NationStates Jolt Archive

Pacci nearly jumps out of his skin at the scream, blurting out a phrase that can be nothing but a stream of curses in his native tongue. He watches Moridar take off, and looks around in a mix of shock, fear, and growing anger at the continually unsettling situation.

"That's IT! What in the nine hells is going on?" he says, scrambling to his feet and brushing himself off.

"I'm going down there, by damned, and I'm going to get to the bottom of all this RIGHT now."

And without further ado, he stomps off in the direction that Moridar left in, not really thinking about what he's doing it, just knowing he needs to do something.

MOMMY!

Looking towards Mordiar's new exit, Sean says, "Looks like Mother discovered he forgot to clean his room." He turns back to the rest. "Does anyone else think this magic we're doing feels funny somehow?"
"I know what you mean," replies Lisa. "I'm not used to this kind of work, but I can tell I'm not using my own strength like I should be."
"Same here," says Nita, who is rummaging through her med kit. "I'm not tapping my internal reserves at all. Its all coming from outside. Could explain the sudden abilities of everyone else." She withdraws a small injector and an ampule from the kit. After filling the injector, she puts the ampule back and slides the injector up her sleave.

Javin stands up as Pacci storms out of the room.

"And he thought I was hotheaded," Javin grins as he follows the group. He turned to Nita, "Any more ideas about that communication we received last night?" he asked before walking after Pacci.

I hate taking tests....

Tsunami tilts her head to one side in thought for a moment. "So they are intending to invade the surface?"

At Mason's inquiry as to her opinion on the matter, the little dragon pauses for a long moment.

"I'm not sure." She begins slowly. "I don't know anything about the Brethren aside from what the Il Adib have said, and a brief encounter with what I would assume is one of the Brethren up on the surface. I think there's a dispute going on that doesn't really involve the people on the surface- that neither side is particularly in the right or the wrong. Obviously the others from the surface are of great importance to the Il Adib, given their less-than-subtle threat of what would happen if we didn't help them." She pauses to better organize her thoughts, and then continues. "The Il Adib are hiding something- that's what sent me off to try and get to the bottom of things, since I apparently escaped notice until I went for the tunnels. Unless I can find a way to get the Brethren's side of the story, I can't possibly make an adequate judgement of their goals and motives."

She straightens and looks Mason in the eyes. "I can, however, say that I do not trust the Il Adib. And I imagine, had I ended up with the rest of the team who are presumably with the Brethren right now, that I likely would not trust everything they say either."

Maybe the dice will like me!

Kiara nods slightly at Guide's explanation, and resumes leaning on the wall concentrating. I'll learn what I can from these creatures- and then save Tsunami! She quickly calms her thoughts, chanting a plain mantra under her breath to help focus. Funga fufu... funga fufu... funga fufu...

As the three Cetagandan set off to follow, Nita says to Javin, "Nothing terribly useful. That Ortcan guy showed up at some big wedding , made a nuisance of himself, threaten some people, and got himself killed. Oh, and in doing so, impregnanted Prime Minister Cantrell. Apparently the Il Adib reincarnate after dying in the nearest female. Only other thing worth noting was he shot some kind of pain blast at Dread Lady Nathicana. They tried to send a file on Bodyguard Barry, who's apparently one of these buggers, but it got distorted beyond recognition."
Sean, who has been listening, suddenly say, "So...what happens if you kill one of the buggers? Will you get-"
"I've already checked both me and Lisa, and we've both got contraceptive implants that are active. If worse comes to worse, we can alway transfer the fetus to a uterine replicator after all this is over."

OC: Dee is weak. But he wasn't trying to psychic himself into doing anything. Just a bad experience after being (what do you call it?) noncorporeal and a mix of fish.

Mr. Dee recovers himself in minutes. His sickness is gone, his face almost normal colors, and his hand in flames.

Eddie Dee takes a look from one hand to the other, both in a ball of fire.

"Humph," he says, still dripping in vomit. "I'm not burning..."

"I wasn't using psychic powers then. Just bad stomach."
He smiles slightly.

"Mr. Guide, would it be alright if I 'willed' myself to do something else besides being transparent?"

He shakes his hand around, letting the flames carve designs in the room and is still dripping.

As the three Cetagandan set off to follow, Nita says to Javin, "Nothing terribly useful. That Ortcan guy showed up at some big wedding , made a nuisance of himself, threaten some people, and got himself killed. Oh, and in doing so, impregnanted Prime Minister Cantrell. Apparently the Il Adib reincarnate after dying in the nearest female. Only other thing worth noting was he shot some kind of pain blast at Dread Lady Nathicana. They tried to send a file on Bodyguard Barry, who's apparently one of these buggers, but it got distorted beyond recognition."
Sean, who has been listening, suddenly say, "So...what happens if you kill one of the buggers? Will you get-"
"I've already checked both me and Lisa, and we've both got contraceptive implants that are active. If worse comes to worse, we can alway transfer the fetus to a uterine replicator after all this is over."

"So they can.. oh that should be interestin.. Wait! What about Jefferson, the reporter? Could they reincarnate in her??" Javin asked.

Nita shrugs. "Don't know. I didn't bring medical files on inane SLAGLands journalist. But hopefully, if one dies it will go to mother."

Bringing up the rear, Lisa mutters, "Not that we care about her."

Ben frowns deeper at the answer, but refrains from arguing.

So what if I came in late? I'm here to do a job, and I've never failed to at least try before. So let's do this.

He lies down and makes himself comfortable before closing his eyes.

I am the Wind. I blow all thoughts into the Flame until there is only Void left. Only Void is left. Only Void. I am the Wind blowing through Void. I am insubstantial. All things pass through me, and I am untouched.

After a few moments of meditation, Ben enters a quiet state of zen.

Nita shrugs. "Don't know. I didn't bring medical files on inane SLAGLands journalist. But hopefully, if one dies it will go to mother."

Bringing up the rear, Lisa mutters, "Not that we care about her."

Javin chuckled quietly at Lisa's comment.

Of course, I've been about as useful as a bag of bricks so far...

"So what is this mother exactly? What do you think? I've read Pacci's notes about her."

(OOC: The forums... THEY LIVE! Also, Ur... Mr. Dee is unconscious. He won't be saying any of that, trust me. HOWEVER, I will give him the chance to say some of it.)

Who Dunnit First?

(Ben seems to take to his new assignment like a duck to water. After about twenty minutes, he begins to take on a pseudo-transparent form, much like Guide was taking on earlier. Kiara is next, at about forty minutes, followed by Dr. Grambling and the Oglethorpian delegation, all of whom did so in about 1.5 hours. At about this time, Mr. Dee wakes up and says his piece.)

GUIDE:
"Very good... Mr. Dee, I'll allow you to jump back in during our next exercise."

Ben opens his eyes and sits up with a loud sigh.

"I'm sorry, Guide. Maybe I'm just not cut out for this. What am I doing wrong?"

So What Is Mother Exactly?

VIVALDI:
"Oh... you'll see."

(Dr. Vivaldi and the rest of the group follow Mordiar to Mother's pole. Mordiar slides up the pole, and Vivaldi follows. As the rest of the group joins him, they find themselves before a still-grotesque, bawling Mother. She is being consoled by Mordiar and two other tall Il Adib as she stuffs handful after handful of cave critters into her mouth. The children have retreated up to the ceiling, where they are apparently hiding.)

MOTHER:
"Ortcan... my darling Ortcan... my beautiful child..."

MORDIAR:
"Mother... I'm sorry... that's all I can say..."

MOTHER:
"Sorry? SORRY?"

(Mother swats Mordiar, sending him hurtling into a nearby pillar. The Il Adiber grabs the back of his head in pain.)

MOTHER:
"SORRY didn't bring my Bari back, and it won't bring Ortcan back! Don't give me this sad apologetic bullshit!"

(Dr. Vivaldi, scratching the back of his neck, nervously steps forward.)

VIVALDI:
"Ummmm... if I may ask, what is..."

(One of the tall Il Adib rushes to Dr. Vivaldi and cups a hand over his mouth.)

TALL IL ADIB:
"Shush. You do NOT want to irritate Mother right now. Her favorite son, Ortcan, just died and has been re-placed in the body of..."

MOTHER:
"...A HUMAN! A freaking beast with eyes! Just like my Bari: lost forever, never to return to the dear Mother who bore him from her womb so many times!"

(Mother looks down at the humans who have entered.)

MOTHER:
"You! Have you heard from them yet? Have their magical communication signals penetrated the barrier and sent word from my Bari and Ortcan? Are they happy as the children of eyed creatures? Well?"


No Other Explanation:

(Mason continues puffing at his pipe as he listens to Tsunami's explanation. He nods on occassion.)

MASON:
"You are wise, machine... wiser than most of the race of your creators. You trust no one except those who you know speak the truth. And you... you have seen through the lies of the Il Adib. For that I commend you."

(He squats down on the ground, motioning for Tsunami to come closer to him.)

MASON:
"And yet... yet you state that you wouldn't trust the Brethren if you had met them? This is quite surprising. You see, the Brethren are indeed the more trustworthy of the two. Where you are given insects to eat, they are cooked a delicious meal of steamed fish. Where you are told to sleep on straw mats, they are given beds of light. Where you are subjected to the sickening horrors of Mother, they are greeted by the beauty and majesty of Marvel, Queen of the Brethren of Shade."

(Mason waves a hand over the pipe, and the smoke disappears. He stuffs it back in his pocket and sighs, rubbing his temples.)

MASON:
"But the truth is much different than a mere war. The truth is that the Il Adib and The Brethren of Shade are, in fact... two sides of the same coin. Both races have every intent of taking over The SLAGLands... and perhaps beyond The SLAGLands. In fact, the only people who indeed know the truth are Mother and Marvel... for they, in a far more literal sense than the Il Adib and The Brethren, are the same."

(He drops his hands, looking deep into the eyes of Tsunami with his pale blind whites.)

MASON:
"Marvel... Mother... they are both my wife."

Yay! The dice like me!

Kiara admires her newly acquired skill, pondering the applications such an ability might have back home (and how much money she could get for bringing it to the Shogunate).

"This is... a most weird experiance." She notes with a grin.

Well, trust doesn't generally go with the spy business...

"Well, before I joined the historic society, I served as an espionage expert... you learn not to trust people when working in that field." Tsunami laughs uneasily.

At Mason's revelation, the little dragon falls flat on her armored rear with a loud *CLANK!*. "Your wife? How in Shimeki-sama's name does something like that work? I mean, I can see the two sides of the same coin bit- it's not an unfamiliar concept. But.. you're married to... that?"

Little electronic mind reeling, Tsunami quickly gets back to her feet. "Wait... perhaps it would be better to start at the beginning?"

Javin's eyes grew larger.

That's 'mother'??
Oh.
Merciful.
God.

Pacci clears his throat, still rather put out, but a bit more ... subdued now he's facing Mother again.

"Well, I for one can say that Barry at least seems to be getting along splendidly. He's quite the sensation in the International forum ... reputaion for mischief to be sure, but for vigilance and loyalty as well." He taps his chin thougthfully.

"Come to think of it, wasn't he engaged or something? Offworlder ... AH that's it! SHODAN, Zero-One. Leader of her own nation. Amazing thing, that. Hear she's not quite human herself, so I'd imagine it's quite a match ... that's it, EI. I remember we made arrangements to look into that. I'd forgotten in all the ah ... well, all this ... " he rambles, then looks up at Mother and clears his throat somewhat nervously.

"Ah, yes then ... Quite happy, I'm sure. Splendid fellow. Fabulous group of people he's with."

Mama's Gonna Check Out All Your Girlfriends For You:

(Mother listens--or attempts to listen--to Pacci's rather nervous ramblings and half-explanations. She scowls after he seems quite finished.)

MOTHER:
"So you mean to tell me that... Barry lives happily among the eyed creatures? Absolutely ridiculous. While we do indeed seek to protect you, the Il Adib can never live among humans! That is simply not our way!"

(She points back to the pole.)

MOTHER:
"Please, get out of my chambers and out of my Hollow! In twenty-four hours, you may return; until that time, I advise you all to rethink your relationship with us! We are not here to be your equals; we are here to be your protectors, your omnibenevolent guardian angels! Now leave me be!"

(The tall Il Adib form a circle around Mother--the expressions on their faces bear pure hostility. At the same time, the children begin to creep down from the ceiling, their brown fangs dripping with saliva.)


The Truth, Part One:

(Mason shakes his head, rubbing his forehead with his right hand. He holds out his left hand to reveal the image of a beautiful woman, her flawless form hidden under a shimmering white gown, her long blonde hair hanging freely past her shoulders.)

MASON:
"This is Esmerelda... my wife of the past ten thousand years. It was then that we were created... not born in the traditional sense of humanity. A greater being, what you may call a 'god' of some kind, created Esmerelda and me. It was to be our job to serve as the protectors of the humans in the area you now call The SLAGLands. These are harsh lands, you see, full of dangerous animals and treacherous terrain. If the original tribes of The SLAGLands were to survive, they needed the protection of the gods themselves."

(Beside the image of Esmerelda appears another one, this one of a man, young and strong, his face accented by deep black facial hair and powerful blue eyes. His clothing is exactly similar to Mason's, only in better condition.)

MASON:
"And thus we were created... to oversee the whole of The SLAGLands. We were two creatures, bound by the destiny of our creators, bound by a love stronger than any known before in all of history."

(Mason clenches his hand into a fist, destroying the image of the two flawless people standing side-by-side.)

MASON:
"This was... before the Split."

Revelations!

Tsunami listens in the mechanical equivilent of breathless anticipation, knowing that once armed with the information Mason can provide, the others can more accurately form a plan and figure out how best to deal with the situation, rather than blindly follow the instructions of their captors. "The Split?"

Javin looks from one side of the room to the other.

You've got to be f---ing kidding me.

Javin puts his hand on Minister Pacci's shoulder. "Come on Minister. Perhaps they will be calmer after 24 hours..."

Or maybe we won't be around after 24 hours...

Pacci's eyes grow wider as Mother speaks, his face first reddening in anger, then paling ... then becoming quite neutral. He notes Javin's hand on his shoulder, and stiffens slightly, but nods and backs off slowly.

"I for one," he says in a very different voice than usual, "will be quite happy to leave, if you'll do me the simple service of directing me to the way out."

His eyes flicker warrily between the children, Mother, and the taller Il Adib, his hand flexing as he readies himself to grab his gun if neccessary.

Treacherous ... flilthy stinking treacherous beasts ... I've been willing to play along, through all this ... this ... gah. he shudders ever so slightly. We need to warn the others. I think they do indeed plan an invasion.

"Its alright, Minister. Let's leave before they change their minds about letting us go," Nita says softly to Pacci. "If anyone left anything in the other cavern, we should probably go grab it and get out of here fast."

He nods, continuing to back towards the pillar.

"Quite the interesting trip this has developed into, eh?" he mutters to those around him, his eyes more alert than they've probably ever seen on him before, and burning with a slow anger.

"I agree. Retrieve our meager belongings, and then ... back to the tunnel they found us in? I've no other idea than that."

Mr. Dee wakes up says his piece, etc.

"Damn, well as I have missed the last exercise."

Dee looks around at his noncorporeal friends.

"Wait, where's Helen? She wasn't at breakfast.."

Eddie Dee becomes nervous looks around, his flaming hands dimming in intensity.

"Guide, where is she?"

Semi-dry vomit drips down from his shirt.

As they head back to wherever they left their stuff, Sean says, "I think that the only way out is that tunnel, Minister. After that, I suppose we just wander around, preferably putting as much distance between us and Mother dearest as possible." After a moment, he adds, "Hopefully avoiding any large carnivorous cats while we're at it."

"Right," Javin said. "Avoiding the carnivorous cats sounds like a good id... Hang on a second."

Javin turns to Sean, "You guys have some kind of craft up there sending off signals. I've got quite a bit of juice left in the laptop, you think you might be able to use it to reach them and give them our location?"

(Guide nuzzles Ben a bit as he expresses dissatisfaction. He glows warmly.)

