Gnatty Spider - Everything is Perfectly Fine

Meria Boucher unclips the rope with her hand, examining the tome Alex indicated. Squinting momentarily, she simply sticks the fasterer that once held it to her belt into the book proper, and then carefully takes a few steps back, making sure to leave plenty of slack in the rope until they're ready to give this a go.
Isaudorel Vairemont gestures at the ground.  "Do be careful, Miss Artani," he points out entirely too many ball bearings scattered about. "Meria has prepared for any potential interruptions."
Artani Dazkar blinked, keeping her eyes on the ground. "I'll keep that in mind."
Meria Boucher glances over, dipping her head to the two of them as they return. She has a rope in one hand, the other end of which is fastened to a book still on the shelf.
Gene MercierZalera grumbles in his sleep, but otherwise doesn't stir.
Hnaba Kaatapoh stares at whatever it was Meria was doing, bidding her time with a blank expression on her face.
Meria Boucher glances at them all, murmuring, "...If you all are ready, I will attempt to open the next passage."
Meria Boucher: I do not know what is going to happen, so be alert.
Artani Dazkar nodded, hands lightly resting on her blades.
Isaudorel Vairemont looks over to the sleeping man before nodding. "I have no objections and I trust you completely, my dear Meria."
Meria Boucher nods. She gives the rope a sharp tug, pulling it taught as she attempts to engage in the mechanism to open the secret passage. While she doesn't know if it's even possible to pull the book out completely, if it /is/, she intends to catch it with her gravity magic to prevent a noise.
Gene MercierZalera snorts, and buries his head in the pillow.
Meria Boucher gives the sleeping man a quick, urgent glance - holding very, very still for a few moments as she waits to see if anything catastrophic breaks.
Isaudorel Vairemont takes a sharp breath. He moves closer to the man, pulling a short, fat bottle of green liquid from his coat.
Meria Boucher creeps forward again, both to investigate the source of the noise and also to prod at the Oddly Heavy Book.
Hnaba Kaatapoh watches these band of fools, as if waking the man up was the least of their problems. Thats what Gun was for, though she decided to remain still and for the most part; quiet. Though inside she was waiting... and watching.
Meria Boucher shrugs idly, quickly growing bored with the book in favor of figuring out whatever made the noise, now prodding, pushing, and... sniffing the shelf?
Isaudorel Vairemont glances back at Meria, sleeping potion at the ready in case the man wakes up.
Meria Boucher uses her only hand to open up the passage - though she still maintains her 'agitated cat floof', feeling for the aether in the air and ready to jump back should anything blow up in her face. Constant Vigilance, everyone!
Meria Boucher steps back, waving the two of them on.
Isaudorel Vairemont carefully places the potion next to the bed. Perhaps the man will wake up and, in his sleep-induced haze, will drink the potion, thinking it's some pleasant beverage. Either way, Isaudorel shrugs and follows the rest.
Hnaba Kaatapoh grins when the door opens. "Finally." She mumbles, hand nearing her gun as she walks through the passage.
Meria Boucher looks up at Isaudorel, nodding to him and taking his hand.
Isaudorel Vairemont accepts her hand. He nods, giving her the go-ahead to lead the way.
Hnaba Kaatapoh eyes the blank painting, going for it with mild curiosity. "Weird thing to have back here."
Meria Boucher looks at the open doorway, then the others. "Should we leave it open in case we must retreat?" she asks softly. "Close it for subtlety? ...Trap it?"
Isaudorel Vairemont: "If we needed to retreat, trapping would be less than ideal; there's always the chance of one of us tripping our own traps."
Hnaba Kaatapoh inspects the paint supplies, rubbing her chin as a gradual smirk formed on her lips.
Meria Boucher: I can always prepare something easy to dismantle quickly. That's why I employ ball-bearings. I can pick them all up at once with a simple bit of spellwork.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Ah, of course," he nods. "A wonderful plan, my dear Meria."
Meria Boucher nods to him, releasing his hand and easing the door half-closed - enough so it's less blatantly obvious there are intruders about, especially given the darkness of the other room, but still pretty well open so they can easily retreat. She does, however, employ her usual 'ball bearing' technique, scattering a few more lightly on the floor before the entrance.
Meria Boucher: ...Again, if we have to run, let me go first. I'll dismantle all the precautions I've set up.
Hnaba Kaatapoh grabs a brush and uses a bright pink to sign write across the canvas 'HNA WUZ HERE', as well as a very intricite drawing of how she thought this place smelt. Once she'd gotten bored enough with it, she goes about looking at the rest of the tiny area with mild interest. "Ughh where the ???? is Terres."
Meria Boucher: There are stairs. Perhaps there is a clue beyond?
Artani Dazkar glanced over at the pink-haired cat, saw the drawing, and let out a soft snort.
Isaudorel Vairemont takes a look at the drawing and shakes his head. "Perhaps we should not be putting our signature everywhere?"
