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[TheAvengerLever]

A strange man approached a nearby inn. It was raining and dark. The clouds in the sky blotted out the light of the moon. The man was limping and spasming uncontrollably as he stepped closer and closer to the inn. From inside he knew eminated an emotion. No, it wasn't an energy. Button couldn't sense energy like others claimed they could. Button could sense emotions. From inside was a feeling of calm, of divinity. Inside was the thing that he had been looking for forever. This was the treasure that had brought him to his doom. This was the treasure that had brought him into an encounter with a lost man, with nothing else to do but murder him. This is was led him to take hold of that man's body and lead him into disaster.

This item, this divinity, this solace. It brought him control. It brought him peace. It brought him madness. If it weren't for the interference of the man without a name, he would've had his desire all along.

As he stepped inside, with a grimace and a grin, his sillhouette shone to the occupants of the little inn/tavern, and, raising his knife, cackling menacingly, he murdered the men, the women, and the children, in cold blood.

Then, he climbed over the bodies to a small chest slightly hidden among non conspicuous and opened it up.

Inside was a stone, a key to a greater treasure.

[Steel Samurai]

"Thank you. All of you. We will leave on the Wrarft." He motioned to the ship behind him. "It should get us to the mainland in half the time the Namor would. The men on the Wrarft will pilot the Namor back to the Fortress. Oh, and Husky" He said without turning to where the wolf was hiding on the Wrarft "You're quite welcome to come as well." Steel turned and crossed back over the gang plank to the Wrarft.

[SL the Pyro]

(Time confusion... oh well. We'll just say that was before you the rest of you arrived on the mainland. Either that, or Avenger can disregard it, in which case I will do the same.)

"Well, well. I see that I'm not the only one whose nights bring out the beast in them."

A lightning bolt flashed, showing Z's silhouette. He had just entered the inn, hoping for some refreshments. Not that he could get any now, since the bartender was dead. He was carrying he briefcase of money. Button turned to him, flashing his mischievious grin.

"A second soul... typical. Just like the others." Z thought aloud. Button seemed... tense at the moment. Z knew that look. "Attack me, and you will die..."

[TheAvengerLever]

(Sorry 'bout the time change, everyone)

Button was breathing heavily. He couldn't relax at all now that he had found what he was looking for. Then, he heard a voice from behind him.

"Well, well. I see that I'm not the only one whose nights bring out the beast in them."

Button turned at the flash of lightning and grinned mischeviously at Z.

"A second soul... typical. Just like the others." said Z to no one in particular.

Button was poised to rush at this invader, not wanting him to interfere with anything.

"Attack me, and you will die..."

Button quickly put down his weapon.

"But who would you be killing? A 'beast' as you prefer to call me, or that second soul, the innocent--err, hardly--man who dwells inside of this mind? The night brings out the beasts in us, no. That is not true. Greed brings out the beast in us, stranger."

Button circled around Z as he spoke to him. Then he flashed a menacing smile that would make the strongest of gods quake in their armor.

"What brings you in to this nightmare, this bloodbath? Are you thirsty? I sure am!"

Button leaped over the counter and grabbed a couple of bottles of unidentifiable liquids. He tossed a bottle to Z and said, "I'm sure a thing like you can take anything thrown at you." Then Button rested his head upon his hand and leaned on the counter.

Edited by TheAvengerButton, 09 October 2006 - 11:35 PM.

[Ransom]

(love that post button)

The forest was calm. But wild. Green filtered through the canopy onto the leafy ground, redefining the word “tranquil”.

A winged man stood in the middle looking up into the treetops, his sharp birdlike eyes scanning the small patch of sky that could be seen.
He was silent, listening, looking; aware of any sign of life…

Left.

Perseus launched upwards as an arrow thudded in the tree behind him, he was already diving around the tree into the forest behind it when more arrows flew past, aimed for where the target had just been.

Perseus glided low through the forest, dodging left and right as trees passed by him like the wind. He sensed air disturbance.

Right?

Perseus turned his head to see a massive hunter’s hawk thud into the side of his body, gouging at his skin with his beak. Perseus instantly lost any altitude he had just had and slammed into a tree. The hawk circled in the air for a moment, and went for another dive, this time at Perseus’ stationary form.
But he saw the bird coming this time, and quickly unsheathed his knife and en executed a deadly upward slash at the birds chest while in the air.
The creature thudded to the ground, as blood poured out of its torso.

But the hunters had already arrived. They stepped out from behind a tree, breathing heavily.
They were all dressed with an almost elven rogue attire, complete with scimitars and large composite bows with full quivers.
A sickly skinny man ran out from behind the pack to embrace the dead Hawk.

