Obelisk : Room 508 - Ryan's Apartment(#618R)
One word springs to mind as you walk into Ryan's apartment: cluttered. Stuff is
strewn everywhere, from the multitude of shelves that line the wall, to the comic
books and CD's on the floor.
The main room, which makes up most of the apartment, has apparently been
relegated to storage duty. Aside from the King-sized bed, the desk, and the TV,
all the rest of the furniture here is book shelves. As you look the shelves over,
you see a roughly equal proportion of both scholarly texts (physics textbooks,
archaeological logs, etc.), and comic books. How unusual. Hooked up to the TV is
a wide variety of video game consoles, some no longer supported.
The small kitchenette and bathroom are comparatively unremarkable.
[Exits : (O)ut ]
[Players : Tail(Pup) ]
[Things : Dagger(#3775L), Big honkin' pile 'o gold.(#3397), Backpack(#2158), and
Midgaard City Map(#1293) ]
>In a page-pose to you, Cloud knocks on your door.
>You page-pose, "Ryan opens it a crack. "Who is it?"" to Cloud
>Cloud pages, "Cloud." to you.
>You page, "What's up?" to Cloud.
>Cloud pages, "... Vincent talk to you yet?" to you.
>You page, "Vinnie? Don't think so... about what?" to Cloud.
>Cloud pages, "... He caught more rats." to you.
>You page, "What!? *swings the door wide open*" to Cloud.
>Cloud has arrived.
>Cloud says, "... He caught more rats."
>Ryan asks, "I heard THAT part... does he have any intact samples? And how many?
When?"
>Cloud says, "He had two. He was looking for you..."
>Ryan asks, "I've been... occupied, unfortunately." Ignore the huge wrapped
bundle by his bed. "Two? I presume it was a simultaneous attack...? And why
Vincent... if it is a Metal Demon 'pet' like I think, why him...?"
>Cloud shakes his head. "... Harken wanted... him as an ally."
>Ryan just blinks. "That's... quite interesting. But still, why him? I mean, he
has that freaky-ass goth thing going for him, but..."
>Cloud doesn't think it's his tale to tell, so he remains silent.
>Cloud remains quiet, waiting for Ryan.
>Ryan blinks, rousing himself from his rambling long enough to ask Cloud, "Do you
have any idea why?"
>Cloud shrugs. "... That's something you'll have to ask Vincent."
>Ryan rubs his chin. "I intend to..."
>Ryan looks at Cloud. "Has anything else unusual been going on? I have a feeling
there's more to this then giant mutant killer space rats, but I have no proof..."
>Cloud sighs, nodding. "... Well... we have information on Sephiroth we're
investigating..."
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck. "What, HE's in on this too!?"
>Cloud blinks. "... No, no... Vincent had questions about... him."
>Cloud says, "... So we broke into Sensou."
>Ryan oh's, then blinks. "Come again? You did something stupid and violent, and
didn't think to invite me!?"
>Tail falls asleep.
>Cloud shrugs. "... There wasn't much problem."
>Ryan blinks, then shakes his head. "Anyway... what did you find?"
>Cloud says, "We got into all the data files on Sephiroth. Lyrae has the disks
now."
>Ryan nods, then rubs his chin. "Remind me to speak to her about it... haven't
seen her in a while, though."
>Cloud pauses. "Shall we call her?"
>Ryan nods. "Don't see why not..." He whips out his cell phone, but waits for
Cloud to give some sort of arrimative (a nod, perhaps) before dialing.
>Cloud nods.
>Rachel pages, "There's a knock on the door." to Cloud and you.
>Ryan blinks, and walks over to the door.
>You page-pose, "Ryan opens the door a crack. "Who is it?" to Cloud and Rachel
>In a page-pose to Cloud and you, Rachel is standing there, and smiles. "Hi!
You're back, I see."
>You page-pose, "Ryan smiles at Rachel. "Took a little longer then I was
planning..." He opens the door wider." to Cloud and Rachel
>In a page-pose to Cloud and you, Rachel asks Ryan, "Mind if I come in?"
>You page, "Feel free, if you don't mind some logistical chatting... Cloud's here
too. *points over his shoulder*" to Cloud and Rachel.
>Rachel has arrived.
>Rachel mock-pouts upon hearing Cloud's here, as she slinks up to Ryan in
humorously-exaggerated femme-fatale fashion. Putting her arms over his
shoulders, she purrs, "Miss me?"
>Rachel then breaks into laughter, and gives Ryan a quick peck on the lips and a
hug. ^_-
>Cloud raises an eyebrow.
>Ryan wraps his arms around her waist. Whether he's doing this for his own
enjoyment, or paying Cloud back a little for running him through, has yet to be
determined. He smirks, then quips, "Just a -little-..."
>Rachel teases, "Ah, you were probably up to your eyeballs in hot native women,
wherever you went this time." She grins.
