Lunar: Middleground IRC RPG Session 8
Session Start: Saturday, July 27, 19:50:57, 1996
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Cast of Characters:
Hahn as "Gamemaster, Rhea, Jean, Azura, Masked Figure, Franco, Bandit,
Caravan Master"
Vecna as "Eomar"
Kenshiro as "Thesian"
Ronfar as "Davis"
Miko as "Miko"
Dragonmaster Blake as "Ebony
Nall as "Bulix" (Hahn as ~Bulix)
Dragonmaster Lou as "Lou"
Iceberg as "Iceberg"
Luna as "Isis" (Hahn as ~Isis)
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---Rhea and Jean dash into the dressing tent in panic and worry.---
* Ebony looks at Thesian accusingly, "You were supposed to protect
her!" and glares a Bulix, "And you, too!"
Thesian: "I promised I'd PROTECT her!! THIS is NOT my idea of doing
my job!"
* Bulix pounds his fist into his hand. "Dammit! I knew it! Why didn't
she stay close? Argh.."
Ebony: "She was out of sight for a second! They want us both! I'll
kill them! I'll rip them apart! I'll..."
Bulix: "You're right Ebony! They want to get you too.. and when they
come for you, we can get them.. but it'd be better if we can find
them.. first.."
* Ebony breaks off into growling that is not understandable...
* Miko is still running around frantically, looking everywhere for
the train that Jean and Rhea were talking about. "Davis, help me
find her! We have to find Azura and get out of here!"
* Davis looks everywhere (but more calmly) for that train.
* Ebony starts for the car that Jean showed them last time. "They
are in the car. I'm gonna kill them."
* Davis follows Ebony because I think he knows where he's going.
---The caboose is bustling with activity.---
Ebony: "If you all are too SCARED, I'll save her myself!"
Davis: "Uhh, we'll probably need help."
* Ebony is beyond reason.
* Bulix cracks his knuckles, tightens his headband, and starts off
after Ebony. "These... bastards.. are gonna pay.."
Thesian: Ebony, we've got to get her back as soon as possible. If
anyone's hurt her, I swear..."
Ebony: "I know what they do, Thesian... We HAVE to save her."
* Davis is going too slow to keep up with Ebony. "Fast cat, I swear."
Ebony: "POINTS, BOUNTY HUNTER, Eomar, I *WOULD* like your help."
* Isis agrees.. "We must get Azura back!"
* Eomar agrees.
Iceberg: "Ebony, I'll follow you, too. At least to save Azura... I
let you kill them alone..."
Ebony: "Then let's go!"
* Bulix nods. "I might not have helped you, Ebony.. but I'll help
her.."
Iceberg: "Ebony... Where we have to go? I am at your orders for this
time... but don't get used to..."
---You hear sinister voices in the caboose that Rhea and Jean pointed
out.---
* Miko runs to the caboose.
* Ebony goes to the circus car.
* Thesian runs after Miko and Ebony.
* Davis eventually gets there.
* Iceberg is making work his seventh sense, but he gets no response
by the moment...
Ebony: "HEY, COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP!"
* Miko runs inside.
* Davis goes in.
* Bulix heads in.
* Ebony stalks into the caboose, growling with a ferocity none of you
have seen in him before.
---In the caboose you see several masked figures, much meaner and
tougher than the originals huddling around something. The masked
figures turn around to face the group with an eerie
simultaneity.---
* Isis is in the front of the group, preparing for a fierce battle..
* Miko ran inside impulsively, and is therefore in the front of the
group, also...
* Ebony is in the front.
* Thesian is also in front.
* Eomar is in back, equipped with his bow.
* Davis is in back with his saber.
* Iceberg is on back with the chill staff, robe...
* Bulix is in front. "Okay, who the hell's in charge here?"
* Thesian's eyes flash. "Where is she??! You had better not have hurt
her!!"
* Ebony growls, "Where... is... my... SISTER?"
Masked Figure: "Black one... Ebony... You've returned. How fortunate!
The others may leave now."
Bulix: "We're not going anywhere, stupid! You're returning the cat, or
you're going to die. right here, right now."
Isis: "You have no right to take what is not yours.. Azura is not
a toy.. She is her own.."
Thesian: "Azura doesn't belong in a freak show like this! She belongs
with her people!!"
Ebony: "I have returned only to get Azura... and kick your scrawny
butts! I'll make you all pay for what you did to us!"
* Ebony seems to have forgotten everything hes told Miko about not
liking violence...
Iceberg: "Easy, circus guys!! Return Azura to liberty and we let you
go... Otherwise, prepare for battle!!"
* Ebony growls. "No, Points! They don't leave here!"
Masked Figure: "That's not possible. Ever since that unfortunate day,
this circus has been in decline."
Bulix: "Who cares! Your profits don't! That does it.. you give her
back, or you'll be bald, lobotomized quaraplegics.. or worse!"
* Eomar looks shocked at Bulix's command of vocabulary.
Thesian: "Bulix must have been listening to vocab tabes instead of
weight loss ones by mistake."
Bulix: "It's those stupid 'Huked on Foniks' tapes!"
Isis: "Maybe he can't spell... but still!"
* Miko appears to be becoming restless and impatient by the minute.
Masked Figure: "Why, oh, why did you kill our beloved master in that
fire, Ebony?"
Ebony: "I did NOT kill him."
* Ebony growls... "But I would have!"
Masked Figure: "He brought this circus to its peak! But now that you
have returned to us, bringing another of your kind, we can once again
be the most fantastic circus in the world! We know your love for us
would force you to return, Ebony."
* Ebony hisses at him.
Masked Figure: "You people do not belong here. Ebony has returned
here with the blue one and you need not interfere."
* Ebony growls. "Returned, my butt! Put up or shut up!"
Iceberg: "Well, I guess you are going to face certain death at our
hands..."
Isis: "Uh-oh. I guess that rules out the peaceful method..."
Bulix: "Maybe we don't need to interfere, but I'm really stubborn...
And nosy... WHERE IS SHE?"
Iceberg: "Azura needs us!! Let's battle now!! And nothing more about
this babbling!!"
* Davis checks out the opposition.
* Bulix looks them over, trying to decide how many there are, and
where would be best to attack..
---There are six sword swallowers and four knife throwers.---
* Ebony growls, "More Sword Swallowers and Knife Throwers."
* Thesian tightens his grip on his weapon.
* Isis holds her sword out for battle.
* Miko begins the very difficult task of concentration...
* Ebony hisses and glares at the opposition with hate... and no one
friendly had better get between them. "For Azura, and for me, we
will win this battle!"
--------------COMBAT----------------
Isis uses "QuickCut" level 4!
Isis dashes past Sword Swallower A
with a gleaming blade in hand. 19 damage.
Second attack... 17 damage.
* Ebony growls, "Cowards... Kill... Die..."
* Ebony has lost it, yep.
Ebony is embittered with rage! "Spin Gash" level 5!
Ebony flies around, slashing up the front row of enemeis.
A suffers 3. B suffers 4. C suffers 3. D suffers 3.
E suffers 5. F suffers 4.
Bulix uses "CounterStrike" level 3!
Bulix has become agitated...
Sword Swallower A attacks Davis! Davis is hit for 9 damage.
Sword Swallower B attacks Isis!
Isis is hit for 6 damage.
Sword Swallower C attacks Thesian!
Thesian is hit for 20 damage.
Sword Swallower D attacks Bulix!
Bulix is hit for 5 damage.
Bulix counterattacks! Sword Swallower A suffers 7 damage.
Sword Swallower E attacks Miko! Miko is hit for 13 damage.
Sword Swallower F attacks Bulix! Bulix is hit for 4 damage.
Bulix counterattacks! Sword Swallower A suffers 8 damage.
Davis grips his blade and swings in a
wide arc across the front row...
A suffers 15. B suffers 14. C suffers 16. D suffers 17.
E suffers 14. F suffers 15. Sword Swallower A is defeated!
Miko holds her hands forward...
Thesian rushes at Sword Swallower B, then quickly disappears.
Sword Swallower B is raked with unknown attacks and his
saber flies away...
Sword Swallower B suffers 5 damage.
Sword Swallower B's Attack is reduced by 18.
Iceberg casts "Ice Knife" level 4!
Iceberg: "<>"
Sharp daggers of ice are fired at Sword Swallower C.
Sword Swallower C suffers 69 damage. And is defeated!
Iceberg: "Two down, eight to go..."
Eomar casts "Aqua Blast" level 2!
A high pressure stream of intense water knocks over
Sword Swallower D. 18 damage.
Knife Thrower A throws a knife at Iceberg!
Iceberg is hit for 6 damage.
Second attack! Iceberg is hit for 5 damage.
Iceberg: "Hey! It's supposed that knife throwers always fail!"
* Ebony barely notices the harm coming to his friends as he glares
at the masked figures...
Knife Thrower B throws a knife at Eomar!
Eomar is hit for 10 damage.
Second attack! Eomar is hit for 9 damage.
* Eomar curses under his breath...
* Ebony would think they should have stopped at the Althena statue
first... if he was capable of thinking at the moment...
Knife Thrower C uses "Disarm" level 5!
The enemy rushes Davis, but Davis dodges the attempt.
Knife Thrower D uses "Disarm" level 5!
Thesian feels a blow to his hand and his weapon is gone!
Thesian's Attack is lowered by 8.
* Bulix glares at what's left of the group, and decides, to hell with
strategy.
