Lunar: Middleground IRC RPG Session 5
Session Start: Sat Jul 06 19:58:30 1996
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Cast Of Characters:
Hahn as "Gamemaster, Girl, Azura, Ilsi, Anor, Chief, Man"
Dragonmaster Blake as "Ebony"
Dragonmaster Lou as "Lou"
Kenshiro as "Thesian"
Iceberg as "Iceberg, Raistlin"
Ronfar as "Davis"
Nall as "Bulix"
Vecna as "Eomar"
Miko as "Miko"
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Girl: "You impress me with your resources and determination."
* Miko studies the young girl curiously, listening carefully to her
words.
* Ebony lands on Miko's shoulder. "Did you see me?!?"
* Miko looks to Ebony and smiles. "Ebony, you were wonderful!"
* Ebony looks embarrased. "Oh, well..."
* Iceberg is looking at a red-cheeks flying cat with curiosity...
* Ebony has fur, covers up blushing. "You were great too, Miko!"
Girl: "You shall inherit the responsibility of protecting Azura
until she can reclaim her sanctuary. Do not take this
responsibility lightly."
---The girl stares straight at Miko while saying these things.---
* Ebony wonders what "The Girl" has with Miko... "Hey... Who are you,
anyway?"
* Miko shyly lowers her eyes, unnerved by the girl's steady,
penetrating gaze.
Azura: "Yes, it appears I will be in your protection now. So tell me,
who are you guys? How did you end up trapped in the frontier?"
Ebony: "I just flew there."
Azura: "Well, I know why YOU were in the frontier, but how did
these humans get trapped there?"
Miko: "Azura, I just... woke up here... I'm afraid I'm completely
lost. I don't even know where this place is in relation to my
home."
Ebony: "I think these guys have something about falling out of the
sky. I never asked. Why don't you fill her in, Points?"
* Iceberg pointing to Azura, "Do you know something about Vane's
falling?"
Azura: "Vane? What's happened in Vane?"
Iceberg: "Vane fell!! Some strange force landed the flying citadel!!"
Azura: "Vane... fell? No, that's not possible. The princess can detect
the magic from our world even from here, and she still feels a
strong magic force."
* Iceberg with kind of surprise, "What? Vane fell as we are here...
We saw it!"
Azura: "Well, whatever. I know about that region of our world. If
I come with you, I'm sure we can all get you guys to wherever
you need to go. I'd like to head back to my sanctuary too. I've
been here in hiding too long."
* Miko looks up once again. "Azura, I'm not certain how we came...
but I would be honored if you would accompany us home.
---The girl stares at Miko.---
Girl: "You. What is your name?"
* Miko shrinks from her in superstitious awe... "My.. My name is
Miko."
Girl: "Miko, protect Azura. Your power is necessary to ensure her
safe return to her sanctuary. Please do not fail her."
* Ebony is on Miko's shoulder, looks at her wondering what "the girl"
is talking about...
* Miko nods to the young girl. "Of.. Of course. I promise I will...
protect her." Miko looks to Azura and smiles.
Girl: "I don't know why you travel with these companions, Miko, but
you must understand Ebony and Azura's safety is of the utmost
concern."
Ebony: "Miko's safety is important, too."
Girl: "Miko's... Miko's safety. What do you mean, Ebony? Are you
saying that for some reason Miko is incapable of defending
herself?"
Ebony: "She can defend herself... "
Azura: "I think we better get home fairly soon. I don't like the
vibes I'm getting from this whole situation."
Girl: "If you are to protect Azura, you must have whatever advantages
you can get. Azura can lead you to a vault on the ground level.
Take the items there."
* Azura seems surprised. "The... the vault? Well, if you say so!"
Ebony: "Are there any... monsters between there and here?"
* Miko continues to stare at the young girl. It appears her mind is
racing...
Iceberg: "Pricess, please, do you know something about the magic
force that landed Vane? I am worried for my master Rizmol, and
Guild premier Nash and Mia..."
Girl: "Vane... Vane is the center of magic on your world. I cannot
see much of your world from here, but I have not detected the magic
in your world being reduced or diminished."
Ebony: "Then maybe it's not gone. Maybe someone stole it!"
Girl: "I certainly hope the magic on your world has not been
disturbed."
Ebony: "Vane's power is still around... just not being used to hold
up the island.
* Iceberg cries a tear... "Just when magic was beginning to be
understood for common people... And when Vane was going to be
free-access..."
---The girl turns to Ebony.---
Girl: "You seem to know much for your young age. I suggest you hurry
back to investigate. The fate of your world's magic not only
affects you, but me as well. Speaking here will resolve nothing.
Return here from the vault and I will send you to your world."
Ebony: "We'd better get back there before anything else happens. Now
where's this vault thingy?"
Azura: "I can lead you to the vault. I've never been inside!"
Iceberg: "So, to that vault!"
---The group is magically lifted off their feet and slowly descends
down the long shaft of the tower. Azura leads the group to a
giant, rough gate made of ice. Azura tugs on the gate, making
little feline grunts of effort.---
Azura: "Er... help?"
* Ebony gestures Ice and Thesian over to help Azura, and says lowly,
"Are you alright, Miko?"
* Miko whispers to Ebony, "Ebony, I'm just a little afraid. Everything
here is so mysterious and frightening."
Ebony: "I'll protect you, Miko."
Azura: "Didn't you hear the lady?! I'm the one that needs to be
protected! Tee hee."
Ebony: "Okay... I'll protect you, too."
* Azura can't help but giggle at Ebony's bravery.
* Iceberg likes this place, so much ice around... "Well, I'll push
the gate..."
* Thesian follows Iceberg.
* Bulix walks up to the gate and gives Azura a hand.
---The massive gate slides open, revealing a bright chamber. There
appears to be several beautiful, shiny objects on a small table
of ice. There are two very small, but well-crafted swords, three
small spheres that appear to be made of shining glass, two clear
bottles of liquid, and a small, clear pendant. The group has
discovered 3 Star Lights, 2 Angel Tears, 1 Safety Pendant, 1
Guardian Edge, and 1 Bolt Edge. The swords appear almost decorative
in their small size and lack of sharpness. It all seems to shimmer
with a soft light.---
* Ebony looks around. "Another place missing out on the flying cat
clientele!"
Iceberg: "Whoa! Ice magic objects..."
* Thesian glances over at the table and stares at the stuff in
amazement.
* Miko breathes deeply and appears to regain her composure. She moves
close to Azura and watches the others as they observe the items.
* Ebony looks at the Bolt Edge. "Hey Thesian... Think you could use
this?"
* Thesian stares at the bolt edge. He can almost feel the power
emanating from it.
Ebony: "C'mon, Thesian... she wanted us to have the stuff. Quit
staring."
Azura: "Thesian, please. I want you to have anything you want from
here."
* Thesian picks up the Bolt Edge. The sword glows a faint blue as he
touches it.
* Ebony hops to the table and looks at the Guardian Edge. "Miko, think
you could use this one?"
* Miko looks suprised. "Ebony? Me? Is something wrong with the sword
I have?"
Ebony: "I have a feeling it would help your magic... Take it and see
how it feels, Miko."
Azura: "Oh, come on! Like you've never seen magic before. Take it!"
* Miko picks up the weapon and shrugs. "I don't know... Do you think
I could use this?"
Azura: "Wow. You guys really are inexperienced."
* Miko decides to keep the Guardian Edge. She looks about for
objections before continuing to study the objects with wide-eyed
wonder. "Azura, are these really magical?"
* Iceberg is guessing what magical powers they actually have...
* Ebony looks at the pendant... Wonders if it could be afixed to his
collar... He picks up the pendant in his mouth since no one else
is taking it. Ebony grins as the penant swings slightly and taps
against the collar. It seems to stick to his collar magically. "Wow,
how do I look?"
* Azura blushes at seeing Ebony.
Iceberg: "Ebony, fits with your style perfectly!"
* Miko smiles at Ebony's collar but continues to stare at Azura...
Almost as if she is hoping to be noticed by her...
* Ebony notices Miko's hopeful looks and hopes introducing them will
help. "Miko... Azura..."
* Azura glances curiously at Miko.
Miko: "Azura... I don't want to seem ungrateful or impolite, but what
is this place? Who are you, and who... is the girl who lives here
with you? Do you know?"
Azura: "Miko, I... I don't want... I can't answer that."
* Miko nods and smiles at Azura. "Thank you, Azura. I... understand."
* Iceberg is trying to see how many MP recover is the StarLight. It
really shines with magical power...
Ebony: "You're the magic man, Points. Take those Star Lights!"
* Iceberg picks a Star Light and suggests Miko and Thesian to pick
another... "Miko, Thesian, please, pick one Star Light. Your
magic needs that..."
* Azura floats away. "You guys coming? There are 2 Star Lights and 2
Angel Tears left. Take everything. I'm sure it's loaded with magic!"
* Miko picks up one of the shiny stones.
* Thesian suddenly looks around for Azura; Seeing she is safe, he
relaxes.
Ebony: "C'mon, Thesian, take this stone thingy.
* Thesian shrugs, and picks up a Star Light. "If anyone needs this
later, just let me know.
* Ebony indicates the Angel Tears. "Someone carry these other 2
things. C'mon, guys! We've got a job to do!"
Iceberg: "Ebony, no matter what for they are, take you one..."
Ebony: "Ok, fine."
* Ebony takes an Angel Tear and carries it in the mystery way of
flying cats... "Miko, you can have the last one. Then, let's get
going!"
* Miko is looking carefully at her latest rock. "Ebony, I have never
seen so many unusual stones in my life as I have in the past few
days..." Miko takes the final item.
* Thesian mumbles to himself. "Magic... I never much trusted it. Now
I'm knee deep in it . . ."
Iceberg: "Thesian, thanks for the offering!"
* Ebony returns to Miko's shoulder. "Let's get going. We've got to
get back home."
Miko: "Yes, Ebony, I want to go home."
Iceberg: "Now, where are we going? Vane, Meribia, Burg?"
Azura floats upwards. "Coming?"
Iceberg: "Azura, where you want to, Lady."
* Miko and Ebony follow Azura.
* Thesian nods, and follows.
---The group exits the chamber and floats upwards. The inside of the
shaft of this tower is incredible. The artifacts you now hold
light up the dark shaft. There is mystical piping and arcs of
runes everywhere in this massive tower.---
Ebony: "I could get used to flying with no effort..."
* Iceberg is amused for such complexity in a place not known by any
living being...
* Thesian moves up closer to Azura. "Will you get a load of this
place..."
---When you eventually reach the top, you see the girl near the red
crystal. She does not say a word while she points her left palm
outward at the group. The chamber becomes brighter and
brighter... The group has no choice but to turn their
heads...---
Thesian: "Ah..."
Ebony: "Wait...! What's your name?"
---The girl does not speak. Everyone's vision is saturated in pure
white light.---
* Miko shields her eyes with her arms.
* Ebony hides his eyes in Miko's hair. "Ack..."
* Iceberg turns his eyes white in the Shining light. "My eyes ARE as
blind. I know..."
---The light begins to fade and ebb... The light fades more... Finally,
your vision returns to normal and you all find yourselves in the
chamber in the mountain tower with the red crystal.---
Thesian: "Whew . . . what a trip!"
* Iceberg looks for Azura... "Where are we now?"
---The harsh winds heard outside are a cruel reminder of where you
are.---
* Ebony blinks and looks around. "Oh great... We're back in the
Frontier!"
Azura: "Ebony, why did you pick this place? This place sucks. You
should have been the white one or something."
Ebony: "Well, EXCUSE me!"
* Thesian is starting to think two cats in a party may be a crowd.
Iceberg: "So, this is where the Black Dragon lives..."
Azura: "Hmm... It's getting near evening. Come on, let's go. We'll
need to go far into the desert before next morning."
Ebony: "Yeah, it's too hot here."
* Miko looks very disappointed.
* Ebony wonders if there was any point to to all that since
they are back where they started... Ebony glances at Azura... and
guesses some good came of it...
* Azura notices Ebony's glance. "What are you staring at?!"
Ebony: "You tell me."
Azura: "Aren't you guys excited? I know how to bust you all out of
this joint."
* Azura sees the hole in the window wall. "Ebony! Isn't anything
sacred to you?! The black ones truly are incorrigible..."
* Thesian jumps when Azura speaks. "Huh? The black ones...?"
Ebony: "Well, we HAD to get in..."
Iceberg: Azura, is thare any door here?"
Azura: "Never mind. Let's go." Azura flaps her way out of the hole
and continues toward the giant valley."
