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Otomi Reboot Again 12

trapinnosuke
Jan 5th, 2019
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  1. [2:57:02 PM CST] <Mirr> _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  2. [2:57:27 PM CST] <Mirr> [[The group finds themselves taking shelter from a massive forest fire within a magical shield after Arina's brave decision to press on in pursuit of Youko, the woman who invaded their temporary home in the desert. After nearly getting lost in the inferno and Arina discovering just how exhausting travel through a forest fire can be Nano discovered a magical shield that contained the man they...
  3. [2:57:28 PM CST] <Mirr> ...had met previously who called himself Erick, who Arina has managed to stabilize in spite of whatever terrible beating cost him his arm.]]
  4. [3:01:46 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei stands in the bubble with her hands folded. She looks out at the forest fire and watches its progress.
  5. [3:02:16 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina takes a deep breath and sits on the ground.
  6. [3:02:41 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Well, Erick is stable. We're alive. I don't know where that woman is, but... I need to rest. This has all been... quite something.
  7. [3:03:02 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Plus, my little guys need time to recharge.
  8. [3:04:58 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> A rest would be good. Running around in the middle of this fire has been quite hectic..
  9. [3:05:16 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Yes, hectic is a word...
  10. [3:07:28 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Then let us rest. As important as it is that we purse the woman of ash with all possible haste, we must assure ourselves that we may do so with the greatest possibility of success.
  11. [3:11:30 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano takes the sword from her hip and begins to examine it more closely, now that there is more time to do so.
  12. [3:14:00 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> This sword feels quite well-made. The centre of mass is just right, and it's not too heavy. I should be able to make good use of this. Arina, you said there was some magical properties to the sword as well, right?
  13. [3:18:33 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Huh? Oh, I believe it can put people to sleep once per day. I could use a nap right now...
  14. [3:18:52 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina lays down.
  15. [3:19:21 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Actually, maybe I should treat these wounds...
  16. [3:21:03 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina gets up and sorts through her belongings, retrieving her medical supplies and getting to work on herself, grumbling and wincing in pain as she treats her wounds.
  17. [3:22:12 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Oh, do either of you need repairs?
  18. [3:24:08 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Yes, Arina-sama. I was damaged in the conflict with the creatures from earlier, and I would be extremely grateful if some of that damage could be repaired.
  19. [3:24:34 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina perks up.
  20. [3:25:00 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Oh! Yes, of course! Just let me finish with myself and I'll be sure to examine you inside and out!
  21. [3:25:04 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Erm, and repair you, of course.
  22. [3:25:41 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei turns and bows to Arina.
  23. [3:26:04 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> My heartfelt thanks, Arina-sama. I eagerly await your examination and treatment.
  24. [3:27:17 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> I'm still detecting some flaws in my system, as well... Can you see if you can find anything out of the ordinary? Specifically in my shoulder.
  25. [3:28:03 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Of course, of course! I can't wait to figure out what makes you tick!
  26. [3:29:24 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Hehe. You're both so cute. I wish we had robots like you at home.
  27. [3:29:45 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina finishes tying her turnicates and stashes her medical tools. Then, withdraws the android repair tools, she turns to Nano.
  28. [3:29:57 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> You
  29. [3:30:07 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> seem to have more minor damage, so this won't take long.
  30. [3:32:24 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina examines Nano, cutting open synthetic skin and detaching armor plates to examine her internal workings.
  31. [3:33:06 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano flinches a little bit from the unfamiliar sensation of the operation.
  32. [3:33:13 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Your armor is internal? Fascniating. How advanced! And your servos are like nothing I've ever seen! Oh my, how exciting this is! Oh, I wish I could just take you apart and put you back together!
  33. [3:33:20 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Oh, apologies! Did I hurt you?
  34. [3:33:23 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...Can you feel pain?
  35. [3:35:11 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> We feel something similar to pain as an indicator of damage, although we do not usually reach levels that will incapacitate us from the feeling alone. It doesn't hurt right now, but... I'm used to being put into an inactive state during repairs.
  36. [3:36:15 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I see... Is it dreadfully unpleasant?
  37. [3:36:31 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I-I mean, I hope it isn't!
  38. [3:37:50 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano closes her eyes and shifts in place a little bit.
  39. [3:38:24 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> R-Right. Well, I'll try to make it quick.
  40. [3:38:47 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> It's fine... It just feels very strange.
