Maiders Session # ???

<Cliven> [And so everyone is rested and willing for that night. We are now up on the third floor, there are bones skewered throughout this level, and you all feel fine except you can't get rid of this lingering dread. There is nothing around but you just can't help but feel something bad is going to happen here....]
<[Rut]Janie> Gee... it sure feels funny around here, huh Rickie?
* [Rut]Rickie zzZZZZzzz~
* Maryn helps Mina back up the stairs as the trail behind.
<Maryn>  Ah.. you are feeling better?...
<[BNS]Mina> N-not really...
* Nafrit seems distracted she looks to Cliven
<Maryn>  Would you like to rest for today?
* [BNS]Mina limps along by sheer will alone
<Nafrit> "Ah um, is there anything to be done about that?  I mean, we shouldn't have our leader feeling ill or likewise."
* [BNS]Mina groans in response
<Chamomile> Mina?
<Cliven> It's fine.. but.. I don't think its me.. but this place.
* Chamomile looks worriedly at her.
<Maryn> Cmon.. easy does it.
* Nafrit nods
* [BNS]Mina has been cleaned up by Maryn somewhat, but still looks like she's been through hell
<Chamomile> What exactly happened...?
<Nafrit> "If you are sure.  We should make haste than, I- we, don't want anything happening to you."
* Cliven nods.
<Cliven> ..ah..M-mina?..
* [Rut]Janie turns around. Whatcha lookin' at, Mister~?
<[Rut]Janie> ... !
<Chamomile> If we've got two people down, maybe we should rest for today....
<Maryn> It's just Mina someone should rest with her.
<[Rut]Janie> Oh my gosh! What happened to you?!
<Chamomile> I'll stay with her~
* [Rut]Janie runs up to her and grasps her in concern. Roughly, of course.
<Nafrit> "I will look after your daughter on your order, sir.  If she is afflicted with the eldritch I may be able to help."
* [BNS]Mina stumbles up to the group. She's still clutching the strange bladed weapon she found in the catacombs
<[Rut]Janie> ... A starfish?
<Chamomile> Eldritch? Isn't she just beat up?
* [BNS]Mina collapses into Janie's arms. She's really in bad shape.
<Maryn> I swore we've taken care of all those slimes down at the pool... but.. it seems we were wrong..
<Chamomile> Ah-
<Nafrit> "The walls themselves are permiating an aura of malevolent magick- oh my..."
<Chamomile> Cliven~ girl down~
<[Rut]Janie> W-w-woah!
<Cliven> Ah.. Maryn, I leave her in your care and Mina.. are you well?
* Maryn nods and sticks close to Mina.
* [Rut]Janie struggles under Mina's weight (which isn't significant, but neither is Janie.) With some strain, she manages to set her down gently.
* [BNS]Mina winces as she lays on the ground. She is obviously not well.
<[Rut]Janie> ...
* Chamomile crouches over her.
* [Rut]Janie pokes her cheek lightly.
* Nafrit kneels next to Mina to inspect her
<[Rut]Janie> Mina... um, you're okay, right? Please say you're okay...
* [BNS]Mina was nearly eaten by a slime. This kind of thing is detrimental to one's health.
* Nafrit picks Mina up
<Nafrit> "I will take her to a warded room."
<[Rut]Janie> Minaaa... You didn't say it yet...
<Chamomile> Wait, whaaaat?
* [BNS]Mina winces as she's carried
* Chamomile looks up at Nafrit.
<Chamomile> Can you help her?
<Nafrit> "I can certainly try.  But her trying to carry on like this is an endevor in futility."
* Nafrit turns to Cliven
<Nafrit> "You won't have to worry about her, I won't let anything more happen."
<Cliven> [You all find another room, this time it has two beds, one on the east and west side..though.. you might have to move a body or two in there....]
* Chamomile moves the bodies quickly.
* [Rut]Janie tugs on Nafrit's shirt.
<Nafrit> "What is it, Janie?"
<Cliven> Ah.. how fortunate..but..
* Cliven has a rather disgusted look on his face...
<[Rut]Janie> Y-you promise, right? Cross your heart and hope to die, and everything else too?
<Nafrit> "I'll protect her with my life."
* [Rut]Janie seems to take some solace in that, though she still hesitates before finally letting go.
<[Rut]Janie> ... Okay...
* Chamomile returns and puts a hand on Janie's shoulder.
<Chamomile> We have to trust~
<Cliven> Cmon...
* Cliven gets inside peering around for possible traps or ambushes.
<[Rut]Janie> I do! But it... it still feels real bad, missus Chameleon.
* Chamomile nods.
<Chamomile> I know...
<Nafrit> "She's alive, and coherent.  There are worse fates.  I will enact something to protect her from further harm."
<Cliven> It safe in here.
* Maryn heads in first before the others.
<Nafrit> "Ah good."
* Nafrit lays Mina down and starts taking out her supplies
<Nafrit> "Does anyone have a sheet or something?"
<Maryn> ..I do.
* Maryn unpacks her bag and it reveals pretty much any amenimity you could ask for.
<Nafrit> "Ah perfect thank you."
* Nafrit makes a makeshift tent for her to give Mina some privacy while the flesh ward tattoo is applied.
* [BNS]Mina doesn't move on the bed, aching from head to toe
* Nafrit sees that the ward is still active and just renews it. She also starts working on some ointments that are nonmagical
* [Rut]Janie sits Indian style on the ground, watching.
