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Post by Beelzebibble on Dec 21, 2009 18:14:43 GMT -5
A fountain of white marble, held aloft by statues depicting not-quite-human figures apparently from some unknown mythology, bubbled over with water that collected in a round basin underneath. Grass grew around the fountain on all sides; the blades were taller the farther they stood from the center, occasionally giving way beneath stones scattered around the ground. A couple of rabbits who had been drinking from the fountain perked their ears up and then scurried off to hide under a wide, circular, moss-covered bed some distance away. Well, this wasn't the guest room.
Terrian closed the door, but not before catching a glimpse of the plastic glow-in-the-dark stars tacked all over the ceiling. He smiled. No points for guessing whose room this was. Considering that the owner probably could have just generated a holographic simulation of the cosmos in there, Terrian found this alternative kind of endearing.
He must have misheard Sly. He turned around and moved to the other end of the upstairs hallway. Yes, there was an unoccupied room. Pretty small, simple: bed, desk, bureau. No fountain, sadly. But no grass or bunnies either, so that was a fair tradeoff. Yes, this'd do for the time being.
He moved back out into the hallway and trod down the stairs.
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Post by ch00beh on Dec 21, 2009 18:22:48 GMT -5
Rie groaned a fair warning before reaching back into the couch again, pulling out yet another throwing knife. She flicked it at the door, listening for either a squlorch or a thunk. Squlorch, she would go back to sleep. Thunk, she would actively tell the bugger off.
It thunked. How sad.
"I hate magic go away I'm sleeping."
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Post by AngelicTragedy on Dec 23, 2009 1:12:20 GMT -5
OOC- Ok, I'm still pretty rusty and this is the first thing that I've honestly written in some time. Hope it's easy to follow, because alot of it was forced.
BIC- Marius was bored in every sense of the word. Though there was the ever present buzz of the crowds and the manic festivities of the celebration Marius was mind-numbingly bored. Large social events weren't Marius' favorite thing in the world, but he was bound to remain at this particular event. If truth be told events such as these frightened Marius like no beast or battle he had ever faced. There was something about the closeness of crowds and the hot breath of the massing throngs that drove him to the point of fight or flight. Marius laughed to himself a bit as his reaction to crowds reminded him of the natural reaction of a serpent when backed into a corner for Marius was a kindred spirit to the serpents.
Since Valon had gone on his jaunt after Rick, Marius was left in charge of the booth housing the Draken and other Aldra-Sa but the purpose of this gathering wasn't really in his range of ability. The others of his crew used their skill in Silver magic to craft beautiful pieces of jewelry to be sold to the marveling crowds but Marius could barely craft a simple chain with a natural shine. Marius' main ability lived in the realm of the blade, of one on one combat. Absentmindedly, Marius sat back and watched his charges work on custom requests while spinning a small blade in his hands.
“Lord Solidad, we've just received a message from one of Lord Lorsha's scouts.” a small female voice chirped behind Marius as a lightly armored girl in her early twenties appeared.
“How many times have I told you that it's just Marius to you? You are my little sister after all. What's the report Sinda?” Marius responded without turning around or loosing speed on spinning his blade.
“Lord Lorsha's agent in Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA has reported that the previously reported situation with the the imps has become dormant. The report also mentioned something about a newly identified power in the city acting as a drug runner. She seemed to have the ability to travel between entryways but to what extent that power extends we do not know. The agent also mentioned that the girl has golden eyes.” Sestra rattled off in an official tone verging on frightened.
“Thank you Sinda, I'll be sure to pass the report on to Lord Lorsha. Go home and get some rest, you sound like you're wound up tighter than General Edos.” Marius chuckled as he pocketed his blade and turned to face his sister, her slightly feline face pale with dark circles under her eyes.
“I will, it's just that with the birth of Lord Lorsha's daughter looming on the horizon Edos is pushing the guard very hard to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible for the royal family. I've been on duty for the past thirty-six hours and in that time I've had to make twelve trips to meet with agents.” exhaustion became all to apparent on Sinda's face as she recapped her shift for her brother.
“Why don't you stay here. There's a hotel across the way, tell the desk that you are claiming one of the rooms that are reserved for Lord Lorsha and get some sleep.” Marius said as he guided his sister out into the crowd, trying as hard as he could to fight down the fear of the crowd deep in the pit of his stomach.
“Thank you brother. Will you speak with General Edos concerning my absence?” an impish look crossed her weary visage.
“He'll be informed that you are needed here. That'll be good enough for him. Go, sleep.” Marius finally demanded as he ushered his sister into the crowd.
Once back within the confines of the booth where Draken and Aldra-Sa worked the fear began to withdraw to a tolerable level. Now that he had been pulled from the momentary peace of his blade spinning, Marius began to pay closer attention to the work of his charges. One Draken was busy crafting a pocket watch from his lemon yellow aura before his customer, a tall woman with jet black hair and stunning green eyes. The Draken put the finishing touches on the watch and handed it to the white clad woman, but instead of awe a look of confusion crossed her face. She placed one finger on the cover of the watch and the fingernail flashed a lustrous ruby color. The spicy scent of red chili filled the air for a moment and a series of golden streaks erupted from the womans fingers. The golden ribbons began to snake over the watch and hardened into thin pipes of precious metal. Marius and the Draken gasped and the woman smiled slightly. She quickly placed a small pouch that sang the song that a large bag of coins often plays and began back into the crowd.
“Sometimes detail is worth the energy!” the woman called out before she disappeared into the throng.
Marius had no idea what to say. He had just witnessed a woman he had never seen before perform a feat of Silver magic that most master Silver Shaman couldn't preform. Gold was the most difficult metal to create and this random woman had just called it up like it was an every day activity. Even Valon didn't have the ability to make real gold. He could teleport pre created golden items but not create the gold itself. A sudden need to contact Valon stuck Marius like a ton of bricks. The report of the drug runner could also be passed along, but Marius' master had to be informed of this unknown woman.
“Kestus, Doga, I need a portal to Lord Lorsha at once!” Marius commanded and was met with an almost instant emerald gate at his feet.
Marius nodded to the Draken and Aldra-Sa present and stepped into the portal to delivery his shocking news.
***
Something didn't sit well with Valon about Tor. For being such a kind, welcoming man he held many doubts about one of his own people, even if this person was the last of his race in more ways than one. Valon truly loved Rick like a nephew but knew better than to fight his battles for him. It was within Valon's sway to fully convince the council and the world that Rick was just as he portrayed but thought better of it. Valon had cut his own way in life and reascended to the throne of Drakengrad, now it was Ricks turn to do the same with Shin-Ra.
Fighting down the odd unsettling feeling that he got from Tor, Valon smiled as one would be expected to at the offer to play such an important role in the proceedings of another lands affairs. Valon knew that he didn't need to answer Tor on the offer, for the mage could surely see by the King of Dragon's visage that he would sit in on the meetings and use his many years of experience to aid in whatever way he could. The idea pleased Valon greatly for it gave him an opportunity to learn more about the mage society in how they conducted their affairs.
“So sirs, are we up for some breakfast before the opening ceremony?”
Valon chuckled slightly and prepared to answer Rick but was interrupted by a large emerald gate opening just mere feet from where he stood. Marius stepped from the portal with purpose and Valon automatically feared the worst, but when his student pulled him to one side the wave of turmoil decreased slightly.
“Lord Lorsha, I have two reports to make,” Marius stated coolly, “and the first is of great importance.”
“Please speak Marius.”
“Firstly, my Lord, I have witnessed a woman in this city using Silver magic in such a way that she crafted gold like it were childs play. I've never seen one of our Shaman craft gold, I have not even seen you create it sire. She bore a ruby aura and smelt of red chili.” Marius paused for a moment, waiting for Valon to respond.
“Interesting,” was the only thing that Valon offered, “what is the second report?”
“It is of far less importance, but our agent in Philadelphia Pennsylvania has reported that the imp problem has solved itself and that there is some new Power trafficing drugs that has golden eyes.”