Meria Boucher: ...Is that what that is? I thought 'W-U-Z' was some sort of coded phrase.
Artani Dazkar walked over to the stairs and peeked around, attempting to see as far as she could upstairs.
Hnaba Kaatapoh gives Artani a casual wink before glancing to Isa and grinning. "I could mark yer mask too, if ya like."
Isaudorel Vairemont adjusts his mask. "Easily replaced, but I would prefer you do not, Miss Hnaba."

Meria Boucher - while they are talking - retrieves her rope, and she also sets a few more poison-tipped needles on top of the stack of books near the doorway. She gives them a once-over as she does so. Anything interesting in the creepy hidden painting room?
Hnaba Kaatapoh gives him a :3 face before glancing to said stairs. "So who gonna go first?"
Artani Dazkar shrugged. "I can go."
Meria Boucher pauses mid-motion, looking at the walls. "...That's odd," she murmurs, returning to her full (though still negligible, especially considering she's right next to Isaudorel for comparison) height. "Why would silencing wards be in this room? If it were a torture chamber, I would understand..."
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Silencing wards?"
Hnaba Kaatapoh perks up at the mention of torture. "Ooh, I like where this is goin'."
Meria Boucher: ...To keep the noise of the furnance down? Who was living in here? --Why are there so many secret passages in this establishment, anyway...?
Artani Dazkar glanced at Meria, brow furrowing. "Silencing magic, or silencing sound?"
Meria Boucher murmurs to herself, then looks up at Isaudorel. "In the walls. To silence sound."
Isaudorel Vairemont places his hand on the chin of his mask. "Perhaps torture plays a part in it? I've heard tales of a particular vile criminal from many years ago, one who would torture his victims and paint the scene as they took their last breath..."
Hnaba Kaatapoh looks to Isa. "Sounds like my kind of man..." She makes an odd face, as if imagining doing the act herself.
Meria Boucher: That sounds like a character from one of the novels we used to read. Thank you for taking my advice about your apparel, by the way. You look very nice.
Meria Boucher turns her attention to Artani. "Do you see anything?"
Isaudorel Vairemont: "Perhaps that's where I heard about it. And thank you, I should have considered it for previous work."
Artani Dazkar shook her head. "Pitch black up there."
Meria Boucher: Should I conjure some light?
Artani Dazkar: "Probably a good idea."
Meria Boucher nods, proceeding forward as she reaches into her coat. Pulling off the top card of her deck, she holds it suspended above her palm, and around it radiates the flickering pulse of aetheric starlight.
Meria Boucher leaves enough space for others to peer up after her as she lifts her hand up towards the stairs and proceeds onwards...
Hnaba Kaatapoh makes her way up said stairs to look around. "Damn, this looks like my place! ????in' stealin' my look." She mumbles to herself.
Keelan Mkbyrne is a ghost.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "How utterly revolting," he murmurs to himself. "Bloodied cloths and rags and..." He approaches the potions, doing his best to identify them.
Meria Boucher shifts in posture, shoulders stiffening and her fingers grasping onto her drawn card. The Spear, if any where to look, and as she uneasily surveys the surroundings, her hair is vaguely reminiscent of an alarmed Studio Ghibli character.
Meria Boucher: ...Does this one belong to us?
Artani Dazkar arched her brows, entering the room with her hands once again lightly resting on her weapons. "An experimentation room, then?" she muttered, taking a step near the cells.
Terres Regalius can be seen laying in a cell - in the dim light vaguely shining into the room, there are bandages that can be seen wrapped around his head and appendages. He slightly stirs, wincing before barely opening his eyes... only to see several people hovering over the doorway.
Isaudorel Vairemont shakes his head. "Unfamiliar. Likely personal recipes," he replaces a few of his paralysis and sleeping potions with a few of the concoctions on the shelf.
Meria Boucher raises her finger to the mouth of her mask, card held between two others. Do not shout, cat man.
Hnaba Kaatapoh turns her head to where Meria was, moving to look into the 'cage'. "Aye, that's him alright." She grins wide at the sight of him. He might be safer in the cage...
Terres Regalius flinches upon the sight, barely managing to sit up in bed. He didn't recognize anyone - except one of them.... "Wh... How...?"
Terres Regalius REALLY didnt like Hna's expression, for as much as he could see through his bleary vision.
Meria Boucher lets her card float beside her, and she unclips something else from her belt - a skin of water, which is held through the bars for Terres. If he takes it, shortly following it is some food.
Hnaba Kaatapoh: "We followed yer stink, duh. This place is a dump ain't know what yer doin' or how ye got here but it's time to go home, ya?"
Terres Regalius notices the waterskin offered, and very carefully lifts himself to his feet. He accepts it and anxiously takes a drink, leaning up against the wall. "A-aye... I think- I

Terres Regalius || -I'll have t' agree, heh..."
Isaudorel Vairemont: "I would ask if you're well, but..." He first gestures to the bandages, then the rest of the room."
