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BIGASS EVENT LOGS

Saymana11
Aug 4th, 2018
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  1. [19:05] {NARRATION} Once everyone had arrivied, Zio last with another in tow it seemed, it was time to get going... Near midnight, though not just time. Zenkichi has likely spoken some about this innocent looking pond. While there were various ones to come across, one of them eventually came across the one that was... probably the right pond.
  2.  
  3. It had an opening to the foliage above to let light shine down onto it and seemed to sparkle under the moonlight as a soft ethereal energy rising from it slow. Staring into the pond seemed to give a glimpse of elsewhere. Exactly? It couldn't quite be said.
  4.  
  5. Zenkichi probably knew the stars were right.
  6. [19:08] Throughout the journey here.. Zio seemed to be bickering with a man he was certain was his father. In lowly tones, his hand gestures were convincing and accurate, knowing information that no other Neries would possibly have known.
  7.  
  8. Of course.. this wasn't the business of his fellow ninjas, but did they know what it was like reuniting with a long lost father?
  9.  
  10. Yeah, that's what I thought.
  11.  
  12. "I lost the name Zio as I grew up, alright? That's why I'm not Zion. Why are you the one that's angry anyway? You're the one who abandoned your fa-..."
  13.  
  14. An apologetic expression would swiftly take over his face, resorting to grumbling in hushed tongues-- whispering angrily.
  15.  
  16. But of course, his senses were sharp-- paying attention to the main objective of the expedition as well.
  17. (Zio)
  18. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  19.  
  20. [19:08] Zio whispers something.
  21. [19:09] Zio whispers something.
  22. [19:09] Zio whispers something.
  23. [19:09] Lu wasnt really quite sure why he tagged along with the ragtag team group of people along with Zenkichi. But the ninja did say they where going on a trip to the spririt world..right? Either way..the valmasian rabbit just shrugged and stayed silent as he observed the group on a pitch black storm cloud.
  24.  
  25. Mostly staring at the pond though..what was shimmering in it..
  26. (Lu Zain)
  27. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  28.  
  29. [19:09] Zio whispers something.
  30. [19:10] Their explanation didn't earn any sympathy from Saruin. His ice-blue eyes hold a cold, frigid stare over the hooded Neries as they travel.
  31.  
  32. Having arrived with his estranged son, Saruin had more questions than answers: 'who are these strangers, what are we doing here, where are we...' none of which he'd ask. Everywhere he looked, there was the glint of metal about these people- of both guns and swords, of armor and armaments. He recognized this was an armed force of mages.
  33.  
  34. And for whatever reason, his son was a part of it... "What am I gonna be shootin' at?" Brusquely asks the ill-mannered androgyne, who's cynical gaze conveys a mistrust of his comrades. Some of them were just... young. Or absolutely tiny, in the fairy's case.
  35.  
  36. Either way- he didn't expect they'd be of much use. But he does turn an eager eye on Zion, an interest showing in the young man. "You know how to fight, Zion?" He asks- worried he'd have to do the lion's share of fighting himself, though he'd never been much good at it...
  37. (Saruin Aradel)
  38. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  39.  
  40. [19:11] Saruin Aradel whispers something.
  41. [19:11] Zio sighs.
  42. (Zio)
  43. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  44.  
  45. [19:12] Zio whispers something.
  46. [19:12] Zio whispers something.
  47. [19:13] Zio whispers something.
  48. [19:13] Ovan arrives at the pond around the same time as Jin, likely with a bag full of assorted throwing knives and snacks mixed into one bag together. He wanted to give his ninja affiliates some of the tools he had gotten an abundance of from Lauren's shop as well as hand them something nutritious for the outing.
  49.  
  50. The end result was a bag full of both, which, in hindsight, was a terrible idea. He places the bag on the ground once everyone arrives (as to not be held accountable for his terrible idea) and sets his focus on the shimmering hole before them.
  51.  
  52. ".. Uh. What is this, exactly?"
  53. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  54. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  55.  
  56. [19:13] Adra stood a bit away from the pond, her brow furrowed in concern at the frankly unnerving pond, it's reflection not matching what should be shown. She looks over her fellow clan members and the other gathered figures, mumbling to herself quietly.
  57.  
  58. "That's.. Huh. Does this have to do with the stuff you two were mentioning?" She asks with a note of concern to her voice, pointing between Jin and Zenkichi hoping for some answers. She stands behind the two, not sure what's going on and seeking a defense for anything that might happen. She has a sinking feeling Zenkichi was about to tell them to go inside of it, eyeing the pond again.
  59. (Adra Wvelven)
  60. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  61.  
  62. [19:13] Slowly shaking his head, his eyes would drift across the area. Were they actually going to enter the spirit world through a pond..? See, his Ninja teacher was a bit of a goof.. So, he just kind of expected this all to be some kind of prank.
  63.  
  64. Staring down into the lake for a few moments, his gaze would soon shift over towards Zenkichi.
  65.  
  66. "This it?"
  67. (Jin Wvelven)
  68. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  69.  
  70. [19:13] "I'm going to be honest, I'm not interested in this spirit realm stuff." he admitted on the walk to their destination. None of his magic even allowed him to bridge that gap between the physical and spiritual world, only really possessing elements. So, he may have been placing himself in danger by going on this little adventure.
  71.  
  72. "I just went because I wanted to, I suppose." he said, although that wasn't the whole story. D. had done a lot of fighting, but he hadn't broken into his stride. Something that he wouldn't tell anyone else, was that he was coming here on a journey of self discovery. Out of a desire to find out who he was, and his purpose.
  73.  
  74. Something told him that he didn't quite fit in with these ninjas, as hospitable as Zenkichi had been towards him. It was to wander outside of his comfort zone, to break down the walls he had been building around himself all of these years. He stopped in his tracks, his gaze shifting to the hole as he reached for his weapon.
  75.  
  76. "I'll have your backs, though." he declared, approaching the pond cautiously.
  77. (D. Wvelven)
  78. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  79.  
  80. [19:13] A bit of stumbling here, a bit of wobbling over there, Lauren had no idea in particular as to why she decided to tag along; perhaps it was just mere curiosity --the want to fill her brainmeat with experiences and such which might be deemed useful.
  81.  
  82. Or maybe it was just impulse on her part. Regardless of the how or why she was here, did not matter! Lauren was here, like it or not, alongside mostly strangers and stranglers -- some she knew the face of, from the Academy, others were mostly new to her.
  83.  
  84. "So, uh, I got the leaflet.", was there even a leaflet? Probably, Zenkichi probably had amazing advertising skills for all Lauren knew!
  85.  
  86. "What is this about? The... Pond?", she'd point out, murmuring in a questioning tone.
  87.  
  88. "It looks pretty."
  89. (Lauren Raynor)
  90. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  91.  
  92. [19:17] Zenkichi would've plodded along at a brisk pace. He knew where the pond was. Knew that there probably wasn't going to be a large window of time for them to slip in and out. So, for the sake of those that had decided to come along with him, he wasn't trying to waste much time. So when they finally came to it, he came to a stop.
  93.  
  94. "...Yep." He confirms.
  95.  
  96. "The pond." He echoes. "When the moon shines down on it... it'll open a way to the spirit realm. Just to make sure we're on the same page - the main goal is to find any abnormalities. Something that might be letting more Nethradin in than usual. Then fix it."
  97.  
  98. He glances to the party.
  99.  
  100. "...Man that's a lot of people." he huffs. His attention turns back to the pond. "You guys all ready to go ghost hunting?"
  101. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  102. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  103.  
  104. [19:19] Adra gives a sound that's a cross between a groan and a sigh. So they were heading into it. At least there would be more of her clan inside of it with her. If they die at least it's together. She listens to the words he says, tilting an eyebrow up in confusion at Zenkichi and prodding his back-- or at least attempting to-- as she speaks up.
  105.  
  106. "Hey-- What's a Nethradin? I thought we were ghost hunting?" She questions her clan leader. Clueless street rat.
  107. (Adra Wvelven)
  108. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  109.  
  110. [19:19] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Nethradin are ghosts. Spirits is the technical term."
  111. [19:20] Spirit hunting..or ghost hunting as Zenkichi called it. Well..That did sound like a shit ton of fun though..considering he already nearly died to long dead spirits anyway..
  112.  
  113. "Im as ready as I'll ever be to hunt some ghosts."
  114. (Lu Zain)
  115. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  116.  
  117. [19:20] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "They live down in Helheim."
  118. [19:20] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "--It'll make more sense when we're down in there."
  119. [19:20] Adra Wvelven says, "Helheim... Alright, if it's going to be clear when we get there I GUESS I'm ready to go. "
  120. [19:20] Lauren Raynor asks, "Ghosts, huh?"
  121. [19:21] Lauren Raynor says, "I heard once upon a time, a big ol' ghost invaded one of them Gehennan villages down south."
  122. [19:21] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "One decided to use Death magic on me and fuck with my soul."
  123. [19:22] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "So now we're here."
  124. [19:22] Adra Wvelven asks, "Wow. You okay?"
  125. [19:22] Lauren Raynor says, "I think they called it a wraith, but if them Nethradins are anything similar, we need to be extra careful I bet."
  126. [19:22] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "More or less."
  127. [19:22] Lu Zain says, "Sounds pretty challanging."
  128. [19:22] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "Sorry about you soul, man."
  129. [19:22] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Thanks!"
  130. [19:22] Jin Wvelven asks, "Your soul can get hurt??"
  131. [19:22] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Very carefully."
  132. [19:23] Adra Wvelven says, "Wow."
  133. [19:23] Jin Wvelven says, "..."
  134. [19:23] Lauren Raynor asks, "And uhh... Mister Wvelven, is it? How'd you manage to get yourself out of that?"
  135. [19:23] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "I beat it up...???"
  136. [19:23] Jin Wvelven asks, "But your soul got hurt?"
  137. [19:23] Adra Wvelven asks, "Did you sleep it off?"
  138. [19:23] Zio says, "Of course I know how to fight.. /father/."
  139. [19:23] Jin Wvelven asks, "You try getting a mythril soul?"
  140. [19:23] Lauren Raynor says, "Oh, I mean, did you use any fancy tricks? Death magic, from what the teachers been tellin' us, is pretty damning."
  141. [19:23] Zio's whispers let him know that he was a father to five children- though he remembered only two, and this boy was not the Zion he had cradled in his arms. But the age was right. He even looked... familiar. Saruin turns a troubled gaze forwards on the other adventurers, unsure if he even had a right to be here beside his son.
  142.  
  143. He felt like scum, not really knowing even a single child he'd brought into the world... "Ghost hunting- that'll do." He spoke, gleaming all that he could from the situation while struggling with all that Zio had to tell him.
  144.  
  145. A dainty, black-nailed white hand brandishes his revolver the chamber of which rolls open with a steady swish of turning machinery before snapping back into place. "We can catch up after this- … you are going with these guys, right?" He asks, turning a more sober and concise gaze onto Zio.
  146. (Saruin Aradel)
  147. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  148.  
  149. [19:23] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "No I just."
  150. [19:23] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "..."
  151. [19:24] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Most of crafthold was there."
  152. [19:24] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "So we all beat it up."
  153. [19:24] Lauren Raynor asks, "Ooohh, so you valiantly commanded your forces to beat it up alongside you?"
  154. [19:24] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "I wouldn't say commanded."
  155. [19:24] Lauren Raynor asks, "...Inspired?"
  156. [19:24] Jin Wvelven asks, ".. Begged?"
  157. [19:24] Zenkichi Wvelven says, ": | Sure."
  158. [19:24] D. Wvelven asks, "What does it mean when your soul is damaged?"
  159. [19:25] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "I have no clue."
  160. [19:25] Adra Wvelven whispers: Horses.
  161. [19:25] Jin Wvelven whispers: If you don't fucking stop.
  162. [19:25] D. Wvelven says, "You look fine to me."
  163. [19:25] D. Wvelven says, "Anyway."
  164. [19:25] D. Wvelven asks, "We have to stop all the ghosts from coming through, right?"
  165. [19:25] D. Wvelven asks, "We gotta catch them all?"
  166. [19:26] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "...yeah."
  167. [19:26] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "exactly that."
  168. [19:26] Adra Wvelven asks, "Aren't we stopping them on the other side though?"
  169. [19:26] Zenkichi eyes the pond. Is it ready to go through?
  170. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  171. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  172.  
  173. [19:27] The Acolyte slowly nods his head, a soft smile adorning his features. He didn't expect to be super close to his father right off the bat.. but he hoped to gradually create that bond that he longed throughout his whole life.
  174.  
  175. Shaking his head, he snapped back to reality.
  176.  
  177. "Yeah, I'm going with them. I-.."
  178.  
  179. Pulling up his hood, he'd avert the elder Neries' gaze.
  180.  
  181. "… I'm glad you're back, dad."
  182. (Zio)
  183. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  184.  
  185. [19:27] Zenkichi Wvelven whispers: Why is his Dad really hot?
  186. [19:27] Saruin Aradel asks, "... Oh, we're uh- jumpin' in the pond or some shit? What is it?"
  187. [19:28] Jin Wvelven whispers: I actually don't know, and I'm trying not to look directly at him.
  188. [19:28] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "The pond acts like a sort of portal."
  189. [19:28] Lauren blinks a few times at Zenkichi, before turning to face her left, studying the rest of the group.
  190. (Lauren Raynor)
  191. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  192.  
  193. [19:28] D. leaned over and picked up the earth crystal off of the ground, holding it in a reverse grip and swinging his arm. He released the shard, shipping it across the pond a few times before it plunged into the waters.
  194.  
  195. Maybe this was a bad idea.
  196. (D. Wvelven)
  197. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  198.  
  199. [19:28] Zio says, "I trust you, sensei."
  200. [19:28] Lauren Raynor says, "Mmm... He's not on fire, mister."
  201. [19:28] Saruin Aradel asks, "... So why ain't we hoppin' in?"
  202. [19:28] Lauren Raynor says, "He's okay."
  203. [19:28] Zio says, "--"
  204. [19:28] Jin Wvelven says, "--"
  205. [19:29] Zenkichi refuses to let Saurin get in first, if that's what he's planning. The man tests the water by way of dipping his hand in.
  206. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  207. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  208.  
  209. [19:30] Saruin sets forward, his bare and silky thighs strutting under the scant cover of his armored miniskirt. He approaches the pond, revolver in hand, and gives it a brief glance of appraisal...
  210.  
  211. … before he hops on in, his high-heels turned over his head while he dives for its depths! Whether he was the first one in or not- he was going in, eager to see what this was all about.
  212. (Saruin Aradel)
  213. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  214.  
  215. [19:30] Zenkichi glances up, actually.
  216.  
  217. Are those fucking high heels
  218. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  219. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  220.  
  221. [19:30] Zio nods, slightly embarrassed.
  222. (Zio)
  223. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  224.  
  225. [19:31] Ovan is mildly confused.
  226. Not by the part about Zio's father diving in, either.
  227. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  228. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  229.  
  230. [19:32] Lu is..is just really confused by the neries wearing high heels..but who was he to judge.
  231. (Lu Zain)
  232. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  233.  
  234. [19:32] Zio jumps in right behind Saruin. Like father like son..?
  235. (Zio)
  236. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  237.  
  238. [19:33] Zio asks, "See you on the other side, everyone-- ???"
  239. [19:33] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "We should all come out at the same place..."
  240. [19:34] Jin reaches up to clear his throat into a closed fist, averting his gaze.
  241.  
  242. Why did Zio's dad have to be kind of hot? And wear women's clothes? And show off his juicy thighs?
  243.  
  244. "-- Guess we just jump in?"
  245.  
  246. Coming a bit closer to the pond, he'd dive right in.
  247. (Jin Wvelven)
  248. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  249.  
  250. [19:34] Zenkichi shrugs. He backflips into the pond.
  251.  
  252. They were gonna have to go in sooner or later.
  253. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  254. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  255.  
