Scene #8681: UQ Holder - Akasha Book Labrynth Pt. 1

Owner	Pose
Touta Konoe	Whether it was from a direct request from one of the key figures taking part in this expedition, being reached out to by the one who had made the original request, or someone who caught wind of this job through one of the Syndicate message boards, before even arriving at your destination you're informed of the mission details. The retrieval of a specific tome is believed to be within the halls of an ancient library within this world. Though identifying the exact text up to this point has proven challenging as even the name of the text itself is lost within an unfamiliar language to most modern inhabitants. The only clue provided has been separate transcripts in what is assumed to be the language the book is written which have been partially translated. Though just having that information alone is but a step, as learning the language is no easy task already. Yet having to be capable of filling in missing details of the language with what you know, and attempt to scan over thousands of books that might be of the same language in hopes to find the one with the correct contents...It's a feat that requires a certain skill set to which a certain Elite has agreed to assist in. The request you've taken upon yourself today is to insure that she's able to safely identify the tome in question within the depths of the library, and that damage to the library itself is kept to a minimum due to the historical significance and value of the contents that is stored there. Upon passing through the Warpgate, rather than arriving at a scenic view of a bustling city, or a wide-open terrain that spans as far as the eye can see, it would seem almost like they were entering into a hotel lobby. Only there didn't seem to be an entrance in or out of it with the exception of the Warpgate itself, and the two elevators that were on the other side of the hall. On the side, there's what appears to be a check-in counter with two women dressed in more traditional Japanese attire, one appearing human while the other almost appeared a bit more puppet-like in appearance. It is the puppet-like one that would greet all arrivals with a tone of voice that had no mechanical strain to it whatsoever as she'd lower into a bow as each individual arrived, offering the same welcoming. "Greetings guest, welcome to Fairyland Hall. If you could please take a moment to sign-in at the front desk, we will make sure you are properly situated." Those who arrive are requested to provide their names so as to confirm all those that have been contacted or reached out with interest on taking the job have been properly accounted for. There's a few exceptions to this. The first being the trio composed of Mash, Ritsuka, and Jeanne, all of whom have been here before might have been true, it's due to a certain familiar face that they are greeted without issue. Especially Jeanne who almost seems to be given a more casual greeting as one begins questioning her as if she were the child that's come home from vacation. Has she been eating well? Not been causing trouble for her friends? Trying not to abruptly burn things to the ground? The next group is those who arrive from Lobotomy Corp. Upon their arrival, both of the staff come out from behind the counter to greet the Agents regarding them in a manner that might be a bit cordial to what the average working Agents of The City might be accommodated to. Though more than the cordial greeting the Agents are given, even if she's not there physically it's Angela who receives the most humbled welcome as both make an effort to bow in a way to make sure it's portrayed through the screen. "Welcome Lady Angela, we've been expecting your arrival. Master Konoe had intended to greet you all as you came in, but it seems there was a matter that needed to be attended to regarding your transportation for the evening. He should be attending to it outside now. If everyone is ready I can proceed to escort you to the rendezvous location."
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan is a knight and a hero in training. Aidan also needs new shoes. He has come prepared, wearing his leather armor. He also has a backpack on, packed thoroughly with camping gear. At the check-in, Aidan leans over the pad and carefully, shakingly, signs his name, as he has had to learn now that he receives payment checks. He does hurriedly make sure it is pushed away afterwards so no one can see it. "Okay, so, why does a library need a bunch of Elites to go down into it? Is it filled with dragons? Kaiju?"
Madeleine Cadrasteia	Madeleine arrives promptly on the appointed hour, minotaur ally in tow. "I am Madeleine Cadrasteia, and this is Torrie," the huntress says. Torrie chimes in with a "hello!" and signs her name in the guest-book with broad pen-strokes. Madeleine takes up a post in a corner near the elevators as the other Elites arrive, nodding to a few familiar faces among the gathered adventurers. Torrie, however, lingers at the receptionist's desk, tapping a finger anxiously on the countertop. "I, uh, I was told there'd be a labyrinth?"
Rena	Rena was not asked here specifically, because she has no personal experience with UQ Holder or anything related to them, aside from what information she could glean in a hurry. There was a pamphlet. She read it. But she does take odd jobs, and it's kind of an interesting change to be asked to help retrieve a rare book instead of something else. Plus, she has a lot of experience with ruins under cities... though she gathered that this might not actually be a ruin. She arrived right on time and proceeds to sign herself in. Well, she puts two names down: Rena, with no surname, and Pochi, who is a shiba who is following at her heels. He's well-behaved enough to have not caused a problem, though he did sniff the puppet-like woman a bit suspiciously, mostly because the last animate puppet he ran into tried to kill him. (This is true for Rena too, but she's better at not looking suspicious.) What Pochi really wants to do is bother Aidan, and Rena is not allowing him to do that, which means he's a little antsy. Rena looks at Aidan a bit more often than the humans in the area, too. "Sometimes libraries get stuff in them," Rena says, "though normally that's in places people don't really live..." And this place is so nice that she can't imagine it being abandoned.
Alexis	It's an expedition. Into some mysterious underground labyrinth. It'll be just like old times. More than enough to perk Alexis' curiousity and get the Pokemon Trainer to take up the request and come see what it's all about. She needs to get off the ranch and away from her other tasks once in a while to keep her skills and her Pokemon in top shape. Though her initial arrival doesn't have any of the pocket monsters out with her. Don't want to accidentally start with the wrong impression by walking up with what a lot of people might mistake as a threatening creature. So for now it's just her, in her usual hoodie, cargos, hiking boots and bag slung across her back. "Not often I've seen an adventure with a sign-in," she chuckles while signing her name down. She can understand the need for a little extra precaution when you're reaching out across the Multiverse for help. Then wanders over to join the group, pointing a finger at Aidan. "Probably has to do with the 'labryrinth' detail, but still good questions." Look at that, someone even brought a minotaur to help.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia has been here before, though it has been a little while now. It is a bit bittersweet because she had fun and thought she was helping others have fun...and then was basically told to screw herself and that no one wanted her help. She's just hoping the individual(s) who contributed to that aren't here. The princess is in her usual attire. Long, red royal dress, black suede gloves, and of course her satchel purse along with her crown. She introduces herself to the ladies when requested Princess Sarracenia, Crown Princess of the Sundew Kingdom. She's a bit annoyed if they don't remember her. She's quite certain she's hard to forget, whatever reason one might have for remembering her. She also signs her name where needed. She greets Mash's group when she sees them, as well as Aidan. Although only really aquaintances they did go through a sewer together where a cute (and stabby) bunny was lost. And she tries not to be too jealous when Angela is given such respectful greetings. A soft hmph escapes her despite herself and she ends up with arms folded, but doesn't say anything about it. She was bowed to as well, after all. She sticks close to Alexis, arriving within moments of when the trainer does. "Well, this is a resort that Touta uses as a gathering place. It's probably for security as well as efficiency." she says. She looks in curiousity at the minotaur, then...fails at trying not to pet the big fluffy dog in the room. Hopefully he doesn't mind.
Angela	Yesod has insisted that Angela take a representative of the Information Team--since this is an Information Team job. And so Sal, who hasn't been seen since the fall of M.O.M, is holding onto Angela's pad, looking just ... awful. They don't say anything at all as they take Angela in to Fairyland Hall. They are accompanied by Shajo once more who is here to act as additional umscle. Lady Angela is a form of address she accepts but ... arrival ... Hahn. That's almost funny, hearing that she's 'arrived' but it's an understandable way of describing her presence here. She decides to not make an issue of it. "It is a dangerous library. And dark. But most of the danger was on the way to the library. It is a bit of a ... secret library. ... Some of the books were even 'underwater'." Shajo says, "Fucking bats." Sal continues to stare at their feet. Free fist clenching tightly. Angela doesn't seem concerned by this, of course but Angela bows her head in response to theirs. Respect for respect. It's as natural as breathing, even if it's performative. Sal exhales out slowly, looking to Sarracenia as the princess unleashes a soft 'hmph'. There's no way Angela missed that, they think, but they also feel a little happy knowing that there are people out there that aren't respectful to her bosses who got M.O.M killed. She winks at Sarrencia from out of Angela's sightline. Angela's gaze settles on Sarracenia. "Ah, Princess Sarracenia." She remembers her from the radio, of course, and despite definitely noticing the little 'hmph'--she doesn't comment on it.