>Ryan snickers, completely forgetting Cloud's here (maybe if you put on a dress
again...). "Hmm, depends on your definition of native. This time is was kinda
boring... just went to get tht sample analyzed in detail..." And get... something
else made. Ignore that wrapped bundle by the bed.
>Rachel asks, "Find out anything interesting?"
>Ryan shakes his head. "Zippo... nothing more then we knew already. Although, if
Cloud's news is true, that might change..."
>Rachel looks at Cloud. "Oh?"
>Cloud nods quietly. "... Vincent caught two more rats."
>Rachel bends to take off her boots as she listens, before walking further into
Ryan's apartment than just inside the doorway. "And?"
>Ryan sweatdrops. "Y'know? Those big demon rat thingies? The ones bigger'n me?"
>Rachel straightens, after placing her boots next to the door. "I know. But the
way you said it implied we might learn something more from them."
>Ryan inhales. "Well... I haven't seen 'em yet... but with luck, we might have a
mostly-intact specimen."
>Rachel says, "That might help."
>In a page-pose to you, Vincent calls, in his second ever use of this cell phone
thingie. c.c
>Ryan blinks as his phone rings. "...? Just a moment."
>Cloud doesn't comment on the shape of the rat.
>You page, "Hello?" to Vincent.
>Ryan speaks into the phone. "Hello?"
>In a page-pose to you, Vincent's voice responds, "You mentioned a wish to have a
full corpse of a metal demon such as the one I killed previously. If you wish, I
have obtained what you wanted.
>You page-pose, "Ryan smirks, not that you can notice. "Cloud already told me...
How intact is it?"" to Vincent
>Ryan smirks, and says into the phone, "Cloud already told me... How intact is
it?"
>In a page-pose to you, Vincent lets a little pause creep in before he answers.
"Mostly." (well it's mostly -there-... just clawed a whole lot. 9.9;)
>You page-pose, "Ryan hmms. "I'll be around later to take a look..."" to Vincent
>Ryan hmms. "I'll be around later to take a look..."
>l rach
Rachel
A very attractive young woman, tall (178 cm, or 5'10") and athletic,
with short, feathery blonde hair, expressive blue eyes, and high-
cheekboned Caucasian features. She appears to be in her mid-20's.
Rachel is wearing a thick, warm, bulky-knit sweater, with long
sleeves and a high cowled neck. The sweater is a rich, dark forest
green, which goes nicely with the black denim jeans below. A pair of
stylish black-suede low boots completes the outfit.
Carrying:
>Vincent pages, "As you wish. Good evening. *moves to hang up.* n.n" to you.
>You page-pose, "Ryan can't do much to stop you n.- *click*" to Vincent
>Ryan hangs up, apparently after the person on the other end does. Looking up, he
comments, "In case you couldn't guess, that was pale 'ol Vinnie."
>Cloud says, "... I guessed."
>Rachel asks, "I figured. I don't remember -- Did I tell you I had a very
interesting conversation with one of the 'Metal Demons' a while back?"
>Cloud looks back at Rachel. "Which one?"
>Ryan raises his eyebrow. "That was a retorical question..." As Rachel speaks, he
hmms? "Probably Harken..."
>Rachel says, "I don't think I got a name. But no, it wasn't Harken."
>Cloud asks, "What did it look like?"
>Rachel says, "Anyway, I apparently gave them a bit of information they didn't
have about us previously. And it might have influenced their attitude toward
us."
>Ryan blinks. "Well, Harken's this freaky red-haired girl with a scythe... kinda
memorable. But it might have been one of the 'younger' ones... anyway, what'd
he/she/it say?"
>Rachel says, "Well, apparently they weren't aware of how we reproduce."
>Ryan raises his eyebrow. "Oh? Really?"
>Cloud says, "......................" as he gives Ryan a very strange look.
>Rachel says, "Once I explained that _any_ normal, healthy woman who's old enough
but not _too_ old can have children, it started acting very differently. It
became very respectful, even deferential to me."
>Ryan gives Cloud a very strange look in reply
>Ryan turns back to rachel. "Go figure... apparently, from my... um, research...
they have some sort of hive structure, with a 'queen' type figure."
>Rachel says, "Right, I gathered that much from talking to it. And drew the same
conclusion."
>Rachel says, "By my telling it that, it placed all human women in the same
category as its hivequeen."
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck. "They aren't even organic... well, not
completely... so it only makes sense to have a different life cycle. I guess.
Must be some sort of innate reverence for the reproducers."
>Rachel says, "My interpretation exactly."
>Rachel says, "And possibly something we can use to our advantage."
>Cloud says, "... So you're suggesting that ..."
>Ryan rubs his chin. "Well, if that information gets spread, at least the women
are safe." O.o;
>Rachel says, "All I'm suggesting is that it's a bit of leverage we didn't have
before."