* Miko appears too anxious and preoccupied to even notice she is
injured.
* Ebony doesn't even seem to notice his friends at all.
Ebony uses "Acid Stream" level 3!
A thin corrosive stream assaults Sword Swallower D.
23 damage. Sword Swallower D is defeated!
Bulix uses "Anger Punch" level 3! Bulix's hands fly in a wild
assault at Sword Swallower E! 6 damage.
Second attack... 7 damage.
* Bulix concentrates on his enemy.. the bridge of his nose, to be
exact.
Third attack... Critical Hit! 37 damage.
Sword Swallower E is defeated!
Fourth attack... Critical Hit! Sword Swallower F suffers 35.
Sword Swallower B is without a weapon and defends...
* Thesian abandons a direct attack. Gripping the pendant around his
neck, Thesian closes his eyes and begins to hum an ancient melody.
Thesian casts "Thunder Bolt" level 4!
A crackling stream of electricity assaults Knife Thrower A.
28 damage.
Davis charges forward and enters the front row.
Miko glares directly at Knife Thrower D and points
her palms forward...
An eerie orange glow surrounds her hands and a wide gout of
flame is shot at the enemy... 55 damage.
Knife Thrower D is defeated!
* Isis readies herself for her attack.
Isis uses "QuickCut" level 5!
Isis dashes at Sword Swallower B with her saber in hand...
23 damage..
second attack... 20 damage.
Sword Swallower B is defeated!
* Iceberg looks at Thesian wounded seriously... Begins to chant a
healing litany... "<>"
Iceberg casts "Heal Litany" level 1! Thesian recovers 18 HP.
* Thesian breathes easier. "Thanks Iceberg."
* Iceberg notices Thesian. "Welcome to life again... I guess you seemed
badly wounded..."
Eomar holds his crossbow to his eye and takes
careful aim at the enemy.
Knife Thrower A throws a knife at Isis!
Isis dodges the attack.
Second attack! Isis is hit for 4 damage.
Knife Thrower B throws a knife at Davis!
Davis is hit for 3 damage
Second attack!
Davis is hit for 2 damage.
Knife Thrower C attacks Bulix!
Bulix is hit for 1 damage.
Bulix counterattacks! Knife Thrower C is hit for 10 damage.
Second attack... Bulix dodges the flying knife.
Thesian: "Bulix, just make sure those fists are still working!"
Bulix: "Augh! I broke my wrists! Argh.. oh wait.. I can kick.. my
ankles! Argh!"
Thesian: "Bulix, your head! Use it for something!!"
* Lou tries to climb out of the big pit he fell into to get into the
battle.
Ebony attacks with "Acid Stream" level 3!
Knife Thrower A is hit for 21.
Bulix attacks Sword Swallower F! 5 damage.
Second attack... 7 damage. Sword Swallower F is defeated!
Third attack... Knife Thrower A suffers 8 damage.
Knife Thrower A is defeated!
Thesian casts "Spark Stun" level 4!
Electical jolts paralyze Knife Thrower B.
Miko casts "Fire Blast" level 3!
Knife Thrower B suffers 49 damage!
Davis attacks Knife Thrower B! Hit! 12 damage.
Knife Thrower B is defeated!
Isis quickly brandishes her long iron mace.
Iceberg casts "Negate Beam" level 3!
Iceberg: ""
A wide beam of negative energy tears away at the reamining
Knife Thrower... 48 damage.
Eomar pulls the trigger on his crossbow, sending a speeding
bolt at the remaining enemy. Critical Hit! 55 damage.
Knife Thrower C is defeated!
Victory!
Each player receives 10 XP.
The group earns 60 S and 210 MEXP.
* Eomar wipes the sweat off his brow.
Thesian: Nice shot, Eomar!
Iceberg: "What a Lighting arrow you have, Eomar!"
* Eomar grins.
* Bulix looks around at the fallen people. "Get up! Get up!"
* Lou finally gets out of the pit. "Damn it! Me and my bad luck!"
---There are a bunch of bleeding groaning bodies at your feet.---
* Bulix glares at the defeated people, willing one of them to just try
to stand.
* Ebony continues to scratch at one of the dead guys.
"Diediediediediediediediediediediedie..."
* Thesian recovers his weapon. "That was a tough battle."
* Bulix walks over to one of the sword swallowers, and kicks him in the
ribs. "Get up! Where is she? Get up!"
Lou: "Okay, where is Azura now!!! Free her now, or there will be hell
to pay! If they did anything to that little furball...."
* Ebony pauses for a second... remembers what all this was about.
"Az..ur...a... Outta the way!"
---In the caboose is a tiny rusted tin cage holding Azura, in a
shivering fetal ball.---
* Thesian rushes over to the cage. "Azura! Are you all right?"
* Miko runs to the cage. "Azura? Azura? Are you okay?" She
fusses with the cage, trying to open it.
* Ebony pushes himself through everyone and spits a bit of acid on
the lock.
* Thesian pulls the cage door open.
* Bulix stops kicking the guy and demanding that he get up, and slowly
turns and heads towards the others.
* Lou follows the rest to the cage.
* Davis looks around to see if anyone is around to ambush us.
---Azura does not notice your presence immediately.---
Lou: "Azura! You okay? What's wrong with her?"
Thesian: "Azura...Azura!"
---She eventually looks up and winces immediately out of shock.---
Azura: "I... I... what happened? You're here now?"
Ebony: "*They* took you Azura! Are you all right?!?"
Lou: "Sorry, Azura... We tried to get here sooner...."
Miko: "Azura, are you okay? Did they do anything to hurt you?"
Lou: "If they hurt you in any way, Azura, they'll taste the steel
of my blade!"
Isis: "Azura are you okay? Did they do anything to you? Are you
hungry?"
Iceberg: "Azura! Are you all right? How is that they trapped you?"
Azura: "I... I told them that I was sick of lying around being
protected by people. I told them I wanted to see the world. I
asked them if I could travel along with them and they said I
could..."
Thesian: "Azura, I'm so sor -- Wait a minute, WHAT did you say??"
Ebony: "You WHAT?!? After all I told you!?"
Lou: "You volunteered???"
* Bulix smacks his forehead. "What!? Did we just beat the living snot
out of them for no reason?"
Iceberg: "Azura, did you come with them by you own? Are you leaving
us?"
Azura: "I thought it would be a dream. Going everywhere, meeting new
people, seeing everything there is to see..."
Ebony: "Azura... You can do all that with US! I care about you,
dammit! You can't just run off!"
Lou: "We're adventurers after all, Azura! It's our job!"
Miko: "Azura, yes! You can still see the world. Please... Come with
us now. We're just leaving... Right this minute. Please..?"
* Miko looks out the door impatiently...
Azura: "They accepted my offer, but then just insisted that I sit in
this cage forever. A cage is just what I wanted to get out of! It
was almost like they were just going to use me and charge people to
gawk at me..."
Davis: "Azura, they were. Didn't you listen to Ebony?"
Lou: "Umm, that's what they do at these low-budget circuses."
Ebony: "Azura, WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY WERE GOING TO DO?! WHAT DO YOU
THINK THEY DID TO ME?!?"
Azura: "I guess I misunderstood them... I don't know what anybody
wants anymore."
Isis: "Azura.. We just want you to be with us.."
Lou: "Well, all we want is your friendship and company, Azura. Right,
guys? And ladies, of course."
* Thesian glares at Azura. "Promise me you won't ever pull a stunt
like that again!"
* Ebony turns and walks off, hurt, angry, he's not really sure what.
* Thesian softens. "I'm sorry, it's...it's just that I was so worried.
If something happened to you, I'd...I'd..."
Davis: "I don't know what to say."
Azura: "They seemed so nice. They brought happiness and joy to everyone
in this place. Didn't they, Miko? You and I had fun, didn't we?"
* Bulix smacks his forehead again.
Miko: "Azura, I... I... yes... We had fun.. but I can't think about that
right now. I have to go home... I'm sorry..."
* Davis thinks that we should get going.
Iceberg: "Azura, just be with us, and your life will be full of
travels and excitement, and freedom, of course..."
Thesian: "Azura, it's okay now. Please come with us."
Isis: "Azura, well, I hope you've changed your mind.. at least about
the circus.."
Azura: "But they seemed so nice... and they locked me up and used me.
I didn't know that's what they really wanted."
Davis: "Azura, yes, it is."
Lou: "Don't worry, Azura. Everything is okay."
* Thesian carefully reaches over and strokes her fur reassuringly.
* Ebony glares at one of the masked guys and tries to rip the mask off.
"C'mon, show me your face you... you... grrrrr..."
---The mask comes off to reveal a normal looking, but bloodied
face.---
* Bulix looks at the face, trying to see if it was someone he knew.
Lou: "Bulix, you an ex-circusman?"
Davis: "Well, I really think we should get going before more come
along, if more come along."
Azura: "How am I supposed to know what *you* guys really want with
me?"
Bulix: Well, Azura.. have we stuffed you in a cage? And what's her
face trusted us.. in that ice place.."
Iceberg: "Azura, we promised that girl, we protect you and aren't
going to fault our word..."
Lou: "Look at how close our friendship with Ebony is. I'd think that
would be a good example"
* Ebony glares at Azura. "How could you not think I care?"
* Azura just puts her head down and sniffles.
* Lou gives Azura a hankie. "Here, Azura."
