NationStates Jolt Archive

In the far reaches of the galaxy, on the dead world of Nagodden, a new evil stirs...

On Kaymiril, Col. James Cougar readied himself to face his past...


OOC: OK, this is an invite only, and because all the others are away, it's just me and Kaymiril. Tagging is fine, but dont actually post

Renor left instructions with his Chosen, Vedt, for the care of Rendelmar during his absence, and Rhenmet was taking care of other arrangements.

After they left Mithdelmar, Cougar took them to the dead world of Naggoden.

As the Dauntless came into existence over the planet, Cougar stared out. It was a lifeless world, one pock-marked by continious meteor strikes. Along the equator, a small cluster of buildings indicated the outpost responsible for the Leviathan Project. He swallowed, and began the descent towards the surface...

Rhenna looked out over the planet ahead. "It's like life was never intended to be here...in any form."

"No atmosphere, no nothing!" said Cougar, guiding the ship onto the cratered surface of the planet, not far from the research station. He shut down the engines, and then opened up three lockers,"You'll have to wear these. Enviro-suits, you'll need them to survive.". He pulled on his own, and clipped the helmet, sealing it off,"Ready?"

Tag

"No atmosphere, no nothing!" said Cougar, guiding the ship onto the cratered surface of the planet, not far from the research station. He shut down the engines, and then opened up three lockers,"You'll have to wear these. Enviro-suits, you'll need them to survive.". He pulled on his own, and clipped the helmet, sealing it off,"Ready?"
Rn -- *Pulling it on* This has got to be the oddest thing I've ever put on.

R -- Same here...never seen one of these in my entire life.

"Odd maybe," came Cougar's voice out of a speaker on his,"But you'd die without them. Are you really complaining?"

R -- Yes. We put them on to make you feel better...but we have a variety of spells to deal with the lack of atmosphere.

"I know you don't like them, but spells take energy, you taught me that. Conservation of energy is paramount here, it's going to be needed," said Cougar, opening the hatch, and leading them out of the ship. The land was flat, grey in colour. Small amounts of dust were kicked up every step he took,"Follow me," he said, inputting his destination into a small wrist-locator

The mages walk along.

Rn -- Are these things going to make it difficult for us to cast?

He looked at her,"Not at all. It shouldn't effect you one bit. If I'm right, the buildings will have life support anyway... what the hell?"

He stopped,and bent down. He was examining a body he had found. Turning it over, he stepped back, a sharp intake of breath audible to his companions

Renor kneels down to examine the body (what's he find?)

Cougar spoke,"A Colonial Marine. He has severe phaser burns to his face, and his lif support system is smashed. I don't understand it... why was he here in the first place?"

R -- Why were you here in the first place?

He looked at Renor,"I don't know. I haven't got the faintest idea, but I intend to find out"

He led them over a ridge, and the soft lights of the station glowed from the bottom of the crater at them. It was an eerie sight, but oddly beautiful. The buildings were each self contained, but with tunnels linking the larger domes

tag

He looked at Renor,"I don't know. I haven't got the faintest idea, but I intend to find out"

He led them over a ridge, and the soft lights of the station glowed from the bottom of the crater at them. It was an eerie sight, but oddly beautiful. The buildings were each self contained, but with tunnels linking the larger domes
Rn -- Weird. Shall we, then?

He smiled, noticing the reference in his own mannerisms in her,Scary.

"Come on then. We should head for the main centre first, it'll be the one that holds the main computer core. That's what we want"

Rn -- *Syllables accented* Quit talking and let's start moving.

As he led them through the outpost, he came upon a building that had suffered a massive, explosive decompression. The hole was huge... what could have caused it. As Cougar looked at it, he saw the plasma flame licking at the edges, and a suited figure emerge from the hole, it's face expressionless. The memory drove him to his knees...

R -- Focus. Do not let your past back at you until this is over with.

He straightened up, with some effort,"This is my past Renor. Nothing can alter that... come on, it's a little further to the main centre"

Rn -- If you keep collapsing at every turn, it'll be hard to get where we're going, though.

"I'll be fine, c'mon," he said, as they reached the building in the centre of the outpost,"My access codes should work, if not... well, there are ways" He tapped a few keys, and the doors slid open, to reveal a small room, and another pair of doors,"Airlock" he explained. They stepped in, and the doors slid shut. The room hissed, and a light blinked green. James reached up, and undid the clasp on his helmet, the relaease of gas hissing in the silence. He gestured to the others to do the same

They remove their helmets and look around.

Rn -- Mirroden felt more real than this place...

"It looked it as well," said Cougar, picking his way towards a glowing terminal,"Incredible this place still has power. Plasma injectors must be fused wide open." He tapped a few buttons, bringing up the holographic display,"Now, details, details... Feel free to look around. You might find something useful"

R -- More like directions. It's all in the way it smells, Rhenna. Mirroden had this life-like smell to it...this place smells like the interior of Mithdelmar...or worse.

