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Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Zoya enters. She looks distinctly worried. Instead of sitting at the bar, she paces back and forth, looking out the window with ever-increasing frequency. * Tyl stomps in, her cloak fluttering behind her. She looks an odd combination of pissed off, worried, and nervous all at the same time * Michelle returns behind the bar. She's wearing a red dress over a white blouse. The dress is embroidered with daisies. Her moon earring is waxing towards full. <Tyl> Evening, Michelle. Michelle: Good evening Zoya, Tyl'gainia. Can I get anything for either one of you? <Tyl> Yeah. How about an apprentice who does what he's told? * Zoya shakes her head at Michelle, then spins and looks at Tyl. "What?" <Tyl> Vallel went tearing after Jaret... he's racing around Suzail with that overgrown fop! * Temire is perched on a stool at the bar. She's wearing knee high boots, a short blue skirt with a darker blue blouse and leather bracers. Her rapier is belted at her waist. Michelle: What did Vallel do? <Tyl> He and that overdressed.... ::takes a deep breath:: He's trying to help Jaret find Glossaria. She's been kidnapped. <Michelle> I'd hardly call Jaret a fop. But you're right. From the last I heard Vallel doesn't have anywhere near the control to be involved in something this dangerous. ::Turns to Temire:: That's exactly why I'm keeping you were I can watch your back for you. <Zoya> ::mouth drops open:: He... Oh, gods... <Tyl> ::waves her hands in infuriated disgust:: I don't even know how he got *out* there * Zoya resumes pacing, even faster this time. <Michelle> Could he have spontaneously discovered a new talent? * Lisl slinks in quietly, looking rather tired and haggard. "'Evening, all. Kick, Michelle?" She turns her head, scanning the room. "News, Zoya?" <Tyl> ::snert:: I doubt it. Teleporting is very draining to a psionic. * Michelle begins mixing a drink in a tea cup. * Michelle stops her preparations and pours Lisl her paint thinner. * Zoya snarls, though not *at* Lisl. "Vallel, the idiot, went haring off after Jaret to Suzail." <Temire> Good evening Lisl. <Lisl> ::moving to the bar to pick up her drink:: Thanks. ::taking a sip:: What? Vallel? *Why*? <Tyl> Idiot is not exactly the right word... Romantic imbecile might be close <Zoya> ::tosses her hands up in the air:: To come to Glossaria's rescue, of course! * Michelle finishes preparing her drink. <Masato> ::Moon Dancer's body enters the Hall. By his demeanor, his countenance and his air, Masato has moved wholly to the front of 'Dancer's mind, and he scans the room. Spotting Zoya, he smiles coldly, and walks to a table at the side of the Hall:: <Lisl> ::Eyes narrowing dangerously:: Glossaria's *WHAT*? <Tyl> Oh... joy... Look, Lisl, it's Tweedle-Dee the wonder-dummy * Michelle looks at her drink, "Guess this isn't going to get used." * Masato sits down, and looks at the remaining Patrons in the Hall, all of whom he regards with a barely contained arrogance. <Lisl> ::putting down her 'kick carefully and turning to face Masato warily:: Not this time, Tyl. * Zoya stops pacing as Masato comes in, and turns to face him, watching him coldly. * Tyl reaches into her cloak and pulls out a small bottle, snatches Michelle's tea cup away from her and dumps a few ounces of white powder into it. With a convulsive jerk, she downs the liquid <Lisl> Well, well, well. <Masato> ::at his side is the thin katanas Marten displayed his mastery with to Lisl, and his clothes are cut to allow him to move easily about the room if he needed to. They appear to be a tightly corded armor, and his dress resembles ornamental armor more than anything else, but still retains its suppleness:: * Tyl makes a hideous face and hands the cup back to Michelle with trembling fingers. <Tyl> That's terrible stuff Michelle... were you planning on drinking that, or bathing with it? <Lisl> Good evening, Lord Hirosha. Find what you wanted in Suzail? No? WHAT a pity. ::her voice is frigid, her eyes rimmed with gold:: <Zoya> Where's my apprentice, Masato? <Michelle> Actually I was planning on having Zoya drink it. But I'm rather found of it myself. Sure it wasn't whatever you added to it. <Tyl> Oh, that stuff's pretty vile as well... but what you were drinking tasted like chocolate mouth-wash * Masato cocks his head in Lisl's direction, and smiles at Zoya. "You haven't told them yet, I see. What have you been waiting for?" * Zoya smiles with false sweetness. "You mean you haven't been watching?" <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow, looking between Masato and Zoya:: * Masato nods slightly. "And if I have? I have been watching your friends flail around, trying to protect people that have nothing to do with the two of us, my love. Still, you allow them to believe things that will never come true. Why?" <Tyl> Self-centered egotistical overly pretentious jerk... ::mutters:: <Lisl> ::pricking her ears at Tyl's comment and nodding:: Pretty much, yeah. <Michelle> I was trying to find a more elegant way of putting it, but I agree whole heartedly Tyl'gainia. <Zoya> ::straightens:: Where. Is my. Apprentice? <Tyl> I think he owns a mansion on Pretentious Lane [forgive me my spelling as I forgive those who misspell against me] <Lisl> [LAUGH] * Masato smiles slightly, and the smile spreads across his face. "Finally, something to provoke a reaction. She is serving her purpose, my love. She will be here soon enough." * Masato stands, and walks over to the bar. He stands by Zoya, and smiles. "Are you in a hurry to increase the size of the party here? I was hoping we would have