Multiverse Crisis MUSH - User contributions [en]

The Dawn (3 of 3 Rhapsody)

2016-11-27T00:23:59Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/16 |Location=Thirix Roof |Synopsis=Rhapsody's thoughts in the aftermath of the Mana Nexus Incident. |Thanks=Yunomi Stadler |Cast of Ch..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/16
|Location=Thirix Roof
|Synopsis=Rhapsody's thoughts in the aftermath of the Mana Nexus Incident.
|Thanks=Yunomi Stadler
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
Two still slept within the Thirix Aerie. Three, if the brother that rose and returned was counted, but as the rising sun reaches further and further through the windows of Thirix, it would finally fall upon red scales and a white hide. It wasn't the light that made Rhapsody rise, rather the warmth of a familiar sun along with the presence of nearly everyone she truly loved in her life. Sitting up, she saw that some had slipped away for one errand or another. It was hardly surprising. Thianel and Sidonia were stuck in their ways. Ryxinel had given up sleep for days to try and fix something he hadn't created, and .. her? For three months, all Rhapsody knew was that Yunomi had been keeping her safe anyway she could. Turning toward her things, the Guildmaster found a particular trinket, stood, and slipped to the balcony. As she did at Nivix, she climbed for the roof and simply sat down upon it, basking in the early morning sun as she held the Netsuki charm that had called Yunomi home. She noticed the bracelet of roses on her wrist, almost tearing up at the sight of it. She had thought she destroyed this.. but somehow it found its way back to her.

After gazing at the Netsuki and the bracelet for a moment, she simply set the figurine down, leaned back, set her hands upon the roof of Thirix, and gazed upward. Isperia's star was starting to fade as the blue sky came into its place. Niv-Mizzet's star, however, was still shining straight above. A moment's glance and Rhapsody would simply lay back, looking to the star. She had a lot to say to Yunomi later, but for just this moment, she had to talk to him.

"I'm sorry we don't talk a lot," she begins. "Especially recently, but with everything that happened, I'm sure you understand, right? I don't know how she did it. Heck, I don't know how -either- of you did it, but between the both of you, I think the world really stopped last night. A shooting star that caused an entire city's breath to catch in its throat. A beacon of hope that shot across the sky like a spark crackling out of a fire, looking to reignite the joy of everyone here. She gave up -everything- to save us, to save me, and I'll never be able to thank her enough. I'll never be able to thank you enough. I can't go into words about how much both of you mean to me." A pause, a glance at the charm and the bracelet again, and then she turns to gaze at the star again. "Father, I promise, we'll figure it out. Me, Yunomi, Thianel, Sidonia, Ryxinel... we will figure out your final riddle. We will find out how to make the world stop. Until then, you can be sure. With us all together again? With Yunomi at my back? I promise you, we will be here waiting for you."

"We will be invincible."
https://youtu.be/0h4y3ocR3bg

The Dawn (2 of 3 Rhapsody)

2016-11-27T00:21:30Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/16 |Location=Thirix |Synopsis=Further Ponderings of the Izzet League |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=34 - Moeru }} Contrary..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/16
|Location=Thirix
|Synopsis=Further Ponderings of the Izzet League
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
Contrary to popular belief, Ryxinel DID rise, at least for a little while, as the dawn began to shine. Sidonia had already shown herself out, likely to resume her information gathering duties. Vacation or not, the Dimir were always a looming threat and the sister would still check with her contacts regularly. For Ryxinel, however, a vacation meant cold forges and quiet labs. The mere thought of it made him shiver. What a -boring- state for the spires to be in. Rising, the one son slipped from the room to the open window, taking wing to glide across the space to Nivix. After riding the lift to the Nivix Aerie, he was reminded why Thirix was where all had been staying. His sister's rampage through the lair had hardly been touched. A blasted terminal, molten walls, a shattered door to the Dragonsforge.. but one thing was still intact. A bracelet of red and blue roses still rested on a desk in the corner. Picking it up with the utmost care, Ryxinel could only smile, glide back to the Thirix Aerie, and slip it on his still-sleeping sister's wrist. "Thank you for keeping us all going forward." and then, fatigue creeping back into him from the previous week of consciousness, Ryxinel settled back down. He really wasn't sure when he'd wake up next, but he was sure his family would still be as content as when they had all fallen asleep together.

In the street before the Mana Nexus, a blade remains lodged into the street. A bloodstain not far away hints at the previous use of the mizzium blade. The Sparkblade. It had been crafted for the purpose of standing against the Magic Eaters and its duty had now been fulfilled. From this spot it would travel from one hand to another, one mage wright to another, one weird to another, and possibly one kodama to another, back to the home it was meant to rest in, a small hovel, there in the Namamura District. It is set against a small table with a steel cuirass with its Boros markings scratched out. The door closes, no one the wiser to where Skara could be. Anyone that carried the blade knew, though, that if she was needed again, this is where she'd emerge from. She was a Grey. Not an Izzet, not a Boros, not a member of any guild. She would remain a guildless to prove to each and every person that didn't have a guild to call their own that they could still be important if they truly wanted to be.

The Dawn (1 of 3 Rhapsody)

2016-11-27T00:20:16Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/16 |Location=Thirix |Synopsis=The Izzet ponder in the aftermath of the Mana Nexus Incident |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=34 - Moer..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/16
|Location=Thirix
|Synopsis=The Izzet ponder in the aftermath of the Mana Nexus Incident
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
The light of a new day crept into the Thirix Aerie, of the five resting within, Thianel was the first to rise. In truth, he was never truly asleep, acting as a stalwart guardian over those that needed rest after the events of the previous three months. With the sun rising on the eastern horizon of Ravnica, the 'clockwork' dragon rose, shockingly quiet, and slid past the great double doors, and slipped into the lift that would carry him down to the rest of the spire. The ones still resting deserved their vacation, as did the rest of the Guild, but planning for such a thing was the directive the machine was to now carry out. Schedules to set, personnel to direct, paperwork to fill out, discussions with the other guilds on how the League would operate during the rest of the year. A tedious task for most, but something that was quite normal to the dragon. With a *ping* the lift came to a stop, he strode off and into the a vast library that Thirix contained. Here, where silence reigned, the machine began his rather normal task, but in truth, he had one thought about such a normal routine. "If it keeps them happy, I would do this until the end of time..."

The light of dawn crept over the azure sister of the three. While she typically kept to her lair below Nivix, the previous night was something she hadn't experienced in years. After the loss of her father, she had been distant, separated. While always most loyal to Rhapsody above all others, acting as the 'unseen bodyguard', she had become something of a spook among the Izzet. A person to fear if you stepped out of line. Such a reputation had caused her to start to wonder if she even belonged near her sister, fearing she may descend into the madness those that join the Dimir often feel. During the incident, she had actually ventured out to the world of Spira, to take a look at a certain dragon's temple. Something in that place had changed her for the better, and when she came back to Ravnica, her smile restored, the only one that may truly know why would be the guardian of that temple. Now, meeting the rising dawn with the same smile, she rises, looks back at her family, and back to the urban horizon again, and then the red star shining despite the rising dawn. "I'm sorry I doubted you.."

The Dawn (1/3 Rhapsody)

2016-11-27T00:18:04Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/16 |Location=Thirix Roof |Synopsis=The aftermath of the Mana Nexus Incident. |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=34 - Moeru }} T..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/16
|Location=Thirix Roof
|Synopsis=The aftermath of the Mana Nexus Incident.
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
The light of a new day crept into the Thirix Aerie, of the five resting within, Thianel was the first to rise. In truth, he was never truly asleep, acting as a stalwart guardian over those that needed rest after the events of the previous three months. With the sun rising on the eastern horizon of Ravnica, the 'clockwork' dragon rose, shockingly quiet, and slid past the great double doors, and slipped into the lift that would carry him down to the rest of the spire. The ones still resting deserved their vacation, as did the rest of the Guild, but planning for such a thing was the directive the machine was to now carry out. Schedules to set, personnel to direct, paperwork to fill out, discussions with the other guilds on how the League would operate during the rest of the year. A tedious task for most, but something that was quite normal to the dragon. With a *ping* the lift came to a stop, he strode off and into the a vast library that Thirix contained. Here, where silence reigned, the machine began his rather normal task, but in truth, he had one thought about such a normal routine. "If it keeps them happy, I would do this until the end of time..."

The light of dawn crept over the azure sister of the three. While she typically kept to her lair below Nivix, the previous night was something she hadn't experienced in years. After the loss of her father, she had been distant, separated. While always most loyal to Rhapsody above all others, acting as the 'unseen bodyguard', she had become something of a spook among the Izzet. A person to fear if you stepped out of line. Such a reputation had caused her to start to wonder if she even belonged near her sister, fearing she may descend into the madness those that join the Dimir often feel. During the incident, she had actually ventured out to the world of Spira, to take a look at a certain dragon's temple. Something in that place had changed her for the better, and when she came back to Ravnica, her smile restored, the only one that may truly know why would be the guardian of that temple. Now, meeting the rising dawn with the same smile, she rises, looks back at her family, and back to the urban horizon again, and then the red star shining despite the rising dawn. "I'm sorry I doubted you.."

4803/Tin Street Meetup.

2016-11-20T03:33:58Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/20 |Location=City of Ravnica <Rav> |Synopsis=Rhapsody confronts Neva about possibly running away from the Izzet League. |Cast of Characters..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/20
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav>
|Synopsis=Rhapsody confronts Neva about possibly running away from the Izzet League.
|Cast of Characters=325, 644
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         Tin Street, 9th Block, Sunset. After Neva's sudden disapearence the night before, and the realization that no one had seen the blue and red planeswalker, a certain sister was sent to find her. By a stroke of luck, she managed to spot Neva on Tin Street. The report of this causes the Guildmaster to step out into the closing hours, before the Moonlit Market opens, to see if she can figure out the reason behind Neva's sudden departure. 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:''' The information Sidonia would have recieved indicated that a redhead in Izzet colors had appeared on Tin Street about fifteen minutes beforehand, and judging by her methodical wandering around the market, buying various supplies and stuffing them into a heavily filled backpack, it seemed that she was stocking up for a big trip. Neva had stocked up on non-perishible foods and various camping supplies already, and she seemed to be looking at survival gear for the moment, contemplating taking a knife with her. She bites her lip as she weighs one of the many knives at this stall, before finding a red handled blade with a blue engraving, and she nods to the stall owner, forking over the last remaining Ravnican coinage that she had. She didn't want to give herself a reason to come back and use it. Neva gazes into the sky and marvels upon the towers and the smoke, and the flying creatures overhead, and sighs a little bit. "Okay... Time to go... What plane next...? Blind 'Walking is dumb, but it'll be... Anywhere but here..." She closes her eyes and traces her through the air in a circle to begin the ritual, slow gathering mana. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         "Neva Fernandez." The voice was firm, but concerned. If the planeswalker turns to look at the source, she would see a Guildmaster and her azure, more slender, sister. "Could you please let me know what you're doing?" Rhapsody isn't upset, angry, or even irritated. The look that Neva would see on the Guildmaster's face is one of -concern-. One that Neva may be familiar with if she had been that fly on the wall during the last three months. 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva freezes, her eyes snapping open and her concentration completely disrupted. She takes a breath before turning around and grinning at Rhapsody, "Oh, hey, Rhapsody! What a surprise!" She rehearsed this so many times, in case someone caught her trying to bail, but especially if it was Rhapsody. "Big coincident that you showed up at Tin Street. Yep!" She grins and puts her hands at her hips, "Never mind me, what're you doing here? Shouldn't you be doing... Guildmastery things! Over in the Aerie! There's a lot of work to do, you know!" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Cue a very disappointed look. "You realize Sidonia here has been watching you for about 15 minutes..?" The guildmaster gives that a moment to sink in before she continues. "What happened to 'I Shall', Neva?" 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva's eyes sort of twitch a bit at the reminder that one of Rhapsody's siblings was basically an intelligence expert. Still, she doesn't let this trip her up, "Nothing! Nothing happened to 'I shall', Rhapsody. 'I shall' is getting on great. It's right there with 'Maybe sometime later'." Her speaking tempo is uncharacteristically steady.     She grins and pushes her glasses back up her nose and says, "Anyway, everything's cool now, right? Yunomi's safe and sound, the Mana Nexus is doing grand, you're really getting going as the Guildmaster now, youre scales are red and everything." She turns and says, "Soooo, yeah, everything's good now. I figured I'd just mosey off for a little bit. Explore the Multiverse, go on adventures! That kind of Planeswalker thing." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "Right under 'sometime later'? That's not I shall. That's procrastinating.." Rhapsody is quick to point out. Sidonia, if Neva turns away, is simply gone when she looks back. The azure sister was always good at that. "So... I just want to make sure I understand," Rhapsody begins, idly wandering toward one side of the street, only to turn around and cross back as she speaks, occasionally looking up at Neva. "Everything is 'cool', we are doing 'great', and you have decided to leave the guild that is willing to support you in everything you do," Pace. "You want to explore other plains, when there are -10- guild sectors here, an upper city, a lower city, and all manner of creatures within," pace. "You were about to leave without even saying good bye.." pace. "You left your radio with a -blistercoil- weird that sounds absolutley confused as to where you have gone." Her pacing stops, turning to face Neva again. "That isn't 'I shall', Neva. Can you please explain what it is that we did to want you to leave?" At this point, she rummages into the coat of her new, far redder, jacket. A moment passes, and she produces a mizzium key with the woman's name on it,         "Did you forget?" 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva's reflexive reply is to blurt out, her expression flashing to surprise and annoyance, "I didn't leave it with Bob, he just likes picking up things I drop---!" She cuts herself off now and sucks in a breath once more, steadying herself so she can maintain character.     "Nobody did anything, Rhapsody, I just figured it was time... To.." Then she sees the key, and the facade begins to crumble... " Rhapsody... I appreciate... Everything that the Guild has done for me... That you've done..." Her voice cracking and she turns to hide her face, "But I'm just a bundle of problems that you don't need..." The truth finally slips out, and she grits her teeth, "So... Let me just go... You'll be fine without me..." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' The guildmaster's head tilts a little, then she reminds the planeswlaker, "Neva.. do you know what the Izzet League was made for?" Pause. "While, yes, it was made to maintain the utilities of Ravnica, to provide it all the mana, heat, and water it would ever need, there is a second side to the guild that has been glimpsed, repeatedly, since our unification." Another pause.         "We fix problems." "Not every problem is simple. Not every equation is solved with mathmatics and pipelines, metal and electricity. Sometimes we have to look -inward- and determine our course forward. I recently culled the guild by 20 percent because I allowed people to join that were in the Izzet for selfish reasons. They just wanted money for their research, they wanted to make weapons, they just wanted to live an Izzet life while producing nothing of use to the guild, or to Ravnica." At this point, Rhapsody reaches out for Neva's shoulder, "No one is perfect, and if you have problems? I don't care. We will solve them. It is what we do." 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva goes quiet for a few moments, absorbing the words and quietly hoping that Rhapsody might just stop talking and let her go. But Rhapsody doesn't stop, she doesn't just let her go, and Neva suddenly has a hand on her shoulder, at which point she flinches and turns back to the dragon, tears welling up in her eyes, the mask having completely been abandoned.     "You can't solve EVERY problem, Rhapsody! Some problems can't be solved with sufficient amounts of science and explosions! And some problems don't WANT to be solved!" Neva's speaking tempo returning to unrehearsed babbling. "No, some problems just keep growing, and growing, and haunting you, and nothing you can say or do makes any difference, until all you can think of doing is run away, and leave it all behind!"     She throws her hands out flailing, "And when it's all said and done, the problem is probably me all along! And now that I left them, everything is gonna be all that much better without me! Ravnica will be fine without me! Earth will be fine without me! My parents will be---...!"     And there she falters, the dam having burst, tears flowing free. "Fine.... Without me..." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' There's no interruption. Rhapsody wouldn't do Neva such a diservice. Rather, she simply listens as Neva finally goes into why she is doing what she's doing. "I'm keenly aware of that, Neva.. or did you not notice the Mana Nexus incident? There was not a single bit of science done when we went looking for her. The one thing we did not do? We did -not- do is give up on Yunomi. I will be -damned- if I give up on you." Rhapsody keeps that hand on Neva's shoulder, but now her other hand mirrors it. "Neva. When I interviewed -every- member of the Izzet League, one of the questions I asked them was one of loyalty. I asked 'Would you stand beside your fellow Izzet, regardless of what they have done?' If the answer was no, then I told them they were not allowed in this guild. The -same- goes for you. You are -Izzet-. And we will -not- be fine without you." Then she points up, a pair of stars simply gleaming as brightly as they were the day Yunomi came back. "If you leave now? You will -never- get to meet him. We -will- make the world stop to bring him back and you -will- be here to help us." 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva just sort of hangs her head, she's not thinking proper at this point, having reduced herself to kind of an emotional mess. "Will bringing Niv back... make my parents not hate me for running away?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Blink. Pause. Rather suddenly Rhapsody just -hugs- Neva for a moment, "Why on Earth would they hate you...?" she asks before stepping back a little. "Neva, I really don't think they would hate you. I think they would be worried sick where you went and would be -elated- to see you again. Have you been back to your world? Did you see -anything- that proved you were being looked for?" 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     The hug was unexpected, but all in all she REALLY needed the hug. Neva sniffles a bit and after a few moments of thinking through all the churning thoughts, she finally mumbles, "I dunno... They were getting into more fights... Arguing over stupid stuff... Everything was lining up for a divorce... It was like a bomb waiting to go off."     After the second question she pauses, "I... 'Walked to downtown yesterday... It was past midnight, nobody was around... The Dairy Queen was still open, but it's 24 hours... There was a flyer on the tackboard..." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Honestly, not knowing Neva's parents, she wasn't sure what the answer was going to be. Finding out there -are- fliers, however? "See, now..? They are trying to find you. They -do- care for you, Neva, and that proves it," explains. "Just... I can only imagine what that is like to go through. I really didn't get to know my mother and I truly enjoyed the time I had with Niv-Mizzet. That being said, they're -still- family. Even if they aren't getting along, they are still your parents and I refuse to believe that they don't care about you if you found a flier." A pause, a memory is recalled. "Neva, one of the first times we met, you helped me get out from Nivix. Things were stressful, I didn't know what to do, and we just slipped out and had fun that night.. remember? Thing is, we ducked Sidonia, ducked Thianel, and when I finally went back? There was no anger. There was relief. I really, really think, if you give them a chance? Maybe you'll be surprised by them both. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' "And if you want a friend with you when you go back, you'll have one." 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     The redhead goes quiet, sniffling a little more, but finally seeming to have run out of tears to shed, she rubs her face against Rhapsody's shoulder, mostly to conclude her crying upon it, before rubbing her eyes dry with the back of her hand, and nodding, "I... I could use a friend.." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Second hug! "You'll have one, and as many as you need. All you have to do is ask, Neva.." Rhapsody muses quietly before releasing again. "Just.. stay? We've seen people leave enough. I think it is time for people to -stay- in the Izzet, instead of leave." 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Extra hugs! This one is considerably more happiness filled, Neva nods into it and says, "Alright, I'll... I'll stay." A moment after saying that she closes her eyes and mumbles, "Running away is getting tiring.." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' That earns the planeswalker a smile from the guildmaster. She also holds up the Mizzium key she had produced earlier, "Then you will need this," she offers. "And when you are -ready-, you let me know. And we will go." she actually gives her a very light poke in the chest, "But no putting it off forever." 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     The Deckmaster takes the key, smiling a little bit before squeeing it in her hand and eep at the poke, "Fine, fine..." She pauses, "I just... Don't know how I'd explain to them that one of my new friends is a dragon." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "Multiverse," she says about as matter-o-factly as can be expected. "But seriously.. it'll be odd, there's no doubt of that, but so will explaining what a planeswalker is. After that, I don't think a dragon will be a very big deal." 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     "I'm from -Earth-! Not a magical girl Earth, or a Super Hero Earth, or a Power Ranger Earth, just... EARTH!" She flails a bit, "I think dragons would be a VERY big deal!" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Wince, hands go up, "Ok ok, sorry, sorry, I just.. ok.." that sort of caught Rhapsody off guard. "Sorry, I ah... maybe .. Richard can give us a pointer or two. His world has been around for about as long as Ravnica.." 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva rubs her face in into her hand, "Sorry, just... I'm already at risk of looking like I joined a cult, or became a witch that needs burning. This is gonna be weird." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' A nod, "Well, again, you'll have my support, and very likely the Izzet's support. Just remember, you can do -anything- if you put your mind to it." 
}}

4789/The Halo

2016-11-18T02:51:11Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/15 |Location=City of Ravnica <Rav> |Synopsis=The allies of the Izzet defend the Nexus.. and then a miracle. |Cast of Characters=1037, 272,..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/15
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav>
|Synopsis=The allies of the Izzet defend the Nexus.. and then a miracle.
|Cast of Characters=1037, 272, 325, 528, 385, 711, 714, 19, 906, 750, 644, 42, 639, 300, 215
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     RAVNICA -- IZZET SECTOR -- THE NEXUS     The best ways to get around a city are commonly public transportation, you meet the most interesting people when using the less popular ones.     Especially when you're underground.     The Nexus might be some of the most guarded locale in Ravnica right this minute, other than perhaps Nivix itself...     All the more surprising when an explosion rips through the sector outside the Mana Nexus.     One that is not Izzet created.     Sirens errupt in screams, any on the streets who are not mages take off running for safety as the cries of the injured echo to the brilliantly gleaming red and blue stars above.     ANd around it all, the window, that gash ripped in the fabric of Ravnica's sky, gives a sharp pulse, cracking at its edges, the brilliant white light dimming slightly.     Fireballs and lightning errupt from the hole, along with a hail of arms fire, and a massive, metallic hand, clawed, reaches up as a metallic titan pulls itself up, with the groaning of metal. This juggernaut of steel is roughly human shaped, with a bulbous body and sturdy, stubbed legs, but long arms ending with cruel claws. Its apature cleams a brilliant yellow as Magic Eaters and Guildless alike allign, the gray-and-brown cloaked guildless leading a zealotous charge against the Izzet League! 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Inside the Nexus control room, a pair of dimunitive Kodama are stirred to action by the explosions, the sickly looking blue haired one with goggles around her arm looks up, her sister, pink-haired with brassy goggles ove rher head looks at the ceiling, where some parts begin to fall.     "They're here." Yu whispers, and she takes a deep breath, her eyes beeginning to tear up.     "Yu. /Focus./ Or no one will get out of this alive. We're still Hers. We /still/ serve the Izzet in her stead. And we Still. Have. Work. To Do." Mi states, and she hops on the horn. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     A massive explosion rocks the area near the Nexus. To say the Izzet wasn't prepared would be silly. They were -waiting- for this, if nothing else. A flurry of activity begins as soon as the debris start to settle. Weirds surge out from almost every nook and corner of the massive construct. The Boros, one of the Izzet's closest allies, march forward in perfect formation, the front line with shields raised, pikemen behind, ready to engage any that begin to move forward.     Inside, the explosion knocks Ryxinel out of the chair he had been -standing- on. He had found a particular panel that didn't make sense and he was trying to ensure this part of the Nexus was correct when the concussion reached him and the kodama inside. His fall, while brusing, leaves him no worse for wear. "EXPLOSION NEAR THE NEXUS! All allies report!" is his transmission as he becomes a flurry of activity inside, "Dear stars, and Yunomi, please tell me you left more notes around here somewhere..."     If anyone was looking toward the spires shortly after the explosion rang out, the sight of not one, but -three- dragons soaring out of Thirix would be visible. The metallic form of Thianel was easily spotted, but the smaller, true forms of Sidonia and Rhapsody both may be very unfamiliar to those that knew the sisters. They simply did not take those forms often, but now, as the final 'bell' seems to have rang, they refuse to hold anything back. As they approac, Thianel lands right infront of the generators, ready to be an inmovable object to resist any force that would come to it. Sidonia, simply vanishes against the night sky, doing as she always does. Rhapsody -slams- down to the ground, but breaks into a run, shifting to the form most recognize her in, drawing both spellblades as she leads a charge of magewrights, goblins, and weirds straight toward the opposing force. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut just happened to be racing here already, his majestic wings carrying him at near super-sonic speeds. High in the sky, he might look like a gigantic bird of prey. But, he is still dwarfed by whatever that is emerging from the Window. Bahamut dives, and as he does several brightly glowing golden rune circles form in his flight path. There is a thunderous crash as he shatters each one with his passing, and he leaves a trail like a falling comet as he dives.      He pulls up just in time to avoid smashing into the ground, then lands with a resounding thud and a mighty roar right beside Thianel. Rhapsody charges, and Bahamut follows close behind her, using his size and intimidation to try and draw attention and give Rhapsody some cover. His powerful claws slash at anything that gets within his reach, and when there is nothing within reach he throws spells of all varieties. Fire, lightning, water, ice, flare, and of course his signature Impulse - A cluster attack of grey-white orbs that explode with pure energy upon hitting the ground. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna has not been standing watch at the Mana Nexus for the past 24 (or so) hours. She's just a human girl, after all; she needs to eat, she needs to sleep, she needs to take care of certain other things ... and more importantly, she has partners who can stand watch in her stead while she's dealing with personal necessities. But she's at the Nexus when the explosion happens, and besides the shockwave hurling her off her feet and leaving her half-deafened (thankfully *only* half), the sight of a giant robot - one which is probably heavily armed above and beyond those claws - solves one problem for her on sight: how she's going to fight. Jiina and Erina aren't that far away, but Marina had been running a patrol elsewhere at that moment. Elner is at Yuna's side as usual, and triggers her transformation even while the blonde young woman is getting back to her feet. "Any idea where Ijiwaru is?" Yuna asks the little robo-faerie. "Probably hiding," Elner speculates. "He would let us know if he was here, I'm sure. - There's Marina now." Yuna waves to the orange-red and white armored android as Marina of the Sea comes not merely sprinting, but almost flying towards Yuna and the other two Matrix androids. That puts all five of them close enough together for Yuna to take a deep breath, and then yell ...             "LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT *UP*!!! EL-LINE!!" And a pillar of light flares into existence, centered on Yuna herself but expanding to engulf the rest of the Matrix of Light, their silhouettes fading from view as the radiance intensifies to hide them. There's a surge of power from within, then, and the pillar of light starts to diminish once more, revealing the sleek, gleaming form of the Matrix Figure, El-Line, fully formed and ready to do battle. "LIGHTNING SWORD!!!" Yuna shouts from inside El-Line's cockpit, and a crackle of light erupts in the Matrix Figure's right hand, materializing into a suitably large blade. "SHUGOSEIHEKI!!" is Yuna's next shout - conjuring her kite shield, scaled up to El-Line's size, already strapped to the mecha's left forearm the same way Yuna wears the human-sized one. It was Niv-Mizzet who upgraded the original kite shield and helped integrated it into Yuna's powers and equipment. It seems fitting to use it in defense of the Izzet League and their allies. And as soon as she's finished materializing the equipment she'll need to start with, Yuna lets out a loud (if wordless) yell, charging to meet the attacking giant robot - ready to catch its claws on sword or shield as needed, or both if push comes to shove. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' You know an explosion is a Big Deal in Ravnica when it WASN'T caused by some Izzey experiment getting a little too good. And sometimes having really good hearing wasn't such a great thing. Corona's ears were still ringing from being nearby, but that didn't stop her for making a hustle for the Nexus' generators. They had to keep those up and running or the shields are toast. Which is just as much a problem of all the attackers getting in as it would be keeping whatever contained if the Window spazzes out. Or something to that effect. She knew the Nexus and what it had meant to Yunomi was going to make it a target yet. Sometimes it sucked when hunches were right. The foxgirl's mad dash for the Generators is accompanied not only by the clanging of tools and spurs, but some sort of mechanical device she's carrying on her back. Though her manic pace makes it almost impossible to make out just what she's carrying just yet... 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Finally. Maybe things can finally end today. THen Sanary won't have to even think about whatever's going on in Ravnica, how she might get punched or eaten by the people she's helping out on a part-time basis, or how the fighting could spill out of here and into places the healer actually gives a damn about.      All that rides on the outcome of.. Whatever it was that caused the explosion. The healer's riding a horse into battle for once, looking more like one of her world's Generals rather than an actual healer with how much armor and gear she's got strapped to herself. Her gunaxe is strapped to her back along with a riot shield, her kite shield is braced against and arm, and she's conjuring up gray loops around her limbs and gear in advance.      She might have some questionable morals, but she's not going to just lead this horse into a suicidal charge. Once she's confident that the loops are all secured around her stuff and her anklets are on properly, Sanary turns the horse around and gives it a light smack to send it off running away from the fight.      And then she takes off. Power flows into the anklets and the loops, sending her into a relatively controlled flight straight in the direction of the descending titan. Sure, it might be a lot bigger than she'd expect by the time she gets to it and swings her axe around to try and cleave right into its arm, but it can't be /that/ much bigger than her, right?      Depth perception's a bitch. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' So the time had come and she also knew what she might need to do given the blood lust that had taken some of the people going to help bring this to an end. Did she have love for Ijiwaru? Not really but she also knows had she got Revenge on the man who was behind the battle that killed her family? Her planet may have died, or she'd have died, or lost someone else close to her in the end. She just wants the damn cycle of hate to end in regards to this and so here she is she's suited up and ready to go. She knows the battle is baout to start and she knows what to do. If Corigan was here? He'd be able to help with it but matters on Septerra have long kept the Paladin busy with helping to rebuild and guide their broken world. So to the Generators it would be where Maya is going, though she seems to be packing a backpack with some things that might not be expected with her. She'd almost brought her bio power armour but she feared the magic eaters might well? Eat it. For now she's going to be summoning her wings and flying full tilt where she can to reach the Generators 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang comes screaming along the streets. Pushing Bumblebee to the limit as she hears that explosion, and sees the form of the giant mechanical monster rising up. "What the hell is that?" she asks to noone. She listens in on the radio, and shifts her course, rearing up to pop a wheelie, clearing some debris, and mowing down some unfortunate sap who just happened to be on the other side of the jump. She doesn't slow down though, ducking low and gunning the engine to break through the lines of Guildless and Magic Eaters, letting the heavy frame of her motorbike take the damage. Not again. Never again.     "I WON'T LET YOU DESTROY HER LEGACY!" she roars as she skids to a stop, leaps off her bike and deploys her gauntlets. "You're going to have to go through me first." she declares, then slams her fists together. "And By the Gods I will make you PAY IN BLOOD for every single inch!" 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' EXPLOSIONS?! Rebound normally loves explosions unless they'd directed at her. Then they're not as much fun. But this one isn't directed at her, instead being a centrilized blast near the Nexus. Rebound is flying through the air, figuratively, as she's just jumping really far with each hop, as she sails into the area where the blast just happened. The mutant fighter is ready to throw down with all of the guildless and undoubtedly the Magic Eaters who are prompting them. She didn't trust them from the moment they showed up, and she was ultimately vidicated, "HEY YOU ASSCLOWNS!" She yells out from her perch above where they are charging in, "You guys just don't quit do you? Come on!" Rebound leaps again, unleashing her full enhanced mutant strength as she sails through the air to land right in the middle of the guildless, aiming to crush them with her landing and then start swinging. 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     There is a beam of light that eminates from the ground right next to the Mana Generators, and it all coalesces into a humanoid figure! It's Neva Fernandez, wearing her cloak and now armed to the teeth with two Izzet Charm gauntlets fastened to her arms and glowing with energy, an Izzet Signet hanging from her neck, and a handful of cards ready to play.     She goes wide eyed at the sights of everything, and for a moment her instincts gnaw at her once more, and Neva for a moment is Paralyzed in indecision...     This isn't your business, just walk. They can take care of this. You don't have to do anything. Just go... Nobody will blame you...     Neva trembles and closes her eyes, as she goes through the motions of drawing magic to begin the Planeswalking Ritual...     YOU WILL BLAME YOURSELF. STAND UP AND FIGHT.     Neva's eyes snap wide open and she narrows her eyes, before saying with newfound determination, "I won't runaway again..." With that, she begins putting down land cards. A Mountain. She quietly recites the turn steps, before drawing another card and putting down another Mountain.     "Main Phase 1. Summon SPELLHEART CHIMERA!" She taps the mountain cards and draws some of the mana into her Signet, before channeling the acumulated power into creating a creature...     https://deckbox.org/mtg/Spellheart%20Chimera 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Ravnica is under attack!     Ijiwaru isn't the only one who loves technology. A warpgate opens, and a plane flies through and then shoots up into the sky! The shape is reminiscent of an F-14 Tomcat but with parts added on and a shiny finish. It aeleron rolls so Staren can look up through the canopy at the enemy giant robot. "'Something big', huh... Well TWO can play THAT game!"     He /is/ the plane. Or at least he feels like it, with his control system. He doesn't have to look at a screen -- important HUD details follow wherever he looks, and he issues commands with a thought as easily as one twitches a finger. He doesn't need to point his radar at the target -- in visual range, computers can process images and recognize 'giant robot' -- a hard problem for so many years, solved by software from the future. So he just looks, thinks of what he wants to happen, and it does: There's a brief beep in his head, and then a buzz as the computer asks him to confirm the target, and then a pack on the back of the plane opens and twenty missiles rise into the air on columns of smoke. The Star Hawk, for its part, comes to a stop as parts move around like a cybertronian, arms and legs emerging from under the fuselage as the warmachine hovers high in the air. Smaller missiles rain down around the charging enemies, bursting in balls of superheated plasma instead of explosive shockwaves.     The larger missiles arc down, loaded with high explosives, at the giant enemy robot.     <"Really?! Attacking Ravnica?! What do you think you can GAIN? Do you really think you can succeed when EMRAKUL failed?!"> Staren transmits towards any radio system the enemy has.     If Ijiwaru did his research on Staren, he might know that that missile pack means he doesn't have the sniper rifle, if that information is at all useful. 

:'''{{#var:639|Merlin (639)}} has posed:'''     Amidst the sudden chaos, Merlin sighs. He'd had a feeling that something like this was going to be coming, though apparently so did the entire city of Ravnica. It was as the tension before a war, slowly notching up until the first swing of a sword. At least the first part is over, he thinks, letting those more knowledgeable than he do their parts. He'd been here to examine further this "window" and determine just...what could be done with it. A little consultation from an outside point of view; sometimes useful - sometimes not. Now that the battle has been truly joined, he looks to the massive machine striding forward, and considers. Things have entered a new phase, and well...it's time for the wizard of Dun Realtai to join the battle in his way - sometimes useful, sometimes not. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     The Defense Begins, but will it be enough to control the crowds? Goblins and Weirds charge into the gray, the dragons landing causing more than a few of the Guildless to reconsider their actions -- dragons are pretty big, after all -- but many charge forward, throwing fire where they cna, lightning where they can't, some trying to control, others settling for bursts of raw power lobbed at others, and a precious few bolstering their fellows into performing actions for them. Behind them, the Magic Eaters stomp out, the sound of machinery roaring to life as smaller armored mechs take to the streets, opening fire on the gathered heroes and avengers.     And in the midst of it all, Ijiwaru rides atop the giant steel behemoth's shoulder from his place of honor. He brings a hand to his ear.     "We are in position. If you have the time, Madam." he states, and exhales.     THis will be a bumpy ride.     The steel behemothr oars, and brings its arms up into the air, hands glowing with power as it charges up and bellowing, brings the steel hands down, crashing to the street with a mighty shockwave!     Ijiwaru draws out a new chosen weapon -- a long, cold iron spike, four foot long, and charges into the fray himself.     "GUILDMASTER! NOW IS THE TIME"! he calls out,     ... but not to Rhapsody.     There is a shudder, and then following the metal mostrosity there comes the flutter of leathery wings. Skull-faced horrors with spindly legs spill out, taking to the air.     Those in the know may recognise the Dimir creature, nightwings, as they swoop down, seeking to pull goblins and humans alike from the crowds -- indescriminant -- to throw into buildings or stab with their long, scorpion tails. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yu and Mi look at one another.     "... do you think--" Yu begins, and Mi swallows, and shakes her head "We can't know for sure at this point, Yu." she whispers, and rubs the back of her head. "Get me the samophlange controls. If we short them, the internal generators might overheat." 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Ijiwaru probably can't even imagine how bumpy the ride's about to get. Riding on the outside of a giant robot is dangerous enough when the other side doesn't have a giant robot to worry about; the Izzet League count *two* among their allies - and one of them is already getting up in the Ijiwarobo's face. So to speak. With the way the other robot's hands are glowing, Yuna has no doubt that letting them contact ANYTHING is going to be bad; fortunately, she's already got her melee armament set up, and she's more than willing to test Shugoseiheki's strength against whatever the robot's doing. "NOT SO FAST!!!" shouts Yuna, bringing the Wall of the Guardian Star up sideways, trying to slam the shield's surface up against those descending hands - and (just a little belatedly) trying to brace El-Line's legs to help absorb the impact so the Matrix Figure doesn't simply get blown off its feet. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The charge is a fantastic sight to behold. The Boros, maintaining the front line with the shield and pike line simply -part- as a wave of Red and Blue comes crashing down the center of their formation. Fireballs, waterblasts, weirds and dragons simply roar into the fray. The amount of spellslinging going on is, simply put, incredible. There's far too much to keep up with for just one person.     Within the fray, Rhapsody is a whirling dervish of flashing blades and dragonsfire. At one point, one of the Greys is moving up behind her, only to find a blade slashing him away to the side. Sidonia's form ripples into view, and the sisters are simply back to back, taking on the world... for the moment.     The Dimir prove to all that they have been involved from day one. The guildmaster calls it out, alerting Thianel who in turn would alert the other guilds. That isn't what changes the state of the battle. The sight of Ijiwaru, atop his monster, weilding a very long, very SPECIFIC iron spike causes her to roar out in absolute fury. In a flash, the dragon ascends, true form appearing in a flash as her wings send her surging straight for Ijiwaru, a deep breath and a massive blast of pure white energy heralding her approach.         "I -WILL- KILL YOU!" 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler was done with this city. Simply... done with it. Not enough that the bastard's down their had killed her, when it /well/ should have been. Now it was attacking her gift to the city. Why? How much spite did they have to feel to do that? Richard knew what the answer might have been, though. What could cause that. Because there was a part of him today that wanted to destroy that robot, then the people that created it, then the families of those. MAybe he would get the chance... The two Blackhawks swept low to the ground, pilots skimming rooftops as they approched the Mana Nexus. Each one loaded with one well trained squad of infantry, conducting final checks on weapons, launchers, gear... before the helicopter's crew chief silently plugged Stadler into the commnet connecting to the Izzet net. Then he swears. "Fucking bastard couldn't make it easy for us, could he?" He mutters under his breath. A few moments of agonizing decision, the temptation overly strong to forget everything but the man weilding the spike... "Public safety first. Engage flight-capable BOWs." Technically they weren't, but 'technically' was about all that was the difference here. "Head toward pre-designated LZs." As the UH-60's approch, those flying creatures were going to have a bit of a time. M240 machine guns, one at each of the two UH-60's doors. Four in total, manned by door gunners who knew what they were doing, sweeping back and force like thundering buzzsaws aganist the nightwings attempting to sweep people up, as the helicopters heads to the rooftops Stadler had picked out, withing a good view of the nexus. He really wanted to rapel down onto that robot and show Ijiwaru what his own spike could do to someone's skull. But he had to admit, confused feelings or not, Rhapsody was sufficently rage-filled for the both of them. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     The Guildless Mages start streaming in, and they're met, fireball for fireball, lightning bolt for lightning bolt, with explosive bolts from the woman herself. She sets her feet, and just starts punching rapidly in the air, launching exploding bolts of energy to intercept spells and blast them out of the air, and then even more, landing in the midst of the encroaching ground force.     The sismic wave from the Mech, even from this distance, rocks her balance and makes her stumble, but she's quickly back on her feet. Just in time to see the Dimir come swooping in. She changes targets, turning her explosive bolts up to take on the air force, these ones seeming to slightly home in when near a target, but all of them detonating in proximity, not on impact. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Meanwhile, inside the Nexus, Ryxinel moves from one panel to another to another to another, trying to trace a circuit that he didn't think was complete, hoping against hope that THIS was the one that needed fixing, "Please.. we can't leave it open anymore.. I'm sorry.." 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Is Ijiwaru controlling that thing? Does it really matter? Perhaps not. What does matter to Sanary is that the Magic Eater is outside of his giant robot for whatever reason, making him a prime target for her. swinging her legs forward to boost herself backwards and away from the path of the robot's downwards-swinging arms, the healer bides her time as Yuna's and Staren's own... Wait.      Where the hell did they get giant robots?! "... That's just not fair." It's not like she wants a big robot of her own or anything! It'd probably just be a pain to control, anyway. besides, being able to fly freely mean she can focus on Ijiwaru himself, and the healer starts charging forward at the gloating anti-magus.      "Ijiwaru!" Sanary shouts defiantly, then... Nothing. She doesn't really have anything prepared for this, does she? Oh well. Before she can get close enough to swing her massive axe at him, though, she notices Rhapsody coming in fast and changes her mind.      Instead, the healer channels some of her magic outwards towards Rhapsody, funneling power into the dragon to give her a boost to her power and allowing her to draw from Sanary's magical reserves. The healer would rather not get anywhere near her, but at least she can still help this way while turning her focus towards the robot again.      With her new target chosen, the armored axe-cleric glides that way next. She rears back with her gunxe, waiting until the last moment before trying to cleave that axe head right into the titan's shoulder joint! 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva continues to mutter the turn phases, "New turn. Untap..." She untaps her cards, and mumbles, "Upkeep. Draw..." She draws another card and hrms, "Okay, another one, I'll keep it for another Chimera..." She holds it in hand and then utters, "Main Phase 1." She puts a card down, tapping the two mountains. "Runechanter Pike." A weapon materializes. https://deckbox.org/mtg/Runechanter's%20Pike?printing=18929     She then mumbles, "Combat. Main 2. End." She seems to be taking it slow, as she says, "Next turn: Untap..." She begins the process again. "Upkeep. Draw." She draws, and then places an Island Card down, and then taps the two mountain cards, "Equip Runechanter's Pike onto Spellheart Chimera..." The Weapon disappears and reappears in one of the monster's claws... "Combat. Main 2. End. Discard.     She's just glad she's somewhat isolated and the Magic Eaters and Bad Guys haven't noticed her. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Is that Ijiwaru OUT IN THE OPEN on top of the robot that's attracting lots of heavy weapons fire? Is he NUTS?     Probably!     As Ijiwaru leaps off, though, Staren decides to let someone else handle him. He's one of a few best equipped to take the robot.     The Star Hawk hovers high in the air now, like a plane with arms and legs, and thrusters in the feet. As his missiles rain down on his foes, he doesn't let up -- the right arm points straight at the machine, and the gatling railgun in the armpack sends a hail of hypersonic metal down at it, to test its defenses! He stops firing into the crowd of enemies, now that allies are running into the fray. 

:'''{{#var:639|Merlin (639)}} has posed:'''     Towers are great things. So amusingly suggestive, as far as people - of whatever shape - tend to build them. They're also good for getting a fine vantage point over the area, and for making sure your voice is heard. Merlin's not too worried about the battle - he knows that there's a tremendous amount of Elite power here, possibly enough to make a victory of this assault.     But well...perhaps there was still something he could do to lend some small hand. It wouldn't do for Yunomi's memory to be simply ignored, and not step in when her beloved city is under attack. There isn't anything he can do directly, just as a fire hose cannot defeat a sponge. His magic would fall uselessly against the Dimir, Magic Eaters, and the rest. But that doesn't mean he's got no targets for his magic after all...and besides, Gawain's mix tapes had turned out to be quite awesome indeed.     So it goes that the Wizard of Dun Realtai himself summons a simple instrument - a four string bass, specifically. One that needs no amplifiers, since it feeds by magic into the air itself...for only those Elites he chooses to hear it. The Dimir? Nothing. Ijiwaru? Nothing. His men? Nothing. And the rest?             Come, let's drink to the time             When peace and the sun will shine             And the world will be, as one, forever             Your destiny             Rides out before you             Like a cloud in the sky             It travels afar             All men shall pay thee             The homage and dues to come             To prepare the way             For a better world     It might not sound quite like the song of hope and strength that it is, however...but Christopher Lee's downright Mephistophlean voice has such a wonderful ring to it in a battle. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona is running so hard that when she gets to the Generator position she skids and stumbles a bit in trying to stop just as quickly. Or maybe it was a little off balance because of her load. But she manages to keep her footing as she stops. Okay, need to get a defensive up here, mainly so the generators don't catch stray fi-- She stops, ears snapping up at the ruckus as there's shouting, and creatures from -that- guild reported taking the field. Not to mention the Generator position is quickly getting swamped around by goddamn everything and everyone. Okay, fine then. When she said she was done playing by the dirty varmit's terms, she wasn't kidding. Her back is still partway towards the inbound mob as she reachs up to grab her goggles, and true to 'get serious' moment form pulls them on fully. "Fine, ya wanna do this the hard way...." Corona spins around, and as she does so she grabs the device off her backside and uses the momentum to fling it in front of her. "SAY HELLO TO MAH LI'L FRIEND!" The device starts as a vaguely spherical form. But as it rattles off the ground steam hisses from it, the glow visible through the furnace grate on the front as gears and panels shift. A pair of large jackrabbit-like legs extend from the clicking works, followed by the smaller scoop-shaped forelegs. The ovoid shaped head clicks into place, photoreceptor eyes flashing to life as the long rabbit ears twang back and into place. And then a pair of six pronged -antlers- slide up to lock onto the top of the head. The second time it hits the ground it's one his legs, pistons and springs clicking and then immeadiately releasing again. Which sends the steampunk jackalope HURTLING like a metal lagomorph rocket into the fray with enough force to send the first mob entity - Guildless, Magic-Eater or otherwise - it rams into crashing backwards into the rest of the group! "Now that is how ya make a first impression!", Corona yips, though there's little time to celebrate 'field testing' just yet. "Cover muh back Hopalong!" 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' As much as she really, REALLY wants to hit Ijiwaru in his stupid face, Rebound has more pressing matters to attend to. Like taking out one of those flying things, "Aw hell no, you can't just bust out giant flying monster things!" Giant flying monster things are probably an issue for most people, but for Rebound, well...It's Rebound. She's going to do what she does best. She plants her feet and leaps, jumping into the air with all the force she can muster. Once she reaches the height she needs to take one of those things out, she whips her whole body around to kick the nightwing in the face with all the force she can muster. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut is equipped to fight a 60 foot construct. He has done it before. But, he suspects his claws and spells may not be effective on it. He has to wait...wait until he hits Overdrive. With Rhapsody and Sidonia back to back, he grins at the pair before spreading his wings and taking to the sky. There is plenty of ground coverage.      The nightwings would soon find themselves the targets of the same slashing claws and powerful spells. He pounces them against the sides of buildings with his foot-claws. He slashes them out of the sky with his hand-claws. He blasts them with explosive Firaga and shocking Thundaga. Almost there...Bahamut's eyes look to the giant robotic thing as the gyro on his back starts to spin and glow, then he scans the crowd for Ijiwaru. If that monster even gets close to Rhapsody and Sidonia, or any other allies on the ground, Bahamut wants to be ready to dive-bomb him. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Mizzium Lining is entirely appropriate to deflect the Magic Eater Titan's attack! The ground shudders, more cracks appearing near the ruined section of street as the Titan groans beneath the weight of El-Line's presence. The aparture spins a moment focusing in on Yuna's mech before one arm turns, clicks open, and a cruelly totohed saw takes its place, whirring to life and shooting outwards on a secondary swing-arm, trying to get in close and get righht to the point -- Yuna.     Rhapsody's cry was not lost on Ijiwaru. He spins his spike like a spear, familar with its weight. Gone is the overly handsome man, and now, in his place -- and his ar mor -- was someone who looekd far more normal. More memorable. Tadeshi, the Daimyo's grandson, formerly betrothed to Odanuki Umehana in a deal that was supposed to spare humans and yokai from further fury -- if Richard Stadler might remember a face.     "I do apologize, Guildmaster. We must end this rather quickly -- we both have our families to return to. I don't suppose I could encourage you to surrender?" he inquires with a slight smirk before he presses the attack, bracing for impact as he brings the spike up before him, and the spike drinks from the white-hot rage energy, drawing Rhapsody closer before he spins, and attempts to stab the guildmaster through the shoulder.     "WRRIRIIIIII! WRREEEIIIIII!" call out the nightwings, their toothy maws opening, some already reddened with blood as the creatures turn their attention to the helicopters, some attempting to latch on, piling on one another and trying to upset the weight of the blackhawk, eyes burning with hatred and hunger for blood.      The Guildless aren't going anywhere. They're beginning to surroudn Yang Xiao Long, trying to extinguish that fire of hers. One even reaches out to try and sweep her off her feet by throwing their arms around her and lifting her up to throw her over their shoulder, like some kind of prize winning!! The NERVE!     The Steel Titan gives a roaaaaaar as its shoulder gets axed a question -- and really, the question is 'hi! Im' an axe!' which is not a question at all. Terrible pun. The giant mech turns is apature to Sanary, raising its hand up to try and swipe her away as it snarls.     Neva is not noticed yet, except by a mousy, brown-haired girl wearing shiny new Izzet armorment. She swallows nervously, and gives a small wave. "Hi. Ah. I'm Backup." she states quietly, and stands up, keeping her turbine engine at her back and wrist primed. "Pleasedon'tblowuppleasedon'tblowup..." she mutters encouragingly to herself.     The Star Hawk rains missiles down along the streets, sendingin up chunks of pavement and striking against the Steel Titan. It appears physical attacks work just fine -- its plated armor has a crack in it!     HELLO SMALL FRIEND!      ... well. The Mob doesn't seem to be phased by a sphere. However, the steam catches the attention of a few, the steam and the glow making an eyebrow raise before the long legs extend, and the eyes flash and -- aww, it's a bunny rabbit.     "... is that thing an Izzet?" someone asked... and then the antlers slide up, locking into place, and then it charges, proving that more than one rabbit can, indeed, be dynomite!     Rebound takes on a Nightwing. "SCKRRIIIIIIII!" it chitters . WHACK WHACK goes the feet. CRUNCH goes its skull like face. And with echoing cries, two more come down to try and sweep Rebound up, grasping at her with long, spindly legs and trying to whip their tails at her!     And last, but not least, Bahamut will find that his slashes, blasts, and shocks rend nightwings to bits, chunks landing all over the crowds -- but Ijiwaru is already engaging Rhapsody in battle! 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Well now this is where things are getting crazy right? She's off to defend the geenratos as they do not need them to go up in smoke that would end very badly for everyone else. Maya doesn't look like much, blue hair, leather and metal armour, but the wings might make some thinkg she's some kind of strange angel but that's not when she gets to work. "Corona if you got any anything with set up now is the time to use is!" Maya pauses a Corona lets slip her newest creation, man she thinks? Corona really is like her little brother some days and maya now starts to cast spells to support and protect those who are defending the generatos she'd ward everyone who is in range with a protection ward that should give them some added protection form just about everything. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yu and Mi look at one another again,a nd then they turn, and they hop to the floor, and then up to Ryxinel like Gummi Bears, reaching up to help him maniupulate the pannels with their tiny fingers.     "Ryx, I know Rhapsody said to keep it open -- but there is nothing that can come out of there right now that would be good in this moment." Mi whispers comfortingly to the dragon, "Let's shut the Nexus down and close the window." 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' If there's one thing Sanary's good at, it's axeing questions! Or axeing... Axe... Axes. Okay, maybe she's not so good at the word play. Still, what she lacks in verbage, she's hoping to make up in spades with brute force, a stupidly huge axe, and just a bit of cheating with magical energy augmenting her capabilities.      "Didn't like that, huh? You know.. Up close, you ain't that tough!" She shouts in challenge to the Steel Titan moments before it swipes at her, swinging herself around to use the back on her shield to weather the blow some. She's still in quite a bit of pain at taking that swipe, but the shield does mitigate it somewhat along with the innate effects of her armor itself.      Also, cheating even more with her magic helping her regenerate from this welts forming on her faster than she would without it. The healer goes flying off several yards as she goes along with the hand, but eventually frees herself from the momentum of its hand before bracing the gunaxe over her shoulder again. "This next one's... Going in your head!"      Shaking off the dizziness and spitting out what she can only hope was a tooth, Sanary charges right back at the Titan and... Goes for the shoulder again!      So what if she called a headshot before? It's not like she's trying to fight honorably here or anything. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         Meanwhile, in the Mana Nexus... Ryxinel is still following the same circuit, leaving a path of pried open panels and loose wiring in his wake. By now he was certain he was on the right track. If anything about That Night a week ago told him, it told him Yunomi was working on something. Something important, and something she had to step away from for something far, far more important, "Almost there... Please almost there.." a nod is given to the pair of Kodama, "I know.. if anything were to come through now, we are done for... lets finish it, Mi, Yu. For everyone here.     Sidonia continues to slice and strafe through the crowd. She was easily the most lithe, and speedy of the three siblings. Her dark color and swift movements allowed her to pass through the massive crowd with an uncanny ease. Allies of the Izzet may occasionally find their opponents simply dropping to the ground for, what would seem, no clear reason, only to see the azure dragoness dart by a moment later. Those that look close may see something not seen in years. Sidonia is actually smiling.     At the generators, Thianel continues to be an impossing presence that has yet to let anything slip by. Only the occasional nightwing or guildless grey has come close. Nightwings are swatted or blasted from the sky. Greys would find a tail swatting them back or a paw doing the same. During it all, the construct's internal radio is coordinating the weirds and the magewrights of the Izzet League. His vision, reaching over the heads of many, allows him to help coordinate the Izzet and Boros forces better than anyone else currently in the field...         As for Rhapsody... The white dragon hardly cares that the spike is taking up the dragonsfire sent Ijiwaru's way. She also doesn't care for his new appearence, her own ire blinding her to a truth that only Richard seems to understand. As the spike is thrust forward, the dragon rolls. A crimson line is traced in her white hide, though it's hardly deep, and she does -not- feel it. Instead, the guildmaster pulls up hard, rolls, and lets her wings send her screaming toward Ijiwaru once more, claws before her, only wanting to feel them bite into his flesh.. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Merlin's private concert comes at a good time - and while Yuna isn't normally a big fan of metal, there *are* songs she appreciates, and Merlin's happened upon one of them. The nature of his performance probably helps, instilling Yuna with fresh optimism and reinforcing her resolve. So when the Ijiwarobo (Magic Eater Titan, whatever) deploys its saw to try and attack El-Line's cockpit, Yuna completely and utterly fails to be panicked. She still has the Lightning Sword equipped, after all - and having seen that arm pop open, even briefly, she knows where the hinges are. Of course, she has to do her thing without dislodging Sanary from bounding around on the Titan's shoulder, and that's not as easy as it might look. Either way, the Lightning Sword comes up, a flash of light "reflecting" off its blade in a manner which ignores where other light might be coming from *to* reflect. And Yuna brings the blade up, not just to parry the saw, but to try and cut into the arm - ideally to disable the saw, at *least* to fend it off and start doing some actual damage to the machine. "I don't know who's piloting that machine," she calls out, "or where you're from ... but if you want to survive, this is the WRONG PLACE for you to stay as our enemy!!" 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang is caught off guard, her focus skyward as it is... that when someone goes to pick her up, she just uselessly flails for a moment, before yelling. "Hey, getoffame!" She fires her gauntlets to knock her captor off balance, then with a nimble twist, latches onto the Guildless, plants her feet, and SUPLEXES them in a reversal that would make the crowds go wild.     After that, she shifts her focus back to the immediate ground threat, using her speed and Semblance boosted strength to parry staves, swords and other attacks, and her Dust shells to counter spells thrown at her, punching them out of the air as she twirls, a dervish of burning Gold amidst the Red and Blue. 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva blinks as she's suddenly accompanied by the mousy little girl, and grins, "Hi Backup, I'M Neva.." Pause, "Did I just make a Dad Joke? Dangit..." She turns and utters, "New Turn: Untap, Upkeep, Draw..." She performs the actions in that order, untapping all her cards, before drawing another, and smiling, "Yes! Another land!" She drops the card down. It's a third mountain. Now with one island and her Signet around her neck, she grins, "ALRIGHT! Time to bring out a big gun!" She pulls a card from her hand, and in a sweeping motion taps ALL the land cards, using the one of the Mountains to draw into her Signet. "Please work please work please work..." She lays the card out and channels the Mana into it, the Signet amping ONE Red Mana and turning it into a Red and Blue, giving her effectively 5 mana pool at this point.     Her eyes sparking with power as she calls out to the sky, "One Red. One Blue. Three Colorless... I USE THIS MANA TO SUMMON..." The mana channels into the sky, brewing up into a silhouet that grows, and GROWS, AND GROWS.     "LEGENDARY ENCHANTMENT CREATURE - GOD!! KERANOS, GOD OF STORMS!!!"     And suddenly the form EXPLODES into being, made of starlight and lightning arcing around it. A monstrously huge being that towers above the city. https://deckbox.org/mtg/Keranos,%20God%20of%20Storms?printing=24552     Afterwards, Neva sucks in a breath, and states, "End Turn." 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     A crack? From all that firepower?     Staren grits his tough. This mecha is... well, a tough mecha to crack!     Well, that's why he has a lot more bullets and missiles.     For now, he keeps raining railgun fire down on the machine, trying to keep his aim steady on the crack.     Also, did Neva just summon a god? Wow! He knew those cards were a thing -- he has Journey to Nyx cards, himself -- but it's another to see it in action! 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Part of him is Izzet. Corona took some of what she learned while helping rebuild Thianel, and applied it to some of the other ideas she had with her own steampunk technology. You could say he was the best of both the worlds she's dedicated to defending now. A fox ear twitchs as a familir young voice joins the group. When Corona glances in the direction near Neva and sees the girl's new armorment, she smirks a bit in spite of the serious atmosphere. Another young one off the streets and given a purpose, as it should be. Maya's shout brings her back to the here and now though. "On it!" With one gloved hand Corona pulls a couple of devices out of her inventory. With the other hand, she yanks her trademark hammer from her belt, though keeps it at it's normal 'tool' size for the moment. The devices are dropped to the ground, and Corona smacks each one with her hammer, driving it a bit into the ground so the anchor prongs catch. From their they unfold, ratcheting struts and panels upward to form a set of barricades in front of the generators. Anything to keep potential fire away from the Generators, as temporary as it may be. A point well proven when a tossed goblin slams into one, leaving a goblin-shaped imprint when he slides off. Corona groans something like "I just built that!" and kicks the goblin out of the way. Hopalong, for his part, keeps playing defender at crowd control. The idea is to keep said crowd back and away from the generators? We can do that. The construct proves to be more than just the jumping and ramming one might expect of a jackalope, if they know what a jackalope is, when he thumps a foot on the ground. It makes a sound almost like kicking the throttle pedal to rev a motor. He thumps again and again, picking up the pace each time as the revving turns into a grinding and churning of a generator kicking on instead. It proves apt as a few small sparks sizzle along his wire whiskers. Then large ones up between his antlers doing a nice impression of a Jacob's ladder... And then the discharge of current *KRAKATHOOMS* from his horns and into the crowd. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' The nightwings would attempt to latch on to the helicopters themselves. Attempt to, being the primary word. Every man in those helicopters, from the infantry, to the crew chiefs, to the pilots, had dealt with similar situations before. It was why the door gunners themselves were latched tightly in place to the helicopter; why the guns on either side could traverse straight up and down 90 degrees. They sweeped that way now, clearing their sides as the infantry inside gripped hand holds and pressed pistols and carbines down for skin to skin contact, turning the dark green bodies of the helicopters red with gore. The music helped. Helped quite a bit. Some people were confused in those helicopters, but they could see Stadler wasn't, and that was enough. Finally, the helicopters reach those rooftops, setting their wheels down, as Stadler dashes out of one, slamming a boot down on one of the nightwings still holding on, jamming a trench spike through it's skull, before his off hand rapidly pulls the trigger on his Hi-Power. "Positions! Hold this position! /Nothing gets past this line!"/ He calls out, hands going to his rifle. again. The helicopters weren't going anywhere now. Escape with this much crap flying around would be difficult at best; they would be better as metal sheds with machine guns attached, the door gunners still firing up from their positions as the infantry set up their defense. And then, Rick got a good luck at Ijiwaru. On who he was. Who he really was. And he could feel his blood boil. That self-entitled mother fucker. That royalty that would have had Yunomi as a submissive princess than who she really was. The person that killed her finally had a face. A homeland. Something Rick could... /hurt/. "Radio! And a goddamn Barett!" He yelled to the furious winds on that rooftop, and someone decided to obey, slapping a radio in his hands even as an anti-material sniper rifle is set up on it's bipod. "Hammer Flight, X-Ray 6-1. Go to readiness. Priority alpha tasking. Coordinates to follow." Hand set held back, he's down on that rifle, jamming the butt aganist his shoulder, sighting, and firing. Once. Again. Again. Sending fifty caliber rounds any time Rhapsody's far enough away from that big bastard he can get a clean shot. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' Rebound can't technically fly, she can just fall with style. But she doesn't fall, as the Nightwings grab hold of her and then try to strike at her with their tails. She ducks the first strike, and then grabs the second tail that comes in, holding onto it tightly as she struggles to keep it from pulling away, "No touchy!" She yanks the tail upwards as the first trikes again, pulling the second tail in the way of the first so the nightwing will strike it's partner. Then she grabs both of them, wrenching herself out of their grasp and grabbing the two tails, "NIGHTWING CHUCKS, HOOOOO!" She lets gravity do it's thing as it pulls her and her two nightwing captives down towards the gaggle of grumpy guildless below her, as she goes to slam the two creatures into the crowd and make a nice crater. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     YOUR WARDS WON'T SAVE YOU NOW!     A brown-cloaked Guildless comes up behind Maya. He has a morning star. He has plans to make Maya see stars. He growls, he gives a howl, and he /swings/.     Sanaray's unhonorable shot at the mech's shoulder is rewarded with 'I came, I saw' -- and the saw that was parried by El-Line comes up to try and slice at Sanary! -- and this is One Big Sawblade.     Rhapsody is taking up the majority of Ijiwaru's attention, staying in close range of the Guildmaster. He watches with a sick sense of accomplishment as that line of red traces down the snow white skin. "I wonder, Guildmaster, if I had agreed to take your head for my client, how much would I have made? Though I will admit -- at the FULL size it is intimidating. Now, you would make a handy paperweight." he smirks, and he nimbly side-steps the blow. An angry opponant is an unworthy opponant, keep Rhapsody from focusing and he still might win the day! TWith the Titan's blades going after Sanary, there's no chance for it to stop Yuna's attack on its blade! The sawblade goes FLYING, embedding itself halfway into a building as the machine howls with anger, and turns back to Yuna's El-Line, and attempts to kick it off its own feet! GRR!     Yang's pot-shots pay off, and the guildless grabbing her grunts, releasing her as he tilts over, arms flailing as he goes up, up, over -- and is SMASHED into the pavement behind Yang. AND THE CROWDS GO WILD!     Well, at least the mousy girl up with NEva does! "YES! GO IZZET! Woo..ooo..oh my what is that?" she inquires, and she watches as Neva taps the cards, turning them as her eyes rise to the heavens, which begin to churn, the smokey haze from the buildings and teslacoil towers that a monster of a god comes into being -- and Backup covers her lips. Oh. My.     That's not everything. THe ground beneath the Titan is now full of holes, cracked, weakened. IT cracks more beneath the weight of it as Staren keeps raining down firepower around the titan!     RRRIIIiiiii...splat. The Nightwing is smooshed by boot, stabbed by spike, and Ijiwaru's home might have its goose cooked -- but he's never too far from Rhapsody, tangled with her in a dance of death.     AND REBOUND HAS NIGHTWING CHUCKS MOTHA LOVER. There might be no touchy, but there is also 'no crashy', until she slams the two down into the ground indeed, making a crater.     THe ground beneath the Generators begins to crack and crumble beneath Thaniel. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Through the crowds, Sidonia continues to move. At a rather abrupt point, the blue dragon turns toward the Nexus. Something has her attention, what, she isn't even sure, but she has a strong desire to -get back-.     Thianel sends a command back to Nivix. In an instant, the area around the Spires would hear a sonic boom, then a second, as two streaks of red explode out of a floor near the center of Nivix. A pair of Hypersonic Dragons come roaring through the sky, slowing enough as they near the battle that the breach of the sound barrier is heard as they start to engage. One of them swoops low, scooping up Sidonia as she directs it toward the Nexus. The second, however, surges down, landing beside Neva Fernandez! It stoops down, lowers a wing, then makes a motion for the planeswalker to hop on. If and when she does? It would go soaring into the air around Keranos, allowing the planeswalker to communicate with her summon as well as sling her spells from a far safer vantage point. Thianel, satisfied by this, hears something, then glances down. "..?" Cracks? The generators are -right- there... "UNDERGROUND! SOMEONE SCAN BELOW US NOW!"     Rhapsody crashes for a landing, but scraping claws and a thrashing tail keep her from stumbling fully before her opponent. Another short roar is barked at the man, but then a shot rings out... another... another. The dragon's ire turns upward, thinking she's being fired on. When she spots Richard aiming, and firing, at Ijiwaru instead, something changes. She remembers. There are more than her that hurt, that hate, that seek Ijiwaru's head. When she turns back to Ijiwaru, it is in a mental state he probably did not want her to be in. "Oh... Ijiwaru..." she croons -frigidly-, "You have chosen... poorly..." Another SONIC BOOM rings out, a red blur surges by, and Sidonia drops from above, daggers before her.     "We fight as -one-." 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang cuts into the crowd of Guildless, elbows, fists, knees and feet lashing out with inhuman speed.     She's taking hits, even while parrying more. The number is just too much for her to keep everyone out of combat range... but that's what she's counting on. Each strike builds her Semblance. Each parry draws her anger out, and her hair begins to glow golden.     And then she unleashes the dragon, slamming fists together and sending a blast of kinetic force out around to knock the Guildless back. She shifts, and starts moving even faster, smacking heavier opponents with the full range of her punch, smaller goblins and other creatures getting punted clean out of range and into obstacles. 

:'''{{#var:639|Merlin (639)}} has posed:'''     The music continues, a whole retinue of metal to drive burning passions further - this time songs dedicated, and slightly rewritten, to the fallen. To Yunomi.             They came without warning             They destroyed our heart's guard             The end will still be upon us             But we'll stand and fight hard             The threat of death             The threat of death             We shall have no fear             The threat of death             The threat of death             The time, the hour is here             For her brave memory we fight             We'll sacrifice our lives for her             And resist with all our might             Paladins, Paladins             Together we raise our swords             Paladins, Paladins             Lightning, steel and more     It's a reminder of why everyone is fighting, and what they've already lost and might even further risk. A war ballad, in the end - but one to stir the fires of the souls of those in battle. Once the singing goes, Merlin watches - and then his eyes narrow at the cracking ground.     Does he have time to step in and begin a spell for strengthening the land? At this point, he's not sure - even Merlin can only do so many things at once.     He'll entrust it to the others, the wizard decides. It isn't for him to do everything...and their battle is still in doubt. Merlin simply focuses, redoubling his efforts and his bassline; those below must hold - while those above call the victory. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Thianel isn't the only one to notice the cracking near the generators. The splits in pavement rings in Corona's ears. Less painfully than the explosion did, this is just pinging off her resonate hearing something hard. By the time the magitech dragon is shouting over the radio Corona has already snapped open her C-Pad analyzer and started sweeping its scanners over the ground. Thank the stars her modifications to withstand the intensity of mana around the Nexus are working and the thing isn't frying. "Hopalong, get back here. Ah might need ya..." Corona doesn't know -whats- down there just yet, but if it's big enough to be digging and making cracks beneath them, she might need whatever help the construct has. Right now, only she knows what it could be. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Sanary digs that axe into the mech's shoulder as much as she can, landing on the shoulder itself and relying on brute force to try and disable it until she realizes that there's an excessively large saw blade coming at her. Even with her shields, she's not confident in her ability to deflect something of that size and /not/ lose a limb or two in the process.      Thankfully, the El-Line's there to deflect the blade, and once the intial shock of nearly getting cleaved in half by a giant robot's saw wears off, the healer flashes its pilot a broad grin. <<"Remind me to send you some tea later, Yuna!">> Sanary chimes in over the radio while drawing her axe out of the mech's shoulder and diverting some of her energy into the weapon itself. The first two chops didn't quite do it, but with what she's heard from Yuna and Bahamut? She's got a good feeling about this plan as the weapon begins to glow a light blue, icy air surrounding the blade with the activation of Freeze shell inside.      She might actually be trying to use something she learned in a science class finally. That, and dramatic shouting as the healer bellows out a mighty war cry, throwing all of her (and her armor and shields') weight into one more mighty blow against the Steel Titan's shoulder. Afterwards, she starts dragging it forcefully against (or through) whatever parts of the shoulder she's already found purchase in. Sanary's trying to both bust the Steel Titan's joint up more /and/ cool it rapidly before throwing herself onto the El Line with a heavy thunk, apparently taking the Flare part of Bahamut's Mega Flare literally! 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' With COrona going hod wild with her new invention she's moving to do what she can do but then one very smart Guidless is able to sneak up on Maya with the intent to take her down. The one thing he doesn't do that is smart? Is let out a war cry. This gives Maya enough time to shift and twist out ofthe way of taking a direct hit. She's still clippled and she is hur but it's not as bad as it could have been. She's got another card out and launches a section of the ground right at the cloaked attacker. "Not today, you made a mistake in joining this attack!" 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler's forces finally array on the rooftops. There's an Anti-air detachment, two people in each squad, adding their own fire to the helicopter's guns, working back the night wings as they fly toward them. The rest of Rick's people focuse on the advancing robot and mob; a pair of Javelin anti-tank missles streak out from the positions as the chatter of aimed rifle fire seek to enforce a line which, to cross, would mean death. And that still wasn't all Rick could do. He'd taken some damage; a nightwing ripping and tearing and a 22-year-old PFC's arm, another smashing and pulverizing ceramic plate before a magnum blew it off the soldier, but nothing was going to stop him from completeing this. Nothing. He silently looked through that scope, not adding his own fire to the mix, mouth pressed into a tight line, waiting for Rhapsody to get some distance from the man. Waiting. Before snapping his fingers for the radio. "Hammer Flight, X-Ray 6-1. Hold on runaway. Do not commit until go order is given." 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva goes wide eyed as suddenly HYPERSONIC DRAGON! EEE--Nope, no squealing. Time to focus. Focus on cards. She does gleefully grin and climb onto the dragon, but before she does she looks to Backup, and beckons to her, "Hey Backup! Hop on board!" She grins, and waits for Backup to hop on, pointedly insisting that the dragon waits for the second passenger.     ONCE aboard and soaring through she sky, Neva gleefully calls out, "THIS! IS AWESOME!!! AAAAAAAA!" She shakes her head and looks to the God she summoned, "KERANOS, GOD OF STORMS! I realize that conflicts such as these are beneath your notice and concern, but I beseech you to aid us in this battle!"     The God just sort of peers grumpily at the Planeswalker, seeming mildly annoyed at being dragged from his home plane somehow, before saying, in a booming voice, "IF GRANTING THEE AID WOULD RETURN ME TO THEROS SWIFTLY, MORTAL, THEN MY AID IS GRANTED."     Neva grins and turns to focus, untapping and then drawing a card and revealing it. "Sulfur Falls. Awesome. Having revealed a Land Card with Keranos in play, I draw another card" She draws another card, having revealed the Land card, and then places the Sulfer Falls into play.     In Ravnica down below, just beneath Keranos, the image of a mountain rises into the sky, waterfalls pouring into a cave full of thermal activity. Neva then taps the Sulfur Falls, as well as the remaining lands, channeling one of the mountains into her signet once more to amp up.     "Three Red. Three Colorless. I use this mana to cast... MIZZIUM MORTARS! ON OVERLOAD!!!"     She taps throws the card in her hand onto the board, and the magic channels. From the ground down in Ravnica, something explosive is stirring, as Mizzium Morters upon Mizzium Morters burst from the ground, and then FIRE upon EACH CREATURE that Neva doesn't control. She hopes that this means her allies will not directly get hit, but... It IS Mizzium Mortars. https://deckbox.org/mtg/Mizzium%20Mortars 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' There goes the sawblade, and not an instant too soon; Yuna pays just enough attention to where the saw is flying to be reasonably content that it's not going to hurt any of her allies. Merlin's still singing, too, and that continues to reinforce Yuna's willpower - and while it's not going to directly strengthen El-Line, anything that keeps Yuna going will help the Matrix Figure as well. She tries to stay in close with the Ijiwarobo - slicing at its now-sawless arm, trying to inflict what damage she can while Sanary's laying into the hostile machine's shoulder. Then Sanary finishes ice-cleaving, scrambling to El-Line's shoulder ... *RIGHT* as the Ijiwarobo plants its foot in El-Line's 'belly' and sends the Matrix Figure hurtling backwards! A strangled yelp escapes Yuna's throat as she's jostled around in her cockpit, but she's less concerned with *her* well-being and more concerned with making sure Sanary doesn't plummet off El-Line's shoulder. Still, the shove sort of helped - Yuna flutters El-Line's thrusters to try and keep her mecha from landing flat on its back, legs flailing as Yuna attempts to plant the Matrix Figure's feet on relatively solid ground for better braking. And the Lightning Sword got dropped in the middle of that. She might have lost Shugoseiheki, too, but the kite shield remains strapped to El-Line's arm. The Matrix Figure does have other weapons, so recovering the sword isn't a *huge* worry - and for the time being, as soon as Yuna regains control, she just points the mecha's now-empty right hand at the Ijiwarobo, golden light flaring and crackling around its palm. "LIGHTNING SHOOOOT!!!" she yells ... and while the resultant blast is more concussive than electrical in nature, the beam of force lashes out at the Ijiwarobo with enough force to at least *look* like a bolt of lightning. ... That would probably have been more impressive if El-Line hadn't basically landed on its butt. Yuna's got bigger worries than her (mecha's) dignity. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut growls to himself as he notices Rhapsody charging in against Ijiwaru. He trusts that her fury will keep her going for now, but Ijiwaru is dangerous, and a magic eater to boot. He has to trust that Rhapsody and Sidonia have things handled on the ground.      It is not easy for him. He is a guardian. A front line fighter. Leaving those he cares about to take care of themselves is not his strong suit. But, Bahamut comes to a hover as the golden gyro on his back reaches its full speed. He stops right in front of that gigantic metal titan, then lets out a challenging roar that shakes the ground lightly. "If you are on or near the enemy construct, I suggest you change that." he growls over the radio before arcs of yellow-white energy flow from that spinning gyro to form up in front of his mouth. A growing orb of energy ranging in colors from purple to blue to white forms there in front of his open maw. Were he a typical dragon, most anyone would recognize a dragon about to use a breath attack. But, this dragonbreath is unlike most any other.      That orb grows to nearly the size of Bahamut. Then, finally fires. A beam at big around as Bahamut is tall lances out at the skyscraping construct. A blazing spear of white energy fringed with purples and blues punches through the sky, aiming to impact the construct right in the center of its chest. The power of the impact sends shockwaves across the area, followed by a steady gale of stormlike winds as the energy continues blasting away. Several seconds of unbridled, pure destruction try to punch straight through the Steel Titan's body, followed by an explosion that erupts outward and upward as the beam ends, joining the several others powerful attacks converging on the Steel Titan. Bahamut gave warning to all his allies before he fired. He trusts they are out of the blast area. If not...well, he will apologize later.      Bahamut hasn't faced much that can survive his Mega Flare, but he never counts his chocobos before they have hatched. Whether the construct is still standing or not, Bahamut immediately dives toward Ijiwaru and Rhapsody. "IJIWARUUUUUU!" he bellows as he dives, several hundred pounds of steely dragon fury aimed for the head magic eater, urged on by the war ballad and his desire to save everyone he can. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' The crater that Rebound vanished inside of stirs a little bit as she climbs out of it. That plan was not her most well thought out activity. But still, she took out the two nightwings, along with the one she took out first, plus however many guildless she took out in the first place. She grabs one of the guildless that's still standing by the collar and punches him in the face with the Impact Driver, letting him slump out of her hand, "OKAY!" She calls out, "You want some, come get some!" She doesn't even care who engages her at this point, she's just having way too much fun punching attackers with everything she can muster. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Cracks, hypersonic dragons, the roars and chaos of of Mizzium cascading around them. The guildless cry out. Some flee back to the hole in the streetside. The Nightwings fall from the sky as they're shot, or turned to ash. The world seems to be going crazy for the figures around them as the Steel Titan, AKA Ijiwarobo's arm freezing, breaking -- and then exploding off its shoulder. The machine gives a howl of rage among the fire, turning, toppling backwards -- and through a new hole in the street, threateningly close to the generators and Thianel.     Ijiwaru is busy focusing his energy on the attacking dragons, bringing the spike up to try and threaten RHapsody -- only to be clobbered by Sidonia from above! One of the daggers rip through his armor, digging into his shoulder and side as he yowls with pain.     ...a nd it crosses his mind, he may never see Miki or Koemi. The thought freezes him in place for as plit second, th ethought of his family -- with all those spiders still out there, waiting.     ... but he had to uphold his end of the deal, and pray that /SHE/ upholds /HERS/.     So the magic eater turns as Sidonia lands, growling in frustration and trying to peirce the dark dragoness through the chest when the roar bellows above him.     ANd Ijiwaru focuses.     He breathes out.     And as Bahamut dives, Ijiwaru's Shockwave ability activates, the ground rumbling, loose street rattling against itself, bits and pieces falling into potholes, sink holes, holes opened like gaping maws in the Izzet Sector, deepening those cracks at the generators as he tries to shield himself -- and the two dragonesses by proximity -- from Bahamut's attack with a blast of concussive force! 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' The biggest problem with bringing a giant robot to a battle like this one is that giant robots also tend to be very heavy. Yuna hadn't been worrying too much about that ... but Elner is paying more attention to the state of the ground below than Yuna has, and with the increasing amounts of damage to not just the pavement but the infrastructure beneath it, Elner finally gives Yuna the belated warning that El-Line needs to be in the air, *not* standing or sitting on an increasingly-fragile surface. Yuna takes barely long enough to warn Sanary of their incipient flight before El-Line rocks forward, a burst of the thrusters helping propel the Matrix Figure back to its feet, for a start. The sleekly armored mecha reaches down just long enough to scoop up the Lightning Sword, and then El-Line is fully airborne, allowing the sword to dematerialize. There may not be much Yuna can do to reverse the damage to the ground around the Nexus, or to prevent much more of it ... but at the very least, she can make sure she's not making things any worse. For now, Yuna begins firing off additional Lightning Shoot blasts, trying to thin out any remaining Nightwings. Stadler's helicopters can probably use the assistance, and some of her allies might need the help as well. Plus, while Yuna's in the air, El-Line can monitor the fallen Ijiwarobo and make sure it's actually *out* of the fight ... Plus it's a chance for Yuna to wonder about, and Elner to analyze, that staticky message of just a moment prior. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     And everyone goes -flying-. Rhapsody had every intention of moving away from Ijiwaru, but the concussive blast catches her off guard, sending her sailing upward, and over onto her back, likely to come down with a -crash- onto the pavement below, letting out a roaring wail that hints at just how much that hurt, and how often she's ever landed on her back with her wings free. (NEVER).     Sidonia is thrown just as far. it's hard to tell just how well Ijiwaru's thrust struck the Guildmaster's sister. When she comes down, the spike isn't in her chest, but it is clear through her shoulder. When she does land, she doesn't call out in pain, she wouldn't give the man the satisfaction. She just curls, shivering, holding in the cry of pain that every fiber of her being wanted to scream to the heavens.     Thianel, near the generators, is panicing. Everything is falling apart and he can't do -anything- about it. Desperate, the dragon-engine takes to the air, calling out for one last ditch effort. A flurry of Petrahydrox weirds, made of air and earth, come at his call and soar into the underground to try and patch up the holes, and the instability as best they can... he hopes it isn't in vain.     Within the Nexus, Ryxinel is a flurry of activity. The panic of everyone outside is infectious, and the single son of Niv-Mizzet is working as fast, and as hard, and as rapidly as is safely possible, "This isn't happening, please, please STOP YOU DAMN THING!"     From her impact in the street, Rhapsody heaves a ragged breath, through the pain in her back and wings, and transmits to Richard, "Weapons.. Free.. Stadler... 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Landing on the El-line was a feat in and of itself, but Sanary's more than ready to let Yuna handle the deft maneuvering for the time being while she gets her bearings straight. At Yuna's warning, she straps the axe onto her back again just in time to practically latch onto the El-line so as to not slide off of it during the rapid ascent!      The healer's magic is still flowing freely, at least, as she tries not to think too hard about whether she's linking herself to Yuna or the robot in order to give her (or them?) direct access to Sanary's magic reserves. It's only when she notices that there's still Nightwings fluttering about that she sits up enough to start taking potshots at the fliers as well, firing off (fairly badly aimed) heat lasers at the Nightwings that explode on impact!      Or even in proximity, considering how hard it is to aim those lasers between being on something that's moving, something that's moving in the air, lacking depth perception, /and/ firing out of the same thing she's looking out of. If not for the explosive part of those lasers, it'd be a wonder if Sanary could hit anything at all! 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite curses under her breath. Things were still going south, fast. She leaves worrying about the strange sounds on the radio to other people, she's got a very big practical problem to fix. Though not necessarily by herself. "Maya, iffen ya got anything in those cards of yers that can fix the ground, I suggest ya use it! If those generators go, we're all gonna be kissin' mushroom clouds." That said, Corona motions to her partner. "Ah think it's time we showed em what else ya can do, Hopalong." The construct makes an agreeing click-click, and jumps into her hands. Or more accurately, jumps so Corona can take the jackalope by the horns. Save when she does so, the rest of the constructs body reconfigures so those antlers become a pair of handles. Limbs fold up against his body, then the back end of the jackalope extends to the sides to reveal an opening that allows a rather a rather large barrel to slide out. "Not quite what Ah designed this mode for... but INNOVATIN'!" When Corona fires the ja-cannon-lope it's not bullets, but a sort of reddish-grey gunk. The slag leftovers of the furnance that powers the construct. But as Corona sprays it into the cracks it starts to cool and harden, hopefully helping the weirds in fusing and reinforcing the ground back together. 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Neva grins as she watches her havoc rain down on the world, and cackles, "MWAHAHAHA! SUCCESS!!" She then turns and calls out, "Turn 7! Untap! Upkeep! Draw!" She untaps everything and proceeds to make with the drawing, and grins at her prize, "Ooooo!" She reveals it as a Lightning Bolt card. "KERANOS!" She points at Ijiwaru. "LIGHT HIM UP!"     The Storm God just sort of hovers there, hrrrming in annoyance, before reaching to the sky and drawing a bolt of lightnign out from nowhere, and proceeds to casually lob it at Ijiwaru.     Neva gleefully grins, and taps Sulfur Falls, the Island, and two Mountains, channeling the Blue mana of the mountain into her Signet to once again amp things up, and then puts down a card. "Two Red. Three Colorless. I use this mana to Enchant my target! CURSE OF BLOODLETTING!!" https://deckbox.org/mtg/Curse%20of%20Bloodletting     She kinda hopes that the enchantment takes, because she next puts taps the last Red, "One Red. I CAST LIGHTNING BOLT AT IJIWARU!" And out from the sky drops another bolt of lightning, targetting the bastard. If the Curse of Bloodletting does indeed take? Double Damage. https://deckbox.org/mtg/Lightning%20Bolt 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      The great construct falls through a gigantic hole, and Bahamut follows it with his beam.      Tunnel vision is a terrible thing. Before he realizes it, his beam is focused on Ijiwaru. He would not have targeted Ijiwaru with Mega-Flare consciously. Ijiwaru was both in the middle of the melee and in the middle of the two sisters. When the energy blast encounters the concussive force, the beam starts exploding before actually reaching Ijiwaru. It is sure to shake the area powerfully, and waves of energy radiate outward from the clash point, but as the beam dies out and the resulting explosion clears, Bahamut realizes where his aim ended....and even beneath that gunmetal grey dragonhide he seems to grow pale. "W-...what...?" he stammers as he dives down. Rhapsody? Sidonia? Are they okay? His sharp eyes pick up that...no, they are not. And even worse, Ijiwaru's counter might have actually saved them from Bahamut's own attack.      Now perhaps as angry at himself as at Ijiwaru, Bahmut breaks off from Ijiwaru to swoop down and cover Sidonia and Rhapsody. "...forgive me." he says to them. He then pulls out one of his trusty Al Bhed potions and uses it on the sisters. "Perhaps Stadler will have better aim." 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' With El-Line helping thin out the Nightwings, Stadler can give his helicopters orders. '27 percent structual integrity didn't sound like it was in any reasonable safety margin, and while he was seeing a job done... it didn't mean most of his people had to die to do it. "Blackhawks in ready positions. Combat elements will withdraw on orders!" He yells. Command elements wouldn't, though... and he was the only command element here. He had a job to do, after all. Maybe the last one. At least Rhapsody had done her part, however. THe helicopters, light of troops, now, hover off the buildings, lifting up, machine guns still chattering at the remaining night wings that would dare get close to the agile things. Rick's men kept firing two, driving back the mob that still remained. Or... most of them did. There were two in each squad that were setting up the tubes, the brace plates, the stands, the ammunition, and, when Rhapsody /finally/ gets clear... it was a matter of timing. Shells placed in the tubes, one by one, thumping up... then coming down. First slaming around the robot, then closer as the infantry in front hoarsely called out corrections. And Stadler still stood. Still watched. Felt the way the mortars were going... And, when he /knew/ the next ones would converge right on Ijiwaru, he pulls the trigger of the M121, the recoil of the round nearly breaking his shoulder, as he fires again and again. He wasn't aiming for the head this time. He said he would make it quick. But seeing who it really was put a kibosh to that plan. Of the heavy rounds he fired, he aimed for the ribs. Lungs. Stomach. The ones that wouldn't kill right away. The ones that would leave him time to know it was coming. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Deep inside the Nexus itself, Mi was breathing hard. The controls were far too large for the small Kodama to move on her own -- so vines had been called up. This far from the Singing Garden, though, it was difficult to call them, and Mi was wincing, turning controls as she moves through the short tunnels and access points, as fast as her tiny legs will let her, and when she hits the control, she looks up, and whispers "Please let this work."     And as she plants one foot down, vines growing from the organic lining of the Mana Nexus, they wrap around a lever, and pull.     There's the exact opposite of the what the Mana Nexus does on power up -- there is a sudden flood of mana into the atmosphere. Where as during power up, everyone may feel their belly buttons being pulled in -- this is a warm feeling. A feeling like being wrapped in an electric blanket. A feeling like warm chicken soup if you're sick, mixed with the sudden feeling of blood flow returning to an extremity.     This was the Mana Nexus's heart beating.     A loud THUMP-THOMP! echoes around, and the brilliant cloud of mana above the Nexus disperses all the local weather -- mortar and natural alike -- revealing a sea of stars above in a perfect, crystal clear sky.     And then the echoing halo of mana from above Nivix, where a machine was still in operation, calling, sending out the message of its Guildmaster. And in a brilliant red and blue circle, the super-charged machine glows brilliantly! 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THe Window, However, is still torn in the atmosphere -- and growing, ever. So. Slowly. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' As much fun as she's having beating the crap out of the guildless and the occasional Magic Eater, it seems that issues have arisen that may require Rebound's special skill set. She finishes roundhouse kicking one last guy in the back of his head, and then leaps off, bounding several times through the battlefield towards where the window to another world is. Landing hard, she rushes inside, looking up at the still ever expanding window, "I take it shutting this thing down didn't work, huh?!" She calls out to the dragon sibling working on it, "Just do what you can, I'll take care of whatever comes through that portal!" 