Valon's eyes briefly bulged and Marius' expression matched soon after for shock of his lords reaction. Valon pursed his lips for a moment as his mind raced. Could it really be? Golden eyes were a very rare trait among the worlds populus, even those gifted with unnatural ability. All except one race of people. Valon pulled Marius close, not wanting what he was about to say leave the pair, but let his eyes rest on the pair of mages that watched the pair of Aldra-Sa.
“Go to Philadelphia and find that girl. I want you to bring her to me by any means, but don't harm her. Do your best to convince her to come of her own accord. She may be very important indeed.”
“Yes, Lord Lorsha, but what is so special about this girl?” Marius asked, a hand slipping to the hilt of his sword.
“That's not important at this time.” Valon stated as he created another emerald portal and lead Marius to it. “Just bring her here.”
With that, Marius passed through the portal. Valon snapped his fingers and both of the glowing green gates vanished. A smile washed across Valon's face as he rejoined the mages.
“I could some food. What did you have in mind?”
This woman that's so versed in Silver magic an wait a bit longer, but I must find her myself. She may prove interesting to speak with.
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Post by ch00beh on Dec 28, 2009 23:36:12 GMT -5
Julia stepped out of the hotel, fresh from showering. She was wearing the same business suit she wore during her travels, but at least she had washed away the grossness one gets after sitting in a plane.
She fished a pamphlet out of her purse, then quickly scanned one of the folds. Opening ceremonies wouldn't start for a bit. The woman looked up, and despite the listed times, it seemed as though various stalls were already set up, or in the process of setting up. There was already a good amount of people meandering about, as well.
She joined the crowds, immediately letting herself get lost to the sensory overload. Banter between friends and barter between merchants all merged into white noise; people milling about, entering and exiting the woman's line of sight, became a shifting canvas of colors.
"Ma'am, I see you are eyeing my masks," a loud, yet friendly voice said. Julia then realized that she had been staring at a booth displaying masks of all kinds. Her eyes had been locked with the eyeless holes of one such.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Julia said, turning away.
"Nothing to be sorry about! In fact, I take it as a complement. Please don't be ashamed, peruse my wares."
Julia smiled and did just that. The masks had no central art theme other than the fact that they were masks. Some were made of wood, some porcelain, some paper mache, still others some material that Julia could not identify at first glance. Some of the masks looked like they were from Africa, and some from a masquerade ball, and of course, some were completely foreign.
"Is there anything special about these masks?" Julia asked.
"Why yes, yes there is," the man smiled proudly. "They were all done by hand. No magic involved."
"Your craftsmanship is beautiful."
"Thank you."
Julia reached out for one of the masks, a large wooden construct, before backing away. "Do you mind if I touch them?"
"Please. I even insist on you trying them on."
Julia picked up the wooden mask and placed it on her face. The man behind the table turned a mirror towards her. The woman looked at herself and felt ridiculous then put the mask back on its hook.
She was about to walk away and say thank you when another mask caught her eye. It was relatively simple; it was a plain white fabric affair designed to cover only the eyes. Designs had been lovingly embroidered in with black thread, and three feathers sprouted out of raised corner of the right side. Julia picked it up and looked at the inside, noting that there was a certain pattern sewn in. It seemed almost like runes.
"You said there's nothing magical about these?" she asked.
"Like I said, all done by hand."
"So these are just patterns on the inside?"
"Well, that one's my signature," the man pointed, "and this is a line from a poem I really like. 'This facet covered by a shining facade.' Fitting for a mask, I think."
"Yes, it's nice. So it's a poem, not a spell?"
The man laughed. "Of course not. Besides, spells are usually not activated until they are actively read aloud."
"Oh, I never knew." Julia smiled and put the mask on. She looked at herself in the mirror. It was very pretty, but really of no use to her original mission.
"Well, I better get going," Julia said as she placed the mask back on the hook. She looked into its eyeless holes once more.
"You seem like you like that one. Tell you what, early bird, I'll sell it to you for half price."
He was trying to take advantage of her impulse buy. She knew that much. She also was falling for it, and she didn't mind. "Do you take outside currency here?"
"Of course. We aren't so unprepared."
The two made the exchange, and Julia looked at the mask once more before putting it in its respective bag.
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Post by Tout-Perd on Jan 11, 2010 23:36:30 GMT -5
OOC: I hereby dub thee "Luxury Mage Ride".
BIC: There was a small gust of wind, rustling through the kitchen and knocking several boxes and bags over. Sly, evidently familiar with the phenomena, simply turned his flank slightly.
There was a loud pop, and three figures appeared. At the center of the burst was Zebedee, a light spring jacket draped over his shoulders. Despite the ever present dancing of the air around him, it didn't slip off or fall out of place.
“Sorry about the delay, Sly. Some of us were trying to make sure we were looking our best,” Zebedee put a hand on Natalie's shoulder.
“Sorry about being over here so quickly. Some of us don't give a **** that we're representing every decent power in the archipelago when we visit this place,” Nat pulled away from Zebedee, and adjusted her shirt sleeve. She was wearing two layers, a short sleeved black shirt over a long sleeved azure one.
“Sorry about the behavior. Some of us are looking like children in front of a whole bunch of strangers,” Thyra silenced the other two, a shamed blush touching Zebedee's cheeks.
“What matters is that we're here now, though. Means that you won't need to mess with any of your teleporting tech, since you all can fly air Zebedee.” The young man quickly shifted the subject, deciding that discretion was probably his best option. He noticed a slight twitch of one of Sly's eyestalks. Even without looking into their empathic link, he could feel his friend's relief. The Andalite was still nervous about using his watch with anybody else. The pathfinding was a bit suspect when more than a few parties were along for the ride.
“Shouldn't you be wearing a stewardess's uniform?” Natalie muttered, and then idly stuffed a handful of cheerios into her mouth.
“No, no. Never that,” Thyra giggled slightly.
“So, how soon will we be moving along? If we take too long, I fear that these charming young ladies might end up tearing me to shreds.”
OOC: Summoner half coming after a PM from BB.
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Post by hermes on Jan 22, 2010 21:22:19 GMT -5
"Um, hello." Eragon said timidly, "Nice to meet all of you."
He felt caught in a whirlwind of sudden events, so much happening so suddenly that he'd been rather unable to get a word in edgewise.
"Sorry if I'm being a bother, but might I enquire as to what we do next?" Eragon asked gently, still rather unsure around this group of....heroes.
OOC - Sorry for the shortness, wasn't sure what else to do.
EDIT - I'm going to update my characters somewhat. This has taken so long that a lot of things have changed.
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Post by Tout-Perd on Jan 23, 2010 20:22:21 GMT -5
There was a few muttered comments from the fringe of the plaza, and people began to bustle away as quickly as they could without outright fleeing. The people tending to their stalls and the other obvious natives seemed unperturbed, in stark contrast to the tourists.
A small band of people, maybe a dozen, if that, had just rounded a large building and were beginning to head towards the main festivities. At the center of the group, a tall man in white was carefully glancing around, trying to keep his bearing as regal as possible. Despite this, he still occasionally glanced to a somewhat shorter, but still noticeable figure. A woman was at his side, carrying a girl just under toddler-age on her hip. The child would occasionally grab at her shoulder-length black hair, eliciting a few mouthed swears.
Flanking the pair, there was a seemingly mismatched pair of gentlemen. One was compact, covered in old scars where his skin was visible. Most was covered by either his fresh, seemingly brand new leather jacket, or his voluminous beard that fell halfway down his chest. The other was fresh faced and slender, with a brightly colored Hawaiian print shirt draped over his shoulders and a pair of khaki shorts.
Three young ladies were to the back of the marching order, each one glancing around cautiously. One seemed darkly businesslike, a hooded cloak obscuring her face from the brilliant South American sunlight. She occasionally would pause to look at something with interest, the merest flicker of amusement appearing on her face, but those were quickly stifled.
