Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

Continued from the last log of Ch 3...

> (OOC: Standing on the shoulders of Scene Changes leaves me cold~)
> The next day, that being Tuesday, Mike, Hikari and Shiro all skip class during a time where Nagare has the free period and meet up at one the fire escapes of the school, passing through the Velvet Room(for everyone who isn't Shiro) and entering the Greater Dreamscape yet again.(more)
> The trio enter to find themselves standing in the outer courtyard of some manner of fortress...the same one they stood atop before. Clearly this is the form of the school in the Dream. Before them in the courtyard, the scene is reletively peaceful, and even somewhat mundane...(more)
> That is, aside from the large ball of fur that's easily five feet in diameter with two large and powerful arms and legs sticking out. Oh and an elephant's trunk. But no other aspects of a face of any sort in sight.
> The creature is just...sitting there. Presumably starting off into space with it's nonexistant eyes.
> Shiro hasn't arrived just yet, you know it always takes him a minute.
* Nagare scratches his chin uncomfortably. "Is... is this -always- here?"
<Mykasi> "I don't know." Mike muses, looking over the creature with a slight grin. "Scientific monstrosities, two for a yen here at your local Greater Dreamscape?"
> The critter turns so it's...'facing' you all, and waves an oversized arm.
<Hikari> "I'm not sure what part, if any, science played in this." Hikari looks at the creature, approaching within fifteen feet or so. "Hello?"
* Nagare awkwardly waves. "This reminds me of when I met Kasumi's family on the day of the wedding."
> The critter grabs it's trunk with it's hands and looks to be playing it like a trumpet as a few notes come out. What you all HEAR is some loud blaring brass notes. And yet somehow you all understand that as having said, "Greetings and salutations, creatures of soft and squishy flesh!"
<Mykasi> "Oh!" Mike says with some slight surprise, bowing and keeping behind Hikari... before -eyeing- Nagare. "That's a cute description."
> And at that moment, Shiro appears in a gust of wind.
<Nagare> "This is honestly less awkward, though - oh, hello, Shiro."
<Hikari> "Greetings...creature of overwhelming fluffiness?" Hikar hazards. "Do you live here? Do you perform some sort of function for the school?"
> Shiro stands up and stretches a bit, nodding casually to the critter, "'sup Nozuchi?"
> The creature, apparently Nozuchi by name, plays a few more notes that mean, "Greetings and salutations, wind bringer! Please to not be destroying me on this fine afternoon!"
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "I assume you have some sort of history with this creature?"
> Playing towards Hikari again, it...kind of jiggles it's fur around in what might be a nod, "Yes indeed! I am the Announcer Of Visitors From Elsewhere! It is my function to LOUDLY and CLEARLY annouce the arrival of any Visitors From Elsewhere that arrive!"
> Shiro shakes his head, "Not like that. He's apparently weak against wind or something, so asks me not to destroy him every time I show up."
<Hikari> "Ah...Are there regularly strange visitors here?"
<Nagare> "Poor thing," Nagare shakes his head.
> Nozuchi trumpets, "No! At least not very often! Sometimes though! And I am pleased to be ANNOUNCING them when they do!"
<Mykasi> "... ...urge to have Nozuchi and Xav meet, rising..."
<Hikari> "Has anyone else been here recently? Other than us and...the wind bringer?"
<Nagare> "That's an actually good question. Also, if you can answer... out of idle curiosity, what kind of people do you greet here?"
> Nozuchi trumpets, "No! Well, except for the minions of Master Frost! But they hardly count as Visitors From Elsewhere they are here so often!"
> Shiro shrugs, "He's mentioned this Master Frost dude before. Apparently he runs some kinda store. I haven't checked it out though."
<Mykasi> "............" Mike pauses at this. "Frost. Cold. Coldest winter Kanazawa's had. Connection."
<Nagare> "... annnnnnnnd we now have no excuse not to check this."
<Nagare> "That was inordinately quick even for you, however," the teacher remarks sardonically.
> About this time, a tiny woman roughly two feet tall wearing a blue leotard...and flying with tiny shimmering wings, comes flying around the corner, "Oh Nozuuuuuchi~ Who's here today? Is it just Shiro again?"
<Mykasi> "We don't know for sure they're connected, but if they -aren't-, this Frost may know what to do." Mike shrugs. "Hikari, that sound like a plan? Oh, and- helllllo!"
> Nozuchi trumpets to the tiny woman, "No! And yes! The wind bringer has come, but others have come as well! It is like a party in my fuzz and everyone is invited!"
<Hikari> "It sounds like a reasonable thing to investigate. It does provide us with some direction here--oh. Well. Who is this?"
<Nagare> "... suddenly I begin to realize the Dreamscape might be a wasteland, but it's not an -empty- wasteland."
<Mykasi> "...party in my fuzz?" Mike blinks.
> The tiny woman giggles and bows, doing a full summersalt in the air, "Hiiiiiii~ I'm Princess Catalina Julliette Emerald Unicorn Shimmerbell the Twenty Third! It's soooooo nice to meet all of you!"
> Shiro rolls his eyes, "I call her Cat. She's a pixie. There's like fifty like her around here."
<Nagare> "Do all of them have names as unnecessarily convoluted as hers?"
> "Yes."
<Mykasi> The smile on Mike's face quickly turns to a plastered-on one. "Pleasur...e."
<Hikari> "I see," Hikari says, rather past the point of being phased by something like just a needlessly long name. "Pleased to meet you, Cat. I'm Hikari, this is Mike and Nagare."
* Nagare nods somberly. "Alright, then she's Tinkerbell 1."
<Nagare> "Hello."
<Mykasi> "Hiya."
> Cat twirls around in the air, "Are you Shiro's freinds? I hope you're less boreing then HE is." She punctuates this by sticking her tounge out at Shiro.
<Hikari> "I believe we qualify as his friends, yes. I can't make any other guarantees, however."
<Nagare> "Actually, we kinda can. You'd have a field day with Mykasi if you want curvebreakers," the teacher grins.
> Ignoring the pixie, Shiro explains, "Alright so the school here? It's one place that never changes much. Some new shadows move in or out, but it's usually pretty stable. Nozuchi here is a fixture, and it's crawling with Pixies. They're harmless, though."
<Mykasi> "I can make Hikari and Nagare scream at me if I start humming. That count?" Mike grins. "Anyway, Nozuchi, kinda awkward question. Whodoya announce arrivals -to-? Everyone around, I take it? Anyone in particular?"
<Mykasi> A nod to Shiro.
> Nozuchi trumpets, "Yes! Everyone! I am pleased to be ANNOUNCING to any who can hear!"
> Cat giggles, "Our queen put him out here to let her know when people show up. He's kinda stupid, but he's at least enthusiastic about his job."
<Hikari> "One could not fault his commitment, no. Who is your queen?"
> Shiro chuckles, "Yeah, but don't piss him off. I've seen the nose dude here pick up a shadow the size of a mastiff with that trunk and fling the fucker right over the outer wall."
> The outer wall, for referance, is easily thirty feet hight.
<Mykasi> "Cooooo."
* Nagare looks up to the sky. "Amazing. Anyhow, your... queen?"
> Cat grins at Hikari's question, "Queen Mab, of course. She rules here."
<Hikari> "As a purely academic question, does Queen Mab receive visitors?"
* Mykasi looks around to see if the group is attracting any other attention.
> Cat nods, "Sometimes, but only if she thinks you're worthy. She can see you here, you know. So you don't need to worry about introducing yourselves. She knows everything that happens around her castle."
> Shiro adds, "And while I didn't ask, I've been informed that I am not worthy. So whatever."
<Nagare> "I'm guessing Queen Mab is a harsh lady."
<Nagare> "Although I have to wonder if you don't feel a bit uncomfortable with being watched over your every step."
> Cat nods solemnly, "She's very strict, yes." Then she looks confused, "Uncomfortable? Why would our queen watching us be uncomfortable? We all love her~"
<Mykasi> "Or just doesn't have time for every Mike, Hikari and Nagare that pops into her yard." Mike shakes his head. "She sounds pleasant enough to me, considering what else lives in the Dreamscape."
<Hikari> "Right." Hikari shrugs. "I imagine if we persist in our investigations here, sooner or later we'll find some manner of proving ourselves to her. If we actually want to see her."
* Nagare nods quietly. "In all fairness, this is a far more pleasant reception than I expected from the Greater Dreamscape. I half-expected to pop in to a giant mouth barfing lava over our bodies and eating our charred remains for a welcome committee."
<Hikari> "Well, this is a school. It seems appropriate that it shoudl feel safe."
> Shiro grins, "Nah. The school's pretty sane. Now the streets...you might get your lava mouth out there, doc. The streets are rough."
* Mykasi is quiet for a moment, before shaking his head. "Right. Anything else, you two?"
<Hikari> "I suggest we investigate this store of Master Frost's? It's a direction, at least."
<Mykasi> "Sure."
<Nagare> "Yes. May as well pick the immediate lead."
<Mykasi> "Alright. Thanks for the time, you two!" Mike nods cheerfully to Nozuchi and Cat.
> Cat nods, "Oooh, yes, that's a great idea! Master Frost is always looking for new customers, and he has so many interesting things. Ooh, tell him that you came from the Queen's Domain and he might give you a discount!"
<Nagare> "... we came from the Queen's Domain?"
<Mykasi> "This place."
<Hikari> "Right, we'll do that." To the others. "Shall we head out?"
<Mykasi> "Sure. You know the way, Shiro?" Mike asks.
> Shiro shrugs, "Haven't been there before. And...the way to anywhere in particular doesn't always stay the same. I figure we can ask around on the streets to see if any freindly Shadows would point us along?"
<Hikari> "And if they're unfriendly, I suppose we repel their attentions however necessary. Yes, let's see what we can find."
> Cat giggles and twirls, "It's easy if you can fly~ Why can't you fly, oh Wind Bringer~?"
> Shiro eyes the pixie, "Stuff it, sparkles."
<Mykasi> "Right. And we're not built for flying, but rather for vanishing." Mike grins. "Appear and disappear when we need to~"
<Mykasi> "So let's go~"
> Nozuchi trumpets, "Please to not be antagonizing the Wind Bringer, Princess Catalina Julliette Emerald Unicorn Shimmerbell the Twenty Third! I do not wish to be destroyed on this fine afternoon!"
<Nagare> "Wouldn't he dispose his wrath on Tinkerbell 1 if she ticked him off, though?"
> Shiro groans, "Yeah, let's go. Front gate's this way." And with that he leads the way.
* Hikari walks out alongside Shiro.
<Mykasi> "...do not make me figure out a way to adopt you and take you home, Nozuchi." Mike grins. "I'm pretty sure I can't afford to feed you." Mike waves, following Shiro and Hikari.
* Nagare follows the rest of the party somewhat dumbfounded. Where strangeness finds its way to normalcy indeed.
> Reaching the front gate of the 'school', you find a large, black, three headed dog sitting in front of the gate. Large is a bit of an understatement, actually. It's less man sized or even horse sized and more...skinny elephant sized.
> Shiro doesn't seem afraid at all as he nods to the giant beast, "Heading out. Mind opening the gate?"
<Hikari> "Greetings," Hikari says carefully. Politeness definitely seems warranted here! "We would like to exit the school."
* Mykasi resists the urge to say anything, instead nodding.
> One of the heads of the beast nods to Shiro as the other two suddenly zero in on Hikari. The beast stands, it's shadow falling over the four Persona users, then leans forward, two of those massive heads stopping mere inches from Hikari's face.
* Hikari isn't moving *anywhere*. It just doesn't seem like a good idea.
> OOC: Soul check please Hikari.
* Mykasi watches the dog attentively, smiling like crazy.
* Nagare emptily stares at the giant mutt, in... awe, to say the least.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=3, 5]
> The cerberus sniffs cautiously, then pulls back and crouches with it's front paws only, almost as if...kneeling? The mouths do not open to speak, but you can all hear in three voices speaking at once, "Welcome Valkyrie. My gate is open to you always."
> A flick of it's tail pushes the gate open as it nods, "Please, come and go as you wish."
> Shiro blinks, "The fuck?"
<Hikari> "Thank you," is all Hikari says, proceeding through the door and out into the dream.
<Mykasi> "... huh." Mike says quietly but with the smile, before bowing to the dog and following Hikari.
> Shiro follows out, looking behind at the cerberus as he goes, "Man, I didn't know he could talk. He always just opened the gate or swated at me before."
* Nagare scratches his head. "Brynhildr seems to have a good reputation with wildebeaste."
<Hikari> "Perhaps you should try being more polite, Shiro. It helps sometimes."
* Mykasi waits until a bit past Cerberus before, "...okay, quick poll. Normal reaction isn't to go 'holy shit awesome doggie it's a doggie awesome dog squeee big doggie', right?"
> As you exit the school, you come into what seems to be a battlefeild. A wide open space between the 'school' and the street, where shadows lie in various states of dead and dying while others still fight around them. All kinds of shadows can be seen, from pixies and other small women Nagare immediately recognizes as Lilims to larger beasts like firebreathing lions with wheels for legs(more)
<Hikari> "I think the normal action is to flee in terror, Mike. It took some effort to resist this."
<Nagare> "We're in a Dreamscape where even the very notion of our existence is as volatile as a candle lit in a storm. I don't think gauging normal reactions has much of a point here, Mykasi," Nagare puts rather bluntly. "But no, that's not and if you thought that Cerberus was anything but terrifying, I salute and fear your mind."
> As they watch, a small unit of...walking marshmallows with spears form up and stab at one of the lions, trying to knock it on it's side before getting toasted while a two headed, one legged flightless bird of some sort is stomping around the same area, involved in a different fight with a larger pixie that has short blue hair.
> Shiro grins and shrugs, "Lady and gentlemen, welcome to the parking lot."
<Hikari> "Is this normal activity for this area? I'm going to suggest we circumvent this, if possible. No need to involve ourself in someone else's--someTHING else's fight."
* Nagare observes the area in awestruck discomfort. "This is a lot like walking into the slums on Halloween night."
> Shiro nods, "Yeah. This place is always nuts. I come here to blow off steam sometimes. Basically walk around until something takes a swing at me, then knock it into next month."
<Mykasi> "... ahahahahaha." Mike chortles, looking around. "Maybe I should be feeling fear, but you know what? This is..." A shake of the head. "How to explain? Sure, let's avoid for now, if something swings at us we can drop a collective smackdown on it."
* Hikari frowns. Is it possible to walk around the battlefield? Otherwise, they have little choice but to march through and hope for the best.
> A tiny marshmallow pikeman breaks from the formation to walk up to the four of you, "Excuse me, are you reinforcements?"
<Hikari> "Absolutely not."
> There doesn't appear to be a way around, but the edges do have less activity then the middle.
> The marshmallow looks down, "Aww." Then it wanders back out into the battle, just in time to get stomped on by the giant hopping bird.
* Hikari suddenly feels incredibly mean and petty, not to mention guilty. "I...hrm."
> Stepping on the marshmallow dude seems to make the bird lose it's balance as the stickyness screws up it's next hop and it falls over.
> The blue haired pixie siezes the opportunity, raising her hands up and slamming a huge chunk of ice down on it's heads while screaming, "BUFULA!"
<Hikari> "Let's get moving," she sighs, picking out the emptiest quadrant of the battlefield and starting to walk through it.
<Mykasi> "We aren't marshmallows, no." Mike shakes his head, before confirming this by pinching himself. "Anyway, let's loop around? Leave fighters to fighting."
<Nagare> "Sounds best. I've never been one for barroom boogies anyway."
> Shiro nods and lets Hikari lead the way around, "Watch out for those fire-lion-car-things. They'll attack anything that moves, and they're strong as hell. I can handle one on my own, but two ganging up on me at once can make me bail pretty fast."
* Hikari nods and gives them a wide berth!
> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 and gets 7."12 [2d8=1, 6]
<Mykasi> "How smart are they?" Mike asks as they walk.
> You're almost to the other side, when a troop of pixies, six strong, bar your path. The leader(not the blue haired one, just the normal pixie in front) holds out a hand, "Halt in the name of Queen Mab!"
> Another pixie puts her hands on her hips and glares at Mike, "We're plenty smart, thank you very much!"
* Nagare halts quietly - almost uncharacteristically so.
* Hikari does halt, not that she's happy about doing so in a battlefield. "We're only passing through, if you don't mind. We've just come from the castle. Mab had no objection to our presence, so neither should her forces."
<Mykasi> "Hi! Not you guys, you're fine - I was talking about the lions-on-wheels. Those dudes." Mike says, pointing out a distant one.
> The lead pixie shakes her head, "No, it's not that! We're kinda losing right now, so I'm gonna conscript you into the Queen's forces for a bit, okay? Those stupid demon girls won't know what hit 'em!"
* Hikari glances at the battlefield. "This isn't exactly our fight. They've done nothing to us. Why are you even fighting in the first place?"
> A quick look around does reveal a handfull of pixies getting pretty brutally teased by lilims. Hair is being pulled, horrible make-up is being forcefully applied, and the tickling is positively inhuman.
> The pixie groans "Gawd, I don't even KNOW! These stupid demon girls just come in here and start messing with us and messing up the Queen's garden and painting the walls stupid colors and we have to come out here and beat them up so they'll STOP!"
* Nagare eyes the cruelty show in vague disbelief. "... wait. Why are those Lilims picking on the pixies? And why is their concept of battle the modus operandi of seven-year-olds in a catholic internship school?"
* Mykasi glances to Shiro in bemusement.
<Hikari> "This looks more like mischief than malice. You fight because of this? Has anyone asked them to stop? Do they have a leader?"
> The pixie shrugs, "Well the Queen told them to go away but they didn't listen. And they're waaaaay too weak for her to bother with herself, but they're kinda annoying her, so we have to do it. And I dunno if they have a leader. We never see anyone directing them."
> Shiro shrugs at Mike, "They never bother me, man. It's the lions and the bird things and some other fuckers who aren't around right now that try to throw down with me."
<Hikari> "If they're weak, then brute force hardly seems necessary. Nor should you require our assistance if that's the case. If we *have* to get involved, fighting seems a waste of time. It wouldn't stop them from doing this again, would it? It never has before."
> The pixie balls up her tiny fists, "Ugh, you're not LISTENING! The Queen told us to so we have to do it, DUH! She says if we beat them up enough they'll stop coming back! And they're only weak compared to HER, not to US!"
* Hikari sighs. "Are you going to let us by, or aren't you?"
> Shiro laughs, "They, uh, can't really stop us. These girls are pretty much the weakest things around, Hikari."
<Nagare> "I think she's not letting us by until we pull the Lilims' hair until they cry in anguish and terror."
> The pixies glare at him, but Shiro continues, "We don't even have to swing. Just keep walking, they seriously can't stop us. Watch out for the blue haired one, though. She's a beast."
<Hikari> "So it's fight the pixies or fight for them? Fine. I choose option C." Hikari turns and approaches the nearest Lilim. Preferably one not engaged in "combat." "Excuse me, miss?"
* Nagare pokes Hikari before she moves onward. "Hey."
* Hikari looks back. "What?"
<Nagare> "While I'm all for the idea of making things as smooth and simple as we can, maybe we could actually give them a bit of a hand? If nothing else, it'd be a step towards getting into Queen Mab's elusive good graces, and I doubt this would be a bad thing. Plus, if those Lilims are as spindly as Shiro suggests... well."
> Shiro shakes his head, "I meant the pixies, doc. The demon girls are a bit tougher. Not much from what I can see, though."
<Nagare> "I'm not saying we play good samaritan, mind, but building an amicable network in the Greater Dreamscapes might be a good idea."
<Hikari> "It would be less trouble in the long run to see if we can make sure they never come back. Do you want to walk through this every time we're here?"
<Mykasi> "Hey, a question. Maybe the Pixies know where to go to get to Master Frost's?" Mike proposes.
> A pixie nods at Mike, "We do, we totally do!"
> Anotehr pixie says, "Well pretty much everyone does, really. Even the stupid demon girls."
> The first responds, "Shut UUUUP!"
<Hikari> "I just think it doesn't hurt to try talking first, Nagare. We can still fight past them if they don't want to listen."
* Mykasi looks to Hikari and Nagare. "Let's deal with the demon girls one way or another, then have the pixies help us go out there?"
* Nagare shakes his head. "Just take a good long look at the Lilims and what they're doing. We don't need to -fight- them, sure, but diplomacy is all but wasted here. Chicanery at the least is a requirement as far as I see."
<Mykasi> "I approve of chicanery."
<Hikari_Ishigami> "Hm. Perhaps. It is not my forte. Mike, assist me if some more...creative form of persuasion is needed?"
> Shiro just sighs and stretches a bit, "You guys do what you want. I'll keep my eyes out to make sure none of the nasty ones try to jump you while you're chatting."
<Mykasi> "Sure. If you need assistance - unlikely, but - holler." Mike shrugs, before nodding to Hikari.
* Nagare takes a glance at the Lilims, and then glances at Mykasi. Then, he picks up a Lilim card from his shirt's pocket. "Hmmm. Mykasi, since you approve of chicanery, I might have an idea."
<Mykasi> "Run with it."
<Hikari_Ishigami> "Alright. I imagine it will be obvious if things go sour. ...Hm? What is it, Nagare?"
<Nagare> "Well. I know Mykasi can create illusions with his power, right? You think you could work something out from this?," the teacher then shows the Lilim card Theresa gave him. "I can summon a Lilim with this, and, if they're as dim as they look, maybe we could work something out of it."
<Mykasi> "...hm. Maybe." Mike shrugs. "Worth a shot, they may be willing to talk to us more that way at least.
<Nagare> "It might be a good test for your ventriloquist skills if nothing else."
* Nagare coughs, redirecting to Mykasi in a more serious manner. "Anyhow, what would be your modus operandi? Try to dissuade the Lilims? Spread chaos among them so they pester themselves into oblivion instead of the pixies?"
<Mykasi> "Sure, presuming we can't talk them into trying to prank something else instead." Mike shrugs. "Like one of the lion wheels."
> ----------------------------------------------------

> --------------------------------------------------------
* Nagare scratches his chin pensively. "Okay, so to elaborate on this a bit. Shiro, do you have a basic knowledge on a Lilim's behavior? This ought to be helpful if we're to con them into not pulling Pixie hairs."
> Shiro shrugs, "Not really, doc. They leave me alone for the most part, so I do the same for them." He thinks, "Haven't seem them around here before just a bit ago, though. Maybe a week or so? This is pretty new. Dunno if that helps you any."
* Nagare sighs. "Well. We have to stick to the basics then. I'm not sure if trying to turn them against themselves will work, they may have a strong group bonding. Maybe trying to work the food chain argument, like Mykasi suggested, could work better."
> One of those big one-legged birds is hopping in your direction. Red Hare appears next to Shiro, he recovers his spear from his Persona's saddle and points it at the bird, "Just keep walking, uh...hopping." Red Hare flares his nostrals and paws the ground with one hoof to emphasize the point.
<Hikari> "We've...well, Mike and I have encountered them before, actually. Though they weren't quite limiting themselves to mere mischief then."
> The bird hops back a bit, but keeps looking at all of you.
* Mykasi glances to Hikari with a slight nod. "Different behaviors, yes, pretty much entirely - though perhaps due to being part of someone's Dream."
<Hikari> "Well, does anyone have an actual plan for dealing with them? Otherwise, I'm quite prepared to fall back on my usual tactic of talking if possible and beating into submission if not. Anyone?"
* Nagare ponders. "Actually, Hikari. You think you could gather some information from the Lilims in that case?"
* Mykasi shakes his head. "I'm content to fill whatever role you two decide on, be it talking first, then threats and violence afterward if that fails."
<Nagare> "Beating the Lilims up is a possibility, yes, but I have the nagging feeling that just tricking them out would be more efficient than that."
<Hikari> "I hope to avoit it just because I don't wish to tire ourselves early. But we have taken them on before and won." Hikari shrugs, then proceeds towards one of them. Hopefully there's one of them that's not actively engaged in fighting, maybe standing alone?
* Mykasi quietly eyes the big bird alongside Shiro, keeping a level eye on both the bird and Hikari's efforts out of curiousity in both
> There's one that is pointing and laughing at a bunch of pixies being given leotard-wedgies by some other lilims.
<Hikari> "Excuse me," Hikari says politely, planting herself obviously in the lilim's view. "I wonder if I could talk to you for a minute?"
> The lilim curls her lip in the beginnings of a tiny sneer as Hikari interupts her fun, "Huh? What do YOU want?"
> The bird eyes Hikari as she moves towards the lilim, but stays it's beak for now, turning it's attention back to the two men who are staring at it.
* Nagare eyes the bird. "Shiro, do you know what is this creature?"
> Shiro nods, "Dunno it's proper name, but I call it a Warbird. They like to fight, but they're pretty smart about picking thier battles. I think they can't handle ice attacks well, so keep that in mind if it decides it wants to rumble."
<Hikari> "Oh, I just wanted to compliment you and your soldiers on your fine work here. Those pixies really had it coming to them, didn't they? You *do* seem to have taken the field for yourselves, however. I think they're ready to turn and run--do you know they even asked me for help?--so it shouldn't be necessary to taunt them too much longer. I wonder, do you have a leader I could deliver my congratulations to?"
> OOC: Roll your ettiquete, Hikari
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Nyarlahatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 10."12 [2d8=4, 6]
> The lilim just laughs, "Haha, yeah, right. Sure they'll run off today, but thier stupid queen will just send them back again. Pretty cold of her, huh?"
<Hikari> "Perhaps so. I'm sure believes that whatever you're fighting over is important, though. What *are* you fighting over, anyway? I admit it's not entirely clear to me. I wonder if having your queen talk to theirs might not sort the problem out more quickly."
<Hikari> *I'm sure she believes
> The lilim shrugs, "FIghting for? Nah, we're not fighting for anything. We're just bored and making these stuck up pixie airheads look like the idiots they are is fun, y'know?"
<Hikari> "Oh, I understand completely. Seeing someone with suc pretensions just makes you want to see them cut down to size, doesn't it? Unfortunately, they're taking their frustrations out on myself and my companions, and it's proving most inconvenient. I wonder if I could persuade you to find your fun somewhere else, however? This is a large world, after all-surely there's someone else to ridicule?"
* Mykasi looks at the bird carefully, himself, attempting to judge how strong it is as he tries to decide whether or not scaring it off is a wise idea...
> The lilim looks incdcredulous at that, "Oh reaaaaaaly? A bunch of Persona Masters are letting PIXIES push them around?" She calls over to her freinds, "Hey, girls! Get a load of this! We've got Persona Masters who are afraid of PIXIES over here!"
> A trio of other lilims suddenly leave off of the pixies they were tormenting and wing over to Hikari and the lilim she's talking to. "What?" "Really?" "You CAN'T be serious."
> Mike...thinks the bird could cause some havoc, but it doesn't look built to take hits. Probably fast and that beak looks wicked, but with only one leg it's balance can't be all that great.
<Hikari> "Oh, we're quite capable of dispersing them by force if necessary. You as well." Hikari decides this would be a good time to have Brynhildr hover obviously and ominously behind her. "I just thought I would save ALL of us a little time and trouble and ask you to leave on your own."
* Nagare glances over. "Huh, I wonder what's going on with Hikari."
> The appearance of Brynhildr causes a few various things nearby to look over at Hikari and the lilims.
> One of the lilims actually laughs, "Oh, I'm sure. Just...WHY? Why would you let stupid little pixies push you around if you can beat them up?"
> The other three nod along with her as if the very concept doesn't make any sense to them.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike glances toward the Lilims, before glancing back at the bird. "The temptation is present..."
* Nagare scratches his head. "And to think this was to -avoid- a barroom rumble."
> roll 2d8
* Nyarlahatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=1, 7]
<Hikari> It's probably best to appeal to these things on their own level. "Why get my own hands dirty if I don't have to?" She glances at her nails, ostentatiously, as if making sure everything is neat and filed. "I might break a sweat or muss up my hair."
> One of the lilims giggles, while another...there is a litteral flash of light over her head as she suddenly 'gets it'. That lilim leans in with a suddenly fascinated look in her eye, "Ooooh, you're trying to look good for someone! Who is it? Come on, I wanna know!"
<Hikari> "Oh, I couldn't tell you that," Hikari says primly.
> Another one guesses, "Oh, I bet it's Master Frost, isn't it? He gets ALL the girls."
> A third one nods, "He's soooo cool."
> The fourth shrugs, "He's nothing special. And I really wish he'd stop calling us hos all the time."
<Hikari> "Actually, I was just on my way to see him. So you understand, don't you? I would really like to be on my way without any more trouble."
> The second one glares at her, "It's a speech impediment! It's part of what makes him cute." While the third one smiles rather preditorially, "I dunno, I kinda like being called that..."
> The first one rolls her eyes, "Ugh, Ignore them. So you're really going to see Master Frost? Do you know the way?"
<Hikari> "Oh, it'll be my first time. So I want to look my best. So what do you think?" Hikari interrupts, smiling sweetly. "Can you call off your little fight so I can go see him?"
> The second lilim shakes her head, "Hmm, it's okay, I guess. You could use more pink though. Or maybe some ribbons, or a cuter skirt." The third disagrees, "What? No, what she needs is a bunny suit. NO man can resist a woman wearing one of those."
> The first lilim considers, "Hmm, they really won't let you out without messing up your hair unless we leave? Those pixies are learning faster then I expected."
<Hikari> "What, really? I never tried that before." Hikari shakes her head. "That's right--I can only get out of fighting someone if both of you stop fighting. So I'd be very grateful if you did stop fighting now."
> The fourth, having little interest in Master Frost or looking good for him, shrugs, "Well, what's in it for us, then?"
<Hikari> "Yes, the pixies are tricky creatures sometimes, aren't they? This is a shocking new tactic you'll have to think hard to coutneract in the future. And...well, what could I do for you? I suppose it's only fair I owe you some sort of favor for imposing on you like this."
> Suddenly in business mode, the four lilims move away a bit to discuss amoung themselves quietly.
> As they do, Mike and Nagare notice one of the birds starting to edge closer to Hikari now that she's not in a group...
* Hikari watches the lilims with the creeping suspicion that she's made a terrible mistake.
<Mykasi> "Hold on, I've got it." Mike mutters, focusing near to Hikari and beginning to conjure an illusion.
> Shiro watches with interest to see what it is that Mike cooks up...
* Nagare glances around. If one of the birds were to take advantage of Hikari's more vulnerable position, others could be willing to do the same if the party split up any further.
<Mykasi> After a moment, Mike creates an illusion of a beast, about as tall as Hikari and with cherry-burning fire instead of skin, pawing the ground with one of eight hooves as it stands behind her. The bovine face has obsidian eyes, three tails and a white-hot ring through its nose, and currently stands facing away from Hikari and toward the approaching bird. (OOC: Targets: bird/Shiro/Nagare/Hikari/undesignated)
> The bird squawks and hops back, then puffs it's chest out and cries in defiant challange to the newest addition to the battlefeild!
> Hikari of course hears all this and sees that THING that wasn't there before when she turns towards the source of the noise...
> One of the pixies near Mike scratches her head, "What's that bird's problem?"
<Mykasi> "Tell Hikari not to worry?" Mike mutters, as the bull steps forward a bit and... seems to swell with fire, snorting out flames as it glares balefully at the bird.
* Hikari glances back at this new spectacle--she's ready to defend herself if the bird comes her way, but she'd rather not jump into a fight when she's just explained to the lilims why she doesn't want to. If the bird and the FIRE COW want to fight, they can do it without her! She backs away from the coming melee, closer to the lilims.
* Nagare scratches his head and heads towards Hikari under Mykasi's request. "Hikari, you can hold your arms back. The beast is Mykasi's responsibility."
> The bird spreads it's wings out and then leaps at the bull! (OOC: Mind check for how long you can keep this game going, Mikey~)
<Hikari> "Gladly. I'm trying to get out of here without a fight, after all." Hopefully the lilims will come to a decision before the fight starts--oh.
> The lilims finish thier conferance and move back to Hikari. The fourth one looks at the bird and blink, "What the hell is that axebeak's malfunction?"
> roll 2d8 for the lilims~
* Nyarlahatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 for the lilims~ and gets 12."12 [2d8=7, 5]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 right, bot. You better behave or I'm going to make you fish food, got it? Either that or sic Maya with Mara on you.
* Nyarlahatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 right, bot. You better behave or I'm going to make you fish food, got it? Either that or sic Maya with Mara on you. and gets 14."12 [2d8=6, 8]
* Hikari shrugs. "I don't know. It just started squawking at the air. Maybe it's hallucinating?"
> The bird moves faster then Mike can react to, slamming it's deadly beak right into the FIRE COW's head! ...then pulls it's beak back and eyes the critter, ruffling it's feathers in confusion.
> The first lilim shrugs, "Well, whatever. So here's the deal. If the four of you each let one of us have a sip of your energy, then we'll leave for today, alright?"
* Hikari looks highly skeptical. "How much is a 'sip?'"
* Mykasi sniggers lightly as the fire bull... snorts louder at this, before dissolving into smoke! "Unintended, but improv is the heart of every performance..." With that, the smoke... recoalesces around the bird, as a swarm of icy pixies!
> Now well and truly confused, the bird sits down and tries scraping the pixies off of it with it's beak. Seeing it sitting down, another bird starts edging closer to that bird...
> The first lilim smiles, "A sip is a sip, of course~" The second nods, "Don't worry, we wouldn't do anything that would ruin your visit with Master Frost."
* Nagare pays close attention to the madness involving the bird. "Hopefully this won't attract a crowd..."
<Mykasi> "It'll attract its own self-feeding crowd. I think we'll be able to remain uninvolved." Mike nods slightly, extending the illusion to that bird.
<Hikari> "Well...I'll speak to my friends and see if I can convince them. It would really help if I could quantify how much of one's total energy a 'sip' is going to account for? But I'll see what I can do."
> Now that it can see the illusion too, the second bird stops moving and stands very, very still.
> The lilims follow Hikari back to the others, unless she stops them.
<Mykasi> As pixies dodge on and off of the bird (even though the bird's beak goes right through them) a few of the icy pixies begin floating slowly toward the other bird...
> The second bird starts backing away slowly.
* Hikari will circle around the birds and explain things to her friends, if the lilims are done speaking to her. "We've made something of a deal," she says. "They'll stop fighting and leave if we provide them with some of our energy. Given that we would doubtless expend such anyway if we had to fight our way out, it may just be easier this way."
> Shiro snorts, "One of those deals, huh? Yeah, some shadows like to make them."
> The pixies nearby object, "Hey! You're supposed to be beating them up, not making FREINDS with them!"
> The lilims stick thier tonges out at the pixies in unison.
<Hikari> "So you're used to this sort of thing?" Hikari says to Shiro, a little reassured at that. "Excuse me," she says to the pixies. "You wanted them to leave and I've arranged that. Don't complain."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "We're supposed to have them -stop beating you up- for now. If you want to keep getting your hair pulled by them, we'll just be on our way."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike is tempted to drive the birds over here just for that, but doesn't want to deal with the fight, so he just pulls the illusion off for the moment and listens.
> Shiro nods, "I've had to cut this deal a couple times, yeah. It'll be a bit of a headrush at first, but don't try to move fast afterwards for a second and you should be fine."
> The pixies pout as the lilims smile sweetly at them.
<Hikari> Another nod. "Alright. I'm ready to proceed if the rest of you agree."
<Nagare> "Hm. If you don't mind, may I offer to share the burden with you, Hikari? Four sips may be a bit much for one person, but four of them spread through two would probably be easier to handle."
> One of the lilims giggles, "Oh, that was the intention all along!"
<Hikari> "Oh, they wanted all of you to participate," Hikari says. "I'm sorry if that was unclear."
> Shiro nods, "I don't seem to use that kind of energy for much myself, so go for it."
* Nagare shrugs. "We can deal, I guess."
<Mykasi> "Whatever." Mike nods.
<Hikari> "Very well." To the lilims: "I think we can proceed now."
> With it so agreed the lilims each grab one of you and...plant thier lips squarely on your mouths. You all feel a strange sensation of something draining from you into them, though it isn't unpleasant at all. In fact it's actually a rather heady feeling.
> Pulling back after the energy draining kiss, three of the lilims all sigh contentedly in unison. The fourth, the one who kissed Nagare, is sitting there in mid-air as if frozen in SHOCK.
* Nagare blinks. "Um... yes?"
> Shiro blinks, "Uh...first time the energy drain's been done like that..."
* Nagare scratches his head. "I honestly didn't think I was -that- bad a kisser."
<Hikari> Hikari's head whirls for a moment. That was rather nice, which is strange and confusing. "I...well..."
<Mykasi> "I'd use more tongue except I don't think you ladies are interested in committment. Sorry." Mike grins before shaking his head before looking over to Nagare.
> The lilim who kissed Nagare snaps out of it, and looks over at the others, eyes WIDE, "Ohmygodohmygodohmygod, we totally have to go talk NOW!"
> And with that, she takes off like a shot out of the battlefield.
> Confused the other three rush off after her, only one of them taking half a second to politely say goodbye.
> Shiro watches them go with a raised eyebrow, "The fuck?"
<Hikari> "That...seems to have been successful," Hikari manages, not having any idea what to make of the lilims' hasty exit. "Shall we move on? I assume this conclusion is satisfactory?" she asks the pixies.
> The pixies grumble and pout a bit, but nod.
<Mykasi> "Congrats, Nagare. You have a fanclub." Mike grins widely, slapping Nagare on the back.
* Retrieving #personador modes...
* ChanServ sets mode: +oa Gatewalker Gatewalker
* Nagare knocks the tip of his shoes on the solid ground, coughing. "I think I have an idea of what made them react like that, but I don't think my 'bewildering charms' had -anything- to do with it."
<Mykasi> "It must have been your absolutely divine personality, then."
<Hikari> "Care to explain, Professor?"
* Nagare once again takes the Lilim card out of his pocket. "This. A gift from Theresa, if you may. I believe I had shown this earlier to Mykasi, but I didn't expect it to have any effect in my resonance field, to say the least."
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 90/90 HP [50/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare:75/75 HP [70/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
<Hikari> "Well, I can only hope it impressed them for the better. Just on the off-chance that we see them again."
<Nagare> "It could be something else entirely as well. In which case, I'm not sure it bides well for me."
* Mykasi nods to the pixies. "Lead on, then?"
> Shiro shrugs, "Yeah, let's get going."
<Mykasi> "Since I don't think we'll get answers to that right now."
* Nagare nods. "Yeah, most likely."
> The pixies point the way out, "Exit from the battlefeild to the streets is right there. You can find your own way to Master Frost's store, we never promised we'd guide you there."
* Mykasi just raises one eyebrow.
* Nagare raises one eyebrow as well. "Gratitude is a shallow, fickle mister, I see."
<Hikari> "Very well. If I *do* meet your queen at some point, I'll have to advise her to teach her soldiers something about gratitude. Goodbye for now." Hikari turns and walks towards the exit. Hopefully Shiro at least knows where they're going!
<Mykasi> "Put another way: Don't expect friendliness from us if we meet again." Mike shrugs before turning and following Hikari.
* Nagare follows behind, sighing. -That- went well.
> One of the pixies calls after you as you go, determined to have the last word, "Yeah, well maybe if you'd beat them up like we said!"
> Shiro shrugs and leads the way out, "Well, like I said, I've never been to Frost's store. It's pretty pupular though, so maybe we can get directions from someone out on teh street?"
<Mykasi> "Sounds like a plan." Mike shrugs.
<Hikari> "We don't have much choice, no," Hikari says, starting out into the city and keeping an eye out for someone or something that looks reasonable enough to talk to.
> And thus the Persona Users exit the 'Parking Lot'. The street itself is...busy. Very busy. Various forms of locomotion of all kinds can be seen moving along it, changing the physical makeup of the street beneath them as they go to fascilitate thier movement. Here a classic car...being driven by a disembodied head and hands, there a raft that turns the street to water as to goes, and so much more(more)
> The sidewalk is no better, with buildings ranging from the uncanny valley of normalcy to the most outlandish things around in no discernable pattern. Nor do the buildings stay the same. One changes from a classic pagoda to a miniature Eiffal Tower right there as you watch.(more)
> There are a few shadows just loitering around the area as well. Over to the side, one of those fire-lions is taking a nap while being brushed and groomed by a small furry man in a mechanic's outfit. Elsewhere a man made of worms is playing solitare on the sidewalk while chatting with a cycloptic merman sitting in a small pool.
> Shiro nods, "So here we are. The Streets. Keep in mind folks, there's no laws here. None. If someone has the power to pull something off, it's fair game. Keep your eyes peeled."
<Hikari> "Does anything here stay the same from one minute to the next? How do you ever find your way around?" Hikari wonders, mostly to Shiro. "And duly noted. Shall we speak to the mechanic? He looks the most...normal thing here."
<Mykasi> "...Right." Mike mutters, glancing around carefully. "Honestly, for talking purposes I don't like much of anything here at a glance, but..."
<Nagare> "This isn't exactly the kind of place that, as a lawyer, I'd thrive in, that's for sure. And... honestly, we may as well flip a coin to decide who we talk to here. They all look unerringly strange to me."
<Hikari> "I personally would err on the side of not talking to something made of worms, as long as we have alternatives."
> Shiro shakes his head, "Eeeeeh, I'm not so sure trusting anything on good terms with one of those lions is a good idea, myself. Those bastards are mean and attack anything from what I've seen."
<Nagare> "Given where we are, I'm not sure the mechanic would qualify for -that- if we looked at it closer, Hikari."
> "And as for how we find our way around, honestly, you just kind of wing it every time. The natives never seem to have any trouble, so I rely on them for directions alot."
<Hikari> "Then let's not risk waking the lion up," Hikari concedes. "If no one else has a suggestion..." With some distaste, Hikari approaches the worm thing.
* Mykasi follows calmly. Better in numbers.
* Nagare follows Hikari. May as well.
> The worm man looks up as you approach. Or at least you assume he does, since he doesn't have any eyes. Or any other features, really. He's a man-shaped figure entirely made of worms. The worms on his face part to open something resembling a mouth(inside of which are more worms, of course), and he makes strange noises at you.
> The merman grins and translates, "Captain Squiggly here wants to know if you're customers or not."
<Hikari> "That...depends on what he's selling," Hikari says, struggling to contain her discomfort at just looking at the creature. "I only approached for directions."
* Ranmilia is now known as Ransleep
> The worm man makes more noises, prompting the merman(who has an Australian accent of course) to nod, "No worries mate, I got it. The good Captain here is the best damn Lostanfounder in the entire city. You lose something, the Captain will find it faster then anyone else, garunteed."
<Hikari> "That sounds like a very useful service. We have not lost anything, at present, but will be sure to keep him in mind if and when that happens. At the moment, we're only looking for Master Frost's...though I should ask for future reference what the Captain's services cost."
> The merman continues, "Depends on what you lost, missy. How big it is, how dangerous it is, if anyone else is looking for it too, those kinda things." The Captain makes more noises, and the merman translates, "For now though, he says he can show you the way to Frosts for a cheap forty macca."
<Hikari> "Macca?" Hikari spares a glance for Shiro here--certainly she doesn't have any of whatever that is.
* Nagare scratches his head. "Do you have a conversion table for that currency?"
> Shiro nods, "Oh yeah, that's what they use for money here. I guess they don't in the Dreams you've been in?"
<Nagare> "We've never been in Dreams where money had any sort of relevance. I guess people just don't dream about currency exchange."
> The merman winks at Nagare, "Only in the right dreams, mate."
> Shiro digs around in his pocket, "Think I've picked some up. Don't normally do me much good, but I know I've gotten some..."
<Mykasi> "Mmm. Alternately... you guys stick around here?" Mike asks the merman questioningly, getting the glimmer of an idea.
<Hikari> "We don't have any, no. Thank you, Shiro. Perhaps you can suggest a place to find some after this?"
> After a second, he pulls out some strange glowing coins, "Yeah, here we go. Uh...this one's got a C on it. That's one hundred in roman numerals, right?"
> The merman nods, "Sometimes. The Captain's got a few places he likes to hang out and look for buisiness at. I usually go with him, since not everybody speaks his language."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Right. Thanks for the cover, Shiro, we'll pay you back later."
<Hikari> "What language is that, exactly?" Hikari asks, hoping the merman asks and that she won't actually have to *hear* that language again.
<Hikari> *merman answers
> The merman answers, "Ain't got a name, exactly. Based on vibrations and all that. Anybody who can echolocate or use sonar or stuff like that can understand it, though."
* Hikari just nods. Presumably Shiro will pay, get change, and then they'll get their directions. these two are polite enough, but the Captain just makes her shiver to look at.
> Shiro flicks the C coin at the worm-man, who catches it deftly, tucks it away inside his body, and hands Shiro an L and an X coin in return.
> Then the Captain holds out one hand and drops a worm off of his body onto the ground. The merman gestures to the worm, "There you go. Just carry that little guy and he'll point you in the right direction. Just set him down when you get to Frost's and he'll find his way back right enough."
<Mykasi> "Thank you very much. If we've any further need to find something we'll come looking for you two." Mike nods, picking up the worm. And, of course, taking the chance to look it over carefully.
> The worm in Mike's hand straightens itself up and very deliberately points in one direction.
<Nagare> "Well, this is going to be quite practical."
> Other then that...it seems a normal enough worm. A bit heavier then Mike would expect, even for a worm that's close to eight inches long.
<Mykasi> "At least it's not like trying to carry the worm Ouroboros." Mike mutters in Miwok.
> Shiro thinks, "Now that I think about it, I've seen these guys near the park as well."
> At that, the worm curls up into a perfect circle, balancing itself in Mike's hand just fine, before pointing back in the desired direction.
<Hikari> "Doing what, exactly?" Hikari asks as she follows Mike.
> Shiro shrugs, "Just kinda hanging around, I guess. Sometimes see people talking to them. Never seen the need to stop by and say hi myself before, though."
* Mykasi looks back to the worm dude and the merman with a wry smile as he follows the pointing worm. "I suppose I shouldn't ask to see your tatzelwurm impression then, eh, buddy?" he asks the worm conversationally in Miwok as they go on.
> The worm jiggles a bit, but keeps pointing in the right direction.
> roll 1d100
* Nyarlahatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 46."12 [1d100=46]
* Nagare pokes Mykasi. "Just keep in mind we're supposed to go straight to Master Frost's house, okay? No need to take unneeded detours."
<Mykasi> "Right, right." Mike mutters, before... "But what if it's a shiny detour?"
<Nagare> "-Especially not- if it's a shiny detour. We can always check it out after we visit Frost."
> And they walk. And they walk. And they walk. The trip to Master Frost's store is fairly long, and filled with a number of amazing and unreal sights. Including scenes such as a small gang of frogs trying to hop across a four lane street one at a time and usually getting hit by vehicles.(more)
> After awhile, and after prodding Mike back on track many times, the worm leads them to a street that has a building with a glowing neon sign proudly proclaiming it to be "Master Frost's Chillin' Crib(and Miscellany)". The store itself looks for all the world like an Igloo from the Las Vegas strip.
<Hikari> "He's not earning points for subtlety here," Hikari observes, before shrugging and walking in.
> Shiro shakes his head, "Man, even I can tell that's tacky." Then shrugging, he notes, "Well, you guys have fun."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike notes, before stopping Hikari for a moment.
<Hikari> "Hm?"
<Nagare> "I foresee a horrible pun."
> A quick look around reveals another building across the street, also with a neon sign(complete with glowing hearts) that proclaims itself to be "The Vermillian Glow". It looks like a victorian style house with heavy red curtains otherwise.
<Mykasi> "Since we're likely going to have to bargain costs, we do have one thing of worth with us - presuming you brought it, but I kinda am guessing you did?" Mike says, putting the worm down.
* Mykasi glances to Nagare irritably. "Chill, dude."
> The worm pulls the back of it's tail up to it's head in what looks like a salute before squirming off.
<Mykasi> "Hoop snake!" Mike yells off in Miwok after the worm.
<Hikari> "The sword, you mean?" Hikari says. "I wouldn't be eager to trade it off, but it is the only thing we have that's likely to be valuable here. If we find nothing of worth here, we can always try the house across the way?" Hikari says, pointing to the Glow. "It does look considerably more respectable."
> The worm curls up into a hoop and rolls down the street a bit.
<Mykasi> "I was thinking the soma tablets, actually."
<Hikari> "That's a good point, actually. We did simply purchase those in the real world. We can surely get more if we like. Well, shall we go in look around?"
<Nagare> "May as well."
<Mykasi> "Easier to split up, apparently rare according to Theresa..." Mike nods slightly. "It may not buy us much, mind, since they're diluted, but they might be enough to get some small favors."
<Mykasi> "And... the other building, more respectable? Uhhhhhh..."
> Shiro has pulled the spear off of Red Hare's saddle again and is going through forms with it.
<Mykasi> "Well, whatever, let's go in. Shiro, have fun."
<Hikari> "It's a fine-looking old house, Mike. I don't see what the problem is. Apart from the sign, but that's hardly unusual here." Another shrug, and she heads inside Master Frost's.
<Mykasi> "... I'll explain when you're older." Mike mutters, following Hikari.
* Nagare whispers to Mykasi. "Not every whorehouse is sleazy like the ones in your mental landscapes, keep in mind."
> And thus they enter! Inside, Master Frost's is brightly lit, with cases of rare and interesting merchandise(complete with protective glass to stop sticky fingers of course) lining the walls. There's also a shag carpet on the floor and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling.(more)
> A catchy jingle that Mike recognizes as Frosty The Snowman is playing over the in-store radio, and...a tiny snowman-demon-thing with mirrorshades and a pimp hat on is dancing on the contertop along with the music.
* Mykasi gives Nagare a wry look. "I'll explain it to you too when you're older, Profess-...s...or?" Mike pauses.
* Nagare blinks. "... oh dear."
<Hikari> "Greetings," Hikari says to...the proprietor? Presumably.
> "Oh Frost-hee the ho-man~" the snowman thing sings along before noticing you three and grining wide, "Ho there! Welcome to the Crib! Master Frost is in the hee-zy today, ho!"
<Hikari> "I..." Hikari is pretty sure she only understood half of that. "Well, pleased to meet you too," she manages.
> Looking Hikari up and down, Master Frost whistles, "Heeee, now ain't you a fine lookin' ho? What can Master frost hee for you today?"
<Mykasi> "..........." Mike is clearly attempting to restrain his facial expression from... something. "Right. Well, we're here to ask about some events in the human world."
* Nagare blinks again. "I suddenly feel a strong longing to return to Satomi Tadashi."
<Hikari> "*Excuse me*?"
* Nagare sighs, glancing at Hikari's vain attempt to dialog with Master Frost, then glances at Mykasi. "Mykasi, you may be the -only- person able to even communicate comprehensibly with our host. Could you please do the honors?"
> Master Frost nods, "No problem, hee. You're excused." Then looking over to Mike, he asks, "The human world, ho? What about?"
* Mykasi steps forward, his face twitching with some barely controlled emotion at first. "Ah. Firstly, there's been a cold snap over there - and while we dig a good freeze, this one's been making people bitter about the cold, and that's just not right. We figured as someone who's savvy about all things chill, you might have a clue about what's causing such a cool event."
<Hikari> Hikari's demeanor towards Master Frost is also suddenly decidedly chilly. If Mike wants to do the talking here, he's more than welcome to try. Hikari will peruse the inventory and ignore the proprietor as best she can.
* Nagare shakes his head, facepalming and muttering to himself in a low tone. "This... is... for... some greater good... keep telling yourself that..."
> Master Frost nods, "Hmm, it is true that I am the big hee, the coolest customer around. All the hos love the Frost, you dig? We keep it chilly up inz, but that shouldn't mean hee to the humans, ho. Now I could ho into it for you, but that'll hee ya. This is a buisiness I'm running hee."
<Mykasi> "Naturally." Mike says, his face having calmed down. "We confess to being new here - your name filtered to us immediately. This being said, we do have something that may be of interest..." Mike glances to Hikari at this.
<Mykasi> "The bottle, if you could pass it over?"
* Hikari withdraws the soma from her handbag and passes it to Mike, not sparing any words for Frost.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow to Hikari. "Cold as ice, I see - ... damn it."
> Master Frost eyes the bottle, "What'chu got in hee, ho?"
* Mykasi takes the bottle and holds it up. "This here is authentic Soma, if diluted. Strong enough to get the job done, we assure you - diluted only because it's how we humans can consume it. We're willing to trade some of the pills for your n-ice service." A weighing pause. "Two now, two on completion of services?"
> Frost considers, "I'll need to test the purity, ho. But before that, if this is buisiness, I gots to get my buisness hat on, you hee?" WIth that, Master Frost hops down behind the counter, you hear the sounds of rummaging around, and then he hops back up wearing a green visor like you see bookies wearing in old movies.
> "Now," he gets settled back onto the counter, "Open that hee up and lemme get a good sniff, ho."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Understoo-" The controlled emotion goes back on Mike's face for a moment, before shifting back. "...Right." With that, he opens the bottle and holds it close to Master Frost.
> Master Frost leans in and inhales deeply, "Hmm...that's pretty diluted, ho. Make it four and four and you got a hee."
* Mykasi glances to Hikari a moment. "Shall we settle for three and three, hee?"
> OOC: Roll Fast Talk, mikey
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 right, this would require bringing my nemesis Nyarlahatbot into this
* Nyarlahatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 right, this would require bringing my nemesis Nyarlahatbot into this and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 7]
* Hikari shrugs. She can buy more if she has to.
> Frost considers, then nods, "I like your style, ho. So I'll hee with you this time. Three and hee it is." Hee holds out one hand to collect the tablets.
* Mykasi nods, counts out three on his hand and then drops them into Frost's hand. "Thanks for the deal. We'll deliver the other three once you've got the info. A pleasure doing business."
> "Sure thing, hee. Check back in, or is there some-ho I can hee you at to let you know I've got it?" he asks.
<Mykasi> "Hm. We'll check back in in three days to see how it's going, or would you prefer more time?" Mike asks. "We don't have a reliable contact method in the Dream just yet. We'll work on that."
> "No idea ho long it'll take, hee. So check back in whenever you like, ho."
<Mykasi> ""Righty-ho." Mike nods. "Thanks again." A look to Nagare and Hikari. "Anything else? For now, that's my main concern."
* Hikari nudges Mike. "We could ask him to leave a message at the castle. Nozuchi, perhaps? Beyond that, I have nothing to ask him about."
<Nagare> "That would be practical. We can rely on that thing to tell us the message."
<Mykasi> "Ah, yes. If you are aware of Nozuchi at Queen Mab's castle, it knows us and could tell us to come visit. ...presuming it remembers."
> "Nocuchi at Mab's Domain? I can ho that."
<Nagare> "Past that... well, reliable directions to this place might be convenient so we don't have to grab change whenever we want to get here."
> ---------------------------------------------------------------

> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Master Frost gives his suggestion about housing, then puts his pimp hat back on and hops up the stairs behind the counter to the second floor, "You hees can look around, gimme a ho if you wanna buy somethin'."
<Mykasi> "Righty-ho." Mike nods congenially.
> You can hear him singing to himself up there faintly, "Hee ho~ hee ho~ it's off to work I go!"
<Hikari> "I thought he was already at work?"
<Mykasi> "Hopefully off to work on our query." Mike mutters, eyeing the Mathamancy watch.
<Nagare> "Work can have a frighteningly broad definition. This might as well be a playground for him."
<Hikari> "Perhaps." Hikari glances at the merchandise. "See something interesting, Mike? Anywhere else and I would assume all of this was thrift-shop junk, but here...I'm not so sure."
<Mykasi> "This... well, it might be interesting, but right now we can't really do much. And we've got a lead to go off of for now, at least, while we wait for Master Frost to work." Mike shakes his head, regretfully turning away.
* Nagare shrugs and sighs, heading for the exit, then stopping before the door. "Okay, were you just being Mykasily dramatic or was this a cue to actually leave?"
* Mykasi shrugs. "Well, unless you guys want to try and purchase something here... we've got two options. One is to actually look for real estate and land to buy. This, of course, appeals to the Imp of the Perverse in me. But the other option? How do we get the dream to recognize us as residents? That's probably what we should look for in seriousness."
<Hikari> "I thought the spear might be usful, myself," Hikari says. "But we don't have a lot to trade with right now. It can wait."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, the spear looks cool, even if I'm, uh, not confident I could foot-fling it." Mike grins weakly.
<Hikari> "How would we even go about buying land here? In a place where land, streets and buildings are inconstant, no less? I wouldn't have any idea who to talk to about that. I suppose we can keep asking everyone we meet. It hasn't been disastrous so far."
* Nagare bobs his head. "I honestly don't think recognition would come in a snap. And I honestly think they may never see us as Dream -dwellers-. Being regulars might be the best we can strive for as of now."
<Nagare> "Also, I have to wonder how would you even carry that spear outside the Dream, Hikari."
<Mykasi> "Which is why 'being regulars' or 'residents' might be better. Since I don't think we'd want to pay the price for it..." Mike shrugs, heading to the door.
<Hikari> "This is also a valid point, Professor. Perhaps it would be useful to have a residence of sorts to leave such objects here." Hikari follows Mike out the door.
<Nagare> "We have the next best thing, honestly. The Velvet Room is probably one of the most stable things we know in the Dream, and will do until we get acquainted with the subtleties of the Greater Dream enough to settle a base in it."
> And thus you head out. Shiro is still outside, sitting astride Red Hare and going through some manner of routines or drills with his spear. The victorian house with the sign labeling it as the Vermillian Glow is still there as well.
<Mykasi> "Well, they won't hold items for us. I checked." Mike comments. "Hey, Shiro."
> Shiro goes through one last swing, the puts the spear back in it's clip, "Yo. How'd it go in there?"
<Nagare> "There was a lot of hos," the teacher deadpans.
<Hikari> "I considered that, yes. Assuming Igor doesn't mind--oh. I suppose not, then. Hm." Hikari wanders over to the victorian house, peering at it curiously. "There were indeed a lot of hos," Hikari says coldly.
> Shiro eyes you both then shakes his head, "Ooookay. Did you at least get any good info or stuff?"
<Mykasi> "We hired him to look into it for us, since it doesn't seem like he knows what's going on, but has connections enough to get the info we need - or at least a very good start. Also we indulged in hos, yes. Except Hikari." Mike follows the deadpan. "Aaaand I'm just going to say that I -will not- enter that house and would advise you guys not to, but if you really want..."
<Hikari> "I really don't understand your misgivings here, Mike. It doesn't look any worse than the other buildings here. Better, aside from the sign. We did come out here to explore. I don't see the harm in looking around."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike is silent for a long moment. "Have fun, then."
<Nagare> "Maybe Mykasi is just indulging in self-control. I'd honestly hold my horses there as well."
<Hikari> "Where should we go, then? Does anyone have a suggestion?"
> Shiro looks over at the building, "WHat's the sign say, anyway? Looks like it's in english?"
<Nagare> "It says 'Vermillion Glow'", the teacher says. "It could be anywhere from a textile shop to hell's coziest little whorehouse."
<Mykasi> "Shiro, you seen any vendors of real estate or sellers of homes or apartments around?" Mike asks half-rhetorically.
> Shiro eyes the sign for a moment, "Vermillian glow...red light...yeah. Brothel." Then looking back at Mike, he shakes his head, "I haven't bothered with buildings or anything like that at all, man. No idea."
* Hikari frowns. "It's difficult to tell with the buildings here, isn't it? I certainly wouldn't have assumed an igloo would be a store, under any other circumstances."
<Mykasi> "Blast. Let's just head in a random direction, then." Mike comments. "And yeah, red light."
<Hikari> "A brothel?" Hikari turns away and, indeed, picks a random direction. "I wonder what kind of creatures would even populate such a place here? Likely better not to know."
<Nagare> "The reality is bound to be less traumatizing but more jarring than anything we'd expect, honestly. Although I have to wonder how the likes of Nozuchi would even -go- about humping like mammals."
* Mykasi refrains from comment, instead following Hikari. "We got told that the best way to know how to get around is to become acclimated, pretty much. Buying a house was a side suggestion of Master Frost's, but... might be fun if we get the chance."
> Shiro, staying on his Persona, kicks Red Hare into a slow walk to stay alongside Hikari, "So what's the plan from here? Wander aimlessly, or do you want me to show you anywhere else I'm familiar with?"
<Nagare> "Latter sounds optimal."
<Hikari> "Satomi Tadashi?" Hikari suggests.
* Mykasi immediately hums a few bars before shaking his head.
* Nagare ponders. "You know, I wonder if we should introduce the Satomi Tadashi theme to Master Frost."
> He nods, "Let's see, I hang around the park across from the Kirijo group building a fair amount. It's always there. Also there's an open air food court over on 7th that in the Dream is still an open air food court. Nice place to chill. The park...tends to get pretty brutal, especially at night."
<Hikari> "He deserves as much," Hikari says.
> Shiro shakes his head, "Never entered the Dream near Satomi Tadashi, so dunno where that is in here."
<Hikari> "Does the food court sell anything humans would actually recognize as food, I wonder?"
> Shiro shrugs, "I've eaten some of the stuff there and been alright."
* Nagare nods and grins. "We probably should try Satomi Tadashi's Dream counterpart one of these days. I have to wonder what goes behind -that-."
<Mykasi> "...let's swing by the food court, then?" Mike suggests.
<Nagare> "... sure. We're always starved anyway."
> "Sure thing. Just...soon as I get my bearings on where we are, I'll start heading that way." Shiro leads the way, though he doesn't know where he's going just yet!
* Hatbot has joined #personador
> roll 1d100 ooh mysterious rolling
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 ooh mysterious rolling and gets 25."12 [1d100=25]
<Mykasi> "That's fine. Getting lost might help, too." Mike says, feeling Red Hare's hoofbeats through his feet as they move on. "At this point, take anything."
> roll 2d8 for shiro
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 for shiro and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
> And thus you walk for a bit. More strange sights are seen. An honest to god headless horseman cuts down a random glop looking Shadow not thirty feet away from you then rides off cackling madly. The glop reforms and shifts into a giant middle finger pointed in the dirction the horsemen rode.(more)
> Shiro eyes the horseman as he goes and shakes his head, "I've seen that fucker around. Never rode in spear's length of me, but he just attacks some things out of nowhere."
<Nagare> "What does -that- thing do besides hitting random jaywalkers?"
<Mykasi> "Look for a shrubbery."
<Hikari> "A what, Mike?"
> Shiro shrugs, "All I've ever seen him do." Then he rides on. A few more streets down, a pair of stores side by side catch the eyes of the party. One is labeled as "Limp's Blimps" and indeed has a small blimp parked on top of the shop.(more)
> The one next to get specifically gets Mike and Shiro's attention, as the large windows show an incredible amount of various machinery inside, all in various states of broken or taken apart. A...strange looking hunchbacked man with six spindly arms, goggles and a toolbelt on over a trechcoat is working on them inside. The sign says: "Awn The Blink: Unfixer For Hire"
<Mykasi> "I don't particularly see why we should trust anyone that can't keep their blimp erect." Mike mutters under his breath. "Now, the other store... huh. A dissembler. That could prove useful in some cases. Shiny machines, too."
* Nagare shrugs in vague disbelief. "What do we have that could possibly be usefully disassembled, though?"
<Hikari> "I have to second the professor. what is it that we need taken apart?"
<Mykasi> "Right now? Nothing. When we need to dissemble something, though, at least we know where to go - and perhaps he would have been able to... dissect Dami's blasted contraption and unravel more info than we did." Mike notes.
> Shiro looks through the window, "Man, that is a LOT of junk. Spare part heaven right there."
<Mykasi> "So in other words, it's a place to remember for later, both for spare parts and for dissembling needs."
* Nagare sighs. "Right now, I heavily wish I had something to map this place with. I guess it -wouldn't- be very useful, but having an idea of the more stable locations and something to pinpoint directions with would be a great asset."
> Looking around elsewhere, Shiro shakes his head, "I, uh, don't recognize any of this yet, though. Could have sworn I was going the right way."
<Hikari> "Does this store actually sell blimps?" Hikari wonders. "It would be easier to map this area from the air, wouldn't it?"
<Mykasi> "...if the air doesn't have dragons." Mike notes, glancing to Shiro. "And... well, let's double back by a different route, then?"
> Looking back the way you came...the street you came here from seems to have dissapeared entirely.
> Shiro shrugs to Hikari, "It might? Or at least blimp rides. You wanting to go check?"
<Nagare> "... you have to be kidding me."
<Mykasi> "... if... if you guys..." Mike mutters a bit under his breath, before, "I'd support ground travel more, but if you think taking to the air is best -and- we can afford it..."
<Hikari> "It sounds better than walking back into the void," Hikari says, heading for the shop.
<Nagare> "Fine, fine," Nagare follows Hikari.
> Shiro shrugs, "Lemme know if you're taking the blimp and I'll try to jump up to the roof or something."
> "Pretty sure I can make that..." he eyes the distance
<Mykasi> "I'll let you know." Mike nods, pausing before following the other two in.
> And thus you enter the shop! As you walk in, a freindly little bell on the door rings, prompting a...floating head to bob up from behind the counter. The head is nearly perfectly spherical, and the face looks almost painted on. The eyes are wide and perfect white, never blinking. The lips are cherry red and puffy, the ears comically large.(more)
> And the nose, of course, is a peg sticking out ala pinnochio. A mop of unruly curly hair sits on the head, and it speaks without the mouth actually moving, "Hellooooooo! Welcome to Limp's Blimps, the area's number one provider of safe, reliable air travel! What will it take for me to get YOU into a blimp today!"
* Nagare raises an eyebrow skeptically. "Suddenly, some things don't quite feel so unfamiliar anymore."
<Hikari> "Preferably an affordable rate," Hikari says without a blink at the proprietor's strange appearance. Amazing what one can get used to. "We are rather new here and not swimming in wealth."
<Mykasi> "..." The look on Mike's face is one of near-terror for a moment as he squeaks out in Miwok, "...more than that?"
> The head bobs up and down in the air, "Of coouuuuurse, of course! Here at Limp's Blimps we pride ourselves on being able to make a deal to match the financial situation of any customer! Now are you looking to rent, buy or simply have a one way ticket to a destination within our travel zones?"
<Hikari> "That depends on what your travel zones are."
> The head recites, "Our local service can drop you off anywere within the Awazanak city limits, and our long distance service can take you to a number of excellent destinations around the world!"
* Hikari turns to her friends. "Is there anywhere in particular we would like to go? As I said, I think a simple flyover of the city might not be a bad idea for getting our bearings and spotting notable locations."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike stays behind Hikari and Nagare, stiffening a bit as the head speaks. "Around... the world? Such as where?"
* Nagare blinks. "... Awazanak? What's with the mirroring?"
* Nagare scratches his chin. "Is... Sirap a viable destination?"
> "Oh, a tooooour, is it?" The head bobs happily, "We have affordable plans for guided tours of the city, for a duration of one, two or three hours!"
> Twirling to face Nagare, the face on the head is now a sad one. None of you saw it actually change. It's just looking sad now. "I'm terribly sorry sir, I'm not familiar with that city, so it must not be in our service network."
> OOC: All of you, roll vs Mind+2 please
<Nagare> roll 2d8 Hatbot is a monster
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 Hatbot is a monster and gets 7."12 [2d8=6, 1]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 HATEBUTT
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 HATEBUTT and gets 14."12 [2d8=6, 8]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 ?!?
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 ?!? and gets 8."12 [2d8=6, 2]
> Mike is entirely too distracted to notice, but Nagare and Hikari see...something flashing on the inside of the door. It looks like a red circle, more a hoop really, on a black background. Just flashing in mid-air.
> Once...
> Twice...
<Hikari> "What the--?"
* Nagare blinks. "Hmmmmm?"
> Three times!(more)
> The door suddenly flies apart splinters slamming into all four of the individuals inside, and a quintet of ninjas leaps into the room!
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 90/90 HP [50/70 EP], Mike: 65/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare:70/75 HP [70/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> OOC: That would be init rolling time, yes
<Mykasi> "Eh- ow!" Mike flinches back, before -eyeing- the ninja squad. "...seriously. what. the. hell. ass. balls. Fuck it, you just ticked aggro."
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 Init, init, init~
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 Init, init, init~ and gets 8."12 [2d8=7, 1]
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 12."12 [2d8=6, 6]
> roll 2d8 ninja 1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 ninja 1 and gets 11."12 [2d8=8, 3]
> roll 2d8 ninja 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 ninja 2 and gets 4."12 [2d8=2, 2]
> roll 2d8 ninja 3
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 ninja 3 and gets 13."12 [2d8=8, 5]
> roll 2d8 ninja 4
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 ninja 4 and gets 5."12 [2d8=2, 3]
> roll 2d8 ninja 5
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 ninja 5 and gets 8."12 [2d8=3, 5]
> OOC: Init order is - Nagare > Ninja 3 > Mykasi > Ninja 1 > Ninja 5 > Hikari > Ninja 4 > Ninja 2.   
> OOC: Nagare is up.
* Nagare eyes the third ninja, signaling a casting of The Lying Prince. "Go, Abartach!"
> The floating head screams like a little girl and floats up the stairs at top speed.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 watch it be a 17
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 watch it be a 17 and gets 8."12 [2d8=4, 4]
> roll 2d8 NINJA DODGE
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 NINJA DODGE and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
> Abartach appears, and with a vicious smile and a wave of his hand, sends a spiral of black tendrils after the ninja in the middle! They connect solidly...with the log that has a single leaf that is now there in the ninja's place.
> OOC: NInja three is nowhere in sight to take his turn. Go Mikey.
<Mykasi> "Stupid ninja. But I know what beats ninja." Mike mutters under his breath, as an illusion takes life in front of the four ninja present... a cybernetic pirate, complete with robo-parrot and a laser flintlock pistol - aimed at the second ninja!
> roll 2d8 ninja mind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 ninja mind and gets 9."12 [2d8=6, 3]
> OOC: Failed mind roll, so roll damage.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=1, 7]
> Init order is - Nagare > Ninja 3 > Mykasi > Ninja 1 > Ninja 5 > Hikari > Ninja 4.
<Mykasi> The pirate's laser flintlock nails the pirate straight in the brain - and quickly vaporizes the bastard into dust, as Anansi, apparently mimicking the Borg, appears behind Mike with pompoms and cybernetic implants.
> The first ninja whips out a katana and with a primal scream of "COWABUNGAAAAAAA!!!!" leaps into the air and comes down with a heavy slash aimed at Hikari!
> roll 2d8 NINJA ATTACK!
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 NINJA ATTACK! and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
> OOC: That's a hit. Roll defense.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 14."12 [2d8=6, 8]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 REROLL
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 REROLL and gets 8."12 [2d8=2, 6]
> The ninja's attack is dead on, slashing Hikari right across the chest...which really just manages to cut her shirt up and draw a very thin trickle of blood. (Take 6 damage.)
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 84/90 HP [50/70 EP], Mike: 65/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare:70/75 HP [70/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> The fifth ninja whips out a guitar and starts ROCKING THE FUCK OUT! His killer riffs privide a badass background to flip out and kill people to! (OOC: Your turn Hikari.)
<Hikari> "Ingrate. This is a place of business! Get back to whatever trashy manga you came from!" Hikari materializes the lightsword and swings at the ninja who cut her.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=4, 4]
> roll 2d8 NINJA DODGE
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 NINJA DODGE and gets 7."12 [2d8=1, 6]
> The lightblade cuts right through the ninja, it looks extremely surprised for a moment as it vaporizes like a saturday morning cartoon faceless mook!
> Init order is - Nagare > Ninja 3 > Mykasi > Ninja 5 > Hikari > Ninja 4.
> The fourth ninja whips out a pair of bitchin' chucks and starts going psycho on Nagare!
> roll 2d8 CHUCK YOU PAL
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 CHUCK YOU PAL and gets 6."12 [2d8=2, 4]
> OOC: That's a hit. Defend
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for defenses ohgod
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for defenses ohgod and gets 10."12 [2d8=7, 3]
> The chuck beats land accuratly, Nagare rocked by strikes soundly about his head and shoulders! (Take 16 damage.)
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 84/90 HP [50/70 EP], Mike: 65/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare:54/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> OOC: Back to the top. Nagare, go.
<Nagare> "Agh damn it. I do not take kindly to bludgeonings, sire," the teacher says as he targets the fourth ninja, calling forth his Persona for another casting of The Lying Prince.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 the word of today's day is futile futility
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 the word of today's day is futile futility and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
> Abartach seems to wince as well as Nagare gets struck, throwing off the elfin warlock's aim!
> The third ninja, weilding a pair of sai, reappears! Silently, it leaps upon the Pirate-bot, stabbing it repeatedly with it's pair of stabbing impliments!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 mind check
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 mind check and gets 11."12 [2d8=8, 3]
> The ninja's focus seems to stay on the pirate as it stabs! (OOC: your turn anyway, Mike)
* Mykasi quickly has the illusion lash out at this ninja as well with a laser scimitar! Might as well use what he can, at least...
> roll 2d8 ninja mind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 ninja mind and gets 12."12 [2d8=8, 4]
> OOC: roll damage mikey
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 damage!
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 damage! and gets 9."12 [2d8=5, 4]
> The scimitar slashes the ninja, and it glares at the Robo-rate in anger but holds on!
> The guitar ninja continues to rock out, wailing on that guitar like there is no tomorrow! God damn it is getting loud in here.(OOC: go Hikari)
* Hikari marches over to the wannabe rock star ninja, aiming to put him down and stop that racket!
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 14."12 [2d8=8, 6]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 afsdf
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 afsdf and gets 14."12 [2d8=8, 6]
> But the guitar ninja flips away and dodges, never once stopping his audio assault even while doing backflips!
> The fourth ninja with the chucks continues his rapid assault on the poor proffessor!
> roll 2d8 chuck this out
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 chuck this out and gets 13."12 [2d8=8, 5]
> But this time, thankfully, Nagare manages to duck the chuck, and get a bit of distance from his attacker! ...as he does so, Nagare notices that the door? Is *still there*. And *intact*.
> OOC: It's also Nagare's turn again
* Nagare blinks. "... are you serious? Agh, best to worry about the things trying to rip us in half first. Anyhow... let's see how well this little devil flies. Lilim, if you would," the teacher completes as he picks up the Lilim card in order to summon her, aiming at the rockstar ninja.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 Nagare is like totally FF9 Garnet
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 Nagare is like totally FF9 Garnet and gets 7."12 [2d8=6, 1]
> roll 2d8 rockstar dodging
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 rockstar dodging and gets 14."12 [2d8=6, 8]
> OOC: roll damage man
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
> In a flash of darkness, a Lilim appears. Giggling sweetly, she floats over to the rockstar ninja and interrupts his music with a sudden grab and fierce liplock. As she lets him go, twirls and dissapears, she winks saucily at Nagare. And the ninja staggers around for a moment very dazed.
<Mykasi> "...kinky."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "That's more interesting than I expected it to be."
> The sai ninja continues his rapid furry of strikes at the pirate! (OOC: Mind check Mikey. At -2, you just got distracted)
<Hikari> "It's exactly what I would've expected," Hikari says, syrveying the remainins opponents.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 of course I just got distracted, it's a fucking sexy lilim kissing the hell outta people. Mike is -so- speculating mentally on the potentials for that.
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 of course I just got distracted, it's a fucking sexy lilim kissing the hell outta people. Mike is -so- speculating mentally on the potentials for that. and gets 8."12 [2d8=6, 2]
> Somehow Mike keeps his concentration and keeps the robo-rate dodging or tanking the ninja's attacks. (OOC: your go, Mike)
* Mykasi has the robo-rate block another sai attack before glowing briefly... as the pirate's eyepatch flips up, revealing a mechanical eyeball that unleashes a burst of energy at the pirate!
> roll 2d8 Mind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 Mind and gets 7."12 [2d8=4, 3]
> With a shocked look, the ninja makes eye contact with the pirate! And then EXPLODES!
> OOC: Init order is - Nagare > Mykasi > Ninja 5 > Hikari > Ninja 4.
> The fifth ninja starts trying to rock out again, but stumbles around a bit as if drunk and the notes lack the volume of before and are a bit off key. Still, as it plays, everyone notices a blue X on a circular black background just...sort of flashing in the air.
> Flashing once...
> Flashing twice...
> Flashing three times!(more)
> Suddenly, a wave of sonic energy rips out from the guitar! Or..well, comes out from the guitar. It's a little lackluster as well. Regardless, it "slams" into all three of you and...honestly stings a little.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 82/90 HP [50/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare:52/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> OOC: Everyone took 2 damage. Hikari is up.
<Hikari> "Enough with that terrible noise. I'm going to break that guitar of yours into little pieces!"
<Hikari> roll 2d8 attacking again
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 attacking again and gets 9."12 [2d8=5, 4]
> A swing and a miss. Apparently the ninja knows drunken rocking or something, as it staggered out of the way of Hikari's untrained swing just in time. However, Hikari...also notices the door. It's still there. Intact.
> The fourth ninja, apparently unphased by the sonic "disaster" hollers something about demanding fresh pizza and lays into Nagare once more!
> roll 2d8 watch ol' chucklehead go
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 watch ol' chucklehead go and gets 7."12 [2d8=6, 1]
> OOC: defend
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=5, 3]
> No good. Somehow, a middle aged profesor just can't outspeed a ninja. The chucks land over and over, bruising up Nagare fairly badly at this point. (Another 16 damage man)
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 82/90 HP [50/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare:36/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> OOC: however, it is said proffessor's turn
* Nagare rubs his forehead, kneeling a bit. Without actually saying a word, he calls for Abartach's healing powers (Slane's Dew).
> Abartach appears, pouring healing liquid over his master, the wounds just fading away from Nagare as the water flows. (OOC: Go Mike)
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 82/90 HP [50/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare:75/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
* Mykasi has his illusion quickly charge the musical ninja, as... the parrot turns into an energy pellet that pelters the rocker with light!
> roll 2d8 rockmind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 rockmind and gets 7."12 [2d8=5, 2]
> OOC: roll damage
<Mykasi> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 and gets 6."12 [2d8=1, 5]
<Mykasi> The parrot rematerializes right in front of the ninja... and pecks it once, causing it to dissipate as the pirate grins smugly.
> 4OOC: Init order is - Nagare > Mykasi > Hikari > Ninja 4.
> OOC: Rockstar ninja just died, so go Hikari. Only chucks is left, still trying to wail on Nagare
<Hikari> "Enough. Let's end this farce." Hikari just points at the last ninja. "Brynhildr. SMITE."
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio and gets 7."12 [2d8=3, 4]
> roll 2d8 Chuck off!
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 Chuck off! and gets 6."12 [2d8=3, 3]
> Brynhildr appears, and rushes the poor ninja, slamming her spear...clean into a log.
> OOC: Free act. Ninja 4 never shows back up.
* Mykasi slowly dissipates the illusion, eyeing the logs and seeing if the guitar got left behind. "That was confusing and mostly pointless."
* Nagare just takes the slight break to knock on the seemingly reviving door. "This is seriously bothering me."
> The guitar is not there. None of their weapons are.
* Hikari glances around the store, wary for any last-minute trickery. Hey, one could be hiding somewhere. That's what ninjas do. Along with rock out, apparently. "I truly hope this isn't a common occurrence everywhere in the dream city. I thought at least a store would be safe from any insane interruptions."
> Suddenly, a fanfare erupts into the room, and text appears above your heads!
* Hikari looks up.
* Mykasi cranes his neck upward to try and read it.
> "Mykasi has gained a level! Mykasi's knurd decreased! Mykasi's charm increased! Mykasi's ??? increased! Mykasi learned the skill 'Good Vibrations'!"
> "Nagare has gained a level! Nagare's Soul increased! Nagare's HP increased! Nagare's MP increased! Nagare learned the skill 'Go Talk To A Wall'!"
> "Hikari has gained a level! Hikari's potential increased! Hikari's imagination increased! Hikari's tolerance for weird shit increased!"
* Hikari prods the text box with the lightsword, experimentally.
> The lightsword passes right through it.
> A moment later the fanfare goes away and the text vanishes.
<Mykasi> "..." One eyebrow raises very slightly. "You know. This is... actually, no, I don't quite know what the word for this is."
<Hikari> "Hikari's tolerance for ninjas has not increased," she says, sounding grumpy.
* Nagare scratches his head. "Couldn't it tell me I got a raise at least?"
<Mykasi> "We'd need a female ninja for that, from what you've told us."
<Hikari> "I hope that's all over with...Excuse me, sir?" Hikari calls out to the shopkeep. "The intruders have been dealt with."
> The floating head bobs back down the stairs, "Oh dear me, a ninja attack. I should have been expecting it, I really should have. You all do look the type. Goodness that was too much excitement for my poor heart to handle."
<Hikari> "Expecting it? It's the first time we've seen ninjas before."
<Nagare> "... what? Type?"
<Nagare> "Are you telling us we have little ninjacandy gobs dangling from our hips or something?"
> The head bobs, "Protagonists, of course. Bizzare things are always happening around you people. And of COURSE protagonists always need an airship, it's an unwritten rule. That's why I named this place 'blimps' you see, to try and avoid all that. But I suppose it was not to be."
> The head sighs heavily.
<Nagare> "... I gather you were a Literature bachelor who specialized in pulp."
<Mykasi> "... wait, I count as a protagonist?"
<Hikari> "Well, those kinds of stories usually are about young men," Hikari says dismissively.
<Mykasi> "-Stupid- young men."
<Mykasi> "... okay fine."
> The head mutters, "Airships are heroic, even dirigibles could be seen as heroic, but BLIMPS? What kind of hero wants to fly a blimp? It's a nickname for fat people!"
<Hikari> "We're just looking for a way to get a good look around the city. It doesn't matter what it's called, honestly."
> The head bobs, "Yes, yes. Just hand me your plot coupon and I'll set you up with a blimp right away."
<Nagare> "What would you consider a plot coupon, though?"
<Mykasi> "... and if you didn't see -that- coming from a mile away..."
* Hikari glances to the others. "Did we bring a coupon?" She sounds confused.
<Nagare> "Good question."
> The head sounds a touch cross, "Your plot coupon. You know, a magical floating stone or some flight related relic? Perhaps a ancient magical spell?"
* Mykasi crosses his arms with a slight shrug. "I'm not really the hero type; you've got me confused with someone else. Also don't have any of those. Best we have is a guy who runs shit into walls with the power of the wind, but he's waiting outside."
* Nagare embarrassedly scratches his head. "I think it might be a wee bit early to have anything that conveniently valuable in our hands when we've been in the Greater Dream for a few hours. The most we could trade is buttons and shoes. Or maybe Mykasi, but he'd object."
> The head EYES Mike, "Don't give me any of that! I heard your victory music, you are most certainly protagonists. Not nessesarily heroes, I'll grant, but protagonists all the same."
<Hikari> "Maybe you could tell us how to find this...plot coupon, then?"
<Mykasi> "Hey, that's the first time -we've- heard that victory music, and I sure as hell don't remember asking for it. I prefer heavy metal anyway." Mike snarks back.
> Then the head bobs at Nagare, "Well, I most certainly can't give you an airship without a plot coupon. I suppose I'll be waiting here when you do have one, though."
> To Hikari, it...sort of rolls around in the air, "Well, you probably have to advance the plot a bit, if you don't know what you need yet. That's really the best I can do here."
<Hikari> "I guess all we can do is keep wandering around the city, talking to random dream citizens and hoping someone points us in the right direction," Hikari says with a shrug.
<Mykasi> "Then let's get going." Mike nods. "Thanks for your time."
<Nagare> "Yes. Sorry about the ninja."
> The head bobs a bit, "Yes, yes, thank you for coming. Come back later I suppose. I'll get started on outfitting an airship for you."
* Mykasi nods and leaves, shaking his head once he's out. "This is all just inane."
> The door...opens just fine and seems no different then it was when you came in. You even hear the bell again as you leave. Outside, Shiro is trying to talk to a motorcycle with a horse's head. The horse head his neighing at him, actually.
> Shiro scratches his head, "Man you'd think I'd be able to talk horse. Is that left or right?"
<Hikari> "I don't suppose you heard that fight at all?" Hikari wonders to Shiro.
> The horse-cycle shakes it's head and neighs again.
> Shiro looks over, "Huh? Fight?" Standing up he eyes Hikari's slashed shirt, "What the hell did I miss?"
<Hikari> "Ninjas. Guitars. Plot Coupons." Hikari sounds very tired despite the succinctness of the summary.
<Mykasi> "Ninja swarm attacked us. We need a plot coupon to ride the blimps. It's all silly. What've you learned?"
<Nagare> "Tangentially, I learned that having a videogame nerd Literature bachelor friend in college doesn't make this less ridiculous."
> Shiro grunts, "Tch. Why's all the fun stuff happening inside all of a sudden. Dammit." Shaking his head, he shrugs to Mike, "Uh, not much. I think this bike over here knows how to get to the zoo...that's what they call the park, but I can't understand a word he's saying."
<Hikari> "The next time ninjas appear, Shiro, you are welcome to take them all on for us."
> "Yeah, I'd love to, believe me." He looks a bit annoyed, "Ask 'em to step outside next time maybe?"
* Mykasi goes over to the headbike. "No chance you speak Miwok, do you?" he asks quickly in Miwok, keeping his feet level as he waits.
> The horse neighs at you.
<Hikari> "Do we even know if it understands us? Maybe it could at least nod to respond to yes or no questions?"
<Mykasi> "Sorry." Mike shakes his head, with a slight shrug. "I'm no help here either. If you wanna do that, go ahead, I'm gonna windowshop next door."
> Shiro nods, "Yeah, he's been doing that a bit. Nodding and stuff, but it's hard to get directions with just Yes or No."
> M: Awn the Blink's shop is still there. Mike can see him working on taking a television apart in there.
<Hikari> "Someone could always just ride him there, couldnt they? Does he object to leading us personally?"
> The horsebike neighs angrily at Hikari and snorts.
<Hikari> "That seems an obvious no. I apologize."
* Nagare scratches his head. "I'm pretty sure it understands -us-. It just probably doesn't want us to understand it."
> Shiro shrugs, "May not be a case of doesn't want, Doc. Not all of the shadows I've run across can actually talk. I know those battlebirds can't, and the firelions can't either."
<Hikari> "Well...I suppose we can indulge Mike for a bit. My suggestion turned up nothing of import, after all. Looking for answers in the most logical places hardly seems a fruitful approach here."
<Nagare> "Scratch the 'most logical places' part, actually."
<Hikari> "Yes. Yes, that's a dishearteningly accurate observation."
> Shiro chuckles, then eyes Hikari again and pulls off his sweatshirt, "Here, you want this? Your shirt's kinda cut up, and I can see your bra."
<Hikari> "Ah, my apologies." Hikari graciously accepts the sweatshirt and pulls it over her head. She either hadn't noticed or wasn't bothered by the slash.
> Shiro shrugs, "Hey, I'm not complaining. Just figured you wouldn't want to walk around like that."
<Hikari> "It wouldn't be my first choice. Thank you."
* Mykasi wanders back over, tousling his own hair in bemusement. "Right. So, the plan is...?"
* Nagare sighs. "At this point, I'm wondering if we shouldn't just plant a tent and call it home."
<Hikari> "I think we keep walking the streets hoping that random chance or the sheer whimsy that seems to guide this city will bring us some place we need to be."
<Mykasi> "...that's an amusing way to try and do things, but I'd be worried about the tent being attacked. Maybe a campfire, instead?" Mike grins.
> Shiro shakes his head and pushes his glasses back up, "If we're gonna wander, someone besides me can pick the streets until I recognize something. I'm lost as all shit here."
* Nagare actually thinks for a moment. "Wait, a place we -need- to be?"
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike nods a bit. "Well, we can stop by the Unfixer, but I think it'd be easier if we have something for him to work with first, so... let's just go random he- hm, Professor?" Mike asks.
* Nagare snaps his fingers. "Abartach. Can you spare us a word for a moment?"
> The elfin magician appears and takes a deep bow, "12"Of course. You have but to ask."
* Nagare nods. "This might sound a bit strange, but could you lay down, as legend says, the way to Tir Tairnigir? This is one time where your tracking ability could come in handy."
* Mykasi raises an eyebrow at this, a bit confused.
> Abartach smiles, 12"I can indeed. Look closely sir, and the way shall be revealed."
* Nagare nods and looks for a tracking sign in order to get a direction. Persona, after all, work in mysterious ways.
> As the Persona smiles, his monocle begins to turn black. As Nagare stares into that lens, he sees a flurry of activity and light, as if the whole of the cosmos was bare to him in that tiny circle. Nagare finds himself short of breath and cold...drenched in sweat as his vision narrows into that glorious and terrible vision.
> And suddenly. He KNOWS the way.
* Nagare blinks a few times, catching up on his breath, coughing a bit. He then looks forward, beginning to move as if his body has a will of his own. "Okay, follow me."
<Mykasi> "...uh..." Mike frowns, looking between the two with a bit of confusion.
> Shiro eyes Abartach with a touch of suspicion, "You alright, doc?"
* Hikari shrugs. She's learning not to question anything that seems to provide direction here.
<Nagare> "I'm perfectly fine. This is actually one of Abartach's abilities."
> Shiro nods slowly, "Right. Alright then, lead on."
<Mykasi> "... okay you don't get to call Anansi weird." Mike mutters, following Nagare.
* Nagare grins. "You don't see Abartach doing pantyshots in public, do you?"
> Abartach vanishes in a twinkle of starlight, as his monocle returns to normal.
<Hikari> "This is considerably less strange than ninety-nine percent of what Anansi does, Mike."
<Mykasi> "Anansi at least doesn't attempt to - right, whatever." Mike shakes his head.
> And thus Nagare leads the way. Through streets, around corners, taking a bridge over where the street turns to waterway at a point...and leads Nagare right to a wall. The way he needs to go is through the wall. The wall...the wall...(OOC: Mind roll, Nagare)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 pray guys
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 pray guys and gets 6."12 [2d8=1, 5]
> The wall is not real. It looks real. It smells real. It even feels real. But that is not a wall.
* Nagare breathes heavily. "Okay, here goes...," and then, he walks through the wall.
<Mykasi> "Uh, that's a wall, Prof."
> As Nagare walks into the wall, he bumps right off of it. And then notices the door in the wall. It's right there. That is not a wall, it is a door. You just...couldn't see it before.
> Mike, Hikari and Shiro see no such door, on the other hand.
<Mykasi> "...told ya."
* Nagare hits his head on the - "Ow! Damn it. ... right. The basic trivialities of entrances. Second," the teacher says rubbing his head as he tries to open the door only he sees."
> The door opens. There is no wall there. It's just an archway leading into an alley.
> The other three see the wall dissapear into nothing as Nagare does something to it.
> Shiro blinks, "The fuck? Hey doc, what'd you do?"
* Mykasi frowns. "Wait, what?"
<Hikari> "An astonishing imitation of a wall, it seems," Hikari says with a shrug. It's far from the strangest thing she's seen today.
* Nagare rubs his forehead, still a bit sore. "I just opened the door."
<Mykasi> "...well, you're the tracker. Keep tracking?" Mike shrugs at this point, resigned to notwalls.
> The archway leads into an alleyway. Nagare knows the way forward is here. And then down.
* Nagare keeps walking. It's comforting to know exactly how to move. Problem is... where?
> There...doesn't appear to be anywhere in the alley to go down from. No manhole, no other doorways. It's like a dead end alley, just a street, three walls and a couple of trashcans.
<Hikari> "What are we supposed to find here, Professor?" Hikari asks with obvious skepticism. "It's not in the trashcans, I hope..."
* Nagare looks down more carefully. If there were false doors, false floors could be just as plausible. Alternatively.. one of the trashcans...
> Nothing is seeming false to Nagare's senses. Not like before with the wall. If there is another trick, it's not the same one.
* Mykasi looks around himself. "So what now?"
> Shiro shrugs, "We look in the trash, I guess? Only thing here I can see."
* Nagare scratches his head. "The trashcans are an idea, certainly. I'll check the one on the left."
> Shiro heads for the one on the right.
<Hikari> "Let's look *under* the trash first," Hikari says, tilting one up enough to get a look beneath the can before dirtying herself by digging inside.
> ...the right hand trashcan won't tilt up.
* Nagare checks the one on the left, glancing at Shiro. "... something wrong with that bin?"
> The left one tilts up just fine.
> Shiro eyes the can, adding his own strength to Hikari's to pull it up. It doesn't lift.
* Mykasi blinks at Shiro and Hikari's effort. "The can is not a can?" With that, he shrugs. "Should I open it, then?"
> Shiro pushes his glasses back up, "Ooookay, I can lift and throw a motorcycle in here. Trashcan? Should not be a problem."
<Hikari> "Look inside first," Hikari suggests.
> OOC: Mind check mikey, if you're the one looking in
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 yeah, that was my plan
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 yeah, that was my plan and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 3]
> Inside the trashcan is...a bunch of trash. And some manner of lever at the very bottom that Mike's insanely detailed vision picks out through all the cracks somehow.
<Mykasi> "...sigh." Mike audibly mutters, before reaching into the trash bin and flipping the lever, holding his breath as he digs through the trash. "Switch at the bottom."
> Mike gets his arm covered in trash. And something slimy. Ew. But he flips the lever, and a section of the street slides open revealing a stairway going down.
<Mykasi> "Ugh." Mike wipes his hand off on the outside of the trash can. "Hate doing that sort of thing."
<Mykasi> "But we have a way forward, now..."
<Hikari> "Onward and downward, yes. Well, no sense wasting time in a smelly alleyway..." Hikari starts down the stairs.
> A voice comes up from the stairway, a clear and strangely attractive female voice, "Well well. All my little sisters are down here already, so it would seem we have a visitor. Come on in, I promise I won't bite...at least not hard."
<Mykasi> "...eh?"
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "what?"
* Hikari stops suddenly. "I'm sure that was meant to sound enticing. I'm less sure that I am enticed by it."
* Mykasi peers down the stairwell, in some confusion.
> The stairs lead down into a hallway of some sort. Mike can't see anyone down there at the moment, though.
> The voice laughs, "So hesitant, our guests! You went through all the trouble to get here, surely you must wish to come in?"
<Mykasi> "Well, Abartach, lead the way?" Mike grins at Nagare.
* Nagare shrugs. "I only know the way. Not the destination."
<Mykasi> "Regardless." Mike shrugs.
<Hikari> "Only one way to find out." Hikari shrugs as well and continues descending.
* Mykasi follows Hikari, then.
> Shiro cautiously follows...then grins as he actually steps down into the stairwell, "Holy crap, I can actually go down here! That's a fucking first." And then he cheerfully follows along.
<Mykasi> "Heh. Take what you can get, then." Mike shrugs with a grin.
* Nagare follows as well. "Done and done."
> As you step down into the hallway, a woman who looks much like the lilims earlier, only the size of a fully grown woman and MUCH more...well filled out...smiles, "Greetings to you. I am Succubus, though you may call me Lilly. And you must be the ones my little sisters told me about from Mab's domain?"
<Nagare> "Small world, this one."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike grins a bit awkwardly, but nods. "Bingo."
<Hikari> "We are, yes. I hope your sisters haven't spoken poorly of us?"
> Shiro raises an eyebrow, "So this is where your Persona led you, eh Doc? Think the elf's trying to tell you something?"
> -----------------------------------------------------------

