Living Room(#4317R)
The small foyer by the front door opens into the main room of the house, which
has apparently been designated as a den. Quite good-sized, it's about 20'x30',
leaving plenty of room for the bookcases, table, desks, and chairs that litter
the place.
     The bookcases alone are probably the most notable feature. While most places
have paintings hanging from the wall, with the large bookcases occupying the wall
space, there's little room left for portraits. Only the west wall, with its large
picture window, is free of the items. A cursory inspection reveals a mix between
scholarly texts (books on physics and archaeology, encyclopedias, etc.) and
frivolous items (comic books, graphic novels, etc.)
     Everything else is sadly pedestrian, really. Just rather generic (if
comfortable) furniture, although the wide-screen TV is a nice touch. Two doors on
the north wall lead to the bedroom and his laboratory, respectively, while doors
on the east wall lead to the garage and cellar. The kitchen, adjacent to the
living room, is rather undersized for the house, but contains all the essential
appliances.
[Exits   : Back (Y)ard, (O)ut the front door, (C)ellar, (B)edroom, and (La)b ]
[Sleepers: Kigou(Pup), and Hardsuit Red(Pup) ]
[Things  : None ]

>You page, "D'ya still have the phone I gave you?" to Lyrae.
>[*] At 8:50pm, Pikachu runs up to you, bearing a message from Lyrae that reads,
"Haaaaaai n.n" [*]
>You page-pose, "Ryan gives you a ring then   n.n" to Lyrae
>In a page-pose to you, Vincent grins, "I've still gotta have Maruah get to her,
Cloud, Kim, Derek... mm... this is fun. n.n
>[*] At around 8:54pm, Lyrae strolls by with Pikachu hanging from her hair. As
she passes you, she looks up and puts on the ring! It's so pretty and - wait not
that ring n.n Onion ring? No, darn ;.; It better not be a ring around the
bathtub! *click* After the third ring, she picks up, "Hello?" [*]
>You page, "Hey, Lyrae? I have an update on the situation..." to Lyrae.
>[*] At 8:56pm, Pikachu runs up to you, bearing a message from Lyrae that reads,
"Oh hello Ryan. You do? That's great. What is it?" [*]
>You page, "Watch out for Maruah... she's being controlled by someone - possibly
Foil - and should be considered a threat." to Lyrae.
>[*] At 9:00pm, Pikachu runs up to you, bearing a message from Lyrae that reads,
"Maruah-chan? Controlled by..FOIL? That can't be right.. why would be controlling
someone?" [*]
>You page, "I'm almost 100% positive it -isn't- Foil, don't be mistaken... but
she was carry a sword that resembled his. I suspect she was found when she tried
to recover him... just be careful, yo? At least until I can get more
information." to Lyrae.
>[*] At 9:04pm, Pikachu runs up to you, bearing a message from Lyrae that reads,
"...all..right." *long pause* "...actually ..I...have some information for you
too.. whether you'd be interested or not...well.."" [*]
>You page, "Oh?  *short pause*  Maybe it'd be better if i just came and met you
somewhere, instead of talking over the phone. Where are you?" to Lyrae.
>[*] At 9:05pm, Pikachu runs up to you, bearing a message from Lyrae that reads,
"Sure yeah.. Oh, Eria and I are at the fountain in the square." [*]
>You page, "Gotcha. Eria too? I'll be there in a sec... *hangs up*" to Lyrae.
>o
You step out the front door.

** Walk cut **

City Square
Welcome to the middle of the sleepy (yeah, right), humble mountain city of
Midgaard.  The peaks that surround the somewhat smallish sprawl of constructions
about you appear a vibrant, cool purple at this distance..capped with off-white
snow at the tops.  Although the town itself recieves little precipitation from
being sheltered by this atol of sheer rock, a cold wind does comb and filter its
way through..providing a brisk, though arid, atmosphere.
  On the southwestern pointing end of town, a small, manmade pass in the mountain
valley allows for easy access from the bustling world outside.  To your north and
west are the commercial districts..manufacturing, shipping, and selling various
consumable goods.  In the east, to the 'horizon', appear to be homes of various
architectural influences..the more wealthy of said houses bordering a small
alpine lake and park.  To the south, the middle-class homes continue, thinning
out just before the open gap to the highway beyond.
  As for where you stand..it is the Midgaard City Square..Several government
offices and the larger buildings can be found on the sides of the slightly
misnomered elliptical, cobblestoned intersection.  No actual automobile traffic
passes here, being routed through the side streets..this is a strictly pedestrian
and bicycle zone.  A large, granite fountain with a statue of Odin atop it towers
nearly two stories prominantly in the center.  There are also benches about for
taking a quiet repose from the hustle of daily life.
[Exits   : (C)ity Hospital, City (H)all, (T)ransit Station, (S)outh, (N)orth,
(W)est, (E)ast, and (F)ountain ]
[Players : Rude, and Tseng ]
[Sleepers: Cierra(Pup) ]
[Things  : MPI Voting Box, and Ye Olde Message Boarde [IC!] ]

>Ryan walks towards the fountain, although the two dark-suited guys are given a
quick look over. "...?"
>l rude
Rude
    Standing before you is a very tall, bulky man that looks around 6'7" and
probably 200, or more, pounds.  Rude has light mocha, japanese skin and looks as
if a CIA agent quit his job to persue a career as a casual hitman for hire.  The
first noticable feature is Rude's completely bald head... the skin almost shining
in its hairless condition.  Lacing his strong, defined jawline is a light trail
of dark hair that meets to form a pointy goatee on his chin.  Resting securely
across his eyes are a pair of sleek, black shades which hide his eyes at all
times; easily hiding his dark brown eyes.
    Rude is currently dressed in a form fitting dark blue dress suit.  The coat
hugs his bulk just a bit and rests comfortably over his large, broad shoulders. 
The coat is buttoned up all the way except for the last two or three buttons...
allowing a glimpse of a white dress shirt, buttoned up fully, underneath and a
nice black tie tucked inside.  In the coat pocket is a small white hankercheif to
add to the formal look.  Trailing down Rude's long legs is a pair of casual, dark
blue slacks; stopping abruptly into Rude's black, finely polished loafers. 
Overall, Rude could pass as a secret agent, a hitman, an assassin, or just some
strangely huge man that looks like he could benchpress 450 and has an odd fashion
sense for dress suits.
Carrying:
Ice Materia, Lightning Materia, Fire Materia, and Restore Materia
>l tseng
Tseng
As you look before you, you immediatly notice a tall young yet sparkling 
handsome man.  He towers before you with his hands held behind his back and a 
cold and serous look upon his thin pale face.  His dark eyes stare back 
towards you, and everything else all around, watching everything closely.... 
observing.  His body appears well built, and in quite good health, but also 
seems thinly structured as well.  Though his long black hair flows gently 
down his back, though not too far.  He appears to also be wearing a dark navy 
blue buisness suit upon himself, while his slacks flow gently over the tip of 
his large black shoes.  The navy blue cloth jacket is buttened up overtop of 
a white shirt that has a brown tie as well, though tucked in between the 
shirt and the jacket.  All in all, he seems quite good looking, but a tad 
menacing at the same time.  You may not want to tangle with this guy.
Carrying:
Midgaard City Map
>f
You walk closer to the fountain.

City Square: Fountain
Nearer to the fountain still, the sound of the softly cascading water overcomes
most any other noise besides the people sitting and chatting.  There is a wrought
iron barricade about the actual fountain, though it seems to be more placed to
deter than to prevent climbing in, as anyone of moderate hieght could easily
scale it.  The statue of Odin atop the large fountain dwarfs most everything else
in the area..as well the seven trees planted in a circle about the fountain.
  There are benches here as well, though of a marble variety rather than the
wooden ones found farther out in the city square.  There also seems to be less
foot traffic here, apparently because of the lack of commerce.  All in all, a
serene place to enjoy the evening and perhaps meet with friends for a night on
the town.
[Exits   : (C)ity Square ]
[Players : Eria, and Lyrae ]
[Sleepers: Alyx, and Anshi ]
[Things  : None ]

>Eria asks, "...What I have?"
>Lyrae nods. "You have that second chance to do real good. You have people who
care for you and want to help you.. Don't you ever let someone take that away
from you."
>Lyrae is sitting on the lip of the fountain, talking to Eria, who is seated on
the bench across from her.
>Ryan waves. "Hiyah, you two..." He rubs the back of his neck. "What'd you have
to say?"
>l eria
Eria
The girl who stands before you looks to be around seventeen or eighteen. Her
dark-blue hair is loosely pulled back, and hangs down to the middle of her back,
with a few loose strands in front hanging before her deep blue eyes. Poking up
out of her hair is a pair of tiger- striped cat ears, and further down you see a
tail, similarly patterened. Her features are thin and feline, and her skin is
lightly tanned. When she smiles you can see that she has a small set of fangs,
which look more cute than fearsome. 
She wears a tight black t-shirt, decorated with a stylized gold oriental dragon
trailing up from the right sleeve, across the collar, with its head on the left
shoulder. She also has a pair of jeans, with a hole cut in them for her tail to
go through. And on her feet she wears a pair of thin black sandals. Around her
wrist, for some odd reason, is a skintight band of what looks like black leather.
Around her neck is a choker made out of what looks like snakeskin. Set in the
middle of it is an amber stone, with a black slit in the middle, like the eye of
a serpent.
Carrying:
Gold Locket, Ruby Armlet, and Midgaard City Map

