GBG Session 29: The Path to Salvation

<Darkling> The flaming hand grasps at the edge of the pit, clawed fingers digging into the ice and earth, and begins pulling itself up.
<Rasia> Ein lurches forward into a defensive position ahead the Aesir, all six eyes focusing on this new foe, tail held high and stance wide.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Vier is not nearly so keen on battle, head turning to regard Drei. "Do you think we can manage after that narrow victory, Rasia?"
<Rasia> "Have to."
<Darkling> Off to the west you can see a group of three VTOLs flying towards you.
<Darkling> Another hand breachs the edge of the pit, flames spitting off into the snow.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Null Drei turns to face the south and starts moving. Looks like Loki won't be waiting around to meet Surtr.
<Rasia> "Rr? Wilhelm!"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Yggdrasil, Rasia. That's the prize here." Vier starts off as well, going after Drei. Backwards, for the time being.
<Rasia> Ein and its pilot growl, snapping their jaws at Surtr, just daring it to come out of that hole, before taking off to join the other two.
<Darkling> The VTOLs are closing in, a voice comes through on your comms. "You kids holding up well enough?" You can even hear Vaettir's devilish grin through the comm.
<Rasia> "Safe. Corrin gone."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "So far so good. Enjoying the show?"
<Darkling> "I always love fireworks." You can't tell if that's sarcasm or not. "Shall we make a hurry of getting out of here though? The fella in the pit looks awefully angry."
<Rasia> "Rrrrrr."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "They can be pretty at times. I'm ready to go."
<Darkling> The VTOLs fly ahead leading the way. "We'll get a safe distance before we get Lit aboard to treat him."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "...a good idea." Wilhelm's voice finally comes over the comms.
<Rasia> "Wilhelm!"
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "As for Surtr, we'll worry about it after we've reached Yggdrasil."
<Darkling> The ground rumbles behind you and fire spews from the pit onto the surrounding snow as a head starts to breach the edge.
<Darkling> "Roger that, let's go." The VTOLs pick up speed, heading off as fast as they can.
<Rasia> And Rasia keeps up, plodding behind.
 <Lahja_Ilvainen> Vier follows along, Lahja saluting the general direction of Surtr before her unit turns and takes off in earnest. "Sorry, whatever's left of the captain. You'll have to incinerate me later."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "I suggest picking up speed." Loki alters its AT Field to accelerate/
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Vier does as well, leaving a blue trail as it zips off.
<Darkling> Another belch of flmae can be heard in the distance, but it looks like you're almost clear.
<Darkling> "Another 100k and we'll stop."
<Rasia> "Rrrr." Clearly running away didn't put Rasia's mind at ease.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja simply hums in the plug as the gears in her head turn.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> There's a brief moment of cackling before Wilhelm's comm shuts off.
<Darkling> With what seems to be a safe distance away from Surtr, the VTOLs start a descent and are soon on the ground.
<Rasia> Ein turns about to look at the crater, lying down on its stomach.
<Darkling> You can't see much of it from here, but the sky is black overhead of it.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Very interesting. Lahja seems transfixed at that.
<Darkling> You can see Vaettir exiting the head VTOL with a few other people, looks like he brought some survivors with him.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Loki finally lands, taking a knee even as its chunks of armor continue to orbit it at a distance.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja stops looking at the sky, staring down at Vaettir and the survivors instead. She twitches in the plug.
<Darkling> Looks like he's motioning for the pilots to come out.
<Rasia> Ein ejects, reluctantly, and Rasia emerges into the cold in her armored suit, ceramic plates quickly accumulating snow and frozen LCL. Lit's kept inside.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja hesitates. Or maybe she's just daydreaming in the plug.
<Darkling> Vaettir's rushing over to her, making his way up to Rasia with a Valkyrie in tow.
<Rasia> "Inside!" The Israeli hands the big man off.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Smart. With a sigh Lahja ejects as well. She looks like an almost comical wreck with that funny hairstyle she took up, now with added LCL.
<Darkling> Vaettir and the Valkyrie, which appears to be the same one that was treating Lit for his bullet wound, Danika, head into the plug to get a look at Lit.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja trudges over toward Rasia and Vaettir, periodically glancing toward Drei. And then any other visible survivors.
<Darkling> There's a few survivors watching from the VTOL, but none venturing out into the snow.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Null Drei hunched over, finally surrendering its entry plug. The hatched opened, letting LCL flow freely as the pilot got out. To say he survived the battle unchanged would be...very wrong.