* Chamomile stands next to her, patting Rickie.
<Cliven> Who is going to stay with Mina? We'll have to secure the perimeter at the very least on this level.
<[Rut]Janie> Uh! Uh!
* [Rut]Janie 's hand shoots up.
* Nafrit walks out of the tent
<Nafrit> "She should be fine."
<Cliven> Alright.. Janie.. and who else?
<Maryn> I will.
* Maryn looks at Janie and then Cliven...
<Nafrit> "If you believe that is enough, I will accompany you Sir."
* Cliven nods at Maryn... he knows well enough.
* Chamomile looks between Mina and CLiven.
<Cliven> Alright. Who else?
* [BNS]Mina suddenly begins to stir, and slowly sits up
<Chamomile> Mina!
<[BNS]Mina> Nggg...
* [BNS]Mina supports her weight with her arm
* Chamomile is at her side.
<Chamomile> How do you feel...?
* [Rut]Janie gasps and rushes over to gawk.
<[BNS]Mina> ...I feel like I just got eaten by a slime...
* [BNS]Mina winces as she slides her feet to the side of the bed
* [Rut]Rickie complains softly before curling up in her shirt again.
<Maryn> ...you did...almost.. But just rest we'll take care of the rest Mina.
* [BNS]Mina coughs up some residual slime, covering her mouth afterwards
<Chamomile> Whaaat? Like... that thing before?
<[BNS]Mina> Chamomile... help me up, please.
* [BNS]Mina reaches for her hand
<Maryn> It seems so. I lost her for a moment... but it seems she was fine..
* Chamomile takes it.
<Chamomile> Don't strain yourself...
* [BNS]Mina uses the leverage to stand up. She's shaky, but bipedal.
* Chamomile has a tone of concern in her normally bored voice.
<Nafrit> "I am glad you're looking better.  It seems the ointments helped."
<[BNS]Mina> Yeah... thanks, Nafrit.
* [BNS]Mina has a slight limp still as she walks back up to Cliven.
* [Rut]Janie sighs in relief and grins at Mina, tagging along.
<Cliven> Ah.. Mina.. are you sure you should be standing up so soon?
<Nafrit> "Glad to have helped."
<[BNS]Mina> I'm fine... it's more important to stick together than to split up on my behalf...
* Chamomile keeps with Mina, suporting her lightly.
* [BNS]Mina 's voice is strained, she's obviously still in some degree of discomfort
<Nafrit> "Prudent."
<Chamomile> Want me to carry you?~
<Maryn> I'd strongly suggest splitting up as unreasonable as it sounds. But we'll need to be in even amounts.
<[BNS]Mina> I... I just need someone's shoulder to lean on. I'll be fine... honest.
<Cliven> ...
* Cliven nods.
<Nafrit> "I will go where needed."
<Chamomile> Aww, I wanted to carry you~
<Cliven> Maryn and Nafrit will stick with Mina.
<Cliven> The rest take front with me.
<[BNS]Mina> Ngg
<[BNS]Mina> No...
<[BNS]Mina> You need Maryn...
<[Rut]Janie> Gee willikers, Mina! You can use me! I'm not good for a whole lot else, anyway!
<Cliven> We will be fine, have faith in us dear.
* [Rut]Janie says it without shame.
<[BNS]Mina> At least let me stay with Chamomile... please...
* [BNS]Mina winces
<Cliven> Alright.
<[Rut]Janie> Mm... okay. But you gotta tell me about what happened to you later.
* [Rut]Janie looks disappointed.
* Cliven pully Chammy close to himself for a moment.
<Cliven> [*pulls]
<Chamomile> Mm?
<Cliven>  My daughter's life is in your hand.. please be careful alright?
* Chamomile nods.
<Chamomile> I won't nap once~
* Cliven pats and gives Chamomile a quick kiss on the head.
<Cliven> That is all Chamomile. Thank you.
<Chamomile> Ehe, don't worry~
* Nafrit steps next to Cliven
* Chamomile pokes Cliven in the chest.
<Nafrit> "Shall we go sir?  If this is sorted out?"
* Cliven nods, taking Chamomile's attacks a glancing blow, paying almost no attention to it.
* [BNS]Mina looks up at Chamomile
<[BNS]Mina> Chamomile... you said you'd carry me, right...? As much as I don't want to be a burden... I think your way might be faster...
* [Rut]Janie goes over to Cliven's side again.
<[Rut]Janie> ...
* Cliven takes lead along with Maryn and Janie.
* Nafrit follws by his side
<Chamomile> Mnnn...
* Chamomile looks at Cliven's back.
* Chamomile looks back at Mina.
<Nafrit> "I'm sure she will be fine Sir.  As long as she avoids demanding activities."
<Cliven> Aye.
<Chamomile> Kay~
* Chamomile crouches to let Mina mount her.
* [BNS]Mina winces as she climbs onto Chamomile's back
* Chamomile lifts her carefully.
* Chamomile trots behind the group.
* [Rut]Janie follows Cliven dutifully, but seems much more subdued than normal. She doesn't bounce about like the normally does, hustling to look at every crack in the wall and other minutia. She hasn't really spoken, either.
<[Rut]Janie> [=-= like she normally*]
* [BNS]Mina takes the opportunity of being carried to nod off to sleep and try to regain her strength.
