From rhea@ikkoku.maison-otaku.net Sun Sep 17 20:23:52 2000 Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2000 12:32:41 -0700 (PDT) From: Rhea Seraph To: John Walter Anthony "Ranma" Biles Subject: [Amber/TAMD] Hiko, Shaft -- Dinners, Breakfasts; Prophesies and Plans (fwd) John Biles Emperor of all He Surveys http://www.tass.org/~rhea/falcon.html "I can't die now! I have to give my daughter a stuffed fish." --Shinesman Sepia, _Shinesman_ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2000 14:10:16 -0400 (EDT) From: Philip J. Moyer To: John Biles , Amy "General Chaos" Borden , Chris Angelini Subject: [Amber/TAMD] Hiko, Shaft -- Dinners, Breakfasts; Prophesies and Plans Akemi sweeps Mikage off to his home. TimeRunner is sent home. TimeRunner has left. Akemi drops Ramon. Ramon has left. John asks, "Okay, so you were planning to go talk to the king right now, right?" You page, "Oh, for clarification for whenever Shiz/Corrine chat... is it okay to assume that she's been breifed on the remainder of what happened, besides the prophesies (Shadow-Drake, false Werewindle, etc etc?)" to Akemi. You page, "(Shadow-Derith, that is. *bapself*)" to Akemi. Hiko the Firechilde nods. "And we already did the talking to Corrine thing, so yes... this is after dinner, or the next day?" Akemi pages, "Yeah, Juri would come tell her." to you. John says, "Duel started at 3 pm" You page, "Coolness. ^_^" to Akemi. John says, "Riot was probably all wrapped up by 5...let's say you go up to the royal chambers for dinner" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Got it." John becomes King Tylor ========================== ========================== Hiko the Firechilde changes out of her uniform top into a simple black shift, with a purple geometric design on it. She takes her dagger with her, and her trump case, leaving her sword in her room. She asks a servant to show her to the King's chambers, for her dinner with Juri and Tylor. The servant takes you there. King Tylor and Queen Yuriko are still wearing the same outfits they wore to the duels, although Tylor has taken his jacket off. Several servants hover about with the food--salmon, steamed broccoli, spiced apples, bread, wine and mead, and onion soup. King Tylor says, "Good evening, Hiko." Hiko the Firechilde bows to the King and Queen, looking around for Juri. "Good evening, your Majesties." Autolyca has connected. Autolyca exclaims, "Howdy!" Juri doesn't seem to have arrived yet. King Tylor says, "OOC Howdy, Jeff." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Hey, Jeff. Gaming, atm." Derith OOC got ya Hiko the Firechilde sits down at the table, waiting patiently for the King to sample the food first, as was the custom in her home. A little later, Juri hurries in. Hiko the Firechilde rises and crosses to her. "Hello, Mother. Corrine is still feeling better?" Tylor starts with the spiced apples, while the Queen goes for some soup first. She gestures to the servants, and they bow to everyone and absent themselves. Juri says, "I've rarely seen her so hurt, but she'll survive, thankfully." Hiko the Firechilde sits down, and starts with soup as well, picking up the bowl and sipping. Hiko the Firechilde says, "That duel was most disturbing, your Majesty." Hiko the Firechilde is addressing Tylor, btw. King Tylor says, "I've seen worse, though not in Amber." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Dad needs to use the phone. If I'm not back in thirty, call me." King Tylor says, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAA" King Tylor says, "Right." Foxtrot has disconnected. >> Byeeee! It was really fun! Corrine OOCly patpats Akemi Foxtrot has connected. >> We have arrived, you may kiss my foot, now. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Dad decided to use Auntie's cell phone instead. ^_^" King Tylor exclaims, "OOC Yeah!" King Tylor says, "Now, the clash of Odin and Zeus...that was a duel." King Tylor says, "Just a note...never let anyone convince you to travel by catapult." Queen Yuriko laughs. Juri sits down and starts on some soup. King Tylor says, "I'm very grateful to you for going around and helping to break up those dragon things, Hiko." King Tylor says, "We'd have probably lost Drake and Fuyutsuki without you." Juri looks slightly embarrassed. King Tylor says, "OOC Hmm, lag monster eats Foxy." Corrine OOCly oopeses. Foxtrot has disconnected. >> Byeeee! It was really fun! King Tylor says, "OOC Doh" Corrine OOCly says, "Le Sigh." King Tylor asks, "So are you doing Shaft, Drake, or Utena next, Phil?" Corrine OOCly says, "Shaft is next, then either Drake or Utena. I'll definitely Ink Shaft before TAS tomorrow, and perhaps pencil one of the other two. Cars are a b*tch to do head-on, but I might be able to work it out. *wl*" Corrine says, "Though coloring will likely wait until I get done with the Juri/Corrine Staton pic." King Tylor nods King Tylor AAAAAARGH, meant to take Wakaba pic with me to scan to send to you to color. Corrine OOCly says, "D'oh! 