Ritsuka Fujimaru	"So what's this book supposed to be about?" "We'll find out once we arrive, I'm sure." "Sounds like a bore. I still can't believe you'd agree to this..." The trio of Ritsuka, Mash, and Jeanne all have their own reasons for being here, and they all look... Well, Ritsuka's the only one that actually looks pleased to be here. Mash has her usual neutral, but focused look on, and Jeanne is about as irritated as ever just having to sign in. It's a face those at the front might very well be used to, of course, and even her answers to the the front duo (yes, who, no) are more routine rather than legitimately annoyed-sounding. "Transportation? Oh, we're not doing it here?" "If we're supposed to be looking for some strange tomes... Perhaps we'll be headed to some sort of ruins?" "There better be something to fight there if that's where we have to go. It better not be some kind of boring public library!" Many of the faces showing up to help with this job are unfamiliar, but not completely so. Aidan asking about the possibility of dragons has both Ritsuka and Jeanne snorting briefly while Mash just seems a little confused by their reaction. Hearing about bats from Shajo has the two settling down, atl east, and Mash is uneterred by the chuckling! Instead, she greets those familiar faces of Madeleine and Torrie with a light chuckle, and the trio finally remember to sign in! Sarracenia's a familiar face, too, and the trio greet her with varying levels of attention paid (Mash actually bowing her head lightly, and Jeanne barely even looking in the same direction).
Touta Konoe	The attendant begins leading them not towards the Elevator, but to the nearby wall. She places a hand upon it before looking back to the other woman behind the desk as she gives a nod. The wall in question begins to slowly fade out as if it were an illusion only to reveal...Darkness. As if to clarify what the group sees, and to respond to Alexis' question, the attendant responds, first giving credit to Sarra's remark. "That is correct princess, the location of the warpgate is currently below sea-level within the underground cavern system, beneath the island that houses Fairyland Hall. It was after a few events that transpired in our world due to multiversal involvement and at the suggestion of Master Konoe that some level of attention should be provided to it. Thus we've provided this lobby area within the cavern itself to make traversal to the resort itself easier. Prior, the Warpgate was simply in the cavern with no notice. One could simply end up entering through the Warpgate, and ending up in the cavern system thinking that they could simply traverse through it to get out rather than attempt to travel up." As the wall fades, it's during this time that the human attendant speaks up to address Aiden, and Madeleine gives credit to Angela this time. At least, she is made to as the puppet attendant turns to her...To whom, she is seemingly trying to get Pochi to come over to pet him before they all embark out. "Ah--E-Ehemm...Just as Lady Angela said, the caverns are home to many creatures that are unique to the area beyond, but rather dangerous. While most have been cleared out prior to your arrival, the goal should be to avoid any unseen circumstances of any that might attempt to appear that might have been missed so that you can reach the library without issue. Speaking of the library though. Yes, Miss Madeleine the library actually is considered a labyrinth and should be treated as such for all attempting to enter. It's been known to have a reputation that if you lose track of your location for even ten minutes inside you can be left stranded. Though that should be avoided given that both Lady Angela has tracked out a good portion of it beforehand, and Master Konoe should be able to help traverse it as well." The trio are then once again addressed at once. "The book is of importance to Lady Yukihime, the owner of the resort and the leader of UQ Holder. Hence the high priority of the task. Supposedly it contains ancient magic that current mage of this world wouldn't be familiar with. If there's further questions on it, it'd be best to ask Master Konoe. He should be outside the path, preparing your ride." If not for the light being provided by the hall itself, the path before them would be pitch black, though this was the best chance that they'll be able to see a full view of what they were getting into. A blast of humidity blows right at them, a near chill in the air as they stare off into a multi-level chasm. They can see that the roof of the cavern goes up several stories at least, with rock formations so large they appear as cliffs, with streams of water so long they appear as rivers, and the sound of roaring water in the distance so clear it could only be heard as a waterfall. The attendant begins to step through the now available path, making sure the others follow suit. It's only as the last person exits does the path back into the hotel lobby disappear only to appear as some sort of larger rock formation.
Touta Konoe	"Oh, good timing, looks like everyone is accounted." From the darkness a voice calls out to the group. To some the voice should be familiar enough, though in the darkness of the cavern appears a young man appearing at best in his teens. His wardrobe a mix of red and black that seems to only make him a bit harder to appear if not for any lingering lights that were being used. Though at the very least there's two things that come to mind immediately. A black katana that's held at his shoulder, and a look of exhaustion as he speaks up once more. For Rena, hopefully she might remember him being the one to see if she might be able to help in another matter involving her vehicular know-how. "I went to double check the path we were planning to use through the caverns and I found like, two different spider webs across the path that I had to clear out. Good news is that we should be good to go through with no issues now. It'd be a reasonable trek on foot, but it'll be quicker and a bit quieter if we take the ride." Touta nudges his thumb behind him and almost looks like two of a vehicle you might take out into a safari exploration. What looks like an expanded Jeep of some sort with no roof, or doors is before them...Also no wheels, its entire undercarriage appearing nearly before Touta starts stepping into the driver's seat of it. There's not even the sound of an engine before the vehicle starts to lift a few inches off the ground, revealing the underside to look like it has some sort of propulsion it's outputting.The second one follows suit without anyone inside, looking as though it's nearly mirroring the actions of the first. Everyone is encouraged to go into one of the vehicles before departing. Those choosing to take the second vehicle find that it's apparently running on some sort of auto-pilot to follow the first. Traversing the underground cavern system could have been an adventure in and of itself. The group traveled on the more raised terrain which was in part to avoid the parts of the caverns that were near the water-pools and waterfalls in the distance. The areas that even now past the sounds of rushing water there's the briefest growls and curdles that echo throughout the entirety of this place. For those with truly astounding (or perhaps questionable eye-sight if they believe what they see or not) eyesight appears a thin shadow that traverses the length of one of those larger pools, like a serpent coiling through water. Further in the drive they can even spot the supposed spider webs Touta must have been speaking about. Webs expanding out so large that it looks less like they're meant to catch moths and more like they're meant to catch minotaurs...Most of the web appears intact still, with a part of it apparently cleaved away to allow an opening through which the vehicle could drive through. The fact of the matter is that this cavern is clearly its own diverse ecosystem.
Madeleine Cadrasteia	Madeleine hops into the backseat of the first car, followed closely by Torrie. The huntress looks to and fro as the sounds of cave creatures echo around the vehicles, and eyes the water serpent with clear interest. Torrie is bouncing one of her legs, hoof tap-tap-tapping on the floor of the car. "Oh boy, a real labyrinth! I can't wait!"
Rena	Pochi accepts being pet by Sarrancia, but he still seems a little suspicious at the puppet attendant... though eventually he gives in and allows it, when Rena gives him a little nod. He returns to Rena's side afterwards, and she gets her hand on the bandana he wears instead of a collar. "If it's dangerous you probably have the right crew," Rena says, glancing along the assembled. She does remember Angela('s face) from the last time, though she's still not quite sure why she doesn't show up herself. As for the others, now she has faces to put to voices. She brightens when she hears about 'the ride'. "I can go get mine if it would help," she says. "I didn't think you'd want me to bring one in here." But she can just ride along, too. "C'mon, Pochi," she says, as she heads toward the entryway... ...which overlooks one hell of a view. "I wish I had a camera," she says, as she looks down into the cavern. Unfortunately, Rena doesn't. She steps through, and is somewhat dismayed to see the door vanish. How are they going to get back? Fortunately, Touta shows up, and Rena does recognize him. "I'll drive the second," she volunteers. Of course, it's on autopilot, and Rena spends a bit of time - having taken what she assumed was the driver's seat - feeling a little foolish. She leans out of the car (?) a couple times to try to figure out how it operates; she's seen hover systems before, but never driven one. The rest of the time, she tries to mentally map the area, keeping track of the turns. In the dark, it's hard. Pochi spends his time poking at whoever is in the seat next to Rena, because Pochi is very used to long rides.