* Chamomile smiles softly at the sound of Mina's even, gentle breathing.
* Nafrit is not showing any emotion, more so than usual
<Cliven> [As you all explore this level, it has been devoid of any hostile beings. However... you all managed to find a tidy pile of gold doubloon from the corpse of a ancient spanish conquistador.. besides that you all explore this level throughly.]
* [Rut]Janie keeps looking over her shoulder.
* Chamomile keeps one as a souvenier.
<Cliven> Ooh...look..
<Nafrit> "Are you sure you don't want a share, Sir?  You do have a college fund to look after."
* Cliven grins.
<Cliven> The reports I get for exploring these ruins are about..
* Cliven whispers into Nafrit's ear.. the amount is phenomenal.
<Cliven> That much.. and then some...
<Cliven> But any rate, the loot belongs to you girls. Good job.
<Nafrit> "hmm..."
* Cliven looks around. This floor was smaller than he had thought.
* Nafrit tries not to react to what Cliven whispers to her
<[Rut]Janie> Mm...
* [Rut]Janie didn't even bug out at the gold pile. She hasn't stopped looking back every minute, either.
<Maryn> ...
* Maryn gives Janie five coin's worth.
<Maryn> HEre.
<Maryn> You've help some too. It's your share.
<[Rut]Janie> Hm, what? Oh, thanks.
* [Rut]Janie accepts it with a nod and stashes it in her bag. And then continues like nothing happened.
* Chamomile sneaks up behind Janie.
<Chamomile> Boo!~
* Nafrit thinks about what she'll do with her share
* Chamomile whispers in her ear.
<Cliven> hmm.. I think we're done here..
<Cliven> How odd...
<Nafrit> "A mostly uneventful floor.  Thankfully..."
<Cliven> hmm...
* [Rut]Janie jumps.
<[Rut]Janie> W-what's what??
<Cliven> What's what?
* [BNS]Mina is awoken by the commotion
<[BNS]Mina> Mmm...?
<[Rut]Janie> Missus Chamomile? Gosh, you scared the daylights outta me...
* [BNS]Mina looks around, blurry-eyed
<Chamomile> Ahaha~
* Chamomile pats the girl.
<Cliven> Ah.. Mina's awake.
<Chamomile> If you're that tense, I'll start being worried, too.
<Nafrit> "Are you okay, Mina?"
<[Rut]Janie> I'm not tense! Er, well, sort of... Sorry for waking Mina...
<[Rut]Janie> ... She's still right as rain, right??
<[BNS]Mina> It's ok...
<Maryn> Oh Mina...
* [BNS]Mina rubs her eyes, she's feeling a little better.
<Maryn> We found something of interest to you. Master wanted you to have this.
<[BNS]Mina> Hrm?
* [BNS]Mina looks over
<[Rut]Janie> Right? Right~ so why am I still...
* Maryn hands Mina five really shiny gold coins.
* [BNS]Mina 's eyes go wide
<Maryn> Your father found these earlier and they're your share.
<[BNS]Mina> Wha... this is...
<Chamomile> It's treasure~
* Cliven chuckles.
* [BNS]Mina 's eyes sparkle. Her first treasure...
* [Rut]Janie keeps scanning around while the party is stopped.
* Nafrit puts her own share into Mina's hands
<Cliven> Again congrats Mina and the others.
<Nafrit> "It was quite the cache."
<[BNS]Mina> N-Nafrit!
* [BNS]Mina insists on returning Nafrit's share
<[Rut]Janie> Golly... I don't get it, Rickie. How come everything's so... ?
<[Rut]Janie> Blech.
<[BNS]Mina> Here, honest! I don't need more! It's just the fact that this is my first treasure!
* Nafrit frowns, Mina wasn't supposed to notice it was naf's share.
<Nafrit> "Are you sure?"
* [BNS]Mina nods
<[BNS]Mina> Yeah!
* [BNS]Mina hands it back to Nafrit
<Nafrit> "Okay..."
* Nafrit takes it back
<[Rut]Janie> ... I guess it was nothing after all.
* Cliven smiles at the others.
<[BNS]Mina> Nnn... Chamomile... you can let me down now...
<Cliven> Come on we got another floor to explore~
* [Rut]Janie smiles at the others.
<[Rut]Janie> I'll take the lead, Mister Cliven~
* Nafrit says to Cliven quietly
<Nafrit> "You really do have everything don't you?"
<Chamomile> Mmm? Are you sure?
* Cliven replies in a similar tone.
<[BNS]Mina> Yeah... I feel better now...
<Cliven> It's nice...
* Nafrit nods
* Cliven starts making his way upstairs.
<Chamomile> ...Okay.
* Chamomile lets Mina down.
* [BNS]Mina stands upright, but is still slightly sore.
<[BNS]Mina> I'll be ok... let's keep going.
* Nafrit follows him
* [BNS]Mina takes Chamomile's hand and follows Cliven
<Nafrit> 'Well I suppose the trade doesn't attract those that require anything but intulectual fufillment."
* [Rut]Janie goes on ahead~
* Chamomile walks with Mina.
* Cliven nods.
<Cliven> [You all arrive on the last floor, compared to the last one. This is a breeze of fresh air as the feeling here on this level is nothing compared to the last two you've been through.]