* Miko seems increasingly restless... "Azura, I just want you to be
happy... and safe... If what you want is to travel... Then why don't
you come see my home. We're leaving right *now*, right, Davis?"
Davis: "Right, Miko."
* Ebony pads over and puts a wing around Azura. "Please... just don't
do that again... We are all your friends."
* Azura looks up at Ebony with a meaningful gaze.
* Thesian smiles at Ebony.
* Lou smiles at Ebony and Azura.
Isis "Azura.. Please.. We must get going soon.. Come with us.. You
won't regret it.. I promise.."
* Davis already headed outside, waiting for Miko and the rest.
* Miko follows Davis outside and heads for the caravan, looking
distraught.
---Rhea and Jean nervously approach the caboose.---
* Lou looks at Rhea and Jean, wondering what they deal with them is...
Rhea: "Bu... Bulix? Did you get her out of there?"
* Bulix glances over. "Yeah.. the fool.. She.. Forget it.. We got
her."
* Rhea looks over the bodies with a mixture of wonder and amazement.
"Bulix, you... you punched them all out?"
* Bulix gestures to the group. "We did, not me."
* Iceberg has a sad look on his face. "Rhea, Jean, "We feel
responsible... But we hadn't any chance.."
Rhea: "Do you know what this means, Bulix? They've been defeated!
This circus can once again run normally instead of those psychotics
always hunting rare animals to abuse! Good work."
Iceberg: "Rhea, you like it?! Yes!! You like it!! Well, we just try
to help..."
* Bulix smiles for a second. "But.. after we're gone, won't they just
take control again?"
* Jean whispers something in Rhea's ear.
Rhea: "No, Jean and the other dancers are already taking care of them.
And it seems the girls are looking for some new management. Bulix,
we've voted for you. Will you? Will you join this circus once again
and lead it to its former glory?"
Bulix: "Wha.. me?"
Rhea: "We could really use you, buddy. You have to decide where
your destiny lies now."
* Bulix shakes his head. "Thanks, but I told you, I'm out of the
business now.. Besides, I can't leave my friends..."
Rhea: "I understand. We'll get along, now that these lunatics are
gone. Thank you anyway, Bulix. We all appreciate your help."
* Rhea backs away. "Bulix... "
* Iceberg looks at both Rhea and Jean... "Sorry, we have to leave.
Nice to have met you, as always a pleasure.."
* Rhea appears to become disturbed. "Good bye... Bulix...."
* Rhea hurries into the dressing tent.
* Bulix looks after Rhea, and shakes his head. "Goodbye..."
Thesian: "Bulix, is everything okay?"
* Bulix shrugs. "No problem, Thes.. Let's go.
* Ebony looks around. "Where's Miko?"
Lou: "Miko went outside, Ebony."
Ebony: "Shouldn't we.. um... go before we miss our caravan? First,
we needa stop by that statue..."
* Davis is talking to the rest of the group. "You guys coming? We
can't miss the caravan!"
Lou: "I'm on my way, Davis!!! Man, I miss Saith!"
* Ebony heads out. "C'mon, sis!"
* Eomar heads off towards the caravan.
* Isis is already outside.
* Ebony looks around. "Miko?"
* Miko is not seen by Ebony.
* Ebony sniffs the ground. "Davis, where did Miko go?
Eomar: "Ebony, Miko already went to the caravan..."
Ebony: "She.. she's bleeding!"
Davis: "Ebony, who's bleeding? Besides me?"
Ebony: "Looks like you all are, but Miko specifically. We need to
stop at the statue of the goddess."
* Davis notes that good idea and looks around for one.
* Ebony hurries towards the caravan.
* Iceberg follows Ebony "Hey, Ebony, do you know if there's a
statue near the caravan?"
Ebony: "We went to one before. Don't you all remember anything!?"
Thesian: "Azura? Let's go."
* Ebony checks for Azura.
* Azura appears quiet and sullen, but is getting better.
Ebony: "Thesian?"
Thesian: "What is it, Ebony?"
Ebony: "Would you keep an eye on Azura for me...? I can tell you
care, too."
* Thesian smiles. "Of course I will, Ebony. We will both take care of
her."
Ebony: "I... I can't watch both Miko and Azura all the time."
* Thesian ruffles Azura's fur affectionately. "Don't worry, Ebony.
I won't fail Azura again. Ebony, take care of Miko. She needs
you, too."
---Many riders are preparing to board the caravan.---
* Ebony calls for her. "Miko? Miko!"
* Miko is pacing in front of the caravan. She looks up. "Ebony?"
Ebony: "Miko... We have to get healed first... You're hurt."
---A jittery man carrying a giant crate of pleasant smelling herbs is
boarding in a car by himself. He turns and notices the group.---
Franco: "Da... Dav? It WAS you! When you and the girl... I thought
you looked familiar! It's me, Franco! How've you been, old buddy?!"
Davis: "Oh, Hey Franco. Long time no see."
* Iceberg is wondering where in Lunar this caravan is going... "Davis,
introduce to us your friend."
* Davis points to each of them. "Oh, yeah, Franco, this is Miko,
Bulix, Lou, Iceberg, Ebony, Isis, Eomar, and Azura."
Iceberg: "Nice to meet you Franco, what's the deal with those herbs
you have?"
* Miko runs up to Franco. "Sir... You're going to my village,
aren't you?"
Franco: "Why, yes. I'm getting on this caravan to Lann. I need to get
this crate to the lost village."
* Miko gets into Franco's caravan car.
* Franco doesn't notice Miko in his car. "Yeah, lots of the other
kids, well, I guess we're not kids anymore, but we heard about
your travels, Davis. You've become quite a topic of conversation
back home!"
* Ebony pads after Miko, worried about her now. "Miko, please... Just
touch the statue over there first... for me?"
* Miko still seems very anxious and confused.
* Ebony flutters up and lands on Miko's lap. "Miko... You're hurt."
* Miko shakes her head at Ebony. "Ebony, no. I'm fine, but Sebastian
needs me. This man is going to my village to help him. I have to go,
too. You'll come with me, won't you?"
Ebony: "Of course I will, Miko... but we are all going... We can follow
in our car."
Miko: "... But Ebony... This man is going to my village right now...
Aren't you?"
Franco: "Oh, sorry, Miss. This caravan can only hold me and this crate.
Don't you have a car?"
Ebony: "We bought our own car.... We can follow. We will get there in
time to help your brother, but first... just touch the statue... We
aren't leaving yet anyway and I'll stop worrying about you"
* Miko doesn't appear to be paying attention to Ebony.
Franco: "Davis, what are you doing here of all places? Last I heard,
you were going to the decade anniversary in Vane..."
Davis: "Franco, it's a long story... And I mean long. We almost forgot
what got us into this mess in the first place. To put it mildly,
Vane fell again, and the rest just happened so quickly."
Lou: "Vane fell again?? How?"
Franco: "No, it didn't! Haven't you heard? It's the most bizarre thing.
Everyone back in Meribia is talking about it."
Davis: "Franco, that appears to me to be what happened."
* Bulix looks confused... Very.
Lou: "What do you mean, Franco?"
Franco: "It appears a regiment of Vile Tribesman invaded Katarina and
attacked Vane. It all happened so fast, no one know about it."
Thesian: "So that's how Vane fell..."
Lou: "Didn't anyone come to help Vane?"
Iceberg: "Franco, how is the Magic Guild doing now? What happened to
them?"
Lou: "Franco, didn't Mia, Nash, or even Alex come to help Vane? I
mean, last time it happened it took the Goddess to destroy Vane...
The Vile Tribe didn't have her this time..."
Franco: "The Vile Tribesman didn't attack any other villages. They
drove everyone away from Vane, and brought in a large unit of
flying soldiers. Davis, you'll never believe what they did!"
* Davis will let Franco explain.
Franco: "The flying soldiers surrounded Vane, grabbed on to its very
edge, and tipped it upside down, rolling everybody off! Last I heard,
they evacuated just about everyone. As we speak, Vane is hovering
upside down above the Goddess Tower with a ring of vile tribesman
holding onto it! Of course, this is all I heard. I haven't been
back there for a while."
* Eomar stands, totally stunned and in awe.
Lou: "Damn, I gotta get back home and head for Burg and tell Alex! The
Dragonmaster can save Vane! Umm, first, let's touch that silly
little statue..."
* Davis heads toward the statue. "We'll need all the help we can get."
* Isis runs over and touches the statue. "TAG!"
* Lou touches the statue.
* Ebony refuses to use the statue unless Miko does. He hopes maybe
she will do it for his sake if not her own...
* Davis heads to caravan #17 as soon as he is fully recovered.
Franco: "But I have other things to worry about. If I don't help that
poor man... I won't be able to live with myself."
* Miko is still seated in Franco's car, obviously preoccupied with her
own thoughts.
Franco: "Uh... er... Miss, I can't fit both of us and this box in
the car. I'm afraid you'll have to leave."
* Miko looks at Franco and climbs out... fighting back tears.
* Franco loads his large crate of herbs into his car and sits down,
awaiting departure.
Lou: "Is Miko gonna be okay?"
Ebony: "Miko... We ARE going to your village... I promise..."
Lou: "I'll go, too, Miko. It's on my way home."
Ebony: "Let's go sit in our car... We will be in you village in no
time. You will see."
* Miko walks over to the statue and lays one hand upon it. Biting her
lower lip, she regains her composure and heads to where the others
are waiting. "Thanks, Ebony... Lou..."