>Lyrae blinks, glancing towards Ryan. She looks closely at him for a few minutes,
before sadly answering in her usual soft tone, "....Janus is dead."
>Ryan nods. "Oh, gotcha." ... ... ... ... "Come again!?"
>Lyrae quietly says, "...he's dead." She answers again, quietly.
>Eria has the tact not to ask who Janus is at this moment.
>Ryan sweatdrops. "Who? What? Where? When? How?" And sometimes why.
>In a page-pose to you, Vincent makes the attempt to give you a ring
>Lyrae blinks at the barrage of questions. "Janus. Dead. ..my room at Sensou,"
she hesitates, "Last night. *even longer pause* Kataki killed him."
>Ryan pikus. "Kataki? He's still around!?" Before he can ask anymore questions,
his own phone rings. He blinks, and quickly answers it. "Huh? Yeah? Hello?"
>You page-pose, "Ryan answers. "Huh? Yeah? Hello?"" to Vincent
>Lyrae falls silent again, patiently.
>Vincent pages, "Hello, this is Vincent. I have found a person that would
possibly be able to provide a ship for transport to the Nova Pandemonium." to
you.
>You page, "Huh? What? How much?" to Vincent.
>Ryan blinks, and says into the phone, "Huh? What? How much?"
>Vincent pages, "She was quoting between ten thousand and a million, but stated
that she would not be able to give a proper estimate until she knew more of the
job." a pause, "I am afraid I know very little about this sort of
transportation."" to you.
>You page, "If you mean dollars, that's a damn affordable price. Less then what
Penny would charge me for the Visigoth..." to Vincent.
>Ryan says into the phone, "If you mean dollars, that's a damn affordable price.
Less then what Penny would charge me for the Visigoth..."
>Vincent pages, "I assume in dollars. I felt it best that someone more informed
make the negotiations with her." to you.
>You page-pose, "Ryan hmms. "Can you make an appointment? Preferably sooner than
later...?"" to Vincent
>Ryan hmms, and says into the phone, "Can you make an appointment? Preferably
sooner than later...?"
>Vincent pages, "I will see if she is still available for this evening. Is that
acceptable?" to you.
>You page, "This evening? Yeah, that might work... gimme a call when you get more
information, though." to Vincent.
>Ryan says into the phone, "This evening? Yeah, that might work... gimme a call
when you get more information, though."
>Lyrae glances over at Eria
>Eria asks, "...Lyrae, what's going on?"
>Vincent pages, "I will get in touch. *hangs up* n.n" to you.
>Lyrae shakes her head, and gestures at Ryan, "I'm ..not completely sure." she
answers softly. "Um. . ." she does remember Eria's curious look when she'd
mentioned Janus, and elaborates, "The man I was talking about..Janus? He
is..was..my older brother."
>Ryan hangs up, and exhales. "Sorry about that... just trying to rent a starship,
nothing to worry about." He runs his fingers through his hair. "Who's in control
of the company now, if Janus is dead?"
>Lyrae raises her hand. "..."
>Ryan blinks. And blinks again. Then facepalms.
>Lyrae-.- "..."
>Nothing personal, Ryan just doesn't think you're CEO material  n.n;
>Lyrae doesn't think she's CEO material either n.n She's not a happy camper. n.n
>Ryan throws his hands up in the air. "Great. Just great. Why does all this shit
have to happen at once? Next thing I know, Esmerelda will pop up again...
cripes." Another facepalms.
>Lyrae quietly says, "........"
>Lyrae quietly says, "Already has."
>Ryan pulls a Lyrae. "......" He stands there, this cute expression of 'why me?'
plastered on his face.
>Lyrae would almost giggle, buuut it's not exactly a laughing matter. 6.6;
>Eria watches quietly as Ryan lets himself look like an idiot.
>Lyrae (OOC) giggles
>Ryan rubs his temples. "Great. Just great. That means the big three baddies are
active again. What'd dear ol' Esmerelda try this time?"
>Lyrae glances at Eria. "..." Then back to Ryan, "We traded."
>Ryan blinks. "Eh?"
>Lyrae quietly says, "She gave me an offer neither of us could refuse. She wanted
to use Sensou's assets to further her longevity products.. and I wanted Eria to
be free. So we traded. Eria's freedom, for her - temporary - use of Sensou."
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck. "Longevity... products?"
>Lyrae quietly says, "Supposedly."
>Ryan rolls his hand in a circle in the air. "No, no... I mean... what are they?"
>Lyrae quietly says, "I don't know .. that department is pretty classified, and I
couldn't get very much information on them. Knowin' dear old Essie," she muses
softly, "It isn't cheese and crackers for the poor and homeless." -.-;
>Ryan hrmmphs, and crosses his arms. "Good thing I stocked up on explosives..."
>Lyrae nods slowly. "Assuming that'll stop the menace(s)."
>Ryan holds his head in his hand. "Is everyone okay, at least? ... Aside... from
Janus...?"
>Lyrae quietly says, "Yes." She turns away, playing with the fountain water,
letting it trickle between her fingers. "And no."
>Ryan looks up, at Lyrae, with a glance at Eria. "Eh?"
>Eria is still quietly watching; she has nothing to add to this conversation, so
far.
VERY softly, her words continue, "...my mother is dead by my hand."
>Ryan blinks. Okay, why doesn't anyone tell me these things? "..........."
>Ryan glances to the side. "I... see. Was this recent?"
>Lyrae just did you goofball n.n;
>Lyrae quietly says, "....hai."
>Only 'cause I asked you about it   ;P
>*grin* n.n
>Ryan says, ":bows his head and rubs his chin. "And the plot thickens... would
you mind saying why...?" He looks up. "Of course, that can be done elsewhere, if
you'd like... or later.
>Lyrae quietly says, "...Kataki was torturing her. I had to put her out of her
pain.." She taps the hilt of the sword - or murder weapon of you'd rather.
>In a page-pose to you, Vincent rings ya back.
>Eria's eyes have gone wide, and she's staring at Lyrae.
>Ryan digests that a moment. "I see..." The mood, however, is ruined when Ryan's
phone rings again. He grumbles something, and answers it. "Yeah?"
>You page-pose, "Ryan answers the phone; his tone is a bit less pleasant than
before. "Yeah?"" to Vincent
>Lyrae quietly says, "..."
>Vincent pages, "This is Vincent, again. She has agreed to meet, and will be over
to my home shortly." to you.
>You page, "Really? How shortly?" to Vincent.
>Ryan says into the phone, his eyes wide, "Really? How shortly?"
>Vincent pages, "Very soon.." to you.
>You page, "Gotcha. I'll be there as soon as I can, barring any delays..." to
Vincent.
>Lyrae glances at Eria,then away again, turning her attention back to the
fountain.
>Ryan says into the phone, "Gotcha. I'll be there as soon as I can, barring any
delays..."
>Vincent pages, "Very well. *click*" to you.
>Ryan hangs up, and sighs. "I'm sorry Lyrae, but I have some important business
to attend to." He wonders how much he should say, but settles on, "We're going to
be storming Nova Pandemonium... I'm positive Foil is still being held captive.
Assuming we don't head out tonight, I'll keep you updated, 'k?"
>Lyrae nods tensely, "H..hai. Good luck..and be careful." o O ( Like I need to
lose more friends. -.- )
>Ryan smirks. "I'm not about to die just yet." The smile fades from his face, and
he continues, "Watch yourself, though... something's up..." On that note, he
walks back towards city square
>c
You walk back to the Midgaard Square.

