Wild Arms Maids: Session 0 (Sylvia)

<WAM: Session Zero (Sylvia)>

* [Ora]Max covers himself with his red scarf as he passes through the barren wasteland towards the town of Stonefront. Colorful rumor about this place have started to spread. Located near a number of ancient ruins, the town is sustained by trading ARMs and lost technology, having built a considerable cache. By some incredible stroke of luck, this hasn’t brought it trouble from bandits until only recently. However, as of late, no one has heard from it. Stories of some kind of “demon sheriff” taking up residence there have surfaced… and a Drifter goes where the winds of adventure take him.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He sought the sheriff... but he didn’t seek the deputy.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [There's shouting voices in the distance. A few figures on foot -- not horseback -- are ahead of Max, traveling in the same direction. They look to be bickering with one another, and haven't noticed him even with the lack of cover.]
<[Ora]Max> The hell...
* [Ora]Max keeps low and follows behind them carefully, with his gun ready to fire at a moment’s notice.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["-- For God's sake, it was just. A. Horse! We're lucky it just got spooked and left like the rest've 'em! Better'n havin' to drag its carcass back to the boss!"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["It's an omen! I'm tellin' you, Mike, it was just like thunder! There's no doubt about it; a demon lives in that town, and YOU don't wanna turn back!"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["--Wait, what was that?"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [One of them turns his head to look behind him while they continue walking.]
<[Ora]Max> ... Demon... huh?... Has it taken over the town already?... No way...
* [Ora]Max ducks into the ground, and is then covered in dirt and dust... he resists the urge to cough.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["You're hearin' things! Shaddup and keep walkin', or we're leavin' you out here."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["No, I swear I heard something!"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["I said--"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [*FOOM*]
<[Ora]Max> !!
* [Ora]Max covers himself with his cape, like all good heroes should have and remains still for cover, he still keeps an eye on the others in front of him.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Max's ears go deaf. The ringing fades quickly, as does the dust cloud. Two of the three men lie flat around a crater in the ground. The one who stopped to listen was furthest from the blast. He lies on his stomach, coughing and clutching his head.]
<[Ora]Max> This is the work of that demon?... Clever.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Max's experience tells him that it was no magic, demon or otherwise. Someone definitely planted a land mine.  It wasn't meant to kill, though, as evident by the fact that all three men are in one piece without a single burn mark. The one that was coughing earlier now attempts to get to his feet, but drops back to his knees.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He rolls over into a seated position and stays put, still shellshocked.]
* [Ora]Max goes over and knocks him out with the butt of his rifle before he notices.
<[Ora]Max> Hmpg.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Max is alone again.]
<[Ora]Max> ...so... there are land mines out beyond this part huh..
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Max's step is met with a *clank*!]
* [Ora]Max continues onward, wary for traps and mines... he then stops as soon as that sound is heard... oh.. fuck fuck fuck.
<[Ora]Max> .....
<[Rut]Sylvia> [JUMP, GYPSY!]
* [Ora]Max takes a quick survey of the surrounding, looking for a clear spot to barrel roll to and finds one, he immediately makes a heroic leap for it.
<[Ora]Max> Hup!
* [Ora]Max lands with the cape falling softly behind him as he barely makes it.. phew.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Max's quick thinking saves his hide. The fuse on the mine must've been a fraction too long. He's able to just barely evade the blast.]
<[Ora]Max> Enough of that crap... let's keep moving.
* [Ora]Max does so as it explodes several moments later.. he turns back to see a nice puff of dust.
<[Ora]Max> That -was- close…
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Moving slowly and using his tracking skills, Max is able to spot patches of dirt that have been disturbed some time ago. He avoids them and continues onward.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The average amount of space between mines becomes less and less as he moves forward.]
* [Ora]Max sees an obvious one up ahead. Even the metal is showing. He smirks and takes a shot at it, blowing it up...  without not noticing how closely packed the mines are now.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Chain reaction. LOUD.]
<[Ora]Max> ....oh shit!
* [Ora]Max is about to be blown the fuck up as he makes a run for it, stepping on even more of them in the process. His adrenaline kicks in as he runs like he never did before.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Max is tailed by a trail of explosions! Everything is lost to the sound of the blasts, causing even Max's already dirt-obscured vision to blur. But when all is said and done, he's still running forward. He's cleared the minefield, and the makeshift wall of a town under siege lies a short distance in front of him.]
<[Ora]Max> ....
* [Ora]Max spits out the dust collected in his mouth and brushes off whatever else clung onto him.
<[Ora]Max> ... Man. They -really- went all out on this, huh?...
<[Ora]Max> Sooo... let's see… how to go about getting inside....
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Max follows along the wall until he reaches a large, singular, gate. A large number of men like the ones before are gathering in front of the gate.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["So the big bad Sheriff won't come out, eh? Haha, fine with us!"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [One of them brandishes an RPG.]
<[Ora]Max> Wait, wait, what--
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["What the-- he's not one of us!"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [One of them spots Max and points him out! Every last one of the bandits has an ARM... now all pointed at Max.]
* [Ora]Max is caught in the headlights now. This is bad... he may be a badass, but damn, every badass has their end at some point.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [In that instant, the gates start to rumble open. The raiders are caught with their attention divided. They all hurriedly face the single, square silhouette in the widening doorway!]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Gah! O-open fire, open fire!]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [They all start shooting at "the devil's doorstep". The sound of powder discharging mixes with the ring of metal and bullets are send bouncing in all directions. The rocket-propelled grenade punctuates the end of the barrage, exploding with a hearty *clang*!]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Smoke trails off the surface of the shadow... it hasn't budged. The men look on with a sort of dumbfounded terror.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [As they struggle to reload, Max takes potshots!]
<[Ora]Max> One shot, one kill.
* [Ora]Max takes them out with a concentrated burst, one after another.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The men fall into chaos, dropping prone to avoid the crossfire. Just then, a heavy barrel peeks out from around the metal brick blocking the doorway. It makes a blunt, tubular sound as it fires a round that leaves a smoking trail in its wake before bursting into a hissing cloud of gas! Sputtering bandits go fleeing in all directions, only to fall prey to the minefield that surrounds them. The smart ones merely drop their weapons and put their hands on their heads. The whole lot of them has either routed or dropped.]
<[Ora]Max> That was quick...
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The steely one-man wall finally shows some signs of life. To Max's surprise, a small (yet rambunctious) voice shouts triumphantly from behind it.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> Aaaaand STAY out! Nyahahahaha!~
<[Ora]Max> … Eh?
* [Ora]Max turns around, trying to make out the voice of said figure.
* [Rut]Sylvia lifts the sizable shield and sets it to her side. A grenade launcher is in her other hand, with length of its barred resting propped up on her petite shoulder. She... seems to have ears and a tail.
<[Ora]Max> ...whoa...
* [Rut]Sylvia is also pretty damned small.
* [Ora]Max blinks a few times, he's too shocked to think of a countermeasure and stares, gawking for a bit.
* [Rut]Sylvia waves to Max cheerfully.
<[Ora]Max> Were you the one who just...
<[Rut]Sylvia> Oi! Good work out there, stranger!