The girl in the middle seemed to lag behind the others, attached to their party without actually standing near them. She was wearing a spotless white tunic, and a matching skirt, striking against her well-tanned skin. She had various flowers woven into her kelly green hair, some of different kinds, but all pure white. The only aspect of her appearance that was not either white, tan, or green seemed to be a brass medallion on a hemp chord, hanging over her breast. It had a peculiar “M” shape, familiar to those that knew astrology.
The woman on the far right of the group was doing more smiling than her group. In fact, she seemed to be smiling more than most people present at the event. She was waving to quite a few individuals, and would on occasion, break away and hold brief discussions with the various mages. There wasn't a trace of stress or concern on her face. She was clearly among her own people here. She was wearing a lavender sun dress and flipflops, her attire mostly blending in with the other visitors to the nation. However, her hair was enough to make her stand out in any crowd. A vivid shade of eggplant, it fell most of the way down her back in thick, luxurious curls. Under one arm, she carried a large blue circular box, evidently for carrying a hat.
“So, have you all seen enough?” The man at the core of the group asked, a note of warmth in his voice. Despite his evident dignity, he obviously was happy to be out in public with the group.
“I did before we got here, Meeks,” The bearded one took a flask from his pocket, and went to take a sip.
“No you don't-” The woman in the golden armor cut in front of her leader, and plucked the container from his grasp, “The last time you got sauced at a diplomatic function, you started a fight with five of the royal body guards.”
“All I was saying was that those dragon guys kinda look like they had a skin condition...”
“You didn't need to point out that they were shedding, Joseph.” The slender man spoke up, his tone chiding.
“How should I know? I'm not the Crocodile Hunter.”
“He's dead, y'know,” The purple haired girl's tone was somewhat sour.
“Really? Huh.”
“Haze, really?” Miko yanked the flask out of her hands, cutting her off in mid-swig. He quickly turned it upwards, preventing it from spilling.
“I just said that Joseph couldn't. If this things going to be half as formal as I thought it was, I'm going in hammered.”
“Guys...” Tsubota sighed.
“Everybody, Shin-Ra is not that bad. They aren't as boring as you'd think,” Miko attempted to tuck the bottle away, only for Haze to grab his wrist.
“How old are these head council members or whatever the hell you call them?”
“I'm not exactly positive. I think Rick said something like a hundred or so...”
“Gimme that!”
OOC: Cruddy, but I think it works at conveying most of them. Feels weird writing Joseph, Maude, and Haze again. They've all been out of the loop for a looong time.
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Post by Hamuu on Feb 3, 2010 17:58:43 GMT -5
Merlin tilted his head to the side as the dagger flew by, embedding itself in the wall. He straightened his hat and smoothed out his robe, noticing a small piece of bloody cloth bandage sticking out from under his robe. Frowning, he bent down and tucked it into his shoe.
"Listen Rie," he said taking a step towards her, "I have nothing against you and I absolutely hate to be ordered around by Sly, but I agree with him for once. It'll do you some good to come along."
With a motion of his hand the couch floated into the air and wrapped around Rie. The legs, arms, and back continued to press in until a perfectly round sphere, around four feet in diameter, was floating in the air where the couch had been. A bright glass like sheen radiated from the sphere as the out side began to turn translucent, revealing a hollow interior. Inside the glass bubble was Rie, sitting on a single couch cushion. She didn't look happy.
"I'll let you out when we arrive at the festival. I'll even buy you breakfast when we get there since you'll miss supper her." Merlin approached the sphere as it began to shrink.
He delicately plucked the marble sized bubble out of the air and placed it in his robe pocket. Reaching up he grabbed the brim of his hat and stretched it down over his face, neck, shoulders, chest, and so on until his entire body was covered. With a pop he, his hat, and Rie disappeared.
~*~
"Sorry if I'm being a bother, but might I enquire as to what we do next?" Eragon asked.
"Well, I guess we jus' sit back and relax!" Jonas laughed as he picked up the remote and tossed it the new comer, "Anythin' you wanna watch fella?"
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Terrian coming down the stairs, "So, wha'd ya think? Da room look alright?"
~*~
<Don't worry about your tardiness. I've only just finished cooking supper.> Sly thought to them, <Natalie, Thyra, would you both go ask Jonas and Terrian to help you set the table? Zebedee and I shall bring out the meal once it is prepared.>
Once both the girls were gone Sly trained a stalk-eye on Zeb, <It is my understanding that the Mages are using this festival for two reasons. The first, which they have publicly proclaimed in their commercials, is to show their friendly intentions to the people of the world. Secondly, their ruling council has arranged several meetings with world governments and faction leaders. Among them are the South Pole Summoners. It is highly likely that Miko and his cohorts will be in attendance.>
Sly opened a cabinet and began passing plates to Zeb, <Rick has assured me that Miko isn't the same as he used to be. Regardless, I think while we are dinning that one of us should present these facts to the others. A few of them will not understand, but we need to make it clear to those who do understand that we are to remain neutral even if provoked. The Mages will not tolerate any attacks made by anyone during this event. However, Rick did mention, in the unlikely event that we are attacked by anyone, that we are permitted to defend ourselves with non-lethal force.>
~*~
"Well," Rick said thinking, "There's a place called The Hungry Mage on the other side of the square. That way we won't have to rush to make it back in time for the opening ceremony."
"Sounds delightful, I haven't eaten there in years!" Tor chuckled as he and Valon stood.
All three made their way out of the meeting room and down the steps. There were already mages in the main square, using magic to erect the platform and bleachers in front of the Temple. Tor would give the opening speech with Rick standing near him. The remaining members of the council would fill in the first row of bleachers with presidents, kings, and ambassadors filling up the rest.
They didn't have to negotiate their way through the crowd. Tor's personal guard, consisting of five mage soldiers, surrounded them and forced the crowd the part. Mages inclined their heads as Tor and Rick passed by. Even though Rick was newly appointed, he had still made a name for himself in defending the city. Tourists however were unsure of whom exactly Tor and Rick were, but many of them recognized Valon from newspapers and magazines from around the time when his floating continent had crashed to the ocean, adding more landmass off the west coast of Africa.
As they neared the restaurant Rick noticed a familiar face followed by an entourage of his own. The crowd had parted for them as well, but for lightly different reasons.
"Hey Miko." Rick greeted the summoner as the two groups met, "Haven't seen you since that luxury cruise."
Rick turned slightly then addressed Tor, "Sir, this is Miko, leader of the South Pole Summoners." Then turning back to Miko, "Miko, this is Tor, leader to all the mages in Shin-Ra."
Tor extended his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"You already know Valon…" Rick trailed off, he knew there was no open hostility between the two, but he was fairly certain that the two were probably slightly uncomfortable around the other. Maybe he could change that.
"Well, we're heading to breakfast. I'm sure Tor and Valon would be happy if you all joined us. How about it? It's just over there." Rick said as he pointed to the building just a few booths down.
~*~
Ally's face was a mix of hate and joy. On the one hand her target was out in the open so finding him was complete; she more than likely wouldn't get a chance at him but at least that meant she was in for an easy vacation following him. The other hand though was tightly clenched with flames flickering off of it. Rick was down there and as much as she wanted to, she couldn't approach him. Not with all the people surrounding him, especially not with her target right there.
She unclenched her fist and let the flames dissipate. Calm down she told herself. Now that she knew that Rick was here she could wait for a better time to approach him. In the mean time she'd watch Tor, as she was suppose to.
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Post by Tout-Perd on Feb 6, 2010 19:53:00 GMT -5
"No, not then Sly. We won't wait to tell them, because I'm not feeling like ducking whatever china Natalie inevitably flings around," It wasn't thoughtspeak. Zebedee had declared it aloud, instead of using his connection with Sly.
"What is it?" Thyra's tone was serious, but her voice still was quiet.
"Sly told me that the mages are going to have some company... Some people that we don't like, y'know?"
"Who is it?" Natalie growled, her hands balling into fists instinctively.