* [Rut]Janie skips along, taking it in.
<[Rut]Janie> Hey, guys! It's nice~
<Chamomile> Ah~ refreshing~
* [BNS]Mina immediately feels as if all the pain in her body has disappeared
<Nafrit> "Hmmm..."
<[BNS]Mina> ...whoa.
* Nafrit becomes uneasy
* [BNS]Mina 's steps become much easier
<Nafrit> "I don't like this, its too quiet."
<[Rut]Janie> My spidey-sense doesn't pick up anything, missus Nafrit!~
<[Rut]Janie> ..
<Cliven> [The fourth floor is rather different. Its just one large floor with an alter in the middle, with the sun bearing down on alter itself.]
* [Rut]Janie glances at Mina again.
* [Rut]Janie leans over and whispers to Nafrit.
<Cliven> What a nice change of pace..
<[Rut]Janie> You did say Mina would be better, right? 'Cause I have a bad feeling...
* Cliven stretches out in comfort.
* [BNS]Mina clenches her fist, making sure she's not imagining this. There's no pain whatsoever.
<Nafrit>  I've applied ointments to her wounds and she is under a flesh ward... but we may be in more need of the ward..."
<[BNS]Mina> Wow... I feel so much better now.
<[Rut]Janie> Hmm...
* [Rut]Janie nods to Nafrit.
<Chamomile> Isn't that great, Mina?~
<[BNS]Mina> Yeah...
* [BNS]Mina breathes a sigh of relief
* Melange_Addiction has quit IRC (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
<[Rut]Janie> ... Yuppers. I'm awful glad you're okay, missus Mina!~ We can explore some more, now!
* Maryn sighs as she looks at her hand.. it heals within her field of vision..
* [Rut]Janie calls.
<Maryn> ... Shocking...
* Nafrit walks up to the altar
* [Rut]Janie goes with her, gesturing for the other to follow.
* [BNS]Mina follows Nafrit
<[BNS]Mina> So... what is it?
<Nafrit> "Its... and altar.  Where are the inscriptions..."
* Cliven starts exploring the top floor, its relatively clean with the occasional cobweb and skeleton.
<Cliven> [The alter's language is very familar to Nafrit, it reads out a ritual of bringing life to inanimate objects.]
<Nafrit> "Odd.  It describes a ritual of bringing the lifeless to life... but not the once living.  Disipointing, I thought this was a tample of life and death."
<[BNS]Mina> The lifeless...?
<[BNS]Mina> What's that mean?
<Nafrit> "Inaimate objects.  Golems."
<[BNS]Mina> ...objects?
<[Rut]Janie> So... like robots?
* [BNS]Mina suddenly remembers.
* [Rut]Janie has stars in her eyes.
* [BNS]Mina reaches into her pack... and pulls out the wooden monkey doll she bought in town
<[BNS]Mina> Like this, Nafrit?
* Cliven eventually comes back to where Nafrit and Mina are.
<Chamomile> Do it, Mina~
<Nafrit> "I don't think like 'that.' But yes your doll would work.  Life can be breathed into it from the altar."
<[Rut]Janie> Wowie kazowie! Can ya do it, missus Nafrit? Can ya?
* [BNS]Mina 's eyes go wide and looks at the altar
<Cliven> huhm...what are you girls doing?
<[BNS]Mina> How does it work?
* [Rut]Janie fsjal.jpg
<Nafrit> "Life is tranfered into the object."
* Nafrit frowns
<[BNS]Mina> No, I mean, where do I put it
<Nafrit> "Oh.  Just put it on the altar."
* [BNS]Mina puts it down
<[BNS]Mina> ...now what?
<Nafrit> "We tranfer life from someone into it
* Maryn looks onward with a bit of caution.
<Chamomile> ...From omeone?
<Nafrit> "Yes.  It doesn't come from no where."
* [Rut]Janie is tempted to touch~
* Nafrit starts reading the inscription outloud
* [Rut]Janie runs a hand along the engravings on the side.
<[Rut]Janie> Neat...
<[BNS]Mina> Janie, don't touch that!
* [BNS]Mina moves to swat her hand away...
<[Zem]Yumi> Yes, be very careful.
<[Rut]Janie> Hey, Mina, come look at-- wah!
<Cliven> [The trail of what seems to be pure white energy leaves Janie's body in an instant. Janie feels a sharp pain but was over in an instant. Janie feels weak for a moment before resuming her usual demeanor.]
<Cliven> !!
<[Rut]Janie> ... Waaahhh...
* [BNS]Mina is too late in getting Janie away from the altar!
<Nafrit> "Oh, no.  Are you okay Janie?"
* Nafrit grimaces
<Cliven> ...ah shit...
* Cliven rushes to her side.
* [Rut]Janie is plastered over the ground.
<Cliven> Speak to me Janie!
* Nafrit props Janie up against the altar and looks into the girl's eyes
<Maryn> ...wonderful...
<Chamomile> Oh my...
<Cliven> [The whole place begins to rumble intensly as if there was an earthquake going on as a large beam of light bears down on the wooden monkey]
* [Zem]Yumi draws her sword and stands in front of everyone else.
<Cliven> ...w-what's going on!.. what about Janie...?
<[BNS]Mina> What...?!
* [Rut]Janie groans, babbling to herself.
* Nafrit hugs Janie
<Nafrit> "Please be okay..."