GUIDE:
"No... you did complete the exercise successfully... and you did so better than anyone else, might I add. You show great potenti..."

(His sentence is interrupted by Mr. Dee's awakening words. Guide turns a deep shade of purple.)

GUIDE:
"The little girl... she may be in danger."

(Guide taps his foot against the floor, and the door opens again. He springs forth into the hallway, letting out an audible roar that seems to summon the other Brethrenites to his side--nearly a hundred of them. At once they dart into the caverns.)

GUIDE:
"Follow us!"

(The Brethrenites follow the light passageway into the main caves, darting off at top speed. Try as they might, the archaeologists can't keep up with them. At last, at the point where they first appeared in the cavern, they lose track of the Brethrenite search party. Dr. Grambling bends over, breathing heavily.)

GRAMBLING:
"Damn... well, now what?"

Ben looks startled to discover he's actually phased. Unfortunately, he doesn't have time to discuss it before Guide raises the alarm. Letting his training take over, he draws his gun and follows as quickly as he can, only to be outpaced.

Eventually, when he comes to a stop he looks back to Grambling. He shakes his head, breathing hard. "Honestly, I don't know. I still don't know what's going on." He pats a rock, surprised to find himself corporeal once more. "Or what I did."

Dee finally catches up the human team that was trying to catch up to the Brethrenite's team, panting with great effort.

"Oh, no." he says. He wills the rest of the chunky vomit off of his chunky form.

"I think... *pant pant* that *pant pant*" Dee pauses, panting some more.

"Guide... Should teach us how to will ourselves to run faster..."

"GUIDE!" Dee yells as loud as he can.

Oh. My. God.

(The subtitle-ating lameness continues to increase exponentially as the archaeologists emerge on the other side of the pole. Dr. Vivaldi shakes his head, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow.)

VIVALDI:
"Geez... reminds me of the time I was kicked out of the mall when I was sixteen..."

(All of a sudden, the ground begins to shake a bit. From the entrance to the Hollow, a light begins to draw closer.)

VIVALDI:
"Of course, when I was kicked out of the mall, this didn't happen!"

(The Il Adibers leap from the spots where they were digging, brandishing their pickaxes and letting forth loud growls and roars, and all at once, it begins. Nearly a hundred Brethrenites burst forth into the Hollow, fangs blaring, magic energy flying. The Il Adib cast spells of fire and drop stones, felling a few. Dr. Vivaldi ducks back behind a corner, encouraging the others to follow. As he does so, Mordiar and the other tall Il Adib emerge from the pole, pickaxes in hand, rushing out to the fray.)

Oooh, looks like a fight!

Kiara catches up to the group of humans, having had a late start in order to grab her backpack and weapon.

"Well, this is just great." She notes, panting for air. "Something big is about to go down, I just know it. Fits the bill of Drama perfectly."

She regards her sword- an antique she and Tsunami had found on a dig in Aquamarine. "My vote- we use this chance to find the others!"

"Oh bloody hell ..." Pacci falls back against the wall, his gun out and steady, safety off. He takes aim a the wildly thrashing group of non-humans, but for now, doesn't shoot.

"Suggestions, people? Other than the obvious 'leave' perchance?"

Speaking of Carnivorous Cats...

Yelping and ducking for cover by Vivaldi, the Cetagandans draw their weapons. While Sean quickly throws up a basic sheild around the entire group, Lisa, sword in one hand and a pistol in the other, peeks around the corner.
Seeing the chaos, she turns around and says, "I think it would be best the head that way," pointing in the opposite direction with her faintly glowing sword.

Oooh, looks like a fight!

Kiara catches up to the group of humans, having had a late start in order to grab her backpack and weapon.

"Well, this is just great." She notes, panting for air. "Something big is about to go down, I just know it. Fits the bill of Drama perfectly."

She regards her sword- an antique she and Tsunami had found on a dig in Aquamarine. "My vote- we use this chance to find the others!"

OC: Kiara eventually outpaced my fatass character, Mr. Dee. Okay?

IC:

"We can not abandon our fellow humans here," pants Dee. "I'm still not too fond of the Brethren (OC: He is.), but we can't just leave that poor girl to the Adib. Even then, how will we get out?"

Dee looks around at the dark caverns.

"Can't see a damn thing."

With a snap of his fingers (unnecessary, but looks good), his hands burst in flame and his entire plump body glows brightly like a lantern with an eerie light.

Oh, THERE She Is:

(As the group contemplates their next move, Helen emerges from behind a nearby stone. Apparently, the Brethren rushed off so quickly they completely missed her. She is trembling with fear as she darts over to Mr. Dee and throws herself again him, embracing his leg tightly.)

HELEN:
"The cats... they ran away... they ran to... where you found me..."

So now what?

Sword in hand, Kiara looks about. "Well, we found her. Do we chase after the cats or head back to the city?"

Caught in the Fray:

(Dr. Vivaldi looks down the passage and nods.)

VIVALDI:
"Seems safe... and completely free of this battle. Let's do it."

(Vivaldi leads the group deeper down the passage, which ends in a long, circular stone room. Two sets of footprints in the dirt lead out of the room at wide intervals, implying that whoever was in here ran out to join the battle a bit earlier. The room is filled with stone shelves, all of which are lined with sheets of parchment and small relics and artifacts.)

VIVALDI:
"Wow... what have we stumbled upon?


The Truth, Part Two:

(Mason holds out his hand once more, revealing the image of his wife.)

MASON:
"The Split took place several hundred years ago... when my wife began dabbling in that dangerous art known as Creationism. As The SLAGLands began to enter a time of peace, Esmerelda became bored. Boredom is... quite a dangerous state for a nearly omnipotent creature to be in, especiall one as free-spirited as Esmerelda. She created... a creature."

(In Mason's hand, beside Esmerelda, appears a cat, similar to the Brethren in nearly every way, save its purple fur.)

MASON:
"Portent... Father of The Brethren of Shade."

(Behind the image of Portent appear hundreds of tiny Brethrenites.)

MASON:
"She created many of these creatures, naming them The Brethren of Shade. They were an honorable race, and she watched them as her own children. However, as time went on, she grew bored even with them."

(Mason holds out his other hand. In this hand appear thousands of tiny Il Adib.)

MASON:
"So she created a new race... the Il Adib... a new set of children. In these she instilled a new sense: a sense of war and crudity. Overseeing the Brethren, you see, was no difficult task--the creatures were the pinnacle of perfection. Overseeing the Il Adib, on the other hand, would be a challenge... a challenge she desperately wanted."

(Mason shakes his head.)

MASON:
"She played games with the very nature of creation... and as a result..."

(Mason brings the two hands together. The Il Adib and the Brethren begin attacking one another in the palms of Mason's withered hands, the image of Esmerelda looking down upon them all.)

MASON:
"...she created warring races. This was not what Esmerelda had intended, and I watched her time and time again oversee the war, watch the unfortunate side effects of her grand creation. I watched her shift allegiance on a daily basis, cheering on one side or the other. She drifted away from me--we were all but strangers in these times. Then, at last..."

(From Mason's dead eyes, a bolt of lightning issues forth. The lightning strikes the image of Esmerelda, splitting her in two: one side the still-beautiful image of Mason's wife, the other the sickening form of Mother.)

MASON:
"...she lost control. She split herself into two parts: one called Marvel, set to lead the perfect and beautiful Brethren to glory, and the other called Mother... a sick, primal perversion of her own machinations."

Damn godmoders!

Tsunami nods slowly. Even for a thaumatologist, all this stuff sounds pretty far out there, gods and power and so forth. "And I would assume this conflict threatened to overwhelm the surface, so you sealed both parties down here? Is there any way to stop this madness? I cringe thinking about what may have become of the rest of the dig team that got warped down here."

"Interesting." Lisa grab on of the pieces of parchment and looks it over.

What's on Parchment #1?

(The parchment contains what appears to be some sort of bizarre set of schematics written in an unreadable language. The plan appears to be for the artifacts that the delegates discovered on the surface. Essentially, the artifacts appear to be powered by the forces around them; however, how exactly they are constructed cannot be determined due to the foreign language in which the plans are written.)


The Truth, Part Three:

(Mason shakes his head.)

MASON:
"It was not a threat that this would overwhelm the surface... it was the promise that it would."

(Mason clasps his hands together, then unfolds them, revealing a tall, muscular man with flaming red hair and a matching moustache. The man is wearing a leather cowboy hat and is dressed accordingly.)

MASON:
"If you've got some sorta records in that metal brain of yours, you'll know who this guy is. Enrick von Slagalotz brought his boatful of foreigners to The SLAGLands in the year you people call 1888. When Mother and Marvel saw that... well, they didn't take too kindly to it. I remember hearing both halves of my wife say that that was our continent. It was our job to look out for these people, and she was gonna be damned if a bunch of foreigners were gonna come in and take it over by force. Both sides knew right then and there that they had to stop these foreigners."

(Mason closes his hands.)

MASON:
"I feared that it would happen. Although Enrick von Slagalotz indeed came to our continent with peaceful intentions, Esmerelda could not be convinced. Both of her halves began to organize their forces, to plan an invasion of our continent, which was now called The SLAGLands. That's when I knew I had to step in. I knew that Esmerelda, in her current form, could very well destroy the entire continent if left unrestrained. So..."

(Mason drops his hands in front of him.)

MASON:
"...I sealed them away. I lured the Il Adib and the Brethren of Shade into the caverns beneath our home on The Outset Islands and erected this magical barrier to keep them here. For the past century, I've been maintaining this barrier, keeping both sides down here."

(Mason holds out his wrinkled hands for Tsunami to see.)

MASON:
"As you can see, a thousand years of magical strain has done wonders for my previously robust state. Fortunately, until recently, both sides have been too busily engaged in their foolish war to attempt a raid on the surface."

(Mason lowers his hands, looking up toward the ceiling of the cave.)

MASON:
"But now, it seems, my magic has weakened, and the Brethren and Il Adib have found a way out of the caverns. Perhaps they have noticed the rift that I carelessly left open. Perhaps they have revived the transporters."

(Mason holds out his hands again, revealing the image of the artifact the archaeologists first found on Grell.)

MASON:
"These devices act as a sort of two-way transporter. When activated at a specific point, they can be used to switch two people's places in space. I imagine if these were indeed the vehicle by which you entered these caverns, the Il Adib have made their way to the surface. With time, as I grow weaker... they may find a more efficient route."

(Mason looks back down at Tsunami.)

MASON:
"What concerns me most of all is the potential for reunification of Esmerelda. You see, when she split, she left behind one thing."

(Mason reaches into his breast pocket and removes a small golden ring, holding it out for Tsunami to see.)

MASON:
"This ring is our wedding band of sorts. It is what bound Esmerelda to me, and me to her, and us to our duty. Now that she has entered two new forms, she can no longer wear it. As such, she is no longer obligated to her duty to protect The SLAGLands."

(Mason clutches the ring tightly between his fingers.)

MASON:
"If Marvel and Mother come together--if they so much as touch one another--Esmerelda will reform, a creature more powerful than you can ever imagine. And I in my current state will be helpless to stop her... and The SLAGLands may be helpless to stop her army."

So now what?

Sword in hand, Kiara looks about. "Well, we found her. Do we chase after the cats or head back to the city?"

"We could just get out of here. I don't care for anymore powers and I don't trust the Cats..."

"Helen, who are your parents? What did they do?"

"Let's walk."

They walk.

Who Is Your Daddy, And What Does He Do?

(Helen holds Mr. Dee's hand as they walk.)

HELEN:
"Ummm... Mommy is a pharmamacist, an' Daddy makes cookies for Granny Slag. Why?"

Who Is Your Daddy, And What Does He Do?

(Helen holds Mr. Dee's hand as they walk.)

HELEN:
"Ummm... Mommy is a pharmamacist, an' Daddy makes cookies for Granny Slag. Why?"

OC: Ah-nold is the greatest!

IC:

Dee looks over to Grambling:
"Granny Slag?"

He continues to stare at Grambling as they walk, as if for an answer.

Pretty Pictures

"Looks like we can play archaeologist after all," Lisa says. She pulls out a digital camera, and motions for Sean and Nita to do the same. The women begin to go through the papers, quickly snapping shots without worrying about what was on them. They also set aside any artifacts that look similar to the ones found on the surface, or that look like they're important somehow. In particular, ones that look like they've been especially cared for or protected, surrounded by 'Do Not Touch' signs, or that have shiny metal parts that look valuable. You get the idea.

Sean, on the other hand, says, "If one of you want to help them," he holds out the camera towards the other people, "I want to look to see if there's a back door to these caves." If there are no objections, he goes outside and looks around the immeadiate area, though not straying too far, especially in the direction of the fight.

(OOC: Just to save time...)

BRETHREN OF SHADE POST:

(Helen nods.)

"Yup. Granny Slag's... uh... Homestyle Cookies or... uh... something."

Playing Archaeologist:

(None of the artifacts bear any semblance to those found on the surface--apparently, those are in a more "protected" outlet. However, the group does find a few nice-looking jewel-adorned whatsises, which they promptly swipe. Most of the parchment sheets are simply unreadable text; however, one particularly interesting one worth pointing out depicts a human on the surface holding an artifact while an Il Adib beneath the surface holds another. There are arrows going between the two.)


Another Way Out:

(Sean, seeing no objections, creeps back into the main chamber. The battle appears to be dying down a bit, as the Il Adib seem to be holding back the Brethren. However, heavy casualties have been suffered on both sides. Search though he may, Sean is unable to find any sort of an alternate exit in the main chamber.)


The Truth, Part Final:

(Mason closes his hands together, destroying whatever image was in them at that particular moment. He drops the ring in front of Tsunami.)

MASON:
"I leave the rest to you. I will ask you nicely to not kill my wife; however, killing either half of Esmerelda will destroy all of the Il Adib and the Brethren. If you wish to return the ring to her, you must reunite her... bringing both halves together should do that. I leave the solution to you... I am too old and weak to remain involved in these things."

When Sean returns, he tells the group, "I can't see any way out. Short of blasting through the walls, we have to go through the front cavern. Fighting seems to have died down, though." He pauses to think for a moment. "Actually..."

Sean breaks off, and takes off his backpack, through which he starts to rummage. He pulls out what looks to be a discus, approximately half a foot across and an inch thick, along with several tiny coin-sized ones. "This is an ultrasonic scanner. I had intended to use it if we found any ruins to look for hidden rooms and such, but it should tell us if there are any tunnels behind these wall." He places the large unit on one wall, and the others on other parts on the walls. He then plugs the main unit into his perscomp, and turns it on.

(OOC: If there's any tunnels withing a few dozen feet, they should show up.)

(will assume of course he moved with them, not saying much, but observing and watching out for attack)

"Those miserable little bastards." Pacci mutters under his breath. "They've been using us all along. To get out."

Swearing softly under his breath, he goes back to the detailed notes he's been taking, hoping to find some sort of corellation so as to attempt translation of some sort.

Nodding to Sean, he awaits the results of the test for tunnels.

Mmm... cookies!

Kiara arcs an eyebrow at Dee. "You've got to be kidding- you've never heard of Granny Slag? The company only makes the best damn pudding in the entire star system!"

(Obviously, Kiara is something of a chocoholic.)

Mission... accepted.

Tsunami carefully picks up the ring and bobs her head solemnly. "I'll try- the situation may reach a point where killing her is the only option, but you have my word that if the other option is at all possible, I'll do my damnedest to make that other option a reality." With that, she turns the leave. "I just hope I'm not too late in bringing this information to everyone else!"

Just before she ducks back into the tunnel, she glances back at Mason. Shimeki-sama, show mercy on that poor soul and grant him peace. She muses to herself, ducking back into the tunnel. Everybody, you'd better be alright! I'm coming!

Ben looks around in the light of Mr. Dee's burning arm. The sight still spooks him slightly, but he's getting used to it. Perhaps it's the thought that he might learn to do that for himself.

"You know, I didn't stop for directions along the way. Does anyone know where we are?"