some more time alone. To ourselves, to discuss things." <Lisl> ::shaking her head:: I can't believe an ego that large went completely unnoticed in Marten's head for so long. <Zoya> ::nods:: The red herring, of course. You've been very clever, Masato. I could almost admire that, if you hadn't aroused my hatred. * Masato nods slightly. "Not clever enough, of course. Your friends are bright, and they almost figured it out early enough. But..." He stops, and frowns. "Time runs short for we two, dear. We must away before the clock strikes midnight." <Tyl> I'm amazed that it fits in the room with the rest of ours... ::winks at Lisl:: * Michelle surreptitiously picks something up from beneath the bar. <Zoya> What makes you think I'm going anywhere with you? <Lisl> ::sighs:: I'm amazed that we stand here doing nothing about it, really. But I rather expect an evil mage to be spelled to the eyeballs. *I* don't want to touch him. Personal reasons aside. <Tyl> Delusions of adequacy, Zoya... <Masato> ::frowns:: Fate. Destiny. You are mine, and I, yours. It has always been as such, and it will always be so. You cannot fight it, love. ::he extends a hand to Zoya:: Come. It is time for us to depart, and leave these... others to their games. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Only the dead are trapped by fate, Masato. As you so obviously are. ::grinning:: We're going to *so* enjoy taking you out. * Michelle giggles loudly. "You've gone through this HOW many times, and you still haven't figured it out yet." * Zoya looks at his hand with something like loathing, then slowly allows her gaze to travel contemptuously back to his face. "You'll have to give me a better reason than that." <Tyl> Heh... too bad that woman with the weirdo star ain't around. She's good at undead <Michelle> It would have been interesting to consult Nacheyla on this matter. Unfortunate none of us thought of it. * Masato looks at the contempt pass across Zoya's face, and he reaches across the bar, picking up a mug. He tosses it across the Hall, and it shatters against the far wall as he stands, yelling. "Reason?! You demand a REASON?! You are MINE. That is reason ENOUGH!" <Lisl> Besides, he's not undead, exactly. As I understand it. <Tyl> Oh shut up, twerp... she's not deaf you know <Lisl> Temper, temper, Masato. I think you have to learn that *all* the toys *aren't* yours. * Temire jumps off her stool, "You have got to be kidding me. Even I wouldn't listen to that kind of shit, let alone someone as powerful as Zoya!" <Zoya> ::gazes coldly at the mug's shattered remains:: One more death to answer for, Masato. ::she looks back to him:: I am NOT an object to be possessed. That marks the third time I've told you that. You will not be told again. <Tyl> ::the other glasses come out and start wailing over the death of their friend:: <Temire> [Thanks KT.] <Tyl> [Masato's going to be facing some hostile serviceware here shortly...] <Lisl> [NO! Not another silverwar!] <Tyl> [that was really clever, Karen] <Lisl> [I try.] * Masato spins, facing Lisl. He makes a motion with his hand, and Lisl is shoved across the room, hitting the far wall hard enough to leave an impression in it. She tries to move, but cannot. "Enough! I will only take so much insolence..." * Tyl reaches under her cloak and removes a few steel ball bearings... she holds them flat in her palm where they slowly levitate and spin around her open hand * Masato turns back to Zoya, getting increasingly angry. "Now, Zoya. We will be leaving." * Michelle places something into the window which promptly vanishes (the object, not the window). <Zoya> ::not moving:: *We* are not going anywhere. * Lisl grunts as her back is slammed against the wall. Something cracks, and Lisl bares her teeth in a feral grin. "You're going to put up with a HELL of a lot more insolence before this is over, you bastard. * Masato walks over to Lisl, stopping just out of arm's reach. "We are not leaving?" * Michelle shoots a questions glance at Zoya. * Masato looks at Lisl, and frowns as he talks to Zoya. "Either we leave, or they leave. The choice is yours." He waves his hand slightly, and Lisl promptly disappears. * Michelle reaches up to her earrings and begins muttering under her breath. * Temire draws her sword and assumes a fighting stance. * Tyl raises her hand up towards her mouth. The steel balls begin to glow red. * Masato looks at Zoya. "Who will be next, love? Us, or another friend?" <Zoya> ::takes a deep breath:: Masato, Hirosha, whoever you are - I am not your love, and I am *not* going with you. * Masato flings his arm to his side in anger, leaving a trail of destruction across the floor in his arm's path. "WHY DO YOU PLAY THESE GAMES?!? I. AM. MASATO. And, you are mine." The_Wall: [a face appears in the mirror behind the bar, and spins one finger around its ear] * Masato points toward the wall Lisl formerly occupied, and a stream of white light bursts from it, boring a hole in the wall. He turns back to Zoya. "We leave, or they all die." <Michelle> ::A shower of rainbow light pours in from the window scattering around the Hall. As the light approaches Masato however it scatters into technicolored droplets.:: <Michelle> Shit! * Zoya reaches out a hand. There is a brief flicker around Zoya, and a bolt of bluish light shoots out to avert the destruction. She says nothing. <Tyl> ::the small steel balls, glowing hotly, whirl faster in her hand:: * Masato spins back to face Zoya. "So. You have made your choice, then?" * Zoya cooly meets Masato's gaze. "My decision has been made all along, Masato. I'm sorry you chose to disregard it. I'm not going anywhere with you. Why should