<Cliven> ...ah... this isn't supposed to happenn...
* Cliven can only look over Janie, extremely worried.
<[Zem]Yumi> Relax.  It's just like the Alexander the Great statue, only flammable as well.
* [BNS]Mina looks down at Janie, then looks back at the altar, which everyone else seems to have forgotten about
* [Rut]Janie pipes up.
<[Rut]Janie> ... the square root of 202 is 14.2126704, the square root of 482 is 21.9544984, the square root of 159 is 12.609520212918492..... huh?
<Cliven> ..
* [Rut]Janie blinks?
<Cliven> Wait... what.
<[Rut]Janie> ... What happened?
* Nafrit picks Janie up and grins
<Cliven> ...oh...
<Nafrit> "Oh thank Nyarlathotep I thought you died to fuel an automoton."
* Cliven .oO(Those... answers.. are actually correct..what the fuck...)
* Cliven shakes his head.
* [Rut]Janie rubs her eyes.
* Cliven then sighs in relief.
<[Rut]Janie> ... I'm kinda sleepy.
* [BNS]Mina is still glaring at the altar
<[BNS]Mina> ...umm, guys...?
<[Rut]Janie> --w-what's that??
<Cliven> [The Monkey itself begins to move around a bit, lift its small puny arms.]
* [Rut]Janie points.
* [BNS]Mina looks on, amazed
<Chamomile> Waaah...
<Nafrit> "Hmm, it worked."
* [BNS]Mina approaches the altar cautiously
<Cliven> ..no way.. it.... worked.
* [BNS]Mina reaches out and touches the monkey... it's still made of wood... but it's moving!
<[Rut]Janie> Oooh!
* [Rut]Janie squirms out of Nafrit's arms and runs over to see.
<Nafrit> "Did you really ever doubt it, Sir?"
<Cliven> [It responds to Mina's touch and crawls onto her arm, it even emits real life monkey voice!]
<[BNS]Mina> Ah-!
* [BNS]Mina recoils a little as the monkey crawls up onto her shoulder
<[Rut]Janie> Hahaha! That's really something~
<[Zem]Yumi> Well, it's not hostile, that's reassuring.
* [Zem]Yumi sheathes her sword.
<Cliven> A little Nafrit... a little..
* [Rut]Rickie doesn't think that thing is so special... Hmph...
<Chamomile> ...It's realy alive...
* [BNS]Mina stares in amazement at the monkey
<[BNS]Mina> It... it's...
<[BNS]Mina> It's so CUTE!
<[Rut]Janie> Mina, hey, Mina! Can I touch him? Huh? Can I~?
* [BNS]Mina squeals with joy as she picks up the monkey and spins in a circle with it
<Nafrit> "Wow she is happy."
* [BNS]Mina hugs it tight as the monkey's head lolls a little, dizzy from the spinning
<[Rut]Janie> Hey! Hey Mina! Can I? Mina!
<[BNS]Mina> ...eh?
* [Rut]Janie pleads.
* [BNS]Mina was caught up in the moment
<[BNS]Mina> Umm...
<[BNS]Mina> I guess...?
* [BNS]Mina holds the monkey out towards Janie, holding it under its armpits
* [Rut]Janie puts her finger out near it. The monkey responds... well, like a monkey, gripping it.
<[Rut]Janie> Hehehe~
<Cliven> Hmmm..
<Cliven> How about giving it a name Mina?
* [BNS]Mina 's eyes widen when the monkey then pulls her finger closer and bites Janie
<Cliven> ...
<Cliven> oh god..
<[Rut]Janie> Hehe, ow~
<[BNS]Mina> H-hey!
* [BNS]Mina pulls him away from Janie and scolds him
* Cliven chuckles after seeing it wasn't so serious.
* [BNS]Mina sighs as the monkey essentially ignores her, then scurries back up her arm to perch on her shoulder
<[Rut]Janie> I think he likes me~!
* Nafrit pats Mina on the head
<Nafrit> "I see you like you're new friend.  Don't forget to thank Janie she help me make it."
<[Rut]Janie> Rickie does that, too!
* [Rut]Rickie stares out of Janie's collar at it, menacingly. That was -his- finger.
* [BNS]Mina turns back to Cliven as the monkey glares back at Rickie with its blank, wooden eyes
<[BNS]Mina> What were you saying, Dad?
<Cliven> Oh... you'll want to give it a name right?
<[BNS]Mina> Ummm...
<[BNS]Mina> Well, geez... I can't make such an important decision right now...
* [BNS]Mina scratches her head. The monkey does likewise.
<Cliven> Monkey sees what monkey do?
<[BNS]Mina> Eh?
* Nafrit looks to see if there's anything else in the floor
* [BNS]Mina looks over at the monkey, whom is assuming the ultimate stance of innocence
<Cliven> [The floor has nothing of importance now, though some of the tiles have cracks on them.]
* Nafrit hits the crack tiles not expecting much but still hoping for more to the temple than a living wooden monkey
<Cliven> Hm... was that it.. about this temple?..
* Cliven seems a bit dissappointed...
* [Rut]Janie just smiles absentmindedly. Partially because she's still a bit lightheaded. But she often is, and mostly, she's just smiling at Mina.
<Chamomile> ...The ancients had too much time on their hands...
<[Rut]Janie> Mina? Can I help name him? I can be a real good name-picker, honest!