  256. [19:34] Lauren shrugs lightly before watching the individuals aiming to try and enter the pond. It'd seem everyone was just jumping right in, so she aimed to approach the pond in a rather sluggish yet cautious manner.
  257.  
  258. She had to be on the lookout for any traps or other nasties that might be waiting to be sprung up out on them.
  259.  
  260. "Uhhh?"
  261. (Lauren Raynor)
  262. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  263.  
  264. [19:35] Ovan also dives in with style, a hand moving out to latch onto Lauren and drag her down with him.
  265.  
  266. If they were going to be ambushed and killed, they would all die together.
  267. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  268. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  269.  
  270. [19:35] Adra gives a weary hum as she watches people dive in, walking to the edge of the pond and giving it a wary glance.
  271.  
  272. "I trust you, Zenkichi." She says, sounding like she doesn't even believe her own words. She begins wading into the pool, clearly needing more fancy ninja training.
  273. (Adra Wvelven)
  274. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  275.  
  276. [19:36] Lauren Raynor exclaims, "Woah!"
  277. [19:37] *SPLASH*
  278. (Saruin Aradel)
  279. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  280.  
  281. [19:37] Before D. could use the earth crystal to see what happened, the Neries jumped into the pond without any warning. The lad froze up, squinting at the ripples as they parted from the water. He carefully watched the point of impact, waiting for Saruin's return. But after a little while, presuming the madman actually made it, he wouldn't return.
  282.  
  283. "He's gone."
  284.  
  285. There would be no horns poking out of the surface, not even bubbles to suggest that he lost the air in his lungs and drowned. He had truly gone somewhere else, and that's what prompted D. to begin stepping towards the pond. Wading in the water, he made his way down into the gateway.
  286. (D. Wvelven)
  287. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  288.  
  289. [19:42] {NARRATION} Jumping through the pond could have been called an experience, to put it lighting. It could have been said to be cold but comforting. Endless with a light to the other end... Despite the appearence of it seeming shallow when elsewhere couldn't have been seen. And, there wasn't air exactly. It still felt as if they all were falling through water. Abeit, rather quickly. As if being pulling to the end.
  290.  
  291. What felt like quite a long time, they'd begun to emerge from another pond. Saurin the first unforunately for Zenkichi. The air felt different. Not natural to them. And the area around them somewhat ambient as the ethreal glow from the pond seemed common to flow low to the ground. About them, distant plains of blue colorations and a fortress in the distance from them.
  292.  
  293. As they emerged, it seemed they were glowing a soft blue ethreal color that had come from the pond.
  294. [19:47] What should've been a splash of liquid becomes a streaming descent of astral tracers and starry streaks that follow in a ghostly, ubiquitous blue light that only shines brighter as Saruin nears his destination...
  295.  
  296. It's a bizarre, ether-touched place. He lowers weightlessly down onto the heels of his boots to behold an incorporeal world of phantasmal ambience and dreamy, yet sickly light. A silver brow arches on his once-pretty face while the aged androgyne struggles to make sense of where he was...
  297.  
  298. He didn't realize it was the Spirit Realm- … or anywhere else, for that matter. He holsters his revolver pistol and crosses his dainty arms, squinting at the fortress in the distance. Blue plains, ever-present and somehow unreal light coming from the false heavens above... somehow, he trusted nothing he saw here. But-
  299.  
  300. -where to go, if not the fortress...? "I'll take point." He speaks, silky thighs strutting as he proceeds ahead towards the fortress- though first, he'd have to get through the strange azure and periwinkle fields of bizarre flora that led up to the fortress, if that was what the strange structure even was...
  301. (Saruin Aradel)
  302. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  303.  
  304. [19:50] The experience was odd to say the least. Despite having the urge to shut his eyes, his golden orbs remained squinted as his form, along with the others, is pulled through to the other side. Once he climbs out onto the other side and looks around, the first thing he notices is the blue hue of the (spirit) world around them. Apparently, Zenkichi had brought them to the ride pond afterall.
  305.  
  306. "This.. is new." It is all he says at first as he looks around the area, taking note of the forest across the way. To say that he was not overwhelmed by his first trip to the Spirit Realm would be a lie.
  307.  
  308. Though, instead of soaking it all in, he comes to his senses and does his best to remember why it was they came in the first place. The youth looks to the leader of the Wvelven Clan for guidance and direction.
  309. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  310. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  311.  
  312. [19:51] Ponds weren't supposed to be this deep, right? There's actually no way that Zenkichi knew how to get into the spirit world, right?
  313.  
  314. Wrong.
  315.  
  316. Once again, Zenkichi was telling the truth.. He should actually stop doubting the man.
  317.  
  318. Coming up on the other side, quit literally, his eyes would drift across the azure plains, taking in the sights. They actually made it to the spirit world. Climbing out of the pond, he'd glance down at his own body-- his eyes widening as he noticed that he was glowing as well.
  319.  
  320. "Wh--.."
  321.  
  322. Speechless, he'd look towards Zenkichi for guidance.
  323. (Jin Wvelven)
  324. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  325.  
  326. [19:51] Change of plans; rather than carefully entering the pond and trying to get through as it were, she had been dragged in by Ovan! Forced to go much faster than expected and whilst she might have not liked that, it did have the benefit of making Lauren not fall behind the rest of the group.
  327.  
  328. As soon as the liquid splashed upon her, the sheer shock value was enough to freeze Lauren for the duration of transition, that when she rose back up from the pond...
  329.  
  330. Things weren't as they seemed! No, she was in a place she did not understand that alone made her somewhat paranoid, fearful and rightly so -- Agartha was a dangerous place, but places that were accessible through Agartha and were unmapped could be even more deadly.
  331.  
  332. "By Azrael, this is...", words escaped Lauren here, she couldn't describe what she was seeing --least, not well enough to do it justice. The air was odd on this end, not oppressive nor normal, yet that only the beginning; inthe distance, plains of blue could be seen and a fortress, both features caught Lauren's attention.
  333.  
  334. "Oh boy.", she blurts out, only to glance down at her own self, gasping in shock!
  335.  
  336. "What in the heck?", for she did not understand a single thing; this was one of those scenarios, Lauren had to just simply roll with the punches and follow along with the 'plan'.
  337. (Lauren Raynor)
  338. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  339.  
  340. [19:52] Zenkichi was only slightly beat up about the idea of being second place. Earlier in life he might've blown a gasket over it, but being behind Saurin was acceptable at best. Not like he had any clue the man was actually 'ahead' of him until they popped out the other side. The travel between realms being wholly disorientating for him.
  341.  
  342. Even when he had emerged in the Spirit Realm, it took him a second or two to get his bearings - not entirely realizing that he had made it. His foot tapped against the ground, returning his sense of space to him slowly but surely. His empathy towards those with glasses or frequent nausea increased immensely.
  343.  
  344. "...Alright. I'--" Saruin took the words out of his mouth. He considered protesting. "You sure about going off there?" - Despite that, he still falls in line. It was supposed to be HIS ghost adventure and now this high-heeled mother fucker was trying to take over? Zenkichi was still completely overwhelmed by a man with that kind of gusto and energy who also wore such stupidly stylish clothing.
  345.  
  346. This was Ja Drako all over again.
  347.  
  348. "So ah. Have you... been here before?" He asks.
  349. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  350. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  351.  
  352. [19:52] Adra's gut does flips as she steps into the pond, and slowly realizes that there's no bottom to step on, a concerned expression crossing her face before her head disappears under the silvery water. She gives a garbled noise of surprise as she opens her eyes under the water as she begins falling, eyes opening wide as she descends through the ethereal gateway of water, eyes focused on the light below.
  353.  
  354. "Woah.." Adra mumbles after clawing her way out on the other side, inspecting herself but quickly getting distracted by their surroundings. Ethereal light coated the area, sprawling across the blue plains as far as the eye can see. She hadn't seen any thing like this at all, taking in the majesty. She tries to wipe herself clean of any ethereal water with gusts of mana-infused wind, giving a concerned noise as she notices she was glowing too.
  355.  
  356. "Uh.. Is this.. normal?" She says, looking over to her clan leader and noticing his surprise with concern, sticking close and following him if he suddenly takes off as he's prone to do.
  357. (Adra Wvelven)
  358. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  359.  
  360. [19:54]
  361. This new ethereal plane was completely foreign to Zio... and the first thought that ran through his mind was-- "What are the possibilities?"
  362.  
  363. What could he take from this new world that he couldn't in the real one-- could he enhance the black metal technique he'd been studying by sapping spiritual minerals?
  364.  
  365. Maybe.
  366.  
  367. However... that wasn't the objective, and there hadn't been any baddies to test the theory on.
  368.  
  369. Saruin had.. quite the sense of confidence and leadership-- so much so, that Zio momentarily forgot what he'd done to their family.
  370.  
  371. Maybe after some time, he could forgive him.
  372.  
  373. "Incredible..."
  374.  
  375. Well, now he could chalk down 'Went to the Spirit Realm' on his bucket list, if he even had one to begin with. He'd trail quietly behind his father, senses sharp-- on the lookout for potential danger that might want to harm their group.
  376. (Zio)
  377. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  378.  
  379. [19:54] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Also... word of warning. From what I understand, the Spirit Realm might have uh. Some weirdness to it."
  380. [19:54] Watching them each jump through the pond was..to say the least a very strange experiance. They seemed to vanish into the pool. Not coming back after a few minutes..the pool couldn't be that deep could it? But..what the hell. Might as well follow the group into the pond.
  381.  
  382.  
  383. What followed after was more strange than anything else he had ever experianced..or saw for that matter. Seemingly pulled through the water with eyes open wide. The air was practically non-existant but....the etherial glow was damn near breath taking.
  384.  
  385.  
  386. Steely gray eyes scanned around as the blue etheral coloring seemed to coat all of them. Besides that a fortress in the very distance..might as well follow the neries anyway...not that he was really complaining. Stuff like this made for a great..great story anyway.
  387. (Lu Zain)
  388. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  389.  
  390. [19:54] Adra Wvelven says, "How weird? "
  391. [19:54] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "So if gravity stops working just scream."
  392. [19:54] Jin Wvelven says, "--"
  393. [19:54] Lauren Raynor asks, "Why am I blue?"
  394. [19:54] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "I... "
  395. [19:54] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Why are you blue"
  396. [19:54] Jin Wvelven asks, "Why are -we- blue?"
  397. [19:54] Adra Wvelven exclaims, "It won't come off!"
  398. [19:54] Cold. The Wvelven descended into an endless pit of darkness, a distant light below his feet. Alone, falling deeper. Yet as he descended, it didn't feel like water. There wasn't the pressure in his ears that would make them pop, and his body wasn't crushed from descending this deep. It was oddly comforting, hidden away in a blanket of nothingness and hearing only his own thoughts.
  399.  
  400. While it may have been reason to panic for others, it was something that D. himself found comfort in. By the time he rose back up from the pond and into the spirit realm, he didn't seem shocked. In fact, the boy was oddly renewed. He arrived late, stepping up to the glowing group of adventurers and ninjas.
  401.  
  402. "This place is beautiful." he said, perhaps a contrast to the reactions of his own peers. Not worried, but embracing the potential disaster that he had been placed in. Something about that ethereal journey gave him a cool head. His gaze shifted down to his own hands, glowing and blue.
  403.  
  404. "That wasn't there before."
  405.  
  406. Duh. He began to step towards Zenkichi, looking towards his ninja dad for guidance rather than the Neries. "I'm ready." he spoke confidently, asking no questions.
  407. (D. Wvelven)
  408. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  409.  
  410. [19:55] Lauren Raynor exclaims, "...Sheesh, this place is getting weirder and weirder!"
  411. [20:02] {NARRATION} It was for the fortress. It was quite awhile away but with some time they might have reached it. Going for it, however, it seemed they'd come to pass a Nethradin every so often. And it seemed they were paying little mind to the group... unless they were interacted with first. And it seemed those that were not Nethradin strayed away.
  412.  
  413. Except for one, that is. A spirit flying through the air after them... Only noticed just recently, and it couldn't quite be said how long they were pursuing the group but eventually she caught up and landed infront of Saurin. Hopefully stopping him.
  414.  
  415. Softspoken, but just heard by everyone. "Excuse me... You all do not look like... Spirits. Can I know... why?"
  416. [20:07] Zenkichi glances back to the rest of the group, then turned his attention back to the spirit. He knew to be a little cautious, given that he had no clue which realm of the Spirit World they were actually in. Depending on which... even talking with it might be dangerous, no matter how innocuous it seemed.
  417.  
  418. "Ah. Uh... We're here to see why Spirits keep coming through so often." He decides to just be truthful. "There's been more Nethradin and other... malicious things coming through. You know anything like that, little dude?"
  419. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  420. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  421.  
  422. [20:08] Whether for age or his reckless exertion in plunging into the Spirit Realm- Saruin's eyes wobble on the spirit, his vision hanging low while his strength ebbs. He tries to listen- tries to set forward- but...
  423.  
  424. … it wasn't like the normal world, where his senses were stable. Already unsteadied- his tired nerves thin, before he leans forward and loses footing; a soft 'thud' announces his fall, face-down in the fields of blue grass.
  425.  
  426. It felt nice, just before he fell to an exhausted slumber atop it...
  427. (Saruin Aradel)
  428. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  429.  
  430. [20:08] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "..."
  431. [20:09] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Zio, your Dad died..."
  432. [20:11] Adra was following close behind when the spirit steps to them, watching Zio's dad fall ass-up on the ground. She makes a face, looking between the recently fainted person, her clan leader, and the spirit ahead of them.
  433.  
  434. "Zenkichi, that's not a hostile one right?" She asks, no experience on anything about this, nudging his back.
  435. (Adra Wvelven)
  436. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  437.  
  438. [20:11] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "I don't think so, no."
  439. [20:11] Adra Wvelven says, "Good.."
  440. [20:11] Glancing over towards the spirit, he'd quickly run over to Zenkichi's side. He didn't know much about the Spirit World, admittedly. So he was going to trust his teacher's judgement.
  441.  
  442. His eyes would study the spirit, and a hand would reach up so that he could clear his throat before speaking..
  443.  
  444. "Yo, ghost. I'm Jin."
  445. (Jin Wvelven)
  446. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  447.  
  448. [20:12] Zio says, "--"
  449. [20:12] Zio says, "Incredible.."
  450. [20:12] The Huitzilopochtli tugs at his own collar a few times as Saruin falls to the ground with a thud. The ripples that come with it are narrowly avoided by the man's focus thanks to the soft-spoken spirit that had apparently been following after them.
  451.  
  452. "Uh-huh. You don't look malicious.."
  453.  
  454. He continues to examine the ghoulish figure as the others catch up.
  455. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  456. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  457.  
  458. [20:13] "I didn't know that ghosts could talk." he said upon the group being approached by this lil Nethradin. "Maybe we shouldn't stay in here for long. Do what we have to do, and get out of here." he advised the group. Not out of fear, but of concern for these ghosts going about their ghostly non-lives.
  459.  
  460. "If we cause trouble here, it makes us hypocrites, right?"(D. Wvelven)
  461. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  462.  
  463. [20:15] Well that was unexpected; Saruin fainted, collapsed onto the ground in a heaped pile, face-down.
  464.  
  465. "Woah."
  466.  
  467. But that was the least of Lauren's worries, for a unknown spirit approached; she remained mostly silent for the time being, glancing over to it, studying it.
  468. (Lauren Raynor)
  469. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  470.  
  471. [20:20] Of course, Zio tends to his father and suddenly? He's back to the real world... What a mystical place this was.
  472.  
  473. Anyway-- naturally, the Neries was wary of whatever this creature in front of them was, and since he signed up to protect his sensei, he needed to keep his reflexes sharp. A firm grip placed upon the hilt of Falchion, he'd stand beside the Head of the Wvelven clan, jade eyes peering through the obscurity of his hood.
  474.  
  475. At the same time.. he tried to harness mana and minerals from the spiritual plane-- noticing that it was a lot easier to do so here. Who knew? Maybe the answers to his studies rested right in front of his nose.