“Baldric!”

the man rocked the dead bird’s body in his arms, crying.

“I would’ve chosen any other than you Baldric… oh Baldric….why?”

A large bearded man stepped forward to speak to the helpless form of Perseus.

“Why, a fantastic hunt my lad! To evade the Rogues of Tirevral for so long is a feat indeed! We will sup this night!”

Perseus was bewildered. The skinny man looked up.

“But baldric! We must prepare a funeral milord!”

“Trifles Fife! Trifles!” the man replied, “You have more hawks at home then nature itself! Come along my good man..”

Perseus, still lying on the ground, tried to speak, “Why did you...”

“Get up my winged friend! We have real trifles waiting for us at home! It is nigh lunchtime after all!”

The burly man helped Perseus up, gave him a hefty pat on the back (he winced), and started to lead him back through the forest.

“So, how did you come to acquire such a handy commodity?”

Perseus was still confused but replied:

“Well… it’s a long tale…”

“I love tales! Go on, it will be sometime before we reach the camp.”

---------------

Two hours later, after many a good laugh, and sharing of stories, Perseus’ were hurting him, he hadn’t walked this far since he was a boy.

They emerged in a huge glade filled with thatched houses and the smell of food.

“Here we are me lad! Well… lunch!”

The hunters eagerly ran in, leaving Perseus standing, still gazing at the village.

To think, a whole peaceful society, hidden in these beautiful woods. Looks like the ideal retreat from the troubles of the outside world. Such peace these people have… I am almost jealous…

Perseus went in to join the revelry, he was hungry after all.


Ooc: sorry guys, kindve a long useless post. but it might come in handy later...

[Chukchi Husky]

It would've been impossible to hide forever, but Husky wasn't surprised to find out that Steel knew she was on the ship. At least he let her come along instead of sending her back to the Fortress. Now that she been discovered, she decided to come out of hiding.

[SL the Pyro]

Z checked the tag on the bottle that Button had thrown him. "I'm not a drunk. I was just coming here for a glass of water..." he explained, throwing the bottle back to Button.

Z then noticed the opened chest at the side of the room. "Well, I guess that explains the massacre. What was the prize?"

[Gabe Puratekuta]

Still part asleep, Motoko walked out of the cabins and instantly noticed the new faces.
"What's going on?" she asked while walking toward the group. She then recognized Steel. "Mister Steel? What are you doing here?"
As if sensing Kitsune was nearby and Motoko's confusion, both the Kitsune Tama and the jewels on the Arashi Tenshi started to glow and teleport themselves to her


[I know that last one doesn't make much sense, but I needed something to lengthen the post out a bit more]

[Steel Samurai]

OOC: has anyone ever tried to write about your character doing extended actions without using the words "seeing" or "looking"? Freakin hard.

Steel turned his head in the direction of Motoko, a grave expression on his face. "I need your father's help, Motoko. And yours too, if you will give it to me." He lifted his face to the sky and inhaled. "A storm is coming. We must transfer your personal items before it hits." Steel motioned to the pirates on board, and they all walked across the gangplank to the namor to help moving the cargo.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Ken was glad to get things going, but one thing nagged in the back of his mind. He stepped a bit closer, lowering his voice.

"Steel, I have the crimson chest on board as well. Should your men take it to the Fortress, or should I hold on to it and deliver it to the Admiral myself?"

The boy had no idea what to do, and being torn between intuition and duty was sending him nowhere.

[Steel Samurai]

Steel pondered this for a moment. "I think it would be best for one of my men to take it to the Admiral." He called a seaman over. "Groft, see that the item the young man is about to give you is delivered to the admiral by your hands alone. Lord Juno will have your head, quite literally, if it is mislaid." He turned again to Ken. "Groft is one of my most trusted men. He will see that the chest is delivered safely."

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Ken thanked Steel, and walked belowdeck with Groft right behind him. He then opened up the compartment and after clearing away the rags, revealing the chest.

"This is it," he stated simply, "Just make sure it is never opened."

Groft gave an affirmative response, noting the chest's hiding place. Ken then walked above deck, checking over himself to make sure he had all his belongings on him. He then walked across the plank to the Wrarft, ready for the path before him.

He took note of Husky. He had seen her before at the Fortress, but never really got to talk to her.

Well, maybe I'll get the chance to know her on this voyage...

[Ransom]

(ooc: sorry another long one... im practically writing a novel here man...)