  41. [3:39:22 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina blushes.
  42. [3:39:49 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> I have a strange compulsion to flee... even though I know that repairs are necessary for optimal performance.
  43. [3:39:58 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina stops curiously poking around inside Nano and assesses the damage. She ascertains the problems and gets to work with remarkable speed for someone who has never touched an android before.
  44. [3:40:01 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I can'
  45. [3:40:05 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> t repair you if you flee, silly.
  46. [3:41:11 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano closes her eyes shut even harder, as if she were trying to force herself to go into stasis and deactivate her sensors.
  47. [3:43:05 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Hmm, this goes here? No, not quite. Ah, there we go. Perfect... Is that a ten-gauge? No... ten-and-a-half? How odd. I suppose that's what this wire is for. I'd been wondering about that. How do you even get that measurement? I suppose this is just the Cartel's way of preventing counterfeits.
  48. [3:43:44 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina finishes Nano's repairs after a few minutes, then replaces the armor plating and seals her synthetic skin back up.
  49. [3:44:44 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Well, that's the best I can do out here, but you're functional! You should be able to survive more abuse, at least. I can finish the repairs when we're back home and I have time to take you apart. G...Gently, of course!
  50. [3:45:28 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano opens her eyes and pats herself down where the repairs took place, and visibly relaxes.
  51. [3:45:51 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina wipes the fluid off her gloves, then seems to think for a moment.
  52. [3:45:57 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> ..Thank you, Arina.
  53. [3:46:02 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Better to avoid cross-contamination entirely...
  54. [3:46:19 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina removes her gloves and produces a new pair.
  55. [3:46:26 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Now, Rei, are you ready?
  56. [3:46:31 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...Or Reidy? Heehee.
  57. [3:46:47 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei turns to face Arina. She bows.
  58. [3:47:00 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Yes, Arina-sama. I submit myself to your care.
  59. [3:47:24 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Aww, how precious you are! Very well, I'll get to work. One moment while I diagnose you.
  60. [3:50:50 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina places her goggles over her eyes and her hands on Rei's torso. A very light humming can be heard, and her goggles and gloves light up dimly.
  61. [3:51:20 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Oh dear. Mostly internal damage. This is going to take a little longer.
  62. [3:52:20 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> My apologies, Arina-sama. I will do my best to make injuries external in the future.
  63. [3:52:57 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Oh, don't apologize! It's my job to fix you, and I am certainly not complaining!
  64. [3:53:58 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...I am going to have to ask you to... disrobe, though./
  65. [3:54:06 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina blushes but does not turn away.
  66. [3:54:43 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Yes, Arina-sama.
  67. [3:56:10 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei takes off her apron (whose pocket clanks) and her blouse, folding them neatly as she pulls them over her shoulders, then stacking them on the ground. She stands completely topless, clad only in her skirt, petticoats, socks, and shoes. She keeps her arms at her sides.
  68. [3:58:32 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> R-Right.../
  69. [3:58:54 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina gulps, then places her hands on Rei. Her shy demeanor instantly dissolves as she gets to work, however.
  70. [3:59:22 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Let's see. According to my readings, there should be an access hatch... Ah, here.
  71. [4:01:19 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina neatly slices open Rei's chest in a cross cut and peels it away to reveal a small access hatch. Removing the outer door reveals complex machinery.
  72. [4:01:48 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Hrm. This is quite different from Nano's inner workings. How far apart were you two produced?
  73. [4:02:59 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> I beleive that N.A.N.O has been in production for a longer period than I am. I believe that I am a relatively new model, as I am still in development, and am quite unfinished in a number of regards.
  74. [4:03:33 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Interesting. What an odd development. But nothing I, genius mechanic, cannot handle!
  75. [4:03:36 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Heehee.
  76. [4:05:05 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei 's internals are more byzantine that would be expected for a simple housekeepign model; while lacking the sort of copy-protection Nano exhibited, there are a number of small parts whose purpose is not immediately clear and circuits that are present and properly wired, but not drawing any power. Many of the components seem to have little discernable purpose, particularly juxtaposed with the clear purpose of the componets
  77. [4:05:05 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> they're near.
  78. [4:05:42 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina tinkers around inside Rei's chest, being careful of the finer, more fragile mechanisms circuits.
  79. [4:05:44 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...
  80. [4:06:00 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Rei, do you know why so many of your systems are not receiving power?