"I'd have said worse personally,"called Cougar, his face illuminated by the display,"Got it, old records... mostly garbled, but I think I can bring it up." He tapped some more keys, and the display changed:

BNIU3H5OIV87435IUHYVCQW9834YHVEF870TH9BVFG09873124HFV91B9348UPHR908NG38901-VGN[13U9JGF3401H89F9P8G1-39GBQGN931BNP14038GH2NERFJAQWER59000NGJWKYETWJHBG19234857LJVCUHP684441G345GFRHT4HRRIHFNOCMMMX

"Just goes on like that... might be able to clear some of it up though. Give me a few minutes" He poured intently, his mind swarming with visions but his purpose clear. He was sweating with the effort, but he managed to maintain his control

Rhenna and Renor go off through the facility, looking for something, anything. They part ways at the first intersection.

Renor would come to a room filled with documents, some important - an office of some sort.

Rhenna would come to the main lab. Although a large part of the testing had been done in the now destroyed dome, the bulk was done here. It was here that Cougar would have spent much of his time whilst they experimented

James was still working on the scrambled data. His hands flew at speeds unseen in normal humans. Eventually, he sat on a fallen girder, and examined his handy-work. It now read:

22nd June - Snake Year 2383
This latest subject is amazing. Subject was brought in following execution. Revival took place at 0600 hours today, and so far subject has responded well to treatement. -No additional data-

Cougar stood, and began to download the files into a padd. Then, he could read through them at will. Later, when they ate...

R -- Well...looks like I got the wrong room. Anyway...*he begins looking through files and papers*

*********************
Rn -- *shudders* Ugh...D'anthe...lets see what we can find...*She begins looking in the computers (Yes, she knows how to work them...the Black Class have odd proficiencies) for things of interest, while D'anthe looks around the room.*

Renor would find little of interest, but there were a number of files marked TOP SECRET.

Rhenna would find certain information regarding the implementation of the gene therapy,and multiple references to Subject Alpha 1...

August 3rd - SY 2383
The subject has recovered enough. The inhibitor has been inserted and safely tested, and we now feel that we can begin the treatment. SUbject has had small genetic manipulation - this makes our job that much easier. The staff are enthuisastic about this latest addition

R -- Top Secret, eh? Well, you're dead, so I don't care. *Opens the files*

Rn -- This is a normal human's genetic makeup. This is yours And this is how...switch this combination with this one, right here...boost speed...this one, boost stamina....here, to boost intelligence...and over here, for analytical skills.

November 14th - SY 2383
The subject is responding well to the treatment. There was a minor incident today when the sedative was allowed to expire unintentionally. Subject Alpha 1 managed to regain conciousness, but was quickly sedated by droids. Stamina is up three points already, and mental agility is apparent, as brainwave patterns have begun to indicate

R -- Metal Gear? What the devil is Metal Gear?
***********************************
Rn -- This would explain why he'll sometimes randomly collapse after seeming functional a few minutes before. Listen to this, D'anthe...subject to retain funtionality until the body reaches its limit. Okay...that's why he was okay during the battle with Kaelis Ra...and why he argues when I tell him to get some sleep. Although that may just come from the 26-year-old "but I don't wanna gota sleeeeeeeeeeep." But he looks so cute when he's sleeping, it's funny.

D -- You'd be the better judge.

Rn -- I hate it when you get sarcastic with me.

December 25th - SY 2383
Subject is making greater progress. Sedation is required almost constantley. Genetic analysis indicates a latent physic talent. Further investigations are to be carried out

R -- Metal Gear: - Nuclear equipped bipedal tank. Capable of launching a nuclear attack from any point on a planet's surface. Latest version also able to cruise in deep space and ocean, making its tactial capacity even greater.

This report was complied six days ago...which means...There's trouble.

*******************************
Rn -- But, the only thing I'm wondering...his imprisonment here ended two years ago...so how come all this is working so well? It shouldn't be...none of this should be...unless Harrod is still here...

April 30th - SY 2384
Subject has exceeded all expectations put down in original transcripts. Have requested chance to study further - approved. Will report again when more concrete evidence has been found

*Renor goes back to Cougar* We have trouble. Look at the date on this report.

*****************************
Rhenmet, meanwhile, is still working in the lab computers.

Couagr laid the padd down, and took the report. He read it once, then once again,"What the fuck? I've never heard of this project... sounds like a hyper-advanced Mech design..."

As Rhenna worked, a Callidus assasin watched her. But her orders were to capture, not to kill this one. She watched for a while longer, biding her time. Soon my dear, soon

Rn -- D'anthe, nindol xal fridj tlu ussta z'arlathil Ilythiiri "olist", drill Usstan satiir saph gaer zhah foluss else ghil.

*Invisibly, intangibly, a spell works its way from her fingers while she appears to be working on the computer...a detection spell.* I know you're there. And I'm watching.
***********************
R -- I'd say we have some world-class trouble on our hands, if this thing is here.

Cougar looked at it,"The devastation... would be huge! Do you have any idea of how much damage something like this could do!"

The Callidus dropped silently from the roof, approaching the Drow from behind,You are mine!

R -- I also found some information about your genetic testing.

************************************
Rn -- *turning around, putting up a forcefield* Do you have to be so rude as to interrupt? I have work to do.

Cougar looked at him,"Such as? Sorry if I seem preoccupied, but Metal Gear... Leviathan, that is awsome power. Imagine if it fell into the wrong hands..."


Fortune jumped back,"So, you have a forcefield Drow? What good do you think it will do you in this place?"