I give myself to someone with so little regard for life? I myself would be dead in a matter of days." * Zoya lifts both arms, and her shield flickers very briefly again, and similar shields flicker into place around Michelle, Tyl, and Temire. * Tyl tentatively pokes at the shield in front of her. * Temire looks very startled and drops her guard. * Masato looks at Michelle, and her shield pops out of existence. Then, Masato waves his fingers, and she, too, disappears. "Who's next, Zoya? Her? Her? Who?" * Michelle attempts to cast a spell when the shield goes down but can't get it off in time. * Temire looks where Michelle was standing, then charges Masato. * Zoya 's gaze hardens. "Both of them, then, Masato, and then me as well. I am not yours, and never will be, even if I have to kill myself to prevent it." * Masato looks at Temire, and waves his arm, sending Temire sprawling across the room. * Temire rolls to her feet and growling a curse charges again. <Masato> ::looking at Zoya, he starts walking toward her, slowly:: No, you won't. I will not allow you to leave without me. I will not allow you to leave with him. You betrayed me once, and went to his side. You will not do so again. * Masato looks at Temire, and bands of energy wrap her arms and legs, binding her to the floor. * Zoya stands her ground, watching Masato coldly. She draws a small knife from her belt and holds it loosely in her left hand. * Masato takes another step to Zoya, and his hand slides to the blade at his side. "I have given you every chance to redeem yourself, Zoya. I have waited patiently for you to remember. My patience grows thinner by the heartbeat." * Zoya watches as Masato examines her shields, then smiles thinly, almost cruelly. * Masato stands, staring at Zoya, and starts to chant. As he does so, sweat breaks out on his brow, and he seems to be straining against a great effort. <Tyl> ::looks around for someone to make a smart assed comment to:: Why is it so hard to understand that she just doesn't like you? * Zoya begins to look slightly pale, but stands her ground. * Masato takes a step back, and drops his hands to his side. He steels himself, and then takes a plodding step toward Zoya. "These... childish... shields... will... only... last so long... love." <Tyl> You don't love her, you sick bastard. You just want a possession. <Zoya> True. But will they last longer than you can, I wonder? * Temire fades out of existence leaving Masato's bindings behind. * Tyl blinks hard a few times. * Zoya stands her ground, but lifts the blade and stands with it pressing into the hollow of her throat, pointed slightly upward. * Masato stops walking forward, eyes pulled tight into thin slits. "You... are... MINE." With a supreme effort, he breaks through Zoya's shields, hand reaching through to her blade. * Jaret enters the Hall. His hat is missing, and a cold look fills his glittering blue eyes. The rapier and klaive are strapped to his belt, but they run across his body, the scabbards parallel to each other, the klaive behind and above the rapier. He stops two paces into the Hall. "Masato-san." * Vallel races in, pulling Glossaria behind him * Zoya 's blade just pierces her throat as Jaret bursts into the room. She steps backwards, away from Masato's grasping hand, gaping in relief. * Masato stops, pulling his hand back and nearly stumbling backwards. Slowly, groggily, he turns to face Jaret. He smiles, and his hand reaches to his side. * Glossaria enters on their heels, looking a little worried, VERY confused, and none the worse for her confinement. <Jaret> Zoya ne qui gon Akiyata. * Masato stares at Jaret, stunned. His brain works for a few moments, then seems to burst through a small blockage. "So. You've been hiding under my nose the entire time, Yurigama. I am impressed." * Glossaria enters on their heels, looking a little worried, VERY confused, and none the worse for her confinement. * Vallel takes one look at Tyl's face and jerks Glossaria out of the line of fire <Jaret> Masato-san, you have erred gravely. Please, leave this place, these people. Return to your rest. * Temire fades back into existence, en guarde, two meters behind Masato. * Glossaria 's eyes widen. "Mistress! Are you alright? You whoreson BASTARD, I told you you wouldn't kill her! * Zoya dashes past Jaret to Vallel and Gloss. Her shields flicker as she pulls both of them tightly again, and then are re-established around all three of them. <Glossaria> [she had something FAR more creative worked out, but it was too long to type] * Michelle reappears and looks around re-evaluating the situation. <Tyl> Stop insulting people's mothers, Glossaria... it's not the poor woman's fault that she should have found a slippery stick instead * Jaret moves between Masato and Zoya, Vallel, and Glossaria and relaxes into a stance, his knees slightly bent. * Masato looks at Jaret. "I have not erred. You are here, and she is here. There is no mistake." * Glossaria is surprised out of her anger by Tyl's comment, blinks for a moment or two, and starts to giggle. <Masato> ::looks at Jaret:: You do not want to stand between me again, Yurigama. Your honor is already destroyed. Do not dishonor your family as well. * Masato places his hand on the scabbard of his blade. "Yurigama. You will stand aside. I command it." * Michelle picks something up from beneath the bar. <Jaret> I am here because you are here, and I have been given a chance to redeem my past failure. Stop this now, please. Hirosha-sama is long gone, as is Akiyata-san. My honor is tied to these people's lives. I cannot leave them. ::places his hand on his rapier's hilt:: * Tyl is sweating