Tossed from his ship with the two scouts, Hotaru and Ami, Ryder found himself in a desert under an unfamiliar night sky.... A tower beckoned in the distance... it's crooning call of hyponotic evil promising destruction... all around naught but death...
http://dracos.anifics.com/COR/BoF%20Arc/
Fearless Leader
The bugs died rapidly under the fury of female feet. Leaving now a room with rotting furniture.
Fearless leader
Move the arc... do something ^_^;;
Shivering, Ami rubbed her shoulders to get the dirty feeling off. After a few moments, she went back to search the desk's drawers.
The drawers were largely chewed out, obviously the food source of those bugs from earlier. There was nothing of note within.
Fearless Leader
Ami sighed, closing the drawers and left the room and left the room to rejoin her other companions. Perhaps Hotaru or Ryder had found something of importance.
Unfortunatly, Ryoko had been delegated to lamp service for the group... However, whatever bugs that escaped Ami were now nice little craters in the floor.
"Did you find anything?" Hotaru asked as she rejoined the group, although she paused briefly to wonder why Ryoko seemed to be smiling this time.
"No, nothing of importance, at least..." Ami replied.
Hotaru shrugged: "Then I suppose we better check the basement then."
Nodding, the others followed Hotaru back to the elevator.
The elevator lowered to the annoying elevator music, coming to a slow stop at the basement. With a smooth hiss the door opened...revealing an unlit room of unknown size... little could be seen outside the elevator light. The steady hit of some metalic object hitting something could be heard. The smell of mildew and decay filtered into the elevator from the room. The sound of something moving deep in the room could be heard.
Fearless Leader
Warily, they step out of the elevator, Hotaru's scythe held ready and Ami prepared to activate the shield at a moment's notice.
Ryoko sighed and stepped in front of the girls... Igniting a plasma lance, she got into a loose battle stance... "Stay sharp girls... though you probably know that no da..." she whispered.
Walking out onto the floor, the two girls quickly found something sticky hitting their face....as the door behind them closed....plunging them into darkness. As Ryoko stepped in front of the girls she found herself entangled in some sticky substance...the small light from her lance revealing it to be some largish rope-type cords.
The smell of mildew was stronger now that they had entered the room. The small light from Ryoko's lance only accenting the greater darkness in the room. The small metallic sound continued to klink slowly but consistantly. Deeper into the room there was the sound of something moving... shifting against it's surroundings. Clicking noises became slightly audible.
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"Ewwwww....." Ryoko shuddered out as she flared up her aura...
The sticky ropes began to melt, though leaving a slimey residue on her skin and clothes as the ropes fell.
OOC:The GM has a smile on his face
IC:
A foul stench filled the air as the the 'ropes' burned...
something large scurried right out of view as a glob of sticky stuff slammed into Ryoko's face and body.
The clicking sounds began to get louder...
The soft metalic klang continued it's repetative solo...
A box fell somewhere deeper in the basement with a clang followed by scurrying...
Fearless Leader
Ami/hotaru turn
Wiping the slimy substance off her face, Ami shook the... thing off of her hand.
"What is this stuff?" Hotaru asked disgustedly, igniting her scythe. It's soft glow providing a little light in the dark room.
"I don't know, but I think we're about to find out..." Ami said, activating her shield, and adding its glow to Hotaru's. They both peered into the now dimly lit room, trying to catch a glimpse of what their antagonist was.
Ryoko's muffled scream broke through the tense silence as nobody likes to have thier vision and senses taken away by slime...
Something moving briefly was visable overhead... more sticky ropelike stuff?
suddenly a clicking was heard behind them as a sharpened giant sticklike apendage lashed out into the light at the temporarily blinded Ryoko. Stabbing into her leg it injected a powerful poison into her.
Fearless leader
say you turn and look and I'll describe what you see
Both girls, sensing movement ahead, glanced at their companion.
Towering behind Ryder was a beast of disgusting proportions, a giant spider it's green furry skin patched with black to blend with the room...it's manidibles clapping as it moved in towards it's prey, the helpless Ryoko. It's legs extended, ready to spindle around the target....
Fearless Leader
Paling at the giant spider towering over Ryder, both girls responding with the typical reaction expected when in this sort of situation.
Granted, being experienced monster slaying senshi, their reaction went a bit differently.
"Aah!!!" *Vmmmm* *hack! slash! skewer! slice!*
*thump* Said spider was now short two legs as the girls provided an unintentional distraction.
Seeing her charges attack with such fury would have brought a smile onto Ryoko's face... if she hadn't been trying to stay alive with the powerful poison running through her blood.
Ryoko's eyes began to close...
His lower legs cut the spider did what most animals do when confronted with pain. Scurring along the wall he fled from view.
For a moment there was peace.....
Fearless Leader
Seeing that the danger was over for the moment, Ami hurried to Ryoko's side.
"Quick! Hand me one of those potions!" Ami told Hotaru as she ripped some of the webbing off of Ryoko's face.
Handing Ami the potion, Hotaru asked, "Do you think this will work? I mean... what if it doesn't affect poisons?"
"We have to chance it," Ami replied, force feeding the potion down Ryoko's throat.
The magical potion coursed through Ryoko's body, healing her somewhat, taking her from near dead to moderately quesy and dizzy.
Fearless Leader
"Come on," Hotaru said, grunting as she attempted to drag Ryoko out of the room, "let's get out of here before tall, dark, and gruesome decides for round two."
"Agreed," Ami said, helping drag Ryoko to safety.
The room seemed all the darker until the elevator door opened to Ami pressing the button.
The sweet sound of elevator music wafted into the room..
Fearless Leader
Stepping into the elevator while dragging Ryoko along, both girls sighed in relief, feeling that they should be safe now.
The elevator door shut, the horror over. Three buttons on the side of the elevator door.
2
1
B
What do you press?
Fearless Leader
"I really hope we didn't miss anything down here..." Hotaru muttered, pressing "1" while Ami checked Ryoko's vital signs.
The elevator rose to the first floor, opening once more onto the depressingly barren hallway.
Fearless Leader
Dragging Ryoko out of the elevator, the group was about to exit when Hotaru paused by the office doors. Ami looked back at her companion, a silent question on her features.
"You two go on ahead," Hotaru said before entering the office, "I got something to do first."
Ami nodded in understanding. "Sure, just hurry up, okay?"
Realizing Hotaru was already gone, Ami readjusted Ryoko's weight and left the building, waiting outside for the younger girl to rejoin the group.
Standing at the doorway, a long and large street is visible right outside the steel door'ed building Ami stepped out of. The road shows the signs of years of weathering and leads off both further into the city and out into the desert they came from. Across the road two buildings are visible. One is a small stone building which has wood covering it's door. Some of the wood was pried off earlier by Ami to use as a tool. Green paint is flecking off the outer walls as the building slowly gives into the elements. Further down across the street is a large warehouse with a broken gate and a hole through it's fence where Ryder had demonstrated his driving prowess.
Turning her head to the right, two other buildings are visible. A large one story open bazaar like building (long stone building with a large open window and a slight outcove for placing goods to sell upon) is visible. A steel door is visible at the far end facing the street. Something's on it but it can't be made out at this distance. Further down is a three story building. Not much can be made out at this distance, though the paint job seems odd.
In the street your car, slightly scratched up from the earlier driving, is sitting unused.
Fearless Leader
Hearing footsteps behind her, Ami turned her head slightly to regard their companion. "So... what did you do?"
Hotaru sighed, "Nothing much," she answered, "They at least deserved a proper send off."
Ami didn't respond, instead, motioning Hotaru to help Ryoko into the car.
"So how is he... err... she?" Hotaru asked as she hefted Ryoko into her seat.
"Doing better," replied Ami, "But still tired from the poison. I think it's better to let her rest here for now."
"Besides," she added, "It'll keep her out of trouble."
Hotaru smirked a bit at her friend's returning humor. "So where to next?"
"Let's try that building across the street," Ami said, pointing to the small, stone building next to the warehouse.
Both girls crossed the street and headed off to the building. Reaching the entrance, they pried off the remaining wooden planks and entered.
The wood planks fell off revealing an old oak door that looked barely intact. Through it a wall with faded peeling flower wallpaper could be seen.
Opening the door revealed a small room with glass on the floor and the remains of a small green carpet with what looks like a W an E and a C on it...but the rest is unlegible. To the left the wall opens (incredibly short corridor) to a midsized room. The floor is tile and covered with dirt, grime, and dust. In the corner of the room there are two rusty metal rods facing up with some bulky metal dish on top. a large black box with a gray screen covered in dust is between them on a metal stand. Two highly moldy wood and cloth chairs sit in the center of the room facing it. No more can be seen from this angle.
Fearless Leader
A scrawny rat crawled acrosss the road.
Fearless Leader
Both girls entered the room and began exploring.
"Well," Ami commented, "Whoever lived here had pretty good taste."
"Yeah, it is rather cozy, isn't it?" Hotaru asked, blowing dust off a table top then sneezing. The sudden noise and rush of air proved too much for the table though as it suddenly collasped into bits of wood and splinters.
Ami glanced back, frowning a bit as Hotaru laughed nervously. "Err... oops?"
Shaking her head and sighing, Ami turned back to look around for anything useful.
OOC: gah, adrenline....rush....heh...
IC:
Stepping into the room revealed a few shattered frames and glass along the previously unviewable right wall. Near that corner two door frames (without doors) stood. Both were dark. It was becoming slightly hard to see with the light from just the door.
Fearless Leader
Ami frowned, straining a bit to try to peer into the dark room. "Hotaru, if you please?"
Hotaru nodded, activating her scythe and letting its soft glow add some more light to the room. Ami thanked her and resumed exploring; Hotaru standing nearby as a lamp and sentry.
Searching around the room, Ami slowly found mainly the remains of what once must have been a beautiful family room. In the far right corner she discovered two doors. One leading out into some sort of hallway with rug on the floor separating it from the tile before (the left door). One to the right having a switch near it inside of the door and small white tile covered with dust on the floor. On the right door a small bit of a counter is visible from the doorway.
Fearless leader
Curiousity getting the better of her, Ami headed to the door on the right; Hotaru following.
Stepping into the door on the right, Ami ran smack into an ancient cobweb. The visible room included a definite switch on the right of the door behind her and a wall also on the right going off beyond sight. The same faded wallpaper was visible on it. Above the counter to her left was some sort of wood shelving..... highly rotted. Nothing was visible on the counter but a lot of dust for as much as she could see.
Fearless Leader
Seeing the switch, Ami flipped it on to see if it still worked.
Flicking the switch multiple times got no effect...
Fearless Leader
"Oi Hotaru? Can you swing some light over here?" Ami asked, giving up on the switch for now.
Hotaru nodded, stepping further into the room, just a few feet behind Ami. She carefully positioned her scythe as to not to accidentally slice her friend. Its dim glow providing barely adequate lighting in the room.
Stepping a little further in revealed a rather large...empty space of tile. The extra step in took the counter out of viewable range... something plastic is on the floor near the wall to your left.
Fearless Leader
Curious, Ami bent down to pick up the plastic object.
Discolored and distorted almost beyond recognition it appears to be...a twentieth century phone.... a small wire runs from the back of it further into the darkness.
Fearless Leader
Taking this as a good sign, Ami picked up the receiver to see if it still worked.
Lifting the reciever to her ear, Ami could not hear a dial tone.
Fearless Leader
Sighing, Ami chastized herself for getting her hopes too high and simply pocketed the phone. Never know when something might come in handy. Standing up, she signaled Hotaru to follow further as they continues to explore the room.
A thorough examination of the room made it clear that they were in an old kitchen. The wooden drawers above the counter were rotted through and a large refrigerator sat against the wall. Several rusted utensiles (knives particularly) were lying on the dust covered counter. There was a sink installed towards the end of the counter.
Fearless Leader
Both girls quickly pocketed whatever useful items, mainly knives and other sharp kitchen utensils, they could find. Ami briefly considered checking the tap, knowing that water would be important for this trip, but decided not to since there was little chance of anything working.
"I think that's everything here," Hotaru said.
"Yeah, let's go back and check the other room." Ami walked towards the direction of the doorway, Hotaru following. Perhaps the other room might hold some useful tools as well.
Back in the car... Ryoko's eyes snapped open.
"Oh crap... I don't feel so good..." she muttered before throwing her head (not literally) over the side of the car and, well, puking...
"Damn it... this sucks." she appropiatly mentioned while getting out of the car...
OOC: Share the Love!
IC:
Stepping out into the hallway, Ami and Hotaru found a corridor with the same wall paper lining it. It veered off to the left and right. On the floor were scattered bits of glass.