:'''{{#var:639|Merlin (639)}} has posed:'''     Sometimes you're frankly enjoying yourself, and then something strange happens. Listening to the others, and learning of the Window's strange effects...and wondering just where that window goes, Merlin makes a new decision. The music for the warriors comes to a crescendo, building in intensity just as the heartbeats and the great glorious sign in the sky do as well. He turns and descends back to the location of the portal, glad to see Rebound and the others.     With magic senses aglow, Merlin settles his staff upright, and closes his eyes. He's reaching out to the portal, to /feel/ it and become part of it. Not to cross the threshold, but to be one with it - and perhaps learn enough of just what is controlling it from the other side. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     You wanna know what also gets supercharged the more mana is around them?     That's right.     Magic Eaters.     The Guidlless are fleeing, no longer enraptured by the magic eater's cause and promises of freedom from the guilds. Others are freezing in place. Others lay burned, injured, or crushed.     The magic eaters though... they don't seem too worse for wear.     ... even Ijiwaru. HIs armor's taken some of the blow... but he's in relatively bad shape, physically. He stumbles, bleeding, but he produces another long spike, spinning it over his wrist as he rises from each blow against him, and he takes a deep breath, reaching into his deep reserves of anger, of pain, of focus -- he has a wife to return to. He has a little girl whose world will be free from this blood feud now... he can't fail.     Not like this. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     On her back, gazing up at the open void, at the open sky, at the Twin Guardian Stars... something becomes crystal clear. By now, Rhapsody has even reverted to the form all know her under. Her gaze is -locked- on everything above, but most of all, the Transmission That Never Stopped. "I still forgive you... I will -never stop- forgiving you."         "Come back to me.." 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya sees teh cracks she hears the warning and she's just manaqge to not get turned into street pizza either. She's just been lucky enough to drop her attacker or at least get enough breathing space to attempt to do what she is going to do. "I have an idea Corona! COVER ME!" Maya pulls two fate cards out one blue and one green she focuses as a huge amount of blue fire leeches out of her body. The flames dance about her and Maya starts to mutter somrthing. "Lord of Earth and Stone...heed my call your aid is needed once more." Maya seems to fade from view and a huge hulking figure take shape seemingly from the ground of the city, a hulking barely humanoid figure with a signel yellow gem for an eney. It growls sounding like two slabs of rock griding on eachother but it understand Maya's intent very well and moves to start using it's domain of the earth and it's powers there in to try and seal up the cracks. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     All Merlin would see, through all his vision, is a rose. He would know it the moment he saw it.     Up above in the cleared sky, there is a shooting star, coming down to the surface of Ravnica, sweeping along the city streets in a brilliant azure and scarlet light, until a figure stands near the bank of generators, clad in Izzet colors, a dark blue hood pulled over their head.     Send out the signal -- and I'll fly low.     IF it means the death of me, I won't let go.     And if I'm lost in the world's shadow -- I'll use the light that comes to me from your halo.     The figure stands, shining brass against her gauntlets and boots, goggles hanging around her neck, and red and blue bangs kicking up in the breeze, a smile forming on crimson lips, in Thianel's shadow one moment, and then on the move the next. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     A sight so well known, a sound so well heard, the Guildmaster slowly rises to her feet, glaring across the distance at Ijiwaru as he slowly climbs the same way. "Ijiwaru. You -failed-. SHE MADE THE WORLD STOP!" 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' At this point Corona doesn't need her scanner, she can feel her fur stand on end as the massive amount of mana is ejected into the night sky, conveniently clearing it. Shit is going down near the portal. Between the weirds, her improvising, and Maya's earth summoning, they have the generators about as restabalized as they can get. Just in time for the real event to start, it would seem. "Ah knew that girl was gonna do the impossible, but not like that! " As appropriate she rest her construct-weapon at her side with one arm, using the other hand to yank her hat off and wave it. "Yee hah!" Take that and stuff it in your pipe to smoke, Idjiwara. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang doesn't chase the Guildless. Most of them were just dissalusioned and scared... but as the Magic Eaters rally, Yang stamps her right foot down, and slams her fists together again. She lets loose a roar of challenge as her eyes flip red, and her hair begins to billow as if underwater.     And then Yunomi comes back.     "Y--Yunomi!" she grins ferally, then flips her radio on. "Suck it Ijiwaru! You're done! You can't hold us down. You've got NOTHING that'll stop us!" she says, then with the report of Ember Celica, she falls on the Magic Eaters, aiming to main, destroy weapons and disable, renewed.     She still can't quite reach the rest of her Semblance, held tantalizingly out of reach, but a sense of calm tempers her fury, her strikes not wild flailing hammers, but like the precision strikes of a master with the staff, seeking out weaknesses in armour instead of trying to punch through the heaviest plates with raw strength. 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Meanwhile, perched on her Hypersonic dragon, Neva is hard at work with her hand, drawing another card, "Turn 9: Untap, Upkeep, Draw!" She goes through those motions and revealse Call to Mind, a Sorcery, which she proceeds to direct Keranos at Lightning Bolting at Ijiwaru! She then proceeds to throw another Runechanter's Pike onto the table, and attaches it to the Spellheart Chimera, tapping the Sulfur Falls, an Island and two Mountains. "There we go, X is Equal to 2. 6 Effective Power on the Spellheart Chimera." Then she taps two more Mountains to summon a Satyr Firedancer, which is now on Summoning Sickness.     She then points to the Chimera, "Go, Spellheart Chimera, slice up all who oppose us!" The beast, now armed with two Pikes, goes and proceeds to slice and dice any enemies who remain, trampling and flying over them!     She pauses and glances to her Permanents, "Keranos is now a Creature! KERANOS! Please destroy the enemies of this land, the Magic Eaters!" The God in the meantime rolls his eyes and charges up lightning and blasts out the bigger Magic Eaters with Gusto.     Then the heart beats. The pulses. The voice. At first Neva panicked, thinking the heartbeat could have been from the Eldrazi, but once the voice came out clearly, and the figure emerged, Neva went from relieved to Happy.     "YUNOMI!!!" 

:'''{{#var:639|Merlin (639)}} has posed:'''     It doesn't take long for Merlin to recognize things - and for him to point, and lead if she desires, the way for the newly revived Guardian to Rhapsody and her father - as well as the others.     And it is here that Merlin will see Rhapsody's own battle turned fierce against Ijiwaru, the two of them locked into brutal struggle as only they can. There is little the Wizard of Dun Realtai can accomplish himself...but still, more needs to be done. The magic-eating powers of Ijiwaru call for a different answer, and while it might best come about from Stadler's troops...he is not yet in command of himself, nor able to provide the perfect tool.     And so a woman steps forward, nondescript...mostly forgettable...white-haired, and once Boros guild. She draws from her scabbard a blade, a familiar one to Rhapsody, who's seen it before - and one that Merlin knows will be crucial.     The Sparkblade, a creation of Ravnica that's seen better days, still uses no mana. There is nothing for Ijiwaru to eat...but steel. "GUILDMASTER!" The booming cry from Skara echoes across the battlefield. And Skara launches it, thrown end over end in an arc that will terminate in Rhapsody's own fist. "END IT!"     Boy, it's a shame Merlin himself is missing this. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' It's not the first time that a miracle has saved one of Yuna's friends ... and with Yunomi's return, impossible though it would have seemed, Yuna no longer has any need to avenge her. That doesn't get Ijiwaru *entirely* off the hook - he's still caused no end of trouble, is directly responsible for Sakiaro's death, and remains committed (so far as Yuna knows) to killing Yunomi until it sticks. Shugoseiheki vanishes from El-Line's arm in a crackling flare of light, and the Matrix Figure's rifle, the Lightron, is brought to bear. The remaining Nightwings are a little too sparsely spread out (and too close to Yuna's allies) for her to keep using the normal Lightning Shoot; the Lightron allows more precise aim, although she can't fire as frequently. At the moment, though, the Lightron is pointed down at Ijiwaru. "It ends here," Yuna's voice reverberates from El-Line's external speakers. "I don't know if there's anyone who would come to avenge you if we kill you here and now, but you 'killed' Yunomi ... and it *DIDN'T TAKE*, despite your best efforts. It's over. Give up, and run while you have legs to carry you ... and NEVER! COME! BACK!!" 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Ijiwaru looks at that form. Cloaked in colors he's grown to despise.     ~The Deal is moot, Takeshi. We are withdrawing our support.~ comes a tickle from the back of his mind.     Ijiwaru turns, and he calls out: "RETREAT!" he howls, and he turns, hatred glowing in his eyes as he limps towards Rhapsody.     The magic eaters, in their flight, fill the air with rounds, aiming at ANything That Is Not Them. And Ijiwaru turns to the white dragon. He snarls, and he charges her, bringing the spike up.     "I will at least break her heart!" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     And in a flash, the Sparkblade is held by Rhapsody, the Izzet Guildmaster. With it in hand, the dragon stares into it, seeing only her own reflection cast back by the Mizzium reflection. The blade is turned, her eyes glaring daggers past the two handed blade before she simply -charges- forward, both hands to the hilt. The blade is pulled back and is then thrust forward with all the strength of her true form, despite the current one. If it finds Ijiwaru, she would -twist- the handle. Not to make the wound worse, but to discharge -all- of the electricity within the blade. No magic. The blade was created with the Magic Eaters in mind, and the electricity is entirely discharged from a battery built within the blade.         "No, you won't." 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' The mortars came down again, and again, 1 every 2 to 3 seconds slamming to the ground around the robot itself, aganist Ijiwaru, as he fired again, and again, round after around meant to slam through metal and engine blocks sent toward the source of Rick's emptiness. He didn't know about Ijiwaru's family. But at that moment, he didn't care. They had left him with nothing, and if what he needed to do created another widow, another orphan pinning for a father, he'd do it. The emptyness of the gun comes as a suprise, when it shouldn't be, snarling as slapping the clip release, reaching for a fresh one, before the words on the local band came through. And he stopped. Stopped, because of what that horrible, idiotic dragon was doing. Was calling out to only one person past that portal, who couldn't be there. Couldn't be alive, his rational mind told him, but whose heart teared and rended from bonds designed to contain it. Miracles were just that. Rare. And certainly not something you got more than once. Rhapsody didn't know what he did; that she had already come back once. TO hope for the same... it would destroy someone. Why couldn't she see that? Yet even as he thought that, he saw the Star come down from the heavens smacking into the ground from the generators, and the form emerging from the glow. And still, he couldn't beleive it. Couldn't let himself beleive it. An illusion meant to distract them... Worse. A spirit here to aid them once and scatter to the aether after. If it was anything like that, he knew that would be it. That he would go home to a gun that only needed one bullet. And then, Ijiwaru advanced bringing up his spear, and the triained hind brain took action. Slamming the clip home, ratcheting another round it, fear and sworrow and joy he dare not let himself touch swept away into a single, colasced objective. "You're not taking any more." He says, flicked over to the broad band, as he brings the crosshairs up, and fires a single round, aiming through the throat, toward the back of the spine. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yunomi blinks in and out of being, flitting from place to place until she drops off, in the Control Room with Ryx. Her lips curl into a smile, and then she's gone, outside the control room, back to the pannel outside that she had abandoned to... tend to some items that required immediate attention.     The tanuki couldn't help with Ijiwaru. That was another life's pain. She had a job to do here, her eyes looking up, casting a gaze to the window above as the rapport of a rifle cracks in the air, and she exhales, and looks to her left arm, covered by her new, shiny gauntlets.     The Window stabilizes, and then shrinks to size. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' With the battle seemingly winding down aside from nearly everyone else aiming to put an end to Ijiwaru's ambitions, Sanary actually seems rather content to remain seated on the El-line for the time being. She does keep a glowing light cloud of healing magic loitering around her, however, just holding it several feet in front of her without directing it anywhere in particular.      <<"... Hey. Should I keep him alive, or no?">> The healer asks over the radio, the adrenaline already wearing off long before she gets an answer. Once she does get that answer, though, she lets the cloud fall back into her, and she keeps her eye open to instead keep watch over the stragglers from the battle.      At the very least, she can make sure nobody's trying to take potshots at the ones with a real stake in this. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     And it was done. The sword blow. The crack of a rifle. The spray of blood. Ijiwaru stumbles. His eyes go wide, his nostrils flare, and he chokes out something, a word. A name. His vision darkens. He reaches out a hand, letting the iron spike drop, hearing it like the proverbial needle before he stumbles backwards... and expires.     Mamori Tadeshi, the grandson of Mamori Ijiwaru, has fallen, and the Yokai Purge of Namamura, and the blood feud between the Magic Eaters and the Yokai has been put to a bloody end. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' With the Magic Eaters retreating behind a hail of bullets, and Ijiwaru clearly committed to the idiot route, the only thing Yuna can really do ... Is lower El-Line towards the ground, drawing its legs up. Rather than touching down, Yuna keeps the Matrix Figure airborne, dismissing the Lightron and re-invoking Shugoseiheki. The best she can do is to try and deny the fleeing Magic Eaters some of their potentially-easy targets. As for Ijiwaru himself? He had his chance. He didn't take the opportunity to flee. Rhapsody and Richard are putting an end to it. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang chases down the Magic Eaters, juking through their automatic fire like a woman possessed. Arms held in close to her body. She pours on speed, and leaps one final time, slamming her fist into the ground and sending a rippling shockwave after the fleeing Magic Eaters. "AND DON'T THINK ABOUT COMIN' BACK! OR I'LL DO THIS TO YOUR DUST CURSED HEADS!" she roars in unleashed rage. But she's hearing to let them run and so, finally she pauses, her eyes shifting back to lilac between blinks and her hair falling back to settle in its unruly tresses behind her.     It's finally over huh? "Now where's the damn Tanuki." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The Guildmaster watches the eyes go wide. The shot fired over her shoulder. The spray of blood that likely flecks across her white hide. It doesn't seem to phase her. With a sound that hardly needs described, the Sparkblade is pulled free from Ijiwaru's body and then simply -jammed- into the pavement. She turns, everyone can likely see the Magic-Eaters blood across her face and chest... and then she just drops. Right to her knees. Is she.. crying? Possibly. It is certainly not a single emotion that is causing it...             "Please.." 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     And now, the enemy is on the retreat, and Neva is on the back of a Hypersonic dragon with Backup in tow, and Neva huhs a little, "I guess that's a victory for me for the purposes of my powers." She gestures to the board and sweeps her arms out, dismissing all the creatures and lands and everything she summoned.     Keranos, the God of Storms, hrmphs in annoyance, "UNTIL NEXT TIME THEN..." Before dissipating through the planes back to Theros.     Neva in the mean time packs her cards up, and looks around, "Yunomi?! Was that Yunomi? Please let that be Yunomi!" 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Is it really her? Bahamut can't believe it, even though he always held a spark of hope for Yunomi. She seemed able to defy everything and still come out on top. Of course, he won't forgive her so easily as Rhapsody does. She caused a lot of pain and anguish with all of this. But, that isn't important now.      There are still things to do, people to protect, enemies to eliminate. With Rhapsody and Sidonia mostly alright, and that warmth of the mana in the air, he stands once again. "You have some explaining to do, young lady." he growls lightly to Yunomi, though there is a grin on his face.      When Ijiwaru charges, Bahamut's expression quickly goes cold. He would charge as well, but he is ill-equipped to join in close quarters combat with Richard and Rhapsody hitting Ijiwaru with all they've got. Especially when he is not needed. He instead lets out a snort as Ijiwaru, or whoever he is, breathes his last. He moves to check on Sidonia, helping her up if she needs it, then just watches. He may have helped with this victory, but he isn't going to draw attention away when it seems everything is under control and those truly hurt by all of this will soon have a tearful reunion. Even a proud, arrogant dragon knows when to take a step back. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' The Guardian is back. Yunomi did the impossible. The Legacy still stands despite all the efforts to bring it down. Corona is utterly not surprised that Ijiwaru can't take losing gracefully. ... Oh, -there's- Skara. Knew she had to be lurking around somewhere. She was every other time. And -that- sword. One that's not magic. One that was become PERFECT to the moment. A few shots rain down around the fox. One even manages to zing her shoulder, burning the armor plating in her vest. Looks like the Magic Eaters can't just run with their tails between their legs, either. "Bad move, varmits." Corona brushes a hand over the damaged shoulder, then tugs her hat down by the rim. Rhapsody says to let them run? Okay then. But that doesn't mean she can't still make sure the point gets across. With a smirk, Corona pulls out her trademark shotgun. Cranks it up, flips it over to hold it properly. "Get along little doggies! An' don't come back!" But she's only firing at their backs. The pulsarium powered shots send plumes up where they hit the ground at the retreating Magic Eaters heels or send bright flares of light sailing overhead JUST a little too close for comfort. Enough to get the point across that they're most definately not welcome back here, or next time those shots won't be missing. It takes a good gunslinger to hit their mark. It takes a GREAT gunslinger to purposely NOT hit the mark in the most intimidating way possible. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The transmission from atop Nivix has also ended, and there is the soft sound of boots landing behind Rhapsody.     "I beleive this belongs to you, Guildmaster." comes a soft, oh-so-familiar voice to Rhapsody. Yunomi gives a slight smile behind her, slowly pulling down the dark blue hood as she exhales. Her ears pop up. Her tail shifts beneath the long jacket, and the tanuki-turned-mage gives a soft huff of air, rubbing the back of her head as she presents a wooden netsuke -- though this time, its shape has shifted, and instead of a curled and sleeping tanuki, it's upright, attentive.     The blue and red clad mage is also anticipating the moment being broken soon -- best to steal what time she could. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' As the round fires, the electricity strikes through that hated man, Rick sees him fall to the ground. And he has the body that he had wanted from the start. His eye moves away from the scope, capping the lens, as he takes a deep breath. Steeling himself. Steadying himself. Placing a scaffolding around the hope in his heart. Keeping it still, for the moment, until he could know. That he could know for sure. He reaches for the radio handset. "All elements, X-Ray 6-1. Cease fire. I say again, Cease fire. Command Sergeant Major has operational command." He says, before tossing the handset away. He'd had a rope on the building placed. Another contingency that he used, heart beating as he rappeled downward. A few seconds, hitting the ground with his boots, and then slow, measured, controlled steps to where the dragon and... what it may be were standing. 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' During this battle, there have been some who have been pretty much blending in because of all the fighting. A lot of them are of Niv-Mizzet, but there's one who is directly affiliated with the Union who has been helping out as well. That someone is Iria, the elite bounty hunter and a good friend of Yunomi's. Ever since the start, Iria's wanted to make sure that Yunomi would be OK, and she's done everything she can to ensure that. Even if that means keeping a somewhat low profile during the battle while the others were up front. It was a very difficult fight, and even Iria had trouble during the battle, running out of ammunition and being forced to resort to using her chain-sword. But she never gave up, she knew Yunomi and the others were depending on her. And now Iria finally makes her appearance in front of the others. It's definitely not a pretty sight though. Iria's cape is badly torn and tattered, and even her armored bodysuit shows signs of damage too. To top that off, there's signs of blood on her bodysuit, and it definitely looks like Iria's. Instead of running up like she normally does, Iria's limping weakly, using her sword as a cane to keep herself propped up as she limps forth to where the others are. Unlike previous times where Iria was in top shape and acrobatic, it's obvious she's in poor condition now and is going to need some medical assistance once she's done here. But even that can't stop the determined look on her face as she makes her way into the area. No matter how pained her expression is, no matter how hard she's breathing, she's showing no sign of slowing down as she approaches the others. Once she finally gets there, Iria drops to her knees and begins breathing even harder. She's used up a lot of strength getting here, but she then looks up to the others and gives a thumbs up. "We did well today. This was a very difficult battle, I admit. But Yunomi's back, and the enemy has been defeated." A weak, but noticeable smile forms on Iria's face. "We triumphed. We came out on top! And Yunomi's here again!" Tears begin to well up in Iria's eyes, and she's wishing she could give Yunomi a running hug, but she doesn't have the strength for that right now. All she can do is continue to give her weak smile and thumbs up to the others. "Good job, all of you!" 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     Well the window seems to be closing..And with it seems that the cause is Yunomi's return and the magic eaters's retreat. Rebound stands down, the fight is over. And if the fight is over, seems like she's not really going to be of much use. She heads back out of the Nexus, to take a look at the scene, Ijiwaru's dead, the enemy ranks are broken, seems like...Well maybe not everything worked out, but most of it did. That makes her happy. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''             << https://youtu.be/TIM-sALG9fI >>     The sound of soft boots against the pavement of the street was all Rhapsody had to hear. She takes a quick breath inward, wipes away the tears with the sleeve of her coat, and rises. When she finally sets blue eyes upon the Champion of the Izzet, all she can do is just smile. Shaky hands accept the Netsuke Charm back from Yunomi, "I never, ever, gave up on you," she whispers before the most obvious thing ever happens. She takes a step foward and just -wraps- both her arms around Yunomi and lets her emotions drain out of her. All the pent up frustration, anger, sorrow, rage, it simply boils over and is set loose.             For about 5 seconds.     Something changes, then. The Red Star high above starts to -gleam-, filling the sky over Ravnica with such a glow, that it makes it seem more like dusk than night. Yunomi may even be surprised as Red Mana, tucked away somewhere within her, suddenly begins to arc up and around them both. Thunder cries out, lightning flashes high. The Guildmaster's trademark trenchcoat simply burns away, leaving the blue scales down her back in its wake. These scales, a gift of her father, were never truly her own. She had been born scaleless as she had given hope to a guild that had thought its heirs were lost. Through the Champion of the Izzet, a gift is passed.     The blue scales, similar to the trenchcoat that just burned away, simply shatter off of her spine. The red mana that roils around the pair affixes itself to the Guildmaster's back, but rather than simply turn into scales, these new brilliantly red scales -grow- into place instead. They glow, brimming in red power, and finally settle to their normal hue.     Rhapsody, confounded, simply looks at her own tail, curious, then simply looks back at Yunomi, smiling.         "You found -him-.. didn't you?" 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Did someone call for a MOMENT KILLER?!     Suddenly a Hypersonic Dragon lands where Yunomi and Rhapsody are, and off of it hops Neva Fernandez, who promptly sprints at Yunomi in and GLOMPS at her! "YUNOMIIIIIIIIIII!!"     And so commenceth the babble, "I'M SORRY FOR NOT BEING REALLY THERE AT THE PRESENTATION DAY! AND FOR NOT BEING THERE TO HELP YOU! I knew you wereinnocentbutIwasscareofthepoliticsand---! 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Hopping off El-line as it changes forms, Sanary aids in the cleanup for a little longer until things settle down for real, and she watches as the local and Union allies start to gather around the new person that she doesn't quite recognize as being a certain Yunomi Stadler. She's got enough context clues to figure it out, though, and she's got enough tact not to make any awkward comments about the whole thing.      Besides, it does feel pretty good seeing other people this happy, so she's more than content to hide behind some rubble and a large (but not quite large enough) rock until things quiet down again. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite blows the fumes off the barrel of her shotgun afterward, spins Forgesweeper around and stows it back in its sling. Then stoops down to give Hopalong, who'd shifted back to his normal jackalope mode once he was dropped. "An' ya did wonders fer yer first time on the field." Or at all. Then Corona ambles in the direction of everyone else... Though not before grabbing Rebound as she passes the 'roo. "Com'n you, this fight's over but the celebratin' is just starting!" Sure enough something is just starting, as Rhapsody loses one surrogate set of scales, only to get a -real- set in their place. First she lets out a short whistle. Then remarks. "Ah reckon that's a certain someone's way of sayin' ya been doin' just fine, Guildmaster." 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' So the fight, and the incident, are all over - finally. After Sanary dismounts from El-Line's shoulder, Yuna dismisses the Matrix Figure; its mechanical form becomes a shape of coherent light, glittering briefly before the light scatters harmlessly, leaving Yuna and the Matrix of Light standing below where the cockpit had been. Not that Yuna stays standing; as soon as her feet touch the ground, she takes off running towards Yunomi and Rhapsody, aiming to *HUG* Yunomi as tightly as she can, as though trying to make up for lost opportunities. Not really saying anything, just hugging ... but if Yunomi's already surrounded by others hugging, Yuna just adds to the pile. Everyone else kind of needs hugging as well, more or less, right? Especially Rhapsody, too. (Plus this keeps her mind off what's left of Ijiwaru ... which is probably too close by for comfort if she *did* notice.) Meanwhile, Elner flits over to Sanary. "Your help in resolving this incident is greatly appreciated, as I'm sure Yuna will want to tell you. I know you and Yuna have been at odds a few times, but she still counts you as a friend for the most part." 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang starts walking back towards where Rhapsody and Yunomi are. Her pace is even for the first few steps. She watches Neva glomp tackle Yunomi as Rhapsody grows red scales, she watches everyone else speaking with the Tanuki, and her pace quickens. Becoming a canter, a jog, a run, then a full out sprint as tears form in her eyes. "YU-NO-MI!" The joyful expression, is replaced by a momentary wash of anger, her eyes shifting red as she goes to slug the Tanuki... it's /thankfully/ held back, so it comes across as only a normal person punch, not the superpowered punch that sends someone flying out a second storey window... and then she grabs the Tanuki in a tight embrace. "If you ever do that to us again, I'll follow you straight to whever the hell you vanish to and drag you back by the tail." 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' "H-hey!" Rebound protests as Corona hauls her along, "I was here for the bad guy punching, not the schmoopy hugging and kissing and little teddy bears celebrating in their treehouse after killing the big bad part!" Seems like Corona isn't going to give her much of a choice in the matter though, as she still winds up hauled along against her will to join the rest of the celebrations. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The mage is hugged. She gives a surprised 'oof' sound, and she hugs back. Tightly, Holding on to someone she thought she wouldn't get the chance to have again. And she's crying. "I know, Rhaps, I know. You never gave up." she whispers, and then the Red Star gleams. Her eyes draw upwards, as if questioning -- and then the red mana errupts. Yunomi's eyes burn slightly from the energy crackling around them -- and when the light fades... Rhaps is now a redhead.     And Yunomi purses her lips a moment. And looks up to Rhaps.     ANd was about to answer when she was SUDDENLY ATTACKED BY A PLANESWALKER!     "ACK!" she flails an arm, and reaches over to hold Neva a moment, blinking. "Neva!" she exclaims "Hey, don't worry about it. Kinda glad you weren't there, actually. Or Theo. That might have gotten pretty bad." she breathes out, and then is hugged by Yuna. And PUNCHED by Yang, which causes a small yelp from the mage as her ears go back, then pop upwards again at the hugs. THERE ARE SO MANY HUGS.     "Help... drowning... in... affection..." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite laughs. "That's just it! Ya do all this fightin' for the good of others. It's time ya learned to -enjoy- some of what yer fightin' for." With that Corona pushes Rebound into the hugpile forming upon Yunomi. And then joining in herself, of course. 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' Despite her injuries and how weak she was, Iria has somehow made her way to where Yunomi is to join in the hugging! Apparently, seeing an old friend brought back is more than enough to motivate you to run up and give them a big hug! Even if it means that you're more than likely to collapse after you've finished! But it's well worth it... 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut's eyes widen at the blast of energy from the star and Rhapsody's transformation. Blue to red? Surprising, yet appropriate. As Yunomi is surrounded by those who know her much better, Bahamut moves closer but still says nothing. There is really nothing for him to add. He did his job by helping to ensure everyone made it to this point. Now, he can watch with a slight smile as Yunomi and her friends all share a moment.      Then Bahamut blinks before looking around. Where is Richard? 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Sanary actually seems surprised by Elner of all people (robots? Whatever he is) coming over to speak with her, waving at him to come closer before squatting behind the rock to keep her profile down.      "Ah, it was... Er. I mean, it wasn't nothing, but... I just wanted to keep the whole mess out of Dun Realtai. Not for her or anything else." She sounds almost defensive as she makes that excuse, unable to even maintain a steady gaze at anyone or anything in particular. "Just tell her to... I dunno." Sanary ponders for another long moment while she peers out at the group surrounding Yunomi, then draws back behind the rock.      "... Don't tell anyone I'm back here. It'd be weird." 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Richard Stadler keeps his steps metered, regulated, marching forward even though there seems to be a wall of feeling hovering a few feet away from Yunomi that was... so hard to cross. Part of him, a shrinking part, still guarded, protected. Any moment now, she might give one last smile, one last goodbye, and blink out of existance. Part of him was protecting him from that even thought the reset of him realized that thanksgiving was in a week. Christmas in a little over a month. Father's day next year, and then another thanksgiving, streching out before him. Time. Goddamn time. He finally stepped through the crowd. His own people watching on the rooftop with scopes and bincoulars (which makes a compeling argument to move from his path and clear off the hug pile. When he reached Yunomi, he knealt down, hand going up to his glasses, removing it so the lenses wouldn't send any false information, any misleading signals, looking at her through eyes hazed with flaws and the brimming of tears. "We're..." He says, voice broken and husky. "We're going to have to talk about how you make plans-" He tries, breaking off and gripping her in whatever strength his muscles had left, wordless, racking sobs coursing through his body in a way he simply couldn't hide any longer. Miracles happened twice. They shouldn't. But they did, and she was here. She was still /here/." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yunomi was overwhelmed. She thought her return would brood anger, that her dad would be cross. But with everything she knew went on... she felt tears threaten at her eyes.     One more smile. No goodbye. Just a young woman who threw herself at the dad that would have sacrificed anything for her, as she wraps her arms around him. She breathes out, her fingers curling and holding onto him.     "That was a seat of the pants plan, and it /sucked/ and I am so, so sorry, Dad. I'm sorry for what you must have gone through trying to figure it all out." she whispers, and she just hugs her dad tightly. "We're gonna talk about the plan. I promise, I promise we will." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Sidona, thanks to Bahamut's potion, is standing juuust to one side of her sister. Yes she is visible. Stop staring. "Mmmhmm... Not just to him... either..." she sounds -stern-, but, given a few moments for the two, she would kneel down and offer a smile that is -rarely- seen on the azure dragon's features. "But, we are glad you are back... All of us.." Oh right. There's an IZZET LEAGUE BACK THERE. Guess who breaks out into cheering now? EVERYONE. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang lets Yunomi go, and clears out the way for Richard with the others. She watches for a few moments... and then, turns to leave, letting them have their moment. She was a relative outsider here, a relative newcomer to the proceedings and thus, felt she had little place.     If only she could see the mirror image of her own mother walking away that she's painting now. 

:'''{{#var:644|Neva Fernandez (644)}} has posed:'''     Having stepped back to allow probably other people who were much closer to Yunomi get a hug and a chat, and a feels, and everything, Neva steps away for a little bit, and blinks as she spots Yang beginning to walk off, before looking back between Yunomi, and then Yang, and then Yunomi again, before... Turning and chasing after Yang, "Hey Yang, wait up!" 

:'''{{#var:639|Merlin (639)}} has posed:'''     Huh. Shame Skara Sparkblade missed this part. Oh well, she can see it on TV later. It's a simple thing, but it's something Merlin enjoys. After all, it /is/ darn cute. "Miss Stadler. I believe you have provided to us all an object lesson of faith in people. Of believing in them no matter how dark the night. But you have not returned to us completely. Not yet." With deft fingers, a cobalt blue and crimson petaled rose is woven into her hair, which almost seems to glow. "NOW you are whole before us." Another is handed to Stadler, because while he'd look quite appropriately silly with it in his hair Merlin does believe in self-preservation by way of recognizing dignity. "Mr. Stadler...and Rhapsody as well," he adds, proffering the third matching rose to the Guildmaster, "I believe your faith...has been eternally rewarded." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite backs off once she's gotten her hugs and celebrating in. "So... vacation, Ah guess. Don't get many of those." It's all over, so she finally pulls her goggles off, letting them hang around her neck. Serious time is over with. She gives Rebound a tug again, this time to pull her away from the hugfest. "Okay, that's 'nuff for one night. Let's let the family have their moment." As she starts to wander away the fox folds her hands behind her head, while Hopalong lives up to his name poinging along after her. At first she looks up at the sky and the Red and Blue Stars now glowing quite brightly still overhead. Then looks back down as her stomach rumbles faintly. Hmms thoughtfully. "... Ah wonder if they reopened that shop down in Namamura District yet? Could go for s'more Mystery Meat & Noodles..." 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler doesn't let go of the hug. Not for a long, long time, until his soul itself can be assured that she's real, back, and not going anywhere soon. Yunomi's self-depreciating apology is meant with a whispered voice, fierce. "I am so. /SO/ proud of you. Now more than ever." He says. And just holds on, for a little while longer. Eventually, that emotion does ebb back, allowing him to release, to lean back with a smile on his face and tears of in his eyes. Even Merlin get's an appreciative nod. In this moment, he might have even gotten away with putting that rose in his hair instead of in his hand. Well, at that moment. It was probably wise to play it cautious next to a man with plans and proven accuracy with a sniper rifle. "Thank you." He says simply to the mage, before leaning back again, gripping Yunomi on the shoulders, and even managing a grin, after one deep breath. "Now. Let's celebrate properly, hmm?" 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' After being thrown into the hug pile and then subsequently getting the heck out of Stadler's way, Rebound stands next to Corona, looking over the scene, "Good job out there, cowgirl." She says as she turns to face Corona a bit, only to get hauled away this time, "If not I know this great burger place in my hometown...And it's very welcoming to folks who look like us." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yunomi gives a smile to Merlin, and she looks up at him with a small smile, and she exhales. "Thank you, byt he by, for the help. I don't think I could have done it without such a boon." she states, and then she walks to Thianel.     She looks up at the mighty metal dragon. And closes her eyes, and deeply bows to him.     "I have so much to apologize for. To you and Rhapsody most." 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      It's the set of roses that finally does it. Bahamut rumbles, then looks off into the sky for some reason. He totally has something in his eyes, yeah. There's lost of dust and debris after that battle. He coughs into a clawed hand, then chuckles before spreading his wings and taking to the air. It is a much better end than typically happens on his world.      With the Izzet League restored and cheering, it seems a perfect time for an ally to depart. Following Yang's and Neva's example, Bahamut heads back to Spira. There is always something that needs his attention there. And a good guardian always goes where he is needed most. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Elner bobs slightly to Sanary, as though nodding, and flits away without drawing further attention. Not that Yuna really has much attention to pay; she's too happy that Yunomi is back and that the crisis is basically over. But still ... "Apologies notwithstanding," Yuna says ruefully, "there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. I think we figured out a lot of them, but ..." She looks at Rhapsody, "Is Yunomi still facing charges for anything?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     On some level, this was expected. The cheering of the Izzet League quickly fades as Yunomi makes her way from the group to Thianel. The sea of red and blue magewrights, peppered with the occasional Boros soldier, parts as the tanuki walks forward. Thianel, for his part, had been watching from afar, as he had been doing for the last few years since his creator had left. Still, seeing her here, he settles down, waiting to hear what she has to say.     "You did what was needed, nothing more." he motions upward. Above, the twin stars are shining brighter than ever before. "That is all the proof you need to see to know that they forgive you.." he motions at Rhapsody, who has by now, wandered up beside them both, "She forgives you," and then his hand is set back down, "And I do as well."     He pauses, looks to Yuna, then answers the question for her, "When Ijiwaru produced a prisoner that was not Yunomi, and then proceeded to 'kill' her in front of us, the information was relayed to the guilds. They voted again. They have officially condemned his actions. Additionally, with the revelation that this was also a Dimir action, it is believed that, despite how it was done, Yunomi acted in the best interest of both the Izzet League and the City of Ravnica as a whole." Pause.         "All charges have been dismissed." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Another long pause, "Unless Rhapsody wants to press charges." Thianel's gaze would wander to Rhapsody who just gives him a very ... intense look. "I don't think she means to do so." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     "Oh. Good." Yunomi replies, and she takes a deep breath, and turns to the assembled, the Izzet, her allies, those who beleived in her the whole time.     "Thank you, everyone." she whispers, and she takes a deep breath, and looks up to the sky, to those brilliant stars, shining between the spires of Nivix and Thirix, surrounded by her family, her friends... and the city she gave her life for.     "Thank you, Niv." 
}}