  81. [4:06:45 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Arina-sama, I believe that those are auxiliary systems or special-purpose systems that activate only when necessary.
  82. [4:07:04 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Oh. Do you know what they do?
  83. [4:07:52 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano , who had been leaning over to observe Arina, possibly also in an attempt to examine Rei and compare her construction with Nano's own, averts her eyes whenever Arina reaches in.
  84. [4:14:09 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei immediately replies,
  85. [4:14:10 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Arina-sama, it is with great hesitance and regret that I must ask that I be allowed to keep that information private. While I believe I do have knowledge of the purpose of at least some of these systems, I would very much prefer not to communicate it at this point.
  86. [4:16:26 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I see... So I should keep it from Ms. Otomi and Ms. Aemara as well?
  87. [4:19:05 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Arina-sama, if you truly believe it to be in the best interests of our master and her household, then you should not hesitate to inform them. I shold greatly appreciate it if, barring such circumstance, you would condescend to keep the presence of these systems concealed for the moment.
  88. [4:19:27 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Very well. Unless the need arises, I'll keep my mouth shut.
  89. [4:21:13 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> You have my heartfelt thanks, Arina-sama.
  90. [4:21:44 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano glances back at the two of them.
  91. [4:21:57 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> Rei... you don't feel strange, or anything?
  92. [4:22:51 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Sensory input is within expected tolerances.
  93. [4:23:41 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina continues to tinker around within Rei, carefully avoiding any systems whose functions aren't readily apparent. This slows the pace of her repairs considerably, but after several minutes of experimentation and tinkering, she closes the hatch, seals Rei's skin, and sits back, wiping the sweat from her brow.
  94. [4:25:19 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Well, that was quite the ordeal. Many shorted circuits, probably from that strange lightning strike. A lot of broken internals as well from the banshee.
  95. [4:25:25 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei bows deeply.
  96. [4:25:29 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Speaking of which... what WAS that lightning strike?
  97. [4:26:07 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> You have my most sincere thanks for your attention, Arina-sama. I am confident that I will be able to pursue our quarry more effectively now.
  98. [4:27:50 PM CST] <Mirr> [[As Arina is performing maintenance on Rei she notices a strange mark on Rie's forearm near the elbow]]
  99. [4:28:26 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Hm... What's this brand? I don't recognize this as a cartel symbol...
  100. [4:29:48 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei looks moves her arm to look at the mark.
  101. [4:30:17 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano , upon hearing Rei mention the pursuit of their quarry, turns her attention back to the sword she's been holding onto this entire time. While she can only gauge the usefulness of its blade, she can't help but keep staring at the gem on the hilt as Arina finishes her inspection.
  102. [4:30:59 PM CST] <Mirr> [[The mark seems similar to one of the odd symbols you collected from the shrine]]
  103. [4:31:45 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> I cannot say, Arina-sama. I do not believe this mark was ever present before. I am unaware of whatever significance it may possess.
  104. [4:42:35 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Hmm... I have definitely seen this somewhere.
  105. [4:43:00 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Rei, Nano, can you bring out the holy symbols we got from the shrine?
  106. [4:43:07 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina produces the ones she's carrying
  107. [4:45:00 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei squats down to extract the odd and ends she has collected in her apron.
  108. [4:45:18 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano reaches into her coat and reveals a handful of the trinkets and symbols she picked up earlier.
  109. [4:45:38 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina observes the symbols, comparing each to the mark on Rei's arm.
  110. [4:49:46 PM CST] <Mirr> [[After a bit of comparison Arina finds one that looks roughly similar both the mark on Rei's arm and the symbol bear a hammer and lightning bolt in their imagery]]
  111. [4:56:12 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Oddly, Arina recognizes the symbol as one of the Empire's better represented gods: Zias. Unfortunately knowing much more than that would require a more dedicated study]]
  112. [5:04:41 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I knew I recognized it! This is the symbol of Zias, a member of the Empire's pantheon. Are all of these Empire religious symbols then?
  113. [5:05:10 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> But why are you branded with it?
  114. [5:07:50 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> When I was incapacitated by the banshee's wail, I saw a vision of a mysterious man, who told me to "know his strength" and "unleash his wrath on the low beasts that seek to bend magic to their will." It is probably that that was a vision of Zias, and I have entered into some sort of pact with him.
  115. [5:08:28 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...That can happen?