Lou: "Anytime, Miko."
* Ebony touches a pad to the statue "Miko... I would do anything for
you..."
* Thesian quickly touches the statue, then heads toward the car. "You
coming, Azura?"
* Azura sits on Thesian's shoulder silently.
Lou: "What's wrong, Azura?"
Ebony: "You okay, Azura?"
* Azura looks at Ebony and nods.
Caravan Master: "Departure in 10 minutes!"
Davis: "Okay, time to move."
Lou: "Shall we hit the road?
Iceberg: "We have the car, but the destiny?"
---Car 17 awaits... A man takes Isis's orange ticket.---
* Eomar paces eagerly as he ponders events and awaits departure...
* Thesian waits patiently.
* Davis picks a seat. The one in the back seems nice.
* Isis thinks about her Pao.. then decides to see what the future
holds for her..
* Bulix glances back at Pao one last time, then climbs in.
* Lou gets on board the caravan. "Farewell, Pao!"
* Ebony takes a moment to feel sorry for Ice, who never got to meet
Tempest and Fresca.
* Iceberg wants to help in Vane, but will continue with the group to
the last!
* Ebony checks his job desciption. "Hey, I'm supposed to be the
smart-@$$, not the group cheering up person!"
* Bulix laughs. "I'll take your word for it, Ebony."
* Davis takes a head count.
---Once everyone is in the car, the caravan slowly begins to move.---
Ebony: "How about this, huh? Sure beats using wings!"
Lou: "Ebony, I'm worried though... Wouldn't you think that Nash, Mia,
Alex and whoever else would have been able to defeat the Viles when
they attacked Vane?"
Ebony: "Who, who, and who?"
Lou: "You know, Alex, the Dragonmaster, and his fellow heroes Nash
and Mia???"
Ebony: "Oh right, the Dragonguy. Sorry, I didn't get out much."
Davis: "Lou, I'm not sure, I only saw Mia and Nash. I don't think
Alex was there at the time. It happened so quickly. One moment Mia
and Nash were running off the stage from the people upset about the
speech. The next, Vane began to tip. Then it was attacked."
* Lou feels something not right in the pit of his stomach. "Davis,
still, you'd think they would have given him a call or something
with their magic."
Ebony: "And I'm sure he would have flown right over, huh?"
* Thesian looks at Lou. "That's right...I wonder why they didn't call
him?"
Lou: "Thesian, you don't think something happened to him???"
Thesian: "Let's hope not. Dragonmaster Alex is one of the greatest
heroes of all time. If something could keep him away from where he
is needed, it must be something strong, indeed."
Lou: "I agree with you, Thesian... I mean, I practically worshipped
the guy since I was a kid, looked up to him... If he's gone..."
Ebony: "Well, even if they did give the guy a call, he would have
taken a while to get there."
Lou: "Ebony, no, he wouldn't. He can get there instantly with his
dragon wings."
Ebony: "Wings?"
Lou: "They were a gift from the white dragon himself before he was
killed. They allow the user to go to any town as effortlessly and
quickly as a dragon, or that's what he said anyway."
Ebony: "I needa get some-a those. I've just got little wings."
Lou: "Ebony, well, maybe they'll get bigger one day."
---The caravan eventually leaves the limits of Pao and goes off into
the prairie in the west...---
* Iceberg looks to the prairie as it could answer the thoughts he has
inside... "I feel that magic is perturbed somehow... Since the
fall of Vane...."
Lou: "Funny you should mention that. My black ring's been feeling
funny, too, recently, like something's wrong... it's hard to
explain... Ebony, how much do you know about the ring you gave me?"
Ebony: "Well, the dragon told me to give it to you... That's about it."
Lou: "Just askin' as it's been kinda feeling weird recently. I can't
describe it..."
Ebony: "Sorry, I don't know anything about it. Maybe you should go and
ask the dragon."
Lou: "Ebony, umm, I don't wanna go back into that cave though, at least
not right now..."
Ebony: "Chicken? I thought it was kinda nice..."
---The caravan eventually returns to the Dark Cave and crosses the
drawbridge. The caravan stops for a minute. You hear soft voices
from the head of the caravan and then the caravan starts to move
again. The caravan eventually leaves the cave, and daylight
emerges. The caravan moves swiftly to the west. The car bumps up
and down.---
* Isis wonders what just went on in the front of the caravan...
* Miko looks out the window.
* Ebony sighs since Miko seems to be quiet.
Lou: "You okay, Ebony?"
* Ebony looks at Miko and respects her mood.
Lou: "You okay, Miko?"
* Miko remains silent and continues looking out the window.
Lou: "Okay, Miko, I guess you're not in a talkative mood."
* Ebony gives Miko's cheek a run with his.
* Miko is still looking out the window, oblivious to even Ebony.
Iceberg: "Lou, I fear the worst about the Vile... Maybe the Magic
Emperor is not that dead..."
Lou: "Ice, I fear that, too..."
Thesian: "We all do, Lou. Althena help us, I hope Alex is all right,
too."
Lou: "Thesian, as soon as I get home I'm going to visit Burg and make
sure he's okay."
Iceberg: "Lou, I'm sure this incident is nothing but the beginning
of some disturbing problems...."
Lou: "Iceberg, well, all hell broke loose last time the viles came...
I'm sure this is not good news at all."
Isis: "Well... I have been noticing a great disturbance in the
forces. I think it's coming from the West. That's why I wanted a
caravan to there.. I need to find out what's going on.."
* Ebony looks at Isis. "Use the force?"
Lou: "This is just too weird... Your weird feeling, my ring, Ice's
magical senses... This is not a good sign at all..."
* Iceberg looks worried as he wanted to say something... "Well, now
that we are all here, I wanted to.. er.. tell you..."
Lou: "Yes, Ice?
Iceberg: "You know... I haven't been the best companion at all, but
the thing I want to tell you is that... Well, I want to be a little
more kind and nice with everybody..."
Lou: "Cool, Ice."
Ebony: "That's nice, Points."
* Miko settles down into the back of the caravan and begins to pay
attention to the conversation.
* Ebony looks at Miko. "You okay?"
Miko: "I'm okay, Ebony."
Davis: "Ugh, if I hadn't left home in the first place, some of us
wouldn't be in this mess."
* Eomar offers Miko a cheeseburger to ... cheer her up or something.
* Miko smiles at Eomar... wondering if this is something Isis cooked.
---The caravan continues. The sound of running water begins to be
heard. The ride across the plains becomes more stable, allowing
you to converse more easily.---
Azura: "Thesian?"
* Thesian turns. "Yes Azura?"
Azura: "Thesian, how long have you had that pendant of yours?"
Thesian: "Azura, this? I don't know...since I was a child, I guess.
My father gave it to me."
Thesian: "Your... and he got it from... Someone else stole it from...
wizard... terrible wizard.... I.. what? Huh?"
Thesian: "Huh? What did you say, Azura?"
Ebony: "You're starting to sound like me, Azura. Your head messed up,
too?"
Azura: "Ebony, I think so. I keep getting these memories..."
Ebony: "Me, too, but they always go away before I get anything real."
Lou: "What are your memories of, Ebony? Or would you rather not say?"
Ebony: "I don't know. I said they always go away before I get anything
out of them."
Lou: "Weird..."
Ebony: "Weird...? At least it's not your head."
Lou: "True...."
* Isis, at the mentioning of everyone's pasts, begins to think about
her own..
Azura: "That pendant. That is my pendant. You... got it from...
Who did your father recover that pendant from? It was... stolen
from him at one time."
* Thesian blinks at Azura. "This belongs to you? I don't know who my
father got it back from, but I thought it must belong to a powerful
wizard."
Azura: "Thesian, that is my pendant. That is your father's pendant.
No, it does not belong to that wizard. That wizard stole it! He
stole it! That wizard! He has stolen everything!"
Thesian: "Azura, what's wrong? What wizard stole it?"
Lou: "Who is this wizard, Azura?
* Azura looks at Lou curiously. "Wizard? What wizard?"
Lou: "You were talking about some wizard and Thesian's pendant."
Azura: "Wizard... Blue Wizard... He stole it. *HE* stole it! He stole
the pendant. he also stole the... He has the.. the... Right now!"
* Thesian looks at the pendant around his neck. "Azura, if this
belongs to you, then my life's quest is complete. I will return it
to you." Thesian begins to remove the pendant from his neck.
Isis: "Thesian, I'm surprised you never sold that pendant."
Thesian: "Well, sure, I'd sell any treasure to make a quick silver...
but not this. Somehow, I know it's special... Azura, it's okay.
I don't understand everything either. Here, take your pendant."
* Thesian hands the pendant to Azura.
* Azura grasps the pendant in her mouth. "Fank foo, Fevian."
* Thesian smiles. "You're welcome. I'm glad to be rid of that magical
power, anyway. Now I can go back to being regular ol' Thesian."
---The caravan passes by some beautiful rivers and waterfalls.---
Lou: "So, are we in Marius or Katarina yet?"
* Azura looks at the waterfalls in the distance.
* Ebony looks out the window. "Look, Miko. Isn't it pretty?"
* Miko looks at the waterfalls, appearing as if she is still
trying very hard to avoid becoming upset.
Lou: "You okay, Miko?"
* Miko looks at Lou and everyone, and then turns back to the window.
"I'm fine. I'm okay. Really. You don't have to worry about me."
