Ones who stand against Hell (Ithea, Moore)

[Anastasia]

Moore, Balyss and Ithea finds Elder Magi Tepen in the command center. Once they're all in, "As you may know, we have reason to believe an attack on Aurora is imminent. Through unknown means they are interdicting communications and may be able to prevent Aurora from moving to another plane to escape. As of now, Gisfal is taking the initiative in preparing the defense."

Tepen is seated, hands folded on the table, "What's worse is that the team from Vacuum is currently unable to return under their own power. According to a recent report from a contracted messenger, something that was done in Vacuum has scrambled any dimensional magic around that group. Further, they  have been split up many times over. Jaela, Canderella and Vivantha are accounted for, they are stuck in the first mount of Gehenna. The others are currently in unknown locations and may or may not be alive."

"Afina's group has not yet returned or sent word, though we hope and pray that changes soon." Tepen looks ot them, "I fear this is a scheme of the devils to try and overcome us, to sacrifice several pawns to put us into checkmate. We cannot allow that to happen."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "I think the agents of Mount Celestia know what's going on. I would count on aid from them, though I know not when it will arrive. I asked Elena to try and contact whomever we can rely on, as I believe there to be more aid to be brought to us in our time of need." Moore says with a serious expression -- he's still trying to remain positive, nonetheless.

"Is there anything we can do right now?"

[Merc]

Ithea wants to scream internally, but makes sure not to show it as she asks seriously, "Is the prevention for Aurora specifically somehow? Can people still travel between planes? It didn't feel like we were really blocked from returning from Earth, for example, but if whatever is causing interference can prevent any that would seek to give us aid from giving it...well, just wondering if we basically should just work on the assumption that we're on our own, and if we get aid, well that's fabulous then."

[Anastasia]

A moment later Tepen blinks and then slowly rubs his head. "A correction. We can confirm the other groups are alive, at least. My apologies, it's been a stressful day."

Once that's done, "It seems to be. Your return wasn't impeded, nor was Canderella's agent. For that matter, based on what Jaela's group was struck with, I suspect it's ineffective against a small scale. I suggest we assume we must act alone and welcome any relief as a blessing. Further, I instructed her to tell Jaela that should Aurora escape, we will be on Ysgard, in our previous place. Should the devils follow there, the locals will relish a chance to engage them."

[Nephrite]

"You'll have to forgive me as it isn't a spell I am intimately familiar with, but then that would mean we could open gates to other planes to get allies here, correct?" Moore asks.

[Anastasia]

"In theory, assuming what we know is accurate and it there aren't other measures interfering," Tepen says, "Or that other measures aren't in the offing."

[Merc]

"I think so, and that's why I asked for clarification on how this blocking worked, although I'm having trouble thinking of allies that wouldn't have their own means of getting here and learning of what's going on. Even those not of Mount Celestia," Ithea replies.

Ithea muses on the thought briefly, before adding, "I wish we'd had time to form more of a rapport with the child of Jormugandr, now that'd be something to bring with us as an ally. Although devils are usually immune to poison, I suspect its breath would have worked on them. A fitting painful surprise, and a good defense. But with Muirfinn no longer with us, he might try to test us again, and we lack the time for that currently."

"Moore, do you think Silver and Lord Crystalle may lend us a hand to avenge their losses? We may have done something with the necromental, but I don't know if that creature was made from all of Crystalle's worshippers, or a single one. We may not have accomplished much of their request, which might leave them feeling unfavorable to aiding us."

[Anastasia]

"Time is our greatest limitation," Elder Magi Tepen says, "They may attack in a minute's time for all we know. Above all, we must have preparation and haste. How fast can someone deal with Crystalle?"

[Nephrite]

"I think he'd be willing." Moore says. "Regardless of what we accomplished, we're the first to treat with them at all. I think he'd see an opportunity to have a favor from us, too, so I think it's possible. I don't think it'd too much time at all, I know where to find him."

[Merc]

"Moore, would you be willing to go alone? As Tepen says, we probably can't spare many, not when they could attack any minute," Ithea asks. "If you take the orb that served as the core of necromental with you as proof of what we managed, that might also help with the dealings."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "Yes. I'll just need someone to get me there. Lord Crystalle seemed capable of getting us back, so I think I can hitch a ride, in essence."

[Anastasia]

"I'll send you there," Elder Magi Tepen rises, "Above all, hurry, Moore."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods and then bows to both Tepen and Ithea.

"I will."

[Anastasia]

Quick question for Ithea: Once Moore's gone, what's your plan?

[Merc]

"Good luck."

Ithea waits for Moore to leave before asking Tepen, "Alright, so hopefully we get some reinforcements there, but as you said, we may not be able to count on that. You mentioned that Gisfal's already working to prepare the defenses, do you know what he's got so far? I don't want to waste his time going over what he's doing when we're on the clock."