Artani Dazkar coughed slightly. "Um....hi."
Terres Regalius manages to recognizes Isaudorel as well, and an expression of weary relief washes over his face.
Hnaba Kaatapoh: 'Let's leave the explainin' fer after we're outta here, ya?" She looks to the bars then reaches into her pocket to pull out an exposive with an excited grin.
Isaudorel Vairemont removes his mask, if only for long enough to give the man a reassuring smile. "I assure you, I carry no acid tonight. You've been through enough without a far-too-wide throw, Ser Terres."
Terres Regalius looks to Hna and immediately frowns.
Artani Dazkar: "I have lockpicks. Really."
Meria Boucher seems to have prepared Terres a sandwich. Or maybe she just has a sandwich on her. Either way, it's dodo-meat salad, so hopefully he doesn't have anything against meat if he wants some food. After that - "Isaudorel, a healing draught? For him to -- "
Meria Boucher stares at Hnaba.
Meria Boucher: Lockpicks first?
Terres Regalius looks to Isa with a confused smile, because he honestly doesn't understand, but he is thankful nonetheless.
Isaudorel Vairemont rummages through his coat, pulling out a simple potion. "Of course. And yes, I would rather not risk impalement, disfigurement, or other general injury by way of shrapnel." He hands over the potion.
Hnaba Kaatapoh frowns. "Ugh, fine..." She mumbles, clearly sulking while moving towards the other cage. "Whos yer friend over ere'? Someone else needin the good ol' heroic save? Sorry I ain't that kitty tho."
Meria Boucher checks to see if the bars are warded before giving Artani free reign on this train.
Meria Boucher: ...
Meria Boucher: How does this even open?
Terres Regalius takes the potion and downs it quickly, letting out a gasp of healthier relief. "Ah- S..Serge, he- he needs help. Please..."
Terres Regalius: "I can't... I won't leave without him. Not after everything I've put him through..."
Hnaba Kaatapoh: "An explosion would open both real easy, just sayin...."
Isaudorel Vairemont: "I am no healer, but if we're able to rouse him, I have two more potions. It is some small comfort, but better than nothing, yes?"
Serge Mercier is out cold, though one can see the aether nullifiers bound to his wrists, and the complicated arcanima circle carved into his back...
Serge Mercier is definitly out cold.
Artani Dazkar peered at the lock, drawing her lockpicking kit from her pocket. Her eyes flicked upward to Terres for a moment before nodding. "How long has he been unconscious?" she asked as she attempted the lock.
Meria Boucher: The loud option is best reserved for the last option in cases such as these. It may be needed, though...
Terres Regalius purses his lips. "I'm... not sure. We've been consistently drugged, and so... 'tis been difficult t' really keep track o' time... half o' what's happened here is a blur."
Meria Boucher slides over to Isaudorel, seeing nothing more she can do over there. "...I can levitate them through the bars and dump the potions on him?" She suggests, though her attention is soon caught by Serge's... condition.
Meria Boucher squints, peering at the design on his back.
Terres Regalius manages to barely walk past his cell, lightly using everyone as leverage to move to Serge's.
Isaudorel Vairemont nods, removing two more potions from his coat. "The wound on his back. Magical in nature, yes?" He hands the potions to Meria.
Artani Dazkar "Do you want me to try that lock as well, or should I retreat downstairs?" she asked Hnaba.
Meria Boucher: It... looks similar to one of the arcane geometries, but also...
Terres Regalius: "Please, get him out. I can't leave him here..."
Meria Boucher: ...Isn't. If you'd try the lock, please.
Hnaba Kaatapoh KNOWS EVERYONE WILL GET MAD. "Go ahead, no one seems ta' like blowin' anythin up here."
Meria Boucher: If it was not specifically stipulated in the contract that we were not supposed to kill, I would be nothing but pleased to rely on your demolitions expertise, Miss Hnaba.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "If this weren't a rescue mission and we weren't attempting to be stealthy, I feel like an explosion wouldn't be - yes, exactly what Meria said, as well."

Hnaba Kaatapoh shrugs. "It's more fun tho."
Artani Dazkar glared balefully at the broken lockpicking tool, slipping it into another pocket with a scowl. "Next?"
Meria Boucher: ...I could attempt cursing the door once more. It seemed to work for Mister Valeriant.
Terres Regalius: "Do.... do y' have any more picks? I could try it.... though I'm not sure how- well I can see."
Serge Mercier stirs at the sound of voices with a groan, eyes fluttering open to try to see who all is there. "... wh...?"
Artani Dazkar held her pouch of picks up between two fingers. "Free to use for anyone who wants to try. I hate aetherical doors."
Meria Boucher: --Aetherical? Oh. Hm! Allow me, then.
Terres Regalius: "Ah- please. I fear I'm not very useful like this..."
Isaudorel Vairemont looks to the stirring prisoner. "You are safe, Ser." He nods at Meria. "I have utmost faith in you, my dear Meria." He gives her an approving pat on the head.