<[BNS]Mina> Janie... just... not right now please...?
<[BNS]Mina> Later.
* [BNS]Mina is still overwhelmed by MORE MAGIC SHIT
<[Rut]Janie> ...
<Maryn> Hum... I suppose we'll be leaving soon because I think we've overstayed our welcome here....
* [Rut]Janie 's smile twitches at the corners of her mouth for an instant.
* Nafrit sighs and sits down next to Cliven
<Nafrit> "Well this isn't what I was hoping to find."
<Cliven> What did you hope to find?
<[Rut]Janie> O-okay... But I promise to help you come up with a super-neato name for him, then! Later...
<Nafrit> "Oh you know, powerful arcane secrets to covet for myself.  But I guess you can't always get what you want, you'll have to settle for what you need."
* Cliven chuckles.
<[Rut]Janie> Is that... is that okay, Mina? That would be okay, right?...
<Cliven> Sadly its not always a big awesome discovery each time..
<Nafrit> "The greatest things are subtle."
<Chamomile> I think this discovery is big enough...
* `Iris has been patrolling the last floor, but her rapid footsteps suddenly come into earshot.
<[Rut]Janie> Ah... g-good! I'll, um, look forward to it!
* `Iris 's footfalls echo closer. She's certainly running quickly...
<[BNS]Mina> ...?
<[BNS]Mina> What's that?
<Cliven> ..hmm?
<[Rut]Janie> ...
* `Iris explodes into the room, sprinting pell-mell past the group.
<`Iris> Run!
<Cliven> What!?
* Cliven eye's go wide.
<Chamomile> Whaaaa?
* Chamomile spins lazily.
<[BNS]Mina> What!?
* `Iris slows down and shouts behind her.
<`Iris> COME ON!
<Cliven> ...Move it girls! We got trouble!
* Cliven stands up quickly and takes lead with Iris.
* [Zem]Yumi runs after Iris.
<[BNS]Mina> Where are we gonna run?! We're 4 stories in the air!
* [BNS]Mina follows
<[Rut]Janie> Wha-- but-- w-wait up!
* Chamomile runs after the group/
* [Rut]Janie chases after them.
<Cliven> GIve me sitrep asap Iris.
<Cliven> [You all hear a bunch of rowdy people making their way inside the temple... Iris and Cliven should recognize this voice immediately.]
<Nafrit> "We'll have to set up an ambush."
<`Iris> A platoon of those bastards! We need to get to a safer location!
<Chamomile> How'd they find us...?
<`Iris> No idea!
* `Iris runs out of ideas of where to run, too, seeing nowhere else...
<`Iris> ... Shit.
<Cliven> God damn it.. we're trapped on this level!
* `Iris drops prone and levels her gun at the approaching noise.
<Nafrit> "Does anyone have a drink?"
* [BNS]Mina draws her sword as her monkey screeches
* `Iris gives a sideways glance at the monkey.
<`Iris> ... The hell is that!?
* [Rut]Janie looks left and right. Where's she supposed to hide??
<[BNS]Mina> We'll explain later... ok?!
* `Iris notices Janie's confusion.
<`Iris> Fine. Janie! Just get down!
* Nafrit sighs and pulls out a flamable liquid from her pack and breaks it at the door. She gets out a lighter.
<[BNS]Mina> Nafrit! Don't! If you do that, how will we get out?!
<Nafrit> "It'll burn out."
<Cliven> [A smoke grenade comes rolling several meteres in front of you girls.]
<Cliven> ...oh shit..
<[BNS]Mina> !
* [Rut]Janie raises an eyebrow at Iris. Why would she dance in a funny way now? She hits the ground instead.
* [BNS]Mina tries to run up and kick it away!
<Cliven> [It explodes in front of Mina, coverin the whole room in smoke.]
<Cliven> They're smoking us out! Cover your mouth!
<[BNS]Mina> Gah!
* Nafrit instinctly tosses the lighter at the trap when the smoke starts
* [BNS]Mina stumbles backward, lowering her goggles and pulling her shirt up to cover her mouth
* Chamomile coughs daintily.
<Nafrit> "Clear the area!"
* [Rut]Janie shoves Rickie down into her shirt and cover her mouth with her hands.
<Cliven> [As soon as Nafrit throws the light she sees it being "caught" by a large lookin shadow figure.]
* [Zem]Yumi slips the front of her blouse over her face.
<Nafrit> "Okay someone else set it off!"
* Nafrit makes a hasty retreat
<Cliven> Merc: "Ahaha!... so we found em after all boys!"
* [BNS]Mina growls as she stays low to the ground, hoping to catch them off-guard...
* Chamomile silently slips a few scalpels out of her sleeve.
<Cliven> [Several men come out and restrain Cliven and the others in a very quick and organized manner and restrain everyone one of you. The big guy himself comes approaches you all.]
* `Iris keeps her gun aimed their way.
<Cliven> [THe guy doesn't say anything else and preses a trigger on Cliven's head for everyone to watch as the smoke grenade begins to disspate a little.]
* [BNS]Mina screams as she tries to break free
<Cliven> [A loud roar fills the room as the guy lifts up this gun from Cliven's head to see what the fuck is going on as one of his merc comrade's body is tossed onto his feet in a very mangled manner... He's dead Owen...]