"Y'got me." Kiara notes. "You guys have been down here longer than I have." Her face lights up as an idea hits her. "Waitaminute! Since I'm down here too, maybe now I can track Tsunami's signal!"

Kiara quickly digs her laptop out and sets up the unit's small antenna. "C'mon, Nami, I know you're down here somewhere!"

A Few Quick Scans:

(The scans find no hidden passages, save a long foot-tall passage behind one of the shelves. The notes reveal no correlation. Now doesn't that just suck?

Outside the room, the sounds of the battle have ended.)


NO! WAIT! It's a Trap!

(Moments before Tsunami attempts to leave, Mason grabs her by the tail, pulling her back into the room.)

MASON:
"One moment... would you like to go back to the Hollow? If so..."

(Mason puts his hand to his forehead, and one of the large rocks along the wall rolls away, revealing a small passage just large enough for Tsunami to fit through.)

MASON:
"...perhaps I can accomadate you. And if you have any friends back there with you, I can arrange for them to go through the passage as well."

My tail!

Tsunami squawks in a most indignant manner at the tail grabbing, but subsides as Mason reveals the hidden passage. "Well, I've already got a map memorized of how I got here... and there's a reporter from the surface back in the tunnels." If the little dragon was built for it, she'd be frowning. "I don't think Jefferson would fit- plus the Il Adib ditched her in the tunnels because apparently she could get some magic stuff to work."

Where the Wisconsin Are We?

(The group has made their way into a rather nondescript and wide part of the cavern, the stream now flowing alongside them. Mr. Dee has taken this route before--it eventually led to his discovering Helen.

As the group walks, Kiara quickly realizes that her message has indeed gone through.)

[OOC: Rep, just reply as Tsunami as necessary... sorry about forgetting it.]

SUCCESS!

Kiara suddenly crows with delight, nearly dropping her laptop. "Thank the Goddess! I've got a lock on Tsunami's signal! That means we can find her, and presumably the rest of the dig team! I'm gonna see if I can get a message through to her!"

Typing quickly with one hand, Kiara fires up the broadcast program on her laptop. "Oi, Tsunami! This is Kiara, do you copy? Over!"

A few moments later a text reply comes up on the screen. (Tsunami's using her internal comm to reply, rather than vocal, since she's talking to Mason =p) <Kiara? Where the hell are you? Are you with the others? I've got important information for the dig team concerning both the Brethren and the Il Adib!>

Kiara quickly shares the message with the others. "Now that I've got a lock onto her signal, maybe we can find her and the others!"

The Jefferson Problem... The One That Doesn't Involve Sleeping With Slaves:

(Mason scratches his chin, and all at once, the sound of shuffling emerges from outside the tunnel. Iris glances back into the tunnel from which Tsunami emerged. Mason grins.)

MASON:
"That must be your friend Jefferson... don't worry. I'll make sure they don't notice her."

(Mason bends over toward the tunnel and reaches his hand in, his other hand to his forehead. Tsunami can hear some very concerned swearing and screaming from the other side. Mason pulls back his hand and opens it in front of Tsunami, revealing a one-inch-tall and quite terrified Tanya Jefferson. Mason grins, rubbing her head gently but playfully with his index finger.)

MASON:
"When you are in the clear enough to return her to her normal size, simply utter the words 'Come, Mason.' I can hear these words... and I will remove the enchantment. Now be on your way... there isn't much time to spare."

Honey, I Shrunk the... Reporter?

Tsunami outright boggles at the mini-Jefferson. "You... shrunk her." She notes, stating the obvious. "Um... right..." The little dragon quickly kneels down. "We can get out of here faster if you sit on my neck- I think you can reach my sound receptors and use them for a handhold." The little dragon refrains for grinning, because her fangs probably look quite a bit larger to the miniature reporter. "Well, you'll have one hell of an exclusive on the underground war!"

(Jefferson ducks behind Tsunami's neck as she bursts out of the cavern and into the tunnel. The passage is about a hundred feet long, and at its end is some sort of cloth curtain. As Tsunami heads through the curtain, she finds herself on top of a shelf, surrounded by artifacts, being gazed at by a large group of explorers. Dr. Vivaldi cocks his head.)

VIVALDI:
"Ummmm... hello."

I'm baaaaaaaaaaack!

Tsunami blinks, looking down from the shelf. "Perfect, I was looking for you guys!" The little dragon carefully climbs down to a lower shelf. "I found Jefferson in the tunnels, found out what's going on with the Il Adib and the Brethren, AND made contact with Kiara, who is presumably with the others!"

Before anyone can comment, the little dragon hastily blurts out a shortened version of events following her departure from the group, including a very shortened version of Mason's story, and ending with the incredible shrinking reporter and her short jaunt through the back passage.

"Ah. Hello, Tsunami. We were told you were smashed in a rock slide," Lisa says. "Imagine that, our hosts lied to us. Where have you been?"

<edit>

"So, we need to get this ring to the to Esmerelda parts when they come together. The question is how to do that," Lisa says after hearing Tsunami's explanation.
"It would be...difficult to move Mother anywhere, so it would have to involve Marvel coming to her, not to mention we have no idea where she is," Sean adds. He thinks for a moment, then says, "Perhaps your friend Kiara and her group could handle getting Marvel here, perhaps with us helping them get in. Then we just have to find a way to get her to put on the ring without being blasted into oblivion."

OC: Is Cetaganda on the Brethren side?
Is Tsunami talking to the Brethren side?

=

IC: Dee, being totally flabbergasted at SLAG's cookies, looks numbly around and takes the Troupe over to where he found Helen.

"This is where we landed. Kiara, find Tsunami and have us meet the others. We must get out of here."

(Dr. Vivaldi glances outside the cavern, then rejoins the group.)

VIVALDI:
"Things seem to have quieted down. I suggest we get moving with our exile. Come on."

(Vivaldi leads the group back into the main chamber of the Hollow, where things have quieted down. Bodies of hundreds of Il Adib litter the ground, and a few scattered Brethrenite corpses complement them. Mordiar is leaning against Mother's pole, apparently wounded on his shoulder. He glares at the group as the pass and shoos them toward the exit to the Hollow.)

AND EVERYONE CAN READ THIS PART! YAY!

(As the group emerges from the Hollow, they find themselves in the presence of... egad! Mr. Dee and Dr. Grambling! The lone Brethren-transported members of the original party are now joined by Kiara, two Oglethorpians, a little girl, and some strange guy from Treznor no one's ever met before.

As she sees the group approach, Dr. Grambling's eyes grow wide. She runs toward Dr. Vivaldi and embraces him tightly.)

GRAMBLING:
"Oh, thank God... thank God... you're okay..."

"We are so glad to see you!" Dee cries, his voice echoing in the caverns and his fiery hands thrown up in delight.

"Where's Pacci? And the others Vivaldi? Are you alright? What happened?"

He notices that Vivaldi gave the little girl an odd glance.

"This is Helen," Dee says, getting much more serious. "The artifacts-they're still on the surface and more people may be coming through! She lost her parents when she activated the objects. Have you figured out how to get out?"

"This is Helen," Dee says, getting much more serious. "The artifacts-they're still on the surface and more people may be coming through!"

"Yeah, no kidding," Javin said with a grin.

"That drawing we saw showed the transfer being two way," says Lisa. "I wonder if Il Adib or Brethren are being sent to the surface whenever someone is brought down."

Taking everyone's comment into account...

"Who the hell are you?" Dee says to Javin, with a concerned scowl. Then without waiting for an answer, he turns to Lisa.

"How does the Cats and Eyeless Bunch get up to the surface to drop those things?"

"Who the hell are you?" Dee says to Javin, with a concerned scowl. Then without waiting for an answer, he turns to Lisa.

"Javin Katana," Javin said, "And you would be...??"

"Who the hell are you?" Dee says to Javin, with a concerned scowl. Then without waiting for an answer, he turns to Lisa.

"Javin Katana," Javin said, "And you would be...??"

"Edward Dee," Eddie Dee says, turning his attention slightly away from Lisa. Then almost as quickly as he noticed Javin, he ignored him once more.

Sean answers Dee's question. "Its possible that the barrier bewtween the surface and here only stops the creatures themselves, and not any objects they."

(Dr. Grambling notices that the group seems very much unacquainted. She releases Dr. Vivaldi and points to everyone.)

GRAMBLING:
"Oh, yeah... this is Kevin Green, Benjamin Vitner, Kurt Jenson... and, of course, little Helen. I know you've all met Kiara here as well"

(Dr. Vivaldi motions to his group.)

VIVALDI:
"Javin Katana... and... well..."

(He ducks down, picking up Tanya from Tsunami's shoulder and holding her out.)

VIVALDI:
"Miss Tanya Jefferson of the SLAGLandic News Network."

(Grambling leans forward, looking down at the tiny Jefferson.)

GRAMBLING:
"Hmmmm... you look taller on TV."

Partners in crime-ur... in science- reunited!

Kiara lets out a cheer. "Tsunami, thank the Goddess you're alright!"

"When in Shimeki-sama's name did you get down here?!" The little dragon quickly takes up her old perch on Kiara's shoulder. "By the way, Jefferson, y'want me to call Mason now, or d'ya wanna stay shrunk for the time being?"

"Edward Dee," Eddie Dee says, turning his attention slightly away from Lisa. Then almost as quickly as he noticed Javin, he ignored him once more.

"Yeah, nice to meet you" Javin said turning back to keep an eye out for any more problems.

"By the way, Jefferson, y'want me to call Mason now, or d'ya wanna stay shrunk for the time being?"

Jefferson peaks out from behind Vivaldi's middle finger. She nods slowly as the scientist gently places her on the ground.

"Right then, time for some more hocus-pocus." The little dragon nods. "Come, Mason!"

"Mason? Who the hell is Mason?" Kiara asks her partner.

(Nearly immediately after Tsunami utters the phrase, a puff of smoke emerges surrounding Jefferson, enough to completely shroud her form and the area around her. When the smoke clears, she is standing at full height, brushing grey soot from her clothing.)

JEFFERSON:
"Well... that was... indescribable."

Kiara gawks, her question having been somewhat answered not even ten seconds after being asked. "Uh... okay... that was... unusual."

Pacci is still reeling from it all, extremely miffed at being so used, and then shoved aside by their supposed 'hosts'. He tries not to even think about the entire Jefferson incident, looking away as she 'poofs', and not quite meeting her eyes now that she's back.

"Yes, yes .. fine and well. We're all back together. But what do we do now?" he says.

Ben levels his gun as he encounters the newcomers, but quickly lowers it when it's clear that they're friendly to the others in his party. But when the tiny dragon calls "Come, Mason!" and that individual appears in a puff of smoke, he aims for him and looks for cover.

"This is getting to be a regular party. Who the hell are you, and where do you fit in with all this mess?"

The Subtitles Return!

Further down the passage, in the direction from which the group initially came, Tsunami can see a few Il Adib, among them one taller one. They appear to be keeping hidden in the darkness, eavesdropping on the conversation between the explorers.

(OOC: Because RP isn't on and I am, I'm going to say I also noticed them simply to keep the thread moving.)

Go Go Augmented Senses!

Sniffing the air slightly, Nita narrows here eyes, draws her maser pistol, and spins towards the hiding Il Adib. "Excuse me, gentlemen. Didn't Mother ever teach you its not polite to eavesdrop?" she calls out to them. "Run along before I do something you would regret."

Enter the dragon... oh, wait, she's already entered! Carry on!

Tsunami sniffs the air and bares her fangs with an angry hiss. At her partner's display of hostility, Kiara quickly unslings her weapon. "Looks like we're about to have a party."

"Kiara, did you ever figure out the unusual properties of that sword?" The little dragon notes, tensed to spring.

"Not a clue." Kiara winces slightly. "But I've gotten some new ideas since I got here. And Tsunami, watch it please- your talons are starting to dig into my shoulder."

"The Il Adib? Mother?" Dee says.

"Tell us about them? What have they done? Who else is out there?"

Dee looks around to see the scampering Il Adib.

"I don't like the looks of them. But I can't say the Cats are any better. Let us leave this place."

Dee begins walking randomly again, hoping that chance would once again be on his side.

(The Il Adib notice the weapon and trudge back toward the Hollow. Dr. Grambling nervously glances in that general direction... then at Mr. Dee, who appears to be wandering off.)

GRAMBLING:
"Perhaps it would be best to get out of this area... these walls have ears."

(She and Mr. Dee lead the group away from the Hollow. As they do so, Dr. Vivaldi begins explaining the Il Adib.)

VIVALDI:
"Basically, what we're dealing with here is a hive of eyeless creatures, all of whom work for this fat, disgusting creature known simply as Mother... who, based on what Tsunami has told us, is actually the same person as someone you guys met named Marvel. They kept us for a few days and gave us some training in psychic powers. Then, earlier today, Mother apparently got word that one of her children, an unfriendly fellow named Ortcan, went to the surface and got himself killed... thus, we were exiled."

(Dr. Vivaldi scratches the back of his neck, chuckling nervously.)

VIVALDI:
"Yeah... I don't really get it, either."

"Can any of you use your ... um ... well, powers now?" Pacci asks, giving breaking a small pebble a try himself. "This is the first time we've been out of the Hollow and away from their influence after all. I just thought maybe ... " he shrugs, and continues trying. "Not you Cetagandans ... you and your mind tricks and all."

VIVALDI:
"Basically, what we're dealing with here is a hive of eyeless creatures, all of whom work for this fat, disgusting creature known simply as Mother... who, based on what Tsunami has told us, is actually the same person as someone you guys met named Marvel. They kept us for a few days and gave us some training in psychic powers. Then, earlier today, Mother apparently got word that one of her children, an unfriendly fellow named Ortcan, went to the surface and got himself killed... thus, we were exiled."

VIVALDI:
"Yeah... I don't really get it, either."

"Wait. The sick eyeless bitch is the same as the little fairy godmother at the Elysium? Mother is Marvel?"

Dee's plump form glows, illuminating the caverns like a light bulb.

"Then we must not go back. We are being toyed with, obviously. The tricks they taught are neat, but we're simply toys for them..."

He takes out another cigarette in his thinning stockpile and lights it with his finger.

He watches Dee light up with his ... finger?

"Well ... I suppose that answers that," he says with a blink. "Now - one and the same, but not? Then what exactly are we supposed to do about it? I mean, all things considered, all out war just doesn't seem the answer."

Tsunami shakes her head. "If something doesn't give soon, this entire war will breach Mason's failing seal and cause havoc on the surface."

"Well then, what in Shimeki's name do you propose we DO about it?" Kiara glances at her partner, exasperated.

"Either we kill them all, or get Marvel and Mother to reunite, and get this ring onto the end result-" The little dragon flicks her tail forward to reveal the ring she's currently wearing. (It's easier to carry it that way, after all!)

"Yeah, so what then? We just waltz back to the Brethren, and go up to Marvel and ask, 'Oh, Marvel, would you be so kind as to accompany us to the Hollow for a conference with Mother?'" Kiara retorts sarcasticly. "Yeah, she seems nice enough, but do you really think she'd agree to that, even if it's for the greater good of everybody?"

"Well, we need to form SOME kind of plan. We can't get to the surface still, can we? So we're stuck here until somebody DOES something!" Tsunami points out.

"Well then, I propose this," says Pacci in a much lower voice. "We find this Marvel. We put up a righteous indignation at the treatment we've recieved at the hands of the Il Adib. Having spoken with our missing cohorts," he nods to the newcomers, "We have decided theirs is the correct side. Then we let them know we know how to get to Mother. Lure Marvel there, toss her into Mother's vast bulk, and then Tsunami here, in the moments while the transformation is going off, and things are confusing, slips on the ring."

He takes a great gasp of air, and looks around for comments, criticisms, and rebuttals.

"Well, better than nothing, I suppose." Kiara notes. "But how do we know that Marvel will accompany us personally?"