'sokay, tho." Derith OOC Told John about those kewl trumps you gave me, Phil Corrine OOCly says, "I'll prolly end up doing a trump of Wakaba on my own as well (Corrine's take), as that's the Fuyutsuki one. *wl* And yay!" King Tylor says, "Cool." Derith OOC sighs. Pete is messing with the Sluggy format again... more delays. He PROMISES twice the comics, but.... Corrine OOCly blehs. Fun fun fun. Yaaay. Corrine OOCly oh mys. Corrine OOCly 's friend Gina, next Anime con... is going as Sailor Hellblazer. King Tylor exclaims, "Heh!" You page-pose, "Aerianne oh mys." to Ryo. You page-pose, "Aerianne 's friend Gina, next Anime con... is going as Sailor Hellblazer." to Ryo. Ryo pages, "whyfor oh my?" to you. Ryo pages, "waha....HAHAHAHHAHHHAHAHHHA!" to you. You page, "That's why. :)" to Ryo. Ryo pages, "I Want Pictures" to you. Foxtrot has connected. >> We have arrived, you may kiss my foot, now. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Dad had to use the phone.... :P" King Tylor says, "You live! Excellente." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "For future reference, should I ever disconnect suddenly, and not come back for about ten minutes, call me John, okay?" Juri sits down and starts on some soup. King Tylor says, "I'm very grateful to you for going around and helping to break up those dragon things, Hiko." King Tylor says, "OOC I don't call people's houses past 9 PM their time unless it's absolutely crucial because I always get someone's pissed off parents yelling at me when I do." Hiko the Firechilde shrugs. "I've seen enough bloodshed in my life." She turns to Juri, and a soft look comes over her face. "I couldn't abandon my mother to them." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "In these sorts of cases, unless I say I'm getting sleepy, it's okay. Trust me." King Tylor says, "We'd have probably lost Drake and Fuyutsuki without you." Juri looks slightly embarrassed. Hiko the Firechilde eats more soup, hiding her pleased expression. Hiko the Firechilde looks up, "It was necessary, your Highnesses." Queen Yuriko asks, "So what did you wish to talk to us about, Hiko?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "Well, before the duel, Cousin Nagisa told us that we needed to find these Icons in order to stop Annadil from opening the Gate." She eats some more, then says, "I know where mine is, and I'm going to get it. This is why I cannot help in any of the 'crusades' you have set forth." Scriviner teleports into the room. Scriviner has arrived. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Scriv! Out!" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly makes shooing motions. Nagisa exclaims, "Hey, John told me to come down!" King Tylor says, "OOC Sorry, Scriv, Hiko came back to do her scene, and wants privacy" King Tylor says, "OOC I paged you again to cancel." King Tylor says, "OOC My apologies" Nagisa says, "Must've missed it. Is okay... I'll wait til after. ^_^" Scriviner has left. Corrine OOCly says, "And just as he was mentioned, too... that's timing." King Tylor nods to Hiko. King Tylor says, "Good luck on your quest, then." She smiles shyly. "There is something else, too. I had lunch with the Dowager Queen Anthy yesterday in the forest and accidentally broke the Spring compact. Luckily, I was able to repair it. Yuriko . o O (The what?) King Tylor says, "Good, good." Juri . o O (...) King Tylor says, "Anthy mentioned that to me." After which...." she takes a deep breath, "I walked the Pattern. King Tylor says, "Good for you. It's the heritage of our line, and it opens so many ways to have some fun." [NOTE TO SELF, FIX LOG] King Tylor says, "I can't understand why Shaft hasn't done it." Queen Yuriko says, "Why _Ota_ hasn't done it." King Tylor says, "What you said." Juri says, "Exploring Shadow is very exciting, but also very dangerous." Hiko the Firechilde says, "The Green Knight told me that it was hard thing to do, but I survived, as you can see. He helped me over the worst of it." Hiko the Firechilde nods to her mother, acknowledging her statement. Juri gets some salmon as she speaks, "Are you planning to go alone?" Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't want anyone I can't trust going with me, and right now, I don't trust a lot of people here, save yourselves." King Tylor notices Juri and gets some salmon as well, although he puts ketchup on it, causing Yuriko to grimace. King Tylor says, "Perhaps Juri should go with you, then" Hiko the Firechilde quirks a small smile, "And even all of my ingrained instincts are telling me not to trust you." King Tylor says, "It's VERY easy to get lost in shadow." Hiko the Firechilde nods. Juri says, "King Tylor speaks from experience, although I always considered it interesting he usually became lost when there was work to be done." She smiles wryly at him, then begins cutting up her salmon. Hiko the Firechilde says, "This is the other thing I wished to tell you about. After I walked the Pattern, I realized that I was not well, and have not been well ever since Annadil took me to the Dragon's Scale many years ago." Yuriko nods. "He tried to claim the other day he became lost in shadow on his way to the meeting with the Daigan ambassador." Hiko the Firechilde cuts into her slice of salmon. Hiko the Firechilde giggles. King Tylor says, "I was! I was hiding in the shadows so he wouldn't see me and want to ramble on about his boring problems." Juri listens to Hiko attentively. Hiko the Firechilde smiles at King Tylor, noting how different he is from the father who raised her. Queen Yuriko says, "The Dragon's Scale...the broken Pattern?" Hiko the Firechilde nods at Queen Yuriko. "Yes. He took me there, compelled me to walk the Pattern, and erased my memories of it. He said he would come back for me one day." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm beginning to suspect as if I have been a catspaw for Annadil all these years. So many things in my life have occurred that didn't used to make sense are perfectly clear now." Hiko the Firechilde says, "And as I understand it, walking the Broken Pattern made me paranoid and somewhat insane." She looks a little embarrassed as she admits this last. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I have not been acting very rationally since Fuyutsuki brought me here." She looks at each of the dinner guests in turn. "I would like for it to remain that way." Queen Yuriko blinks, then nods. "To throw him off your trail." King Tylor says, "As you like." Juri nods and looks thoughtful. Hiko the Firechilde says, "To throw everyone off my trail." She smiles and begins to laugh at the memory. "Ota-san believes me quite insane and unstable. I'm afraid I might have frightened him earlier." King Tylor asks, "Frightened him how?" Hiko the Firechilde blushes. "I... er... sorta re-enacted some childhood trauma in front of him. He was not pleased." You page, "[Corrine OOC just goes Buh a lot. "Girl? Get yourself on the stage, you could make a theatre carreer outta this. Pity I don't know in fact. *wry look* I'll be pushing for you to have psychotherapy for years at this rate." ^_^ ]" to Foxtrot. King Tylor says, "Oh." King Tylor seems to not know what to say. Foxtrot stops prodding inn--- guilty authors and says, "Yeah, I'm a great actress." (to you) Juri puts a hand on Hiko's shoulder. Hiko the Firechilde turns to Juri. Queen Yuriko nods, and decides not to pry. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yes, mother?" Juri starts to say something, then clearly isn't sure what to say. "Do you want to talk about it?" She looks around at the royal couple. "It's a little private, but it's ... similar to what you endured at Ludovicus' hands. Hiko the Firechilde puts her hand on Juri's and squeezes it, sending mental reassurances. Autolyca goes home. Autolyca has left. Juri shudders slightly. Autolyca has arrived. Juri then nods. Queen Yuriko and King Tylor both look a little uncomfortable and concentrate on their food for the moment. Hiko the Firechilde says, "Now that I know that it was not my fault, that I was *used* I am starting to feel better. Not entirely 100%, but better." Juri nods. "I spent years recovering from...my experience. It's a long road." Tylor . o O (I think I'm the only person in the universe with a happy childhood.) Hiko the Firechilde clears her throat. "Anyway, your Highnesses, I would like for the fact that I am more stable than I appear to remain a secret, as would where I'm going and why. I believe Nagisa suspects, however." Hiko the Firechilde says, "There is another place I would like to go to: The Shadow of the Dragon's Scale. I feel as if we might be able to find some clues there." King Tylor nods King Tylor says, "From what I know, the easiest way to get there is to follow the Barimen river, and keep shifting shadows, sticking to the river bank." Juri says, "Would you like me to come with you, Hiko?" Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I was told that I need to 'travel to where the shadows burst into flames, and all about you is fire, and the efreet dwell in a city of brass in a sea of molten rock' in order to find this Icon." She turns to Juri. "I would love it if you were to come with me." King Tylor says, "Oh, you're thinking of the City of Brass? That's different from the Dragon's Scale, yes." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "I would like to go to both places, the City of Brass first, then the Dragon's Scale." Juri nods. "I will, then." She squeezes your hand again, releases it, and starts eating her salmon. Hiko the Firechilde says, "I believe that we need to get these Icons, and with the shadow Derith escaping with a shadow Werewindle..." King Tylor says, "Alright. Once you get the knack of it, Shadow Travel is easy. Juri can help you get the knack of it." Hiko the Firechilde says, "And Ota-kun having to travel to Lipun..." Hiko the Firechilde says, "And Shizumaru needing to find his father... the Icons may fall into the wrong hands." King Tylor asks, "Yes. So you intend to try to find all of them?" Hiko the Firechilde ponders. "I hadn't thought of that. If I can, I will. Perhaps that would be better to do." King Tylor says, "If the other children are too busy, then someone will need to do it." Queen Yuriko eats quietly, looking thoughtful. Juri pauses in her eating, putting down her knife and fork, then reaches for her cup of wine, and says, "How many of them do you know how to find, Hiko?" Hiko the Firechilde ponders. "Two, I believe. Before we leave, I can ask the Green Knight where to find the others." She blushes. "He's quite nice." King Tylor says, "Yes, the Green Knight is quite a lovely woman." Yuriko looks over at him with a raised eyebrow. King Tylor asks, "What? What did I say?" Juri looks at Hiko, then nods. Hiko the Firechilde BLINKS at King Tylor. "It's a man. I should know. I had sex with him." King Tylor says, "The Green Knight didn't look very male when I...uh..." Yuriko's gaze is close to setting Tylor on fire. Juri looks amused. Hiko the Firechilde coughs. "Did you break the compact as well, your Highness?" King Tylor says, "Each king has to renew the compact after his accession." Yuriko crushes her knife with her bare