<[Rut]Sylvia> [A few men take Sylvia's flanks. They're armed with nothing but hunting bows and low-quality replica ARMs (nothing made today even approaches the power of the real deal.) They eye Max cautiously, then look to the girl, who gives them a nod.]
<[Ora]Max> Uh....so... that demon sheriff...
* [Ora]Max tries to conjure words to cover up how flabbergasted he is.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Hm? Sheriff? Yup, I'm the law 'round these parts. Surprised, ain'tcha? Nyahaha~
* [Ora]Max squints. He recalls a familiar face…
<[Ora]Max> Denae?...
* [Rut]Sylvia holsters her grenade rifle and hoists the shield onto her back. She approaches Max with an energetic spring in her step.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Who, now? The name's Sylvia. And what'm I s'posed to call you, shooter?~
<[Ora]Max> Just Max...ever heard of Mad Max? That lunatic bounty hunter?
<[Rut]Sylvia> No. What's he so mad about?
* [Rut]Sylvia does a poor job of hiding her grin, so she gives up on it. Deadpan is hard!
<[Rut]Sylvia> Nyahaha~ I kid! So, you're a bounty hunter, then?
<[Ora]Max> Yeah. I heard tales about piles of weapons, and even one of those long lost demons taking refuge here.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Sounds cool! First I've heard've it, though. Hell, we haven't even had regular bullets for months!~
<[Ora]Max> Also... your traps almost did me in back there. Never ran that hard before in my life.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Oh, that was you? Nyaha~ from the sound of it, I thought those thugs’d taken to throwing themselves on the bombs and walking over each other to get here! Well played, well played~
* [Rut]Sylvia pats Max's shoulder roughly, her impressed grin growing wider.
<[Ora]Max> Well.. now that that story’s proven to be a bust... I'll be headin' back.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The guards are finishing up taking prisoners, unconscious and surrendered both.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> Ah, wait! Hold on a minute, there, hunter!
<[Ora]Max> Yeah?
* [Ora]Max turns around.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Since ya went through all the trouble of coming here... how ‘bout some work?~
<[Ora]Max> Heh… I do in fact...
<[Ora]Max> Sorta want to expand my mum's place a little. Getting cramped living in there and all.
<[Rut]Sylvia> If you're tough enough to get through my minefield, I'll bet you're plenty good enough for dealin' with some lame highwaymen, right?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Come in!
* [Rut]Sylvia starts back into the gate, gesturing for Max to follow.
<[Ora]Max> Sure thing.
* [Ora]Max puts his guns down and follows the little girl.
<[Ora]Max> What's with the ears and tail uh.. Sylvia?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Hm, beats me!
* [Rut]Sylvia laughs like a tomboy.
* [Ora]Max has seen a lot of shit, and doesn’t question it further.
<[Ora]Max> So, what jobs ya have in mind?
* [Ora]Max looks around as he follows her. It’s kinda quaint, but nice around here... heh... almost too peaceful.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The town is modest in population. It couldn't be more than a few hundred. Many stop to greet Sylvia by name or otherwise give some casual show of respect. The pair continues to walk down the main street.]
<[Ora]Max> They really like ya, eh?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Can't say I blame 'em. I like me too! Nyaha~
<[Rut]Sylvia> But anywho, down to business.
<[Rut]Sylvia> We don't really have the firepower to take the fight to those guys. They’re an ARMs Gang -- got lotsa hardware for a buncha nobodies.
<[Rut]Sylvia> But with you here, that changes!
<[Ora]Max> Ahh... wait, really?...
* [Rut]Sylvia nods enthusiastically. She seems to have a high opinion of Max, indeed.
<[Ora]Max> I may be badass, but damn, I know when I'm outnumbered and outgunned--
<[Rut]Sylvia> Yeah, but you got me, too! What say us two shake things up at their hideout? If we hit 'em where they live, they won't come bothering us ever again.
<[Ora]Max> --sooo...
* [Ora]Max grins.
<[Ora]Max> I'll do it!
<[Rut]Sylvia> Nyahaha! That's great!
<[Rut]Sylvia> Well then, I'd better get to work fast! Gotta replace all the mines.
<[Ora]Max> Ah! You need help?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Nah. It'd suck if you lost an arm before we left~
* [Rut]Sylvia waves it off.
<[Ora]Max> Alright...
* [Ora]Max shrugs.
<[Ora]Max> So... before you go, are there really loads of ARMs in this place?
* [Rut]Sylvia nods.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Yup. But cartridges, not so much... we didn't have a lot to begin with. The ARMs are mostly for sellin' in the city, we didn't think we'd be defending ourselves with 'em...
<[Rut]Sylvia> Those're what the robbers want, I think. 'Course, I doubt they'd leave if we just gave 'em up. And even then, we'd be too poor to get by. The town relies on the income, and a lot went into salvaging these!
* [Rut]Sylvia 's expression becomes stern.
<[Ora]Max> I see.
* [Ora]Max nods.
<[Ora]Max> Ohh... I found these on some bandits earlier. You can have ‘em.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Huh?
* [Ora]Max tosses her several clips of ammos from the baddie when he first saw them.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Ah, good. Every little bit helps. Thanks!~
<[Ora]Max> I can't use them anyway... tch.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Hehe... you're a pretty good guy, huh?
<[Ora]Max> I do what I can, but I'm still just movin' around doing whatever I want.
<[Rut]Sylvia> I've never seen a real drifter before. Nyahaha~
<[Ora]Max> They're rare nowadays… because most of them are just posers who can't make it one day out of town.
<[Ora]Max> They end up dying to wild beasts or stupid goons.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Sounds lame, but I guess I can't talk, 'cuz I've been here my whole life.
* [Rut]Sylvia crosses her arms thoughtfully.
<[Ora]Max> You live by yourself?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Eh? Oh, 'course not~ I live with pops!
<[Ora]Max> ... Hmm... sounds like a good fellow.
<[Rut]Sylvia> He's-- uwah! The sun's gonna set! Gotta run, talk later, lotsa bombs.
* [Rut]Sylvia waves hastily and runs off.
<[Ora]Max> Hey! Ughh.
* [Ora]Max is unable to stop her and decides to leave it be as he looks around for things of interest.
<[Ora]Max> This place really is nice... huh...
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The town's atmosphere is understandably tense, but life goes on unhindered. The girl's done quite a job of keeping order, apparently.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [One of the militia from before hails Max down.]
<[Ora]Max> ...hey.
* [Ora]Max waves.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Pardon me. The mayor asked to fetch you. He wants to speak with you personally."]
<[Ora]Max> ... Oh crap.
<[Ora]Max> What did I do this time?
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Oh, no, no, I'm certain he only wanted to thank you for helping today! You've done us all a kindness. If there's more to it than that, I can’t say."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The guard shrugs.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Shall I take you to him now?"]
<[Ora]Max> Sure, I guess.
<[Ora]Max> Lead the way.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He takes you to a house. It is only average-sized by Max's standards, but is still older, larger, and more ornately decorated than the others.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [You are taken into the study, where a well-dressed, ‘older middle-aged’ man sits, smoking a pipe. He offers you a seat.]