> --------------------------------------------
> Lilly the Succubuss chuckles a bit, a sound that makes Mike and Nagare seem to feel a touch hot under the collar. Turning around, she beckons to you all over her shoulder as she walks further in, "Come in, have a seat and make yourselves comfortable. I think we have much to speak of, and I'm sure you poor dears have some questions about this crazy place, hmm?"
* Mykasi inhales slowly. At least she's friendly... "Alright."
* Hikari follows. "Yes, assuming you're willing to answer them."
* Nagare scratches his head. "I honestly have no idea. We just... very directly stumbled into this place."
> Lilly laughs, "I was going to send my sisters to invite you here eventually, you just saved us both quite a bit of time is all." As you follow her, you pass through a door leading into a very nice large room. A pair of sofas, perfect for lounging on, sit on either side of a low oval table. The sofas look quite plush, with thick cushions and many soft pillows resting on them.(more)
> Around the rest of the room, scattered about the floor, are what look like large comfortable beanbags, many of which have lilims resting on them. A quick count puts the occupants of the room at the four of you, Lilly, and fifteen lilims. And yet the room still seems open, with it's high ceiling and pleasant architechture of gentle curves instead of sharp angles.(more)
> Moving to one of the couches, Lilly has a seat herself, careful not to sit on her tail at a painful angle. A nod to one of the lilims(who waves and winks at Hikari, recognizable as the one who took her energy earlier), sending that lilim off to fetch a tray with a pitcher and five wineglasses, which she pours a sweet smelling drink into and sets on the table.
> Lilly smiles, "Please, make yourselves at home. Any freind of Hers is welcome in my house."
> Shiro shrugs and sits down on the sofa, "Uh, yeah, thanks." He doesn't reach for a glass, though.
* Mykasi braces very slightly at the presence of a large number of demons, before glancing to Lilly with a nod and sitting on the sofa as well.
* Hikari takes a spot on the other end of Lilly's couch, taking a glass of wine and sniffing at it curiously. "You seem to know about us already," she says. "Even before today. How is that?"
<Hikari> "And who do you mean by 'any friend of Hers?'"
* Nagare slowly heads to the couch and sits down, raising an eyebrow. "... does that have anything to do with the hurried stampeding escape the Lilims made earlier?"
> Lilly shakes her head, "I did not know of you until my sisters came right back with the news that one who had formed a bond with Her had arrived. That was news enough to set this in motion even before you quite neatly brought yourselves here."
> She nods at Nagare then, "Indeed. And I think you," she makes direct eye contact with Nagare, "know very well who She refers to."
* Mykasi has a slight grin at Hikari's questions, widening only slightly as Lilly talks again. "Yep. As do I, I suspect, though I lack the link."
* Nagare scratches his head. "You are quite likely entirely right."
> Hikrai smells the wine. It smells sweet, but light. Almost a floral scent, with a hint of...peaches? Yeah, definately peaches.
* Hikari takes a sip. It would be rude to snub their host, after all, and if Lilly really wanted to hurt them, well, they are outnumbered four to one.
> It's...delicious. And a bit heady. Quite relaxing, actually.
<Hikari> "Could I ask what this is?" Hikari says.
* Mykasi takes a glass as well at this point, eyeing it somewhat carefully but also politely sipping.
* Nagare picks up a glass, carefully examining the wine. "Does this have the kind of spice She enjoys applying to her tea? It wouldn't surprise me."
> Lilly nods, "Of course. Springtime Nectar is the name, a personal favorite of mine. Impossible to find in the human world now, I'm told."
<Hikari> "'Now?' That implies once it was available there."
> "Ages ago, yes." Lilly agrees casually.
<Mykasi> "Thank you for this, then." Mike nods congenially.
> Shiro gives in and takes a glass, giving it a sip. Then he blinks owlishly. "Woah...headrush."
* Nagare slowly sips the wine, carefully savoring the drink. He then glances at Lilly. "... does that mean the Dreamdwellers once walked the landscapes of our reality?"
* Hikari nods. She's inclined to ask how long "ages ago" is, but suspects that Lilly speaks from experience somehow and it would be quite rude to ask their host's age, wouldn't it? Or it would in the real world. She takes another drink, nodding along with Nagare's question.
* Mykasi puts his glass down gently, listening in.
> "In a sense, yes. It's...difficult to fully explain." She smiles apologetically, "Suffice to say that magic is real, and has taken many forms over the centuries. Sometimes, but not always, hidden from human eyes. The form changes, and we change with it, but some of us are more then mere Shadows."
<Hikari> "Then one must ask, 'What are you?'"
* Nagare sighs with a smile, his head somewhat lightening up. "Coming to the Greater Dreamscape's been a pretty good way to show us that, really. It's... I honestly lack words."
> During this conversation, the lilim that kissed Nagare before has made her way over to the couch he's sitting on, and is leaning up against his leg suggestively.
* Nagare giggles embarrassedly. "Um... yes? Can I help you?"
> Lilly thinks for a moment, "I am...a servant of something greater. Strong enough to retain my identity through the ages, but not so much that I can openly deal with the current thorn in my side, I'm afraid." She takes a deep breath and exhales, which moves her chest in such a fascinating fashion, "I can't get into fine detail, unfortunately. It's not my place."
<Hikari> "Unfortunate. You offer many opportunities for questions which apparently can't be answered. I assume you can at least tell us about your current problem? Is it Queen Mab?"
> The lilim giggles and actively nuzzles Nagare's knee in responce. Lilly raises an eyebrow and chuckles again, "I think you're making him uncomfortable, dear."
* Mykasi is smiling, but currently saying nothing as his fingers rattle against his knee. A slight nod to Lilly during her comment about fine detail (eyes perhaps not meeting hers fully) is about all that he gives as he listens to Hikari.
* Nagare clearly blushes. It's been... years, really? since he's been actively flustered.
> Then Lilly lets out a sigh, "Correct in one. Mab and I are having...a rather annoying dissagreement, and one which I am sadly getting the worse of."
* Hikari actually looks amused for once. "Professor, you're blushing like a schoolgirl."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow, still a bit flustered. "... at-at least I'm not... um... dressing like one?"
<Hikari> To Mab: "What's the basis fo this disagreement? Is there anything we could do to sort it out? It was a considerable inconvenience for us to have the resolve a battle between your forces when we arrived here. I would hate to have to negotiate such problems every time we come here."
> Shiro barks out a laugh, "Damn doc, that's got to be the worst comeback I've ever heard!"
* Hikari blinks at Nagare. "That--why would you even--" She shakes her head and works on her drink some more. "Never mind."
<Mykasi> "I can fix that." Mike grins to the Professor, before nodding slightly with Hikari.
<Nagare> "I've seen better days," the teacher sighs. Still, he's fairly relaxed right now. The wine seems to have given him slightly high spirits.
> Lilly shakes her head, "Most likely not, I'm afraid. Mab is...overstepping her bounds. But because she's more powerful then I am, there's not much I can do. This is a long explanation, but I can tell it if you're truely interested?"
<Hikari> "Go ahead. We're here today in part to learn about our new surroundings."
<Mykasi> "I'd be interested in hearing it - if ever there comes a time we can be of aid in resolving the dispute, it would probably benefit us as well as you, all things considered." Mike nods slightly.
> She nods, "I will begin by being very plain that unless you have some incredible way of changing Mab's very nature, this dispute is likely not capable of any resolution beyond the defeat of one or the other of us, or a perpetual stalemate until she gets bored and knocks it off. Should you make common cause with me, she will likely consider you an enemy."
<Hikari> "This would pose a problem since she seems to be located very near our entrance to the dream today. Although I susppose we could enter from other locations in the future."
> "But before I can explain how the problem started, I have to be sure you know about how some things work." She continues, "Are you all familiar with the Arcana? The Concepts to which all normal mortals have an affinity, and to which we supernatural entities, including you Persona users, actively belong?"
<Nagare> "Only very vaguely. Tarot isn't exactly one of the things I'm knowledged about."
<Hikari> "I have only some passing knowledge, like the professor. It was mentioned in a class Mike and I spent some time attending recently, though not the focus of it."
<Mykasi> "I've done some study, yes, though not full knowledge. I did some study when it came up in said class, and it's... come up in other discussions." Mike mutters. "I... think I see where this is going..."
> She nods, "Well, some of the Arcana have areas of overlap in thier influance. Of importance here are Mab's LOVERS Arcana and my own DEVIL Arcana. Both Arcana have influance over the Concepts of...well, sex." She smiles and shrugs, not embarrased about what she is.(more)
> "Even most Arcana can be split into multiple...hmm, I think factions is the best word here. I'm the highest power of the DEVIL Arcana faction that focuses on such things as temptation, desire, emotions, perversion and all of those lovely things. Or at least the highest one anywhere nearby. Mab's faction of LOVERS also controls some of these things, and she wants more."(more)
* Hikari nods along, halfway through her drink. Lilly seems polite and reasonable enough regardless of her apparent profession, so.
> "In order to get it, she can do such things as try and force me to submit to her, or try and seduce my sisters here to her side instead of mine." At this no few of the lilims make rude noises at the very thought. But Lilly shakes her head, "And even by simply convincing the Powers of other Arcanas, especially the Powers of other factions of DEVIL, to accord more of this to LOVERS then DEVIL."
> Shiro takes his glasses off and facepalms, "Man, there's just no fucking escaping politics. Though at least it sounds like here you just beat the shit out of the other guy to settle it."
* Mykasi hums, leaning back a bit. "Has she gotten bored before?"
<Hikari> "Is that reasonably possible? That she could convince others of your...arcana, to give way? Who would that be, incidentally?"
> Lilly snorts in a most unladylike fashion, "Oh, certainly. And she'd crush me like a bug if I tried. Mab is on a completely different level then I am, why do you think I'm hiding?"
> To Mike, she nods, "These conflicts happen periodically as time passes. She and others like her have made these attempts before, and we have made them in return when we have a position of more strength. If it just becomes apparent that she won't succeed, she'll give up for awhile."
<Nagare> "This does put the Lilim/Pixie fight we witnessed in a whole new spectrum, though. And suddenly, I feel slightly glad we settled into a civil solution."
> Then to Hikari she nods as well, but her expression turns rather dark, "It is, yes. Not only is there competition between Arcanas, but between factions of the same one. Should other factions of DEVIL, such as the corruptors or the decievers cede recognition to Mab over me, it could weaken the Tempters position within DEVIL, strengthening thier factions in return."
<Hikari> "Neither of these other factions sounds like natural or reliable allies anyway, I have to say."
> Lilly shrugs, "We work with what we have. I do think we're the most pleasant of the DEVIL factions, but I will admit to being a tad bit biased."
<Nagare> "You only need a second to tide momentum to your favor in this kind of struggle. Reliability isn't terribly relevant in the big tides."
* Mykasi exhales. "Okay. And how does Professor Horndog McExcitapants tie into this?"
> "Because of his bond with Her, of course." Lilly grins, "By the way, what name is she using these days, I have to ask?"
* Nagare grins. "I see. I'll gather this is fine to share. You may want to go by Theresa."
> The lilim at Nagare's leg(who still hasn't let go, by the way) giggles at Mike's nickname for Nagare.
* Nagare eyes the Lilim sedately. "I figure she won't let go anytime soon."
<Mykasi> "This bond lends the DEVIL Arcana here strength, then, I take it?" Mike inquires.
* Nagare nods.
> Lilly nods, "A pretty name, I approve. Well then, Theresa is also of my faction of DEVIL, so it's not just the Arcana as a whole, but my faction specifically. You have no idea how relieved I am to know that she's back, actually. Though I assume for some reason or another she can't come with you here?" Her voice is a bit wistful at that last, as if hoping you'll say she's wrong.
<Hikari> "I'm sure that if we asked she'd merely respond with a cryptic evasion."
<Mykasi> "Does she normally spend time wandering about?" Mike inquires. "Also she enjoys tormenting us. This shouldn't be surprising."
> That gets a laugh out of Lilly, "Ah, up to her usual games I see. Well, don't judge her too harshly for it, she can't help what she is."
* Nagare shakes his head. "Given her current position, I'd be honestly very, -very- shocked if she could freely wander the Dreamscapes. Her duty's fairly all-encompassing."
> Then to Mike she smiles a bit sadly, "She used to, before...well, before. THAT is most definately not my place to speak of, but hers alone."
<Mykasi> "...Fair enough. I never would mean to press into a lady's secrets. Unless it'd be funny, but with her, the evasion's funnier." Mike rubs his head.
> "As for any way you could help..." Lilly sighs a bit and hesitates before saying, "I don't really want to take the risk of decieving Persona Users, especially not one who is a freind of Hers, so I'll be honest. Mab could quite possibly offer you far more then I could if you got in good with her, though she'd make you jump through hoops to do it."(more)
> "If you're willing to help me, I will definately be willing to return the favor however I can. At the very least, you will always have a safehaven in my house and in our arms if you like. My sphere of influance is small, but I can find out things, and I can get you connections to those with more."
> Shiro snorts, "You're pretty damn forward, aren't you?"
> Lilly bats her eyelashes at him with a smile, "Did you expect anything else from a Succubuss?"
> This causes Shiro to actively blush a bit and look away.
<Hikari> "Well, I'm not eager to start our adventures here by making enemies, but if we can stop the conflict in some way, it would certainly make our travels here easier. I...can't say I'd have any need of the services you likely provide, but I admit to a certain automatic sympathy for the underdog. I appreciate the straightforwardness, at the very least."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "You're not entirely correct, Hikari."
<Hikari> "Hm?" Hikari mumbles, working down to the bottom of her glass.
* Nagare strokes his chin pensively. "We -do- more or less require one thing that this alliance may offer immediately - a stronghold in the Dreamscapes."
<Nagare> "And this is no small feat."
<Hikari> "It's true that having a safe haven here might prove handy."
* Mykasi grins during this little exchange, before exhaling and glancing to Nagare. "I'd make a lewd comment, but remember what we were wandering around -for- before the Professor, ah, led the way? In other wor- yes, that. And, to be perfectly frank, even if we take no blatant sides I'm not inclined to support Mab, directly or indirectly, unless I believe doing so will end this peacably. So you can have that, at least."
> Shiro composes himself and nods, "And one I can enter even. That's a big plus."
<Nagare> "And honestly, given the situation, this alliance could end up working beyond our expectations. Not to mention we've been had by Mab's cronies before."
* Hikari sets her empty glass on the table, looking just slightly distracted now as she follows the conversation.
> Lilly giggles, "Oh please don't judge all LOVERS of Mab's faction by the pixies. They're nothing but pretty little airheads, hardly even intelligent. Her High Pixies, and especially Mab herself, are FAR more dangerous, intelligent...and yes, civilized." she finally adds.
<Nagare> "That's hardly an incentive to take the Queen's side if we were to take any, honestly."
> One of the lilims slides up next to Hikari and drapes an arm around her neck, joining the conversation, "That's the one thing we're lucky at here. The weakest DEVIL is in a different faction, while Mab's pixies are the weakest thing in LOVERS by faaaaar."
<Hikari> "Objective advantages aside, the first actions of Mab's followers was to impose upon us with an ultimatum to fight for them. I'm really not inclined to side with her when there are friendlier alternatives around." Hikari glances at the lilim and smiles sweetly.
> Lilly beams at all of you, "Thank you so much. Even just knowing that Persona Users are my allies will make Belphagor and his corruptors think twice about cutting a deal with Mab. You all are always the greatest wildcards."
<Mykasi> "Though, a question. You were open to us in part due to Nagare's link, correct? So in theory if we found another Persona user connected to LOVERS, they'd probably be... well, at the sound of it, drafted pretty fast. But." At Lilly's last comment, Mike visibly flinches, before looking up at her. "On that note, do you know anything about another FOOL Arcana or a WORLD Arcana running around here?"
<Hikari> "You've worked with others like us before, or just speaking from observation? Are there other persona users around these days?"
> The lilim cuddles in to Hikari's side a bit more, smiling at her. Then Lilly nods at her question, "I have, a long time ago. I've also seen other times Persona Users have been involved. Your kind is well known as the monkey wrench that can disrupt even the most perfect plans and change the outcome of nearly anything. Nothing is certain when you get involved."
<Nagare> "It is a bit strange that Persona users have this kind of relevance in the Dream, however."
> Then to Mike, she shakes her head, "I don't actually even know what your Arcanas are. Only that it's not DEVIL. I can sense my own, but if Velvet there hadn't taken some energy from this gentleman, we would not have even known of your connection to Theresa."
> "On that note," she asks, "May I ask what your Arcanas are?"
* Hikari wraps an arm around the lilim's side and leans her head on the creature's shoulder. "Strength," she says to Lilly.
<Mykasi> "FOOL but not FOOL/WORLD unless I'm sorely mistaken." Mike comments.
<Nagare> "Moon."
> The lilim whispers in Hikari's ear, "I'm Carlie. Nice to meet you." Then she starts nuzzling Hikari's neck.
> Shiro is quiet for a moment, his attention fixed on Hikari and her freindly lilim. After a second he goes, "Uh, right, Chariot."
* Hikari shows no sign of finding this disagreeable. Quite the opposite. "Mm, nice to meet you too," she murmurs back before returning her attention to the conversation at hand.
> Lilly nods, "A nice blend. CHARIOT *and* STRENGTH, though? You all must be quite formidable in a fight."
> A different lilim gets a michevious grin on her face and takes the pitcher, refilling Hikari's glass, "How rude of me, I didn't notice you'd run out. I do beg your pardon~"
<Nagare> "I wouldn't go that far, considering we struggled with nine-year-olds before," Nagare deadpans with a smirk.
<Nagare> "Although I doubt Shiro would have -that- problem."
<Mykasi> "And an ally not present is HERMIT." Mike says, before pausing momentaraily. "To be fair, nine-year olds in their own dreams with active imaginations and robots. Though my plan worked -fine- for dealing with them, mostly, thanks."
> "Huh?" Shiro blinks at Nagare, having pretty much stopped paying attention, "Uh, sorry, what was that?"
<Mykasi> "You're good at beating shit up."
<Nagare> "Especially nine-year-olds."
> Shiro nods, "Oh, yeah, damn straight."
<Hikari> "Oh, thank you," Hikari says, reaching for the glass with her free hand and resuming her drinking. "Now, Professor, they were very troublesome nine-year-olds, to be fair. We are reasonably skilled at dealing with encounters forecfully when needed, however, yes."
> Then he goes back to watching Hikari and Carlie neck.
> Mike notices the lilim who poured the drink wink at Carlie and Carlie return a grin that can only be described as devilish for a very small moment.
* Mykasi raises one eyebrow at this interaction, his own wineglass having stayed notably down after the first sip. "Mmm. If I could ask a few more questions, and perhaps one small favor related to our support?"
> Lilly nods, "Of course. If we're to be allies, then ask away. There's not overly much I can do, but I'll do what I can."
<Mykasi> "Understood. I suppose the favor I'd ask is this - if you can, lowball the number of allies you've got here, whether we count as direct or indirect ones." Mike says with a smile. "Three reasons: one, if ever we need to be called directly in, it gives us the advantage of surprise." (More)
<Hikari> It's funny-the more of this Hikari drinks, the more she wants to drink it! She's already downed half of her second glass. "So, what can you do for us?" she asks.
> As more of Hikari's drink dissapears, Carlie starts actively kissing her neck, moving from hardcore cuddling into straight up making out.
<Mykasi> "Two, it keeps both the other factions of DEVIL and LOVERS in the dark as to how many of us agreed here - and that allows the rest of us to continue searching for... solutions to this that would be pleasing. In other words, it allows us to act as agents without tipping your hand too far. Third, it simply makes things easier on us travel wise. I'd say designate Nagare as the ally?"
<Hikari> This gets Hikari's attention in a way the conversation can't match, given her current state! She leans in and kisses the lilim full on the lips.
> Lilly considers this, leaning back for a bit to think, then nods, "That's not a bad idea at all, no. Even one Persona User, especially if I let it drop that he has the bond with Theresa, will make Belphagor cautious." Lilly seems completely unphased by the making out going on basically right beside her on the couch as she speaks.
> Carlie returns the kiss with passion!
<Hikari> Hikari employs tongue! Is it super effective?
> Velvet(the lilim at Nagare's leg) giggles, while a couple others cheer!
* Nagare glances at Hikari and coughs uncomfortably as he shakes his head. Then, the teacher returns his attentions to Lilly, rubbing his temples. "I seriously hope this is normal within your confines - it's quite embarrassing as it stands, and I apologize in advance."
> It's super effective! Carlie starts to get up from the couch and grabbing Hikari's hands, tries to lead her into a different room...
> Lilly laughs, "Oh, this is quite normal here, yes. Don't worry about it."
* Hikari finishes her second glass for following suit. "Mm...I'm sorry guys, something's come up," she says to her friends. "You talk for me for a bit, okay?"
* Mykasi inhales slightly, eyeing the two with a wicked smile, before, "... right. Just say you didn't convince the rest of us, then, but Nagare did agree to aid - or something, you're probably better at it than I, I'll not insult your skills by making further suggestions here. It's not as if we're of one mind on anything anyway." A pause, leaning back and eyeing Hikari. (More)
> And with a grin, Carlie leads Hikari into another room...
<Mykasi> "...I hate to be blunt, but will she be, ah, safe? Not in any other regard, I mean - but, uh, humans do get illnesses, even if it's not something you ladies would ever need to worry abut. Apologies if this offends, but she is a friend."
> Lilly shakes her head, but another lilim answers for her, "Only if we want her to!"
> To which Lilly adds, "Which we do not, rest assured."
<Nagare> "I have to point out this is unmitigatingly surreal even for the stunning standards of the Dream."
> Shiro finally remembers to breathe, then shakes his head, "Man...uh, shit." He looks over at Mike and shrugs, "Guess my chances there are pretty shitty after all if she's into chicks, huh?"
* Nagare shakes his head. "This is in no way indicative of her sexuality, I want to say."
<Mykasi> "Gotcha." Mike nods. "I knew you wouldn't intentionally do anything... mainly just paranoia. Again, apologies." A shake of his head. "Back to my questions, as it's mainly information we're in need of right now. ... First, I suppose I should ask how one could gather Macca in this place - I take it violence is the normal means?"
<Mykasi> Then, to Shiro, "... what the Prof said, mainly."
> "If you don't have a buisiness, yes. If you're familiar with Master Frost, he buys all sorts of bizzare things, so if you find them you can take them to him to sell. Though if it's of a mechanical nature, you might get better prices, and less insanity, from Awn the Blink."
* Mykasi nods. "Both of those, we've run into - we have Master Frost looking into an issue for us, actually. Specifically, the deep cold in the real world. I don't suppose you have any information on that?"
> "Awn," she notes, "is of the FOOL Arcana, just as you are, so you may hit it off well. He has little love for us though, so if you do go to him, don't mention us."
> Then she shakes her head, "I wasn't even aware there was a problem with that, I'm sorry."
<Mykasi> "Heh. He struck me as a kindred soul, though it didn't occur to me it was that sort of connection. And no problem."
> Lilly then looks over to where Hikari left from and smiles, "They're likely going to be awhile. Would you care for something to eat while you wait? Unless there's more you'd like to ask?"
<Mykasi> "Hm." Dipping back into thought... "Tell me, do you know how far this portion of the Dreamscape extends? To the 'city' limits? Further?"
> "It fluctuates." She answers simply, "Though it's been growing fairly steadily lately. The city limits were the initial border, but it's expanded. Give it time, and it may encompass all of Japan."
* Mykasi blinks at this offer. "You two can go ahead. My appetite usually goes away when I get any alcohol in my system, so I'm fine for the time being."
<Nagare> "I have to wonder if this is a bad omen."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "That... is somewhat disconcerting. Is there a central point to the city that it's expanding -from-, maybe? ...though..."
> "Now that I have no idea of." Lilly shrugs. "I have little use for rural areas, so I haven't paid overly much attention. All the action happens here in the city."
> Shiro nods to Lilly, "Uh, sure. I'll take something."
> Lilly gestures to a new lilim who ducks off and comes back in a moment with a platter that has a large chocolate cake on it. She cuts you each a slice...and as soon as she's away all of the other lilims rush it to get thier own slices. Velvet even lets go of Nagare's leg for a moment to do such.
<Mykasi> "Sure, that's understandable." Mike nods. "Apologies for the far reaching questions. Basically... well, let me put it this way. Give me the rules of a game, and I'll do my best to get a good solution out of it. It's how I've approached the greater puzzle behind this - try to break everything down so I can get a grip of what's going on. ...I don't suppose you know of any Persona users other than us four, right?"
> Lilly shakes her head, "You're the first indication I've had that you all are involved here. Though I'll keep my ears open. I have some channels I can ask through." Lilly helps herself to a slice as well, since it's there.
> Shiro takes a bite of his cake, "Damn, this is good. I normally don't even like chocolate that much." After a second bite, he shakes his head and laughs, "Good thing I run so much, this thing can't be good for me."
* Mykasi nods slightly, seemingly uninterested in the cake right now. "What places are always in the same spot? Queen Mab's lair, the food plaza...
> Lilly smiles coyly at Shiro, "Don't worry about that. It's actually quite slimming, we eat it all the time and just look at our figures."
* Nagare shrugs. "I'm not entirely sure if Shiro means it -that- way, Lilly. But then, I'm not sure it matters."
> Then to Mike, she thinks a moment before answering, "Any place where a Power dwells is stable. Here, Mab's Domain, there's a Power of the Temperance Arcana at the food plaza I think you're refering to. Master Frost's store and the building across the street from it. Awn's Shop."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Right, okay..." Then, to Nagare, "You might as well have some too. As she said, we won't be going anywhere for a while."
> Lilly takes a bite of her own cake, clearly savoring it, then asks, "Ah, if I may indulge my own curiosity a bit?"
> Shiro shrugs, "Might as well, we've asked enough questions. What's up?"
* Mykasi nods.
> She smiles and continues, "You said you were actually looking for some place to base out of here in the Dream? I'm a bit curious as to why. Wouldn't it just be easier to base yourselves in the physical world and just enter the Dream as you needed?"
<Nagare> "Mykasi honestly could explain the rationale better than I could. It was his idea at first."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Basically, all the residents here know how to get around, right? So what better way to learn how to get around ourselves than to figure out some base of operations in the Dream?" A pause. "This being said there's probably a smarter way, but it's the sort of Dream-logic I'd expect to have -work- here, so."
> Lilly looks amused, "That's...actually just inane enough to work. Shall we see if it does?"
* Nagare snickers. "That's more or less how we roll with Mykasi. It tends to work rather unsettlingly often."
> Holding her hands out to the three who are there, she smiles, "I, the Succubuss Lilly, Power of the Tempters faction of the DEVIL Arcana, invite you to become Residents in my abode."
> Shiro looks over at Mike and Nagare, "Wait, is this some kinda formal pact thing here?"
* Nagare bows politely. If this was to be a formal pact, he'd be quite willing to play by the rules. "We humbly accept your offering. Well, you can assure Hikari does as well as soon as she recovers from that drunken stupor."
* Mykasi opens his mouth to speak, before looking to Lilly with a curious nod and taking her left hand. "Mykasi of the FOOL Arcana accepts your offer." A bit of a wicked grin himself. "Of course, you should know how long FOOLS stay in one spot..."
> Shiro reaches over and shakes her right hand, "Yeah, what they said."
> And with that, the four, even Hikari in the other room, feel a...sensation settle over them. Suddenly the entire place feels more welcoming, more comfortable. Almost like...home.
> Shiro pushes his glasses back up, "What the fuck? What was that?"
* Mykasi exhales. "I... see. Thank you, Lilly; this is greatly appreciated of you to be willing to offer. Out of curiousity, does this give us away to the LOVERS squadron of annoyances? Or is someone's Residence a private affair, like with the Arcanas?"
* Nagare sits down calmly. "You're oddly jumpy about these things, Shiro."
> Lilly beams, "That was you becoming part of my House. This is your home now, while you are here. You can leave at any time simply by deciding to, but I think you'll be hard pressed to find a more comfortable place to rest."
* Mykasi grins in an affirmation of sorts.
> Then to Mike, she explains, "A bit of both. Any Power that you meet directly will be able to tell. So don't stand before Mab herself unless you want her to know. But even her most powerful minions will not."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike nods a bit more seriously. "If the time comes where I think I need to go undercover, I may need to renounce it for a bit, then, and, ah... beg forgiveness later, but otherwise... yes, thank you." A wicked grin. "Though if Anansi can't throw mud on the issue of who or what I am, I'll be hella ashamed. Letdown to tricksters and deceivers everywhere, that'd be."
> Shiro shakes his head, "I'm just kinda on edge today, doc. And this is my first time dealing with a Power, I think. Remember man, I can't go inside buildings here normally. I don't know what's different about this place."
<Mykasi> "Something to figure out later? For now, let's roll with it."
<Nagare> "Indeed. It's a fairly notable first step anyway."
> Shiro nods, "Yeah, that's how I've been doing things." Then he shrugs and returns to his cake.
> The three boys chat with Lilly and the lilims until Hikari wanders back out, practically glowing...
> ----------------------------------------------

> ----------------------------------------------------
> After Hikari came out, the Persona Users have left Lilly's domain(but not before Lilly had Hikari take a bite of the cake and a deep breath of what seemed like smelling salts of some kind. The combo sobering her up near instantly somehow). As Carlie blows Hikari a kiss from the door to the room they shared and other Lilims wave goodbye, the four head up the stairs and are back out in the Greater Dreamscape.
* Hikari is silent as she walks, her expression flat.
* Mykasi exhales. "Okay, anyone want to run one more test or are we done here?"
<Nagare> "I think we've had quite our share of excitement for the day. Especially considering how we haven't put much thought on how time progresses in tandem with our time in the Dreamscapes so far."
* Hikari rubs her forehead, muttering, "Why didn't anyone stop me? I--" She shakes her head. " I don't know. What did you have in mind, Mike?" she says, sounding eager to think about something else.
> Shiro shrugs, "It's roughly the same there, doc. I've spent what feels like 3-4 hours in here to have it be 2-3 out there, but it doesn't desynch any worse then that."
<Mykasi> "I could give you the laundry list, Hikari, but..." Mike shrugs. "The final test was a basic one. If what she said is true... let's try to find our way back to Master Frost's. If we count now, we should be able to make our way there, right?"
* Nagare nods to Shiro, and then turns to Hikari, smiling somewhat awkwardly. "Personally, I have a fair policy of not stopping those in the process of learning from doing intellectually questionable things - as long as they deal with the consequences. I feel this is just one of the myriad faces this can be filed under."
> As Mike thinks about it, he...needs to make a Mind roll!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 and gets 12."12 [2d8=8, 4]
<Hikari> "Thank you for letting me have the opportunity to learn by embarassing myself, professor," Hikari says.
> Mike thinks and he thinks that...um...uh...shit. It was RIGHT THERE. And now it's gone.
<Mykasi> "... any of you guys remember the way there? It's right at the front, but it's not piecing together at all." Mike says, before pausing.
> OOC: you can all try Mind checks if you like. Base diff, no modifiers.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 10."12 [2d8=7, 3]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for thinking about lunch?
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for thinking about lunch? and gets 8."12 [2d8=2, 6]
> Nagare...thinks, and suddenly realizes that he does in fact know the way to Master Frost's. It's not the same kind of pull that he felt from Abartach's power, but instead just a simple knowledge. Yeah, you know how to get there. Who doesn't, right?
<Hikari> "I can't say I remember," Hikari says, apparently having other things on her mind.
<Mykasi> "Hm." Mike shrugs. "Still, if it says something that we feel like we -should- remember... maybe it did work?"
* Nagare bites his lips lightly, balancing his body towards a direction he seems rather sure of. "Okay, I -do- remember the way. Once again, follow me, if you will?"
<Mykasi> "... and here we go." Mike grins.
> Shiro shrugs, "Maybe? Not really enough to go on to make a real guess tho...oh. Uh, I'll shut up then." He says with a half laugh.
* Hikari shrugs. "The worst that happens is that we become more lost." She follows Nagare.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 34."12 [1d100=34]
<Nagare> "Don't worry, this isn't a byproduct of Abartach's oddly useful chicanery. At least not as far as I know," the teacher remarks as he takes the path to Master Frost.
> And thus Nagare leads the way! Down the streets, over the river and through the...woods? Woods. Somehow while heading down one street, the four find that the street ends and leads right into some woods. In the middle of the damn city. But Nagare is sure that the way to Frost's is right through them.
> They look like fairly dark woods too. Lots of shadows and looming, twisted trees.
<Hikari> It's hardly the strangest thing they've encountered here. Hikari just eyes the woods with a shrug, walking on through unless someone else objects.
> Red Hare reappears beside Shiro and he swings effortlessly into the saddle, pulling the spear from it's clip as soon as he's up, "Yeaaaaah, like we're not getting jumped in there. Eyes open, guys."
* Mykasi peers through the woods carefully, one hand up. "Two options. We move slowly and try to pass undetected, or we just go through expecting a fight."
<Nagare> "At times like this, I wish I could ride Abartach's silver horse. If I knew how to ride a horse, anyway."
<Hikari> "I could use a fight," Hikari says. "Let's go."
<Mykasi> "...right." Mike nods slightly. "Let's do this, then."
* Nagare shrugs. "Not like we wouldn't end up having to deal with unwanted guests the slow way -anyhow-."
> Shiro laughs, "Glad I'm not the only one. Alright then!"
* Mykasi lowers his head. "Actually, I was gonna try something the slow way, but hey. I'm good for a fight."
> And thus the four enter the woods.(More~)
> No sooner then they step foot in, do the shadows seem to blot out any light coming from back the way they came. In the shadows even the smallest trees seem ominous, and from that corner of thier eyes many seem to have knots and gnarls resembling faces twisted in screaming horror. But as unnerving as that is, the silence is perhaps worse(more)
> Not a sound can be heard...not even the voices or footsteps of the others. All any of you can hear is your own breathing, sounding heavy and unreasonably loud without any competing noises. When you try and speak, your voice sounds...distant, as if you're speaking from a great distance away through a thick fog instead of, well, right where you are.(more)
> Behind Hikari and Shiro, Mike and Nagare notice the distance between the two halves of thier group start to widen. The two warriors aren't moving any faster, but rather it seems the ground itself is stretching to warp the distance.
> Hikari and Shiro are of course oblivious to this, keeping thier eyes out for hostile shadows from the front.
* Nagare blinks. "Is it just me or are we getting further away from Hikari and Shiro?"
<Mykasi> "We are." Mike nods, before trying to yell, "HEY, HIKARI! SLOW DOWN, SHIRO!"
> Mike can barely hear Nagare's voice, like a distant whisper. Hikari can hear nothing at all from behind her, not even Mike's shout.
* Hikari just keeps her eyes scanning for threats. Nothing amiss behind her, nope.
* Mykasi mutters, before calling on Anansi and tossing an illusion of a stop sign in front of Shiro and Hikari.
> (OOC: Hikari, head to #velvetroom please)
> Mike and Nagare see Shiro and Hikari ready thier weapons and prepare to attack his stopsign.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike pauses a second. "Wait, what? Uh, professor, you're seeing that, right?"
<Nagare> "... sadly, I am. This -has- to be a bad sign - no pun intended. And I think they won't be able to interact with us as it stands, either."
* Mykasi mutters even louder and removes his stop sign. "Come on. Let's hurry up and advance - but stick with me!"
<Nagare> "Do you want me to hold your hand for that?," Nagare deadpans, but perfectly willing to follow.
<Mykasi> "Only if you think you can't keep up!"
<Nagare> "Let's just go."
<Mykasi> "Right, right." Mike advances to the other two, mildly annoyed. It's just a goddamn stop sign, people.
> They see Shiro swing at the sign right before Mike makes it vanish! Then Shiro is clutching his Persona for dear life while Hikari is just shaking her head like she's dazed...
<Mykasi> "......" Mike frowns, keeping a weather eye on those two as well as Nagare as he advances.
* Nagare follows Mike like a good soldier.
> Hikari turns to face the two of you and points her blade right at you. Her mouth moves, but neither of you can hear a word she's saying.
> Shiro turns as well, and readies his spear as if to strike.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike blinks, glancing to Nagare as he stops and tilts his head. "...they're looking like they plan on attacking us."
* Nagare turns pale, taking a step back. "And this doesn't look like a joke. It's already obvious that, at this point, we can't communicate either..."
* Mykasi nods slightly, before stretching. "Hey, wanna see me do something that'll look stupid?"
> Shiro and Hikari seem to say something else, Shiro pushing his glasses back up and a trace of a smile growing on his face accompanying whatever he's saying...
<Nagare> "Only if that'll save our collective hides, Mykasi."
<Mykasi> "It... might, depending on what they're seeing."
<Mykasi> "Or hearing or whatever. Since they aren't seeing -us-."
<Nagare> "Given it's you, I'm willing to give it a shot anyway. Go for it."
* Mykasi nods.
* Mykasi then... sits down.
* Mykasi begins running through track exercises as if he was warming up for the early morning jogs.
> Hikari lunges forward! (OOC: roll inits in your respective rooms of sanity, folks)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 ahahahahaha
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 ahahahahaha and gets 7."12 [2d8=3, 4]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 we're so fucked
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 we're so fucked and gets 5."12 [2d8=3, 2]
* Retrieving #personador modes...
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Mike > Shiro > Nagare
> Hikari rushes in and swings her sword at Mike! But he manages to get out of the way in time. She, uh, does not appear to be playing around, he felt the wind from that swing.
> OOC: Mike.
<Mykasi> "AAAAND THIS IS WHERE WE RUN!" Mike bellows, rolling back and onto his feet before retreating back!
> A quick look behind his shoulder shows Mike that Shiro is bearing down on him hard...
> And as he reaches Mike with the superior speed of Red Hare, swings his spear hard! But again, the agile FOOL is too fast. This time though, Mike not only feels but SEES the wind from the force of the blow that might have hit him.
> OOC: Nagare
* Nagare cringes, and calls forth his Persona. "We need to create a distraction here, and fast. Abartach! Come forth with your deceitful mist!," the teacher says as he conjures the fog of Fianna's Trap.
> Abartach appears, and with a wave of his hand the spellbook he carries flies into the air and a great fog pours from it, quickly filling the area and engulfing all four Persona Users!
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 82/90 HP [40/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare:75/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> The fog takes on a red tinge as Brynhildr appears and lights a tree that Nagare is not three feet from on fire. And the fire quickly jumps to other trees.
> OOC: Mike's turn. Mike can't hear the fire behind him, but thanks to his Hightened Sight can see it with a quick look back.
* Mykasi is indeed looking back since, you know, that's where OH FUCK CRAZY SHIRO is and oh, wait, fog...? ... With a grunt, Mike halts, looking at the fog and the fire. After a moment he creates a second illusion - that of five additional Mikes around him! "... I hate having a conscience."
<Mykasi> OOC: Targets: All four persona users
> Mike sees Shiro swing at one of his illusions...hitting it dead on and sending it flying through the air. Um. Mike didn't tell it to do that.
> OOC: Nagare~
> OOC: to clarify, Mike still sees them as illusions of himself, not as werewolves.
* Nagare rubs his temples, madly pacing. Gotta find a way, gotta find a way... the teacher tries to focus, trying to sense something behind the sudden attacks... like a foreign presence.
> OOC: roll that soul check
<Nagare> roll 2d8 dear god
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 dear god and gets 7."12 [2d8=4, 3]
> Nagare risks taking his attention off of Hikari for a moment to focus and to LOOK at what is around him. Awareness fills him...there is a shadow here...it's...it's everywhere. The feeling of a shadow surrounds Nagare from all sides, stretching out as far as he can sense. But it's a seamless feeling, not like a crowd of them but as if it was all one very large Shadow...
* Nagare suddenly gets a glimpse and realizes at least a part of what is going on. The teacher then turns his attentions to Mike - if no one else, he needs to know what the hell is going on.
> Hikari sends more fire arcing at Nagare, and this time it's more on target! (OOC: Roll defense, doc)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 crap
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 crap and gets 9."12 [2d8=5, 4]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 82/90 HP [40/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 67/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 82/90 HP [30/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 67/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> Hikari's fire burns hot, but Abartach's Shroud of Mist cushions the blow, and it's not as bad as it could have been.
> OOC: Mike is go. He can see Hikari throwing fire at Nagare and connecting this time.
<Mykasi> "Ngh... fucking hell! SHIRO, STOP THIS FUCKING IDIOCY! ... or, wait. Fuck this shit, appealing to your sex drive instead." And with that, the werewolves disappear... and a gaggle of sexy Hikaris appear as a wall in front of Shiro, hopefully blocking line of sight as Mike slowly slinks into the trees.
<Mykasi> OOC: Still targeting all four Persona users
> OOC: hahaha, roll mind Mike
<Mykasi> The wall of Hikaris, linked via holding hands, bend over and give Shiro a flash and an air kiss~
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 like Mike's paying attention, he's too busy going oh fuck we're gonna diiiiiie
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 like Mike's paying attention, he's too busy going oh fuck we're gonna diiiiiie and gets 13."12 [2d8=5, 8]
> Mike can see Shiro suddenly snap his eyes shut and start swinging like a madman at whatever he's seeing the line of Hikaris as.
> OOC: Nagare is up again
<Mykasi> "... I'm not letting you live this down if we survive this, Shiro!"
* Nagare simply tries to run to Mykasi, taking him by the hand in order to relay him the news. No time to lose, no breath to waste.
> Nagare manages to get over to around where Shiro is swinging at a line of illusion Hikaris that are flashing him and blowing kisses. Which means Mike has got to be around here somewhere. (Mind check to find Mike,. You aren't immune to your own mist, Nagare~)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 will I roll as badly as Mykasi?
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 will I roll as badly as Mykasi? and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
> Um...well...he has to be around here somewhere. Just not anywhere Nagare can see him.
> Mike, of course, can see Nagare on the path just fine from his spot in the trees.
> But before anthing else can happen...
> roll 1d4
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d4 and gets 1."12 [1d4=1]
> OOC: Mike's turn. He can see Hikari moving towards Nagare, and Nagare standing in the path looking around for something.
* Mykasi grimaces and slowly moves further back into the woods- before spotting Nagare, at which point he pauses.
<Mykasi> At this point, one of the Hikari-girls points straight at Mike while looking at Nagare, while the others point in random directions while looking at other people. That should be enough of an attention grab, presuming Mike's the intended look-fer.
> Suddenly, Red Hare jumps clean over the Hikaris and lands close to the path a bit further away from where Mike is.
> OOC: nagre is up
* Nagare sees the VERY CONSPICUOUS Hikari-girl pointing towards a very specific direction, glancing at him, and follows that direction as quickly as he can.
> Nagare hustles off the path, and finds Mike trying to hide from the others!
<Mykasi> Mike's current facial expression looks about like someone just attempted to stab his mother in front of him.
* Nagare eyes Mykasi's staggering expression as if he couldn't -see- that expression at all. Panting, the teacher grabs Mykasi by the shoulders. "This... *pant* whole place... *huff* is... a godforsaken... Shadow."
> roll 1d4 again~
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d4 again~ and gets 3."12 [1d4=3]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 82/90 HP [30/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 67/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 100/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> Mike sees a burning tree land on Shiro.
> OOC: Mike can go ahead and go, I think.
* Mykasi looks to Nagare wordlessly, before rubbing his head- and then sees a tree land on Shiro. "... ...two options. No, three. We go help Shiro but risk more attack, we trust Hikari to and retreat, or we trust Hikari to and then provoke them into further attacking the forest."
<Nagare> "I think we can trust Hikari's might on Shiro's ordeal. Second is safe but ultimately fruitless, third is risky but our way out."
<Nagare> "Although if we escape, we may be able to try handling the Shadows ourselves once we're out of their sight."
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 77/90 HP [30/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 67/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 100/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
<Mykasi> "Gotcha. Then... if they want to fight?" Mike's grin turns downright -malicious.- "I'll give Hikari something she'll definitely want to kill." And with that, he dismisses the current illusions, and on the other side of the forest from himself and Nagare, right near the crazy duo...
<Mykasi> Five Sailor Anansis, fully decked in fuku and sailor wands, complete with D-cup cleavage and magical faerie dust flying around them, appear in front of a set of trees! "IN THE NAME OF THE WEB, I, SAILOR ANANSI, WILL SMI-HIHIHIHI-HIIIII~TE YOU~!"
> OOC: Roll Mind, mikey
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 SAILOR ANANSI COMPELS YOU
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 SAILOR ANANSI COMPELS YOU and gets 6."12 [2d8=1, 5]
> OOC: Uh, it is SHiro's turn but he's too stunned to do anything. So Nagare, take it away.
* Nagare deflates as he sees Mykasi's plan come to fruition. "..." The teacher stands in stupefied disbelief. "... sometimes, I loathe you, Mykasi."
<Mykasi> "Wouldn't you want to kill them?"
> roll 1d4
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d4 and gets 1."12 [1d4=1]
> Mike can see Hikari and Shiro just stop and STARE at his creations. Then he sees another burning tree aiming right at them~
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 52/90 HP [30/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 67/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 100/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> OOC: Mike's turn. He sees Hikari slice at one of his spiders in irritation after shaking off another TREE ATTACK.
<Mykasi> "...DAMNIT HIKARI USE FIRE!" Mike bellows, before grunting. "Oh, right. She can't hear me. But she's not using fire, either. God damnit! This isn't working!" After a mutter, "...Let's go, Professor. But I'd like to keep them in sight for the first little bit. I don't think we'll get anything done if we can't communicate here."
* Mykasi dismisses the now disappointed looking Sailor Anansis as he begins to head back further still, following the path from inside the forest a bit and motioning for Nagare to follow.
> And suddenly, the mist dissipates as quickly as it had settled. The forest is still somehow dark and gloomy despite EVERYTHING BURNING ALL AROUND YOU, but hey at least it's easier to see now.
> OOC: Also, Nagare's turn.
* Nagare sighs. "At this point, we probably should try to leave this place if we can. Maybe we could try to direct the other two out? In all honesty, I -think- Sailor Anansi might have clued her in to something here."
<Mykasi> "Doesn't look like it, she still attacked it." Mike dissents. "She probably deduced it was illusion, but not that it was me - remember, they've attacked all my other illusions thus far."
<Nagare> "Let's be honest, she'd attack Sailor Anansi either way. You might as well give it another try as we try to get out."
<Mykasi> "I'd like to think Sailor Anansi would be stupefying enough to either burn or stun."
* Nagare shakes his head, laughing a bit somberly at this point. "You give your insanity a bit too much credit. Regardless, you can consider that as we try to leave, okay?," the teacher says, taking Mykasi by the hand and trying to retrace his steps for the sake of leaving the forest.
<Mykasi> "Awww, I didn't know you liked me like this~"
<Nagare> "I'd use a forklift instead if it was available."
> roll 1d4 I'm calling that end of the round
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d4 I'm calling that end of the round and gets 2."12 [1d4=2]
> Suddenly, as they try and leave, a BURNING TREE aims RIGHT FOR Mike and Nagare! (OOC: Roll defense, gentlemen)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 oh FUCK FIIIIIRE OH GOD FIRE FIRE HAS COOTIES
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 oh FUCK FIIIIIRE OH GOD FIRE FIRE HAS COOTIES and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 fuuuuuuuuuuuck
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 fuuuuuuuuuuuck and gets 8."12 [2d8=5, 3]
> roll 2d8 damage Mike
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage Mike and gets 10."12 [2d8=8, 2]
> roll 2d8 damage Nagare
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage Nagare and gets 8."12 [2d8=4, 4]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 52/90 HP [30/70 EP], Mike: 23/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 57/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 100/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> Neither one can dodge in time, the FLAMING TREE landing right on them! It burns, it burns Mike SO MUCH it hurts it hurts it hurts! And it wasn't even a solid hit! Nagare's hit was a bit more solid, but again the blessing of Abartach softens the impact. It still hurts though.
> Mike can hear Anansi screaming bloody murder in his mind at the fire.
> OOC: Mike's turn
> OOC: You aren't pinned by the trees, just hurt by them, by the way. They may have knocked you to the ground, but didn't pin you in place.
* Mykasi screams wildly as he buckles nearly in half, shaking in pain, before lashing out and freezing as much fire as he can almost instinctively!
> (OOC: Roll damage. It's trees, you auto hit)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 FREEZE YOU STUPID TREES FEEL WINTER'S EMBRACE YOU PUNKS
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 FREEZE YOU STUPID TREES FEEL WINTER'S EMBRACE YOU PUNKS and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
> Anansi appears over Mike's head...and is also on fire. He didn't even BOTHER with the monocle or hat this time. He does, however, have a large fire extinguisher which he uses to at least put out the fire immediately around Mykasi and Nagare if no further.
> OOC: Nagare is up.
* Nagare shakes his head. "This wound doesn't look good - let me try to patch this up," he says and calls for Slane's Dew to heal Mykasi.
> Abartach appears and gently pours a pot of cool water over Mike. It soothes the wounds and heals even the worst burns.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 52/90 HP [30/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 57/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 100/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 52/90 HP [30/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 57/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 100/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> OOC: Back to Mikey
* Mykasi nods to Nagare and practically -howls- again as ice comes spinning forth from above him in waves, Anansi only blearily visible to him through stinging tears.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 damage on fire around us
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 damage on fire around us and gets 9."12 [2d8=3, 6]
> More of the fire around them is cleared, though some trees withing falling distance retain thier flames...
> OOC: Back to Nagare
* Nagare grimaces. "Mykasi, you think you can move ahead while dousing the fire further? If so, I could rely on Abartach and hope we get lucky - otherwise, we may end up stuck here."
* Mykasi nods sharply, hands clutched around his chest somewhat loosely.
* Nagare nods. "Okay, then. Follow me closely and quickly, then - it's our only chance -right now-, even if we don't know where it'll lead us," the teacher finishes, closing his eyes as he calls for Abartach to show the way to Tir Tairnigir.
> Abartach appears, and as before he stares into Nagare's eyes and his monocle takes on the appearance of the cosmos. After he pulls himself out of the vision, Nagare sees two paths. A red path, full of flame and fury, back the way they came from. And a black path, full of pure malice, deeper into the wood.
> OOC: Mike can do whatever he's gonna do. ANd Nagare can say something about what he saw, surely.
* Nagare nods to himself, and then ponders. At this point, ensuring survival is prime. "Okay, I can tell two ways. But I doubt we'd be able to manage the deeper path as it stands right now. If we move fast and clear the way, we may be able to leave the forest."
<Mykasi> "WHAT WAY?!"
<Nagare> "We go the way out. Follow me, stay on your toes and douse any flames you see," the teacher says as he decides to take the path of flames.
> Nagare leads the way back to the path. A ways ahead, Mike and Nagare can see an entire mass of trees, already fallen over the path. And Mike can see, beyond that, a faint glow of light. Real light. (OOC: You guys can make your way to the fallen mess this round, but can't do anything to it until next round)
> As they make their way forward, more trees start falling towards the pair! (Defense checks, please)
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 9."12 [2d8=5, 4]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 oh god not the fire
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 oh god not the fire and gets 10."12 [2d8=5, 5]
> roll 2d8 damage on Nagare
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage on Nagare and gets 9."12 [2d8=8, 1]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 52/90 HP [30/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 37/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 100/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> Trees fall in, crashing and landing, maliciously aiming right for you. But now that's he's ready, Mike won't be caught so easily twice. The poor proffessor on the other hand is bashed and bruised by flaming foliage and burning branches!
> But he still stands. Forcing thier way through, the pair reach the pile of fallen flaming trees...and what may hopefully be comparitive safety. All the trees that could have fallen in this area already have.
> (OOC: And it's Mikey's turn)
<Mykasi> "Kch..." Mike grimaces, looking for a way around the pile of trees.
> There...doesn't realy seem to be one. There's spots with less flaming wreckage, but none he can see that don't have any.
<Mykasi> Mike grimaces and simply freezes a relatively flat area to try and cross. "Hate hate hate hate hate hate."
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 hate damage
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 hate damage and gets 12."12 [2d8=7, 5]
> Anansi's fire extinguisher goes to work, spraying out sections of the fire. He can't get enough to cross immediately, but it seems to be working at least somewhat!
> The pile of debris starts shaking, and suddenly chunks start flying out towards the men trying to escape!
> roll 2d8 attack on Mike
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 attack on Mike and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
> roll 2d8 attack on Nagare
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 attack on Nagare and gets 7."12 [2d8=1, 6]
> OOC: That's a hit on Nagare. Defense.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for defense oh well
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for defense oh well and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 52/90 HP [30/70 EP], Mike: 63/70 HP [75/95 EP], Nagare: 32/75 HP [60/90 EP], Shiro: 100/140 HP [55/75 EP]'
> A branch tags Nagare slightly, but he shrugs it off. (OOC: Go mikey)
<Mykasi> "Fucking hell HATE YOU ALL" And with that Mike lashes out more fiercely at the fire still remaining in the way!
> (Damage it up, you know the drill)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 sorry, right
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 sorry, right and gets 9."12 [2d8=8, 1]
> The fire extinguisher does it's job, putting out the fire over enough to let them try and scramble through! (Body checks both of you)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 maybe this time Hatbot has mercy
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 maybe this time Hatbot has mercy and gets 4."12 [2d8=3, 1]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 muscling on through, maybe
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 muscling on through, maybe and gets 16."12 [2d8=8, 8]
> Nagare manages to bull his way through, but Mike gets stuck.
> Suddenly, Anansi looks down and shakes his head, 2"Psst, boss. Ya do it like this~"1 And with that, Anansi begins to outright DANCE his way over the logs, showing Mike how to move.
> (OOC: You have used one point of Ace in The Hat. You now have Special Movement(Balance))
<Mykasi> "...right. Doesn't help that your fucking -scream- is still shaking in my head louder than bells." Mike mutters, attempting to mimic Anansi's movements outward.
> It's..surprisingly easy. So long as he keeps dancing, Mike finds he never looses his footing.
> And with Nagare's blundering and Mike's dancing, they all escape the murderous forest.
> ------------------------------------------

And from #velvetroom after the split

> A ghost suddenly appears in the path before Hikari and Shiro! It's blood red and it's empty eye sockets are crawling with disgusting spiders!
<Hikari> "Stand aside, dread apparition!" Hikari shouts, summoning Brynhildr to her side in preparation for the inevitable attack.
> Red Hare comes to a halt as Shiro hefts his spear, "Come on, ghosts? Really?" Hikari can barely hear his voice, as if it's being whispered from a great distance away...
> The ghost opens it's mouth, and belches forth a foul mist upon the pair! (OOC: Mind checks at -4, both of you)
> roll 2d8 for Shiro
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 for Shiro and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 no way I'm making that
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 no way I'm making that and gets 12."12 [2d8=6, 6]
> The mist...feels cloying to Hikari. It clings to her like a black cloud, and her vision swims, her mind feeling very fuzzy for a moment.
* Hikari clutches her head. "Mmf--I...what? Where...mm..."
> Beside her, Shiro grits his teeth, "Tch...shit, it burns...", then he swings at the ghost without waiting any further!
> But before his spear even lands, the ghost vanishes as suddenly as it had come.
* Hikari tries to shake away the haze. "What. Where'd it? Erm."
> As he pulls back his spear, Shiro grabs hold of Red Hare's mane to avoid falling off, his breathing heavy and his face cringing in pain.
<Hikari> "Shiro...alright?" Hikari manages, struggling to focus on words.
> As she shakes her head to clear it...Hikari sees something coming up behind her. More shadows. A pair of them, a foul creature made of swirling shadows with a single stony eye glowing white in it's head, and...a werewolf beside it, saliva dripping from it's mouth as it advances with it's shadowy compatriot.
> Shiro tries to steady himself, "Hot...so...damn...hot...fuck..." but he pulls himself back upright in the saddle, sweat dripping from his face.
<Hikari> "More of them," Hikari breathes, somewhat reinvigorated. She draws herself up, lightsword held ready. "Stand back, shadows! I have little patience for trouble today!"
> Shiro turns to see what she's looking at, then readies his spear again, "Behind us? Fuck, did they already get the others?"
<Hikari> "We may have to fight our way through to save them. Mike! Nagare! Can you hear me?"
> Shiro nods, "Let 'em get a little closer, then I'll jump over thier heads so we can surround them."
* Hikari nods. "Yes." She waits.
> The shadowy thing moves back just a touch, as the werewolf seems to be just STARING at you...
> The werewolf crouches, going down to all fours, ready to pounce!
* Hikari isn't about to wait--she charges forward to get the first strike!
<Hikari> roll 2d8+8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8+8 and gets 21."12 [2d8=8, 5]
> roll 2d8+9 init
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+9 init and gets 15."12 [2d8=5, 1]
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Werewolf > Shiro > Shadowthing
> OOC: Hikari is up!
* Hikari runs forward and, with an incoherent yells, slashes at the werewolf!
<Hikari> roll 2d8 swordy attack
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 swordy attack and gets 11."12 [2d8=3, 8]
> But the swing is a bit off due to Hikari's condition, the werewolf ducks it easily!
> The werewolf leaps back, racing back down the path away from Hikari and Shiro!
<Hikari> "HAH. You had better run, monster!" Hikari calls after the fleeing shape.
> "Oh no you don't!" Shiro kicks his Persona into motion and rushes right past Hikari and the shadowy thing to bear down on the fleeing wolf, "Charge, Red Hare!"
> As he closes, he gathers a ball of wind around the tip of his spear and swings for all he's worth, "Baofengyu zasi!"
> roll 2d8 TEMPEST CRUSH
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 TEMPEST CRUSH and gets 13."12 [2d8=7, 6]
> The blow misses the werewolf by inches!
> The shadowy thing hisses, and...oh god this one's belching out gas too. From around it's rocky eye, a thick vapor gushes out and obscures your vision!
> OOC: And it's Hikari's turn again!
<Hikari> "You think you can hide from me?" Hikari challenges the creature. "Brynhildr, burn this monster to ashes!"
<Hikari> roll 2d8 fire~
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 fire~ and gets 9."12 [2d8=6, 3]
> But in the mist, it's hard to tell the shadow creature from the mere shadows!
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 15."12 [1d100=15]
> Instead of roasting the tricky shadow creature, Hikari seems to have lit a particularly creepy looking tree on fire with her attack.
> And the fire is spreading so much faster then it really should.
> Shiro halts as he sees the werewolf suddenly split into six.
> Quickly looking between them, he picks one at randome to swing at, the blade of his spear again surrounded by a swirling ball of wind!
> roll 1d6 1=Mike
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d6 1=Mike and gets 4."12 [1d6=4]
> roll 2d8 did he hit the illusion
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 did he hit the illusion and gets 11."12 [2d8=3, 8]
> The Tempest Crash connects, the ball of wind flowing from the spear to the wolf's chest and sending it FLYING through the air!
> The shadowy thing settles into the mist it had summoned, but does not strike at Hikari yet!
> OOC: Hikari is up!
* Hikari strides through the mist, looking for the cause of the unearthly fog. "I'll burn through the forest to find you if I have to! Come on out!"
<Hikari> roll 2d8 more fire~
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 more fire~ and gets 7."12 [2d8=2, 5]
> The fire connects against the cycloptic shadow! (Roll damage)
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 16."12 [2d8=8, 8]
> The fire burns the shadow, but it seems unconcerned, merely flinching away a small bit.
> A wall of medusae with writhing snakes for hair all appear before Shiro, hissing and leaning in threateningly. Instinctively he snaps his eyes shut and starts swinging wildly, his blade passing through them harmlessly even when he does connect.
> Hikari sees the shadowy creature melt away into the mist. The fog is so thick, she can't see where it went...
> But before she can chace him, a burning tree falls right for her! Oh no, roll Defense quickly!
<Hikari> roll 2d8 OHSHIT
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 OHSHIT and gets 9."12 [2d8=4, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 REROLL
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 REROLL and gets 6."12 [2d8=2, 4]
> The sound of rattling dice accompanies a slight shift in the tree's direction as it falls, causing it to land right next to Hikari instead of right on her.
> OOC: And it's now her turn.
<Hikari> OOC: what cna I actualy see right now?
> OOC: Mostly a whole lot of fog between you and where everyone else went. Also alot of burning trees.
> OOC: Hikari did at least see the wolf and Shiro and later the shadow, move in that direction, deeper into the fog.
<Hikari> Lacking any better options, Hikari moves after Shiro, sword held ready for any trouble. Hopefully there is less burning in that direction as well.
> As she moves through the mist...she needs to make a Mind check!
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 11."12 [2d8=3, 8]
> There's no sign of the shadow or the wolf. But she can't miss the sight of Shiro doing battle with a line of hideous snake-women with more snakes for hair, all hissing and snarling at him!(react next turn, we're back to Mike now)
> Suddenly, the medusae all start pointing in different directions, and begin uttering some doubtlessly foul incantation!
> Shiro doesn't risk opening his eyes to see what they're doing, because, well, he's read Greek Mythology. Instead he kicks Red Hare into a mightly leap, taking him up and over the heads of the snake-women and...
> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 and gets 5."12 [2d8=3, 2]
> NOT into a tree! He lands a bit off the path, but lands safely.
> Suddenly, Hikari sees a burning tree fall right for Shiro...who's eyes are closed.
> roll 2d8 miracle dodge
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 miracle dodge and gets 6."12 [2d8=5, 1]
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 13."12 [2d8=6, 7]
> The tree lands right on him, though somehow doesn't knock him from Red Hare's back! He curses as the fire catches, "GAH! FUCKING HELL!"
> OOC: Hikari's turn
> OOC: She can see a Shiro who is on fire. A forest that is on fire. A whole lot of fog. And a bunch of medusae pointing at random things.
<Hikari> "Shiro! Damnation--" Hikari makes her way through the fire and fog as best she can, trying to link up with her only visible teammate again. It's not like there's any good place to be right now, so she may as well try and stay together. And the medusae don't seem to be much of a threat right now, so she may as well ignore them...
> Hikari gets next to where Shiro is. He's currently trying to get a grip on the tree to throw it off of him.
> And swearing. Alot.
* Hikari grabs hold of the tree trunk, trying to help Shiro shove its bulk away.
> Hikari moves the trunk easily. It's surprisingly not heavy. Just on fire.
* Hikari turns and tosses it behind her.
> SHiro brushes off the fire that's clung to him, and shakes his head, opening his eyes to look around, "Shit...thanks." Then he pales a bit as he sees the situation, "This whole place is burning. That's really not good for me. And what the hell are those things doing?" He eyes the meduesae though being as careful as he can not to make eye contact
<Hikari> "I could not begin to guess, Shiro. I have no idea where Mike and the professor are, either. I don't think we have any choice but to try and leave the way we came from."
> Suddenly...
> Five Sailor Anansis, fully decked in fuku and sailor wands, complete with D-cup cleavage and magical faerie dust flying around them, appear in front of a set of trees! "IN THE NAME OF THE WEB, I, SAILOR ANANSI, WILL SMI-HIHIHIHI-HIIIII~TE YOU~!"
> Shiro just blinks, completely poleaxed, "What."
<Hikari> "Mike," Hikari deadpans. "Or I'd assume so, but I haven't seen him..."
> As Hikri and Shiro stand there in disbelief, shock or just plain annoyance, another burning tree aims RIGHT for them! (OOC: defense checks from both.)
> roll 2d8 shiro defense
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 shiro defense and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=5, 3]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 rerolllll
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 rerolllll and gets 12."12 [2d8=6, 6]
> Shiro spins and just barely manages to block the tree with his spear, brutally striking it aside! But even as he does so, the top half breaks right off and continues unerringly for Hikari!
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 3]
> The burning bit of tree hurts, quite a bit actually, but at least Hikari's toughness shrugs off some of the blow and she's not allergic to fire like her current partner.
> OOC: And Hikari's turn
* Hikari just grunts and brushes off sparks of flame. "The spiders are some message from Mike, I'm sure. I haven't the faintest clue what he's trying to tell us, but that's where I'm going." Hikari strides towards the Anansi troupe, casually swiping at one in irritation as she does so.
> Her blade passes right through it. She already knows it's an illusion.
> As the Sailor Anansis look dissapointed and dissapear, Shiro rides forward to keep pace with Hikari, "I don't see him anywhere. Or the doc. What the hell is going on in here?"
> And suddenly, the mist dissipates as quickly as it had settled. The forest is still somehow dark and gloomy despite EVERYTHING BURNING ALL AROUND YOU, but hey at least it's easier to see now.
<Hikari> "I have no idea whatsoever, Shiro. I--oh, look at that. I say we try and go back the way we came from. I haven't any other ideas."
> He nods, "Yeah. I don't want to leave those two in here, but I don't really want to stay in a burning forest either."
> A burning tree falls somewhere behind you, and Shiro shakes his head, offering a hand down to Hikari, "Here, get up and hold on!"
> OOC: Hikari's turn
<Hikari> "Right." Hikari takes Shiro's hand and gets on the horse behind him, wrapping her arms around Shiro's midsection. "Go! Let's get out of here!"
<Hikari> OOC: will keep an eye out for the other two as we go, of course.
> Shiro leans over Red Hare's neck and slaps his Persona a bit on the side, "Alright, let's go! Red Hare, get us out of here!"
> And the horse takes off like a shot out of a cannon, tearing through the forest as fast as Shiro can manage to push him! (Roll Mind quickly Hikari to see if you notice anything before hitting the exit at Shiro's top speed)
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 16."12 [2d8=8, 8]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 fffffffreroll
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 fffffffreroll and gets 7."12 [2d8=6, 1]
> Hikari can't see anything at the speeds, they're going. At least no sign of Mike and Nagare. She does see a whole mass of flaming trees all starting to fall in towards the path in the direction that they're moving, though...
> OOC: Back to Hikari. You can see the trees falling in to try and bar your exit...
<Hikari> "Dammit, is something trying to keep us here? Unless this horse can go faster, Shiro, we're stuck!"
> Shiro growls, "See if Brynhildr can knock some aside, I'll try and jump it!"
<Hikari> "Yes. Brynhildr! Cut them to pieces! Set us free!"
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio and gets 6."12 [2d8=5, 1]
> (OOC: Clean hit on a moving object. Damage roll)
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 5."12 [2d8=3, 2]
> Brynhildr rushes forward, slashing the falling trees with her mighty spear! Some shatter under the heavy blow, while others are knocked down faster, giving Red Hare more room to leap!
> Shiro yells out, "Hold on tight, 'cause here we GO!" And with that, Red Hare builds up speed and leaps before it hits the jumble of falling trees!
> roll 2d8 body for Shiro
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 body for Shiro and gets 8."12 [2d8=3, 5]
> Up, up and....OUT! Red Hare's powerful leap carries Shiro and Hikari clean over the mess and out of the wood, the sudden return of sunlight stinging thier eyes!
> Landing heavily on the other side, Shiro pants to catch his breath as Red Hare walks off the landing.
> However, you don't see Mike or Nagare anywhere.
<Hikari> "Dammit, where are they? I thought they were behind us!"
> OOC: If Hikari's doing anything, she's back up.
<Hikari> "If they'd come back out, they'd be waiting for us, wouldn't they? We can't just leave them in there."
> Shiro eyes the mess of fallen trees, all merrily ablaze, "Tch...you can't climb over that. And if they're not out here..."
<Hikari> "Circle around the forest," Hikari commands. "There could be another way in or out somewhere."
> The forest simply springs into being in the middle of the street, flanked by buildings on either side. Still, Shiro nods, "ALright, just let me get a running start then."
* Hikari keeps hanging on, then!
> Shiro and Red Hare turn, and start getting the room they need for a running start.
* Hikari glances around. where are they even going? OVER the buildings?
> Considering the way he's aiming, that may be the idea.
<Hikari> All the more reason to hang on tight!
> (OOC: Roll mind please Hikari)
> roll 2d8 for Shiro
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 for Shiro and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 12."12 [2d8=5, 7]
> Not noticing the spots of fire vanishing from the wood, Shiro spurs his Persona forward again, building up speed as he charges down the street and then LEAPS!
> roll 2d8 body
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 body and gets 9."12 [2d8=3, 6]
> And lands easily on top of a building beside the forest.
> -----------------------------------------

> ------------------------------------------------------------------
> Thursday afternoon, after classes are all over, the three Persona Users(and Shiro) have all met up near the Satomi Tadashi pharmacy. Hikari and Shiro both are still sporting visable bruises from the workout yesterday, but are at least in functional condition.
* Mykasi gives the two a once over, an eyebrow raised. "Uh..."
> Shiro waves, "Yo."
<Mykasi> "...You two taken to throwing each other down staircases?"
* Nagare nods to the other three merry miscreants, blinking at Shiro and Hikari. "Good afternoon. Did I miss some sort of unsettling subtext?"
> "Huh?" Shiro looks over at Hikari and then it clicks and he laughs, "Nah, I've just been teaching her how to use that sword of hers better."
* Nagare deflates slightly. "... I'll just let Mykasi do the joke here."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike nods seriously. "Well, that's good at least." A stray thought crosses Mike's head, and at Nagare's comment his face practically turns beet-red against his tan as he spins away from the other three.
* Nagare catches Mykasi's reaction and lets out a wide grin. "That's better than the joke, truth be told."
<Hikari> "What *is* the joke? I'm afraid I don't understand."
<Nagare> "And we all thank the deities of Japan for that."
<Mykasi> "There isn't one, let's get moving." Mike turns back with a masterful attempt at a straight face - ruined a bit as the flush is still present.
* Hikari frowns. "I feel as though some amusement has been had at my expense. But very well, let's go."
* Nagare snickers lightly. "Your sportsmanship is exemplary, Hikari."
> Shiro just shakes his head, "Alright, so what's the plan then?"
<Mykasi> "Us three quickly check inside here, and then meet you outside in the food court of the other side when we're done here?" Mike suggests.
> "We don't know where this goes on the other side, though. You sure you'll know how to get to the Food Court from there?" He asks.
<Nagare> "We could test it out first? Not sure how practical that'd be."
<Mykasi> "If we can't get to the Food Court from here, we'll exit here and get there via a jump through here?" Mike shrugs. "Seems the best option."
<Mykasi> "Or... wait. The Food Court wasn't related to here at all, was it? Shit." Mike mutters. "Well, regardless, we'll find our way out to you?"
<Hikari> "Nagare seemed somewhat able to find his way around last time. Even if the way did involve a haunted forest."
<Nagare> "I don't know if -this- would be the best situation to use that particular ability, though. There's some whimsy of fate involved in finding the way to Tir Tairnigir."
> Shiro shrugs, "I'll go in from out here and just wait for you all to show up. What I was wondering though, is how you're planning on using the key from the inside of the store?"
<Mykasi> "Inside?" Mike asks, looking around to see how much traffic there is.
<Nagare> "I think it'll involve decoy antics at best under just about any circumstance."
> "Well, yeah. You've got to use the key from inside going out to get to the Greater Dreamscape, right?" Shiro confirms.
> Mike can see inside through the windows easily enough, and it's brightly lit as usual. The same man as before is at the counter, and...he thinks he can spot one other customer in an aisle from out here.
<Mykasi> "Oh. Sure. I can just buy something small and we can use it on the way out." Mike shrugs.
<Hikari> "We can always use more soma pills for dreamside trade, yes."
> Shiro nods, and heads over to the small space beside the store, between it and the next one. Thanks to the chill, the streets at least are fairly empty so it's doubtful anyone will see him transporting over.
<Mykasi> "Let's do this, then. Professor, you've got the key, I think?" Mike asks.
<Nagare> "Yeah. We'll try to wing this out."
* Mykasi nods slightly and enters the store with a nod to the shopkeep.
> You enter the store! The first thing that hits you is, of course, the blasted jingle. Mike can also see that his thoughts were right and there is only one other customer here at the moment, an older man with one of those beards that nearly touches the floor.
* Hikari immediately regrets entering the store.
> The salesman smiles widely at you all, "Ah, always good to see repeat customers! How did everything work out for you?"
<Hikari> "Wonderful. Just as advertised."
* Mykasi nods and smiles, playing the role of Stupid American again for a bit as he looks around.
> "Of course they did!" he beams, "So, what might you be looking for today? You tell me what ails you and I'm sure we stock a product that can help relieve your burdens."
<Hikari> "The soma pills were most effective. I believe more fo those will suffice for now."
* Nagare waves weakly to the shopkeeper and glances at Hikari, whispering. "That's quite a subtle way of saying 'who dropped you off a staircase?'."
> The salesman looks apologetic, "Oooh, I'm terribly sorry, but we don't get those in very often. We've gotten one more in since you bought that bottle, but it was gone on the same day."
* Hikari ignores the professor. "Hmm." Dammit. Now what? Buy the cheapest thing she can get away with? "That's unfortunate. Do you have any idea when the next shipment will be here?"
* Mykasi is already humming the store and browsing the nearest aisle for anything interesting looking. Hey, they had -one- magical thing...
> He shakes his head, "I'm sorry but I don't. Harvesting soma is a delicate process and not something that can be rushed."
* Nagare swiftly follows Mykasi, leaving Hikari to fend off for herself against the merciless shopkeeper.
* Hikari nods. "I suppose cold medicine will do, then. What with this weather and all?"
> (OOC: Sure, you guys can roll Mind to try and find anything odd)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 MIND!
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 MIND! and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
> The shopkeeper nods and comes from behind the counter, leading Hikari over to a selection of herbal cold remedies, and begins explaining the virtues of each one in turn.
<Hikari> Hikari's preferred virtue is currently cheapness, and she plans to grab the most affordable one and squirm her way out of the shopkeep's clutches as soon as she can.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 why bother with a 3
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 why bother with a 3 and gets 6."12 [2d8=5, 1]
> Mike browses through the aisles until he comes to a refridgerated section where a selection of energy drinks can be found. One of them catches his eye, being labled "SUNshine In A Bottle" where the SUN part is in fact in all caps.
* Mykasi lingers on that drink, frowning as he crouches down and pulls it out. "SUN... hm." Mike pulls out the drink and tries to read the labeling, before shaking his head and wandering over to the Professor slowly.
> The lable on the bottle promises to wash away a bad mood and fill the drinker with energy and contentment with the universe. And the first ingredient on the list is "100% pure concentrated liquified sunbeams"
> Mike also noted that there only seemed to be the one bottle of it.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow towards Mykasi. "... pray tell what have you found there."
> The shopkeeper nods and picks up the purchase Hikari picked out, bringing it back to the counter, "Is there anything else you're looking for? And are the three of you all making this purchase together?"
<Mykasi> "Prof, make sure I'm reading the label on this right?" Mike asks, passing it over. "I'm bad at ingredients."
<Hikari> "I'll pay for anything we select, yes," Hikari says.
> Nagare reads the lable. No, that really says what he thinks it says.
* Nagare twitches.
* Nagare twitches again.
<Mykasi> "What?"
* Nagare then sighs. "... all right, I'll pay for this and we just never talk about the label again."
<Mykasi> "...did I read it right?"
<Nagare> "Yes. Yes you did."
<Mykasi> "...ask him where he got it."
* Nagare deflates, shaking his head. "... I'll try."
<Mykasi> "Thanks. Tell him the silly foreigner was curious if it helps."
* Nagare picks up the drink, heading towards the positively luminous shopkeep. "... excuse me. Can you help me with some information regarding that Sunshine in a Bottle drink?"
> The shopkeeper nods, "Certainly. What can I help clear up for you?"
<Nagare> "... where on earth and heaven could someone obtain liquified sunbeams?"
<Nagare> "Is that even -physically quantically plausible-?"
> At that, he raises his hands semi-defensively, "The universe is large, my good sir, it contains multitudes. I'm sure our supplier is completely honest in thier listing of ingredients, but I'm afraid that on the sales end we aren't entirely privy to the trade secrets of our suppliers."
* Nagare scratches his head. "No, it's fine. I was just honestly curious."
* Hikari just gives Nagare a warning can-we-please-just-pay-and-get-the-hell-out-of-here smile.
<Nagare> "But since I already took the time to ask questions about it, may as well give in. How much does this cost?," Nagare says with a shrug, glancing Hikari with a 'just a little bit longer' stare.
> He gives you the price, which is roughly 6x the price of a standard energy drink from a store. Pricy, for one damn drink, but not out of Nagare's price range, much less Hikari's.
> Not something you'd want to get addicted to, though. One of these a day could bust anyone's bank fairly quickly.
* Nagare just sighs and picks up his wallet to pay for it. Since he said he'd do it, might as well. -Then-, getting the heck out of there.
* Mykasi is just bouncing on his heels like an energetic child.
> You pay for your drink and cold medicine...(hikari, roll Soul please)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 noooooo
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 noooooo and gets 5."12 [2d8=4, 1]
> And no sooner do they move away from the counter then Hikari hears that rattling dice sound...right before the old man calls for the shopkeep to come help him with something.
<Mykasi> "Now's our chance, I think..." Mike whispers very low, advancing at a solid clip toward the door.
* Nagare follows Mykasi -very- quickly to take advantage of the opportunity.
* Hikari lingers for a moment, feeling like this is something she should listen in on.
<Hikari> Despite also having to listen to the music as she does so.
> They're in an aisle over near the refridgerated section, it's nearly impossible to hear them at a normal conversational tone from this close to the door.
> Mike and Nagare get to the door!
* Nagare quickly picks up the key and opens the door, hopefully stealthily!
> The key, despite being larger then the keyhole, goes in easily and the door slides open as silently as it always does.
* Nagare enters the gateway!
* Mykasi checks behind him for a second to see where Hikari is.
* Hikari is ambling over closer to the aisle to listen in, of course.
* Hikari gestures to Mike to wait a minute before they leave, also.
> The old man is asking the shopkeeper to pull down things from the top shelf so he can read them over, it sounds like.
* Mykasi frantically points to the already-open Velvet Door.
* Hikari shrugs. It wouldn't do to leave that open, though, so she joins the others in leaving.
* Mykasi follows Hikari in.
> The door closes behind the three as they step into the Velvet Room.
> (OOC: If you are near to the Scene, I will tell you 'bout the Change~)
> The Velvet Room is orange today. Okay that's a lie, it's just as blue as it ever is. Three chairs, one table, one high backed black chair with a long-nosed creepy guy and one sofa with a hot redhead, as usual. Theresa stands as you enter and bows, "Welcome to the Velvet Room."
<Nagare> "It's a pleasure to see the both of you."
* Mykasi nods happily to Theresa as they enter. "Heya."
<Hikari> "Hello again." Hikari is right to business: "I was wondering: is it possible for us to exit the Dream somewhere different than we entered it?"
> Igor shakes his head, "As things are now, it is not. The Key returns you from the Dream to here, and I must use that link with the Key to return the door to the Human World as well, meaning only the door it is currently linked to may be connected."
<Hikari> "'As things are no' implies an alternative, however."
<Hikari> *now
> Theresa nods, "Well, we can't exactly predict how your Personas will grow over time. Who knows what might be possible later."
* Mykasi nods slightly, taking the energy drink from Nagare and handing it to Theresa. "Outta curiousity, this give you any vibes or was it a waste of money I need to pay Nagare back for sometime?"
<Nagare> "You probably need to pay it back to me for making me read the forsaken label -anyway-."
<Mykasi> "Note to self: Nagare is weak to optimism, sunshine, and puppies."
> Theresa looks it over, "Huh. I couldn't tell you what it really is without opening it up and breaking the seal, but I can tell you that it's entirely possible that it's legit." Looking it over a bit more, she smirks, "Actually, make that probable."
> Then she hands it back to Mike.
<Mykasi> "I... see." Mike says, looking the bottle over for listed effects or something.
> The bottle actually uses the word "groovy" at one point. Effectively it promises to give you a boost of energy and totally mellow you out.
<Mykasi> "... Anyways." Mike says. "Thanks for the help, you two. Shall we, you guys?"
<Hikari> "Yes."
<Nagare> "May as well."
> Igor nods, and changes the door for you!
* Mykasi takes the door's road into a brave new world~
> And you step through the door!
> (OOC: This song has no lyrics, so you get no pithy quote. Generic scene change is go.)
> The door opens leading you all out onto a street in the Greater Dreamscape! Right in front of you is a building that you recognize, the Vermillian Glow. Which would make the one you just came out of...
> Shiro is out on the sidewalk stretching, having gotten here while you were still shopping.
* Hikari turns. Looks around, and up. Blinks. "I...what?"
* Nagare lightly fixes his jaw. "This... gives a -very- new meaning to Satomi Tadashi."
> Indeed, you just walked out the door of Master Frost's.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike very slowly, very calmly, breaks down laughing. "If -FROST- is his fucking supplier..."
> Shiro walks over, "Yeah, I laughed about this for a bit when I got over. Shoulda fucking guessed, right?"
<Hikari> "Yes. It does make one wonder if every location here has some appropriate equivalent in the real world."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, seriously." Mike wipes his eyes with a shit-eating grin writ large, before shaking his head. "Okay, okay. So where to from here? Or do we wanna check in on Master Frost quickly, see if we've got any info yet?"
<Hikari> "It couldn't hurt anything but my personal pride," Hikari says.
<Mykasi> "I can swing in myself quickly. No need for you guys just yet?" Mike suggests.
<Hikari> "Of course. Go ahead."
* Mykasi nods and swings in quickly, without waiting for a confirmation from the professor.
> The shop's pretty much as it was before. Master Frost already has his buisiness hat on, and is sitting on the counter counting macca. As you come in, he looks over and waves, "Whazzup my hee?"
<Mykasi> "Hey-ho. Was just wondering if you had any info yet - we were unexpectedly in the area, and I thought I'd check in~" Mike replies with a grin.
> He shakes his head, "Not yet, hee. But don't worry, I've got my hos lookin' into it. They turn up anything, and I'll send word over to Nozuch-hee for ya."
<Mykasi> "Gotcho. Thanks!" Mike nods. "Sorry I can't stay and jet hee, but they're waiting, so I've gotta run. Talk later!"
> Frost waves you off and goes back to counting his money.
* Mykasi nods and departs, shaking his head to the group. "No leads yet."
* Nagare stretches his arms lazily. "That was strangely anti-climactic."
<Hikari> "Then where to? Identifying the Dream equivalents of real-world locations, and vice vers, seems like a good plan to me, as it gives us a means of getting to places in the Dream quicker without having to traverse it, though I don't know how best to do that apart from entering and leaving the dream in many locations. We *could* to speaking to some of the more notable Dream denizens just to learn more about the area. Lilly ment
> Shiro stretches and yawns a bit, "Yaaaah. Man. Anyway, yeah that sounds alright to me. I can pop back and forth to see where things go while you all go inside places, even."
<Hikari> Lilly mentioned several...what were they, Powers? But I don't know if we really want their attention on us."
<Nagare> "I honestly think doing this the long way would be optimal for the very reason you mentioned, Hikari."
* Mykasi nods. "Sounds like a solid plan. Let's run with it."
<Hikari> "So what places are important to us in the real world? Or at least, what places do we think might be notable on this side as well? Shall we enter from somewhere near that hospital we were looking into some time ago, perhaps?"
<Mykasi> "First, should we try to find our way back to... say, Awn's?" Mike suggests, before looking to Hikari. "That's an idea, too."
<Hikari> "It wasn't too unpleasant w alk last time, was it? We can do that first since at least we know where we are now."
<Mykasi> "Sounds like a plan." Mike nods, trying to remember the way.
> (roll Mind, anyone trying to rememebr the way there)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 and gets 5."12 [2d8=4, 1]
> Mike...yeah, he knows where to find the Blink's shop. It's not really something he can explain, but he knows the way there, like it's a damn beacon in the middle of a dark feild. Impossible to miss, even if you're nowhere near it.
* Mykasi nods slightly. "I ... guess this is like being a resident?" And with that he begins leading the way.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 75."12 [1d100=75]
> A long walk takes the four down a few streets, around some strange buildings and right to...the edge of a pier. The streets ahead have turned entirely into water, yet that's the way you need to go.(more)
> Standing on the pier is a monkey in a pinstripe suit with a bubble cigar in his mouth(it looks like a cigar, smells like a cigar, but when he breathes out it's bubbles, not smoke...) and a pirate's hat on his head. As he sees you, the monkey taps his cigar, dropping some bubble-ashes on the ground and grins a big toothy smile, "What's this here, a buncha walkers, eh?"
* Mykasi eyes the road ahead wearily. "Such is the nature of the Dream, apparently. Aye."
<Hikari> "We were until the street disappeared, yes."
> The monkey nods sagely, "What you kids need is a boat, see? And it just so happens that Money McMonkey here has some fine boats to sell!"
> You, uh, dont' see any boats, by the way.
* Nagare scratches head. "... what boats? Do you just make paper boats and set them sailing to the infinite sadness?"
<Hikari> "What if we don't actually plan to buy a boat and just want to get to the other side?" Hikari asks, already feeling weary of this creature.
> The monkey shakes his head, "Oh ye of little faith. I'll have you know that McMonkey's Foam Pellets are the best of the best when it comes to being the best and they come in all shapes and sizes." Pulling his hat off, he reaches in and pulls out a small pill looking object, "This here, is a boat, see? Just add water."
<Hikari> Going through the whole pitch seems inescapable, once again. "And what does it cost?" Hikari asks dutifully.
* Mykasi eyes the water as the group talks, wondering just how deep it is.
> "This is a one day only sale, see?" He continues at Hikari's question, "McMonkey's Foam Pellet Boats are on sale today for a song. Yessiree normally they're a song AND a dance and not a note less, but for today only you can get one for nothin' but a song!"
<Hikari> "I...see. What...kind of song are you looking for?" She looks at her friends, desperately hoping someone else will volunteer here.
* Mykasi has absolutely no musical capacity outside of some limited computer synth, and can only shrug.
* Nagare shakes his head at Hikari. "I know law, not music."
> "Well that depends on what kind of boat YOU'RE looking for, now doens't it?" The monkey responds, "A cozy little loveboat will run you a love song, and some good pop might get you a rockin' speed boat, see?"
> Shiro pushes his glasses back up, "You start to think you've seen it all in here..."
<Hikari> "What kind of boat would an opera result in?" Hikari is forced to wonder.
> McMonkey claps his hands, "Oh-hoho, an OPERA, is it? I haven't heard a good opera in...well, ever! Always with the shattering glass and the interupting octopi. So the four of you are gonna sing an opera for me, eh?"
<Nagare> "No."
<Nagare> "Just... no."
<Hikari> "Octopi? What?"
> "You know how it goes. Enjoying a nice opera and suddenly an ocopus is trying to kill the leading lady in the second act. Such a pain."
<Hikari> "...No, I don't know how that goes at all." Hikari's really starting to feel like she's speaking a different language here.
* Mykasi sniggers a bit. "That'd be amusing. What would he try to do it with, a five hundred ton weight?"
> "Only if he's a really strong octopus." McMonkey replies to Mike with a straight face.
<Mykasi> "Fair enough." Mike crosses his arms with a slight nod. "But, uh, honestly, I lack the capability to sing. Dance, maybe, sing, no."
<Hikari> "I...can sing, a little. I'm not eager to do so, but if no one else will..."
<Mykasi> "The floor's yours."
> McMonkey shrugs, "Well I won't turn down a song and a dance if you want to pay full price anyway." Then he eyes Hikari and shakes his head, "No no no, you misunderstand. Everyone performs, or there's no sale! No free rides in this town, nosiree."
> Shiro hangs his head, "You've gotta be kidding me."
* Nagare deflates. "... you are out of your mind."
> "And you," McMonkey points at Nagare, "Are out of solid ground."
<Mykasi> "Then I guess we'll try and play supporting cast. No other choice? Or can I dance instead of sing?" Mike asks hopefully.
<Nagare> "I'll play the world's tiniest violin, then."
> McMonkey nods, "By all means dance away!"
<Hikari> "If we all have to sing, then we'll need to agree on something we all know. I'm afraid I don't know much in the way of popular music. ...I suppose there's always Happy Birthday? Everyone knows that, don't they?"
> Shiro nods, "I know some sea shanties thanks to my father, a few chinese monk chants....and yeah, I know Happy Birthday." He scratches his head awkwardly at that idea.
* Nagare scratches head. "Is Happy Birthday even a viable trade currency?"
* Mykasi shrugs at this. "We can try. The dance might fit better. for that."
<Hikari> "Alright. After all, it wasn't specified that it had to be a *good* song. Shall we?"
* Mykasi nods, ready to begin doing the goofy balancing dance.
> McMonkey claps his hands again, "Ah well, I was hoping for a good opera, but a song's a song~"
<Nagare> "May as well. Won't be shocked if we get a paper boat, though."
> Shiro shrugs, "Alright, want to lead us off, Hikari?"
<Hikari> "Very well. On three? One, two, three--"
* Mykasi begins dancing at this!
<Hikari> Hikari starts singing! Feeling immensely silly, but at least she's not bad at it. Not that you need much talent to master the likes of Happy Birthday, but she holds a tone well in a clear alto.
> Shiro sings, "Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, happy...wait, uh...right something about a zoo!" Shiro...uh, doesn't sing very well. (OOC: if any of you have Performing Arts, feel free to roll it)
* Nagare "sings" Happy Birthday as if he was speaking. It's as if the very concept of tone and rhythm are foreign to his voice.
<Hikari> roll 2d8 I do!
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 I do! and gets 8."12 [2d8=2, 6]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 let's Performance Arts fast talk the merry jig of Anansi
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 let's Performance Arts fast talk the merry jig of Anansi and gets 7."12 [2d8=5, 2]
> Hikari sings well, Mike dances...like someone from a cartoon, but somehow makes it work. Nagare barely bothers and Shiro's just plain bad. Still this seems to be enough to satisfy Money McMonkey, who pulls a pellet out of his hat and tosses it to Hikari after clapping.
<Hikari> "Let's move on, shall we?" Hikari steps to the edge of the pier, kneels down and places the pellet in the water.
> Shiro shakes his head, "Damn, I knew it until I had to actually sing it. Hate when that happens."
<Nagare> "I'm never having a birthday again."
* Mykasi rubs his head in embarrasment, staying silent.
> The pellet hits the water! And grows into a tiny ass car looking thing on an equally tiny raft. With weird splotches of paint and a plastic flower on the "car"'s antenna. And one of those horns you squeeze attached to the driver's side mirror.
<Nagare> "Do we get complimentary clowns?"
<Mykasi> "Hi."
<Hikari> "I can't say I'm surprised." Hikari takes a careful step onto the edge of the craft, not convinced it will support a human being.
<Mykasi> "Also, your ass doesn't look as fat today, Professor."
* Nagare eyes Mykasi. "You're not complimentary."
> It supports her just fine, but doesn't look like there's room for anyone else. The car on the raft has doors though...if Hikari wants to try and crawl in.
<Mykasi> "That was a compliment!"
> Shiro just blinks, "What the fuck is that?"
* Nagare sighs. "It's the way we will pay for our immortal sins."
* Hikari opens a door and...tries to climb in. Why not?
> Somehow she fits in, and manages to squeeze into only taking up one of the four seats. Despite the seat being like a quarter of her body size. It's...probably best not to think about it.
* Mykasi notes Hikari's success and gingerly tries getting into the boat himself, prepared to leap out if he thinks he'll capsize it.
* Hikari peers back outside. "There's enough room inside for the four of us. Somehow. Turn off whatever part of the human brain controls spatial reasoning and it seems to work fine."
> Mike climbs in! And manages just fine, the boat seems wobbly until he actually gets in and then it's good.
> Shiro looks over at Nagare, "Right. Me next I guess." And he climbs in the seat behind Hikari, somehow squeezing into the small space.
* Nagare scratches his head and tries to squeeze himself into the car. "I'm growing too old for this kind of chicanery."
> Nagare almost doesn't fit, but manages to pull himself in with some effort. And once everyone's in, it feels even more cramped then before. Sardines have more room then the four of you right now.
* Mykasi takes the driver's seat, since he knows the way - feeling more than a bit uncomfortable in the weird space distortion. "Well, you're young compared to a lot of things here, Professor. But don't worry, remembering the age of the samurai doesn't make you too old!" And with that, Mike tries to get the boat to set out!
<Hikari> "I really don't think there *is* an appropriate age for this, professor. If any one of us says they're comfortable with this, they're lying."
> The boat sputters and coughs to life...the motor sounding like an asthmetic clown laughing his fool head off. But it moves, and it moves in the direction Mike points it.
<Mykasi> "We should learn to sing and dance better."
<Nagare> "For a voyeuristic monkey captain? Not in a lifetime."
<Hikari> "Some of us already know how. The cacaphony was entirely someone else's fault."
> "I don't think the problem's how we sang, but what" Shiro offers.
<Hikari> "Then it's entirely someone else's fault that they don't know any of the classics."
<Mykasi> "I laugh if we need to use this boat again for some reason, Professor. Also, what Shiro said, I think. Maybe we could've each gotten away with singing or dancing something individually? Four acts, so to speak?"
> The clownboat moves along, Mike directing it down the waterways until he reaches a familiar street, containing Awn the Blink's shop and Limp's Blimps, amoung others.
<Hikari> "Perhaps. Hopefully we won't have to try again and find out."
<Mykasi> "Right. Everyone off?" Mike says.
* Hikari is more than glad to get out, and climbs out onto dry land again.
* Nagare follows Hikari -very- quickly.
> Shiro pries his way out as well, stretching as soon as he gets out onto the sidewalk, "Damn that thing's small."
> And no sooner is everyone out, then the clownboat sinks underwater rather unceremoniously.
* Mykasi gets out last, trying to see if the boat shrinks back into a pellet somehow or if it's done- oh. "Well, that's good riddance."
<Hikari> "I wonder if they would always do that, or if this was merely a shoddy boat."
<Mykasi> "Probably the former."
<Nagare> "Okay, so what now?"
* Mykasi then looks over to Awn's shop. "Shiro, you wanna check where this is? ...may want to get to the rooftops first, though, just in case it's busy in the real world."
> Shiro nods, and summons Red Hare with a thought. "Yeah, no problem. I'll wait until you're inside so I have room on the sidewalk to get a running start, though I should be back before you come back out unless you're really fast."
<Mykasi> "Right. Let's swing in, then?" Mike nods to the other two. "Any objections?"
* Nagare nods. "None at all."
* Hikari shakes her head. "Let's go."
<Mykasi> "Right, then.": Mike nods, leading the way into Awn the Blink's shop.
> And thus you enter. In his shop, stands Awn the Blink himself, carefully taking apart a television set at the moment. He looks...mostly human, though with long, extremely thin limbs and a wide, hunchbacked torso. Oh, and six arms, all involved in the task at hand. His nose nearly rivals Igor's, and his eyes are obscurred by thick goggles, while an unruly mess of black hair is on his head.
> Awn pays no attention to you as you walk in, continueing with his work, expertly dismantling the television with tools that Mike doesn't even have names for.
> ----------------------------------------------------