Fearless Leader
OOC: Gimme some loving! Lalala ^_^ Love song
IC:
The rat crawled beneath the car, hiding from the sunlight.
Fearless leader
Catching the movement, Ryoko got low to the ground and looked under the car...
"God, I hope this isn't some evil megalomaniac genius wanting to rule the world with amazing powers... I mean, why can't it just be a rodent for once..."
The rat, seeing a big face suddenly follow it did what cornered rat's do....
it latched onto Ryoko's nose with it's jaw.
Fearless Leader
"Oww!..." Ryoko said while grabbing the rat off her face, leaving a nice big red mark where the rat sunk it's teeth in...
"At least you're not trying to kill me... it's a first..." she muttered before letting the rat go...
The rat scurried back under the cool shade of the car.
Fearless Leader
Ryoko shrugged and leaned against the car, looking up at the hot sun abover her...
"Whew... hot out today..." she mentioned while pulling a soda out of sub-space and taking a sip.
Which she immediatly spit out... "FLAT! ewww...."
The glass cracked noisily as the girls stepped gingerly over it, though they couldn't step over all of them.
"I don't like the look of this..." Hotaru muttered, usually when glass is broken in, then it was a sign of an intruder. The question though, was the intruder still here or long gone?
Ami, thinking the same thing, drew out her shield as the duo continued to explore the room to the right.
OOC: And in the darkness...
IC:
Moving along to the right, more of the hallway was illuminated in that direction. To thier left as they walked a wood door was shut. The hallway continued on...
Fearless Leader
stop or go on, your choice
Looking at her watch, and at the hot sun, Ryoko wondered, "Where the hell did those two go now?"
And once again, she cursed the fact that should could not sense mana flows...
Passing by the door, Ami glanced at Hotaru, who nodded and stood ready for trouble as Ami opened the door.
Opening the door....
A small empty closet was revealed... buried in dust.
Fearless Leader
Sighing, they continued on through the halls, trying to calm their frayed nerves.
Going on they came to another door, larger than the previous one. It was also on their left. A door at the end of the hallway could also be made out.
Fearless Leader
The two opened the door on the left first, calmer than earlier though still ready for action.
OOC: lies a memory... a dawning star.
IC:
The door creaked as it opened, it's rusty hinges protesting the motion. Inside it appeared to be another room, the floor traveling off into the unseen darkness. From the hallway, nothing more could be seen.
Fearles Leader
Glancing at each other for a moment, the two steeled their nerves and entered the dark room.
OOC: Ryder, they've now been gone over 10 minutes in your reckoning.
IC:
Stepping into the room, the two disturbed the dust on the floor, making it slightly difficult to breath for a few minutes as dust flew in the air. On the wall behind them to the left was a switch. The floor must have been fine wood once, but it molded through, revealing concrete underlayer in some areas.
Fearless Leader
Covering their faces and waving most of the dust off, the two moved deeper into the room.
OOC: Find the midnight hour...
IC:
The small room had but little furniture... a small broken bed in the far corner... and near it a tiny, rotting rocking horse.
Fearless Leader
Ryoko blinked... "It's been about 10 minutes since I woke up, and I don't see two cute girls with fresh soda... damn..."
Ryoko started to reach into her subspace pocket for a scanner...
Both girls sneezed suddenly, kicking up more dust.
"What do you suppose that was...?" Hotaru asked.
Ami simply shrugged, not knowing either. "Come on, doesn't look like there's anything in here."
"Okay," Hotaru said, following Ami. Though she lingered a bit, sparing a second glance at what was obviously a child's bedroom. Catching up to Ami, the two went to the door at the end of the hall.
OOC: A song of grace.. a dream of hope.
IC:
Opening the door revealed another darkened room.
Fearless Leader
Stepping into the room, the girls strained their eyes a bit with the soft glow of Hotaru's scythe.
As before, the room was pitch black beyond the slight illumination of Hotaru's scythe. On the wall behind them to the left, a switch was against the wall. a small wood table could barely be seen along the wall to their right.
Fearless leader
Walking slowly forward, Hotaru followed Ami closely as they began to explore the room bit by bit.
OOC: Sunlight dying in midnight's winds...
IC:
Exploring the room slowly revealed another door towards the back right corner of the room, a large oak bed, surprisingly well preserved against the middle back of the room. A small coffee table, also surprisingly well preserved is just six feet from the doorway. Another television set is sitting on an old metal stand in the left corner (of the wall where you came from). The room is mostly empty except for this scattered furniture.
Fearless Leader
"Too bad Ryder's not here... he'd have liked some of this stuff," Hotaru commented.
Ami shrugged, "We'll see if he'd like to pick some up later. Let's just see if there's anything in that closet over there."
"Okay."
Stepping in front of the door in the back, a switch (sorry, forgot this before -.-) was next to the door. White tile floor suddenly replaced the wood floor before. Little could be seen currently inside the room.
Fearless Leader
Choose whether or not to step in ^_^
Pulling a scanner out of her sub-space pocket, Ryoko began to scan the area for the small reminents of the Senshi magic on the girls...
"Kuso..." she muttered as she increased the focus...
And got a glimmer...
"Yes..." she muttered as she started to walk in that direction...
The girls entered the room, again cautiously. After the spider incident, the can't be too careful.
OOC: *Giggles*
IC:
Entering the room, the soft light of the scythe illuminated...
a toilet seat. Old and covered with grime a few feet into the room.
The room continued on to their left in the darkness.
Fearless Leader
Crossing the street, Ryoko took a look at the stone building... and the boards that were torn off by the girls.
"Should I brave the unknown to find my two charges? Or should I stand out in the baking sun and drink flat soda?"
The choice was easy...
Ryoko leaned against the building and waited...
"Last time I went into an unknown building I was poisoned, what do you expect?"
A scorpian walks past Ryder's foot....
Fearless Leader
"Whadya mean you are gon-"
The centaurion shut up as Garr raised an eyebrow at him. He was greedy...not suicidal...
"S-s-s-orry... anything ya say Garr!"
Fearless Leader
Aww... poor scorpion...
"DAMN IT!! I HATE FLAT SODA!!!" Ryoko screams as she spits out the soda... on the scorpion...
Ryoko's stomach grumbled...
"I NEED FOOD!!!" she screamed in fustration... leftover pizza wasn't going to do it this time...
OOC: LAUGHS
IC:
The scorpian shook off the soda before glaring at the larger being... scampering towards it, it's tail raised in preparation of attacking.
Fearless Leader
Yes, for nature buffs, a scorpian wouldn't likely do this.
Ryoko looked down at the scorpion and smirked...
"Sorry to do this, but I've had enough of animals attacking me today..." she said as she flicked a plasma bolt right in front of the scorpion... as a warning...
The scorpion, being not a stupid creature, proceeded to flee in terror.
Fearless Leader
Ryoko looked at the fleeing scorpion and muttered, "Sorry buddy... nothing personal."
"Now... where are my charges! I WANT BREAKFAST!!! Pancakes... French Toast... Scrambled Eggs... DOUGHNUTS!!!!" Ryoko whined...
OOC: I post on?
IC:
The purple haired man looked over the world as he hastily returned from space orbit....
Fearless Leader
Ami glanced up. "Did you hear something?" she asked.
"No," responded Hotaru, shaking her head.
Ami cocked her head, listening for a moment, then shrugged. She motioned to Hotaru to move the light a bit and Hotaru responded, tilting the scythe to the left so the glow would reach the darker corners.
OOC: Beware...the toilet.... ?! wha?
IC:
Moving to the side, Hotaru's light revealed a small jacuzzi built into the wall.
Fearless Leader
you've now searched the whole room
Having searched everything so far, the girls returned to the hallway and took the left path.
OOC:need...music...
She...the devil ^_^
IC:
As they moved down the hallway, disturbing claw marks marked the wall... little sections of the wallpaper appeared torn off... a small bloodstain near the last door at the end of the hallway.
Fearless Leader
Ami glanced at Hotaru, who glanced back at Ami.
"Should we...?"
"...must you ask...?"
"No, not really."
"Good."
"Ready?"
"Yes."
"GO!"
Both girls then beat a very brave retreat. Hey, they may be former superheros, but they aren't stupid.
OOC: just so you know....
IC:
Inside that room at the end of the hallway... a wood chair creaked slowly in the darkness. Skeletal hands grasping it as something unseen rocked back and forth.
Fearless Leader
Continue describing where you go wen
Pausing back at the main room, the girls tried to catch their breath.
"I think... that should be every... thing..." Ami said, holding her knees steady after the sprint.
"Yes... I think so... too," agreed Hotaru, leaning on her staff.
"Let's go check on Ryder then."
"Okay."
Straightening up, they left the building, only to walk right up to Ryoko, who was standing outside, waiting.
"Oh, are you feeling better?" Ami asked worriedly.
Ryoko looked at the pair... and instantly glomped them...
"I'M SO HUNGRY!!!! I WANT DOUGHNUTS!!!!" she whined almost pathetically...
Once again, Ryoko's stomach grumbled... was it the lack of food, or the flat soda? The world will never know...
Both girls blinked, glanced at each other, turned back to the bawling Ryoko, then, as one, whapped her on the head.
"Control yourself, Ryder!" Ami said. Hotaru simply squeezing out of the glomp and fixing her rumpled clothes.
Ryoko sniffled, "But But But... I'm hungry! And I'm not going to rude and eat without you!"
Taking some time to snap out of it, Ryoko asked, "So... what did you all find in there?"
"Oh, just some furniture, a phone, a few knives, a couple of rooms..." Ami listed casually.
"...some broken glass, claw marks, blood stained doors," added Hotaru, blinking at the look Ami was shooting her. "What?"
"Ahem," Ami sighed, "As I was saying, nothing too unusual."
"Oh my..." Ryoko muttered...
"Now, we're all back together... BREAKFAST!!!" she said as she grabbed Ami and Hotaru and rushed off to find the nearest place for... breakfast.
"Uhm, Ryder? Just where are we suppose to find someplace that serves food around here?" Ami asked politely, trying to distract herself and Hotaru from how improper this looked.
Ryoko stopped, and her genius mind began to whir...
"How could this be? There's no food! And I'm starving No Da! Wait... the city was abandoned, so of cource there's no food! But then... how am I going to get food!" She thought...
Dropping the girls, she broke down and fell to her knees...
"i just want doughnuts..." she sniffled...
Suddenly the rat leaped upon Ryoko's head...
sniffing it, it began to crawl about on top of her head.
Fearless leader
Ami blinked at the sight while Hotaru giggled. "I think she likes you, Ryder," Hotaru said jokingly as the rat sniffed Ryoko's hair.
"Joy... it's probably the rat that bit me earlier..." Ryoko muttered from the ground, as she continued the sniffling about a lack of food... mainly doughnuts.
OOC: dat's one mean rat.
IC:
The rat was suddenly startled by the shifting of it's perch. Clawing in on Ryoko's head, it tried to stay put.
fearless Leader
Ryoko was snapped out of her pitiful whining... somewhere around chocolate glazed, when the rat clawed into her head...
"OW!" she screamed as pulled the rat off her head...
The rat latched on to her finger with it's jaw as Ryoko pulled it off.
fearless Leader
"Oww..." Ryoko muttered as the rat bit her... a-gain.
"What is it with me and animals? Please tell me why every animal I meet wants to kill me..." Ryoko whined as she attempted to shake the rat off her finger...
Ami blinked once again in confusion. Wondering why Ryder was fooling around.
"It must be your unique animal magnetism," Hotaru commented, trying to keep a straight face and failing as she trembled with suppressed laughter.
"Some magnetism... I've been attacked by wolves, wyrms, spiders, rats... do I really need to go on?" Ryoko mutters as she continues to try and shake the rat off...
Sighing, Ami gently took hold of the rat, petted it until it relaxed enough to release Ryder's finger, then let it on the ground and shoo'ed it away. "Now that we're done playing, can we go now?"
OOC: Gets angry and puts on a ryder mask
IC:
"Darn rat! uh...Okay!" Ryoko smiled, letting Ami lead the way.
Fearless Leader
"Right then. We already checked the warehouse, the office, and this residence," Ami glanced at the two closest buildings. "Let's see if there's anything in that Bazaar."
Leading the way, the trio crossed the street and headed to the long, stone structure.
OOC: sets fire from finger friction to his keyboard
IC:
Walking across the street towards the long bazaar building, they approached the door. Through the window an odd purple colored robot similar to the deadly deathbots before could be seen bumping around into things. Crates were stacked all over the place.
Fearless Leader
Blinking at the sight of the giant robot bumbling inside, Ami asked, "You think it's as dangerous as those black ones?"