<[Ora]Max> ... I'm fine standing up.
<[Ora]Max> So what did ya need from me… uh... Mayor?
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Adam Bradford. It is a pleasure to meet the man of the hour, mister..."]
<[Ora]Max> Max. Max Maxwell, Adam.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He strokes his beard in response to the unusual moniker, but pays it no further heed.]
* [Ora]Max stands awaiting his words.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Right then. I do not know what brought you to our humble town, Mr. Maxwell, but it is fortunate you arrived when you did. That was the largest raid force we've seen in a while."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["I, ah, have been told you've met our sheriff. It sounds like my Sylvia has taken a shine to you."]
<[Ora]Max> Heh. I'm just a drifter going around making a name for myself, is all.
* [Ora]Max seems quite proud of himself. Damn his ego.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["She -- the sheriff, that is -- has already recruited you in the defense of our home, correct? I believe the town can provide you with an adequate sum for your assistance."]
<[Ora]Max> That's a fine reward, whatever you deem fit.
<[Ora]Max> I can't be begging and choosing, now.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He slides a bag of money forward on his desk for Max to inspect. The amount is fairly generous, coming from such a place.]
<[Ora]Max> ... Damn.
<[Ora]Max> You guys really need someone eh?...
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Well... consider part of it to be compensation for my daughter's safe return. There are also a few things I'd like you to know about her."]
* [Ora]Max nods.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["The truth is that she is not as fit as she tries to seem, sometimes... she has been sick often through her childhood. Naturally, I fear for her safety... we all do."]
<[Ora]Max> ... She reminds me of those natives my mother taught me about...
<[Ora]Max> ...what was it... Elws?
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He goes silent for a short while.]
<[Ora]Max> ... I wonder if she's related to Denae… nah, couldn’t be.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [... Yes... that is the other matter I wished to discuss. It has not been necessary to speak to anyone from outside the village about this for some time, but it is true. Sylvia is not my daughter by blood."]
<[Ora]Max> Totally cool.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["I brought her to this village before she could even remember it. While most know very little of the Elw, her appearance did certainly peg her as an outsider. Many of the villagers treated her with disdain at first, but Stonefront came to accept her in time. Though it is plain for all to see, we have not told her of her Elw nature. We are a small community; such secrets are simple to keep. As far as she knows, it is merely a rare condition that she’s had since birth."]
<[Ora]Max> ....that explains why she's so damn good with explosives...
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He nods. “Yes, I believe her affinity for lost technology is due to that. I have studied archeology in the past; our town relies heavily on the wealth of ruins that surround it. She had not used ARMs before we fell under siege… but she’s proven an abnormally quick learner.” There is a hint of pride in his voice. ]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Before the gang arrived, we did not even need a sheriff. Sylvia cares deeply for the town, as it does her. She volunteered against my wishes, and now that the town owes its continued existence to her guardianship, I can’t deny her."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Defeating the gang at its hideout is indeed the only way to end this, but as I'm sure you can imagine, the danger is great. So please... make sure my daughter is safe. And avoid telling her the truth. No one wishes for her to feel alienated once again."]
* [Ora]Max grins.
<[Ora]Max> I'll the handle the “savin' yer daughter” for free. I’ll still be needin' payment for defeating those bandits, though.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He cracks a smile for the first time in the conversation.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["I see Sylvia chooses her friends well. Consider it a done deal, Mr. Maxwell."]
* [Ora]Max holds out his hand to the Chief.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["The militia can defend the gate with the help of the minefield for the time you are away. The rest is up to you."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The mayor stands up before taking Max's hand and shaking.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Max is offered accommodations for the night. Come morning, he is woken and greeted by an enthusiastic Sylvia. The two prepare to depart from the town of Stonefront together.]
* [Ora]Max checks his stocks, Heal Berries: check, 3x Revive Fruits: check, ammo: good... and some elemental gems from his mumsy to top it off.
<[Ora]Max> Ready?
* [Ora]Max turns to the little girl.
* [Rut]Sylvia isn't -that- little! >:T
<[Rut]Sylvia> Born ready! Let's go~
* [Rut]Sylvia has her formidable shield and rifle stowed on her back.
* [Rut]Sylvia and Max are given a farewell by the guards and townsfolk as the gate closes behind them. The ever-dusty landscape is as clear as the morning itself.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ...
* [Rut]Sylvia lifts a gloved hand to her mouth. Max can just -barely- make out a cough.
<[Ora]Max> ...you alright?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Mm? Yeah. Stay extra close to me, ok? I'll guide ya through the mines!
* [Rut]Sylvia starts to jog off.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Don't fall behind, now!~
<[Ora]Max> Yeah... I'll trust ya on tha-- wait!
<[Rut]Sylvia> Nyahahaha~
* [Ora]Max staggers behind. This is her territory after all~
<[Ora]Max> [And so they set off to the bandit's hideout it's quite a ways away now taht you think of it.... it's also been very uneventful too.]
* [Rut]Sylvia makes several snaking curves and turns over time as they cross the (invisibly) treacherous terrain. Finally having some mercy on the poor boy, she decides to halt, turning around to face him with her hands on her hips.
<[Ora]Max> ... Damn, girl...
<[Ora]Max> You're pretty fit for someone your stature. I was wrong to underestimate ya.
* [Rut]Sylvia grins at the compliment.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Hehe, thanks~ I get around. Anyway, it gets tricky 'round here, so stay close for real now...
* [Rut]Sylvia extends a hand out to Max.
* [Ora]Max takes it and helps himself.
* [Rut]Sylvia starts to lead Max by hand, measuring each step.
<[Ora]Max> Sooo...you're pretty good with the explosives. Where did you get that knack from?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Well, like you said, it's a knack. I don't rightfully know where it's from! 'Course, practicing helped.
* [Rut]Sylvia shrugs.
<[Ora]Max> You make it sound like it's so easy...
<[Rut]Sylvia> I guess I lucked out a few times back when I was figuring out how things work. And other times... er, less lucky. Painfully less. But what doesn't kill ya makes ya stronger, right?
<[Ora]Max> So, you don't really remember how ya got there right?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Huh?
<[Ora]Max> I mean that city.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ...
* [Rut]Sylvia slows down for but a moment.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Well... I've always been in Stonefront.
* [Rut]Sylvia says simply.
<[Ora]Max> ... Ahem... seems I've stepped on a... mine there.
* [Ora]Max is ashamed of himself for that one.
<[Rut]Sylvia> W-what??
* [Rut]Sylvia spins around and looks over the ground in a panic.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ... Oh.
* [Rut]Sylvia ... :T
<[Ora]Max> Goin' in without a clear head... y’know what, fuck it. I'm pretty hot tempered myself.
<[Ora]Max> Let's get this shit done.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Don't you go freakin' me out! This is serious business, y'know?
* [Rut]Sylvia admonishes Max harshly. It's kind of cute.
<[Rut]Sylvia> But you’re right... no sense standin' around~
<[Ora]Max> Yes ma'am....
* [Rut]Sylvia tugs on Max's arm again and continues.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Eventually, Sylvia finally gives Max the OK to move freely. The continue in the same direction, entering a rocky badlands area. Plenty of hills, valleys, and otherwise good spots to hide a bandit den.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> Alright... stay close and quiet.