<Darkling> Vaettir pops back out from Ein's plug looking at Rasia, "Can you give me a hand..." he trails off seeing Wilhelm.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> While visable naked he didn't seem to mind it or the snow. His flesh is a uniform dark blue, blue lines tracing along his body funally forming a complete Yggdrasil that trails to his fingertips. His hair has gone from blonde to white but is still slicked back.
<Rasia> Rasia stands watch, at least until she sees the Aryan. Pulling her helmet off, she stares aghast. "Wilhelm?"
<Wilhelm_Faustus> He casually floats down to the ground, hands clasped behind his back as he surveyed their surroundings.
<Rasia> The Israeli takes off at a run toward Wilhelm, barely hampered by the heavy armor plating, her nose already turning red from the cold.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja doesn't seem impressed, or even particularly shocked. She only bothers to glance at him before turning her attentions to Vaettir.
<Darkling> "Fuck.." Vaettir  says nonchalantly, then goes back into the plug.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Even as Rasia approaches his gaze wanders to the south, then to the spear Loki still held so tightly.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I'm not anywhere near Rasia, but maybe I can help?" Lahja asks as she sticks her head into the plug, curious about the "furniture".  And Lit.
<Darkling> "Yeah, we need to get him onto the VTOL so we can treat him better. Help me haul him out."
<Rasia> Rasia's plug is very different, Lahja! There's less a 'seat' and more a 'saddle', with the controls out ahead and knee- and foot-rests towards the back of the plug. It'd make her vertical while Ein stood upright, but level when it stood on all-fours. Logical. The Israeli herself grabs at Wilhelm's cheeks, leaning up to sniff and lick the boy's cheek. "Wilhelm?"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja nods, getting into position and preparing to lift. She looks less than thrilled with the task, but tries anyway.
<Darkling> With the three of them pulling at Lit they manage to get him out of the plug and on the way to the VTOL.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "I'm not sure anymore." He runs a hand through her hair. He smells like his Aesir now, like he -is- one.
<Rasia> A tight embrace, even if it's plain to see she doesn't comprehend.
<Darkling> Lit groans a bit, his eyes fluttering open and closed as they reach the VTOL. "Alright, set him down here." Danika orders, pointing to a medical cot.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "It's good to see you free my child." He returns the hug, stroking her hair tenderly.
<Rasia> Child...? She leans back just a bit to stare into his eyes. "Not child, Rasia."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> He stares for a moment, blinking slowly. "Of course you are." He smiled, caressing her cheek. "And I will always adore you Rasia."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja grunts, moving to do her part to put Lit into position. Then she lets go of her part, maybe just a little earlier than she should have. "So... heavy..."
<Rasia> Her brows push together. But...despite the moon-markings, he seems safe, so Rasia lets it go for now. "Go see Lit, Vaettir."
<Darkling> Danika goes to work on him instantly, cutting open his shirt and checking his wounds, his vitals.. Vaettir looks back out the VTOL at Rasia and Wilhelm.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "Alright."
<Rasia> The Israeli takes his hand, leading him to join the rest, carrying her helmet in the other.
<Darkling> Vaettir watches the boy warily as they approach.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> Wilhelm seems to watch him just as warily. Once close enough he asks quietly, "Are you Heimdall?"
<Darkling> "...I'm Vaettir." He narrows his eyes.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> And Lahja watches Vaettir. Seems like she's enjoying watching his discomfort.
<Wilhelm_Faustus> ". . ." He's quiet a moment. "Of course you are, from the moon base."
<Rasia> Another concerned look from the Israeli. Something's definitely wrong with Wilhelm...
<Darkling> The hatch to the VTOL closes up stopping the cold from getting in and the Vice-Comm walking over to them. "There's no sense in getting out of your plugsuits," A glance at Wilhelm, "But let's get you warmed up and some food in you at least."
<Darkling> "Once you're feeling a bit better we'll talk about our plan."
Rasia nods quietly, squeezing the Aryan's hand.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja doesn't even bother saluting him, only offering a nod and looking on the verge of laughter. "Good to see you could eject, Wilhelm. I was worried there for a moment."
<Wilhelm_Faustus> "A pity Thor isn't here with us. Despite the fighting I like to think we were close."
<Darkling> The Vice-Comm chooses not to respond to that, tossing a towel at each of them then walking off.
<Darkling> Danika looks up at the pilots from Lit. "He's gonna be just fine, so go get some food, and I'll check you guys out after, 'kay?"
Rasia dries her head, though it's mostly a task of picking ice crystals out of her hair as they melt. The good news about Lit brings a smile to her face. The Israeli kneels down to hug the big bear of a man lightly, just to be sure, and wanders off to find food.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja takes the towel and nods to Danika. A brief drying later and she takes off after Rasia. "Tea party..."
