The two red hawks... Ric & Maria...

as i expected

The Burgundy Bird... Ruiz...

hmmm

The Egret with white wings and red beak... Aricus

The Merlin... Alexa...

who i'm going to have to bitch at about playing when i see him this weekend

The Silver Egret... the big evil thing that is Aricus' father

because i write plots for him then he doesnt show

The Mouse... is tien...

The Big Black bird... ???...

The Vorox with wings... ??? ...

The Butterfly...???...

okay.. it's 10:20... i'm going to go use the bathroom and then we start

Snake... the assassin we've been chasing since day one....

and where do you appear, Cam?

in 3D

I have no idea

ok, now what?

We kill Tien

hell yeah

Wait no... did I say that.. or just think it... are they listening.... did they hear me.

ready?

"damnit, i have no internal monologue"

sure

going once

twice

sold to the man in the funny green hat

~~~ IC ~~~

::The day wears on and dusk slowly begins to descend as Ruiz and Ric finish their argument over who knows what in the street and stand around wondering where the rest of the group wandered off to.. Finally, Maria comes walking up, trailed at a distance by the much shorter-legged Tien... Aerlyn is nowhere in sight::

::out of the crowd a young boy dressed as a courier runs up to the distinctive group::

What... where's everyone else?

::pant pant bow scrape:: pardon me sirs and lady.. are you Don Ricardo?

::nods:: yes. I am.

I have a message for you sir... It's from Lady Alexandra... ::he catches his breath then seems to be quoting:: She says that she thinks she can't be much help in the current situation and is going to the starport to return to Aragon

Hmmm. Perhaps for the better. This could get dangerous quickly.

::he waits to see if you want to say anything to him::

::Takes a coin from somewhere on himself and gives it to the boy:: Tell her, that I shall...

((you have no coins, or pockets))

((remember the going to your cousins for lodging idea?))

((cancel that last thingy then))

Tell her to at least join us at the abode of Don Pablo Manuel Justus at least before leaving so she can put some more suitable attire first.

::he bows and nods, then retreats into the crowd::

::to himself:: Now if only we can find Don Pablo's estate.

::maria idly twists her hair up into a bun, the upper half of her bodysuit still open and hanging loose with just her under-chemise on:: Can we get moving then?

Certainly, but where is our newest team member?

Oh.. she had a coughing fit, Tien smothered her, she threw him across the road and then leveled a plasma shotgun at him.. then she took off.. was going to get us clothes too ::losing all sense of etiquette in the humidity::

::ruiz blinks out of his reverie finally::

What? She... "threw" him across the road? And... and then...

::Hey all. :) Sorry for the lateness.. ::

((oops.. sorry))

she leveled a ... ::can't get out the words::... at him. A priest.... who just gave her a

::watching intently::

::Spins hand in a circle:: ... confession?

::tien's still slowly moving through the crowd on his short legs::

What in the name of our ancestors is going on here?

She seemed to be surprised at the cough and he was being the constant mother hen and not giving her time to think ::shrugs::

::rubs a hand through his hair:: Let's just... let's find Don Pablo's family.

::falls into step behind the Don, silently::

::as the dusk falls further on the slowly cooling bay city, you hear from a nearby building front... "Come one come all... finally, the champion fighter Gryphon takes on the new and undefeated Raven... should be a match to remember folks"::

::ears perk:: Gryphon..?

Wait. That was the distraction wasn't it?

How's that?

::questioning look:: Distraction..?

What was the first part of Tien's dream?

::holds chin in hand:: ahh...

We've heard about Ravens before though... ::and silently she adds Griffen to that::

He saw a large black bird and a Winged Vorox battling... over a butterfly. ::steps out of the crowd::

Let us go to watch.. I have a hunch that needs be investigated.

A gryphon was an ancient beast, with wings. Perhaps like a vorox with wings?

Maybe..?

I'm with Ruiz on this one.. we haven't had a coincidence yet

::turns to Maria:: Thank you.

((where's our bloody mouse!?!?!?))

::a little blood has dried on her lip and running down in a small stream::

((going to get stepped on if he doesnt show the hell up))

::turns to Aerlyn:: And where did you come from?

::also turning to Aerlyn:: and what happened to you..?

I saw the runner and followed from there.

What happened between you and Tien?

Nothing... I needed space, and I took it.

But... never mind. Who does the snake attack again?

The snake attacks the.. the...

The snake drops on Aric's father... Tien assumed attack

silver egret, I believe?

From the black eagle: "The match starts soon folks, hurry in to get a good seat!"

Let us go. The match will not wait for us.

Let us go... ::heads off towards the fight:: I'd like to see this

::following Aerlyn::