* Thesian shakes his head and follows her.
* Iceberg begins walk where Azura is saying.
* Miko looks at Ebony and Azura, then heads out into the desolate, open
space and infinite sky from which they had come. She still looks
hopelessly lost, desperately tired, and too weary to care. "Azura,
can you really help us to leave this place?"
* Azura seems to rudely ignore many questions.
* Ebony stays with Miko, leans over and mutters, "Don't feel bad,
Miko... We'll get you home"
* Azura gives Ebony a diabolical grin. "Hmm... there's a rope....
He he... Come on Ebony! Let's go! See you guys later! Tee hee!"
* Azura flaps swiftly across the giant valley.
Thesian: "Hey, wait up!"
* Ebony calls after Azura, "Hey, I've got protecting to do!"
* Azura's mad gigglings are heard echoing through the twilight.
Ebony: "Geeze... I'm supposed to be protecting her, too... Now she's
off alone. Thesian... Watch over Miko."
* Ebony follows after Azura. "Hey! How are we supposed to protect you
if you run off?"
* Miko eyes Thesian warily...
* Thesian eyes the rope dubiously, and turns to Miko. "I don't think
I trust using another rope again!"
Iceberg: "Can't we levitate again over the valley?"
---The rope appears just as sturdy as before.---
Iceberg: "Well, let's cross this damn rope before it breaks..."
* Miko sighs and looks around for birds before climbing onto the
rope once again.
* Iceberg follows Miko, seeing Thesian with some odd face to the
rope..
* Bulix sighs, and head off after Miko and Iceberg.
Thesian: "Miko! What are you doing??"
Miko: "Thesian? Azura is on the other side!
* Thesian grumbles, "Oh, I guess you're right. We can't just leave
her there!"
Miko: "Thesian, I promised to protect her... I'm not sure why, but I
know I must do this..."
* Thesian mumbles to himself, "So did I..."
* Miko is crossing carefully.
* Thesian follows the rest of the group, and grabs the rope.
* Iceberg has a fear about loosing his chill cane in the deep
valley.
---The rope holds all of you securely.---
* Miko looks to see how far they are from the other side...
* Bulix keeps his eyes open, looking around for nothing in
particular.
* Thesian curses. "Here we go again."
* Ebony catches up to Azura.
---Ebony's slightly larger size allows him to quickly overtake Azura.
They are about halfway across the valley. The others can't hear
them.---
Azura: "Ebony, you said something very true back there. That's why
I ran off."
Ebony: "What did I say?"
Azura: "You were right about sitting around, doing nothing. We can't
just sit around being protected. We must go out and do something for
this world."
Ebony: "There's a difference between living your life and being
reckless! Last time through here, we got attacked!"
Azura: "I know, but of course danger comes with the package deal.
You don't seem to mind that."
Ebony: "Well... I do mind it... but I have something to fight
for..."
* Ebony glances back at Miko.
Azura: "It's high time I go out and make my mark. I won't benefit
from being in eternal shelter. The time has come for both of us,
Ebony."
Ebony: "What time...?"
Azura: "If we followed the Princess' orders, we'd all be sleeping
in caves for hundreds of years. Bleck!"
---Ebony and Azura arrive at the other side.---
Ebony: "Will you please tell me that the heck we are?"
Azura: "Well, the Princess has tried to tell me, but I think I'm too
little to completely understand myself. Just know that we are very,
very rare."
Ebony: "I've noticed..."
---The rest of the group eventually reaches the other side and sees
Ebony and Azura speaking with each other.---
* Miko does not approach them. She waits for them to finish their
conversation.
Iceberg: "Two Flying Cats have a lot to talk 'bout..."
* Ebony raises his voice. "Just don't run off again... We stick
together... or try to."
* Azura floats upward. "Oh, hi guys."
Iceberg: "Hi! Azura, what is our destiny now?"
* Ebony watches Azura, sighs, and returns to Miko.
Miko: "Azura, this place is so dangerous. Please be careful."
Azura: "Ewww! Did you guys know there were a bunch of dead soldiers
down there?!"
Ebony: "Yes, we killed 'em... Uh... I mean... we didn't have anything
to do with it!"
Iceberg: "We should bury the bodies after killin' 'em..."
Ebony: "Yeah, right, Points..."
Azura: "Well, it seems some of their friends have come!"
Miko: "Friends have come?"
Azura: "This is trouble. There's no room for us to... er... you guys
to go around. What are we gonna do?!"
Ebony: "We'll just have to kick their friends' butts, too!"
Azura: "They seem mighty angry. Darn!"
Iceberg: "Well, my spells are prepared and my mind ready... You,
too?"
* Ebony flutters to a position slighty in front of Miko. "I'm ready.
Azura... get behind us."
* Miko smiles at Ebony. "Ebony, you're so sweet."
Ebony: "Miko I lo... I worry about you..."
Azura: "Yep! We can defeat them, no problem! I will cheer you on
right from behind that boulder! Yep! With my skills of inspiration,
we can't lose!"
* Bulix grumbles and clenches his fists.
* Miko draws her sword reluctantly.
* Azura turns around and sticks her tail up. "Hey, GEEEEEEEK BOYS!
OVER HERE!"
Ebony: "Geeze... I thought I was bad..."
Azura: "Yep! You can just kiss our... tee hee..." Azura blushes.
* Bulix rolls his eyes _way_ into the back of his head...
Iceberg: "This cat is even crazier that the black one! I like her!"
Ebony: "Good, Ice... You can have her!"
---The soldiers come charging at the group! There are 3 soldiers in
front and 2 robed figures in back.---
Ebony: "Oh, great! Vile Grunts and Vile Apprentices. We'll... um...
Kick their butts..."
* Ebony mutters, "...just not easily..."
-----------COMBAT------------
Ebony raises a paw to the air, lashing out at Vile Grunt A!
Gash! 23 damage.
Bulix charges the enemies, attacking with rapid punches.
Critical Hit! 37 damage! Vile Grunt A is defeated!
Second attack. 11 damage.
Third attack. 12 damage.
* Ebony wonders if that means his scratch was usless since Bulix would
have killed him anyway...
Vile Grunt B lashes out at Bulix. HACK! Bulix suffers 14 damage.
Vile Grunt C hacks at Ebony.
Ebony swifly floats above the hacking axe.
* Ebony mocks, "Loooooser..."
Vile Apprentice A casts 'Illusion Litany' level 3!
Vile Grunt B and Vile Grunt C's Dodge% have increased by 12!
Vile Apprentice B casts 'Fire Arrow' level 3!
He points a cane straight at Iceberg and fires a burning
projectile!
Iceberg: "Fire!! No!!!"
Iceberg's robe is resistant to fire attack. 5 damage.
* Iceberg feels a little hot now...
Miko points a finger at Iceberg and closes her eyes...
Iceberg becomes blurry and distorted... Dodge% up by 6!
Iceberg: "Thanks Miko! You really care about me!"
* Miko doesn't acknowledge Iceberg in the heat of battle.
Iceberg points his cane and Vile Apprentice A and shouts a
strange word.
Iceberg: "~Fryo~"
A spear of ice is shot at the enemy!
33 damage. Vile Apprentice A is killed!
Ebony scratches wildly at Vile Grunt B. 2 damage.
2nd attack... Ebony misses.
* Ebony takes a second to glance back at Miko...
Bulix attacks with swift punches... 12 damage.
2nd attack... 11 damage. Vile Grunt B is defeated!
3rd attack... Critical Hit! 45 damage! Vile Grunt C is defeated!
Vile Apprentice B points a finger at Miko and spits a curse.
A fire bolt is shot straight at Miko!
Miko is burned and suffers 16 damage.
* Ebony growls, "Take him out!!"
Miko instinctively lashes out with her new weapon... 18 damage.
Iceberg casts another ice spell!
An icicle IMPALEs Vile Apprentice B.
33 damage. Vile Apprentice B is defeated! Victory!
Iceberg: "You son of Xenobia! That's for Miko and me!!!!"
* Ebony flutters around Miko in a worried manner.
* Miko is on her knees, clutching her wound.
* Bulix rubs the cut on his shoulder in mild annoyance.
* Iceberg casts Heal Litany over Miko's wound.
---Iceberg casts 'Heal Litany' level 1! Miko recovers 15 HP.---
Ebony: "Wow, thanks Iceberg!" (Ebony uses his real name...)
Iceberg: "Thanks, Ebony, I am very pleased and honored now... Sorry,
I had to have jumped between that Flame spell. My robe would have
protected both...""
* Miko looks to Iceberg and smiles, then looks weakly up at Ebony.
"Ebony, I'm tired of fighting... Tired of killing... Tired of hiding
from the sun..." She sighs heavily...
* Azura is seen by a boulder, shaking uncontrollably.
* Ebony lands on the ground in front of Miko, doesn't notice Azura.
"You aren't supposed to enjoy it Miko... but it is something that
has to be done... I realize that now... for the good of the whole
world."
* Miko looks to Ebony and then moves quickly to Azura.
* Ebony follows after Miko. "Azura?"
* Azura: "You... you... g... g..."
Miko: "Azura...? Are you all right?"
Iceberg: "Azura? What happens to you? Any curse?"
Azura: "They... you.... g... k... k... k..." She seems like she's
freezing to death.
* Miko picks up Azura and holds her close. "Azura?"
Azura: "I've never... never seen anything. I've never seen anything!
gg...g... g.."
Ebony: "Azura... I was scared my first battle, too."
---Her eyes are wide with terror.---
* Miko's face is clouded with concern. "Azura, what happened? Are...
are you all right?"
Azura: "Why... whu... how... how... what happened?"
Ebony: "We won."
* Miko tries to soothe her fears with a gentle touch.
* Azura doesn't notice Miko's touch.
Iceberg: "Azura, calm down. We're here, safe. All is all right."
Azura: "There was shouting and loud noises and bright flashes, and
Iceberg disappeared, then it got hot and I couldn't bear to watch!
What happened?!"
Ebony: "Azura... we won, and everyone is all right."
Iceberg: "Azura, do you need rest? May we stop?"
Azura: "Help me. Get me somewhere. I need to get this... sorted out.
I've never... I need somewhere to think."
Miko: "Azura, I know... We must leave here as soon as possible."
Ebony: "What about the town...? What was it called again?"
Bulix: "Marke?"
Miko: "Marke. Ilsi said Marke."
Iceberg: We should go to Ilsi's house."
Ebony: "It should be safe and comfortable... until we can get out of
the Frontier, and Azura doesn't seem in the condition to lead us out
right now."
---Azura curls up into a fetal ball.---
* Miko holds Azura close.
---The group notices the setting sun.---
Iceberg: "We ALL need some rest... Let's go before night."
Miko: "Does anyone remember how to get back to Marke?"
Ebony: "I do. C'mon."
---The group notices Marke down the steep decline. It is within
sight.---
* Ebony starts off, slowly enough to be followed.
* Miko holds Azura and follows Ebony.
* Bulix follows Ebony, Miko, and whoever else has started down..
* Iceberg continues walking towards Marke, lost in foreboding
thoughts...
Ebony: "Azura in the arms or Ilsi..."
---It is difficult to keep your footing on such a steep decline
with sliding rocks, but you can manage. Eventually you arrive at
the stone archway leading into Marke. You hear some quiet
bustling inside the village. The stalls still seem to be mildly
active. The village is mostly quiet, though.---
* Ebony looks around...
Miko: "Ebony, I'm sorry... I don't know how much you will enjoy
returning here..."
Ebony: "It's all right... After what we've been through, I can take
Ilsi... It's Azura I'm worried about..."
* Ebony starts for the aforementioned female's house.
* Miko heads to Ilsi's house. "Azura, it's okay... We'll be safe
soon."
Iceberg: "I hope Ilsi knows how to treat Azura..."
Ebony: "Ice... This is probably the first violence she's ever
seen. I had been through cruelty that prepared me. She's been on
the Blue Star."
Iceberg: "Ebony... I know... You could help her more than we ever do...
Please..."
* Ebony wonders what Iceberg hopes for him to do. "W... what can I do?"
Iceberg: "Ebony, just be by her side and tell her all about our
world..."
Ebony: "I don't know about our world..."
Iceberg: "Ebony, even she looks confident about our world, she is
still weak of mind... Ebony, your experience could be vital for
her... Teach her what you know about the danger and threat of
Lunar..."
Ebony: "Now isn't the time to be talking about my lack of
knowledge... Azura... can you hear me?"
---The group arrives at Ilsi's house.---
* Iceberg knocks the door gently...