"A smart leader send their troops, rather than ride to the front of the battle." Tsunami nods slightly. "Granted, that's not always the case, as Queenie has to be tied down to not fly with her old unit. I have faith in my speed- if everyone else can keep a distraction up, I can probably slip in under the radar and get the ring on her."

"Oooh, those evil Il Adib have treated us horribly. We'll help you to defeat them so we can get revenge, Marvel," says Sean. "It sounds like it will work. The only problem is getting her past the rest of the Il Adib without being noticed. Maybe some of us should cause a distraction, perhaps using that little tunnel Tsunami came through."

"Well then, I propose this," says Pacci in a much lower voice. "We find this Marvel. We put up a righteous indignation at the treatment we've recieved at the hands of the Il Adib. Having spoken with our missing cohorts," he nods to the newcomers, "We have decided theirs is the correct side. Then we let them know we know how to get to Mother. Lure Marvel there, toss her into Mother's vast bulk, and then Tsunami here, in the moments while the transformation is going off, and things are confusing, slips on the ring."

He takes a great gasp of air, and looks around for comments, criticisms, and rebuttals.

"Wait, so Marvel and Mother are not the same? I don't understand, Pacci. You seem to know what you are talking about. Explain more. The Cats were more or less generous to us, but I still can not trust them. We are still their toys. Their powers surpass our own, yet they train us to fight with magic tricks."

OC: Cetaganda, Marvel is back at Elysium.

Tsunami sighs and explains the story Mason told her. "Mother and Marvel... they're two sides of one coin. The Brethren are supposed to be a 'perfect' race, the Il Adib an utterly depraved one. Two halves of the whole."

(OOC: If you want to just assume Tsunami explains the whole story, everyone is welcome to scroll back a few pages and read "The Truth" posts under the Hollow. Mason basically tells the whole story of Mother, Marvel, and Mason's wife, Esmerelda.)

"Tsunami, to get someone through that back little tunnel would require a few of us to be shrunken," says Lisa. "Did Mason say he could shrink more of us?"

Nita suddenly thinks of something. "Pacci, could you try to do some magic? Dee could do it, but he was trained by the Brethren. What about you?"

"Well, we could give it a shot..." Kiara sounds doubtful. "It seems to me a lot of this magic stuff is simply mind over matter... if we can will ourselves to phase out, maybe we can shrink, too?"

Ben shakes his head. "I don't trust it. Who among us could light our hands on fire or phase through rock before these creatures came along? I think the new powers we're learning to control come from somewhere else, this Esmerelda woman perhaps. I think whenever we use them, we make ourselves vulnerable to them, alert them to where we are and what we're doing."

Pacci's eyes nearly bug out of his head at Nita's suggestion. "What? Me? What the bloody blue blazes kind of magician do you think me to be, woman? Wriggle my fingers at you and shrink you up? Gods, if anything were to work, I'd explode you like as not."

He looked well and truly scandalized at the very thought of it all.

Nita only chuckles. "I didn't want you to shrink us. Well, not until we have finished planning. I just wanted to see if you can still do it at all now that we've been kicked out. However, if Ben's right, that might give us away."

OC: Just read the last 4 pages of "Truth." SLAG, sounds a lot like the Protoss/Zerg from Starcraft....

IC:

"If what Tsunami says is true, then we must destroy both the Brethren and the Il Adib. And therefore kill Marvel and Mother...." Dee suggests, awaiting an answer, and at the same time, snuffs out his flames and his glow.

"And I don't think we should be using these anymore. It won't matter which side is more perfect or more trustworthy! They both intend to take over the SLAGlands."

Ben frowns. "Is it possible to kill those two? I mean, is it possible for us? I think trying to make our way through hordes of homicidal savants or snarling cats is a sure fire way of getting ourselves killed.

"We need to bring them together. I don't think there's any other way. From what you say, I doubt Mother is the kind to listen to reason, but Marvel might. Still, there's a heavy risk involved. I think what we need to do is create a diversion and trick them into meeting each other."

"We need to bring them together. I don't think there's any other way. From what you say, I doubt Mother is the kind to listen to reason, but Marvel might. Still, there's a heavy risk involved. I think what we need to do is create a diversion and trick them into meeting each other."

"Look, Marvel is great. Really, she is. But if Esmeralda is re-made, think of what damage she would do to the SLAGlands! With both the Brethren and Il Adib behind her, she would face no resistance at all! If anyone can figure out a way to re-make Esmeralda AND keep her in check, by all means tell me."

"Otherwise, we must neutralize them."

"Look, Marvel is great. Really, she is. But if Esmeralda is re-made, think of what damage she would do to the SLAGlands! With both the Brethren and Il Adib behind her, she would face no resistance at all! If anyone can figure out a way to re-make Esmeralda AND keep her in check, by all means tell me."

"Otherwise, we must neutralize them."

Ben nods. "Tsunami was given the ring, the one that would compel her to her duty rather than invade, yes? So there's your answer. If we can trick Marvel and Mother into touching each other, reforming Esmerelda, then we can put the ring on her and end the threat. I think our chances of actually neutralising either Mother or Marvel individually are miniscule."

"Simple," says Pacci. "We use bait."

He lets folks quiet a bit, not entirely sure how this is going to go over with everyone.

"Your friend Mason. They both want him, yes? Or at least, would rather see him on a slab? We'll use him to draw Marvel out. It's a possibility isn't it?"

"We can't do that!" Dee says impatiently. "How can we kill half of his wife right in front of him?"

He looks at Pacci's exasperated face, completely ignoring any message Pacci may be sending via gestures.

"There must be another way..."

Eddie Dee goes deep in thought. Suddenly an idea occurs to him, but to the disappointment of his peers...

"...Where's Helen gone to?"

(Helen sneaks up behind Mr. Dee quietly. Then, all of a sudden, she leaps onto his back, growling and giggling playfully. Dr. Vivaldi, meanwhile, scratches his chin, staring up at the ceiling in thought.)

VIVALDI:
"Yes... but isn't Mason the one maintaining the magical barrier? What happens if he... well... kicks the freaking bucket?"

Pacci rolls his eyes.

"I don't think killing either one of them is a good idea, recall? Also, I never said Mason had to be there." He looks at them with a sly grin.

"Marvel just needs to believe he is."

Pacci rolls his eyes.

"I don't think killing either one of them is a good idea, recall? Also, I never said Mason had to be there." He looks at them with a sly grin.

"Marvel just needs to believe he is."

Dee is startled very much by Helen.

"Gerroff," he says. She gets off and stands smiling. Her behavior is totally creeping Dee out. Even for a child, she must understand the severity of the situation. Her behavior is... odd...

OC: What's up with Helen, SLAG?

IC:
He catches what Pacci says and becomes interested.

"What are you suggesting, Pacci? I know killing Marvel is a very disturbing thought, but if Esmeralda comes back, what powers do we have to slip on that ring?"

Tsunami grins toothily- an unsettling sight, even with how small she is. "They didn't notice me at first when we arrived. The Drakos production line was reknown for being remarkably agile and quick for such a small unit."

Kiara nods. "You haven't seen fast until you see any reploid dragon- Dragonis model, Drakos model, or otherwise- movin' at full speed."

"At any rate, I rather doubt we would be able to defeat these beings in a battle of force. So we must outwit them." Tsunami nods slightly. "Besides, trying to knock off Mother would most likely require touching her in some manner." The little dragon cringes, recalling her frantic escape into the tunnels. She still wasn't sure she wanted to know what she stepped in/on.

(Dr. Grambling folds her arms across her chest, tapping her foot.)

GRAMBLING:
"So our plan, thus far, is to unite both Marvel and Mother, create some sort of confusion, and then slip the ring on? Or am I missing the idea here?"

"Clarification. We lure Marvel here using whatever means neccessary, up to and including Mason - who I believe, we should keep well out of harms way for the moment? Once gotten into the same room, we toss Marvel into Mother - gods, how could we miss a target that size - the dragon whips the ring on, and voila! Bound and reformed Guardian."

He takes a deep breath, looking once more suprised. "Oh, and of course, Tanya needs to stay out of sight somehow, even if they know about her. You Cetagandans with your magic-y bits. Can you make yourselves look like someone or something else? Just a thought ..."

"Combine an illusion with the right kind of telepathic projection, and I think we could manage faking Mason, especially if I get a chance to scan him myself before doing so," answers Lisa. "Given that Marvel at least does not know we have anyone with these kinds of skill, it should be effective."

"If we carry through with this plan, we'll need to make sure that anyone in the 'distraction and general chaos' group isn't someone from the group the arrived near the Brethren," Sean adds. "They'll be sure to notice if one of you isn't there."

Kiara shoulders her weapon. "Well, I'm game. Do we head in now, or wait 24 hours for the Il Adib's 'exile' to be up?"

((OOC: Assuming the group that was with the Il Adib mentioned Mother kicking them all out for 24 hours =p))

Kiara shoulders her weapon. "Well, I'm game. Do we head in now, or wait 24 hours for the Il Adib's 'exile' to be up?"

((OOC: Assuming the group that was with the Il Adib mentioned Mother kicking them all out for 24 hours =p))

Meanwhile, about twenty minutes ago...

VIVALDI:
"...and then we got kicked out of the Hollow! Can you believe that, Tsunami... to whom am I am speaking?"


Meanwhile, now...

(Dr. Vivaldi points to the flashback.)

"Yeah, see? I did say that."

"So you're expecting to trick a millenia old uber-goddess into believing a projection is her ex." Dee claifies in disbelief. He shakes his head in disdain and turns away.

OC: this action was meant to piss you off. You're supposed to say, "Well, what do you suggest, asshole?"

Kiara scowls and jabs her sword into the dirt before crossing her arms. "Well then, Mister Dee, what in all the hells would YOU like to suggest then, since I'm assuming you have a BETTER idea?"

"Besides, it not like gods are necessarily the smartest people around," adds Nita. "Hells, she's not even a goddess. Maybe more like a demigod, or one of the Sidhe. Of course, we are open to suggestions if you have some way that has a better chance."

(OOC: Moving on with the blessing of Slag.)

"Right, so here's what we have," says Lisa. "We'll split into two groups. Group one will be responsible for luring Marvel into Mother's cave, using a combination of 'we'll help you because we want revenge' and a fake Mason. The other group will be responsible for getting the attention of the Il Adib so that group one will be able to get Marvel into the chamber. At that point, Marvel will be tossed into the Great Fat Creature, and Tsunami slips on the ring."

Sean then adds, "I would suggest that Nita, Javin, and I be in the second group, as Marvel does not know of our existance. Seeing as Lisa is a telepath, she is likely our best bet to mimic Mason. She and Tsunami should use the tunnel behind Mother to get near to Mother so that it appears Mason is there. Group Two also uses the tunnel to get inside the Hollow. Meanwhile, everyone else is Group One."

"Once Group One succeeds, they use the comms to signal Group Two to begin our distraction. Anything else?" Nita finishes.

"I think that about covers it." Pacci looks grim. "Lets do it." He hands his gun to Javin. "In case you need it, my boy," he says, patting him comradely on the shoulder, then turning back to Nita.

"Whenever you're ready."

"Good luck," Lisa says to Pacci, before turning to Tsunami and saying, "Onward to those Mason. Hopefully he'll be able to shrink us down to fit in the tunnels." Waving to the others, the three Cetagandans, (hopefully) along with Javin and Tsunami, set off in the direction of Mason's cave.

Tsunami sighs. "And here I was hoping I might be able to get a bath finally." The little blue dragon's armor shows of her exploits in the tunnels, much like a mud-caked SUV with "wash me!" scribbled in the dirt. "I'm not sure we can get into those tunnels without first going back into the Hollow, which might prove dangerous."

"I think that about covers it." Pacci looks grim. "Lets do it." He hands his gun to Javin. "In case you need it, my boy," he says, patting him comradely on the shoulder, then turning back to Nita.

"Whenever you're ready."

Javin checked and cocked the gun. "Thanks Minister, I hope I don't need it," he said with a smile before leaving with the group.

OOC: Javin's still here, just RL has cruelly cut into NS time recently :wink:

(OOC: May go back to posting under the different personas here in a bit; for now, though, I'll just stay on this one, as there's not really any need to make a grave effort to keep things secret on either side.)


Wanton Acts of Group Onerry:

(By the time Group One finds its way back to Elysium, evening has begun to draw near. All appears to be quiet within the city; however, the wounded from the battle have returned and are resting up, licking their wounds. Guide is pacing about, examining the wounded troops. As Group One enters, he looks up and fades in brightness. He approaches the group.)

GUIDE:
"Forgive me... we did not find..."

(He looks down at Helen and returns his color.)

"Oh... it appears that you did. Wonderful."

(Guide turns back to one of his wounded friends and nuzzles him.)

"There will be no further training today... and there may be no further training tomorrow. We have every intention of traveling to The Hollow tomorrow and launching a full-scale invasion. We wish to end this war..."


...Group Two Sucks:

(Dr. Vivaldi resolves to stay behind with Tanya Jefferson as the Il Adib team returns to The Hollow. Evening draws near as they approach the city, and as they get ever-closer, they are stopped by a few dozen Il Adib, led by a tall one.)

TALL IL ADIB:
"Hey! Shterpa, Captain of Il Adib Guard! Why you come back? Why you violate ban?"

(Shterpa holds up one hand, and the other Il Adib raise their pickaxes.)

SHTERPA:
"You turn back! You go back into tunnels! Reenter Hollow tomorrow for more training! Mother angry if she see you now! Destroy you if she see you now! You turn back now!"

(OOC: Well, it really doesn't matter too much, I think. When I typed up the plan, I basically split it along the original lines, with a few of the Il Adib group going with the Brethren guys to do the 'we hate the Il Adib' sob story. I did that on the grounds that the Brethren would notice if someone went missing.

G1: All the Brethren people, plus Pacci.
G2: Cetagandans, Javin, Tsunami, and apprently Vivaldi and Jefferson. I hope to find a back way to Mason, so that we can sneak in, with Tsunami and FakeMason!Lisa taking up position behind Mother.)

IC:

After being rebuffed by the Il Adib, Lisa frowns and asks Tsunami, "Can you tell which direction Mason is in? There has to be another way to reach him, maybe if we head that way we can find a tunnel or something."

The little dragon shakes her head. "Unfortunately, none of the tunnels I explored exit outside of Il Adib territory. We may need to turn back for the time being, and hopefully escape in the chaos that will result if the Brethren go after the Il Adib or after Mason."

Pacci walks along with his new companions, somehow, regretting giving back the gun now that they wre heading off into unknown territiory - at least for him.

"Anything more you could tell me on what to expect?" he asks the group in general.

"So what now, oh illustrious leader?" Sean asks, looking at Lisa. She appears slightly perturbed, as if her plan had rested on getting inside through the back passages.

"Right. Why don't we rest here, then just wait for them to let us in?" Lisa answers. "Or even just until dark. After all, a huge cat snuck in. How hard can it be?"

"Right," says Nita, obviously a bit skeptical. With a shrug, she pulls out a tool kit and opens up a pouch in this backpack that contains a stunner and several powerpacks. She opens the kit, extracts tweezers, small cutters, and a screwdriver, and begins fiddling with one of the packs.

Ben drops back to walk beside the older man. "Well, Dr. Pacci, they're big fuzzy cats, sort of like miniature tigers I suppose. They're very kind and benevolent and they're ruled by a tiny little faerie woman named Marvel. They promise peace and prosperity with the hope of protecting us from the evil Il Adib. They won't say exactly why. Oh, and they serve fish. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I hope you like sushi."

Pacci gives Ben a flat look.

"I bloody well know what the damn things look like," he says, "One of them damn near ate me alive the other night."

"What I meant was, 'do you have anything that might help me better blend in' with the situation? I think we're all fairly familiar with the facts. And ah ... sushi?" He asks, brow quirked up inquiringly.

Ben smirks and shrugs. "How was I supposed to know? You weren't in the camp when I arrived."

Then he stops and frowns. "Whoa, hold up everyone. Wait a minute, Doctor. What do you mean one damned near ate you alive? When was this, and why?"