4762/The Nexus - Finale I

2016-11-18T02:48:48Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/07 |Location=City of Ravnica <Rav> |Synopsis=Ijiwaru claims he's captured Yunomi and intends to turn her over at the Mana Nexus... |Cast of..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/07
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav>
|Synopsis=Ijiwaru claims he's captured Yunomi and intends to turn her over at the Mana Nexus...
|Cast of Characters=1037, 325, 19, 906, 750, 272, 711, 385, 528, 714, 300
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:''' The humming of the Mana Nexus was all around them, dark clouds looming over head, the flash of electricity along the coiled towers of the Izzet League echoed in the flash of light and the rumble of thunder overhead, threatening to hide the blue and red stars that gleamed over Ravnica. Gone are the grandstands and stage of presentation day, and now, in front of the mana nexus, there were protesters, demanding that outsiders -- like Yunomi, like Ijiwaru -- stop interfering in Ravnican business, stop taking their jobs -- and their lives. Inside the mana nexus only members of the Izzet, the attache of their allies, and a few Boros and Orzhova were permitted -- the former as the arresting officers represent, and the latter for a 'fair and unfettered' trial representation for the creature captured by the Magic Eaters. The Boros officer, a younger man with a scar running down his face, seems highly suspicious. THe trio of the Orzhova seemed largely unconcerned with the preceedings, conferring amongst themselves quietly.The upper rim of the mana nexus, with its control room and walkway is unoccupied y the magic eaters, who seem mostly concerned with the central platform.From the center platform, four walkways errupt, each leading to an outer platform and exit, marked in friendly red letters. Someone has spray-painted an image of the Izzet Sigil -- the proud form of a dragon, with a five-point corona over head -- along with the tri-wing symbol of their new Guild Leadership. The teams of Magic-Eaters were on high alert, each of them wearing tactical gear, armor, baring a rifle and a sword a peice. There had been a long carpet set up -- red, of course, in an ode to the Boros and the kind members of the Izzet, and their associates. Among the number of magic-eaters, Ijiwaru alone is without a helmet, whether by hubris or the trust that Richard Stadler's attache would never consider killing him outright with snipers. No, he trusts Stadler's honor more than that.     After all, it'd be horrible if anything were to happen to his little girl. In the midst of the stand of magic eaters, there is a large box shape, covered in a dark, black sheet. Theatrics? Perhaps.         The only thing that moves the heavy sheet is the wind. Ijiwaru is smiling, relaxed, and willing to peaceably hand over the creature and have his hands freed of it. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         This day took too long to arrive.     This was the version that Rhapsody had been terrified of. The possibility of Ijiwaru finding Yunomi first and then the result of what he did to her. Even as she walks in, it's clear that Rhapsody is on edge and rather anxious. Thianel would come in from above, and Ryxinel is... elsewhere, trying to determine just why the Mana Nexus was gathering energy. Sidonia is still no where to be seen.     Once inside, Ijiwaru would receive a cold stare from the guildmaster first, only for the gaze to fall onto the box covered by a black sheet. She nearly breaks into a run, the only thing stopping her being the newly reconstructed frame of Thianel taking a step that places his arm in front of Rhapsody. At this point, both of them stop and simply wait, with no words said. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya was here she knww what had to be done she'd had her rifle slung across her back after all she was not one to go unarmed but she'd also knew how tense this might be. She knew they had to do this by the book or it would prove Ijiwaru right. At least she had more trust in Ravinca's legal system when it came to trials over all than anything else at least back home. She was concerned about how far Rick was threating to go she understood family but damn that may have hurt things in the end either way she's here flanking near Rhapsody and just holding in place she knew it was time to wait there's nothing to be said yet and she will attempt to not rise to any bait that's thrown out there. Though one thing might be noticed while she wore seemingly the same leather and metal armour she always had? This looked /new/ or fully restored to new like levels. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang is here. Glowering and trying very desperately to keep the boiling rage that's burning within her from overflowing and sending her flying at Ijiwaru. Instead, she hangs near the back, looking over towards where the protesters are outside the Nexus... this could get ugly, very, very quickly. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' "I wonder if any of those guys are the ones I beat the crap out of the other day." Rebound says, hopefully loud enough for the Magic Eaters to hear her. She wiggles one of her gauntlet clad fingers at one of them, trying to get a rise out of the armored goons. She is half tempted to see just how much she can get away with, but she doubts these guys are the British royal guards and may respond to provocation. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     On the exterior ring, Mi hops up to the edge of the desk, looking outside the shielded glass in the control room. She presses a button on the radio, and in a thin voice says "Chuugi-Yo, the Nexus is approaching full capacity, but we slowed the recharge.... at least we can do that." Mi says... and releases the button. She looks out over the approach of the Izzet. "Good luck, Guildmaster... don't fail us Yunomi." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Something about this still smelled rotten to Corona, but she was dutifully keeping her yap shut in hopes that they might finally get some long needed answers. And then deal with the Magic Eaters if/as necessary. Still didn't trust them... but as long as they kept up their side of things, couldn't really do much. So instead she kept her hands busy with her C-Pad device, for all the world looking like she was just hoving around Thianel doing running diagnostics to be sure his new body was functioning properly.... which was not necessary at all with all the testing they'd already put it through, but it was a convenient excuse for her to 1) stay close to the dragons, and 2) keep the device out and ready. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Technically, Yuna wasn't exactly sure where Yunomi was being brought for the hand-off. Fortunately, she has an advantage that most girls - and even most Unionites - don't: she can be in several places at once. .... Kind of. Among Yuna's assets as the Savior of Light are what Elner has called her 'alter-egos' - Jiina of the Earth, Marina of the Sea, and Erina of the Sky, the three androids who can transform into supplemental armor that gives Yuna her ability to fight underwater or in the sky, or just heavier armor and weapons (and faster speed) for land combat. But each of them can also take on a human form, and while their hair colors and styles are a far cry from Yuna's blonde ponytail, their faces and figures are reasonably close. So while Yuna herself is at the Mana Nexus with Rhapsody and their friends, she's got the rest of the Matrix of Light (save Elner, who floats by her as usual) stationed at different, possibly-relevant points around Ravnica. As for Yuna herself, she's dressed up for the occasion ... not in full kimono, but a few steps up from her usual good-looking casual wear. The outermost layer consists of a light blue sweater (both in shade and in weight) and a deep maroon skirt, the former with long sleeves, the latter reaching a little bit past her knees. The collar of the sweater is just low enough to show off the collar of the white blouse worn underneath it, elegant in its simplicity; where the skirt would reveal her legs, midnight-blue tights or stockings sheathe her calves, descending into the black dress shoes she's wearing (flats, thank you; this isn't a high-heels occasion by any stretch). And she's picked out some jewelry as well, although nothing too gaudy. She's chosen to wear a pair of earrings shaped like small magatama, one red and one blue; the shades of both are dark enough that they stand out without drawing attention to the contrast; a silver necklace bearing a small pendant, in the form of a dragon wrapped around a clear crystal sphere, rests about her neck, outside the blouse's collar and framed by the sweater. And finally, a silver bracelet hangs about her right wrist, a simple silver chain that supports five differently-colored stones ... in order: white, blue, black, red, and green. The clamor of the protestors prompts a pronounced and sustained wince from Yuna, but she stifles her reaction beyond that. She similarly suppresses her distaste for the Magic-Eaters' presence; technically, they're still under contract with the Ravnican guilds' council or whatever it's called, and ... well, while Yuna still wants to kick Ijiwaru's butt? He seems to have upheld his word - and if so, then Yuna owes him an apology. But until Yuna sees Yunomi for herself, and confirms with her own eyes that she's relatively safe and comparatively sound, all Yuna can do is stick to her word that she'd be here in civilian form ... and so she is. Elner's presence is the only hint that she has any plans or contingencies that *could* involve engaging in combat - surely Yuna didn't pick out this outfit and jewelry just to bide her time until she'd have to transform. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut has joined Rhapsody and the others as they enter. He looks around with a cool, level gaze, the dragon of justice holding any judgements for now. He trusts in Rhapsody and his other Union friends, but so far he has no reason to actually think the Magic Eaters have any agenda other than capturing an alleged criminal. But, he had to admit that this entire situation felt off. Ijiwaru just struck him as a sneaky type who only gave as much information as was necessary for him to get his way. And the other guilds had seemed a bit too eager to give him free rein in the city.      Bahamut is also worried about Rhapsody. This entire ordeal has been hard on the Guildmaster. Bahamut isn't sure if she can hold out. Bahamut takes up a spot opposite Thianel at Rhapsody's side and places a hand on Rhapsody's shoulder. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Despite her best efforts, Sanary's still feeling somewhat out of place in the Mana Nexus. Not a lot of people she knows, the ones she does know would probably rather be throwing her out a window right now, and all those protestors outside... Is she even on the right side this time?      No matter. The healer's not here to fight, anyway, but to keep an eye on things. She's even made sure /not/ to bring her gunaxe with her for once, opting for the more defense-oriented option of just lugging two giant shields along with her. She's also dressed to impress, dressed in a relatively fancy-looking black coat that's slowly becoming her new staple coat. It even covers up the definitely-not-sweatpants she's wearing underneath it!      Following Rhapsody and Thianel inside, Sanary lets Thianel do the bulk of the stopping-Rhapsody work before stepping beside her.      "Easy. Don't do anything too crazy yet." She murmurs, shooting a glance back towards Rebound at her comment and cracking a slight smirk before feigning a disapproving frown. A deep breath later, and she steps aside to start looking over the group of Magic Eaters and Ijiwaru himself. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler was once again prepared... as much as he could be. The problem, he had thought, between fitful bits of sleep and hours staring at maps and paperwork to avoid staring at the dark ceiling of his bedroom, was that it wasn't enough. It was dashing about 10 steps behind someone, who obviously wasn't exerting himself too badly keeping up the job ahead. Mad scrambles for evidence, for intellgence, for anything that would let him be the one in smirking in the knowledge of something secret, all to no avail. It had come down to this, to seeing his daughter handed over by a man who wore the sickening armor of law and beaucracy in a way Stadler had to horrifyingly respect. He stands off to the side of Rhapsody, and Thianel, distracting himself for the moment with thoughts of the protestors outside. Part of him felt they were woefully misinformed (the naval base the RQ-4 wasn't going near, if anything, seemed very disinclined to leave), but mostly, he was having a very hard time not taking it as an insult. Yunomi had given up much, studied much, to become a member of the Izzet guild. In a way, one of them, just as she belonged to so many other places. And they would throw her to the hounds based on a slick sales pitch told by a monster that the aggrieved 'victim' didn't beleive. So be it. If they wanted his daughter gone, then maybe she should go. Rhapsody and her Guild were the good ones. The rest... Fuck them. But those distractions slithered to a halt as that box was brought out, covered by that sheet. The hate Stadler radiated got past that stone mask his face resembled, hands stifly behind his back, his uniform the one of a father, for once, instead of a soldier. The doctor next to him, lab coat covering the kahaki's of her station, didn't hide what she felt. If Ijiwaru could have died from a look, he'd have been dead as soon as he entered the room. Stadler's people were around, of course. camoflauge clad infantry from an element of the 3rd ID based in critical positions. The doors, the generators, watching the entrances. Hidden in a nearby building, a reserve of Z-team members, Black BDUs and gas masks covering the most serious faces. Ijiwaru was somewhat off. Rick's honor was only part of the equation that kept the Magic Eater alive for the moment. His daughter was another part, a larger part, but the biggest was that he suspected Ijiwaru's life wasn't worth it to kill. Not to Stadler... and not to Ijiwaru himself. And that was the terrifying part. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:''' "Hm." Ijiwaru begins, regarding Rhapsody as she icily glares at him. He raises a look to the dragon descending from above, and appears, for a moment, to be concerned. His eyes look over the mechanical dragon's form, examining it with a wary eye before he steps forward to address the group. Rhapsody's honor guard each are examined in passing then -- Maya, he was familiar with. He'd seen her around, knew little about her and cared less. Yang, the blonde who got her hair tarred in the last encounter the Magic-Eaters met up with the Izzet at -- not from any realm he was familiar with, curious weaponry on her fists. Rebound's comments are met with a few men in masks turning to face her, the red lit eyes of the gasmask-like visage (... mummy?) examining her for a moment before returning to attention as Ijiwaru slithered past, smoothly walking. "Well, Guildmaster Rhapsody Mizzet." he begins, and makes a show of a deep, sweeping bow from his waist. "I had expected three dragons, yet curiously, these two are ones I have not made aquaintence with. You, sir," he turns up to the mechanical dragon, "must be Thianel, whose voice I have gained some familiarity with. It is good to meet you in person -- and Richard Stadler. How can I forget such a face as the adoptive father of my greatest foil? How /are/ you doing, Richard? Sleeping well?" he gives his most charming, disarming smile, and then straightens up fully, then motions back to the shape under the thick sheet. "Shall we? I realize, you must be anxious to see her again." he states, and strides back along the carpet. "As I said before, had we cooperated without need to coerce you, Guildmaster, it would have been a much easier chase. There is really no one to blame save for our joint lack of communication -- which in itself is a failing of mine. Like yourself, I was not ready to assume the mantle of the group I lead. Really, I was journeying through Europe, a curiosity of my time since it was mostly the Dutch were permitted to visit our land -- we were quite xenophobic, I'm afraid, much more than the people protesting outside... ah, yes, but I never made it to England, we discussed briefly that I am entirely illiterate in English, pesky language in my time." Ijiwaru states conversationally as he walks back...     And grasps the sheet...         And simply walks by, pulling the sheet off the cage. The sheet collapses behind the cave, showing that it's really quite short, with it standing on a tall table. Low, enough for a person to crawl in -- but it's not a person inside. It is a tanuki. A racoon dog, its muzzle white but the mask around its eyes gray and faded with age. Its ears are drawn low, its tail limp as it hardly stirs. Its back is to the gathering, flecks of white and grizzled gray along its dark coat. It's missing Yunomi's trademark red collar -- but perhaps that had burned to ash weeks ago, without the power of the Kami to power it. There is a food bowl and a water bowl. Neither seem to have been touched. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     There is a -long- moment as Rhapsody's gaze shifts from Ijiwaru to the cage. The sheet is removed, the Racoon Dog is revealed, and Rhapsody's gaze angrily shifts back to Ijiwaru, "Is this some kind of joke?" Thianel moves a -little- more ahead of Rhapsody, likely to keep her from doing something She Would Regret. "I know her looks, I know her transformations, I know how she carries herself in any form. If she knew she was going to be seen by me? My allies? My Izzet League?" Her tone goes frigid.         "Where.. Is.. She?" 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang doesn't say a single word. But the distinctive unfolding sound of Ember Celica is all she needs to say here.     She doesn't move or make any overtly hostile action apart from that. The ball is firmly in Ijiwaru's court right now. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut has not seen Yunomi in her natural form, but Rhapsody's reaction makes it clear that this is not Yunomi. Either that, or Yunomi is in very bad shape. Bahamut lets out a low rumble as the tanuki is revealed and Rhapsody speaks. But, it is not his place to speak so he remains quiet for now. And gives Rhapsody's shoulder a more firm grip. "Do not do anything rash, Rhapsody." he says quietly.      And after a moment adds, "...until we have a bit more information." 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya would be happy to know Ijiwaru could care less about her, she remains polite and gives the proper respect and she doesn't say a thing but she does shoot Rebound a bot of a look for a moment. She knows the whole dela about doing a poltical dance she wasnt' ready for the sort of thing she'd seen when she'd crashed slaver operations back on her home world as she sees racoon dog's condtion and is very concerned. She seems to get a sympathic look to the raccoon dog that's doesn't seem to well off and she simply waits she doesn't rise to it or make any hostile action she simply waits. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite leans a little to glance out from behind one of Thianel's legs as the sheet is pulled away... and really has to resist the urge to facepalm. Com'n, we know she's a shapeshifter, but seriously. ... No, there has to be something else. If Ijiwaru is making this big show about this... There's something else they're not suppose to see... True to form, Corona rolls her eyes a bit in the usual distaste for the more political things she's previously shown, and wanders around behind Thianel as if continuing her monitoring. But it's not the mechanical dragon she's monitoring now. While out of direct sight she fiddles with the C-Pad's various settings, going through multiple scanning modes both technical and the newer magical ones she's been tinkering with while working with the Izzet. Something about this was like that dang fangled New Math. It didn't add up. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Far away, in the Izzet Artificer's lab, a small orb buzzles to life. Its red and blue lights flash, as if in warning before it zips up, internal gyroscopes suddenly working again, and then zips away.     A goblin, intent on following orders to the letter cries out "OH NO YOU DON'T! GET BACK HERE YOU LITTLE" and chases Pidge with a net, trying to catch it, as the orb makes a little 'blaaaat' noise.     True to form, with the Mana Nexus nearly at full storage, there was a LOT of magic floating around. Those magic eaters must be getting a belly full at this point. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     The impact drivers spark to life, green energy flowing through them as Rebound's stance shifts, "Cocky son of a bitch." She snarls faintly. She didn't really know Yunomi before this whole thing started, but she's gotten to know everyone who's been trying to save her, and she's known people like Ijiwaru before.     She tenses her leg muscles, not striking out yet, but very, very close to doing so. It's not her place to call him out on his bullshit, but the moment the opporitunity arises, she's going to lash out. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler doesn't have a quip at hand, some clever mixing of words that would say one thing and then another. The only answer to Ijiwaru he gives is that stone mask, joined by the doctor's bayful gaze in tandem. He doesn't even issue a command for him to get on with it. He simply watches, waits for that sheet to be removed... And then looks at the raccoon dog that occupied the cage. It took willpower, more than he had expected, to not turn that place into a charnal house, but he did so, simply looking at what, at best, was a horrible insult, and at worst, was one of the worst things he could imagine. His hand extends, slightly, to the doctor next to him, who, upon adjusting her gaze, moved to her hip and drew her M9, placing the pistol in Rick's hand before striding forward. "I'm a doctor. Make a fucking hole." She mutters, approching the cage itself. Crouching down, her hand moved to a device, flipping out a medical tricorder, detaching the bit and running it over the Raccoon dog in front of her. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' The possibility that Yunomi was inside that covered cage was ... well. For Yuna, it seemed like Ijiwaru was living up (or down) to his name again by being unnecessarily nasty - keeping Yunomi in a cage and keeping her from seeing her friends, or vice versa. But when the cage is uncovered? It's not until Thianel's prompting that Yuna draws in a slow, deep breath, letting it out with just as much control, and forcing her hands to unclench. She can't claim to know Yunomi as well as Rhapsody does, but ... if Yunomi's magic was being drained from her, of course she'd most likely revert to her natural, non-magical form, and the strain might weaken her further. But logic does very little to prevail against emotions - and Yuna's emotions have always tended to overwhelm her reason in any case: one of her recurring failures as a warrior, and one that's difficult for her to overcome even *with* knowledge of it. For now, keeping her emotions as tightly under wraps as she can, Yuna takes a couple of steps forward, consciously suppressing the desire to transform and try to blast the cage open. She's very pointedly not looking at Ijiwaru, averting her gaze from the magic-eater as she approaches. "You'll have to allow us to confirm her identity before we accept that you've brought our beloved friend back to us - even if she's first to stand trial and face the accusations against her," Yuna points out. "Rhapsody already disputes that this is Yunomi Stadler, or Umehana Odanuki as you insist upon calling her ..." Now she looks at Ijiwaru, and smiles - but it's a smile without warmth, the only light in her eyes a steely glint that promises immense fury if she finds a reason to unleash it. "Although, I suppose ... you've only ever seen her as an animal to be hunted ... never as a person to be valued, and certainly never as somebody whom others might see as a friend to be cherished." She does indeed stand aside as DeClere comes past her. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Sanary raises an eyebrow slightly as that sheet is removed, a cautious glance tossed towards Rhapsody as she questions Ijiwaru. She doesn't seem to quite understand the implications just yet, but it does eventually dawn on her, and once that thought finally settles in, Sanary gives Ijiwaru an incredulous look.      "... Really? You've never...? Uh." The healer doesn't look offended at Ijiwaru as she does give him a look of utter disbelief, then a light shrug.      At least she's not the one drawing their anger today.      She does glance over at her companions for the day, though, seemingly more interested in their reactions to all of this. Yang's reaction isn't quite so unexpected, although Sanary is making sure that she's not directly between her and the Magic Eaters. Rebound's stance, too, keeps her from staying too close to her as well, although she does eventually step forward with DeClere.      "Confederate medical. I ain't a surgeon, but if you need some patch healing..." She taps her shields together lightly, almost as if signaling like she's ready to draw out some healing magic for exactly that purpose. She's still got her own job to do, after all! 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     "I promised I would deliver the tanuki in a safe form for others to take. I had no idea that removing the transformative powers would lead to this." He motions. "I was confident that because of her mother she would remain /human/ Harmless. How was I to know that she chose what she looked like even in a 'native' form?" Ijiwaru gives a small shrug of his shoulders. "No. This is no joke. This is the Odanuki. This is my enemy, and I have delivered her to you, /fully/ intending on handing her over with not. A. Scratch. Not a single hair on that body harmed. Not a single one of those folicles was harmed by my hand."     And it's true. This ancient looking tanuki has either been healed, or has had time to heal. It also seems... weak. Unable to walk. Unable to do much except lay there, dying. Tanuki aren't supposed to live so long as this one without magic.     The tanuki is also not a female. Once DeClere gets close enough, it's obvious that this tanuki is a male. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "You're lying," Yuna states, looking straight at Ijiwaru - and no longer even pretending to smile. "You've been hunting youkai for how long? And you've had a grudge against Yunomi for how many years? Don't tell me - don't try to tell *us* - that you seriously did not think the loss of her magic wouldn't cause her to revert. I'm going to ask nicely just once, Ijiwaru ... where is the real Yunomi Stadler?" Meanwhile, Elner is still hovering back where Yuna had been standing ... but that doesn't mean the robo-faerie isn't ready to assist. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Ijiwaru gives a sad smile. "Tonight it ends, my old enemy." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     And for her part, Rhapsody still looks entirely cheesed off.     "Oh -CAN- it already, Ijiwaru!" Yep. She's snapped. She's done being nice and calm and held back by everyone around her. She's the damn Izzet Guildmaster, she's going to do what she -wants- to do. "That. Is. Not. Yunomi. Stadler. This is a -clear- breach of the contract issued by the Guild Vote to allow you to hunt for -her- and to bring -her- to us. THE VOTE IS NULLIFIED!" she howls, pressing -past- Thianel's outstretched leg, and now she's rolling up a sleeve, "And now I am going to f#@$^&ing clean your damn clock!" 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' "Hm... Yeah, she... He? Everything checks out. No injuries. Just... Being old." Sanary glances back at the others after looking the tanuki over, even directing some regenerative magic its way to see if that helps bolster the creature's ability to function any. Not that she knows what 'Yunomi' or 'Oadnuki' or whoever this is supposed to be looks like to begin with, but still.      The healer's also making a distinct point not to turn around when Yuna and Rhapsody call him out on his suposed deception, sparing only a quick glance over before observing the caged creature further. If any fighting's going to go down, she can at least make sure something significantly more innocent than just about anyone in the room is protected, at least! 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler stands there, far enough away from the cage. the way he's adjusting his neck indicates he's subvocalizing, speaking without sounding on a radio, but it would be very hard to detect what. And he never moves from looking at Ijiwaru. Before... pausing. Pausing for a moment. And narrowing his eyes. THis may coincide with the report DeClere whispers over, once she gets the analysis. "You. You just promised you'd delivered her to us. but you never said that was who was in that cage. This wasn't a hand over. You never had her. This was how you planned to /get her/." As Rhapsody walks forward. "The one image we got was a robed figure, handing over a weapon. Nothing else. The Tanuki in there is male. And as I am not a man who beleives in coincidences, I have to beleive that there's only one old male tanuki that Ijiwaru could drag in here with the expectation that Yunomi would appear." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Meanwhile, as others are aruging over Ijiwaru and the now clearly not Yunomi tanuki, Corona is paying more attention to her analyzer and the magic energy amassing in the Nexus around them. On a scale of 1 to 10... this would probably be a 12. Maybe a 13, because Corona has a definate bad feeling about it. An ear swivels forward briefly, mostly at Rhapsody finally getting to vent some of what she's been holding in for the last three months, trap or no trap. Frankly, after putting her through this for that long, she's got every right to punch the bastard's teeth in, vote or no vote. Not like the Council has done a damn thing to help anyways. Then her attention snaps back to the analyzer... mostly because it's started to spark and smoke. The mana detectors was still a new and experimental thing, and the sheer capacity of the Nexus was more than it can handle. "Yeep!" With a yip Corona blows smoke off the device and waves it a few times, then slaps it shut and ditchs it before it overloads entirely. Probably for the better, because it sounds like things are really heating up, and not just becahse Rhapsody's lost her temper. Sounds like a few lines have been seriously crossed. That's it. The gloves are off now. Or on, in this case, as Corona gets out her bigger reinforced ones. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "To think I was actually planning to apologize to you ... !" Sometimes, Yuna's transformations are quiet and relatively subdued. Sometimes they're dramatic. And sometimes ... sometimes, the transformation itself is intended to be a spectacularly clear threat. Yuna's whole body glows, brightly enough that the drapery of her clothes is obscured into vanishing entirely. The light around her then crackles, the components of her basic Light Suit condensing out of the light itself and taking physical, material shape. And as her Light Suit takes shape around her body, Yuna speaks, loudly enough to be clearly heard. "I actually thought that I might indeed have misjudged you, Ijiwaru Magic-Eater. I thought that after all your complaints about the way we'd distrusted you and refused to cooperate, you had made good on your promise to bring Yunomi in alive and well and relatively unharmed ... and as soon as I'd given her the welcome-home hug she needed, I would have turned to you, bowed, and apologized for treating you with the distrust that I've shown ... but THIS - !!" One final flare of light, and Yuna's transformation is completed, the Matrix Divider taking form in her hands. "Is Rhapsody correct, Ijiwaru?" snaps Yuna, the Matrix Divider already flaring as she focuses power into her weapon - and keeping the Divider pointed conspicuously *away* from not just Ijiwaru, but the other Magic-Eaters. "Did you capture Yunomi's father, just to lure Yunomi herself into your trap?!" 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:''' The tanuki gives a sort of thankful look to Sanary, though one could hardly call the Best Carouser in Kyoto and Edo 'innocent'... just, old and tired at this point, feeling every one of those five centuries on his bones and muscles.     Pidge is chased by a goblin with a net, and goes out a lucky opened window. The Goblin gives a low curse, throws the net to the ground, and stomps on it.     Repeatedly.     Up above in the control room, Mi is monitoring the situation, and the hair on her head is beginning to stand up from all the mana in the room. The little creature is practically glowing, feeling better than she has in months.     "Chuugi, the mana nexus has reached full storage and capacity!"     Outside, the mana vines that connected the Nexus to the mana power grid are beginning to glow, their excess energy crackling along their forms, flowers beginning to bloom along their thornless vines.     Pidge is sailing along through the air, speeding along. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang's hair begins to rise on its own, beginning to flow in the mana currents as if she were standing underwater. The crackling along the vines is mimiced along the blonde's own body, skittliating traceries of yellow 'lightning' arcing across her Aura. Flecks of Aura lift out of her hair like embers of flame, her eyes very slowly turning a darker shade of purple, bleeding into red as the anger courses through her body, filling her with its power. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' "That's it. That's what I was waiting for." Rebound has been waiting for the cards to wind up on the table, and now she's going to finally do what she's been waiting for. The cards all laid out, Rebound's thoughts about this guy and his cronies all panning out exactly how she'd expected. The tensed muscles of the kangaroo's legs finally release, and she drives forward. It's a big distance to cover, but she knows she can do it. She hopes the element of surprise will give her the advantage that she needs. She knows this is such a terrible idea, but Rebound doesn't worry about things like plans or consequences, at least not in the heat of the moment. The Impact Drivers burn bright green as she sails through the air, twisting herself around to throw everything she has into the punch as she sails through the air. She's heading straight for Ijiwaru, the kangaroo has had enough of his lip and his stupid pretty boy face, and from the moment she saw him, she has wanted to do this. She's going to punch him right in the face at full speed. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:''' The Magic-Eater gives a sad smile, stepping away, his back to the cage as he straightens himself out. The rest of the magic eaters draw their weapons, standing at the ready, turning to each of the Unionites and Izzet Allies in their midst, centering on Rhapsody. There are at least fifteen little green dots on her back and sides, taking aim at the Guildmaster as the rain begins to fall. Four are on Richard Stadler. At least two aiming throught he bars at the exhausted tanuki in the cage. He looks around to the assembled, and gives a sad smile. "I wish I had thought of this sooner, gathering her most loyal companions, her most treasured associations. All of you in one place, her father, her adoptive father, her lover -- admittedly, it was far, far easier to manipulate you. What an opportunity arose, forcing her to choose between staying safe or saving everyone, how could I not force it?" Ijiwaru smirks.     "So. If you would all be so kind," he draws his sword. The blade hums in turn, its ice cold glint even in the heat of this moment shining thirstily, Muramasa, glows as the kangaroo approaches. Ijiwaru braces -- And outwards a concussive force errupts, with enough force to make the magic-eaters around him draw downwards, but its effect focused on the airborn Rebound!      "If you stay still, this should all be over very, very--" 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     -- that's about when a bolt of lightning hits the ground behind Ijiwaru -- and up above there is a figure, clad in a dark, brown, ragged robe, the hood pulled up and over her face.     And around her floats an orb, happily burbling with its red and blue lights aglow.     The left arm hangs a little limply to her side, her right hand still crackling with red mana before it falls, grasping onto the guard rail of the catwalk. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     DOTS. MANY DOTS. HANDLE IT! The moment all the guns train on the riled up Izzet Guildmaster, Thianel doesn't give a single one of them the chance. The dragon lunges, lands over top the Guildmaster, and his wings fan out, probably getting in the way of a -majority- of the lines of fire. Rhapsody does indeed stop, but the crack of lightning and the form appearing above prompts the response anyone here would expect.     "YUNOMI!" 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Tracer lines? Check. Multiple targets? Check. Stood atop a giant world ending time bomb? Double check.     "Wrong move." Heroic one-liners? Priceless.     Yang braces as the blow from Muramasa comes screaming off the blade, flaring her Aura to absorb the overflow of the strike, before she throws both arms back.     CH-BLAM! CLU-CLAK!     She launches forwards, aiming to smash one fist right into the side of one of the Magic Eaters aiming at the tanuki in the cage. She's not holding back this time, and as her fist connects, a double tap of her Impulse shells goes off, hopefully sending the poor bastard flying over the railing.     She isn't still though, the recoil from her first attack sends her wheeling backwards, bringing a round-house kick into another Magic Eater's midsection, aiming to knock his aim off at least with a sudden blonde brawler up in his business. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' And then things start going to crap rather quickly. Perhaps luckily or unluckily, Sanary's not particularly invested in... Well, anyone here. Maybe Yuna at most because of a certain kid elsewhere, but aside from that? She's more than content to stand guard by the old aching father.      Yunomi's dramatic entrance does get her attention rather easily, though, and she's soon drawing both shields out to provide both the odanuki and Declere with a rather substantial shield wall. Plus, herself!      "Hey, Ijiwaru? Mm... Good luck, I guess." Should he look her way, she'll point a finger towards the increasingly rageahol-filled-looking Unionites just over there. If Ijiwaru or the Magic Eaters were hoping for Confederate assistance somehow...      Sanary's not /that/ stupid. "Just don't throw too many of 'em this way, alright, Yang? Er. Everyone?" 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' There was exactly one way to get Yuna to abort from a prepared attack, and the Magic-Eaters have found it - and then Thianel does what Yuna was about to need to. She gives the mechanical dragon a quick, relieved grin - "HYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!" - and lunges straight at Ijiwaru, pitting her modest weight and her strength of will against the erupting shockwave, trying to break through it without losing speed; the Matrix Divider is swung like a broadsword wrapped in lightning, and at the instant at which she judges is optimal contact, she pulls the Divider's trigger. If she wanted Ijiwaru dead and the strike was true ... well, it'd mostly depend on the latter how many pieces the lead magic-eater would be left in. As it is, the 'lightning' is released in a concussive clap of thunder, manifesting as a near-blinding shockwave to add to the Matrix Divider's physical impact; if Ijiwaru eats *that* whole then he's probably not going to stay on his feet. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya gets a dawning look of horror on her face as it seems to not be Yunomi but becomes even more horrifed as she starts to understand. She gets a look of horro she's not sure she can save someone so far gone but she could ease the Tukanki's suffering. However then comes the mana so much mana it mak3es Maya's home world in most places seem bone dry for magic. Maya's floored by the massive amount of magic. Maya is just inately trying to keep herself together as she staggers even as the magic eaters make their move as wella s Rebound also jumps into action. Maya now manages to get herself in gear as the fight's starting in earnast she hears Ijiwaru's word even as her own magic surges causing her tattoos to glow through her clothing and be visable to others as he makes ready she knows the fight's coming and then comes the entry of Yunomi. Maya channels a spell to her allies as as a pair of cards rise up out of her hands, one glowing blue the other red and all those who have been working with Rhapsody seeking to solve this mess would find they are gaining a good deal of magical protection as she puts a ward on all her allies. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut growls as Rhapsody, Yuna, Yang, Rebound...pretty much everyone gears up and either confronts or outright attacks Ijiwaru. It is unwise to attack in a situation like this, not knowing what the target has planned or what his capabilities are. But, like Thianel, when all of those dots appear on Rhapsody, Bahamut lets out a roar and leaps just after the mechanical dragon. What Thaniel cannot cover, Bahamut will. "Your timing is terrible yet impeccable! The city is on the verge of collapse thanks to you! As is your guildmaster!" he roars, obviously a bit annoyed with Yunomi.      Standing firmly between Rhapsody and the snipers, Bahamut starts firing spells and shots of Impulse at the Magic Eaters. Lightning, fire, water, ice, and perhaps worst of all, those Impulse bolts that deal damage of no particular element. Just pure energy that threatens to petrify anyone hit by them. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' And with the gloves in place, Corona is back at front with the dragons and the others. "The only thin' endin' is this silly cherade finally." ... Sigh, a little quick on the leap there Rebound, though good points for effort. And of course there's a ton of guns being pointed down at them, especially Rhapsody... which Thianel quickly moves to shield the smaller Guildmaster from. "Hah! Good thin' we made ya outta tougher stuff!" Cue Yunomi making a timely arrival, and all of hell going to handgrenades in a hand basket. Corona for her part, just moves. She's small, she's nimble, and she's been dodging gunfire all her life. The quick grey fox jumped through the fracas... and when she clenched her fists the gauntlets started to light up, steam hissing readily from ducts. Even as she weaves through the attacks she whips around and lunges for the nearest Magic Eater, gaunlets lighting up as the pulsarium cores pump a debilitating energy discharge out of them. It's like grabbing the guy with two massive steampunk tasers. "Ah hope y'all ready for a RE-VOLT-IN experience!" 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' Okay not the best idea she's ever had. Rebound's plan, so to speak, has backfired as the kinetic energy lashed into her and knocked her backwards. The impact sends her flying way back past the direction she came from. It hurts, but not as much as the impact with the ground on the other side of the Nexus hurts. She tumbles and tears into the ground, rolling several times as she goes until she finally stops, the Impact Drivers hissing off energy as she lays there, trying to shake off the force of the hit. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' It's times like this, as Ijiwaru's men point their weaponas toward the assembled group, the trap sprung, that Stadler thanks what planning he could do. Such as the fact that, while he may be dressed like a vice principal of a high school, he was still wearing ceramic scale underneath the dress shirt. That would hold aganist one or two shots, certainly. Maybe more, but that would be pushing it. He needed more. And he got it. The first, of course, is the shock of lightening that comes down from the catwalk, there standing his daughter, at the end of her plan, a glourious sight to behold for a father long starved for information. He looks up at her, for a moment, face still as nothing, before a slow, warm smile comes to his face. "Lord. About time. I think I'll try prayers more often." He says. before looking at the other soldiers in front of him. "We're going with Whiskey-Seven." He says, to the open air. And that was the cue for the last bit he needed. Because DeClere, crouching down next to the old tanuki, gives him a short nod, then stands up. "I'd appreciate the shield. If not, make a fucking hole." She says again. As DeClere has a certain, activist interrprtation of the Hippocratic Oath. Because she's drawn a subcompact Glock from an ankle holster, and fires it with lethal intent toward those pointing the guns at Richard. Three parts, all brought together, gives Stadler enough time to start moving, dashing to the side, muscle memory sending his hand back to draw the Hi-Power from the small of his back. He sights quickly, pulling the trigger rapidly, aiming three shot groupings. Not at helmets, or at body armor, but at necks. He wasn't a Magician, but one could be forgiven for thinking otherwise with a firearm. From outside the Nexus, the door of a building bursts open, and the two Z-teams move forward. Riot shields at the front to get through the crowd, and heading toward the Nexus itslef. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Yes. Let's all gear up and attack Ijiwaru.     Let's hope that he's not seen Season 3 of RWBY -- the nearest magic eaters to the cage turn around just in time to get a face full of Yangry Huntress, getting bowled over the side of one of the platforms with a Wilheim Scream following the sound of those explosive shells. Two more turn, opening fire on Yang, one drawing a sword and rushing in for the kill, looking to take off at least one arm.     The magic eaters who had been intent on keeping their gdots on Rhapsody end up with a growling, hissing, angry mechanical dragon. A little more than what they bargained for. They open fire on it, bullets trying to peirce through the tough metal hide of Thianel.     The tanuki in the cage hisses, weakly, and limps to the side Sanary's on, eyes wide and in pain. Its presence in the world is fading.     Ijiwaru, on the other hand, was prepared for the attack. Masamune turns, its blade glowing as Ijiwaru draws in more magical power, feeding off the Mana Nexus itself and he lifts the weapon, trying to stop Yuna dead in her tracks, skidding backwards slightly as his eyes narrow.     More of the magic eaters open fire on Bahamut, their formation turning, breaking at the impulse bolts strike against them -- but the magical effect is somewhat lessened -- Ijiwaru is absorbing it, eating it, and generally feeling pretty good about himself.     Corona Arclight's weapons rip through the magic eaters around her, smacking through the tactical armor as she delivers an ELECTRIFYING experience for half the cost of seeing stars. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     "What's the matter, Guildmaster? Afraid to cross swords without your Guardian standing over you? IJiwaru taunts Rhapsody, giving a wide smile. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang's been in the multiverse long enough to be savvy when it comes to her brawling.. but the sword user does have an advantage in that his super human strength is easily equal to Yang's own, and his weapon can pierce her Aura. As she turns and fires another shell to clear from the running slash, the tip of the blade cuts her jacket down the center, causing the buttons to come free and the jacket to swing open. Yang skids along the catwalk, grunting as bullets rain down around her, some simply squashing against her Aura, others deflecting away with bright yellow bursts of the power of her very soul. "Heh... Nice of you to CUT IN." she quips, her grin more of a snarl as she jukes to the side, attempting to come in under the sword weilder's guard and elbow smash him in the gut, using another shell to add power to the strike.     Even if that doesn't disable him, she just keeps going, picking the guy up and charging straight into another group of Magic Eaters with a near bestial roar. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     All hell breaks loose? No. Rakdos is still asleep. THIS IS AN IZZET LEAGUE AFFAIR.     Thianel lunges forward to protect Rhapsody, Bahamut moves up to protect the guildmaster as well. Beneath both dragons, the Guildmaster growls, rolls up BOTH sleeves, changes her mind, -tosses- the coat, --- then something rushes past her. In fact, it came clear from outside. A hooded figure was outside with the protesters, actually chanting with them, however...         That was just a ruse.     As the shadowy figure surges from the entrance, its speed makes it easy to miss. A Magic Eater about to place a round in one of Thianel's optic suddenly goes flying. Another about to slice for Bahamut's leg has his head bashed into Thianel's rear leg. It then surges right by Rhapsody, actually catches the coat, and -throws- it toward Ijiwaru,         "HEY. ASSHOLE!"     Ijiwaru will likely get a facefull of coat, or slice it in half. Either way, SIDONIA would be visible for a -brief- moment before absolutley PLOWING into the Magic Eater with all the speed of a sport's car.     Upon seeing this, Rhapsody actually shouts for her sister, then follows right after her. Each of her hands go to her sides, the Spellblades come free, are -pressed- together, and then one ignites, and the second freezes, "IJIWARU! I HAVE A BLADE TO SHOW YOU!" SLASHING ENSUES. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' "Us medical jockeys gotta watch each other's backs, right?" Sanary says with an audible and visible grin as she glances between the fighting and DeClere. She ducks her head down a bit when that Glock is drawn and fired, though she doesn't move much aside from that. They still need cover, after all, and her shields are there to do just that!      Of course, it doesn't take long for her to notice the tanuki's waning condition, and she leans over with the shields still held up to inspect him. "Whoa, easy there. Uh... Let's get out of here. Doc! Yunomi! I'm getting your dad outta here!" She's not fond of the idea of leaving her shields, but she'll need those hands free to grab that cage and start hauling it out of there! As she moves, though...      Didn't everyone else mention tanukis running on magic? Although Sanary will probably regret it soon, she focuses her own magic into the odanuki, 'linking' herself to him and acting as a makeshift mana battery. Will it last through the mana nexus' absorption, though? 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The lights around the Nexus begin to flash, and get brighter. Yunomi, up there on the catwalk is... mostly watching. She's tired. She can hardly hear the battle going on around her.     "Huh. Thianel looks well... nice work... Dad's in good order.... the new girl has dad... you go, DeClere and..."     She glances up as the lights flicker. She grips her left hand as tightly as she can, and reaches up, tapping Pidge a moment as he orbits her.     "Go on. They'll need you in the control room." she whispers, and she begins to make her way around, the rain picking up.     THe platforms are getting wet and slippery. The thunder rumbles ahead, and outside, the shields are beginning to hum -- even without Tibor and Lumia's commands being put in.     Pidge burbles, and heads off towards the control room where Ryxinel and Mi are at! 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna's teeth grit behind the Matrix Divider, a flicker of worry crossing her face at the sight of Ijiwaru actually absorbing mana from the spells being tossed around, and from the Nexus itself. Wasn't it supposed to be enough ambient mana to give them lethal indigestion ... ? Well, nothing to do about it except keep fighting. And maybe to be glad that, for a magical girl, Yuna is decidedly low on 'actual magic' to be eaten. It's mostly thanks to Elner's perspective that Yuna knows when to break the clash of weapons and make room for her allies to come in. Sidonia's swift attack catches Yuna's attention long enough to elicit a fierce grin, widening a little as Rhapsody charges in. But it's in tandem with Rhapsody's assault on Ijiwaru that Yuna closes in again - not committing all her power to a single strike like her first attack, but trying to flank Ijiwaru and jabbing at what look like gaps in his armor. It's almost like she's using the Matrix Divider to fence, now, releasing a concussive burst of hard light with each jab - and more, trying to target his joints as much as possible, *especially* his hips and knees. That's where armor usually has gaps or thin parts anyway, right? 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' If there is one thing the enemy still has, it's numbers. To a degree. The fact that several of them still have swords or other pain inflicting weapons is a good reason for her to back off, and take a little stock of the situation. Like the healer trying to make a getaway with the old man tanuki. Then glances over her shoulder for a moment. "Com'n Hoppy, this ain't time fer a nap. Plenty of faces to apply those fists to yet!" The steam-minijets affixed to her boots fire, giving Corona a bit of a speed boost just in time to juke and twist out of the way of another attacker. But instead of returning the assault, she uses the boost to break in the direction of Sanary trying to make off with the caged raccoon dog. Though those sharp ears did hear the comment about Thianel's new look, to which she yips a quick "Thanks!" even as she's darting through. Then comes to a skidding spin and a stop behind Sanary. Trying to run with the family bait is sure to get them unwanted attention from the Magic Eaters. "Ah've been meanin' to have a few words with y'all..." And that's when she finally pulls out her trademark pulsarium shotgun from wherever she'd stashed it, though the matter manipulator hanging from her belt is a good guess. "So who's feelin' lucky, punks?" Most of the 'talking' is actually done by the Forgesweeper, belching out bursts of blazing plasma-like energy as Corona moves to cover the medics retreat. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya has done what she can to support others and now it's time for maya to get into the fight, her rifle doesn't come out as a melee is on and she's going to make use of magic she channels more magic into another spell, but she wonders will it do anything to the eaters and how much magic can the magic eaters consume at once? She doesn't know but she does start launching water spells at severla of the magic eaters doing what she can to back everyone else up. "I admit you and your ilk have been far more clever than most I have locked heads with in a veyr long time." Odd maya's not shouting insults what's up she's clealry very pissed off but in enough control. "Though I wonder how much magic can you take?" 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut hears Yuna's warning, and though he retorts on the radio he takes her advice anyway. Those long, rending claws of his bare themselves, and he leaps into the fray. Bahamut's spells are bad enough, but his real power is in his physical strength. Slashes from his claws are known across his world as being more devastating than just about any other attacks, dealing more damage than most on his world think possible.      And those slashing, rending attacks are now being focused on the Magic Eaters. As Rhapsody and Sidonia target Ijiwaru, Bahamut does his best to make sure none of the underlings in tactical gear can catch the dragon siblings from behind. The draconic wall of steel becomes a whirling dervish of bladed fury, punctuated by bursts of his non-elemental Impulse attacks. And that gold gyro on his back is really starting to glow brightly. If they weren't in the middle of a town, he might unleash his most dangerous attack on the enemy. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' "Ugh. Something something truck license plate.." Rebound says, as she slowly pushes herself back up to her feet. She takes a few moments to shake the cobwebs out of her head, "Okay. That was a cheap shot. I'm not out for the count though." Back to her feet, she takes one more moment to shake off the pain, before she drives back into the thick of things, going right for the closest of those damn Magic Eaters. She doesn't care who it is, she's going to grab a hold of him and smash his armored face into paste. She won't kill him...Probably...But she's going to render him totally combat ineffective. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Rhapsody would find that Ijiwaru was entirely awaiting her, giving a bright smile before he catches the shadow incoming, he turns, and growls, his lips pressing disapprovignly together before getting a faceful of coat /and/ slicing it in half -- and then the dark dragon is incoming, and strikes at him. He staggers back, the swing of his blade a split second too late to eliminate the foe, and he staggers backwards, against a suddenly empty cage! He turns, taking a swipe at Yuna Kagurazka with that hungry blade, Masamune's edge eager to cut into flesh and through armor, heating up with all the magic it's been absorbing. "My dear Miss Kagurazaka, please make way for the Guildmaster." he purrs, and with a soft huff, he turns to greet the Guildmaster head on, with Yuna at his back.     "GOOD THEN! Shall we fight for the fate of my dearly betrothed? Duel as in the fantasies of writers of drivel and boddice-rippers? Oh." he drones, "What fun to take on a /child/."     The ancient tanuki seems quite happy to be out of there. He even rrrlls.     The way is cleared by a quick-talking fox of a gunslinger, and the magic eaters leap out of the way -- the concussive bursts not doing anything for their health as they scatter, regroup and keep firing on everyone! AH! SO MUCH TO SHOOT! Target rich environment!     A pair of magic-eaters look at Maya, look at each other, and then even though they're all wet, they exhale, and one of them answers "A lot."     Before the other opens fire at close range!     Bahamut would bear the brunt of the attacks, with Thianel, a great many of the magic eaters continuing to open fire at the two largest targets! IT's mayhem!     Yang would find that the swordman just kind of tilts his head, wondering how such a girl was able to avoid his very best blow, and then is smashed in the gut. He gives a grunt, even as the shell explodes against his armor, and literally /growls/. He brings the swird back, and turns his body, putting all his weight into a blow, a kick, right to the back of Yang's knee as she continues on without him.     "What's the matter, honey, don't wanna dance?"     Rebound picks a nervous looking Magic Eater, who gives a cry as he flails his arms over his head, and is smashed! Blood from a broken nose colors the front of his faceguard.     Another Magic Eater opens fire on her! 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang stumbles, turning as she's hobbled by that kick, and rolls out across the walkway. She pushes herself up, slowly, her baleful red eyes glowing in the gloom. "Oh, y'wanna dance? Lets dance." Fists come up, receivers cycle in the next shells, and with a shift, the blonde punches where she stands. Instead of a burst of raw kinetic force though, both gauntlets hurl an explosive packet of energy out at the Magic Eater Swordsman.     If he's good he'll be able to cut them in half and disable the attack, but if he does, he'll find the blonde is suddenly right up in his face again, aiming for limbs, and dropping for a round-house sweep at his legs, before using the rising motion to hurl herself upwards in a rising uppercut, flames lapping from her gauntlets. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "Do NOT underestimate me, Ijiwaru!" Rhapsody is -pissed- and if this was the night she was going to vent everything, then so be it. The fused spellblades are held in one hand while the other is free to do other things, like fire a lightning bolt after she calls up enough red mana to press through her trouble with casting. The shot, however, is not intended to strike the Magic Eater. It thunders, it strikes at his feet, and the -flash- is meant to allow Rhapsody's sister to come surging in from the side to attempt to strike at Ijiwaru once more. It's only after Sidonia makes her second pass that Rhapsody lashes out with the blades once more. The freezing, burning blade leaves a glowing path in the air as it slices for Ijiwaru, crashing blade against blade, sending up sparks and frozen chips in all directions over and over and over again as they dance the blade waltz. "I AM SO SICK OF YOUR SLITHERING WORDS, IJIWARU. You're a LIAR. A MURDER. A MONSTER and I will NOT tolerate you here ANYMORE!" 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Why's Sanary even doing this? It's not like she has any fondness for anyone here. Hell, she'd much rather just sit back and watch the show, but... But dammit, the old tanuki's not involved in any of it, and he's probably in more danger than anyone else. Might as well get some practice with escorting someone out of a high-density combat zone without anything to protect herself while she's at it!      If nothing else, it'll be an interesting story to re-tell back home and possibly gloat about later. Corona's impromptu assistance does draw a grateful grin from the healer, though, as she sends off a small burst of healing magic towards Corona as well. It won't heal anything instantly, but it does provide a steady boost to natural regeneration and even an extra kick of energy!      "Thanks, lady! We can talk later or somethin' once... All of this is... Whatever!" Talking while sprinting is hard. At least making a break for the exit is probably easier than trying to get closer to the fighting, although a small part of her is also wondering...      If those protestors are still outside, is she going to be running smack dab into them? Well, she can find out soon enough if nobody stops her evacuation run! 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Rather than biting into armor or flesh, Masamune clashes against the Matrix Divider just as Yuna's starting to run a fresh charge of power into her weapon - and she knows full well how dangerous that sword can be; right now, Yuna is a little desperate in her hope that her powers CAN'T be leeched by the magic-eaters. But with Ijiwaru getting so much attention, other matters are pushing to the forefront of Yuna's consciousness - like getting the cage and its weakened inhabitant to safety. Towards *that* end, Yuna finally breaks away and leaves Ijiwaru to Rhapsody (and Sidonia), turning and sprinting towards Sanary. "SHUGOSEIHEKI!!" Yuna shouts loudly, letting the Matrix Divider disappear and bringing her left arm up for the Wall of the Guardian Star to materialize as invoked. Running with that kite shield on her arm is kind of a challenge, but ... well, Yuna is *supremely* motivated right now, not just to protect an ally (and let's face it, Sanary's practically a friend by now) but also to make *absolutely* sure that the old male tanuki is gotten to safety as well. It's not just the magic-eaters she's worried about, either. The protesters have been loud enough to hear over the commotion of battle, and Sanary and the tanuki she's carrying may be way too tempting a target for anyone's good. Yuna is bracing herself mentally for the task of tanking basically anything and everything - Sanary may be able to take the hits Yuna can't shield her from, but Sakiaro (if that is in fact him) is still far too weak. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Mi looks at the radio, incredulously, and then up to Ryxinel. She looks terrified.     "How much do you trust Yunomi?" she asks, deadly seriously, to the older dragon. She's already running to the other side of the control console.     Yunomi is moving, slowly, her left arm limp at her side now, but she's moving. She feels sick to her stomach, but she focuses what she can, and hops over the side of the catwalk, holding on to the rail with her legs, looping one leg around and hanging upside-down.     The cloak's pinned to her side as she opens a penl, and begins to fiddle with the control inside.     She works as quick as she can, using her teeth in place of her left hand, the arm hanging down.     It's dripping something down her fingers. It stains the side of the wall. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Ryxinel just looks back at Mi. "Completely. Tell me what to do.. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut growls as shots and blades impact his metal scutes and armor plates. He is tough, but punctures and slashes are starting to appear in his armor, and a bit of crimson flows from the wounds. But, Bahamut keeps going. He chases down swordsmen, slashing them or hitting them with his tail, while maintaining a close presence to Rhapsody and Sidonia. Sparks fly from his claws as he clashes with one of the Magic Eater swords before kicking the swordsman holding it with one of those large, talon-studded feet.      But, even a mighty dragon like Bahamut cannot weather a storm of this magnitude forever. If the number of Magic Eaters does not soon drop to zero, he may very well be overwhelmed. He will fight until his very last and protect Rhapsody with everything he has. He is putting his trust in Yunomi as well. If she can end this with whatever plan she has in mind, then they may all be saved. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona is being heroic, dealing out Shotgun Justice in the most literal sense it can be taken! It's a thing you do on the wild cosmic frontier. It also earns her a lot of fire in return from the Magic Eaters. She twists and turns as much as she can but it's pretty dense and she can't do much for avoiding everything as bullets whizz by too close for comfort, grazing her clothing or even her furry flesh. She staggers back a couple of steps and crouches partially, huffing to catch her breath. Then Sanary's little thank-you for the assist hits her. It doesn't instantly heal any wounds, no, but she can feel the revitalizing energy surge through her like a second wind. Maybe third wind at this point. What matters is it is a much needed rekindling of the fires. A boot heel digs into the ground to push the fox back into a ready stance. A glance to the side sees Yuna moving to give Sanary some more cover from attacks while she hauls Yunomi's kin out of here. One arm reachs down and out a bit to inspect her weapon. The glow within the chamber had dulled a bit due to how much energy she was firing off. So she flips the shotgun around, grabs the activator in the one hand, and gives it a good firm jerk as if cocking it. Though not being your typical shotgun, it's resetting the charge cycle on the pulsarium core rather than reloading it. Then flips it around again. The other gloved hand reachs up to tug her hat down firmly into place, a few sparks being given off as fingertips briefly touch the metal plates riveted to the exterior for protection. "Let's get this rodeo -really- rockin'." And then she breaks into another dash. Right -towards- the Magic Eaters as they're trying to regroup and fire. As soon as she's in close Corona ducks down to avoid close-range fire, and thrusts the butt end of the shotgun into one's tactical armored gut. Followed by swinging it up to crack him in the chin, which also sends the weapon spinning upward into the air. Corona on the other hand grabs the first one she assaulted and uses him as leverage as she twists around, aiming her metal-shod boot at another's chest for a sort of kick, as well as kicking off with the force. Followed by grabbing Forgesweeper back out of the air, leveling it and firing off the now recharged boost, hurting another volley of plasma into the Magic Eater ranks while the recoil, since she's not on the ground to brace it, actually helps launch her -away- from their close quarters as well. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya smiles. "Oh really?" Maya seems to almost take that as a challenge as she now readies other spells but more are coming at her. She's forced to deal with the weapons fire and her barrier does save her ass. She doesn't seem to be holding back now as she starts launching more spells, some lightning are mixed into it along with some water. She moves trying to keep otu of harms way and doing so amy throw off her aim a bit. Still it may be time to shift to guns and she wonders how they'd take to Napalm. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' After clobbering the hell out of one of the Magic Eaters, Rebound gets shot from behind. Adrenaline plus outright rage makes the kangaroo drop the guy she pummeled in the face and turn around to the guy who shot her, "I'm not done with you yet!" She points at the guy with one of her gauntleted hands, and then rushes at him. She's got the barrier spell from Maya backing her up, and she's going to take it out on that guy. As soon as she gets her hands on him, she's going to hit him as hard as she can, just like the first guy. Then she'll move behind him, grab him and flip him through the air. With him tossed out of the way, she's going to finish her initial goal of punching Ijiwaru in the dome. She runs, full speed, crossing the distance to where he is fighting the dragons. This time she doesn't know if he's going to be able to defend against her while he's fighting them..Or if he's busy with them, her strike might make it home. Either she'll distract him from Rhapsody and the guildemaster will stab him, or he'll not see her coming until the Impact Driver connects with his head. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     I underestimate nothing. I am a surviver. I am /the/ Survivor. I am the one, the Chosen, I am the echo in the night and the doubt in that little reptilian mind, that part that's telling you to run."     Ijiwaru, this time, was prepared for Sidonia. He draws another weapon -- a throwing knife -- from his boot with a snarl.     "WAIT YOUR TURN, you /damn lizard/." he growls, and then turns his attention back to Rhapsody, raising his weapon and clashing with hers, Masamune's blade drinking from the mana of the spellblades, his face illuminated by the light. And it changes slightly, his eyes narrowing as his lips part.     "Sakiaro broke an agreement. You should have seen his face, realizing who I was, where I have been -- what it meant when he had made an agreement. I will make her /beg/ for your life. I will cause her all the pain that could have been saved through executing /you/ first, Guildmaster." He gives a dark grin.     Yuna is providing cover for Sanary, and Sakiaro is kept going by that little bit of magic. His heart beats a little stronger, though he longs to get up, to fight, to draw a weapon... he cannot. He knows there should be something but... he can't quite remember... he's so tired. The magic eaters, though, appear to focus on the Brightly Glowing Fraulein and not the healer carrying the tanuki. Obviously Glowy=More Threat.     The magic eaters are declining in number, but not in spirit, as it were. They keep firing on Corona, on Bahamut, some replacing clips, some switching out weapons and trying for those still on the ground. A few more turn to take pot shots at Rebound as something comes over their radio.     And the crowd outside is going wild. A figure in a black cloak slides into the crowd, seeming to materialize at random, tapping others on the shoulder, implanting ideas against the graycloaked Guildless protesters.     Someone's fireball errupts outside.     ANother answers back with a roar, Fiendish Strength showing as he tears away his cloak and furnishes a chest-wide tattoo of the symbol of the Cult of Rakdos, and turns to grab another figure in the crowd, throwing them into another.     THe rabble is roused. And beginning to clash against one another. The Boros doing crowd control go to try and interrupt the beginning battle! 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Mi looks up at Ryxinel, and then hits a button with her foot.     THe window lights up with instruction. THANKFULLY NOT CODED. Buttons, guidance, meter readings, colors and generators and the controls are all very much pointed towards enough power to explain the need to ask if Ryxinel trusts Yunomi completely -- there is a lot of power going into this.     A note at the end reads "This should generate, in theory, enough power to do some Really Good or some Really Bad Things. -- Y.S."     Yunomi is still at work, and nearly slips from her mooring. It jars her arm, and she gives a bark of surprise and pain. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Oh. Red eyes. Dancing. The magic-Eater thinks he might be in love, and he braces for impact -- by slicing through the attack, and going to press forward with a follow up 'cutting in' joke about making a move on the dance floor -- when he finds those red eyes are much, much closer than he would consider to be proper.     ANd then comes the sudden pain at his arms and shoulders. She sweeps his legs right out from under him -- and then when she upper cuts, he goes sailing, arcing up and over and crunching upon landing, skidding a few feet away from the edge of the platform. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The throwing knife catches Sidonia in the side of her stomach, sending her skidding to the ground, but only causing Rhapsody's ferocity to turn up to 11. Seeing this, even Thianel turns from dealing with the other magic eaters to roar at Ijiwaru. However, as he does, there's a rush of air going into the construct's chest. Rhapsody doesn't care that the blades are being drained. She is absolutley -wailing- against the Murasama with all the weight of her true from behind each attack. Hearing the rush of air behind her, however, causes her to do absolutley nothing. She's a red dragon, Dragonsfire won't harm her! The blazing flames rush down from Thianel toward Ijiwaru and Rhapsody both. In the Control Room of the Mana Nexus, Ryxinel looks at everything, silently thanks Yunomi for not coding this last bit of information. "Welp. If this is the point of no return, then we are running right past it.." he muses before pulling one last switch with a -lot- of emphasis. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Sanary is relatively satisfied with Corona helping her out, but with Yuna showing up now? Maybe not /all/ Unionites are jerks. She's not pleased about it, of course, but she does eventually give Yuna a slow nod in thanks as they get closer to the exit. "Thanks, Yuna! Once we get this one outta here, we can..."      What is the plan once they get him out of there, anyway? Sanary has no clue. She can keep an eye on the old tanuki, at least, but with whatever it is Yunomi's got planned in there, she's not sure how far she even needs to go to get him to safety. All she can do is keep running and relying on Yuna to tank the Magic Eater's attacks for her! That link between Sanary and Sakiaro persists in granting the latter more healing energy and access to the former's magic reserves, although it's still likely weakened by the Magic Eaters' presence. Sanary can even feel her eye flickering a bit, but not so much that she can't at least see something of where she's going with his cage for now!      Besides, being attacked still means not being anywhere near Rhapsody and Bahamut. Dragons still freak her out, even if it's mostly internally now! Alas, it couldn't be that easy, because now the crowd outside is fighting after something exploded!      "... Ah, shit. Plan B, then! OR... C?" Sanary shrugs, then bellows out a loud roar as the crowd comes into view. "Out of the way! B... Bwahaha! I ain't with these guys, so either move or die!"      That's how stereotypical bad people sound, right? She's even raising Sakiaro's cage (carefully) over her head like she's preparing to do... Something with it. Something? Something. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang's starting to get tired. As she lands from her leaping strike. She stumbles as another rifle user turns is fire on her, grunting as the bullets start to punch through her Aura, drawing bleeding scores across her bare midrif and arms. The brawler snarls, as she slams her fists together, her Semblance exploding all the energy it's absobred so far, deflecting the next wave of bullets and generally sending a disruptive force wave out in a circle around her... even causing the rain to pause for that brief moment.     A moment that Yang uses to launch herself forwards with enough power to dent the walkway under her feet, as she bowls right into her assailant, aiming to just blow by him with a fly-by face-punch, while aiming to disrupt another group of Magic Eaters, howling like the dragon of her namesake, all fire and fury. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The control pannel lights up, then slides upwards, rolling itself like an old writing desk and showing a sub pannel beneath. It's labeled in Yunomi's neat writing "WINDOW CONTROL PANNEL -- UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS THIS TO BE USED WITHOUT SUPERVISION     It has switches like 'Flood Box' 'Kill Generators' 'EMERGENCY DISCONNECT -- UNDER CONSTRUCTION.' and POWER UP WINDOW.     Yunomi finds her own control pannel is active, and gives a quiet 'yes' sound through teeth holding wires. She pulls a few more, plugging them in, and kicking the side with her knee before it hums.     There is another massive pull. Anyone who is capable of producing magic may feel a tug, somewhere near their navel as the Mana Nexus completes its power up sequence, and prepares to produce the window. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Things are sounding decidedly worse outside the Mana Nexus, but with magic-eaters getting in her way - well, Yuna's not overly concerned about conventional firearms or bullets; if she tries to take too many hits, her Light Suit will still break, but her shield can take more punishment than the Light Suit itself. She'd still rather be in Powered Form right now - the heavier armor, higher speed, and extra arms would be a REAL boon under these circumstances - but she can't give Jiina time to get there, nor could she spare the moment it'd require for the transformation to proceed. All Yuna really *can* do is keep running, and keep holding Shugoseiheki up to take as much of the incoming fire as possible, hoping nothing happens that she *can't* protect Sanary and her 'passenger' against. In fact, leading with her kite shield, she's quite willing to try plowing into a magic-eater if that's what it takes to get to safety. They just have to get through the rioting mob as - wait what's going on out there? Sanary trying to go all EVIL HAM and bulldoze through the crowd makes Yuna wish she could spare the moment to facepalm. She just keeps sprinting, calling out, "She's right, she's not with us, we just happen to be running in the same direction before something really big happens!" She does peek out around the edge of her shield as she takes note of the cultist. Elner, who's departing the Nexus at a higher altitude, might get a better look - and more to the point, be in a position to query others about it. ... but only when they have time to look at images captured in the middle of combat. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite hits the ground with another slide after her gun-acrobatics, but she's quick to get back onto her feet. At least with the numbers thinning out its getting a little easier to avoid the worst of the attacks. As she ducks and jukes Corona stows the shotgun for the time being, instead pulling out a more elaborate looking sidearm. It becomes more of a run-n-gun firefight as she's moving and pulling that trigger as fast as she can, still running on the boost Sanary had given her earlier. Except it appears that being on the run is affecting her aim as the laser-like shots fly off widly. Or maybe not as wildly as the Starslinger's spacial warping effect takes over and the lasers all abruptly make angles that would normally be impossible for light energy and zings straight for their targets from random unexpected vectors instead. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya ia glad to have helped out as she sees Rebound take the hit and it would have been a much worse one the fight isn't over ryet and she can't well do more to deal with. She now will put her rifle to work as she fires off a few shots at any remaining magic easters she knows many of them eaters are down, yet their moral is not broken they are fighitng hard and it tells. Maya now moves and fires her wepaon but this time it's not bullets the housing of the rifle opens up and small missiles launch seeking out Magic eaters and avoiding allies htough they hit a bit less hard than a full on rifle burst from her. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Seeing Sidonia go down draws Bahamut's attention as well. He spins quickly, using his tail to give himself some space even as bullets dent and embed themselves in his armored hide. As Thianel prepares that dragonfire, Bahamut moves to scoop up Sidonia and get her back on her feet, using his body as a shield much like he has for Rhapsody in the past. And he adds his own attack to the mix. A nice bit of Impulse. Four large orbs of grey-white energy that explode around Ijiwaru's feet. Pure energy, seeking to oversaturate the magic eater and possibly slow him down with some petrification effects.      The big metal dragon is looking worse and worse. All those bullets have punched out some of the colorful plumage that spans his wings, and his armor along his belly and chest is actually starting to break off. Bahamut grunts as he is forced to a knee. He gets back up slowly and growls. Magic Eaters. No wonder no one likes them. He can't unleash Mega Flare in the middle of a crowded street, and he can't throw spells around if they will just strengthen the enemy. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     ONe pest is down.     Ijiwaru can feel the pull of the air, though going towards Thianel. The air around him heats up, and he prepares. The fire envelops him. It burns, his outer clothing becomes ash, his armor heating up, fusing... but he was so close.     He wouldn't let just this stop him.     His blade is raised, and the dragon'sfire parts around him, as did everything else the sword's blade is brought against, hungry for violence, thirsty to cause damage and dismay to others -- and as the dragonfire ends, he surges forward.     His blade sweeps, catching between the twofold blades of Rhapsody's weapon, and he twists hard, holding it, pulling it and r bringing one leg up, tries to deliver a kick to Rhapsody's solar plexus, and knock her down, knock the breath out of her -- and most importantly, rob her of her weapon, trying to take the blade and sling it away, and put Rhapsody between himself and her allies!     The crowd seems to be engaged in fighting itself, the man with the devil-horned mask like emblem of the Cult of Rakdos gleams as the man infuriates himself, slamming his fists into other crowd goers.     Amongst them, a younger girl in a gray robe, her brown hair hanging forward before she looks up at the Spires, then back to the cult of Rakdos member, exhales, and brings her arms, focusing.     And her own invention leaps to life, a wailing, windy sound errupting from one arm as a home-made storm engine thunders to life, sweeping a way open for Sanary and Yuna!     "Go!" she calls out, the thin teen bracing herself for backlash! She grits her teeth, shaking slightly, terrified of what might happen if she /doesn't/ help the guild she wanted to join!     Magic Eaters still try and take pot shots at Corona, the flying fox, a trio quickly taken out by the bending of the light weapon and they go down, armor not aiding them against this fight!     Bahamut is taking a lot of damage, and the magic eaters begin to lift their assault as he goes down to protect the dark dragoness. They turn their rifles to work at Maya, no longer warding her allies.     The magic eaters that Yang plows through are also prettye xhausted, and a few of them collapse down, no longer strong enough to hold up the eighty pounds of armor -- some of them sporting red spots against the visors of the armor. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "Thank you!!" Yuna calls out, her gratitude heartfelt to the teenaged girl whom she recognizes - even in passing. She had a feeling there'd be another chance to see her; she's glad she wasn't wrong. Of course, given the circumstances of their second meeting, now Yuna starts hoping they cross paths a third time - hopefully THEN they'll have the chance to really talk at length ... and after that demonstration of an artificial storm generator, Yuna is more certain than ever that she has to get that girl back into the Izzet League. So what if she can't *cast* magic, she can still do something awesome with the technology she knows ... and it looks like magic of a sort in its own right. For now, though, she stays focused on covering Sanary and Sakiaro as well as she can on their way through the protesters and back out of the crowd. Yuna is figuring on bending her steps towards Nivix, and she starts calling out turns to Sanary - probably over the radio instead of out loud. Hopefully the Confederate battle healer won't 'argue' about where they're taking Sakiaro. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Fire, flames, ash, silence, and Ijiwaru comes through it, burnt, but not beaten. Rhapsody's eyes actually go wide at this, and in her moment of stupor, the man proves his experience. His blade slips between the fused spellblades, catching her swing. The kick finds its mark, sucking the air out of the dragon's lungs. The spellblades split and go clattering across the ground in random directions. Rhapsody drops to her hands and knees, gasping for air.     Thianel is -furious- at this point, lifting an armored hand, full of claws, ready to bring down on Ijiwaru's head...     In the control room, Ryxinel hears the call and goes for the POWER UP WINDOW switch, throwing it with all the flair of a mad scientist, because really. Izzet League. "WINDOW OPENING!" 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' With multiple people shooting at her, Rebound has to back off her attack on Ijiwaru and go after the guys shooting at her. She bends down as she runs, grabbing a hold of a fallen gun from one of the other Magic Eaters, and whips the weapon through the air at the closest of the shooters. She takes to the air afterwards, leaping towards the second shooter, intent on landing right on top of him, dropping her full weight onto him and those big kangaroo feet to boot. One guy left. She grabs the gun from the guy she just landed on and breaks it in half, before she leaps again. She changes her direction as she sails through the air, dropping towards him again, Impact Driver coming to bear as she slams it into the ground in front of him, doing the classic superhero landing pose and sending the kinetic shockwave through the ground into the Magic Eater. They can eat magic, but they can't eat physics. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' So much for trying to ham it up. Well, they tried. It's starting to look like Sanary and Yuna are going to have find a different way around, and the healer's just about ready to start brute-forcing a path through when the crowd opens itself up...?      Wait. No, it's parting because of someone else's magic! Or a wind machine. It's hard to tell from here. Either way, it's easy enough for even Sanary to realize who's responsible for that, and she flashes the girl a brief grin as she hurries onwards. "Thanks, kid! Alright..." She keeps running for a few more moments, then stops to glance back at the girl. Why's she so scared? Unless...      Is she an unwilling member of the Magic Eaters or something? Well, she's helped them, so Sanary's not about to leave her behind to face the wrath of the Magic Eaters. "... Hop on!" That's all the explanation she gives before gesturing towards that opened path with her head, then squatting for a few moments should she actually take that invitation. Whether she does or not is fairly irrelevant, though, as Sanary is soon back on the move, following Yuna's directions closely seeing as how the idol's the only one of them that seems to actually know where to even go.      Maybe it's better she doesn't know where Yuna's leading her. Not that she'd recognize that name, anyway. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang skids to a halt, just inches from the edge of the platform. She grabs the guard rail, and hauls herself back to her feet.     Eyes fall on Rhapsody at Ijiwaru's mercy... and she does something INCREADIBLY STUPID. "Choke on a FIST!" she growls into her Scroll, before surging forwards, aiming to either A: Smash Ijiwaru right in his smug face before he can strike, or B: Intercept the blow with her own body so someone ELSE can hit Ijiwaru in his smug face. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     And the hand that Thianel had raised crashes down in front of Yang. "ENOUGH!" 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' A few more Magic Eaters are put out of the fight, but in midst of the fancy gunslinging and distorting conventional spacial physics Corona inadvertantly leaves herself open for a lucky shot in retaliation. The vixen yelps sharply as a shot cuts across her left shoulder. It's not a potentally lethal hit thankfully, but it still hurts like a bitch enough for Corona to lose focus for a moment. Hissing between teeth as she's down on one knee, one hand hitting the floor to brace herself. The other goes up to grab her shoulder and rub off some of the blood while the end of the regen spell works. Hehs softly to herself. She really needs to consider some better armor or something. She's down just long enough for some of the Magic Eaters to start moving to surround her. Except the fox stands back up, Starslinger still in one hand. And the other has quick-drawn her repeater. Which she holds out at two of the Magic-Eaters, hammers drawn back. Considering what she did with just one gun a moment ago, they'd be right to be wary, even if they technically outnumber and outgun her. The only reason she doesn't pull the triggers immeadiately is because of the bad spot Rhapsody is in. But that doesn't mean she can't make sure the bad guy's underlings don't run off to help their boss, either. "Go 'head, just give me a reason t'fire anyways..." She'll still shoot one of them if they make the wrong move. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Nearby, the Window opens. The generators hum to life around them, and anything lighter than thirty pounds begins to draw upwards, towards the sky. Discarded weapons, shells, helmets. Broken teeth. Goggles that aren't properly tethered down begin to go upwards.     ... to a hole, ripped in the sky above them. Perfectly square, with a brilliant white light enveloping -- though the square is only a feet wide. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya may have made a mistake but she is drawing fire from some of the magic eater which is forcing the junker to go on the evasive to avoid the incoming fire. Theres ius a clear notice they are trianing them out so to speak but she's having to return fire she needs to finish this up so she can get back to supporitng her allies. The fight is still not lookign so good naybe sse's made a fatal mistak but it seems the there is something else going on and there's a massive hole in the sky? By the fates? She's done it, she's seriously done it! 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut growls menacingly, cradling Sidonia protectively even as Ijiwaru threatens Rhapsody. "You must realize that if you strike that blow, you and your entire race will have not only the Izzet but the Union hunting them like the animals you have proved yourselves to be. And you will not survive the day."      Then, that 'window' opens. It is quite the sight, and Bahamut's eyes widen as he sees it and feels the slight shift in gravity. But, he has other things to worry about. Sidonia seems badly hurt. Bahamut pulls out an Al Bhed potion and tosses it up. The healing energy flows over himself and Sidonia, providing some relief to their wounds and getting of any poisons or other bad things that might have been carried by that blade or those bullets. Once that is done, all Bahamut can really do...is wait. Ijiwaru has the next move. Unless it is somehow trumped by that portal. Bahamut is sincerely hoping for the latter. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     "/You/ should have listened to me. You should have just kept quiet, let her come, and it would be over, and you might have lived through the encounter while the guilds were tested, their loyalty and dedication to one another put to its mettle, and I would have taken her. I would have eliminated her, and ended this long, bloody feud. But no." Ijiwaru hisses, He raises his weapon.     "Rhapsody Mizzet, I wish I could say that I was sorry that I would have to cause you pain to kill her..."     THe blade flashes.     "But I would be lying. Now her fate will be /shared/!"     And the blade comes down, its tip glinting red in the brilliance of the blinding eternities, looking to send Rhapsody to meet her father in the afterlife! 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Where Yunomi had been hanging, there is naught but a few plum blossom petals, sinking slowly downwards. There is the sound of displaced air above Rhapsody, and then a sudden weight as the blade bites down. The blade hits something fleshy, and halts at something metallic with a THUNK.     Rhapsody would feel metal pressing down against her, a meager weight against the gravity of the situation. The soft caress of hair against scales and skin. A gentle hand pushing against her shoulder. The warmth of brass and leather armor, well worn and smelling of ozone and leather oil and hard work.     The silky touch of a red and blue rose as a head bowed against her. Yunomi's useless arm hung at her side, the hand blackened, oozing, useless.     Her face had an expression of shock on it. Her eyes wide, and then it fades, shock replaced with a strange tranquility. The right hand raises from Rhapsody's shoulder, letting the rose fall from Yunomi's grasp to the dragon's side, as burned, aching fingers brush against the side of the dragon's muzzle.     A tear leaves Yunomi's eye, and drops down.     "... until my last breath, I shall pro.. tect..."         ... and then, there is no more breath. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang finds a large metal wall of Thaniel's talon in her way. She's mid-air in a reckless dash, with no way of stopping herself, and so...     CLANG.     The blonde slams into Thaniel's talon full force, rebounds and thumps heavily to the catwalk. Luckily she brought her arms up in a defensive posture, but her right hangs at an unnatural angle as she lays in a sprawled heap, unmoving.     Probably for the best with what just happened. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         *THUNK* When the blade started to come down, Rhapsody was wide eyed. Was this really how it would come to an end. The Window above possibly bringing her father home, only for him to find her gone? No.. It's not. A familiar weight presses into her frame, every sense she posessed knew exactly what was there before her. "No.." The whisper reaches her, her allies, and she hears the breath slip out.. "No no no..." Arms reach up, wrapping around Yunomi Stadler, clinging to her before she actually -screams- at what has happened.         The Guardian of The Izzet has fallen.         https://youtu.be/hyfV0GBe18w 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     This is a Bad Time. And Ijiwaru feels that in order to complete his part of the Contract, it would be better to seek things when he was not about to take on a wailing, mourning dragon.     "... your time to mourn begins, as I gave her every time she grieved." he warns, and he reaches to his shoulder.     THe magic eaters still in the field begin to disappear, taken away via teleportation, some screaming as they go, the high mana interrupting the process. The teleportations get slower, and slower as they get closer to Ijiwaru. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' ... Well, damn ... And while everyone is gawking in awe and horror, Corona has swiftly moved away from the little standoff she was having. Damn that fox is a quick one. Fortunately she's only gone far enough to grab Rebound by the shoulder, before she goes rushing off in a haphazard fury of hate again. Of course, the bastard has to just go rubbing it in. She almost lets go. ALMOST. "As much as we all wanna, some things are more important than smashing in that ugly frackin' skull of his." 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Whatever's happening at the Mana Nexus is, at the moment it happens, on the wrong side of the mob and the rest of the magic-eaters from Yuna, Sanary, and their pasenger(s). Yuna slows from her headlong run to a walk, then to a complete halt, Shugoseiheki disappearing from her left arm. Sanary says she's okay from there, but - "Elner. Lead her to Nivix." There's an almost dead tone to Yuna's voice - a tone which Elner is acquainted with, and which the robo-faerie knows full well what it means. But there's really nothing the robo-faerie can do to stop Yuna at this point. Neither can the mob. If they actually *try*, Yuna will shove anyone and anything out of her way with a silent single-mindedness, sparks of light crackling around her Light Suit. As for the magic-eaters? Bullet impacts elicit brighter flares from the Light Suit - but Yuna is only moving faster now. "... Ijiwaru .... !!" Abruptly, the Savior of Light breaks into a full-tilt run, the sparking of gold flaring brighter and bolder. A handful of Yuna's acquaintances have ever seen her in this state - power flaring and surging, the normally-gentle Yuna abandoning all restraint and restrictions. By the time she reaches Ijiwaru - if he doesn't disappear first - the Light Suit's aura has erupted into a *sphere* of energy surrounding Yuna, and as she leaps at him, fist drawn back, the only emotion left in her voice -- "YOU'RE MINE, YOU MURDERING BASTARD!!!!!" -- is a bloodthirsty rage, wholly unlike the idol singer that most of the Multiverse knows. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Gets a look of horror on her face and she moves to act, she knows she'd not have long. She pulls out a seldom used card the life card and attempts a spell. Blue fires leeches into her card from her and doesn't stop. She works the spell well and then casts yet?. Nothing happens, she attemps to cast again burning more magical power, nothing happens. Maya then just sinks to her knees and a sound that not often nas been heard from Maya, she starts to sob... 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Still shaking from emotion, Rhapsody -gently- sets Yunomi's form down. Sidonia, despite her lack of visibility in the last days of the event, simply touches her sister's shoulder, as if to let her know she'd look over the fallen form. The dragon actually moves away from the touch as she simply lurches, not toward Ijiwaru, but into the sky. In a flash, her form actually changes to the draconic form few have seen. "This city is broken," she says in to eerily calm of a voice to be anywhere near sane. "They called the vote," she whispers next, in a tone that borders on conspiracy. Her wings send her surging out of the Nexus in the direction of Prahv, the Azorius Guildhall. Nope. She's snapped, wracked with grief, and turning to what she sees as the -source- of the problem, rather than the symptom they brought in.         I will burn Prahv to the -ground!-"         https://youtu.be/BCjbzbmH6K8 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     The Magic Eater that Rebound was beating on continues to get beaten on until he literally teleports out from under her. Rebound has to take her agression out on somebody. When Corona grabs her, she stops mid swing, having been hitting the ground where the bloody mess of the guy's face had been. Still being held by Corona, she turns to point one of her gauntlted fingers at Ijiwaru, "COWARD!" She yells as loud as she can muster, "I can still fight, why are you running! I'm not done!" Corona's grasp is the only thing keeping her back, the vulpine mechanic's gloves capable of even holding Rebound back. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yunomi's body is gently laid to the side, where it gains a sunlight-like glow -- or perhaps it is a trick of the brilliant square of light overhead -- and her body disintigrates, slowly, starting at the arms and legs, moving up the limbs until, with a small flash of light, it disappears completely, its golden motes of light and ash drawn up towards the Window. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      It seems that Bahamut's hope is misplaced. He should have known, he should have acted!      It is hard to incite the metal dragon to action through rage, but Ijiwaru has done just that. The dragon roars loudly, and that gyro on his back starts spinning up as energy builds around his open maw.      This charging is broken when Rhapsody suddenly shouts about...burning Prahv. With all that has happened, such a thing would plunge the city into...who knows what. Perhaps a full out guild war. Bahamut roars out. "Rhapsody, NO!" His wings spready and he shoots off like a bullet toward the Guildmaster. Those powerful arms seek to wrap tightly around Rhapsody, and that steely grip promises that once grabbed she will be hardpressed to escape. Bahamut curls up like a ball around Rhapsody, locking her in a cage of colored metal feathers and powerful steely arms. Even his tail wraps around, trying to restrain the Guildmaster.      "Do not give in to hatred or grief! This is probably just what he wants! If you attack the Azorius, the city is plunged into complete chaos, and the other guilds would have all the ammunition they needed to band against the Izzet! Think of your city, Rhapsody! Think of your guild! Doing this throws away everything Yunomi just gave herself to protect!" Bahamut says quickly, holding Rhapsody tightly the entire time, those noble, golden eyes trying to keep eye contact with Rhapsody.      Bahamut prepares himself. With rage and sorrow like this, he fully expects to take the brunt of Rhapsody's fiery rage. He is more than willing, if it means protecting the city...and saving Rhapsody from something she'd regret. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Ijiwaru is watching, backing up towards the edge, his eyes wide as the oncoming heroes approach. The other magic eaters -- and their bodies, if they had not survived the encounter -- are brought back to whatever hole they hide in.     Ijiwaru's eyes go wide at the oncoming Yuna, and he braces for impact, momentarily weaponless before his head smaps to the side, Yuna's fist imbedding in his skin, making his vision flash white and see stars, and he tilts, teetering back, and then slowly seems to fall into the nothing -- before he too disappears.     And the assembled heroes are left with an open window, and nothing to mourn. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' "Nivix?" Is that a name Sanary should be aware of? Well, it's not like she came here knowing much of anything. That shift in tone from Yuna certainly doesn't go unnoticed, however, even if the healer doesn't do anything to actually stop her. From what she's heard over the radio, the situation probably isn't going too well, and someone's probably dead by now.      Should Sanary be trying to stop her from doing something she might regret? Maybe. Is she going to? No. She's still got a tanuki in tow to get to safety (and possibly a wind-techmage girl?), and until she does that, she's just going to settle for following Elner towards whatever that place was called.      "Gotta learn sometime..." She sighs, and then it's back to carrying a cage and maybe a mage to safety. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' To be honest the mechanized gloves were not originally made for this intention... but they're pretty good at keeping her friend from roaring off to make matters worse when Corona needs to. Don't get me wrong, she's as pissed off as everyone else is. But she's been down this road before. Losing family. Losing everything. And having to drag yourself back up out of it. She saw it in that bastard the first day he showed up with his greasy claims and slick tounge twisting, and what could happen when you gave into that burning hatred and revenge. She's -not- going to let her friends sink to that same level. "You." And with everything the gloves have Corona pushes Rebound to the ground. "Sit. And cool off. Before Ah knock ya out myself to keep ya from doin' somethin' brash." Hopefully someone could do the same for Rhapsody. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Pidge has been in the control room. Pidge was part of the plan to open the window. Pidge beeps, concerned, and tries to get out the glass!     Until the form disappears. And then he gives a crying, loud wail of high-pitched whines, and falls to Ryxinel's shoulder. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The dragon of Spira is right. The rage that pours out of Rhapsody would be palpable. Despite her white hide, she is still a red dragon, and that rage is currently turning into heat, and it is just -pouring- off of her. Random breath weapon blasts go in every direction, mostly upward, "LET GO, BAHAMUT! IT'S THEIR FAULT!" she cries out, writhing, trying to slip a limb, a wing, or anything, free from the grip.     "They've always hated us! They kept us from hatching! They let Szadek raom free! They.. Bolas.. They.." the rage is fading, turning into something else. Not far behind, Thianel was trailing Bahamut, and now motions for him to slip down to a roof in the Izzet Sector. He'd help keep the Guildmaster from doing something she'd regret, if needed. "It.. it's .. it's always them. .. every time.. why.." by the time the trio of dragons land, Bahamut would be able to set Rhapsody down. All the pent of rage is gone, smashed into Murasama. All the fear has manifested. And now all the sorrow was pouring out, and it isn't going to stop anytime soon. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     In the control room, Ryxinel slumps into the nearest chair, exhausted, depressed, and utterly deflated by everything. After catching the drone, he simply shares the drone's grief, likely along with the Kodama in the room . . . . if they're even still there...     Sidonia, still where Yunomi was, can only watch helplessly as the Off-World Apprentice dissolves and vanishes through the window.         Again.. It happened -again- 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is in tears but 5then she hears what Yuna is saying and she comes out of it she pockets her card she had tried to save Yunomi with. A moment later Maya is springing into action after calling out to Yuna on the radio. Maya moves lik there's none other she moves to pull two fate cards reverse and barrier hoping to strip Yunna og her seeming energy field and she will end up then dropping the cards she can recover them later as she moes to end up flying tackling Yuna attempting to pin her and hold her fast. "I will not let you betray everything you are about Yuna! Do you think Yunomi would want a cycle of bloody hate and murder to keep going consuming her friends and loved ones?! THINK YUNA THINK!". 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "NO!!!!" She landed one hit, but Yuna's second punch has no target save the ground - and she BARELY checks it enough to avoid potentially punching the ground or walkway into rubble underneath her. He's gone. Ijiwaru, the murderer of Yuna's friend Yunomi, has escaped. The sphere of power that surrounds Yuna starts to waver; with the target of her fury gone, the rage which had pulled her focus and her will together into a killing force is starting to dissipate. It's not exactly fading quickly - time will tell what to what extent it actually *does* fade - but without a target, Yuna's frenzy is sputtering out. She sinks to her knees, fists still clenching as she wobbles, teetering emotionally more than physically as her heart wavers between rage and grief. That's when Maya reaches her, pitting her Fate card magic against the Light Suit's power - followed by bodily pinning Yuna to the ground. That shifts the balance out of its equlibrium. Yuna gasps deeply, her chest heaving under the Light Suit's breastplate ... and simply starts to wail, crying her eyes out, bawling openly. If Maya isn't holding Yuna's arms down, the blonde simply latches onto her - not to struggle: far from it. Just to cry. On Maya's shoulder, into her chest, or just curling up in her misery. It doesn't matter. One of her friends - those greatest treasures whom Yuna values more than fame or money or any other treasure - has been lost. Yuna knows, in her rational mind, that nothing will change that - not even the death of Yunomi's killer. But gods know, the Queen of Light knows, that won't let her forgive Ijiwaru. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut just holds Rhapsody, letting her pour out her rage against him. When she starts to calm a bit and Thianel motions to him, Bahamut spreads his wings and floats down to a rooftop with Thianel. He then lowers to one knee, but does not release Rhapsody yet. He continues to hold her, but now in a much softer embrace. "I do not know. They are lawmakers, and dragons are powerful things. Perhaps they fear that they could not control the Izzet League if they did not keep you and your family in check. But, they did not cause this. They may have allowed it, but they did not cause it. And you must remain strong. Now more than ever, your guildmates will look to you and your siblings for strength. And if there is some sort of corruption at work, then you must not weaken the city further by attacking another guild."      He noses Rhapsody lightly after that. "And, if there is any way for your father to return, it is through that portal. Do not give up hope, and do not surrender to your grief. Yunomi is wily. She may yet have another trick up her sleeve." 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya lets Yuna latch on to her and holds her tight letting Yuna cry, god Maya wants to cry more but she knows others are suffering right now and much as she did when she was a child she put othes befefore her own feelins and does her damnest to tay and comfroted Yuna just letting her cry as much as she needs to. Maya will hold on to the Maiden of light as no one, no one is an island. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Once she's sure Rebound isn't going to off doing stupid things, Corona ambles over and hefts Yang over a shoulder. Which probably looks pretty rediculous considering she's shorter than the human blonde. Those strength boosting gauntlets are getting a workout tonight. "Com'n you, this ain't no place to be taken a nap." 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      With Rhapsody incapacitated with grief and rage, Bahamut gives her one more squeeze before he rises again. He looks pretty battered, but a proud dragon does not show that he is weakened. He spreads his wings and heads back to the platform. He finds that Corona is already here, picking up Yang. Bahamut offers a hand, but also makes sure to recover Rhapsody's spellblades while he is there. Then, he helps Corona and Yang if needed. Once that is done, he heads back to Rhapsody and hands over her blades, offering a few more words of encouragement and offering to stay with her for a while. Or, as an alternative, to avail herself of the Temple of Bahamut, where dragons are revered and practically worshipped. 
}}

4741/A Personnel Attack!

2016-11-18T02:45:50Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/02 |Location=City of Ravnica <Rav> |Synopsis=The Namamura District is assaulted by the Guildless again... with Dimir skulking about as well..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/02
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav>
|Synopsis=The Namamura District is assaulted by the Guildless again... with Dimir skulking about as well.
|Cast of Characters=272, 325, 528, 711, 19, 385, 215, 906, 750, 1037
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THE CITY OF TOWNSVILLE -- no, wait sorry, wrong place.     THE CITY-WORLD OF RAVNICA -- IZZET SECTOR -- NAMAMURA DISTRICT     A particularly hard hit area after the last round of attacks, and there is a IZzet Road Crew hard at work. A pair of goblins in bright red vests and wearing goggles are overseen by a couple of Huan mages, underlayment put in from a pile, hoisted there by a large mechanical construct with an attached dump bed. The underlayment is topped with gravel to even out, backfilled with sand, and then the bricks that make up the street are placed atop of it, in neat rows. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the goings-on here. Nothing bad could possibly happen on such a beautiful day, right? 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Certainly not! Rumor had it far more interesting things were happening closer to the Nexus, where Ryxinel had gone in, come back out, and then had been seen leading the Guildmaster into the structure as well. Very curiuos! And with the whole thing barricaded off, no on else was really sure what was going on.     As for the Namamura District? It's been quiet, as is noted. Even the ex-soldier has been sleeping the day off, if anyone was to ask. Just a quiet day in the neighborhood. Surely NOTHING BAD WOULD HAPPEN. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      After some trouble on his own world, Bahamut has finally found time to visit Ravnica again. After the visit (or perhaps lackthereof, depending on the situation), Bahamut found himself walking the streets pondering things. Watching the road crew brings him to a place of wondering if Rhapsody can rebuild her life after all of this turmoil.      Hopefully the road crew won't find it unnerving to have a metal dragon watching them. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' And Corona Arclite was here to help!.... Though for once she wasn't in on the heavy manual labor. Instead the foxgirl was sitting on the edge of a building where she was out of immeadiate worksite danger (these are fellow Izzets after all) with an oversized, overly greebled control device sitting across her lap that she was constantly fiddling with the sticks and dials on. The afformentioned later was being done by several of her clockpunk drones at her command. This is exactly the sort of work she had designed such automatronics for, after all. While the roadcrew handled the paving and bricklaying, the cubical autoatrons were handling the cleaning of rubble out left from the attack. The smaller units were sorting through debris, and stacking materials that could be reused or otherwise salvaged off to the far side. Wreckage that could not reserve a purpose was tossed into the larger cube, which had reconfigured itself into a blast furnace. Despite being leftover material it didn't mean the incineration was going to waste. Special heatsinks were being used to collect the thermal energy given off by the process. Eventually the thermal batteries could be used to povide energy here once Namamura was restored, or shipped back to the guild for use in other projects. Even the ash left in remains could be put to use in some way when the wreckage it was burned from could not. If anything Corona had keeping unused waste down to a minimum. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Ravnica was like the Conitent wide city on the middle shell of Maya's world in many ways. Though it ended up being more orderly as there was actual law here but here Maya was making ready with Rhapsody cleanin the air with her and MAya's just spending time here after making sure Tori who'd been operating here wasn't trying to start anotehr damn war somehow. No she's never going to let him /live/ that down /ever/. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' It's a relatively rare evening for Yuna - or at least, it feels atypical. She's more or less caught up with schoolwork at Beacon, she has an evening off from her idol work, and there are no immediate crises drawing her away from a chance to relax. So she's in the Namamura District. Partly she wants to be here just in case there's another uprising of Guildless, but more to the point? She's never really had the chance to explore Yunomi's home or get to know the people she grew up with, and since they've run out of leads for where the tanuki magewright might be hiding, wandering around among Namamura's refugees in the new home they've been building seems like as good an option as any. Right now, Yuna is wandering among the shops that she helped to protect during that uprising - checking out what they offer, looking at prices, debating what she wants to spend her money on. She's looking at some jewelry at the moment, weighing the selection against maybe buying (or commissioning) a dress or a kimono or something ... 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' Iria's not here to relax or anything like that. She's still trying to figure out what's going on with Yunomi, and right now she's trying to listen in for information that might be useful while she's wandering around. Although, wearing that crimson colored cloak might draw more attention to her as it is. Not to mention, there's also the fact that she has a noticeable scowl on her face. This whole thing with Yunomi has really taken a toll on her mentally, and she's really looking to be in a more sour mood than usual. In fact, when she sees Yuna and Yang, she tries to smile at Yuna, but it's obviously forced. She was hoping a little exploration during a quiet time might make her feel better, but it's not doing well so far... 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang, much to her own chargrin, has been largely avoiding the whole debacle with Yunomi, the Guilds and all that. Largely, it's because she doesn't know what she'd be able to provide, other than a pair of fists, but a part of her knows she would very likely lose her control, and that is a very dangerous thing when your super powers are powered by being pissed off.     Yuna talked her into coming along to the Namamura District though, and though reluctant at first, the blonde brawler seems to have gotten into the swing of things and is window shopping right alongside the idol singer. She doesn't say much, which is atypical of the normally vivacious and chatty teen. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' "Man and to think when I first met you we were just punching guys off bridges." Rebound says. She has parked her happy butt next to Corona, but isn't helping at all and instead is drinking ice cold lemonade and wearing sunglasses. Somehow she's even managed to get a lawnchair out here. "Now look at you. A productive member of a society you're not even technically a part of." She sips her lemonade some more, "And I'm helping too by being here for moral support." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THe shops carry an assortment of items, from tea sets to sake sets to little netsuke items, obi and kimono and a variety of footwear, traditional Japanese and Ravnican, furnature -- everything a little district could need. A shop keeper even complimented the two otherwordly blondes on the color of their hair and gave them each a little bag of sweets -- apparently knowing they were allied to the Izzet, who were protecting the little community of refugees from further harm.     The whole of the area seems quiet.     All together more confusing when ice spikes errupt from the streets, sending the goblin work team scuttering backwards.     "Raise a ring!" One of the overseeing mages calls out, and a translucent wall raises and blocks the next icy blow!     "Alert the Boros!" she calls out, her graying hair flittering from her work hat before she raises a hand to her throat, mumbling a spell: "Your Attention please!" her voice booms, "The outskirts of this District are Under Attack. Defenders to the fore! All others stay back from the front streets!" 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' "Technically most my life has been part of societies Ah ain't native of," Corona retorts to her mutant friend. She starts to say something else, but cuts herself off as a frigid burst erupts right in middle of the street work. Instead it becomes a snort, and a grumbled "Looks like someone's tryin' to put this project on ice." Grabs her hat and plops it back on her head. "Reckon some folks didn't learn their lesson the first time they got wrecked." She inputs a quick command to the Automatronics to take up a defensive formation around the crew, then hops down to the streetside below. To kick a smaller metal cube sitting next to some trash bins. "Tinderbox, get up! Trouble's brewin'." An annoyed sounding sputter emits from the cube as it ratchets out its own spindly legs and clunk-clanks after the vixen running for where the commotion came from. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      The sudden burst of ice spikes snaps Bahamut out of his thoughts rapidly. He growls menacingly and leaps forward, and casts his own defensive spell to protect the work team. Reflect is his spell of choice, and it's purpose is to send any spells that hit it back on their casters. He doesn't know if it will work on Ravnican spells, but he isn't about to sit around and do nothing. "A work crew?! Reveal yourself, coward! What could a work crew have possibly done to merit this sort of attack!"      The dragon spreads his wings wide and bares his fangs and claws, challenging whoever might be out there. He probably doesn't help much with preserving what construction has been done already with his bulk landing on the road, but at least the goblins and mages will be spared. Right? 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     A little ways down the road there's a crash and a clatter of... something. Metal? It's hard to tell, but if anyone knows the sounds of someone stumbling around in the morning, it probably sounds a lot like that. "What the bloody'ell is goin' on -now-...?" 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' At the compliment and the offered bag of sweets, Yuna would simply have smiled brightly and accepted the bag with a polite bow. She's tempted to try one of the sweets right then and there, but she might be stopping somewhere to get a proper meal before she leaves the District. Still, it's probably not a bad thing that when the ice spikes erupt from the streets, Yuna's inside a shop, and thereby not in a position to potentially get her foot impaled by a magically-conjured icicle; she's been through *THAT* before and does not desire to repeat the experience. Just hearing it is enough to make her wince, and she puts the necklace she was examining back where it was on display before leaning outside. "I should have seen *this* coming," the idol singer sighs. "C'mon, let's help confine the damage to the bigoted idiots." She nods to the jeweler and steps into the street, her Beacon Academy uniform replaced by the sleek armor of her Light Suit in slightly longer than the blink of an eye. Once she's transformed, Yuna does not merely walk but *sprints* towards the outskirts which are currently under attack. She's tempted to call on Shugoseiheki, but at the moment, she's more concerned with offense than defense ... which is pretty rare for her. Elner, who's hovering somewhere overhead, probably has better insight into why that might be than most onlookers. There's also the fact that as good as Yuna's kite shield is, spells CAN be directed around it, so it's not as much protection as it could be. But mostly, Yuna's memories of the previous attack she helped repel are just too fresh in her mind to be measured and defensive in her tactics. So as Yuna reaches the besieged side of the Namamura District, Yuna wills the Matrix Divider to materialize in her hands, pre-emptively focusing her power into the weapon's blade/barrel and glaring at the Guildless. "BACK OFF!! The people of Namamura have done NOTHING to harm you, I'm not going to let you use them as a scapegoat! None of us will! Leave in peace or leave in pieces, the choice is up to you!" .... yeah, Yuna doesn't usually address anyone with THAT kind of threat. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya's just been checking otu the shops taking in some of the food and honesly just hoping to relax but it seems her choice to go here today was the right one as Ice spikes start to burst from the ground. Maya leaks back and she's nearly caught by ice. She the hears the warning they are under attack Maya grimaces and she pulls her rifle off herback. "Someone's attacking but who?" With That Maya's going to find out /who/ is behind this. 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' Iria's finally starting to lighten up a little. She's starting to relax and feel the stress leaving her body, but as usual, it's too little too late. Because there's noise outside, and it really gets Iria's adrenaline going, as well as that scowl on her face again. "Dammit, I knew something was up!" She says with a noticeable amount of anger in her voice. "Good thing I come prepared!" As Iria rushes outside, she throws her cape off to reveal her armored bodysuit, and she's got her rifle drawn as well. She points her semi-automatic weapon at the Guildless and narrows her eyes. "You picked the wrong time to piss us off! Now do as she says or else you'll regret it!" 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' "Oh no, someone's causing trouble, how terrible." Rebound couldn't sound more sarcastic if she tried. She rises up from her lawnchair and quickly finishes off her lemonaid. Don't want to let it go to waste, after all. She stretches out her arms, and then deploys the impact drivers down onto her arms, the gauntlets locking into place and releasing a bust of green energy, "I suppose we should get down there and punch them until their blood is on the outside." Seriously how many times are people going to attack this area? Even the Foot and Purple Dragons aren't dumb enough to attack the same location multiple times after Rebound pummels the hell out of them. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang offers a halfhearted grin at the shopkeep as she's given the bag of sweets. "Heh, thanks." she says, before slipping the back into a pouch on her belt... not the same one her reloads come from.     And then all hell breaks loose outside. Yang's face falls, head hanging slightly to shade her eyes with her bangs. "Why...?" she asks noone, as Yuna runs out the door. A sigh, the blonde looks at the shopkeep. "Make sure you're safe. We'll take care of this."     Yang deploys Ember Celica, and launches herself out into the street, firing a pair of kinetic burst shells behind her to launch herself along the street, catching up to Yuna and falling into pace. "Stay focussed. We just have to keep the citizens safe, don't go chasing the attackers if they turn and flee... you'll just put yourself in position to get ambushed." she warns over at the other blonde. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Well, the Foot and the Purple Dragons aren't a highly disorganized element with little communication and turf wars and grandoise dreams over overthrowing the establishment for a NEW ORDER of MAKE RAVNICA GREAT AGAIN who aren't talking to one another at all.     IT's a decent grouping of the Guidlelss mages, each one wearing rag tag armors in browns and grays, two women and a man, with some shadowy presences around the sides for those who can sense magic, energy, or the local equivilents.     ANd they're reconsidering when that dragon lands before them. The lead woman in the gray cloak looks at her companions, and there's a moments conversation before she gives a shrill whistle.     And from the rooftop, someone opens fire. No, literally.     What looks like a gateway is opened, and someone attempts to flambe Bahamut!     The Graycloak then bursts forward, taking a staff from her back as she goes to engage the other mages directly, the other two hanging back, one putting up a white warding spell, the other with lightning crackling around her hands! 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite skids to a stop.... Only three attackers? Okay three and a portal opening, but still. Only three? After the last two time riots have been driven off? Something isn't right about this. Corona holds out a hand. "Gimme those new specs Ah was workin' on." Tinderbox complies as it clatters up behind her, opening its top and essentially spitting a pair of goggles into her hand. Which Corona takes and straps on in place of her usual brass rimmed work goggles, and starts fiddling with the small clockwork controls on the sides. "Let's see what else is here..." Corona may not have magic herself, but she's learned plenty about it working with the Guild. Let's see if any of that theorizing pays off... 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     CLANGING and BANGING and then SMASHING. This time the door simply doesn't survive. When it goes soaring out into the street once again, it's in two halves rather than a whole door. Skara, looking a bit bleary eyed, wanders out, looks down at the door, sighs -loudly-, then glances in the direction of all the noise. Guildless. Again. Attacking a - .. dragon? That seems to surprise her for one reason or another, and then she starts -stalking- up the road, looking irritated.         "YOU GRAYJERKS OWE ME A DOOR!" 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "As soon as they leave, they won't be trying to wreck the District," Yuna points out to Yang - she's not really planning to go chasing after anyone; she doesn't care if the Guildless leave at a sedate walk or running for their lives, as long as they LEAVE - or at least swear to stop trying to wreck things. And then the chaos starts. So far, Yuna only has her basic Light Suit to work with - no flight, no hoverthrusters or heavy armor, not even the ability to swim, never mind any of the heavier weapons her alternate armors possess. But she has the Matrix Divider and a couple of other options, she has a kite shield ... and she has her wits, for better or for worse. When the portal opens on that roof and a gout of fire roars out at Bahamut, Yuna tries to aim a shot *through* the portal - whether to disrupt it or in the hopes of scoring a hit on the fire's actual source is anyone's guess. She's not even sure she'll hit anything given the angle she's firing at, but if it helps Bahamut, all the better. And given the amount of power she'd been focusing which goes *into* that one shot? If it DOES hit anything, it's going to pack a punch. Probably a non-lethal one - Yuna may be angry, but she's not in enough of a fury to start taking lives. Corpses don't learn anything, after all, and making 'martyrs to the cause' would only create more trouble for the Namamurans and the Izzet League. After that shot through the portal, Yuna's attention turns back to the Graycloak's allies, angling to pair off with the remaining female as she starts charging for another blast. "You really ought to run while your legs still work ... assuming your brain hasn't dissolved into soup thanks to that mindless hatred you're toting around in what passes for a skull," Yuna advises. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Flambe is an appropriate description. Bahamut warded the mages and goblins, but not himself. The grey dragon lets out a roar as the fire from that gateway washes over him. He leaps into the air and flaps his wings to both try and escape the flames and to lead them away from the others if they follow him. Bahamut may not be the most involved in Ravnica's problems, but he recognizes the Guildless when he sees them. They are something he has been meaning to learn more about. It makes little sense to him for guildless to attack the guilds, but he wants to know more before he condemns them. However, for now, these Guildless are his enemies.      And they receive the full extent of the dragon's wrath. With all that has happened, he has plenty of wrath built up, and he raises another Reflect field. This time on himself. Which he uses to send the gout of flame back at the mages who unleashed it on him. Within moments, the very people who opened that flame gateway will find themselves the target of a flame broiling! 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' When Iria is angry, it's best not to let her talk, as she lets her mouth do the thinking for her, and that has led to a lot of trouble in the past. Still, the grip on her rifle is tight, and she's not breaking her gaze. That is, until the real trouble begins. And Yuna has helped Iria pinpoint the location. As Yuna fires upon the portal, Iria assists with a blast of semi-automatic gunfire aimed in that direction as well. "You stay out of this!" She yells, before turning to face the male Graycloak. "How about you and I?" She asks, strapping her rifle to her back before raising her fists as if to say, "Bring it on!" 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang nods to Yuna, then spots the lead Graycloak splitting off to assault the Izzet Mages with a staff. "I don't like the look of this.. I'm gonna intercept that one before she does any damage." she says, then fires another pair of shells to launch herself over to basically try to body-check the staff-wielding Guildless. "Hey! Don't you know running with long sticks is dangerous?" she asks, as she tries to slam her fist into the Guildless' main arm to try and get her to drop the weapon.     She's notably holding back, the gauntlets not firing, instead just being knuckle dusters. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' With Maya now making for the sight of the attack she'll find that the Guildless are here and Maya's already letting blue flames of Core energy surge about her body She doesn't make an attck just yet but she looks to them as she calls out. "This ios an unwise action, withdraw this is the only warning I will give you and you are very much in over your heads at this point." Maya's tone is serious and she's certianly got a lot of mgic to hrow around it looks like even as she makes ready for the likely fight. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     The kangaroo woman, upon getting all geared up, hops off of the roof and lands on the ground with a hefty thud, "Guys, guys." She says, as she holds oiut her armored gauntlets, "You don't learn, do you?" She says, as she seems to be just sort of casually walking towards the male member of the assault team, "I mean look around." She takes a moment to point around her, "You're outnumbered, you're VASTLY out gunned.." She turns back to face the guy, "And you're about to get your butt kicked by a woman. I should offer to let you just throw yourself on the ground, but honestly, where's the fun in that?" Rebound suddenly springs into motion, driving forwad and moving to get around behind the male mage and grab him around the waist, twisting her body to haul him through the air and then tyr to slam his head into the ground at full force. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THe three on the ground, and one up on the rooftop are all very, very magical.     There are also others, spaced down the road, watchers, dark and not participating -- at least not yet. But they appear... thin in any sensors.     When Yuna opens fire on the graycloak in charge of the flame portal, he lights up. He stumbles, and gives a long cry before he belches lightning, and limps back to the gate to try and make it open again, to bathe the area in a fire's warm glow -- when it's reflected back at him. This time, the Guildless mage flails about, his arms coming up and his cloak cast on fire. THe portal control melts, and he sheds his cloak, pushing back and away from it in a stunned look. "It's a real dragon! I thought they had a mechanical one!"     CLANGING and BANGING and SMASHING -- oh my! Skara makes a loud entrance as the door's ripped and rent, and she begins to stalk down the road. The Guildless seem nonpulsed. They have larger things to contend with.     The male graycloak is accosted by Iria, and he just sort of... stares at Iria. He puffs his chest up.     "Fisticuffs? Withyou? Child, I dare not -- why don't you step aside and -- WHAT IN THE HELLS --?!" he asks, standing a little back from the kangaroo that begins yapping. "What nature of creature are you, pitiable halfbreed? Simic? Outsider?" he inquires, and he readies a blow -- when he's suplexed. SMASHING!     And Yang confronts the ringleader, who just keeps a steely gaze on the blonde before she lifts the weapon. The blow strikes her staff, which causes ripples of force to trace outwards, visibly.     "Not as dangerous, child, as running without one." she purrs, and then she spins her staff up, kicking the lower end to bring it up with more force to try and deliver a crack to Yang's knee!     ... which leaves the second woman graycloak, lightning hands going as she zips up the street and tries to electrocute Yuna! BZZAP! 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' An ear twitchs, and Corona has to resist the urge to facepalm. Oh well, the less people that realize Thianel got temporarily deconstructed, the better for them. Most of her attention is on the readouts she's getting... as thin as they are. She fiddles a bit, then pulls out her handheld analyzer and fiddles some more as the two devices sync, and see if she can't get some boosted power out of the readings. Com'n give her something a little more substantial than looming in the darkness like a buncha Slenderman wannabes... Corona likes this ominous presence watching them almost less than she likes the ones physically attacking them. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Marching along, watching everything, even the ones on the edges of the area. One of these 'thinner' folk get a long glare, but for the moment, the former Boros doesn't seem to care. If they aren't doing anything, so be it. As she continues, she watches the melee begin. The one thing that catches her attention is the way the one dealing with Yuna and Bahamut acts. Curious to test something, Skara suddenly turns, reaches out, and -yanks- for just the cloak of one of the nearby guildless, trying to simply tear the fabric away from them. "Reveal yourself!" she expects something slightly different to happen.. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang's eyes go wide as her punch is absorbed by the staff. <Right, 'magic' just like Aura...> she manages to think, before her knee is smacked and she goes down. But she uses the momentum to SMASH her right fist into the ground, firing a shell to cause the pavement to erupt in a jagged spike of whatever's under the road... looks like the work teams will have to redo this segment. AGAIN. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Oh right, THAT'S what Shugoseiheki would have been useful for. Yuna can't call the kite shield into place fast enough, though - and she'd have to dismiss the Matrix Divider to do so, which she really doesn't WANT to do. She settles for trying to block the lightning hands with the Divider itself, pulling the trigger as she does so - expending the charge again, and to less effect than the Guildless on the roof took, but it should (hopefully) be enough to keep those electrically-charged hands away from Yuna ... and it might hurt the graycloak's hands pretty badly for good measure. Of course, if Yuna gets shocked anyway, there's not a LOT she can do about it - but if she can catch the attack on the Matrix Divider, that'll hurt less than if the graycloak lays hands on her directly. 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' As the Graycloak is caught by Rebound, Iria steps back a little, watching as he's slammed into the ground with a suplex. Iria would compliment Rebound on that, but this is no time for idle chatter. Instead, Iria rushes over to the suplexed Graycloak and attempts to pin him to the ground to keep him from getting away. "You're not going anywhere!" She says. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' They were in a way operating blind and Maya sees that her warning has not been taken very well? Maya's find with that she watches as her allies leap upon the Guildless. Maya now starts to channel more opower and she's going to let slip a spell, it's not an attack spell as let's face it? Her aiding her allies is the best choice and every last person engaging the Guildess would fins they were being buffed with magic and their reaction times would be noticably going up as Maya weaves her haste spell/ 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut grins as he hears the cry from the flaming Graycloak. "I am both machine and dragon. And one more reason that these pointless attacks should be halted." he says, his booming voice carrying easily through the air. With the portal closed and the mage staring wide-eyed at him, Bahamut lets out a roar that echoes between the buildings before he dives down. He passes close enough to the flame mage to create a powerful gust of wind that threatens to knock him off his feet, but that is mostly to intensify the stunned awe that often goes along with Bahamut's attacks.      His real target is the lightning mage that is attacking Yuna, and it looks like he intends to simply crash into the ground near them. Technically he doesn't crash, but much of his momentum is still there when he lands, creating a mild shockwave that he hopes will draw attention from Yuna's attacker before he raises a hand and fires a spell. Watera. A decently powerful water-based spell. In his world at least, water and lightning are antithesis, and he is hoping the blast of magic infused water will short out the mage. If not...well, getting blasted with a powerful burst of magical water is still pretty dangerous. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The 'Thin' is not physically thin.. just... hardly there signatures. Weirdly there signatures. Signatures that should not be there. And they're moving, slowly, after a signature that's newly arrived, but pressed down -- but at least they're heading away.     The lead Graycloak gives a little smile as Yang's eyes go wide, and her head tilts. "Not used to concussion-staves?" she inquires, giving a broken-toothed grin before she hops backwards and away from Yang -- though the rock comes up in a jagged spike! The mage flexes her fingers, and creates in front of her a black shield, bubbling like tar before it gets slung forward, trying to cover Yang with sticky, black, bubbling, SMELLY tar. It's hell to get out of hair!     Lightnig Hands is intercepted! She doesn't seem particularly happy about the fact, and as her lightning discharges, she gives a low growl, and fires off a fireball at Yuna's midsection from close range!     The male Graycloak is pinned! He looks dazed and confused -- ask your questions, Kangaroo and Small Hunter!     And as the graycloak on the roof goes down, so does the portal from whence the fire came. The lightning hands mage's fire goes out -- thanks to the water.     And she, and possibly Yuna, are soaked. She looks rather confused. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Skara pulls the cloak off the wet lightning hands mage, and finds a younger girl, maybe teenaged, who suddenly looks very, very frightened at having her anonimity removed.     And is soaked to the bone. 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' Iria shows no signs of letting up, although she isn't trying to choke the Graycloak or anything like that. She just wants answers. "What do you want with us? Why are you doing this to us?" Her tone is a definite indication that she's really mad now, and if she doesn't get answers, she's likely to explode any moment! 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Cloak in hand, the soldier stares at the cloak, stares at the girl, sighs, and tosses the garment aside. "Leave, before ya get hurt worser than ya already have," Skara orders, actually moving BETWEEN the soaked girl and Yuna before the singer decides to not be quite so forgiving. "NOW!" she adds, for emphasis. Hopefully she'll listen. Then she glares all around and gets that 'soldier' voice back. "Did NONE of you listen the last time ya all came down here! There are better things ta do with yer lives than hating people that are better off than all of ya! You are -chosing- to hate rather than be part of a guild which is as easy as walkin' to a recruitment center and JOINING! Boros, Simic, Selesnya, EACH of'em are good folks and will treat ya well! ALL YOU GOTTA DO IS ASK! WHY DO YOU HATE RATHER THAN HELP YERSELVES OUT?!" 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang brings up her arms in a futile defense against the tar attack. The sticky black stuff covers her, gumming up the mechanisms in Ember Celica... but more importantly, clinging and sticking into her hair.     Now, most people should know what happens when someone messes with Yang's hair.     Yang is still for a few moments... and then her arms move and instead of lilac eyes staring at her, the Lead Graycloak has a pair of burning red coals, glaring balefully as electricity starts to arc around the blonde. "You...." the blonde says, half growling. "YOU MONSTER!">     Three things happen in a short space of time. First, a massive blast of heat and concussive force erupts from the blonde, blasting the tar away from her body, leaving her pristine. The second, is the Blonde Brawler is now wreathed in a crackling yellow 'flame' of Aura... and the third thing, is she vanishes with the echoing report of a shotgun blast, reappearing behind the Lead Guildless.     "Lets see that fancy stick save you now." she snarls, before unleashing a flurry of blows, this time punctuated by the reports of the shotguns firing each time she swings forward. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Boosting signals, variating wavelengths, smacking it with her fist... if she had a deflector dish handy Corona would probably try bouncing a graviton beam off of it. The point is, nothing is getting any more than the vage 'shadows' already there. With all the other issues in the city lately, you can understand how Corona dislikes NOT knowing what they are more than knowing. Too damn many unknowns already. And then they start moving away.... Towards another signal? The faint readings make it hard to tell. Again this is less reassuring rather than more. "Stay 'ere," she mutters to Tinderbox, who gives an irritable clickity-clack in return that seems to carry the impression of 'make up your mind' but obediently clunks down on the spot. Her friends have the Guildless matter well in hand and she's pretty much been forgotten by the attackers at this point it would seem, so Corona slinks after the shadowy signals. She's getting tired of all these bare threads lying around, and damn well is going to try and unravel this one before it slips away too! 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna lets out a startled yelp as she gets doused by the edge of Bahamut's water spell - which is helpful in that it spares her from further magical injury, but the Light Suit is now sparking dangerously due to said dousing. That's when Skara reaches in to pull her opponent's hood back ... and Yuna's own aggro subsides in a hurry as she sees the face of her opponent. An apparently-human girl, even younger than Yuna herself ... ? The Matrix Divider vanishes, and Yuna even pushes the state of her battlesuit out of her mind. She just asks the no-longer-gray-cloaked girl one question - or rather, one word. "Why?" She's not even angry any more ... just disappointed. Which might be worse than if she *were* angry - might even be worse than Skara's actual anger. "Skara is right - if you wanted to be part of a Guild, you could have chosen to join just about any of them ... but why? Why turn your anger against people who haven't *done* anything to you? Why *be* so angry in the first place? Maybe I can't understand, but ...." Yuna trails off, shaking her head, and can only repeat: "Why?" 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' With the guy suplexed and held down by Ira, Rebound kips back up to her feet and then takes a quick look around. Seems like this force wasn't attacking with much of a force at all. "So was that it?" She asks to the others around, "Seems like there should be more. Maybe some secret boss we missed?" 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut, despite all his powers, has no real magic sense or other sensors. He might have a Scan spell, but he has to already be aware of something and actively scan it. When Skara pulls that cloak off the girl, Bahamut has much the same reaction as the two women. He snorts in annoyance. "Because, it gives her a place where she belongs without compromising what she believes in or betraying her friends." he offers as explanation. He stands tall after that and crosses his arms over his chest in his typical regal hero pose. "Young lady, this is a terrible use of your talents. You must know that. If you wish to serve a noble purpose without betraying your friends, you are also welcome in the Temple of Bahamut. Your past would be forgotten, replaced by a new future with people that would care for you like a sister."      After that little speech, he spreads his wings again and takes to the air once more. The girl is sure to be in good hands with Yuna and Skara. His eagle eyes scan for more trouble, and...who are those guys? Bahamut thinks he sees more figures nearby, but they are moving away. He follows just in case, wondering if they are linked somehow to the attack. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Secret bosses indeed. The soaking wet Guildless, robbed of her anonimity seems more sheepish than anything. She breathes out a small huff.     "'M not going to be able ta care of my da'." she replies wistfully, "I got axed from a work crew coz I... they found out I'm not old enough... and these guys in gray came an'... they said there'd be pay iffen we made a mess." she states, her shoulders rising up. "I never wanted ta leave the Izzet, but I wasn't gonna lie to 'em. I needed the funds to care for my da'."     She seems like she might cry, but she's scurrying off, wiping her hands across her cheeks.     The male of their company spits off to the side.     "I'm not going to answer to a bunch of outsiders and a washed-up crossing guard." he states with a snarl, and he tries to rise, to push Iria away so he could move.     The leader? Not so lucky. She blinks as Yang powers up... "It's... just ha--" she begins, and then Yang unleashes the full fury of her anger against her, the aura, the arcing electricity and the sound of shotguns. There aren't shotguns native to Ravnica, but that whole sound is intimidating --     .... and true, the fancy stick does not save her now, and the imitation Bang goes sailing as the woman takes the multiple blows, and then goes sailing, crashing int othe dirt with a groan.     Meanwhile, those three "thin" signatures are closing into one which suddenly shines bright, and the crackle of electricty splits the air int he distance, brilliant blue lightning illuminating the sky as the three hollow signatures close in. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is happy to help the others but it seems a mroe direct hand is needed. Maya seems to be intending to do something. She thinks over what she could summon? No the Elemental Lords would cause too much collertal damage, and the Fates generally wouldn't help too much but wait Dogo might just do too much as well then the idea hits her but it doesn't seem to be needed now. "Simple someone paid them off to do it. a proxy war. The heratic did the same pitting two nations against eachother that climaxed with the genocide of the Republic of Jinam. They are cats paws pure and simple. We need to find whose paying them or using them." Maya then casts a cloaking spell and moves to follow. However Maya would show up to anything that could sense magic very brightly even cloaked she has no way to hide it. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "We'll talk to Rhapsody or somebody," Yuna promises to the girl - or tries to, as the girl bolts. All Yuna can do is let out a sigh. "Elner, follow her - huh?" The sudden flare in the sky has drawn Elner's attention even faster than Yuna's, and now the robo-faerie is flying - very swiftly - to try and get a closer look, ignoring the fleeing girl. Yuna grimaces, and just does her best to try and memorize what she saw of the young girl's face. "Is everyone okay? We should probably see what that 'lightning' is ..." She's REALLY tempted to just go running after Elner, but she *did* promise to Yang that she wouldn't go running off on her own - although, at the moment, the odds of an ambush seem kind of minimal. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' And now lightning?! What the hell was going on in this mixed up undercity? Sigh, magic. Corona is just gonna never understand it entirely no matter how much she tries to research when she can. She was trying to stalk the 'thins' stealthy like, but after that display, just says to hell with it all and breaks into a run in that direction. Looks like this night wasn't over quite yet! 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         She was Izzet. Something in Skara's features almost seems to break, if only for a moment, at that revelation. She may have responded, but when the young girl takes off running, all the soldier seems to do is stand there and stare. "They could call the Simic for you.." she calls, but it's fairly weak. -Something- changed, right then.         For a moment.     When the second one speaks, the fury in the gaze of Skara's eyes would be piercing. If looks could kill, the man would have been set ablaze from this glare. As Iria is shoved, Sparkblade marches up to the man, hauls back and simply attempts to put such a punch into the man's gut that he's going to have trouble breathing for a really long moment. She doesn't even speak, trying to take hold of the man's shoulder to hold him up so she can strike -again-, if at all.         Something is -wrong-. It's like she snapped. 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' Surprised by this motion, Iria is thrown off of the Graycloak and lands on her back with a thud, before quickly rolling back onto her feet and staring at the man. That's until Skara steps into the fray and attempts to punch the guy. Even Iria is shocked by this sudden act of violence. "Calm down! Please!" Iria pleads. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang just stands with her right arm extended from that final punch. She's breathing heavily, the aura still crackling strongly around her as she glares at the fallen Graycloak... and then the blue energy pulse comes from over where Bahamut went to. "NOW what!?" she snarls, turning and sprinting off in that direction... she gave that Graycloak quite the pasting, so it's doubtful she'll be getting up any time soon. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Well, thinks Yuna, atl east she isn't going to be running off *alone* - Corona's sprinting, Yang is off and running; Yuna follows as best she can. Fortunately, the Light Suit's systems are starting to re-stabilize after that accidental drenching. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THe Lead Graycloak gives a whimper from the ground. Doesn't look like she's going to be getting up too soon.     The Izzet Work Crew, meanwhile, seems no particualr worse for wear. The lead advisor gives a wave. "Go on, we'll wrap things up and clean up!" 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Following those mystery people as best he can in the air, Bahamut doesn't really witness what all happens with the former Izzet girl. Instead, he is nearly blinded by the lightning, possibly even struck by it. Either way, he comes to a stop in the air and slowly floats down near the signatures and their leader. He growls menacingly as he lands. "Are you the leaders of this little skirmish?" he asks, his deep voice booming through the town again.      He will wait for the others if he can, but Bahamut is no stranger to being outnumbered in his battles. He prepares to face all four of whoever this is if they attack. And he can't imagine someone would use such a flashy skill if they did not want attention. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Corona would find it apparent quickly by the three did not show up normally on her sensors.     They were not magical in the normal sense, but magic seemed to disappear into them, like a black hole taking in light.     And they were in hot pursuit.     Each of the three wore tactical armor, each of them were carrying weapons, each of them wore a hood and a mask to hide their faces.     And the subject out in the distance, followed by the smell of ozone was wearing a torn, worn brown cloak. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' As Skara comes up and strikes the dude, Rebound actually gets this huge smile on her face, "Okay that was a good hit, but c'mon." She says, as she grabs hold of the guy, pulling him away from Skara, "Enough." She steps between Skara and the guy, looking him in the eye, "Listen to me." She says, as she suddenly has gone totally serious, not something people get to see very often, "Look at me." She lifts his head up so he can look her right in her big brown eyes, "You're going to answer our questions." She says, "Or I will break every bone in your body, starting with your fingers, and working my way inward." She latches one of her gauntleted arms around his wrist, and squeezes. Not hard enough to break it but enough that he'll know she means business. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The man being interrogated seems defiant. He brings his head up, and spits off to the side again before he growls out. "I would like to speak to an Arbiter before I answer questions to outsiders." he growls. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' As Corona gets closer the readings on her devices don't so much get stronger as they get more irratic. The faint magic signal was... almost like it was being sucked -too- them like some kind of... Shit ... Fortunately Corona keeps her cussing to over the radio rather than out loud. And use her device to ping out a signal for the others to home in on, even as she picks up her own pace. A hand goes to draw one of her weapons at ready... but even Corona, despite not being 'magic' herself, knows better than to try and pick a fight on her own. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang just keeps barreling along. She spots a figure in tattered robes, and with a roaring howl, the once guttering flame of her Semblance redoubles and she surges forwards in a blur. "GET AWAY FROM HER YOU BASTARDS!" before just plowing through a wall and aiming a haymaker at the closest one, putting all the force and power she's built up into the strike... and then using the recoil from her shotgauntlet to bring her elbow back into a second one, adding force to her blow then firing AGAIN to deliver a roundhouse kick to the third... if this doesn't distrupt their pursuit, nothing will. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' "Okay." Rebound says to the guy she's holding. Since he wants to be stubborn, she can be stubborn too, "Advocate this, bitch." The kangaroo hauls back and then drops her thick mutant skull directly into his, to knock him out with a powerful headbutt. With that guy taken care of, and the alerts on the radio from Corona, Rebound drops him and then turns, scanning for where Corona is and then taking one massive leap. She flies through the air, Impact Drivers charging as she goes through, landing near the magic eaters, "HEY BOYS!" Yang seems to be going to town on them, but Rebound is going to be doing the same thing, trying to strike in time with Yang to deliver combo blows to the magic eaters. It's great that they can eat magic, but they probably can't handle kinetic blows that well. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         INTERVENTION It is -very- likely that Skara wouldn't have stopped, but when Rebound steps in, it allows the soldier to catch herself, her thoughts, and then catch the radio as well. Magic Eaters are chasing- ...     "No.." The soldier -takes off- at a pace that seems almost inhuman. While Yang and Rebound are trying to tear into the magic eaters, it would seem that Skara has interest in only one thing. The moment she even sees even the barest glimpse of that brown cloak, she just pounds the dirt even -harder-, trying to catch up. "DON'T STOP!" 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut wasn't far behind Corona having been following from the air, and when Corona pings that signal to them he takes to the sky again. Using Corona's signal as a beacon, he closes the distance rapidly. He may not be agile in the air, but he flies like a rocket. He lets out a roar as he passes overhead, then dives down to try and cut off the route that the tactical team and their target are using.      In an effort to get answers without causing harm, since he doesn't know who is enemy and who is friend in this group, Bahamut raises a hand and tries a Stopga. The wave of time-stopping magic washes over the alley, threatening to catch anyone nearby in its grip who Bahamut does not know is an ally. "Stop!" he bellows in time with his magic casting. If it works, then all four entities should be frozen in their tracks. If it doesn't...well, Bahamut will charge with those powerful talons of his bared. With Yang and Rebound and others going after the pursuers, Bahamut focuses on their target. It could be Yunomi, and he is determined to take her alive and find out why all of this has happened. He will try to simply grab hold of the target, but if that doesn't work those claws main function might come into play... 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     It's the proverbial Bull in a China Shop, collowed in by a second, more Australian bull.     THe three magic-eaters in their tactical armor aren't prepared for the interruption of Yang and Rebound. The first two bring their armors up to refract blows, but are kocked backwards by Ember Celica and the rebound blows. The third braces, draws out a weapon, and loading a five-round clip and then -- timestopped. He freezes in place, with his gun aimed right for Rebound tail end. Meanwhile, far off, and away in his apartment, Ijiwaru is suiting up for a Direct Encounter. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya with what Corona has said upon the radio that has Maya picking up speed trying to intercept the magic eaters. The question is even with the haste spell would it be enough to catch up. She's had to sense to bring an actual gun that doesn't run on magic with her every time she's gone to the city since she found out the magic eaters were operating there but it was more of a hold out weapon as she started to hold her pendant and bright blue energy wing take shape and Maya's taking flight and likely will be mistaken for some gun loving Boros who actually has bit of a sense of modesty. She's going to try to get to the magic eaters at top speed and she has a plan if she's able to close. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Magic-Eaters. Chasing somebody. Yuna cannot run fast enough to get there on her own two legs. Fortunately, she's about to have help - a purple-and-white android diving between the buildings, Erina of the Sky turning translucent as her position matches Yuna's. The armored android reorients herself in a split second, then vanishes entirely save for a wireframe shape around Yuna .... A wireframe which is promptly filled by materializing pieces of armor, connecting to the Light Suit and interlocking with each other, shifting Yuna's battlesuit into Flight Form. NOW, Yuna can catch up - and she rockets into the air as fast as the flight pack will carry her, likely coming up against the sound barrier - never mind that the abrupt acceleration actually hurts *her*, physically, despite the Light Suit's normal protection. Yang still gets there ahead of her, plowing through a wall and attempting to punch out one of the Magic-Eaters, with Rebound doing much the same; Bahamut is unleashing a spell against both hunters and hunted, and if it works, the distance will be reduced even faster than if it doesn't (or if the dragon hadn't tried). It's in the wake of Bahamut's spell-shout that Yuna finally catches up, ignoring the magic-eaters despite her hatred for them ... "SHUGOSEIHEKI!!!!" ... and materializing her kite shield as she tries to catch the robed figure - not just 'catch up with' but *physically* catch her, the shield interposed to cover the robed figure from the magic-eaters while Yuna's right arm attempts to wrap around said figure's waist. She's fully prepared to pour on the speed again and get out of there; she almost DOESN'T care who she's trying to catch given that *magic-eaters are chasing her*. Really, she should probably be accelerating again already; she lingers long enough to try and see what's happening with the magic-eaters - and to see (or hear) if the robed figure happens to identify herself in the course of things. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The hooded figure stops, shoulders rising up as she brings a left hand, the ring and pinky fingers not reacting at all as the other three digits raise, a sif going to cast a spell -- but they appear to flicker, fading, and the claws of the dragon pass harmlessly through, splintering through a magical dummy, causing it to shatter into billions of tiny sparkling shards and sticking to Bahamut like cheap Christmas sparkles. 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang is mostly blind, her vision a massive red field, only the vague outlines of 'other things' visible. She punches, kicks, headbutts, all the while the shells in her gauntlets discharging... until.     CLICK!     That snaps the Blonde out of her battle rage for a brief moment. She uses the lull of Bahamut's Stop spell, the form of the Magic eater poised to strike, to reload her gauntlets.     KRCHAK. PWOOMF, clink clinkerclink. She reaches behind her, and pulls out two new bands of fresh shells, reloading her gauntlets with a practiced toss and slam. CH-CHAK.     She then sets her stance, waiting for the millisecond the Magic Eater starts to move again... before surging forwards and... well it's impossible to tell exactly /what/ she's doing behind the flashes of her gauntlets firing, but whatever it was, she ends up on the opposite side of the Magic Eater, her Symbol blazing on the back of her jacket as her hair wafts in the wind kicked up by her sudden burst of speed and her own Semblance. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' By this point Corona has slinked into the background again. Or maybe gone back to check on the crew and the Guildless they left in Iria's custody. Something about these attacks is starting to maybe add up, though... 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Hot on the trail of everyone, the magic eaters, and the cloaked one, the desperate instruction to not stop is met with frustration when the fugitive appears to actually -stop-. "What are you doing?!" The question is said to Bahamut as much as the runner. And then? Sparkles. Confetti. Shinies everywhere. Skara skids to a halt, stares, and then heaves a breath. "Ha..." she finally manages, almost about to break down in laughter before she catches herself.     Not so confused, the solder explains, "It was an illusion, and we were all fooled... if that was your friend? That was -genius-..." Whatever was eating at the solder is -completely- gone now. She sllooooowly turns toward the Magic Eaters and begins to draw her namesake weapon, "And now, we get some answers..." 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     THe three-man team of Magic Eaters appear to be very, very worse for wear. Beaten up by Yang and Rebound, frozen in time and then beaten up again? Honestly, what's with these people?!     The three in the tactical armor all draw slowly to a stand, one putting his hand to his head as if listening hard to something.     THe one that Yang was beating on does not stand up. He appears to be down for the count, the armor having taken any lethal blows, but it still bloody well hurts.     So, the three magic eaters -- one down and not getting back up, two up but not looking ready for a fight against a crowd -- look at one another with some concern. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut has her! He has her! He...is covered in sparkles. Bahamut is supremely confused when his target shatters like that, and barely has time to dodge Yuna as she has the same idea. "How...festive." he says, then looks around quickly. "WHERE ARE YOU?!?!" he roars. With no real way to track Yunomi, he can only hope that someone else spots her. For now, he looks to his allies. "Stop this at once! We are all allies here!" he bellows to the scuffling group a short distance away, then lets out a smoke-laced snort. "She might still be nearby, and fighting each other just lets her get away!"      Bahamut spreads his wings and with a leap and a powerful flap he is dozens of meters in the air, his sharp eyes scanning for any signs of someone in a brown cloak. Or anyone else leaving the area. And seeing the condition of the Magic Eaters, he snorts again. They are technically allies, and he is not one to forsake an ally, even one he is not certain he trusts. He pulls out an Al Bhed potion from...somewhere, and tosses it toward the three. It explodes, expending a modest healing wave over all three. "Track her if you can, but remember you are to bring her in alive!" 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' What the - ?! Yuna flails briefly as the figure she *was* trying to embrace protectively just ... kinda ... stops being. Her desperation to find and protect Yunomi hasn't gone anywhere - she calls out to Elner, asking for a life-signs search; that's the only thing she can think of that *might* locate Yunomi for real, if stealth magic doesn't block the sensor sweep. And the robo-faerie does pick up on a signature that could well be Yunomi, but while Elner marks the coordinates internally, the signature's going to vanish underground before anyone can get to that spot. And Yuna knows, full well, that with the magic-eaters in pursuit, it's better to let the trail grow cold. With that thought weighing down her heart, Yuna comes in for a landing, digging Shugoseiheki's bottom corner into the ground ... And letting herself collapse to her knees, only holding herself partly-upright by her grip on the kite shield's handle. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' The kangaroo isn't the berserker like her sudden unexpected tag team partner is, but she's still doing what she can. She is surprised when the third magic eater gets the drop on her with his weapon only to be frozen in time. Rebound spots the weapon and then swats it out of the air with her tail, and then tries to finish taking the target down. With the target taken care of, and with the magic eater's target bursting into sparkles, Rebound is caught off guard, "What the hell?!" Now she's just outright confused. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya has not jumped into the frey but it seems to be a very goos thing she doesn't. Maya hovers now her wings flapping holding her inplace for the moment. It was an illusion? Yet Yunomi would have to be close to project such and Maya starts to channel her magic. Blue fire leeches into Maya's fate card as she holds it. Where was Yunomi? She'd known her so long seen her grow so much? She does not want to see an end like this befall her friend. She also fears what it might do to Richard's heart to suffer such a loss and now? She focuses on her spell reaching out trying to pick out Yunomi from the sea of beings in the area, come on. Where was she? 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yunomi might have been around -- but she is going deeper and deeper underground, blocked off by layers of street levels, buildings, stonework and concrete and brick, disappearing int o the underdark again. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Ijiwaru is faced with a tough desicion, on his apartment level far from the action. He breathes out, and turns to his client.     "We will release a statement. There's few places she can hide now. She knows if she goes to the Izzet, we will find her. If she leaves the city, we will track her. It is only a matter of time now."     He turns, passing by a figure clad in a heavy black and blue hooded cloak.     "I will recall my men this once. Your counsel is invaluable."     The figure watches him with silence, and then fades away from sight, as if he was never there in the first place.     "... he gives me the creeps, Boss." another magic eater whispers, helping Ijiwaru into a suitcoat.     "Mm. But without their help, there would be no hunting. Be patient. We will rescue those under her influence... and finally end the conflict." 

:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''     Yang stands there for a moment, and then falls to her knees, panting heavily as her Semblence burns out. The flame-like energy licking its last against her hair. "Did... did we get her?" she asks, eyes closed as she just... crouches there in the middle of the street. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     There's this long moment while Skara looks up, waiting for anything. From Bahamut, Yuna, A Star, anything. Blink. Wait. "..." All this time, all these weeks, and apparently Skara hadn't seen the sky in a while. the blue star AND the red star are shining once more. "...when did you come back..?" she muses quietly before looking to the group. "I think this is all we're gonna be able ta do tonight, folks. You all handle these three however ya want. I'm ... gonna go .. something. I dun even know anymore. ... See ya." And just like that, the woman is wandering back off to her little place.     Along the way she gets a new door, too. 

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''      Bahamut carefully floats back down to the ground, but still causes a small rumble when he lands. "No." he says gently to Yang, then gives her a gentle pat on the back. "We will find her and bring her back safely, and finally put an end to all of this nonsense." he says. He then looks to the Magic Eaters. "If you have any information that might be helpful to the investigation, I suggest you share it. These people are tired of you and your master's games. If you are truly acting in the best interest of the innocent, share your information. If not, get out of here and cement their opinions as fact." 
}}

4711/Out of the Way

2016-11-18T02:42:33Z

RawrDragon:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/10/23
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav>
|Synopsis=O-Hiko's domain is attacked and the Izzet allies move to defend... and get help from someone they don't see..
|Cast of Characters=272, 325, 707, 711, 215, 300, 714, 19, 750, 42, 1037
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     BELOW THE IZZET DISTRICT: Yokai Shanty-Town.     Bordering on the Gruul lands, abutting the broken, scarred ends of sidewalk and rough, unfinished buildings was the realm of O-Hiko, Namamura's own Spider Queen, and the now unofficial guardian of its yokai.     This is a place where pipes that drain from the steam works provide warmth and moisture, water cascading from unintended cascades over a milieu of broken pavement chunks. Grasses and trees have been growing here, green in spite of the chill outside.     Wanderers would be greeted first by the magnificent spiderwebs, from which hang all sizes of brightly colored spiders, orange and red bellies and spindly legs ranging in spread from one feet to nearly eight, and below, between roughed out avenues, there are buildings -- though that may be a generous word.     Tents, temporary shelters thrown up to protect from constant rain or provide privacy. A little building appearing to act like a little shrine, and among them walk Yokai -- the spirits of Namamura, flesh and incoperal alike. A young boy with no face sits on a bench, kicking up the heels of his geta as he watches a lone, grumbling old lady made of clay and straw wander past. Above them loops a long strip of linen cloth, eyes looking dazed and listless.     And stopping through, on a single leg, is Takai, the umbrella ghost, and from his long tongue he holds a latern who is croaking "Woe, woe is me -- has anyone seen our tanuki?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     While the spires of the Izzet are full of magewrights that have been allowed to stay, or are awaiting their moment with the Guildmaster, someone had to be sent out to check on the growing village of Yokai that O-Hiko seems to have inherited. Ryxinel, likely with Yu and Mi in tow, has decided to venture down to this place like her sister did. Perhaps he could set up another district like the one farther above. He had hoped the original Namamura district would be enough for all from Namamura, human and spirit alike. If that couldn't be, perhaps a second place was in order. The red dragon ventures down in simple Izzet attire, easily called armor since most dragons can't wear normal fabrics. Mostly red, only a little blue, but nothing so gaudy as what his father would have worn. Any that draw close would receive a friendly welcome from the Red, and a question on where to find O-Hiko. He had sent out invitations to Izzet allies if they cared to join. After all, members of the Izzet League know one thing. Most often? Very -random- things happen around them.. 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' After last night's conversation on the radio, Xiaomu has decided to take a look at the situation in Namamura and Ravnica. Protecting yokai and humans from each other is kind of her job, and since the situation in Wakayama doesn't need her involvement until Shinra can figure out what it's doing about that old gourd geezer, helping elseworld - and assisting the Union (and the Izzet League) in the process - seemed like a good use of her time. That, and she managed to run down the batteries on every game system and controller she'd brought with her to the Wakayama office. The only reason her phone wasn't ALSO recharging was that Reiji forced her to uninstall the streaming apps while they were on a field assignment. "If you don't count that they're basically living in exile here," the sage fox remarks to Ryxinel, "it's actually kinda homy ..." She wanders over to Takai, bowing politely (and letting out a little 'eek' as if she's scared. Which she isn't actually, but it's the thought that counts). "People have been looking for her," she answers. "There's a lot that's been going on up above, we were wondering if any of the answers might be hiding down here." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite had come by Ravnica to drop off the rest of the materials she had picked up during the lab investigations so Rhapsody and others could continue examining them. Of course the Guildmaster is really busy, so they had to be dropped off with someone else. Which is fine, she wanted to stop to see Ryxinel while she was there and check on the work for Thianel since there had been mention of an issue with misfitting parts. So to cut a long story short, the big red pretty much just pulled her along for the trip down into the depths. Not that it makes a difference, she would of responded to the invitation anyways. She just happened to already be there. "Kinda reminds me of some of the boom towns that go up when a new vein is discovered. But more..." the fox waves a paw as she's not entirely sure of the terminology she should use. ".. orientally." 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' Iria's been spending a lot of time in this area, partially due to the situation involving Yunomi, so she's in the area when the others arrive and nods to those she knows. The scowl she's got on her face isn't anything personal, it's just frustration from a lack of answers regarding Yunomi's whereabouts and what's truly happening. Of course, with strange things happening involving supernatural stuff, Iria's really on edge. She doesn't believe that this is just some bitter coincidence, she strongly suspects this has something to do with what's been going on. Despite not being skilled with supernatural things, Iria's intent on finding out what's going on here and dealing with it! She looks to the frog and says, "I can assure you, we're gonna find her and bring her back safely!" She cracks her knuckles. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' The small team, about 8 people, dressed in various mixes of clothing and battle dress. walk down a main avenue. This hadn't been the proper place for uniforms themsleves, Stadler had decided. The people, the politics of Ravinca were, frankly, a gorey mess at the moment. Sharks circling the water, excited by the blood of people who were scared and crying out for answers and vengence and blood. And the sharks had simply promised them that. So Rick had all the paper work covered to show that he was in Maryland right this very second, and anyone shooting out here was probably some oppurtunistic mercenary unit, drawn from the greater multiverse with the promise of carnage and fortune. It wouldn't hold up very well, but barely legally, and that was fine with Rick. If any of those Magic Eaters got in his way, he wanted that bastard to know who had killed them. Rick, M50 mask sealed over his face, stood in the covered deck of one shanty that no one had been in for a while. The story there, of the objects around, was probably a sad one he didn't have time to deal with at the moment. Intead, he watched the streets, flicking over to a local comm band. <Ernie, I don't see anything but the orindary over here. Anything you've got?> The call comes back quickly. <Whole lot of nothin', boss. Just the wandering spirts and those- Fuck! Sorry, sorry, nothing, just... siper the size of my chest on this wall. Jesus Christ, you sure we can't do this outside?> 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' There's been many a muttering about the Izzet league and a certain tanuki over the past few weeks. Even though it might not be the sort of thing that would concern the Confederacy's assets directly, the political situation surrounding Namamura and Ravnicaand its allies can't be ignored. That's why a certain white-coat-wearing Confederate is wandering the shanty-town's streets tonight, keeping her eye open as she takes in the sights and sounds around her. There's something oddly nostalgic about it all despite the locals looking very much unlike the people she's known back at home.      Alas, Sanary can't just sightsee tonight. She's got a job to do! Spotting a familiar face amid several unfamiliar and out-of-place faces, it doesn't take much even for her to put two and two together to figure out that something's going on. She tries to stay out of sight for the time being, but gives up on that about three seconds later before just approaching the group with a lazy wave.      "Hey, Xiaomu. Something going on out here?" She glances over at... Actually, she's not sure who to even focus on. The fox? The team of agents? The dragon? The talking umbrella? "... Big party?" 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     SUDDENLY FROM ABOVE RYXINEL: A spider drops down! Its legs are spread out wide, its fangs glistening, its eight eyes focused squarely on the dragon as it drops down on the dragon's head!     "RHAPSODDEEEEEE--eeeeee---you are not Rhapsody." Meeko halts, scant inches from touching Ryxinel's head with one of her legs, and just sort of hovers there for a moment.     The eight people walking down the main way through the shanty town are regarded... warily at best. A few yokai seem to move away. A very human looking woman turns, a cow's tail sticking out of the back of her kimono ushers a small child away. The large spider eyeballs the rather scared looking Ernie, and gives a hiss of <Watch where you're stepping, asshole!> and slowly trails up its web.     THe latern ghost, Chiisai, blinks a moment, pausing his wailing before Takai puts him on top of his own head, resting the long tongue.     "We assuredly do not know. We have been seeking her out."     "Yes, yes!" Chiisai adds, hissing between torn paper, "we've checked every restaurant, waffle house, flop dodging, and even inquired politely at the local constibulitory station. WOE TO US!" he wails, "Has /anyone/ seen the tanuki?" 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' So here Maya was in the Izzet District the information from the coverstation ion the radio last night had her thinking on the matter of Yunomi even more than she was. She'd rebound Yu and the others to the park. Yunomi knew something might happen to her but why? What? She has ot figure out what's going on something is so strange here. She's come to the Yokai shanty-Town to do what she can to help and she would see there's a lot of work to be done but then comes the Yokai speaking of Yunomi in all likelyhood but what could this mean? "I'm afraid I haven't seen her..." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Hearing the call for his sister, Ryxinel's gaze turns upward to regard the rapidly decending spider. "Hello, Meeko. I'm Ryxinel, her brother," he informs, hoping to disuade any concern the spiderling may have. "I had heard that many Yokai have moved down here, out of the district, and decided to visit to see if there's anything that can be done to help you all feel more comfortable. The comforts of the district were made for humans and similar, I apologize if such things were not fitting for the Yokai," he offers rather matter-of-factly. "Do you know where O-Hiko is? I wouldn't mind speaking with her to assist here further." He doesn't seem to be asking about Yunomi.. though he shares his sister's concern. It shows when his gaze shifts to take in what Chiisai and Takai are saying. "We will not give up looking for her," he tells them both. 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' Xiaomu straightens up, turning to look at Sanary. This is potentially more than a little awkward. Not in the usual sense of the phrase, either - but there's a valued Unionite missing, the enemies in the scenario *aren't* known to be Confederate-aligned, and here comes a Confederate Elite who might or might not be inclined to leverage the situation to the Confederacy's advantage, or at least to the Union's *dis*advantage (which is kinda the same thing in the long view). "Let's just say this is not necessarily the place for an unwary human to be hanging out," Xiaomu says mildly. "I suppose most of Ravnica technically counts as neutral territory, but you linger here at your own risk. I don't encourage trying to take more of a chance than you're already doing just by being here - how'd you find your way this far below the main city, anyway?" As she's talking, Xiaomu makes her way back towards Ryxinel and the others, leaning in to whisper a question to the dragon, with a thumb jerked at Sanary in the middle of it. Other than that, Xiaomu does nod to the yokai in agreement with Ryxinel's statement. Xiaomu may not be personally involved in the search for the tanuki - at least, so far - but she's developed a relatively pointed interest in the case. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite cranes her head back a bit to look at the voice speaking to Ryx from overhead. But she doesn't really have anything to add since he's already pretty much explains why they're here. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' You know Rebound has totally been here the whole time really. This whole place is a little bit on the creepy side..But these yokai, they're just as much victims from everything that's been going on, at least that's what Rebound understands about the situation at hand. She's not extremely well versed on the situation as to why they have come down today...Honestly she just usually likes to follow Corona around since her foxy friend is great at getting into trouble and needing Rebound's special skills to help her get out of those crazy situations. So she hangs out next to Corona for now, leaning in towards her, "So why are we down here anyway?" 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Estano, from his perch on a second story (if you could call it that), simply stares at the spider crawling back up it web. At least he was only about to step on it with his regular foot, and not the clanky metal one that would have caused damage. And, in what must have been a small miracle, neither Estano (or his other people) let out a burst of panic fire at a large spider hissing demonically at them. The wonders of a world that translates /everything/ sentient. He's back on the radio. <Boss, call me crazy, but I don't think people down here like us very much.> Stadler moves with his people, giving a slight glance to the cow-tailed woman rushing away a child. <Since when do people like to see un-uniformed people walking around their streets with guns? Even if it is a boom town, no one wants to get caught in a cross fire.> He says, before spying Ryxinel inquiring about a few of the demons themselves... with a friendly spider about his head. <Prince is walking around his kingdom, apparantly. I want to say dragons are only fearful when it comes to legacy or heartbreak.> Rick mutters over the net, before making sure to keep an eye on the red dragon. Wherever he was going was bound to be the center of action. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren is here too! For once, given they're visiting a civilian settlement and not some lab full of traps, he dares go without his armor. Time will tell if he lives to regret it.     The spiders everywhere is a smidge creepy. Once he hears one talk though, he's put more at ease. The wide variety of beings here... it's comforting to see such different people getting along, and reminds him of Lazlo, even if the specific species are different.     "We're still looking for her." Staren nods as Rynixel speaks.     He looks a bit confused and worried as the cow-lady leads a child away. Being feared is different from in Lazlo. Oh well, you can't please everyone... 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Xiaomu's suspicion is understandable, at least. Sanary hasn't exactly proven herself to be concerned with the Union's well-being in the past, although she still manages a light sigh at the sage fox's reaction. "I know, I know... Just lookin' around. The comms have been pretty loud these past few days, so I figured I'd... You know. Take a look around. Find out what's going on out here."      She pauses for a moment and glances around, then sighs again while lowering her voice and slumping just a bit. "... The main city's above here you said?" That's good information to have. Not that she'll ever admit to getting lost, of course, since she was just... Scouting!      Definitely didn't get lost on the way.      "... So what's all this about a tanuki, anyway? Is that the one that jackass was whining about last night?" There's a hint of venom in her voice, but at least it's not directed towards anyone here. Chiisai's wailing draws a blank look from the healer, though, and Sanary responds with a more relaxed (and almost reassuring tone) in her voice. "Er... Hey, hey! I'm sure she'll turn up sooner or later. Just need to be patient, alright?" 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Someone's set up a ramen shop, far below and underneath an overhang. A cat with two tails is beckoning other yokai in, waving a paw with the pad down to greet them. Questionable meats float in bowls of noodles, alien vegetables and familiar smells. A badger is huffing his breath as he shoves past Richard Stadler, grumbling about the quality of the broth under that roof and grumpily saying back in /his/ day they had real fish and it tasted better. The long strip of linen lazily floats past the other side, towards the ramen shop and seems fascinated momentarily with the group, and then procedes upwards. and a figure in a brown hood crossing the avenue behind the retinue, giving a pause and then continuing on their business, ducking into another tent. A few children -- a one-eyed monk boy and a girl who has no feet beneath her kimono toss an inflated bladder, tied with a string, back and forth in a game... life is as usual down here for the refugees who fled not only their homeland, but their adopted home as well.     Meeko blinks three of her eyes at once, and then makes a quiet 'eeee' sound, patting Ryx on the head once, and then retreats back up the thick webbing.     To the side of Richard, a woman wearing a dark red and orange kimono appears, her arms folded in front of her, hidden in the sleeves of the robe.     "... why you deem it needed to come so armed, friends, I do not know." The Spider Queen greets them, seeming apprehensive.     Meeko then descends from the level above. "OKASAMAAAAA~" <Mother~> she cries out, pausing and hovering above the spider woman. "Rhapsody's brother is here and would like to talk to you~"     The latern blinks up at the others, looking at each in turn, and then gives a soft, pensive 'hrrm', and approving 'harruuum'... and then a disappointed 'hum...' before continuing. "She does not want to be found. if she had wanted to be seen, we might have seen her. Or she could have come back and spoken to us! We miss her! She never visits us anymore and... and... and... she /forgot my birthday!/"     "Chiisai. You don't have a birthday. You're a lantern."     "Oh. Yes. I remember." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     A blink, then a glance is sent toward the others in the area. Weapons? He turns back to O-Hiko, "I assure you," he begins, bowing to the Yokai, "That I have brought none, myself. There are some that are unfamiliar with you and may have felt aprehensive, but if they had," He clears his throat, speaking a little more loudly, "ASKED ME," back to normal volume, "I would have assured them that weapons are not necessary,". A helpless shrug is given, "I apologize for any concern that is caused. I was visiting, simply wanting to know, if there is anything I can do, or the Izzet can do, to provide comfort for you all here. I'm sorry that the Namamura district doesn't feel safe anymore. Concern over the Guildless has risen quite a bit and once the situation with Yunomi is taken care of I assure you, we'll be looking into this.." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' "Seein' if these folks need any help down here. They're kinda hidin', y'know," Corona replies to Rebound. "After what happened last time, not really blamin' 'em. either." The fox pauses, turning her head in the other direction. Her nose isn't quite as strong as her ears, but it's still strong enough to pick up the aroma of food from the ramen shop. "Ah know just wait needs 'investigatin'." Considering she hasn't eaten since leaving Brimsteel earlier in the way. At least being a humanoid fox she blends in well with the local crowd as Corona ambles over to the ramen stand after stepping out of the grumbling badgers way. "Hey miss! Miss..." cat with two tails? Huh. "Ah'll take a bowl, miss. Of" Her tail flicks at the 'questionable meat', 'alien vegetables' but 'familiar smell'. "Whatevah it's made outta." 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' The problem with gas masks is that, while they protected you from harmful chemical and biological agents, it was hard to smell anything but filters and rubber. And From the way those people pressed in for it, that does look like it would actually be decent ramen. And probably more authentic than the trendy ramen shops that dotted Frederick's main drag, like every other small city. Stadler takes some time to pause there, eyes flickering past the various signs of life you'd see anywhere. The residents look a bit different, but a town was a town. And this one was under a certain matriarch. Stadler keeps himself casual for a moment, inclining his head just slightly, tilting the mask's vocalizer to her. "Two reason. One, I still don't know what those fucking Magic Eaters are going to do, but I can't rule out a false flag operation." He says, before looking over at the red dragon as he walks over. "And second, I don't go anywhere without a gun. People with the purest spirit and nobliest intentions are the same as pyschopaths... in certain situations." He says. He carries in hospitals for a reason. "And I do not know you but by reputation, sir. I'm just a simple mercenary that came down here, seeking fortune and action and all of that. I've all the documentation to prove it." He says. The tone of his voice indicates that he knows no one here beleives that. All right. Stadler disliked large spiders, just like the rest of them, but Meeko dropping to mother... well, that was adorable." 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' "Kind of a long story," Xiaomu asides in reply to Sanary. "But yeah, same one the jackass was talking about. We're still trying to figure out where she is before he does. Presumably the answer might be hereabouts." Then the Spider Queen turns up, in a decidedly non-arachnid appearance. Xiaomu does something that she RARELY does in response: she bows. Deeply. Doesn't go as far as kneeling, but a sign of respect is at least in order. "Paranoia and an excess of caution are an asset in their normal line of work, and to some extent in mine," the huli jing says. "And considering that one of Yunomi's enemies - and yours, as I'm given to understand - may be hunting her even here, I don't know that I blame them for anything except how close their fingers may be to the triggers." Honestly, Yunomi has THIS many mortal human friends - including an adoptive father, of all things - and NONE of them know how to deal with youkai on their home ground? At least Ryxinel seems to know the first rule of paying a friendly visit to youkai: Don't act like you expect to become prey if you let your guard down. (At the same time, don't be careless.) Not that Xiaomu's walking around unarmed: she has her staff (and its concealed sword), she has her handguns (holstered under her vest), but she doesn't LOOK like she expects things to dissolve into a general free-for-all. Same way you don't do the open carry thing when you're dropping by a friend's house for a casual unannounced visit, unless your friend is VERY comfortable with you sporting a 9mm at your belt. At Chiisai's talk about birthdays, Xiaomu looks to the lantern with a faint smirk. "Well," she points out, "technically lanterns have a day they were made .... or you might start counting from the day you became more than just a mundane lantern," she suggests further. "But if you haven't been worrying about it this long, not a lot of point now." 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren answers the Spider Queen plainly: "Everywhere we go is dangerous. Enemies could strike at any moment. Not being ready gets you, and anyone you need to protect, killed."     "...I don't think Yunomi is going to come do anything friendly right now, alas. It seems she's posessed by an evil force, or something, at the moment." he shakes his head sadly at the lantern. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Sanary furrows her brow as the yokai chatter about, listening closely and trying to parse out the details. A tanuki named Yunomi, apparently beloved by the people here and even enough to get the Union involved so much in defending her against... What? Something big enough to risk the safety of some people even Sanary knows outside of the Union, apparently! The healer's still missing quite a few details, but things are starting to make a little more sense now.      Turning to the Spider Queen, she raises her hands to show that she's not carrying the axe, although it's still quite obviously strapped across her hip. "Sorry, sorry. I take it everywhere I go, but don't worry. I got no plans to touch it as long as I'm here." As if trying to show that she's not here to fight, she even squats down on the spot! Sanary does give Stadler and his shoulders a brief look at that, but turns back to the lantern shortly afterwards.      "But.. Er. Yeah, I don't think now's a good time for her to come back here. I mean, I know she's not going to... One other place, maybe 'cause she doesn't want whoever's after her to turn that place into a warzone." She nods at Xiaomu in turn, the logic of trying to find information on the missing tanuki not lost on her. "Sounds like this is an important place for her, so... Might be the same case here." 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' It's a good thing Fujikuro isn't here. If there's one thing he hates, it's spiders. He'd be fleeing as fast as he could the moment that giant spider appeared. Of course, Iria would try to stop him, but would more than likely fail, because Fujikuro is... well, you get the general idea, right? Iria doesn't show the least bit of fear at this spider, though. She's hunted things worse than it, and she's not about to assume it's an enemy just yet. Instead, she simply stands attentively, a neutral look on her face. As they talk to the spider, it appears that this spider does not mean any harm, so Iria waits patiently... a rare occurrence for Iria. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya seems to be on her way and it doesn't take long for her to end up falling in with the others at this point Rick being here is no shock. It's his daughter that's in ne hell of a mess one way or another. Richard was many things, an uncaring father? That was one thing he certainly was not. She was glad he was here and shenotes about the weapon she has across her back. "Law and order isn't secure on my home world and I travel the multiverse a lot. I want to be ready to protect myself nothing more. I like not having to use it honestly. She doesn't say a thing to blow RIck's coer as she moved to sit downa nd she took time to listen to Xiaomu for the moment. She's also trying to be respectful of things but Maya does not have the most experiance what she does have teh sense to do however seems to be trying to follow Xiaomu's lead and nods in agreement to the latern. "I think the idea to count from the day you were no longer a normal Latern works." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     "POSSESSED?!" the latern squeaks. Chiisai seems shocked! Taikai equally alarmed. "What could have /caused/ such a thing?! Possession, against the guardian? Hrmm, very serious business indeed." the latern ghost's paper-thin voice croaks, and its lone eye waggles a bit at Staren. "What is your theory on it? You seem to be the smartest of the bunch, talking to us."     "Mhmm! Mmhmm!" Taikai gives a nod, and brightly replies "Because of course, /we/ know where Yunomi is! It's our business to know, after all."     O-Hiko pointedly looks at Richard, seeing as this human appears to be their leader, and she glances in a quiet expression up in Estano's direction -- because of course, she knows what her children see, and she turns, and in turn gives a small bow to Xiaomu and Sanary, and a slightly deeper one to her 'host' in Ravnica, Ryxinel.     "I am aware that Ijiwaru, this very moment, is searching for our home here. It is foremost that I protect the others." O-Hiko states quietly: "In a proper guardian's absence, it appears to fall to me to pick up where the former left off -- but here we are crowded. My sentries report that the Gruul stalk closer, and not wanting to risk trouble between the guilds -- we have been... living tightly." O-Hiko explains, and motions with a slender hand, blood red nails cruely pointed, to the shanties and tents. "Temporarily, this is fine. Many older Yokai remember the wars. Some of the younger, though... they are finding it..."     "OKAASAMA! LOOKIT ME!" Meeko cries out, and she's being whisked about by one of the children with no faces, waving her legs in the air. The body language of the faceless child seems to indicate they're not comfortable with the situation.     "-- ... trying." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Meanwhile, Corona is served a big, steaming bowl of noodles and vegetables, shaved meat floating on the top, fresh green onions stirred in just before service. There is a little spoon and a large pair of chopsticks for her use. Just before she can dig in, a wizened little man cracks a very small brown egg over the bowl, and the egg folds in on itself as it cooks in the boiling hot liquid. 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' Xiaomu has to work HARD at it, but she manages - just barely - to suppress the impulse to roll her eyes at Staren. Possessing is something that spirits do to *humans*, and as a tanuki, Yunomi is hardly mortal enough to worry about getting possessed. Generally speaking, at least. There could be exceptions - there are some beings which can subjugage youkai to their will too, after all. But then again, Chiisai takes the mention of 'possession' seriously. So maybe Xiaomu ought to follow suit. It certainly helps keep her from rolling her eyes. "The magic-eaters are your ancient enemies, aren't they?" Xiaomu asks as O-Hiko brings up Ijiwaru. "I hate that you've been forced into hiding like this, in tight spaces no mortal or youkai should have to endure. Perhaps, if you do not know where to find Yunomi, you might help us prepare to fight against Ijiwaru and his ilk." *Now* Xiaomu gets down on one knee, thumping the butt of her staff against her ground so that the rings let out a loud jingle. "I am Xiaomu, huli jing, pledged to the service of an agency called Shinra," the sage fox introduces herself formally. "It is my privilege and honor to meet you, O-Hiko, queen among the spiders. If I may be of assistance to you without breaking my pledges to others, ask what you would need of me, and I shall do what lies within my power." She looks up from genuflecting, then rises smoothly back to her feet if it seems appropriate to do so. "What the magic-eaters and their ancestors stooped to ... preventing those kinds of excesses is the greater part of Shinra's goal in the Japan where I make my home," Xiaomu continues. "While youkai in my world still conceal their true natures, Shinra makes its goal to prevent human or youkai from coming into conflict, and even now, there are youkai who wish to tear down the society that the humans of Japan have built. To intercede and end a similar conflict, even from a world far from my own, seems to be part of my promises to Shinra, in spirit if not in word." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Thank goodness there's a spoon, because Corona has no idea how to use the chopsticks. Expect maybe to spear veggies in the broth, but she's pretty sure that's not the right way. She plops some money on the counter and takes the bowl in her hand, and the spoon in the other. That's pretty hot if the egg cooked right then and there. But she's accustomed to eating hot things. So twirls the spoon a few times to get a bit of everything of noodles and meat and veggies on it before scooping it into her mouth. "MmmMmm. Though Ah don't reconize all the fixins..." Corona looks down at the bowl for a moment. It occurs to her that they didn't see any sort of 'livestock' on the way down. The girl over there with the cow tail definately doesn't count. She starts getting another spoonful even as she looks back up to the nekomata waitress. "What kinda meat did ya say this is?" 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren blinks, surprised that the lantern and umbrella are taking him seriously. "Well... I think that someone killed the guardian spirit in Namamura... so when Yunomi tried to pull the guardian spirit through to Ravnica, something /else/ hitched a ride instead, and posessed Yunomi. I'm not sure what, though... I don't really know much about Namamura... except that the afterlife is a terrible place. If any spirit escaped from there, they'd probably be mad with anger and hatred for the world." 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' Upon seeing Xiaomu kneel down and introduce herself, Iria does the same as well. "I am Iria, bounty hunter 9979-5. It's an honor to meet you as well, O-Hiko." She speaks with respect to this spider queen, without thinking it strange in the least bit. Still, there is a hint of uneasiness within her, as if something doesn't feel right about her speaking with a giant spider. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' Rebound probably blends in well enough herself, as she follows Corona up to the food vendor, "You know that's probably, uh.." She shrugs, "You know who knows what it is. But it's not steak, that's for sure." She looks back over her shoulder at the situation going on behind her, all the noise and stuff, "These people are just innocents in all of this, forced to live underground because of that asshole Ijiwaru. I shoulda just punched him in the damn face when I had the chance." 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Oh, right. Bowing. Hopping onto her feet and nearly toppling over in her haste, Sanary somehow manages to return O-Hiko's bow with a formal one of her own. Just because she came from the countryside doesn't mean she hasn't learned proper manners over the years!      "Why would that guy be looking for this place? From what I heard, didn't he already cause enough dam...?" The healer scowls a bit before taking a breath to calm herself, an irritated grumble escaping her throat before she crosses her arms. "... Typical... Ech." Another grunt, and the healer straightens up to give O-Hiko a practiced salute.      "Sanary Rondel, healer and captain for the Confederacy. Pleased to meet you..." She pauses, taking a cue off of Xiaomu's introduction. "... Queen O-Hiko. Can't promise the Confederacy's assistance in this mess, but... If that Ijiwaru comes around to cause trouble, let me know. People like him piss me off, so..."      The healer hesitates for a few moments as she glances around at the Unionites gathered around, then turns to them properly and holds a hand out to nobody in particular. "... I won't get in your way if you don't shoot me in the back. Deal?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "If the Gruul are breaching the border, it is very much a situation we need to address. I'll see about getting some weirds down here, if it won't bother the folk here. The Izzet feel it is very much our responsibility to take care of anyone from Namamura that was displaced due to Gohan's influence, so, if there is anything we can do, we will do it. In regards to Ijiwaru, well, he's probably about to try and have our whole guild dissolved. I'm fairly certain it won't work.." 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler gives O-Hiko a bit of a look through his mask to her. He doesn't need a bow; really, he was expecting a more narrowed glance to himself and Estano up on his perch, so he'll /take/ pointed. "I don't like the sound of any of that. Esspecially things in the night stalking closer. I assume a miltia or a Search and Destroy team is out of the question, but I'd be glad to sweep some of your main routs once our job here is done." He says, following the Spider being taken away by children at... play? And really, that little spider was making the best of it. "As for Ijiwaru... To be honest, that's part of why I'm here. If any of you have seen him, or his people, let me know. And I'll see if I can't lessen some pressure." The way his hand tightens on the grip of the HK416 hanging in front of his tactical vest shows what he means when he wants to lessen pressure. Stadler looks over to Staren, for one moment, talking to the latern and mentioning things about how Yunomi was possessed. "I doubt she was possessed." He says to the small group. "Doesn't seem like her style from what we've learned. She has a plan, and to my increasing frusturation, I can't see what it is." One can hear it in his voice, before he stares at the latern. "Oh, do you. Where, then?" In a deadpan that shows he doesn't beleive much of it. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya listens to hear topic of Poession and Yunomi her rebinding Yu and the rest may have been Yunomi stuggling against such control to save them. She looks to the Latern for a moment and nhumms and she looks back to Taikai for a moment then settles in for listening to what o-kiko has to say. Then Meeko burst sin so to speak as she waves he legs in the air and just tries to not laugh which she's able to do she knows they have to focus on the situation. Staren just has no reaction from Maya will place anorder too of the food she has some anti toxin herbs if something doesn't agree with her right? "It's not right you have been forced to hide like this. Your people do not deserve this either." She pauses at Xiaomu and does omething as well. "I wish to offer myself to aid your people int his time of crisis O-Hiko. So long as it does not interfear with any oaths of service I currently hold." While Maya doesn't know /everything/ she is following Xiaomus lead and does kneel. It's very rare for Maya to kneel very rare and Rick might notice that. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' And Sanary gets a look from Stadler, as well. "Don't act stupid, and I won't spend bullets trying to correct it." He says simply. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     "Hrmm... yess. the afterlife. Very terrible. Whoever is in charge of it should be ashamed of themselves. Very shameful. Very nasty. No one likes nasty afterlives." Chiisai agrees quite seriously with Staren, nodding his fat head. Takai's eye rolls in his canopy, which half-flaps. "Though what could have hitched a ride? ooh! You don't think it's a yurei, do you? Oooh! LIke the girl in the well in that documentary! What was it called? 'The Girl in the Well Who Haunted People to Death', I think." the umbrella recalls.     Chiisai looks up at Richard. He blinks his eye. And then he hops! "OOH! OOH! I KNOW THE ANSWER! Has anyone checked in the cupboard, that blue one? With the vending machines that move around!"     O-Hiko gives a small smile. "My people are used to hiding; the Yokai have never been so out in the open as they were before the wars, when there were more... apparent issues." the spider queen replies, and shakes her head, drawing her hands upwards. "Please, here I am simply a very busy mother, no queen. Not royalty. My titles were for a battle fought many, many years ago." she almost blushes, and she draws herself up a bit, and as the faceless boy rushes past, a hand reaches out and draws Meeko up and off him, and the little spider flits about over her mother'ss arm a moment, before settling at her shoulder.     People continue to mill around, there's some cross words grunted at each other as a pair of kappa fight for water. A woman's head with a long, long, looong neck snaking behind her appears to poke over all of the armed mercenaries' forms. A figure in a brown hood, stooped over draws awayf rom the grouping, shifting weight with a sack under one arm.     "Oh. We found some loosened, floating animals off one of the markets when we foraged. It's very fresh, very light tasting!" the little wizened man replies to Corona, and beside her, a man whose eyes are far, far too big for his face and whose mouth hangs open like a fish taps his chopsticks, lifts his bowl, uses his chopsticks to pull his bottom lip out and pourl the bowl -- contents, noodles, broth, bowl, and spoon -- into his lip. It stretches like a pelican's. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite pauses in lifting another spoonful to her mouth. "Just.. random animals?" Looks down at the bowl of noodles and veggies in broth with.. mystery meats. "Mystery meat ramen..." The people down here are rather out of the way of easy supplies other than scavanging, though... Then again, Corona remembers what it feels like having to just scrounge whatever you can living off the streets. Corona stuffs the spoonful into her mouth even as she turns away from the stand to return to the rest of the group. "Still the best damn ramen Ah've tasted in a long time." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "True, of course, O-Hiko, but even in hiding, you can be comfortable. If you would like us to try and expand the area, just so you have some more space, we can at least try. Better security, more access to whatever you need, just ask," Ryxinel offers once again. A light sigh, then he starts to look around, just forming ideas in his head, visualizing things that could be built. His gaze settles on someone rushing along, head tilting a moment, before the gaze moves on. Back to O-Hiko, then. "Have you heard anything, then? Maybe a place to look or information overlooked? I realize the chance is slim, but there is no reason not to ask. Rhapsody insists to search even in vain, if needed, so since I am here, I may as well ask." 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren blinks. "Really? I thought... you were all happy with the afterlife. I mean... Yunomi doesn't think it should be changed..." His ears splay a bit at that sad thought. "...Wait, 'The Ring' was a documentary in your world?" He'll take some ramen too. As long as the mystery meat is tasty, right? "So... is that a thing that happens? If it /was/ a ghost, how do we exorcise it?" 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' "'Mother' is no less a title than 'queen,'" Xiaomu points out respectfully. "Titles notwithstanding, though, the ancient war threatens to return in the present day, and I would not see you, nor any of your people, nor Yunomi herself fall victim to misguided mortal bloodthirst." Her ears flatten against her hair, her expression going from 'serious' to 'somber'. "We have to stop the magic-eaters. If their lives can be spared, all the better, I suppose ... but they may not permit us that option. And Yunomi's friends are dead-set upon helping her however they can. 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' Iria simply stands by idly as Xiaomu does the talking, since Iria's more about action than words. She doesn't want to risk saying the wrong thing and getting everyone in trouble. It's quite a contrast from the normal Iria, who's usually all about action and excitement. But when it comes to Yunomi, it seems Iria's willing to adapt herself as necessary. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya says "Just because you must hide does not mean you should live in misery O-hiko." Maya notes. "We didn't have much when I was ... young but it wans't a bad life for the most part even iof we lived in anotehr people's shadow." She now lleans back. She pauses "The ring waqs a documentary in your world?!" She's got no issue about the food and she now goes quiet to think. "I admit I don't take well to predaction Xiaomu but I'll respet your wishes regarding them. Still Yuomi's life and any bystanders comes before theirs." 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Eventually lowering her hand, Sanary lets out a light sigh before turning to STadler with... A grin? "Could say the same to you. Good enough for me." She chuckles lightly in approval, then turns back to O-hiko and watches her curiously as she handles Meeko.      "Still... These kids deserve better. Hiding out like this..." She trails off and hums to herself for a moment, then steps forward and peers at the spider-child with a smile that's only slightly awkward.      So many eyes. "We're gonna take care of this, alright? Just sit tight and be good for your mom, huh?" 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     "Looked enough like beef." the man shrugs at Corona, and goes back to chopping.     "What? Oh! OH no, we don't have movies. Our Japan is still in the Fuedal Era, even the United States is still at war and these two huge giants called Jefferson and Abraham are battling over a boat in the atlantic and they shoot great balls of steel and light fire out of their eyes and lightning from their--"     "Chiisai!" Takai interrupts, "He is probably American, and from the future, he knows all about Giant Abraham Lincoln and his horde of zombie vampires named Roosevelt!"     The little old man at the counter looks at Chiisai and Takai... and then gives Staren not only a bowl of ramen, but pours a little cup of sake for the cat-boy.     O-Hiko gives a small smile at Ryxinel, and gives a nod of her head. "I still hope the situation will be temporary, and that all of us may return to what we have called nor mal since leaving Namamura."     Estano is not alone. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     "As for your question, Ryxinel -- I cannot think of a place that my children have not checked for her presence. It deeply saddens me that she continues to hide from all who would see her restored." O-Hiko adds quietly. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' Well, she supposes it looks okay. Rebound takes the chopsticks and then snatches up some of the noodles from Corona's bowl, "I suppose as long as strange alien meat and veggies doesn't make you sick." She says, with a bit of a laugh, "You'll be good to go. Plus if it does, now we can be sick together." 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler gives Chiisai a look. A long, unblinking stare, for just a few seconds longer than is comfortable, before nodding. "Well, I'm sold. Why don't you go check and see if she's there. You find her, tell her her father loves her." Hey, why not hedge your best on the off chance they knew what they were talking about! And Stadler, again, had enough self control to stay still and simply regard the head as it worked all over their forms, giving the barest of nods at it, before pointedly looking in other places. If they were curious, let them look. If they got dangerous, so would he. Though... The man with the hood, he gets another look. <Estano, brown hood. Track him from stationary. Let me know where he goes." He says. That's all, as he turns to the Spider Queen. "Members of the community can stand up in times of trouble, you know. Whatever your title was then, it is what it is now. Do what you can for however long you can, and then pass it on to someone else." Then /back/ to Chiisai... and steeps forward. "Are you implying that President Abrham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator and saviour of our great Union, would embark upon unholy magics to raise a horde of vampire zombies? And if they did, he could base them on Theodore Roosevelt? The /Rough Rider/ himself?" His tone is silightly omnious, though most here could probably see he needed to blow off a /bit/ of steam, and this seems to be a decent way to do it. Estano nods tothe order himself, tasking his people to the edge of the roof they were on, attempting to follow... before pausing for a moment. He doesn't speak on the radio, doesn't talk. Just lets a gloved hand drift down to the M1911 holstered at his hip, removing the holster snap slowly, cocking the hammer. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite shrugs a shoulder in response to Rebound. Only one, as she doesn't want to disrupt the bowl in her hand. "Ah'm part fennec. We eat all kindsa bugs and lizards and other small desert critters." ... It's really hard to tell if that's a serious answer or not. Well, the part fennec part is. Her father was basically a anthro space fennec fox. Part of the reason she's kind of short. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Despite the answer, Ryxinel still offers a smile, "Had to ask, just to be sure, O-Hiko. Thank you," he offers, going back to visualization of the area. A glance is sent over toward Corona and Rebound, then the ramen bowl. "The local fare? Good, is it?" 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren listens curiously. He wonders how much of that is misunderstandings and how much is just the world being different. "America's not a country anymore in my time. I'm from one of the further-ahead futures. I'm from the Free City of Lazlo. It's built on the site of Toronto, Canada, if you're curious." He takes a couple bites of his ramen. "Seriously, what do we do if she /is/ posessed by a ghost? I have no diea how ghosts work on your world. Or mine, for that matter." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Chiisai looks up at Richard Stadler. And then his eye goes wiiiide. So wide that his other eye opens slightly and then he gives a hearty nod!     Then he shakes his head.     "No, no, the one with the mechanical legs whose main attack is NNUUUUUUUU DEEAAAARRUUUU!" the latern ghost says, and gives a very affirmitive nod.     Nope, not Teddy. 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' Xiaomu just blinks a few times at the discussion of Lincoln fighting Roosevelt, or whatever was going on. "Okay, I think your world's history is officially weirder than my world's history," the sage fox says with a wry grin. The 'NUUUUU DEAAAAAARRRUUU' part almost makes her crack up laughing. But the sage fox gathers herself again, nodding to O-Hiko. "As I said, whatever I can do to help with that. Best if you all could return to Namamura ... I doubt that Yunomi was possessed," she admits, "but from what I know of the situation, it doesn't make sense that she would do what she's been accused of out of her own free will. So if nothing is compelling her, the next most likely explanation is that except perhaps for what reliable witnesses who trust their senses *saw* Yunomi doing ... it must not have been Yunomi who committed the deeds she's been blamed for, that *haven't* been directly witnessed." 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya comments on the matter of meat "So long as it wasn't a person? Meat is meat." She notes then leans back a bit and can't help but smile as they talk about America, the picture that is being painted about America it's a bit of lightness she needed but it doens't last long. "You mean someone weaved a powerful illusion is what your thinking Xiaomu? 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THe figure in brown seems to pause. IT glances behind, away, over a shoulder, a little bit of dark brown hair slipping from beneath the hood.     The dark brown briefly turns to an Izzet Scarlet.     And then the figure passes behind a wide support pillar -- and is gone from the sniper's sight. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     -- just as the back of Estano's body might pick up the heat of a sudden fireball.     "So, is this where she's been hiding all the /fun/ people?" comes a slithering voice, and above, on Estano's perch, a brilliant light illuminates the Spider's Den and Shantytown, blinding white followed by orange-red!     And mad laughter echoes. "ALL HAIL THE DRAGON'S FIRE!" cackles an unhinged laughter. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     It figures that while Ryxinel is visualizing things, the massive light basically blinds the red dragon. It was like looking into the sun! "AGH!" he staggers, he shields his eyes, but he also hears what is said, and what the radio blurts out, "No no no.." he fumbles for his radio, and then blurts out, "I need Petra-Hydrox deployed down here! NOW!" It would still be a few minutes, but the air-earth elementals would be the best things to try and keep everything from collapsing. "And a rapid construction team as soon as possible!" He adds, realizing the supports would need reinforced, "AND DRAGONAUGHTS!" to get whoever was responsible! 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' Xiaomu's ears prick up even before she consciously notices the sounds of trouble starting up ... and when the slithering voice, followed by the mad laughter, break out? Oh, it is so TOTALLY on. The rings on Xiaomu's staff jangle as she slams its butt on the ground hard enough to *embed* the staff an inch or so into the rock - just enough to keep it standing upright while she needs her hands for something else. The jangling hasn't even faded when she reaches into her vest, drawing out a pair of handguns, one ready in each hand, safeties already clicking off as she draws a bead on the source of the laughter. And then she actually opens fire, a hail of bullets - standard ammunition, no magic or even particular anti-spirit effects - racing towards the maniac with the fireballs. Or are those just pyrotechnic shotgun rounds? Well, either way, he's about to have too many holes in him to keep laughing. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' "..." Corona takes a moment to lick some remaining broth from the bowl before tossing it aside with a surprising amount of calmness. "Knew this was going way too quietly," she remarks towards Rebound, before yanking her goggles up into place and sprinting off towards where the fires went off higher up. One hand drops to her tool belt... But instead of a weapon drawn she yanks up her Matter Manipulator. Though she does give it a fancy gunslinger twirl just the same before pointing and activating it, the horseshoe-like shape clicking open and starting to flicker subspacial energy. "Don't worry 'bout construction, just get after whoever did that!" The engineer must of been thinking the same lines of reinforcing as Ryxinel, as she generates several stone blocks from the device's inventory and stacking them up into extra pillars of support under the upper level. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' The people watch the figure move around, one of the troopers spying the brown hooded figure through the glass of a scope, just to see that different hair collor. "SarMajor, I think-" He calls out, turning... but not able to report before everyone's turning to the feeling of heat and flames behind him. His eyes shut tight as he whirls around, tracking where he though the voice was coming from, pulling the trigger on the .45 pistol again and again, seven times to empty the clip, as the rest of his team spray the area behind them with gunfire fire. And this isn't something lost on Stadler. As the fireball goes off, Stadler's people on the ground seem to go with an automatic reaction, hitting the deck and covering their eyes, rolling toward where they saw cover. "Targets!" He yells into the radio. "Find me targets! Do /not/ engage with explosive or incendaries!" He yells out, managing to take a position behind a pillar and point his weapon up toward the roof. He didn't have a target yet, and he wouldn't unless Estano was able to draw him off of that rooof. 

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:''' Trouble's here, and Iria's on high alert. In fact, when she hears that strange voice and then the laughter, Iria's really in her worst mood now. It's obvious someone laughing like that while talking like that is here to cause trouble. Xiaomu isn't going to bother with warning shots and neither is Iria. She draws her assault rifle and aims in the direction that Xiaomu is aiming and fires off several bursts of gunfire. "You're gonna regret messing with the best!" 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' Straightening back up, Sanary looks up at the sudden outburst of someone... Laughing? It's not the friendly sort of laughter, that's for sure, but with the sound of the explosion rocking the air, sit's not hard to figure out that defenses are needed sooner rather than later.      "Watch your heads! Get the kids inside!" She shouts in warning, looking over at O-Hiko and Meeko before focusing her energies outwards. Large bricks of gray... Something or another made of magical energy and looking not unlike distorted plastic start to form in the air, slowly gathering into a makeshift wall as Sanary starts glancing around rapidly to see where the maniacal mage might be targetting his attacks next.      Also, trying to figure out who the kids in this place even are. Sanary's not used to identify yokai ages by appearance alone, but at least she can provide them with cover in the form of a magical brick wall! 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is not going to get to enjoy her food right now but that's not so imporant anymore. The entire house may be comming down here She can't do the sort of barrier work that somecan but she can do some warding to protect people more. She will channel blue fire from her body she'll try to ward the people she can but she's going to not delay for long they need to find who did this or find a way to keep it from /going down/. She has an idea but it would be final resort if she had to summon Humbraba the elemental lord of earth... 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yu and Mi tumble out of Ryxinnel's bag, and hit the floor running, each holding onto their sister's hand as they go through the flotsam and Jetsam of falling rock and trampling feet.     "You saw, right?" Yu asks, and Mi huffs     "Don't say anything and keep running!"     The two disappear into the crowds.     Below the fire, a pillar rises from the ground, spreading out thick, oaken boughs in order to support the burning platform -- atl east temporarily. Plenty of limbs to climb down, almost as if someone custom-grew that tree right there, its greenery shuddering slightly beneath the weight.     There are screaming yokai. Bellowing yokai. Yokai who are cowering away from yet another threat to their lives -- and they all begin to run. They all begin to flee as more combatants show up in the form of brown-cloaked mages, unguilded -- Guildless -- who begin to sling spells not at the Yokai -- but some at each other as well. A fireball. AN ice ball. A counterspell that causes a bolt of lightning to fizzle out as it arcs overhead!     Pandemonium! 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     And up above, the mage hwose fireball had engulfed the sniper's platform was laughing, a sheild had gone up -- but not quite fast enough. He's been shot. His head is half shaved, the other half shaggy and long, matted and caked with dirt. He has one eye. He has scars covering his torso, and he stumbles backwards, giving a toothless, croaking laugh.     "Oh, oh, you're fun ones, aincha? You're fun to play with. You got tech that bites." he grins, and he reaches out, his hand crackling with fire again. "I've got fire that bites. Wanna see a bite, prettyboy?" 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' More attackers?! Gritting her teeth, Sanary's quickly regretting not bringing her usual shields along as she's forced to split those brick piles around, scattering them around to try and intercept at least some of those spells being slung at the Yokai. She can't get all of them on her own, but she can at least hope that between her own and Maya's efforts, they can at least mitigate some of the immediate harm to a good number of the Yokai. But with so many Yokai scattering and running everywhere, it'd be too hard to keep defending them like this for long!      Unless... "Gather around me, yokai! We'll keep you covered, so stick close!" Sanary shouts, trying to get both the screaming yokai's attention as well as Maya's while redoubling her efforts on generating and maneuvering those makeshift magic brick shields. She just has to hope they actually cooperate quickly enough before her reserves are drained. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' "Sigh." Rebound actually says it, not just making the sound. She was kind of hoping they could just get through the night without anything crazy. But she's wrong. Whatever is attacking, she's not sure yet, but it's something she'll have to deal with. Hopping down from where the food shack was, she looks up at where the fire wielding creature is, "Who the hell is this guy?" She asks. Oh well, no big deal who he is. She plants her feet and leaps up, intending to plant herself between that attacker and everyone else, "Hey, jackass!" She points one of her fingers at him, "You just show up here, start blowing shit up, no regard for anybody. Well now you've gotta deal with me." She's not going to do much to give him a chance to respond, as she drives forward to kick one of her feet at the fireball flinging foe. Doesn't matter to her who he is, she's going to plant him like crops in the spring. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren just wants to know how to exorcise Yunomi! But instead...     "See, THIS is why we carry weapons everywhere!" He tries to find some cover, activating his protoabstractum armor for some amount of protection. Plates and crystals cover his body. From his bag, coconut-sized camera drones and smaller, insectlike drones take to the sky, or what passes for it here, scanning for targets.     Except... He can't use missiles right now when the shelf is in danger of collapsing. "Rrrrrgh... Why can't they all JUST DIE?!" His support AI tags any mages that attack his allies or the youkai, and Staren engages in cover shooting. The drones let him know where he'll need to aim before they can see him, at least, and his double-barreled laser pistol is nothing to sneeze at. "The future is better off without you! Get out of my light cone!" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Once called, the Petrahydrox show up faster than anything else the Izzet could send out. The elementals are hard to see except for the rocks that are trapped in the swirling vortexes that make up their bodies. They move -very- quickly to collect any loose material they can, and then surge to support any platform they feel need more support. They do this by expelling most of their air, form pillars, and basically do all they can. The Dragonaughts come flying in next. Magwrights and even a few goblins surging through the air on crackling electrified wings that somewhat resemble dragonswings. They -are- spellslingers, however. A pair break off to head for the one hurling fireballs while the rest move to hold off the Guildless. At least one projects their voice, magically. "THIS IS IZZET TERRITORY. THE GUILDLESS WILL DISPERSE OR BE REMOVED FORCEFULLY!"     Meanwhile, in the Namamura district, a familiar soldier just kicked down the door outward from her home again and is -running- for O-Hiko's domain. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Oh hey, loose chunks of concrete and pipe. Staren pulls stored animation spells from his bag and sends a half-dozen rubble golems out to attack as well! 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' Wait, mages? Actual Ravnican mages are here too? Not just magic-eaters? Xiaomu shakes her head briefly, finishes emptying her clips at the Guildless, then grabs her staff and - "XIAOMU BLIZZARD!!!" - goes sledding. More accurately, she conjures a big, fairly smooth-bottomed block of ice, plants her feet on it, and uses the same magic that conjured the ice to go skidding along the ground. She's building the ice up to make a protective 'wall' along one side of her conjured ice platform, too - and she's gonna need it, because she's hurtling straight towards the Guildless. Xiaomu takes advantage of the protection and speed she's created for herself to reload her handguns - anti-spirit rounds this time: she may be fighting humans, but with any luck the anti-spirit rounds will carry an extra punch against the Ravnican mages. She cringes at an incoming fireball -- "HIGH SPEED XIAOMU!!!" And just JUMPS off the ice-sledge before the fireball blows it into ice-water and snowcones, hurtling through the air and aiming to come down practically in the middle of the magi. She won't be there long, though: a speedy delivery of kicks, chops, sweeps, and close-range gunfire should do a number on the Guildless - probably not deadly, certainly not to ALL of them - and then she just runs the hell away, dispensing more bullets in her wake and grabbing her staff from where it landed. She needs to hide behind something more durable than a tent while she sizes up the situation. She'd just as soon not depend on the already-abused architecture of the cavern for that. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' There's no time to really question who starts springing up trees and vines to help support the flaming upper levels, Corona is just going to be glad someone did. Doesn't help matters that now all the other no-guilds are showing up, and catching the Spider's Den in the crossfire. "What do they think this is, a battlefield?!" Or at least they're trying to make it into one. "Buncha pissy son of a--" A chunk of something falling loose from the upper levels to the street bearby drawns her out momentarily. "Just keep holdin' it up so folks can get down!" she shouts to the weirds comin' in to help support the supports, as well as whoever was conjuring up the greenery. The fox actually sprints for the broken section that fell, using it as a rampway to get up higher instead of disrupting the precarious supports they just got up by climbing on them. From the top of that she hops off and bounds across a rooftop edge to get back towards where the worst of the flames are roaring on the upper level. The Manipulator is switched for the Terminal Viscosity, which Corona lock and loads a canister of flame suppressant into. At the edge of the rooftop the nimble vixen jumps off, only to start parkouring across one of the larger lengths of pipe, while shooting her liguid projectile gun loaded with suppressant at the fires in an effort to get them doused before they burn through more infrastructure crashing down. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' On the ground level, Stadler and his team seek cover with the sudden blast of magic and destrictive forces swirling around them. And grimaces. No one was showing their face out here, and no party was acting out in the open. It was just mages that didn't belong to anyone... and who killing would cause more harm then good in terms of politics. "Cameras on." He says, flicking on a body camera at his vest. "Record everything, and let NSA go through it later. Go LTL." He says, letting his rifle hang on the sling, and popping a pistol gripped taser out from a holster. One of the mages is aimed at, and gets a cartiridge full of darts and wires. Similar shocks go out from the rest of his fire team, before they're reloading. "LTL, he says." Estano mutters, as he sees this half shaved, crazed man in front of them. And he's reloading his pistol with another clip. Better to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission, as more .45 rounds fire forward. Potentially slamming aganist that shield as he yells. "The edge! Get to the edge! The platform suddenly becomes more stable, but no one had seen whatever guardian angel had done it. Estano just knew his people had a few more seconds to get to the ground before the town collapsed around them. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Things have fallen into madness, Sanary does help with more barrier work, this allows Maya to switch out what she's doiong herself ot better aid in the defnce to tyr and stop this madness from happening. The attacker is well in hand by her allies she's going to start working on more magic she starts moving cast a spell to curse and hopefuly weakne those people who are going mad on eachother like a form of riot control she's tryingto settle the guildess down before things become /even/ worse. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Madness?     THIS. IS.     ... an oppertune moment.     Those who feel magic may feel a strange, sucking senation.     And those who know what it feels like when Ijiwaru is nearby will recognize the gravity of his presence.     Clad in tactical armor, the leader of the Magic-Eaters is taking the field, and he draws his sword. There's a hush that seems to follow him as he moves through the crowd, taking blows for mages and yokai alike, the sword absorbing lightning, fire, ice, splitting magic into particles of light as he goes, seeking to try and disrupt the fight.      -- yes. He's helping. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     More attackers!     Sanary plays shield, and Yokai gather around her, the faceless boy and one-eyed monk alike, reaching out and holding hands, afraid. The woman with the cow's tail and her child, her eyes wide as she wraps her arms around him.     Then a very, very large section of wall picks itself up, grumbling, rumbling, and parks himself in front of Sanary, wheezing in Japanese: "I, too, shield."     The food shack was, indeed. It is a was, smooshed. The cat and the old man appear to be safe though, fleeing away with a bowl of ramen held over their heads!     No, they can't just die. These mages, these guildless, were caught up in their own turf battles against each other, though they seem... surprised when their spells fizzle out on the blade of a sword!     Xiaomu conjurs her ice, and goes sledding along, hurdling twoards the Guidleess and -- goodness gracious -- strikes a group of them, they go flying with the sound of a bowling ball striking the pins followed by gunfire?!     What a day to be a Guidless. There is plenty of cover in the form of upturned chunks of concrete.     The fires are beginning to die down! Corona's efforts are rewarded with fire control as the flames supress really, really well, in spite of the half-cocked halfbald.     The Weirds arrive, extra mages. The figure in a brown robe slips among some f the ruins, pausing for just a moment before disappearing again, leaping into the fray.     More fires are supressed. The tree remains.     The two little Kodama are trying their best, tending to the tree with hteir own little bits of magic, keeping it strong and re-enforcing creeking boughs as the weirds arrive to help, as more supports go up! Mi looks exhausted, her face yellowing again as Yu's bright rosepetal pink hair seems to dim. 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' Oh, there's a chunk of rubble big enough to use for cover. Xiaomu dives over it before hunkering down, then - You know that sensation when you're inside a heated house and somebody opens a door to the cold outside and leaves it open? How heat just saps away from the whole house, leaking away to leave a chill that doesn't belong indoors? That's kind of how it feels for Xiaomu when a magic-eater walks through in full magic-eating splendor, and the sage fox quickly reaches out from behind her cover, drawing a bead on Ijiwaru. The only thing that stops her from pulling the trigger right the hell *now* is that he's sort of ... trying to stop the Guildless from tossing more spells around? She ducks back under cover, grabbing her staff again and setting up a warding circle. Normally she'd do that to try to contain another threat, but in this case, at this point, she turns it inside out and sets it up as a protective warding barrier - surrounding *herself* to keep that magic-eater from casually leeching HER magic away. He might still gnaw away at the barrier itself, but if so, she'll deal with that shortly. For now, she's fiddling with her radio - and looking around to see if any other youkai need shelter. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Izzet reinforcements start to pour in. It seems someone else insisted any non-fire weirds were to head down to assist against the Guildless. Dragonaughts continue to strafe and counterspell the guildless as needed. Ryxinel starts to gain his eyesight back and begins to move in the direction that he saw Yu and Mi going, desperate to find them. And then one more person shows up. White hair, armored, former Boros, and looking -truly pissed off- about what is taking place. "I think someone forgot to gimme my invitation!" she yells before marching right into the foray. Her sword is drawn, she leaps, she jams it into the ground in the midst of them all, and then it lives up to its name, sending out a shock to those near her, and it. Not to kill, but to incapacitate. Its during this that she spots A CERTAIN SOMEONE and her gaze somehow turns even more angry, then steadies. "HEY! Yer actually helpin' these things? I thought you didn't like'm!" No one else was going to ask why.. not nicely at least. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite pauses for a moment to perch on a stable piece of structure so she can eject the empty canister and load a new one. In doing so she catchs sight of a certain someone wading into the fight soaking up the magic being slung about as a means of dispelling it. Ugh, showing up at times that would be convenient to him in some way seems to be an Ijiwaru trademark. From her perch Corona could switch to one of her long-range weapons and easily snipe a shot at him and move before anyone could notice she had stopped to do so... ... But as much as she didn't trust him, or didn't doubt he was still somehow tied to these things... he apparently helping... And doing so would draw her effort away from the stopping the fires from destroying what town these misplaced folks had. And because she also notices the tiny spirits starting to faulter despite their efforts. Priorities win out. Helping allies comes before smacking jerks she has very little patience for. With her weapon reloaded Corona hops off her perch and resumes her spray-n-dash effort, though in doing so starts maneuvering back towards where Mi and Yu are. If nothing else so she can scoop the tiny faes out of harms way if they exhaust themselves. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' The good news: the Yokai are gathering! That's definitely going to make things easier for Sanary as far as not having to spread her self thin. The bad news: Holy crap they're actually relying on her. That's definitely not going to put any pressure on the healer to perform or anything like that as new bricks move in to replace others that are blown apart by spells flying around. Just how long is this going to keep going? She squints a bit at the armored figure of Ijimaru wading through the mages, luckily not recognizing him through appearance alone. Still, if he's stopping some of those attacks from doing damage, he's probably on their side.      And then there's the big wall coming to help! "You're with me, then? Alright... Let's keep everyone safe, big guy!" Maneuvering those magic bricks around some more, the healer braces some of those magic bricks against the wall Yokai to create a makeshift house-like barrier for the yokai huddling nearby. Focusing even more energy outwards, Sanary even links herself with the wall Yokai with a bright green light beam to feed healing energy into him should the worst hit him.      "We got ya. Just hold tight, okay?" Despite her bravado, however, the nearby Yokai might notice that Sanary's sweating and straining quite a lot just to keep the shield in place. She doesn't evennotice that her energy is getting drained in the process, apparently chalking it up to just fatigue. She's not going to pass out on them, is she? 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     "I--" Ijiwaru blocks, a blow with his sword. The edge glows an angry red "told you all..." he whips around, crossing weapons with another, kicking them away --     "I was willing to /live and let live/." he growls, and he pants the tip of his sword down, concentrating and with a swipe of his hand, there's an explosive force outwards, sending guildless mages flying backwards, out of the hole to the Gruul Clan territories. "Act now, you can all cynically call me names later!"     and he continues on, sweeping through the battlefield absorbing magical attacks for others, even though his hands begin to sizzle as the weapon gets hot.     Meanwhile, Halfbald's sheild holds up pretty well. He cackles evilly, and begins to charge lightning, his hand crackling as he raises it, drawing it to Estano.     "Are you one of the outsider's favorites? Tell me, how shall I deliver you to her when she's captured? Oooh, such a hunt, such a hunt has never been seen! I will br ing GLORY to my clan again!" he cackles madly, in spite of the wounds covering him now. Red drips down his arm from one shot, rendering his left arm useless -- until he's kicked in the side by the kangaroo!     "AARUGH!" the lightning fizzled! "ACCURSED CREATURE! I'll have ye hard head for a teapot!"     and he flings a chakram at Rebound! 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren doesn't know who the Guildless are. He assumes these mages are just yokai haters or something. Yokai haters who he will make EAT LASER. When the giant wall arrives, he uses the opportunity to manifest wings and fly closer, using it as cover. As he sees Halfbald turning to fight Rebound, he points and shouts, "You two! Stop him!" Two of the golems plod over, too slow to protect Rebound from the chakram, but trying to get in the way of further attacks, and grab and restrain the guy talking about putting Yunomi's head on a platter. He's actually talking, maybe he can explain why these mages are here! 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler's people are still attempting to take down whoever they can, but there was a steady influx of soldiers from around, both Elites and Rhapsody's troops. Estano's people hold their ground, attempting to take out that shield... or weaken it as much as they can. "You can burn in hell, you son of a bitch. That's what you can do. I'll /send/ you there, along with your fucking glory-" He says, before being cut off by a kicking Kangroo. Well, that was an oppurtunity. <Things are getting bad, boss!> Estano gets on the radio, reloading his pistol, and advancing again on the distracted mage, as Rick's people continued to tag people on the street with a dwindling stock of tasers. And then, of course, there was Ijiwaru. Stadler knew he was there, see what he was doing. And not for a second, not for a /second/, did Stadler beleive this wasn't part of the plan. Some false flag to get into the refugees, both to gain moral credit, the high ground, enough to work in his own work. Just like he did before. And it frusturated Rick that there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. He wanted to look right at them. To shoot, snap necks, and /end/ them. But... He couldn't. Not now. So he smiply gives Ijiwaru a disgusted nod, and works past him with his men, bypassing as pulls the pin on a tear gas grenade, tossing it. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya's riot control attempts don't go well as Ijiwaru is while stopping the guildless? Her spells are going off so close tht it does little now. She's going to turn to focus on something else but she can't help supress a shudder given all life sapient or not has some level of magical energy on her world. So she turns her attentiont to casting barrier spells on those caught upin the madness once more and doesn't holdback. Still she's more than a little scared Ijiwaru would likely wreck her in a fight given almost everything she does is magic but for now she keeps moving and casting spells to heal and protect. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' "My head would make a terrible teapot!" Rebound replies, shifting one foot back as he moves to throw his weapon. Okay, bladed disk. She has dealt with stuff like this before, but she's way too close to dodge it. She brings both of her arms up in front of her, letting the gauntlets take the impact from the weapon. Corona is going to be pissed at her. But at least she's not hurt...Well okay, it does hurt, blood is dripping from the wound where the chakram is lodged into the gauntlets, "My turn." She yanks the chakram out of her arm after wrenching her right arm free, and tosses it on the ground. Then she pushes off of her back foot and dives towards Halfbald, aiming to strike him with a solid blow from her right hand, and then come around with a blow from her left hand to his abdomen. Then of course, she'll swing around and kick him with one of those oversized kangaroo feet, trying to take him out with a powerful kick. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     As quick as they had arrived, the mages seem to turn and flee, leaving behind the wounded -- and possibly the dying.     O-HIko herself appears to have caught several in her webs, where before there had been a woman, now there was only a massive spider, legs sp anning almost fifteen feet across, black leggs, yellow red and balck abdomen, ichor dripping from her fangs, three or four mages harmlessly bound in webbing, arms and lips pinned to their sides and shut.     <<A most unpleasent surprise.>> the spider chitters from her place on her webs. Her hundreds of children begin to surround her, creeping menicingly above the grouping, spiders ranging from one to eight feet across now around her.     Little Meeko limps to Stadler. One of her legs has been snapped in the fighting.     While Skara arrives to represent the Boros, Yu is helpimg Mi off the tree.     "Ryxinel!" Yu calls out, waving her hands. "Mi's... Mi's not doing so well."     Mi is pale yellow, her skin dulled and the blue of her hair nearly gray. She's shaking.     "It took more out of me than I thought..." 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' Well, if nothing else, Ijiwaru at least SOUNDS serious about being on their side. Xiaomu's not about to shake hands with him, though - he might not need that sword to drain magic, and she doesn't want Reiji to have to avenge her or something. That guy who's halfway bald seems like a much bigger worry at the moment. Xiaomu drops her barrier and leans out of cover, raining bullets on the freshly-kicked lightning-slinger - basically giving Rebound some cover fire that might turn out to be necessary - and quickly taking in the rest of the battlefield situation while she tries to end at least ONE threat. Fortunately, that seems to be about the last of it. The Guildless are bailing out en masse, the Namamura youkai are sort of pulling themselves together; however, there are casualties - one of them an imminent fatality, it sounds like - and Xiaomu doesn't really have anything as reliable first aid for Mi. Things could have been MUCH worse - but they're a far cry from optimal. 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Halfbald McLightning Fist, had given a laugh, and he had began to advance on Rebound when suddenly -- BOOM. One strike!     CRACK! Strike two!     WHUMP!     Strike three, and Halfbald is out -- and sent flying-- blood and spit (and what remains of some of his teeth) trailing behind him before he goes sliding into the dirt, giving a low groan... drawing upwards.. and then falling back down.     Ijiwaru exhales. His hands are sizzling, but he slowly returns the swod to its saiya, before drawing upwards, hands and palms raw, and giving a stiff bow to O-Hiko -- and without so much as a word to anyone else (but he does cast a look to Skara, as if to question /her/), he goes to exit from the area. He'd already done what he'd set out to do -- why remain for their ridicule? 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' As she had been heading back to their position Corona drops to the ground not long after Yu speaks up. "Reckon she looks paler than a polecat dipped in whiteout." She holsters her sprayer and kneels down to pick the Komadas up gently if allowed. "Com'n, lets get ya somewhere sheltered... An' that someone that actually knows magic can take a look at 'er." She's too busy helping the weakened faes to bother slinging any sarcastic remarks at Ijiwaru's backside. 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' Ijiwaru's departure is noted by Xiaomu, and mentally filed as one more piece of provisionally-good news. At least he won't be making things worse. For now, the sage fox sets about reloading her handguns, holstering them (safeties on, thank you), and getting back to her feet. Time to see if she can do any good, despite her lack of proper youkai first-aid supplies. 

:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:''' The worst of the fighting is over! Sanary lets out a tired cheer that barely goes above her usual talking volume, then gives the wall Yokai a pat on the... The...      ... She's hoping it's high enough on his back. "Hoo... Ah... Good job, everyone! Let's.. Alright. Who..." She raises a hand and hunches over for a moment, taking a few deep breaths before straightening back up with a louder shout and a noticeably dimmer-looking eye. "Okay! Where's the injured? I still got energy to go around."      If it wasn't for the fact that Sanary's still somehow getting some healing light clouds moving around, it'd probably be easier to just call her a liar with how exhausted she looks. At least she's got enough strength to shuffle over towards Meeko and Stadler to try and get some of that healing energy into the tiny spider child.      "Holler if you got someone in critical condition1 I.. Uh. Hoo boy... Gonna take me a bit to get around!" 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Estano looks over to Ijiwaru after the attack, peering down in dis belief. Weapons are grabbed, and Estano's team moved to the edge. <Boss, I have the HVT in sight. Are we engaging?> He days, rifle scopes moving up to play over the figure as it retreated. Stadler's people form up just slightly, before he shakes his head. <No. HVT is to leave unmolested. Form up on me, and we'll get out of here.> He says. He had only the most cynical notions of why Ijiwaru did what he did... but that didn't change the fact that he had /done/ it. So he got to walk out of here without dodging gunfire. And it wasn't like this place needed another fight... Admit the wails of the wounded and dead, Stadler looks down, and sees the limping Meeko, one of his limbs snapped. He presses his lips together, under the mask, thinning, before kneeling down, and placing his hand, back first aganist the ground. "Come on, now. Almost there. I'll take you back, okay?" He said. Meeko did remind him of Fleece if she was a spider and didn't have all those guns, and he could swallow instinctive fear for at least a few minutes. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Hearing Yu call out, the dragon zeroes in on the pair as Corona does the same. He gives the woman a pat on the shoulder, "Ask O-Hiko, no one better here to ask, I would guess," he suggests before slumping down under the tree. His vision wasn't 100 percent and he wasn't going to stumble around looking like a drunk infront of the Izzet as well as many of their allies. What he does begin to do is coordinate the weirds and other Izzet that have arrived in the area. "Stablize the area, and set up guard patrols." That said, the radio is set down, and the departing Ijiwaru is given a scowl. "Don't come down here again!" There is no need for an 'or else', its clearly evident what would happen if he did. Skara just peers back at Ijiwaru, motions at the utter chaos, and gives a look that says, "Why me? Why YOU? before marching further in. "Well that was a right -mess-," the soldier mutters, emphasis given by Halfbald shitting the ground. "Oooh, what's all this..?" she muses before moving over to the man, drawing a blade, and pointing it at his neck. The blade crackles for a little emphasis, "What'sa little Gruul doin' in Izzet lands, eh? That's trespassin' and you know it.." 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     "We both chose to come here, Skara. It is fortunate that we cross paths on occasion." he states quietly, and he gives a pause, looking up at Ryxinel for a moment as he gives a curious look to him.     "Yes, yes, 'thank you, Ijiwaru, for putting yourself in danger even though we hate you on principle' 'no, no, you're welcome, I do try to protect the innocent.'" he states dryly. and he runs his hand over his hair, and goes to walk out the way he came in.     Ingrates.     Halfbald is not shitting, but he is sitting up, looking dazed for a moment before he blinks, and then points. "That over there, is Gruul lands. This here is contested. I hunt. Bring glory to my clan, bring back right to hunt in better places." he states, and crosses his arms. "What better way to hunt than to use her favorite things as bait?" 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Meeko is gingerly lifted, curling slightly into Stadler's hand before she shifts.     And in lieu of a spider, which may have caused some concern... there is now a young Japanese girl, eyes red from crying, holding a wounded, bleeding arm, wearing a bright pink kimono. Snot and tears run down her cheeks. "I didn't want to hurt them." she whispers, "I was trying to help."     Yu and Mi are lifted up and recovered, Yu supporting Mi.     "It's okay, Mi, once we get back to the lab, you'll be able to relax and get better, just stay with me, okay?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Skara shakes her head, "Nah, fella. You see, there's this lil' thing called a border. And it's inna very specific place. It is a line. There's nothin 'contested' in Ravnica, you can take it up with the Senate or the Legion, you can decide, though," she smirks, looks to Stadler, then looks back, "I'm thinkin I have a better idea. Ya sure the only reason ya came here was ta hunt? Ain't an easy place to get to, jes how'd ya find it, hmm?" Ryxinel just stares at Ijiwaru, "Oh thank you, Mister Ijiwaru, for coming to help with a situation we didn't ask you for. Thanks for sayin you -eat- sentient creatures! We sure did need your help here! Just come every time we don't ask! Its so wonderful when you JUST DROP IN WHEN WE DON'T NEED YOU AND IT SERVES YOU BEST!" He was nearly roaring by the end, but once done he heaves a breath, sighs, and slumps against the tree again, "I hate that man.." a glance at Yu and Mi again, then to Corona. "You know where the Overgrown Lab is, right? We moved it into Thirix. Could you take them there? I'd ... rather not move further until I can see just one of everything.." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Being in the proximity of that final roar, it's little surprise Corona's ears slick -all- the way back. Yeah, this is why you don't piss off dragons of any sort. Even if she'd probably do the same, if she cared to even waste words on that man. "Yeah, Ah saw where it was before." Corona nods a bit, and turns to head out. "Just keep her stable, Ah'll get ya up there lickity-split." 