* Ilsi opens the door once she hears the footsteps. "Oh, my. You
people... Why are you still here? And what's this? Ah... You've
been to the diamond mines again. That's where you found the
creature!"
* Miko looks to Ilsi, hoping for an invitation inside. "Ilsi, may we
come in? Please?"
Ilsi: "Why... Why have you come here? You people can go home!"
Ebony: "Lady, no time."
* Ebony flutters past Ilsi. "C'mon, she needs help."
Ilsi: "Miko seems fine, dear. What are you talking about, Puffy Puff?"
Ebony: "The other me!"
Iceberg: "Ilsi, we need your help. We have another flying cat with
us who needs help.."
* Miko moves closer so that Ilsi can see Azura. "Ilsi, please may
we bring her in?"
Anor: "Mommy! I'm sick of those dumb flying kitties! Stop bringing
them in."
Iceberg: "Please, Anor... Let us in... Azura is sick!"
* Ilsi looks at Azura. "Ah... Well, then, I suppose that is a she
isn't it? Tee hee. Yes, she does seem to be in a bit of shock."
* Miko takes that as an invitation and takes Azura inside.
Ebony: "Um... Ilsi... Can you please get something for her to
eat?"
* Ilsi takes Azura. "Let's see... what can we do for you?"
* Miko stares at Ilsi with anxious anticipation.
Iceberg: "Ilsi, do you know what is the matter with her...?"
* Ilsi stares at Azura with concern. "Let's see. What's happened
to her? An accident?"
Miko: "Ilsi, it happened while we were fighting... I didn't see
what happened to her..."
Ilsi: "I... don't know what to do. I've never seen a creature such as
her until I saw Pu... Ebony."
Miko: "Azura, are you cold? Are you hurt? Can you hear me?"
Azura: "I'm... I... I can't stop shaking. I... can't stop seeing it.
I can't... I... why did that have to happen?!"
Ebony: "Azura... bad things must happen sometimes. We don't like it
any better than you do."
Iceberg: "What do you see, Azura? What frightens you?"
Azura: "Thesian... they... they were going to harm Thesian. He could
have been hurt or he could... AHH!" (shiver)
Ebony: "Yes... He could have... We all could have."
Azura: "I saw things bleed and die... and you guys bled... and hurt
and screams and pain..."
Iceberg: "Azura, we're a party, we share adventures and fights, this
is our life We all are friends, and we all are in danger
sometimes."
Ebony: "But we watch over each other so that we all stay safe."
Iceberg: "This is what makes our frienship stronger."
Azura: "What if I were to... What if one came after me? What if one of
them saw me? What if I couldn't hide?!"
Ebony: "You take your chance... like we all do... but we would protect
you. We promised we would, and we care. It makes us friends."
* Miko looks to Azura. "Azura, I know how you feel. I'm also afraid
of everything in this place... I cannot anticipate or control
anything here, but I promise to do everything in my power to protect
you from these dangers..."
Azura: "I just need to see that you're okay. I... I... I'm getting
calm now. All of you... you're going to live? You won't die and
let them come after me?"
Ebony: "I promise not to die if I can help it."
Bulix: "Don't worry, Azura.. We don't plan on dying."
Iceberg: "Now, Ebony, you have something to teach her, those fighting
skills you have... Can you fight little Azura? Do you have any
skill?"
Azura: "Fight? I... these things. I do not even know them. The only
thing I have ever fought was the... him that stole my sanctuary. I
lost."
Ebony: "I can teach you how to fight if you wish... Or at least I can
try... for self protection."
Azura: "No. I don't want to fight. My only enemy is in my sanctuary,
and there's nothing you can teach me about him."
Iceberg: "We only fight for our lives, not for fun. We have to do
it... We have no choice...
Miko: "Azura, you have such respect for life... I understand. I
hope this place doesn't change that in either one of us..."
Azura: "Okay... I just needed to hear that and know you guys were
okay and weren't killing freaks or anything."
Iceberg: "Azura, you will be with us... So welcome to our party!
We promise you we'll beat that enemy in your sanctuary..."
Ebony: "Azura... we haven't know each other long, but I feel
responsible for you... almost like a brother."
Azura: "I know, Ebony. I think of you as a brother. No one else
could... could be so obnoxious."
* Ebony grins. "It's a tough job..."
* Miko reacts to Ebony's and Azura's conversation... She walks off
into a corner... She suddenly looks very distant and sad.
* Ebony pauses, looks across the room at Miko. "Exscuse me, Azura...
Ice... take over."
* Ebony flutters over to Miko, says quietly "Miko...?"
* Miko's head is hung low. "Ebony... When you said 'brother'... It's
just that... I... I miss my brother so much..." She looks very
sad...
Ebony: "You have... Where is he?"
Miko: "He's back in my village... I... I thought we would be back
by now. I..."
* Ebony lands on the floor, walks over to her, and puts a paw on her
leg. "Miko... you will see him again."
* Miko shakes her head and turns back to the others. "Thanks, Ebony."
She smiles.
* Ebony nods seriously. "You are welcome.."
* Azura stands up on her own four paws.
Miko: "Azura, are you feeling better then?"
Ilsi: "Well, she seems fine." (yawn) "Do you people need anything
else? Are you heading off?"
Azura: "Being here isn't doing any good. I need to see the chieftain
of this village. My knowledge combined with his can unlock the way
out of the frontier, so I've heard."
* Miko's eyes light up. "Azura, you can take us home?"
Azura: "Yep. Let's go find the chief."
Iceberg: "If you can take us home, there's no time to lose! The
chief's house is waiting us!"
* Azura walks across the ground, her paws pattering against the stone
floor. She calmly walks out the door.
* Miko is enthusiastic. She eagerly follows Azura.
* Ebony follows. "Miko... While Azura talks to the chief... Can you
tell me about your home?"
Miko: "Ebony, I hope to show it to you!"
Ebony: "I wish I remembered my home..."
* Miko says to Ebony, "Ebony, you always have a home with me...
if you wouldn't mind that..."
* Ebony smiles. "I would like that, Miko..."
Iceberg: "Ebony, if you are with us, we'll be your family..."
* Azura steadily walks down the path to the chief's house. She sits
down at the chief's door and looks to the group. "Um... could
someone knock please?"
Ebony: "Just knock... None of that "politeness will be our key" stuff."
* Miko stands behind Azura. She is wearing her hope stone around her
neck and takes it out of the folds of her Hyena Wrap so that it is
more visible.
* Ebony calls, "YOO HOO, CHIEF! We're baaaaaaaaack..."
---You hear a girl's voice from within. "It's open."---
Iceberg: "Ebony!! Where are your manners?"
Ebony: "Manners? Who needs 'em?"
Azura: "And I'm tired of your games, Ebony! I know who you are!"
* Miko waits for the others to enter before following them.
* Bulix sighs and walks in the door, seeing as no one else will go
first.
* Iceberg goes in after Bulix... "Come on"...
* Miko follows Bulix and Iceberg.
* Ebony flutters in, notices it's as much a dump as ever.
---The chief sits on a stone bench, very sad and on the verge of
crying. His granddaughter holds and caresses his hand.---
* Ebony pauses. "Hey... what's wrong?"
* Miko approaches the Chief and his granddaughter.
Iceberg: Chief! Why are you so sad? Forbalus is now dead...
* Bulix raises his eyebrow. "What is it?"
---The chief looks up and sees the group with much surprise.---
Chief: "My... what... what are you doing here? Did that tower possess
the power of Transfer?"
Ebony: "Um... long story chief... but summary, that tower ain't
getting us home."
* Miko shakes her head and asks the Chief... "Is something wrong? I
thought everything had worked out for you."
Chief: "I... I was sure that tower had Transfer powers. No I've let
down you people as well."
Ebony: "It did have transfer powers, just not to where we needed to
go."
Iceberg: "As well?, why"
Bulix: "Who else did you...?"
Chief: "What? Oh... well, I'm afraid this village isn't just the
gleeful smiles you saw this morning. Just our luck, there's some
new crisis."
* Ebony lands on a rock that seems to be serving as a table. "So
what's wrong now?
Bulix: "Can we... help, or something?"
Iceberg: "Just let us know, and we'll help."
Chief: "But I can't bore you people with our miseries. Say, who is
that new creature with you? She sure seems delightful."
* Azura looks at the chief curiously.
Ebony: "Oh, bore us. We don't mind, and that is Azura."
Bulix: "Go ahead.. I'm sure it can't be that boring."
Iceberg: "I promised to help anyone in need, so...."
* Miko is listening intently.
Chief: "Well, there is something important about this village. We are
not completely devoid of Althena's Light. Despite the fact she has
forsaken this realm, the light shining on the rest of this world
can't help but spread slightly into our realm. That is why we have
that spring in the center of the town and why we are able to grow
meager sustenance crops; However, these faint rays of Althena's Light
are a far cry from what I understand your world is like. Althena's
magic affects this region very slightly, but it what we need to even
survive on. The spring we so diligently hid from Forbalus, however,
completely dried up this afternoon after a mere half-day of giving
water. This completely devastated the people. I don't understand
it, but it feels to me as if these waves of soft, faint light are
no longer coming here."
Ebony: "No... water...?"
Bulix: Did the spring.. was it.. is it.. um.. stop.. clogged?
* Ebony sees how that could be bad. "Do you know where the source of
the water is?"
Chief: "We always depended on Althena's Light to let us survive, even
though she didn't intentionally give it to us. We merely make use of
the scattered rays of light from the rest of the world."
* Miko approaches the chief. "Chief... Sir... Perhaps this Hope Stone
can help. You said before that we only had to believe. You taught us
that things don't have to be accepted with passivity. There must be
a way to bring about a change. I... I don't know how, but there must
be a way." She smiles and clutches the tan stone. Her faith in the
object seems absolute. "Until you gave me this, I thought I had lost
all hope of going home, but now I've regained it... If it can help
you in any way, I would be more than happy to return it to you..."
---The Chief's eyes brighten for the first time upon seeing Miko.---
Chief: "Ah, Miko. Perhaps you are just who I need to see."
* Ebony wonders why everyone is always interested in Miko...
* Iceberg sees Miko's generosity with happiness... "Maybe with the
Stone and Miko's faith, we should be able to found a new spring
of water."
Ebony: "Or fix the old one.:
Chief: "It's so strange, though. I don't understand what is happening
here. It's as if the rays of Althena's life-giving magic have been
stopped at the source. If that is true, Althena help us, this region
would surely be the first to feel it's effects."
Ebony: "But the source... is Althena..."
Chief: "You are from the realm where Althena's light shines. Tell me,
what is the source of magic in your world? Has something happened
to it?"
Ebony: "Source..."
Miko: "The source..? I, I don't know what that could possibly be..."
Chief: "There... I sense some focal point where the magic of our entire
world flows... This has been disrupted, ever so slightly, but... I
don't understand these strange feelings I have. It runs in my family
line..."
* Miko looks to Iceberg. "Iceberg, didn't you say that your flying city
was a place of great magic?"
* Iceberg nods to Miko: "If Vane fell, something VERY bad has to have
happened with Lunar's magic."
Bulix: "Wasn't the source of this.. 'magic' stuff.. Althena?"
Ebony: "Althena and her dragons..."
* Ebony blinks. "Huh? What did I just say?"
Azura: "Ebony, Dragons? Where did you learn these stories? You're
funny."
Ebony: "I didn't learn it Azura... I don't know where that came from."
* Miko looks to Azura, "Yes, Ebony is always speaking of 'Dragons',
but he has not yet told me what they are..."
Ebony: "Miko, they are... I just knew it..."
Azura: "Whatever. You should be a writer, Ebony!"
Iceberg: "Vane is grounded... The dragons are dead... Really,
something is distrubing Lunar's magic..."
Ebony: "Maybe... something happened to Althena..."
Chief: "Surely you know of this focal point that I sense. Isn't
there some kind of organization or landmark in your world that all
magic flows through and is in eternal contact with? I gathered all
of our elders earlier. None of them were any help. I don't think a
problem of this magnitude can be solved from here. But until it is
solved, there's no way this village can survive for long."
* Ebony looks confused... "Vane... Althena's Tower... What the heck
am I talking about!?" Ebony flutters up and stares the chief right
in the nose. "I keep almost remembering something..." He looks
lost and confused as his memory gives him glimpses of... something,
then betrays him.
Iceberg: "Azura, could you teletransport us to Burg to talk with
Luna?"