* Ebony is once again trying to pay attention to Miko and Azura at
the same time... needs a clone.
* Iceberg is lost in his thoughts... Vane... Rizmol... My family...
* Isis shakes off her thoughts and sits down by Miko.. silently
looking at the scenery...
* Miko looks at Isis sitting next to her and sits up a little
straighter.
* Isis whispers to Miko, "It's beautiful out here, isn't it?" and
then sighs... wishing she could forget about the disturbances, her
past, her future, and just live endlessly here amongst the
waterfalls..
Lou: "Wait a minute... waterfalls.... This is Stadius I think... Azura,
maybe you have a weird link to the Blue Dragon, like Ebony did to the
Black Dragon. His cave may not be far off. It's in a waterfall."
* Azura appears to be growing in agitation as the caravan proceeds
west. "I don't know. I feel weird. Ebony, I feel weird. This
place... I don't know how to explain it."
Ebony: "Huh? I... I feel it..."
Lou: "Feel what, Ebony?"
Ebony: "Azura, I feel what you feel... It's... it's what I felt in the
black diamond cave..."
Azura: "You understand, Ebony! That's what I'm feeling!"
* Ebony looks at Azura. "How did you do that?"
Azura: "I dunno. I just wanted you to feel what I was feeling."
Ebony: "Safe... comfortable... like you belong? Maybe... there's
another dragon cave around?"
Lou: "I knew it had to be some sort of link with the old Dragons!"
Ebony: "The dragon statue in the cave was black..."
Lou: "And your fur is black... I think there is some connection with
the dragons that match your colors."
Ebony: "Is there is a blue dragon cave around here? Azura is blue..."
Lou: "Ebony, I think the Blue Dragon cave is near here. It's supposed
to be in a waterfall."
Azura: "Yes. Yes. No. No. This is where I belong, yes. This place is
mine, yes, but at the same time, no. I don't feel safe here. Someone
has... Someone else. Get out! Get out of here! No! Get out of my
place!"
Thesian: "Azura, this wizard... Has he done something to you? How did
he know my father?"
* Azura stares blankly into the distance.
Lou: "Azura, everything okay???"
* Ebony waves a paw in from of her face.
* Lou is worried about Azura.
* Davis just watches Azura.
* Iceberg sleeps a little to regain some magical power... Wizards get
tired easily... Zzzz... "Wake me up when we arrive..."
---The entire group crashes to one side and piles into the wall as
the caravan comes to an abrupt halt.---
Azura: "Oof!"
Ebony: "Oof!"
Davis: "Oof!"
* Eomar "Oofs" to the peer pressure.
Isis: "Ow!"
* Thesian starts. "What the...?"
---You hear a loud wood-snapping sound.---
Ebony: "Uh oh... Sounds like trouble..."
Lou: This is not good... What the heck happened!!!!???"
Iceberg: "What!?!?! I just fell asleep, what's wrong?"
---You hear loud shouts and laughing from outside.---
Iceberg: "Who is laughing outside! Show you!"
* Isis wants to get out to see what's going on..
Lou: "Anyone near a window? Someone see what's going on!"
* Davis gets up and looks out the back. "Not much luck, need to look
out the front."
Lou: "What's going on?"
Franco: "Hey! Come back here with that! I NEED that!"
Lou: "Sounds like someone stole something..."
* Miko somehow manages to squirm to the top of the pile and look out
the window.
---You see a group of seedy-looking figures running off in the distance
with a large crate of green leaves and herbs.---
* Franco runs off after them. "Get BACK here, you bandits!"
Thesian: "They're robbing the caravan!"
Ebony: "Hey! That's that guy's crate!"
Davis: "Hey, the stole his stuff!"
Ebony: "But... didn't that have medicine for Miko's village?"
Davis: "I guess so."
Bulix: "Oh.. great!"
Lou: "Oh, great..."
Davis: "Well, can't we go after them?"
---The group is long gone. Franco has no hope of beating them.---
* Miko runs outside just in time to see what's going on. "Ebony!
Look!" She starts to run after them... but they are gone...
* Ebony flutters after Miko.
* Isis gets out of the car, looking around to see what's happened.
* Bulix jumps out of the caravan, but decides that they are too far
away.
Iceberg: "Where are the thieves going? We'll sue them!"
Lou: "Sounds like we got work to do."
---A smaller group of bandits leaps off the roof of your car and lands
right in front of you.---
Bandit: "Oh, no you don't!"
* Lou pulls out his sword. "Did I call it, or what..."
Ebony: "Darn it, Lou, cut that out!"
* Thesian draws his sword. "Look out!"
* Isis whips out her mace.
Ebony: "Outta the way!"
* Davis pulls out his saber.
* Thesian readies his blade. "This looks like fun..."
Ebony: "Ha! Big mistake, guys!"
Lou: "This battle will be ours!"
Ebony: "Mega-showdown time!"
Lou: "Time to roll the bones..."
* Bulix rolls his eyes. "Please.."
Lou: "Sorry..."
---The bandits whip out daggers and crossbows and prepare to finish
the group. There are four dagger wielding thugs in front and
three crossbow thieves in back.---
Lou: "I got the crossbow punks!"
* Ebony is thinking of new ways to sneak in the bad guy names... "Yeah,
uh huh, you get the Archer Bandits, Lou, but don't forget about the
Rogues."
Lou: "Don't worry... I just wanna get those guys with the long range
guns first."
* Bulix cracks his knuckles. "You can leave now, or.. nah, you can't."
-------------COMBAT---------------
Thesian uses "Fastcut" level 1!
Thesian makes a gliding slash attack.
Rogue A suffers 10 damage.
Ebony spits a stream of acid at the rogues.
Rogue A suffers 28 damage.
Bulix lifts one knee and prepares to make some punches...
11 damage.
Second attack.. 12 damage.
Third attack.. 10 damage.
* Bulix looks in disbeilief at the enemy. "For crying out loud.. Fall
down!"
Archer Bandit A attacks Ebony!
Ebony is hit for 10 damage.
* Ebony hovers, wincing at the scratch on his wing. "I hate when this
happens!"
Lou: "You okay, Ebony?"
Ebony: "Yeah, yeah, great."
Archer Bandit B fires at Lou!
* Lou tries to dodge
Lou is hit for 12 damage.
* Lou winces.
Archer Bandit C fires at Eomar!
Lou: "Look out, Eomar!"
* Eomar looks out!
Eomar is hit for 17 damage.
* Eomar yells, "Oh, shit!"
Iceberg: "Anyone that needs healing, just ask for it!"
Lou: "I'm okay for now, Ice."
* Bulix glances around at all the arrows flying.
Ebony: "You know... taking those crossbows out of those guys' hands
might be a good idea..."
Lou: "I'm working on it, Eb! Gimme more time to get my spell out!"
Miko casts "Blur Litany" level 3!
Davis's Dodge% goes up by 20!
Davis uses "Wide Slash" level 3!
The Archer Bandits are raked with Davis's saber.
A suffers 18. B suffers 17. C suffers 20.
Lou: "Nice move, Davis. Now it's my turn.
Lou uses "Wide Slash" level 6!
The Archer Bandits are again assaulted with a swinging blade.
Archer Bandit A suffers 23. B suffers 25. C suffers 25.
Ebony: "What are you guys still doing alive?"
Rogue A attacks Miko!
Lou: "Look out, Miko!"
Miko is hit for 5 damage
Second attack! Miko is hit for 7 damage.
Rogue B attacks Davis! The attack misses.
Second attack! The attack misses.
Lou: "Nice dodge, Davis!"
Rogue C attacks Isis! Isis is hit for 2 damage.
Second attack! Isis is hit for 3 damage.
Rogue D attacks Bulix. Bulix is hit for 1 damage.
Second attack! Bulix sidesteps the dagger thrust.
Isis uses "Hammer Swing" level 3!
She swings her heavy mace around in a wide arc...
Rogue A suffers 24. B suffers 22. C suffers 23. D suffers 24.
Rogue A is defeated!
Lou: "Smooth move, Isis! One down, 5 to go!"
* Isis yells, "That was better than sex!!"
Thesian: "Better than chocolate!!"
Eomar: "Better than sex with chocolate!!"
Thesian: "Sex with chocolate???? Or sex for chocolate?"
Ebony: "Um... I'm not asking about that one..."
* Iceberg is an innocent teenager.. doesn't understand the innuendos..
Iceberg casts "Ice Knife" level 4!
Archer Bandit A suffers 64 damage.
Archer Bandit A is defeated!
* Eomar watches intently..
Eomar fires a bolt from his crossbow...
Eomar's attack misses.
* ~Bulix walks away and whistles to himself.
Ebony: "Wow, GREAT tactic, Bulix!"
Thesian: "Bulix, you're so damn helpful!"
* Miko wonders if Bulix has decided to go back to his circus friends,
after all...
Ebony spits a steam of acid! Rogue B suffers 25 damage.
Archer Bandit B fires at Iceberg! Iceberg is hit for 13 damage.
Archer Bandit C fires at Thesian!
Thesian blocks the bolt with his armbrace.
* Thesian pulls the bolt out of his armbrace with a grimace.
Davis uses "Wide Slash" level 3!
Rogue B suffers 18. C suffers 17. D suffers 19.
Lou: "Damn... How tough are these guys supposed to be?"
Ebony: "Why don't you guys just die?"
Thesian uses "Disarm" level 3!
And knocks the crossbow away from Archer Bandit B!