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:''' Xiaomu WAS walking over to try and help with triage or post-battle recovery. Up until Halfbald runs his mouth about 'bait'. Cue the sage fox turning around and stalking towards the Gruul, her staff thudding against the ground hard enough to jingle the rings which hang from its headpiece. "Never mind contested territory," Xiaomu snarls. Jingle. "Never mind your clan. Jingle. "Never mind your crap-assed sense of *GLORY*." Jingle. Xiaomu reaches down to grab the Gruul by the collar and haul him bodily to something vaguely resembling his feet, her eyes *burning* as she snaps, "THESE YOUKAI ARE NOT *BAIT*, YOU IDIOTIC FOOL OF A MORTAL MORON!!!" She flings him in the direction that he pointed out as Gruul lands - more of a spectacularly violent shove, truth be told, opening her hand when her arm is just hitting full extension. "And they are not *things*," the furious sage fox adds, "any more than *you* are a 'thing,' as much as I'd love to call you an 'it'. Crawl back before your useless blood taints this ground any further, and expend your fetid brains on a strategy that might stand a feeble chance of actually working better without getting your dumb ass eaten alive." Her grip on her staff is white-knuckled, and she looks ... well, if anyone besides the Gruul (or maybe Ijiwaru) could see her face? She looks as close to feral as she could *get* without reverting to her true vulpine form. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Well, that wasn't fair. For a moment, Stadler's holding a spider, and the next, a wounded, crying Japanese girl, and, of course, he can't help but think of Yunomi, and what she might be doing, what trouble /she/ might be in, reflected in this crying girl's face. He swallows, unnoticable in the mask, and gingerly picks her up. "Hey, there. It's okay, all right? I know, you were trying to help. You did what needed to be done." He says, standing up from a kneel, looking around for O-Hiko. "You shouldn't be sad about that, okay? See, they're gone, and everything's going to be fixed. Let's find your mother and she can take care of you. Okay?" Skara gets a look for a moment, and then a whisper to Estano. "Get him after their done. Nothing rough. Get the information you need." He says, before going off to find O-Hiko. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' A little nod is given to Stadler when he realizes that the woman was handing the Gruul over to Stadler. She wasn't sure he -had- any information, but, it was worth looking into, right? Well, now that everythin's all done with, I think I'll take a walk around the area then head back home. Ya'all be careful, aight? Keep some patrols down here or somethin'. Heck, I may pull some strings and get the Wojek to get a few folks of theirs down here. It wouldn't hurt, and they'd probably keep outta sight.." that said, the soldier gives a bow toward O-Hiko, regardless of her current form, and then turns to slip out. Is it a trick of the light, or did some shadow dart out ahead of her as she turned to leave? Hard to say... Ryxinel, meanwhile, notices the rapid construction team he called for coming down. He starts to climb back onto his feet and waves them down, and starts to suggest what needs done. Reinforcing the platforms, and possibly getting a few more nicities in for the Yokai. Anything they can do to make things less stressful for the spirits. That would probably go on the rest of the night. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The giant spider descends from her webbing, where the other guildless attackers are being roughly removed by some of her older children to be turned over to the Izzet, her long legs reaching out and with the utmost delicacy, taking the child from Stadler. "Thank you. I know you to be a parent as well..." the spider chitters, taking the small Meeko up and into the shadows of the web-warded ceiling. "Until we meet again, my friends. Should we see anything, we will send word post-haste."     The Yokai within the shanty town are left wondering if there is a safe place in all of Ravnica for them, even as other spiders work to expand their webs and network, filling holes that had been snipped close to allow yokai better access. The yokai themselves nurse their wounds... though the little faceless boy wanders over to Ryxinel, and 'exmaines' everything he does with what looks like the utmost interest... minus...t he no face. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren wants to help the poor spider, but he has no idea if anything he has will even /work/ on yokai. He watches sadly as she's carried off, then turns to the halfbald. He's tempted to just kill him, but people seem to be sparing the man for some reason, and he doesn't want to just piss off his allies. He steps forward. "Remember this. Remember how we beat you, and know that we were /holding back/. If we /ever/ catch you or anyone else hurting these yokai again, we /won't/ hold back. The /only/ reason we're letting you go is so that we don't have to explain this all to one glory hound after another. Seek your glory elsewhere. If we see you here again, you're /dead/." He says it in as intimidating a growl as he can muster, with his laser pistol aimed at the halfbald's head for emphasis. 
}}

4658/The House in the Dark

2016-11-18T02:39:39Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/10/10 |Location=City of Ravnica <Rav> |Synopsis=The third lab of Yunomi is located near the Golgari Guild Gate... |Cast of Characters=272, 325..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/10/10
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav>
|Synopsis=The third lab of Yunomi is located near the Golgari Guild Gate...
|Cast of Characters=272, 325, 172, 711, 385, 19
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THE HOUSE IN THE DARK -- THE UNDERCITY OF RAVNICA -- NEAR THE GOLGARI GUILD GATE     There are fewer places that are more dangerous to the Izzet than the Golgari-held sections of the city. The guilds were constantly in a cold war, the factors for more life, more light, and better technology -- and everything that the Izzet stood against. AND ZOMBIES. Which may make it more puzzling that the tanuki would have put her last locale down here, this close to the edge of their enemies.     Pidge is carefully flitting, his lights dimmed, close to the ground, seemingly afraid, or unsure.     in the dirty green light filtering from a variety of luminescent oozes and slime molds, there is a house. It's small, poorly appointed, but connected -- via a sparking, loose wiring system -- to the mana network. A rat skitters by.     It's missing half its belly, its bones blackened with mold. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' And here, once again, comes a former Boros soldier that also wants -nothing- to do with the Golgari, their 'lessers', and their rot 'farms'. Ugh. "I don't know how anyone eats anything they make," the woman mutters as she follows along behind the dimmed Izzet drone, and everyone else, occasionally glancing up to everyone as well as back over her shoulder. Taking the flank was her idea, and one she has taken very seriously. So seriously in fact, that the Sparkblade has already slain 3 vines, 4 'shadows' and at least one insect of a dubious, blood sucking sort.     She's just a little on edge. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura seems oddly unconcerned with the squalor and the rat MISSING HALF ITS BELLY and the glowing slime molds. As long as it's just zombies, and not ghosts, she can keep her cool...     Of course, she's got her wand gripped tightly in one hand and a handful of cards spread in the other. Just in case. This part of Ravnica isn't one she's ever been to before, after all.     Keroberos, in Small Form, is floating by her left ear. Yue is... about, somewhere, although he hasn't actually been seen in half an hour. Scouting ahead, or from the sky, perhaps. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' If anyone was to ask Corona, she'd say it actually made pretty good sense when you think about it. If Yunomi didn't want others snooping around in such a personally monumental project, putting a workplace in one place most of her allies and guildmates would not want to go is pretty clever. If not a little terrifying. Corona doesn't even know all the beef between the guilds, and still being down here was making her tail frizzle. This had a sort of creepiness that just seeps deep through your skin. To try and avoid drawing too much attention to their little trek she's opted for a lights off approach. Instead she's using her analyzer and a pair of brass goggles she fit some night-vision lenses into to follow Pidge's movements. The less of the scenery she has to actually see, the better. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Ugh. Zombies. If it weren't for trying to find Yunomi, Yuna would stay COMPLETELY away from Golgari territory, and it's only by virtue of a continued effort of conscious determination that she suppresses the impulse to run the hell away, screaming at the top of her lungs. .... well, there's also the fact that she's *juuust* a little too worn out from recent days to do a really good job of running away and screaming like a girl half her age. How *Sakura* keeps her wits about her is actively puzzling the battlesuited blonde, and in a weird way, that brainteaser helps her avoid focusing too much on the roving undead. Yuna is just in her basic Light Suit, the Matrix Divider at the ready, but she's prepared to discard her main weapon in favor of her kite shield Shugoseiheki and a one-handed weapon if anything shows up that she'd need to defend against - whether defending herself or somebody else in the party. Then the Matrix Divider goes off, a gold-green flash accompanied by a faint *bvew* noise and a slightly less faint crackle-snap. Scratch one half-skeletal rat. Yuna tries not to shudder. "Elner ..." "I'm scanning," the robo-faerie states quietly. "You probably didn't need to waste a shot on the rat." "It was creepy and disgusting and rats are dangerous." Elner just emits a sound distinctly akin to a sigh, and cross-checks locations and current surveillance with Jiina, Marina, and Erina - all three androids being somewhere in the general area, spread out for a combination of early warning (should any Golgari, magic-eaters, or other potential unfriendlies show up) and reinforcements-on-standby (in case Yuna turns out to actually need something more than the Light Suit this time out). 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Pidge halts outside the door, then beeps quietly. His lights flash, and then he zips back over to the group, and orbits Sparkblade with determination.     The door doesn't seem to be locked magically -- a good kick might just bring it down on itself.     Didn't seem like Yunomi was concerned about people finding this lab. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite thinks that just proves her reasoning correct, but she's not the sort to try and rub it in. "Welp, now that we're here. And knowin' she likely ain't here no more," the silver-grey vixen murmurs as she puts her device away in her tool belt. "No need to fuss with the door none." She gives said door a good ol' kick with the heel of her reinforced boots. Clearly not the first time she's done this sort of thing. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura has definitely grown up a lot - in some ways, at least - since Yuna first met her. Her face is set in a look of determination as she grips her wand more tightly. She turns to look at Yuna a moment, giving her a brief, reassuring smile, before looking at the building they've arrived at.     "Kero, if you w-" And then Corona kicks the door. "...Er, never mind." 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' So here was Maya nce more, She was suited up and redy for trouble she gave Pidge a bt of a grin as she took step be side Corona and tilts her head at the fox who was pretyt much a junker herself. Maya was also far better ready for things down here it seemed she'd made better ready after last time. The undead rat catches her noticed and leaves maya frowning at it. Oh she totlaly didn't like this at all but shenever had much love for the /undead/ given her world's history and her own true nature. "All right and the only thing I could see eating what they make are species who naturally eat carrion." 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "We *could* have checked for life signs before doing that, Corona," Yuna points out. She's still gripping the Matrix Divider tightly, as if expecting gods-know-what kind of terrifying horrors to come lumbering out of the now-open door. Or maybe the house itself will become animate and start trying to punch them until THEIR skeletons are ambling around without a comfortable layer of flesh and clothes. ... the thought of a skeleton getting chilly because it left the rest of its body behind somewhere actually helps keep the fear away, oddly enough. Yuna suppresses her smile - but at least she looks a little less likely to freak out and begin hosing down any source of random movement with a barrage from the Matrix Divider. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Oh hey, a door. "I reckon that's our destination, then," Skara muses, more to the now orbiting Pidge than anyone else. "Welp, ya'all take a look inside, I'll watch the door like last time." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The door's kicked open, and inside the place is in disarray, as if someone came through, grabbed whatever they could and booked it out of there as quick as they could. The cot's been left with a blanket, still relatively warm. There are notebooks on the magic of Namamura, everything written in the same precise Japanese Yunomi does. There are explosives here, the magical lock that was affixed to the door fizzling with a failed spell illuminating them briefly. There is an aparatus that is plugged into the manavine network. There is a large display of the Manavine Nexus plans on the wall marked up in Japanese "Here, here, here, here, here," in sveral different places, including a crudely hand-drawn ad-in of the grandstand and high stage.     There are also several, long, cold iron spikes here. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura winces a bit at the sudden PING in her mind of the spell trying and failing to resolve. She gives a slight shiver. "Oh, man, we should have thought of that... Thank goodness it was a dud."     She knows what Yunomi's magic can do, and she's really not looking forward to being on the receiving end of it.     "W-well, we should... look around, I guess." She eyes those iron spikes for a moment, then reaches forward to pick one up curiously. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' No ravening undead. No architectural animation. No sign of trouble, and the only hint of a trap is the fact that a spell failed to go off properly. "Good kick, Corona," Yuna says with a faint sigh of relief. Then she freezes. "Are those - ? Elner, give us a hand. Corona, let's make sure those things don't have a chance to go off, now or ever. Everyone else keep your distance for a bit." Yep, Yuna noticed the bombs, figured out what they were, and wants to make *REALLY* sure they won't have a chance to hurt anyone in the group. Elner begins scanning the explosive devices to sort out how they're wired (if technologically; if they're magic-based, then Sakura's likely to need to help instead of Corona), and Yuna - well, she may not be great with technology, but she CAN follow directions and use tools properly. More importantly, if a bomb goes off in Yuna's face, the Light Suit should make sure that she still *HAS* a face after the explosion. Nobody else has that kind of protection. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite might of been expecting something to possibly jump out too. Which is why she kicked the door open, she's quick enough on her feet to jump out of the way of the potential jumpscares... that don't come. Which is either good or bad, depending on how you look at it. Despite how much time she's spent around Izzets lately, magic is still a vage thing to her and the fizzling spell doesn't even register. Now that they're here she pulls down her goggles, and flicks on the headlamp strapped to her hat instead. A little better illumination for investigating, but not too bright. The first thing it illuminates is the cot and blanket. Reminds her of some of the bandit hideouts she's had to help bust. "... It ain't been -too- long since someone's slept in that." That said she turns her attention elsewhere, going to investigate the layout map and other notes left in this location. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Once everyone has slipped inside, Skara puts her back to the doorframe and starts to glance both inside, and out, from time to time. It seemed that Yuna found some traps to disarm, the others could help, but the one thing that seems to give the woman pause are the spikes in one corner. Her expression seems to turn sullen, but only for a brief moment. It only takes another moment for her composure to return, and then she calls to the others, "Oi. What're those over there?" she motions at the spikes. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' With the door kicked open? Maya see shortly how messed up it is. It seems someone else has been here, the cot after she gets a look at it? Seem to be warm. The notes are useful but she'll need to find someone who can read it. She looks right at Yuna and Sakura. "Hey can someone take a look at this? I can't read this. It's also strange from the Japanese I have seen." The rest of the things here are troubling too is the Nexus going to be blown...? Hopefully there may be answers in the Japanese notes, though the style of it was old and there was a possibility no one here who knew modern Japanese could be able to make heads or tails of it. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THe cold iron spikes may give Sakura a very, very uncomfortable feeling. They feel evil. They feel like warmth slowly sucking away from her body, like that minute you finally get weak in the knees after a long, long run.     The explosives are not magical in nature, but there is an awful lot of them. Enough to blow this portion of sector sky high, collapsing down the support pillars and the ceiling of the streets above, and to a lot of structural damage to anything below.     The lay out map is very similar to others found in the notes and displays; it is the layout of the Mana Nexus on the day of the Grand Start-Up, Presentation day. There's a little kanji with 'TANUKI' and a big, red cross out for the kanji for 'DRAGON', one right next to one another.     The cot is still warm -- Yunomi may even be nearby someplace, watching.     There is still the divice plugged into the mana vine network itself. It has a series of switches, all firmly placed OFF at the moment. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura cringes as her hand comes closer to the iron spike. She's just about to pick it up, when-     "Bombs?" She stands up straight, and manages to notice the explosives. "Eek!" She takes a few steps away from the bombs, and produces a card from a pocket. "I, uh... I'll just get rid of them. It'll be okay." Wand twirl! "MAZE!" As she strikes the card, the space around the explosives suddenly warps - all of them, even ones with other objects between them.     "...It'll probably be okay if they explode in there. Probably." The Maze is doing its best to Vanish all those bombs! 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite tilts her hat a bit to scratch the back of her head. "Ah just don't get it. Everythin' here keeps pointin' at Yunomi doin' this of her own, but somethin' feels... off. Not right about i..." She trails off for a moment, silent save a few flicks of her tail against the floor. "... Wait a minute." Corona leans a little closer to the diagram for a moment, then goes looking for any other notes that might of been left around. Something's bugging her about this, but she needs something else to compare to. There were books and clipboards and notes left all over the place last time.... 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Having said her peace, and decided she doesn't really care to be near those spikes (FOR OTHER REASONS ALSO), the soldier heaves a sigh and glances back into the dimly lit lands of the Golgari. She hates this place. It shows. The -person she is- utterly hates this place, but that isn't something she's going to vocalize any further. What she does do, however, is act on something Merlin suggested. A glance is given the others, searching this that or the other thing, the books full of technical data, the cold iron spikes, the bombs, and she decides she could do this quickly enough. A step is taken away from the door, just barely out of sight. With just a moment to herself, the soldier produces something only a -very- small group of people would recognize. "I haven't given up on you yet.." she whispers to something she has in one hand. For weeks she had tried to figure out why to give another press release, but with how rushed it seemed like someone left, she can only hope that someone was still around. Iron spikes be damned, she wasn't going to give up. Not now, not ever. The result? The soldier takes a few more steps and then sticks something in a crack, makes sure the little item stays put, and then she slips back into the doorstop, "Thought I heard somethin'," she tells the people inside, "Just another damn rat," she mutters."     In the crack? A very pecuiliar rose. It has blue and red petals.. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is hoping her friends and fiure out the notes she found. The cot being warm? That has got her attention She now pulls a scan fate card out in a hope to try an reach out to sense what might be around maybe she can find Yunomi? She's not sure or whoever it was. If someone mentions the Kanji's meaning? That's going to get a very worrid thought in her mind but only if someone lets them know. She also takes a note at the crack and the flower. "Humm what do we have here?" 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     There are notbooks. Plans, diagrams, all written in Yunomi's precise Japanese. What kind of information isbeing sought? Lay outs of Namamura's valley? Layouts of Nivix? A burnt piece of book marked in Yunomi's english scrip "REDFERN". A few drawings, smatterings here and there of a Danger Tanuki idea, a few members of the Union. There are papers all over the place, a mish-mash of items, some crumbled, some singed, others burnt so badly that there was nothing left to read on them.     The bombs are eliminated. Sakura has saved the sector.     The device at the far end of the room still remains, all its switches firmly switched to 'off'. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' ".... that's probably safer than trying to disarm them the hard way," Yuna concedes after a moment's bafflement. Then she turns her attention to some of the structure's other contents. "Don't they use spikes like these to manipulate ley lines?" is Yuna's first question. She can't sense what's magical or supernatural about them, although the way Sakura cringes when she gets close to them didn't go unnoticed. Five places marked on the map, enough spikes to - Yuna goes briefly motionless. "Elner, image capture, get every detail," she instructs the robo-faerie. And for good measure? Yuna produces her Scroll, taking a couple of snapshots of the Manavine Nexus plans herself for easier access - y'know, just in case Elner's doing something else when she needs to confer with Rhapsody or somebody about these. "I can't imagine why Yunomi would want to sabotage one of her masterworks," Yuna muses as she and Elner are busy. "Unless she was planning to keep somebody else from using it against her or her friends." And yes, Yuna does know Japanese. If it's too archaic then she may not be able to parse a whole lot, but ... yeah, she can at least try to read them. And to that end, she carefully (even respectfully) opens one of the notebooks, just to try and get an idea of what it starts with. Protip: While Yuna is fluent in Japanese, and while she technically counts as a 'magical girl,' her actual *magical* ability is roughly in the approximate neighborhood of more or less *zilch*. Her knowledge of the practical aspects of magic is around that level, too. However, Elner flits out to take a quick look - and the robo-faerie immediately reports, not out loud but via local radio to the Union members, /Either Yunomi is *here* or somebody got one of the roses she wears./ Yuna quickly closes the notebook she was looking at. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura gives a faint sigh of relief as the bombs all vanish with a subdued 'bwoop'. She looks around the room as the danger seems to be over, visibly relaxing - and edging away from those iron spikes.     As she hears Elner over the radio, Sakura blinks. "She's here?" She apparently doesn't even contemplate the other possibility! "...Okay. Uh... you guys keep... doing whatever. Excuse me a sec."     Sakura promptly sits her ass on the floor, legs crossed, and brings her hands to her face, index fingers extended and pointed up. She closes her eyes...     Yes, Yunomi's aura is everywhere around here - she knows that. But if she's HERE then maybe...     Sakura mutters something under her breath as she concentrates on trying to separate a living aura from the residual traces it's left on the area. This is HARD. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Okay, the same sort of clutter is here, if a bit harder to track down in the limited lighting. Probably a good thing. It would of been really remiss if there was that much of a different between labs. Corona picks up a notebook and starts flipping through it. But she's not looking at the notes themselves this time. It's all mostly the same mechanical arcane technobabble she scanned off the last set. She's looking at the notes and doodles in the margines. Those are more personal, typically thoughtful and emotional. If there's something messed up in Yunomi's head, there may be more clues there than in all the technical jargon. There's also the fact that the layout details her coupe... While the last notes had tidbits about trying to find and/or rescue Niv-Mizzet. Something between those two just don't mess in Corona's mind. Is there some connection she's not seeing... or did the motives for the Nexus change somewhere along the way... 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Try as Sakura might, there is no sense of Yunomi being here, other than the remnants of her aura left about.     There is plenty of archane technobabble, there are notes in the margins but they are impersonal. Tech shopping lists. A reminder that they changed the model from the last time.     And then the notes devolve. The portal generator was gotten. It opened with the correct coordinates, and the promise that Kaeru-hime would appear to only someone she TRUSTED, without a doubt, and that the job would be done. And soon it would be over, at last.     There are oncoming footsteps, making their way close, and a hissing voice.     IT's coming from the direction of the guildgate, accompanied by skitters. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya sees the bombs are handled that one less issue to worry about and noe she looks to see the machine. They don't know what it does? Do they turn it on? Do they wreck it? Do they leave it ir do they do something about it? She's not sure and clearly Maya's got to figure out where to find Yunomi before things get worse and the magic eaters have her worried given she damn well knows she's a buffet to beings like that. Maya does however have experiance with magitech and the like an she's going to take a look at device to see if she can suss out a bit of about what it can do? Then there are skitting and hissing? Oh hell she may not have time to check this out. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Still at the doorframe, Skara stands up off of her leaning, winces, then looks inside, "Hey!" a loud whisper at best, "Golgari coming, if not worse. Take anything you think is important and lets try to figure out what we have somewhere a little safer. Hurry!" A glance is given the rose again, something she didn't hear Elner radio about since she doesn't have a Union Radio (technically), but she hopes as they all rush out that the peculiar rose is left alone.. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura grunts a bit in frustration and puts her hands in her lap. "Guuh. I wish Syaoran were here. HE can track magic signatures really well..." Huff. Arm cross. And then...     "Golgari coming? Uh... what's so bad about that? We're not actually IN their territory, are we?" She slowly stands up, though, regardless. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' A surreal look is given Sakura, but after a moment Skara realizes she's not exactly a native, "That's just it. We are in their land and trust me, they will able to tell we aren't -them-.." 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Either Golgari or Magic-Eaters, is Yuna's thought. Or both. She grabs as many of the notebooks as she can get, transferring them into her 'inventory' with Elner's help - putting them 'away' where her weapons and shield go when she isn't using them, and where her civilian clothes and stuff go while she's transformed. "The Golgari don't get along with the Izzet," Yuna says in reply to Sakura's query, "and their representative voted in favor of letting the Magic-Eaters help hunt for Yunomi. Plus what Skara said, *and* their representative said they'd kill any trespassers in their territory, so that's at least three or four reasons why it's an issue." She looks around, sticking the last of the notebooks (anything nobody else took) into her 'inventory'. It looks like she's putting them in a pocket at her right thigh, except that her thigh is pretty much bare except for that garter-like band. "Sakura, can you conceal that thing," she gestures at the switch-box, "in such a way that nobody else will be able to find or use it? We don't have time to try and disconnect it and I don't want to risk breaking it." 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     "Really? Hm." Sakura reaches into the bag by her waist, and pulls out a white... cloth of some sort. She tosses it into the air, grabs it, and wraps it around herself, putting arms into sleeves - oh, it's a white robe. Or a cloak. She pulls up the hood. "...Okay."     She glances over to Yuna. "Uh... sure." Card flipped into the air! Wand spun! "Illusion..!" A violently-bright tartan pattern promptly covers the... device. And then it kinda shimmers. "...You can still see it because you know it's there. Don't worry, no one else should be able to tell there's anything but a wall there. Hopefully."     And then she sneaks out onto the street. And then leaps up onto a high perch. Oh yeah she has Hashshashin training doesn't she? 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Pidge, who until now had been orbiting and quiet, now goes to hide in Sakura's cloak, giving a soft 'blaaaat' sound.     Speak of the Devil, Yuna, and then Vlrash rounds a corner. An undead elf, a half-consumed rat chittering on her shoulder as the Golgari represntative to the Council meetings was clad in leather armor, a tapered ear giving a twitch, dark gold and red eyes set on the hovel as her head tilts.     "So." she hisses quietly, her head tilting at Skara, glancing her up and down. "I don't recall seeing one of your type down here." she muses, her voice creaking as her arm hangs to the side, nearly skeletal in form. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' "What'sit to you?" the soldier asks, motioning the scratched out Boros symbols. "I'm on a job, alright? We ain't doin nothin' to yer farms, or anything, and we're barely inside the border. We'll be gone in a few, alright?" Skara doesn't seem to phased by Vlrash, or really seem to recognize the rep. "Heck, I even have the 'fella's' card if'n you wanna see it. Cause, ya know, yer guild voted for'm. Papers were all over that stuff. Granted, anything against the tekkers, yeah?" There's slang no one here has probably heard before. Know why? The Izzet -hate- that word. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna winces slightly; she didn't think the Golgari were THAT close. Or that it was specifically Vlrash. There's one option open to her, though: Elner just teleports Yuna out of the cottage, rematerializing her somewhere within general earshot, but out of Vlrash's sight. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite's expression scrunchs a bit. To some extent a confirmation of part of what she was thinking... but at the same time, leaving more questions than answers. And the fact that it seems so much more impersonal than the other set of notes bugs her too. What the hibbly hoo went on in that girl's head? If she -did- do the dirty deed... why? What made her change her mind and objectives? Something still isn't adding up, but it's progress. -Something- changed along the way. Digging through the notes doesn't stop her acute ears from hearing the faint footsteps approaching, Corona snapping her head around. "That won't stop them from trying to use it as evidence to get another guild into trouble," she hiss-whispers back to Sakura. She shoves the notebook in one of her belt pouches, and then goes to grab the layout map off the wall if she can. Because that's just a little bit too incrimidating. Last thing they need is the people opposing the possibility that there's something else going on finding it. Sorry Yunomi. Promise, when you hopefully prove not to be a murderous crazy person, she'll give 'em back. But right now, it might be better for others to -not- find them. ... And there's already people at the door. Dangit. Who here remembers that foxes can climb? Because that's precisely what Corona does, with a little help from her grappler, to get up into the shadowy corners of the building and hide. She can be surprisingly stealth for a gadgeteering cowgirl when she wants to be. Being small and light helps. Also helps it's a good thing she didn't wear boots with spurs tonight. She -can- emergency blip away using her ship's teleporter, but she doesn't want to possibly leave the others here alone. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Vlrash glances at the scratched out symbol, then abck up to the Boros.     "You realize, of course, that if you're investigating in our sector we have the right to know. Just in case things get a little... out of hand and you require..." she glances down, and then glances back up "Assistance." she turns, and spits a glob of black goo to the side, and then scritches a little against the rat's ear, before she reaches up, snaps its neck, twisting it in half.     She gives a black-and-green toothy little smirk to Skara. "Hungry?" she offers.     THe rat is still squeaking. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya can not hide her magic profile if the beings coming in are able to sense it? Maya will show up like a nuclear blast at midnight. She's tensed and going to try to look over the machine with what little time he has left. However they don't attack so she's nog going to pick a fight. "We are not seeking to cause your guild any issues." She's being honest there and thankfully Corona has snatched up more notes, good hopefully with what Maya has they can figure out more of what's going on with Yunomi. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura shifts her weight a little bit. She's clinging to the side of a wall, perched on a small outcrop and supporting some of her weight with the Hidden Blade she's jammed into a crack in the stone. She wishes she brought some pitons or something.     She watches carefully for when - if - she has to act to make sure everyone gets out. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' For some reason Skara actually laugh about notifying the Golgari, "Notification was sent, buster. You -do- realize that goes through the Azor and I sent it -yesterday-. Dun worry, you'll get yer notification. In about a week." Smile! "Seriously though, it was only gonna be a few minutes checkin' around fer a few things. And bein' this close to the border? I really didn't think anything'd happen. Until you showed up? Nothin' did. So, c'mon, no harm no foul, aight?" A curious glance is given the rat. "Not my cuppa tea. You can enjoy alla that." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite may of crammed herself up in a dark corner, but her sharp ears can hear almost every word outside. Nice to know the Boros lady is on their side. She could of instigated them so easily if she had been some sorta inside agent or something. Still not entirely sure why she has an accent almost like her own. And that sword. Corona knows she's seen that sword before. None of that is important right now though. You know, she wouldn't be opposed to eating a rodent. They're natural prey of foxes... But she ain't gonna eat one of THOSE half dead, moldy things though. That's just squicky. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' It's probably just as well that there's no sign of Magic-Eaters; if there were, Yuna would be having an increasingly difficult time stifling her distaste for them. Still, her recollection of the Guilds' meeting is unpleasant enough that she'd sooner avoid the Golgari leader. And Skara seems to be handling things diplomatically enough. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Vlrash glances over to Maya, and then over to Skara. Her eyes narrow a moment. "And a guildless?" she questions. "What kind of investigation are you doing again? Not into that little..." she waves a hand a moment "Izzet problem, are you?" she questions. And then stuffs half the rotting rat into her face, chewing noisily. A black fluid traces its way down her chin. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' "What fella do you think I was talkin' about that I had his card?" the soldier scoffs, settling against the doorframe again. "Jes trust me, aight? Wasn't much ta be found here. Damn tekker prolly took all their stuff and ran. Ain't really anythin' left. Scept the rat that ran outta here. Might be the one yer eatin' right now, ta be fair." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Vlrash looks at the soldier, then looks at Maya, then just shakes her head. "Well. I suppose you know who to call. I would not confront /her/ directly, though. They're attributing three deaths to her now. Fourth one is to be determined." she replies....     And then, like that, Vlrash is gone, walking back towards the guildgate. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' "Three eh? I hadn't heard alla that, but alright. If I see'r I'll send up a flare or somethin," Skara says to Vlrash in parting. She stays in the doorframe, waiting for the golgari to slip out of sight, then seems to sigh lightly, "Aight.." she says, giving the all clear. She glances toward Corona next, "Maybe not bash the door down next time so we can, ya know, close it?" She's not upset, it's genuine advice. "Now.." she continues, waiting for folks to get visible again. "Why don't one of ya actually try turnin on those switches? Maybe they'll do somethin' useful." 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Suddenly, Sakura is in the doorway again, her Hidden Blade vanishing with a subtle 'snikt'. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya looks at the undead woman for a moment. Maya tilts her heads a bit at her for a momewn. "It would be unwise poltically for me to throw myself behind one guld entirely." It's true given the poltical and relgious clout Maya has on her home world? She tries to avoid poltical entaglements whenever she can. It's bad for her and others generally. "I understand your advice is soun." She watches the womaqn leave and sighs for a moment. She'll try to go back to check out machine of mystery again. "I'll try to pick the lock next time." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite waits until she's damn well certain she's heard that weirdo walk away and footsteps well gone before she slowly lowers herself back to the floor. Unfortunately her expression is only all the more conflicted and confused. What the hell was that about three deaths? Four? Now she almost wishes they could of asked more. Almost. And certainly not of -these-... peculiarities. Instead she just kind of shrugs haplessly at Skara. "Old habits die hard." Normally kicking in a door would of involved a lot of shooting bandits where she's from. Element of surprise and shock. She moseys over to inspect the machine, since they can still see it. "Ah reckon Ah've read 'nuff of the notes she's scrawled to do this without blown anythin' up." Pause. "Unless it's suppose to. Y'know, Izzet-ness." 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna rejoins the others, the 'long' way around rather than Elner teleporting her again. "We're going to have to dig around some and see whom Yunomi's accused of killing ... thanks for covering for us, Skara," she says with a wry but relieved smile. "Anyway. We should probably take at least one of these spikes for analysis ... Sakura, was there anything you could tell about these things? You didn't seem to like them that much." 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura lowers her hood! "They feel... mmh. They kinda feel like they're... sucking everything up. Y'know? Warmth, magic... happiness..." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Pidge comes out of Sakura's hood. He flits about, circling around the grouping once before approaching the spikes. It seems puzzled by them, then flits back to Skara, Maya, Yuna, and Corona, havinvg made sure that Sakura was fine. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna nods slowly. "Magic absorbers ... and the map had sites marked on the manavine nexus. Plunge these spikes into those and I bet you'd take the whole network out - maybe kill the vines themselves entirely, certainly wipe out the network's ability to transmit mana to particular locations." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite glances over her shoulder. "But why would she want to poss'bly sabotage her own big thing?" Then back to the machine. "Welp, here goes somethin!" She flicks the switchs with one hand. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "Keep other people from using it against her, is my only working guess," Yuna replies. Standing far away from the box or whatever it's connected to suddenly seems like a really good idea. Barring that, Yuna summons her kite shield with a call of, "Shugoseiheki!" and makes sure that Sakura is behind the shield with her. Along with anyone else who wants to try and hunker down with them. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     CRACK! HUUUUUUUUUUUUMMM! ChunkchunkchunkWHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!     Now you're thinking with portals. The rest of the lights in the area seem to dim as the portal generator fires up and opens the portal. It stabilizes and shows a very familiar scene to those who have been to Yuomi's homeworld.     The portal shows the clearing where a waterfall once roared, though now its source has long dried. The straw rope that had cordoned off the cave has been broken away and flaps in the breeze, and in Namamura, it is raining.     The portal leads right to the clearing outside Kaeruhime's grotto, the village of Namamura far in the distance. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura flinches back, ducking behind Yuna's shield instinctively... then she peers out from behind it. Her head tilts to one side. "Is... is that an image or did Yunomi seriously invent a way to open Warp Gates?" 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite pumps fists in the air. "Yeah, it DOES work!... Ah think." She's just guessing by the notes that's the whatever place Yunomi was trying to open a portal to. "Warp gates aren't the only portals out there, kiddo. 'Sides, they go every which where. This one's designed t'go somewhere specific." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' For the briefest of moments, Skara's eyes widen, but by the time she speaks, she's the warrior she's been since she showed up in Namamura. "I'm thinkin yer friend manipulated some teleportin' spells. A lotta the blue guilds have'm, maybe not the Simic though. The rest? Likely. Izzet? For sure. "Though, I'm not so sure I recognize where that portal's goin'. Doesn't look like anyplace in Ravnica I've ever seen. .. Well, no. It kinda looks like that village they built over near the spires." 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "I'm pretty sure that's Namamura," Yuna says, looking around the other edge of her shield from where Sakura's leaning out. "And it looks too clear to be an image ... I'm not sure where in Namamura that is, though." She never explored Namamura enough to recognize most of the places within its boundaries. "That ... you know, I think this is why Yunomi wanted to be able to take out the Manavine Nexus. If opening portals to Namamura required that infrastructure to collect enough mana, then she would have wanted to be able to destroy the Nexus so that *nobody else* could do it. And when somebody else *did* and murdered Kaeruhime ..." Yuna tugs Shugoseiheki's bottom corner back out of the ground and wills the kite shield to disappear. "I wonder ... Pidge? Did Yunomi actually *want* us to find her secret labs, so we'd be able to put the pieces together that she left behind?" She looks at the drone for a moment, then at the portal. If somebody goes through and the portal is closed behind them .... well, there are other warpgates on the Namamura side, Yuna knows that well enough. Or at least there used to be. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     "That's definitely Namamura," Sakura says quietly. "..So are we going through or staying here? We don't know how long this portal's going to be able to stay open." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' "Well. I say," the soldier starts, first putting the door back up against the doorframe. She fusses with it a moment, but once it stays and seems -stable-, she turns back to the group and the portal, "Nothin' ventured.." she trails before, quite clearly, marching with the intent of walking right through the portal. The only way she's stopping is if someone else stops her. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite makes a waving motion with one hand. "Y'all go investigate. Ah'll stay put and make sure the thin' stays runnin' long enough fer ya to take a snoop and mosey back." And make sure no more of the local jerks show up, either. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya Says "Corona when we're back at the HQ we need ot talk about notes and wwap some information."The other guilds have ears here but no so much at the Union's HQ. She nods to COrona and Maya seems to be lost in a lot of thought? What the hell is going on her? A thought crosses her mind but she'll hold that off for the moment. For now they need to take wht they have and get moving. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' If this *IS* the last of Yunomi's labs, then any further clues would have to be in Namamura. Yuna steps through, with Elner following her. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     "...Well, in for a penny..." Sakura murmurs. The moment she's sure that the portal isn't, like, vaporising people or anything - man, Staren's paranoia is rubbing off - she steps through too. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     As soon as Sakura passes through the portal, The Maze's spell seems to end.     All that explosive is back in place, and gives a soft 'beep' as its timer turns on, counting down. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' ... Well, that wasn't expected. "On second thought, wait for me!" Just because Corona likes explosions doesn't mean she wants to be in middle of that one. PORTAL DIVE AWAY! 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     KA-BOOM! The explosives go off just as Corona dives through, skidding on wet grass as the portal flickers, then dies.     And now the group is stuck in Namamura, with possibly far more questions than answers left! -- not to mention a mess at the Guildgate. 
}}

4542/The Namamura District

2016-11-18T02:32:08Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/09/12 |Location=City of Ravnica <Rav> |Synopsis=The Guildless assault the Namamura district and allies of the Izzet move to defend. |Cast of C..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/09/12
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav>
|Synopsis=The Guildless assault the Namamura district and allies of the Izzet move to defend.
|Cast of Characters=272, 481, 325, 385, 750, 711, 857, 639, 1037
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THE IZZET SECTOR, RAVNICA     THE NAMAMURA DISTRICT     The shops here were busy keeping to themselves, from ramen stands to restaurants to a little toy shop that sold old fashioned traditional items, like staircase chests and little rope mind twisters.     The Namamura District had been holding its breath, waiting to see what the council would do to them, outsiders in this place.     It was then that the first group showed up. Guildless mages wearing all five colors of the various guilds, masks, and baring staffs begin to come around the corner, someone's pounding drums. Magically amplified voices all shout in unison: "OUTSIDERS GO HOME!"         "OUTSIDERS GO HOME!             "OUTSIDERS GO HOME!"     And that's about when the first fire started, blazing up in a corner from a small spark that someone in the crowd lobbed. THere's cheering and excitement. "DOWN WITH THE GUILDS!"     "THEY BROUGHT THEIR OWN DESTRUCTION!"     "BURN THE DRAGONS!" 

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''     A kitsune drops from the rooftops as the rioters arrive, and Kirika doesn't bother hiding herself. "Burn the dragons." Is Kirika SCOFFING? Seems she is, as she approaches the angered mob without a hint of fear in her steps.     Her fists glow blue with an icy glow, the fox popping her neck as she begins to throw balls of ice towards the flames that spark.     "Disperse. NOW." She barks harshly, with authority and supernatural echoes in her voice as she tries to get the attention of the rioters directly. Failing that, she'll just opt to begin smacking dudes in the face with her scabbard.     Yeah, she's done playing nice with these idiots. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     While a majory of the Izzet League was undecided upon what fate should come to Yunomi Stadler, they were not a heartless guild. These people were brought in as refugees from a world that was no longer their own and given a district that was built, basically overnight, by the combined effort of Izzet and Union resources and personel. They would defend their sector, without fail, regardless of who stayed within it.     When the guildless mob is spotted marching from Tin Street toward the Izzet Guildgate, and then into the Izzet Sector, forces were already deployed to meet them. While dangerous, the weirds sent were only to disuade and redirect. Petrahydrox ( http://i.tcgplayer.com/13748_200w.jpg ) use their stony limbs to deflect anything they can while the Steamcore Weirds ( http://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=338393&type=card ) move to put out fires as they appear. Actual magewrights of various species appear around the sector to ensure the safety of any Namamurans that ask for their assistance.     And a house in one distant corner of the district, a hovel at best, emits a loud crash and a fair bit of clattering as the resident sounds like they are just waking up. What's all that about? Wasn't that little shack empty a few days ago? 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna's time in Ravnica has not been terribly relaxing. What started out as a visit to show support for Yunomi during Presentation Day erupted into a crisis that has yet to abate ... two weeks later? Has it been longer? It can't have been less; it feels like it's been months to Yuna. Just knowing that somebody who sets all her mental alarms off is personally hunting for Yunomi is bad enough - and if Ijiwaru doesn't actually have more leads as to where Yunomi might be than the Izzet League and the Union have between them, Ijiwaru and his Magic-Eaters are at LEAST able to keep up with any lead the aforementioned find. But on top of those, the Guilds are, if not quite at each other's throats, then paying far much attention to each other's collars, necklaces, and other adornments - and the Namamura District in particular has been the focus of way too much unfriendly attention. Mind you, "any" counts as "too much" for Yuna; the Namamuran refugees haven't done anything to warrant that kind of hostility, and when trying to help keep the Izzet district borders got to be too much for her, Yuna turned her attention - and that of the rest of the Matrix of Light - to the edge of the Namamura District. She's in the middle of trying to figure out one of those little rope brain-teasers when she hears the riot approaching. "No ..." the blonde groans, placing the woven-cord puzzle back on the counter and stepping outside. Elner, who was hovering near the shop's sign, flits down to join her - And a flaring ripple of wind and light rises about Yuna, briefly enveloping her, then revealing her new form - not clad in her Beacon Academy uniform any more (as she had been), but in the blue, white, and gold of her Light Suit. Kirika's already made her presence known, and the kitsune's presence is welcome - but Yuna isn't going to leave this up to others. She's the Savior of Light; letting innocents suffer is against EVERYTHING she stands for, both as herself and as the chosen champion of the Queen of Light, and even letting these hate-driven fools *shout* is more violence against the Namamuran refugees than she's going to tolerate. "SHUGOSEIHEKI!!!" Yuna shouts, her kite shield manifesting on her left arm as she shouts its name - the Wall of the Guardian Star - and she quickly advances, not merely to assist Kirika, but to impose herself physically in the rmob's path. "The people of Namamura are refugees, *guests* in Ravnica, and they have done nothing to earn your wrath!" Yuna calls out as loudly as she can, trying to be heard over their chants. "Only one daughter of Namamura has done any harm to your city or its people, and *she* *is* *not* *HERE!!!*" 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     Things had been getting bad in the zone, and they weren't getting any better as tensions rose and no answers were found. Rebound had taken some time off from her usual patrols of New York to come to Ravnica and do her vigilante justice thing here.     Of course things were getting even worse now, with an actual crowd gathered, and someone throwing a fireball. The kangaroo mutant finds herself up on a rooftop, perched dangerously above the mob, looking down towards them. She scans the crowd, looking for the instigators. SHe knows how these things work. There's always somebody, usually in the back or somewhere nearby, they're the one stirring the masses up into a frenzy while the poor people just get caught up in everything.     Rebound wants the leader. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' The storm was no longer rising. No, the storm had finally come, the metaphorical dark clouds hanging over the Namamura District dropping to the ground with all the anger and misplaced blame of a terrible twister. Fortunately there are those amongst the allies of Izzet that started anticipating this sort of rowdiness. Admist the looming dark times and chanting of rioters, a gun firing blares out like a thunderous crack through the storm. Not aimed at shooting any of the rioters (yet) though. Rather it's a very precise shot taken to blow a hole through that drum and render it mute without harming the rioter pounding it. The shot is easily traced back to one of the rooftops, where the gun it was made with is still held out at arm's length while cooling smoke waifed from it, clasped in the hand of a rather large metallic gauntlet. The rest of the lithe form was draped in an elaborate poncho that looked like it was meant for someone taller and much broader, as it hung almost entirely down to her boots. Which did a good job of hiding the pair of toolbelts slung crosswise around her waist like gun belts, and the other gadgets tucked away in them. The matching gauntlet is brought up, simply to tug the rim of her stetson down a bit, keeping part of an ominous shadow over her face as she wasn't even looking directly in the direction the shot was fired. Instead of the smoldering embers of a cigarette, a chunk of frayed wiring dangled out of the corner of her mouth, still sparking occasionally when she twitched her muzzle andd the ends flicked together. "Ah reckon y'all better brake this up and go home. Before that drum ain't the only head Ah gotta put a hole through an' let the hot air out." At least the drawl, the long ears sticking up the sides of the hat, and the grey foxtail curled at her ankles would make it obvious to those who know what 'outsiders' had been prowling around the Izzet district who it is. The outfit, on the other hand, that's new. 

:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''     While Eve hasn't been involved with the bounty hunter talks, she has been at least a little involved in Ravnica and this whole mess. It started simply enough; she showed up to support Yunomi. She just... hasn't stopped. Nothing about what she's seen or heard has changed her mind about Yunomi. She's aware she lacks the information to make a proper informed decision. Either Yunomi has her reasons, in which case her friends should support her, or she's quite literally out of control in which case her friends should support her.     Today though, she's supporting Yuna. There's more to this situation than just the Tanuki after all. And this situation, it revolts her. Innocents being attacked... this is one of the sorts of things she chooses to make her stand on.     The little blonde flys in on golden wings; an iconic image of an angel that ought to command at least a little respect in the rioters. She doesn't speak though. She just flies up behind Yuna, offering unvoiced support to her dear friend. After alighting behind her, Eve pauses only a moment before she then flies down to street level, drawing the nanomass of her wings back within her body before forming a large shield before her. Smothering flames should be possible, theoretically at least. Nanomachines don't burn and they shouldn't melt either, not before they smother the flames. She's not sure how much she can smother before her nanometal gets too hot to continue, but there's no reason not to at least try. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     "Friend, you can't burn a dragon--" one of the mages begins     "DROWN THE DRAGONS!"     "Stop trying to threaten the--"     "DOWN WITH THE GUILDS!"     When the Kitsune drops down, ordering the group to disperse, a few try to scoff back. Someone fires up a spell, but promptly gets hit in the face with a scabbard! "ARUGH! MY EYE!"     Someone else readies a fireball, and lobs it at the kitsune! "GET OUT! Go back to YOUR HOME. RAVNICA IS FOR RAVNICANS!" spouts one wearing a 'Make Ravnica Great Again' patch on his cloak.     The weirds are heeded -- mostly. A few of the guildlesss do turn away, but more come down sidestreets. The crowd is getting a bit more unruly as their fires begin to get put out. More fireballs lob towards rooftops. A few women start drawing their children back away from windows. An old Namamuran man hobbles himself out of the way, cursing about 'the youth of today' and 'none of this would have happened if the Kami had picked HIM to be guardian.'     Ravnica hasn't been a vacation for anyone. The Namamura District mob is beginning to get more rabble roused, people thrusting weapons into the air, demanding outsiders go home.     One man turns to square off against Yuna herself, bringing his staff up as it crackles with energy. It wasn't stolen, honest!     "What, the Guildmaster can't come down and start saving her own pitiful pet projects? These people are a threat. They need to be taken care of and get out of Ravnica, or else who knows what could happen to them?"     The crowd, unfortunately, doesn't appear to have much of a leader in their midst. A group of anonymous anti-outsiders -- though there is a mage slipping through the crowd, wearing a black and blue hood. He seems intent on getting as far away from the weirds as possible.     Another group draws closer to Corona, and one turns to the other. "Hey, is this a Simic thing?"     "I dunno. Torch it, like the boss said!"     THe nights' lit up as one of the mages draws out another gauntlet himself, and ignites the air around it. "Sorry, miss. You really should have heeded the rabble." he states calmly, and throws fire at Arclite!     Finally down to Eve: As Eve joins Yuna, there's a secondary group. And as one casts, a great amount of wind begins to sweep the immediate area, as over head lightning begins to gather in blackened, highly localized clouds.     "I would reccomend you turn and get to safety, little one. I don't want to hurt you." 

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''     Oh, it's on now.     Kirika's eyes seem to be glowing RED with rage, the kitsune snarling as she joins the melee. She slaps people across the face with her scabbard, often aiming for the throat or the joints, with the odd kick, punch, or tail-strike.     She delivers a headbutt as she hears someone lobbing fireballs at her and screaming, and she instantly focuses on that fellow. "I WILL DEFEND THOSE WHO SCUM LIKE YOU SEEK TO HURT, NO MATTER WHERE THEY ARE!" She roars, drawing her sword to split the fireball in half, mildly scorched but otherwise undeterred as she sheathes Kinugiri. She has other plans.     Grabbing the rowdy citizen by the throat, she forces his mouth open before her fingers are wedged in, pressing into the soft fleshy bits underneath the poor man's tongue.     Then she throws the dude onto the ground, demonstrating why it's a -very bad idea- to engage her in close combat to anybody around her. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     There are a lot of weirds, but the mob only seems to be growing in size. Not good. A number of Blistercoil ( http://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=289222&type=card ) and Gelectrode ( http://static.starcitygames.com/sales/cardscans/MTG/IVG/en/nonfoil/Gelectrode.jpg ) start to move in as well, trying to plug the holes, but seeing as a wall wasn't built around Namamura, as the Izzet wanted them to feel included, the number of ways into the district is a major problem. Atop one of the buildings, a rare sighting of a master weird, Melek ( http://media.wizards.com/images/magic/daily/ftl/ftl242_1_w01hqsl591.jpg ), is coordinating its brethern in trying to protect the district.     From the hovel way down the way, the door finally opens. Well, it doesn't open as much as it's kicked down and out into the street. A rather gruff looking lady wanders out, a large sword against her back ( http://i.imgur.com/FGWRWDX.jpg ) but the way she's cracking her knuckles in each hand, she doesn't seem really keen on using it. Across her form, is a set of rather old looking armor, the symbol of the Boros Legion on each shoulder, but scratched out. Likely by the same sword on her back. When she speaks, her voice is as stern as it is gruff, "OY. What the bloody hell is goin' on out here?" Pause. "AND WHY ARE YOU BURNIN MY HOME DOWN?!" 

:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''     Eve isn't fearless. Fearlessness takes a certain lack of imagination, and Eve's got far too much of that. She's also got a bit too much of a sense of purpose to be willing to back down this easily. And yet... the black-and-blue hooded mage is kind of intimidating.     Eve looks up at the mage, appearing to give his statement solemn thought. "I see." she finally says. "You're too afraid to fight a child. You'd rather fight completely defenseless people."     She lifts her shield, setting it before her, and extends her right hand outwards into a substantial-looking warhammer. Eve continues staring into the mage's eyes, her annoyance smouldering rather fiercely in her pink-tinted eyes. Not quite flame-colored, but she has plenty of intensity to spare. "I'm not going to let you." she says. WHAT, she doesn't explain. Not going to let him attack innocents, surely. Not going to let him get away... perhaps. She launches into a headlong charge, shield before her and warhammer trailing behind. Should she not be stopped, she intends to introduce the 'thoughtful' mage to her own blunt purpose. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Once the pistol is cooled off enough it gets a fanciful twirl just like you see in all those old Westerns before being tucked back into one of the holsters hidden beneath the poncho. A brow raises a bit, an orange eye visible briefly in the shadows cast by the hat. The wires spark a little as she twitches it to the other corner of her mouth. "Sorry, Ah ain't interested in listenin' to folks who blame now and worry 'bout facts later." The burst of flame is lobbed at her, only for Corona to 'catch' the spell in the palm of her new gauntlet. Some of the embers shoot between her fingers and down the length of her arm as she squeezes the core of the flames to smother it. But overall it's not very effective, she made her new devices out of Brimsteel's namesake metal which is exceptionally heat and fireproof. "Tch. Ah've been playin' with fire all muh life. Ya gotta do better than that." Finally she spits out the wires, and steps off the edge of the rooftop to drop to the street level with the rioting mages that flung fire about. "But iffen ya bothered to get to know new folk instead of pointin' fingers and slingin' insults, ya mighta known that." Spurs on her boots clatter as Corona lands on the pavement, then takes a few steps towards the offenders. The right guantlet clenches into a fist, and emits a click not unlike gears locking into place. "But iffen ya don't wanna talk to me...." Corona takes one last step forward, only to twist her body as if winding up the right arm to throw a punch, even still across the street from the mages... Only for at the apex of the thrust of her arm, a pulse of compressed air -shoots the fist- off the rest of the gauntlet, metal knuckles aimed right for the fireslinging mage's face! "Ya can talk to the hand!" After the hopeful impact Corona yanks back on the chain still connecting it to the rest of her gauntlet, aiming to slap said chain upside the head of the mage's buddy before reeling the fist back to her and clanking into it's place on the rest of the gauntlet. So -that's- why they're bigger than her actual hands! 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     The blue and black hooded figure gets Rebound's attention. She traces his path through the crowd, hopping along the roofs, dodging a couple of fireballs as she follows him. She frowns a little bit as he tries to slip away. She can't let him get far.     "Screw this." Rebound hates waiting, and tracking this guy isn't going to help when she can just get intel out of him the old fashioned way. The kangaroo takes to the sky, leaping through the air and aiming to crash down right on top of mister emo hoodie, "Going somewhere, buddy boy!?" 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna looks at the man with the crackling staff, neglecting to pull out a weapon of her own - and in fact, neglecting to look remotely intimidated. "The Guildmaster doesn't need me to defend her choices," the blonde replies, meeting the man's eyes - if he dares to meet hers, anyway - with a calm resolve behind her anger. "These people would not have *BEEN* a threat if you didn't make them feel like they needed to be afraid for their own lives and livelihoods. Do you even understand what the people of Namamura have been through? Can you *imagine* what they've endured, what *Yunomi* has endured for the sake of her people?!" Things are getting more violent - the mage with the flamethrowing gauntlet is focused on Corona, not Yuna, but that's one of at least a dozen things happening which Yuna is all too keenly aware of. Elner has seemingly withdrawn from the vicinity, but Yuna knows the robo-faerie isn't far away - Elner will keep watching the situation. Jiina, Marina, and Erina are somewhere around as well, but they haven't joined in the effort yet, waiting on Yuna to decide if she needs any of them to combine with her Light Suit or what else they should do. "All the people of Namamura want is a safe place to call home! Surely you can understand THAT much - if you're so terrified that they're going to take YOUR homes away from you, WHICH THEY DON'T *NEED*!!" Yuna's voice is rising further, and there are flickers of light about her right hand - which remains empty. But just barely. Instead of conjuring a weapon, though, Yuna simply steps forward, attempting to bring her shield to bear against the man's staff - and almost as quickly, to drive the shield's bottom corner into the ground. If the staff's properties are as close to electrical as they look, that should help ground the charge out with a minimum of hurt to Yuna herself. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The "Make Ravnica Great Again" guy's eyes get a little wide as Kirika reaches in, grabs the soft, fleshy bits that connect the tongue unsticking as he pauses his words, and then finds himself with an intimate embrace against the ground.     There was a soft gasp that rippled through the crowd around Kirika -- and then while a few step back, there are more than a few who make their way forward. Some try to crowd Kirika. one reaches out with lightning gloves and tries to deliver a shocking touch to Kirika's rear end!     The weirds are attracting some attention, a few of the rabble begin to throw stones and chunks of wood at the steamcore weirds.     A little boy and his grandmother, who had been watching the council meeting withdraw a little more away from the group, the woman pikcin gup her grandson and carrying him, hobbl,ing as fast as she can past the yelling ex-Boros member.     "I'd rather not fight anyone. I usually take the easy route..." the man has a blue and black badge against his hand, silvery veins tracing his skin as his black eyes glance down at Eve, and as she charges with the warhammer, the mage who confronted her raises his hand, casting a circle of protection, the sheild taking the blow of Eve's charge. "... but I have no problem killing a child."     And he brings his hand up. "I could deliver you to a watery grave."     "No, no, wires, it's a construct..." one of the mages states, and he takes his hood down a little bit, and goes to just examine Coronoa-- until he gets a face full of metal knuckles, with plenty of iron in that knuckle sandwich!     He crashes backwards, stumbling, and Corona would herself the subject of another spell -- this one lobbing a huge amount of air, sending papers, the old lady stumbling, trash kicking up into the air as the wind tries to knock over the tailed steampunk cowgirl!     The blue and black hooded man draws closer to the side when there's a shadow in the flash of lightning, and he turns to watch as Rebound descends -- and Rebound might find herself the subject of a sick fascination. Dust shifts around, the figure disappearing, blinking off to the side in a crouch. A bone white face gives a mirthless smile.     "Heeding advice, outsider, I'm going home."     "They should have endured it on their own land. Why should we help them? WHy should we spend our resources? Ravnica is a city divided. We are a broken people -- and the Guildless have *no* voice on the Councils. No one represents us. Why should we care about them?" he ventures, and he steps forward, swinging the electrostaff through the air, thunder cracking and rain threatening above as the bolts strike the sheild! 

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''     Oh. BAD MOVE. Kirika growls as her tail instantly tries to lash at the man attacking her back. She yanks her fingers free, before she uses her tail like a sentient vine of some sort, trying to wrap around the guy's wrist.     Then she'll twist that guy's arm, intending to break it like celery, partially for the intimidation factor, partially because she has her hands full as it is. Her tail swaps the offending party across the face, hard enough to knock him away.     Meanwhile, Kirika unsheathes her sword once again, beginning to swipe at the crowd shallowly, trying to keep the mob away. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The former Boros member gives the woman and her child a nod. "You'll be safe, I promise ya that," she says before looking to the unruly mob and the forces trying to hold it all back. A gaze is sent over to the Steamcore weirds that seem unaffected by the things being thrown at them. The bright eyes slip again toward the mages being confronted, the words being hurled, and then close as she takes a breath. When she speaks again, some may think she could have been a drill sergeant in the Boros Legion.     "PIPE DOWN YOU BLOWHARDS!" she roars first before continuing. "Ya all wanna rant'n rave about bein' Guildless? Guess what?" she points at the scratched out insignias, "I didn't CHOOSE ta be Guildless, but lookit me. I'm here, Guildless as some of ya! And guess what? I still have a place ta live, and a roof over my head! If'n you wanna yell 'bout it, yer wastin' your energy. How about tryin' to be CONSTRUCTIVE, eh? I helped build this place when I was still'n the Boros. Never've I seen such generosity from people that did'n have to give it to people that needed it more'n anyone! These people do plenty to provide for themselves and even sell things to Ravnica! They're makin' the whole city better! not worse! So, again, if'n you're gonna BITCH about bein guildless? Then go do somethin' about it rather than tryin' ta blame someone else for the choices ya made yerself! It is -not- hard to go to a guild district to join up! And if'n you don't wanna do that, some of the guilds will STILL letcha live in'em and give ya a job! Ya'all make me SICK with how lazy ya are! 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Ugh, thunder. Yuna cringes against the cracking noise, but still tries to block the descending staff, *and* to brace the bottom corner of her shield to ground out the lightning. And this is the point at which her right hand is no longer empty: a flare of light leaves her holding a sleek yet bulky pistol, and she reaches around the edge of her kite shield, firing two quick blasts into her assailant's side: hopefully enough to disable him without doing permanent damage. "Because the Namamurans are in exactly your same shoes," Yuna says - not sounding angry, just sad and maybe disappointed. If that was enough to knock the staff-wielder out, she'll ask Elner to teleport his unconscious form somewhere out of the way, and safe. With the ex-Boros sergeant(?) calling out the crowd, Yuna actually hopes her opponent is still conscious enough to listen to her. 

:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''     It would be too easy for her to just take out her foe in a single swing. Such a shame... this mage isn't the only one who'd prefer the easy route. Eve doesn't relent however. Her warhammer bounces off the magical circle. She whirls with the rebound, adding the speed of her spin to a return blow from the opposite direction.     The shield is a tough obstacle to overcome, Eve has no doubt. But once it's down, this mage won't have anything left to protect him. Not if she brings it down swiftly that is, without giving him time to cast another defensive magic. She just has to identify the limit of the circle and overcome it.     If blunt force isn't enough, Eve can always switch. "Watery grave?" she glowers between swings. "You must mistake me for someone who can't swim." she says. Of course she knows that's not what he means. If she keeps him talking though, she can continue to gain insight on his skills. Already she knows he intends to use water magic of some kind. Either a blast of water, which might presumably lower the barrier, or some sort of water collection from outside the circle that would menace her in some other way. She's not likely to be so lucky that it's the first. If it is, one quick dodge and she'll have an opening. Otherwise, she keeps alert for the second attack while forming her weapon into a pointy trident. His own suggestion back at him... plus of course the trident has leverage and points with which she can try to penetrate his defensive barrier. If blunt force doesn't work, perhaps piercing weapons will! 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Vulpine ears flick as a new voice enters the fray, Corona turning her head just enough to glance back behind them. A brow raises, not only at the angry woman storming into the fight, but at the sword carried upon her back. There's something about that sword that makes her whiskers twitch, but Corona can't put a finger on it. And the middle of a riot isn't the place to sit and mull it over. The moment of diverted attention still costs her, as a magical wind howls into being around her. Instinctively she throws up an gauntlet arm to shield her face, a reflex long honed by Brimsteel's sulfuric dust storms. It keeps her face covered, but doesn't do much against the chunks of garbage and other debris being flung into her by the wind spell. Spurred heels dig into the pavement, but it's not enough to keep the minature hurricane from slowly pushing her backwards while getting trash bombed. Despite that, she still smirks a bit at the ex-Boros woman shouting from the back of the defenders. "Ah reckon ya should listen to what the woman's sayin'." With a grunt Corona digs her boots in and leans forward a bit, reducing the amount of her body that is actually resisting the wind. It gives her enough of a footing to resist being shoved over entirely at least. A rather large chunk of masonary loosened in the fires is flung towards her by the wind, which Corona uses the reinforced guantlet to shield herself from. Her other metal-clad paw dips under her poncho, as if reaching behind her. For the Breaker? Or not, as its a different hammer she pulls out. The resonate one she uses for smashing rocks and other such things. Ears twitch. Her spurrs clinking the ground trying to brace herself has given her all the feedback she needs. Corona twists as if to sidestep another piece of garbage, and drops down to slam the resonate hammer into the pavement. Cracks snake jaggededly from the impact point, past the wind and up under the mage's feet. Where the resonation caused the pavement to crumble beneath his weight and drop him into whatever is beneath the district. Hopefully a sewer or something similarly nasty. "Don't worry! Ah'll fix that later!" Corona adds later, for the sake of the residents who might worry about how much she's breaking their home to protect it. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     "Oh no, I don't think so." Rebound says, as she points one of her gauntleted hands at the white faced, hooded guy, "You're going nowhere." She keeps her attention on him, finger pointed at him, "You're going to answer my questions, and then maybe walk on out of here."     She's not showing it, but her legs are starting to tense in case he decides that he's going to attack, or run. she's going to try to be prepared either way. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''      No shock for the fox; the tail twists the guy's arm, there's a sickening snapping sound and he goes down, crying out.     The sword comes out, and then someone else has also brought a sword to the magic fight. A massive man, with his hands wrapped around an equally massive sword. The steel sings, and as it sings there's a low moan of pain coming from it as he raises it with a feral smile. He has a long tattoo over his eye, covering swirled, broken, scarred skin.     "Let's dance." he offers, and charges Kirika.     The old woman and her grandson give a nod, and then jet as fast as they can away.     The steamcores are unaffected by the rocks and chunks of wood? Fine.     Someone lobs a ball of pure green mana at one of them. "HEY UGLY!" the mage calls out, her face pinched and her voice shrill, "YOUR GUILDMASTER IS A FAILURE! DROWN THE DRAGONS!"     "I told you that was a TERRIBLE IDEA TO SAY THAT!" the common sense rabble rouser calls in frustration, who is actually listening to the Boros.     "... well. There's quite a few leaders who are pointing out that if you want anything done, immediate action must be taken. If we don't fight for Ravnicans first, who will? Since we have no voice -- and most of us live in kinda remot areas and slums -- really there's only one or two guilds that even want us around..." he trails off, and then holds out a hand. "Quinn. Nice to meet you."     THUNDER CRASH!     The flare of light is noticed as the electro-staff weilding mage turns his gaze, expecting a knife but not getting a knife. That's not even close to a knife. A figure in a dark brown cloak appears on a rooftop, quietly watching but doing nothing for now.     And he goes down. He coughs, sputtering, half awake but in a bad way, fighting th eblows -- and the staff is lying to the side, still humming!     It would have been easy, but nothing worth doing is ever easy. The hammer bounces, and the mage gives a slimy grin -- and drops the shield -- and then Eve strikes true! The mage is caught, and sent against a wall as he breathes out in a guffaw of pain, the wind knocked out of him as he raises his hand as if to cast a spell --     This one is a mental spell, blue mana, and it tries to manipulate Eve into thinking that she's surrounding by snarling, spectral hellbeasts, toothy maws open wide!     \      No shock for the fox; the tail twists the guy's arm, there's a sickening snapping sound and he goes down, crying out.     The sword comes out, and then someone else has also brought a sword to the magic fight. A massive man, with his hands wrapped around an equally massive sword. The steel sings, and as it sings there's a low moan of pain coming from it as he raises it with a feral smile. He has a long tattoo over his eye, covering swirled, broken, scarred skin.     "Let's dance." he offers, and charges Kirika.     The old woman and her grandson give a nod, and then jet as fast as they can away.     The steamcores are unaffected by the rocks and chunks of wood? Fine.     Someone lobs a ball of pure green mana at one of them. "HEY UGLY!" the mage calls out, her face pinched and her voice shrill, "YOUR GUILDMASTER IS A FAILURE! DROWN THE DRAGONS!"     "I told you that was a TERRIBLE IDEA TO SAY THAT!" the common sense rabble rouser calls in frustration, who is actually listening to the Boros.     "... well. There's quite a few leaders who are pointing out that if you want anything done, immediate action must be taken. If we don't fight for Ravnicans first, who will? Since we have no voice -- and most of us live in kinda remot areas and slums -- really there's only one or two guilds that even want us around..." he trails off, and then holds out a hand. "Quinn. Nice to meet you."     THUNDER CRASH!     The flare of light is noticed as the electro-staff weilding mage turns his gaze, expecting a knife but not getting a knife. That's not even close to a knife. A figure in a dark brown cloak appears on a rooftop, quietly watching but doing nothing for now.     And he goes down. He coughs, sputtering, half awake but in a bad way, fighting th eblows -- and the staff is lying to the side, still humming!     It would have been easy, but nothing worth doing is ever easy. The hammer bounces, and the mage gives a slimy grin -- and drops the shield -- and then Eve strikes true! The mage is caught, and sent against a wall as he breathes out in a guffaw of pain, the wind knocked out of him as he raises his hand as if to cast a spell --     This one is a mental spell, blue mana, and it tries to manipulate Eve into thinking that she's surrounding by snarling, spectral hellbeasts, toothy maws open wide!     %Corona would find herself with the hammer in hand, and the cracks form a long, winding maw in the pavement as it crackles into being. The mage with the fan on high pauses, watching as the cracks form and then, with a Wilheim Scream, flals into the dark below! "AARUGH! IT SMELLS TERRIBLE DOWN HERE!"orona would find herself with the hammer in hand, and the cracks form a long, winding maw in the pavement as it crackles into being. The mage with the fan on high pauses, watching as the cracks form and then, with a Wilheim Scream, flals into the dark below! "AARUGH! IT SMELLS TERRIBLE DOWN HERE!" 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     \     %Corona would find herself with the hammer in hand, and the cracks form a long, winding maw in the pavement as it crackles into being. The mage with the fan on high pauses, watching as the cracks form and then, with a Wilheim Scream, flals into the dark below! "AARUGH! IT SMELLS TERRIBLE DOWN HERE!"orona would find herself with the hammer in hand, and the cracks form a long, winding maw in the pavement as it crackles into being. The mage with the fan on high pauses, watching as the cracks form and then, with a Wilheim Scream, flals into the dark below! "AARUGH! IT SMELLS TERRIBLE DOWN HERE!" 

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''     Kirika snarls a -very- inhuman snarl, one more akin to an actual fox, as she and the swordsman square off. "/Gladly/." She hisses, before she brandishes her katana with both hands.     She charges, her sword raised high as she slashes down upon the massive brute.     Now it's a real duel, one Kirika hasn't had in a long time, not since Kagenashi. She can't help but wonder if this was the sort of thing sensei dealt with back in his heyday. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Rather than 'finishing off' her opponent, Yuna fires a series of energy bolts at the fallen staff, trying to wreck it to the point it stops looking like more than a piece (or several pieces) of wood - finishing off his *weapon* instead of *him*. Then she actually tries to help her opponent back up, dismissing her weapon and offering him a hand. "So are you going to help solve your problems *and* the Namamurans' problems, given how closely related they are," she asks (loudly enough to be heard over the fray) with a nod towards the former Boros sergeant lady, "or are you just going to keep making things worse for everybody?" She's keenly aware of Eve potentially needing help, but leaving her foe half-conscious and sprawled on the ground in a riot situation means leaving him in severe danger of his life. If she can put this guy to work helping defuse the tensions instead of ratcheting them up, that'd be the best solution, right? 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' "Serves ya right," Corona replies to the screams from down below with a smirk. "All shit ends up in the sewer event'ally." One-liners aside, there's still plenty of riot to go around, regardless if they're being routed out or not. Corona puts the hammer back on her belt, and almost casually ambles across the streets turned battleground. Kirika had herself a real duel with the other swordsman. But even if they were keeping a distance from the kitsune's blade, Corona's seen enough big brawls to know any one of 'em could decide to not honor a fair duel at any moment. So the grey vixen saunters up behind the gathering, tossing her arms over two shoulders like she was one of the group and sticks her head between them. "Ah think he picked the wrong bitch to piss off." Her drawl probably gets an odd look from the two. But it's at the same moment that Corona stands up, grabs each on the side of the head with her large gauntlets, and goes to smack the two noggins together. "Buncha knuckle heads." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     After speaking her peace, the woman heaves another breath, glaring at the mob as if to say 'come at me with whatever you got, words or weapons, I don't care'. Her eyes turn up toward the Weirds as someone hurls a green manablast at one. Thankfully, with Melek and other magewrights in the area, the blasted weird tumbles off the building, but is quickly tended to by the other personel in the area.     Addressed by this 'Quinn', the former Boros member turns back to him and the other one arguing his point. "Not true. The Boros will accept those willing to serve, the Izzet will accept those willing to experiment, the Selesnyans will accept the desperate, and the Simic will accept those willing to care for others Hell even the Orzhova will accept ya if you just wanna sell somethin. You simply have to -talk- to the guilds, not assume they do not want you. And goin even further? The Rakdos will accept new members if you like fighting enough," she smirks, clears her throat, and just spits on the ground to her side. "Hate the bastids, but they'd still take people in. Any of the guilds will, you just gotta go in knowin what you -want-. Visit a damn recruitment hall near the Council Tower. Ya may be surprised by whatcha find."     Finally she turns to Quinn fully, accepting his handshake with a firm one of her own. "Skara Sparkblade. Former sergeant in the Legion, discharged on 'Refusin to obey orders'. Feh. Screw'm. Anyway, ya realize, most Guild membership comes with housin, right? You can get right outta the slums if you just pick one, Quinn. And as for fightin' for this city? You realize what's out there, right? Multiverse has been affectin' us for a decade, now. S'no way we can just shell up'n keep everyone out. We're part of a much bigger world. And iffin you fergot, the Union's helped the city on -four- different occasions. Don'tcha think that means enough?" 

:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''     Barrier magic, Eve's familiar with. She can plan around it, come up with alternatives, look for openings. She can recognize the power from her readings, and can easily come up with multiple counters and rank them on likelihood, speed of effect, and potential for ending a fight in a single blow.     Turns out her initial idea was a good one. The defense was temporary, and Eve's agility let her strike true far faster than the mage had expected. She had no need to manifest a trident, no need to bypass a watery attack, no need to attempt to vault over an invisible barrier. Simple is sometimes best really, as the speed of the attack prevented her foe from bringing up another defense right way.     The counterattack, however, wasn't something Eve had expected. It's not something easy or obvious that she's fought against before. If she recognized it as a mental illusion she'd have sure knowledge of how to overcome it, but her inexperience shows. She has no measure for this attack beyond the obvious, and she's well aware some mages can summon nightmarish hellbeasts! She whirls defensively, blocking phantom attacks with her shield, and shrinking her warhammer into a faster, deadlier sword. She's going to need the faster weapon, both to defend and to attack hellbeasts with.     The mage is not forgotten, not yet. Though he can summon phantoms, he isn't making himself invisible or encouraging Eve to forget him. The obvious answer to defeating the swarm of phantasms is to take out the summoner, so she turns her frenzied defense to a purpose. She dodges and whirls closer to the mage with each pass, not trying to destroy the phantasms but simply seeking to withstand them. Her sword is a menace, able to strike out at some slight range beyond her defense, and she uses it to try to cut her way through. Should she be able to beat the phantoms enough to get close enough to the mage, she'll introduce him to her shield. The sword is a menacing weapon, but Eve's not about to kill this guy. No, the sword's the active threat. The distraction from some potentially massive blunt trauma coming in from her left. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     There is the sound of swords caught in the air, steel on steel as the other swordsman catches and delects the blow. He exhales, and then readies for a carge of his own. There's the whisper of warnings int he air, giving contrasticing directions -- jump back! Look out! Duck! Feingt right! Dodge left! -- as the blade comes singing after Kirika.     The staff is wrecked, nerds. As Yuna turns to help the other mage up, though, there's a crackling, wicked sound, and the wrecked staff overloads! Seems it MIGHt have bene built by someone with Izzet tendencies! The staff explodes, forming a shockwave that knocks over the prone mage as he cries out, his mantle on fire! "AGH! I'M ON FIRE!" he cries out.     With that one liner neatly in hand (and hopefully no other crappy puns to be had ... except that one), two mages who had been considering plans of attack pause, and look at Corona before their heads bonk with the sound of wet bowling balls. What a buncha maroons.     "... that... that's not what we were told." Quinn states -- and the good Boros woman may realize that most of these Guildless are young. Maybe fifteen to twenty in age. Hardly any older than the Guildmaster of the Izzet would seem to be. He turns into the crowd, as if searching for someone. "Hey -- HEY! Did anyone here know that if you went to a Guild and asked nicely they'd probably let you join?" he calls out. A few of the other kids, largely mages, turn and... glance at one another.      The blue and black hooded man draws closer to the side when there's a shadow in the flash of lightning, and he turns to watch as Rebound descends -- and Rebound might find herself the subject of a sick fascination. Dust shifts around, the figure disappearing, blinking off to the side in a crouch. A bone white face gives a mirthless smile.     "Heeding advice, outsider, I'm going home."     And the blue-and-black hooded figure gives a toothy grin, raises his hands and tries to sap the life right out of Rebound! 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     THe phantasms snarl, and snap, and drool phantasmagoria at Eve, her weapons pass through them! The creatures begin to circle her as the mage keeps his eyes on her, hand raised, blue mana slowly dripping like water from his hand as he eases backwards and away from the group. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Skara absolutley notices the ages here. Still, to see that her words are actually REACHING them says a lot. "Who told you this?" she asks, voice still firm as her hands clench at her sides. She has a good idea who could be, but wasn't going to say it out loud. The thought of Dimir still roaming about, spreading lies, is a fact of Ravnica. "Trust me, kid. You go ask, you go get recruited, you'll be fine. S'how I joined up. Just a guildless cause my parents were that way when I was born. Boros were happy ta have me. You spread them words, 'aight? I gotta go knock some of these jokers' heads 'round for tellin' ya those lies." Unless she's stopped by Quinn, Skara would march off in the direction of a certain kangaroo. Spotting those Blue and Black colors? One hand slowly starts to reach behind her for the hilt of that fine looking sword. She breaks into a run when the tendrils reach out for Rebound, "Oh no ya don't!" Sliiice! For the spell, not the Dimir. "GET'M BEFORE THEY GET GOIN!" 

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''     Swords clash, and Kirika exchanges blow after blow with the brutish swordsman. "Why do you persist?! Why do you refuse to help yourself, only hurt others to ignore your own failings?" She roars, dodging and slashing as she uses mobility and speed to evade her opponent's attacks.     "Do you truly feel there is little option left? Are you afraid?" Her questions are as fierce and numerous as her attacks, as she and the swordsman square off, the kitsune leaping and dishing out a slash and kick at the larger man. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' If Yuna had expected it to blow up like THAT, she would have had Shugoseiheki between herself (and him) and the staff; as it is, though, she was more worried about the remaining rioters, and the blast knocks her over - with the kite shield acting almost like an anchor, weighing her left arm down. She's quick enough to dismiss Shugoseiheki, though, and scrambles back to her feet, trying to pull her erstwhile opponent's cloak off and swing the burning part through one of the blue, dripping phantoms which are menacing Eve. Her first thought is that the water elemental will help quench the flames - maybe damaging the cloth, hopefully not .... but if she can lend Eve a potentially much-needed hand at the same time? All the better; from what little she could see, Eve was holding her own but hadn't quite found a chance to gain the upper hand on her opponent. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     As the spell begins to come towards her, Rebound takes a step back. She's not sure how to fight magic. But it seems she doesn't have to, because somebody rushes in and cuts the spell out of the air. Well who knew you could do that?     "Okay. My turn, creep." Planting her right foot, Rebound shoves off, throwing herself through the air, right past Skara, and sailing towards the blue and black clad man.     She ducks low, aiming to take out of of his legs with a swift kick, and knock him to the ground. Once she gets him down, she'll roll on top and try to pin his arms, so he can't cast any more spells. 

:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''     Eve's only momentarily dismayed when her nanoblade fails to do anything to the phantasm. It takes but moments for her to figure it out. She's not sure if the beasts are simply illusion or just not material enough to be harmed. In the end it doesn't matter. If they can't be hurt, she reasons, they can't really do any serious harm to her now can they? Her weapon, after all, is a part of her. Anything that can't affect it probably can't affect the rest of her.     It's perhaps not the most compelling logic. Many things can hurt living flesh while leaving not a scratch on metal. But Eve's seen what she needs to, and makes a snap decision. Were she the sort of girl to grin, she'd be grinning now. Instead her lips press tightly together, a scowl of concentration as much as of annoyance, and she bursts into a flat-out run ducked low and close under her shield.     She sees Yuna coming to help, and can't help but feel a rush of gratitude. She'd be annoyed at others for interfering in her fight, but she can't be annoyed here. Besides the goal isn't to beat people up, it's to save innocents. This foolish mage is simply in the way. Eve roars a high battlecry, loud only in comparison to her normal quiet voice. She spins, bringing her sword around in a gleaming backhand arc. And.... pulls back, continuing the spin. A feint. She comes around instead, leading this time with the flat of her shield like a punching giant. Okay well, not really like a giant. She lacks the mass to do that, but she makes up for the lack of mass with excessive speed. The spread-out surface of the shield just helps to make sure the blow hits and that it won't utterly crush whatever it hits. She's going for battered and dazed here, not broken or crumpled. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' There's no question that Kirika has this fight well in hand. Corona was just making sure a couple of bozos don't butt in and ruin the duel between two skilled swordfighters. There's a few clangs as she dusts her gauntlets off against each other, then turns to the rest of the group still loitering around the duel. "As fer the rest of you." Corona rests one gauntlet clad paw on her hip, and manages a pretty imposing stern look despite her lithe stature. Maybe it's unusual orange color of her eyes. Or maybe it's the hat. Or the poncho. "Ah reckon y'all should start listenin' to what that lady o'er yonder has been sayin'. Y'know the sayin' about oppritunity knockin'?" Corona makes a grand sweeping away gesture with other arm. "Complete piddly squat. Oppritunity don't just happen. Ya go and -make- it happen." The turns to level a metallic finger at the group. "So stop sittin' in the sticks, throwin' pity parties fer yerself and pointin' blame at others. Y'all all wanna make better of yerselves? She just told ya were to go. So go, find your oppritunity." And clamps the outstretched hand in a grasping motion. "And ya SEIZE it." 