> ----------------------------------------------------
* Mykasi examines the tools carefully, watching with a rapt fascination as he tries to pick apart the use of each tool.
* Nagare blinks at Mykasi, somewhat dumbfounded by his sheer fascination. It's as if this was akin to a child going to the world's greatest amusement park for the first time... for Mike.
> The tools are odd, some of them seeming to require manipulation that human hands simply could not provide. The Blink seems to have no problem getting them working, though, as he picks up one of those very tools with his creepily long fingers and carefully starts picking apart pieces of wiring with it. ...he also seems to be at *least* triple jointed in his fingers.
<Hikari> "More intelligent use than most people get out of their television sets," Hikari observes, watching.
<Mykasi> "Whazzat tool called?" Mike says, pointing to a rather odd-looking spherical object with three prongs extending out of it that Awn has lying off to the side.
> When someone actually speaks, the Blink startles a bit and looks over at you, "Huh? Who? Wait, what? ...oh, customers!" Then shaking off the scare, he places his tools down and dusts his hands off(all six of them) and turns to face the three of you, "Ah, sorry about that. I get caught up in my work sometimes. Welcome to the Dissasembly, what can I do ya for?"
> Then looking at the tool, Awn scratches his head, "That thing? Uh...couldn't tell ya, to be honest. Cobbled it together last night since I needed it, didn't get around to naming it yet. You know how it is."
<Hikari> "I only wonder what the purpose of this shop is. Mike may have more specific questions."
> Awn nods to Hikari, "Like I said, this is the Disassembly. I take things apart. Doesn't matter what it is, you want something taken apart, I can figure out how. Oh, right," he extends a hand to each of you, "Awn the Blink by the by. Nice to meet ya."
<Mykasi> "Interesting. 'm not great at names, I can't help there." Mike murmurs, looking at the TV again, carefully - before Awn extends his hand, which he warmly accepts. "A pleasure, sir. Oh, what do you do with the materials you take apart, out of idle curiousity?"
* Hikari shakes one of the hands. It's only polite, after all. "For what reason do customers normally need things taken apart, I wonder?"
* Nagare scratches his head, shaking Awn's hand somewhat uncomfortably. "The... pleasure is ours, I guess. The underlying question, though... can you -reassemble- the things you pick apart?"
> "Hey, one question at a time folks!" Awn chuckles a bit, "Alrighty, in turn here, the spare parts...well, I use 'em for my own projects or sell 'em off. Sometimes the owners want to keep the parts so if they do then that's that. As for why, well various reasons I suppose. What's it matter though, right? And," he scratches his head as he looks at Nagare, "well, sort of."
* Mykasi is peering intently at the TV and doesn't seem to quite be paying attention to the conversation despite getting an answer, nodding very slightly.
<Mykasi> "What sorta projects?"
> "This and that." Awn shrugs, "Get an idea in my head and I dig around in the shop to see if I've got the parts to put it together. Spur of the moment stuff, you know? Managed to get an internal combustion engine that runs on water working last week...well, mostly anyway."
<Nagare> "That sounds suspiciously familiar."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike has a somewhat interesting expression on his face as his gaze shifts to Awn. "Alright. So I take it sometimes you'd have use for spare parts or other objects we find ourselves?"
> "I might, yeah." Awn nods, "Depends on what ya bring in. I do buy some more interesting parts from folks if you come across anything neat. Anything that I can use for power sources, especially."
<Mykasi> "Right, makes sense. We occasionally stumble on stuff so we'll keep you in the loop - not sure how much can be used for power sources but we'll see, there."
<Nagare> "What specifically do you use for power sources, then? Might as well skip straight to the mechanics of it."
> "I can rig just about anything related to energy into part of a power source...well, usually." He starts counting off on his fingers, "If something's perpetually hot, or say it's always got a static charge to it, or even just something really full of magic. That one doesn't come around too often, but I can get some use out of it when it does."
<Mykasi> "Well, we don't have any use for those buttons thus far..." Mike muses, glancing to Hikari. "They might have enough to be useful?"
<Hikari> "Perhaps." Hikari offers the spiders' eyes for Awn's perusal. "Are these anything of note for your purposes?"
* Nagare deflates a bit. "Can you -seriously- disassemble buttons?"
> Awn adjusts a dial on the side of his goggles as he peers in to look at the buttons, "Are these...the eyes of a Pattern Spider? Talk about my exact opposite number there. What kinda trouble have you kids been getting into that you'd wind up in a tussle with these buggers?"
<Hikari> "The kind with people being erased from reality for unknown reasons. You know about these creatures?"
<Nagare> "I think Mykasi and Hikari can explain better than I can. This is before my time."
<Mykasi> "What Hikari said."
> Awn nods, "Yeah, I know 'em." He laughs, "The spiders and I...well, we're not too fond of one another. But there's no reasoning with them, and more of them then there are me, so I just try and stay out of thier way these days. Had a few nasty run-ins in the past though."
> "And that does sound like just thier kind of trouble. Nature abhors a vacuum and all that."
<Hikari> "I don't suppose you can tell us anything more about them? Who or what else they might work for, that sort of thing?"
> "They work for Reality, miss." Awn says, straight faced, "If there's a single entity they report to, I've never heard of him. Or her, I guess."
<Hikari> "Well, thanks anyway. If you've no use for the buttons, well...I suppose the only other thing we have is this, though I'd rather not part with it." Hikari shows him the sword card. "It turns into a sword of golden light on command. Is this the sort of magic item you'd look for?"
> He looks the card over, and lets out a low whistle, "Now that's a whopper right there. I could use it, actually. Though I'd have to disassemble it first, since it's not the sword itself I'd want but the power source for it. Same token, I could take it apart for you and you could keep the parts, do whatever else you like with 'em. Maybe try and get the power source into something you want more then a sword, or something like that."
> or something like that."
<Hikari> "Well, the sword itself is actually useful to us in its present form. I would have to know definitively what it could be used for before agreeing to have it dismantled. I admit to some bafflement on how such an object could be disassembled, as well."
> "Not too hard, once you know how it works." Awn adjusts the dial on his goggles again, "See, from the looks of it right now, your weapon there is made of three parts. The physical blade, a pretty powerful Light based power source, and some Shadow essense. I'm gonna guess you picked that up off a Shadow?"
<Hikari> "That's correct."
* Mykasi listens intently, quite curious about all this.
> The Blink nods, "Yeah, figured. So since it's made up of those three parts, I can disassemble it into those parts. So when I'm done you'd have a very mundane sword, whatever the power source is, and some shadow essense we'd need to clean up."
<Hikari> "'Clean up?'"
> He laughs, "Well, with shadow essense you never know what it's going to do, right? Might just need a mop, might need to kill it before it gets away. Clean up's as good a catch all term as any."
<Mykasi> "Little kid shadow essence. So we'd want to just make sure it didn't get on our shoes."
<Mykasi> Mike nods slightly, before, "Oh - have you heard or seen any other Persona users around here, especially any other of the FOOL or WORLD Arcana?"
> He shakes his head, "Can't say I have. You're the first FOOL Persona user I've seen in awhile, and you don't much look like a WORLD/FOOL."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, pretty sure I'm not a worldly FOOL, no." Mike grins for a moment. "Drat, though. We've been trying to see if any other Persona users have been running around town... Guess not."
> "Hmm," Awn scratches his chin and thinks, "I've heard some rumors about a CHARIOT Persona raising hell over in the Zoo every now and again. That help any?"
<Mykasi> "Sadly, I think we know which one that is." Mike shrugs. "We ran into him after he ran into us, kinda."
> "Well," Awn offers, "If you wouldn't mind running an errand for me, I can point you to someone who knows a hell of a lot more then I do about who's what and how's why and all that?"
<Hikari> "We're certainly willing to listen, at least. What did you have in mind?"
* Nagare bobs his head lightly. "Not like we haven't gone on wild goose chases south recently."
* Mykasi nods eagerly, apparently fascinated by Awn.
> "I've got some work that needs delivering to a customer, since he wanted his parts back once I was done." He explains, "I'll give you the address, just deliver those for me, then head over to the Four Winds Foodcourt and place an order for me." He takes a moment to scrawl down his order on a scrap of paper(more)
> "Since you're bringing an order in for me, Seiryuu will take it himself, and you can ask him. Chances are, that old dragon knows anything you might want to ask. Though getting the answers out of him might be another story."
* Nagare scratches head. "That sounds a lot like someone -else- we know."
<Hikari> "That sounds like too many people we know. On that note, thank you, Awn. You've been more straightforward than some of our recent acquaintences."
<Mykasi> "Alright. Thanks - this should be interesting. And yes, this has been a great pleasure. This place is... fascinating."
> "Heh, thanks. Lemme guess, you're a Tinker too? Not that it makes much difference with us FOOLs, of course."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, though I mainly hold fascination with robotics and programming. Basic devices... well, I love new tools but I kinda took apart all the stuff in my house twice over. Well, actually, Bill's house, where no one really cared. But."
> Awn nods, "Yeah, you seem the type. Anyway, lemme get those parts." He grabs a basket and digs through the piles of stuff until he's shoved a good half dozen things in the basket, then passes it over to Mike...who immediately notices that the basket has to weigh like sixty pounds with whatever he's got in there.
* Mykasi winces a bit, but heroically nods slightly and toddles it up. "Gotcha. Take these to the address listed?"
> "Yup." Awn nods again, "Address is on there, and so's my order. Just bring the food back once you're done chatting up Seiryuu."
<Hikari> "I might be better suited to carry that, Mike," Hikari offers.
<Mykasi> "...yeah, you might." Mike winces after a moment, handing it over.
* Hikari takes the basket.
> To Hikari, of course, the basket feels no more cumbersome then your average school-bag.
* Mykasi glances to the address.
<Mykasi> "Thank you, sir - we'll get going on this right away." And with that, Mike heads out.
> The address is 1010011010100100101110 Binary Ct.
* Nagare deflates a bit upon glancing at the address behind Mykasi's shoulder. "... I very much hope this is literally the address rather than actual binary code."
* Mykasi glances around for Shiro upon getting outside.
> He's not there immediately, but after waiting for a minute he reappears on a rooftop across the street. Summoning Red Hare, he mounts up and gets a running start, jumping clear over the street to land a good 5 meters away from you all.
<Hikari> "Well? Where are we now?" Hikari asks.
<Mykasi> "Patience, young Padawan. I'm sure he'll tell us in time."
> Shiro shrugs, "A residential street, actually. Couple of the houses on it looked abandoned, even."
<Hikari> "Young what?" Hikari asks, confused, before turning back to Shiro. "If so, this should serve as a convenient point to enter the Dream if we can determine exactly where in the real world that street is."
> Shiro holds up his phone, "Put the address down in my address book in my phone. We can look up the map when we get back."
* Hikari nods. "Good. In the meantime, we need to get to the food court."
<Mykasi> "First, this address." Mike notes.
<Mykasi> "Does anyone know the way there? We are residents now, so..."
> It...doesn't seem to be springing to mind.
* Hikari frowns. "I would suggest wandering until we found it, but I'd hardly like to do that while carrying someone else's belongings. Perhaps we should've asked Awn for directions..."
<Mykasi> "... I can't think of it." Mike mutters. "Let's look for the worm dude? Or that, sure."
<Mykasi> "Right. Lemme pop back in for a second and ask him." Mike shrugs.
<Mykasi> With that, he turns and goes back into the shop!
> Awn is back at the television again, taking apart wires one by one!
* Mykasi waits until Awn is between wires before asking apologetically, address in hand, "Ah, Awn? Apologies, but we don't seem to be able to intuit where this place is, even as Residents. Any convenient landmarks on the way that we can point ourselves toward?"
> "Huh?" He looks back up, "Oh, Binary Court is usually over near the Wonderdome, it's where alot of techy stuff tends to wind up. The dome you can't miss, just head south until you see a big white half-sphere coming out of the ground. Then ask around there for where Binary's wound up today."
<Mykasi> "Alright, cool. Thanks." Mike nods gratefully before ducking back out.
<Mykasi> "He said head south until we hit a big white half sphere, then ask around for where the road ended up today. So let's get going?"
* Hikari nods, and starts off.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 91."12 [1d100=91]
> As you all walk..and walk and walk down the streets, through the bizzare city, you discover that some things do remain constant between the real world and the Dream. Namely that red lights are annoying. And moreso when they get up and scoot backwards really fast to ensure that a car gets caught by them. Lots of swearing and a 4 vehicle pileup ensue(more)
> After the accident(which you all were thankfully on the sidewalk for and not trying to cross the street), another amusing sight pops up. A good half-dozen...tires with large eyes instead of hubcaps wearing saddles that somehow stay stable, ride up towards the piled up vehicles and use them as a ramp to jump from. Then wheel back and do it again. They seem to be enjoying themselves.
<Mykasi> "... heeeeeeee." Mike grins, laughing as one soft expulsion of air.
* Hikari can only shake her head at this display. "I...don't see any reason why this should involve us in any way. Shall we skirt around this and hope no one takes an interest in us?"
* Mykasi nods slightly, still amused at the sight.
> Some of the operators of said vehicles shake thier fists at the sentient tires, but the tires pay no mind and keep on rollin'.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "I don't think anyone around here would care about us given our distinct lack of wheel-like features."
> Shiro just shakes his head at the wheels, "I've seen those things around a couple times. They'll use anything as a ramp."
<Hikari> "Best to keep moving before they decide to us us, then."
<Hikari> *use us
* Mykasi refrains from using any of the 'ride' puns that just popped into his head for fear of getting hit with the picnic basket, instead electing to advance further south.
> And you move on while the tires keep jumping off the cars, greatly delaying the ability of anyone on the road to get anywhere. Eventually, Mike is the first one to see a white dome off in the distance. As you get closer to where the dome is, things begin to get more and more technological.(more)
> The buildings keep the bizzare mish-mash of styles, but the various styles are all high-tech instead of anything classical or fantastic. Even the vehicles on the road don't seem to be rafts or horses or magic carpets anymore, but all kinds of mechanical contraptions, and the more flashing lights the better.
<Mykasi> "Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny"
* Nagare looks around, whistling nonchalantly. "I think we just entered the Dream of Ewan ten years in the future. Alternatively, this is Mykasi's mind."
> Shiro pushes his glasses back up, "Haven't been in this part of town before."
<Hikari> "I think I appreciated the city more when it was more homey," Hikari says.
<Mykasi> "... this city gonna get taken hoooome~" Mike mutters with a smile, before shaking his head. "Okay, so, Binary Street. Let's find someone to ask."
<Hikari> "Yes." Hikari glances around for someone approachable.
> Nearby, Hikari can see a humanoid robot in a tuxedo and carrying a golden breifcase chained to it's arm standing near a bus stop sign, a quartet of beautifully painted wooden ducks all waiting patiently at a crosswalk, and what looks for all the world like a giant ameoba holding an advirtisement sign for the Wonderdome.
* Mykasi is too fascinated by the scenes to be quite coherent at looking for anyone in particular.
<Hikari> Having bad memories with robots, and having no clue how to even talk to a giant blob of protoplasm, Hikari decides the most approachable one in sight is...a flock of ducks. The Dream does strange things to a person's expectations. "Excuse me," she says, approaching them.
> The four ducks look up at her, and once she gets close she can tell that they're all identical except in size, with each one being smaller then the one before it. The largest duck nods, "Afternoon." the third duck asks, "How's it hangin'?", the second duck adds, "Konichiwa." while the smallest duck merely notes, "Quack."
<Nagare> "Quack indeed."
<Hikari> "Well enough," Hikari responds to the second's query. "I was wondering if you could direct us to Binary Street?"
<Hikari> *third's query
> The largest duck thinks, "Binary Street? Do I know where that is?", the second muses, "I think I do, but not right now." the third considers, "Yeah I have to know it, I know I've been there." while the smallest cheerfully turns in one direction and pecks the air with it's bill, "Quack!"
* Hikari bows minutely to the one helpful duck. "Quack you. I mean thank you." Resisting the tremendous urge to facepalm, she turns towards the direction indicated by the last duck.
<Mykasi> "Eh? Oh, thanks. Shiny~" Mike grins, following around while staring gleefully around.
> The largest nods with understanding, "Ooooh, that's where it is. Hold on, let me pull myself together." Then the three larger ducks all open up, splitting in half horizontally and just levitating the top halves in the air. The smallest jumps into the third, who closes and jumps into the second who closes and jumps into the largest who closes and then teeters a bit, "Ah there we go."
> "So, you wanted Binary...street, right?
> "
<Mykasi> "Eh?" Mike stops then, eyeing the duck and crouching. "Yeah. That was cool."
<Hikari> "Ah...yes, that's right."
* Nagare scratches his head. "... um. Precisely, yes. Was that necessary?"
<Hikari> "Necessary hardly seems the rule here, professor. It's probably best if you stop expecting consistent sense from everything we encounter."
> The duck teeters a bit more, "Right, right, you want to go left at the next light, then right two streets after that. That'll take you to the Binary Section. You'll start on Binary Place, then head down a few streets from that, Binary Street should cross Binary Place."
<Hikari> "Thank you very much for your precise directions. This is our first time in this part of the city."
<Mykasi> "Okay, we can do that. Thanks! Oh, uh, sorry, what's your name?"
> "Duckwood." The duck says with a wooden expression.
<Mykasi> "Got it! Thanks, Duckwood! Take care of yourself!"
> Duckwood opens back up and splits into four again. Then resumes waiting for a safe spot to cross the street.
* Nagare fidgets. "I could swear there was a downright terrible pun just dangling in front of us, but couldn't pinpoint exactly -where-... until I heard the name."
<Mykasi> "One could say you might solve a mystery...~" Mike sings horribly, following the advice Duckwood gave the group.
> ------------------------------------------

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> "Left at the next light, then right two streets after that. That'll take you to the Binary Section. You'll start on Binary Place, then head down a few streets from that, Binary Street should cross Binary Place." Were the directions that Duckwood gave, and lo and behold, after going left and then right two streets down, you come to the Binary Section(more)
> The Binary Section is...regular, to say the least. While everything around it shifts and changes, this little section of the city seems to remain stubbornly static. The streets all normalize into what seems to be long strips of circuitboards, the buildings are all identical with exact spacing between them. And everything is metalic or sone artificial compound, gleaming with a sterile polish.
> Shiro looks around, "Man...I like machines and robots, but this is a little creepy."
* Mykasi hums, glancing around. "Yeah, seconded, actually. It's a regular nightmare.
* Nagare looks up, analyzing the sterile atmosphere. "I suspect this might be Ewan's mind when he's 16 if he gets rejected by one girl too many."
* Hikari shrugs. "At least it's orderly enough."
> "That kid must have really left an impression on you, Doc. This is like the third time you've mentioned him since hitting this part of the city," Shiro chuckles.
<Mykasi> "Deep down, he wants to rediscover his inner child. But will the adult world get in his way? Find out next time on... 'The Professor Zone!'"
* Nagare sneers. "Mock my resentment and bitterness towards children all you want."
<Mykasi> "'k." Mike grins, before glancing around and looking for house numbers, keeping in mind the address they got.
> There's a street sign nearby that tells you that you're on Binary Place. Apparently the crossing just ahead is Binary Place and Binary Drive.
<Mykasi> "Alright, so this road should be it? Let's start looking, then."
* Mykasi matches actions to words and advances on the crossing, beginning to look to see which direction they need to head in.
* Nagare glances at the surrounding area. Maybe there would be somebody to provide some extra info?
> As he reaches the crossing of Binary Drive and Binary Place, Mike can see a ways further down place and down both sides of Drive far enough to make out the next intersections. Binary Place and Binary Avenue if you go further straight. Binary Drive and Binary Way to the left. Then Binary Drive and Binary Circle(which is stil a straight road) to the right.
> There also...don't seem to be people here. At all.
<Hikari> "Orderly or not, this place is unnervingly silent and dead," Hikari says.
<Nagare> "Is there -anything- here that could be even interacted with? This is quite eerie."
* Mykasi then checks the nearby buildings to see if there are any numbers or bits that he can look for.
> Shiro's fingers start to drum on the haft of his spear as he looks around, "Yeah, this is getting creepier by the second."
> All of the buildings have street addresses embossed in chrome over what you think might be the front entrance.
> They're all codes of 1s and 0s, of course.
* Nagare approaches one of the buildings, nonchalantly knocking on an entrance. "I wonder if these buildings would be the lifeblood - so to speak - of this place. If there's -any-."
* Mykasi glances at the numbers to try and determine which direction their intended address is likely in.
<Mykasi> "... and the numbering system makes no sense here. Huzzah." Mike grunts. "Call me Balfrog and skewer me on a stick, this isn't quite logical despite the systematic nature of the area."
> Nagare knocks on a door! There's a moment of silence, then a series of beeps and finally a whirring noise as a mechanical voice comes out of a speaker near the door, "Statement of greeting. Query of purpose."
<Hikari> "Call you 'what?'" Hikari says to Mike, quietly so Nagare can answer the door without interruption.
<Mykasi> "...don't worry about it. It's a reference to an old game I enjoy." Mike shakes his head.
* Nagare stumbles back for a moment, nearly tripping - suspicion does not equal inability to be surprised, after all! "E-e-er... good afternoon. My name is Nagare Suiren, and these are my allies, Mykasi, Hikari and Shiro. We were hoping we could obtain some information about the surroundings."
> The door responds, "Purpose aknlowedged. Insert query."
* Mykasi walks over to Nagare and hands over the address.
> The address on the card says '1010011010100100101110 Binary Ct.'
* Nagare picks up the address. "Ah, thank you, Mykasi. Could you please direct us to 1010011010100100101110 Binary Ct.?"
> The door responds again,
> "Reccomended course of action: access circuit connectors, utilize auto-transport.
<Hikari> "I don't think we have circuit connectors," Hikari says.
> The door is quiet a moment longer, then responds, "Reccomended course of action: upgrade hardware." The door slides open with a depressurizing hiss, "Enter."
* Hikari sighs. "Well, I guess I asked for that. I may as well go first."
* Nagare nods solemnly. "Stern, but reasonable."
* Hikari enters!
* Mykasi looks very close to breaking down laughing, but follows Hikari in.
> Shiro follows along, but as he reaches his hand out, it can't seem to pass the doorway. "Yeah, figured. Wonder why Lily's was different? I'll...wait out here, I guess."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow at Mykasi, then follows behind.
<Mykasi> "Check to see where we are IRL?" Mike tosses out as he goes in.
> And thus you enter! As the door slides shut behind you, you can hear "Yeah, sure." from Shiro.(more)
> Lights come on, revealing you to be on a motorized floor that hums to life and begins carrying you further into the building. If the outside was all nice and polished metal, the inside...looks much like the guts of a computer. The walls are circuitboards, giant computer chips and wires, with the occasional fan or heatsink. And there doesn't seem to be anything but floor and wall for a bit(more)
> After a moment, the floor takes you into a room...that has no floor. And tries to dump you all right down a hole.
<Mykasi> "Aiyo! No floor! We don't fly!" Mike yelps, beginning to backpedal on the motorized floor.
* Nagare simply screams as he falls to a possible doom. How else was someone supposed to react to a fall down a bottomless pit?
> Mike backpedals! The floor keeps on trucking...and door in the hallway behind you are starting to close.
<Hikari> Is there a visible bottom to this hole? Hikari walks backwards enough to keep herself in the same place, looking for anywhere else to go--but with them being closed in there's apparently no other option. She sighs and hops down after the professor. May as well stay together.
> Nagare doesn't even backpedal and falls down the hole. And Hikari jumps down willingly. (#velvetroom you two.)
<Mykasi> "Asd- PROF!" Mike bellows. "Hikari- ..." Mike keeps backpedaling for a moment, checking behind him again. "This is... this isn't good. Okay, pressure time..." Mike mutters under his breath, glancing behind him... before shaking his head. "Fuckin' A. Anansi, I don't suppose you've got any tips for a safe descent or anything?"
> Anansi shows up, wearing a star fleet uniform...and a wizard's hat, "Hmm...not sure boss. Maybe try to slide down the wall carefully? Or just yell for someone to catch you?"
<Mykasi> "I approve of the outfit. And alright, little help but I didn't expect much else in this sitch. Oh..." Mike says, as he begins to try to slide down. "No 'boss', okay? We're apparently connected, and authority/servitude relationships never tripped my trigger."
> "Sure thing, boss." Anansi says with a solemn nod and a gangster accent.
<Mykasi> "... Smartass." Mike says as he keeps trying to slide down.
> OOC: Body check, mikey
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 blah
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 blah and gets 7."12 [2d8=4, 3]
> Mike manages to slide down the wall successfully and without damaging himself!

First #velvetroom segment

> Nagare falls and Hikari jumps! And both land with a thud on...another damn conveyor belt. AT least that's what it feels and sounds like. And looks like too, once the lights come on.
> They both land fairly hard(Nagare harder as he didn't have control of his decent) but are mostly fine from it, and able to act normally.
* Hikari is quick to call back up to their missing teammate. "Mike, it's safe enough down here! So far!"
* Nagare rubs his shoulder - seems he managed to fall on it during the fall. "... this could have gone more smoothly."
* Nagare looks up. "As long as this belt doesn't go all the way to a chippershredder, at least. Which, for all we know... might be possible."
> A voice comes on a speaker, similar, but very slightly different to the one before, "Query: Hardware, software or package upgrades?"
<Hikari> "Er...Request: please describe options in greater detail?"
<Nagare> "We aren't even mechanical, for starters. It's likely we need all three if Murphy's Law has any grasp over this world."
> The voice returns, "Affirmative. Hardware upgrade updates physical hardware to latest specifications. Software upgrade updates Operating System and all relevent drivers to latest specifcations. Package Upgrade combines everything. Query: current hardware model and operating system?"
<Hikari> "I'm very much out of my element here...Let's see...Current model: human, current operating system:...brain."
* Nagare scratches head. "Argh, Mykasi -could- be useful right now. Um... do you have system upgrades for organical models?"
> The voice considers, then responds, "Affirmative. Organic model hardware upgrades available. Organic model upgrades work with most organic operating systems but require additional drivers."
<Hikari> "What is--I mean, query: what is a driver for an organic unit and how is one installed?"
> "Drivers are software that allows new hardware to interface with existing software." The Voice explains, "Drivers are installed along with the hardware."
<Nagare> "I think we'll just have to tough it out and see how this goes, Hikari."
* Nagare sighs. "Much like most everything in the Dream."
<Hikari> "Erm..." Hikari looks to Nagare. "Yes. As long as it doesn't rewrite my brain at all, it might actually be useful. Alright machine, what can you do for us?"
> Behind them. Hikari and Nagare hear another thud...and a look back over thier shoulders reveals Mike!(Back in #dor everyone~)

End first #velvetroom segment

> As mike jumps down safely, he can see Hikari and Nagare ahead, and hear them talking to a voice.
* Mykasi runs up to the two. "What's going on here?"
* Nagare turns back and raises an eyebrow. "Now it wasn't so hard, was it?"
> The voice responds to Hikari, "Redirecting to Organic Conversion department. Stay on the moving walkway."
<Hikari> "I admit I'm not entirely sure," Hikari responds to Mike's question.
<Mykasi> "Organic Conversion? Okay, what's going on, seriously?"
<Hikari> "I think we're about to find out," Hikari says, looking ahead.
<Nagare> "Hardware upgrades first, questions later. It's quite unnerving when you think about it."
<Mykasi> "... Requesting permission to approve all additions before they are implemented." Mike says bluntly.
<Hikari> "It is unnvering, yes. It's certainly occurred to me that working in the Dream requires certain concessions to common sense, but I admit to some worry about what's involved here."
> The walkway continues moving, and carries you along a series of corridors(with the floor at intersections rotating to have the walkway going the right direction)...and then leaves the saftey of walls and takes you out over a vast room filled with machines working on other machines and blinking computer screens everywhere. There are also no handrails, so watch your balance.
* Hikari looks around. "The building didn't look this large from the outside, did it? Though I suppose that's nothing unusual here."
<Nagare> "I think Dreamspace just readjusts itself to become as large or small as it is convenient."
* Mykasi looks over the edge of the conveyor, on his stomach so as to not worry about balance. "Whoa, cool."
> None of you go falling off, while the walkway scoots you across the room and back into a hallway. More twists and turns and you come to a door, which slides open with that same depressurizing hiss as the outer door and leads into a very bright white room. Which thankfully has chairs and no automatic floor! And also an operating table...
* Nagare raises an eyebrow, biting his lips. "Steven, I may have started something I can't finish."
<Hikari> "Um. I imagine I should've known this would be involved..."
<Mykasi> "... I think I'll pass on any ops for today." Mike mutters. "Though I can't imagine a purposeful injury would occur here... your call, you two."
> The large piece of equipment with lots of arms and sharp bits and the like over the operating table whirrs to life and a cheerful mechanical voice comes from a speaker, "Greetings organic creatures! I am the unit designated as D0c7-0R and I will be helping you cross the threshhold into mechanical perfection today!"
* Hikari walks forward to the table...slowing a little when the "doctor" arrives. "I...see."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "Does this mean you're volunteering for the noble sacrifice, Hikari?"
* Hikari sighs. "You know, it might actually be useful...as long as the changes don't carry over to the real world. I don't know if I could deal with the kind of questions it would provoke if this changes anything obvious."
<Mykasi> "Request to make the changes inobvious, then." Mike shrugs.
> Some lights on D0c7-0R flash, and it continues, "Do not worry, I am programmed to communicate effectively with imperfect organic creatures, and my failure record on conversions is 0%. You may ask any questions of me you wish."
<Nagare> "The first question is quite obvious. Do you offer full anaesthesia before operations?"
<Hikari> "How many...'conversions' have you performed, I have to wonder? Otherwise, I am wondering exactly what this procedure would involve, what benefits would be gained from it, and whether these changes will leave me visibly changed."
<Hikari> "Also what he said."
> "Anaesthesia is unfortunatly not possible due to the nature of the conversions," D0c7-0R explains, "I rely heavily on data gathered from the patient's nerves while operating, to compromise their effectiveness is to introduce an error ratio into the operation."
> Then to Hikari, "The benefits gained are dependent upon the upgrades selected. What upgrade brings you here today?"
<Nagare> "We apparently can't even traverse places in this area because we're entirely organic, for starters."
<Hikari> "I am not entirely sure. We were shuttled here more or less at random. If I were to make requests? Well, we do sometimes encounter hostile entities that require violence to overcome. If I were to prioritive upgrades, it would involve selecting ones to improve my capability at dealing with them. Becoming...better, faster, stronger."
<Hikari> "Although the invasiveness of the procedure is a concern, given the lack of anesthesia."
> "Combat upgrades, then!" D0c7-0R exclaims, "We have multiple combat upgrades available for organic units wishing to become 'Super Soldiers' so to speak. The MR-R0D-G3R5 upgrade package is popular for general physical enhancements, but upgrades must be made to the entire body. It is highly invasive, but has no outward physical signs"(more)
> "Other popular upgrades are more confined to certain bodily areas. There is the M3G4-BU573R, which allows one's hand to be replaced with a projectile weapons! As well as the Steel Arm and Steel Arm v2, which replace one arm with a super strong robotic one! v2 is more advanced in that it is easily disguisable as a normal organic arm, at least until teh skin is cut."
<Hikari> "I...think I prefer my arms organic. I also like my hands where they are. There are only so many concessions I can make, cosmetically...Precisely what benefits would I get from the general package?"
> "An overall increase in strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. The increase is fairly minor, but noticable, as it improves all areas of physical capability."
<Hikari> Hikari, eventually, nods. "I mostly engage enemies in melee combat. This would be useful. ...Alright. How long will the procedure take?"
* Mykasi is vaguely shocked that Hikari is even entertaining this.
> "Approximately three hours." D0c7-0R states.
<Hikari> "Very well." To Mike and Nagare: "Obviously I don't think any of us want the two of you observing this. I hate to inconvenience you with waiting...Perhaps the facility has computers you could use for recreation or information gathering?"
> "I have physical nodes in other rooms as well, and am fully capable of performing multiple conversions at one time." D0c7-0R notes.
<Nagare> "We likely need to enter the operation table eventually if the giant building is correct. We're probably getting maimed together."
* Mykasi shrugs. "I'll go to a different room, then. ...good luck."
<Nagare> "I mean, operated," Nagare coughs.
> The door hisses open again.
<Hikari> "Please don't use words like that, Professor. The prospect is frightening enough as it is."
* Nagare scratches his head. "My apologies."
* Mykasi shakes his head, stepping out.
* Nagare sighs. "Regardless, if you're seriously considering this, maybe I should enter the table as well. Misery loves company."
> Mike and Nagare step out...and Hikari is left alone in the room(back to #vr, gentlemen)
<Hikari> "Perhaps you should wait until I'm done in order to gauge exactly how much misery is involved," Hikari notes in parting.
> D0c7-0R cheerfully continues, "Please remove coverings and lie on the table. As I will need access to your spinal cord, please lie face down."
* Hikari shudders. The cheerful tone of voice only makes this more disturbing, really. She undresses and lies down as instructed, already regretting agreeing to go through with this. It had better be worth it in the end!
> And D0c7-0R goes to work! She is quickly sanitized, and then multiple surgical tools start cutting into her. And holy SHIT does that hurt! D0c7-0R requests, tone still quite pleasant, "Please refrain from lapsing into unconciousness. That would introduce an error ratio into the conversion."
<Hikari> "Y-y-yes, right," Hikari says through gritted teeth. "I'll be sure to stay awake to enjoy the whole procedureOHMYGODAGHCK."
> OOC: Soul+Body average check. This is physical endurance and willpower here.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 13."12 [2d8=6, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 FUCKIONG REROLL
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 FUCKIONG REROLL and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
> Hikari...is in incredible pain. She manages to tough through much of it, and stay awake for two hours of this(not that she has any idea of knowing how much time has passed, besides "way too much but somehow not enough")...until the robot begins to actively cut into her spinal cord. The sheer pain from that sends her over the edge and into unconciousness, despite D0c's warnings to the contrary.
> roll 1d100 error ratio has been introduced.
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 error ratio has been introduced. and gets 31."12 [1d100=31]
> Eventually, Hikari wakes up. And...hurts. Alot. Everywhere. D0c7-0R's cheerful voice greets your awakening, "Ah, the stimulants seem to have brought you out of your unconcious state. Congradulations, the conversion is complete! You are now a superior cybernetic lifeform, with low level enhancements to all phsyical capabilities thanks to the MR-R0D-G3R5!"
* Hikari groans, stirs into life again. Or something vaguely resembling it. "I...ough. I passed out. There weren't any problems?"
> "Unfortunately you were unable to remain awake, but enough had been done to that point that the error ratio was minimal." D0c7-0R explains.
* Hikari sits up. "It's good to know I won't pay more for this than I already have." She slides off the table, flexes her limbs experimentally.
> That...also hurts. Alot. It still feels like her nerves are all being held inches away from an open flame. But nontheless, she flexes her arms and can feel the difference in strength and control. It's minor, as he said. But noticable.
> One of the panels on the wall changes tint and becomes reflective, so Hikari can admire the handiwork.
<Hikari> Everything counts in a pinch. Whether it was worth the pain remains to be seen. Hikari steps in front of the mirror, scans for changes. Probably there are a lot of incisions she'll have to explain away if she's careless enough to let them show in the real world (or, well, the bruises dream injuries translate to).
> She has...a bit more visible muscle now. But no obvious circuitry or metal on the outside. A second mirror on the other side of the room lights up, allowing her to see her back, where she can see a long scar along the center of her back as the only visible cue.
<Hikari> "Is this scar permanent?" she asks the robot doc as she gets dressed again.
> Just as Hikari gets her clothes on, the door hisses open and the walkway deposits Mike and Nagare in the room. D0c7-0R answers, "Like all scars it will fade with time."

Second #velvetroom segment

* Nagare scratches his head. "There is something strangely enticing about the idea, in all fairness."
<Mykasi> "Then do it." Mike shakes his own head.
<Nagare> "Depends on whether Hikari survives it or not."
> The floor whirrs to life again and carrys you over to another room. Which is identicle to the one you just left, only no Hikari.
> The machine there activates and greets you, "Hello again, D0c7-0R here. Please have a seat, or begin queries for yor own conversions."
* Mykasi glances to the Professor.
* Nagare coughs. "Do you mind if we wait until the current operation is over? I'd be more comfortable with discussing the conversion operations after seeing a first-hand practical experience."
> "Of course! Simply remain seated and be patient. The conversion surgery will be over in approximately three hours."
<Nagare> "Although I guess I wouldn't mind knowing if you have something we could arrange regarding tracking and mobility."
* Mykasi sits, listening in carefully.
> "Tracking? Sensory upgrades, then! Yes, we do offer sensory upgrades to organic units. Are you interested in enhancing the data gathering of an organic sense, or installing additional detection equipment?"
<Nagare> "The latter sounds more versatile for our purposes. Pray tell."
> "Equipment to see into the Infrared or Ultraviolet spectra can be easily installed, as can the ability to hear into the sub- or super-sonic frequencies. Further equipment can be installed to detect certain substances or phenomina."
<Nagare> "Hm. Elaborate on the detection of determined phenomena."
> "Elaborate on the desired phenomena you desire to detect." D0c7-0R counters.
<Mykasi> "Elaborate on dis booty - it is gravy and rocks your world like depleted uranium." Mike mutters under his breath.
<Nagare> "More precisely, detection of dream patterns and changes - or, in a sense, try to discern order in the chaos of dreaming."
<Nagare> "This is very vague, but bear with me."
> D0c7-0R waits for the rest of the explanation.
<Nagare> "Basically, I'd like to know whether one would be able to detect patterns within the Dream. Like, say, when an area in the Dreaming is about to change, being able to sense this with a bit of pre-knowledge would be useful. Alternatively, being able to detect the presence of the Dream in the real world - or if there are different types of dream matter - could be quite a boon. These are just examples..."
<Nagare> "... and I'd be surprised if even of of those was plausible. But still."
> "I apologize, but it sounds as if you may wish to take up sorcery instead of technological upgrades, as the phenomena you describe are largely magical in nature and require a certain amount of prescience to detect. As advanced as our science is, we do not yet have that capability."
<Mykasi> "And where would one go to learn such things?" Mike inquires suddenly from his corner.
> "I apologize, but that information is not nessesary to my functions, so it is not something I am able to tell you." D0c7-0R apologizes again.
<Mykasi> "Could you inquire for the information from another unit?" Mike asks.
* Nagare nods. "Well. Would you be able to install something that would allow one of us to detect locations in this world and give us understandable coordinates, at least? Like a GPS."
> "Hmm. R353-4cH3R may be aware of the information you are inquiring for. Shall I direct the walkway to take you to one of his units?" Then to Nagare, "Unfortunately that is a negative as well. Mapping software does not work reliably in this area beyond the borders of the Binary Section."
<Mykasi> "I'll go to talk to R353-4cH3R once our companion's surgery is finished." Mike nods slightly.
* Nagare nods. "I guess I could be convinced into hearing about seeing the infrared/ultraviolet spectra.
<Nagare> "But I'll wait until Hikari's done to decide."
> And thus, time passes~
> Eventually, D0c7-0R's voice comes back online, "The operation is a success! Your freind is now a superior cybernetic being. Shall I direct the floors to bring you to see her?"
<Nagare> "Yes, please do."
<Mykasi> "...I guess, sure." Mike nods.
> The door hisses open! And the walkway begins to move.
* Mykasi gets on the walkway with a shrug. "At least everything went okay."
<Nagare> "We don't -quite- know that yet."
> And it brings you to the door!

End second #velvetroom segment

<Hikari> "Good enough," she says, just finishing buttoning up as her friends reappear.
<Mykasi> "...You okay, Hikari?" Mike asks first off.
<Hikari> "I feel as though someone's taken a metal bat to every inch of my body, repeatedly. Other than that, I'm fine."
* Nagare scratches his cheeks, a bit perplexed. "How visceral was the experience, if that's okay to ask?"
> "She was unfortunately unable to remain concious for the entirety of the proceedure," D0c7-0R notes, "But the error ratio introduced by that was minimal as she lasted long enough, and I was able to complete the process flawlessly."
<Hikari> "Three hours of blinding pain. Or, rather, two hours of blinding pain and one hour of merciful oblivion. I will need to...take a test drive before I know whether to recommend the procedure as being worth the trouble."
* Nagare ponders. "I have to wonder if the facility offers a possibility of less invasive procedures."
* Mykasi nods slightly, choosing not to comment.
> "It depends entirely on the upgrade being installed," D0c7-0R says.
<Nagare> "Well. How invasive is the procedure to install auto-connectors? And are those auto-connectors restricted for use within the boundaries of this 'city'?"
<Nagare> "I realized we've been waiting for hours and haven't settled the matter of actually -traversing- this place."
<Nagare> "Well, besides walking."
> "Auto-connectors?" D0c7-0R asks, "Do you mean connecting to the auto-transport?"
<Nagare> "Yes. This was recommended as the best way to traverse this place."
> "For Hikari, as she now has the nueral interface for it, it is a proceedure that would take approximately ten minutes and require only operating in her feet. For the two of you, I would need to instal the proper nueral connections first, which would take approximately an hour and require operations on your spinal cord."
* Hikari shrugs. "It sounds minor compared to what I just went through. For me, at least. If either of you are going to go ahead with it, I may as well follow suit."
* Mykasi shrugs slightly. "I'll pass for now."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "Do all procedures for adapting biological beings into this interface require spinal cord operations?"
> "Yes."
> "Except for those confined entirely to the head area." D0c7-0R notes.
> "Also," he explains, "If you are going to stay together, it is only nessesary for one of you to access the auto-transport. The others can simply follow."
<Hikari> "Well, that makes it simple enough. I can volunteer if no one else wishes to. It would take us less time."
* Nagare nods while wincing, still picturing the idea of a person's spinal cord being torn apart.
* Nagare still asks, though. "Would a sensory upgrade for detecting infrared and ultraviolet spectra be particularly complicated?"
> D0c7-0R has Hikari take her shoes back off, sit on the table, and begins doing surgery on her feet, installing some parts and connectors. Ten minutes later, the operation is finished and she's good to go!(more)
> While he works, D0c7-0R answers Nagare, "Sensory upgrades such as that bypass the spinal cord by being located in the head, so it is easier to simply make the changes to the brain itself. It is fairly complicated, as you would expect any form of brain surgery to be. But well within my capabilities."
* Hikari watches with some curiosity. It's actually putting mechanical devices inside her this time?
> It is! Right into her feet, even! She can't see most of the action since it's on the bottom of her feet, though.
* Mykasi watches as well, carefully, nodding when Hikari's done. "Okay. Ready?"
* Nagare ponders. "Hmmm. How long would the surgery be?"
<Hikari> "I am whenever the rest of you are." Hikari takes a few steps around the operating room, experimentally. "How does this new feature work?"
> "Approximately two and a half hours." He answers Nagare. Then to Hikari, "Simply stand on the auto-transport anywhere in the Binary area, you would think of it as the 'street' I believe, and instruct it where to take you. It will access the interface in your feet and move you there."
* Hikari simply nods.
* Nagare scratches his head. "I... think I'll consider this on a later opportunity, then. I think we've spent quite a long time here, and the essential matter is handled."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "To R353-4cH3R, and then out?"
> "The automatic floor has been programed to take you to one of R353-4cH3R's units."
<Nagare> "That's quite convenient."
<Mykasi> "Thanks."
* Mykasi then steps on the floor!
> The floor moves, and takes you through hallways, back over the factory room, through more hallways, and eventually to another door. That hisses and opens, and the floor scoots you in!(more)
> In this room is...a really frakking large supercomputer. With one chair in front of an archaic looking keyboard. The computer is labeled, you guessed it, R353-4cH3R. And over the keyboard is a small display that says "Insert query."
* Mykasi shrugs and advances forward, typing in "Location of teachers of sorcery or magical detection methods."
> A moment of computing later, a page is printed out from a spot beside the display!
> The page has a list of people on it, what they teach, and where to find them(if known).(OOC: I'll throw this into the Stuff of Dreams thread for you later)
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Thanks." And with that, he nods to the other two. "Let's jet."
> The display changes to read, "One query per visit. Insert next destination."
* Mykasi blinks at the machine, before shrugging and typing "Exit".
> The automatic floor starts whirring and changes direction!
> Getting on it, you eventually find yourselves being spat out a door and back into the Binary Section. Only...out of a completely different building on a compltely different street. Looks like you're on Binary Lane now.
<Nagare> "Okay, so do we knock on another building's door for the transportation services?"
<Mykasi> "Sounded like Hikari could just step on the street and be taken there." Mike shrugs.
<Hikari> "The impression I got is that I could simply step on the street and state our destination. Shall we try?" Hikari walks onto the road and says aloud the address they have written down.
<Nagare> "Be our guest."
> Hikari gets an internal error message in her mind. 'Auto-transport cannot access jack. Remove material covering jack.'
<Mykasi> "Well?"
<Mykasi> And after a moment, "Wait, where's Shiro? Should we find him first?"
<Hikari> "Oh, I guess I need to be barefoot for this." Hikari removes her shoes and socks, then tries again.
> Success! Something comes up from teh street and plugs into the bottom of Hikari's feet. Then starts just sliding her along the street towards the destination. It's a rather tingly feeling.
* Mykasi follows Hikari. "Can you tell it to go to the previously entered building first?" Mike repeats. "I'd rather not lose Shiro in this mess."
* Hikari shudders a little. "That was strange. Anyway, I suppose you just have to follow me now. And--yes, good point. Take us back to the entrance of the building we just exited," Hikari requests.
> Hikari gets another mental error, 'Address invalid. Insert proper address.'
<Hikari> "Too vague," Hikari sighs. "Damned computers are so literal."
<Hikari> "Did anyone note the actual address of the building we entered?"
* Mykasi tries to recall the number, since he had been checking them...
> OOC: Roll Mind, you know the drill
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 3]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for memory non-failure
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for memory non-failure and gets 13."12 [2d8=7, 6]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 RECENT MEMORY, DON'T FAIL ME NOW (?)
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 RECENT MEMORY, DON'T FAIL ME NOW (?) and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
* Ranmilia has joined #personador
> Hikari and Mike both manage to remember the address! And soon, you're on your way there~
> -------------------------------------------------------

> ------------------------------------------------------------------
> After a bit of thinking, Mike and Hikari both remember the actual number string address of the house they first entered and left Shiro outside of!
* Hikari directs the street to bring her there, once she has her shoes off.
* Mykasi follows Hikari with a slight nod, rubbing his head.
* Nagare follows the companions. Memory is a blessing that isn't always within you, but almost always at least by your side!
> The street hooks into the access in Hikari's feet and begins moving her in that direction, while Mike and Nagare follow along. After a bit of walking(or just sliding across the ground in Hikari's case), they get over to a section where Binary Place meets Binary Drive...which is cordoned off with things that look like police baracades rising out of the street(more)
> In the cordoned off area, there is a really big mess, with lots of robots completely scrapped and shattered into pieces. Small wheeled robots are moving about cleaning things up, scooping the debris into themselves and driving off into an open door of the nearest house once full.
> There is, of course, no sign of Shiro anywhere.
<Mykasi> "... I wonder if Shiro did this."
* Hikari looks around for anyone--anything--that might appear to be in charge of the situation.
* Nagare scratches his head. "I don't think we're to wonder if he did this - we should figure out whether we'll have to pay a bill of any sorts for this."
<Hikari> "We haven't told the locals where we live. Keep it that way," Hikari suggests in response to this.
<Nagare> "I'm fairly sure that's not how they charge those in debt in here."
> There is a different robot, fairly large and with a human-shaped torso, though it has treads instead of legs for a lower body. Oh yeah, and it has cannons mounted on it's shoulders. It's sitting in one corner of the barracaded area, rotating around and keeping a lookout.
* Hikari approaches this robot. "Excuse me sir, could you tell me what happened here?"
<Mykasi> Not gonna presume anythin', me." Mike deadpans, following Hikari.
* Nagare follows behind as well. "We may well find out."
> The combat bot rotates to face Hikari, and...the cannons immediately adjust to focus on Mike and Nagare, one tracking each, "Warning: Organics will stay motionless or face pre-emptive retaliation." Then to Hikari, "Explanation: Hostile organic."
<Hikari> "Oh? What happened? where di this...organic go?"
<Hikari> *Where did
* Mykasi stays motionless as the robot demands, not liking the idea of being shot.
* Nagare stands still as well.
> "Hostile organic proved too difficult to capture, but was forced to flee the Binary Sector." Some lights on what might pass for the robot's 'face' flash, "Query: Are these organics yours?"
* Hikari glances back at Mike and Nagare, turns again to the robot, and very seriously says, "Yes."
* Mykasi stays very calm and relaxed at Hikari's statement.
> More lights flash, "Warning: control organics and keep them out of trouble. Security is on Code 7 status."
<Mykasi> "We hear and obey.
<Mykasi> "We hear and obey." Mike murmurs.
<Hikari> "Understood. I'll keep a close watch on them. One last question--in which direction did the hostile organic flee? We will want to avoid that part of the city for our safety, of course."
> The combat-bot gestures...straight back down Binary Place and out of the gate, "Hostile organic directly exited the Binary Sector, it should not be in here still. Reccomendation: Escort your organics out of the Binary Sector as well before concluding your buisiness, it would be safest for you and them."
<Hikari> "I will take your recommendation under advisement and weigh it against the necessity of timely completion of our duties. Thank you." Hikari turns away. She'll walk for a couple blocks until she's out of the combat robot's sight, then turn a corner and see about finishing their job here.
* Mykasi bows and stays -very close- to Hikari as they leave.
* Nagare follows behind as closely as possible. There has to be something to be said about a resemblance to a slapstick comedy routine here, despite the circumstances - or because of them.
> You get a couple blocks away and turn a corner! The combat-bot is no longer in sight, so presumably you're no longer in his either.
<Hikari> "Right. Shall we continue?" Hikari gives the automatic street more directions: continue to the address they were sent here for, making detours around the cordoned-off streets if necessary.
<Mykasi> "Mistress Hikari, would you care for a grape or a soothing massage while we're at it?" Mike's voice is oddly devoid of the usual sarcastic tone.
<Hikari> "Yes, but now's not really the time."
<Mykasi> "Understood, Mistress. Lead and we shall follow."
<Nagare> "You do realize he's never asking you this again."
> You read off the address on the card, the street hooks back into Hikari's feet and off you go. A few other combat-bots of various shapes and sizes can be seen around, but as Mike and Nagare don't make any threatening moves, they ignore you.(more)
> Eventually, you make it to the house on the card, '1010011010100100101110 Binary Ct. It looks...just like every other damn house around here. The entire place is standardized to the extent that if the street signs didn't have different names(at least as much as they do) you could get lost here after making one turn.
<Mykasi> "Details, Prof."
* Hikari walks up to the door and knocks on it, basket in hand.
> A light flashes next to the door, and a voice is heard from a nearby speaker, "Statement of greeting. Query of purpose."
* Hikari holds up the basket. "Delivery."
> The voice is heard again, "Aknowledged." The door opens, "Instructions: place delivery on the conveyor."
* Hikari does so!
> The conveyor starts carrying the basket down the hall! And the door slides shut again. The voice crackles back to life, "Delivery recieved, printing proof of delivery...."
> And a moment later, a reciept slides out of a crack underneath the speaker.
* Hikari takes it.
<Mykasi> "Cool."
<Hikari> "I suppose that concludes our business here?" she says to her friends. "Let's move out before more trouble finds us."
* Mykasi nods. "Yes, let's."
<Nagare> "Please do."
<Mykasi> "Lead the way, Hikari?"
<Hikari> "Very well." Hikari steps back on the street and directs it to take them back out of the area, about where Shiro had disappeared hopefully.
> There is only one entrance to the Binary Sector, so when told to take her there, the street hooks up to Hikari's feet and takes her right back to where the barricaded area was, moving her around that and right up to the entrance where the auto-transit turns back into 'normal' street. Normal in this case being carpeted area that a sentient vaccuum is doing circles on.
* Hikari walks over to the vacuum and speaks to it, describing Shiro and asking if he came by this way and where he went. It says something that this no longer feels remotely unusual.
> The vacuum hums and shakes and wiggles it's cord! Which...Hikari doesn't even remotely understand what it's saying. Mike, though...the vibrations echo around in his head giving him a bit of a headache as they start to form into what he can understand as...words.
* Mykasi listens carefully at this, crouching.
> "The guy on the big red horse?" The vacuum spins around as it talks, "Yeah, yeah, I saw him! Heard him talking to himself too, said...um...he said...um...well, he went that way!" the vacuum gestures with his cord!
<Mykasi> "Gotcha. Thanks." Mike nods to the vacuum. "Take care of yourself." And with that, he leads the team in the direction the vacuum gestured!
* Hikari follows, assuming the exchange was fairly straightforward.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "When did you learn to speak with household appliances again?"
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 24."12 [1d100=24]
<Mykasi> "Like hell if I know, but that hurt like Dickens and Proust."
* Nagare snickers "You say that again after spending the better part of a decade neck-deep into law theory literature."
> The carpeting soon gives way to a cobblestone steet...only the cobblestones are made of copper and steel, and the buildings nearby, while resembling an old victorian style, are also clearly high-tech. Neon gaslight streetlamps run along the sides of the road, while robots, cyborgs and other odd things all dressed in that period's style walk about the area.(more)
> Most of the denizens ignore you, though one gentlemen with robotic tentacles coming out of his eyes and mouth tips his hat politely as he passes.
> (OOC: Mind checks, all.)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 oh god the horror
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 oh god the horror and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 7]
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 4."12 [2d8=3, 1]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 rolling rolling
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 rolling rolling and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 8]
<Mykasi> "...! Off to the side, you guys!" Mike says brashly, practically shoving Hikari and Nagare off the road as his eyes track the object moving toward them!
* Nagare raises an eyebrow and begins to react, nodding to his peers. "I think you may want to go out of the way -as fast as you can - ack!"
<Hikari> "What? I--whoa!"
> The three of you manage to get off to the side just before a carraige, being drawn by a hovering mechanical horse, comes ripping down the road at high speeds...with two more like it fast on it's heels! The drivers of the carriages are these strange angular beings, all lines and boxes connecting like a wire-frame only not nearly so pretty. They have heads with strange silver masks, and fire laser guns into the air as they ride past!(more)
> and fire laser guns into the air as they ride past!(more)
> From inside the carraiges, muffled cries for help can be heard...
> The robots and other Residents around are diving for cover or rushing inside buildings.
<Hikari> "Kidnappers?!" The carriages are probably moving too quickly, but Hikari would totally leap up on one and help out if she could.
* Nagare dusts himself off, shaking his head. "What -is- that madness?"
<Mykasi> "..." Mike shakes his head. "Man, a totally good steampunk buzz ruined by punks blowin' steam."
> (OOC: Roll init if you're engaging. Rmemeber, that's 2d8+ACV. Also, Hikari, give me just a moment to update your sheet.)
> (OOC: Everything updates, go ahead and roll init those who are engaging)
<Hikari> roll 2d8+9 for JUSTICE!
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8+9 for JUSTICE! and gets 14."12 [2d8=3, 2]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8+9 for... uh... following the boss!
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8+9 for... uh... following the boss! and gets 15."12 [2d8=3, 3]
> roll 2d8+7 Line Bandit #1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+7 Line Bandit #1 and gets 20."12 [2d8=6, 7]
> roll 2d8+7 Line Bandit #2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+7 Line Bandit #2 and gets 19."12 [2d8=8, 4]
> roll 2d8+7 Line Bandit #3
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+7 Line Bandit #3 and gets 15."12 [2d8=6, 2]
<Nagare> roll 2d8+8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8+8 and gets 20."12 [2d8=7, 5]
> roll 2d8+5 heroic tentacle faced shadow
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+5 heroic tentacle faced shadow and gets 17."12 [2d8=8, 4]
* Retrieving #personador modes...
<Hikari> roll 2d8+9 for JUSTICE! I mean REROLL!
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8+9 for JUSTICE! I mean REROLL! and gets 18."12 [2d8=2, 7]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 60/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 75/75 HP [90/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > LB1 > LB2 > Hikari > Tentacle Face > Mykasi > LB3
> OOC: Nagare, if you're doing anything, go for it. You can see Hikari getting ready to jump up on a carriage!
* Nagare looks up, realizing Hikari is about to jump on a carriage. The teacher shouts to her: "Wait a minute, are you -seriously- going to hijack -that-?"
> (OOC: Is that holding? If so, please note such. I'm not goig to give infinite time for conversation mid battle, especially with moving targets liek this)
<Nagare> (OOC: Yeah, I'm holding the action.)
<Hikari> "Someone inside's shouting for help, professor! Am I supposed to just stand here?" Hikari calls out to the men on the carriages: "Hey, all of you! Cease and desist right now!"
> The first two masked line bandit things ride onward, one shooting it's gun in the air, the other taking a potshot at Hikari as it passes, as she looks like she's going to be a wise guy!
> roll 2d8 Imma firin mah lazor
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 Imma firin mah lazor and gets 11."12 [2d8=8, 3]
> But the beam hits the street beside her, leaving an impressive scorch mark! (OOC: Hikari is up)
<Hikari> "I gave you a chance to stand down!" Hikari leaps up on the nearest carriage behind the driver!
> (OOC: That's a body check.)
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 how about NO
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 how about NO and gets 6."12 [2d8=1, 5]
> Hikari leaps! And almost misses...until she hears the rattle of dice and time almost seems to slow for an instant, allowing her to land next to the driver and grab hold of something to steady herself!(OOC: Tentacle Face is up)
> The tentacle faced man from the street stares at Hikari, then cheers in a robotic british accent, "...I say, good show madam! It's past time someone stood up to these desperados!" Then looking over at one of the fleeing ones, his eye tentacles stick out perfect straight and he yells, "Take THAT sir!" ...and fires his tentacle EYE LASERS!
> roll 2d8 tentacle eye lasers
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 tentacle eye lasers and gets 15."12 [2d8=7, 8]
> But sadly he only hits the carriage instead of the driver! (OOC: Mike, go)
* Mykasi mutters loudly, shaking his head as Hikari jumps on! "Fine, fine, we interfere!" And with that... a very classy Victorian wall appears five feet in front of the first carraige, hovering slightly in midair on coils! (Targets: all three carraiges)
> roll 2d8 mind LB1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 mind LB1 and gets 13."12 [2d8=8, 5]
> roll 2d8 mind LB2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 mind LB2 and gets 10."12 [2d8=2, 8]
> roll 2d8 mind LB3
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 mind LB3 and gets 9."12 [2d8=8, 1]
> The first masked line bandit thing panics as a wall suddenly appears, too close for him to stop, and swiftly bails from the carraige, jumping out and landing a jumble on the street! ...as his horse and carriage go right through the wall without even slowing.
<Mykasi> "Alternately, that works. Punk."
> The third desperado now has an angry Hikari right in his face! Or his mask, as the case may be! Keeping on hand on the reins, he brings his gun down and fires it point blank, right at her face!
> roll 2d8 laser is not difficult
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 laser is not difficult and gets 5."12 [2d8=3, 2]
> OOC: You can roll defense, but at a -4 penalty as you're trying not to fall off the carriage)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 worth a shot anyway!
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 worth a shot anyway! and gets 9."12 [2d8=4, 5]
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 7."12 [2d8=2, 5]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 15/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 75/75 HP [90/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> The blast connects, and holy SHIT that HURTS! Hikari's not in top shape thanks to the operation she just had anyway, so having a laser nearly burn a hole in her shoulder is NOT something she really needed.(OOC: go nagare)
* Nagare looks up to Hikari and runs closer, towards the carriage she's on. It seems she desperately needs -some- mending, which he tries to provide, calling forth Slane's Dew. "Abartach!"
> The elfin wizard appears near Hikari, pouring the healing draught of Slane's Dew upon her from his silver cup! Her wounds mend, but she's still not feeling in peak condition.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 55/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 75/75 HP [90/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> d4
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls d4 and gets 1."12 [d4=1]
> The first desperado picks himself up off the ground...more unfolding back into shape then actually standing, and snaps off a shot at Nagare!
> roll 2d8 pew pew
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 pew pew and gets 8."12 [2d8=5, 3]
> The laser misses Nagare by literal inches, leaving him feeling nauseous as the hot light passes so close.
> The second one slows it's carriage to a halt, offering a hand down to the first to pull him up so they can get moving again!(The bandit isn't up yet, just being pulled up)
> (OOC: That brings us to Hikari)
* Hikari grunts at the laser burn but remains steadfast (with a little help from her friends, of course!) "No more warnings. Brynhildr? SMITE."
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio and gets 4."12 [2d8=2, 2]
> roll 2d8 defense ahaha I need a 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 defense ahaha I need a 2 and gets 9."12 [2d8=2, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 damageification
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 damageification and gets 10."12 [2d8=3, 7]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > LB1 > LB2 > Hikari > Tentacle Face > Mykasi > LB3(39 damage)
> Bynhilder appears, slamming her spear into the masked line thing and nearly knocking it from the carriage! It holds on, and wobbles greatly, but hasn't vanished as defeated shadows tend to do.(OOC: Tentacle man)
> The tentacle faced man turns on the bandit that Hikari is facing, "Assaulting a lady, are you sir? Nothing but a knave, I say!" And more lasers shoot from his tentacle eyes towards the injured bandit!
> roll 2d8 tentacle eye lasers
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 tentacle eye lasers and gets 12."12 [2d8=5, 7]
> Again they're innaccurate, missing the carriage entirely and striking a building on the other side of the street! (OOC: Go mike)
* Mykasi mutters, dismissing the wall as an illusion before calling forth Anansi and gesturing at the wheel of the second carraige. "Disable the transportation, let's see how far they get then!" With that, a spear of ice is flung out toward the wheel!
> (OOC: roll to hit)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 ready, aim... ice!
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 ready, aim... ice! and gets 10."12 [2d8=5, 5]
> The spear of ice shoots by, missing the carriage wheel but hitting the carriage itself. Fortunately(?) the vehicle is sturdy enough to take the abuse, but it does rock quite a bit.
> The bandit Hikari is accosting brings his gun back up, snapping off another shot at his attacker, even as he reels from the blow Bynhildr dealt him!
> roll 2d8 pew pew mk2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 pew pew mk2 and gets 5."12 [2d8=1, 4]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 oh come ON
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 oh come ON and gets 13."12 [2d8=5, 8]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 oh come ON FUCKING REROLL
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 oh come ON FUCKING REROLL and gets 8."12 [2d8=1, 7]
> (OOC: That dodges if you're willing to fall off the carriage?)
<Hikari> OOC: mrph. Fine, not trying my luck further given Hatebot's mood
> Hikari does the only thing she can as she can't shake his aim...which is fall backwards off the carraige and onto the street! Fortunately, the blessing of Bynhildr's armor makes the fall feel like nothing, even as ungraceful as it was.
> (OOC: Back to Nagare)
* Nagare eyes the masked bandit who nearly shot Hikari down, noticing his less than shapely condition. "Good opportunity for a potshot, I believe. Abartach, call forth the darkness!," the teacher calls, unleashing The Lying Prince against the bandit, hopefully managing to finish him off.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for epic accuracy
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for epic accuracy and gets 10."12 [2d8=4, 6]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 55/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 75/75 HP [80/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> The dark spirals spread from Abartach's hand, but the target flattens himself against the carriage seat and they fly harmlessly overhead.(Bandits!)
> The first bandit finishes climbing up into the second's carriage, as the second privides covering fire, snapping off another shot at Nagare.
> roll 2d8 beeeeem
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 beeeeem and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
> And again the teacher avoids the hot light as it leaves another scorch mark on the steet beside him!(Hikari is up)
* Hikari tumbles, rolls, and quickly stands again, pointing after the fleeing carriage and the bandit atop it. "You're not getting away!"
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio again
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio again and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio again I have one more reroll, right?
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio again I have one more reroll, right? and gets 9."12 [2d8=4, 5]
> roll 2d8 dodge can't afford to fall still need a 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 dodge can't afford to fall still need a 2 and gets 6."12 [2d8=1, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 DIE
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 DIE and gets 10."12 [2d8=3, 7]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > LB1 > LB2 > Hikari > Tentacle Face > Mykasi
> Brynhilder races after the fleeing injured bandit, and without a word shoves her spear right through one of the holes in his various boxes...then hauls him bodily off the carriage and slams him into the ground. The lines and boxes break and scatter, then moments later melt away.
> Mr. Tentacle Face pumps one fist in the air, "That's the way, madam! They're not so tough afterall, give 'em blood and bally-o!" His eye tentacles point at the shooting bandit on the other carriage and fire once more!
> roll 2d8 can he hit something this time
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 can he hit something this time and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
> He doesn't seem to be very good with those things. He should get his eyes checked. (Mikey, you're up, then nagare right after)
* Mykasi mutters, and tries another bolt of ice at the wheel in an effort to stop the second carraige! "Damnit, Anansi, get on the ball here! This is steampunk Lovecraftian - our style of place!"
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 pep talk to Anansi success?
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 pep talk to Anansi success? and gets 7."12 [2d8=4, 3]
> Anansi nods and reaches into his wizard's hat, pulling out a giant snowball, which he bowls directly at the wheel of the carriage! And it hits! (Carriage wheel cannot dodge. Damage)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 whack!
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 whack! and gets 14."12 [2d8=8, 6]
> The snowball strikes, the wheel cracks at the force, but somehow holds. Anansi grimaces, 12"Oof. Looks like I'm gonna hafta pick up the spare..."
<Mykasi> "GET YOUR DAMN ASS IN GEAR, THEN!"
> (ooc: Nagare~)
> 12"Whatever you say boss!"1 the spider persona says with a straight face as it reaches back into the hat for god only knows what next.
* Nagare glances at Mykasi's efforts - however, handling the bandits is at least as important as stopping the carriage! Once again, the teacher calls for Abartach's power, aiming a Lying Prince at the bandit who's been insistently trying to shoot him.
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 7."12 [2d8=2, 5]
> roll 2d8 defense
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 defense and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 8]
> (OOC: that's damage time)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 man it -hit-?
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 man it -hit-? and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 7]
> Abartach releases the dark spirals once more, and this time they find thier mark! As the energies fly towards it, the line bandit activly tries to jump down behind the carriage for cover, but the spiral catches it mid-air...and the dark energies fill the boxes on the shadow, turning it into a solid statue that hits the steet and lies there, mask rolling off onto the ground.
> INIT ORDER: Nagare > LB1 > Hikari > Tentacle Face > Mykasi
> The first bandit looks down at it's freind and leaps off the carriage, landing on the horse and releasing the harness, starting to ride away as fast as it can!(OOC you all can get in one more shot before it's out of range. Default range for special attacks is silly)
> (OOC: In order, Hikari's first, then tentaface, then Mike, then Nagare)
<Hikari> "You should've surrendered while you had the chance" Hikari calls out as she sends Brynhildr out for one last shot.
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio and gets 6."12 [2d8=2, 4]
> roll 2d8 dodge
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 dodge and gets 14."12 [2d8=8, 6]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 damagery
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 damagery and gets 10."12 [2d8=4, 6]
> Brynhildr connects, poking the bandit with her spear as it flees, but not enough to kill it!
> Tentacle Face yells after the bandit as he shoots another eyebeam, "And don't come BACK sir!"
> roll 2d8 beem
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 beem and gets 6."12 [2d8=5, 1]
> roll 2d8 defense!?
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 defense!? and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
> roll 2d8 damage he hit it he really hit it
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage he hit it he really hit it and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
> The tentacle eye beams bore right into the back of the fleeing bandit's head, causing the mask to explode and the parts to fade away even as the horse keeps going!
> (OOC: well, uh, free act.)
* Hikari chases after the vanishing carriages. If they're still racing wildly on, someone has to stop them!
<Mykasi> "...right." Mike says with a brief glare at Hikari, before glancing around to see where the carraiges are currently- and seeing Hikari chase off after one. Well, whatevs.
* Nagare dusts himself off and picks up the mask and statue the defeated bandit dropped before running after the other two. When did Hikari turn into a paladin of justice anyway?
> Hikari chases off after the carriages! It takes her a bit, but she catches up to the one that got a good distance off. The horse eventually stopped and is loitering a gas station, refusing to be shooed away by the employee.
* Hikari politely knocks on the carriage door. "Is everyone in there unharmed?"
* Mykasi looks around for the other two carraiges and goes to see if he can help out the people inside.
> H: A muffled voice can be heard from the carriage, "Ah, hullo? Is there a civil being out there? I implore you, untie me and let me out of here!"
* Hikari opens the door to climb inside and help the mysterious prisoner out!
> (OOC: safe to just assume you let all the captured people out and all meet back up together?)
<Hikari> OOC: Think so.
<Mykasi> OOC: Yeah
> The prisoners in the carriages are a short round robot with a 2 foot tall top hat and handlebar mustache...with no discernable face otherwise, wearing a tweed jacket(no pants, he doesn't have legs, he hovers). A pair of young lady robots, equally faceless except for some rosy cheeks and lips that never open, wearing elegant victorian dresses(they have legs, though)(more)
> and the third was in an industrial strength bag that was tied shut, which even Hikari had trouble opening. And he...looks exactly like the bandits you just took out, only he doesn't carry a gun and has a different mask. A different shape, and metallic green instead of silver.
<Mykasi> "All three of you alright?" Mike asks carefully.
> GreenMask salutes, "I can't thank you citizens enough. I'm the Constable around here, and I'm ashamed to say that those no good ruffians managed to capture me as well when I was responding to an cry for help."
* Hikari shrugs. "Well, you know, we were just around, so..."
* Mykasi nods slightly, glancing around for Mr. Tentacle Face.
> The TopHat nods, "Oh yes, oh yes, I do say, I'm not sure what would have happened if you hadn't come along. I thought once the Constable arrived we would be saved, but I fear we underestimated those scoundrals once again."
* Nagare shrugs. "I don't know whether we are a trouble magnet or we just happen to chance into it."
<Hikari> "Are there more of them around? Is it a large gang, or just those three?"
> Mr. Tentacle Face walks over as well, "I say, I'm not really sure. We always see those knaves in threes, but it's a bit hard to tell them apart. Could be the same three, could be different once." Then he turns to GreenMask, tentacles waving, "Constable! I say, we need to DO something about desperados like them!"
<Hikari> "Just...glad to set a good example for everyone..." Hikari manages, finding Mr. Tentacle Face a little difficult to look at.
* Mykasi idly steps a bit away from the group, but toward Mr. Tentacle Face. "Idly, did you see a man on a red horse come by before we happened along?"
> The two girls nod in unison, "We're alright, yes. Thank you ever so much." "I don't even want to imagine what horrible plans those people had in store for us."
> TentacleFace shakes his head, "Red horse, you say? I can't say that I have. Is he another trouble-maker?"
<Hikari> "Well, yes, honestly, but he's our troublemaker. You don't need to worry about him."
<Mykasi> "Uh... not usually, but if he's annoyed he can be." Mike shakes his head. "We're just trying to track him down before he causes any issues. Normally he's calm, but he wandered away... We got pointed in this direction, too. Blast." Mike shakes his head.
<Hikari> "I suppose we just keep going in this direction?"
<Nagare> "Alternatively, we might want to try contacting him in the real world. He could have gone back, for all we know."
> "Well," TentacleFace suggests, "Perhaps the MeterMaid saw him pass by? She's usually out on the streets. I'm afraid I've been inside most of the day, perhaps that's why I missed him."
<Hikari> "MeterMaid? Where would we find her?"
> The constable nods authoritatively, "Allow me to show you the way, it's the least I can do for all your help."
<Hikari> "Of course, thank you." Hikari follows him.
<Mykasi> "That'd be appreciated. Thanks."
> As you walk, the Constable notes, "We have a reward posted for the defeat or capture of the Basked Mandit gang as well. I'll do some looking into it to see if those were all of them, and if they are I'll set the reward aside for you. But if not, I don't suppose I could interest you in bringing a bit of civilian justice on the rest, hmm?"
* Hikari looks to her friends. "Well, we were just passing through..."
> "I'd go do something about them myself," he adds, "but I can't leave my post. I'm the only Constable in the area!"
* Mykasi shrugs, seemingly more willing now that a reward is mentioned. "I'm game either way, but let's go fill out that lunch order for Awn first and then figure things out. If there is a reward, uh... drop it off with him?" Mike suggests after a moment.
<Hikari> "We do have other business to attend to today, yes. I don't mind helping later if there's news."
> "Awn?" he asks, "Awn the Blink? Well, any freinds of his, are freind of mine. A good chap, the Blink is. I can always send word to his Dissasembly about what I find, if you'd like?"
<Mykasi> "That'd be appreciated again. Thanks." Mike nods. "We've been running errands for him in theory, but one thing after another just keeps happening around us, and now Red Horse Hare's run off."
> The Constable nods, and after a couple more streets down, you find a cyborg woman in a french maid's dress with six arms, each holding a different cleaning impliment. She's humming cheerfully as she dusts off and washes parts of the sidewalk.
> "That's the MeterMaid," the constable explains, "She's a good lass. Keeps the town clean, meter by meter. If your freind on the horse passed by on the street, she surely saw him."
<Hikari> Hikari approaches her. "Excuse me, Miss? Did a young man ride by here on a horse?"
<Mykasi> "Lovely Rita, meter maid~ lovely Rita, meter maid~"
> The MeterMaid looks up, "Hmm? Ah, oui, ze 'andsome fellow wit long spear and ze cute little glasses, no?" she giggles, "I saw him, yes."
<Hikari> "Ahh, yes, I suppose that sounds like him. He didn't cause any more problems here, did he? Where did he go?"
> She points up,
* Hikari looks up?
* Nagare scratches his head. "... I think I got it."
> "Well, first he jumped onto ze roof over zere. In one magnifique leap! And zen he went..." she points in another direction, "zat way."
<Nagare> "Did he just disappear?"
<Hikari> "Then I suppose we go zat way. I mean that way."
> The constable shakes his head, "Riding a horse across rooftops? That has to be a traffic violation. Just...don't ask me to cite the exact law."
* Mykasi grins. "Probably, but he won't hurt the rooftops most likely. Consider it akin to limited flying."
* Nagare scratches his head. "When did Shiro turn so fancy - and why would he have the -need- to even after leaving the Binary area, though? Also, not hurting the rooftops is debatable if we consider what happened in the Binary area."
<Mykasi> "Eh." Mike shrugs. "Let's follow him and then get over to the restaurant zone?"
<Hikari> "Let's just find him before he gets himself into something else." Hikari nods to the Constable and the MeterMaid before setting ogg. "Thank you both for your assistance."
<Hikari> *setting off
> The constable nods, "My pleasure, miss. Least I could do."
<Mykasi> "Yes., thank you both."
> The MeterMaid waves goodbye as well, and as you leave you can hear the constable explaining about the mess back where you were earlier that is in dire need of cleaning...
> ------------------------------------------

> -------------------------------------------
> The MeterMaid pointed 'that way'. Which...is not following along any road, being right through(or over) various buildings. But as Hikari saw for herself after the forest, when he doesn't have to worry about a group to keep pace with, Shiro isn't exactly limited to the streets.
<Hikari> "We'll have to approximate his direction," Hikari says with a shrug. "Shall we go and try to find him before he causes more trouble?"
<Mykasi> "Honestly?" Mike shrugs. "He can take care of himself, and frankly I'm not really sure following his path over buildings will be efficient. Let's dodge over to the food court instead - maybe he's going that way."
<Nagare> "He might well have gotten back to the real world if he was in so much trouble he'd need to leap over mountains anyway, soooooo..."
<Hikari> "It is true that he can leave any time he likes. We may as well continue with our mission, yes."
* Mykasi nods and tries to remember the route to the Food Court.
> (OOC: roll mind, anyone trying to divine the way there~)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
> (OOC: Mike's got it, you two don't need to roll if you don't care to)
> Mike thinks about it...and just as before with Frost's store, once you concentrate a moment you simply KNOW where the Four Winds Foodcourt is. And it's...straight in the same direction the MeterMaid pointed. While that isn't somewhere you can get straight from where you are, you can follow roads and take the turns that get you there just as easily.
<Mykasi> "...yeah, Shiro's heading to the food court. Let's get there fast, then."
* Hikari nods and moves on.
* Mykasi leads the way as the group heads out.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatetoro rolls 1d100 and gets 70."12 [1d100=70]
* Nagare follows as well. Seemed the obvious thing to do, really.
> Mike leads the way along the roads, or what passes for roads at times. One dancing five-legged shield follows along a bit and spouts off endless advertisement for the WonderDome(garunteed to be the most Wonderous day of your lives!) but bugs off when it's clear you've got other things to do right now.(more)
> As you keep going, you can see a large gaggle of...worms. All crawling and slithering down the sidewalk right towards you from the direction you're heading in.
* Hikari steps to one side to let them pass. Politely and carefully repressing a shudder.
* Mykasi blinks at the worms, before stepping to the side and wondering if these are related to the Cap'n at all, crouching a bit to look.
* Nagare blinks, proceeding to sidestep the worms if possible. "Are they just going on the opposite direction from us or are they... actually going -towards- us?"
<Mykasi> "Like I know."
> The worms all get right up close to you, then in unison lift thier front ends and wiggle in the air a touch. Mike can feel the vibrations, and they translate in his mind as, "Oi, that was easy. Uhhh, wait, these blokes can't understand me. Hmm, maybe this'll get thier attention?"
<Mykasi> "Oh, you -were- looking for us?" Mike asks kindly. "I do understand you now, by the way."
<Mykasi> Then, to Hikari and Nagare, "Probably the Captain's worms, out to find us. ...probably hired by Shiro... which means he's worried about us... ...hahaha."
* Nagare blinks. "Isn't that a bit far to assume?"
<Hikari> "Hmph. He's been more cause for concern lately than we have."
<Mykasi> "Who else would be looking for us, Nagare?"
> One of the worms does a full backflip in surprise, "Cor blimey, that's fast learnin'! And...got it in one, mate. Bravo! So yeah, your mate back there asked me to go find you in the Binary spot. Says he thinks you were being held prisoner there? Maybe dead, he didn't know."
<Nagare> "Weeeeeeeeell... for starters, there's Aw- nevermind," the teacher says as he deflates.
<Hikari> "We're obviously not dead. He should have more faith in his friends."
<Mykasi> "Aaaand... Shiro thought we were dead or imprisoned. Woops, haha. Well, shall we follow you to him?" Mike proposes, listening to the other two before shrugging. "Well, eh. We were in there a long while."
* Nagare lightly shrugs. "It makes enough sense. I suspect he'd go utterly insane in a hospital's waiting room, though."
<Hikari> OOC: lined too early, obviously. Same line still holds, though!
> The worms nod(all of them. At once), "Sounds like a plan, mate." Then the captain(or his various parts at least) start leading the way back to the food court. Mike can hear him muttering a bit, "And 'ere I was, all set to go get me hands dirty with a real danger mission, and it's a bleedin' false alarm. Ah well, easy money, even if it ain't gonna pay what I was hopin'..."
<Mykasi> "We'll keep you in mind for danger missions." Mike calls up as he follows, grinning slightly.
> One worm looks back, "Oi! It ain't polite to go 'round droppin eaves! But if you do need me ta check something risky like, make sure you've got deeeeep pockets that day."
<Mykasi> "Not tryin' to, but my hearing's sensitive. ...Or something, I still don't know how this works." Mike shakes his head.
> The captain shrugs...or at least that's what Mike thinks a bunch of worms suddenly half bobbing thier front ends at once means, and you follow along to the food court.
> After a bit more walking, with the captain deftly evading any trouble that might have been lurking along the way, you come to a fairly lively area. Various tables are scattered around the area, with plenty of strange shadows sitting at them chatting away or eating meals(more)
> Around the edges of the area, are at least a good dozen or more foodstands, streetcarts, and other assorted miniature kitchens, each offering only a handfull of menu selections. It's a classic open air food-court...only with a very strange clientele.(more)
> As you approach, there's a sign posted just outside the area. It reads: 'By the order of Seiryuu, there is to be NO violence within the Four Winds Foodcourt. This is your ONLY warning.'
<Mykasi> "... oh dear. Yes, let's get Shiro out of here, he's distinctly out of his element here." Mike chuckles.
<Hikari> "He's been here before, at least. I'm sure he can control himself some, or they wouldn't even let him in any more."
> A quick look around doesn't reveal Shiro anywhere...until a second sweep shows him over by one booth munching on something. You just missed him the first time because he's not on Red Hare.
* Hikari can't help but be curious about what shadows it, and walks around to glance at some menus before making her way over to Shiro.
<Hikari> *shadows eat
> Shiro sets down his food as you approach, "You guys look busted up. Did you have to fight your way out? Dammit." he cracks the knuckles on one hand just by clenching his fist, "There has GOT to be a way for me to be able to follow you all inside places!"
<Mykasi> After a quick glance at the menus, Mike looks around for Seiryuu, since that's who they need to run the errand for. At Shiro's statement, Mike shakes his head. "...Long story short, we stuck around to make sure Hikari's loony idea worked out. Where's Seiryuu, idly?"
<Hikari> "We encountered some desperadoes on our way here, as well. they refused to surrender and release their hostages, and had to be dealt with."
<Nagare> "There was also violence that didn't involve anything binary, yes."
<Nagare> "It's more nonsensical than it sounds, really."
<Hikari> "We should really be asking you what happened. Do you know we found the police of Binary mobilized when we came out of that building?"
> Shiro blinks, "Yeah, I pulled back after finding out that even busting my way through the street wouldn't let me in." He shakes his head, "WHat the hell happened in there? You were in there over an hour before I started asking questions, and the door told me they were turning you into robot!"
<Hikari> "Only partially."
<Nagare> "Plus, it was entirely consensual. To the point that only Hikari actually went through with it."
* Mykasi exhales. "Situation was awkward as hell, though - we couldn't leave the way we entered. To the point where the way -in- was a drop only you could likely scale."
> "..." SHiro then just flatly stares at you all for a moment before he speaks up again, "So let me get this straight. You all stuck around in there, with Hikari WILLINGLY getting 'robotic conversion operation' to quote the door. For HOURS. And didn't think to let the guy who can't follow you inside know you were going to be awhile?"
<Nagare> "We actually did. We just couldn't -leave- the minute we got there."
<Hikari> "Well, I certainly wasn't in any condition to go out and tell you to wait. I am sorry, though, we should've got word out somehow. Leaving at will was virtually impossible physically, but we could have asked the building to alert you for us."
<Hikari> "I will remember to be more considerate the next time we find ourselves trapped within a sentient building."
<Mykasi> "Because abandoning Hikari to the robots and attempting to find my way through Uncanny Valley alone would have been a totally good idea, too. Not like I don't get why you're pissed, but leaving was as bad an idea as anything else." Mike mutters.
> Shiro shakes his head again, "There's got to be a way to get phones that work in here."
<Mykasi> "Sounds like something to look for."
<Hikari> "Yes, perhaps one of our friends here will have some advice on communication."
* Nagare ponders. "There may be ways to establish communication links within the Dream, truth be told. Maybe one of the magicians in that list could know about it?"
> "Anyway," he picks his food back up...some kind of oblong crunchy shell filled with cheese and what looks like bacon, "you were asking about Seiryuu?"
<Hikari> "Oh yes, the list. I'd nearly forgotten."
<Mykasi> "That's true." Mike says, handing the list to Shiro. "Got this list very quickly on the way out - spellcasters of some talent. We figure it can't hurt."
> "Magic, huh?" he looks the list over quickly, "I thought all the magic we could do was with our Personas? If this is something different, could we even learn it?"
<Mykasi> "Worth a shot to try, at least." Mike shrugs.
> "..." then he pauses and adjusts his glasses, "Better question. If we can, could we use that in OUR world? Not just in here?"
<Hikari> "It's worth finding out, I think."
<Mykasi> "... that's a good question. Though I'm more interested if Hikari's modifications carry over."
<Mykasi> "Anyway, Seiryuu?"
> Shiro gives Hikari a fairly serious look over, "...I don't SEE anything different..." then to Mike, "Right. Uh, you'd think for a dragon the size of two city busses, he couldn't hide so well. But unless somebody breaks the rules, he never shows his face from what I understand. The cooks might know more, though."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike says with a nod. "Awn said that he'd take our order directly because it's from him, so let's talk to a chef."
<Hikari> "I chose the options that involved no cosmetic changes, Shiro. Just in case it does in fact take effect in the real world as well. I did not look forward to explaining away the substitution of my hand for a gun."
* Mykasi follows his own words and heads over to one of the stands!
> He shrugs, "Alright, makes sense. So what did get done?" Then to Mike really quick, he points at the booth behind him, "Yeah, see that guy all wrapped up in like a thousand cloths? His name's Tacoofa, and he makes these things," he points at his own meal, "They're damn good, so grab one if you want. And he's cool, so he might help."
<Mykasi> "Alrighty." Mike says, heading off to Tacoofa!
> Tacoofa is a short, roughly four feet in height, vaguely humanoid...thing. He's wrapped head to toe in multicolored cloths, some with patterns, some without, making a fairly...unique first impression. He doesn't look like a mummy however, these are more kerchifs and larger cloths then bandages.(more)
<Hikari> "I could use something to eat after that ordeal. As for the operation, the work was mostly subcutaneous. Building up physical strength. It's already noticeably helpful in combat. The procedure necessitated a lack of anesthetic, however, so I would not be able to advise on whether it is worth the discomfort until I know whether or not the changes hold true in the real world as well as here."
> Except for his hands, though. The only visible part of him under those clothes are his hands, and they are in fact wrapped tightly in grey bandages. He also stands over a few pans, and seems to be making something made out of cheese. The sign says: 'Chupaquesos: 15 macca plain, +5 macca per filling'
* Mykasi nods to Tacoofa slightly. "Hello. I have an order I need to place with Seiryuu from Awn the Blink?"
> Tacoofa reaches out a hand, "Really? The Blink always sends someone with a written order, so I have to see that before I bother the Seiryuu."
<Hikari> "Shiro, would you mind covering the price of a meal for me? I'll spot you lunch next time we meet up in the real world to compensate; we just haven't acquired any of the local currency yet."
<Mykasi> "Certainly." Mike nods, passing the order over.
> Shiro digs around in his pocket, "Yeah, no problem. Uh...here," he passes Hikari a trio of 20 macca coins, "So long as you don't go for too much, that should get each of you something. Good thing about the Dream? The price you see is what you pay. No sales tax."
* Hikari waits for Mike to finish up with Tacoofa, at which point she'll order whatever Shiro's having. Hey, he seems to be enjoying it.
> Tacoofa runs the paper through his fingers, "Mmhmm, that's the Blink's handwriting alright. Shall I run the..." then he sees Hikari coming over, "Ah, a customer! Uh...here," he hands the paper back to Mike, "just stand right in the center of those four tiles with the pictures on them, and hold the order up. He'll see it."
> No sooner does Tacoofa hand the paper back to Mike then he's greeting Hikari, "Afternoon miss! Would you care for a Chupaqueso? It's the best cheese filled cheese you'll ever eat, I swear to Bob."
<Mykasi> "Alright, thanks." Mike grins, turning and heading to the four tiles.
> There are four tiles on the ground, each with some manner of chinese symbol in them. One red, one blue, one green, one yellow. As Mike stands in the center...he can FEEL something watching him. Something powerful. It's enough to almost send a jolt down his spine.
<Hikari> "Certainly." Hikari nods.
* Mykasi holds up the order, feeling vaguely silly as he does so but also not terribly so - he can feel this Seiryuu here, too, so it's not that stupid.
> Tacoofa nods, "Wonderful! Will you have an original, or would you care for a filling? We have bacon, pico de gallo, natto, yazmol and pizza sauce."
<Hikari> "Original," Hikari says, not knowing what half those fillings are.
> "That will be fifteen macca, if you please."
> After a moment, Mike doesn't feel the presense watching him any longer.
* Hikari hands over the money and takes her food.
> A chupaqueso is apparently a layer of cheese, pan fried to crispiness, then filled with more cheese and folded like an omelet. The result is a crunchy outer shell and a gooey cheese filling. It's rather good...if you like cheese overkill.
* Mykasi hums, before frowning. "Uh, Seiryuu, if you can still hear me, Awn also said you might answer a few questions - but as my friends are eating, we can wait a bit."
> Mike feels the return of the presense for just a second before it leaves again.
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Thanks." With that, he wanders off back to the table. "Order filled. I think."
<Hikari> So this is pretty clearly one from the guilty pleasure department. Nothing wrong with that as long as you don't eat it regularly, right? Hikari eats quickly enough, not wanting to hold everyone up.
> Shiro finishes his off as well, "Good, huh? I don't get them too often, since you can almost feel your arteries clogging with every bite."
<Mykasi> "So it's American food?"
<Hikari> "Yes to both questions. I can't imagine living on a diet of this without becoming a bloated wreck within weeks. But it's not bad on its own."
<Nagare> "I honestly have to wonder how does the Dreaming food carry over to the real world."
<Mykasi> "We'll find out if Hikari has stomach problems upon return." Mike snarks.
> Shiro shrugs, "I guess? Hell if I even know what 'American food' really is, though. I've never been in one of those Mick Donalds' places, and that's the only american restaraunt I know."
> Then Shiro answers Nagare, "Just like eating out there and coming in here, really. It's always been real enough for me at least."
<Mykasi> "So the border between Dream and reality isn't that big at all..." Mike murmurs.
* Nagare nods. "To the point that the Dream moniker might not be -entirely- accurate in a sense."
* Mykasi thinks for a moment, before leaning back. "Welp, all we need to do is wait, I think."
> After a bit, Tacoofa waves one of you back over to his booth, with a bag in hand.
<Mykasi> "Nagare, want to pick that up?"
* Nagare nods. "Sure."
> As nagare gets over, Tacoofa hands him a bag, "Here you are, the Blink's order all ready to go. Don't worry about payment, he's got a running tab. And..." he pauses a bit before lowering his voice to a whisper, "the Seiryuu will see you. Return after dark, he does not appear during business hours. Disrupts the diners, you understand."
* Mykasi nods slightly as Nagare returns. "Alright. So we need somewhere to camp? Any suggestions, you two? Here, or with Lilly?"
<Nagare> "If Lilly's accessible at all, she'd be inevitably the safer option," Nagare muses. "However, this might be awkward for Hikari."
> Shiro thinks for a moment...
> roll 2d8 Shiro mind
* Hatbot --> "Gatetoro rolls 2d8 Shiro mind and gets 9."12 [2d8=3, 6]
<Hikari> "Well, wherever it's safest," Hikari says stiffly. "In all seriousness, it wouldn't hurt to speak with Lily. The sheet we got suggests she knows one of these sorcerers. We might be able to learn something from asking her about it?"
<Nagare> "She also may be able to direct us to clues regarding the others, so it's all good. It's a fairly multifaceted help here."
> After a moment he grins, "Hey, second time today I've gotten that working. I can remember the way to Awn's shop from here, if you want me to run his food back. I can carry someone with me if someone wants to come with, though you'd better be able to hold on."
<Mykasi> "I or Nagare can go - the other should go with Hikari to Lilly's."
<Mykasi> A slight pause. "I'll take Hikari. Prof, wanna ride with Shiro?"
* Nagare shrugs lightly. "I'm fine whichever way. Just make sure you don't get into trouble, right?"
<Hikari> "Why is it assumed I need to go to Lily's? Oh never mind, let's go."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike shrugs lightly, before glancing to Hikari. "For somewhere to -rest-, silly. Sheesh. Meet back up with us when you're done, you two."
<Hikari> "Well, if that's all..." Hikari starts walking. "I'll see you two soon, then. Keep Shiro out of trouble, Professor."
<Mykasi> "Keep the Professor out of trouble, Shiro." Mike grins, following Hikari before thinking for a moment...
> Shiro heads out of the food court before manifesting Red Hare, "Alright doc, hold on. We're taking the direct path."
* Nagare nods. "I gather I should brace myself, then."
> "That's the idea, yeah," and then from a standing start, Red Hare leaps up on top of a building and Shiro takes off like a shot accelerating to highway speeds in a matter of seconds.
* Nagare braces! "I might be getting a bit old for thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-," he fails to finish as the horse zips.
> Back on the ground, Mike and Hikari head to Lily's place! They know how to get there instinctively, as that is thier Home within the Dream.
<Mykasi> "Right. Well, let's get going?" Mike grins.
<Hikari> "Yes," Hikari says, staring ahead as she walks.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatetoro rolls 1d100 and gets 14."12 [1d100=14]
> As they get into the 'run-down' part of town that hosts the secret entrance to Lily's Hideout, an orange gorrilla with one leg in a cast and leaning on a crutch holds out a cup towards the two Persona users, and calls in a quiet, but deep voice, "Spare some macca for an old soldier?"
* Mykasi stops and glances, before looking to Hikari.
* Hikari looks back with a Why Not? expression, and walks over to hand her five leftover macca to the gorilla.
> The gorilla plucks it out of the cup and sniffs it, before raising the cup, "Thankee." Then he slips the coin in his cast when he doesn't think anyone's looking and starts up again calling towards some people walking a ways behind you.
<Mykasi> Mike looks up at the sky for a moment as he begins to walk away. "Wonder what war...?" he murmurs softly.
<Hikari> "You could always ask," Hikari says, continuing on.
<Mykasi> "If we run into him again, I might." Mike shakes his head as they move on.
> Nothing else particularly strange(or at least nothing that accosts them specifically) happens before they reach the hidden wall that leads to Lily's hideout.
* Mykasi nods, and digs into the trash for the switch as usual.
> The wall that is not a wall is easily walked through since they know it's secret, and the trashcan switch is exactly where it was before. The switch is flipped and the stairs down appear. A lilim sticks her head out(not one you recognize) then giggles as she sees it's just you and waves you on in~
* Hikari sighs and descends.
* Mykasi follows with a slightly lopsided grin.
> No sooner do you get down then the lilim closes the stairs behind you and smiles, "Just the two of you today?"
<Mykasi> "The other two should be along shortly." Mike nods kindly.
<Hikari> "For the moment. Nagare and Shiro are running are running a delivery elsewhere."
> She nods, "Alrighty~ So should I go wake Lily up or are you just here to relax?"
<Hikari> "We would like to speak with Lily, please."
<Mykasi> "Oh, she's sleeping?" Mike says with some embarassment. "Well, if it would be okay... I don't want to be rude..."
> The lilim shakes her head and giggles, "It's okay, she's just taking a nap. I'll let her know you're here. You remember where the living room is, right?" Without waiting for an answer, she flutters down the hallway and slips into an open door.
* Mykasi shrugs and makes his way to where the living room is - or at least where he thinks it is.
<Hikari> "I remember where it was last time. I assuming the building interiors don't change like the streets do..."
<Hikari> *I'm
<Mykasi> "Then I'll follow you." Mike defers.
> It's in the same spot it was last time. And looks much the same, with the plush sofas and the nice glass table. And a good half dozen lilims lounging on beanbags and some on the sofas. Two of which apparently didn't bother getting dressed today(those two are on beanbags at least).
> They all wave and smile and greet you all as you come in~
<Hikari> "Er," is initially all Hikari can manage at that sight. "We're not interrupting anything, I hope. Don't mind us, go back to your conversations." She takes a seat on an empty couch.
<Mykasi> The male gaze lingers on those two momentarily as Mike returns the wave and sits next to Hikari.
> Carlie doesn't seem to be amoung the assembled, but another lilim that you've see before but didn't get the name of comes over, "Hehe, don't worry, this is your home now, remember? Anyway, are you waiting for Lily? Can I get anything for you while you're waiting?"
<Mykasi> "Uh, I wouldn't mind a bit of wine." Mike says kindly.
<Hikari> "Cake. Just cake," Hikari says. She seems to remember it being unusually refreshing, and she could use some energy right about now.
> She snickers a bit at Hikari's tone, then slips into the kitchen and returns a moment later with a cup of wine, different from the last batch, that she hands to Mike, and a slice of rich chocolate cake for Hikari.
<Mykasi> "Thanks." Mike says, sipping at the wine.
> And about three seconds after she comes in, Lily walks into the room with a smile, nodding politely to you both before taking a seat oppisite you, "Ah, good to see you again. Bella said you wanted to speak to me?"
* Hikari takes a bite of her cake, chewing and swalloing before speaking (it's rude to talke with one's mouth full, after all!) "Yes, we did. Just some minor questions. I apologize for waking you."
> The wine is delicious as the one before it was. It's darker, but tastes of cherries more then normal wine grapes.
<Mykasi> "Ah, yes. Thanks for being willing to take the time to get up for us." Mike nods, before pulling out the list and passing it to Hikari. And sipping more of the wine.
> Lily waves off Hikari's apologies, "No trouble. I nap fairly often, not much else to do when it's not entirely safe to leave my own house. So what's on your mind?"
<Hikari> "During our wanderings this afternoon, we had the opportunity to consult a computer about possibilities for learning sensory abilities that might help us navigate the Dream more effectively. It gave us a list of sorcerers that might be able to assist us. One of them is known by you, it seems. Rauny? Does the name sound familiar?"
> Lily raises an eyebrow and quirks a smile, before leaning over and calling in the direction of the kitchen, "Rauny? You've suddenly become part of the conversation, dear."
> "Huh?" A voice calls back from the kitchen, "Uh, give me a minute, I'm about to put this in the oven."
<Hikari> Well, that was convenient!
<Mykasi> "That explains a lot." Mike grins, still sipping away at the wine.
> A minute later, another lilim, this one with blond hair pulled back in a tight braid and wearing an apron over her leotard walks out of the kitchen, "Um, hi! Oh, you must be the humans that live here now, right?" Then she frowns, "Wait, I heard there were four of you..."
<Mykasi> "They're running an errand, they'll be here soonish. We came ahead of time since Hikari needed somewhere to rest."
<Hikari> "Yes. We had an unfortunate encounter with some bandits."
> "Oh, okay." Rauny nods, then eyes the plate on the table, "Um...soooo, you needed me for something? It's not because something's wrong with the cake, is it?"
<Mykasi> "Anyways." Mike shakes his head. "We were looking into capable sorcerors and sorceresses, and your name came up. Mind entertaining a question for us?"
<Hikari> "The cake is delicious, actually. My compliments. Actually, I am willing to bet that this is related to what Mike has mentioned."
> Rauny blinks, "...REALLY? A sorceress? ME? Um...wow!" a blush creeps onto her face as she grins widely, "Sure! What's up?" She sits down next to Lily to talk.
<Hikari> "Well, we were directed to you as being an expert in..." Hikari consults the list. "...'magical food preparation.' I suppose we wondered what that might involve, whether it could be learned, what uses it might have. Aside from making excellent cake."
* Mykasi sips away at the wine quite steadily at this point, staring at the two with a somewhat lopsided smile.
> "Oh, my cooking? Uh, sure, I can talk about that." Rauny begins, "Well, it's basically exactly what it sounds like. I make magical food. Like that cake? It's actually slimming. You don't think my sisters and miss Lily here keep those figures eating normal cake, do you?" She laughs. Her choice of words(and her proximity to Lily) call attention to her own very non-standard tomboy figure.
> "I also brew most of the wines," she continues, "though they aren't all magical in effect, I do use magic to age them to the proper flavor."
> During this, Lily reaches a hand out to Hikari, "May I see that list, please?"
<Mykasi> "And a very excellent job you do." Mike smiles whimsically.
<Hikari> "I suppose not. I hadn't seen a great deal of exercise going on here, after all." Hikari pauses, thinks quickly, amends that statement. "Well, no, there is. Never mind that. And yes, I have, ah, experienced the effects of some of your wine before, I think." Hikari hands over the list.
> Lily reads over the list, while Rauny chuckles, "Heh, yeah, they do get plenty of exercise! Um...but yeah, I could teach you if you want? It takes awhile to lean, but it's easier if you already know how to cook well. Do you want to learn?"
<Mykasi> "I'm game if you're willing to take a student~" A pause. "...do you have any dishes that restore memories lost?"
<Hikari> "I have a passing acquaintence with culinary skills. I would be glad to learn more, certainly."
> Rauny thinks, as she looks at Mike, "I...don't know any off the top of my head. I could try looking one up, but no idea how well that would work. What kind of lost memories are you talking about? Just something to help you remember before a big test, or like full on amnesia?"
<Mykasi> "Amnesia. Caused by a brutal accident." Mike elaborates a touch.
> Rauny winces, "Um...I doubt my food could help with that. Something like that would take powerful magic. And magical cooking, well, it can do alot of things, but not much of anything, to quote my own teacher."
<Mykasi> "That's fine." Mike shakes his head. "Mainly just curious, honestly - and I'm still willing to learn! Just wondering, as it'd solve one of my current problems. Guess I'll just do what I can for him, as was my plan in the first place."
<Mykasi> A pause.
<Mykasi> "Besides, the way to a guy's heart is through his stomach, as my mom said. ...'course, my dad's reply was that a good phaser could blast through the ribcage fine, but my dad's weird."
> Lily smirks as she hands Hikari back the list, "Really? I've always found the quickest path to begin a bit further south then the stomach."
<Hikari> "Could you elaborate on what other things you can do with your cooking, Rauny?" Hikari asks, taking the list back and ignoring Lily's comment.
<Mykasi> "That's the quickest path to -accelerating- the heart." Mike grins and leans back, looking at both the succubi. "And shutting down the brain. Granted, for some guys..."
> Rauny considers, "Well, I can brew drinks that induce certain emotion states. I can cook something so, okay, say you're allergic to peanuts? I can make something with peanuts that won't hurt you. I can also make something so it will never spoil no matter how long you have to keep it. Stuff like that."
> Lily smiles at her lilim, "Rauny, I think they're interested in more immediate effects. For warriors, not homebodies."
> "Oh." Rauny blushes again, "Um, sorry! I don't really, y'know, fight. So I don't think about stuff like that. Uh..." she starts to think...
<Mykasi> "Well, food that doesn't spoil ever may be useful too for later expeditions." Mike says. "And it's okay, fighting's overrated."
<Hikari> "Well, it couldn't hurt to know all those things either. Some of us do actually prepare food, you know. Not all college students live on takeout."
> "Well," she notes, "I can do some things like...well, almost like classic magical potions, right? Stuff that can protect your mind from outside influence or ward off certain things, like ghosts or normal animals and stuff. The problem is that they all have to be brewed into alchohol. Can't enchant tea or juice."
> "Oh!" she suddenly remembers and adds, "I can also make snacks, like a candy bar or a single cupcake or something, that will give you all the food you need for a whole day. Just don't ever eat one two days in a row."
> One of the other nearby lilims turns a slight shade of green.
<Hikari> "Well, all of that sounds useful enough. As long as we take small enough amounts of the drinks that we don't get drunk. I am forced to ask, of course, what would happen if we did as you just described."
> Rauny smirks, "Yeah, Ulli there didn't listen to me when I said that."
* Mykasi raises an eyebrow at this. "Ah, alchemical potionry! The magic of masters! The science of ages past and future!"
> Then she shakes her head, "The problem there is that you can't just take a sip and expect the magic to work. I have to bottle them in bottles for one full dose. Gotta drink all of it to get the effect. Which gets the alchohol too. It's magic, you can't cheat by only taking a little." Then she grins, "Hey Ulli, why don't you answer that last one?"
<Mykasi> "That's fine, I never mind a good buzz."
<Hikari> "Ah. Well, it may still be worthwhile in some circumstances."
> The lilim, clearly Ulli by name sticks her tongue out at Rauny, "Hey Rauny? Why don't you go screw yourself with a spatula?"
> That line only makes Rauny grin wider, but she turns her attention back to Hikari and Mike, "Basically it makes you really, really, REALLY sick. And hyper. Not a nice combination."
<Mykasi> "Mmm. So a good way to sabotage someone I don't like." Mike muses.
<Hikari> "It doesn't sound like it. Well, as I've said, I would be glad to learn if you're willing to teach. Does anyone else on the list sound familiar to you?" Hikari asks, directing the latter question just as much to Lily.
> Rauny nods, "Yeah, I'll be happy to teach you! And...oh, I didn't actually look at the list. Can I see it?"
* Hikari passes it over.
> Lily nods, "I did, actually. Would you two mind joining me in my room for a moment?" She stands as she asks.
* Mykasi nods. "I'm game, too. Gotta cook up a storm for X- oh, sure." Mike says, standing a bit unsteadily.
* Hikari stands up. "Are you alright, Mike?"
<Mykasi> "Yeah, sure, 'm fine." Mike grins. "Get worse than this sometimes, no big. Think it's a combo of exhaustion running around and the wine - quite heady and buzzy, but tasty, and...."
<Hikari> "Well, you're making less of a scene than...Let's just go." She nods to Lily. "Lead on."
> Lily leads you both out of the living room and into her room at the end of the hall. As you walk out into the hall you hear Rauny's voice behind you, "HOLY SHIT! Sage WALLACE!? My name is on the same list as SAGE FUCKING WALLACE!?"
<Mykasi> "..." Mike's grin splits his face almost in half. "Glad to make her day~"
> Lily chuckles a bit at Rauny's reaction, then walks into her room, and gestures to the two lilims lounging in there(one of which is Carlie) to leave, "Alright you two, I need a bit of space. Out you go."
> Carlie and the other lilim give her simultaneous puppy dog eyes, but scoot out of the room shortly. Carlie gives Hikari a wink as she passes, though.
* Hikari manages a polite nod to Carlie. She's really not sure how to react to seeing her again and compensates with understatement!
> Once you're in and Lily closes the door behind you, it's easy to see why they'd be hesitant to leave. If the living room seemed plush, Lily's bedroom is downright luxerious. A king+ sized bed, two loveseats next to a thick fur rug in front of a fireplace. It's own minibar. The room is fit for a queen.
<Mykasi> "Sweet digs." Mike drawls slightly, weaving around a bit. "Wasabi matta?"
* Hikari assumes they're bound for the loveseats, and soon occupies one.
> She gestures you two over to the seats near the fireplace, "Alright, I need to speak quite frankly with you for a moment. First of all, where did you get this list?"
* Mykasi sits, choosing to let Hikari explain as he sinks into the chair.
<Hikari> "From a computer over on one of the Binary streets. I can't recall which one. The computer was named...oh, some awkward combination of numbers and letters. Researcher, more or less? Why? Is there a problem, Lily? We obviously won't be speaking with this resident of Mab's domain, if that's your concern."
> Lily sighs, "Rauny...is supposed to be a bit of a secret of mine. I'm worried about others, particularly Mab, trying to take her away. If you haven't noticed, she's not exactly normal for a lilim. In looks, personality, anything really."
> "She's in a position where she could be converted," she continues, "willingly or otherwise, to another Arcana. Especially as she's past due for promotion based on her magical talents, but I can't promote her."
<Hikari> "Why not?"
<Mykasi> "Sounds like we should try and see if we can get her removed from the list." Mike hums.
> "It's quite simple," Lily sadly smiles as she explains, "No Power may promote someone to the same rank as themself. And the next rank above Lilim for the a female tempter of the DEVIL arcana is Succubuss."
<Mykasi> "...ah." Mike hums. "And getting another DEVIL to promote her ruins the secret."
<Hikari> "So she could only move on by leaving you. Does she actually want to, though? She seemed fairly satisfied with the work she was doing. And how does this computer know about her, I wonder, if she's supposed to be a secret?"
> Lily sighs again, "It's not even that simple. It needs to be another Power of the Tempter faction of the DEVIL arcana. Of which there isn't anywhere around here. Well..." she shakes her head, "nevermind. And she's content where she is, but...I'm sure you know how girls can be. Rauny doesn't quite fit in and gets special treatment because of her abilities. Some of the others give her a hard time, and I can't always stop them."
* Mykasi raises an eyebrow. "By the 'nevermind', I take it that there is, but they're not an option. So... hum, the best route I see is you somehow getting promoted."
<Hikari> "I don't wish to pry, but I can't help but suspect that 'nevermind' concealed something important. You don't need to say more if you don't want to, but perhaps it's something we can help with?"
> "But yes, that's what I want to know. How did that computer know? Unless she'd been talking to people when she goes shopping, but she knows better then that." Lily frowns, but shrugs, "At least it's just the Binarys. Mab will have NOTHING to do with them. She despises them and all they stand for, which...is one thing we almost agree on."
<Hikari> "They seemed very insistent that others adopt their point of view, yes. I can see how it would be irksome."
> Lily shrugs, "You would be quite correct, but it's not something I can speak of with you. I'm sorry, but you'll have to take me on my word at that."
* Hikari nods. "Of course. Forgive me for asking."
<Mykasi> "Well, we can see about trying to do damage control there." Mike nods slightly.
> "The Binarys," Lily explains, "manage stability without having a Power of thier own. We have no idea how they do this, but part of it comes from aggressive standardization. They do not accept that spontonaity is ever good or that a bit of chaos for it's own sake can be fun. They represent the destruction of individuality while luring people in with the promise of customizability."
<Hikari> "Yes. Well. It sounds as though we shouldn't go back to them, then."
<Mykasi> "Ah. Makes sense." Mike nods slightly. "Alright, then. Yeah, we won't be gabbing about Rauny at all, and... we should probably white her out from the list so no one else sees it if we pass it around."
> She nods, "I would reccomend having as little to do with them as possible. Getting the name away from them may prove impossible as well. I just have to hope nobody that would steal her would have dealings with the Binarys." Then to mike she nods, "Thank you."
* Mykasi nods slightly, head swimming as he sinks further into the chair.
<Hikari> "In the interest of full disclosure, I imagine I should acknowledge that I did submit for some work by them. It seemed like the only way to get around that part of town and I was able to improve my physical strength in the process. Obviously I won't be returning for more."
> Lily blanches, "I...see. Well, I hope they didn't do too horribly much. Persona Users are hard to manipulate as well, I understand. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about now that you know what they're really like."
* Mykasi nods dreamily, eyes closed.
<Hikari> "I'm sorry if this bothers you. We had business there and, well, it seemed as though this would facilitate it. As I said, it will not be repeated. It's not as though I enjoyed the process at all, after all." Hikari glances over to her friend. "Are we losing you, Mike?"
<Mykasi> "Huh? No, I was just busy attempting to visualize 4-D objects. Supposedly you can do it if you're mentally limber enough, though I'm skeptical - it's just seeing 3D objects with more juts."
<Hikari> "...It *sounds* like we're losing you, really. Or maybe you've lost us."
<Mykasi> "Apply more mental lube and try again later."
> Lily nods, "Well, if you want to get it removed, you could always go to Awn the Blink. I'd even give you the macca for it myself. Just remember never to mention us to him. He likes us about as much as we like the Binarys."
* Hikari rubs her forehead. "...Mike."
<Mykasi> "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees?"
<Hikari> "The physical improvements are, I admit, useful. And having it all removed would surely be as painful as having it installed. I'll think about it, though."
* Hikari just glances sideways at Mike. "Lily, do you anything about the other individuals on this list? Rauny was very excited about one of them, after all."
<Hikari> *do you know anything
> Lily settles down and nods, "I recognized most of the names. Chelsea is Mab's left hand woman. She's the sword Mab uses to smite her enemies, and she's exeedingly good at her job. I have proffesional respect for her, and unashamed abject fear of her on a personal level." She quirks a smile as she admits that last.
<Hikari> "We will maintain our distance, then."
> "Onanon," she continues, "is the only other one I've met in person. He...well, usually he, is a fairly fun creature. A bit...difficult to understand at times, though. He's not entirely sane, though generally a benign loopy instead of a dangerous crazy though."
* Mykasi rubs his head slightly before nodding. "Heh. Onanism McOnan on the offshore oil~"
<Hikari> "What, Mike?" Hikari quickly waves this away. "Never mind. What is this place he can be found at. 'Wilder Ness?'"
> "The Wilder Ness is his club. It's actually rather close to the Four Winds Food Court and opens up about the same time they shut down." She smirks, "The place can get pretty wild though, so if you go, prepare for loud music, loose passions and probably a bar fight."
> "Vitan and Vandal I've only heard of, I'm afraid. I can't tell you much about them. It doesn't surprise me that Belphagor has a pet devil summoner, though." She grimmaces, "Not. At. All."
* Mykasi nods slightly at this. "Gotcha... hum." Mike thinks, sinking into the chair even more.
<Hikari> "We may drop by. We have business at the food court this evening. Is there anything else you know about the rest? Even hearsay?"
> "And I have absolutely no idea who this Kimura-sama is. Same for Antara, though I could hazzard a guess as to what she is." Then Lily comes to the name Rauny went nuts over, "As for Sage Wallace, while I've never met him and don't know anyone who has, he's quite famous. Supposedly a human who simply told Death to take a hike when it came for him, and Death listened."
> "He's supposedly a master just nearly every form of magic, though I don't know how much of that is legend and how much is fact. Still," she shrugs, "for him to be on a list that you got from the Binarys. Well, they must have some proof that he exists. And that he exists here."
<Hikari> "What Antara might be is more than we presently know, so do share. And this Wallace sounds very mysterious, and possibly dangerous. A human living here? Well. I'd wonder if he was a myth, but computers aren't known to fabricate things."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, they just make errors if given faulty inputs."
<Hikari> "Do remember who made the input this time, Mike."
<Mykasi> "Whatever idiot reported with a wide-eyed smile that some random giddy street warlock was Wallace?"
> "Oh, he's doubtlessly dangerous. He is at the very least the equal of a Power, and any of us, even one such as myself that barely qualifies, is dangerous." Lily smiles as she says that, then notes, "As for Antara, well, it tells you where she is, and I know the people there are peaceful. If you want to know about her, you should just go ask her."
<Hikari> "Ah. The group consensus was that the building was a brothel. This is accurate?"
> She smirks, "That wouldn't be entirely innaccurate an assumption."
<Mykasi> "Lovely."
<Hikari> "The list states she knows 'lyrical magic.' I may wish to inquire about this, as it makes some sense to see what other uses my natural talents can be applied to. Something to look into the next time the others stop by at Master Frost's, perhaps."
> Lily nods, "Well, thank you for showing me this before showing others. I'd like to keep Rauny a secret as long as I can."
<Hikari> "You can rely on us for discretion," Hikari says, with a sidelong glance at Mike. "At least, those of us who are sober."
<Mykasi> "Not a problem. We'll do what we can to help you out." Mike nods, the face of total seriousness - before glancing at Hikari irritably. "When I'm drunk I talk math and programming! And about Xav. I'd not spill anything."
<Hikari> "Well, this is the first time I've seen you drunk. How would I know?"
<Mykasi> "Precisely! Why call me out if you don't know?
<Hikari> "...I don't know. I'm sorry. I may just be remembering myself last time."
> Lily cracks an amused smile, "Well, that's all I needed to speak of in private. Shall we go back out before my girls start gossiping about what we might be doing back here?"
<Hikari> "Yes, let's. Thank you for all your help, Lily."
<Mykasi> The face Mike has visibly softens. "Don't stress out about i- wait, the gossip wasn't the POINT?!" Mike grins. "Man, and here I thought you were tempting them into that!"
> "Oh no," Lily says in all seriousness, "if they started gossiping already and I didn't seduce you both back here I'd never live it down. I do have a reputation to protect."
* Hikari rises from her seat. "Then we'd best rejoin them all."
<Mykasi> "Heh." Mike grins. "I'll keep that in mind for later~"
> WIth a chuckle, Lily leads you back out to the living room.
> -----------------------------------------------