"I'm only going to tell you if you promise not to break any furniture..."
"...Deal."
"Or limbs..."
"... ...deal."
"Okay. Well, anyways, I guess they're doing some diplomatic work and have invited quite a few nation's leaders to get involved in the events there."
"Oh. Well that could be-" Thyra started.
"God DAMMIT, Zebedee! You are not talking about going on vacation with those f*cking monsters!" Natalie punctuated her sentence with a punch, the table jumping.
"The furniture! Mind the furniture!" Zebedee relaxed slightly as Natalie unfurled her fist, and quietly placed her hands in her lap.
"Well?"
"So, anyways, from the way Rick was talking, Miko and his entourage will be there."
"Fucking wonderful. I wonder what innocent people these guys are going to murder this time around? Any guesses? Anybody want to place a wager on their kill count they're gonna rack up this time?"
"Natalie, Sly says that we're authorized to use nonlethal force if they attack us."
The room went silent for a moment.
"Hey, Yardic!" Sly's stalk eye trained on Natalie as she stood up from the table.
"Does that mean that they're only authorized to use nonlethal force on us, if we attack them?" -------- “Rick,” Miko's tone was friendly, for the most part. There was an underlying note of stress, but he forced it down in the presence of the other group.
“It's been a little while, but I hope that this visit finds you as well as it finds me,” Miko bowed low, his crimson cape rustling around him.
“It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Tor. An honor, in fact. I aspire to be as successful of a leader over my own nation as you've been for yours,” Miko took the ruler's hand firmly, giving it a resolute shake.
“And of course, Valon. I assume that all has been well since the... fall that your nation had? I'm afraid that I haven't had the luxury of a visit within your border since that occasion. Mayhaps we could make arrangements for some later time?”
“I'd be glad to join you all for breakfast. I assume that diamonds are still valid currency amongst your people, considering their roles as spell catalysts?” Miko reached into his pocket, and opened his hand. Sitting in his palm were several colossal diamonds, bordering on the size of ping-pong balls.
“These are authentic, too. Not that synthesized stuff that Bagan can churn out. Found them doing a new branch of tunnels for some westwards expansion,” Miko smiled slightly. If there was one thing his people did exceedingly well, it was excavation.
“So, you guys guard the head honcho. Sounds pretty bada-”
“Joseph-” Miko hissed.
“Yeah, pretty badass. Maybe we can hang out sometime. Y'know, have a good-”
“Joseph!”
“Hm? Just letting this Torf guy's guards know that they look pretty capable.”
“Tor.”
“Yeah, whatever. But hey...” Joseph looked over to Tor, “Yeah. Badass. You do a great job sir. Keep up the great work.”
“Rednael!” Haze snagged the man by his hair, dragging him back towards her before he could give the man a pat on the back.
“Here. Take this, and cram it in your piehole!” She slammed the flask back into his hands.
“Just as planned, I assume,” Tsubota muttered, adjusting his shirt slightly to straighten it out.
“Well, really, what do you expect?” The purple haired lady spoke for the first time.
“If possible, could we find me a place where there won't be room for the rest of my entourage?” Miko asked with a sigh. OOC: It's like all the pent up hijinks of the Summoners are unleashed at once!
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Post by Hamuu on Feb 7, 2010 15:09:12 GMT -5
OOC- I'd like to request another character summary of where everyone is! I'm not 100% on whether Yoshi would be able to see Miko in order to go interact. Also, I think in my next post I'll introduce a fourth and final character for this RP. OOC - Do we need to do a quick role call? lol Well, they're near the center of the city. Draw an X at the center of the X is a big open square, they are towards one end of the square near a string of shops and dining establishments.
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Post by Yoshimitsu on Feb 8, 2010 12:26:30 GMT -5
"Ohhh great. More work for me," Felix muttered, putting on a pair of sunglasses as he turned his attention to the gathering that had appeared in the central square. He had already picked out Rick, the most dangerous of the Mages, Miko, the king of the South Pole Summoners and Valon, the lord of Drakengard. Three incredibly high-level powers. Felix removed his sunglasses and rubbed his temples. This was already turning out to be a stressful day. He pulled out his mobile phone.
"Just reporting in. Three fuckin' super powers here now, at least. If I die, I'm comin' back as a frickin' ghost just to haunt your asses," he said into the receiver. "Right, whatever. I'll keep an eye on them. Whatever you say."
~*~*~
Illiana was not really one for formal events. Especially not in places that held such fascination, like Shin-Ra. Even though she was trying to keep her expression and stance in check, she could not help but look at some of the stalls in wonder. Each time she realised she was staring, she quickly muted her expression and continued walking in a stoic manner.
The exchange between Miko and what she assumed to be the leaders of Shin-Ra was both fascinating and mundane. Personally, she did not feel like she could handle the pressure of talking to such important people without showing a slight bit of nervousness. She glanced sideways at the rest of the group, noting silently that Joseph had now acquired Haze's bottle of alcohol. They were all at ease, she was finding it quite hard to stay put.
~*~*~
"Oh hello, what have we here?" Yoshimitsu asked, glancing towards the main square. "Hang on a sec, Sarosin. I'll be right back."
Completely unashamed and unintimidated, Yoshimitsu walked straight to the central square, flicking ash from his cigarette. All things considered, he should have guessed that Miko would be there. He had already considered the possibility of Rick being present, whom he remembered from the trip around the world. It had been too long since he had seen the summoner, in his opinion.
"Miko, Rick, it's been a while," he greeted them, grinning. He completely ignored the fact that they appeared to be in a semi-serious conversation, and the fact that he was talking to what he guessed where the leaders of three different and well-established factions. "Seems like just yesterday we were on that boat..."
Illiana's eyes shot to the blue haired boy, her expression wary. It did not go unnoticed, either. Yoshimitsu grinned comically at her, causing her expression to falter slightly.
"Mind if I steal one of you?" He asked, nodding to Illiana.
OOC- Whee... Okay, I may not introduce a new character since she still has all sorts of quirks to sort out. Howeverrrr, I think I did an alright job of working Illiana in and away from the summoners. Whoever replies from that group next, feel free to auto Yoshi and Illiana wandering away from the big boys.
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Post by AngelicTragedy on Feb 9, 2010 14:08:06 GMT -5
“Well, I'm sure you would have been welcomed if you had attempted to visit after the descent of my kingdom. We will attempt to schedule a diplomatic visit in the future, if that is what you wish.” Valon said through almost gritted teeth.
The fall of Drakengrad had always been a touchy issue but Valon felt deeply that this was a slight from a fellow leader and former partner in arms; whether it was a intentional insult or not Valon found it very untactful. To say that Valon was angry was an understatement but for the sake of what the mages he held his tongue. With a great deal of effort, Valon managed to hold his fury and turned slightly away from the assembled group.
“I suppose that he wouldn't understand the touchy subject of the Descent, but how would he? I suppose I should apologize for my tartness.” Valon thought to himself and began to turn back to do just that but someone in the crowd caught his attention.
A tall, elegant woman clad is white tank top, jacket, and pants mingled among the crowd not to far away. Valon quickly laid a hand on Ricks shoulder as if to say that he would return shortly and began into the crowd after the white clad woman. As the morning had worn on there were more and more people in the throngs making teleporting far to difficult, so Valon used the next best thing, flight. Valon shot up about ten feet into the air and came down with a slight click on the hard ground in front of the woman he pursued.
“We need to talk.” Valon said as he wrapped his hand around the womans wrist.
“I was about to say the same thing.” and the air filled with the sent of red chilis.
***
One moment Valon and his target were standing in the crowded square of Shin Ra and now they stood atop a steep cliff of amber colored stone. At the base of the cliff vast green plains spread out in every direction and to the east a large building made of white marble and bronze jutted up on the horizon. There was only one place in the world that this could ever be; this was the southwestern plains of Drakengrad, the home of the Temple of Sari'n.
“Why did you bring us here? Why the Temple?” Valon asked softly, not wanting to give away to much of his building stress.