:'''{{#var:639|Merlin (639)}} has posed:'''     Meanwhile, in Dun Realtai, the maids and cooks wonder just how long that great white dragon is going to be lurking in the keep. She'd appeared as a human girl - the 'she' only a guess because of that - but then had been...restored? It isn't known. Only a very few had entered, even now finding the great creature sleeping fitfully. But they were brave...knowing and reminding each other of their Steward's Lady, and the rumors that the flaxen-haired swordswoman was descended of dragns as well. At the very least, the white dragon - named by Bedivere as 'Rhapsody,' a curiously musical name for such a great creature - in the keep had been hungry, the plate cleared each time. It just ... seems to be nearly hibernating in sorrow.     Or maybe Merlin's just lazy and enjoying the quiet attention and all the free food. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The ages of everyone around are young -- except for the three wearing blue and black.     Or was it four? Hrm. The figure at the rooftop in the brown wraps their cloak around themselves a little tighter, as if cold. Quinn, meanwhile, gives a nod and hurries off to the side, planting whispers in other's ears.     The huge man with the sword catches and aparries back Kirika's blows, one by one, seemingly on equal footing, if defensive.     "What other options are there? To be taken over? By OUTSIDERS? We have enough of a culture war here, we don't need anyone else!" he protests as he slices, dices, and attempts to make jullienne fries out of the fox!     Yuna has a bright idea, but the phantasmal hounds are precisely that -- phantasmal! They do nothing except make a lot of noise and take hits, and once the owner turns and makes a run for it, they disappear in a puff of mana and smoke.     The man narrows his eyes, pale face forming a growl as Rebound ducks low and he leaps up off the ground, avoiding the kick. Apparently he can not only cast, he can move too. He withdraws a dagger, holding it in a moderately loose grip and steps into the kangaroo's hitbox, looking to slash across her front! "Should have listened and stayed away!"     Eve has the right of it -- they're not real. The mage is trying to get away and he's lead into the feint, his body tilting slightly until he's hit, and he trips, falling forward, scraping against the cobbles in the Namamura District's road. He gives a soft cry, one of his hands hanging at the /wrong/ angle for a hand.     Some of the group appear to listen.     And some of the group get darker expressions.     "We are seizing our opportunity." one of the young women say as she draws up her hand, and green mana crackles against her as she summons creatures to her aid.     From all around, every street there begins a low chittering, the pitter-pat of tiny feet. The chittering of teeth on teeth, on wood, on bone. The remaining few curious Namamura Refugees hurry into their homes as the green mage's other hands rise up.     And the summon is complete. Guildless who have fallen by the wayside begin to scream as their ankles are viciously attacked, ever-growing teeth gnawing, little ears flicking and fluffy tails following behind as one of the most damning thing a green mage can summon makes their way into the district and begins to viciously, voraciously CHEW.     Literally, thousands of squirrels. 

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''     "They have no interest in conquest, they are refugees from a world conquered by invaders! THEY HAD NOWHERE TO GO!" Kirika's not even trying to be restrained now, as she presses the assault further. "RAVINCA WELCOMED THEM WITH OPEN ARMS, NOW YOU SEEK TO DRIVE THEM AWAY! You are no better than the traitor guardian Yunomi, in that regard, and -that- is beyond forgiveness." She snarls, before her hand burns with holy flames.     She sends said flames towards the swordsman, aiming right for the face like she was throwing sand in his eyes. It's not gonna end well for him at all, and she aims to slash at one of his legs with a fierce strike, swift like the most biting of winds. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The hooded figure assaulting Rebound has more than just the mutant to deal with. When they move to attack, Skara puts the sword away, returning to just their fists. As she stomps forward, the woman hauls back and looks to deck Dimir-Apparent mage, partly expecting to miss, but satisified if they feel flesh and/or bone against their first.     About now, people start to panic about something behind her. A glance is sent toward Rebound, hoping the kangaroo can capture the agent before turning fully to the Squirrelmagedon. "... That's a problem.."     The stampede of critters causes the Gelectrode Weirds to move into action at the command of Malek. A dozen move to make a wall of weirds, and then they drive their hands down, looking to put an electrical charge into the ground, enough to stun, but not to kill, humans and other bipeds. The squirrels may have other issues, however. If the Gelectrodes have enough power to stop the critterpocolypse, however, is a question Malek and one other isn't certain of. 

:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''     Though softhearted in some ways, Eve has pretty much zero sympathy for this mage she just injured. Broken bones heal, and he made his case quite clearly when he said he'd willingly kill children. The only things Eve truly regrets are those which can never be undone.     This mage seems to be out of it though, or at least to have more on his mind than killing innocents. The ... squirrels though, that's another matter. Squirrels... seriously. Eve emits a long-suffering sigh and heads towards the thick of things, shifting the mass of her nanoshield into high-necked metal shit-kicker boots and turning her weapon slowly into a long, sturdy broom with which to swat rodents. This is... going to get ugly. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     Okay, the guy has a dagger. Rebound can deal with a dagger. It's easier to deal with than magic, "I got this." She shifts her weight as he goes to try to slash at her, moving to grab the dagger out of his hands as he comes in on her.     She has her gauntleted hands to keep her safe from the blade. If she can actually grab the blade with one hand, she'll bring her other around in a hook to strike the guy trying to slash her, "Alright asshole, I just wanted you to answer some questions, but now I've decided to just beat the answers out of you!" She doesn't even have any questions to ask though, so she's just hitting him to hit him 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite's ears flick back upright at the sound of chittering and pattering paws. Which is followed by a long sigh as she rubs a gauntleted hand down her face as she realizes what the sounds are similar to. They sound like the argopelters back home. Which are basically giant squirrels that hide in tries and throw things like nuts and splinter branches at predators. Or unwary lumberjacks. These squirrels seem to be more the bitey chewy kind, but it's still enough of a similarity to make Corona's tail bristle from the shiver down her spine. "Oh y'all got to be kiddin' me. This ain't seizin' nuttin', this is just spreadin' chaos." Cute fluffy chaos, but chaos none the less. Corona shuffles under her poncho, this time pulling out the squared-horseshoe shape of her matter manipulator. She flicks it on, and pulls out a bundle of spheroids from it's subdimensional storage. Grenades? Definately look like grenades. Fortunately, this is Corona having prepared for non-lethal measures. She lobs one towards the nearest cluster of squirrels, but instead of explosions it detonates in a spray of adhesive gunk that'll trap any critter it gets stuck to without actually hurting it much. If only so they can be gathered up and tossed back to the wild later. For good measure she also tosses one of the adhesive grenades at the mage that summoned them to keep her from doing it -again-. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Normally, Yuna doesn't really have a problem with squirrels .... but that's a *LOT* of squirrels running around all of a sudden, and not only did they come out of nowhere, but she can't even be sure what they're chewing on - the Guildless, of course, but are they chewing on the buildings of the Namamura District as well? Or anything or anyone else? It's a good time to be airborne, Yuna decides. With that, Elner calls Erina in, and the purple-and-white android flies down to Yuna; one transformation sequence later, Yuna is in Flight Form and takes to the air, looking towards the squirrels' summoners. "Call them off," Yuna tells them. "I don't know what you summoned the squirrel swarm for, but call them off before people start getting hurt worse than they already have been." 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     What's glad in gray, and sucks all the fun out of a room? No matter if they're in the council chambers, in their apartments or homes, no matter where,     Oh yes, the Magic-Eaters.     In paticular, a cell of them begins to make its way through the crowd, absorbing the ambient magic. Fireballs fizzle to lighter fires. LIghtning to sparks as the dampening effect takes place, and in the midst of them, with a huge, bright smirk, is Ijiwaru.     THe guildless mages on the outskirts, towards the combatants are still at full power, of course as some of the cell begin to move through the crowds with ruthlessness, knocking people taken by surprise when their magic ceases to work out with blows to the back of their heads. Ijiwaru, meanwhile, just calmly stands at the center, leaning on a cane.     He is also baring a sword. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     OH GOD SQUIRRELS EVERYWHERE. This was the best/worst idea, and the figure in brown at the top of the building appears to be keeping everything under a watchful eye, until the magic eaters arrive.     The figure turns and disappears off the rooftop, hopping down towards the back before anyone could see them.     The fire from Kirika's holy blows strikes at the swordsman. He gives a harsh cry and falls, the slash at his leg nearly separating knee from long bone. The squirrels are flattened, electroducted rerouted, and generally taken care of.     TWo of the three hooded figures are captured, one disappearing into the crowds that try to flee from the squirrels, squirrles trying to get in everywhere. People are trying to sweep them out of houses! Out of weirds! Out of their pants!     THe Chitterpocalypse continues around them, though when the magically summoned squirrles approach the magic eaters, they all begin to chitter even louder, and retreat. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     As the weirds line up, and the other fighters begin to deal with the squirrley mob, Skara just squints at everyone that has shown up to assist the Namamura district. So much for punching some Dimir in the face. It's the louder chittering that draws the former Boros Agent's attention. Slowly she turns, sees the issue, sees the magic eaters, and then sees the man with the blade. For a long moment the former Sergeant just glares, but after another moment or two, she starts to march in his general direction.     A new face in the Namamura District, completely unaware of the situation at large, once close enough, she actually reaches out to offer her hand to shake. "Lucky ya came, there, sir. I think them squirrles woulda been a -massive- issue, speakin' as a former Boros Legionare. Squirrels? Generally harmless. Mobs of them? Far worse, 'specially when summoned. Skara Sparkblade. And you are?" 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     "Ijiwaru, madam Sparkblade... please, forgive me for not shaking hands; my culture has slightly different ways." He gives a sweet smile, and bows to the good lady. "And I tend to be hazardous for the health of the magical." he states regretably. He looks over the other gathered combatants, and gives a small sigh. "Though I'm afraid aiding in this fight has thrown me off my true quarry... she seems to have left the area again. Disappointing... oh, well. No bother. I'm glad we were able to help." he gives a sweet smile to Sparkblade, pouring on the charm.     He's not really expecting anyone else to make their way up to him. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna stays airborne, scowling as she sees the Magic-Eaters coming in. Exactly what Ijiwaru is doing *here*, she doesn't care to guess - but she's giving him and his 'tribe' a very wide berth. Let *them* deal with the squirrels for all she cares; the summoners seem to have bolted, as best she could see. If they were arrested by somebody, great; if they fled, not so great - but things seem to be settling down, and THAT is the important thing. With things apparently settling down, Yuna descends to see what shape the Namamura District is in - helping make sure nobody got buried under any collapsed buildings, things like that. If she needs to help with some heavy lifting, it's not that hard for her to switch to Powered Form - she can just have Jiina combine with her battlesuit in Erina's place. 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''     With her guy disarmed and taken into custody, Rebound heads back over to where that woman who helped her was. Of course as she approaches, she does spot Ijiwaru as well. The kangaroo frowns a little bit, "What the hell are you doing here? I don't see any fancy suit stores around here." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "Oh, yeah, I suppose that would be a kinda issue, wouldn't it?" She takes a step back, offers a haphazard bow of her own, and speaks again once she's straight again. "I recently moved into the area, actually helped build it a bit back when I was still in the Legion. I was lucky enough to find a little place near the back, over there," she makes a motion with a hand, "Though I kinda kicked out the door cause these Guildless folk wanna go 'round blamin' other folks for their own shortcomings. Was able to talk a few down. The rest.. well," she glances over with a smile, "They were handled. Thankfully. I only know a little 'bout what's going on around here. Sorry whoever yer after got away." A glance is given Rebound, "Ya do realize he helped us, right?" 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     "It would be, it's quite unfortunate in fact." The magic eater pauses, and then leans back, motioning towards the hovel, and a few other fo his team give nods, then he offers a slitehring smile.     "My good lady, we are going to be aiding in the recovery of this district -- if you would like, we do have spare quarters elsehwere in the city." 

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:''' The kangaroo frowns a little bit as she looks at the man and his suit. Well she can't do what she was thinking when he's got a lot of people around him and, honestly, isn't doing anything wrong. She does look to Skara, "Yeah, fine. He helped." She says, "But I still don't trust him." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "I appreciate that, Sir Ijiwaru, but I kinda like the folk around here. I'll be fine right where'm at. What exactly are you goin' to be doin, anyway? The place is secure, now, ain't it?" She points at the weirds, the other magewrights, and the Union folk that showed up. "S'all good, now, or'm I missin' something?" Then to Rebound, "Eh, it happens. Don't worry about it, eh? Lets just clean this place up. The folks are gonna need a few extra hands to deal with the aftermath." 

:'''{{#var:1037|Ijiwaru (1037)}} has posed:'''     Ijiwaru turns to Rebound, and gives a bow. "Then you are wiser than some, my friend, but perhaps less wise than others. I am bound by the Ravnican council, my word is true and I have been perfectly transparanet. It is unfortunate that you do not beleive me." Ijiwaru gives a small shrug of his shoulders, and turns back to the lovely Boros member. "Well, if ever you need me," he states, and produces a business card, bowing and offering it with both hands. "My card. Simply tap it twice... I should pick it up." he gives a small smile. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     After accepting the card, the woman reads it over, flips it over, then pockets it, "Appreciate it. I'll keep it in mind. Thank ya kindly. Have a good night, you too," she says first to Ijiwaru, then to Rebound, before wandering off to that little shack. Once inside, she actually tugs the door up, wrestles with it a moment, and once it is in place, all's quiet.     Inside, however, the card is set on a small table before armor is removed and she flops over onto the matress. . . . in a few hours, after everything calms down, her and the bluish shadow in the corner would simply vanish from the place, card still there. Clearly this woman also had a few other things to do elsewhere... 
}}

4527/At the Edge of Ruin

2016-11-18T02:30:32Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/09/08 |Location=City of Ravnica <Rav> |Synopsis=Those looking for Yunomi finally find her.... |Cast of Characters=272, 325, 482, 300 |Tinyplot..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/09/08
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav>
|Synopsis=Those looking for Yunomi finally find her....
|Cast of Characters=272, 325, 482, 300
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     There's a memory... of how we used to be -- that I can see through the flames.     There was a section of ruins that has been burned out, firebombed into near oblivion. The stones here crackle and are blackened with soot, trees and any other growth twisted for want of sustenence.     Life does not thrive here, and it was here that a figure clad in a dark brown hooded cloak emerges from the dark from some secreted away tunnel. The Izzet Access tunnels go deep and travel long. Plain, brown leather boots thump along the ground quietly as ears shift beneath the hood, listening for any sign of scavengers or spiders...     ... of any variety.     Meanwhile, at Nivix, as soon as Yunomi emerges from the dark, the newly repaired Pidge lights up, brilliant azure and scarlet lights flashing as he goes to orbit the Guildmaster, beeping and blipping excitedly, trying to make that connection to the goggles around Yunomi's neck. Yu glances up from where she was repairing a pocket watch, and squeaks excitedly into a radio: "GUILDMASTER! Guildmaster, Pidge just lit up like /CHRISTMAS/. She must be above ground!" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Ever since Yuna had visited and sang to the Guildmaster, she had slipped into a sleep that she had simply not awoken from until right about now. The sounds of Pidge being exited, and Yu calling out into the radio is enough set the dragon stirring, "... Eh? Wha? ... You're in the aer- ... where?" she asks, only realizing that it was her Comm-Crystal speaking, and not anyone in the lair. After taking a few moments to process, the dragon realizes what was said. Yunomi has revealed herself. Truly? After hiding so long, why now? It was not the way Rhapsody had expected this to happen. She, instead, had expected sly words from a forked tounge coming from the crystal instead. This was... unexpected.     In a flash, the dragon is back to her 'normal,' familiar form. A glance around the room reminds her of a rampage days earlier. A few moments are taken to collect a spellblade, then the other, then an Izzet Signet which she stares at for a long moment, then with a sigh, tosses the signet into the hoard. Off to one side of the room, she rummages through a closet in the wall. Rather than the vivid blue and red colors she typically wears, a drab, grey, colorless coat is instead pulled over her arms and shoulders before she starts toward the doors.         It was going to be another very long day. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Coordinates were given; no matter his task at the moment, Sir Bedivere of Dun Realtai needed no further encouragement to go. It's rare for him to leave a task unfinished, but for this, he would give it no second thought.   So it is that Bedivere arrives at the coordinates in question, frowning at the desolation of the earth. It reminds him of Dun Realtai before Yunomi worked her literal magic, with ash instead of green, scorched earth crackling underfoot.   He takes its condition in for a long moment, mulling over the scent of ash and soot even as he keeps an ear out. The others here know best how to handle this; he intends to defer to their lead.   Instead, he considers the ruins with some interest. Old things like this interest him; he had always been curious about the stories those ancient Roman ruins in Camelot's lands had to tell.   For now, the knight is alone, wearing his full plate armour and his mantled white cloak. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The knight is alone, wearing full plate armor and a mantled white cloak.     And from behind him steps a figure, clad in dark brown, the edges of the cloak in taggers from inumerable snags and catches in the dark. The wind whispers, caressing along the ruins like the hands of a bone-handed lover, catching upon ashes and sending them up to the gray sky. Lightning crackles, and rain threatens in the pregnant clouds above.     The figure stares long and hard at that white mantled cloak, unknowing that overhead a brightly beeping Izzet drone has honed in on the signal from her goggles, and is closing in at a fast clip -- eager to be reunited, eager to reunite Rhapsody with the offworld guardian. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     While Rhapsody was on her way from Nivix to the coordinates Pidge had gone to, Beidvere and Yunomi would have a few moments alone. The dragon wanted to come as quietly as possible, which required a pretty long walk. Well it was probably a run at this point amidst a thunderstorm of turmoil in her head, hoping against hope that a Certain Someone wasn't going to show up at the same time. "Please.. just allow me a moment alone with her.. Just a moment," she pleads, glancing skyward at the only star she could see. The second was still missing... 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Bedivere is a master at knowing when he's being watched. Even if he doesn't see his observer, he's learned to hone that suspicious little sense; that twinge when one feels another's eyes upon them. It was a survival skill for him, once upon a time, and a hard one to shake.   So when someone suddenly appears on the road behind him, the knight is in the air; turning, sword ripping from its scabbard and pointing straight at Yunomi's head--   "Lady Stadler." Bedivere's greeting is an explosive breath, both of relief and worry. "Please do not come upon me from behind. It is... dangerous." Another glance is cast to make sure they're still alone; that nobody's watching. Such as creeps like Ijiwaru. Once he's satisfied, the knight bows his head in relief, even though his expression is one of worry. "Ah... I am so relieved to see that you are safe. I had worried." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yunomi watches. She flinches when Bedivere draws his weapon, but stands her ground. At least if she were to die to Bedivere, Ijiwaru would not get the pleasure.     But the cut never comes. The tanuki's dark eyes open when he says her name, and immediately fights between embracing him and disappearing, and she gives a loud breath outward, her eyes on that armor, the white mantle catching what little light there is.     Her voice wavers, grinding against itself as if she hadn't spoken in days, the softness and clear notes from it gone as she harshly hisses: "You shouldn't have come here, Bedivere."     And it was the sole reply made to her steadfast friend before she strikes.     Yunomi's right hand lights up green as she focuses mana, and draws backwards from the knight, grambles reaching up for his legs, thorns trying to ensnare the armor to hold him still! 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         "What are you doing?!"     The one voice Yunomi may want to hear, and not want to hear, at the same time. The guildmaster's run slows to a skidding halt, eyes wide as Yunomi actually attacks Bedivere. They had worked together so much! Was Ijiwaru actually -right-? The one question that has been on Rhapsody's mind since presentation day comes thundering out of her as if she were in her true form.          "WHY?!"     How is it one word can ask for -so- much..? 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   The point of the sword dips until it nearly drags in the dust. He remembers to return it to his scabbard, but no sooner is that done than a monstrous bramble is reaching for him with deadly intent. Very pointed intent, anyway. Thorns and all. See what we did there?   Bedivere leaps backward, but the plant has already caught him; it fouls his footing and keeps him in close to the tanuki.   "Aurgh--!"   The blade tears from its scabbard and whirls a full circle, glittering silver as he brings it up and then down on a section of vine in a vicious headsman's chop; the only stroke strong enough to sever such a tough cord. If he can sever it. He'll settle for deterring it.   "What are you doing?" Oops, it's got his leg. Bedivere's expression shifts to one of annoyance as he feels thorns prick at him at the gaps between armour pieces. That actually kinda hurts. "Stop this foolishness. And put up some preconceived notion of sparing or protecting me, or the others who wish to assist you; we act because we /choose/ to."   Bedivere thins his lips, looking down a moment to set a hand to a particularly enthusiastic vine and try to pull it away, before its grip grows strong enough for thorns to puncture steel. That would be very very painful. "Now call off your attack-dog vines, and we may discuss this like civil folk." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     What /is/ she doing? The mage keeps drawing backwards, the vines continuing to draw upwards. She's not putting effort into make it punch through his armor, though the ocasional prick of a thorn finding its way is unavoidable. If she wanted, she could crush him between trees. She hears Rhapsody's voice above her, and Pidge's frantic, questioning beeping.     Pidge brought them here... and she gives a soft hiss, reaching up and feeling the warmth of her activated goggles. She overlooked that.     "There is nothing civil about War, Bedivere, R-Guildmaster." she states cooly, and she makes another vine grow from her left hand.     This shifts, turning into a long, twisting, black naginata, and she spreads her arms, the tattered cloak whipping up in the wind, and it's plain to see the armor was blood red beneath... and blue...     And black. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' "War? What damn war?! Wars are fought by ARMIES, not by single people!" Rhapsody yells, moving to take another step, but stopping cold when the Naginata is brought forward. What makes the dragon truly stagger, however, are the colors. Red and blue are fine, but if you add black? Well, that could cause any of the three Mizzet kits to freeze in their tracks. Those were the colors of a dragon that wanted nothing more than death and carnage across the entire city, and beyond.     "...Answer me..." it's soft, but stern, like water coming to a boil slowly.. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Those vines could have easily become coils like steel, crushing him to a pulp between the thorns. Why is she holding back? Either she wants to send a message, or she's being watched. Or, he reasons, even as he gauges how tightly the vines grab him, she thinks /Rhapsody/ is being watched.   He had caught that flicker of hesitation in her. He's reasonably certain she wouldn't be engaged in this foolishness without good reason. Perhaps, he reasons, something is going so far as to pressure her into defying the Ravnican Guild?   There comes an exasperated sound as the vine becomes a sword. Yunomi gives her philosophical explanation, and the knight...   The knight just sighs. The sword flicks up so he's holding it upright with both hands, clearly a defensive posture. Despite that, he doesn't strike out.   "I really suggest that you answer Miss Rhapsody, first, rather than spend your effort trying to put me down." Bedivere points this out quite politely. "As for the latter, you are simply wasting your effort. One of my greatest talent as a soldier was the ability to hold a line, you know. Perhaps I will not put you down, for I have no desire to strike at you... but you will not put me down, either. Not without significant effort; a Pyrrhic victory, really. Do you really want to waste what I am certain is limited time with that pointless goal? We would be much better off talking our way through this." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     "Wars are fought by numbers, by those in positions of power, and the inside of ourselves. Some over months, some over centuries, some never quite burn out." Yunomi replies in a soft hiss, and she tears the goggles from around her, snapping the quick-release at their side, and throwing them towards Rhapsody. "I offered you a chance for your freedom and you chained yourself. Your war has just begun, Guildmaster. His..."     Yunomi turns, and for the briefest of moments her eyes are seen in the shadow of the hood. She's terrified, in pain. She raises her left hand, showing the massive scar forming of boiled and burned skin on her left arm, cauterized against infection. Her eyes lay on Bedivere, and there was conflict,     "Is soon to be at an end."     Yunomi's fingertips have a slight blue glow on her right, but the left still carries green. She raises her hands, and the barbs grow a little more steel, instead of a finger's width, they have that of a man's wrist as they errupt from the ground, creating a mass of broken earth with intent to bury the knight alive.     Words, may echo in both Bedivere and Rhapsody's heads, imprints, not quite a voice:     STOP HER, RHAPSODY! 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "Who am I talking to?! Umehana Odanuki who may have went to war with those Magic-Eaters and possibly killed people, or Yunomi Stadler who is a proud daughter to Richard Stadler and the most prominent Izzet League apprentence that was picked by NIV-MIZZET HIMSELF?!" the dragon roars out thanks to her brother. It was easily one of her brother's stranger theories, but at this point, she was just hoping to remind an ally, a family member, a dear friend, just who she IS, and not who she WAS.     The words smash into her head like a load of bricks. She isn't sure where they came from, or why, but the guildmaster takes it into consideration long enough to erupt into her true, draconic form, once again. With a roar, the dragon goes -charging- across the ground between them, wings spreading, front limbs looking to tear Bedivere away from the collapsing ground while her tail thrashes out in her wake, looking to knock the tanuki aside. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Bedivere only tilts his head as he studies Yunomi, something approaching puzzlement flickering through his grim expression. What is this nonsense about war she's spouting? It doesn't make a lot of sense to him, at least as far as she hasn't seemed to reach a point yet.   In fact, he doesn't have time to do more than tilt his head before the earth erupts beneath him. A chasm yawns opens underfoot, one deep enough that he has no illusions about his survivability if he falls into it.   Bedivere doesn't even have time to call for help. He only manages a strangled, wordless yell of alarm.   And then he is tackled by a dragon.   There's a thud of impact as Rhapsody charge-tackles him away from the crumbling earth. With one hand he clings like death to the claws that hold him; with the other, he makes sure not to lose his sword. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The blue light fades from Yunomi's fingertips, replaced by green when --     Oh, there's a wing!     WHUMP! Yunomi takes the wing to pretty much her everything, sending skidding along the dirt and ash, sent tumbling to the side. She had been expecting spell blades or lightning coming at her.     NOT A DRAGON.     It was a miscalculation, and she draws herself up, the brambles turning further into ash as she pulls her hood further down over her face. She grasps another stone, shifting it from its natural form to another twisted naginata, and she sails upwards.     Just like fighting the Kaiju. Big creatures don't move fast, she reminds herself, and her hand glows green for a second time.     "I am who I have always been." is her only vocal response, before vines rise up, the ground rumbling, rupturing, curling up and around, trying to take the wings of the dragon, her tail, her hind legs!     And with it, retrain a grasp on Bedivere! 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' "ANSWER THE QUESTION!" Rhapsody roars out, trying to throw Bedivere clear of the vines before feeling the same vines latching onto her scaleless hide, causing her to careen downward in an arc rather suddenly before her form crashes into the ground. Hard.     A loud groan comes from Rhapsody. She wasn't very accustomed to being her trueself. Actually being -hurt- in the same form was foreign to her. Feeling places hurt she never felt before. It was -odd- but at the same time right. "Why won't you answer me," she growls, pulling at the vines a moment before, instead, using the breath weapon she's always had. Not fire, just raw white energy... possibly mana! Hard to tell with dragonsfire. "All I have had is puzzle pieces, and I'm tired of missing some of them! -ANSWER MY QUESTION-!" 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   No sooner has he been tackled off his feet than the knight is bodily hurled aside to avoid the grasping tendrils of the vines. He hits the ground with a stomach-turning crunch, a sound that can't possibly be just steel. Hopefully it was just some kind of reinforcing material in his armour, and not something important.   Flung into the ash and dust, he rolls a few times before coming to rest in a vague heap of tangled limbs, and somewhere in all that, an old, polished sword. Something in the midst of the heap spasms; Bedivere coughs, throwing up a plume of ash.   He remembers himself almost too late, rolling back to his feet with a grunt, though his expression looks about as grey as the ash underfoot. Something important got either broken or sprained; he tests his arm carefully, wincing and keeping half his eye on the unfolding duel.   Bedivere, perhaps wisely, elects not to say anything. Maybe he can avoid attracting Yunomi's attention again while he tests his limbs and makes sure everything's in mostly working order. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Pidge, meanwhile, considers it /wise/ to not be orbiting either Yunomi or Rhapsody at this moment, and instead worriedly orbits Bedivere, beeping in concern.<<This way is up!>> it seems to say in its cheerful beeps.     "You keep asking the question, but I keep giving you the answer! I am who I have always been, who I will always be!"     A dog. A creature. A protector. A murderer.     A Monster.         A Guardian.     The green light fades from the tanuki's hands, and she braces herself, eyes narrowed beneath the hood. Oh, but her chest hurts, a burning, searing pain. She circles around in the air, armor caked with ash and dirt. Some wound has opened on her right arm, and it's trailing blood down to her elbow, where it drips off.     "You're Mizzet. You're /good/ at figuring this stuff out. Or can't you beleive the words I've ever said?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "I want to hear it from YOU!" The dragon roars out. "Why would you so suddenly throw away everything? You've had! The past can stay in the past, you are what you are -NOW-! That's why I want you to answer the question!" The words have taking a sort of pleading tone despite the fact Rhapsody has, instinctively, taken up a dragon's defensive stance. Side to her, wings half open, tail flicking about behind, still facing the tanuki. She says a single thing she heard a few years ago, and she finds it prudent to say even now. It was at the bottom of the message, after all.                     "Don't you understand?!"                       "WE CAN DO ANYTHING."                 "WE CAN EVEN MAKE THE WORLD STOP!" 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   After a moment Bedivere manages to sort himself out, picking himself up to his feet with a strangled sound of pain. Yes hello that hurts pretty badly. It's probably not a break, though, or at least not a serious one. Or not as serious as it could be.   It might hurt like the dickens, but at least all the moving parts are still generally able to move... more or less.   Grunting, Bedivere tests his sword arm, eyeing the battle from his vantage point. A vantage point is good. It means not getting fried by a dragon's breath. White or orange or red, it doesn't much matter; fire is fire. He'd prefer to keep a safe distance. An absurdly safe distance.   Cowardly? Maybe. But Bedivere is also incredibly practical. He can't parlay with Yunomi if he's a charcoal briquette, can he?   "Can you speak?" he asks of the little machine, reaching up as though to give it a place to land. Then, with a quick glance at the battle of the titans over there, he shakes his head. "What should I do?"   He could get involved, but those two far outclass him in terms of supernatural muscle... and in Rhapsody's case, literal muscle. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     The little orb burbles to itself happily in its own mechanical tongue, beeping, flashing lights, and generally being adorable as it orbits worriedly around Bedivere, pausing one moment as Bedivere asks a question, and then the orb drops down, thumping its mizzium shell into Bedivere's hand, and gives a sad little beep, and a soft 'whrrrr' of its gears.     "You wouldn't understand. Why throw away everything I worked for? Everything I clamoured, and scraped, and burried myself in?" she snarls. The more I fight, the more I work -- the more I dig into the dirt.     Yunomi's green mana leaches away, and turns red. She draws herself slightly upwards, floating in air as she breathes out.     "Give up everything /I Loved/... why do you think I would throw it all away, Rhapsody Mizzet? What would make me kill my friend and mentor, so horrible as to make your /father/ turn away from me?" she asks, and she forces her lips into a wicked grin.     "Maybe someone offered me a better deal." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     That earns a long, hard, stare from the dragon. "You're lying," are the first words that come out of the dragons muzzle. "Whoever this is? They aren't offering you friends, family, a place to belong, relationships you can't have anywhere else. I don't think anyone gave you a better deal at -all-. I think you're either not yourself or you are protecting me from something. What could anyone else possibly offer?" 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Alas, it is a no. It is, however, the most adorable no in the history of nos. Bedivere almost feels bad about asking. He hefts the mizzium sphere, turning it this way and that, studying the thing even as he keeps half his attention on the battle. No speech doesn't help him much, but maybe it's better to let this play out as it was meant to be... however that may be.   He's listening to the battle even as he does, hefting the sphere thoughtfully. "Hm. While it may be wise to intervene, I do not think that is the wisest course, at the moment." He frowns, sheathing his sword with a trembling hand. Yep, still excruciatingly painful. "Whatever answer Miss Rhapsody seeks, she must hear it from Lady Stadler..."   He lowers himself into a crouch, watching the two warily. So far, he seems to have escaped notice. That's good. He doesn't have any magic words to get Yunomi to stop; and anyway, it seems as though she wouldn't listen to anything right now. She's like a horse that's taken the bit in its teeth. All you can do is let it run itself out.   Bedivere makes an exasperated sound. That doesn't mean it's pleasant to watch, though. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     "How would you know? What have I said to you that's been true? That I would never /dreaam/ of taking the reigns from you? That I would follow you to the ends of the multiverse?" Yunomi gives a cold laugh, her head shaking.     The burn in her chest is unbearable. "Or when I said that I didn't want to follow you, that someone offered a deal that I just couldn't pass up fi I turned the Izzet over to them? Izzet so hard to beleive, Rhapsody Mizzet, that someone who fought and killed for so long would possibly have an ulterior motive?" she questions, "Or are you living in denial because you /love/ me?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' "I'm living this way because of words YOU wrote and then proceeded to hide from EVERYONE!" The dragon roars. "You've been looking for a way to bring him back! About accessing a place only he could have hoped to go! I know why you built the Nexus, I know why you are doing -all- of it. JUST BE HONEST DAMNIT! STOP HIDING! Whatever you are trying to do we can do it -together- because I want him back just as much as you do, all three of us do! You don't have to do it alone!" It is possible that Rhapsody was talking about the notebooks they had found, but... perhaps for reasons, she's being a little vague about it. Just cause she couldn't see a snake didn't mean it wasn't there.     "I'll answer one of the questions for you. Right now. 'Will I even see you alive?' OF COURSE YOU WILL. HE WAS RIGHT THERE. HE IS RIGHT THERE. HE WILL -ALWAYS- BE RIGHT THERE WAITING FOR US TO BRING HIM HOME!" 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' It had taking time. Richard had meant it when he said he was done dealing with Rhapsody, /couldn't/ deal with Rhapsody, despite whatever side she might have been on. She was comprimised, and that meant he had to manuever things himself. Granted... all it had taken was time. Once Pidge started orbiting, and Rhapsody started moving, it had been easy enough to track their general location. Then there was just a matter of narrowing it down for the drones. Thorns, angry, thrashing dragons, and bright mana certainly helped in that regard. But it led to shadows moving in the ruins, lurking on the sides. And one of them, a camoflauged, faceless sergeant in a guile suit, put his hand to an ear. Clicked his mic twice. Took a deep breath, and squeezed the trigger. The sound might actually be well camoflauged; supressors weren't meant to keep things quiet; they were meant to keep things vague. It could have been lost in combat, though. What couldn't was a heavy round whizzing by Yunomi, sounding what could be terrifyingly close before it takes out a large chunk of rock in a wall along it's path. And then there's a single man, walking out from behind a wall. He wasn't wearing a gas mask, even though that might have completed the look. But he was dressed in all back combat gear, rifle held in front of him, an attachment on the underbarrel running through to a kevlar lined hose to an armored tank on his back. "Don't mind me." Richard says, his voice lacking afflection, his face a mask of granite. "I'm a scientist. Testing a theory. Please. Continue." There were still shadows in the ruins, but they weren't exposing themselves to the group in combat. They're hugging the edges of the battle. Yunomi was Rick's daughter, and he would deal with her. But he wasn't his only enemy in this city. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     "Opening the rift again, who do you think I work for?" Yunomi questions, her voice a small hiss. A shining strand leads its way down along an ashy cheek.     I deserve to die, and be forgotten about.     And then the sound of a round, explosive kenetic energy -- but she couldn't hear from where. She hears the bullet whizz by her, and strike the wall, exploding a chunk of concrete and stone in a shower of sparks and chunks striking around them, and then...     It takes every. Shred. of Will for Yunomi not to scream, to yell at them to get away. She exhales, and turns to the dragon, and then back to the man walking up.     "Do you honestly all beleive in what you said? That I'm some poor soul who needs saving because I'm being controlled? I'm /FREE/. Namamura's fall ensured that, but it took my struggle to reclaim what I should have let die."     "Speaking of dying..."     Green mana rises up again, a massive amount swelling, heeding her call, far away from any forests, and then Yunomi turns her attention back to Rhapsody.     "You should have stayed a more managable size..." she hisses, and the tries to FORCE a Polymorph on Rhapsody! Blue mana snakes around, whipping like tendrils to force the guildmaster into a smaller, more manageable -- human -- form. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Unable to intervene, all Bedivere can do is study Pidge, looking for some kind of switch, toggle, sensor, or /some/thing that might give him a clue as to what to do. His radio has toggles and switches on it, doesn't this thing? Right?   Bedivere's lack of experience in more technologically advanced worlds is coming back to bite him real hard right about now.   In the meantime, he doesn't interject into their argument, because making the angry tanuki and the angry dragon notice you're there is probably an unwise actio--   CRACK.   The round might be suppressed, but that doesn't stop it from being noisy once it slams into a rock face. Bedivere jumps, nearly dropping Pidge, and his first instinct is to duck down.   "Perhaps I'd better take you somewhere you're not going to be shot at," he murmurs, raising his head over the ruins just enough to watch -- somewhat worriedly -- what's happening. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Pidge, meanwhile, gives a sad beep, and hops back into the air, orbiting Bedivere protectively. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     No Spellblades, no magic of her own, no nothing. As the massive amount of mana reaches up and wraps around the dragon, she panics. There's actually a quick call to ATTEMPT a counter spell, but with her trouble with mana, she only manages three blue, and not the four she'd actually need. The wisps of blue that had tried to fight against the polymorph spell find themselves overwhelmed and Rhapsody vanishes in a massive sphere of mana, a roar slowly turning to a scream that slowly fades away. When the sphere vanishes, a human with a pale complexion is left behind. It is rather 'typical' as a human may go with the exception of the white hair. Blue eyes, a little extra weight, but nothing that indicates -dragon- to the world. It actually takes the guildmaster a long moment to realize what has happened. No hide, no scales, no coat, no tail... just skin?         "Wh... what?" 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler watches the conversation, the battle of magic... the sudden disappearance of a dragon in a sphere of blue that reveals something less lizardy and more... human. Naked, as well, but Stadler gives a passing glance to that. He had a job to do, and in the end, it wasn't the first time he's seen a woman naked. Sometimes zombies tore off their clothes too, and this, like then, he had a job to do that was more important. "Right now, that's not part of the experiment. Could be controlled, could be doing this from your own free will. Faked being my daughter, faked your devotion to your studies and your guildmaster, and mistress... it could be possible. And, I admit, I'm curious to see how this would turn out if I ordered that man I had to put a bullet through her head. "It's possible, you know." He says, moving into his pocket, taking out a device, and striking a part of the underbarrel device with it. There's a few sparks that go off, bright in the night, before there's a small flame that appears at the end of it. "That'd be an interesting one. Maybe you could convince me that this is for the best, and we could end this now. Cut the head off the Izzet right here. That's something... but I think for another time. Tonight's experiment... what was it you said before? You're who you always were? Same goals, same motivations..." He brings the rifle and it's device in front of him, angling it to the side, before pulling a trigger. In an instance, a stream of ignited napalm jets out of the nozzle, expertly painted in a line between Yunomi and himself. Nothing that had been too close... but the stone was still on fire. "Same fears." From the shadows of the ruins around them, there's a quick sound of boots, and suddenly there's a gas-masked soldier next to Bedivere. He's quickly unslinging a large anti-tank missile launcher, offering it by it's side mounted control unit to the knight. Though the knight might also note the assasult rifle slung in front of him has a bayonet affixed." 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Bedivere watches the transformation with narrowed eyes, not certain what to expect. Magic is not really his forte; foreign systems like this, even less. His hand is still settled on the hilt of his sword, but only as a defense. These people have more than enough power to kill him if they really wanted to, and these people are also incredibly emotional at the moment.   He's really not in a good position right now, is he?   Thankfully, he's chivalrous, and immediately averts his eyes when it becomes clear that Rhapsody doesn't have a stitch of clothing on her.   Instinct prompts him to call for a javelin from Richard; some kind of spear-like weapon might serve him well, with more reach than his sword. A spear can also be thrown, in a pinch... and his skills with polearms put his skills with a longsword to shame.   Richard Stadler makes good on Bedivere's request, and obediently hands him an anti-tank missile launcher.   Bedivere, with good reason, looks completely dumbstruck by this development. He asked for a javelin, not this... this... whatever the hell this thing is.   It has a bayonet on it and it looks like it can be removed. Good enough. Bedivere sets to removing it with a good sharp twist, and hands the firearm part back to Richard. Ew. He can keep that nastiness.   Taking it in hand, he advances onto Rhapsody, keeping his eyes locked on Yunomi to make sure she doesn't advance. He keeps its point trained in her direction, sidling closer until he's standing beside Rhapsody. His cloak is unclasped, taken one-handed, and offered to Rhapsody without a word.   He's staring at Yunomi, mostly, to see how she reacts. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Pidge just kind of... freaks out at the suddenly /huge/ pull of blue mana. All of his lights suddenly light up as if to say "!!!" and then he /books/ it out of the good knight's arms and over to Rhapsody, protectively circling her and beeping angrily, all of the red lights coming on as he crackles with electricity.     Yunomi, meanwhile, is still airborne. Stretching her fingers out, her scarred arm bearing red mana, the pregnant clouds begin to open up, rain falling down in the ruins, on the good and evil alike. Lightning flashes in the sky, thunder roars through the clouds as Yunomi turns her guildmaster into a weak, defenseless human.     THere was a reason why Yunomi was sure Rhapsody wouldn't hurt her. Rhapsody was young, idealistic, she didn't beleive Yunomi was guilty even for an instant.     Yunomi had thought that of Rick, her dad, the man she trusted with everything else int he world... and then he exposes her fear of fire. Her eyes go wide beneath the hood, and the rain breaks over her, roaring, and she draws her fingers up, red mana glowing before she takes a deep breath, and extinguishes the fire, taking control of it.     "I. Am. DONE. With you all!" she snaps "You should have let me die when Frieza peirced me, when Vlrash nearly killed me in the Underdark, when the water nearly took me when I lost Namamura! Now..."     The red mana crackles around her fingertips as she takes a deep breath, and she calls down the lightning.     "You're /stuck with ME/."     And lightnign crashes around the ruins, cascading in red-tinged electricity! 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     When Sir Bedivere offers his cloak, the young WOMAN takes it, wraps herself up in it, and then ends up getting soaked when the clouds part on everyone below them. At least the rain hides the tears that have started streaking down her face. Watching the scene unfold, Rhapsody's ideals are starting to break into pieces, one after another, like glass. All the energy she had is gone, her mind returning to the state it was right after Ijiwaru talked to her. Somewhere, in the back of her mind, she might even hope that one of those bolts drops right down ontop of her.. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Oh hey there goes Pidge.   Without thinking, Bedivere lowers an arm, resting a bracing hand on Rhapsody's shoulder, once she's got the cloak over herself. It's a gesture meant to offer some kind of comfort, however scant it may be.   Yunomi is still airborne; all Bedivere can do is close ranks in front of Rhapsody, keeping the spear pointed outward as though to ward the tanuki off. He's not actually going to hurt her, but he does intend to keep her from hurting anybody else.   Bedivere's mouth twists into a grim line. "Pity for you that those of true loyalty are not so easy to sway. What sort of knight would I be if I abandoned those I considered friends so easily? Better still, what sort of friend would I be?"   Oh.   Oh, that's not good.   Electricity is /bad/ when you're wearing plate mail. So, he tackles Rhapsody down to the ground, out of the way of the nearest bolt as best he can. His intent is to keep her from being struck; the lightning, unfortunately, is everywhere. Hopefully not lethal. 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' The lightening that strikes around the ruins does an excellent job of keeping what the shadows hide at bay. Those stealthy shapes are hiding there are forced to find cover, under collapsing rubble and overhangs to protect them from lightening that's raining down. Through the cracks of it erupting across the ruins, she might hear the pained scream of someone hidden in there, getting his or her flesh burned with immense power, grunting to apply first aid. And get back into position. Rick, admittedly, is fortunate. Or else he happened to be experienced enough with Yunomi's brief that he knew the right place to stand. There was a near miss, the nomex uniform singed and melted in some places... but he's not hurt. And neither, for the most part, is the team. From Yunomi's left, there's a long burst of fire from an M27, established on a bipod in a rock-filled second floor. It's well aimed, but it's not meant to hit. Instead, it's meant to heard her to the right... just before there's a 'thunk' from a grenade laucher, and hot, white phosphourous erupts in a blinding white explosion just where she would have previously been. And Rick could think that at least she didn't have a death wish. That was /something/. "What we should have done isn't relevent, Yunomi. Rhapsody's the one that wants to talk. I'm done talking. That's a footnote. SOme dry text in the background brief. You know one was wrote up for this mission?" He says, raising his voice to be heard, while still under cover. He was letting his people do the work. "That's what you are, right now. Not my daughter. Not her student. Not his friend. You're a high-value target. Something that needs to be dealt with. And if the mission called for it, yes. I'd kill you." He would, too. Wait for the shot, and fire a round from his pistol right into her temple. He'd thought about it, long into the dark nights of contingency planning. He always gave himself a week before he'd be doing the same thing to the other person with her last name." "But that's not the mission." 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     You might have been able to hear the heartbreak. Yunomi is blinded by the grenade, left blinking, with gravity being her only guide to up or down... and she lands, shaking, trembling. This was the end. This was the /end/ and she would fail, but most importantly...     So would Ijiwaru.     She was a High Value Target. She was a /threat/. SHe's five feet tall, just called down the lightning -- was that Estano who called out? Would DeClere be there applying aid?     Rhapsody was in good hands with Bedivere, Yunomi wouldn't attack the humanized Rhaps. She wouldn't attack Bedivere on her guard. She lands. She tries to wipe away the pain and blindness from her eyes as she retreats a few steps towards the hole she crawled out of.     "Then illuminate me. What /was/ the mission." she snarls, her ears pinning back. She felt dizzy...     This food run has gone all to hell. It was supposed to be 'get tacos, go home', but she forgot to take the damn goggles off. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "To bring you home, and screw anyone that wanted anything else.." the voice sounded different. A little higher pitched, but only by a little. It was one of the only things Rhapsody could figure out to say. At this point, she had taken hold of the goggles that were tossed away earlier, clutching them to her chest. She can't help but glance up, looking over at Yunomi who seemed to be backing off. "Why won't you let us help you..?" 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler looks for a long, long moment at Rhapsody. "Your mission. I told you, Rhapsody. I'm done with your mission. Because /Something/ happened." He says, and one can almost hear that upper case S. The shadows from the room become distinct. There's 8 of them. Encircling the area. Some look like men, others like women, but, perhaps thankfully for Yunomi, none of them wore namestripes, and all of them were masked. One of the teams that she may have seen before under Stadler's command... closing the noose on her. Stadler himself stands, rifle slung in front of him, the flickering flame of the ignitor still dancing slightly in the wind. "My mission is to take the High Value Target alive for the purpose of gathering intelligence. Because I am fucking /sick/ and /tired/ of fumbling around in the dark. Killing you would be the end of a gambit. Maybe it's yours. Maybe it's that slithery motherfucker. Maybe it's a 'gone as good as dead' red dragon playing a long con. I don't care for goddamn theories at this point. I've been dancing to someone else's tune for too long, and it /stops/, because /I will not be fucking played/. Not by them, because fuck them. And not by my daughter, because if this was her plan, it's an /inexcusably/ stupid one." He approches her, now, rifle slung on it's sling, reaching behind him to withdraw the M29 shotgun in his gear. He's stepping forward quickly, and Yunomi has perhaps a second and a half before that weapon is in firing positon and he's gone past her hole. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Just because Yunomi might not attack doesn't mean that Bedivere is inclined to give up his defense. He keeps his weapon pointed, ready to strike if Yunomi does anything threatening. Honestly, he'd been talking about a /polearm/, and he'd be able to use it much better if it actually were that.   What the hell /is/ this thing, anyway?   The hand on Rhapsody's shoulder tightens, offering what little strength and comfort he can, even if it's just the knowledge that there's somebody physically there standing beside her. But Bedivere doesn't say anything. He merely waits, watching all three of the persons involved -- observation is chief among his strengths. That also means trying to keep an eye on all eight of Stadler's men. The knight's eyes are in constant motion, darting from one individual to another in rapid succession.   Those eyes linger longest on Stadler, as though to silently plead with him not to do anything irreversibly (and emotionally) stupid.   Yet still he does not speak. 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Yunomi is glad for the hood. The hood keeps her face in shadow. It keeps her eyes from saying the Truth as she turns, and she exhales.     It all hurt. The empty look in Rhapsody's eyes. the way her dad was speaking. Her eyes hurt. Her chest hurt. HEr hands were burning, her fingers curled and stiff as she exhales. She is a code on a briefing. She is an Enemy of the Izzet. She couldn't hurt them any more.     And instead, she raises up her hands, and states "I surrender."      ... and then Yunomi casts. She doesn't forget her past, her heritage, and as she brings her hands up, there's suddenly a brilliant flash of light, like suddenly the sun has decided to appear around them, and in the pouring rain it creates a dazzling prismatic effect, rainbows everywhere, brilliant and shining and so pretty but for the /light/ in the darkness!     And Yunomi tries to take advantage of the light-blinded everyone to try and disappear the hole she crawled out from, bolting as fast as her legs could carry her! 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Two words. Two words bring far too much hope to a hole that needed it for far too long. "Finally.." Rhapsody actually goes to stand, but then she sees the spell as it starts to channel. It is a sudden spell, of course, but she could see it coming either way, "NO!" then light. Everything is washed out by a blazing white light. No Bedivere, no Stadler, no Yunomi, nothing, causing her to fall back into the position she was before, starting to -scream- the same word she just said. Repeatedly. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Oh look at the pretty lights.   Unfortunately, that's exactly what Bedivere does, because he happens to be looking in that direction when the spell itself goes off. He responds as a normal ordinary human might respond, and that is to shriek and drop his weapon, throwing his arm over his eyes; the other remains on Rhapsody's shoulder, clutching perhaps tightly enough to ache a little.   OH GOD IT BURNS MAKE IT STOP.   ALSO MAGIC SMOKEBOMB IS TOTALLY CHEATING.   All he can do is reel for a moment, though, effectively blind. It was an impressive display of colour, but now he can't see for beans. Seeing would be nice, but he has a feeling she's already gotten away by now, if she's pragmatic enough about it.   Still... he can't help but wonder /why/. Something about this doesn't fit; doesn't feel right from what he knows of her, but there are too many pieces missing from the puzzle.   It's an enigma, that's for sure. The question is, will they be able to put the pieces together before this escalates; before it's too late...? 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler pauses, for a moment, in his advance, standing, his shotgun in front but not pointing at here. He sees her hands go up, hears her voice... and unlike her, his eyes were clear, and the look he gives her, combined with the inaction he takes, says something non-verbally he doesn't say out loud. 'No, you don't.' His hand's up covering his eyes as the bright, blinding light of the sun, ignites around them. The masks themselves were polorized aganist flashbangs, but it would only work for a sudden flash, not the bright sudden light of the sun everywhere. It certainly is a pretty, and dazzling trick. Perhaps something not meant for what it was used for, but it was effective. By the time the light gone, the last thing that Rick sees is Yunomi dashing down that hole. She got away. It was a setback, certainly, that she wasn't being dragged somewhere underground Maryland at the moment. But the end result was that, besides some wounds, none of them were dead. "Don't both with the perimiter. She's too good for that, and we'd just waste time. We've got her goggles. That's a thread." He says to the men that start to arrange themselves around him. As a father, saying things like that hurt. Would hurt, badly, when he let himself thing about them. But not now. He was done dancing with feelings and emotions. This was the time for action. He looks over to Bedivere, eyes dark, then Rhapsody. Then back to the knight. "Shut her up, get her home. Tell me if that can be fixed. I'll be by later to discuss our next move. Clear?" 

:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''     Pidge circles RIchard Stadler, and makes an ugly 'blaaaaat' noise, at him, then draws over to orbit Rhapsody and Bedivere, making concerned beeps and burbles. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     It's some time after Rick speaks, and Yunomi's gone, that two simple words come out of the new human's mouth. Fitting, she'd be human, to say them for the first time rather than her actual self.         "Fuck you, Rick." 

:'''{{#var:300|Richard Stadler (300)}} has posed:''' Stadler pauses for a moment, talking to one of his people, in a low tone, before looking over to Rhapsody, responding in the same emotional tone. "I wouldn't advise it. You wouldn't have a frame of reference, being human for five goddamn minutes, but you can do a /lot/ better. Corporal, I need Groom Lake. Get me their duty officer..." He says, trailing away slightly to make a more private radio call. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   The knight stays frozen where he is for a moment, arm still thrown over his eyes. Everything to do with seeing things is basically not working right now; so forgive his lack of answer, Stadler, because he's still trying to make sure there wasn't any /permanent/ damage. That was /bright/. Like staring at the sun. And it /hurt/.   Rhapsody's shoulder gets a comforting pat, and for the moment he seems resolved to ignore Stadler and his soldier's contingencies and plans. No, now's not the time to plan anything. Now's the time to...   Bedivere opens his eyes, experimentally. It draws a groan, but at least he can see very dim shapes. Suggestions of shapes, of light and dark. Arturia is going to fuss, and he himself is wondering what they've got on hand that would do something to soothe his eyes.   "Come," he murmurs, softly, resettling the cloak over Rhapsody. "I will take you to Dun Realtai. A hot meal, and some proper clothing." Bedivere tries to blink, squinting first one eye and then the other. Owww, yes, that hurts. "I apologise in advance if I should stumble." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     While Rhapsody goes utterly quiet in response to Stadler's comment, and Bedivere is easily able to guide Rhapsody to wherever, seeing as she is back to being even less of a shell than before, one other tiny thing happens that may happen fast enough no one will notice.     A shadow of blue and black scales darts through the group, and straight down the same hole the tanuki vanished into. Somewhere down in those tunnels, she whispers..         "Run." 
}}

The Tragedy of the Fly on the Wall (Neva)

2016-11-12T01:30:09Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/11 |Location=A Storage Closet |Synopsis=Neva reflects on the past while attempting to put a new deck together |Cast of Characters=644..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/11
|Location=A Storage Closet
|Synopsis=Neva reflects on the past while attempting to put a new deck together
|Cast of Characters=644
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
In a hidden room somewhere in Ravnica, or at least as hidden as a supply closet can get when nobody is actively searching through it for outsiders, there is only a single light in the form of an unstable plasma that happened to be snagged away while nobody was looking. Beneath the flickering red and blue light is the young Neva Fernandez, who is using the light to help sort through a new Magic Deck she's been working on. If the array starts to look like it'll be trouble, she'll have Bob take care of it. Bob is reliable like that.

She flits through the box of cards, eying the various other colors that it might not hurt to splash in. Green would be good... Can she use Green Mana yet?

"I ask that you hand control of the Izzet League to me." "What is this?" "This is a coup." "GIRL HAVE YA GONE PLUM LOCO?!" "When we meet again, it will be an Ending for the one of us."

Neva's rubs her eyes as the memories run through her head. She was sitting on the outside when the presentation was going on. She always sat on the outside of things, really, at school, at home, out Planeswalking. She never participated, she never interfered. It was safer that way, especially with the politics in Ravnica going haywire. Not even when Yunomi got into this trouble...

"If an outsider can rise so quickly within the Izzet... who is to say they can't rise elsewhere, and rob from ourselfs our autonomy?" "The point has been raised in regards to those who are from beyond Ravnica, I would reccomend limiting their activity within the guilds themselves until we can be sure there are no more... bad eggs." "I am Ijiwaru. I will hunt with the dragons for her, and bring her to Ravnican justice for these crimes." "Let /us/ hunt her!"

That Ijiwaru guy showed up at the Guild Meeting out of nowhere, conveniently just after Yunomi went rogue. Neva figured that the guy couldn't have been up to any good. She could have voiced her opinion in all of that madness, but she didn't want to interfere, so she stayed outside and listened in from beyond the doors. Neva trembles and takes a breath, "There wasn't anything I could do... That meeting was out of my hands... They could've taken care of it... Yunomi was going to be fine..." Droplets of tears began to fall onto the card she was gazing at, at the Legendary Creature - Dragon Wizard.

"Shall we? I realize, you must be anxious to see her again."

Neva trembles as she stammers, mumbling to herself in order to justify here inaction, "They didn't need my help..."

"Where.. Is.. She?"
"I didn't need to interfere..."

"This was how you planned to /get her/."

She squeezes her eyes shut, "There's nothing I could have done..."

"YUNOMI!"

"I couldn't have helped... I couldn't..." Mana sparking outside her eyes...

"... until my last breath, I shall pro.. tect..."

"NNNNHGGGRRRAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!" Unable to contain her grief anymore, Neva lets out a mournful scream, magic energies exploding and sparking around her, the room lit up as wayward magic strikes haphazardly around the room! Fire catching everywhere.

After several moments, she slumps over and breathes heavily, before slamming her fist into the table she'd been sitting at. "Never again..." She stands up, "NEVER again." She hurriedly throws her cards into the box and throws it into her bag, before hurriedly Planesalking out to another world, as she worked to make things right...

After a few quiet moments, the plasma array in the room POPS.

Darkness (Rhapsody)

2016-11-12T00:54:23Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/09 |Location=Ravnica |Synopsis=Rhapsody's sorrow after Yunomi is lost |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=34 - Moeru }} Few knew of the..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/09
|Location=Ravnica
|Synopsis=Rhapsody's sorrow after Yunomi is lost
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
Few knew of the phobia Rhapsody had. The dragon had always been terrified of the dark. There was a reason the spires were always lit, why she rarely slept in an empty room. Now, each time she found the normally peaceful embrace of sleep, she instead relived a scene again and again. Each time, Ijiwaru's blade came down, Yunomi whispered, and the world simply shattered into a thousand pieces, each piece of light slowly vanishing until only the brilliant white light of the Window was left. She didn't know why she tried to fly to it, but each time it would close, plunging Rhapsody into a complete dark that caused her to scream out, both in her dream and in real life.

Awake, all that she knew was the memory of what had happened at the Mana Nexus. The rain, the star-less night, the complete lack of Ravnica's 'Guardian Stars', Ijiwaru's blade. Sidonia hadn't even told her sister what happened to Yunomi's form after the guildmaster attempted to raze Prahv to the ground. She hadn't even reached Azorius lands before Bahamut wrestled her out of the sky to prevent her from making a grave mistake. From then to now, all she knew was restless sleep and heart-broken consciousness.

Inconsolable to even her own family, Thianel inquired of Ryxinel, Sidonia, and anyone he knew for an idea on how to help Rhapsody through her darkness. Ryxinel, knowing a particular secret of his sister, explained how Rhapsody had been assisting with the hunt for Yunomi. He told him about Dun Realtai, the new friends she had found there, and a wizard that had given her the idea to assume the form of Skara Sparkblade. Desperate, the draconic construct sent a letter to the people of Dun Realtai, and to Merlin in particular asking a single quesiton. 'Can you help Rhapsody?'

The Thirix Aerie remains locked. Ryxinel remains in the Mana Nexus, attempting to decern how the massive construct works. Sidonia has vanished as she always does, seeking out someone that may actually console her when no one else has. The Izzet League has gone dark, the sector closed completely, with no date given to the Senate on when it may reopen. The Guildless continue their protests. The guilds that stood with the Izzet wonder if they could have done more. The guilds that voted for Ijiwaru's assistance see that their terms were not honored, some pondering blood, others wondering if they cast the correct vote.

The whole city is cast into darkness, uncertain of what may come next.

https://youtu.be/yntDx4Y4baw
Starset - Dark On Me

The Light (Rhapsody)

2016-11-07T15:17:31Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/10/30 |Location=Ravnica - Nivix Aerie |Synopsis=Rhapsody finds a very important clue... |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=34 - Moeru }}..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/10/30
|Location=Ravnica - Nivix Aerie
|Synopsis=Rhapsody finds a very important clue...
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
Rhapsody was running out of places to search.

Since she had called upon the loyal members of the Izzet League to create the massive, illusionary blue and red rose that stood between the spires, she had hoped that she would find some piece of evidence. Some kind of response from Yunomi. Anything in a currently darkened world that, despite her family, felt far too lonely.

Today, the guildmaster had slept in late. A day of rest was needed after going through a dizzying number of interviews with the members of the Izzet League. Each one had been asked a number of simple questions. 'What is your purpose in the Izzet?' 'How does your research benefit the Izzet League and the city of Ravnica?' 'Are you loyal to -every- member of the Izzet League?' In these three questions, in addition to looking into each member's recent activity in the guild, Rhapsody, Ryxinel, and Sidonia had weeded out those simply in the Izzet for their own gain, and had settled upon those that were truly within the Izzet for the reason the League was created. For the betterment of Ravnica through ingenuity and utility. It wasn't so shocking that many of those that were cast out were also new additions since Niv-Mizzet's departure, ones that preyed upon a fledgling Guildmaster to find money to suit their own needs. While the ones cast out were not forced to leave the sector, they would no longer have access to the spires, the labs, or the funding. They would simply have homes within the sector to do what they pleased, and would be considered 'provisionary Izzet' until they either agreed to serve the Izzet in a better light, or moved on. It was their decision.

The rest so desperately needed now came to a slow end as the sun rose over the city's horizion. Tin Street's shops would begin to open, the city would slowly shift from it's night cycle to day. The upper city would have all manner of person and beast wandering it's streets in search of their needs for the day. As Rhapsody's eyes slipped open, she was again reminded of the one thing she needed, but didn't have.

Or did she?

Something was different in this dawn. As the world came into focus, something in the window to her den had changed. In the tantrum she had thrown weeks earlier, the roses that had been grown outside her window had been burnt into nearly nothing, something that had brought a tear to her eyes when she realized what she had done. She had believed these simple flowers to be ash, cinders, thorns, and little else. Today she could see new green, new growth, and most important of all, a single blooming rose standing in defiance of the death around it.

This had to be a sign! There were only two people that had tended to these delicate plants, and recently, it had NOT been Rhapsody. The vibrant red hue of the rose also stirred her memory to something else. Something she had been meaning to look at. Something that Yuna had brought that the dragon had been to skeptical to open.

Rising from her rest, Rhapsody strode to a desk full of notebooks. A delivery from her brother with a note that had stated 'You need to see this' but she hadn't seen the note. Opening the red notebook named 'FIRST RESULT', she began to read, slowly working out the puzzle within until the message before her caused her eyes to go wide. This was it. This is what she had been looking for! ... The Union needed to know.

Bolting from the chair, setting it spinning in her wake, the Guildmaster took to the first terminal she could find in the lower sections of the spire. They -needed- to see this..

4757/Radio, active.

2016-11-06T21:16:13Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/06 |Location=Thirix Spire <Spire> |Synopsis=Corona, Rhapsody, Ryxinel, and the Izzet League gather for Thianel's reactivation. |Cast of Cha..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/11/06
|Location=Thirix Spire <Spire>
|Synopsis=Corona, Rhapsody, Ryxinel, and the Izzet League gather for Thianel's reactivation.
|Cast of Characters=325, 711
|Tinyplot=Moeru
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         Ravnica, Sunday November 6, AU24.     After far too long, a report comes from the Thirix Spire that their special project has been completed. The only people that received the message of completetion are Rhapsody, Ryxinel, Sidonia, and Corona Arclight.     The massive room that contains the finished body for Thianel is lit by bright lights and is, now, empty except for the construct. He's an impressive sight to behold, especially with the suggestions that Corona Arclight provided. There are tubes, running from the top of the room down into his back, likely pumping in something vital to the machine. There's also a large lift below the construct, his chest open, waiting for one final component.     As Rhapsody enters with her brother, she steels herself before so many other magewrights of the Guild. This was another moment of joy in a very difficult time. Her brother speaks as they move around Thianel, "Once Corona arrives with his core, we can start activation." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' You never start a job you don't intend to finish. At first, that's all that reason Corona was involved. Rebuilding the artifact dragon was a project she could dig into to help her friends, and not get involved in the dramatics. But as the mysteries got deeper, hypocritcy ran rampant and innocent folk were put at risk she wasn't able to just turn tail and leave them hanging. She'd stuck her neck out for a few friends, their friends, and a place that wasn't her own but was kinda becoming a second home. When it wasn't boiling to bursting seams like a overclocked distillery at least. But for now it wasn't about the politics and mysteries. It was finishing that job that now seems like it was started an age ago. "Ah think he knows what's comin' finally." Corona's drawl is as distinct of an announcement as the cling-clang of her spurs was, holding up the protective casing of the core as she ambles in. "Been glowin' brighter than been in weeks." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Hearing that familiar drawl, both Ryxinel and Rhapsody turn to Corona. "Corona! It's good to see you. Thank you so much for keeping him safe. With everything... well I don't need to explain it, do I?" Rhapsody greets, muses, and then catches herself. She'd give the fox a hug, but with the case and her brother eagerly slipping past her, it could wait.     Ryxinel motions for the case, "I agree, thank you, very much, Corona," he starts. "In light of how this happened, I've prepared an additional protection for his core in the future. It is also the interfacing device, so, we need to insert his core into that first, and then," he motions at the open hatch, "You can enter his core. You've done a great deal, and even influenced his new frame. I think it's only right that you have that honor." The magewrights in the room, goblin, human, and otherwise, murmur and nod in both approval and agreement. There is no doubt, the Brimsteel woman has earn a whole guild's respect. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' "While Ah don't think he'd been at any big risk here, there's just been too many unknowns crawlin' 'round to risk it." Her tail gave a few swishes at the praise all the same as Corona lightly set the core next to the rest of the remaining apparatus near Thianel's new body. "Better safe than sorry, y'know? Considerin' how hard it was fer her to leave -this- part intact..." Ryxinel had explained that before while they worked, that normally the artifact shattering spell would be total destruction. It took a lot of control on the part of the -caster- to spare even a small piece of the target. And why would she of done that if upsurping Rhapsody had been her true motive? You don't leave that sort of potential retaliation behind. And maybe that was part of the reason why Corona had dug deeper into the mysteries afterwards and helped with the investigation between construction sessions. To her, that sparing effort meant more to her than whatever load of supposed evidence against the wayward magewright had turned up. Corona took a moment to readjust her work gloves after setting the core down, then turned to the other with her usual mischevious machinist's smirk. "Just tell me what Ah gotta do. Ah'm as eager to hear these sprockets spinnin' again as y'all are." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Ryxinel leads Corona and Rhapsody over to the lift where there's a sort of 'roll cage' custom made for the crystal core that Corona was carrying. "First, this..." he says, moving around to the opposite side of the lift, currently at waist height. "This will act as an interface and a spell-shield if certain spells are cast. It's mizzium, and enchanted in a similar way to Rhapsody's blue spell-blade, so it can protect the crystal from a spell. The Mizzium frame should protect from just about anything else. Just.. be careful when you insert. The open arm there, once it's closed, will fuse to the frame. There's no taking it back out or opening it once it's closed." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' While Ryxinel is explaining Corona pads slowly around the apparatus and looking it over. This was part of the rebuild that even she hadn't seen in its completed state yet. Some processes were still a secret to the dragon. And in all honesty she still didn't entirely understand the more arcane aspects of things so it was probably better he did it himself anyways. "Quite a thing ya put together here." She gave the rigging a light shake, just to test the stability for herself. Every clink and clang of machinery, or absence of in this case, meant something to her. Those vulpine ears weren't just for looks, Corona could hear a problem that other mechanics would never even think of with her astutely trained hearing. "Kinda a shame it takes somethin' like this to consider such upgrades... but that's kinda how science goes, technical or magical, ain't it?" She leaned over the top of the interface for a moment to look up into the opening of the metal dragon's body. One would think the strange conglomeration of gears and springs with wires and mana elements that replaced electronics wouldn't even work together, but that is what innovation did. Find ways to do things that couldn't be done before. Sometimes you had to break a few of the rules you knew and write new ones to replace them to do it. This project had been as much of a learning experience for Corona as it had been fufilling the promise to help. "Everything looks to be in order. Once that mis-sizin' issue was taken care of." Corona ahemed softly into a fist as she stepped back again. That one had been partially her fault and partially the magewrights, as they had been working off two different measurement systems that they were more familiar with. Once they had put their heads together and made a converstion system between the two, every piece be it a mechanical gear and strut or mana relay and processor rune clicked perfectly into place. The grey tail kept flicking about as she walked to the front and looked up at the head. The Izzets had provided the arcane components for Thianel's senses, though Corona had included a few of her own mechanical ones as backups as well. A powerful pair of gears and pistons in both the jaws and neck would give Thianel a rather formidable bite for when magic wouldn't be enough. Also handy for crushing cans and empty barrels. Eventually she meandered back around from the other side, grinning from ear to ear. "Ev'rything looks to be in order." Corona paused to pull her work goggles up over her eyes, and walked back over to pick up the core. "Let's get this boy back up an' runnin'. He's been impatient." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The core slips in without even the faintest sound of a scrape. The open arm on the interface frame closes, there's a small flash, and it would look like the whole part was always a single piece of mizzium with no clear opening. Satisfied, Ryxinel sighs happily, slowly picks up the core, and carefully hands it to Corona, regardless of the mizzium that now protects it on everyside. "At your leasure."     Rhapsody, who has been mostly quiet through the process, seems expectant, eager even. This was the first of two people that were finally coming back to her. Soon, hopefully, they'd all be together again. She simply nods to her brother's words. Nothing else needed to be said. The construction was done, the little error in the process was corrected, and now all that needed to be done was one final connection.     "Once you're up inside, the frame should light up with the some writing. It'll guide you on how to connect everything. . . Don't put it in backwards, alright?" Smirk. A joke. At this point he fully trusted the other engineer. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' "Would ya rather Ah put it upside down?" Corona replies with a snicker. A joke in return for a joke, as they both know it's been built so there's only one correct way it'll even fit to prevent such a mistake. Corona takes the core with just as much care. Just because it's encased in a ni imprenetrable, indestructable unit now is no reason to get sloppy. She reachs up to set the core inside the opening in the underside of Thianel's chassis, then pauses to pull a small metal panel out of one of her belt pouches. "Here." She flicks the panel to Rhapsody. "Affix that inside the panel that'll cover the hatch while Ah'm up inside all the mechanical and magical guts." The panel is nothing more than a plate of metal with two images carved in relief with a cutting torch. One of course being the Izzet Sigi. The other being a fox tail hooked around a gear that, no surprise, was Corona's trademark. "Artists gotta sign a piece of work, after all." Corona adds with a wink, as hard as it is to see behind the reinforced brass goggles, before grabbing the edge of the opening and hauling herself up to climb in. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The guildmaster, not expecting the toss, fumbles a little with the item tossed her way. Once she has a look at it, however, she just grins, "Happily," she muses. Once Corona is up on the lift proper, Ryxinel gives her a hand by activating the lift to cause it to rise up so the woman could work from the lift. Even though Thianel stood 20 feet, it'd still be pretty cramped. There was a lot of stuff in there! 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' ... Oh, right, lift. Corona was so eager to get to work as usual she kind of overlooked that the platform could move. She's use to having to climb around heavy machinery on her own to get to that one broken part that was hard to reach. Being small and nimble had as many perks in this profession as being large and strong did. As the lift is moving up Corona flicks on her headlamp so she'll be able to see even in the cramped conditions, then picks up the core unit and gives it one last check over just to be certain. As well as locate the writing that was to be instructions. To the casual view there was nothing different from one side to the other. But when someone knew what to look for the subtle marks between front and back, top and bottom where there. A little slot there that a tab would hook into, a slight difference in the surface here where two conductors would sit together. It was the little touchs every inventor used to make sure their special work couldn't be easily stolen and copied. Corona had her own similar little touchs, and thinking about how much it infuriated the few outlaws that had been bold enough to steal her stuff always made her smirk a bit. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' A few moments and the lift comes to a stop. With Corona likely half to mostly inside of Thianel's chest, the mizzium frame lights up with the writing that Ryxinel had mentioned. Safeguards ontop of safeguards, but with something like Thianel, who was now a surrogate father to the whole family, the dragon was being safe instead of sorry. The writing glows, and even glows brighter when the correct connections are brought close. If it's an incorrect connection, it dims. Of course, this close to being complete, the crystal under the casing is glowing -very- brightly, in anticipation. Corona probably had a knack for reading that light, by now. He was ready, and he was thankful, there was no doubt of it at all. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona had always been one to talk to machines as she worked on them, but she had been sure to comment to the core whenever she'd been around. Keeping Thianel up to date on what was going on, both with the rebuilding and with the Yunomi situation. Even if he couldn't communicate back other than flicker and flashes, she knew being forced to sit and wait would of likely drove him mad so to speak. In the end the headlamp isn't really necessary, between the illuminated writing and Thianel's own glow from the core. "Clockworks aligned.. self-winding coils wound.. Arcane conductors ready to interface..." Corona gave a light tap to a magical guage that seemed to have no other purpose than wobble a needle back and forth to show that something was running. "Doohickies... doing." A light shrug, as she regripped an upper edge and realigned the core, using the other gloved hand on the bottom to support and guide it. Line it up with the waiting insertion point, make sure the waiting connectors line up, and all the instruction runes are brightly glowing. "Welp, here we go." Corona gives a push, and after a moment some of the magipunk machinery starts to spin to life, activating the loading device to pull the core into place while she guides it. Grinning the whole time. "1.21 gigawatts ain't gonna have shit on what yer gonna be puttin' out!" Then she stepped back onto the lift, giving it a thump with the heel of her boot and spurs to let the others know. "He's loaded up and ready to crank up!" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' << https://youtu.be/ii8L6rc6D6I >>     "Noted!" Ryxinel calls out, the lift starting to come back down as everyone in the room, besides Rhapsody, scatter. While there were no tables or control panels, a lot of runes start to glow in the air, controlling this, that, or another thing inside. When evertyhing is done, it's likely Thianel will run rather quiet, but on 'start up,' well, that requires a lotta power.     The tubes connecting to his back shudder as something starts to pass through their inside. Outside, however, a stream of both blue mana surges down one while the other is red. Ryxinel was using the power system Niv-Mizzet used in his rarely used Mana Tanks, converting the power generated by the opposing mana colors crashing into each other.     Power through explosions. How very Izzet.     At least such power didn't cause any exhaust or waste. It was clean conversion into the power batteries inside. While the magewrights work, Ryxinel is out in front, where Thianel's gaze would fall once he started to come around. Rhapsody eventually moves to the same place, and waves Corona over as she deserved to be there when it happened.     As everything sounds like it's going well, Ryxinel tosses Corona a radio. "During self-calibration, that's the only way he'll be able to communicate until everything else is online." And as if on cue, the dragon's voice comes over the comm. It sounds different, but he doesn't seem bothered by it.             <<Radio, active. . . . Finally.>>     He sounds relieved, not upset in the least. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Once the lift is down Corona hops off, but rather than duck for cover like most of the room she just ambles over to where the dragons are waiting. Her ears do visibly turn back towards Thianel and the noise the start-up is making, but it sounds like everything is cranking up as its suppose to. She catchs the radio tosses to her. Smirks at the voice comes over it a moment later. "And we know that's working." Holds the radio up to her mouth as she turns back to look up at the artiact dragon. <<Good to have ya back with us big fella.>> 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     <<Thank you..>> And he'll probably say that a dozen times or more in the next few hours. For now, the dragon's self-calibrations have started. Every piece of him starts to move then go back to neutral, starting from the tip of his tail through the eyelids for his optics. Everything is reported as 'pass', odd as it from a 'normal' point of view. The attached tubes finally detach with a snapping hiss, retracting back into the ceiling above. Everything goes quiet for about 30 seconds. Runes go out, and the whole guild, and possibly one fox, waits with held breath.     It's a long 30 seconds, but finally a familiar glow shines from Thianel's optics. The entire construct shifts, relaxing from the 'stiff' neutral position. With how he now moves, and looks, he's more like a true dragon than he's ever been. The small movements seem natural, almost like Niv-Mizzet was actually standing here instead, just with a lot of engineering instead. A -loud- breath is taken inside, held, and exhaled, and then he nods.             "Well done!"     The amount of cheering that goes up from the magewrights could put a sports stadium to -shame-. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona takes her hat off for a moment to wave it in the air along with the rest of the whooping and cheering. "Yeehah! Now that's the moment that makes all the hard work and confusion worth it!" Mind you 'confusion' refers more to the other things going on, but most people will just assume she's talking about the measurement issues they had. Celebrating moment over with, she puts her hat back on and adjusts it to sit properly betwix her ears, flicking fingertips along the brim before letting go. Tugs the goggles off and lets them hang back down around her neck again. Grinning the entire time. "Sure there's gonna be plenty more cheerin' when the rest of the guild hears the good news too." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The construct gives a nod. Rhapsody, finally just -glomps- Corona for lack of a better word. This was easily the highest moment the Izzet have had in the last three months. Thianel can only smile at the moment. "I'm quite sure the League and the Union will be rather happy about it," he muses. There's a tilt of his head, and then he glances down, noting the chest plate not yet affixed. A new hand reaches over for the plate, lifts it, and he has a long look at the dual insignias on it. "Well earned,". The plate is put into place, a loud locking noise heard. About a dozen deadbolts locking the plate in place before everything else slides into place. It was invisible unless you knew what to look for, among all the scales. There's a rumble as he settles down, next. A lot of nods and thanks are given to the other magewrights as the file by, welcoming the dragon back to reality.     After a few moments, and the room empties out, the news passing through the guild like a wildfire. Thianel, now, moves onto the elephant outside. "Again, the work and determination both of you have had made this go far smoother, I feel, than you give yourselves credit for. However, we all know what needs to be addressed, next. When I was within just the core, I saw blurred images and muffled sounds at best. I could only piece together the occasional word while you attempted to update me on the situation, Corona. So, with all of you here, please. What has happened since Presentation Day?"         That would take a while.. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite lets out a small yip of surprise when the taller dragon latchs onto her. She knew all the hard work was appreciated but considering the emotional rollercoaster Rhapsody has been on she wasn't expecting such a blantantly outward display of it. She's got one arm just free enough to reach up and tug her hat partway down over her face in a moment of modest embarassments. "Aw shucks, pardners." For as much as the moment of Good Things finally happening was needed, it is by necessity short-lived once all the other workers are out of the room. "Yeah, well, Ah figgered even iffen ya couldn't fully understand ya'd apprec'ate at least the intention. Didn't want ya thinkin' they'd all forgotten 'bout ya." Once Rhapsody lets go though the mood gets serious again. Corona let out a soft long sigh as she straightened out her hat. "Ya might wanna sit back down, big guy. This is gonna be one doozy of a long story..." 
}}

Resilience (2 of 2 Rhapsody)

2016-10-13T01:22:54Z

RawrDragon:

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/10/12
|Location=Dun Realtai / Ravnica
|Synopsis=...and action is taken.
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
All of the notebooks, all of the posters, all of the codes, all of the scrawlings, all of the signs, all of the labs. All of it may as well be tinder to the bonfire that was such a passion in her heart that she would let it all -burn- in spite of the fact it all pointed to. The Izzet's allies hadn't turned on her, Niv-Mizzet wouldn't have turned on her, and there was no way that the creeping doubt that had been seeping into her mind would succeed in turning her. She -would- find out why.

I cannot seem to find the answers
Every truth has slipped away
All that riddles me will never cease to be
Still I search this world in vain

Don't close your eyes
Something beautiful is still alive
Don't close your eyes
Never turn away and let it die

In her true form, Rhapsody departed the castle of Dun Realtai to destinations unknown, but all of them in Ravnica. Council be damned, Magic-Eaters be damned, and Ijiwaru be damned most of all. She would not accept the truth that had been constructed. The reality that was all too convienent for a man with a clear bias.

Cry out to save tomorrow
It's not too late
Or your heavy heart will follow
You to the grave

This is not the end. This is not the end

Don't close your eyes
Something beautiful is still alive
Don't close your eyes
Never turn away and let it die

That which she feared most, she would now take on. What good is a 10,000 year old legacy if it is tarnished by the permanent stain of dishonesty, deception, and unfaithfulness. She had been lying to even herself for far, far too long. In the skies over Ravnica, in every sector, people would set sights upon a white, mostly scaleless dragon, that had nothing left to lose, and in that, she had more freedom then she had since this whole ordeal had started.

We can't hesitate. Hope is not too late.
For the time has come. What have we become?

In flying past Nivix and Thirix, passing through the Space between the Spires, her siblings would join her in their similar forms. Soon after, it would be dragonaughts, flying weirds, observerspheres, magewrights, nearly all of the Izzet League working together, via radio, to create a single symbol that no one in Ravnica could miss. She had asked for anyone that still had faith in her, and the hunted, to join her. And through her instruction, and the aid of all still loyal, a massive illusion would bloom between the spires. A massive rose, made of light, would now float between the spires, half red, half blue, and floating like a beacon that would not be ignored. And below it? On a banner that drapped the bridge between the spires sat a single phrase.

Nothing left to do but deny the truth.

Let all of Ravnica turn on them. They had been through it before to save three dragons. They would do it again to believe in one of their own. You could banish a single member, but the city could never banish the entire Izzet League.

*

( Alterbridge - Cry of Achilles )

Resilience (2 of 2 Rhapsody)

2016-10-13T01:21:57Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/10/12 |Location=Dun Realtai / Ravnica |Synopsis=...and action is taken. |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=34 - Moeru }} All of the notebo..."

Resilience (1 of 2 Rhapsody)

2016-10-13T01:19:06Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/10/12 |Location=Dun Realtai / Ravnica |Synopsis=A decision is made. |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=34 - Moeru }} ( https://youtu.be/YF..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/10/12
|Location=Dun Realtai / Ravnica
|Synopsis=A decision is made.
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
( https://youtu.be/YFSP_n3llTU )

After the journey down to the House in the Dark, a single mind reeled from a fact that now appeared to be absolute. The body surrounding this mind would set its armor down within the hovel that 'Skara Sparkblade' owned, and as it had two times before, would be wisked away to the castle of Dun Realtai. Safely away from prying eyes and ears, Rhapsody would once again find herself in the dark in so many more senses of the word than the obvious.

Crying out.
Now you can't escape you are buried in doubt
And it pulls you down
Now you're in too deep you may never get out
Such an awful place

The portal to the shrine, the spikes, the sheer amount of information recovered from day one until now left no doubt of anything. Every single piece of evidence pointed to a single conclusion that no court she knew of would deny. The one that the Izzet hunted, the Magic-Eaters hunted, and that her allies hunted, killed Kaeruhime, attempted to sieze the Izzet League, and was now a fugitive to everyone that knew about the events.

Tear it down
It's almost too late is the end coming now
As you scream out loud
You sever the peace til your truth has been found

For a moment, the dragon almost went on a similar rampage to the one back in Nivix, but something occured to her then that changed everything. Would Niv-Mizzet give up on Yunomi? Would he turn away from her? Would he be proud of Rhapsody if she turned on Yunomi? The answer was obvious to her. Of course he wouldn't. Evidence be damned, she would -never- do it either.

Is there nothing left to follow?
Is there nothing left to steal?
Crying out for something more than I've been shown
Knowing none of this is real

Betrayal did not need to be a two way street. Not when it was someone you had known your entire life. Someone you felt you know so well that it was basically -impossible- for such an action, such as becoming a traitor, could be possible without some kind of reasoning to it. Such friendship cannot die so easily, such feelings cannot die so easily. Such love would never die so easily.

Don't close your eyes
Something beautiful is still alive
Don't close your eyes
Never turn away and let it die

Resilience (1/2 Rhapsody)

2016-10-13T01:08:39Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/10/12 |Location=Dun Realtai / Ravnica |Synopsis=A decision is made |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=34 - Moeru }} ( https://youtu.be/YFS..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/10/12
|Location=Dun Realtai / Ravnica
|Synopsis=A decision is made
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=34 - Moeru
}}
( https://youtu.be/YFSP_n3llTU )

After the journey down to the House in the Dark, a single mind reeled from a fact that now appeared to be absolute. The body surrounding this mind would set its armor down within the hovel that 'Skara Sparkblade' owned, and as it had two times before, would be wisked away to the castle of Dun Realtai. Safely away from prying eyes and ears, Rhapsody would once again find herself in the dark in so many more senses of the word than the obvious.