<Darkling> ==========================
<Darkling> Fed, dried off and in warmer clothing, the piltos are still in the back of the VTOL with the survivors from Berlin. They've picked up the Aesir and are currently en-route to the South Pole.
<Darkling> The Vice-Comm and Vaettir are in discussion with Lit, who has awakened and is still being tended to by Danika.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja seems to be trying to wear a hole in the floor with her pacing.
<Wilhelm_Loki> Wilhelm is staring out the window as the scenery passes by.
<Rasia> Rasia's watching Wilhelm intently from his side, wavering between determination, scrutiny, and concern.
<Darkling> A few times they look over at Wilhelm.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Do you still feel like you'll get speared here, Wilhelm?" Lahja asks.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "We aren't concerned about the Spear, it's Heimdall and Surtr. Only one seems to exist so...we suspect we can change things before Surtr is a concern."
<Rasia> 'We'... Back to concern.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I meant the dream you had the last time we went to this place. But fair enough. Whatever happens with Heimdall and Surtr in the myths?"
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Heimdall kills us. Surtr burns the world away."
<Darkling> The VTOL hits some turbulence, jostling everyone around.
<Rasia> Reflexively, Rasia grabs for Wilhelm.
<Wilhelm_Loki> A hand on her thigh to calm her.
<Rasia> "..." And she backs off a bit, frowning. "Heimdall will lose."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja very nearly gets knocked over. She glares at nothing in particular, then moves to sit.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Well, of course. If I see a Heimdall I'll shoot him."
<Wilhelm_Loki> "We appreciate it."
<Rasia> "Stop 'we'! Wilhelm!" Her brows push together.
<Wilhelm_Loki> He looks to Rasia, quiet as he observes her for a moment. Below, Loki rumbles.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja looks to Rasia and takes a deep breath.
<Rasia> "..." The Israeli's gaze softens a bit, perhaps getting an inkling there's something she doesn't understand that everyone else does.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "...-I'm- sorry, Rasia." His expression softens too, a hand reaching out to caress her cheek. "It's hard to tell where I end and Loki begins now. Honestly we've always been the same, just different forms. We're more alike than ever now. The line is blurring."
<Rasia> Her head turns, and she bites his thumb. "...mine. My Wilhelm."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I'd like to think so, Rasia." Another deep breath.
<Darkling> "And what else do you think?" Vaettir asks, leaning down towards the pilots.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "That we need two people from this VTOL. One man and one woman."
<Rasia> "Rr?"
<Darkling> "Sticking to the prophecies eh?" He shrugs. "Doesn't bode well for you."
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Insurance."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I think if a bunch of old geezers on the moon or wherever have a leash on Wilhelm then he isn't Rasia's. He's theirs." She looks right at Rasia.
Rasia clenches her jaw, baring her teeth. A low rumble leaks out.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "At this point SEELE will be unable to force their will upon us." He looks to Vaettir for confirmation.
<Darkling> "Wilhelm's been in their pockets longer than he knows, but that doesn't mean anything right now." He looks at Rasia, then Lahja, then to Wilhelm. "But he's right."
<Rasia> "No leash."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Good to know."
<Wilhelm_Loki> "...why did they make Willow?"
<Darkling> "Willow?" He looks confused.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Freyr's child."
<Darkling> He shrugs. "You've got me little boy blue."
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Hrm."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "The mythology has nothing to say on a Willow?"
<Darkling> "As far as I know her and her mother did not make it out of the dome."
<Wilhelm_Loki> He shakes his head.
<Wilhelm_Loki> Freyr and Willow were less of a concern, but it led his thoughts to Freyja.
<Rasia> "Rr..." Rasia rocks back and forth in her seat.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "As far as you know. Then you can imagine them burning to a crisp or whatever if it makes you happy. Or interested. It's not too far off from what I'm doing right now."
<Wilhelm_Loki> Wilhelm reaches out to run a hand through Rasia's hair, watching her.
<Rasia> She clicks her teeth, looking around, but doesn't say anything.
<Wilhelm_Loki> He leans in, resting his head against the side of hers.
<Rasia> Overcoming hesitation, she turns her head and nuzzles the boy, chewing on some of his hair. "South Pole why?"
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Yggdrasil."
<Rasia> "Tree help how?"
<Wilhelm_Loki> "It's important. Two humans hide inside of it and repopulate the world after Ragnarok. In our case, its the system control."
<Rasia> "System..."