City Square
Welcome to the middle of the sleepy (yeah, right), humble mountain city of
Midgaard.  The peaks that surround the somewhat smallish sprawl of constructions
about you appear a vibrant, cool purple at this distance..capped with off-white
snow at the tops.  Although the town itself recieves little precipitation from
being sheltered by this atol of sheer rock, a cold wind does comb and filter its
way through..providing a brisk, though arid, atmosphere.
  On the southwestern pointing end of town, a small, manmade pass in the mountain
valley allows for easy access from the bustling world outside.  To your north and
west are the commercial districts..manufacturing, shipping, and selling various
consumable goods.  In the east, to the 'horizon', appear to be homes of various
architectural influences..the more wealthy of said houses bordering a small
alpine lake and park.  To the south, the middle-class homes continue, thinning
out just before the open gap to the highway beyond.
  As for where you stand..it is the Midgaard City Square..Several government
offices and the larger buildings can be found on the sides of the slightly
misnomered elliptical, cobblestoned intersection.  No actual automobile traffic
passes here, being routed through the side streets..this is a strictly pedestrian
and bicycle zone.  A large, granite fountain with a statue of Odin atop it towers
nearly two stories prominantly in the center.  There are also benches about for
taking a quiet repose from the hustle of daily life.
[Exits   : (C)ity Hospital, City (H)all, (T)ransit Station, (S)outh, (N)orth,
(W)est, (E)ast, and (F)ountain ]
[Players : Cloud, and Aerith ]
[Sleepers: Cierra(Pup) ]
[Things  : MPI Voting Box, and Ye Olde Message Boarde [IC!] ]

>Ryan walks away from the fountain. He starts to head north, but pauses, spotting
Cloud. "Hey! Spikey! Over here!"
>Cloud hmms? looking up slowly from where he's been sitting on a bench watching
the Nova Pandaemonium. "... Ryan?" he says, as he slowly stands up.
>Ryan thumbs northward. "Get up, there's an important update..."
>Cloud is up already... "What's happening?"
>Ryan gives Cloud the short-short version. "Maruah's a threat. We'll need to get
to Nova Pandemonium the old fashioned way. Vincent may have someone lined up who
could give us a ship."
>Cloud frowns. "Maruah?" he asks as he hurries towards Ryan. How about the
long-short version, Ryan?
carry cloud
>Ryan says, "I'll explain it on the way to Vincent's place."
>Cloud falls in line behind you. 
>n
You depart to the north.

Tyr Road [200](#228RL)
The 200 block of Tyr Road is almost exclusively fancy hotels and high-rise
apartment buildings.  Available in a wide range of designs, from the mundane
box-shape, to more architecturally enthralling towers such as 'The Obelisk'. 
Housing this close to the middle of everything isn't cheap, but it isn't as
expensive as owning your own home farther out to the east, either.  The area is
also clean..and a few commercial buildings are scattered about..though they're
rather limited.
[Exits   : Don Corneo's (M)ansion, Obelisk (A)partments, (N)orth, and (S)outh ]
[Sleepers: Gambit, and Marina_Hojo ]
[Things  : None ]

>Ryan arrives, with Cloud following behind. 
>Cloud asks, "Well?"
>Ryan continues. "Maruah appeared again last night... She apparently had Foil -
or some weapon that looked like him - but was dangerously unstable. Threatened
me, and ran off, claiming she was going to 'kill all the shen'."
>n
You depart to the north.

Intersection: Thor/Tyr
This intersection is relatively nice, if not for the lingering darkness to the
west on Thor Street.  Luckily, all the streetlamps here are replaced
regularly..any graffiti is cleaned up almost immediately..and a neighbourhood
police patrol keeps an eye out for any shifty and suspicious types wandering
about.  To the east, Thor Boulevard is a much more lively and light
place..housing many people in small housing complexes, and a few larger,
upper-middle class homes.  To the South, Tyr Road continues in that direction,
with a mixture of hotels and apartment buildings.  To the north, it seems to
disperse at an obscure point..though a few eateries catering to myriad tastes can
be seen.
[Exits   : Midgaard (P)okemon Center, (C)orner Cafe, (E)ast, (N)orth, (S)outh,
and (W)est ]
[Sleepers: Flynn ]
[Things  : None ]

>Ryan arrives, with Cloud following behind. 
>Cloud says, "... Shen?"
>Ryan shakes his head. "'Demon', or something like that. However... I'm not sure
if it was Foil or not. Just didn't seem like his way of acting. Even if it was...
he'd be dangerous to go near now."
>e
You depart to the east.

** Walk cut **

Heimdall Street [300]
If not for the fact that you're still walking on streets, you might think that
you were suddenly trekking along a country road.  The cityscape definately widens
out along Heimdall road, which acts as the eastern intercept boundary for many
roads, byways, streets, and avenues.  Along the eastern side of it, however, and
in most parts of the west of it, the lots are of a lush green grass, bordered by
walls of varying hieght, density, and material.  The estates each boast a sizable
manor therein, usually accompanied threplete with a paved driveway, leading to
the Jaguar or Mercedes in the large two door parking garage.  A narrow channel
cuts between two large walls to the west, that you think you could squeeze
through..if you're lucky.
[Exits   : (Vi)ctorian Manor, Deserted (M)ansion, (A)lley[Locked], and (S)outh ]
[Things  : None ]

>Ryan arrives, with Cloud following behind. 
>Cloud frowns, thinking, walking alongside. "All right. Whose ship is it we're
using?"
>Ryan continues, before answering your question, "I suspect Maruah was discovered
before she could get to Foil, and is being used somehow, maybe by one of those
'Quarter Knights'... And I have no idea, he didn't say who."
>m
You enter into the courtyard of the deserted mansion.

ShinRa Mansion: Courtyard
Within the walled area between the gates and the mansion, exists a small, nearly
completely paved courtyard. Some trees and grass do exists, but these are kept
from spreading too far by the garden trick of encircling such growth withing a
confine of smooth stonework.  Such long sighted care has paid off, and made
repairs upon this courtyard all the easier.  The mansion that was abandoned for
so long has now been remodeled.  A pathway made of lighter shaded stonework lies
between the gate, and the front doors of the mansion, the only two apparent exits
from the courtyard. The front door of the mansion is paneled with stained oak,
but hides the sturdy protection of a double set of thick, steel doors.
Etched windows look into the large foyer of the mansion.  Most of the outside
walls of this mansion are made of stonework, here and there patched tastefully
with wooden paneling.  The ages this mansion has been deserted seem to melt away
under the new care of those living within, though who these people are could well
be a mystery.
[Exits   : (H)eimdall Street, and (E)nter the Mansion ]
[Players : Iria, Vincent, and OOC Cam-4(Pup) ]
[Things  : None ]

>Ryan arrives, with Cloud following behind. 
>Cloud nods, as he walks side by side with Ryan into the courtyard.
>Ryan blinks as he walks in, and looks at Vincent. Her? SHE'S the one with the
spaceship?
>Vincent is standing in the doorway. Iria somewhere nearby against a wall. He
nods to the two as they enter. Yup. she is.
>Cloud nods at Vincent, pausing to take note of the new person (At least, I think
it's new to this char).
>Ryan sighs, and quips, "So, we meet again..."
>Iria glances at Ryan with a grin, seeming to be pleased incredily in his less
than satisfactory reaction, "Hey, pretty boy. You don't look glad to see me." She
gives a grinning nod to Cloud, so it's easy to tell she's just teasing Ryan.
>Cloud stops, standing near Ryan, looking towards Vincent briefly, a questioning
look on his face. Who's the girl?
>Ryan straightens himself out. Ryan is master of his own destiny, no adversity
can overwhelm him! Ha! He puts his hands on his hips in a smug pose, and quips,
"I'm looking for transport for 6, with two powered armor suits, to GEO. To, and
from, that." He points up.
>Vincent merely steps aside to allow passage into the house, "It will be warmer
inside." he comments somewhere in the middle of Ryan's description of what's
needed.
>Cloud looks briefly towards Ryan, sees him still in the middle of trying to
impress the girl, and starts walking, brushing by Vincent...
>Iria glances up with a shake of her head, pushing off of the wall. She just
strides on past Ryan with a chuckle, continuing to shake her head. "Can't help ya
then, sorry." A bit of a pity too, she wouldn't have minded making trouble for
Harken.
>Ryan ain't trying to impress her. He's doing a business deal here! The
impressing comes later! He opens his mouth to speak, but pauses. "Eh? Why not?"
>Vincent isn't gonna comment. He's the one with the least bit of knowledge about
spaceships. c.c He merely stands there, waiting to see if Iria and Ryan decide to
move this inside the house.
>Iria stops only when she gets to the gate, turning on her heel to face the
gathered men. She's just silent a moment as her gaze flicks from Vincent, to
Cloud, and then to settle on Ryan once more. "Because I -can't- transport all
that. The most I can do is three, with weapons. No body suits."
>Cloud moves toward the doorway, entering the mansion.
>Ryan frowns. "That might still be workable... if not optimal."
>Ryan walks inside now, himself.
>e
You move toward the doorway, entering the mansion.