::does likewise::

Well, I hope it's free, because I don't have anything on me.

I can pay the way...

A Decados scholar that works for the Church. And is generous to boot. ::Shrugs and follows::

::you all approach the small one story, seemingly, building... flowing with the crowd into the door... people of all shapes and sizes have turned out.. but they all yield their space to the Hazat in their midst... soon you reach the door that's manned by a couple large men and a smaller scruffy fellow with the Eye of Ben-Hadir over his eye, marking him a Scraver, and he seems to be the one yelling... ::

Entrance for five please.

::he looks you all over and says:: Nobles and their retinues is free city law.. go on in

::bows:: Thankyou. ::goes in::

::looks at the retinue at the door behind lidded eyes, then enters::

::you enter a raging torrent of bodies, all moving and shuffling and running into one another to the sound of loud and almost dischordant synth music emerging from hidden speakers... the heat would be unbearable in the smoky haze but for jury-rigged exhaust fans set in front of blocks of ice at conveniently cut holes around the room ...what was once a basement has been cut into.. as there is a large pit in the middle of the room, descending from the floor, with people milling over the bleachers around a sand-covered floor below... you can't tell the dimensions of the room, but it seems large enough for all, and a bar wraps the room, tables strewn about the upper level as you approach the rapidly settling bleachers you note that there is crimson amidst the sand on the arena floor::

::keeps senses alert for anything threatening the Don:: Bloodsports.. ::brows knit::

well, find someplace to sit. Preferably nearer the ice blocks.

::finds a comfortable place to sit, near the front::

Yes, Don Ric. ::moves to the closest ice block::

::maria sits down next to ric and ruiz, yanking tien down next to her, keeping a good view of Aerlyn::

Holy Pancreator. It's so much hotter here than on Aragon.

No it isn't .. you just sweat more

::slight grin::

::a few moments later the music, if it can be called that, changes tempo, becoming much more frenetic and fastpaced... the doors remain open but by the big men moving in the way it's obvious that max capacity has been reached... the young scraver walks to the center of the ring adjusting his linen tunic and holding up his hands to try to get enough relative quiet to be heard...::

Remind me again why we're here and not getting a decent set of clothes and a bath.

To see a fight.. Moreover to investigate. Come closer to the block if you are hot.

"Now.. what you've all been waiting for... the defender... grand champion of the Silver Bay arena fighting circuit... brawler without peer... GRYPHON!"

::to massive cheering a giant man steps out into the ring from a door near the bottom... he has masses of golden hair fluffed up around his bronzed skin, and tatoos of wings on his exposed shoulderblades... he wears only trunks and moves like a feral animal::

::eyebrows rise::

((oh, great. WWF))

::once the cheers quiet a bit:: "And from parts unknown to even herself... the enigma.. the mystery... the RAVEN!!!" ::out walks a lithe, fit woman, wearing form-fitting black linen that covers all of her body but the face, which is porceline, standing out from a black crew cut::

::she walks with confidence and strength, obviously secure in her abilities... she walks like a master of martial arts.. an opening stance of Shaidan... and though the makeup is not done, and the hair is gone, and the clothes are not as tasteful... and the stunning lack of purple...

Obelia is entering the ring::

::the crowd roars at the new favorite::

::standing, eyes wide open:: It... It can't be...

::the scraver backs out and screams FIGHT!::

::moving quickly down to the edge of the ring::

::the two begin to circle warily... sizing one another up as the audience reaches a low din and the tempo of the music begins to penetrate... then the man known as gryphon makes the first move.. a testing swing of his massive hand... before he knows what's hit him he's flipped and rolling to the ground... up immediately, he dives at the female figure that just sent him sprawling ...

::not paying much attention to the fight, Ric slides closer to the ice block after Ruiz vacated his seat::

who dodges deftly, barely being grazed, and retreats back true to his nature, the beast is enraged.. and he charges once more...

::stands and makes her way slowly up next to Ruiz, still watching the fight::

once more finding himself on the ground, two swift kicks to his ribs serving to aggravate... the audience is going wild... he leaps and does his trademark dive, his massive leg muscles launching him further in the air than anyone that size should hope to reach...

::stands, unmoving, unwavering, watching the fight with all the intent and concentration he can muster::