* [Rut]Sylvia bends low and quickly climbs a slope, dropping prone at the top and peering over the edge. She motions for Max to do the same.
* [Ora]Max follows, this terrain is home to him and he makes it up with ease, stopping next to her.
<[Ora]Max> So... how ya gonna do this?
<[Rut]Sylvia> [There's an old structure below. Probably a refurbished ruin. Max can make out a few men outside. Some loiter by the door, and a pair seems to be patrolling the perimeter. The rest are probably inside, but there's no telling how many, exactly.]
<[Ora]Max> This looks tough… Just the way I like it.
<[Rut]Sylvia> They'll be hurting after yesterday's raid.  Our best bet is to go straight in when they ain't lookin' and hit 'em hard before they can organize.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ... Uh... Unless... you think there's a better way?
* [Rut]Sylvia glances at Max shyly. She really respects his experience as a Drifter.
<[Ora]Max> Nah.
<[Ora]Max> I was just gonna open fire and you take front and we go from there.
<[Ora]Max> Ain't nothin' fancy about it.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Oh, that suits me just fine!
<[Rut]Sylvia> You run in shootin’ after I ‘ring the doorbell’. Nyahaha~
<[Ora]Max> ...hey ...got any of those grenades I can toss?
* [Rut]Sylvia nods and hands him one.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Try not to look straight at it when it goes, ‘kay?
<[Ora]Max> Awesome.. oh and here.
* [Ora]Max hands her a silver Coin.
<[Rut]Sylvia> What's this?
<[Ora]Max> Gimel Coin. These things are rare as shit, belonged to those Elws.
<[Ora]Max> Supposedly brings luck.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Ah.
<[Ora]Max> Anyway.. let's do this.
* [Rut]Sylvia seems momentarily thrown off track. She recovers quickly, though, and stashes the coin with her munitions.
<[Ora]Max> I'm countin' on ya.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Alright... here I go!
* [Ora]Max lays low and aims near where the entrance of the bandits are at.
* [Rut]Sylvia waits for the patrol to round the corner, then leaps over the edge of her perch, sliding down the steep incline in a stream of gravel. She draws her grenade launcher and fires a shot while she surfs the rockslide.
<[Ora]Max> Wait for it... wait for it...
* [Rut]Sylvia 's grenade sails true. Her form isn't the greatest while moving in such a way, but it's enough. The blast sends the ones out front in all directions, where they fall, silent.
* [Ora]Max fires a burst at the patrol coming back as soon as the explosion hits, preventing a back attack on Sylvia.
<[Ora]Max> ...Welp, that's my signal.
* [Ora]Max follows up by sliding down and firing as he goes, aiming carefully this time. The mooks fall down one after another.
<[Ora]Max> Too easy...
* [Rut]Sylvia breaks into a sprint the moment she reaches level ground. She flips the shield from her back and straps it to her arm in one smooth motion, maintaining her momentum, then slamming into the door with it. The frame splinters at the hinges instantly and the door falls inward.
* [Ora]Max approaches her from behind not too long after.
<[Ora]Max> Hey, you missed a few back there.
<[Rut]Sylvia> That's why ya got my back, right?
<[Ora]Max> Heh, right.
<[Ora]Max> C’mon... let's get ‘em.
* [Rut]Sylvia barely has enough time to say it before charging in, shield up. Many of the bandits inside haven't even made it to their feet yet.
* [Rut]Sylvia has reloaded her rifle already...
<[Ora]Max> Want me to fire or will you?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Just fire!~
* [Rut]Sylvia practices what she preaches. She shoots in tandem with Max, sweeping the room. Her gun doesn't hold many shots, but thankfully, the bullets are very, very large.
* [Ora]Max cleans up after her, taking out any that she "misses".
<[Ora]Max> Nice shooting!
<[Rut]Sylvia> Nyahahaha!
* [Rut]Sylvia doesn't really even have to aim.  In the face of her explosive onslaught, people are flying through the air like birds and crashing through windows (also like birds). There’s nothing like bombing a target-rich, close quarters environment.
<[Ora]Max> Goin' ahead! Watch your fire, Sylvia!
<[Rut]Sylvia> 'Course not, I'm goin' with ya!
* [Ora]Max dashes up front, going up close and personal. Gun? What gun? It also doubles as a blunt instrument of PAIN against the poor grunts.
* [Rut]Sylvia leapfrogs Max after his entry, running past him to take over the point! Bandits in the hallways scramble for cover, taking aim, but her ballistic shield offers them no target. She advances while firing suppressive shots, closing distance as shots plink off of her iron carapace harmlessly.
* [Rut]Sylvia breaks her rifle open, hastily scooping another batch of rifle grenades into the rotary clip as she moves up.
<[Ora]Max> Woo!... close one there!
* [Ora]Max grazes her explosive shot, barely, as he fires close range and swtiching between butting them in the face.
* [Rut]Sylvia tramples through another pair like a bulldozer. A third tries to flank, only to be met with the thick barrel of her straight-gripped (and thus, quite club-like) gun. Others attempting to hide at range are taken out by her grenades, which blow their cover asunder like Styrofoam.
<[Ora]Max> Hahaha! How many does this make now?
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The two of them have little trouble mopping up the ones dense enough go with “fight” instead of “flight”. But as they reach the end of the hideout, a man watches while leaning on the banister of the above loft.]
<[Ora]Max> Hey... don't you think this is a bit too easy?
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Haha... the stories were true enough, eh? Some snot-nosed hired gun and a little freak with a skin 'a steel. It's like I'mma schoolteacher all of a sudden or some shit!"]
* [Rut]Sylvia pivots on the balls of her feet, raising her shield towards the talkative onlooker. His visage is veiled in shadow as he sizes the duo up from his perch.
<[Ora]Max> Oh FUCK no, you did not just call me that...
* [Ora]Max grits his teeth. If it’s one thing that gets him boiling, it’s verbal insults.
<[Rut]Sylvia> C’mon down  here and say that, chicken!
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["And it talks, too! Fuck, I thought an Elw'd just grunt with an up-tilted nose! Like a pig in king's clothing, yeah? Hahahaha!"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ...
<[Ora]Max> ...What did you just call her?!
<[Rut]Sylvia> [“Who cares~ What are ya, some kinda freak-lover?"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He continues to mock them.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Still... a shield made to repel ARMs, huh? I was right to come here! Bet yer little town's got plenty of ARMs..."]
* [Ora]Max darts his eyes around until he spots a ledge to hike himself up on. He's already cooking the grenade as he, in an act of acrobatics and sheer guts, scales a support beam to reach the bandit. He lives up to the name Mad Max, getting in the man’s face, grinning while, all the while, holding Sylvia’s powerful grenade.
<[Ora]Max> You and me... we're going to dance in hell.
<[Rut]Sylvia> !! Wha??
* [Ora]Max shoves it in his face and grins even wider. Just a few more seconds...c’mon… then he drops it in front of him.
<[Ora]Max> Catch!~
* [Ora]Max drops down below and goes back to Sylvia's side as the grenade explodes in front of his face.