"I don't want to find out," Hotaru muttered, "Times like this I wish we stayed back home."
"Well who else could..." Blinking, both girls turned towards Ryoko, eyes sparkling as they said in surgary sweet tones, "Ryder? Can you be a dear and check if it's safe?"
"Sure thing!" Phasing through the wall slightly, Ryoko looked around, prepared to vanish if need be.
Moving closer to the robot, she was completely undet-
"Bzzt...welcome to bob's weapon emporium. Would you like to make a purchase."
being watched easily by the robot.
Fearless Leader
Relaxing slightly at the lack of explosions emanating from inside, the girls went to the door and tried to see if it was open.
OOC: type type TYPE~
IC:
The Door was rusted shut.
inside...
"Heh heh... oh nothing really, don't mind me!" Ryoko replied.
Fearless Leader
Frowning, the girls returned to the window to try to catch Ryder's attention.
Ryoko sweatdropped as the robot continued.
"Bzzt..Allow me to demonstrate one of our excellent weapons. Bzzzt." a few sparks flew off the robot as he turned towards the window lifting his arms.
Ryoko's eyes widened as she saw Ami and hotaru there.
Fearless Leader
Seeing the robot turn around to face them, the girls ducked below the window, reacting to instinct ingrained through years of fighting against stronger opponents.
OOC: liar....you lie! i'm Butz, follow me if you wish to live.
IC:
Glowing purple rays of energy blasted through the wall...across the street... and slammed into the little green building collapsing the front of it in an explosion.
Fearless leader
Looking at the destruction, the girls sweatdropped and glanced back at the new hole in the wall.
OOC: *Assumes Ryder's identity* this...is getting to be a habit...
IC: Ryoko sweatdropped nervously, scratching the back of her head while gesturing at Hotaru and Ami to stay out of sight.
"That sure was impressive! I like it!" she announced hurriedly, hoping to stave off another 'demonstration'. "How much?"
OOC:I am everywhere.
IC:
"Bzzt....how..bzztbztbzzzz" The machine started sparking before shutting down. It appeared in need of repair.
Fearless Leader
Ami looked in and saw the machine suddenly shut down. "Oh the poor thing!" she said as she approached it, looking at its wiring. "Facinating," she murmured, then looked at her companions. "I never seen one of these before but," she bit her lip slightly, then continued, "We can't just leave it like this. Let's try to fix him, okay?"
Ryoko sweatdropped. "Uhm...Ami? I don't mind doing that at all...but don't we have more pressing matters to attend to?" She asked cautiously, then burst into tears.
"Like BREAKFAST, no da!" She wailed.
"Well there's still some leftover pizza," Ami reminded absently, only giving Ryoko partial attention as she and Hotaru continued to repair the robot.
Working for over an hour, Ami attempted to rebuild the foreign robot, using the ample supplies kept in the crates nearby.
Finally finishing she replaced the backplate.
Booting up the robot turned, glowing blue lights shining as it raised it's arms at Ami.
Fearless Leader
Ami backed away a bit, then stood still, trying to keep herself from appearing as a threat. Smiling in what she hoped would be interpreted as friendly, she asked, "How're you feeling?"
"Unit Designate Z-21, Please give owner Designate?" A robotic voice eminated from the machine.
Fearless Leader
Ami blinked, curious at what was happening, then gestured to herself, "Ami Mizuno."
"Recorded. Owner now designated: Ami Mizuno. Insert Command?"
Fearless Leader
"Uhm, Z-21, correct?" Ami asked curiously, "Can you designate all your available functions?"
"Affirmative. Unit is Unit Z-21, special mobile combat unit. Capabilities include defensive energy shielding, hovering, combat protocals, Assistive energy, and plasma emmission. Unit Z-21 also posesses AI-4 processing system."
Fearless Leader
Clapping her hands together gleefully, Ami glanced at Ryoko, "See? Patience does pay off," she beamed. Turning back to Z-21, "Query: Can you fill us in on what has happened here recently?"
OOC: Pity that...
IC:
"Accessing memory banks....error. Memory banks erased. Accessing secondary backups..... error damaged."
Fearless Leader
Frowning, Ami asked, "Is there any remaining historical data or is all you're memory damaged?"
"Error, all previous memory erased."
Fearless leader
"Well that's too bad then," Ami sighed, then brightened. "Well Z-21? Would you like to join us then? Be a great opportunity to input some new data."
OOC:Power...need
IC:
"Error... Define 'j-o-i-n'"?
Fearless Leader
Ami pondered a bit, then said, "Join, a verb. Defined as becoming part of or a member of a group. Also to take part of or participate in an act."
The robot beeped as it processed this information. "Is this the command of Owner Ami Mizuno?"
Fearless Leader
"Just call me Ami," she chided gently. "Well, not quite an order. We could use extra help but if you feel that you'll be more useful elsewhere, we'll understand."
"Error....define useful? Primary objective is serve Owner. Owner defined as Ami Mizuno." The robot appeared puzzled.
Fearless Leader
"Useful, an adjective. Having a beneficial use or practical purpose," she defined, blinking.
"Beep.. Unit Z-21's 'joining' would be 'useful' to owner Ami Mizuno?"
Fearless Leader
"Well we do need all the help we can get," Hotaru reminded after watching the preceedings.
Ami nodded, "Yes, Z-21, joining would be useful for all of us."
"then Z-21 will 'join' Ami."
Fearless Leader
Ami smiled. "Then welcome aboard, Z-21," she said pleasantly. "Oh, where are my manners. This is my friend, Hotaru Tomoe," she said, gesturing to Hotaru, who rolled her eyes as if to say 'finally!'.
"And this is Ryder, though, she also has a male form," she explained, gesturing to Ryoko.
"Error..define...Friend?"
Fearless Leader
Ami blinked, trying to put it into words.
"A friend, someone you trust to be there for you no matter what," Hotaru interjected, sighing wistfully. "It's really hard to put to words, but that's the gists of it, Zitwan."
Looking at Z-21, Ryoko grinned and said, "Well... could be worse. At least it isn't trying to kill me..."
Once again, Ryoko's stomach grumbled... "Doughnuts..." she muttered as she collapsed against the wall...
OOC: Not KOd... just weak...
"Error....define Zitwan?"
fearless Leader
"Oh, sorry," Hotaru blushed in embarrassment. "Should have asked first. Would you mind if I call you Zitwan? Z-21 gets a bit bothersome after a while."
"Unit Z-21....additional Designation Zitwan. Recorded. Zitwan awaits command."
fearless Leader
"Well -- you're a bit big to fit in the car so -- hmm," Ami considered, "Zitwan? Do you think you can transport all of us?"
"Beep... Energy level detected approaching.... Beep at current rate of approach, approximated time of arrival is three hours twenty nine minutes. Beep. Zitwan could carry Ami and friends designated Hotaru and Ryder."
Fearless Leader
"What are their rate of speed in comparison to your own?" Ami asked.
"Energy signal traveling at approximately ten miles an hour. Unit Zitwan's top speed is fourty miles per hour."
fearless Leader
Ryoko was oblivious to this fact though... her thought process was instead thinking of all the doughnuts and pancakes she could be eating...
"need... foood...." she muttered from her sitting position against the wall...
Ami nodded, "We have some time then -- hmm?" The last remark was turned to Ryoko, as her many complaints started to sink in. "Oh, sorry about that Ryder, but it looks like we have to get a move on," she said pleasantly, glancing at the boxes around the area. "It's a shame that all this has to go to waste."
"Why? No one would mind if we borrowed some things," Hotaru pointed out, "Not to mention we really need some supplies."
"True," allowed Ami, bitting her lower lip in thought. "... all right then. Let's pack up this stuff and sort it later."
"Zitwan? Can you load up a few crates into the car before we get moving?" Ami asked politely, turning on the car and driving it in front of the bazaar, facing the desert.
*Beep* "Energy signal still approaching. Suggest movement" raising an arm towards the desert Zitwan gestured mechanically. "Energy signal is beyond Zitwan's capabilities. Zitwan will load crates."
Zitwan moved over and began lifting the crates into the car, swiftly loading them in.
Fearless leader
Having packed two untouched crates into the back seat and another in the trunk of the car, the trio headed off with their new ally. Hotaru and Ami driving behind Zitwan as Ryoko followed in the air.
OOC: Too.... deep. god writing that took a lot out of me.
I'm insane. -.- into the breach again. Music send me again beyond.
She's got the power- stan bush.
IC:
Revving the engine, Ami slammed the gas. The corvette roared as it flew over the broken concrete streets. Ryoko took left flank as she kept pace with the fast moving vehicle. Rising to the occasion, Zitwan ignited hover jets, surfing along in the car's wake.
The sun rose to their left as they traveled from the lost city of the gods. Quickly leaving the broken highway, they blasted over the sands. Wolves dodged out of their way as other creatures hid from the burning sun.
Far behind, A goddess watched, tracking their flight. No matter. She was the World. She would stop them.
Below her knight traveled. The world would once again roar of dragons.
Spinning the wheel, Ami dodged the towering serpent. Zitwan's plasma blasts hammering into it slowing it as they flew across the sands. No beast would stop them. Waves of sand swirled in the air, displaced in their wake.
The sun slowly began to set behind them as they closed on the towering peaks of Des Siras. Ranging high into the sky they appeared unpassable.
Fearless Leader
While sparing a moment gazing up at the towering stone spires of Des Siras, they began to unpack the crates, wondering what they have and how would it help them.
Pulling the boxes out of the trunk, the group was treated to the blessed sight of salvation.
Preserved rations...kept safe within special containers. They might not taste good but they were food enough to last them weeks, even with Ryoko's appetite.
Fearless Leader
Sparkles started forming around Ryoko's eyes as she beheld the food...
"Oh L-sama in the Sea of Chaos... thank you..."
Do you really think she cared about taste at this point?
"Great! This should last us a while," Ami said, beaming, and motioned to the others to split the rations among themselves. Later, the each claimed a crate and stored their shares into their own subspace pockets, after a quick meal, of course.
"Well, that's one crisis dealt with." Hotaru hiccuped. "Now -- what do we do about the mountain and getting some water?"
Looking up at the mountains, Ryoko sighed. "Well, judging by thier height, human beings would implode before they could get high enough to pass... and I can't get a good judgement of how far these mountains stretch... Any ideas Zitwan?" she asked.
Then, realizing she forgot something, she reached into sub-space and pulled out a packet of water... and started to heat it...
Zitwan didn't answer Ryder, just hovering around Ami.
Fearless Leader
"Great... I swear, I get no luck around here. We find a really spiffy robot that could potentially help us get around these mountains, and he ignores me..." Ryoko mutters as she continues to heat the water...
Ami glanced at Ryoko, barely catching her mutterings, and turned to Zitwan. "Are you're audio receptors malfunctioning?" she asked curiously, wonder just why was Ryoko's questioned ignored.
"Beep..Zitwan's audio receptors are working at 95 perent efficiency."
Fearless Leader
"Well... at 95 percent, you should have heard my question..." Ryoko stated as she opened the water pack...
"Ahh... at just the right temp..." she says in escatsy as the change reverts her back to his natural form.
"Peculiar." Ami cocked her head as she studied Zitwan, then asked, "May you please list all primary masters?"
"Affirmative. Primary Master designated as Ami Mizuno."
Fearless Leader
Ami blinked. "Can you list secondary masters?"
"error, secondary master designate files damaged."
Fearless Leader
Ami nodded, confirming her suspicions, then gave the command. "Format secondary master files and redesignate new secondary masters --."
"Hotaru Tomoe," inputted Hotaru, then glanced at Ryder to see if he would want to do so as well.
"Designating Hotaru Tomoe as Secondary Master."
Fearless Leader
Ryder nodded and said, "Ryder Angel Hakubi," while stringing some water out of his bangs.
"error, secondary master designated as Hotaru Tomoe."
Fearless Leader
Ryder facepalmed and said, "Zitwan, how many masters can you have?"
Ami sighed. "Query, Zitwan: Can you designate an additional secondary master?"
"Negative."
Fearless Leader
Ami tried to reword her question. "Can you designate a third master?"
"negative"
Fearless Leader
Ami gave Ryder a what-can-you-do shrug. "Sorry Ryder, looks like you're going to have to pass orders through Hotaru or myself."
Still with his hand to his face, Ryder deeply sighed and said, "Whatever... ask him if he knows how far these mountains stretch."
"Zitwan? Do you know how far these mountains stretch?" Ami repeated for Ryder.
"Error, mountain chain extends beyond passive sensor range."