Crying out.
Now you can't escape you are buried in doubt
And it pulls you down
Now you're in too deep you may never get out
Such an awful place

The portal to the shrine, the spikes, the sheer amount of information recovered from day one until now left no doubt of anything. Every single piece of evidence pointed to a single conclusion that no court she knew of would deny. The one that the Izzet hunted, the Magic-Eaters hunted, and that her allies hunted, killed Kaeruhime, attempted to sieze the Izzet League, and was now a fugitive to everyone that knew about the events.

Tear it down
It's almost too late is the end coming now
As you scream out loud
You sever the peace til your truth has been found

For a moment, the dragon almost went on a similar rampage to the one back in Nivix, but something occured to her then that changed everything. Would Niv-Mizzet give up on Yunomi? Would he turn away from her? Would he be proud of Rhapsody if she turned on Yunomi? The answer was obvious to her. Of course he wouldn't. Evidence be damned, she would -never- do it either.

Is there nothing left to follow?
Is there nothing left to steal?
Crying out for something more than I've been shown
Knowing none of this is real

Betrayal did not need to be a two way street. Not when it was someone you had known your entire life. Someone you felt you know so well that it was basically -impossible- for such an action, such as becoming a traitor, could be possible without some kind of reasoning to it. Such friendship cannot die so easily, such feelings cannot die so easily. Such love would never die so easily.

Don't close your eyes
Something beautiful is still alive
Don't close your eyes
Never turn away and let it die

4564/Visiting the Village

2016-09-18T19:10:04Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/09/18 |Location=Dun Realtai |Synopsis=When Rhapsody visits the village below Dun Realtai, she's able to release some pent up emotions. While d..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/09/18
|Location=Dun Realtai
|Synopsis=When Rhapsody visits the village below Dun Realtai, she's able to release some pent up emotions. While doing so, a new, yet familiar, visitor arrives.
|Cast of Characters=325, 1048, 711, 525, 482
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     After deciding to stay at Dun Realtai for the last little while, Rhapsody had come to wonder a little about what she had been told about the village below. She remembered the curious looks and wondered about the local lore regarding dragons and if they were awe-inspiring, or the opposite. With a lull in activity about Yunomi, and Ijiwaru seemingly focused on his task, the Izzet Guildmaster decided to actually leave the chambers she'd been provided, clean up a bit, and wander out to the village below.     With the marketplace abuzz with people, Rhapsody finds a cozy spot out in the open, along a stone wall and simply settles down on top of it in her smaller, far less intimidating, bipedal form, offering a wave to any that pass hoping to strike up a conversation. It isn't until about a half hour or so passes that someone musters the courage to wander over and ask something simple. After another half hour, a small crowd has formed and the Guildmaster actually looks happier in the midst of it than the last few weeks that have passed.     Somewhere along the way, a musician of sorts had also asked the lady-dragon about her taste in music. The question stirs some nostalgia in her, and spotting the man's instrument, she asks to borrow it for a moment, to which he seems happy to grant. She'd tune it for a few moments before she thinks a little, considering recent events. "This may sound a little sad, but recent times have been that way for myself, so pardon if it is a little less cheerful then our talks have been thus far.." she explains, likely to start in a few moments. 

:'''{{#var:1048|Young Arthur (1048)}} has posed:''' There's a horse and wagon driving hurriedly through the village gate, a young person sitting at the wagon's front, wearing highly decorated linen robes, with an obviously feminine cut. The driver is fairly androgynous, probably in large part due to their obvious youth. The blonde figure has bandages wrapped around their right arm, thick woolen ones that are red enough to be in obvious need of replacing with fresh bandages. Seeing a commotion, the teenager drives their simple wagon over there, and steps off it to land on the ground. A request comes in some variant of the celtic language, "I need to speak to the lord of this town and dun, for I seek sanctuary from my pursuers." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite was once again ignoring that nagging little voice in the back of her head that tried to claim it was 'common sense'. This was fairly normal for the silver fox. I mean, seriously, how else do you think she works with the Izzet so well? So instead of listening to that annoying little thought and putting more distance between herself and certain going-ons Corona decided to wander over to where Rhapsody has been distancing herself from certain going-ons and see if she was doing any better. ... By the looks of the crowd she seems to have stumbled across entirely by accident, that might actually be a possibility after who knows how many weeks... 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' It would so happen that Inga was making her rounds in the village just now, basket in hand filled with all the things she usually needs. Clean bandages, salves, medicines...the whole healer's kit. She's dressed in working clothes, which generally means not her best dress. This one is green, a few stains here and there, the hem of the long garment dusty from the road. Her horse, Jodis, is tethered nearby, curiously watching the crowd that gathers. "Now make sure to keep it clean. Use the salve three times a day and I will check in next week," she says to a woman, who then hands her a sizable hunk of cheese. Inga thanks her, tucks it into her basket, then looks toward the crowd with a raised brow. Being short, she can't see how is in the center from where she is. Curiosity will have to wait, for it seems there is someone in need of her attention. Inga eyes the wagon as it passes her, calling for it to stop. "Halt! I can help!" she cries, not about to chase the damned thing down. The wagon comes to a stop near the crowd, so Inga sighs and leans on her walking stick, making her way over. "Well, what happened then?" she asks, setting her basket down, beginning to pull out bandages and needles and thread in case stitching is needed. If it is bad enough, she will use her magic, but generally, random strangers are off-put by someone throwing blood at them--even if it does make them feel better. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   All in all, the steward of Dun Realtai had gotten relatively used to the sight of strange people roaming the dun and its surrounding lands. Having gained such a reputation as neutral ground, even Confederates were inclined to obey that unspoken law -- perhaps because it had nothing for them to gain from attacking it. It's a modest place, aside from the potent magicks that keep its weather liveable.   The clop of hooves isn't much louder than the buzz of conversation surrounding Rhapsody.   A huge war horse moseys placidly through the crowd, somehow managing to pick its way through the outermost fringe of Rhapsody's admirers to cross through the square. Rather than saddle or bridle, the horse wears a green caparison bordered with gold, the colour of spring grass. Astride his back is none other than Bedivere himself, dressed in his stately, shining armour; mantled white cloak rippling behind him.   He pauses, uttering a soft command to the horse, which stops on cue. Aside from being freakishly large, for a horse, there's another clue he's not normal -- his eyes are smoky gold, and aglow enough to cast soft light. His ears swivel forward.   There's a bundle of something tied on the horse's back behind Bedivere; the plain leather bag looks like it could fit a set of pipes.   As Bedivere watches Rhapsody from a distance, perhaps contemplating that instrument of hers, the horse raises his head higher, whickering across the distance to Inga. Or perhaps Jodis -- for the small grey answers.   And then the wagon arrives. The villagers nearest to the androgynous wagon-driver immediately point to the huge black warhorse; the horse grunts, tossing his head toward the villagers and wagon in a disconcertingly human gesture, and Bedivere looks over, brows arching.   "I am he," he offers, but his response is in Welsh. He frowns, as though listening or recollecting something; when he speaks again, it's in Irish, lilting. A nod is given to Inga -- she can handle the healing -- as he turns his attention back to the wagon-driver. "Sanctuary? I shall grant it, if you ask it; there are those who have come here from time to time in search of such a thing. From what manner of pursuers, pray tell?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Barely the first note slips from the guitar that she was handed before Rhapsody silences it. The sight of the wagon rushing in and its driver calling for aid causes a fair amount of concern to her. Old habits die hard, and here, where she isn't the Guildmaster or Lord of the land, she still felt a need to help someone that had come into where she was staying. She hadn't even noticed Inga, or Sir Bedivere somehow, showing up along with the small crowd. She nearly goes to hand back the instrument before she realizes that everything seems well in hand. Both of the people that were needed were actually in the area. With half the crowd still looking on expectingly, who was Rhapsody to deny them this small pleasure when the issue was taken care of? "Sorry, let me start over, alright?" a smile, a few accepting nods from the people of Dun Realtai, and the dragon resets her train of thought. Hopefully whomever was in the wagon wouldn't be taken too aback. After all, legends seem to say dragons sing rather well, don't they? The notes start to slip away once more, soft and steady as a matching voice rings out lightly, the lyrics rather somber as she had warned. She could only hope the one she -wanted- to hear them was somewhere around. " Well fortune favors not the young, o/~ Spoken words and songs unsung, right? o/~ I never learned from my mistakes, o/~ I guess I don't have what it takes, right? o/~ I wish that I was strong, that I could walk away, o/~ All this time I've lost, I feel the cost repaid. o/~ So save today, the secrets that you prayed for, And wait, cause we deserve it so much more, o/~ So save, the secrets that you prayed for, awake, I'll see you on the other side. o/~ " The notes would continue as the Guildmaster collected the second verse in her mind. ( https://youtu.be/Jb6dyGsJfMM for those curious) 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite cocks her head a little to one side. Her hearing is exceptionally good so she can pick out all the little nuiances in both the guitar's sound and the singing with little trouble. But that usually just makes music sound more personal to her when she can catch all subtle uniquities in a person's performance. Though, who knew the Izzet Guildmaster could sing? That's definately a new one on her. 

:'''{{#var:1048|Young Arthur (1048)}} has posed:''' "I got in a fight with one of my pursuers." The androgynous person answers, the language is definitely closer to Welsh than Irish. It's Old Brittonic, with an accent native to what would in later days be considered to be Wales. Inga's aid is not turned away, but for so much blood loss the wound is remarkably mild, doesn't need any stitching and only light bandaging. The other presences seem to make the figure a bit skittish, but the seeker of sanctuary does not flee, instead there's an awkward curtsey, as though they're not used to the motion, towards Bedivere. "Tyrants who seek power that is not theirs, who view me as an uncomfortable obstacle in their pursuits, my lord." Rhapsody's music is answered with a polite clapping, and a smile. The first since coming into view, clearly the reprieve from more serious matters is appreciated. "That is lovely music." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' How lucky for Arthur that both Inga and Bedivere happen to be here. Inga would of course, chalk it up to the hands of the gods. She didn't forsee it, but was prepared none the less. "Well, I can help with that," Inga says, not hesitation to approach Arthur and start to examine the wounds. "The good steward will not mind if you save your curtseys for when you are no long bleeding I assure you, so please have a seat so that I may work," she says. Healers are bossy. It's just a thing. Inga examines the wound, nodding to herself before reaching into her basket for a certain salve. It smells...spicy, and it most certainly stings when she applies it--but lo and behold, the bleeding slows and as moments pass, stops. Next, she rebandages. She's almost a little sorry it doesn't need stitching. She'd just bought some new needles! But she is glad the stranger is alright. "That should do well enough. Keep it clean. If you are to stay, I can look after it. My name is Inga, by the way. Wisewoman," she adds. At mention of the music, Inga looks up, eyebrows rising. She'd been in the zone and had hardly noticed it. "Yes, it is. A little calming music does not hurt, certainly." Inga looks back to Arthur, looking him/her over. Given the curtsy, she's inclined to believe she's indeed a lady. But one never knows. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   Despite paying attention to the newcomer, the steward is still keeping half an ear cocked towards the sound of the music. It's not the kind of rhythm or nuance familiar to him. Music of another world, something unlike his own... but then again, he doesn't often expect to hear music that he's familiar with. It seems to be a minority, especially in the multiverse.   Bedivere folds his arms. Articulated plates of armour tick softly as his fingertips settle over the opposite arm, tapping softly as he hears out the young driver's tale. His eyes flick back over to her as the wagon-driver applauds, and he half-smiles. "Indeed," he replies, inclining his head to Rhapsody. "Different, perhaps, than what I am accustomed to."   Right now, though, he's got a problem demanding his attention. Somewhat reluctantly he turns his attention away from the singing dragon. In fact, it's really reluctant. Music is one of his soft spots. It's like a dangly string held in front of a cat; the cat just can't resist the string, and neither can Bedivere resist music. However, this young person has come asking for his help, and so the least he can do is to give them his attention.   <That is also a great deal of nothingness.> That... that's not Bedivere's voice. It seems to be coming from the black war horse, although the creature's face never moves. Those smoky gold eyes settle on the androgynous driver, and when the horse snorts softly, it issues a plume of sulphurous smoke from its nostrils. <You tell a great deal without telling much, it seems. Try again-->   It's a púca, if the driver has kept up on their Celtic folklore.   Bedivere frowns down at the horse. "Behave yourself. This is a guest upon my land, and--"   <Yes, yes.> The answer is almost sulky; the horse dips its head and flicks its ears back, as though sullen.   Bedivere settles over the charger's back, then, tilting his head as he regards his visitor. "Unfortunately, as the Black One--" He pats the horse's neck, "--has observed, that is a great deal of vagueness. I am afraid if I am to offer you sanctuary from your pursuers, I would know who they are, that I might recognise them." His smile is bland. "I do not mean to pry; merely to protect a guest of my hall."   "I will not see a guest of mine submitted to the justice of another jurisdiction, if you will; this land is my responsibility, and so too are its laws, and the administering of them." Bedivere inclines his head. A cursty; a girl, perhaps? Roughly dressed, if so, as though she were trying to hide her identity. Is that a flicker of sympathy from the marshal? Surely it's just the imagination. His tone gentles. "You need not deal with your accusers, if that is not your wish," he adds. "I will turn them away for you if you are not comfortable doing so."   Poor girl. Maybe she ran away from home. Maybe she was being forced into a marriage she wasn't comfortable with; promised, perhaps, to a political rival in the interest of peace. Could she be someone displaced from Camelot, perhaps? Somewhere on the bordermarches, where Arturia had not spared her knights to patrol so often?   He reaches up to tug at the red stone stud in his left ear; the stud is the colour of blood, and his expression is a thoughtful frown when he follows through with his unconscious gesture. "Aye, I would heed the Wisewoman's words. Sit, and allow her to work her trade. I am Sir Bedivere, Steward of Dun Realtai; it is on my lands that you have chosen to seek solace. And I am happy to give it, but I fear I must have answers to my questions. Who are you? Why have you come here? And from whom are you fleeing?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     A small smile is given to the light clapping from the first verse. A light nod is given in the direction of the applause before Rhapsody slips into the second verse. " A tortured soul have I become, o/~ It keeps me safe and leaves me numb, right? o/~ Cause in this dream I'm wide awake, o/~ The one I love I did forsake, right? o/~ I wish that I was wrong, that you'll come home again, o/~ All this time I've lost, I'll never find again, o/~ So save today, the secrets that you prayed for, o/~ And wait, cause we deserve it so much more, o/~ So save, the secrets that you prayed for, awake o/~ I'll see you on the other side. o/~ " For a few moments the Guildmaster simply lets the song carry itself through the guitar she was handed minutes earlier. As she slips into the end of the song and produces the last few notes, she simply asks one last question along with the melody echoing out. "Say you can help me now? o/~" It wasn't how the song actually ended, but with how she felt, that was how it was going to end tonight. 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite leans against a convenient wall to listen to the end of the song. Then makes an amused chuffing sound as she adjusts her stetson with one hand. "Ya say that like we weren't already gonna help ya." 

:'''{{#var:1048|Young Arthur (1048)}} has posed:''' "Thank you, Wisewoman." The newcomer rests back when told to relax, and allows Inga to do her work. There's a certain discomfort to it, but not so much. The discomfort of someone who doesn't like others fussing around them. "Six months ago, the King of Britain died. After his death, the most powerful of his vassals saw opportunity, and now they are preparing to war eachother for the crown. Foremost among their number are Lord Lot of Lothian, Lord Urien of Rheged, and Lord Caradoc of Gwent." The stranger explains, to begin with. "The King made sure that all would know they were not to inherit the throne, and I believe I have what's necessary to avert bloodshed and reunite Britain under its rightful King." Left unsaid is that he believes to be that rightful king. "They do not even wish me to try, seeing me as a threat to their ambitions, my lord. It's Lord Caradoc's troops that have been chasing me of late." Then, having explained from whom they are fleeing and why, "I do not know where I am, though I've heard it said I am no longer in Britain, and that this dun is a home to the virtues of knighthood, and hoped I would be able to find sanctuary here." Still not actually answering who they are. The song gets more gentle applause when it's done, the stranger clearly unwilling to clap so hard to cause physical pain, "It's beautiful. Are you the minstrel of this town?" 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Well, there is little to be done about being fussed over. Inga is a petite woman, walks with a limp, and she absolutely gives off the impression that she will do unpleasant thing to a person that gets on her bad side. She knows what she is doing, and has the wound clean, no longer bleeding, and well on the way to recovery. "Now just take it easy," she says, taking a step back to clean her hands and listen to what the youth has to say. She blinks several times, then looks to Bedivere, stunned. What are the chances...? 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   "Aye, her voice is beautiful. I should like to hear more of it some time, milady," Bedivere adds to Rhapsody, inclining his head politely to indicate her. "I have a certain knack for music, or so I have been told."   As regards his visitor, the pale-haired knight seems to be a cautious man. His expression is impassive as he listens to the tale, but he's paying rapt attention -- having been around Dun Realtai for some time, Inga would recognise that telltale sign in the steward. When he seems least interested, eyes hooded and slightly out of focus, that is when he listens most keenly.   He frowns, immediately looking to the Wisewoman with a grunt of surprise. His brows arch so sharply that they disappear into the hair that frames his face. Britain? How is this? More accurately, what are the odds of such a thing...?   Arms still folded, the knight cocks his head very slightly. "You say Britain, and your tongue marks you of Britain, as well." Yet the word Bedivere uses is the old term; 'Prydein.' "And I know too the men of whom you speak... but this king you speak of." Bedivere's gaze settles on the stranger's youthful face, intense as a raptor's as the knight studies him. It's the regard of a man debating its veracity -- but also the regard of a warrior; the sensation of being sized up.   Bedivere exhales, softly, though his nose, and considers this strange predicament.   "Inheritance..."   Could it be Uther, then? The man had had tremendous influence in his lifetime, even if his authority had lacked the stamp of chivalry that Arturia would later leave, at least in Bedivere's limited experience. Arturia rarely spoke of her father, and always with the cold hostility of someone who had displeased her--   Bedivere comes back to the present with a shake of his head. "Lord Caradoc. Aye, I remember him." His gauntleted hand rises to rub at his chin, eyes narrowing in thought. "He was overly fond of wine. That is the man whose troops are searching for you? Lord Caradoc was not popular with them; they followed and served him out of fear more than loyalty... if I remember my vassals of King Uther rightly."   <Is Caradoc himself in attendance?> The horse pricks its ears, head veering just a little closer to the stranger. Is that mischief in those inhuman and softly glowing eyes? <Oh, please do tell this one that Caradoc himself is in attendance. This one has an idea.>   Bedivere is looking at the faerie-horse with a sour expression. "Please do not cause a war with your meddling."   <This one expects that it will find a way to expire of boredom,> the pooka intones in a tone of despair, with a morose sigh. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     A smile is given everyone that was listening before Rhapsody slips from the wall, offering the instrument back to its owner. "Thank you," she says to him, and everyone, before stretching. "I think that is about enough for one day. I'll probably visit again. If anyone else has questions, you are free to ask them of me then." 

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:''' Corona Arclite reachs over to give Rhapsody's shoulder a playful light swat. "Go'on. Yer suppose to be restin' up." It's good to see her feeling better. Corona is pretty sure her sibs will be happy to hear that too. Well, Ryx will be. He'll have to tell Little Miss Mysterious, Corona can never seem to actually see that one. 

:'''{{#var:1048|Young Arthur (1048)}} has posed:''' "I'll do my best." The youngster answers Inga, but then grows quiet and listens. Between Bedivere seeming to know the story, and the fae horse seeming so eager to get into a fight, it's clear that this visitor is thinking they made a mistake in coming here, and the young guest raises their head proudly. "If you would dishonour yourself by tricking someone seeking sanctuary into feeling secure using the magics of the fair folk to mislead them, then get it over with." "If not, then I would like to have an explanation of how you know of King Uther, how you know of the failings of Lord Caradoc." There's a certain attitude here, that this is how things ought to be, a fervorous believe in the righteousness of honourable behavior, and quite obviously, what's suspected of going on seems to be considered so dishonourable as to be worthy of little other than pure loathing. As Rhapsody leaves, the guest does do them the favour of politely nodding their head, "I would love to hear you play once more, should I ever have the opportunity to." There's an implied 'if I don't die here today' 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Yes, Inga is sharing that look. It is /very/ strange. As she will tell, Inga doesn't not really believe in coincidences, which leaves two options. Her first thought is of worry. Can this youth be trusted? Perhaps she is not what she appears...perhaps it is a ploy to gain Bedivere's trust for nefarious purpose. Perhaps, the youth is an assassin. Paranoid, maybe, but it is too uncanny not to consider. Or...the gods are involved and it is simply fate. And if it is fate... Inga can't help herself. Now that a seed of worry has been planted she wants to be sure they are safe. Bedivere is mortal after all... so Inga lets loose the restraints on her Sight and takes a good, hard look at what this youth's wyrd has to show her. It is a doozy. Inga gasps quietly, stepping back, nearly stumbling. Shaking, Inga looks to Bedi. She will have to ask Merlin how he does what he does with getting in other people's heads because she would give a great deal to share with Bedivere what she just saw. Inga looks to Rhapsody. She blinks. Oh, she has seen her before. "That was lovely, yes..." still looking startled. She's tempted to ask for another song. Maybe it would cut the tension. "Perhaps another song? If you feel inclined?" she asks. Inga swallows hard, looking to Arthur. "You are safe here...indeed you are among peers. Perhaps you might trust us with your name?" she asks. This is going to be really complicated. 

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''   "Good eve, then," Bedivere affords to the dragon, along with a faint half-smile. He'll see that she's left alone but for anyone she happens to invite. Giving her a place to put her thoughts in order is the least that he can do.   His attention turns back to the newcomer, and the more the faerie horse goes on about spoiling for a fight, the more sour his expression seems to turn.   Apparently he doesn't agree with said faerie's magic.   "You will not dishonour me before Brehon Law," the knight points out, glaring at the horse under him. "Cease your talk of Lord Caradoc. If he should come here, he too will be welcomed as a guest -- and both you and he shall be protected by those laws."   A holdover from the times before Christianity had visited their lands, such laws would proclaim a guest safe under a host's roof, and guests could not act against other guests. In an age when political alliances were so mercurial and where warfare could erupt from nothing, meetings citing hospitality were sacrosanct; to meet under the roof of a host was a white flag of truce.   Bedivere frowns as he considers the youth's words. "No, I would not involve myself in your dispute. As steward of this place, I must consider its safety before I entangle myself with the political matter of an external territory." He shakes his head. "I believe you. And while I may offer you sanctuary, I will not turn him away." Bedivere's face curls into a thin, almost sardonic little smile. "I can, however, buy you time, if you should wish to escape or hide yourself. That is not any breach of Brehon Law."   A host really just promises to do no harm to his guests. He doesn't promise to be incredibly inconvenient to them under technicality of the law. And if there's one thing Bedivere had come to be very competent at, it's finding the wiggle room between the spirit and the letter of a law, or whether an action is chivalrous or unchivalrous.   Bedivere cants his head slightly the other way, studying the youth. "I know of King Uther, because that was the king before the one I now serve. I swore my sword long ago to King Arthur Pendragon. If my histories are aught like yours, I know these men, and I know of their character; at least what the bards were paid to remember." His eyes flick back to the road, studying the steep road that winds back down to the base of the mountain. Further on is the warpgate; maybe that's how these people got in. Had to be, unless they went slogging through the tundra beyond Dun Realtai's distant bordering mountains.   "I would do you no dishonour, nor would I bring such dishonour upon myself." Bedivere answers seriously, with an earnestness that's almost endearing. He takes these matters quite seriously. "My /companion/ was merely amusing himself. And," he adds, eyeing the horse, "he will be forbidden from interfering--"   <This one is going to /expire of boredom/,> the Black One insists morosely.   Bedivere ignores the horse-like creature without skipping a beat, "--from whatever matters are between yourself and Lord Caradoc. To the best of my ability, you will be given safe haven, here, as you have asked it, and I am obligated as host to provide it."   "However, you have still not answered one of my questions." He studies his guest. "By what name are you known, traveller...? Who are you, who has Lord Caradoc so wroth with y--"   His head whips around as Inga stumbles, and he's beside her at once to offer his arm. "Wisewoman?" That makes him even more wary. What precisely is she seeing that's got her so upset? Oh, such a loaded question, for Inga... one never knows just what she's going to see. And she's seen some doozies. 

:'''{{#var:1048|Young Arthur (1048)}} has posed:''' Arthur blinks when Bedivere mentions he serves Arthur, and there's still a wariness there, but he makes up his mind. "I wish to show you something to prove what I am about to say, if what you tell me is true I have little doubt that you will understand why it proves it." That said, he pulls out bundle of cloth and rolls it open, revealing a hefty stone, three inch thick, six inch wide and several feet long. Out of one end sticks the holt of a sword. He picks it up like it weighs nothing. "He whosoever pulls this sword" He puts his right hand on the of the hilt, "out of this stone and anvil." His grip tightens, and the sword begins to glow, "is rightwise born king of all Britain." He pulls it out, and it glows in holy light, the weapon itself nigh impossible to see clad in brilliance as it is. A moment after, he sticks it back in the stone, and the light fades. "I am Arthur, ward of Lord Hector, of unknown parentage, though I have been suspecting for a few months now that I may be King Uther's son." He folds the stone and sword back into their bundle, and puts them back in the wagon. 
}}

Silence (Rhapsody)

2016-09-18T16:12:12Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/09/18 |Location=Dun Realtai |Synopsis=After trying to write a report, Rhapsody thinks on the current state of affairs regarding Ravnica a..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/09/18
|Location=Dun Realtai
|Synopsis=After trying to write a report, Rhapsody thinks on the current state of affairs regarding Ravnica and Yunomi
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
For days now, Rhapsody had been putting off reporting back to the Union on the situation at hand. How Yunomi's trail had now gone completely cold. On how Ijiwaru had actually assisted when the Namamura district came under attack by the Guildless of Ravnica, wanting only to drive out 'outsiders' and 'foreigners' when so many immigrants from the rest of the Multiverse had moved in all over Ravnica. She wanted, desperately, to let everyone know how Ijiwaru was controlling her and caused her to become a recluse from nearly everyone, staying in Dun Realtai. However, when she started to write with Pidge eagerly awaiting to deliver her report, not a single word would be written.

While she had found new allies within the walls of Dun Realtai, fears had formed that simply kept her from acting. Ijiwaru seemed to have eyes everywhere. What if he got hold of her report? Would he deliver his evidence to the steps of Prahv? Would The first domino fall causing damage to Ravnica that may not be able to be repaired? Her expulsion from home, guild, and almost everything she had known her entire life?

No. The report would have to wait until everything was settled. At least the Guildmaster had a way to still move forward on her investigation thanks to Merlin, but that secret needed to be kept from everyone, possibly never to be revealed. Decision made, the report is tucked away to be written on another day. The result of all her contemplation left her with a single thought.

"Is this what you're going through, right now?"

Nothing (Rhapsody)

2016-09-18T16:10:13Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/09/09 |Location=Somewhere |Synopsis=Rhapsody encounters Yunomi again... |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=Moeru }} ( https://youtu.be/8pW..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/09/09
|Location=Somewhere
|Synopsis=Rhapsody encounters Yunomi again...
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
( https://youtu.be/8pWqLRA_0ZE )

(What did you expect from a shattered soul?)

Emotionless (Rhapsody)

2016-09-18T16:08:31Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/09/04 |Location=Ravnica - Nivix Aerie |Synopsis=Blackmailed by Ijiwaru, Rhapsody's emotions spill out to the point she can hardly feel th..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/09/04
|Location=Ravnica - Nivix Aerie
|Synopsis=Blackmailed by Ijiwaru, Rhapsody's emotions spill out to the point she can hardly feel them afterward
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
( Celldweller - So Long Sentiment )
( https://youtu.be/HS8RUjZdXUo )

Despite staying in Thirix for the last 2 weeks, staying close to all of her closest allies in both the Union and the League, today, Rhapsody returns to Nivix where those that have been speaking against Yunomi, within the League, have seemed to gather. Those that had been staying in Thirix had been on the tanuki's side.

Tonight that changed.

As the massive doors to the lair atop Nivix close, they are locked by the Guildmaster as she enters. A single press of a rune on the door seals the entire room. It was a rune that her father had shown her once long, long ago. No one would be able to enter. Sidonia, Ryxinel, Rizix, no one. Sidonia didn't even KNOW about the rune, but would be at a loss when she would encounter it. Quiet, alone, shattered, the red and blue coat that she wears is not simply tossed aside, but is torn to shreds as she takes her true form. The spell-blades clatter to the ground, kicked aside, and then?

Everything in the lair is subject to the raw energy breath that Rhapsody has had since she first hatched. The Dragonsforge, the Union terminal, half finished inventions, spare comms-crystals... everything. The only thing that will survive the emotional purge is the hoard because all that she had left was her father. No one else would ever see the Guildmaster the same way again. How could they? The betrayal was now two-fold. By morning, that emotionless shell would return again, and it is all anyone would ever see ever again.

Ascend (Rhapsody)

2016-09-18T16:03:22Z

RawrDragon:

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/08/30
|Location=Ravnica
|Synopsis=Rhapsody tries to send a message to Yunomi
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
( https://youtu.be/nak9xhfDcwI )

A message was received.

A friend, a new friend, had reached out to Rhapsody while she was in the lair atop Thirix, coordinating drones, the Izzet League, and so much more. She refused to offer assistance to this 'Ijiwaru' and yet in the middle of the night someone called her, her and Richard Stadler, to provide a thread for them to cling to. While uncertain what Stadler would do as a result, Rhapsody had only one course of action.

Much like the week before, the guildmaster ascended the communications tower above Thirix to the tiny netsuke charm, and the artifact it rested on. She had wished that her own message of hope would reach Yunomi wherever she was. Now, however, she was changing the message. She had never lost hope. That message was more for herself than Yunomi, in hindsight. Now, however, a message would be sent that was for the tanuki alone. With the new message imprinted, the dragon would descend back into Thirix to resume her efforts, to check on Thianel, to check on everything, and then, sleep. Tonight she would sleep far better than the week prior. And the message?

I forgive you.

Ascend (Rhapsody)

2016-09-18T16:02:01Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/08/30 |Location=Ravnica |Synopsis=( https://youtu.be/nak9xhfDcwI ) A message was received. A friend, a new friend,..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/08/30
|Location=Ravnica
|Synopsis=( https://youtu.be/nak9xhfDcwI )

A message was received.

A friend, a new friend, had reached out to Rhapsody while she was in the lair atop Thirix, coordinating drones, the Izzet League, and so much more. She refused to offer assistance to this 'Ijiwaru' and yet in the middle of the night someone called her, her and Richard Stadler, to provide a thread for them to cling to. While uncertain what Stadler would do as a result, Rhapsody had only one course of action.

Much like the week before, the guildmaster ascended the communications tower above Thirix to the tiny netsuke charm, and the artifact it rested on. She had wished that her own message of hope would reach Yunomi wherever she was. Now, however, she was changing the message. She had never lost hope. That message was more for herself than Yunomi, in hindsight. Now, however, a message would be sent that was for the tanuki alone. With the new message imprinted, the dragon would descend back into Thirix to resume her efforts, to check on Thianel, to check on everything, and then, sleep. Tonight she would sleep far better than the week prior. And the message?

I forgive you.
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
( https://youtu.be/nak9xhfDcwI )

A message was received.

A friend, a new friend, had reached out to Rhapsody while she was in the lair atop Thirix, coordinating drones, the Izzet League, and so much more. She refused to offer assistance to this 'Ijiwaru' and yet in the middle of the night someone called her, her and Richard Stadler, to provide a thread for them to cling to. While uncertain what Stadler would do as a result, Rhapsody had only one course of action.

Much like the week before, the guildmaster ascended the communications tower above Thirix to the tiny netsuke charm, and the artifact it rested on. She had wished that her own message of hope would reach Yunomi wherever she was. Now, however, she was changing the message. She had never lost hope. That message was more for herself than Yunomi, in hindsight. Now, however, a message would be sent that was for the tanuki alone. With the new message imprinted, the dragon would descend back into Thirix to resume her efforts, to check on Thianel, to check on everything, and then, sleep. Tonight she would sleep far better than the week prior. And the message?

I forgive you.

Downward Spiral (Rhapsody)

2016-09-18T16:01:02Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/08/24 |Location=Ravnica |Synopsis=Rhapsody's anger after the council vote of Ravnica had completed |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=Moer..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/08/24
|Location=Ravnica
|Synopsis=Rhapsody's anger after the council vote of Ravnica had completed
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
( https://youtu.be/yntDx4Y4baw )

The council chambers were left behind. If anger could power a city, the rage filling Rhapsody's mind would be able to replace Ravnica's power lines for the rest of the night, or so she felt for the moment. This Ijiwara could not be trusted and yet the Ravnican Guild Council voted to allow him to 'help' find Yunomi.

Hypocrites.

They wanted to lash out at 'outsiders' to the city and then were so happy to allow an 'outsider' hunt down the 'betrayer'. It was clear to the Guildmaster of the Izzet League that they needed to find Yunomi first. Her comms-crystal called out to the Union, to the Izzet League, and to any ally that would hear, to ask for help. In the midst of it all, however, a single voice crackled over the band.

It was just for a moment. It faded as quickly as it had arrived. She begged for the voice to return, but it didn't. When traces revealed that the transmission came from -within- the council chamber... it was too much.

As the massive doors to the lair atop Thirix closed, the crystal struck the door behind, shattering into pieces. For the second time in a week, the Guildmaster would find herself succumbing to her emotions until she fell asleep, this time in her true form and with no one around.

Denial (Rhapsody)

2016-09-18T15:59:28Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/08/21 |Location=Ravnica |Synopsis=Rhapsody's reaction to Yunomi's betrayal |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=Moeru }} ( https://youtu.be/..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/08/21
|Location=Ravnica
|Synopsis=Rhapsody's reaction to Yunomi's betrayal
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
( https://youtu.be/7Qw4IpcIMqw )

Did it all really happen?

When first waking in the aftermath of Presentation Day, the first thought that crossed Rhapsody's mind was a single question. It would be answered shortly after by the stabbing pain in her leg. A mark left by the naginata of someone that had attacked her. Not Yunomi, though. That was impossible. Right? The lair atop Thirix was empty save for herself and what had always been in the room. She had demanded time to think, time to figure out what all of that was. First, she had slept for far, far too long. Now, as she awoke, saw the reports, saw the state of the Izzet, of Ravnica, of everything, her frame slumped in the chair as her burning in her chest and eyes came back.

Before it all came again, before the waves of sadness, frustration, anger, and depression reared up to drag her back down into the sweet nothingness of sleep, something fell off of the desk she sat at. Reaching down, the guild master brought up to her vision a single, long, iron pin.

"Wait.."

This didn't make sense. The pin they had found at the Namamura Shrine was of a very specific type. It was cold iron. The sort that spirits would be hurt by if they so much as touched it. This was something someone like Yunomi -could not use-. The burning in her chest vanished. This was it. The thing she forgot. The thing it felt like -everyone- was ignoring. She had found something everyone else either forgot or could not find.

Hope.

Bolting from the seat, the dragon put on her trademark coat, took the spellblades to her sides, ignored the pain in her leg, and marched out the massive doors that had locked her away in the lair atop Thirix and went even -higher-.

Atop the spire, beside the sky-entrance, a communications tower had been constructed for various reasons. To keep in contact with the Union was one use, but this time Rhapsody had a different idea. She'd spend a few hours using the rudimentary skills that Ryxinel had shown her to make a tiny artifact. Upon it, she imprinted a thought. The hope that she had found. She would send out a signal. Atop the tower, the small artifact with a singular thought was placed. Attached to it was a netsuke charm that Rhapsody had received from Yunomi months earlier.

Hoping this would work, the Guildmaster slipped back down into the spire, then out to begin her research. She had people that she needed to talk to. Some she was scared of, some she was terrified of, but this story had only started. They would say she was in denial. She wouldn't care. She had found hope and she would wear it like a halo and prove everyone wrong.

Strike (Rhapsody)

2016-09-18T15:57:55Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/08/21 |Location=Ravnica |Synopsis=Ryxinel's reaction to Yunomi's Betrayal |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=Moeru }} ( https://youtu.be/L..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/08/21
|Location=Ravnica
|Synopsis=Ryxinel's reaction to Yunomi's Betrayal
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
( https://youtu.be/LDOEqQjgQwk )

*Strike*

The familiarity of repetition was a mechanism that drove Ryxinel when faced with adversity. Every time something would lash out his family, and even Ravnica, the only brother of the trio would become a recluse within the Dragonsforge high atop Nivix, or the alternate forge atop Thirix. While for a day, he had to take on the mantle of Guildmaster due to the line of succession coming to him after Rhapsody, today, he was helping in the forges with many other mage wrights to complete a common goal. Thianel's reconstruction.

*Strike*

The sound of a hammer on metal would ring out hundreds of times this day, but only his own would be heard. Goblins, mage wrights, and even Corona Arclite were united in a common goal, but between each swing all that the red dragon could think of was the Izzet League and what else they would need to do in the following days.

*Strike*

1. Reconstruct Thianel. While he was not a visible presence in the Multiverse, he was still a teacher to many within the guild. Perhaps he had insights into why things had gone so wrong.

*Strike*

2. The Namamura District required protection. With no one to lash out against there would be people within and outside the Izzet League that would want revenge for what had transpired at Presentation Day. The Boros had pledged aid, Trianica, Selesnya, the Union, but more was needed. Hatred would wrap itself around the sector like a noose if nothing was done.

*Strike*

3. Within 3 full days, the Izzet Sector would be required to reopen. The laws were clear. They stated that a sudden closure of a guild district can only last for 3 full days. Security across the whole district would have to be high. The Izzet was vulnerable. Rhapsody was vulnerable. There were those that would tie the entire guild down if they found the opportunity.

*Strike*

The rope of hate that had wrapped around everything Ryxinel held dear was held by the complex knot of betrayal. He could see all the parts to pull at, but with no end open, it was like a legend he heard of from Earth. An enigmatic puzzle that if undone would lead to the fulfillment of one's desires if solved. He also knew how the tale ended. A man simply used a sword to get what he wanted.

*Strike*

The blade being worked on was not meant for Thianel, it was meant for himself. A large blade suitable for a dragon to use. He would be like that man from the story. He would cut the cord, slice the knot, remove the rope of hatred and save everyone he could. Who the sword would be used on was piece of the puzzle he had not yet found. Not yet. With the blade at his back, he would return to the first item on his list, but the thoughts of everything would continue until the forges went cold.

*Strike*

The forges rarely went cold.

*Strike*

Actions (Rhapsody)

2016-09-18T15:56:38Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/08/21 |Location=Ravnica |Synopsis=Sidonia's Reaction to Yunomi's betrayal |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=Moeru }} ( https://youtu.be/0..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2016/08/21
|Location=Ravnica
|Synopsis=Sidonia's Reaction to Yunomi's betrayal
|Cast of Characters=325
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
( https://youtu.be/0Mhj-Rm3J4w )

Actions speak louder than words. This was a belief that Sidonia had held for a long portion of her life. Evil intention were always conveyed by the actions carried out against people or places. Years prior, arbiter Augustin wanted to murder three dragons that had not even hatched.

Evil.

Not long after, the vampire Szadek was unleashed upon Ravnica with the sole intention of murdering Niv-Mizzet and taking Ravnica for his own.

Evil.

Nicol Bolas came to the city that is her home. All of it had been constructed to foster Niv-Mizzet's spark so that he could steal it for himself and reclaim a power that he had lost.

Evil.

A father refused to find an ulterior way to rid the world of the Eldrazi and left her behind.

...

An apprentice appeared to the Izzet League with the intention of learning magic, to find family and comradery, and in the end revealed that their desire was the hostile take over of the Izzet League.

...

She would not allow history to repeat itself again. In the moments of confusion after Thianel shattered into a million pieces, and her two siblings found comfort of those around them, Sidonia once more had nothing and no one. Rather than seek out compassion, she slipped into the shadows to begin her hunt. She would search the spires, the undercity, the sewers, and all the dark places she knew of, and a few more that she would discover. She had no idea what she would do if she was able to find Yunomi, but in that single moment when eyes may meet each other, words would mean nothing.

Yunomi's actions would speak louder than her words.

Dream Walking

2016-09-11T15:02:36Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/09/09 |Location=Castle Hall - Dun Realtai |Synopsis=While sleeping since her encounter with Yunomi, Rhapsody gets an unexpected visitor. |Cast..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/09/09
|Location=Castle Hall - Dun Realtai
|Synopsis=While sleeping since her encounter with Yunomi, Rhapsody gets an unexpected visitor.
|Cast of Characters=325, 639
|Tinyplot=Moeru
}}
{{Poses
|Poses====================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

( https://youtu.be/8pWqLRA_0ZE )

Since arriving in Dun Realtai, the guildmaster of the Izzet, Rhapsody, hasn't even left the room she had been lead to. While her brother had stopped by earlier in the day to reverse the polymorph that had been cast on her, the dragon had remained in her true form, but had been sleeping, though not well.

Within the dream, Rhapsody was curled into a ball, simply floating through a massive starfield somewhere way out there. The constellations all around could be identified as the Ravnican sky, though with two major differences. The Red Star is absolutley massive in the sky above, seemlingly burning with an angry red light. Far below, a much smaller Blue Star shines cooly from below.

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

It is true that the keep is relatively large compared to most houses, but as far as castles go Dun Realtai is no massive place. It's certainly not on the ostentatious levels that some parts of Ravnica can get, but it /is/ comfortable - and it is quiet. And, fortunately, it's large enough for Rhapsody's true form...with a little extra cozyness, of course.

In a different world, one far more suited to creatures of any size, Merlin moves above the face of the dream. The wizard casts about, looking in a certain forest meadow...which has not been used it seems. Alas. Then, perhaps it is time to look in on another wounded heart; one that is a victim in this as well. And one who has been nearly catatonic, it seems, since the unexpected battle.

As Rhapsody floats amidst the stars, there is a soft awareness of a presence, and if she turns she'll spy the wizard of Dun Realtai in all his gloriously pretty bishounen looks. It's certainly not the Merlin of legend, but legends often get so many details wrong. What he's doing in her dream, well...that still remains to be seen. "Lady Rhapsody. I bid you greetings, and pray my presence is acceptable. I sought to inquire as to your well being."

She's not dreaming /of/ Merlin, that's the real thing before her.

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

Curled up in a ball, she was basically just in a comfortable zero-g sleeping position. When a voice calls to her in her own dream, the floating form starts to uncurl. A world-weary pair of eyes skim about the field of stars, wince at the raging red hues from above, look longingly at the cooler star below, but spotting Merlin here is... strange. She's also still at that point of her dream where she doesn't REALIZE it is a dream, yet. It isn't lucid.. for the moment.

"Merlin..?"

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

There is something...ominous, about Rhapsody's sleep. Such a great creature, wrapped so tight as if it were about to uncoil or lash forth. Instead, he diverts his gaze from the white dragon, taking in the two stars that make up the Ravnican sky - and recalls what happened on that day. When one star dimmed so, and the other swelled. Is it merely reflected in Rhapsody's dreams...or is there more direct ties between the Guildmaster and the heavens?

It would not be the first time, Merlin admits.

The great creature speaks, and the silverhaired wizard kneels before her. "I am. Permit me to join you in this place, at least." He doesn't outright call it a dream, but it's certainly not quite the real world. Dragons don't fly through space with wizards all that often, at least.

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

"Ah... alright..?" Confusion is apparent in the dragon's tone. Her gaze turns upward again, a wince escaping her this time, "He's so angry.." she whispers, half hiding under a wing from the angry gaze of the red giant above them both. "I don't know what to do..." she mumbles before she almost appears to be mentally hit by a freight train. She recalls Yunomi and what happened the last time she was awake. As she does, the Red Star actually starts to swell even further. It causes her to look back at Merlin, pleading, "What am I supposed to do..?"

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

Dreams, in a way, are even more sacrosanct than Brehon law. You share a universe with a person, inside their soul. For a guest like Rhapsody, there is no other option that the wizard has. Merlin nods, and settles before her, simply watching quietly.

He turns his gaze to the Red Star, as it expands and threatens Rhapsody - and simply points a finger. Perhaps dreams are a shared universe, but Merlin of Camelot is one who walks this universe and shapes it as easily as a carpenter his own house. With a simple gaze, and a silent command, the red star begins to shrink once more, the furious scarlet shifting into a softer tone.

And then there is the matter of her question. "For now...you are supposed to rest. You now dream, in this place among the night sky. But you are safe in Dun Realtai with us." He smiles, then produces a cup of tea in the way that only dreams permit - one instant it is not there, the next it has always been. A long sip. "I am afraid I cannot tell you what it is you are /to/ do. I cannot give you directions or orders."

She is the Guildmaster. Such decisions are hers, not for others - ANY others, foolish as they may be - to put upon her.

"But...I can help you sort your thoughts, and lead you to a path you would choose yourself, that you might yourself give that direction and follow it unerringly. Take a breath as deep as you wish; the world of dreams will wait. A century might pass in an hour, or minutes last all night. We will have time." It's not unlike what he'd said to Yunomi...and Merlin knows what he's talking about.

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

And about now the lucididy finds its way to Rhapsody's mind. It is actually the first time the dragon has ever had a lucid dream. She recalls, then, how Merlin had visited Yunomi and is suddenly appreciative that the wizard has decided to visit. Especially when, with nothing but a finger, her 'father' starts to fade into the background. ".. Dreaming.." she muses to herself, eyes closing for a moment. When they open, the two are still among the stars, but a slab of grass-covered ground has appeared below them, and now, it is what Rhapsody is resting on.

"I don't know what to do," she repeats, but with far more clarity. "She wouldn't be honest, she wouldn't just tell me why she's doing what she's doing... she just -insists- on treading that path alone when I would follow her into the nether-realms and back, Merlin.. I just want to understand, especially with all the notebooks we found... I just ... I don't understand it at all.

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

Merlin finds himself relaxed upon he grass, and smiles. "Very good. Good afternoon, Guildmaster." There's a soft nod in greeting. The fires of the red star no longer seek to scorch, but merely illuminate - casting, amusingly, a soft pink light against the dragon's white skin. Almost like the gentle touch of a father, rather than the furious hand of anger.

"Bedivere informed me of much of what was said. I do not know of the notebooks, though; other than by mention. What did they say?" It's a simple enough question, but delicate - Rhapsody's just come to her senses as it were, and the contents may hurt. A lot.

The wizard continues, giving the dragon a moment to organize her thoughts. "She said, I understand, that...someone 'made her a better offer.' I find that extremely hard to believe she would accept such a thing. I do not know Lady Yunomi well," he adds with a bit of a wistful trace in his voice. "But the girl I have met and consider a friend...if there were anything truly in her heart, the single seed of her being, from all that I have heard of her accomplishments..."

Sigh. "Would be loyalty. She is, first and foremost, a guardian." He sits back, taking a long sip of that tea, glad that dream tea never needs to be refilled - or spills. "The most important question to ask...what is it, then, that she is guarding with such loyalty?"

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

"While the notebooks don't really give the answer, something else did," Rhapsody starts to recall, and as she does, the image of Niv-Mizzet that was in her room at Redfern appears. "She had a drawing of Niv," she starts, apparently not even seeing the drawing. "It was encoded.. or something, but my brother solved it. It was the scroll he sent to Yunomi when he.." she pauses. the Red Star flickers a moment. "-left. The message was long but he asked her to look after me, my siblings, and the Izzet. If there is one thing she was, above all else, was as you said. She was extremely loyal to my father. It is why I cannot believe the words she has been saying.."

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

Merlin takes in the drawing, as Rhapsody thinks and explains. The massive red dragon...and this is his daughter. And if she had been merely asleep before, not truly in the waking-dream she is now, then perhaps that explains the great red sun. When it flickers as she explains, speaking of Niv-Mizzet, he's sure. Good job, Merlin!

"A person may undergo many things in life. See many things, live many adventures. They change, they grow...but they never stop being who they truly are. The greatest tree fanning over a field," he adds, gesturing to said tree - isn't dreamscaping fun! - "is still a tree. It still came from its own tiny seed, at its heart, and has not become anything different despite how much it has grown."

He considers, wondering. "Yunomi is a guardian. Above all else, that is what she is." There's a vision of the tanuki in human form, now, wearing her typical outfit and goggles. The image also has quite dirty hands and fingers from working in the gardens of Dun Realtai. The dream-image gives Rhapsody a small wave and a smile. "That Yunomi seeks with all of her being to fulfill that promise she made to Niv-Mizzet, and...in her own words, she is."

Remember the dream they'd met in, Rhapsody. When you saw what Yunomi told Merlin. "Right now, at this very moment...everything she is doing, everything she is saying and claiming...is to protect you, your siblings, and Ravnica itself. She is fulfilling her duty, and her coremost being."

He turns his eyes to the dragon and stands, not quite defiant, but in a sense issuing a challenge to her. There's a long, quiet stare, before he asks a question. "Did you ask what Yunomi believes she is protecting you all /from./"

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

Looking at the tree, Rhapsody listens to what the wizard has to say. In the meantime, the light shining down has evened out a bit, the blue star joining with the red one, now about the same size and brightness to the other. Somehow it results in regular sunlight. Meh! Dreams!

With the question asked by Merlin at the end, Rhapsody looks surprised. The question hadn't even crossed her mind. "No..". It stung a little to admit it, but it was true. "I don't know if she would have answered, though. Still, any time she had spoken of the Magic Eaters before, it was generally her being nervous or fearful. It's why I refuse to trust Ijiwaru at -all-...

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

Dreams are magic. So are Ravnican stars. Ah, if only they knew the truth - the land of Everything Explodes Sooner or Later worshiping the cosmic perpetual explosion of thermonuclear furnaces in the sky? They'd /love/ it. Then again, everyone knows stars are not such silly things. Science! Meh!

"Magic-eaters. I imagine their name is...descriptive of their desires and abilities." He doesn't outright frown, but for a wizard it's hardly the sort of thing that they'd like to hang out much. Isn't Ravnica full of magic, in that regard. "Who, and what, are they - as well as this Ijiwaru figure. I suspect that if we follow her fears...we will come to the same thoughts that motivated her decision and need to protect you all."

He considers. There is much of Ravnican politics he does not know...and Bedivere would probably punish him for getting involved in such things. And not in a fun way, either. A parallel occurs to him, and he considers. "Bedivere's Stewardhood over Dun Realtai is one of careful alliance and permissiveness, and he sees it not as a power base but a duty to protect. Indeed, it is the way of the knights of the Round Table, as one of their virtues. Even that 'shining city on a hill' of Camelot, in its greatest years, was rife with tension and the worry of a friend with a sword by your side...or a dagger in your back."

Merlin looks back at the dragon, reaching one hand up to caress the creature's muzzle. "Bedivere was the marshal, and was occasionally instrumental in ferreting out those threats to the kingdom. Perhaps Ravnica is in its own questioned land...and the advice of experience in such matters will be of assistance. At the very least, he can often see patterns others do not; his intelligence is never something I have questioned."

His stodgy scabbard-up-the-butt nature, quite often.

"But tell me more of this Ijiwaru. Your own instincts are the very first things you should trust - who is he...and why must you trust him."

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

There's no pulling back from the kind hand that reaches out for Rhapsody. In fact, the dragon's head leans lightly into it, probably the only true affection she's felt since this entire plot started that wasn't a touch o sympathy or pity. ... This wasn't one of those, was it? "I don't know much of him, Merlin," she begins, eyes closing as she thinks. "He and his people just feel.. wrong. Like my spirit is trying to pull away from my body when they are around." Magical black holes? Dragons are magical creatures? Seems about right. "And Ijiwaru.." she hisses the name. "Damn snake he -" she stutters, halting her speech, looking to Merlin again as if to say 'This is a dream.. right?' "... He .. he made me choose.."
==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

There's a smile when Merlin's hand is pressed gently against, and he just lets it remain. A simple enough gesture of kindness and tenderness for another being - perhaps affection, even. His hand is not there for pity, and the only sympathy being provided is a true one - one of shared, equal emotions. And a little respect, as well; Rhapsody /is/ a beautiful dragon.

Even yet as a dragon, Rhapsody speaks with the voice of a worried girl - and the description is something that would instill fear even into his own heart. "I have sensed something similar, once. It was not an experience I might like to repeat again." And then there is Rhapsody's question, and Merlin smiles.

Well, it /is/ Rhapsody's dream. And her own memories, and frankly...it /is/ fetchingly cute. If she looks down at herself, the Guildmaster will find a recollection of her avatar, when she'd visited that video-game world. Maybe the outfit is different, something a little cuter and feminine - something that Yunomi herself might very much approve of.

"In a dream...you can be anything you want to be. Or anyone. You seemed to remember this form with amusment, at least." It isn't so much that she's been polymorphed, transformed, or that he tapped deep into her mind. It's just her own dream expressing itself with a little guidance from Merlin, turning her into a different shape - one that he can't help but admit is cute. "Between this form, and your usual...and who you are in /your/ innermost core, it's quite clear just how much, and why, she loves you so."

Oh, and a wild gazebo has appeared, with its fifty hit points and iron construction. There's even some chairs and a table, with sweets and tea ready. "Come and enjoy. There's no calories in a dream, so...take your time. And when you are ready, speak further. None but the two of us even knows this place /exists./"

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

The avatar she created, herself, for helping some old friends in a crazy online death-video game, but that was a whole different story. She didn't mind it, at all, actually. Being in that form in her old Izzet Coat with some simple clothes beneath? It felt as comfortable as her dragon form. As she moves to the DEADLY GAZEBO, a blush crosses her features from the wizard's comment. "You're too kind.." is her whispered reply before taking a seat.

No one else around, in a place no one else exists, where prying eyes and ears cannot go, the guildmaster can finally admit to -someone- what happened the Sunday before. "He's blackmailing me, Merlin.." she admits. Just -saying- so causes so much weight to lift off of her shoulders. "He .. has a picture of me going into Yunomi's room at Redfern without showing the magic-eaters. Clear evidence I was refusing to work with him against the Guild Council vote. . . it amounts to treason in Ravnica. I would be excommunicated from the League and banished from the city, and my siblings would go with me cause they knowingly let me go without telling anyone.." siiiiigh. "I .. I have to do what he says... I care for Yunomi more than almost everything. I just.. cannot.. let everything my father built over his 11,000 year old life fall apart. The guild would fall apart, the city would spiral as a result... I just.. can't.."

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

"Merely honest, dear." And, of course, right. Merlin is always right. Right?

He'll escort her INTO THE JAWS OF THE GAZEBO, a court wizard attending to a visiting dignitary. He settles in at a chair opposite her, and slowly dissects a piece of cake with a fork, nibbling as Rhapsody explains.

Blackmail. A nasty word, but in this case quite possibly accurate. When Rhapsody explains further, he listens closely - and starts to draw connections. "These places, I am afraid, I am not yet familiar with. Redfern, and what the Council voted. And yet..." He considers, thinking of everything that has happened. "I take it...that this is the vote to condemn Yunomi. That he was the chosen hunter to bring her to justice, over the objections of those few of wisdom and sense."

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

The dragon moves to explain only after taking a sip of some iced tea that appeared cause it is what she wanted. "There was a vote in Ravnica, during a Guild Council meeting, where Ijiwaru appeared to offer his services. The vote was 5 to 4 in favor of allowing Ijiwaru to persue Yunomi. As for Redfern, it was a sort of slum in Sydney Austrailia where Yunomi had been staying and where we found a lot of notebooks about her various projects. I went there, as did Bedivere and a few others. The problem was Ijiwaru got some pictures of me entering, hence the issue.." And the explination is done!

Another sip, a nip at a random baked good that she reached for, (DONUT) and then she settles back into the chair she had found herself in. "It's all such a mess.."

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

Oh now this is interesting. "I recall hearing of that vote, then. Hrm." She explains further about Bedivere's participation, and Merlin raises an eyebrow. So that's what that had been, early on. Then there is something that tickles the back of Merlin's mind, as Rhapsody commits cruel devourous assault on the innocent dream donut. What a total dragon.

"So you say that Ijiwaru had already been to this place, knew of its existence...and instead of using its information to determine Yunomi's fate, where she had gone or what she was doing..." After all, those notebooks and pictures and drawings were still quite intact, and in their possession after all.

He looks over at her, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Used it as a trap for power over someone else, whom he knew would approach first, specifically...you. Remind me..." He leaves the chain of logic unstated for the moment, but between Yunomi's fear of the Magic Eater, the simple act of blackmail he'd committed against the Izzet Guildmaster, the control it gives him over Rhapsody and the apparent potential threat to her life, her siblings, and the entire land of Ravnica... "You once claimed he had no kind feelings for Yunomi as well."

One eyebrow raises slightly as he regards the human-form Guildmaster over the rim of a teacup. Sip. "Perhaps his machinations stretch further than what you have already seen...and is what Yunomi is trying to protect you from. There is, after all, much for him to gain of this - and if he does, that which she guards the most will be at the most risk."

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

Now all of that is quite a fearful thought. It would explain that simple laugh that had occured just a little while before they had found Redfern and moved in to research further. "... That's just..." Cruel? Wicked? Absolutley coniving? Lots of words, but none Rhapsody thinks of seem quite intense enough for the man. "He... has his reason. I guess, long before Namamura unified, Yunomi apparently killed a member of his family that was very young, though, I keep hearing about this 'rebirth' she had but.. I'm very much in the dark about it. It is why I asked her, when she appeared, if I was talking to Yunomi Stadler or if I was talking to Umehana Odanuki, the name Ijiwaru continues to call her. So ... he has a very deep seeded hatred of her, but only the version he once knew, not what she is now. That's what stings so much, Merlin. I can't even believe she did that awful thing.."

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

"Apparently." Heard it from who, asks the raised eyebrow? "And...if true, what were the circumstances for such a thing? Yunomi's loyalty is her core...but she is as cruel and vicious as you are." He's taking a guess, but Merlin has seen a little of Rhapsody so far - and whatever shape she is, all he sees is a woman who loves and adores more than anything else. Yunomi, her family, Ravnica, so many more things. Perhaps that's /her/ soul's deepest seed. Perhaps not. But it is still a part of her, as far as the wizard can tell.

"And if he has this hatred...would it not spread to those she cherishes? Hurt them, to hurt her?" It is not an uncommon strategy in vendetta. And of course...to hurt Rhapsody, to drive her out, to ruin everything that Yunomi cherishes and values. "Would this Ijiwaru and his Magic Eaters be capable and willing to destroy so much, if it satisfied their vengeance - or even simply their desires?"

There's another pointed question aimed right at Rhapsody, mid-donut. "What would he gain more directly, if you were to be excommunicated?" Who assumes the reins, then, if the Niv-Mizzet legacy is removed?

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

"I'm sure he has this hatred, but he is working WITHIN the Ravnican law system and insists that he'll bring her in. I don't truly believe that. It is very easy to have an 'accident' happen.. I refuse to take his word," she muses before considering the trailing question. "I.. don't know what would happen. Only what Ryxinel believes. If we were removed, one of the guilds would likely install someone they can manipulate, and the moment one guild has the power of 2... they wouldn't stop. All of the guilds have their own drives and purposes, but with the possiblity to have more power then they have now? I don't think any of them would be able to resist it.."

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

"Is he?" Is blackmail within Ravnican law? Interesting place. "And power...has been a driving force since the first human looked out at a world that he did not yet own, and creatures he did not yet control. Or, I suppose, the first dragon," he adds with a nod to Rhapsody. "It is the nature of beings, perhaps. What truly matters is the reasons...and the use of that power." He /is/ Merlin after all. And raised and guided a king to absolute power that many would consider 'great' - and many more, 'good.'

"Enough of such thoughts for now. You have much to consider, I suppose...and it is good not to tread too long in the same circles. Besides, this is a dream. Typically, it is best to dream of /good/ things, for proper rest." Merlin plucks a donut from the box that had never existed before, looking over the sparkles and glaze. An exploratory nibble, and a smile of satisfaction.

And that smile turns to Rhapsody. "I saw her greet you at the test. I have a little understanding of your relationship," he adds. Though, even if it was subtle, a half-incubus like Merlin would /instantly/ pick up on such feelings, as if they were cried out like poetry across a valley. "So let us speak of pleasant things. Tell me what you love so much about her."

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

"I ... everything?" The question was sudden and it had caught Rhapsody off guard. "At.. first I didn't really consider it too much since I had known her so long. At first it was more like she was a sister but.. I don't know... the more we trained together, studied Ravnican magic together, the closer things got. I can't put a finger on exactly when it changed.. it just .. did.." As a dragon, Rhapsody is young, but thanks to how Ravnican dragons work, she hatched able to walk and talk, memories transfered down. Still, the lack of experience in the world would put her at being about a teenager and not much further. "I haven't thought of anyone else like that, before.."

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

Merlin laughs softly at her pronouncement of 'everything' - it's so earnest and adorable he can't help it. "When you are so close to someone, for so long, and you find yourself in such parallel in your souls, perhaps it is something one never notices until it is too late. He watches, as she elaborates a little further, noting her youth. And her honesty. "It i not an uncommon way of hearts, I suppose...in fact," he adds with a smirk, "there are some just alike, even here in Dun Realtai."

Nyo ho ho ho.

"I suppose she would say much of the same. I should ask her, someday. Perhaps over donuts." Wink. "It is good that there isn't one single thing, one draw more than the rest. People can change and grow, in their fashion, and they aren't often who they were when they were young. Such as the aforementioned tree," he adds, which provides shade over the gazebo as if it always had. "It is best, I think...to love another for all of their being, rather than...as a single thing that can pass in time."

Merlin holds up his fingers, in which the donut has turned into a small handful of flower petals. They blow away on a small breeze, while the tree itself remains. "The love you have for her, and I daresay its reciprocal, is something that is all-encompassing...and I suppose, all forgiving, is it not?"

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

"Of course... It's why I cannot accept the things she said. In the moment... I actually believed them. That I could point out the very things she's promised to my father, the notes she coded to hide from prying eyes. The clear evidence contrary to everything she's said in person.." the donut has vanished by now. Instead she's holding a particular band of red and blue flowers. Those same ones she was given on Presentation Day. "Even when I went back to Nivix after the press conference.. of all the things I destroyed, the sight of these is what stopped my rampage. I suppose they wouldn't be in Dun Realtai, so I didn't have them to look at.. but..." the other hand has the goggles, "She threw these at me. Niv made them first, then Ryxinel repaired them, she's had them for ages.." so much for talking about nice things.

She's able to backtrack, though! "So yes...I don't care if she sliced my leg, demanded the Izzet League, changed me into a human, even put Richard in such a spot.. it is all for a -reason- that I just don't see, yet." Both items are set down before the dragon's gaze turns back to Merlin again. "If she is truly protecting me from Ijiwaru and everything else, I can't imagine how much it is tearing her apart to hear all of us cry out to bring her home." Pause. Consideration, "Ijiwaru wouldn't recognize me as a human... it's giving me ideas.."
==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

"Of course... It's why I cannot accept the things she said. In the moment... I actually believed them. That I could point out the very things she's promised to my father, the notes she coded to hide from prying eyes. The clear evidence contrary to everything she's said in person.." the donut has vanished by now. Instead she's holding a particular band of red and blue flowers. Those same ones she was given on Presentation Day. "Even when I went back to Nivix after the press conference.. of all the things I destroyed, the sight of these is what stopped my rampage. I suppose they wouldn't be in Dun Realtai, so I didn't have them to look at.. but..." the other hand has the goggles, "She threw these at me. Niv made them first, then Ryxinel repaired them, she's had them for ages.." so much for talking about nice things.

She's able to backtrack, though! "So yes...I don't care if she sliced my leg, demanded the Izzet League, changed me into a human, even put Richard in such a spot.. it is all for a -reason- that I just don't see, yet. If I had thought about it last night, I would have walked toward her and demanded she prove she was truly against me. Put that Naginata right against my chest, and forced her hand.. I just .. didn't think of it."

At this point, both items are set down before the dragon's gaze turns back to Merlin again. "If she is truly protecting me from Ijiwaru and everything else, I can't imagine how much it is tearing her apart to hear all of us cry out to bring her home." Pause. Consideration, "Ijiwaru wouldn't recognize me as a human... it's giving me ideas."

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

"Then her very words, true or false, are merely lines in a script she must follow - a script written by the need to guard you and Ravnica." It is the only answer Merlin has - he knows by arcane ways the words she told /him/ are no lie. "She is acting on that promise, and her words are trying to tell you something she cannot say herself. If you were her...what might she truly mean?"

If their hearts share such a bond, perhaps there's a memory only those two share. Just like that code, perhaps there is a message in Yunomi's words.

"Those goggles remain in your possession still. They are on a table next to your bed, Guildmaster. Consider this - she did not destroy them. That would have been simple, and made her even less findable. She gave them to you to hold until it was time for her to come back." Even if it wasn't a conscious decision, it was still one she'd made."

As to Rhapsody's further thoughts, Merlin shakes his head. "She is not done. If you had...you may have forced her to compromise her mission and her promise. I understand why you did not then...but I do not believe you can push her to that choice again. Not for her safety." And then Merlin hears something that makes him smile with truly impish glee. He does magic.

"Guildmaster," the cat says, "I am the..." The raven stares unblinking even as it speaks. "Master of dreams," the horse continues. "And I am the master of shapes and things." The words flow seamlessly from a cycle of dog, owl, lizard, chimera, and...even a dragon such as Rhapsody's true form. It's a good thing it's a big gazebo. Before her once more, the human form of Merlin smils. "And in the real world...I am even /more/ skilled in such things - myself and others."

Were she to ever seek human form again...who better to provide it than he? Her brother may have been the one to turn her back to her true form, undoing Yunomi's spell. But her brother cannot tell anyone who a strange human girl is that noone has seen before, if he wasn't the one who performed the transmutation.

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================

===================================<* Rhapsody has posed *>===================================

"... Then Ijiwaru will think I am stuck in Dun Realtai beyond all hope. Let him think it for as long as he wants. I may even keep Ryxinel and Sidonia in the dark on this particular fact. I -will- help just.. in a very different way, now." A genuine smile. "Thank you, Merlin. I think you helped me figure out what I need to do. Once i'm a bit more rested, I'll find you."

==================================< End of Rhapsody's pose >==================================

====================================<* Merlin has posed *>====================================

"Perhaps he will feel confident enough to begin a further move, then. If he truly is the source of the danger Yunomi battles. If not...with luck we shall learn its true nature anyway." There's a smile returned to the girl. "Then I shall leave you to your rest. It has been a pleasure, Guildmaster," he adds with respect and dignity.

She is finally back in the position of just that - a woman in control, making decisions, just as he'd described.

Merlin stands, making his way to her side, and kneeling down. "Yunomi is a friend of Bedivere's, and many others of Dun Realtai. I see her as a friend as well. You, now, join that group. The Order of the Rose, we called it." One hand reaches up and brushes Rhapsody's temple; a single blue and red rose exactly like the one that Yunomi had worn that Monday of the test. It was Merlin's gift to her, and now to Rhapsody as well.

"Rest well. You have much to prepare for, I suppose. I will give you a boon, at least, in the hours you have left while you sleep." He leans forward and actually kisses her forehead, a chaste peck that seals a dream within. When she blinks again, the wizard is gone - but the one she wants to see the most is there once more, even if it /is/ just a dream.

Sometimes all one needs is the right arms to be comforted by.

===================================< End of Merlin's pose >===================================
}}

2973/WMAT B1 Target Sparktail vs Staren

2015-09-06T21:41:51Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/09/06 |Location=WMAT Arena - Devil's Hand |Synopsis=Target and Staren have their showdown in the castle located at the Devil's Hand! |Thanks= ..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/09/06
|Location=WMAT Arena - Devil's Hand
|Synopsis=Target and Staren have their showdown in the castle located at the Devil's Hand!
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|Tinyplot=WMAT 2015
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren waves to the audience after walking out of the warpgate, suited up in his powered armor as usual.     Staren and Target Sparktail agreed that it would probably be a more interesting match if they went to the castle and searched for eachother. Some form of transport is provided -- before they split up to go to opposite ends of the castle, Staren turns to Target and nods, holding out his hand to shake. "Good luck. I look forward to pitting my skills against yours."     Staren's dropped off at one of the castle, and starts heading pretty much as directly as he can towards the other side. Once he thinks he's maybe about a quarter of the way across, he reaches into his protoabstractum bag and pulls out camera drones -- coconut-sized, hovering metal spheres with antennae and lenses on one side -- tossing them into the air and letting them head down different hallways, mapping the area. That's Staren's major trick for fighting in this environment. He wonders what Target Sparktail has...     Staren's getting a bit tense. Any moment now they might run into eachother. Staren's wanderings have brought him, perhaps subconsciously, to the site of his climactic confrontation with Fate last year. Where a hallway runs off from the back of the throne room, with a section of collapsed ceiling (and matching pile of rubble) exposing the next floor up, and holes in the walls, blasted away to reveal the courtyard. Staren tries to sneak over the pile of rubble quietly, but accidentally dislodges a chunk of stone, causing several more to roll to the floor and tumble loudly. He winces and looks around. Where is Sparktail? 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     Upon his arrival, the Brimsteel VEX Ranger gives a friendly wave to the crowds that have gathered. Once again, he has a fight to pick at the Devil's Hand. This time, though the castle was going to be their stomping grounds. The kobold was certain that the WMAT had cameras all through the castle, so putting on a show for the crowd shouldn't be hard. The sound of buzzing camera drones, however, puts him on edge and sets him to the darker corners of the castle.     Being a kobold, and smaller than your average multiversal denizen. Thanks to this, he starts to move here and there through the smaller passages that many wouldn't be able to use, all the while searching for Staren. From one room to the next, one hall to the next, he manages to keep quiet, even keeping his VEX clockwork from making a lot of noise. It's only when he hears the disturbed stones he makes a beeline for the same area. Once he's in the throne room, he very -carefully- moves into the hallway behind it. Not feeling like making an ambush, since it's the WMAT, the kobold calls out, "FOUND YA!" before firing off a shot from one of his revolvers. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     WHo actually shouts before starting an ambush? But, it IS the WMAT. Staren jumps slightly as Target makes his presence known, turning to look from the rubble to the ranger, but stumbling so the the bullet's off-target -- but it does glance off the edge of his forcefield, which is suddenly visible as a multilayered, transparent amber sphere before it fades. He takes a wild return shot which blows a small chunk out of the surface of the wall, then LEAPS up, orange energy wings manifesting for a split second to allow him to reach the next floor. Staren crouches and leans over the broken edge of the floor to snap off another shot at Sparktail before shifting back behind the cover of the floor. 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     Missed! It doesn't really upset Target, at least. The crowd would be able to enjoy everything just a little bit longer! "C'mon, Staren! Takes two ta tango, right?!" he calls before hearing the shot. His body twists, the bullet puts a hole in his coat, but he's left unharmed. "Goin' up then? Be right witcha!" he hollars before lunging for the same hole. Small, light weight, the Ranger surges upward, passing up for the next floor, "Hi there!" he calls before firing off another shot at Staren. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren steps back upon hearing that, but suddenly the kobold is there. He's fast! And at this range, he's able to shoot inside the forcefield. The shot hits one of the forcefield projector discs, which goes out in a shower of sparks and smoke. A hollow sphere of sparks appears around Staren and falls to the ground as a whole layer collapses all at once. Damn! Staren's not just standing there though. "Rrrngh..." he growls in annoyance as he pulls his right fist back, steps forward, and tries to knock Target back into the hole with a power punch! The armor isn't car-throwing super strong or anything, but it has the power of a strongman and the resiliance of advanced alloys rather than fragile flesh and bone. 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     After his leaping entrance, and the shot is fired, the spray of sparks brings a satisfied smirk to the ranger's features. "Sorry if that was somethin' important, Staren!" he offers as he lands, starting forward toward his opponent only to have a punch thrown at him. While it doesn't send Target back down into the hallway but it does catch his shoulder hard, spinning him around with a yelp. Turning into the momentum, the kobold uses this to his advantage, trying to come around with a kick instead. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Melee! Kind of Staren's weakness At least Ziv is too small to grab and throw him, probably. On the other hand, he might be able to latch on and tear things up. That would be bad. "Eh. Armor's job is to take hits."     The spin kick hits Staren in the side. Armor crunches slightly. Staren's left hand snaps out to try and grab his leg, while his right pulls the (temporarily set to stun) beam saber off its clip at his waist, activates it, and tries to stab Sparktail in one smooth motion! 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     Catching Target's ankle puts the kobold off balance. The stab that follows does its damage, causing a howl to rush out of him. Yep. That -hurt-. "Ah.. Ow, Gyah Staren, that one hurt a lil' bit," he compliments through a wince before reaching back for something with one hand. Point blank? Shotgun? That could hurt. "Lemme repay yer kindness!" Trigger pull! 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren's energy weapons have, at least, been modified to inflict pain and a bit of stun when encountering flesh, rather than just burning it away, although there might be a slight burn. The shotgun blast hits Staren's abdomen plate, making him drop Sparktail and stumble backward, before he can figure out the most painful thing to do with the sword. The paint's blasted clean off, and it's a bit warped and dented, some of the bits of shot left embedded in the metal. "Oof! Nngh..." Recovering, he lunges forward, slashing his beam saber at... the shotgun! 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:''' "Now that's just dirty!" Target calls out when he ends up blocking the attack with his shotgun, which causes it to get sliced in half with a bit of the momentum left to catch the kobold's left shoulder. He backpedals, dropping the remnants of the gun before drawing both pistols, "I got more though!" he yells, firing off a bunch of shots as he tries to put some space between himself and Staren. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren shrugs. "Sorry!" he sounds flippant though. "I gotta fix my armor every time, though..." Target backs up outside of the field, so his bullets hit it again, glancing off at angles and leaving little pockmarks.     Target wants distance? Staren will give him distance! Staren reaches into his bag, pulls out a high-explosive minimissile, and lobs it at Sparktail as an improvised airburst grenade then immediately dives away and hits the deck! 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     "Is that a missile?!" Target yells, sounding as shocked as he looks. As he backed up toward the whole he hopped out of, the kobold dives away, and back down to the level below to try and avoid the explosion. It works, in part, but the blast causes him to land on his chest, hard, instead of on his feet. "Ghh.." a light wince, then he pushes himself up, glancing up through the opening again. Taking a quick moment to reload, the Kobold aims up and ... wishes he had his shotgun. "Ah, damnitall," he mutters before hopping up to grab the edge of the opening. He pulls himself up and then fires a few shots, half hanging, before climbing the rest of the way up before trying to get a fair distance away from the hole. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah?" Staren's not sure what's so surprising about missiles. Mini-missiles are relatively small, maybe a foot long and an inch wide or thereabouts.     Target's shots are more on-target this time, their full energy being transferred to the forcefield. Chunks of the second layer shatter into sparks, and finally the field layer collapses in a shower of sparks, another of the discs on Staren's chestplate popping and letting out some smoke.     "Hmph. We can't stay in this room all day you know, defeats the point of the environment!" Staren says, sweeping his arm back and forth and firing even tinier missiles that were hidden in the armor behind the wrists, about magic marker-size, which jam themselves into the floor. Staren's micromissiles are designed to pierce a target and explode inside. It's hard to make them nonlethal, but they can do something else: Embed themselves in the floor and blow it apart. If Ziv isn't able to avoid falling, Staren activates his wings and flies over the hole, looking for the most advantageous place to launch his next attack from... 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     The VEX system did have a flight form, but if Target was to swap into it right now he'd be stuck in it for the next minute or two while the clockwork rewound itself. SO. "AH HELL!" The missiles explode, the floor drops, and Target finds himself thunking... into the throne below. It hurt, sure, but he can't help but be amused by where he found himself sitting. "Ha! Staren! Ya kinged me! Why didn'tcha say we were playin' checkers?!" he hollars before aiming the revolover with bullets still left in it. "Come down'n join me why don'tcha?!" 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren chuckles at the comment about kinging. Target's bullets blow another layer of forcefield to shreds -- it's smaller and a lot thinner than it was before, now -- and unsteady his movement. "Hmm... Nope, better idea!" His wings buzz and he flies into the hallway.     Less than a second later, a missile looking like the one he threw flies into the room through one of the holes in the wall, exploding over the throne. This one makes some kind of wide-area energy explosion, modified with the same conceptual 'nonlethal' pain/stun effect! 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     "Aw, C'mon! Another one?!" Target complains before diving out of the throne, again forced painfully into the floor by another blast. The nonlethal energy certainly has a kick to it, but, Target still doesn't seem to be out of the fight! Not yet. A cough slips from him, he takes a moment on the ground to reload his revolvers, but then he pulls himself up and chases after Staren. After using so many bullets, the ranger seems intent on catching up with, and lunging at, the man. Target? Wings. The enhanced strength of his VEX will certainly help with the assault. "Time to bring you down to my level!" 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren flies along the hallway. The missile launchers on his shoulder are in firing position now -- They pretty clearly have a capacity of 3 minimissiles each. He glances back, thinking about firing another... and his eyes widen as he sees Target come zooming down the hallway. Wow! Staren doesn't know that the duster makes Ziv stronger and faster. Staren tries to swerve out of the leap, but gets tackled from behind. The wings are disrupted and they tumble to the floor, the kobold able too claw and tear into the armor a bit. "Hey!" Staren turns this way and that, but it's hard to attack a small guy on your back! "Get off me!" Suddenly he gets an idea though. His beam saber suddenly duplicates in two, and he stabs himself in the back as if backscratching.     Sensors in the beam sabers will make them automatically shorten or shut off if they would hit his armor, but Target Sparktail has no such protection! 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     Claw claw claw, drop! The kobold ducks away after the wings are removed and, lucky for him, he avoids the saber as a result! "There! Even footing!" Target calls out before charing forward again. Claws? Guns? No. He just wants to turn a shoulder and prove that despite his size, he can still slam into a person and it'll hurt! 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren gets free of his blasted passenger, and then... Is the kobold /charging/? Staren tries to get out of the way, but is intercepted. Right in the gut too, where the shotgun already damaged his armor... "Oof!" Staren cries out, and grunts in pain as he's shoved back, stumbles, and falls on his butt. The left-hand saber disappears and Staren holds the left hand over his gut. That /hurt/, and now he has mental dented into him. That's not good! Staren tries to sit up, pointing his right arm at Sparktail and blasting with the twin beam cannons to keep him back. The left hand's gauntlet suddenly detaches, and he holds his left forearm as perpendicular to his gut as he can, silvery lines of some sort spreading from his wrist to attach to the armor around it and the dented belly-armor. Is he trying to fix it? 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     Struck at point blank, the kobold goes sailing backward and crashes onto his back with a thud. "aaaaagh... Jeez, Staren, ya gotta hit so hard?" Target asks, slowly sitting up, a clear mark from the weapon across his chest. "Gh.." after another moment he's on his feet again. "Eh, s'a good hit! Lets give the folks a good finish, one way or another!" he insists before scrambling for the man again. Once he's close enough, a balled fist would be aimed for Staren's jaw, and then three more would come racing in behind them! 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     A moment is what Staren needs. The silvery threads connect, Staren /pulls/, and the dent pops out. Staren groans in relief... but then a kobold runs up to him beats on his jaw. Fortunately, his helmet was undamaged, but that changes now. Staren's head is pounded back against the floor repeatedly. The helmet cracks and dents in places. Disoriented, Staren drops his beam saber (it deactivates automatically for safety) and fumbles blindly in his bag. Fortunately, it has the conceptual property of always having what you reached in for ready. Now, Staren doesn't want to kill Target, of course, but as the kobold was charging him, he noticed that the duster, like his own labcoat, was more than it initially seemed. Staren pulls out an oversized revolver, pointing it at Target's side and fires. Two mad-science-empowered bullets fly out, one behind the other. Unable to brace himself at all in this position, Staren's elbow slams into the floor, cracking and chipping the floor and the armor. Staren follows it up with more shots if he can, aiming to do as much damage to (what he doesn't know is) the VEX as possible! 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     Pummel! Pound! Maim! Then bullets. A pair of bullets, sure, but considering who made them and what they're probably capable of doing, the kobold actually shouts out in pain and rolls off of the scientist, "GYAH that SMARTS," he howls, writhing for just a second before rolling a bit further away. "Guess... Nnhgh, I gotta get somethin' special out for ya," he says through a clenched jaw. A revolver is produced, the bullets in it are dumped out, unused, before a single, violet, glowing round, is shoved into the weapon. It's then cocked and pointed at Staren, "I really hate blowin up mah guns," he snarls before pulling the trigger. The blast of purple energy that -explodes- from the gun sends the kobold sailing back, however, the blast of the pulsarium ammo may leave Staren worse off than Target!" 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren gets some breathing room and drops the Annihilator to slip his gauntlet back on, then grabs the gun and stands up with a groan. Gut, head, elbow... he's gonna feel this fight in the morning.     Target produces a glowing violet round. That's ominous. "What is THAT?" Staren asks as he takes aim, and then everything goes explosion.     A second later, he finds himself on the floor of the castle hallway. He hadn't been sent flying as far as Target, as a matter of relative mass, but when he tries to sit up, he finds his armor's response is sluggish and weak. There's a mechanical straining sound, and his right arm doesn't move at all. As soon as he looks down at himself, it's clear why: The front of the armor has been mostly blasted away. Here and there a scrap of circuit or wiring or some now-unrecognizeable internal component remains. The last layer before, well, /him/ is scorched and blackened and burnt away in places, especially around the gut. The right arm of his armor is in especially bad shape, with more burned away and more exposed areas, because of how it was positioned.     And then he realizes why he didn't see this immediately: his visor is scorched and cracked, and his HUD isn't working.     Yeah, he can't fight like this. "You win. Good game." He says, transmitting it over his radio for emphasis.     Then he starts activating what emergency releases are still working and extricating himself from the wreck that was his armor. 

:'''{{#var:770|Target Sparktail (770)}} has posed:'''     "Ah heh, heh, yeah, good one," Target calls from the opposite wall, offering a little wave with one hand. Same one is holding a very -destroyed- revolver which he just tosses aside. "Gotta go get another one, I guess," he mutters before calling on the radio to the WMAT medics. Time to get heals. 

