NationStates Jolt Archive

"They're exactly what they sound like. At the least, they are simple emotional states that dominate over all the others and make certain abilities more powerful. At their worst... you saw Umbra right now... imagine him truly pissed off, I mean in such a way that could rival, if not put ALehkra to shame. Now imagine that being a separate entity which could act outside of Umbra's body, mind, and control. And throw this into the mix: Because it's the physical form of an emotion, it cannot be killed, only unsummoned, which would require Umbra to be in a correct state of mind. And trust me, when they do seperate, it's really hard to keep Umbra in a decent state of mind. Why exactly am I wearing these bandages? Because his rage managed to do this once." Mirage laughed, "But all the horrors I've described only follow the Rage Avatar, I've never seent he physical embodiments of his others. That being said, he'll be back, he just needs to cool off."

Alehkra cocked his head at that. "So you are saying that had he been his normal self, he would have not done what he did to the Priestess, or at the very least be sorry about it?"

Tal shrugged mentally to Zena. Maybe.

He turned to Methua. "Getting impatient, aren't we? Sorry, but people with souls tend to have conversations."

Joshua stared daggers at Methua. "You can wait your turn. You seem to have all of eternity so what's it to you if we end up participating in your games a little happier and a little smarter? Besides, you seem bent on killing us to put us out of our misery, so why can't we die happy?" He sounded like he was putting a kid in his place, but at the same time Josh didn't make it sound like he was angry or accusing.

Methua shrugged. "Just a suggestion. I'm more than happy to sit here and watch. I'm having more fun than I have in a very long time. Although, you again misunderstand me. I normally would not kill you, but you've got it in your heart to stop my crusade. No, normally I would leave you alone, as you are not human and therefore have the power to change your own life, so that it is not so miserable."

ooc: mersk, since its your rp, what say aya finds and tells us what the answer is?

"They're exactly what they sound like. At the least, they are simple emotional states that dominate over all the others and make certain abilities more powerful. At their worst... you saw Umbra right now... imagine him truly pissed off, I mean in such a way that could rival, if not put ALehkra to shame. Now imagine that being a separate entity which could act outside of Umbra's body, mind, and control. And throw this into the mix: Because it's the physical form of an emotion, it cannot be killed, only unsummoned, which would require Umbra to be in a correct state of mind. And trust me, when they do seperate, it's really hard to keep Umbra in a decent state of mind. Why exactly am I wearing these bandages? Because his rage managed to do this once." Mirage laughed, "But all the horrors I've described only follow the Rage Avatar, I've never seent he physical embodiments of his others. That being said, he'll be back, he just needs to cool off."

"Good to know. And it does sound a bit like Zena's Personalities when they got loose. There's a story behind that, but I don't feel like sharing at the moment." Joshua spoke and Zena nodded.
Since we're too busy talking, I'll just project them. Zena did indeed do as she said and the memories played for each person except Methua who probably saw them anyway. And Tal, who knows?

Alehkra cocked his head at that. "So you are saying that had he been his normal self, he would have not done what he did to the Priestess, or at the very least be sorry about it?"

"Would he have done it? Probably, though he might not have activated so quickly and at least explained the process. Had Zena had the same breakdown? He most likely would've said he was sorry, I can't promise that'd it be completely sinscere but he wouldn't be as indifferent as he was."

ooc: mersk, since its your rp, what say aya finds and tells us what the answer is?

OOC: Worry not my friend, have Raphy read the book, and I'll tell ya what it says. It may take me a while though, as I want to get the wording right.

I do. And I'd like to keep it that way. Tal's words were filled with kindness, but the meaning behind them was apparent. Tal watched the memory. He was somewhat shocked, but he was used to bad memories such as these as now. He had already figured as much as he saw, but he decided not to share this.

"Would he have done it? Probably, though he might not have activated so quickly and at least explained the process. Had Zena had the same breakdown? He most likely would've said he was sorry, I can't promise that'd it be completely sinscere but he wouldn't be as indifferent as he was."

Alehkra nodded. "Than I am not quite as angry as I was."

Methua shrugged. "Just a suggestion. I'm more than happy to sit here and watch. I'm having more fun than I have in a very long time. Although, you again misunderstand me. I normally would not kill you, but you've got it in your heart to stop my crusade. No, normally I would leave you alone, as you are not human and therefore have the power to change your own life, so that it is not so miserable."

OOC: Ugh, too many posts...

IC: "Seeing as most of the people I care about are human I've got good reason to stop you. And I have no more power than a human does to change my life." Joshua said honestly. And it was true, he had powers and abilities most people would die for, but he was just as mundane as the rest.

Alehkra nodded. "Than I am not quite as angry as I was."

Mirage laughed, "Funny, it seems like we all seem to have a big problem about not knowing the whole story and jumping to conclusions."
Meanwhile Umbra was on his way to England, Pyro had been a good friend for the longest time and was one of the few people who could calm Umbra down when he got like this.

Methua again smiled faintly. "Believe whatever you wish, Joshua. Never let it be said that I try to force my views on others, I simply carry out what my beliefs dictate."

Mirage laughed, "Funny, it seems like we all seem to have a big problem about not knowing the whole story and jumping to conclusions."
Meanwhile Umbra was on his way to England, Pyro had been a good friend for the longest time and was one of the few people who could calm Umbra down when he got like this.

Alehkra grinned faintly, and held up a finger. "I am still angry however, just not quite as much so."

"And I'm sure Umbra is still about to go nuclear on something, but he's calming down now that he's away from us. Tip: Stay the hell away from him for at least a few weeks, at least about this topic. You never know how long it takes for the emotions to begin correcting themselves."

Methua again smiled faintly. "Believe whatever you wish, Joshua. Never let it be said that I try to force my views on others, I simply carry out what my beliefs dictate."

"Unfortunately carrying out your beliefs forces your view on others. I mean, if they're dead because of what you believe, it's kinda hard to see otherwise." Joshua shrugged.

Taking a seat, still in each other's arms, Raphael read the book to Aya. He was pleased to read it to her...this was a book of her heritage. And it was part of him. Her understanding of it would help her know him better, Raphael thought...

Tal looked down at Zena and sighed. He sat down and closed his eyes. I wonder what it'd be like to be human... to forge you own path in life....... to be able to make mistakes....... Oh, sorry if you hear this Zena, I'm just musing to myself.

"Unfortunately carrying out your beliefs forces your view on others. I mean, if they're dead because of what you believe, it's kinda hard to see otherwise." Joshua shrugged.

Methua thought for a second. "That actually does make sense, I suppose. I am willing to concede that point to you, though that does not change what I must do."

Joshua grinned a bit. "I'll take what little victory I can get. It makes me feel a bit better at least."
Zena meanwhile laughed in Tal's head again. It's alright, musing is good. And you'd be best to ask a human about it. Kathy for example.

OOC: I'm getting off mates. And I'll post the Angelus thing tommorow FUS, I'll think about it overnight.

OOC: Aww, And btw, it'll be tomorrow in like, 10 minutes, so hurry up! :)

Are you saying that you're not human? Last I checked, you were half human, and mortal if I'm not mistaken. And it's best not to ask, anyway. An angel asking what it's like to be human... it's rather absurd, I think.

OOC: For me it's been tomorrow for, like, fifty minutes. :rolleyes:
And that's just great. Now its just me and Syl. Again.

I'm half human, but my angel side is still prevalent. We don't really know though just how long I'll live. I could live like a human, or longer, or much longer, or like an Angel. And it's never good to leave questions unasked. The answers you could get could lead you to think of something you never before would have considered. Trust me, it's best to ask.