slightly <Masato> You are wrong. You are blinded by their current forms, Yuri. You are blinded by their current faces. You are blinded by your shame. Again, I command you: stand aside. She is my bride. <Tyl> I think you should file for divorce, Zoya... * Yurigama sadly shakes his head. "She is Zoya. Only you and I have returned, you because you betrayed our lord, and I because I failed to keep you from that betrayal. Their current forms is what is true, we are the one with faces that lie." * Zoya chuckles softly at Tyl's comment, but her grip on Gloss and Val is tight. * Masato spits at Yurigama. "I betrayed NO ONE! He stole my love, and my life! He sent me to DIE, you coward, and you stood by his side. How could you, when you had bound yourself to me? How DARE you?!" * Lisl reappears with a soft "pop" of displaced air. Her exposed skin is covered with abrasions, and heals even as she draws a breath and brushes gritty sand from her hair. * Vallel nervously whispers to Zoya * Zoya notices Lisl's reappearance with visible relief. * Michelle holds up her left hand and a globe of pure white light forms in it. <Lisl> That. Does. It. * Lisl curls her hands into fists, bringing them up as her Claws shimmer and coalesce around them. Her eyes are a blazing wolf-yellow, and a low growl issues from her throat. * Vallel mutters to Zoya again Yurigama: My allegiance is bound to the daimyo, above all. Even your wrath should not blind you to that. Now, please, leave this place. Abandon the body that you have stolen. We have trod this path before, we stand in our footprints from those days long ago. Don't force us to continue down this road." * Zoya speaks very quietly to Val without turning her eyes from the confrontation before her. * Masato waves his hand, magical energies from it knocking over tables and chairs in its path. "This... path. I was removed from this path. By you. I am here to resume my walk on my proper path, traitor. Will you stand in my way again?" <Lisl> ::her voice is barely recognizable as human:: Enough of this. The dead are going back where they belong. Starting with HIM. ::pointing a claw at Masato before springing lithely at him, pointy bits first. <Masato> [And here it goes...] <Michelle> Lisl, WAIT! <Tyl> Lisl! NO! * Yurigama bows his head slightly, and lets out a low sigh. "I must do what is right, Masato. The path is what happened, and none of our desires can change that." * Masato turns lightly on his heel, blade singing from his scabbard in one fluid motion. It extends toward Lisl's midsection as Masato steps back and away from Temire. Masato then turns and swings at Temire. * Lisl ignores the calls, or doesn't hear them through the battle-roar of her blood in her ears. * Tyl blinks, her eyes tearing up. Nonetheless, she nods grimly at Zoya. Her fireballs whirl even faster and with a flip of her palm, she sends them spinning at Masato * Yurigama whips his rapier from its scabbard and moves in to engage Masato in close-in fighting. * Temire starts to move forward but sees the swing coming at her and JUST manages to parry. Unfortunately she's off balance. * Masato doesn't even notice as the fireballs race toward him, and dissipate around his magical shields. He turns for a moment to face Temire and Lisl, assessing the situation. * Lisl grunts as Masato's blade slices into her flesh, barely noticing the wound as it heals seconds after being inflicted. She darts to one side, claws reaching for the flesh of Masato's back. <Zoya> ::Seeing Masato busy, Zoya drops her shields and releases Glossaria and Vallel.:: Go, get out of the way - stay out of it! ::She begins to chant quietly under her breath:: * Yurigama tries to slap Masato's blade out of his hands. * Masato steps lightly to the side to parry Yurigama's sword-work, and motions with his one free, right hand. A small fire-based maelstrom appears in the center of the Hall. * Vallel pulls at Gloss's arm, trying to get her behind the bar * Glossaria ducks low and runs from Zoya for the relative safety of the bar with Vallel. "Um...this may not have been such a good idea..." <Glossaria> ::looking at the fire:: * Zoya edges away from the fire [Why is it always FIRE around here?] and continues chanting. * Temire jumps for the stairs as the fire maelstrom start, throwing a pair of shivs at Masato as she does so. * Michelle throws the globe of light at the kitchen door knocking it open, "Get out that way children." * Masato knocks Temire's projectiles to the floor, retreating to the back of the Hall as quickly as possible. * Vallel makes a face at Michelle, half-terrified, half insulted * Yurigama advances on Masato, shuffling forward in a very odd-looking, but rapid gait. Vallel: The silverware! ::he exclaims suddenly, dashing into the kitchen:: * Temire jumps behind the bar and starts shoving Vallel and Glossaria towards the kitchen. * Zoya finishes her spell, and all the walls erupt in a shimmering blue. [Nothing can get in or out until the spell drops, by any means.] * Masato looks at Yurigama, squaring himself and wincing slightly, allowing the pain from the gashes on his back through his mental shields. <Vallel> ::a line of cups, bowls, pots and pans, all with legs, come out of the kitchen. They begin throwing water, dousing the flames:: <Masato> ::as the maelstrom grows, founts of flame shoot from the storm, aiming for whomever happens to be close:: <Michelle> Children! Into the kitchen this instant! <Tyl> ::with a disgusted snarl, Tyl reaches across the bar for a tap... a certain tap:: * Zoya 's manacles have spread to cover her forearms. She looks at Michelle, then at the fire, and snarls as she starts casting