“Well, you obviously know all about my skill with silver magic so I figured why not come to the mecha of the Silver Shaman.”
“Who are you?”
“I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that now. Just know that I'm a friend.”
“How am I supposed to know that?”
“Well you haven't drawn your weapon yet and you've always had uncanny senses when it comes to danger.”
“You speak like you actually know me...”
“Oh, I do. Probably better than you know yourself. But we really don't have time to discuss this now. Just know that I'm watching out for you.” The woman laid her hand lightly on Valons face and smiled at him. “You would make your family proud.”
The thick scent of red chili filled the air and Valon was gone.
***
A moment later Valon was standing back in the group of gathered leaders with a shocked look on his face. One moment Valon felt that his was in control of this situation and the next he was being lead on by someone who was clearly of his own race and was far more skilled at Silver Magic than himself. Who was this woman? How did she know Valon so well? Was was she watching out for one of the most powerful beings to ever exist? Perhaps the answers would reveal themselves in time, but for now the noble, certain, powerful aspect of Valon needed to be seen.
“So, when do we eat?”
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Post by Hamuu on Feb 12, 2010 17:10:34 GMT -5
Merlin appeared in the living room and placed the clear glass marble containing Rie on the couch. It swelled and grew until she was once again her normal size, though still trapped within her temporary cell.
"Can she breathe?" Jonas asked as he taped on the glass lightly.
"Yes," Merlin sat down on the other side of Rie, "Both air and sound can permeate the glass."
~*~
Jonas figured Rie wasn't enjoying herself at all right now.
"Now that ya have her here, why don' ya let her out?" Jonas asked.
Merlin laughed, "Are you serious? The minute I let her out she'll phase through the floor and be gone."
Jonas frowned, "Wha' if we get her ta promise ta come wid us?"
Merlin didn't answer, instead he laughed harder as though he thought Jonas was joking around.
"God DAMMIT, Zebedee! You are not talking about going on vacation with those f*cking monsters!"
Both Jonas and Merlin jumped to their feet as Nat punched the table.
"Wha's goin on in der?" Jonas asked looking to Merlin who only shrugged.
~*~
<I don't like the situation any better than you do Natalie.> Sly turned off the burners with his tail-blade as he shifted his body to face her. <I doubt any of us whom have dealt with Miko and his people in the past want to spend our week with them. If the situation were under different circumstances I would be inclined to agree with you. However we have been invited as guests, the same as Miko and his people. You said yourself we're representing all the decent powers in the Archipelago. If you come you have to put on a happy face, we'll all have to act cordially with them.>
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Post by Tout-Perd on Feb 16, 2010 8:17:03 GMT -5
"You can act cordially. Fine. I'm cool with that. You guys represent the decent powers in the Archipelago. I'll represent the vast majority of the population that wants every one of those green haired bastards good and dead," Natalie's shoulders were trembling slightly.
"Nat, it's a big place. We can avoid the-" Zebedee started to say soothingly.
"It's not about if we can avoid them! If that was the case, I'd be fine with it! But you all are glossing over an important detail..." Nat stood up from the table.
"Those monsters were the people that destroyed Slateport. The fight with them caused a lot of casualties in Celadon, and in Saffron. Sly, you were one of the people killed. Don't play all 'non-emotional Andalite'. They killed you. They killed Thyra's family. Is it really okay to call ourselves decent people, if we're just going to let them keep butchering innocents and any good person that tries to stop them?" She turned, and started to walk out of the kitchen, towards a less populated area of the house.
"Rick can get all buddy-buddy with those freaks for all I care. But I'm not going to be party to sweeping all of the evil that they've done under the carpet. They don't deserve forgiveness. What they deserve is being removed from the world of the living... killed so that they can't slaughter anymore." -------- "Hello, Yoshimitsu!" Miko smiled broadly, giving a cordial nod to the newcomer.
"Go ahead, Yoshi. I doubt you'll be too much trouble, provided that you aren't asking to borrow my wife."
"Then you'd be in trouble," Helen retorted with a smirk, and ducked Joseph's flask.
"I can give trouble to whoever I want," Haze said with a chuckle in the back of her throat. She kept an eye on Joseph as he slipped away and scooped the container up before it could hemorhage much more of its precious contents.
"All too true." Miko wrapped one arm around her shoulders, and drew her close. He had noted Valon's tone. Odd, he had tried to put an empathetic note to his tone there, but... Well, that was unpredictable, but it should be. Kings were fickle beings, given to specific whims and traits. After all, who could stop them? And dragons were likewise. No matter how one looked at the issue, it was just best to tread cautiously around the emperor of dragonkind.
“I’d concur with that. I’m all for a breakfast. Or brunch, or whatever it is here. I crossed like five timezones to get here, so this isn’t exactly my normal schedule,” Miko shocked expression quickly faded back to a cordial one as Valon spoke again. He’d grab the change in the conversation and take it for all it was worth. The Lord of Dragons was the last person one wanted upset.
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Post by Beelzebibble on Mar 9, 2010 21:39:44 GMT -5
Terrian started toward the kitchen, saw the green-and-brown-streaked ponytail of Natalie looming in the doorway, did a hard ninety, and saw his way into the living room instead. Blessedly she'd been facing in toward the kitchen, thus sparing everyone the trouble and strife generally associated with Natalie laying eyes on him. All good so far. Now pretty much he just needed to hide behind Jonas until they got to the festival and he could make himself scarce amid tomes of arcane knowledge and giant inflatable wizards or whatever they were going to have there.
But maybe he was jumping to conclusions. Maybe today was the day that he and Natalie were going to settle their differences and arrive at true friendship! That sounded great and he would be all for trying it once he had her at a safe distance.
Oh. It might have been nice to give the living room the once-over before sauntering in there all casual-like. Yes, in fact, if he wasn't now dead-set on casually sauntering into the living room, Terrian would probably have done a hard one-eighty and retired back upstairs. Here in the living room was not only Jonas, but also Merlin -- not the source of concern -- and an enormous glassy sphere containing a severely pissed-looking Rie atop a couch cushion. The source of concern. Basically, all evidence suggested it was going to be half-past stabby o'clock when she got out of there and Terrian was cool with not being around when that happened.
Still, Natalie would probably come stomping down the hall at any minute after some more angry words about "summoners". So the reality of the situation was that Terrian was trapped between the Scylla and Charybdis of aggravated ladies and that the safest measure was to press himself against a bookcase, out of sight from the hallway but as far from Rie as possible, and say to the other two, "There's no -- There's probably no point asking if this is her new thing, is it? Like, the hamster ball isn't her new ride or... No?"
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Post by ch00beh on Mar 9, 2010 23:20:53 GMT -5
Rie's face was contorted into a mild expression of annoyance. Her stare managed to become colder and less-blinking than normal, and her usually neutral lips formed a slight frown. Clearly she was not happy.
Expectedly, the girl's body was hovering in a state of translucency. She had long ago tried to phase through the barrier, but the magic kept her inside. It didn't stop her from continually trying. Maybe the mage would forget a certain point, and then she would be able to reach an arm through it and strangle him.
Moments passed. Rie stood up, though her eyes were continually staring daggers at Merlin. It was then that she reached down into the couch cushion and pulled out a literal dagger. She momentarily felt the magic bubble around her, grumbled something, then proceeded to stab construct. The first hit was solid enough to break the blade's top half off.
The girl frowned a bit more then nonchalantly threw the knife behind her and reached into the couch cushion again, this time pulling out a pistol. She aimed straight at Merlin and pulled the trigger.
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Post by Hamuu on Mar 13, 2010 13:07:38 GMT -5
Merlin jumped when the gun went off. His eyes darted around wildly as he looked for the source before seeing the flattened bullet sliding down the interior of the sphere.
“What, the hell is wrong with you?!” he shouted, hitting the container with his staff, “It’s your own fault you’re in there anyways!”