undaunted the woman calling herself raven moves out of the way with practiced ease... giving two punches to the stomach as he falls... there's a grunt of pain, as the unexpected volley throws him offguard and he lands hard on his shoulder... almost a blur, droning shouts from the crowd building with the tempo of the music.. the black streak sends a haymaker to the temple and the giant falls unconscious to the ground::

::it lasted perhaps 20 seconds; the crowd is deafening, and the raven drinks it up, basking::

::small smile of hope appears:: I.. She cannot...

Can't what?

::Yelling:: Obelia...!!!

::the eyes flick and look at ruiz questioningly without recognition::

Obelia..!!!!!

::watches her standing next to Ruiz::

::the eyes linger, sizing up::

Do you not know me..!??!?

::you realize you're barely being heard over the crowd's noise::

::the rush of bodies congratulating her as the scravers try to remove them from the floor::

::pushing his way through the crowd, moving towards Obelia::

::to ric:: arent you at all curious?

::follows him confused::

::Yelling at the top of his lungs:: Obelia..!! It is I, Ruiz..!!!

::still sitting amongst the standing crowd:: Hmm? Is it over?

yes.. c'mon ::drags him towards the floor, forgetting the unassuming tien::

::the scravers are having some luck, and Obelia moves off to a side door at the bottom of the arena, but appears to be waiting for ruiz to catch up::

::following as closely and as swiftly as he can::

::as the patrons begin drinking in preparation for the next match, some volume level is restored as ruiz and aerlyn finally reach obelia's stopping place and ric and maria are not far behind::

::still trying to follow behind Ruiz:

::to Maria:: What's going on?

She looks a great deal like Obelia, don't you think?

::looks questioningly as she runs a hand through the fuzz on her head, sweat flying::

::stops in front of Obelia:: I cannot believe this...

What, that I won?

::smiling widely:: No, love, it is not that. You've always won. I cannot believe that you are alive...

::cocks an eyebrow::

And whole.. You.. YOu remember me, do you not?

Am I supposed to?

::puts a hand on Ruiz's shoulder::

::maria and ric walk up finally, just behind::

Well.. it's a party, isnt it?

::to Maria:: Who? Her? Well, yes. But that's impossible.

Yes, Obelia. ::turns to Aerlyn, then back to Obelia:: I am Ruiz. You.. You loved me, and I you... ::slight smile::

::sighs:: You'll have to forgive me, you really do seem sincere, but I've heard that from about half the men who've learned that I have amnesia over the last two weeks

::her hand slips off his shoulder, wide eyed::

No, no.. I am not those other men, Obelia. What do you remember of the last two weeks..? Do you remember how I professed my undying love for you..?

Okay.. this is going to take a while? ::she opens the door, leading to a small room... thankfully cooler for being under the building... looks to be set for dressing... with a large old mirror and seats:: ...might as well sit

::steps in, sitting down:: Do you remember your name, your status?

::maria herds aerlyn and ric in, not willing to miss this, closing the door behind::

::perches on a chair:: No I don't remember anything.. but I have been told

::turns to the rest:: I think I know who the butterfly is.

::suddenly looks more confused::

Well, what have you been told of your "previous life"?

You first... I have no freakin clue who any of you are ::waits, not going to volunteer anything to strangers::

::turning to the group:: Please, let me.

::Motions to the Don:: He is Don Ricardo de Aragon de Hazat, my liege-lord... She is Dona Maria, Don Ricardo's sister.. ::pointing to Maria::

She is Aerlyn, a... Travelling companion and friend. ::turns to Aerlyn and smiles:: And I am Isfahan Ruiza de los Santos.. Bodyguard to the Don, and.. ::stops suddenly::

::doesn't grin, doesn't even notice that she was recognized::

::turns away, then back to Obelia:: And.. ::turns back to Obelia:: You are Dame Obelia Xanthippe, student to Duke Enrico of the Hazat in the martial art of Shaidan, and member of the noble house Xanthippe...

::looks around confusedly then turns to Maria, quietly:: Where's Tien?

<q> oops ::a sudden waft of warm air, room plunged into darkness, a clinking sound then the feel of something chill entering your lungs::

::with all the breath he can muster:: out. quickly. ::moving quickly for the door::

::you hear maria thud against the braced door and grunt, then hit the floor::

::ruiz's use of breath takes in the gas all the more quickly::

::aerlyn's damaged lungs and reduced capacity make it but a moment's work::

::fighting against the gas' effects::

::and ricardo hears the fall of the others all around before he too loses consciousness::

::time passes::

((what is everyone's Endurance+ Stoic Body?))

((hmmm. so the mouse moves on while the rest of us take a nap))

((hmmm. you mean Endurance + 0?))

((yeah, that))

((8))

((5))

## 7 ##

((k, afk fas, dream for a bit))

::dreaming::

::dreams of electric sheep::

((bak))

((are you an android?))

((could be, but I doubt it))