Azura: "Transport...? Oh, yeah! Chief! You and I gotta talk. There's
some transport doohickey to the north of here. We need to use that
to get out of this dum... er... land."
Chief: "Ah, yes. There is a dark cave that goes deep into the ground.
There are strange runes and symbols at the bottom, but we've never
discovered its purpose."
Bulix: "Not _another_ cave..."
Iceberg: "Caves! You'll be happy there, Ebony!"
Ebony: "I only liked the cave under this village. The dragon talked
to me... or did it...? I'm so confused..."
* Ebony shakes his head to clear his mind. "Shouldn't we try and
help here first?"
Iceberg: "Until we solve what happens with Lunar's magic, we won't
be able to help here..."
Ebony: "Right... If we fix the magic, the water will return."
Azura: "Anyway, there's some old saying I know about how it works. It
goes something like 'the cave that links two lands will yield to the
illusion of the symbol of the starting position or something... I
don't know."
Chief: "Hmm... I've heard that cave links up somehow with some ancient
magic or something to a land of flowing waterfalls and rivers.
There are tales of this magical land where water flows in giant
streams that a man cannot leap across. We use that story to give
our children hope, but I thought those were just stories. Such a
land of water doesn't exist, does it?"
Ebony: "Yeah, it does."
Bulix: "Yes, it does... lots of water.. rivers."
* Miko looks encouraged. "Rivers? Waterfalls? That sounds like home."
Azura: "Are you nuts?! That's my home! Of course it exists!"
Ebony: "Your home?"
Chief: "All I've known is this world of sand. Sand, sand, sand as
far as you can see. Water that runs through the land? No, this
is not a land of water. When we see water, we know it is only our
senses being fooled."
* Miko is elated at the prospect of returning home, but saddened by
the misfortune of the village of Marke...
Iceberg: "We'll return to you that Hope you first gave us with the
stone.."
Azura: "We have to figure out what this 'illusion' stuff means. And
'symbols' of the two lands. Surely they mean the Frontier and my
home, Stadius."
* Azura turns to the group. "Come on! Help me out here! I'm not good
with this riddle stuff."
Ebony: "I don't know... Maybe if we see the cave we can figure it
out."
Azura: "I'm guessing since the riddle is specific about the starting
point of the transfer, we'd need something different depending on
which way we were going. The Princess brought me away, so I didn't
come here through the transfer, otherwise I'd know what we'd need.
Ebony: "'The symbol of the starting position'... Where does the cave
start?"
Iceberg: "Maybe we need some sand from the Frontier and water from
Pao?"
Ebony: "How the heck are we gonna get water? Besides, it said
'symbol'... What's the symbol for water?"
Iceberg: "Waves?"
Azura: "Symbols... Obviously we need something to activate the
transfer, but what? Land of water, Land of sand, Illusions... "
Ebony: "Water of Illusion? Maybe we should look at this "writing"
and see."
---The chief turns excitedly to Iceberg---
Chief: "Sand... Illusion... You mean the people in this land of water
use an illusion of water to get here? What do they call it? I think
you're on the right track, my boy!"
* Miko looks confused once again... She listens to the others...
* Bulix shakes his head and ignores the group, this riddle stuff way
too dificult for him.
Azura: "How did others get into the Frontier from Stadius? Using the
illusion of the symbol of the land? What's that? I thought people
used some sort of magic potion to activate the transfer from the
other side. What is it, though? Illusion... water... Do we need
something similar, but of this world?"
Ebony: "Sand of Illusion?"
Azura: "I'm not sure. What did you say about Pao, Iceberg? Pao...
Pao... yes! Didn't they have some fancy-shmancy special water
they were selling a while back?"
Iceberg: "Azura, do you know how to get some of that water?"
Ebony: "Thesian has some water from the pool that used to be here..."
Iceberg: "We have both sand and water... Is it enough?"
Chief: "Well, we don't have any "Sand of Illusion" or anything
magical like that; However, we do know that you can make a magic
powder called "Mirage Sand" by cutting up and grinding a black
diamond. People around here used to sell it as an aphrodesiac."
* Miko looks confused. "Aphro..? What's an 'aphro... desiac? Ebony?
Is it important?"
Ebony: "Um... nevermind about that word, Miko. No, it's not important
to our current mission. I'll... explain some other time."
Iceberg: "Well, no aphrodesiac... But we'll return to the mine... Or
has anyone a diamond in the town?
Ebony: "We need to find ANOTHER black diamond... Ahhh..."
---The chief turns his head down.---
Chief: "No, you won't."
---The chief removes a small black necklace.---
Chief: "This necklace is a pin that we use to activate the spring. I
guess it's useless now. It was made a long time ago, before
Forbalus, out of black diamond. If Mirage Sand is what you need to
activate the transfer from this end, then it is Mirage Sand you will
have. This is the only black diamond object anyone here was able to
hide from Forbalus"
Ebony: "You would give it to us?"
Chief: "Know this: Since I cannot use this to activate the spring,
since it's dry, I am giving you people this last object of ours.
It's useless to us now, but I hope that it can be of help to you
in finding out what has gone so terribly wrong."
Iceberg: "Chief, don't worry. We'll find how to return here with
water.."
* Ebony nods somberly. "Someday, I will repay you... Well... shouldn't
we get going?"
Chief: "Just a minute."
---The chief whispers in his grandaughter's ear. The granddaughter
runs into the back room and comes out with a strange, shining black
device.---
Chief: "This is an Opal Grinder. Opal is the only thing that can cut
through that onyx black diamond. It is actually made from refined
onyx. Only this can grind up... grind... grind up my black
diamond."
Azura: "Oh, yeah. I heard there was some jeweler in Reza that could
refine Onyx into Opal. Heard he's a crook, though. Anyway..."
* Iceberg hopes he isn't the one in Meribia... "Who is the one to
grind it up?"
* Ebony thinks about his acsessories... "Onyx into Opal..."
* Miko shakes her head slowly. "'Refined', 'Pao...', 'Reza', 'Crook'...
Ebony, I hope none of *these* words are important, either."
Ebony: "Pao and Reza are towns. Crook is a person who takes what
does not belong to him without permission. Refined... um... sorry."
* Miko smiles at Ebony and tries to remember that.
* Ebony smiles back.
---The chief inserts his necklace into the grinder hesitantly. He
turns the crank. You can tell it is extremely hard for him. A
fine, sparkling, crystal sand comes out of the other end.---
Chief: "There." "That... That is Mirage Sand. If we are... IF we
are correct about what we know about the transfer, that will activate your
passage back to... back to the land of... water."
---The word 'water' comes very sour of his mouth.---
Miko: "Chief, sir, was it always like this here? So dead and empty?
Isn't there a chance that this could be a land of water, too?"
* Azura scoops up the sand into a nice pile. "Anyone got a pouch or
something?"
Ebony: "Okay... We aren't going to argue about THIS, too. Someone take
the sand!"
* Miko takes the sand.
* Ebony flutters to Miko's shoulder.
* Miko pushes her hair out of the way, giving Ebony a nice place to
sit down.
Iceberg: "Thanks, Wise chief. We know how important was your
necklace for you..."
---The chief appears to be breaking apart.---
Chief: "I... I only wish I knew I was doing the right thing. I have
given you strangers our last asset in hopes that it will one day
help us in return. I wish you luck in whatever you plan to do."
---The chief gets up from his seat. The granddaughter follows him.---
Chief: "I'm sorry. I cannot meet you anymore today. Good bye."
* Ebony calls after the chief. "We will repay you. I promise..."
---The chief and his granddaughter are in the back room. He is heard
crying. The chief does not seem to hear anything except his
granddaughter's worried voice.---
Iceberg: "Now, we have a debt to pay. We have to be worth the Hope
they gave us..."
Ebony: "People are counting on us... Let's not let them down."
* Ebony seems to be acting more mature lately.
* Miko thinks Ebony is cute when he's acting mature.
Azura: "Gee... I sure hope we were right about that riddle. Hopefully,
there is such a thing as "Mirage... 'water' I guess, on the other
end."
* Azura doesn't think so.
Iceberg: "Azura, we're with you in this! Let's go! The sooner, the
better! Keep marching, ar!"
Azura: "Well, there's no better time to go marching around this
place than at night, even though it is uncomfortably hot."
Ebony: "Azura... Can you lead us to the cave?"
Azura: "No problem. We just nead to head straight north of this place,
hiking through the vast, hot, sweltering... ...miserable desert.
Wait a minute, this is gonna suck!"
Ebony: "Especially for us with fur..."
Azura: "Right on, brother!"
* Ebony grins... kinda likes having a sister...
* Bulix looks up, startled, and realizes that everyone is about to
leave.
---The sun is seen through the chief's window, completing it's
setting.---
* Azura flutters away.
Iceberg: "To the north, Blue Azura!"
---You hear a familiar voice shouting outside. It sounds like it's
coming from town square.---
* Miko goes outside and looks to the town square.
* Bulix walks outside, trying to figure out what's going on.
* Iceberg is wondering about the market...
---There is a man hovering over what appears to be a small sapling!
There is a tiny tree sticking out of the ground near the spring.---
Man: "Come and get it! 10 silver a piece! It'll be dead by morning
anyway! Come and get it! Special discount! 10 silver per leaf!
Come and get it!"
* Miko looks astounded at the plant and says to the man. "A... a real
plant..? In this place? What is it?"
* Iceberg looks at whatever is been sold... "What is this?"
Man: "Leaves from the spring!"
* Ebony sniffs the plant. "Hey, these healing herbs?"
Man: "Will cure any and all physical ills and does wonders for
stomach upset!"
Iceberg: "Let's buy a plant, and keep going to the cave! "One plant
please..."
---The man eyes the group with wild interest.---
Man: "10 silver a leaf! With no water, this thing will die anyway!
Buy some PLEASE! I'm desperate! This is the only thing that managed
to grow once we opened the spring. Mighty quick, too!"
Ebony: "We could use some healing things... Let's buy some... How about
one for each of us to carry? For emergencies? That would be five
leaves. What do you think, ya'll? One for each of us?"
Man: "Hey, Althena's magic is fading away from this place. Might
as well spend all your money! We're all gonna die, man!"
Ebony: "Easy for you to say. We might have other expenses."
* Miko is not carrying silver, only rocks. "Ebony, how much is the
whole plant? Can we buy the whole plant?"
Ebony: "The whole plant? At 10 silver a leaf? Sorry, Miko. We don't
have that kinda cash."
Miko: "Oh."
Man: "Yes, these little soft green beauties I call 'Purity Herbs'.
Catchy name, don't you think?"
Iceberg "Well, catchy name and everything, but we buy five and go..."
Ebony: "Pay him, Points!"
* Iceberg gives 50 S to the Man with low IQ...
---The group buys 5 'Purity Herbs'.---
* Ebony takes his leaf. "Everbody take their leaf. We need to start
off."
* Miko puts her leaf in a safe place.
* Ebony makes sure each party member has one leaf.
Azura: "Hmm... are those things yummy? I'm starved. Well, acutally,
they might by poison ivy or something. I'll pass. Come on, I'm
leading the way! Tee hee."
* Azura heads for a path leading north out of the village as the last
of the twilight disappears.
* Bulix follows.. whoever.
* Miko looks thoughtful. "Ebony, everything here is so precarious...
Water is celebrated. Seedlings are celebrated. These poor people
don't take anything for granted..."
Ebony: "Miko, we are going to try and help them."
* Ebony sighs. "These people live worse than I did in that cage..."
Iceberg: "They have no jail to escape from..."
* Miko follows Azura. "Ebony, is this village like a 'circus', then?"
Ebony: "No. The circus was lead by an evil man who caused bad stuff.
These are honest people who are living in poor conditions through
no fault of their own."
* Miko listens to Ebony, and remembers everything he is telling her.
* Ebony mutters something about circuses and words better left
muttered...
* Bulix hears the term circus, and turns around, facing Miko, walking
backwards. "Not all circuses are bad, Miko.. It's just that.. the
head of the circus Ebony was stuck in.. well, he was.. I dunno..
one of the most obnoxious, overbearing, annoying, abusive people
you'd ever meet.. circuses are for entertainment, shows.. I don't
know." Bulix shrugs, and turns back around.
---The group walks off into the vast desert.---
* Ebony yawns. "When is the last time we slept anyway?"
Miko: "Ebony, I just can't sleep in this place..."
Lou: "No idea..."
Ebony: "Hey, Wagonmaster, where ya been?"
---Azura flaps ahead of the group with a silent determination.---
Ebony: "Don't get too far ahead, Azura!"