The angel wasn't ready for an attack this quickly, and he lazily held up his sword with one arm. The blow pushed his sword back, causing it to bite into his arm. He pushed back from the demon, now thoroughly bloody. Not waiting even a moment to recuperate, like he was trained, he rushed at the demon, if not a little slower, swinging his sword back-handed.

The demon, enraged, fought back with enormous strength. He had an arrow on his left hand, and his sword on his left hand.

I'm half human, but my angel side is still prevalent. We don't really know though just how long I'll live. I could live like a human, or longer, or much longer, or like an Angel. And it's never good to leave questions unasked. The answers you could get could lead you to think of something you never before would have considered. Trust me, it's best to ask.

Tal mused on this for a moment. So, which worries you more? If you'll live the length of a human life, or if you'll be immortal? Also, some questions are better left unasked. Those answers could lead to things that can never be possible for an angel.

OOC: I'm getting off mates. And I'll post the Angelus thing tommorow FUS, I'll think about it overnight.

ooc: fyi, i used the preamble from the movie 'Legend' for the opening passage of the Angelus.

The demon, enraged, fought back with enormous strength. He had an arrow on his left hand, and his sword on his left hand.

This is new. No time to get sloppy, I suppose. He continued his back-handed swing at the demon, blood running from his shoulder onto his arm.

Mecca grinned. "Ah, whats with the hostility lass? Now, come over here, so I don't have to yell, and mayhap I can help you find said friends, hmm?"

Medunia approached the city and Mecca slowly, watching. She kept her hand on the hilt of her sword as she walked.

Zena thought for a second. Neither one scares me. If I die after the life of a human, I'm a believer and know I'll have eternal life afterward but at the same time, being immortal and living as an angel and servant sounds wonderful too. I suppose you're right about the questions though. But still remember what I told you. You already love all humans, no matter how sinful, because you love God.

This is new. No time to get sloppy, I suppose. He continued his back-handed swing at the demon, blood running from his shoulder onto his arm.

Despite the wound on his leg, Massacre was still deadly. He back away and struck occasionally.

Mecca waited paitently until Medunia reached him, then said, "So lass, who exactly are ya looking for? Be it werewolf or vampire, I'm sure I could help you with it. I even know a few humans, but not many."

Aozora, meanwhile, was getting rather suspicious about Alehkra and Umbra's argument, especielly seeing as how Zena jumped in. He sat in one of the seats, thinking about it. Luckily, most likely for him more than Umbra, he wasn't very good at making connections. He knew that something must have happened between them, but he wasn't quite sure what. I suppose I'll have to ask her about it later... he thought to himself, giving up on trying to figure it out.

Mirage coughed, "Let it be known I have no intention of filling in for Umbra, so unless anyone here has further questions or statements to be directed at me, I shall take my leave."

Joshua grinned a bit. "I'll take what little victory I can get. It makes me feel a bit better at least."
Zena meanwhile laughed in Tal's head again. It's alright, musing is good. And you'd be best to ask a human about it. Kathy for example.

Methua smiled. "Whatever makes you feel better Joshua." Suddenly he sighed. "You know, I'm sort of starting to like you. I'm going to regret having to take your soul."

Mirage coughed, "Let it be known I have no intention of filling in for Umbra, so unless anyone here has further questions or statements to be directed at me, I shall take my leave."

Alehkra grinned. "Come now, surely you could stay for a little bit. Watch the games, it may provide you with some entertainment. And besides, maybe you should join. Who knows, maybe the false god wants the Garden."

Methua smiled. "Whatever makes you feel better Joshua." Suddenly he sighed. "You know, I'm sort of starting to like you. I'm going to regret having to take your soul."

"Good luck with that. We don't even know the results of taking my soul. I'm only half human, so there's only half a soul to take." Joshua shrugged. "For all we know, you'll just purify me of my human half and turn me into and even deadlier opponent. And Mirage, you don't want to stick around and watch us beat the snot out of him? And Alehkra, Mirage would risk a lot, but never his Garden. You should know that."

Mirage rolled his single visible eye, "I very much doubt that Alehkra. Try as you might, I'm not falling for that." He then looked to Josh, "Thankyou for showing that you've learned something about me."

Methua smiled. "I understand the way these things work. I am quite capable of taking the demon side of your soul as well. Its actually a misconception that they have none. Its usually black, and tastes disgusting, but they have one."

Alehkra grinned. "Thats my point. The false god may want the garden, so Mirage should stay and help." Methua cocked his head. "I don't want the garden. It is the world of mortals I am concerned with."

Joshua grinned. "I'm learning new things all the time Mirage." He looked to Methua. "I know that. But like you said, you're concerned with mortals, which demons are not. Besides, how much is really known about the souls of half demons?"

"Case and point. Goodbye all. Lydia, stop holding a grudge against me for I was the one who brought Sharpshot." Mirage bowed and was gone.

Methua laughed. "I know much, Joshua. And, normally you are correct, I would not take a demonic soul, but, this would be a deal, and one should always uphold a bargain."

Lydia blinked at that, and turned to Blade. "I have a grudge against him?"

Blade nodded, "You were yelling at him before about not staying... remember? Not wanting to help your father and so forth. It was when he came and visited us the first time."

Joshua shrugged. "Just wait, I'll find some way around your wording. You're bound to it, but there's always a loophole."

"Is that what you spend the majority of your time doing? Getting out of things and twisting people's words?" Sharpshot muttered.

Lydia shrugged. "That doesn't mean I hold a grudge. Live and let live. I think hes rather heartless, true, but I don't hold that against him."

Methua smiled. "I'm sure you will. But remember, the deal was made by me. I care not whether you find a loophole or not, I know exactly what I meant, and I will carry that out."

"Ah, this is such a good time to be one of Umbra's weapons..." Said Sharpshot with a smile.

"I guess he doesn't know that," said Blade.

"Actually no. I'm just good with words and if I can get us out of some deep shit, I will." Joshua replied. "And yes, but we agreed to the deal, and thus it's up to us for interpretation."

Methua raised an eyebrow. "So you are saying that should you lose, you will go back on your deal? You may interpret it all you wish, but I am the one who carries it out."

"No, I'm saying I would try to work something out that both of us can live with." Joshua said. "I don't know about you, but I'm rather attached to my soul."

Methua laughed. "Then perhaps you should have thought about that before agreeing to my games, hmm?"

"I'm assuming you follow the principle of dying when you lose your soul..." Said Blade quietly.

"I've been thinking this whole time. And I can still back out, it's not like we've started." Joshua said calmly. "Besides, I usually think of something."

"Because of course you probably lack the morals to stay in." Sharpshot said with a laugh.

Methua glanced at Blade. "Not at all. The body lives on, but it is a husk of what it once was. Do you think I would be stupid enough to take your soul only so you could be reborn in a couple years?"

"Oh of course." Said Blade without actually bothering to look at Methua. He and Sharpshot exchanged glances and smiles.

"Sharpshot, just shut up." Joshua said, tired of his dry humor. "Either know what you're talking about, or butt out. "And I don't know if any of us really know how he's reborn. For all we know, he gets a new soul every time."

Methua shrugged. "Regardless of how it happens, I'll find a way to negate it."

"Good luck. Nobody really know how it happens and those that do know won't tell you. I can tell you that much right now."

"Piss off Josh, I don't have to take any shit from you." Sharpshot said.

"Good luck. Nobody really know how it happens and those that do know won't tell you. I can tell you that much right now."