> ---------------------------------------------
> After heading back into the living room, Mike and Hikari kill time chatting with Lily and her sisters until a lilim in the hallway calls that the door's opening!
> Of course, it's just Nagare and Shiro, having returned from delivering Awn's lunch. That was faster then you had expected.
<Mykasi> "How was the trip, guuuuuys?" Mike grins at the two as they walk in, the wineglass recently refilled and planted firmly in his hand.
> Shiro snorts, "The doc here gets motion sick."
* Nagare slumps weakly as he approaches, as if he had spent the better part of a week trapped in a rollercoaster. "I'm not sure I'll ever eat again."
> One of the lilims smiles dazzlingly at Nagare, "Would you like a drink instead then~?"
<Nagare> "I'll pass. It'll be a couple hours until my stomach finally returns from my throat."
<Hikari> "Not even a piece of cake, professor? It's very good."
* Nagare hisses. "Stomach. Throat. Hours."
> Lily eyes Nagare and the condition he's in, "I don't know what obligations you have back in the human world, but I would like to remind you all that if you want to rest, this is your home for now as well. I can have a room prepared if you need some sleep."
> Shiro considers, "Hmm, I've spent the night in the Dream before, but not sleeping, so I dunno if that does anything to us."
<Mykasi> "Mebbe a drink would help massage it down, Prof." Mike chuckles, before nodding slightly. "Might be a good idea to let the Prof and Hikari rest until sundown, if you two need the energy. Otherwise... wait for our other appointment, I guess."
> "Shouldn't be too much longer, then." Shiro notes, "The sun was on it's way down when we got here."
<Mykasi> "Right, right. Still, might be long enough for you two to recuperate a bit."
> Lily nods at Nagare, "Feel free to ask Rauny if she has anything for nausea if you wish. She should be in the kitchen."
* Nagare grumbles. "I'll be fine as long as I don't hitch-hike with Shiro again. Horseriding is definitely not for me."
* Mykasi grins and leans back, continuing to aggressively sip at the wine.
<Mykasi> "Though yeah, ask Rauny if you want. Awesome person, she can probably whip something up~" And with that, Mike's eyes close slightly again.
> Carlie, who had sat down next to Hikari(though as of yet hasn't tried snuggling her again), eyes Mike, "Do you want some cake with that, or are you supposed to go to whatever this next appointment is tipsy?"
<Mykasi> "Mmmm... How long does it take to sober someone up?" Mike says, tilting his head toward Carlie.
<Hikari> "I am forced to wonder: does one dream when they sleep in the Dream?"
> "Instantly, if you're willing to take a deep whiff of that aweful potion Rauny keeps around as well." Carlie answers, her tone indicating that she'd personally pass on the potion.
> Lily smiles sadly as she shrugs to Hikari's musing, "I'm afraid I don't know. We don't dream at all, no matter where we are."
<Mykasi> "Mmm." Mike hums slightly. "Eh, sure, pass me a slice?" At Lily's statement, Mike's face seems to flinch slightly, but he doesn't comment.
> Someone brings out a slice of cake from the kitchen and hands it to Mike~
<Hikari> "Never? Well, I suppose you have little need to retreat to fantasy when you live here." Hikari doesn't make any move towards or acknowledgement of the nearby Carlie as she speaks, save for a polite nod.
<Mykasi> "Rather sober up now than have to whiff that potion, I think." And with that Mike begins nibbling on the cake.
> "Dreaming is the province of mortals alone." Lily explains, "Though sometimes, beings you might think of as 'gods' are also capable of dreaming."
<Hikari> "Is that so? I wonder why."
<Mykasi> "Are there any 'gods' around here?" Mike inquires.
> "The Seiryuu may as well be one," Lily notes, "though I don't know if he is in truth or not. I also know of some who are named after gods, but not on that actual level. So..." she shrugs, "not really, I suppose."
* Mykasi nods slightly, humming.
> "Perhaps whatever Power rules the Zoo," she adds after thinking a moment, "though I couldn't tell you who or what that is. Whatever they are, they are extremely powerful and just as secretive."
<Nagare> "What power ruling the Zoo?," the teacher interrupts.
> Shiro replies, "The Zoo is a stable location, so it's got to have a Power, right? But nobody seems to know who it is, or even what Arcana."
<Hikari> "Well, not necessarily. The Binaries are stable without a Power as well, aren't they?"
> Lily nods, "They are, but...they're clearly an exception. I very much doubt two places like that could exist in this city."
<Hikari> "Well, it's a mystery but not an immediately relevant one." Hikari shrugs.
> "I'll take you there sometime if you want to stretch your swordarm," Shiro notes with a somewhat dark chuckle, "its basically one giant battlefield in there, only not as open as the parking lot."
<Hikari> "Certainly. Some day that isn't today, perhaps. I've seen enough violence for one afternoon."
* Mykasi shrugs and nods. "I'd not mind a visit."
> After awhile, someone peeks outside and confirms that the sun has, in fact, set! So you all get up to head out and make your way back to the food court to speak with the giant dragon. Mike is...mostly sobered up by this point, he's just got a buzz instead of being tipsy. And Carlie gives Hikari another smile just for her on your way out~
* Mykasi hums, and lets Hikari, Nagare and Shiro pass by him as he glances over to Carlie with a slight nod.
> ...Carlie lets everyone pass her by as well and slides over to Mike, raising a cute little eyebrow as she gets in quiet whispering range?
<Mykasi> "Try working toothpaste into the routine once you snag her again - I suspect she has a subconscious interest." A pause. "Also, take your time - slowly getting into her affections will probably be easier." With that, Mike quickly jogs ahead to catch up, with one glance back!
> Carlie looks contemplative.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 43."12 [1d100=43]
> The streets around that part of the city are rapidly emptying now that the sun's down. There's a tense feeling in the air as well...but nothing is readily apparent as causing it. Regardless, Shiro rides with his spear in hand, casually twirling it every now and again as he keeps moving around the rest of you, keeping his eyes out for trouble.
> Fortunately, nothing seems to happen. And once you get out of Lily's little section of the slums, the tense feeling leaves the air and the night feels much like the day, only with much less traffic in the streets.
> Shiro visibly relaxes after the feeling goes away, as well.
* Nagare looks up, his stomach now at least a bit calmer. "This lazy calm is rather unlike the Dream, come to think of it."
> Shiro shrugs, "It's been like that lately at night. Kinda...empty."
<Hikari> "There are usually crowds out at all hours?"
<Mykasi> "Interesting." Mike hums slightly.
> "Well, kinda." Shiro says, "More out during the day, but earlier on there was more activity at night. Lately though," he shrugs, "well, you can see what it's like."
<Hikari> "I wonder if they're afraid of something. Some local menace to match the chaos in the real world?"
> "If there is, it hasn't shown itself where I can see it."
* Nagare rubs his chin lightly. "I wonder if it could be possible to sense it somehow."
<Hikari> "I am familiar with that result. The solution is to look in other places until you find it."
> Some more walking gets you to the outskirts of the food court, which has dim paper lanterns lighting it up even though it's empty, giving it a fairly serene look. In fact, the closer you get to the food court, the more peaceful everything feels.
<Mykasi> "Mmm. Or we could ask Seiryuu about the feeling." Mike hums.
<Hikari> "One of the names on the list we acquired from the Binaries has an establishment here," Hikari says as they arrive. "I wouldn't mind stopping by if everyone's not too tired after speaking to Seiryuu. For now, however...yes, it wouldn't hurt."
<Mykasi> "That'd be good, too. But first, questions~!
> The sign remains the same as you get to the court proper. There is to be no violence in the Four Winds Foodcourt, by the order of Seiryuu.
<Nagare> "I'm pretty sure Occam's Razor would dictate Seiryuu has at least -some- influence towards this sinaesthetic change. Of course, the concepts of Occam's Razor elude the very fabric of dreaming."
> And there, in the center of the court, right where those four tiles Mike stood on before are...is a softly glowing blue light. In fact...it's coming from the blue tile, that's glowing more strongly then the others.
> The dragon does not appear to be anywhere in sight.
<Mykasi> "Well, yes - but if he can make things feel peaceful, he might know what was making us feel tense." After a moment, he points to the tile. "That's where I talked to him, kinda. Let's go over there?"
* Hikari nods and walks on over to it.
* Mykasi follows the other three, willing to watch for a bit.
> You stand before the glowing tiles! As you get this close, you can feel some kind of power in the air. It's nearly tangible...and it feels like it's watching you.
<Mykasi> "Hi, Seiryuu. We've returned." Mike says to the air. "Thanks for being willing to meet with us."
> There isn't any reply to Mike. The feeling does not abate, though.
* Mykasi gestures Hikari to the tile after a moment, following.
> Shiro rolls his head around, popping his neck, and generally looks a touch uncomfortable at the moment.
* Hikari steps on the tile and waits to see what happens.
> The moment Hikari steps on the tile...she can SEE the shape in the air. A dragon. A sleek, dark blue Chinese dragon that must be at *least* over a hundred feet long(though coiled up and twisting back on himself multiple times), hovering in the air. Looking at her.
> The Seiryuu does not open his mouth, but she can hear a voice, deep and smooth, "Lord Awn has sent you to me, so I will speak with you. Speak as you will, ye neither mortal nor demon."
> OOC: Only Hikari can see this. Sorry if that wasn't clear.
* Hikari looks up, and bows. It seems the thing to do. "Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Respectful greetings. Although I admit your own raises an unexpected question: are we not mortal? Or do you merely distinguish us from humans not aware of the Dream?"
> Hikari looks up and starts talking to something Mike, Nagare and Shiro can neither see nor hear.
* Mykasi blinks at this. "Huh, cool."
> The Seiryuu's voice chuckles slightly, "None who can harness the power of Persona are truly mortal. Mere awareness of the other Facet makes not a human more then human."
<Hikari> "Hm. Well, I will endeavor to retain modesty and not elevate myself above them. That's neither here nor there, though--although I suppose the matter of other Persona-users might be something we wished to ask about it. Isn't it?" Hikari glances at her friends.
> "Oh?" The Seiryuu's voice sounds amused, "What of them did ye wish to ask?"
<Hikari> "It would be good to know if there persona-users other than ourselves active as of late, to begin with."
> "And who might yourselves be?" The dragon asks.
<Hikari> "Ah, forgive me for not introducing myself. I am Hikari Ishigami. My companions can surely introduce themselves." Hikari looks to the others here.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow, vaguely stunned. "Oh. Right. Nagare Suiren, pleased to make your acquain... tance," he stutters.
> Seiryuu chuckles, "I have extended the cant to each of the four winds. Invite them forth, these companions."
* Mykasi blinks, rubbing his head. "Mykasi Kaliska-Werfel." Mike nods, bowing.
> "Shiro Asakura." Shiro adds, "Uh, mind asking him if he can talk to all of us instead of just you? Kinda weird standing here trying to catch half a conversation."
<Hikari> "I'm sorry, what do you mean, Shiro? ...Oh. I see." Hikari turns back to the great dragon. "The discussion would be facilitated if all present could see and hear you, yes."
> "As I said," Seiryuu repeats, "The cant now seeds through all four winds. Invite forth these companions to stand upon the wind, that they may see into my realm."
* Hikari ushers everyone else forward onto the tiles with her. There's just about enough room as long as no one wants to stretch or anything.
* Mykasi nods slightly and stands on a tile.
* Nagare stands on a tile as well.
> As each tile is 5ftx5ft and there are four of them, there's a fair amount of room actually. And as soon as the gentlemen step onto a colored tile, they can percieve the great dragon in the air above them.
> "Ah," Seiryuu's deep but mellow voice seems to eminate from the very air around you as Shiro steps on the last tile, "A woman of STRENGTH, a CHARIOT racer, a fortunate FOOL and a very prince of the MOON. Welcome. Now you ask of others who straddle the lines of mortality?"
* Mykasi bows. "Ah... yes. Other Persona users - especially if there's any other FOOLs or WORLD/FOOLs?"
<Hikari> "Yes. It would be helpful to know if there are others like us active currently. Specifically what Mike inquired about, but not limited to it."
> "Hmmm..." Seiryuu rolls his head around in the air a bit as he thinks, "once, a woman stood atop of TOWER of sin, though the TOWER has since vanished from My senses. A clever HERMIT dwells upon questons he knows not cannot be asked by mortal men...and there is rumor of one who passes JUDGEMENT but I see only eddies and ebbs, nothing of grounding."
> "The only FOOL I see is the FOOL before me," he responds to the specific question.
<Hikari> "We know of the TOWER and HERMIT. JUDGEMENT is news to us, however. IF you know no more about that one, I suppose we can only search and listen for ourselves."
<Mykasi> "... Valeriya." Mike mutters. "We know HERMIT, but... JUDGMENT. May I ask what sort of eddies you have seen?"
> Seiryuu ripples in the air...almost like he's shrugging, "Eddies of an ebb, ebbs of a flow, the flow still beneath the waves where it cannot be seen."
> Shiro blinks, "I have no idea what he's trying to say."
* Mykasi nods slightly, face still stiff. "I think I get it. Okay, then, thank you."
<Hikari> "Whoever it is is staying out of sight, I imagine."
> Seiryuu's voice chuckles at that, "Wearisome these tongues of mortal man, but more weary still to speak them not. Learn I must, but words, like water, turn to mud when stirred ere much."
* Hikari addresses Seiryuu again: "Verily. What else can you tell us of local events? We have noticed a certain...tenseness on the streets this evening. Shiro tells us that we find them more empty of residents than usual. Is there something amiss in the city? Something or someone that causes all to hide in fear after nightfall?"
> Seiryuu's head droops a bit, and his voice sounds a touch...longing, "Dreams cannot dream themselves, nor beg for more to dream. Fear is not what empties these streets, but emptiness itself."
<Hikari> "I am not sure I understand. The citizens of the Dream are feeling...aimless? Depressed? Rather than fearful? You make it sound as though they suffer from nothing more than ennui."
<Mykasi> "...or is this a reference to the mortal world and... a lack of drive? Purpose? Dream?"
<Nagare> "Actually... I think I have a bit of a theory on what he might mean."
> "It is not they who feel, but suffer for the feeling." Seiryuu answers Hikari, then nods somewhat to Mike, "A lack there is. Of purpose perhaps, but certainly of dreams."
<Hikari> "Oh, professor? Please elabroate."
* Mykasi thinks for a moment. "...and what of us four? Do we contribute or alleviate the suffering?"
<Nagare> "Hmmm. It's mostly because... well, I've been considering. The Dreamscape, ultimately, is likely fed by the subconscious. Ours, as a collective, more specifically. Now, I didn't take the specific matter Seiryuu's mentioning at hand - as I'm not sure I quite understand it, even. But it'd be hardly a stretch to think that a shift to the subconscious of a collective could have a polarizing effect here.... for starters."
> Seiryuu shakes his head at Mike, "You who belong in neither world but both are neither dreams nor dreamers. You do not fix the problem, but the problem was never yours at all."
> Then to Nagare the dragon nods, "Your elder speaks strangely but he speaks well."
<Mykasi> "That makes sense, Nagare." Mike nods slightly, before making a somewhat long face at Seiryuu. "Still... we're intermediaries between the two worlds. I feel like... there should be some way to make the dots connect better."
<Hikari> "Problems in the real world distort the Dream?" Hikari summarizes.
* Nagare scratches his head from Seiryuu's words. "I... have to admit this is mostly conjecture which I'm not sure I should -do-. But something about these Dreamscapes compel me to actually try to understand it," the teacher says before turning to Hikari. "Put very bluntly... in a sense."
> Shiro nods, "That makes as much sense as anything, yeah."
<Nagare> "I theorize that it's not as much as -problems- in the real world as much as the mass produced by their subconscious. The matter of... dreams, really."
> Seiryuu shakes his head, "Not distortion but reflection. For now, demons must be dreams, and dreams must be dreamt by dreamers."
<Hikari> "I was trying to be succinct, but yes, that was the idea I was approaching. Which *does* make problems in the Dream our problems as well."
<Mykasi> After a moment, Mike shakes his head. "Alright. Then... ...when are demons not dreams? Or, put a different way, what is or are the connections between this world and our original one?"
> Shiro snorts, "Problems here were already our problems. At least as much as ones in the human world. We kinda live in both now, right?"
> Seiryuu ripples again, "A tower that grows for an hour between two minutes, a portal through a box of wonder, a mist that brings with it magic, the rules which demons must adhere change as the years and lands flow. For now, they must be dreams."
<Hikari> "I...see," Hikari says with a shrug, looking to her friends here if they want to continue with this thread. She's more interested in concrete knowledge (as much as it applies in the Dream) thyan speculation.
* Mykasi nods slightly, with a look to Hikari.
> "Have you more to ask?" Seiryuu questions.
* Nagare ponders, recalling a point of curiosity. "May as well make the best of it. On a more pedestrian subject... would you be able to pinpoint the location of Vandal the Beholder? Out of idle curiosity."
<Hikari> "Well, moving on to other matters in the Dream...we recently acquired a list of individuals knowledgeable in the ways of magic. We have some interest in speaking to such individuals for educational purposes. Not all are easily found, however--for several we merely have a name and their field of expertise. Vandal the Beholder, Sage Wallace, Kimura-sama, Vitan Astere...are these beings you know of or can direct us to?"
> Seiryuu rolls his head around, considering the request for a long moment, before answering, "The beholder desires privacy, and privacy I will accord him. You may address to him a missive, and entrust it to any dog, it will find it's way to him. He may not respond, but that is his way."
> Then Seiryuu rumbles dangerously, and the feeling of power surrounding you spikes up signifigantly, "Speak not of the devil summoner, nor the one he serves, in this place of peace."
> Shiro's fist reflexively clenches until the knuckle is white at that, "...right..."
* Hikari bows her head. "My apologies. As I said, we seek knowledge, in part of the Dream itself. If this is someone we should avoid at all costs, this is also worth knowing."
> Seiryuu shakes his head, "The devil summoner, like all his ilk, is a creature of danger. I care nothing for his kind by rule, but the blinded man himself has overstepped his rights. Were it not for the DEVIL's protection, My fury would have found him long since."
> "Now let us speak no more of this, lest my ire rise of it's own accord."
<Hikari> "Forgive me if I have upset you by mentioning him. We will consider this a warning, at least."
<Mykasi> "And... of Kimura-sama?" Mike tilts his head, seeking to move the topic away.
> "I know not of a Kimura," Seiryuu admits. "And the Sage...has seen not fit to seek Me out as of yet, thus I know not of his demense. One such as he will not be found lest he wishes one to find him."
* Mykasi nods. "Understood. Then..." A pause. "I... only have questions that would interest myself at this point, I'm afraid. Do we have anything else we wanted to ask about?"
<Hikari> "I believe that concludes my inquiries, then. Unless you have any general knowledge or advice to offer on local Powers such as yourself, that may help us in navigating the city socially."
<Nagare> "I'm fine here as well."
> Seiryuu shakes his head, "The stench of a DEVIL sits heavy upon you, though not the one which offends my senses. You have commited to a mistress, speak with Her of other powers if you desire, it would be of ill manners for Myself to speak of Powers with another's adherants."
> Shiro shrugs to Mike, "I got nothing, so go right ahead man."
<Hikari> "Then it seems my questions are at an end. Thank you for your time and assistance."
* Nagare also nods to Seiryuu. "I'll be mindful of my allegiances, yes."
* Mykasi rubs his head. "I'll, uh, catch up with you guys outside this area?" he offers after a moment, wondering if he smells like DEVIL currently. Something he'll have to figure out.
> Shiro chuckles, catching that for the 'plz go away' it was, and wanders off the tile he was standing on.
* Hikari bows in parting, then evacuates the area before she can offend Seiryuu again.
* Nagare quietly follows the other two as they leave. That was a fascinating, if awkward display.
> After a moment, Mike stands along on the tiles, staring up at the sea dragon.
> *alone
* Mykasi rubs his head as the other three leave. "I... apologize. I'll make this quick; does the Dream... is it possible to travel from this Dream to another city's Dream? Or does the rest of the world not behave as this, not have the same rules?"
> "That..." Seiryuu almost sighs, "is difficult to know. Perhaps, if the rules of this are also the rules of else, then motion between here and else may be. But to use the magic of this to move to else when else has it's own rules...is a danger. A grave one."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, it would be..." Mike winces. "I can... definitely see that. Damn. My apologies for overstaying my welcome, sir. I'll take my lea- ah, wait. I take it that it is hard to divine what the rules of else may be from here?"
> Seiryuu nods, "A FOOL is quick to learn."
<Mykasi> "And quicker still to embroil himself where none else dare tread." Mike sighs. "The idea just won't leave me, but it's not worth the risk, either.... Thank you, Seiryuu, and a peaceful evening to you."
> Seiryuu nods once more...and as soon as Mike steps away from the tiles, the feeling of power fades, though the feeling of peace remains.
* Mykasi follows the other three at a slow jog.
> Mike catches up with the other three after a moment, as they were kind of just loitering outside.
<Mykasi> "Sorry about that. Next up, the Wilder Ness?
* Hikari doesn't inquire about Mike's business with Seiryuu. If he meant it to be public, he wouldn't have suggested that everyone leave. "Yes, I think so." Hikari glances around the food court. There shouldn't be many other places open around here, so...
<Nagare> "Probably, but preferrably in the next day. I have to wonder if we shouldn't actually break the pace a bit, since people -will- start noticing our absence eventually."
<Hikari> "The establishment is only open at night, unfortunately. I would rather prolong this outing than embark upon another just for this."
> Shiro shrugs, "My roommate's used to me being out all night, so no sweat here."
<Mykasi> "Eh. Let's get this done and go." Mike shrugs, cracking his neck a bit.
> Looking around the area, you wander around the outskirts of the foodcourt for awhile until you see what looks like an old western style saloon with lights coming from the windows and around the saloon style door. Sure enough, a sign outside can be read in the dim light, dubbing it as The Wilder Ness.
> Lots of sounds can be heard as well from inside.
<Mykasi> "Sounds like fun. Let's rock?" Mike suggests.
> "Heaven or Hell," Shiro responds with a half grin.
<Hikari> "I cannot guarantee that I will participate in any rocking. But yes, let's go, unless there are serious objections." Barring any such at the last minute, Hikari walks up the door and pushes her way in.
> "Though..." then he stops, "Crap, I probably won't be able to go in with you. Dammit!"
* Mykasi pauses a moment, and gives Shiro a very odd look, before flinching. "Right, damnit. Well, at least try, and if not... uh, tell us where this place is in reality?"
> Hikari walks in easily! Shiro tries to follow, but as predicted, is blocked by some unseen force. "Fuck it." He grumbles.
* Nagare scratches his head. "Can you enter -any- building in the Dream, come to think of it?"
> Shiro looks over to Nagare, "Just...uh, our base, so far."
<Mykasi> "Mrf." Mike shakes his head sadly.
* Nagare sighs, scratching his head once again. "We may want to have this particular drawback examined eventually. Regardless, we'll try to not keep you waiting the way we did back in the Binaries."
> "Yeah, I'll check where this is then." Shiro wanders over to the side and sits down, getting ready to summon the wind around him.
* Mykasi nods and jogs in after Hikari!
* Nagare follows Mykasi nonchalantly. "You've been jogging an awful lot lately."
> Meanwhile inside, Hikari sees a fair crowd inside the club. There's some acoustic...some kind of stringed instrument she has no idea what it might be, but that's possibly because it doesn't actually exist. She certainly can't imagine anything in the real world was made to be played with six hands like this one is.
<Mykasi> "Need to keep in shape."
> Well, scratch that, two hands and four prehensile feet, as she gets a better look at the quasi-simian musician playing.
> The rest of the crowd is just as strange, though a quick uniting factor is quickly seen. Everyone in here has some kind of animalistic property to them. From the thing that's largely undescribable besides for the elephant trunk, to the pair of pail girls with long cat tails hanging near the musician to a floating ram's head.
* Hikari steps inside, looking around the room for anyone or anything that stands out (well, more than usual, and more than a six-limbed musician), or who might be a proprietor.
> ---------------------------------------------------

> --------------------------------------
> As Hikari looks around, she can see a couple particularly strange individuals. One is a veeeeery long white dog with a black head that seems largely translucent. That is just swirling around and doing loops in the air even as it talks to the individual next to it. Another is a trio of what look like gorrila hands that are running around on top of the bar fetching drinks for people.
> It's...hard to tell what the proprietor of this place might look like, to be honest.
> A few creatures turn to look at you all as you come in, but largely go right back to thier drinking and talking and being rowdy as if you're not out of place there at all.
* Mykasi follows Hikari in, matching her stride as he glances around - and spots the bar. "Even if we don't know who to talk to, barkeeps are a good source of information." he loudly murmurs for Hikari to hear.
<Hikari> "We may as well start there, yes," Hikari says. She then strides across the room to the bar (hoping there's something more obvious to address than a disembodied hand, but she'll make do with whatever's around if she has to).
> OOC: Does Hikari grab an empty seat, or just stand there?
* Nagare coughs, whispering to Mykasi afterwards. "Advance with care if this is a possible excuse to get us wasted."
<Mykasi> "What? No, we're working." Mike glares at Nagare afterward.
<Hikari> OOC: may as well sit down and look like a customer.
* Mykasi then follows Hikari over, letting her make the first choice.
> As soon as Hikari sits down, one of the gorilla hands skitters across the bartop(skillfully weaving around drinks and other things on the bar) and comes to a stop in front of Hikari.
<Hikari> "Ah, greetings," Hikari says. As much strangeness as she's encountered in the Dream, it's still hard trying to talk to something without a face. "Do you have anything good on tap today? Also, is the proprietor about?"
> A chubby creature sitting in the chair next to Hiakri that looks something like a cross between a koala, a sloth and a stripped cat with a long beard, chuckles and looks over at her, "Aaaah, first time here, ato?" It reluctantly takes one hand off it's clay jug and points to a blackboard behind the bar, "Menu's right there, ato."(more)
> Sure enough, there's a bunch of writing on the blackboard. Only in characters she's never seen before. Wait...as she stares at it, the text seems to rearrange itself into words she can read. The menu consists of a couple dozen different types of juice and juice blends, most made of fruits she's never heard of.
* Mykasi glances at the blackboard himself as the creature points, a bit bemused.
> The text does the same thing for Mike and Nagare as they look at it, of course.
> "Gotta tell the hand what ya want, ato." The chubby thing continues, "It don't talk. Got no mouth, y'ato?"
> The chubby thing then takes a long draught from it's clay jug.
* Mykasi hums, and orders some white nectarango juice, guessing it's not alcoholic. Maybe. "You got the change for it, right, Hikari?"
<Hikari> "So I see. Daiquiri, please," Hikari tells the hand. "I don't care what kind." She turns back to the...koalaslothcat thing. "Could you also tell me who runs this place? Is Onanon out in the crowd somewhere, perhaps?"
<Hikari> "I believe so, Mike, yes."
> The chubby thing chuckles again as Mike mentions the change, "Aaah...hic...no need for the macca, kids. First timers drink free, ato. Nobody ever comes here just the once...hicato..."
<Mykasi> "...heh, thanks." Mike grins. "Accomodating indeed."
* Nagare eyes the board and then the hand, after warily reading the drinks. "Do you have... plain water?"
> The chubby thing nods slowly, "Yeaaaaaaah, he's 'round here somewhere, ato. Couldn't tell ya where though."
> The hand gives Nagare a thumbs up and runs off with the orders!
<Hikari> "Could you tell me what he looks like? I have not actually met him before. I simply have an academic interest."
> "Nooooope." The chubby thing answers matter of factly, "Could tell ya what he looked like when I came in, ato. But that ain't like to help ya much right now."
<Mykasi> "Changes to match what's going on, I take it?" Mike asks at this.
<Hikari> "That's a start, at least."
> Suddenly, three drinks come sliding down the bar! A banana daiquiri served in a chilled coconut shell, a mug of white nectarango juice, and a glass of something kinda brown and muddy. They expertly slide to a stop in front of the person who ordered it!
* Hikari raises an eyebrow. "One of those is water?"
<Mykasi> "...snrk." Mike says as he eyes Nagare's order, before quickly grabbing his own and taking a sip. "He did ask for -plain- water."
* Nagare deflates, facepalming as he sees his "drink". "I can't help but think I have a karmic bill to pay sometimes."
<Mykasi> "You just need to think more flexibly, I think. You expected it to be that simple? Besides, it's probably fine.
<Hikari> "Ask for a water filter?"
<Nagare> "'Probably' isn't really going to cut it. At least, we're not being charged for it, so it can only be so bad."
> The chubby thing shrugs, "What's goin' on, what he wants to be goin' on, just 'cause he feels like it."
> "Maybe th'Inugami can help, if you're looking for Onanon, ato." He then adds and inclines his head towards the long ghostly dog.
<Hikari> "Yes. We may as well mingle and get a feel for the place, and see what turns up." Hikari takes her drink and weaves through the crowd towards the long dog.
* Mykasi glances toward the dog. "Alright. Thank you." With that, he begins wandering toward the dog, watching it loop around in the air with apparent fascination.
> The chubby thing takes another long draught from his jug, then raises it in a gesture of farewell...and topples off the side of it's chair.
> This provokes no small amount of laughter from everything else nearby.
> The ghost dog swirls around and around and around while it's holding a conversation with what looks like a black puddle of slime wearing a foo dog mask. It doesn't look at you as you approach.
> They seem to be gossiping about random goings on.
<Mykasi> "...loops..." Mike mutters, watching the dog as if in a trance.
> The dog chuckles, it's voice fairly raspy and high pitched, "Yah, yah, I heard all about that! Oh, oh, did you hear?"
* Hikari pauses nearby to listen in a bit first! "Are you alright, Mike? Something in your drink you weren't expecting?"
> "Hear what?" The masked slime asks.
> "About the pixies!" the dog replies, "Her majesty's been sending them out at night lately! And you know how much pixies hate the dark!"
<Mykasi> "Eh? Oh, I'm fine. Just kinda watching him loop. Figure eights.... wait, no, that one was a normal... I wonder if he does Moebius?"
> "Ooooooh," the masked slime bobs it's mask up and down, "I wonder what she's got 'em looking for?"
<Hikari> "If he does what?"
> The dog shakes his head, "No idea. It's not the lilims though, since my pal saw two pixies start to chase one but a third called 'em off."
<Mykasi> "Eh, don't worry about it." Mike says, ears perking up at the mention of the pixies. "... that's intriguing."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow, listening in as well. "Lilims and pixies...?"
> "Huh." The slime considers...then looks over at you all, "Hey, fresh meat in the club. Howzit hanging, chimps?"
<Mykasi> "Thicker than the Nile and twice as long." Mike replies glibly. "Yourself?"
<Hikari> "The evening has been adequately satisfactory so far," Hikari says, taking a sip of her drink.
> The slime bobs it's mask again, and the dog turns around and gives you all the hairy eyeball for a moment...
> Then it nearly cracks up laughing.
> "Hahaha...haha! HAHAHA! HA...hahahaha...heh...hah....whew."
<Hikari> "Is something amusing?" Hikari asks. She doesn't much like being laughed at and her tone likely shows it.
> "Huh?" The dog blinks as it resumes it's swirling in the air.
> The slime chuckles, "Yeah, he does that sometimes."
<Nagare> "Is he supposed to emulate a hyena or something equally inane?"
<Mykasi> "It may have been in reply to me. Or just at random, that works too." Mike chuckles. "Anyway, we had a question - would you know where Onanon is?
> "The owner?" The slime asks, "Whaddya want with that guy?"
<Hikari> "We heard he knows something about magic. As strangers here, we thought it might be useful to learn any unusual abilities people had to teach about navigating the Dream."
> "Strangers, huh?" Inugami asks, then starts laughing again, "Yah, yah, ain't seen much stranger then you guys in awhile! Hahaha!"
> The slime chuckles, "Out of towners, eh? Where ya from?"
<Hikari> "Well, we're perfectly normal where we come from."
<Mykasi> "Ah... Kanazawa." Mike replies after a moment."
> "Are you now?" The slime chuckles again, but then answers the earlier question, "Well if you want to find Onanon, you'll have to make him laugh. He's a canny old shapeshifter, so picking him out of a crowd's pretty tough, but he's got a funny sense of humor so I can tell you how to tickle it."
<Mykasi> "Alright...?" Mike listens in.
<Hikari> "Oh. Humor. I'm afraid this might be a job for one of you two," Hikari says. "Or perhaps Mike. No offense, of course, Professor."
> "Well," the slime elaborates, "he likes really random stuff. Like chicken dance around the room counter-clockwise while saying something stupid like 'oogie boogie mushroom men'. The less sense it makes, the better."
> "...mushroom men...snrk..." Inugami snorts and giggles.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike pauses for a moment. "So what you're saying is that the predictability of the randomness of our actions can't be in question because he has to find the words arrestin' without the flow becoming congested, lest the journey from word to ear become messed 'n the mood becomes depressin' without the cause of the flaws in the laws of this bar mars and tars our reputation? Shameful! Jive priest out!"
<Mykasi> And with that Mike moonwalks out of the bar.
* Nagare sighs at Hikari as Mykasi finishes his show. "I highly suspect that'll be normal for our mystery man."
> Meanwhile, there's a thud over at the bar as the chubby dude tries to climb back into his chair and pulls it down on top of himself instead.
* Hikari watches Mike in stunned silence for a moment. "What was that?" she manages eventually.
> The slime's mask actually blinks, and he looks at Hikari and Nagare, "Uh...did what he just said make any sense to you?"
<Hikari> "I know the words, but I can't help but think they have no business being associated with each other in such a manner."
* Nagare lightly shrugs. "Less than normal when he's inspired. Which is to say it honestly makes no difference to me."
> M: Mike moonwalks out of the bar! He is now back outside the bar. Shiro is not there.
* Mykasi mutters. "And if that doesn't summon him... frankly, I'm too zoned out at this point to try. Illusions would be a different story, but..."
* Hikari sighs. "Well, it's no use having me try to make anyone laugh. Unless you've got something, Professor..." Hikari trails off as she looks around the bar, seeing if anyone seemed amused by Mike's effort.
> Inugami cocks his head at where Mike went, then starts trying to repeat the rap with...not much success.
> The slime then chuckles again and shakes his mask, "Well, I'm more confused then amused, but that happens rarely enough that I'll give it a pass anyway. So what'd you kids need?"
* Nagare winces. "I'd rather not. The last time I tried to crack a joke, I suffered a dozen lawsuit threats. It's an unfortunate downside of Law School."
<Hikari> "Oh, we'd just heard Onanon was knowledgeable about magic. We thought there might be something useful to learn by asking him about it. Or just information about the neighborhood, really."
<Nagare> "We're more or less picking up crumbs in the Dreamscape."
> The slime bobs his mask, "Alright, that's cool. Though I can't help you much unless you've got any specific questions, I'm afraid."
* Mykasi wanders back in. "Forgot the drink."
<Hikari> "In that case, a basic one: our information suggested you practiced 'Accomodation and adjustment magic.' I'm afraid I don't know precisely what this is. Could you tell us? We are specifically looking for ways to facilitate navigation within the Dream. We have more than once become lost or had to cross inconvenient obstacles. It would be helpful to be able to avoid this in the future."
> "Aaaaaah," the slime bobs his mask again, "I getcha. Sorry to let you down kids, but my magic's purely physical in nature. Accomodation and adjustement is a funny term for shapeshifting. I can change my shape easy, and sometimes the shape of other things too. I tell ya though, get it down pat and obstacles ain't gonna be a problem."
> "Can't help with the getting lost part, though."
<Nagare> "Do you know anyone who -could-?"
> As Mike walks back in, the chubby dude, still on the floor, points at him, "heeeey, ato! Help me out here, would ya?"
<Hikari> "I may as well indulge my curiosity, then. Is there some manner of theme to your shapeshifting? Or is there no limit to what you can do but imagination? How much of this extends to your ability to transform other things? All of these talents are new to me, so I have little frame of reference."
* Mykasi glances over to the conversation, before glancing to the chubby dude and walking over to help get him on his chair.
> "Just lift me up so I can sock this sonnova biscuit eater in the nose, ato?" He asks, while gesturing towards a scaly bird headed guy in another chair who's pointing and laughing at him.
* Mykasi pulls up the dude and helps him out as directed.
> H/N: Onanon nods, "One at a time. For not getting lost? Ehhhh, sorry, not much I can do to help there. I know my way around, but I couldn't tell ya how I do it. As for limits, well, I don't have many. I'm a master though, I've been doing this for...uh...well, a long time."(more)
> "Other things though, I can change basic size and shape, maybe add or remove some things. The further you get from the basic shape, the harder it is to change, see?"
* Hikari nods. "Might I ask how much this resembles your original shape?"
> M: Mike picks up the chubby guy...who's pretty damn heavy, despite being maybe a touch over two feet tall. The chubby dude faces the scaly birdheaded guy, pulls back one paw...and suddenly, 8 inch long claws whip out and he slashes the startled birdman right across the face, sending him sprawling!
> No sooner does the birdman hit the floor, then the chubby guy spits on him! And when the spit connects, he catches fire.
> Onanon starts to answer, then looks over your shoulders at the commotion, "Woaaah, somebody pissed off Kato. You think they'd learn not to do that after awhile."
* Mykasi puts Kato down on a chair with a slight grunt. "There ya go. Sorry, you're heavier than I anticipated."
<Hikari> "Err...it does look like a bad idea, yes."
> The birdman screams bloody murder, but as he pulls himself up and looks back over at Kato...the chubby dude has whipped out a second set of claws from his other paw. The birdman changes his tune and just dashes out of the bar.
> Kato nods, "Yeah, 'as what I thought, ato. Bitch." Then he lazily rolls his head back around to where Mike is, "Thanks, buddy. You, uh, mind grabbin' my jug for me, ato?"
<Mykasi> "No prob." Mike says, getting the jug and passing it off. "Anything else?"
<Hikari> "Well, back to our questions, if you don't mind?" Hikari prods gently. "The Professor had one of some relevance. I confess to some interest in the discussion you were having as I arrived, as well, but that's off the subject of magic."
> "Naaaah, y'been a big help, ato." He settles back in, muttering, "lousy birdface sonnova push MY chair over I kick your ass halfway ta pangea...."
<Mykasi> "Righty-o." Mike says before sauntering off back to the group.
> As Mike rejoins the group, he can hear Inugami quietly trying to repeat the rap he did with very little success.
* Mykasi makes a little ball of illusionary light appear in front of Inugami and slowly repeat the rap as he listens in to the conversation his allies are having with the slime.
> Onanon grows shoulders and shrugs, "Like I said, no idea who can help on that front. And...uh, what were we talking about when you got here?"
<Hikari> "Pixies patrolling the streets at night."
> "Oh, that. Yeah, Inugami here says Queen Mab's been having her pixies go looking for something at night. And it's not the lilims that have been smacking them around lately either, so I don't know what it is. Afraid I just heard about that myself though. This guy might know more," he gestures to Inugami, "but he's three sheets to the wind right now."
* Hikari eyes the dog. "You don't happen to have a good hangover cure on tap, I suppose, Onanon?"
* Nagare snickers. "I have to wonder if a good splash of water wouldn't do."
> "I don't even sell alchohol here, why would I?" the slime laughs.
<Hikari> "You don't seem to be drinking yours, Professor. Go right ahead and try."
<Mykasi> "So you're Onanon, then?" Mike queries. "Can you teach that accomodation stuff? Might be useful." With that, he sips the juice.
* Nagare grumbles. "I refuse to call that barren wasteland water."
> The slime nods, "Yeah, I could. You interested in learning? What kind of magic do you have already? I'm assuming you're all magicians of some kind on account of you being here and all, right?"
<Hikari> "We're persona-users, though I was not given to understand that the two are precisely the same thing."
* Nagare scratches his head. "Well, yes and no, you could say. Persona is a bit blurry in that sense."
> Onanon freezes for a moment, "Persona users? Aw shit."
<Nagare> "My thoughts exactly," the teacher deadpans. "Ahem."
<Mykasi> "What, are we contagious to you?"
<Hikari> "Is there a problem?"
> Onanon shakes his mask, "Persona users popping up means one of two things. Either everthing's about to go to shit, or it already has. I'm hoping for the latter, since that means it's done so someplace that isn't my club."
<Mykasi> "Ah. Probably the latter with some of the former. We're trying to figure out getting around better so we can try to fix what's happening on our side of the stream, so to speak." Mike replies.
<Hikari> "We have seen our share of 'the shit,' so to speak," Hikari says. "It does not seem to have folloed us into your establishment."
<Mykasi> "Though that, too. Don't think anything's gonna happen here, as far as I know."
> Onanon shrugs again, "Eh, I'll survive. Bound to get caught up in one of these shindigs eventually. Well, whatever, right? So you were talking about learning some magic then, right kid?" the mask shifts position to face Mike, "And you ain't got any magic 'sides the Persona yet?"
<Mykasi> "Correct." Mike nods slightly.
> "Now...if I'm remembering right, Persona's all about the Arcana, right?" Onanon asks, "So what's your Arcana?"
<Mykasi> "FOOL." Mike grins.
> "Heh," he laughs, "yeah, I can see that. Now also if I remember right, everything's got an arcana, just not everything bothers much with it. Can you kids like...I dunno, see what somebody's Arcana is?"
<Mykasi> "Hm." Mike pauses. "I can't, I don't think. Prof?"
<Nagare> "Hardly, as far as I know."
<Hikari> "Not my knowledge. I don't believe we possess such skills."
> "Hmm, well that's tricky then," Onanon says, "Look, I don't know too much about Persona, but I know that you can't learn any magic that's not related to your Arcana or an affiliated Arcana. It just won't work, you don't have it in you. And I don't know what the hell my Arcana is, see?"
> "So I'll tell you what," he offers, "You figure out a way to tell what my Arcana is, and I'll think about teaching you. You gotta be willing to work though, 'cause this shit ain't easy."
<Hikari> "You don't know? Isn't it common for denizens of the Dream to know that about themselves?"
<Mykasi> "Huh." Mike hums. "Makes sense. I guess we'll have to swing back by once we can do that." A nod at Onanon's words. "Fine by me. I'm good for work."
> "For those that get involved in this Persona shit regular like, sure." Onanon shrugs, "Me? I've always managed to skip town before one rolled in before."
<Hikari> "I suppose we will have to search for a way to determine this in our travels, then."
* Nagare quietly taps his fingers. "It makes sense, to a degree. I have to wonder when -did- the Arcana divisions began to matter."
> "They've always mattered. And they never have, at the same time. All depends on what's going down where you're at."
<Mykasi> "Heh. Right." Mike grins a bit, before, "Any other juicy rumors you've heard, besides about the Pixies?"
> The mask shakes from side to side, "Not that I think'd interest a bunch of Persona users."
<Hikari> "We're not entirely sure what will be important in our travels here, so it's hard to say what wouldn't interest us."
<Nagare> "You don't quite understand. -Everything- interests us at this point."
> "Alright, well I heard that the curry stand in Four Winds is gonna be closing down next week, since the chick who runs it up and dissapeared."
<Hikari> "Who was that? No word that she was relocating, or anything of the sort? She simply vanished without warning?"
> "I dunno, maybe she told somebody, but I didn't hear anything. I also don't eat curry, so no reason I woulda got told."
> He thinks, "One of Master Frost's boys has been snooping around asking people about some cold weather, if you care about that."
<Nagare> "Given Master Frost's inclination, something to at least keep handy on the back of our minds."
> "Ooh, ohh!" Inugami suddenly snaps to, "I know something! Some goon on a horse WRECKED the binary section UP! How's that, huh?"
<Hikari> "Tragic."
<Hikari> "I don't suppose you remember anything more about those pixies?" Hikari asks the dog, now that it's seemingly back in the conversation.
* Nagare adds to Hikari's deadpan with a small remark. "Shakespearian, even. It's even as aged as the bard is."
* Mykasi listens in, musing slightly.
> "The pixies?" Inugami asks, "Oh, right, those pixies! Yah, yah, there's teams of 'em getting sent around looking for something! Real hush hush like! And they're not even chasing the lilims!"
<Hikari> "Is there anywhere in particular they've focused their search? Any word of what they're looking for?"
> "Nope, they're all over the city, I heard! And if anyone starts watching 'em, they pretend like they're just out for a joy-flight! At least that's what my guy said."
<Hikari> "Hm. Well, thanks for that much, at least. We'll have to watch for them ourselves." She shrugs, looking to her friends to see if they've anything more to ask.
* Nagare shrugs. "No real questions from me."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Thank you, yes."
* Hikari thanks Onanon and the dog, finishes her drink and places the glass back on the bar before heading out.
> Onanon nods and goes back to talking to Inugami. Kato waves lazily as well as you head out.
* Mykasi bows slightly to the two, before draining his own glass and waving to Kato as he depars.
* Nagare waves to them as he leaves. His glass is conspicuously untouched.
* Hikari immediately looks for Shiro once she's back outside.
> Shiro's standing out there going through a couple spear forms.
<Mykasi> "Yo." Mike waves slightly, wandering over.
<Hikari> "No trouble this time, I hope?" Hikari asks him. "Where are standing in the real world?"
> He stops and summons Red Hare, and puts his spear back in the clip, "Nah, quiet night out here. And it's in a residential area that's near that little strip mall with the really good beef bowl place. I think the strip mall is the food court here, too."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike nods slightly. "That's at least decently easy to manage, I think."
* Hikari nods. "Convenient. We may need to come back here at some point. Onanon is unsure if he can even teach us anything until he knows his own Arcana. Until we have some means of determining that, there's little more to be learned here." She shrugs. "In any event, it's been a very long day. I for one am quite worn from the events of it."
> Shiro nods at that, "Yeah, even I'm kinda beat after junking those robots. So what's the idea, I'll head back on my own and you all use your key?"
<Mykasi> "How about we try crashing at Lily's?" Mike suggests. "Worth a shot to see what it does for us."
<Nagare> "I'm not entirely sure I feel at ease with the idea of sleeping in the Dreamscapes."
<Hikari> "I...suppose it would answer some questions about the possibility of dreaming within the Dream..." Hikari says. "What happens to us when we sleep here? If no one can tell us, there really is only one way to find out."
> Shiro shrugs, "Worth checking out, I guess. And I want to ask Lily about why I can go in her place but not anywhere else, too."
<Hikari> "This is also a good question. Shall we go, then?"
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike nods. "Prof, I realize you aren't comfortable with it, but let's try it one night at least - we need to know about this in case we need to dreamscape crash another time." An illusion-light appears in front of Nagare and Hikari, and whispers, "Like with Okuni-Nushi's challenge. But I don't want to mention that to Shiro." OOC: Illusion only for Hikari/Nagare.
<Nagare> "I know when I'm defeated," the teacher says with a light shrug and at least bothering to listen to the illusion. "Let's get this over and done with."
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 74."12 [1d100=74]
> As you make the treck back to Lily's place...(Roll vs Mind-3 peeps. Mind-1 for Mike.)
> roll 2d8 Shiro
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 Shiro and gets 10."12 [2d8=5, 5]
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 9."12 [2d8=4, 5]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 Mind the gap youkai. I repeat. Mind the gap youkai.
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 Mind the gap youkai. I repeat. Mind the gap youkai. and gets 10."12 [2d8=5, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=7, 1]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 reroll?
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 reroll? and gets 13."12 [2d8=8, 5]
> Mike notices some fluttering movement a short distance away. People...tiny flying girls. Three of them. They're skulking around on a rooftop.
* Mykasi slows his step down a bit, and creates an illusion for the other three to see. "Pixies. Three of them. One of the patrols. Should we do anything?"
> Shiro looks around casually, and quietly mentions, "...I don't see anything..."
<Hikari> "Watch them, for now? I don't wish to start a fight--I'm not entirely recovered from the last, really. If even one of us could get close enough to listen to them, however, it may be instructive. Only if we are confident in not being seen, of course."
* Nagare shakes his head. "It's a good idea in a vacuum, but I really want to say we've had a busy enough day to engage in spying shenanigans at this point. The matter of the nightstalking pixies won't go away in one day either."
<Mykasi> "I'll see if they follow us, then. Otherwise we'll avoid engaging." Mike replies through the illusion, before closing it up and resuming a normal pace, one eye on the rooftop pixies.
<Hikari> "Alright," Hikari says, moving on and trying to keep an eye out for anything else that might be makign the rounds tonight.
> You all move along. The pixies don't seem to follow you. Possibly not even notice you, which would be fairly impressive considering Shiro's on a horse but he DID say they were pretty dumb, so.
> "They following?" Shiro slows Red Hare down until he's next to Mike and quietly asks.
<Mykasi> "They may not have even noticed us..." Mike murmurs as they pass by. "They don't seem to be following. ...though now it suddenly occurs to me... what if they're trying to get someone to lead them to Lily?" It doesn't sound like it, but..."
<Hikari> "I doubt that. The dog did say that he saw them called away from chasing a lilim in favor of this new task."
<Mykasi> "I don't know, but... I'm still wary. Still... well, while we open the route, I may ask you to quick check rooftops, Shiro." Mike nods as they keep going.
> Shiro nods, "Easy enough.'
> A bit more walking and you get to Lily's hideout. Shiro checks the rooftops, but doesn't see anything suspicious, so you open the way in.
<Mykasi> "Right, then. Let's go on in and get somewhere to crash?" Mike shrugs.
> A lilim pokes her head out as you open the stairs down, "Oh, hello again~"
<Mykasi> "Hiya~"
* Nagare waves. "I hope your humble abode can double as a hotel."
<Hikari> "Hello. You have spare rooms for us, I hope? We're quite exhausted from the day's events."
> Shiro lands back in the alley and slides off Red Hare, the horse vanishing the next moment. He nods to the lilim and follows along.
> As you all get in, she closes the stairwell and smiles, "Yup, we've got plenty of space to sleep here! Four bedrooms, well five if you count Lily's room but you'll have to ask her if you want to sleep in there~" she giggles.
<Hikari> "I wouldn't want to trouble her," Hikari says stiffly.
<Mykasi> "I shan't burden her with our presence unless she herself desires it." Mike says gallantly - but with a shit-eating grin.
<Mykasi> "Oh, you had that question, Shiro?" Mike asks after a moment.
> The lilim giggles at Mike, "Well, we leave all the room doors open except for Lily's so just find a spot and lie down. Oh, and if you want to wash up there's the showers right in there," she points at the other closed door in the hall that isn't Lily's room.
> Shiro nods, "Yeah. Is Lily still in the living room?"
> The lilim nods, "Yeah, she was on the couch reading a book I think. Last time I looked anyway."
<Mykasi> "Mmm. A shower actually sounds good." Mike nods slightly.
<Nagare> "I can't believe showers actually exist in the Dreamscape and I couldn't be any more glad."
> The lilim wrinkles her nose at Nagare, "What? Of COURSE they do! You can't be sexy if you don't stay clean, you know."
<Hikari> "I confess to feeling slightly grimy. Even more tired, however. The shower is yours if you want it--I doubt I'll last long once my head hits a pillow."
* Mykasi chuckles at this. "In fairness, I imagined Japanese-style bath houses, but showers work too."
<Mykasi> "Still, let's just ask that question first and then go crash?"
> "Yeah, we don't have room for one of those," she sadly agrees, "I'd love one, though. You can have all KINDS of fun in those baths~"
* Hikari nods and heads for the living room.
> Lily is lounging on the couch with her nose stuck in a book as you come in. She looks up from it and smiles, "Ah, I didn't expect to see you back today. At this hour, and with the way you look, I hope you're planning on staying the night?"
<Mykasi> "Too bad, too. Kinda thought space was relative, here, anyways..." Mike muses as he follows Hikari.
> "Well," the lilim explains, "We don't have any above ground space at all. And those really aren't the same if they aren't outdoors."
<Hikari> "If you don't mind, yes. May I ask what you're reading tonight?"
* Nagare shakes his head, answering Lily before taking leave for a shower. "Very little choice, there. I'm not entirely comfortable with staying so long within the Dreamscapes, but at this juncture..."
<Mykasi> "Mmm. Iunno - I think you could get some real -good- ambience from a cavelike one - hot spring vents, dim lighting with fireflies floating around like a little isolated grotto, an underground river flowing in to get a nice lil' waterfall... The main thing you miss is a good clear night sky, but everything else you can get just fine, I think."
> Lily laughs, "No trouble at all. You live here, don't you?" Then she holds up her book. The titles in Latin, but she translates, "Lament of Innocense. It's an old tragedy. I must have read the thing a thousand times, but it's still one of my favorites."
<Hikari> "I will have to ask you waht it's about when I am less exhausted. Right now, all I need is a bed."
> Lily laughs, "You look it, yes. Any of the rooms are fine, just find some space in a bed and curl up. We don't really do formal room assignments here."
<Mykasi> "Shiro, wanna ask that question?" Mike tosses out, before concentrating... and creating a small-scale illusion of a bathhouse for anyone around to see. "See, all you'd need to do is set up the communal area there, and then private sections for beings of both genders - well, maybe a third area-" Mike shifts the illusion a bit at this. "-for the more fluid and/or non-typed people who don't identify either way, set up some d
> Shiro plops down on the sofa opposite her, "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something once everyone else is settled."
<Mykasi> "...well, you'd want to find the hot water vents first, before you got excited laying everything else down, but this is the Dream, it shouldn't be too hard..."
<Mykasi> (either way, set up some dim lighting, bam.")
* Hikari nods, gives Mike a bewildered look, then totters off to the nearest bedroom.
<Mykasi> "Anyway, I'm crashing a shower before claiming a couch." Mike says, dismissing the illusion after a moment. "Later. Thanks again, Lily."
> Each bedroom has a nice, big, soft king-sized bed. Each bed also already has at least one lilim in it somewhere.
* Hikari finds the emptiest corner she can and collapses on it fully clothed.
* Nagare heads for one of the showers - unlike Hikari, he'd be unlikely to sleep without that.
> Mike and Nagare both hit the showers. It's one big open communal shower room, with showerheads coming out of the wall at regular intervals. The room is also, however, filled with a mist so thick it's hard to see two feet past yourself.
* Mykasi was in high school gyms only a few years back and can't be bothered with modesty - he just strips down and heads a bit into the shower area, choosing one at random to use.
> Mike washes. There are little racks built into the walls that have soaps and body washes and shampoos and like twelve other things, as well as a selection of washclothes, loofas, sponges and other methods to apply said cleaning aids.
* Nagare just sighs and hits one of the further showers. It has been quite a day - one that could have been as long as a month.
<Mykasi> "I can tell ladies live here. About as many cleaning products as Xav and Amelia stocked." Mike mutters loudly.
> -------------------------

> --------------------------------
> Nagare's eyes flick open as that...scene...grows more distant in his mind. And the first thing he sees are two lilims leaning over him with the most confused and horrified expressions on thier faces.
> As they see him wake up, one of them...Vivian you think her name was, hesitantly asks, "Are...are you okay?"
* Nagare blinks slowly, as if trying to wane the canvas of the dream from his mind and sight. The teacher runs his hand through his face, sporting a semblance of disbelief and vague terror. He doesn't seem to have noticed the lilims yet, either.
> The two lilims exchange looks, then Vivian puts her hand on Nagare's forehead, "Um...this is supposed to help sick humans, right?"
> The other lilim shrugs, "I think so. Is he sick though?"
> Vivian frowns, "He has to be. Unless...humans normally sleep like that..." she sounds somewhat ill at the thought
* Nagare then sits, shakes his head, coughs. As he blinks once, he finally realizes the presence of the lilims. He quietly stares at them for a moment, and slowly pushes Vivian's hand from his forehead, seemingly non-plussed - to say the slightest. "... since -when- were you two watching me?"
> "Um..." the other one answers, "for a few hours. You were...twitching. And scrunching up your face. You looked like you were in pain. Is that...what dreaming is?"
> H: Meanwhile, over in one of the bedrooms. Hikari's eyes slowly flick awake. There's an arm draped over her and someone cuddled up behind her.
* Hikari slowly, without speaking, looks around, hoping at least whoever it is is wearing clothes.
> H: It's one of the lilims, of course. Not Carlie at least, but a dark skinned beauty named Wendy. It would be too much to hope that she was still dressed, though at least Hikari's clothes haven't been messed with.
* Hikari will take whatever small victories she can, and eases her way out of bed (hopefully without waking Wendy up.)
> H: Hikari manages to disentangle herself without waking up any of the...three lilims in the bed. Success!
* Hikari heads out into the main room to see who else is awake.
> In the living room are...all three men. Though only Nagare seems to be awake of the three. Shiro is on one couch and has somehow managed to stay lilim-free(largely by sprawling out too much it would seem). Mike is on the other, a lilim snuggled in so close she's practically merged with him. And Nagare on a beanbag with two lilims looking over him like there's a problem.
* Hikari walks over to loom over Nagare with the others. "Is there something wrong?" she says, quietly enough to hopefully not wake anyone who wishes to sleep on.
* Nagare slowly looks up, just enough to glare at Hikari and then let out a groan. "... oh. It's you."
<Hikari> "Were you expecting someone else?"
> Vivian eyes Hikari with a bit of suspicion, "Do humans...normally twitch and make faces in thier sleep?"
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> "And turn really really pale and sweat alot and clench thier knuckles?" The other one adds
<Hikari> "Not if they're sleeping well," Hikari says. "Is everything alright, professor?"
* Nagare shakes his head, still not bothering to stand up. "... no need to bother. It was just a nightmare."
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<Hikari> "Yes, well, it does answer one of our questions, doesn't it? I dreamed as well, though I wouldn't qualify it as a nightmare." Hikari steps away to give the professor some room. "Although it doesn't make me want to check the headlines when I get back home."
> Vivian walks over and stares at Mike and Shiro for a moment, "Well they seem to be okay..."
<Hikari> "Hm. What time is it, I wonder? It's hard to tell down here." She looks around for any indicator of the current hour.
> The lilim next to Mike blinks her eyes and waves sleepily at Vivian. Then rolls back in and cuddles harder.
> There...does not seem to be a clock in here, no.
> There is, however, a really sinfully delicious smell coming out of the kitchen. Cinnamon? Yeah, that's definately cinnamon.
* Mykasi instinctively clutches harder for a moment in sleep, before shaking his head drowsily. "Eh...? Oh. Heya, Ursula~" he sleepily murmurs, eyes fluttering open.
* Hikari heads for the kitchen! Group discussion can wait for when the whole group's actually coherent.
> Rauny is in the kitchen, and is just pulling a couple trays of cinnomon rolls out of the oven. She waves after setting them down, "Morning. Early riser, huh?"
<Hikari> "Whenever possible, yes. And good morning. Are these magical cinnamon rolls, or simply delicious ones?"
* Nagare mumbles something, vaguely unsettled, and lies down again, clutching his head as he stares at the ceiling emptily. The smell of cinnamon is quite enticing, but it feels as the night visions bother him more as he becomes -more- awake.
* Mykasi slowly gets up himself, shaking his head in bemusement. "Best sleep I've gotten in a long while..."
> "Unless someone switched around my spices again, they should just have the normal magic I bake into all the treats." Rauny smiles and starts pulling them out of the pan and onto a large serving dish, "Mind carrying this out for me once I've loaded it up?"
<Hikari> "Not a problem."
> The talking eventually makes Shiro yawn and stretch, and pull himself upright, "Man...I slept like the damn dead."
> Ursula shifts to let mike get up, but pinches his butt as he stands.
* Mykasi grins and swats Ursula's hand away playfully. "Same here."
> Rauny finishes loading the serving platter, then grabs some napkins and gestures to Hikari, "Thanks. I'll get the door."
* Hikari walks out into the living room, looking for a table to set things on. "Breakfast has arrived if anyone's interested. Oh, good, everyone's up. I wonder, were the professor and I alone in having dreams last night?"
> The glass table between the two sofas is clear, and in fact exactly where Rauny directs Hikari to put the dish!
* Hikari sets it down there, taking one for herself and munching on it.
> Shiro grabs his glasses off the floor, cleans them off with his shirt and puts them on before eyeing Hikari, "You dreamt? If I did, I don't remember it."
<Mykasi> "If I dreamed, I don't remember it at all - in fact, I slept totally awesomely." Mike grins, taking one as well. "Thanks, Rauny~!"
> It's a cinnomon roll! Very buttery and flaky and delicious. And a bit messy.
<Hikari> "Yes. It was a very apt one about a valkyrie."
> Shiro grabs a roll as well and sniffs it, "Man. Cake, whatever these things are. Do you make anything that's not sweet?"
> Rauny shrugs, "Not really, no."
* Mykasi gives Shiro a vaguely evil glare as he digs into his cinnamon roll.
> "Eh, whatever. I don't normally do sweets in the morning, but I'll give it a try." He nibbles on the roll a bit, then turns his attention back to Hikari, "Was it Brynhildr, or just a valkyrie?"
<Hikari> "It was not distinct. Just a valkyrie, I suppose. Looking for recruits, and in our town no less."
> Ursula snags a roll of her own, but giggles at a thought, "Ooh, recruiting? Maybe I should look into it. I think I'd make a pretty cute Valkyrie, don't you?"
<Hikari> "Well, she was looking for heroic souls. So you'd have to die first. I assume the option is not the most attractive."
> Another lilim snickers, "Actually I think she'd have to be heroic first, then die~ Unless you can do it in reverse order."
> Ursula shoots that lilim a dirty look.
<Hikari> "No, I'm afraid that's the standard procedure."
> Shiro nibbles on the roll a bit more, seeming fairly unenthused about it. Then looks over the side of the couch at where Nagare still hadn't even gotten himself off the floor yet. "Uh, what's wrong with him?"
<Hikari> "Nightmare," Hikari says, letting Nagare elaborate if he wishes.
<Mykasi> "Nightmare?" Mike winces, looking over.
* Nagare sits down and grumbles, slowly getting up from the couch. In spite of being awake the longest of the four, he seems almost zombie-like in his walking. "I'll... just say I had better nights. I can elaborate if you want."
<Hikari> "If you don't mind. I am curious--my dream, at least, was obviously appropriate for the dreamer."
<Mykasi> "If you think it might be useful info, Prof..."
* Nagare sighs and approaches the breakfast table, picking up a chair and sitting down. "May as well. There was a... person. Non-descript at its most notable. Standing at a street corner. And this person... wouldn't stop screaming."
<Hikari> "Well, I can see how that would be unsettling."
<Mykasi> "... okay." Mike says after a moment. "Were there... any other details?"
> Shiro shakes his head, "Sometimes it's the simple shit like that that's the scariest."
* Nagare continues, his arms beginning to gesture as if trying to open a view. "People passed through. They clearly noticed it, but would do nothing, just pass through, wince and ultimately move on. And I would do naught but stare at the screaming wraith. Then, eventually, Abartach appeared."
<Hikari> "Was this person screaming about something, or just in fear or pain?"
<Nagare> "It was a distinctly anguished scream. Besides that, I can't say anything - the context was mostly nonsensical. But - as I said, Abartach appeared. He winced as he heard the screams, and began filling the streetcorners with mist. Which slowly muffled the screaming's loudness."
> Shiro snorts, "Man, that'd just make it worse for me. Muffled screaming is a hell of a lot more creepy."
<Hikari> "Did anything else happen, or did it end there?"
<Nagare> "And then, I could actually -see- that it was a person, screeching like a banshee. Gender, appearance, however - not a glimpse. And then, Abartach slowly disappear, and with him, the mist. The screaming just kept growing more and more muffled. And then, I slowly waned away as Abartach left, the screaming dropping softly - yet growing more unsettling as it lost force. That was the end."
<Mykasi> "...shit."
<Nagare> "It was a rather... unpleasant vision. But... I'm not sure it's the dream that bothers me most -," the teacher stops for a moment, biting his lips. "... never mind."
<Hikari> "Well...I'm not sure how much we should read into this. We had one dream that was very appropriate for the dreamer, one that...well, I don't know what to say about...and two that didn't dream at all. I'm inclined to say there's nothing significant or reliably predictable about dreaming within the Dream. Perhaps with further research....though I doubt the professor is inclined to try that after last night."
> "Maybe see if birdboy has any data on it?" Shiro suggests with a half shrug.
* Mykasi looks to the Professor carefully.
<Hikari> "I suppose it's worth asking about."
* Nagare eyes Mykasi wearily. "... yes?"
<Mykasi> "...it can wait for later." Mike shakes his head.
<Mykasi> "Alright. So, what's our plan from here?"
* Nagare clutches his head once again. It's telling that he hadn't even -noticed- there was breakfast - and the teacher just seemed to be half a world away from even himself at this point.
<Hikari> "Go back home? If time passes here just as in the real world, I imagine acquaintances will start wondering about us soon. Unless we have pressing business here that can't wait, that is."
* Nagare nods weakly. "Probably for the best, yes."
<Mykasi> "I've got no objection with that." Mike hums.
> Lily wanders out into the living room, dressed in a loosly belted on robe that somehow always manages to cover the essentials even as she moves. Making a beeline for the table, she plucks a cinnamon roll with glee and smiles at all of you after she's taken her first bite, "Mmm. Good morning all. I hope you slept well?"
<Hikari> "Three out of four, yes."
* Mykasi nods a bit.
* Nagare eyes Lily lazily. "... the odd apple out is an easy guess."
> It doesn't take her long to figure out the fourth. Lily frowns as she sees Nagare and just nods to Rauny, "Fetch the professor some tea, dear."
> Rauny zips into the kitchen, and comes back a moment later with a cup of very traditional classic green tea that she offers to Nagare.
> Lily half smiles, "I'm afraid I don't have any of...Theresa's famous tea here, but hopefully this will do the job in it's stead."
* Nagare sighs and nods, eyeing the tea for a moment and then preparing to sip it. "You exploit my unwillingness to dismiss a cup of tea."
* Mykasi hums and closes his eyes, lost in thought over the events of the past day.
> The half smile turns into a full amused one, "I'm a succubbus, exploiting the weaknesses of men is what I do."
<Nagare> "Your master certainly taught you well," the teacher nods as he sips the tea carefully.
<Mykasi> And then Mike gives Lily a somewhat confused look that he attempts to mask by taking another cinnamon roll.
> Lily laughs, "I'd like to say I've never served a master, only mistresses, but I did work as a maid for a few dozen years in France quite some time ago, so I'd be lying."
<Hikari> "Really? Might I ask when this was, simply out of curiosity?"
> Lily considers for a moment, "Mid eighteen-hundreds, by the Christian calender, I think?"
<Hikari> "Missed the Revolution, then. That was surely for the better."
> Shiro eyes Lily, "So...you can go out into the real world? Or did you mean like the Dream in France?"
> "I could then, I can't now." Lily corrects, "As time moves along the rules change."
<Mykasi> "Or was that a case where the rules were diff- yeah."
<Hikari> "That must be frustrating if you can't change the rules yourself. Although I suppose humans are no different in the circumstances of the real world."
> Shiro shakes his head, "Man, we're still trying to figure out what the rules are now."
<Mykasi> "Indeed." Mike shakes his head.
* Nagare continues to sip the tea, stopping for a moment to pay attention to the conversation. "It is at least fascinating to know that the possibility of the Dream extending to the entirety of the globe isn't as far-fetched as I figured at first."
<Mykasi> "Mmm." Mike nods along, chewing on his cinnamon roll.
> Lily looks like she's about to say something but just shakes her head and notes, "It's complicated."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "I would wager," the teacher notes, visibly more lively.
<Hikari> "Well...I wouldn't mind a shower first, but I suppose I'm ready to to go any time the rest of you are. As pleasant as it is here, the longer we tarry, the more odd questions we'll have to answer on our return."
<Nagare> "Not to mention we have lives of our own as well."
<Mykasi> "Agreed, though I've not really got any watchers, being the weird American. I kinda have the easiest time explaining myself away. Though there's that, too, yes.
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> Shiro nods, stands up(having still not finished his roll), "Yeah. I'm gonna just head back on my own then, and see if I've got time to get a run in before I have to shower and go do shit."
* Hikari finishes her cinnamon roll, brushes crumbs off with a napkin. "Thank you again for your hospitality, Lily."
<Mykasi> "Alright, man." Mike nods to Shiro. "Take care of yourself, then, see you on campus." Then, to Lily, "Yes, thanks."
> Lily brushes it off, "Never a problem. The girls and I are frankly happy just to have someone else to talk to once in awhile."
* Nagare finishes his tea, nodding amicably to Lily as he finishes. "She definitely left you a few of her tricks to a respectable degree. Great tea."
> Rauny beams at the compliment, "I could totally make her tea too! ...if I just knew what was in it."
* Mykasi takes the half-finished cinnamon roll that Shiro left behind and munches it as Shiro leaves. "No sense wasting it."
<Hikari> "Keep trying. You'll crack the secret one day, I'm sure. Good day and farewell for now." Hikari bows and turns to leave.
* Mykasi waves congenially and follows Hikari out.
* Nagare follows the others hurriedly. There -are- a few questions to be asked, but they're likely best asked elsewhere.
> You leave Lily's Hideout, slip past the illusory wall and are out on the street! It's the shitty part of town, like always. It seems to be somewhere around morning out here at least?
* Mykasi glances around for the pixie squads while the professor preps to use the key.
* Nagare looks for the closest door in the outskirts to unlock with the Velvet Key.
> OOC: Mike, roll mind~
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 cheeeeeck~
-castleheck.tx.us.lunarnet.org:@#personador- Gatewalker invited Serith into the channel.
* Serith has joined #personador
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 cheeeeeck~
<Serith> Mykasi roll for Serith < 4 >12 [d8=2,2]
> ...yup. There's a trio of pixies on a rooftop nearby. They aren't looking at you though, they seem to be attempting to stealthily watch something on a different rooftop. A quick glance tells Mike that's just Shiro doing his thing though.
> Nagare finds a door! The key fits, as it always does, and the door silently swings open to reveal the swirly mess~
<Mykasi> "... let's get going. There's three nearby but they're watching Shiro instea-" Mike pauses. "...did they see where he came out from? Shit, shit shit shit... and I don't think we remembered to mention the fairies were floating around. But we can't risk going back in right now, either, lest we get stuck in there... alright. Let's go for now."
* Hikari nods and heads through the door before she can be spotted.
* Mykasi follows Hikari quickly.
* Nagare just opens the door as fast as he can, following Mykasi's words.
> (OOC: Maybe these Scenes and Changes, have been missunderstood~)
> The Velvet Room looks as it always does. Theresa stands from her couch and bows as you all enter, "Welcome back."
<Mykasi> "Hiya."
* Nagare waves with a nod. "Good morning."
<Hikari> "Greetings."
> Igor nods slightly, his hands folded under his nose as he considers you all, "So. You have spent your first night in the Greater Dreamscape. I trust it was an enlightening experience?"
<Nagare> "Quite a deconstruction of the meaning of dreams it was, so to speak."
<Mykasi> "Lilims are snuggly!"
> Theresa snickers.
<Mykasi> "Also Lily wants your tea recipe."
<Hikari> "...Yes, Mike. Very astute observation." Hikari coughs.
<Mykasi> "Thanks!"
* Nagare coughs. "Rauny wants the recipe far worse, though."
<Nagare> "Not that I expect -either- to find out."
> Theresa quirks her mouth in a smile, but doesn't say anything.
> Igor does not smile, but instead continues, "Indeed professor. And I suspect you have questions about what it is you have seen?"
<Nagare> "I gather I do. I do have to admit that it isn't quite the -imagery- itself that bothers me most."
<Hikari> "My questions are best answered by checking headlines out in the real world to determine whether what I dreamed was an actual event or simply a very appropriate tale for the dreamer," Hikari says.
> Theresa smiles a bit sadly, "Keep this in mind. Dreams within the Dream all share the same nature. If one of them is real, all of them are. If one is false, all of them are. We don't know which applies right now though, and sometimes that's subject to change from night to night."
> Igor nods as Theresa's words, then gestures for Nagare to continue.
* Hikari glances at Nagare. "Then this has the potential to be rather disturbing."
<Mykasi> "..."
<Nagare> "Do keep in mind that such a dream isn't entirely -new- for me. My history certainly betrays me in this regard. Which... honestly ties into what -does- bother me about this dream."
* Nagare rubs his forehead, contemplating for a moment, raising his eyebrow. "The most bothersome part is that it's honestly not unlike the dreams I had every so often back in the days. It's almost as if -that- scream feels somewhat familiar. Not in tone, but the symbol."
> Theresa raises an eyebrow, "Scream?"
<Nagare> "Scream. It was the dream's leitmotif, so to speak."
<Mykasi> "Leit... oh, signature." Mike nods slightly. "Sorry, still somewhat in sleep mode, I get it. Carry on."
<Nagare> "For some reason, I can't help but feel like I recognize a layer of meaning there. Although it'd be simplistic of me to just plaster the story of my life into it."
> Igor speaks, "Whether true or false, Dreams within the Dream often carry a measure of meaning."
<Hikari> "That could have its uses if we could find a way to direct the dreams we have," Hikari speculates.
* Nagare sighs. "That might devaluate the meaning, then."
* Hikari shrugs. "Still, even undirected, it may be useful for discerning things we wouldn't otherwise notice, if I'm interpreting Igor properly here."
> Igor inclines his head to the side a bit, nither a nod nor a disagreemnet, "Enlightenment can be found within such Dreams, but be careful how you interpret them. Some are simple, others far less so."
<Mykasi> "So... what else?" Mike looks to Nagare to continue.
* Nagare scratches his head. "... honestly, I'm not very comfortable with elaborating on -why- this feels meaningful any further. I suspect this delves into highly personal matters."!
<Hikari> "It would require more experience to determine how useful this could be, yes, and time to unveil the accuracy of our interpretations. I wouldn't mind the opportunity to try, really."
> Theresa quietly catches Nagare's eyes for a moment, but doesn't say anything.
* Mykasi sighs in slight irritation. "Alright. Should Hikari and I leave while you consult?"
<Hikari> "Apologies, professor, I was caught up in my own speculations. I don't mind leaving if there's something personal you need to discuss."
* Nagare coughs. "I will deal with this a bit later."
<Nagare> "I admit I still need to mull over this for a bit further."
* Mykasi rubs his head. "Alright. Do we have -anything else- we need to discuss while we're here? Did we pick up anything, did we - the mask!"
<Hikari> "Ah, yes. You still have that, don't you professor?"
* Nagare taps his finger over the table. "Mask? You mean, that thing? Wait a minute, I think I still have it on me...," the teacher says, looking for it within his pockets.
> Theresa leans in with interest to see what it is that Nagare pulls out.
* Nagare manages to pick up the silver mask buried deep under his blazer's pockets. "It's... something dropped by a thief made of lines and boxes. I have to wonder -how- I managed to sleep with that buried in my clothing."
> Theresa reaches out for it, and looks it over, "Hmm. Looks like...the remnant of a MAGICIAN shadow. Neat. So what'd you want to know about it?"
<Hikari> "Is it of any use to anyone? I think that's the most relevant question."
> Theresa shrugs, "Doesn't look like it's magic or anything. Try unloading it on that Frost guy for macca or something?"
* Hikari nods. "We may as well, yes."
<Nagare> "... oooooooooooh, so -that's- a way to earn a living in the Dream."
<Mykasi> "Frost or maybe Awn, but likely Frost, yeah." Mike nods slightly. "Alright."
<Hikari> "Well, we do have a limited amount of soma to give Frost, so--oh, that's right. Mike, didn't we buy something else strange at that shop last time we were there? Liquid sunlight or some such nonsense?"
<Mykasi> "Yes, and Theresa told us we should keep it closed until we were sure we wanted to use it." Mike grinned.
<Nagare> I'm not sure there will -ever- be a time when I'd want liquid sunbeams tearing through my flesh."
* Hikari nods.
> Igor speaks up, "Are you ready to return to your world now?"
<Hikari> "Quite, yes. As always, thank you for your time."
* Mykasi nods. "Yeah, thanks."
> He raises his hands and the door glows for a moment before it settles and he nods, "The door will now return you to where you entered the Dream."
* Hikari exits! ...Hoping that the store isn't locked up at whatever early hour they get there.
* Nagare waves back to both Igor and Theresa, mentally noting he should pay Theresa a visit later.
* Mykasi nods, departing for the real world with a wave back.
> Theresa stands as you head for the doorway, bowing as she bids you farewell, "Thank you for visiting the Velvet Room. Have a pleasant day."
> (OOC: If I write a book it will be called "Scenes and how to Change them!")
> Hikari steps out first...into the brightly lit apparently already open Satomi Tadashi! The theme jingle is playing and the proprietor...has his back to the door! He's futzing with something on a shelf behind the register.
* Hikari makes a hasty exit, hoping the opening of the door doesn't alert him to their presence!
> Mike and Nagare follow suit, stepping out right as Hikari leaves the real door...an odd rattling of dice sounds for a moment as the ring of the door opening seems to coincide perfectly.
> The proprietor turns around, seeing Mike and Nagare, and greets them with a big smile, "Ah, welcome, welcome. Is there anything I can help you find today?"
* Mykasi blinks twice. "Ah... do you have any of the soma tablets in?"
* Nagare winces as the undesirable salesman notices them, turning around with a very forced smile.
> The salesman shakes his head, "I'm afraid not, no. They don't come in very often and we have a few customers who come in looking for them, so you'll just have to keep checking back. Is there anything else you're looking for?"
<Mykasi> "Not right actually now - it was our friend that wanted us swing by and ask while we were in the area. Thank you!" Mike says cheerily. "We'll stop by soon again!"
* Nagare follows suit.
> The salesman starts to say something else, but you slide out of the store too quickly.
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike says after walking briskly away for a bit. "We need something that lets us do that without being noticed."
> Hikari sees Mike and Nagare make it out of the store a bit after she did.
<Hikari> "He didn't sink his claws into you, did he?"
<Nagare> "Not for lack of trying."
* Mykasi clutches his head slightly.
> The sun is up here at least, noting that it's morning of some sort. A quick check of a watch reveals that it's...almost 10 AM. Which is about half an hour before Nagare's first friday class.
* Nagare winces. "Argh, I'm going to be late for my classes if I don't pick up the pace."
* Nagare suddenly snaps his fingers, beginning to pace. "... which, come to think of it... is my car -even here-? Where did I leave it again?"
<Hikari> "Later than expected," Hikari says, consulting her watch. "I need to get back to my room. Neimi has undoubtedly been wondering about my prolonnged absence. I may as well dispense with the inevitable questions or knowing looks now."
> Both Nagare and Hikari's cars are right over there where they left them, apparently untouched overnight.
* Mykasi shrugs. "I should get going myself and get some work done. Later, you all."
* Nagare runs into his car, unskillfully getting it started for the run to the university. Hopefully he could improvise a one-hour-and-a-half class while in the car?
* Hikari waves, hops in her car and heads back home. As soon as she gets done with the impending inquisition and a shower, she's going to hit the computer and look for a couple names in the headlines...
> ---------------------

> ---------------------------------------------
> Saturday morning, after the movie night with the ladies, Mike got up early to go running with Shiro and Oda! The three of you are about the only ones psycho to be up and about that early in this kind of chill, so you've practically got the campus to yourselves.(more)
> A couple minutes after you all break off to head your seperate ways(apparently Shiro is heading out of town today/tomorrow), Mike's phone beeps, informing him that he has a text message.
<Mykasi> "I'm not a revolution, I'm just your boyfriend - a fuck solution until the world ends~" Mike sings to himself as he catches his breath, waving Shiro and Oda off (and eyeing Oda with a bit of concern) - before the phone beeps. At that, he flips the phone open to check it.
> The text is from the campus office, letting him know a package was dropped off there for him and informing him that he can come pick it up whenever.
<Mykasi> After taking a few seconds to translate it, Mike cheers (jumping visibly in the air at this) and runs off to grab it!
> Mike runs to the office! The package is there and it is indeed from Xav! Well, it has Bill's return address on it, but you know how it was.
<Mykasi> "Eeeeeee~" Mike is practically giddy, getting only -just- out of eyesight of the office before ripping it open!
> Mike rips open the package! Inside is a...small carved wooden canoe that looks about as old as dirt, along with a letter.
> As Mike opens the letter...the color starts to bleed away from the world...
<Mykasi> "... Oh, wo- ...fffffff..."
> The letter reads...and he swears he can almost hear Xavier's voice reading it: "So I've heard that you're really into our history, like First American history I mean. And according to the guy I got this from, this little canoe was actually carved from a broken oar of the Santa Maria. Obviously there's no way to prove it, but he seemed honest. Bill thought so too."(more)
> "Anyway, I'm not sure why but something told me this is the kind of thing you might like. The doctors have said that impulses like that I get might be what's left of memories, so I should keep notice when I get them. So I hope you like it. - Xav"
> As Xavier's voice seems to fade another takes it's place, echoing softly from everwhere around you all at once as a light grows from the letter and turns into a spinning card.
> 7"Thou art I... And I am thou... Through this bond, thou shalt have the blessing of the Hanged Man Arcana"
> As the card fades...Mike can feel it's power settle over and into the canoe in his hand. And the color and sound snaps back into the world.
<Mykasi> "... Well then." Mike mutters after a moment, gripping the canoe close. "...Thank you, Xav. Thanks."
<Mykasi> And with that, he sets back off to his dorm room, mood both elated and somber.
> (OOC: March of the Scene Change~)
> About this time, Hikari has gotten up, done the morning routine thing, and is begining to go about her day. As she opens up her computer, she notices an alert from her email client informing her of a new email!
<Hikari> Maybe it's not spam? Let's find out, shall we?
> It's from her mother. So not spam, but possibly just as unwanted. And as Hikari reads the contents...it seems that may be more then a possibility. Her mother is informing Hikari that her parents and brother will be in Germany over Christmas, taking Ichiro to vist a very exclusive school that one of your father's foriegn buisiness partners is a large investor in(more)
> This of course leaves the problem of Aiko. Who clearly cannot be taken with them on this fairly serious trip, but just as clearly cannot be left home unsupervised. Therefor, she'll be sending Aiko(along with some money to help you see to whatever arrangements need to be made) to stay with you in Kanezawa over the break. A week or two at most.
> She advises you to see if having her stay in the dorm with you can be arranged, and says she'll send more details once the trip details are finalized.
* Hikari sits back. Stares at the screen for a moment. Balls one hand into a fist and pounds it on the desktop. Then she resolves to ask school officials until she finds one who will definitively say that hosting a high school student for a week is against the rules.
> "Huh? Wha?" A startled voice comes from the other side of the room as Neimi struggles awake at the sudden sharp noise.
<Hikari> There's no reason not to tell Neimi since, well, she'll have to know sooner or later if there's no alternative. "We may be having a guest."
> Neimi fumbles for her glasses and puts them on after rubbing her eyes to get the sleep out, "You, uh, don't sound happy about that. And you've got a really scary look on your face right now."
<Hikari> "It will be there for some time. Don't look at it if it bothers you. My family will be out of the country during the week of Christmas. All of them except my sister."
> Neimi blinks, "You said guest, so what, they're wanting to send her HERE?"
> "Isn't she still in highschool?"
<Hikari> "Yes. I would rejoice in informing my parents that this is not allowed by the school."
> Neimi snorts, "From what you've told me about them, I doubt they'd care." She alters her voice a bit to attempt to mimic a haughty older woman's tone, "If she can't stay with you, you'll just have to come home to watch her instead."
<Hikari> "You're right. That's exactly what they'd say. But at least that way you wouldn't suffer too."
> Neimi laughs, "Are you kidding? We should definately have her here. We can have her come to the game and get oogled by Haragi and annoyed by all the nerdery. Then I could get her a temp job at the Crown, we always need more help over Christmas."
> "No reason you should be the only one to suffer, right?" She smiles somewhat cruely.
<Hikari> "She could use a job. She could stand to earn something for once. I'd just as soon not bring her to the game, however. You'd only have to listen to her complain for the evening. I'd have to listen to it forever."
> Neimi smirks, "I bet she'd be too busy sighing over Nabara, actually."
<Hikari> "That might be worse, actually." Hikari shakes her head. "It looks like I have some questions to ask the faculty, at any rate."
> She then eyes the clock and groans, prying herself out of bed and grabbing stuff to head into the shower with, "Well, let me know what you find out. My folks live in town, so if you need me to vacate the room for a bit, I can go home."
<Hikari> "Maybe I can talk her into sleeping on the floor instead," Hikari says speculatively.
> Neimi chuckles and wanders off to shower.
<Hikari> Never one to waste time complaining about something she can take care of right now, Hikari calls up a certain law professor she knows to inquire about the situation.
> N: Nagare is up and about, doing whatever it is he does on Saturday mornings. And he hears his phone ring, with the caller ID showing Hikari.
* Nagare doesn't answer immediately, as he's busy fiddling with his brushes and paintings. After a good five or six rings of the phone, he finally picks up, holding a paintbrush with his teeth, which muffles his voice a bit. "Gufd muffning?"
<Hikari> "Professor. I am going to ask you a question and I want the answer to be, 'No.'"
* Nagare takes off the brush with his free hand. "That's only a guarantee if it involves Mykasi's ideas for a weekend."
<Hikari> "It involves my sister's, which may be worse. My parents have informed me that they and my brother will be leaving the country for the week of Christmas. They have also informed me that I wlll be watching over my sister during this time. Even if it means boarding her here."
* Nagare deflates a little and coughs. "I see you truly care for your beloved sister. Anyhow, I don't -know- this offhand, but it should be easy to look up in the school policies."
<Hikari> "thank you, professor. Please do so."
* Nagare goes to look up the school policy files available while he opens his laptop, awkwardly holding the cellphone with his shoulder. The brushes he was holding drop to the floor fast and furiously as he searches for the info.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 law (lawlz?) for INFORMATION HAX
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 law (lawlz?) for INFORMATION HAX and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
> Nagare manages to find what he's looking for, since he certainly knows how to navigate through a block of rules. Comes with being in Law, really. And...it looks like it's not allowed as a rule, but there are situations where the school would be willing to work with the individual student(and the minor's parents/guardians).
> Hokuriku is pretty flexible about stuff like that,
* Nagare bites his lips as he reads up the rules on this matter, bobbing his head a bit. "... okay. The answer is no, as a rule. Emphasis on the as a rule part."
<Hikari> "So I could tell them without exaggeration that this is not a possibility?"
* Nagare raises his eyebrow and sighs. "No, you honestly couldn't. The university is quite flexible - it certainly could open an exception as long as the interested parties are willing to talk it out. The worst part is that your parents certainly could look this up and take the initiative if they have the good will to look it up within the administrative body."
<Nagare> "So, you'd have to lie to your parents. Certainly a possibility, but I don't know how much you fear their heavy hand upon your shoulders once they find out."
<Hikari> "They would look into it on their own if I didn't tell them what they wanted to hear, yes. Possibly with a helpful donation to the school. Very well, I'll let them know. Thanks anyway, professor."
<Nagare> "Not a problem. Keep us informed over this change of tides - the odds that it might affect us are not exactly slim given the circumstances, as I'm sure you understand."
<Hikari> "Yes. It will be a chore to keep up with our activities with her underfoot. Or rather, it would be difficult for me to continue participating while she's in my charge. I'll do what I can to avoid it, but I am not optimistic. Oh, and professor? I have reason to believe that the dream I saw inside the Dream was in fact a real occurrence. You may wish to take yours seriously."
* Nagare shakes his head. "I'm well aware. Possibly -too- well aware. I'll make sure to do so, anyhow."
<Hikari> "Good. That's all I have for now. I suggest we meet up soon and make good use of whatever time is available before my sister is inflicted upon me. Whatever forces we work against will surely not sit idle during that week, after all. Farewell for now."
<Nagare> "Until then," the teacher lets out before turning off the cellphone. Well, that was fairly simple! Until he glanced at the floor, at least. The brushes had strewn all over the floor, and some of them were unfortunately fresh with watercolor and oil paint. -That- would be unpleasant to clean up.
> (OOC: I Change the Scenes, I light the fire, I am your main supplier~)
> Sunday afternoon, Hikari, Nagare and Mykasi all meet up near the Kana Family Memorial Hospital, having arranged to do such sometime the day before. They are still a touch away from the hospital itself, and quite alone in the cold december afternoon.
* Mykasi glances around for a convenient store they can duck into to grab a snack and head into the dream with. "...or were we going to go into the dream directly of the hospital? I'm not sure that's productive."
* Nagare tucks himself into his indigo trenchcoat, quivering a bit. "We don't have Shiro for a loose tracking of our steps and locale. I think we may well skip the middle-roaming and jump straight into the hospital.
<Hikari> "It might be instructive, actually, but it would also be difficult to do so without notice. Or so I would assume, as long as there's a receptionist at the front desk."
<Mykasi> "But we can't exactly explore the hospital, we just end up exploring the dreams of the people at the front desk. So it's not entirely productive that way, either." Mike points out.
<Nagare> "It's actually a point. We don't know how far we could go, nor how many people's dreams we'd have to wade through to reach the -one- person we'd care about. On the other hand, we may not even have access to Inner Dreamscapes on the Outer Dream."
<Nagare> "Remember, we -do- have a specific target in Kana Family."
* Hikari shrugs. "We can try both. Enter the dream from some benign storefront nearby to see what manner of structure occupies the hospital on the other side. If that's of no use to use, we can try entering through the hospital itself."
<Hikari> *of no use to us
* Mykasi exhales. "I... don't know. Yeah, I know - how could I forget? But we don't have a good way to deal with it just yet... ...unless... ...I wonder vaguely if we could get inside from a rooftop door? Maybe enter the Greater Dreamscape and then work our way down?" After a moment he nods to Hikari. "Works. Let's do it."
* Hikari looks around for some out of the way shop or apartment building that they could use to enter the Dream without attracting attention.
> The hospital is fairly seperated from most things, being just a touch outside the city. There is, however, a HasteeMart about a quarter mile down the road from KFMH.
<Hikari> That'll do. Hikari makes her way towards it, assuming the others will follow. With any luck, they can enter, use the key, and be away without anyone noticing them around.
* Nagare surreptitiously follows Hikari, assuming she found something to work with.
> There's a single bored employee inside the HasteeMart, but she welcomes you as you walk in and the door beeps.
<Hikari> Hopefully the employee is inattentive enough to ignore them as they mill around for a moment, then head back to the door and use the key. Otherwise a Clean-Up in Aisle Six will have to be arranged to divert her elsewhere.
> She watches you all for a bit, but goes back to spacing out behind the register after you wander around looking at things for a couple minutes.
<Mykasi> "Looks like we can leave now." Mike mutters under his breath.
* Nagare silently heads towards the front door, quietly picking up the Velvet Key from his pocket, trying to nod his peers towards the cue.
* Mykasi follows Nagare after a few moments, giving him a nod.
* Hikari follows! The sooner they get out of here, the less chance there is of it being noticed.
> The key fits in the lock thats like a quarter it's size and the door slides open revealing the portal, which you all scoot through quickly.
> (OOC: Girls like you make guys like me Change Scenes on a computer~)
> Blue, blue, the happy happyist cult has clearly taken over this room considering how insanely blue it is. Oh, wait, the Velvet Room always looks like that.
> Theresa bows as you enter, "Welcome to the Velvet Room."
<Mykasi> "Will your pink flamingos outlive everyone?" Mike asks Theresa. "Also, hiya."
* Nagare waves to Theresa. "Hearing the welcome never gets old."
> Theresa quirks a smile, "That's my job~"
> Igor gestures to the three chairs in thier usual spots before the table.
* Mykasi snerks, before turning serious... and pulling out the small wooden canoe out of his jacket pocket with some reverence, sitting down. "...Anansi could probably hazard a guess as well, but since we swing through here first..."
> Theresa's eyes are drawn to the canoe, as she raises an eyebrow, "Well, I can see the power in THAT from here. Where'd you pick up something like that?"
<Mykasi> "Xav sent it to me." Mike says simply.
> She nods, "Hmm, do you know what kind of power it has? Or how to use it?"
<Mykasi> "Not a damn clue yet." Mike shakes his head. "And... I'm kinda afraid to use it- or trying to- for fear of breaking it, is why I ask you. But he's one of my Social Links, if that's relevant - Hanged Man."
> Igor silently holds his hand out towards Mike.
* Mykasi passes it over after a moment, carefully.
> Igor examines the canoe for a moment before nodding, "It would seem that your freind has sent you something quite rare indeed. This," he half smiles as he says, "Is a Conceptual Weapon."
> Theresa whistles.
<Mykasi> "A who the what?" Mike asks worriedly.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "I suspect you enjoy the discovery of this trinket just a bit, Theresa."
> "A Conceptual Weapon, as it is called even though it need not be weapon shaped, is an object that contains within it an Idea," Igor explains.
<Hikari> "I can't help but hear capital letters. What might this Idea be?"
* Mykasi waits for Igor to keep explaining, edging to the front of his seat.
> Theresa takes the canoe and looks it over as Igor continues his explanation, "This carving contains within it, for one reason or another, the Idea of dominance over that natural barrier which Man could not truely advance without learning to cross. The oceans, the seas. In short, water."
<Mykasi> "...it's a piece of an oar from Christopher Columbus' boat." Mike replies in a small voice.
> As Igor explains, Theresa finishes her examination of the canoe, "Looks like you should be able to use this to...baically magically control small amounts of water. And if it's tied to a Social Link, it will get stronger as the link does. I must say, that's a nice boat."
<Hikari> "No more singing for transport, then. I must say, I'm relieved."
* Mykasi exhales slightly. "... I'm a bit concerned as to how by -coincidence- this was found by Xav, but... I guess I'll also be thanking him a lot."
> Theresa shrugs, "The control may not be enough to let him carry you along on the water. Yet at least. I have no idea how strong this can get since if what Mike says is true..."
> Igor finishes, "Then it represents the discovery of America, and has it's potential for power based upon just that. The power held by America."
* Mykasi nods. "Still... It'd be enough to control, say-" At Igor's words, Mike's face -twitches-, but then calms itself. "At least the git's doing something useful in death. Anyway, it'd be enough to control, say, a bottle of water?"
> Theresa considers, "If you all want to close your eyes for a moment, I can scope out exactly what it can do right now and how to do it."
<Mykasi> "Sure." Mike nods slightly, closing his eyes.
* Hikari obliges.
* Nagare closes his eyes as well. He has to wonder why Theresa is so adamant about -this- particular ritual.
> A moment later, she says, "Alright, we're good."
* Mykasi opens his eyes wordlessly.
> "So," she explains, "right now, if Mike is holding this in his hand he can control I'd say about ten kilos of water. He has to be touching the water, though. Nothing incredible, but this thing has only started to wake up."
* Mykasi nods. "Still, nice boat."
<Nagare> "As long as you don't end up sailing to your school days in it."
* Mykasi grins wickedly. "Been there done that got the bloody T-Shirt. How do you think I won Xav~?"
* Nagare winces. "I acquiesce."
* Hikari justs looks from Nagare to Mike. "Shall we move on?"
* Mykasi chuckles. "Probably wise."
> Igor raises his hands, and the door glows a moment, "The door will now take you into the Dream."
<Nagare> "Yes, thank you, Igor," Nagare mutters as he gets up.
<Mykasi> "Thank you two."
* Hikari nods politely, then heads into the Dream proper.
> (OOC: You have to climb the statue of the Scene Change...to get closer to God~)
> Stepping out into the Greater Dreamscape...it frankly takes you a minute to realize that you're in the Dream. Everything appears to be a fairly simple, pleasent wooded area, much like the one you left in the normal world. Though it's warmer here. And the building you just stepped out of looks like a Toad House from a Mario game.
<Mykasi> "...Right. This is bizarre."
<Mykasi> "Okay, so which direction would the asylum be from here?"
<Nagare> "Up from here, if the real world coordinates are to be trusted."
> The other startling difference between this and the real world. There is no road.
<Mykasi> "Worth a shot, at least?"
* Hikari shrugs, glances down the direction she'd expect the asylum to be if she'd left the store in the real world, walks a bit that way.
<Mykasi> "...though I don't relish walking through an unmarked wood..." Mike shrugs, following Hikari.
<Hikari> "Yes, well, let's just make sure we stay together this time?"
<Nagare> "In all fairness, I doubt any marks would stick to the dreamscapes. Tossing crumbs's no functional tracking measure here."
> And you begin walking...
> (OOC: Nagare, roll Navigation as you're the only one with any applicable skills in this situation)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 let's not get lost mmkay
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 let's not get lost mmkay and gets 2."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> With the skill of a competent novice hiker, Nagare leads the group through the woods.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 90."12 [1d100=90]
> The groups moves on, they walk for longer then expected until something comes to Nagare's attention. Something is moving what passes for a path around. It's being done quietly, cleverly, he almost didn't notice it. But something is disticntly trying to lead him away from his goal.
* Nagare halts as he realizes what's going on. "Wait a minute. We're being misled."
* Mykasi pauses. "We are? That implies something misleading us."
<Hikari> "Deliberately? Again? I suppose it would be too much to hope that we're simply lost this time." Hikari scans the woods for any sign of someone or something monitoring them.
<Nagare> "I can't exactly pinpoint -where- or -what-. But it seems this path is being moved around quite quietly."
> (OOC: observation rolls all)
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 9."12 [2d8=6, 3]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 honey am I straight or am I blind?
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 honey am I straight or am I blind? and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 3]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 SPOT CHECK LAWLZ (this is more me going "damnit wish I was Deme")
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 SPOT CHECK LAWLZ (this is more me going "damnit wish I was Deme") and gets 14."12 [2d8=8, 6]
> As he looks around...Nagare sees something. A pair of tiny eyes barely visible in a bush a mere 10-12 feet away.
* Nagare pokes Mykasi, pointing quietly towards the bush with the possibly malicious tiny eyes. "I -think- that may clue us in to what's going on."
* Mykasi glances at it carefully, seeing if he can distinguish any other features...
> Mike's enhanced vision can make out that...well, they look less like real eyes and more like painted ones. Whatever they are. But that's about it, whatever the eyes are attatched to is fairly well hidden in that bush.
* Mykasi inhales for a moment, before nodding slighty. "Try and attack it or just approach it?"
<Hikari> "Well, it obviously knows we're here, and since we're staring at it, it likely knows that we know it's there. Shall we attempt to communicate first?"
<Mykasi> "Alright." Mike says, taking the lead in walking toward the bush!
> "Eep!", a tiny...almost childish sounding yelp comes out as you start walking towards the bush.
<Mykasi> "Calm down. We won't hurt you." Mike soothes.
<Hikari> "Excuse me," Hikari says in as friendly a voice as she can manage given some minor irritation about being led in circles. "We don't mean any harm. We are just trying to find our way through the woods."
* Nagare lightly taps his foot, not really bothering to say a word. He has a nagging suspicion that this would be far more annoying than it had any right to be - which came up the moment the childish meep was blurted.
> "Ummm..." the tiny voice hesitates a bit, then a tiny head pokes out from the bush. It looks almost like a little girl, say around 7 or 8, but somehow less then a foot tall(or you guess from the distance from the ground and size of head), "You weren't supposed to notice me.."
<Mykasi> "We notice a lot of things." Mike grins slightly. "What's your name?"
<Hikari> "Well, no one told us that in advance, so it's a bit late now. We may as well introduce ourselves. My name is Hikari. Who are you?"
> She blinks, "Name? What's a name? I'm me, of course."
* Nagare rolls his eyes slightly. "They mean how do people call you - assuming anyone ever called you anything, of course..."
<Hikari> "I suppose asking you what you are would be equally fruitless, then. Well...Can you tell us about this area? How long have you been watching us? Have you been leading us in circles, perhaps?"
> OOC: forgot detail, little girl is wearing what looks like a wooden frog hat. That's the painted eyes Mike saw
> "Oh!" she exlaims, "I know what I am! I'm a frog shikigami! My master left me here to help people! And that's what I was doing, I was helping you! But you weren't supposed to notice me doing it..."
<Mykasi> "Who's your master?" Mike asks curiously.
<Hikari> "We were actually trying to walk straight through the woods," Hikari points out. "It seemed to us that we were distinctly not being helped in that goal."
> "Um...he's my master? He's a very nice person!", she replies earnestly.
> "Oh, I was helping!" She insists, "you were heading towards the bad place. I was making sure you didn't wind up there, so you wouldn't get hurt."
<Mykasi> "Heh. Unfortunately, we need to go toward the bad place, we think, if only for a little bit. I think I know someone trapped there." Mike explains.
<Hikari> "We're capable of protecting ourselves and we need to find out what's there. It's quite important."
> "Oh. You actually WANT to go there?" She seems completely flummoxed by that.
* Nagare shakes his head. "Needing to go somewhere and -wanting- to go somewhere don't necessarily go hand in hand."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, I'm afraid so. Otherwise you would've been doing a good job!" Mike nods. "Oh. When we come back this way at some point, could we meet your master?"
<Hikari> "Yes. If you want to help, point us in the right direction? We are rather turned around now, after all."
> She crawls completely out of the bush, and despite sounding femenine and having a girl's face, the rest of her is as sexless as a clay doll. She claps her hands a couple times and the bushes and some trees GET UP AND MOVE TO THE SIDE clearing an obvious path.
<Mykasi> "...cool."
> "There you go. That will lead you right to the bad place. But...um, be careful. Master said it's dangerous even for HIM to go there."
> "And...um, well, Master doesn't live in the woods!" She smiles apologetically at Mike.
<Hikari> "We are used to danger. We'll be careful."
<Mykasi> "Where does he live?"
> "I don't know."
<Mykasi> "Oh. Okay!"
<Mykasi> And with that, Mike waves to the little girldoll and wanders down the path carefully.
<Hikari> "Thank you for looking out for us, at least," Hikari says in parting, following Mike.
* Nagare asks before following Mykasi and Hikari. "Do you at least know his name?"
> "Um..." she thinks really hard before saying, "....Master?"
* Nagare mutters and follows suit. "Nevermind."
> And you follow the path the frog shikigami made for you. After a bit...you can see your destination before you reach it. It looks...like something Piccaso vomited into existance while on a bad trip. The building has nothing that can be easily identifiable as a "shape", consisting of a mash-up of so many styles and materials it's impossible to describe(more)
> Frankly it hurts a bit to look at. But moreso then the appearance is the sheer aura of malice and...something else...something that defies definition that radiates from the building. All of you can feel it, like a sickening lump settling into the pit of your stomache.(more)
> But around the building...in a loose and almost shockingly regular and even dome of seperate rings are small pieces of paper. Paper charms, all just stuck in midair to form that barrier.
<Mykasi> "...bad place. Okay. Note to self. Dream people saying something is -bad-, means it's -bad-."
<Nagare> "... this is quite a sight to behold."
<Hikari> "Yes." Hikari steps up to the dome, examines some of the charms (easier than looking at the building). "I wonder, does this building reflect the broken minds residing in the asylum, or vice versa?"
<Mykasi> "... it might be both - one feeding off the other feeding off the other."
<Hikari> "Then perhaps those lost soulds would benefit from someone purging the mess on this side. If that's actually within our power. I admit I feel vaguely nauseous looking at it."
* Nagare frowns heavily. "I wouldn't doubt that this is a vicious circle of sorts. Even sans the otherworld shenanigans, that kind of symbiosis is hardly uncommon when you're inside a mental breakdown loop..."
> The charms do not waver in the air, each one touching another at the corners as they form the rings. There's still a fair amount of space between each ring, however. On the charms are...the kanji on them represent protection, a barrier...possibly imprisonment.
<Hikari> "Someone didn't want something to get out. Are we ready for this?" Hikari asks her companions. "I admit to some uncertainty."
<Nagare> "So do I. It does hit me that we probably won't be able to keep away from this forever, though."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike is silent for a moment. "Let's rock."
* Hikari nods and steps past the barrier. "Onwards, then. Brynhildr? Be ready to wreak havoc on my command."
> The Valkyrie appears as Hikari says her name, and nods once sharply in silent assent.
* Nagare coughs somberly. "Abartach, I'm counting on you."
* Mykasi doesn't say anything himself, but does mentally call on Anansi as he follows Hikari.
> The elfin warlock appears as well, simply stepping out of the wood on his horse as if he had been there all along, 6"But of course."
> Mike feels chibi Anansi materialize on his head, then pull himself entirely into the hat leaving Mike wearing a tricorn hat he didn't have a moment ago.
> The three of you step past the barrier. So long as you don't touch the papers themselves, it offers no resistance to you. And the entrance...or at least what you THINK is the entrance...of the mental institution looms before you.
> --------------------------------

Log of mental institute crashing goes here.