Fearless Leader
"Hmm -- Can you locate any caves or paths that would lead past the mountain?" Ami asked.
Zitwan beeped and booped for a second as it analyzed the data. "Negative. Mountain chain is catalogued as impassable."
Fearless Leader
"Zitwan, what is the maximum range of your scanners?" asked Ami.
OOC: I write with THE FLAMES THAT BURN IN YOUR HEART. I have to stop hanging around Matt-sama ^_^;
IC:
"Approximately one hundred miles in passive mode."
Fearless leader
"Hmm. Can you scout about 50 miles down the mountain chain?"
"Define parameter: Scout"
Fearless Leader
Ami sighed. "Scout. A verb. To spy on or explore carefully in order to obtain information. Otherwise to reconnoiter."
OOC: Music ride..
IC:
"Order Understood. Designate direction?"
Fearless Leader
"Fifty miles south of our position shall do for now. Return immediately when you find a passage through or around this mountain chain," ordered Ami, politely of course.
OOC: BoF Rides.... The hunting girl.
IC:
The Robot shuffled off, blasting off to the south along the desert sands.
Fearless Leader
Starting up a fire, the group pondered on what to do next.
"No more singing," Hotaru said, staring flatly at Ryder. She remembered what happened LAST time they did that.
"Hotaru, that wasn't me singing... that was a starlit ice dance with music. And yes, I admit it was a bad idea. Give me a break, I was in the moment..." Ryder muttered as he reached into his sub-space pocket... for marshmellows.
"Lifeforms detected." Zitwan hummed along, skimming over the southern desert.
Fearless Leader
Hotaru shrugged and collasped back into the sand, gazing up at the stars.
Ami sighed. "Two days. It's been two days since we got here."
"And it's probably going to get worse," Hotaru muttered.
"Well, we'll pull through," said Ami confidently. "We always have before."
Hotaru shrugged again, not wanting to point out that they usually had more help in these situations.
Beeping indicated the return of Zitwan late in the night as they huddled in the cold desert.
Fearless Leader
"Zitwan, welcome back," said Ami drowsily as she shook herself awake. "Did you find anything?"
"Bzzzt...error....error....data...overl-o-a-d."
Zitwan shutdown.
Fearless Leader
Ami checked over their disabled friend. "What do you suppose happened out there?" she asked, reaching for some pliers as she tiredlessly repaired him again.
"We won't know until he's fixed." Hotaru sighed and handed Ami the tool she requested. Maybe giant robots were cool, but the maintenance might get annoying soon.
Working through the late night and early morning, Ami gradually managed to fix and restart Zitwan.
Fearless Leader
"Fi... finished..." Both Ami and Hotaru managed to mutter before collapsing on the spot, fast asleep.
Zitwan scanned the girls. "Defense mode active."
hovering around the girls, Zitwan ensured nothing would get close.
Fearless Leader
Pulling a pair of blankets from subspace, Ryder covered the pair and looked down at them with a smile...
"You girls don't deserve this..." he muttered as he watched Zitwan hover in defense.
OOC: Ryder...S KEY S KEY S KEY
IC:
The sun rose in the sky, it's searing heat roaring over the desert.
Fearless leader
"Argh!" two voices rose up in unison as a pair of blankets were tossed away.
"Too hot!" the girls complained, shooting glares at the desert sky for disturbing their nap.
"What time is it?" asked Hotaru blearily, the lack of sleep combined with the morning heat slurring her speech and movements slightly.
Ami just scowled irritably at nothing in particular as she fanned herself. Was it so much to ask for if she wanted to sleep in? "Zitwan? What happened out there to overload you?"
"Data Overload. Attempted to analyze strange energy pattern after detecting humanoid encampment."
Fearless Leader
"Hmm? Human encampment? Ami, ask him where he found this encampment, please." Ryder asked as he collected the blankets and stored them into sub-space.
Ami rubbed her eyes and asked blearily, "Where is this encampment and are the locals hostile?"
"Encampment 20 miles south by south west. Danger level: Uncertain, data corrupted."
Fearless Leader
"A shame. I suppose data files are unrecoverable?" asked Ami in a hopeful tone.
"Affirmative."
Fearless Leader
"I suppose we have no choice but to check it out," said Ami as she motioned to the others. "Zitwan, you lead the way while we follow in the car, all right?"
"Affirmative." hovering above the sands, Zitwan blasted off towards the encampment.
Fearless Leader
"I'm gonna drive!" Ryder shouted with enthusiasm as he hopped over the driver's side door and flopped into the driver's seat... to the dismayed looks over Ami and Hotaru...
"Come on girls, we're in the middle of the desert! What could I possibly hit?" Ryder asked...
"...I guess you have a point," conceeded Ami, albeit, very reluctantly, as the girls took their seats.
Hotaru's response was to buckle up very tightly before Ryder jinxed them all.
Ryder maniacally grinned as he reached under the engine to put start the car...
"This is gonna be fun!" Ryder exclaimed as the engine starts... the engine's small hum becomes a roar as Ryder shifts into drive and speeds off, following Zitwan...
"WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Ryder joyfully screams...
Something bumped up against Ami's foot. A small white box that scooted out from under the seat.
Fearless Leader
Ami blinked as she felt something bump against her foot. "Hey, what do you suppose this is?"
"Do you think it feel out of one of those crates?" Hotaru asked, noticing the decorated white box that Ami pulled from under the seat.
"I'm not sure," Ami answered, opening the box to reveal -- "Playing cards?"
For some reason, she had the strangest urge to look at the cards, and so, taking the top most card, she flipped it over to see...
An open hand, palm raised to her surrounded by glowing purple. In the center of the palm was a closed eyelid, purple... which slowly opened, seeming alive. Suddenly it flashed, glowing with awesome power as reality shifted around the hand of fate. The endless hand eye found within the pupil of the eye within the hand.
Suddenly Ami felt power running through her veins like nothing she'd ever felt before. Her sense of being felt distorted as she felt a wheel in her hands. Blinking her eyes she realized she was in the front seat of the car, at the wheel... and a sand dune was getting close very fast.
Meanwhile Ryder blinked in disoreinted confusion as he felt weaker than he'd ever been, sitting in the back seat of the car where Ami had before.
Fearless Leader
Ami released the wheel, feeling disoriented. "What the... Aah!" She suddenly was reminded of the reason one should not let one's hand off the wheel of a moving vehicle as the giant sand dune loomed ahead.
Swerving the wheel quickly, the car nearly tilted over when the balancers in the hoverpads reached the dune, and found enough gravity to hold it steady as the car followed the dune and drove around the obstacle. Once clear, a now level headed Ami calmly returned to the flatter desert scape and continued after Zitwan, wondering what the hell was going on.
OOC: *Ahem*
IC: Meanwhile, Ryder screamed... loudly... Hotaru better have been wearing earplugs...
"WHAT DID YOU DO!!!" Ryder shouted as he looked at his wrists, seaching for a sign of the gems... and only seeing a bright red scar where they used to be.
"Yaah!" cried Hotaru in surprise, clutching the seat as the car swerved. "I don't know! Itwasthecardsthatdidit!" she explained, in, surprisingly, a single breath.
"Wait a second... cards? What does she mean Ami?" Ryder questioned.
"The ones that are under the seat," said Ami, paying only partial attention since she was still driving.
Ryder nodded and ducked his head under the passenger seat to look for the cards...
"You sure they're under here? All I see is some old bubble gum and a magazine..." Ryder said from under the seat...
"What? But they should be there!" said Ami disbelievingly. "You saw them too, didn't you, Hotaru?"
Hotaru nodded. "I don't understand, there were right there when... that light... and you two switched..."
Ami's glanced at the rearview mirror, her eyes meeting with Hotaru's as they came to a common consensus. "It has to be magic."
"But how? This just doesn't make sense!" Ami just couldn't figure out how this could be possible.
"Magic usually doens't make sense," reminded Hotaru.
"Magic... just f'n great..." Ryder muttered as he sat back down in his seat...
Turning to Hotaru, he asked, "You got a mirror?"
"Sorry, Ryder. If I did bring a mirror, it would be in my purse," Hotaru said, motioning that she had neither a mirror or a purse.
"Same here. Why don't you use the side mirrors when we stop?" Ami asked, motioning to the mirrors of the car.
"Alright Ami, that'll do..." Ryder muttered as he watched the scenery go by wistfully...
'Alright, let's go over the facts here... I don't have my gems, and I can't feel the magic of the curse within me,' Ryder thought, 'So, the card did something to my DNA... I wish I had Mom here right now. She could help... hell, Dad could help a bunch with this. Weird magic was always his specialty...'
In the distance a large stone city began to appear as they approached by car. Zitwan waited paitently at this point to reconnect with master.
Fearless Leader
The car slowed to a stop, kicking up sand as the hoverpads slowed the car down to the ground.
"So this is it?" Ami asked Zitwan.
"Affirmative. Coordinates match scanned humanoid settlement."
Fearless Leader
"Good, that's one problem solved..." Ryder muttered as he vaulted over the passanger side door.
"Now, there's our other problem to solve..." Ryder mentioned to Ami...
Ami glanced down at her wrist, feeling the Ginzuishou embedded into it. "Well, Ryder? What do you think this is? You are the expert on magic here, afterall."
Ryder turned to Ami, and took notice of the changes in the girl. The shiney red gems in her wrist and neck; the increased, but not too bulky muscle mass; the bit of wildness in her hair; and most obvious, the deep golden eyes...
Taking account all these changes, Ryder replied, "Well... in laymen's terms, it was a abilty swap to the nth degree. You're now what I was, with all the abilities that come with it... and I'm, well, normal. No curse, no powers, no insane heritage... just an average incredibly smart individual."
"So in other words," interupted Hotaru. "You have Ami's powers and Ami has yours?"
This lead to the group imagining Ryder in a Sailor Mercury costume, frills and miniskirt and all. Hotaru boggled as Ryder-Mercury did the standard pose and then trembled with supressed laughter. Ami just hmm'ed thoughtfully.
Sniggering, Hotaru said, "I don't think the skirt would go with you're legs, Ryder."
"You would look cute though," commented Ami.
Ryder laughed nervously as he remembered one of Washu's tests...
'The things I do for a lab' Ryder thought with a mutter...
Outwardly, Ryder replied, "Hah hah hah, you two are real funny..."
"Well, if that's over with, shall we check this place out?" Hotaru asked, glancing at what appeared to be a village.
"Alright, sounds like a plan to me... I'd rather not stick around and hear you two make jokes about me right now..." Ryder responded...
"Ami, can you ask Zitwan to make a scan of how many villagers are in there?"
Ami nodded and turned to Zitwan. "Do you think you can scan how many humans are in that settlement?"
"On surface scan: 40 humanoids."
Fearless Leader
"Still no confirmation that they are either friendly or hostile?"
"Error, data not found."
Fearless Leader
"Pity. I suppose we have no choice but to go in and hope for the best then." Ami sighed and walked towards the village, motioning the others to follow.
As they approached, no one rose to meet them. The village appeared filled mainly with elderly folk. A few children scampered about here and there, but the town looked thoroughly devestated. A large well sat in the middle of the town. The entire place was built of sturdy stone. A few shops lined the sides of the town, obviously they did a little trading from the strange yaklike beasts tied up in front of them. In the back of the town a towering temple stood, stairs leading to some altar at the top.
Fearless Leader
The girls felt strangely out of place in the dismal town, but decided it was just nervousness in exploring new worlds.
Ami, feeling that befriending some locals might calm down their ill feelings, tapped one of the nearby villagers to catch her attention. "Excuse me, but can you tell us where we are? We're travellers and very lost, you see."
The old women gazed up with a strange look in her eyes at Ami. "Young girl, you are in the city of dragnier. However did you get here?"
Fearless Leader
Ryder chose to remain silent, not knowing how the locals would react to them coming from the city...
However, he continued to watch Ami for any signs that his powers would manifest...
"We came from somewhere northeast, passing the abandoned city." Ami pointed in the direction they came from. "Can you tell us about where we are?" She asked politely.
The old woman blinked and then took a fearful step back. Many of those nearby suddenly took interest in the conversation, turning to watch. Even a couple of small children stopped tossing the ball between them as the old woman hissed out her response.
"You came from Xiang Khan?"
Fearless Leader
Ami blinked at the sudden change in attitude. "No, we aren't from around there. We only passed through and got lost along the way," she explained, starting to feel a bit leery at the attention their group was suddenly getting.
Murmurs of discontent started flowing through the crowd that was beginning to surround the group.
"And...what of that!" The old crone pointed to Zitwan beeping behind them. "That...thing...it's one of those Machines!"
Fearless Leader
Ami become even more nervous. This wasn't going well.