Rn -- I don't know what all is in this place. So...*casting a web spell that would completely bind the assassin* why don't you start talking. I know that D'anthe would just love to try out his newly sharpened claws on something. *D'anthe perches on Rhenna's shoulder and ruffles his "feathers"*
***********************

R -- Indeed. *Looking around* ...let's go.

"Where are we going?" asked Cougar, grabbing the padd and following Renor from the room...


Fortune found herself unable to move, and those claws looked deadly,"Alright, alright. I work on a private lease to Dr. Frank Harrod... or at least I did, until the old fool died on me! Now, I'm stuck on this rock"

R -- I have the feeling Rhenmet might have found herself some trouble.
**************************
Rn -- So...what sort of "surprises" are we likely to find on "this rock"?

Fortune grinned,"Wouldn't you like to know? You and your friends, especially the human, will never get to Metal Gear or the doctor! I guarantee you that much!"

Couagr felt his stride begin to quicken, and quelled it. His mind was clouded, he couldn't see. He needed all his concentration just to stay on his feet

Rn -- D'anthe...

*The raven geared himself up to strike, and clipped Fortune alongside her head, coming up with his talons bloody.*

That was the first taste, doll. Don't make me have to torture you myself.

*****************
R -- Rest if you need. She ought to be all right on her own, for a few moments.

Fortune licked the blood dripping down the side of her head,"Nice taste. Tastes like Vamp's. Ah, what a lover that man was... As for the defenses, I don't know. Seriously. I've never been down to the lower levels since the doctor died. And that was over a year ago"

Cougar pushed on,"No, I'll be alright for now. I'll rest later"

An invisible force began to tighten itself around Fortune's throat. Meanwhile, D'anthe perched on Rhenna's arm while she cleaned the blood off his talons.

"Really, doll...I met the guy...he was among the ugliest humans I've ever seen. He's dead now, so you know."

Fortune cried out, not so much from the pain as from the news,Vamp is dead!? It cannot be. "You lie!" she hissed, struggling for breath

No. I'll show you what happened. *She allows the scene to play itself out for Fortune, all the while it's becoming more and more difficult for her to breathe*

Fortune watched the scene, watched Cougar plunge the knife into Vamp's heart. Eventually, she cried, and then slipped into unconciousness...

Cougar came into the room,"Rhenna! Let her go!"

All right...*drops her* But she's not going to be happy with you when she wakes up.

I don't give a shit. What did you find? Renor and I found some pretty disturbing stuff in our lines

Well, from her I learned that Harrod died about a year ago, and I learned how they altered you from these computers, here.

Harrod is dead? That just makes this more confusing. Care to enlighten me on how they altered me?*He seemed calm, but it was obvious as to how much strain he was under*

Take a seat. *She calls the files back up. Renor, meanwhile, keeps an eye on Fortune* Speed, staminia, intellect, problem solving, analysation, hand-eye coordination...basically, you're the super-human. They also hammered out a couple of genetic defects.

He sat and listened,"OK. So I'm super-human, in almost every sense of the word. What about these genetice defects?"

You had a latent gene for both myopia and astigmatism, were more prone to get age-induced hearing loss, and a couple of other genetic flaws that make themselves apparent during the human's old age...they didn't mention which ones, specificially, in the files I found.

At least they did something useful for me. But did you find out how I got on this project? I found some references to an 'execution', but I survived that bullet... didn't I?

R -- Actually, you did not. You were brought here and revived.

Cougar sat down,"I died. I was brought back, and experimented on like a plaything... I shouldn't be here today." He put his head in his hands, and just sat silently

R -- This is going to hurt a little bit. *Comes up behind Cougar, conjures a leather parchement, and hits him over the head.* use your head. What would be happening to your country now, had you died three years ago?

The country would be in chaos... Kaelis Ra would be ruling. I can't think past that right now... so tired

Rn - *takes his chin in her hand and tilts his head up* There was a reason for you to live...in this instance, the ends may have even justified the means. I know you're tired, and I know this is hard...but you have to pull yourself together.
*While she's been talking, she's been guiding energy into him, to help him perk up.*

He smiled tiredly at her,"I know. I've got to get this done... somehow. But not right now. I need to sleep to really build myself up... tomorrow, we move into the underground section. I found the maps... I know where the entrance is"

R -- Then do you know of a secure area? I've got the feeling that there are more defenses than just her crawling around.

The uppermost level of this building was the main control unit for the outpost. Most secure station on the base. Point defense phasers need activating, but other than that it's blast proof, and has it's own shields

R -- Very well.

Cougar stood, unsteady on his feet, as if he were drunk,"Follow me"

He led them up a flight of stairs, until they reached the command deck. A number of bunks were laid out, dusty, but useable. Most of the food in the minute kitchen had been radiation preserved,"Let's eat. It's only rations, but it's better than nothing."

Rhenna rid the room of dust with a wave of her hand.

R -- No...*conjures a meal* It's basic kreren, barely flavored, and water...but I'm sure it's better than whatever that is.

Cougar grabbed his, and flicked a switch,"Defenses are online. We'll be ok in here for now.*takes a spoonful*Man, I never thought I'd be glad for kreren as much as I am now"

Renor and Rhenna begin eating as well.

Rn -- Well, kreren to us is no different than a potato would be to your race. Little salt's all it really needs, although fancier things can be done with it.