::ruiz cracks an eyelid to a dim lighted room, and immediately wishes he hadnt... the light touching off the new splitting headache... and the realization that he's bound to a chair hand and foot::

::studying surroundings as inconspicuously as possible::

::there seems to be a small room, several solid wood chairs... bound in the first is Maria.. the second, the don.. then you... your turn catches obelia unconscious in a chair but unbound... and sitting in the chair to your right... head covered in a white fuzz, dressed as aerlyn... is someone who could only be An Griffen::

((lol dramatic entrance..?))

::ricardo wakes and experiences something much the same as Ruiz:

::eyes opening wide, studying everything intently:: Don, do you see..?

Oh, help. I'd rather not. This is worse than a hangover. ::eyes clinched shut::

::finally, an wakes up, head splitting, muscles relaxed::

::doesn't look up:: ow......

Griff..?!?

::lifts head:: Where are we?

That is not the question that came to my mind..

::there's a light set of footsteps outside, magnified by your headaches, and the door clicks open::

::turning to look at the door::

::In walks a slight figure, preceeded by a wave of desire... she runs a hand absently through hair that is currently red... adjusts the black sleeveless leather minidress and brutesuede gloves... scratches at the paint of the scraver symbol on her face::

::sneering:: The snake.

Oh, s***. Definitely worse than a hangover.

::she shuts the door and her pheremones fill the room even more...:: <q> So I'm a snake huh? Guess that fits... Want the lights a bit lower? ::she turns the dimmer to a bit more comfortable level::

What do you want with us..?

<q> Well.. for one thing.. I'd like you to stay out of my affairs

Look. That was like years... how old is Caradoc now?

Your affairs..? ::grinning:: You have us tied up, and you want us out of your affairs... ::wry grin::

<q> 5 last May

::head hanging down:: Well I must say, I am confused.

So am I, An. Or Aerlyn. or...

Who?

::turns to the Snake:: was this all your doing...?

<q> what? ::ruiz, all this talking is making you dizzy::

::shutting eyes slowly::

Who am I? ::looks up:: Tell me who I am.

::talking slowly:: you... are... An Griffen...

I can't be... he's dead. ::pulls on restraints; hard::

::she's obviously amused by this, especially the wince of pain you get from pulling on the nice solid restraints::

::lets them cut him, but pull one hard last time::

Oh, Pancreator. It's like a bad dream that never ends.

::concentrating:: Why.. Did.. You... Bind.. Us..?

So... let me get this straight... I'm a dead man, she's a dead woman, and you are some assassin that killed the husband of the other who died with us.

::mumbling:: Pedantic priests said I would pay for my sins. But they mentioned nothing like this.

::seems to be deciding who to comment on first::

::waiting::

<q> I bound you because you obviously wish me ill...

<q> Yes, four dead, none my fault

None your fault?

<q> No... none my fault... I'm not an assassin

What are you?

<q> ::shrugs:: Someone to talk to I suppose

::laughs at her::

Then talk..

::continues laughing::

Tell us, then... Why were you at the Baron's domicile on Aragon?

Which Baron?

Baron Jaime de Aragon.

I don't think I was ::gives you a strange look::

::strange look back::

::stops laughing at her:: Who killed the Love of a love of a lonely priest? Then killed that love?

That's easy... he killed himself... damn selchakah addict

And Elena? Where is she?

Haven't a clue.. I didn't look for her... Just my sister

Your sister?

::nods and motions to the still unconscious obelia::

Obeila is.. Then you are a Xanthippe..?

::smirks::

::mouthing words the whole time, he suddenly starts giggling::

More or less... not like my family ever did much of anything for me or Obelia for that matter

::sighs:: Untie me. I have no quarrel with you. On my honor.

You realize that before you convinced her there was something worthwhile in life she was going to hijack that spaceliner?

No. I did not. But does it matter now?

Well... it's just kind of interesting... the money from the ransom would have kept us from all of this ::motions broadly::

::and once again, as much as anyone here hates this woman... you cant help but be incredibly attracted to her::

You do understand that I love your sister?

Money? Thats it?

Love? Yes.. i think maybe you might... Unfortunately, as I've learned in life... you can't love anyone, truly, if you aren't happy with who you are...

What are you saying...?

My sister has never been happy with who she is.. never known what she wanted to be she can't love you anymore than the reeve there, or the two hazat here, or the priest can love... the most any of them can hope for is to become mutually addicted to someone and die before they begin to hate one another...

::eyes shut, as a wry smile crsses his face:: Ah. So, in your opinion love is, at most, a hallucination? An psychological addiction, much like a drug..?

::looks confused not even having the slightest clue what they are talking about::