“I don’ know Merlin, I dink you should jus’ let her out.” Jonas advised.
Merlin looked at him in horror, “Um, let me think. No. That woman just shot at me.”
The magician turned towards Terrian, “Does that answer your question?”
~*~*~*~*~
While Merlin’s back was turned, Jonas tried to crack the makeshift prison cell with his powers over pressure. After several attempts and only succeeding to pop his own ears, Jonas mouthed the words ‘I tried’ to Rie.
~*~*~*~*~
Sly’s body moved across the kitchen faster than anyone expected. Within a moment all four of his eyes were inches from Nat’s face, his tail-blade hovering just above his head. He trusted Nat, but he also wasn’t stupid. She was a warrior like himself and Sly was as good as issuing a challenge.
<I’ve murdered the innocent. Did you forget I was a high ranking member of TR during the war? Do you know how many humans died just because they were in my path? In the wrong place at the wrong time? Didn’t show me the respect I believed was due me? I’ve murdered families, children, and the helpless all because I was ordered to – and that’s no excuse. I’m not arguing for the summoners, or saying they deserve the same treatment as all of you have shown me, a reward I never deserved. But if they are extending an olive branch I suggest we grasp onto it, for now. It doesn’t mean we have to like them or associate with them.
<You’ve all seen how events have been unfolding as of late. People, the animals, even the atmosphere are getting worse out there, something big is coming. All of us know the pattern. Rick can be our eyes and ears among Miko and his allies. Even though he seems to be steadily drifting away from us, he’ll still alert everyone should the summoners turn back to their old ways. Natalie, you need to come. In the event this is a summoner ruse and they do have ulterior motives that Rick is unaware of, then we’ll need you when it comes time to fight.>
~*~*~*~*~
“Don’t worry about the cost of the meal,” Tor said with a smile, “While you’re with me you will dine for free. Do hold onto those though, they’ll fetch you quite a considerable amount of good during the festival.”
Rick clapped his hands together, “Right, breakfast! This way everyone.”
Once they were finally inside The Hungry Mage, the host had to spilt the group between two tables – Rick, Tor, Valon, Miko, and his wife at the first with everyone else moving towards the next open table behind them. The menus were already sitting neatly in front of them.
“So, what you do is,” Rick instructed, holding his menu up so their friends at the second table could see, “Is find what you want on the menu,” Rick pointed toward the meal he planned on getting (what appeared to be a heaping pan full of eggs, potatoes, and something not unlike pancakes), “Then you just bite down on your thumb, not to hard, just enough you draw a little blood then press it to what you want.”
Rick bit down on his thumb then pressed it to the item on the menu. There was a flash of light as Rick winced and everything on the menu, except for the blood smeared order, disappeared. The paper began to crinkle as Rick sat it down. Quickly, the menu folded itself into an origami wolf that leapt from the table and ran into the kitchen.
“When you touch the blood to the menu it activates a few different spells, one of which is slightly painful for me but will be fine for you guys,” Rick produced a strip of cloth that he wrapped around his thumb, “When you guys touch your thumb to it that flash of light will heal you, white magic doesn’t work on me though so it’s a different story. Also, when your menu folds up, it will turn into an animal that best represents you.”
OOC: Have fun with the menus, also, someone give us something to talk about while the events unfold in cherry grove. .
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SV
Friendliest Member of ALL TIME
The Friendliest Member Of ALL TIME
Posts: 2,250
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Post by SV on Apr 9, 2010 15:38:26 GMT -5
Sarosin watched the blue-haired man rush away toward another group of people with oddly colored hair. He felt vaguely abandoned and couldn't quite place why. Evidently, a lack of morning coffee preceded a lack of morning security. Of course, he thought, it may have been the bus ride from Olivine City that was supposed to take him to Goldenrod City but left him here instead that may have done it.
He looked at the sign again. Mage Festival, it reminded him. He flicked his cigarette derisively. No more buses, never again. Cabs from now on.
Across the plaza, Yoshimitsu -- what a strange name, he thought (perhaps ironically) -- had wrapped up his pleasantries and was absconding with one of the young women of the group. Furthermore, he was absconding with her in the direction of what may very well be a café, and in his experience, cafés were notorious purveyors of coffee.
Sarosin dropped the butt of his cigarette to the ground and snuffed it out with the toe of his boot. His mind singing with the hopes of caffeine in the near future, he set off after the pair.
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Post by Yoshimitsu on Apr 9, 2010 15:56:38 GMT -5
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Post by AngelicTragedy on Apr 9, 2010 23:13:20 GMT -5
Valon watched with glee as the small paper wolf ran off towards the kitchen like a tiny paper bullet. Though he would probably never say it out loud, Valon was still awed by the wide, unique effects of the mages abilities. A race that could do anything from heal the vilest wounds to burn a city to cinders was a point of interest, but the fact that this many of a race could exist in such a small area was amazing. Valon made a mental note to come back to Shin Ra one day to do a bit more study on the mages.
Turning his attention to the menu, Valon began trying to decide what it was that he wanted. It was apparent that The Hungry Mage had adapted dishes from at least a dozen different nations and as such the choices were nearly endless. A grimace of disgust briefly washed across Valon’s face as he noticed a small picture at the bottom of the menu of a purple dome with a pair of question marks beside it. Why the mages would choose to adapt this bastard cousin of the fruitcake Valon would never know but he would surely not be ordering it. Just above the heinous violet dome of death was a picture of a plate piled high with what appeared to be melon, berries, citrus fruit, and a large buttery croissant. With a wry smile Valon bit into the flesh of his thumb and smeared the blood on the image with a slightly elegant sweep of his hand. The flash of light followed quickly and healed the wound but along with it a shower of black sparks danced away from his flesh. The menu snapped in upon itself and took the form of a dragon which quickly flew off towards the kitchen after its paper wolf cousin.
“So Rick, Tor, what can we expect with the opening ceremony? If you’ve got anything planned beyond your normal magics then I’m sure that it will be fantastic.”
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Post by Tout-Perd on Apr 11, 2010 11:58:51 GMT -5
"I..." Natalie met the Andalite's main eyes, and slowly looked away from him as he launched into his tirade.
"Sly, you seem to think that because somebody managed to redeem you, to bring you back around, that every other person guilty of some atrocity is also only waiting for the right person, the right event, to set them back on the straight and narrow."
She raised her hand, and then flickered. The moment she had reappeared, her grasp was locked around the base of his tail blade.
"They're not like that. The only thing they care about is themselves. Sure, maybe they aren't mindless killing machines like the pair that attacked us a few months back, since they actually seem to care about at least eachother. But that's exclusive. Summoners care about Summoners, everybody else be damned."
Gunshots. From the living room. Natalie's head moved ever so slightly, only visible in the rustling of her ponytail.
“Y'know what, Sly? Fuck it. Just fuck it. I'm not gonna change how I feel about things, but I'll avoid stabbing anybody without them doing anything in front of me worth stabbing them for.” She released her grip, color slowly returning to her white knuckles.
“But when it comes back to bite us in the ass, I'm not gonna need to say 'Told ya so.'” Nat stepped away from the Andalite, and pushed past Thyra and Zebedee. The younger girl had her hands against her forehead, and was leaning hard against the table. Zebedee was quietly murmuring something or other, some religious nonsense or something...
Thyra's parents. She'd brought that up in the argument.
No wonder.
Natalie shoved a stray chair into place beneath the table with a disdainful scuff of her foot.
“Sly, let's get going. Some of us could really use the trip, judging by the OK Corral goin' down in front of your TV,” She didn't look back towards Thyra or Zebedee, but stared steadily at the well-polished glass on the face of one of the cabinets. -------- “Interesting. Really interesting, gentlemen,” Miko glanced at the menu, his garnet eyes flicking from item to item. The need for biting one's thumb, and the blood... That was most curious. Was it just some crude artifact of tradition, or some sort of contemplative deal? He couldn't say.