Cougar nodded,"I see the point. So much can be done with such simple foods He finished his kreren, and went to look out the window. He saw the entire outpost, and rested his hands on the computer terminal. He just stood, and stared...

Rhenna comes up beside him. "Find any answers yet?"

He looked at her,"I know why I'm here, I know what they did to me... but I still haven't found the true answer - What was the point? Couldn't they just let a solider die... although then I wouldn't have met you... a great shame, to say the least"

True...and neither of us would have ever known.

It makes you think doesn't it*sleepily speaking by now*What could*yawns* have happened?

Yes...but now, I think it's about time for you to get some sleep.

How ironic. The one time I shouldn't sleep, and I need to... Gd'night Rhenna... by the way, did you ever find out why I can't sleep?

"Subject to retain full functionality until the body reaches its endurance limit." At least...that's what the file said.

"So, until I get knackered I keep going... interesting" His head hit the mat, and he fell asleep...

Rhenna pulls a blanket up over him and smiles briefly, before going to rejoin Renor.

R -- You've got a strange bond with that human.

Rn -- I know. But I'm not complaining.

R -- I know. I'm going to sleep. *He leans back on a mat and closes his eyes*

Rn -- So...That leaves nothing to do here. *She looks back over at Cougar* He really does look cute when he's sleeping. Come on, D'anthe...let's play a game...

After nearly 8 hours of sleep, Cougar stirred. He had not slept well, but he kept drifting in and out of sleep, so he stayed put. He opened his eyes, and saw Rhenna still playing a game,"How long you been doing that?"

Roughly eight hours. I slept well, not even two days ago...so I'm pretty good, as far as alertness/awakeness goes.

R -- So, you're finally awake, are you?

"Yeah, I'm finally awake. Still feel odd though*stretches*Anyway... we should move on soon. Don't wanna stay put too long"

Rn -- *as D'anthe reassumes his normal form* We're ready as soon as you are.

"Just gimme a minute," he said, cracking his neck. You could hear the bones crunch under his skin,"Old wound," he explained. He made sure he had everything, then led them away from the centre...

Renor and Rhenna keep on the alert...their senses were sharper than his...by a long shot.

Cougar led them back to the chamber that Fortune had been in. She had gone. He wasn't surprised, but he became on edge. He led them to the far end, and tapped on a section of wall. it slid away, and became a keypad. He punched in the sequence, and the door slid back. Stale air wafted from the hole, which was a series of steps, descending into blackness. Cougar looked down, and then at the others,"Past here. No turning back. You can go if you want"

R -- Well then, quit stalling. We didn't hop across space to be told to go back now.

Rn -- He's right. Give us some credit for being somewhat experienced mages.

Cougar took a deep breath, and led the way into the inky blackness. His eyes adjusted to the light, another thing he had noticed since he had been getting these attacks. He led them to a room, which was spotless, as if it hadn't anyone had been in there for years,"Looks like this was the main R&D centre for Metal Gear," he said, gesturing to the scematics and other stuff that lined the walls

Rn -- Which means we can probably find something about it somewhere around here...weaknesses, working conditions, and the like.

I reckon so, let's get started

Rhenna begins to flip through papers, while Renor begins to analyse schematics. "The Trojan Horse."

Cougar looked up,"Say what Renor?"

Almost invulnerable to outside attack.

Rn -- The Trojan horse. Ugly, but designed so that there was no structural flaw. It brought down an entire city...or rather...what it carried did.

You say almost... what is more vulnerable than the rest? *crosses the room to look at the blueprint* I know human history Rhenna, I am one

R -- The head. Right here...you might be able to take it down if you hit it there...it's "brain" if you like, is located there.

D - *to Rn* looks like he's a touch irritable today.

Rn -- Ah, what can ya do, though?

Alright, so we have a target to aim for...Sorry about that Rhenna. Didn't mean to snap

H'mmm...*She's still been looking through papers* I have one other suggestion for dealing with this thing. Don't get hit. At all. *green tinged words* The workings of a tired human mind. Don't worry about it.

I will now you said that. What sort of weapons are we looking at on this thing? I already know that it has dual chainguns, and a laser, anything else?

Looks like some missles and a TMD module...yeah...definitely don't want to get hit.

So, chainguns, laser, missiles... it can't use the TMD module insider... shit, this a bastard of an armour system: adamantium/titanium mixture, light and strong.

Rn -- It's metal, still. It can be melted down.

R -- Or blown apart.

I've never seen anything like this... this thing is a whole new breed of Mech... it'll revolutionise ground warfare... if it's under a rogue agent's control... my god... it's not even worth thinking about

R -- It's better off destroyed. What would you do with a thing like this, what could you do with a thing like this, that you couldn't with a regular machine.

Rn -- Civilians.

R -- Right. Hundreds of thousands...if not millions.

Cougar set off towards the end of the room,"This things gotta be wiped out. And we're the only ones who could do it!"

Renor and his apprentice look at each other, shrug, and keep going.

AFter nearly an hour, the corridor began to widen. Eventually, it opened onto a huge room, and there loomed Metal Gear. Nearly 100 feet tall, it stood inert in the centre of the room. As they entered, the lights flickered, and revealed it in it's ironic glory. Metal Gear, the greatest war-machine Snake Eaters had never known... and never would know. Cougar flared in the growing light,"C'mon, we've got work to do"...