ShinRa Mansion: Foyer
Entering into the foyer of the Shinra mansion, you find yourself looking around a
vastly spacious interior.  The ceiling is vaulted, reaching a height that is
several feet above the second floor landing, leaving the large overhead
chandelier to dangle freely with very little likeliness to disturb any passage.
Light shines down from these fixtures, bringing in a cheerful glow to the once
deserted mansion.  The sometimes strange creatures that once appeared, now seem
to have left for more suitable environments than the one now presented to live
within.  A large fireplace has been set to one corner; low pillows, chairs, and a
couch all near enough to enjoy the comfort of a lit fire.  A large rug of
pseudo-oriental origins lies under this furniture, to provide a cushion for those
that might find themselves having to sit on the floor.
Several doors lead away from here, inclusive of a curving stairwell that is the
access up to the second floor hallway.  Underneath those stairs lies a set of
double doors, a quick check affirming their pathway to some sort of back hallway.
 Nearer to the entrance of the mansion rests two rooms, each on the left and
right, housing quickly stored items.  Another two sets of doors lead off into
separate hallways... though curves in each prevent one from seeing to just where,
from this angle.
[Exits   : (U)pstairs, To the Right (Fr)ont Hall, (T)o the Left Front Hall,
(Do)uble Doors Under the Stairway, Room on the (R)ight, Room on the (Le)ft, and
(D)epart the Mansion ]
[Players : Cloud ]
[Sleepers: Bebi-Nodachan(Pup), and Luna ]
[Things  : None ]

>Iria arrives from the courtyard.
>Vincent arrives from the courtyard.
>Cloud is waiting calmly inside, wondering if Ryan's still at it.
>Ryan repeats his reply, for Cloud's knowledge. "Three might be workable. It's
not optimal, though..."
>Iria doesn't enter the room entirely, she just takes up to leaning against the
wall again. She likes being near the door, in case leaving becomes a good idea.
While Ryan speaks, she listens, merely nodding. "I'm used to working with
stealth, not a war party. I only have room for three, plus myself. And even
-that's- stretching it really."
>Cloud looks up at Iria, then nods in agreement, frowning. "Ryan... they're
probably on their guard by now. We'd need a very small group."
>Ryan nods, and takes a moment to ponder things. He says, as he rubs his chin in
thought, "You have a point there. It isn't a long trip, though, so a little
cramping shouldn't be too bad. No worse then 3rd class airline seating. Our
original plan was stealth, but we have reason to believe security has been
compromised."
>Iria grins a bit, rubbing the back of her neck. "Well.. They may be, they may
not. They're probably distracted because of Maruah going after Harken." Hey, it
helps sometimes to hang around Vega, with what she hears.
>Cloud blinks. "Maruah is going after... Harken?"
>Ryan blinks. How'd she know about that...? "That's the trick. Maruah is either
under their control, or under someone else's... In either case, they're probably
aware of it."
>Vincent takes up a position near the door himself. He stays silent, though there
are quite a few things he's got to comment on.
>Cloud sighs, looking at Iria. "How do you know Harken?"
>Iria smirks slowly, reaching up to run a hand through her hair. Almost as if she
were going to tip a hat, untill her hair gets in the way. "Vega and Harken have
an.. Odd relationship. Sparing partners. So Maruah came to warn him off of
helping Harken earlier. And yes, you're right.. She's definately not herself.
Still, they won't be expecting a raiding party of humans. Although from the looks
of that.." She points upward, meaning the ship flying above the city. "They'll be
able to tell we're on our way as soon as we leave the stratosphere."
>Ryan nods. "Luckily, we know what we're looking for..." Well, Ryan does, at
least. "Just not where it is. From the things I've heard, it would appear that
Harken is in possession of him. That could be... troublesome... I've toyed with
her before."
>Cloud frowns, now looking at Ryan. "But if Foil's under Harken's control, why is
Maruah going after her now?"
>Iria holds up her hands, shaking her head, "Whooa now guys. You're gonna have to
fill me in on this. I'm not about to risk life and limb without a damn good
reason." She pauses a moment as she lifts her shoulders in a shrug. "Or a damn
good sum of money."
>Ryan shakes his head. "I'm not sure. I've spoken to her, though... I'm almost
positive that isn't Foil." He looks up, at Iria. "I've got money, chill, yo? And
I can get you a reason, too, if you can wait a minute..."
>Vincent almost smiles a bit. But now he does speak up, "Harken was here the
other night." he comments. "Her purpose, it seemed was to place in protections
for me in light of Maruah's betrayal."
>Cloud looks back towards Iria at Ryan's words, about to give her a reason...
just as Vincent cuts in. Wha?
>Ryan glances at Vincent. "Eh?"
>Iria just stares at Vincent wide eyed before busint out into a grin, "Whoa, you
got Harken to like you? Vega would kill to get her to play up to him like that."
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck. He has a good idea -why- Harken likes him, but
it's not his place to say.
>Cloud's thoughts are running among similar paths as Ryan's.
>Vincent nods, soberly serious as he makes comment to Iria, "We have some things
in common." he then addresses everyone in general, "I am more concerned as to who
might be behind this ploy with Maruah.  As it seems there is a certain
divisiveness of plans between the Quarter Knights."
>Cloud says, "How so, Vincent? I thought there was just a division between the
younger and the older generations of Metal Demons..."
>Ryan inhales, then mentions, "This makes the second possibility... that Foil has
gone bonkers... a lot more likely, and is acting on his own. It's still too
suspicious for my tastes, though." He sighs. "And I won't be able to know more
without more information. I've only seen Harken a few times, and met Al'Hazad
once. The rest of these 'Quarter Knights', I don't know about..."
>Vincent takes a deep breath, "I believe that Iria is in need of an explanation
for what we are discussing." he comments, avoiding Cloud's question, it seems.
>Cloud frowns, looking towards Ryan to make the explanations. Why not? He owes
him a bit more of an explaination too.
>Ryan hrmms. "The Foil we are talking about is a sentient object... and if, my
current suspicions are correct, he... or it, technically, is in Harken's
possession. If not, he is certainly in Maruah's."
>Iria arches an cynical eyebrow as they finally get around to this part of the
discussion. "A sentient object?" She sounds almost as if she's mocking Ryan on
this, but she nods. "Like the claw. Go on."
>Ryan rolls his hand in the air, trying to figure out how to phrase it. "There's
a lot of mystic crap involved that I have no clue about, but that sums up the
effect. He's a friend of ours... a bit eccentric, but still a friend. And we sure
as hell don't want the Demons experimenting on him, or some similar lovelyness."
>Cloud blinks, wondering about a claw. Only claw he's aware of is Vincent's.
>Iria doesn't mean Vincent's at all. No, you'd have to meet Vega to know what she
means. "I see." Of course that's all she says, gesturing instead. "I would assume
you have at least a rough plan of the Nova to show where to get in?"
>Ryan nods. "Both Cloud and Vincent have been in there..." He looks over at the
two. "Under... different circumstances, mind you, but any advantage helps."
>Iria's gaze goes half lidded as she begins tapping her foot at Ryan. "..In
otherwords, you don't. Okay. This'll cost more."
>Cloud frowns, then asks, "Miss... have you ever fought any of these metal demons
before?"
>Ryan grumbles something. You guys WILL be chipping in, right? Otherwise, you'll
be helping me on my next expedition. Using a pick and sable brush is more fun
then it sounds, ~really~...
>Vincent spent most of what money built up in his account for payments on the
mansion remodeling. c.c Sorry, Ryan.
>Might want to start packing your bags now, then.   n.n  o.o
>Cloud isn't about to get any money from Tifa, sorry. o.o
>Iria shakes her head at Cloud, smiling a bit. "I've never had the misfortune to
thankfully, though I have seen Harken fight Vega a time or two. And.." She
falters a moment, a look of befuddlment crossing her face as she fishes in her
pocket to pull out a string of cheap glass beads. Which look similar to the ones
that Callan wears. "That one that tried eating my gun. Not too bright."
>Cloud says, "... Callan." He almost smirks at that one.
>Ryan hmms. "We might want to push the raid back regardless, until we can find
out if Maruah is in possession of Foil... or vice versa..." He crosses his arms.
"Harken's fought Vega? Really? And that jokers still alive? Hell, I barely beat
Harken myself..."
>Iria arches an eyebrow at Ryan. "You're kidding. YOU? And yes, he's alive and
kicking. She's too fond of him to kill him off just yet." This is said with an
irritating grin that says she finds this fact disturbing.
>Ryan arches an eyebrow in return. "Whattaya mean by THAT? Yeah, I beat her,
what's it to you?"
>Cloud frowns, making a note to stop by Vega's dojo sometimes, if only to see
Harken again.
>Vincent refuses to comment. He isn't the type to say things his player wants him
to say to Iria at this point. He stays politely silent, waiting for some place to
comment once again.
>Ryan makes a similar note... he already has an interest in Vega, of sorts.
>Vincent frowns, "I have encountered Vega once before.  A dangerous enemy to
have, but a vain one, as well."
>Ryan hmmphs. "Not all THAT dangerous." Of course, Ryan cheats. In a fashion.
>Iria continues to smile sweetly, her gaze narrowing a tad at the 'looks' these
three suddenly get. "Don't think of it guys. That's one of my conditions. You try
to use any information I tell you on anyone but Harken, and I'll come after you
myself. Vega's a friend." Of sorts. "Now when is it you're planning this anyway?"
>Cloud is interested only in Harken, so don't worry. As to the rest... "As soon
as possible."
>Vincent shrugs. As you say, Ryan, he doesn't appear to mind. He falls silent
again.
>Ryan isn't gunning for Vega, even if he DID carve up Yuffie... of course, he
doesn't know about Vega's other business dealings, either. "I'd prefer to try to
track down Maruah first... if she DOES happen to have Foil, it'd be better to
find out BEFORE we rocket off into orbit, eh? I say two days." Or whenver Harken,
Foil, and Alhazad are all on at the same time  c.c
>Iria looks thoughtfull a moment, as if she were running numbers through her
head. "Two days then, that's fine. Do you guys have a plan at all, or is this
just a hack and slash? And do you just want me playing driver, or do I get to tag
along?" This last part is said with a tone of voice that's entirely sarcastic. As
if she'd had alot of guys make her do the 'safe' thing before when she's very
capable of doing other things as well.
>Ryan hmmphs. "Honestly? I HAD a plan. Take that as you like. And I'd prefer you
to stay in the ship... nothing personal, it just makes getting away a little
easier. I doubt Spikey or Vinnie here know how to fly a starship."
>Cloud frowns, looking over at Vincent, his arms crossed. Is she good in a fight?
>She runs a weapons store. That has to count for something, Spikey.
>Iria just arches an eyebrow with a shrug. "Bob can fly it. And it's hardly a
starship, just a hopper." Whatever that means. "Fine, I'll stay. Though I'll
probably have to fight anyway to keep my position held, if they're as bad as you
say or have any brains at all. So.." Her eyes roll upward a second as she thinks.
"Taxi service to and from, plus cargo and my usual fee.. That'd be around.. Ten
thousand a person." She just eyes Cloud a bit. c.c
>Vincent nods marginally. He knows the looks of someone that's good in a fight,
even if he hasn't actually seen them. And he wouldn't be recommending her as a
pilot at all if he didn't think she could. "If the group that goes up is so
small, she would be an asset in a fight." This he comments to Ryan.
>Ryan blinks. "That all? Sure, no problem. ... You do mean dollars, right?" He
sweatdrops. "As for the Metal Demons... they're strong one-on-one, but they don't
seem very numerous... even so, last thing we want is them taking over the ship
while we try to run through the place. Unless it has internal defenses of some
sort...?"
>Iria just smirks, shaking her head, "No need, I set up bombs around it as
standard practice to keep unfriendlies away. And I meant ten thousand per person
each way."
>Cloud nods briefly at Vincent, taking his word for it, as he turns back to Ryan.
"Ryan. While we're there, should we try to... sabotage the engines?"
>Ryan glances at Cloud. "The first priority is to find Foil... if that goes
without a hitch, it sounds like a good idea, though. Assuming you've seen them."
>Iria turns an incredulous glance at Cloud, as if he were some kind of moron.
"Are you -stupid-!? Do you have any idea what would happen if that ship came
crashing down on the city?"
>Ryan replies, "It's far above GEO as it stands. If something did happen, it's
more likely it would leave orbit."
>Cloud frowns, watching Iria. "If it's in orbit, then the engines wouldn't
matter. It'd more likely break orbit..."
>Cloud (OOC) whaps Ryan. x.x
>Ryan (OOC) I'm the scientist, shush   ;P
>Iria just gives Ryan a frown, "What the fuck is GEO?" She's not an earthling,
remember? "And yes, it probably would. But are you so sure which direction it'd
break? Up, or down? I'd suggest flying that thing out past the moon before doing
such a thing."
>Ryan says, "Geosynchronous orbit. It's above that, currently. But you're right,
it's better to focus on one thing until we size up their internal security."
>Cloud argues, though, "It's the only chance we might get..."
>Ryan shakes his head. "Even if we did disable it, they likely have backup. Other
ships, perhaps. They don't seem stupid. Crazy, maybe, but not stupid."
>Vincent exudes a brief air of discomfort. Hell, he got lost back shortly after
sabotaging the engines were mentioned. He turns his attention to some point
outside in the front courtyard 'til his attention is needed again.
>Someone remember to dust Vinnie periodically, eh?
>Vincent (OOC) ;.;
>Iria sighs, rubbing the back of her head. "You -could- always hide a few charges
on the ship while looking for your friend and just set them off when the time is
right.. By the way, me helping out instead of just sitting around is another 50
thousand."
>Guess we know what Ryan will say, then.
>Cloud says, "................."
>Ryan shakes his head. "As far as things go... I'm coming just to take Foil out,
anything else will be decided as the situation changes." He glances at Iria. "Ha.
Come along if you want, but I'll lave that up to you, and I ain't paying for it
if you do."
>Iria hmphs, shrugging. "Fine. Though it sounds as if you guys could use some
help, and I've done rescue's before."
>Cloud says, "... It's all right."
>Ryan doesn't negotiate. At least, not in usual methods. "Agreed. Just to prove
I'm a nice guy, I'll pay up even if we somehow manage to recover Foil
beforehand."
>Iria turns an icey glare toward Ryan at that. My my my, why would the thought of
getting paid regardless make her angry? You'll see. "I've got a rep to upkeep,
I'm not gonna take pay for something I didn't do." See, she's got enough money
already that she doesn't have to worry about it. But a job's a job, and nothing's
for free.
>Ryan shrugs, but smiles. "Suit yourself. Just remembered I offered, though."
More money for me...
>Iria crosses her arms with a hmph, shaking her head. "I don't take charity
thanks."
>Ryan winks. "Charity? What charity? I just can't help myself around pretty
ladies." Okay, the seriousness has run its course, Ryan's degenerated into
flirting...
>Iria's glower gets worse. She's had enough of dealing with Vega, Jason, and
Jean-Claude's flirting to last a life time. "Don't make me shoot you. Now, is
that it? Vince, you've got my number. Gimme a call when you guys are ready."
>Cloud says, "....." as he looks towards Vincent.
>Vincent raises an eyebrow. Vince? If Ryan calls him Vinnie in the next moment,
he might just get irritated. "Very well." he says, turning back to the
conversation.
>Ryan chuckles to himself. Of course, this means he'll have to pick up the pace
to keep up.
>Ryan :nods. "I'll be heading out then. Iria, right? I'll keep in touch with
Vinnie here." He glances at Cloud. "You all set?"
>Cloud nods curtly at Ryan.
>Vincent clears his throat. No way is he gonna let that comment get in the way of
a matter he should discuss, "If I may have a word with the two of you before you
leave." he asks Cloud and Ryan.
>Aw, what's the matter? Ryan's doesn't mean any harm. I mean, he calls Cloud
'Spikey' all the time, and he hasn't done anything to Ryan. Except run him
trough. Um... "Hmm? 'Bout what?"
>Iria turns and heads out, waving over her shoulder as she goes. "See you guys
then. Say hi to Luna for me Vince." With that, she leaves. Before she gets to see
the 'don't call me Vinnie' show.
>Cloud lifts a hand and waves at Iria briefly, before turning back to Vincent.
"What is it?"
>Vincent mns, "About Maruah, and Foil." he moves further into the house, heading
for the set of double doors, "Follow me, please."
>Iria has left.
>Ryan nods to Vincent. First guy to say 'walk this way' gets a fist to the face.
>Vincent moves under the stairway, passing through the doorway leading to the
back hall.
>do
You head under the stairway, passing through the doorway to the back hall.