"Um... We are strangers to this land, if for some reason we have given offense we do apologize."
She racked her brains to try and come up with some way of defusing the increasingly tense situation.
"In our world we are heroes (and there's this other guy tagging along with us), now we are lost
and merely trying to find a way home. Perhaps we could both help each other?"
Mizuno did her best to look as cute and harmless as possible.
"Heroes?" The old woman appeared to ponder. "Well..."
"Perhaps your story could be true... but how would you prove this..."
A little kid spoke up, "What about the Great Dragon God?"
"Eh...The Dragon God?" the old woman turned, obviously displeased at something the boy had said.
"Wouldn't the Great Dragon God recognize heroes?" The small boy's eyes shone starstruck with the naivety of youth.
Murmurs again went through the crowd as the crone appeared to stall...
Fearless Leader
Sensing an opening in her opponent's verbal armor, Ami took the opportunity and ran with it.
"That sounds like a fair test. Where can we find this Dragon God?"
She gave a thankful smile to the little boy that had spoken out.
It seemed that disaster had been averted...for now at least.
Ryder began to sweat at the notion of him meeting a Dragon God to determine the validity of thier hero claim...
'The girls, they're alright... but me? I'll be dead once he looks upon me...' Ryder nervously thinks while scenes of Ryder's destruction back home play through his mind...
'I'm so screwed.' He mentally added...
The murmuring grew louder, most the town now watching the events going on.
"You wish to pray to the Great Dragon God and ask his blessing?" The crone asked incredulously. Surprise was evident on her face for a moment...
Fearless Leader
"Yes, it can't hurt to do so after all. We have nothing to hide."
Of course she could only speak for herself and Saturn, the other guy was sorta weird.
"Is there anything else?"
Hotaru fidgeted slightly, Ami was being un-cautious...
She glanced to Ryder, then Ami. She trusted her old friend implicitly, so she didn't raise her voice. She simply waited, hoping for the best.
She looked towards the heavens, 'Please let this work...'
"Well then..Follow me..." The old crone turned and started off. The crowd parted to the sides as she walked by towards the old temple in the back of the city. It was a huge stone structure that towered above the other buildings and looked as if it had long withstood the test off time. No doors were visible at the bottom level but two large hewn stone stairways lead to something a few stories up.
Ami with keener eyesight could make out.... not a door there but apparently an increadibly smooth portion of wall framed by a sculpture of a serpent. Nothing else was up at the top.
The crone started up the stairs.
Fearless leader
Ami followed first (since Hotaru was her responsibility and Ryder had shown that it was *unwise* to let him lead), taking care to step only where the old woman stepped, (she'd read a lot of novels about this sorta thing) and took the time to take a more studied observation of the serpent. Were they supposed to pray toward that thing?
She wondered, but at least this beat being chased out of town by angry people waving torches and pitchforks!
Hotaru's eyes shifted around for a moment, her hand unconsciously reaching for the compressed form of her new scythe, reassured by its presence.
She cautiously followed Ami, not being so paranoid as to walk exactly where their guide did, but still only barely keeping pace, leaving herself room to move.
Her eyes rested on her friends back, hoping she at least had a plan. She always did.
Ryder nervously trailed the trio, shivering slightly as he unconsiously attempted to make a plasma saber.
'I'm getting a weird creepy vibe from this place...' Ryder thought as he looked up towards the shrine...
Climbing to the top of the temple, the old woman stopped in front of the smoothest stone wall they had ever seen. Appearing almost like calm water, it was about a meter vertically and .8 meters horizontally. A stone serpent wrapped around it as a frame, giving it almost a mirror like feel despite it being entirely stone.
The old woman bowed reverently before the stone structure.
Fearless Leader
Ami bowed formally in the japanese style (hands at side, bending 60 degrees at the waist to indicate high respect).
Judging from the old woman's behavior, it seemed that this was what they needed to talk to and convince that
they were the good guys.
"Greetings Great Dragon, we are honored to be in your presence. I am Mizuno Ami. These are my companions, Tomoe Hotaru and...er...Rydoh. We seek your blessings as true heroes in this land."
Hotaru followed suit, bowing only a bare moment after Ami, hoping it wasn't noticed. Her eyes studied her surroundings, taking in the plain construction of most of the temple and mirror-like quality of the wall in front of them.
She held a sigh, this was nothing like what they were used to...
Ryder followed with his own bow... He does have some respect and manners after all.
Though his calm exterior, Ryder was panicing...
'I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die...'
OOC: I need ENERGY 6-^;
iC:
"Oh Great and Noble Dragon God...these heroes come seeking your blessing. They wish to pay hommage to your great being." Head lowered the old woman turned towards the group. "Pray..and if you are worthy the Dragon God shall grant you his blessing."
The old crone started hobbling down the other stairway.
Fearless Leader
Ami considered, what kind of prayer would be appropriate?
Deciding the honest feeling was the best policy, Ami knelt before the stone serpent
and prayed for the safety and wellbeing of her friends, for the eventual safe return
of herself and Hotaru, and a general all-around wish that there would be a return of
hope and laughter to both their worlds.
Hotaru kneeled with Ami, deciding to pray for their friends back home and the people of the town, only at the end wishing their own journey be safe and fruitful.
With a final gentle request for a blessing, she waited for the others to finish, repeating her prayer softly.
Ryder closed his eyes and kneeled behind the girls, and found a prayer he deemed appropiate...
'Great Dragon God above, I ask you you to guide us through this difficult time I fear is approaching us. It is not for my sake, because I have done many actions that I deserve to perish for, but for the sake of my companions, who have done no wrong but to follow me in my journey. I pray that you keep your watchful eye on my mother and family so far away, and keep them from harm...'
With a nod, Ryder opened his eyes, but did not dare stand, knowing that he could anger the Dragon God...
OOC: OOOOOHHHH...just give me that gaming feeling.
The Old woman reached the bottom of the stairs, continuing back to her grandchildren.
At the altar, nothing appeared to happen....
Except to Ami's eyes which caught a small distortion at the very center of the 'mirror' of stone. Almost as if a tiny pebble had splashed into it.
The sun was beginning to rise high in the sky.
Fearless Leader
Ami's eyes widened.
With one slightly shaking hand, she slowly reached out to confirm what her eyes were seeing.
Could this be the sign they were waiting for?
Only one way to find out.
Bracing her courage, Ami touched the center of the distortion.
the distortion disappeared...as if it was an optical illusion of some kind. The stone felt perfectly smooth beneath her fingertips.
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She blinked. She *couldn't* have imagined that? Could she?
Disappointment hung heavy in her heart.
"I guess...we're not going to receive a sign here after all."
With her head slumped down, Ami slowly turned and prepared to lead her companions back down.
Hotaru sighed, her shoulders slumping without a sign. Depression beggining to set in as she turned to the sun, her right hand clutching the scythe.
"You...you didn't see anything, Ami-chan?" She wondered about how Ami had reached out to the rock with wide eyes.
Ami turned toward Hotaru, her eyes shimmering with held back tears.
"I'm sorry Hotaru-chan, I'm so sorry..."
Dejected, the blue haired former Senshi sniffled in misery.
One lone tear escaped and came crashing down to the stone floor.
Out of the corner of Ami's eye a slight ripple appeared to go over the stone. Before vanishing as swiftly as it appeared. Almost like a tiny wave echoing out from the center.
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Ami turned, her mouth agape.
She hadn't imagined that!
"Did you see...the stone...flowing...ripple...look..."
Only to meet the puzzled expression of Hotaru and...hey! That other person wasn't paying any attention to her! Darn that Rydonk....er...whatever!
"Ami... I didn't see anything." Ryder observed as he kept his eyes on the stone...
"But, it doesn't mean I don't believe you... I've dealt with Gods before. Sometimes they take a while to respond, or sometimes, they only respond to one person. It's called faith..." Ryder amended in a rare example of wisdom.
Ami nodded, impressed inspite of herself.
But that *still* didn't mean she was going to let his ignoring her to look at
the wall like that get away *that* easily.
Ami was tired, hot, and all around near the ends of her ropes trying to play damage control
after Ryder's little *adventures*.
She could be forgiven for being just a wee bit *upset* right about now.
"Hey! I'm over here!!"
She aimed an open slap at the back of his thick head.
Ryder calmly tilted his head to the side to avoid the slap.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you... if you slapped me with the force that I felt from that, you could have imploded my skull." Ryder said while tilting his eyes to look at her...
Hotaru was about to comfort her friend, but Ami's sudden revival yanked that out of her mind.
She sighed, "Could both of you please not fight? We don't know what these locals will do right now. So we need to save the personal arguments for later and try to THINK."
Ami turned pale as the accusation from Ryoden hit home.
Was she a monster?! She hadn't meant...that is...he'd just made her so mad that...
would it really have...why had she been cursed with this horrible power?!!
She stepped back away from Raider, shaking her head in denial.
She wasn't a monster! She wasn't a monster!!
Ryder mearly tilted his head back to the stone and said to Hotaru, "You two go into town if you want... I'm going to wait here a bit. If anything, it'll give me some time to think..."
Hotaru blinked, looking concernededly at her old friend shaking her head, her face pale. "What's wrong, Ami-chan?"
With a final sob, Ami finally broke down.
Every problem, pain, inconvience, and fear of the past few days came crashing down
on her psyche like a load of bricks.
"WAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
Ami reached for Hotaru like a big teddy bear and began sobbing herself silly on her friend's shoulder.
Hotaru blinked, reflexively wrapping her arms around Ami. Ami was usually the solid one. She was always the one to come up with the plan or guide them out of whatever mess they were in.
She rocked slightly on her feet, gently patting her friend reassuringly.
"It's going to be okay, Ami-chan..."
"The miracle didn't happen...the miracle didn't happen...we're trapped in this world....I'm going crazy...now we're going to be chased out of town by pitchfork waving people out to tar and feather us!!! WAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
Ami let it all out, it had just been that sort of day for her.
Hotaru sighed, gently patting Ami on the back, "You're not going crazy, Ami-chan. Everything will be fine..."
Hotaru sighed again as she comforted her old friend.
Ami sniffled.
"Really?"
The worst of the emotional storm had passed.
Once again she focused on being Ice. Cold. Calm. Settled. Logical.
'Ice Ice Ice'
The mental chant started to settle in.
Wiping her reddened eyes, Ami gave a small hesitant smile to Hotaru.
"You're right, I'm being foolish, aren't I. We need to go down and talk to those people again."
She straightened her back with resolve, determined once more to lead them all safely out of this strange world.
"Let's go."
Hotaru nodded, smiling reassuringly back at Ami.
"Lead the way Ami-chan..."
Her head held high, Ami led them back down the stairs to the floor below.
Ryder spared an eye to glance over at the girls leaving, and nodded...
He returned his attention to the shrine, and waited... "Faith. I can't offer you much else..." he mutters as he continues staring at the shrine.
The old woman waited at the bottom, leaning on a staff as she looked off into the sky. Some weighty thoughts must have been on her mind as her eyes shone intently as her face appeared grim and drawn despite the sunny day.
Turning her eyes grew cold at the descending girls.
Fearless Leader
Ami faced off against the old hag.
She stayed silent, waiting for the old woman to make the first move.
There was still a chance for them to get out of this, as long as she could phrase her answers
correctly.
Failing that, they would resort to plan B.
"You lied to us. You are no heroes, bearing of divine favor. Now tell me the truth young one. What are you and why have you come to our peaceful city? Travelers from the forbidden city of death, reveal your true purpose." The old woman looked grim.
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"I told you the truth."
Something about that old lady just didn't feel right.
"We don't know anything about this city of death.
We just want to find our way back home."
She glanced toward Hotaru, drawing strength from her friend's comforting presence.
"We prayed to your Dragon god, so why do you call me a liar now?"
Up at the shrine...
A slight fluxation became visible to ryder...for a fraction of a second before disappearing.
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Ryder's mouth slowly formed into a smile as he continued to watch the shrine intensely...
'Well, I wasn't obliterated. That's a good sign...' Ryder thought as he continued to watch and wait for the dragon's sign.
"True heroes would have been blessed with the favor of the Great Dragon God. This is the task you asked for in order to prove the truth behind your words. You have failed this, and returned in defeat. Your original words were lies designed to deceive us. So why should we believe that you aren't merely trying to play upon the sympathies of us poor townsfolk."
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"Why haven't we been blessed by the Dragon God's favor?"
How to prove themselves when their test seemed to have failed.
She hadn't failed a test since pre-school!
No matter how hard she thought about it, nothing came to mind.
She had been so certain about that distortion though...
"I did see something there..."