  116. [5:09:57 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> It is the best theory I can offer at this point, Arina-sama.
  117. [5:10:02 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> That must have been what the lightning bolt was then. What does the pact entail, exactly? Did you enter into it willingly?
  118. [5:13:00 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> I am unsure what the pact entails. I suppose that I am vested with magical abilities by it, but I am unsure to what I am beholden, save the two exhortations I just recited. I am unaware what repercussions may occur if I do fail to fulfil them adequately. I suppose I did enter into it willingly, by touching his outstretched hand when he offered it.
  119. [5:14:54 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...Nano did you see any of this happen?
  120. [5:15:50 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano shakes her head.
  121. [5:16:30 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> My attention was focused on the banshee and the guards.
  122. [5:17:28 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Odd. Do androids have souls that gods can interact with?
  123. [5:17:38 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> The encounter took place somewhere I did not recognize. There is a strong possibility that it did not take place at any physical location.
  124. [5:17:47 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> That would be my surmise, Arina-sama.
  125. [5:17:51 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina shakes her head.
  126. [5:18:03 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Nevermind.
  127. [5:18:52 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> The real question is, what powers has Zeis bestowed upon you?
  128. [5:21:16 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> I am now able to control fog, wind, and lightning to some extent, alongside other minor magical abilities.
  129. [5:22:23 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Wow. That's quite something! I've never heard of an android using magic, though clearly it isn't out of the question.
  130. [5:24:06 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> Your encounter with Zias sounds somewhat similar to what I experienced when we first encountered that large crystal.... but I was unable to see anything at all back then, and I don't seem to have obtained anything magical from it.
  131. [5:24:26 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina shivers.
  132. [5:24:35 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Anything you might have obtained from that would only have been evil.
  133. [5:24:47 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Now that our repairs are complete, Arina-sama, shall we continue our pursuit, or do you require additional time to rest?
  134. [5:25:33 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> No, I... should be fine to continue.
  135. [5:25:44 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> What about Erick though? We can't leave him here, can we?
  136. [5:26:14 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> I see this as a potential option, Arina-sama.
  137. [5:27:01 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina frowns.
  138. [5:27:06 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> But...
  139. [5:28:32 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> We sort of owe him for helping us attack that shrine back then, don't we? Especially since we got something out of it.
  140. [5:29:07 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano flourishes the sword she's been holding on to since they entered the bubble.
  141. [5:29:50 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> We entered into that agreement mutually, Arina-sama. We have fulfilled the bargain we entered into.
  142. [5:31:42 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> We can't take him with us... But where do we even go from here? We didn't exactly have much of a lead, and it's probably gone cold by now... forest fire notwithstanding.
  143. [5:32:33 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> Well, there was that strange structure I saw nearby.
  144. [5:32:45 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Flourishing the blade, Nano feels a strange connection to it, it was so subtle that she hadn't even noticed while resting with it.]]
  145. [5:35:03 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> I agree that the woman of ash has such a significant lead at this point that there is little we could do to follow her trail. I would propose that we continue our previous strategy, and continue to follow the path that we were following earlier. It may behoove us to examine the structure simply because it is the only man-made thing nearby, and may contain some clue as to her next possible location.
  146. [5:35:46 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I suppose the mission takes precedence. We can come back for him once we've examined the structure, right?
  147. [5:36:26 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> That option remains open to us, Arina-sama.
  148. [5:37:16 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina sighs.
  149. [5:37:31 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Very well. He should survive that long without us at least.
  150. [5:37:56 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> If not, he's better now than he was before, and the shield is still holding strong around him. I think most other threats have evacuated due to the fire, as well.
  151. [5:38:42 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano continues twirling the sword in her hand as she speaks. It almost seems as if the gem on the hilt shines more brightly as the sword spins, creating a swirling trail as it dances through the air.
  152. [5:39:07 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> I may be starting to understand the secret of this sword, as well....
  153. [5:39:36 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Hm. Well, a god made a pact with an android. I suppose after that, it's no surprise that an android should attune to a magical item.
  154. [5:40:07 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Maybe androids do have souls... although that calls into question the Cartel's production methods. I hope I can learn more about that one day...
  155. [5:40:17 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Shall we continue, then, Arina-sama?
  156. [5:40:33 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Yes, let's.
  157. [5:41:31 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei bends down to pick up her clothes, and shucks on her blouse and apron.
  158. [5:41:40 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Very well. Let us continue.