The sea was glimmering on the horizon, as the winged man, soared through the air heading back to the Namor.
He had gotten the herbs but it was now approaching nightfall so he wondered if it had been worth it after all.
He thought of his mysterious woodland friend and his mind was instantly changed, he had to say that had been one of the most enjoyable times with humans in his life.

Jupp, the burly, red-haired leader of the hunting village had instantly lead him to a table laden with the most delicious food he had ever seen. All manner of meats, vegetables and desserts prepared with excellent skill and covered in succulent garnishes. He knew he was going to enjoy it, and he did.
After that meal he felt almost twice as heavy when flying for the next hour.

When they were done eating, all the people of the village then gathered around a large fire for tales, songs and jests, the revelries led by the village bard: Gorfrid.
Perseus was enamoured at how excepting these people were to his abnormality, not one man seemed to resent him because of it, and he received little or none odd stares.
As he watched them engage in a line dance, he smiled and laughed, as hardly any of the men knew the dance, but would participate anyway, their wives forcing them to.

When there is peace in the land, what a place this would be to settle. Such happiness resides here…

There was many a sad goodbye and parting as Perseus finally headed off, loaded with the finest of woodland herbs, a Hunter’s composite bow carved by Jupp himself, and a white horn cut from some creatures tusk, covered with beautiful engravings.

“Use this if you are in trouble and in dire need of help me lad. Wherever you are, a group of Rogue’s somewhere will hear your call and come to your aid immediately. Keep it handy boy, it could save your life.”

“Thankyou Jupp.” Perseus responded, “It means more to me then you realise. I shall try and visit again my friends, and in the future for much longer! Farewell!”

Jupp ended the proceedings with a grin and hearty pat in the back as he sent Perseus off, laden with Gifts.


Now, flying over the sea, perseus saw the Namor in the distance, but heading back the opposite way towards the fortress.

What’s going on?

Perseus landed on the deck, as the whole crew, previous to the Wrarft, looked in awe astonishment at Perseus’ back.
He realised something must be wrong so he asked the nearest sailor.

“Is this not the Namor?”

The seaman stared, eyes-wide open, as he replied, “Aye… tis. But if you’re looking for the previous crew, they left on the Wrarft about an hour ago…”

Perseus flew straight over the side of the ship and up into the air, flying straight forward to where he though the ship may’ve been.

Edited by Ransom, 11 October 2006 - 09:39 AM.

[Gabe Puratekuta]

Since neither Gabriel or Motoko had any large belongings, they were packed and ready in minutes and had helped everyone else that needed it. Once on the Wraft, they had chosen quarters and decided to explore their new surroundings. Motoko stepped up to the railing on the bow of the ship and once again took out her flute and started playing. The tune was different, but the effect had remained unchanged. She was happy to be around so many friends

[Chukchi Husky]

Husky was by herself quietly when she heard the flute. She wondered where it came from, so she followed the music. It reminded her of her past, her family and her home, the time of her life that she was happy. After finding out where it came from, she sat down from a distance and continued listening.

[Gabe Puratekuta]

Gabriel heard the flute playing from belowdeck and smiled. That daughter o'mine is truely happy now. she thought and saw something very suspicious. "(What the....)" She started walking toward the object, but suddenly turned back and ran above

[TheAvengerLever]

(Edited this post)

Cap'n Button gave Z a cross look, then got up from behind the counter and walked around it.

"I don't think I could trust a man (If I could call you that) who looks like you with the information that I possess."

Button stood directly in front of the man with an unnerving calm.

"Could I?"

Edited by TheAvengerButton, 11 October 2006 - 04:21 PM.

[SL the Pyro]

Z chuckled. "I don't think it matters if you tell me or not, actually. I have my own business to attend to. And the only reason I tell you this is because it won't matter who you inform." Z got a glass of water from behind the counter; it was being drank until Button started killing everyone. He gulped it down, threw the glass away with a crash, and continued to speak.

"I'm being paid to assassinate some old man on the Taj Nar mountains. Something to do with Laz... although I think I'll find out what the geezer knows before I kill him. If he'll help me bring down Laz, I may just let him live." Z chuckled again. "Battling the old man is going to be fun..." Z finished, before breaking out into laughter.

[Steel Samurai]

Evening passed, and the moon rose, heralding the oncoming night. Steel stood on the prow of the Wrarft, wondering if, after all of this, there would be no sensei in the mountains . . . but even if there wasn't, Steel renewed his long-forgotten vow then and there to bring down Laz, whatever the price. He sniffed the air and sighed, Motoko was still playing that cheerful tune . . . Steel smiled, and took an ocarina from the folds of his kimono. He had originally learned to play in Laz, where the songs were used as a sort of password. Since then, he had learned many a lively tune in his travels. Putting the instrument to his lips, he began playing a perfect harmony along with Motoko, as the Wrarft got closer and closer to it's destination.