Rn -- *Looking up at it* And I thought I felt short standing next to you, Cougar...

*Energy crackles in the mages hands*

He smiled,"Don't worry about it..."

Suddenly, Metal Gear moved. It's entire weight shifted towards them, and the head bent,"So, Subject ALpha 1 has finally returned!"

Cougar stepped forward,"Damn right I have. I thought you were dead"

The voice laughed,"No. I downloaded myself into the system... so I could live forever!"

"You're insane"

"MAybe I am, but aren't all the best scientists insane?"

"No. Only the megalomaniacs!"

"SO, you know why you're here?"

Couagr pushed on,"Because you need to to die for what you did!"

"No. Wrong Answer. You are the only one who didn't remember. All the others do, and pay for it daily. You do not. That is why you suffer"

Cougar simply stood,"I may not remember, but I will destroy you. Because what you are doing is wrong, and inhuman!"

With that, he brought up the White Flame and began to move. He had barely gone a single pace, when the laser flashed. It hit his chest, burning straight through and piercing the ground below. It all passed in slow motion to those watching. As it burned through him, the sizzling of his flesh resounding in his ears, he looked at Rhenna, horror in his eyes. He sent what might be his final thought in her direction,I love you.The beam withdrew, and Cougar fell. The noise of his body hitting the ground was a resounding thud.

"Too easy!" screached Harrod, turning his attention to the Drow,"You... may die now!"

Time seemed to stop. Slowly, ever so slowly, the beam came down and lanced through his heart. It was so clear...nightmare clear...the last echoes of his words rebounding off the wall, the expression on his face...the sound of his body hitting the floor. And there was nothing she can do.

For a moment, Rhenna felt her heart stop, and she couldn't breathe. Then she snapped her gaze up to Metal Gear...his murderer. Rhenmet's eyes glowed and she took her Dragon Shape. Levitating, she placed herself between Cougar and the giant machine.

R -- I'm afraid you've threatened the wrong mages....Brittadiet! *What had previously been the most deadly Black Mage Spell unleashes itself at the Machine*

Rn -- Haethara Dravoathak A dragon-entity-ghost springs up and launches itself at the machine, in response to her words. Inside it's pouch, Tellryon's heart pounds.

Just yesterday...no...the day before that, we were at that waterfall...is human life so transient?

The machine looked at Rhenna,"Fool! Take your reward for protecting him, it's all the payload this machine has!"

With that, everything opened up. Every weapon poured firepower towards Rhenna. She couldn't stand up to it all...

Something chnged. There was a white glow to the room, and it was growing stronger by the minute. Cougar was on his feet, his hands outstretched, his pupils dilated. The White Flame roared, and spread to cover Renor and Rhenna.

"WHat! Thought I got him the heart!"

Cougar's breathing was ragged,"You should know Doc. My hearts on the right!"

The weapons bounced off the shield, impacting on the ground,"You messed with the wrong human Harrod. Now, you will pay"

He drifted towards the machine, and landed atop the head, Gunblade in hand,"DIE!" He roared, and the word echoed, and plunged his blade into the head of Metal Gear, firing the shots. The head buckled under the immense strain, and suddenly exploded, throwing Cougar to the floor. The mighty machine toppled, smoking, to the ground... It was over, maybe for Cougar as well..

Rhenna teleports over to Cougar. Her first concern was binding the gaping hole in his chest. Tears began to spill, making it more difficult for her to work, but gradually, she began to stop the bleeding.

"Don't die...don't die..."

He reached up, and brought his hand to her cheek,"Don't cry Rhenna. As I told you once, fighting was the only thing*coughs up blood*the only thing I was good at... but at least I always fought for what I believed in. If I don't get out of here, the journal is yours. Take it, and live! I love you Rhenna" He fainted, but his pulse was still there... for now

Rn -- Don't you dare die on me, James Cougar...

R -- Move aside. Stabilize him, I'll take care of this.

*She does so, and Renor casts a spell to bind the wound*

R -- He'll live...for now...So...do you know how to pilot that thing?

Rn -- I've watched him...three times...

R -- We need to get him to Mithdelmar.

Rn -- Is he stable enough to teleport to the transport?

R -- For now.

Rn -- Then lets do it.

*They teleport him, and Renor levitates him to a cot he conjures. Rhenna sits in the pilot's seat*

Rn -- Right...so start up...bring up menu...course set...come on. Touch button...and we're off.

*Shortly, they set down in Mithdelmar, and Rhenna teleports out for a medic. They get Mith herself, who is back from Riptide, and she's in there with him for a while. Renor gets back to Rendelmar, leaving Rhenna to wait.*

M -- *coming out* Well...he'll live. Interesting, though...the only reason he wasn't killed instantly is that his heart's on the wrong side. You can go in and see him.

Rhenna goes in and sits down next to the bed. She takes his hand and begins to stroke his hair. "I thought you were dead..."

*eyes still closed*Not so, my dear, not so. Lucky he forgot my most basic feature that is wrong, my heart

Well, welcome back to the waking world. I have two things to say to you.

First, I told you so.
Second...if you ever do that to me again, I will kill you myself.