Methua grinned at him him. "You would be rather surprised at what I know Joshua. I can think of several ways that this would happen, and given some time, could think of many more. What I have to do, is find out which one it is."

"True. But Mirage is quite capable of bringing Umbra back here. I'm capable of it too, though he'd be more apt to listen if Mirage did it." Joshua knew he sounded like a kid threatening to tattle to the teacher.

Methua grinned at him him. "You would be rather surprised at what I know Joshua. I can think of several ways that this would happen, and given some time, could think of many more. What I have to do, is find out which one it is."

"You still need to figure out how it's done and even then, what if it's a way you don't think of? There's so many variables in here that it's tricky to figure out exactly how. What I'm saying is that even if you try, you aren't guaranteed success."

Sharpshot smiled, "Wait, are you using Umbra as a threat against me? That's rich."

Methua laughed. You do not know me very well Joshua. Trust me, whatever Umbra thought of, I can think of a way to negate it. True, it may take me a month or two, but I will figure it out."

"I'm not afraid to bring him back here. And who knows what he'd do in his current state." Joshua shrugged. "And Methua, I'm not saying for you, I'm saying to control his kids."

"Josh, have you become retarded?" Said Blade with a stupified look, "Bring Umbra back here and he'll specifically try to kill you. And I can only imagine he'd rip everything else here apart in the process." Blade nodded, "Yeah, that's a stupid threat. You'd only be endangering everyone."

OOC: I just realized Josh was talking to Sharpshot, and edited the post.

"Josh, have you become retarded?" Said Blade with a stupified look, "Bring Umbra back here and he'll specifically try to kill you. And I can only imagine he'd rip everything else here apart in the process." Blade nodded, "Yeah, that's a stupid threat. You'd only be endangering everyone."

"Most people here can protect themselves while he goes after me. Besides, Methua here would make sure I can't go back on my deal. If I'm dead, he can't take my soul." Joshua was bluffing, but hoped he was right about Methua.

Methua smiled. "You should really learn something about the subject before you try bluffing Joshua. I can indeed take souls from the dead, but it makes it much more unpleasant for the said soul. The longer the person has been dead, the more unpleasant it is."

"You people drive me nuts." Josh said, exasperated. "Methua, do you think my soul's just going to stick in my body when I'm gone? Heck no. And Sharpshot, I realize exactly what he'll do, don't think I haven't thought of that. However, I don't think he likes the idea of his creations being gone if they lose when they're putting their souls at just as much risk as I am with mine by participating."

"Not to mention Umbra uses a scythe, a massive scythe. Also, what the hell did Mirage just finish talking about? You wanna see his avatar that badly? Face it Josh, you're only digging youself into a deeper hole. Plus, if you're saying you have to rely on Umbra, that's pathetic." Sharpshot said bluntly.

Joshua grinned and Sharpshot found metal twisting around him, holding his arms and legs in place while more started to compress his chest. "I don't have to rely on him, it just makes my life that much more entertaining." The metal returned to the jet, leaving Sharpshot unharmed.

"You people drive me nuts." Josh said, exasperated. "Methua, do you think my soul's just going to stick in my body when I'm gone? Heck no. And Sharpshot, I realize exactly what he'll do, don't think I haven't thought of that. However, I don't think he likes the idea of his creations being gone if they lose when they're putting their souls at just as much risk as I am with mine by participating."

Methua grinned. "Don't question what you do not know. I am not theorizing here, I've done it many times before."

"Bullshit, if you knew anything you would've tried to finish me. Josh, have you forgotten my ability? For all your powers are worth a bullet in your skull will still drop you." Sharpshot said, his weapons were drawn at this point. Blade then turned to him, "And don't forget if you push it you'll have me to worry about."

Zena stood up and Sharpshot's weapons flying to either side of him. "And If you add me to the mix..."
"And myself." Kathy had a wrench in her hand and Joshua instinctually flinched. "Trust me, for all you're worth, a wrench breaking your skull will seriously cramp your style."

OOC: Not ignoring you Mer, they're just prioritizing.

Lydia stepped in front of Blade. "Oh come on, can't we all just get along?" She turned to Josh and Sharpshot. "Let the man go Josh. We're all on the same team here."

"Ooh, you haven't told her yet?" Sharpshot moved foreward and held out his hands, the guns melted and reappeared in his hands. "I'm not your average foe." He said with a smile. Blade meanwhile nodded, "And I think you all are forgetting something, a point Josh made earlier. What will Umbra do to you all?"

Lydia, it's just a masculine thing. I'm only here to prevent damage from getting too bad. Zena said, assuring her. I don't want to attack nor do I want them to.

"Ooh, you haven't told her yet?" Sharpshot moved foreward and held out his hands, the guns melted and reappeared in his hands. "I'm not your average foe." He said with a smile. Blade meanwhile nodded, "And I think you all are forgetting something, a point Josh made earlier. What will Umbra do to you all?"

"He'd go right for the target, leaving us free to defend ourselves or Joshua, or flee." Zena replied. "I vote for defense of us all." Zena moved the guns to Josh's hands and he promptly disintegrated them.

Sharpshot once again held his hands out and the guns reappeared. "Tsk tsk tsk. You should know better, these are my weapons, I control them." Blade shook his head, "And if you all attacked him? You'd all be targets."

"I know you control them, but it's fun to watch you recreate them." Joshua grinned. "I trust your aim, shoot my palm." He held up his hand and showed his metal palm to Sharpshot.

Sharpshot smiled, "I'll do something better." He didn't fire right away but began pointing the gun in different directs, his eyes cosed all the while. He then brought it to his heart, "Bullet manipulation." He pointed the gun at Josh's hand and fired. Instead of flying forward the bullet started circling Jos's hand at incredible speed, leaving only a white circle. This continued for a few seconds before it stopped abruptly and hit the ground. "So then, thoughts?"

Lydia scowled and stomped her feet, angry at being ignored. "Come on people!! This is pointless! Shouldn't we be concentrating on the matter at hand, instead of bickering amongst each other?"

Blade sighed, "They're always difficult."

Lydia folded her arms and pouted like a little girl. "Yeah, but do they have to ignore me? Its just not nice."

Lydia, I know what Josh is doing. Don't worry, it'll stop the bickering quite quickly.
"Nice work. Can I show you a trick now? It requires you actually shooting my palm though." Joshua said, having actually enjoyed the bullet moving like that.

Well then what is he doing? she thought back to Zena.

Calming him down by working with something he's good at. Sharpshot is outstanding with his guns, so letting him use them should calm him down considerably. That and it lets them have a bit of fun together. Zena replied.

Lydiaher cocked an eyebrow. Or it could simply make him want to use a gun more and more, and escelate this little argument to a place we really don't want it to go.

Don't you think Joshua thought of that? No, this is purely to blow off steam and Joshua will end it before it gets too bad, if it does escalate. Trust me.

Lydia frowned. I'm just worried that something bad will happen. Why is it that we can never have a happy little reunion? I mean either dad thinks someone is insulting our customs, or something like this

Zena shrugged a bit. Maybe it's because none of us are normal by anyone's standards. At any rate, don't worry. If something bad happens, we'll take the steps to make sure it doesn't get too bad.

Lydia sighed. Whatever you say Zena. It won't stop me from being worried, but whatever you say

Just have a little faith, that's all I ask. Zena replied. I'm not saying that you don't have a right to worry, I'm just saying that it'll turn out alright.

Lydia smiled wryly. Do you know what it means to have faith when you're a mix between a werewolf and vampire? Hope that you're taken in by the moon god, and not the blood god.

Zena chocked back a laugh. What's so bad about the blood god compared to the moon god? I don't follow other religions that closely unfortunately.