* Miko speeds up to keep Azura in sight. "Azura, be careful!"
* Bulix sighs, and tries to keep up with Azura.
* Ebony manages to be half asleep, still maintaining his balance on
Miko's shoulder...
* Iceberg is wondering if the descendants of the owner of this
circus would be the ones on EB...
---Jean appears.---
Jean: "You bet! In fact, Giban is a descendant of that jerky
ringmaster that abused Ebony, and Bulgy is a direct descendant of
Bulix! Tee hee!"
---Jean disappears.---
Ebony: "Huh, what?"
Lou: "What the heck was that???"
* Ebony shakes his head... "Must have drifted off... Just saw some
black-haired woman..."
Miko: "Ebony, there's that girl again! Did you see her, or was that
an illusion like the Chief was talking about?"
* Iceberg now knows what is for the Mirage Sand...
* Ebony smiles at Miko. "A little quiet time at last, huh?"
* Miko says to Ebony. "Ebony, you must think I'm so selfish. I'm
saddened because I have lost all I've ever known, but you have never
even known half of the pleasures that I have. You've never known
anything but this desolation and this 'circus'. Please forgive me..."
* Bulix smacks his forehead and sighs as Miko mentions 'circus' again,
but just keeps walking.
Ebony: "Miko, I don't think you are selfish. In fact... I... I care
about you more than I've ever cared about anyone before..."
* Ebony looks at Miko... wondering what her response to his admission
would be.
Miko: "Ebony, thank you. I care about you, too... I promise you, if
you come home with me, you can be free forever. Cool, dark,
beautiful forests...Ask Azura. She seems to be from where I am."
* Miko smiles gently and meaningfully at Ebony.
* Ebony returns Miko's look, his eyes filled with an emotion new to him.
Lou: "Just wondering Bulix... Did that circus ever go to Caldor Isle?"
* Bulix turns to Lou. "Caldor Isle? Um.. I really don't know.. I
wasn't a member that long.. It might have."
Lou: "Hmm, well, I don't remember it myself.. Just curious, though."
* Bulix shrugs. "Sorry I can't help.. It might not have, Caldor Isle
was a little out of the way."
* Miko is travelling in the front where she can keep an eye on
impatient and impulsive Azura.
* Iceberg is in the back... as always... "Azura, are we far from the
cave?"
Azura: "Shh! Do you guys hear something?"
* Ebony is distracted from his Kodak moment with Miko.
Lou: "What, Azura?"
Miko "Azura?"
Azura: "I... I... thought I heard something, like some scuttling."
* Ebony cocks an ear. "I think I hear it..."
Iceberg: "Azura has a very good hearing skill..."
* Miko heightens her awareness, but this environment is strange to
her and she recognizes nothing...
* Lou prepares his weapon. "Hmm, well, I think I'm gonna be prepared,
just in case."
* Miko looks ahead for Azura. "Azura?"
Ebony: "Azura... come back here with us."
---There are three giant ants and one giant scorpion behind you!---
Ebony: "Oh no, Fire Ants and a Scorpion! Let's watch ourselves on
this one."
Miko: "Ebony...? What are those things...? They look like... bugs!"
Ebony: "They are Miko... just big, mean ones."
Lou: "Bugs? I hate bugs..."
* Miko 's heart is gripped by a wrenching, voiceless fear as she is
confronted with these hideous mutations of creatures so familiar to
her, but she is brave for poor, little Azura's sake... She looks
quickly about for Azura to ensure her safety.
* Azura calmly takes position behind Bulix, Davis, and Thesian.
* Ebony leaps from Miko's shoulder.
-------------COMBAT---------------
Ebony attacks! Ebony misses.
2nd attack. 2 damage.
Lou swipes with his saber. Critical Hit! 38 damage.
2nd attack. 9 damage. Fire Ant A is defeated.
* Lou cheers, "Yes!"
Ebony: "These things are tough..."
Fire Ant B attacks Lou! Lou is bitten for 13 damage.
Lou: "Ouch."
Fire Ant C attacks Miko! Miko is gashed for 16 damage.
* Miko shrieks.
Lou: "You okay, Miko?"
* Miko says through clenched teeth, "I... I'm fine..."
* Ebony gets angry, begins preparations for a spell.
Scorpion fires a Venom Dart at Iceberg!
Lou: "Look out, Ice!"
Hit! Iceberg suffers 7 damage...
...And cannot resist the venom. Iceberg is poisoned.
Iceberg: "Ag! Poison!!!!"
Lou: "Damn, any one know clean magic??? Have some poison balm or holy
water or something?"
Miko glares viciously at the scorpion, leaning over and pointing
both palms at the creature.
A bolt of flame leaps from Miko's hands and burns the creature.
27 damage.
* Miko collapses to her knees, shaking...
* Ebony hovers protectively near Miko.
* Miko clenches her Hope Stone superstitiously...
Iceberg holds his cane high up in the air and begins some
bizarre chants...
Iceberg: "--FRots--"
A black beam of energy flies from his cane and assaults the
scorpion. 33 damage. The scorpion is killed!
Iceberg suffers 3 points of damage from the venom in his
system.
Lou: "Okay, that does it! Next round, I have a surprise in store
for these things.."
* Lou holds his sword at an angle, as if he was preparing a special
attack...
* Ebony continues his spell, fueled by anger.
Ebony covers his eyes with his paws and lets out a
bizarre meow...
Iceberg feels a shake on his side as the ground rumbles
slightly....
A long shaft of hard stone rips through the ground,
floats upwards, then falls down, running through Fire Ant B...
7 damage.
* Ebony is disapointed at the lack of results...
Lou reels back on his feet, then charges forward and sweeps
his saber around in a huge arc!
Lou: "Eat that, Ants!"
He feels his blade rake across the forms of the fire ants...
Fire Ant B suffers 14 damage. Fire Ant C suffers 15 damage.
Lou: "Nice trick, huh, Ebony?"
Ebony: "Not too shabby, Wagonmaster. Too bad these things seem to
have a hard outer shell."
Lou: "True... Damn, I need a new sword!"
Fire Ant B gnashes at Ebony!
Ebony swiftly floats to the side of the attack.
Ebony: "Keep your pinchers away from me, you overgrown... ants!"
* Ebony thinks that insult wasn't very insulting... Must be out of
practice...
Fire Ant C charges Lou!
Lou is hit for 15 damage!
Lou: "Ouch! Umm, someone heal me here. I think I feel the Grim Reaper
knocking at my door..."
Miko grips her small sword tightly,
then swings down on Fire Ant B.
Critical Hit! Miko inflicts 33 damage on the enemy.
Fire Ant B is defeated!
Iceberg taps his cane on the ground and concentrates on the
remaining ant, staring at it sternly...
His cane glows a bright blue and fires a dart of freezing ice
at the enemy! Fire Ant has critical weakness to Ice attack.
73 damage. The ant is defeated!
Iceberg suffers 6 damage from the venom. Victory!
Iceberg: "Fire to hell!"
Lou: "Yes!"
* Ebony circles about the party. "My friends, you're all hurt..."
Lou: "What gave that away? The fact we're gushing blood?"
* Ebony thanks Althena for his high dodge rate.
Lou: "Sorry, Ebony. Just kidding."
* Ebony lands near Miko... looking at the gash, thinking it is not
cool.
Miko: "Ebony, If I just wrap it up, I think I'll be okay..."
* Miko tries to stand, but her legs are shaking too violently, so she
remains in a kneeling position...
* Iceberg casts Heal litany over Lou...
Lou: "Thanks, Ice."
---Iceberg casts Heal Litany level 1! Lou recovers 17 HP.
Iceberg's Skin is turning green.---
Iceberg: "What I should do?"
Ebony: "Ice... maybe that herb will help? 'Pure'ity herb???"
* Lou uses a purity herb on Iceberg.
---The purity herb doesn't taste like much of anything to Iceberg, but
makes you feel better quickly. The pain goes away. The poison is
cured!---
Iceberg: "Thanks Lou! Deberķamos ocuparnos de este condenado GM!!!"
Lou: "No, prob, Ice."
* Miko looks for Azura...
Ebony: "Azura?"
* Azura comes out from behind a nearby boulder. "What was *I* crying
about? Man, that was COOL!"
Ebony: "Azura... You shouldn't enjoy death and violence..."
Iceberg: "Azura has become Azurator!!! SOS!!"
Azura: "You guys are so awesome! Miko got pissed, then she hacked
that thing open, then Iceberg did the... and Ebony made the ground
go... AWESOME! GNARLY!"
* Azura spits on the insectoid carcasses.
* Ebony frets about Miko's wound.
* Miko tries to ease Ebony's concern. She is not as fragile as she
seems...
Ebony: "But, I CARE!"
Lou: "Me, too, Miko."
* Ebony stops to wonder about the fact that he worries more about Miko
than himself...
* Miko finally stands upright, her wound bandaged and no longer
bleeding.
* Ebony looks over Lou. "Are you okay...?"
Lou: "Yeah, Ice healed me a bit..."
Ebony: "How about you, Points?"
Iceberg: "I'm something less of 50%..."
Lou: "That poison didn't help, either."
Ebony: "That's not good... Maybe you should heal yourself..."
Azura: "Come on! I don't think the cave is much further."
* Azura flaps ahead of the party at a slightly higher altitude than
usual.
* Miko looks about for Ebony before following Azura.
* Iceberg follows Azura with tireness in the eyes and walks to the
cave...
---The constellations visible in the sky are quite majestic. The stars
seem particularly bright in this clouldless sky.---
Iceberg: "Is there any Althena constellation here in the sky? Blue
Star above me..."
Miko: "Ebony, the stars are so beautiful here... They remind me of all
the fireflies back home..."
* Ebony stays near Miko, keeping an eye on her. "I think I saw a
firefly... once."
Iceberg: "Someday we'll see again these stars from our houses... But
until then... *sigh*"
Lou: "So, am I the only one getting thirsty around here?"
---The footsteps sound heavy in the sand as the group plods
along...---
* Azura stops and turns around, staring at Ebony. "Man, you stink!
What did you get your paws in back there? Don't you ever wash
yourself?"
Iceberg: "Ebony, she is not your sister, but your wife!!"
Ebony: "I didn't step in anything."
Azura: "In that fight, what did you scratch? It smells like bug goo
or something."
Ebony: "I scratched an ant."
* Azura's sensitive nose twitches. "Oh well, just hang way in the
back. You're giving me a headache." Azura continues on.
Lou: "Okay, anyone know the spell of *Glade Potpourri*?"
* Miko sniffs the air, trying to smell 'bug goo'... She looks at Ebony,
shrugs, and continues onward.
* Ebony wipes bug goo off his oynx claws and smiles slightly at Azura's
back.
* Lou notices Ebony. "Hehehehehhe
Azura: "I... I... I think I see something... about 1000 yards away.
Let's head that way."
Lou: "Okay."
* Miko speeds up her pace.
* Lou follows along.
* Ebony resumes fluttering.
---Flutter flutter...---
Iceberg: "Ebony, I was a little alone in the back.."
Ebony: "I have to be in front, Ice.. to protect Miko."
Azura: "Ye... Yes! I think it's some sort of opening in the ground.
See that sand dune? Doesn't it look like some doorway leading into
it or something?
* Ebony flutters over to Azura. "Yep."
Iceberg: "Well, another cave... Hope with little or no monsters..."
Lou: "Looks like some sort of cave to me. Of course, with my luck,
it'd probably be crawling with the beasties..."
Ebony: "Just no more of those ants."
* Azura flaps ahead of the group swiftly.
* Miko aproaches the sand dune cautiously and looks into the opening.
---It is a rough stone passageway leading steeply down into the earth.
A thick cloud of steam is emerging from the opening and it's pitch
black after a about 50 yards down.---
Ebony: "So this is it?"
Azura: "Gee. I hope not! It looks all dark and hot and yucky down
there. Let's go find some other cave, Okay?"
Ebony: "It doesn't work that way, Azura..."
Iceberg: "False alarm. Go finding another cave..."
Lou: "Oh great, the dark..."
Ebony: "Ice, you got any light magic...? No more stinkin' torches."
Lou: "Hey!"
Iceberg: "I can try putting the StarLight on my Chill Cane.."
Azura: "P.U! It stinks down there, too. You guys are gonna have to
REALLY convince me you miss home before I help you in there."
Ebony: "Azura, 2 choices: Stay here... Sand... Heat...
Go home... Rivers... Trees.."
Azura: "But there's sand and heat down there, too."
Lou: "So what? Ice can cool it a bit."