Remember, MASSIVE CLEANUP NEEDED.

> -----------------------------
> The three of you step past the barrier. So long as you don't touch the papers themselves, it offers no resistance to you. And the entrance...or at least what you THINK is the entrance...of the mental institution looms before you.
<Mykasi> Mike looks it over quietly for any obvious source of potential hostility.
> The door...or what passes for one at least...is shut. The thing has seven handles, each in a different place, and no two look alike. You're also not sure exactly how it's supposed to open, there are multiple visible hinges that directly contradict eachother.
* Hikari walks up to the door. "Is this a joke, or some manner of puzzle? I suppose we could manage all those handles with some help from our personas?"
* Nagare scratches his chin. "Honestly, we may as well just try handling one or two of them. Logically, this door should be unopenable by any means possible. But... this is the Dream."
<Mykasi> "Or it's like the Velvet Door." Mike says, unconsciously adjusting his tricorn cap. "Where - or how - you open it determines where you go."
<Mykasi> "But yes, Hikari, let's just try one for now."
* Hikari shrugs, grabs whichever handle is in the most normal place for one and pulls.
> Hikari pulls on the handle! The door seems to come...alive...for a moment, and simply expands open from the center like a widening orifice.
* Hikari steps back, watches. "That was unpleasantly organic."
> Beyond the doorway, the trio can see...a well lit and fairly sterile looking reception room, complete with a desk that has a ring-for-service bell?
<Mykasi> "..." Mike watches with both interest and trepidation. "This is... wait a second. Is that the actual reception room?"
<Mykasi> "Or at least a facsimile?"
* Hikari walks in. "It *looks* like one. I admit to some hesitancy when it comes to actually ringing the bell."
<Nagare> "Do we have any way to tell?"
<Mykasi> "We've been into the reception area once before, remember?" Mike comments, following Hikari. "...and yeah, I don't have any inclination toward ringing the bell myself."
* Hikari steps around the desk, looking for anything like files or a computer, or the equivalent of such that might outline where the individual patients are. There'd likely be something along those lines in a real asylum, at least, and this place is currently trying to be such.
* Mykasi for his part, is still keeping a weather eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
> Of course, as the three of you enter, the door contracts shut. There is no computer on the desk, nor any filing cabnits or anything else like that. Simple a desk(with the bell), a row of connected chairs, a small table with magazines stuffed underneath it, and harsh white ceiling lights.
* Hikari is obliged to glance at the magazines, at least.
* Nagare begins scrying the room, uncomfortably noticing the details in the rather oppressive space they're trapped in.
<Mykasi> "Okay. Obvious exits: what directions? Light switch: where? What can we interact with in this room, and is there anything useful?" Mike mutters loudly, glancing about after his guard lowers for a moment.
> The magazines aren't in japanese. Or any other language Hikari recognizes. The characters are familiar to her, but they don't seem to form real words, just gibberish. Lots of gibberish.
> Light switch...there isn't one. Nor is there any door or exit to the room aside from the one you entered. Which, by the by, looks like a totally normal door from this side.
<Mykasi> Disconcerting. "Alright. Looks like our options are to ring the bell or leave. Volunteers?"
<Hikari> "If the door even leads back outside. I have my doubts." Hikari tries opening it.
> Hikari pulls on the door! It...opens just like it did before. Sliding open like a widening fleshy opening from the center. Which is possibly even more disconcerting considering the door LOOKS normal from this side.
> On the other side is the outside she's expecting to see.
<Hikari> "Bell," she says grudgingly.
<Mykasi> "Got it." Mike nods slightly. "I'll do the honors, you two cover my ass." And with that, he taps the bell lightly!
<Nagare> "Hopefully we can trace ourselves back here if we need to leave. For all that this is quite disconcerting."
<Mykasi> "We can plug ourselves into any doorway, can't we? So leaving isn't an issue."
<Hikari> "We may want to test that out before deciding to rely on it, professor."
> The bell makes a fairly normal little dinging sound as Mike pushes the button. Nearly instantly, the other door in the wall opens and a fairly normal looking woman walks out and takes a seat behind the desk, "Oh, welcome. How may I help you."
<Mykasi> "...Hi. We'd like to visit Shou Minamura, please?" Mike says, attempting to remain calm.
> The receptionist frowns, "Oh, I'm sorry, we don't approve of visitors here. How may I discourage you from this course of action?"
<Mykasi> "By telling us where he is. In reality, we'd like to run screaming."
> "Run screaming?" She asks, then smiles, "Oh, are you here to check in?"
* Nagare gulps. "We would very much rather not."
> "Are you here to check someone else in, then?" She continues, "Don't worry, here at     we very take our commitments very seriously. You can feel safe leaving your inadiquately coherent family member with us, confident that they will never be seen in public to embarrass your family again."
<Mykasi> "... What does checking in entail?" After listening to the secretary, Mike blinks a bit. "And what sort of procedures do you have to... take care of those under your jurisdiction?"
<Hikari> "I'm sorry, where did you say we are? I think I missed something there."
> "Well," she cheerfully explains with perhaps the single most fake smile Mike has ever seen, "when someone is checked in, they are given a room and taken care of. DOn't worry about what happens after they, they're our problem now, not yours and your family's."
> To Hikari, she nods, "Oh, this is the        ."
* Nagare shakes his head. "At least, you're quite open about what this place is supposed to do."
* Hikari rubs her forehead. "Never mind. Look, what if we wanted to take a tour first, so that we could be sure this is the sort of establishment where we would want to deposit unwanted loved ones?"
> She smiles at Nagare, though he can see the beginnings of tears start to gather in her eyes, "Oh yes, I wouldn't dream of pretending to do anything other then what I do."
> Then she turns her attention back to Hikari, "Ah, a tour. Of course. You may guide yourselves around the facility if you wish, just go through that door. Please be careful, it's rather dangerous sometimes and the doors dont' always go to the same place both ways."
<Hikari> "Thank you for the warning," Hikari says, as respectfully as possible given the circumstances. "Shall we go?" she asks the others.
<Mykasi> "We'll be careful, thanks. And, ma'am? Is there anything you'd like to do other than this?"
<Mykasi> "Just a moment, then sure, Hikari."
* Nagare squirms a little, a shiver going down his spine. "It's eerily familiar, come to think of it. Just... one question, though. Do we have a reliable way to come back here if we desire to leave?"
> "I'm sorry, I don't understand." She smiles at Mykasi, but then turns back to Nagare immediately, "Oh, I'm sure that won't be a problem, sir."
<Mykasi> "You said you wouldn't dream of pretending to do anything other than what you do. But... that implies that you want to do something else." Mike says slowly.
> She continues smiling at Nagare as if she cannot even see or hear Mykasi.
<Mykasi> "...right. Let's get going." Mike shakes his head. "Lead the way, Hikari."
* Hikari nods and steps through the doorway.
* Nagare lightly taps his chest as he eyes the attendant's smile, then quickly prepares to follow Hikari, turning abruptly as if he desperately wanted to leave that place. Which was very much the case.
* Mykasi follows Hikari with one glance back at the secretary.
> The door leads to a hallway, that has 8 doors in it, 4 on each side. There is no door behind you, as if you had walked through solid wall to get into the hallway.
> Mike's glance back sees her with her false smile still plastered on, even reaching her eyes...which were once again beginning to slightly dampen.
* Hikari walks along the hall, listening at the doors. Any noise from the other side of any of them?
* Mykasi follows Hikari, himself just keeping an eye on the doors warily.
> There is no noise in the hallway aside from the noise that you three are making.
<Hikari> "I suppose I'll just pick one," Hikari says with a shrug. "Let's see what's behind door number three." She walks to it and opens it.
<Nagare> "Wait."
<Hikari> "hm?"
* Mykasi nods slightly- before looking to Nagare critically. "You see something?"
<Nagare> "Not -yet-. But I might be able to sense something before we blunder into a door, at least," the teacher flatly remarks. "Just wait a moment, let me try to grasp any malicious signs," he says as he begins focusing. (OOC: Using Mark of a Golden Arrow.)
* Hikari pauses with her hand on the doorknob.
> Abartach appears and murmers a spell...Nagare looks around and sees no shadows in the hallway. His vision does not penetrate the doors, however. He simply can't sense anything beyond them at all.
* Nagare blinks. "Sorry. I can't sense through the doors at all. We'll have to just grit our teeth and face madness. At least, there are no Shadows in the hallway as of now, if that's any respite."
<Mykasi> "A bit of one, if we wind up back here." Mike nods. "Door number three it is."
<Hikari> "Onwards, then." Hikari opens the door, looks inside.
> Hikari opens the door. As soon as she does, all three of you find yourselves pulled through it and into...another hallway, identical to the one you were just in. As before, you're at the start of the hall(or is it the end?) with your backs to solid wall.
> (OOC: Nagare, roll vs Soul)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 ohgod
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 ohgod and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 7]
<Mykasi> "Aaaand this just in: mental hospital shadows can suck my goddamn two-foot prehensile..." Mike mutters angrily, looking about again.
> !!! Nagare suddenly senses the presense of Shadows! Two of them...here in the hallway...he senses them just a moment before they materialze(more, you rolled enough to start init on an even keel at least.)
* Nagare takes a defensive stance, sternly taking a step back. "Watch out! Shadows are coming!"
> Two...clouds of dust? No, something else. Two swirling masses of some kind of shiny...sharp...particulate matter materialize in the hallway before you. They have no cohesive form, and they seem to be a mesh of all colors at once, as each tiny shard they're made of seems is it's own shape and color. And they start drifting towards you...
> (OOC: that's init, folks)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8+9 init schimit.
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8+9 init schimit. and gets 15."12 [2d8=1, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8+9
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8+9 and gets 13."12 [2d8=1, 3]
<Nagare> roll 2d8+8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8+8 and gets 17."12 [2d8=6, 3]
> roll 2d8+6 thingy 1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 thingy 1 and gets 18."12 [2d8=8, 4]
> roll 2d8+6 thingy 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 thingy 2 and gets 16."12 [2d8=2, 8]..

> 4INIT ORDER: Shiny thing 1 > Nagare > Shiny thing 2 > Mykasi > Hikari
> The particulate cloud on the left drifts forward...and suddenly lashes out with part of itself like a whip of shrapnel, right at Mykasi's eyes!
> roll 2d8 attack
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 attack and gets 2."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> roll 2d8 damage no defense roll allowed there
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage no defense roll allowed there and gets 10."12 [2d8=3, 7]
> The slash hits Mike right across the face...and suddenly he can see that each and every little shard is a moving picture. A picture of every time in his life he's lost. Every time he's given up. Every time one of his dreams has been broken or lost. (OOC: 16 damage and a Mind check please)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 stupid particle failure physics
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 stupid particle failure physics and gets 13."12 [2d8=5, 8]
> The visions crack into Mike's mind, hammering on his sanity. The reminder of every time he's FAILED everything he's LOST drills into his brain even as the bladed shards slash his face.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 54/70 HP [79/95 EP], Nagare: 75/75 HP [90/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> OOC: Nagare is up
* Nagare grits his teeth, pulling off Lilim's card and calling for her help to get the weird cloud away from Mykasi. "Lilim, come forth!"
<Nagare> roll 2d8
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 --> [ 2d8=12 ]{12}
> A lilim appears! She eyes the swirling creature before going "Um...ew." But blowing it a kiss anyway, sending a spinning black heart flying towards it...only to be blown away by the cloud's twisting. She shrugs at Nagare at that, and winks back out of existance.
> The second cloud, like a shark on a bleeding animal, swarms towards Mykasi as well, lashing out with a tendril of shattered dreams.
> roll 2d8 whiplash
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 whiplash --> [ 2d8=13 ]{13}
> This time, Mike isn't going to be caught so easily and backs away from the attack in time.(OOC: Mikey, go.)
<Mykasi> "K...gyah!" Mike almost sobs, before growling. "Fuck you, goddamn fucking asswipe!" With that, a blast of light opens up above the first cloud and shoots straight down!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 laser beamu
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 laser beamu --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> The cloud seperates as the laser strikes the floor beneath it. (OOC: Hikari)
<Hikari> "Brynhildr, break them into...smaller pieces," Hikari finishes rather lamely as she sends her persona after the first cloud to attack Mike.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 --> [ 2d8=9 ]{9}
> roll 2d8 defense vs 4 also which attack was that, Helreio?
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 defense vs 4 also which attack was that, Helreio? --> [ 2d8=5 ]{5}
<Hikari> OOC: yes
<Hikari> roll 2d8 damage
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 damage --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
> Brynhilder appears and smashes her spear into a swirling cloud, scattering it across the hall! ...only...for it to pull itself back together instantly like it hadn't even been hit.
> Continuing it's assault, the first cloud surges towards Mike as if trying to engulf him entirely!
> roll 2d8 vs 8
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 8 --> [ 2d8=14 ]{14}
> However, as it just pulled itself back together, it's aim isn't the best in the world right now. (OOC: Nagare)
* Nagare tries to take advantage of the vindictive light being's less than ideal battle position and calls for Lilim's help once again. He's probably going to have to make it up to her for insisting to have her kiss that... thing... later. Somehow.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for more Skitty on Wailord action
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 for more Skitty on Wailord action --> [ 2d8=13 ]{13}
> The lilim reappears and blows a halfhearted kiss at the creature again...but she really doesn't have her all in it and it doesn't go much of anywhere.
> At this, the second cloud turns it's attentions towards Nagare, lashing out at him with tiny multicolored shards!
> roll 2d8 attack vs 8
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 attack vs 8 --> [ 2d8=9 ]{9}
> The lash passes right before him as Nagare hastily backs away from the creature! (OOC: Mikey)
<Mykasi> "Gyah, perish and rot in oblivion!" Mike bellows, conjuring up another wave of searing light to slam into the first cloud!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 angrymike is angry
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 angrymike is angry --> [ 2d8=15 ]{15}
> Mike's mind is wobbly and his aim is off, the blast of light bouncing off the hallway walls instead of hitting it's intended target.(Hikari)
<Hikari> "I suppose I have no choice this time. Burn!" Hikari commands Brynhildr to smother the first cloud in a blazing inferno.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
<Hikari> roll 2d8 ffff reroll
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 ffff reroll --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
> roll 2d8 vs 4 defense
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 4 defense --> [ 2d8=6 ]{6}
<Hikari> roll 2d8 damage
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 damage --> [ 2d8=6 ]{6}
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [60/70 EP], Mike: 54/70 HP [79/95 EP], Nagare: 75/75 HP [90/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > Shiny thing 2 > Mykasi > Hikari
> A pillar of flame erupts from underneath the swirling cloud as Brynhildr's spear touches the ground. And the shards break apart further, vanishing into vapor before the fire even fully fades. (Nagare)
* Nagare grumbles and calls forth Abartach instead, summoning the dark waves of the Lying Prince - at least, he wouldn't have to worry about hormone and affinities in -that- case.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 murder
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 murder --> [ 2d8=5 ]{5}* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [60/70 EP], Mike: 54/70 HP [79/95 EP], Nagare: 75/75 HP [80/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> roll 2d8 defense
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 defense --> [ 2d8=9 ]{9}
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for damage
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 for damage --> [ 2d8=13 ]{13}
> Abartach appears and sends out the spiral of darkness...which simply touches the swirling cloud and gets pulled in, mixing and blending with the brilliant fragments until one by one it has stolen the light from all of them and they drop on the floor, thier life gone with thier light. And thus, they fade away.
<Mykasi> "Guh..." Mike winces, falling back against the wall. "Damnit..."
> (OOC: free act)
* Nagare dusts himself off. "That looked quite painful, Mykasi. Something happened there beyond the obvious pain?"
<Hikari> "Are you alright, Mike?"
<Mykasi> "..." Mike closes his eyes. "...there's a lot I regret. ... ...our next course of action?"
<Hikari> "Pick the right door? Assuming there is a right one. Actualy, I would suggest that if we mean to rely on the key to the Velvet Room as an escape route later, we should test it now."
<Mykasi> "...whatever works."
* Nagare frowns. "... Mykasi, you seem a bit troubled. I'll try to test the Velvet Key, however."
* Mykasi nods vaguely, eyes drifting shut
* Nagare looks at the fifth door and decides to try the Velvet Key on that one, walking up to it.
* Nagare then puts the Velvet Key on the lock, carefully turning it.
> The key fits into the lock but there's resistance turning it. Alot of resistance...and about that moment, Nagare's phone rings.(Soul check if you're going to continue turning the key.)
<Hikari> "I think perhaps you should answer that," Hikari suggests quickly.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow, picking up the phone before trying anything further with the key - although he takes the time to remove the key from the lock first. "Hello?"
> Nagare removes the key from the lock and his phone stops ringing immediately.
* Hikari rubs her forehead. "Put the key back in the lock, see if the phone rings again?"
* Nagare blinks. "... okay," the teacher says, shaking his head as he puts the key in the lock again.
> A moment after he does so, the phone starts ringing again! The caller ID shows the number as a string of 0s.
* Nagare picks up the phone once again - with-out- removing the key from the lock. The teacher bites his lips, tension lightly showing. "... hello?"
> Theresa's voice is on the other end, "Hey, I finally got through to one of you. Okay, I'm going to guess you're trying to use the key which is what let me establish the connection here, am I right?"
* Nagare blinks once again. "... I'm impressed. And somewhat disturbed, but mainly impressed. Yes, you are correct. Is this the part where you berate us for trying this?"
> "Okay, listen up," Theresa continues, not bothering to answer Nagare's question, "You know how I normally watch all of you while you're in there? I CAN'T SEE YOU wherever you are right now. I've been trying to call since you dropped off the radar, with no luck until now. Wherever you are, it's blocking my and even the Master's ability to percieve."(more)
> "Now, because of that, Master Igor isn't sure what will happen if you manage to open a door with the key in there. And even if it does work normally, we'll be able to get you out but not put you back in. You got that? If the key works and you go through, you'll have to go back to the physical world, we can't put you back in that place."
* Nagare nods sternly. "I... understand. I'll be mindful of this. Anything else we need to know?"
> "Just that wherever you are is probably a hell of a lot more dangerous then you think it is." Theresa adds with a voice devoid of her usual playfulness.
* Nagare bites his lips. "I'll... keep that in mind. Thank you for the warning call."
> "It involves the Velvet Room, so that's our job. Take care." And with that, Theresa hangs up.
* Nagare sighs, putting the cellphone back into his pocket. "That was... unexpected," the teacher mumbles as he picks the Velvet Key back and turns to the others. "Theresa just called. Apparently, they can't perceive us while we're in here, and they can't predict what will happen if we try to use the Velvet Key in here."
<Hikari> "Then let's not do so haphazardly."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike shakes his head. "We may be in over our heads, but... this also definitely might mean we're looking in the right spot for whatever's going wrong - or at least some clues. It makes a poor kind of sense, too. Let's be careful."
<Hikari> "Yes. Onwards, then? I wish we had some clue as to which doors are safe. If any are. I suppose continued experimentation is the only option."
* Mykasi nods slightly.
* Nagare sighs hesitantly. "I... honestly would rather go back and discuss what we've seen with Igor and Theresa. Trying to go back through these doors would be rather unsafe for more reasons than just Theresa and Igor's inability to track us here."
<Nagare> "That is, assuming we could take a way back."
<Mykasi> "We... can try to get back out. Let's check the empty walls, first. Are they real or not?" Mike asks first.
<Hikari> "But we have little in the way of information to offer them so far, don't we?"
<Nagare> "I honestly think that blundering into a place that's powerful enough to block their tracking capabilities is information enough for us to run screaming and try picking up pieces elsewhere in the Dream for the moment, if you ask me."
<Hikari> "If both of you insist, I'll consent to leave. I just think it's rather early to do so."
* Mykasi zones the other two out for a moment and examines the blank wall at the near end of the hallway first. "We need a plan, though. I think I do disagree with blundering through the doors - we know doors exist that we can't see, and that the doors in front of us aren't necessarily useful."
> The blank wall appears to be just that. A blank wall. Mike doesn't see anything special about it.
<Mykasi> "And I'm not sure we should risk using the Velvet Key here unless we have to, because not being able to predict anything about what'll happen if we -try- to use a key that rips open the reality we're in and substitutes its own isn't something I feel comfortable with." Mike says, touching the wall after his examination and pressing against it lightly.
> If it looks like a wall, feels like a wall, and smells like a wall, it's probably a duck. Er, a wall.
> (OOC: I shouldb't be getting cute in this mindscrew place. Mike doesn't feel anything strange about the wall. It feels like exactly what it looks like)
* Mykasi grimaces and steps back. "Alright, let's check out the other wall."
> Mike approaches the other wall. It looks and feels like a wall, just like the one on the other end of the hallway.
<Hikari> "Nothing, Mike?"
<Mykasi> "... Alright, we don't have a choice. Doors it is." Mike says after a moment. "Your choice, you two.
* Hikari nods. "If this is our only option, we should be methodical about it. Does choosing certain doors send us to a room identical this room, or back to this exact room? I'm not confident there will truly be any reliable rules in this place, but if there are, we need to find them. So, try door three again as an experiment, or try another?"
* Mykasi shrugs. "And there, I don't know what to say. It's worth a shot."
<Hikari> "Professor?"
* Nagare ponders for a moment. "Hm. Maybe Abartach could give us a direction of sorts? It -did- work back in the living forest. It's worth a shot as an alternative."
<Hikari> "Please, make the attempt."
* Nagare closes his eyes, calling for Abartach's power to show him a way. (Using Way to Tir Tairnigir.)
> Abartach appears once more, and again Nagare looks into that monocale...(OOC: roll vs average of Soul and Mind. You get one shot at this)
<Nagare> roll 2d8
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> But this time it contains nothing. Abartach strains to show the way but eventually snarls in disgust, 12"Something dares fog MY vision...and unfortunately it would shatter your mind for me to force through it..."1 he then adds in a very quiet mutter, "..if I even could.."
* Nagare shakes his head. "Seems he can't see through it. This place just seems to grow more and more unsettling as we go."
<Mykasi> "Lovely." Mike mutters.
<Hikari> "I wish to go on, then. I agree with not using the key until we have little other choice, given that we're not sure what we'll happen. There are enough unknowns in front of us."
<Nagare> "We probably want to have some way to track whether we're making leeway with the doors or not. Marking a door we entered might be a start for us to begin realizing how to leave."
<Mykasi> "With what?" Mike asks at this.
<Hikari> "Doesn't anyone here have a pen? Well, this works just as well. Brynhildr? A deep gouge in that third door, please. Just cosmetic, I don't want it knocked down."
<Nagare> "That works."
> Brynhildr appears and nods at Hikari's orders, raising her spear to comply.(Body check, Hikari.)
<Hikari> roll 2d8
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 --> [ 2d8=3 ]{3}
> Hikari feels the strain in her own muscles as Brynhildr slashes...well a scratch on the door. She doesn't cut into it very deeply, but it's definately a visible cut regardless.
<Hikari> "It will suffice," Hikari says with a nod. "Now, my choice would be attempting this door again to see whether we get the same results. Hopefully it will not involve fighting more shadows if that's so; we'll have to be ready for that possibility."
<Mykasi> "...they make you recall every time you've failed and everything you've lost." Mike says quietly, standing fully again. "...let's do this..."
* Hikari nods, and opens the door. Again. If it's the same door. Hopefully it isn't. One way to find out!
> Hikari opens the door...but this time they aren't sucked through it, it opens like a normal door. Inside is a very...empty room. Empty to the point where you can't even tell what color the walls are...somewhere between off-white and beige perhaps? The walls are "wall" colored.(more)
> In this room is one thing, though. A person, just kind of slumped on the ground. And Mike recognizes this pitiful wreck quite quickly. It used to be flopped on the other bed in his room looking not too much different then that...when it even bothered to come in.
<Mykasi> "...Shou."
* Hikari Hikari peers in. "Your old roommate?"
<Mykasi> "...Yeah." Mike says, entering cautiously. "...Shou. Shou, can you hear me?"
> Shou weakly rolls his head over to look at you all, "Hh? Mmyah...whadya'wnt?"
<Mykasi> "..." Mike kneels at this in consternation. "Shou. It's me, Mike. Your old roommate. Are you alright?"
> He thinks about that for a long moment, then vaguely nods and mumble-slurs out, "Mmyea'mlrite. Jst...knda wsted, y'nw?"
<Mykasi> "..." Mike's face seems twisted up horribly. "...are they treating you alright here?"
> Shou thinks about that for awhile as well, then squints at Mike and asks, "Uhhh...whr's hre?"
<Mykasi> "...the Kana Family Memorial Hospital." Mike says after a moment, already somewhat disturbed.
> Shou stares at Mike for a bit, then tries to open his eyes a bit wider as he rolls his head around to look at the room, "..s'nt my house?"
<Mykasi> "It's not, no." Mike leans back, looking to Hikari and Nagare with... desperation? ... in his eyes.
* Nagare eyes Mykasi somberly, shaking his head.
<Hikari> "This is very strange. He is speaking more or less as a real person, albeit one with impaired judgement and senses. Pointedly distinct from a dreamer."
<Mykasi> "It's how he spoke when... heavily drugged up." Mike says after a moment. "Shou, who's giving you these drugs?"
> A voice comes from the other side of the room, it chuckles as it answers, "He is."
> Mike knows that voice.
* Mykasi inhales slightly, before looking toward the voice, already suspecting he knows what he'll see.
> Looking up, you all can see...Shou. Leaning against the wall. Though as he looks up at you, his eyes are pitch dark.
* Hikari nods. "Just as he was in the real world, then. We're not in his subconscious in any way, I think. It's more like he's here in the Dream--" Hikari cuts off at that interruption.
<Mykasi> "Somehow, this shouldn't surprise me..." Mike says, slowly straightening. "Mind explaining that comment a bit more, idly?"
> Shadow Shou shrugs, "Sure. He's keeping himself like this. The retard likes the feeling, so he's just...fuck, I don't know, locked himself into it or something."
<Hikari> "Did you have anything to do with leading him to this, I wonder?"
* Nagare shakes his head. "That's a rather pointless question to ask, considering the Shadow -is- Shou, as we're all well aware."
> "Me?" Shadow Shou honestly sounds surprised at the accusation.
<Mykasi> "Yeah, I don't think that's what's going on, Hikari..." Mike shakes his head.
<Mykasi> "... so he's mentally just keeping himself drugged up? Fuck. And you're trapped, then."
> Shadow Shou nods, "Yeah, I'm the one driving the meat sack these days. Taking my meds like a good boy, basically keeping the poor bastard alive. I just come in here when it's nap time."
> Then he looks at the other two, "So...what's going on here. Am I dreaming? I can get Mykasi and Ishigami then, but who's the old guy?"
<Mykasi> "Kch..." Mike looks to physical!Shou, before... "No. We're... uh. Okay, let me put it this way. I'm a magical First American. Can travel into dreams and shit, and so can they. ...we came to see if we could reach you, and to see if we could figure out what was going on here."
* Nagare shakes his head. "It's a long story. Let's say I'm a magical old coodger, if you insist."
> Shadow Shou nods, "Alright. Soooo, here I am, hi. What then?"
* Nagare sighs. "Well. We've been... well. Quelling restless Shadows, so to speak. A concern for Shou was that he could be having problems in this regard."
<Hikari> "Yet it seems the shadow is as lost as he is this time?"
* Nagare rubs his temples, trying to recollect himself. "Maybe. It is quite obvious that this is the Shadow we are talking to, though - it's almost painful for me to look at him straight."
<Mykasi> "... A question. Is there any other cause behind... the recreational medicine? Or is it just because the conscious side went 'herp derp wee fun', to be incredibly crass?" Mike asks the shadow. "If there's something we can help with, then..."
> Shadow Shou laughs, "Yeah, I'm pretty lost I'll admit." Then he sighs at Mike's question, "Well...Shou...how do I put this? Well, he hates himself. Alot, I think. He'd been trying to overdose on stuff enough to..." he goes quiet then shrugs, "but now we're in here and it's pretty much up to me to keep us alive, you know?"
> "Best I can figure, part of him didn't really want to go through with it, so...that's why I'm here." He scratches the back of his neck and chuckles awkwardly.
* Nagare bobs his head and nods. "I think this is somewhat familiar to me. The repressed urge to live, then."
<Mykasi> "... ..." Mike winces, looking away. "...you're another person I failed, I think. I suspected a lot, but..." A pause and a nod. "Yeah, that... could be it. I... okay. Damnit. ...Is there any way we can get you in control?"
> Shadow Shou thinks, "Well, I sort of already am, at least kinda. I'm the one that walks the meat sack around and eats and takes the meds and all that stuff, if that's what you mean. A little hard to think out there because of the meds, but it's not like I'm not used to that, right?"
<Hikari> "Is there any origin to his self-loathing that you know of, then?"
* Nagare scratches his chin. "I have to ask. Does... does Shou even acknowledge you at all?"
> Shadow Shou laughs, "Oh yeah, I've heard the littany. He's dumb, no talent, ugly, no social skills, no physical ability, basically completely worthless. And in the Minamura family, that's not the best of things to be. It's pretty much the worst, actually."
> Then he shakes his head at Nagare, "Nah. Though..." he looks at the Shou on the floor with pity, "I don't think he's capable of aknowledging much of anything."
<Mykasi> "... If you start going off them meds, will he begin to regain control?" Mike gestures to floor!Shou.
> "Um...well, I don't know." he laughs, "Maybe I should, but I'm not really that smart either. Sorry!"
* Nagare looks at Shou, sloppily thrown on the floor. "As he stands, he won't ever even be lucid enough to look at the Shadow and begin any sort of struggle. The effort to keep him even lightly alive is admirable, but, as is, the only thing you can even do is keep this life support-like situation. It's as if his personality was in cryostasis."
<Mykasi> "Don't degrade yourself. This stuff's confusing as fuck." Mike shakes his head emphatically. "We'll see... what we can do. One thing you might try is asking them if you can take a bit less of the meds - it might help you keep control and think clearer out there?"
> Shadow Shou nods, "I can try, sure."
<Mykasi> "Alright. Thanks, man. ...and... sorry. For not being there." Mike grimaces.
> Shadow Shou looks a bit embarrased, "Well, I can't really blame you. He hated you too, so he probably wouldn't accept any help you tried to offer anyway."
<Mykasi> "...well. We'll see if we can start over again, alright? It's dangerous for us to try and get here but we'll do it when we can." Mike nods slightly. "If... there's anything else we can do, let us know. Oh- what do you know of how this place works here in the Dream?"
<Hikari> "There must have been something he didn't hate--apart from the drugs? Anything would be a start."
* Nagare coughs. "Even if you don't, if you know directions back to the reception, that would be enough for now."
> "Uh...I know not to go out into the halls. Stuff tries to kill you out there. I did once, and some orderlies shoved me back in here."
> Then he thinks, "I...well, I don't hate anything. I just feel really sorry for some things. I'm not sure if that's what you want though? I mean, I am Shou, but not quite that Shou and...it's really confusing."
> "I don't think about it much," Shadow Shou admits.
<Nagare> "That's the kind of question that only Shou himself could really talk about."
<Mykasi> "Heh." Mike grimaces wryly. "I don't think we've got a good way out ourselves... and yeah. Honestly, you... don't seem like the same Shou at all in some ways. You're a side that... got locked away for a long time, unfortunately. So... just take care of yourself, alright? Please? And... what do you feel sorry about? It may help, at least, and I want to try and help, if I can."
> "Well, the rest of my family, mostly." he replies, "And the other people in here. Some of them aren't actually crazy at all, so I can't figure out why they're still stuck here."
<Hikari> "They aren't? How much do you know about the other patients?"
> "Not too much," Shadow Shou admits, "I just see them sometimes. I can't really explain how I know they're not crazy...or maybe they are and I can't really see it I guess, I don't know. But the orderlies basically force some people to take thier medication, and don't let them ever have visitors or basically see the outside at all."
<Mykasi> "... ..." Mike's face twists up again. "They'd have to be taking orders from someone, though... Gah."
<Hikari> "Yes. Yes, they would. I can't help but wonder if that someone resides primarily in the real world or the Dream."
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----------------------------------------
> Leaving Shou and his shadow in the room, the three Persona users venture back out into the hallway.
<Mykasi> "...Alright. Let's leave here for now and figure out what to do from here. This is... intimidating." Mike says after a moment.
<Hikari> "If we can get out. Try the key on Shou's door if we're going to attempt to leave. At least we know that one goes somewhere relatively safe if something doesn't work the way it should.
<Hikari> "
<Mykasi> "... Do we -want- to try leaving that way?" Mike asks querulously.
<Nagare> "I have my doubts given the fact that we could end up causing a ruckus on the way back, for starters."
<Nagare> "Although it's likely the safest way to return, given the circumstances... we don't know how to make it back to the reception either."
<Hikari> "I assumed it weas the only way out, given that we don't have any idea which of these doors will return us to the entrance."
* Mykasi exhales. "It's a gamble, but so is the key, I think. Fine, let's try this shit."
* Nagare nods, picking up the key and trying to open the door. "We might want to brace ourselves."
> As Nagare fits the key into the lock...it doesn't seem like it wants to open easily. (Soul Check, Nagare)
* Mykasi mutters low under his breath but prepares himself, getting into a fighting stance.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for Soul?
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for Soul? and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 7]
> The key just isn't turning. As if...it actually doesn't fit this lock.
* Nagare shakes his head. "It doesn't seem to work."
<Mykasi> "My shock, it is endless." Mike deadpans. "Alright, let's try and get out of here by beating feet, eh?"
<Nagare> "We don't have a lot of choices there now, do we?"
> There is one slight problem, however. The key isn't freely coming out of the lock either. It feels stuck.
<Mykasi> "Nope. Any choice on doors, ladies and men wearing ladies' clothing?"
<Hikari> "We'll be methodical about it, then. We don't know if the wrong doors--if wrong they truly are--return us to the same room or simply identical rooms. I've slashed Shou's door to mark it, so we'll know if we return here next time. We may as well start with door #1 this time?"
* Nagare blinks. "The key doesn't want to come out."
<Mykasi> "..."
<Mykasi> "What. You're kidding me." Mike says, moving to try and get the key out himself.
> (OOC: soul check, mikey)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 bAby I gOT sOul?
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 bAby I gOT sOul? and gets 15."12 [2d8=7, 8]
> The key slides out...but as it does, the lock seems to turn and the door slowly creaks open. But what lies on the other side of the doorframe is neither the swirling portal to the Velvet Room, nor Shou's room. There is only an inky blackness...very reminicient of ink in fact, as it seems to be somewhat...fluid?
> And slowly, it begins to leak and trickle into the hallway.
<Mykasi> "... uh. I don't like this I don't like this another room. FAST."
* Hikari quickly opens the first door!
> Hikari opens the door! As soon as she pulls it open, the world feels like it's spinning and the three of you are pulled into the opening...only to find yourselves standing in yet another hallway. Completely identical to the first one, your backs to a wall and four doors on either side. None of them slashed up, of course.
<Mykasi> "Gah." Mike quickly checks around for black fluids.
> There don't seem to be any black inky fluids in this hallway.
<Hikari> "This is the third room we've been in, so..." Hikari walks to the third door and orders Brynhildr to deface it as before.
> Brynhildr appears and slashes into the door, leaving a mark in teh surface.
* Mykasi mutters. "Okay, let's think about this carefully. Eight doors, no distinguishing marks of any sort other than what we make. Correct?"
<Nagare> "Yes."
<Mykasi> "Entry and exit, random as far as we can tell. Correct?"
<Nagare> "There's no pattern we have discerned so far, at least."
<Hikari> "If there's a pattern, I certainly haven't seen enough to determine it. At least we weren't attacked this time."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike hums for a moment. "Any opinion as to door we go through? I'd like to be the one to open it."
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 7."12 [2d8=3, 4]
<Hikari> "I've hardly chosen successfully so far. Your choice, Mike."
* Mykasi glances to the Professor.
> Nagare's shadow sense begins to itch again. There are shadows here, somewhere. Down? Yes, down. There are shadows in the floor.
* Nagare twitches. "We should be ready. Shadows are lurking the floor."
* Nagare shakes his head. "Regardless, sure, make your pick."
> Mere seconds after Nagare delivers his warning, a trio of giant fish that seem to have faces made of nothing but gnashing teeth jump up out of the floor as it it was the surface of the water and all try to bite Hikari as they pass!
> roll 2d8 fish attack 1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 fish attack 1 and gets 16."12 [2d8=8, 8]
> roll 2d8 fish attack 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 fish attack 2 and gets 7."12 [2d8=6, 1]
> roll 2d8 fish attack 3
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 fish attack 3 and gets 12."12 [2d8=8, 4]
<Mykasi> "Right, then let's move on?" Mike says with a forced calm, marching across the hallway- before he glances back and sees the fish!
> OOC: one hits, Nagare's warning means youget a defense roll
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 reroll
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 reroll and gets 11."12 [2d8=3, 8]
> roll 2d8 fish damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 fish damage and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 7]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 90/105 HP [60/70 EP], Mike: 54/70 HP [79/95 EP], Nagare: 75/75 HP [80/90 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> One of the fish manages to land a nasty bite, drawing blood even from Hikari's armored skin. Then all three fish dive back into the floor behind her, causing some of it to splash up like water and leave ripples on the surface. Solid floor that she had just walked over as she moved to mark the door.
* Hikari winces, and watches the floor closely as she sticks to the wall. "Someone just pick a door?"
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike finishes moving over to the fifth door, and concentrating hard on his mental image of the lobby, moves to open the door!
> (OOC: Hikari and Nagare roll mind for me)
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 7."12 [2d8=4, 3]
> As Mike opens the door, the world spins again and you are all sucked through into...the lobby? Well, it looks like the lobby. Only the exit seems to be missing, as does the receptionist.
<Mykasi> "Fuck. Almost but not quite." Mike mutters, looking around.
* Nagare scans the room, holding his hand over his chest. The fish were quite a scare.
<Mykasi> "Okay. To explain what I just did..." Mike says, glancing to Hikari and Nagare. "This place seems to react to thoughts. So let's focus on the lobby, or perhaps better yet - the outside of the building. Work?"
> It looks like the lobby. There's the reception desk, there's the chairs and the small table. The clock on the wall...which is ticking backwards.
> No, wait. It's ticking forwards. Must have just been a trick of the light.
* Nagare eyes the clock, blinking. "Is it just me or that clock seems... erratic? It could just be me, though"
<Mykasi> "..." Mike wanders over to the clock anyways, immediately wary of even a clock. "Was this here last time?"
<Hikari> "Sure," Hikari says, concentrating on the original image of the lobby. One without a backwards clock.
* Nagare coughs.
> The clock...no. Mike doesn't remember a clock in the original lobby, actually.
<Mykasi> "... I'm gonna vote we smash thi- you okay, Prof?"
* Nagare clears his throat, eyeing Mykasi somberly. "Have any of you... noticed a black liquid seeping into the walls from the hallway we came from?"
* Mykasi pauses. Then looks behind him at the hallway they came in from.
> There's a door there, but it's closed.
<Mykasi> "I hadn't, no. ...was it actually still seeping in?"
* Hikari looks around at the walls.
<Nagare> "More specifically, it was -beginning- to seep in."
<Mykasi> "No, I didn't notice that." Mike says. "Damnit, damnit, damnit. Okay. Shit. First, this clock wasn't here last time. Do we break it, see what happens? It isn't natural, I don't think."
<Hikari> "I don't mind breaking anything we find here, at this point."
<Mykasi> "Alright. Hikari, you smash it. Prof, keep an eye out for blackshit. I'm gonna check where the door -was-." Mike says, trying to stay calm.
<Mykasi> And then freezing for a moment, before scowling - deeply - and going to examine the place where the door was.
* Nagare nods and remains in focus, trying to detect any unusual sign and any signals of shadows.
<Hikari> "Right. Brynhildr?" Hikari simply points to the ofeending timepiece.
<Hikari> *offending
> Brynhildr appears again and nods, "Of course." Then smashes the sbit out of the clock with her spear.
> It breaks easily, just as you would expect a clock to.
> (OOC: Where are you looking, Mike? where the entrance/exit is supposed to be but isn't?)
<Mykasi> OOC: Yes.
* Hikari steps forward, nudges the broken pieces with her foot, examines the now-vacant spot on the wall.
> Mike doesn't see anything of note about the wall there. Aside from the fact that there is supposed to be a door there and quite obviously isn't.
<Hikari> roll 2d8 where is my mind?
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 where is my mind? and gets 8."12 [2d8=3, 5]
* Mykasi mutters low under his breath. "Okay. Prof, do you sense any Shadows? Don't think, just sense for them."
> Hikari examines the wall where the clock was. It's slightly discolored from having something there for who knows how long, but otherwise looks like every other part of the wall.
<Nagare> "I'll try to find out," Nagare says as he focuses, trying to scan Shadows in the room.
* Nagare shakes his head. "None as far as I can sense. Which is a bit of a respite."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike says, withdrawing from the wall. "Let's try going through the door again and focusing on going -out- of here. Alright?" With that, Mike moves back toward the only actual door in the room.
* Hikari frowns, but nods to Mike and focuses on the original version of the lobby. The one with an exit!
* Nagare nods and tries to keep his thoughts fully focused on the prospect of an actual exit.
> You all concentrate on an exit!
* Mykasi then opens the door!
> Mike opens the door, prompting the now familiar swirling world and getting sucked through, into...the lobby again. No clock this time. And still no receptionist, but there does seem to be an exit over there.
<Mykasi> "EXIT" Mike practically bellows as he jogs over to it!
* Hikari bolts for the door as well, before...something else happens.
* Nagare follows behind, moving a bit more carefully, albeit still anxiously.
<Mykasi> "Alright. Remember, just think about leaving here, just in case. Everyone ready?" Mike asks.
<Hikari> "Back in the forest outside. Right."
<Nagare> "Yessir."
<Mykasi> "Alright." And with that, Mike tries to open the exit!
> Mike opens the door! At first...it's hard to see past the door into what's beyond, but then Hikari hears the slight sound of rattling dice and it clears right up. It's the forest outside, complete with the wierd paper charm barriers around the building.
<Mykasi> "Alright!
<Mykasi> "Alright!" Mike cheers, stepping out. "Okay. Good. Woof."
* Hikari makes a break for it!
* Nagare takes a deep breath as he feels the forest breeze. "Can't say I'm holding my breath to come back here any time soon. But I can't say this was a fruitless visit either."
<Hikari> "We'll have to come back here," Hikari says once she's a safe distance from the door. "Something is very, very wrong with this place, here and in the real world. Unless you can think we can stop it on our side..."
<Mykasi> "Doubtful. But let's do this when we're better prepared."
<Nagare> "At the very least, now we -know- we can interact with the Dreams of others in the Outer Dreamscapes. It's a rather notable intelligentsia gain."
<Hikari> "I have to wonder, exactly what kind of preparation would be appropriate for such a place?"
<Mykasi> "Preparing ourselves to focus precisely on what we've come to do, having as much defensive preparation as we can..." Mike shrugs.
<Hikari> "I suppose so, yes. What do we intend to do now? I am not tired yet. Physically."
<Nagare> "I think a visit to our friendly Velvet Room hosts is in order, to be frank."
<Mykasi> "Let's go discuss what we've seen and heard, yes. We can come back in from there if we need to."
* Hikari nods and sets off through the forest again. "I assume we have another walk ahead of us, then. At least until we find a door that isn't in a possessed building. Let's hope our travel isn't interfered with this time."
<Mykasi> "Right."
<Nagare> "I doubt that frog... creature will be terribly inclined to dump us back into the mental home, but sure."
<Mykasi> "Yeah. We should be okay just heading back to there."
> (OOC: Navagation check from Nagare if you're trying to lead the way back)
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8  and gets 8."12 [2d8=1, 7]
> Nagare manages to navigate his way back through the woods until you're back at...well, it doesn't seem to be a mushroom house anymore. Now it's a restaraunt. Looks like a korean place.
* Mykasi blinks at this. "Eh wot? I mean, I'll take it, I'm hungry and all, but..."
<Hikari> "Is this the same building, or did we take a wrong turn at the last tree? I suppose it doesn't matter much as long as we wind up still in the city."
<Mykasi> "That is also true." Mike grins. "Let's Velvet?"
<Hikari> "Let's."
* Nagare scratches his head, picking up the Velvet Key. "I suppose."
* Mykasi nods. "Put the key in, Blue skidoo, we can too~"
<Hikari> "Some day, Mike, you will have to explain to me all these strange things you say."
* Nagare nods and uses the Velvet Key on the door. "That day, Hikari, you will wish dearly that he didn't."
<Mykasi> "... pretty much!"
> Nagare uses the Velvet Key!
> (OOC: Soul check Nagare! ...nah, I'm just fuckin' with ya. Scene Change~)
> You aren't sure what a skidoo is, but there's certainly a fair amount of blue in here. The Velvet Room looks as it always does, and Theresa stands and bows slightly as you enter, "Welcome back."
* Mykasi waves! "Hi. We survived. Barely. I had a stroke of inspiration."
* Nagare breathes deeply. "I also suppose we may need to give the Key a sip of tea."
<Hikari> "There was...some resistance when we attempted to use it. I think something was upset."
> Igor nods slightly, "The key is a powerful item, but even it can only do so much. I am forced to advise against using it in such situations again."
<Mykasi> "That's fine by me." Mike nods. "Sorry for trying to use it there in the first place, but we thought we were trapped."
* Nagare picks up a chair and sits down, sighing. "The mental home is... unsettling, to say the least. It was enlightening, however."
> Theresa ducks off to get you all some tea
* Mykasi stumbles to a chair as well. "Okay, where to start..."
<Mykasi> "Well. Okay, a first question on my end. Do mental hospitals... usually have such Dreams?"
* Hikari takes a seat.
> Igor shakes his head, "I honestly could not tell you. Persona Users are rarely commited to such institutions, and as such I rarely have reason to look into them."
<Mykasi> Very low under his breath, Mike mutters something in Miwok.
> Theresa returns, carrying a tray with a teapot and three cups. She sets it down and pours you all a cup of her famous, bitter and ungodly hot tea.
<Mykasi> "Okay. Second question, since I'm still trying to sort this all through. Do you guys... well, do you have any idea what that was? Was it one large negative Dream? How far could you follow us in?"
> Theresa shrugs, "I could see the paper charm barrier, and a bit past that. I couldn't watch you from even the moment I assume you opened the door though."
> "I tried to call you to tell you that, but until Nagare tried the key the first time, I couldn't establish a connection that could bypass the barrier." She continues
<Mykasi> "Okay. I... presume it wouldn't help if we described what was going on, then. Argh." Mike mutters. "You guys got anything to ask?" After this, he takes the tea... and downs it all in one gulp.
<Hikari> "It's alright. It was...educational to see it firsthand. And we came out relatively unscatched anyway." Hikari waits for her tea to cool, looking at Mike with something like horror.
<Nagare> "And, of course, the mental hospital is certainly not amicable to the Velvet Key. It was a bit of a shock that you could even make contact," Nagare remarks, watching his tea carefully while blissfully ignoring Mykasi's drinking habits.
> Mike downs the tea! It's, uh, really frikking hot. So that actually hurts a fair deal.
* Mykasi grimaces only slightly but seems too distracted.
> Igor shakes his head again, "I'm afraid there is little chance I would recognize anything you saw in such a place, being born from the dreams of those within the physical building as it was."
<Mykasi> "That's how such dreams occur?" Mike asks. "They were definitely spawned by those in there?"
<Hikari> "I'm not entirely sure of that. Some presence within the Dream itself lurked there, I believe."
<Nagare> "It could have been a presence that originally stems from the real world, however. Dreams can diverge and create a life of their own from their origins, but the only reason that a Dream would exist at all is because it came from a human mind, as far as I can recognize."
> "That is how many things in the dream occur, as I have explained to you before. But it can be influanced by the presance of actual dream denizens, especially those who qualify as Powers."
<Mykasi> "... wonder if that's got anything to do with anything..." Mike hums.
<Hikari> "Either is a plausible explanation, I believe. Either way, I suspect the facility is being...administered by something inhuman and decidedly unfriendly. And it will have to be stopped if the inmates are actually sane and being held against their will."
<Mykasi> "Or even if some of them are. Like Shou..." Mike shakes his head.
<Hikari> "Even if just some of them are, yes. That's bad enough."
<Mykasi> "Okay. Is there any way to get a Shadow into full control of a body? Like, make it the full driver and push the dominant personality into the Shadow's position?"
* Nagare coughs. "I think I may be able to answer that, actually."
<Mykasi> "Hm?"
> Igor nods, "Indeed. If someone fully gives in to thier shadow, the shadow can take over entirely. Though...when confronted in your world, they may not understand they are a shadow as they do in the dream."
<Mykasi> "... and what if they're in no condition to do anything like give over?"
> Theresa chimes in, "Well, if someone doesn't even aknowledge thier Shadow, the shadow will often destroy them. Or...something like that," she smiles and shrugs at Nagare, "but we went over that stuff when you signed your contracts."
<Hikari> "In this case the shadow seemed almost protective."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow at Theresa and returns his glance to Mykasi. "The results of a Shadow taking over can be quite unpredictable in that sense. And the Shadow being protective... well. It's a survival sense."
<Mykasi> "I...  don't know if this version of the Shadow will." Mike grimaces. "Or even what's going on. Quick lowdown: this guy was taking pills to keep himself effectively drugged up. We went in, met his Shadow, who was actually a... actually a good person. I'd like to let that part of him... actually live, if that makes sense?"
> Theresa starts to chuckle.
* Mykasi closes his eyes for a bit. "What is it?"
> Igor frowns at his assistant, "That will be quite enough, Theresa." Then to Mike, he nods, "Tell me, do you remember what a Shadow is?"
<Mykasi> "... the repressed side of a person. The part that lingers in the back." Mike shrugs.
> Theresa stops chuckling and explains the thought, "Negative emotions aren't the only ones that can be repressed."
<Mykasi> "I know that from my own experience." Mike replies calmly.
> Igor nods, "Indeed. Ultimately, this individiual will have to work things out for himself. I'm afraid I can't offer any help in that regard."
<Mykasi> "I'm not saying that it doesn't make sense that it was or has been repressed, but... argh. I don't know how to explain this." To Igor, he nods. "I guessed as much, but... I had hoped. ..."
> "It doesn't mean you can't try to do something. As Persona Users, that's pretty much your right," Theresa adds, "It just means we can't help you there."
<Nagare> "The fundamental point being that, at some juncture, the self -will- have to confront the Shadow no matter what. He won't be saved until -that- happens. I think the point is that Shou's self would need to be shaken up for that."
<Hikari> "And it is presently not in a condition to do that, indeed. He surely needs to away from drugs, his own recreational ones or prescribed ones. His current situation perpetuates the condition rather than solving it."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "...yeah. And for that to happen, they'd need to stop overmedicating him and his parents would have to stop caring about him- stop caring enough to just let him go instead of negatively caring enough to keep him in that hellhole."
<Nagare> "I do believe that the way things are going, the Shadow would do nothing to change -that-. It seems quite satisfied with the bare sentience - it's an immediate good will, but ultimately it'll sink him for good."
<Mykasi> "...it seemed receptive to trying to talk to the people and seeing if it could get a bit less medicine, at least." Mike shakes his head sadly.
* Hikari shrugs. "This is all theorizing, and speculation that we seem to agree on as well. I think the only answers we can find are in the asylum itself."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike shakes his head slightly, before nodding to Hikari and then pouring himself a cup of tea.
* Hikari finally deigns to drink her cup of tea, meanwhile.
* Nagare nods somberly, taking another sip. "We'll have to figure a way to wake Shou up in that case. A psyche so thoroughly broken wouldn't be easy to reach. And... I honestly have to wonder if the Shadow hasn't mostly taken over as it stands."
<Mykasi> After a moment, Mike glances at the cup... before downing this one, too, in one gulp.
> "Thirsty today?" Theresa asks with a chuckle.
* Nagare raises a stern eyebrow to Mykasi. "You may want to keep the rhythm down. Lest you feel like overdosing on Soma."
* Hikari raises an eyebrow. "Mike? Please be careful with that tea, else we'll have no one to punctuate our exploration with inscrutable commentary."
<Mykasi> "... No." Mike says after a moment, eyes half-closed. "What do we want to do from here?"
> "Oh, I don't put nearly enough in that to risk overdose." Theresa assures you.
<Hikari> "Go back to the asylum. If not today, then soon."
<Hikari> "I was simply concerned about Mike scalding his throat."
<Mykasi> "Not today. I want to think things over a bit. Next time we can, though, we should look for Bland." Mike hums. "Should we see if Frost has any news for us?"
<Mykasi> While saying this, Mike pours a third cup of tea.
<Nagare> "It's an option. We also should share our recent discoveries with Shiro - ...," Nagare stops as he watches Mykasi pour another cup. "Please drink more leisurely if you will."
<Hikari> "We may as well. I believe someone on our list of magicians resided in the building across from him, as well."
* Hikari can only shake her head at Mike's self-destructive streak,.
> Igor inquires, "Will you be returning to the Greater Dreamscape, or shall I return the door to your world?"
* Nagare shakes his head. "I'd rather go back to the human world. The question begets answers from the other two, however."
<Hikari> "I'm willing to return to the Dream if you two are."
* Mykasi doesn't seem to respond to Nagare's statement, but pauses before moving cup to mouth at Igor's statement. "...Back to the Dreamscape, I think. The night is still young."
* Nagare shrugs lightly. "I'm a believer in democracy, however."
> Theresa raises an eyebrow, "Going back to the asylum already? Or can you find the way to where else you're going from here in the Dream?"
* Hikari frowns. "I suppose it might be easier to return to the real world and then take another entrance to the Dream. We hardly know where the Dream asylum is in relation to anything else, after all."
<Mykasi> "...that's a good question. Worth a shot to see if we can go large distances this way, or no?" Mike asks the other two.
* Hikari shrugs. "I don't mind the attempt. But if the professor's feeling drained, we could take the easier route."
* Nagare shrugs. "I can take some evening dew. This visit to the asylum was more of a mental drain than a physical one."
<Hikari> "It was, yes."
<Mykasi> "... Whatever works. Let's try it from here, then?"
<Mykasi> A pause. "Waitasec, can we use the key from inside a car door?"
* Hikari nods, finishes her tea, stands up. "As always, thank you for your hospitality," she says in parting.
* Nagare nods as he gets up. "Certainly. Oh, while we're at it... we may want to gather outside info regarding the mental home in the Dream."
> Theresa thinks, then looks over at Igor.
> Igor considers, "I...honestly do not know."
<Hikari> "Another experiment, then. It would be very convenient."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow to Theresa and Igor. "I'm beginning to think we're your cartographers in an sense."
<Mykasi> "Indeed." Mike nods, downing the third cup of tea in one gulp.
<Nagare> "..."
<Mykasi> "...right. Let's just do this." Mike says after a moment.
> Igor confirms, "So you do wish me to return you to your world? Or no? I'm afraid your decision making process is difficult to follow."
<Hikari> "I believe we decided to brave the wilds of the Dream for now?"
* Nagare shakes his head. "I'll go along with the young guns here. So yes, the wilderness of the Dream. Just not the asylum."
<Mykasi> "That."
> Igor nods, then simply gestures to the door, "Then it will already take you where you wish to go."
<Mykasi> "Domo arigatou."
* Hikari nods, and returns to the Dream without further ado.
> Theresa bows again as you leave, "Thank you for visiting, we'll see you again soon~"
> (OOC: My Scene Change runs free now, carried by the wind~)
> You step back out into the Dream, and back in front of the korean restaraunt that used to be a mushroom house.
* Hikari peers inside. "I wonder, should we stop for dinner before setting out again?"
<Mykasi> "Okay. So, from here, does anyone know the way to Master Frost's?" Mike asks.
<Hikari> "I believe the professor is handling navigation?"
<Mykasi> To Hikari, he shrugs. "I'd rather not eat twisted food."
* Nagare coughs. "I'm not exactly certain on the way to Master Frost myself. We might want to enter the diner for information if necessary?"
* Mykasi tries to recall the route, himself... if he can.
<Hikari> "I don't think it could hurt. It's certainly not as menacing as the asylum, is it?" Hikari opens the door, looks inside.
> (OOC: Roll mind, Mike?)
> Hikari opens the door! Inside the diner it looks much like she would expect a small korean restaraunt to. Nobody seems to be in there besides a waitress, however. She smiles as you enter, "Ah, table for...?"
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 sure
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 sure and gets 10."12 [2d8=4, 6]
> It takes you a bit, but as Mike focuses he can begin to get a feeling about which direction Master Frost's store is in. Thankfully, away from the asylum, though he can't tell how far.
<Hikari> Almost alarmingly normal, Hikari can't help but think. "Actually, we were just wondering how to get to the nearest...anything. We don't normally frequent this area. We're intending to travel to Master Frost's."
<Mykasi> "I think I know the general direction, at least..." Mike says as a note.
> "Master Frost?" the woman repeats in a comically thick accent, "I sorry, we don't serve that here. You like some bibimbop? Very good vegtibale on rice!"
* Nagare nods. "Make sure to keep tabs on that. I'm going to check up on Hikari, since she entered the diner."
* Nagare follows into the diner, knocking on the door as he opens... "Hikari?"
<Hikari> "Er, no, I'm sorry to bother you," Hikari says, edging back out of the restaraunt.
> Hikari's in there, as well as a waitress trying to interest her in some vegitables on rice or something like that.
> But even as Nagare looks in, Hikari edges out past him and you're all back outside once again!
> --------------------------------------------------------------

> ----------------------------------------------------
> Nagare and Hikari back out of the Korean place, while Mike has a decent handle on which direction Master Frost's shop is. Or he thinks he does, at least.
* Nagare scratches his head. "Was it just me or they weren't talking about food?"
<Hikari> "I've decided I'm not really interested in knowing. Shall we go?"
<Mykasi> "Uh... sure." Mike blinks, pointing in the correct direction (he hopes) and beginning to march that way!
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 94."12 [1d100=94]
> And thus, you walk. For a bit, it's quite uneventful. In fact, it would be nearly impossible to tell the difference between the Dream and the real world if it weren't for the road itself. Which is currently resembling an old, if well repaired, cobblestone street(as opposed to the simple dirt road it should be). That, and it's warmer here, feeling like a pleasant late fall rather then the unnatural chill of your current winter.
> But as you walk along, those are the only measurable differences.
<Mykasi> "Hm." Mike hums, glancing about.
<Nagare> "I have to wonder if even sudden climate changes aren't able to change the pathways to the Dream here."
<Mykasi> "Perhaps?" Mike says with a slight shrug. "We can hope so, at least. Would make things confusing."
> After a bit, you can see someone else walking along the road up ahead. Looks like a...perfectly normal young woman, wearing a long heavy coat and carrying a backpack. She's going in the same direction as you, only walking more slowly, so her back is to you.
* Mykasi blinks at the young woman, somewhat curiously. "Uh, do you two see that?"
* Hikari picks up the pace enough to get ahead and take a good look at her before making any helpful offers.
* Nagare eyes the woman. "Do we really want to charge up to her in a vacuum?"
<Mykasi> "...worth a shot, at least?" Mike shrugs, choosing to keep pace with Hikari.
<Nagare> "... I'll just follow behind and watch."
> She seems...exactly like you would expect someone doing a bit of hiking to look. As you get closer, you can see that she's got headphones on, which may explain why she hasn't turned around yet.
<Mykasi> "Uh... ma'am?" Mike calls out once they get close enough that he can hope to make himself heard.
> She stops, and looks back over her shoulder...then blinks, smiles and pulls her headphones down as she turns around entirely. She looks to be about early-mid twenties, and is fairly pretty. And not strange or abnormal looking at all. "Oh, uh, hello."
<Mykasi> "Uh, hi..." Mike waves somewhat awkwardly, the pretty-ness not lost on him at all. "It's not often we see others around here..."
<Hikari> "Pardon the question, miss, but I'm certain you understand the relevance of it here: are you also human?"
> She nods, "Oh, do you live around here? I..." she blushes a touch, "well, I think I'm a little lost. Could you tell me what street this is? I've been walking for awhile looking for a sign, but I haven't run into one. And the GPS on my phone isn't working for some reason. I think this might be a deadzo..." then she just stares at Hikari, "um, excuse me?"
* Nagare coughs. "Believe me, this is a very sensible question to ask in here if you don't exactly understand where you are."
> She takes a couple steps back away from you, "Um...right. You know, I think...maybe I'll just keep going? Sorry to bother you..."
<Mykasi> "... " Mike practically stumbles for a moment before looking back up. "Where are you trying to go, ma'am?" he asks, shooting the professor and Hikari both a Look.
* Hikari is skilled in the way of capitalized Looks and returns one of her own!
* Nagare shrugs.
> "Just to a bus station." She doesn't bolt, but looks decidedly nervous, "So maybe you could just tell me if this street has one further down?"
* Mykasi advances a bit further ahead of the other two. "I think it does, yeah. We're heading in that direction ourselves. Oh, sorry, forgot to introduce myself. I'm Mike."
* Hikari hangs back with the professor. "I thought it was a valid question," she says udner her breath.
* Nagare shrugs lightly once again. "A little bit of savvy can do one good around this place."
> "Tachakara." She responds, the half formal tone telling you she hasn't offered her given name. But as Mike takes another step forward, she takes another one backwards.
* Mykasi rubs his head slightly and stops where he is. "My apologies. It's just... been a rather long day for us three. We were visiting the Kana Family Hospital - know it?"
> "Visiting..." she has a rather skeptical tone as she repeats the word, but nods, "I know of it, yes."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, I know." Mike says with a wry grin, giving a meaningful glance back at the other two. "Let's just say the visit frazzled those two a bit more than they wanted. Outside of the person I wanted to visit, a few people got... uh, kinda unfriendly."
> (OOC: Gonna call for a fast talk roll here, see if you can calm her down a bit)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 Hatebot or Civilbot? Don't make me punch you, Halminion
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 Hatebot or Civilbot? Don't make me punch you, Halminion and gets 10."12 [2d8=4, 6]
> Tachakara looks at you suspiciously for another moment, then relaxes a touch, "I'm...sorry to hear that. I've been walking out this way a few times, but I always try to avoid that place for a reason. Gives me the creeps just to be near it."
* Mykasi rolls his eyes. "Yeah, tell me about it. I don't go there unless I have to, but... I wanted to visit Shou." Shaking his head, "That place is damn creepy, tho, yeah."
> "Right. So...can you tell me what street this is? I don't recognize it all. And maybe how to get back to Autumn St. from here?"
* Mykasi thinks for a moment, before glancing to Hikari and Nagare. "Hey, either of you remember where Autumn Street is from the Hospital road?" Then to Tachakara, "Sorry, my reading comprehension isn't that good."
* Nagare scratches his head. "Autumn Street is the street that... houses the gas station we parked on, actually. Which means...," the teacher takes a lengthy pause.
<Mykasi> "We passed it?" Mike blinks twice at this. "Oh, geez."
* Nagare ponders. "We could give her the equivalent directions or be blunt. Don't think either will accomplish worlds."
> She looks back and forth between the two men, "So...it's back that way?" she points back the way you all came from, "Or am I missing something?"
<Mykasi> "Nnngh." Mike rubs his head with a slight frown, before looking back to Tachakara. "It's... yeah, kinda. Outta curiousity, how tired were you this morning?"
<Hikari> "I would prefer to be blunt, as usual, but you're right," Hikari says to Nagare. "It likely wouldn't accomplish much."
> The suspicious look returns, and she eyes Mike, "What...does that have to do with anything?"
* Mykasi sighs. "Okay. The road back that way has a Korean restaraunt - the owner's not that friendly, though, honestly, but once you're there you'll be where Autumn Road should be. And frankly, I asked the question - and they asked their weirder questions - because we usually don't see other people on this road because this is a dream, ma'am. Waking up, as such, will likely get you to your destination faster." (More)
<Mykasi> "I realize you're probably going to think all three of us are weird now, but... it's kinda awkward to ask someone if they're dreaming, no? So you can go back to the Korean restaraunt and see for yourself, or try to wake up now. Either way, stay safe, alright? You're a good person and I don't want anything to happen to you." And with that, Mike stands to the side of the road to let her pass without getting close to him.
> She stares at you for a moment, before pulling out her phone and messing with it some...then scowling and putting it back in her pocket, "Uh...right. Sure, I'll go do that. A restarant should have a landline anyway," she mutters that last as she moves over to the other side of the street to get wide clearance around you all and goes past, keeping her eyes on you the whole time.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike grimaces, before... tossing the illusion of a humongous fluffy teddy bear in front of her.
* Hikari can't help but feel her credibility has been compromised somehow by the girl's reaction...which makes Mike's shenanigans for once welcome.
> "Oh god!" she freaks out as something suddenly appears in front of her and practically jumps back...while very quickly pulling out a small spray can she had stashed on her somewhere.
<Mykasi> "Well, you are in a dream." Mike says, stepping back from Mrs. Happy Spray himself. "I don't think a huge stuffed teddy bear would show up in the middle of a road otherwise."
> She now looks flat out paniced as she backs off the road a few steps, while trying to simultaneously face all three of you and the bear, "I...what...what do you mean this is a dream?"
* Nagare scratches his head, remarking snidely. "You are sleeping. You are in a dream. When you wake up, you'll be back to the normal world and all the typical issues that come with it. I mean, you -do- realize people dream, correct?"
<Mykasi> "You're sleeping, imagining the trip you need to take, I think." Mike says calmly, stepping back a bit as well to give her some room as the bear starts... shrinking. "Nothing more, really-" A glance to the professor. "Oh, come off it. This would be incredibly bizarre for anyone, you can lay off just a bit."
<Hikari> "The explanation will be a rather lengthy one. It's best if you calm down, however--it would be hazardous to become more lost than you already are in this place. Dreams aren't normally such a disturbing thing, are they? Please try to relax."
> She shakes her head, "I don't understand how I could be dreaming. I remember waking up, I remember having breakfast, I remember all of today and then going out for a walk to get away from things for awhile, getting lost...and winding up on this wierd road with no signs and now you're here and..." she stops to breathe a bit, "I don't...I don't HAVE dreams like this, okay?"
<Hikari> "Pardon me for a moment, miss. We are trying to help, I assure you." To the others: "Do you think it possible she is actually awake after all? Not everyone accesses the Dream in the same manner, as we know from experience."
<Nagare> "She could be -awake-, yes. There is no denying that she is in the Dream, but she could not be sleeping. Strange distinction."
<Hikari> "The events she's described are rather comprehensive for a dream. I think it's possible."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike cocks his head. "Most people don't, honestly. Do you think you took a nap or something? Uh, what was the last familiar signpost you saw?" Then, to Hikari: "...if she is... well, this place isn't safe for us, even."
> She takes a few deep breaths to try and calm herself, and it seems to work though she still has a deathgrip on her little can of mace, "I didn't take a nap, no. I don't take naps ever. And I remember being on Autumn Street, I saw the sign for the highway ramp before I went off the road a bit into the woods. Who...are you people?"
<Hikari> "Hikari Ishigami. I'm a student at Hokuriku University."
* Nagare scratches his head. "... this has taken a turn to the mightily awkward. Nagare Suiren, Law Theory teacher at Hokuriku Uni."
<Mykasi> "We're... dreamers. We try to help people who seem to be caught here." Mike rubs his head. "Again, Mike. Another Hokuriku U student, part-time spent here."
> She shakes her head, "Okay, that's even weirder. I went to Kanazawa U, not Hokuriku, why would I dream about people from there? That doesn't make any sense."
* Mykasi rubs his head again. "This is a dream- but it's a communal one, if that makes sense. Everyone can catch... glimpses of this place? If I remember how it works right. But it's rare for anyone to be here like you are right now."
<Hikari> "We are, if you like, sharing this particular dream."
> Tachakara slumps a bit, "This is starting to sound way too much like that mystical crap my roommate likes. Okay, so...assuming I believe you...which I have no idea if I do or not, what...just what's going on? Why is this happening to me? And what are you doing here?"
<Mykasi> An awkward grin. "I'll start with the last first. We were here to check on the Kana Family Memorial Hospital - and that place is not only creepy but dangerous here in the Dream. Your intuition was right."
<Hikari> "I hate to admit it, miss, but some of that mystical crap has turned out to be accurate. I was not substantially more pleased by this revelation than you are. We are, at present...exploring, I suppose. As for why you are here? It's difficult to say why certain people are able to find their way here and remain lucid. This is one thing we hope to determine through our explorations."
* Mykasi sits down on the path, just to make himself appear less threatening. "As for what's going on... well, hopefully we can get you back to the real world somehow."
> She nods a bit numbly, then sighs and looks over at Hikari, "It's Noa. Noa Tachakara. And...I guess that makes your first question make sense."
<Hikari> "Yes. I apologize for the awkwardness it caused, but it's not common for us to actually meet other humans here."
<Mykasi> "Yeah... There's some weird stuff here. It's why we were cautious at first. Our apologies for weirding you out, but... yeah."
> "So..." she looks around a bit, the grip on her mace finally seeming to relax a touch, "uh, what now?"
<Nagare> "Now, we try to figure what the heck is going on with your situation, I'd gather."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike rubs his head. "Therein lies the problem. I don't know. If you aren't dreaming... maybe we can get you out with the Velvet Key?"
> "Are your phones screwed up, too?" she then remembers to ask, "Mine has been telling me stuff like it's negative two o'clock or blue-thirty or something, and the GPS is even worse. Is that normal around here?"
<Nagare> "Yes."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, it is." Mike nods. "Our phones don't work right here either. Since there's, you know, no phone towers in a dream."
<Hikari> "I'm not sure what's next. The way we came here may not work for you. Not everyone uses the same means to access the Dream. We could try retracing your steps--you'd be safer in our company, at least. As for 'normal,' well, the word has little meaning in the Dream most times."
<Nagare> "Little? That's a remarkable euphemism considering."
* Mykasi inhales and stands back up. "How long have you been walking on this path?"
> Noa nods, "Okay, so...I came from that way," she points back the way you came, "I'd just wandered off Autumn for a bit, then made my way back to where I thought Autumn was, and wound up on this road. I'm not sure I could point out where i came out on though. And," she consideres Mike's question, "gimme a second."
* Mykasi nods slightly.
> She pulls out her music player, then messes with it, "At least this is working normally. Okay so I remember what was playing when I got on this road, and that was...looks like five songs back, so lemme add the times up...about twenty-three minutes plus however long we've been talking."
<Mykasi> "Okay. So you can't have been here long..." Mike hums, before glancing to the Professor, and then back to Noa. "Okay, something else is going to appear out of thin air here, but he's on our side." Then, to Nagare: "Any chance Abartach knows the way?"
<Nagare> "I could try."
* Nagare does turn to Mykasi before calling for Abartach, though. "I don't know if this will take her to where she -wants- to be, though. But it's better than nothing," he finishes, calling for Abartach's pathfinding.
<Mykasi> "It's worth a shot. I hope."
> The slight jingle of the bell-tone steps of Abartach's steed are heard before the warlock himself appears, simply riding from the woods as if he originiated there rather then in Nagare's mind. Taking in the situation, he frowns a bit, 13"For her? I don't know if I can show her the Way. Nor do I think I can show her Way to you."1 He looks back and forth between Nagare and Noa before quietly asking, 13"Shall I try regardless?"
* Nagare raises an eyebrow, whispering back. "Do you have any confidence it may work? Experiment is a spice of life, but I wouldn't want to put her in a bigger predicament unless the odds are worth bothering."
> 13"It...may."1 Abartach says, after consideration, 13"But I would not call myself confident. Should I attempt to show her the Way...it may break her mind. And it may break mine to attempt to show you the Way of another."
* Nagare shakes his head. "This probably isn't worth trying, then. We don't want to give the upper hand to variables in the Dream. Might we just try backtracking to the Korean restaurant and hope the Velvet Key may work?"
<Mykasi> "Seems our best bet." Mike nods sadly.
<Hikari> "I think it the safest option, yes."
* Nagare nods. "It should be simple to at least take the way back, since it was mostly a straight line."
> Noa looks at Abartach a bit apprehensively, "Um...so is he like a magic dream guide or something?"
<Mykasi> "That's... a simplified version of looking at it, yeah." Mike nods. "His name's Abartach. As I said, friendly."
<Hikari> "In a manner of speaking."
<Nagare> "It's a bit more complicated than that, but we don't particularly care for complicated at this juncture. So, shall we move back?"
<Hikari> "Yes. The Dream seems rather placed here at the moment, but who knows when that will change? Let's not waste time."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Onward, then."
> Noa looks around, "You make it sound like monsters randomly jump out of the woods at you.
> "
> But she follows along.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike opts to say nothing at first, before, "Best to be careful."
* Nagare coughs somberly. "Funny of you to say that."
> And so, you all about face and head back towards the korean restaraunt.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 57."12 [1d100=57]
> Fortunately, it seems to be content to remain quiet. Though it does feel a bit colder here then it did earlier. Eventually, you return to the...giant television? No longer a korean place, nor a mushroom house, the building is now an ancient box style television the size of a small building. With a door right in the bottom-center of the screen.
<Mykasi> "... Okay now this Dream's just getting silly." Mike frowns. "Prof, you've got the key, right?"
<Hikari> "I liked it better when it was a mushroom."
* Nagare nods. "Always handy. And I don't know, this television has its charm."
> Noa eyes the place, "So...this was a restaraunt? Or was it a mushroom?" she looks at Hikari.
* Nagare picks up the key, wondering for a moment. "You know, have you wondered if the mutability of this particular building is inherent to it rather than the Dream?"
<Mykasi> "Mushroom the first time, restaraunt second, this third." Mike says, before glancing to Nagare. "... I don't follow. How could we even tell?"
<Hikari> "It's been something different every time we walked by." She frowns. "Which is fairly unusual even here, isn't it? There surely are some stable locations, after all."
<Nagare> "And there is a pattern to which places change or remain and -how-."
<Mykasi> "Key first, philosophy later."
> Noa just looks back and forth between you all, but doesn't say anything else.
<Hikari> "I'm sorry. Hopefully you'll never need to try and make sense of this."
* Nagare frowns. "Fine, fine," he says as he opens the door in the center of that television. "Brace yourselves."
> The key works, and opens the usual spinning portal!
> Noa blinks at it, "Staring at that could make you dizzy fast."
<Nagare> "That's why we enter it quickly, usually. Try interacting with the door, please?"
<Mykasi> "Yeah. It's a bit crazy. Care to see if you can go in?"
<Hikari> "It's best to walk through and get it over with quickly. Well, best for us. I am not certain whether it will react to you at all."
> "Um..." she balks a bit, "Would...one of you go in first? Please? Just for my peace of mind here."
<Mykasi> "...Sure." Mike nods slightly, advancing to the door!
> Mike vanishes through the door. Noa stares at it, then closes her eyes, "I can't believe I'm about to do this..." and walks into the door! And vanishes through it.
* Nagare nods to Hikari and enters the door as well. "Let's find out if this works."
* Hikari follows as well.
> (OOC: One Scene Change~ One Scene Change~)
> The Velvet Room is blue! What else is new? It contains an Igor, a Theresa, and a Mike! But no Noa.
* Mykasi glances to the two, before frowning. "Wait, why'd you guys come in? Noa still out there?" Then to Theresa, "You two have a clue what's going on?"
> Theresa shakes her head, "None."
<Mykasi> "Charming." Then back to Nagare and Hikari, "Well? Did you guys leave her out there or something?"
* Nagare blinks. "She -entered- this door."
<Hikari> "She entered right after you."
<Mykasi> "Fuck." Mike says simply.
<Hikari> "Perhaps one of us should step out briefly and see if she's returned after finding herself alone somewhere without us?"
<Mykasi> "Yeah, probably wise. I'll do that." Mike nods, heading to the door.
> M: Mike steps back out! It's still the TV at least. No sign of Noa anywhere.
* Mykasi checks to see if the portal to the Velvet Room is still there.
> M: The door hadn't been shut from either side, so yes, it's still there.
<Mykasi> "Argh." Mike grimaces, hoping this wasn't a horrible mistake.
<Mykasi> After a moment, he heads back through the portal.
> Mike comes back into the Velvet Room!
<Hikari> "Nothing?"
<Mykasi> "Not there." Mike shakes his head. "Maybe she went straight to real world because she doesn't have need of this place?"
> Igor frowns, and rests his nose on his hands, "Hmm. Quite curious indeed."
<Nagare> "That could be. It is bizarre that awake, normal humans would enter the Dream like that, though... quite bizarre."
<Hikari> "We can only hope so. At least we know her full name--we can make a thorough search in the real world as soon as we return? I'd be very alarmed if she went...somewhere else."
<Mykasi> "Are we honestly surprised?" Mike throws his hands up into the air. "I'm sorry to ask, but... uh, Prof, could I ask for the key? I wanna check outside this place to see if she's out there."
* Nagare hands the Key to Mykasi. "Feel free."
<Mykasi> "Thanks. Igor, sorry for the switch in and out, but could you swap it for us, please?"
> Igor nods, waves his hands, and the door glows a moment. "The door will now return you to the human world."
<Mykasi> "Thanks." Mike says, taking the door out!
<Hikari> "Nothing like this has happened, in your experience?" Hikari says to the Velvet Room's residents as Mike exits. "Normal people finding themselves in the Dream by accident?"
* Nagare scratches his head. "That earns an explanation, yes."
> M: Mike exits again, finding himself back inside the gas station. The attendant, a different one then before, blinks as he sees you, "Woah, uh, sorry, I didn't see you there. Anything I can help you with today?"
<Mykasi> "Sorry, I'm naturally quiet. Uh, have you seen a young woman, headphones, nice warm coat, backpack?"
> H/N: Igor shakes his head, "It is difficult to say at this time, I'm afraid. I will need to research a bit into this incident before I can say."
> H/N: Theresa chimes in, "Even then, don't hold your breath he'll actually SAY."
* Nagare shakes his head with a quaint smile. "That's one of the reasons you are around, remember."
> M: The guy shakes his head, "Uh, no. You supposed to be meeting someone here or something?"
<Mykasi> "Kinda, yeah. She got lost and I tried to direct her here, but... bah. Should've got her number." Mike quickly glances around for a bottle of water to buy.
> M: It's a gas station, plenty of bottled water and other such stuff. The guy just shrugs and rings you up, doesn't try to chat any further.
<Mykasi> "Thanks." Mike nods. "Uh, if someone by that description comes in, tell her to get in touch with me? I've got something to return to her is why we were gonna try to meet up here." Mike says, handing him a slip with his number on it.
> H/N: Igor shakes his head, "Though you may find it inconvenient, proffesor, my purpose at this time is to provide your access to the Dream and some small guidance. But not to interefere. With many questions, the answers cross the line from guidance to interferance, especially when there are other persona users who have no access to the Velvet Room at all."
> M: The guy nods, takes the slip and puts it next to the register.
* Nagare shakes his head. "You respond rather poorly to sardonic remarks. I was in jest."
<Hikari> "Not everyone shares your sense of humor, professor."
> H/N: Theresa chuckles, "Your deadpan's as good as mine, it's pretty hard to tell."
<Mykasi> "Thanks." Mike says, with a wave goodbye... and a glance back to the door to see if it's spinny mode.
> M: Nope. The door is closed behind you.
<Mykasi> "Oh. Is there a bathroom around the outside of the building somewhere?" Mike asks, hoping it's something like American gas stations that way.
> H/N: Igor shakes his head again, "My comment also served as a much needed reminder to my assistant."
> M: The attendant nods, "Yeah, the code for the lock is 7-7-5-4. It's on the left side."
<Mykasi> "Alright, thanks." Mike nods and heads out that way!
> H/N: Theresa just grins.
* Nagare coughs, grinning subtly as he hides his smile behind his palm.
> M: The bathroom is there, as he said it would be.
* Mykasi puts the passcode in and heads in, before turning around immediately after closing the door and using the Velvet Key!
> Mike walks back into the Velvet Room!
<Mykasi> "Not there, either." Mike slumps.
<Nagare> "I have to wonder what -was- that, then. We'll have to search for Noa's signs in the real world."
<Hikari> "Oh, hell," Hikari swears. "I'm not comfortable leaving this unresolved. Shall we go back home and make every possible effort to find her through phone or internet and verify her return?"
<Mykasi> "... Can we check the Dream one final time? Maybe she's back out now that the door's closed once." Mike asks.
<Hikari> "Go ahead. It shouldn't take longer, after all."
* Nagare shrugs. "Feel free."
> Igor shifts the door back, gives Mike a nod when it's done.
<Mykasi> "Thanks." Mike says, stepping out one last time.
> M: Mike steps back out...and finds himself squeezing out of an access panel on the side of the TV building.
<Mykasi> "Figures." Mike grunts, checking around the front. "NOAAAAAAAA?"
> M: There is no reply to Mike's yelling.
<Mykasi> "..." A soft whimper involuntarily chokes out of Mike's throat before he shakes his head and checks inside the door of the TV.
<Mykasi> OOC: Front door, sorry.
> M: You open the door of the TV building. There are...people inside. And they look like they're in the middle of...filming a scene? A short, hairy man with a huge round nose and super thick sunglasses looks over at the door as you open it, "Huh? What is this, I didn't call for any extras! Cut, cut, cut!"
<Mykasi> "Sorry, sorry! I'm looking for a Mrs. Noa Tachakara?" Mike asks, looking around quickly.
> He hops down off the contraption he was standing on and practically waddles over to Mike, "Hey buddy, what's going on here, huh? Can't you see we're in the middle of something?"
> The director looks back over his shoulder, "Hey, we got a Noa Tachakara in here?"
> The actors and filming crew all look at eachother then shake thier heads.
> The director looks back at you, "Well she ain't in here. Now beat it, we've got a scene to shoot."
<Mykasi> "Fuck. Sorry about that. Tell her to stick around outside if she shows up, alright? Thanks." And with that, Mike closes the door and then slowly walks over to the access panel and re-enters the Velvet Room.
> Mike returns to the Velvet Room again.
<Hikari> "Still nothing?"
<Mykasi> "No." Mike groans. "Let's go home and search. Sorry about all this, I thought it might be a good idea..."
<Hikari> "It was worth a try. But yes, let's return home and see what we can find."
> Igor changes the door back yet again.
<Nagare> "I guess we should go, then."
* Mykasi waves to the two, before, "Oh, and I had to key from the bathroom. ...may want to hold your nose." And with that, he exits.
* Nagare deflates slightly. "I hope the Key is amicable to soap and water."
* Hikari opts to hold her breath altogether as she steps through!
* Nagare follows behind with a sigh.
> (OOC: If you could only Scene, the Change you made of me~)
> Mike steps back out into the bathroom! Meanwhile, Nagare and Hikari step back into the gas station from the front, exactly where they entered the Dream from.
> The attendant looks up, "Huh? Oh, man, I'm out of it today. Sorry, uh, is there anything I can help you two with?"
* Mykasi heads back out, and walks around to the front of the store again.
<Mykasi> But doesn't go in, instead waiting for Hikari and the prof. to notice him, a somewhat self-annoyed grin on his face.
<Hikari> "I think we were lost, but I've just remembered where we needed to go. Apologies." Hikari spins around and leaves.
* Nagare glances at Mykasi and coughs, pretending he didn't see the youngster, following Hikari behind.
> You all gather outside of the gas station again. It's getting fairly late, well past what a normal dinner time would be.
<Mykasi> "Didn't expect to see you all here." Mike says drily. "So... split up from here, look for a way to try and contact her?"
<Nagare> "Makes the most sense."
<Hikari> "Yes. I'm going straight home and intent to start as soon as I get there. Starting with the usual--phone books, internet searches."
<Mykasi> "Right. Drive the way, Prof." Mike nods slightly.
* Nagare shrugs. "I could've been a chauffeur instead of a lawyer," he deadpans as he gets into the car.
<Mykasi> "Yeah, the former would've been more constructive toward society."
* Nagare rolls eyes. "It's still more constructive than building giant robots for anime shows."
<Nagare> "... or Literature."
<Mykasi> "Even if that was what I was going to do - which I'm not - at least I'd be inspiring kids to go into science." Mike glares.
> OOC: Okay, so what's the plan then? All head back to your respective residences then do searches, I gather? If so, tell me how you're searching and I'll tell you what to roll, then I'll tell you what you find and we can Scene Change to Monday?
<Mykasi> OOC: I think I need to crash soon. So can we roll for the searches and then pause for the night?
<Nagare> OOC: Same here.
> OOC: Alright, that works. So just describe what kind of searching you're doing and I'll have you roll.
<Mykasi> OOC: Mike would first dig around for a Noa Tachakara in records, especially Kana U records. Leave the phone book to people better with kanji.
<Nagare> OOC: Internet phone searches regarding Noa Tachakara or similar names.
<Hikari> As soon as she gets home, Hikari tracks down a city phone book to search for any Noa Tachakaras. If that doesn't pan out, it's time to run an internet search on the name, look around social networking sites and the like.
> OOC: Is mike sticking to public records, or breaking out the hacking?
<Mykasi> Mike... would do some hacking if he felt he could get away with it on a system, but otherwise stay legal for the moment.
> OOC: Alright, computer checks for Mike and Nagare, straight Mind for Hikari
<Nagare> roll 2d8 computahs
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 computahs and gets 6."12 [2d8=3, 3]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 compcompcomp
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 compcompcomp and gets 14."12 [2d8=6, 8]
<Hikari> roll 2d6 why can't I give Mike a reroll
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d6 why can't I give Mike a reroll and gets 6."12 [2d6=2, 4]