Lydia raised an eyebrow. Shouldn't the name alone be enough? Well, let me put it this way. Its actually a goddess by the way, her name is Azeria. But, she has this nasty little habit of plauging her own worshipers, with famine, plauges, natural disasters, all that fun stuff. She can't do as much damage as she used to, seeing as how there aren't as many vampires around to worship her as there used to be, but still. That, and she gets very angry when any of her followers try worshipping the moon god. As our old stories tell it, she and the moon god have some sort of emnity. I don't know why, ask my dad sometime, he knows more about it than I do, he was around when they still walked the earth.

I'll have to do that. Though why she would do that to her followers is beyond me. I'm used to a religion where belief that you are saved and repentance asks God to give you eternal life through him after your death. OF course, it's not like good deeds would grant you that, but through belief, it's possible. What about the Moon god, I don't know anything about him either.

Lydia smiled. Ah, him. I know less about him then I do about the goddess, thats another thing you'll have to ask dad, but I do know that he is of a very different sort from the goddess. For one, he doesn't require nearly as many live sacrifices, and only asks for werewolf sacrifices after a large battle. That, and he isn't quite as frivilous, not as many miracles in whatnot. He prefers to do one amazing thing, and then let people admire that. For instance, it is because of him the werewolves hear the call of the moon, and go through the Change. And he has a sort of heaven. When a werewolf dies, they go to join him in the moon. The Blood Priestesses don't know if the goddess has a heaven or not, but I don't think its worth the chance.

Zena thought for a second. Neither one scares me. If I die after the life of a human, I'm a believer and know I'll have eternal life afterward but at the same time, being immortal and living as an angel and servant sounds wonderful too. I suppose you're right about the questions though. But still remember what I told you. You already love all humans, no matter how sinful, because you love God.

Tal had been lost in thought this whole time about Zena's last message. He was glancing back and forth between the people, but saying nothing.

I kinda like him. Sounds nice. Of course, there's one way to guarantee eternal life and I'd be more than happy to share it with you. Zena was obviously looking to convert Lydia even though she knew it wouldn't work. She was also banking on the hope that Lydia wouldn't get mad.

Lydia looked rather curious. Oh? And how is that?

Tal had been lost in thought this whole time about Zena's last message. He was glancing back and forth between the people, but saying nothing.

Lydia looked rather curious. Oh? And how is that?

Tal, anything to say to that? Zena asked. And Lydia, I'm priestess of the Catholic church. Take your guess hun. Through God of course. She was a bit sarcastic, but not enough to sound rude or offensive.

Lydia suddenly broke out laughing. Oh, I suspected as much, but I didn't think you would really try converting me. First off, and no offense meant here, I much prefer the Moon God to your god, and I don't want to offend him by converting. That, and theres always what the Blood Goddess thinks about the whole thing. Probably the only reason she lets me worship the Moon God is because I'm part werewolf.

Zena snorted. I figured as much, but hey, it never hurts to try though, does it? At least I can't get blamed for not trying!

Tal, anything to say to that? Zena asked. And Lydia, I'm priestess of the Catholic church. Take your guess hun. Through God of course. She was a bit sarcastic, but not enough to sound rude or offensive.

Tal was still thinking, staring off into space. Hmm? Oh, no, I'm fine.

Lydia grinned. Oh, I can't blame you for trying. If you weren't the High Priestess of your church, I would probably try converting you. Hey,I just realized something. Aside from you being the High Priestess, I don't know how the hierarchy of your church works.

Zena laughed. Well Tal, it's better than not thinking at all. She switched to Lydia. Well, I did some restructuring, but basically we have me at the top, then the Cardinals, then bishops, priests, and then there's the everyday common folk. I changed some roles around and shocked some people, but it got them back on track.

OOC: It's weird, I'm RPing as the leader of the Catholic Church, and I'm not even Catholic...

OOC: How do you think I feel? I started a whole string of threads about something I don't even believe in.

IC: Lydia cocked her head. What are Cardinals? And for that matter, whats a bishop? I understand priests and priestesses, but what the other stuff?

Zena laughed. Well Tal, it's better than not thinking at all. She switched to Lydia. Well, I did some restructuring, but basically we have me at the top, then the Cardinals, then bishops, priests, and then there's the everyday common folk. I changed some roles around and shocked some people, but it got them back on track.

OOC: It's weird, I'm RPing as the leader of the Catholic Church, and I'm not even Catholic...

Perhaps.... Tal stated pacing a bit, then he abruptly stopped. "Excuse me." He walked off the plane, muttering to himself under his breath.

Hey, where are you going? Zena asked Tal.
They're more church leaders. Bishops are leaders of one area, and then Cardinals lead even larger areas. Priests report to Bishops and bishops to cardinals.

OOC: Wow. Wait, what do you believe then? And I'll be back in like 15 minutes.

OOC: I'm an Atheist.

IC: Lydia nodded. Ah, I see. That makes more sense.

OOC: Didn't see that coming. And look at me! I was controlling all the angels (until FUS showed up) and I like to punt babies! (jk)

IC: Tal didn't even hear Zena as he walked outside. It was bitterly cold out there, but he didn't even notice. He continued walking until he was about 200 meters from the plane.

Aozora raised his eyebrow as he watched Tal step out. "Hey man, whatcha doin' out there?" He called to him.

Tal hadn't heard Aozora either as he stepped out. He continued walking until he was another 200 meters away (total of 400) before stopping again. He was still thinking to himself, completely unaware of his surroundings.

Aozora shrugged, and sat down, resigning himself to watch Tal in whatever he was doing.

OOC: I'm an Atheist.

IC: Lydia nodded. Ah, I see. That makes more sense.

OOC: Didn't see that coming. And look at me! I was controlling all the angels (until FUS showed up) and I like to punt babies! (jk)

IC: Tal didn't even hear Zena as he walked outside. It was bitterly cold out there, but he didn't even notice. He continued walking until he was about 200 meters from the plane.

OOC: So Tal, what's that make you? I'm Lutheran in case anyone's wondering.

IC: Zena nodded. I'd hope so. She closed her eyes and focused on Tal. Dude, what are you doing?

OOC: I'm back
IC:

Heh, he wants me to shoot his hand? I wonder why, a possible trick of some kind? Perhaps I should make this a power shot instead of a normal one.... yeah, that'd do something.. guaranteed. Nah, that's too evil, and might hit someone behind him if it blows his entire damn arm off... and that would be low even for my standards. Sharpshot went through an entire range of thoughts, "Here goes." He hopped backwards to get a good shot and pulled back on the trigger.

Mecca waited paitently until Medunia reached him, then said, "So lass, who exactly are ya looking for? Be it werewolf or vampire, I'm sure I could help you with it. I even know a few humans, but not many."

"All my human friends have died over the centuries. Werewolves I do not consider them great friends. Vampires are probably my best choice." said Medunia.

Mecca gave her a sly grin. "You don't really have anyone in particular you're lookin' for, now do ya?"

Mecca gave her a sly grin. "You don't really have anyone in particular you're lookin' for, now do ya?"

She sighed, "No. All my friends are dead."

Mecca put an arm around her shoulder in a consolitary sort of way. "Ah, thats too bad lass, its truly is. Now, what say you we get you to the barracks, hmm? We can wait for Deserae to get back, she can help ya. You have heard of her, haven't you?"