Iceberg: "Lou, I am always cool..."
Ebony: "But once we get through... no more sand!"
Miko: "Azura, please... I'd do anything to get home..."
Azura: "Rivers? ..Umm... like, water and stuff?" Azura's tongue hangs
out of her mouth. Her thirst reminds you all that you've had no
water in the past two days.
Iceberg: "Azura, I'll cool you a little to avoid the heat.."
* Ebony heads slightly into the cave and lies. "It's not that bad..."
* Miko steps into the stone passageway with Ebony and peers into the
surrounding darkness...
---As soon as you enter the passageway, the sweltering heat is
nearly unbearable. Your instincts all tell you to turn around and
forget it.---
* Ebony quickly discovers flapping is too much effort with this heat,
lands on his favorite shoulder.
Miko whispers, "Ebony... It's so hot in here... but we have to keep
going..."
Azura: "I don't suppose... any of you will knock me out until we get
there, will you?"
Lou: "No. Don't worry, Az."
Iceberg: "No, we need you awake..."
* Azura looks at Iceberg. "Whatever."
Ebony: "Sorry... I'm not good at carrying people... Maybe Ice will
give you a lift... You two match colors. Ack."
Lou: "If not, my shoulder is open... for either you or Ebony"
Iceberg: "If you don't mind, Azura, I'll carry you... Choose a
shoulder..."
Azura: "Freak boy? I'd rather be carried in the mouth of an alligator
that hasn't eaten for days."
Iceberg: "Well, as you wish. The heat will make you reconsider
it.."
* Ebony snickers... then stops. "He's not that bad once you get to
know him."
Iceberg: "Thanks, Ebony... I'll remember that..."
Lou: "Is it just me, or does Azura remind anyone of Ebony.. and Nall
for that matter..."
---Azura's comment makes you all realize you've had nothing but a
bowl of slop in the past 2 days as well.---
* Iceberg realizes that he is really hungry, and no food near here...
* Ebony sighs. "How come we haven't been attacked by any trout? Or
maybe some mad pies?"
Lou: "Don't worry, Ebony. Visit me in Saith when this is over, you
got all the fish you could ever want."
Miko: "Ebony, you never lose your sense of humor, do you?"
Ebony: "It's all that keeps me going sometimes, Miko. That... and
you."
Azura: "Oh, well. Here goes nothing!"
* Azura closes her eyes and walks down the passage hesitantly.
* Miko follows Azura through the heated passageway and smiles at
Ebony.
Ebony: "Azura... Would you like to join me up here..? If Miko doesn't
mind?"
---The heat just gets worse and worse as you descend. You can't see a
darned thing and the decline appears to be getting slippier in this
thick steam.---
* Lou pants... "Oh, great... Well, I could start a barbecue!"
Ebony: "Sure, now all we need is some meat... Why is everbody looking
at me like that??"
* Lou isn't looking... Hehe.
Iceberg: "Ebony, no cat meat... Only cow..."
Lou: "... Though I do hear cat tastes like chicken, hehehe..."
Azura: "Ahh! You know... .Grr! Marke... isn't really all that bad...
We could live comfortable for quite some time there, you know."
Ebony: "Azura... they are out of water and nothing grows..."
* Ebony gets hot and slouches... is pretty much laying across Miko's
shoulder. He mutters, his tounge hanging out of his mouth, "My
kindom for sweat glands!"
* Miko carefully fans the panting Ebony with her Guardian Edge...
---The passage way seems to level off, and the decline stops; However,
Now it is pitch black and the narrow corridor walls are not there
to guide you. Even the entrance to the cave is no longer in sight.
There is nothing to guide your direction.---
Azura: "Eek! What are we going to do now? I heard the transfer
thingamabob is at the bottomest level!"
Lou: "...And I take it no one wants a torch after the last time?"
Ebony: "Ice, make with the light magic... Shirak."
---Raistlin appears.---
Raistlin: *Shirak*!
---Raistlin disappears.---
* Ebony wonders where Tanis Halfelven and the rest of the gang are...
He begins to think maybe he's hallucinating...
* Miko sits on the floor of the cave until the others move along.
Heat rises...
Lou: "Ebony, can you make a hole in the ground we can climb down or
something?"
Ebony: "Wag-- Lou... There's a stick by your foot... Light it. Just
don't put the flame near me."
Lou: "Okay."
* Lou lights the stick to make a torch.
---Lou casts Fire Arrow level 2! The stick is enflamed, creating a
medium-sized sphere of light illumination.---
Ebony: *pant* *pant* "We've GOT to hurry and get through here...
before I hyperventilate!"
Iceberg: "Quick to nowhere!"
Lou: "Well, I got the torch lit! Better now, everyone?"
* Miko looks around the cave. "Thank you, Lou."
Lou: "No prob, Miko."
Ebony: "At least it's not a bone this time...
---The group can see about 30 feet in all directions now. The cave
walls appear smooth and curvy. A wider passage leads to the
right.---
* Ebony points with a paw. "Let's go this way. I think it's the way
down."
* Miko gets up off of the cave floor and goes in the direction Ebony
indicates.
Azura: "Man, I hope we got the right cave."
Lou: "You're telling me..."
* Iceberg walks, hoping Althena guides us...
* Ebony drops into a heat induced slumber.
---The passage winds it way around several corners. Rounded
stalactites are seen on the ceiling. You can begin to hear faint
water dripping in the distance...
* Ebony dreams of water...
* Miko was beginning to weaken, but upon hearing the noise in the
distance, she looks up and says in a parched voice, "Is.. is that
water?"
Iceberg: "Water! I need some! My ice is meltin' down..."
Lou: "Listen."
Iceberg: "Isn't it a Mirage?"
* Miko moves toward the sound.
* Ebony blinks himself awake.
Miko: "Ebony, do hear that? Is it water?"
Ebony: "I... I hear it..."
Iceberg: "At least it is some liquid. Let's look for it.."
---The passage straightens out and goes for another 50 feet at a
decline, leading to a large patch of darkness on the end wall.---
Lou: "I don't like that patch of darkness..."
* Miko moves toward the patch of darkness.
* Iceberg feels revitalized as the water sounds nearer...
---As you skip down the incline to reach the end of the hall, you
notice the darkness is a dark passageway is a very steep artificial
stairwell. The steps lead down at awkward angles, appearing
dangerous.---
* Azura suddenly becomes inspired to fly. "Hee hee. Don't break your
necks!"
* Ebony thinks flying is too much effort... ever with those stairs in
the way...
* Iceberg is not noticing the passage, only thinks of water and home..
* Azura flutters down the steep stairs. "You know I've been thinkin'.
The sooner we get to that transfer thingy, the sooner we can get out
of here!"
Lou: "No kidding, Azura."
Azura: "Pretty smart, eh?"
* Iceberg agrees with Azura. "How many hours have you been thinking
that, Little Blue?"
Azura: "Hey, don't think that you're 'Big Blue' and I'm your spunky
little sidekick, okay?"
Lou: "Don't worry, Az."
Iceberg: "Azura, no problem, I'm only a medium blue..."
Ebony: "And you guys thought I was bad?"
Lou: "Hehehehe."
* Ebony points Miko in the direction of the sound. "The.. water is
down there."
* Miko hastily makes her way down the steps. "I can't take this heat
anymore..."
* Ebony waves the group to the stairs.
---The steps go down pretty deep, and the heat increases with each
step taken. It almost becomes searing...---
* Ebony mutters "Can't... take... this... hot enough to fry an egg...
hot enough to fry your dog's brain..." He is kicking in with full
fledged hallucinations, it seems. Ebony continues. "Don't lock your
dog in you car..."
---You eventually reach the bottom of the stairs.---
Lou: "Whew... Finally."
---The walls on this lower level appear somewhat darker in hue than
above. Streaks of different rock layers can be seen in the walls.
This level appears to be more open wide. There is still a single
passageway, but it is a bit wider. The soft torchlight still leaves
inky blackness not far in the distance, though. The hot steam in
the cave also obscures the torch's light.---
* Ebony giggles for no particular reason.
* Miko ties her hair back to help with the heat and looks around.
* Ebony wonders why this heat is effecting him more than Azura...
Lou: "Black fur absorbs heat. My dark hair isn't helping me much,
either..."
* Azura snaps at Ebony: "DON'T WHINE TO ME, BLACKEY! I'M FEELING THIS
WORSE THAN ANY OF YOU! AHHHH! I just don't show it, that's all.
It's tacky."
Ebony: "Blackey? Weeee, he he..!"
Lou: "Man... hehehehe. You two are too much alike."
Iceberg: "Those two are really the same kind... Even the character.."
Lou: "Yeah, Nall was like that, too. Maybe it's an inherent trait in
those flying cats."
Iceberg: "It's gen-etic, I swear!"
Ebony: "I'm just like Azul... Arazu..."
Azura: "Man alive! What is this place? Some sort of demented cat oven?
Geez..."
* Ebony giggles to himself again, his brain in the off position.
* Iceberg continues the passage down, with the chill cane helping him
in his walking...
* Lou starts slouching badly.
* Miko's throat is too parched for conversation, so she remains
virtually silent and continues onward along the passageway.
---The torch reveals a wall ahead, with the passage splitting off
into two perpindicular directions.---
Ebony: "Miko... Mikomikomikomiko..."
* Miko looks at Ebony, sweat burning her eyes.
Ebony: "You know that I love you?"
* Ebony breaks of giggling again.
Lou: "Hehehehe, great, a mushy moment."
Azura: "Ah! What are you saying that for, creep? It's ME who has to
say I love YOU first. Dummy."
Ebony: "I'm not a dunny. You're a dummy. Dummy! Dunny, dummy, dunny,
he he he..."
* Iceberg is now seeing a Goddess Althena tourist info desk in the
split...
* Lou is seeing Alex, Nall, and Luna from when he was a kid...
---You all bump into the wall during your squinty halluciations.
Now you must choose: right or left? The passages break off in
perpindicular angles from the original. Otherwise, they seem very
similar. You all begin to feel as though there is a fire near.---
* Iceberg suggests right...
Ebony: "Right is right... or is right wrong?"
Lou: "Right is okay with me."
Ebony: "Wait, wait... I know this... um... I can't rememner."
* Ebony losses his grip and starts to slide off Miko's shoulder.
* Lou catches Ebony. "You okay, Eb?"
* Ebony squints up at Lou. "You're not Miko."
Lou: "I caught you as you fell off her shoulder. Miko isn't feeling
that well either, you know."
Ebony: "Oh...? That's sad..."
* Miko is really feeling the effects of the heat... She appears weak
and leans against the wall.
* Iceberg feels like in the underground hell...
Lou: "Okay, anyone got a silver piece to flip?"
Iceberg: "I have a silver coin here... True thing..."
Ebony: "Let's just go go gogoggoggoogogggooooohehehehe..."
Miko: "Ebony... Are you feeling okay? You seem very hot."
Ebony: "Oh, sure, Miko..."
Lou: "You know... when Alex told me a story about this cave, he didn't
mention it being this hot... Something doesn't seem right."
---You hear a loud thunk as Azura drops to the ground, exhausted.---
* Lou picks up Azura. "You okay, Az?"
* Azura has passed out. Her fur is soaked from the steam.
Lou: "Poor thing... Don't worry. I'll carry her."
* Miko looks up. "Azura?"
Ebony: "Azuras, I love you, too..."
* Ebony giggles, rambles on about how he loves Miko and Azura... He
seems to have lost touch with reality.
* Miko thinks Ebony is delirious and isn't feeling so hot herself...
---The two passages beckon...---
Lou: "Um, let's get out of here before Azura gets beyond being able
to wake back up."
* Miko walks to the right and wonders if anyone will follow...
* Lou follows Miko, carrying Azura along.
Ebony: "What about memmeemmm?"
Lou: "Hop a ride on my shoulder or Miko's or whoever if you like.
Not sure if Miko's up to it, but I'm okay for now."
* Iceberg begins walking towards right... With an odd Ebony... Flying
for the way...
* Ebony finally breaks off. If he is still delusional, he's keeping
it to himself, except for panting.
* Miko invites Ebony to ride on her shoulder once again. "Ebony,
come on... This heat is doing something to us. We have to hurry."
* Ebony is too weak to reply to Miko, much less fly to her shoulder.
He says lowly, "Hold...me...Miko...?"
* Miko's mind is filled with one thought: "Water... Water... Water..."
She picks Ebony up and hastens toward the dripping.
* Ebony mutters "... do... love..." He is on the brink of passing out.