Alexis	At least the Princess of Sundew can rest assured one person is happy to see her. "Princess!" She gives her friend a smile and a playful clasp of the shoulder. "If I had known you were coming Sarra I would of met up to travel together. Regardless, it's good to see you out to do stuff." She is well aware the same could be said of herself at times lately, but that's part of why she's here. Then her attention turns to the others present. "Fucking bats is right!" she agrees empathically with Shajo. "Especially the ones that use their ultrasonics to induce confusion. Right up there with the goddamn rock monsters that blow themselves up with no warning." The infamy of Zubat and Geodude lines as the main banes of caverns to Trainers of any experience. Then it's time for the group to move on once the entrance is exposed from the wall. "So it's an important item to an important person. Explains the effort to get together a good diverse range of people and abilities... Heya!" She greats Touha as the group catches up to him. "Interesting looking ride you've got there. Not that I mind a hike, but conserving our stamina doesn't hurt either." She hops up and in car without an issue once indicated to. Then reachs into her bag to pull out a notebook and pluck the pen free of the spiral binding. "Don't mind me, just going to take some notes of the environment and ecology down here." Like those spider webs. "Those are pretty big indeed." Even with a portion being cut for them to pass, which one can appreciate not entirely destroying something's home. "Looks like something a swarm of Ariados would weave," she mururs as she scribbles a bit.
Ritsuka Fujimaru	"Ancient magic, huh? Wonder if I could learn anything from some of those books..." "It couldn't hurt to ask to borrow it once the mages here have finished their studies." "Oh, it could. It'd be funnier if it did, so... Yes, ask away once we're done." Spotting yet another familiar face within the cavern, the trio each greet Touta in their own ways: A high wave from Ritsuka, a polite bow of the head from Mash, and a lazier wave from Jeanne. None of them object to getting a ride on that vehicle presented to the group, although Mash and Jeanne both look rather uncomfortable (once again in different ways) when they have to pile up on Ritsuka to make sure there's room for everyone else in the wheel-less vehicle. Ritsuka doesn't seem to mind, of course, distracted as she is with snapping pictures of the various sights on the way with her phone. Even Mash gets into it once that initial awkwardness fades, and they're soon snapping pictures of the water, the pools, and the giant spider-webs on the way in. That leaves Jeanne to stay on guard, albeit in a rather relaxed manner as she just calls up one spear and rests it against her shoulder. She's not expecting to have to throw it anything or set anything on fire, but she does keep it ready regardless on the off-chance something needs to be stabbed out of the way. She also tries not to look too obvious about stealing glances at Pochi. "Best make sure that thing doesn't fall out. It'd be a shame if there was a sudden bump." She warns Rena in that casually-jerkish way, occasionally bringing up a small flame near her spear's tip if it ever looks like the dog might be at risk of going overboard.
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan's ears flick and he glances backwards, "It could have dragons, you don't know!" His tail twitches erratically, making a potential lock on for Pochi. This is a LOT of muscle, Aidan notes to himself as he glances over the entire group. GAH! Humidity. Aidan's tail is already looking a little more limp. The chasm doesn't bother him, however. He can take that easy. Nor the pathway, as he is rather sure footed on squirrel feet. But instead of that, there's a car. Aidan looks at the car, curious, and frowning. "I thought we were going to go on..." if he says adventure, he'll sound stupid and childhood, "Cave hike!" He is beaming about the praise he is getting, but if they are just going to drive. The squirrel gets into the second car(Because oh boy a dog!!!), befuddled, having to shift around to get his backpack down and his tail just right so he can sit in the seat. It IS an amazing ride, his eyes wandering over the sights, leaning out of the car, oohing and ahhing with excitement. "Did we need all these Elites if we were just going to take a ride? And you cleared out everything before hand, right?" Aidan is getting slightly suspicious, "Are we a sacrifice?" Pause. "Is this a sex thing?"
Sarracenia	When Angela speaks up, Sarracenia blinks in surprise. She recognizes the voice now, but is surprised that she is only on a tablet and not here in person. "Lady Angela." she says, respecting the title even if she is a bit jealous of the attention shown. She curtseys when bowed to, then smirks lightly as she is told she was correct about the resort part. When her shoulder is clasped she acks then giggles. "One would think friends would communicate a bit better." she says, smirking lightly. "Good to see you as well. I am glad you are here." The princess watches as the wall...disappears. "Oooh. A secret passage~" the princess says, smiling a bit. She loves such things, being an adventurous sort. She also hops in the first car, claiming the 'shotgun' seat. For which she is eminently qualified, in her opinion. This also allows her to start poking around in her bag for those snacks. It takes a moment, but eventually she pulls out a nice-looking plastic container with a selection of sliced fruits including apples, bananas, watermelon and naturally canteloupe. She also pulls out some grapefruit soda (as far as she knows sodas are vegan as well) and offers one to anyone in the first car. "I am somewhat surprised that a minotaur is excited to see a maze. I suppose you and your ancestors did not know the Greeks." the princess says to Torrie. She pauses after that, then hmms. Is there enough space for Alexis to join them?
Rena	"He's not 'that thing', he's Pochi. He's smarter than some of the people I've worked with, even if he doesn't talk." Pochi barks. "Okay, he doesn't talk words," Rena corrects herself. "But anyway, he's fine. He's used to riding in my sidecar." Pochi does not seem likely to fall out. He's more interested in trying to get to Aiden, while Rena is gripping his collar so he doesn't clamber everywhere while in motion. "Those really are some big webs," Rena adds, as they pass through a cut-open one.
Madeleine Cadrasteia	Torrie accepts a soda, pops the tap, and takes a hefty gulp of the stuff. "Ahh, that hits the spot. No, my parents aren't Greek. Us minotaurs - at least the ones where I'm from - just have a good head for mazes and labyrinths and all sorts of winding, branching passageways. Nothing else makes me feel at quite so at home." Madeleine is the next to speak. "Princess. You're the one from the radio, aren't you." Her intonation is flat, more a statement than a question. "The one who wishes to be rescued by some kind of hero. Would you like to know what I think of that?" The huntress leans forward conspiratorially.
Angela	Angela's face is not quite the way her face actually looks like, it has been... cuteified? The proportions are more cartoonish, softer, less ''real''. A small map display flickers across the screen showing the path that they have taken before--approximately, it was rather dark after all. The map also ind of pushes Angela's face partially out of frame but she doesn't explain why she isn't here in person because .... she isn't asked why she isn't here in person. She HAS given the actual explanation many a time before and isn't eager to give it again unprompted. Angela stops a sigh when she sees how Sarracenia's behavior changes--and doesn't change--based on her acknowledging the princess earlier. ...She isn't locked up like she is, but she seems like one who is prone to boredom so she does empathize a bit based on that. It is a pity she made an enemy of her closest friends--but that's not on her. "It s still dangerous territory. We do not know what trouble we will run into. We have made the trip with fewer before, of course but finding the particulra book he desires may be more difficult than the previous attempt suggested." She looks to Madeleine. How DOES she think of princesses who are rescued by heroes. She subtly eavesedrops on that particular conversation. Sal and Shajo will get in the jee, Sal aiming for shotgun if it's available. They remain dire and quiet.