Terres Regalius hears Serge stir, and a rush of panic flows through him. "H- hey. We're gonna get y' out, y' hear? Just- hold on."
Terres Regalius exhales shakily before slowly falling to the floor. It was too much to stand...
Hnaba Kaatapoh: "I wonder if our friend downstairs has woken up yet?" She mumbles, glancing towards the stairs. Though with Terres falling to the ground she moves over and hovers over him like that Discord image. "I can carry ya' like a babe if ya want." She says with a wide smirk.
Meria Boucher snatches the card from the air, holding it out as she - once more - lets her low, emotionless voice drop into something like a chant. "May the wrath of the Fury sink into you, your judgement closing in from the maw of your sins, ye who have been abandoned by love itself, to shatter and melt away under the light of the stars..." After her attempt to sway fate against the aetheric contraption, Meria takes her own stab at manipulating it.
Terres Regalius feels his stomach drop. Was she always this terrifying? "Wh- I mean-"
Serge Mercier tries to give them a grin, murmuring something incoherant... before grunting and trying to force himself up into a sitting position. "Y-you... should go. He... he will kn-know..."
Meria Boucher tucks the card away, then pushes her way into the cell - both to apply the potions, and also to get a better look at Whatever Serge's Deal is. "Oh? Is it related to your..."
Meria Boucher pauses, glancing at the shackles and the carvings on his back. "Condition?"
Terres Regalius 's attention immediately returns to Serge. "N... no, I'm not leaving without you."
Artani Dazkar moved back a bit towards the stairs. "Who is "he?"
Hnaba Kaatapoh motions her node over, it beeps and sits idle next to her while growing slightly in size. "If one of ya' wanna sit on me' boi ere' he ain't mind."
Meria Boucher pauses before trying to do any healing work, then looks over at Isaudorel. "This is silly. You should do it. I always simply dump them on myself and I feel like that is incorrect."
Isaudorel Vairemont nods to Meria and takes the potions back. "Drink one for now, Ser. We will administer the other once we have you out of here."
Terres Regalius steps in a bit further, still leaning against the wall. He was obviously riddled with worry.
Serge Mercier groggily takes the potion, staring at it a moment as his hand trembles. Judging by what other concoctions he may have had to drink here... a glance is given to Terres before forcing himself to down it with a grimace. "H-he... Father. He will... know you are here... He... he always knows..."
Meria Boucher: Are you simply traumatized and speaking in despondent generalities, or do you know how and why he 'always knows'?
Artani Dazkar "Who exactly is "Father?"
Terres Regalius furrows his brow. "I don't care. I can't... I can't leave you here like this. Please... We'll- we can keep y' safe... in our headquarters."
Isaudorel Vairemont kneels before the man, taking a good look at him. His voice is ice cold when he speaks. "Pray tell me that you do not speak of your own, flesh and blood, raised you from birth, *father.*" His hand twitches as he adjusts his mask.
Terres Regalius purses his lips. "... His "father" is a man known as Javed. He's... who did this. But- it's all my fault. We're in here because I... tried t' kill him..."
Terres Regalius grits his teeth at Isa's comment. "... That bastard isn't his flesh and blood. He's a ????ing monster."
Terres Regalius: "... We need t' get o' here, now... before he really does find out. I don't know when he'll return..."
Isaudorel Vairemont takes a breath. "A slightly less horrible scenario, then; I know of monsters, Ser Terres, but to be a monster to one's own son is unforgiveable."

Hnaba Kaatapoh gave her Node a few pats as they all spoke. Her ears twitching at said "Father' and a wide smirk coming over her. "Sounds like someone I'd like ta' meet."
Artani Dazkar glanced again at the assortment of...eccentricities on the table and walls. "I'd like to know more about him later.  But....I suggest we leave. Quickly."
Meria Boucher raises a finger to Terres. "Clearly some manner of spell-craft has been etched into your friend, and I am concerned it may prevent his escape. Sir, please show me your restraints?"
Artani Dazkar: "Something tells me he wouldn't be leaving you two alone for long."
Meria Boucher nods to the cuffs that are suppressing his aether.
Hnaba Kaatapoh nodded with Tani. "We should be goin' now ain't the time for chats."
Terres Regalius: "I can... give as many details as anyone needs. But, a-aye... we need t' leave."
Serge Mercier sways where he sits, feeling disoriented and potentially overwhelmed by the situation. At Meria's prompting, he weakly raises one hand automatically.
Isaudorel Vairemont: "I have but a single ether, Meria; if you believe the man needs it, tell me."
Terres Regalius glances to Meria. "The... th' circle on his back has always been there. That's.... a long story."
Meria Boucher takes them in her hand - her only one, the other sleeve has been cut short and stiched close for lack of need - and she begins to work at the bindings. "Synopsis, if you would, Mister Regalius. Does it allow this man to track your friend, or would it prevent him from exiting this place?"