* `Iris 's glower of hatred is interrupted by the sudden uproar. o O ( What /now/. )
<Cliven> Merc: ehh.! What the fuck guys!? Killing each other now!?
<Cliven> ....
* [Rut]Janie struggles pointlessly--
* [Rut]Rickie is gone.
<[Rut]Janie> Ah... aaah!!
* Nafrit goes wide eyed and doesn't respond for a while
* Chamomile slices her bonds with a knife.
* [BNS]Mina manages to break the poor-quality ropes, grabbing her sword and running at the head Merc, slashing as she runs by him!
<[BNS]Mina> GET AWAY FROM MY FATHER!
<Cliven> [Their whole team goes quiet as another one of them screams, when that happens a whole frenzy of bullet is fired onto this ally(?) who is now tearing through this group.
* `Iris rushes to grab her gun, having slipped her hands through the sloppy bond!
* [BNS]Mina has tunnel vision, and doesn't notice what's going on
<[Rut]Janie> Where, where...
* Cliven with Mina's help gets the others free as soon as possible thanks to the mercs distraction as they're being torn into pieces.
* [Rut]Rickie is nibbling on Janie's bindings. Snap~
* [Zem]Yumi manages to slip free with a deft maneuver, and pulls her sword as well
<Chamomile> What's going on?~
* [BNS]Mina runs up and jump kicks the head merc in the face, wanting to make him PAY for daring to point a gun at her father!
* `Iris opens fire into a cluster of them!
<[Rut]Janie> !
* [Rut]Rickie skitters out of Janie's reach.
<Cliven> [A few of them goes down and hits the beast who goes into an enraged frenzy!]
* Nafrit positions herself behind the head merc as she sees Mina charging for him. No quite tunnel vision but she is a woman possessed and swings wildly with her sharp obsidian ankh when he is kicked into her reach
* [Zem]Yumi cleaves a merc in half, along with his gun.
* Chamomile tosses a volley of knives at the enragem man.
<Cliven> [The smoke finally cleared...stands in front of the head merc... as he's the only one left. He looks around to only see all of his allies dismembered and being the only one left.. he takes a shot at the beast.. but it does nothing as it slashes its claw at gun, tear it into pieces. Then it turns to the merc with its bright red eyes.]
* [BNS]Mina finally notices the creature, walking backwards, seized with disbelief and horror
<Cliven> [This beast you can all clearly see it now.. stands on two feet, its arm only extends to what seems to be a bony blade, dripping with blood. Its body is covered in what seems to be natural armor, its head is covered with the same material like a helmet of sort. It then cleanly cuts this head leader down before the poor guy getting a word in... it now turns to you all.. thirsting for blood...]
* `Iris 's eyes open wide as she backs up and looks for any exit, even /off/ the temple...
* [BNS]Mina cautiously steps back, keeping her sword raised
<[BNS]Mina> Dad...?
* [BNS]Mina 's voice is trembling
<Cliven> ...easy... don't make any sudden movement...
* [Rut]Janie grabs Rickie and holds him to her chest. She can't get to her feet...
* [Zem]Yumi holds her sword up, ready for a parry or dodge.
* Chamomile watches the thing placidly.
* [BNS]Mina swallows hard, staring at the thing as it stands between them and the exit
<Cliven> [It lunges at you all with a shrill cry! Its claw extending forward!]
* `Iris throws herself anywhere except there!
* [BNS]Mina grips her sword with an iron grasp and cries out as she runs forward, holding her hand with the Warding Glove!
<[BNS]Mina> [=-= holding up]
<Cliven> ...Mina!
* Cliven sees an opening.
* [Rut]Janie fumbles for her hookshot.
* [BNS]Mina forces the beast back thanks to Nafrit's present
<[BNS]Mina> Dad! Get everyone out of here!
* Cliven nods. This is no time to be helping.
* Cliven yells out.
<Cliven> EVERYONE! MOVE!
<Chamomile> But Mina...
<[Rut]Janie> W-what about you?!
<Cliven> [The beast seems to struggling against Mina.]
* `Iris SPRINTS, shouting for the others to follow.
* Cliven drags Chamomile.
<`Iris> LET'S GO!
<Cliven> No time for this!
* Maryn is taking care of the others, Lynette, and Rachel.
* [BNS]Mina brings her sword down on the creature, but her slash is blocked! It counter-attacks with its claw, which is parried by Mina's bladed weapon, which she's now wielding in her left hand
<Chamomile> Uuuu...
* Chamomile is dragged.
<[BNS]Mina> Just go! I'll be right behind!
* [BNS]Mina starts to lose ground as the beast gains its second wind, just barely managing to fend off its vicious onslaught
<Cliven> [The creature begisn to get frustrated as it starts swinging wildly at Mina!]
<Cliven> [You all arrive back on the third floor with only Mina left. The exit is -really- nearby and you should all start running... like now.]
* [BNS]Mina follows the others, disengaging from the creature
* `Iris never needed to be told.
<[BNS]Mina> RUN!!
* [BNS]Mina runs up behind them, covering their retreat!
* Chamomile books i
* Chamomile stumbles.
* [Zem]Yumi stops running when Chamomile stumbles, staying by her side.
* [Rut]Janie waited! She runs just ahead of Mina.
<Cliven> Come on everyone!
<Cliven> [The creature starts to make chase after you girls.]