OOC: I'm back
IC:

Heh, he wants me to shoot his hand? I wonder why, a possible trick of some kind? Perhaps I should make this a power shot instead of a normal one.... yeah, that'd do something.. guaranteed. Nah, that's too evil, and might hit someone behind him if it blows his entire damn arm off... and that would be low even for my standards. Sharpshot went through an entire range of thoughts, "Here goes." He hopped backwards to get a good shot and pulled back on the trigger.

OOC: Good, I've been wanting to do this.

IC: Joshua's arm recoiled a bit from the blast, but was otherwise uninjured. "I'll bet you want to know where your bullet went don't you?" Joshua grinned. "Lift up your right foot." he instructed, putting his arm through it's paces to make sure everything was still working. It'd been a while since he'd stopped a bullet like that and his skill at it was apparently getting dusty.

OOC: So Tal, what's that make you? I'm Lutheran in case anyone's wondering.

IC: Zena nodded. I'd hope so. She closed her eyes and focused on Tal. Dude, what are you doing?

OOC: Lutheran also. :)

IC: Tal still didn't notice Zena. He was lost in thought, almost trance-like. Suddenly, without warning, he jumped in the air and flew straight up, so high that he couldn't even be seen.

"Why? Because its underneath it? It wouldn't be suprising to me if it was." Sharpshot stepped forward.

Despite the wound on his leg, Massacre was still deadly. He back away and struck occasionally.

The angel was blocking the demons attacks now, one at a time, throwing in a swing every once in a while. It seems we've both slowed down a bit. Bummer. The angel swung his sword horizontally at the demon's belly.

"Nope, I've other reasons." A bullet tore from where Sharpshot's foot had been and shot out the side of the jet. "See, much more interesting than having it just be there." He held out his other hand and revealed the real bullet. "And that folks is the miracle of illusions."

"Heh, I still think my trick was better." He picked up the first bullet he'd fired, "Not bad, but I have been with Mirage since the last time we met... Illusions really bore me now. No offense."

Mecca put an arm around her shoulder in a consolitary sort of way. "Ah, thats too bad lass, its truly is. Now, what say you we get you to the barracks, hmm? We can wait for Deserae to get back, she can help ya. You have heard of her, haven't you?"

Medunia searched in her memories. Yes, Deserae. That was a long time ago.
"Yes, I remember her." answered Medunia. She still kept her hand on the hilt of the sword, as if she was expecting an attack any minute.

"I figured. But it was cheap entertainment at the very least, don't you think?" He asked, smiling slightly. "At any rate, we should get Tal back in here and start those damned games."

Mecca sighed. "Take your hand off the sword lass, no enemy is stupid enough to attack this place. They'd be attacked by the oldest and most elite of the werewolves and vampires."

Mecca sighed. "Take your hand off the sword lass, no enemy is stupid enough to attack this place. They'd be attacked by the oldest and most elite of the werewolves and vampires."

"I've been fighting for ages. In forests, in plains, in cities. Its an old habit." she said. She forced herself to keep her hand off the hilt.

Sharpshot shrugged before holstering his guns, "Whatever. Can we start this now?"

"I've been fighting for ages. In forests, in plains, in cities. Its an old habit." she said. She forced herself to keep her hand off the hilt.

Mecca laughed. "You need to learn to relax lass. You're not impressing anyone. There are wolves and vamps here that were fighting as long as you have before you were even a pup." He suddenly thought of something. "By the way, what exactly are ya? Wolf or vampire?"

Mecca laughed. "You need to learn to relax lass. You're not impressing anyone. There are wolves and vamps here that were fighting as long as you have before you were even a pup." He suddenly thought of something. "By the way, what exactly are ya? Wolf or vampire?"

She was silent for a moment then she said, "Hybrid."

See Lydia, I told you Josh knew what he was doing. Zena said when Sharpshot put his guns away. "And I agree, Methua, how do you want to do this?"

Blade sighed as the situation was resolved, "Now then, I suppose we can start this... the last challenge will just have to come when every Umbra gets back... And simply to be preemptive, no Josh, you can't go get him."

Tal landed softly exactly where he had landed. He bent down, sticking his hand in the snow, being sure to wipe it clean of the blood that covered it. He then walked slowly back to the plane, no longer muttering. He entered and sat down in the spot he had been earlier, as if he had never left.

Mecca nodded. "Ah, that makes sense. I'll admit to being rather confused, as your scent didn't go with either one. Well, worry not lass, even a hybrid has a place here. Hell, Deserae and Alehkra themselves have several children, and they of course would be hybrids."

Zena raised an eyebrow at Tal while Joshua pretended to be wounded by Blade's remark. "Now that's not nice, making assumptions like that..." he said it all in mock offense.

The angel was blocking the demons attacks now, one at a time, throwing in a swing every once in a while. It seems we've both slowed down a bit. Bummer. The angel swung his sword horizontally at the demon's belly.

The demon managed to block the angel's sword just in time. Then suddenly there was light machine gun firing and the demon before he could respond, was hit by dozens of bullets. The demon fell. Rollins smiled. He had his light machine gun next to him.

Blade smirked for a moment, "You know damn well I had a good reason to say that."

Joshua cracked up. "Yes, I do. I wonder..." he vanished and Zena rolled her eyes.
"Just wait, he'll either be back with Umbra, some random critter, or something else just as random." Zena said.

Mecca nodded. "Ah, that makes sense. I'll admit to being rather confused, as your scent didn't go with either one. Well, worry not lass, even a hybrid has a place here. Hell, Deserae and Alehkra themselves have several children, and they of course would be hybrids."

"What about you? Werewolf of Vampire?" she asked Mecca.

The demon managed to block the angel's sword just in time. Then suddenly there was light machine gun firing and the demon before he could respond, was hit by dozens of bullets. The demon fell. Rollins smiled. He had his light machine gun next to him.

The angel still stood at the ready after the demon fell, his sword held high. "..... Didn't I tell you to leave?" He sighed, lowering his sword. He grinned, and laughed a little. "Humans can be so stubborn at times..." He turned to Rollins. "Thanks."

Tal turned his head toward Methua. "If you intend for us to play these games... I believe that you should first show us how its done. Why don't you think of the first challenge?"

The angel still stood at the ready after the demon fell, his sword held high. "..... Didn't I tell you to leave?" He sighed, lowering his sword. He grinned, and laughed a little. "Humans can be so stubborn at times..." He turned to Rollins. "Thanks."

"I ran out of gas before I could go even a few miles. I sneaked around and blasted away the demon." said Rollins looking at the demon which was riddled with bullets."Is he dead?"

"What about you? Werewolf of Vampire?" she asked Mecca.

"I be a wolf." Mecca answered. He started off towards one of the buildings. "We'd best get goin' lass." He said over his shoulder.

Methua thought for a second. "Alright then, lets say we start off with something simple, shall we?" All of a sudden, they were no longer in the plane, but were at the beggining of what looked like a maze. He pointed at Zena. "You first. I will be waiting at the center of the maze with your prize. The only rule here, is that you may not go through over or under the walls, should you have said ability. Other than that, feel free to do whatever you wish."

"I ran out of gas before I could go even a few miles. I sneaked around and blasted away the demon." said Rollins looking at the demon which was riddled with bullets."Is he dead?"

The angel turned and looked at the fallen demon. "I was wondering the same. If he was, he surely would have attacked me, since my back was turned. But for the sake of safety..." he finished his sentence with a swing of his sword at the demon's head.

"I be a wolf." Mecca answered. He started off towards one of the buildings. "We'd best get goin' lass." He said over his shoulder.


Medunia turned around to glance at the forest for a second then followed Mecca to one of the buildings.

The angel turned and looked at the fallen demon. "I was wondering the same. If he was, he surely would have attacked me, since my back was turned. But for the sake of safety..." he finished his sentence with a swing of his sword at the demon's head.