Alexis	They can all fit in the same car at least. "I guess you can take the Greek out of the minotaur, but not the affinity for labyrinths." She works on her notes, but does figuratively tilt her ear to the conversation at Madeleine's peculiar comment.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia sighs softly when asked if she is the one from the radio. It isn't anything against Madeleine in particular, but very rarely does someone say that and then say 'you are awesome, Sarra' as a follow up. "...yes, that is me, most likely." she says. The conspiratorial lean though gets some attention from the princess, and she ends up leaning a bit toward Madeleine. "That depends on what you think of that...but do tell." she says, obviously curious. She doesn't seem adverse to Angela being there, but is cautious since Angela seems to be a friend of Lilian and Petra. She even hands the representatives a soda.
Madeleine Cadrasteia	Madeleine's voice lowers. "I saved my words for a meeting in person because I mean them sincerely. It won't happen. The heroic rescue, I mean. Not when you need it. You will be cast to an abyss deeper than you could have imagined, and there will be no-one to pull you out but yourself. This waiting for some champion to sweep into your life and carry you away on a golden chariot will only teach you helplessness. In your darkest hour there will be no light at the end of the tunnel, no one to save you but yourself. You must become your own light, princess. Or you will, in time, be lost to the dark." Torrie looks out into the cavern, pretending not to hear as she munches on canteloupe. The howls and screams of creatures undreamt-of echo from the shadows.
Touta Konoe	"Welcome aboard." Touta gives the quick remark to Alexis as she greets him, and remarks their ride. "Thanks, and we could have tried to hike it, but it's like Angela said. After a bit of the pre-planning we did ahead of time, it seemed like a faster and safer idea to make sure we get through the caves quick. So enjoy the sights while you can, cause we'll be in and out of these things pretty quickly if we can help it." In regards to the ride, Rena's answer to how it floats is...Magic. It's not a joke, if asked, the answer would have just been that wind magic has been applied in such a way that allows it to propel. There might be more elaboration that can be given, but for now Rena's certain of a few things. Their traversal is smooth, pretty silent, and going relatively fast. One could even question if it could become more airborne. Though it's definitely not the time for that. For the duration of the ride, despite all the hype and concern regarding the caverns, there's not much interruption the group finds traversing through thankfully. Touta seems to be using Angela's map like a GPS system while he drives. Even Shajo can find ease in that the most of any sort of bats he has to deal with are the sounds of them screeching in the distance. But nothing sounds close enough that he can make out that any of them need to be concerned about. In fact, from Angela and Shajo's experience they should both be able to tell that they've nearly made it to the original entrance of the library from which the cavern leads to after some time. A paved path that has over-arching arcs that come off like streetlights. Though clearly none of them are illuminated in any form. "Hopefully you two aren't too bored, we'll probably have you guys focused on some of the heavy lifting for the job next. Also before I forget..." At this time, Touta eyes Sal from the corner of his eye as they drive. "Sorry, don't think we've met properly. Name's Touta. You're filling in for Yuri this time?" It's also as he regards Sal, that he brings his attention to both Madeleine and Torrie. A small smile showing on his face. "Ya know It's really on theme to have a minotaur to a labyrinth, What'd you say your name was again?" While Touta waits on his questions, Aiden's question does bring something interesting up though...About the dragons. Not the other stuff. "Actually, it's funny you mention it. Few years back, we did use to have wyverns in here thanks to a certain Elite who stayed here...Speaking of a certain Elite..." His eyes trail back to the trio. "Ritsuka, Mash, do me a solid and make sure that Jeanne doesn't go hot headed with the flames. We know a few of the books are better suited to handling water, but we don't have much of an idea what'll happen if Jeanne accidentally scorches them. Some of these books can be sold for enough to set you up for life so uh, you get the idea right...?" Even now he can clearly see Jeanne bringing up the flames at the spear tip so he feels the need to bring it up!
Touta Konoe	His attention goes back to the story about the wyverns. "Anyway, they're not around anymore after she left, but they used to sort of act like a natural pest control for the caverns. A few of them we even were able to ride on. At least...I know a certain someone tried to while she lived here back in the day..." All a sudden, saying those words Touta's look becomes a bit somber as they drive. Not seeming too keen to elaborate on it much. It's as the drive gets more silent that the group arrives at what appears to be a giant door. The size of it alone is large enough that if it went crashing down it could have been used as a drawbridge for at least three of the vehicles they were on going in side-by-side. So the fact that Touta seems to stop them right at the entrance seems almost like a waste. "Angela, Shajo." Touta hops out first calling out to them first with a more serious tone than he's had since the beginning of their expedition. He doesn't say anything immediately. It's just that there's a look in his eyes as he looks back towards the others. Keying them in that the joy-ride was over. Most of them wouldn't have an idea as to why, but for Angela and Shajo they might have recalled that when they last left this towering door hadn't only been closed on their arrival, but sealed as well. Even when they left it had closed itself... This time though, the two find that the doors to the labyrinth library are wide open. The light illuminating from inside...Dimmer than before. A light that had been so bright when the door opened it nearly blinded those for a moment, but now...The entrance from within was as clear as ever. Revealing what lay beyond the door... Walls that went up several stories, just like with the cavern itself, are lined with bookshelves that reach the top. They run along the outer edge of the cavern as far as the eye can see. Several more shelves line the room that looks like it could go on just as far as the group did previously, only for several staircases seemed to lead both upwards and downwards from their current location. There were texts written in a plethora of languages, on a multitude of topics. Though for most there, it'd likely just be a bit of sensory overload to attempt to even keep track of a sliver of the books that hugged the walls. If there was only one sin of this place is that there were so many books, that even on the lower portions of the floor near the water, one could see bookshelves half-submerged, still containing books that were all but 'drowning' beneath the underground waters in what would have otherwise been the perfect sanctuary for the avid reader.Despite this, these features felt natural to the feel of this labyrinth...What didn't was the sound of a snarl that echoes through it without origin. The shelves themselves shaking for a moment, but no book appears to slide out from them in the tremor. Just like when passing into the cavern the group is hit with a sensation. Though it's not a chill, or humidity it's...Anger? A miasmic black aura emanates from the halls of the library unfamiliar to those who had traversed it before, like a thin black fog. While it doesn't evoke the emotion in others, it feels as if that malice is pointed at those who pass through the entrance.
Angela	''It won't happen.'' Angela brings her fists beind her so nobody can see them. ''The heroic rescue, I mean. Not when you need it.'' ''You must become your own light, princess. Or you will, in time, be lost to the dark.'' Angela feels everythin she feels about these words n the span of a second and she turns her gaze away as if she has lost interest. Maybe she can get Shajo to drown her? No, that won't do any good for her. And it isn't as if she's wrong either. Why else does the thought of drowning her come as a relief rather than with horror? ''Hopefully tou two aren't bored'' "Eh?" Shajo asks. "I'm on guard. And Miss Angela is always bored. Don't worry about it." Sal turns their gaze over to Touta and they exhales faintly. "...Not in the mood to talk. My friend died. Even the miracles of the multiverse couldn't save him and we're having some cute excursion to an underground library. Fuck it all." Angela doesn't suppose Sal is likely to last lon either. They usually fall apart quickly after M.O.M died so that'll probably happen again here. When Touta speaks seriously, Shajo's shoulders tighten again and he looks towards the open doors to the library. He draws a bloody looking axe, not unlike the way a woodsman might. "Everybody shut the fuck up, might have company." He nods to Madeleine and moves on ahead, senses on high alert. But the attack isn't subtle. There is a roar and a sensation of malice and rage. "This is new." Shajo readies his weapon. "You won't find us easy prey, monster." Angela, meanwhile, is stuck behind all of this with Sal who wasn't motivated enough to step forward themself.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia listens to Madeleine's warnings and philosophizing. She is wide-eyed at the end. She is silent for a few moments, then she smiles ever so slightly. "I do not seek a hero to protect me or to take me to a better life. I have always sought my own way through life. It is much of why I am not exactly seen in a favorable light compared to other princesses of my world. I seek a hero not because I need protection or saving, but because it is romantic and is basically a custom of my world at this point. Our princesses are supposed to be rescued by a hero after being kidnapped by a villain, and live a happy life with that hero." She sips her soda, then giggles. "However, I disagree with your point for other reasons as well. Perhaps it is -best- to be able to depend on your own light, but the few times I have actually needed saving...there have always been friends that emerged to save me. I was once bested so completely in battle that the victor left a crater in the kingdom as large as the castle grounds. He proceeded to kidnap me, presumably with intent of ransoming me. But, in that dark moment, held by someone I could not defeat on my own, the light still reached me." As they near the door and the jeeps come to a stop, she carefully steps out. "I believe that if you put enough light into the world, it will shine on you in unexpected ways when you most need it." she says, even as she reaches into her bag...and pulls out a hammer as tall as she is with a solid cylindrical head that probably weighs more than she does. "And who knows, if my light is the only one I end up able to depend on...then maybe I can share that light with others when such a time comes that they feel the darkness surrounding them." she says before proceeding inside. That echoing, shaking snarl gives her pause for just a moment, but her grip on her hammer only tightens. "I now aspire to be a heroic princess. So that if some day I do find my hero, I might be worthy of him." She pauses. "...or her."