again. * Masato advances on Yurigama, with blows designed to put some distance between himself and 'gama. <Yurigama> ::Yurigama's left hand dips to his belt and comes back wielding Moon Dancer's klaive. He stutters back a pace, but begins using both blades to parry Masato's blows and soon is holding his ground:: <Masato> ::as he does so, it becomes obvious he's making a move in Zoya's direction:: <Michelle> ::The utensils race back into the kitchen followed by Temire who slams the door shut.:: * Lisl circles, looking for another opening on Masato, trying to pin him between combatants. * Masato curses slightly, swinging his blade twice to occupy 'gama's other two blades, and then throwing a spinning kick toward his head. <Zoya> ::The maelstrom of fire abruptly extinguishes, and Zoya's shields slam back into position as she sees Masato's trajectory:: * Tyl jumps over the bar, grabs a stone mug and pulls on a tap. Clear fluid pours into the cup. Gently, very gently, she sits the cup on the bar, as far away from the flames as possible * Yurigama ducks, the blades forming a steel wall over his head, and aims a snap kick at Masato's knee. <Lisl> [wait...he advanced...is that a BACK I see?] ::ducking in again, raking her claws through the air towards Masato's off-hand. <Michelle> Tyl what the Hell are you doing?!? * Masato falls, rolling underneath Lisl's rake as his knee buckles from Yurigama's kick. <Michelle> Tyl, how many minds can you shield simultaneously? <Lisl> Hells! ::Lisl pulls her cut sharply to avoid slicing Jaret:: <Michelle> Can you select WHO you shield? * Masato frowns as the people around him start to descend upon him. He stops, on his hands and knees, and yells. "ENOUGH!" A sphere of magical energy extends from Masato, sending just about everyone in the room sprawling to the corners of the Hall. * Yurigama re-establishes himself between Masato and Zoya, dipping back a little to give Lisl's slice some room, both blades out and ready. * Zoya sways under Masato's onslaught, but thanks to her shields manages to keep her feet. <Tyl> [everyone feels a little weird suddenly.... like someone wrapped a furry blanket around your mind (well, except for Moron, of course)] * Yurigama is knocked back a pace by Masato's blast, but glares at him. "You repeat everything, Masato-san. Cease. Now." * Michelle gives a brief piercing scream. * Tyl gets up, looking at the cup in her hands. She laughs suddenly, almost hysterically. <Lisl> ::tumbles back ass-over-teakettle, rolling another rotation before springing to her feet again:: <Tyl> I didn't know I could do that. ::she shakes the cup upside down. The liquid inside seems to be encased in some sort of shield:: <Michelle> [It's painful to everyone's ears and feels like it's echoing in your mind but Tyl's shield protected you from the worst of it.] * Masato takes the opportunity to stand quickly, and moves decisively toward Zoya, ignoring his bleeding ears. He looks at her, and mutters something quietly. A ... shaft of magical energy erupts from him, blinding everyone in the room. It lands on Zoya's shields, and starts to bore through. "You. Will. Be. Mine... Or no one's... at... ALL." <Lisl> AAAAARRRGGGGHHH!!!! ::Lisl slaps her hands to her ears, glaring at Michelle:: * Zoya looks at the energy boring through her shields and begins slowly to walk closer to Masato. * Michelle pulls the gun from beneath the bar and fires at Masato. * Tyl throws an arm up to protect her eyes, then, desperately, she throws the cup at Masato * Yurigama races to Masato, and slashes at him, trying to disrupt his concentration again. * Masato takes the bullet from Michelle's gun, then flinches as the 'Kick bounces off his arm, and for a moment is suspended in mid-air. It erupts, and knocks him across the room. * Yurigama is also blown back by the exploding tempest from the teacup. * Zoya continues walking toward Masato. * Michelle blinks out from behind the bar and starts charging up a spell. * Lisl 's eyes widen for a moment as the liquid starts to slosh from the cup, and drops to the floor faster than a dead woman, covering her head with her arms. * Masato tries to stand, and manages to prop himself up on one hand. He coughs, and blood spurts from his mouth and splatters on the floor. He stops, and takes a breath before standing completely. He turns to face Zoya, his sword in his hand. * Yurigama gets up onto one knee and shakes his head to dispel some of the haziness. * Zoya reaches out a hand and rests it almost gently on his chest. There is no expression whatsoever on her face. * Yurigama snaps at the room in general. "You kill his body you kill Moon Dancer! Think!" * Lisl stands, her hair silver stubble showing through blackened fuzz. <Michelle> We know that. That's why we told Lisl to wait. The question is, will she listen this time. * Tyl staggers, then falls to her knees, pressing her hands against her temples <Zoya> ::A long spike suddenly erupts from the edge of her manacle, piercing Masato's body and emerging from his back. Zoya continues to look at him without expression.:: * Yurigama rises to both feet, raises both blades again. His eyes widen when he sees Zoya standing right in front of Masato, and then sags as Zoya runs Masato through. * Tyl with one last, final effort, Tyl slumps over to the floor * Michelle holds her spell in check, ready to release it the moment it seems that Zoya's lost control of Masato. * Masato twitches, and looks at Zoya. He opens his mouth to speak, and blood pours from his mouth as his lips work to form words. "Why?" His eyes reflect his unspoken words. * Vallel shrieks from the kitchen and races back into the