ShinRa Mansion: Back Hall (1st Floor)
Nothing much to see back here.  A small hallway, lined with regular sized
windows, is what this area is.  A few light fixtures line the room as well,
shedding light for those that traverse this hall during the evening hours.  Then,
the reason for such an unadorned hallway becomes apparent, as a check to each end
lets one know that this is the hallway that allowed servers from the kitchen
direct access to the ballroom and main dining area.  The only other exit, besides
that, is the double set of doors that lead out to the front foyer.
[Exits   : (C)ourtyard, (K)itchen, (B)allroom, and (F)oyer ]
[Players : Vincent ]
[Things  : None ]

>Cloud arrives from the foyer.
>Vincent is standing near to a door leading out into a back courtyard of some
sort. And near a small, flat device. His very stance, and glance as he looks over
to the guys that follow him says 'Don't touch this device'.  "Harken has provided
this house protection against the creatures created through the contaminated
water. It's possible that the repellent even works in what is in the water
supply."
>Ryan blinks. "You serious? Do you have proof that it works?"
>Vincent nods, "There were a few... rats that had escaped my notice." he glances
to the back courtyard a moment, indicating that's probably where they were. "I am
not certain about the water however; though you are welcome to test it."
>Cloud says, "..." as he walks over to look closer at this device.
>Vincent glances at Cloud, "She mentioned that it was set to self destruct if
removed. I have no reason to doubt her."
>Cloud frowns, looking back at Vincent. "So she wants to protect only you...?"
>Ryan rubs his chin. "Fascinating..."
>Vincent grimaces, "It appears so." he answers calmly to Cloud.
>Cloud asks, "... but I thought she wanted you to be on their side...?"
>Vincent gives Cloud a look, "She does.  But she wants a more willing ally, I
think." he indicates the disc, "It wouldn't matter, regardless. Luna and I had
very few opportunities to drink the water of the city's supply."
>Cloud nods quietly, frowning a bit. "Still... is there a way to study that
without removing it?" He looks towards Ryan for that.
>Ryan hmms. "Possibly, but I don't have the equipment for that."
>Vincent shakes himself out of a moment of inner reflection. "I am wondering, if
one of the Quarter Knights is controlling Maruah," he sounds a little doubtful
about that matter, "And Harken's anger with her is genuine... it would most
likely leave Al'Hazad as the instigator."
>Cloud frowns, now looking back at Vincent. "Why him?"
>Ryan replies, "Because he's the only other one we know of?" Hey, it's true...
>Vincent hmns, "Tell me, the Maruah I saw the other night. Is that how she always
is? If so, then Al'Hazad seems to be the only one of the Quarter Knights
described to me that would do something so sadistic as controlling her into
something to be on guard from." he doesn't approve -at all-. His very voice drips
with contempt "The other option I can think of is that Foil had gone insane.  My
last encounter with him..." he frowns, thinking back on that time.
>Ryan rubs his chin. "That's why I pushed the mission back... hopefully we'll be
able to find Maruah before then, and get something resembling answers."
>Cloud says, "Where did you two last see Maruah?"
>Ryan says, "Two nights ago... apparently she popped back into my place, after
her 'mission'."
>Vincent frowns, "I saw her last at the meeting that sent her on that mission."
>Cloud looks at Ryan, then, as THAT has to be more recent. "So she just showed
up... saying she was going after Harken?"
>Ryan nods. "She wasn't acting like either Maruah... or Foil. At least, not like
the Foil I remember. And she threatened me when I pointed that out."
>Vincent falls to the background again, to listen.
>Ryan sighs. "I'm going to go grab a bite to eat... at this point, anything we
say is just idle speculation, unless we get some more facts."
>Cloud nods quietly.
>Ryan nods. "Come along if you like, I'm heading for the cafe. Or something." He
glances at Vincent, the at the device. "Yeah... leaving it alone MIGHT be a good
idea. Just in case."
>Cloud nods in agreement.
>Ryan steps out
>f
You head through the doorway that leads to the foyer.

** Walk cut **

Tyr Road [200](#228RL)
The 200 block of Tyr Road is almost exclusively fancy hotels and high-rise
apartment buildings.  Available in a wide range of designs, from the mundane
box-shape, to more architecturally enthralling towers such as 'The Obelisk'. 
Housing this close to the middle of everything isn't cheap, but it isn't as
expensive as owning your own home farther out to the east, either.  The area is
also clean..and a few commercial buildings are scattered about..though they're
rather limited.
[Exits   : Don Corneo's (M)ansion, Obelisk (A)partments, (N)orth, and (S)outh ]
[Players : Eden, Rachel, Motoroid Red(Pup), Sanosuke, and Something(Pup) ]
[Sleepers: Gambit, and Marina_Hojo ]
[Things  : None ]

>Ryan walks in from the south, running his fingers through his hair. Looks like
he's been busy. Sorta.
>l some
Something
A faint whispering noise, like the constant sheathing and unsheathing of swords,
draws your attention to a spot only a short distance away.  Your gaze falls upon
an odd, alien creature, with a faintly humanoid frame.  It tops 10 feet when
standing upright, though is usually seen crouching, its thin, gangly form hunched
over.  A pair of slim, pale eyes adorns its face, a visage with no nose or mouth.
 The only other definable facial features are its prominent cheekbones, and bony
brow.  The creature itself would appear weak, its thin frame seeming unable to
support its extreme height, yet the broad, carapace-like chest and the thick
forearms may prove otherwise.  Dozens of runes lay carved in the creature's hide,
each tinted a different color.  Finally, the source of the whispering becomes
apparent; the eerie noise is generated by the constant sheathing and unsheathing
of a blade-like bone from the thin slit in the forearm above each of the
creature's hands.  Light glistens off the moisture coating the blades
Carrying:

