shizumaru. Shizumaru sits down in his chosen spot, and looks out over the water, stretching on toward the horizon. After a moment, he opens his umbrella, a shield against the rays of the sun only now starting to beat down. Rimururu just watches him for a while, not quite able to push herself to close that final gap. Hiko the Firechilde stands with Miki and Tsuwabuki and turns all business-like. "What is the plan on the reconaissance once we get there?" Tsuwabuki looks at Hiko. "It's my understanding you're in charge." Then, without turning his head, Shizumaru speaks. "Right now, more than anything, Rimururu-san...no, not quite. But with the exception of finding my mother, my one desire is to go home again." Hiko the Firechilde squeaks. "I'm in charge? But Uncle Miki has more seniority than I do." Miki looks at you thoughtfully. "Not everything is done by seniority in our family, or Drake would still be Marshal. But if you feel unequal to the task, I will assume command." Hiko the Firechilde gathers her courage and remembers her Mother's confidence in her. "No... but I could use lots of advice." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Just wanna tell you all right now, it was fun knowing you. I'm in charge... we're all going to die." Gabrielle says, "OOC: Yea, but think of the property damage you'll cause when you do." Miki nods approvingly. Tsuwabuki looks like he was hoping Miki would take charge, but is also unwilling to say anything to that effect. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "So what do you have in mind." She crosses her arms. "In short, what can you do?" Miki says, "I will be spending our trip trying to devise some measures to deal with those strange energy beings my brother mentioned." Miki continues, "I believe that I should be able to devise some way to absorb them if they are truly trump elementals as they sounded like." Tsuwabuki asks, "Can you make weapons which will hurt them?" Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I have no experience with Trump. And weapons for all of us that could harm them would be useful." The red stone on a ring Hiko is wearing glows dully at the 'weapons' comment. Miki takes out his stopwatch and clicks it, then puts it away. He continues, "I will see what I can do. I may be able to empower some weapons to serve as trump weapons." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Dully?" to Mercutio Miki looks thoughtful. "They might be vulnerable to psychic assault, although I suppose Derith would have tried such a thing if it could be done." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "He's a pretty powerful mage, isn't he?" Mercutio pages, "Yup. The stone on the ring Gabrielle gave you is glowing a bit now." to you. Mercutio pages, "It happened right after you started talking about Trump and weapons." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "This mean she wants to talk to me?" to Mercutio Miki says, "My brother knows little of magic. Rather, he has honed the arts of Pattern to an extent exceded only by Fuyutsuki, and honed his mind to be razor sharp." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How would you do that?" Mercutio pages, "Oh, you can talk to HER whenever you want. The dull glow just means you've interested her a bit." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay... I got it." to Mercutio Miki asks, "Do what?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Infuse weapons with Trump powers?" Miki says, "I could carve a trump onto the blade, thus turning the weapon into a trump. This makes weapons nearly unbreakable, and it makes them quite painful to Chaosians for reasons I really don't understand." Miki says, "Given that Chaosians use trumps, I can't see why it hurts them so much, but..." Miki shrugs. Miki says, "It takes me about a day per weapon." Hiko the Firechilde says, "What is Trump Power? I'm just beginning to understand Pattern because of what Mother's taught me, but I'm still confused about how these trumps work." The ring on Hiko's hand glows a bit brighter, and starts to strobe a little. Miki says, "It's a good question, really." Hiko the Firechilde feels a frission of fear. "Can trumps be used to eavesdrop on people?" Miki says, "By someone sufficiently skillful, yes." Hiko the Firechilde looks down at the ring on her hand. "Gabrielle? Can you hear me?" Miki says, "I can keep us safe from that on this trip, I believe." The ring flares a bit, and suddenly Hiko's hand is covered in Trump energy. Miki says, "As I have studied the arts of trump as much as Derith has studied Pattern and Kozue Sorcery." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Please do. And can you tell information about a person using their trump? Like where they are, or what they're doing without noticing?" It clears away, and she suddenly finds herslef holding a NASTY looking carbine. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Nasty in what way?" Hiko the Firechilde looks down at the jewel in her hand. "Thanks, Gabrielle. What is it?" OOC: The weapon simply screams 'I Kill Things Dead.' Shizumaru OOCly says, "Guns!" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "examine jewel." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Like how does it work?" to Akemi A disembodied voice says "A carbine. It's powered by remote the same way the ring is, with Patternfire." The carbine strobes, and is suddenly a crossbow- a glaive- a main-gauche... "It does other things too." Miki says, "OOC Hold on a second." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "okay." Akemi pages, "The Jewel involves large quantities of Trump and Pattern." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "So it would work in the same way what Miki is suggesting?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Of a complexity beyond your experience, although you can tell it has a remote link to Gabrielle. The weapon aspect seems to project Pattern related energies which are transported via trump." to you. Miki watches in surprise. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Would this do, Uncle Miki? Gabrielle, how many more of these can we get?" She ponders. "Maybe we should have one of each weapon type... it never hurts to be prepared." Gabrielle says, "Oh, there's three or four more lying around up here. They blow things up nifty-keen!" Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "Have there been instances of Trump Blades, as there have been Pattern blades?" Miki says, "Not that I'm aware of." Gabrielle says, "Ano... but Mom gave them all away, so...." Hiko the Firechilde looks to Uncle Miki and nods to Gabrielle. "So no more carbines? What else is there that we could use that has Trump energy?" Hiko the Firechilde is starting to warm up to this part... Gabrielle says, "OOC: She's not actually there in body." Miki says, "OOC Just talking through the ring." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "I can still nod, ne?" Miki says, "OOC No, you are forbidden to nod! You must DIE FOR NODDING! Okay, nod away. But nodding to a ring looks a little strange. :" Shizumaru OOCly says, "Okay, I should go sleep now. z.z" Gabrielle says, "I've never used Trump to kill things before." Shizumaru OOCly says, "But I'll keep my connection open and log the rest of the session." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Night, Drew." Gabrielle says, "But it sounds NEAT!" There's a flare of energy, and a Trump Gate slices two feet off the top of the ships mast. "oooo." Shizumaru OOCly o.o;;; Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Gabrielle!" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Don't do that, please?" The sliced mast section topples, tearing down the main sail. Hiko the Firechilde eeps and goes in the opposite direction. Panicked sailors begin to run about. Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Gabrielle! Stop it, now!" Tsuwabuki cringes. "Good thing we hadn't gotten very far from the harbor." Hiko the Firechilde grumbles. (This is going to mean delays... ) Hiko the Firechilde shields anyone from falling timber and sail. Tsuwabuki begins shouting orders and soon gets the crew to work getting the sail back up a little lower than before. Hiko the Firechilde sighs. "Gabrielle... please curb your enthusiasm? We haven't even left Amber yet." Gabrielle says, "Sorry." The carbine turns back into a jewel, and it's stone goes dark, like it's deliberately trying to be inconspicuous. Miki says, "What is that ring of yours?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's a present from Aunt Corrine. It links me to her daughter, Gabrielle, who is very powerful in Trump and Pattern energies." Miki blinks. "I did not know Corrine had a child." Hiko the Firechilde says, "She does... well, sorta. I'm trying to figure out how it happened, myself." Gabrielle says, in a still-disembodied-but-muffled-voice, "i am all the wonders of creation." Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "Yes, you are." Miki smiles faintly. "I have often wondered what it would be like to have a child." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Does Madoka want children?" Miki says, "Madoka can't make up her mind and keep it made up in that regard." Miki says, "Although Mother's talking heads said some things which seemed to indicate we'll eventually have a child, the last time we went to see her." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Who's your mother?" Miki says, "Rei of Rebma." Miki says, "She was married to King Gendo for about a decade before he managed to divorce her." Miki frowns at that. "Mother was happy to be away from him, though. I don't think either of them liked each other very much, and he cheated on her the entire time." Hiko the Firechilde says, "He doesn't sound like a very nice man from what I've heard and read." Miki says, "But now she's taken up sculpting, and makes these strange busts which talk. She claims they have oracular powers." Miki says, "As I once heard Drake put it, 'Father was a bastard, but he was Amber's Bastard'. He loved our homeland more than anything else, and he would sacrifice anything, even himself, to keep it safe." Hiko the Firechilde puts her mind back on track of business. "So we have weapons. What other kinds of defenses do you think we need?" Miki says, "I don't think he ever recovered from what happened with Sakura, really. " Miki says, "We need some way to keep our ship from being physically seen once we get close enough." Miki says, "It's possible the keep might have scout ships or other water scouts dispersed through the nearby shadows." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Disguise or invisibility?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I DO that?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Disguise would be easier than invisibility." to you. [CONTINUED ANOTHER DAY] Hiko the Firechilde says, "I have decided for the good of the campaign that I will not go clubbing tonight." Shizumaru oohs. Shizumaru says, "We recognize your sacrifice. ~.~" Hiko the Firechilde says, "So, y'all better be nice to me next time we see each other. I was in the mood to Mack." Shizumaru says, "I owe you a dance, then." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Damn straight." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Right... getting approp. log from yesterday..." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Ready?" Shizumaru OOCly nods. Miki says, "I'm ready to rhumba." *** Foxtrot goes IC. *** Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Recap for Drew: It's been established that Hiko is the one in command of this campaign. The mast got two feet sliced off of it, thanks to Gabrielle. And they're still talking strategy..." Shizumaru OOCly saw the backlog from last night, yep. Hiko the Firechilde nods to herself. "Disguise then... as what?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I feel like I need to talk to Uncle Derith again... try and get more of a feel for what he saw." Miki says, "Good question." Shizumaru continues to talk quietly with Rimururu...his mood seeming rather lightened, by now. Miki asks, "Perhaps some sort of sea monster?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Wouldn't that make them feel more threatened?" Miki asks, "Hrm. A large whale?" Hiko the Firechilde looks around at the ship. "Very large whale..." Miki says, "I suppose you wouldn't have much experience with knowing what sea creatures look like, though." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I lived inland for all of my life." Hiko the Firechilde says, "If you showed me via Trump or perhaps through a mental image, I could project one, I suppose." Miki frowns. "I suppose we would have to forget about disguises, then, as we don't have anyone else here with enough power to do such a thing." Hiko the Firechilde nods, making her own mental assessment of what it would take. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I could do that, ne? Self-maintaining disguise spell?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "It would need periodic maintenance. You don't have intelligent spells yet." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Cool... I can do refreshening stuff... now that I have more Endurance." to Akemi Eventually, Shizumaru and Rimururu wander back toward the others, from their corner on the deck. Shizumaru still looks a bit somber, but not as saddened as before. Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I'll try and see if I am up to such a task. Next: reconnaissance. Tsuwabuki? Do you have any experience in that?" Tsuwabuki says, "I have done scouting before, yes. Assuming that the Keep has an actual day/night cycle, we'll want to approach it by night." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Would you want someone to go with you, or would you rather do it solo?" He continues, "It would likely be a good idea if someone more mystically inclined than I came with me, given I have little ability to detect magic, pattern energies, trump energies, and so on." Hiko the Firechilde nods again, then looks about. "Miki, as you have the most experience with Trump energies, you should go with Tsuwabuki, to warn him should such beings approach." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Shizumaru, did you bring the Seed of Hope with you?" Miki says, "OOC Just a note as a gamer...rule #1 says never send the NPCs off by themselves to scout...:)" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Well, damn, why not?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Because they're likely to get captured?" Shizumaru blinks. "Hm? Ah, no, Cousin...I left it in the vaults back at the castle. I did not see why I should bring it, as I have attuned myself to it, and can now draw on its power remotely." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Remotely... right." Miki says, "OOC Because it means you can't influence what's going on, and because the players are the protagonists of the tale, so to speak :)" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "We can draw on its power remotely? Why didn't you tell me that?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Because you didn't know? :)" to you. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Good. You and I are going to train on how to use it during this journey." Shizumaru nods solemnly. "A good idea, Cousin. I would appreciate your help in that." Hiko the Firechilde says, "If anything goes wrong, we may need the power from both Icons to defeat our foes and escape." Hiko the Firechilde thinks. "On second thought, perhaps either Shizumaru or I should go with you." Miki nods. "There may be magical defenses as well." Hiko the Firechilde thinks. (Trump and mental powers = Miki-san. Working experience with Scouting = Tsuwabuki-san) Hiko the Firechilde says, "We shall see how far you've progressed by the end of the journey, Shizumaru." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "Is there anything you think I've left out, Uncle Miki, Tsuwabuki-san?" Shizumaru nods. In a moment of insight, he asks, "Are you thinking of sending me as one of the scouting team, if I do become more accomplished with it, Cousin?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Perhaps, Shizumaru-san. You're more accomplished at arms than I am." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm trying to figure out who would make up the most well rounded scout team." Tsuwabuki says, "Given how little we know of the place we are to be scouting, it is hard to be sure what will be necessary." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Right. I need to talk to Uncle Derith again." Hiko the Firechilde looks up at the broken mast. The crew has gotten the mast fixed and they're sailing along. Miki says, "Well, you could always trump him." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Estimated time of arrival now?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I was planning on doing that later." Tsuwabuki says, "We didn't take enough damage to really slow us down. We've lost only maybe a half-hour or so." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Good. I'll try not to contact Gabrielle unless it's necessary. We don't want any more accidents." Somewhere, Gabrielle flounces petulantly. o O(I _could_ have cut the ship in half.) Hiko the Firechilde says, "Sorry, Gabrielle, but this is a vital mission..." Somewhere, in another reality, Corrine thinks of her daughter. Somewhere, in this reality, Shizumaru thinks about food. *growl* Hiko the Firechilde hears a growling noise and winces. "Have you not eaten, Shizumaru-san?" Shizumaru sweatdrops a bit sheepishly. "Ah...I only managed to get a few slices of bread and cheese before coming out to the ship this morning." Somewhere, in another reality, Juri thinks: . o O (SpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoon) Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And you, Rimururu-san?" Tsuwabuki says, "I will see about arranging a proper breakfast for all of us." He heads off below decks. Rimururu says, "I want to wait a while and make sure I don't lose the rest of my breakfast first." Hiko the Firechilde says, "That would be wise." Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Rimururu-san. "If you like I can teach you the anti-nausea spell." She sighs. "I'm afraid I can only do ice magic." "My powers are granted to me by my bond to my Kami, rather than being the sort of sorcery you practice." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Hmm... well, I'll take care of your seasickness needs, if you like." She bows to you. "I would be very grateful, Hiko-san." Hiko the Firechilde grins in return. "Okay... let's break for breakfast, then I'm going to contact Uncle Derith to see what else I can learn about his experience there." You all go and have what passes for breakfast on the ship...dried fruit and porridge. The Queen Mary this is not. But it is filling and prevents you starving to death. Shizumaru does not much mind; he has lived on simple fare for most of his life. Hiko the Firechilde makes sure that Rimururu gets at least some broth into her... if they have broth on the ship. They can make some broth for her. Good thinking. She fills up on broth, so she doesn't spend the morning with an empty stomach. Shizumaru . o O ( Thank you for your quick thinking, Cousin. ) Hiko the Firechilde shrugs at Shizumaru. "I got sick a lot when I was younger. I lived on broth, it seemed." Shizumaru blinks. "Ah...I did not say anything...." Akemi pages, "Just page Derith whenever you're ready to talk to him :)" to you. Akemi pages, "I mean, trump him. :)" to you. Akemi pages, "As I have reset my alias." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde asks, "You didn't?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "My mind must be wandering..." Shizumaru shakes his head, sweating slightly. Rimururu blinkblinks. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Whoops...." to Akemi Akemi pages, "I take it you didn't plan to 'read his mind'? :)" to you. Hiko the Firechilde finishes her meal, then decides to retire to her room to contact Uncle Derith, as she needs her concentration if she is to share the event with him. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Nope." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I thought it was in " "." to Akemi Akemi pages, "HEH!" to you. Hiko the Firechilde retires to her cabin. She nods. "We used to play it on those long winter nights which we have many, many, many of in my homeland." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Run this part by page, John?" Derith says, "OOC Hai." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly moves to page mode Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko trump Derith." to Akemi Shizumaru smiles, then looks around the deck. Mmm. He points to some sturdy looking boxes near the mast. "We can set the board up on there." Akemi pages, "He answers the trump. He seems to be riding on a giant sea horse through a great coral reef. "Good day, niece," he says." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko says, "Good day, Uncle Derith. Where are you right now? Nedra?"" to Akemi You soon get the board set up and sit down to play. Akemi pages, "He nods and seems subtly pleased by something. "Yes, I am. We've been having some trouble with raiders of late."" to you. Shizumaru plays with an air of enthusiasm around him. It has been quite a while; he never really had the time to find someone who knew the game in his adventuring. Or just the time to play, period. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, ""Are you pursuing them right now?"" to Akemi Akemi pages, ""Just doing some investigation, Hiko. I have time to talk to you while I ride."" to you. Rimururu plays cautiously. You get the impression she has some experience, but probably not as much as you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I'll need more than just time to talk. I'm curious about your trip to the Keep of the Five Worlds. I need to know about what we're up againt." to Akemi Akemi pages, "He shakes his head. "I know little that I have not already told you, and that trip was over a century ago. Even an Amberite's memory is not ever-green. But ask away."" to you. Shizumaru hmms. He decides to take it a little easy on Rimururu. He can probably beat her badly, but that would be...impolite. Best make it closer. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko smiles. "What did it look like, exactly?"" to Akemi Rimururu plays her best, but you defeat her, though holding back prevents it being a massacre. Shizumaru smiles and sits back. "A good match. Do you want to play again?" Akemi pages, ""The Keep is a large pentagon with a tower at each point, sitting at the edge of a large cliff. Each of its faces faces a different shadow--a shadow of fire, a shadow of air, a fairly normal shadow, a huge shadow ocean, and a shadow forest somewhat like Arden." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "When you say shadow, do you mean like there's a central point of light, and each wall casts its own shadow?" to Akemi Akemi pages, ""Five different 'Shadows' come together at the Keep; you can see into each from it. It's a very strange place." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I can imagine... and how far away were you from it when you were attacked? Approaching which part of it?" to Akemi She nods. "Let's try again," she says, looking determined. "Challenge accepted," answers Shizumaru, actually rather seriously. There is a small twinkle in his eye, however, and he starts another game. Rimururu plays even more cautiously this time. Akemi pages, ""I approached it on horseback from the shadow which is largely open land."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And how far away from it were you?" to Akemi Akemi pages, ""I did not get closer than a few miles away."" to you. Shizumaru plays much as he did last time: holding back, but not too much as to be obvious. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko nods to herself. "Then a perimiter of maybe five miles would be safe for scouting purposes?"" to Akemi Akemi pages, ""You would have to get closer than that to see anything useful, I think."" to you. Rimururu puts everything she has into it, and does better this time, but it still gradually becomes obvious she's going to die. Foxtrot lowers the prod and sighs. "And the people who attacked you. How many and what kind of attacks did they use?" Akemi pages, ""They were the trump creatures I described. There were dozens of them. They both tried to psychically assault me, and fired some sort of energy attacks. Fortunately, Greyswandir was able to parry those assualts."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Both attacks? Or just the physical ones?" to Akemi Akemi pages, ""Both."" to you. She wrinkles her nose. "How did you get so good at this?" Shizumaru chuckles. "With much, much practice. Haohmaru-sensei is an absolute master of Go. I still have not beaten him, actually, though in recent times, I have come closer and closer." He pauses, and looks at the board critically, then back up at Rimururu. "Would you like for me to coach you? Sensei has said that, by teaching, one can learn even more." Rimururu nods. "I would greatly appreciate that." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko thinks some more. "Can I ask you a personal question?"" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Derith blinks. "Hmm?"" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You seemed rather reluctant to share your experience. Can I ask why?" to Akemi Shizumaru starts another game with Rimururu, and this time, suggests tactics to her as she goes along. Or tells her to think carefully before making a move at crucial points in the game. Not telling her what to do, but how to look at the situation. Akemi pages, ""No, you may not," he says, curtly." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Is it because of your defeat... or does it have nothing to do with the Keep? I need as much mission related information as possible. I've never done this before... lead people, I mean." to Akemi Akemi pages, "He frowns at you. "It is no business of yours. Good day, Hiko." The contact drops." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "ooc That went well." to Akemi Akemi pages, "OOC It happens." to you. Hiko the Firechilde comes back topside, looking slightly peeved. Rimururu waves to Hiko. "How did it go?" Shizumaru looks up from the game. "You look displeased, Cousin...." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not well. He didn't tell me much that we didn't already know." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I dislike going into a situation without knowing all the pieces of the puzzle." Shizumaru nods. "I understand, Cousin. But life is rarely so easy that we are fully prepared for any situation." Her face darkens slightly. "That is true. Rimururu nods. "Well, I think we're being sent to find out what the pieces are." Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Rimururu. "That is a good way of putting it." "Rather than to assemble pieces we already have." Hiko the Firechilde turns to Shizumaru. "Do you wish to start training?" Shizumaru looks across the board, then to Rimururu. "Well...would you like to pick up on this later, Rimururu-san?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "good god, how do I teach someone magic???" to Akemi Akemi pages, "That's a good question, especially since you don't actually know how the Seed of Hope's powers work...:)" to you. Foxtrot lowers the prod and sweatdrops. Akemi pages, "You know what it does, more or less, but not the how :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Well, how do I tap into mine?" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde asks, "First, have you ever studied magic?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Refresh me, what does it do?" to Akemi Shizumaru shakes his head. "The only thing that would really approach it is...well, some of the words of power that my mother taught me." Akemi pages, "If you use it for amplifying magic, you just feed the spells through it. Using it directly, you have to, in a sense, identify yourself with it and feel the passions or the flame you're amplifying, and control it like your own body. What the seed does, you mean?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yes." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde says, "Which ones? Power Words feed off of your lifesource... they're like magic, but not really." Shizumaru tilts his head, thinking. "One that will disrupt trump magic...one that disrupts sorcery and conjuration...one that disrupts the workings of chaos...one that addles another's mind, and one that strengthens my own mind." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Your mother did well to teach you protection words. How do you feel after you use one?" Shizumaru hmms. "Not much different. Well, perhaps after using some repeatedly, I do start to feel tired." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "After how many?" Shizumaru simply answers, "Many. At least ten, even more." Hiko the Firechilde nods to herself. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What would be a very basic spell that I could teach him?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I mean, I taught my mom... how did I do that???" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You first would have to spend a long time teaching him the theory and how to concentrate to see the mystic energy to weave it into spells." to you. Akemi pages, "You can teach him power words pretty easily." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "But what about using the magic from the Seed?" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde ponders some more. "And you've not had any other experience with magic?" Akemi pages, "As to that, you'd be best off asking how he uses its power, then work with him on practicing how he does it." to you. Shizumaru shakes his head. "Not as such, until the Seed of Hope, really. Although perhaps the Broken Pattern counts to an extent." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Ah... what did you use that for?" "To walk through Shadow, though it was dangerous and Sensei recommended that I did not do so unless necessary." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What did you feel when you drew upon it's power?" Derith says, "OOC Sorry for the slowness, we're arguing in the Keep." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Not AGAIN!" Shizumaru thinks. "It was...a tremendous amount of power. I felt like I was connected with life--of trees and plants in particular." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Do you think you can do it again, right now?" Shizumaru blinks, then looks down at the wooden box upon which the Go board rests. He touches it...and wills it to sprout a leaf. Hiko the Firechilde watches the area Shizumaru's pointing at very carefully and feels for mystic energy. The box suddenly moves and warps, then sprouts a small branch with several leaves. Akemi pages, "You don't sense Magic at work here." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It's not magic? What is it?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Rather, some sort of raw elemental power." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ah." to Akemi Shizumaru blinks rapidly, then takes his hand away from the box with a smile. "What did you sense, Cousin?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Well... it does confirm some suspicions... you don't need to be magically inclined to use the Icons, and distance is not a problem." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Now try to make the branch fork. I need to see if you can control it." Shizumaru nods, looking...relieved. "That is good to hear. Ah...all right." He touches the branch now, and tells it to grow such that it splits into two branches. The branch twitches, then slowly grows, sprouting a side branch. Hiko the Firechilde grins. "Make it flower. A rose." Shizumaru keeps his hand on the branch and nods, then tries to follow Hiko's command. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What does the Seed do, exactly again?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "It controls Plants and brings Hope" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Even dead wood?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Even dead wood." to you. Akemi pages, "Plants can be coaxed back to life, dead wood reshaped, and so on." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hmmm... new mast, anyone?" to Akemi In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods. Rimururu looks thoughtful as she watches this. Rimururu says, "Can you turn something into a different kind of plant?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "We're not sure yet... I wonder what kind of wood that box is made of." It looks like it's probably oak. Shizumaru frowns in concentration. "Probably...not rosewood," he murmurs, as he applies his will into making a rose sprout from the branch. The wood twists and bends, struggling against the change, then the entire box suddenly twists and bends into a rosebush from which roses sprout, rooting itself to the deck. Shizumaru falls back in surprise, staring. "...that was not expected," he mumbles, in a mild daze. Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "That was impressive. How do you feel?" Rimururu says, "You have to be careful about what you're visualizing. If your mind drifts at all, you get weird results like that." Shizumaru taps his head. "It took quite a bit of concentration for it to work. My mind was slightly strained, perhaps. But my body is fine." He looks up at Rimururu and smiles a bit sheepishly. "I will remember that, Rimururu-san." He looks back at the rosebush, considers it a moment, then reaches out and plucks a flower, heedful of the thorns. "For you." He holds it to Rimururu. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes... control is key." She smiles at Shizumaru's gesture. She smiles and takes the rose and pins it onto her clothing. "Thank you." Hiko the Firechilde casts about for some splinters from when the mast cracked... Shizumaru smiles at her, less shyly than before. He stands up, then looks at the rosebush once more. "Well, then.... Anything else you wish for me to try, Cousin?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm looking for something...." The hacked off top of the mast is now shoved off to one side if you want to get that. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Need something SMALL." Gabrielle says, "OOC: It's a two-foot piece of wood." Gabrielle says, "OOC: That's pretty small." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "SMALLER... splinter sized." The sliced off chunk of mast is still on the boat; you can easily grab that. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "SMALLER... splinter sized... oh hell, I'll do it myself." Shizumaru OOCly says, "In other words, you can break off a splinter from it, Trish." Hiko the Firechilde walks over to the mast, and slices off a small sliver. Miki says, "OOC Hai. You can search for splinters, but it would require some work." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Okay, okay... I get it. ^_^" Shizumaru follows Hiko over curiously. It's abou the size of a fingernail clipping of a fourteen year old girl's pinky. She lays it in her palm. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Make this grow into double its size." Shizumaru reaches for it, then reconsiders, and simply stares at it hard. He silently tells it to increase to twice its size. It gradually doubles in size. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Again, double it." Shizumaru nods, and continues. It doubles in size again. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Again... and this time, make it twice as wide." Shizumaru tries it. It changes as you command. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Now... make it smaller. Half the length, keep the width." Shizumaru blinks at Hiko. "Ah...all right." That's certainly something different. But he tries it nevertheless. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I'm trying to gauge the extent of the Seed's power over plants. It gives plants life... can it take it away?" The wood shrinks as you command. Hiko the Firechilde puts the small chunk of wood on the deck. "Three times as wide." Shizumaru keeps on going. The wood bloats as commanded. Then, of his own initative, Shizumaru reaches out and plucks a leaf from the rosebush--passing over the rose blooms themselves--and wills the leaf to shrivel. The leaf shrivels. Shizumaru does not drop the dead leaf, however, and now attempts to breathe new life into it, so that it is as it had been before. It becomes green and fresh again. Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Shizumaru. "I think you're getting the hang of it." Finally, Shizumaru attempts to graft the leaf back onto the spot where he had plucked it. You're able to do this fairly easily. Shizumaru smiles at Hiko. "It would seem so," he says, looking quietly confident now in his abilities. "Of course, I imagine I could do much more--with further training, of course." Hiko the Firechilde claps her hands. "Now we can fix the mast." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes... we need to test how much you can do without getting tired, and I want to see if it draws on your life force the way Power Words do." Shizumaru OOCly summons Carnivorous Trees. Or maybe he doesn't. Shizumaru OOCly grows peyote shrooms on the deck! Hiko the Firechilde OOCly burns your carnivourous trees... or wills them to falll in love with you. Shizumaru OOCly says, "SHROOMS!" Naga OOCly baps Droo. Mushrooms are a fungus! Shizumaru OOCly says, "Close enough." Naga says, "OOC then see if you can summon mushrooms with the seed" Shizumaru sweatdrops, then glances over at the mast. "All right...let me see." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not right now... we'd need to get it in place first..." Hiko the Firechilde calls over to Tsuwabuki. Shizumaru gets himself some rope to make a harness to carry the mast section, then tries to climb up to the top. Hiko the Firechilde giggles. "Oh, do let the men help, cousin?" You are able to climb up fairly easily. The Sailors all stare at Shizumaru, wondering what he thinks he is doing. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Tsuwabuki-san? Could you get the men to help raise the part of the mast to where it should be?" Shizumaru makes it to the top, then, after making sure he has a secure grip and does not fall, plants the mast segment in its place, and wills the wood to rejoin itself. Tsuwabuki comes out and stares at Shizumaru. "What are you..." Hiko the Firechilde boggles at Shizumaru-san... With some effort, you manage to get it into place while not falling. Then you fuse the wood back into place without a seam. The sailors stare in shock. Shizumaru grins, then clambers back down onto the deck. "I am glad it worked so well." Captain Morgan says, "Nice bit of work, there. It won't fall off if someone tries to negate the magic, will it?" Hiko the Firechilde claps. "The power doesn't seem to be magic based. But just in case, we should glue it in place." Shizumaru shakes his head. "It is regrown into a single piece of wood now. It is not magic holding it together...." Hiko the Firechilde bows to Shizumaru. "I defer to your judgement." She claps a hand on his shoulder, and you can feel the happy reassurance flowing from her, tinged with relief. Captain Morgan nods. "Nice idea." Shizumaru blushes slightly, accepting this with a small amount of embarrassment but also pride. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Er... does Captain Morgan have rum? ^_^" Rimururu applauds. Miki says, "OOC Do you ask him? :)" Shizumaru bows to everyone. "I am glad to have helped." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Er, it's a brand of rum." Rod exclaims, "OOC drunk mage on board! everyone duck!" Shizumaru OOCly says, "We know, Trish. :)" Miki says, "OOC Yes, I know, silly person." Hiko the Firechilde says, "We need to do more tests with its power, see what the lmits are." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly blushes. "I wasn't sure if you knew." Shizumaru OOCly wants to stop soon. My muscles are incredibly sore from the crick in my neck. x.x; Rimururu says, "We need some more plants really...hmm...do you think you could influence sea weed?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "I can stop if you want to." Naga OOCly shouts, "SUSHI!" Miki says, "OOC Okay, we'll cut here. I know your pain, Shiz. I'm on anti-inflammatory meds because of that problem." Keiko says, "OOC: Turn sea weed into real weed." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Okay. Pick up with seaweed next time." What do you want to do? *** Foxtrot goes OOC. *** Hiko the Firechilde says, "that's a wrap... and it confirms lotsa suspicions I had about the Icons... any fool who attunes themselves to them can use it." [ANOTHER DAY] *** Foxtrot goes IC. *** Miki says, "OOC Okay, when last we played, you were trying to decide who to send closer to take a look around. I don't think a decision had been made." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Set up the scene, John?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly :nods. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly sighs. "Right..." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Last log i have is with Shizu doing more stuff with the Icons... " Shizumaru OOCly nods. Was training with using the power of the Seed of Hope. Miki asks, "OOC So who gets sent?" Miki says, "OOC When you get there." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Drew, We didn't decide, did we?" Shizumaru OOCly says, "No, not yet. Someone with Warfare with someone with Psyche and magic stuff, at any rate." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "It's a long trip... unless we decide to fast forward. I mean, I talked to Derith and didn't get anything conclusive out of it." Shizumaru OOCly says, "And preferably at least one of them a PC." Miki says, "OOC I'm planning to fast forward to your arrival unless you have anything cool to do as you go along." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Strategy session, please? We started one, but we got distracted by food." Miki says, "OOC Righto." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Well, I could RP being all cute and cuddly with Rimururu, but I think we can skip playing it all out. :)" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Unless you've got ideas as to who should go, Shizu?" About two days from your destination, you decide to have a strategy session. Shizumaru OOCly says, "Nope. It's your call." Hiko the Firechilde gathers everyone in this party in the small galley and calls the meeting to order. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How are you feeling, Rimururu-san? Are those spells I taught you helping?" Shizumaru quietly assumes a seat next to Rimururu, and looks to his cousin to begin. Rimururu says, "I feel a lot better, thank you," she says, smiling. She is no longer green around the gills. Shizumaru OOCly pokes people. o.o Hiko the Firechilde clears her throat. "As you're probably painfully aware of by now, I've never done anything like this before." Hiko the Firechilde says, "That's why I'm relying on everyone here to back me up should anything go wrong. If anyone has any problems with that, or with me as the 'leader' of this mission, speak now." Hiko the Firechilde (Of course we should have had this meeting near the beginning of the trip...) Shizumaru inclines his head slightly. "I do not have any objections, Cousin. I trust in your abilities, and in the judgment of Uncle Miki to set you forth as the leader." Miki says, "I will trust in Tylor's judgement." Tsuwabuki says, "I will do as Nanami-sama commanded me." You have the impression that may be the only reason. Hiko the Firechilde nods, the answers as she expected. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Uncle Miki... how are you doing as far as coming up with a way to counteract those energy beings?" Shizumaru gives a glance toward Tsuwabuki, with the faintest hint of a frown creasing his brow. But he says nothing, and instead, looks back to Hiko. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And are you finished inscribing the Trumps on our weapons?" Miki says, "Yes, the weapons are ready. And I've been working out some countermeasures, though I have no idea if they will work." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Real quick--what are the weapons that have been trump-modified, among the party?" Miki puts a quiver of crossbow bolts down on the table. "Also, I've made these, which should hopefully be able to injure or kill the creatures." Miki says, "OOC He's done a sword for everyone, and he can either modify your sword and umbrella, or he can do a separate sword for you to use." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "I got my sword done." Gabrielle says, "OOC: And Hiko has her nifty ring-omniweapon." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "I'm loaded for bear." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Modify my weapons, I guess. All righty." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Miki-san, what have you come up with as far as countermeasures?" Shizumaru OOCly says, "By the way, I've got five minutes left before I gotta go. :P" Shizumaru OOCly says, "Best call a break now, actually. I'll be back in about 40 or so." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly :THBBBBBPTS! Miki says, "Well, it's hard to be sure what will work on them, but I made a dozen or so trump cards which radiate large amounts of trump energy, which I hope would work to lure them to the card, like moths to a flame. " Miki says, "OOC Okay, we'll hold." Miki continues, "Also, if you know the Trump Disrupt power word, you might find that useful against the creatures." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I can't remember... I do have Trump Disrupt, ne?" to Akemi Shizumaru blinks, and looks upward, as if in recall. Then he nods, smiling faintly. Akemi pages, "Yes, you do." to you. Hiko the Firechilde nods as well. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Okay... the good Captain tells me that we're two days away from reaching port. Any ideas on how to approach the Keep?" Tsuwabuki says, "I suggest we make land out of sight range and circle around to the side of the Keep which juts onto forest, which would provide cover for an approach." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Derith says that the Keep itself is pentagonal shaped, with each wall casting its own Shadow. I have the Heart of Flame, and Shizumaru has the Seed of Hope." Hiko the Firechilde says, "With these two icons, it would be best to approach those walls rather than the other three." Hiko the Firechilde idly wonders how the other Children are doing with their quests, and shakes her head ruefully. Miki nods. "That makes sense. Could the Heart enable us to approach through the fire?" Shizumaru nods slowly. "I just hope that we know how to surpass those walls using our Icons," he murmurs, traces of worry staining his voice. Hiko the Firechilde grins wryly. "I've been experimenting with retracting flame, and, well..." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Could it make it easier to approach fire?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You could use it to create fire-free bubble for everyone to walk in fairly easily with a small group." to you. Hiko the Firechilde shrugs. "It could work with a small group." Miki says, "Alright. We would need to leave the boat somewhere less flammable, however." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "Can we send someone to scout ahead for likely places to drop anchor?" Shizumaru looks around the table. "We should send both a fighter and a spellcaster to scout, as was earlier suggested," he says, speaking up. Hiko the Firechilde says, "And Tsuwabuki-san has the most experience with scouting, I believe." Tsuwabuki says, "Difficult to do when we are travelling by boat. Sending someone ahead, that is." Hiko the Firechilde facepalms. "When we drop anchor, then?" Tswabuki says, "Yes, I do. I cannot outrace this boat, however." Miki says, "I can tweak things to ensure us a good harbor. The Pattern does have its uses." Hiko the Firechilde concedes the point. "Very well. When we drop anchor, Tsuwabuki, Shizumaru and I will scout. Miki-san, you and Rimururu are back up. When we call, grab us from where we are right away." Hiko the Firechilde looks around. "Any objections?" Shizumaru nods, setting his face in a rather serious expression. "It sounds good to me. I will be ready, Cousin." Miki says, "It may not be safe to use trumps in a place with so much trump energy, so I suggest you try contacting me once you get close, just so we can make sure it won't lead to disaster at some critical moment." Hiko the Firechilde says, "He and she that run away, live to fight another day. And yes, we will do so." Miki nods. "Right." Miki clicks his stopwatch and puts it away. Hiko the Firechilde nods as well. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Alright, everyone knows what the plans are. Our objective is to find out as much as we can about the Keep, who is in charge, what their plans are for Amber." Tsuwabuki . o O (What possessed Tylor to put a child in charge.) Tsuwabuki nods. Hiko the Firechilde says, "If we can stop them, that would be a bonus, but there will be no action taken unless it's necessary. We are not enough to stop anyone who can intimidate Derith." Miki says, "I am curious myself as to how this place produces so much trump energy." Hiko the Firechilde says, "We need to know how it figures in Annadil's plans, and how exactly he plans on executing those plans." Foxtrot lowers the prod and :P... Tsuwabuki's not helping... and I'm OLDER than him...! Akemi pages, "Not from his perspective :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I know... you're doing this to me on purpose, aren't you?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "IF I wanted to make fun of you, I'd just make fun of you :)" to you. Akemi pages, "But seriously, a fair number of the Elders are not so amenable as say, Miki, is." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "He's not an Elder? He's Nanami's butt-toy!" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Be glad Tylor didn't try to make Drake or Saionji take orders from you :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Indeed... " to Akemi Shizumaru simply nods, now. He's attentive, really. Just doesn't have much to put in at this point. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Does anyone have any suggestions?" Tsuwabuki says, "I think we're as ready as we can be without seeing the ground we're going to cover." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "Anyone else?" Shizumaru shakes his head. "Only that we should prepare ourselves mentally for the task that lies ahead," he says, in all seriousness. Rimururu nods. "Meditation clears the mind." Shizumaru smiles at Rimururu. "Precisely." He thinks, then belatedly adds, "And I guess that you, Cousin, would use this time to prepare your spells, right?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I suggest that everyone try to get as much rest as possible before we make anchor. And yes, that is what I will be doing, plus checking in on how things are back home." There is a small note of worry in her voice. Miki says, "Good, good." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Remind me, what spells were I going to be doing?" to Shizumaru In a page-pose to you, Shizumaru doesn't know. o.o; Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You're the one who mentioned them!" to Shizumaru In a page-pose to you, Shizumaru n.n; Hiko the Firechilde looks around at each of the people gathered at the conference table, such as it is. "We're clear then? Does anyone want to bring up any other matters?" Tsuwabuki says, "I would suggest some sort of disguise for us when we go." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Physical or magical?" Shizumaru blinks, and smiles faintly. He reaches into a pouch at his side, and extracts a headband out of it. "Already taken care of, for me." A glance over to his friend. "And Rimururu-san." He hopes she remembered hers. Rimururu nods. "We got some nice items on our last trip." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What did you get?" Shizumaru lays the headband down on the table, for all to see. "Cousin Michelle created them for us. They grant us limited shapeshifting...twelve forms for each of us." (OOC Or however many forms there are, I can't recall at present. n.n;) Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I have some disguise spells as well that we could use, but I don't think that's what you have in mind, is it Tsuwabuki-san?" "Actually, I was thinking of disguise spells, as I know you are a sorceress of some skill." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I can do such things." She waves her hand, and suddenly, she looks just like Tsuwabuki-san. Shizumaru blinks and stares for a moment. "Very impressive, Cousin," he says, admiration clearly present in his voice. Tsuwabuki smiles faintly. "I suggest you choose some people you don't like very much to disguise us as." TsuwabukiHiko says, "Mother and I used such a disguise while we were in the City of Brass." TsuwabukiHiko ponders this for a bit... TsuwabukiHiko's hand shakes slightly. TsuwabukiHiko says, "I can do that." TsuwabukiHiko gestures again... Suddenly, TsuwabukiHiko looks taller, a tad more rugged. His face is scarred with cybernetic material in the shape of an X and his left arm is covered with circuitry. BattousaiHiko asks, "Will this do?" Shizumaru OOCly says, "..." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Well. I must have missed something, oh yes I did." BattousaiHiko says, "Unfortunately, this would be too much of a giveaway as well, as the fellow I'm impersonating is dead." BattousaiHiko says, "I can do mostly people or persons I've met already." Tsuwabuki blinks. "Hmm, I met a fellow like that once." BattousaiHiko asks, "Did you?" BattousaiHiko asks, "How long ago and where did he come from?" Shizumaru only looks on in slight puzzlement, no recognition present in his face. Ah, well. There will be time later for stories. One hopes. He continues, "Still, it doesn't matter that much if he's dead, as they're unlikely to recognize everyone in the universe on sight. It just needs to be something they won't associate with Amber." BattousaiHiko says, "I have a suspicion that the person whose face I'm wearing was known to Annadil... I could choose one of his subordinates." Miki says, "We were raided once by some rather unfortunate cyberwarriors led by that fellow." Shizumaru nods, then takes his headband back, tying it on. He considers things for a moment, then concentrates, and shifts into the form of that short dark-skinned man with the purple mohawk. "Would this be all right? Or too showy?" Miki says, "Unfortunately for them, their cyberware all failed once they got too close to Amber, and they got slaughtered." Tsuwabuki looks at Shizumaru, "Seems fine to me." BattousaiHiko smiles grimly. "So were we. We were not as lucky." Shizumaru smiles, and then suddenly reverts to normal. With care, he unties the headband and replaces it in his pack. "All right, then." Now back to Hiko and Miki, to listen to what they're talking about. His body shrinks again, resembling that of a young boy, with shaggy hair, the same circuitry on his face and both arms. AtaruHiko says, "This should do..." AtaruHiko smiles at Shizumaru... "You almost looked like Cousin Ota... with purple hair instead of pink." Tsuwabuki says, "I fought the fellow for about twenty minutes, but then he got away by teleporting." AtaruHiko asks, "So he's still alive???" Shizumaru blinks, tilting his head for a moment. "Really? Ah...I did not think of that." AtaruHiko's eyes widen with a frisson of fear. Tsuwabuki says, "This was about...a hundred years ago?" Miki says, "Eighty seven." AtaruHiko muses to herself. "That explains how I was able to get away finally..." Tsuwabuki nods. "Drake tracked them back to their home shadow and turned it into a giant mini-mall, I think." AtaruHiko smiles faintly. Corrine of Amber OOCly : waves pennants for Drake. Now we know where Gabrielle got that habit from... Were Shizumaru aware of what a minimall really is, he would be recoiling with horror at this point. As it is, though, he only looks on cluelessly. AtaruHiko gestures and is back to normal. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I can set everyone's disguises the same or differently." Tsuwabuki says, "We should each look different, I think." Hiko the Firechilde says, "If you give me a mental image of who you want to disguise yourself as, I can build the spell." Tsuwabuki looks thoughtful, then takes off his glove and offers you his hand. Hiko the Firechilde takes Tsuwabuki's hand. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And... who does he want to disguise himself as?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You get a strong mental image of a tall, handsome man with tan skin and long red hair and deep blue eyes." to you. Akemi pages, "He has a scar on his left cheek." to you. Shizumaru OOCly thumbtwiddles? o.o Shizumaru OOCly wants to go to bed in about thirty. x.X Hiko the Firechilde builds the spell slowly, making it activatable at Tsuwabuki's command. Miki says, "OOC Otay, Drew." Hiko the Firechilde passes the components and the spell over to Tsuwabuki in the exchange, and 'shows' him how to activate it. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What kind of scar?" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde releases his hand. Akemi pages, "Diagonal slash from ear down to mouth." to you. The_Prof pages, "Ahso. :)" to you. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Now that I know what he looks like, I can make as many as we need." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Who is that?" Miki says, "Good, good. You should probably make one for me, in case I have to come to your aid." Hiko the Firechilde offers her hand to Miki. Tsuwabuki says, "He's a movie star in a shadow where Namami-sama and I go to see movies periodically." Miki holds out his hand to you. Hiko the Firechilde takes Miki's hand. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Same for Miki, I suppose." to Akemi Akemi pages, "You get a mental image of a skinny old man with long scraggly white hair, dressed in a rough green toga." to you. Hiko the Firechilde does the same for Miki, then releases his hand, passing the spell over. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Damn, but I like being useful." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And who's that?" Miki says, "A beggar I met once who claimed to have Whooping Malaria." Shizumaru OOCly blinks. Hiko the Firechilde nods. "We should retire, then. I'm going to contact King Tylor and find out what the news is at home, and maybe see if he has any additional instructions... (and find out what the darn cowbell does)." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "I didn't say that aloud..." Miki nods. "A good idea." Shizumaru nods, and stands up, sliding his chair back with a nudge of his legs. "I believe I will go out on deck for now. The scent of the sea helps me clear my mind." He steals a look over at Rimururu, wondering what she'll do in the meantime. Hiko the Firechilde nods, and stands up. "Gentlemen... and lady. I'll see you all later for supper?" Hiko the Firechilde goes back to her quarters. Rimururu says, "I think I'm going to work on an ice sculpture for a while." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "That's it for me... except some Trump convo stuff. Go to bed, Drew." Shizumaru smiles. "Doing art to discipline the mind--and achieve some beauty while doing so, as well." Shizumaru directs that to Rimururu, naturally. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You still good for Trump convo stuff?" to Akemi Rimururu smiles. "Yes. It won't survive very long here, but..." She shrugs. "All beauty fades in time." Akemi pages, "Yep. Trump at will, baby!" to you. Hiko returns to her chambers, a bit shaken at the revelation that Battousai had gone to Amber. For what purpose? Shizumaru nods solemnly. He looks like he wishes to add something, but then stops, and bows to her. He finally exits and goes out onto the deck, to start meditating, and perhaps a little bit of further training with his weapons, as well. Shizumaru OOCly says, "And that's a wrap, I suppose." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko sighs and pulls out her trump of King Tylor. "Your Highness?"" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Eh... I feel so unsuited for this." Gabrielle wants to get to the assault, with the running and the screaming and the people set on fire and the explosions... Miki says, "OOC Heh." Corrine of Amber OOCly says, "Just as long as it's directed explosions and fire, dear...." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Heh... I'm sure you do. But my missions aren't gonna be run like that." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Your Highness?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Tylor takes your call. "Good morning, Hiko."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Good morning, Your Highness... we're about two days away from the Keep. Any last minute instructions?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "He hands you an orange. "Here, have an orange. Fights off scurvy."" to you. Foxtrot lowers the prod and smiles, taking it. "Anything else?" Akemi pages, "He shakes his head. "Not really. You know the situation there better than I at the moment. Has the journey been going along smoothly?"" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "As much as it can with the information we've been given... those items you gave me, refresh me as to what they do again?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "He says, "The ship in a bottle can be turned into a real ship which can, itself, travel through shadow as you command. The bell summons the Giant Cow of the Atlan Tepes to fight for you, or carry you somewhere. Or provide milk."" to you. Foxtrot lowers the prod and nods. "And one last question. Why did you choose me to be the leader? I... have no experience in such things." Akemi pages, "OOC Did I remember to actually tell you what the items do?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You did, but I wanted to refresh my memory." to Akemi Akemi pages, "Tylor says, "Anything else I can help you with?"" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "ooc You forgot to answer why Tylor picked me." to Akemi Akemi pages, "Ahh, right. We'd gotten on to that." to you. Akemi pages, "Tylor smiles at you. "I used my trump deck to do a fortunetelling, and you came up as the answer, so I put you in charge." He makes a gesture and a trump of you appears in his hands. He flashes it, then puts it back in his deck." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko blinks. "What else did the scry say?"" to Akemi Akemi pages, ""It was rather strange. A trump card I found in shadow long ago came up. It doesn't seem to actually work, mind you."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "One of me??" to Akemi Akemi pages, "He pulls out the card and holds it up. It looks like nothing more than an endless lattice of bubbles, rather like staring into a bubblebath at close range. But if you look really closely, every bubble contains dozens of tiny galaxies." to you. Akemi pages, ""Hmm? No, I mean this card also came up."" to you. Akemi pages, "He shrugs. "It's not a place, and it's not a person, or even an item, so far as I can tell, but somehow, it's a trump."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And it doesn't work you say? May I give it to Uncle Miki to examine?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "He reverses the card. the back shows a Red Stylized N on a black background. He then passes it to you. "Go right ahead."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Thank you. When and where did you find it?" to Akemi Akemi pages, ""A deranged cultist who was trying to sacrifice Molly to some evil god had it." He shakes his head. "Molly couldn't walk down the street to get bread without some loon or monster coming after her."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And who is Molly?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "For which cult and which god?" to Akemi Akemi pages, ""Oh, an old girlfriend of mine. She's ruling Crystal Newark these days, I believe. And I can't remember what Cult. We had to rescue Molly at least twelve times from various cults who all thought she was the one whose death would open the way for 'fill in evil god of your choice'."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hmm..." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko looks at the Trump... or whatever it is. "I'll have Uncle Miki take a look at it... maybe do another scry."" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Tylor says, "The way I know it's a Trump is that it's as hard to destroy as a Trump. And Fuyutsuki said it was one. Then he ran off and banged his head against the wall until he passed out and spent a month claiming he was 'He-Man'"" to you. Akemi pages, "The trump is the right size to be a trump, and has the same odd coolness to touch of a trump." to you. Akemi pages, "Anything else you want to ask Tylor about?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Nope... I'm being distracted." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko says, "Thanks... we'll keep you posted as to what goes on."" to Akemi Akemi pages, "He nods. "Good luck and may the unicorn guide you."" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko closes the trump" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And cut... need to look for my CD player in preparation for my trip." to Akemi [CONTINUED] *** Shizumaru goes IC. *** *** Foxtrot goes IC. *** Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Plot rundown, luv?" Tsuwabuki says, "OOC When last we played, Hiko and Shizumaru's torrid affair had just set the ship on fire...no, wait, wrong universe." Gabrielle prepares to cause massive collateral damage. Shizumaru OOCly says, "..." Corrine of Amber OOCly ookie to watch and stuff? *wg* Two days have passed (Unless you had anything else you wanted to do before arrival), and the boat has pulled into the coastline of the forest shadow in a secluded bay, from which you can make your approach. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Is cool, Phil." Shizumaru OOCly nods. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Er... need Trump reading from Miki." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Remember? With the Trump that isn't a trump?" Tsuwabuki asks, "OOC Ahh, you want him to examine it?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Yeah..." Miki examines the trump. "I think it is a normal trump, but the target is on the other side of a trump barrier, so nothing can get through to it." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Who made it?" He hands it back to you. "The weird thing is that I can't tell if it's a place or a person." He turns the card over as he drops it into your hand, showing the large red N again. "Not an artist I'm familiar with." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "So, nothing can come through, right? Or is it that we can't go there?" He clicks his stopwatch, puts it away again, then says, "I'd guess likely some chaosian, as I know what few trump artists dwell around Amber well. Oh, trumps have to be operated by the holder of them, not the subject. You'd need the mental strength of Fuyutsuki or something like the Pattern backing you up to force a trump to turn itself on if it wasn't rigged to be a trap. And this is just a normal trump." Hiko the Firechilde nods, and takes out all of her Trumps, including one of herself, the Annadil one and the defunct Trump. "Could you do a quick scry on the mission for me?" He nods. "I can certainly try." Miki sits at the table and shuffles the deck, then passes them to Hiko to cut the deck. Hiko the Firechilde cuts the deck. Miki quickly deals out a twelve card spread, the cards flying from hand to table. Miki places his hands over the cards and hums a little tune. The cards stand up on end and begin to dance to the tune. Hiko the Firechilde smiles, head in her hands. "I'm so sorry to take you away from your fiance and your problems at this time." She watches the cards, fascinated. Keiko exclaims, "OOC: Just like little, flat, pasteboard Swayvills!" The world is starting to take on swirly colors at the edge of your perception. Corrine of Amber OOCly says, "..." Autolyca OOC Whoa, man.... Dancing Ed OOCly says, "Good drugs? o.o" The music rises, and the world around you changes. You float in a silent void full of bubbles, each of which contains galaxies. Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "Er, Miki-san... are you seeing the same thing I'm seeing?" You don't see Miki anywhere, though you can still hear him humming. Hiko the Firechilde looks around. One of the bubbles drifts towards you inexorably. And then it pops around you, and you fall, fall towards one of the galaxies at an ever increasing speed. Hiko the Firechilde screams, "MIKI!!!" The galaxy rushes up to meet you and diffuses into a sea of stars, the sea of stars breaks apart to reveal a solar system, the system spreads out to reveal a void dotted with planets. Miki does not answer. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Shite..." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde wonders if she's going to splat into something... One of the planets is strangely shaped, like a very thin donut. Half the donut is water, the other half is city, witha narrow strip of sand connecting them. You plummet into the ocean like a meteor, and the tide you make washes up the beach, trashing much of the city. Hiko the Firechilde struggles to the surface, and makes her way towards shore. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Hiko doesn't know what a donut is... they didn't have any in her home Shadow, and she hasn't eaten any yet." Corrine of Amber OOCly says, "Ringworld! *pause* Kinda." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Mmmmmm, donuts." Miki says, "OOC like a ring, then." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "And what kind of donut is it? Cruller? Creme filled? Glazed? Bear claw?" Miki says, "OOC We know she knows what those look like :)" The tidal wave washes back, knocking you off your feet. You sink beneath the waves, and then...the water is gone and you stand at the west gate of Amber City. The music continues to play. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Riiight... Trump scry..." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde looks around, wondreing if this is part of the scry or something else. Shizumaru OOCly says, "Ah." >From out of the gates walks a woman, dressed in black robes, her face >hidden. The city fades away as she approaches you, and from her feet, a >red tracery spreads out through the ground. Hiko the Firechilde calls out, tentatively. "Hello?" She takes off her hood, and you gaze into your own face, but with eyes full of a starry void. Around you rises up the courtyard of Castle Amber, walls surrounding you, a comforting place, but starlight shines up out of the wells, into one of which the woman leaps without saying anything. Hiko the Firechilde blinks, then rushes over to the well. You gaze down into the well; it's full of the starry void. And then someone taps your shoulder. Hiko the Firechilde turns around. It's Anthy, but she's dressed as Judy from a Punch and Judy show, a marionette dancing on strings. She starts to do a little jig, grinning idiotically. Oddly, she's wearing your clothing. Miki says, "OOC Doh, I just contradicted myself. Scratch the Judy bit. Hiko never would have seen one of those anyway." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Zactly, John... this way, you can't sneak in cultural references. ^_^" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Or you can, but you're really gonna have to be explicit." Miki says, "OOC Oh, I can, but I need to not contradict myself." Then Yuriko walks up with large pruning shears, cuts Anthy loose, and hustles her off, giving her a lecture on knowing when things have strings attached. Corrine of Amber OOCly says, "...." And that infernal incessant whistled tune plays on. They walk past Saionji, who you now notice is practicing sword forms, moving fluidly like a well oiled machine. Hiko the Firechilde looks around again... where is she now? You're still in the courtyard, though most of the features are blurry. Tylor rushes by, trying to balance a duck on his nose while juggling flaming batons and balancing on a rolling ball. He crashes into a well, trips, and falls down it yelling, "Hey, who put that here?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "How many wells?" Miki says, "OOC THe layout is the same as Castle Amber, so about a half-dozen wells." Hiko the Firechilde waits for the next scene to come around. Then a staircase erupts from the ground, and you find yourself standing most of the way up Kolvir, looking up the steps at Tir'na'nog, hanging high above you. You hear footsteps above, and you see a gun-wielding Gendo descending the stairs, dressed in a rather snappy black and white tuxedo. You hear footsteps below, and Gendo coming up the mountain, carrying a strange whip-like sword in each hand, and another sword strapped on his back. Hiko the Firechilde looks up. "Grandfather?" She looks down and blinks. They approach relentlessly, their attention fixed on each other, rather than you. It looks like they will likely collide exactly where you stand. Hiko the Firechilde looks for cover, or a place to stand away from them. You step to one side, and they leap at each other, gun blazing and swords flashing. And then the world goes blank, and you're lying on the floor with a dozen or so trump cards lying on you. The music has stopped. Miki's lying on the floor, tangled in the remains of his chair. Miki clicks his stopwatch and sits up. "Well, that wasn't quite how it's supposed to work." Hiko the Firechilde checks for bumps, bruises, or contusions... Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Do you think it was the influence of the unknown card?" Miki says, "Possibly, although I suspect it was our proximity to the trump energies of the Keep itself." Miki stands, then offers you a hand up. Hiko the Firechilde nods... Hiko the Firechilde stand up on her own. "So... any idea what that just meant?" Miki says, "Well, it's always difficult to analyze a reading done for someone else, especially if you don't know them well, but..." Miki moves away the rubble of his chair and gets another one, then sits down. Miki says, "If we assume each image related to a card and if we're fortunate enough to have had them appear in the order we want them, then here is what I would surmise." Hiko the Firechilde sits on the table. Miki says, "We begin with the Distant Past. It's pretty clear that strange card of bubbled galaxies held that slot at the start of the vision; I would guess that perhaps it might have some relationship to the origins of the Keep of the Five Worlds, since that would be, in a sense, the starting point of our problem." Hiko the Firechilde nods, looking at the cards as Miki describes them. Miki says, "Moving on, we come to the Recent past, the beach." Miki says, "I'm going to guess this card is being symbolic instead of literal, as I can't see what the Beach itself would have to do with this." Miki says, "The Beach represents boundaries, especially those between the world of men and the world of nature." Miki says, "Given your destruction of the city in the vision, I'd say it was the Beach Reversed, which symbolizes the breaking down of barriers." Miki says, "This could mean some barrier at the keep has been breached, or it would equally well mean that some barrier in your life has recently been breached." Hiko the Firechilde smiles secretly and nods. "Do go on." Miki says, "Next comes Purpose, the task set before you, represented by the Gates of Amber City." Miki says, "I'm not sure at all what that could mean, as Amber City is normally associated with trade and mercantile activities. I suppose it might be reversed to mean moral decay, but that doesn't seem to apply either." Miki says, "The next card is Inner Secrets. It is your card, reversed." Miki says, "Which likely means you will have to soon confront some secret you will not like." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Silly gamer nuts-n-bolts Q: When you do a Trump Scry, do you actually pull trumps or do you make 'em up?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "I make them up, because a random scry might be completely irrelevant." to you. Miki says, "Next is the near future, which was the Courtyard of Castle Amber" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Cool... how many do you have premade?" to Akemi Miki says, "I suspect this was simply an effort to represent the Keep itself, which is part of your near future destiny, but which we didn't have a card for." Akemi pages, "Oh, there's a standard list of trumps I use in the scryings. I just make up which ones show up in a given scry." to you. Miki says, "Next comes the Far Future, Anthy, likely reversed." Hiko the Firechilde pays careful attention to the scry, but is very puzzled by the whole business indeed. Miki says, "Anthy reversed represents passivity, a victim of circumstances, inability to control one's own destiny because of fear or inability to act." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "In other words, take control, damnit?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Up to you to interpret, baby :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Oooh... I love it when you get slangy on me." to Akemi Miki says, "Followed by Destiny, which was Queen Yuriko" Hiko the Firechilde blinks at that, then shakes herself. Autolyca OOC And Anthy nomal represents passivity, a victim of circumstances, inability to control one's own destiny because of fear or inability to act. Autolyca OOC And to get pimp-slapped. :) Miki says, "She's a no-nonsense, efficient, take charge sort of person, as you saw. This could mean you are destined to be a queen, or a leader, or perhaps in charge of a military force of some kind." Anthy pimpslaps Autolyca. :) Hiko the Firechilde murmurs, "Just like Mother..." Miki says, "Next is Others views (OOC Because I, the DM, forgot to do the Hopes and Fears card...)" Miki says, "For which you saw Saionji. This probably represents his martial skills, honed through routine, a routine mission." Miki says, "As Tylor seems to have seen this as being." Next comes Inner Views, your opinion, showing Tylor reversed, the fool who rushes headlong to disaster. Miki says, "I've noticed myself how worried you've been about whether this mission will succeed." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't want to get anyone killed." Miki says, "Next is the Heart of the Matter, something which symbolizes the choice you have to make." Miki says, "The Steps of Tir'na'nog, which represent the possibility and the dangers of dreams and hopes. The steps can enable you to climb to the heavens and visit your dreams, but those dreams can shatter swiftly, leaving you to fall to your death." Miki asks, "You cannot find your dreams without risk...but some risks are too great. And how do you tell?" Miki says, "And finally, present conflicts, representing the forces you must confront." Miki says, "My father, and your grandfather, King Gendo." Miki says, "But I'm very confused about the double Gendo image...as if you faced Gendo and Gendo Reversed at the same time." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Adventure and suaveness?" Miki looks at his trump of his father, then ahhs. "I see. You see, if you look at the card, you see Father has two puppets on strings. This could represent a manipulator being manipulated. Which would be consist with some of the earlier puppet imagry." Hiko the Firechilde smiles grimly. "I see." Miki says, "Or perhaps an internal conflict within someone who is like Father." Hiko the Firechilde nods... Hiko the Firechilde slides off of the table. "Thanks for the scry, Uncle Miki." Miki says, "Glad to be of assistance, niece." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "And that's that until Drew gets back." Miki shuffles his cards again and puts them away. [CONTINUED ANOTHER DAY] KLUNK Soul Brother asks, "Woo, woo, it's the Fox. Ready to go storm the Keep, Trish?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes. ^_" Hiko the Firechilde ^_^ Finn exclaims, "One Eye Trish, most feared Pirate in a dozen kingdoms!" Shizumaru OOCly chuckles. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly smiles. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Recap, John?" Tsuwabuki says, "Ravager of California, she is." Shizumaru OOCly says, "All righty." Hiko the Firechilde cranks up her CFRC CD to the max. Shizumaru OOCly says, "Iza jinjou ni. Shoubu!" When last we played, Hiko had just had a trump fortunetelling session get somewhat out of hand. Tsuwabuki asks, "OOC Anything else to do before you arrive and start your mission?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "nope." Running under clear skies and a bright sun, you pull into a secluded bay along the coast. A seemingly endless forest stretches inland from the shore, and up on a rise off to the north, you can see the pentagonal Keep of the Five Worlds jutting out into the ocean a little on a promotory. Smoke rises from beyond the keep, huge amounts of it, though you can't see what's burning from here. Hiko the Firechilde nods to herself. "That could be from the Fire Shadow." A strong wind catches that smoke and pushes it onto the long ridge top; looks like approaching along the ridge wouldn't be very fun, unless you really like second hand smoke. Shizumaru eyes the the Keep warily. Then he looks at the woods, and tries to see if he can sense anything about its contents through the Seed of Hope. Fortunately, you can simply approach through the woods. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Okay, ridge is out. Suggestions, Tsuwabuki-san?" Shizumaru closes his eyes, concentrates...then opens them. "They are old, old trees. Aged thousands of years, undisturbed. It seems...." He stops and frowns. "It feels like the only thing that really exists here is the forest. No ridge, no ocean." Tsuwabuki says, "We should be able to simply approach unobserved through the forest, although I fear we may have to wait for nightfall and brave the smoke to get a decent look." Tsuwabuki turns to Shizumaru and says, "What?" Shizumaru OOCly says, "There is no spoon." Keiko says, "OOC: Yes there is, we used it to defeat Evil Delwin." Hiko the Firechilde turns to him as well... "What else do you sense?" Shizumaru says, "There is no ocean. There is only the forest." Shizumaru shakes his head. "I could feel no trace of anything else, through my link to the Seed of Hope." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "Forest is it, then. Have we made anchor yet?" The boat soon makes anchor and lowers a small boat for the three of you to make it to the shore. Before boarding the boat, Shizumaru looks around, seeking out Rimururu one more time. You find Rimururu very easily, as there really isn't anywhere for her to hide, and she's not hiding anyway :) She smiles as you approach. "Good luck on your mission, Shizumaru." Hiko the Firechilde racks up some basic magical defense spells, as well as her teleport spells and straps on her Trump-infused sword, checks her ring and the Heart, in a satchel by her waist. "Wish us luck, Uncle Miki." Shizumaru smiles to Rimururu, betraying a little nervousness. He bows. "Thank you, Rimururu-san. We will see each other again soon, I think." Hiko the Firechilde says, "And be ready when we need you." Miki smiles. "Good luck, and may the unicorn guide you." 'Click'. The stopwatch comes out, clicks, goes back in pocket. Hiko the Firechilde nods, and steps into the boat. "Quite soon, I hope," she says. She digs in a pouch and pulls out a small ice statue of a bird, cold to the touch. "Here, carry this for luck," she says, offering it to you. Shizumaru blinks, and accepts it. "It is...very pretty. Thank you." He smiles, then bows once more. "I...should go now," he says, finally moving toward the boat, a bit reluctantly. She waves farewell as you go, smiling brightly and watching you depart. Tsuwabuki tosses his satchel of stuff into the small boat and waits impatiently for Shizumaru. Shizumaru finally tears his gaze away from Rimururu and hurries up. "...my apologies. Let us go on." Tsuwabuki quickly rows the three of you over to the shore of the bay, slings his satchel over one shoulder, and heads up the beach into the forest. Hiko the Firechilde follows, trying to stay as close and as quiet as she can. His head darts about constantly, taking on his environment, and you notice he seems to have a knack for moving very silently. Shizumaru seats his sword securely in its sheath, grips his umbrella securely, and starts padding after Tsuwabuki quietly. He draws on his days in the forests back at home to move as stealthily and observantly as he can. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hmmm... the Dueling song from the CFRC CD is on now... is this a bad sign?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Possibly :)" to you. The ocean quickly vanishes from sight as you plunge into the forest. It's an old forest with high trees that tend to block out the sun, so there's not a lot of undergrowth. After about a half hour, you realize another odd thing...no animals. Hiko the Firechilde watches the forest around her, too, as she follows. Not a bird or a deer or even a worm, just an endless ocean of trees. It is utterly silent, except for the sound of Hiko walking. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "D'oh!" Shizumaru OOCly patpats. :) Hiko the Firechilde tries to move more quietly. Shizumaru also uses his seed sense to search for any aberrations in the forest around the scout party. Behind and to the sides, as well as in front. As you walk along, the trees become larger and more twisted. At times, they seem to almost have faces in the bark, leering at you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Are you ever going to explain the being able to talk to animals thing?" to Akemi Shizumaru frowns at the trees. He murmurs quietly, "Some outside force is warping them. Be careful." Akemi pages, "After the chronicle is over if an in-game explanation chance doesn't come up." to you. Hiko the Firechilde nods, staying away from any 'outstretching' trees. The ground slowly begins to rise, and the sky gets darker, and finally, in the afternoon, Tsuwabuki climbs a tree, then gestures down to the two of you to climb up as well. Hiko the Firechilde blinks, then climbs. Shizumaru nods, hooks his umbrella onto a harness, then ascends the tree swiftly. Hiko the Firechilde whispers. "How much closer do you think we would be able to get?" It's a stone pentagon with a gate in the middle of each side. A pentagonal building rises inside it, over towards the face that faces the ocean; it rises some sixty feet above the walls with many windows. Shizumaru stretches out toward the Keep with his Seed sense. Shizumaru frowns. "The Seed of Hope tells me that there is no Keep there, only more forest...." He sighs. "I wonder what that is supposed to mean." Tsuwabuki wrinkles his nose and looks thoughtful. "The forest seems to go up to the base of the slope up to it, so we could probably get within three hundred feet or so. There's a staircase up there." He points at the stairs you can now make up rising to the gate on this side. Hiko the Firechilde tries to see what she can sense through the Heart, if it's possible in this Shadow. Tsuwabuki says, "I have no idea." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Five minute warning." Tsuwabuki says, "OOC Righto." You sense no fire whatsoever. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Riiiiighs." Which seems odd, given all that smoke rising from just past the keep. Autolyca OOC Nuke the site from orbit, only way to be sure :) Keiko says, "OOC: I think the only rational solution is to panic." Shizumaru asks, "Shall we proceed, then?" Hiko the Firechilde thinks... trying to gauge how far it is from where they are to the place where the smoke is. The smoke is rising from just past the ridge, so at most maybe a mile and a quarter, mile and a half. Shizumaru OOCly says, "...and I gotta run." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I wonder if that's from the side of the keep that faces the Fire Shadow." *** Foxtrot goes OOC. *** Shizumaru OOCly says, "Back soon." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Right, then." *** Foxtrot goes IC. *** *** Shizumaru goes IC. *** Shizumaru begins to climb back down the tree, unless someone objects. Hiko the Firechilde climbs back down as well. Once she reaches the bottom, she turns to Shizumaru. "What else can you sense about this forest?" Shizumaru hmms. "Only that it is vast and seems to be the most real thing here." He pauses. "It may be some sort of Shadow effect.... That is all I can really say." Tsuwabuki stays up a little longer, then drops down, landing on his feet. Tsuwabuki says, "I'm beginning to wonder why those trump energy creatures haven't found us yet." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Me, too... we're close enough for it." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm wondering where the fire is, and if its possible for us to circumnavigate the Keep at the current distance from it without any trouble." Tsuwabuki says, "We could circle around and go up onto the ridge, although I'd suggest we wait for night so we aren't spotted." Shizumaru nods. "A wise idea. I would like to go back up into the tree to keep a watch out in the meantime. Unless you would prefer to, Tsuwabuki-dono?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How long 'til nightfall, you think?" Tsuwabuki looks up at the sun. "Maybe three or four hours to sunset, I think." Tsuwabuki says, "Oh, go right ahead, Shizumuaru. That's a good idea." Hiko the Firechilde nods.... then facefaults. "I forgot to bring rations." Shizumaru nods, and puts a hand to his pouch, where he keeps his trump deck. "Ah...actually, if these are trump creatures, perhaps we should be sparing in our trump use." Tsuwabuki says, "Yes." Tsuwabuki smiles faintly, and opens his pack, pulling out some fruit, which he passes to the two of you. "Always bring food on a mission, and always eat when you have the chance, for you don't know when you'll get another." Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "You sound like Mother." Shizumaru looks around...for small rocks, acorns, pine cones, something that can be thrown or dropped without hurting anyone (at least too badly). "We can use these to signal to each other. In case I see something, I will drop one, and then come down to tell you." There are plenty of small rocks, acorns, etc. Tsuwabuki says, "Well, I've served under your mother, so I'm not surprised." Tsuwabuki says, "And I think she got that philosophy from Drake, who got it from King Gendo." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "When was this?" Shizumaru takes a small handful, accepts some fruit from Tsuwabuki, and then climbs up the tree swiftly and quietly, to post a watch. Tsuwabuki says, "I was an aide to her during the Second Theran War and a unit commander under her during the Second Uilan War. And various other minor wars as well." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What was she like... back then?" Tsuwabuki says, "Very quiet and serious, and often grim." Tsuwabuki says, "She had a very whimsical sense of humor, but it rarely came out." Tsuwabuki finds a stick, gets out a knife, and starts whittling as he talks. Hiko the Firechilde thinks about this quietly. Tsuwabuki says, "And I think she was very lonely." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm noticing very many similarities between Mother and me." Tsuwabuki frowns. "Not an easy person to get close to, in part because you never were sure what she was really thinking." Hiko the Firechilde switches gears. "What's your whole take on the current situation in Amber?" Tsuwabuki says, "But she was a brilliant general, and I learned very much from her. And she introduced me to Nanami-sama." Tsuwabuki says, "I fear a naval assault." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Kozue?" Tsuwabuki says, "By land, I think we will be fine, as we have good generals leading our armies, but Juri doesn't have much naval experience, Kozue took her fleet and sailed off into the sunset, and Derith...He is a scholar, not a sailor." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "Kozue would have been leading the navies, correct?" Tsuwabuki says, "Amber has two fleets." Tsuwabuki says, "The northern one was commanded by Tylor for many years, and he passed it on to Kozue when he became King." Tsuwabuki says, "Much to my surprise, she demonstrated she knows what's she's doing with fleets during the war with the Sea Peoples." Hiko the Firechilde nods... "And the second fleet?" Tsuwabuki says, "The southern fleet is commanded by Derith." Tsuwabuki says, "Who basically used the fleet to defend Rebma during the war with the Sea Peoples." Tsuwabuki frowns at what he's whittling as it snaps in his hands. He tosses it aside and gets another stick. Hiko the Firechilde looks at the scrim. Tsuwabuki says, "I will not be surprised if he has done the same." Tsuwabuki says, "This time." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What kind of man is Uncle Derith?" Tsuwabuki says, "Derith is more Rebman than Amberite." Shizumaru frowns high above, then slowly climbs down, after dropping a few stones to alert them of his descent. When he's just above their heads, he leans down and says, quietly, "There are no guards posted on the walls of the Keep." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Which means what, exactly? I'm a little out of my element here." Hiko the Firechilde hushes, then looks up. "Were there before?" Tsuwabuki says, "Now that you mention it, I don't remember seeing any guards before." Tsuwabuki sounds slightly embarrassed. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Were there guards before?" to Akemi Shizumaru nods, then glances up. "What do you think this means?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "That we noticed?" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde says, "Well... that they're either not in, or that they're scouting for us." She smiles grimly. Shizumaru nods. "I will go back up for now." And he ascends once again. Akemi pages, "You don't remember there being any guards before." to you. Tsuwabuki says, "It could be that they have those creatures for guards, and we can't make them out from this distance." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Do we dare get closer before nightfall? If they're Trump beings, they'd be able to reach us by daylight or night time." Tsuwabuki says, "I think waiting for night is best." Tsuwabuki says, "It may not stop trump creatures sensing us, but will at least hamper anyone else." Hiko the Firechilde nods... and waits... Tsuwabuki says, "As for Derith..." Tsuwabuki says, "Derith's first loyalty is to Rebma, not Amber." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "He's Queen Rei's son, right?" Tsuwabuki says, "He was Queen Rei's second son." Tsuwabuki says, "And still very young when the divorce happened. " Tsuwabuki says, "I think he probably only has any dealings with us at all because Miki and Kozue usually live in Amber. But he is a brilliant man." Tsuwabuki says, "He studied for many years with Fuyutsuki-sama" Hiko the Firechilde nods. "He's rather... difficult to deal with, isn't he?