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan is having fun with the dog, giving him plenty of pats and cheek scratches. He does notice how grim the L Corp team is, his boyish grin fading. They deal with things that drive people crazy, right? This could be serious. Then another shout as Shajo arms himself. He hikes up his pack, strapping it over each shoulder to free his arms for the shield and his GUN. A semi automatic rifle that he settles on his hip once the safari car pulls to a stop. He stands as stoically as he can in front of the doors. It's hard NOT to appreciate the library, even with everyone so dead set on being serious for this part of the mission. He should be too. Ready for anything. Even if those are REALLY cool waterfalls. And there a lot of books! "Each one can set us up for life? This place has so much mon-Oh hey a vending machine!" The squirrel bolts towards the vending machine under the promise of spiced and salted nuts.
Rena	Rena doesn't really handle magic in her day to day life, and her early guesses all have to do with hovercraft and antigravity float systems. She never does figure it out. Maybe she will ask on the way out. "That's one hell of a door," she says instead, keeping an eye out as they exit the vehicle. Pochi hops out after her, shaking himself briskly and padding around Rena in a circle once before staying at her heels when she advances. In the wrong vehicle, she hadn't heard most of what Sarracenia and Madeleine were talking about, but she can pick up on the tension. And she does hear Sal, now that they're out. Her expression shifts toward a frown. "Didn't know them, but I'm sorry to hear it," she says, as she passes. "It's always rough when someone passes on." She's never been good at this - she's better with her actions than her words and that applies to this, too. But she really does feel some empathy for them. This is the biggest library Rena has ever seen. She slows as she enters it, not quite stopping as she looks from shelf to shelf. It's imposing is what it is, but that's all it would be if it wasn't for that sense of malice, that echoing snarl. Rena pulls her pistol, a heavy-framed weapon. She doesn't point it at anything in particular - it's aimed at the ground - but she does want it at hand. "Hey," she says, quietly, aimed to Sal. "Be careful." She's keeping an eye on them, now, more than she was before.
Madeleine Cadrasteia	Madeleine grumbles incoherently at Sarracenia's optimistic rebuttal, but has no further words for the princess. The huntress dismounts from the car and takes her spear from her back even before the roar echoes across the cavernous hall. "So does this place have a... card catalog? Libraries have those, right? Even if we could get ahold of whatever's making that ungodly racket and bring it down, looking into its memory could only help if it knew how to read. Which I somehow doubt it does." Meanwhile, Torrie shivers at the aura of malice and unclasps her battle-axe from her belt. Holding it carefully in both hands, the minotaur advances after Aidan, head turning this way and that as she casts about for any immediate threats.
Ritsuka Fujimaru	'He's smarter than some of the people I've worked with, even if he doesn't talk.' "Don't I know it." Jeanne replies with a brief laugh, purposefully not looking at anyone else in the vehicles. Ritsuka isn't nearly as subtle, though, as she just looks from person to person to see who might actually take offense to Rena's and Jeanne's comments. Touta's request, meanwhile, gets a firm nod from Mash and a noncommittal half-shrug half-nod from Ritsuka at first. It's not until he mentions the value of the books that Ritsuka, too, goes into more aggressive nodding. "Aye aye, Touts!" "I'm sure Miss Jeanne knows not to be that reck..." "..." "..." Leaving the rest of that sentence unsaid with only a mild amount of irritated glaring from Jeanne, Mash instead turns her attention back to Touta's story about the wyverns. She's able to put the details together well enough, and she deliberately avoids looking over at Jeanne in the process. "And those pests have returned, it seems... Let's hope we don't see them while we're looking for those books, then." "We'll see something in there, I'm sure. It's never easy." Jeanne adds, her own gaze going a bit distant as she looks further on in the caverns without paying attention to anything in particular. She still remembers some of this place, after all, and there's a bit of nostalgia going on there throughout the ride that keeps her from laughing too much at anyone's expense (notwithstanding what Madeleine says to Sarracenia). Once it's time to depart from the vehicles, though, there's a lot to take in. The sight of the giant door has Ritsuka and Mash gawking at the size of it, and the sheer number of books along those countless shelves tempts Jeanne constantly with how much damage she could wreak with just a flick of her hand. Ritsuka keeps her in check with light nudges every now and then, however, and the sound of the snarl coming through the labyrinth has the three of them tensing up. "That's... I think that may be what Mister Touta was warning about, Master. Miss Jeanne." "Mhm. Keep your guards up, everyone. We'll need to aim carefully so we don't wreck our paydays!" "Yes, yes, whatever. That's..." While Ritsuka and Mash get into their combat stances with the former keeping her spells charged and ready while the latter brings her shield out, Jeanne still looks oddly composed about all of this. She's not getting ready for a fight, but instead just looking around slowly. She even casts her flaming spear away as she leaps over to another platform to continue searching for something, narrowing her eyes as though that might help her see what it is. "I haven't heard that in a while... Hm. Where are you?"
Alexis	Alexis smirks a little at how well Sarrachina handled answering the question, and not have a royal tantrum or something. "I'd would also argue that, regardless of the points made for or against, she gets something for knowing what she wants out of life. More than I can say about some people I've known--" she looks up as the vehicles stop "--Oh look at that, I think we reached our point." She puts her notebook back in her bag and slides over to get out of the wagon. She has to walk around the vehicle to get a better look at the doors. "Touma, did you open that door when you were down here already?" She asks, because it seems important. And before she can say anything else there's a flash of discharge energy from one of the pokeballs on her bag strap of it's own violition. It manifests into a three foot tall reptile-like creature of a dark brown color with bone-like, skull-shaped covering of his head and a pattern resembling bones down his back. The Alolan Marowak ( https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f2/0105Marowak-Alola.png ) waves the very large bone clutched in one hand, that he points at the doors as he growls. Alexis frowns a bit at his abrupt appearance, but it's not in upset that he's come out on his own. "Nightmarch is indicating there's an ominous presence beyond the doors." And sure enough once they enter inside you don't need to be sensitive to the supernatural to feel the manevolent aura lingering within. "... Yeah, that's definitely something." Nightmarch growls again, and strikes his bone against the dark patch on his brow, igniting it in eerie green flame, and apt to his name marches warily in front of Alexis.
Touta Konoe	"Ya know, when you first venture into the Multiverse you take note of how vast it is. How mysterious that makes it, that there's got to be so many possibilities...But, you end up finding out as more of the mystery fades that everything still has a rhyme and reason to it. There's no miracles out in the Multiverse that are the answer to everything...The only miracles that happen are the ones you make for yourself...Still, I'm sorry for your loss." There's probably little solace that an actual immortal can provide to a mortal as they mourn. Touta's sure that if anything experiencing so many miraculous events happen in the Multiverse makes it feel otherwise. Especially when those of L Corp. were all familiar with people like Kukuru that could bring others back. At the end of the day though, while it was possible, it was just something not to expect. The snarl that erupts out from the depths of the library isn't something that is heard just by the Elites. Shajo's remark calls out to the creature in question that calls out, and yet it's not that monster that seems like they'll need to worry about. Chimes, growls, chirps all less menacing than the first. Yet, as they accumulate into a chorus throughout, there's a level of concern that can be noticed coming from all ways. From the waters that linger at the edges of the library walls, an array of fins begin to constantly rise and fall. Each time, coming closer onto land before their appearance becomes prevalent. "We closed it on our way out too...Because we didn't want to let anything in..." It's the only thing he can retort to Alexis as she asks her question. Even for Shajo and Angela, that had been here prior, the creatures might have been seen in passing through the waters. But seeing them upon land was something entirely different. Their size was almost twice that of a bear, their appearance close to leech though with two arms that appeared to be used to help them traverse upon land. A group of five of them are already beginning to head towards the group at the lower level of the library. As they descend they first begin looking at a few of the Elites in particular. At first Alexis and Sarra with jaws exposing rows of shark-like teeth, to a few looking rather keen on Pochi...Less focus on Madeleine...Perhaps in kind due to Torrie that towers over most the Elites there. Simply too much work for an easy meal. Aiden on the other hand inorder to reach the vending machine. Why was there a vending machine? Perhaps something had been collecting items from the outside world for some time? Regardless, he's chosen to ascend upwards in order to acquire his snacks, while Jeanne has chosen to also ascend the top of the bookshelves. For the two, the view from above makes it easier to grasp the situation at hand, that from the water an array of those aquatic creatures were coming out in droves. For Jeanne who's looking out into the distance for something specific...She doesn't find what she seeks. However, she can take note of where the trail of miasma is coming. "Aiden, Jeanne! Get down, if we lose track of anyone we're screwed! We need to deal with these things quick and reach the next level down." For Jeanne, she's given enough to notice that deeper down below the miasma looks denser. Funnily enough, it's in the same direction that Alexis' Nightmarch would be feeling an even more ominous presence even when compared to the swarm of creatures that were attempting to surround them.
Touta Konoe	As for Aiden, when he attempts to grab his snack...There's something that latches onto it first from above. Both of them from the platforms can see much easier up in the raised ceiling which had only appeared as a few cobwebs...Are actually webs of nearly the same size as those they traversed through before. The only difference being is the oversized arachnids from above staring down at the Elites, already looking to descend down from their webs to acquire a meal of their own. "Sal, get your ass up! You're the one helping Angela, and she's the one that remembers the path to the next level! We gotta go down /now/!" He knows this is a sour time to do this when the Agent's clearly not in the right headspace but this was no longer just a 'cutesy excursion'. "Your friend wouldn't want you joining him so soon damn it so hurry up!" It's all he can say before turning back to Shajo, as if trying to key him in to help get Sal together, or figure out how to deal with him that can make sure that Angela could be able to act in a guiding capacity. It's not just Touta that notices someone's feeling down... If anything, while the arachnid's find easy prey above the platforms, already firing webs down upon both Aiden and Jeanne alike. But fascinating enough...Though aquatic monstrosities that had been eyeing up a few of the Elites before all just stop in their tracks. Their heads turn in one direction with absolute intrigue...That direction being towards...Sal. Like of school of piranhas, the leech-like creatures begin to swarm in the direction of the Agent with hunger in their expressions. "No one let them get to Sal!" Obviously, it'd be bad if Sal passed, but it'd be a bigger problem if Angela was taken too. After all, they were already getting reasonably into the maze, and while it was important since Angela was their way to identify the proper guide...She was also their first way to ensure they could traverse their way out from the labyrinth safely too...
Madeleine Cadrasteia	Madeleine dashes forward to take point against the leech monsters. Lumbering brutes that they are, they would individually stand little chance against the huntress. The sound of tearing flesh joins the chorus of the beast's cries as she sets to her bloody work. Here, a horizontal sweep to clear space; there, a thrust skewering one beast and pushing several others behind it back toward the water. But the creatures are many in number, and she'll need help if she's to stem to tide of meat and teeth. Torrie charges into the fray with a great bellow, hacking and hewing with her axe and even goring one of the creatures with her horns. Even so, the huntress and her companion are soon fighting back to back as the creatures press forward...
Angela	Sal says, dryly, "Fades faster than you think. Resurrecting the dead isn't a miracle if it only helps the people who aren't your friends." But they do say, after a moment. "Thanks." Sal draws out a large weapon. It's covered in CENSORED bars so it's tough to really know what it is but it has the approximate shape of a grabbytoy you might find in a toy store. However, considering where it came from, it's probably way bad. Maybe the most dangerous weapon in the hands of Agents right now. "Oi..." Sal says as Touta starts shouting at them. "How about you shut it!!" They step forward, pushing on towards those previously-sea-creatures the size of two bears. They lash out viciously with CENSORED intending to just tear into them as viciously and mercilesly as they possibly can! Shajo drops down to join them shortly after, swinging with his bloody axe. "If you dont wanna be lectured, Sal, then stop being a tool!" Angela, on the screen, sighs dully as she pets an off-screen teddybear with her hand in contemplation.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia swallows lightly as all those creatures start appearing. Giant icky leeches with arms, giant icky spiders above. At least they aren't in a sewer... But, she can't exactly use her typical tactic of using all the explosives when they are supposed to be protecting the library. She has plenty of other tools at her disposal, though! She pulls out a blue flower with cute black eyes and gives it a squeeze, and in a puff of smoke her clothes are recolored in an icy palette. She tosses a few around so that others can pick them up if they want and be granted the same power. What power? Well, with a hop up into the air, suddenly the princess is raining down ice bolts! These bolts are strong enough to create person-sized blocks of ice, and perhaps even larger if they hit water or something damp. Hopefully that will stem the tide of water monsters! And as requested, Sarracenia takes up position by Sal, using her ice bolts and her hammer to keep the monsters at bay while she tries to usher Sal to a position where he is surrounded by a circle of heroes. "We are going -down-?! I hope you mean as in an -air- filled cavern downward!" she exclaims.
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan DOES watch his sugar intake, because he is very mindful of his figure. Calories are fine, he does some very energy intensive combat, but sugar is just a deal breaker. Almonds covered in MSG and cheese powder and chemicals? Hell yea. "I can hear you, I'll be right there, don't worry!" His fingers are just coming out of the vending machine. Most people imagine spider webbing as wet glopping material. It's a dry tacky blast of strands that engulf the sack of nuts and Aidan's hand, making him suddenly jerk back. But he's caught on the line, panic making him jerk back and forth, as any prey animal(or Teddy) might. He's trapped. Cornered. "Shit shit shit!" Aidan lashes his hand back and forth as the arachnids lower their way to the platform, venom dripping menacingly across the stones. Another webbing blast hits him in the foot, keeping his leg locked in place. Hairy legs move slowly down tethering threads towards him, giant feet perfectly perched on those strands, navigating them expertly. At some point, Aidan has the wherewithal to thrust his other arm upward, putting the buckler in front of him. A breath. The life breath within him. The spirit of life itself. Aidan pushes it out into the buckler. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" Aidan screams up at the spider as the shield suddenly expands from a small pearly buckler into a tremendous shield, a lion's head emerging from the material. It ROAAARS to life, energy pouring from its roaring mouth and rippling around it. The shield roars forward towards the spider, picking up speed. Each strand of webbing, with the tensile strength of steel, simply rips away as the shield refuses to acknowledge anything that might impede its path. Friction, tethers, gravity, the shield simply ROARS forward, almost dragging the squirrel behind it to impact with the spider and continue accelerating.
Rena	Rena gives Sal a slight nod. If they're ready to act, all to the better. Maybe yelling is what they needed... though she's not entirely sure about that CENSORED weapon. It's a little too CENSORED for her. Pochi starts barking... a little before the beings start to descend. Perhaps he smells something coming, but he makes a pretty good alert dog in any case. He doesn't have a gun readied, but Rena brought one. It's just a question if she has enough time to get it on him, and at the moment she decides she doesn't: "Pochi, guard!" she gives the command, and he stays close to her, growling. Rena reaches into her duster with her free hand. She grips a canister there, starting to pull it free - 'We know a few of the books are better suited to handling water, but we don't have much of an idea what'll happen if Jeanne accidentally scorches them.' Rena abandons the molotov and instead pulls out a handmade can with a label that has a picture of a snowflake. She throws it in a high arc toward the leech-like monster. "Incoming!" she yells, as she fires - at the can. A cryogenic spray vents out from the suddenly holed can, which was apparently under pretty serious pressure based on how it sprays. Where the spray hits, superchilled ice forms, and she's angled it to spray in a long line across the leech-like monsters. Rena fires the rest of the clip at leeches, aiming at open mouths or visible eyes with pinpoint precision, shooting above people in melee like Madeleine or Torrie. (Do leeches normally have eyes? She honestly isn't sure - the giant ones she's seen before sure don't, but these do.)
Ritsuka Fujimaru	"Looks like they still got in. Fancy that." "At least more didn't get in!" "And.. It might only be these!" 'Only' gets Mash a bit of a stare from Jeanne as she gestures at the descending spiders, causing Mash to shrink back just a bit before realizing that there's leeches coming from below as well. Luckily, the leeches being the size they are means both Mash and Ritsuka have plenty of surface area to both defend against and aim at. Hearing Touta's call to defend Sal, Mash throws herself between the Agent and some of those oncoming leeches, charging with her oversized shield to smash it into one leech before shoulder-checking another to try and draw their attention her way. Ritsuka, despite lacking that same level of mobility, sprints and slides to get closer to them as well, casting her own magic to start pumping up Sarracenia's offensive and defensive abilities to spread things out some more. That leaves Jeanne to join Aidan against those spiders. "So you've picked this place, then...? Hm. You could've picked somewhere quieter, you know!" She calls out as she looks right at... No, past those spiders, like she's looking at something even further beyond them. Remembering the directive not to burn goddamn everything, she glances down at where the rest of her allies are, at where the books are, then where the spiders are coming from. She scoffs. "Just had to come from up there, too... Who gave you spiders permission to be here?!" Rather the relying on her flames, Jeanne brings out both her sword and flag in quick succession. She uses the momentum of one spider against itself as she thrusts that flag into its oversized body, then plants it in the ground before grasping her sword with both hands. She carves into a spider with little care to how easily it can bite her, simply aiming to rip it apart before it can bite her too much and even reaching into whatever wounds she can create to just start yanking it deeper onto her sword. Somehow, Jeanne looks angrier than she usually does.
Alexis	"I was afraid you'd say something like that," is Alexis' response to Touta's question. Followed by a soft sigh. Why do people always have to splinter off on their own Then there's no time to think about it because it's time for the monster to intrude fully into the matter. Big ugly leeches swarming like piranhas. "Interesting creatures... but that doesn't mean they get out without a beating." Cue a dramatic point, because that's a pose Trainers regularly do. "Do your thing, Nightmarch!" She doesn't even need to give a command more specific than that, as Nightmatch was lunging into action as soon as a threat presented itself. He starts spinning his bone, building up momentum before lunging at the monsters undaunted by their size and swinging his club in a wide arc as he roars ghastly loud despite his small size. A literal Brutal Swing with the bone shaft, aimed to hit as many of the creatures as possible to drive them away from their intended prey and the Elites in general.
Touta Konoe	Madeleine holds the line between the edge of the library itself and the waters from which the creatures come. Her wide swing cleaves into at least three that started their initial charge. Cutting through them before watching as they all just begin to fade into a similar black fog that lingers. Torrie's advance cuts through that fog to put a greater strain on their numbers with its axe. But despite their size, these creatures are playing a battle of attrition. For each one they cleave through, there's two more that are appearing from the one at least. One to take its place, and one attempting to sneak through the hunter combination. Though Mash's shield proves sufficient enough to at least handle blocking one side all on her own. Just leaving the other side to be focused on to avoid letting them breakthrough. Sarra's icebolts meanwhile help to stall the leech-creatures. Their bodies inherently damp make them exceedingly easy to freeze, and in doing so appears to keep them from dissipating like the ones that are being cleaved through. It's a good way to stop a few at a time. Though Ritsuka's boost gives such a surge that as the next wave of them appears, it's as though they've been caught in a wave of ice instead. Even allowing to obstruct the path of the other ones that continue to try and get by Madeleine essentially creating the second wall of defense where Mash isn't able to support. At least...Until they begin to climb over the icicles of their fallen comrades, reducing them back into that lingering miasma. It's very similar for Rena who acts to preserve the library. Freezing some, obstructing others. still just enough time for the power duo of Rena and Duo to be able to start mowing threw any of the frozen creatures stuck in place. Even taking consideration to provide cover fire to Torrie and Madeleine. Taking shots at creatures that are barely popping their heads out of the water, and making sure to help reduce the strain of how many of them Mash has to hold back at once. The combined efforts of the Elites are surprisingly well coordinated for a group that was joined together by some who were unfamiliar with another, yet there are still some that make it past the bulwark. Sliding across the floor like a seal across the ice. A few lucky ones are excited at the opportunity to indulge as their jaws open ready to bear their teeth into Sal...Though their mistake was apparently believing that such an emotionally filled creature was just easy prey. For as the CENSORED weapon cleaves through them, the last things they can see is the obstructed view of the weapon, and the sight of Angela simply petting at the teddy bear.
Touta Konoe	Aiden and Jeanne both have their own way to handle the arachnid monstrosities. Jeanne's lance proves to be rather quick at cleaving into the one that descend down for her before leaving it to fade into the miasma. And despite Aiden's initial panic, his shield appears to act both in a matter of defense to protect against both the webs that are soaked up by his shield as it takes the blows for him, and as a sufficient spider-swatter as it crushes into it, letting into again fade as well. The only issue he has is that he keeps noticing that as he springs forward more and more, traversing to the next platform because of it...He's getting farther and farther away from the group. Alexis' actions or in this case Nightmarch's are the ones with the most consequence. The ghoulish Marowak spins its bones with such trained skill it's almost like a dance. Though it's wide arcs became a danger as the flames at the end leave a trail in the air. It wasn't even for a moment...It likely wouldn't have even messed with a book...But for a sheer instant the light of his flames brush against one of the covers of a single book upon the shelves. "YOU..." A voice that only had been noticed by Jeanne alone becomes present lingering within the miasma. "How dare YOU. You would so recklessly ruin what I hold so dear? I won't allow you...I won't allow it!" The snarl from beginning follows again and with it...The sounds of creatures echoing fills the halls of the library like no other. "Alexis! Call it back! Call it back now!" Touta tries to warn her but it comes too late. The miasma within the air thickens and from it, that malice builds. Spiders begin to slowly crawl out from the shadows in packs staring at those at the platforms. Especially Aiden who's straggled off. The two upon the platforms begin to be shot at from all angles with webs attempting to overwhelm them. The shadows beneath the water grow dark as a second wave of the leech-like creatures begin to not just crawl to the surface but begin to jump from out of the water attempting to just leap over Madeleine, Torrie, and Mash to break past the defenses. It's only as this all transpires that Angela through her screen can take notice of something. Text similar to the ones she'd been reviewing. It certainly wasn't in this area of the library before, but as the miasma continues to spread throughout, the text begins to illuminate in the distance at one of the walls. Something that she is able to clearly make out as proper symbols, but still not focused enough using the camera's visuals as they were. She can only make out a few at best.
Angela	That teddy bear is off camera but rest assured Angela is showing that thing more care than her own agents. Sal, covered with viscera from head to toe, looks back towards Touta with evil in their eye. They aren't a warrior but they don't need to be. CENSORED will tell them how to fight. Shajo bites at his lip but says, "Sal, your screen is active." Sal turns the Angelapad around and observes it for a moment. They look to Rena for a moment then back to the pad. They seem more concerned with whats on the pad than anything else. "The translation guide is not perfect." Angela says. "But these symbols were not present last time." Sal frowns and checks it out, then looks over to the symbols, guiding the screen around so Angela can get a better look. "Enforce... Silence Library... Give it another spin around." Angela orders. Sal obeys dutifully. "Mm...Silence can also be Order. ... Maybe they were sent to shut us up...Or maybe we're just too loud..." Sal muses aloud.
Madeleine Cadrasteia	"Ice, huh?" Madeleine says between deep breaths. "I can do ice, yeah." She picks up one of the flowers tossed out by Sarracenia and crushes it, standing up a little straighter as its power flows into her. Instead of forming ice into projectiles, Madeleine coats the head of her spear with a heavy, pointed chunk of the stuff. The huntress waits for a moment, giving a leech-monster to charge at her open-mouthed, only for her to ram the ice-weighted spear down its throat. She briefly takes one hand off the weapon's haft, long enough to dramatically clench a fist- As she does, there is a muffled crack and the beast explodes in a shower of ice and black mist. Madeleine plants her free hand back on the spear and focuses for a split second, another chunk of ice forming on the end of her spear as the shards from the explosion spray into the nearby creatures. Another monster lunges for her and she repeats the stunt, this time ramming the weighted spear into its gut before detonating the ice cluster. As Madeleine fights she calls out to the other fighters: "We need to move! As long as there's mist in the library, these things will keep coming!"
Alexis	"Oh, shit!" In the rush of the moment to defend others against the monster attack Alexis hadn't considered that just the presence of those flames from Alolan Marowak being a Fire-Ghost type would be an issue when not using fire based attacks. He had been out already because of earlier and she figured his more graceful style of fighting would be okay, so her headstrong leaping into action didn't think that far ahead. It takes her a moment to grab the right pokeball since she didn't already have it in hand and a flash of red reclaims the pokemon from the field. But the damage is already done it would seem. "Goddamn it, that was a blunderous oversight." Rather than fuss and fumble over the moment Alexis just accepts that she screwed up by not considering more than here and now, and gets on with things because there was more important things to worry about than one mistake. It does however take her a little longer than usual to change tracks and think of a different tactic. Then a thought of the spider webs earlier being large enough to catch bigger monsters gives her an idea. Fortunately she does bring more than Fire types, and after switching pokeballs releases something else. "Let's try to set things back on track, go Polarity!" This time it's a Vikavolt, a hovering beetle-like creature with long angular pinchers ( https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:0738Vikavolt.png ). "Try to wrangle them with Electroweb." There's a faint crackle in the air like electricity sparking as Polarity opens his pinchers, and spews out sticky strands into a net-like fashion at the leech monsters. Then closes his pinchers to connect a circuit with the webs and his natural current as an Electric-Bug type, sending a glowing charge coursing through the webbing. It's an effect of both being sticky and taser-like electrical shocks, in hopes that it will slow and disrupt the monsters long enough for the group to get back in order. And not have any more mishaps.
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan doesn't have to jump. Aidan can fly. The squirrel turns in mid air, bringing the shield down like a hammer on another one of the archanids. With his other hand, he reaches to his side and pulls out the GUN. Air compressors line the side of the gun, along with a small magazine that clips into the bottom. Rather than explosive shots from the barrel, loud THUDS accompany every shot as Aidan flies back towards the entrance firing behind him. He will, at least, find his way back to the safari car.
Ritsuka Fujimaru	With the leeches starting to swarm over each other once the initial waves are frozen in place, Mash adjust her tactics a bit to add her own strength to the offense instead of focusing so much on defense. Although she's not moving from her spot, she does start swinging at the leeches climbing over, fully taking advantage of that little extra time they might need to beat them back that much more efficiently. Ritsuka's strategy remains the same, of course, although she does spread her focus out a bit more to make sure she can send some of that bolstering magic over to Madeleine and Torrie. She might not be a fantastic fighter on her own merits, but acting as a power booster for those that are means she can worry less about having to maneuver and scramble around Mash while the leeches keep coming! Jeanne, meanwhile, has her attention split between fighting and listening to the voice. After cutting another spider down, she tosses it aside before hearing that voice more clearly and narrowing her eyes. "/This/ is what you would hold dear? Really? Here? You could've done so much better than..." She sighs, actually looking and sounding disappointed rather than angry even though she's still killing the shit out of the spiders still swarming down at her. "... Than this. You should have more pride than associating with mere insects!" Once she reaches that point, however, Jeanne finally manages to sound irritated again while twisting her flag through another spider's body. Looking up at Aidan as he keeps moving upwards, she considers giving chase, then looks down at where everyone else is still fighting off those leeches. "Are you coming up? Or are you going to spend all day fighting down there?" She doesn't consider how everyone else is going to make that ascent, of course.
Rena	Rena is at a disadvantage here, because she's used to moving around, but here she has to stick with the group. If she gets separated - well, that's it. Hastily reloading her pistol, Rena ducks down to spend the time attaching Pochi's harness, which she had stashed because she didn't want to walk into the place waving her guns around. (Or his guns around.) This one is a smaller one because of that, more of a half-plate that fits on his back with a technological gadget than a gun. "Get 'em, Pochi!" Pochi rushes forward, and as he moves, the Pochi Drill forms a forcefield to a point in front of him - so when he charges one of the leech things, it drills in before he bites at it and bounds away. It's a practiced maneuver. This isn't a new weapon for him. When she rises, Rena herself is on the move - toward Sal, who is carrying their translator and thus apparently a required escort. Not that that stops her from firing, using precise aim to try to get the leeches that get past the melee line. A second pistol ended up in her other hand from somewhere, and that one is lighter but semiautomatic instead of single shots; she likes to start with that one, than go for the big shot as a solid blow. "Everywhere in here's got mist!" she calls back to Madeleine. "Where do you want to go that doesn't have any? Especially since we can't bail out right away!" Well, they could, but that's not what they're here for, is it?
Sarracenia	Sarracenia blinks in surprise as she feels the surge in power. "Ah, thank you!" she calls out to Ritsuka and grins smugly as her ice hack seems to do the trick. But, that grin fades steadily as the creatures start disappearing into miasma and climb over their frozen brethren. "Th-these things are nothing but mist!" she exclaims. "And there seems to be no end to them!" One of the creatures manages to bite her, and Sarracenia yelps before bringing her hammer down, smashing it's jaw open. Her blue coloration disappears in a puff of smoke due to the damage, and she growls. "Alright, you jerks asked for it!" She grips her hammer more tightly, and a prismatic glow starts to flow down from the head. It covers the hammer, then flows steadily over the princess. Her hair starts to float lightly as if she is underwater, and the prismatic glow finally flows into her eyes. "You guys might want to keep your distance..." she says in warning to her allies. "It's...Hammer Time!" she exclaims, then starts laughing somewhat maniacally. And, she just starts hammering away like the hammer is some kind of demon weapon possessing her. She just keeps laughing, and anyone asking her something would get little response other than perhaps her eyes looking their way for a moment. She charges into the ranks of the creatures, each swing causing a small shockwave and shaking the ground a bit. And leaving a creature crushed into miasma with each swing. This hammer fever lasts for at least half a minute before the glow starts to fade, and when it does Sarra looks a bit worn out. She's left panting, drooping a bit with the weight of her hammer, and moving more slowly.