"Well of course you weren't, and I ..." He pauses, looking at Ben oddly. "Then how did you ... do I know y ... interesting."

Pacci blinks. Odd ... I don't believe we've been using honorifics down here ... not for a good long while at least.

"Where are ..." he begins, when the rest of what Ben said finally sinks in.

"Good lord. It [i]smelled me. Called me 'tainted'." He groans, rubbing his face with both hands then making a brief gesture heavenwards with them both, eyes cast up.

"There is only one possible way this is going to work. I really don't think they're going to let you just walk in with me and take your word at face value." He doesn't look pleased.

"Ben - that's a good lad ... have anything to tie up my wrists? I think what you need isn't a convert, but a prisoner."

Kiara eyes the exchange. "Well.. I didn't think to bring any rope, but I've got some computer cables. Would that suffice?"

OC: Sorry, I've been working on my own RP for awhile, but all it did was prove what an "uber-wank" system we have and all the little whiners.

Where is Helen and me? Do I have a designated course of action?
IC:

Mr. Dee seemed to have disappeared from both groups. The plan was as as sound as they come, but Dee knew plans go awry. They always do.

Dee sought out his own solution.

Jenson and Green both surveyed everyone's plans of action, while Green sought to sort the entire thing out in his mind.

OOC: I know what's going on, but i've not much planning to contribute.

OC: Sorry, I've been working on my own RP for awhile, but all it did was prove what an "uber-wank" system we have and all the little whiners.

Where is Helen and me? Do I have a designated course of action?

(OOC: I assume you're with the Brethren group...

...and sorry about moving ahead without you, but I'd like to get moving on other RPs sometime this century.)

OC: Sorry about that. I'm just slightly peached. :x

IC: The Brethren group moved ahead without Dee. The Il Adib group moved ahead.

The only ones left were Dee and Helen...

"We have to get out of here."

Kiara eyes the exchange. "Well.. I didn't think to bring any rope, but I've got some computer cables. Would that suffice?"

"Whatever looks to be convincing. I'm certain I can pull off 'surly' and suspicious when the time comes."

He did not like the prospect of walking in bound, but all things considered, thought perhaps this might be the only way he'd be walking back out.

IC:

Fat old Mr. Dee took Helen by the hand.

"Listen, we must get out of here," he whispered to Helen again.

"But we have to do something else as well. The other scientists believe that they can carry out their plan flawlessly."

Helen looks at Dee with a confused face.

"It won't work out flawlessly. Plans always go wrong, and you must have a back-up plan. If you don't, you're pretty much screwed."

Helen looks at De with a confused face.

"Look, adults are screw-ups, okay kid?"

Helen drops her jaws in understanding.

"I've got another idea."

OC: SLAG, check your TGs.

(OOC: We really need a :nod: emoticon, so instead of having to say *nod to Ur*, I can just type :nod: and leave it at that... so... uh...

*nod to Ur*)

(Helen looks up at Mr. Dee, eyes wide.)

"How can I help your plan, Mr. Deedee?"

(OOC: We really need a :nod: emoticon, so instead of having to say *nod to Ur*, I can just type :nod: and leave it at that... so... uh...

*nod to Ur*)

(Helen looks up at Mr. Dee, eyes wide.)

"How can I help your plan, Mr. Deedee?"

OC: The noddingage is accepted. :nodsback@SLAGemoticon: Last post here for tonight (today)

IC:
"Helen, do you know what failure is? Well, it's going to happen to you in your lifetime over and over and over."

Helen looks at Dee with a confused face.

"The greatest minds of several nations can put together the most ideal... most noble... great... kick-ass.. Oh, sorry. kick-butt plan, but they will be ruined by other forces that you can't control or simply designed to go bad."

Helen looks at Dee with a confused face.

"Look kid, I've got a back-up plan that actually might work."

Helen drops her jaws in understanding, as Dee informs her of his plan. (I'll write up a TG soon. Just remind me sometime. )

Finishing with what she was doing, Nita lays out ten objects. Each one is a long rectangular box with rounded corners, roughtly the size of a small pistol clip. At one end, there is what seems metal stick coming from it, with dried glue where it enters the box.
"Lady and gentlemen, gather round. You should recognize this Sean, if you were paying attention during training." She holds up on of the objects. "Behold, simple power packs. A fairly simple and safe crystaline battery, designed for feild use. Completely safe. That is, unless you do what I did. With a few slight modifications, they can be made to discharge all their stored energy at once."
"Pull here," she gestures at the metal stick, "and throw. Its about a five second fuse. The effect will be similar to a flashbang, only with a very considerable amount of heat. Very small area of effect, only about a meter in radius. Not as good as a real grenade, but better than nothing."

She divides the packs equally among the group. "Oh, and please note that I've violated the warranties on these in about twelve different ways."

(OOC: A reiteration of what's going down... if I place your character in the wrong place, let me know.

IL ADIB SIDE:
Cetagandans
Tsunami
Javin [away for a while]

BRETHREN SIDE:
Pacci
Grambling
Oglethorpians
Ben
Kiara

AWAY FROM BOTH GROUPS:
Dee
Helen
Vivaldi
Jefferson

Now then... let's get this damned thing moving again, eh? Won't be much longer now... :twisted: )


The Final Morning of the War:

Pacci, Ben, and the rest of the gang wake up to the smell of cigarette smoke. Dr. Grambling is leaning against the wall, a menthol 100 dangling from her lips. She smiles at Ben as he awakens, but there is an obvious tension about her.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vivaldi and Ms. Jefferson wake up at once and glance down at Mr. Dee, who is still fast asleep, Helen curled up next to him. Dr. Vivaldi shares some of his rations with Jefferson as the two walk away from the sleeping pair.

Somewhere away from all three teams, two ancient races, both one in the same, prepare to do battle... two races led by the same woman...

...two races who may soon become one... and may soon reach the surface.

(dun-dun-DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!)

Pacci nods to his companions, grumbling under his breath about not having thought this out more thoroughly.

"Well my friends, I'm afraid its do or die. Literally. I suggest we get a move on before time makes the decision for us."

He offers up his hands for binding. "If you think this is still the proper way? Or will my sullen disappointment and muttering suffice?"

Please, lord God, do not send me on to my final rest in the belly of one of those great beasts ... For the sins which I have committed, I ...

He rambled on in silent prayer, making peace with himself and his faith, his mind going over the things he'd seen and done, and all that he'd yet to do. Eventually, his thoughts turned to the inevitable.

Moira, my dear ... it may not be long now.

Kevin Green awoke to Pacci's prayers, Kurt next to him, fast asleep.

Kevin spoke up. "So, I guess we oughta get a move on," he mentioned while rubbing his eyes.

After the group finished eating a quick breakfast, Lisa looks around at them and says, "Well, I suppose this is it. Ready to go everyone?"

They quickly pack, and head for the entrance to the Hollow. As they approach it, Nita says to Tsunami, "I suggest waiting a few moments to go in until the guards are distracted by us."

A few minutes later, they walk into the entrance.

(OOC: RP, you can take control of Javin, or I can take him. Either way is fine with.)

Helen and Dee continue their slumber....

((OOC: Eh, how about you take Javin ^^; I'm not gonna be around as much as I'd like this week))

Say Yer Prayers!

Tsunami bobs her head. "Right. I'll stay hidden." With that, she scrambles quietly up the wall to the ceiling, 2-inch talons fully unsheathed and gripping the rock tightly as she tails the group. Winds that blow of golden flame, winds of deepest night, driving before them the seas of Chaos, driving them to wash over the mortal realms... The little dragon finds herself reciting the old Shimekian Chaos Prayer. Blow once more unto this world. I know thee, I command thee, obey my will- become one with my chaos, one with my strength. Guide me as I guide you to cleanse this world. I swear myself to thee as you swear yourself to me. Chaos embracing chaos, winds embracing sea, let us ignite the flames of chaos as one, now and forever. Purity in golden flame, purity in blackest night, as it is, was, and always shall be, in the eyes of the Goddess eternal. Tsunami tenses as the others near the entrace. Shimeki keep us all.


Ninmu Ryoukai!

Kiara leans on her sword. "Well, Pacci, I think the sullen routine should suffice. 'Sides, y'got the rest of us to vouch for ya." She hefts the weapon to point at Pacci. "And why bother tying you up when somebody they trust is on hand pointing a chunk of sharp steel at ya?"

She grins and continues in a lower voice. "An' don't worry- I know how to handle this thing. Found it on a dig in Aquamarine, and learned to wield it fairly well in the process of figuring out what the hell its thaumatological properties are."

Turning to the rest of the group, she flashes a cocky smile. "Let's get goin' then! Got a lot to get done, and nowhere near enough time to do it in!"

Shrugging his sholders, Sean walks up the entrance. "Helloooooo, leetle unterground people," he calls out in an astoundingly bad german accent, "We haff returned."

"Is that necessary, Sean?" Nita asks, glaring.

"I suppose not, my dear lady."

A Shterpa At The Gate:

(And yes... there is Shterpa. At the gate. As the group approaches, the tall Il Adib stands. The other guards have apparently gone back into the Hollow. He grins, pointing his pick ax toward the gate.)

SHTERPA:
"Welcome back! Mother want speak! Go! Enter!"


You Are In Elysium... And You Are Already Dead!

(OOC: Brownie points for identification of the lame movie reference. ;) )

(Group #2 finds Elysium very much unguarded and the main plaza all but empty. The lone occupant is Guide, who notices the group approaching. He runs toward them, his colour dimmed to a cool blue.)

GUIDE:
"Are you all okay? We were quite concerned when you did not retur..."

(His colour suddenly changes to dark red as he looks at Pacci.)

GUIDE:
"...who is this? Why have you brought this tainted creature into Elysium?"


SLEEPZ0R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

(Helen's eyes blink open. She turns back to Mr. Dee, rubbing her eyes. Noticing the old man is still asleep, she pokes at his face.)

HELEN:
"Wake up, Mr. Dee... it's morning..."

SLEEPZ0R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

(Helen's eyes blink open. She turns back to Mr. Dee, rubbing her eyes. Noticing the old man is still asleep, she pokes at his face.)

HELEN:
"Wake up, Mr. Dee... it's morning..."


"Mrahngh..." Dee groaned. How could she know? They were in caves, for god's sake. He waved his hand around, pushing it into Helen's nose, before falling back to sleep.

OC: how does she know it's morning? Where are the others that Dee was camped with? Who am I? Where am I? What have you done to my nose!?

Kiara is standing behind Pacci, her weapon raised with the point barely an inch from his back. "Don't worry, he won't try anything while I've got my weapon ready to skewer 'im." She flashes a grin at Guide. "And at any rate, I dunno whatcha mean by tainted, but he's one of the dig team- he's on our side."

She glances around while keeping her sword level. "Where is everybody anyway? Th'place is like, deserted!"

Ben approaches Guide, a typical look of suspicion on his face. "Why do you call Dr. Pacci tainted? What does that mean?"

(OOC: Ur, Helen saw that the rest of the group was gone and assumed it was morning. ;) )

Pokey, Pokey:

(Helen continues poking Mr. Dee, her voice growing more shrill and more annoying.)

HELEN:
"Missssterrrr Deeeeeeeeeeeeee! It's tiiiiiime to wake uuuuuuuuuuuuup!"

(With her right index finger and thumb, she pinches Mr. Dee's nose closed.)


The Tainted One:

(Guide turns a dim shade of purple as he continues to glare at Pacci.)

GUIDE:
"This creature has learned to tap into those areas of the mind that are the specialty of Il Adib. Where The Brethren utilize the forces of light, heat, and air, Il Adib specialize in the manipulation of chaos... what you on the surface call 'entropic forces.' We view such forces as vile, just as they view the forces we master as sickening.

"In answer to your question, Kiara, the remainder of The Brethren is gathered with Marvel and Portent. In light of the event last night, we are preparing for what may be the final battle. If you wish to join us, you may."

Ben steps forward to confront Guide, a frown on his face. "Okay, so he was taught by them the way you taught us. Does that make him an automatic enemy? I think the way he came with us without a fight suggests he's not the enemy. It isn't his fault you didn't pick him up in time to save him from the Il Adib. I'd say that's your fault, and you've no call to judge him for it. So long as he doesn't use his 'vile' powers, he's no threat to you."

Ben focuses himself and prepares to "phase" the moment he sees Guide make a hostile move.

Pacci did his best to look sullen and angry ... which of course, he was.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I can't do a damned thing. All this crazy hocus-pocus and sleight of hand those damnable Il Adib try to pull off as magic ... bah, I say. Do you know what it's like with those things? Look ... feed me, have her quit prodding me in the back with that damnable sword, and we'll talk about this whole war of yours. After all, I'm familiar with a few ins and outs around there that might be beneficial to you in the upcoming conflict."

He glanced at Ben with an odd expression, his eyes conveying a 'shut the hell up before you upset them, son' look ... but appreciative nonetheless.

Kiara looks thoughtful for a moment at Guide's explanation. "Funny you should mention chaos, but I'll leave Shimekian theology out of this. So... Pacci here has figured out the weapon of the enemy. This is a bad thing because... why? Yer at war, right? S'no honor in war, the winner is the sneakiest, cleverest, most resourceful one. Now, Pacci here obviously reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally doesn't like the Il Adib. I'm guessing they tried to force him to help them, and he only agreed to their teaching to save his own skin." She sticks the point of her weapon in the ground and leans on it casually. "And Pacci probably has all sorts of useful information, if y'just trust 'im a little bit. I mean really, what's one guy who's learned a little hocus pocus going to do when blatantly outgunned?"

(OOC: Ur, Helen saw that the rest of the group was gone and assumed it was morning. ;) )

Pokey, Pokey:

(Helen continues poking Mr. Dee, her voice growing more shrill and more annoying.)

HELEN:
"Missssterrrr Deeeeeeeeeeeeee! It's tiiiiiime to wake uuuuuuuuuuuuup!"

(With her right index finger and thumb, she pinches Mr. Dee's nose closed.)




Mr. Dee awakes.

"Alright, dammit." Dee mumbles. He gets off his fat ass and recollects himself...

He's in a cave with a little girl. The two dark sides of a uber-Goddess were about to clash in a great battle. And he was about to interfere...

OC: Not now. I'm leaving RL, will come back to finish this.

(Guide nods slowly, his colour slowly returning to normal.)

GUIDE:
"I do sense a definite degree of hostility regarding our eyeless friends across the caves... very well. You may release him--I doubt he will cause any problems.

"Now... shall we attend to Marvel and Portent's meeting? Our dear friend here may prove quite helpful..."

Kiara grins and slaps Pacci on the back. "See, toldja they'd loosen up!" She smirks. "Lead the way, Guide-san! Time t'get this show on the road!"

GUIDE:
"Very well. Follow me."

(Guide leads the group back into a new series of tunnels into which the group has dared never tread... bum-bum-BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM! The room at the end of the tunnel is, not surprisingly, quite large... large enough to fit several thousand phasing white cats. This monstrous collection of Brethren is seated in a circle around a slightly raised platform, on top of which stands Portent. Portent's usual small tiara has been supplanted by an elaborately carved silver helmet, and Marvel sits comfortably in its center. Portent notices the group entering and begins to glow brighter; however, as his eyes shift to Pacci, his colour grows dark yet again. Guide quickly steps in front of the group.)

GUIDE:
"Great Portent, please forgive them. The tainted one you see before you is quite sorry for his indiscretion in choosing sides! In fact, he is now ready to tell us more about what he witnessed within the camp of Il Adib!"

(The whole of The Brethren turns around and glares at the group, their transparent forms taking corporeality. Several of them appear hostile; most, however, appear more than ready to listen. Marvel, meanwhile, takes off from the helmet and hovers toward Pacci, her tiny mouth inverted into a frown.)

MARVEL:
"I sense no hostility in this one... I believe he does indeed desire to help us. Speak now... tell us what you know of Il Adib."

Kevin was amazed by the cave, Kurt's eyes focused on the hovering entity known as Marvel. "Who'd ever think archaeology would lead to this?" Kevin remarked.