---The right passage gets narrower. The dripping sound gets louder.
The passage gets slightly darker. The walls become rougher as the
passage straightens out and leads to what appears to be a corner,
turning left. The dripping sounds very near, now. It's clear, but
very quiet.---
Iceberg: "The Spanish gets sle... zzz.."
Lou: "Almost there... We can make it..."
Iceberg: "H2O... The freeze spell on my robe is glowing vs the heat..."
---Eventually, the group approaches the corner and the torch reveals a
sparkling glass flask resting on a rock shelf! Tiny, tiny drips of
water plunk into the flask at regular intervals. The drips of water
are so tiny, the flask is barely half full. The water flask sits
near the corner, while the passage turns left.---
* Ebony has his ears twice with each water drop, but otherwise shows
no response. *Twitch*
Lou: "Great, not much water... What do we do? I'm feeling so-so...
Whoever needs it can have my share. Working with the blacksmith in
the weapon shop back in Saith helped me build a tolerance to heat."
* Miko slides down the wall to the floor and goes limp.
Lou: "Not good..."
Miko: "Ebony... I forget... Why did we come here..?"
* Ebony replies with RPG heroes' favorite line: "..."
Iceberg: "What if we mixed Miracle sand and illusion water?"
* Azura feels heavier as her dead weight sags on Lou's arm.
* Ebony chokes out, "M..ko... h..me"
Iceberg: "Lou, wake up Azura... She is the only one who knows a bit
about the cave..."
Lou: "I'll try."
* Lou gently nudges Azura. "C'mon girl, wake up... You'll be okay. We
need you... Should we give Azura a bit of water? Maybe that will help
wake her up?"
Iceberg: "Try it ,Lou... no one knows..."
Lou: "Is that ok with the rest of you?"
* Ebony nods weakly. "Ssster... wrtr..."
Lou: "Okay, looks like Ebony says it's okay. I guess it's a majority."
* Miko looks up abruptly. She looks down at Ebony. "Ebony..? Lou, give
Ebony and Azura the water."
Lou: "Okay, I will."
* Lou picks up the flask, and gives Azura a small sip before putting it
back.
Azura: "Mmm... uh... mm... Uh... whu... singeing.. heat.. burning..."
Lou: "You okay, Azura???"
Azura: "Mm... s... so... dry."
* Azura's sandpaper-dry tongue laps up a bit of the cool water...
* Lou tries to give Ebony a sip of the water as well.
* Ebony refuses to drink. He shakes his head. "Mmko wrtr..."
Lou: "Well? You two okay?"
Azura: "Pleh! Bleh! Heh heH! YUK! That stuff tastes like crap! I've
never had more bitter, minerally, yucky water ever!"
Iceberg: "At least mineral water...."
Lou: "Heheheh, well, looks like Azura's okay for now. Yep, she's
definitely okay. Sorry, Az, it's all we had. Granted, it's not
like the water from the Burg Springs, but it's better than no
water."
Azura: "This doesn't come close to the water service I get in my
sanctuary, but, I am using less elipsis points, so I must be feeling
better."
Lou: "Where's your sanctuary again, Az?"
Azura: "I can show you sometime if we just get the hell out of here!"
Lou: "I'd like to check it out Azura. Now, can you help us find that
damned exit?"
Miko: "Ebony, do you feel better?"
Lou: "Miko, Ebony won't drink."
Iceberg: "Ebony, drink a little you need that..."
* Miko tries to get Ebony to drink the water. "Ebony, please."
Ebony: "Mmko drnk..."
* Miko opens Ebony's mouth and forces some water into it.
* Ebony coughs, but swallows.
---Ebony finds the water very bitter and vile tasting.---
Miko: "Ebony?"
Ebony: "Miko, I wanted you to have mine."
Miko: "Ebony, I'm... okay. Don't worry about me..."
Ebony: "But Miko..."
Lou: "You okay, Eb? Hate to see you go after you were nice enough
to give me this ring..."
* Ebony coughs, mouth still dry, just not as bad. "I'm okay.
Lou: "Cool, Ebony. We were really worried 'bout you and Azura for a
while there."
Ebony: "Don't stop worrying yet, Lou... We're still in this cave."
Lou: "True, Ebony... Now let's blow this joint!"
Azura: "Wow... that water sure hit the spot! I feel super! I feel
rejuvenated! I feel like a million silver!"
Lou: "Glad to hear it, Azura. Hopefully we'll find the exit soon and
we'll all have all the water we want.
Azura: "Exit, huh? Well, I'm guessing we just continue down this left
passage. It sure still feels like a raging inferno in here, though!"
Lou: "No kidding, Azura."
Iceberg: "So, with two flying cats now with no thirst, let's go,
Azura..."
Azura: "Come on, you slow pokes! We've got a transfer whatchamacalit
to get to!"
* Miko moves to where the passage continues onward.
* Lou follows Azura and Miko into the passage.
* Iceberg is willing to find out where this passage leads...
Lou: "Still, anyone find it funny that there would be a flask there
in all places?
Ebony: "St-lag-tites made from water... Someone just put it where
water was dripping. Did you put it back for the next person?"
Lou: "Yep. I did, Ebony."
* Miko is still very quiet, and seems not to hear Lou's question.
* Ebony is worrying about Miko.
Lou: "Don't worry, Ebony. Miko's a tough one... She'll be okay."
* Azura flaps excitedly down the passage. Her fast pace only
discourages the heat-ravaged ones.
* Lou is one of the few that can keep up with Azura.
* Azura ends up at a large, wooden double-door, fitted into a natural
stone arch at the end of the passage. "Hmm... this is wierd."
Lou: "What's weird about it, Az? Or just the fact it's there is weird
enough?"
Azura: "Choice B."
Iceberg: "We'll push the wooden door and pass thought it..."
Lou: "Or try to push anyway. It could be locked."
Ebony: "Open 'd' door."
Lou: "Okay, let's open it then."
---The door appears old, rotten, and somewhat jammed and stuck.---
* Miko pushes weakly against the door, but it doesn't move.
Lou: "Hmm, maybe I can torch the door?"
Ebony: "Burn 'd' door."
Iceberg: "An antimatter spell...?"
Lou: "I could try prying it open with my sword."
Iceberg: "Or just pushing a little more?"
Ebony: "Acid...? hinges...?"
Lou: "Let's just nuke it with whatever we got that can eliminate it,
okay?"
* Ebony tries to use some acid on the doors hinges... and finds he
can't get any out. He coughs a few times.
Lou: "Damn. Must still be too heat ravaged..."
* Azura pushes against the door, but her light weight cannot affect
it.
* Lou inserts his sword between the door and the arch. "Let's see if
I can get enough leverage to open it."
---The door budges more with each push. Lou's saber tears away at
the grime, loosening the door. The door is *almost* open. It would
require a lot of oomph to open the door, but Lou thinks he can push
himself to do it.---
Lou: "Okay, stand back, everyone. I'm gonna charge the door."
* Lou runs back a few feet, runs towards the door, and slams his
shoulder into it.
---A loud pop is heard as the door flies open, swinging on its hinges.
The ceiling above the door begins to make an odd rumbling noise...
The entire passage begins to shake slightly. The door frame is
shaking.---
Ebony: "Uh oh."
Lou: "I don't like this. Let's get outta here!"
Iceberg: "Let's get in before it crashes!"
* Lou grabs his sword and runs through the arch.
---The passage shakes more violently...---
Lou: "Come on guys! Follow me before we get crushed!"
Ebony: "Miko, hurry!"
Lou: "Come on, Miko!"
* Miko's reactions are slowed, but she runs after Lou.
---As Miko makes it through the arch, large stones begin to fall from
the ceiling. A large pile of stones quickly collects at the foot
of the door. The passage shakes even more tenuously and the walls
that the door frame is fitted into collapse inward, creating a wall
of stone inside the door frame!---
Azura: "No! Now there's no way out! Only down... further..."
* Ebony sighs. "Trapped."
Lou: "Well, looks like we can't go out that way..."
Iceberg: "No way back, just go forward... Just where we were
headed..."
---Another steep stairwell is seen just beyond the door... It's very
dark, though. This stairwell leads even deeper down into the
earth. By now you cannot even notice the increases in heat.---
Lou "Let's just press on. Hopefully at the bottom of this stairway,
we'll find our answer."
* Miko heads weakly toward the stairway.
Iceberg: "Lou, how are our living expectatives?"
Lou: "Huh? Sorry, Ice. Didn't get that."
Iceberg: "No matter, Lou..."
Ebony: "Azura... how are you holding up?"
Miko: "Ebony... This doesn't seem natural... Shouldn't it be getting...
cooler?" Miko's voice is weak and quiet.
* Lou overhears Miko talking to Ebony. "No kidding, Miko. Plus, after
he beat Ghaleon, Alex told all of kids in Burg and Saith about
his adventures and didn't mention this insane heat in this
cave."
Ebony: "'Less source is down here... Fire... Monster?
Lou: "Don't say that, Ebony! You'll jinx us!"
Ebony: "Salamander?"
---Eventually you reach flat ground again. As soon as you land on
the third level, you see some bizarre animal things scuttling
around the floor of the cavern!---
Lou: "Doh!!!! You did it, Ebony..."
* Miko looks to the scuttling creatures, trying to make them out.
---The creatures appear to be 4 shelled crabs and a pair of familiar
giant scorpions.---
* Ebony squints. "Hermit Crab and Scorpions... We're screwed."
Lou: "Oh, great... Do we still have a few purity herbs?"
* Ebony isn't feeling at his most confident right now, but gathers
his strength for a battle. Ebony shows resolve as he flutters
under his own power.
* Miko shakes her head and tries to clear it.
Iceberg: "Approach the torch, Lou..."
Lou: "Okay, maybe this'll spook them if they come at us."
--------------YEP THEY DO! COMBAT BABY!-----------------
Lou: "I'll try to take out the scorpions first 'cause of their poison.
If you wanna use magic, gimme a hand as they are in the back line."
Ebony lashes at Hermit Crab A and slashes away at
it's... er... vocal appendage.
Hermit Crab A suffers 1 damage and is MUTED.
Lou: "Nice move, Eb. Hopefully, mine will work as well.
*Wide Slash*!"
Lou springs forward and swings around in a semicircle,
slashing the scorptions!
Scorpion A suffers 18. Scorpion B suffers 17.
Scorpion A fires a venom dart at Miko!
Lou: "Look out, Miko!"
Miko suffers 5 damage ...and resists the venom.
Scorpion B fires a venom dart at Lou!
Lou: "Oh, crap!"
* Lou tries to dodge.
Lou suffers 4 damage.
Lou cannot resist the venom. Lou is POISONED!
Lou: "Anyone have any spare purity herbs?"
Iceberg: "Me, Lou. Do you want one?"
Lou: "Umm, yeah. I kinda was poisoned."
Miko concentrates on Hermit Crab A.
A pale blue globe of light surrounds the creature,
then moves over to Miko!
Hermit Crab A suffers 14 damage. Miko recovers 14 HP.
Iceberg casts 'Ice Knife' level 3!
Iceberg: "*congel uty zogda*"
Three large, sharp chunks of ice fall on Hermit Crab A!
56 damage. Hermit Crab A is defeated!
Lou: "Go, Ice!"
Hermit Crab B bites Lou!
Lou suffers 15 damage.
Lou: "Oh, crap! I'm running out of HP here!"
Hermit Crab C attacks Miko!
Miko suffers 16 damage.
Hermit Crab D attacks Ebony!
* Ebony is too weak to dodge the blow...
Ebony suffers 12 damage.
Lou suffers 3 damage from the venom.
Lou: "Okay, I need healing."
Ebony attacks Hermit Crab B with a powerful slash! 14 damage.
Lou leaps at the enemy back row and slashes the scorpions with
a wide stroke!
Scorpion A suffers 15. Scorpion B suffers 17.
Miko casts 'Recovery Litany' level 5! Lou recovers 25 HP.
Lou: "Whew... Thanks, Miko."
Scorpion A fires a venom dart at Ebony.
Lou: "Look out, Eb!"
Ebony instinctively ducks under the stinger.
Scorpion B firest a venom dart at Iceberg!
Lou: "Watchit, Ice!"
Iceberg is hit for 8 damage.
Iceberg.... resists the poison.
Lou: "What kind of armor do you have, Ice? I've been gettin' creamed here!"
* Iceberg has a chill robe...
Ebony: "One more wide slash should take out those things, Lou."
Lou: "I hope so, Eb."