The old crone's eyes narrowed...
"What? You saw something in the shrine?"
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"Yes..."
She noted with interest that the old lady apparently hadn't expected that from them.
Ami's brow furrowed in deep thought as she pictured again what had happened.
"A...ripple in the stone...as if someone had thrown a pebble through a still pond..."
She studied the old woman more closely, trying to gauge her reaction to this info.
"Does that...mean something to you?"
Hotaru stood there, trying to reassure her friend with her presence.
She looked around a bit, not really noting anything in partic- Where was Ryder?
Blinking, she turned around for a moment so she could look completely behind her.
'He must still be at the shrine...' She mused silently, her thoughts split between staying with her friend to back her up or going after Ryder to make sure he didn't cause any problems.
The woman's eyes drilled into Ami intently, seeming to see right through her. "A ripple in the stone? You must be something special...but... that's no indication you are a hero. A true hero would have returned with the favor of the Dragon God."
Fearless Leader
Hotaru sighed only slightly, leaning forward to speak to Ami in a low voice, "I'm going to go back and check on Ryder, Ami-chan."
Smiling reassuringly, she quickly turned and headed back up the steps at a brisk pace, her fingers unconsciously reaching for the collapsed form of her scythe.
"You're right."
She had been foolish to give up so easily.
"So I'm going back to get the Dragon's favor."
Ami turned back and started back up the stairs.
"I *will* prove we are who we say we are!"
"Interesting..." The old hag narrowed her eyes and considered. "Young pride..."
At the top of the stairs Hotaru found Ryder praying before the shrine. Another slight wave being visible over the clear stone. Above the sun shone hotly down from the position of high noon.
Fearless Leader
Hotaru's eyes widened, 'So that was what Ami-chan was talking about..."
She slowly walked before the shrine, kneeling down and beginning to pray again. Hoping for any sign. Hoping it wasn't just the heat affecting her. Her eyes remained open but slightly downcast, so that she could just barely see the entire stone.
Ryder continued to stare at the shrine, watching the occasional ripple...
He noticed Hotaru appear, but gave no indication that he saw her. Instead, he kept his attention on the shrine, hoping for something to appear...
Again the shrine grew smooth, not a trace of the distortion as the sun shone down on Ryder and the approaching Hotaru.
As Ami could once again see the shrine it looked perfectly normal in the desert sunlight.
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This time she had a plan.
Whipping out the mercury computer, she set it to run an area scan.
Then she taking a deep breath, Ami closed her eyes and concentrated.
The mecury computer displayed an error:
"Unidentified User. Shutting down." The screen went blank.
Fearless Leader
Ami opened her eyes...and her jaw dropped.
"Unidentified user?!"
She tried imputting her passcode in again.
"Error, Administrating defensive systems."
Suddenly an electric shock ran through Ami's body.
Another small wave appeared in the stone, lasting slightly longer this time.
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"Cough!"
Her hair now fritzed out by the electric charge, the violently twitching Ami stared at her traitorous computer.
"How could you do this to me? I'm your owner!"
Then she turned towards the others and raised a finger.
"Not..one...single...word...about..this."
"I know the problem..."
Ryder mentioned, with his eyes shifted over to Ami...
"You have masu DNA right now, remember? And the Mercury Computer was only designed to be used by a single person, with one set of unique DNA..."
Shaking her head and raising her hands in surrender, Hotaru backed away from Ami a bit and towards Ryder.
Hotaru nodded as Ryder spoke, "That would make sense...can you think of any way for us to use the computer, Ryder?"
"Honestly, no clue... I doubt the thing has much life left in it anyway. Remember, it works off energy from Mercury itself, and well, I don't think there's a Mercury around here. Same reason I think you can't transform anymore..."
Ryder then returned his attention to the stone, watching it ripple every few seconds or so...
The stone stopped rippling.
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Ryder blinked when the stone stopped rippling, and told the girls, eyes still on the shrine, "Please girls, I'm trying to concentrate... if you really want to talk, leave me be..."
Hotaru nodded, quietting down as she turned back to the stone slab, her eyes searching for any disturbance in the smooth surface.
No sign of any disturbance marred the smooth surface of the stone.
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There was something she was missing here.
The stone seemed to be...reacting to something.
It was time to try a little trial and error.
Ami closed her eyes and concentrated again.
OOC: Concentrated on what? Details people....
Ami concentrated on the stone mirror.
Before Ami's intensely concentrating eyes...Nothing Happened.
Fearless Leader
Ami nodded as she began the process of elimination.
Now she tried to letting her mind wander, not concentrating on anything in particular, just
letting herself relax...calm....cool....at peace...
Ryder simply sat and watched the stone tablet, with the world around him shut out...
Hey, having to listen to Ayeka and Ryoko fight all the time will do wonders for one's ability to shut things out after all.
Great Dragon God, these two behind me deserve your blessings far more than I... I have murdered innocents, and have destroyed entire planets without breaking a sweat. I admit to my sins freely, and ask that if you want to strike me down, then leave these two out of it... Their only sin was believing in me through what I've done... Please, I beg of you, place your hand of protection over them...
And, as Ryder thought his prayer, he heard nothing of Ami's attempts...
Far above the concentrating ami... the curious hotaru... and the praying for sweet oblivion Ryder.
The sky began to twist... space shifting about itself as it felt something tearing at it. To those cosmically aware...a rift was opening in existence. A single form fell through, a statuesque beauty whose eyes widened in surprise as she found herself hundreds of feet above the ground.
The rift closed behind her... Disa now a relatively permanent member of this universe.
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Disa screamed quite a colorful verbal description of the Fates, oddly enough the occasional curse to her big sister being thrown into the mix.
Clad only in a simple white sundress, the lightly tanned woman squealed in feminine indignation as she tried her best to hold her dress down.
That's when she finally saw through the veil of thick black hair and noticed that the ground was approaching at a frightening rate.
Time for a little hocus pocus, it seemed.
Reaching out to the source of power that fed and nurtured her, she confidentally smirked.
Hundred foot drop?
No sweat.
Her plummet began to slow down as she began to tap into her power. Moments later, she breathed a sigh of relief as she gently touched down on the burning ground.
"Isn't this peachy." She quietly muttered, irritably shoving a platinum bang out of her eyes. She let out a gasp of horror as she realized...
"I'm in no man's land!"
Her mecha!
Disa felt like crying.
That's when she felt it.
"Wha...ARGH!" She suddenly collapsed to her knees, dry heaving for about ten minutes. Finally rising, albeit shakily, she held a hand up to her chest.
It felt...
It felt like part of her soul had been ripped away.
"Father..." That's when she began to frantically look around her for any kind of shelter.
Gone was the majestic woman...
To be replaced by a scared little girl whimpering in the dark...
Not far from where Disa landed, the very stone city where Ami, Hotaru, and Ryder sought the aid of the dragon god stood. The vague sense of the divine flowing around it, visible to Disa's eyes.
Fearless leader
5 minutes walking distance
Disa fought to calm her frayed nerves. Nodding unsteadily to herself, she firmly brushed the remaining soot off her formerly pristine sundress.
She'd get help...
They could help her get back home...
Right?
Shrugging the inkling of doubt away, she began to march off towards the stone city.
She certainly wouldn't give up now.
The stone walls of the outer edge of the city towered high as she approached. No guards were posted to notice her approach, the city apparently secure in not being attacked.
The sun was high in the sky at this time and beat down rather viciously on the desert sands and all who walked them. Most of the villagers stayed under the cloth shades at this hour of the day.
Fearless leader
Disa began to unsteadily sway on her feet as she kept plodding along. Not used to the combination of events that had just befallen her, she just couldn't handle this anymore.
"I-I wish I had packed a water bottle with my tool kit." She drily coughed out, breath ragged as she finally shambled into the town proper.
She weakly waved to the world in general before her eyes rolled to the back of her head, body falling in a boneless heap a meter into the town.
OOC: Npc desc: old woman is 5'1''. Looks around seventy years old but still rather fit. Has a twisted right ankle and walks with a cane. Has green eyes and grey hair. Matronly atmosphere.
IC:
While the villagers weren't very friendly to outsiders...nor were they heartless. When the obviously overheated young woman collapsed a few steps into their town, several of them quickly moved. A few of the menfolk picking her up and carrying her into a shaded building.
The old woman in red robes who lived there blinked and grabbed at a cane at her side. Getting up she moved to see what the commotion was about. Eyes narrowing she quickly began barking out orders. Disa was promptly laid down on a cool pallet, a cold wet towel placed on her head by the old woman.
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Disa quietly moaned in agony. Eyes fluttering open, she looked around at her surrouninds, brown-green eyes glazed as she stared in incomprehension.
"..where am I?" Following her weak inquiry, a series of ragged coughs shook her frame.
A tired voice answered her from her side, "Young lady, you are in the city of Dragnier, deep in the eternal desert."
Fearless leader
The glazy film that had been covering Disa's eyes slowly began to recede now that the girl had something to focus on besides her own loss. The girl quietly mumbled something in her native tongue before continuing.
"I don't suppose you know the way to Tokyo, now do you?" Groaning in pain, she unsteadily turned her head to look at the person she was speaking to.
The old woman frowned and clicked her tongue worriedly. Tokyo? She'd never heard of such a place. Delusions were among the first signs of heat madness. The young lady didn't look to have been out in the desert that long but...
"I've never heard of any place called Tokyo." The old woman swiftly smiled reassuringly at the young woman as she answered.
Fearless Leader
Disa's lips turned downwards in a faint, disapproving frown. "Alright, I'll have to find Tokyo myself, then."
Proving that just waking up from a faint didn't lend itself to intelligent decisions, she began to force herself up.
That's when a fresh wave of nausea assaulted all of her senses, slamming into the weak woman mercilessly.
"I...woah..lookitalldabirdies." Followed by Disa's head making a curious little thud noise.
Kinda like the sound two coconuts make when hit together.
How bizarre.
The wise woman gently, but firmly, pushed Disa back down. "You are very sick. You will need to rest to recover your strength. Please, stay down."
Fearless Leader
Disa's breath came out in ragged gasps as she limply lay down. Turning towards the woman that had been taking care of her, she halting continued.
"I..." She nervously licked her dry lips. "I have to meet the local divinity, I'm as good as dead if I don't."
Whimpering in fear, she quietly added.
"Mana is my lifeforce, and I can feel it draining out of me. Please, please help me get to the divinity!" She cried out in desperation, holding the woman's hands in a death grip.
Her body was shaking in sheer terror at this point.
Turning the wise woman quickly barked orders to the few worried menfolk nearby. "She asks the blessing of the dragon god. Hurry, let us take her to the temple!"
Two men picked up the pallet using the wood handles on the sides. Swiftly they carried her outside and towards the temple. The old woman following at a more sedate pace behind them, her cane sinking softly into the sand as she hobbled.
Fearless Leader
May's turn now
Hotaru sighed, trying to relax her mind and feel what was around her. Her eyes closed as she envisioned the temple from what she could hear, feel, sense.
And she tried to believe, to believe that the dragon god existed and would help them, for her friend's sake.
A tiny fluctuation suddenly occured in the shrine.
Fearless Leader
Hotaru continued to relax her mind, a soft prayer eventually forming in her mind as she listened to the wind whistle by and a murmuring from down below.
For the sake of my friends and those that I hope to help in my future, I ask your blessing.
The stone of the temple was rough and hard under her legs, making her kneeling position slightly uncomfortable. Resisting the urge to shift uncomfortably, she continued her prayer.
Hotaru began to feel a warmth in the back of her mind as the fluctuations continued slowly growing in strength before her eyes.
Behind her the men carrying Disa made it to the top of the shrine, bearing the exhasted goddess on the pallet. Behind them the slowly moving older woman struggled up the stairs.
Fearless leader
Reactions people ^_^, Olguin first
"Argh...seems we're interrupting something." Disa whispered in a pained voice. Turning towards the men that had helped her up, she continued.
"Your God and that...girl..." Although she had to bite her tongue to keep herself from calling her a mortal. "Are in the middle of something."
Looking at the dark haired girl and the rest of her group, she idly wondered why they felt different to her senses.
She let out a hushed cry of pain, body quaking as another surge of fire ran through her system.
Disa wouldn't ruin this.
Ryder continued to stare forward at the shrine, seeing the tiny fluxuations once again appear... Once again though, Ryder doesn't appear to be fazed, as he continues his prayer...
I ask your blessing towards my friends... here and at my home so far, far away. Keep them protected with your neverending gaze...
Hotaru almost opened her eyes as sense of warmth grew within the vaults of her awareness. The response reinforcing her faith, she added a second prayer to the dragon god.