::shakes his head::

::mumbling again:: ... the priest... the priest...

No... not at all... most people's conception of it... Like I said.. I think maybe you do... you dont seem to have any problems with yourself, just guilt over what you've done...

::eyes close once more:: And that I must bear.

::shrugs:: I mean.. take the reeve here... cursing the Pancreator for his gifts...

However, your sister.. ::eyes opening again:: Do you know what she did for us..?

and the Dona.. idly following her brother because she doesn't want to be the littlest daughter anymore... and I'm not even going to begin to try to analyze Ricardo here

You really don't see, do you..? You have us tied up, and it is you who are bound..

... the priest... the priest...

Your sister.. ALL of them proffered their lives to a higher cause.

I heard she realized that Alaris was going to blow up a planet and did what she had to stop it... humanity doesnt make her capable of true love

It is not just the capacity for humanity, but a faith in duty and wanting to learn about herself. In that, she will learn more about me... And I of her. I can't guarantee she's going to love me..

Believe what you want... she can't love you until she realizes what she wants to be and in 20 some years she hasn't

::grin:: I understand that. But, what you may not realize is that

::the door clicks open and someone hands her a note::

even if she never truly loves me, I will love her unerringly, without question. And that is all that matters.

To you, perhaps, but what of when she becomes suffocated by that love? Love unreturned leads to pain.. as i can attest

::grins again:: Only if the one who loves has not the strength to let go.

Anyway... there is apparently a woman holding the spaceport hostage claiming that the Pancreator will now have to hear her greivance... Very strange... but if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend...

((Can I use strengthening..?))

::she puts what you assume to be smelling salts under obelia's nose::

((when you try to activate it your headache becomes 20 times worse))

((lol damn.))

::groans, then shuts eyes::

::she then stands the groggy figure up:: If you people get in my way again I will have no choice but to kill you all

What is your objective, Dame Xanthippe..?

::quietly:: Can't kill a dead man...

::just speaking up:: Why haven't you killed us already?

::seems to honestly think about that, then looks dead in ricardo's eyes:: because i was happy with myself once

::then they're gone::

::you have a bit::

::sighs, then grins sadly:: Well, at least she's alive. Don Ric? Do you have anything to say?

::giggles:: Undying love...

::rolls eyes:: I cannot place Obelia's sister as either a friend or a foe...

((::squints at the don:: oops, sorry guys, i think i broke him))

((::marks off Ric next to An on the driven insane list, tries to decide who next::))

((at least he was here to drive insane.. what happened to Lee?))

::hangs hid head cries not sure what to do with himself::

((i dont know.. i'm going to kill him.. or at least hurt him a lot))

what is wrong, friend An?

Who is this An....? Who the HELL AM I?!?

You are An Griffen. A Reeve.

::giggles:: She seems more of a Spider than a Snake, don't you think?

Don Ric..! Compose yourself..!

But who really... what was I like? Did I have any friends, family, loves???

I.. I do remember you saying you had a mother. I know nothing else of your family. As for your friends... We are your friends.

Tien was right. The end is near. It is time for us to face and pay for our deeds.

::rolling eyes once more:: Do not give up so easily..! Loves.. Well, you and a woman Maria became closer.. ::grins slightly:: But I

::from out in the hall "shitshitshitshitshitshitshit....!!"::

((maria is in the room and awake there ruiz))

do not know if you were her l-- ::stops abruptly::

((lol oops. thought she was still asleep for some reason))

((wanna retcon that then?))

::the young male scraver comes tearing in, bowing and fawning:: I'm terribly, terribly sorry your lordships.. i didnt know what that woman had planned... please dont hold it against the establishment.. we had nothing to do with it... ::he's busily undoing your restraints::

((yeah))

((i'm gonna need to drop out soon here, folks))

Your stuff is out in the hall sirs and lady, i really hope you don't hold this against us...

((we're almost done))

::stands as soon as his are off, rubbing wrists::

Anything you need, anything at all?

Yes, there is one thing we do need. Do you know where the two women went to?

Headed towards the hopper grounds on foot.. they're on the opposite side of the city from the starport for some fool reason... apparently something big's going on there woman with a glowing red eye, holding them hostage or something...

Mm. ::nods:: can you get us transportation there, quickly?

where?

To the starport.

What? ::stands:: A woman with a red glowing eye?

::he nods then runs out of the room, to get transport to the starport::