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Why doesn't he like King Tylor very much?" Shizumaru blinks, then drops a couple more rocks and descends once more, this time in a bit more of a hurry. "There is smoke rising from within the Keep now," he announces. Tsuwabuki says, "I think he feels Tylor looks down on Rebma and treats it poorly. Which is a complete crock." Tsuwabuki says, "Hmm, we'd best take a look." Tsuwabuki rises and quickly clambers up into the higher branches. Shizumaru looks to Hiko. Shizumaru looks to Hiko. "You should come up as well, and see if there is anything you can sense with the Heart of Flame." Hiko the Firechilde climbs the tree, and reaches out with her link to the Heart. Akemi pages, "Pattern charged flame is burning within the keep...and then it's gone" to you. Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's Pattern based... " Hiko the Firechilde asks, "An attack?" Hiko the Firechilde looks for smoke. Just as you all get up to look, the smoke and fire suddenly stops. The wind blows away the last of the smoke. It was pretty clear in the courtyard, rather than the palace. The fire out of sight beyond the ridge continues to burn, though. Shizumaru frowns. "What was that?" he muses. A little of the smoke blows your direction, wafting the smell of carrots and roast beef into your face. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Pattern charged flame... which reminds me of Gabrielle, for some reason." Shizumaru sniffs. "...it appears they were cooking dinner." Tsuwabuki says, "..." Hiko the Firechilde says, "It does smell good, but if they're able to generate pattern based fire..." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I'm SO at a loss here!" to Shizumaru In a page-pose to you, Shizumaru is too. @.@ Tsuwabuki says, "I'd like to hope they don't use the Pattern to cook their dinner. ^^;;;" Shizumaru nods absently. "A rather trivial use for the Pattern, I should say. What else would they do, heat their bathwater with it?" Tsuwabuki says, "On the other hand, it certainly did smell like it." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How is that possible?" Tsuwabuki asks, "To heat something using the Pattern, you mean?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I'm so afraid of screwing up... I'm almost terrified..." to Shizumaru Hiko the Firechilde says, "yes." Tsuwabuki says, "Not a hint of a clue." Gabrielle says, "OOC: Well, first you push someone onto it, then when they ignite, you can use them to heat stuff....." Hiko the Firechilde raises her eyebrows. Shizumaru pages, "Don't sweat it too much. o.o;" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "That's easy for you to say, King Hasimir... " to Shizumaru In a page-pose to you, Shizumaru griiiiiiiiiiiiins. Tsuwabuki says, "OOC Bwaha." Keiko says, "OOC: Welcome to 'Cooking With Chaosians'. You'll need a Pattern, and a Chaosian, and some steak strips..." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Well, we're stuck here 'til nightfall... how do you want to scout? Split up? Or as a team?" Tsuwabuki says, "Stick together. Once the sun goes down, we can circle around up onto the ridge, which should give us a chance to see what the other side of it looks like." Tsuwabuki asks, "Hmm, can you do a spell to give us better night vision?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I? I'm sure I could..." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Why do you keep asking me these things when you KNOW I'm so new at this...." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde ponders the question, mulling over spells in her head. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I'm almost ready to cry..." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde says, "...manipulation of light... I think I can do it..." Hiko the Firechilde spends the next few minutes trying out various spells in her head. Shizumaru OOCly says, "Pause. Or do stuff that doesn't involve me...." Akemi pages, "Ready to cry??" to you. Tsuwabuki says, "OOC Doh. Right, we'll wait for you 'afore we go up the ridge." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I don't have half a clue about how to run a mission, I don't have the spells books, I have no manuals to go off of, no prior gaming experience........." to Akemi Akemi pages, "You can pretty quickly figure out a spell to augment all of you's vision at night." to you. In a page-pose to you, Akemi hugs. "We all start not knowing squat, Trish." Akemi pages, "At least you haven't teleported into a wall like I did this summer :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "That's different, as it was dice based. This is ALL about ME as a role player." to Akemi kemi pages, "Ya just gotta believe in yourself. Even if you end up as a potato. :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I don't look good as a potato." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "This is seriously giving me a complex..." to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde says, "Okay... I think I got it... give me your hands." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Oh wait..." Akemi pages, "Just breathe deeply, and remember that when in doubt...run :)" to you. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Shizumaru? How good are you at spell casting?" Shizumaru shakes his head. "I know Power Words, I have use of the Seed of Power...and that is all." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Seed of Hope, rather." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Right... I'll have to cast it for you. Tsuwabuki-san?" Tsuwabuki says, "I am no sorceror." Tsuwabuki says, "Though I have trained in how to fight such." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How do you manage that?" Tsuwabuki says, "It's not easily summarized." Tsuwabuki says, "It's a matter of knowing enough about how their powers work to be able to avoid or neutralize them." Tsuwabuki says, "With perhaps the number one principle being, 'don't let them see you until after you've already hit them'" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Stealth... I see." Shizumaru smiles and nods faintly. "Sounds good." Tsuwabuki says, "Most mages are quite flimsy and die quickly if you hit them before they are ready." Hiko the Firechilde nods, a little ruefully. Tsuwabuki says, "A well-prepared and alert mage, on the other hand, is best avoided." Nothing else of note happens before the sun goes down, unless any of you have anything you want to do first. Shizumaru meditates. Hiko the Firechilde checks and rechecks all her defense spells. That night, the three of you slip through the forest, then up the steep ridge. The ridge itself is wedge shaped with the keep at the apex which sticks out into the sea. It's mostly barren of plant life except for grass and the occasional bush. Hiko the Firechilde looks around. Smoke continues to blow across the ridge in gusts; there's a strong wind coming from the northwest. Shizumaru comes to a halt at the ridge, blinking in puzzlement. "...and now, I cannot sense the forest, even though I can still see it...." The wall of the Keep which faces the ridge is made of iron and has huge iron gates in it, each marked with a pentagon. Beyond the ridge, you can see a endless ocean of fire burning without fuel, producing copious amounts of smoke. The fire seems to come almost to the ridge top, and you aren't sure if it's just an ocean of fire or if something is ultimately at the bottom of it. There still aren't any guards up on the walls. Hiko the Firechilde says, "The Fire Shadow..." Hiko the Firechilde reaches out with the Heart. The night sky, oddly, has no stars, just a huge grey moon. The funkiest thing is that you can't sense any fire there, even though you can SEE it. However, you can detect dozens of small flames inside the keep. Tsuwabuki says, "I suppose the sky above us must be the air shadow." Hiko the Firechilde reaches out and tries to quell the fires in that shadow just slightly... Tsuwabuki looks at the Keep and frowns. "Any sort of glowing trump creatures should show up like beacons, but I still haven't seen any..." Akemi pages, "Nothing happens, which is very strange." to you. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm not getting any sensation of fire from that place..." Shizumaru simply stands there quietly, waiting to do...something. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Shizumaru... the sense you get from the forest... describe it again?" Shizumaru looks heavenward in thought, and recounts the sensations. "When we were in the forest, the forest was everything. I could see the Keep, but it was not truly there. The ocean, it was not there. The ridge--not there either. But once we crossed the threshold of the ridge...the forest ceased to be. Like with the Keep before, while in the forest, I could see the forest, but sense none of it." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Then the Fire shadow should feel the same to me." Shizumaru shifts his gaze to Hiko. "Yes, Cousin. Provided you could enter that Shadow and not be burned to death." Hiko the Firechilde smiles. "I am a child of fire." Tsuwabuki listens quietly, then kneels and starts scratching things in the dirt. Hiko the Firechilde says, "But I have developed spells and defenses against fire..." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What is it, Tsuwabuki-san?" Tsuwabuki says, "I'm thinking about how the shadows meet here and what that means." Hiko the Firechilde looks at Tsuwabuki's scratchings. "Keep of the 5 Worlds... five different shadows all converging in the same place." Tsuwabuki says, "From what you've said, I'd guess we've been in three different shadows today; the boundaries must be thin enough to let us through, although stopping your powers from reaching through as well." Hiko the Firechilde nods. Tsuwabuki says, "Each of those shadows would overlap if they actually existed in the same space, which is why you felt only forest in the forest one." Shizumaru nods slowly, trying to understand. Tsuwabuki says, "If they all meet at the Keep, you could probably reach into any of them from it." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Which makes it impossible to sneak up on it, as they'd be able to reach into any shadow... very clever." Shizumaru frowns. "So what do you suggest we do, then?" Tsuwabuki looks thoughtful. Tsuwabuki says, "I'd like to get inside, but I'm wary of just trying to climb the walls. " Tsuwabuki says, "Or at least to get a good look over the walls." Hiko the Firechilde smiles mirthlessly. "Too bad we can't trump inside." Tsuwabuki says, "I wish there were some trees up on this ridge or something, but there's no good way to get any elevation." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Trees? I'd ask Shizumaru about that, but wouldn't it call attention to our presence?" Shizumaru nods. "I could try, but...the sudden appearance of a tree here would certainly be noticed." Tsuwabuki says, "Unfortunately, yes." Tsuwabuki pokes the ground a bit, then frowns. "And digging a tunnel would be too risky and take too long." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Pull out the disguises?" Tsuwabuki nods. Hiko the Firechilde activates her 'Ataru' disguise. Shizumaru pulls out his headband, puts it on, and turns into the short, dark-skinned punk dude. Tsuwabuki waits for Hiko to disguise him, as he has no way to disguise himself. AtaruHiko activates Tsuwabuki's disguise. Punkboy Shizu-kun nods. "Shall we continue, then?" he asks, in his usual polite tone. Action Hero Tsu-kun says, "We shall." AtaruHiko grunts. Action Hero Tsu-kun gets out his climbing gear from his pack, humming softly to himself. AtaruHiko nods, looking around again. Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "Are we up next to the wall by now?" Action Hero Tsu-kun says, "OOC You haven't advanced yet, since Hiko hasn't given the order. He's just getting his stuff ready :)" Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly ahs. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Move out, men! And Pedro! Bring me a Mai Tai!" Punkboy Shizu-kun eyes the walls, seeing if there might be any good grips and footholds in the stone. AtaruHiko eyes the surrounding areas. Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly should probably head off to bed real soon. Action Hero Tsu-kun says, "OOC Okay, we can cut here before you break in." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "It's okay... I'm losing steam, too." Action Hero Tsu-kun asks, "OOC Wil you both be on tomorrow?" Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly nods. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "It'll give me time to panic." AtaruHiko says, "Nope." [CONTINUED ANOTHER DAY] AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "We ready?" Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly nods. The three of you begin quickly climbing up the wall with Tsu's climbing equipment. This is easy for Tsuwabuki and Shizumaru, and harder for Hiko, who isn't as strong as the two of you are. Akemi pages, "You can feel huge amounts of energy somewhere beyond the wall, so strong your raw psyche can just FEEL it." to you. AtaruHiko struggles her way up the rope, cursing the lack of muscles... AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Wait! Need to log!" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Got it... continue." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What kind of energy?" to Akemi Punkboy Shizu-kun casts downward glances at Hiko, a bit concernedly. AtaruHiko says, "'M okay... " Once you reach the top of the wall, you can see the keep walls have a long walkway along the edge all the way around. A pentagonal palace sits in one of the corners of the courtyard, but the courtyard is dominated by a huge pentagonal well which sits in the middle of it Roiling multi-colored energies surge, ebbing and flowing randomly, constantly threatening to spill out of it, but never quite doing so. Punkboy Shizu-kun gazes at the scenery with interest--making sure to look for any sentries that might be out and about, on patrol. AtaruHiko expresses surprise, but doesn't say anything. The ground of the courtyard is divided into five equal parts--one with green rock, one with blue, one with clear crystal, one with red and one shod with iron. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What kind of energy?" to Akemi The burnt remains of a table lie on the blue section, near the palace, which is in the blue quadrant. Akemi pages, "You don't know." to you. Akemi pages, "You can just feel POWER POWER POWER POWER" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I manipulate it?" to Akemi AtaruHiko asks, "What is that?" Akemi pages, "Gonna try using the Heart or your Spikard?" to you. Action Tsu-kun says, "I don't know" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Not yet... I'd try the Spikard first, as it controls energy, yes?" to Akemi Action Tsu-kun looks half-hypnotized by the constantly changing, surging energy. AtaruHiko snaps his fingers in front of Tsu's face. "Wake up." Akemi pages, "It controls energy magic, which can be used to then manipulate energy." to you. Keiko exclaims, "OOC: The colours, man! The colours! I can taste the music!" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How do I feel about the energy?" to Akemi AtaruHiko shakes Tsu-san. Punkboy Shizu-kun frowns. "Where should we begin?" Corrine of Amber OOCly says, ""Have you ever been red? Pure red, the color?"" Akemi pages, "It makes you nervous." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What kind of nervous?" to Akemi AtaruHiko stands directly in front of Tsu-san. "Snap out of it." Akemi pages, "nervous nervous. Sort of like you drank five pots of coffee in one continuous gulp :)" to you. Action Tsu-kun shakes his head and turns to look down at the burnt table. "That must be what we saw burning earlier." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ah... like how I felt after having tons of caffeine on the way to Vegas?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "I would guess, since I wasn't you and didn't have that experience...:)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I had an idea... can I sense fire impressions? Like take an impression of what a fire was burning before it burnt it?" to Akemi Action Tsu-kun asks, "Hiko, can you figure out what is in that well?" AtaruHiko asks, "You okay, Man?" Akemi pages, "Yeah, you could do that with the Heart." to you. Punkboy Shizu-kun nods absently. "Why would they be burning a table, though? Certainly they could get firewood from somewhere around." AtaruHiko says, "Trying..." Action Tsu-kun says, "I'm fine. I just...that thing is like that weird toy of Nanami's." AtaruHiko reaches out with her Heart towards the burnt table. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Impressions, please? What was burning?" to Akemi AtaruHiko says, "Makes me nervous..." Akemi pages, "Mahogany table which had a five course dinner laid out on it. Roast beef, soup, vegetables, breads, and spiced mead" to you. AtaruHiko snorts. Akemi pages, "Also, fine silverware got melted to slag too." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I tell who was around the table when it happened?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Or what started the fire?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "They didn't burn, so unfortunately no. The fire was started by it being Pattern Gated in from the adjacent shadow of fire." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I trace where the fire came from? Which Pattern?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "The resonance from the fire matches that of the Gabrielle device you carry, so you'd guess someone with a Gabrielle link was here." to you. AtaruHiko says, "Someone had dinner. It burnt." Five vortexes of multi-colored energy rise out of the well and begin to dance about in an elaborate pattern on top of the surging energies. AtaruHiko reaches out with an outstretched hand. Action Tsu-kun asks, "What, one of those foods you serve on fire that got out of hand?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What do I sense with the spikard?" to Akemi AtaruHiko says, "Brought by Pattern. Burnt." Punkboy Shizu-kun extends his senses out toward the swirls of energy, as well. AtaruHiko asks, "Shizumaru... anyone near by?" AtaruHiko says, "Similar feeling to Gabrielle... " Akemi pages, "You can sense that the stuff in the well is fairly susceptible to manipulation by your spikard, but you're not sure what sort of energy it is." to you. Akemi pages, "Possibly a mix of many kinds" to you. Action Tsu-kun asks, "To who?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Quell it... slightly so it doesn't spill out towards us... not big enough to overwhelm the place." to Akemi AtaruHiko says, "Don't know yet." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And away from the Table." to Akemi AtaruHiko walks towards the table and the well, her hand outstretched. Punkboy Shizu-kun shakes his head. "I have seen no one around, Cousin." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Er... important question... did we climb down off of the wall into the courtyard yet?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC You're still up on the parapet right now." AtaruHiko walks around the perimeter of the wall towards the blue quadrant with the table. AtaruHiko says, "Need to get closer." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What kind of psychic impressions can I take?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You need to get down close to the table to get a psychic impression from it." to you. Punkboy Shizu-kun advances slightly. "The well feels like...it is full of life. As if it were overflowing with plants, even though it does not look so." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hmm? What do I feel from it?" to Akemi AtaruHiko walks back, unhooking the rappeling hook and carries it over to the part near the blue quadrant. He secures one end, then lets the rope dangle down below, preferably not IN the blue part... Akemi pages, "You're up on the wall, you need to get down off the wall to get a psychic impression." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I know, but I was talking bout the well... Shizumaru got an impression from the energy." to Akemi Action Tsu-kun frowns and looks confused. Akemi pages, "As I told you, it seems to be a mixture of energies to you." to you. Akemi pages, "As I told you before when you examined it :)" to you. Punkboy Shizu-kun glances at Tsuwabuki. "What is wrong, Tsuwabuki-dono?" Action Tsu-kun says, "This constant weird light show is making my head hurt." Punkboy Shizu-kun nods slowly. "Cousin," he says, now turning to Hiko, "might there be anything you could do to help him with that?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Whoops..." to Akemi AtaruHiko walks over to Tsu-kun, rapidly building a psychic barrier for him. Akemi pages, "Your rope will let you down into the green quadrant." to you. Action Tsu-kun nods. "Thank you." AtaruHiko puts one hand on either side of his head and casts the spell for him. Akemi pages, "It is at this moment you realize there are five moons, each in a different part of the sky, to be seen high above, where you saw only one on your way here." to you and Shizumaru. AtaruHiko says, "Shizumaru... if my hunch is right, each of those quadrants corresponds to a shadow, and each of those shadows corresponds to an Icon." Punkboy Shizu-kun glances skyward in puzzlement, then shakes his head. "This is a strange place," he mutters. He looks down at the mentioned areas, and nods. "That would seem to make sense." AtaruHiko says, "We two are best equipped to investigate. I suggest that Tsu-kun stay on the parapet and keep watch for us." Action Tsu-kun nods and pulls his folding crossbow out of his pack. Action Tsu-kun quickly assembles it, then sits down to watch. AtaruHiko turns to another hook and unhooks it from the wall. "I'll go to the red, you in the green. Meet in the middle near the well... and see if you can drag that table with you." AtaruHiko clasps hands with Shizumaru. "Be careful." He walks around the parapet towards the red quadrant. Oh, they're arranged around the well in this order: Blue--White--Red--Iron--Green--Blue Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Again, where exactly is this table?" to Akemi Punkboy Shizu-kun nods solemnly to Hiko, then takes some of the climbing equipment and circles around on the parapet until he reaches the green area. The shorter way around, of course. Akemi pages, "In the blue quadrant near the border with the Green one." to you. AtaruHiko says, as he passes Tsu-kun, "Trump Miki if you need back up. Your head feeling better?" Action Tsu-kun says, "I feel better." AtaruHiko nods, and continues around towards the red, where he secures his line, then lets the rope down. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Shields up, Mr. Biles..." to Akemi You both climb down and circle round without any trouble. The five vortexes continue their dance. AtaruHiko touches down in the red quadrant. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What does it look like exactly? I wish I had a picture to go off of..." to Akemi Punkboy Shizu-kun quickly descends to the green surface and cautiously touches his foot on it. Akemi pages, "What does what look like? The red stone? The well? the table?" to you. It feels like wood, but looks like stone, Shizumaru realizes. Punkboy Shizu-kun lightly jumps down onto the ground and kneels on it, touching his hand to the surface, and trying to feel the entire quadrant with his sense, all the way up to the well. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "The part of the quadrant that's red. " to Akemi AtaruHiko walks around, reaching out with all her senses. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Er, shouldn't that be pentrant or quintrant?" Akemi pages, "Red sandstone. Oddly, it registers as flame to your magical senses, but doesn't burn or give off heat." to you. Punkboy Shizu-kun nods to himself, then stands up and cautiously advances toward the well, in the center. He gauges to see if he can reach the burnt table with his umbrella without stepping into the blue quadrant. Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Quadrant, Quintet, whatever...:)" Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "Eh, whatever. :)" Shizumaru's umbrella proves to be too short. [spoofed by Akemi] Punkboy Shizu-kun stops, and frowns, then looks at the rope that he climbed down. Possibly he could hook the table with that thing and pull it over? Akemi pages, "there's not much of interest in your quadrant, other than a few ashes that have no obvious origin point." to you. Yes, you could if you take it off the wall. Punkboy Shizu-kun returns to the wall, dislodges the hook from the top with a shake of the rope, catches the hook so that it doesn't clatter on the ground and make too much noise, then advances toward the table. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I sense who brought the table in from HERE?" to Akemi You easily snag the table's remains and pull it over to you. It's heavily burnt and some of the legs have collapsed. There's metal and burnt food fused to the remains in disgusting puddles. Akemi pages, "To take a psychic impression, you need to be right next to the table. You are not." to you. AtaruHiko walks over to the border nearest the white quintrant and reaches a hand over. AtaruHiko calls over, "I kinda wanted to see the table myself..." Akemi pages, "The white quadrant seems devoid of energy." to you. AtaruHiko puts one foot over the line. Action Tsu-kun laughs faintly. Nothing happens when you put one foot in. Punkboy Shizu-kun wrinkles his nose, while pulling it over more securely onto the green region. He scans it, trying to sense any strange energies he might find from it. "I will bring it closer, Cousin." Akemi pages, "The wood was burnt by pattern energies, the Seed tellsyou." to you. Akemi pages, "DOH, Mispage" to you. AtaruHiko takes a deep breath and steps over the line into the white section. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Still, useful info." to Akemi Punkboy Shizu-kun pauses, and looks up to Tsuwabuki. "What is it?" he asks, trying not to raise his voice louder than necessary for the words to carry over to the man still up on the parapets. You're now in the white section. The crystal is a little slick. Action Tsu-kun just shakes his head and puts his finger to his lips. AtaruHiko walks carefully over the area. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What do I sense over here?" to Akemi You easily reach the border with the Blue Sector. Punkboy Shizu-kun blinks, then nods. He looks back at the table, and tentatively touches it with a finger. Akemi pages, "The blue sector has no particular energies at work." to you. It feels like burnt Mahogany. It's now fairly cool. AtaruHiko walks over to Shizumaru in the Green sector. AtaruHiko says, "It's safe to move." You circle around without any trouble. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I trace the Fire Pattern energy now?" to Akemi Punkboy Shizu-kun nods, and then moves away from the table, to allow Hiko to examine it as she wishes. AtaruHiko stands next to the table. AtaruHiko watches the well carefully. Akemi pages, "Running a check, you're quite sure a Gabrielle extension was used to generate the fire, and it was probably Corrine who did it." to you. Five more vortexes pop up and join the first five in an even more elaborate dance. Punkboy Shizu-kun turns and watches the energy swirls warily. AtaruHiko says, "Corrine was here." AtaruHiko says, "I hope Gabrielle's okay." Punkboy Shizu-kun looks at Hiko, surprised. "Aunt Corrine was here? How long ago, can you tell?" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Well?" Mercutio pages, "Y'know, you are carrying a manifestation." to you. Akemi pages, "It would have been when you saw the big poof of flame and smoke rise in the Keep, a few hours ago." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I KNOW, but this is a stealth mission, and she ain't very stealthy." to Mercutio AtaruHiko says, "When we saw the smoke in the Keep." Punkboy Shizu-kun stares. "...you mean to say, we just missed her? By hours?" Mercutio pages, "Well, Gabby is amazingly distracted right now. If you need to talk to her, you'll have to call. Although she'll probably show up on her own accord if you convert the ring into a weapon and start blasting." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And I'd rather not get burnt by Pattern Fire, thanks." to Mercutio AtaruHiko says, "Sounds like it. I'm glad she's alive." AtaruHiko says, "Last time I saw her, she'd been abducted by a squid." Punkboy Shizu-kun nods slowly, looking a bit disappointed. "I am too. I only wish we could have seen her.... A squid...." He shakes his head. "I will have to ask about that. Another time, though." AtaruHiko says, "It's how I met Gabrielle." AtaruHiko places her attention on the well at the moment. AtaruHiko asks, "What kind of energy did you say that was?" Punkboy Shizu-kun sighs, and similarly turns to watch the well. "Hm? I felt a lot of life energy there. It burgeons with it." AtaruHiko says, "It makes me nervous." AtaruHiko asks, "Can you control it?" AtaruHiko says, "I wonder how this ties into Annadil." Punkboy Shizu-kun frowns, and reaches a hand out toward it. He tries to make a small spark of energy rise out and hover in the air, a few feet above the mouth of the well. Some of the energy splashes up into the air and turns into a rose, which then floats in the air over the well AtaruHiko says, "Very nice..." AtaruHiko says, "Must investigate some more." Punkboy Shizu-kun blinks. "I did not tell it to become a flower...it looks pretty, but makes me somewhat uneasy." He considers this. "I have some control over the energy, but we should not depend on that." AtaruHiko nods. "Let me try." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Why does it like him more than me? Am I not cute enough?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Maybe it likes flowers? :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Feh..." to Akemi AtaruHiko waits for Shizumaru to relinquish control. Punkboy Shizu-kun steps back and nods to Hiko. The rose falls into the energy and dissolves. AtaruHiko reaches out with the hand with the spikard on it. Akemi pages, "Whatcha gonna do?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Quell the well, Mr. Biles." to Akemi Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "Hiko's got a spikard? o.o" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Hiko's got a spikard. ^_^" Akemi pages, "You try to quell the well, but as you push, the well pushes back; it doesn't want to be quelled." to you. Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "Tell me about it sometime. :)" The well begins to churn more frantically. The dance of the vortexes turns into more of a mosh pit. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Create small flame cresting at the top?" to Akemi AtaruHiko frowns. Then some of the energy spirals upwards and forms into a floating flame. The surges quiet down. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Make it dance?" to Akemi The flame begins to dance. Punkboy Shizu-kun raises a hand, preparing to push the flames back mentally, just in case. AtaruHiko nods, and lowers her hand, dispelling the flame. AtaruHiko says, "Magic based... I think that's why you couldn't control it well." Punkboy Shizu-kun nods silently. "So...what should we do now?" AtaruHiko says, "Investigate. I think we should find out who's using this fortress as their base and what they plan to do." "Right," Shizumaru answers, then casts about the courtyard, looking for an entrance into the Keep. Autolyca OOC night all! AtaruHiko says, "I also think we should find out what Corrine was doing here... if she was indeed here, as I think she was, then I think the enemy forces may be gone... or perhaps they're what made her leave in a hurry." AtaruHiko blinks. Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly waves. AtaruHiko returns to the red quintrant to climb the rope again, to tell Tsu-kun what they found out regarding the quadrant and the well. The Keep building itself has five doors, one on each of its five faces, and one window in the middle of each of its five, five-storied sides. Hiko climbs up without any trouble. Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "I'm starting to detect a pattern." Punkboy Shizu-kun heads over toward the building, and searches for the door that seems to be attuned to Wood. Action Tsu-kun listens to Hiko's report. "Perhaps that's where Corrine has been...she may have decided to investigate. For that matter, she might be captive here." You find that door with ease. It's made of solid oak with a simple wooden latch. AtaruHiko raises the hand with the carbuncle on it. "We can contact Gabrielle. I believe she's the one who brought the food in." Punkboy Shizu-kun stands by the door and waits for Hiko to return, before doing anything further. Action Tsu-kun asks, "Do you think anyone could intercept the message? Is this magical? Trump? Pattern?" AtaruHiko says, "Pattern." AtaruHiko says, "I'd need to return to the ship to do this safely." Action Tsu-kun says, "Probably safe to use then, as I rather doubt Annadil can spy on Pattern powers." Action Tsu-kun frowns. "We'd best wait, then, as I don't trust us breaking in this easily twice in a row." AtaruHiko says, "The fire that slagged the table was caused by a manifestion similar to Gabrielle's." Mercutio pages, "*sigh* I promise Gabrielle will behave herself. The shi was caused by outside interference." to you. AtaruHiko tells Tsu-kun her plan. "Keep watch for us again? And do you have a coin or a spoon with you?" Action Tsu-kun pulls out a coin. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Could I build a spell on an item, when if thrown hard to the ground would send me a message?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Yes." to you. AtaruHiko takes the coin. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Do it." to Akemi Akemi pages, "Pretty easily with the Spikard." to you. Akemi pages, "You do so." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I love having it..." to Akemi AtaruHiko gives it back to Tsu-kun. "If you throw this really hard to the ground, it will let me know that you need me. I'll try and get back here as soon as possible." He makes one for Shizumaru as well. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Code Tsu-kun as a bird's cry, Shizumaru as a wolf's howl." to Akemi Akemi pages, "Righto." to you. Action Tsu-kun nods. "Right." AtaruHiko climbs down, and makes her way to Shizumaru, explaining how the coin works. "I don't trust Trumps as a form of communication. How good is your time sense?" Punkboy Shizu-kun accepts the coin. "My sense of time is rather steady, fortunately." AtaruHiko nods. "Take one hour, no more. Meet back here. If you need me, call." AtaruHiko heads for the door that is coded for fire. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Walkie Talkies would be useful, but I don't have conjuration... feh!" to Akemi Punkboy Shizu-kun turns and approaches the Wood door again, and cautiously tries to open it. AtaruHiko tries to open his door as well. The Fire Door is made of copper and is engraved to look like it's made of millions of tiny tongues of flame. It opens easily. AtaruHiko goes through. Shizumaru also has no trouble. [spoofed by Akemi] AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "How we gonna do this? Just ignore what the other is saying?" Punkboy Shizu-kun enters cautiously, and looks around for any signs of life. Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Hmm. I probably should pull one of my puppets in from the Keep and send one of you into one of my other rooms and run you by puppet." Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC As otherwise, it will likely get confusing for you two." Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly nods. Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Or I can run one of you by page." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "I'd say... but I think the other room idea would work best." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Drew, how long you good for tonight?" Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "Hmm. Probably not too much longer, actually." Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "Thirty minutes or so." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Call it a night, then? Continue tomorrow? I can always tape Buffy/Angel." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "I get off of work at six PST." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "I really think we need to do both of these at the same time." Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "Sure." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "So, that's a wrap! Strike the set!" *** Foxtrot goes OOC. *** [LAST SECTION UP NEXT! SPONSORED BY 1,000 ELEPHANTS!] Action Tsu-kun goes IC. Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "Whenever you're ready. Oh...we're splitting up, right?" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Okay... recap, please?" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Yeah, we're splitting up." Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Yes. I'm going to send my puppet into 'Arden'" Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "We just entered our respective doors, and are starting to explore the Keep." Punkboy Shizu-kun OOCly says, "I'll go into Arden." Shizumaru has left. Michelle has left. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Okay, I'm ready, John." AtaruHiko peers in through the door she just opened. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "How bad is it that I didn't give myself a way to contact the others if I need it?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC We shall see." Beyond the door is a long sandstone hallway lined with doors. A staircase goes up right inside the entrance off to your right. AtaruHiko looks for light sources. AtaruHiko also looks for a piece of wood or something. There is no wood. The walls glow redly. AtaruHiko walks through, reaching out with her senses to see what she can "see". Your senses are fogged by the massive thrum of power from the building. The power levels do seem to rise as you 'gaze' deeper into the building. AtaruHiko ughs... and turns down the ability, limiting it to a ten yard radius around her. AtaruHiko walks slowly past the doors, trying to sense signs of live inside. You begin to hear diffuse music coming from all directions as you move into the building. While you sense no signs of life, you do sense all sorts of pulses of energy from beyond the doors. Some thought and study makes you think each room holds a different form of energy--fire, lightning, radiation, etc. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "How many doors in this hallway? How far down do they extend?" You can see about two dozen doors. The hallway ends at a door. AtaruHiko goes to the door and "peers" inside it. The door grows a hand and tries to poke you in the eyes. AtaruHiko is startled, and steps back. "Hello?" The door does not speak. AtaruHiko examines it with her magic. The door is made out of some sort of solid fire, you think. It does seem to have a mind. AtaruHiko tries to attempt mind contact. It's hard to grasp the mind of a fire, but it seems to expect some sort of pass sign. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "What would it take to 'pick' the lock?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Several options--" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC you could try to extract the 'pass' from it, then give it back to it." Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC you could try to use the heart to simply reshape the door, since it is made of fire" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Hmm.... option #2 would be too intrusive, and might trip any alarms." Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Or you could try finding past psychic imprssions to see what people have done in the past to get by it." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Take the last." You weave a spell to pull up past impressions, and you see a young woman with long black hair in white and red robes come up to the door, hold out her hand, and create a small phoenix of flame in it. The door then opened. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Any others?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC any others have been obliterated by the constant thrum of power." AtaruHiko attempts to recreate the phoenix she saw in the spell. You call up the little phoenix, and the door swings open for you. Beyond the door is a basalt bridge arching over a huge pool of lava. At the far end of the bridge is a natural appearing tunnel into volcanic rock. A massive wall of heat roils through the door, although with the Heart, you aren't bothered by it. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Again, power thrum oblilterates who's been here before?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Yep." AtaruHiko approaches the bridge carefully, testing her footing on it. Rod pages, "thought you said you'd change it to 'his' since your disguise is a dude.... just an observation..." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I know... it's easier to catch it in the logs." to Rod It's quite solid. However, as you start up the bridge, the heat shimmers and a knight clad in basalt armor appears on the bridge. "None shall pass," he says. AtaruHiko says, "I figured as much." AtaruHiko asks, "What's your name?" He says nothing. AtaruHiko asks, "What do I need to do if I want to pass?" Gabrielle says, "OOC: Tell him your name is Patricia None? ^_^" "None shall pass." AtaruHiko says, "Right then." AtaruHiko turns around and goes back out the door. You are back in the long hallway. AtaruHiko goes to the staircase and goes up. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You ever had that happen before? ^_^" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Heh." to you. The second story is just like the first, except now the staircase up is on the left, not the right. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "More doors?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Yes." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "And what's in these doors?" More forms of energy lie beyond these doors if your senses do not lie to you. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "What kinds? And again, a door at the end of the hallway?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Gamma Rays, Q-Rays, Mashed Potato Beams, all sorts of weird energies you've never even heard of before." Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC And ending in a door." AtaruHiko goes to the door and examines it to see if it's the same kind of door as the one below. Yep, it's made of the same stuff. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "And the same kind of locking mechanism?" Action Tsu-kun asks, "OOC You don't know. Do you try showing a phoenix?" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Do the past impressions thing." You see something fairly similar to the one before, including the phoenix, although this time the woman has her hair up in a bun. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Is she older? Younger?" Autolyca exclaims, "OOC Night all!" Autolyca pages, "Have a good game, luv" to you. Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC She doesn't look particularly older, she's just done her hair up differently in this impression." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Okay... do the phoenix thing again." The door opens for you, revealing...a huge open grassy field in which hundreds of humans are busily building a giant pyre, dozens of feet tall. Looks like it will be one heck of a bonfire. They seem blissfully unaware of your presence, and they are dressed in strange garb the like of which you're not used to. AtaruHiko pulls her SEP field around her and walks through trying to figure out what's going on, snooping in on conversations. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "How strange? Describe it?" As you enter, you can see the doorway you came in behind as a circle of silver light. There's another one about three hundred feet past the bonfire-to-be. Most of them wear short tunics and trousers with writing all over the tunics in strange runes you're not familiar with. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "They saying anything?" The men and women dress in pretty much the same style of clothing, except for a handful of men who wear uniforms that look vaguely military to you, and a handful of the women who are wearing more feminine garb. They're discussing whether they can get the bonfire even taller this year than last year. Some of them seem to be discussing some sort of sport known as 'football' AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "And the militaryguys?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Same as the others. They're unarmed, so it may be that their clothing just looks military." AtaruHiko walks to the other door and tries to get out of the room that way. You pass through the portal into a small temple, pentagonal in shape, centered around a large bonfire. Five doors lead out of it. The woman you saw before kneels by the fire, praying. The place reminds you a little of the temples of your youth. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "What does she look like?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC She looks to be in her teenage years, with long black hair down nearly to her butt, dressed in white and red robes that cover most of her body except for neck, face, hands, and feet. " She's faced the wrong way for you to see her eyes. AtaruHiko decides to watch and listen... to see if she'll leave or go anywhere or do something. The woman prays for a while in some strange tongue, and then you begin to see images form in the flame. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "What does the language sound like." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How you doing?" to Shizumaru Shizumaru pages, "Okay, so far. I think." to you. Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC I lack the proper vocabulary to describe how languages sound. Fairly fluid with intonations." You see Nagisa riding a dolphin across the waters, and behind him, tentacles rise up out of the ground and pull Rebma down into the depths of the earth. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Well, you haven't called, so that's a good thing." to Shizumaru In a page-pose to you, Shizumaru nods. You see Shaft banging his head against a wall until the wall breaks, then running off screaming. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Er, isn't Rebma in the sea already?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Yes. I'm talking down into the ground." Corrine OOCly I beleive he means into the sea bed. Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Since the ocean has ground under it...yeah, Phil said it better than me." You see Corrine running around screaming with a squid on her head. It seems to be trying to suck out her brain. Corrine OOCly says, "......." Dara snickers OOCly. :) AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "What kind of images are these? Things to come or things that have happened?" You see a giant Annadil striding across Arden. He holds a Patternblade in one hand, and a Logrusfoil in the other. Where he smites the earth, red fungus grows, devouring everything. Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC You don't know." You see Nanami with Touga on a leash, him acting like a dog, as she walks arm in arm with Makoto. Then dozens of images flit by of people you don't know, from the surreal to the serious. Finally, you see the nightsky of Amber as seen from the slopes of Kolvir. One of the brighter stars falls, plummeting into the sea down south along the coast. And then the images fade. The woman stands, turns, and stares at you. AtaruHiko grunts. "Hey." The woman smiles faintly. "The Child of Fire. I should not have doubted." "The Day of Return must soon be upon us." AtaruHiko smiles, and shrugs. "Return?" 