The Unicorn says, "Actually, we could do a short scene with Hiko telling you some things she recently learned that you should know." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "We could?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I suppose we could." The Unicorn says, "Since Shaft would need to come back up to the Castle for the duel." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Where is he now?" The Unicorn says, "Shaft is down in his house." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Right." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Do I have a trump for Shaft?" Aerianne says, "Okay to watch on this end?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm cool with it." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You cool with gaming?" to Ryo Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Oh, change the day number in Hiko's last log to 894 instead of 824." to Akemi Ryo pages, "wha?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You up for gaming a short scene?" to Ryo Rod says, "sure, gaming, er, be expecting intermittent silence" Rod says, "but let's go fo rit" Shaft puts on his work suit Akemi pages, "Nods." to you. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Right." The Unicorn says, "Okay, Hiko, Trump Shaft at will." Shaft OOCly rolls his eyes. Nobody warned her about the trump thing. Hiko the Firechilde returns to her quarters at the castle, about a half an hour before the Duel is scheduled. [NOTE: Considering how long this scene and the Conservatory scene is, might want to change time.] Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "No, they didn't. ^_^" Hiko the Firechilde shuffles through her deck to find Shaft's card and concentrates. You keep trying, but Shaft doesn't seem to answer his Trumps. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I send a energy spike through the card?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Nope. Unless he takes the call. You can try to force the connection, but it's not an easy thing to do." to you.] Hiko the Firechilde says, "Ota-san! I need to talk to you about something important." Hiko the Firechilde shakes the card, like it's defective. [Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Short scene, eh? " Shaft OOCly hehs] Hiko the Firechilde harumphs. "What good are having these cards if they don't work right?" Looks like you'd need to go down to his house. Or you could try using your ring to shout SHAFT so loud he can't help but hear you... Hiko the Firechilde rings for a servant, and asks if he knows where Ota Tenjou went after the duel between himself and Ramon. "He went down to his house with Fuyutsuki, I believe, ma'am." Hiko the Firechilde looks at her gold ring and smiles evilly. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Do it." to Akemi] Hiko the Firechilde focuses all her mental energy into a call. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "HOLD!" to Akemi] Autolyca has arrived. [Akemi pages, "Hold? What am I waiting for?" to you.] Hiko the Firechilde thinks better of it, then pulls out Fuyusuki's trump card. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I had told you to 'call' shaft, but though better." to Akemi] Hiko the Firechilde concentrates on Fuyutuski's card. Fuyutsuki answers the call. "Hello?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hello, Fuyutsuki-san. Is Cousin Ota with you?" Fuyutsuki asks, "Yes, he is. Should I get him?" [Shaft says, "OOCLY afk, phone call" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "When he gets back, yes. ^_^"] [There were many interruptions, during which we BSed. Including BS sessions.] [RESUME SCENE] Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yes, can you get Ota-kun for me?" Fuyutsuki says, "Yes." He goes and gets Shaft. "Hiko wishes to talk to you." Shaft appears in view, looking somewhat irritated, particularly at Fuyutsuki. "See," he says to him, "If you'd just get with the whole 'lectricity thing, we wouldn't have these problems. Y'don't see people's heads gettin' fried from a phone call, now, do ya?" [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I got a trump of the castle, right?" to Akemi] Shaft looks towards Hiko. "Oh, hey cuz, whasap?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "People's heads get fried with Trump calls?" Fuyutsuki gestures and shows you a Shadow where millions of people die daily from Phone Calls. "Too dangerous." Shaft slaps his forehead and sighs. "Nevermind." [Akemi pages, "Yep, you've got a trump of the Castle Courtyard." to you.] Hiko the Firechilde shakes herself. "Are you busy at the moment, Ota-kun? There's something important that I need to talk to you about." Shaft asks, "Busy? Nah, what'cha neat?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Um, it might be better said in private. Can you come to me?" Shaft nods. "Nothin' better to do anyway." Hiko the Firechilde holds out her hand. Shaft frowns a moment, then takes her hand. "I hate trumps," he mutters. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Why, Ota-kun?" Hiko the Firechilde pulls him through to her room. "Private reasons," he says, making it clear that it is indeed. "What'cha want?" The drapes are drawn, so the room is lit only by the overhead chandelier. You are in the anteroom. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I had the most interesting discussion with the Unicorn this afternoon." Shaft raises an eyebrow. "Issat so?" [Shaft OOCLY phone call. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly pauses.] Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "What's doing Amber games real time like?" Shaft OOCly TOO LONG Aerianne OOCly says, "If the Throne War that lead to this campaign is any indication, -lots- of ducking out of the room with the GM. :)" Tybalt says, "They do real-time a lot at Ambercons." Tybalt says, "They'll say 'King Random will arrive in one hour' and set a timer, and by good King Random DOES arrive in one hour." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Wow." Fuyutsuki lags Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Any of you ever been to an AmberCon?" Fuyutsuki says, "I got more exercise in that Throne War, running hither and yon for private coferences, than I do in a typical week :)" Tybalt says, "Of course, the people at AMbercons tend to be ultra-hard core, who have the rules memorized and can build a character (including the auction) in ten minutes." Aerianne OOCly hasn't. And chuckles at John. And Aieees at Tyb. Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Only been to one gaming convention ever. It was an abject disaster." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "What happened?" Fuyutsuki says, "OOC I can say this Amber campaign has been the best one I've ever run." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "How can you say that?" Fuyutsuki asks, "OOC Hey, Jeff, were you in the game where someone rode Morgenstern's child off a cliff?" Tybalt says, "..." Shaft OOCLY glomps Hiko and pouts sullenly. "Mine." Jeff-kun says, "I don't know. i tend to ignore what the other players are doing unless I'm with them" Shaft OOCLY "To right, game on." Akemi pages, "Good characters, I have a well worked out plot, and none of the players are doing the 'mad powergaming' thing which Amber is very vulnerable to." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Not yet, John. ^_^ I can see Mikage going that way." to Akemi Akemi pages, "Yeah, but it will be a RP thing isntead of 'the player is obssessed with amassing power for its own sake" to you.] [RESUME SCENE] Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yeah." She sits down. "There's an enemy of Amber, and it seems like we five cousins are the only way to stop it." She laughs bitterly. "Doesn't that sound insane?" Shaft smirks. "You kiddin', right? We the Power Rangers or somethin'?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "The Who?" Shaft sighs. "Shadow ref, nevermind. So what're we supposed t'do, huh?" Hiko the Firechilde half-closes her eyes. "The Unicorn said something about Icons..." She opens her eyes. "You are the Child of Metal, and you need to seek the Sword of Truth." Shaft stares at Hiko. "That a bad joke or somethin'? Child of metal. Shaft. Veery funny." Hiko the Firechilde gives Ota-kun a very blank look. "Does it look like I'm joking?" [Shaft says, "OCLY AAARGHPHONECALLDAMNAAARGH"] Aerianne OOCly , meanwhile, wonders what exactly an Amber Megazord would look like. Fuyutsuki sings o/~ Escaflowne o/~ as an answer. Peorth OOCly says, "Probably like the tv series. u.u" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly stares, and giggles. Fuyutsuki says, "OOC The Mighty Morphing Amber Rangers would cruise around in Guymelfs with the Demi-Jewels of Judgement as the power sources." Tybalt says, "... i thought you'd forgotten about that idea, John. o_O;" Aerianne OOCly says, "Oh my." Fuyutsuki OOC only forgets stupid things, usually :) Shaft OOCly right okay, let's go Shaft sighs at Hiko. "You ain't kiddin." Tybalt asks, "You guys DO know the Mighty morphin' Logrus Rangers are in Alan's game, right?" [RESUME SCENE] Shaft leans on the wall and crosses his arms. "So, what'm I supposed to do?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Find the Sword of Truth, I suppose." She throws up her hands. "I'm just a messanger here." Shaft says, "an'why didn't the unicorn just talk'tme about this? Fine, fine, this sounds like a Fate thing. I'll end up lookin' for it anyway, even if I don't try." Hiko the Firechilde smirks faintly. "Perhaps he tried to Trump you and you didn't respond." Shaft scowls just briefly. "Riiiight. By the way, s'that why you missed out on beer with me'n Ramon?" Shaft says, "we was expectin' you, y'know" Hiko the Firechilde blushes. "Um, yes. It was a rather long meeting." Shaft raises an eyebrow. "Uh... huh. Right." He coughs and looks away. "Anythin' else y'need to tell me?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "A question, Ota-kun, if I may?" Shaft says, "uh huh." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "There was something that happened during the duel between Fuyutsuki-san and ... Annadil that had me puzzled. They changed shapes, and one of the shapes Annadil chose seemed to have some significance for Utena-san. Tell me, does Utena-san know Annadil?" Shaft's expression turns grim. "Yeah... noticed that too. Turns out, Annadil kidnapped Wakaba a while back, S'how she knows him, she told me, anyway." Hiko the Firechilde's own expression turns grim. "He's got a penchant for kidnapping." Her hands shake. Shaft raises an eyebrow. "Hey, you okay? Y'hands'r shakin'." Hiko the Firechilde says mechanically, "I'm fine. I'm going to be fine. Things will be fine." She starts to breathe in and out steadily. Shaft looks at Hiko with what seems to be a mix of worry and wariness. "Y'sure, cuz?" Hiko the Firechilde closes her eyes for about a minute, then snaps her head up. "Yeah," she says brightly. "I'm okay." [Foxtrot lowers the prod and giggles. "This is fun pretending to be insane!"] Shaft says, "uh huh... alright then. Anythin' else I can do for ya?" Hiko the Firechilde blinks. "That's about it." She pauses. "Unless..." Shaft asks, "unless?" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Shizumaru-san mentioned that you were attacked recently. Are *you* alright?" Shaft smirks arrogantly. "Me? I'm always alright, baby." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "However did you get away?" She narrows her eyes. "He said Kasumi-san was with you. Is she okay?" Shaft says, "I didn't get away, those other fools ran away. Kasumi?" He smiles, a milder sort of smile. "Yeah, she's doin' alright." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "She's still alive?" Her voice is sharp, almost acerbic. Shaft stares at Hiko, not exactly friendly-like. "Yeah, she's still alive. You got a problem with that?" Hiko the Firechilde laughs again. "She's just better stay alive." She almost gives you a menacing look. "I like it when Kasumi is Not Dead." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I see a lot of people around here who should be Dead who aren't." Shaft frowns. "You sayin' I'm gonna make her dead or somethin'?" he asks, sounding offended [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ya wanna know something funny? I know Hiko's not insane anymore, SHE knows she's not insane anymore, and yet it's hard for me to get her to act insane. Do you think that's a function of plot upon a character?" to Akemi] Hiko the Firechilde clicks her tongue against her teeth. "That's what Ono-san said when they came and killed her. I was lucky and got to watch." [Akemi pages, "I'm afraid I'm not sure what you mean." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Well, okay, I'm acting as a character who was insane, so I had to play her as insane. Now she's not anymore, and I'm trying to fake like she's insane, but it's hard to fake it, because know she's not." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Do you understand?" to Akemi] Shaft narrows his eyes and his voice takes on a patronizing tone. "Uh huh, girl. Just take it easy, huh? This ain't your freaky home turf, this's mine, an'I know how to take care'a business at home. Don't get all nasty-suspicious on Me." Hiko the Firechilde steps back, hands warding. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry!" She starts to cry. She kneels at Ota's feet, kissing his boots. "Don't punish me, please?" Shaft STARES at Hiko. "Uh... hey, c'mon, woman, stop doin' that." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I take it back. This is fun. ^_^" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Yeah, I understand." to you.] Shaft pulls out a hankerchief and offers it to her Hiko the Firechilde looks up, eyes filled with tears. "I understand." She starts to unbutton her uniform top, shrugging it off her shoulders, revealing her black tank top. [Akemi pages, "Iya !" to you.] Shaft's eyes widen. "Hey, wait a minute, hold on!" [Foxtrot lowers the prod and GIGGLES! "He's pushing buttons that used to be ingrained into her."] Shaft says, "we're family, girl! Shaft don't do incest!" Hiko the Firechilde pauses, her hands at her belt. "You don't wish to have me, Master?" Shaft asks, "Master?" Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "I've displeased you again!" Her voice quavers with the tones of a little girl. Shaft thinks a moment, then regains his composure. He says in a firm voice, "Put on your clothes. You have not displeased me, woman, but now is not the time." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Another aspect of her rough childhood." to Akemi Akemi pages, "IYA!" to you.] Shaft. o O (Man, hope this bullshit works.) Hiko the Firechilde bows her head. "I'm sorry." She rocks back and forth, rubbing her hands. She repeats it as she rocks. Shaft says, "stop apologizing. You will stand up, smile as if nothing is wrong, and forget this." Hiko the Firechilde stands up, her uniform top on the floor, standing at attention before him. She is flinching as if she expects a blow, and smiles. The smile is rather sickly to look at. [Shaft OOCly "PAUSE" damn phonecalll] Foxtrot lowers the prod and GIGGLES. "Yeah... that damn Dark Rider... would you accept a story about him for the contributions page? Akemi pages, "Yep!" to you. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly wonders how the guys are reacting to this scene.... Dropped. Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Merc just about had a heart attack :" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "What did he say?" Aerianne OOCly says, "Corrine wants to find whoever caused Hiko to be like this, and introduce them to the joys of a Solar Furnace." Shaft OOCly Okay, john, who does shaft know that has a background in clinical psychology that he can trump o.o [RESUME SCENE] Hiko the Firechilde looks him in the eyes. "I will service you whenever you need me. I am at your beck and call. I am yours to take." She then gives him an elaborate salute, and kneels down again, in a seiza-like position. [Shaft OCly still on pause, dear, sorry Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Damn."] Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What did Merc say during the scene? I want a log, damnit!" to Akemi [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "This is too damn fun." to Akemi "Hiko tries to suppress a laugh as she looks at Ota, trying to emulate the Dark Rider who enslaved her. The look on his face is exact, but the hair--!" to Akemi] Fuyutsuki says, "OOC I would suggest that you Trump Nanami to shake some sense into her, or possibly her mother :) Wasyuu might be able to help. " Akemi pages, "HEH :)" to you. Jeff-kun OOC Or get Gourry and his rock :) Fuyutsuki says, "OOC HEH" Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Gourry and his rock of spell disruption, eh? :)" Jeff-kun OOC Hey, it sometimes works Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Mary the Royal Nurse has a strong sense of practical psychology." Tybalt says, "Hiko is just effed up, man." Tybalt says, "If i were you, I'd get her to a Pattern, stat." Fuyutsuki says, "Don't forget 'and very powerful' :)" Tybalt says, "Either that or take full advantage. You kow, whichever." Shaft Still on hold. btw. OOCly this is a very tempting situation, but shaft ain't that kind man. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly :giggles. Aerianne OOCly imagines Juri's reaction if the latter alternative happened. Aerianne OOCly says, "'Shaft. Rose Duel. Now'" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly thinks Juri would go Super Dark Phoenix, Fry the Broccoli People. Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Juri would turn Shaft into 'Eunice the Eunuch" Fuyutsuki exclaims, "OOC Woo, woo! It's Scriv mania!" Tybalt says, "Well, at least Hiko ain't a paarchuting Narwhalw." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly :giggles and STOLE part of Nagisa's thunder! Tybalt says, "Parachuting Narwhale, even....." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly primly, "You don't know that." Nagisa asks, "Eh?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Unicorn spoke to me, too." Fuyutsuki asks, "OOC Parachuting Narwhale?????????" Nagisa OOCly grins, "Oh. Good. I'm NOT the only insane one. ^_^" Tybalt says, "Read the AMber Darwin page, John. ^_^" Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Gotcha." to Autolyca Fuyutsuki says, "oh THAT narwhale..." Aerianne OOCly oh-dears. Nagisa snickers about Evil NArwhal... Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "I like Evil Narwhale... wish I'd thought of that." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Hey, John...?" Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Hiko is completely sane and normal by comparison." Fuyutsuki asks, "OOC yes, oh Trish of Trishes?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Can I have an evil narwhale personality?" Fuyutsuki says, "OOC No." Nagisa says, "If she's normal I'm worried." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "DAmn." Nagisa claps his hands, "So... who's available for me to mindfuck?" He grins eagerly. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Still doing RP with Shaft atm." Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Amber Darwin Awards. Use your browser to find the stories about the Narwhale." Derith appears and just LOOKS at Nagisa with his #1 Psyche and Uber-Pattern abilities Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Then cry." Hiko the Firechilde's knees are beginning to hurt from sitting in seiza for so long Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "O.o! Nagisa doesn't have #1..." to Akemi Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Unfortunately, we're in the middle of doing a Hiko/Shaft scene, but Shaft is at work, and they're making him do real work right now." Shaft oocly grumbles about idiots that won't get off the phone.... Akemi pages, "Derith has #1 psyche of HIS generation, your elders." to you. Nagisa says, "Hey, no psyche involved! Just telling someone that, oh, hey... an ancient evil wants to destroy amber and guess who got chosen to stop him..." Akemi pages, "Derith could crumple Mikage's brain and eat it." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Cool." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How would Derith do against Annadil?" to Akemi Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Too late, already did that to Shaft. ^_^" Akemi pages, "That would be telling, but Derith will soon get to find out :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Cool! I wanna see that!" to Akemi Foxtrot lowers the prod and smirks. "Does Jeff know that? Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Shizumaru and Mikage need to be told, but they're not online right now, unfortunately." Akemi pages, "No, and don't tell him :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I won't. ^_^" to Akemi Shaft OOCly bangs his head Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "What's the phone call about? Pawn him off on another rep." Shaft OOCLY I HATE OUTLOOK Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "What's the prob?" Shaft says, "user's getting wishy washy about outlook or outlook express, oh it can't be working... really? it's like that? oh, hold on..." Jeff-kun OOC laughs at the Dworkin Awards. "I'll just shapeshift myself into the form of the Pattern!" Hiko the Firechilde pats Shaft on the hand and kisses his cheek. "Just remember why you need this job." Nagisa snickers nastily. Fuyutsuki says, "OOc People have tried some crazy stuff." Shaft says, "OOCly okay, back , brief window" [RESUME SCENE] Shaft frowns, seeing his attempts to snap her back into shape backfiring. He thinks for a moment..... Hiko the Firechilde waits on her knees, back straightened, head held high. Shaft decides to try one more thing, then call for the cavalry if this don't work.... Shaft says, "Stand up." Hiko the Firechilde does so. Shaft says, "look in my eyes." Hiko the Firechilde looks into Shaft's eyes. Shaft asks, "who is your master?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Batousai-san is my Master." Shaft looks somewhat puzzled. Never heard of that one. Shaft says, "No, Hiko is your master." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Hiko is a slave. She is worthless." Shaft says, "No, Hiko is your master." [Akemi pages, "Iya. So Kenshin was her 'husband'?" to you.] Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Something like that." to Akemi Shaft's hand subtly fingers through his trump deck, searching... Hiko the Firechilde says, "Batousai.... Hiko....." Hiko the Firechilde breaks down into tears... She wails. "Oh, Ota-kun...." Shaft's eyes widen. "Oh hell." Hiko the Firechilde starts to scream. "Damn you, Annadil!" Her head snaps up and you can see that she's back to normal. Hiko the Firechilde falls to her knees, crying. "Why can't I ever escape him?" Shaft takes a tenative step forward, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You.. you okay now?" For about five minutes, you hear nothing but crying. It starts to taper off, and she looks up at you again. "Yeah... I'm fine." She waves her hand floppily. "Just some old trauma." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Project reassurance." to Akemi] Shaft gives Hiko's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Maybe y'oughta rest a bit, huh? I'll call y'mom over or something..." Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "No! You can't tell her!" Hiko the Firechilde holds Shaft's arm firmly. "Please?" [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Mind reinforcement." to Akemi] Shaft frowns, but it isn't too harsh. "Gimmie a reason why," he asks, puzzled. Hiko the Firechilde's eyes bore into Shaft's. "I'm... ashamed. I couldn't fight it. I could have, but I didn't." Hiko the Firechilde says, "SHE fought with every ounce of strength in her." Shaft looks away, frowning. "Alright, fine... but if it happens again..." [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Mind reinforcement." to Akemi] [The_Prof pages, "Turning him into jelly, eh? :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Trying to." to The_Prof Hiko the Firechilde says, "She must not know." [The_Prof pages, "Hiko's an evil woman. :)" to you.] Akemi pages, "You feel your mental influence rolling off him like water on glass. Some sort of very powerful barrier is protecting Shaft's mind." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Damn." to Akemi Akemi pages, "Much more powerful than any defense he's had on previous contacts." to you.] Hiko the Firechilde's lips quiver. "Please don't tell anyone? Can I trust you on this, Ota-kun?" Shaft scowls. You can tell he doesn't like this, not one bit. "Fine." [The_Prof pages, "Makes me wonder how much she played the librarian on her string. :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I don't know. ^_^ You tell me." to The_Prof The_Prof pages, "Well, he was most sympathetic and favorably impressed... should he have been? :)" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, " Maybe, maybe not." to The_Prof] [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How'm I doing?