Please...I ask for the knowledge to help my friends and loved ones...I ask for your blessing and guidance in this. She put all her faith in that, focusing on those things that had given her that faith in the dragon god.
The shrine began glowing with golden light as the eminations of the formerly smooth stone grew, a sea of waves flowing from the center.
The feeling of warmth and peace grew in the back of Hotaru's mind. A sense of welcoming...A questioning of her. -Who are you...-
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Disa smiled a sad half smile as she felt the Divine Aura expand into the dark haired girl's own aura. It was good to see something like this, it wasn't very often a Divine Being granted blessings.
It warmed her heart to see that some still cared.
"Thank you for your assistance, kind people. But it seems we're a touch late." She whispered in a wavering voice, "I'll find another way of regaining my lost power."
She felt her body shiver uncontrollably as she broke out in a cold sheen of sweat. Quietly groaning, she managed to get out.
"Please, take me back down. We have to leave them to their devices."
Hotaru's eyes cracked open, blinking at the golden light, -I am Hotaru Tomoe, also known as Sailor Saturn...- Her breath slowly hissed out, her breathing returning to a regular pace as she waited for an answer.
The old woman narrowed her eyes. The young woman was clearly more than first appeared. She would be heeded. They could not afford trouble.
Gesturing to the men, they carried disa back down to the village.
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The waves in the stone increased, a storm upon the formerly calm sea.
-And for what reason do you seek this fallen god, Hotaru?-
Fearless Leader
As the shrine glowed, Ryder smiled...
Thank you...
He still did not take his eyes off the shrine, because he dared not ruin the event, not that he knew what was going on...
"Forgive me for wasting your time and efforts." Disa sincerely apologize, hissing in quiet pain as they carted her down.
She felt so worthless..
She didn't even have the strength..
Forgive me.. She thought out, It seems I couldn't find you afterall.
A deep sadness etched itself in her features, but it was quickly shaken off. She wouldn't let her story end now, not by a long shot.
The fire of determination relit her brown eyes, causing the flecks of jade within them shine in the sunny day. She couldn't lose yet.
Closing her eyes, she began to search for anything that could help her recover.
They laid her back in the shade of the healer's room. The healer watching sadly over the proceedings. Something was wrong here. The young woman should remain in bed...a few days rest would heal her well enough.
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Disa let out a few more ragged coughs, but didn't cease in her attempts to probe her own aura. Something was wrong with it on its most basic level, something she just couldn't figure out...
Groaning, she continued to try and figure out what it was.
Her body was perfectly fine! But she could feel her life force begin to unravel.
Gritting her teeth in determination, she began to send her mystical senses deeper than the material world. The torquoise shield marking on her brow began to dully glow. It was flickering badly, though.
Almost like a lightbulb that was about to burn out.
A tired smile lit up her face at the discovery, though.
No wonder she was dying. This world didn't have any access points to draw the mana that sustained her.
She rewarded her discovery with another set of ragged coughs. Dragging her arm across her mouth, she grimaced in distaste at the blood that came off.
Now, to get to work.
A pained smile was on her lips as she began to gently ask the mana that existed in this world to follow her request.
Ten minutes later, she slumped into unconsciousness. Her expression was one of contentment, though.
It'd take time...
But she'd recover...
Ami wished that her computer was available.
All this phenomena and no way to record or analyze it. >_<
Hotaru closed her eyes again, focusing on the sensation in the back of her mind.
-To help my friends, to help those I encounter in need...And to help my friends and I go home...-
She paused for a moment, -How may I address you?-
Hotaru felt a gentle probing through her thoughts. Her memories...and dreams coming to the forefront of her mind in an instant...flashing across her vision.
-I see young warrioress. Thy intent is pure. Once I was known as the Dragon God, over this world I watched and protected it's people. For ages my children were the guardians of this world, fighting evil wherever it would rear it's ugly head. But...to look at us now... my people fallen, bereft of their pride. The guardians of this world shattered and broken. I am merely Ladon, now nothing more than an ancient watcher who mourns the passing of this world. And waits for my final son... the last prince of my people to come.-
the voice fades away, but the warmth persists in the back of Hotaru's mind. The shrine continues glowing, a draconic face appearing on it.
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Hotaru opened her eyes again, staring at the draconic face questioningly.
-Warrioress, you wish for the power to protect your friends. But...how willing are you to protect others as well?-
Fearless Leader
Hotaru took a moment to gather her thoughts, -If...if someone needs help and I can help without impairing my friends or our journey...I will try to-
-What do you seek warrioress?-
Fearless Leader
Hotaru quirked her head curiously, -Would you please clarify?-
The voice continued in her head...
-You come before my shrine, the homeland of my people. You claim to wish to protect your friends. But that is not all. Why do you truly seek the power?-
Fearless Leader
"I don't suppose that either one of you knows what's going on?"
Ami was near her wits end, maybe a fresh suggestion might help.
Hotaru ignored Ami for the moment, no time for distractions.
Her eyes narrowed. this could help her or impair her...and she didn't know which.
-I want the power to repent for my mistakes by assisting a future unlike the one that I enforced in the past. However possible.-
-You would use your power to fight for freedom, Warrioress? To protect those around you? A guardian of life?-
Fearless Leader
Hotaru nodded, -Yes, I want to do what I originally set out to so long ago, to protect.-
Her hands momentarily clenched as memories surfaced, the injustices that had been revealed to her not so long ago. And her own role in their execution.
-Then know child that Ladon shall observe thy passage and grant unto ye his wisdom. Take this first gift that I entrust into thy mind. Know that with experience and training it shall grow in power... Watch carefully the world...through thy Mind's Eye. As thy fulfill thy quest... protecting the people of this world...further aid shall I grant unto thee.-
Hotaru's form glowed with light as she experienced an energy pattern forming in her mind... a simple pattern of mana... gently engraved into her mind.
Before them the face of the dragon god disappeared again into the shrine.
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-Thank you, Ladon.-
Hotaru stood, still staring at the glossy surface of the stone, "That's that, I guess." She sighed, trying to envision the mana patterns of the gift.
The pattern came easily to her mind, a simple pattern of energy easy for her to bring into existence with her reserves.
Fearless Leader
Ryder sighed as his eyes left the stone for the first time in several minutes...
"I guess... I've caused too much pain for anyone to forgive me." he murmered as he started to walk away from the girls.
Hotaru jogged to catch up to Ryder, time enough to experiment with the gift when they were away from civilization.
She reached out to squeeze Ryder's shoulder, her voice soft and warm as she spoke, "I forgive you, Ryder. And I think Ami-chan does too."
Ryder turned to Hotaru and sighed, "If you truely knew what I've done... Then you'd want to kill me."
Meanwhile...
a warmth rose in Disa's mind... gentle mana flowing into her form helping her. An ancient voice asked into her mind, -Who are you, Divine Child?-
Fearless Leader
Hotaru sighed, "That may be, but staying in the past isn't good. Please, just look to the future and work with what comes."
Disa's eyes flickered from one point to another underneath her eyelids.
But in her dreams.
Dressed in a tight fitting white cheongsam that hugged her curves, and a slit along both legs for freedom of movement, she showed no fear as she stood in the darkness.
Her eyes darted from one side to another, trying to spot the prescence. Softly stepping along the ground in her dark slippers, she suddenly stopped when she was ten paces from where she started.
"I am Disa Fairchild, a fallen Norn. And who may I thank for helping me recover?" She politely asked, feeling that it wouldn't do to insult someone who was offering aid.
Ami's form slumped forwards as she watched Ryder and Hotaru walked away from her. She let out a quiet sigh of regret, and started jogging after the two.
"I forgive you, Ryder." She tried to say, but she was too afraid. Coughing to hide her small sob of pain, she flew past the two in her haste to get away from the two.
The gentle flow of mana continued as the kind warmth spoke in the back of Disa's mind. -I am but a dying god looking after the last of my broken children as they await the coming of my final son to free them from the chains that have bound them for so long. I was named Ladon-
Fearless Leader
Disa shook her head, sending her mane of raven hair swaying from side to side. "Please, Merciful Sir, don't waste your precious energy on this one. It should only be reserved towards defending yourself and yours."
"Ami-chan?!" Hotaru called out, running to catch up to Ami and wishing the entire time that she was faster.
-My power is fading by the day. Sharing what I have makes no difference. I will survive until my last son comes unto his power and returns here to learn the truth of his people. I ask only that you look mercifully upon my children... the people of this village... and if you encounter him my final son. Your heart is pure. Unscarred by the anguish that burns in the souls of my children. The pain of their fallen pride. To see such again warms my ancient heart-
Fearless Leader
Ami suddenly came to a complete and utter halt, body quaking as she floated in mid-air.
"Go away!" Her anguished yell hung in the air.
Disa's face grew deathly pale as she exclaimed, "Isn't there anything I can do to help you!? Your people and yourself have shown me nothing but kindness, Merciful Sir."
Her eyes grew misty as she slowly reached up to her right ear, and the softly glowing crescent earring on it.
"Please, I can't bear to think of such kindness as yours fading away. Let me give you some of my power." She quietly pleaded.
"Ami-chan, what's wrong?" Concern echoed in Hotaru's voice, her eyes shimmering softly as she stopped close to her friend.
"You don't get it...do you?" Ami sobbed out, "I've been twisted into this ugly...monster!"
Her fists balled, but she let them relax with another loud cry. She slowly floated to the base of the stairs, and curled up into fetal position.
"...stay away...i don't want to hurt you...never..." Her voice came out like a sigh.
OOC: POWER POWER POWER MOVE
IC:
The warm peace seemed to smile as an anicent sage manifested in green light before her. His draconic face bearing a sad smile, wisdom beyond her years showing in his eyes.
-Divine Child, I'll I care for is the preservation of my people and this world. It is dying, beset by diseases of such great power... my people lay broken for my wish that they not kill their brothers and sisters. That they themselves die before raising their hands in violence against the innocent. The future blurs before my sight. It will either be a world without gods... or a world ruled by my eternal nemesis... the goddess of destruction...
Myria. My final son will decide this if he survives. Even now Myria's claws reach further into the hearts of men... leading them to their own destruction. And all I can do is sit here...in my grave and grant what little power I have to those with the hearts to change the world. My children await his coming patiently...as do I. Go without fear young goddess. If it is my fate to die, I will die with my people. If it is their fate to live, than I will watch over them forever.-
Kind Fearless Leader
The old woman watched from a distance... The younger one...she bore...
The favor of Ladon. She could feel it. The warmth of his love. His guidance was clear.
Fearless Leader
Hotaru sighed, closing the gap between them until she was kneeling beside her friend.
"Ami-chan...please, I won't stay away from you. We need to stay together..."
Disa boldly stepped towards Ladon, "I'll fight, then! I will defend this world, and protect your final son. I was sent here by an accident with my teleporter, but I won't let these atrocities stand!"
"I won't let this world's people continue suffering, on my title as Goddess of Healing."
-Thank you Child. Goddess Disa, I will Remember Thee and Thy Promise. Know that wherever my touch holds power still, I shalt aid thee in thanks. Travel to the east continent. Escape this desert of Death and find my son.-
The green spirit disappeared. The golden warmth leaving... moments later, the door opened...the red robed old woman's eyes wide in shock. "You..."
Fearless Leader
"Hotaru-chan..." Ami looked up at the girl with her alien eyes, tears streaming down her face.
"You've grown so much, little firefly."
Idly stretching to get the kinks out of her body, Disa turned and leveled a bright smile at the old woman. Jauntily placing a hand on her hip, she started.
"Can't keep a good girl down for long, don't you know."
"You...surely this is a blessing of Ladon!" The old woman kneeled, praying in thanks.
Fearless Leader
Hotaru smiled sadly, wiping Ami's tears away, "You just now noticed?" A hand landed on Ami's shoulder, gripping it softly to comfort her fellow former senshi.
Disa was shocked, to be sure. Her eyes gained a look of panic as she hurriedly looked around the room for anything to distract the old lady with.
Letting out a quiet sigh, she dropped to her knees in front of the old woman, and gently smiled.
"The Merciful Sir granted me the power I needed to heal, and I'm going to go out and repay all of his and your kindess by fighting to protect this world."
"You were always the baby of the group, Hotaru-chan." Ami quietly mumbled as she reached up and squeezed Hotaru's hand with as much gentleness as she could muster.
She closed her eyes, covering her golden irises in regret. "Imagine my shock when I found that you had even surpassed me in strength of will."
"Thank the heavens..." The old woman cried with happiness. For the faithful, who had silently held their faith for ages... who had fled to protect this bastion of faith, the last home of thier people, the favor of Ladon was all they lived for. The sign of their god active once more... was the greatest mercy they could hope for.