<[Ora]Max> I got ‘em!
<[Rut]Sylvia> W-wow, Max!...
<[Ora]Max> Heh. Told ya I'd get it done!
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The man bursts from the smoke! He drops nearly right on top of Max, sending a shockwave through the floor, shattering rock and salvaged wood.]
<[Ora]Max> …!! Holy shi---
* [Ora]Max is caught in the blast and is sent  rolling several feet away.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The man stands at full height. You have a clear view of him, now. He stands what must be seven feet tall in his battle gear. From polymer pauldrons with angled surfaces to plated ceramic body armor to a reinforced, closed helmet that hides his face almost completely, he's utterly decked out in ancient wartime equipment.  In both hands he wields a drum-fed, gas operated shotgun... with -another- semi-automatic shotgun underbarrel on each. A countless number of other ARMs adorn his back and waist.]
<[Rut]TheCollector> ...For my collection! Hyahahahaha!
<[Rut]Sylvia> !
* [Rut]Sylvia dashes to Max's side in order to shield him. She tries to help him up from behind her portable cover.
<[Ora]Max> L-like hell....
<[Rut]TheCollector> 'Adda boy! C'mere piggies, time to sqeal! I've been dyin' to try these out!
* [Ora]Max gets up, thankfully not looking too bad. He can still fight!
* [Rut]TheCollector brandishes his akmibo nightmares and lets loose a volley of buckshot! The four barrels of his quadruple shotguns flash in sequence, spitting a cone of death that tears the room apart, centered on Sylvia. She remains standing in front of Maxwell to absorb the damage.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Guh...
* [Rut]Sylvia holds her ground, but the sheer volume of shot nearly knocks her off balance. She shakes the numbness from her shield arm and braces herself.
* [Rut]TheCollector continue to rain metal unrelentingly. The lunatic must have extended his clip size, too!
* [Rut]Sylvia grits her teeth and endures, but bullets ricochet everywhere. They tear cuts on the sides of her arms and legs, even though the shield is large enough to fully cover her. The damned -spray- is too wide. Max is unharmed for now...
<[Ora]Max> Alright.. give me a bit more!...
* [Ora]Max returns a burst at the man, hopefully stopping him for a moment to prepare for a counter attack
<[Rut]TheCollector> Tch.
* [Rut]TheCollector finally relents when Max returns fire from behind his bodyguard. He tips a large table over and ducks behind it, preparing for another salvo from his new position.
* [Rut]Sylvia pants, keeping her guard up while trying to regain some stamina in the brief lull.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Nng... y-you got a way out of this?...
<[Ora]Max> I'm planning!...
<[Ora]Max> If ya got any more of them stun 'nades, use ‘em now.
<[Rut]Sylvia> But if I do, I’m not gonna able to hold him back for both of us!
<[Ora]Max> Gotta take risks sometimes. It's now or never.
* [Rut]Sylvia frowns in concern. She saw Max take that hit, earlier. Then again, she's starting to lose a good amount of blood from all the nicks, herself.
<[Rut]Sylvia> A-alright... watch out, then.
<[Ora]Max> Stun ‘em and I'll close in for a KO.
* [Rut]Sylvia takes a quick shot with her grenade launcher from behind her shield.
* [Rut]TheCollector swiftly moves backwards to avoid being caught in the center of the blast radius. The grenade goes off, but the indirect hit leaves him completely unphased. His gear must be proofed against it.
<[Ora]Max> [Sylvia, you notice that one more of your grenades is missing...]
<[Rut]TheCollector> Yeah, I know all about your little popgun. Heard about it from my men! Concussive rounds ain't gonna save ya from me!
<[Rut]Sylvia> Uh, not good... huh?
* [Ora]Max is gone from her position as he's making a run torwards him, heroic screams included.. smart move idiot.
<[Rut]Sylvia> W-wait!!
<[Rut]TheCollector> You gotta be jokin’!
* [Rut]TheCollector unleashes hell.
<[Rut]TheCollector> [Bu~llet rain~~~~ Some~ stay~ clear~ and o~thers feel~ the pain~]
* [Ora]Max is lunging forward, taking massive hits all around, bleeding more and more as he gets closer to him.
<[Rut]Sylvia> STOP!!
* [Rut]Sylvia can't do anything! She can't reach him!
* [Ora]Max rips off a part of his armor, then jams the already-cooked grenade inside his armor, letting it fizzle. He grins.
<[Ora]Max> Let's ride.
<[Rut]TheCollector> What the fu--
<[Rut]TheCollector> [*BOOM*]
<[Rut]TheCollector> [When the debris clears, both are on the ground.]
* [Ora]Max is heavily injured and is in no condition to move, hopefulyl the guy is out because if he's not.. Max is in deep shit.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Max!!
* [Rut]Sylvia comes running, but...
<[Rut]TheCollector> Youuu... little.... punk... Haaa....hahahahaaa!
<[Ora]Max> ... Damn... it....
* [Rut]TheCollector claws at the floor, getting to his feet, holding the spot where he was hit. Under the patch of armor Max removed is yet another layer of impact padding!
* [Rut]TheCollector pulls his helmet off, revealing a shaved head, scars, and bloodshot eyes. He grins insanely and plants his boot on Max’s chest, then pulls a heavy pistol from a rear holster and aims it, execution style.
* [Rut]Sylvia rushes him with her shield, but the collision only causes him to stumble back a few steps. For all her energy, she just doesn't have the mass.
* [Rut]Sylvia raises her shield in front of Max obstinately, taking a low, defensive posture.
<[Rut]TheCollector> Piece of...!
<[Ora]Max>... The... berries...
* [Rut]TheCollector lunges forward and grabs Sylvia's shield by the rim! Pulling it partially to the side, he strikes her in the temple with his pistol several times. She clenches her eyes shut, unable to react due to being pummeled. Her rifle drops. But even while being knocked senseless, she refuses to let go of her shield.
* [Rut]TheCollector finally gets enough leverage to pull Sylvia’s stance open and kick her in the gut. He pries the shield from her hands as she buckles, holding her stomach.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Ugh!...
<[Rut]TheCollector> Ffff... finally... all this trouble... for a fuckin' board. Hah!... Now then--
* [Rut]TheCollector steps back to blow Max's brains out again, only to find Sylvia standing once again at full height, arms spread  out in front of the fallen boy. He may be armed and poised to kill, but the -insult- of it all…
<[Rut]TheCollector> Damn, kid!!
* [Rut]TheCollector beats her. With fists, feet, pistol whips, even buttstrokes from another of his countless guns. She doesn't yield, and she doesn't move backward.
* [Ora]Max looks up. No way... he's letting a girl soak all the blows... His eyes fill with a mix of anger and horror.
* [Ora]Max remembers stocking some healing items. Sure enough, one of the berries has fallen within arm’s reach. Straining, he reaches for it slowly and surely… he's almost there...
* [Rut]TheCollector sees it, however, and stomps flat the only berry within reach.
<[Rut]TheCollector> A trick like that... Haha, you can forget it!
<[Ora]Max> … Shit...