  476.  
  477. For now, he patiently waited.
  478.  
  479. "It.. looks unnatural."
  480. (Zio)
  481. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  482.  
  483. [20:23] {NARRATION} "Little dude...?" The small spirit turned it's head. "I'll have you know I'm a little lady to you." Floating towards Zenkichi to eye him... Though, she didn't exactly have eyes. They were empty sockets.
  484.  
  485. "And... I'm not hostile just alittle lost... I got away from some Nethradin but... Now I'm not sure where to go..." A glance off either direction before focusing once more on the group.
  486.  
  487. "And you're looking for the why Nethradin are going..." She'd looked over them briefly... "Are you all living? If you are, you probably should not go this way... You're heading for the Shaytan's fortress. I think you should go where all the Nethradin and spirits were going before..."
  488. [20:28] Adra perks up as the spirit speaks up, listening with rapt attention and nodding. They weren't hostile, even a bit sassy. And they seemed to be giving them advice. She nudges her clan leader with more obnoxious shoves.
  489.  
  490. "Zenkichi, I think we should listen to her." She says, turning to look at the little spirit with a wide smile.
  491.  
  492. "Hey-- thanks for the help! What's your name? I'm Adra, of the Wvelven clan!" She says proudly.
  493. (Adra Wvelven)
  494. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  495.  
  496. [20:29]
  497. {LOAD GAME}
  498.  
  499. [20:30] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "...Have you noticed any holes, by chance?"
  500. [20:30] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Tears? Rips?"
  501. [20:31] Reaching up to idly tap his chin, his gaze would drift over towards Adra.
  502.  
  503. "There's also the chance she's trying to get us lost."
  504.  
  505. Giving the lightest of shrugs, he'd wait for Zenkichi to make the final call. Sure, the little ghost girl was friendly.. But, this place was also super strange.
  506. (Jin Wvelven)
  507. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  508.  
  509. [20:32] Ehs Nab says, "Holes...? No... Well, there was the one where you came out of when I saw you... A few others like it."
  510. [20:32] Adra Wvelven says, "Other spooky ponds? "
  511. [20:34] D. Wvelven asks, "Are there usually holes?"
  512. [20:34] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Also."
  513. [20:34] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "While I'm here."
  514. [20:34] Zenkichi takes a moment to crack open a cold one of forget-juice. Funnily enough, he had forgotten to drink it before coming here.
  515. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  516. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  517.  
  518. [20:34] Ehs Nab says, "First I've seen them... I haven't been here long... Don't know if I've been here long..."
  519. [20:34] {Item} You drop Mana Amnesia.
  520. [20:35] D. Wvelven says, "I wonder why they'd pop up."
  521. [20:36] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Anyway..."
  522. [20:36] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Ah."
  523. [20:37] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Why... did they make a fortress anyway?"
  524. [20:37] Adra Wvelven asks, "Yeah and what's a uh.. shaytan, you said?"
  525. [20:38] D. Wvelven asks, "If we found a way to stop the holes from showing up, it would stop all of the ghosts from coming through. Right?"
  526. [20:38] D. scratched his head, not understanding the implications of what he just said.
  527. (D. Wvelven)
  528. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  529.  
  530. [20:38] Ehs Nab says, "I... don't know... I just know it's the Shaytan's..."
  531. [20:39] Lauren Raynor says, "What is the 'Shaytan'? If you don't mind us askin'."
  532. [20:39] Jin Wvelven says, "Yeah, I'unno what that is."
  533. [20:39] Ehs Nab says, "And the Shaytan is the leader of the Nethradin."
  534. [20:40] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, ".. So if anybody knows why they are going in such large numbers, it'd be the Shaytan."
  535. [20:40] Adra Wvelven says, "Hmmn.."
  536. [20:40] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "....Ah!"
  537. [20:40] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "So we gotta go there."
  538. [20:40] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Thanks!"
  539. [20:40] Adra Wvelven says, "Sounds like a plan."
  540. [20:40] D. Wvelven asks, "Is that safe?"
  541. [20:40] Ehs Nab says, "N-no..."
  542. [20:40] Ehs Nab says, "It isn't..."
  543. [20:41] D. Wvelven says, "It doesn't sound like we have any other options if we want to get to the bottom of this."
  544. [20:41] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "...Also."
  545. [20:41] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Have you seen a 'Joanne' around here?"
  546. [20:42] Jin Wvelven says, "Yup, we ain't got a choice, really."
  547. [20:42] Ehs Nab says, "Theres somewhere else... Somewhere I saw wandering."
  548. [20:42] Ehs Nab says, "Nethradin guard it... And there are alot of those ponds you all came out of around it..."
  549. [20:43] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "...OH!"
  550. [20:43] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "That sounds even more like where we need to go."
  551. [20:43] Zio is thoroughly creeped out..
  552. (Zio)
  553. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  554.  
  555. [20:44] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Can you lead us there?"
  556. [20:44] D. Wvelven says, ".. Oh, uh."
  557. [20:44] D. Wvelven asks, "If we pick up that guy and throw him into the pond, will he show up on the other side?"
  558. [20:44] Ehs Nab asks, "Maybe...?"
  559. [20:44] Adra Wvelven says, "I bet he will."
  560. [20:44] Adra Wvelven exclaims, "Zio!! Pick up your dad and throw him!"
  561. [20:44] Jin Wvelven exclaims, "Do it!"
  562. [20:45] D. Wvelven says, "It's probably better than him staying here."
  563. [20:45] D. Wvelven says, "Something about this place feels exhausting."
  564. [20:46] Ehs Nab says, "And, I think I can guide you there... Yes."
  565. [20:46] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "We got a plan."
  566. [20:46] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Fighting the Shaytan sounds fun and all... but it's probably a bit more than we bargined for."
  567. [20:47] The lad raised his hands, an updraft of wind picking up Saruin off of the ground and causing the Neries lad to levitate a couple of feet. Carefully, the horned middle aged fellow was airbended over towards the pond they came from. And if D. wasn't stopped, he'd be released and dropped into the pool.
  568.  
  569. He'd show up on the other side, presumably. And he'd probably wake up before any actual drowning occurred.
  570. (D. Wvelven)
  571. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  572.  
  573. [20:47] D. Wvelven says, "Okay, I think he's safe now."
  574. [20:48] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Alright ghosty gal!"
  575. [20:48] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Lead the way!"
  576. [20:48] Zenkichi penguin waddles behind Ehs, gesturing for everyone to follow along!
  577. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  578. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  579.  
  580. [20:48] Adra cheers. "Woo! Ghost adventures!"
  581. (Adra Wvelven)
  582. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  583.  
  584. [20:50] Lauren falls into the rest of the group, following Zenkichi's lead.
  585. (Lauren Raynor)
  586. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  587.  
  588. [20:51] Jin falls into line, following behind Zenkichi.
  589. (Jin Wvelven)
  590. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  591.  
  592. [20:52] Lu falls in line with the group.
  593. (Lu Zain)
  594. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  595.  
  596. [20:52] Zio of course, trails behind the sensei.
  597. (Zio)
  598. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  599.  
  600. [20:53] Ovan also tags along. Without question!
  601. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  602. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  603.  
  604. [20:56] D. was also following, after he got rid of the trap.
  605. (D. Wvelven)
  606. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  607.  
  608. [20:58] {NARRATION} Saurin picked up and dropped off into a pool... Assuming he wasn't stopped. He seemed to go in and sink just fine. And hopefully popped out where they had all entered through the physical plane. Also hopefully... He went to the otherside face up.
  609.  
  610. And went Saurin dealt with, it was to follow the ghost girl now. She looked at them all a bit nerviously before she turned and started to float a certain direction to guide them all. Brief moments where she had paused and looked around. Lost? Just maybe.
  611.  
  612. It seemed like an enternity almost as she guided them all... To the point one of them could have called her out on being lost.
  613.  
  614. Just a bit longer, it could have been pointed to them. A barrier that rose high into the air. Just how high it couldn't be seen. With likewise barriers behind it. And, as said... There seemed to be pools of a similar type that they had come out around it. Though, not as many as you'd expect.
  615.  
  616. "Here... I believe."
  617. [21:02] Adra happily follows along, amused by the train of people they have following the little spirit. This realm was strange and alien to her, but with such good friends keeping close together they would be fine, right? As long as no one else faints again.
  618.  
  619. "That's amazing.." Adra mumbles under her breath as they spot the barriers from afar, leaning back to the person behind her-- Lauren-- and nudging her idly as she speaks, not taking her eyes off the giant things.
  620.  
  621. "Hey, what do you think those are made of? Mana? Ghosts?" She asks with a curious hum.
  622. (Adra Wvelven)
  623. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  624.  
  625. [21:07] Slowly, but surely, Jin would travel alongside his group. Though for most of the trip, he would preoccupy himself with studying the lands as they traversed them. It wasn't every day that you got to go to the Spirit World, after all.
  626.  
  627. At some point, his hands would be shoved into his pockets, and he'd mumble under his breath,
  628.  
  629. "Told you she was trying to get us lost.."
  630.  
  631. But other than that, not much was said. Coming up to the barrier, and the multiple pools, a sigh of relief would escape past his lips. So, she actually did know the way. Stepping a bit closer to one of the pools, he'd examine the thing..
  632.  
  633. "So how the heck are these even made?"
  634. (Jin Wvelven)
  635. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  636.  
  637. [21:08] What did she think?
  638.  
  639. "Well...", it was a question she couldn't answer entirely, which might come off as disappointing to Adra; Lauren might have been a bit of a boffin but this was clearly outside her area of 'expertise'.
  640.  
  641. "I'd say... Mana. But, I can't say for certain.", Lauren lets her thoughts on that which Adra asked about, out, along with with an unsure expression bleeding onto her face, eyebrows furrowing lightly. A sigh was soon to follow after her speech.
  642.  
  643. "I honestly don't have the faintest idea, I can only guess. What do you think?", yet at the same time, the girl was curious as to what Adra might think; her guess was as good as hers.
  644. (Lauren Raynor)
  645. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  646.  
  647. [21:11] The Huitzilopochtli keeps to himself for the time being, remaining uncharacteristically reserved and silent. For the most part, he seemed to just be observing and taking note of the Spirit World and what it had to offer.
  648.  
  649. Should he be called upon, he would certainly pipe up, but it seemed as though their guide had them covered, despite the spook of being lost and wandering for a while.
  650.  
  651. She was still better than navigating than Jin.
  652.  
  653. From time to time he would hum a tune that he had learned at some point as he took the scenery in.
  654. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  655. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  656.  
  657. [21:15] Admittedly, Zio was quite wary of whatever this spectre was. What reason did it have to be kind to this group-- this band of misfits out for their own selfish desires here in the Spirit Realm?
  658.  
  659. From the very beginning.. the Neries didn't trust Ehs Nab, but rather he trusted the group.
  660.  
  661. Of course when the sensation of being lost in this new world got to him.. he'd shudder slightly, his arms resting comfortably in the confinement of his cloak-- the grip on Falchion growing tighter.
  662.  
  663. It'd been so long.. and there was no sign of hostile life anywhere.
  664.  
  665. When would he get the chance to test his theory?
  666.  
  667. Allowing for a smoky sigh to leave his lips, jade irises would flicker upon Zenkichi's frame, awaiting further instructions from the sensei.
  668.  
  669. "… ngh. Now what?"
  670. (Zio)
  671. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  672.  
  673. [21:15] And so they were off! Zenkichi wasn't far off about this place being strange. Everything he thought to be true about their world was turned on it's head in this place. A realm of magic and mystery, where the souls of the dead were guided on their journey. Something made him feel like he was out of place here, and maybe it was because this place felt like it was gradually tiring him just from being here.
  674.  
  675. "Nothing about this place makes any sense." he said as he took a look around. His gaze shifted to the grand barrier that extended high into the sky. "Do you think that pools can be made of spirits? Spirit water?" he asked, scratching the side of his head.
  676.  
  677. "Maybe we could take some of it back. In a bottle, or something."
  678. (D. Wvelven)
  679. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  680.  
  681. [21:16] {NARRATION} Nethradin idled about, but as before if you came towards one... They seemed rather uninterested in interaction. There was one of note... Much larger than the rest that was nearer the barrier. Resembling a lamia if you knew what one was.
  682. [21:20] Zenkichi seemed to have spaced out on the way there. Whoops! But sure enough, that looks to be a similar portal to the one that they had gotten in with. Only... not the same - and more importantly - it looked entirely open for business. Something that could be used at any time, by whatever evil spirit managed to get access to it. Not exactly a comforting thought, especially given how powerful the forces in question were... and how many there seemed to be!
  683.  
  684. "I suppose this is the spot..." He mumbles. "I'd like to try and find some type of way to close it off." He mutters. "But with that many guarding the place, I dunno if we can just cut our way through or what."
  685.  
  686. He cranes his neck, eye's catching the Lamia.
  687.  
  688. "That looks like someone who knows their stuff. Hey, ghost gal... you think we can just talk to him?"
  689. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  690. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  691.  
  692. [21:21] Ehs Nab says, "Uh... They usually swat away nethradin because they often draw towards them... The pool also keep them around... You all are not Nethradin so I think you're fine..."
  693. [21:21] Ehs Nab says, "I think... I'll hide while you talk..."
  694. [21:22] Adra hums as they come upon the giant barrier and the wandering Nethradin, looking around curiously. She looks between Zenkichi and the little ghost girl, and the giant snake-bodied Nethradin.
  695.  
  696. "Woah." She says, a little intimidated.
  697.  
  698. "Don't get stomped, Zenkichi."
  699. (Adra Wvelven)
  700. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  701.  
  702. [21:24] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Shit, aight."
  703. [21:25] Ovan looks from the ghost gal to the Lamia and then back to Zenkichi, his brow furrowing slightly.
  704.  
  705. "Uh-huh. You got this one, Chief."
  706.  
  707. He doesn't seem afraid or spooked, but the idea of talking to a spirit is probably a very delicate matter that the person with the most experience should handle.
  708. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  709. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  710.  
  711. [21:25] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Wvelven clan...I guess this is gonna be a ninja lesson in diplomacy."
  712. [21:26] "Spirit water sounds cool, but I'unno if it's safe to take back.."
  713.  
  714. Giving the lightest of shrugs, he'd turn away from the pool, and make his way back over towards the group. Standing next to Zenkichi, he'd give the man a nod of his head.
  715.  
  716. "Guess we'll let you do the talking to see how it's done.."
  717. (Jin Wvelven)
  718. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  719.  
  720. [21:26] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "The first step to any good deal is stating what you want honestly, alright?"
  721. [21:26] D. Wvelven says, "Good luck."
  722. [21:26] Jin Wvelven asks, "So are we gonna ask it to just guard this place?"
  723. [21:27] Jin Wvelven asks, "Or how to close it off?"
  724. [21:27] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Watch."
  725. [21:27] Adra Wvelven asks, "So we ask them for food right?"
  726. [21:27] Jin Wvelven says, "Aight."
  727. [21:27] Jin Wvelven says, "--"
  728. [21:32] Zenkichi calmly turns and walks towards the Nethradin. Considering its status as a Spirit of Helheim that feeds itself off of the lifeforce of others in the living realm, as well as having existed in a world where they are bound to wander aimlessly in a pit of unending battle - where only the strongest survive - it probably goes without saying that this Nethradin is tough. Radiating a malicious energy, even. A twisted existence who's very nature it was to consume and thrive on those that opposed it.
  729.  
  730. These guys went to the living realm and ate peoples souls for fun.
  731.  
  732. Zenkichi approaches. He looks up. Taking in the entirety of its form... contemplating. There's a moment of awkward silence as the two make prolonged eye contact. Zenkichi finally finds the words he was searching for. In a calm, clear voice - he speaks.
  733.  
  734. "I'm Zenkichi Wvelven. Here on behalf of the living realm. I have a message to you, from the rest of the world. If you come through again, I'll beat your ass. I'm not joking. Now close this shit."