>The motoroid's grip is firm, but not crushingly so -- it knows it's a soft body
it's grabbed.  It extends its own combat blade from its other forearm -- the
blade emits a soft humming sound...
>Eden is standing beside Rachel, watching the motoroid fight a creature on the
rooftop.
>Ryan wonders what he walked in on now. Well, could be worse, could be a Metal
Demon. Or Esmerelda. "...!?" He looks up.
>For Ryan's benefit -- the moto and the creature are facing off atop a ten-story
building.
>Ryan assumes one can hear a robot duking it out, even ten stories up. Hell, just
hearing a motorbike ten stories up tends to attract attention    9.9
>Actually, Rachel and Eden standing there looking UP might be a clue...  ^_-
>The Creature finally lets go, deciding it would better to take care of the
machine first.  It eyes its opponent, then extends both blade-like bones from its
forearms.
>Sano is standing UNDER the damned %&*#& creature, looking up because he just
can't do a damn thing about it, and being pissed off about it.
>Ryan wasn't looking at your FACES   ^_-
>The crimson runes carved into the creature's arms begin to glow a faint red,
before suddenly bursting with color.  The blades themselves match the glow,
radiating a crackling of energy that grows more noticeable near the edges.
>Ryan comments, showing remarkable clarity of wit, "What the...?"
>The motoroid takes off, still holding the body by one leg.  It flies up and
back, distancing itself from the creature, sheathing its blade and gathering the
body in its arms.
>Ryan jogs over to Rachel and Eden. They've been here longer; might know what's
going on. "What in the world is going on up there!?"
>Rachel says, "That creature from the other night had someone.  We're trying to
save them."
>Ryan mumbles a nice string of curses. "That yours?" He probably means the
motoroid.
>The Creature blinks as the motoroid pulls away, then vaults after the machine,
stretching out its limbs and trying to catch onto the construct.
>Sano shouts after the creature, "Hey! Get down here, and fight me like a %&
man!" as he shakes a fist.
>The Creature is not a man.  Heck, its species are comprised by hemaphrodites.
>Rachel nods to Ryan, while watching.
>Who gives a f***? If it's got balls, it's a man, so fight already!
>Ryan didn't need to know that detail, thank you very much. And he ain't running
up there to help. He may be fit, but still... ten stories?
>The moto widened the gap rather quickly, flying up and back on jumpjets and fans
combined.  It may be enough to avoid the creature, as its head tracks the
oncoming beast...
>Marina_Hojo has connected.
>The Creature plummets towards the ground as the moto moves away.  It lets out a
rasping hiss, then spins through the air, landing with an eerie silence, blades
still extended.
>Ryan erps, and takes a step back. Or a good twenty. Wasn't expecting THAT.
>Hex walks from the Apartment Complex quietly with a newspaper under his arm.
>The moto is somewhere over the middle of the street...
>The person being held by the Motoroid turns out to be some stranger, a young
unconscious woman.  A deep puncture wound mars her side, from which oozes a thick
trail of blood.  Apparantly, her liver has been punctured.
>Sano takes a few steps back, frowning, studying the blades carefully, gauging
the length and reach and other little tidbits for in-close fighting.
>Ryan has some medical experience, but he can't do much from here. That, and the
fact there's this thingy in the middle of the street.
>Hex starts to walk south with out a care for anyone here. o O (Ugh.)
>Eden eyes the creature from a distance, her left hand feeling nervously at her
right wrist.
>The moto begins to descend, slowly and gently so as to not jar the injured
woman.
>Hex leaves south.
>The Creature crouches slightly, its blade-like bones slowly reasheathing and
unsheathing, their edges still crackling with red energy.  It turns, gazing at
the crowd... then begins to bound across the street towards Rachel.
>What? Evil-looking critter thingy walking towards innocent girl? (Well, that's
what's running through Ryan's head). He strides forward intending to position
himself between the creature, and the women.
Sano dashes forwards, running towards the creature, howling, "Hey! Lay off the
chick and face me already!"
>Eden jumps forward in front of Rachel, looking to block the creature from
reaching her. Her left hand grasps at her bracelet, and she takes a deep breath.
. o O ( Should I try it? )
>Ryan will let Sano get beat up first. Nothing personal, but he's playing defense
now...
>The Creature comes to a stop when it finally takes notice of Sanosuke.  It
stops, cocking its head in an almost comical gesture.  It blinks, then resheathes
its right blade, before lifting that arm and aiming its fist at the oncoming man.
>Sano brings his right hand up, and then brings it forward in a fist. The two
blows in one technique... the Futae no Kiwari.
>The slit from whicih the blade normally extends from seals for a moment.  The
bulging forearm seems to bulge further... then suddenly contracts as the slit
opens forth in a long stream of sickly green fluid.
>Sanosuke pages, "Oi, Ryan. Need an unbiased judge. What would be likely to
happen at this point? You know the Futae no Kiwari." to Alyssa and you.
>You page, "Hrmm... that depends. I assume the creature is wholly physical?" to
Alyssa and Sanosuke.
>Alyssa pages, "The creature is organic, but the few yellow runes that are carved
on its hide offer magical strengthening of its exoskeleton." to you and Sanosuke.
>Alyssa pages, "Normally, at this age, the Ablarauk's exoskeleton would be as
brittle as a snail shell, so it needs the runes." to you and Sanosuke.
>You page-pose, "Ryan always thought it was the 'Futae no Kiwami', but then
again, he's been watching Hecto fansubs   9.9   Well, the FnK can shatter steel;
if the creature is weaker then that, it should do a nice deal of damage. If it's
harder then that, it'd still hurt, but it'd hurt Sano as well." to Alyssa and
Sanosuke
>Sanosuke pages, "I'm guessing the speed of the Futae no Kiwami... x.x" to Alyssa
and you.
>Sanosuke pages, "Don't forget the acid coming x.x" to Alyssa and you.
>Alyssa pages, "Okay, I'd say that the creature's exoskeleton is effectively
shattered, but since the attack will likely hit the arm first, be prepared to get
showered by its biological, acidic saliva." to you and Sanosuke.
>Alyssa pages, "If the exoskeleton shatters, then its salivary glands will
explode with it. ^_^;" to you and Sanosuke.
>You page, "Oh, the acid would definately sting   n.n   But the attack would
likely go through first" to Alyssa and Sanosuke.
>Sanosuke pages, "Fine by me. x.x Go pose the impact, and I'll pose the acidic
saliva. x.x" to Alyssa and you.
>The Creature lets out a silent scream, eyes going wide as Sanosuke's attack
effectively shatters the exoskeleton of its arm.  The hide cracks and explodes,
releasing a spray of green, acidic fluid as its salivary glands burst.
>Sano lets loose a loud howl, as the acid burns into his flesh, falling back,
trying to shield his face with his other arm, though it's too late to do anything
about the lovely acid burning into his right fist...
>Rachel . o O ( Shit... )
>The motoroid lands, amazingly gently for such an ungainly-looking machine, still
cradling the bleeding woman.
>And thus, Sanosuke manages to frag his fist with a Futae no Kiwami. As usual.
>Eden winces, stepping forward towward Sanosuke, uncertain what to do.
>Ryan is more worried about the creature... he moves forward with Eden. Is it
still moving?
>Sano says, "(OOC) Somebody get me away from the acid batttttttttttthhhhhhh! ;_;"
>Rachel says, "Eden, if you're going to try that thing, now would be a good
time..."
>The Creature stumbles back, clutching the shattered stump that was once its arm.
 Red blood leaks from the wound, mixing in with bits of torn muscle and hide that
litters the ground around it.  Its radula, the blade-like bone, lies a short
distance away, unscathed, still attached to bits of muscle and tendon.
>Ryan (OOC) pulls out a roll of bandages. Shishio Sagara, anyone?
>Sano says, "(OOC) Oh thanks, Ryan. o.o"
>The unconscious woman is still bleeding, and dying.  Apparantly, the same saliva
is also circulating through the wound, keeping it from clotting.
>Eden nods quickly to Rachel, and closes her eyes, raising her hand before her.
The materia within her bracelet glows softly, flickeringly. "I'll try...."
>Sano will just lie there for a bit, trying to focus on something OTHER than the
%*#(* pain.
>Ryan looks over his shoulder at Eden. Materia? He forgot about that... The
creature is woundedl they can probably handle it. Ryan sprints over to the
now-landed motoroid, to check on the bystander.
>The Creature was just going out for a bite to eat, even though the elders
forbade it.  But did it listen? Noooooooo.  Apparantly, even teenage Ablarauk
break the rules.
>Eden brings her right hand forward ina sweeping gesture, saying softly,
"Blizzard." The materia flashes, the air around her grows chill....and nothing
happens. Her eyes blink open again, her expression mildly frustrated.
>The Creature shuts its eyes for a moment, then grasps the broken end of the
stump, tightly.  It gives a strong heave, ripping the limb free, and leaving
behind a hollow socket, which quickly seals over.
>Ryan looks the woman over. Bleeding, uh-oh... Ryan's not a doctor, but he'll do
some basic first aid, here. Not having anything resembling bandages, he slips his
shirt off (for once, not even to show off), and uses it as a makeshift wrapping.
>The moto gently lowers the woman to the ground to make Ryan's job easier.  Then
it stands and looks toward the creature.
>Ryan hopes this will have an effect. Of course, if the venom is circulating, we
have an instant hemopheliac here... most certainly NOT good.
>Unfortunately, the woman is no longer breathing.  Large amounts of blood paints
parts of the red moto a darker red, glistening where it leaked onto the machine.
>Eden tries again, bringing her hands before her, and resuming her concentration.
More quickly this time, she thinks she's found it, and opens her eyes, watching
the creature closely before completing her motions.
>Ryan wonders whether to try CPR. Where is the wound? Lower abdomen?
>Sano will just bleed freely for a while too, this is great! Just %(*#% great!
Whatever happened to good ol' ordinary blood?
>The wound is through the liver, nearly severing it in two.
>Ryan doesn't care about YOU Sano   ;P
>Sano (OOC) wahs. x.x
>Ryan curses. That can't be good. Likely internal bleeding... However, if she
isn't breathing, she won't have to worry about internal bleeding for long. Ryan