}}

2929/WMAT B1 Fassad vs Victory

2015-08-31T01:35:21Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/08/30 |Location=WMAT Arena - Devil's Hand |Synopsis=Fassad vs Victory in the round of 32 |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=248, 810 |Tinyplot=WMAT ..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/08/30
|Location=WMAT Arena - Devil's Hand
|Synopsis=Fassad vs Victory in the round of 32
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=248, 810
|Tinyplot=WMAT 2015
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     Welcome to the Devil's Hand! Today, the battle within Bracket B's group of 32 continues! The first to arrive, much to the crowd's appeal, is the newcomer of the WMAT, Victory! After passing her qualifier, the digimon had time to rest and prepare while qualifiers continued. Today, it's do great or do nothing after! There's no fancy music or entry for the warrior, just confident steps that lead her to the fighting grounds. The crowd does, at least, get a friendly wave from her. 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      Fassad arrives at Devil's Hand much as he normally does: Riding in upon a pure white horse. He had heard his opponent was a Digimon. He knows little of these foreign creatures, but he had heard that the vast majority of them are gigantic. He is a bit surprised. While Victory is definitely taller than /most/ men, Fassad is taller upon the horseback. Of course, on his feet, he'll be significantly shorter. But no worse than were he up against a Moblin.      He smirks, remaining on his pure white horse, Excelsior. As he smirks, there is a glimmer in his teeth. Magically placed. His blonde hair flows in the wind, as does his cape. Overall, he looks much akin to the type of knights of legend that he is so fond of.      "WELL! Hello, my fair opponent, Victory! I am Prince Fassad, of the land of Arcadia! I will prove /myself/ the victor in this battle!"      Of note, Fassad doesn't even realize Victory is female.      Also of note, he has a sword in his right hand that looks exactly like the Master Sword, only miscolored. In his left, the legendary Mirror Shield. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     While still upon Excelsior, Victory locks eyes with her opponent, giving the man a quick glimpse from top to bottom. She was hardly familiar with the land that the man heralds himself from, nor would she be familiar with the 'Master Sword' or Mirrir Shield he weilds. She does note, though, that the shield is quite the shiny bit of equipment.     In response to his introduction, the taller digimon draws the Dramon Breaker from her back. The sword is large, even for her, but for the moment she is still holding it with a single hand. "Well met," she calls, not even dignifying his claim to victory with a response. Instead, she decides to begin the battle! One step is taken, and then the warrior rushes forward. The horizontal slash she takes is clearly meant more for dismounting the man from his horse rather than doing actual damage to the rider. 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      The slash comes in. Fassad lifts his sword to parry, but he is a second too late. The blade strikes him, and he is knocked off of his horse. Falling, and landing on his back on the ground. He sighs. He is far too used to opponents having some trouble with him fighting on horseback, as opposed to them simply knocking him off so easily. It helps that Victory is so tall, he supposes.      Of course, as he is laying on his back, just before he is ready to attack. He blinks a bit.      "...You're a female?"      This doesn't shock him for too long. He pushes himself up, landing on his feet. Smiling at Victory. He points his sword forward, while keeping his shield in front of him. His horse, Excelsior, runs behind him.      "Well! I apologize for fighting a woman as lovely as yourself, but I will still triumph in this battle!" No, reptiles are not his thing. But, he feels best being more polite to women.      And suddenly, from his sword: A bursting beam of light, flying straight for Victory. it is aimed towards the center of her mass. And then, Fassad stats to climb back /onto/ his horse, while Victory is hopefully trying to deal with the attack and failing. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     What Victory did not expect was a blast from the fighter's sword. When it sails for her chest, it finds littl resistance. When it strikes Victory in the chest it causes her to stagger back, a look of surprise visible even with the helmet she wears. "Unexpected..."     Due to the attack, she doesn't reply further to the man's banter. Instead she collects herself, sees that he's mounting Excelsior again, and decides she'll have to repeat her previous assault! It's true, that thanks to her height, dealing with someone on horseback is a bit easier, however, will she be able to dismount the man again? The slash that she makes at him, once she draws near, is a diagonal slash, going from the ground upward at both the mount, and then the rider. 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      "The same trick again?" Fassad's smirk is fully back. As the blade comes in, he pulls up his shield, finally mounting Excelsior. The force from the slash has at least hurt Fassad, pushing his shoulder in a bit and causing some pain. But, he is on Excelsior again. A kick of the feet, and Excelsior is off, and running. Trying to circle around Victory. The height... Yes. That's an advantage. Another advantage has been realized, though. Victory is surprised by the ranged attack, and went in for another melee attack.      Is Victory a close range fighter, only?      He sheaths his sword, Excelsior now circling Victory. Fassad reaches into a brown leather bag on his side. A round object, an almost cartoony looking bomb, is pulled out. A flicker of magic from Fassad lights it, and it is immediately tossed towards Victory. Even if cut at, it'll likely explode.      "I respect any fighter who knows how to use the blade! Truly, you are a worthy opponent." 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     The mounted fighter will have to fight further to find out what kind of warrior Victory is. "At least you realize it!" Victory calls, finally engaging in the man's banter on some level. She doesn't speak further, however, as a bomb is lit and thrown her way. The Dramon Breaker, her large sword, is turned to try and swat it away with the flat of her blade, but it still explodes near her, sending her off her feet and to the ground with a THUD.     A moment later, however, she's on her feet again, however, Fassad will now bare witness to how diverse this fighter can be. The massive blade she wields is split into two! One of the blades is set against her back. The second is actually affixed to one of her bracers. Why? Well, the ominous orange glow that lights up along the blade is a precursor to the blast of energy that soars off of it. A number of these blasts begin to fly as Victory tries to hit the man and his mount! Melee only? It would seem not. 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      Fassad would swear, if he were not so pinrcely. The massive orange glow strikes into him and his steed. Exceslior and Fassad are both down, with burn injuries. Excelsior will need some time to get up. Fassad manages to push himself up, albeit looking a bit winded.      "...Well. I will have to make more use of my shield, it seems."      Why exactly the shield would have helped against that, who knows. Despite his comment, he pulls his sword out again as well. And, he rushes forward. His shield is lifted up, looking straight at Victory. His sword is held back. He makes a /wide/ spinning slash, aiming directly at Victory. This spinning slash goes wide, making Fassad step in a full circle as he brings it in.      And then he stands at the ready, with his shield in front of him. He hopes he proves fast enough, and that Victory doesn't remain as on her toes as Fassad has seen her to be. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     Blasts strike, Victory is satisfied, and the Dramon Breaker is quickly reassembled into its original form. "That would be wise," Victory comments as she places both hands to her blade. If her opponent had decided get a little more serious, she would do the same!     The spinning slash wasn't very expected. She makes a move to place the Breaker in the way, however, the man's assault breaks through her defense allowing the blade to catch against her armorless leg, prompting a loud wince and a spray of pixels? Digicode? It's certainly not blood, it seems.     At least, with the man close to her, she would have no trouble bringing her sword against him. The challenge of this Mirror Shield in front of her is tempting, but she has fought a number of opponents over the years. As a result, the digimon feints a horizontal slash, pulls back, but continues to spin about, allowing her tail to come around to attempt to sweep Fassad to break his defense! 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      As the leg strike comes in, Fassad trips over the tail, falling to his back. It's a situation he has been in far too often in this battle, stuck on the ground. He lifts the sword, pointing it again towards Victory.      This would be a good spot to use a feint. But, Fassad feels a need to be straightforward. He keeps the sword pointed at Victory, smiling. "At least, it is quite good to be facing an strong opponent such as yourself!"      And then, a burst of light from Fassad's sword. Another sword beam fired towards her. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     Again with the beam. Again something Victory didn't expect. In truth, she had been struck by the blast once, why not expect it? And how did he use the sword beam without full health anyway?! Ahem. Anyway. The blast leaves its mark on the digimon's armor, again sending her staggering back. A grunt of frustration slips from Victory, "I would expect it from anyone that passed the qualification round!"     Recovered from the blast, Victory strides forward. Feint? No. An attempt to be overpowering? Yes. The Dramon Breaker is lifted high and brought down toward Fassad, and then she repeats the process again and again, trying to make a point. She will overpower her opponent if she needs to! 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      Fassad lifts his shield, the only thing keeping him from being utterly destroyed by the sword. Even with his powerful shield, he is pushed into the ground. His arm sore from the effort, some of the strikes hitting him dead on. And yet, he still remains smiling. After all, people throughout the Multiverse are noticing his heroic battle! Even if he loses, he still gets a chance to shine and be a hero to countless people.      And, he is now glowing with a bright light.      "WELL! It's time to show you why people across the Multiverse call me the HERO OF LIGHT!"      Note: No one actually calls him that.      But, he is suddenly covered in a magical light. It is nothing all that special, simply Light elemental magic. Very similar to Holy elemental. His entire body glows with it. Suddenly, various beams burst off of him. They arch through the air, filling much of the battlefield. Before they all turn back, aimed right at Victory.      "BARRAGE OF LIGHT!" 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     Well, if the Sword Beam was unexpected, the Barrage of Light from Fassad is on a whole new level. As the beams go soaring off, the digimon blinks once, snarls, and braces for what she is sure is about to come. When the blasts rain from the heavens, she tries to block what she can with the Breaker, but it's horribly ineffective. She's swallowed by the torrent of shots, a roar ringing out, a cloud of smoke rising from the ground, and then the crowds both at the Devil's hand and around the multiverse are left in suspense. Was that the end?!     The smoke clears and Victory can be seen. She's on one knee, the Breaker jammed into the ground, with both her hands held to the weapon, breathing hard. A close eye will see that her chest armor has fallen to the ground leaving a light cloth wrapping visible across her upper torso. "Well done," she states, not even sure that Fassad could hear it. "But.. I'm not done yet," she continues before rising once again. The crowd roars, the fight continues, and Victory splits the Dramon Breaker and takes a single blade into each hand.     Another moment passes and Victory surges forward. With two weapons to bring against Fassad, the warrior turns into a whirling frenzy that uses both her blades, her tail, and she even throws a kick in for good measure at the end! 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      Fassad has a reputation. He's a bit of an egotistical narcissist. A bit of a fool, in ways. A man who takes himself too seriously. But, despite this, he can still shine in combat.      As the strikes come in, he quickly gets back to his feet. His shield is lifted, blocking some. His sword swings, hitting away the incoming strikes. A few of the hits aren't blocked, and yet his agile movements and footwork prevent all but a few grazing hits. Sure, the slashes are causing bits of blood to leak out of him. But, it could have been far worse.      As the kick comes in, Fassad takes that moment to strike. His shield is lifted to block it, spotting the footwork. That is the problem with kicks. They are incredibly easy to see coming. He immediately lifts his sword, and swings it straight down at Victory's leg.      "HAVE AT THEE!" 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     The reputation that Victory may have is that of a bounty hunter, monster slayer, and mercenary. Not the most reputable thing, but she has been able to take down creatures of all kinds in the past! Today, however, Fassad is no mere ceature, but a strong opponent that deserves to be a part of the World Martial Arts Tournament! Today, however, Victory was hoping to prove herself just a little bit better.     The man sees the kick coming, the sword comes for her exposed leg, and a quick and awkward twist of her form puts more armor than flesh in the way of the blade. She pulls back, but the sword's mark is made as her lower leg guard falls away, leaving more of the digimon unprotected. It prompts another growl, "I'm going to be making repairs for days," she snarls before combining the Dramon Breaker again. Clearly agility was not going to be her strong suit today.     When her next attack comes, it comes with both hands on the blade and a lot of effort put behind it. A brutal swing made with the flat of her blade, looking to -hurl- Fassad away and to the ground (AGAIN) to give her a much needed breather to colect her thoughts. 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      As this swat comes in, Fasasd is caught off guard. He's having to use everything he has to keep up, as is. He's slammed into the ground, a small crater forming around him. He looks up. Frowning. Once again, he is, in fact, on the ground. A slight sigh.      But, he'll use the breathing room, too. His sword has fallen a few feet from him. He reaches to the bombs in his bag, and tosses one at Victory. Then another. And another.      "I only use these bombs against the strongest opponents! Be proud of my use of them against you! They're /quite/ expensive!" 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     That's a lot of bombs. It leads to a lot of explosions! The cacophony of all the explosions hides away another pained roar from Victory, the smoke cloud once again hiding her form as all the damage is done. Similar to Fassad, when the smoke clears, it leaves the digimon in a crater of craters, on her back, breaths heaving once again. This was a -fight- she was enjoying, and the smile on her face, despite the pain, was proof of her appreciation for it. "Well," she calls, starting to slowly rise with the use of the sword, "My armor is expensive to repair, so, we'll be even in the end!" she calls, making sure she's heard.     Once on her feet, and with the distance between them, Victory decides closing in isn't a great idea. The Breaker is split, both blades are attached to her bracers, and this time she unleashes a barrage of plasma blasts from her blades. 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      Normally, Fassad would lift his shield, to block the burst. The shield has a special power to it. Reflecting Magic and Energy back at the enemy. But, due to being stuck somewhat in the ground, and being too distracted throwing bombs? He can't lift it in time.      And now he is pushed even further pushed into the ground. And, quite glad the terrain he is stuck in is more /rocky/ rather than dirty. Pure luck, really.      Of course, he doesn't have much options right now. He's /still/ stuck in the ground. But, he has /one/ surprise up his sleeves.      "EXCELSIOR!"      And suddenly, his horse starts running, full force, at Victory. It lifts its hooves, trying to stomp down on Victory. And, trying to stop down /hard/. It is a particularly well trained horse, it seems. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     Suddenly, HORSE! Victory KNEW there was a reason she didn't like the creature, and now it is proven as it comes to the aid of its owner. Hooves reach out, strike, trample, and do their damage on the, now, unarmored torso of Victory. "Get off!" she snarls, out, losing her composure for a moment, swatting at the beast with an empty hand in an effort to get Excelsior away from her.     After a few more moments, the digimon scrambles away from the angry mount, sword at her back, as she tries to wrap around to get back to Fassad again. Her sword isn't out, instead, she's only looking to get to, pick up, and slam Fassad into the ground! 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      Fassad is picked up, and slammed into the ground. /Again/. Luckily, the crater is a bit smaller this time. But, he is all the more bloodied. Skull cracked just a bit, some bones probably broken. Sure, WMAT is friendly. But it can still be absolutely rough on the body.      Fassad just lays on the ground. Again. At a loss for what to do. Slwoly, he gets to his feet. Struggling. Sword, still dropped to the side. Too far out of reach. All that is left is his handy shield. The Mirror Shield.      His last hope.      His shield starts to glow. He has began to gather light within it. He holds it, angled to the sun. In fact, he's actually trying to cause the light of the sun to reflect, straight into Victory's eyes.      And then, he rushes forward. Shield bashing. Filled with all of the Light elemental magic he still has within him. He prays to the Golden Goddesses that this strike will hit true. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     Still somewhat winded from the rest of the battle, Victory stands over Fassad, allowing him to rise. Perhaps this wasn't the best thing to do in such a tough competition, but, she does it none the less. She was, if nothing else, a good sport! When the shield is raised, she takes a step back. She was expecting a barrage of light like before. When, instead, Fassad uses the shield to reflect the sun into her eyes, she's caught off guard. A yelp of surprise slips from her, stunned and blinded!     The blast strikes true, as prayed for from Fassad. The digimon -soars- through the air before coming down in a heap with a loud crash. An explosion of dust rises, the sound of Victory's armor clattering to the ground can be heard, hinting at the fact she is standing. When it clears, her armor is gone, leaving only the white-scaled saurian that was underneath. She's battered. She's brusied. There are bits of code wafting off of her, but she isn't done. She refuses to fall! "No... Not... Yet.."     On second glance, there's still a little armor left on Victory, her bracers. With what little strength she has left, the Dramon Breaker is split, the blades are connected, and the digimon lifts her hands to the sky. The gleam of energy surging into the blades is clear to anyone near by. The crackle of electricity up and down each edge can be heard as well as seen. After another moment, her arms come down, the blast is set free, and a single brilliant pillar of energy erupts from them, combining into a single blast as it rips across the field, scattering stones and dust in its wake, as it looks to slam into Fassad, Mirror Shield or not. Is it enough?! 

:'''{{#var:248|Fassad (248)}} has posed:'''      The blast comes in. Some of it is blocked by the Mirror Shield, sent back towards Victory. But, it is not enough. The plasma beam is far too large. And so, Fassad is engulfed completely. He falls forward, flat on his face. Head resting upon the ground. Unconcious.      Defeated.      His horse just kind of sits around watching for now. Waiting for him to be carted off to be fixed up. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     Once the blast is sent, Victory drops to a knee, ending up on both hands and knees as she tries to get a bit of strength back into her anything. The crowd goes utterly wild. With a bit of effort she removes the blades, moves over to Fassad, then waves for medical to move in. It was too good a fight to allow this man to end up having a fate worse than defeat. "Make sure you take care of the horse, too, please," she mentions before thumping to the ground, allowing the medical staff to take care of her as well. 

}}

2853/WMAT AQ1 Rhapsody vs Madeline Vance

2015-08-20T01:42:57Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/08/19 |Location=WMAT Arena - Yunzabit Heights |Synopsis=WMAT AQ1 Rhapsody Vs Madeline Vance |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=325, 380 |Tinyplot=WM..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/08/19
|Location=WMAT Arena - Yunzabit Heights
|Synopsis=WMAT AQ1 Rhapsody Vs Madeline Vance
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=325, 380
|Tinyplot=WMAT 2015
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Welcome to the WONDERFUL Yunzabit Heights! Known for its cold winds, rising hills, and never-ending steppes. It is in this, the most wonderful of combat zones, that Rhapsody will go to battle with Madeline Vance! There are no crowds to distract, no flashy entrances nor roaring fireworks, just the Izzet Guildmaster, sitting on the edge of one of the steppes, waiting for her opponent. Currently, she's clad in her trademark blue and red trench, a bit of armor showing underneath, with her spellblades at her back. Despite the laidback look she's showing, she's rather nervous about the battle that is about to begin. A win would be ideal, but a loss would leave her fate in the tournament to the fight between Vance and Rogers. She hopes to not have to worry about it. 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     Madeline is, by contrast, not nervous at all. A win or a loss, it doesn't matter for her, so long as she gets what she wants out of the fight. Her opponent is a little different from most, but a cursory look up and down has her satisfied, nodding her head in a casual greeting.     For her part, she's wearing a lightweight set of armor, namely a chain shirt and leather wraps around her hands, with bracers on the forearms. It's an athletic look, that is also aided by a sword at her side... even if she doesn't make any move to draw it. She looks young, late teens perhaps, but that means nothing in the Multiverse does it? "Hello. I look forward to a good fight."     Yeah, not much for small talk. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     To be honest, Rhapsody wasn't going to chitter much either. The Izzet Guildmaster wanted to get to the good part! Once she lays eyes on Madeline, she hops off the edge she had been sitting on, drops to the same level, stretches her arms, legs and tail out a bit, heaves a sigh, and sets a stance. For now it doesn't appear that she's going to be drawing one of her blades, either.     "So do I," Rhapsody finally admits. It had been a year since the last tournament and she was hoping her training was going to pay off. Today, she would find out if it had. "Lets dance then, shall we?" She allows herself a little smirk to go with her coy remark and then she surges forward. One of her hands balls into a fist, however, the twist she makes causes her opposite leg to come around to try and deliver a kick to the woman's side. 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     And it's on! Raising her arms to guard, the incoming kick needs handled with something else, leading Madeline to swiftly lift one leg to block in a jarring block that absorbs part of the blow. She lets out a small grunt, but thus far doesn't do anything fancy. Just pure, simple martial arts... even if her style leaves something to be desired in the elegance category.     That being, it's a simple and brutal style, a swift jab aimed at the leg that kicked at her before Madeline dances back, still on the defensive to consider her nonhuman foe and get her measure. "Mn. Just hand to hand, then?" 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     "For now!" Rhapsody responds as her leg is knocked away. She, at least, finds herself off balance for a moment, but finds herself not so bad off. "It IS the World Martial Arts Tournament, after all. We can be fancy in a minute." Alright, so maybe she is chattering a little more than expected, but she was being polite! Good sport was a worthy thing, she felt.     After finding her stance again, the dragon moves forward again, step by small step, before throwing another blow. This time the punch isn't a feint, continuing straight for the woman's frame, followed by a second from the opposite side. 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     Immediately it becomes clear that Madeline, for all her slight frame, is much stronger than she looks. Not just that jab, which was a test, but when she blocks the first punch with her forearm. She is still a fairly lightweight woman though, and the second gets through to hit firmly at her side, with a slight thudding impact that has her grunting and taking a step back.     "Mn," she agrees. Or does she? Either way she still isn't doing anything fancy either, giving a sudden quick snap kick of her own, aiming toward the injured leg again, before ducking back and into a defensive stance. "All right..." 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The kick comes around, Rhapsody braces for it, takes it, and then takes a step back to leave the other in front. Small reply, so, no major response comes from the Guildmaster. Instead, she gives the woman a nod. 'Not bad,' is what the dragon tries to convey.     Next up, the dragon spins about. She likes to take advantage of the fact she has a tail, something most people easily forget about. Half way around, the tail tries to slam into Madeline's side. The dragon's momentum continues and another swift kick comes around to follow up. 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     Despite being in the middle of combat, Madeline seems to have paused, holding still for a moment... an instant that allows the tail to smack right into her side, almost bowling her over. She IS sent flying, actually lifted off her feet and grunting as the impact slams in and deeply bruises her torso, setting her to stagger a few steps back.     An instant later, a bright shimmering golden light appears on her forehead, and she darts forward /much/ faster, doing a swift but simple jab. Unlike the first, though, this one has far more power behind it than it should, hitting like a sledghehammer if it connects. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Well. That was unexpected. After feeling the strikes connect, Rhapsody had moved back into her regular stance. The sudden speed that Vance brings to the table, along with the potent strike behind it, sends the dragon skidding backward a few yards, the last one or two a number of steps in reverrse. "Now that's more like it! Though, I think you have the right idea," she muses before drawing her red spellblade, pointing it toward the woman. "Time to get a little 'flashy',". As if to emphasize her point, a thunderous roar and a brilliant light arcs away from the blade. A bolt of lightning reaches out from the blade for Vance's body! 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     Despite the danger, Madeline doesn't stop. She's already moving again, darting forward at high speed... and getting blasted with lightning, which pours right through her in a jarring blast that leaves her smoking and sizzling, with the scent of burned flesh. Oddly, she doesn't cry out in pain, but it did slow her for an instant...     Before a quick series of the same powerful blows launch out, her fists moving at an inhuman speed now. She's steadily ramping up her use of Essence, with a careful eye on Rhapsody, who has managed to blast and injure her more than she expected so far. Her motions are slightly slowed thanks to the mounting injuries. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Seeing this woman continue to charge, desipte the bolt, is enough for Rhapsody to at least take hold of her blue spellblade. As the blows come, the first catches the dragon square in the stomach. Before the second can connect, the blue spell blade is activated causing a silvery metallic coat to cover her for a brief moment. As it fades, the third blow finds it's mark, sending Rhapsody back again, now with her back to the cliff she had been sitting atop earlier. "Gh. Hey! I like that energy! Lets keep it going!" she calls. This was a tournament! People were watching! It was a good place to put on a show!     In reply to Vance's increase in pace, the dragon pushes off the wall and surges forward. With both blades now in hand, the dragon comes in low, trying to put the pommel of the weapon into into Madeline's midsection. After that, she'd bring her knee up to try and catch her before finishing with an upward slash from her red spellblade! 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     A loud THUNK and then a CRACK sound out, followed by a spray of blood as all three hits connect... solidly, for the most part. Madeline staggers backward, stumbling a few feet away and looking startled at the use of a sword like that. She used one once, as well, but this actually seems to confuse her. "Ah... all right."     She didn't have a gun before. Now she has a pistol, one that fires at near point blank a burning, brilliant burst of energy that has gathered around the bullet. A single shot, no more, but not a simple lead bullet. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''         Where did that gun come fr-*BLAST*     The guildmaster's thoughts were simple to see even from afar, and via camera. There wasn't a gun, then there was, and then it was lighting up all of Yunzabit Heights! For a moment the world is bleached out. When it comes back, the dragon is on her back, looking up at the sky. "Ow..." comes her simple response. It's followed by a wince as she pulls herself back onto her feet. "Ok.. That was really good," she compliments as she steadies herself, then finds her stance again.     Without a word of warning, the dragon explodes across the short distance that separated the two. No more fooling around. Especially if Vance was about to bring that much firepower to bear. As she closes distance, the red spell blade is sent forward, looking to stab at her opponent. If it connects, or if it doesn't, the guildmaster pulls the proverbial trigger on the weapon twice. Two cracks of thunder roar out, to brilliant bolts of electricity are heard, but possibly aren't even seen! Who says lightning can't strike twice? 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     Yeah, Madeline is already fried and bruised, she'd rather not take any more surprises. She's expecting /something/ this time, and even as another pistol appears in her off hand, her forehead glows with a brilliant yellow light. The twin lightning blasts connect... but they mostly ground right through her, as the Zenith pours her Essence into a temporary but powerful reinforcement of her body. Some of it still leaks through, causing a jerk of pain, but clenching her jaw deals with that.     And now she's perfectly lined up, she thinks, to lift both pistols and unleash a /torrent/ of bullets, tightly-packed rather than spraying for hopes of hitting Rhapsody. The dragon girl might have an easier time dodging this spray, but if it hits she'll be taking multiple bullets. At least they aren't /on fire/ like the last one was. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Dodge? No. That would have been nice, however. Instead, the momentum of Rhapsody's strike kept her moving forward. The hail of bullets catches her clean, peppering her whole body. Thanks to her armor, nothing is fatal, but there are holes all across her trench coat. Don't mind the crimson trails along her white hide, that's what the WMAT Medical Staff would be for, later!     For now, though, the dragon needed something more potent. Stronger. More -raw-. That's when she appears to take a -breath-. It's after she's brought herself to a stop before Vance. The glow from her muzzle is a bright white. When she lets loose that breath, a torrent of raw energy erupts from it, roaring for Vance's form. 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     Uh oh. The moment Vance sees that drawn breath, she realizes that this is probably not something she should try to tank again. "Ah..." Another flare of golden light boosts her leap, sending her high into the air for an acrobatic flip over the blast of power that still singes her left leg, making it smolder and hiss. Or maybe she's the one hissing.     Surprisingly she doesn't use her pistols again though. In midair like this, she switches tactics, her uninjured leg whipping down in a pulverizing, powerful /smashing/ kick toward Rhapsody's shoulders and back, aiming to drive the dragon into the steppe's ground and rebound off of it onto a safer vantage at high ground. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     The sudden rush of potent strikes has left the dragon in a daze. When the woman appears from the blast no worse for wear, the guildmaster actually panics. The panic serves Vance well in that it allows her strike right where she pleases, driving the dragon into the ground. The ground even craters under the strike. "Ngggh..."     This time, Rhapsody is far slower to rise, stumbling once she gets to her feet. "Why'd you start hitting so hard," she asks, somewhat absently, with far too many cobwebs clouding her mind. Still, she manages to look up and spot Madeline, headed for higher ground. After shaking her head to try and clear the daze, she lunges to follow. The red spellblade is brought around as she unleashes the three remaining bolts of electricity it had to offer, trying to close distance as she fires each shot. If she can catch up, she'll end her pursuit with a strong downward slice, "MY TURN!" 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     "Because I want to win," Madeline answers as if it weren't a rhetorical question. She lands atop a different steppe, but that isn't really going to help her here. The numerous lightning bolts that crash down, because this is in a DBZ realm, bury her in a billowing cloud of dust and cause the ground beneath her to crumble away, crashing down farther and obscuring her for a moment.     When she does leap out of the dust, she's actually on fire, or at least one arm is. Coughing, she almost misses her landing, slamming into the ground to one knee.     Did she even attack? Yes, there was a single shot in the air... sending a molten bullet toward Rhapsody's midsection. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Normally, fire wouldn't hurt a dragon, but then again, Rhapsody wasn't exactly a normal dragon, was she? When the bullet slams into her, it actually prevents her from coming down on Madeline. Instead the blow sends her back up a bit, arcing, and crashing down onto a steppe a bit further away. A similar cloud of dust and smoke drifts up around where she landed. Is she out? Down? No. Not yet, at least.     When the smoke clears, the Guildmaster is using one of her spellblades to help herself onto her feet. This fight was a GOOD one. She was enjoying it, despite how close it felt. Both were hurting, both were on the verge, but now? Well, one blow could do it. Knowing this, she takes a deep breath and leaps up into the air. With enough height, she'd unleash another blast of energy from her maw, possibly more potent then the last due to the amount of time she had to prepare! 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     Another blast incoming, and now Madeline is still getting to her feet. Uh oh. "Mn..." She'd rather not spend this much Essence, but she has little choice. The glowing brand of a brilliant circle on her forehead pulses with light again, followed by... being swallowed up by the energy blast.     When the smoke begins to clear, Madeline is wearing heavier armor, some kind of plate material, and it too is glowing like the sun thanks to the multiple reinforcement she gave herself. The ground around her is scorched and blasted, still smoking, and she's breathing hard after that. The faint image of a fortress might be seen around her for an instant... but the brilliant glow itself doesn't fade.     Surprisingly she doesn't shoot, though. The heavily-armored figure leaps instead, launching herself in for a vicious lunging elbow jab at Rhapsody's chest. She can't keep up this level of fighting, on foot, for very long. She wants to end it here and now. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Not a scratch? Rhapsody's expression goes -white-, well, more white, considering that Vance tanked it like a golem, or some other crazy tough creature. She's so shocked, that as the dragon is coming down, Vance's elbow comes crashing in. The guildmaster barely has the sense to reach for, and pull the trigger, on her blue spellblade. That silvery coat protects her again, reducing damage, but making sure she survives both the strike, and the fall.     More smoke after the impact, and another slow rise for Rhapsody. She doesn't jump to assault Vance. Instead, she tries to track where she'll land. It's as the woman comes down, that Rhapsody tries to go into a whirling frenzy. A last ditch effort, with both blades, to put the battle to an end. The strikes and slashes would come at a frenzied pace, the dragon finding a brief second wind as she lashes out over and over again. Is it enough?! 

:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''     Apparently, Rhapsody hasn't fought an Exalt before... even one as watered down as Madeline is fighting. It was a risky defense, as it wasn't a perfect defense, but it worked out for her there. Not so this time, as she's burned through most of her Essence and is now trying to /dodge/ away. The flurry of blades is too fast though... while most scrape and shallowly cut, or even glance off her armor, at least one of the strikes slips between the plates and staggers her, the woman clutching her side and grunting. Her vision just fogged for a moment... is she near her limit?     Well, yes she is, but she's not out of it yet.     Another quick kick... but this is more like a knee. As the strikes slow from the desperation attack, Madeline ducks down with a wheeze of effort, still holding her side. Another flare of yellow spends the last of her Essence, or close to it, for a hard lunging strike that will hit like a truck, if Rhapsody isn't fast enough. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Truck, train, plane, bus? Freightliner! Whatever it hit like, it sends the guildmaster -soaring- across the Heights, through a cliff, out the otherside, and down to .. somewhere someplace. It's quite clear the medics are going to have to go get her. Oh dear. 

}}

2823/WMAT AQ1 Rhapsody vs James Rogers

2015-08-16T19:48:31Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/08/16 |Location=Papaya Island - Stadium |Synopsis=Qualifier fight in Bracket A between Rhapsody and James Rogers! |Thanks= |Cast of Characters..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/08/16
|Location=Papaya Island - Stadium
|Synopsis=Qualifier fight in Bracket A between Rhapsody and James Rogers!
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=325, 802
|Tinyplot=WMAT 2015
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' Its early afternoon as the audience has gathered at the World Tournament Stadium at Papaya Island for the Bracket A bout featuring James Rogers and Rhapsody. The anouncer walks to the center of the ring and begins speaking. "Ladies and gentlmen, the contestants are coming into the ring now." He points in the direction James is coming from and says, "In this corner, we have James Rogers, an Avenger who..." he consults his notes, "Yes, who I am told is wearing an outfit designed for him by the Mutliverse Renoun Tomoyo!" James walks out wearing a long-sleeved high-collared dark red shirt, with the Avengers logo on the back in white, and a star over his heart, also in white. On the shoulders are epaulettes, with the tassels alternating between red and white, the main body being blue with more white stars on it. His pants are dark black cargo pants, with many loops and pockets for gear, held up by a white belt, the clasp shaped like his shield. On his feet is a pair of brown, sturdy combat boots with thick soles and brown laces. To finish the look, he wears a pair of red-tinted goggles. He is also carrying his shield on his left arm. James pauses at the edge of the ring and waves to the croud before entering the ring and waits for his opponent to enter. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' After the crowd noise lowers, and the announcer is allowed to speak again, the introductions would resume, "And out of the other corner, hailing from the city of Ravnica, and the Izzet Sector's Guildmaster, Rhapsody Mizzet!" More crowd noise heralds Rhapsody's arrival. No fireworks, no flashy entry, just a 'regular' individual in a trenchcoat with both her spellblades at her back. She, like James, gives the crowd a friendly wave and a bow as well. Don't mind the Izzet Section over there full of goblins and heaven knows what else. It's a pretty rambunctious sector. 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' The announcer, says "Let the fight begin!" and then quickly departs the ring as the contestants take their stances so as to be out of the way of the anticipated area of action. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' The announcer takes off, the crowd goes quiet for the moment between his departure and the first blow to land. If it was another arena, maybe a tumbleweed would blow by. As an Izzet, and someone who enjoys being unpredictable, the Izzet Guildmaster keeps distance, draws one of her two blades as if she was about to charge at James. Instead, a flick of the blade causes a thunderous sound as an arc of electricity rips across the field toward James! Magic user, Mr. Rogers. They can be crafty! 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' As the announcer departs and Rhapsody draws her sword, James activates his shield -- taking on a dull red glow surrounding it enitrely -- and braces for the expected charge. Unexpectedly the /electrical charge/ arcs over his shield and strikes his right shoulder sending a painful tingle though his entire arm. James then flings his shield frisbee-like at Rhapsody, aiming at the center of her mass. As it flies towards her he runs closer to her and towards her right-hand flank where he knows that the shield will be flying from the post-impact ricochette so he can catch it. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' The bolt lands, the blade is kept in one hand, and then when James throws his shield, the dragoness leaps upward. Even without wings, Rhapsody can jump fairly well. With the shield dodged, she attempts to come down on the man with a more typical slash of her sword! 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' As soon as he sees the shield miss its intended target, James brings himself to a skidding stop and changes direction before taking off again. Taking advantage of Rhapsody's jump he runs straight towards where the shield has landed beyond her 'take off point'. Rhapsody comes down just as James is passing though the space she had occuppied. Her slash catches him in the already numbed right shoulder and cuts a line along the flesh of his shoulder blade after tearing though the epaulettes and fabric of his shirt. Reaching his shield a few feet away, James rolls as he picks it up and then leaps up at Rhapsody, throwing a right-hand hook towards her jaw as he tries to push her sword out of the way with his shield at the same time. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Good move! The guildmaster was going for another slash, only to feel the blade bite into the shield placed in it's way. With her attack halted, the strike to her jaw turns her head, her body following slightly. A stumbling step back is taken, however, the dragon is quick to regain her stance. Drawing the second of her two blades, the guildmaster slashes at the man with both of them at once. 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' A second blade! Yes, that throws James' defenses off slightly for a moment and the guildmaster's blades find purchase and slice into him -- one his left forarm as the sword slips beneath the edge of the shield and the other grazing his right hand ribs (slicing cleanly though the dark red shirt which darkens further with the blood seeping into it though the cut caused by the second blade). "Aarg!" James cries out before gritting with the pain. He steps back for a moment and then 'throws' what would be a left-handed punch were it not for the shield worn on that arm which causes the edge of the shield to slash towards her collar blades or neck. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' The shield slices better than what Rhapsody would have expected. It easily cuts through the guildmaster coat and through the bare hide underneath. No scales eh? Something James may want to make note of in regards to this dragon.     Rhapsody's reply to his strike comes quickly, one blade jabbing forward before she 'pulls the trigger' on it, trying to transmit the electricity from the blade directly into the young avenger before her. 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' Zot! A burst of electricity hits James and he shakes it off as he drops into a spinning kick meaning to forceably sweep Rhapsody's feet out from her so she will drop to the floor and... hopefully... hit the floor painfully. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' SWEEP THE LEG! Done. Rhapsody falls back but is quick to scramble away so she can climb to her feet. With a little distance between the two, the dragon takes a quick breath and spins around after, jaw open, before a small blast of raw energy is sent James' way! She -is- a dragon after all. 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' The energy blast washes across James' chest singing his shirt and, in places, the flesh beneath as it burns holes though the red fabric. As there is some distance between them again he chooses to use the signature Rogers toss and throws the shield directly at her. However, he also runs immediately after it as the straight shot will bounce the shield back at him so he can catch it and be in punching distance of the dragon again. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' This time the shield will find it's mark. The weapon impacts Rhapsody in the chest, sending her stepping backward again. Watching the man rush toward her, she actually ducks low, trying to copy something he did a moment earlier. A sweep, but with her tail! Hit or miss, she'd continue around and follw up with a vertical slash from her blades. 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' Almost as if he anticipated the sweep, James leaps mid-rush, travelling gracefully over Rhapsody's tail as he swings his right arm in for a gravity-assisted punch. He obvously intended to deflect sword attacks with his shield but the blade travels down the force field, sparking bright red as it does, and slashes down his left thigh, cutting though pants and flesh with equal ease. Whether his punch lands or not, the pain in his leg is obvious as he half-stumbles towards the left as his weight comes down on the newly injured let. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''     Landing square on her jaw, the man's punch actually forces Rhapsody down to the ground with a whump and a slight bit of dust. Is that a crack in the stadium floor? Could be! "Ow," is likely heard as she pushes herself up, a look going to her opponent. A lot of slicing against James has really left marks, however, this isn't done. Not by a long shot!     On her feet again, the dragon decides to charge in and show James that she means business! She'd lift one spell blade overhead to try and attract the attention of the man's shield before, and instead, swinging horizontally at him from the left with the other blade. Only then would the second strike come down, followed by both coming across from the right. 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' The feint works well and James' shield was raised to meet it leaving him wide open to the slash across his chest from the right. Twisting in reaction to this the first of the follow though slashes, coming down from the feint only grazes his right hand temple but the other cuts a shallow gash across his abdomen... inches above his belly button and nearly parallel to the first slash from the combo across his pecs. James screams out a kiai to focus though the pain of the cuts and ignores the damage to his new shirt. He takes a step back and flings his shield arm at Rhapsody again crossing right to left to bash her in the face with the center of the shield with his full strength beind the swing of his arm. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' Slices, dices, and it would seem James does not like being all cut up by the Mizzium blades that Rhapsody received in her younger years. As that shield soars to strike her again, it would find one of the Guildmaster's blades in its path. It only deflects the strike into her shoulder, leaving her coat torn once again. In response, the dragon takes a deeper breath than the one that she took earlier. The blast, this time, is larger, brighter, and Rhapsody hopes it can get to James before his shield does.. 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' James takes the blast full in the face this time and stumbles backwards as his injured left leg wavers under his weight as he tried to step back from her. As he regains his balance he raises both hands up, palms open towards Rhapsody, even with his temples, deactivating the shield's force field and winching as the motion painfully pulls on the gash across his abdomen as he does so. He says, "I yield," softly at first so that Rhapsody hears it and then once more, a bit louder so it carries better on the stadium's sound system. 

:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:''' The guildmaster seems a little surprised, but once it's made official and the crowd hears it, the roar begins and the dragon puts away her weapons. "Good fight!" she compliments, crossing the field to offer her hand for a shake. 

:'''{{#var:802|James Rogers (802)}} has posed:''' James moves carefully and accepts Rhapsody's hand, saying "Yeah. Good luck in your next bout," as he shakes it. 

}}

2762/WMAT BQ1 Cowboy Courier vs Victory

2015-08-09T01:00:16Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/08/08 |Location=WMAT Arena - Gizard Wasteland |Synopsis=The Cowboy Courier gets trainwrecked by Victory |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=32, 810 |..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/08/08
|Location=WMAT Arena - Gizard Wasteland
|Synopsis=The Cowboy Courier gets trainwrecked by Victory
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=32, 810
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     The Qualifer Round wasn't the biggest draw just yet, but there's a former champion here! As well as the champion of New Vegas in general.     But it's not Johnathon Tallbranch out in the fields today. No sir. Today it's the Cowboy Courier. But there's little that looks like a cowboy right now. The figure in the fields is clad head to tow in the heavy armor of a Mojave Ranger, the old riot gear cobbled together out of Old World tech left over in the Boneyards and Lost Angels. All that's not covered by the armor is the man's face.     Mr. Tallbranch looks cheery as he waves up to the crowds and cameras, as an advertisement for the New Vegas Tourism and Convention Board plays in the background. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     If it was further than the qualifier rounds, Victory probably would have had some music to hearld her into the battle area. Instead, she's opted out, instead allowing the Multiverse to catch their first glimpse of the tall digimon warrior silently striding into view. She's a good sport, at least. She loves this kind of thing had plans to make sure that the crowds here, and beyond, would have a good show. The massive blade at her back is taken in one hand, pointed at the camera, at Six, floursied about, then is settled against her back again. Cheers, boos, it doesn't matter. She smiles knowing that the world can at least see her debut, here, before moving onto the MCW afterward.     With that little 'showcase' done, she sets her sights on the courier. She's been around the Multiverse long enough to know not to underestimate -anyone-. "Lets put on a show, alright?" 

:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     A dragonlady! Well, Johnny can't say he hasn't fought something like her before, but the deathclaws he fights aren't usually wearing shinyass armor, nor are they this articulate.     HORRIBLE PREJUDICES ASIDE, the Courier salutes the Mon lazily, and grins. "Well, we'll see about the show. I might jus' get stomped in the dirt, you know." A chuckle that's cut off as he slides the helmet over his head, the seal hiissss-clicking into place. The Red lenses of the helmet engage, casting a cold look on the Wastes, and the speaker in the helmet crackles. "Beauty before age."     That said, the Courier's hands slide beneath the coat sewn into the armor, and draw out a very heavy looking energy pistol of some sort that drizzles green fire from the tip. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     The comments from the courier cause the 'mon to smirk a little, "Or I may end up full of holes, one or the other," she says, trying to be a good sport, before shrugging at his offer. "If you insist," she finishes before taking a step, another, and then she dashes for Johnny, simply looking to introduce him to her fist. Simple, right? 

:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     If Johnny was expecting anything different to start, he doesn't show it. That punch is swift, decisve and strong. The Courier's free hand lifts up to try and catch it, at least, but the motion drives him back into the dirt, furrows kicking up from the force of it. Nothing broken though.     The speaker crackles. "Not bad." But now Victory is in close and Johnny simply lifts the plasma pistol up into the lady's chest and dumps off an entire clip. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     "Thanks," Victory quips back, just before the pistol unloads into her at nearly point-blank range. The quick series of blasts causes her to stumble back, leaving marks in the previously unblemished armor. ".. That wasn't that bad, either," she compliments before rushing in again. This cowboy was probably going to use his weapons a lot, and she had her options, but for now she was more interested in keeing close. Instead of another punch, she turns a shoulder, leans forward, and simply tries to run right through the man. 

:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     Everyone thinks that, all the time, really ,but Johnny's not just a weapons guy. He's a man of SCIENCE! Of reasoning and thought. And more over, he's not a push over. There's pretty stern stuff inside the man.     The armor creaks and shudders as he's TACKLED, but he does not break. He bends! And with a subtle shift and a rather hefty hiss of exhalation through that mask, silently tries to turn the tackle into a Hip Toss, dumping Victory over into the dirt with a heavy throw. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     While she has encountered a lot of fighting techniques, she's never actually dealt with someone that can JUDO the larger digimon. The subsequent redirection of her momentum landing her on the back, on the ground, with a WHUD, causes her to blink. A glance is given the man over her, she actually -laughs-, then she kips up. In a quick motion, the large sword at her back is drawn and she spins around with it, the flat of it looking to bash the courier to one side. 

:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     Johnny's able to catch the sword coming out at least, and ducks most of the way under the swipe, a scrrrraaaaaape noise getting away for the attack as it scores the top of that helmet and rings his ears.     Another raspy Darth-Vader breath from the mask and his hands flutter under that cloak again, and that Pip Boy on his arm flashes. The hands come back out carrying a heavy, techy looking staff. He snarls, audible over the speaker and slamms the base of it into the ground to activate it.     A sickly purple energy blade unfolds at the top, as the Protonic Inversion Axe comes to life. He wastes little time, aiming the hateful weapon at Victory's midsection. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     The sound of metal against metal cries out. For a moment, Victory enjoys a small amount of satisfaction. However, when the axe and her armor meet, the digimon finds herself stumbling back. "Impressive weapon," she comments, giving the weapon a once over before placing both her hands to the hilt of her own sword. "Lets get serious then, shall we?"     She doesn't wait for an answer. Instead, she comes in with a strong horizontal slash. She lets the momentum of the swing spin her about, her tail going low for a sweep, before the blade comes around again, this time arcing diagonally upward. 

:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     Well if you wanted to catch Johnny off balance, this was it. The Courier's armor doesn't save him from this one entirely, the slashing and bashing spin sends him sprawling into the dirt, and he luckily has the foresight to swat the axe off so he doesn't land on the blade. That said, he gets up with a massive gash in the front of the Ruot Armor, and a glint in those red lenses.     Silence though, as he charges back in, the axe sliding back open again. Sickly blacklight casts a dull sheen on the arena, and there's a lighter sight of blood tickling through the gash of his armor as he comes back in, with a heavy swing.     It's not a graceful motion. It's not that of a martial artist. It's a lumberjack's swing. It's meant to take off hunks of armor and flesh. It's meant to hurt. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     After her assault has finished, Victory slips back into a ready position, her eyes locked onto the Courier. When the man charges back in and the swing is made, the sword she uses is moved to intercept. It doesn't stop the blow fully, the axe biting into her side at the protest of her blade. With her weapon busy, the digimon warrior pushes against the axe for a moment, then attempt to place her armored lower leg against Johnny's frame. 

:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     The Courier is at least able to stop that one in its tracks, only barely, catching the kick in the gut, the armor there creaking and bending with the force, and this time the ground deforms under him. Thanks DBZ Zone physics.     The speaker crackles. "Ain't had to use this so early in a long while." He draws a big ass 12.7mm Pistol, the Pip Boy flashes and-     Something guides his hand, as the Courier starts firing deadeye shots on Victory, the pistol barking fast and clinical and precise. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     Blade free, Victory slips back to her ready position, but she isn't quite ready for the sheer size of the weapon that Six pulls free. She does turn the blade to its flatside, trying to deflect at least a few of the bullets, but the high caliber weapon manages to make its mark on the fighter. A catch in her thigh, another to her arm, and the force of the rest leaves the digimon with a few 'glitchy' areas, code peeking through.     With the ante suitibly raised, Victory suddenly splits the Dramon Breaker into a pair of blades. The flurry that follows is both vicious and smooth in multiple strikes she makes. One from the side, then from the other, before both try to cross the armor again, though at the opposite angle from before. 

:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     And it isn't anything the Courier hasn't had before. This is turning into the Satsuki fight all over again, only with a dinosaur instead of a scantily clad lady.     Johnny's still standing at least, but there's bits and pieces of the armor strewn across the landscape, and bits of Johnny are showing through the gear now. Ain't what he was hoping for, by any means.     The helmet crackles again. "Didn't expect this tough a match straight away, young lady." He chuckles, picks up the Axe again, and steps in. This time it's a more defensive stance, aimingto keep the staff of the axe inwards and protect himself more. THat's not to say he's not taking a swing here and there though. He does plant his feet for another heavy swing agai-     Wait no. As the man spins in place to swing, his free hand comes around with that pistol again, aiming a shot at one of those glitchybits. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     And a potent strike is made! Victory falls for the faint completely as both the blades move to parry the axe away. When her momentum finds only air, and puts her just barely off balance, it's the opening needed for Johnny to fire his weapon. It's enough for Victory to let out a small yelp and a sharp wince afterward. "Smart," she manages to reply before one blade is jammed into the ground, and then the free hand quickly affixes the other blade to her gauntlet.     "My turn," she warns before the weapon is pointed toward the courier. The orange glow racing down the blade -can't- be good. A moment later an orange blast rockets off the blade, trying to catch the man in the chest. 

:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     That blast doesn't catch him in the chest, it catches him in the head, and the faceplate of the armor is cracked open, a hiss of air escaping the sealed compartment. The Courier's scorched face can be seen through the opening, and the speaker is broke, but he's... laughing? Yep. Laughing.     "WHAT A FIGHT!" He happy-snarls, and turns in plac,e another flourish and...     This time as he comes out, there's a heavy, heavy HEAVY looking widget on his hand. It's a gauntlet of some sort with a powered something or oth-     And with a simple spinning straight punch, the Corier slams the fist against Victory, the energy drive of the Saturnine Fist CLUNK-CLACKing into life, and blasting the Mon with a wave of kinetic energy. WHUMP. 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     With the shot fired, Victory moves to reassemble her weapon back into its much larger, single bladed, self. She actually didn't expect the courier to rise so quickly. She hears the comment, turns to smile at him, but that's when the massive first of his weapon finds her frame. Between the momentum of the punch and the wave of energy that follows, the digimon is actually seen careening through the air, smashes through one of the Gizard Wasteland rock outcroppings, and comes crashing down on the other side, chest down, with a very loud -thud- amidst the dust and rocks crashing down as a result.     "Ow.." is the first word out of her. Her arms slip under her and this time she's slow to push up and climb back to her feet. In fact, she uses her weapon to steady her rise. "That was a good one," she calls over to Johnny. After taking a small moment to gather herself, she surges back toward the man.     As she goes, the point of the blade is held out ahead of her. However, a few yards back, the digimon lunges slightly upward. That big sword is brought down in a strong diagonal slash, but the momentum of it, and a hard twist of Victory's body, makes the second rotation that much more vicious. 

:'''{{#var:32|Courier Six (32)}} has posed:'''     Johnny... punches. He punches the sword with the Power Fist, his arm lashing up to try and blunt the attack, but it's pretty much futile at this point. The big dragon lady was just too much.     And laughing, laughing under the helmet he waves his free hand. "Uncle, Uncle, I give, I give."     Wait, he's conceeding? I guess so. "Young lady, you're gonna go far if you keep that up. Ow." 

:'''{{#var:810|Victory (810)}} has posed:'''     When she comes down from her lunging assault, she's about to strike again, or at least prepare to block, but when Johnny tosses in the towel, she slowly settles the blade to her back and offers the man a hand of her own, either to help him up or to shake, whichever is more prudent. "Thank you, I hope you do well wherever you go." 

}}

2701/Pyramid Raid

2015-08-05T02:05:39Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/07/31 |Location=Desert Mountains |Synopsis=Smaug comes upon a pyramid with treasures within, however, while attempting to discern how to break..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/07/31
|Location=Desert Mountains
|Synopsis=Smaug comes upon a pyramid with treasures within, however, while attempting to discern how to break into the pyramid, a visitor comes to him with questions, and possibly a way for the dragon to achieve what he desires.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=615, 689
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:689|Smaug (689)}} has posed:'''     A dragon without a hoard is a creature in quite a sorry state. The longer, and older they become, the more irritable and frustrated they will become at sleeping on a stone floor with only a spattering of valuables to claim as their own. While much of the great dragon's time has been spent brooding about dwarves and arrows, the yearning to find a hoard as great as the one he attempted to claim at Erebor remains a constant pain in the back of his mind, urging him both up and out of the place he now calls home.     Today, a set of great wings have carried the dragon called Smaug to a set of pyramids located near the foot of a great mountain. These are not the sort you would expect pharoh's to be buried in. Rather, they are the sort that people made doomsday calendars around instead. Currently, the dragon is circling one particular pyramid, long since abandoned by its people. He can -smell- what he wants inside. It's determining how to get at the valuables without destroying them that is his current concern. 

:'''{{#var:615|Ineryon (615)}} has posed:'''      It wasn't the most extravagant entrance ever beheld by the myriad of the Multiverse's members, but those hailing from the nexus which constituted the crossroads of universes might be inclined to marvel at Baron Ineryon Valos' appearance, if one supposed they hadn't already stood testament to more grandiose debuts in their lifetime; for an ancient wyrm like Smaug, who has undoubtedly been around, witnessing some shadows congregating, before the dark-elf was spat out upon the slope of the pyramid, was less astonishing than some of the greatest tricks ever seen, albeit, more impressive than the most paltry ones!      Dragons, in their own right, had earned a reputation for obscenely-magnified degrees of power, and even if it had been the contingent that 'Smaug the Golden' was not yet so gilded as a few rumors had led Ineryon to believe, the drow was familiar enough with dragons to be conscious of aesthetics carrying some truth, if size amounted to anything. The reality was that the Dark Elf King, Astos, could metamorph into the dreadful Black Dragon, who had slain the Fiend of Earth, Lich; a technique possessed exclusively to the fully-fledged practitioners of the stygian arcana. Lord Valos was hardly a match for Astos, and thus, Ineryon gambled that without a miracle, he would come up short in a competition of violent proportions, if he enticed Smaug into skirmish-- naturally, Ineryon would no sooner attack Smaug than he would try to tackle someone like Dragon-Form Astos, without a backup plan.      Today, he was here to negotiate, prayers that a dragon could be reasoned with were notwithstanding, due in part to the dark-sylvan being of the mind that should things have turned sour, that he could use a shadowy-vortex to escape right back the way he'd come! That was his hope, as he addressed Smaug, "...Salutations. Be you Mister Smaug, or have I mistaken you for some other gargantuan reptile capable of knocking down towers, museums, churches, airships.... or otherwise, facilities of substantial structural-integrity.....?" 

:'''{{#var:689|Smaug (689)}} has posed:'''     A mix of shadow and magic was of no concern to a dragon. Smaug was no different. The wisps heralding the arrival of this drow did not seem to concern, or worry, the dragon. He was far more concerned with figuring out how to crack the massive stone egg before him so he could claim the goods within.     When addressed, the dragon does not realize he's being spoken to at first. After a moment or two passes, his eyes would slip toward the peak of the pyramid, catching sight of a creature far too small for him to typically be concerned with. It is because this smaller being knew his name that the dragon even acknolwedges his existence. "What thing has come before me, that even knows my name?" Well, at least Ineryon has a chance, now. 

:'''{{#var:615|Ineryon (615)}} has posed:'''      Ineryon himself might be a hypocrite to condemn Smaug for considering a drow to be unworthy of being afforded the attentions of a great dragon, for the nobleman engaged in no habitual study of ants crawling around ant-hills, unless they ended up on his foot, in which case, they would soon find themselves losing their cohesion; Ineryon Valos had few qualms about obliterating insects by spreading their matter to the four-winds.      On the other hand, he recognized that sometimes analogies worked well when dealing with beasts who had scant patience for beings that were puny, and, by contrast to something as enormous as a dragon, that if one didn't /verify/, beyond all reasonable doubt, that they -DID- have legitimate claim to some mode of importance, then far be it for Smaug to waste his time speculating that a mere dark-elf had anything to offer, beyond what was visibly noted upon his emergence! Ergo, when Smaug issues inquiry, the dark elf comfortably seats himself on a particularly obtrusive stone, which acted as a makeshift couch, minus a cushion, and peered at the magnificent pyramid that the dragon had lent his interest to, denoting, "...This thing that has come before you, is capable of both making, as well as unmaking the /other/ thing that clearly holds your interest, which fails to know your name, or yield to you whatever it is that you wish it to render. Given the choice between relinquishing your concentration to a vast dune of sand, a drow nearly one hundred inches in height, or an old stone-forged building that withstands wind for centuries, you have elected to pay heed to the pyramid... ziggurat... or whatever you'd be inclined to name that thing."      Ineryon isn't mocking Smaug's decision, however, the drow is aware that Smaug cherry-picked the structure out of everything else to be the focus of his designs, and it seemed rational to conclude the dragon yearned for -something- within... or around. Not being psychic, this would take some investigation. "....At any rate, even the greatest general in the world can achieve more with an army, in addition to his own devices, than to be left solely to the aforementioned devices, whilst lacking an army. More intriguing, a grenade may be as small as a squirrel, but contained within its physical shape lies enough force to topple a house." The dark-elf folded his arms over his chest, "If you can not get something by yourself, surely, someone with a -different- skill-set can do it for you, whereas, you can sometimes do things for others, that they cannot do, because they do not have your 'unique' skill-set!" If Ineryon scratches Smaug's back, perhaps, then..... 

:'''{{#var:689|Smaug (689)}} has posed:'''     While lengthy, the way in which the drow offers his assistance to Smaug is not missed. He seemed to understand early on, but Smaug, much like this drow he feels, enjoyed the sound of his own voice. Let him speak what he wishes. The dragon's eyes stay upon him, focused. To be given an easier way of accessing this ancient pyramid was quite a notable find. Of course, Smaug knew one thing. This offer would not be given for free. There would be a debt in need of repayment should he accept. The same occured when the Confederacy took him in after his failure at Erebor. This, certainly, would be no different.     "I will focus upon what I desire, nothing less. You, however, have my interest, dark one. What is it that you are suggesting? I would be a fool to think you would offer such aid at no cost. What is it, then, that you would want of me? And also, why would I want to accept? This pyramid is no match for my might, nor my power. Should I need to tear it down and salvage what I desire, then so be it. Tell me, then, creature, why I should continue to lend my attention to you?" Impaitent? Perhaps. Irritated? Not at the moment. With dragons, however, the road between pacified and angered is narrow at best. 

:'''{{#var:615|Ineryon (615)}} has posed:'''      Ineryon gazed upward at Smaug, as the wyrm spoke his part, and then stood. From here, the midnight-colored sylph begin to peruse the edges of the giant monolith, clicking his tongue periodically, which would've sounded nostalgic for anyone familiar with the noises made by cetaceans, for those aquatically-inclined, as he considered his words cautiously, when revering the titanic monster nearby, "What you desire is, in a sense... what we all desire. Expansion... reassurance, and, should I dare venture to say, minimization of pain, while maximizing the intake of comfort?" The drow tapped his chin lightly, drumming his fingers as he took some things into account, until he started to scale to different elevations, "Lore of differing realms tell of dragons who seek the sacrifice of humanoid virgins... some who crave gold for preferable bedding, and then... others simply wish eminence, that is... their due respect."      If the devil himself went down to Georgia, he too, would expect his dues, or so the famous song asserted-- and Ineryon had overheard this tune during his travels to the more technologically-advanced territories within the Multiverse. Gently putting the side of his head to one of the stones, and making percussion by tapping his palm against them, he took another 'reading', although whatever he was doing could've been a mystery to Smaug, unless the wyrm was knowledgable on dark-elves from The Blue Planet. Standing upright, and turning to the one-headed-hydra, Lord Valos cleared his throat, "You've been here a few minutes, haven't you? Why have you hesitated to pulverize this obstacle, which brings veto to your election to do what it is you came here to do? Knock down this piteous pyramid, and be done with it, great one!... I shall observe, and be awe-stricken, as you demonstrate how the act is done, so that I can see you beget what fantasy lies in your mind's eye, if my services are not necessary!" Snapping his fingers, as though coming to a conclusion, the drow tilted his head to the side, questioningly, "....Or, tolerate my presence and seek to haggle. What have you to fear from me, failing some hidden knack for placing a dragon in its grave!?"      Reclining, arms behind his head as he leans against the building, Ineryon finally remarks, "I think you've been here a few minutes by virtue of there being some.... /minuscule/ technicality that prevents you from simply shattering this, or why would you waste time quibbling with I, to even so much as /entertain/ the notion of forming a pact." Ineryon shakes his head, "I do not play games with you, Mister Smaug. I merely theorize that some things are beyond your doing, as some are beyond mine. As to what I detect.... I detect.... metal... lots of metal... inside this structure. Clusters of metallic ore that bear shapes, so articulate and... /artificial/... that I should wager these aren't naturally-occurring deposits... but treasures people placed within, which some pyramids are known for housing! And... by process of elimination, I might be led to believe you /desire/ the metallic contents of this archaic shelter. Can an ant crawl into an ant-hill with more ease than a human? And here we are... a dragon and a humanoid... at a structure that is the equivalent of a 'human-hill'. Which one of us can extract the stuff inside without risking a cave-in?" Being a 'legal-assistant' to a mining-company, Ineryon Valos knows much about the fragile nature of hollowed-out alcoves, which is how he deduced what he did, even if he's willing to accept that he's incorrect, should Smaug clarify to the contrary.... 

:'''{{#var:689|Smaug (689)}} has posed:'''     A pause comes, filled only by a low growl as the dragon's eyes narrow. To tell a dragon there are things they cannot do may not be wise, but the words ring true deep within Smaug's mind. The reason that fire and smoke do not not seek to release themselves from the dragon's maw is simply because the drow was right. While Smaug may not admit to it, it was clear to him that the 'dark one' before him was intelligent, shrewd even. He doesn't dignify his inability to shatter the pyramid to bits with a response. Rather, his head comes level with Ineryon's own.     "What do I call this one, then? And, again, I ask, what is it that you would seek in return?" His tone is calm, but more demanding, with the answer to that question avoided, as far as he could tell. "Answer me these questions, first, and then I will consider what you have to say further." Now, the drow had this dragon's full attention. 

:'''{{#var:615|Ineryon (615)}} has posed:'''      Ineryon shook his head, closing his eyes with a sigh, then began to climb to the top of the pyramid, before Smaug's head descends to meet head-on with the dark elf. Side-glancing a particularly large stone, that looked roughly to be two tons at most, Ineryon goes over towards it, then heaves it into the air, after grabbing it with both hands, making it 'appear' to be a chore for him. Setting it down, afterwards, wiping his brow, he extends a hand, palm upwards, 'offering' Smaug the boulder, "Well, Mister Smaug... you have been a gracious host to suffer my presence to up to this juncture, and now... I bequeath unto you a name, in exchange for your courtesy. I am often known as Baron Ineryon Valos, or, Mister Valos... But I prefer not to be referred to by my given-name, simply because it seems to be a breach of etiquette, unless I'm conversing with a.... friend." Narrowing his eyes at the mention of 'friend', it may be the concept is alien to him, or something he finds personally to be disagreeable.      Canting his head towards the rock, Ineryon queries, "My price is.... that stone. If you can pick it up and give it to me, I will provide the valuables in this pyramid's interior, without any reluctance. Is it a deal?" Lifting his hands in the air, waiting for Smaug to hand him the rock, Ineryon silently, presumably unbeknownst to Smaug, adds about seventy tons of additional weight to the stone, which is just shy of the same poundage exhibited by most grey-whales of the seven seas. 

:'''{{#var:689|Smaug (689)}} has posed:'''     There's a moment where the dragon's gaze is locked onto the drow's actions. The rock, the appearence of his difficulty lifting it, setting it down, and then the offer. For a moment, the dragon looks at the drow with a bewildered look, and then he just laughs long and low. "A stone? Truly? That is -all- you want?" he finally says as he gathers his composure back. Well, at least Ineryon made him laugh. That's good, right? "Alright, dark one, I will play your game," he continues before moving toward the indicated stone, completely unaware of any magics being placed upon it.     Upon approach, the amount of confidence radiating from the dragon is palpable. It's just a stone. What difficulty could it possibly be? His hand reaches out, pressing against it as if to test the weight. For just a moment, there's confusion. Blink, and it would be gone. Aware now of the possible weight, the dragon rears back, standing on his hind legs as both hands are set to the stone. This would be NOTHING.         HEAVE     It doesn't even move. The possibility of the stone not moving wasn't even in the furthest corner of his mind. For it to defy him in such a way quickly causes his growl to return. Another attempt at least stirs the boulder, but little else. With rage quickly coming to a boil, his next attempt sets his tail thrashing, his wings to spread half way. This time, he -barely- manages to lift the stone from the ground it rests on, but handing it to Ineryon? Well, that chore would depend upon just how much further the dragon has to lift it. 

:'''{{#var:615|Ineryon (615)}} has posed:'''      Ineryon, for what it was worth, was using seventy percent of his mental concentration, ergo, while Smaug was trying to lift that rock, which was only a couple cubic meters in total volume, from default, presented the dark-elf with the chore of having to resist the colossal muscle of a drake who could carry its own weight through the air; Ineryon, if pushed to his limits, in their totality, would have required he imbue the boulder with ninety-some tons, since the object was initially in proximity to two. This drow mastermind, if he could be referred to as a puller-of-strings, was not finding this entirely easy, so Ineryon was in no position to brag about 'how easily' he was thwarting Smaug, yet, simultaneously, it was not so simple for the wyrm to decree that the dark-elf was wholly helpless in presenting a dragon with a challenge that could be regarded as a 'mere afterthought', which spoke volumes for the fact that whichever of the two entities was greater, Smaug or Ineryon, that both had at least -some- merit!      "....No gloating shall come from me, Mister Smaug. But I will say that even a whale can be felled by a harpoon, if that whale should be speared in its heart, by one who has made sufficient calculations to ensure that the arrangements made in advance, should enable the spear-thrower to have access to an exposed thorax!" These weren't the best words, seeing that Smaug may have had to've slogged through the drudgery of recuperating from a 'harpoon' thrown by some dwarven-sized(or human-sized) Captain Ahab, nevertheless, being that Baron Valos wasn't entirely aware of this detail, exactly, hopefully the dragon would forgive Ineryon, especially since it was evident that the smaller fellow was not /absolutely/ helpless. No tone in his voice suggested patronization, either, so if luck was on Ineryon's side, mayhap Smaug would give the night-pigmented sylvan the benefit of the doubt? "The fact is... All things are composed of other things... I am composed of bones... you are composed of bones... flesh... scales. What is it that bones are comprised of, Mister Smaug? Lots of calcium, and a few other minerals. Calcium is a major component of limestone. I can, apparently... manipulate stone.."      He rolls his eyes, and bows, again, with no condescending sarcasm involved, because an angry dragon is not something to trifle with, "...The fact is... if your bones are made of calcium, and I can control approximately a million pounds' worth of minerals.... then, would it not be true that there are... lots of people... or dwarves... or elves... who, if taken by surprise, could be.... 'coerced' to cater to my whims, whether it be in or against their free-will to comply? I'm certain your success has made you some bitter enemies, Mister Smaug. Something out there that has iron in its blood, or calcium in its bones... must be susceptible to talents I lodge, yes?" 

:'''{{#var:689|Smaug (689)}} has posed:'''         Heave, HEAVE, *THUD*.     No such luck for the dragon in regards to the stone today. So maddened by it, however, the dragon sets loose a torrent of flame against the offending stone. Thankfuly for Ineryon, however, it is at such an angle that it would be easy for him to simply step back to avoid the blaze of the dragon's ire. The rage nearly turns on the drow, however, his explanation spares him from a jaw full of daggers and a flame from the heart of the dragon's inner furnace.     The drow's point is made. His ability to manipulate matter to his whims was clear. "A ruse, then," he mutters, almost spitting the words. "I do not care for trickery, dark one, but you have made your point. Do as you will, one way or another. I will offer you a 'favor' of mine, or you can leave me to this stone temple and the riddle of it's entry. It is your decision to make. I will not hold it against you, one way or another." 

:'''{{#var:615|Ineryon (615)}} has posed:'''      The dark-elf takes precautionary measures to avoid the flames... and not /just/ the flames, but the -proximity- of the fire, because, anyone who has ever been to a large bonfire at a camping trip that one can become highly uncomfortable even if they so much as step within half a foot of a massive inferno, let alone touching any straying embers! With this taken into account, an omniscient would be enlightened to Ineryon's whereabouts during Smaug's escapades, which involved the drow nobleman taking refuge a good distance from the flaring lizard, possibly even using another boulder to shield him from extraneous sparks meandering around carelessly. Grunting, when Smaug says his part, Ineryon retorts, "...You may be so honorable to limit yourself to bypassing the employment of trickery, Mister Smaug, but your enemies, if they are humanoid, will yield no such reservation, and shall embrace any luxury given to them.... be it the trick of crafting spears, swords, arrows, or bullets to do their dirty-work. If you adhere to some code of honor, that is well and good, however, you will never see yourself blessed by the coins, goblets, and crowns strewn about their labyrinths, if you ignore this warning, however foreboding it might be!"      He scoffs, "Nature, or the nature of sorcerers has used its tricks, its means, to see to the creation of a creature such as a dragon, who uses fire to see that its ends be brought to fruition, Mister Smaug. Every design in any world, anywhere, is an extension of whatever brought you, or I, into this world, to do its bidding. Insects use an exoskeleton... Reptiles use their scales... Humans are born with less innate gimmicks, so they compensate with their inventiveness." He grinned, hoping to speak Smaug's language, with his final observation, raising his finger in resolved punctuation, stressing his final point, "...So if one greater than a man, such as you, possesses both your own tools, and the same tools as the man, who is equal to you, Mister Smaug? If you say you focus on only your desires, and nothing less... then I say, focus not on their codes of honor, or any other hindrance. Focus on what you want. They have what you want. Do what it takes to take it from them.... because if you do not learn how to take from them, they will eventually take from you!"      The drow then chortles, "....Besides... If someone is to be destitute, better them than you, right?" Prompted by this, Ineryon waves a hand, and the stones of the 'pyramid' begin to -rearrange- themselves in a systematic manner, allowing, from the top, an opening to grant Smaug access to some of the wealth within. Ineryon does this delicately, yet, he doesn't move the 'bricks' at a snail's pace, because, if one takes the top level off of a 'house of cards', it can be done with more confidence than if one were to try to remove one of the cards holding the structure up, from the very bottom! "....Today, I came to 'improve' relations between us, Mister Smaug, because I am hoping that in the future, we can both arrange a mutually-profitable arrangement.... and as you can see, I'm fond of arranging, and rearranging things that improve my quality of life, as well as those who are willing to.... 'play ball', as the slang term goes, in human circles!" 

:'''{{#var:689|Smaug (689)}} has posed:'''     The rage cools, Smaug's composure situates itself upon his mind, and then he listens to the words of the drow, many of them as there are. Someone that had not already impressed him would have found the dragon becoming impaitent. Instead, the warning about the cleverness of men, and other similar creatures, is heard. "I am fully aware of what lesser creatures can do. I spare no mercy to those that cross me, or attempt to come between me and what I desire. I -dislike- such trickery, but to believe that it won't be used against a creature such as myself, in a world such as this, would be foolish. No, the allies I have set my eyes open, and I have seen the things this place has to offer."     And now, this world shows him something new. The apparent lack of effort it takes for this drow to pry open the pyramid is impressive at best. In a moment, Smaug scales the structure to look within, spying what he had desired when he landed here. "I will do as you will, so long as our interests are aligned, dark one. How will you decide to call upon me, then? What manner of device will you provide, then, should my aid be needed?" 

:'''{{#var:615|Ineryon (615)}} has posed:'''      Starting to create a rift in the middle of thin-air, in a midnight hue, resembling the shadowy vortex he'd utilized to come forth, initially, Ineryon bobs his head bilaterally, before he answers Smaug, "Anyone who says they'd assist me even if the assistance is unaligned with their own agenda either believes I'm gullible enough to buy the Brooklyn Bridge, or they actually infuse stock in the concept of altruism. In either case, such a person is not equipped to do business with Baron Ineryon Valos, or anyone coming from the clan of the Valii." He sighs, before he commences towards the black gate, "....Lastly, Mister Smaug.... I want to say that my hearing is not limited to the physical parameters of my ears, nor my ability to acknowledge, limited to what I see with my eyes. Nearly all things are in a constant state of motion.... and, even before something reaches me personally, it may go through someone else's ears, or a communication device.... or a newspaper."      Looking over at his shoulder, once more, the nobleman addresses the dragon, "....If you wish to speak to me... I trust you are resourceful enough to tug on one fiber of the tapestry with enough strength to make the outer edges of that weave to feel your pull.... so, if you need me, and you make it clear, to someone, somewhere... I shall be around... and if I need to find you, all I have to do is listen to the wind-- metaphorically speaking, of course, Mister Smaug." Following this statement, Ineryon is finally swallowed up by the dark corridor, which closes up, after, leaving only minor tendrils of negatively-charged energies, which radiate outwards concisely, before dissolving into nothing. 

}}

The Mission Comes First (Steve Rogers)

2015-04-19T18:42:55Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/04/19 |Location=SHIELD Training Facility |Synopsis=Reflections on the news from Reptilon |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=197 |Tinyplot=A Wis..."

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There was a time when Steve Rogers would have been the only person in an old boxing gym - literally older than he was, dating back to the First World War; it fell on hard times occasionally, but it always hung in throughout the passing decades, always keeping just enough members to ensure that it never closed down, and eventually it came back from the brink again when interest picked up. It was never one of the big gyms; it never tried to be, no matter who owned and ran it.

But now Steve lives in Washington, and the old gym in Brooklyn that he used to visit - watching the boxers as they practiced back before the war, then looking it up again after SHIELD rescued him from the Arctic ice sheet and going there to work out - is only a fond memory. And instead of a privately-owned gym, he trains in a dedicated SHIELD workout facility, one that's been customized for the limits that only he can reach - and he still pushes himself right up to those limits, straining, trying to stretch them that one bit further.

So it is that his gloves slam into the heavy bag over and over, much as they were doing the night Nick Fury came to him with a mission to save the world.

It's always been the mission. Even when he was with the USO, when the mission was promoting war bonds to the public, before he chose to go behind enemy lines to rescue the survivors from Azzano ... all the missions that followed, hunting down HYDRA camps and facilities, carving into Johann Schmidt's resources and personnel and materiel, chipping away at HYDRA until they finally managed to bring Schmidt down himself.

And even Afterwards - Loki, the Chitauri, then back to hunting HYDRA remnants, not just in his world but in others, with other missions for the Union thrown in.

Steve's fists rock the heavy bag even harder as he remembers the past few nights. The growing crisis on Reptilon, the news of Tony Stark's death - he hadn't even known any of his teammates were on that world, or ...

SHIELD's heavy bags are supposed to be absolutely tear-proof, but Steve's final punch ruptures the heavy bag; it doesn't fly off the hook, but the cloth finally rips apart and sand flies out, forcing Steve to step back and catch his breath, and his temper. No matter how he looks at it, he should have been *THERE*, on Reptilon with his friends and allies, not three worlds away hunting down HYDRA remnants not even connected to his own version of Earth.

He starts unlacing his gloves, walking back over to the bench where he left his bag to pack up his training gear. Even if Director Fury comes in with another assignment, it's going to have to take second priority; Steve's place now is with his friends.

Bad Decisions? (Rhapsody)

2015-04-19T18:36:16Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/04/17 |Location=Ravnica - The Cauldron |Synopsis=Word of Stark's death reaches the Izzet. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot=A Wi..."

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|Synopsis=Word of Stark's death reaches the Izzet.
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Starset - Down with the Fallen
https://youtu.be/tW_FkaXeSwc

The return trip from Reptilon after speaking with Allo again was calm enough. It was clear that the people of Reptilon were going to need the Izzet League's assistance sooner than later. Once Rhapsody had returned to Ravnica, she had set orders for the Magewrights, requesting a number of mana batteries, converters, a second letter to Yunomi to see if she would want to test her Mana Nexus, and then she would let the Izzet begin to do its work, feeling as though everything was running smoothly. They had time. This did not need to be rushed.

Four Days later

The project was nearly completed. A few Izzet said they could have it done by Sunday without much complication. After that, it would simply need installation at Lavadome and then, hopefully, with no issue, the power plant of an entire planet would be reinforced. Something in the back of her head called, insisting she try to have the project completed sooner, but why? There were reports of the fight on Reptilon, one of Rex's Tyrannos had fallen, but an old grudge insisted she not care about it. She was helping Reptilon for Reptilon's sake, not for Genghis Rex. This did not need to be rushed.

April 17 AU23, 8 AM, Ravnican Time

In the dark of night, Rizix had come, pounding on the door's to the lair that had once belonged to a far larger dragon. She knew the news couldn't be good if the goblin was so insistent, but to hear that a Union Elite had fallen, and one that had so impressed her father years earlier, was not the news she expected. 'This did not need to be rushed' roared through her head in a rage, leading to a flood of emotion that she didn't even remember how she arrived at the Cauldron, but here she was, sitting before a broken obelisk that had still not been repaired. She had once said it was a reminder of why she hated a distant alien from a distant planet... but for what? What did this grudge gain her now but a fallen ally? As her gaze shifted from the broken obelisk to the sky, a familiar sight hung in the sky. In that moment she realized the difference between herself and the one that had come before. It was time for a -change-.

"Rizix.."She knew the goblin had followed. He was like Sidonia sometimes, always trying to keep up with the Guildmaster. With his name called, he quickly made his way over from behind a dead tree that stood nearby. Before he had a chance to acknowledge her call, she began to speak again. "Tibor and Lumina are to be given all the rights and privledges they need to take care of the utilities of Ravnica. In the same vein, Tibor will be in charge of the approval of all minor requests for utility repair while Lumina will be in charge for coordinating said projects and ensuring they are completed."

A deep breath, a sigh, then her gaze would settle back on the obelisk. "Have this repaired, the time for holding old grudges is past. Also, make sure to remind me later to have something sent to New York. If you forget I'll be looking for a new secretary." Another pause, and then the Guildmaster would climb to her feet, starting to make her way back toward Ravnica.

"And, lastly, I'd like to write a letter." She'd clear her throat, collecting her thoughts while Rizix put away one piece of paper and produced another.

"To Amalthea..."

After the Duel (Ahri)

2014-07-31T05:07:06Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2014/07/30 |Location=Somewhere |Synopsis=After her fight with Jinx, Ahri considers what happened. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=491 |Tinyplot= ..."

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The fight had finished, the Howling Abyss was left far behind. Ahri wasn't even sure how long she had run. It had felt like hours... Days? No. Not days. The sun had barely sunk under the horizon when the woman had missed a step and ended up under a tree. Now, with the stars twinkling overhead, she was alone with only her thoughts. The buzz of her radio was constant, though her ears were only listening for a single word. A name, in fact. When she finally heard that Jinx wasn't dead, she finally felt the burning feeling in her chest vanish.

Her spirit orb, resting just to her side, was still swirling with energy. The sky blue hue was nothing like the emerald-green it had adopted hours earlier. It had finally happened again despite all her mental effort to make sure it wouldn't. Her hunger took over, she unleashed everything she had, even including her Meteor Rush.

Using the tree near her head, Ahri sat up, sighed, and took the Spirit Orb back into her right hand before letting all the energy it had gathered flow down her arm to be absorbed. Most days, she didn't feel so awful about it. Today, as the energy seeped in, all she felt was guilt about it. With the energy taken, and the Orb returning to its dormant state against her neck, she stood, then began the long trek back to where she had stayed since her arrival in the Multiverse. Running would not solve her problems this night, or any other. That was the difference between what she used to be, and what she had become. She had to apologize. With the decision made, she mused one question to herself.

"I wonder if this is what being responsible is..."

Fallen (Rhapsody)

2014-07-31T05:03:37Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2014/07/30 |Location=Thirix |Synopsis=In the Aftermath of Terek Kinslayer's Ambush... |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=325 |Tinyplot= }} "Where is..."

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"Where is the Guildmaster now?"

"Does Rhapsody have any comments about leaving Ravnica last night?"

"Is it true that she was drawn out by a Confederate opperative?"

"Was she hurt?"

"Is it true she couldn't defend herself?"

"How many Union responders came to help her?"

"Can the Guildmaster really fight on her own?"

The flurry of questions from Azor, Orzhova, and Guildless reporters were simply unending. Ryxinel, despite all efforts, was slowly reaching his breaking point when he finally waved them off, yelling out, "No more questions at this time!" Before disappearing back into Nivix, Sidonia flanking him a moment after the great doors to the Guildhall had closed. Both of them worried, but neither of them could get into the Aerie at the top of Nivix. After returning from Terek's ambush the night before, the Izzet Guildmaster had went straight to the top of the spire, strode into the former lair of her father, had the doors closed, and locked them from the inside.

Inside, the last 12 hours had been miserable. Her hand hurt, but her heart hurt far worse. She had clocked a close ally, had walked away without a thank you to the others, her assailant escaped unscathed, and the entire city below Nivix, and beyond, seemed to know about all of it. It was as if the scouts she had rushed out to save had gone straight to the papers with their story. From their 'perch' against their sphere, they had seen everything.

Now, with the sun dipping below the horizon, her eyes locked on a single point in the sky. . . Occasionally two. The Red Star and The Blue Star over Ravnica had, usually helped her calm down. Tonight, all she could feel was shame as the two points started to become more visible in the closing day. This night, however, as the pair shined, Rhapsody felt like she understood something. She felt like she had lost her fight, that her home was going to turn against her, that maybe so many allies came running because of just how inexperienced the Guildmaster was. The World Martial Arts tournament had been one thing, but after being in real danger... what would have happened if they hadn't come?

It had to stop.

For one night, she felt as though she had fallen. The next day she would make sure she would do everything in her power to not let it happen again.

Down With The Fallen - http://youtu.be/tW_FkaXeSwc

But not forever.

League Judgement: Ahri

2014-07-28T23:57:56Z

RawrDragon: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2014/07/13 |Location=The Institute Of War |Synopsis=Ahri is summoned to the Reflection Chamber |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=Ahri, |Tinyplot= ..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2014/07/13
|Location=The Institute Of War
|Synopsis=Ahri is summoned to the Reflection Chamber
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=Ahri,
|Tinyplot=
}}
Observation:

As Ahri enters the great hall, its clear that she's made progress on her quest for humanity. Her strides toward the doors are steady and confident. The tails behind her seem to blend into one before she pauses at the door, the nine of them fanning out for a moment as she considers the entrance. She seems to doubt any danger lies beyond. The flames so often seen along her tails aren't visible to anyone looking toward her. Ahri had only heard about this place from other champions but had never considered it herself. The shimmer of her Spirit Orb in its dormant state seems to calm any thoughts of doubt before Ahri pushes through the doors and into the Reflecting Chamber beyond.

Reflection:

The clean air of a distant town, the bustling plaza at the center of the village. All manner of people were coming and going while stall merchants vie for the villager's attention. Some came to sell food, others to sell clothes, even weapons and potions were available in the square. The one thing Ahri wanted from here wasn't sold in by the vendors. The sight of one of the salesmen closing the window to their stall caught her attention. Hurried steps carried the woman toward its rear entrance, catching the gaze of the shop owner as he closed the door. While he was curious at first, the sudden strike of Ahri's Spirit Orb against his temple caught him completely off guard, no chance to cry for help given. With her conscience screaming against it, the energy swarming around Ahri's Spirit Orb would change to green before drawing a portion of the man's energy from him. Even her expression showed how much she wished this wasn't happening, but her nature demanded it. She was starving at this point, she needed a hold over. She needed just a -small- meal. . . that's all. She'd go back on the road and find bandits after this.

Later, the square was empty. Night had fallen and the merchants and all the villagers had retreated indoors. They had run long before the sun had gone down after the man was found. He wasn't dead, but he was disoriented. He didn't get a good look at Ahri before he had been knocked out, which was the only reason she was able to stay in town. With the village center empty, there wasn't a lot to do. No people to talk to, no one to see, just Ahri alone with her thoughts. She took a seat on the fountain in the town center with a sigh. The Spirit Orb, just a small gemstone against her neck now, is given a glance as she takes it between two fingers. Everytime she used it that way, it was in desperation. Everytime she used it that way, it ended in frustration and isolation.

She remembered that day so well. A robbed man would approach a moment later, taking a seat to her side. He looked so much like the first man she had fed on so long ago that it was eerie. "Life is not so black and white. You will learn, in time, Ahri. The League will give you another way to move forward, so long as you still want to do so. Becoming more human is not always joy. There is anger, rage, and sadness to experience as well. Will you continue?"

Without missing a beat, "I would have it no other way."