"Yes, yes, indeed my dear chap. Let us go see Mother," replies Sean, now faking a British accent. "Lead on," he continues, gesturing inwards. As the four humans enter the Hollow, they do their best to keep the attention of the guards for as long as possible.

(OOC: Appologies for not posting sooner. A school orientation-ish-thingy is taking up all of my time.)

Tsunami... Ninja Dragon!

Tsunami creeps along the ceiling behind the group, taking care to stay silent. As soon as they're in the wider cavern, she drops to the ground and quickly leaps into the air, where she can glide in total silence. Here's to hope!

Oooh... Lookit all the kitties!

Kiara lets out a low whistle at the sight of the gathered Brethren. "Some party, huh?" She shoulders her weapon and waves at the hostile stares. "Well, Pacci, care to share whatcha know with our furry friends?"

Pacci remains very still as the eyes of the Brethren turn to him.

Calm ... remain calm. They've no call to harm me ... not yet at any rate.

He puts on a pleasant enough smile for Marvel as she hovers closer, making no move, threatening or otherwise. Upon the request, he clears his throat, and clasps his hands behind his back in a lecturing posture.

"Well, it would seem they're mobilizing even as you are. We were all rather forcibly put out last night - obviously they didn't trust us, as you do my fine compatriots. They're up to no good, I tell you."

He grumbles a bit, muttering in his native tongue.

"From what I gathered, they have found something they want. Or someone, as the case may be. Caught barely a glimpse myself. Older gentleman. Mazer ... Manson ... ah, Mason. They had him packed off to Mother cat-quick ... er, no pun intended, and we were ordered out."

"Now I don't claim to fully understand the 'why' of this all, but I do know this - of the two groups you certainly seem the more refined, and less violently dangerous. I know my way around the tunnels. And I'm willing to lead you straight to that monstrosity they call Mother," here he genuinely shudders, needing only to recall the images.

"So ... what's it to be?"

Il Dio, please don't let me die here and now.

You Don't Ever Call Your Dear Mother Anymore!

(As the group enters the Hollow, Mordiar is standing to greet them. He has a very visible scar on the left half of his face from the previous night's battle. He frowns as the group enters.)

MORDIAR:
"Mother... insisted on seeing you people. I assure you that your coming here was not my idea. If I had my way, you Ortcan-butchers would all be chopped into hash and served for breakfast..."

(He steps aside, motioning to the pole.)

"...but once again... I don't have my way..."

(As the group takes to the pole once again, they find Mother in a particularly angry mood... not that this seems much different from usual. A few dozen Il Adib are standing before her, all with pick axes in hand. She grunts as the group enters, scratching under her left breast.)

MOTHER:
"About damn time you all got here..."

(Mother's hand returns from under her breast, producing a rather large scorpion-looking creature. She pops it into her mouth.)

"Now then. I'm sure you're all more than aware of this by now, but we were attacked last night. As such, we're mobilizing. I'm sick of fighting this war with that bitch-priss Marvel, leading The Brethren around like they run these caves. These are OUR caves, dammit!"

(The group of Il Adib in front of Mother howls approvingly.)

"You may fight beside us if you wish. I know you all are armed, so you may be able to pick off a few of them... hell, you may even get to kill your tainted friends! Won't that be..."

(Her nostrils suddenly flare up. Mother begins looking around the room, eyes wide.)

"I smell... him... but that's impossible..."

(She turns back to the group, grimacing.)

"Tell me... have you met Mason?"


Planning An Attack:

(Marvel's light fades a bit at the mention of Mason. She nods slowly.)

MARVEL:
"Very well... lead us to Mother. While we have indeed infiltrated the Hollow, we have no idea how to reach her. Maybe you will be able to show us."

(Marvel floats back to Portent's helmet. The large purple cat lets out a monstrous roar, shaking the walls of the cavern.)

PORTENT:
"TO WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!"

(He points to the door as all Brethren eyes turn to Pacci, waiting to be led to the Hollow... and Mother.)

Pacci, having had damn well enough of both Brethren and Il Adib, and wishing only to have the strange happenings put behind him, and be back at his comfortable home on the coast, sipping a fine Dominion wine, wastes no time.

Nodding curtly to the assemblage, he makes his way back through the twisting passageways, intent on finishing this mission at all costs ... or rather, prepared to use all methods and means at his disposal to get it taken care of, and get away with his hide intact.

He ponders the potential problems of having both groups ripping and tearing at one another while they attempt to join the two ... and shudders. Still, having no better ideas ... he presses forward.

His steps grow ever more cautious as they make their way deep into Il Adib territory, expecting resistance at every corner.

Oh... this might not bode well....

Tsunami spits all manner of colorful phrases to herself as the others are led to Mother, while she glides into the back room that Mason's exit tunnel led to. I'll have to blast through the tunnels as fast as I can to get back around to the one right behind Mother before the feces hit the fan!

Once away from the immediate threat of being caught, the little dragon throws stealth to the wind and takes off running through the tight tunnels as fast as she can, trusting her internal map from her first jaunt through the caves to guide her. If I have to flame Mother's fat ass to get her out of the way to get back out of the tunnel, so be it!

As the end will come so soon, in the land of twilight....

Kiara slings her sword back into its carrying strap, her bravado from earlier appearing slightly shaken by the reality of marching off to battle. "Ah... here goes nothing, ne?" Oh, Shimeki-sama, what have I gotten my fool self into?

Lisa quickly answers, "No, but we did meet some other humans. Perhaps one of them met him, and the 'smell' or whatever it is you sense rubbed off on use. We didn't really have time to chat, we saw one of the cats coming and scattered. We're not sure what happened to the others who were with us are."

Off to War!

The Brethrenites are marching one by one, hurrah... hurrah... the Brethrenites are marching one by one, hurrah... hurrah...

...and they're still marching...


A Visit to a Friend:

(As Tsunami reaches the tunnel's end, she finds Iris knelt on the ground next to Mason's face. The old man is lying on the ground, his head resting on his arm. His breathing comes slowly, and his dead eyes stare blankly at the hole in the wall.)

MASON:
"Tsu... nami... is that you?"


Do You Like My Cologne, Eau Du Mason?

(Mother nods solemnly, scratching her head.)

MOTHER:
"If you do encounter that man, don't trust him. He's... deceived me more than once before. In any case... do you plan on battling beside us, or will you wait here?"

Well, this is an unexpected twist...

The little dragon bobs her head in surprise. "Yes- I need to get in position to get the ring on once the others somehow toss Marvel into Mother. What are you doing here? What happened?"

Tsunami kneels by Mason, checking him over with her sensors. "According to my map, it's not much farther to the tunnel entrance directly behind Mother, which is where I'm to take up position."

Do You Like My Cologne, Eau Du Mason?

(Mother nods solemnly, scratching her head.)

MOTHER:
"If you do encounter that man, don't trust him. He's... deceived me more than once before. In any case... do you plan on battling beside us, or will you wait here?"

"I think we might stay near here to assist in guarding you, Mother," Lisa responds. "We're not very familiar with the methods of fighting in caves, so we wouldn't be much use in a free for all. However, if only one or two of the Brethren break through, we could probably stop them. It would free up a few more of your children to fight in the main battle."

Not Much Time:

(Mason tries to find the strength to sit up; however, he falls back against the ground. Iris is shivering a bit.)

MASON:
"I... I fear the pressure is becoming too great. I will not be able to maintain... the barrier... for much longer..."

(He coughs loudly, and Iris drops to its knees.)

MASON:
"You must stop Esmerelda... you must bring her back... to the way she was... hurry... there is not... much..."

(Mason chokes on the final word as his breathing ceases.)


A Few New Bodyguards:

(Mother smiles a bit at the Cetagandans and Javin.)

MOTHER:
"Your concern is greatly appreciated. I don't think those damned cats will get this far; however, in a time of war, one cannot be too..."

(In mid-sentence, Mother suddenly looks up, as if some sort of alarm had gone off in her head. Her eyes are wide as she looks beyond the ceiling of the cavern.)

MOTHER:
"...could it be? Is it..."

(Almost immediately, she looks back down at the group.)

MOTHER:
"Forgive me... I do appreciate your help. Please, stay here and keep this old woman company."

Well, this does not bode well
Tsunami bows her head. "Sleep on the winds, may She who wears the colors of Chaos and Order keep you." She murmurs a brief prayer for the dead. "Leave Esmerelda to us."

With that done, she takes off down the tunnel. If Mason's gone, the barrier is gone, meaning we are out of time! Kuso! Guys, you'd better get it the hell in gear! She sends off a text message to Kiara. Kiara: The old dude's dead, it doesn't take a lot to realize what that means. We are out of time, hyaku!!

"Oh great, another 'eleventh hour' climax!"
Kiara's laptop beeps, and while keeping pace with the others, she pulls it out to check her messages. Upon seeing Tsunami's latest, she spits a series of colorful curses covering at least three different languages.

"Hey, guys, we have got to get our collective ass in gear, like, 5 minutes ago!" Upon getting any odd looks from the Brethren, she quickly adds, "I just heard from my pal Tsunami- little blue mechanical dragon buddy of mine- the Il Adib are on the move!"

"Of course, Mother. We would be glad too," Lisa replies in her most sweet, 'I-love-you-mommy' voice. They four humans take careful note of where (if there are any) the entrances are, and where any Il Adib in the room are.

<RPIN News>

Outset Islands, SL --

It has been at least 3 days since the international team of archaelogists that had gathered here disappeared. Investigators cannot figure out the disappearance- they have only been able to track the team to the rock formation known as the Host's Horizon. There is no evidence of foul play or incident.

The last recorded contact with any of the team was a broadcast made by one of the Reploid Productions archaelogists:

"To anybody listening, this is Kiara Alson. I think I know what happened to the archaelogists. I'm going in after them. I think the artifacts are responsible. Please, if anybody is nearby, after you get this message, come to the Host's Horizon and put the artifacts in a safe place- I don't want to think what could happen if someone stumbles across them and activates them. Over and out.

In addition to the disappearance of the scientists, there have also been reports of other visitors to the area going missing, including a reporter and some recreation enthusiasts.

We'll have more information as it becomes available.

<This has been an RPIN News broadcast>

The Big One... Part One

Mother's chamber has no apparent entrances or exits aside from the pole. The Cetagandans once again notice the rather large tunnel that Mother's tremendous girth is blocking; other than that, however, the room is very much a dead end.

In the distance, the sound of thundering paws can be heard...


The Big One... Part One Point One

At the mention of the Il Adib being on the move, The Brethren speeds up, forcing the humans to follow in kind. As the group enters the long tunnel covered with carvings, The Brethren breaks into a full-on cheetah sprint, charging at near-unfathomable speeds into the Hollow. As the humans catch up, they see that The Brethren has entered the Hollow...

...and that the battle has begun.

Thousands upon thousands of Il Adib of all shapes and sizes have dropped from the ceiling and walls of the Hollow, pick axes in hand, wielding both weapon and energy with expert prowess. The tunnel where Il Adib had previously been digging has greatly expanded, and Il Adib rush forth from it and attack the nearest kabuki cats. While the cats seem to be holding their own, they most certainly do not have an advantage.

All through the caverns, the war is being raged, with both sides paying virtually no heed to the humans in the cavern. Only Portent and Marvel, who have managed to duck back into the entrance and keep out of battle, cast them a glance occasionally.

The battle for the Hollow has begun.

Pacci watches the scene in a mix of horror and fascination, clearly not wishing to get right in the midst of it. However ...

"Marvel, Portent ... this way ... please ... if perhaps, you would allow us to ride, we could get there all the faster, AND hopefully avoid being spitted by one of those picks. I can direct the way to Mother, and hopefully, Mason."

Yea, though I walk through the valley dell'ombra della morte, non temerò la malvagità ...

He felt a cold sickness take hold of his stomach as he once again surveyed the scene of carnage.

Hearing the sounds of battle, the four humans tense and take up positions around the room, weapons ready and aimed towards the pole.

And the thunder rolls...

Tsunami bares her fangs in an instinctual reaction to the sounds of battle rumbling omniously throughout the caverns as she crouches in the darkness of the cavern, tensed to spring as soon as the others manage to launch Marvel into Mother. She's back from the exit, just far enough to remain unseen (and, in all actuallity, so she doesn't have to wait right behind Mother's stinky bulk.) Shimeki willing, all will go moderately well...

Do we still think that we're not brave if we don't bleed?

Kiara spits some colorful curses, blade in hand. "Let's move it! If we don't put a stop to this soon, I don't want to think what the carnage'll be!" She bolts past Portent, giving him a brief tug on the forepaw. "C'mon already! We don't have all day!"

(Portent turns back to a few Brethrenites who were silently hiding in the shadows behind him and nods. The Brethrenites form a circle around their leader as he, Pacci, and Kiara race into the fray. The Brethrenites swat Il Adib left and right as the group charges around the circumference of the Hollow. At last, they reach the pole on the other side, which is unguarded. Portent looks at the pole, then cocks his head as his followers swat off Il Adib.)

PORTENT:
"Very well... but how do you expect a quadriped to utilize such a pole?"

Kiara regards the pole with a thoughtful expression. "Damn, I shoulda asked Tsu if she knew a back tunnel in. Um.... I imagine if y'wrap yer paws around the pole and kinda cling on it that it might work... Tsu told me in one of her messages that's how everybody else used it."

She cringes slightly as she gets another idea. "Or you can cling to my back and I grab it.... that might be a bit tricky though." I knew I shoulda brought my heavy jacket. Thank goodness I'm in good shape at least.

(Portent looks at the pole, then down at Kiara, then quickly shakes his head.)

PORTENT:
"I am sorry... I do not see a viable solution to this problem. It is very difficult for me to stand on two legs, you see. I will have to uphold the battle out here. But perhaps..."

(All at once, Marvel mobilizes from atop Portent's helmet. She floats onto Kiara's nose, glowing dully, a cold look on her face.)

MARVEL:
"I will join you. I promise you that I am more than capable of holding my own, should battle break out."

(Marvel dismounts from Kiara's nose and retreats into her left jeans pocket. Portent, meanwhile, turns back to face the battle.)

PORTENT:
"Hurry! There is not much time!"

(With a flicker of his purple skin, a tremendous blast of energy fires from the huge cat's head. The pinkish blast hits a few Il Adib, sending them hurtling off the side of the platform and down to the bottom of the Hollow.)

Kevin stood looking at the pole, unaware of the volatile situation around him.

Kurt was amazed by the sheer number of Il Adib. "Damned Li Abid, or Li Adib, or whoever...this sure would be a good time to use those powers we learned!"

OOC: I'm assuming he'd have decent luck with lighting stuff on fire, right?

Kiara nods solemnly. "May the Goddess's luck be with you." She nods and reaches for the pole. Well, that takes care of that- with Portent out of the way down here, it might be just that much easier to take care of Mother and Marvel.

She nods to the others. "Balls to the walls, boys, you ready?"

Pacci merely nods once in reply, grabbing onto the pole, and heading for Mother's cave.

A thousand things are going through his mind, very few pleasant. Hesitation would have only caused him to loose what nerve he had left.

He thumps out unceremoniously as before, scurries to his feet, and looks around with wide eyes, anxiously awaiting the others.

Damn Kiara, I hope you've a strong arm.

http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/leandro_pacci.jpg

As Pacci, tumbles into the room, Sean snaps up his gun, only to lower it a moment later. "Minister! We were so afraid those horrible animals had gotten you! Did you bring anyone else along?" he exclaims.

Kiara tumbles into the room a moment later, sputtering a number of colorful phrases. "Ouch-! What in all the hells was that, Pacci?" She quickly hops to her feet and dusts herself off. Spotting the Cetagandans, she quickly changes her act, knowing full well she's in potentially hostile territory. "Well, certainly a clever means of keeping the cats out. So, Pacci, care to handle the introductions?"

(As the group bursts into the chamber, they are greeted immediately by the pick axes six waiting Il Adib, among them two taller ones. Behind the Cetagandans and Il Adib sits Mother in all her gruesome glory. She emits a sort of rumble as the group enters, something between a growl, a cough, and a small earthquake.)