hand. King Tylor exclaims, "Yuriko-chan, we hadn't even MET!" Hiko the Firechilde starts. "And now that I renewed it... what does that mean?" King Tylor says, "Well, I assume you breached the Forest Law." King Tylor says, "I had to do it because the compact only lasts so long as the King reigns. And then the next King has to affirm it by, well...you know. But I swear the Knight was a woman. *sees Yuriko* But I...uh..." King Tylor begins to sweat. Juri puts a napkin to her mouth, perhaps stifling a laugh. Hiko the Firechilde nods. "That I did. Queen Anthy wore her crown of flowers, as did her little pet. I refused mine, then refused the one Shizumaru gave me." King Tylor says, "Ahh, yes, the maying rite." Derith OOC Well, I'm off to bed... see you all later! Hiko the Firechilde nods. King Tylor exclaims, "OOC night, Jeff!" Corrine OOCly waves. Hiko the Firechilde OOCly waves. "Nighters." Autolyca has disconnected. King Tylor says, "Well, anyway...umm...I'm sure the Green Knight can help you." King Tylor asks, "He, or she, or whatever....how are you liking the salmon, Yuriko-chan?" Yuriko says, "It's very good, but you can't distract me that easily." King Tylor says, "Damn." Hiko the Firechilde smiles at the king and queen and keeps her counsel. Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What happens when the compact is renewed?" King Tylor says, "Well, when it's renewed by an individual, the forest usually grants them a boon." King Tylor says, "When the King renews it, Arden pledges to protect us by land, and the King pledges to protect Arden from destruction." King Tylor says, "Only already dead wood can be harvested in Arden, for example." Hiko the Firechilde nods. King Tylor says, "I won't go into the details of the renewal ceremony, or I'll end up sleeping on the ramparts, I think." Juri gets up. "I'll be right back." You hear laughter from the hallway after the door closes. Hiko the Firechilde smiles at the closed door. Hiko the Firechilde says, "So... I believe that I will spend the night in the Forest, talking to the Green Knight about these matters. Time is of the essence." Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'll contact Mother tomorrow and let her know when I am ready to leave." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I take that back. I know where three of them are... I think that Nagisa mentioned something about the Sword of Justice being in King Gendou's tomb?" King Tylor says, "Our father had a sword named Justice." King Tylor says, "It was buried with him, yes." Juri soon returns. King Tylor says, "I laid it on his chest, myself." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "That is one of the Icons. Ota-san is to wield it. Perhaps you could take care of that one, your Highness, as it is your father's grave?" Juri sits down and begins to eat again. King Tylor nods. "Yuriko, you'd best see to that; I am going to have to focus on sealign our border against the Embrans." Yuriko nods. Tylor finishes off his salmon. "Good luck on your quest, Hiko." Hiko the Firechilde nods. "In that case, I take my leave of you to journey to the forest Arden." She looks down. "This was very good. I'm surprised we had salmon and not chicken tonight." Hiko the Firechilde finishes off her plate and hugs her mother. "I'll trump you tomorrow to let you know what the Green Knight knows about the other Icons." King Tylor says, "Chef Bork says we got a lot of fish raining from the sky, and he didn't want to waste them." Hiko the Firechilde blinks, then coughs. "I see." She looks down at her empty plate. "May I be excused? I wish to set off for Arden as soon as possible." King Tylor says, "Alright. Fare ye well." Juri says, "I'll see you in the morning, my daughter." She smiles at you in farewell. Hiko the Firechilde nods, then departs the room, goes back to her own room and gets her cloak, black tank top and slacks and heavy coat. She buckles on her sword, then takes out the trump of the Green Knight. Shadra has arrived. King Tylor says, "OOC Howdy, Shadra" Shadra says, "OOC oioi" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Almost done here." Hiko the Firechilde contacts the Green Knight. The Green Knight answers, "Hello, m'lady." Hiko the Firechilde says, "Hello, sir. I do hope that my cousin didn't annoy you too much." The Green Knight says, "I have dealt with much worse." Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I have decided to go after my Icon, and my mother will be going with me. There has been some trouble in the castle. May I come to you?" The Green Knight says, "Most certainly" The Green Knight holds out his hand to you, smiling. Hiko the Firechilde takes his hand =============================== =============================== Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "And we cut here. I'll let others game now." Corrine OOCly nods, and yays! Very Very Cool. Pity Corrine knows 0 about ANY of this. *wg* Though she'll understand why if she's ever told. ;) The Green Knight says, "Okay" The Green Knight calls Rod in Tybalt has arrived. Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Merc!" You see nearby a small speck of blue light, which suddenly bursts into a large ball of azure flame that momentarily blinds you. As your vision clears, you see Rod standing before you, putting a battered silver locket away. Ryo has arrived. Nan desu ka? (Type 'Help' for help) Corrine OOCly , listened to "Arena", and thinks the first track works for TAMD... Shadra OOCly dances in front of the camera The Green Knight asks, "OOc what's that track/what is Arena?" Corrine OOCly says, ""Arena", an album by Asia. The first track is titled "Arena"" Ramon becomes the human shield. Corrine o/~ "Into the Arena we climb,/ We look to the sky,/ Into the Arena we climb / you and I" Ramon asks, "REady to rumble, Rod?" Shadra OOCly sits on the snackbar and takes pictures of the wall Rod says, "un momento" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Oooh... Shaft game!" Shaft 98 booting..... Shaft 98 fatal exception error! Rebooting.... Shaft says, "Game On." Shadra OOCly says "MicroShaft 98?" Shadra OOCly eyes her previous post ========================================= ========================================= You get a good night's sleep, and the next morning, Fuyutsuki, now limping, gives you the finished trump of your weapon storehouse. As you're about to leave your apartment, there's a knock on the door. Shaft shouts, "Who's there?!" He reaches for one of his crossbows. Utena shouts through the door, "Landshark!" Shaft facepalms himself Shaft opens the door. "Hey, ma." Utena hugs you. "I came to say bye to you before your trip and take you somewhere nice for breakfast." Shaft smiles. "Hey, yeah? Cool. Just no seafood, 'k?" Utena says, "No problem. I know a good pancake house over on the south side." Shaft exclaims, "hell yeah, let's go!" Utena starts heading across town with you. "I wish I could go with you, but the king needs me to guard him while he performs a ritual for three days." Utena says, "So I'll be sitting around in a chair watching him stare at a glowing rock." Utena sighs. Utena starts heading across town with you. "I wish I could go with you, but the king needs me to guard him while he performs a ritual for three days." Utena says, "So I'll be sitting around in a chair watching him stare at a glowing rock." Utena sighs. Shaft patpats mom. "Hey, someone's gotta do it. 'Sides, I got this island cruise thing under control. Piece'a cake. Nothin' to worry about." Shaft OOCly "Hiiiiii" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Damn... how long was I out? I got peered!" Shaft says, "OOCly brief sec." Shadra has disconnected. Utena says, "Good" You soon reach the Interdimensional House of Pancakes. Shaft smirks further. "'Sides, any bad shit comes my way, I can always throw good ol' "Cannon Fodder" at'em." He means, of course, Ramon. Utena sighs. "Don't call him that, or you'll end up killing each other on the way there." Utena goes in with Shaft and gets you a table, then starts reading the menu. Shaft orders the Biscuts'n Gravy, side of Bacon Mountain. Utena gets three pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and an orange. The waitress looks at Shaft. "Hey, do you come around Mad ol' Ron's, much?" She's tall and thin, with long black hair and tanned skin. Shaft shrugs. "Every now'n then." She nods, takes your order and goes to place it in the kitchen. Utena asks, "You've got my trump, right, in case you need it?" Shaft patpats the trump deck in his jacket pocket. "Don't leave home without it." Shaft says, "t'ween me, Ramon, n'Lina, actually... be lucky if the island's still in one piece after this." Utena laughs. Utena says, "True." The waitress brings out your food. Utena says, "Well, if you're up against an evil version of Wakaba, you'll be facing a very powerful foe." Utena says, "My sister doesn't look like much, but she's stronger than she looks." Shaft nods. "S'gonna feel weird whoopin' Wakaba's ass... even if it ain't really her. Gonna feel worse if she whoops my ass." Utena shakes her head and smiles. "I got beaten up by a shadow of myself once. It was quite embarrassing." Utena then digs into her food Shaft pokes at his breakfast, frowning. "Hey, ma... how's Aunt Kozue?" Utena pauses to swallow some egg. "Wasyuu says she should grow a new hand in a few months, with help." Utena says, "She's in some sort of catatonic trance, though. Wakaba was going to go try to snap her out of this morning." Utena says, "My own theory is that when she sent all those dragons, she overtaxed her mind and knocked it out." Shaft mumbles, "Remind me to get the hell outta Dodge when she wakes up...." Utena starts peeling her orange. "You couldn't have known, Shaft. None of us did. I'm sure Kozue will be reaso...on second thought, it's a good thing you're going to Lipun for a few weeks." Shaft laughs. "Damn right." Utena says, "She should be down to only killing insects by then." Utena says, "Miki stayed with her all night, while she slept." Shaft asks, "an'Madoka?" Utena says, "I don't know where she is." Shaft raises an eyebrow, but doesn't pursue the matte further. Instead, he decides the biscuts'n gravy need some attention. Utena says, "I assume Miki got her out of wherever he had trumped her to...I suppose he probably sent her to Detention." Shaft blinks at this news, but says nothing Hiko the Firechilde OOCly drains her wine glass of merlot and waves. "Going to bed early. Night, guys." Shaft says, "ciao, hon" Shaft OOCLY Corrine OOCly waves to Trish. Utena eats her food in silence for a little while, then says, "So how long will you be gone?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Sending logs to you, John. Not much fancy commentary." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says, "Night!" Utena exclaims, "Good night, Trish!" Shaft asks, "I got no idea. How long's it take to sail there'n back?" Utena says, "It's about two weeks, I think." Utena says, "Along the Narwhale Currents." Shaft says, "hm..... add a week t'destroy the place.... yeah, a month oughta do it." Shaft says, "though I could just trump my ass home after it's done." He shrugs Utena nods. "Alright. You'll be back in time for Shinobu's birthday then. Good." Shaft looks puzzled. "Birthday?" Utena asks, "You know, the day on which your cousin Shinobu was born? When people frequently have parties?" Shaft looks sheepish. "I entirely f'got about it." Utena says, "Well, it's not for a month and a half, so you'll have plenty of time to get her a gift. Maybe you can buy something nice in Lipun." Utena says, "Oh...while I'm thinking about it..." Utena reaches into her jacket pocket and extracts a small wrapped bundle. "Here's a black stealth suit. You might find it useful for sneaking around the island." Shaft takes it into his hands, looking at it curiously. "Hey, always wanted to have one'a these." Utena says, "Apparently, Lipunese ninjas find them to be very useful." Utena says, "It's complete with hood." Shaft says, "ah, cool. Wouldn't do to be this black shadow in the dark with bright pink hair." Utena laughs. Utena says, "I've never been very good at sneaking myself." Shaft smirks. "You? You don't sneak on nobody. If you was gonna whoop someone, you always let'em know it." Utena laughs. "Well, now you know why." She fingers her long hair. Utena finishes her orange and works on her pancakes. "Mother seems to have worked herself up into quite a fury. She's been snapping at people all morning. I could hardly believe it." Shaft looks surprised. "Granma, in a tiff? Say it ain't so!" Utena says, "I'm not sure if she's mad because of Derith, or because the duel ended like it did, or something else." Utena says, "I tried to calm her down, and she almost bit my head off." Utena shakes her head. "It's just hard to believe." Shaft says, "daaaaamn. Guess I'll stay outta her way today." Shaft says, almost casually, "By the way, y'think they'll let me borrow grampa's sword?" Utena asks, "What, Justice?" Utena says, "I think High Priest Geo would have a conniption fit." Shaft frowns. "Hey, yeah?" Utena says, "But King Tylor would let you do it if you needed it." Shaft exclaims, "hm. Can't buy off the priest, huh? Just kiddin'!" Utena rolls her eyes. "What do you need it for?" Shaft waves his hands dismissively. "Y'know how it goes, buncha new faces ride into town, someone busts out the prophecies, some wise-ass mofo tells ya Fate Says Do This." Utena laughs. Utena says, "'The End of the World told us to duel you'" Utena nods Shaft exclaims, "Ha!" Utena says, "It's never wise to ignore prophecies." Utena says, "But it's not wise to entirely run your life by them either" Shaft says, "'course not, s'why I'm doin'it my way." Utena says, "Anyway, perhaps you should talk to the King and the High Priest before you go." Utena says, "It's not as if Father would be getting any use out of his sword anyway." Shaft looks around warily. "By the way.... you hear anythin' on this Mikage dude? Gettin' bad vibes from him." Utena says, "He can't remember his youth, from what I've heard." Utena says, "Even after walking the Pattern, which is quite strange." Shaft raises his eyebrow again. "Cat says he can't remember shit after walkin' the pattern? Dude's fulla shit. Keep an eye on that mofo." Utena says, "But yes, he does seem to be rather...brusque." Utena says, "Reminds me of how Father would get when he was in one of his 'I know everything, you know jack, I'm not telling you either' moods." Shaft says, "huh. Guess I'd hate grandad too." Utena says, "Your grandfather was a very brave man who gave up a lot for the good of Amber." Utena says, "But he was also so sneaky that his left hand was often conspiring with his knee against his elbow, if you know what I mean." Shaft laughs Utena says, "I think he must have become paranoid after the whole Sakura disaster." Shaft nods. "Yeah, guess anyone would." Utena says, "I did my best to not raise you the way I was raised." Utena says, "Father would sometimes get mad at us for breaking rules we'd never heard of." Utena says, "But which we had been expected to instinctively know." Shaft says, "we-heell, glad I didn't know the old man." Utena shakes her head. "But I still can't believe he's really dead. Fuyutsuki outlived him, and Fuyutsuki...well, he's a lot older than Father was." Shaft says jokingly, "Y'know, he sounds like the kinda dude t'fake his own death." Utena blinks and looks thoughtful. "I can't think why he would do that. but yes, he is." Utena says, "For that matter, I suppose it's possible that Mikage is actually Father." Utena says, "It would explain why he has the same arrogance Father had." Shaft smirks. "That almost ain't funny." Utena says, "But he's probably just Gil-Galad's son." Utena says, "No way to be sure, though." Shaft sighs, then smirks. "Nothin' changes... I'm still the youngest one in the family." Utena says, "I was the youngest for a little while, until Wakaba was born." Utena says, "It's not easy" Utena says, "Although I think Shizumaru is younger than you." Shaft asks, "hey, yeah?" Shaft says, "'round here, y'never can tell." Utena says, "I think he said he was only sixteen." Shaft says, "huh" Utena