<Darkling> Vaettir looks a little uneasy at that. "He's talking about the prophecy. Surtr will burn the world and kill everything, but two survive and rebuild the new world."
<Wilhelm_Loki> "It won't come to that."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "System control for what? The Black Moon?"
<Wilhelm_Loki> "For the whole thing. Ragnarok."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I can't possibly imagine it being undefended if it's that important."
<Darkling> "There wasn't ever a reason for it to be protected."
<Rasia> "Move fast."
<Darkling> "We are. I'll leave you three alone for a bit.." He wanders off.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja salutes lazily, then smiles and closes her eyes. "Exciting, isn't it?"
<Rasia> "Exciting?"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "After all these manipulations and losses we've suffered it's entirely possible that whatever's left of the people behind it all will end up crying and maybe even slash their wrists or stare at a gun for a while." Lahja's cheeks color.
<Rasia> "...?" Rasia looks to Wilhelm for some guidance, here.
<Wilhelm_Loki> He leans over and whispers in her ear, doing his best to explain in terms she'll understand.
<Darkling> Looks like the Vice-Comm has left to go after Vaettir, leaving Lit alone with Danika. He looks to be trying to wave the pilots over.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja rises and makes her way over with a smile.
Rasia squints at nothing, clearly perturbed.
<Wilhelm_Loki> He nudges Rasia and points to Lit.
<Rasia> --ah right. Rasia hops up and jogs over, giving the big man a hug.
<Darkling> He coughs at the impact and Danika smiles. "I'll give you some privacy." She says, getting up to walk away a little bit.
<Wilhelm_Loki> Wilhelm is up, hovering a little ways back.
<Rasia> The Israeli squeezes as hard as she dares, backing off only after a bit. "Safe."
<Darkling> "Yes, thanks to you guys." He ruffles Rasia's hair.
<Rasia> A big smile. Always happy to be praised, Rasia.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "You're welcome, sir." Lahja says, suddenly going stoic.
<Darkling> "Things didn't really go as planned, did they?"
<Wilhelm_Loki> "It could be worse."
<Rasia> "...Commander."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja stares. "I'm not exactly sure what was planned, sir, but I haven't dismissed the idea that somewhere someone is stroking their ego and saying 'just as planned.'"
<Darkling> He looks to Rasia.
<Rasia> "Still alive." At least, there weren't any blood smears on Ein's arm after she took out the console... "Trouble?"
<Darkling> He ruffles her hair again and pulls her to his chest.
<Darkling> "So, want to fill me in on your plan?" He says, changing the subject.
<Rasia> Her eye automatically wanders to Wilhelm.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Alright."
<Darkling> He looks to Wilhelm, trying not to look surprised at his new style.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "I'm not sure a plan comes to mind for this situation. Access Yggdrasil before Surtr's arrival would be a best-case scenario."
<Darkling> "I guess that's as good of a plan as any considering the circumstances."
<Rasia> "If Surtr there?" Did Rasia just use a conditional?
<Darkling> "Then, you're going to have to do what you do best." A resigned sigh.
<Rasia> "..." She nods quietly.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Let's assume a worst case scenario comes up. Would trying to destroy or damage Yggdrasil be viable, or is that off the menu?"
<Darkling> "I... don't really know about that sort of thing."
<Wilhelm_Loki> He shakes his head. "If we fail, it needs to remain in one piece so that at least two people survive."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja salutes.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "I think Lit should be the male to go inside of the tree."
Rasia nods in agreement, though she clearly didn't think too hard.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "No objections. As long as the tree's entrance isn't some giant fanged mouth."
<Darkling> Lit looks a little unsure what to think of this. "Inside the tree?"
<Wilhelm_Loki> "It means survival."
<Darkling> "You're certain?"
<Wilhelm_Loki> "According to legend two humans wait inside of the tree and survive to repopulate the new world in its golden era."
<Darkling> Lit looks to Lahja, then to Rasia.
<Rasia> "Keep Lit safe."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Wilhelm's friend in the white suit didn't seem so certain. Make what you will of that. I have my reservations."
<Darkling> Danika comes over with a needle, "Sorry, he needs this." Lit looks up at her as she sticks it in his arm. "There, I'll leave you alone again."
<Wilhelm_Loki> "This is the same tree Odin hung himself from for knowledge of the Runes. This is no ordinary tree, it connects everything. It's the safest place to be."
Rasia points. "Her too?"
<Darkling> Lit's gaze is still watching her and he jerks back to Rasia. "Huh?"