  735.  
  736. He points a finger at the ponds like a mother telling his son to pick up his room.
  737. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  738. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  739.  
  740. [21:33] Adra gives a low, impressed whistle. Daring.
  741. (Adra Wvelven)
  742. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  743.  
  744. [21:35] A low chuckle would escape past his lips as Zenkichi shows off his special form of diplomacy. Actually, it kind of reminded him of the way he'd been handling things of this nature.
  745.  
  746. Though, there were less curse words.. Maybe he should work on that.
  747.  
  748. Smirking, he'd stare up at the malicious being, waiting for its response.
  749. (Jin Wvelven)
  750. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  751.  
  752. [21:38] Despite being much younger and relatively inexperienced, the rookie Wvelven saw the potential for this to get sticky. They were definitely out of their league, dealing with interdimensional politics. And something told him that stepping up to the people they were trying to negotiate with and speaking these aggressive words was a bad idea, even if his tone defied them.
  753.  
  754. Frustration. The young man pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head. "Stupid." D. muttered under his breath, hopefully not the only person who recognized that they were potentially being put in danger by their leader's actions. Which unfortunately seemed to be the case.
  755. (D. Wvelven)
  756. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  757.  
  758. [21:45] {NARRATION} The nethradin was quite larger when one came closer... And Zenkichi was right about a few things. The Nethradin gave off a malicious energy. It came slow to slither towards Zenkichi... As it came closer, it felt as if it was sapping away at his life itself. Than the cling of chains was heard. Chains of a spectral metal around the wrist of one arm. Another to appear around the neck. Keeping her from getting any closer.
  759.  
  760. A hiss made towards them before she made her way back up against the barrier. And a laugh from another nethradin that sat comfortably behind the barrier.
  761.  
  762. "Begone. If you wish to do something, you will do it yourself. And if you wish for something from me, you will have to make a deal with me... As your frivious combat will make you no progress... humans." A tad of poison in the tone on the last word. She would coil. Staring to them and waiting for them to leave.
  763. [21:54] Zenkichi stared for a long while.
  764.  
  765. 'If you wish to do something, you will do it yourself.'
  766.  
  767. At least it wasn't trying to kill him already. Honestly, he expected this to instantly degrade down into a brawl. But it was probably for the better that it didn't. A part of him really wanted to blurt out something aggressive again. But really...
  768.  
  769. "So. Are you saying that if I want to go in there and close the portals... I should?" he asks for clarification.
  770. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  771. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  772.  
  773. [21:56] Adra Wvelven says, "Wait.. we can just.. do that? "
  774. [21:57] Jin would glance over towards Zenkichi, and then to the Nethradin. Back and forth. So.. Things weren't just going to break out into a fight. Leaning a bit closer to his teacher, he'd mutter something out of the corner of his mouth.
  775.  
  776. "Okay.. But do you know how to close them?"
  777. (Jin Wvelven)
  778. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  779.  
  780. [21:59] Ovan takes a few steps forward to arrive beside Adra.
  781.  
  782. ".. Can we? Closing the portal wouldn't really explain why they have been coming over in mass, though."
  783. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  784. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  785.  
  786. [22:00] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Nethradin go to the living realm to suck on peoples lifeforce."
  787. [22:00] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "They'll come no matter what..."
  788. [22:00] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "But if we can close some of the ports that'll be good."
  789. [22:03] {NARRATION} The Lamia remained quiet. Staring down at them all with quite a hostile look. If she could attack them all, it seemed well like she would.
  790.  
  791. Luckily, it seemed Ehs Nab could have been helpful here. Still invisble, she couldn't quite be seen... Though heard well by the party. Didn't seem the Lamia had noticed.
  792.  
  793. "I think it's the gem making all these portals... Behind all the barriers... Why else would all these barrier protecting it... Along with Nethradin. But, I think only these Nethradin can bring down the barriers..."
  794.  
  795. There was a brief moment of silence as it was likely she was pointing or doing something similar. Though, she was invisble, so it was more an awkward brief silence.
  796.  
  797. "I think you might need to deal with them..."
  798. [22:05] Lauren Raynor whispers: Are we going to have to beat it's 'ass'?
  799. [22:06] Zenkichi Wvelven whispers: Ehh... dunno.
  800. [22:08] Zenkichi peers over to Ovan.
  801.  
  802. "Kid. You're pretty good at talking and thinking. What do you think we should do next?"
  803. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  804. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  805.  
  806. [22:08] Lu Zain whispers: Hm..
  807. [22:12] His good hand comes out of his coat pocket and raises up to point at the sky. He eventually lowers it to point straight through the lamia and the barriers behind her.
  808.  
  809. "We have to beat our way through, probably. If they'll step down and let us through, so be it. But we have to get to that gem, like Ghoul-girl is saying. So basically.. what you were already thinking, Ninja Dad."
  810.  
  811. He offers a nod and lowers his hand to his side.
  812. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  813. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  814.  
  815. [22:15] Zenkichi pokes the barrier. Then he gives it a light punch.
  816.  
  817. How tough is it?
  818. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  819. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  820.  
  821. [22:18] {NARRATION} The barrier felt like a wall... As it would. Though, surely not something that would break through the groups efforts all together... the power of friendship wouldn't thrive here...
  822. [22:19] Jin Wvelven says, "..."
  823. [22:19] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "Yep. One spirit at a time."
  824. [22:19] Adra Wvelven says, "Hm."
  825. [22:19] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "...Damn."
  826. [22:19] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "I'm strong. But I'm not THIS strong."
  827. [22:19] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Yep."
  828. [22:19] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Looks like we're gonna have to do this the long way."
  829. [22:19] Lauren Raynor says, "Mm."
  830. [22:19] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Hey, snake."
  831. [22:20] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Wanna make a deal?"
  832. [22:20] Nethradin says, "Hmph. If it is a deal, I will listen."
  833. [22:20] Adra Wvelven whispers: You got a plan, boss?
  834. [22:21] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "What would it take for you to let me in there and close those portals?"
  835. [22:22] Jin Wvelven whispers: It's gonna ask for something weird..
  836. [22:22] Adra Wvelven whispers: Are you gonna marry a snake?
  837. [22:22] Jin Wvelven whispers: Watch.
  838. [22:22] Nethradin says, "I wish to be free. And there is something you can acquire to help with that. Once I am free, I will bring down the barrier... For you to deal with the next Nethradin."
  839. [22:23] D. Wvelven asks, "You don't like it here?"
  840. [22:23] Adra Wvelven says, "It is VERY blue."
  841. [22:23] {NARRATION} The lamia would tug on her chains.
  842. [22:23] Nethradin asks, "What do you think?"
  843. [22:24] Jin Wvelven asks, "Okay, and how can we trust you?"
  844. [22:24] Jin Wvelven asks, "Can't you just fuck off after we free you?"
  845. [22:24] Jin Wvelven asks, "And -not- bring it down?"
  846. [22:25] Nethradin says, "You don't have much of a choice."
  847. [22:25] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Hm..."
  848. [22:25] Zenkichi turns to the group.
  849. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  850. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  851.  
  852. [22:25] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "What do you guys think?"
  853. [22:25] Adra Wvelven says, "Hmm.."
  854. [22:25] Adra Wvelven says, "Well.."
  855. [22:25] Adra Wvelven says, "Have her sign a legally binding contract? "
  856. [22:26] D. Wvelven says, "There aren't any laws here."
  857. [22:26] Jin Wvelven says, "I mean.."
  858. [22:27] Jin Wvelven says, "If she runs, we just beat her whole ass."
  859. [22:27] Ovan Huitzilopochtli asks, ".. Does she have an ass? Or would we just be kicking tail?"
  860. [22:27] Adra Wvelven says, "Is there a difference? "
  861. [22:28] Jin Wvelven asks, "Does she..?"
  862. [22:29] Adra Wvelven says, "You should ask her to show you, Jin. It would be funny."
  863. [22:29] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "...maybe dont"
  864. [22:29] Jin Wvelven says, "Yeah, no.."
  865. [22:29] Jin Wvelven says, "I'm good on that."
  866. [22:30] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "You said 'The next Nethradin.'"
  867. [22:30] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "How many are there in our way?"
  868. [22:31] Lauren scratches the back of her head, as she glanced over the Nethradin.
  869. (Lauren Raynor)
  870. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  871.  
  872. [22:31] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "No idea. But we could have probably gotten her what she wanted, by now."
  873. [22:31] Adra Wvelven says, "Someone's going to have to bite the bullet and marry the snake ghost."
  874. [22:31] Nethradin says, "Two more after myself... The one the laughed at me being bonded here, and another."
  875. [22:31] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Alright, sure."
  876. [22:31] Adra Wvelven asks, "Oh.. Who bound you here?"
  877. [22:31] {NARRATION} Another Nethradin laughs behind the barrier. He didn't seem bonded like the lamia.
  878. [22:31] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Yeah - what's up with that?"
  879. [22:31] Nethradin says, "Those that tricked me."
  880. [22:32] Adra Wvelven asks, "Was it the uh.. Shaytan?"
  881. [22:33] Nethradin says, "Hmph... It does not matter."
  882. [22:34] Zenkichi crosses his arms.
  883.  
  884. "Alright, fine. We'll let you out. But you can't go backstabbing us."
  885. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  886. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  887.  
  888. [22:35] Reaching over to draw his blade, he'd glance over towards the chains.
  889.  
  890. "So.. We just gonna cut them off?"
  891. (Jin Wvelven)
  892. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  893.  
  894. [22:36] Adra gives a small hum as she remembers the Lamiga had given off a very hostile vibe, wondering if she would just attack. Even being close to her felt like it was draining her.
  895.  
  896. "I.. don't think this is a good idea. I'm going to stand back." She mumbles quietly.
  897. (Adra Wvelven)
  898. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  899.  
  900. [22:37] Lauren Raynor asks, "This might be a trick, surely they've been chained up for a good reason... Right?"
  901. [22:44] {NARRATION} "If it was as simple as cutting the chains off, I would have been free long ago. These chains must be broken by something that will weaken them first." A pull on the chains.
  902.  
  903. "There is a cave a Nethradin had hidden metals that might help long ago. A friend when I was not so grand. I strangled them not too long ago after a small conversation... Appearently he has a small amount there for the taking still after so long... Not only that, you may take these chains as well once they are broken... Perhaps usable to your interest, whatever they might be."
  904.  
  905. The lamia would uncoil and look a few ways... Than the unbonded arm would point a way for them to go.
  906.  
  907. "Head that way and you will come across the place I speak off... And perhaps a Nethradin or Spirit beast that might inhabit the cavern."
  908. [22:47] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "...That sounds like a lot of work."
  909. [22:47] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Alright!"
  910. [22:48] Adra looks over off in the distance, adjusting her jacket with a grin as she ponder the task before them. "Alright, this is simple enough.. there are enough of us to handle this! Wvelven clan and friends!" She cheers happily with a fist pump.
  911. (Adra Wvelven)
  912. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  913.  
  914. [22:49] Zenkichi starts marching off...! But he turns.
  915. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  916. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  917.  
  918. [22:49] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "One last thing."
  919. [22:49] Ovan offers a solid nod to the lamia and prepares to head in the direction of the cave.
  920.  
  921. "Let's do it."
  922. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  923. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  924.  
  925. [22:49] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Will you marry me?"
  926. [22:49] Resting his arms behind his head, he'd start off towards the cave--.. Never mind.
  927. (Jin Wvelven)
  928. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  929.  
  930. [22:49] Jin Wvelven says, "--"
  931. [22:51] "Metals from the spirit realm. And we can keep them?" he asked. They had the potential to be very rare and expensive if he could get his hands on some. While he didn't necessarily value money as a source of happiness, he desperately needed it. Driven by the hunger of a homeless man, he stepped in the direction that was pointed.
  932.  
  933. "This just might end up being worth it."
  934. (D. Wvelven)
  935. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  936.  
  937. [22:59] {NARRATION} The Lamia would slowly work to coil herself once again. Before looking to Zenkichi as he asked something of her. Than she'd worked herself towards him. Close as she could as she slithered towards him. Much bigger than him, naturally... She stared at him. Zenkichi would be able to feel her closeness sapping away at his energy.
  938.  
  939. "Will you let me kiss you?" A tilt of the lamia's head. Obviosuly... That didn't seem like a good idea. Though, it was for Zenkichi to decide.
  940. [23:02] Zenkichi deadpanned.
  941.  
  942. "I'll decide by the time I come back."
  943.  
  944. He starts waddling away.
  945. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  946. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  947.  
  948. [23:09] Zio wAKES UP
  949. (Zio)
  950. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  951.  
  952. [23:09] {NARRATION} "Smarter than I thought..." She'd go back to the barrier to coil herself once again and sit watchful but uninterested. And the party would be left to leave and head for the obtective the Lamia had given.
  953.  
  954. The ethreal lights, as they travelled seemed to glow a decently amount brighter than before. Though, the ethreal lights they were drowned in seemed to dim. Though only slight, it could be told. What that meant, who knew? But they were eventually to come to the sight where they were suppose to be hopefully. A cavern that lead underground... Though nothing seen within from where they were at the moment. A bit closer, maybe than they could have seen if anything was in the cave.
  955. [23:10] Lauren Raynor says, "That thing gave me some bad vibes. Gah."
  956. [23:10] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "You're tellin me"
  957. [23:10] Lu Zain says, "Creepy.."
  958. [23:11] Adra whistles loudly as they approach the cave, shoving Zenkichi up ahead of everyone.
  959.  
  960. "You lead us here, you go first!" She says, like a coward.
  961. (Adra Wvelven)
  962. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  963.  
  964. [23:11] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Jin go first."
  965. [23:11] Zenkichi Wvelven says, ": |"
  966. [23:14] "Shoulda done it.."
  967.  
  968. Slowly shaking his head, his attention is turned towards the cavern in the distance. Bringing up a hand to his face, he'd idly flip it back, and forth as he examined it. Was there a time limit?
  969.  
  970. Shrugging his shoulders, and not wanting to bring it up in fear of freaking himself out, he'd give a nod of his head.
  971.  
  972. "I agree. This is your adventure, ya--..."
  973.  
  974. Wow.
  975.  
  976. Scoffing, he'd start to make his way closer to the cavern to get a peak inside. Unless stopped, that is.
  977. (Jin Wvelven)
  978. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  979.  
  980. [23:14] {Item} You drop Torch.
  981. [23:17] Shrouded in a potent aura of absorption and life drain, the Neries was prepared for combat-- at any second now. Falchion glowing a bright green due to the mana it was receiving.. it was only a matter of whatever startled the Neries next.
  982.  
  983. He'd been quiet during the expedition... but perhaps this was time.
  984.  
  985. A worried glance was offered toward Jin-- he could sense the fear in his friend, the reluctancy to move forward. Was this perhaps some sort of test to display his bravery or courage? Whatever it was... the Acolyte was still extremely creeped out.
  986.  
  987. Drawing minerals and mana from the spiritual plane to enhance his prototype Black Metal.
  988. (Zio)
  989. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  990.  
  991. [23:25] {NARRATION} As Jin made his way to the cavern, as no other seemed brave enough to move forward first. Before he could even reach the cave... a sudden coldess was felt. Cold before in the ranges of Helheim, it sudden dropped quick enough to make one shiver. And inside the cave... A beast with a form that could be compared to a mist attempting to keep somewhat of a vague form.
  992.  
  993. Red eyes that peered into a small hole infront of it briefly before it walked around the cavern. Pacing. As it came near the cavern entrance, it didn't noice him, but he could well see it was a rather large thing. And it got even colder as it came closer. A tad warmer when it had reached the back of it's cave again.
  994. [23:29] The Wvelven's hand instinctively found his rifle, reaching around his back. The weapon was pulled out from behind him. Both of his hands were trained on the gun as his finger rested on the trigger, but he hadn't yet raised it. Sweat accumulated on his features as he slowed down, attempting to mask the noise of his movement.