'The Child of Fire comes, knowing nothing, but bearing everything', the woman quotes. "This is the shrine of the Lightbringer, the Father of Suns, the great shrine of Fire. Here I tend the Eternal Flame, until the day when the way will be opened for him to return to the worlds from which He was so cruely thrust out by the Great Usurpers." AtaruHiko nods. "And what else does your knowledge tell you?" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Your way of saying, 'Leave the damn Heart at home', John?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC No. :)" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC It's just that actions have consequences :)" AtaruHiko OOCly thbbbbbbpts! "I know what is written in the Book of Fire. It says much of what was, what is, and what is to come, but it is often hard to interpret. What might it mean to say that 'The Love of Fire and Wood burns without consuming its fuel'? Or that 'The scars have faded but not healed'?" She shakes her head. "But I could discuss old prophecies all day." AtaruHiko asks, "Mind if I take a look at this book?" She leads you over to one wall, which has a niche which holds a very old book bound in red scales. She pulls it out and hands it to you. "Read and be enlightened." AtaruHiko opens the book to the first page. The book is written in strange runes you don't know...which them suddenly swim and change into ones you do know. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Handy, that." 'I am Nestor, High Priest of Fire, and these are the visions I have been granted by the Father of Fire, the Igniter of Suns, the One who Burns in the Darkness Eternally'. The book reminds you of the Prophecies of the Unicorn; it's a series of visions, organized by when they happened, rather than topic. You could spend quite a while reading this, if you choose to. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Scan for pertinent ones, pertaining to the return, the children, the Child of Fire, the act itself." "And lo, the Way shall be shut until the Man of Many Masks does come, leading the Children in chains. With chains that no one can touch or break he shall bind them, and thus the Way shall be opened." "And I saw Janus, the opener of the ways, and he had two faces, one of light and one of darkness. And those who gazed upon him saw what they wished to see, and thus he brought them to where they must go." "Concieved in hate, raised in despair, matured in fear, broken to the wheel, the Child of Fire comes to seek her destiny, to confront her father, to know why she was born. Only then will she be fit for the task." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Okay... there goes my idea for the one-on-one confrontation... " "Heart of Fire, Eye of Fire, Wheel of Fire. All these things are needed, for the world must burn, that a new, better world rise from the ashes. I see her as she dances destruction, as she cleanses the world of its chains, the chains laid upon it by Order, the coils wrapped round it by Chaos, and makes all things new. Burn, and let your rage explode." "Five Children, Four Keys, Three Worlds, Two Kings, and One Gate. Their time shall come when the Ravager returns, when the sea turns red, and when the world of water sinks from sight. Then shall be the Day of Return. Hail Janus!" "Four keys there are, each found a different way. One comes by his command. One comes by his victory. Another comes through trickery and the last is a fair trade. Soon, soon comes the day." Akemi pages, "Just making sure you're still alive and haven't been lag eaten or anything :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Alive." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Trying to absorb." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And figure out a way to get out without alarming her." to Akemi "What cares he for the City of Steel? His love is for another, and for her, he will do anything." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Oro? Who's that one about?" It doesn't say, but it just happens to catch your eye. "Bend down before the one you serve, you're going to get what you deserve." Corrine OOCly ...... "Who is the greater fool? The fool or the one who follows him?" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Please say that's a spoof..." Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC Nope." Corrine OOCly mutters depreciating things about Prophesies in general. "And I saw her, dancing in flames on the edge of a cliff, pursuing the vision of the shining city which floated just beyond its edge, fair Cathuria, the land of Dreams. And then she walked towards it on a bridge of flame, which crumbled. Her screams lasted forever." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "You unloading all the stuff you've got for me?" Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC There's A LOT of prophecies in this book, so I'm going to keep going until you shut the book, Trish :)" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "I said PERTINENT... oh, never mind." AtaruHiko shuts the book and replaces it. "Interesting." Action Tsu-kun says, "OOC They are pertinent :) AtaruHiko's head reels. AtaruHiko asks, "How did you learn of me? The book?" AtaruHiko says, "Where did you get it?'" She says, "It was passed down by generations of priests at this shrine. And as for how I learned of you, I learned it from the book and from my grandfather who trained me." AtaruHiko asks, "And how long have you been here?" She says, "I've been here for about a hundred years, but I've only been High Priestess for about ten." She looks thoughtful. "Would you like some tea?" AtaruHiko says, "I'm not that thirsty... but I would like a tour if you don't mind. There was a fellow downstairs who wouldn't let me in one of the doors. I'm rather curious about this place." She says, "Oh, you just have to walk around him." AtaruHiko asks, "Isn't he a guardian?" She goes and puts some tea on and leaves it to brew. "You are the Child of Fire. You have long been awaited." She looks around thoughtfully at the various doors, trying to decide where to start. AtaruHiko asks, "Do the other doors lead to other temples?" AtaruHiko asks, "And I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?" Akemi says, "My name is Rei." Akemi says, "OOC Doh." Gabrielle says, "OOC: Biiiiiiig shock." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Damn you, John! YOu leave Hino Rei OUT of this!" Priestess Rei says, "Each of the doors leads to a different floor of the temple." Priestess Rei says, "And to various connections to the dozens of worlds we draw strength from to sustain the Eternal Flame." AtaruHiko says, "I meant the other doors..." He nudges. "Outside." Priestess Rei says, "Oh, yes, many of the doors lead to various different worlds." Priestess Rei says, "Often to some place where some aspect of fire is worshiped." AtaruHiko smiles. "I meant the OTHER doors... the ones in the courtyard outside?" Priestess Rei says, "Oh, THOSE doors." Priestess Rei says, "Yes, they do." AtaruHiko asks, "Do you know the priests there?" Priestess Rei says, "Yes, of course." Priestess Rei says, "Since we all have to share access to the Font of Elements." AtaruHiko asks, "Which is that well outside, right?" Priestess Rei says, "Yes." Priestess Rei finally makes up her mind and heads towards one of the doors. "I think we'll start with this one." The doors lead into a room full of people running around screaming and shouting and laughing and crying and generally being hyper-emotional. She wends her way through the mob, dodging maniacs. AtaruHiko follows her path through. She leads you into another long hallway full of doors. But beyond these doors, you sense a variety of strong passions. Priestess Rei says, "This is the hallway of passions, for passion is one aspect of fire." Priestess Rei raps on one of the door. "For example, this is a world full of hate." Priestess Rei goes to another one. "This one is full of fear." [Akemi pages, "You sense something strangely familiar about that one." to you.] AtaruHiko slides her senses through the door. Priestess Rei says, "We had to make a new one after the old one broke, unfortunately." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Home?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Home. In fact, one of your favorite hiding places is just past the door." to you.] AtaruHiko gets a funny look on her face. "How long ago did it break? And what happened to it?" Priestess Rei says, "It was when I was very young. A very fearful man came to power, and he decided to kill everyone else before they could hurt him, and managed to cause the entire planet to explode." Priestess Rei says, "Which rendered the shadow no longer very useful to us." Priestess Rei says, "As floating chunks of rock know no fear." AtaruHiko nods. "So what happened after that?" Priestess Rei says, "I don't know most of the details, as I was very young, but apparently Grandfather hired someone to craft a new fear shadow for us." AtaruHiko asks, "Ah?" Priestess Rei says, "Oh what was that name...Nephren-Ka. Of the Courts of Chaos. That was it." AtaruHiko nods tautly. "So fire and passions fuel the well?" Priestess Rei says, "They fuel the Eternal Flame. The Font is fuelled by the Great Ones who these temples serve." AtaruHiko asks, "And where's the Eternal Flame?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How're you doing?" to Shizumaru Priestess Rei says, "It was the one I was praying in front of." AtaruHiko says, "Ah..." Shizumaru pages, "Doing pretty well, actually. Though I'm starting to get one of those Bad Feelings." to you. AtaruHiko (Well, I did want to scout... and so I am.) AtaruHiko speaks nonchalantly as she follows. "How is this all supposed to work? The Return?" She says, "Janus comes, he of many faces, and fathers the Five Children. Then he gathers the Four Keys and breaks the Elder Seal. When that is shattered, the Great Ones will come forth. There are many signs to predict his coming, such as him making himself the King of the Keep of the Five Worlds, by which we knew his coming." AtaruHiko asks, "Which he has done, right?" AtaruHiko blinks. "He 'fathers' the children?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Oh shite..." to Shizumaru Shizumaru pages, "What happened? o.o" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Interesting news here." to Shizumaru Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Will tell you all about it... it's a doozy." to Shizumaru Shizumaru pages, "Whee. o.o;;" to you. Mercutio pages, "I feel obliged at this point to remind you that, according to Gabrielle, both you AND Shaft, two seemingly unconnected people, both somehow ended up with the Blood of Chaos." to you. She nods. "He was here earlier today, with the Queen of the Sun, the Kinslayer, the Ravager Beast, and the Lover." She nods. "There's a passage that describes the five ways he fathers them, but I never quite remember it right." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I get it, I get it... " to Mercutio Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I'm not that dense, Merc." to Mercutio AtaruHiko asks, "Oh, and what did they do?" Mercutio pages, "Oh, i knew you'd get it. i was just pointing out one the nifty things John did to lead up to it." to you. AtaruHiko asks, "And when will he return again?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Is it possible for me to have put a tracer on Shizumaru and Tsuwabuki? Like a magical homing beacon where if I needed to, I could teleport to them?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Or is it too late to do that?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Too late." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "FUCK." to Akemi "He comes and goes like the wind. I believe he tried to invite them to dinner, but the Queen of the Sun set the food on fire." She shakes her head. "A waste of good food." She continues, "I believe one of the Queen's Efreet aided her escape; I felt a strange evil power when the Queen of the Sun called forth the flame." AtaruHiko asks, "Escape? Why did she need to escape?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Heh... Gabrieelle's now a strange and evil power..." to Mercutio "Apparently she felt threatened by the offer of a roast beef dinner. Perhaps she worships cows or some such strange thing." Mercutio pages, "Well, that's from Rei's standpoint. 'Strange' I'll give ya, though. ^_^" to you. AtaruHiko wonders idly if it was bison... Priestess Rei says, "OOC Heh." AtaruHiko says, "Well, this was all and lovely, but I can imagine you've got things to do now..." She shakes her head. "With you having come, preparing you for the Day of Return takes precedence." AtaruHiko says, "Unfortunately, I can't stay... I need to talk to the Queen of the Sun." She says, "You must be freed of your chains that you may aid in breaking the Chains of the Great Ones." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Yeah... this is the part where I make use of Hiko's Rule of Combat #1: Run like hell." Mercutio pages, "And suddenly Rei turns sinister, eh?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I knew this was going to happen eventually." to Mercutio Priestess Rei says, "OOC No problem. Where do you run to? There's two dozen doors and stairs down at the far end of the hallway." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Well, I think I need to create a distraction first... and I know just how to do it... waiting to see how Rei reacts first." [Hiko thinks to herself, "Gabrielle? Pulse the carbuncle's light if you can hear me." Akemi pages, "There is a distinct lack of pulsing." to you and Mercutio. Mercutio pages, "The carbuncle remains silent." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Shite!!!" to Akemi and Mercutio Mercutio pages, "Ah, John beat me." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "He took care of it" to Mercutio Mercutio pages, "You still sense an energy connection, though, which means your weapons still work." to you.] AtaruHiko bows. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Priestess Rei, and I shall return as I'm supposed to." AtaruHiko says, "But not just yet." She says, "Then I will accompany you. For this is much, much you must be taught. Fortunately, the shrine is mostly self-maintaining." Priestess Rei seems quite determined. AtaruHiko smiles. "That'll be fine with me... you lead the way, through that door." She points to the one with the shadow of fear. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Home turf... ^_^" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Probe psychic defenses?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Her mind is strong, but you think in a prolonged battle, you" to you'd win." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "could take her? Cool." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay... things are somewhat in hand now." to Shizumaru] [Or so she thinks. . . It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye ^_^] She opens the door and steps through. Shizumaru pages, "Cool. :) Everything's fine with me so far. I'm outside talking to Tsuwabuki at this point...quitting for now. Should sleep." to you. AtaruHiko follows, making sure she's not being followed, and the ring on her hand morphs into a crossbow. AtaruHiko closes the door. You stand in the secluded valley you sometimes came and hid in, as it was good for hunting. Too cold in winter, though. AtaruHiko breathes in the air, and coughs. "I'd forgotten about the smoke content." Priestess Rei seems unbothered by the smoke. "Fire generates smoke by its nature," she says. AtaruHiko asks, "I need to call someone... mind if I have a little privacy?" She nods and steps off to go look at some of the various plants. AtaruHiko pulls out her Trump of King Tylor. Tylor does not answer. AtaruHiko pulls out her Trump of Misato. The impression you get is that he's probably asleep. Misato does not answer. AtaruHiko pulls out her Trump of Nanami. The impression you get is that she's probably asleep. Nanami does not answer. The impression you get is that she's probably asleep. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "It's like night time, isn't it?" Priestess Rei says, "OOC Why yes, it is." AtaruHiko pull out her Trump of Miki. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And I am in a different shadow, ne?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You don't know. But it sure looks and feels like home." to you. Miki answers, looking groggy. "Hello, Hiko." He sounds a bit surprised. "Is it really safe to...that doesn't look like the Keep." He's on the deck of your ship. AtaruHiko says, "It's not. I have a person I think we need to talk to... she's a priestess at that Keep who knows a lot about Annadil's plans." Shaft says, "OC oi" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Hello... I'm not dead yet... in fact, I think I may have a prisoner." "Can you bring her to me?" he asks. Shaft says, "OOCly ahso. anything is indeed possible in this world ;)" AtaruHiko says, "Yes... have Rimururu standing by as well. We may need the backup should she prove recalcitrant." Gabrielle says, "OOC: Of course, you ditched poor Tsuwabuki and Shiz." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "I'm going back, you know..." He nods. "Alright." AtaruHiko calls to Rei. "You can come back now..." Priestess Rei comes your direction. AtaruHiko holds out her hand. "Take my hand, please?" Priestess Rei takes your hand. AtaruHiko holds out a hand to Miki. He takes your hand. AtaruHiko pulls herself and Rei through. Akemi pages, "You get a sudden feeling of BAD, BAD, BAD, BAD, DOOM, TROUBLE, BAD" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Shite!" to Akemi AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "There's no way I can take that back, can I?" Priestess Rei says, "OOC You have a splitsecond to do something before you're actually pulled through." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Pause." Priestess Rei says, "OOC Since you typed that before I could give you your warning :)" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Is there time to analyze where the doom's coming from?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And one uses the pattern to shadow walk, ne?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Yes, Pattern is used for Shadow Walking." to you. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, figuratively curses her typing fingers and her impatience. Priestess Rei says, "OOC No, you don't have time to analyze if you want to do something before you're pulled through." Priestess Rei says, "OOC Although it kicks in the instant you take his hand." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "I'm almost too tired to think about what I'm doing, which is bad... and it didn't kick in when I was talking to him?" Shaft OOCly passes the black coffee around.... Priestess Rei says, "OOC Nope." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Okay, drop hand, and the connection then." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Actually... drop hand, but not connection." You let go of his hand. Rei starts to turn rainbow colored, and so does the world around you. She seems to be trumping you. AtaruHiko says, "Trump Disrupt." You shout Trump Disrupt and the world turns normal again. Your connection to Miki crashes as well. And now she's trying to wrestle with you. It's very quickly obvious that she's substantially stronger than you. What you gonna do? AtaruHiko sends a fiery telepathic spike into her brain at the same time she raises the crossbow and fires in her face. You launch a fiery telepathic spike at the woman, but she ignores it. Meanwhile, with her superior strength, she wrestles your arm around so you put the shot through your own foot. AtaruHiko says, "Deep Freeze." Priestess Rei says, "OOC She's on you. A spell like that, you'll freeze yourself too." AtaruHiko struggles to get free. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Okay, cancel that. White Noise." AtaruHiko says, "Burst of Strength." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Pause... where's the page that has the list of weapons Gabrielle's ring turns into?" She seems blissfully oblivious to the white noise, but your burst of strength enables you to get into a slightly better position to hold her off, giving you more time. Gabrielle says, "I have it. Give me two seconds...." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Pause now please... thanks Merc." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Using Burst of Strength, how much stronger do I get? Again, thanks, Merc." Priestess Rei says, "OOC You get a brief burst of strength, which still leaves you weaker than her." Mercutio pages, "I reccomend the dagger, but that's just me." to you. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Okay... manuever away, shift to short sword, and attempt to slice a hand off." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "She's stronger than I am. I need more reach." to Mercutio Priestess Rei says, "OOC She's still got hold of your arms, which means you can't bring your weapon to bear effectively." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Give exact positioning, please?" Mercutio pages, "And just so you know; according to the rulebook, once they have you in a grapple and they're stronger, you cant'tjust move away." to you. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Am I in a bear hug? One arm behing my back? Forced down?" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Thanks... any other notes on the rulebook?" to Mercutio Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And what kind of grapple is it???" to Mercutio AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "You're being so nicely vague about this." Mercutio pages, "Yes. You're screwed. She's got her hands on you, she's immune to your Psyche stuff, AND she's stronger then you. Under the rules, the ONLY way you're getting out of this is to cut her or hit her with a weapon or teleport away." to you. Rod pages, "deep breath, dear, your stress is showing..." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "thought so. Thanks." to Mercutio Priestess Rei says, "OOC That's because Amber combat tends to be in relatively vague terms because the characters are so much better at it than we are." Mercutio pages, "The kind of grapple is up to her. There's only two kinds in Amber; Grappling to Subude, and Grappling to Kill." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Screw you Mr. Warfare. :P" to Rod AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Pause." Priestess Rei says, "OOC She has you in a hold from behind. Your left arm is behind your back, and your right arm is basically pressed to your side in such a way as to point the sword down your leg towards your right foot." Priestess Rei says, "OOC your right foot has a crossbow bolt in it." Keiko says, "OOC And generally, if you try to get very specific about what you're doing, you'll end up doing badly, because your character is much better at knowing what to do than you are. :)" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Thanks, JuriAv." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Burst of Strength, switch to dagger, try to shove it in her stomach." Mercutio pages, "I recommended the dagger because its small and you might be able to shove in her leg. Or stomach. Heh. ^_^" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I see. " to Mercutio Rod pages, "i take it rei's your match in psyche, then. o.o" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Merc's giving pointers. While this is helping a lot, is he supposed to?" to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It appears so." to Rod She twists and breaks your left arm, but you manage to slam your right arm back and stab her in the side, which makes her lose her grip on your right arm. Akemi pages, "Don't give her pointers, Merc. You're not there to give advice." to you and Mercutio. AtaruHiko twists her arm again and slashes again, while trying to kick her away. AtaruHiko grits her teeth against the pain. She uses your left arm to spin you around and slam you into a tree. This further breaks your arm. AtaruHiko raises her right arm and shifts to crossbow again and fires straight in her face. On the other hand, she's only holding on to you with one hand now, and you're about as far out of reach of her other arm as you can get. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "After recovering from being slammed into a tree, of course." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Endurance 4? I'm dead." to Akemi Akemi pages, "Oh, you can take more abuse than this :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I can?" to Akemi] Eudial wakes up. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Fight Scene, Sean... grab the popcorn." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "And why, oh why, is there not a grenade launcher on this?" AtaruHiko OOCly misses Sirena's blades and the shuriken launcher. You shift the weapon to the crossbow, but being slammed into a tree slows you down enough that by the time you try to shoot, she is driving a finger into your left eyesocket. Shaft says, "OOCly actually, the blood really woulda come in handy." AtaruHiko shifts to dagger again, and slices up towards her arm. She takes a nasty shot right through her left shoulder, and you squirt blood on her face. Your foot is starting to spurt blood as well. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "her, beign Rei's." AtaruHiko chants, "Heal... heal..." AtaruHiko screws one eye shut. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Well, actually Furana (the weapon blade) was also coated in Sirena's blood, too." She lets go of your broken arm and grabs your right wrist with her right hand. Now neither of you can use your left arm and you're both spurting blood profusely. AtaruHiko chants again, "Heal... heal..." AtaruHiko points with her useless arm towards the ground. "Sniper's Flame!" AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Points, moves, whatever..." The ground burns nicely. However, the priestess of Fire seems unconcerned by fire... AtaruHiko exclaims, "Teleport!" Priestess Rei asks, "OOC Where to?" AtaruHiko thinks really hard about the Courtyard in Amber. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "I mean REALLLY hard." As you begin to teleport, she kicks you really hard in the groin. REALLY HARD in the groin. The result is that as you appear in the courtyard of Castle Amber, you arc upwards, then plummet down one of the wells. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Like so hard, no one could divert me, hard." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "As long as she ends up there as well..." You are alone. AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "I mean, she's there in Amber... right?" Shaft says, "OOCly oops." AtaruHiko OOCLY says, "Shite... now Drew and Tsuwabuki are in danger..." AtaruHiko gurgles and treads water, and climbs up onto the bucket dangling into the well. AtaruHiko also bleeds, and SCREAMS for help. The cool water is soothing, but starting to turn red from your still bleeding wounds, and now you feel a dangerous lassitude starting to creep over you. Soon, Blake comes and looks down at you. "Hey, guys, there's a Chaos Demon in the well!" AtaruHiko exclaims, "Not Chaos Demon... it's me, Princess Hiko... get me the hell OUT of here!" Several more guards come and pull you up and out. AtaruHiko says, "Get Nanami..." AtaruHiko coughs and splutters. They look nervously at each other. "Wouldn't you rather we take you to Wasyuu for treatment?" AtaruHiko lays on her side and starts chanting a healing spell. AtaruHiko says, "Get Nanami." They wince and one of them runs off to get her. AtaruHiko lets the disguise spell dissipate and levels a glance at Blake. "Not one word." Blake says, "Oh, it's the werewolf lady." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes, it's me." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "How's the healing coming along?" Priestess Rei says, "OOC It takes a while for you to weave one from scratch, since it's not something your spikard or the Heart is designed to do." You hear a distant "This had better be DAMN GOOD!!!" in the voice of Nanami, sounding even more bitchy than usual due to being woken up at 3:30 in the morning. Priestess Rei says, "OOC However, the guards are going to work with mundane methods of saving you." Hiko the Firechilde checks her items... Trumps, Heart, Sword all intact? Nanami stalks into sight ahead of the cowering guards sent to fetch her, looking as though she's just eaten an entire lemon tree, with her hair up under a nightcap. "All right, what's so important?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Tsuwabuki in danger... if the priestess returns to the keep, she could have the other priests and priestesses alerted." Akemi pages, "You haven't lost anything, except a few pints of blood." to you. Hiko the Firechilde says, "You need to pull him, Shizumaru, Miki and the rest OUT of there." Nanami looks at the wounded Hiko and her expression softens fractionally; she looks confused. "Hiko? When did you get back? Where are Miki and Shizumaru and Tsuwabuk-kun--oh dear." Hiko the Firechilde says, "fought one of the priestesses... she kicked my ass..." Nanami frowns and shakes her head. "We can't. Tylor tried to Trump you earlier, when we found out Annadil was in control of the Keep from Corrine, and something ate his brain." Blake says, "She was in the form of some sort of chaos demon when she arrived. And now the well's full of blood. I bet the maids will just LOVE that." Hiko the Firechilde coughs. "Sorry." Nanami sits down beside Hiko, still looking really sour and unhappy, and begins applying healing magic. "Tell me what happened." She directs the guards to go and wake relevant people. Hiko the Firechilde tells the entire story, start to finish, with Prophecies and all. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Way to recap, ne? ^_^" Nanami says, "OOC: Quicker. :)" Priestess Rei says, "OOC Saves time :)" Gabrielle says, "OOC: It only works with NPC's, unfortunately. ^_^" "Well," Nanami says at the end of the story, speculatively. "Well, poop." Hiko the Firechilde says, "You said it..." Hiko the Firechilde starts to cry. Nanami looks at Hiko crying in the awkward way of people who are very bad at giving comfort. "Err... buck up, dear. Not all is lost. Stiff upper lip." She smiles in a completely unconvincing way, makes a motion to pat Hiko on the shoulder, and aborts it halfway through. "Err..." Hiko the Firechilde says, "...fucked everything up..." "Oh, no, not everything. Just some things." Nanami blanches. "I mean, everyone makes mistakes from time to time. I've even been known to on occasion. Why, one time, your mother..." She sighs, trails off, blinks sleepily, and then manages a very light pat on Hiko's shoulder. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "And on the plus side... I don't get captured. YAAAAY!" Priestess Rei says, "OOC You just leave Drew to his doom...:)" Shaft says, "OOCly and you thought you were gonna die...." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "I was GOING to go back for him..." Shaft OOCly blinks and hopes the next thing he DOESN'T hear when Shaft gets back to amber is "Find Shizumaru." Hiko the Firechilde slowly stops crying and sits up weakly. "You realize something, Nanami-san?" "What?" Nanami asks, with a faint hint of sourness she can't quite manage to conceal. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "We're the same age?" Nanami says, "Oh," looking relieved that there's less crying going on. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I feel old and young and stupid right now..." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "And maybe I shouldn't shout out my spells anymore... I'm starting to feel like Sailor Mars." Gabrielle asks, "OOC: You mean the one you just fought?" Nanami awkwardly pats Hiko on the shoulder again. Priestess Rei says, "OOC I think it's cool :" Hiko the Firechilde nods. "Let's get the rescue party organized." Hiko the Firechilde struggles to stand up. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "What's cool?" After a moment, Nanami helps her stand. Priestess Rei says, "OOC shouting your spells." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Why?" Priestess Rei says, "OOC Because it just is, inherently." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "the more I do it, the more it feels silly..." Voices rise in the distance again; Hiko's mother, and one of the guards. "Look, you don't understand, I'm not--" "You're Princess Juri, right?" "Yes, but..." Gabrielle says, "If you want to sound cool, I can send you the list of proper Occult phrasings for your Power Words." Juri comes into view in a robe, looking sleepy. She spots Hiko and Nanami and blinks. "Hello... Hiko, right?" Hiko the Firechilde totters over to her. "Mom!" Hiko the Firechilde hugs the stuffing out of her, as much as she can. "When did you get back from the Fleet?" Nanami stands up and points her finger at Juri. "Take care of your daughter. I've got to go deal with getting a rescue party together. Or something." She stalks off. "Err..." Juri stiffens a bit and awkwardly returns the embrace. "Sorry. Wrong Juri. You're Hiko, right? We met briefly." Hiko the Firechilde blinks slowly and staggers back. "Not... Mother?" Juri shakes her head. "Again, sorry. Juri of Avalon. Other universe. Squid hunter. Etc." Hiko the Firechilde blinks again, then nods. "And Corrine's okay, too?" She starts. "Were you at the Keep, too?" "Yes, we were." Juri looks Hiko over; she doesn't seem very comfortable with the situation. "You look a little battered. Are you all right?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Had a fight and lost... and now I think I endangered my own cousin and uncle." Hiko the Firechilde says, "The fire priestess said you were there... I'm trying to figure out who The Lover is." Juri sighs. "By process of elimination, that would be Roderick." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And the Ravager Beast?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What happened?" One of the guards says, "What the fellow from the Drake Islands?" Hiko the Firechilde struggles to stay awake... blood loss is never pleasant. Akemi pages, "Fortunately, your wounds have shut by now, thanks to your and Nanami's magic." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Cool... but still lost blood." to Akemi Juri says, "Well, we... probably ought to sit down somewhere. I'm worried you're going to faint. You could probably use some tea or something. I think..." Brief, very sharp expression of distaste. "I think Princess Nanami is going to handle things right now, so you just get a bit of rest." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Who are you, really?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "You can't be my mother..." Juri turns to one of the guards. "Can you get us a sitting room or something? And tea?" The guard nods. "Yes, Princess Juri. Follow me." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Where's my mother?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly plays the little violins Juri takes Hiko's arms and guides her after the guard. "I'm not your mother. Well, I am. In a way. It's complicated. I'm an analogue of your mother from another universe with its own unique Pattern." Juri says, "As for your mother, she's off leading the fleets. I'm stuck here while Corrine and Gideon try to figure out a way to get us home." Hiko the Firechilde lays her head on Juri's shoulder. "Tired... and-- THE BABY!" The guard takes you to a nice parlor decorated in blues and greens. And he brings you some nice soothing green tea. Hiko the Firechilde stops, putting a hand on her stomach. Juri asks, "What? Baby? Where?" Fortunately, you're not far along enough for the baby to be very big at all, and the only blow in that area was to your groin, and it was just with a foot. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Oh... new wrinkle I just thought up. Hiko gets very nauseous when she's preggers, and managed to control it in the past with magic." to Akemi On the other hand, you're gonna need a new eye. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "It's gone??? I thought it was just poked in." Priestess Rei says, "OOC It's a squishy, ruined mess." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Blood loss... not healthy for kids." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "How many pints did you say I lost?" Priestess Rei says, "OOC Fortunately, Amberites can regrow lost body parts, especially with healing magic." Priestess Rei says, "OOC Probably around 3 pints or so." Hiko the Firechilde sits down and broods. Juri gets Hiko to sit down and pours her some tea. "I hope you feel better than you look," she says ruefully. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Haven't had to fight anyone hand to hand in a while." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "What I was GOING to do was take her prisoner, and force her to go to Amber as my prisoner." Juri grimaces. "Hand to hand is distasteful." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Give me a good sorceror's duel any day." Hiko the Firechilde slumps and drinks tea. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "So, what happened? What did I miss at the Keep?" Juri says, "Well, after we killed the squid, we escaped it by Trumping out on the power of Gid's spikard. We ended up in the Keep, met Annadil, and then Corrine got us out using Gabrielle." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Where's Gabrielle and Corrine now?" Juri says, "Corrine's asleep. Gabrielle, I'm not sure." Juri sighs and rubs her eyes. "I was asleep too, until they woke me up and told me I was needed." Hiko's carbuncle pulses a bit, and a small red-headed head appears inside it. Hiko the Firechilde says, "They must have thought you were Mommy..." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hello?" Gabrielle says, "Somebody call m- Cousin Hiko!" >poof< Hiko, you are being snuggled by a happy Gabrielle. "Yay!" Juri sits back in her chair, sips her tea, and looks as though she wishes she were somewhere else but is making the best of having to be here. Hiko the Firechilde winces in pain. Gabrielle exclaims, "Weee! You came home!" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yeah... and Corrine's safe?" Gabrielle exclaims, "Uh-huh! She 'an everyone else are real happy!" Juri nods. "Corrine is fine. So are Gideon and Roderick. Ishmael, Rose, Rhianna and Katsura apparently went to find a giant shark. Me, I'm just here. Waiting to go home." She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a spoon. "I have a spoon," she informs Hiko. Hiko the Firechilde says, "That's good... can I ask you something?" She blinks at JuriAv. Juri says, "Yes." Gabrielle frons at the spoon. "Ick. It's all covered in Logrus." She sticks her tongue out. Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Question was to Gaby, blink was for Juri." Gabrielle says, "Sure, ask me anything!" >poof< Gabrielle turns into a big floating head. "I am ALL the wonders of creation!" "Boo," Juri says drolly, waving the spoon at Gabrielle. "I have a Logrus Jewel, too. And a spikard. Lots of toys. Horatio's going to be jealous." She pauses briefly. "I'm sorry. I'm very tired, and I had bad dreams about seafood." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Why did you burn the food at the Keep?" Gabrielle's big floating head frowns. "'Cause Mom blasted it with my nfty fire powers!" A bunch of flowers in a nearby vase flare and are reduced to ash. "And that stupid Annadil was there!" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What have I said about keeping things low key?" Hiko the Firechilde sounds VERY tired all of a sudden. Gabrielle asks, "Uhh....that i should?" Hiko the Firechilde nods. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "but why did she do that?" Juri says, "Corrine used the fire to make a gate for us to escape through." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Was he threatening you?" "Oh, that's easy!" Gabrielle bubbles happily. "She needed to open a Fire Pattern Gate!" A bunch of comlciated magical diagrams appear in the air beside her head. "That Fount thing was messing with us!" Juri says, "Not explicitly. He was inviting us to dine with him and making conversation with me about Patternblades." Hiko the Firechilde says, "They're the Keys he needs to open the gate. Two Patternblades and Two Logrusblades." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Guard your blade with your life." Juri frowns. "Only two Patternblades? He spoke of getting two more to make the complete set; he already has the Logrusfoils." Hiko the Firechilde says, "One in trickery... one in trade..." She struggles to remember the rest. Juri shakes her head. "I don't think he can use mine for his purposes, since the Pattern it bears is not that of this universe." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Still..." Hiko the Firechilde starts sliding sideways in her seat. Juri frowns and hastily gets up to make sure Hiko doesn't fall down. "I think you should probably lie down and rest. Did..." Grimace. "Princess Nanami use magic to heal you?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yeah... you don't like her, do you?" Gabrielle's head frowns. "Hey, you got beat up!" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yep. Got my butt handed to me... boy you can really learn a lot of slang from a sailor..." Juri says, "It's a transference problem. The Nanami of my universe is the Assistant Keeper of the Logrus, the foster-sister of my mortal enemy, and a psychopathic loon." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Well, here, you're my mommy... tranfer that...." Gabrielle says, "I could pump you full of rich Fire Patterny goodness!" She beams. Juri says, "This one seems much more tolerable, but... still. I imagine it's something of the initial problem you might have had when you first met me. All the instinctual responses to the physical presence." Juri shrugs. "Which is my case, involve tossing her a cowbell, then trying to cut her head off." Hiko the Firechilde sighs... "I think I need my sleep (ICly and OOCly). Wake me when we're ready to leave for the rescue party. I need to go into a trance to heal properly... and to check and see if they baby's okay." Priestess Rei says, "OOC I should have gone to bed about two hours ago myself." Priestess Rei says, "OOC So cutting here would be a good thing." Juri says, "Yes, well, I can... help you to your rooms, if you like." Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, "Sorry... you have to admit, it was a heck of an adlib." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly nods. Gabrielle briefly looks into Hiko's mind, then opens a Trump Gate to her rooms. "Ta-da!" Canned applause goes of. [BULL SESSION] Hiko the Firechilde says, "Right... I fucked that one up... but at least I got away." Priestess Rei says, "OOC Well, you escaped in a way I didn't anticipate. :" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "that's good, right?" Priestess Rei says, "OOC Yep." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I outmanuevered YOU?" Gabrielle says, "Oh, we're done." Hiko the Firechilde says, "yeah, we're done." Gabrielle says, "Damn good session, Trish." Hiko the Firechilde says, "thanks." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Fueled by Gaelic Storm, folks." Priestess Rei says, "OOC The key thing was that you'd have had a hard time getting the doors open yourself." Shaft says, "and you thought you were going to die...." Gabrielle says, "I had fun frantically flipping through the rules on Strength so that you'd have a proper frame of reference. Err, and sorry about stepping on your toes there, John." Priestess Rei says, "OOC But having a priestess open them for you...:)" Priestess Rei says, "OOC And she was willing to play along because she was in constant mental contact with her boss the whole time. :)" Hiko the Firechilde grins. "First rule of going anywhere with an enemy... let them lead." Priestess Rei says, "OOC You took a lot longer to think of fire teleporting than I expected, though." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I wanted to see if I could fight it out first... which I couldn't." Rod pages, "nice thing about john's games... he'll usually give you an out, you just have to keep on looking" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yep!" to Rod Priestess Rei says, "OOC Now you see the power of Strength :)" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I do... next time I won't be so damn greedy." [Akemi pages, "If you hadn't bought your strength up, she would have cold cocked you, so it's good you don't have Chaos Strength any more." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Indeed." to Akemi] Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Cool... so I get a B- for this scene?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And are Mikage and Nagisa still in this game?" Shaft says, "well, she could've stabbed rei in the crotch...." Priestess Rei says, "OOC Depends on if the Phillipines really have a revolution or not. ^^;;;" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "A real revolution? Against Erap?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "No leverage, Rod." Priestess Rei says, "TR was saying things are pretty dang tense." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Oi..." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Have you still been at least gaming with them?" Priestess Rei says, "I ran TR a few days ago. I haven't seen Nagisa since before the break; goign to email him." Gabrielle says, "Mikage, when he's been here, has run a damn strong game." Gabrielle says, "Especially the whole thing with Rebma." Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's been so long since I've gamed with him..." Priestess Rei says, "He should get his Icon in 1-2 more sessions, depending on how fast things go." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "So... am I on hold again? Or can I continue with what I'm doing with Shizumaru?" Priestess Rei says, "I have to try to resolve Shizumaru, because you don't have a good way to get back fast enough." Gabrielle asks, "Well, it'll take days to get back, won't it?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "At least Tsu's not affected by the well anymore, unless someone dispells the spell." Priestess Rei says, "He got back to Tsuwabuki, so he won't be completely alone." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Oh, cool... now the both of them can be captured. ^_^" Priestess Rei says, "If he thinks to use it, he's got a way guaranteed...two ways. I can think of two ways he can get out easy, but he probably won't think of them, unfortunately." Gabrielle says, "Well, the keep, from what John says, is a giant deathtrap." Hiko the Firechilde says, "You didn't anticipate me finding a way out... Drew might surprise you." Priestess Rei says, "Not exactly 'death' trap...:)" Hiko the Firechilde says, "And I GOT OUT, so it's all good." Dara says, "There are fates worse than death. :)" Gabrielle asks, "True. How about 'fate-worse-than' death trap?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "And Merc? As much as I appreciate the helpful comments, it gets a little nerve wracking at times. I normally like gaming in silence when it gets tense." Gabrielle got overly carried away this session. "It'll never happen again." Priestess Rei says, "Well, I'd best go to bed 'afore I die." Hiko the Firechilde says, "thanks, John, it was wonderful." Priestess Rei exclaims, "G'nite, everyone!" Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's cool." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Once I figure out what I'm doing, I'll be less pushy on this matter." Gabrielle says, "Yeah, so will I." Shaft says, "..." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hmm?" Shaft asks, "so will merc what?" Gabrielle says, "Stop butting in with rules quotaions and whatnot." Hiko the Firechilde says, "thanks. I appreciate it." [END LOG]