trys CPR, even if it might be futile at this point. He'll call an ambulance AFTER
the threat is gone...
>The Creature looks up, no longer showing signs of pain... then suddenly breaks
into a run towards Rachel, moving in long leaps and bounds.
>Rachel turns to glance back at Ryan, the moto, and the victim.  Seeing that the
moto is no longer holding the woman, she shouts to it, "Attack Level 4!"
>Ryan would SO whip that critter's ass if it saw it trying that... but he's quite
occupied at the moment.
>Eden sweeps her hand forward, thrusting her palm at the creature. "Blizard!"
Suddenly, there is a bright blue-white flash, and a stream of cold air and sharp
ice particles streams at the creature.
>Ryan . o O ( God dammit, BREATHE... what's going on over there? )
>The motoroid raises an arm to point at the creature.  A blue-white electrical
discharge, looking much like what one would get if one could shoot lightning from
a firehose, streaks toward the creature, as, simultaneously, a pencil-thick
blue-green beam lances out from its head, aimed directly for the creature's
head...
>The Creature is taken by surprise by Eden's attack, knocked off its path and to
the ground.  Fortunately for the Ablarauk, this allows it to dodge the motoroid's
dual attack.  Unfortunately for the Ablarauk, it does not react well with the
cold.  It lays there, on the ground, only a short distance from Rachel, covered
in a light coating of frost.  Its eyes are now closed, and from the looks of it,
it's either dead or hibernating.
>Sano (OOC) x.x Need Sleep. Anybody wanna tell me what my fate will be? n.n
>Unless they get a base to splash over the acid wounds, you'll be wearing a smile
for the rest of your life. ^_^ A rather skeletal smile, but a smile noneless.
o.o;
>Sano says, "(OOC) Peachy keen. o.o"
>Rachel exclaims, "Moto One: Cease Fire!  Evac the wounded!"
>Ryan assumes the paramedics see to that. Sano just ends up in bandages. As
usual. He's a tough bastard, after all  c.c
>Sano says, "(OOC) Someone want to direct me to a place I can stay ICly? n.n"
>Ryan (OOC) points to the hospital in town square  n.n;
>Sanosuke leaves south.
>The moto gets Sano and the victim to the hospital in about a minute and a half.
>Eden stares blankly at the downed creature, as shocked as it was by what she
just did.
>Ryan stands up, a bit drained from the experience. If you thought he looked bad
when he came in, he is NOT in a good mood now. He stalks over to the falled
creature,after looking to see if rachel and Eden are intact.
>The creature's prey, who was previously no longer breathing, no longer has a
pulse, as well.
>Eden looks intact, but seems to be rather stunned, and perhaps frightened.
>In that case, Ryan makes sure the creature is quite dead. That blaster rifle
he's wearing should do the trick.
>Rachel says, "(OOC) The 'prey' (Charming) is now in the ER.  If she's going to
have any chance of living, she's getting it."
>Alyssa pages, "Is the blaster's ammo composed of solid impact bullets or
energy-based?  Kinetic damage or temperature damage?" to you.
>You page, "Energy-based. Just your generic... blaster, a la any sci-fi anime  
n.n;" to Alyssa.
>Eden jumps with a gasp as Ryan fires, whatever spell that was over her breaking.
She looks quickly away.
>Rachel walks up to Eden and gently puts her hand on her shoulder.  "Nice
shooting.  And thank you."
>Eden nods quickly, and shivers. "You're welcome."
>The Creature's body convulses as its shot, sprays of red blood splattering the
area around it.  When the firing ends, it lies still, most likely dead.
>Ryan stand there, shirt gone, splattered in human (and... other) blood, and a
distinct scowl on his face. If you didn't know him, he would look quite the
sinister person...
>Eden isn't looking at Ryan right now, quite deliberately so.
>Suddenly, the black rune carved into the base of its neck flares to life,
exploding into a torrent of dark flames that race up and down the creature's
body, consuming it entirely.
>Ryan jerks back. Hopefully, that's not an area effect.
>Rachel asks, "(OOC) What about the 'blade' and attached tissue that it lost?"
>The blade-like bone is still lying on the ground, where it was before,
surrounded by what blood and bits of tissue that weren't in direct contact with
the whole body.
>Rachel ducks, instinctively shielding Eden from the explosion.  But the two
should be well beyond its effect, anyway.
>The explosion was confined only to the creature's body.
>Ryan gets a nice tan then  *pose*   Er, on a more serious note, Ryan scans the
area. This did resemble the thingy from a few nights back, right?
>Rachel says, "(OOC) Yes."
>Eden ducks as well, quickly, and gives a slightly uncomfortable look to Rachel.
>This one seemed a bit younger then even the last one, with only the yellow and
red runes, along with that single black one.
>The plot thickens, then. Ryan slings his weapon back over his shoulder, his
demeanor calming down. Ryan may not be the most honest man on earth, but one
thing he doesn't like is murderers; it's one of the reasons he usually fights
barehanded. But this... thing...
>Alyssa arrives from the Obelisk Apartments.
>Alyssa quietly opens the door of the Obelisk Apartments and steps out.
>Eden regains her feet, somewhat pale and still looking studiously away from the
blood and remains left on the ground.
>Ryan says, to nobody in particular, "It would seem the threat's gone, at least."
He glances around the area again, looking up this time. Ryan seems to be coping
better than Eden, at least openly...
>( Ryan and Eden and Rachel are standing there.  Ryan is shirtless and
gore-splattered, Eden looks shaken, Rachel looks angry-but-well-under-control,
and there's a smoldering mess of ex-creature in the street.  And one of its
blade-bones, intact. )
>Ryan is not an axe-murderer, I just play one on this MUCK  u.u;
>Alyssa is frozen still by the sight, her eyes going wide.  Two people whom she
feels as if she should remember, yet senses that she shouldn't trust them, and
Ryan covered in blood.  She takes a fearful step back, her body pressing against
the door behind her, a small sound of fear escapin from her throat.
>Ryan wipes his forehead, his head SNAPPING to look towards Obelisk at the sound.
Man, the guy's on edge...
>Rachel says, "Alyssa, it's all right.  It's safe out here, now."
>Ryan . o O ( Comparatively speaking. )
>Alyssa trembles slightly, her frightened gaze shifting to Rachel . "How... how
do you know my name?"
>Eden looks over to Alyssa as well, finding something more pleasant to look at
than the rest of this scene.
>Ryan answers this. "Haven't you met before...?"
>Ryan will look damn good, once he takes a shower. I mean... lookit me.
Shirtless. How can a lady resist?  u.u
>Rachel asks, "The other night?  I led you and your group to shelter in the bar?"
>Eden (OOC) will stare at Ryan _after_ the shower, then. That.....wasn't an
invitation, was it? o.o
>Ryan (OOC) ;P    I just hate angsty RP. Well, just been angsty all night, I have
to inject some humor. Ryan's a humorous character. Sorta  n.n
>Alyssa shows no signs of recognition, only the fear, and now wariness.  "... my
group?  I remember nothing of this... who are you?"
>Eden (OOC) giggles.
>Alyssa says, "(OOC) That wasn't angsty. :) You just interrupted an alien being
who just had a nice meal and wanted to bring the leftovers home to the family.
o.o"
>Ryan blinks, taking a seat right on the sidewalk. "You really don't
remember...?"
>Alyssa's hand reaches back to search for the door handle as she nods.  "I have
no knowledge of that happening..." She feels incredibly uneasy now, as if
something terrible had happened.
>Rachel says, "My name is Rachel Quinn.  You were with a group of other people
when I met you.  We were confronted by this creature that said it was from the
'Followers of Abliss' or some such."
>Eden says, "I'm Eden Asakura....we met before...."
>Ryan introduces himself. "Ryan Tabbot. And this isn't my best evening..."
>Alyssa can't shake the feeling that she just shouldn't trust the people before
her... it's a strong feeling, with no backing, but... it's there.  Her hand finds
the door handle as she steps away from the door, quickly opening it.  She stops
before she can flee, her eyes widening slightly.  That itching in the back of her
head that tells her she should recognize these people grows stronger, causing her
to look over at them once more.  "... what is going on?"
>Ryan lets Rachel or Eden handle this. He only walked in on the monster mash.
>Rachel says, "Another of those creatures had attacked some unknown woman.  We
stopped it and wound up fighting it."
>Eden nods uncomfortably.
>Ryan mumbles something about 'damned monsters'. He much prefers to fight
humans... a little more predictable. And you can punch 'em without having your
fist dissolve.
>Rydia arrives from the north.
>Rachel says, "I hope we were in time.  The woman was in bad shape when se sent
her to the hospital."
>Rydia walks down the street from the north.
>Alyssa remains still, her hand not moving from the door handle.  Her brow knits
together in confusion as she blinks, confused.  "... creatures?  What creatures?"
>Eden says, "I hope so."
>Ryan looks... rather interesting. Shirtless and bloodied... and on closer
inspection, it doesn't seem like his blood. At the moment, though, he's sitting
on the curb, resting.
>l rydia
Rydia
A wealth of bright green hair is the first thing you notice. The 
back long and loose, the front wavy and partly restrained by a strand 
of pale pearls, it sweeps to one side of a delicate face of youth and 
innocence. Then you note the solemnity in this young woman's deep 
green eyes, and an odd glimmer deep within them.
    Dressed today is a more local style of clothing than she often wears,
Rydia would stand out less in a crowd than she otherwise might...not 
that she's often actually in one, mind. Still, she is difficult to 
mistake. No more than 160cm, and slight of build, she wears a white 
turtleneck, and over it a green vest, not quite so bright as her hair, 
woven sparsely throughout with an intricate braided pattern of fine 
gold threads. Below that, her paler green skirt flows down to mid-calf,
revealing warm-looking stockings covering her lower legs, and light, 
ankle-high black boots on her feet. On her left hand are four rings
seemingly made of, as opposed to set with, glass or gemstone, one each
green, blue, red, and clear.
    Rydia glances about uncertainly,  looking at moments almost as
though she simply wished she could find somewhere to hide. Her eyes,
meet your for a moment, holding caution, curiousity, and simple
weariness in equal measure.
Carrying:
Backpack