  995.  
  996. "We won't be able to take any metal with that thing around. It'll notice us for sure." he told the group quietly, winds beginning to warp up around his form. He had made up his mind on what they needed to do, unless someone swayed him.
  997.  
  998. "The best chance we have at getting this stuff is a sneak attack. Like a ninja, right?"
  999. (D. Wvelven)
  1000. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1001.  
  1002. [23:32] There's a chill..
  1003.  
  1004. Someone had to do it, though. Plus, he wanted to show his teacher that he was brave enough for something like this-- even if they were inside a place as mysterious to them as the Spirit World. Shivering, his eyes would notice the set of piercing red eyes that resided inside the cavern.
  1005.  
  1006. Its form vague, and his body would stiffen up as it drew closer, holding his breath.. Oh, good. It didn't notice him. Letting out a sigh of relief, he'd slowly back up, and away from the cavern once it turns around.
  1007.  
  1008. Turning back towards the group, he'd point a thumb over his shoulder.
  1009.  
  1010. "Yep, big-ass mist monster in there. We're probably gonna have to beat its ass before we can get the shit to set that thing free."
  1011.  
  1012. Waiting to hear their ideas, he'd attack should they decide to.
  1013. (Jin Wvelven)
  1014. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1015.  
  1016. [23:33] A hand went slowly drifted to the strange scythe that hung on his back as his eyes narrowed after following the group and encountering..whatever this thing was. It seemed...to be formed of a mist of some sorts? Whatever it was a sudden chill surround the group..or so he thought anyway.
  1017.  
  1018.  
  1019. Even as an ice magi he still felt the stinging chill of the wolf. Whatever this beast was..he would simply wait for the others to do something first and follow up afterwards. Staying creepily silent all the while.
  1020. (Lu Zain)
  1021. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1022.  
  1023. [23:33] Zenkichi's eyes bulged.
  1024.  
  1025. That was a big...thing. Wolf.
  1026.  
  1027. It would've been nice if that Nethradin had mentioned this earlier, instead of leaving it for them to find out now. But it was probably safer to assume that everything down here was going to have some kind of spooky ghost in their way. If they were in Helheim, as he suspected, then nothing down here was going to be simple or easy. If his knowledge on the plain was to be believed, at least!
  1028.  
  1029. "Alright. Let's get to it." He nods towards the group.
  1030.  
  1031. "Jin, lead us in."
  1032. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1033. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1034.  
  1035. [23:35] Careful steps; Lauren had kept her distance away from the Lamia in the previous encounter and for good reason. It just gave off all sorts of draining, negative vibes! Yet that was minor compared to what came next as they went from one thing to the other.
  1036.  
  1037. With Jin deciding to approach the cavern first, it'd be only mere moments until something like that from a horror novel she scoured from in the Academy's library, cropped out from the cave!
  1038.  
  1039. "Bwuh! Careful!", Lauren was taking no chances; even if it looked vaguely like that of a monster, it looked dangerous! Thus she readied her weapon, focusing her eyes on the beast-like creature.
  1040. (Lauren Raynor)
  1041. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1042.  
  1043. [23:35] Ovan makes his way in after Jin but stops once his friend comes back out with the news. He can feel the chill from the cave, but as an ice magi, it would hopefully effect him a bit less than the others.
  1044.  
  1045. Once the instruction to fight is given, he prepares by conjuring the sphere of swirling blood over his injured shoulder and prepares for the worst.
  1046.  
  1047. "So be it. I'm on your heel for support, Jin."
  1048. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  1049. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1050.  
  1051. [23:39] An ominous cold from the caves..
  1052.  
  1053. Adra doesn't know what to think of the situation, the great beast was clearly out of her league. Those piercing red eyes sent a chill down her inexperienced back. She doesn't know if she'd be able to stand against whatever is making that cold, let alone actually fight it. She grits her teeth, shifting her stance as winds begin to kick up around her, looking to her friends as they prep themselves. If they don't stand down, she won't..
  1054.  
  1055. "Lets.. Let's do this." She says, with a grin that betrays her growing fear.
  1056. (Adra Wvelven)
  1057. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1058.  
  1059. [23:40] And there it was.
  1060.  
  1061. Imposing itself inadvertently over the small group of Magi, the long awaited monster was here.
  1062.  
  1063. In its presence, the Neries would shiver not only in slight fear, but also from the raw bitterness of the cold that washed over their land.
  1064.  
  1065. Drawing his toy blade in the direction whatever this this thing was.. Zio only exclaimed a few words to his peers.
  1066.  
  1067. "Everyone, be careful!"
  1068.  
  1069. There was no time to play hero.
  1070.  
  1071. Gritting his teeth, he'd begin to draw more and more mana from the world around him-- a blackish shell now covering the skin that dared bare in front of such a monster, the essence of the Spirit Realm allowing him to tap into its roots with a lot more ease.
  1072.  
  1073. Taking in a deep breath, he prepared himself for whatever was to come.
  1074. (Zio)
  1075. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1076.  
  1077. [23:40] D. Wvelven says, "Zio, I.. said sneak attack."
  1078. [23:41] D. Wvelven says, "Uhoh."
  1079. [23:41] Adra Wvelven says, "Uh.."
  1080. [23:42] Zio says, "L-.. Let's just get this over with... sneak attacks don't work on mist monsters."
  1081. [23:43] D. Wvelven asks, "You've fought a mist monster before?"
  1082. [23:43] {NARRATION} The mist monster would turn it's head to the entrance of the cave. Ruh roh solver gang.
  1083. [23:43] Zio says, "Nope."
  1084. [23:44] Adra audibly regrets this.
  1085. (Adra Wvelven)
  1086. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1087.  
  1088. [23:46] "Sneak attack? 'Naw, I'm leading this."
  1089.  
  1090. Since this beast from Helheim was going to try and cool things down, he was going to heat them back up. A mixture of wind, and fire would surround his arm, morphing it into an entirely new limb.
  1091.  
  1092. Plus, Zio already kind of ruined that. So, a cool entrance was in order.
  1093.  
  1094. "Let's fucking go."
  1095.  
  1096. Stepping into the cave, blade in his now fiery claw of a hand, he'd ready himself to face the beast alongside his group.
  1097. (Jin Wvelven)
  1098. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1099.  
  1100. [23:46] D. lifted up into the air by use of his gravity magic, raising his gun to point the barrel towards the beast. "Well, it noticed us. Look alive, everyone." he gulped, levitating a few feet above the surface as the winds picked up around him. So much for a sneak attack, but maybe the numbers advantage would work out for them.
  1101. (D. Wvelven)
  1102. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1103.  
  1104. [23:46] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Tiger style...!"
  1105. [23:50] {Item} You picked up Earth Crystal.Dropped by Jin Wvelven. .
  1106.  
  1107. [00:11] {NARRATION} The beast was quick in response knowing that intruders had come. In acted in defense of it's cave.... rather than aggressive reaction as it might have if sudden attacked. A slam onto the ground that spread mist throughout the cave. A warning. One that was not heeded as they all charged into the room to attack the creature of mist.
  1108.  
  1109. Despite a form of mist, blades did seem to harm the creature... though in return, a blade of wind came from it in retribution of the attack if they weren't quick enough to get away. And magic itself seemed overall effective against it. It only seemed those unforunate enough to come close enough to the beast took something more serious. Unforunately, Adra was one of those people. As well the only person. Yikes...
  1110.  
  1111. Blades of wind that cut through mist came at her. Barely prepared, she sustained an injury that could have been considered grevious at best on the arm. Cuts that went as deep as bone and quite painful... Eventually frozen over aswell, though that was likely to cause frostbite if not dealt with soon.
  1112.  
  1113. Eventually, it was lauren that would provide an attack that would eventually halt the beast in it tracks... Though, not killing it it seemed. It's form fell to mist and rose to the ceiling. Mist that seemed like it was thick enough that it could have been cut with a blade. And perhaps saying they couldn't linger in the cave too long. The beast might have reformed with time.
  1114. [00:25] Even if she had managed to briefly break past the creature's defences and put in the last hit as to prevent it from going any further; such a thing would have not been possible, had Lauren been alone in this endeavour. After all, she was apart of the group --moreso team that struggled to tackle and overcome such an unusual beast.
  1115.  
  1116. Even if it had managed to drag Adra down, surely that act within itself was a push for the rest of the team to step up their game, cranking it up to eleven. After all Adra had in a way served as an admirable distraction, creating an opportunity.
  1117.  
  1118. And the team had to collectively seize that opportunity; initiated by Ovan's control of oppressive blood and water magics, ramped up by both Zenkichi's and Jin's Ifrit Claw assault, then spun up by both D.'s and Lu's wind magics, only to be rooted in place by Zio's own brand of Suppression.
  1119.  
  1120. Lauren aimed to push the creatureas far away as possible with a vicious gush of blue rippling out from the tip of her mana rifle; an energy beam. Whilst the force of it crashing into the beast's body wasn't enough to kill it, surely it was enough to mark it as the end of the fight and therefore a victory.
  1121. (Lauren Raynor)
  1122. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1123.  
  1124. [00:27] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Good job, Wvelven clan."
  1125. [00:28] Adra Wvelven says, "Ghhhuughhhh.."
  1126. [00:28] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "....even you."
  1127. [00:29] Adra gives a weak thumbs up while laying face down in the dirt, bleeding a little bit through her jacket. She'll be fine though, eventually.
  1128. (Adra Wvelven)
  1129. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1130.  
  1131. [00:32] Well, they did it.. At the cost of someone getting hurt. Yikes.
  1132.  
  1133. Floating over towards her, and through the careful use of fire magic, he'd take care of the freezing-- making sure she wasn't going to get any frostbite. Good thing she was a Wvelven, or they'd probably be screaming right about now.
  1134.  
  1135. "Yup, you did real good. Just wrap it up in something, and we'll get you fixed up when we get home."
  1136.  
  1137. Not actually being able to treat something like this himself, he'd turn his attention towards the group.
  1138.  
  1139. "So we should start looking for that shit she wanted so we can get back."
  1140.  
  1141. With a nod, he'd start to search around the inside of the caverns for the materials they were told about.
  1142. (Jin Wvelven)
  1143. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1144.  
  1145. [00:32] Zenkichi looks around.
  1146.  
  1147. "W...What did we come for again?"
  1148. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1149. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1150.  
  1151. [00:33] Jin Wvelven says, "Some kinda material that was left here."
  1152. [00:33] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Right."
  1153. [00:33] The battle comes to an indecisive end as the creature is temporarily bested by their combined efforts.
  1154.  
  1155. Ovan comes to a skidding hault once Zenkichi poses a specific question, and the blonde comes to the realization that he had also forgot.
  1156.  
  1157. ". . .Yeah. Should we spread out and find that? The sooner the better."
  1158. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  1159. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1160.  
  1161. [00:33] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Quick!"
  1162. [00:33] Man... that thing was tough.
  1163.  
  1164. The entirety of the expedition would mercilessly assault the mist monster, its sturdiness enough to deplete Zio of his massive mana reserve-- rendering him tired for the last part of the fight. Luckily, Lauren was there to finish the job.
  1165.  
  1166. Huffing and panting, he'd lower his hood, jade irises attempting to check for anything they may have missed.
  1167.  
  1168. "We.. should get moving before it regenerates..."
  1169.  
  1170. A concerned glance was offered to Adra, but ultimately his attention was focused upon the talk of "some material". Stroking his chin, he'd slowly trail behind the group. The shell atop his skin would crack and crumble...
  1171.  
  1172. Yet another failed attempt.
  1173.  
  1174. Was there Cold Iron here?
  1175. (Zio)
  1176. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1177.  
  1178. [00:33] Adra just gives a nod, using the fur usually draped around her neck as a temporary wrap for her wounds.
  1179.  
  1180. "'Kay..." She says, flashing Jin a quick grin. It didn't look great, but she was trying.
  1181. (Adra Wvelven)
  1182. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1183.  
  1184. [00:35] The pressure was laid on thick from the moment that Zio's screams reverberated into the cave. The beast was larger and more intimidating than even any of the demons he had seen. It's very presence sent chills down his spine, setting the tone for the battle before it even started. But as the spirit drew closer and his presence loomed over him, something strange happened.
  1185.  
  1186. He stopped shaking. He stopped sweating.
  1187.  
  1188. All of the walls he had placed around himself, only to find out that he wasn't afraid. The sneak attack was compromised, and they were forced into a one on one situation. Good. This monster was the only thing standing between them and their goals. Good. The ensuing disaster was one that D. embraced, breaking into the stride that he came here to achieve.
  1189.  
  1190. The danger, the disaster. The uncertainty, the devastation. The battle had broken out in discord, his mana burning as their combined efforts worked to bring it down. But that chaos gave birth to it's own harmony, the Wvelven's bending the elements to bring forth a torrent of lightning, wind, and water.
  1191.  
  1192. The fight finally ended only when they gave it their all, the spirit beast toppled and their group standing victorious. He descended to the ground, letting out an exhausted sigh of relief. Cracks were beginning to form in his outer shell. D. got what he came here for. He needed this fight. He found out a bit more about himself.
  1193.  
  1194. "Right, the metal." he snapped back to reality, or unreality considering the place they were in. He scurried to pick up the materials that were left behind, if there were any in the cave.
  1195. (D. Wvelven)
  1196. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1197.  
  1198. [00:36] {NARRATION} After a small bit of looking around, the metal they were looking for was found in the hole the creature was looking at before they had invaded it's cave. Good for the taking... once the narrator edited it a bit...
  1199. [00:36] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Alright!"
  1200. [00:36] Zio blinks, in total disbelief.
  1201. (Zio)
  1202. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1203.  
  1204. [00:36] Zio says, "That..."
  1205. [00:36] Lu Zain says, "Well...that was that."
  1206. [00:37] Zio says, "That's what I've been looking for."
  1207. [00:38] D. Wvelven says, "Oh. You can take it, I guess."
  1208. [00:38] Jin Wvelven says, "Just remember we need it to break those chains."
  1209. [00:44] Cold Iron.
  1210.  
  1211. The refined version the Neries' sacred metal-- of the blood of the Dreamer.
  1212.  
  1213. The air around this metal seemed... heavy, as if it was taking from the Spirit Realm without remorse, greedily stealing mana to feed its endless hunger.
  1214.  
  1215. The metal seemed almost... alive to Zio.
  1216.  
  1217. Lips would part slightly.. his obsidian hand reaching for the ore that felt all too familiar.
  1218.  
  1219. As his fingers wrapped around the Cold Iron, he'd shudder almost-- the metal seemingly sinking into his soul, if not for its physical presence.
  1220.  
  1221. "I've... I've been searching for this. For so long."
  1222.  
  1223. Gently detaching the Tyrium from his neck, he'd put it away within his cloak, instead allowing for a singular piece of the metal to dangle at his chest now. Already, he could feel the metal transmitting mana directly into his body.
  1224.  
  1225. Already.. he felt the power coursing through his veins.
  1226.  
  1227. "…"
  1228.  
  1229. Putting his hood up again, he'd silently walk behind the group-- the Cold Iron almost glowing a bright white upon taking its place upon Zio's necklace.
  1230.  
  1231. On top of the physical bond between the Neries and the metal, there was also a spiritual bond.
  1232.  
  1233. And no, not just because they were in the Spirit Realm. Pfft.
  1234.  
  1235. Seeming jovial now, he'd finally speak in his lowly, enigmatic voice.
  1236.  
  1237. "We can keep going. Sorry."
  1238. (Zio)
  1239. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1240.  
  1241. [00:46] Zenkichi waddles back to the Lamia!
  1242. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1243. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1244.  
  1245. [00:46] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Let's go lads!"
  1246. [00:47] Adra drags herself along.
  1247. (Adra Wvelven)
  1248. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1249.  
  1250. [00:52] {NARRATION} Now, it was back to the lamia. After quite the walk, they would find her coiled and watchful. The same as when they had left. Though, it seemed the moment they had come into her sight... She had her eye on them.