  159. [5:42:43 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> I'll lead the way, again. It wasn't too far from here.
  160. [5:43:43 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Forward, N.A.N.O.
  161. [5:43:59 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano holsters the sword at her side and leaves the protective bubble, heading towards the other structure she saw previously.
  162. [5:44:57 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Oh, one moment.
  163. [5:47:51 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina steps back toward the center of the shield, fiddling with her pack. A slight whirring sound can be heard, and one of the halfdome bots begins to glow. After a minute of glowing, Arina detaches the robot from her pack and tosses it above herself where it hovers and deploys its shield.
  164. [5:53:26 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Right, NOW I'm ready. Let's go.
  165. [5:53:44 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> After you, Arina-sama.
  166. [5:58:19 PM CST] <Mirr> [[With Nano leading the way it takes almost no time at all to get to the odd doorway that seems to lead to another place altogether. Although the heat is entirely unbearable standing in front of what seems to be a hole in the world has a rather ominous threatening feel almost comparable to the flames that surround the group.]]
  167. [6:01:34 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei waits behind Arina for Nano to pass through.
  168. [6:02:03 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I don't like this...
  169. [6:02:12 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> M-Maybe we should go back and tell Otomi.
  170. [6:03:33 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> With the way our jobs have been up to this point, it's highly likely that she would have us investigate it anyway.
  171. [6:04:09 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> If your discomfort is sufficient, Arina-sama, then we can abandon our search once more and retreat to the mansion. But I think that N.A.N.O is right in believing that we will be unable to avoid exploring this new place indefinitely.
  172. [6:05:07 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina sighs.
  173. [6:05:17 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Fine. Can one of you open the door, please?
  174. [6:05:40 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> Right.
  175. [6:07:05 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano takes another step towards the door and places both hands on it, pushing it open.
  176. [6:12:57 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Pushing the door opens reveals a strange sight, it appears to be a sheer, flat cliff...but something seems wrong about it, somehow off. It's almost as if you're seeing it wrong. As Nano stares it almost seems to shift to flat ground; a vast, flat, grey waste that stretches on a great distance, far in the distance Nano can see what appears to be a wall with the same dull grey as the earth...
  177. [6:12:58 PM CST] <Mirr> ...surrounding it. To see it from this distance must mean it's quite large and the even, measured shape of it means it is almost certainly constructed by something or someone.]]
  178. [6:14:20 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Lead, N.A.N.O.
  179. [6:14:22 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> What is this wasteland? And what's that structure?
  180. [6:14:28 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Wait, we're going in?
  181. [6:14:48 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> I had assumed so, Arina-sama. Is our intention not to chase and puruse the woman of ash?
  182. [6:15:01 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...Yes.
  183. [6:15:19 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I dearly hope we don't run into any more abominations...
  184. [6:15:28 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> We'll keep going until it becomes dangerous to do so. I don't sense any threats in the immediate vicinity.
  185. [6:15:51 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> I agree, Arina-sama. Our mission will be significantly easier if the only thing opposing us is the woman of ash herself.
  186. [6:16:21 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano walks through the doorway into the bizarre landscape.
  187. [6:18:46 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano stops and turns around, waiting for Arina and Rei to join her.
  188. [6:18:51 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> After you, Arina-sama.
  189. [6:19:15 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina follows behind Nano, grumbling.
  190. [6:19:49 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei trots closely behind Arina, picking up her skirts as she crosses the threshold.
  191. [6:21:25 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano looks around for any defining features of the area around them.
  192. [6:21:38 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> Do we head straight for that wall?
  193. [6:22:17 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Yes. We have nothing else to follow.
  194. [6:27:14 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano starts walking towards the wall, the only thing that seems to stick out here.
  195. [6:30:50 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Stepping into the virtually empty landscape is odd, you've stepped through a hole in the ground but somehow come to stand on flat ground. The first step in produces a puff of smoky, fine ash. The layer of ash is almost three inches thick and the first step in almost causes Nano to slip and lose her footing.]]
  196. [6:31:36 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Ash? Well, I dare say we may have found our lady's home...
  197. [6:31:44 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Indeed, Arina-sama.
  198. [6:34:07 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: You're wrong. We're quite far from my home at this point, we're rather far from anyone's home if you've passed through that gate.
  199. [6:34:32 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano whirls around trying to locate the source of the voice.
  200. [6:34:43 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Where is she!?