Rollins stared at the dead demon for a second then said, "So, where to?"

The angel turned to Rollins. "I was sent to this area to look for survivors of the human race, and to protect them. It's my job to stay with you until it is determined that I move elsewhere. That means the next move is up to you." The angel was a gruesome sight, holding a gash on his stomach with one hand, the other holding a bloodied sword.

Mecca led her to the building, then stopped in front of the door. "This here is the temperary headquarters, until the main fortress is finished. Its where both Alehkra and Deserae live, but they are off on business at the moment." After his explanation, he opened the door to show a stark stone hallway, with little in the way of deceration, lit by a couple of torches. There were no windows, so as to not bother the vampires during the day. Mecca sighed. "I can't wait till the main building is done. This place is so plain and unadorned."

Joshua cracked up. "Yes, I do. I wonder..." he vanished and Zena rolled her eyes.
"Just wait, he'll either be back with Umbra, some random critter, or something else just as random." Zena said.

"If he comes back with Umbra there is officially no god." Blade muttered.

"I be a wolf." Mecca answered. He started off towards one of the buildings. "We'd best get goin' lass." He said over his shoulder.

Methua thought for a second. "Alright then, lets say we start off with something simple, shall we?" All of a sudden, they were no longer in the plane, but were at the beggining of what looked like a maze. He pointed at Zena. "You first. I will be waiting at the center of the maze with your prize. The only rule here, is that you may not go through over or under the walls, should you have said ability. Other than that, feel free to do whatever you wish."

Zena sighed. "I hate mazes. Wait, whatever I wish? No limits so long as I don't go above the maze walls?" She had an idea, but wanted to check with Methua on it's legality.

"If he comes back with Umbra there is officially no god." Blade muttered.

Kathy cracked up next. "Wow you're funny."
Joshua appeared in the plane and looked around. "Damn, where is everyone?" He focused on Zena and appeared by her. "You guys left me behind." he accused.

Methua shrugged. "Do whatever you wish. As long as you in no way violate the rules, and I feel required to add that that includes people taking you through or over the walls. As long as you abide by those rules,I care not what you do. You may even ask for some other sort of help from anyone present."

Tal thought for a second. "So, I realize that we can help Zena in some ways, but... tell me... are you going to collect the souls of the individual losers, or just wait until we are all finished with these... games, to determine the final outcome?"

Methua smiled. "You may help Zena if you wish, as long as you do not help her break the rules. And in answer to your other question, I regard you all as a team. At the end it all depends on who has the most points, your team, or me."

The angel turned to Rollins. "I was sent to this area to look for survivors of the human race, and to protect them. It's my job to stay with you until it is determined that I move elsewhere. That means the next move is up to you." The angel was a gruesome sight, holding a gash on his stomach with one hand, the other holding a bloodied sword.

"We might want to find somewhere to rest for the night." said Rollins looking up at the sky, it was getting darker.

Tal sighed with relief, and sat down.

"Flying sounds in order." Said Blade quietly.

Mecca led her to the building, then stopped in front of the door. "This here is the temperary headquarters, until the main fortress is finished. Its where both Alehkra and Deserae live, but they are off on business at the moment." After his explanation, he opened the door to show a stark stone hallway, with little in the way of deceration, lit by a couple of torches. There were no windows, so as to not bother the vampires during the day. Mecca sighed. "I can't wait till the main building is done. This place is so plain and unadorned."

Medunia looked around the building curiously. "How long do I have to wait for Deserae?" she asked Mecca.

Zena heard Tal's question and froze. "Good thinking Tal. And this isn't so bad. Tal, can you give me a birds eye view of the maze? You can guide me from up there. And Josh and Kathy, you guys want to come with me to watch for obstacles?"
"Sure." Kathy said, grabbing one of her larger wrenches.
"Why not, it's not like it breaks the rules." Joshua shrugged.

Medunia looked around the building curiously. "How long do I have to wait for Deserae?" she asked Mecca.

Mecca shrugged. "I have no idea. They are off on business right now." He thought for a second. "I could take you to Cecilia, Deserae's daughter. She could always get in touch with Deserae for you I suppose."

Methua smiled faintly. "Indeed it is allowed. It does not break the rules, so feel free. Now, if you've no more questions, I'll be waiting." He suddenly dissapeared.

Zena heard Tal's question and froze. "Good thinking Tal. And this isn't so bad. Tal, can you give me a birds eye view of the maze? You can guide me from up there. And Josh and Kathy, you guys want to come with me to watch for obstacles?"
"Sure." Kathy said, grabbing one of her larger wrenches.
"Why not, it's not like it breaks the rules." Joshua shrugged.

Aozora smiled. "Mind if I go too love?"

Aozora smiled. "Mind if I go too love?"

Zena hooked her arm around his. "I'd be glad to have you come along." Zena said, smiling.

Aozora's smile widened. "Alrighty then, ready when you are Zena. It is your challenge after all."

OOC: Crap, Tal left and I need someone who can fly...

IC: "Well, can someone who can fly be my eye in the sky? Wow, try saying that five times fast." Zena inquired.

Aozora frowned. "No clue. Tal is sleeping, and none of the rest except you can fly." He thought for a second. "I could always sneak ahead and scout it out. My years in the Vatican have made my skills kinda rusty, but I figure its like riding a bike, you never forget."

OOC: Seems like a good explanation for Tal's absence to me.

Mecca shrugged. "I have no idea. They are off on business right now." He thought for a second. "I could take you to Cecilia, Deserae's daughter. She could always get in touch with Deserae for you I suppose."


"I guess I could go see Cecilia." said Medunia.

Mecca nodded, and led her off down the hall. They eventually got to a plain wooden door, and Mecca opened it without knocking. He was immeadietly tackled by a girl of perhaps six. "Hi Mecca!!" She said as she was hugging his leg. Mecca laughed. "Good to see ya lass. Now, where would your mother be at the moment, hmm?" The motioned inside. "Shes playing with the baby right now." She raced off, probably to tell her mother of the visitors.

Zena thought for a second. "It would be easiest to have someone looking over the walls but I'm grounded. Alright then. And Josh, try starting in the middle of the maze and working back to the start, if we can get halfway, it'll work better." Joshua vanished and Zena entered the maze.

Methua grinned when Joshua showed up in the center. "You know Joshua,I could consider that going through the walls."

Aozora meanwhile, automatically started off ahead of Zena, using his considerable skills garnered as an assasin to be as quiet as possible.

"Ah, but you just said that Zena couldn't go through walls. You said nothing of the rest of us. And besides, I didn't really go 'through' anything, I just bypassed them." He grinned and looked around, seeing possible entrances and exits to the area.

Methua laughed. "I said I could, I didn't say that I would." He sat grinning to himself. Joshua could look around the room all he wanted, he would not find any sort of opening, just solid walls.

Mecca nodded, and led her off down the hall. They eventually got to a plain wooden door, and Mecca opened it without knocking. He was immeadietly tackled by a girl of perhaps six. "Hi Mecca!!" She said as she was hugging his leg. Mecca laughed. "Good to see ya lass. Now, where would your mother be at the moment, hmm?" The motioned inside. "Shes playing with the baby right now." She raced off, probably to tell her mother of the visitors.

Medunia watched the girl run off to tell her mother. I wish I have my own kids. Medunia waited patiently.

"Wait, either this is a solid wall, or there's an illusion covering the entrance. Damn, now I've got to cover this whole thing. And good, because saying that I went through the walls doesn't violate your rules." He started feeling the walls, realizing it would take a very long time with no actual feeling in his hands.