Terres Regalius opens his mouth ajar as he manages to think. "I... as far as I'm aware, Javed can't track him. He never could track Verit... B-but it isn't detrimental. If anything- it's keeping something dangerous inside o' him."
Meria Boucher: I think an ether would be well-placed here.
Artani Dazkar moved again back to the stairs, crouching to listen for any approaching sounds, or any voices entering.
Meria Boucher: Understood. The first exit-point I noticed is through the secret passage - there is a window at the top of the stairs whose wards I can dismantle.
Serge Mercier turns his gaze to Terres as he mentions a familiar name. "Verit... is she...?"
Terres Regalius offers a weary smile and a slight nod. "She's okay. But... we've left her alone. We need... we need t' get back her, aye?"
Artani Dazkar "Are the two of you healed enough to go through a window?"
Hnaba Kaatapoh: "Let's jus toss'em an find out."
Terres Regalius: "I will admit- t'is... difficult t' stand on my own."
Meria Boucher: Through a combination of gravitational manipulation and Isaudorel's very handsomely tall stature, I believe we can make do. This is only if walking out through the front door is... a dubious option.
Serge Mercier lurches forward, trying to stand on his own - and having trouble doing so. "Need to... to go... before he-"
Artani Dazkar "Much as I hate to admit it....shoving them out of a window and dealing with their injuries when we're back at the house seems practical."
Meria Boucher finishes unbinding Serge, and then gives the man a quick pat on the shoulder. "Calm yourself. A solution will be found. I feel some degree of empathy for your plight - I believe they call this 'being in the same club'."
Meria Boucher sounds entirely emotionless as she says this, but she gives Serge a single thumbs-up.
Hnaba Kaatapoh was getting tired of all the standing around. "Might as well start a fire er somethin' at this rate." She mumbles.
Serge Mercier isn't entirely sure, but, okay. He's starting to come out of the drugged haze, and it's turning into panic.
Meria Boucher: Isaudorel, help him walk?
Terres Regalius: "Er... wait, a- a what?!"
Isaudorel Vairemont offers the man his hand. "Do not push yourself, you're still healing. When we get you out, I'll give you this other potion; if we're able to bring you back to Mistress Batachikhan's establishment, I'll be able to make far more potent ones."
Serge Mercier: "We... need to hurry. There... there's another here..?"
Terres Regalius furrows his brow. He didn't remember any others around...
Meria Boucher gives him another pat. "Please take deep breaths," she murmurs. "I have climbed the backs of dragons and I have pierced my blade into the heart of countless wyrms. All fall before the judgement of Halone."
Isaudorel Vairemont: "There is you and Ser Terres. In addition, there's a man sleeping downstairs. I believe we've taken enough precautions that he shouldn't be an issue, should he work for this 'Javed' individual."
Meria Boucher pauses, glancing and Serge and quietly pushing past the group... seeing if she can feel another source of aether in the building that was not there previously.

Meria Boucher waves her hand upwards, collecting all of the ball-bearings with a simple manipulation of gravity before restoring them to their pouch. Then, she peers through the doorway to see what the status of the other room is.
Artani Dazkar released air rapidly from her nose. "You guys can take point. I'll go last just in case."
Meria Boucher pushes open the doorway, leaving it ajar for the rest of her colleagues.
Terres Regalius glances to the node, furrowing his brow. "Huh? Er— a-alright..." Cue him carefully managing to sit on the.... thing.
Isaudorel Vairemont nods to Artani. "Very well," he turns to face Serge. "Come with me, Ser. Slowly, steadily."
Gene MercierZalera scowls at his axe narrowly misses Meria as she comes through the doorway, before smirking at her. "One little rat... how many more?"
Meria Boucher is not the type to exchange witty banter. Instead, she sends a trio of needles - tipped with a paralysis potion - flying towards the man using her levitation magic after dropping out of the way of the blow.
Hnaba Kaatapoh turns to Terres an grins. "Ye just lean forward an it'll go. But don't lean too forward or ye' get a face full of floor." She moves towards the node an gave it a tap, the panels adjusting to the size of how thicc Terres was. Or if.
Serge Mercier accepts his help, though he freezes as he hears gene downstairs.
Terres Regalius adjusts himself in the seat - before feeling his heart drop upon hearing the new and familiar voice downstairs.
Gene MercierZalera grunts as the needles hit him.... but the poison is shrugged off with a surge of aether. In the dim light, his eyes almost seem to glow gold. He hefts his axe and swings at her again.
Isaudorel Vairemont tenses at the sound of Gene's voice. "Miss Artani and Miss Hnaba, if you would ensure the man is dealt with, it would be tremendously appreciated." There's a small, small note of panic in his voice as he moves himself and Serge toward the stairs.
Artani Dazkar nodded at Isa, blades finally slipping from their sheaths. "Of course. Go."
Hnaba Kaatapoh gave a shrug before patting Terres. "Don't break'em er ya under contract to be me assistant." She moves to head down where FINALLY there was some action.