  1251.  
  1252. When they had arrivied, there was a slight grin to her face. "I see you've all returned... Mostly fine. And I can assume one of you have the metal, correct?" The lamia had slowly uncoiled and found herself in a position to where her wrist was brought to the ground with the chains.
  1253.  
  1254. "I will need the bonds around my neck broken as well... Than pieces of the chains are yours afterwards as well as way to the next Nethradin."
  1255. [00:53] Adra grumbles quietly under her breath.
  1256.  
  1257. "Mostly fine.."
  1258. (Adra Wvelven)
  1259. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1260.  
  1261. [00:53] Lu gave a..half shrug before sitting back on his storm cloud.
  1262. (Lu Zain)
  1263. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1264.  
  1265. [00:55] Since Zio wanted them, he was the one who could get close to the scary ass Lamia woman. Stepping a bit closer, he'd pat his friend on the back.
  1266.  
  1267. "All you, buddy... Unless you're scared."
  1268. (Jin Wvelven)
  1269. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1270.  
  1271. [00:55] Lauren slings her mana rifle back over her shoulder, huffing and puffing; hopefully the next encounter wouldn't put one of them inbetween a rock and a hard place.
  1272. (Lauren Raynor)
  1273. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1274.  
  1275. [00:56] Zenkichi looked over to Jin, nodding.
  1276.  
  1277. "You failed to mention the mist wolf... I think. I was only half paying attention, to be honest." Zenkichi grumbles. "So. What exactly is the process for this?"
  1278. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1279. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1280.  
  1281. [00:56] Nethradin says, "The metal dampens magic around it... And these chains are quite magical. It doesn't take much to put together what I need done."
  1282. [00:56] Nethradin says, "Maybe your not as smart as I assumed..."
  1283. [00:57] Zio says, "..."
  1284. [00:58] Lu Zain says, "Yikes.."
  1285. [00:59] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Alright, Zio."
  1286. [00:59] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "You're up."
  1287. [00:59] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "It's your metal an all."
  1288. [01:11] He... didn't... want to use it.
  1289.  
  1290. But he had to, didn't he? And who better than the Neries Priest... with previous knowledge on the metal to free this being?
  1291.  
  1292. Sighing, he'd approach the Lamia, extracting the metal-- clutching it with one hand and conducting the siphoning process into his free palm, quite literally succing the magical properties and minerals that held the creature shackled.
  1293.  
  1294. Of course, conducting such energy in and out of his system and mana circuits was... painful.
  1295. (Self inflicted -20 VIT for the duration of the event.)
  1296.  
  1297. Well.. thank the Dreamer for his Neries gem.
  1298.  
  1299. Bleeding silver ichor through his nostril, his tired, bloodshot eyes were enough to symbolize the sheer intensity of the process. The metal in his clasp would slowly lose its color-- like a battery out of juice.
  1300.  
  1301. It would need to be recharged.
  1302.  
  1303. Dizzy, his eyes would flutter-- trying to see if he'd managed to pull it off.
  1304. (Zio)
  1305. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1306.  
  1307. [01:11] Adra tokes pipe.
  1308. (Adra Wvelven)
  1309. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1310.  
  1311. [01:14] * You have been awarded 0.5 Roleplay Points! *
  1312. [01:22] {NARRATION} Though the efforts of Zio, and the properties of his race, it seemed he was well able to siphon the magic aspect from metal that held the lamia where it was. Briefly, it was nothing more than a metal such as well. With a mighty pull, the lamia broke her chains. Crushing the bond around the wrist. Than the same to happen to the one around the neck.
  1313.  
  1314. "Quite extordinary..." A small comment of the nethradin... before she could notice she could now move about much more freely as she swirled around the group.
  1315.  
  1316. "Such movement, I haven't know it so long..." Eventually to move back to the barrier. "As I said... I'll bring the barrier down. And you are free to keep what had bonded me so long." A swat of her tail of the pieces of her chains and bonds. Only moments ago seeming like normal steel... It seemed a soft ethereal glow was slow to return to them. To fly to the group as she turned to the barrier.
  1317.  
  1318. Markings across the back of the Nethradin would give a glow as they had touched the barrier. The same markings appearing over the barrier causing it to brighten before it slowly dissipated. And another Nethradin sat on the stairs just before another barrier.
  1319. [01:24] Zenkichi eyes that. He had heard about that kind of metal... soulsteel, right? Iosefka had mentioned it and he had taken some time out of his day to see what it looked like. A hand reached out. Yoink.
  1320. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1321. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1322.  
  1323. [01:24] {Item} You picked up Soulsteel x12.Dropped by Nethradin. .
  1324. [01:25] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "i'll actually work both of you for this shit"
  1325. [01:25] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "Bet."
  1326. [01:25] Lauren Raynor says, "...What in tarnation."
  1327. [01:25] Jin Wvelven says, "take your ass back to the nursing home"
  1328. [01:26] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "drop it you old bitch"
  1329. [01:26] {Item} You drop Soulsteel x3.
  1330. [01:26] Lu Zain says, "..."
  1331. [01:26] {Item} You drop Soulsteel x3.
  1332. [01:26] Lauren blinks.
  1333. (Lauren Raynor)
  1334. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1335.  
  1336. [01:27] {Item} You picked up Soulsteel.Dropped by Jin Wvelven. .
  1337. [01:27] It didn't look like D. was going to get paid. All of the ores were needed by the others, leaving him empty pocketed. Maybe his glorious clan leader would foot the bill for the food he so desperately wanted to buy. Hopefully! He was just going to sell it, anyway. He didn't need whatever the hell soulsteel was, or cold iron.
  1338.  
  1339. Something that seemed a lot more pressing at the time was the state Zio had reduced himself to. "Are you okay?" he asked the Neries. "That looked tough."
  1340. (D. Wvelven)
  1341. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1342.  
  1343. [01:27] Lu is more so confused by the strange events but just sits on his storm cloud.
  1344. (Lu Zain)
  1345. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1346.  
  1347. [01:27] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Alright."
  1348. [01:27] Lauren Raynor whispers something.
  1349. [01:27] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Come on. Gotta keep moving."
  1350. [01:27] Lauren Raynor whispers something.
  1351. [01:28] Ovan stands around as Zenkichi tosses some of the soul steel to them, nodding his head from time to time.
  1352.  
  1353. ".. Right. Let's find that gem, seal the portals, and kick rocks."
  1354. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  1355. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1356.  
  1357. [01:28] Lauren slides Adra, additional firepower, if they accepted.
  1358. (Lauren Raynor)
  1359. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1360.  
  1361. [01:28] Zio says, "I.."
  1362. [01:28] Zio says, "Whew.."
  1363. [01:28] Zio says, "Yeah.. I-.. I'm good."
  1364. [01:29] Zio slowly gets up.
  1365. (Zio)
  1366. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1367.  
  1368. [01:29] Jin takes his soul steel like a fucking man. Coming up over to Zio, he'd check to make sure he was actually good.
  1369.  
  1370. "Think you can make it?"
  1371. (Jin Wvelven)
  1372. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1373.  
  1374. [01:30] Zenkichi jogs up the stairs! Zio's sacrifice was something of note - that he'd have to get back to later. But right now, the mission in front of him was far more important. Thanks and such could be dealt out later! Besides... D seemed to have it under lock! He does pause, though. At the top of those stairs, he looks down to the Lamia.
  1375.  
  1376. "On the cheek." He comments, before trodding off!
  1377. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1378. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1379.  
  1380. [01:30] Zio has been afflicted with temporary autism.
  1381. (Zio)
  1382. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1383.  
  1384. [01:30] Zio asks, "Where are the.. chickens?"
  1385. [01:31] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "..... Please."
  1386. [01:31] Jin Wvelven says, "Ain't no damn spirit chickens."
  1387. [01:31] Jin Wvelven says, ".."
  1388. [01:31] Jin Wvelven says, "Wait."
  1389. [01:31] Jin Wvelven asks, "Are there spirit chickens?"
  1390. [01:31] Zio says, "I hear chickens..."
  1391. [01:31] Jin Wvelven says, "That's just the creepy 'i broke some soul chains off a hot ass ghost, demon thing' talking."
  1392. [01:31] Lu Zain says, "I...what the fuck."
  1393. [01:37] {NARRATION} The lamia seemed have been slithering off strangling one of the Nethradin that were idling about... No time for Zenkichi's bullshit right now since she was free! Unless someone actually wanted to go after the Lamia, she was soon gone.
  1394.  
  1395. And they were left with the next Nethradin. One with somewhat of a wide build and a bit... primitive looking. He stood and had a grin on his face.
  1396.  
  1397. "Looking to get past?" The voice... didn't match the appearence. Not in the slightest. Too casual. Not very gruff.
  1398. [01:37] Zenkichi made a flat face.
  1399.  
  1400. "...Yes."
  1401. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1402. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1403.  
  1404. [01:37] Jin Wvelven says, "Yep."
  1405. [01:37] Ovan allows the others to do the talking as his nostrils flare.
  1406. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  1407. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1408.  
  1409. [01:38] Nethradin says, "Bring me a fae. Very simple."
  1410. [01:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "W."
  1411. [01:39] Nethradin says, "Do not worry, there is one lingering around."
  1412. [01:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "...Do you SEE a Fae--"
  1413. [01:40] Nethradin says, "I saw some of the idling nethradin rip it's wings off."
  1414. [01:40] Nethradin says, "Very entertaining... Heh."
  1415. [01:40] Zenkichi looks around. Is there a Fae HERE or is he referencing one somewhere further away?
  1416. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1417. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1418.  
  1419. [01:40] D. Wvelven asks, "Are we going to just keep doing fetch quests for these guys?"
  1420. [01:41] Nethradin says, "You might just. Easy for you, yeah? Though... Don't think the other nethradin needs anything."
  1421. [01:41] D. Wvelven says, "And I don't know about letting this guy rip a fae's wings off either."
  1422. [01:41] D. Wvelven says, "That's messed up."
  1423. [01:41] Jin Wvelven asks, "Should we really be hurting a Fae?"
  1424. [01:42] Jin Wvelven says, "Honestly.."
  1425. [01:42] Jin Wvelven says, "I'm not for it."
  1426. [01:43] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Yeah, nah."
  1427. [01:45] Zenkichi crosses his arms.
  1428.  
  1429. "If the Fae already has no wings, it's essentially already dead down here. That last Nethradin had a nice rack and just wanted freedom. Freedom from YOU, no less, considering that you're the one that bound her there.
  1430.  
  1431. I'm not gonna try and pretend that either of you are good. But I know which one of you is more evil." Zenkichi jabs a finger at the Nethradin.
  1432.  
  1433. "What's stopping me from just kicking your ass and making you break that barrier?"
  1434. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1435. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1436.  
  1437. [01:49] {NARRATION} "Eh? Guess your not getting past than... Unless you find me something else to eat." There was a bit of a smile from the nethradin. Showing his teeth. Though, they were not something you exactly wanted to loo-- wait he wanted to eat the fae?
  1438.  
  1439. "And nothing is stopping you from beating me up. And nothing will get me to bring down the barrier except what I want. Haha.. As for the first nethradin..." He shrugged his shoulders and gave a shit eating grin.
  1440.  
  1441. "I didn't bound her here... She got herself tricked and was placed here by those that put us here. Quite fun watching her struggling attempting to kill the bothersome lowly Nethradin when they ran out of reach. Quite funny to see her drag some off when she was freed. For that matter, nothing is keeping me here... Ahaha. The barrier that kept me here is now gone. I can leave if I wish... And you all will no longer be able to proceed."
  1442. [01:58] "I don't like this guy." he said outright, the winds still warping around him from the previous battle. He was still fired up, but a cool head was needed to be kept. One of their own was injured, likely for the rest of their time in the spirit realm. The fight wouldn't have been as favorable, and that was assuming that this guy was the same strength as the spirit beast.
  1443.  
  1444. ".. I'd be hard pressed to find anything edible around here, either." he said, taking a look around of the area. It looked like things were shaping up for them to have a fight, but only he knew how to lower the barrier.
  1445.  
  1446. "What now, then?"
  1447. (D. Wvelven)
  1448. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1449.  
  1450. [01:59] Jin wasn't having any of it.
  1451.  
  1452. During his travels he met many, many Fae. And they were some of the kindest, most pleasant people to interact with. So for them to actually have to go rip the wings off one, so this big doofus could eat it? Naw.
  1453.  
  1454. Stepping forward, his eyes would narrow in on the beast.
  1455.  
  1456. "Or... How about we just keep beating your whole ass? That other thing, the big-ass mist wolf - didn't die, kinda just turned into mist. So I'm willing to bet you're gonna do the same thing."
  1457.  
  1458. Pausing, he'd glance back over towards his group.
  1459.  
  1460. "See, I'unno about you guys, but I don't mind staying here for a few weeks, beating this thing's ass 'til he gives up and lets us through."
  1461.  
  1462. Slowly drawing his blade, he'd start to take practice swings through the air,
  1463.  
  1464. "So I'm gonna give you five minutes to open that gate, fuck off, andnot show your face around us again. 'Kay?"
  1465. (Jin Wvelven)
  1466. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1467.  
  1468. [02:12] {NARRATION} It seemed things were gonna lean towards the the party facing against the nethradin again and again until it gave it or they tired out. Which, likely would have had no end for quite some time. The nethradin was likely to lose it's form temporaily... or maybe it would die. Who knew?
  1469.  
  1470. "If that's your choice! Ahaha...!" The veins would begin to pop all over the body of the Nethradin as he smiled. And for a brief moment, it seemed like he was becoming bigger. He was! He was becoming larger and larger. Though, before became too large in size, Ehs Nab became visable and flew up to the nethradin's... For a brief exchange... And the nethradin shrunk back down. That nasty grin on his face and he turned to the barrier. Bringing it down in the similar fashion the lamia had.
  1471.  
  1472. Than he pushed the group out of the way and walked down the stairs. Unless he was stopped... They could proceed.
  1473. [02:21] Zenkichi seems pretty surprised by that one. He had expected some kind of final battle... but to see him just walk off like that after being talked to by Ehs was completely out of left field. Especially seeing as how not only were they not going to fight anymore, but the barrier was being brought down too? Choice. A part of him wanted to trip him on the way down - or some other petty move to try and get a tussle out of him just to sate that nagging feeling that this guy was the kind of person who probably needed to get his ass beat once in his life.
  1474.  
  1475. But Zenkichi just lets him by.
  1476.  
  1477. "...Weird." he comments. On that note, he begins ascending the stairs once more. This was the final layer, right?
  1478. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1479. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1480.  
  1481. [02:22] Ovan watches in mild amazement as the titan of a creature becomes even larger upon Jin's declaration of wanting a fight.
  1482.  
  1483. Fighting it until it tired out was actually one of the worst plans he had ever heard, but if it was the intent of the rest of the unit, he would roll with it.
  1484.  
  1485. Thankfully, they do not have to. What was destined to be a club-swinging match turns into a by round as the ghoulish gal from earlier does them a solid. The blonde lets out a sigh of relief and proceeds to the next obstacle in their way alongside Zenkichi.
  1486.  
  1487. "Alright.. Let's not try the same approach for the next one. I doubt she will be able to help us like that again."
  1488. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  1489. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1490.  
  1491. [02:24] "Huh.."
  1492.  
  1493. Simply watching with a hint of curiosity as the guy just left after being spoke to, he'd turn his attention back to his group. Giving the lightest of shrugs, he'd follow after Zenkichi.
  1494. (Jin Wvelven)
  1495. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1496.  
  1497. [02:29] {NARRATION} The nethradin left unbothered. Though he did not leave sight. Much instead, he sat nearby with a bit of a grin as his face as he watched him proceed... if anyone bothered to proceed. Something strange was going on... And Ehs had dissappeared once more after the interaction.
  1498.  
  1499. And they would come to the last Nethradian. Much less monsterish than the last two, by far. The only abnormality about him would have been the black skin and the red eyes... and a blue glow strong to come off him.