main room, gathering up Tyl's limp form in his arms. <Zoya> "I already told you, Masato. You wouldn't listen." * Lisl stands motionless, waiting. Her lips twitch in satisfaction, but her eyes are sad. * Temire races out after Vallel sword still drawn. She surveys the scene, and then relaxes to see what's going on. <Yurigama> ::Yurigama's blades droop, and he slowly begins to walk to Masato:: * Masato reaches to put his hands on the end of the shaft in his chest, and starts to try to push himself off of it. * Vallel puts his hand on Tyl's chest in alarm. <Glossaria> Vallel-- oh. ::puts a hand to her mouth as she exits the kitchen to see Masato impaled on Zoya's spike.:: * Masato summons up the last of his strength, and shoves himself off the weapons formed from Zoya's Chains. <Vallel> Oh, Gods... someone help me... she's not breathing! * Zoya stumbles backward, glares at Masato, and her shields flicker back into place. * Glossaria looks between her Mistress and Vallel, a stricken look on her face. With tears in her eyes, she moves to Tyl's side and drops to her knees, placing a hand on her chest. * Masato falls to the floor in a near-lifeless lump. His breath comes in spurts, mixed with blood from his mouth, from his chest. * Temire turns to see if Glossaria can do anything for Tyl. <Masato> ::he moves his hand slightly, slowly, trying to start a spell:: * Zoya steps back to Masato hesitantly, watching. "Yurigama? Can you tell when he has departed?" * Lisl takes several steps forward, dropping to one knee, her right Claw poised over Masato's throat to strike down if he even twitches. * Yurigama moves to Masato, drops his swords, clasps Masato in his arms, and gently lays him down on the floor. "Masato-san...?" <Zoya> I believe I can heal the man, but I won't until Masato is gone from him. * Masato ignores everyone, hand still trying to work the necessary physical components of a desperate spell. * Michelle walks over to Masato. "If you can't Zoya I know I can." * Glossaria pops a newly-crumpled written-on napkin into her mouth, chewing rapidly as her hand gauges Tyl's breathing. * Vallel kneels by his teacher's side, covering his face with his hands. Tears are leaking out down his cheeks <Yurigama> ::in a dead tone:: I don't know if there is enough of Moon Dancer left here to sustain the body if Masato is gone. <Zoya> Zoya ignores her, watching Masato's face intently. * Lisl shifts her aim from his throat to his working fingers, and plunges down, pinning his hand to the floor with 8" of steel. * Zoya winces. "Lisl. Stop. Please." * Masato looks at Yurigama, lips moving again. Without words, he mouths, "You will not win, Yuri." * Masato looks at his hand, then at Lisl. He stops, and lets his arm fall limply at his side. <Zoya> ::to Yurigama:: I believe there is. I can only try. It was the only way - you must know that. * Yurigama moves to take the component from Masato's hand, but stops when Lisl impales his hand to the floor. "Neither of us will win, Masato-san. Neither of us can win." * Lisl 's eyes barely flicker to Zoya before moving back to Masato. "He's not having you, Zoya. And he's not dishonoring 'Dancer." * Masato looks from Yurigama to Zoya, eyes closing slowly. He faces Zoya, and moves his lips slowly. As he stops breathing, Zoya can barely make out the words. "I'm not afraid, now." <Zoya> No, Lisl, he's not. Stop it, before you damage his body past all hope of recovery. * Yurigama stares up at Zoya. "Masato still is inside him. I... I don't know if he will leave at all, without the death of the body." * Masato stops breathing, and his body collapses. * Yurigama catches him in his arms, holding him off the floor. * Glossaria frowns slightly, and bends down, placing her lips to Tyl's heart. A glimmer of silver, beautifully bright, flickers for a moment on her lips before sinking into Tyl's chest. <Michelle> If he loosens his hold on Moon Dancer I can exorcize him. But as long as he's holding on tightly... * Zoya touches Marten's face, then looks up at Yurigama. "That was considered. It will be difficult, but I believe I can do this thing. If Masato is gone, may I have him, please?" * Michelle starts counting under her breath. * Yurigama places Moon Dancer's body on the floor, stands up, and walks away. * Tyl jerks convulsively, her arms flailing... * Zoya kneels on the floor and cradles Moon Dancer's body in her arms. She begins to pray, very quietly, under her breath. * Yurigama stops, and slowly begins to turn in place. * Tyl coughs, splutters, and starts breathing again. Her face becomes less pale * Lisl stands and steps back, giving Zoya room. Blood drips from her Claw, puddling on the floor. * Vallel cries out in sudden relief, reaching a trembling hand towards Tyl's shoulder * Zoya becomes pale, and begins to sweat. Her prayers are a hasty mutter, barely intelligible. * Glossaria sits back on her heels and smiles happily, before swaying a bit and putting a hand to her forehead. <Vallel> Thank you... ::places his other hand on Gloss's shoulder:: <Zoya> ::After a few moments, it becomes obvious that Zoya is talking to Erdian directly instead of calling him, and her voice climbs almost an octave as she talks faster and faster.:: <Tyl> ::very weakly:: Oh... oh hells... ::this is said sort of reverently, actually:: <Glossaria> You're welcome, love. ::her face is very pale, and when next she speaks, her voice is faint:: It's been a very long day. ::She slumps to the floor in a dead faint.:: * Yurigama stops looking about the Hall, takes a white cloth out from a pocket, cleans each side of each blade in turn, and returns each to its scabbard in precise, fluid