He laughed weakly, but it hurt,"So you did. And I'm making no promises, but I'll do my best"

*Brings his hand up to her cheek* Just so long as you do...*thought* For a moment there...I thought my heart had stopped.

"I will try... and I will try not to dissapoint you," he said, opening his eyes. He saw her, and smiled,"Sorry if I scared you back there"

No, I wasn't scared...I just thought you were dead. What's there to be scared about?

*sighs*

You're too young to be pulling that nonsense. Forty-five is the absolute youngest anyone should be allowed to pull that sort of nonsense.

He smiled,"If I'd left it any longer, I wouldn't have been able to pull that nonsense. As for me dying... you dying scares the shit out of me, I was hoping for a similar response.*grips her hand*Young is such a realative term. To me, children of less than 10 are young... to you, 50 is regarded as young. See my point?... What nonsense?*thought*Bloody hell, I came so close to dying... to losing her again...

Don't even start with "what nonsesne," James Cougar. You know full well what nonsense. I thought you know that the first rule of any mission you go on is "don't die"...and you very well could have.

Cougar sat himself up,"The object is not to die... sometimes it just happens. I died once already... and I'm not going to die twice just yet, despite events to the contray" He looked at her,"And why would I die, and leave this*puts his hand to her cheek*behind me? Not a chance"

No...*pushing him back down* You shouldn't be sitting up so soon. *She moves so that she's sitting on the edge of his bed* You're going to be here for a while.

I think that is an understatement. I've had a lung damaged, and a gaping hole in my back and chest. As you can guess, Mith's got me on some mega-painkillers, but the nanites are helping as well... you don't have to stay, though I'd like you to

Mith bound the wounds, and repaired the damage...but she's still going to have to keep an eye on you for a wihle...and Renor told me to stay here until you were ready to be brought back to Rendelmar...unless, of course, you died on Mith...in which case I was going to have to make the arrangements for the body.

He smiled,"Well, thats a good thing. Don't worry, I'm not going to die on you... just out of interest, what arrangements would you have made? And any estimates on how long I'm going to be here?

I'd have arranged to have your body sent back to Snake Eaters, and overseen whatever funeral arrangements are customary on your planet, whetehr it be interrment or cremation, or anything else. And you might be in here three or four days.

"Cremation," he said offhand. He looked around him, as best he could from his position,"Best get used to the ceiling then, I'm going to be here for a while*looks and her and smiles weakly*Now I know how you felt not so long ago"

Well, better Mithdelmar ceilings than the ceiling of that place.

You couldn't see the ceiling, thats just the point... still, I'm going to get used to this. Shame I don't have the journal... I left it in Rendelmar before we left

Then get some rest. You could use it, and you have time. I'll send D'anthe for it while you're sleeping.

All right*lays back and starts to drift to sleep*Wake me up... if it starts again.*It is obivous what he means*

I will. Sleep well. *She leans over and kisses him on the forehead, then sends D'anthe off to Rendelmar.*

Cougar slept with a smile on his face - a rare thing indeed. Once or twice his expression twitched, but then returned to it's calm demenour. It was nearly ten hours after he began that he awoke. His eyes roamed the ceiling,How boring it really is he thought to himself,Best get used to it James, you're here for a while... could be worse though

D'anthe had grabbed two books...the Cougar journal, and the book that Rhenna had been researching out of after her return from Mithdelmar. She's right beside him, but hasn't noticed that he's awake yet.

He fought the urge to roll over or sit up, and instead muttered,"What time is it?"

Almost noon. Feeling better?

Somewhat. My chest still aches... not surprising really. And the drugs have worn off, so I can feel it all. Other than that, I'm fine. What you reading*glances at the book* Same one?

Same one. Right, Mith told me to give you more painkillers when you woke up. *Mixes an exact amount of different powders into a liquid.* This is among the worst things you'll ever taste, just to warn you...but it kicks in fast.

I'm not going to enjoy this*swallows the liquid*Gargh, at least morphine doesn't kill you itself when you take it... bloody hell!*Splutters, but swallows the liquid*OK, that does work fast... I feel better already

Rhenna laughs. "It'll also assist your body in healing. That's why you'll be out of here so fast...between spells and meds, you're healing at hundreds of times faster than you should. Oh, here's your journal." *She puts it on the edge of his bed.*

Cougar couldn't help but smile,"At home, this kind of wound would be considered inoperable. Is it going to scar something cronic, or can you get rid of that as well?*takes the book*Thanks, I have some editing I need to do

It's healing too fast to scar.

Thank god for that... I can't imagine how I'd explain that one

He took a pen, and altered the journal:
OK, so I was wrong. I lived through what happened. Thank Leviathan I did so... though Rhenna did threaten to kill me if it happened again. Gotta love the woman, I know I do. Gd'night for now

Try "A giant machine of doom that was ten stories high and equipped to carry nukes lanced me with a laser." Although...I don't know how well that would go over unless you were there...

He smiled,"Don't think it would go with the flow. Only three people would understand truly what it looked like, and two of them are here."

And I'd rather forget.

He closed the book, laying it on the table next to him,"It can't be forgotten...nothing like that can. It's gonna stick... for me especially. And you... Renor I'm not so sure about. But it's over, done with. I can leave the past, and move forward now*takes her hand*

Nothing phases Renor. I don't know if anything can phase Renor. *She smiles at him. It's a faint smile, one that barely touches her eyes.* I know it can't be forgotten...but it isn't a memory that I'll enjoy looking back on.