Lou: "Disarm magic? That's a new one."
Miko casts "Blur Litany" level 3!
Lou's Dodge% is increased by 19!
Lou: "Thanks, Miko!"
Lou uses "Wide Slash" level 6!
Archer Bandit B suffers 26. C suffers 22.
Lou: "Eat that, archers!"
Rogue B attacks Lou! Lou is hit for 12 damage.
Lou: "Ouch!"
Second attack! The attack misses.
Lou: "Whew..."
Rogue C attacks Ebony! Ebony is hit for 9 damage.
Second attack...
Ebony quickly ducks under the thrusting dagger.
Lou: "You okay, Eb?"
* Ebony falls to the ground because he's been hit again. "I'm running
out of wings!"
* Davis will replace those wings.
Rogue D attacks Davis! The attack misses.
Second attack! Davis is hit for 4 damage.
Isis uses "Hammer Swing" level 3!
Rogue B suffers 23. B suffers 25. C suffers 24.
Rogue B is defeated!
Lou: "Woo hoo! One more down!"
Iceberg casts "Ice Knife" level 4!
Archer Bandit suffers 66 damage.
Archer Bandit B is defeated!
Lou: "One more down!"
Eomar fires a bolt at a Rogue...
Rogue C suffers 19 damage.
Ebony uses "Acid Stream" level 3!
Rogue C suffers 22 damage. Rogue C is defeated!
Ebony: "Ha, take that, you... wing hurter!"
Archer Bandit C fires at Isis!
Lou: "Duck, Isis!"
The bolt flies over Isis's shoulder.
Lou: "Whew!"
Davis casts "Heal Litany" level 5! Ebony recovers 11 HP.
Ebony: "Thanks, Davis. I'm down to one hurt wing again!"
Miko casts "Blur Litany" level 3!
Eomar's Dodge% is increased by 18!
Eomar: "Thanks, Miko!"
Thesian slashes at the remaining Rogue with his Bolt Edge...
9 damage.
Lou: "Yeesh! Die already!"
Lou uses "Wide Slash" level 6!
Rogue D suffers 26 damage. Rogue D is defeated!
Lou: "Haha!"
Isis uses "Hammer Swing" level 3!
Isis's mace slams into the remaining Archer Bandit. 23 damage.
Archer Bandit C is defeated! Victory!
Each player receives 6 XP. The group recieves 36 S and 100 MEXP.
Lou: "Yes!!!!!!"
Thesian: "Woohoo!"
* Ebony does a little victory dance. "Weeeee... and another one bites
the dust!"
* Miko picks up Ebony. "Ebony... How's your wing..?"
* Ebony flaps his wing. "It still works, Miko. Just a little stiff."
Miko: "Good, Ebony. I was worried."
* Ebony licks his wing using the healing properties of saliva... The
non-acid type, of course.
Lou: "Is there an Althena statue near here?"
Ebony: "We're in the middle of a prarie."
Lou: "Well, I could use a bit of healing, though I'm not too bad..."
* Azura flutters over to Thesian. "Thesian, when I was in the tent...
Thesian, I saw lightning... It was... you, wasn't it?"
Thesian: "Azura, yes, it was me. Your pendant has great magical
powers."
Azura: "Thesian... if you can make lightning like that.. why didn't
you just roast those goons back there?"
* Thesian laughs. "I gave the pendant back to you, Azura. I can't use
that power anymore without the pendant, so I'm just going back to
being myself again."
Ebony: "Azura... you know that pendant is more helpful in Thesian's
hands..."
Azura: "The pendant belongs to you. I don't want that magic any
more."
Eomar: "Is our caravan intact? Can we continue?"
Ebony: "We have to get that crate back, Eomar."
Lou: "So, shall we get going after the bandits then?"
---You can barely see tiny specks of the bandits over the horizon.
They are long gone.---
Ebony: "Geeze, while we were fighting their friends... Those guys had
a chance to get away!"
* Azura flutters towards the nearby waterfall.
* Thesian runs after Azura. "Azura! Wait, it could be dangerous!"
Lou: "You think they are in there, Azura?"
Ebony: "I think that's her place, Lou..."
Lou: "You mean like the black cave was yours?"
Ebony: "Azura! didn't you say your sanctuary was taken over?"
* Lou follows Azura.
* Davis lemmings Azura and Lou.
* Eomar likes water..
* Isis watches Azura intently... and decides to head over to the
waterfall. "Azura, do you know anything about the beautiful
waterfalls?"
* Azura stops and gazes intently at the waterfall.
Lou: "What's wrong, Azura?"
* Azura flaps down to the ground and remains transfixed at the
waterfalls and doesn't say a word.
Lou: "What's wrong, Az?"
Thesian: "What is it, Azura? What is this place?"
Azura: "This... this is my home."
Lou: "This waterfall?"
* Thesian looks at Azura for a long moment.
* Azura gets up and begins to walk towards the rushing falls.
* Lou follows Azura.
* Thesian follows her, staring up at the falls.
* Isis gets right up to the waterfall that Azura is looking at and
decides to stick her arm into a portion of it.
Lou: "What do you feel, Isis?"
Isis: "I dunno, Lou.. It's strange.. like a peacful danger.."
* Azura walks through the waterfall without a thought.
* Franco slumps down on the ground and begins to whimper.
Lou: "You okay, Franco?"
Iceberg: "Franco, stay calm. It's not your fault. We try to get those
herbs back..."
* Miko runs to Franco. "Franco... what does this mean..?"
* Ebony stays with Miko since Azura has enough protection.
Franco: "Ah! I paid my last silver for those herbs! What am I going
to do now? That poor man... I have no magic that can heal..."
* Ebony flutters over to Miko. "Some of us have healing magic."
Iceberg: "Franco, did you see where they ran away?"
Franco: "They're gone. I'm ruined. That man is going to die and it's
all my fault. I shouldn't have tagged after Davis like that. I just
wanted to follow him and join in his journeys..."
Ebony: "What man?"
* Miko looks at Franco. "Franco, no! I can help Sebastian! I know I
can. Please... Do you remember where my village is? Is it much
farther?"
Franco: "You... How do you know him? I need to help him. You are an
herbalist?"
* Ebony alights on Miko's shoulder. "Miko doesn't need herbs. She can
do healing magic."
* Miko pleads with Franco. "Sebastian is my brother! Please! Help me
get to him! I must help him! He's all I have! I mean..." Miko
looks guiltily at Ebony and the others.
Ebony: "You have me, Miko."
Miko: "I'm sorry, Ebony... I wasn't thinking..."
* Franco stares intently at Miko. "You, girl... You'll come with me
to the village?"
Miko: "Franco, yes! Yes, of course, I'm going to come with you!"
Ebony: "Don't you get it, man? Of course she's going!"
Davis: "Darn it, I keep forgetting. We need to keep going. There may
be another way."
Iceberg: "At least three of us can use heal magic. We will be glad to
help you... My health magic is still limited but you can use it as
you want..."
---You see several caravan masters come out and look at a splintered
wheel on the main car. The caravan employees begin to dismantle
the wheel.---
Ebony: "Um... It looks like we aren't going anywhere for a
while..."
* Davis goes to help with the wheel.
* Franco heads back to the caravan to await the wheel being fixed.
Ebony: "How convient. We can look at Azura's place.
* Miko starts back toward the caravan car.
Ebony: "Miko, we will help your brother... but the wheel is broken.
They have to repair it first."
Lou: "While they fix the wheel, let's check out the cave."
Davis: "Did you say check out the cave?"
Lou: "Yep, I did."
Davis: "Cool, I guess they can take care of things on their own anyway.
Besides, I forgot how to replace a wheel."
* Miko continues to impatiently watch the caravan employees.
Ebony: "Miko... While they are fixing the wheel, we should join the
others."
* Miko looks from Franco to Ebony. "I guess so, Ebony..." Miko follows
the others toward the cave.
* Ebony follows Miko... looks at the water doubtfully. "I don't like
water..."
* Azura is gone behind the waterfall.
* Lou follows Azura. "Hmm... I wonder..."
* Isis goes into the waterfall after Azura.
* Eomar delightfully goes into the water..
* Ebony re-alights on Miko's shoulder to aviod being smacked into the
ground by the water.
* Davis follows Ebony.
Iceberg: "Hey! Wait! Water is always great for ice spells! I'll go with
you!"
---A clear cascade of cool water flows over the group as they enter
the waterfall cave.---
* Ebony gets soaked, has that wet cat skinny look.
Lou: "You okay there, Eb?"
* Ebony shakes himself off and now has that wet cat puffy look. "Yeah,
great."
---Inside the cave is a beautiful sight. There is a high dome of blue
rock that extends far into the distance, sparkling with reflections
of the water pools inside. Azura sits at the edge of a giant pool
that obstructs the path; However, the water pool is black and
sludgey. It doesn't quite look right.---
* Thesian gazes around in amazement. "Wow, LOOK at this place. This is
the most beautiful place I've ever seen!"
Lou: "Gorgeous!"
* Isis is breathless with the loveliness of her surroundings..
Iceberg: "History tells us that the Blue Dragon cave was behind a
waterfall, I wonder if we are in that legenday place... It's so
exciting..."
Lou: "I wonder..."
Azura: "This place... This place is my home."
* Miko whispers to Ebony on her shoulder as she gazes at Azura, "Ebony...
Is this the 'sanctuary' Azura keeps talking about..?"