“Son of a-” Haze wrapped a napkin around her thumb to quell the bleeding. She had handed her daughter off to Tsubota before sitting down, hoping to avoid any issues while in front of so many important figures.
The menu collapsed into the shape of a magpie. It cocked its head speculatively once, and then was gone in a flutter of paper wings.
“Here...” Miko took her hand, and set the menu down for a moment. He slowly gestured with his now-freed fingers, tracing some invisible design in the air. A light greenish pulverulence appeared in his palm, seemingly pouring into existence like grains from an hourglass.
“It's powdered goatweed. A styptic, so...” He took a pinch, and lightly dusted Haze's cut with it.
“Thanks, Meeks. Sorry about that, guy- Em, gentlemen,” Haze shook her head slightly, and then took a deep breath, “Sorry about my lack of formality. This is my first time really... Well, meeting with leaders of such caliber as yourselves in a- I've met Rick and Valon before but-” She sighed, loudly.
“Anyways, I'm glad to meet all of you. Haze, of the Summoner people,” Her cheeks were slightly red. That wasn't a normal look for her.
Miko continued scanning the menu, glancing over at Haze to make sure she wasn't feeling too out of place. Really, when he thought about it, neither of them were truly leader material. He was just a mid-ranking Summoner that had chanced into the ultimate weapon, and Haze had been living in the dregs of Archipelago society.
But, meritocracy was meritocracy. Such shifts and changes were only to be expected...
Now, if only he could decide on a meal...
OOC: I'm contributing!
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Post by Beelzebibble on May 4, 2010 16:36:48 GMT -5
"You know," said a voice coming from somewhere in the direction of under a nearby desk, "this is kind of like a kidnapping, right? I mean, what you're basically doing is kidnapping her, isn't it? Is it not? Because it kind of completely looks like it is." Terrian's slightly ruffled hair emerged from beneath the desk. Rie was still holding the gun, though, so he didn't put himself back out in the open completely. He continued to Merlin: "And -- And I'm not trying to judge you or anything, I mean we just met, but all I want to do is point out that as far as potential kidnap victims go, you probably should've set your sights on someone who doesn't stash knives and guns inside her cushions for safekeeping." OOC: Short post is short. Awkward times are awkward.
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Post by ch00beh on May 8, 2010 15:25:01 GMT -5
Rie crossed her arms before sitting back down on her couch cushion. She put the gun inside her left forearm, just to make sure no one would take it from her.
--- Julia found herself in the main square after a while of meandering. There seemed to be some kind of commotion, though it was more of a scene where people were scrambling to look at something instead of backing away.
Curiosity got the better of her, and the doctor made her way to the edge of the crowd. She started listening more carefully to what people inside were saying.
"-you see them? I think-"
"-Lorsha, King of-"
"-summoners! Maybe we-"
"Make way!"
Despite her best efforts to not get caught in the crowd, Julia found herself pressed upon all sides by people. The sweating crowd moved as if being forced back by a small knot of important, or at least strong, types. A moment later, the doctor felt a strong hand pushing her into the crowd, and several regally dressed, tall-standing individuals made their way through the relatively large corridor. Julia watched them enter a restaurant, the Hungry Mage, and made a mental note not to get her breakfast there.
Speaking of breakfast, the doctor realized she was getting hungry. She waited patiently for the crowd to dissipate before picking a random direction to walk in. Moments later, Julia found herself in front of a cafe. She walked in and ordered a coffee and chocolate croissant before finding a small table for herself outside.
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Post by Yoshimitsu on May 13, 2010 17:11:40 GMT -5
"Sorry, I-"
"Name's Yoshimitsu," the blue haired boy quickly interrupted, following the more important group to the Hungry Mage. "You looked out of place, a bit, so I thought I'd rescue you."
Illiana was indignant, but only very slightly. She had felt out of place, trying to stay composed while essentially representing her race. The other summoners and representatives were having no problem blending in, they were used to this sort of attention. Illiana wasn't. Maybe she really did need rescuing.
"I can rescue myself," she replied, hoping that she really didn't seem the helpless. They came to a halt just outside.
"Met a new friend. Just hanging around, see if he notices us. If not, then we'll go in anyway," Yoshimitsu explained briefly, in response to Illiana's questioning look. "I still can't figure out what sort of currency to use here. I've got sterling, I've got dollars, I've got cards..."
"Lord Miko offered diamonds," Illiana suggested. Yoshimitsu pulled a face.
"Diamonds. Expensive. I'm not poor but I'm not some kind of money tree either," Yoshimitsu replied. "I've got gold, but not a lot of it. Diamonds, really?"
"He said they were useful in spells," Illiana said, trying to remember exactly what had been said. "Synthesising..? I can't remember."
"Makes sense, I guess," Yoshimitsu commented. "I mean, Araini uses all sorts of components sometimes."
"Araini?"
"Friend of mine. Mage. Kinda scary guy, really," Yoshimitsu explained. He looked among the crowds for the man he had just met, hoping he was walking towards them. Finally, he spotted Sarosin. With a quick gesture that clearly meant 'meet us inside', Yoshimitsu lead Illiana into the Hungry Mage.
~*~*~
Felix had had enough of stakeout duty. The rules and regulations and pages and pages of 'how-to' guides were all blurring into one in his mind. The fact that any recon mission required the agent to hold one advantageous position for at least an hour was completely lost. He was up too early and had a lack of caffeine and he was being shouted at by his superiors for smoking and he needed something, anything to take his mind off this ridiculous job.
The black haired man stood up and stretched, considering his choices. Staying on recon for any longer would break his brain. He could either stalk some of the powers, or find somewhere for coffee. The course of action was obvious. Cracking his knuckles and rolling his neck, the man set off through the city. There was one place that was attracting a certain amount of attention. He glanced at the name of the establishment. The Hungry Mage. No thanks. Not with a name like that. He ran his fingers through his hair and turned, choosing another direction to walk in.
It was only a brief walk to a smaller café, and he almost fell to his knees in praise. It was very quiet, all things considered. With no hesitation whatsoever, he slipped into the building and ordered himself three cups of coffee. Out of complete gratitude, he rummaged through one of his pockets and handed over a diamond the size of a fingernail. His superiors had at least equipped him to purchase essentials.
Choosing to sit outside, where he could destroy his lungs a little more, Felix picked a seat a fair distance from the door. Not many people had chosen to sit outside. A quick glance told him there was a woman, a few tables down.
The black haired man promptly lit another cigarette and leaned back in his chair.
~*~*~
Yoshimitsu, Illiana and Sarosin found themselves sat around a table within the café. Seperated from the other summoners, Illiana found herself much more at ease and able to be herself. Yoshimitsu's upbeat attitude was infectious.
She couldn't figure out the menu though.
"Oh, right, I get it," Yoshimitsu said, after a moment of looking around the room. "You've gotta stamp what you want with blood."
"Blood? That's a bit... crude," Illiana commented, controlling her disgust very well.
"Eh, might be tradition, I don't know," Yoshimitsu said fairly, shrugging. He glanced down the menu. There was quite a mix of things from what looked like every culture going. "Back home, we have some silly traditions."
"What, like wild parties on birthdays?" Illiana asked, running her finger down the menu. Nothing jumped out at her, but nothing seemed repulsive either. Maybe something simple...
"Nah, more like coming of age ceremonies. First kill when you turn fifteen," Yoshimitsu answered. He bit his thumb and stamped for a plate of chips. Once the blood had been transferred, his thumb healed up completely. The menu jumped out of his hands and folded itself into a miniature Bahamut and soared to the kitchen. "Whoa, neat."
"First kill? Are you from a town of murderers?" Illiana asked, completely shocked by the passing statement. Yoshimitsu had made it sound so casual.
"What? No, I'm a Ryuga," Yoshimitsu replied, shock flickering across his face. He clocked on almost immediately how he must have sounded. "No no nooo. Sorry, I forgot people didn't know."
"You're a what?"
"A Ryuga. Miko never tell you? Does Miko even know?" Yoshimitsu asked.