Neither will I. We've both got ones like that... I try never to reminisce about past missions, except the good parts, the ones worth remembering.Like our first kiss...

Personally...I like my day-to-day life. It can get hectic, especially when we have a bunch of little kids just coming in...but it's rewarding.

There isn't any pattern to my life... never has been. I go with the flow, and that's how I will until the day I die. Still, teaching does give me a buzz... I can't describe it

*She nods* The look on their faces when they finally get it.

I was thinking of the look they get when they finish the first hurdle, and can't wait for the next one... like the first field exercises. Great fun, but they take them so seriously... you figure out who will pass the course then

We were thinking of different sorts of teaching. No matter.

Different lessons, different teaching. You teach mages, I did teach soliders... then I went back out in the field. They just couldn't keep me away from the fight... look at where it got me*gestures around*

And where it'll likely keep on getting you.

I know. But I live for it... however odd that sounds. The sheer buzz, the adrenaline. You must know the feeling I'm on about.

Actually...not really. We do what we have to...but like I said...I prefer life at home.

He smiled,"To each their own in this case. What you looking for in that book? You seem obssesed by it recently"

*looks down at the book, then back up at him.* Tell me...how would you like to live a century and a half longer, and age proportianally to that...and the only thing you have to give up is a pint of blood?

He sat there,"I'd like it... depends though. What's the catch? Nothing comes for free in this world"

I knew you were going to ask that. I lose fifty years. Once preformed, the procedure is irreversible.

He stared at her, well aware of what she had just said,"Why though Rhenna? You're reducing your lifespan... and even with another century and a half, you outlive me by many years. I love you, and want to do this, but I want to be sure that you are sure.*takes her hands, and grips them softly*

What's fifty years when you live for hundreds? You don't miss what you don't have...you can only miss what you do have...and when I saw that thing cut through you, I felt a part of me begin to die as well. *looks away* This is really very selfish of me, extending your life so that I have less time that I'll have to miss you. It works out to two centuries less, in the long run. *looks back*

He took her face, and turned it towards him. There were small tears in his eyes, ones of joy. He suppressed them, and then spoke,"Selfish? Yes, but in a good way. For once, selfishness works out for the better... and now you know how I felt before my fight with Kaelis Ra. SOmething of me nearly died that day, and I'm glad that it didn't" He kissed her, long and sweet, one that spoke of his love for her...

As he kissed her, she felt strangely reassured...all the stress of the past 48 hours began to melt away, and she just kissed him, letting it linger.

As they continued, he felt her relax. He smiled, and carried on. His arms found her back, and rubbed it gently, kneeding the remaining tension in her muscles away..

After a long while, she ended the kiss, but stayed where she was, letting her forehead rest on his shoulder.

"You know...I should really fuss at you for having sat up...but not right now."

He continued to massage her back,"That's always a good thing. I feel like the luckiest man in the world right now"

Do you, now? *a small smile crosses her features*

Yes, I do, I wouldn't say it if I didnt*kisses the top of her head* What about you?

I'd have to say that I can't think of a place I'd rather be...unless maybe it's that waterfall.

That would be nice... but a little out of the question right now. In theory, I shouldn't even be sitting like this

True. Still...that was a pleasant day.

Except Vamp of course... something tells me I haven't seen the last of Fortune

Probably not, but she'd never make it in here.

It's not worth worrying about just yet then. Tell me, what does this potion of yours entail?

Pint of blood from each of us, several other ingredients, etc, etc.

A pint? That isn't that bad I spose... did you already start making it?

There was a plant that needed to be grown and dried, etc. I'll be able to make it in a few days.

I see*lays back*Sorry, but it was starting to hurt sitting up

*She smiles down at him* You shouldn't have been sitting up at all.

I know I shouldn't have, but oh well*groans*oh, that's gonna be irritating later, to say the least

*Pulls the blanket back over him* Get some rest.

*smiles* Thanks. I'll be fine*eyes start to drift close*I feel... so tired...*he fell asleep, and just lay there*

M -- *entering* Still asleep, is he?

Rn -- No, back asleep.

M -- Pain?

Rn -- Some. I gave him the meds. How long will you keep him here?

M -- Two or three days at most. After that he'll have to take it easy...but such is life.

*Rhenna nods*

Rn -- So...what do you think about this whole Warfare/Death happening?

M -- It isn't good...more people are dying more rapidly for more reasons. It's hard trying to keep up with it. We'll have to find them, and stop them. It's going to take everyone...and I don't know how we'll have Warfare, seeing as he's the main force on the other side.

In his minds eye, Cougar saw the rune Costh had left for him. He tried to approch it, but couldn't. He cursed softly under his breath, and backed off,"Why Costh? Why?"

His face twitched so in the real world, noticable to the others

Rn -- *looking down* I wonder...what is he dreaming about?

M -- You'll probably never know. Dreams are only seldom remembered. *She checks his vitals, writes them down, and leaves*

In the early hours of the morning, Cougar woke up,"What time is it now? I can't tell in here, my watch is gone"

Five thirty.