A sign of change...of hope...
A chance for their fallen race to live.
Fearless Leader
Disa felt her own eyes begin to silently tear, the rustling of her dress hiding the soft sound of them hitting the ground below.
Leaning forwards, she took the old woman into a warm hug. Slowly rocking her from side to side as she would, she softly murmured soothing words to calm the woman down.
She sadly smiled at the bitter irony.
One year from today...
She had been cradling her niece in such a way as well.
"Lady traveler... I know not what blessed star lead you to our humble city. But know that you are welcome here always within my home." The old woman stood unsteadily, leaning on her cane.
Fearless Leader
"All babies have to grow up eventually...and test our limits." Hotaru's other hand went around Ami, pulling her into a hug.
Disa slowly rose to her feet, and dusted her white sundress off.
"Thank you, ma'am. My name is Disa Fairchild." She quietly said, curtising to the elderly woman.
Ami's arms slowly rose on their own accord to wrap her fellow senshi...no...her friend in a hug in response.
"Thank you, little firefly." She hiccup, and softly giggled. "And I thought I was supposed to be the smart one."
"Ah Disa, I am Sylvia Dracis, and you will always be welcome here in Dragnier."
Fearless Leader
Looking at herself, Disa looked absolutely embarrassed as she quietly murmured.
"Miss Dracis, would you happen to have..."
She fidgeted as she finished in a small voice.
"Better traveling clothes?"
Hotaru giggled momentarily, "You are, Ami-chan. I couldn't manage half of what you can with your mind..."
Ami softly smiled as she slowly levitated upwards, inadvertently lifting Hotaru up with her.
"No need to compliment my intelligence, Hotaru-chan."
Softly touching down on the ground, she let Hotaru down. Slowly padding off into the town, her voice was light as a feather.
"But...thank you."
Sylvia looked up at the tall goddess. "Well, you are right. Such a pretty dress isn't very good for traveling. Though I do not know where we will find a dress your size.". Sylvia clucked her tongue up at the younger looking woman. "I'll just have to see what I can scrounge up for you. Maybe do some sewing to get something that you can wear."
Fearless Leader
With a smile, Disa's body was obscured by a nimbus of energy. It raged on and on with seemingly no end for a minute before it disappated into mist just as suddenly.
Now standing at 5' 3", she twirled for the elderly woman, her white sundress having somehow managed to alter with her height.
"Now do you have any dresses that fit?" She asked, all smiles.
"Anything, anytime, Ami-chan..."
Hotaru watched her friend for a moment, then called out, "Mind if I come with you?" She smiled back, a gentle smile that had graced her face so many times, it seemed the most natural expression that could be there.
The old woman gasped at the now shorter Goddess. "What...how?" She looked down at the goddess who was now slightly shorter than her.
Fearless Leader
"Well young ones, you certainly proved your words."
From behind Hotaru, the old woman suddenly revealed herself sitting in the shadows of the temple. The sun was now far into it's descent.
Fearless Leader
Ami looked over her shoulder, and matched her friend's smile with a small one of her own. "Of course I don't."
Her smile faded as she spotted the elderly woman.
"I didn't prove anything, my friend did."
Disa lifted her right hand up, and wiggled her fingers. Her smile remained in place as she casually said.
"Why, it's magic."
"I've never seen such a spell. You must be a truly gifted mage."
Fearless Leader
Hotaru whirled, backing as she did to stand next to Ami, "Anything else, honored elder?"
"Now Now, you young ones are so energetic. But we should talk. Heroes in this day and age...." Shakes her head as she turns around and begins walking towards a large house near the temple.
Fearless Leader
Hotaru blinked and shrugged, looking to Ami before slowly walking along behind the old woman.
Disa quietly snickered, covering it up with a series of dry coughs.
"I suppose I am, at that. But I really am most proficient in water magicks, Miss Dracis." She shrugged.
"Indeed. Well, let me see what I can find. I'm certain a few of my old traveling clothes will fit you..."
Moments later, Disa found herself with a few just slightly loose traveling outfits, courtesy of the smiling older woman.
Fearless Leader
Disa fairly beamed at the older woman as she spun around in her new clothing. "I don't know what to say. You have my most sincere thanks, Miss Dracis."
Sylvia smiled maternally at the younger woman, so energetic. So rare these days in Dragnier. "It was a pleasure, Miss Disa. Now, you haven't eaten since you got here. You must be starved."
Fearless Leader
Disa quirked her head to the side, and softly clicked her tongue. Inspecting her reserves, she found that she WAS rather peckish, at that.
"Lead the way, Miss Dracis."
OOC: Timeskip
IC:
Finishing the not particularly tasty meal, Disa and Sylvia sat at a small stone table in a side room.
Fearless Leader
Ami smiled slightly, watching Hotaru follow the old priestess. "So much has changed now," she murmured quietly, following as well.
Ryder stood on the temple stairs, staring out into the deep blue unknown above him...
"Millions dead because of these hands... maybe this is punishment for my sins."
Ryder turned back towards Ami, and let a small smile form in spite of it all...
"However... the same powers that I've used to kill, might be better used now than ever before"
Ryder shook his head and ran to catch up to the group, sparing one last look at Ladon's temple.
And the wind blows towards the future...
"Thank you for the wonderful meal, Miss Dracis." Disa honestly thanked her hostess. No matter how the food had tasted...she was infinitely thankful for it.
The old woman lead them into a medium (20x20 ft) meeting area. There were several cloth pads on the floor and a painting of the dragon god on the back wall. The old woman sat down before the picture, first bowing to it and then turning from it to face them (sitting on the pad). She gestured for them to sit down.
Fearless Leader
The trio of displaced travelers turned to look at each other silently for a mere moment before following suit, all of them sitting on the pad directly across from the woman.
The old woman smiled matronly at the younger Disa. "I'm glad you liked it dearie. Now, why not tell me where you learned such a strange spell?"
Fearless Leader
The old woman gazed at them through tired grey eyes. Her face worn by long years but a hint of interest showed in her gaze at these three strange travelers who had gained the favor of the great Dragon God.
"So now blessed travelers...tell me the full truth. How did you come to arrive here, in this forlorn city amidst a desert of death."
Fearless Leader
Disa coughed a few times, obviously caught off guard by the question.
She managed to control herself after a few moments.
"Well...I learned it from my...sister. A very long time ago." She cleared her throat as she finished, suddenly looking...tired.
"You look tired dearie. Perhaps you should rest and let your body continue to recover."
Fearless Leader
Disa sighed as she played with a strand of her long hair absentmindedly.
"Probably, but I need to make up a plan of action first of all, Miss Dracis. If what I heard from Ladon-sama is any indication, I'll need a plan if I'm to survive out in the world."
"You intend to travel where from Dragnier, dearie?" The old woman queried in response.
Fearless Leader
"I'm traveling to the eastern continent, Miss Dracis. Ladon-sama said that I could find his final son there." Disa started, leaning her head back on the wall.
"So I'll go find him, and protect him until he comes into his full power." She let out a sigh of annoyance, "But..besides that outline, I've got nothing."
OOC: hum dee dee
IC:
"You...were entrusted with finding the Prince?" Sylvia's eyes were wide with surprise.
Fearless Leader
Hotaru flashed glances at Ami and Ryder before responding, "I don't know exactly...we were leaving Ami-chan's and mine former home...and an accident happened. And we arrived in the desert..."
Sighing softly, her hands played with a pair of zippers on her clothing, "I'm not very good at explanations, Ryder or Ami-chan could provide a better one."
"I offered Ladon-sama my services to right the wrongs on this planet, but he didn't specifically ask me to find your Prince."
Disa sighed, and leaned her head forwards. Taking it in between her two hands, she miserably continued.
"But, I don't know how to even make my way out of the desert, let alone how to figure out who Ladon-sama's Final Son would be."
"I know of no ships that travel to the eastern continent... but perhaps you will find one over the mountains to the east. The trade caravans of the nomads travel there occassionally."
Fearless Leader
Disa looked up at Sylvia, eyes shining with energy and hope.
"Great!" Hoping up to her feet, she happily grinned. "Just point me to where they are, and we're all set."
Sylvia blinked at the energy and enthusiasm of the younger woman. "They likely won't be arriving here for a few days still. They only come once a month."
Fearless Leader
Disa visibly drooped at that, but she quickly righted herself. "Okay, well...I'll just wait until they get here, then."
"It'll also give me the time I need to fully recover my mana reserves."
"Ah yes, I will let you stay here dearie. Though you should talk with Miss Regisa the Keeper of Histories. She may be able to give you guidence on your quest." Sylvia rose slowly from the table, her cane supporting her. "Come, let's get you some blankets to sleep on."
Fearless Leader
Disa slowly nodded, "Thank you for your help, Miss Dracis. And I'll see Miss Regisa the first thing in the morning, too."
Sylvia lead the way to another room. Stopping at a shelf she pulled out some thick blankets. Turning to Disa, she offered them. "You can sleep here, in the back room."
Fearless Leader
"Alright." Taking the blankets from Sylvia, Disa smiled. "Goodnight Miss Dracis."
Walking into the room, she started getting ready for bed.
"Good night Dearie." The old woman left the room, leaving her in the darkness. A single window providing her a small amount of starlight filtering in from the unfamiliar stars.
Fearless Leader
"You explained quite nicely, Hotaru-chan," complimented Ami. "We had just been in a --" glancing at Ryder. "Rather one-sided skirmish when Ryder had invited us to join him on his way home. There was some kind of problem though and we ended up seperated from his ship. When we awoke, we found ourselves in the desert." Her lips quirked into a slightly humorous smile. "Of course, that wasn't the end of our troubles, as you can imagine."
"Indeed, and where are you from?", the old woman asked.
Fearless Leader
"Well, Hotaru and I are from a city called Crystal Tokyo," Ami answered. "I'm not sure where Ryder comes from, though I do know that it is our destination."
"Okayama... you wouldn't know of it mam. It's far away..." Ryder softly answered. "My mother, sister, and friends are all there."
Looking at the ceiling, Ryder silently mouthed, "I miss you all... even Ayeka."
"It has just occured to me, that you never gave me your names," The old women queried.
Fearless Leader
"And you wonder why they didn't trust you."
Hotaru blushed in embarrassment, "I'm Hotaru Tomoe. Thank you for your patience about our names, I wasn't thinking."
Ryder shrugged and said, "I am known as Valen... No, my name's Ryder Hakubi. Nice to meet you."
"And I'm Ami Mizuno, it's a pleasure." Ami smiled appologetically. "I hope you understand that things like introductions often slip your mind when you've been accused of some crime.
"I can understand, but you brought a machine into our peaceful village."
Fearless Leader
"We apologize for that... We were unaware of this villiage's stance on machines." Ryder replied.
"You are so ignorant as to be self destructive. Charging in here without even sending a scout. It's a wonder you three are still alive. Tell me, what do you know regarding the city you passed by on the way here?"
Fearless Leader
Hotaru nodded, biting back a sigh at the elder's words. "From what I saw, it was quite abandoned, though at one time it may have been prosperous. It had quite advanced technology. There were a few...nasty creatures there though."
"So it has been ever since the fall from long ago..."
Fearless Leader
"Can you please tell us more about your world's history? It might help us later in our journey, ma'am." Ami smiled respectfully.
"You truly know nothing of the world around you do you?" The old woman shook her head. "Well then...I shall tell you a brief history of this world..."
"The earliest our stories go back to is the great fall...when our clan was shattered under the temptation of the Dark Goddess Myria. Our world was then divided into clans, those blessed with certain gifts and abilities. Over time most of these gifts have been lost... but humanity has survived regardless. Throughout this the Dragon clan has sought to protect weaker clans from the forces of darkness... this though has not always been easy. Seeking to thwart the will of the Dragon God, Myria used her power time and time again to attempt to take over this world. Her most recent attempt nearly anhillated us all...five hundred years ago in the War of the Brood she turned an entire clan against us. With the choice between slaughtering innocents bewitched by her we fled. And here the last of us survive, waiting for the hero of legend to come and finally put an end to reign of Myria the Temptress."
Fearless Leader
Ryder's eyes narrowed as the woman said the name Myria...
"Dracos, you asshole... You sent me to kill a goddess...." he muttered softly.
"Are there any tales describing this... 'Hero of Legend'?" Ami asked curiously.
"We shall know him when he comes...bearing the eye of the dragon... the chosen son of Ladon... a prince among men."
Fearless Leader
Hotaru blinked, her curiousity piqued, "Ano...what is this 'eye of the dragon'?"