Artani Dazkar Upon reaching Meria, Artani didn't hesitate to attack Gene from behind, two quick slashes to the man's upper body with her blades.
Terres Regalius is currently trying to figure how the ???? he uses this damned piece of technology—
Meria Boucher grunts as the blade meets her shoulder, blood spurting against the floor and filling the air with its metallic stench. A growl emininates from her throat as she withdraws, taking advantage of Artani's advance to rip a card from out of her coat. The Balance. "Fate shall tip out of your favor, oh sinner, because you - standing at the feet of Nald'thal - have been judged unworthy. Fall to thine knees and repent, or be scorched clean by the fires of the second hell as thy soul cries out for its
Meria Boucher: for its long-forsaken purity."
Gene MercierZalera hisses as Artani's daggers slice into his skin - though, not as deep as one might expect. His gaze snaps back to Meria, a wicked smirk tugging at his lips as the aether she's trying to form seems to simply be... absorbed. "What do you know of my fate? Of my soul?" He laughs, bringing his axe down again towards Meria, before spinning to try to catch Artani with the edge.
Hnaba Kaatapoh had been watching all this mumbo jimbo cursing go down, pulling her gun out she aims it at Gene. "I dunno what ya' just said but imma' shoot anyways." She grins, having been itchy since the start of this to blow something or someone up. Though her shot was a bit lazy at her excitement for v i o l e n  c e.
Isaudorel Vairemont looks back to Serge and leads him down the stairs, out of the secret room. When he catches sight of the fighting, he tenses. "Meria," he whispers, frozen.
Serge Mercier grips Isaudorel's shoulder a bit tighter - tighter than one would expect a man in his condition to be able to. "You need... to run. Everyone..."
Artani Dazkar Having leaped out of the way of the swinging axe, Artani danced to one side, slicing again at Gene with both of her blades. One went straight for his hamstring, while the other went a bit higher up in attempt to disable the man, or at least hit an artery.
Terres Regalius obviously has a difficult time adjusting himself on the damned node - but upon hearing the combat downstairs, and the scent of blood quickly filling his nose, a panic begins to rise up in him. He lifts himself out of the seat and - as quickly as his body will allow him - opens a familiar drawer and rummages out every knife that he can carry. He'll make himself useful one way or another.
Meria Boucher is not a woman who shouts, but as aether consolidates around her, what eminates from her being is a near-feral growl. Even as the metal tears a new mark across her body, letting forth another font of blood, she accepts it - for it is not Isaudorel who is hurt, and she shall not allow it to be Isaudorel who is hurt next. "I know that when the sky fills with the weight of the world's judgement and when the limitless expanse twixt heavens light and the earth's fetid soil collapses into a
Meria Boucher - singular horizon, that the Fury shall claim what is left of the shattered starlight and form a new hall from only the purest shards of aether!" Meria withdraws a new card, facing it towards the man. "Underneath the first heaven, thy rotting spirit shall nourish the roots of the world tree, as the Bole seeks to strangle you with its roots and take from you whatever may be of use on that fated day!"
Gene MercierZalera actually laughs as Artani tries to cut into him, and again, it feels like the blades are meeting some kind of resistance as they dig into his flesh. And again, Meria will feel the aether she's channeling be sapped away, as though it were being negated. Or consumed. He swings his axe up again at Artani, then tries to bring it crashing down on Isaudorel, grin widdening as he sees Serge. "Tsk, tsk - no running, BROTHER."
Hnaba Kaatapoh sighs when her node comes back to her lacking Terres. "An I be all nice an he ain't even USE it." She gives the node a few adjustments before it goes into full on combat mode. It shoots a laser out towards Gene!
Isaudorel Vairemont miraculously is able to sidestep the axe, although it's less of an intended sidestep and more stumbling back into Serge as he tries to avoid it. Isaudorel reaches into his coat and pulls out one of the potions from the room with the cells, doing his best to smash it across Gene's head.
Artani Dazkar caught the axe's blade on her arm, grunting irritably before lunging once more. This time, she made an attempt to slice at his throat, coming around the wide with two quick thrusts.
Terres Regalius instantly hears Gene addressing his 'brother', and his surge of panic quickly morphed into a rush of adrenaline. Using the node to quickly move him downstairs, he props himself up into the seat as it zooms toward the opened hidden doorway, aimed directly at Gene- which then, would be used to crash into him. In the process, Terres attempts to use the momentum and leap up, and then attempt to pass over Gene and drive two knives into his shoulders.
Meria Boucher feels her vision go a bit fuzzy - is it blood loss, or is it the sight of an axe narrowly missing Isaudorel? She shoves herself in front of him, growling at him to /run/, and draws a new card with blood-soaked fingers. This time, however, her goal isn't just to channel aether from the celestial gates - no. Reaching out to the fifth heaven - that of water, the rivers of the lifestream guarded by Nymeia and Thaliak - she rips as much water-aspected energy as she can from the waiting skies and
Meria Boucher - and the ambient aether churning throughout the room. What she cannot pull in she will take, convert, pour through her body (and the gates carved upon her own flesh.) "Now /DROWN/," is her eloquent command.