says, "So you may not be the baby any more." Utena says, "But you'll always be my baby *smiles*" Utena finishes off her breakfast. "You done?" Shaft says, "yeah, guess I am." Utena says, "Okay. Let's go, then." Shaft nods And cut here for now. ============================================ ============================================ Utena says, "OOC Hopefully, we can get you on the road to Lipun tomorrow night, since you won't have work." Rod says, "cool, shaft gets his travelin' suit" Corrine OOCly sings "On the Road to Ombaraga." Rod says, "armed with an armory trump, many things that go boom, and two people that go boom" Tybalt says, "Kick some Evil Wakaba ass, Rod." Corrine OOCly says, "And an emergency trump for Whalekiller. ^_^" Utena says, "I figured your mom would want to give you something cool for your trip." Rod says, "yeeep" Corrine OOCly Kick her into the ground for me, Shaft! Utena says, "And once you kick evil wakaba ass, you'll finally have some points to spend :)" Rod asks, "15 to walk the pattern, issit?" Tybalt exclaims, "Psst! Rod! You get extra points for helping annadil!" Rod says, "uh huh" Corrine OOCly glares at Tybalt. Rod says, "say, did I get any points? :)" Corrine OOCly directs Sparky towards Lunch. Utena noogies Merc. Utena says, "Walking the Pattern costs 15." Utena says, "Blood of Amber pays for 6 of that." Tybalt says, "You get a Pattern discount if you bleed on it, Rod. " Tybalt says, "Try it and see. ^_^" Utena pimpslaps Merc. Rod says, "as if i hadn't heard this one before" Utena draws the sword of Dios and does the patented Utena Lunge at Merc. Corrine OOCly says, "You also get the entire Royal Family pissed at you.... yay, Utena Lunge!" Tybalt says, "And Wakaba? You should kill her, man. They'll all thank you. and you should take a pot shot at Tylor, to." Tybalt says, "And start slapping Anthy around. She likes it rough. ^_^" Rod says, "next time I play someone corrupt o.o" Rod says, "I shoulda let the dragon possess me. Possessed shaft, slappin'down a whole stadium" Utena crushes Merc's skull. Utena tapes his mouth shut. Corrine OOCly says, "Ew. That's always messy to clean up." Utena says, "If you'd been possessed, your momma would have had to slap you down :)" Rod says, "true, true" Rod decides that etched on Shaft's boots should be a small imprint that will be left on someone if they get kicked hard enough 'Whooped by Shaft' Utena says, "Mike's going to run Touga for me; this should be fun :)" Rod says, "oh no" Corrine OOCly giggles. And decides the player's been up too late. Corrine OOCly says, "Oh my." Tybalt says, "nah, you'll like it, Rod." Tybalt says, "Mike runs a DAMN fine Touga." Tybalt says, "Which, i suppose, is why John asked......." Utena says, "Yep." Corrine OOCly realizes that none of the younger generation has ever MET Dear Elder Brother Touga.... Oh boy. Utena says, "Yep." Corrine OOCly says, "This should be fun. In a freight-train collision sort of way." Rod says, "if he walks up to Shaft and says 'Son! I've missed you!' I think shaft's skin is gonna crawl" Utena says, "I sent Mike Touga's stats tonight, and we discussed Touga's agendas in the car." Utena says, "Heh :)" Utena says, "He'd have to go back into exile if that was true :)" Corrine OOCly says, "Heck, so would Shiz's. And Corrine's. Though she doesn't know about the Touga/Shadow-Utena thing." Rod says, "tsk, shaft shoulda shown mom those dirty pictures" Tybalt says, "Feh. You call yourself Amberites. " Utena says, "Not everyone lusts madly for their elders like Horatio." Corrine OOCly says, "WEll, SOMEBODY has to be the relatively sane member of the family. ^_^" Tybalt says, "If someone showed in AMber claiming to be the results of a Corwin/Deridre union, noone would even raise an eyebrow." Tybalt says, "or Miki/kozue, to use a different example....." Utena says, "Well, in this Amber, family incest = permanent exile, by Gendo's decree." Tybalt says, "Yeah, but Tylors the King now." Tybalt says, "meaning that depending on what Touga's been up to, and if he is shaft's dad, it could go either way." Utena nods Utena says, "Tylor could remove the law." Corrine OOCly says, "Well, we'll just end up seeing what happens, neh? *wry grin*" Utena says, "And Kozue is going to have to go into exile with only one hand, since she lost her duel :)" Tybalt says, "how does Amber define 'Exile?'" Utena says, "You have to stay out of the Golden Circle and the Kingdom of Amber" Tybalt asks, "that include Rebma?" Utena says, "Although shadows like 'The Beach' aren't off limits, as Amber doesn't control them." Utena says, "Since Remba is sovereign, it doesn't include Rebma." Tybalt asks, "And would Kozue still have all her titles and powers?" Corrine OOCly sighs, and shakes her head at Kozue. . o O (Kozue, some days I wonder if you can't even BUY a clue. 