  1500.  
  1501. He stood with his arms crossed as he looked down to them. "Only a fight. That's all. One of you... All of you. It does not matter."
  1502. [02:29] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Oh."
  1503. [02:29] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "That's a lot simpler than all those other guys."
  1504. [02:30] Jin Wvelven says, "Huh.."
  1505. [02:32] Zenkichi puts two fingers to his lips, giving a sharp whistle!
  1506.  
  1507. "Look alive!" He'd bang some pots and pans if he had em, getting everyone looking lively for this final round of theirs. If there was one thing this group was good at, above all else, it was fighting things. They were, after all, mostly ninjas. Ninjas that specialized in head on fights with no attempts at subterfuge, specifically. Drawing his blade and activating his claw, Zenkichi gives a roll of his shoulders.
  1508.  
  1509. "Alright... on your count, creepy ghost guy. Just don't whine any once we close down your little pool party once and for all."
  1510. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1511. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1512.  
  1513. [02:34] Ovan takes a step or two forward and assumes a pose, though he finds the being's confidence to be a bit off-setting. Did they know something that the travelers did not?
  1514.  
  1515. "Ready when you are."
  1516. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  1517. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1518.  
  1519. [02:35] Upon hearing the whistle, his blade was drawn-- a mixture of fire, and wind covering his arm to morph it into a demonic claw. Yup, Ninjas who specialized in beating ass.
  1520.  
  1521. "It should just give up and let us have the crystal, yanno?"
  1522. (Jin Wvelven)
  1523. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1524.  
  1525. [02:35] Nethradin says, "All of you? I will show less restraint... Be wary, falter and you will be harmed gravely."
  1526. [02:35] Another hour, another fight against a Nethradin. The 'look alive' from his clan leader was what woke him up, shaking his head. This was it, what was (hopefully) to be the last fight of their adventure. It was time to end things in one final hurrah. The winds picked up around his form, the lad levitating a few feet off of the grass.
  1527.  
  1528. "Here goes."
  1529. (D. Wvelven)
  1530. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1531.  
  1532. [02:36] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Yeah I'm not faltering fuck nah."
  1533. [02:36] Lu Zain says, "Keh..."
  1534. [02:36] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "brother............."
  1535. [02:36] {NARRATION} The final nethradin gives off more power as he was going up against everyone.
  1536. [02:36] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Did he just enter his final form"
  1537. [02:37] Jin Wvelven says, "That looks like a final form."
  1538. [02:37] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "uhoh"
  1539. [02:37] Lu Zain says, "Whelp..guess today is a good day to die.."
  1540. [02:38] Zio had ample time to rise from his daze.. though the damage to his circuits would last for a little longer than that.
  1541.  
  1542. Rolling his shoulders, he'd crack his neck and place the tip of Falchion on the ground. With his newfound Cold Iron, the toy sword would almost vacuum the mana and minerals from this plane.
  1543.  
  1544. Suddenly, a powerful, resilient shell would start to creep up his skin-- like a plague festering, though this was good.
  1545.  
  1546. The hard, outer layer protected him from impact and absorbed shock as well, an important asset when facing such a powerful spirit.
  1547.  
  1548. Confident, he'd grin, a set of jade eyes peering through the obscurity of his hood-- he felt himself become closer and closer to perfecting this Black Metal.
  1549.  
  1550. "We can do this."
  1551. (Zio)
  1552. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1553.  
  1554. [02:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "All of you, uh."
  1555. [02:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Drop your weights."
  1556. [02:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Final form."
  1557. [02:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Cloak off."
  1558. [02:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Limiter release."
  1559. [02:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "All that."
  1560. [02:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "No johns."
  1561. [02:39] Jin Wvelven asks, "-- Scarf too?"
  1562. [02:39] Lu Zain says, "...."
  1563. [02:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "nah"
  1564. [02:39] Jin Wvelven says, "good"
  1565. [02:39] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "The scarf makes you stronger."
  1566. [02:40] Jin Wvelven asks, ".. Do I put the mask on?"
  1567. [02:40] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Yeah."
  1568. [02:40] Jin Wvelven says, "Just this once.. I must remove my chains."
  1569. [02:40] Jin Wvelven says, "AAAAAAAH."
  1570. [02:40] Well this was unexpected, the final Nethradin being rather confrontational compared to the previous ones; but Lauren wasn't going to back down from this, not at all, the entire group was in this together, so they'd get out of this together.
  1571.  
  1572. Thus once again calling upon earthly elements to guard her, Lauren smirked as her hands were placed upon her rifle, ready to combine fire with the rest of the gang.
  1573. (Lauren Raynor)
  1574. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1575.  
  1576. [02:41] D. raised his gun, pointing the receiving end towards the Nethradin. There wasn't going to be any restraint if they ganged up on him like this, so they really did need to pull all of the stops. Something told him this was going to be a lot stronger than the big guy, and they weren't doing so well themselves.
  1577.  
  1578. Zio had strained himself by releasing the snake spirit's chains, and Adra was nowhere to be found after she sustained an injury. The pressure was on harder than before. "I just want to let you guys know that I appreciate you."
  1579.  
  1580. That came out of nowhere.
  1581. (D. Wvelven)
  1582. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1583.  
  1584. [02:41] Jin Wvelven says, "Use real bullets."
  1585. [02:41] Jin Wvelven says, "No fucking around."
  1586. [02:41] Lauren Raynor asks, "Eh?"
  1587. [02:41] Lauren Raynor says, "I always use energy bullets."
  1588. [02:43] Zio exclaims, "Kyah!"
  1589. [02:44] Zio exclaims, "I'll be front line!"
  1590. [02:44] Lu Zain says, "Right."
  1591. [02:58] Zio breaks vase. Kyah!
  1592. (Zio)
  1593. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1594.  
  1595. [03:08] Just a clean and simple fight?
  1596.  
  1597. Easy. They were masters at that. They had learned the song and dance of swooping in, battering their target with attack after attack - relentlessly wearing down their opponent no matter how insurmountably strong they might appear to be. Though the Ifrit style was all about rushing down and winning as quickly as possible, for a man like Zenkichi, who had trained it to its absolute limits, even a prolonged battle such as this was possible for him. Right up to the very end, his flames were still roaring bright as ever.
  1598.  
  1599. But it was time to finish this.
  1600.  
  1601. He had been keeping a close eye on the Nethradin's movements. Patterns. Waiting for an opportune moment to strike. He had a tell... right before he appeared behind one of his allies. He always shimmered in a specific way, the light catching against him just before he disappeared. Barely perceptible to most people, but Zenkichi caught it.
  1602.  
  1603. His magic shifted. Energy.
  1604.  
  1605. He felt it now. That crack on the inside. It was of his own making. The barrier wasn't one of his own soul. It was one of his own mind. The belief that he couldn't achieve his own dreams. In a fight like this? With not only his own life, but those he cared for on the line? A barrier such as that could be shattered in an instant. The mans magic shifted.
  1606.  
  1607. Those flames around him shifted to a vibrant blue.
  1608.  
  1609. His eyes caught that shimmer of light.
  1610.  
  1611. Zenkichi's body went limp. He shifted forward, seemingly falling to the ground. But right before he hit the floor... his form shimmered. He passed right through it. Zenkichi only saw what was on the 'other side'. The plains, back in Agartha. He had heard of this technique before. Seen that Nethradin employ it time and time again to close the gap between them without being seen. A manifestation of spiritual power capable of closing the distance between two places by traveling through the realms themselves.
  1612.  
  1613. If a damn ghost could do it, what was stopping him?
  1614.  
  1615. Zenkichi lept high into the air on those grassy plains. His entire body burning bright cobalt.
  1616.  
  1617. He hits the ground again, appearing back in the Spirit Realm from the skies above. To the surprise of both himself and the Nethradin. His first proper usage of Mystic arts. Right when the Nethradin had just finished their own transportation, Zenkichi had appeared right above him. His claw reaching out.
  1618.  
  1619. "Finishing Move..."
  1620.  
  1621. Those nails of his caught on the Nethradin, tearing a massive mark down its back. Zenkichi's blade was quick to follow, his entire body becoming a whirlwind of steel as he whipped forth attack after attack! Dancing around his target and zipping under its legs, above its heads, around its body again and again! Strike after strike after strike!
  1622.  
  1623. "Cherry Blossom Soul Scatter!"
  1624.  
  1625. That claw reached out one last time. This time with the strength to pierce everything in its paths. The nails converged like a spear point that he thrust forward with all that he had, right into its chest and out the other side! Like that... he'd stay for a moment. Panting. His hand halfway through the Nethradin.
  1626. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1627. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1628.  
  1629. [03:12] Ovan skids to a hault as the leader of the shinobi unleashes the ultimate finishing move.
  1630.  
  1631. They are all exhausted from the bout, but he was able to pull through using something that Ovan had never seen before.
  1632.  
  1633. "W-what?! It's over!"
  1634. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  1635. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1636.  
  1637. [03:14] That was it, the final fight. And it sure felt like one. They were down to what was left after their arduous journey. A couple missing, a couple injured. But eventually, they managed to full a win in their last fight. Yes, D. was sure that this would be final.
  1638.  
  1639. "Good final fight, guys."
  1640. (D. Wvelven)
  1641. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1642.  
  1643. [03:15] In truth, Lauren wasn't expecting such a long-winded fight, nor did she expect such a flashy finishing move from Zenkichi's end. Even then, the fight was by no means free of any punishment to the party; everyone was exhausted and some even had some nasty cuts, bruises and scrapes to remind them of their struggles.
  1644.  
  1645. "Ffeh…", yet even then, Lauren was still ready and rearing to go, just to burn the last bit of energy up, so she might call it a night.
  1646. (Lauren Raynor)
  1647. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1648.  
  1649. [03:16] Somehow, their enemy was transporting, his body phasing out of reality only to reappear behind their target. Was that even possible? No, it couldn't be.
  1650.  
  1651. Slashing, dashing, and doing just about everything he could in his power to break through their enemies defense, his attacks striking hard, and true.
  1652.  
  1653. Though, there's a moment as he stops.
  1654.  
  1655. His eyes growing wide as Zenkichi somehow manages to copy their opponent's technique, phasing in and out of reality- only to appear behind the ghoul, and unleash one of the most wicked combinations he had ever seen. Woah.
  1656.  
  1657. "Wha--"
  1658.  
  1659. Was this.. Just something people could do? Was it something he could learn as well? Taking a moment to catch his breath, his eyes would drift over towards the group.
  1660.  
  1661. "Good job, guys."
  1662. (Jin Wvelven)
  1663. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1664.  
  1665. [03:19] Of course, this Spirit was anything but stupid.
  1666.  
  1667. During the battle, he noticed that it was targeting him for a few moments, before it realized that the Neries' resilience was far too inefficient to dwell upon.
  1668.  
  1669. With his newly created, black metal shield, and his enhanced shell-- the Acolyte was able to successfully act as the Bulwark for his people.
  1670.  
  1671. Grinning, each energy ring was taken gracefully, then absorbed and converted into regenerative energies.
  1672.  
  1673. Luckily for the expedition, Zio had gotten incredibly stronger in the middle of their adventure-- for better or for worse, shielding his loved ones from the wretched forces that sought to bring harm upon them.
  1674.  
  1675. Launching a wave of desolating energies at the mighty Spirit, the depleted Neries counted on Zenkichi to finish the job, and sure enough.. he did.
  1676.  
  1677. And guess what? Unlike before-- barely a crack in the hardened layer that covered him. Of course since the battle was over now.. themetal would retreat into the Cold Iron at his neck.
  1678.  
  1679. So close to perfection...
  1680.  
  1681. "Good work sensei!"
  1682. (Zio)
  1683. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1684.  
  1685. [03:20] {NARRATION} The nethradin was quite mighty to say the least. With a stomp of the ground, ethereal enegeries rose into orbs that filled the the sky and slammed onto the ground. Throwing them all back to land on the ground. The Nethradin following after by jumping the stands to land down there with them.
  1686.  
  1687. He spared not a single moment. With his fist, he threw punches that reach much further than they should have. He came close for those to notice that his red eye now overflowed with violent blue energy as he charged and jumped between them all. For brief moments, he seemed like he would fade and sudden be attacking another. As he moved across the field, he'd puddles of ethereal energy that rose from the ground to splat once more. And he had quite the defense. It was as if they were fighting a wall they could wither away bit by bit.
  1688.  
  1689. Though, it was Zenkichi to shatter the wall when it was in shambles... And, in quite a way not even the Nethradin had expected. Riddled with slashes Zenkichi's hand through the chest of the Nethradin... It looked gravely injuried... Though, with a tight grip the hand was pulled from his chest and he stood up, only so barely, to walk back up the stairs. An hour to grow sizable as he took each step. When he had come to the barrier, he had taken three punched at it. A slight fade of him each. And than the barrier would shatter. And the Nethradin aura faded as he fell back to fall back to the stairs.
  1690.  
  1691. "Thank you." The Nethradin had said... Seeming quite satisfied with the bloody combat he was given. It seemed the Nethradin would have been down for the time.
  1692.  
  1693. "My last words for you... For free... Do not trust the banshee."
  1694. [03:23] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "what the fuck is that"
  1695. [03:25] Lauren Raynor says, "What in the goddamn..."
  1696. [03:25] Zenkichi heaves... huffs... then slowly drags himself forward.
  1697.  
  1698. He probably wouldn't be able to pull something like that twice in the same day. How exactly that all happened was still a mystery to him, despite the fact that he just did it. A fluke, really. Something that he was smart enough not to rely on. But a good proof of concept, to say the least.
  1699.  
  1700. Zenkichi looks ahead... what awaited them next?
  1701. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1702. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1703.  
  1704. [03:27] Lu Zain says, "What..the actual fuck."
  1705. [03:28] {NARRATION} Once they'd come up the stairs, before them was a gem. Nothing they could take home... Obviously. Much too large. And it didn't seem quite... Right. No, something was especially nasty about this gem as it floated before them... Off to the side of it was Ehs Nab... Touching it. A grin on his ghostly gal face.
  1706. [03:29] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Fuuuuuuuck."
  1707. [03:29] A glimpse of what they were about to face next, could be seen. It was enough to just freeze Lauren in place and make her question plenty of things about the place they had spent a vast amount of time in and to be honest, it was that self-questioning which was beginning to chip at her earthly aura.
  1708.  
  1709. A few cracks forming here and there, yet still remaining strong around her like some sort of exo-skeleton.
  1710.  
  1711. "What is that?", she murmurs, trying to make some sort of sense out of the massive gem. Why was Ehs Nab next to it? Touching it? Grinning...?
  1712.  
  1713. This merely produced paranoid thoughts as the engineer glanced over to the rest of the gang; just what would their response be to all this. Hopefully not as shocked as Lauren's own reaction.
  1714. (Lauren Raynor)
  1715. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1716.  
  1717. [03:29] "Do not.. trust the banshee?" he asked. Sticking around in the spirit realm for so long was beginning to take it's toll on him. He had a throbbing headache, the winds dying down to what was relatively a whisper. Having gone through two high stakes fights and potentially needing to go through another?
  1718.  
  1719. "I'm.. so over this spirit realm thing." he grumbled, using the butt of his rifle for support as he pushed himself over to where they needed to go next. Something told him that he'd be fatigued long after their adventure was over, but he needed to keep fighting.
  1720.  
  1721. This was a guy with only elemental magic, after all.
  1722. (D. Wvelven)
  1723. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1724.  
  1725. [03:31]
  1726. "I-.. Impossible... is this real?"
  1727.  
  1728. Was anything real in this realm? Was this just another trick to deceive him? No.. there were no doubts-- whatever this being was, it possessed the legendary Dreamer's Blessing.
  1729.  
  1730. A part of him wished to discuss with this gem.. but the rational part of him wanted to get rid of it.
  1731.  
  1732. What would the Cardinal do?
  1733.  