* [Zem]Yumi helps Chamomile up, and races away, arm in arm.
<Chamomile> Thank yooou~
<Cliven> [You are all at the floor of the temple as you  can see the creaturing looking down on you all. It makes a heroic leap down where you are.
<[BNS]Mina> Dammit!
* [BNS]Mina puts herself between the group and the creature
* [Rut]Janie tries to pull herself away with the hookshot! It strikes an angles surface and rebounds into the beast's head.
<Cliven> !!
<[BNS]Mina> !!
* `Iris continues her mad run.
<[Rut]Janie> Argh, it doesn't work!
<Cliven> [The creatures falls short of your feet, momentarily stunned and its claw bored deeping into the ground.]
* [Rut]Janie hasn't stopped running to look back and doesn't notice.
<[BNS]Mina> Janie! We have to run! Come on!
<Cliven> ...
* [BNS]Mina turns and runs, grabbing her hand
<[Rut]Janie> I'm runningggg~
<Cliven> ...move! Back to town everyone!
<[Rut]Janie> [=-=]
* `Iris doesn't need to be told twice.
<Cliven> [You all made it back to town. Barely in time... the beast stops at the edge of the jungle meets the town. It stares at all of you intently...]
* `Iris flops onto the open soil once safe. She's /exhausted./
<Chamomile> Why isn't it following...
<Cliven> ...I don't know..but... I'm not going to risk it...
* [BNS]Mina pants to catch her breath.
<[Rut]Janie> W-we made it...
<Cliven> [After a bit of staredown.... it melts into the shadow of the forest....you all can't help but feel paranoid at this point.]
<Nafrit> "It won't follow outside of the forest... its of the temple..."
<[BNS]Mina> Dad... I want to go home...
* Nafrit falls over, out of breath and sweating like a pig
<Cliven> ...is..is that so..
* [BNS]Mina falls to her knees, letting her weapons fall out of her hands.
* Cliven is deathly pale... his breath is racin still.
<Cliven> ....Mina... I want to too..
* [Rut]Janie stumbles over in her exhaustion and offers Mina a hand.
<[Rut]Janie> Are... whew... are you okay...?
<Cliven> [All the villager didn't notice it at all and continues their daily routine.]
<[Zem]Yumi> I'm okay.
* [BNS]Mina looks up at Janie with tears in her eyes
<[BNS]Mina> I...
* [BNS]Mina shuts up and just takes her hand
* Chamomile pats Mina and Janie.
<Cliven> ...geez..
<[Rut]Janie> Ehe...haah... phew.
* [Rut]Janie wets her lips, trying to catch her breath. She continues to hold Mina's hands.
<[Rut]Janie> H-hey, um... thanks for saving me. And everyone else, too. You were really cool~
<[BNS]Mina> I... I...
<[BNS]Mina> Janie.
* [BNS]Mina takes a deep breath
<[BNS]Mina> Janie, that's just the thing.
<[BNS]Mina> I don't want to be cool... I don't want to be the hero... I don't want to kill people... or things...
<[BNS]Mina> I just want to be a normal girl.
* [BNS]Mina looks down at the sword lying next to her
<[Rut]Janie> I... you, uh... Oh.
<[BNS]Mina> ...it's all this thing's fault.
* [BNS]Mina picks it up and stares at it intensely.
* [BNS]Mina looks around and sees a well nearby
* [BNS]Mina stands up and walks over to the wall, unbuckling the sword's scabbard as she does so
<[Rut]Janie> W-well, I mean, you still... wait, what are you--
<Cliven> ...come on you two...
<Cliven> Lets.. go crash at that place again.
* [BNS]Mina sheathes the sword and holds it over the well.
<[Rut]Janie> Mina...?
* [BNS]Mina closes her eyes and lets it go.
* [Zem]Yumi ...s
* [Rut]Janie watches her, petrified.
* [BNS]Mina feels as if a mighty weight has been lifted from her shoulders.
<[BNS]Mina> ...this is the best way... I can feel it.
* [BNS]Mina reaches into her pack and retrieves her old wooden sword.
<[BNS]Mina> This is all I need.
* [BNS]Mina turns back to Janie. She's smiling now.
<Chamomile> Mina...
<Chamomile> Couldn't you have given that to meee?
<[BNS]Mina> You wouldn't have wanted it, Chamomile. All that sword does is make you something that you're really not.
<Chamomile> Mmm...
<Chamomile> Okay.
* Chamomile nods.
* [BNS]Mina turns back to Janie
* [Rut]Janie looks away.
<[BNS]Mina> Come on, Janie... we have to think of a name for this guy.
* [BNS]Mina smiles at her
<[Rut]Janie> Uh, y-yeah...
* [Rut]Janie nods coyly. Something seems to bother her, but it fades behind a mask of relief, 'till it cannot be noticed.
<[Rut]Janie> ...Yeah! I promised, so let's do it~
* [BNS]Mina takes her hand and heads back to the inn, the monkey following close behind
<[Rut]Janie> . o O ( But Mina... if you're not a hero... then who saved me?... )
* Cliven is making his way back to that familiar inn, beat up and needing a good rest.
* Chamomile has already fallen asleep.
<Cliven> [And so..you all make it back to the inn in one physical piece.. all the others.... not so much.. but time will tell us. But she's a bitch and we hate her..ah.. whatever. See you all next time!]