The Carnival

[Chilord]

"Its a place of change kid, where fate and destiny have no hold, and the threads of time can be rewoven."

[Shukuen]

"I... see..." Though that was even more vague then the earlier answer... He sweated, slightly wary at how closely this scene reminded him of the stories his mother told to him as a kid.

Tightening the grip on his pack, Makoto smiled nervously as he began to back away. "Well, uhm, that's quite interesting, sir. I hope business goes well for you here," he said, putting on a cheerful front.

[Chilord]

The man chuckled softly as he looked into the boy's eyes, his own a dark amber, misted over slightly with streaks of silver, "You are the only business the Carnival has here kid. Else, neither of us would be here."

[Shukuen]

"What?" Makoto pauses, caught of guard by the man's response. "What do you mean, 'You are the only business the Carnival has here'?"

[Chilord]

"Kid, the entrance to The Carnival only appears to those it chooses to allow entrance to, no others," the man chuckled softly, "And it is to those alone that it offers the chance of a lifetime."

[Shukuen]

"Chance... of a lifetime?" Makoto repeated curiously.

[Chilord]

"Yup, the chance to make your heart's desire come to life... to make it real to you and the world."

[Shukuen]

Makoto lowered his head, stunned at the reply. He silently considered the possibilities presented to him, and after what seemed to be long, agonizing moments, he quietly asked, "H... how?"

[Chilord]

"Ya enter the Carnival. That's where ya'll find out what ya need ta know. Jes remember, the only way yer gonna get out is if you recieve your desire."

[Shukuen]

"All right." Gazing towards the iron gates, Makoto strolled up to them, gripping his pack tightly as he reached out to open them.

[Chilord]

The ALREADY open gates needed no opening as he stepped forward and was suddenly gone from the world.

[CyMage]

Caitlin wasn't running.  It would draw attention.  She was making her way to a more populated area though.  Losing herself in a crowd should slow down her persuers.

The job has gone off ok, until the end.  A worker returning late for a forgotten folder, spotted them and raised an alarm.  Caitlin had to agree, the corporations security force was good.  Luckily only a short firefight ensued before they made their escape.  Neddy took a couple hits, but nothing a couple hours with a tool kit wouldn't fix.  She did lose her favourite rifle in the escape though.

Making her way through a small alley between two grey buildings, her ears caught the sound of music.  Not taking much time to decide she made her way towards it as she exited the alley.

"Doesn't sound like a bar, but there must be some people there.  Anything is better then these empty streets."

[Chilord]

And in front of her, there was a wall of mist from which the music beckons

[CyMage]

Shrugging at the strange fog, Caitlin stepped into it and continued to follow the music.

[Chilord]

And before her, she found a grand archway of green vines and leaves, the mist almost swirling about it as the vines seemed to almost move as she watched. And there, standing before that arch, stood a figure, its tall frame covered in the shining steel of full plate mail, ornately crafted, yets there seemed to be something about it. Its hands were outstresteched slightly, resting on the pommel of a massive, sheathe sword, its face shielded from view by a faceless helmut.

"Hail and greetings. Welcome to the Carnival."