> -------------------------------------------------------------
> Monday afternoon. Getting through classes today had been somewhat difficult with the horror that was the Kana Family Memorial Hospital and the problem with Noa Tachakara's vanishing still very fresh in mind. But the three Persona users managed to struggle through somehow and have all gotten on a conferance call to share what they'd managed to find and plan thier next step.
<Mykasi> Mike is at his computer after classes, glaring at his screen as if it had just betrayed him. "Kana U's a brick wall. I can get around it, but I'd rather not, you know? You guys flip anything up?"
* Nagare flips through pages of essays to grade at his office, seeming somewhat disgruntled. "Yes and no on a cursory glance. There are at least fourteen Tachakara households listed in the surroundings, but none of them seem to have Noa as a listed first name anywhere. Which may be worth looking into."
<Hikari> "I turned up a HeadSpace account, but little more. I can see little in the way of detail there without being marked as a friend of hers. I suppose I could request such if we wish to send her a message? That assumes she got back, of course. I do know she has a sister named Maya, who is a noted model. Perhaps she has a publib blog of some sort as well? It would surely mention her sister disappearing, if Noa didn't return."
<Hikari> *public
<Mykasi> "Birth records may be worth checking into. If something's obviously missing..." Mike mutters before listening to Hikari. "Huh. It... might be worth it, even if just to explain a bit more what happened?"
<Mykasi> "Maya Tachakara..." Mike hums, before quickly searching for that.
> OOC: Comp roll, of course
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 Ma-ya~!
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 Ma-ya~! and gets 10."12 [2d8=3, 7]
> A quick search on Maya Tachakara doesn't turn up much in the way of blogs or anything, but instead sites for various fashion shows she's part of, a site taking about her guest appearance on some tv show for a single episode, and various other things about her career like that. Oh, and lots of pictures. She definately seems to be able to make it as a model for a reason.
<Mykasi> "Hot. But not finding anything about a blog." Mike deadpans. "Again, might be the kanji failure issue kicking in..."
<Hikari> "Well, it's possible that as a public figure she takes extra care to keep her personal life private."
<Mykasi> "Possible." Mike concedes. "I'll look into it more later."
* Nagare coughs. "That certainly makes sense. It takes a bit of a degenerate celebrity to carelessly exacerbate publicity in an environment such as the internet. I do wonder, though."
<Mykasi> "Alright. So what's our next step?" Mike offers up.
<Hikari> "That's all I found, at any rate. I can continue to monitor Noa's account for udpates...Actually, I believe I will make an account and see if a friend request provokes any response. Certainly she'd have questions if she did come back and don't we as well? Beyond that, shall we continue where we left off in the Dream?"
<Mykasi> "Probably best - but which leaving-off? Checking in on Master Frost or the asylum?"
<Nagare> "We keep looking - probably under Maya's lead. I have a bad feeling regarding Noa, and feel we -definitely- need to go into this further."
* Mykasi curses under his breath. "Alright. Hikari, you do that, I'll look into leads through Maya. But regarding the dream, what are we aiming for right now?
* Mykasi begins fine-tuning his search as he types.
<Hikari> "I believe the relevant question is: are we comfortable returning to the asylum again so soon?" Hikari asks as she generates a HeadSpace account.
<Nagare> "I don't think -quite- yet, although that's hardly only relevant to me. I wouldn't be surprised if the asylum connected to a few other strange happenings in this city now that we've actually seen it, but we barely got out of it and managed to stumble into yet another event we need to tend to..."
<Hikari> This done, Hikari sends a friend request to Noa. "There, request sent. I'm not sure there's more I can do than wait on her now."
<Nagare> "Well, there are always the fourteen households with the Tachakara name in them. With Maya as a filter, this would probably get easier to nail down."
<Hikari> "Possible. give it a try?"
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 check check
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 check check and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
<Mykasi> "I'm... turning up a whole lot of nothing. Is the "Ya" syllable the character with a dogtail, or the one that looks kinda like a retarded fish?"
<Hikari> "...Mike, what?"
* Nagare checks further. ".... mmmmmyeah, one of the results -does- bring up Maya Tachakara. We have a phone number, then - Mykasi, I suspect you may need a bit more rest than you have been getting lately. This routine can't do good to your mental health."
<Mykasi> "The 'ya' in Maya. What the hell does the character look like?" Mike grouses.
<Hikari> "We *could* call, though I would guess that, being a successful model, Maya lives on her own and is accustomed to screening out unknown callers."
<Nagare> "I believe it's just more plausible to etch a home address from this start and we'll figure out what to do from there."
<Mykasi> "Probably, yeah. Should I leave that to you two, then?"
<Nagare> "Well, since I began this line of searching, I figure I'll take it to the end."
<Mykasi> "And... can you nail down why you have a bad feeling about this, Prof?"
<Nagare> "I just wonder if we didn't... well, cause the girl to disappear. This whole affair feels like a prelude to something far bigger than what we've seen so far, and we need to tie the loose ends here if we don't want to put any other instances of this in jeopardy. Let's say I'm becoming more paranoid."
<Mykasi> "Oh, so it's just the general shitty feeling I've got from this entire thing. Gotcha."
<Nagare> "I suspect we're rubbing off on each other. This may or may not be a disaster in the making."
<Mykasi> "So I'm turning you into a real man, am I?"
<Hikari> "She hasn't vanished in the manner of the previous disappeared, remember. Her account still exists on the internet. She went *somewhere* and she can be found."
<Mykasi> "The question is... waitasecond." Mike says, before putting the phone down.
<Mykasi> After a second, "Seiryu said to attach a message to a dog to get in contact with Vandal, and Vandal's good with divinations. Maybe it could find Noa?"
<Nagare> "If she's in the Dreamscapes still, that's a good bet."
<Mykasi> "Guh." Mike mutters. "Let's drop by Frost's in the Dream, and then go look for a dog to give a message?"
<Nagare> "Makes as much sense as anything else. May as well work on all fronts."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike says, prewriting the message... and then thinking for a moment, before checking the neverwas'd list of people online. If he can find it.
> OOC: Another comp roll. Good luck.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 ahahaha
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 ahahaha and gets 7."12 [2d8=2, 5]
> As Mike starts searching for it, it's not in any of the spots he's found it before. Which means it's either down right now, or it's got a new spot and he'll have to spend an hour or two trying to find it again.
<Mykasi> "Guh. I'll search for that when we get back. Let's go." Mike mutters. "Meet you all at Satomi Tadashi so we can jump straight to Frost?" he offers as he finishes writing the letter.
<Nagare> "Sure. Do we start humming the song now?"
<Hikari> "No. Please don't do it at all."
* Nagare begins humming.
* Hikari hangs up.
* Mykasi hums a few bars with the professor, before laughing. "I'll turn you to the dark side yet."
<Mykasi> And with that, he hangs up and heads out.
* Nagare closes the cellphone with a snicker, humming the tune still. "... damn it."
> (OOC: Are you in the mood to have the biggest Scene Change party anywhere in the wooooooooooorrrrrlld~)
> A bit later, the three wind up near the Satomi Tadashi store, with the cursed music already stuck in thier heads thanks to Nagare. Speaking of the proffessor, he's the last to arrive, with Mike and Hikari already loitering around near the store waiting for him in the chill.
<Hikari> "You are solely responsible for whatever deficient mental state I find myself in this afternoon, professor," hikari says with a glare.
<Mykasi> "We going to check for soma again as our excuse?'
<Hikari> "We may as well? If we're lucky there will be some. If not, we leave in disappointment."
* Nagare scratches his head, glancing at Mykasi. "May as well. We honestly could use a few more pills - although I'm sure we could find -anything- to be our excuse."
<Nagare> "Including Hikari's hypotetical dementia, but I believe she's fairly vaccinated to the Satomi Tadashi theme song by now."
<Mykasi> "Eh. I figured out a song that sticks in my head better." Mike shrugs.
<Hikari> "Please don't tell us, Mike. I don't think I want to know." Hikari enters the store.
* Nagare follows behind Hikari. "I'm actually intrigued and disturbed, but I figure this will be irrelevant as soon as we enter."
* Mykasi hums to himself as he follows the two in.
> You enter the store! It's very bright inside, as usual. And blessedly warm, or at least warmer then it is out there. And of course, the theme is going. There's a different salesman in there today, an older man with a shiny shaved head and a sylishly long zen-master looking beard.
> He simply nods politely as you enter instead of accosting you with sales pitches.
* Mykasi nods politely in return.
* Hikari almost has to stop and look around. Are they in the right store? Well, they must be, if the music's there. Well, whatever. Best get things over with quickly. She walks up to the man and politely inquires about recent soma deliveries.
* Nagare nods and pokes Mykasi. "I think we might want to dig the stocks once again. This place never fails to disappoint."
<Mykasi> "Sure. Worth a shot." And with that, Mike begins looking in the other direction from last time.
> "Hohoho!" the old man laughs in response, "You are just too late I am afraid. I had some on the shelf this morning but I am afraid it was gone by lunch. My sincerest apologies, young lady."
* Nagare splits from Mike, looking a bit into the fuller stocks.
<Hikari> "No need to apologize. I should have been here earlier. Thank you for your time." Hikari rejoins her teammates.
* Nagare shuffles and eyes Hikari. "Think we could arrange for them to save some Soma for us next batch, Hikari?"
> OOC: roll it if you're actually looking for strange things, or don't if you're just killing time.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 why not
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 why not and gets 7."12 [2d8=1, 6]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 yeah, Mike's checking
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 yeah, Mike's checking and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 8]
<Hikari> "I believe we asked, professor, and the proprietors did not prove amenable to reserving the product for individual customers."
> You don't find anything that's extremely stand-out. Just the normal assortment of bizzare medicines.
* Nagare shrugs. "Oh well. There's always next visit."
* Mykasi picks out one generically branded for "energy" (and cheap) and goes to pay for it.
* Hikari nods, dons an expression of suitable disappointment, and makes to leave as soon as the others are ready and seemingly unobserved.
> Mike buys a cheap energy suppliment pill. The man rings you up without a fuss or trying to push additional product on you, simply a very calm aura of professionalism.
<Mykasi> With a thankful smile, Mike meets the other two at the door. "Key?"
* Nagare nods firmly, grasping the key in his pocket. "Ready as soon as you are."
* Mykasi shrugs.
* Nagare picks up the key and opens the door with it. "Shall we?"
> The key fits and the door opens into the swirling portal!
* Mykasi nods and heads through... with a glance back at the salesclerk...
* Hikari flees the dreadful song with all due haste, if not so much dignity.
* Nagare quickly steps into the swirl.
> He's watching you all with a slightly quirked eyebrow.
<Mykasi> Mike's momentum doesn't quite stooooop~
> (OOC: We're the Scenes of it all, the Change we were born now~)
> And you step into the Dream. The street outside of Master Frost's Emporium is about how it usually looks, this being one of the stable locations in the Greater Dreamscape. The Vermillion Glow across the street also looks as it always does, with it's nice Victorian construction...and tacky neon sign.
<Nagare> "What was the Vermillion Glow's equivalent in the human realm again? It always feels odd to have a convenience shop strapped so close to an open cabaret."
<Mykasi> "Iunno." Mike shrugs.
<Nagare> "Anyhow, into the store?"
<Hikari> "I can't recall. I'll look when we return to the real world. Onwards for now, yes."
* Mykasi nods and heads on in!
> Inside, Master Frost is...disco dancing with a couple of pixies in the middle of the floor. There's even a disco ball and strobe lights going. He's got some pretty good moves for a little snowman-demon-thing too! After a second, one of the pixies sees you all and taps him on the shoulder, causing Frost to look over, nod, then pull a remote control out from under his hat.(more)
> He hits a button on the controller, which stops the music, kills the strobe lights and retracts the disco ball into the cieling. Then he pats one of the pixies on the thigh as he walks past them towards you all, giving you a cheerful greeting, "Hee there, hos!"
<Hikari> "Greetings," is Hikari's perfectly neutral reply.
* Mykasi is -so- trying and failing to keep a straight face about this. "Heya. Any news?"
> "Sure is, ho," he nods and hops up onto the counter so he's more at eye level, "Didn't you get the message I left with nozuchee?"
* Nagare stares blankly at the ceiling. "I'm trying to pretend I didn't see this. 'Staying Alive' of all things?"
<Hikari> "I'm afraid we haven't seen him for a while."
<Mykasi> "Sadly, no. We've been avoiding that area for a bit - haven't been able to drop in and notify you, either."
> One of the pixies pouts, "Froooosty, how long is this going to take?"
> Master Frost starts to answer you when the pixie whines, so he tosses them a couple of coins and says "I got buisiness to do, ya hee? Go get yourselves something sweet."
> They make a couple of sad faces, but scurry out as instructed.
> "Any-ho," he turns his attention back towards the three of you, "one of my agents says he's turned up some hee on this chilly problem of yours. Lemme call him in here."
<Mykasi> "Ho a."
* Hikari refrains from rolling her eyes at the pixies' brattiness, though it takes some effort.
> Frost picks up a phone, mutters into it, then puts it back down. Not a full minute later, the door opens and in walks...another little snowman-demon-thing. This one dressed head to toe in black, with a black cape, neat little hat...and even black sideburns.
> The newcomer gives Master Frost a nod, "This about that case, hee?"
> Master Frost nods backm, "These are the clients, ho. Give 'em your report."
> The one in black turns to the three of you, "The name's Raihee, ho. Er," he shakes his head, "I mean, Raiho, hee. Just to confirm, the problem was that there is an unnatural amount of cold in your world right now, ho? And you want to hee what's going on with it?"
<Hikari> "That's correct."
<Mykasi> "... Yes." Mike says through a wide grin.
* Nagare stops staring at the ceiling for a moment. "Ahem. Correct."
> "Ho-kay," Raiho nods, "Well, as far as I can hee, it's cold because there's less heat then usual."
<Mykasi> "...and is this being caused by any unnatural systems?"
* Nagare deflates, refraining from commenting further.
> "I think the heat's being used, hee. Like energy. I couldn't tell you for what though." Raiho frowns a bit, "It's not easy to hee into things going on out there right now."
<Nagare> "Wait, so you have a location to pinpoint?"
<Hikari> "Someone is diverting the usual amount of background heat into...something else, or some other place? How is that even possible?"
> Raiho shakes his head, "Around your region. I can't pinpoint a specific place, ho. And no, not diverting. Using."
> "Well," he considers, "it could be getting diverted, and I just couldn't follow the trail, hee. But I don't think I'm that bad at my job."
<Mykasi> "Mmm. Could it... be to a certain asylum?" Mike posits.
<Hikari> "Perhaps we should tear the asylum down and find out. It's certainly responsible for enough already."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike looks to Hikari.
> Raiho shrugs, "I couldn't follow it anywhere specific, hee. I'm not even sure it's going anywhere, I think it's just getting used right there, ho."
<Mykasi> "You know, sometimes I forget that your main solution to things is to break them until they don't move.
<Mykasi> "So... it's getting used up right where it is, is what you're trying to say?"
> Raiho nods, "That's the best I can see, ho."
<Mykasi> "Hm. Now the question is, what or who could be doing that?"
* Hikari shrugs. "There is a time and a place for brute force."
<Mykasi> "I didn't mean for it to sound like a complaint..."
<Nagare> "That sounded more like yearning, actually."
* Hikari shrugs again, address Raiho. "Thank you for what assistance you have provided, at least. I suppose now it falls to us to look for beings or forces capable of manipulating...heat, or energy, in this manner."
<Nagare> "Lily should be able to offer us some insight on the matter, if nothing else?"
> Raiho nods, "Don't worry, hee, Raiho is still on the case! It's not solved yet, so there's ho way I'm giving up now."
<Mykasi> "Thank you, Raiho." Mike nods warmly - though not warm enough to melt them. "There's a building we've run into that's sealed by sigils on the outskirts... perhaps see if that has anything to do with it?"
> "Hmm," he nods, "I'll hee over there and see if that might be involved."
> Raiho then takes a small bow, spins on his heel, flaring his cape out behind him dramatically, and exits~
<Mykasi> "Be careful around there!" Mike calls as he leaves.
* Nagare bobs his head. "Does the household just mass-produce Frosts?"
> Master Frost gives Nagare a look, "What's that supposed to hee? You've only met me and Raiho, not even any of the normal Jack Frosts."
* Mykasi glances around at the items in stock while he's thinking.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "So, you -do- mass-produce them? That was just an aside comment..."
> Master Frost snorts, "Mass-Produce makes it sound like they're some kind of robots, ho! Have a little respect. Jack Frosts are like pixies or lilims for the Magician Arcana."
<Mykasi> "Oh. Have you guys seen any human-like people by the name of Noa Tachakara stop by?" Mike asks.
* Nagare shakes his head. "You say this and I suddenly begin to picture those creatures being created en masse from a witch union's battalion of black cauldrons," and then he capitulates. "Please tell me that's not the case."
> While poking around, Mike finds a few odd items. Something that claims to be a genuine crystalized demon's soul. It's pretty ugly looking. A remote control airplane with real miniature machineguns. And a prank umbrella that makes it rain on whoever opens it.
* Mykasi finds all three items to be amusing but none worth purchasing... well, the airplane would be funny but likely ineffective.
> Master Frost shakes his head, "Nope, no humans in here but you three, and you barely count, hee." Then he holds out his hand, "Any-ho, about the rest of the soma you owe me? Raiho said he's going to keep looking, and hee's as good as his word, so this isn't all you'll find out. I'd just like to close out the account, ya hee?"
<Mykasi> "Hikari, you got the bottle?"
<Hikari> "Of course." Hikari retrieves three some pills and hands them over.
> He takes the tablets and they vanish into his hat, "Righty-ho! We're all clear and green on this now, hee. Anything else I can do you for, hos?"
* Mykasi shakes his head. "Not today. Thanks again."
<Hikari> "...No, I don't think so. I believe I'm done here." Remembering why she doesn't like hanging around Master Frost, Hikari turns to leave.
* Nagare ponders for a moment. "I realized I never got my question answered about industrially produced dreamdwellers."
> -------------------------------------------

> --------------------------------------------------------------
> After getting called a ho yet again, Hikari quickly retreats from Master Frost's Emporium, and the men follow suit shortly thereafter. There isn't anything funky going on out on the street either, it's fairly empty. Just the two buildings of note and the persona users themselves.
<Mykasi> "I suppose our first question is, where to find a dog?" Mike muses out loud, glancing around.
> There certainly aren't any in plain sight out on the street right now.
<Hikari> "This is a city of sorts. There must be one around somewhere." Hikari glances around for dark allies that might host stray mongrels. "Perhaps Master Frost has a dog whistle in stock..."
<Hikari> *alleys
<Mykasi> "I don't know." Mike says, before thinking. "Hey, did Cerberus actually talk to you on our first visit, or did he just respect you?"
> This area is more outskirts of shopping district then inner-city, but there are still spaces between and behind buildings if you care to go investigate them.
<Hikari> "I recall him speaking. Why? Did you have a mind to set the hound of hell on errands for us?" Hikari wanders to the nearest gap between buildings, next to Frost's maybe, peers down it.
<Mykasi> "No, but I figured if anything here would know where dogs are..." Mike replies with a slight grin. "Though that'd be an awesome sight."
> As Hikari peeks beside the building, she can see a couple of trashcans but nothing that looks like an animal of any sort around.
* Hikari shrugs. "I have no better ideas. If you're prepared to take the walk, we can. Of course, it may be a less eventful walk if we make it in the real world."
* Mykasi considers this for a moment. "Let's try it through the Dream. Practice of our abilities is always useful, and we may stumble into a dog on the way."
<Hikari> "True. Onwards, then?"
<Nagare> "Hopefully we find dogs that aren't necessarily Shadows along the way."
<Mykasi> "Hopefully. Of course, here, dogs may be Shadows." With that, Mike tries to remember the way to the school...
> OOC: Mind checks, for any trying to intuit the way to Mab's Domain?
<Nagare> roll 2d8 driving into the enemy's bed
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 driving into the enemy's bed and gets 10."12 [2d8=3, 7]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 hey I got a rank of Lovers, this should be easy
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 hey I got a rank of Lovers, this should be easy and gets 6."12 [2d8=4, 2]
<Hikari> roll 2d6 I guess it couldn't hurt to try?
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d6 I guess it couldn't hurt to try? and gets 9."12 [2d6=6, 3]
> As Mike considers, he feels some manner of connection running through him from Frost's Emporium to Mab's Domain, and the path from here to there seems to practically materialize in his mind as clear as crystal.
* Mykasi blinks. "Oh right. It's this way." And with that, he heads off!
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 93."12 [1d100=93]
> The streets seem almost deserted for awhile as you walk. Until you turn a corner and come face to face with WHY. There appears to be some manner of parade going on, and for whatever reason you didn't even hear it until you could see it. But there it is, floats, marching bands, grotesque monsters and all just going down the street with all sorts of denizens packed around to watch. And the noise is near deafening.
<Mykasi> "Whatthefuck." Mike says after a moment, watching as if hypnotized.
* Nagare deflates a bit more than slightly, suddenly slumping as the noise begins to worm its way to his brain. "I just give up."
> A woman who is quite literally impossibly thin and wearing a dress that should not be able to stay on without glue is standing on top of a giant frog with cannons growing out of it's shoulders as it hops down the street as part of the parade. She has a sash that says something on it, though none of you can read it. And as she waves to people, the cheering increases.
* Hikari opts to get out of the parade's way, thanks, and look at it from a safe distance. One where her eas don't hurt so much. Are there signs or anything to make it clear why the parade...exists?
<Mykasi> "... Damnit. The path is suppsed to be right through that, I think." Mike says, craning his neck to see if he can spot a way up and over the group or under it (with a glance at the sash-wearing girl, and a low whistle.)
> There don't seem to be any signs, at least not that make any sense. And it's a bit hard to get away from the noise...unless you turn the corner back the way you came and as soon as the parade is out of sight it's also back to being quiet and you can't hear it at all.
* Nagare looks up. "I'm not sure there's any way through this debauchery unless we rope swing through lamp posts."
<Nagare> "And I'm fairly sure we don't even -have- lamp posts around here."
<Mykasi> "Rope snake! Oh wait, those don't exist."
* Hikari eyes the parade for openings. "Maybe we could just run through..."
> Crossing the street would involve going right THROUGH the parade, as well as the masses of people on both sides. And there aren't any convenient walkways that go over it or anything like that. Though you do see some people just push out from the sidewalks and start walking in the parade like they belong there and nobody seems to take issue with it.
* Mykasi mutters and glances back the way they came to see if there's an alternate path going the other direction from the parade.
> It's a city, there are almost always roads that go other directions and paths to take. Though you can't be sure where any of them will take you.
<Mykasi> "Okay." Mike says after a moment. "We can either go around or try to go through. Opinions?"
<Hikari> "Let's just go right through it," Hikari says. "Plenty of others are joining in. We can just work our way across the road while keeping with the parade for a minute or two." With a nod, she strides forward the join the flow, meaning to sidle along to the other side of the street as she walks with it.
<Nagare> "The problem is that we don't know what's going in -the- parade - hey!"
* Mykasi glances to Nagare with some amusement, but no words as he shrugs and follows Hikari in.
* Nagare flails uselessly for a moment before joining in. "-We- will regret this!"
> Hikari pushes in and the men follow! The music gets even louder when you're part of the procession, though it's less like you're hearing it more and more like you're feeling it. It's a horrible chaotic jumble of instruments but there IS a strong marching rythem in it, one that your feet start moving along with of thier own accord very shortly(more)
> You find yourselves in along with part of the band, or perhaps one of the many bands? Regardless, the majority of the shadows marching along with you are wearing variations on what might be the same base uniform, even as no two of them are alike in shape. One directly next to Hikari, a being that has a bulbous lower body with lots of small tendrils coming from the bottom that it seems to "walk" on, a stalk like torso with humanoid arms and a sunflower for a face turns and grins at you(more)
> a stalk like torso with humanoid arms and a sunflower for a face turns and grins at you(more)
> "Woah!" the Shadow exclaims, even as it's wailing on a drum it's carrying, "those are the best human costumes I've ever seen! Nice job!"
<Hikari> "Thank you," Hikari says politely (while trying to force her feet itno maneuvering across the road. "I made it myself."
* Mykasi follows Hikari's lead, with a nod and a slight grin to the Shadow. "We do our best."
* Nagare laughs half-heartedly to himself. "oh definitely it is a -dazzling- costume why I made it myself with a golden needle and honeydew mumble mumble."
> The flower-drummer-thing starts to say something else, then suddenly his petals all tremble and instead he shouts, "Hold that thought, gotta solo!" Then the tendrils that serve as his feet grow until he's standing over twenty feet in the air and he goes absoultely WILD on that drum. It...honestly, kinda makes you want to dance...
* Mykasi grins and begins doing the weird balance dance to try and keep himself upright as he stumbles through the crowd and tries to not get knocked over.
<Hikari> Come on, feet, move move move AWAY already! Hikari takes advantage of the shadow's distraction to make for the edge of the parade at full speed.
* Nagare moves through the crowd so awkwardly he might as well be dancing. It is a twisted sort of stretching and bending that could make children cry, however.
> OOC: Check vs Mind+2 all(Mind+4 for Hikari)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 blastitall, roll check! (Mind+2 = 13)
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 blastitall, roll check! (Mind+2 = 13) and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 6."12 [2d8=5, 1]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 complimentary haagen dasz (9 Mind+2 = 11)
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 complimentary haagen dasz (9 Mind+2 = 11) and gets 11."12 [2d8=5, 6]
> Somehow you all resist the urge to break out into a boogie, aside from Mike who is at least boogying in the right direction. Slowly you make your way around/under the flower-drummer-thing and over to the other side of the parade. Where you discover that it's going to be harder to push through the crowd to get back onto the sidewalk then it was to get into teh street...
<Mykasi> "Excuse me! Sorry, our costumes need maintenance! Excuse us, pardon us!" Mike yells ahead of the three as they approach the crowd.
* Hikari has plenty of brute strength to go around and is more than willing to shove her way past anyone in her way!
> OOC: Body check, Hikari. Super Strength bonus and situation penalty cancel out, so straight Body.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 9."12 [2d8=4, 5]
> While it's unclear if the people on the sides are ignoring Mike or perhaps just can't hear him, Hikari makes her intent quite clear without saying a word. It takes nearly all the muscle she has, but she is able to forcibly open a path, creating what looks like a seven shadow pile-up on the sidewalk in the process.
* Mykasi follows behind Hikari! "Impressive."
<Hikari> "Apologies," Hikari says to those on the ground, before turning and walking straight away from the parade.
* Nagare grabs Mykasi's shoulder and awkwardly follows the two.
> Moments later, you push through the rest of the crowd(it gets easier once you're past the solid wall of people right up next to the street) and once you turn a corner and can no longer see the parade...the sounds all vanish as well. It's like it's not even there.
* Mykasi exhales. "Well, that was fun. Should we do it again?"
<Nagare> "Sure, as soon as I finish stabbing tiny needles into my eyes with a microscope."
* Nagare sits down on the ground tiredly.
<Mykasi> "...Why would you do that with a microscope?" Mike grins over at him, before looking around to see if there's a dog nearby by chance.
> There's...something looking at you from under a trashcan lid over there. You can see it's beady little eyes. But you can't tell if it's a dog or not.
* Mykasi looks at it carefully for a moment, before beginning to walk over carefully.
> The eyes don't move at all as Mike approaches the trashcan. Actually, as he looks more closely it doesn't look like they're attatched to a creature at all, more like someone or something threw thier eyeballs away and the lid of the can is propped at a slight angle so you can see them.
<Mykasi> "...uhhhhhhh..." Mike blinks rapidly, gently lifting the lid and peering in. "That's weird."
> Yeah, just some discarded eyeballs sitting on a pile of other various trash.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike stares at them for a bit, before waving his hands back and forth in front of them to see if they track it. Normally he wouldn't bother, but this is the Dream.
* Hikari steps closer to see. "What is it--oh. Oh."
> They don't appear to.
* Mykasi thinks for a moment, before picking the eyeballs up and pocketing them. "They might be worth it? Maybe?"
> They...uh, feel exactly like real eyeballs as Mike picks them up.
<Mykasi> "Squish squish."
<Mykasi> After pocketing them, Mike turns to the other two. "Let's keep going? I think I know the route from here."
* Hikari shudders. "Let's move on, yes."
<Mykasi> "And keep your eyes open for dogs."
* Nagare nods and follows, whistling non-chalantly as if calling for a mutt.
> You get back on the road. There are a few other bizzare things along the way to Mab's Domain, but nothing that impedes your progress or looks like a canine. Eventually you find yourselves standing on teh street right outside of the raging battleground that must be passed throgh before you reach Mab's gate. (more)
> From the outside you can see things fighting in there. Pixies, of course, as well as one of the taller pixies with blue hair that Shiro warned you were strong. They seem to be fighting against a couple of those firebreathing lions with wheels, a squad of small floating weapons and shields with faces that are randomly attacking everything they get near, a miniature cyclops, and a few other strange things.
* Mykasi blinks, before glancing around again. "Let's... avoid that part of the field, shall we?"
* Nagare bobs his head, glancing at the predictable chaos. "Suddenly I'm reminded of Shiro."
<Hikari> "Indeed." Hikari looks for a good place to cross the field. Even if it takes longer, circling around that melee is a must.
> It's not all one giant battle, more multiple smaller fights happening all over the field. The problem with the 'parking lot' is that there isn't a clear way around the entire mess without getting in SOMETHING's attack reach.
* Hikari at least wants to avoid getting involved with Mab's goons, as ally or opponent, and opts to take whatever path will best avoid them.
* Mykasi follows Hikari's lead, ready to toss out illusions if necessary.
> The cyclops, which is the largest combatant on the field, is mixing it up near the center close to the gate of the castle, with the High Pixie and a few animated weapons wailing on it. And the base pixies are damn near everywhere, but at higher concentrations in certain places. Hikari starts trying to pick a way through the field...
> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 and gets 10."12 [2d8=7, 3]
> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 and gets 11."12 [2d8=8, 3]
> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 and gets 10."12 [2d8=4, 6]
> You make it nearly halfway through before a couple of flying impliments of war, two axes a spear and a shield, break off from some other conflict to come flying right at you! (OOC: init needed, even if you're going to try and bolt)
> roll 2d8+5 axe 1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+5 axe 1 and gets 13."12 [2d8=5, 3]
> roll 2d8+5 axe 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+5 axe 2 and gets 15."12 [2d8=3, 7]
> roll 2d8+6 spear
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 spear and gets 8."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> roll 2d8+4 shield
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+4 shield and gets 14."12 [2d8=3, 7]
<Nagare> roll 2d8+8 let's doubleturning!
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8+8 let's doubleturning! and gets 22."12 [2d8=8, 6]
<Hikari> roll 2d8+10
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8+10 and gets 19."12 [2d8=6, 3]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8+9 sorry, phone call
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8+9 sorry, phone call and gets 17."12 [2d8=4, 4]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > Hikari > Mykasi > Axe2 > Shield > Axe1 > Spear
> OOC: Nagare is up. You can see flying weapons coming RIGHT FOR YOU ALL.
* Nagare blinks and reflexively calls for Abartach's mists. (Trap of the Fianna)
> A fog whips up around the Persona Users, obscuring the sight and hearing of any who try to see through the mystic mist. Of course, this includes the Persona Users. (OOC: Hikari. You can see the shapes of the weapons coming at you, but trying to hit them with a ranged attack will be difficult)
* Hikari keeps on moving, barreling through the battlefield under the assumption that the professor is throwing up a smokescreen to facilitate their escape. Why else would he do it, right?
> Hikari dashes forward, sadly unable to see exactly what she's running towards until she bursts out of the mists...(which we'll deal with later. Mike.)
<Mykasi> "Ngh!" Mike mutters, confused by the mists! At a glance, he looks toward where he saw Hikari move and bursts after her!
> Mike dashes off after Hikari. Thankfully he can see better in this fog then the others and is able to keep a good eye on her! Then, as a group, the flying weapons all plunge into the fog!
> roll 4#2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 4#2d8 and gets 37."12 [4#2d8 = 13, 5, 9, 10]
> The two axes and the spear take a moment to get thier bearings, but the shield finds it's prey quickly and attempts to smash itself right into Nagare's noggin!
> roll 2d8 vs 8 noggin knockin
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 8 noggin knockin and gets 6."12 [2d8=4, 2]
> OOC: Roll defense Nagare.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 OHKO or no OHKO?
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 OHKO or no OHKO? and gets 10."12 [2d8=2, 8]
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 9."12 [2d8=2, 7]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 71/75 HP [90/90 EP]{-1 Mind}, Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> WHAM! The shield smacks Nagare right in the brainbox! Abartach's ever present armor softens the blow, but Nagare still feels like he got his bell rung. (OOC: Back to Nagare)
* Nagare rubs his head annoyedly, even feeling a bit... well, dumber than before, vaguely dizzy. He just uses that excuse to run the hell away, trying to follow the same direction he at least -thinks- he saw Mykasi and Hikari flee to.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 16."12 [1d100=16]
> OOC: Actually, Mind check prof.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 but I'm dumb!
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 but I'm dumb! and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
> Hikari bursts out of the mist and into...a thankfully reletively empty spot! There are fights going on around, but none RIGHT THERE so she has a bit of room to manuever. (OOC: And your turn Hikari)
* Hikari probably shouldn't leave her friends behind! So she'll hold position where she is for the moment, wait for the others to break out of the mist and melee, and pitch in to help if they need it when that happens.
> Hikari holds her ground, and Mike burts out of the mists right on her heels!(OOC: Go Mike.)
<Mykasi> "Argh! Where's the Prof?" Mike yells, looking around frantically.
> OOC: Roll Mind, Mike.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 right right
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 right right and gets 9."12 [2d8=6, 3]
> Thankfully Anansi's keen eyes can pierce the mists and it's largely only a hinderance to Mike's ears. So as he looks back, he can see the prof took off at an angle, he's not running towards you. Also in the fog, the weapons seem to be getting thier bearings, but it's hard to tell which direction something without legs is about to move in.
<Hikari> "I thought he was right behind us!" Hikari answers.
<Mykasi> "He's going off in that direction! Let's meet him there!" Mike points without looking at where he's actually pointing.
> OOC: You two can start moving that way this turn if you want.
<Hikari> OOC: let's!
> Hikari and Mike start moving towards where the prof is headed. Meanwhile...
> roll 4#2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 4#2d8 and gets 42."12 [4#2d8 = 13, 14, 7, 8]
> The weapons mill about a bit, not being entirely sure what's going on. Until one axe catches a glimpse of movement and hurls itself bodily towards the fleeing Nagare with a mad cackle that is muffled by the mists!
> roll 2d8 vs 6 axe to grind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 6 axe to grind and gets 9."12 [2d8=6, 3]
> The axe goes whizzing off at a slightly bad angle and zips past Nagare entirely, exiting the fog in a different direction. (Back to Nagare)
* Nagare keeps running in the direction he started moving towards. Maybe -now- he'll be able to flee the mist?
> Nagare breaks out of the mist, and...does not see Mike or Hikari there. Crap.
> Meanwhile, Mike can see Nagare break out of the mist(as Mike can see through the bit of it that seperates them).
<Mykasi> "Hey, Professor!" Mike bellows! "Keep going, Hikari!
* Nagare cringes, hearing Mykasi's voice as he's about to shout a profanity. "F- Mykasi! I'm over here!", he waves to Mike.
> OOC: That it for your turn, Nagare? If so, Mike/Hikari can actually go. And you can reach Nagare this round by plunging througha corner of the fog.
<Nagare> OOC: Yeah, sure.
* Mykasi leads the way through the fog to the Professor, keeping within sight of Hikari! He hopes.
<Hikari> "If you insist, Mike..." Hikari turns and keeps on running for the safety of the castle, hoping to find a clear path through the battlefield this time.
<Mykasi> "No, this way!" Mike bellows with a look back. "Keep going -this way-!"
<Hikari> "Make up your mind!" Hikari says as she rejoins the others.
> After a bit of confusion, the three all meet up just outside the fog. Meanwhile...
> roll 4#2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 4#2d8 and gets 41."12 [4#2d8 = 13, 9, 9, 10]
<Mykasi> "My mind was made up! You just can't follow directions!"
> The weapons are either still lost or have found something better to attack, as they aren't zipping out after you.(Free act, for now)
<Mykasi> "Alright." Mike says, pulling to a halt in front of the Professor. "Now that we're back together, let's get going to the gates."
> There a few fights going on somewhat near you, a gang of pixies trying to grab some of the weapons and wield them(to little success), two of the lion things squaring off agianst eachother and nothing else getting anywhere NEAR that.
* Nagare exhales. "I... honestly forgot why we're approaching Mab's domain again."
<Mykasi> "To talk to the Cerberus." Mike replies without missing a beat, looking in the direction of the gates.
<Hikari> "We were looking for a dog. We have found more or less everything but."
> Pretty much directly between you and the gate is the mess with the cyclops and the high pixie.
<Nagare> "... I'll be bitten."
> Around the cyclops mess is possible, but you'll have to get close to either the pixies vs weapons match or the two lionwheels.
<Hikari> "I hate to get involved, but..." Hikari shrugs. "Something's going to be in our way no matter what. Let's help push the cyclops down and then run for it?"
<Nagare> "How do you -push- something that big fast enough?"
<Mykasi> "How about I try illusioning it instead?" Mike offers.
<Hikari> "Killing it would probably suffice to make it fall down," Hikari explains. "but if we can avoid it altogether, please try."
* Mykasi nods, before conjuring... a sexy, barely-clad cyclops lady a small distance away from the fight, blowing kisses at the cyclops. And, preferably, invisible to everyone but the cyclops.
> OOC: roll mind for that, mikey.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 MAKING OUT WITH THE ONE EYED CYCLOPS
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 MAKING OUT WITH THE ONE EYED CYCLOPS and gets 9."12 [2d8=8, 1]
> roll 2d8 cyclops mind resist
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 cyclops mind resist and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 8]
> The cyclops seems destracted for a moment! Allowing the High Pixie to jump up and blast it with a lightning bolt right in the EYE. This makes the cyclops bellow and scream bloody murder and start doing it's damdest to create High Pixie Pancakes.
<Mykasi> "... that wasn't the anticipated result. Still, maybe we can go behind it now?"
<Hikari> "I think that qualifies as a success. Let's move while we have a chance."
<Nagare> "I honestly don't want to know -what- happened there."
* Mykasi nods and begins to run past the Cyclops/High Pixie fight!
> roll 2#2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2#2d8 and gets 25."12 [2#2d8 = 11, 14]
> Both of them seem a little too distracted trying to kill eachother to bother with a trio of humans quickly ducking past! A moment later, you reach the closed gate.
<Mykasi> "Right. Uh, try calling over the wall to Cerberus?" Mike suggests.
* Hikari knocks and calls over the wall: "Cerberus? Guardian of the gate? Hikari Ishigami requests entry!"
> There is a pause, then the gate is pushed open from the inside, while a deep voice echoes inside all of your minds, "Welcome, valkyrie."
* Hikari hurries on in, glad to be free of the mess outside.
* Mykasi follows quickly.
> The Cerberus is the same as it was before. A giagantic three headed, jet black dog the size of a skinny elephant. One of the heads inclines in greeting as you walk through the gate.
* Mykasi has to closely corral the urge to run up to it and hug one of its necks.
* Hikari waits 'til she's safely inside to bow. "Thank you."
* Nagare politely bows, as much out of slightly irrational fear of a gargantuan three-headed canine as out of respect.
* Mykasi bows as well after a moment of raptly staring at Cerby.
> As the last of you makes it in, a massive paw gently slides the gate closed again, but not before a different head takes a look out and growls at one of the animated shields that was skirting close.
* Mykasi looks to the Cerberus. "Ah, thank you. Ummm..." A glance to Hikari, since she's the one who Cerberus respects.
* Hikari idly scans the yard to see who/what else is around today before addressing Cerberus again. "We have a minnor favor to ask, if you don't mind?"
> There are a couple pixies around, as well as something that looks like a large teardrop shaped jewel with a face, but they aren't paying any more then cursory attention to you.
> Cerberus tilts one head to the side, "You may ask."
<Hikari> "It's more a question, actually. We require a canine to carry a message for us. I would not ask you to perform such a meagre task, of course--any capable of running far and long will do. Are there any nearby?"
> "A canine?" His voice repeats curiously as a different head stretches it's neck up thoughtfully, "Hmm. Few pass through my gates, fewer still that would deign to serve as a messenger. I know of a bird that will willingly carry any message without fear or question, if perhaps that would suffice?"
<Hikari> "We were instructed that dogs in particular would seek out the recipient of the message. But it might also be useful in the future to have such a bird available, I suppose."
<Mykasi> "Specifically, Vandal the Beholder." Mike bows slightly. "We have need of his talent for divination."
> "The bird roosts here from time to time, in between it's many flights. If you wish his service, he may be here, he may not." Cerberus thinks a bit longer, then as Mike offers the name of the recipient, Cerberus almost seems to...chuckle? "Ahhhh, yes. I could see your message to the Beholder easily enough. Though..." all three heads tilt back and forth a bit for a moment, a bit uncomfortably(more)
> "I...could do this favor for you, but I can only do you a single favor. And I have a warning you may wish to hear in it's stead. I will let you choose which favor you wish, Valkyrie."
* Hikari glances to the others, then back to Cerberus. "Say what needs to be said, then. I can tell it's a more serious matter than our simply looking for a messenger."
> Cerberus nods, "Be wary if you venture further into this domain. At my gate, you are safe, and the bird roosts here if you need him. But the Queens has heard rumors that you ally with her enemy. I know not the truth of these rumors, nor do I wish to know. But the rumor alone may be sufficient."
* Nagare whistles uncomfortably. "The news fly fast."
<Hikari> "It was with you that we wished to speak. We have little other business here. Thank you for the warning."
* Mykasi blinks. "Ri-iiiight. Okay, well. Thank you very much, Cerberus - it's a warning we'll need to keep to heart."
> One head nods, "I do not serve the Queen, but I am in her employ. I can offer you no more favors then the promise of saftey at my gate. Which is a promise that extends to many."
<Hikari> "We're thankful nevertheless," Hikari says. "It seems our stay here must be a brief one," she says to the others. "Shall we check in with Nozuchi and be on our way?"
<Nagare> "May as well make haste, then."
<Mykasi> "Thank you." Mike says, mentally making notes. "I may... need to visit here, but I've got reasons and I think I can convince them I'm not an enemy." With that, a nod to Hikari. "Sure. Poor thing."
<Hikari> "Very well." Hikari walks about the courtyard enough to get a look for the strange creature.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 be glad I looked back in
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 be glad I looked back in and gets 3."12 [2d8=2, 1]
> OOC: see PM
> ----------------------------------------------------

> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> The three Persona users have just spoken with Cerberus, and heard his warning about the rumors of thier affiliation reaching Mab's ears.
* Mykasi thinks for a moment. "Actually, let's stall on Nozuchi, thinking about it. I'll swing by and get the info later."
* Nagare bobs his head. Um sure?
<Hikari> "If you insist. You're sure you'll be safe here alone? And do we wish to bave the battlefield again, or simply find the nearest door to move back through the Velvet Room?"
<Mykasi> "Nozuchi announces us. We don't quite want that, now do we?" Mike notes. "And... your call. We still need to deliver the letter somehow, if we can, and frankly I don't see any one place as being better than another for looking. Maybe the Zoo, but."
* Nagare coughs. "My vote is against strolling through the battlefield, for the record."
<Mykasi> "Hikari?" Mike looks. "I'm okay with either but kinda wouldn't mind sticking around and looking more."
<Hikari> "Mine as well. It's always an awful mess out there. Braving it once in a day is quite enough."
<Mykasi> "Very well." Mike nods, looking around for a close door.
<Mykasi> Before pausing and glancing at the gate itself. "Maybe we can use this, if that's okay?"
> The gateway itself doesn't have keyhole, but there is a small door near it that seems to lead inside the wall.
> Cerberus looks down at you, "Use it...for what?"
* Hikari points to the latter. "That should suffice, I think."
<Hikari> "Only what doors are meant for. Though we won't be heading otuside, precisely."
* Nagare picks the key from his pocket and heads towards the door to open it. "You'll understand."
<Mykasi> "Ah, that'd work." Mike nods before looking to Cerberus with a slight bow. "Basically, that. We return home via keyhole."
> Cerberus shrugs, an interesting motion on a three headed dog, "Very well. If this causes any mischief in the castle, it will be your own mess to clean."
<Hikari> "As always, we accept full responsibility for our own actions."
> Nagare fits the key in, and it opens up the portal to the Velvet Room as usual.
* Hikari hads on through!
* Hikari heads on through!
* Nagare waves to Cerberus as he enters. "Thank you for your time. Until we meet again."
* Mykasi bows once more to Cerberus, before following Hikari, whispering under his breath, "doggydoggydoggydoggy"
> (OOC: Shed a golden tear, for your mother deaaaar~ And change what's left of the scene for me!)
> The three pass through the Velvet Room and step back into Satomi Tadashi. The old man clerk is looking right at you as you enter, but doesn't seem to be phased much. "Ah, did you forget something earlier?"
<Mykasi> "Ah, yes. Sorry." Mike says, walking up to the counter and pulling out the Bottle of SUNshine. "Any more of these in, idly?"
* Nagare coughs, trying to appear nonchalant with likely little success. "Ah, let us say that we did."
<Hikari> "I forgot to make a phone call," Hikari says, pausing to dial up Shiro.
> "Hmm," the old man strokes his beard thoughtfully, "Perhaps." Motioning Mike to follow, he slowly makes his way over to the energy drink section.
* Mykasi follows the old man curiously.
> H: the phone rings a couple of times, then Shiro picks up, "WHat's up?
> "
<Hikari> "We may be making a trip to the zoo. Care to show us the way? I would also be interested in knowing where it corresponds to in the real world."
> H: there's a snort from the other end before Shiro actually responds, "You guys looking for a brawl, huh? Nice timing there, I'm not getting back to town until late tonight. And I really do not think you should go in there without me, I'd put good odds on one of you not coming back out. Probably the doc."
<Hikari> "We're merely looking for a dog and couldn't think of a more obvious place to find one. I suppose we'll look elsewhere."
* Mykasi glances over the energy drink section when they get there, looking it over.
> M: The old man proceeds to pick through the horribly organized section very slowly. As he works, he chuckles, "Haha, you youngsters and your energy drinks. Good strong tea not enough for today's busy world anymore?"
<Mykasi> "Good strong tea is quite nice, but not on the go." Mike smiles, also keeping a keen eye out for some. "I never find it sits well. Best fresh. But perhaps that's just how I make it - any advice?"
> H: "Uh...yeah. This Zoo isn't the kind of place you go to meet animals. It's the place you go to rumble. MAybe try the food court again, there's all kinds of shadows that show up there all the time. Maybe one of them's seen a dog at least?"
<Hikari> "The food court? Actually, I believe we did see one there. Of sorts. Perhaps that will do after all."
> M/N: Eventually he manages to find another bottle of it, "Aha, here we are." He hands the bottle to Mike and shuts the door, then considers a bit longer, "Hmm. It is best fresh, but I personally find even settled tea to be more refreshing then these additive laden concoctions. I suppose it's all a matter of taste."
<Mykasi> "Thank you." Mike nods. "And I can see that, but it may be taste combined with my one adaptation to such additives." A slight pause. "Abrupt topic change, but I would guess you noticed the key the Professor has?"
> H: "Alright, anything else up?"
> M/N: "Hmm?" The old man nods, "Ah, yes it seems to be a lovely antique. Are you a collector, sir?" he pleasently inquires to Nagare.
<Hikari> "Not immediately, no. Though I should note that Mab's followers are now somewhat aware of our preferred company these days and will likely be even less friendly than usual from now on. I could tell you to be careful if you go roaming the Dream on your own, but I doubt it's necessary.""
* Nagare shakes his head. "Not exactly. This is a bit of an accidental relic."
> H: Shiro's quiet for a moment, "Alright, yeah. I'll make sure I don't go through at the school for awhile then."
<Hikari> "Our presence isn't likely to be welcomed there any more, no."
> M/N: "Hmm, well I'm afraid I only collect Japanese antiques myself, and that looks more European of some sort, so I'm not sure how I could help you. Though," he muses as you all walk back to the register, "if you're looking to have it appraised, I think the antique dealer I used to visit here is still in business?"
* Nagare scratches his chin pensively. "Hm. I'm not actually interested in selling the key, but the address of the antique dealer might be interesting regardless."
> The old man rings up the energy drink for Mike, then quickly scratches down the address of the antique store on the back of the recepit, "There you are. Now is there anything else I can help you with today?"
<Mykasi> "Not a thing. Thanks, though!" Mike pipes up cheerfully.
<Mykasi> "...or at least I hope. We're kinda notoriously absentminded. It's a pleasure to meet you, though! Do you work here often?"
> "Only upon occassion."
* Mykasi nods again. "Well, take care!"
> H: "Alright, thanks for the heads up. I'll catch up with you tomorrow sometime. Later."
* Hikari hangs up and nods to the shopkeep. "We'll be leaving the way we just came in. You seem remarkably undisturbed by this occurrence, if you don't mind my noting this and wondering why."
> "Occurance?" the old man asks, "It's not so odd to have customers come in twice in the same day."
* Mykasi gives Hikari as good of a polite Look as he can manage.
<Hikari> "I suppose not," Hikari says after a moment. "Have a pleasant evening, then."
* Nagare snickers and pats Hikari. "You're probably just imagining things, lady."
<Hikari> "This is not one of my principal skills. Shall we go?"
<Mykasi> "Very well." Mike nods, waving to the shopkeep as they depart.
* Nagare waves to the shopkeep as well, lightly dragging Hikari. Good thing this -isn't- the Dream.
> And thus Nagare pulls out the key and uses it on the door again, leading you into the Velvet Room...
> (OOC: She is the Scene, she knows when and where to Change~)
> And you move back through the Velvet Room and onto the street between Master Frost's Emporium and the Vermillion Glow for the second time today.
<Hikari> "We could try the Wilder Ness," Hikari suggests. "As I recall, we spoke with something resembling a dog while there. Close enough, perhaps?"
<Mykasi> "Alright. So what's ne-" Mike says, before pausing and listening to Hikari. "...wasn't that a spirit?"
* Nagare eyes Mykasi. "A dog spirit."
<Hikari> "It looked like a dog. Albeit one with a noodle somewhere in its ancestry. I'm hoping that will be sufficient."
<Mykasi> "Yes, but I would think non-canine-" Mike stops there and shakes his head. "Okay, fine. Let's try it, though I'm not optimistic."
<Hikari> "If you have other suggestions, do share them. Shiro considered visiting the zoo at night nigh suicidal, however."
<Nagare> "It's better than trying it at the Vermillion Glow and hoping etymological slang games will get us through, you have to admit."
* Mykasi shrugs. "I don't, so let's try this."
> OOC: Mind checks, if you're trying to figure out the way to the Food Court.
<Hikari> roll 2d6 this will surely demand a reroll
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d6 this will surely demand a reroll and gets 7."12 [2d6=6, 1]
<Mykasi> roll 2d6 sure, Mike can try, he's probably hungry
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d6 sure, Mike can try, he's probably hungry and gets 2."12 [2d6=1, 1]
> Hikari can get a vague sense of what direction to go, while...Mike is hungry. Man is Mike hungry. And he knows JUST where to get food!
<Mykasi> "..." Mike looks down at his stomach for a minute in vague embarrassment as it suddenly -growls- like a rabid tiger near a Jeep packed with fat European tourists. "...I think I know where the food court is."
<Hikari> "Lead the way, then?"
<Mykasi> "Uh... yeaaaah." Mike says, gesturing in the right direction.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 36."12 [1d100=36]
* Nagare shrugs. "I've seen less logical things even outside the Dream. Lead us on."
> The food court stands out to Mike like a brightly lit beacon that he can't exactly see but knows right where it is. With ease, he navigates you through the pathways until you reach your destination, the only thing of exceptional note along the way being a pair of disembodied baseball gloves playing catch with something that looked bloody.
<Mykasi> "So yeah here it is do we have any spare Macca I'd like something to eat." Mike slurs out.
* Hikari hands over what she has left.
<Mykasi> "Thanks." And with that, Mike jogs in and looks around for something that looks good!
<Hikari> "It makes one wonder," Hikari says, watching, "if we kept Mike hungry all the time, would we never have trouble finding our way around?"
* Mykasi quickly buys a ... well, it's wrapped in a bread-like substance, and the inside smells -delectable-, so whatever, really. With that, he jogs back out, nibbling on it happily. "Okhay so whath now?"
<Nagare> "Only if our sole destination was the food court."
<Hikari> "We check the Wilder Ness, if it's open." Hikari looks around for it.
> it's not hard to find, just outside the Food Court. The doors aren't open just yet, the sign outside says that the lights come on when teh sun goes down. Which from looking at it should be sometime within the half-hour at most.
<Mykasi> "Let's kick around here for a bit and explore some? I can get us back here whenever, I think." Mike says before snarfing another bit of the tortilla-like.
<Hikari> "It couldn't hurt to look around some. How far did you plan on going?"
> The inside seems to be filled with some kind of meet-ish flavored geletin-like substance. It's tasty at least, even if you have no fucking idea what it is.
<Mykasi> "Iunno. Just wanted to wander a bit, see if we could find anything interesting? As I said, I think I can get us back here whenever." Mike replies. "I don't think I could lose the place that sells these, ever."
<Hikari> "I hadn't planned on leaving the food court proper, but if you insist we can see where else your stomach decides to lead us."
<Nagare> "As long as it doesn't take us away from the food court, but being a slave to treats has its perks."
> You all dick around the food court area for a bit until the sun is well and truely down. There seem to be some interesting shops, and funny shaped residences, around, but nothing jumps out and says boo. It seems that the Seiryuu's "no violence" policy may extend a bit beyond the range of the court proper, or at least the locals observe it as such. Just in case.
> By the time you return to the Wilder Ness, the lights are on and the door is unlocked.
<Mykasi> "Sweet. Let's see if your spirit's actually a dog, then?" Mike shrugs.
<Hikari> "It looked like one. I'm not sure what else it could be." Hikari heads inside, looking around the for the creature.
> The inside...okay, this place couldn't have been open for more then five minutes maximum yet and already it's full of shadows with various animal traits just as before. And you didn't exactly see anyone outside heading towards the place while you were wandering around either. (more)
> Regardless, the dog-noodle-spirit-thing, Inugami, is contorting around in the air over near a chubby elephant-man with a big honking sword. And cackling like an idiot, of course.
<Mykasi> "Well, let's go talk to him?" Mike suggests with a shrug.
* Hikari walks up to it. "Excuse me?" she says politely.
* Nagare clears his throat. "As a preamble, we may be about to badly insult you. We do not mean to, however."
> The elephant man turns to look down at you. This guy is easily nine feet tall, and probably five feet wide. He doesn't say anything though, just LOOKS at you. After a moment you get Inugami's attention as well and it coils around so one of its' eyes is facing you at all times as it swirls, "Aha..haha..hAHAhellolololoooo!"
<Hikari> "We require the services of a dog. You appear to qualify, although admittedly that's been the subject of some debate."
> Inugami swivles his head so it's upside down and looking at you, "Well..." he starts seriously then pauses for effect a moment before finishing, "I'm certainly not a CAT!" and then burts out laughing.
<Mykasi> "I'd hope not. That'd get somewhat confusing." Mike dryly replies.
<Mykasi> Then, remembering he has the letter, Mike pulls it out. "It's my understanding that you and your kin can deliver a letter to Vandal the Beholder?"
> That actually shuts his laughing up almost immediately. Peering at the letter, Inugami seems far more focused then a moment before, "The Beholder, you say?"
<Mykasi> "Yeah. We're looking for someone who's disappeared, but don't know where to look, so to speak. Thus, wanting to contact him."
> Inogami snakes his head out, then bites the letter and swallows it in one gulp, "Done. He knows of your letter, he'll respond to you...or not, as he wills."
> Then he shakes his head fairly hard and starts spinning again, "Hey you know what's funny? Oranges. Was it a color first, or a fruit? Does anyone know?"
<Mykasi> "It was a concept in the eyes of the Elder Gods." Mike grins. "And thanks. Sorry for the intrusion."
<Hikari> "Yes, thank you. Apologies for the interruption." Hikari nods to Inugami and the elephant man, then steps away.
> The elephant man doesn't nod back, he just keeps staring at you until you're well away from him.
> Inugami doesn't aknowledge the thanks at all, he seems to be waxing philisophical about tentacled oranges. Or maybe orange tentacles. It's hard to tell.
* Nagare clasps his hands. "... that was inordinately simple."
* Mykasi backs away until he's out of range of the elephant man and walks out from there.
<Hikari> "I am not about to complain." Hikari follows Mike outside. "Well, where shall we go now?"
* Nagare shuffles away as well. "I have to wonder if they just stay in there -all day and night-."
<Mykasi> "This is the Dream, they probably magically appear in there by willing it." Mike comments, before shrugging. "Honestly? I don't know, it's too late for much else. Should we go see about that bandit issue?"
<Hikari> "We could. Whatever money and goodwill we gain from dealing with them would be welcome, I suppose."
<Mykasi> "Right, then." Mike shrugs, before attempting to figure out where that little city stretch was...
> OOC: Mind check, you know the drill
<Nagare> roll 2d8 epic pathfinding
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 epic pathfinding and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 righty-o, let's see if Mike EPICALLY KNOWS WHERE HE'S PROMISED A JORB
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 righty-o, let's see if Mike EPICALLY KNOWS WHERE HE'S PROMISED A JORB and gets 6."12 [2d8=5, 1]
<Hikari> roll 2d6 unnecessary but hey
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d6 unnecessary but hey and gets 11."12 [2d6=5, 6]
> It's frankly hard to think of. Like there's nothing there to really grasp on. Mike...thinks he knows what direction it's in? But it's nowhere near as clear as his directions to Mab's or the Food Court.
* Mykasi hums. "I... think... I ... might know the direction. Hum. Let's try this way." With that, he sets off!
<Hikari> "I can get us to Binary Sector, at least," Hikari says. "Is that close enough, you think?"
<Mykasi> "We'll try that if we can't find it this way." Mike shrugs.
* Hikari nods and follows Mike for now.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 2."12 [1d100=2]
* Nagare follows behind as well. It worked once... might as well give the benefit of doubt.
> Mike leads the way as best he can remember. Unfortunately the impulse was just a single thought of direction, it doesn't seem to refocus well whenever he has to take detours and go around problems. Such as a pack of a dozen wolves sitting in a perfect circle all staring outward and not moving so much as a centimeter, but all looking fairly angry about something.
> (OOC: I dunno if you wall want to poke into that, if not I'll just move you onward)
<Hikari> OOC: let's not!
<Mykasi> OOC: Yeah, let's pass.
> You circle around the wolves, who seem content to let you do such so long as you don't get too close. That does have you going a bit out of your way, but after a bit of stumbling around you manage to locate a part of town that looks like victorian england in chrome and flashing lights. Which is about what it looked like where you fought the Basked Mandits before.
> There aren't many people out on the street at this time of night, but it's at least well lit thanks to the regular street lamps.
<Mykasi> "Right. Let's see if we can figure out where the Constable is?" Mike asks after a moment taken to adjust.
* Hikari looks around for anything resembling a police building.
> A bit of wandering around does get a building conveniently labled "Police Station" within view!
* Hikari walks right up and opens the door, then.
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike says, following Hikari.
<Nagare> "If only everything was labeled this clearly in the Dream."
> The door swings open and reveals a desk with the constable from before, a man-shaped pile of lines and boxes with a metallic green mask where the head should be, standing behind it shuffling through some... large numbers made of black metal in a jumble on his desk.
> He looks up as you enter, then greets you, "Aha, the civilian heroes from before. Here to report something, or dare I hope you're here about taking on the rest of that band liek I mentioned last time?"
* Hikari walks to the desk. "We had considered such, yes. Remind us what you know of their numbers and location?"
<Mykasi> "The latter, if we could." Mike says from behind Hikari.
* Nagare scratches his head. "The 'hero' moniker honestly makes me a little uneasy. But that's neither here or there."
> The Constable nods, "My investigations lead me to believe that there are a full half-dozen more of the pests, assuming they haven't assembled reinforcements in the meantime. I've managed to get an eye on where they've been seen skulking around, but I don't know the exact location of thier hideout."
<Hikari> "It's a start. Where should we begin looking?"
* Mykasi listens closely at this.
> "Windson!" the Constable calls out, which prompts what looks for all the world like a three inch tall pocketwatch with legs and a tiny metalic green mask like the constable's own to rush into the room. The watch also has four arms on it's face, and there don't appear to be numbers there so much as symbols.
> As the watch-man runs out, the Constable gestures to him, "Windson here can lead you to where the eye has spotted the Mandit gang, no problems at all."
<Mykasi> "Alright. Thanks!" Mike nods.
<Mykasi> And with that Mike ambles off quickly afte rhim.
* Hikari follows!
* Nagare practically grabs onto Hikari's shoulder to follow the others.
> The little watch man jogs down the streets, occasionally looking back to make sure you're still following, then turning back around to rush off further. You get a decent distance away from the Chrome Victorian area, in a different direction then the Binary Section lies, and into a part of town that's back in the mish-mash style of most of the city(more)
> Only...everything here seems just run down and ragged. No matter what style or strangeness the buildings are, they seem in disrepair. Metal is rusted, wood is broken in places and rotted in other, paint on anything is chiped and faded. And the very few working streetlights aren't giving off enough light to really see by, being flickering and weak.(more)
> The watch gestures around and makes the hands on it's face spin excitedly! Then without so much as a by-your-leave, jumps into Nagare's coat pocket to hide.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "... I have no words."
* Mykasi peers around closely, wondering if he can spot any of them from here as he slowly begins to walk forward.
<Hikari> "Even a Dream city has its slums, I see." Hikari strolls down the street, eyeing the buildings for any sign of habitation, light from inside, anything.
> Even Mike has issues seeing clearly here, though he at least can see better then the others. (Roll mind to spot things. There is a fairly sizable penalty, mind)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 spit spot
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 spit spot and gets 9."12 [2d8=4, 5]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for Mind's Eye
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for Mind's Eye and gets 13."12 [2d8=7, 6]
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 10."12 [2d8=3, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 reroll
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 reroll  and gets 10."12 [2d8=8, 2]
> It's faint...but Mike thinks he noticed a small glimmer of silver going around a corner up ahead.
* Mykasi gestures and leads the way toward that dot, keeping his eyes well peeled for any further movement in that area.
* Hikari follows along, moving as quietly as she can to avoid alerting any nearby bandits.
> OOC: You moving after it slowly or quickly?
<Mykasi> OOC: Mike would be moving decently fast to try and catch up
* Nagare follows, paying attention to the flanks behind his colleagues.
> Mike rounds the corner just in time to catch a small blur of motion pulling into a third story window in the dead end alleway he rushed into.
<Mykasi> "Third story window." Mike hisses, looking for an obvious way up while gesturing to the window for the benefit of the other two.
* Hikari nods, looking for a ground floor entrance in the same building.
> The alleyway has no light sources at all, making it difficult to make any detail at all in there. Only what faint bit trickles in from the flickering light around the corner. The wall itself seems to be rough and have some broken areas that you might be able to climb, as well as the windowsills of the two windows below your target one. But other then that, nothing.
<Hikari> "Are we all up to making that climb?" Hikari whispers. "Otherwise, we surely enter through the lowest window."
* Mykasi eyes the professor for a moment, looking him up and down.
> There isn't a ground floor entrance in that alleyway, aside from the first floor window. Which is shut and locked.(OOC: staying there, or wandering out to check other sides of the building?)
* Nagare deflates. "If you're that wary of my physical prowess, you two can climb while I stand watch for you."
<Hikari> "I'd rather we didn't split up when a fight waits in the near future."
<Mykasi> "I didn't say that. Kinda the opposite, actually." Mike shakes his head, looking at the climb again. "It's worth a shot, at least? Unless you wanna break in the lowest window, Hikari."
<Hikari> "I surely can. The noise may alert them, however. A fair risk, you think?"
<Mykasi> "They may already know of our presence." Mike shrugs. "So, yes."
<Nagare> "You know, we -could- muffle the sound with Abartach's mist, but I'm not sure if it wouldn't alert them anyway."
<Mykasi> "Hm. How much vertical reach does the mist have?" Mike asks, looking up at the window.
<Hikari> "Up to you, professor." Hikari walks to the window, ready to call Brynhildr to smash it in as soon as the others are ready.
<Mykasi> "It's worth a shot, yeah. You two stay close to me? I can see through it decently okay."
* Nagare assesses the height. "Hmmmm. Just give me a slight leverage and I could cover the third story with it just fine. It's not a bad shot."
* Mykasi nods and leads Nagare over to the broken wall. "Get up a bit on this, I'll support you if you begin to slip."
* Nagare nods and tries climbing it a bit to get enough height to reach the third story with the mist casting.
> Abartach appears, gives Nagare and Mike funny looks, then shrugs and gestures to make the mist appear where Nagare's wanting it.
* Nagare awkwardly scratches his head as the summon appears. "I may have done something wrong as far as he's concerned."
<Mykasi> "...yeah. Anansi's snickering." Mike mutters with a slight tinge of annoyance. "I think I know what's happening, but we don't have any proof... ...give me a moment."
* Mykasi shakes his head. "Alright, let's try this. I have a bad feeling but we'll see. Anansi, enjoy this shit. Pretensious arse."
<Mykasi> "Hikari, break the window?"
* Nagare shakes his head as he goes down. "You give me good reason to keep my relationship with Abartach civil and a bit detached, Mykasi."
<Mykasi> "You have no concept of fun."
* Hikari nods, casually punches in the first floor and knocks in all the jagged shards of glass around the edges.
> The sound of the breaking window, much like the sound of your conversation, is muted by the Fianna's Trap. As soon as the window has a hole in it, the mist seems to eagerly seep inside and spread there as well.
* Hikari climbs inside!
* Mykasi follows closely behind Hikari with this, not willing to lose sight of her as he gestures to Nagare.
> It's pitch dark inside, a fact not helped in the least by the mist. Between the two, even Mike can't see more then a foot or so beyond his face, and to the others it makes vision impossible.
<Hikari> Perhaps this wasn't the best of plans! Hikari gropes around in the dark--maybe there's a light switch or a lamp somewhere?
* Nagare follows behind and practically stops to a halt as he gets in. This darkness is quite inconvenient.
<Mykasi> "Alright. Everyone stay near me." Mike says loudly (though muted in the mist) as he takes the professor's shoulder in his hand before following where Hikari went. "Though... easier said than done, here."
> Hikari's groping around in the dark doesn't seem to trun up anything but more wall. And...somethig sticky.
> Mike bumps into Hikari shortly.
<Hikari> "Urgh." Hikari quickly stops touching...whatever it is.
<Hikari> "Doesn't anyone at least have a lighter, or some matches?"
* Mykasi looks around for a door... before pausing. "No, but I do have some light. Should I try it here?"
<Hikari> "I'm useless as it stands. I need to see what's around us."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike mutters. "Stay still for a moment." With that, he pulls out the bottle of SUNshine and opens it.
* Nagare boggles as he gives up finding his lighter within his pockets. "You could have waited until I got my lighter."
> The bottle of SUNshine...when opened it does in fact seem to glow. Not very strongly, and hard to see in the fog. But it's there. It also smells like a warm summer day back in California, out in the hills where there's barely a person in sight.
<Mykasi> "...well, shit. This makes me homesick." Mike says after a moment, before passing it to Hikari. "Use your lighter to aid yourself, Prof?" he suggests.
* Hikari takes the bottle, moves it around in front of her. Hopefully she can get an idea of the room's dimensions, and ways out of it. And she can't help but look for whatever it was she put her hand in.
* Nagare shrugs and nonchalantly looks for his lighter, -now- finding it and firing it up. "Given how we've been doing this infiltration, I'm a few inches from just lighting a cigarette period here."
<Mykasi> "Wait until we give up and just decide to light the place on fire." Mike suggest, peering around hard. "Let's try to find a way upstairs, first."
> The bottle of SUNshine can be used like a makeshift flashlght, just don't tilt it. Hikari gets a good look at what she stuck her hand in. It's purple, and that's all there is to say about it. Fortunately, the smell of the bottle overwhelms any bad smells in here. It's reminds her of that time her father actually took them on a family vacation instead of a buisness vacation, to that sunny beach during spring break.
* Hikari walks until she sees a wall. Once that's accomplished, she'll walk along the wall until she finds a door.
> The bottle gives off just enough light that she can vaguely pick her way around the room and see what's to be seen. The place is a wreck, and messy. Very messy. There seems to be a door on teh other side of the room, locked of course.
* Nagare blinks and thinks for a moment and realizes something, thinking a bit harder. Then, he suddenly snaps at the thoughts of Abartach, willing for the mist to recede with his thoughts. -Then-, he deflates. "I can be -very- dense."
* Mykasi begins to stumble along with Hikari. "Break it?" Mike shrugs after a moment... before looking to Nagare. "..."
> The mist vanishes as quickly as it came.
> The room is now dark, but without the fog you can all use the light coming from the bottle to see at least somewhat.
* Nagare shrugs to Mykasi. "Crippling mental vices aren't exclusive to the young and unsteady."
<Hikari> Well, that won't keep her here for long. "Perhaps this will help in more ways than one," she says, summoning the lightblade from its card form. And then applying it to the locked door with all due force.
* Mykasi takes the bottle back from Hikari and inhaling deeply before glancing to the professor. "Right."
> The lightblade also gives off a slight glow, more like a giant glowstick then a real light source but at least it's something. It also makes short work of the door, which seemed to have been not only locked but bolted and boarded up from the other side. Not that this mattered to the lightblade with Hikari's force behind it.
* Hikari steps through the breach and looks around.
* Mykasi follows, light source of the SUN in hand.
* Nagare follows as well, still tempted to light up a cigarette.
> It's another wrecked room, this one with a very moist patchy carpet instead of hardwood for a floor. There are a couple doors leading out of this one, one just a doorway with no actual door at all that looks to elad out into some kind of hallway.
<Mykasi> "... I see." Mike shrugs. "Any opinions as to where the up route is?"
* Hikari heads for the hallway. Better chance of there being stairs out there.
* Mykasi follows with a slight paranoid shrug.
* Nagare follows as well.
> The hallway has three doors, one that's straight across from the one you just came out of, one against the righthand wall that's a bit larger then the others...and one at the top of some stairs!
<Hikari> "Shall we bother looking around, or simply head straight up?"
* Nagare mutters. "The next hallway will have animals and cars running off some fifty-odd doors, won't it."
<Mykasi> "Head up." Mike says. "Our best bet is to go up there and catch the one we're decently confident is there."
* Nagare shrugs, giving up and lighting a cigarette as he eyes the stairway under the dim light. "See Mykasi without the fancy justification. Simpler is better at this point."
> The door at the top of the stairs is also locked tight, of course.
<Mykasi> "Likely locked everything to make the third door route the only way in or out. Which means they may hear us and just flee, but..." Mike muses.
<Hikari> It takes more than a lock to sop Hikari! She'll just hack her way through them until someone has the sense to put a metal bank vault door in front of her.
> the door splinters magnificently! Then before the dust even settles a couple of laser bolts whip out of the door!
> roll 2d8 vs 5 blind potshot 1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 5 blind potshot 1 and gets 5."12 [2d8=3, 2]
> roll 2d8 vs 5 blind potshot 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 5 blind potshot 2 and gets 13."12 [2d8=8, 5]
> OOC: One defense check, Hikari.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 10."12 [2d8=8, 2]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 may as well reroll fairly late in session and all
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 may as well reroll fairly late in session and all and gets 8."12 [2d8=1, 7]
> one laser goes wide, while the other is dead on target...but at the last second Brynhildr materializes in front of Hikari and blocks it with her spear, 3"No."
> OOC: Init time guys
<Hikari> roll 2d8+10
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8+10 and gets 19."12 [2d8=2, 7]
<Nagare> roll 2d8+8 I need to boost my ACV
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8+8 I need to boost my ACV and gets 16."12 [2d8=3, 5]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8+9 wakka
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8+9 wakka and gets 21."12 [2d8=6, 6]
> roll 2d8+6 BM1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 BM1 and gets 21."12 [2d8=7, 8]
> roll 2d8+6 BM2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 BM2 and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 1]
> roll 2d8+6 BM3
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 BM3 and gets 12."12 [2d8=2, 4]
> roll 2d8+6 BM4
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 BM4 and gets 17."12 [2d8=4, 7]
> roll 2d8+8 BM5
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+8 BM5 and gets 24."12 [2d8=8, 8]
> roll 2d8+8 BM6
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+8 BM6 and gets 24."12 [2d8=8, 8]
> 4INIT ORDER: BM5 > BM6 > Mykasi > BM1 > Hikari > BM4 > Nagare > BM2 > BM3
> Sounds of scrambling are going on inside, Hikari can see movement but not who in particular is moving with the meager light her sword gives off. Still better then nothing, since she can at least guess at there being 4 or more seperate shapes. Two of them are only a few feet from her, too!(OOC: Go mike)
* Mykasi mutters and calls forth Anansi! ...who of course is dressed in a New York Yankees outfit, causing Mike to groan as the spider chucks up two large balls of ice and bats them at one of the skulking figures!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 Ice ice baby
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 Ice ice baby and gets 15."12 [2d8=7, 8]
> The ice ball goes soaring right past the bandit, and Anansi yells, "Hah! Steeeerike one!"
<Mykasi> "Anansi, shut the fuck up."
> The first bandit, one of the two right in front of Hikari who already has a gun drawn...shoots her!
> roll 2d8 vs 6 no longer a potshot still kinda blind though
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 6 no longer a potshot still kinda blind though and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
> OOC: Hikari is up
* Hikari dashes right towards the bandit shooting at her and swings the lightblade at its wireframe head!
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 5."12 [2d8=4, 1]
> roll 2d8 vs 4 defense
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 defense and gets 9."12 [2d8=5, 4]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 damageification
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 damageification and gets 7."12 [2d8=3, 4]
> 4INIT ORDER: BM5 > BM6 > Mykasi > Hikari > BM4 > Nagare > BM2 > BM3
> The lightblade slams into the pesky bugger and scatters his parts all over the room like a shoddily constructed toy that a pit bull got ahold of.
> Now that she's more in the room, Hikari can see another couple of bandits scrambling to get thier guns out and get in gear. (OOC: Nagare, go. There's still one basically right next to Hikari witha gun already out)
* Nagare tries to attack the silhouette that seems closest to Hikari, calling Abartach's shadows to attack the bandit.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 hahahaha
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 hahahaha and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
> roll 2d8 vs 4 defense
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 defense and gets 12."12 [2d8=4, 8]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 who cares he's exploding
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 who cares he's exploding and gets 6."12 [2d8=4, 2]
> 4INIT ORDER: BM5 > BM6 > Mykasi > Hikari > BM4 > Nagare > BM3
> Abartach appears, and sends out his spiral of darkness, almost impossible to see right now. It gently touches the bandit...and entwines around and through him until he simply collapses and fades away, leaving his silvery mask behind.
> Another bandit manages to get himself in gear, while two others quickly kick a table over for cover and start firing from behind it!
> roll 2d8 vs 9 laser on Hikari 1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 laser on Hikari 1 and gets 8."12 [2d8=7, 1]
> roll 2d8 vs 9 laser on Hikari 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 laser on Hikari 2 and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 dodgery
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 dodgery and gets 7."12 [2d8=3, 4]
> Again, Brynhildr deflects the laser bolt with her spear!
* Mykasi leaps in, following Hikari, and directs Anansi at the one still standing in the open, cueing Anansi to pitch eight small snowballs at the fool!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 KYAR, ICE SMASH
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 KYAR, ICE SMASH and gets 6."12 [2d8=5, 1]
> roll 2d8 vs 4 dodge
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 dodge and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 3]
> Right before impact, the bandit collapses into a jumble of lines and boxes, and the snowballs go right over him! Then he reassembles himself in seconds, amazing! (OOC: Now go Hikari. Also, body check when you charge before you swing)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 body check
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 body check and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 attack roll
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 attack roll and gets 8."12 [2d8=3, 5]
> roll 2d8 vs 7 defense
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 7 defense and gets 2."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> Hikari charges, almost tripping over junk she can't see on the floor but powering through it instead of falling over. But as she swings, the bandit does what his partner before him did, collapsing behind the table and dodging entirely, then quickly reforming!
> There are two bandits not behind the table. One takes aim at Mike, firing off a quick laser shot!
> roll 2d8 vs 6 laser on Mikey
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 6 laser on Mikey and gets 10."12 [2d8=2, 8]
> Which misses entirely and scorches the wall. (Go nagare)
* Nagare tries to aim at the remaining unprotected bandit, directing Abartach's magic towards him.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 will lightning strike twice!?
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 will lightning strike twice!? and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
> It's hard to aim, even for Abartach, and the dark spiral just barely misses the bandit.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 71/75 HP [70/90 EP]{-1 Mind}, Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> The bandit fires back at Nagare, while the two behind the table back up a bit and concentrate fire on Hikari.
> roll 2d8 vs 6 shoot the doctor
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 6 shoot the doctor and gets 14."12 [2d8=8, 6]
> roll 2d8 vs 9 shoot the valkyrie 1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 shoot the valkyrie 1 and gets 8."12 [2d8=3, 5]
> roll 2d8 vs 9 shoot the valkyrie 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 shoot the valkyrie 2 and gets 10."12 [2d8=2, 8]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 dodgery again
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 dodgery again and gets 10."12 [2d8=5, 5]
> OOC: your DCV is 8. Taking it or rerolling?
<Hikari> OOC: eh, I'll save rerolls for attacks for now
> roll 2d8 damage on Hikari
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage on Hikari and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 36/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 71/75 HP [70/90 EP]{-1 Mind}, Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> One blast streaks past Brynhildr's protection and takes Hikari dead in the chest. It hurts just as bad as it did the last time, taking the wind out of her hard. (OOC: Mike)
* Mykasi grunts and advances forward a touch, Anansi suddenly turning serious (and acquiring a mafioso outfit instead) as machine gun bullets of ice go flying at the opponent in the open!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 ratatatatatatatatata
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 ratatatatatatatatata and gets 10."12 [2d8=4, 6]
> The bullets seem to only fly through the holes in the bandit's boxy body. (Hikari)
<Hikari> "You..." Hikari wheezes. "Let's see how brave you are once the odds are even!" Hikari swings again at the bandit in front of her.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 16."12 [2d8=8, 8]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 fuck you Hatbot
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 fuck you Hatbot and gets 7."12 [2d8=6, 1]
> roll 2d8 vs 7 defense
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 7 defense and gets 12."12 [2d8=5, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 die
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 die and gets 10."12 [2d8=7, 3]
> 4INIT ORDER: BM5(40 dmg) > BM6 > Mykasi > Hikari > BM4 > Nagare > BM3
> The bandit takes a whalloping, but doesn't scatter as easily as the other one. Now this close, Hikari can see that these two have some odd embellishments on thier masks taht the others did not.
> The one that Anansi's been firing at continues to fire back, weaving and shaking in some attempt to make himself harder to hit or something as he fires.
> roll 2d8 vs 6 laser the mikey
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 6 laser the mikey and gets 8."12 [2d8=6, 2]
> But it's probably messing up his own accuracy more. (Nagare)
* Nagare calls for Abartach's healing waters to mend Hikari up! She definitely could use the help.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 76/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 71/75 HP [70/90 EP]{-1 Mind}, Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> Slane's Dew washes over Hikari, cooling the burn of the laser and easing, if not fully washing away, her wounds.
> Again the two behind the table try backing away from Hikari more, but don't dare focus on anyone else but her, while the other free bandit takes another shot at Nagare.
> roll 2d8 vs 6 docshot
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 6 docshot and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
> roll 2d8 vs 9 girlshot 1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 girlshot 1 and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 8]
> roll 2d8 vs 9 girlshot 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 girlshot 2 and gets 12."12 [2d8=4, 8]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 dodgedodgedodge
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 dodgedodgedodge and gets 13."12 [2d8=6, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 reroll dammit
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 reroll dammit and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 7]
> roll 2d8 damage this leavs you at 1 reroll
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage this leavs you at 1 reroll and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 52/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 71/75 HP [70/90 EP]{-1 Mind}, Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> The same one snakes in another shot, this one only grazing at least, but still leaving a mark. (Go Mike)
* Mykasi hisses, before conjuring up an image to the four bandits... of six identical Hikaris, brandishing swords and glaring at the opponents!
> OOC: complex image, so roll mind.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 let's try this shit, and you better step up, bot
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 let's try this shit, and you better step up, bot and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
> roll 4#2d8
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 4#2d8 and gets 23."12 [4#2d8 = 3, 8, 6, 6]
> The one Mike had been gunfighting unsuccessfully with before freaks out and start to make a run for it, through a door in the back wall!
* Hikari keeps swinging away at the enemy before her. "Just fall already!"
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 14."12 [2d8=8, 6]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Fuck. You. Hatbot.
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Fuck. You. Hatbot. and gets 8."12 [2d8=6, 2]
> roll 2d8 vs 7 defense and no more rerolls
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 7 defense and no more rerolls and gets 8."12 [2d8=3, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 KILLING IS MY BUSINESS
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 KILLING IS MY BUSINESS and gets 7."12 [2d8=6, 1]
> 4INIT ORDER: BM6 > Mykasi > Hikari > BM4 > Nagare > BM3
> This time the blade strikes more solidly, scattering the bandit across the room and the pieces fade away moments later.
> The one Mike had been gunfighting unsuccessfully with before freaks out and start to make a run for it, through a door in the back wall! (Nagare)
* Nagare tries to aim at the remaining bandit closer to Mykasi - the one not fleeing in terror - and calls for the shadows.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 sure why not
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 sure why not and gets 4."12 [2d8=2, 2]
> roll 2d8 vs 4 defensyness
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 defensyness and gets 10."12 [2d8=6, 4]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 damage lolohko?
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 damage lolohko? and gets 13."12 [2d8=8, 5]
> 4INIT ORDER: BM6 > Mykasi > Hikari > BM4 > Nagare
> the darkness spiral again strikes true, and in moments naught is left of the bandit but his mask, a glittering silver against the dark floor.
> The remaining bandit behind the table snaps off another shot at Hikari while backing towards the door his compatriot ran through.
> roll 2d8 vs pistol shot~ guuuuuuuun shot~
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs pistol shot~ guuuuuuuun shot~ and gets 7."12 [2d8=5, 2]
> OOC: that was supposed to be vs 9. It hits.
<Hikari> roll 2d8 ewewew
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 ewewew and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 8]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 13/105 HP [70/70 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 71/75 HP [60/90 EP]{-1 Mind}, Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> Another glancing shot, this one across her leg. Hikari's vision is starting to swim, she can tell that she cannot take much more of this.
> OOC: Mike is up. There's only that one left in the room, and he's backing away fast.
* Mykasi grimaces and dispels the illusion, throwing large careless chunks of ice at the bandit as he sprints forward to cover Hikari a bit!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 STOP, IN THE NAME OF THE LAWL!
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 STOP, IN THE NAME OF THE LAWL! and gets 10."12 [2d8=6, 4]
> The careless chunks of ice carelessy fly into the floor, the walls and over his head, but somehow never hit the bandit. (Hikari)
<Hikari> Hikari, staggering sends Brynhildr out to strike at the enemy before she herself takes cover behind the table the bandits had just been using, practically dropping to the floor.
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio, going for raw damage over anything tricky
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio, going for raw damage over anything tricky and gets 8."12 [2d8=6, 2]
> roll 2d8 vs 7 defense since that hits even with penalty
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 7 defense since that hits even with penalty and gets 5."12 [2d8=1, 4]
> Brynhildr flies out to strike, but the bandit evades nimbly and she takes out a chunk of wall instead!(BM4 is no longer in the room. Nagare.)
* Nagare tries to take out the bandit with another strike of Abartach's shadows!
<Nagare> roll 2d8 it's like cashing a raincheck for a blowjob
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 it's like cashing a raincheck for a blowjob and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
> But vision is a bit too poor, and the spiral of darkness doesn't find purchase. The bandit snaps off one more hasty shot, this time at the doctor as Hikari is no longer in an easy position to shoot, and runs through the door.
> roll 2d8 vs 9 docshot
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 docshot and gets 6."12 [2d8=3, 3]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 eeeeeeeeeew dodge
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 eeeeeeeeeew dodge and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 3]
> At the last second Abartach's hand appears and with it a mystical aegis that stops the potential lethal bolt!
> (OOC: Mike, go if you're chasing. Free act if you aren't)
<Mykasi> "Ngh." Mike says, looking to Hikari. "You going to survive that?"
* Hikari coughs, hauls herself up with some help from the uptruend table. "I am...badly singed, but obviously not dead."
<Hikari> *upturned
* Mykasi stares at the door, before creeping toward it, ducking, and looking out into the next room.
* Nagare dusts himself off, moving towards Mykasi and Hikari and lighting another cigarette. "I think this is a sign for us to go back home definitely."
> The door leads into a room that has a trapdoor in teh ceiling. Mike can see this, because it's still hanging open.
> There are no bandits in the room.
* Mykasi glances back toward the group for a moment, before creeping over and peering up the trapdoor, moving as silently as possible to see if he can spot any of them lurking.
* Hikari hobbles over to the door to check on Mike's progress from a safe distance, sword tracking a gouge in the floor at her side.
> There's a distinct lack of light in the room, aside from the bottle of SUNshine mike's carrying which somehow never got dropped in the fight, so it's hard to see up. What he can see though...doesn't look like anything silver or moving. Just alot of darkness and some kind of junk.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 bot roll well or I turn you into so many pieces of metal fucking kindling
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 bot roll well or I turn you into so many pieces of metal fucking kindling and gets 8."12 [2d8=4, 4]
> It takes a moment...but Mike can feel faint vibrations above and to the left.
* Mykasi looks up to where the movement is, trying to determine if it's close to the trapdoor entrance.
> Not really no. And it's moving away, further to the left. Fairly quickly too.
* Mykasi shakes his head and goes back to the other two. "They're retreating. Let's just get the masks as proof of doing -something- and retreat for the night."
<Mykasi> With that Mike begins collecting up the masks. "Prof, you have the key. Use it on a door in here?"
* Nagare nods and goes towards the closest door, key in hand, to open it.
> The little pocketwatch sticks it's head out from Nagare's pocket, and seeing no more violence, jumps out!
* Nagare stammers back a bit. "I entirely forgot about this little gimmick."
<Hikari> "i'm sorry," Hikari says to little watch-being, weakly. "We weren't able to destroy all of them."
<Mykasi> "Ah, yes. We'll return when we can. Please tell the constable that four are dead, with two remaining." Mike nods to the watch. "You should be able to leave here safely, they're retreating."
> The hands on the watch spin, though hell if you know what that's supposed to mean. Meanwhile, the key fits easily into the door and it swings open to reveal the familiar portal.
<Mykasi> "Alright, Hikari. Need support to get in?" Mike says, offering an arm.
* Nagare sighs and shrugs to the clock. "We'll be back to at least try to finish the job. We need some time to lick the wounds, though."
<Hikari> "No, thank you....You can get back on your own?" Hikari asks the little creature before leaving.
> The watch...rapidly points it's hands at different symbols, then starts sneaking off.
<Hikari> "That must mean yes." Hikari turns and totters towards the portal.
* Mykasi follows Hikari after a moment.
* Nagare goes last through the portal, shrugging lightly.
> You stagger out of the room, through the Velvet Room and back into the still open somehow Satomi Tadashi. The old man doesn't seem phased by your appearance again, merely...pretty much ignores you as you leave despite the fact that you look like you were just in a fight. From there you manage to get yourselves to your seperate homes and drop into the sleep of the dead.
> At least until your alarms go off for morning classes...
> ------------------------------------------------------------------