MOTHER:
"Not another step, or they let their weapons fly!"

(The six Il Adib raise their weapons high, snarling and growling.)

MOTHER:
"If you've come here expecting to betray me, Minister Pacci, I'm afraid you're, as you humans say, shit out of luck! Now I suggest you get back down the pole... now!"

"Oohh, great," Kevin remarked. "What now?" he said, looking at Pacci.

"Betray you?" asks Sean, raising his weapon towards the newcomers again. "What do you mean, Mother?" The others reposition themelves slight, also raising their weapons. While it looks like they're doing so in order to be in position to attack Pacci and Kiara, someone experienced with firearms might note that they each have clear shots on at least a few of the Il Adib.

"Betray you?" asks Sean, raising his weapon towards the newcomers again. "What do you mean, Mother?" The others reposition themelves slight, also raising their weapons. While it looks like they're doing so in order to be in position to attack Pacci and Kiara, someone experienced with firearms might note that they each have clear shots on at least a few of the Il Adib.

Kurt spoke to Kevin quietly. "Well, I would consider myself somewhat experienced with firearms, and it appears to me that the way everyone's positioned, well, Sean actually has a clear shot on some of the Il Adib."

Oh my Goddess, how can something like that... that thing exist?! Kiara thinks to herself, trying not to be ill at the sight. "Whoa, whoa! Peace! Can't we talk this over a bite to eat and some drinks?" She raises her hands in indication of surrender (granted, her hands in the air put them that much closer to the hilt of the sword slung across her back, but she's banking on the blind buggers not knowing she's armed.) and takes a miniscule step forward, placing herself between Pacci and the threatening weapons. "I'm friends with those guys who're pointing their pretty weapons this way!"

"What in the bloody hell are you talking about, Mother?" he says, looking at them all furiously. "Do you realize just what I've been through to get here? Have you any idea the chaos out there? The damned fast-talking I've had to do? Damn you all to hell for it, I say. The lot of you!"

Under his breath he murmurs, "Now, Kiara, for the love of God, get this over with ..."

(A tiny sparkle suddenly appears within the top of Kiara's pocket. Mother gasps a bit as the sparkle appears and disappears. A wicked grin crosses her face, and she emits a loud grunt. Shouting a few indiscernable words, Il Adib part.)

MOTHER:
"So... you're finally here."

(Mother slips down, forcing her hands against the ground. She groans and grunts, huffing and puffing, wheezing and howling... until at last, after a solid two minutes of effort, Mother forces herself to her feet. The monstrous creature takes a few slow steps forward and already seems a little bit winded as she stares down at the humans.)

MOTHER:
"Go ahead... show yourself."

Kiara laughs nervously. "Ah... yeah. Peace offering and the like since I'm... ah... terribly allergic to cats.... and stuff.... Can't stand bein' around 'em..." Inwardly, she's running steadily through her impressive vocabularly of vulgarities. Tsunami, I hope you're ready!

In the cave behind Mother, Tsunami has inched forward and is clinging in the shadows of the tunnel's ceiling, her small wings hanging barely visible as a sign to the humans that she's in position.

(OOC: Thread broken in two for dramatic purposes. ~_^ )


(From Kiara's pocket, the tiny face of Marvel peeks forth. The creature's faint glimmer turns into a nearly blinding glow as she bursts from Kiara's pocket, hovering above her head... a mere ten feet or so from Mother. The tiny, beautiful woman stares up into the face of her monstrous, grotesque alterego, her glow becoming brighter with each passing second.)

MARVEL:
"So, at last... we meet again."

(The Il Adib guards back against the wall of the room, trembling out of a combination of fear and awe. Mother never breaks the gaze as she leans down toward Marvel... and her top falls off.)

MOTHER:
"The old man is dead... the barrier is down."

(Marvel's glow becomes still brighter as Mother leans forward.)

MARVEL:
"I know... shall we?"

(Mother shows a grin that displays all six of her remaining yellow teeth. With one tremendous hand, she snatches up Marvel.)

MOTHER:
"Let's."

(The flash of light that fills the cave provides just enough time for the diggers to cover their eyes... else go completely blind immediately. Mother's hideous laughter echoes through the chamber as the glow becomes brighter... brighter still...)

"Jeesus!" Kurt says, kneeling over.

The Cetagandans stare in shock, any plans that they hypothetically had of gunning down the guards forgotten. After a few seconds, Sean breaks the silence with, "Oh, f**k. TSUNAMI!"

Over near one wall, Lisa sit down, and throws all her power into establishing a link with a telepath of the Third Fleet, hoping that with the barrier down she can get through.

"Oh my lord God what have we done ... " Pacci backs up as well, inching towards the pole. Then he remembers the chaos below. He looks back to the giant entity, shielding his face from the light, but unable to make himself turn away.

Now, now, now! The ring, Tsunami!

Kiara decides the hell with the cursing to herself and bursts into a vocal tirade of curses as she unslings her sword and averts her gaze. "TSUNAMI! NOW!"

With a minature roar and hiss, the little blue dragon launches herself from her hiding place, the ring clasped tightly in her forepaw, and rockets toward the center of the maelstrom. "BANZAI!"

*Major Delloplane, T4 Telepath, Third Fleet Psyops here. Who is this?*

~Lisa Strieksmore, Colonel, 3T Prime, Arechon Regiment, Delkor Legion, 3rd Reserve. I am declaring an Base Velka Zero Emergency at my location.~

*Confirmed, Prime. I see you at {coordinates} under the SLAGLands. Is this correct.*

~Yes. A situation has emerged that poses a risk to the SLAGLands and possibly all of humanity. We are working on a solution, but the situation is in doubt. Advise the Fleet prepare for immeadiate TJE bombardment with fusion weapons if unsuccessful.~

*Relaying to command now.*

~I'll try to keep you informed. Wait for my signal, but if I loose this link suddenly or it feels like I am being subverted, do not hesitate to act.~

*Confirmed.*

(The light dims and the vortex clears to reveal a few terrified Il Adib lying on their stomachs on the side of the room, a huge open cavern at the back end... and a woman holding a reploid dragon.

The woman is an image of absolute perfection. Her slender figure stands about seven feet tall, perfectly curved, skin fair and without blemish, legs long, full straight blonde hair just past her shoulders. She wears nothing except a dull yellow glow and a demeanor of cold anger. In one hand, she helds shut the jaw of Tsunami; in her other, she holds tight to the creature's tail.

Esmerelda doesn't speak, doesn't move, barely breathes. She stares dead into nowhere, beyond the pole, beyond Mother's chamber, where the battle has come to a screeching halt.

Her masterfully crafted vermilion lips part fluidly, slowly, her long, slim tongue forming the word behind it.)

ESMERELDA:
"Now."

"The ring," whispers Nita. "Where's the ring?"

Kevin slowly opened his eyes. "Kurt...I don't know what's going on, but you can go ahead and take a look around," he said, Kevin's eyes fixed on Esmerelda.

Kiara lets out a gasp. "Tsunami-!"

The little dragon is hissing furiously through her clenched jaw, flailing her unsheathed talons and wings at the woman holding her. She's not flailing her right forepaw, though, which she's keeping held close to her small body.

Kiara crouches and lets out an angry noise that's almost a hiss in its own right, sword held in front of her. "Let my partner go, you bitch!

"Kiara, I don't think that will help the situation," Sean says softly.
He turns to Esmerelda. "Esmerelda, I presume?" His voice is strong, but his face is completely white.

Pacci flinches visibly at Kiara's response, still, he tries to go on.

"Misericordia, Esmerelda ... Mercy, I beg you. Please, stay your hand!"

Pacci fumbles for the words, grasping for anything that might hold off the end.

"Great Goddess, your anger is just, and your purpose strong ... but you have been too long from the surface to fully understand the implications. Please, think what you are about to do."

He drops to his knees, holding up his hands before him in a pleading manner.

"You were a protector, one of two to look over these lands. What good does it serve to march out now to their destruction? Where then is your guardianship? This senseless struggle has already cost you your lifemate ... must it now end in further tragedy?"

Kiara, still practically radiating her fury, heeds Sean's advice and lowers her weapon, though she can't bring herself to grovel like Pacci is. "A thousand apologies, I forgot my manners in my anger." She manages to say in very stiff, formal tones, heavy with her Aquamarinian accent.

(Esmerelda doesn't flinch or even break her gaze at whatever she is staring down. Her face remains void of expression as she squeezes a bit harder on Tsunami's jaw.)

ESMERELDA:
"Yes... my name is Esmerelda, Goddess and Protector of The Emerald Heights... a land you pathetic creatures now call The SLAGLands. It will not be long now before the invaders are driven forth from the land, before the great devices of the machine age are cast into the sea whence they came. It will not be long now before my lands are liberated, before the laws of man fall before the laws of the gods."

(She takes a single step forward.)

ESMERELDA:
"The invaders have been judged... and they will now face their punishment. None who defile The Emerald Heights shall stand before the might of the gods."

"Oh Goddess of the Emerald Heights, how in your infinite wisdom can you condemn a people who you do not know?"

He casts around for something, anything ... and latches on to one thought.

"Your own son, one whom at least half of you claimed as your favored child, loves and protects them, watches over them as guardian. He has done so in your place, and is well loved and much respected by all. How could your own flesh and blood be wrong in this? For as your son, is he not also gifted with a touch of the divine?"

Tsunami ceases her hissing and flailing. ... No helping it. Desperate times call for desperate measures. She angles the laser torch mounted in the roof of her mouth at where Esmerelda's hand is clamped around her lower jaw, and fires the small device at full blast, quickly cutting a neat round hole in her lower jaw, baring the irate Goddess's hand to the concentrated steel-cutting heat of the beam. Shimeki-sama willing, this woman reacts to being burned like normal people!

(Esmerelda seems to actually be listening as Pacci speaks, but she still stands with the same distant look on her face that hasn't left for even a fraction of a second. She seems to be pondering now, almost as if she is going through the pages of a huge telephone book, seeking out a single name, a single creature...)

ESMERELDA:
"Bari. I remember Bari. I suppose separation from his Creator did leave him prone to certain mistakes; after all, I do not pride myself on creating infallible creatures. Not even the ruler of the gods was capable of that."

(Her contemplation seems to come to an abrupt end.)

ESMERELDA:
"Nevertheless... the cleansing will commence. If Bari must fall for the good of The Emerald Heights... then so be i..."

(Esmerelda winces for a fraction of a second as her hand is torched. As the fire clears, the humans can see virtually no blemishes; however, she has released her grip just enough for Tsunami to release her jaw. The reploid dragon manages to get her jaw out of Esmerelda's hand. The goddess doesn't let out a sound as she attempts in desperation to grab the wriggling creature's head once again; however, her attempts are met with the dragon's claws. Esmerelda, still not visibly wounded, notices that the dragon's talon has emerged with a small golden ring. Almost immediately, Esmerelda snatches the ring and holds it in her palm, still holding onto the dragon by the tail as she stares into it.)

ESMERELDA:
"This... it smells... familiar..."

(She looks up at the dragon.)

ESMERELDA:
"What is this ring?"

Tsunami, now hanging almost comically from Esmerelda's hand, strongly resists the urge to bare her fangs.

"It is.. um... a gift." The little dragon's voice sounds a tad more slurred because of the gaping hole in her lower jaw. "Some guy insisted I get it to you at all costs." She tries to relax, keeping her wings tucked close to her body now. If I can sweettalk her into putting it on, this will all be over... otherwise....

"I'm... really sorry about the confusion... his description was wrong and I thought you were someone else." Tsunami squeaks out. I'm so dead... She who wears the colors of Chaos and Order keep us all...

Kiara, meanwhile, is standing in a tense ready stance, mouthing all manners of obscenities to herself.

(Esmerelda turns her cold gaze toward the reploid dragon, apparently not taken in by her babble. She turns back to the ring, then, all at once, releases the dragon's tail, running her index finger along the ring's circumference.)

ESMERELDA:
"It... it reminds me of him. The craftsmanship, the shaping of the gold... all of it reminds me of Mason. Was he truly trying to..."

(Esmerelda's glow suddenly turns deep red. She extends her right arm to her side, then abruptly jerks it upward. A white ball of light about a foot in diameter fires forth from her arm and through the ceiling of the cave. In the same motion, she casts the ring aside, flinging it into the wall of the cavern.)

ESMERELDA:
"Now do not stand there with your jaws agape, you fools! If you are truly devoted to saving the invaders of The Emerald Heights, tell me why! What business is it of yours what I do with my land?"

Ben's fingers twitch as he yearns to pull his gun and start firing, but by this point he's convinced it would merely get him killed. Instead, he steps forward to put himself between Pacci and Esmerelda. He focuses on the Fire and the Void, hoping to project calm confidence into his voice.

By the elder gods, how does Dev do this every day?

"We're here because your people, on both sides, abducted us. We're here because we were told of a threat to all our lands. We volunteered to protect our homes and do the best we can with the information available to us. Call it enlightened self-interest, if you will. If getting involved will save ourselves, then I'm in. If not, then I suppose I'll die quickly and stupidly. But I'll try."

Tsunami hits the floor with a clank and a yelp, scrambling quickly to one side to grab the ring again.

Kiara gawks for a full second before her wits smack her back upside the head. "Well... um... " Brash always worked for Queenie- what have I got to lose? ... Aside from the obvious. "Y'know..." She rests one hand on her hip. "... Somebody I hold in high regards once said that violence and all that goes with it- murder, genocide, et cetera- is the last resort of the enlightened, and the first resort of the incompetent. What good will it be to scorch the Emerald Heights with holy fire and kill off the people living there? They've been there so long they've entwined themselves into the fabric of the place- to destroy them, the very land they live on will have to be destroyed, scorched barren. Wouldn't be much left "emerald" about the place then." She parts her lips in a wry smile. "Then it'd truly be the 'slaglands', wouldn't it?"

She shifts her weight to her other leg, leaning on her sword which is now jabbed point-first into the rock. "This is just the smartassed input of one measley mortal, but wouldn't the more attractive option be to take the 'invaders' under your wing and guide them? A couple of miracles and *BAM!* people'll do damn near anything."

Keep talking Kiara, just don't get yourself killed, baka. Tsunami notes dryly to herself. Hopefully somebody on the outside is picking up my signal now that the barrier is-

Tsunami Drakos? Do you read me? This is Zeroel Archangel.

The little dragon blinks at the voice over her internal comm. Zeroel? It's been three days... the Archangel Project was announced shortly before we left Reploid Productions... what in the hells? She beams back a reply. Zeroel, this is Tsunami, and I read you loud and clear. Shit has hit the fan underground- we may resolve it yet, but let's just say that we've got one uber-bitch of a Goddess on our hands. What's the situation on the surface?

Not good. A huge force is headed for the Slaglandic coast- I'm in position along with the forces from the 3TEF to attempt to halt the invasion. We're to deorbit above the Slaglands and coordinate the counterattack with Titan forces. Zeroel responds matter-of-factly.

Great... just f---ing great. Tsunami beams back. I take it you've picked up my a/v emergency transmissions?

Affirmative. I'm decoding them and sharing the intel with the rest of the task force.

Good luck then, Shimeki-sama keep you safe. Tsunami scoops up the ring again and crouches near the wall.

May She who wears the colors of Chaos and Order keep you, Tsunami. Zeroel beams back. I'm not the one staring down the loaded barrel of a torqued off deity!

Pacci scrambles to his feet as she lets the ring fly, pushing past Ben as he steps up, and reaching out towards where the ring landed. He forces himself to use every bit of what his Il Adib teachers showed him to bend reality and bring the ring to his hand, so desperate is he to have it.

"Esmerelda, you have forgotten yourself. You have lost your focus and betrayed your purpose. You have failed in your guardianship. Your son, Bari, has taken up your cause. He protects the Heights now, and he does so with a wisdom and understanding that things much change, and that not all that is mechanical or foreign to you is bad. The people prosper under his watchful eye. You ... you seek to destroy all that. What sort of goddess are you that would tear down that which she was meant to uphold? For all your power, you are blind."