"It's... never come up," Illiana replied. Truth be told, Yoshimitsu had never come up in any conversation, as far as she knew. At least, not any that she'd been involved in.
"Oh, right. Okay, I'll make you a deal," Yoshimitsu suggested, the ghost of a smile flickering across his face. "You can ask any question about my race, and I get to ask any about yours. Sound good?"
Illiana considered it. Yoshimitsu was clearly a friend to the summoners, so there was no reason to hide anything. Anything she learned about this other race could also come in handy, just in case.
"Okay, deal," Illiana agreed.
"Great! Okay, so, I'll start. You've all got green hair, whats up with that?"
"The green colour's a kind of algae," Illiana explained. "We're all naturally fair haired, usually. The algae kind of bonds with our hair. It stays cleaner for longer, and the algae gets a place to live and we help them survive."
Yoshimitsu pulled a face, but then covered it quickly. Illiana let it slide.
"What about you? What's with the blue hair?"
"Oh, I dunno. I was constructed in a lab, long story, so I just got given whatever. Naturally blue hair," Yoshimitsu replied, shrugging again. "Ryuga's have basically any coloured hair, but a lot of us dye it to stand out more. We're all very overstated people. My turn. Miko can use Jade Magic, is that the same for all summoners?"
"I can't use Jade Magic. I was special, kind of," Illiana answered, playing with a napkin in front of her. "I was versatile. I picked up on both basic combat magic and basic healing magic, so I learned them both. I'm not as good as summoners fully trained in either, but I'm more useful sometimes. Everyone needs a bit of healing on the battle field."
"Ohh, cool. That really is handy."
"Thanks." Illiana blushed slightly. "I've never heard of the Ryuga race, where are you from?"
"Oh, we live in a dimension alongside this one. Not as simple as it sounds, they're completely different. You got ground and water and all sorts here," Yoshimitsu explained cheerfully. "There's just darkness over there. Tall rocky pillars stretching out from nothing."
"Nothing?"
"It's just black. The space goes down too far to see what's at the bottom. You'd kinda have to see it."
"Right..."
"Okay so, you're summoners. Do you have, like, I dunno, standby summons or something? For newborns and stuff?" Yoshimitsu asked. Illiana considered the question as she bit her thumb and pressed it against a pasta dish. The menu folded up into the shape of a swan and flew to the kitchen.
"Kind of. We get our summons at an early age, or I did at least. It's never really come up in conversation. Everyone has at least a basic summon though. I've got a wyvern called Gi, but Tsubota's got a giant spider."
"Huh. Giant spider..." Yoshimitsu rubbed his chin. The summoners were interesting, but kind of weird. Giant spiders?
"You said there's just darkness... Is there anything past that?"
Yoshimitsu didn't say anything for a minute. He was considering how to answer a question he didn't know the answer to.
"I don't know," he admitted finally. "I've only ever been back home a few times. You can count the hours I've been there on one hand. The Ryuga don't care much. We've got a city in the darkness that's protected, the ability to make food and water. Why bother exploring?"
Illiana noticed the pronoun. 'We'. Yoshimitsu considered himself a part of the race, even if it was just subconsciously. Did he think he wouldn't care, if he was in that position? Did he think he was just like all the others?
"Your race... what are they like?"
"Now that's a question," Yoshimitsu laughed. "Man. I want to say a lot like humans. We look like humans, we talk like humans."
"But?"
"Well, we're not. Ryugas are violent by nature, except against each other. Fiercely loyal, but short tempered and quick to judge people. The Ryuga race looks down on Earth like it's scum. Not a single invasion plan," Yoshimitsu explained, a frown forming on his face as he spoke. "Waste of time. Why bother attacking a planet that can't fight back?"
Illiana didn't reply. Did Yoshimitsu really think of himself that way?
"Still, I'd like to see that fight. The Ryuga against this planet's strongest." His grin had been restored. Illiana didn't question further, partly because their food had just arrived.
She was still curious, though.
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SV
Friendliest Member of ALL TIME
The Friendliest Member Of ALL TIME
Posts: 2,250
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Post by SV on Jun 2, 2010 15:50:40 GMT -5
The Hungry Mage, the sign above the café declared. Sarosin took off his sunglasses and glanced back up at it. It insisted that it read The Hungry Mage. Defeated, he entered the building, homing in upon his new friend and his green haired associate.
Sarosin had been aware of what to expect in the Archipelago. "There be Powers!" he was told over and over, in various degrees of ominousness. Powers, he could deal with. Powers were, however loosely, what he came to the Archipelago to find. He had the distinct and uncomfortable notion that he was no longer in the Archipelago -- damned if he knew how a bus would get off an island, though. And although Mages were decidedly Powers, they were not what he was looking for. He was certain of this.
He was certain of one other thing, too: Sarosin was certain he was dreaming.
Across the table, Yoshimitsu tore into his thumb with his teeth and wiped the digit across his menu. The thumb healed instantly. The menu folded itself up and flapped away toward the kitchen.
Sarosin had seen movies like this before. They were the kind that received dubious reviews due in part to the critics' unreasonable expectation that they make sense. When one set aside the logic-mongering voice of Reason in one's head, when one suspended disbelief and just let the movie happen, then it became an enjoyable cinematic experience.
He reached into his pocket and retrieved one of his smaller, less threatening knives, pricked his finger, and put himself down for an open-faced roast beef sandwich. And coffee. Obligingly, the menu folded itself into a crow, cawed noiselessly, and flew off.
He examined his thumb. It was unmarred. His knife was clean. It had felt like he hadn't dreamt it.
A very tiny breeze blew by their table, bringing a whiff of coffee and a very tiny deep brown cloud. There was a very tiny clap of thunder, and the cloud produced a mug that settled itself on the table before him. The cloud precipitated into it, growing lighter as the mug filled. It hovered there tentatively.
Sarosin blinked at it. "Er...one sugar. No cream. Thanks." Very tiny granules of cane sugar fell like hail into his mug, which stirred itself and steamed at him enticingly.
He sighed. Okay, he thought, and he insisted that he just go with it for now.
The coffee was delicious. He sipped it placidly as his brunchmates discussed hair algae and summons and non-human races from other dimensions.
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Post by Hamuu on Jun 10, 2010 18:09:56 GMT -5
So, this includes some autoing. I’m in a rush to get this topic moving again so the quality isn’t the best but that’s my own fault. Once the yelling match in the kitchen had died down, Sly, the other occupants, and the guests finally sat down to dinner. Mostly they ate in silence, though there were small tidbits of conversation here and there. When they had finished, Sly lead the group down into his lab, to a small frame that had a door. < This door it linked to Ricks home in Shin-Ra. It will be our transportation.> Sly activated the device and pulled open the door. On the other side was not more of Slys lab, but instead the interior of a modest home. Mia there, waving at them. “Come on in. Ricks already left but we’ll probably run into him at the opening ceremony.” Once everyone was in and the door was shut off, Mia lead them out into the city of Shin-Ra. However Merlin purposefully lagged behind before turning to Rie. “I’m going to let you out now and you’re going to try and shoot me. It’s not going to work, but I’m fairly certain you’re going to do it regardless. So, just remember that when I open the bubble.” Merlin sighed and waved his hand causing a porthole to open at the top of Ries cage. ~*~*~ Rick patted his stomach, “I love this place; we’ll have to eat here every morning of the festival.” They had finished eating and were exiting the restaurant. It was still another thirty minutes until the festival began. “Well I have to prepare for my speech,” Tor said, “Rick, I’m sure I’ll be fine with the Royal Guard. Why don’t you and you’re friends look around a bit more before making your way to the stage?” So at this point everyone is in shin-ra now. If you wanna stay with the groups – go for it, if you wanna break off from the groups and possibly have fun or do something to further your own story arc (which a few of you are already doing) then go for it as well. Remember, this a festival in which nearly all the powers and magical races of the world are represented. I’m pretty sure you can believably incorporate what ever you want.
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