They waited there for perhaps two minutes, before a woman appeared at the door, holding a child of perhaps seven months. "So, whats going on here Mecca? Lily told me that you've brought someone to me." She grinned as she looked over Medunia. "Whats this? Find yourself a mate Mecca?"

"Wait, either this is a solid wall, or there's an illusion covering the entrance. Damn, now I've got to cover this whole thing. And good, because saying that I went through the walls doesn't violate your rules." He started feeling the walls, realizing it would take a very long time with no actual feeling in his hands.

"Oh, its a solid wall alright." Said a still smiling Methua. "No illusions here."

Zena, he's trying to cheat. The center is just a solid wall. Tell Zora, would you? Joshua asked of Zena.
"Damn Kathy, he's cheating." Zena muttered and contacted her husband. He's cheating. Methua doesn't have an entrance to the center.

OOC: Josh is probably going to get killed soon with what I have in mind.

OOC: Are you actually going to let him die?

Methua smiled even wider, but said nothing.

Aozora meanwhile, gave a mental grunt. Theres some other problems to love. I've run into what I can only assume are imps

They waited there for perhaps two minutes, before a woman appeared at the door, holding a child of perhaps seven months. "So, whats going on here Mecca? Lily told me that you've brought someone to me." She grinned as she looked over Medunia. "Whats this? Find yourself a mate Mecca?"

Medunia was slightly embarrassed by Cecilia sentence but she spoke, "I'm Medunia. I stumbled into this fortress just now."

Cecilia laughed. "A stray so to speak, hmm? So, what do you need? I'd assume you want to stay here? Have somewhere to belong and all that?"

OOC: Well obviously I'd rather not, but if Methua doesn't like what I've got in store, it'll probably happen. I'll figure something out though.

IC: Damn, imps? This isn't good. Zena was speaking to all three in her group now. Wait, Josh, he said I can't go through the walls, he didn't say they can't be rearranged. Just modify the walls so that Aozora is connected to our path, but the imps aren't, and give us a path right to the center. (OOC: See, Methua won't like this.)
Joshua nodded and touched the walls. He closed his eyes and began to reshape them as Zena suggested. Soon He could see Zena in the distance. "Something like this Z?" he yelled in inquiry.
"Exactly!" She yelled back, jogging to the center.

Cecilia laughed. "A stray so to speak, hmm? So, what do you need? I'd assume you want to stay here? Have somewhere to belong and all that?"

"Pretty much all that." said Medunia, sounding a little gloomily.

Methua scowled. "That, is not a good thing to do Joshua." Suddenly the center was back to where he'd set them. The rest was the same, but the center was still an uninterupted circle of stone.

"Pretty much all that." said Medunia, sounding a little gloomily.

Cecilia tapped her lips in thought. "Well, tell me a bit about yourself. This is a rather exclusive clan so to speak. It is home to only the most skilled of the vampires and werewolves."

Zena, he said you couldn't go through them... we could have tried destroying them all together. Blade thought.

"Methua, now you're breaking the rules." Joshua accused. "You said she couldn't pass through walls, but you said nothing of changing them. You also said anything goes except for her going through, over, or under the walls. Well, this is anything." he again opened the wall and Zena ran for the center, Kathy close behind. Didn't think of that Blade, besides, Joshua changed them, it will work for our purposes.

Methua looked for the first time to actually be angry. He left the wall alone, but the look in his eyes alone promised hell for the next challenge.

Okay, I'll try to think of tactics more towards the beginning next time.

Zena flew into the center, Kathy now somewhat behind her. "If you don't like the results, you should have been more specific. I won your challenge, so that's one point for us."

OOC: I know you wanted us to lose, but there's still Kathy and Joshua if you want to make sure I don't get any more points.

Okay, I'll try to think of tactics more towards the beginning next time.

Good, and he looks like hell. I think we pissed him off. Zena replied, almost overjoyed.

OOC: Hehe, don't worry. The next challenge is very, very mean, and unless you are just as mean, the good guys will lose.

Methua scowled, and tossed a white robe at Zena. "This is your reward for winning the challenge. It draws out the goodness in your soul, and projects it. I'm sure it will be of use in your particular line of work. Now, are you ready to proceed to the next challenge, or would you like to take this time to challenge me?"

No suprise there.

Zena looked to Josh. "Wanna bring everyone here?"
"Sure." he left and appeared by those outside the maze. "Zena wants you." They vanished and appeared inside the center where Zena was trying on the new robe.
"We can challenge him, and I've got a good one, or we can let him continue. Which do you guys want?" Zena asked.
"I say we challenge him." Kathy and Josh said together.

Cecilia tapped her lips in thought. "Well, tell me a bit about yourself. This is a rather exclusive clan so to speak. It is home to only the most skilled of the vampires and werewolves."

"Well, I am a hybrid and my only weapon is my sword here," Medunia showing Cecilia her deadly sword for a second," I haven't had any contact with any vampires or werewolves since the middle ages. My whole family perished in a battle with the demons. Thats pretty much it."

"I don't care either way." Said Blade. "True, it'll all work out roughly the same." Added Sharpshot.

Aozora shrugged. "I don't really care. I'm good with whatever you guys decide."

Cecilia sighed. "Common enough story among the hybrids unfortunately. Well, do you worship the werewolf or vampire god? I don't really care, its just curiosity on my part."

"Oh fine then, I'll challenge him then." Zena looked to Methua. "You're not going to like this, but at least we don't need another gigantic plot of land for a maze." She looked around knowing just how bad it would be if he succeeded in her challenge. "My challenge to you is to get each and every one of us to Sanctuary. You may use whatever means necessary except taking an angel's soul and turning us into angels."

Cecilia sighed. "Common enough story among hybrids unfortunately. Well, do you worship the werewolf or vampire god? I don't really care, its just curiosity on my part."

Medunia stiffened for a moment then said, "The vampire god."

Methua suddenly burst out laughing. "That is your challenge? This is seriously all you could think of?" He shrugged, grinning. "Very well then." He walked up to each of them, grabbed them by the chin for several seconds, and then moved onto the next person. After he had gone through all of the people, he smiled nastily at Zena, and suddenly they were in Sanctuary. "Say hi to the angels people."


Cecilia shrugged. "Hey, your choice. Well, I approve of you. And since you say you worship the blood god, all we need now is for my mother to approve."

Cecilia shrugged. "Hey, your choice. Well, I approve of you. And since you say you worship the blood god, all we need now is for my mother to approve."

"Where is she currently?" asked Medunia, curious.

Zena looked around, suddenly terrified. "But how... Only Angels should be allowed here! And we've DEMONS in sanctuary now." She fell backward and passed out from terror and horror.
Joshua and Kathy caught her. "Well, this is unexpected." Joshua said.

Cecilia shrugged. "No idea whatsoever. Last I heard she was in Vancouver, but I'm sure that has changed by now. I could get in touch with her if you wish."

Zena looked around, suddenly terrified. "But how... Only Angels should be allowed here! And we've DEMONS in sanctuary now." She fell backward and passed out from terror and horror.
Joshua and Kathy caught her. "Well, this is unexpected." Joshua said.

Methua again laughed. "I think I remember saying you would be surprised at what I am able to do. Always remember this: you do not need magic to do amazing things."

"Alright then, what's your next challenge and for whom?" Kathy said, fanning Zena with a wrench.

OOC: Yes, wrenches are a universal tool for her. She can crack skulls, walls, and those damn jars you just can't seem to get open.