motions. <Tyl> ::low undertone to Vallel and Gloss:: If even half of the things I've heard about Erdian are true, we might want to move out of the way... to Waterdeep, perchance * Lisl 's head snaps up sharply, and she stares at Zoya, her lips forming the word "No..." <Zoya> ::finally, reaching a crescendo, Zoya cries out. Nothing happens at all for a long moment...:: * Vallel helps Tyl back to behind the bar, then returns and drags Gloss's limp form back with him. The two psionics peer around the edge of the bar together, looking comically like children awaiting Father Christmas [or the Marsember variation thereof] <Zoya> ::Light of a thousand colors explodes from Zoya's body, and she screams in agony. Her body, kneeling on the floor, convulses with the energies pouring through it. The light bounces around the room at random, each beam eventually landing on Marten's body and soaking in slowly.:: * Yurigama remains impassively still during Zoya's display. * Zoya collapses to the floor. <Lisl> ::shielding her eyes:: Erdian, no! <Lisl> Zoya! ::rushing to her friend's side, and kneeling:: Not again, damn it all...not AGAIN! <Michelle> Not again what Lisl? * Yurigama moves to stand over Moon Dancer's body, hands hovering warily near his waist. * Tyl crawls out from behind the bar and gently pulls Lisl away. * Masato starts to rise slowly toward the ceiling, the intensity of the light emanating from him growing slowly as he reaches the ceiling. Once there, he floats for a few moments, the brightness of his body forcing everyone to squint. <Tyl> I don't think Erdian is trading one for the other, my friend... * Yurigama obligingly squints. <Lisl> ::Lisl doesn't move:: Cleric! Get her a cleric, dammit! <Zoya> [/me counts the clerics in the room, starting with herself. One.... Um, one.] * Tyl hugs Lisl from behind, pressing a face wet with tears against Lisl's back * Masato starts to quiver slightly, and then, just as suddenly as all this started, the lights in Masato's body go out, and his body falls to the floor. <Glossaria> [the unconscious Gloss says, HEY!] <Michelle> I'm here Lisl, and if I don't use all this power I've been holding onto soon I'm going to need a cleric, so don't worry about it. * Yurigama stares intently at Masato's eyes. <Zoya> [You're an apprentice! You don't count!] <Glossaria> [:P 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,....] * Masato doesn't move for several moments, but then takes a slow, pained breath, followed by a more confident second. Slowly, his breathing evens out, and the wounds on his body have all disappeared. * Marten starts to breathe normally, but does not open his eyes. <Lisl> ::holding Zoya's still form against her chest:: Dammit, girl, stop bleeding...don't MAKE me bite you... <Yurigama> ::still looking at the now-breathing body:: "What have you done? What have you *done*?!" * Zoya shifts slightly in Lisl's arms and coughs ever so faintly. * Lisl nearly drops Zoya in surprise. <Lisl> She's alive! Zoya, I'm going to *kill* you! <Zoya> [::laugh::] <Michelle> Lisl, DON'T overreact. Jaret or whoever you are, keep an eye on that thing. ::Michelle kneels next to Zoya and slowly begins to pass her hand an inch over Zoya's body, a soft blue glow emanating from her hand and leaving a briefly glowing tracery on Zoya's body (the observant will see that the tracery corresponds to the wounds Masato received).:: * Yurigama is still intently staring at Moon Dancer's body's face. * Tyl looks over at MD/Marten/Masato curiously <Tyl> ::in a low voice, filled with dread and dismay:: Oh... this is lovely * Michelle places one hand over Zoya's heart and the other on Zoya's brow, then closes her eyes and starts singing softly. * Lisl still cradles Zoya in her lap as she glances over her shoulder at Tyl. "We don't need new crises right now Tyl...what?" <Tyl> There's no one in there... no one at all <Michelle> ::A white glow pours off Michelle's hands and into Zoya.:: <Lisl> Will SOMEONE stop being inscrutable and make SENSE for a change, dammit??? <Yurigama> That's reassuring, actually. It means both Masato and his created face are gone. <Tyl> There is NO ONE in there... ::looks at Lisl:: No mind inside that body. <Lisl> Nothing....at all? ::hugging Zoya a little:: <Tyl> Blank slate.... * Tyl crawls over and gives Yuri a quick glance, then touches MD's forehead * Yurigama doesn't interfere with Tyl, but watches curiously. <Tyl> Maybe a little bit of something... but buried deep... I can't... reach it <Lisl> Then....she failed, after all...? * Vallel moves out from behind the bar and firmly grabs Tyl as she sways. <Vallel> Yes, well, you can't do anything about it now. * Michelle rocks backwards and collapses onto her rump. "That's the best I can do for her. She'll live if she's taken care of until the wounds heal. The rest is the price she paid for saving the body." <Tyl> It's not... not Masato... but I don't know who it is <Michelle> Temire, get the mirror from underneath the bar. <Yurigama> It depends what it is. If Masato has left an anchor point behind him, then we must be wary. If it's the fragments of Moon Dancer, then all is well. <Lisl> Marten...it *must* be Marten...for her sake. <Yurigama> ::quietly:: There is no Marten. <Tyl> It's not Masato. I'm sure it's not... but I've 'spoken with Moon Dancer a few times in the past... it's not him either <Vallel> Come on, Mistress. Let's get you to bed. You need rest. Nothing else is going to happen right now.. ::tugs on her arm:: <Lisl> ::giving Yurigama a glare:: My, my, my...you seem to know an *awful* lot about it, Jaret. If that's who you are, anymore. ::Lisl's voice is bitingly sarcastic:: * Tyl