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "Pretty well." to you. Foxtrot lowers the prod and grins. "How can I find out why he's got a strong defense?" Akemi pages, "You would probably have to break through the defense to find out :)" to you. Hiko scans Shaft's fingers for any rings similar to the one Annadil gave her. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "But that would be RUDE." to Akemi Akemi pages, "Nope, just a Dueling Arena Key Ring" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Damn." to Akemi Akemi pages, "Yes, it would be." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Test it again, examine its composition. Is it magical or natural? Can I do that without detection?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "The defense comes off as magical in nature" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Complex spell? Did he cast it, or was it cast upon him?" to Akemi Akemi pages, "You have no way to tell." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Damn." to Akemi Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Oh well... I'll get it out of him eventually." to Akemi] [RESUME SCENE] Hiko the Firechilde sighs in relief. "Thank you, Ota- kun." Shaft says in a disapproving tone, "You better see somebody 'bout this. Next time, might not be someone nice's me, n'you might find yourself in a worse situation, know what I mean?" Hiko the Firechilde says in a dull voice. "There can be no worse situation. But I will take your advice into consideration." Shaft nods. "Fair'nuff." Hiko the Firechilde rises to her feet and sketches a shaky bow. "Thank you, Ota-kun, for keeping my secret." [Scriviner whispers, "Is this Hiko's flaw?" to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What do you think?" to Scriviner Scriviner whispers, "Sounds nasty enough to be." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Then it is. ^_^" to Scriviner] Shaft smirks. "Now, 'less you got any other weird shit t'pull on me, I think I wanna go out'n hit the castle bar again." Hiko the Firechilde says shakily, "I might join you for a pint before the duel." She reconsiders. "Make that whiskey." Hiko the Firechilde says, "A lot of whiskey." Shaft looks unsure if he wants the company, her comany, but says nothing. "Well then, shall we go?" He sweeps an arm to the door, in an 'after you' gesture. [Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Then we can show up drunk together." to Ryo] Hiko the Firechilde nods, preceding Ota out the door. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "So.... what did you think?" to Ryo Shaft says, "OOCly and unless there's anything else, I think this's a wrap" Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Yep." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Yep." The_Prof pages, "Oh, dear. o.o" to you. Aerianne OOCly nods, and is likely to bail now, but cool scene. *wl* Aerianne OOCly applauds. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly bows. Ryo pages, "were I playing Jake Constantine or somesuch instead of Shaft, Hiko'd be royally rogered left'n right." to you. Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yeah, but she pegged you fromthe start. ^_^" to Ryo Shaft asks, "well, i shoulda seen this comin' shouldn't I?" Ryo pages, "pegged? whasis pegged?" to you. Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Sooner or later, yeah :0" Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How so?" Fuyutsuki says, "OOC Given what Kasumi told you." Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "She took you for a softie, is what she did." to Ryo Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You, meaning Shaft. Jake she would have recognized as a Bastard, and not bothered." to Ryo Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "What did Kasumi say?" Ryo pages, "aw man, shaft wuz uzed." to you. Ryo pages, "s'what i get for playing the most transparent character in teh game" to you. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Now you know better." Nagisa says, "And knowing is half the battle. ^_^" Day 895: Later: I do wish I'd told Ota-kun that I needed time to compose myself so I could spend that time laughing at his reaction to my "incident". It was both hard to do, and easy to do, now that I know that I personally was not responsible for what happened to me. Batousai played on my fear and paranoia... how did he know to do that? I suspect that Annadil may have sent him to me on purpose, to sharpen me further into his tool. Knowing that I've been a pawn in a much larger game displeases me. Knowing that I'm taking steps to rectify that pleases me more. The more I read of my journal, the more disgusted I get at the accounts of my own behavior. The girl who was raised by Ranma and Akane would not have bowed so easily, if it had not been for the terror I had to endure. I still can't place exactly when it was he took me to the Dragon's Scale. That is a memory that refuses to budge loose. I know it had to have been well after the last raid, the one I finally escaped from, but it seems as if I'd been this scared and paranoid for even longer. Is it a function of my upbringing? Or of my father's genetics?