  201. [6:35:10 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei 's ears swivel.
  202. [6:35:22 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Our search has been mercifully brief.
  203. [6:37:54 PM CST] <Mirr> [[The woman you've been searching for stands just to the side of the doorway you've come through. May is holding Youko's hand and staring directly at Arina.]]
  204. [6:39:42 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei steps forward and bows.
  205. [6:40:12 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina reflexively places her hand on the butt of her holstered revolver.
  206. [6:41:15 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: Calm yourself, girl, if I had wanted to hurt you I wouldn't have waited as long as this.
  207. [6:41:44 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> I take it you are Youko. I must request that you surrender your person to us, so that we may see you brought to the household of my Master in captivity.
  208. [6:43:22 PM CST] <Mirr> [[As Arina looks at the pair she notices, as Youko has just said, they don't seem to be prepared for any sort of conflict. In fact, they seem to be sticking strangely close to each other.]]
  209. [6:44:07 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Youko seems utterly unmoved by Rei's words]]
  210. [6:44:49 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Why shouldn't we kill you where you stand? You and your demon girl.
  211. [6:45:14 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Arina-sama, we have been requested to take her alive, if possible.
  212. [6:46:23 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: Girl, what is your name? I must know so I can properly chastise you for not placing a gag on your guardian and allowing it to speak out of turn so routinely.
  213. [6:47:40 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Guardian? I... Ahem. My name is Arina Grieve. Um... You still haven't told us why we shouldn't kill you!
  214. [6:48:53 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Please surrender your person to us. We will see you to your destination.
  215. [6:49:36 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Rei, what? We're not escorting her anywhere.
  216. [6:50:04 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: Miss Grieve, have you met that creature? Have you seen it? It freely controls undead and seems to consider us as vermin.
  217. [6:50:28 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...
  218. [6:50:30 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina gulps.
  219. [6:50:38 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> The... one in the crystal?
  220. [6:50:52 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Arina-sama, we will escort her, by means of force, if necessary, to our master's mansion.
  221. [6:53:48 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: The very same. My wounds, the state that Garlonde is in, and his missing guardian all share the root cause of that thing. If you truly believe that I pose a greater threat than such a thing then you condemn us all to death at the hand of that aberration.
  222. [6:54:54 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Garlonde? Is that Erick?
  223. [6:54:57 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> If you wish us to change our objective, you should surrender your person to us so that you make make that argument to our master. Only she has the ability to change our assignment.
  224. [6:55:48 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Rei, enough. We'll listen to what she has to say at least. That... thing certainly is a threat.
  225. [6:56:35 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Very well, Arina-sama.
  226. [6:59:54 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: Is that what he referred to himself as? Perhaps he did not fully trust you, that man is quite insightful. If not for his hasty actions we would surely be just another pair of bodies for that monster to manipulate. We are on dual assignment to this location to gather information on the area and the strange magical activity here, the task has proven much greater than simple scouting.
  227. [7:00:49 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Did the... whatever it was start the forest fire?
  228. [7:02:12 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: I am to blame for that. A spell I cast was manipulated into the cause of that fire.
  229. [7:04:14 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> What happened, exactly?
  230. [7:04:28 PM CST] <Mirr> May: Master, will we die here?
  231. [7:05:29 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina is visibly taken aback but stays silent.
  232. [7:10:17 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: Be silent, May. After your handiwork at the shrine it did not take long for that thing to appear, as Garlonde had thought it would. He sought to ambush it but it was aware of us the entire time we spent tracking it. When we sprung our ambush it had already been totally prepared and easily thwarted our attempt to subdue it. After it...unraveled Rulf Garlonde took desparate actions...
  233. [7:10:19 PM CST] <Mirr> ...in an attempt to finish the fight, but his efforts only cost him his arm and bought me enough time to flee. I have not seen that thing since, but I fear that it will find me in time.
  234. [7:11:48 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> That's the thing that Erick... Garlonde said was keeping him trapped in the forest?
  235. [7:11:49 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> We must act quickly, Arina-sama, before she is taken by it instead of us.
  236. [7:15:32 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: Miss Grieve, have you recently seen Garlonde? Has he survived?
  237. [7:16:31 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Yes. He's a little ways back the way we came. He's severely injured, but I was able to stabilize him. We intended to come back for him after... dealing with you.
  238. [7:19:17 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: You've seen him and saved his life? I find it difficult to believe that you've spent your own resources on someone who clearly told you he was an Empire mage.