Gene MercierZalera side-steps Artani's blades, and deflects Terre's attempts at assassinating him. But the water? It cascades through him, and there's a grimace, and a snarl as he's forced to take a step back. There's something... feral about him now, the golden glow of his eyes more obvious as he lunges for Meria with a crushing swing, then lashes out at Terres.
Hnaba Kaatapoh was getting annoyed with the lack of damage this god damn truck of a man wasn't taking. She lowered her gun to attach a drill onto the barrel, before kneeling down to keep herself steady. She aimed for the chest, biting her lip as she pulled the trigger. HOPING the drill would get sent straight through the man.
Isaudorel Vairemont looks back to Serge. "Lean against the ladder, I will be but a moment!" He rushes to Meria's side and inspects her wounds. "My last potion, please, drink it. Stabilize yourself, Terres and the gentleman we're escorting can wait until we return to our room; I can make more, but you must remain conscious, Meria!" The more he speaks, the more panicked his voice gets. He hands over his final potion with a trembling hand.
Serge Mercier has to lean on the ladder, but looks increasingly panicked. "W-we... need to leave..!"
Isaudorel Vairemont: "We are not leaving until this man is broken, yet alive," he hisses. "If we had the luxury, I would take him back to my workshop and inflict untold suffering and innumerable wounds onto his miserable form!"
Artani Dazkar tossed hair out of her eyes and stepped back a bit, assessing. "Get them -out-," she said between clenched teeth. "I'll keep him occupied." With that, she leaped forward to hopefully land a critical blow across the man's throat or head area.
Meria Boucher pulls her mask back, shoving it down her throat once her face has been revealed. It's quite clear why the woman wears it once its off - the right side of her face bears the distinctive multiation of a wyrmkin's talons. She seems in a much better condition after the potion. "/Run/, the lot of you, get the injured to safety!"
Terres Regalius had practically face planted into the furnace, but managed to turn just in time to dodge the swing at him. However he noticed the change in Gene's expression, and it did not bode well. Something was very wrong. "Everyone- we need t' get out, /now/. That circle on Serge's back - Gene has one too, and for good reason. If he takes anymore stress than he's already taken, something bad is bound to happen!" He's propped himself up against the furnace defensively, but his face yelled panic.
Meria Boucher bares her teeth, keeping herself inbetween the chemist and the monsterous man. "This body may have been gutted," she withdraws another slew of poisoned needles. "But I can still hunt, whether ye be voidkin, scalekin, or some vile abomination yet unknown!" She sends the volley at him. Perhaps if she pours enough liquid in him, she can get this behemoth to stay /down/.
Gene MercierZalera staggers as Artani catches him in the head, his gaze snapping around to face her. Meria's needles clink harmlessly off his skin, sounding as though they hit solid rock, and he gives Artani a too-wide grin with too-sharp teeth. The axe comes down on her again, before he roars and spins, trying again to catch Meria and force her down.
Meria Boucher buckles under the weight of the axe - but still, she persists. "Isa, Hnaba, get the injured and /leave!/ We will follow!"
Hnaba Kaatapoh: "Man, this is takin' forever an I'm gettin' hungry." Seeing this guy was STILL standing, she wished she'd just shot him in the head while he was asleep. Would have saved them a lot of trouble. "I'm 'bout ready to blow this place. Literally. If things ain't get any better." She glances to the others before looking around the room. She digs into her pockets and places something down on the furnence in the middle of the room before grabbing Gene by the scruff an slinging him over her shoulder.
Serge Mercier is very confused at being picked up by Hnaba.
Isaudorel Vairemont looks to Meria for a moment before grabbing Terres's hand. "I trust you, my dearest and most beloved Meria. Ser Terres, brace yourself; I am not a strong man, but I came to see you safely back to the Broodmother. Now, come with me!" He looks back to Meria once more before swiftly following after Hnaba.
Artani Dazkar The axe sliced rather impressively through Artani's right shoulder, drawing a strangled gasp from the woman. Growling, she glanced up again to make sure the others were moving, and moved to attack again, dancing around Gene to place herself between him and Meria, slicing violently at his chest, torso, and wherever else she could get as she moved.
Terres Regalius managed to follow along Isa, gripping tight as he used the elezen to keep himself on his feet- yet even so, his eyes were locked onto Serge, making sure he would be alright. "H-hurry," He breathed, not bothering to wait around... so long as his friend was safe.
Meria Boucher is driven to her knees, but she still has one trick up her sleeve, one thing that has remained faithful to her for all these years. With a shuddering movement of her hand (and a little aetheric assistance), Meria lets loose her entire pouch of ball bearings underneath Gene's feet before she claws her way into a scramble to follow after the others. Enjoy those, Gene. Enjoy tripping on tiny, tiny metal spheres of hate.