(Esmerelda looks first to Ben. Her green eyes suddenly turn frighteningly blue, and she forms what seems to be the beginning of a smile on her lips. One by one, Esmerelda listens to her rebukers, moving her eyes across the room as she speaks, not once moving her head even a fraction of a millimeter.)

ESMERELDA:
"I truly hoped it would not come to this. Had that fool Mason allowed me to prevent the invasion of The Emerald Heights from the outset, this genocide would not be necessary. Now, however, I fear that my cause may indeed require me to destroy the land I was sworn to protect... just as you have said."

(Her head suddenly dips.)

ESMERELDA:
"Please... is there any way that you creatures can get me into contact with my son, Bari? If I can hear the truth from his lips, perhaps then can I convinced that I am acting in the wrong..."

Tsunami speaks up from where she'd crouching. "Y-yes-! It may take a little time, but... I'm certain we could contact Bari... or get someone to contact him-!"

Kiara catches on to her partner's idea. "Would you be willing to halt the attack just long enough to do that? He's probably on Titan right now... it'll take him a little while to get here, but... I'm positive he'd come!"

"Please, if you can but put your forces on hold so that I can bring him here," he begins, wrapping his hand tightly around the ring that suprisingly appears in his hand. He walks forward slowly, in a placating, unthreatening manner.

"The Lady I serve is friends with your son. She knows him well. If I may contact her, she will know how to find him. And I know he will come."

He continues forward til he is directly in front of her, his eyes locked on hers.

"Please, Esmerelda. For your sake. For the sake of your son, Bari." He reaches out his hand in a gesture of peace and pleading, hoping she will stretch forth hers to meet him.

(Esmerelda looks down at the outstretched hand, then looks up into Pacci's eyes.)

ESMERELDA:
"If you honestly expected me to fall for such an idiotic trick, I have a good mind to destroy ever particle in your body... one at a time."

(She turns back to Kiara, making special provisions to keep her fists clenched.)

ESMERELDA:
"The attack will not cease until I speak with Bari; after all, for all I know, you may be attempting once again to deceive me as your balding friend here has done. Please attempt to contact Bari now."

Kiara swallows and nods. "Tsunami's got the transmitter."

The little dragon looks up and bobs her head. "Um.. right.. one moment."

Zeroel, do you read me?

Roger that. What's the newest? Things are hitting the fan topside.

Tsunami glances around. My transmitter isn't strong enough- we need to get in touch with Bodyguard Barry of the Slaglands- S.H.O.D.A.N.'s hubby. It's like, really freaking urgent.

Understood. I'll contact the Slaglandic military.

Tsunami speaks up. "I just spoke with someone who's sending word out... I should hopefully get a reply shortly." We are so screwed.

Pacci's eyes narrow dangerously, despite his precarious position. He takes his cell phone from his pocket, and dials the government offices.

"Pacci here, I need--", his brows furrow further. "No, no, I've no time for--" He curses. "Listen, dammit, put me through to--"

Anyone nearby can hear the shrill voice on the other end, though the language is foreign.

"THE LADY. NOW!" he finally yells into the phone, "CAPECHE?"

The voice goes quiet. Pacci nods, muttering imprecations under his breath.

Arrogant bitches both, and I'm caught between them. Wonderful.

Before long, a new voice comes online. In hurried tones, Pacci speaks rapidly, lapsing back into his native tongue again, launching into a brief summary and an urgent request that the Lady do something cat-quick.

On the other end, Nathicana listens with an increasingly angry expression. Still, she listens, making notes on her computer. With assurances that she will do what she can, she jacks in and sends a quick message to Shodey, knowing that somewhere, one of her avatars MUST be with Barry.

The information is given in as much detail as possible, Pacci's phone number given, and rough estimate of where they are, noting that SHODAN could more than likely pinpoint it.

Back in the cave, Pacci waits, still glaring slightly at Esmerelda, though now, backed up some distance back.

(Both Tsunami and Pacci manage to get in touch with Barry at pretty much exactly the same time; however, he takes the call from Tsunami first--longest allies and all. The SLAGLandic Minister of State is apparently at home, as the sound of a running television can be heard in the background. The volume fades.)

BARRY:
"Uh-huh... I know, I'm watching it on the news right now. I was just getting ready to head down to the Plaid House and speak with the Prime Minister... uh-huh..."

(His voice falls silent at the mention of Esmerelda.)

BARRY:
"...put her on."

(Esmerelda takes the transmitter in her right hand, looking curiously at it for a moment. She thinks for a moment of what to make of the device, then decides speaking into it might be a good course of action.)

ESMERELDA:
"Bari?"

(Barry's voice on the other end is quiet, a mix of awe and confusion.)

BARRY:
"Hi... Mom."

ESMERELDA:
"It has been a century since I last heard your voice, my child. Are you well?"

BARRY:
"Yes. I'm sure you've no doubt heard, but I'm one of the leaders of The Emerald Heights now."

(Esmerelda pauses, and she lowers the transmitter a bit.)

ESMERELDA:
"The Emerald Heights? Do you mean to tell me that the name of my lands has not been lost?"

BARRY:
"Of course not. Ever since my brother Ortcan appeared, I've been researching The Outset Islands and the rich history of the island. The original residents of those islands were your acolytes, weren't they?"

(Esmerelda speaks in quiet shock--apparently, she had no idea that her son was so rich with knowledge of the past.)

ESMERELDA:
"Yes... they were."

Praise Shimeki, we may still have a prayer of surviving this! Kiara thinks to herself, watching the exchange.

"I hope Barry's as good at sweet-talking dieties as he is at sweet-talking EIs." She mutters in a low whisper to Pacci.

Tsunami, meanwhile, watches the exchange, still in contact with Zeroel. Zeroel, Esmerelda is speaking with Barry now. If the attackers stop, tell the Titan forces to halt their attack!

Roger that, forwarding the message to the others now.

Ben frowns and gestures to Pacci. He holds up a hand, as if to catch something.

Come on, old man. Throw me the ring! If we're going to get it on her, now is the time!

Pacci catches Ben's motion even as he nods to Kiara. Rather than draw attention by throwing it, he starts concentrating on just 'sending' it to him, the same way he'd retrieved it.

Then he stops.

And thinks.

He swiftly changes his target, using all his might and power to focus on one, simple goal.

Bringing the ring from his hand and into being on Esmerelda's slim, white finger where it belongs.

(Esmerelda does not once break her gaze from the transmitter, even as Pacci begins clumsily manipulating the ring.)

ESMERELDA:
"Bari, do you not understand why I must do what I am doing? This land is your birthright! I am doing this for you!"

(A scoff can be heard on the other end of the communicator... the ring drifts closer...)

BARRY:
"For me? Mother, with all due respect, The Emerald Heights have become BETTER now that these 'invaders,' as you call them, have integrated into society! They did not capture these lands in a violent coup! They did not destroy the beautiful rainforests! They have treated this land in a way worthy of its protectors!"

(Closer... closer...)

BARRY:
"You are doing this for no one but yourself! And quite frankly, I'll have no part of it!"

(Esmerelda growls, eyes narrowing. She seems to be concentrating deeply on something... probably something going on above the ground. The ring is inches from her finger now...)

ESMERELDA:
"...then you will die with the rest of them. Watch, now, and see what happens to those who defy MY will for The Emerald Heights! Watch your friends fall!"

(The ring falls...)

(...and lands square on Esmerelda's finger, slipping down the slight curve and wrapping itself around her pale flesh. The ring sparkles, and all at once, the deep blue glow of her eyes fades to a light grey. Esmerelda blinks, as if awakened from a dream.)

BARRY:
"You will not win... the forces of evil NEVER win! I don't care if you are my mother; if you are going to act like THIS, you are no longer..."

ESMERELDA:
"...Bari?"

(There is something in her voice that is gentle, vulnerable, like a terrified child huddling beneath a quilt during a thunderstorm. Her hand shakes as she holds the communicator to her face.)

ESMERELDA:
"Bari... where are you?"

Kiara blinks in confusion for a moment before letting out a loud whoop. "Shimeki be praised, we did it! It's over, it's finally over! May She who wears the colors of Chaos and Order bless us all, it's over!"

Overcome with glee, the woman glomps Pacci. "I dunno how you did it man, but thank goodness y'did!!"

Tsunami is more subdued than her partner, but manages a fanged grin. "We kept my promise to Mason... thank goodness."

Pacci slumps, visibly worn. He starts to let out a shuddering sigh, when he suddenly finds himself entangled with Kiara.

Blinking in confusion, he pats her awkwardly, murmuring something in his native tongue.

"Kiara, I think ... I think perhaps we're not out of this yet. Please, contact your forces. See what's going on with the outside, and if proper, call off the attack."

(Barry's voice comes slowly as he continues to watch the events transpire on his television.)

BARRY:
"Mother... Mom, are you okay?"

(Esmerelda lets out a winded sigh as she looks around the room at the celebrating archaeologists.)

ESMERELDA:
"I am fine... although I'm afraid I've done something terrible. Bari, we will speak in person soon."

(She drops the communicator, leaving Barry talking to air. Esmerelda stands up, looking around the group. She blinks slowly, then lowers her head.)

ESMERELDA:
"Mason... my husband is dead, isn't he?"

Disentangling himself from Kiara, Pacci grimmaces, then nods.

"I'm sorry, Esmerelda. He used the last of his energy to get that ring to you."

He looks at her with an odd expression of ... sympathy and understanding, his own hand moving to rub at the simple gold band on his other.

"He died doing what he thought was best, little consolation though that might be. And he did, I believe, love you to the end, or he'd not have made the effort."

Tsunami glances at Pacci. "I already sent the Zeroel the message. According to him, all the fighting topside has ceased."

At Esmerelda's question, the little dragon steps forward and bows formally. "I'm afraid... yes. He died trying to prevent what very nearly happened today. I spoke with him some time before he died, and even though he told me that it would be an easier solution to have killed either Marvel or Mother, he pleaded with me to attempt to bring you back, despite everything." Tsunami glances up, rubbing the hole in her jaw with one forepaw- it's obviously bothering her. "I swore I would do everything within my power to carry out his wishes, but..." She trails off and averts her gaze again.

(Esmerelda nods solemnly, a small tear forming on the corner of her eye.)

ESMERELDA:
"I know that he loved me... and I know that he wanted nothing more than for me to welcome the settlers with open arms. I was foolish... so set in my ways that I could not even listen to my own husband."

(She begins gently running her index finger across the ring, closing her eyes, her mouth forming silent words, as if her finger is reading something emblazoned in the jewelry.)

EMSERELDA:
"Into this ring are forged my husband's dying wishes. I can see that he wants me to move on... and I can see that he wants me to meet the settlers before passing judgement upon them. He wants me to see that even if they have been called The SLAGLands... they are still The Emerald Heights of old."

(She looks up slowly, her eyes opening.)

ESMERELDA:
"I wish to see Bari once again, and I wish to see the one who is leading The SLAGLands. I'm certain that The Emerald Heights are in good hands; nonetheless, I wish to see firsthand. Can you arrange such a meeting?"

(All at once, from the sand pit, Mr. Dee bursts forth, waving his hands above his head like a lunatic.)

DEE:
"Mother! Mother! The Brethren are planning an invasion! I can tell you where they're..."

(He notices the beautiful--and nude--Esmerelda standing in the center of the room, her head cocked. Dee's jaw nearly hits the floor, and he fumbles over his words, saying nothing coherent.)

DEE:
"Oh... uh... plan... work... good... uh... gah..."

(Esmerelda, for the first time since she has reformed, manages to smile warmly.)

ESMERELDA:
"I see that there are others down here. Would you please take me to them? I would be more than happy to get you out of these caves..."

(All at once, she shivers, pulling her arms close to her chest.)

ESMERELDA:
"...and can you get me some clothes? I'm absolutely freezing..."

Kiara glances around. "Am I the only one who brought a spare change of clothing?" She thumps her backpack down and digs through it, muttering to herself.

Tsunami eyes Dee. "You're more than a little late. Is Helen alright?"

Kiara grabs a pair of baggy work jeans and a plain green t-shirt out of her pack. "Dunno if these'll fit, but it's better than nothing."

Pacci has the decency to avert his eyes, after of course taking a moment to appreciate the vision of beauty before him, now that the tension has passed.

"Once you're ah ... yes, well, I believe the others were all down in the Hollow. I hope they're alright."

He looks off for a moment, pondering. "I'm certain arrangements can be made for you to meet Barry. Tsunami? If you would ..."

He casts a withering glance at Dee, muttering imprecations and shaking his head.

We're damned lucky, the lot of us. When I get home, so help me, I'm taking a long vacation, and by heaven, I shan't take no for an answer. Nor will I be going out on any 'digs' any time soon, I think ... of all the insane, mindf...

Kiara grins. "Travel stuff is no problem- the jet Tsu and I arrived for the dig on should still be on the runway topside, unless it got wasted in the fighting."

Tsunami rolls her eyes at her partner. "You left the 100-S? What about the pilots?"

"They thought of it as a free vacation. I told 'em to keep watch."

"Kiara... it's been THREE MONTHS topside!"

"For you guys, yeah! I /was/ topside for two of those months!"

"... Oh."

(Esmerelda takes the clothing from Kiara and holds it up. As Kiara is nearly two feet shorter than her, the clothes, oversized though they may be, are fairly tiny.)

ESMERELDA:
"Well... this won't do..."

(With a twitch of her right eye and a few slight murmurings, the clothes grow out a few inches, just enough for them to be a snug fit. Esmerelda smiles, pouring herself into the now larger clothes. As she pulls Kiara's shirt over her midriff, she winks at her.)

ESMERELDA:
"Don't worry... I'll make certain you get a much nicer outfit for your troubles."

(She motions toward the sand pit leading out, smiling all the way.)

ESMERELDA:
"Come along then."


(OOC: That should just about wrap it up; however, those who haven't posted responses to the finale can do so now.

And might I say now... wow. That was one hell of an RP. I'd like to thank each and every one of you for making this one of the most fun long-term projects I've indulged in for quite some time. It took pretty much all summer, but dammit, we've finally reached the end.

The tying together of loose ends will take place soon; for now, though, if you'd like to use your characters elsewhere, just assume that the diggers exited the caves by means of the Het Amid exit mentioned in the other thread and were soon picked up by SLAGLandic planes. Everyone's still very much alive and healthy; however, I'd imagine all of your characters could use a nice long sleep, a deep tissue massage, and most importantly, a shower. ;)

Thanks once again, everyone... I'll have a better wrap-up for you soon, along with the next phase of this fantastic RP!)

~Situation resolved. Cancel Velka strike. Authentication code follows.~

As they prepare to leave, Sean says to no one in particular, "Well, that was certainly interesting. If I ever decide to go take up the offer of an archaelogical rather than my normal reserve tour, please shoot me."

Kiara nods slightly, a mildly boggled look on her face for a moment. "Getting out of here would be good... Only been down here for little more than a day and I'm direly missing sunlight."

Tsunami shoots her partner a dirty look. "How do you think I feel?! I was the one mucking around in pitch darkness most of the past three days!"

OOC:

I've given this thread a thorough clean-up. Spam posts, idiotic attempts at RP, people who dropped out after one post, and OOC posts have been cut out, leaving only one hell of a roleplay.

For those interested in reading this thread, I suggest its companion pieces, A Sea of Pale Sienna (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=66585) and the forthcoming Outset Islands summit (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67214). The former takes place just after Esmerelda reforms, while the latter takes place one month after the events of the dig. The Outset Islands will now become one of my regularly roleplayed nations, but, as always, I will maintain my policy against using puppets simply for idiotic self-promotion. The Outset Islands exist as their own entity now, independent of The SLAGLands.

Once again, mad props to everyone who RPed here... you guys did a great job. I strongly urge the uninitiated to check this thread out; it's RP done right, dammit. ;)

Historical bump. Y'all fools betta recognize! :twisted: