School House Rumble, Part 1: Arcadia, school of Old

[FalconX2000]

Just then, a vine shot out, wrapped around Ramus, and whip-threw him several hundred meters away from the group and into another part of teh forest, isolating him from the group.

"Nobody panic! Please stay where you are. We shall move as a group and stay as a group as far as possible. Watch where you put your feet. Vines may be the least of our worries. I say we go after Ramus. Who's with me?"

Since Daichi ran off on his own but Ramus was seperated against his will, Xelloss' sympathies lay with the latter. Furthermore, he had to assume he was in greater danger.

OOC: Xellos could be wrong, as Cleric has already given Daichi a foe, but he's pursueing the best couse of action as he can see it.

[Vakanai]

Just then, a vine shot out, wrapped around Ramus, and whip-threw him several hundred meters away from the group and into another part of teh forest, isolating him from the group.

"Crap!" Hunter shouted. "I don't think we should just stand here people," Hunter said, wishing he knew a levitation spell.

[Silver Knight]

"Pfft. Raphael would dominate if it were a 2-D game."



Jerichos' last line alarmed Xellos.

"Alright guys. Be careful with your attacks. Stray fireballs are a big no no. Fighters, please don't rip trees in half to use as clubs. From what Jericho said, I suspect this area may get flooded if we anger the environment too much. As it is we're likely to be dealing with forest related foes."

Casting a special ice technique, his staff started emitting an ice trail as it dragged along the ground. This would serve to allow them to return to their starting point at any time. If the trail were broken, he'd be able to sense when and where. The beauty of this efficient spell was that if combat arose, he could leave an ice marker that would maintain the spell for some time, allowing him to pick it up where he left off after the fight

"I'd recomend any magic users capable of casting string or trail spells mark our path. It may or may not attract more creatures who follow the spells, but its definately better than getting lost in this wilderness. If anyone brought a ball of string for whatever obscure reason, I'd recomend you use that too."

Humm may not like his style, but he's smarts are an asset somewhat, however I must be sure he is with us.

"Xellos," Kekowa said with a light hearted attitude "Could I speak with you a moment please?"

OOC: and damn it that was my plan to rip trees apart for clubs blast!

[Chou Blaster]

OT: True, true. But then, that's why I like RPG'ing with you. Adds some flavor.:)


IC: The diminuative figure easily side-stepped the log and laughed.

"Foolish man-ape. Should never come to Atlantis. Now Beggen make you his play thing."

"Yeah Beggen? Wlel ther eis soemthing you shoul dknow aobut me."



:Cue deep inside Daichis body, the Three SPehres of Faith that he ahd obtained and pwoered up began to link, a shis grene foruth gme of virtur shot out.: "I am not easy prey!" : Sped up briefly and proceeds to chunk a stone relaly fast at him, a sin his othe rhand a log, and aimed the rock so that when the fiendish tihng sohuld dodge, he gets watted with the log.:

OOC Note; Yeah in his bakc story, how he Had the Gem of Humanity, Wlel at the dorm, he shvoed Earht and Heavne into himself. Mainly tpapni ginot HUman for what happened.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

Ramus shouted "woaaaaah" before ladning on his feet and rolling for a bit then popping back up into a fighitn gstnace, but the tre eleft him alone. "Now I'M lost? I want to be found so let's try this........HELLO! Ramus hsouted as he walked past a few bushes, not knowing if he'd be heard



OT: Looks like you are in luck. The group seems to want to go after you.


:evilsmile :D

IC: Where Ramus landed, a pitfall suddenly tried to swallow him into the earth, narrowly missing him.

[Vakanai]

The needle spun once, twice, then the compass exploded.

Not before you got a reading on which way was North, however.

"Don't worry, I still saw where North is," Hunter said, before noticing his bleeding hand. "Anyone got a rag?'

"Nobody panic! Please stay where you are. We shall move as a group and stay as a group as far as possible. Watch where you put your feet. Vines may be the least of our worries. I say we go after Ramus. Who's with me?"

"I'm with you."

[Miburohunter929]

"Nobody panic! Please stay where you are. We shall move as a group and stay as a group as far as possible. Watch where you put your feet. Vines may be the least of our worries. I say we go after Ramus. Who's with me?"

"Well, I'd say he's strong enough to fend for himself, but I suppose I'm supposed to go help him or something." After a moment, Dean shrugged "Roomates law or something. I'm in"

[Chrosis]

Dean laughed heartily. "Very well then, since you put it that way, I suppose I can play along" Dean flexed his biceps "Besides, without my might, who knows what horrors may befall you!"

Peter smirked, "Probably a retarded puppy with only two legs or a festering carcass."

[Chrosis]

"Nobody panic! Please stay where you are. We shall move as a group and stay as a group as far as possible. Watch where you put your feet. Vines may be the least of our worries. I say we go after Ramus. Who's with me?"


Peter shrugged, "I can take a hit better than anyone here. I guess I'll go too."

[Kholdhearted]

Ok, where are we now? :D

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Yeah Beggen? Wlel ther eis soemthing you shoul dknow aobut me."



:Cue deep inside Daichis body, the Three SPehres of Faith that he ahd obtained and pwoered up began to link, a shis grene foruth gme of virtur shot out.: "I am not easy prey!" : Sped up briefly and proceeds to chunk a stone relaly fast at him, a sin his othe rhand a log, and aimed the rock so that when the fiendish tihng sohuld dodge, he gets watted with the log.:

OOC Note; Yeah in his bakc story, how he Had the Gem of Humanity, Wlel at the dorm, he shvoed Earht and Heavne into himself. Mainly tpapni ginot HUman for what happened.


Beggan, being a dwarf, used his small size and skipped from the tree and avoided the blow. He then, with a laugh, tunneled under the earth.

[FalconX2000]

Xellos tossed his handkerchief to Hunter to wipe the blood.

"wash it before you return it."

Humm may not like his style, but he's smarts are an asset somewhat, however I must be sure he is with us.

"Xellos," Kekowa said with a light hearted attitude "Could I speak with you a moment please?"

OOC: and damn it that was my plan to rip trees apart for clubs blast!

Xellos nodded

"Make it quick though. Our team-mates may be in danger. We'll talk as we move."

He then turned to the rest of the group,

"Alright, let's go pull his fat out of the fire."

He started marching beside Kekowa, awaiting his questions.

[Chou Blaster]

Beggan, being a dwarf, used his small size and skipped from the tree and avoided the blow. He then, with a laugh, tunneled under the earth.


:Finally sa wthe damn thing.:

" A Dwarf eh? Shouldn't you be you know, mining for GOld or osemthing? Yo uknow i bet the Forest has lots of other Fae you despise. Really now, if I.. "Ape Man" were so unwothy to be here, why so much attneiton to me?"

:Tried the logic card, while looknig out to see if anyone was there. As his stats were leeched for the moment, and depsied that, But he used what he ha dlefted, to start climbing up a nearby tree, figures the ground would make him a target.. That an dhe ha snot attacked a tree yet.:

[Chou Blaster]

Ok, where are we now? :D


"The Forest of Despair! Compelte with killer plants, fire geysers, and ROUS."

[Vakanai]

Hunter began marching towards the direction Ramus had been...thrown at.

[kain5252]

"Hey Tamiko, do you want to team up? Your magic was really useful last time and it may make it asier if we work together" Justin said.

[Miburohunter929]

He then turned to the rest of the group,

"Alright, let's go pull his fat out of the fire."

Dean nodded and followed suit.

"I just hope the trees dont take a liking to him. Kinda hard to rescue someone if they spend the trees enjoy playing human slingshot with him all day."

[Kholdhearted]

"The Forest of Despair! Compelte with killer plants, fire geysers, and ROUS."

OC: Thanks :)

IC: Henry levitated next to Peter "See anything yet Gravity Man?"

Sirus meanwhile was off with Justin. "Why are we down here again?"

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

:Finally sa wthe damn thing.:

" A Dwarf eh? Shouldn't you be you know, mining for GOld or osemthing? Yo uknow i bet the Forest has lots of other Fae you despise. Really now, if I.. "Ape Man" were so unwothy to be here, why so much attneiton to me?"

:Tried the logic card, while looknig out to see if anyone was there. As his stats were leeched for the moment, and depsied that, But he used what he ha dlefted, to start climbing up a nearby tree, figures the ground would make him a target.. That an dhe ha snot attacked a tree yet.:

Beggan burst from the ground and uppercutted Daichi before he made it to the tree.

"Beggan cast out, yes. Survive on one's own self. Eat you slowly over roasting fire."

[kain5252]

"Hey Tamiko, do you want to team up? Your magic was really useful last time and it may make it asier if we work together" Justin said.

Henry levitated next to Peter "See anything yet Gravity Man?"

Sirus meanwhile was off with Justin. "Why are we down here again?"

"Suppose to be getting something from a temple in the middle of this forest and then escape from it" Justin said. "Im trying to see if Tomiko wants to team up in order to make this easier. How about yourself?".

[GrampaGen]

Jericho smiled a not-so-nice smile as he surveyed the Altar they had teleported too.


"No, you must survive. This forest is vast and ancient. Inside this forest is the Forest Shrine. Go there and retrieve the Idol of Oroboros. Once you have claimed the idol, escaped the Shrine, and made it back to this alter, you will be transported back to Arcadia and will have accomplished your objective. However, be warned. Beasts the like of which you have never seen wander these trees. The Shrine is also home to many creatures and traps. Best of luck."

As Jericho began fading away, he called out this final remark.

"Oh yeah, I'd be careful if I were you. The Forest of Atlantis is alive and doesn't take kindly to being damaged."

Atlantis? But that was tossed asunder and left undersea...

Natalie trailed near the rear of the group. Using the eyes of the Astral Avatar she was given but a single hint as to the nature of the forest. A mass of spiritual radiance pronounced about everything, which could only mean one thing.

It was sentient.

[Chrosis]

OC: Thanks :)

IC: Henry levitated next to Peter "See anything yet Gravity Man?"

Sirus meanwhile was off with Justin. "Why are we down here again?"

Peter shook his head, "Not yet. But I swear, if I get a single scratch on my guitar, heads are gonna' roll."

[Chou Blaster]

Beggan burst from the ground and uppercutted Daichi before he made it to the tree.

"Beggan cast out, yes. Survive on one's own self. Eat you slowly over roasting fire."


:Then adrelaine bursts himself to grab Beggna by the leg, and Daichi spoke.:

"Ohh yea?/ Well Humans happen to taste bad, very bad. And your so tiny this is gonig to hit all of you, at once!"

:Cue the Green Gem bursting into energy, and Power gem in his cut chiems in to give him the chi needed.:

"For you see I had to survive alone, with gudiance, but still alone."


Snake Bite! :And the aura wave crept along his whole body, as if trpape din a full body vice.:

(Gee i hope that does SOME damage, as everyone is looknig for Ramus, and I am the Lone Woolf I guess.)

[Vakanai]

OOC: Who all is looking for Froggy's character?

[Silver Knight]

Xellos tossed his handkerchief to Hunter to wipe the blood.

"wash it before you return it."



Xellos nodded

"Make it quick though. Our team-mates may be in danger. We'll talk as we move."

He then turned to the rest of the group,

"Alright, let's go pull his fat out of the fire."

He started marching beside Kekowa, awaiting his questions.

Ok Since where in the group and I dont want to seem the bad guy I wont throttle him but he'll under stand Kekowa became stanched and stoic. His mood deathly serious and his voice low and clear.

"Look, I appreciate your "brains" however something has not set right with me about you since I meet you." He gazed directly at Xellos to gage his reaction. "You have been sizing us up, gaging our strengths, asking alot of personal questions with regards to our powers and to me that seems suspicious, very suspicious. Couple that with the cowardly way you fought last night. You barly decided to interject yourself at all. I can understand picking your spot, but you where barly in long enough to do anything. We fought hard and you put forth barly any effort. These actions tell me one of two things: One, your analyzing us to screw us over in a major way or Two, your pretending to be our ally and then when the moments right you revel your true colors. For your sake I hope neither are true. If you would hurt or betray our comrades I would personally make you suffer. I, for the moment, dont like you, I would say I trust you as far as I can throw you but with my strength I can throw you pretty far. Watch yourself, Ill be keeping an eye on you. Remember this. Now if you'd excuse me, Im going to back up my bro Peter."

Kekowa went up to Peter "Hey bro whats up."

[Miburohunter929]

OOC: Who all is looking for Froggy's character?

OOC:Me, you, Peter, Xellos, Kekowa...or something. And possibly Sirus.

As far as I know.

I considered helping out Daichi instead, but he's not lost so much as he is pulling a pioneer move and forging his own path.

[GrampaGen]

OC: Thanks :)

IC: Henry levitated next to Peter "See anything yet Gravity Man?"

Sirus meanwhile was off with Justin. "Why are we down here again?"

The notion of the very ground beneath their feet as a living, breathing entity sent a shudder up Natalie's spine, both of a primitive fear, and a profound respect.

Step lightly, but...

Forgoing this, she ran off to catch up with the rest of the group when she heard Ramus and Daichi cry out, ending up bumping into Henry, Dean, and Peter.

"What's going on?!"

[Vakanai]

The Tome of Uncreation glowed red hot in Hunter's pack. The Demon Triumvirate trapped within knew where it was. How many years had it been? How many millenia had passed since it had last been in this place? Would the spirits here remember it, seek it out? The Triumvirate grew afraid...

[Yun Lao]

Deciding it would probably be best to follow the largest group, Levi followed behind, taking position as rear guard in case something decided to try and attack from behind. Though on the surface, the former monk seemed to be at peace with the whole situation, he kept himself alert.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

:Then adrelaine bursts himself to grab Beggna by the leg, and Daichi spoke.:

"Ohh yea?/ Well Humans happen to taste bad, very bad. And your so tiny this is gonig to hit all of you, at once!"

:Cue the Green Gem bursting into energy, and Power gem in his cut chiems in to give him the chi needed.:

"For you see I had to survive alone, with gudiance, but still alone."


Snake Bite! :And the aura wave crept along his whole body, as if trpape din a full body vice.:

(Gee i hope that does SOME damage, as everyone is looknig for Ramus, and I am the Lone Woolf I guess.)


Beggan shrieked as the Snake Bite hit him.


"Leave Beggan alone! Let Beggan free!"

[Chou Blaster]

Beggan shrieked as the Snake Bite hit him.


"Leave Beggan alone! Let Beggan free!"



"Undone what you did to me and I'll let you go, and i am not usin git all either!"

:The calm, cool honest yin his vocie said it all.:

[Miburohunter929]

The notion of the very ground beneath their feet as a living, breathing entity sent a shudder up Natalie's spine, both of a primitive fear, and a profound respect.

Step lightly, but...

Forgoing this, she ran off to catch up with the rest of the group when she heard Ramus and Daichi cry out, ending up bumping into Henry, Dean, and Peter.

"What's going on?!"

Dean smiled as he explained the situation to Natalie. "Eh. One guy ran off to do...something, and Ramus got flung into god knows where. Seeing as how one left on purpose, and the other didnt, we decided to go save the latters ass. And then mock him."

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

The Tome of Uncreation glowed red hot in Hunter's pack. The Demon Triumvirate trapped within knew where it was. How many years had it been? How many millenia had passed since it had last been in this place? Would the spirits here remember it, seek it out? The Triumvirate grew afraid...

A magical touch, as ligh tat a breeze, touched the Triumverate's mind, just enough to see who they were.

Once that was done, the touch left faster then it had come.


Oh yes, the Forest remembered them well.

[Tami]

Back at thw Academy, a spectral form moved through the hallways in serch of someone.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

Deciding it would probably be best to follow the largest group, Levi followed behind, taking position as rear guard in case something decided to try and attack from behind. Though on the surface, the former monk seemed to be at peace with the whole situation, he kept himself alert.


A pitfall opened beneath Levi's feet, attempting to swallow him up.

[Vakanai]

A magical touch, as ligh tat a breeze, touched the Triumverate's mind, just enough to see who they were.

Once that was done, the touch left faster then it had come.


Oh yes, the Forest remembered them well.

Hunter shivered slightly. "Did anybody else just feel something strange?" he asked, troubled.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Undone what you did to me and I'll let you go, and i am not usin git all either!"

:The calm, cool honest yin his vocie said it all.:

Beggan paused, then mumbled.

"Beggan agrees."


With a snort, the stolen energy fled Beggan and re-entered Daichi.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

Back at thw Academy, a spectral form moved through the hallways in serch of someone.

Jericho paused, then turned, eyes scanning the hallway.


".............Gregory?"

[The Dog]

Selma looked to the forest and walked to one of the trees, reaching out and gently touching its trunks. Smiling, she began gently running her fingers down it, almost petting it.

"Don't worry... We're not here to harm you, I promise... So don't be afraid of us, wise trees." She murmured gently as she continued stroking its bark.

[Tami]

Deciding it would probably be best to follow the largest group, Levi followed behind, taking position as rear guard in case something decided to try and attack from behind. Though on the surface, the former monk seemed to be at peace with the whole situation, he kept himself alert.

Tamiko followed the others, staying close to Justin and Levi. As she walked, she tried to think hard about how she could help with this assignment. Running through the few magic spells she knew of, she tried to find one that would do some good.

[Yun Lao]

A pitfall opened beneath Levi's feet, attempting to swallow him up.

Eyes widened as the earth opened, ready to plunge him deep into its maw. Twirling his yuèyáchan above his head, he planted the crescent blade into the earth before him, bringing him to a stop. Hanging above the void, feet swaying, he found himself commenting, "This certainly is an interesting place..."

[GrampaGen]

Hunter shivered slightly. "Did anybody else just feel something strange?" he asked, troubled.

The whispers began to enter her mind again. Quick as a flicker, but when dealing with the spiritual senses, there is little to doubt of an entity's prescence.

Natalie edged up closer to Dean, keeping her face downcast for fear of his recent appearance.

"It's the book again, isn't it?" she whispered.

[Chou Blaster]

Beggan paused, then mumbled.

"Beggan agrees."


With a snort, the stolen energy fled Beggan and re-entered Daichi.


"Good." :H ethen lets him go.: "See, even we "Ape men" have honor. Now go on."

:As for Daihci, he wa sheading in reverse, and leapt over the log again and folowed the sounds of the team mates, he was pretty much leaping, a she did not trust the ground ntil he found them, giant anime vien of rage.:

"Umm what hpapen, that mad eit so you DID'nt follow me. Caus ethere was a Dwarf out there, and he was trying to eat me!"


"And had funky magic to boot!"

:And decided to stay with the group for now on.:

(There, bakc ot the group, and counted on the rustling/chatting ot find them, as forest is snetient, so trakcing foot prints is a pointless act.)

[Silver Knight]

A pitfall opened beneath Levi's feet, attempting to swallow him up.

"Woah pete catch ya later," Kekowa raced towards the back to try to cath Levi, he hoped his speed would be enough "LEVI, HOLD ON!"

[Kholdhearted]

Peter shook his head, "Not yet. But I swear, if I get a single scratch on my guitar, heads are gonna' roll."

"Hehe, I think your guitar is the least of your worries. I can sense things in this place. I'm not sure what yet but I guess we'll soon find out."

[Yun Lao]

"Woah pete catch ya later," Kekowa raced towards the back to try to cath Levi, he hoped his speed would be enough "LEVI, HOLD ON!"

Kekowa would find Levi hanging there. Glancing up, he gave a soft chuckle, "I'm all right, but if it wouldn't be much trouble, would you be so kind as to help me up?"

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Good." :H ethen lets him go.: "See, even we "Ape men" have honor. Now go on."

:As for Daihci, he wa sheading in reverse, and leapt over the log again and folowed the sounds of the team mates, he was pretty much leaping, a she did not trust the ground ntil he found them, giant anime vien of rage.:

"Umm what hpapen, that mad eit so you DID'nt follow me. Caus ethere was a Dwarf out there, and he was trying to eat me!"


"And had funky magic to boot!"

:And decided to stay with the group for now on.:

(There, bakc ot the group, and counted on the rustling/chatting ot find them, as forest is snetient, so trakcing foot prints is a pointless act.)

Beggan ran off as Daichi re-joined the students, now looking for Ramus.


Out of earshot from anything/anyone, Beggan turned and growled.

''Beggan mark you, Man-Ape, yes. Beggan track you and eat you."

[kain5252]

Kekowa would find Levi hanging there. Glancing up, he gave a soft chuckle, "I'm all right, but if it wouldn't be much trouble, would you be so kind as to help me up?"

Justin extending his hand. "Here ya go Levi".

[Vakanai]

The whispers began to enter her mind again. Quick as a flicker, but when dealing with the spiritual senses, there is little to doubt of an entity's prescence.

Natalie edged up closer to Dean, keeping her face downcast for fear of his recent appearance.

"It's the book again, isn't it?" she whispered.

Hunter's yellow eye blinked. "No, this was something...different..."
It had focused on the book, but it wasn't of the book, Hunter had sensed that much.

[Tami]

Jericho paused, then turned, eyes scanning the hallway.


".............Gregory?"

As the spectral form approached him, it began to take a more coherent appearance. The spirit spoke, "Jericho, how the bloody .... did I end up back here?" The ghost of Gregory Gilliam looked down at himself, "Oh, my!" he exclaimed only now realizing that he was a dead and that he was a ghost.

[Yun Lao]

Justin extending his hand. "Here ya go Levi".

"Thank you." Taking his hand, they drew him from the edge of the pit. Brushing off his cheongsam, he gave a nod to those who had been concerned over his well-being. "Again I thank you both."

[Silver Knight]

Kekowa would find Levi hanging there. Glancing up, he gave a soft chuckle, "I'm all right, but if it wouldn't be much trouble, would you be so kind as to help me up?"

"Not a problem bro." Kekowa said as he plucked Levi up, he grabbed Levi's arm and pulled Levi right out and on solid ground. "Hehe be careful next time, may not always be around to save your butt."

[Miburohunter929]

The whispers began to enter her mind again. Quick as a flicker, but when dealing with the spiritual senses, there is little to doubt of an entity's prescence.

Natalie edged up closer to Dean, keeping her face downcast for fear of his recent appearance.

"It's the book again, isn't it?" she whispered.

"Most likely" Dean said in a low voice " I certainly cant sense anything, that much is for sure." Dean looked up ahead at Hunter. "You know, I'm not even a mage, and I'm curious as to what's so damned wierd about that book."

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

As the spectral form approached him, it began to take a more coherent appearance. The spirit spoke, "Jericho, how the bloody .... did I end up back here?" The ghost of Gregory Gilliam looked down at himself, "Oh, my!" he exclaimed only now realizing that he was a dead and that he was a ghost.

Jericho just stared, then a small chuckle escaped his lips.


"Gregory, only you could become a ghost and not realize it."


Jericho then turned grim.


"My friend, I'm sorry we failed you. We only found out about the attack and your death from your student."

[FalconX2000]

Ok Since where in the group and I dont want to seem the bad guy I wont throttle him but he'll under stand Kekowa became stanched and stoic. His mood deathly serious and his voice low and clear.

"Look, I appreciate your "brains" however something has not set right with me about you since I meet you." He gazed directly at Xellos to gage his reaction. "You have been sizing us up, gaging our strengths, asking alot of personal questions with regards to our powers and to me that seems suspicious, very suspicious. Couple that with the cowardly way you fought last night. You barly decided to interject yourself at all. I can understand picking your spot, but you where barly in long enough to do anything. We fought hard and you put forth barly any effort. These actions tell me one of two things: One, your analyzing us to screw us over in a major way or Two, your pretending to be our ally and then when the moments right you revel your true colors. For your sake I hope neither are true. If you would hurt or betray our comrades I would personally make you suffer. I, for the moment, dont like you, I would say I trust you as far as I can throw you but with my strength I can throw you pretty far. Watch yourself, Ill be keeping an eye on you. Remember this. Now if you'd excuse me, Im going to back up my bro Peter."

Kekowa went up to Peter "Hey bro whats up."

Hmm, he has balls at least. Must be why his brain is so underdeveloped...

The accusation of cowardice irked, but he knew well enough he'd contributed as much as anybody yesterday. He just suffered less bruises.

Relieved the Levi hadn't fallen through, he called out,

"I'd recomend you find yourselves a partner. One watches the ground, the other watches the surroundings."

He then noticed Hunter and the glowing book.

Hmm, its reacting to something. The forest perhaps?

He pulled up beside his room mate and handed him his cloak.

"Guard that book well. Cover it with this, or all that shining the book is doing will make you a very tasty target."

[Yun Lao]

"Not a problem bro." Kekowa said as he plucked Levi up, he grabbed Levi's arm and pulled Levi right out and on solid ground. "Hehe be careful next time, may not always be around to save your butt."

A nervous chuckle was given, "It seems we must my friend, for the very forest apparently is set against us..."

[GrampaGen]

Hunter's yellow eye blinked. "No, this was something...different..."
It had focused on the book, but it wasn't of the book, Hunter had sensed that much.

"Mm...well, I trust you, Herr Hunter. You may not be using any means I am used to, but I know it is your mind above this new power."

Even so, the forest is alive, and managed to touch upon him before anyone could sense it. That book is a beacon for the mystic presence here! Oh, I wish I were stronger...

Resolving to do what she could, she stood by Hunter regardless.

"If you do not mind, I'll stay here with you, ja?"

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

The Forest moaned loudly as the students found Ramus, suspended over a pitfall, barely holding onto a branch to keep him from falling in.

[Vakanai]

"Most likely" Dean said in a low voice " I certainly cant sense anything, that much is for sure." Dean looked up ahead at Hunter. "You know, I'm not even a mage, and I'm curious as to what's so damned wierd about that book."

"Lots of things," Hunter whispered. He couldn't read it for years until just last night, it was titled the Tome of Uncreation, it held a Demon Triumvirate, it glowed red, and no one could see the spells written on it but him. That seemed like a lot of things to Hunter.

[Silver Knight]

"Actually I suggest we take a head count on how many people are here. And then we break into even teams to watch each others back, and all groups move in one direction."

Kekowa then saw Ramas over head. "Damn, how do we get him down without hurting the forest?"

[Chou Blaster]

:He menawhile kept track of what was going on. As he was sure ore bad things will happen.:


SOmething tells me, I should have kille dtha tlil $%@* when I ahd the chance.

:As he walks along wit hthe others and spoke.:

"Who ecaltly are w elooknig for?

:He wnate dto help his class mate out a smuch as the others, jsut afte rthat, got ot finish the test.. Not ot mention no one came o follow his lead. Which made him some what angry with the group.:

Edited;


"Hey Xelllos, can't you jsut make a ice sheen ove rthe pit flal thick enuogh so Rmaus will not fall in?:

[Vakanai]

The Forest moaned loudly as the students found Ramus, suspended over a pitfall, barely holding onto a branch to keep him from falling in.

"Shadow Net," Hunter said, firing a bullet at the pitfall. The hole was soon covered by a sticky, dark net.

[Kevin M.]

"Maybe I shoud go in there, and make things more intresting" he said with a smirk.

[Vakanai]

"Mm...well, I trust you, Herr Hunter. You may not be using any means I am used to, but I know it is your mind above this new power."

Even so, the forest is alive, and managed to touch upon him before anyone could sense it. That book is a beacon for the mystic presence here! Oh, I wish I were stronger...

Resolving to do what she could, she stood by Hunter regardless.

"If you do not mind, I'll stay here with you, ja?"

"I don't mind at all," and thanks, Hunter said and thought.

[Yun Lao]

The Forest moaned loudly as the students found Ramus, suspended over a pitfall, barely holding onto a branch to keep him from falling in.

"Seems he had the same misfortunate as I." He muttered to himself before approaching the edge as the dark net covered the pit beneath their classmate. Extending an arm, Levi prepared to help Ramus out.

[Miburohunter929]

The Forest moaned loudly as the students found Ramus, suspended over a pitfall, barely holding onto a branch to keep him from falling in.

"Well, It looks like you would need our help after all" Dean said, obviously amused. "And here I was thinking getting seperated would be a minor problem for you."

Dean started laughing hard.

"Oh well, I suppose we might want to get you down before you die."

[The Dog]

Selma looked to the forest and walked to one of the trees, reaching out and gently touching its trunks. Smiling, she began gently running her fingers down it, almost petting it.

"Don't worry... We're not here to harm you, I promise... So don't be afraid of us, wise trees." She murmured gently as she continued stroking its bark.

OOC: I think this post seems to have been ignored...

[GrampaGen]

The Forest moaned loudly as the students found Ramus, suspended over a pitfall, barely holding onto a branch to keep him from falling in.

"Mein Gottin!"

How did the forest manage to catch him? He's the fastest in our class!

The group began to get agitated, some preparing to leap into action, other chattering back and forth. Natalie paused and looked across the expanse of the pitfall. There was a prescence there. Backing up, she turned to find Xellos, deep in thought.

"Ah excuse me Herr Xellos...are you able to make an ice construct?"

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Seems he had the same misfortunate as I." He muttered to himself before approaching the edge as the dark net covered the pit beneath their classmate. Extending an arm, Levi prepared to help Ramus out.

Ramus nodded his thanks as the others helped him away from the pitfall. With a groan, the hole closed.

[Silver Knight]

"Shadow Net," Hunter said, firing a bullet at the pitfall. The hole was soon covered by a sticky, dark net.

Well not entirely without merit, he didnt hurt anything so we should be good

"Now I think we should spilt into even groups. two or three would be good."

[Tami]

Jericho just stared, then a small chuckle escaped his lips.


"Gregory, only you could become a ghost and not realize it."


Jericho then turned grim.


"My friend, I'm sorry we failed you. We only found out about the attack and your death from your student."

"Then Tamiko is here as well? Explains why I'm here", Gregory's ghostly form faded for a second the came back, "Yes, we were attacked, but it happened so fast." The spirit moved slightly, "Was Tamiko harmed?"

[Chou Blaster]

" Wow Hunter, that was cool dude."

:THoguh some what peeved that Natalie is spending so much time with him. Espeically as Daichii wlel got ambushed by a evil magic creature>:

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Maybe I shoud go in there, and make things more intresting" he said with a smirk.

Lucia Bloodmoon stood by and watched, like Kelly, from a special Seer Portal as the students found their missing comrades.


"We must not interfere unless the situation is life threatening. Besides, you remember what Atlantis was like when you took the Gambit, yes Kelly? It was far more dangerous then."

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

OOC: I think this post seems to have been ignored...

The tree seemed to sigh.


Then, a light formed from the tree and hovered around Selma.

[kain5252]

Justin getting a little seperated from the others but keeping them in sight. "I dont see what the bg deal is. This place isnt so bad".

[Yun Lao]

Ramus nodded his thanks as the others helped him away from the pitfall. With a groan, the hole closed.

"I can see why Instructor Mourn seem so grim when appointing us this task." He said aloud to no one in particular.

[Vakanai]

Well not entirely without merit, he didnt hurt anything so we should be good

"Hunter are you sure that will hold him if he falls?"

"I beleive so, but luckily he's down now anyways," Hunter said. He hoped it would've held, but he was still new to all this. He'd test that spell out again later.

[Kevin M.]

Lucia Bloodmoon stood by and watched, like Kelly, from a special Seer Portal as the students found their missing comrades.


"We must not interfere unless the situation is life threatening. Besides, you remember what Atlantis was like when you took the Gambit, yes Kelly? It was far more dangerous then."

"Of course" he said looking back at Bloodmoon. "If I remeber, I lost many of my classmates that day"

[GrampaGen]

Ramus nodded his thanks as the others helped him away from the pitfall. With a groan, the hole closed.

Natalie turned away and watched the hole close. The groaning was especially daunting.

Perhaps Hunter's magic is not only a beacon for the forest to track us...it could also be a means to strike against it, unbalancing though it may be


" Wow Hunter, that was cool dude."

:THoguh some what peeved that Natalie is spending so much time with him. Espeically as Daichii wlel got ambushed by a evil magic creature>:


"Ah! Herr Daichi! I heard you cry out earlier, where did you go to?!"

[Chou Blaster]

Justin getting a little seperated from the others but keeping them in sight. "I dont see what the bg deal is. This place isnt so bad".

'It just di dnot attakc you is all."

:As he personally was keeping away form the growhs on the ground, and curious as to what will happen next.:

"Which way we go now?"

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Then Tamiko is here as well? Explains why I'm here", Gregory's ghostly form faded for a second the came back, "Yes, we were attacked, but it happened so fast." The spirit moved slightly, "Was Tamiko harmed?"

"Not that we can tell. Gregory, what do you remember about the atatck? I find it hard to believe that you were taken unawares. Your senses are second to none."

[The Dog]

The tree seemed to sigh.

Then, a light formed from the tree and hovered around Selma.

Selma gasped in surprise and looked to the tree, her hand still resting on the bark as she asked "Are you doing this?"

Looking at the light again she asked "If you don't mind me asking, what is this light?"

[Vakanai]

" Wow Hunter, that was cool dude."

:THoguh some what peeved that Natalie is spending so much time with him. Espeically as Daichii wlel got ambushed by a evil magic creature>:

"Thanks," Hunter said with a freindly smile, sensing that Daichii felt peeved about something and wanting to lighten his mood.

[Chou Blaster]

"Ah! Herr Daichi! I heard you cry out earlier, where did you go to?!"


"I simpley went forward, and was too fast for my own good. And this Dwarf tried to eat me. Used funky magic on me. I am just glad to be alvie in truth."

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

Justin getting a little seperated from the others but keeping them in sight. "I dont see what the bg deal is. This place isnt so bad".



OT::evilsmile :D

IC: A vine snapped around Justin and whip-snapped him to another vine, that then grabbed him and repeated the process, throwing him back and forth between the two, like a ball, at high speeds.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

Selma gasped in surprise and looked to the tree, her hand still resting on the bark as she asked "Are you doing this?"

Looking at the light again she asked "If you don't mind me asking, what is this light?"

The ball took on a humaoid form, that of a woman, and nodded.


I am the spirit of this grove.

[Miburohunter929]

"Well, that was eventful enough." Dean said while stopping to tie his shoe.

"So...now what exactly are we supposed to do? Randomly walk until we find something? Try and find the rest of the class? Yell 'Avengers Assemble!' and beat up some trees?"

[kain5252]

OT::evilsmile :D

IC: A vine snapped around Justin and whip-snapped him to another vine, that then grabbed him and repeated the process, throwing him back and forth between the two, like a ball, at high speeds.

'Me and my big mouth..' Justin thought to himself as he was feeling a litle sick from getting tossed around. He then caught the pattern of the vipes. As the next one was about to hit him. He threw and kick at it to help cancel out its attack and was knocked to the ground. Rolling across it. "Ow.." he said as he dusted himself off and rubbed the scrapes and cuts he got and keeping himself alert.

[Vakanai]

OT: Nevermind...

[Chou Blaster]

"Well, that was eventful enough." Dean said while stopping to tie his shoe.

"So...now what exactly are we supposed to do? Randomly walk until we find something? Try and find the rest of the class? Yell 'Avengers Assemble!' and beat up some trees?"


I say we do not piss the trees off.. Selma seems to have the right idea.. So far.

Besides we ar elooknig for a shine, a ancient looknig building, which probaly ha smonsters and booby traps. :And ye sh eknew it was a joke, booby traps.:

[Silver Knight]

"Well, that was eventful enough." Dean said while stopping to tie his shoe.

"So...now what exactly are we supposed to do? Randomly walk until we find something? Try and find the rest of the class? Yell 'Avengers Assemble!' and beat up some trees?"

"Um no, if anything since this forest is alive maybe we should find away to talk to it, comunicate, see if it will let us pass."

[GrampaGen]

"I simpley went forward, and was too fast for my own good. And this Dwarf tried to eat me. Used funky magic on me. I am just glad to be alvie in truth."

"Dwarves? These woods must be populated then?"

The entire forest being a living entity radiating spiritual power only clouded her Astral vision, so searching in between the pines was useless.

"Still...are you sure it was a dwarf? Such a people are usually upstanding, robust and honorable, warriors and godly craftsmen. Why it wanted to eat you is...odd, ja?"

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Of course" he said looking back at Bloodmoon. "If I remeber, I lost many of my classmates that day"

Bloodmoon nodded.

"As did I when I was tested. That was before the fall of Grimnor, the Gold Dragon, though. Now that's he's gone, even students can survive in there if they stick together."

[The Dog]

The ball took on a humaoid form, that of a woman, and nodded.


I am the spirit of this grove.

Selma blinked in surprise, taking a step back. Then she fell to her knees, lowering her head so her forehead touched the ground, arms bracing her somewhat as she said "It is of great pleasure and a personal honor to make your aquaintance, spirit of the grove."

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

'Me and my big mouth..' Justin thought to himself as he was feeling a litle sick from getting tossed around. He then caught the pattern of the vipes. As the next one was about to hit him. He threw and kick at it to help cancel out its attack and was knocked to the ground. Rolling across it. "Ow.." he said as he dusted himself off and rubbed the scrapes and cuts he got and keeping himself alert.


The vines didn't appreciate the retaliation, and grabbed Justin again, this time squeezing him like snake.

[GrampaGen]

"Um no, if anything since this forest is alive maybe we should find away to talk to it, comunicate, see if it will let us pass."

Natalie hesitated for a moment, then spoke up.

"I can do this, though it may take every fibre of my being with an entity of this strength. And are there any other mages? I lost track of Selma."

OOC: really, im kinda disoriented here. Are we all together, are we in 2 groups, are we in one major group with a few splintered off...?

[Chou Blaster]

"Dwarves? These woods must be populated then?"

The entire forest being a living entity radiating spiritual power only clouded her Astral vision, so searching in between the pines was useless.

"Still...are you sure it was a dwarf? Such a people are usually upstanding, robust and honorable, warriors and godly craftsmen. Why it wanted to eat you is...odd, ja?"


" I twa s a Rogue Dwarf, apparently kicke dout of it's Dwar fsociety. Not sure of the story, was not interested either."

:As he saw everything gonig on.:

"I guess we just stick here til Selma is done with the spirit, an d then we pick a direction to go?

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

Selma blinked in surprise, taking a step back. Then she fell to her knees, lowering her head so her forehead touched the ground, arms bracing her somewhat as she said "It is of great pleasure and a personal honor to make your aquaintance, spirit of the grove."

The spirit looked at Selma, then bowed slightly back.

One still follows the old ways. Interesting. Tell me, Child of Eve, what is your purpose here?

[Vakanai]

Hunter noticed one of his hands was still hurt from when the compass exploded and wrapped a handkerchief around it, then took the glowing book out of his pack, wrapped it in a cloak, and placed it back in his pack.

[Miburohunter929]

OOC : I'm positie selma isnt with us. She may still be with Rhia and the others, but I dont recall her tagging along.

And it was two groups. The main group, and team save Ramus. Obviously, Daichi and Ramus were on their own, but since we met back up, unless selma is solo, there should be two groups, with everyone accounted for.

[Vakanai]

Natalie hesitated for a moment, then spoke up.

"I can do this, though it may take every fibre of my being with an entity of this strength. And are there any other mages? I lost track of Selma."

OOC: really, im kinda disoriented here. Are we all together, are we in 2 groups, are we in one major group with a few splintered off...?

"I'm a sort of mage," Hunter said.

[Silver Knight]

The vines didn't appreciate the retaliation, and grabbed Justin again, this time squeezing him like snake.

Great Kekowa thought as he saw justin plucked up again Time to save someone else

Kekowa judged the heights and was sure he could make it. He lept up into the Air and hugged the vines that held justin. He then used his massive strength to try to pull them apart (Im currently 5 in strength cleric)

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

Natalie hesitated for a moment, then spoke up.

"I can do this, though it may take every fibre of my being with an entity of this strength. And are there any other mages? I lost track of Selma."

OOC: really, im kinda disoriented here. Are we all together, are we in 2 groups, are we in one major group with a few splintered off...?

OT: You are all in one group, roughly spread out by about 50 yards. Selma's on one end, communicating with a forest spirit, Justin's getting manhandled by a bunch of vines on the other end, and you lot are in the middle.

[kain5252]

The vines didn't appreciate the retaliation, and grabbed Justin again, this time squeezing him like snake.

Justin gritted his teeth. He figured if he used his fire powers he'd be dead. If he didnt, the same result may occure. He could only think of one thing that might work before he resorted to fire. "Alright I give, you win! Your a awasome baddass forest, noe let me go!".

[Kevin M.]

Bloodmoon nodded.

"As did I when I was tested. That was before the fall of Grimnor, the Gold Dragon, though. Now that's he's gone, even students can survive in there if they stick together."



"Ah Grimnor, he was the one who killed half my class" Kelly said in a casual tone.

"Wonder if you got anyone to replace him?"

[Chou Blaster]

The vines didn't appreciate the retaliation, and grabbed Justin again, this time squeezing him like snake.


:And as soon as Daichi notice dhe went to attack the vines by hitting them as hard a she could.:

"It'll b enice if someone with a sword were here!"

[Vakanai]

OOC: Gotta go for now.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

As Justine admitted defeat, Kekowa managed to pry the vines apart, without hurting them, thus releasing Justin.

[Tami]

The tree seemed to sigh.


Then, a light formed from the tree and hovered around Selma.

Selma gasped in surprise and looked to the tree, her hand still resting on the bark as she asked "Are you doing this?"

Looking at the light again she asked "If you don't mind me asking, what is this light?"

OT::evilsmile :D

IC: A vine snapped around Justin and whip-snapped him to another vine, that then grabbed him and repeated the process, throwing him back and forth between the two, like a ball, at high speeds.

Tamiko, having watched Selma, turned as she noticed Justin in trouble. Running over the base of the vine, Tamiko ran towards him to try and help.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Ah Grimnor, he was the one who killed half my class" Kelly said in a casual tone.

"Wonder if you got anyone to replace him?"

"Grimnor was the oldest dragon alive back then. You don't simply replace one like that. Besides, other things took his place in the Forest after his fall. They may not be as powerful, few things are, but they are still quite dangerous."

[kain5252]

As Justine admitted defeat, Kekowa managed to pry the vines apart, without hurting them, thus releasing Justin.

Tamiko, having watched Selma, turned as she noticed Justin in trouble. Running over the base of the vine, Tamiko ran towards him to try and help.

Rubbing his sides. "That was annoying..." Justin grumbled as he never thought he'd be beaten by a plant. Seeing Tamiko running up. "Thank Kekowa, Tamiko, Im fine now" he smiled.

[Silver Knight]

As Justine admitted defeat, Kekowa managed to pry the vines apart, without hurting them, thus releasing Justin.

Kekowa grabbed Justin and landed on the ground with a nice thud. "Umph, ok you got your saving in who's next?" Kekowa had to do something every body was just scatter-brained and doing their own thing. Not watching each others backs. He put his fingers to his lips and whistled.

"WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHH"

That seemed to catch everybody's attention

"Look we are all together, now lets move calmly as a group, slowly but surly and reach the Shrine without problem or delay!"

[The Dog]

The spirit looked at Selma, then bowed slightly back.

One still follows the old ways. Interesting. Tell me, Child of Eve, what is your purpose here?

Raising up so she was sitting on her legs, Selma said "Spirit of the Grove, my classmates and I have been given a mission by the instuctors at the school of Arcadia. We must go to the Forest Shrine and retrieve the Idol of Oroboros."

"Do you know anything of this Idol we must retrieve, and is it possible for you to assist us in any way?" Selma asked.

[GrampaGen]

OT: You are all in one group, roughly spread out by about 50 yards. Selma's on one end, communicating with a forest spirit, Justin's getting manhandled by a bunch of vines on the other end, and you lot are in the middle.

OOC: Ah, thank you, Cleric.



"I'm a sort of mage," Hunter said.

Natalie nodded briefly, then shook her head.

"The nature of your magic is...well..." She tried to quietly explain ,"the Forest may try to envelop and destroy you; it sees that book as a major threat. I cannot use your help, I'm sorry."

[Tami]

"Not that we can tell. Gregory, what do you remember about the atatck? I find it hard to believe that you were taken unawares. Your senses are second to none."

"They came at us like ghosts." Gregory smiled slightly at the terrible irony of it, "from the shadows perhaps. There were at least eleven of them, six of them had me surrounded before I could even summon a defense. It was well, planned, surgically precise action. I am just glad that my student wasn't the target." his form faded slightly before reappearing again.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

Raising up so she was sitting on her legs, Selma said "Spirit of the Grove, my classmates and I have been given a mission by the instuctors at the school of Arcadia. We must go to the Forest Shrine and retrieve the Idol of Oroboros."

"Do you know anything of this Idol we must retrieve, and is it possible for you to assist us in any way?" Selma asked.

The spirit paused, then answered.

My strength and reach is not what it once was. Much has changed since my height, and I am much diminished. However, Childe of Eve, I do know where the Shrine of Light is. Follow the blooming scarlet flowers until you reach the ruins of the City of Xanadu. There, in the heart of that haunted place, lies the Shrine you seek.

Now, what do you trade for this information?

[Miburohunter929]

OOC: Ah, thank you, Cleric.




Natalie nodded briefly, then shook her head.

"The nature of your magic is...well..." She tried to quietly explain ,"the Forest may try to envelop and destroy you; it sees that book as a major threat. I cannot use your help, I'm sorry."


Dean laughed slightly before speaking. "I see your as popular as ever Hunter."

[Tami]

Rubbing his sides. "That was annoying..." Justin grumbled as he never thought he'd be beaten by a plant. Seeing Tamiko running up. "Thank Kekowa, Tamiko, Im fine now" he smiled.

"Good." Tamiko smiled, relieved. "I think Selma may have hit on something. This forest seems to respond to emotions. Good emotions, and gentle actions, may help us move through this place faster."

[GrampaGen]

Kekowa grabbed Justin and landed on the ground with a nice thud. "Umph, ok you got your saving in who's next?" Kekowa had to do something every body was just scatter-brained and doing their own thing. Not watching each others backs. He put his fingers to his lips and whistled.

"WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHH"

That seemed to catch everybody's attention

"Look we are all together, now lets move calmly as a group, slowly but surly and reach the Shrine without problem or delay!"

Natalie did not often get angry. However, under both pressure of constant danger and the fear that rattled her in the face of the omipresent forest entity, Kekowa's authoritative posturing made her grit her teeth.

"Then tell me, Herren, just where we are to go, without problem, without delay?! You do not even know where we are going, ja?! You do not know how to talk to the forest, ja? Can you comprehend the nature of the field about you?! You can't just punch intangible threats, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"They came at us like ghosts." Gregory smiled slightly at the terrible irony of it, "from the shadows perhaps. There were at least eleven of them, six of them had me surrounded before I could even summon a defense. It was well, planned, surgically precise action. I am just glad that my student wasn't the target." his form faded slightly before reappearing again.

"Damnit. If they maanged to take you out, then Grandmaster was right. There must be a mole here at Arcadia. I can't think of any other way they could have surprised you, or even of known your location, without being tipped off."

[kain5252]

"Good." Tamiko smiled, relieved. "I think Selma may have hit on something. This forest seems to respond to emotions. Good emotions, and gentle actions, may help us move through this place faster."

"So in other words as long as I keep thinking happy thoughts I wont end up dead" Justin said as he got up with Tamiko's help. "Thank you for the advice, Ill be certain to keep that in mind".

[GrampaGen]

"So in other words as long as I keep thinking happy thoughts I wont end up dead" Justin said as he got up with Tamiko's help. "Thank you for the advice, Ill be certain to keep that in mind".

OOC: Haha, oh God, what have I done :D

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Good." Tamiko smiled, relieved. "I think Selma may have hit on something. This forest seems to respond to emotions. Good emotions, and gentle actions, may help us move through this place faster."

OT: Got it in one. :)


Well, at least this portion that Selma found does (the very fringe area that the spirit she is talking to controls. The vines and pitfalls were from another spirit).

[Yun Lao]

Taking a moment to survey his surroundings, Levi was fascinated by the living flora. Going to route Selma had gone, he bowed respectfully to the surrounding trees, "I shall try my best to avoid stepping on any of your roots."

[kain5252]

Natalie did not often get angry. However, under both pressure of constant danger and the fear that rattled her in the face of the omipresent forest entity, Kekowa's authoritative posturing made her grit her teeth.

"Then tell me, Herren, just where we are to go, without problem, without delay?! You do not even know where we are going, ja?! You do not know how to talk to the forest, ja? Can you comprehend the nature of the field about you?! You can't just punch intangible threats, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

"Umm, you might want to calm down?" Justin suggested.

[Silver Knight]

Natalie did not often get angry. However, under both pressure of constant danger and the fear that rattled her in the face of the omipresent forest entity, Kekowa's authoritative posturing made her grit her teeth.

"Then tell me, Herren, just where we are to go, without problem, without delay?! You do not even know where we are going, ja?! You do not know how to talk to the forest, ja? Can you comprehend the nature of the field about you?! You can't just punch intangible threats, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

"Ok then girly we stay here as a group, dont disturb nothing, and then figure out wheer we are to go. IS THAT OK" Kekowa didnt mean to raise his voice, especially to a girl, but the situation is a little frustrating, he would have to apoligize later.

[Miburohunter929]

Natalie did not often get angry. However, under both pressure of constant danger and the fear that rattled her in the face of the omipresent forest entity, Kekowa's authoritative posturing made her grit her teeth.

"Then tell me, Herren, just where we are to go, without problem, without delay?! You do not even know where we are going, ja?! You do not know how to talk to the forest, ja? Can you comprehend the nature of the field about you?! You can't just punch intangible threats, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

Dean was completely surprised by Natalies outburst, and could barely keep himself from flinching from the tone of her voice.

Well, I guess this is serious enough, If she's freaking out like this. Sucks for him, but thank god it's not me.

[The Dog]

The spirit paused, then answered.

My strength and reach is not what it once was. Much has changed since my height, and I am much diminished. However, Childe of Eve, I do know where the Shrine of Light is. Follow the blooming scarlet flowers until you reach the ruins of the City of Xanadu. There, in the heart of that haunted place, lies the Shrine you seek.

Now, what do you trade for this information?

'Trade... But what can I trade for this information...' Selma thought a look of concern crossing her face.

She sighed in defeat as she once more bowed to the spirit, placing her head upon the ground as she said "I will trade the only thing I have for such invaluable information: myself. I give to you, spirit of the grove, my body, my mind, and even my soul to do with as you wish."

Raising up, she added "But, if possible, could you please give this information to my classmates so they may use it in my place."

[Kevin M.]

"Damnit. If they maanged to take you out, then Grandmaster was right. There must be a mole here at Arcadia. I can't think of any other way they could have surprised you, or even of known your location, without being tipped off."


"Do you have any suspects?" Kelly asked.

[Silver Knight]

'Trade... But what can I trade for this information...' Selma thought a look of concern crossing her face.

She sighed in defeat as she once more bowed to the spirit, placing her head upon the ground as she said "I will trade the only thing I have for such invaluable information: myself. I give to you, spirit of the grove, my body, my mind, and even my soul to do with as you wish."

Raising up, she added "But, if possible, could you please give this information to my classmates so they may use it in my place."

OOC: Woah their its not that big a deal to sacrifice yourself yet.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

'Trade... But what can I trade for this information...' Selma thought a look of concern crossing her face.

She sighed in defeat as she once more bowed to the spirit, placing her head upon the ground as she said "I will trade the only thing I have for such invaluable information: myself. I give to you, spirit of the grove, my body, my mind, and even my soul to do with as you wish."

Raising up, she added "But, if possible, could you please give this information to my classmates so they may use it in my place."

The spirit paused.


A bold move, Childe of Eve. You may retain your soul. Instead, I shall, at a time of my own choosing, call upon you to do me one request. In return for this, the information and your person are yours. Agreed?

[Tami]

"Damnit. If they maanged to take you out, then Grandmaster was right. There must be a mole here at Arcadia. I can't think of any other way they could have surprised you, or even of known your location, without being tipped off."

"Then stay sharp old friend. I would hate to see this place become a ghost town." As Gregory's form began to faed, "It appears I must go now. I will try and come back later to check on my student." his ghost form then vanished from sight.

OT: I have to go now. Good night.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"Do you have any suspects?" Kelly asked.

"Well, it wasn't one of the teachers directly, that's for sure, or we'ld of known it. Someone must have hired a group to take Gregory out. But why?"


Turning, Jericho frowned.

"Gregory, what were you working on when you weren't training Tamiko?"

[FalconX2000]

"Mein Gottin!"

How did the forest manage to catch him? He's the fastest in our class!

The group began to get agitated, some preparing to leap into action, other chattering back and forth. Natalie paused and looked across the expanse of the pitfall. There was a prescence there. Backing up, she turned to find Xellos, deep in thought.

"Ah excuse me Herr Xellos...are you able to make an ice construct?"

OOC: Sorry guys, went for lunch. Now I'm back.

Its too late to try going after Daichi now. He could be anywhere by the time we make our way back. Our best option is to complete the task before the forest overwhelms him.

"Of this magnitude? I'd require ample assistance. And ice is rather slippery. Sorry Natalie, but it would be safer to find another route."

His attention was caught by Kekowas' whistle

Natalie did not often get angry. However, under both pressure of constant danger and the fear that rattled her in the face of the omipresent forest entity, Kekowa's authoritative posturing made her grit her teeth.

"Then tell me, Herren, just where we are to go, without problem, without delay?! You do not even know where we are going, ja?! You do not know how to talk to the forest, ja? Can you comprehend the nature of the field about you?! You can't just punch intangible threats, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

Xellos put a hand on her shoulder.

"If we fight amongst ourselves here, we're done for."

Turning to Kekowa, he continued

"While your point is valid, it would be best if you communicated your ideas to me first unless we're having a group meeting. I must admit your...diplomacy skills are somewhat lacking."

We're not an organised team. The students don't have to take shit from one another. If this keeps up it may fragment. One way or the other, I've got to nip this in the bud.

OOC: Xellos is maneuvering himself into a subconscious leadership within the group, but I'm not sure if Kekowa will react well to this.;)

[GrampaGen]

"Umm, you might want to calm down?" Justin suggested.

Natalie pulled off her felt hat and knead it between her fingers.

"It is hard to remain amicable when would be leaders do not actually lead anywhere~!"


"Ok then girly we stay here as a group, dont disturb nothing, and then figure out wheer we are to go. IS THAT OK" Kekowa didnt mean to raise his voice, especially to a girl, but the situation is a little frustrating, he would have to apoligize later.

Natalie but her lip. He would not understand the gravity of the situation unless he saw it first hand, saw what she did. She advanced toward him, drew her wand from her sleeve, then rapped him on the forehead.

Immediately a glowing phantasmagoria flooded his senses; a thousand immortal whispers filled the air, the raw chaos of life. Death, life, all sorts of wild actions, predator stalking prey. And above all of that a series of shadowy spiritual beings moaned and tossed, floating over the rest; the ghosts that governed the environment. And in the middle of it all, some thirty-something students, stranded in the middle waiting to be picked off, intruding on the territory built by their invisible hands.

"Yes. Yes it is okay. Ja?"

[Kevin M.]

"Well, it wasn't one of the teachers directly, that's for sure, or we'ld of known it. Someone must have hired a group to take Gregory out. But why?"


Turning, Jericho frowned.

"Gregory, what were you working on when you weren't training Tamiko?"


"I have some friends I can call to look into the matter" he said. "Or to be more specific, some cohorts who find some answers"

[sharkerbob]

OOC: Gah, stupid work, making me miss out on everything.


IC:
"Oooh." Rhia seemed mesmerized. "A Samurai Spirit Dog Fairy! This is just so cool!" She pointed at Django. "You are awesome! Let's be friends!"

Django smiled and ruffled Rhia's hair. "I'd like that," he said.


Tamiko walked with the tour group quietly, her eyes wide open at all of the wonderful things she saw and heard about. However, meeting this transfer student was a real surprise. She smiled shyly at him, not fully use to seeing a being such as him, but also because she found him to be fascinating.

Django noticed Tamiko's gaze and gave her a smell, friendly wave.

[Chrosis]

"Good." Tamiko smiled, relieved. "I think Selma may have hit on something. This forest seems to respond to emotions. Good emotions, and gentle actions, may help us move through this place faster."

"Right now, I'm not...", Peter began, his hand resting on his katana's grip, "...in the mood, for happy thoughts."

He slumped his shoulders and began to walk forward towards the head of the group at a steady pace, "I was unceremoniously dumped in a gigantic, mystical, forest, with a group of nearly complete strangers whom I have only spent a single day with and have only had one actual combat experience with."

"We have no idea where we are, we only have a vague reference as to where North is, the forest itself has attacked us, and we have no idea where we can find this idol that we're supposed to get for the school. So, in short, no. I'm not in the mood for good, gentle, emotions.", he finished, making his way to the front of the group.

[Chou Blaster]

OOC: Should b enoted Daici is back in the group, found ya by listneing to the chatter.


" Wow Selma, she is ever so brave for doing sch a huge deal, and fo rus no doubt."

:He truely had faith in his clas smates, and it showed it was worth it. That some of this group were trustworthy, to do such a thing.:

:As h ewas hten quiet, deciding not to speka unless spoken to.:

[The Dog]

The spirit paused.


A bold move, Childe of Eve. You may retain your soul. Instead, I shall, at a time of my own choosing, call upon you to do me one request. In return for this, the information and your person are yours. Agreed?

Selma smiled and bowed once again as she said "Agreed spirit of the grove. In exchange for the information you have given me and retaining my person, I shall perform a request of your choosing at a time of your choosing, no matter what that request may be."

"And I thank you for such invaluable information." Selma said as she stood up, dusting her pants off as she did so.

[FalconX2000]

Natalie pulled off her felt hat and knead it between her fingers.

"It is hard to remain amicable when would be leaders do not actually lead anywhere~!"



Natalie but her lip. He would not understand the gravity of the situation unless he saw it first hand, saw what she did. She advanced toward him, drew her wand from her sleeve, then rapped him on the forehead.

Immediately a glowing phantasmagoria flooded his senses; a thousand immortal whispers filled the air, the raw chaos of life. Death, life, all sorts of wild actions, predator stalking prey. And above all of that a series of shadowy spiritual beings moaned and tossed, floating over the rest; the ghosts that governed the environment. And in the middle of it all, some thirty-something students, stranded in the middle waiting to be picked off, intruding on the territory built by their invisible hands.

"Yes. Yes it is okay. Ja?"

Xellos cursed himself. He'd been so focused on talking to Kekowa, he'd forgotten to keep track of Natalie.

He braced himself in case Kekowa reacted violently.

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

"I have some friends I can call to look into the matter" he said. "Or to be more specific, some cohorts who find some answers"

Jericho nodded.


"Do it. We need to find them, and hit them, before anything else happens. Kelly, I leave this in your hands. I think you can handle this better then anyone else here."

[GrampaGen]

OOC: Should b enoted Daici is back in the group, found ya by listneing to the chatter.


" Wow Selma, she is ever so brave for doing sch a huge deal, and fo rus no doubt."

:He truely had faith in his clas smates, and it showed it was worth it. That some of this group were trustworthy, to do such a thing.:

:As h ewas hten quiet, deciding not to speka unless spoken to.:

Turning from her ranting against Kekowa, Natalie cocked her head in Daichi's direction.

"Wait, what is Selma doing?"


'Trade... But what can I trade for this information...' Selma thought a look of concern crossing her face.

She sighed in defeat as she once more bowed to the spirit, placing her head upon the ground as she said "I will trade the only thing I have for such invaluable information: myself. I give to you, spirit of the grove, my body, my mind, and even my soul to do with as you wish."

Raising up, she added "But, if possible, could you please give this information to my classmates so they may use it in my place."


"No! Don't!"

[Silver Knight]

Natalie pulled off her felt hat and knead it between her fingers.

"It is hard to remain amicable when would be leaders do not actually lead anywhere~!"



Natalie but her lip. He would not understand the gravity of the situation unless he saw it first hand, saw what she did. She advanced toward him, drew her wand from her sleeve, then rapped him on the forehead.

Immediately a glowing phantasmagoria flooded his senses; a thousand immortal whispers filled the air, the raw chaos of life. Death, life, all sorts of wild actions, predator stalking prey. And above all of that a series of shadowy spiritual beings moaned and tossed, floating over the rest; the ghosts that governed the environment. And in the middle of it all, some thirty-something students, stranded in the middle waiting to be picked off, intruding on the territory built by their invisible hands.

"Yes. Yes it is okay. Ja?"

"GAAAHH" Kekowa cried as his hand grasped his head as it throbed his mind was on fire and then suddenly cooled. HE lowered his hand from his head and pointed it at Natalie "Ive never struck a woman in anger in my life, ive never hurt a girl period. but your pushing it. Dont do that again!"

Kekowa turned to Xellos and spoke true "You may not think I have much up here, but untill you can say you've gathered every street punk gang in Tokyo and united them under one banner and still kept it from Yakuza control, then I suggest you not mock my Leadership skills."

Kekowa calmed himself breathing and spoke again "However Together the BOTH of us can cobble together a plan."

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

Selma smiled and bowed once again as she said "Agreed spirit of the grove. In exchange for the information you have given me and retaining my person, I shall perform a request of your choosing at a time of your choosing, no matter what that request may be."

"And I thank you for such invaluable information." Selma said as she stood up, dusting her pants off as she did so.

A parting piece of information, Childe. Not every spirit here still follows the old ways. Many are tainted beyond repair. You have been warned.


With that, the spirit returned to the tree.



Along the north side of the group, scarlet flowers could be seen in full bloom.

[Yun Lao]

A parting piece of information, Childe. Not every spirit here still follows the old ways. Many are tainted beyond repair. You have been warned.


With that, the spirit returned to the tree.



Along the north side of the group, scarlet flowers could be seen in full bloom.

"Our way has been lined thanks to our brillant friend here." He said, nodding in thanks to Selma.

[The Dog]

"No! Don't!"

Selma turned to Natalie as she asked "Natalie? What are you talking about?"

[The Dog]

"Our way has been lined thanks to our brillant friend here." He said, nodding in thanks to Selma.

Selma turned crimson, rubbing her head as she smiled sheepishly and said "I-it was nothing... My sensei always said that one should try and find a peaceful solution before resorting to violence. And it looks like he knew what he was talking about."

[Silver Knight]

"Our way has been lined thanks to our brillant friend here." He said, nodding in thanks to Selma.

"Well Xellos I guess you dont have to rely on my brain after all." Kekowa said as he walked the new path. "Well Selma Lead on."

[Kevin M.]

Jericho nodded.


"Do it. We need to find them, and hit them, before anything else happens. Kelly, I leave this in your hands. I think you can handle this better then anyone else here."

"It will be done" he said as he turned his attention back to the forest. "Jason and Robert are going to be happy knowing they are going to have fun"

[Yun Lao]

Selma turned crimson, rubbing her head as she smiled sheepishly and said "I-it was nothing... My sensei always said that one should try and find a peaceful solution before resorting to violence. And it looks like he knew what he was talking about."

"Your sifu must have been a wise man." Glancing down the path, he could only wonder what awaited them at the end of the trail.

[GrampaGen]

Selma turned to Natalie as she asked "Natalie? What are you talking about?"

The witch stumbled over a tree root as she ran towards her, but scrappily got up and jumped over to Selma, gripping her in an embace that could be described as a vice-like worry.

Then, she noticed the flowers, and began to tear up slightly, loosening her grasp but then holding Selma firmly by the arms.

"No! No information is worth that much of a sacrifice, ja?" she sobbed, "there are other ways!"

[Yun Lao]

The witch stumbled over a tree root as she ran towards her, but scrappily got up and jumped over to Selma, gripping her in an embace that could be described as a vice-like worry.

Then, she noticed the flowers, and began to tear up slightly, loosening her grasp but then holding Selma firmly by the arms.

"No! No information is worth that much of a sacrifice, ja?" she sobbed, "there are other ways!"

Approaching Natalie, he placed a hand upon her shoulder, "Fear not, for her brave proposal moved even the spirit who chose to take a lesser payment."

[Chou Blaster]

" She already made he bargin. It is fo rhe rot lvie with. As she mad ethe dela, I am sure she will manage."

:As he hten goes quiet before asking.: "Just which way do we go from here?"

(I got ot go now fo rthe night, goo dluck everybody! I hope I do not miss ou t on the action, too much.)

[Froggy]

OT: Looks like you are in luck. The group seems to want to go after you.


:evilsmile :D

IC: Where Ramus landed, a pitfall suddenly tried to swallow him into the earth, narrowly missing him.
"gah! the man was right! this forest is trying to kill me! Ramus then ducked and caught a vine tahgt whipped otu at him, yanking it off. He then decide to run remembering this forest doens't like pain

[The Dog]

The witch stumbled over a tree root as she ran towards her, but scrappily got up and jumped over to Selma, gripping her in an embace that could be described as a vice-like worry.

Then, she noticed the flowers, and began to tear up slightly, loosening her grasp but then holding Selma firmly by the arms.

"No! No information is worth that much of a sacrifice, ja?" she sobbed, "there are other ways!"

Selma yelped in surprise as her cheeks darkened, but then wrapped her arms around Natalie and gave her a small kiss on the cheek as she said "I'm sorry for making you worry so Natalie, please forgive me."

She then moved out of Natalie's embrace, taking hold of her hand and heading toward the flowers as she said "Now let's hurry and get the Idol so we can return to the school."

[Yun Lao]

Selma yelped in surprise as her cheeks darkened, but then wrapped her arms around Natalie and gave her a small kiss on the cheek as she said "I'm sorry for making you worry so Natalie, please forgive me."

She then moved out of Natalie's embrace, taking hold of her hand and heading toward the flowers as she said "Now let's hurry and get the Idol so we can return to the school."

Following the two, he was certain the rest would follow suit as well.

[Miburohunter929]

OOC: Sorry, I went to the store for some...supplies.

[Silver Knight]

Following the two, he was certain the rest would follow suit as well.

"Alright gang," Kekowa said as he followed the others on the red oath "lets keep this train a moving"

[GrampaGen]

Approaching Natalie, he placed a hand upon her shoulder, "Fear not, for her brave proposal moved even the spirit who chose to take a lesser payment."



Selma yelped in surprise as her cheeks darkened, but then wrapped her arms around Natalie and gave her a small kiss on the cheek as she said "I'm sorry for making you worry so Natalie, please forgive me."

She then moved out of Natalie's embrace, taking hold of her hand and heading toward the flowers as she said "Now let's hurry and get the Idol so we can return to the school."

Natalie sniffled, and hugged Selma and Levi. Then, wand at the ready, she prepared to head out.

"Yes, let's...it would seem that particular forest spirit was a noble one...should you need to consult her, I shall try and channel it."


"gah! the man was right! this forest is trying to kill me! Ramus then ducked and caught a vine tahgt whipped otu at him, yanking it off. He then decide to run remembering this forest doens't like pain

OOC: Well, I think we rescued you earlier, but eh, just roll with it?

IC: Suddenly, a hard gust of wind blew behind the group. No, not a breeze, from the shouts attached to it, it was more like a wake. Ramus was up and about again, moving at insane speeds once more.

"Ramus! Calm down!"

[FalconX2000]

"GAAAHH" Kekowa cried as his hand grasped his head as it throbed his mind was on fire and then suddenly cooled. HE lowered his hand from his head and pointed it at Natalie "Ive never struck a woman in anger in my life, ive never hurt a girl period. but your pushing it. Dont do that again!"

Kekowa turned to Xellos and spoke true "You may not think I have much up here, but untill you can say you've gathered every street punk gang in Tokyo and united them under one banner and still kept it from Yakuza control, then I suggest you not mock my Leadership skills."



Kekowa calmed himself breathing and spoke again "However Together the BOTH of us can cobble together a plan."

Xellos at first started to relax as Kekowa simply threatened her, but was quickly alarmed again by what he said next.

This is bad. He's making a move for leadership, and he actually managed a decent sounding speech to do it.

"While collaborating with you in planning is fine with me, I remain unconvinced of your ability to communicate in our situation. These aren't gangsters, you can't just intimidate your way to the top. None of us have to cower and take abuse, and our current stressful situation is bringing everyone to the breaking point. You have just demonstrated that when everyone's nerves are stretched, your demeanour pulls on them like a cheese grater."

Interesting though. One of his insecurities seems to be his level of intelligence. A well founded fear in my opinion.

"I agree with your suggestion though, we do need to keep calm and stick together"

Even if its just a retread of my own announcement at the start. I don't have time to deal with his idiocy right now.

Turning to Natalie, he continued,

"Natalie, until we're out of mortal danger, please refrain from laying hands on those you're feeling angry with without their consent."

leaning in, he whispered mischievously,

"Or if you must, ask me first."

He then spotted Selma running towards them. She seemed to have some info. After hearing her out, he was pleased. The group headed off in the direction, spirits buoyed.

"Well Xellos I guess you dont have to rely on my brain after all." Kekowa said as he walked the new path.

Thank god

[Froggy]

Natalie sniffled, and hugged Selma and Levi. Then, wand at the ready, she prepared to head out.

"Yes, let's...it would seem that particular forest spirit was a noble one...should you need to consult her, I shall try and channel it."



OOC: Well, I think we rescued you earlier, but eh, just roll with it?

IC: Suddenly, a hard gust of wind blew behind the group. No, not a breeze, from the shouts attached to it, it was more like a wake. Ramus was up and about again, moving at insane speeds once more.

"Ramus! Calm down!"
Ramus skidded on the breaks, and said "Sorry, but MAN AM I glad to see you guys agin!" He then stood by one of the group members, back tok back

[Yun Lao]

Perhaps now with a spirit's help, their assignment would go a bit more smoothly --granted it was wishful thinking, but it didn't hurt to hope, did it?--...then again, while the flora might not attack, there were still the creatures that lurked within. Either way, Levi kept himself in check just in case.

[Miburohunter929]

As dean continued to follow the others, his stomach began to rumble.

"Damnit, I should have bought some granola bars or something."

[GrampaGen]

Ramus skidded on the breaks, and said "Sorry, but MAN AM I glad to see you guys agin!" He then stood by one of the group members, back tok back

"I think it would be best if you not run about so far, so fast," Natalie remarked, "especially so soon. You know best of all what the forest can do when disturbed, ja?"

She coughed a little. Being fresh from a stressful cry did that to her.

"Though, be ready to move, you're the fastest student here, we may need you to make a run for the artifact!"

[Cleric of Hell's Brigade]

OT: Keep on trucking to the city, guys. I'll follow this up tomorrow, okay?




Also, opinion time:


How's the pacing so far?

The story?

The setting?

Anything else?


Thanks all, and good night!:)

[The Dog]

Natalie sniffled, and hugged Selma and Levi. Then, wand at the ready, she prepared to head out.

"Yes, let's...it would seem that particular forest spirit was a noble one...should you need to consult her, I shall try and channel it."

"I thank you for that Natalie." Selma said with a small smile and slight blush, squeezing Natalie's hand as she spoke.

"Now, lets hurry and get the idol before one of the more malevolent spirits in the forest decides to make its presense know." Selma added, guiding Natalie down the road marked by the red flowers.

[Froggy]

"I think it would be best if you not run about so far, so fast," Natalie remarked, "especially so soon. You know best of all what the forest can do when disturbed, ja?"

She coughed a little. Being fresh from a stressful cry did that to her.

"Though, be ready to move, you're the fastest student here, we may need you to make a run for the artifact!" Ramus nodded "Trust me I know. this forest is Killer man! don't worry about me beign raeady to get the artifact.and you sound a little sad?

OT: Keep on trucking to the city, guys. I'll follow this up tomorrow, okay?




Also, option time:


How's the pacing so far?

The story?

The setting?

Anything else?


Thanks all, and good night!:) it's all good

[Yun Lao]

OOC: I gotta go as well for the night, try not to have too much fun without me.

[Silver Knight]

Xellos at first started to relax as Kekowa simply threatened her, but was quickly alarmed again by what he said next.

This is bad. He's making a move for leadership, and he actually managed a decent sounding speech to do it.

"While collaborating with you in planning is fine with me, I remain unconvinced of your ability to communicate in our situation. These aren't gangsters, you can't just intimidate your way to the top. None of us have to cower and take abuse, and our current stressful situation is bringing everyone to the breaking point. You have just demonstrated that when everyone's nerves are stretched, your demeanour pulls on them like a cheese grater."

Interesting though. One of his insecurities seems to be his level of intelligence. A well founded fear in my opinion.

"I agree with your suggestion though, we do need to keep calm and stick together"

Even if its just a retread of my own announcement at the start. I don't have time to deal with his idiocy right now.

Turning to Natalie, he continued,

"Natalie, until we're out of mortal danger, please refrain from laying hands on those you're feeling angry with without their consent."

leaning in, he whispered mischievously,

"Or if you must, ask me first."

He then spotted Selma running towards them. She seemed to have some info. After hearing her out, he was pleased. The group headed off in the direction, spirits buoyed.



Thank god

That punk, although he is half right I must try to treat them as more equals than my fellows back home, Ill be damned for a thousand lifetimes before I let him lead them

Kekowa realized this would be a good time to speak to Nat, he caught up to her. "Hello Natalie, Im sorry about earlier, truly. I was only trying to control the situation, and then you start screeching. Personally I think Xellos is up to something, thats why Im trying to help, however for my outburst I offer you my services as your bodyguard and protector for the remainder or this trip."

OOC: With that Im going to bed. And Nat if you wish you can use Kekowa untill I return.

[Miburohunter929]

OOC: Rumble School: Civil war. Choose your sides.

I'm with Xellos. :D

[Vakanai]

Natalie nodded briefly, then shook her head.

"The nature of your magic is...well..." She tried to quietly explain ,"the Forest may try to envelop and destroy you; it sees that book as a major threat. I cannot use your help, I'm sorry."

"Ack, even the trees are against me!"

Dean laughed slightly before speaking. "I see your as popular as ever Hunter."

"So I'm begining to see..."

[FalconX2000]

OT: Keep on trucking to the city, guys. I'll follow this up tomorrow, okay?




Also, opinion time:


How's the pacing so far?

The story?

The setting?

Anything else?


Thanks all, and good night!:)

Story and setting is very good. Pacings' as good as a forum RPG can expect.

We're all having a great time RPing.

You might want to try making your dialogue a little bit less clunky when you're talking up a character. Was a little ham when Kelly and Jericho talked, but other than that your writing styles' nice and you've been setting up great stuff.

OOC: Rumble School: Civil war. Choose your sides.

I'm with Xellos. :D

OOC: Thanks for your vote of confidence.:D I like Dean, he's my favourite tank in the RPG.

[Vakanai]

How's the pacing so far?

Decent, even if you fall behind there's just enough lulls to catch back up.

The story?

Interesting.

The setting?

Promising.

Anything else?

Needs firey demon horses everyone can use as transport.:D

Thanks all, and good night!:)

Night!:)

[Chrosis]

OOC: Rumble School: Civil war. Choose your sides.

I'm with Xellos. :D

OOC: Ditto.

Sorry, he just verbally hacked that guy to pieces. :D

[Vakanai]

Hunter was feeling bothered. They were just a gaggle of kids in a forest, now wasn't the time to argue about leadership, now was the time for cooperation. Plus Hunter wasn't a follower, and he certainly didn't need a leader. "Can we not argue over something as pointless as leadership anymore?"

[Froggy]

Hunter was feeling bothered. They were just a gaggle of kids in a forest, now wasn't the time to argue about leadership, now was the time for cooperation. Plus Hunter wasn't a follower, and he certainly didn't need a leader. "Can we not argue over something as pointless as leadership anymore?"

"Seriously. I agree iwth Hunter. we need to get up on to that artifact and out of HERE!"

[GrampaGen]

That punk, although he is half right I must try to treat them as more equals than my fellows back home, Ill be damned for a thousand lifetimes before I let him lead them

Kekowa realized this would be a good time to speak to Nat, he caught up to her. "Hello Natalie, Im sorry about earlier, truly. I was only trying to control the situation, and then you start screeching. Personally I think Xellos is up to something, thats why Im trying to help, however for my outburst I offer you my services as your bodyguard and protector for the remainder or this trip."

OOC: With that Im going to bed. And Nat if you wish you can use Kekowa untill I return.

OOC: Hey, I'm GrampaGen...man, I think Natalie Schroeder is gonna start taking over my interweb life. What a tasty trap I am :( . But thanks for the offer, huzzah, twice the novels! :p

IC:
Natalie faced forward, ignoring the gaze of the large, muscular student that towered over her.

"You shouldn't attempt to control the situation if you have no idea what the situation is," she replied coldly, "and besides, Xellos has proven himself more capable of teamwork than you, a domineering, pretend Oni."

Kekowa frowned. Women. Yare yare daze...a mystic so sheltered would barely know what it takes to survive through what I have.

Glancing over to Xellos, he stood prone as he waited for his self-imposed rival to catch up from the middle of the group.

"So, what exactly do you think we're in for here?"

If I can't take control directly then I'll just have to make nice and see what you're up to. An Ice-man always melts when held tight.

[Vakanai]

The Triumvirate was feeling anxious, nervous, and it showed. Hunter could feel the heat of the tome on his back, almost burning through his pack. Red streaks of energy began to seep in and mingle with his dark chi aura. He decided to ignore it as best he could...

[Kholdhearted]

How's the pacing so far?


A tad fast, but that only because I'm involved in the Marvel and planning the Teen Titans so don't slow it don't on my account. I'm cool with bieng laid back in this one. :)

[Miburohunter929]

"Seriously. I agree iwth Hunter. we need to get up on to that artifact and out of HERE!"

"But what if a tree demon attacks? We may need a clear-cut chain of command, so that when someone yells "Run left!" and another "Run right!" we will know which way to go."

[GrampaGen]

"Ack, even the trees are against me!"



"So I'm begining to see..."

---

The Triumvirate was feeling anxious, nervous, and it showed. Hunter could feel the heat of the tome on his back, almost burning through his pack. Red streaks of energy began to seep in and mingle with his dark chi aura. He decided to ignore it as best he could...

As the group proceeded on the path bordered by red flowers, Natalie looked up and about the canopies. The wind rustling through the upper branches was as the breath of an old god.

"Have you got to the chapter regarding the Holy and the Damned in Tobin's Spirit Guide yet?" She asked Hunter, whom she still could not bear to talk with face to face, even though she knew he was the same person in spite of his rune-covered appearance

[Vakanai]

"But what if a tree demon attacks? We may need a clear-cut chain of command, so that when someone yells "Run left!" and another "Run right!" we will know which way to go."

"Or what about when the leader says 'Run right' and we all run right off a cliff? The instructors are the leaders, and when they're not leading we're a republic with equal say. That's how I'm going to handle it, cause I don't think anyone here, including me, is leadership material just yet for a group like ours," Hunter commented.

[Froggy]

"But what if a tree demon attacks? We may need a clear-cut chain of command, so that when someone yells "Run left!" and another "Run right!" we will know which way to go."
Ramus didn't get it. "but then wouldn't we be screwed"

[GrampaGen]

OT: Keep on trucking to the city, guys. I'll follow this up tomorrow, okay?




Also, opinion time:


How's the pacing so far?

The story?

The setting?

Anything else?


Thanks all, and good night!:)


Pacing's going pretty well. I understand you're sometimes strapped for time some days, that's just life, things happen. Still, coordinating between yourself, The Dog, and...the other guy (sorry, Other Guy :o ) get things moving swimmingly.

Story's just begun, but it looks promising.

Setting is flexible and well enough to accommodate everybody reasonably well. I guess it just remains for everyone to jump around this text playground in full.

[Kholdhearted]

"Or what about when the leader says 'Run right' and we all run right off a cliff? The instructors are the leaders, and when they're not leading we're a republic with equal say. That's how I'm going to handle it, cause I don't think anyone here, including me, is leadership material just yet for a group like ours," Hunter commented.

"I say your all idiots. Why don't we simply get the two fastest people, Ramus and Sirus, to run and scout round and determine a safe way out of here?" Henry shrugged

[Vakanai]

As the group proceeded on the path bordered by red flowers, Natalie looked up and about the canopies. The wind rustling through the upper branches was as the breath of an old god.

"Have you got to the chapter regarding the Holy and the Damned in Tobin's Spirit Guide yet?" She asked Hunter, whom she still could not bear to talk with face to face, even though she knew he was the same person in spite of his rune-covered appearance

"Yes, often actually. Especially on the part about the Angels," Hunter said. "I always wanted to see one. I suppose if these demons exist, then the angels must exist too, right?" Hunter asked with closed eyes and a bright smile.

[Vakanai]

"I say your all idiots. Why don't we simply get the two fastest people, Ramus and Sirus, to run and scout round and determine a safe way out of here?" Henry shrugged

"Cause then the two fastest people might not come back, and then we would have to search for them like we did for Ramus. I'm voting for us all sticking together and not getting seperated in the big, dark woods," Hunter said.

[GrampaGen]

"I say your all idiots. Why don't we simply get the two fastest people, Ramus and Sirus, to run and scout round and determine a safe way out of here?" Henry shrugged

"Because Ramus tried that and was blindsided," Kekowa replied, "Although you can try it if you wanna. Tch."

[Froggy]

"Because Ramus tried that and was blindsided," Kekowa replied, "Although you can try it if you wanna. Tch."

I'm not all for getiing blindsided either. shit sucks

[Kholdhearted]

"Cause then the two fastest people might not come back, and then we would have to search for them like we did for Ramus. I'm voting for us all sticking together and not getting seperated in the big, dark woods," Hunter said.

"I'm sure if they go together they should be fine, but if you'd rather sit here and do nothing fine by me." Henry said, lying down as he levitated.

"Let me know when the rest of you grow a pair and decide to take action."

[FalconX2000]

Hunter was feeling bothered. They were just a gaggle of kids in a forest, now wasn't the time to argue about leadership, now was the time for cooperation. Plus Hunter wasn't a follower, and he certainly didn't need a leader. "Can we not argue over something as pointless as leadership anymore?"

Xellos inserted regret into his voice,

"I doubt it will be possible to avoid the issue completely. People tend to splinter without a beacon, since everyone has their own idea of what is best. "

He gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"I just pray I can avoid it degenerating into petty politickiing or some macho battle for supremacy."

[Miburohunter929]

"Or what about when the leader says 'Run right' and we all run right off a cliff? The instructors are the leaders, and when they're not leading we're a republic with equal say. That's how I'm going to handle it, cause I don't think anyone here, including me, is leadership material just yet for a group like ours," Hunter commented.

Dean shrugged. "You've got a point, and I dont care either way, but I'd prefer it that every time someone thinks we need a bathroom break, that we would not require atleast two thirds of the majority concur with them, or we keep walking. We wont always have the luxury of sitting down and weighing the pros and cons of every situation."

Dean flexed his biceps as he spoke.

"Then again, I've always relied on doing things my own way as well. Either way, It's of little importance to me."

[Kholdhearted]

"Because Ramus tried that and was blindsided," Kekowa replied, "Although you can try it if you wanna. Tch."

"Ah, the muscle with the brain the size of a pea talks... yes, quite. And while I do find your arrogant remarks amusing, excuse me while I ignore you."


"Bro, perhaps we shouldn't be pissing everyone off." Sirus said tapping his brother on the shoulder.

"Well then perhaps this sad sap group should stop whining about who to listen to when someone says run and just take action."

[FalconX2000]

"But what if a tree demon attacks? We may need a clear-cut chain of command, so that when someone yells "Run left!" and another "Run right!" we will know which way to go."

Xellos couldn't resist a chuckle

"I'm not a micro-manager. In combat team understanding comes before command."

[Chrosis]

"Ah, the muscle with the brain the size of a pea talks... yes, quite. And while I do find your arrogant remarks amusing, excuse me while I ignore you."


"Bro, perhaps we shouldn't be pissing everyone off." Sirus said tapping his brother on the shoulder.

"Well then perhaps this sad sap group should stop whining about who to listen to when someone says run and just take action."

Peter glanced over, "Fine. You can go find the idol on your own. Nobody is forcing you to stay with the main group."

[Vakanai]

"I'm sure if they go together they should be fine, but if you'd rather sit here and do nothing fine by me." Henry said, lying down as he levitated.

"Let me know when the rest of you grow a pair and decide to take action."

"Do you not see us walking? We are not just sitting here, we are following the path of flowers here to the big and dangerous temple, where we are going to get the stone thingy. I don't know why you are so upset that there's not a lot of running and seperating the group going on, but I'm perfectly happy doing the sensible thing and trying to find the stone together as a group. See path? See walk? See walk to path to temple?" Hunter said, highly irritated. "I am so going to have to reread that book on keeping my cool cause of this..."

[GrampaGen]

"Yes, often actually. Especially on the part about the Angels," Hunter said. "I always wanted to see one. I suppose if these demons exist, then the angels must exist too, right?" Hunter asked with closed eyes and a bright smile.

Natalie nodded, "To those who are not especially attuned to the spiritual side of this life, they have come up with a compromise. It is common human nature to see the dark side, and indeed there are always greater mentions of the dark side of all things. They say that it is a test of faith and belief, that these dark things should wring their hands about us and crush our belief in the existence of good..."

She faced Hunter as his eyes were closed, reflecting on her words for a moment, then downcast her eyes behind the rim of her hat again.

"Of course, astral beings have few of the limits humans impose on themselves, ja? It is not always gods and devils out there."

[Vakanai]

Xellos inserted regret into his voice,

"I doubt it will be possible to avoid the issue completely. People tend to splinter without a beacon, since everyone has their own idea of what is best. "

He gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"I just pray I can avoid it degenerating into petty politickiing or some macho battle for supremacy."

"As do I," Hunter said. "We may all have our own idea of what is best, but that doesn't make any of us right..."

Dean shrugged. "You've got a point, and I dont care either way, but I'd prefer it that every time someone thinks we need a bathroom break, that we would not require atleast two thirds of the majority concur with them, or we keep walking. We wont always have the luxury of sitting down and weighing the pros and cons of every situation."

Dean flexed his biceps as he spoke.

"Then again, I've always relied on doing things my own way as well. Either way, It's of little importance to me."

"I don't think it'll take that long to vote. Plus, I doubt you would want to answer nature's call in this forest."

[Kholdhearted]

"Do you not see us walking? We are not just sitting here, we are following the path of flowers here to the big and dangerous temple, where we are going to get the stone thingy. I don't know why you are so upset that there's not a lot of running and seperating the group going on, but I'm perfectly happy doing the sensible thing and trying to find the stone together as a group. See path? See walk? See walk to path to temple?" Hunter said, highly irritated. "I am so going to have to reread that book on keeping my cool cause of this..."

"I simply think that your going about it painfully slow... but fine, I have nothing better to do, I can wait till next week when we finally find the stone."

"Bro, seriously cut it out."

"OR WHAT YOU BURST CONDOM MISTAKE!?"

Sirus was shocked, and had tears running down his cheek at that remark.

[Froggy]

"Wow.....not cool" was all Ramus had to say about that.

[Vakanai]

Natalie nodded, "To those who are not especially attuned to the spiritual side of this life, they have come up with a compromise. It is common human nature to see the dark side, and indeed there are always greater mentions of the dark side of all things. They say that it is a test of faith and belief, that these dark things should wring their hands about us and crush our belief in the existence of good..."

She faced Hunter as his eyes were closed, reflecting on her words for a moment, then downcast her eyes behind the rim of her hat again.

"Of course, astral beings have few of the limits humans impose on themselves, ja? It is not always gods and devils out there."

"I know not of gods and devils, and I wonder what they know of me." Hunter smiled. "But I know of good. In my moments of pain, when I was in the hospital with little hope, I thought of angels and good things. Perhaps there are many more things than I am aware of, but I am aware of me, and of good, and that helps."

[Miburohunter929]

"I simply think that your going about it painfully slow... but fine, I have nothing better to do, I can wait till next week when we finally find the stone."

"Bro, seriously cut it out."

"OR WHAT YOU BURST CONDOM MISTAKE!?"

Sirus was shocked, and had tears running down his cheek at that remark.

Dean sighed in annoyance.

Eh, what annoying guys I have to deal with. Whatever, it's none of my concern, especially regarding family matters.

[Vakanai]

"I simply think that your going about it painfully slow... but fine, I have nothing better to do, I can wait till next week when we finally find the stone."

"Bro, seriously cut it out."

"OR WHAT YOU BURST CONDOM MISTAKE!?"

Sirus was shocked, and had tears running down his cheek at that remark.

And I'm supposed to be the demon mage. What a jerk, Hunter thought quietly to himself. "You know," he said, "you might not want to attract such negative energies to yourself, cause you have just attracted three little demons who are now dancing around in your aura." Hunter could actually see the little devils. He was sure most others could not see them, but they were there, dancing around in glee.

[The Dog]

"I simply think that your going about it painfully slow... but fine, I have nothing better to do, I can wait till next week when we finally find the stone."

"Bro, seriously cut it out."

"OR WHAT YOU BURST CONDOM MISTAKE!?"

Sirus was shocked, and had tears running down his cheek at that remark.

Turning to the arguing brothers, Selma let out a low growl as she said "Leave Sirus alone Henry! You don't know how lucky you are to have a brother! You don't understand what it's like to be alone when your parents are always gone on "business", leaving you by yourself!"

"You don't understand how it feels to know that the closest thing to a parental figure you'll ever have is your martial arts sensei! Noone but him to listen to your hopes, your dreams, and help you with your problems and fears! To always come home to an empty house after school, learning to cook so you didn't starve to death!"

Selma's eyes widened as she realized what she said, her hands quickly covering her mouth as she backed against a tree, tears of pain flowing down her cheeks.

[GrampaGen]

"Ah, the muscle with the brain the size of a pea talks... yes, quite. And while I do find your arrogant remarks amusing, excuse me while I ignore you."


"Bro, perhaps we shouldn't be pissing everyone off." Sirus said tapping his brother on the shoulder.

"Well then perhaps this sad sap group should stop whining about who to listen to when someone says run and just take action."

Kekowa seethed internally. Then he remembered what had happened earlier, and thought it better to act concerned. That kid was asking for some tough love. With a paternalistic air, he turned to Henry and spoke.

"Hey you, bubbleboy. I bet you think you're really hot shit with that huge melon on your neck? Taking advantage of all that gradeschool garbage they spoonfeed you. "The brain is mightier than the brawn,", right? Sad saps we may be, but at least we have something. All you have is your bubble."

He pointed back towards Daichi.

"You see him over there? Yeah, that seven foot tall Buddha-chan. He went out on his own too, but what happened to him? He had his power drained, and had to scrap in order to survive. He's still alive because of this."

Kekowa flexed and pointed to an arm rippled with muscle.

"So you think you're special, that you can take this forest on your own. That's great, but you can barely defend yourself outside of your invisible bubbles. If this forest takes it away, you can barely do anything with those chicken legs and melon head."

He then turned to Sirius.

"He's lucky to have you, frankly. No little brother should go anywhere without a hand to hold, especially if they haven't gotten over that kiddy invincibility mindset..."

[Kholdhearted]

And I'm supposed to be the demon mage. What a jerk, Hunter thought quietly to himself. "You know," he said, "you might not want to attract such negative energies to yourself, cause you have just attracted three little demons who are now dancing around in your aura." Hunter could actually see the little devils. He was sure most others could not see them, but they were there, dancing around in glee.

Turning to the arguing brothers, Selma let out a low growl as she said "Leave Sirus alone Henry! You don't know how lucky you are to have a brother! You don't understand what it's like to be alone when your parents are always gone on "business", leaving you by yourself!"

"You don't understand how it feels to know that the closest thing to a parental figure you'll ever have is your martial arts sensei! Noone but him to listen to your hopes, your dreams, and help you with your problems and fears! To always come home to an empty house after school, learning to cook so you didn't starve to death!"

Selma's eyes widened as she realized what she said, her hands quickly covering her mouth as she backed against a tree, tears of pain flowing down her cheeks.

Kekowa seethed internally. Then he remembered what had happened earlier, and thought it better to feign concern. A little white lie thrown into the mix never hurt either, but that kid was asking for some tough love. With a paternalistic air, he turned to Henry and spoke.

"Hey you, bubbleboy. I bet you think you're really hot shit with that huge melon on your neck? Taking advantage of all that gradeschool garbage they spoonfeed you. "The brain is mightier than the brawn,", right? Sad saps we may be, but at least we have something. All you have is your bubble."

He pointed back towards Daichi.

"You see him over there? Yeah, that seven foot tall Buddha-chan. He went out on his own too, but what happened to him? He had his power drained, and had to scrap in order to survive. He's still alive because of this."

Kekowa flexed and pointed to an arm rippled with muscle.

"So you think you're special, that you can take this forest on your own. That's great, but you can barely defend yourself outside of your invisible bubbles. If this forest takes it away, you can barely do anything with those chicken legs and melon head."

He then turned to Sirius.

"He's lucky to have you, frankly. No little brother should go anywhere without a hand to hold, especially if they haven't gotten over that kiddy invincibility mindset..."

Henry felt anger building up inside him, all the negative energy. He'd never been more angry in his life yet he didn't know why, was it the forest? No. Couldn't be. Could it? For some reason it actually felt good to be angry. He couldn't stop.

All he knew now was that he was with a bunch of useless morons and the he needed to go ahead on his own if they.. no, he were to accomplish anything.

"I don't need any of you! I can go ahead on my own and take care of this myself! So all of you can just...---AAARGH!" Henry suddenly grabbed the sides of his head and collapsed to the ground, unconcious.

Sirus rushed to his side, picking him and shaking him "C'mon bro, wake up! Wake up! What the hell just happened?"

[Vakanai]

Henry felt anger building up inside him, all the negative energy. He'd never been more angry in his life yet he didn't know why, was it the forest? No. Couldn't be. Could it? For some reason it actually felt good to be angry. He couldn't stop.

All he knew now was that he was with a bunch of useless morons and the he needed to go ahead on his own if they.. no, he were to accomplish anything.

"I don't need any of you! I can go ahead on my own and take care of this myself! So all of you can just...---AAARGH!" Henry suddenly grabbed the sides of his head and collapsed to the ground, unconcious.

Sirus rushed to his side, picking him and shaking him "C'mon bro, wake up! Wake up! What the hell just happened?"

"He got angry, rage demons showed up, fed off the bad vibes he was giving off, and...he passed out from stress I would imagine," Hunter said. He then began making shooing motions to drive the little devils off. Strangely, they bowed to Hunter before scampering off. He decided to pretend he didn't notice that.

[Chrosis]

Peter looked around, his gaze first falling on the two crying individuals, the unconscious Harry, and the angry bystanders. He put a comforting hand on Selma's shoulder, his eyes moving from face to face, "...what just happened here?"

[Kholdhearted]

"He got angry, rage demons showed up, fed off the bad vibes he was giving off, and...he passed out from stress I would imagine," Hunter said. He then began making shooing motions to drive the little devils off. Strangely, they bowed to Hunter before scampering off. He decided to pretend he didn't notice that.

Sirus, completely ignoring what his brother said earlier, picked him up and put him on his shoulder. "Don't worry bro, I'll get you outta here alive. I'll make sure of it."

[Froggy]

"Ok....magic is weird. VERY weird" Ramus noted, before looking aroudn to make sure there were no vines staring at him

[The Dog]

Peter looked around, his gaze first falling on the two crying individuals, the unconscious Harry, and the angry bystanders. He put a comforting hand on Selma's shoulder, his eyes moving from face to face, "...what just happened here?"

Selma shook her head, her voice muffled slightly by her hands as she said "Th-They were arguing over who should lead us, He-Henry was in-insulting the gr-group and giving hi-his own opi-opinions... T-then he snapped a-at his brother, and we defended him... the-then..."

At this she slid to a seated position on the ground, silently sobbing to herself as she held her forehead with one hand, shaking her head slightly as she did so.

[GrampaGen]

Henry felt anger building up inside him, all the negative energy. He'd never been more angry in his life yet he didn't know why, was it the forest? No. Couldn't be. Could it? For some reason it actually felt good to be angry. He couldn't stop.

All he knew now was that he was with a bunch of useless morons and the he needed to go ahead on his own if they.. no, he were to accomplish anything.

"I don't need any of you! I can go ahead on my own and take care of this myself! So all of you can just...---AAARGH!" Henry suddenly grabbed the sides of his head and collapsed to the ground, unconcious.

Sirus rushed to his side, picking him and shaking him "C'mon bro, wake up! Wake up! What the hell just happened?"

Kekowa grunted in consternation, watching the elder brother shake the lifeless body of the younger.

"Like I said," he continued, "where the hell would he be without you, Sirius"

Calling to the head of the group, Kekowa said, "Yo! Bubble-boy shut himself down! Got anyone that knows any medicine in this party?"

Natalie had barely gone from comforting Selma, whose own fears and trauma had spiked, when Henry had collapsed with an extreme backlash of psychic energy. She pat Selma on the back, told her to sit down, and head back towards the brothers.

"You don't know how to do ANYTHING but intimidate do you?," she scolded Kekowa on her way back, "Verdummen...Sirius, what happened?"

[Vakanai]

Sirus, completely ignoring what his brother said earlier, picked him up and put him on his shoulder. "Don't worry bro, I'll get you outta here alive. I'll make sure of it."

"Take care of him. I'm sure he didn't mean what he said, anger just gets the best of us sometimes," Hunter said shooting an ice bullet into the ground. He scooped some of the ice into a little plastic bag he had brought with him. "Here, keep this on his head, otherwise the headache he's going to have when he wakes up will be a hell of a lot worse."

[Kholdhearted]

Kekowa grunted in consternation, watching the elder brother shake the lifeless body of the younger.

"Like I said," he continued, "where the hell would he be without you, Sirius"

Calling to the head of the group, Kekowa said, "Yo! Bubble-boy shut himself down! Got anyone that knows any medicine in this party?"

Natalie had barely gone from comforting Selma, whose own fears and trauma had spiked, when Henry had collapsed with an extreme backlash of psychic energy. She pat Selma on the back, told her to sit down, and head back towards the brothers.

"You don't know how to do ANYTHING but intimidate do you?," she scolded Kekowa on her way back, "Verdummen...Sirius, what happened?"

"I think this forest started taking him over somehow, probably all the negative vibes and rage demons as Hunter said got to him and took him over. He's not usually like that, he's pretty much the quite type, except around Rhia."

OC: Great job on RPing as Kekowa btw :D

[Miburohunter929]

Peter looked around, his gaze first falling on the two crying individuals, the unconscious Harry, and the angry bystanders. He put a comforting hand on Selma's shoulder, his eyes moving from face to face, "...what just happened here?"

It took a moment for Dean to register what had just occured. It seemed to...akward to him. To convinent. In the back of his mind, he was recalling a TV show in which a man would work himself into a frenzy, and next thing you no, a heart attack. It was similar, but Dean doubted that the kid would be having heart problems of that mangitude at such an age. But it was certainly strange.

Dean thought for a moment before addressing Peter.

"I'm as clueless as you are. If I didnt know better, I'd say he worked himself into such a frenzy that something gave, but that's usually for people with medical conditions like heart attacks, right?... I didnt get such an impression from him."

[Kholdhearted]

"Take care of him. I'm sure he didn't mean what he said, anger just gets the best of us sometimes," Hunter said shooting an ice bullet into the ground. He scooped some of the ice into a little plastic bag he had brought with him. "Here, keep this on his head, otherwise the headache he's going to have when he wakes up will be a hell of a lot worse."

"Yeah, thanks." Sirus said looking to the ground

"Listen, uhhh, Hunter. I'm really sorry for what my brother did. You gotta believe me when I say he's not usually like that. I think the forest did something to him."

[Vakanai]

It took a moment for Dean to register what had just occured. It seemed to...akward to him. To convinent. In the back of his mind, he was recalling a TV show in which a man would work himself into a frenzy, and next thing you no, a heart attack. It was similar, but Dean doubted that the kid would be having heart problems of that mangitude at such an age. But it was certainly strange.

Dean thought for a moment before addressing Peter.

"I'm as clueless as you are. If I didnt know better, I'd say he worked himself into such a frenzy that something gave, but that's usually for people with medical conditions like heart attacks, right?... I didnt get such an impression from him."

"Or clusters of brain tumors. What? So I watched soap operas," Hunter said with a sheepish smile.

[Vakanai]

"Yeah, thanks." Sirus said looking to the ground

"Listen, uhhh, Hunter. I'm really sorry for what my brother did. You gotta believe me when I say he's not usually like that. I think the forest did something to him."

"It's okay, don't worry about it."

[FalconX2000]

"Seriously. I agree with Hunter. we need to get up on to that artifact and out of HERE!"

Xellos squeezed his shoulder too. Refer to previous reply on page 130.

OOC: Ditto.

Sorry, he just verbally hacked that guy to pieces. :D

OOC: Yay! Good to know.

"I simply think that your going about it painfully slow... but fine, I have nothing better to do, I can wait till next week when we finally find the stone."

"Bro, seriously cut it out."

"OR WHAT YOU BURST CONDOM MISTAKE!?"

Sirus was shocked, and had tears running down his cheek at that remark.

Xellos winced. He was a relative outsider, and it was a personal dispute.

Though it pained him, it was best to let the brothers sort it out themselves.

Kekowa seethed internally. Then he remembered what had happened earlier, and thought it better to feign concern. A little white lie thrown into the mix never hurt either, but that kid was asking for some tough love. With a paternalistic air, he turned to Henry and spoke.

"Hey you, bubbleboy. I bet you think you're really hot shit with that huge melon on your neck? Taking advantage of all that gradeschool garbage they spoonfeed you. "The brain is mightier than the brawn,", right? Sad saps we may be, but at least we have something. All you have is your bubble."

He pointed back towards Daichi.

"You see him over there? Yeah, that seven foot tall Buddha-chan. He went out on his own too, but what happened to him? He had his power drained, and had to scrap in order to survive. He's still alive because of this."

Kekowa flexed and pointed to an arm rippled with muscle.

"So you think you're special, that you can take this forest on your own. That's great, but you can barely defend yourself outside of your invisible bubbles. If this forest takes it away, you can barely do anything with those chicken legs and melon head."

He then turned to Sirius.

"He's lucky to have you, frankly. No little brother should go anywhere without a hand to hold, especially if they haven't gotten over that kiddy invincibility mindset..."

Xellos couldn't decide whether he should frown or smile. Kekowa was isolating himself further from the group...

OOC: You might wanna edit it a little. Kekowas' rude and a blockhead, but hes' an honest fellow. In fact, one big reason he hates me is because he suspects Xellos is some weasel that's going to backstab the group.

[Chrosis]

Selma shook her head, her voice muffled slightly by her hands as she said "Th-They were arguing over who should lead us, He-Henry was in-insulting the gr-group and giving hi-his own opi-opinions... T-then he snapped a-at his brother, and we defended him... the-then..."

At this she slid to a seated position on the ground, silently sobbing to herself as she held her forehead with one hand, shaking her head slightly as she did so.

Peter knelt next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. He wasn't good at this. Never was. He knew it, too. Despite this, he felt then need- no, moral obligation to comfort Selma.

"Hey", he murmured in a hushed tone, "Everything's going fine now. Henry's going to wake up in a bit, then we can keep moving, find the idol, and get out of here. Alright? Can you do this?"

[GrampaGen]

"I think this forest started taking him over somehow, probably all the negative vibes and rage demons as Hunter said got to him and took him over. He's not usually like that, he's pretty much the quite type, except around Rhia."

OC: Great job on RPing as Kekowa btw :D

OOC: Thanks :)

IC:

"Rage demons?"

She looked across the forest floor through her Astral Avatar. Indeed there were spectral forms twisting in the air, tiny winged figures, and blood red in color.

Like that book...

Natalie sensed a haggared panic from Hunter, as if her were hiding something, but for the moment, Henry's life was more important.

"Oh...um, well then, surely that's actually the least of our problems," she stuttered momentarily, then regained her composure,"your brother is very strong in psychic matters, has he received any formal training? Sometimes with the ability to peer with the Mind's Eye, one does not take into account things that peer back."

She heard the rustling of the trees, the astral plane fogged with the intense life energy of the area.

"And there are many, many things that peer back"

[Kholdhearted]

OOC: Thanks :)

IC:

"Rage demons?"

She looked across the forest floor through her Astral Avatar. Indeed there were spectral forms twisting in the air, tiny winged figures, and blood red in color.

Like that book...

Natalie sensed a haggared panic from Hunter, as if her were hiding something, but for the moment, Henry's life was more important.

"Oh...um, well then, surely that's actually the least of our problems," she stuttered momentarily, then regained her composure,"your brother is very strong in psychic matters, has he received any formal training? Sometimes with the ability to peer with the Mind's Eye, one does not take into account things that peer back."

She heard the rustling of the trees, the astral plane fogged with the intense life energy of the area.

"And there are many, many things that peer back"

"No, no official training. Henry and I just tested and developed our powers alone so I guess this must be the first time someone or better yet... something has invaded his mind." Sirus said, adjusting Henry a little so he could carry him more comfortably.

[Froggy]

"thansk for the reassurance Xelloss"

[Miburohunter929]

"Yeah, thanks." Sirus said looking to the ground

"Listen, uhhh, Hunter. I'm really sorry for what my brother did. You gotta believe me when I say he's not usually like that. I think the forest did something to him."

"Ugh. What an unhappy place this is." Dean said with an annoyed sigh.

Dean didnt think anyone was in much condition to do much, what with women crying left and right, men screaming at one another, and the collapse of one brother. The whole thing left him tired, and he hadnt even taken part in any of the action. He considered calling for a break, but he didnt know how serious Henry's condition was, so decided it would be for the best to see how things played out.

"Well. What now?"

[Vakanai]

OOC: Good night all!

[Miburohunter929]

OOC: Good night all!

OOC: Adios amigo.

[The Dog]

Peter knelt next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. He wasn't good at this. Never was. He knew it, too. Despite this, he felt then need- no, moral obligation to comfort Selma.

"Hey", he murmured in a hushed tone, "Everything's going fine now. Henry's going to wake up in a bit, then we can keep moving, find the idol, and get out of here. Alright? Can you do this?"

Selma wiped the tears from her eyes as she said "I-I'm sorry Peter, I-I'm no-not usually li-like this. I-it's just I had so-some bad memories bro-brought up from my past, and i-it ju-just temporarily ov-overwh-whelmed me."

Giving Peter a hug, Selma wiped a few remaining tears from her eyes as she said "I'm fine now. Thanks for the compassion Peter. I don't know how to repay you for your kindness."

[GrampaGen]

OOC: You might wanna edit it a little. Kekowas' rude and a blockhead, but hes' an honest fellow. In fact, one big reason he hates me is because he suspects Xellos is some weasel that's going to backstab the group.

OOC: Ah okay, ill keep that in mind. Yeah i wasnt around for your earlier interplay, im just kinda winging it from profile details :)

[Chrosis]

Selma wiped the tears from her eyes as she said "I-I'm sorry Peter, I-I'm no-not usually li-like this. I-it's just I had so-some bad memories bro-brought up from my past, and i-it ju-just temporarily ov-overwh-whelmed me."

Giving Peter a hug, Selma wiped a few remaining tears from her eyes as she said "I'm fine now. Thanks for the compassion Peter. I don't know how to repay you for your kindness."

Peter was tempted to smile, and tried not to, but he couldn't contain a slight twitch of his lips. He helped Selma to her feet, "No problem."

OOC: G'night!

[Miburohunter929]

OOC: Ah okay, ill keep that in mind. Yeah i wasnt around for your earlier interplay, im just kinda winging it from profile details :)

OOC: Oh yeah, Keko totally hate's Xellos. He thinks he's a lazy manipulative slacker, who would like nothing more than to stab us all in the back while on the toilet.

Most of this is based on Xellos being nosy and quiet, and shooting someone in the back during the teacher battles or something.

[GrampaGen]

"No, no official training. Henry and I just tested and developed our powers alone so I guess this must be the first time someone or better yet... something has invaded his mind." Sirus said, adjusting Henry a little so he could carry him more comfortably.

"Oh my..." Natalie stopped in her tracks, "Sirius, were Henry to become the avatar of one of these rage demons...with his psychic powers he could be detrimental to our goal."

He is by far the strongest psychic in the class, were he to be used as an instrument for a malevolent purpose, I'm not sure anybody could stop him...

Kekowa thought to himself, Great, now we're sidetracked. This is why I don't deal with kids.

"I don;t understand this. If we're gonna stop though," he sighed ," someone may as well stand watch, right?"

Better to work together than shove everyone away/

Natalie continued with Sirius, "I believe we'll need to...analyze your brother, see if there is any maleficent prescence inside...it's for our safety, ja?"

[Kholdhearted]

"Oh my..." Natalie stopped in her tracks, "Sirius, were Henry to become the avatar of one of these rage demons...with his psychic powers he could be detrimental to our goal."

He is by far the strongest psychic in the class, were he to be used as an instrument for a malevolent purpose, I'm not sure anybody could stop him...

Kekowa thought to himself, Great, now we're sidetracked. This is why I don't deal with kids.

"I don;t understand this. If we're gonna stop though," he sighed ," someone may as well stand watch, right?"

Better to work together than shove everyone away/

Natalie continued with Sirius, "I believe we'll need to...analyze your brother, see if there is any maleficent prescence inside...it's for our safety, ja?"

"Sure, do whatever is necessary." Sirus nodded.

[Miburohunter929]

"Why do I get the feeling that this wont be as simple as it sounds?" Dean said with a serious tone.

[FalconX2000]

We need to keep moving. Circumstances are too much in our favour. Murphys' law must not be allowed to take effect.

He picked strong looking sticks along the way, carrying them over his shoulders, when he had enough, he broke off lengths of vine and tied them together in a makeshift stretcher, which he passed to Sirius.

"I won't be able to help you carry him, but put him on and find someone to hold up the other end. You won't have the energy to defend him otherwise."

He squatted beside Natalie

"Nat, when you're done examining him, we'll need to keep going. The stretcher will do right?"

[GrampaGen]

"Sure, do whatever is necessary." Sirus nodded.

"Danke...okay, who is available..."

Natalie looked around. When the march stopped many of the group seemed to drift off or fall asleep.

"I need to glimpse inside his mind, on the Astral Plane. However, with psychic powers on Henry's scale, I don't know if I can channel enough life energy. Selma! Xellos! Ramus! If you are willing, I could use some magical energy...Sirius, would you be willing to journey into the Astral plane?"

Astral wha? Kekowa thought, skimming his eyes across the ground and the treeline

[FalconX2000]

OOC: Oh yeah, Keko totally hate's Xellos. He thinks he's a lazy manipulative slacker, who would like nothing more than to stab us all in the back while on the toilet.

Most of this is based on Xellos being nosy and quiet, and shooting someone in the back during the teacher battles or something.

Actually, its because of the sneaky way in which I fought. I only got hit once despite participating in all 5 fights.

[Miburohunter929]

Actually, its because of the sneaky way in which I fought. I didn't get a single bruise despite participating in all 5 fights.


OOC: Haha. Indeed.

[GrampaGen]

Natalie approached Henry's unconscious body and placed a hand on his forehead. He was burning up, but his breath was quiet and slowed. Closing her eyes, she muttered a small incantation, while reminiscing on something to strengthen her.

Good and Evil, Natalie, are human labels. In general people label the beneficial as good, and detrimental as evil, and this is, logically, where subjectivity and relativity come into play in the human condition. However, we are but people, a small part of a greater world, that can either prosper or drown.

However, that is not to say Good and Evil do not exist, mein kinder, for so long as we err to the graces of the spirits that balance the planes, those who would seek to destroy us as we do so are those that would tear the asunder!

To struggle, fight, and win against these forces of chaotic, tumultuous malice, and show your sisters and brothers the way to harmony, that, Natalie Schroeder, is your mission!

Tearing slightly in anticipation for something horrible, she breathed in before she gazed into his mind.

"Ein...zwein...dreine..."

She moved her spiritual body as she entered a trance, moving into the proximity of the younger Savage brother as he lay.

Then for a brief moment, the demon appeared

http://z.about.com/d/psp/1/0/N/1/-/-/silenthillart02.jpg

It cast Natalie out from the Astral scape and back into her own head, she shuddered and grew weak in the knees.

[FalconX2000]

"Danke...okay, who is available..."

Natalie looked around. When the march stopped many of the group seemed to drift off or fall asleep.

"I need to glimpse inside his mind, on the Astral Plane. However, with psychic powers on Henry's scale, I don't know if I can channel enough life energy. Selma! Xellos! Ramus! If you are willing, I could use some magical energy...Sirius, would you be willing to journey into the Astral plane?"

Astral wha? Kekowa thought, skimming his eyes across the ground and the treeline

He nodded.

"My mana is yours."

Mid-way through channeling it, however, Natalie was ejected from her spell.

As her knees buckled, Xellos caught her.

"You alright? 1 unconscious party member is quite enough thank you."

He queried with a bit of mirth. She seemed a bit shaken, he hoped it would help.

[GrampaGen]

double post

[GrampaGen]

He nodded.

"My mana is yours."

Mid-way through channeling it, however, Natalie was ejected from her spell.

As her knees buckled, Xellos caught her.

"You alright? 1 unconscious party member is quite enough thank you."

He queried with a bit of mirth. She seemed a bit shaken, he hoped it would help.

OOC: Well goddamn, everyone left, guess we might pursue this tomorrow.

IC:
Shuddering, she draped an arm over Xellos.

"Yes, it would seem that Henry has something within him, but he's still fighting it. It wasn't a demon with a rational form or body, the sheer psychic power is holding it at bay...but I'm not sure how long it will last."

It was a long time, seemed as if days had gone by since they set foot into the forest. At least with the teachers the students would know they would live to learn by their mercy. Here, the serene forest betrayed its image with an old magic that attracted who knows what from the great beyond. Leaning on Xellos, Natalie sighed.

"I am very tired...I don't think I'll sleep; no, I can't fall asleep if I tried. But Xellos just...just sit with me for a while..."

OOC: and with that, it's time to sleep. Handing Kekowa back to Silver Knight :)

[FalconX2000]

OOC: Well goddamn, everyone left, guess we might pursue this tomorrow.

IC:
Shuddering, she draped an arm over Xellos.

"Yes, it would seem that Henry has something within him, but he's still fighting it. It wasn't a demon with a rational form or body, the sheer psychic power is holding it at bay...but I'm not sure how long it will last."

It was a long time, seemed as if days had gone by since they set foot into the forest. At least with the teachers the students would know they would live to learn by their mercy. Here, the serene forest betrayed its image with an old magic that attracted who knows what from the great beyond. Leaning on Xellos, Natalie sighed.

"I am very tired...I don't think I'll sleep; no, I can't fall asleep if I tried. But Xellos just...just sit with me for a while..."

OOC: and with that, it's time to sleep. Handing Kekowa back to Silver Knight :)

"Shh, I'm here. Rest a while."

Xellos whispered as he sat down with her. Stroking her head slowly, he lulled her into a light trance.

Motioning for Dean to come closer, he said,

"Tell everyone we're stopping for a while. Get some rest, don't leave the group. take a partner if you're answering natures' call. Some of the vines around here contain water and there seem to be fruits on some of the trees, though try to test for poisons first if you want to eat."

A demon within Henrys' mind...maybe I ought to fight poison with counter poison...

Sitting with Natalie, his gaze turned to Hunter.

[Corey Dreher]

OT: Sorry I missed it last night, can someone sum of what is excatly going on?

[FalconX2000]

OT: Sorry I missed it last night, can someone sum of what is excatly going on?

I challenged Rhia to a Soul Calibur duel tonight (game time) and alot of characters joined into the third hilarious conversation of this awesome RPG.

We've been trasported to a forest for another training/test by the teachers. The objective is to find a hidden idol and bring it back to the starting point. They've had to throw us in faster than they normally would due to a crisis in the school building up: theres' a mole in the shcool and we're the only house fully trusted by the Headmaster, meaning we must win the tournament and get some important position.

Once we got here, Daichi ran off on his own and Ramon got flung into the forest by a vine. I created a magic ice trail so we can track back where we come from, and we all stuck together and went to rescue Ramon. We managed to, and at some point Daichi returned to us as well.

Along the way, Selma got in contact with a forest spirit, who showed her the way to the idol in exchange for a favour that it would call upon in the future.

Xellos and Kekowa have been vying for leadership of the group, and I think I've more or less managed to win them over. The various characters have been stressing out, and in Henry Savages' case he's gone comatose because he got infested by some demon and is trying to fight it. Natalie tried to enter his mind and cure him, but was cast out after catching sight of it.

For now we're having a rest stop while everyone recovers.

You really should try reading if you have the time though. Its 20 pages of exceptional fun.

[Vakanai]

OOC: I got an hour before class starts to rp...

IC: Hunter was surprized. He had noticed the rage demons gathering around Henry, but according to Toban's such demons only fed of the negative energies of humans and enticed them to anger. They were never actually supposed to be able to get in a person's body, that was in the domain of higher demons only. So whatever was in Henry, Hunter sensed it was something far worse than the little troublemakers he had shooed away.

[FalconX2000]

OOC: I got an hour before class starts to rp...

IC: Hunter was surprized. He had noticed the rage demons gathering around Henry, but according to Toban's such demons only fed of the negative energies of humans and enticed them to anger. They were never actually supposed to be able to get in a person's body, that was in the domain of higher demons only. So whatever was in Henry, Hunter sensed it was something far worse than the little troublemakers he had shooed away.

Xellos asked Hunter,

"Hunter, as i've said before, you're book contains a very powerful demonic presence. Perhaps you could see if its possible to will it to do battle with the one in Henry? I'll be here to help you pull it back if things get ugly."

[Vakanai]

Xellos asked Hunter,

"Hunter, as i've said before, you're book contains a very powerful demonic presence. Perhaps you could see if its possible to will it to do battle with the one in Henry? I'll be here to help you pull it back if things get ugly."

"Eh? You want me to force a demon to fight another demon...WHAT?" Hunter said, feeling just a tad shocked...

[FalconX2000]

"Eh? You want me to force a demon to fight another demon...WHAT?" Hunter said, feeling just a tad shocked...

"Poison is often counteracted with a nullifying poison. I am hoping that either your demon will win, or will at least weaken and distract the one in Henrys' mind enough that he can push it out on his own. If yours is deadset against it, there's no helping it. You're not strong enough to dominate it yet. But surely it would be happy to get a chance to stretch its legs, even if its on a short leash."

[Vakanai]

"Poison is often counteracted with a nullifying poison. I am hoping that either your demon will win, or will at least weaken and distract the one in Henrys' mind enough that he can push it out on his own. If yours is deadset against it, there's no helping it. You're not strong enough to dominate it yet. But surely it would be happy to get a chance to stretch its legs, even if its on a short leash."

"I suppose I could try..." Hunter said, feeling a little nervous. He had never tried to contact a demon in a book before.