Gene MercierZalera snarls at Artani as she dances around, lashing out with his axe. The ball bearings are largely ignored as he tries one more time to slice open Meria before she's out of range.
Hnaba Kaatapoh pulls out a switch from her pocket. "It's a remote detonation, if we gotta then i'll hit it." She glances to SERGE with a smirk. "Let's get ya' some better pants after this, yeah?" She quickly moves towards the stairs, her node trailing behind keeping locked on furby man.
Isaudorel Vairemont says nothing and just continues to drag Terres away from the conflict as quickly as possible.
Artani Dazkar The axe sliced neatly across Artani's sternum, causing her to stumble back. With the others safely gone, Artani reached into a bloodstained pocket and yanked out a tiny pouch, tossing what amounted to a smoke bomb that, when exploded, would cover her escape and also sting the eyes somethin' fierce. Something akin to mace, but stronger. She then sheathed her blades and ran to catch up with the others.
Meria Boucher narrowly dodges the axe swipe plummeting towards her, sprinting away to catch up to the others. As soon as she's at the base of the stairs, she again uses her abilities - collecting up her precious metal balls and - reversing their gravity - flinging them over the heads of the group and... across the bedroom floor.
Meria Boucher || Have fun, Gene!
Gene MercierZalera turns to pursue them, snarl growing as he hefts his axe. The ball bearings are largely ignored, some even seeming to... flatten? under his footsteps as he pursues them.
Gene MercierZalera brings his axe up to try to take out Terres and Isaudorel in dual swings.
Hnaba Kaatapoh big sighs as this hulk of a man wouldn't cease. "???? it." She growls, grabbing her node then chucking it in Gene's direction. The node opening up multiple compartments that littered it's body with spikes, as well as two robotic looking arms that would latch onto where ever it landed. Hopefully on the man's face to keep him distracted. She hoped it landed at least while booking it up the stairs.
Isaudorel Vairemont clutches his chest, pressing a hand to his open wound. He looks down at his stained glove, as some soft, anguished sound escapes him. Using what remains of his strength, he drags Terres up the stairs, doing his best to escape this horrible, nightmarish... *thing* that chased them.
Terres Regalius elicited loud huffs of breath while keeping up with Isa as best as he could, and he turned his head upon hearing heavy footsteps behind him... only to feel his heart sink upon the sight of a pissed off Gene with an axe over his head. Unfortunately for him (and Isa), he was easily caught up the blade, letting out a gasped cry of pain as it carved into the side of his chest. Thankfully Isa managed to keep a grip on him, and was forcefully drug out of range...
Artani Dazkar Artani chucked a handful of tiny knives behind her at Gene as she ran after the others, stopping to help Isa keep a hold of Terres as the axe caught him.
Meria Boucher undoes the latch on the secret bookshelf doorway in this bizarre hellshop, practically kicks it open, and then grabs on to the other side of Terres to participate in the haul. "Keep going, keep going, the pain is temporary, you will be safe soon, keep going..."
Gene MercierZalera is only slightly slowed down by the knives that don't hurt him, and he stands down at the bottom of the stairs a second, before grinning wide and charging up, aiming to hit Terres again before they can drag him off.
Hnaba Kaatapoh: "WOULD YA' STOP FOLLOWIN' US?! TAKE A HINT!!" She's calling back her node, it was slightly damaged from the off throw but it manages to return to her before it was lost in this basement of horror. She KICKS open the MF BOOKCASE , foAmING AT THE MOUTH WHILE carRrying Serge through the house and out the door.
Isaudorel Vairemont looses his grip on Terres, stumbling toward the exit, muttering something under his breath in a panicked, breaking voice.
Terres Regalius clutches the wound on his chest with a pained breath, watching Gene follow unecessarily close- he's not fast enough to dodge another swing, unfortunately, but he DOES use Isa to prop himself up against and use ALL of his weight to kick into Gene's chest. PLEASE fall down the stairs, for the love of the Twelve-
Terres Regalius || Welp, he tried, but thankfully he's dragged away before he does something incredibly stupid!
Meria Boucher - in an attempt to get him to STOP so they can RUN - attempts to drag Gene down the stairs with a gravitational vortex. This is, however, followed up on in no way because otherwise she is bailing on all of this and grabbing Terres to get him OUT.
Artani Dazkar threw another mace smoke bomb at Gene before ????ing right off with the others.
Meria Boucher || As soon as they are out in the yard, dragged away, and safe - Meria grabs onto Isaudorel, and not particularly caring about the proximity of anyone else, including if Terres is still clinging to him, she pulls off her mask, grabs Isa's hand, and kisses it. "Stay with me. Just a bit father. You're wonderful. I - love you."
Isaudorel Vairemont places his free hand atop Meria's head and closes his eyes. "And I, you, my dearest, most beloved and cherished Meria."