Ebony: "I think so, Miko. Azura? didn't you say this place was taken
over by a monster?"
Lou: "Yeah. There was a monster called the Brainiac in the Blue Dragon
cave when Alex went there. The Brainiac was mega-tough."
Ebony: "Bomp, the brainiac was in the red dragon cave!"
* Ebony thinks "no wait..." He shakes his head. "Never mind me. I don't
know what I'm talking about."
Iceberg: "What other dangerous monsters cooked in the insane mind of
one God could inhabit this cave lost in the memories and that has
been found as a mere coincidence..."
Ebony: "You're talking weird again, Points."
Iceberg: "Ebony, that was especially for you..."
---All of a sudden, faint arcs of electricity jump between the walls
in the distance. The electicity jumps around, making faint zipping
noises.---
* Miko walks absentmindedly toward the arcs of electricity. "What's
that..? Lightning..? Underground..?"
Ebony: "Miko, don't get near it. It's dangerous."
* Miko continues toward the lightning. "Ebony... I don't see
anybody back there..." Miko looks to see where Isis is.
* Isis thinks we should go ahead and check it out.
Azura: "There is... someone in here. Someone, who doesn't belong."
Iceberg: "Belong? Who?"
Azura: "This... there is a magic here. A magic that doesn't belong
here. A magic that doesn't belong in this world. A magic that doesn't
belong in this dimension."
Ebony: "Um... bad magic or good magic?"
Lou: "That sounds too familiar...."
* Iceberg is feeling a creepy spicy taste in his seventh sense... "Yes,
Azura, I could feel it... It's strong, though."
Azura: "That energy you see... That is corrupted by this... person."
Thesian: "Who, Azura?"
Azura: "This person... he is here. I sense his presence..."
Lou: "Who???"
Ebony: "I take it we're gonna have to whipe the floor with his sorry
butt."
Lou: "I guess so, Ebony."
* Isis agrees.
* Ebony sighs. I'm sick of fighting.
Azura: "Thesian... your father was a great man."
Thesian: "My father...Azura, you still haven't told me... How do you
know my father?"
Azura: "Thesian, your father had a very important role in this world.
I don't even understand it entirely, but he had great power. More
than any other human."
Lou: "Thesian, who was your father?"
Thesian: "Lou, my father died in battle when I was very young. I
have very little memory of him."
Lou: "What was his name?"
Azura: "His power... This person's power is the power of your father,
Thesian. This man stole your father's power. Your father recovered
it from him and sealed it in that pendant you wear."
* Azura looks at her pendant. "It is all so clear to me now."
Ebony: "Well it's as clear as mud to me."
Lou: "What is, Azura???"
Azura: "Thesian, this power..."
* Thesian stares at the pendant. "This...is what's left of my
father??" Thesian suddenly feels a chill run down his spine.
* Isis is still walking along ahead of everyone..
---A bolt of lightning seems eerily drawn to Isis. A bright flash!
Isis is hit with a bolt of thunder! Isis is slammed to the
ground.---
* Miko spins about abruptly. "Isis?!"
Lou: "Oh crap..."
Ebony: "Stay away from the lightning!"
Iceberg: "The thunder is angry and crazy! Bodies down!"
Ebony: "Isis?"
Lou: "You okay, Isis?"
* Miko runs back to Isis. "Isis?"
Lou: "Mega-showdown time!"
Iceberg: "Isis! My goddess! This is strange!! Magic reveals vs. their
masters!!"
Lou: "This is not cool!"
Davis: "Not at all. Well, whoever this thing is knows we are here."
* Eomar runs up to the crowd.
* Miko is nudging Isis. "Isis?"
---The energy glows a faint blue around Isis and seems to surround
her body. The energy seems in harmony with Isis as it absorbs into
her body.---
* Miko backs away from Isis... "Azura..? What's happening?!"
* Azura turns around and glares at Isis. "Isis, this evil power... it
has embraced you! Who... you! It is you! You stole Thesian's father's
power!"
Thesian: "What?? Isis, what are you doing???!!"
Ebony: "What?!?"
Thesian: "Holy plot twists!"
Lou: "Truly if there is a god of destiny, he is fond of plot twists!"
* Azura flies at Isis. "You! You stole it!"
Ebony: "I'm confused..."
---Isis' "Thunder" is now level 1! Mastered new spell:
"Thunder Bolt"!------
Lou: "Uh oh..."
* Azura slams herself into Isis, pawing wildly at her jacket.
Ebony: "Azura!"
Azura: "You! I sense the power in you! You are the one! I sense the
essence in you!"
Lou: "This is not good..."
* Iceberg looks with confission and awe in the eyes to both Isis and
Azura... "What! You!! This power is greater than..."
* Azura paws away at a blind rage at Isis, her soft paws having no
effect on the bounty hunter.
Isis: "I.. I don't know.. what's happening.. It's strange.. It's all
inside me.. growing to fill an empty space.."
* Ebony pounces on Azura to get her calm. "Azura, cut it out! Calm
down for a second!"
Davis: "Azura, you're only hurting Isis, not the person."
* Isis struggles against Azura. "I didn't take anything!!"
Davis: "Isis, no you didn't. It did."
Azura: "But... I know the feeling the essence... of the person who
doesn't belong here. That evil power... It embraced her! She is one
with that... that malevolence!"
Lou: "This is way past weird."
* Thesian shakes his head in confusion. "This...this can't be
happening. What is going on???"
Ebony: "Wish I knew..."
Iceberg: "Azura!! Get on your senses! Isis is a good person, not an
enemy... You must be wrong!"
* Azura is huffing and puffing wildly.
* Isis tries to grab Azura and keep her away from her..
* Miko shouts to Azura, "Azura, we... we have to *help* Isis! Isis
isn't evil... She's not!"
* Iceberg is about to use his freezing spell to paralyze an ally...
* Ebony holds Azura away from Isis. "Let's just all calm down and
listen to Isis, okay?"
* Azura looks completely confused and angry. "You... Isis. I feel from
you the exact same feeling I feel from the person who has invaded my
sanctuary and is using magic for evil. Explain yourself."
Isis: "I don't know, Azura! I don't know!!"
* Thesian takes a deep breath. "Azura, I can feel it, too. I don't
know what this power is...but it is evil!"
Lou: "This is a bad sign..."
Ebony: "Maybe it's just a coincedence... It's the same type of magic
uses.."
* Thesian stares at Isis. "This magic is not coming from you. There IS
a greater source, and it is probably trying to enslave her."
Lou: "This is way too familiar.."
Azura: "How is it that... that evil power... that evil magic is at
your command?"
Iceberg: "How is that you feel *supposed* Isis' evil power only now
and not before?"
Davis: "Iceberg, Isis is not evil. That thing, whatever it is, is."
* Isis tells Iceberg to not worry about her... "I'm not evil!! I
fight evil!!"
* Iceberg is concentrate thinking with no interference...
* Davis tries to tell Azura that Isis is probably not Isis.
Lou: "Where's an exorcist when you need one..."
Davis: "Hmm, you suppose there is a chance of getting to the source
of whatever this thing is?"
Lou: "I don't think I particularly want to see the source of that
thing, but it is our job."
Davis: "Lou, well, I have no idea whether we can get it out of Isis
here or not. At least, not at the moment."
Lou: "True.. I have no idea..."
Davis: "Any plans?"
Ebony: "I think to understand all this we need to trace this back to
its source."
* Ebony looks deeper into the cave. "Our answers lie that way..."
Iceberg: "Isis, I'm not doing anything for the moment... What do you
feel now?"
* Thesian walks over to Isis. "Isis, this power...can you control it?"
Isis: "I feel it inside like this great huge amount of pressure
waiting to be set free.. I can command it.. make it what I want.. I..
I've never felt it before..."
* Azura stares intently at Isis and tries to discern her true
nature. "You... you didn't have the evil magic before. True... but
once you come in contact with it... it obeys you... Why?!"
* Isis looks back at Azura with a helpless look on her face.. that
from no one believing in her..
* Miko believes in Isis and remains at her side. "Isis, what can I do?"
Isis: "I don't know.. I didn't think magic ability could be passed
down from generations.. I almost wish it hadn't.."
* Eomar rushes to Isis' defense. "Come on, you guys! Without her,
we couldn't have beaten Kazan, and now we're all acting like she's
this evil!!"
Davis: "Isis, I am NOT saying you are evil. Something is trying to
control you, I think."
Azura: "Thesian... can you not sense it? Do not feel it with the
pendant... feel it with your own sense? Deep down inside... "
* Thesian shakes his head. "Yes, I can feel it, but why? how???"
Azura: "I understand now. I think I understand."
* Thesian rounds on Azura. "How can this be??? I...I gave the pendant
back to you!!!"
Lou: "What's going on here?"
Azura: "I... think I see! Yes!"
Lou: "What do you see, Azura?"
Azura: "The wizard... the fiend is definitely here. Isis, I do not
know your true nature, but you are definitely associated with it. You
have the same... essence as him."
Ebony: "Then let's go find him and find out what the heck is going on!"
* Isis looks blindly at Azura. "What are you saying?"
Iceberg: "Azura, why don't you feel the same on Thesian?"
* Azura is transfixed with Isis. "No... I feel something different..."
Davis: "Isis, I would highly recommend you NOT use that power. Chances
are that is its link."
Isis: "But maybe with this link, we can destroy the evilness of it!!"
* Davis will let someone else talk Isis out of it.
Iceberg: "So, Isis, can you walk? May we find that fiend?"
* Isis tries to get up and stumbles but walks okay..
* Ebony mutters to Miko. "I'm lost"
* Lou has been lost forever.
* Miko whispers to Ebony, "I'm scared for Isis..."
* Thesian holds his head in his hands. "This...this can't be happening.
Why am I feeling these things?? I don't understand!!"
Azura: "Thesian, this power that Isis and this fiend can command, it is
a corrupted version of the pure energy that you can command. Yes,
Thesian. Not the pendant, YOU."
* Thesian reels in shock. "How...how on Lunar did I receive this
power??"
Azura: "You.. the power is... Thesian, you must feel the power inside
you. Do not use the pendant. Feel your true power!"
* Thesian turns his gaze from the pendant Azura is carrying. Closing
his eyes, he begins to focus his senses within himself.
---The dark blue energy that is still coursing through Isis begins
to fade into a bluish white color.---
Azura: "You... something about you. I sense two essences in you, Isis.
The magic. It's somehow being... purified... I don't understand
it..."
Ebony: "Maybe it's being purified because Isis is a good person."
Lou: "This is all way too confusing!"
Ebony: "We'll get to the bottom of this!"
* Thesian opens his eyes and reaches out to Isis. "The power you
have...I can feel it, but can you control it?"
* Isis braces her leaning self on Thesian..
* Miko stands beside Isis and looks at her with concern.
* Isis tries to smile at Miko to let her know she's okay..
Thesian: "Isis, can you control the magic?"
Isis: "I can try... "
* Azura turns and walks toward the black sludge pool. "There are still
many questions to be answered. I must now concentrate and try and
return the purity of the energy in this sanctuary. It has been
corrupted far too long."
Ebony: "Do you need help, Azura?"
Isis: "Azura.. I will try to help you as much as I can.. "
Azura: "I... I must remain here. I belong here. My concentration is
essential now. The fiend lies somewhere... under the water...
deep..."
Thesian: "Darkness...all darkness -- I can't see... Oh, Althena,
help me!"
Iceberg: "Azura, what's the nature of that evil fiend?"
Azura: "This fiend... He is not from our world. He has very evil
plans for Thesian's father's power... I feel it..."
* Davis guards Thesian after hearing Azura's comment.
Ebony: "I guess its too much to hope hes a wimp...?"
* Eomar groans. "Call 1-900-ASK-Azura for her Psychic Hotline."
Azura: "We must reclaim this sanctuary, but nothing can be done. The
purifying magic from our world has stopped coming to this place."
Ebony: "We have our own magic."
Lou: "Uh oh.. You sure we can't do anything?"
Azura: "It's... there's no pure magic here. Like the spring in Marke,
and I noticed a wave of dead grass in the prairie, too. It's the same
thing. It's happening right here."
Lou: "What is?"
Isis: "I noticed strange things happening.. but none like this!"
Azura: "There is nothing that can be done except for me to concentrate
here and keep the energy from being corrupted any further. This
can only be reclaimed once the pure waves of magic bathe this world
once again..."
* Davis is getting a headache from trying to understand Azura.
Ebony: "This is all getting too complicated... I'm just a flying cat...
Why does saving the world have to fall on our shoulders?"
Iceberg: "This is a sign! I'm sure! Althena gives us a purity miracle
so we know she is with us!"
Lou: "Where can we free this magic?"
Azura: "Vane... you must restore Vane..."
Iceberg: "Vane! Continue Azura, what should we do now? We must go to
Vane inmediatly!!"
Lou: "How can we restore Vane?"
Ebony: "Turn it right side up?"
Davis: "Ebony, well, that would be a start."
Lou: "If only it were that easy."
Davis: "That didn't give me a headache. I understand that one."
Azura: "Thesian... use the power you hold. Isis, you must find out your
link to this fiend. You may be the only chance of defeating him. As
for the others, the best way you can help is to reverse the waves of
dark magic that are assaulting this world. Vane must be set upright
again."
Davis: "Ugh, things to do."
Ebony: "We have to help Miko's brother first!"
Davis: "Well? What do we do? Decisions, decisions, blah."
* Azura stares at Lou. "Come here."
* Lou approaches Azura. "Yes, Azura? He wonders what Azura is going
to do...
* Azura flutters up and drops the Blue Pendant in Lou's hand. It and
the Black Ring both begin to glow faintly. "Lou... take this. You
will need it."
* Lou bows to Azura for no reason... He just felt like it. "Thank you,
Azura..."
Azura: "This symbolizes my approval of you. Do not ask, for I do not
know. I only know that this is what I must do."
Lou: "Thanks, Azura. I apprecite the gift... and your approval."
* Ebony wonders if theres any new claws for him lying around.
* Lou puts on the pendant. "This is weird... It's glowing."
Isis: "Azura.. for the first time.. I'm really scared.. Please, help me
with this.. I've never experienced magic before... I'm not sure what
to do.. but.. I feel it's a part of me.. It almost leads me.."
Azura: "Isis, the magic you hold comes from that fiend. You share a
kinship with him. I do not know how, but you do."
* Isis wonders if the link has anything to do with her past..
Azura: "There is nothing that can be done until the waves of magical
purity are restored. I will be safe here, for this is my sanctuary.
Go now and heal this world. We will see each other again."
Ebony: "Azura I... we can't just leave you."
* Thesian stares at Azura pleadingly. "Azura..."
Azura: "Thesian. You will come back here once the magic is restored.
Isis, I ask that you come with Thesian."
Isis: "I will, Azura.. I promise.. Anything to help you and to
destroy the evil menace.."
Azura: "Isis, I don't know what you are, but I feel I will need you
here with Thesian..."
Azura: "I will be fine. Nothing can harm me here."
Iceberg: "Azura, we'll see soon... Destiny for you..."
Ebony: "Azura... I... I'll come back... you are my favorite sister...
I'll miss you..."
* Lou pledges to fulfill Azura's wish of him. "I'll come back, too,
Azura, after I've thanked you for your gift and aproval by saving
this world!"
* Azura begins to walk away... then stops.
Thesian: "Azura..."
Azura: "Thesian... Thesian... Just let me look into your eyes. One
last time..."
* Azura gazes at Thesian and begins to sniffle.
* Thesian whispers, "Do I...do I really have this power?"
* Azura quickly turns around and plunges herself into the black water.
---The black evil water consumes Azura as she descends into it. Azura
is gone.---
Thesian: "Azura, wait!! Azura!!!!!!"
* Isis begins to silently cry.. for everything that's been and will
come..
* Thesian holds his head in his hands. "Azura's gone, and I don't
understand this power that she says I have..."
Isis: "Me neither, Thesian.. me neither.."
* Thesian moans. "Why, Azura? Why???"
Lou: "We all have lots of questions. I'm wondering what the deal
is with the ring, the pendant, and Ebony and Azura's approval that
they can't explain."
* Iceberg feels sad.. "Azura has been a good friend in the party...
WE'LL MISS YA!!" *Sniff*
* Isis looks back towards everyone with tear-stained eyes.. "I'm..
sorry..."
* Ebony sniffles. "Oh, Miko..."
* Miko watches sadly as Azura departs then heads back out of the cave,
fighting back tears once again.
* Ebony rides Miko. He's not crying... At least, you can't prove it.
Ebony buries his face in Miko's hair.
* Thesian stands near the pool, staring after Azura. He can't believe
she is gone.
* Davis just sadly walks out.
* Iceberg abandons this sacred place with one tear in his eye. "I
promise to return."
* Isis looks up to Thesian. "Well, shall we leave now..? There's
nothing more to do here now.. Later, tho.. there will be much
later.."
* Thesian finally turns away from the pool and looks at Isis.
* Isis says pleadingly, "Come on.."
* Thesian nods and takes Isis's hand. "Come on, let's go."
---The caravan masters have fastened a new wheel and are getting
ready for departure.---
Caravan Master: "Departure in 5 minutes!"
* Davis takes his back seat again.
Iceberg: "The atmosphere could be cut with a knife... I only hope we
continue united as one..." *sniff*
* Ebony sniffs. "Miko... we'll come back and see her again... I'll
miss her.. even if she was aggrivating me half the time."
* Miko looks over at Ebony. "Ebony... Azura said she was going to
travel with us... And so did the Princess... I... What if... Are you
going to leave, too. I mean... What if the same thing happens to you?
And I... I didn't even get to say goodbye..."
* Ebony climbs down to Miko's lap, seeking comfort. "I promise not to
leave you if I can prevent it, Miko... and I will do my best not to.
Miko... promise never to leave me either..."
Miko: "Ebony... I hope I don't have to, but I have to go home... No
matter what. I'm sorry."
* Ebony considers... The world... or Miko... "Miko... I promised to
stay with you... and I will."
* Miko smiles at Ebony and wipes a sleeve across her face. "Thanks,
Ebony."
---Once everyone is inside, the caravan begins to move once again.
Slowly at first. The caravan speeds along down the plains as the
sound of rushing water dies down in the distance. The caravan
eventually arrives at a small town spanning a giant river. The
caravan decided to pick up speed to get through this small town
for some reason.---
Iceberg: "A caravan passin' quick a town means illness or bad singers
near..."
Lou: "Is this Meryod? Let's at least get to Iluk or something..."
* Thesian rolls on the floor laughing. "Nuthin's wrawng wit
Maaryaahd!"
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