* [Rut]TheCollector chuckles, his last nerve eroded. Stripped of what little calm he had to begin with, he’s become little more than a walking exemplar of a criminal’s cruelty now. He grinds Max’s last hope to juice under his shoe.
* [Rut]TheCollector ... but as he does it...
<[Rut]Sylvia> [*clink*]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [A familiar noise, and one that Max had heard himself but moments ago... the sound of a pin dropping to the ground. The last of Sylvia's handheld stun grenades is gone from her belt.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> D-don't... worry... from the start it... it was my fight...
* [Rut]Sylvia jumps onto the distracted bandit leader in a sudden burst of speed, much to his dismay. The hand with her grenade slips into his bag, with all the weaponry strapped to it!
<[Rut]TheCollector> Fuck!!
* [Rut]TheCollector drops the shield to grab Sylvia by the throat, who gags as she dangles in his grip. He drops the gun, too, and reaches behind him to dig through his bag in a panic.
<[Rut]TheCollector> Shit, shit!...
* [Rut]TheCollector pulls the grenade out and flings it across the room. It explodes middair, not even reaching the ground before the fuse expired.
<[Rut]TheCollector> Haah... hahahahaha!
<[Rut]TheCollector> Y-you little whore, you thought you'd set off my ammo! Hahaha, unbelievable! Y--
<[Rut]Sylvia> [*clink*]
<[Rut]Sylvia> Plan B!!
* [Rut]Sylvia thrusts a commandeered incendiary grenade into the gap in his armor.
<[Rut]TheCollector> !!
* [Rut]TheCollector screams, patting himself down in a frenzy to find where the grenade went! It's lost under the layered folds of armor... but he's still too close to Sylvii and Max!
<[Ora]Max> Aha… hahahaha... that's the spirit...
* [Ora]Max only laughs, perhaps it'll be his last.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Hold on, Max!
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The bomb detonates with a blaze and a roar. Silence.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [...]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [.....]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Max's vision returns to him. The smoke clears. He feels very warm.]
<[Ora]Max> ...Ghnn...?
* [Ora]Max looks around... he's not dead as the pain is quite unbearable right now.
<[Ora]Max> ... It's warm... am I on fire?...
* [Rut]Sylvia lies on top of Max, limbs wound tightly to protect his vitals. On her back is her shield, dropped by The Collector in his last moments. The surface is charred, but unscratched.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Haa... haa... y-you're… still with me... r-right...?
<[Ora]Max> ... Hah... I'm still alive after all.
* [Ora]Max tries moving his-- NOPE. PAIN.
* [Rut]Sylvia lets out an unhealthy-sounding fit of laughter and coughing. She rolls off of him and is left laying on her back, few inches to his left.
<[Ora]Max> Ugh... t...I should have two more berries left....
* [Ora]Max fends off the pain long enough to retrieve two small (and somewhat burnt) orange-like berries. He hands one to Sylvia.
<[Ora]Max> [Recovered 3 stress!]
<[Rut]Sylvia> Y-yeah... glad you came... nyahaha...
<[Rut]Sylvia> We made it...
<[Ora]Max> Hahaha... that we did... eh?...
* [Ora]Max stifles a laugh, despite the pain. He'll probably pay for it later.
<[Ora]Max> C’mon… let's grab what we can and get the hell out of here.
<[Rut]Sylvia> .....
* [Rut]Sylvia gives no response. Her eyes are closed, with the uneaten berry resting nestled in her half curled fingers. A satisfied smirk lingers on her sleeping face.
* [Ora]Max feels better a few moments later as the berry's rejuvenating properties kicks in. He gets Sylvia’s weapon and one of the baddie’s own before they head on out back to Stonefront. It's gonna be a long walk... Fucking backtracking...
* [Rut]Sylvia unconsciously clings tightly to Max's back as she's carried. Even when quiet and still like this, she still manages to seem full of life.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Time passes…]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [They've walked for a while now. As if on cue, Sylvia stirs as they near the minefield.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> Nnn...
<[GM]Max> ...Ah. Welcome back to the land of the living.
<[GM]Max> Sleep well?
<[Rut]Sylvia> ... Max? Wha--Ah! Ow, ouch...
* [Rut]Sylvia winces when she tries to move.
<[GM]Max> Hey, hey. Take it easy, you're pretty badly hurt there.
* [GM]Max stops before he risks stepping on one of the landmines, then continues with caution, evading each one. Since he's not the only one whose safety depends on it this time, he's much slower and more deliberate.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Woah, wait, time out.
<[GM]Max> For what?
* [GM]Max stops.
* [Rut]Sylvia slips off of Max's back, testing her own feet. She nearly doubles over when her legs creak in protest, but stubbornly keeps her balance.
<[GM]Max> Whoa... you sure about this?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Y-yeah.
<[GM]Max> Well... if things get bad I might have to drag ya kicking and screaming.
* [Rut]Sylvia takes a few practice steps with a pronounced limp. She quickly sheds it, then stretches, grimacing at the pins and needles coming from her cuts and burns. None of them are too serious, though.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Hehe, that's no good. It'd look pretty stupid if we got taken out by friendly mines on the victory lap, right?~
<[GM]Max> If I made it the first time, I'll make it the second!
<[Rut]Sylvia> Hey, hey, don't make fun of my bombs~ Besides, now that everything's safe, I'll have to disarm them. Waste not~
<[GM]Max> I'm not your average mook now.
* [GM]Max snrks.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Anyway, I'm good now, for real. Th... uh, thanks for carryin’ me this far.
* [Rut]Sylvia shifts bashfully, smiling.
* [Rut]Sylvia is able to take the lead, now. There are no allusions in history to Elw being fast healers or physically stronger than humans, but Sylvia's already shown how tough she can be.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The two make it through the minefield, and Sylvia stops briefly at a guard post (until recently, a post office) to flip a switch, telling Max it would remotely deactivate the mines. Afterwards, they start back to the mayor's -- that is, Sylvia's father's -- house.]
<[GM]Max> Man....remind me to get better berries...
<[GM]Max> Those orange ones ain't cutting it anymore.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Eh? Oh, right, the magic berries!
* [Rut]Sylvia looks interested.
<[Rut]Sylvia> We don't get many of those out here. Jus’ old preserved ones at the general store. They're gross~
<[GM]Max> Aha...
<[Rut]Sylvia> Er, I guess they still work, though…
* [Rut]Sylvia doesn't look much comforted by that fact.
<[GM]Max> I grow some back at home.
<[GM]Max> But damn... they're some of the most sensitive trees I've ever seen.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Really? You grow your own??
<[GM]Max> Yeah. Only a few though. And they don't give out much.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Nyahaha, that's pretty cool!~ Never get anything to grow here, hehe.
* [Rut]Sylvia is probably telling the truth. The whole world may be a wasteland, but some places more than others. Stonefront definitely falls into the latter division.
<[GM]Max> Hmm… maybe you'll do better than me.
<[GM]Max> Anyway, your dad's waitin' for us.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The two continue inside and meet with Mayor Bradford. He initially looks distressed, reacting to the bad shape Max and Sylvia are in, but that quickly gives way to relief. He embraces his daughter like she’d been gone for years.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> Nyahahaha~ I toldja we could handle it, pops!