  239. [7:19:57 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...He was in need of help. And he helped us. We... We had a debt to pay.
  240. [7:20:54 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Anyway, what is this place? And why are you hiding here? Were you trapped in the forest like he was?
  241. [7:23:51 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: Neither I nor Garlonde are trapped in this place. As for where we are currently...I found the wall to be largely insurmountable and have never heard of such a place from any text or person.
  242. [7:24:50 PM CST] <Mirr> May: It's dead. This whole place is dead. It had the life stolen from it.
  243. [7:24:57 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Stolen?
  244. [7:24:59 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> By the... thing?
  245. [7:28:15 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: May, do /not/ speak again unless I ask you to. She has said that eight times since we arrived here but refuses to elaborate, but if this place is connected by a gate like the forest was then it's possible that monster had a hand in it.
  246. [7:28:50 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Ugh, this mansion is too full of mysteries for my liking. And I am known to enjoy mysteries.
  247. [7:29:12 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Miss... Ash Lady... Youko. I have a proposal. Would you hear it?
  248. [7:30:43 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: I will hear your proposal, Miss Grieve.
  249. [7:31:57 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Come with us back to our interim home and speak with our employer. We can provide you safety from the... whatever it is trying to kill us, and we can rescue Garlonde.
  250. [7:35:58 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Youko stares at Arina and after a few awkward moments it almost seems like she's expecting something.]]
  251. [7:36:40 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina looks to Nano and Rei for help.
  252. [7:37:16 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: I accept. Please lead the way, Miss Grieve. But I will have you know that neither I nor May are in any condition to fight.
  253. [7:37:34 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Thank you very much for your compliance.
  254. [7:37:45 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I understand. Shall we?
  255. [7:38:07 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina whispers to Rei, "Keep an eye on them, please. Alert us if they do anything suspicious."
  256. [7:39:29 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei whispers back, "I understand, Arina-sama. They are, after all, our prisoners. Should we restrain them somehow?"
  257. [7:39:55 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina whispers, "I don't think we have the time or resources for that. We need to get out of here as soon as possible.
  258. [7:40:37 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei nods. "Understood, Arina-sama."
  259. [7:41:01 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Nano, would you mind leading the way again?
  260. [7:41:42 PM CST] <Mirr> [[May's gaze shifts from Arina to Rei, and with her free hand she paws at the air...or maybe it was a wave?]]
  261. [7:42:30 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano nods. "Of course." She leads the group back the short distance towards the doorway.
  262. [7:43:02 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Youko, May, if you would follow me please.
  263. [7:43:16 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei nods in response. She moves around behind her and Youko and stands with her hands folded in front of her.
  264. [7:45:37 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Youko waits passively for the cartel workers to escort her out]]
  265. [7:46:38 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano steps back through the doorway and back into the inferno of a forest.
  266. [7:48:46 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: Miss Grieve, if you'll allow it I can provide us some protection against this heat.
  267. [7:49:06 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> You can!? Er, I mean, how?
  268. [7:52:36 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: I specialize in practical application magics involving fire. Now, you'll have to excuse me, I've been told my form and gesture for conjuring appears quite violent.
  269. [7:53:03 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> I hope this isn't the spell that set the forest on fire...
  270. [7:57:27 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Saying this Youko pulls something from a small pouch and spreads some of it on her hand while muttering something, and just as she said the release of her spell is oddly similar to a motion like stabbing someone at several points. As Youko returns to a regular standing position there seems to be a large area around her where the fire simply stops burning and the heat immediately becomes...
  271. [7:57:28 PM CST] <Mirr> ...less of an issue.]]
  272. [8:01:49 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Impressive.
  273. [8:01:50 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Let's head for Erick.... Garlonde.
  274. [8:02:41 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> As you wish, Arina-sama.
  275. [8:03:00 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano retraces their steps back to the spot where the group was resting not long ago.
  276. [8:03:32 PM CST] <Mirr> [[It's easier and faster traveling without the oppressive heat and the group returns to Garlonde's bubble with ease]]
  277. [8:04:38 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> Shall we take him back with us, as well?
  278. [8:04:54 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> That's what I had intended
  279. [8:05:11 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Shall I carry him, Arina-sama?
  280. [8:05:26 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Please do.
  281. [8:06:19 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei steps into the bubble and scoops the man into a princess carry. She trots back out of the bubble and takes her place at the rear of the pack again.