'course, Modoka could use an account at the Bank of Clue, either. Rod asks, "john, never did ask, what's utena's view of the discovery of touga and shadow utena's love bungalow?" Utena says, "Although the Rebmans usually don't shelter those who are exiled from Amber as a courtesy, they would for Kozue." Corrine OOCly as I recall, didn't when she was Exiled by Gendo. Utena says, "She was pretty shocked when you told her." Utena says, "Exile doesn't revoke titles." Utena says, "In and of itself. It does fire you from your jobs." Utena says, "Since you can" Corrine OOCly ohs, and nods. Utena says, "Can't perform them." Corrine OOCly says, "Can't carry 'em out, yeah." Tybalt asks, "Hey, wait. the Exile only holds if Tylor orders it, yes?" Corrine OOCly says, "and the titles don't MEAN much outside of Amber, really. *wry look* In a practical sense." Utena says, "However, since Kozue was exiled due to a duel, not royal decree..." Utena says, "People who break the terms of a Rose Duel get blood cursed." Corrine OOCly says, "..... OW." Tybalt asks, "What if they're ordered to? " Corrine OOCly says, "Good Unicorn." Utena says, "They get blood cursed anyway." Tybalt says, "Like, if Tylor decides he really needs Kozue commanding the fleets." Tybalt asks, "Can they weasel out of the Blood Curse based on a technicality?" Utena says, "But since it's not a 'legally forced' exile, Kozue could ignore it at Tylor's request or command." Tybalt says, "Like, the term was just that kozue go into exile. it didn't say how long." Utena says, "Depends on if they want to risk they're right, since they can't have a formal argument with the 'Code of the Duel'" Corrine OOCly says, "Oh, the Arena, in effect, is the one who Blood Curses them, in a spiritual sense?" Utena says, "Basically, yes." Corrine OOCly says, "Whooos." Utena says, "By accepting the Duel terms and putting on the roses, you bind yourself to hold to it, or be cursed by the Arena, possibly by the Pattern itself." Corrine OOCly merbles. Tybalt says, "yowza." Utena says, "If Tylor really wanted to, though, he could perform a Blood Blessing and give Kozue soem of his good stuff to off set the curse." Corrine OOCly says, "So duels like the one Juri and Shizumaru, the effective terms were 'We will both be good sports about this duel, since it's just sparring, not a dispute.'" Utena nods Utena says, "Exactly." Tybalt says, "It's probably not as evil as it sounds." Corrine OOCly says, "Phews." Utena says, "If you don't set any fancy terms, then the victory has no particular consequences." Tybalt says, "If Miki and Madoka decided in a couple decades or so to forgive kozue and invite her back and mend fences, it'd probably work." Utena says, "During the Fuyutsuki/Annadil duel, Fuy had no choice but to hand over Werewindle or be blood cursed." Utena nods. Utena says, "Madoka could release Kozue." Utena says, "Effectively forfeiting her prize." Tybalt says, "If Kozue, OTOH, just went outside the Golden Circle, waited a day, then turned around, it probably WOuLDN'T work." Utena nods Utena says, "The arena laughs at lawyers :)" You page, "[Corrine is always a good sport about getting her butt whipped by Juri. ^_^ Corrine just does not wish to mention it where Merc can see, given the common conception of Juri's sexual perferences. ^_-; ]" to Akemi. Akemi pages, "Hehe." to you. Tybalt says, "Unless, of course, kozue had to save amber or something. that would likely also work." Utena says, "The Arena would still curse her...it can't help itself :) But she'd likely earn enough good stuff in the process to negate the curse." Utena says, "It's very unwise to lightly make an Arena Oath and duel to resolve it." Utena says, "That's why Miki and everyone else kept telling them not to do it." Corrine OOCly says, "NODNODS." Corrine OOCly says, "Oh, does Castle Amber have a decently appointed Gym? I think Corrine's going to need to get back into decent shape after this latest debacle. *wry look*" Corrine OOCly says, "Once she finishes healing, and all." Tybalt pokes John. "When ya'll gonna send me that ngS stuff, Johnnymelad?" Utena says, "OOC It could use a good gym. I'd assume your lodge is probably fully equipped." Rod says, "hey, if Kozue gets super pissed at me, do I get 5 points for another Enemy On High? :)" Utena says, "It's on my no-net access Mac, which requires me going to the lab." Utena says, "Yes." Utena says, "If you make her that much of an enemy." Rod says, "hrm. pissing off for points and profit." Tybalt says, "Count yourself lucky, Rod." Utena says, "Or I might change the one you already have to her, since I haven't had much chance to let Saionji make trouble for you." Corrine OOCly says, "No wonder Corrine Sympathises with Ramon... they both end up being the Bricks of the family." Utena says, "Time for me to go sleep." Utena exclaims, "See y'all tomorrow!" Tybalt says, "In mike's game, you 1) would have no idea who your enemy was, and 2)even if you pissed of the entire Courts of chaos, you get no new points." Tybalt says, "Night, john." Corrine OOCly waves. Ditto! Should be in the evening past 9 EST for here, if that helps. ^_^ Corrine OOCly should thud. Utena tries to figure out a way to write the Utena story I have in mind without needing to see the 20+ epsI haven't seen yet... Corrine OOCly should see ep 18/19 tomorrow. ^_^ Corrine OOCly says, "And night, everybody." Rod says, "ciao" Utena says, "I have a post series story in mind, but I canna write it until I see them all, which at current rate, could be years from now." Rod raises an eyebrow Tybalt says, "Drop forty bucks on the tapes, John." Corrine OOCly thuds. Philip Moyer----------------Qapla'-------------pmoyer@jurai.net "To boldly go where no one has gone before!"-Capt. J. L. Picard "Roads? Where we're going we don't NEED roads!"-Dr. E. L. Brown "If it can be dreamed, It can be done."- ReRob Mandeville "Someday we'll find it, the Rainbow Connection, The Lovers, ---------- The Dreamers, and Me."- Kermit The Frog ------------