<[GM]Max> Heh, sorry I couldn't do better there Mayor.
<[GM]Max> Your runt's damn good at handling herself I must say.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Sylvia is safe, as is Stonefront. I couldn't -ask- for better, Mr. Maxwell... the town is in your debt." He bows slightly in a brief but sincere show of gratitude.]
<[GM]Max> Think nothin' of it.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Ah, but what am I doing, minding these formalities at a time like this? You both need a doctor."]
* [Rut]Sylvia fingers where one of her ears was clipped by a shot. Stings...
<[Rut]Sylvia> ... Hey, pops...
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Yes, Syl-- oh..."]
<[GM]Max> hmm?
* [GM]Max looks at the two, keeping his mouth shut, probably family matters.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The mayor frowns, watching where Sylvia is touching. He already knows what's coming next.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> Some of ‘em... they said I wasn't human.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["....."]
<[GM]Max> Should I leave you two?
<[Rut]Sylvia> [The mayor sits down and lets out a long sigh.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> No, stay.
* [Rut]Sylvia answers before her father has a chance to.
* [GM]Max nods.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Pops...
* [Rut]Sylvia looks at him with unblinking eyes.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["... Yes... I suppose now is the time... The truth is that you are pure Elw, Syvlia. I… am not your father.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ...
* [GM]Max listens quietly, opting not to interrupt unless appropriate.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [There is a long silence. The mayor attempts to break it, obviously pained in doing so.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["... Sylvia, I'm sorry. You're still--"]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ... I know.
<[Rut]Sylvia> I'm... not that dense, y'know?...
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["....."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [Another silence. This one is enough to make even Max ache.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ... It just didn’t seem like it mattered.
<[GM]Max> Aye--
<[Rut]Sylvia> --Shush, you.
* [Rut]Sylvia raps Max on the head once and sticks out her tongue.
<[GM]Max> Hey...
* [Rut]Sylvia is somehow able to shine, even now. This was the kind of resolve Max had seen back at the hideout. That will...
<[Rut]Sylvia> I was just waiting for you to be ready to tell me on your own, pops. That's all.
<[Rut]Sylvia> I could tell when people treated me different… that it wasn’t just a weird disease or a birthmark. I read some of your books, too... I sorta figured it out after a while.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["... I see..."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> So... give me the full story. Please.
* [GM]Max continues to remain silent, listening intently.
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He slowly nods, and clears his throat.]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["... I was still a scavenger, then, working towards retirement. I found an old machine in a newly discovered ruin, deep underground... it was a stasis tank. That's where I found you."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Using what I knew about Elw technology, I checked the machine's records. I couldn't glean much from them, but I believe it wasn't meant to function with the world in decay, as it is now. Your body entered a sort of larval regression, becoming that of a child over time. I assume you were fully grown already when you first entered it, though I know not why you chose to."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["You had absolutely no memory of your life before entering stasis. Not even how to speak. You had nothing left, and were alone among strangers. I've seen firsthand how cruel people can be to those who are different.  I decided to raise you as my own. I wanted you to feel that you were among friends... to -know- that Stonefront is your family. Most of the townsfolk agreed to go along with it. By the time I became mayor, they'd already come to embrace you as I hoped they would. And you, them."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["I have tried to find a way to restore your memories to you, but I failed. I'm sorry..."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He casts his eyes down. They widen when Sylvia steps forward to hug him.]
* [GM]Max smiles and nods.
<[Rut]Sylvia> I've got plenty of memories, though! I remember having friends, birthdays… I remember playing pranks on Mrs. Thatcher, getting sick, getting better, playing sick, getting caught by you every time…
<[Rut]Sylvia> I... I have lotsa memories! Good ones! And it’s ‘cause of you! S-so... so...
* [Rut]Sylvia loses her words and just hugs her father tightly. They stay there, together, frozen in time... until Sylvia finally parts.
<[GM]Max> Hey... Mayor...sorry to interrupt but do you know of anyone named Virginia Maxwell?
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Huh?" He's caught off guard, lost in sentimentality. He straightens out before addressing Max. "Virginia Maxwell... a wanted woman, and a former Drifter. Ah, I see it now. You are related?"]
<[GM]Max> I'm 'er son.
* [GM]Max grins.
<[GM]Max> But that's the least important thing I've been meaning to discuss...you're looking for more information about Elw's right?
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["I've tried to get as many clues as possible to Sylvia's old life, but I have been unsuccessful... do you mean to say your mother might have more information?"]
* [Rut]Sylvia listens; it's her turn to do so, now.
<[GM]Max> She had a friend named Clive Winslett, who specialized in such matters as a scholar... do you know of him?
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["Ah... I've not heard that name in some time. Do you know Clive? How is he these days?" He breaks formality and calls Clive by his first name. They must have been friends.]
<[GM]Max> He’s doing fine, droppin' by once in a while with Gallows and Jet.
<[GM]Max> Still crazy as hell... It's like they never left.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["I knew him well, but we fell out of contact. If you think he could help, by all means, tell me how I can find him."]
<[GM]Max> Like I said, he drops by every month or so, and he still lives in Humphrey's Peak, so I don't think much has changed since then.
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["I'll try to get in touch with him, thank you."]
<[GM]Max> So, Sylvia... do you want to know about Elw?
<[Rut]Sylvia> Mm... I'd like to...
* [Rut]Sylvia nods meekly.
<[GM]Max> I got this other Elw girl who pops by my place once or twice every year.
<[Rut]Sylvia> R-really?
<[GM]Max> Ever since I was young, yeah.
* [Rut]Sylvia gapes… then -erupts-!
<[Rut]Sylvia> So... so, so, so, so, SO! So there are others out there?!?!
<[GM]Max> You know it. My mother knows one too.
<[Rut]Sylvia> Oh... but pops said people treat Elw badly, right?...
<[Rut]Sylvia> ["I, ah..."]
<[Rut]Sylvia> [He looks down.]
<[GM]Max> Yeah…  they're scared of things different from them.
* [Rut]Sylvia , however, is starting to grin again.
<[Rut]Sylvia> So... they might need someone watchin’ their backs, right?!
<[Rut]Sylvia>	["What--"]
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Then it's settled! Nyahahahaha~!
* [Rut]Sylvia	proclaims loudly.
<[GM]Max>	Ehhh...
<[GM]Max>	Wait.
* [GM]Max	blinks for a moment.
<[GM]Max>	... What about this town?
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Aw, it'll be alright! The raiders are gone, and now that the siege is over, we can get ammo for our own ARMs. Plus, the defenses are still there if they need to reactivate 'em!
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Right, pops?
* [Rut]Sylvia	turns to her father, beaming with confidence.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	["... Haha... I suppose that's true..." He doesn't show it overtly, but Max can tell that the mayor had expected this. He'd been prepared for it for it from the moment he decided that he would one day tell Sylvia the truth.]
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Right? Right! So, Max~
* [Rut]Sylvia	turns to him, now.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Lemme come drift with ya! I won't get in the way~
<[GM]Max>	You sure about this?
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Of course! Elw, human... people need protectin', right? That's what Drifters do!
<[GM]Max>	Sorta... I guess that fits the bill, yeah.