  282. [8:07:35 PM CST] <Mirr> [[After removing Garlonde from the bubble it vanishes leaving no trace of itself behind]]
  283. [8:07:46 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano continues backtracking, leading the party back to the entrance of the forest.
  284. [8:10:49 PM CST] <Mirr> [[The group arrives at a familiar door at a quick pace]]
  285. [8:11:26 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Here we are.
  286. [8:11:40 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina moves to the door and opens it.
  287. [8:11:50 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Ms. Youko, May, if you would follow Nano, please.
  288. [8:12:37 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: As you wish. May, come along.
  289. [8:14:09 PM CST] * [Nano]_Nano passes through the open doorway after taking a quick glance back at their two new companions and re-enters the mansion.
  290. [8:15:34 PM CST] <Mirr> [[You return to a familiar marble floor, pillars, and snake shrine, but there's no one there to greet you]]
  291. [8:16:06 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina calls out, "Ms. Otomi? Ms. Aemara?"
  292. [8:16:54 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> They're probably upstairs..
  293. [8:17:18 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Arina's voice echoes in the empty chamber]]
  294. [8:17:25 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei keeps close behind Youko and May, her eyes trained on them over the man in her arms.
  295. [8:17:43 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> Is Xulf still restrained in her cell?
  296. [8:18:04 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Hm.
  297. [8:18:14 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina opens the door to Xulf's makeshift cell.
  298. [8:19:28 PM CST] <Mirr> [[The moment you open the door the woman that you helped tie to a chair begins yelling at you.]]
  299. [8:20:25 PM CST] <Mirr> Xulf: You! Hurry and untie me before they come back! I demand it!
  300. [8:20:37 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Who? Aemara and Otomi?
  301. [8:22:23 PM CST] <Mirr> Xulf: Your masters have been taken by a band of thieves while you were gone. They'll be returning to loot your home for anything of value.
  302. [8:22:44 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina buries her face in her hand.
  303. [8:23:22 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Do you know where they went?
  304. [8:23:24 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> If they are returning, Arina-sama, then we will have the perfect opportunity to apprehend them, interrogate them, and exact vengeance.
  305. [8:23:25 PM CST] <[Nano]_Nano> Good, that will save us the effort of trying to chase after them.
  306. [8:24:09 PM CST] <Mirr> Xulf: I demand to be released so I can defend myself!
  307. [8:24:22 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Just stay quiet. I'm sure they'll ignore you.
  308. [8:24:33 PM CST] * [Maus]_Arina closes the door, leaving Xulf alone.
  309. [8:25:02 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Gods, I can't handle this... What are we going to do?
  310. [8:25:09 PM CST] <Mirr> Xulf: They couldn't possibly overlook my beauty! I DEMAND MY FREEDOM!
  311. [8:25:24 PM CST] <Mirr> [[Xulf continues to shout through the closed door]]
  312. [8:29:27 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> We should wait in ambush for the theives, Arina-sama.
  313. [8:30:19 PM CST] <[Multi]_Rei> If she can be convinced to discuss the matter, we might ask Xulf for details. We also cannot current affordy to discount the possibility that her story is a ruse designed to win her her freedom.
  314. [8:30:25 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: I would very much like an opportunity to speak to that loud, conceited woman if there is an opportunity to do so.
  315. [8:30:46 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> ...You would? Why?
  316. [8:32:18 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: She seems to be related to...I will explain later, Miss Grieve, you have far more pressing matters to attend to.
  317. [8:34:24 PM CST] <[Maus]_Arina> Yes. You may go talk to her if you wish. We'll leave Garlonde with you as well.
  318. [8:35:33 PM CST] <Mirr> Youko: May, please move master Garlonde to a bed
  319. [8:38:18 PM CST] <Mirr> [[May turns to Rei, lifts Garlonde from her hands, and carries the man off to Otomi's room. It's an odd thing to watch as she carries the much taller man over her head with his limbs dangling down over her.]]
  320. [8:38:56 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei turns to May to relinquesh the man in her arms, and watches her carry him off.
  321. [8:42:24 PM CST] <Mirr> [[As you watch May vanish into the room you all hear the voice of someone yelling outside.]]
  322. [8:42:55 PM CST] * [Multi]_Rei moves to the front door to see who is yelling.
  323. [8:42:56 PM CST] <Mirr> __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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