"Where are the angels? I'd expect to see plenty of them... around now. Attacking this guy for being here." Said Blade.

Methua laughed wickedly, and suddenly they were in what appeared to be an arena. He pointed at both Joshua and Kathy. "You two will be doing your challenge together? Want to take a gander at what said challenge will be?"

Cecilia shrugged. "No idea whatsoever. Last I heard she was in Vancouver, but I'm sure that has changed by now. I could get in touch with her if you wish."

"Thats alright. I can wait." said Medunia,"Is it alright if I walk around the fortress? I may need a "guide"."

"You're going to have us fight each other." Joshua said. "Winner gets a point for the team, loser loses their life." His tone was grim, and he hoped he wasn't giving any ideas to Methua.

Cecilia shrugged. "Sure. You can either take Mecca here, or any werewolf or hybrid you meet on the way. Most of the vamps are asleep at the moment however."

"You're going to have us fight each other." Joshua said. "Winner gets a point for the team, loser loses their life." His tone was grim, and he hoped he wasn't giving any ideas to Methua.

Methua grinned, and gave a little clap. "And we have a winner! The only rules, are that noone but you two may be involved, and if one of you is not dead within half an hour, then you lose. You may both stay alive in such a case, but no points."

Cecilia shrugged. "Sure. You can either take Mecca here, or any werewolf or hybrid you meet on the way. Most of the vamps are asleep at the moment however."

"Mecca it is then." said Medunia glancing at Mecca.

"We need a couple minutes to think about a strategy." Joshua said. "We also need Zena awake, but we can't have everything. Anyway, I don't want to die, Kathy doesn't want to die, but we need the points. Any ideas?" Joshua said to the group. Kathy, and obviously Zena, were silent.

Zena... one of them must die... don't worry though. Umbra and Celestial... we still have them on our side. Thought Sharpshot, hoping to awaken Zena.

Joshua began to swirl his hand through the air, gathering water, and began to spray Zena with it. "Sharpshot, what are you trying to tell her? She can't read thoughts while she's out cold so you may as well tell us."

Cecilia shrugged. "Alrighty then. I'll be here if you need me, or feel the need to be surrounded by children." With that, she went inside and closed the door. Mecca turned to Medunia. "So, anywhere in particular you want to see?"

Joshua began to swirl his hand through the air, gathering water, and began to spray Zena with it. "Sharpshot, what are you trying to tell her? She can't read thoughts while she's out cold so you may as well tell us."

Methua smiled. "He said that one of you has to die then. He said you have Umbra and Celestial to fill in for you."

Joshua and Kathy looked on in horror. "How do we even decide who dies? And how could you think that lives are simply something that can be replaced?" Kathy didn't understand the logic, but then again, she didn't understand Sharpshot.

Aozora for his part, scowled at both Sharpshot and Methua. "Don't listen to him. You're lives are worth more than some points."

Sharpshot smiled, two tactics had just worked, information collecting and misleading the enemy. Sharpshot didn't bother thinking this, he was focusing on something else. Blade knew what he was thinking, and did nothing, he gave no recognition of knowing anything.

Kathy stood up from Zena, ready to slap Sharpshot. "Are you going to fill us in wise guy?" She demanded of him.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Said Sharpshot, his eyes were very relaxed. Blade stepped in front of Kathy, "You'll have to put your trust in us."

"Well you obviously have something in mind. Either spill it or do something!" She was outraged that they had a challenge and nothing seemed to be decided about it yet.

"You mean tell you infront of him just so he can find out what we have planned? You wanna give the enemy information?" Sharpshot kept his mind focused on her, not even thinking about anything else. He'd become good at this during his time in hell.

Methua smiled, and announced, "Ten minutes left!!"

"Since you won't spill it, put your plan in motion." Kathy was exasperated and her anger was mounting. Her right hand was twitching and it held a wrench.

"One of you has to die for this plan to work whatsoever. I'll contact Umbra. Hold on." Blade got down on his knees, Master, we need you, I know I am disturbing you but please come now. Grant us your mercy, we need you. We need you and Celestial... you are the only two who can help. Umbra's voice came back in Blade's thought, Why do you summon me?
We need your help master...
They don't deserve my help.
It is of great importance, please reconsider.
There was no response but Blade felt like he'd got the message accross. "Well I'm not sure if he's coming... ignore my idea, doesn't look like I'll be able to put it into action soon enough."

Joshua scowled. "Then perhaps I'll just go get them myself!" he threatened. "You might want to tell your master that."

Methua grinned. "I think you are forgetting that one of my rules was noone else is allowed to be involved. In fact, therefore, you lose this challenge. And because you cheated, five points are detracted from your total, one for each person involved. Which leaves you at negetive four points."

"Ooh, then he can kill you and we'll lose anyway! FUCKTASTIC IDEA!"

"No, cause no one else got involved in the fight itself, there was no fight so cheating was impossible." Said Blade.

Methua grinned. "When did I say anything about the fight? I said involved at all. You were making plans about it, and therefore were involved, resulting in cheating."

Joshua rounded on Methua. "Now where did you say we could lose points? I don't remember that! And I specifically asked for time to consider a strategy. Besides that, we didn't even fight nor did they help us. They just caused an argument!"

"True, things not stated don't count." Blade added.

Joshua rounded on Methua. "Now where did you say we could lose points? I don't remember that! And I specifically asked for time to consider a strategy. Besides that, we didn't even fight nor did they help us. They just caused an argument!"

Methua grinned. "So did you think that cheating would go without punishment? And I did give you time, thirty minutes. And by starting an argument about the challenge, they became involved."

"You took the challenge time as time to work up a strategy. That's not fair at all and you seem to pride yourself on that. Besides, you never said the challenge had started or that we couldn't try and figure something out before we started. And you never said that points could be lost, meaning that that's not fair either." Joshua was whittling away at the choice of words given. "Hey Ed, what do you think of all this?"

OOC: UHC wanted me to help him make a reentry.

OOC: Mereshka, dropping my characters somewhere in these games would be a good idea, let me catch up and all.

"You took the challenge time as time to work up a strategy. That's not fair at all and you seem to pride yourself on that. Besides, you never said the challenge had started or that we couldn't try and figure something out before we started. And you never said that points could be lost, meaning that that's not fair either." Joshua was whittling away at the choice of words given. "Hey Ed, what do you think of all this?"

OOC: UHC wanted me to help him make a reentry.

Edward shrugged. "Its either his way, or not at all. That looks like the only way we can do things around here at least."

Patrick grunted. "Just like Operation Zero. At least, thats what President Stewart said when they blew his brains out."

Methua shrugged. "I said you have thirty minutes, most people would take that to mean, 'begin'. And I never said points couldn't be lost either, now did I?"

Patrick cracked his knuckles. "I may be a bit old. Show me what ya got."

Kathy shivered. "I never liked Bruce. Damn Federals."
Joshua meanwhile sighed. "Fine, rather than letting this degrade into a second grade fight, name the next challenge!" He spat the words out at Methua.

OCC: Where were we Mereshka, you guys move SO FAST

OOC:....I've no idea.

IC: Methua shrugged. "I'm fairly certain that it is your turn to challenge me, unless you are hell-bent on another challenge."

"CQC challenge. Human terms, human strengths." He stripped off his body armor, intending to be as limber as possible. "No god like strength, put you on par with a mortal."

Methua raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying you want to fight me?" He asked increduosly.

OOC: I might have to go soon, if I do, you can choose whoevers challenge comes up next, probably along the lines of "You're to old, human." Startling things is, Patrick is only thiry four, those seven years just took a big toll.