<Darkling> Whatever she gave him, it looks like it was strong, his eyes are already a little glossed over.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "I wonder if Baldr will be waiting with Heimdall." He moves back to his seat. Looks like his moments of clarity are gone, Loki once more mingling with his toughts.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "A lot of people will want that safe spot, I'm sure. Just make sure you're armed and ready to fight." she says flatly as she notices the look.
Rasia eases Lit to sit back, chewing her lip. "Heimdall, Surtr, Baldr. Three prey?"
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Nah. Baldr is cool."
<Rasia> A look to Lahja.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I'm a bit lost in all this mythology stuff. Sorry."
<Darkling> Lit looks lost as well, but much more happy about it.
<Rasia> "Rr...okay." Still, two Jotunn at once...a rare combat set up.
<Darkling> Lit lurches up a bit, grabbing all three of the pilots in his big arms, bringing them all forward into a bearhug. "I love you guys..." He says cheerfully.
<Rasia> "Love Lit." How like her, to simply return the hug.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja just takes it, not looking particularly enthusiastic. "If you end up repopulating the world don't forget to warn your children about inbreeding."
<Darkling> Danika makes her way back over. "Oh, that kicked in rather fast. Sorry guys." She helps free them from Lit's embrace. "He'll need to sleep for now. I can let you know once he's awake again if you'd like?"
<Rasia> The Israeli nods, settling back down.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "If you wouldn't mind sticking -very- close to him over the next few hours or more...that'd be great. You might just become the new Ask and Embla."
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Well...Lif and Lífþrasir, actually."
<Rasia> Wilhelm gets another weird look.
<Darkling> "Er.. okay hun. I'll be sticking by him no matter what, don't you worry." She puts a pillow under Lit's head and kneels down beside him.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Tell him I'm probably alright with dying if that happens. It'll be a nice vacation."
<Darkling> "Right.." She just gives you an odd look.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "At least they've fed you well." He smiles at Rasia, palming one of her breasts.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Thumbs up. And then she's back to her seat to brood.
<Rasia> "--!" Her cheeks flush.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "I never should have let them bind you like that. At least you took Tyr's hand for it." He runs a hand through her hair before ruffling it.
<Rasia> "Bind..." She scrunches her face, reaching up to grab his hand. "Tyr?"
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Tyr."
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Tyr. I believe...you turned his head into paste."
<Rasia> Oh! ...had she really forgotten? "...Wilhelm?" She squints at him.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja gives the pair a rather strange look.
<Wilhelm_Loki> His head tilts to the side.
<Rasia> "Rrr..." She bolts forward, giving him a kiss. It worked on her, right?
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Mmnh...what were you saying?"
<Rasia> "..." She scratches at her cheek, looking to Lahja helplessly.
<Rasia> "Wilhelm..."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja stares a while longer, looking a bit hesitant. "Why don't you tell her how you feel, Wilhelm? You're good with words. And we could all die soon, so if you have anything to say..."
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Hm?"
<Rasia> "Safe. Stay safe. Stay Wilhelm." She pouts.
<Wilhelm_Loki> "Give us a moment...Lahja." He takes Rasia's hand, leading her to the other end of the cabin,
<Rasia> "..." Her face twists, but she leans in intently, clutching his hand.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "I hope it's good. At least as good as what I'd come up with in such a situation." She gives them a thumbs up. Looks like she's enjoying herself.
<Wilhelm_Loki> After some whispering between the two Wilhelm grabs Rasia's cheeks and returns the kiss given to him moments ago.
<Rasia> "Mrhf."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> Lahja closes her eyes.
<Wilhelm_Loki> He's slow to let go of her, but eventually does. "Lahja, you've been an excellent friend and I wish we'd have spent more time together doing normal things. Maybe one--" He stops, looking toward the front of the VTOL. "I can feel it from here."
<Rasia> Rasia turns her head, not used to Wilhelm sensing something before her.
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Normal things are for normal people, Wilhelm. None of us were ever very normal. Except maybe Corrin." Lahja keeps her eyes closed.
<Darkling> The Vice-Comm appears, walking up to the pilots. "We're approaching our destination."
Rasia stands, tightening her fists.
<Darkling> "We're going to have to drop you Aesir down, since the island is too small for all of us to land. The rest of the VTOLs will be making for the nearest safe landing zone to regroup and wait for us."
<Lahja_Ilvainen> "Will you be in communication with us, sir?"
<Darkling> "I'll be coming down with you, as will Vaettir, and Lit if he is able to."
<Rasia> "Rrrr. Want Lit safe."
<Darkling> "We'll keep him safe, don't worry."
<Darkling> ===========END===========