> -------------------------------------------------------
> Wednesday afternoon, Hikari and Mykasi arrive together at the Electric Six Bar and Grill, supposedly an American style restaraunt that's fairly gaudy and has loud rock music playing on the speakers. In English no less! They got out of the World History block a bit before Nagare is finished with his last class of the day, so they arrive first.
<Mykasi> "Nuclear war~ On the dance floor~ Nuclear war~ On the dance floor~" Mike sings along to himself as they get seats. "So, you doing better after Monday?"
<Hikari> "I no longer feel as though death is imminent. This is an improvement, yes, though I still wish we'd manage to stop all of the bandits."
<Mykasi> "You wanna go back in and try to finish that up?" Mike offers. "I wouldn't mind wrapping up that loose end, at least. If we've got time we can try the asylum, too."
> You get seated fairly quickly. The place is hardly packed on a mid-aftenoon. You get your menues as well, and even the menu items are filled to bursting with american pop culture referances. The more blatent and heavy handed the better, apparently.
<Hikari> "Perhaps, if we have no other pressing tasks. Shiro and I asked that strange worm person to look into Tachakara's disappearance. I suppose we could sort that out first."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Alright. Check in with the Captain, then go handle bandits if we can - or the other way around, all depends on who we find first."
* Nagare enters the bar with a cigarette in his mouth - being able to smoke in closed areas is a rare blessing at these times. He looks for Hikari and Mykasi while covering his ears, which may well be bleeding.
> They aren't hard to spot!
* Nagare waves to Mykasi and Hikari as soon as he spots them, still covering one ear with his remaining hand.
* Mykasi waves back, eyeing the Professor. "Some people have no taste."
<Nagare> "As this bar kindly attests. The problem isn't so much the music itself as the fact that they seem to think their target audience is half-deaf, though."
<Mykasi> "... Riiiiight. Well anyways." Mike shakes his head. "Okay, quick update: the Professor's invisible friend knew Valeriya before she got Neverwas'd."
<Nagare> "However, Mykasi himself has never been dead. It was slightly awkward."
<Hikari> "Most living people have not," Hikari points out.
<Mykasi> "I do wonder if Xav would qualify..." Mike hums, before shaking his head. "Anyways, that's about the whole and sum of it from our end. Anything new on yours?"
* Nagare shrugs resignedly. "I have no defense there."
<Hikari> "I have nothing new to add at this point in time, and likely won't until we've checked up on the Captain's investigation. Shall we do so once we're done eating?"
<Mykasi> "Certainly." Mike nods, flagging a waiter.
<Nagare> "Sure. Let's make sure Mykasi undereats, though, we can always use a good guide through the Dream."
> A waiter comes by, and you place your orders. A short time later, the waiter returns with your food and you enjoy an 'American style' meal. It's a little on the greasy side, but flavorful at least.
<Mykasi> "Enter through Satomi Tadashi?" Mike asks as they chow down.
<Mykasi> "Use the usual excuse of 'checking for Soma tablets', natch."
<Hikari> "If you don't mind spending the money on another bottle of sunshine."
<Mykasi> "Nah, might be worth it."
<Nagare> "Eventually, they'll just point us to the door at this pace."
<Mykasi> "Point." Mike shrugs after a moment. "We could just exit from here. Any objections to that? Get started faster, too."
<Nagare> "Honestly, we're probably better off going through Tadashi. Familiarity with our reference points in the Dream is -never- a bad thing. We can get to find out where this place leads us to later."
<Hikari> "I agree with the professor. At least this way, we know we arrive in a safe location. Shall we go, then?"
<Mykasi> "Alright." Mike nods agreeably. "Let's get going then."
* Nagare whispers to Hikari. "Plus, I honestly -don't- want to know where a bar of this kin would lead us to at the other side tonight."
* Hikari nods in agreement as she stands up to leave.
* Mykasi misses the whispering as he heads out the door ahead of the other two.
* Nagare follows along Mykasi while lighting up another cigarette.
> You all head out and make your way to Satomi Tadashi. As you enter the...pharmacy of sorts...the familiar jingle assaults your ears immediately, while the salesman, the original overly freindly one this time, greets you with a big smile!
> "Ah, hello again, it's always good to see people coming back for our products! Is there anything I can help you find today?"
<Hikari> "Has there perhaps been a recent soma shipment delivered?"
* Mykasi wanders over to the poorly organized beverage section to search for another SUNshine bottle.
> He frowns and shakes his head, "It's not something we get in very often, I'm sorry."
> Mike goes poking around in the energy drink section, but doesn't see another SUNshine bottle.
* Hikari nods and leaves Mike to do the shopping today, then.
* Mykasi just grabs a bottle of water today and wanders over to pay.
* Nagare goes to shuffle through some of the back shelves. Maybe he could find something like moonlight pills or whatever the opposite of sunshine bottles are? Regardless.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for yes I'm looking for the secret deals
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for yes I'm looking for the secret deals and gets 6."12 [2d8=5, 1]
> Nagare mostly finds the usual stuff, or at least what passes for usual here. Nothing stands out...at least not as something you might particularly WANT.
* Nagare shrugs and returns to the others, motioning to the usual door.
* Hikari is more than ready to flee the music as soon as everyone else is, and follows.
* Mykasi finishes paying up and follows the other two, gesturing the Professor to put the key in with a wave to the shopkeep.
* Nagare heads to the door and opens it with the Velvet Key, at this point without much ado. "Alright, time to make our exit. Or entrance."
* Mykasi nods, stepping through.
* Hikari exits as well.
> The shopkeep waves back...(Mind check all.)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 oh hey I didn't do 2d6 this time go me
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 oh hey I didn't do 2d6 this time go me and gets 15."12 [2d8=7, 8]
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 12."12 [2d8=5, 7]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 poink
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 poink and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
> As he steps through the portal, Mike casts a look back over his shoulder and sees the waving shopkeeper staring with a look of stark confusion. He rubs his eyes and opens his mouth like he's going to say something, but you've already started through the portal and finish sliding through before any sound comes out.
> (OOC: she's got...Scene Change eyes~)
> Going through the door at Satomi Tadashi puts you right outside of Master Frost's store, just as before. The location is stable, and both Frost's and the Glow look teh same as they always do.
<Hikari> "I must admit, finding another stable location to use would come with the benefit of us not hearing that awful music again," Hikari says, shaking her head as if to dislodge water from an ear.
<Mykasi> "So, while the Zen Master Shopkeeper didn't react, the cheerful one did. We're both going to have to figure out another place to do our antics and bluff the shopkeeper when we return." Mike notes.
<Nagare> "So, we don't go back to Tadashi for another month or so? Plenty of time for us to begin missing the song." Then, he finishes with a slight grin. "Especially Hikari."
<Mykasi> "Right. Still need to find another stable area, though." Mike grouses. "Anyway, where to from here? Back to the Victorian Rave Scene?"
<Hikari> "If you like. It occurs to me that I am not entirely sure how to find Captain Squiggly for an update."
<Nagare> "Have we -ever- gone to the Victorian Rave Scene for more than a few select minutes?"
<Mykasi> "Not really." Mike shrugs, thinking...
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 for a direction to Victorian. RAVE. SCEEEENE (ie where the constable is)
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 for a direction to Victorian. RAVE. SCEEEENE (ie where the constable is) and gets 7."12 [2d8=6, 1]
> Mike...thinks he has an idea of where to go. It's vague and not as solid as his grasp on Power locations, but it's something. Focusing on the constable helps...somewhat.
* Mykasi gestures. "I think I know the way. Let's go?"
* Retrieving #personador modes...
<Hikari> "Lead the way."
<Nagare> "You don't sound so certain this time. But go ahead."
<Mykasi> "I wasn't certain last time!"
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [75/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 90/90 HP [100/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP]'
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 75."12 [1d100=75]
> Mike leads the way through the twists and turns of the Greater Dreamscape, down and across streets lined with baroque architechture and strange inhabitents. Eventually, you all find yourselves in an area that seems inspired by a cross between Star Wars and death metal music.(more)
> Strange looking alien life forms(though all suspiciously bipedal at the very least) roam the streets, most dressed in fearsome looking black leather and metal scraps. Chains, too many belts, horrible clashing face makeup and spikes on everything seems the norm here. Along with the organics, various robot-esque things can be seen as well, also in the same general visual theme(more)
> after a moment of just staring at this place, one shadow takes notice of you all and waves! As he approaches, you notice that he looks largely human shaped only with a metallic tentacle sticking out of his face instead of normal facial features. He's also sporting the style, with a black spiky harness over his bare chest and a neon green mohawk on his head.
* Mykasi waves back with obvious fascination.
<Hikari> "My senses have not been assaulted this brutally since we first stepped into the Dream. Mike, what hell have you delivered us to? Might we run?"
<Mykasi> "I repeat my earlier statement about -some- people having no taste." Mike says, giving Hikari a slight Look.
* Nagare deflates, shaking his head. "I don't think that would help. I'm pretty sure they could smell disgust."
<Hikari> "If they can, Professor, then it's already too late."
> The tencacle faced man draws closer, and cheerfully greets you, "Oy! I aven't seen you lot 'round here since that rumble with the liney buggers. Hell of a time THAT was, eh?"
<Nagare> "Acute senses ironically do not guarantee a sense of self-awareness, mind."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, seriously." Mike nods. "We've been helping them clear out the rest of them - almost had them pinned but we had to retreat. You been doin' well for yourself?"
<Hikari> "Yes. Is...this your neighborhood?"
> He nods, "Sure thing. What, you don't recognize it?"
<Hikari> "I...thought I remembered it looking different, but nevermind."
* Nagare stands in awe as he looks at the surroundings. "I guess we might have been in slight denial then. Or we are now."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "So anyway, we're heading over to the Constable's again. We're going the right way, correct?"
> "Constable?" He looks confused.
> At least from his body language. Hard to read the facial expressions of a tentacle.
<Hikari> "We rescued him from the bandits. You don't remember?"
> The tentacle wiggles as comprehensions dawns, "Ooooh, you mean the bossman, right? Another Liney guy?"
<Hikari> "Yes, that's him."
> Then he quickly looks side to side and quietly begs, "Oh...geez, don't tell 'im I called 'im that, okay?"
* Mykasi mentally pauses and sees if they are in the correct spot already according to his internal directional spidey-sense.
<Hikari> "Your secret is safe with us, of course."
> The feeling's mostly slipped away from him by now, but it feels...right? Kinda? It's getting harder to hold onto by the second.
<Mykasi> "Would he really be that mad if he heard it?" Mike says, a confused frown on his face. "Not that I'd tell him, either."
> Tentacle face nods and breaths a sigh of relief, "Yeah, he don't like being compared to those other buggers. Anyway, how about I show you to him, eh? He'll be pinched to see you lot."
<Hikari> "That would be appreciated, thank you. Lead on?"
<Mykasi> "Indeed. Thanks." Mike nods.
> Tentacle face leads you down the street and into an alley, then a turn from that alley into a semi-spacious small lot behind some kind of store, tucked away between buildings. As you went, he waved through a couple sets of mean looking toughs.(more)
> As you get into the lot, you see the man made of lines and boxes with the metallic green mask...who's wearing a leather jacket witha couple of chain loops dangling from it. Around him are a couple more tough guys, who start to block you but pull back as soon as the 'constable' says "Hey, they're good."
> He gets up from the stool he was resting on and nods at you, "Been awhile. I was starting to think something got you."
* Nagare shakes his head. "Honestly, they weren't that far from getting us."
<Mykasi> A comprehending grin dawns on Mike's face as he waves to the bossman. "Everything goin' well here?" To his question Mike shrugs. "We got injured and had to retreat in the other direction. Downed four of the punks, though. Only two left from that group. Any movements from them that you know of? We'd like to finish them off."
<Hikari> "Almost, but we struck back with even more ferocity. They fled, in the end--those we couldn't catch."
> "Windup told me you let some get away, yeah. I got a question for you, though." He pauses a bit, then approaches closer so he can speak more quietly, "The ones that split, did they have normal masks? Or fancy ones? Did ANY of them have fancy looking masks?"
* Nagare frowns. "Two of them had elaborate masks. One of them still lives."
> "Izzat so?" He's quiet for a moment then just leans back and groans, "Frag it. Well, you got one at least. That's somethin'"
<Hikari> "Is this a problem? I did wish to catch all of them, but I was in no condition to pursue by the time they broke and fled."
> "The clowns with the fancy masks can make more of the others, if they get the parts." He explains, "So that means they're broken up for now, but not gone. Eh," he shakes his head and shrugs a bit, "it's somethin'. By th etime they put themselves back together, they'll be somebody else's problem. They're not likely to stick around in the same spot they just took a whooping in."
* Hikari nods. "At least we helped to some extent."
<Nagare> "It just means we have a recurring issue to deal with. Although I have to ask what should we do with the masks we've gathered from them."
<Mykasi> "Damn." Mike says. "I'd still rather track them down if possible, but... if they aren't gonna stick around here then it's not as big a stressor." At this, Mike considers, then tries to mentally figure out the way to the other bandit with the fancy mask...
> No magical tracking ability manifests itself in Mike's head.
<Mykasi> "Feh." Mike shakes his head. "Yeah, can't find my way to them like I can here."
> The bossman nods, "Yeah, I don't expect to find 'em again until they stick thier noses in someone's buisiness. They'll go to ground for awhile. As for the masks...I dunno, pawn 'em off on someone who collects junk?"
* Mykasi nods. "Still, was worth a shot. You need us for anything else, swing by Master Frost's and leave a note, alright?"
<Hikari> "Frost, perhaps?" Hikari wonders. "I can't recall whether we've tried to sell these to him."
<Mykasi> "Or Awn." Mike notes.
> "Anyway, you at least got 'em off MY back, so I should give you at least part of the payment." He walks back over to where he was sitting before and rummages through a bag until he pulls out what seems to be a small black metal loop, then tosses it in your direction.
> "It's called a prize loop. Dunno how it does what it does, but pull it apart and it'll give you...something." He shrugs.
* Hikari catches it. Looks at it. "Well, shall we find out what that something is right now?" she asks the others.
<Mykasi> "Thanks. Sorry we couldn't eliminate the rest - stroke of bad luck, that." Mike nods, before shrugging to Hikari. "Pull it apart like a wishbone, if you want."
* Hikari nods and does as instructed by the Constable.
> (OOC: first roll 1d100, followed by 2d8. Since it's Hikari, you may spend a fortune reroll on one but not both of these rolls. I won't tell you what happens until the final result though, soooooo~)
<Hikari> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 1d100 and gets 89."12 [1d100=89]
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8  and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 3]
<Hikari> OOC: I think I'll stick with those.
> Hikari pulls the ring apart...and suddenly an image of a spinning prize wheel like on a slot machine appears in front of her! There's only the one window though, and it spins until it stops and the word "Macca!" is both displayed and announced by a cheerful disembodied voice(more)
> Then another wheel appears, this time with numbers on it! It spins and spins and spins until it stops and the number 500 is displayed! And the voice announces, "Lucky!"
> And 5 100 macca coins fall onto the street at Hikari's feet.
> The toughguys and tentacle face cheer for your good fortune.
<Mykasi> "Coo." Mike grins.
* Hikari picks them up. "Well. We won't want for money for a time, I think."
* Nagare scratches his chin. "It's like a portable living piñata."
> The bossman chuckles, "like I said, don't ask me how they work."
* Mykasi gets two coins from Hikari and flips one to Nagare. "In case we get separated, though you should hold the primary as fundsbearer, Hikari."
<Mykasi> "Fair. Anythin' else you need, as I said, just holler at Master Frost and we'll see what we can do, alright?"
<Hikari> "I've long since stopped asking how things here work," Hikari says.
> The bossman nods.
<Mykasi> "Alright. Next up..." Mike hums, before looking to the other two. "Well, what do you guys want to do? Look up the Cap'n?"
<Hikari> "That would be my preference, if we can find him. Unfortunately, I don't precisely know where to look."
<Mykasi> "Mmm. Then let's go over by Awn's first?" Mike suggests. "Might as well wander that way and catch up on any relevant news there."
* Hikari tries to remember the directions anyway...
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 9."12 [2d8=5, 4]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 reroll
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 reroll and gets 8."12 [2d8=5, 3]
> Directions and mental maps are not Hikari's strong suit.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 maybe I suck less than Hikari?
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 maybe I suck less than Hikari? and gets 8."12 [2d8=6, 2]
> OOC: where exactly is Nagare trying to remember directions TO?
<Nagare> OOC: Awn.
* Hikari shrugs. "I can't recall the way. Unless either of you remember the last place we met the Captain?"
> Focusing on it...Nagare can remember the way to Awn's Shop fairly well.
* Nagare scratches his head. "Well, I actually have a fairly decent handle on how to get to Awn's Shop. We could go there then try our hand to the Captain?"
<Mykasi> "Didn't we last run into the Captain at the Food Court?" Mike says. "I know my way -there- just fine. Unless you ran into him somewhere different." Then, to Nagare, "Sure."
<Mykasi> A pause. "...wait, how the hell -do- I know my way to the Food Court without trying?"
<Hikari> "Either way, navigating the Dream does not seem to be among my talents. One of you lead on?"
<Mykasi> "Go ahead, Prof." Mike nods with a slightly confused frown.
<Hikari> "I don't understand it either, Mike. We just had lunch."
<Mykasi> "That's just it, though! I'm not hungry!"
* Nagare shrugs. "A young college man's stomach is a gaping maw with neverending depth. Anyway, I'm taking the lead." With that, Nagare begins strolling towards Awn's Shop!
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 1d100 and gets 13."12 [1d100=13]
> Nagare leads the way! Aside from detouring around a gang of demonic looking...things...playing leapfrog, nothing impedes your progress to the street that Awn the Blink's shop keeps stable.
<Mykasi> "Alright. Let's go see if he's got an interest in those masks?" Mike suggests to Hikari.
<Nagare> "I certainly wouldn't be averse to parting with these. Terrible ornaments, they make."
> You walk into his shop. Awn is in the process of staring down a refridgerator when you walk in, and doesn't seem to notice you.
* Mykasi wanders over, curiously. "Hello, Awn. How have things been?"
* Nagare snickers as he enters. "You know, I always suspected you were capable of eventually dismantling things with just your intent stare, but I didn't think I'd see you actually -trying- to do it."
> "Huh?" He breaks off his staring contest with the appliance and turns around, "Oh, hey there. Here on business today?" Then to Nagare he shakes his head, "Oh, nah, I prefer hands on work anyway. I'm just trying to figure out what I did wrong with this one."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, we have a bit of business. Interested in these masks at all?" Mike gestures to the ones Nagare and Hikari have. "Little use to us, maybe they'll help you."
* Nagare holds the mask with a pleading eye. "It'd be more of a favor to us than you, really."
> He takes one and looks it over, "Hmm. I could probably get a small bit of essence out of 'em, sure."
<Hikari> "Out of curiosity, what could you use these for?"
> "I'd dismantle them, use the lefover metal for scrap and store the essense for later projects," he answers matter of factly.
* Hikari nods. "Well, we certainly have no need for them ourselves."
* Mykasi nods at this.
> He nods, and gestures around the room, "Just toss 'em anywhere then. Thanks alot, it's always good to have more power sources, even if they're weak."
> "Anything else I can help you gents with today?"
* Nagare bobs his head slightly, putting his mask near the refrigerator carefully. "I figure you wouldn't want to have the pleasure of dismantling this thing robbed from you."
<Mykasi> "Mmm. Actually, I do kinda have a request, though I don't know how well it'll work." Mike says, fishing out his cell phone. "If I got you something similar to this, could you add a directional function to it so finding my way around could be easier? Or is it too finicky?"
> "Oh, that's not the problem at all!" he notes, then to Mike shakes his head, "eeeeeh, MAKING things isn't really my strong suit. That's kinda my problem with this fridge right now. See, I took it apart, then tried my hand at putting it back together. But..."
> "Well, it works. At least I think it does. But I have parts left over."
> "And I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to have parts left over."
* Mykasi nods slightly, glancing at the fridge and crouching down to look it over. "If you have parts left over, it's called a more efficient design, not a problem. Unless it has unwanted side effects like turning everything you put into it into a jar of ketchup."
* Nagare shrugs. "You aren't supposed to be able to dismantle things for a living either. It -is- the Dream, it's not supposed to make sense."
<Nagare> "For all that it bothers me that it isn't supposed to make sense."
> Awn nods, "I'd like to think it's a more efficient design. But I've had stuff lke this happen often enough before that I'm very sure there will be some kind of unwanted side effect down the road. I build things for my own hobby, but I don't sell them to customers. I won't sell something that's defective, and everything I make is defective eventually."
<Mykasi> "Hm." Mike shrugs. "Fair enough. Still, don't be so hard on yourself. Learning how stuff works by breaking it down and rebuilding it still provides the experience of doing so, right?"
> Awn chuckles, "Maybe."
* Mykasi nods! "Anyways, I can't think of anything else right now, honestly. Good luck with your next project, whatever you choose to work on?"
* Nagare shuffles and coughs a bit. "Actually. Do you have any idea where the worm captain might be as of now?"
<Mykasi> "Oh! Uh... well, wait." Mike says after a moment with a frown. "Outta curiousity, I'm kinda looking for a throwing weapon that I can use and that isn't -too- conspicuous. Got anything that might fit the bill? Some weirdly essenced gears or something? If they return to me, that's a plus."
> "Captain Squiggly?" Awn asks, "Try the food court, outside Mab's castle, or outside of the Zoo. Those are his usual haunts. He's a good guy, tell him I said hi. And..." he thinks, then rummages through some junk but eventually shakes his head, "Not anything laying around, no. And I take all the power sources out of the things I dissassemble. But if something comes in, I'll stick a note on it for you."
<Mykasi> "Thanks!" Mike nods. "Take care, then." And with that and a wave, Mike makes to exit.
* Nagare waves to Awn and follows Mykasi.
> Mike and Nagare exit the shop!
* Nagare bobs his head. "Okay, the Food Court is a plausible destination. Think you can lead us there?"
<Mykasi> "Yeah, once Hikari comes out. Don't wanna ditch her." Mike notes.
* Hikari follows the lead set by Mike's stomach!
* Mykasi nods and leads the way to the food court!
> Mike's amazing powers of knowing where food is lets him unnerringly lead the group right to the food court. Where upon walking around for a bit, you see a roughly foot long worm just chilling near the sign that reminds people that violence is not allowed here.
<Mykasi> "Hey!" Mike waves to the worm. "Howsit going?"
* Hikari approaches the worm. "Ah...Captain Squiggly, I presume?"
> The worm angles up as you approach, and rises to writhe a bit in greeting. Mike can understand it's speach of course, "Greetings! Are you here about that girl that you and Asakura had me look into, or something else?"
<Mykasi> "The girl, yeah. Any information?" Mike inquires.
> The worm shakes back and forth, "Sorry, but not yet. It's only been a day though, and there's only so much even I can do. Give me a little more time and I'm sure I'll turn up something."
* Hikari nods. "For future reference, is this a reliably consistent place to find you?"
<Mykasi> "No problem." Mike nods, before looking to the other two. "Yeah, that motion was obvious. He says it's only a matter of time, tho - one day isn't much."
> The worm wriggles again, "I get alot of buisness here, so I always keep part of myself here."
* Mykasi nods. "Alright. We'll come back here again soon to get info. Thanks again." Mike then looks at the other two. "Well? What else do we wanna do?"
* Nagare ponders. "Do we have any other errands to run in the Dream? There is the asylum, but I think we may want to actually save an entire day for -that- endeavor rather than a makeshift return."
<Hikari> "Well, that depends. On what the professor said, really. And Shiro expressed some interest in at least trying to enter the asylum with us, if also skepticism that he'll be allowed inside."
<Nagare> "It'd be at the very worst worth trying."
* Mykasi nods. "Alright. ... Iunno, I kinda feel restless, though. I can't think of any specific -errands-, but... bah."
<Hikari> "Well, we do have money now. If there was anything that interested anyone at Frost's before, we might be able to afford it this time?"
<Mykasi> "We can go check before we leave, at least?" Mike notes.
<Nagare> "As long as we don't leave through Master Frost, lest we want to drive Satomi Tadashi's shopkeeper mad."
<Hikari> "I see no harm in window-shopping if there turns out to be little we truly want. I will simply have to endure the constant 'hos."
<Mykasi> "We rearrive in Satomi Tadashi anyway. Let... let me do the talking there, though - we need to pretend as if nothing's wrong." Mike frowns. "Or would it just be easier to explain to him? Might be kinder, too."
<Nagare> "I'm mostly hoping the cardiac arrest bails us out at this point."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike eyes Nagare, before looking to Hikari. "Input?
<Hikari> "As I said, I see no harm in looking. If it's to be a day for odds and ends, why not?"
<Mykasi> "I was talking about the Satomi Tadashi man, but whatever." Mike says, trying to remember the way to Master Frost's...
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 CKECH
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 CKECH and gets 13."12 [2d8=7, 6]
> With some effort, one of the three eventually figures out how to get back to Frost's Emporium, and they look around a bit perhaps buying something. Then, the Velvet Key is used once more...
> (OOC: My Scene Change runs free now, carried by the wind~)
> The door opens and you step back into Satomi Tadashi. The shopkeeper isn't at the counter, but instead helping another customer in one of the aisles. He looks over as he hears someone enter and his expression freezes a bit. He politely greets you all, "Ah, yes, hello again. Give me just a moment to finish helping this customer."
<Mykasi> "Of course." Mike nods with a slight wince and a smile before glancing to the other two. "You two wanna look around? I'll wait to talk to him."
<Hikari> "You're quite welcome to do so, Mike. Try not to break him? He seems rather fragile right now."
* Nagare whispers. "I'll oblige. Otherwise, I'll just end up longing for him to suffer a stroke."
* Mykasi rubs his head. "Okay. Just leave me the key."
> After a bit, he rings up that customer, who thanks him for his help and heads out of the store.
* Nagare hands Mykasi the key. "Good luck."
* Mykasi takes the key and walks over, with a rueful grin on his face. "...Hi."
> Then the shopkeeper turns to look at Mykasi with a fairly forced smile, "Ah...yes. Um...who, uh, what um, was that?"
<Mykasi> "Uh." Mike rubs his head. "I'd lie and say you didn't see anything except that'd likely just stress you out at this point. Uh, how to explain it? We do that on occasion to try and... fix stuff going wrong in town. We do it from here because it gives us a convenient jump-off place. Sorry, we're uh kinda used to you being distracted when we do it, none of us realized we might worry you..." (more)
<Mykasi> "...since you were paying attention this time until I was already going through."
> The man's first response is to just stare at you for a moment until he breathes a sigh of relief, "So I really saw what I thought I saw...I'm not going insane like those people on the news. Good to hear. You...say you're trying to fix things?"
<Mykasi> "Yeah. Like, for example, those people on the news, actually." Mike nods slightly. "And... a few other cases, too. We can't do much for everyone, but we're trying to do what little we can." A look up to the storekeep. "Uh, I realize this probably won't be hard, but can I request secrecy? It'd be kinda awkward to have to explain this to more and more people, and what we can do, as I said, is... sadly limited."
> He nods, "I'll have to talk to my uncle about it. He owns the store, and if someone else sees you and talks about it, it might come back to him. But other then that...I'd have to be crazy to talk about this."
<Mykasi> "Your uncle... does he sit and watch the shop sometimes?" Mike says after a moment.
> "Very rarely," he responds, "he has many other things to do, including enjoying his retirement in peace. But sometimes he likes to handle the store personally."
* Mykasi frowns before describing the Zen shopkeeper. "That him?"
> He nods, "Yes! You've met him?"
<Mykasi> "... He's seen us go through as well, then." Mike says after a moment. "But when we tried to dig at whether or not he saw us do it, he didn't make any comment on anythign out of the ordinary..." (More)
<Mykasi> "...which led us to think others couldn't -see- what we did. Thus the other half of why we were so careless. Sorry."
> The shopkeeper blinks, "If uncle didn't see it...I..I will talk to uncle." he firmly states before following his initial train of thought.
<Mykasi> "Honestly? Your uncle seems like the sort who can't be phased by anything." Mike comments drily. "But in the future we'll make sure that you're the only one that sees us - or him. Oh, and this is why we keep coming in for Soma - it really does help when working on stuff."
> He nods again, "It really is a very rare thing to get in, and Uncle's rules say that we can't reserve things for specific customers like that. I'm not just trying to keep you coming back or messing with you, I promise!"
<Mykasi> "No no no, I'm not complaining! It makes sense!" Mike nods. "I just wanted to explain that! Anyway, uh... yeah, you're totally fine, we'd be able to tell if you weren't, thanks for understanding."
> "Uh, yes..." he nods again.
* Mykasi rubs his head. "Fuck, this is awkward. Uh." A pause, before Mike sticks his hand out with the same rueful grin. "Mykasi. But just call me Mike."
> "Ah, Ujinao Hashimori," he shakes Mike's hand awkwardly,
<Mykasi> "A pleasure. Ah, take care, alright? We should get going."
> He nods, "Yes. Ah, thank you for shopping at Satomi Tadashi." he manages to struggle back into his proffesional manner.
<Mykasi> "Thank you. Have a good day!" Mike grins and waves again, gesturing to the other two.
* Nagare blinks. "... I saw that and I still don't believe it."
* Mykasi looks to Nagare with a slight grin, stepping outside before saying, "I rule, you drool, that's all there is to it."
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> Thursday afternoon, after classes which are getting quite stressful as finals are...next week! Oh dear. While Hikari makes arrangements with Shiro and Nagare is trying to extricate himself from a conversation with another professor, Mykasi makes a phonecall of his own.
* Mykasi punches the number in, rubbing his head at his own forgetfulness. Perhaps he should have expected a lack of communication, but... at the same time he's had his own shit to work through. With a slight toss of his head Mike punches the call button.
> The phone rings four times, and Mike thinks it's about to go to voicemail when instead Dami answers, "Ah...this is Daidoji."
<Mykasi> "Hi. It's Mike. Sorry to bother you." Mike replies, leaning against the wall.
> "No, it's fine." he sounds a bit surprised but quickly recovers equilibrium, "What do you need?"
<Mykasi> "Well, outside from wanting to catch up - both to exchange our current knowledge and to get reappraised - I wanted to alert you that we're going to be exploring a certain area in the Dream tonight. Your help would be appreciated if you can swing it." Mike offers.
> "I'm working on something at the moment, actually. Which...if I remember correctly you work with mechanics and electronics and such so you might be able to help when you have the time. But that can wait for the moment, where is it that you're going?"
<Mykasi> "Ah, sure. Be glad to help." Mike says with a nod. "We're planning on visiting the Kana Family Memorial Hospital in the Dream. It's... twisted, to say the least."
> The other end is dead silent for a long moment.
<Mykasi> "Lemme guess, you've been there before."
> "I...am a psychology student." he finally chokes out, voice beginning to crack as it did before when you confronted him, "it is one of the first places I went. I thought...I thought I could help them."
> "I was wrong."
<Mykasi> "... yeah." Mike grimaces. "We've... figured out a bit of that ourselves. I wanted to go in and see an... acquaintance. But... ah, hell. That's another story - we got in to him, though not easily." A pause. "We want to go in and see Richard Bland. I don't think you were responsible for him, and neither was Shiro, so... he's our best link to another Persona user. I ...realize this will be tough for you, to go back in. Your c
<Mykasi> "I ...realize this will be tough for you, to go back in. Your call."
* Ranmilia is now known as Ransleep
> You hear him take a deep breath and when he speaks again his voice has returned to the very controled and neutral tone he often uses, "When are you going?"
<Mykasi> "We're planning on going in... I think an hour or so. It'll take us a bit to get there, though. And we enter the Dream from a gas station down the street, so... hour-thirty would be my guess for our arrival there?"
> "The gas station...yes, I know where that is. I...I will try to meet you there."
<Mykasi> "Alright. ...Take care." Mike says after a moment. "We can talk about your project on the way there - I'm definitely interested in hearing about this."
> "Ah...yes, of course." He takes another deep breath, "I...will attempt to meet you at the gas station. I apologize if I cannot. Farewell."
* Mykasi nods. "Again, take care." Mike nods, hanging up.
<Mykasi> With that, he goes to meet up with Hikari and Nagare...
> Mike meets up with the others, including Shiro, and heads off to the gas station! The drive there is uneventful(thankfully) and before long you all arrive at the familiar place.
> Dami does not seem to be there yet.
* Nagare twiddles his thumbs. "How long do we wait?"
<Mykasi> "Hm." Mike says, checking the time on his phone. "I'm gonna buy a bottle of water. Back in a bit."
<Hikari> "We wait long enough for Mike to purchase a bottle of water?" Hikari suggests.
<Nagare> "I feel like I walked into that."
* Mykasi heads on in and nods to the attendant.
> The person inside is the guy mike saw before, who nods, "Hey...you were the guy waiting for your girl before, right? She never came by, at least not on my shift." He rings up your bottle of water.
<Mykasi> "Bah. Thanks for keeping an eye out. She hasn't called me back..." Mike mutters. "Maybe she's just avoiding me. Iunno why. Thanks again."
> He nods, and you head back out.
* Mykasi glances around. "Still nothing?"
* Hikari merely shakes her head.
> OOC: How long do you wait there?
<Hikari> OOC: Hikari is not big on waiting. 15 minutes at most!
<Mykasi> OOC: 15, yeah. Mike's not interested in stalling, nor is he interested in pushing Dami more than is wise.
<Nagare> OOC: 15 sounds good.
> After roughly ten minutes of waiting...the bathroom door to the side of the gas station opens and Dami steps out. He doesn't look too great, like he hasn't been eating or sleeping well at all, but he gives a polite nod as he walks over to the rest of you.
> "I apologize for the delay."
* Hikari looks him over. "Are you feeling unwell? This is not a pleasant place we are about to visit. If you're not in a fit state for trouble..."
<Mykasi> "...Note to self: feed you a bowl of ramen with some tranqs in it." Mike replies drily. "You ready?"
> "There is no fit state for that place." he responds matter of factly.
<Hikari> "True enough. Shall we be off?"
> Shiro snorts and slams his right fist into his left palm, "Dammit. This place is sounding worse and worse and instead of me you guys are gonna get this guy for backup. Fan-fucking-tastic."
> Dami doesn't respond to Shiro's bait.
<Nagare> "When did we said you weren't coming?"
> "It's inside, isn't it?" Shiro looks at Nagare with a raised eyebrow.
* Mykasi shakes his head. "Wish I could disagree with that. Alright, then. Hikari, I think now would be a good time for you to get the munchies?" Then, to Shiro, "Let me put it this way. You know how I'm better at dealing with mindfucking than you? This place mindfucks me. His caution may just be what we need. ... Then again, you breaking in half the doors would have its charm."
> "If I can get in, great. But the only place I've managed to go inside in the whole Dream is Lily's place." Shiro shakes his head, but gets ready to go anyway.
* Hikari stares blankly at Mike. "Get the what?"
<Mykasi> "... Let's go into the gas station get something to eat, and then key back out after I distract him or something."
> Dami looks over, "Ah, yes, you need to use that key, don't you? I left the bathroom door propped open, perhaps that would be less intrusive?"
<Hikari> "Why not just use the bathroom? Inelegant, but unobserved."
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [75/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 90/90 HP [100/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [145/175 EP]'
<Mykasi> "...oh. Then yeah, bathroom works this round." Mike nods. "See you guys on the other side." A pause. "Oh, and the Satomi Tadashi people know of us, so they're generally safe to do this stuff around. Kinda. The young one still freaks out, tho." Mike says, wandering over to the bathroom.
<Nagare> "I have to wonder if his uncle had his share of adventurers opening doors to another world in the past," Nagare quips as he follows behind.
> Shiro sits down next to the bathroom door and begins to summon the wind, while Dami walks over to Nagare's car, touches the side mirror...and ripples out of existance.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [75/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 90/90 HP [100/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [140/175 EP]'
* Hikari involuntarily starts humming the music, rubs her forehead, and follows the others.
> Mike, Hikari and Nagare are all now in the bathroom together.
* Mykasi pulls out the key, having been the one to use it last, as he closes the door. "Next stop, Dream World. All aboard!"
<Mykasi> And with that he uses the key!
> (OOC: Seperated by Scene Changes!)
> Moving through the Velvet Room, the persona users arrive in the Dream outside of...what appears to be a giant computer. With doors in it. Dami is already there, while you can see the gathering wind that heralds Shiro's arrival beginning to form.
<Mykasi> "Charming." Mike says, glancing at the computer.
* Nagare scratches his head. "Do we have some Binary Street remnants living around or is this just a whimsy of the Dream like usual?"
<Hikari> "It reminds one of the Binary district, yes. Which does not make me eager to linger."
> The winds finish gathering, and Shiro whirls into the Dream. Immediately he calls out, "Red Hare!" and swings into his PErsona's saddle the moment it appears.
> Dami nods, "I trust you have a method for traversing the forest? I suspect something in it is deliberatly attempting to mislead those who enter."
<Mykasi> "Alrighty. Now that everyone's assembled-" A glance to Dami. "Oh, we talked to it last time and convinced it to let us pass."
<Hikari> "Something is, yes, and we were able to reason with it. Or something approaching reason. We should not have great difficulty."
<Nagare> "Not that the little critter had -much- reason to be had with."
> "I...see." Dami notes, "Talking to a forest does not fall within my own capabilities I suppose. I eventually had to give up and go over."
* Mykasi nods. "Let's go, then." With that, Mike leads the way, face somewhat glum.
<Hikari> "Hopefully it will remember us and not attempt to mislead us again. I can't say much for its cognitive abilities, but one can hope." Hikari walks on after Mike.
* Nagare follows behind the other two. "I'd be surprised if it could remember its own name within a week. But no point in wallowing over -that-."
> OOC: Nagare can make a nagigation check if he wants to try and work his way through.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for navigigation, sure
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for navigigation, sure and gets 4."12 [2d8=2, 2]
> Now that he knows the trick of the forest, Nagare is able to put his hiking experience to work and pick his way through the forest, changing paths or no. Eventually he pushes through a dense batch of trees and finds himself staring up at the paper-charm barrier surrounding the asylum.
* Nagare eyes warily the imposing building of the asylum. "Well. Here we are. For some reason, seems I can just -find- my way to this place."
<Mykasi> "... So... you can find your way to asylums and I can find my way to the Food Court."
* Mykasi ponders.
<Mykasi> "Hikari, willing to bet you have an instinctive compass to Master Frost's.
> "I don't think that means the doc wants to eat crazy people, Mike." Shiro chuckles, even with the sight in front of him.
<Hikari> "Don't worry, Professor. We'll haul you away if you look ready to take up residence."
> Dami, on the other hand, visible shudders for a second before regaining control of himself. He is, however, notably more pale.
* Nagare shakes his head. "I nearly booked myself into the place before, I don't think that's a particular worry there."
* Hikari just gives Mike a Look. "Are you alright, Dami?"
> "No." he answers quite simply, "but I...must face this eventually regardless."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "...Let's get going, then."
* Hikari nods. "Do we have more of a plan than simply walking in and seeing what we find, this time? Navigation was...problematic, last time we visited. I would like to minimize the time spent wandering through identical halls if possible. The longer we stay, the greater chance of danger finding us."
> "What is the objective?" Dami asks.
<Nagare> "We're looking for Richard Bland as of now. This may prove problematic, as we don't know where he is sheltered in the asylum."
<Mykasi> "Finding Richard Bland." Mike replies to Dami. "We seemed able to control our destination by focusing on it, so... focus on his name and his picture, if you saw it on the news."
<Hikari> "Sufficient for now. Some great power resides here; finding it and uncovering its motives may eventually be necessary, though perhaps not a task for today. Well, let's proceed?"
> "Understood. I...if nessesary can move through a wall or door without opening it to see what is on the other side. I cannot do it often, as it is quite draining, and I cannot take others with me so it is an escape route only for myself if it comes to that. But," he sighs, "if you believe it would be of use, let me know."
> Shiro snorts, "Handy trick. Alright, let's get this...uh.." he ducks under the barrier and stares at the door, "what the hell kind of door is that?"
* Mykasi nods. "We shouldn't need it, I'd hope." Then, to Shiro, "An American one. Didn't you know?"
<Hikari> "Navigation of the interior is difficult," Hikari says, stepping past the barrier. "That may be a useful option if the rest of us grow too fatigued."
> Shiro stares at Mike, "That has to be a joke." Looking back at the door, he shakes his head, "This has...what, seven handles? And hinges everywhere. How the crap does this open?"
<Hikari> "It just does. It's better not to think about it more than necessary."
* Nagare shrugs. "Pick a handle and hope it works, was our bet. May well work here."
<Mykasi> "It was." Mike nods slightly to Shiro with a grin, before taking one of the handles in a normalish position and trying to open it!
> After a bit of futzing, Mike gets the door open!
> Shiro tries to enter...and is stopped hard at the threshhold.
> He spits out a string of foul language.
> Though the open door you can see the lobby, much as it was before.
<Mykasi> "Explore around the place and see if there's anything that looks useful? We'll be in here for a bit, I suspect." Mike suggests as he goes in.
<Hikari> "Unfortunate," Hikari sighs, "but not entirely unexpected. It's not impossible that we may end up fleeing in some haste with some monstrosity at our backs. Wait as backup in the event of such? And...if a doll-like frog creature approaches you, endeavor not to kill it."
* Nagare sighs. "There -has- to be another place Shiro can enter in this entire landscape. Figures it wouldn't be here, but."
> Shiro nods, "Got it. I'll look around then...maybe jump up on the place and see if anything's hiding up top."
* Hikari nods. "Be careful." Hikari follows Mike inside.
> Dami hesitates just a moment but forces himself to follow.
> As Nagare steps in last, the door slides shut behind him, sounding like nothing so much as wet, contracting flesh.
* Hikari looks around. Anyone at the desk? Just the one other door to go through again?
* Nagare winces. "I'm not sure I will ever get used to this sound."
<Mykasi> "Okay. First, find entrance. Remember to focus on Richard Bland.
<Mykasi> " Mike offers as he looks around.
> The lobby is the exact same as it was before. Only one other door, and there is no one at the desk at present. There is, of course, a service bell on the desk.
<Mykasi> "Let's just go on through?" Mike suggests, glancing at the other door.
<Hikari> "Yes. I cannot say I have any interest in speaking with the receptionist again." Hikari walks to the door and opens it.
* Nagare takes a deep breath. "No other place to go but forward, I believe." The teacher then follows behind Hikari, trying to focus on Bland - it might well work.
* Mykasi follows with an encouraging nod to Dami, focused hard on Bland.
> Dami moves forward as well. (OOC: Mind checks all)
> roll 2d8 dami's mind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 dami's mind and gets 13."12 [2d8=8, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 my one weakness!
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 my one weakness! and gets 6."12 [2d8=2, 4]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 don't Mind me, I'm just gonna roll this here...
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 don't Mind me, I'm just gonna roll this here... and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 watch me get a 16
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 watch me get a 16 and gets 10."12 [2d8=6, 4]
> Hikari opens the door! And the world spins. When it stops, you're standing in a hallway, just like the ones before. Four doors on the left, four doors on the right.
<Mykasi> "Fuck. Well, let's keep trying." Mike shakes his head in irritation.
> Dami considers, "It...makes a certain sort of sense. The door from the lobby would never be connected directly to a patient's room."
<Hikari> "I'm going to continue defacing the doors to mark our passage. It may be futile, it may be this place rearranges itself at whim, but I have to try." Hikari conjures up the lightblade and slashes one gouge into the first door on her left.
<Mykasi> "Well, yes. Still. The more we focus on our destinations the better our odds, I figure." Mike shakes his head, neglecting to mention his distraction.
<Hikari> "Well...who wishes to choose a door?"
> OOC: Body check Hikari.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=7, 1]
> The Lightblade bites into the door fairly deeply, much more easily then Brynhildr's slashes before.
* Mykasi shakes his head in a no. "Not me, I got the front door."
> Dami tilts his head, "Would not the point of marking doors be to tell you what is in that door? I thought you intended to open the one you just marked?"
* Nagare shakes his head. "Not necessarily. If we see this mark once again, we'll know we've been through this corridor before, for instance."
<Hikari> "My interest was largely in determining whether this building cycles us through the same room repeatedly, or a sequence of identical rooms. If I see a slashed door, I know we're retraced our path somehow."
> "Ah, I see."
<Hikari> "But we may as well open that one, if no one has other suggestions." Hikari walks to the marked door, looks for objections.
* Mykasi shakes his head.
* Nagare shrugs. "May as well do it. We have no patterns on the doors figured out as of now."
<Hikari> "Onwards, then. Minds focused on the task at hand, everyone." Hikari opens the door.
* Nagare follows behind, focusing on Richard Bland. Or trying to.
> Hikari opens the door! And inside is...what looks like a land of clouds and sunshine and lollipops. All kinds of candy, actually. The landscape, such as you can see through the door, is entirely comprised of sugary edible substances.
> You can hear sounds form in there as well. Singing? Or something like that.
<Hikari> "I cannot help but be even more alarmed at the incongruity of this...room," Hikari notes.
<Mykasi> "...Wait, we didn't get sucked through it." Mike notes.
<Hikari> "No, we didn't. Another patient's room?"
* Nagare begins to have a slight headache just from eyeing the colorful atmosphere. "The sheer saccharine is an inch away from driving me up a wall. I can't help but think this person is right at home."
<Mykasi> "Let's go in and see." Mike shakes his head, gesturing for the group to move forward.
<Hikari> "Nonetheless, it's not another blank hallway, and that warrants investigation." Hikari steps inside.
* Nagare sighs and follows, rubbing his temples.
> You all step inside. The singing is more audible once you're in, and the colors all seem brighter as well. It's happy in here! Yaaaaaaaaay~ And it smells really good too. Sugar, spice, everything nice~
> The singing is coming from over behind a tree made from cinnamon sticks and sugared mint leaves.
<Mykasi> "... I'm hungry."
* Hikari follows the singing, doing her best to ignore the surroundings. "Excuse me...?"
* Mykasi follows Hikari with a slight lick of the lips as he looks around.
> There's a girl there, she can't be older then her teens, sitting on the ground and rocking back and forth while holding a stuffed rabbit. She looks up as you approach, "Oh! Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Visitors! Do you see that, Floppy-sama? VISITORS~" her voice picks up in volume as she sings the last part loudly.
* Nagare deflates, wincing a bit as he rubs his temples. "Please, not so loud."
* Mykasi blinks at this. Definitely not Bland. After a moment, he glances to Dami.
<Hikari> "Er, yes...that is, hello. Do you have a name?" Hikari sighs, shakes her head. "Of course you have a name. Let me start over. I'm Hikari."
> As Nagare says that, the light in the room dims and all the smells and sounds seem to become muted. The girl bows repeatedly, "I am sorry! Please don't take Floppy-sama away, I will follow the rules, I promise!"
* Hikari looks at Nagare.
> Dami was hanging back as the rest of you approached, but looks around the room with interest at the change.
* Nagare blinks. "... Floppy... who -is- this Floppy you refer to? The...," the teacher looks down, realizes the girl is carrying a bunny. "... your rabbit?"
<Mykasi> "N-no, it's okay. We won't take Floppy-sama away." Mike shakes his head, just now beginning to feel quite disconcerted.
> The girl bows again. It occurs to you that she might be older then she looks, because she is extremely thin. Like, unhealthily thin. But even as she bows, the knuckles on the hand holding the rabbit turn white she is clenching it so hard, "I am sorry, very very sorry I will behave I promise I will not listen to music or talk out of turn or...or..or..."
> Her attention is completely on Nagare, she does not seem to be reacting to Mykasi or Hikari at all.
<Mykasi> "No, it's okay, it's okay! We aren't here to punish you!" Mike exclaims, not yet noticing that she's just not reacting to him.
* Hikari tries anyway. "It's alright, you're a good girl. We're just here to talk. That's alright, isn't it?"
* Nagare boggles slightly, losing his composure a bit as he watches her tight grasp on the bunny - almost ghastly in a sense. "... no, wait. We're not here to chastise you."
> She stops her frantic bowing...but doesn't look up enough to make eye contact. A small bit of the brightness, sound and smell seem to creep back into the surroundings. "R-really? Oh no! I did not mean to doubt you I am sorry!"
> "Raven." You can hear Dami softly say from back near the entrance. The large bird appears beside him. "Fly about the room, how far does it extend? Is this vastness illusion or no?"
> At his command, Raven takes wing.
* Nagare shakes his head, hunching a bit in order to assess the girl more precisely. "You don't have to apologize. Now... we'd best begin with the basics. Can you tell me your name? Who you are?"
> "My name is Mimisa Seshansouru, my birthday is July 17th 1997. I am 148cm tall and weigh 35 kilograms. I took my medicine at 7 AM and again 4 PM." She practically recites.
* Hikari can't help but shudder a little at the mechanical recitation. "And how long have you lived here, Mimisa?"
<Mykasi> "..." Mike winces slightly.
> "I have been here for 7 years, three months and ninteen days." She answers.
* Nagare bites his lip tightly. "... I... understand. Do you remember why have you been brought here?"
> "I am here because I am a bad girl who does not behave and hits people and never listens and...and...and..." she starts to recite mechanically but starts to freeze up and bit and seems to have trouble finishing.
> Her grip on the rabbit is going white-knuckle level again.
<Mykasi> "...and that's likely what they've told you, isn't it." Mike finishes sadly.
> "...and talks to stuffed animals like they are real people instead of toys no matter how many times I am told to stop..." she very quietly finishes.
<Hikari> "It's alright...we don't have to talk about that, Mimisa. I don't think there's anything wrong with you. You seem like a very well-behaved young woman to me. We can talk about something else if you like."
* Nagare nods quietly, letting the others take a hold of the conversation for the moment.
> She shrinks back, "No...I'm a bad girl. I'm always a bad girl..."
> A black shape circles overhead, and Dami nods, eyes closed, "I...hmm. This is interesting."
* Nagare turns to Dami. "Hm?"
<Hikari> "I..." Hikari speaks in a low voice, just so her friends can hear. "I suspect we should leave this room. Whatever we might be able to do for her surely lies elsewhere."
> The stuffed rabbit pats Mimisa comfortingly on the hand.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike says, before gently approaching Mimisa with a very gentle nod to Hikari. "You're a good girl, one who deserves visitors and friends. We can't stay for long today, but I want to show you a little trick I can do." With that, Mike focuses... before Anansi in a bunny outfit appears on Mike's head. (More)
> Dami opens his eyes and looks at Nagare, "Ah, the room. It obviously responds to her mental state. Also...the room seems to be finite in dimension despite it's open sky appearance, but," he emphasizes, "and this is the interesting part, the boundaries move with her. She is always at the center of the room I think. When she stepped back, Raven noticed the back 'wall' move with her."
<Mykasi> "This is my friend, Anansi, and he talks with me. You aren't alone, okay? And... just because Flopsy-sama is your only companion right now, doesn't mean you won't have more in the future. So... take care of yourself, and you, Flopsy-sama, please take care of Mrs. Mimisa, alright?"
<Hikari> "What does that mean, exactly? The landscape is greater than we see, but only a certain portion can exist at a time?"
> Her eyes go wide, "...spider-bunny...WEBSY-SAMA!" she cheers, her excitement suddenly returned!
> Dami moves back towards the door, "It means, if she were to move too far away from the door I think she could trap us in here with her."
<Mykasi> "Now, we've got to get going." Mike says with a smile. "But we'll be back to visit, so come with us and wave us farewell, will you? That way we know you'll see us again!"
<Hikari> "Then we leave," Hikari says, decisively. "Now. I'm sorry Mike, but we need to go."
<Mykasi> "Yes, I know." Mike nods sadly.
* Nagare blinks. "I... see. Dami, you think you would be able to recognize such patterns in case we met other patients? This might be key in figuring out the layout of this place, come to think of it."
> Mimisa swings her rabbit around, already babbling about the adventures of Websy-sama. He's a superhero, you know. Who saves poor rabits who get lost with his magic webs and bites badguys who his magic poison turns into candy.
* Mykasi waves to Mimisa as he wanders off with the group.
> You all walk out of Mimisa's room. And shut the door behind you.
<Mykasi> "...My only regret is now they'll probably try to increase her dosage..." Mike murmurs.
> Dami hesitates before answering, "Perhaps. I do not wish to state anything with surety, but I have spent a signifigant amount of time studdying the Dream and how it works. Raven is also quite adept at seeing things that are hidden, which helps."
<Hikari> "My urge to share sharp words with the proprietor grows," Hikari says. "The next door?"
<Mykasi> "Yes. Remember, focus on Bland."
> "The proprietor is fictional." Dami states.
<Mykasi> "...he is?"
* Hikari pauses with her hand on the door. "What? How do you know this?"
* Nagare blinks. "... suddenly, this makes much more sense."
> "The operator of this institution listed in public record is a fictional entity, he does not actually exist." Dami explains, "I researched this after my own...failed investigation here."
<Mykasi> "... ... What's his name? Bell Z Bub or something?" Mike mutters bitterly.
<Hikari> "I am highly confident that the proprietor exists, merely in the Dream itself, and I am developing a serious intention to find this entity and kill it."
> "Takehiro Somashi." he notes, "WHile there are individuals who share that name, the one in question does not have any genuine legal records that I could dig up."
<Mykasi> "Takehiro Somashi... I'll look into it as well. I've got good search-fu, usually, and it'll make a good test run for my new program. But I'm in agreement with Hikari - but none of that matters right now. Bland, people. Focus on him. I still think this method will work."
> "The ones I did find, were...I have great reason to believe they were fake." Then he nods, "Of course." And closes his eyes to focus.
<Hikari> "Yes. Let us continue." Hikari opens the second door on the left side of the hall.
* Nagare takes a deep breath and focuses on Bland, following Hikari's lead.
* Mykasi nods and focuses as Hikari opens the door!
> Hikari opens the door! And the world spins.
> When it stops, you find yourselves standing in a room full of gloom. The first thing that hits you isn't the looks of the room but the sheer feeling inside. Lonliness. Failure. Self-loathing. Despair. The feeling is so strong you can smell it. You can taste it. You can feel it's wretched rotten touch on your skin.(more)
> The room is dark. Not so dark you can't see, but it's reminicent of an overcast winter evening. Winter. It's also cold in here. Very cold. There are no defining features in the room...except for blood on the floor. Two trails of blood, that lead to a creature. A person. Who hunches over, slumped in defeat, blood running from his wrists.
> (OOC: Soul checks all.)
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 4."12 [2d8=3, 1]
> roll 2d8 Dami soul
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 Dami soul and gets 6."12 [2d8=4, 2]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 maaaaan
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 maaaaan and gets 10."12 [2d8=8, 2]
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 reroll dammit
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 reroll dammit and gets 9."12 [2d8=2, 7]
> The figure doesn't seem to notice you. If it's even alive. It's just slumped there in the middle of the room.
* Mykasi curls into himself, almost, watching the figure.
* Hikari approaches slowly, watchful for any sudden movements from the figure, looking for any signs of life.
* Nagare warily scans the room with his eyes, focusing on the blood trail that lead to the creature. The teacher also tries to scan for traces of Shadows in the room - if there's any place they could be, this certainly wouldn't seem out of place.
> As you approach...he looks up. The blood isn't coming from his wrists. It's coming from his fingers. And his eyes. His eyes that he clawed out with those horrible fingers. The temperature drops further as he slowly opens his mouth, "...you..." (more)
* Mykasi looks at the figure almost sadly, trying to figure out if it could be Bland.
* Hikari takes a step back, ready with the sword if it's needed. "Me? Do I know you?"
> Fog begins to form into shapes. Shapes with eyes. Eyes that chill you to your very soul with thier jealousy, thier hatred and envy. The man...definately not Bland, jerkily rises to his feet, "...you...hate...you..." The blood dripping from his fingers stops flowing...and hardens, turning into gleaming claws of blood.
> OOC: Guess what? Roll initiative.
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 11."12 [2d8=4, 7]
> roll 2d8+8 dami init
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+8 dami init and gets 18."12 [2d8=3, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8+11
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8+11 and gets 13."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> roll 2d8+7 psycho init
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+7 psycho init and gets 14."12 [2d8=4, 3]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8+9-2 yeh this'll suck
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8+9-2 yeh this'll suck and gets 12."12 [2d8=1, 4]
> roll 2d8+5 fog demon init 1
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+5 fog demon init 1 and gets 19."12 [2d8=7, 7]
> roll 2d8+5 fog demon init 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+5 fog demon init 2 and gets 18."12 [2d8=5, 8]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > Fog Demon 1 > Dami > Fog Demon 2 > Psycho > Mykasi > Hikari
> OOC: Nagare, go. The guy is quite clearly about to attack
* Nagare eyes the madman, and picks up the Fiddler card given by Theresa, summoning the mad Fiddler.
> A man appears next to Nagare. A darkly handsome man, just a bit scruffy and with a broad grin that matches his long coat, wide brimmed hat and dusty jeans well. He takes a look around, and lets out a low whistle, "Well now, ain't this a depressin' place? Let's see what we can do to liven it up a little, eh?" And placing his fiddle to his shoulder, he begins to play(more)
> OOC: Everyone make Soul checks at -3. -5 for Mike of course.
> roll 2d8 soul vs 7 for Dami
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 soul vs 7 for Dami and gets 8."12 [2d8=3, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 NAGAREEEEEEEE
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 NAGAREEEEEEEE and gets 10."12 [2d8=5, 5]
> roll 2d8 soul vs 2 for Psycho
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 soul vs 2 for Psycho and gets 9."12 [2d8=6, 3]
> roll 2d8 soul vs 2 for fog demon
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 soul vs 2 for fog demon and gets 9."12 [2d8=3, 6]
> roll 2d8 soul vs 2 for fog demon
<Hikari> roll 2d8 let's reroll that so it doesn't nerf all my other rolls kthx
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 let's reroll that so it doesn't nerf all my other rolls kthx and gets 4."12 [2d8=2, 2]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 soulplz? VS 3
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 soul vs 2 for fog demon and gets 6."12 [2d8=2, 4]
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 soulplz? VS 3 and gets 3."12 [2d8=2, 1]
> The fiddler starts to play, and Mike and Hikari can get into the groove. It's a good song he's playing...and it goes a little something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDm_ZHyYTrg
> "Fire on the mountain, run boys run!" the fiddler sings, while the demons and psycho recoil from the loud and energetic music!
> The first fog demon inhales deeply and tries to drown out that music with a blast of icy cold air!
> roll 2d8 vs 4 ice breath
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 ice breath and gets 2."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> (OOC: ...defense, Nagare)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 wow fuck you Hatbot
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 wow fuck you Hatbot and gets 7."12 [2d8=2, 5]
> The professor manages to slide out of the way in time, as does the Fiddler, who keeps playing on!
> Dami shakes his head, "What...IS this noise? RAVEN! Blades of thunder, target the man, ignore the shadows." His persona appears, and flaps his wings, sending needles of lightning that twist and home towards the man with bloody claws.
> roll 2d8 vs 9 attack
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 attack and gets 2."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> roll 2d8 vs 3 I'll be fair and let him roll DCV here then
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 3 I'll be fair and let him roll DCV here then and gets 8."12 [2d8=7, 1]
> roll 2d8 damaage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damaage and gets 10."12 [2d8=7, 3]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > Fog Demon 1 > Dami > Fog Demon 2 > Psycho(28 damage) > Mykasi > Hikari 
> The needles strike, but he doesn't seem like he's going down yet.
> The other fog demon follows suit, breathing icy breath on Nagare.
> roll 2d8 vs 4 ice breath
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 ice breath and gets 12."12 [2d8=8, 4]
> But it misses widely! And the Psycho lunges at the nearest person to him, being Hikari, with those horrible bloody claws.
> roll 2d8 vs 6 blades of blood
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 6 blades of blood and gets 13."12 [2d8=6, 7]
> His wild attack gets him nowhere(OOC: Mike)
* Mykasi shakes his head and sluggishly calls Anansi forth to toss a beam of (slightly) scorching light at the psycho!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 7
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 7 and gets 2."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> OOC: Damage it up
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 wat
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 wat and gets 6."12 [2d8=3, 3]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > Fog Demon 1 > Dami > Fog Demon 2 > Mykasi > Hikari
> The blast of light slams into the bleeding man and carries him back across the room, leaving him slumped over in a heap. The fog demons shudder and spasm as that happens.
> (OOC: Hikari)
<Hikari> "I came to fight the jailer, not his pawns. But if you stand in our way...Brynhildr! Strike down the abominations!"
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio against first demon
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio against first demon and gets 3."12 [2d8=2, 1]
> (OOC: can't take defense right now. Damage)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 smaaaaash okay maybe not quite
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 smaaaaash okay maybe not quite and gets 8."12 [2d8=6, 2]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > Dami > Fog Demon 2 > Mykasi > Hikari
> With a sweep from Brynhildr's spear, the demon dissapates. (OOC: Nagare)
* Nagare sighs and calls upon Abartach's shadows, attacking the remaining demon with The Lying Prince.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 leggo
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 leggo and gets 10."12 [2d8=2, 8]
> (OOC: still can't defend yet. Damage)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 damage and gets 13."12 [2d8=8, 5]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > Dami > Fog Demon 2(29) > Mykasi > Hikari
> The dark spiral touches the fog demon, but doesn't seem to kill it entirely.
> Dami steps back, "I...will save my strength. Raven, that's enough." And his Persona vanishes.
> Meanwhile, the fog demon shakes off the spasming and attacks Mykasi with great fury!
> roll 2d8 vs 4 ice breath the Mykasi
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 ice breath the Mykasi and gets 13."12 [2d8=7, 6]
> Great fury, but not great accuracy. (OOC: Mike)
<Mykasi> With another sluggish lift of his hand, Anansi tosses out an array of luminescent lasers to pin and finish the fog!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 versus 7
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 versus 7 and gets 9."12 [2d8=5, 4]
> Anani seems just as out of it as Mike, and the laser goes wide, missing the demon entirely. (OOC: Hikari)
<Hikari> "Away, demon! You've wasted enough of our time!" Hikari sends Brynhildr out to make the second demon share its sibling's fate.
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
> roll 2d8 vs 3 defense
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 3 defense and gets 10."12 [2d8=7, 3]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 die
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 die and gets 6."12 [2d8=4, 2]
> Brynhildr's spear sweeps that one away as effortlessly as it's predecesor.
* Mykasi looks around slowly. "...We done here?"
> The fog slowly clears, and...now you can see a wall in the room that has a door. The man with the bloody claws does not stir from where he fell.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [75/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 90/90 HP [90/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [130/175 EP]'
<Mykasi> "..." Mike shuffles over to the man. "...Do any of you recognize him?"
* Hikari approaches the fallen man, still on the lookout for any unpleasant surprises.
* Nagare eyes him more carefully, still carefully keeping a distance.
> Dami approaches and shakes his head, "I do not."
* Nagare shakes his head. "Wouldn't know him if he lived right next door."
<Hikari> "I am not aware of his identity." Hikari shrugs. "I doubt it would gain us anything to try speaking with him further. If he's still alive."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike pauses, before checking to see if he has pockets to ruffle through.
> Mike finds a piece of paper in one pocket. It's folded up.
* Mykasi unfolds it carefully.
> It reads: Why don't you just kill yourself.
> It's written in red ink too. ...no, wait.
<Mykasi> "... ..."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow to Mykasi. "You look pale. What have you found?"
<Mykasi> "Poor son of a bitch." Mike murmurs in English, before shaking his head. "Nothing important. ...Let's keep going." The piece of paper finds its way into Mike's pocket.
* Hikari nods and heads for the door.
> You touch the door...and the world spins.
> When it stops spinning, you're in a hallway again. There are no marks on any doors.
<Hikari> "Second hallway, second door," Hikari says as she defaces the second door on the left this time.
* Mykasi nods slightly, seeming a touch perkier.
> The blade bites into the door without problem.
<Mykasi> "Alright. Let's get going? Remember, Bland.
<Hikari> "Door number three, then." Hikari focuses her mind again and moves onward.
* Nagare follows, focusing on Bland again. Hopefully that'll work.
* Mykasi nods slightly.
> Hikari pulls the door...and it won't open. It feels stuck. Or locked.
> Dami inquires, "Is something the matter?"
<Hikari> "Let's leave this one alone."
<Mykasi> "Any particular reason?"
<Hikari> "I don't know. Just bad memories of the last time we did something this building didn't like." Hikari walks to the fourth door and tries that one instead.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike glances at the door, before thinking of Bland as Hikari tries the new door!
> That door won't open either. (OOC: Mind checks all)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 oh god now what
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 oh god now what and gets 6."12 [2d8=3, 3]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 why won't you tell me what's on your door~
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 why won't you tell me what's on your door~ and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
> roll 2d8 Dami mind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 Dami mind and gets 5."12 [2d8=2, 3]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 thinking for once in my life?
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 thinking for once in my life? and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 3]
> Dami narrows his eyes, "Raven."
<Mykasi> "......... do that fast, Dami."
> The bird appears next to him, and he asks, "Is this real or illusion I see?"
> The bird walks down the hall and pecks on the wall. Sounds pretty real.
> Dami blances, "The hallway is..."
<Mykasi> "Shrinking. Hikari, calmly BREAK ONE OF THE BLOODY DOORS."
<Hikari> "What? What's wrong? I--OH HELL." Hikari turns and wildly hacks at the door in front of her, trying to break it open.
> OOC: Body check, miss Hikari.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 13."12 [2d8=6, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 FUCK YOU
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 FUCK YOU and gets 7."12 [2d8=3, 4]
> The lightblade bites into the door, rattling it hard, and tearing out a chunk. But the door hasn't shattered yet. Now the hallways starts shrinking faster, visible to all.
> Raven caws and vanishes
* Mykasi tries to aid Hikari with a precision lightblast!
* Hikari swings away like she were tearing into rotten wood with a fireman's axe. Fall, dammit!
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 11."12 [2d8=8, 3]
> (OOC: Degree of success matters here, if you want to reroll. Also, Light damage ain't helping here, sorry)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 reroll sure
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 reroll sure and gets 4."12 [2d8=3, 1]
> One more swing, accompanies by a blast of light, smash the door to pieces. The hallways gets smaller and smaller and then the world spins.
> The world stops spinning, and you're in a room that's fairly empty. It looks alot like a jail cell, only clean. Sitting on a cot is somewhat handsome white guy with curly brown hair.
> He sits up as you come in, "Huh, what?"
> That's him. Bland.
* Nagare blinks. "... speak o' the devil."
* Mykasi looks the man over for a moment, before nodding slightly. "Richard Bland, I presume?"
> Looking you all over, he then grins, "Yeah, that's me. It's about time this moved on. So who are you guys? And what's the story?"
<Hikari> "'Moved on?' What are you talking about?"
> ---------------------------------------------------------------

> -------------------------------------------------------------
> > * Mykasi looks the man over for a moment, before nodding slightly. "Richard Bland, I presume?"
> > > Looking you all over, he then grins, "Yeah, that's me. It's about time this moved on. So who are you guys? And what's the story?"
> > <Hikari> "'Moved on?' What are you talking about?"
* Mykasi simply raises one eyebrow at Bland, waiting for him to answer Hikari.
> Bland smiles and shakes his head, "Right, right, forgot. Don't worry about it. Um, so really, who are you guys? Did you come to get me out of here?"
* Hikari exchanges a look with the others. "Not necessarily."
* Nagare bobs his head lightly. "In all honesty, we don't know yet."
<Mykasi> "... Argue your case."
> He nods, as if he expected a response like that, "Well, you obviously know me...so what do you want with me, then?" Then at Mike's statement, he frowns, "Um, okay...it'd help if I knew what was going on so I could see what I could maybe do to help? Or at least who you are?"
<Hikari> "Hikari Ishigami," Hikari says, assuming the others can introduce themselves. "We came as part of...an investigation, of sorts."
> Dami steps away from the rest of you for a moment, "Raven." And at his call, the bird appears again. Dami nods at his persona, and it begins walking around the room, pecking at the walls, looking under the cot, and generally investigating the place.
> "Nice to meet...you?" Bland starts, then turns and stares at Dami and raven with a bit of awe and confusion.
> "Dami Daidoji." Dami states, without turning to look at the man, "Ignore the bird, he will not harm you."
> "Uh...right. Ignore a three foot tall bird that appeared out of nowhere. No problem." Bland turns his attention back to people who are not Dami.
* Nagare nods to Richard, motioning to light up a cigarette. "Nagare Suiren. Hope you don't mind."
<Hikari> "Just wait until the spider shows up," Hikari mutters.
<Mykasi> "...Anansi." Mike says simply, as the spider appears behind him.
<Hikari> "To answer your question more fully," Hikari continues, "we came here because the circumstances that led up to your arrest and incarceration suggest causes similar to other incidents of interest to us for personal reasons."
> The seven foot tall spider persona appears behind Mike. Still wearing the bunny suit. And crosses both pairs of arms to glare at Richard like he's a tough guy.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike glances back at Anansi, before visibly cuffing him.
* Hikari glances back. "Mike, please endeavor to keep your other self in line?"
> Bland visibly pales, then does his damndest to focus on Hikari, "Uh, okay. So...you're supernatural investigators. And you're interested in me? Man, uh, alright. What do you want to know?"
> Anansi loses the bunny outfit, replacing it with his old standby of top hat, monocle and cane.
<Hikari> "The police likely asked you most of the relevant questions once before. Some of those overlap with our reason for being here. For example, it's important that you try to recall anything unusual that might have happened in the time leading up to...the incidents."
> Bland sighs, "Man what I wouldn't give for the internet right now. Uh, nevermind. Okay, weird. Well, I remember hearing about people on the news going crazy and doing strange things. But you probably know more about those then me. Except...that it happened to one of the people I knew, Yusina Seo."(more)
* Mykasi doesn't add anything to Hikari's query, instead waiting impassively.
> At that name, Dami visibly flinches, "Yusina Seo. I...I...can inform you of her if you wish. After...we leave here."
> Bland eyes Dami, "You know Yusina?"
> "..." Dami is quiet for a moment, before regaining composure and calmly answering, "After a fashion."
<Hikari> "Noted," Hikari says with a nod. "Please continue for now, Mr. Bland."
* Mykasi glances to Dami with a slight frown, before looking back to Bland.
> "Sure," he gives Dami another odd look, then returns to his account, "Yusina was acting really strange, and after awhile tried to kill the girls she hung out with. They...weren't really nice to her, I think they were just keeping her around to boss her around and I guess she got sick of it. She dropped out and went home after that, well, she was arrested first but they let her off on insanity plea or something like that." (more)
> "After she left," he continues, "is when I started to have these nightmares. I don't really remember them well, though. But they scared the crap out of me, I remember that much."
<Hikari> "Can you elaborate on whatever you do remember? We have some experience with this phenomenon and the details may be important."
> "Uh..." he thinks, "I...remember someone taunting me. Alot. And it was really making me mad. And...they did other stuff too, but I don't remember what. i just remember I was terrified of it."
<Mykasi> "Did the someone look like you?" Mike asks in a soft voice.
> "Maybe?" Bland answers, looking apologetic, "I don't really remember."
<Mykasi> "I see. What happened after this?"
<Hikari> "Very well. This persisted in the time leading up the...incidents? When did it stop?"
> "The nightmares stopped after I got arrested," he responds with certainty, then chuckles a bit, "though my life's been kinda nightmarish since then. I can't even...right," he sighs, "nevermind."
* Hikari can't help but raise an eyebrow at the unfinished complaint. "What's the first thing you remember, afterwards? After the nightmares stopped?"
> "Or...maybe it was a bit before that? That whole period was kinda hazy." He then considers the question, "First thing I remember? Hmm. Arguing with the guy I got as a lawyer. He was pretty convinced that I was completely insane. I'm not, but...well," he laughs, "I guess I might as well be."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike raises one eyebrow, before shaking his head as Anansi begins pacing behind the four, arms behind his back.
<Mykasi> "So you do not remember the incident?"
<Hikari> "This facility seems to foster than in people. If not now, it's likely only a matter of time." Hikari nods to second Mike's question.
> Meanwhile, Raven caws and vanishes, and Dami nods, "Nothing of incredible import to disclose about the room itself."
> "Not completely. Snapshots of it, but...augh," Bland shakes his head and walks over to his cot to sit down on it, and he mutter something quietly in english(OOC: Mind checks if you want to hear it)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 eavesdrop? Don't mind if I do!
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 eavesdrop? Don't mind if I do! and gets 11."12 [2d8=5, 6]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 Actually, I -do- mind.
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 Actually, I -do- mind. and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 8]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 argh urges
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 argh urges and gets 13."12 [2d8=5, 8]
> Nagare and Hikari can't quite make out what he's saying, especially as it's not thier first language, but Mike's long ear catches Bland muttering, "God above I know why Deadpool's such a nutcase. Fuck the fourth wall."
<Mykasi> "Deadpool is so awesome you shut your heathen mouth!" Mike blurts out in English, before regaining his composure. "I mean, why do you bring him up? Is it that you're feeling like a player in your own life?"
> Mike's outburst causes Dami to blink at him in confusion. While Bland cracks up laughing.
> "Oh, man. Hahahaha! Okay..." he takes a deep breath to calm down, "Alright. So...okay, may as well get this over with. So you all can think I'm as crazy as everyone else does."
<Hikari> "We travel with an anthropomorphic cosplaying spider. Our standards for insanity are quite high. Please go on."
<Mykasi> And at Hikari's words, Anansi suddenly is clad in red and black spandex, patterned after Deadpool's.
> "Right. So...it's like this," he starts to explain, "Don't take this the wrong way, but this is all just a game..." then he gets distracted staring at Anansi for a moment, "Um. I have no idea what to say to that."
> Dami begins to massage his temples.
<Mykasi> A yellow bubble appears above Anansi and a bit to the left, containing the words "Just keep going, kid."
* Nagare draws a breath from his cigarette and calmly lets the smoke out. "You certainly should care less if you take your idea of a game to the letter, anyhow."
<Hikari> "I assure you, this is no game, however much it might seem that way to you at present."
> "Ah..." Bland just shakes his head and tries to keep going, "It's...one of those, well," he looks a bit embarrased, "graphic novel games. The...uh, H kind. I play alot of them, of all kinds of genres. And I think this time I accidentally turned on an option I shouldn't have, since I can't start a new game or load an old save until I actually reach an End here."
<Mykasi> "... Bland, I hate to tell you this, but this honestly isn't an H game. The nightmares... probably screwed you up worse than you think right now." Mike says, dropping the attempt at the tough guy act.
> "I thought getting arrested and then thrown in an asylum would BE a Bad End, but since I think you guys are the start of a new plotline I guess it wasn't." He then nods at what Mike says, "Right, I knew you'd say that. That's what I was arguing with my lawyer and eveyrone else about, I'm the only one who can see that it's a game. Don't worry about it though, I'm not going to try to convince you or anything."
<Hikari> "I admit to inexperience with this sort of game, but I think it not a conventional feature for the game to become your reality. You are *not* in a game, Mr. Bland. You would assuredly be having much more fun."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike's face crosses up for a moment, before he wanders over and pinches Bland's arm.
> Bland jerks his arm back, "Ow! Yeah, I know, the pain argument. My lawyer tried that too, you just don't get how immersive this one is. Fully 3-D, full sensory feedback. It's like a marvel of design."
<Mykasi> "And when did you get into this game?" Mike asks simply.
<Hikari> "This type of immersion isn't normal for games, is it?" Hikari says, with some exasperation. "Does the technology for such a thing even exist? Really, think about what you're saying here."
> "Awhile back, I don't remember exactly what the date was. October sometime, I think?" Then to Hikari he just smiles and nods, "Okay, right. You know what? Let's forget about it. I'm the crazy guy who thinks he playing a game. Let's get back to what's going on then, is there anything else I can do to help your investigation?"
<Mykasi> "Firstly, is there any mutual friend or acquaintance you and Yusina has?" Mike says, before pausing and glancing to Dami. "Presuming your information isn't relevant to this query line."
> "Yusina was in possession of a dreamcatcher." Dami says without any emotion in his voice at all.
* Hikari rubs her forehead, sighs. "In addition to seconding Mike's query, I would ask for whatever you can tell us about this hospital--" Hikari cuts off at Dami's admission, looks at him, then continues. "If you've seen anything or anyone unusual. Comparitively unusual, at least."
> Bland looks back and forth between Mike and Dami for a moment, before just answering the question, "We had alot of mutual aquaintances, since we went to alot of the same classes. But we didn't share any close freinds."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike says with a slight nod. "Did you come into possession of it? Or did you happen to recall or notice anyone unusual - anyone acting oddly - before the incidents?"
> "My standards for unusual are kinda messed up right now. And...a dreamcatcher? What does that have to do with anything? Is that what you're asking if I got? Because I had one back in the states, bought one at a state fair, but that was like ten years ago." Bland offers.
<Hikari> "This sounds more and more like the work of our mysterious third party," Hikari concludes.
<Mykasi> "Compared to real world standards, someone acting abnormally before the incident. Physical contact might be a good indicator." Mike says, ignoring the dreamcatcher part.
> "I retrieved the dreamcatcher," Dami explains, "neither it nor I have anything to do with Richard Bland."
* Mykasi nods to Dami. "Figured as much."
> "Physical contact...uh," Bland thinks, "I got beat up by a guy who I caught trying to pickpocket someone on a train. He managed to get away from the police chasing him I guess, and caught up with me a couple days later with some buddies. That was about a week before I started having the nightmares."
> "It wasn't too serious, they just hit me a few times and then ran off when an old man started yelling at them." He laughs a bit, "It's kinda embarrasing really."
<Hikari> "Well, it's not much...but if that's all that stands out, describe anyone you remember as well as you can?"
> He gives a rough physical description of the guy he caught doing the pickpocketing, which is the only one he can remember well, "Uh, about average height, pretty strong though. Tattoo of a black dragon on his right arm, two nose piercings and a really visible scar on his chin. I was kinda surprised since he looked so much like a stereotypical thug."
<Mykasi> "Hm." A glance to the Professor. "Any ideas? You see anything?"
<Hikari> "He certainly sounds like one, yes. Well..." Hikari looks to the others. "Are there any other questions of note? I have little else."
* Nagare shakes his head. "I guess I could try sensing the typical, but I wouldn't get my hopes up," he nods as he tries to focus for any strange Shadow-related presence - for all that he suspects he'd have noticed it by this point.
> The aura of things shadow related seems to permeate the place to Nagare's enhanced sight. It hangs over Bland as well, heavily, but he does not appear to BE a shadow.
* Nagare scratches his chin lightly. "Hmmm. The coating of Shadows is definitely here. But... nothing points to -him- in particular, albeit hanging -over- him. I hope this isn't being terribly unclear."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike tries to sort through his thoughts. "Okay, basically. Here's my challenge. Let's pretend for a moment that you're actually in reality and just getting borked around by something else. Alright? You're being made to think this is a game by something else."
> Bland nods at Mike, "Alright..."
<Mykasi> "Right. That's what we're here investigating - whatever caused you to gain this false perspective, from our point of view. We are attempting to look for sources of... contamination, so to speak? That may have triggered this event. Are you aware of what you did between the time of your nightmares and your first conversation with your lawyer, from our perspective?"
> He sighs, "Yeah, I am. Look...that's how I know this has to be a game. I would NEVER do something like that in real life. No way. The only reason I even do it in games is because I'm a completionist. I don't get off on those paths, I swear. But I'm really OCD sometimes and blank spots in the galleries drive me completely nuts."
* Hikari just glazes over with a blank look. Mike's welcome to take this leg of the conversation.
<Mykasi> "Yeah, that's a somewhat reasonable conclusion. But what if I told you the infection did this through you?"
> "That...something made me sick...and because of that I really did..." he pauses, and pales a bit again, "I...no. This can't be real. Magic spiders and birds that appear out of nowhere and change costumes? That's fantasy, right there. This can't be the real world."
<Mykasi> "Oh, gods, do I wish that I could second that." Mike says with a pale grin. "Right now, though, we're talking to you in a Dreamscape - effectively a world of the mind. Which is why Anansi there is such a weird bastard."
* Nagare shrugs, dropping his cigarette to the floor and stepping on it to put it down. "In all honesty, we'll have to say you're both right -and- wrong."
<Hikari> "I always assumed that had more to do with his master, Mike..."
> "Actually," Anansi quips, with a dapper faux-brittish accent, "I'm such a weird bastard because I came out of that loony's head." He indicates Mike with his cane.
<Hikari> "There you are, my suspicions affirmed."
<Mykasi> "You came out of my head when? I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were bloody Athena."
> Anansi's outfit changes to a toga, helmet, sheild and spear.
> Bland just stares, "I'm so fucking confused..."
* Hikari sighs. "Please refrain from making this more complicated, the both of you?"
<Mykasi> "... Damnit, Anansi." Mike mutters, before looking back to Bland. "Apologies. But yeah... this isn't the real world you expect. I anticipate you're probably sleeping there, which is why you can be here."
> After a bit, Bland shakes his head, "So I'm dreaming again? Alright, that explains the fantasy elements. But I'm not going to take a dream's word on what's real and what's not."
<Mykasi> "Hm. Then what would serve as conclusive proof?"
> "All I can think of is that I have to get to an End of the game. Then it'll be over and I can restart or just play something else. And if not, then you're right and it's real. Magic cosply spiders and all."
<Mykasi> "Except that doesn't work. If this doesn't count as an End, what does? By that logic you just keep going and going." Mike says, before pausing. "Well, we could beat you up, but that doesn't seem sporting or even terribly logical."
* Nagare tosses a calm, yet snide side remark. "The way I look at it, the only possible end for it would be getting yourself killed. I don't think either you nor us actually want that."
> Bland nods at Nagare without an irony, "Yeah, that's what I was thinking of. Death is always a Bad End. Except in some games where you're supposed to die, but I don't think this is one of those. So if I'm right, i get to restart and move on. If you're right..."
> "If you're right, I really raped my two best freinds and I deserve it." He finishes.
<Mykasi> "... Personally? It seems more that the infection, so to speak, is at root here." Mike says with a slight shake of the head. "But... anyone else have something bugging them about all this?"
<Hikari> "This is, indeed, NOT one of those games. I wouldn't suggest you attempt that. I--" Hikari can only look anywhere but at Bland after that admission. "I don't think metaphysical arguments are really going to help anyone here. And I don't think Bland will be able to be convinced of anything as long as he remains in this hospital. Or, at least, as long as the hospital remains under the current management."
<Hikari> "No more so than most cases, Mike. We already knew there was someone else 'pushing' people, didn't we?"
> Dami flinches slightly at his request, "I think the only one of us willing to grant such a thing is the one who was left outside. Thankfully."
* Nagare shakes his head. "I think we may want to keep this from Shiro a while, even. Regardless... this is a rather... fascinating take on this events, to say the least."
<Mykasi> "...but Bland's back to normal." Mike notes. "From his perspective, he views this as a game, but outside of that - and given the circumstances - he's normal. That hasn't happened to any other cases, has it? Where the afflicted person isn't.... I hate to use this term, but "used" any longer?"
* Nagare shakes his head. "I wouldn't quite say that. There's still a very thick Shadow influence that I can gather -here-, and it seems to hang over Bland as well. We can't say whether this is a different phenomenon or simply a modus operandi we haven't met yet. I'd be willing to wager on the latter."
<Hikari> "From any traditional perspective, however, he's crazy. Isn't that more or less what happens to the afflicted in the end, if not necessarily in this exact state?"
> "It is possible that the Shadow is in control in the physical world, leaving Bland in the Dream." Dami offers, "without seeing how he is in the physical world, I cannot draw any conclusions just yet. Not enough data."
<Nagare> "I have to wonder if one could even -notice- the difference. I'm not sure I -did- myself."
<Hikari> "Dami raises a valid point as well. We may have been received very differently in the real world. We have no way of knowing."
> "And Hikari is correct in that matter. The afflicted tend towards insanity...or death." Dami adds.
<Mykasi> "Mmm." Mike leans back against a wall of the dreamstate, frowning. "That... doesn't quite disprove my point, but I do accept that I may be wrong on what the reality-side is like.
> "Absence of proof is not proof of absence, yes." Dami nods, "I...could attempt to speak with him in the physical world. But I would have to do so alone as I cannot think of how to get any of you in." He doesn't seem too fond of the idea.
<Mykasi> "Set the building on fire in a covert corner, watch as they abandon all patients, sneak in then." Mike says drily.
> Bland just watches these exchanges blankly.
<Hikari> "It might be of some use to try," Hikari says. "Though it would require leaving the asylum in the Dream. And I think our work here is not yet finished. Whatever power runs this place from the Dream is surely responsible for a great many things. We're nto significantly winded, are we? I suggest we continue searching the building for this entity."
> "I am still possessed of the majority of my mystical energy," Dami nods.
* Mykasi glances to Bland and gives a wry grin. "Don't worry, this isn't supposed to make sense. Hell, we can rarely parse it." At Hikari's comment, he shrugs lightly. "Worth a shot, I guess?"
* Nagare shakes his head. "I wouldn't let my horses run so free. If the entity running this joint is powerful enough to hold control over it in two distinct fronts, it certainly could be powerful enough to grind us into dust. I'm fine with exploring this place, but for directions rather than an end."
<Hikari> "Just pretend we're preparing to go fight the Boss," Hikari says offhandedly to Bland. Then: "If you wish, professor. I prefer to be more direct."
<Mykasi> "Perhaps we should just go looking for answers, then." Mike shrugs.
<Mykasi> And after a moment he glances at Hikari in confusion. "I thought you didn't -have- a childhood. What is this, you referencing normal things?"
<Hikari> "My brother plays games once in a while," Hikari says dismissively.
> "So...you're just going to leave me in here?" Bland sighs, "Maybe I can help somehow? I don't have any magic powers, but whether this is a game or you people are real and have magic powers, it stands to reason I should be able to learn some?"
<Hikari> "Are you sure? If you are at all disturbed by us appearing here and talking of strange things and Anansi, well, it's not any less nonsensical outside your room. And it *is* dangerous."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike pauses at this. "We... had to confront ourselves and our own sins in order to get to this point. Try mentally figuring this all out on your own end. That's probably the best bet for you being able to help anyone, including yourself."
* Nagare frowns. "It's not that we -don't- want to help you directly just taking you off. But we've already had a rather unsettling experience trying to take a Dreaming person out of the Dreamscapes through our means."
<Nagare> "And it vaguely amuses me that we all had a different justification, yet they're all true."
> Bland nods, "I'm willing to take whatever risks nessesary. Since, like I said, best I can figure one of us is right. If it's me, then I'm the protagonist and I should get off my ass and do something. And if it's you, then something's really wrong with the world and I want to try and help."
* Mykasi blanches at Nagare's statement. "... Right. Well, that'd be a way to potentially kill you, or potentially let you help, but... I have no idea which it would be... fuck."
<Hikari> "If you want to help and if you want to find answers, than I couldn't truly stand in the way. I cannot stress enough that it is highly hazardous exploring this facility in the Dream, however. If you can't defend yourself, you could easily die here."
<Nagare> "We simply can't let you take this risk. Even putting aside the fact you're just too important a puzzle piece in this context, we can't afford to hazard lives wantonly."
<Hikari> "We've been attacked more than once while exploring this building," Hikari adds. "The building itself has tried to kill us."
> "Not...anymore." Dami nods, "I don't want to be a part of someone getting hurt here again. Stay. It's...safe...ish...here."
> Bland sighs, "I get it, it's dangerous out there. But I'm willing to take that risk. It's my decision, if something happens to me it won't be your fault."
<Mykasi> "It's more a case of 'we aren't.'" Mike says, before sighing and looking at Bland direct. "I'm being quite serious when I suggest introspection. One way the infection works, so to speak, is to play up - utilize - abuse what's already in your head. Why would the infection make you think this is a game? Why would you do those actions? And what does this mean about yourself? That's the best thing you can do, honestly."
* Nagare mutters, eyeing Bland wearily. "We get that. What we're saying, and you don't seem to get that, is that it's a decision YOU don't get to make. It's easy to get all gung-ho about this. But then, if or -when- something happens to you, do you -seriously- believe we won't feel responsible for it? Even if you say so?"
* Hikari can only nod and look at the others. "If someone's aware of the dangers and willing to risk themselves for the sake of a goal, then I don't feel it's my place to stop them. But if I'm outvoted, well, I can easily see the argument in him being safer here."
<Mykasi> "Try to fight your own demons, first. That is my main reluctance. If you can do that... well."
> He shakes his head, "So everyone's said thier part I guess, and the decision is...what? I'm still trying to figure out who's the leader here, though I think it's you," he nods at Hikari.
<Mykasi> "If it helps, we'll likely be back."
> "I...will attempt to contact you in the physical world." Dami states, "Whether or not you remember anything of this will tell me much."
<Hikari> "Nevertheless, this isn't a dictatorship," Hikari says. "There's too much we don't know about the dangers of this building. It really is best for you to remain here for now."
> "I don't like it, but it's pretty obvious you're the ones with the power here, and I can't get that door open on my own." Bland sighs again, then eyes Dami, "I can't imagine I'd forget a bunch like you."
<Mykasi> "You forgot your dreams. A lot of this doesn't work as would be expected." Mike notes, shaking his head as he heads towards the door. "And, for what it's worth? Thanks, this has helped out."
<Hikari> "I'm sorry. I understand it's galling not to be able to participate in direct action here. I can only suggest you follow Mike's advice until we appear again with news." Hikari heads for the door as well.
> Dami slips his hand into a coat pocket...and a moment later forces his hand back out and wordlessly follows.
* Nagare waves silently to Richard, following behind the others.
> As you open the door, the world spins again. And you're back in a hallway. The hallway is not shrinking, and there is no destroyed door. There is, however....
> ----------------------------------