  1734. Whereas it may have given off an ominous presence to the others... to Zio, this eerie gem felt almost homely-- comforting.
  1735.  
  1736. Lips parting, he'd take a bold step forward, choosing to listen to his religious side.
  1737.  
  1738. "Everyone, wait. This one... I don't think--"
  1739.  
  1740. Upon witnessing Ehs Nab, he'd scowl.
  1741.  
  1742. "Gem, how do you possess Her blessing? Can you help us? Can you tell us what we need to know?"
  1743.  
  1744. Perhaps the effort would be in vain... but he tried.
  1745. (Zio)
  1746. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1747.  
  1748. [03:35] {NARRATION} The Gem did not speak... It had simply floated. Though, Ehs Nab had floated infront of it. "You all may go. You no longer have a reason to linger here... You've served your purpose helping him reach them gem. Intervene and you will be harmed... You all look like can't go through another fight afterall."
  1749.  
  1750. Maybe the lost little ghost had a final form too... It wouldn't be surprising at this point. This place was fucking weird, as Zenkichi pointed out much earlier on.
  1751. [03:35] Zio says, "This.. doesn't make any sense... it can't be."
  1752. [03:35] Zio persisted.
  1753. (Zio)
  1754. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1755.  
  1756. [03:35] Zio says, "Gem, please."
  1757. [03:36] Zio says, "I know you feel my emotions."
  1758. [03:36] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Oi.. Zio. What's going on here? You know something?"
  1759. [03:36] Jin Wvelven asks, "The fuck is this thing?"
  1760. [03:36] Zio says, "That aura-- those colors."
  1761. [03:36] Zio says, "The Cardinal has it too."
  1762. [03:36] Zio says, "It's called the Dreamer's Blessing-- bestowed upon only the most worthy of Neries."
  1763. [03:36] Zio says, "I think..."
  1764. [03:37] Zio says, "I think... whatever this is-- if it wasn't the original recipient of the blessing."
  1765. [03:37] Zio says, "It stole the gem of someone who did."
  1766. [03:37] Zio says, "I want... I want to believe to former."
  1767. [03:37] Zio exclaims, "GEM!"
  1768. [03:37] Zio exclaims, "Please!"
  1769. [03:37] Jin Wvelven says, "I'unno if that thing's gonna talk, Zio..."
  1770. [03:38] Zio taking in a deep breath... the Neries would slowly approach it.
  1771. (Zio)
  1772. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1773.  
  1774. [03:38] Jin Wvelven says, "--"
  1775. [03:38] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "...That ghost already lied to us about everything leading up to this point."
  1776. [03:38] Zio extending a hand-- he'd attempt to bond with the being.
  1777. (Zio)
  1778. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1779.  
  1780. [03:38] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "I wouldn't be surprise--"
  1781. [03:39] Zenkichi wasn't /that/ crazy. Nah.
  1782. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1783. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1784.  
  1785. [03:39] The lad stumbled up into a standing position, utilizing his gravity magic to levitate a few feet off of the ground with the little strength he had left. An edge in height, so that he could aim over the heads of his allies and raise his gun. He closed a single eye, aiming down his sights as his finger trained itself on the trigger.
  1786.  
  1787. The receiving end? It was pointed straight at the gem. Something told him that he needed to destroy this thing, and no one else was catching on. A burst of lightning was expelled from the barrel of the gun, aiming to shoot the object and shatter it.
  1788. (D. Wvelven)
  1789. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1790.  
  1791. [03:39] Lauren takes a staggered step back as Zio reached out to touch the gem!
  1792. (Lauren Raynor)
  1793. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1794.  
  1795. [03:39] Lu kinda just..conjured a few more clouds..
  1796. (Lu Zain)
  1797. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1798.  
  1799. [03:39] Zio refuses to believe a corrupt Spirit could possess such a divine power.
  1800. (Zio)
  1801. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1802.  
  1803. [03:40] Jin's hoping Zio's gonna be okay.
  1804. (Jin Wvelven)
  1805. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1806.  
  1807. [03:40] Zio same
  1808. (Zio)
  1809. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1810.  
  1811. [03:48] {NARRATION} Ehs Nab would have let out a ground shaking screech. Reason she was a banshee afterall... Zio apprach had caused her to show just how loud she could get. Zio, being the closest, seemed to have gotten the worse of it. Like an impact to the eardrums, they'd caused them to rupture. Causing blood to flow from the ears... Lu Zain had followed after... Though he seemed less afftected as he followed up after Zio moments after. As for D, the sound had thrown off his shot. He'd have to take another... And Ehs Nab seemed to him among everyone else.
  1812.  
  1813. "If you will not leave you will bleed from your ears until you die..." Ehs Nab would grow in size. From a jittery small spirit into some much more... threatening to say the most.
  1814. [03:53] Good lord was she loud...But even as a panshi by gods was it painful. Two icy hands went to cover the valmasian rabbits ears as he seemingly caught the worst of that noise..
  1815.  
  1816. But there was a way around this..maybe? Regardless the valmasian rabbit would simply inhale before focusing his mana to cover his rabbit ears with a frozen sheen of ice. Hopefully muffling the banshee wail...along with everything else. A deaf rabbit..might as well be a safe rabbit..r-right?
  1817.  
  1818.  
  1819. "Let..kill or defeat this or whatever..id like to not die bleeding from my ears.."
  1820. (Lu Zain)
  1821. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1822.  
  1823. [03:54] "I'm trying to reason--…!"
  1824.  
  1825. But it was in vain.. as any intelligent person would've guessed.
  1826.  
  1827. The ear piercing shriek would leave the Neries confused and befuddled, wincing and desperately trying cover his ears. As sturdy as his body was... he couldn't say the same about his eardrums.
  1828.  
  1829. Falling to his knee, he'd let out a pained scream-- his voice booming through the hellish spiritual plane. Clearly... the pain caused by the Banshee's Screech was immeasurable-- one of the most painful things he'd experienced in his life.
  1830.  
  1831. Breathing heavily, the boy crawl backward-- unable to stand up for a few minutes.
  1832. (Zio)
  1833. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1834.  
  1835. [03:56] "OW."
  1836.  
  1837. His aim was thrown off by an extremely loud screech, unable to take down the gem. Not only that, but he was too late to the punch. Zio had already damaged himself as a result of this gem, an artifact that only the Wvelven had thought to destroy. Now, he lost his window of opportunity. Zio startled the enemy, again.
  1838.  
  1839. The winds picked up around him, attempting to push back against the vibrations that threatened to make his ears bleed. At least some of his magic would work to his advantage in the spirit realm. "Something's telling me.." his ears were ringing, he couldn't even hear his own voice. The damage wasn't nearly as bad as Zio, but it hurt like hell.
  1840.  
  1841. "We really need to get rid of that gem." he declared, steadying his aim once more and pulling the trigger. This time, he could brace himself for the noise to come.
  1842.  
  1843. It looked like this was turning into another full blown battle.
  1844. (D. Wvelven)
  1845. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1846.  
  1847. [03:57] Well this wasn't surprising; it'd seem the spirit realm employed the whole 'dog eat dog' motto or something along those lines. Either way, Lauren was getting fed up of the constant struggles they had suffered here, the injuries and whatnot, so suffice to say, she was more than ready to simply start firing first before asking any kind of questions.
  1848.  
  1849. "Alright, that's it. I've had enough.", the girl lets out with a grunt, aiming her rifle at the banshee, "I say we finish it once and fer' all.", only to recommend a course of action, regardless of if it'd be agreed with or not.
  1850.  
  1851. Laboured breathing ebbed out of Lauren's gob as she readied herself to fire, her hands gripping her mana rifle as a surprisingly new development surrounded her form; a stronger bluish glower, an aura of sorts, however faint it may be. Yet it did nothing other than look pretty!
  1852.  
  1853. A bit like those pellets of raw etherthat rushed out from Lauren's weapon as she squeezed down on the trigger! The fiery blue projectiles flying towards the banshee! Looks like someone wanted to relieve their itchy trigger finger!
  1854. (Lauren Raynor)
  1855. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1856.  
  1857. [03:57] Zenkichi deadpanned.
  1858.  
  1859. "I'm gonna be real with you, sister.
  1860.  
  1861. I'm old as fuck." He draws his blade, taking a deep breath. Hopefully the last heavy sigh he'd need to take down here for a long while. "But I'm not trying to go hard of hearing..." He looked to Zio, making sure the kids brains weren't leaking out the side of his head or something disgusting and mortally wounding like that. Thankfully he was pretty much made of nails, given his fighting style.
  1862.  
  1863. "Alright team. Ear bleeding or not... pull it together for one last fight."
  1864. (Zenkichi Wvelven)
  1865. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1866.  
  1867. [03:59] Ovan's orb stretches out to cover both of his ears with muffs of some sort as the harsh screeches of the banshee start to fill the airwaves. They were running out of options here, and going home without closing the portals was one of the worst ones.
  1868.  
  1869. "Yep! Let's do it."
  1870.  
  1871. The magi calls out then takes a step forward, seemingly at peace despite the disturbances around him. He pushes his left hand forward, making use of his attunement to the lifestream, and creates a disruptive ripple that spans out in the direction of the banshee.
  1872.  
  1873. He was making use of his ability to borrow from fate, for once. Who woulda thought.
  1874. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  1875. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1876.  
  1877. [03:59] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "---"
  1878. [03:59] See, this is the type of thing you want to avoid in the Spirit World; some big-ass Banshee trying to kill you from screaming. The thing wasn't to be trusted at all, and on top of that? Zio tried touching the thing.
  1879.  
  1880. Oh no.
  1881.  
  1882. But since it was because of some religious stuff that went right over his head, he wouldn't stop him. Well, until he fell to the ground, that is. Through a careful, and precise manipulation and control over his own Mana- His arm would once again morph into a claw. And once it does? It'd stretch out to grab hold on a part of Zio's loose clothing, and then retract to yank him back.
  1883.  
  1884. Yeah, he made sure not to burn him.
  1885.  
  1886. "It's fucking go time, I'm tired of this bullshit-- Let's close these stupid ass portals."
  1887.  
  1888. Since he was already powered up, his blade was drawn-- the mixture of wind and flames spreading to it as well, creating a giant-ass flaming blade.
  1889. (Jin Wvelven)
  1890. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1891.  
  1892. [04:08] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "wheres the icon..."
  1893. [04:35] {NARRATION} Than banshee howled once more. Though, not quite at a level where it would have ruptured eardrums like it had Zio's. But it did seem to be a call of a kind. If on were to notice, Nethradin, spectre, and everything of the like would look the way of the location. Some beginning to walk towards.
  1894.  
  1895. But there was not another moment to look there. Here came the banshee. Scream cold mist towards them that would have kept one on their toes. But her main focus seemed to be protecting the gem. Jumping between those who had come too close. Screeches that would force them away from it. Flying up to screech down at them.
  1896.  
  1897. Screeching and screaming in general, really. With a mix of cold air. But this specter would have eventually went down through a greater effort... with one of them putting down the ghost. And D. breaking the gem, despite Zio possible attempt to do so as well... or perhaps defend it as the banshee had failed.
  1898.  
  1899. By the end of the conflict, the gem lied to the ground... many pieces scattered across the ground.
  1900. [04:37]
  1901. {LOAD GAME}
  1902.  
  1903. [04:40] Ovan makes his way forth to the area where the ghost has been put down and the gem laid shattered once the battle comes to a dramatic finish and D deals the finishing blow to their primary target.
  1904.  
  1905. Needless to say, the Huitzilopochtli was no satisfied yet.
  1906.  
  1907. "I'm going to take a souvenir from my first journey in the Spirit Realm. Are you guys cool with that?"
  1908.  
  1909. He reaches down to collect some of the shards, certain that they would make good memories for later.
  1910. (Ovan Huitzilopochtli)
  1911. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1912.  
  1913. [04:40] The constant screaming of the banshee scrambled his senses, sending his motor functions into a disarray whenever he drew near. There was seemingly no end in sight to the creature's fortitude. Their heaviest hitters were forced to take the sidelines, close ranged attacks ineffective with all of the noise pollution.
  1914.  
  1915. D. became the epicenter of a disaster, tornadoes and typhoons brought to life and tearing through the battlefield. Crashing waves and staggering bolts of lightning, the Wvelven became the eye of the storm. When his mana ran dry, he held on. When he was bleeding and broken, he held on. When his team was at wits end and their enemy's health hardly even dwindled, he held on.
  1916.  
  1917. It was tapping into a hidden fury, the experience familiarizing D. with a side of himself that he had been seeking for so long now. The walls that he had placed around himself, the crippling self doubt and lack of confidence. He didn't know what he was even capable of. D. knew himself less than anyone. But he knew now.
  1918.  
  1919. He was the storm.
  1920.  
  1921. A skillset that was previously unorthodox was falling into place. His struggles and his shortcomings were made up for, as he commanded the elements in harmony if only for a moment. There was discord, disharmony, and chaos. But that was his balance. When the banshee finally dwindled in strength, he raise his voice and shouted, his scream breaking through the constant and debilitating wailing.
  1922.  
  1923. "Enough!"
  1924.  
  1925. It was the first time he had raised his voice beyond that dull monotone. There. One eye closed, he took aim and fired. A brilliant blast of lightning was expelled from the barrel of his gun. The third time, his aim wouldn't fail him. The clap of thunder reverberated throughout the area as the gem was shattered into a million pieces. Smoke was soon to follow,pouring out of the barrel of the gun.
  1926.  
  1927. "Maybe.. I should get a new rifle." he murmured, descending to the ground. Hopefully this was the final boss, because he was exhausted.
  1928. (D. Wvelven)
  1929. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1930.  
  1931. [04:41] Lu Zain says, "Eh...might as well grab some for experiment sake.."
  1932. [04:43] As the battle concluded with D finishing the Banshee off, Jin would step forward alongside Ovan.
  1933.  
  1934. "I'm gonna do the same, not like I'm gonna forget this shit, but.. I want proof I was here in Helheim."
  1935.  
  1936. Just as his friend did, he'd reach down to collect some of the shards.
  1937. (Jin Wvelven)
  1938. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1939.  
  1940. [04:43] D. Wvelven says, "We should split them up between different people."
  1941. [04:43] D. Wvelven says, "So it can't be put together again."
  1942. [04:43] Lu Zain says, "Sounds good enough.."
  1943. [04:45] {Item} You picked up Spirit Shard x14.Dropped by Lu Zain. .
  1944. [04:45] {Item} You drop Spirit Shard x3.
  1945. [04:46] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Zio how many do you want..."
  1946. [04:46] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "alright none got it"
  1947. [04:46] Ovan Huitzilopochtli says, "He might not.. be able to hear you.."
  1948. [04:46] Lu Zain says, "I wonder what things I can make with this.."
  1949. [04:46] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Lauren?"
  1950. [04:47] Lauren Raynor asks, "Hm?"
  1951. [04:47] Zio says, "I..."
  1952. [04:47] Zio says, "Can't hear anything."
  1953. [04:47] Zio asks, "What are you saying?"
  1954. [04:47] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "WOULD YOU"
  1955. [04:47] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "LIKE ANY"
  1956. [04:47] Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "OF DEEZE?"
  1957. [04:47] Lu Zain says, "Someone write it in the dirt for him.."
  1958. [04:47] Zio gestures his confusion...
  1959. (Zio)
  1960. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1961.  
  1962. [04:47] Zio says, "No idea sensei..."
  1963. [04:47] Lauren covers her ears for a moment.
  1964. (Lauren Raynor)
  1965. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1966.  
  1967. [04:47] {Item} You drop Spirit Shard x4.
  1968. [04:47] Zio says, "Oh can I have som--"
  1969. [04:47] Zio says, "Thanks."
  1970. [04:48] {Item} You drop Spirit Shard x4.
  1971. [04:48] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "And I got three."
  1972. [04:48] Zenkichi Wvelven exclaims, "Alright!"
  1973. [04:48] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Let's get the fuck out of here."
  1974. [04:48] Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Holy shit."
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