starts to protest, then stands up with Vallel's help "I hate it when the children are right... don't you?" * Temire retrieves the hand mirror and gives it to Michelle. <Yurigama> I am Yurigama and Jaret. I was allowed to come here to try to prevent Masato from committing a horrible wrong. When all is done, Yurigama will depart, leaving Jaret unharmed. <Glossaria> ::on the floor behind the bar, Gloss's eyes flutter:: Vallel...? * Michelle lifts Dancer into her lap so she can see both of them in the mirror, then casts a spell. <Vallel> Are you okay, dear? ::leans Tyl against the bar gently:: Here... why don't we all go upstairs and get some sleep? <Lisl> ::looking from Zoya's still form to Marten's, before looking back up at Yuri:: You failed. Go home. <Glossaria> ...Zoya? <Vallel> She's resting... <Yurigama> I'm not sure of that, yet. If Masato is banished from this form, and Moon Dancer can be recovered, then I may rest. Otherwise... otherwise I must try again. <Glossaria> ::breathing a sigh:: Alive? And...Masato? <Vallel> Gone as far as we can tell... the body's not doing so good, but we can fix that later... ::starts pushing Tyl towards the stairs:: * Michelle sighs and lowers the mirror then rests her head on MD's tears trickling down her cheeks. "There's something in there, but it's not Moon Dancer and it's not Masato." * Tyl staggers towards the stairs. <Tyl> Michelle, I'm going to go throw up, then go get some sleep. Wake me if you need anything, okay? <Lisl> ::her eyes narrowing:: And do more damage to the living? Go home, little ghost. Leave us to bury our dead. <Lisl> ::standing, and picking up Zoya:: ...and care for our wounded. <Michelle> I think we'll be fine Tyl'gainia. I'll bring up some warm water and towels in a bit if you want to clean up before going to bed. <Yurigama> ::sighs, and slowly shakes his head:: I will see this through. * Tyl nods slowly... * Vallel sighs with relief and escorts Tyl up the stairs <Lisl> Suit yourself. Just stay the hell out of my way. * Tyl sighs with resignation, and allows herself to be so escorted <Lisl> Gloss, I'll take your Mistress home. * Lisl turns to the door and walks out with Zoya's limp form, without another word. <Yurigama> I am sorry that you feel that way, and I will try not to upset you further, but I will see my duty through. <Michelle> Glossaria, do you mind if we take Moon Dancer's body to the Tower as well. I think it'll be safer for all concerned if it's there. * Glossaria pauses halfway up the steps, looking from Vallel to Lisl. With a wordless look, she follows Lisl. <Glossaria> ::looks at Michelle and nods impatiently:: I'll hold the door for you. I must stay with my Mistress. * Michelle lowers MD to the floor and shuffles quickly into the kitchen. * Adam comes out of the kitchen, lifts Moon Dancer's body, and follows Glossaria out the door. * Temire goes into the kitchen. * Temire returns from the kitchen a few minutes later with a bowl of steaming water and a tray of towels. * Yurigama turns to Temire. "Will you be all right for the rest of the evening, Temire?" <Temire> Certainly. Can I get you anything Master...Who are you anyway? * Temire sets her tray down on the bar. <Yurigama> I am who I said I am. Yurigama and Jaret. Yurigama was allowed back into the walking world to try to prevent Masato from committing a horrible wrong. When I am assured that Masato is gone, and Moon Dancer restored to his body, Yurigama will depart, and Jaret will be the only one in this body. <Temire> But what happens to the wolf cub then? <Yurigama> The wolf cub is my hope for restoring Moon Dancer's spirit to his body. The cub is the portion of Moon Dancer's self that Masato tore out of Moon Dancer's body, to make room for his spirit. If that part of Moon Dancer is re-introduced to his body, and the shreds of Moon Dancer the man can be reconstructed, Moon Dancer would be made whole again. <Temire> But without its spirit the wolf cub will die. <Yurigama> The wolf cub is a creature mostly of spirit, conceived on its mother by Moon Dancer's spirit. The spirit will not be removed from the cub, as much as the cub will be reunited with its true self. * Temire shakes her head, "I don't understand." <Yurigama> ::Yurigama's face clouds:: I am sorry. What can I do to help you understand? <Temire> Are you saying there are two spirits in the wolf cub, or are you saying that the cub was born solely so that you could kill it and restore Moon Dancer? <Yurigama> You have a belief that the cub will cease to be once it is reunited with Moon Dancer. This is not the case. The cub *is* the part of Moon Dancer that is the Wolf. I believe that the Moon Dancer's spirit conceived itself onto the mother in his old pack for the purpose of being returned to his body. <Temire> So what, the cub's body will just vanish when they're reunited? <Yurigama> Something like that, I believe. Or its physical being will be made a part of Moon Dancer's physical being. In any case, it is rapidly aging, growing to maturity very quickly. The spirit is consuming the physical form so rapidly that if we don't act fairly soon, we may lose the chance to do anything. <Temire> I should get this up to Tyl. ::Temire picks up her tray and heads up the stairs.:: If you need anything I'll be back in a few minutes. <Yurigama> No, it is best that I be going as well. I must rest soon, for I have had an exceedingly exhausting day myself. Good night, Temire. <Temire> Goodnight Jaret. * Yurigama turns, picks Masato's katana up off the floor, tucks it under his belt, and heads out the door. "Good night, Temire." ::Fade to black:: |
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