> --------------------------------------
> As you open the door, the world spins again. And you're back in a hallway. The hallway is not shrinking, and there is no destroyed door. There is, however, a quartet of large burly...men, at least the general shape looks like men, huddled around another door in the hallway. Until one of them turns and sees you.(more)
> The large men are mishapen, almost like hunchbacks, and are wearing a pecular combination of hospital scrubs and hockey masks. What's more they all look *exactly* identicle to eachother, which is strange even for shadows of the same type. More striking, however, are what they carry.(more)
> Each large man carries what at first glance seems to be a three foot long syringe. But instead of a needle, each syringe has three vines extanding from the front, with each vine ending in what resembles a venus flytrap's head with gnashing teeth. And long silvery needles inside thier mouths.
<Mykasi> "Hello there, friendly chaps!"
> The four large men all turn towards you...and begin approaching, making muffled grunting noises from behind thier masks.
<Mykasi> "Yeah, didn't think so." Mike says, stepping away lightly! (OOC: Ready for init.)
* Hikari isn't about to waste time trying to chat up this gang of thug...monster...employees? Whatever they are, it's clear the only proper way to greet them is with brute force!
* Nagare sighs. "The friendly chaps seem intent on chewing our skulls, it seems. Guess we should frustrate their expectations a bit." That said, Nagare steps back, ready to battle.
> Dami pales, "Orderlies. I encountered them before..."
> (OOC: that's init then)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8+9 hi init
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8+9 hi init and gets 15."12 [2d8=5, 1]
> roll 2d8+8 Dami init
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+8 Dami init and gets 17."12 [2d8=1, 8]
> roll 2d8+6 orderly 1 init
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 orderly 1 init and gets 19."12 [2d8=7, 6]
<Nagare> roll 2d8+9
> roll 2d8+6 orderly 2 init
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8+9 and gets 18."12 [2d8=2, 7]
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 orderly 2 init and gets 12."12 [2d8=3, 3]
> roll 2d8+6 orderly 3 init
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 orderly 3 init and gets 17."12 [2d8=4, 7]
> roll 2d8+6 orderly 4 init
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 orderly 4 init and gets 15."12 [2d8=4, 5]
<Hikari> roll 2d8+11 not last this time?
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8+11 not last this time? and gets 13."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> 4INIT ORDER: Orderly 1 > Nagare > Dami > Orderly 3 > Mykasi > Orderly 4 > Hikari > Orderly 2
> The first large man draws back the handle of his syringe, and you can see it fill with a shiny clear liquid. He lurches forward, "hur, hurhur..." as the tendrils seem to grow so they can snap at Dami.
> roll 2d8 vs 9 chomp chomp
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 chomp chomp and gets 12."12 [2d8=7, 5]
> Quicker then he looks, Dami backs away while calling for his Persona, "RAVEN!" (OOC: go Nagare)
* Nagare quickly picks up a card from his pocket and summons forth Lilim!
<Nagare> roll 2d8 against Orderly 1
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 against Orderly 1 and gets 9."12 [2d8=6, 3]
> roll 2d8 vs 4 dcv
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 dcv and gets 9."12 [2d8=3, 6]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 dmagae (on purpose)
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 dmagae (on purpose) and gets 14."12 [2d8=6, 8]
> 4INIT ORDER: Orderly 1(14 EP damage) > Nagare > Dami > Orderly 3 > Mykasi > Orderly 4 > Hikari > Orderly 2
> Lilim appears, and gives Nagare a disgusted look before sighing, fluttering forward, and giving the masked hunchback a halfhearted kiss on the mask. It still seems enough to disorient the orderly for a second as the mask turns a slight shade of pink and you hear him grunt, "hur..hur...hur.." (Dami and Orderly 3)
> Dami moves further back, though there isn't much further to go, and yells for his Persona again, "RAVEN!" The bird appears and Dami quickly orders, "Blade of Thunder, now!" The bird nods and swipes a wing, sending blade shaped lightning bolts towards the closest orderly!
> roll 2d8 vs 11
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 11 and gets 10."12 [2d8=3, 7]
> roll 2d8 vs 2 defense
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 2 defense and gets 9."12 [2d8=4, 5]
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 7."12 [2d8=3, 4]
> 4INIT ORDER: Orderly 1(38 hp damage/14 EP damage) > Nagare > Dami > Orderly 3 > Mykasi > Orderly 4 > Hikari > Orderly 2
> The blades slam into the orderly, knocking it back, and Raven laughs, "Sounds like a storm's a brewin'"
> Meanwhile, the third orderly lurches forward to jab it's pointly impliments towards Nagare!
> roll 2d8 vs 9 chomp
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 chomp and gets 7."12 [2d8=5, 2]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 7 (damn DCV)
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 vs 7 (damn DCV) and gets 14."12 [2d8=6, 8]
> roll 2d8 damage and Nagare make a body check at +2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and Nagare make a body check at +2 and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 (7+2)
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 (7+2) and gets 6."12 [2d8=1, 5]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [75/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 74/90 HP [90/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [120/175 EP]'
> All three tendrily heads manage to clamp down on the professor in different places, Nagare can feel the needles jab into him and feel SOMETHING start to pump into him. It hurts, but he manages to fight off it's effects...at least for now.(Go mikey)
* Mykasi grimaces and gestures wildly at the one who just hit Nagare. "Freeze, punk!" With that, Anansi pops up (this time in samurai regalia) and drops an icy katana on the orderly!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 9
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 9 and gets 6."12 [2d8=4, 2]
> roll 2d8 vs 4 defense
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 defense and gets 9."12 [2d8=3, 6]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 ICE ICE BABY
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 ICE ICE BABY and gets 6."12 [2d8=3, 3]
> 4INIT ORDER: Orderly 1(38 hp damage/14 EP damage) > Nagare > Dami > Mykasi > Orderly 4 > Hikari > Orderly 2
> The icy katana passes effortlesly through the orderly, who grunts out a feral death scream before freezing solid and disintigrating into icy dust. Leaving behind long thin silvery needle on the ground...(Orderly 4 is up)
> The eyes of the masks on the remaining orderlies widen, and they start grunting and groaning loudly! The fourth flails his syringe at Mykasi with great fury!
> roll 2d8 vs 9 chomp chomp
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 chomp chomp and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 10 (11 if this counts as ranged)
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 10 (11 if this counts as ranged) and gets 7."12 [2d8=6, 1]
> Anansi steps in and materialzes a shield out of webbing to block the attacks just before they hit! (OOC: nope, just physicals with reach. Also, Hikari is go)
> Meanwhile, Raven laughs again, "I see, I see, ice is nice and will suffice~"
<Mykasi> "I never did much prefer fire!" Anansi replies back with a jaunty grin.
<Hikari> "Wretched creatures. Lie down and die so we can move on to your master!" Hikari points towards the wounded orderly, sending out Brynhildr in a charge.
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 Helreio fuck it
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 Helreio fuck it and gets 6."12 [2d8=2, 4]
> roll 2d8 vs 2 dodge
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 2 dodge and gets 6."12 [2d8=3, 3]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 oh right, damage!
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 oh right, damage! and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
> Brynhildr flies, spear forward to strike! The orderly begins to raise his syringe to block and it seems he's about to make it...until Hikari hears the rattle of dice and the hunchback trips on the needle that is all that is left of his fallen comrade, getting staggered back...but not dying just yet.
> 4INIT ORDER: Orderly 1(44 hp damage/14 EP damage) > Nagare > Dami > Mykasi > Orderly 4 > Hikari > Orderly 2
> The last orderly ignores the attacking Hikari in favor of also waving his syringe at Mike!
> roll 2d8 vs 9 chomp chomp
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 chomp chomp and gets 15."12 [2d8=7, 8]
> But Mike is too quick, ducking away from the flailing tendrils! (Orderly 1's turn)
> Like the other two, the injured orderly thrusts the buisiness end of his weapon towards the cool FOOL...at least after regaining his footing.
> roll 2d8 vs 9 stab stab
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 stab stab and gets 9."12 [2d8=6, 3]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 10 (Thanks, Kyo!)
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 10 (Thanks, Kyo!) and gets 8."12 [2d8=1, 7]
> Again Anansi's sheild is in the way! (OOC: Nagare)
* Nagare sighs, eyeing the wounded Orderly wearily and summoning the darkness of the Lying Prince.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 spin~
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 spin~ and gets 11."12 [2d8=5, 6]
> Abartach appears, but his spiral of darkness fails to connect with the wildly staggering orderly(OOC: Dami. Also, it would help me alot if you would put your target numbers the same way I am, so I don't have to look them up after every roll)
> Dami calms down just a bit, and orders his Persona on a change of tactic, "Raven, eyes of avarice." In responce, the persona chortles in glee and his eyes GLEAM, "Oh HO! We know what to use to make you die, now tell me where your strengths do lie..." (Mike, go. Takes Raven a bit to process this)
* Mykasi nods slightly and shifts his glare to a different orderly as he steps back a bit! "Alright, Anansi, you know the theme!" With that, Anansi nods, and begins.... dancing... in a samurai outfit.... until a huge icy milkshake appears and crashes over an orderly's head!
<Mykasi> Causing Mike to sigh. "...that wasn't it."
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 9 Mikeshake
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 9 Mikeshake and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
> The orderlies SCATTER as the slush falls and splashes over the ground. (OOC: Orderly 4)
> A bit afraid to approach the spiderai, the oderly keeps his distance and thrusts at Mike from the edge of his tendrils' range!
> roll 2d8 vs 9 omnom
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 omnom and gets 10."12 [2d8=4, 6]
> Which turns out to be a mistake as a single long step backwards puts Mykasi in safe distance(Hikari is up)
* Hikari keeps after the wounded orderly, though trying a different approach now. "Still standing, are you? Very well. Brynhildr? BURN."
<Hikari> roll 2d8 vs 12, when all else fails use fire?
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 vs 12, when all else fails use fire? and gets 11."12 [2d8=7, 4]
> roll 2d8 vs 4 no burn plz
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 no burn plz and gets 2."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> Somehow, as Brynhildr's spear touches the ground, the hunchback manages to dive away from the pillar of flame that rises from underneath it in time. (Orderly 2)
> That's enough to turn the second orderly after Hikari, thrusting it's weapon's noodly apengages in her general direction!
> roll 2d8 vs 9 omnom
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 9 omnom and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 8]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 more ffffff
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 more ffffff and gets 4."12 [2d8=3, 1]
> Byrnhildr slashes them away effortlessly, snapping out at the hunchback in irritation "You would dare!?"(and back to O1)
> Lurching closer, the injured orderly tries a different tactic and full on rushes at Mike for a full body tackle!
> roll 2d8 vs 8 tackling time
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 8 tackling time and gets 13."12 [2d8=7, 6]
> Mike...sidesteps. And the orderly spraws on the floor as he overshoots. (Nagare)
<Mykasi> "One of you mind -killing- that poor brute already?!"
<Hikari> "I'm TRYING, dammit," Hikari snaps.
* Nagare calls forth the Lying Prince once again. "Put Quasimodo out of his misery, -please-."
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 10
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 vs 10 and gets 6."12 [2d8=1, 5]
<Mykasi> "Very trying, yes!"
> (OOC: no defense, he's prone on the floor. Damage)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 THE PEOPLES FALL DOWN
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 THE PEOPLES FALL DOWN and gets 13."12 [2d8=7, 6]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > Dami > Mykasi > Orderly 4 > Hikari > Orderly 2
> Finally the spiral of darkness touches...and the orderly is no more, fading into shadow and vanishing away.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [65/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 74/90 HP [70/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [115/175 EP]'
> Raven laughs again, "Ah HA! I see, I see!" Dami quickly translates, "These...creatures are highly resistant to physical damage, wind and light elmental attacks. Also they seem to have incredible mental defenses, according to Raven."
> (OOC: Mike is up)
<Mykasi> "Right. So no illusion games, just keep 'em on ice!" Mike grins, directly telling Anansi to just throw a big shuriken at the orderly, which Anansi complies with... reluctantly. "THIS ISN'T SAMURAI-ESQUE, YOU KNOW!"
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 9
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 9 and gets 7."12 [2d8=5, 2]
<Mykasi> OOC: Clarity's sake, the one that attacked me. Apologies.
> roll 2d8 vs 4 defense don't think he's been attacked yet this round
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 defense don't think he's been attacked yet this round and gets 7."12 [2d8=4, 3]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 Master Frostbite~
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 Master Frostbite~ and gets 12."12 [2d8=4, 8]
> 4INIT ORDER: Nagare > Dami > Mykasi > Orderly 4 > Hikari
> The icy shuriken passes through it much as the katana did before, and like the other it freezes solid and disintigrates into powder, leaving behind another silvery needle.
> As his third companion falls, the last orderly roars out in defiance and his entire body turns a bright shade of red...then he lashes out at Mykasi
> roll 2d8 vs 11 OMNOMNOM
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 11 OMNOMNOM and gets 10."12 [2d8=4, 6]
> OOC: Defense?
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 10 ... I'm sorry, I'm dyslexic tonight. I read that as vs 10 and gets 11.
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 10 ... I'm sorry, I'm dyslexic tonight. I read that as vs 10 and gets 11. and gets 4."12 [2d8=2, 2]
> Again Anansi is there with his shield of webbing, but the impact forces the Persona backwards and the spiderai croaks out, "Booooss, I think we mighta pissed him off..."(OOC: hikari)
<Hikari> "He's not the only one. Brynhildr? HIT HIM THIS TIME."
<Hikari> roll 2d8 vs 12 more burning
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 vs 12 more burning and gets 10."12 [2d8=7, 3]
> roll 2d8 vs 4 more dodging?
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 4 more dodging? and gets 5."12 [2d8=4, 1]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 that was too close
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 that was too close and gets 7."12 [2d8=1, 6]
> The firewall engulfs the orderly, and even in his enraged state he cannot resist the flames. He screams out in anguish, his body swiftly reduced to dust...leaving behind a small needleless syringe filled with a shiny clear liquid...
> (OOC: free act)
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 74/90 HP [70/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [115/175 EP]'
<Mykasi> "... Phew." Mike stretches. "Thanks, Hikari."
* Nagare dusts himself off. "That was... unpleasant, to put it mildly."
<Mykasi> "Should we see what was behind the door they were at?"
<Hikari> "I'm just glad I could finally help in some capacity." Hikari kneels down and flicks at the syringe with a fingertip out of curiosity.
* Nagare shrugs. "It's as good a guess as anything else given the whimsical nature of this place."
> Dami steps forward and eyes the remnants on the ground, "Interesting. A shadow leaves behind a part of itself when killed with an element it is vulnerable to. I knew this, but seeing one vulnerable to two elements that leaves behind a different part for each vulnerability? That's new."
> The syringe rolls around when flicked. the liquid seems sealed in there fairly well, it doesn't even splash around as it rolls.
* Mykasi hums, watching as Anansi tries and fails to pick up the pieces he forced to drop before grinning. "Needle little hand, Anansi?"
* Hikari picks it up and puts it in her handbag.
* Nagare shakes his head at Mykasi. "You are hopeless."
<Mykasi> "Huh. This raises a question. Can we reassemble it and use it?" Mike muses, picking up the needles. "Even if not, I might try to use these as weapons..."
> Anansi glares at his human, "Icy what you did there."
<Mykasi> "Oh, come now. Don't be so cold. I have a point, don't I?" Mike grins, brandishing one of the needles at Anansi.
> Dami nods, "Possibly. Ah, if you need somewhere to keep things my lab in the Dream of my apartment is still being maintained."
<Hikari> "I'm not eager to experiment here and now. Perhaps once we're safely back in the Velvet Room, or Dami's lab." Hikari stands up, looks around. "Where to next?"
<Mykasi> "That would be useful, yeah. Thanks." Mike nods. "We'll look at assembly later, then. Let's get going?"
<Mykasi> "The door they were at, would be my suggestion."
* Nagare scratches his cheek. "As said before, certainly."
> Dami nods, and follows you all to that door.
> "Ah, what are we searching for now? The proprietor of this place? Or the exit?" He then asks.
<Hikari> "Very well." Hikari walks to the door, scratches a 4 on it. "I have a nasty suspicion this place fixes the doors as soon as we leave just to taunt me..." she mutters.
<Nagare> "We're probably going to where our curiosity leads us. We're in fair shape still, and we can explore a bit more."
* Mykasi hums. "Actually, I'd go with 'what the orderlies were guarding' for right now, unless we want to search out the propertier first." Mike suggests.
<Nagare> "Well, coincidences may happen."
<Hikari> "I would find it quite satisfactory to finr the proprietor and bet him into submission. But for the moment we may as well see what the shadows stood in front of." Hikari opens the door.
> The opens, and the world spins...
> (OOC: The door opens, even.)
> When the world stops spinning, you are standing in a room...at least you think you are. It's dark in here. Pitch dark. So dark you have trouble telling if your eyes are closed or open. Then you feel it. This nauseating wave of malice. Of twisted delight in the suffering of others. Of every sick power fantasy you have ever in a moment of weakness entertained. A wave of nothing less then pure, undiluted...
> Evil.
> (OOC: Soul checks all)
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 well fuck
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 well fuck and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
<Nagare> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=7, 1]
<Mykasi> OOC: Versus 8, so I failed barring mods
<Hikari> roll 2d8 REROLL FOR JUSTICE
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 REROLL FOR JUSTICE and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
<Nagare> OOC: 10 Soul here, so passed.
> roll 2d8 for Dami
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 for Dami and gets 9."12 [2d8=7, 2]
<Hikari> OOC: 9 here
> You feel the wave wash over you...and the sudden oppresive feeling almost brings you to your knees. You feel disgusted, at yourself, at everyone else, the bile rising within you that such a thing as this could be allowed to exist in a loving world. All...save the middle aged professor who has prevailed over stronger darkness then this before.(OOC: everyone but Nagare has a -2 on all rolls in this room.)
> You can hear laughter from ahead of you. The voice is...female, but not feminine. It sounds not like the laugh of a madman, but of one who knows full well what they do...and loves it.
<Hikari> "Enough games," Hikari says to the darkness despite the miasma of gloom wrapped around her. "Show yourself."
> Mike feels something bump into him from behind, then a hand grab his shoulder.
* Mykasi looks ahead, eyes narrowed as he slowly backs up. "Mebbe we should've let the orderlies handle he-YAH!" At that, Mike spins around, needles ready!
> Mike feels the hand on his shoulder let go as he hears DAmi's voice scream from what is now right in front of him, "AAAAH!"
* Nagare deflates a bit. "This is a bit of a comical tragedy as it stands."
* Hikari whirls around. "Both of you calm down! What's wrong?"
> The voice laughs again, then drawls out, "Come into my parlor..."
> Dami's voice is breathing heavily, "Ah...apologies. I...I do not do well...in the dark..."
<Mykasi> "Okay do me a favor Dami and don't startle me like that right now." Mike breathes out. "This is probably as hard on me as it is on you." With that, Mike glances to Nagare. "Lead on."
> "Raven..." his voice calls, "Raven, please. I need to see."
<Hikari> "Care to turn the lights on for your guests first?" Hikari suggests to the voice.
<Mykasi> A pause, before Mike glances back to Dami. "...Stay close. I've got good eyes, alright?"
> Raven's voice caws, "This darkness is of mystic get, my eyes see no more clearly then yours."
> As mykasi's eyes adjust, he can see...well, at least vaguely. Maybe a few feet around him at least. Enough to see the others.
> The voice chuckles again, "Oh you don't want me to do that."
* Nagare crosses arms, shaking his head. "That being the case, we probably don't want to get any closer into your domain either, do we?"
<Hikari> "There are a great many things I don't want you to do, assuming you are who we think you are. Turning the lights on is not notably high on the list."
> "Ah, but the way out is behind me." The voice entices, "Or you could stay there until the darkness drives you mad, it doesn't matter much to me."
* Mykasi inhales slightly, keeping an eye on the three as he glances around for any signs of this... woman? At her words, Mike conjures a small illusion for the four - a brightly glittering little firefly. Through it, he mouths, "Let's move ahead. Slowly, alright? I don't trust this woman but we don't have many choices, do we?"
* Hikari nods, brandishes the lightsword and takes a few slow steps forward.
> (OOC: an illusion cannot create real light to see by, but Mike can at least show them the little he can see on his own with it.)
<Mykasi> OOC: that'll do, then. Outlined by fireflies?
* Nagare carefully follows behind Mykasi.
> You move forward...(OOC: mind checks all, remember the -2)
> roll 2d8 dami mind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 dami mind and gets 4."12 [2d8=1, 3]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 9 lovely
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 9 lovely and gets 4."12 [2d8=3, 1]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 yeahhhh not making this since it's vs 4 here
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 yeahhhh not making this since it's vs 4 here and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 9
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 vs 9 and gets 14."12 [2d8=8, 6]
> roll 2d8 vs 10 mike you get defense if this hits
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 10 mike you get defense if this hits and gets 6."12 [2d8=4, 2]
> roll 2d8 vs 10 dami gets defense if this hits
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 10 dami gets defense if this hits and gets 11."12 [2d8=6, 5]
> roll 2d8 vs 10 hikari you do not
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 10 hikari you do not and gets 3."12 [2d8=1, 2]
> roll 2d8 vs 10 nagare you don't either
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 10 nagare you don't either and gets 10."12 [2d8=7, 3]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 10 (11 if ranged) aiyiyiyi
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 10 (11 if ranged) aiyiyiyi and gets 12."12 [2d8=7, 5]
> OOC: okay, all three of you roll Body-2 please(-4 with the penalty for Mike, Body even for HIkari due to Superstrength)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 7-2 (lol)
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 vs 7-2 (lol) and gets 12."12 [2d8=8, 4]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 3 (IOW ahahaha to me passing)
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 3 (IOW ahahaha to me passing) and gets 9."12 [2d8=8, 1]
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=2, 6]
> Suddenly from the darkness, chains rattle forth from all around you. Mike and Dami hear them in time, but Mike is just too slow to avoid being grabbed. The chains wrap around Mykasi, Nagare and Hikari, holding the men fast...but Hikari breaks them apart with a mighty surge of STRENGTH. (OOC: inits. Mike and Nagare are currently ensared, but roll init anyway)
> The voice laughs, "Wonderful! I love strong women. Why don't you let me have these worthless men and I'll make it worth your while?"
<Mykasi> roll 2d8+9 yay init(?)
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8+9 yay init(?) and gets 23."12 [2d8=8, 6]
<Nagare> roll 2d8+9 oh what the hell
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8+9 oh what the hell and gets 13."12 [2d8=2, 2]
<Hikari> roll 2d8+11 IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8+11 IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME and gets 26."12 [2d8=7, 8]
> roll 2d8+8 dami nit
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+8 dami nit and gets 15."12 [2d8=6, 1]
> roll 2d8+10 voice in the darkness
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+10 voice in the darkness and gets 13."12 [2d8=1, 2]
> roll 2d8+6 ???
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 ??? and gets 20."12 [2d8=7, 7]
> roll 2d8+6 ??? 2
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8+6 ??? 2 and gets 20."12 [2d8=8, 6]
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Mykasi > ??? > ???2 > Dami > Nagare > Voice
<Mykasi> OOC: The illusion will be down because it requires concentration, and getting chained would've broken it.
> (OOC: Hikari can do...whatever she's gonna do. It's still pitch fucking dark, sadly)
<Hikari> "Come on out here and see how strong I am in person. I am not remotely interested in making deals with you," Hikari calls out to the darkness. "You strike my friends, you die." (OOC: yeah, guess I'm holding 'til something approaches?)
> (OOC: Mike. You can make Body at -4 to try and squirm out, unless you have another idea)
<Mykasi> "Anansi, if you have any talent at getting out of binds, now's the time..." Mike says with a few Miwok curses thrown in as he tries to break out!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 3 yeah, nope, so unless Anansi can cheat me out...
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 3 yeah, nope, so unless Anansi can cheat me out... and gets 3."12 [2d8=2, 1]
> Anansi appears again, this time dressed as a ninja, and quick like slides his webbing all over Mike, slipping it between and the chains, giving him the slippery purchase needed to...ESCAPE! Yes!
> Another chain whips out of the darkness, and hikari can hear it coming right at her!
> roll 2d8 vs 8 whip it, whip it good
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 8 whip it, whip it good and gets 10."12 [2d8=8, 2]
> But she feels it miss, flashing right by her!(OOC: you can try to hit the chain if you want. Melee attack only though, no time for a ranged swing)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 damn right, and normally vs 12 here so 10 given penalty
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 damn right, and normally vs 12 here so 10 given penalty and gets 12."12 [2d8=7, 5]
> Hikari's sword flashes in response, but misses connecting with the quick moving chain. Meanwhile, another lashes out of the darkness behind her...at Dami.
> roll 2d8 vs 8 spare some chainge
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 8 spare some chainge and gets 12."12 [2d8=7, 5]
> There's a wooshing sound behind you, and Dami screams again, "AAAH!" (Dami is up)
> Dami staggers around, "I...I...can't see! there's nothing I can do! Raven!" But the bird only caws out in frustration. (Nagare.)
> (OOC: Body check at -2 if you want to slip out, unless you have another action in mind)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 5 yeah that's working out great
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 vs 5 yeah that's working out great and gets 12."12 [2d8=7, 5]
> Nagare struggles against the chains to no avail.
> The voice laughs again, "Ah, freindship. You're one of *those* people. I suppose I'll just have to kill all of you then. Hmm, I wonder who you care about most? Perhaps...the old man?" Nagare feels the chains begin to tighten around him, and shifting position to get purchase around his neck...(Body at -2 man.)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 5 holy shit
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 vs 5 holy shit and gets 7."12 [2d8=5, 2]
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 12."12 [2d8=5, 7]
> Struggle as he might, Nagare can't stop the chains from working around to their destination...and he feels them tighten...
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 58/90 HP [70/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [115/175 EP] '
> (OOC: Hikari)
* Hikari rushes over to the sound of chains rattling in the darkness, grabs hold of those wrapped around the professor and tears at them with all her might!
> (OOC: hmm, roll mind. Easy to hear in the dark since his are the only chains left and he's struggling, but it's still pitch dark. Would normally be +2, but penalty)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 my ass stat, great, time to trip in the darkness
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 my ass stat, great, time to trip in the darkness and gets 12."12 [2d8=6, 6]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 dammit come on
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 dammit come on and gets 8."12 [2d8=2, 6]
> Hikari fumbles around for Nagare, but it's taking her some time...(Mike.)
<Mykasi> Mike grimaces. With the advantage of darkness, the enemy seems to have a tactical advantage... but...
<Mykasi> roll 1d2 Mike's plan of action
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 1d2 Mike's plan of action and gets 1."12 [1d2=1]
<Mykasi> With a slight nod, Mike calls on Anansi. "Let's hope light makes right! Rip the darkness with a blast of light, Anansi!" The ninja Anansi does as directed, letting fly with a shuriken in the direction of one of the chains!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 hopefully this provides a bit of illumination for Dami/Hikari for a moment, too
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 hopefully this provides a bit of illumination for Dami/Hikari for a moment, too and gets 12."12 [2d8=4, 8]
<Mykasi> OOC: To hit was 7 so unless I get wild flailing chances it misses.
> The shuriken misses the chain, but does provide a very breif flash of light. (OOC: chains)
> The chain that dodged the light shuriken comes flinging back in at Mykasi, intent on giving him a good strangling.
> roll 2d8 vs 8 lets get you fitted for a new necktie
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 8 lets get you fitted for a new necktie and gets 9."12 [2d8=2, 7]
> The chain flies by him by a matter of inches...close enough for him to see the barbs that coat the links on this one.
> The other chain redirects and flies at Hikari once more, trying to prevent her little rescue mission.
> roll 2d8 vs 8 whip-pow
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 8 whip-pow and gets 8."12 [2d8=6, 2]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 vs 6 fffff penalty this is gonna be an 8 just watch
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 vs 6 fffff penalty this is gonna be an 8 just watch and gets 9."12 [2d8=2, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 fine
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 fine and gets 14."12 [2d8=8, 6]
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 11."12 [2d8=8, 3]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 99/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 58/90 HP [70/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [115/175 EP]'
> The barbed chain scores across her, but the blessed armor of Brynhildr softens the blow massively and it draws only a trickle of blood.
> roll 2d8 vs 8 god Dami is taking such penalties in here
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 8 god Dami is taking such penalties in here and gets 9."12 [2d8=8, 1]
> Dami's voice sounds like he's trying in vain to calm himself, "I saw...where? He was...over there?" (OOC: Nagare. Same as before, Body-2 to get out)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 5 fffffffff
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 vs 5 fffffffff and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
> Nagare thrashes harder and harder, but he only manages to make more noise. Meanwhile the voice sounds highly entertained, "Is...that one afraid of the dark? Oh this is just precious." But as she talks, the chains around Nagare tighten more...(Body at -2 again man.)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 5 jesus fuck
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 vs 5 jesus fuck and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
> roll 2d8 damage
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 damage and gets 13."12 [2d8=6, 7]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 99/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 42/90 HP [70/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [115/175 EP]'
> Tighter and tighter the chains grow about the teacher's neck...(Hikari)
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Mykasi > ??? > ???2 > Dami > Nagare > Voice
* Hikari continues her directed stumble towards the professor--it sounds like he needs to get free FAST.
> (OOC: Mind+1, the flash of light gives you some help)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 my mind still sucks though
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 my mind still sucks though and gets 15."12 [2d8=8, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 oh fuck fine last one
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 oh fuck fine last one and gets 8."12 [2d8=3, 5]
> Hikari stumbles around more, but it's harder to tell as chain rattling sounds are coming from all around now. (OOC: Mike. and you can see the chains that are attacking you wrigling around tio make noise)
<Mykasi> "Mother of fuck this is inane Anansi your next trick is to pick up a dedicated light source magical ability, especially one that can deal with this inane mutter grumble" Mike grumbles under his breath before dashing to Nagare and trying to help him with the chains! "Hikari! HERE!"
> (OOC: Mike's body is worse then Nagare's, so you can try your own roll at Body-2 to bust him out, or give him a bonus on his own roll(but he'll have to use his turn doing it).)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 5 My body may be worse, but I'm still sexier than he is.
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 5 My body may be worse, but I'm still sexier than he is. and gets 7."12 [2d8=5, 2]
> Mike pulls and struggles with the chains, but he's still suffeirng the effects of that FEELING and he's also just not that physically strong.(chaaaaains)
> Speaking of Mike and chains, he sees one of those barbed ones coming RIGHT FOR HIM!
> roll 2d8 vs 8 chaaaaain
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 8 chaaaaain and gets 4."12 [2d8=2, 2]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 8 (9 vs ranged) (fuck chains) (also figures)
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 vs 8 (9 vs ranged) (fuck chains) (also figures) and gets 7."12 [2d8=4, 3]
> Anansi parries the chain with a ninja sword!
> The other chain sneaks out..and lunges at Dami!
> roll 2d8 string up the hermit
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 string up the hermit and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 8]
> Somehow he avoids it...and tries to get himself under control, "We need...we need a plan..."
> roll 2d8 vs 8 whee phobia penalties
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 vs 8 whee phobia penalties and gets 12."12 [2d8=8, 4]
> (OOC: Nagare. You can body check again, or if you've got another idea. No physical actions(attacks/healing). Mental actions work though)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 goddamn my ass is on the line here
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 goddamn my ass is on the line here and gets 13."12 [2d8=5, 8]
> Nagare focuses his attention...and can see a shadowy presance ahead. It's powerful, strong enough to be seen even by his wavering concentration. He thinks he sees small flickers of others...but can't quite make them out. Not enough.
> OOC: Nagare, roll Law. Mind+skill ranks. There is a penalty, I'll apply it on my end.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 (13 roll before penalties)
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 (13 roll before penalties) --> [ 2d8=12 ]{12}
> The voice begins to sing, "Oh, the sweet humming biiiiiirds of springtime~ follow meeee into the eeeeast~" While the chains grow ever tighter...(Body-2 to resist, you know how this goes)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 5 so much failure
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 vs 5 so much failure --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> roll 2d8 damage
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 damage --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 99/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 16/90 HP [70/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [115/175 EP]'
<Mykasi> "Damnit, Prof, why the hell did you stop fighting this!"
> The chains tighten more and more. It's getting hard to breathe...hard to think...(Hikari)
> (OOC: Mind+2 to find it now. mike's making alot of noise)
* Hikari staggers towards the sound of Mike's voice this time. With all the yelling he's doing, it should serve as a good homing beacon...right?
<Hikari> roll 2d8 time to roll more nines I am the Cirno
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 time to roll more nines I am the Cirno --> [ 2d8=6 ]{6}
> Hikari makes her way over! Mike is pulling on the chains as best he can! (Body-2 if you wanna bust him out)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 target 10 now
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 target 10 now --> [ 2d8=5 ]{5}
> (OOC: Body even, that is. forgot superstrength)
> Hikari grips the chains, and simply pulls them apart liek they were so many paperclips. Nagare drops to the ground, freed from his bonds.
> (OOCL Mike)
* Mykasi lets out a loud exhalation. "Hikari, you protect him! I'm gonna go help Dami!" With that, Mike looks over to Dami... before pausing. After a -VERY- loud curse in Miwok, he fumbles for his pocket, grabs the remaining bottle of SUNshine, and opens it before pointing it in Dami's direction! "DAMI, THIS WAY!"
> A feint glow of light penetrates through the darkness, creating a small beacon that everyone can see.
> Including, it would seem, teh chains. Who lash out for Mike, one to try and strangle him and the other to slap the bottle from his hand.
> roll 2d8 vs 8 going for the neck
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 8 going for the neck --> [ 2d8=7 ]{7}
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 8 (9 if ranged) (damnit, I like my neck where it is!)
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 vs 8 (9 if ranged) (damnit, I like my neck where it is!) --> [ 2d8=5 ]{5}
> roll 2d8 vs 5 bottle slappery
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 5 bottle slappery --> [ 2d8=10 ]{10}
> Anansi parries one chain while Mike nimbly avoids the other! Then Dami, seeing the light rushes over to where you are and grabs for the bottle(OOC: Mike let him have it?)
<Mykasi> OOC: Yes.
> roll 2d8 vs 10 Dami brainpower phobia effect lessening
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 10 Dami brainpower phobia effect lessening --> [ 2d8=14 ]{14}
> He quickly pours some of the glowing liquid onto his hands, then scatters a bit of it around, trying to create lightsources. But all it does is create glowing spots you can see without illuminating what's around them. (Nagre)
* Nagare breathes heavily, calling for Slane's Dew to at least soften his heavy wounds.
<Mykasi> "Calm yourself, Dami! I know this is frightening but we need to be rational about this!"
> "It..doesn't glow as brightly as I hoped...I hate working with unknown materials..." Dami grumbles a bit.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 99/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 56/90 HP [70/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [115/175 EP]'
> Abartach appears, and pours the healing water over Nagare's head. He feels the pain around his throat lessen, the pain fading. (voice)
> "The east wind is calling, so come right away~" she continues singing apparently oblivious to Nagare's freedom. But suddenly, an aura of darkness appears under Dami's feet...and the darkness rushes up at him.
> roll 2d8 vs 10 does she even hit
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 10 does she even hit --> [ 2d8=4 ]{4}
> roll 2d8 vs 6 Dami soul check
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 6 Dami soul check --> [ 2d8=10 ]{10}
> roll 2d8 vs 10 herp derp forgot defense roll
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 10 herp derp forgot defense roll --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
> The horrible aura forms underneath him, but as the darkness rushes out, Raven slams into Dami from behind, propelling him out of the area of the effect just in time!
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Mykasi > ??? > ???2 > Dami > Nagare > Voice
> OOC: Hikari is up.
* Hikari has had quite enough of the mystery woman's taunting. Let's see how SHE likes it! "You like to sing, do you? Well, I've got a song of my own for you. I'm sure you'll appreciate it!" She can't help but be thankful for the little light they have now, so...she starts to sing the Satomi Tadashi song with a smile as she stands and readies herself for more chain assaults.
> (OOC: ...roll Performing Arts, sure)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 based off of...soul? So, 9+1-penalty...target 8. C'mon Kobot don't ruin my moment of glory here
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 based off of...soul? So, 9+1-penalty...target 8. C'mon Kobot don't ruin my moment of glory here --> [ 2d8=14 ]{14}
> Hikari sings! But the woman doesn't seem annoyed and just keeps singing her own song.
> (OOC: Mike, and yes Hikari you can still swat one of the chains if they attack you or anyone directly adjacent to you)
* Mykasi blinks as Hikari begins singing, before chuckling and beginning to sing at the top of his voice himself as Ninjanansi flings naginatas of light at the chain that attacked him directly!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 7 NAGINATA BEEMU
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 vs 7 NAGINATA BEEMU --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> Hitting moving chains with ranged attacks is not the easiest thing in the world. The chains, rather then continue thier assault on Mike, start swinging at Dami, trying to get the light source away from him.
> roll 2d8 vs 8 attack 1
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 8 attack 1 --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
> roll 2d8 vs 5 disarm attempt
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 5 disarm attempt --> [ 2d8=10 ]{10}
> roll 2d8 vs 10 dami defense
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 10 dami defense --> [ 2d8=15 ]{15}
> roll 2d8 damage
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 damage --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 99/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 56/90 HP [70/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 24/70 HP [115/175 EP]'
> One chain strikes, and Dami nearly crumples from a single blow, doubling over and staggering back as he cries out in pain. (Dami)
> roll 2d8 vs 10 focus man
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 10 focus man --> [ 2d8=9 ]{9}
> As if the pain was a catelyst, Dami takes the bottle and tosses it...to his persona? Raven catches the bottle and cackles, "Hoo HOO! I know what to dooo~" And you can all see the light source begin to move as Raven takes wing...
> (OOC: Nagare)
* Nagare kneels and gasps, still feeling the heavy choking effect on his neck, but pointing towards the direction where the Golden Arrow pinpointed the powerful Shadow . "Ack... there... the woman... is... there!," he finishes, then summoning Slane's Dew once again, now to mend Dami's wounds.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 99/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 56/90 HP [70/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 64/70 HP [115/175 EP]'
> Dami gasps out, "Ah...thank you. For that and...the direction both. Raven..." The bird replies, "You saw, I saw, what fun to rain on someone's parade~"
> The voice seems unconcerned as she continues her song...but Mike can see the chains divert towards Raven. "Come follow the rover into the new day~" And the black aura appears under Dami again.
> roll 2d8 vs 10 attack
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 10 attack --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> Dami seems to have gotten himself together though, and neatly sidesteps the aura. Meanwhile. on it's way after the bird, a chain passes dangerously close to Hikari(forgot to let you swing earlier. Go for it)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 vs 10
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 vs 10 --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
> roll 2d8 vs 8 chain defense
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 8 chain defense --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
<Hikari> roll 2d8 smaaaaash
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 smaaaaash --> [ 2d8=12 ]{12}
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Mykasi > Chain 2 > Dami > Nagare > Voice
> The chain moves too close, and Hikari smashes it to pieces in one mighty swing.
> (OOC: Now Hikari's actual turn. Sadly you can't see the other chain)
* Hikari keeps a lookout for more chains, singing all the while with a grimly determined smile.
> Dami grabs Nagare's shoulder and hisses out quietly in hopes the woman won't hear over all the singing, "You can see the light, you can see the shadow. When Raven is right above her, say when!"
> (OOC: Hikari is holding, Mike)
* Nagare nods. "Roger." With that, Nagare follows closely with his eyes the bird to give the signal.
* Mykasi grimly nods and yells out, "ANANSI, FUCK THE DRAMATICS AND JUST MAGIC MISSILE THE DAMN CHAIN!" With that, a (somewhat pertrubed) Anansi flings tons of small arrows of light at the chain!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 7 BUT IT'S MAGIC MISSILE
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 vs 7 BUT IT'S MAGIC MISSILE --> [ 2d8=12 ]{12}
> The missles fly out, but don't hit the chain. Anansi changes into a wizard hat and snickers out, "Heh heh, I'm attacking the darkness!"
<Mykasi> "YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG"
> The chain lashes out at Raven, attempting to slap the bottle from it's talons!
> roll 2d8 vs 5 disarm
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 5 disarm --> [ 2d8=13 ]{13}
> But Raven is too fast, easily sideslipping and chortling out, "No no no, that won't do at all~"
> Dami continues to conspire with the professor, "Try to guide him, he can hear what I hear. Left, right, ahead?" (OOC: Dami's holding, Nagare can take a mind check on his to try and guide Raven to the right spot if you want)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for guiding the bird right vs 9
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 for guiding the bird right vs 9 --> [ 2d8=15 ]{15}
> Nagare gives Dami an idea of when he thinks it's good! (OOC: well, Dami can make a roll anyway. Blind luck ahoy)
> roll 2d8 does Raven drop it in the right place
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 does Raven drop it in the right place --> [ 2d8=10 ]{10}
> The bottle splashes down! Nagare can see that it landed...kinda near her, at least. A...you think a few feet to the left and behind? She, by the way, hasn't moved an inch since he followed the mark of the arrow to find her. And everyone can see a big spill of light on the ground.
* Nagare sighs. "Will it help if I try to just aim at her with something?"
> The voice pauses to laugh for a moment, but continues her song, "Come follow the maiden, the dark moon with me~" And this time, the dark aura appears under Nagare.
> roll 2d8 vs 10 attack
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 10 attack --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> Nagare moves out of the way quickly. (OOC: Hikari. Chains don't even sound near you anymore)
* Hikari can hear the singing and she can see the light--enough standing around, it's time to go on the offensive! Charge to that pool of light and hopefully she'll be able to see the enemy there--or swing blindly and hope for the best! Still singing as she runs: "THE ETERNAL ALLY OF THOSE WHO FIGHT, OUR CITY'S FRIENDLY DRUG STORE!"
> (OOC: sure, roll attack with a -6 penalty for charging in without even being able to clearly see what you're swinging at. Make it and I'll assume you got lucky since you at least know the general direction)
<Hikari> OOC: does that include existing penalty, or -8 total?
> (OOC: includes the penalty)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 vs 6
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 vs 6 --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> Hikari goes charging in, swinging the lightblade wildly! But the spill didn't seem to happen close enough to her for it to hit. She can hear the singing more clearly now though.
> (OOC: Mike)
* Mykasi grunts as he follows Hikari a bit. "ANANSI THROW IT AT THE DAMN CHAINS, NOT THE DARKNESS, SHE IS NOT SOMEONE YOU WILL BE MAKING OUT WITH, STOP TRYING THIS DAMN SHIT!" With that Anansi lets loose another volley of light arrows at the chain!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 7 MIKE CAN YELL REAL LOUD
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 vs 7 MIKE CAN YELL REAL LOUD --> [ 2d8=9 ]{9}
> Anansi fires more missles that don't connect and snips back, "Hey maybe we should get closer so you can SEE WHAT THE HELL I'M SUPPOSED TO BE AIMING AT!"
> The chain drops down...and attempts to ensnare Hikari!
<Mykasi> "YOUR FACE SHOULD GET CLOSER, SLUTWEB! SHUT UP AND AIM ALREADY!"
> roll 2d8 vs 8 atatck
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 8 atatck --> [ 2d8=12 ]{12}
> But it's aim is also off, Hikari hearing it before it strikes and having time to dodge.
> Dami curses softly, "There goes that idea. Think...think...I...I need to get closer." And he leaves Nagare's side to carefully make his way towards the spilled liquid.
> (OOC: Nagare)
* Nagare nods. "I'll approach as well - at least it'll make it easier for me to direct the general area where she is." With that, the teacher also makes way towards the liquid.
> (OOC: Nagare can see her and will take no penalties to attack ifyou want. You can't she jack shit else unless it's really close to a SUNlight spill, but you can see the big shadow)
* Nagare then stops after moving a few steps, then calls forth the Lying Prince. "At least -one- of us can sense where you are, miscreant!"
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 10-2 penalties suck
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 vs 10-2 penalties suck --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
> (She has no defense. Damage)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for dmagaes
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 for dmagaes --> [ 2d8=14 ]{14}
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Mykasi > Chain 2 > Dami > Nagare > Voice(-2 soul)
> The spiral touches her...and she doesn't seem overly concerned. In fact, she breaks off her song to speak, "Oh thank you! Now I know exactly who I need to kill. So cooperative, your manners are much appriciated."
> Meanwhile, that dark aura appears under nagare's feet again...
> roll 2d8 vs 9 attack
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 9 attack --> [ 2d8=5 ]{5}
> (OOC: defense, then soul check if you fail it)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 7-2 penalties suck!
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 vs 7-2 penalties suck! --> [ 2d8=12 ]{12}
> (OOC: One, nagare doesn't have the penalties remember? the chains are just at Body-2 for diff. Two you failed, so soul check.)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 10 then
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 vs 10 then --> [ 2d8=15 ]{15}
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 99/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 56/90 HP [0/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 64/70 HP [115/175 EP]'
> The darkness slams over Nagare from below...and he feels every last ounce of his magical energy leave him. He is still concious...but he can't feel Abartach's presance any longer. He is now merely a mortal in a world of Dreams and Shadows.
> (OOC: All your persona abilities are unusable until you get some EP back. Including your buffed stats.)
> (OOC: Hikari is up)
> tHe voice sounds displeased, "Odd. That should have killed you outright."
* Hikari points toward the source of that voice, and pauses in her singing for a moment: "Brynhildr? Light her up for all to see." Then she resumes singing. Opera. In German.
<Hikari> roll 2d8
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 --> [ 2d8=4 ]{4}
> (OOC: Take your shot. Only the standard -2 penalty)
<Hikari> roll 2d8 vs 10 IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO BE SURE
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 vs 10 IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO BE SURE --> [ 2d8=5 ]{5}
<Hikari> roll 2d8 ignition
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 ignition --> [ 2d8=9 ]{9}
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Mykasi > Chain 2 > Dami > Nagare(0 EP) > Voice(32 damage, -2 soul)
> The fires light her up...and Hikari can see, just for a moment, what they're fighting. A women, held taut in the air by chains binding her to the floor, the ceiling and the walls. But as she burns...she LAUGHS.
> (OOC: Mike, you can roll mind dead even to have got enough of an idea from that were to aim, as you're further away)
<Mykasi> OOC: Can I approach first and get a bit more of a bonus, or do I not have time to do that and shoot?
> (OOC: mind dead even is the best I'm giving you, especially considering you're still under the -2 room effect penalty)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 11 I was just trying to mentally clarify, I'll RP the result here
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 vs 11 I was just trying to mentally clarify, I'll RP the result here --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> (OOC: take your shot, only the -2 room penalty even at range)
* Mykasi grimaces and follows the sounds and lights, attempting to get close enough to give Anansi a shot... which he just barely gets in range for to spot where the battle's taking place! "ANANSI! FILL HER DARK SOUL WITH LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT! AND PAIN WHILE YER AT IT!"
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 7 screw the yelling on rolls it doesn't help
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 vs 7 screw the yelling on rolls it doesn't help --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
> Anansi fires a MASSIVE LASER that misses her by mere inches.
> Meanwhile, that determined chain does it's damndest to string Hikari up again.
> roll 2d8 vs 8 attack
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 8 attack --> [ 2d8=12 ]{12}
> But it's less a chain of command and more like the missing link. (OOC: Dami)
> "Ishigami!" Dami calls out, "I think I can hit her, but I have to risk hitting you as well."
> (OOC: you can free action reply to that)
<Hikari> "Can't you be more precise than that? Dammit!"
> "Not without being able to see."
<Hikari> "Then get over here so you can help without killing me!"
> Dami moves in closer, but without Mike's eyes he can't attack with any accuracy just yet. (OOC: Uh, Nagare. Do...whatever you do.)
* Nagare blinks, worriedly noticing Abartach's absence, and then shouts. "Mykasi! Hikari! I can't feel Abartach's presence anymore!"
> The voice hmms, "Shall we see what it does to the rest of you?" And the dark aura appears underneath...Hikari.
> roll 2d8 vs 9 do I hit
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 9 do I hit --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> Hikari sees an aura appear underneath her feet. And gets the fuck away from it. (OOC: Hikari's turn)
> (OOC: no need to mind check to find her, as I assume you're adjacent to her after the last one, yes? I didn't give you penalties on that firewall like you were aiming from a distance)
<Hikari> "No, let's not see. Professor! Get over here--" Hikari fishes in her handbag for some soma, "--and Brynhildr, keep her burning for the others to see!"
<Hikari> roll 2d8 vs 10 more fire
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 vs 10 more fire --> [ 2d8=7 ]{7}
> (OOC: You can't dig out pills and attack,. One or the other.)
<Hikari> OOC: phoo. Well, Nagare can just grab my stuff when I get here. someone's gott abe hitting her.
<Hikari> OOC: so yeah, attacking. Should I edit line and/or reroll? (oh god I hope not)
> (OOC: Line edit, roll can stand. And she has no defense, roll damage)
<Hikari> "No, let's not see. Professor! Get over here and get the soma--and Brynhildr, keep her burning for the others to see!"
<Hikari> roll 2d8 damage
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 damage --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Mykasi > Chain 2 > Dami > Nagare(0 EP) > Voice(73 damage, -2 soul)
> The fires alight and dance over the chained woman, and she laughs even more, "Am I...about to die? Hah...hahaha...HAHAHAHA! FABULOUS! Simply MARVELOUS!" (OOC: Mike. You can just roll attack , she's pretty much on fire now and Mike's got that super vision)
* Mykasi mutters loudly. "Alright, my voice is dead. Just... just hit her, Anansi? Please?" he says with a gesture at the immobile lady. "Light, fill her soul, yadda yadda." With that, Anansi robes up as a priest and aims a Shine at her!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 I can't tell if that also negates penalties. 7 if not, 9 if so
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 I can't tell if that also negates penalties. 7 if not, 9 if so --> [ 2d8=4 ]{4}
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 DAMAGE?!
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 DAMAGE?! --> [ 2d8=13 ]{13}
> 4INIT ORDER: Hikari > Mykasi > Chain 2 > Dami > Nagare(0 EP) > Voice(112 damage, -2 soul)
> Anansi's magic spell hits true, striking her in the chest and illuminating her further. She cries out in joy,

(Cont from above, as that apprently was too long)

> Anansi's magic spell hits true, striking her in the chest and illuminating her further. She cries out in joy, "Yes! GODS I have been waiting for this! Free me from this FUCKING PRISON! Send me to Hell where I belong!"
<Mykasi> "Stop attacking us and we'll oblige, ma'am!"
> This does not stop the chain from attempting to strangle Hikari!
> roll 2d8 vs 8 it really can't do shit to you but it's stupid and you're closest
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 8 it really can't do shit to you but it's stupid and you're closest --> [ 2d8=10 ]{10}
> "If you want to be the one to kill the Lady of Chains boy, you need to fucking EARN it!"
<Mykasi> "Wah wah wah I'm too much of a BITCH to get what I want!"
> Dami tries to take careful aim...
> roll 2d8 vs 10 yay dami's penalties in here
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 10 yay dami's penalties in here --> [ 2d8=9 ]{9}
> "I think...RAVEN! Blades of Thunder, there!" Raven caws and sends out his lightning!
> roll 2d8 vs 9
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 9 --> [ 2d8=10 ]{10}
> But the arcing lightning seems to just go right around her.
> (OOC: Nagare, doing anything?)
* Nagare rushes towards Nagare as well as the light puddle allows in order to grab the Soma from her. "I'm getting there!"
> It's very hard for him to navigate in the dark with no more Abartach to guide him at all, but he at least manages to make it over there(This'll prolly be over by next round anyway).
<Nagare> (OOC: Strike the second Nagare, replace with Hikari. Sorry.)
> And the Lady of Chains, as she has named herself, smiles down at Mykasi, "What bravado, I think you two and I could have gotten on quite well. Tell me, what names to I give the reaper when he asks me who had the balls to finish me off?" Even as she speaks, that damned aura appears under Mike...
> roll 2d8 vs 9 to hit
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 9 to hit --> [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
> (OOC: Defense then soul check if you fail)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 vs 8 (9 if ranged)
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 vs 8 (9 if ranged) --> [ 2d8=6 ]{6}
<Mykasi> "Mykasi and Anansi, ma'am. And just do us all a favor and tell him it was your damned incompetence!"
> As Raven did for Dami, Anansi suddenly plants his foot in Mike's side and SHOVES him out of that aura just before the darkness sweeps upwards.
> (OOC: Hikari) The lady laughs, "And what of you, woman?" She asks, even as Hikari prepares to attack her again.
> (OOC: ALSO, her saying that name gives Nagare another Law roll. +2 bonus this time)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 vs 13
<Kobot> Nagare rolled 2d8 vs 13 --> [ 2d8=14 ]{14}
* Hikari pauses just long enough to answer. "Hikari Ishigami. And this is my friend Brynhildr. Brynhildr? Send her to her final reward."
<Hikari> roll 2d8 vs 10 Helreio
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 vs 10 Helreio --> [ 2d8=14 ]{14}
> Brynhildr rushes out...and is practically deflected off of her as she swings. (OOC: Mike)
<Mykasi> Mike's face is contorted into an almost hellish scowl as his voice rasps out. "Frankly? You don't deserve to die, you selfish bitch. You wallow in your misery and can't even fucking conceive of a world where you aren't the center of it. You want to die? Go to hell? Fuck that. If my ice has any power at all, you'll freeze forever here, asshole! But either way, I'll be glad to see you GONE!" And with that, a suddenly shocking
<Mykasi> And with that, a suddenly shocking wave of ice snaps out at the Lady!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 (vs 7 unless she's lit up enough that the penalty doesn't apply, then 9)
<Kobot> Mykasi rolled 2d8 (vs 7 unless she's lit up enough that the penalty doesn't apply, then 9) --> [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
> The ice veers AROUND her, just as Dami's lightning did. She chuckles again, "Ah, the sound of self-rightous fury, how I've missed thee." As the chain, once more, tries to grapple Hikari.
> roll 2d8 vs 8 really this is just getting dragged out
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 8 really this is just getting dragged out --> [ 2d8=6 ]{6}
> (OOC: Defense check, body even if you fail(penalties and superstrength cancel out))
<Hikari> roll 2d8
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 --> [ 2d8=15 ]{15}
<Hikari> roll 2d8 body, then?
<Kobot> Hikari rolled 2d8 body, then? --> [ 2d8=5 ]{5}
> The chain whips around her and tries to secure her...but Hikari overpowers it with ease and shrugs it's grasp off. (and Dami)
> roll 2d8 dami is neither adjacent nor has Mike eyes
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 dami is neither adjacent nor has Mike eyes --> [ 2d8=7 ]{7}
> roll 2d8 vs 9 thunder blade he makes the mind anyway
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 vs 9 thunder blade he makes the mind anyway --> [ 2d8=3 ]{3}
> "Raven." He says simply, and the blade shaped ligtning bolts find thier mark, corsing through her. The chains slack, and drop. She falls to the ground.
> She laughs with her last breaths, "Hah...figures. The one who's done nothing of use gets the final blow. What...what have you to say then?"
> Dami sighs, "I...do not judge. I am not fit to judge."
<Mykasi> "Meanwhile I don't care. Please go away now."
> She snorts...and finally gasps out, "I just hope....this kills me in both worlds..."
> And she fades.
<Hikari> "Both worlds? What--dammit!"
* Nagare breathes heavily, recovering from the running. "That... we -will- have to keep an eye on the news about the asylum when we return."
<Mykasi> "...you didn't figure that out, Hikari?" Mike raises one eyebrow before slumping to the floor.
> roll 2d8 dami has law too
<Kobot> Gatewalker rolled 2d8 dami has law too --> [ 2d8=5 ]{5}
> "Lady of Chains..." he thinks... "Oh...it. It couldn't be."
> --------------------------------------------------------

> -------------------------------------------------------------
> The Lady of Chains has been defeated, but the room is still pitch dark aside from the dim light cast by the spilt energy drink. As he catches his breath, Dami thinks a moment, "Lady of Chains? I know that name. It...no, it can't be? Can it?"
* Mykasi sits off to the site, muttering under his breath. "Elaborate, Dami."
* Hikari runs a hand through her hair, sighs. "Is everyone alright?"
> "Ah...I believe it was roughly six years ago." He explains, "there was a serial killer, right here in Kanazawa. She...well, strangled her victems with chains. And was given the nickname 'Lady of Chains'. But..." he sighs, "well, she was caught and got captial punishment."
* Nagare blinks. "... wait, I think I remember -that- story vaguely."
> "At least...that's what public record says." Dami finishes.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike pauses. "Capital punishment as in killing. Correct?"
> "Yes." Dami nods, "She was...supposedly...executed by lethal injection."
> "And I'm...well I won't say I'm alright, but I am still functional, thank you." He nods to Hikari somewhat weakly.
<Hikari> "Well, unless the dead are coming back to life--and I am truly not prepared to entertain that possibility right now--it would seem someone intervened and hid her away for their own purposes."
<Mykasi> "Like the orderlies that were coming in?" Mike said. "And... that's something I'll try to find traces of."
> "For now can we please attempt to exit this room," Dami's voice begins to crack a touch, "I...I do not do well in the dark."
* Nagare grumbles. "Could I please have that Soma pill now? Somehow, being bereft of Abartach in the Dreamscapes any longer doesn't sound appealing to me."
<Hikari> "Of course. She said the door was behind her, so..." Hikari walks straight forward from where the Lady was standing, after handing Nagare his drugs of course.
> Nagare gets the bottle, containing 4 soma tablets.
* Mykasi nods slightly, standing from his crouch and looking for the door, illuminating himself with an amateur illusion.
* Nagare picks up one of the tablets and gulps it down, returning the bottle to Hikari.
> Hikari walks forward...and after a bit of walking(this is a very large room...), she finds a door. A door covered in chains.
<Hikari> "I found an exit," Hikari announces. "Bound shut, but that won't deter me for long." Wielding the lightsword, Hikari tries to cut her way through.
> Without the Lady's influance, the chains give easily under the magical sword backed by Hikari's strength.
> Dami, who had been staying stationary near the large spill of the SUNshine, quickly makes his way over to Hikari after she announces finding an exit.
<Mykasi> "Question before we leave. Are we looking to get out of here and return to the real world? Or are we still going?" Mike asks.
<Nagare> "I think we've pushed our luck far enough for today."
<Hikari> "Agreed. I think it likely the Lady herself wasn't the driving force behind this nightmare, and while I'd still very much like to meet the mysterious entity responsible and exchange some pointed questions, now hardly seems the time with all of us drained as we are."
* Mykasi nods. "Seconded. And shouldn't you take another of those, Nagare? Think that's what the instructions say."
* Nagare nods and picks another pill. "Sorry about that."
> Nagare takes the second pill...and doesn't feel anything at first. But after a few seconds, he can feel a cool sensation spreading out from his stomach, much like when you drink something cold on a hot, dry day where you haven't had a drink for hours.
> And a few seconds after that...the sensation of Abartach's existance weakly returns to him.
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [55/75 EP], Mike: 70/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 56/90 HP [20/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 64/70 HP [95/175 EP]'
> DAmi nods, "I have no objections to retreating for the time being. Though...the question of how you all will escape remains."
* Nagare coughs embarrassedly. "We honestly just blundered out of this place last time. I'm not sure we can do it any other way."
<Mykasi> "We found that focusing on our destination has a higher chance of getting us out more easil- You're not helping, Nagare. I had an idea, we executed it, we got out."
<Hikari> "Focus on an exit until we find one? It's not much of a plan, but it did work last time, yes."
> "Ah, your key does not work in here, I take it?"
<Nagare> "We stumbled into Richard that way in a sense as well, so it's better than nothing."
* Nagare eyes Mykasi. "... weeeeeeeeeell..."
<Mykasi> "Our key makes reality go squick."
<Mykasi> "Nagare, less talking more let's get going."
* Nagare shrugs. "I'm right behind you, boss."
<Hikari> "Onwards, then." Hikari opens the door.
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike says, moving to the door. "Let's all focus on the exit-"
> You open the door...which leads back into a hallway. No world spinny this time, just a normal doorway.
> There are no marks on any doors, even the one you're walking out of.
<Mykasi> "... wat"
* Hikari sighs. "Here we go again. Unless there are any objections..." Hikari walks to the first door on the right.
> "Hmm," Dami breaths a sigh of relief after walking into the well lit hallway, "I think rooms lead to hallways always. While hallways may lead to rooms or other hallways. It's...not exact, but that does seem to be the pattern thus far."
<Mykasi> "That seems accurate, yes." Mike hums. "With that, plus my own observation of will directing the path some... There's a few conclusions to make there."
> Dami nods to Mike, then to Hikari, "Ah, no objections."
<Hikari> "I'm not convinced there's truly more than one hallway at all, really," Hikari says, opening the door and focusing earnestly on the desire to go home already.
* Mykasi nods to Hikari as the door is opened
> (OOC: I'll handle it after this one, but you all can make the first door opening mind rolls of the session~)
> roll 2d8 Dami mind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 Dami mind and gets 12."12 [2d8=5, 7]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 braiiins
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 braiiins and gets 9."12 [2d8=3, 6]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 mind the gap
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 mind the gap and gets 14."12 [2d8=7, 7]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 zmobie
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 zmobie and gets 9."12 [2d8=8, 1]
> OOC: Gonna Fortune it or no?
<Hikari> OOC: Nah.
> You open the door...and the world spins. You're...in another hallway, this time at the end like usual instead of coming out of a door. Only...it's not like the other hallways. The floor does not have tiles, but instead seems to be a solid, unbroken surface polished to a mirror sheen.
<Mykasi> "Okay that didn't work. Let's try again. First door on the left?" Mike suggests.
> OOC: Mind checks, all.
* Hikari frowns. "The floor is different here. Why is the floor different?"
<Hikari> roll 2d8 SMARTNESS
<Nagare> roll 2d8 for critical brain damage
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 SMARTNESS and gets 6."12 [2d8=5, 1]
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 for critical brain damage and gets 5."12 [2d8=4, 1]
> roll 2d8 dami mind
* Hatbot --> "Gatewalker rolls 2d8 dami mind and gets 5."12 [2d8=4, 1]
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 let's not fuck this up
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 let's not fuck this up and gets 2."12 [2d8=1, 1]
> Mike is the first to notice, but you all see it as well. When you look at the floor...the mirror images aren't attatched to the right people. Hikari's reflection seems to be attatched to Mike, and moving as he moves, while Mike's is under Nagare, Nagare's under Dami and Dami's under Hikari.
> Dami crouches down and stares at the reflection of Nagare that mimics his action, "Well this is certainly strange."
<Mykasi> "... let's get out of here." Mike says again quickly. "I'd rather not let whatever this is trying set in."
* Nagare kneels and lightly taps the floor. "... unsettling."
<Hikari> "I agree completely. Enough headgames." Hikari ignores the visual trickery and opens the first door on the left.
> Nagare taps the floor where the reflection of Mike taps back...(Soul check, doc)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 soooooul
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 soooooul  and gets 5."12 [2d8=3, 2]
> Nagare's hand...passes right through the floor, seeming to merge with the reflection of Mykasi's hand. It's a strange feeling, tingling and odd, but not painful. Nor does the floor feel like it's trying to pull him in, he can move his hand about freely even as the mirrored floor remains solid to his feet.
> (OOC: Hikari still yanking a door open?)
* Hikari stops and looks. "Pro...fessor?"
> (OOC: Also, mind check, this time only Nagare. At a +2 bonus)
* Mykasi checks himself to see if his own hand is being affected.
> Mike's hand seems fine. Whatever he's doing with Mike's reflection doesn't appear to be effecting the physical mykasi.
<Nagare> roll 2d8 mind
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 mind and gets 12."12 [2d8=6, 6]
> (OOC: and that's a fail. Carry on.)
* Nagare boggles, his eyes widening as his hand crosses through the mirrorred floor. He begins to move his submerged hand frantically. "... what... what -is- this?"
<Hikari> "Is this something you think we need to explore?" Hikari wonders. "This hallway is obviously quite distinct from the others we've seen."
* Hikari kneels down and presses a palm against the Dami-reflection there.
> Nagare's hand moves through the floor easily, it feels like moving through some kind of airy liquid...or perhaps like very moist air.
> (OOC: Soul check Hikari.)
<Hikari> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 and gets 11."12 [2d8=5, 6]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 eh, why not
* Hatbot --> "Hikari rolls 2d8 eh, why not and gets 11."12 [2d8=5, 6]
> The floor feels solid to her.
* Mykasi reaches down and touches the floor gingerly himself, mimicking the others. Then, while Hikari isn't looking, his other hand grasps at his chest.
> Mike does not feel boobs on his chest. (Also, he needs to make a soul check)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 worth a shot
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 worth a shot and gets 10."12 [2d8=3, 7]
> Floor feels solid to Mike as well.
<Mykasi> "Meh. Professor is magical, we knew this." Mike rises, disappointed, hands on hips. "Let's go."
* Hikari stands up again. "I think the professor's alone here, yes. Let's move on before the floor decides to eat him?"
> Dami raps the floor, it seeming quite solid to him as well, "Hmm." Then he stands up, not wanting to rush Nagare but not paying any more attention to the floor himself either.
* Hikari waits for Nagare to pull his hand out of the floor before opening the door to move on.
* Nagare eyes the three, slowly taking his hand away from the floor, moving his fingers rapidly as it moves away from the airy feeling. "I'm not sure it's wise to simply try and force our way out, but I doubt we'll find out much by just stammering around with a mirror floor either."
> The floor doesn't attempt to stop Nagare from withdrawing his hand. And then Hikari opens the door~
> The world spins...and you find yourselves back in the reception room! Only...the door leading outside is already open. And the receptionist(you can see from this angle) is hiding under the reception desk. And there are sounds of a ruckus going on outside.
> "Shit, five down, one to go, and you're STILL coming at me?" You can hear Shiro's voice from outside.
<Hikari> "Oh dear. I hope whoever he decided to pick a fight with deserved it..." Hikari strides outside to see what kind of mess Shiro's caused this time!
* Nagare dusts himself off and raises an eyebrow as he hears the sound of a ruckus. "... I wish I could -pretend- I'm surprised."
* Mykasi blinks. "...Shiro." With that, he goes to the receptionist. "I'll go make him go away. You relax."
> You get outside...just in time to see Shiro bodily lift an orderly, one of the guys with the hockey masks and tentacle-syringes, with one hand while a sphere of wind gathers around his other fist...then he slams that fist into the orderly and sends him flying.
<Hikari> Doesn't look like he needs any help, so Hikari just walks up at a normal pace. "You were suitably entertained during our absence, I see?"
> Dami shrugs, "Ah, I suppose his plan to draw them out to cause a distraction for us was a success?"
* Nagare coughs. "I can't help but imagine you were just doing this for fun."
> "Huh?" Shiro looks up, "Oh...yeah, don't come any closer for a second. Mike!" he yells, "What was the name of the sub we had in InstAl on Monday?"
* Mykasi soothes the receptionist a bit more before jogging out to meet up with the group, before blinking. "Lemme guess, you ran into copies of us? Dr. Katamari. You remarked that he looked like he had smoked a joint before class, and I commented on wanting to ask him where he bought it."
> Shiro relaxes, "Alright, it's you. ANd yeah, got it in one."
<Mykasi> "Right. We ran into a mirror room, that may have had something to do with it." Mike notes.
<Hikari> "Duplicates? So you spent part of your time out here beating all of us into paste? That is...not a thought I care to dwell on, for many reasons."
* Nagare dusts himself off with a shrug. "Honestly, better the duplicates than ourselves."
> "Hell if I'd know." Shiro shrugs, "I was checking the outside out, then some things that looked like you came out and told me you needed my help inside. I asked if you found a way to get me in...shoulda caught it when you hesitated before saying yes, then when I went up to the door they jumped me from behind."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike pauses to glance at Hikari. "Wait, so you don't imagine everyone going on a homicidal rampage and beating everyone in a town up? It's a favorite pasttime of mine."
> "After I trashed them, some of those masked freaks in the white coats came out to try and retrain me." Shiro smirks, "Worked about as well as you'd guess. How'd things go on the inside?"
<Hikari> "It is not one of my preferred fantasies, no," Hikari says to Mike.
<Mykasi> "We killed a serial killer, met two inmates and beat up orderlies. So, you know, pretty normal."
<Nagare> "I also apparently turned into a mirror magician."
> "Manage to find the guy you were looking for?"
> Dami nods, "Yes, we located Richard Bland."
* Nagare nods. "Yes, but oddly it wasn't even the most notable find."
<Mykasi> "That."
> "So we need to stick around for anything else, or can we get out of here?" Shiro asks, as he swings back up on Red Hare's back, "Dunno if this place is gonna spit anything else out at us, and I'll need a few before I can take any more hits."
<Mykasi> "Let's go back." Mike nods.
<Mykasi> "We're exhausted and Nagare almost got to find out if auto-asphyxiation to the point of death would improve his love life, so."
<Hikari> "I doubt it. Let's just get back to civilization?"
<Nagare> "And I'd say we'd do good to never return if we didn't -have- to."
> You pick your way through the paper charm barrier and begin back through the woods. Navigating AWAY from the place doesn't seem any trouble at all, like the paths just want to take you as far from it as you can as quickly as possible. And before long you come back to the road with what is a gas station in the real world. And once again a mario style Toad House at the moment.
<Mykasi> "Doot doot doot." Mike hums. "Let's get outta here, meet back up on the other side?"
<Hikari> "Yes."
> Shiro nods and sits down to summon the wind, while Dami walks behind the building and pulls a mirror out of his pocket.
<Mykasi> "We'll be a bit, we need to talk to spiritual consultants." Mike notes.
* Nagare blinks. "That's a mighty odd moniker to hand Theresa and Igor."
<Mykasi> "Spiritual consultant and spiritual corruptor."
* Mykasi takes the key and plugs it in!"
> The door opens, and you step into the Velvet Room.
> (OOC: I will beeeeeeeee your Change of a Sceeeeeene~)
> The Velvet Room is as blue as ever, save for the table and chairs in the middle. Theresa stands and bows as you enter, as always, "Welcome back."
<Mykasi> "Hi! Nice red coloring today."
> Then she eyes the condition you all seem to be in. "And I think you are in desperate need of some tea. I'll be just a moment."
> She vanishes into the back, while Igor ignores Mike's comment and gestures at the chairs.
* Nagare sits down, rubbing his temples heavily.
* Mykasi perches on another chair, pulling out the needles. "Hikari, you got the syringe?"
* Hikari nods, places it on the table, and sits down.
> Igor eyes the objects with some interest, "Ah, you have collected more remnants I see."
<Mykasi> "Yeah. These are supposed to be joined, I believe. Any comments on that?"
> "Indeed." Igor nods, while Theresa comes back out and pours everyone tea, "Upon occasion, a Shadow will have more then one vulnerability. Upon an even more rare occasion, such Shadows will leave behind different remnants, depending on which vulnerability they are struck down with. Often, these remnants will be related and can even be combined into a single item again."
<Hikari> "Well, they're hardly of any use separate, are they? So..." Hikari picks up a syringe and a needle, and attempts to recombine them.
* Mykasi moves to take the syringe, but is beaten to the punch by Hikari and hands a needle over.
> Hikari places the needle on the syringe, but outside of just stabbing it in there, which would puncture the syringe and let the liquid leak out if it didn't work, she can't see a way they're supposed to go together.
> "Often," Igor continues, "combining such items is a form of magical synthesis, rather then simple phsyical combination."
> Theresa finishes pouring tea, and nods, "It's easy enough to do, if you learn how. Just need someone to teach you."
> Then she considers, "Or your Personas could figure it out, you ARE Persona Users afterall."
<Mykasi> "Ah." Mike hums. "Are you capab- ah. Gotcha. I'll look into it."
<Hikari> "Is this a service you're capable of performing or teaching, or do we need to find another expert? And have you any idea of what purpose these items would serve?"
> Theresa smiles, "I could, but it'd be against the rules. And I'd guess the purpose here would be to inject somebody with whatever's in that thing. If you'll all close your eyes a minute I can tell you at least that much?" she looks to Igor for confirmation, to which he nods.
* Nagare picks up the teacup lightly. "We can comply."
* Hikari does indeed comply.
* Nagare complies as well, closing his eyes with teacup in hand.
* Mykasi shuts his eyes and hums the Katamari Damacy theme.
> A few moments later, Theresa says, "Okay, you can open your eyes again. And...well, I don't have a name for whatever this chemical is, but inject it into someone and unless they've got the physical or mental defenses to fight it off, they'd become a whooole lot more complacent."
<Mykasi> "Zen and the art of needlework."?
* Nagare blinks. "... that would explain a lot about that colleague of yours, Mykasi."
<Mykasi> "Colleague?"
<Nagare> "That kid who used to be your roommate. Shou? I don't quite remember his name."
<Hikari> "You suggest this is what they use to pacify the inmates, Professor?"
* Nagare shrugs, lightly drinking his tea. "It seems quite a strong possibility at least."
* Mykasi stands up, and walks behind Nagare.
* Mykasi lightly boxes his ears, before sitting back down.
* Nagare blinks. "I don't want to understand."
> Theresa suddenly giggles.
<Mykasi> "You probably wouldn'
<Mykasi> t, anyway." Mike grouses. "So, anyway."
> Igor ignores his assistant and holds his hand out to Hikari, "Shall I return your blade to it's card form?
* Hikari nods, hands it over. "Please."
> He does so, and returns the card to Hikari, asking, "Have you anything else to discusss, or shall I return you to your own world?"
<Nagare> "Don't... think so, at least not anything that I could discuss with all of us together here."
<Hikari> "I have nothing else at this time, save a great need to go home and sleep."
* Mykasi glances to Nagare curiously before shaking his head. "I have some questions but none of them are dire. So, later."
<Nagare> "Honestly, I wish I could spend the next week buried in my bed."
> Igor waves his hands, and the door glows then fades, "the door will now return you to the human world."
> Theresa giggles again.
* Nagare waves quietly to Theresa and Igor, heading towards the door.
* Hikari exits.
* Mykasi waves slightly, hesitating before leaving.
> (OOC: Those of us, those of us of Changing Scenes~)
> You exit the Velvet Room...and reappear in the bathroom of the gas station. A dude is in there, the cashier from inside you saw before, with his pants around his ankles and taking a piss. As he hears noise behind him he slowly looks back over his shoulder...
* Hikari VERY QUICKLY hustles out the door!
<Mykasi> "Ack! Sorry, shit!" Mike cusses, flailing his arms! "Guess you didn't hear the knock!"
* Mykasi then exits!
> Hikari bolts back out the door in record time, followed by Mykasi and Nagare, as the attendant freaks the fuck out, "Gah! WHat the hell!? The door was locked!"
* Nagare quietly leaves, whistling nonchalantly as if walking out of that scene was really no big deal. At that point...
> Dami and Shiro are loitering around Nagare's care out in the parking lot.
> Dami nods as he sees you all appear, then raises an eyebrow at the noise before wincing as he realizes what happened.
* Mykasi shuts the door behind him and waves the other two away, an "I'll negate this" look on his face.
> "Ah...I'm sorry," he sighs, "I forgot where you went in from."
* Nagare coughs awkwardly. "Sometimes, you have conveniences we do not possess."
> "Eh," Shiro shrugs, "I'd trade the ability to go over from anywhere to be able to go INSIDE places."
<Hikari> "Just this once, Shiro, I'd take that trade."
> A minute passes and the door to the bathroom creaks back open, the attendant peeking back out and seeing Mike there giving him a reaaaaaaally funny look, "Uh..." he steps out but seems at a loss for anything else to say, just edges around back towards the front door...
<Mykasi> "Sorry about that. Needed somewhere to privately talk away from those two, door was unlocked, didn't realize you were in." Mike rubs his head guiltily. "Just wanted to apologize. Sorry, dude." And with that he trots over to the group.
* Nagare deflates. "I'll presume we shouldn't know."
> He nods, and Mike hears him grumble as he goes back inside, "Dammit, that door's supposed to automatically lock. I'll have to tell the manager it's broken. Again."
<Mykasi> "Didn't feel like explaining magic to him so I bluffed." Mike explains to the group. "Okay, so plan now?"
> "I...am going to do some research, particularly on the Lady of Chains," Dami notes, "and a bit more into the ownership of that asylum."
<Hikari> "Please do. I don't expect to hear any more news about it casually. If whoever's operating it can steal away a condemned murderer, well, they're good at hiding their misdeeds."
* Nagare coughs lightly. "Dami, you mind if I aid you in your research on the Lady?"
> Shiro grumbles, "Sounds like you guys got busted up in there. I'm gonna go hit Lily's place, see if she has any idea how I can go in there but not anywhere else. Or if she can suggest anyone else who might be able to help me with that. I'm already sick of missing the important stuff, and we haevn't been working together that long."
* Mykasi nods slightly, before humming. "Mind if I tag along to aid? Two minds might work better than one here, and I'm good with computer analysis." A glance to Nagare and a slight nod. "Up to you, Dami." Then to Shiro, "Works, yeah. Eliminating our restrictions and expanding our capabilities would be optimal."
> Dami nods, "Of course. Ah, if you remember where I live, I do most of my work in my lab there."
<Hikari> "Really? After all that fighting, you're ready to go back in? Well, I suppose where you're going is bound to be more relaxing than where we've been tonight."
<Mykasi> "Unless Dami's lab is suddenly the belly of Cthulhu I think we're fine."
> That actually gets a chuckle from Dami, "The only thing of any danger in my lab is that pattern spider. And it's quite firmly caged."
* Nagare nods. "I ponder that Dami's laboratory is bound to be far friendlier to us now as well."
> Shiro shrugs, "When I'm alone, not much can catch me. You've been on Red Hare when I'm running full tilt."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Then let's split here. Hikari, you go rest. I'll make sure Nagare doesn't overexert himself trying to untie his shoe."
* Nagare winces. "I don't wear laced shoes for a reason."
> "And the shit that can, usually wishes they didn't." He adds with a chuckle.
* Hikari wanders off. "I'm sure I have homework to attend to as well. It seems I often forget it these days..."
<Mykasi> "Really? I've been more productive lately." Mike hums.
> And the Persona users split up from there, Hikari returning to the dorm while Mike and Nagare accompany Dami to his apartment. And Shiro simply returns to the Dream...
> (OOC: #velvetroom, Hikari)
> After awhile of driving, the gents arrive at Dami's place, where he opens the door and invites them in, "You can use your key from a door in here, if that will work?"
<Mykasi> "Should, yes." Mike nods. "Thanks."
* Nagare prods Mykasi. "I gather the key is in your hands, no?"
> Before crossing over himself, Dami moves to the tiny kitchen and gets a pot of coffee started, "I can't offer anything to eat, I don't keep much on hand. But I do have coffee."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Thanks for the offer; I'll take you up on it."
* Mykasi then uses the key to open their way.
> The key opens a door, and presuming no stops over in the VElvet Room(yes/no?) it takes you to the Dream of Dami's apartment. Which is his laboratory, still in the front room you were in before not in the back.
<Mykasi> (no stops) With that, Mike chills and waits, sipping his coffee.
* Nagare glances at the room, slowly tapping and checking the environment of the laboratory. "This is quite an elaborate setup."
<Mykasi> "It is impressive."
> After a bit, Dami arrives, carrying the rest of the coffee pot with him. He simply steps out of a mirror on the wall as if it was as easy as walking through a door.
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "Would you mind if I asked for a cup of coffee as well, Dami?"
<Mykasi> "Mirror, mirror, on the wall~" Mike sings, before nodding to Dami. "Right. Let's get cracking how we can?"
> Dami raises the pot, "That's what I brought this in here for. I keep a couple of mugs in the back...ah, you haven't been in there yet, right. Out here is where I deal with anything large, I keep my computer and desk back there." He heads over and opens the door, "And I don't know why but I have two chairs back there, despite never having intended anyone but myself to work there. So...enter as you will, I suppose."
* Mykasi nods slightly and ducks in. "Thanks."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow, heading towards the door. "Probably the same reason I rented an apartment with two bedrooms even though I don't ever intend to marry again, I suppose."
<Mykasi> "One-night stands? Ghost girl visitations?"
<Nagare> "Why would I need a second bedroom for one-night stands again?," Nagare scoffs, respectfully ignoring the reference to Alice.
> Dami chuckles, and pours Nagare a cup of coffee. In the back room, you can see...a pattern spider trapped in a clear box. It doesn't look very pleased.
> The thing, as this is the first Nagare has seen one, is a spider the size of a large housecat. Made entirely of black yarn, with eight orange buttons for eyes.
<Mykasi> "Your personality might drive them off, Prof. Just sayin'."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike then pauses. "Then again, some spiders eat their mates. So I'm not sure I can talk."
> There's also another of those smaller ravens sitting on a post nearby the table the pattern spider's box is on. And it's watching the spider.
> Dami sits down at a chair behind the desk, on which sits a computer. Which he promptly boots up, "This always takes a few minutes."
<Mykasi> "Huh. Got DOS running on this?" Mike peers.
* Nagare begins eyeing the spider as it moves. For some reason, its apparent dissatisfaction and its strange movement fascinate the teacher, who sips from the coffee slowly as he watches the spider. "... fascinating little specimen. Is that one of the pattern spiders you mentioned before?"
> Dami nods, "Yes, and linux. It's convenient to be able to work from here, though it's excruciatingly slow, especially if I need to use the internet."
> As Mike looks over the computer...he noticed that Dami seems to have the cables coming out of the box running through a mirror that's affixed to the floor.
<Mykasi> "Huh. So Linux and DOS are truly... a Dream OS?" Mike cracks before glancing to the mirror. "Neat - you can extend your abilities to objects like that and make it permanent? Cooooool."
> "So far that's all I've been able to manage. And even that took me nearly a solid week of work." He sighs, but smiles a bit. "I'm currently attempting to get a wireless setup to work, particularly a phone that makes calls through the internet. It's...not going so well thus far."
<Mykasi> "Yeah, we got told phones were a sonovabitch here. Impressed you got even this..." Mike crouches. "What other adaptations did you have to do?"
* Mykasi then pauses. "Sorry, you asked me something, Nagare? The spider? Yeah, same thing."
* Mykasi seems to blinks slowly for a moment, but then goes back to the wires."
* Nagare watches the spider in a vague rapture. "It's oddly hypnotic."
> Dami looks over at the creature, "Yes, I captured it while it was attempting to drop some threads on my head. It's been quite resistant to any of my detection techniques, but I haven't felt like letting it go yet."
<Nagare> "Have you pondered dissecting it yet?"
<Mykasi> "Won't help. They just unwind." Mike notes, before pausing. "Wonder what it was trying to take from you... anyone you know gone missing, Dami?"
> "As I'm not a zoologist...or a tailor...I doubt there's anything I could learn from dissection." He shrugs, "And I...don't think so. Not like your Valeriya."
* Nagare scratches his chin, eyeing the spider. "Hmmm. I wonder if Igor or Theresa could have any use for a live specimen of these critters - or if they could analyze it better than we can."
<Mykasi> "... I hate to make this blatant, but have you checked in on people?" Mike says after a moment. "I realize this may be concerning, but... well, it may just have been about someone you had tangentially heard about. Still."
<Mykasi> "And I don't think so - they seemed to know all about them. We could ask around, but the best use may be just to let Hikari burn them."
> "I...am quite certain no one I interact with regularly has gone missing. And I wouldn't really know where to start on checking in on every passing aquaintance I've made." Dami sighs a bit, but shrugs, "As for the spider...I would prefer not to destroy it. I have this feeling it may yet provide something of use. But if you know of anyone who could get use from oen, let me know."
<Nagare> "My thoughts. Worst comes to worst, Theresa could 'accidentaly' blurt out something else. If all else fails, we domesticate the spider, put a leash on it and name it Marybelle."
> "And the connection is finally up." Dami notes, looking at the screen. He scoots his chair over so there's more room for others to get behind the desk and look at what he's doing...then he stands up, "Actually, professor it occurs to me that you may be better suited then I to finding legal information?"
<Mykasi> "I was thinking Charlotte, actually." Mike nods, before glancing to the Professor. "I stored my latest program draft online. If you don't have any luck with your searches, we can try using that to amplify it?"
* Nagare shakes his head, trying to focus after intently staring at the spider. "I suppose we could try both approaches. Granted, given the reliability of Mykasi's programming, we may -have- to. But I'll certainly lend a hand", he says as he approaches Dami and Mike.
> (OOC: Mike can roll comp and Nagare can roll law then?)
<Mykasi> "Shaddup." Mike comments lightly.
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 comp law
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 comp law and gets 12."12 [2d8=4, 8]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 lawlz
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 lawlz and gets 4."12 [2d8=3, 1]
> Searching on Dami's machine takes forever. Teh connection is slow as crap. But you both feel sharper, smarter here. Mike catches things, thinks of search terms and sorting methods he's sure he otherwise would have missed, and Nagare is firmly in his element once he's gotten access to a legal database.
> After awhile, you manage to unearth quite a bit about the Lady of Chains, as well as a few more things about the mysterious, fictional according to Dami, owner of the Kana Family Memorial Hospital.
> She was indeed a serial killer...you even get a picture, which is oddly enough nearly exactly what she looked like in the dream. Minus the being wrapped in chains and suspended in the air of course. Confirmed 47 victems. All strangled to death. Almost all single men, only two women. ANd every resource you can get ahold of insists she was excecuted by lethal injection roughly four and a half years ao.
<Mykasi> "Hmph. Was she ever interred in there?" Mike posits as they look. "Maybe... she left an impression or something?"
> As far as the mysterious Takehiro Somashi, you find very little. He's the listed owner of the Kana Family Memorial hosplital, but doesn't appear to own anything else. And has no contact information that isn't 15 years out of date. No noted public appearances. Nothing.
> It's as if he might have at one point existed, but apart from tax records he doesn't anymore.
<Mykasi> "...Address? Former living arrangements? Anything...?" Mike hums. "This is weird."
* Nagare mutters somberly. "I have to wonder if a dead person's Shadow... or... psyche remains could linger in the Dream. Also, I have to note Somashi's track record is almost as if it was an incomplete rethread of reality if you're paranoid enough."
> Mike searches! Outside of her killing an employee of the hosptical as one of her victems, you don't find anything connecting the Lady of Chains(who's real name was Marika Tsubari, by the by) to the Hospital.
* Nagare also eyes Dami. "Do you mind if I light a cigarette?"
> "I...would prefer you did not, actually." Dami admits.
<Nagare> "I'll live."
* Mykasi pauses slightly. "Should we look for Tachakara while we have this, Prof?"
* Nagare nods. "It's a good idea, honestly."
> (OOC: roll comp, Mikey. And lemme know if you're sticking to legal methods of searching or no)
* Mykasi pauses before typing anything in. "Does this computer still have its IP address, Dami?"
> "Ah, it has it's own. It doesn't use mine from the normal world, if that's what you're asking."
<Mykasi> "... Permission to run a few less legit searches to try and narrow all this down?" Mike asks.
> "If you think it's worth the risk, then go right ahead." Dami nods.
* Mykasi nods slightly, then cracks his shoulders and flips a few of the program functions on before continuing!
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 not sticking to legal methods
* Hatbot --> "Mykasi rolls 2d8 not sticking to legal methods and gets 15."12 [2d8=7, 8]
> COnnection...is...so...slow...
> Mike digs awhile, but doesn't turn up anything new
* Mykasi shakes his head and disengages. "Must be overloading this. Sorry."
> Dami shrugs, "It...happens. With distressing frequency on this connection. I've learned to deal with it."
* Mykasi shakes his head. "I'll try again later."
> "I could use your help with that wireless project ifyou have time, actually," Dami notes. "Machinery isn't my specialty, simply a hobby. I'm a psychologist by degree."
* Mykasi nods. "Sure thing. It'll give me a chance to fool with the differing physics between the two areas at that."
> ---------------------------------------------

> ----------------------------------------
> Hikari returns to the dorm, arriving after an uneventful drive back. Neimi is in the room when she arrives, and she offers a wave while chewing on a sandwich and reading some kind of book. Looks like a textbook instead of game book for once.
> She points to a small bag on your desk, "There's a half sandwich in there for you if you want it. Not sure how you feel about mutton with cranberry relish on rye though."
<Hikari> "At this moment, I will not complain about anything my stomach can process." Hikari sits down, unwraps the sandwich, examines it critically. "What are you reading tonight? Schoolwork for a change?"
> "Yeah, InstAl. That class is a cast iron bitch, to quote one of my classmates. Pure memorization, and God cannot help you if you get something wrong." She sounds unconcerned, despite the complaining. "Oh, and Jinai wants you to give him a text when you've got some time to talk about stuff for the game." She adds, without looking up.
* Hikari has one hand that is not presently occupied with moving sandwich to face, and so busts out the phone and sends a brief "What's happening?" message.
> As she opens the phone, Hikari sees that she has a voice mail waiting for her.
<Hikari> Well, can't keep a digital recording waiting, right? Let's hear it.
> She plays the voice mail, and of course recognizes the voice immediately: "Hikari, this is your mother. You haven't gotten back to us yet about whether or not Aiko can stay at the dorm with you over the holiday, which is something we need to know as soon as you can manage so we can make other plans if it won't work. Give me a call when you can, dear."
* Hikari closes the phone. Sits for a moment. Then: "Neimi, I don't suppose there's a debilitating plague ravaging the student body, or some riots or civil unrest, or other event I didn't hear about that could render the campus quarantined and off-limites to unwelcome younger siblings?"
> Neimi laughs, "Not last I checked. Though stuff's been weird in the city in general lately, I'm not sure why anyone'd want to come here. They still on you about sending your sister here?"
<Hikari> "Yes, they are. I haven't managed a compelling counterargument. At least, not one that would matter to them. And I gather it's not strictly against school rules. I'm afraid I have no convincing excuses."
> "Worst comes to worst, she can have my bed since I'll usually be staying at home over the break. My parents live in teh city, afterall." Neimi then grins, "or I could stay here afterall and we can make her sleep on a mat on the floor?"
<Hikari> "Misery does love company. And by misery I mean myself. I don't truly see any reason you should suffer too, however. I'd suggest you sleep wherever you'd planned to be regardless of us. She can cope with sleeping on the floor for a time if need be."
> "Eh, trolling brats is always good clean fun. And if she's half as bad as you've made her out to be, she likely deserves it. You may not have noticed this about me, since you basically don't ever do anything to deserve it, but I've got a pretty sharp tongue and I'm not afraid to use it."
> "Not half as good as Keiko when she's in charater, though. Ophelia is like a zen master of condesention." Neimi chuckles a bit at the memories that brings up.
<Hikari> "Nevertheless, I must apologize in advance for whatever unpleasantness is about to ensue. A moment, I'll call home and confirm."
> She shrugs, "Don't worry about it." And continues studdying while Hikari calls home.
* Hikari dials!
> The phone picks up after a couple of rings, "Ishigami residence." It's Ichiro's voice, pretty clearly.
<Hikari> "Ichiro, hello," Hikari says. "Are mother and father present?"
> "Ah, big sister!" he sounds excited to hear from you. Particularly he refers to you as the respectful big sister while Aiko gets the less respectful but not so much as to get him in trouble 'sister' "yes, mother is here. Father is out still, he has been working very late every day this month."
<Hikari> "Can you put mother on? And good luck with your application to your new school. I am sure they'll be impressed."
> "Thank you! I've been studdying as hard as I can to make the entrance exam." You can hear him walking as he talks then the faint, "Mother? It's big sister."
> Hikari's mother's voice comes over the phone, "Good evening, dear. I assume you got my message?"
<Hikari> Right to the point, eh? Well, so is Hikari: "Yes. It is permitted by school regulations for Aiko to stay here if circumstances require it, but I cannot make the arrangements myself. You will have to speak to the administration personally."
> "Hmm," you can almost see that slight frown of hers, "will they require a personal visit, or will a phone call to the correct faculty member suffice?"
<Hikari> "I am not certain. Phone first and see if that's sufficient, and arrange a meeting afterwards if it is not?"
> "That sounds like the best idea. Do you have the phone number for the faculty office on hand?"
* Hikari presumably does! If she doesn't know it already, it's surely handy on any of the myriad official paperwork that comes with going to a university, so it's relayed quickly enough.
> "Thank you, dear. I'll go ahead and give them a call tomorrow morning then."
<Hikari> "Very well. Please, remind me how long she will need to stay here? For personal reference."
> "About two weeks, from the 20th to the 3rd. And don't worry about her keep, we'll be sending two cheques with her, one for her own usage and one for her to hand over to you for her nessesities." there's a pause, then a long suffering sigh, '
> "that will be the larger one. And make sure you get the right one from her..."
<Hikari> "Of course. I'll do what I can to keep her out of trouble. I imagine it would be best if she spent as much time as possible in the room--I can only keep an eye on her so often, given classes."
> "Hmm, shouldn't your classes be over by then for winter break? I thought I made sure to schedual it around that." Your classes end on the 23rd, actually. Not the 20th.
<Hikari> "The 23rd. It is close, however. It is just a few a days I'll be distracted by classes, I suppose."
> "Hmm. Our flight is on the 20th. I...would prefer not to send her to you while you still have classes to concentrate on. But we cannot change our tickets at this juncture, nor would your father hear of it even if we could. I will attempt to impress upon her that she is *not*," and that word has firm emphasis, "to cause any problems while you are in classes."
<Hikari> "Hopefully she'll listen. And my roommate may be around to curtail any mischief in my absence. She is eminently reliable and trustworthy, I promise."
> "Ah, well thank her for her assitance for me then."
<Hikari> "I am sure she will appreciate your gratitude," Hikari says with a perfectly straight face. "Will that be all for now?"
> "Yes. Thank you, dear."
<Hikari> "Farewell." Hikari hangs up.
> Neimi looks over, "Well that sounded...uh, sorry if I'm getting too personal but you really don't sound pleased to talk to your mom. Is that a normal thing, or just because of this?"
> "You can tell me to stuff it if I'm prying too much!" she hastily adds.
* Hikari waves this away and sets her phone down. "It's not a problem. They're just very old-fashioned and...a certain amount of formality and deference is expected when speaking to them. If you believe this causes some distance between us...I suppose you're correct," Hikari admits.
> "That's...actually kinda hard to imagine for me. My parents are so close, and," she chuckles, "so completely informal at home."
<Hikari> "Not mine. What's the saying? A place for everything and everything in its place?" Hikari shrugs. "I'm used to it. Anyway, we have until the twentieth to count this room as our own."
> "Hmm." Neimi looks thoughtful, but goes back to her studdies for the time being...
> --------------------------------------------

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Friday afternoon, the day after escaping from the Asylum with some new information concerning Richard Bland, the institute itself and the things going on within it. Classes are getting more and more exhausting for teacher and students alike, with there only being one more week until the dreaded finals.
> The three Persona users have all wound thier way out of the school proper and to a small park nearby...where the only other person in sight on this freezing afternoon is a homeless man with nowhere else to go.
<Hikari> "Has anyone news of any sort?" Hikari says, dispensing with any pleasantries.
<Nagare> "Besides discovering the existence of the internet in the Dreamscapes, hardly anything conclusive."
<Mykasi> "Not really, other than Shiro's mostly clueless even after talking with Lily. She thinks it's because she invited him in. Maybe. Who knows." Mike rolls his eyes. "So, uh, I've got a bit of food with me for this and a bottle of water. You guys got anything on you?"
* Nagare scratches his head. "Does a bottle of water and a to-go ramen meal in my car count?"
<Mykasi> "Do you have any way of heating the ramen?" Mike asks half-seriously.
<Nagare> "Don't think my lighter counts as one unless you have a portable oven."
<Hikari> "Brynhildr could, conceivably? Though it may be rather charred after."
<Nagare> "In that case, Anansi could do wonders for food conservation down there."
* Mykasi shrugs, before shifting a small backpack to in front of him and opening it. "Bag of trail mix, bottle of water, some chips, some carrot- oooh, a can of beer, forgot I tossed that in there."
* Hikari shrugs. "I made sandwiches, so we have at least one decent meal accounted for. This should not be unbearable, for the course of one day?"
<Nagare> "In all fairness, the human body can stand weeks without eating. The matter of having water would be a bit more pressing - no harm in the extra comfort, though."
* Mykasi nods. "Grab the water bottle you've got, just in case, and let's do this."
<Hikari> "Yes. I am prepared. I admit to some eagerness to see how accurately the netherworld matches our old legends."
<Mykasi> "Michael Jackson zombies."
<Hikari> "Excuse me?"
<Nagare> "... excuse me as I pick up my water bottle and ramen from the car."
* Nagare quickly leaves to pick up his rations and conveniently stay out of this conversation's range.
* Mykasi shakes his head. "Just... never mind."
* Nagare returns with makeshift provisions and a lit cigarette in his mouth. "So, we ready to go?"
<Hikari> "Quite. Let us proceed before Mike decides to explain his most recent non sequitur."
<Nagare> "Please. I went back specifically to avoid -that-."
* Mykasi sighs. "You people have no taste." He then glances carefully to the homeless man to see where he's looking.
> He's looking over at you all, but hasn't moved from his spot up against a tree since you got here. He's mostly huddled over wrapped up in what looks like a couple of trashy, tattered blankets and shivering.
* Mykasi sighs. "Damn my conscience." With that, he wanders over to the man and hands a bill over. "Get yourself something to eat, alright?"
> The man looks up at you for a long moment...before swallowing his pride and taking the bill, "...thank you."
<Mykasi> "Don't worry about it. Just take care of yourself, sir." And with that, Mike leads the other two over to the shrine, key in hand and ready to go in - presuming someone else isn't there watching...
> The Shrine seems...oddly clean. It's still in disrepair, much as it was before. And it doesn't look like anything's been put in the offering box for ages. But the area does look neatly swept.
> (OOC: nagare, soul check please)
<Nagare> roll 2d8 soul
* Hatbot --> "Nagare rolls 2d8 soul and gets 13."12 [2d8=7, 6]
> (OOC: that's a fail. Carry on.)
* Hikari drops a coin in the box, largely out of pity. "Let's not tarry, then. Onwards?"
<Mykasi> "Clean." Mike notes, before nodding and heading up the steps. "Ready, Prof?"
* Nagare nods. "May as well."
* Mykasi nods and keys into the temple!
> The door opens, revealing the swirling purple portal you know so well. 
> (OOC: This song has no lyrics, so no "witty" Scene Change for you.)
> Passing through the Velvet Room, you once again find yourselves in the home of Okuninushi. It looks as if absolutely nothing has changed in his domain since you were here before. The wall of weapons, the wall of medicines and the wall of scrolls seem untouched...and even Okuninushi himself is sitting crosslegged in the middle of the room tending a pot of burning incense, just as before.
> He looks up and nods as you enter, "You have returned."
* Nagare bows. "And it's as if not a day has passed for you since we left, actually. Have you been well, Okuninushi?"
* Hikari bows, then gets straight to the point. "We have. We are prepared to undertake your challenge."
* Mykasi bows as well, but doesn't say anything.
> "How does one define wellness for a god?" He calmly asks Nagare by way of answer, then nods to Hikari and slowly rises to his feet. Fetching his cloak and sword from where they rested on the ground beside him, he strides towards the door...and pauses before opening it.
> Turning back to face you all, Okuninushi quietly asks, "Are you certain you are prepared for this? The underworld is not a pleasant place...even if you are lucky and the only trial you have to face is the omnipresent dispair and gloom, that alone can drive a mortal to take his own life."
<Hikari> "We have some experience recently with places of oppressive misery. I consider us as adequately primed for what lies ahead as one can be."
* Mykasi closes his eyes. "We've... been exploring the asylum in Kanazawa's Dream. While I do not think prepared is a proper term, I at least am ready to try and endure this."
* Nagare sighs resignedly. "I am just keeping an eye on these youngsters. I'm not here to judge their resolve."
> The young god nods, and opens the door. As before, you see only an endless haze of grey at firt. Then he offers his hand to Hikari, "One by one, I will help you leave this dream of my home and enter the land of the gods. Walk with me."
* Hikari tkaes his hand with only a nod, and steps forward.
* Mykasi eyes Nagare after this statement.
> As Hikari's hand touches his, the scene through the door changes, to that of the courtyard of a palace at the foot of a beautiful mountain. And with his help, she steps through to this world. Then he steps back in and offers his hand to Mykasi, "I will take you next. Walk with me."
* Nagare shrugs to Mykasi before he leaves with a light smile.
* Mykasi nods and follows, taking Okuninushi's hand - but with another, almost harsher, glare at Nagare.
> Mike takes his hand and suddenly sees the same view, then steps out into it along with the god's aid. Then he steps back inside...but does not yet offer his hand to Nagare.
> "You..." Okuninushi observes the professor for a long moment, "have died before, have you not?"
* Nagare coughs awkwardly, looking down. "This... this is an awkward conversation piece, I have to say. But... yes."
> He nods, "The spectre of death hangs over you, though not as a looming fate but more...a mantle that you carry. Be warned, the land of Yomi may prove of more danger to you then the others. It is hell for the living...but the dead find a strange sort of peace there. You may find yourself tempted to stay."
* Nagare scratches his chin for a moment, pondering Okuninushi's words. Then he takes a deep breath. "It... is a risk I'll just have to endure. I've been in a similar ordeal before, certainly."
> "Very well then," he offers his hand to Nagre, "Walk with me."
* Nagare nods and takes another deep breath, finally taking the god's hand.
> And after a short delay, Okuninushi steps through with Nagare in tow. The land you are all standing in...is magnificent. The air is cleaner here, the wind feels cool and refreshing, the colors are more vibrant. A pure feeling of life simply infuses everything here, from the air to the stones to the grass.
> Okuninushi begins to lead the way towards the gate leaving his palace ground, when a lovely feminine voice calls from off to the right, "Oh! Do we have guests?"
* Hikari turns at this to look for the speaker.
* Nagare dusts himself off quietly, disguising an upwards glance.
* Mykasi follows Okuninushi for a bit, before pausing at the voice. Before reacting, however, he waits for Okuninushi's cue...
> He laughs, and turns to face the voice, which belongs to a beautiful and elegant young woman with long black hair that would surely reach the ground behind her if left free. Okuninushi smiles, "Ah, these are mortals...well, Persona users at least. I have offered them a challange, and they have accepted."
> Turning to you, he makes the introduction, "This is my wife, Suseri-hime...and the daughter of Susano-o."
* Mykasi turns and bows. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
* Nagare bows politely. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
* Hikari_Ishigami bows in turn as well./
> Suseri-hime smiles radiantly, "Ah, I will not detain you from your way then. Perhaps when this challange is behind you, you will stay for tea? It is so rare we have guests."
> Okuninushi laughs again, "
> Okuninushi laughs again, "Perhaps. But for now, let us continue on our way."
* Nagare raises an eyebrow. "Tea seems awfully popular among the supernatural."
<Mykasi> "It would be a pleasure if time and circumstance permit. Until then." Mike nods and bows.
> As he leads the way, Okuninushi chuckles again at Nagare's observation, "I would offer you wine instead, but I keep very little of it on hand. It encourages her father to vist less."
<Mykasi> "From my basic understanding, that's probably a good sanity saver." Mike comments softly.
<Nagare> "Oh, don't mind me, I'm just amused by the overlap in tastes in a few of our supernatural spheres. Although I understand the sentiment regarding father-in-law exposure."
<Hikari> "Yes. I must agree, as I think most fathers-in-law are less prone to breaking furniture than is yours."
> He casts open the gate leading out of his palace, and leads you on a hike up the mountain. You walk for what feels like a few miles...but somehow don't get tired or winded at all. Eventually...the feeling of life in the air seems to fade as you round one more corner and see a giant bolder blocking the entrance to a cavern.
> "This," the god states solemnly, "is the gateway to Yomi. If you wish to turn back, any of you, now is your last chance."
* Mykasi stares at the rock, as if expecting something different for some reason.
<Hikari> "I have no other plans for this evening. Let's go."
<Mykasi> "That's your defining decision-making process? Man." Mike shakes his head. "...Let's do this." After a moment, he gives a lopsided grin. "Knowing the cliff is there or not isn't supposed to stop a FOOL anyway, is it?"
> "Very well then." He nods, "I will first give you three pieces of advice. First, eat nothing you did not bring with you. No matter who offers it to you. Second, be cautious if you wish to make fire. Some may fear it...others may hate it or covet it. But it will betray where you are to all. Lastly, it is your decision how far from the entrance you wish to stray...but be very careful to keep your sense of direction, You must find your own way back."
> You must find your own way back."
<Mykasi> "Got it." Mike nods solemnly. "We've got food, we can probably survive without fire, and I think we'll be staying close to the entrance, so."
<Nagare> "We're - I hope - not that reckless."
> WIth that, he places his hands on the massive boulder...and though being no larger then an average man, rolls it aside to reveal a cave mouth. "The challange is this. Walk for two hours through this tunnel and enter the land of Yomi properly. It may be hard to tell when time has passed, but you must stay one full day and night. Them make your way back."
> Then he smiles at Mike, "You...may change your mind about that. We will see. The challenge has begun. Be strong, and have courage."
* Mykasi nods slightly. "Thank you. We shall do our best here." With that, he nods- before pausing and flipping open his cellphone to see if the time is at all coherent.
> The cellphone is off. And refuses to power up.
<Hikari> "No sense of adventure? No desire to explore? No respect for the necessary travails of a mythical ordeal, I see." Hikari shrugs, and starts off down the tunnel.
<Mykasi> "Hah." Mike chuckles and follows Hikari.
* Nagare quietly follows Hikari. Her excitement regarding this little detour is quite... intriguing, to say the least.
> And after you all enter...you hear the boulder being rolled back in place behind you, sealing you in as well as cutting off the only light. It's pitch dark, but at least there is only one way to go. Forward.
<Mykasi> "Let's, uh, do our best to stick together?" Mike says as soon as the light is out. "And be glad we didn't bring Dami, I can almost hear him hyperventilating."
<Nagare> "I'm uncertain whether Dami or Shiro would be able to accompany us either. The rules bend rather strangely for us regarding the access to the Dreamscapes."
* Hikari takes point, walking down the tunnel, keeping one hand out for the wall as long as it remains this dark.
<Mykasi> "It was a metaphor, damnit. Hikari, where are you?"
<Mykasi> "Not metaphor, rhetorical. You know what I mean."
<Hikari> "Here, several steps in front of you. Should I contribute more to the stream of chatter? Would that ease you?"
<Mykasi> "A bit. I'm gonna use the wall as a guidepath forward - seems the easiest way of making sure we're all followng the same path."
<Nagare> "The alternative would be making a conga line. And -that- would be an awkward story to tell Okuninushi if/when we returned."
<Mykasi> A somewhat long pause. "I'm game."
* Nagare pauses. "... shit."
<Hikari> "I am doing the same. Little occurs to me to talk about, however. All I have new to report is the impending arrival on campus of one dread sibling, about whom I prefer not to think until I have to. And please to keep your hands on the wall, Mike."
* Nagare sighs in relief. "Remind me not to feed Mykasi's imagination before I start talking."
<Mykasi> "You two suck." Mike grumbles, before pausing. "Wait, you have a sibling visiting campus?"
<Hikari> "Have I not complained sufficiently? Well, I do try to avoid burdening others with complaints about my personal problems. It accomplishes little. But yes, I do."
* Nagare bobs his head lightly. "She did mention that before, yes. Apparently, besides saving the world, housing hellspawn is also a high priority."
<Hikari> "Yes. Part of being a true hero is satisfying familial obligations, it would seem."
<Mykasi> "I've been busy planning Dreamspace electronics in my head." Mike replies flippantly. "So, when do we get to meet her?"
<Hikari> "You don't. Shall we move on greet the damned now instead?"
<Mykasi> "Why noooot?"
<Nagare> "I thought we weren't going to meet your sister", Nagare replies sardonically.
<Mykasi> "... man, I was trying to avoid that comment, Prof."
<Hikari> "Because I prefer not to inflict suffering upon those I consider my friends," Hikari replies to Mike.
* Nagare shrugs. "Considering Hikari's latest comment, I doubt she highly -minds- the statement."
<Mykasi> "...I'm both flattered and bemused at the thought that anyone related to you could make -me- suffer."
<Mykasi> "But sure, we'll roll with it."
<Hikari> "Let us say that I greet our current ordeal with less trepidation, and move on?"
<Mykasi> "If you weren't nearing -giddy- about this ordeal I'd give that comment more weight." Mike grumbles as he heads onward.
<Hikari> "Am I the only one among us who appreciates a challenge?"
<Mykasi> "Again, talking to the person planning dreamscape electronics in head. This isn't what I would call a... challenge, per-se."
<Mykasi> "But let's save this for later?"
<Nagare> "Breaking an archery record is a challenge. Hanging around the underworld is a bit beyond -that-."
> For...a very long time you walk. Idle chatter comes and goes in waves, the need for something to distract from the darkness competing with that awkwardness taht always forms when you are trying to talk but have nothing to talk about in particular. And as with all things, even this tunnel eventually comes to an end.(more)
> The first thing you notice about the land of Yomi is that, unlike in the passage to it, you can see in here. But not well. Everything is draped in shadows and gloom, but not true darkness, allowing you to see forms and outlines...you think...but not any real detail. Greys of all shades, along with some lighter blacks, are the only colors you can see.(more)
> The second thing you notice, is that much like on the other side, the tunnel is up on the side of a mountain. Though there is not any sort of handy road leading down from here.(more)
> But beyond the physical...the world feels different. A heavy and solemn feeling hangs over the world, a feeling like a great weight is upon you. A feeling that laughter, love and light, those things of the other world, are not...appropriate here, somehow. There is sound, but it is muted. There is color...but only grey. It is truely the opposite of the realm you just came from.
<Mykasi> "Charming." Mike says after a moment, feeling a touch glum. "Okay, so. Okuni insinuated that staying near the entrance might not be wise. Any ideas, anyone?"
* Hikari walks to the end of the tunnel, looks out, around and down. Would they have to climb to get anywhere else?
* Nagare coughs, dusting himself off in an almost ritualistic manner. "We move away from the entrance - but not -too- much. At least not until we devise a backtracking method. We -will- have to return on our own terms, after all."
> It's hard to see any distance, but from what you can see you would have to do some decending slopes. Nothing sheer or straight up vertical, but for some climbing down may be safer then walking.
> A flutter of wings can be heard, as some manner of bird takes off from it's perch on the cave mouth you just came from. It's destination...who knows.
* Mykasi grumbles. "Well, unless Abartach's able to give us a good backtrack method I admit to being hesitant to going far at all." he mutters softly.
<Nagare> "And I can't guarantee Abartach could provide that. This is a realm of gods rather than dreams, after all."
<Mykasi> "Right." Mike says after a long moment. "Any ideas, Hikari?"
<Hikari> "If we stay still, we can't evade any attention we might that comes our way. If we move, we may attract more." Hikari shrugs. "I don't think we know enough to make major decisions. We may as well look around outside the tunnel mouth for now? If we're on a mountain, finding our way back up is reasonably simple, at least at the start."
<Mykasi> "Finding our way back up, sure. To the right spot?" Mike replies, but nods and begins looking around the tunnel mouth, himself.
> There doesn't seem to be much of note up here. A small fence of sorts, wooden posts connected by ropes, are on either side of the cave mouth...but they don't connect and don't enclose anything, only stretching about five feet in either direction. It's liek they're there just for show.
* Mykasi shakes his head. "Little here. I don't have any suggestions, honestly... we could organize rocks in a pattern to guide our way up and down?
<Hikari> "I am not entirely comfortable with loitering here for the entirety of the ordeal. It would seem to defeat the purpose of the exercise. Lacking a spirit of adventure, I cannot help but fail, may result in its own misfortune. But I have no clear reason to suspect this, only a feeling."
<Nagare> "Could we use the fence as a point of reference? It's something to look for -when- we return."
<Hikari> "It is. Otherwise..." Hikari kicks at the ground beneath her feet, experimentally. How solid is the material? Stone? something they could mark a path in?
<Mykasi> "The fence can help. I'll try to do the rock thing on the way down as well - let's move a bit slower to give me time to do that. And I'd vote we go down, unless someone has a compelling reason to climb up."
<Hikari> "Going down is acceptable," Hikari says, stepping outside and taking a few tentative steps past the fence.
> It's a mountain, so some of the ground is stone, some is dirt. The dirt...clings to her shoe as Hikari kicks at it, not seeming to want to come off at all.
<Hikari> "Hmm. Brynhildr? Follow behind me, please. Every five steps, if you can, gouge a hunk from the ground? It needn't be large, or elegant. I only need to see where we've been."
* Mykasi motions as if to say something, but stops himself and heads alongside Hikari, trying to spy a specific way down with Anansi.
> Hikari steps past the fence! Nothing of note happens. Then she calls for her Persona...and Brynhildr flickers into existance for a split second but then flickers back out.
> Hikari can still feel Brynhildr's strength and power inside her...but the persona refuses to fully manifest outside of her body.
> Like Byhildir, Anansi will not form longer then a split second, but Mike still has the vision and speed he grants.
> So with that vision...(Mike needs to make a mind check to see how good of a view he gets)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 mind the dark
<Penuche> Mykasi invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 >12 [d8=3,6]
<Mykasi> "Does anyone have a knife on them?" Mike murmurs as he peers down
> The gloom is opressive, but Mike's keen eyes can still pick out a way down that should be reasonably safe. He thinks.
<Mykasi> "I think I see a path that should be stable..."
> (OOC: Also, if it's just rocks you're looking for, it's a mountain. You can find plenty of small rocks littered around here and there. And some not-so-small ones, but with Hikari's muscle tha's not really an issue)
<Hikari> "I'm afraid not, no. I do have the sword, though were I to activate now, I would be forced to carry it the entirety of the excursion."
<Mykasi> "We've got rocks around. Let's gather those and make small piles to denote our path up and down?"
<Nagare> "I suspect you may have to draw it out eventually -anyway-. However, I can't see why wouldn't we be able to make a mark with a particularly pointy rock. It'd just be a bit more effort."
<Hikari> "Rock piles can be dispersed by meddlesome spirits if they so choose, but I don't have many other suggestions." Hikari shrugs.
<Mykasi> "So... slash with sword, slash with rock or gather rocks." Mike compiles the ideas before shrugging. "I kinda agree with the Professor, with the note that one of us can take the sword for a bit if it gets exhausting - you'd still need to be the one using it, but one of us can carry it otherwise."
<Mykasi> "So... given that, why don't we just use it now?"
<Hikari> "Very well." Hikari takes out the sword card, activates it.
> The sword forms as it should. The blade...seems a dull grey in here, like everything else. Even the three of you are in greyscale in here, you notice.
* Nagare blinks. "... this... is unsettling."
* Hikari walks a few steps, dragging the sword behind her to see what kind of trail it leaves without undue effort.
* Mykasi shrugs. "It is, but we've got other things to concern ourselves with."
> WIthout actively digging it into the rock, it just drags along and leaves a scraping trail in the dirt, along with making a metal-on-rock sound basically the whole way.
* Mykasi winces. "Speaking of alerting things..."
<Hikari> "Yes. The noise, even were I stop to leave a mark only occasionally, would surely draw something's attention. We take risks either way. We could hardly expect anything else given where we are, hm?"
<Mykasi> "True. Let's try to keep it to a minimum, though." Mike says, beginning to set down the path he spotted.
* Hikari follows after Mike, pausing once every minute or so to grind a small, shallow depression out of the mountainside.
> Mike leads the way down the path! Hikari stops every now and again to make a gouge with her sword.(OOC: Body checks from all three of you. And another from Hikari if she's trying to make marks quietly. Don't bother if you don't care.)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 my hair has body?
<Penuche> Mykasi invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 >12 [d8=8,8]
<Nagare> roll 2d8 why wouldn't we care?
<Penuche> Nagare invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 >12 [d8=7,2]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 body check the first
<Penuche> Hikari invokes Penuche's magic: < 7 >12 [d8=5,2]
<Hikari> roll 2d8 yes may as well try to keep quiet if we can
<Penuche> Hikari invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 >12 [d8=1,4]
> You climb down! Or at least Hikari does. Mike and Nagare both slip on the same incline and go tumbling down the side of the mountain. Nagare manages to stop and right himself soon...but Mike hits another crumbling ledge. And keeps going. All the way down.
> (OOC: another body check, Mike.)
<Mykasi> roll 2d8 right
<Penuche> Mykasi invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 >12 [d8=8,5]
* Gatewalker changes topic to 'Hikari: 105/105 HP [75/75 EP], Mike: 30/70 HP [95/95 EP], Nagare: 90/90 HP [100/100 EP], Shiro: 140/140 HP [75/75 EP], Dami: 70/70 HP [175/175 EP]'
> Mike falls all the way down the mountain, unable to right himself long enough to slip into the balance dance to stop the fall until he hits the bottom. He is covered in dirt...dirt that just will not seem to brush off. And he's in pain.
<Mykasi> "..." Mike winces badly, curling in on himself and not trying to stand immediately, instead looking around to see if anything was alerted
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Gatewalker invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 >12 [d100=23]
> There...is some kind of shadowy creature down there. Mike can only vaguely make it out with his enhanced vision, as it's probably a dozen yards from you. And it froze stock still as you came pelting down. Whatever it is, it's staring at you...and not moving. Yet.
<Mykasi> Fuck. Fuckfuckfuck. Mike quickly takes stock of his surroundings, slowly standing up and trying to find a way back up or at least a way to get further from the shadowcreature!
* Hikari makes her way down the mountain after Mike, with as much haste as she can manage--she still has to leave a trail for them to follow back, after all. Hopefully his precipitous descent left an obvious set of skids on the mountainside for her to follow down to his current position. Calling out to him...may be unwise in this place.
> ---------------------(to be continued)----------------------