>Rydia stops, seeing the scene and the blood around, and walks over toward the
other curiously.
>Eden glances over to Rydia as she approaches, and nods to her before turning
back to Alyssa.
>Ryan spots Rydia out of the corner of his eye. He was paying attention to
Alyssa, Eden, And Rachel when you arrived. If he knows he looks like this, he
doesn't seem to care at this point.
>Rydia bows slightly to all. "Hello....."
>Ryan nods a half-hearted greeting. "... 'lo."
>Rydia asks, "Are you well?"
>Ryan hmms? He replies, factually but not honestly, "... Fine, here."
>Eden says, "I'm all right."
>Alyssa glances over at Rydia, then winces, a pained expression flickering across
her face.  Again that feeling that she should recognize a person, and again that
sensation that tells her she should not trust the person.
>Rydia bows slightly to the other girl. "Hello, Alyssa." She frowns a bit at the
reaction. "What is the matter?"
>Ryan stands up. "Obviously... my presence here isn't helping matters. I'm
heading home to clean up..." He glances at Rachel and Eden. "Both of you pop by
my place when you get some free time, I have some things to discuss."
>Alyssa furrows her brow, looking at Rydia.  "... who... who are you?"  She
releases the door handle, bringing her hands up to hold her head.  "What's going
on here?"  Her voice is strained with fear and confusion.
>Eden nods to Ryan, slightly, glancing to him only for an instant. "Good night."
>Ryan walks off, wondering what lovely dreams he'll be having tonight. Whee.
>n
You depart to the north.

    Source: geocities.com/tokyo/harbor/3252/logs/Ryan

               ( geocities.com/tokyo/harbor/3252/logs)                   ( geocities.com/tokyo/harbor/3252)                   ( geocities.com/tokyo/harbor)                   ( geocities.com/tokyo)