He rubbed his head,"Bloody hell. Did Mith come and go? I felt something whilst I was sleeping"

Mith was in here for a minute, yes.

He rubbed the sleep from his eys, and propped himself up on elbows,"And how have you amused yourself whilst I have napped?"

Catching up on work. Slept for half an hour...and then all my students kept calling D'anthe to talk to me...they're cute...but a little annoying.

"They just want someone to talk to... it's only natural to bug the person more when they go away" he said, smiling at her

Yes, true. I told them I'd be home in a few days.

Expect a strange few days then... I wish I could walk around, it's so boring being restricted to beds

It could be worse.

True. But you know from expierence how boring it is

Yes, I know. But I found that it was less boring when there was someone there to talk to.

He smiled,"Sorry. I'm not used to being stuck in one place for hours. This potion... it increases my lifespan and aging process accordingly right?"

Yes, but it won't cause you to retro-age.

So I keep aging. Good thing really, I'm under no wish to reduce my age, in any way shape or form. ANy side-effects?

Not really.

He pulled himself straight, wincing at the pain,"Rhenna. Are you sure about this? I love you, and this is a mighty step. I know my choice... but I want to be sure about you. Hurting you is the last thing I want to happen"

James...take it easy. *She goes and sits back beside him* I'd rather have my life cut short by fifty years and have you for two hundred than have to go through over six centuries without you. The loss, in my opinion, is more than worth the gain.

He smiled at her,"Thanks. Another century and a half with you... anything is worth that"

She smiles, and eases him back down. "I thought so."

He eased himself back down, and winced as his wound hit the bed,"Ouch. How long is it going to keep doing that?"

Probably within the next day or two. You'll be all right. *Takes his hand*

He held her hand tightly, and just lay there.I'm in virtual heaven. I'm alive, I'm going to live longer... and I've got a beautiful woman who loves me.

Rhenna begins to stroke his hair. His hair had a different texture to it than Drow hair, it was thicker, coarser...perfect to just sit and run her fingers through. She lets a small smile cross her lips as she looks down on him.

"Someone looks content."

He looked up at her,"You could say that I am content in the extreme... and you like playing with my hair don't you?"

You don't mind, do you?

Of course not... it's quite relaxing actually

Yes...You look pretty relaxed.

He smiled,"I have good reasons... most of them in this room. Oh, by the way, did we leave the runabout there?"

No. Like I said...it's dangerous to open a portal when you don't quite know where you are.

You flew it back here? I'm impressed... normally it takes some months to learn to fly that thing properly

I watched you fly it three times. While a fourth would have been nice, I thought I had it.

Still, it's cause to be impressed. The flying instructors would have snapped you up as a pilot... and a darn good one if you learn that fast. Still, I know you don't like travelling like that

There wasn't much of a choice.

He smiled,"True... I would have flown us out... kinda incapacitated though"

Well, that's why Renor told me to do it. Don't worry about it...I got us back here in one piece. Helped that the course was laid in already.

Precaution. I did it before we left... always plan for the worst. Thankfully, the worst didn't happen... this time

*Softly* True...

*notices her expression*Hey, I'm still here aren't I. I don't plan on going anywhere. I'm thinking of that memory, I thought I survived remember? Turns out I didn't*puts his hand to her cheek*

Just remember...do it again, and I'll kill you myself.

That's enough of a threat not to let it happen again. Strange love though

Maybe to you...but I'm not a human, remember?

Something tells me I'm not going to forget in a hurry... no matter. I love the Drow/Dragon... wouldn't be the same if you were human, nor as interesting.

Probably not.

He laughed, and settled back, happy and content for the first time in as long as he could remember...

After a few days bedrest, he was strong enough to move around and was released from the ward. Gathering up his things, he was getting ready to leave when he felt a sudden wave of nausea. He sat down on the end of the bed, and breathed deeply. After a moment, he felt better, and began to walk towards the door...

Rhenna's waiting for him outside.

He walked out, noticing Rhenna,"Good morning. And how is the lovely Rhenna today?" He was in a very good mood, for some unknown reason, most likely the remaining painkillers

*She smiles at him* "Glad to be going home."

He smiled back at her,"Sorry to have held you up here... I did tell you that you could go home"

You told me go, Renor told me stay...who do you think I'm going to listen to? *Taking his hand and teleporting them back* Shan's up and about, by the way...don't do too much with him...neither of you are in any shape to be sparring.

It's no contest really is it. I'll keep an eye out for Shan.. but no worries, I'm not planning on anything yet. Going off to teach? Have fun *gives her a quick kiss*

Teaching fifteen year olds kinetics for the first time...fun, indeed........*kisses him back* I'll see you later. *teleports elsewhere*

He laughed as she left, and went back to his room. After laying his Gunblade down, and hiding the journal once again, he set off for a walk. He needed to see how far he could push this lung now... but only a little bit at a time...

As he comes to the library, he'd notice an open door, where before, there hadn't appeared to have been one. There is sand in the room, as well as rocks, and a fountain at the far corner. A lone mage sits in the center, reshaping the landscape. Dunes rise and fall, rocks float from one place and set themselves down in another. A trail begins to cut itself in the sand, and water flows through. Tiny green plants sprout up as the water creates a bank. The mage hasn't noticed Cougar yet.