~~~ OOC ~~~

Argg.....

hehe

Interesting.. And educational.

ok, that was odd

Yep... very strange don't you think?

lol exactly. "Interesting".. lol being politcally correct.. :P

Well, I for one am v-v-v-v-ery interested to see w-w-hat's going to happen n-n-n-ext.

I gave everyone all these clues that it was me, and noone got them...hehe

maria did :) course she's the only one that ever hang out with you much

hung rather

The "snake" woman has really thrown a monkeywrench in the works...

goodnight all, i'll catch ya on the flipside

Later man. :)

seriously... later

night

Have a good night.

well.. thoughts?

Well, I have to say this is getting a little confusing... But, I was ready for that,

I hate you

hehe

I'm just trying to figure everything out

so I'm liking this. A lot. :)

lmao you and me both, brother.

Yeah, me too

it all makes sense in two more games

most of it next game if you do it correctly

luckily you picked the path where i get to answer your questions

Somehow, with all the stuff you've thrown at us... two more weeks seems like too short of a

time

I agree wholeheartedly, Cam.

well, remember, my plots are damn simple, they're just filtered through lee and so seem

more complex than they are

LOL but we didn't have our filter tonight...

nope.. and you got a shocking insight into the theme of the game as related by

Damn, I was really counting on Lee tonight too. I had to ask him a coupla questions..

the biggest evil.. who isnt really that bad of a person

LOL sure did. "Stone Hearts" is right... In both repects.

in fact.. if our don hadn't spurned her 5 years ago.. who knows what would have happened?

oops.. respects...

Exactly.

::whew:: well, fellas, it's check my mail on the other SN then off to bed..

Have a good night..!

yep, night