Iceberg casts 'Heal Litany' level 1! Lou recovers 16 HP.
Lou: "Thanks, Ice! I'm back at 100%!"
Iceberg: "De nada, Lou!"
* Ebony steels himself for the crab attack.
Hermit crab A attacks Ebony! The attack missed.
* Ebony thinks he pulled a wing muscle in that last dodge.
Hermit Crab B attacks Lou! Lou is hit for 15 damage.
* Lou is getting really p'd off at these monsters. "That does it!!!
I've had enough of this!!!!"
Hermit Crab C attacks Lou!
Lou quickly dashes to the side and evades the attack.
Lou suffers 6 damage from the venom.
Lou: "Hey, okay, I need some anti-poison stuff..."
* Ebony takes deep breaths...
Ebony reels his head back, then releases a thin stream of
liquid on Hermit Crab B. 22 damage.
Lou: "Go, Ebony!"
* Ebony coughs while muttering that the darn thing is still alive.
* Lou licks his chops... "OK creeps, now let's see who's really bad
here!"
Lou dashes past the crabs, and swings his blade in a wide
semicircle.
Lou: "Wide Slash!"
Scorpion A is hit for 14. Scorpion B is hit for 18.
Ebony: "They aren't dead yet?!?"
Lou: "Damn, what are these things made of?"
Scorpion A fires a poison dart at Iceberg!
Lou: "Look out, Ice!"
Iceberg is hit for 6 damage. Iceberg resists the venom.
Iceberg: "I almost feel that poison dart in my skin..."
Scorpion B fires a poison dart at Lou! Lou is hit for 3 damage.
Lou: "Ouch. I just hope that poison doesn't finish me off..."
Ebony: Lou... We NEED those scorpions gone! We've only got 1 herb left
after I use this!"
Lou: "I'm working on it, Ebony! I'm gonna keep wideslashing them until
they're dead."
* Lou wishes he had a better sword though...
Miko transfers life energy from Hermit Crab B...
Hermit Crab B suffers 14 damage and is killed!
Miko recovers 14 HP.
Lou: "Go, Miko! One down, uhh, too many to go!"
Iceberg casts 'Ice Knife' level 3!
A few large shafts of sharp ice fall on Hermit Crab C!
50 damage. Hermit Crab C is defeated!
Hermit Crab D attacks Miko!
Miko is hit for 10 damage!
Lou suffers 12 damage from the venom.
* Lou winces. "I need healing again..."
Ebony flutters swiftly over to Lou and squeezes his herb,
letting the juices run over Lou's wounds. Lou's poison is cured!
Lou dashes at the scorpions, swinging in a wide slash...
Lou: "Wide Slash!"
Scorpion A suffers 17 damage and is killed!
Scorpion B suffers 16 damage and is killed!
Lou: "Yes! Haha! How'd you like that, scorpions!!!"
Ebony: "Finally! One thingie left!"
Miko slashes hard at the remaining Hermit Crab.
Critical Hit! 16 damage.
Lou: "All right, Miko! Nice shot! Finish him, Ice!"
* Iceberg feels more confident now with the scorpions dead...
Iceberg stares at the remaining enemy,
chanting disturbing mantras...
Icenerg: "Muere de una vez!!!"
* Ebony is disturbed by Ice's mantras.
Lou: "Hey, they work real well, though."
Iceberg: "Ebony, don't worry, is the crab who has to be disturbed..."
Large daggers of ice fly from his cane and IMPALE Hermit Crab D!
(Yes, Miko. You get two 'impales' in one session!)
51 damage. Hermit Crab D is defeated! Victory!
Lou: "Yes!"
* Miko falls to the cave floor. She doesn't look as if she has the
strength to heal anyone... Let alone laugh at the weekly 'Impale'
joke...
Iceberg: "My IMPALE skills are know around Lunar world!!"
* Ebony falls to the ground, wobbles on his feet. "As if I weren't
weak BEFORE!"
* Lou taunts the remains of the monsters, as they really p'd him off
this time. "Yes! Hahaha, how'd you like that! You thought you were
all bad! I don't think so!" Lou calms down and finally stops
taunting the dead monsters. "You okay, Miko?"
* Miko looks as if she is in shock, but she looks healthy enough to
make it...
Lou: "I hope so, Miko. Sorry about that... Guess I got a bit carried
away."
* Azura comes out of hiding. "Miko! You're red! You look you just ran
50 miles!"
* Miko looks up. "A... Azura...?"
Lou: "Hi again, Az."
* Ebony walks over and starts licking one of Ice's left-over ice
pieces. He picks up a piece of ice in his mouth, carries it over to
Miko. "Mphko, hersh shom water." Ebony drops the melting piece of
ice in Miko's hand.
* Miko is shaking. She reaches out for Ebony's Ice.
Iceberg: "Well, my ice is worth a gulp."
* Ebony licks the excess water from his lips. He doesn't have any
extra siliva to lick his cut.
* Miko wonders where the Ice has been before she starts rubbing it
over her face and arms.
---The ice has crab blood on it.---
Lou: "Gross..."
* Ebony actually didn't mind the taste that much. It WAS water.
Ebony is a fan of seafood anyway
Lou: "Hehehhe. You'll LOVE Saith then, Ebony!"
Iceberg: "I like you like it Ebony!"
Azura: "Guys look! There's another stairwell down! Right there! What a
small level..."
Lou: "Cool, Azura! Everyone okay to get moving?"
* Ebony is shaking on his feet.
Azura: "I am a little... warm... uh... but I'm okay!"
Lou: "By the way, anyone care to heal me a bit? I'm feeling a bit
run down."
* Miko's voice is shaking. "Lou, I couldn't... help you if I wanted
to... I'm too weak... We have to get out of here..."
Lou: "It's okay, Miko... I understand... I think I can last if no
one poisons me anyway. I hope so..."
Ebony: "I'm so weak... I don't think I could cast a single spell..."
* Lou wishes that ring Ebony gave him did more than just look cool
right now.
* Iceberg casts heal over Lou...
Lou: "Thanks, Ice."
Iceberg: "No problem, Lou."
---You all feel as though flames are licking up against the sides of
your faces... The body heat generated by fighting is just what
you didn't need now.---
Lou: "That's an understatement!"
* Azura rests on the ground.
Lou: "You okay, Azura? Need a lift?"
* Ebony collapses.
* Lou moves to pick up Ebony. "You okay, Eb?"
Ebony: "No..."
Lou: "Need a lift?"
* Miko picks Ebony up once again. "Ebony..."
* Ebony is weak, hot, wounded, all together... not good.
Lou: "Well, looks like Miko's got you."
Azura: "The... huh... huh... the staircase! I can the smell the
transfer... thingy... puff.."
Ebony: "Then let's get to the darn thing!"
Lou: "Azura, can I give you a lift?"
Iceberg: "Go to that transfer thing now!"
Lou: "I agree. Can't leave Azura and Ebony behind, though."
* Miko moves to the staircase, carrying Ebony.
* Ebony rests his head in Miko's arms.
* Ebony says quietly, "I'm tired Miko..."
* Miko answers Ebony. "Ebony, so am I... I'm almost ready to give...
up..."
* Ebony says weakly. "Never give up, Miko... The world... needs us..."
* Lou gently picks up Azura and runs towars the stairs as well.
---The staircase leads down. You are instantly assaulted with yet
another increase of heat. If you've ever hated anything in your
life...---
Lou: "Okay, I may be used to working with a blacksmith, but this is
ridiculous!"
Iceberg: "If I had enough MP I'll would have casted another ice
spell..."
---The staircase leads down fairly straight. The torch begins to
flicker out... You can see the bottom of the stairs.---
Azura: "I... I... see it! A weird circle with a star in it!"
* Ebony mutters, "Sand..."
Lou: "Yes! We made it. Ready, everyone? Let's get outta here!"
Iceberg: "We are at the stairs... This job as hero is very hard and
very bad paid..."
* Miko would cry, but she's most likely dehydrated...
---Miko succumbs to the heat and passes out. She slumps to the
ground. Ebony can hardly walk...---
* Ebony tries to stand since Miko is in no condition to hold him.
* Lou picks up Ebony and holds him in his arms with Azura. "Don't
worry, Ebony. I got ya. Ice, can you get Miko? My hands are
full with Azura here."
Iceberg: "Miko, here's my shoul... er.. my arms to hold you... My
robe cools down a little, Miko...
* Ebony says quiely, "Lou... sand..."
---Despite his incredible will, Ebony feels unconsciousness' embrace
creep around his head. Ebony passes out.---
Ebony: "Snnd..."
Lou: "Sand??? What does he mean...? I don't like this..."
Azura: "Just a little... further... ugh.... I... puff... huh...
need Miko's ... pouch... huh... huh..."
Lou: "Come on, Ice! We're almost there! Gotta get these two out of
here..."
Iceberg: "Lou, should we use the sand?"
Lou: "Go for it... I don't think we have much to lose, Ice."
Azura: "I can do this! I just... huh... huh.... puff... need the pouch."
Lou: "Ice, give Azura the pouch!"
Iceberg: "Sand was inside Miko's pouch... Here you are, Azura..."
---The group has reached a strange circle carving on the ground. Azura
takes the sand and fills a strange triangluar ridge within the
circle with the shining sand. The torch has expired.---
* Miko mumbles deliriously in her state of unconsciousness... "M...
Mother? Is... it you? No... I... I can't come with you... yet...
I... I promised Se..." She passes out entirely.
* Ebony only mutters Miko's name.
* Lou is very concerned about everyone in the party. "Don't worry,
Miko. We'll be home soon. Azura, can you still see?"
---Lou and Iceberg see two tiny blue lights open up ahead of them
and hear strange mewlings...---
Azura: "hemmena hemmena hemmena...."
Lou: "Ice, did you see and hear that?"
Iceberg: "Lou, yep... What is these light? Blue is water..."
Lou: "I don't know. Maybe Azura does. Azura, do you know what's
going on?"
---The blackness surrounding the group begins to ripple... and lose
reality. The lights are a few inches from the ground. They are in
the shape of cat's eyes. (wink wink) The surroundings get
disorienting...---
Iceberg: "Is this a dragon?"
Lou "Ice, stay here. I'm gonna check it out."
---Iceberg and Lou become dizzy and feel compelled to sit down.---
* Lou walks towards the blue lights... until he gets dizzy and feels
compelled to sit down... "This is not good..."
* Iceberg puts Miko and Ebony to rest in the ground...
---The blackness changes to a shimmering pattern of pale light...The
light slowly recedes...---
Lou: "What was that???"
---The darkness is gradually lifted... Ebony's eyes open...
Silence. Darkness.---
* Ebony blinks.
* Iceberg is watching in amazed curiosity and astonishment...
Lou: "You okay, Ebony?"
---A sound of a chirping Robin is heard. The darkness recedes a
little more... The rustling of leaves... The feeling of grass
beneath you...Miko stirs...---
* Miko begins to awaken from her heat-induced hallucination. She
thrashes about in her semi-conscious state. "No... no..."
Ebony: "We... made... it."
Lou: "Yes!!!"
Iceberg: "Water!! Plants!!"
Lou: "Where, Ice? Where?"
Iceberg: "There's a spring near!! I smell it!"
Lou: "Great, Ice! Now we just need to get there... An Althena's
statue could be handy here now, too, though."
* Iceberg has a bit of soap near!!! Go to the spring!!
---The darkness lifts yet again... A gentle, cool breeze, caressing your
faces. A scene of unparalleled beauty... Nature... life... light...
peace... love... tranquility. Miko awakens.---
Ebony: "Love? Where?"
* Miko opens her eyes and lies still. "Ebony?"
* Ebony is still too weak to do much. M-m-miko..?
Miko: "Ebony, where am I? A... A... Are we still dreaming?"
Ebony: "Miko... We made... it..."
Lou: "I thought we'd never see this again for a bit."
---The sound of rustling leaves grows louder... louder still....
Lou: "Uh oh..."
---Then you realize it is not wind rusling, but rain. A soft, cool rain
washes over the group, soothing their burns.---
Lou: "Whew.. Rain? Yes!!! Water!!!!"
Iceberg: "I'm singing in the rain... nanananananananananana!!!"
* Lou cups his hands in the rain and drinks up.
* Ebony cries. He puts his head up and drinks in the rain.
* Miko stands up slowly and looks around in disbelief, afraid to
speak for fear that it will shatter a moment that may be only the
most fragile of dreams. She begins to cry...
---Water. Cool, clean water rains from above, filling everyone's
hearts and souls with peace and tranquility. You are home.---
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