[SL the Pyro]

Z suddenly turned serious in the middle of his laughter, stopping it altogether. He sensed energy... a lot of it. And he recognized it, too. His eye glared in the direction of the sea, despite not being able to see it. He was more or less looking at the point where the energy was coming from.

"Grrr... Kitsune and his pathetic friends are going to be arriving shortly... I'd better get a move on." Z informed Button.

[TheAvengerLever]

Button laughed maniacally and waved Z off.

"Gargh, I have my own business to attend to, but if you ever need assistance with the bunch that you apparently sense coming, feel free to...inform me." said Button.

"I know a pretty good idea of where I'm going to go. First to the Taj Nar Mountains, and then, maybe the Western Ocean..." then Button trailed off in thought.

Edited by TheAvengerButton, 11 October 2006 - 08:48 PM.

[SL the Pyro]

"Whatever. Bye."

Z ran off to hide himself; he knew that if he went to the Taj Nar mountains now, the others would sense him. He decided to just go back home and relax; he still hadn't fully recovered from his last battle...

[Ransom]

The Wrarft was making good time, despite less than windy conditions, and was getting into the shallower waters heading for the mainland.

Perseus finally seeing it after a long sweep of the wider coast, dived downwards toward it.
After a long search he figured it must’ve been closer to the mainland then he would’ve thought.

The night sky was clear and starry, the great Oorvar (moon god) dominating the sky with a beautiful halo.

Perseus landed on the deck, hearing the beautiful music made by Steel and Gabriel.
He looked over at Steel, suspicious, but decided he would leave it for now.
He sat down next to Gabriel, relaxing his tired shoulder muscles.

“Gabriel…” he asked in hushed tones, “who is that stranger sitting on the prow… I have never seen him before. and those black bandages… is he blind?”

Perseus looked around him.

“oh, and why did we change ships?”

[Mystic Kitsune]

"We changed ships because this one can get us back to the mainland much faster than the other ship." Said Kitsune interrupting Perseus.

"And that is Steel. He helped me erase some bad memories from the past, while we fought that Shadow-creature...what was his name? Z?"

He paused and then spotted the mainland.

"Finally." Kitsune said releasing a sigh of relief...

[Gabe Puratekuta]

Gabriel looked at Perseus, the images of what she saw belowdeck still fresh in her mind.
"That's Steal. He's the one that gave me the scars that I've been more or less hiding from everyone. Yes, he is blind. Demon Kitsune did it to him before he killed it." She paused, looking up at the sky. "And he needs our help. That's why we're on a different ship."
Motoko just kept playing, her notes in perfect sync with Steel's

[TheAvengerLever]

Button watched Z disappear, then took the stone out of his pocket and looked at it.

I hope you're proud of yourself.

Oh, shutup and keep quiet.

Button locked the inn door and went to grab the bottle that Z had rejected, then opened it up and took a drink.

[Steel Samurai]

The last notes of the song echoed into the salty air. Steel put away his ocarina and bowed to Motoko. The shore was getting close. Steel walked over to Draco, who was steering the ship.
"We'll stop here and take the longboat the rest of the way."
"Yes, sir."
Draco pulled a lever next to the steering wheel, releasing the anchor from its container underneath the ship. The devicce was an invention of Dark Juno's, and all of his small fast ships were equipped with it. It allowed one person to run the entire ship. The ropes for the sails were attached to pulleys, which were attached to levers, allowing even the sails to be controlled from the helm of the ship. The Wrarft slowly came to a halt, the anchor burying itself in the sea floor. Steel jumped down onto the deck.
"We're ready to go." He said "Load your gear into the longboat and we'll be on our way." Steel turned to Perseus "Greetings winged one."

[Chukchi Husky]

Husky spent the night where she would normally be on the ship, where she was hiding, by herself. It didn't matter, she was used to it. Being a lone wolf most of her life made her used to it.

She heard the ship stop, and voices on the deck. They reached their destination. and will take the longboat to the mainland. Husky boarded the boat without anything. She didn't have any belongings, never had any except the clothes she wore.

[Gabe Puratekuta]

Both Gabriel and Motoko gathered their things and hopped onto the longboat next to Husky.
"Greetings, Husky, old friend." Gabriel said as they sat down "'Tis been quite a while since our paths have crossed."

[Chukchi Husky]

Husky remembered that voice from long ago. First she thought it was her imagination, but turning around she saw and smelled Gabriel. Husky wagged her tail, something she hadn't done for a long time.