* [GM]Max	shrugs.
* [Rut]Sylvia	comes on forcefully. It feels like she's already made up her mind, but...
<[GM]Max>	Welcome aboard, then.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Thanks, Max. You won't regret it.
<[GM]Max>	Hmph.
* [Rut]Sylvia	firmly shakes his hand. The mayor sighs with a smile.
* [GM]Max	pats her on the head, too. It feels... natural, somehow.
 <[Rut]Sylvia>	["I know you'll be fine... but remember that you'll always have a home here, Sylvia. You're welcome here as well, Mr. Maxwell."]
<[GM]Max>	The thought is appreciated, sir. And I'll keep my promise, even now that our deal is done.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	[The mayor smiles like it's just what he had hoped to hear.]
<[GM]Max>	Well then... let's collect my reward and head home.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	[Max receives his payment, in addition to a number of small gifts from the ecstatic townsfolk. They spend the night there to recover, then prepare to depart in the morning. Sylvia and her father hug and say their goodbyes. A crowd gathers to see their sheriff off at the gate, and the two leave as heroes. They walk the dusty trail together...]

<Extra Fluff>

 * [Rut]Sylvia	had left with a boyish grin and her usual "Nyahaha!", but has been strangely quiet since they got on the road.
<[GM]Max>	Hey, you were all up and cheery just earlier...
<[GM]Max>	Homesick alraedy?
<[Rut]Sylvia>	... E-eh?
<[GM]Max>	Hmm yeah.
* [GM]Max	slings the gun over his shoulder.
* [Rut]Sylvia	is caught wearing a melancholy expression! How embarrassing!
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Ehehe... caught me.
<[GM]Max>	What's botherin' ya?
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Well... it's my home, so yeah. But there's no reason to go bummin' people out about it! Gotta keep on goin' with a smile~
<[GM]Max>	You know it!
* [GM]Max	ruffles her hair.
<[GM]Max>	... This could become a habit...
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Nyahaha~ I don't mind it!
<[Rut]Sylvia>	... Ah. ACHOO.
* [Rut]Sylvia	sneezes (?).
<[GM]Max>	... Sick already too?
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Whew~ Big one.
* [Rut]Sylvia	sniffles and wipes her face. The sneeze was awfully fake.
* [GM]Max	doesn't mind it and continues on.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Sorry, sorry! Careful, don't catch nothin'!~
<[GM]Max>	I'm sure you got questions ‘bout driftin', so shoot away.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Oh, yeah. Uh, how do you eat n' stuff? Survival, I mean.
* [Rut]Sylvia	happily (gratefully) accepts the change in topic, showing no signs of slowing down.
<[GM]Max>	Hmmm.... good damn point...
* [GM]Max	thinks about it as they walk.
<[GM]Max>	...I guess we do hunt once in a while but I usually bring some dried goods, usually jerky meat or hard rolls. As for water and the other essentials I collect as I go along, and resupply at the towns I stop by.
<[GM]Max>	Oh and stealing Bandit's stash of food is satisfying as all hell too!
* [Rut]Sylvia	laughs.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	I'm hopin' we'll be doin' that one every chance we get!
<[GM]Max>	hmmm... Sylvia, right?
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Ehhhh? Don't tell me ya forgot my name already!
<[GM]Max>	... Sorta… It's a bad habit for Drifters to forget things they’ve seen... lots of bad memories, y’know?
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Hey, that's no good. Ya gotta keep the past to learn from it proper.
<[GM]Max>	Oh, quiet you.
* [GM]Max	lightly blushes.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Nyahaha~ You've got a lot to learn!
<[GM]Max>	Well yeah... I'm still a novice drifter myself.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	E-eh? Seriously? I was just kidding.
<[GM]Max>	...Anyway. My house's a tad bit far away from here so it'll be about a day's worth of walking.
<[GM]Max>	Hope you know how to start a fire.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	No way...
* [Rut]Sylvia	is flabbergasted. After all that, he's just a beginner like her??
<[GM]Max>	I'm still a bit more seasoned than you, of course.
<[GM]Max>	As a bounty hunter I'm unrivaled, but as a Drifter I'm still just as new as you are.
<[GM]Max>	Or I think I am....
<[GM]Max>	Who knows.
<[GM]Max>	All I know is that us Drifters are always learning new things every day.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Oh yeah? Whatcha learn today?
* [Rut]Sylvia	asks earnestly.
<[GM]Max>	That drifting is a lot more entertaining with company.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	O-oh. Ehehehe~!
* [Rut]Sylvia	is the one to blush, this time.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Well, I'm me, after all! Thanks... it's fun hangin' out with you, too.
* [Rut]Sylvia	rubs the back of her neck.
<[GM]Max>	The pleasure's all mine.
<[GM]Max>	Now then!
<[GM]Max>	Let us depart, I gotta drop this money off with my mom to help her expand her house...getting cramp as hell in there.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Ooh, what's she like?~
<[GM]Max>	Hmm... she's quite a loudmouth and I've -never- won an argument with her. Ever.
<[GM]Max>	[Mamma 'Ginia sneezes.]
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Oh, sounds rough~
<[GM]Max>	Even her old friends can't stand a chance.
* [Rut]Sylvia	giggles.
<[GM]Max>	And she's still sharp with her shootin' skills too.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Wouldn'ta figured ya the henpecked type.
<[GM]Max>	Wouldn't ya know it...
<[GM]Max>	Anyhow.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Hm... You said Virginia, right? We never got a lotta news in Stonefront, but I think I've heard of her.
<[GM]Max>	Ah, yeah.
<[GM]Max>	Virginia Maxwell.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	That means she must've been somethin' special, right~?
<[GM]Max>	She along with her friends saved the world.
<[GM]Max>	Didn't ya know?
* [Rut]Sylvia	tilts her head and raises an eyebrow incredulously.
<[GM]Max>	...though.
<[GM]Max>	I don't think most have heard of ‘em... at all really.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	You ain't just makin' stuff up, are ya?...
<[GM]Max>	Why would I?
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Ionno.
* [Rut]Sylvia	shrugs.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Just sounds... out there, y'know?
<[GM]Max>	That's what they all say...
* [GM]Max	sighs.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Hehe, next you'll tell me she traveled in a four-man team with a rowdy firebrand, a gentle giant, and an aloof prettyboy, right?~
<[GM]Max>	..............
<[GM]Max>	..................
<[GM]Max>	That's right.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Nyahahahaha!~ That's funny~
<[GM]Max>	You don't believe me?...
<[GM]Max>	Hehhehehe…
<[GM]Max>	Just you wait til they come visit her.
* [Rut]Sylvia	gives Max a good-natured slap on the back.
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Still, that one was pretty good, might hafta use it myself sometime~
<[Rut]Sylvia>	No hard feelin's!
<[GM]Max>	Man... they all say this and then they freak out...
<[GM]Max>	Well, whatever... let's get goin', yeah?
<[Rut]Sylvia>	Mhm!
<[GM]Max>	[So they drift off into the sunny east (also south, kinda)! With a new friend, Max may think he's gonna have it easy from now on. Will he? Find out next time!]