>Ryan nods to Rachel. Please oh please, let us use sex as a weapon *.* Or
something.
>Rachel says, "And maybe one we can use to get them to talk to us and end this
peacefully."
>Cloud says, "(OOC) Pervo o.o"
>Ryan nods again, then pauses. "It might be a bad thing too, though... what if
they want to... um... study human reproduction." O.o; Before you can take
that in a perverted way, he elaborates, "Dissection and stuff... eww..."
>Ryan (OOC) Thank you n.n
>Rachel shakes her head. "By the way it acted toward me afterward, I seriously
doubt it. Besides, they probably would've done something like that by now if
they were going to."
>Cloud hmmms, looking at Rachel. "... Would you talk to them again? Perhaps...
find out about their Mother?"
>Ryan rubs his chin. "You have a point there... dunno how much they'd be willing
to spill, though."
>Rachel says, "I'm willing to do whatever I can to resolve this."
>Ryan hrmms. "Just make sure you don't get dragged off to their headquarters...
that's a bad thing..." *coughcloudfoilcough*
>Rachel says, "And I'd much rather negotiate a peaceful conclusion than see a
bunch of us get ourselves killed trying to storm Target One."
>Cloud leans forwards. "Target One?"
>Ryan nods again. "I have to agree with that... and she means Nova Pandemonium,
or whatever it's called."
>Rachel says, "My designation for their mothership in my head."
>Ryan continues, "I'm not sure if the 'old guard' will be willing to be peaceful,
though."
>Rachel says, "It couldn't hurt to try."
>Ryan nods again. "Just as long as I don't have to fight that Harken broad
again... talk about frigid."
>Cloud nods slowly.
>Ryan rambles, "I mean, she darn near whipped BOTH our butts... as it is, she
still whipped Cloud's, and woulda got MINE if she wasn't already wounded when I
fought her..."
>Rachel nods, gravely. "I know. I have no desire to fight her, either."
>Ryan inhales, then turns to Cloud, then looks back at Rachel. "Well... at least
we have some sort of advantage now."
>Cloud sighs. "What about the... rats? They seem to be under Harken's influence."
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck. "They probably have some sort of facility for
making them in that ship of theirs... I mean, they're almost certainly mutating
local wildlife somehow, from looking at the samples I've gotten."
>Rachel looks uneasy. "They are?"
>Cloud nods quietly. ".. When Vincent captured one... Harken spoke... through
it."
>Rachel asks, "I'm not sure I want to know, but what did she say?"
>Cloud says, "... something about joining the dark side."
>Ryan sweatdrops. "Oh great, 'Harken, dark lord of the sith'."
>Rachel says, "I hope that doesn't mean what I'm afraid it might."
>Cloud says, "... I don't think so."
>Ryan turns to Cloud. "See? This's important stuff! You should say it earlier!
This means that they want Vinnie on their side, for some reason..."
>Rachel says, "I mean, if they can change Earth animals into their creatures..."
>Rachel shivers, and looks very much afraid for a moment. It's not something you
see often.
>Ryan blinks, then turns back to Rachel. "... Oh shit. That is very, VERY bad...
remember when Harken first kidnapped Cloud...?"
>Cloud blinks, looking back and forth between Ryan and Rachel.
>Rachel nods, once, slowly.
>Ryan continues, "I fought her to get Cloud back... but she had another offer,
saying that if I gave her the plans to the city, she'd hand Cloud over. What
if... they can use the water supply or something to make these critters....?"
>Cloud says, "..........."
>Ryan shivers, himself, now.
>Rachel asks, "Never mind the animals. What about _us_?"
>Cloud says, "...... I don't think anything's happened to us yet..."
>Ryan crosses his arms. "Switch to bottled water... now, got that? I mean, don't
even bathe in city water..." He inhales, then continues, "It would also explain
why it's rats... they're small, so it might affect them faster..."
>Rachel says, flatly, "Key word: Yet."
>Rachel asks, "Have any other affected animals been sighted besides rats?"
>Cloud shakes his head.
>Ryan shakes his head. "Not to my knowledge. At least, I haven't seen giant
killer bugs running around. Of course, they could just be hiding until Mommy
Harken tells 'em to attack."
>Rachel says, "Or maybe it only affects mammals. We don't know."
>Ryan rubs his chin. "Another possibility, but one that's hard to test."
>Ryan hrmms. "Well, who wants to go look at a dead, giant, demon rat?" . o O (
Maybe I should put a notice up in town square for people to avoid the water...
just in case... )
>Cloud says, "... I'll come with you."
>Rachel says, "I'm in."
>Ryan nods to Cloud . o O ( Great! I don't remember where that Vincent guy
lives anyway... )
>Ryan rubs his chin, and comments, "Why don't you lead the way, Cloud? Don't
remember if Rachel's been there before..."
>Rachel falls in line behind Cloud.
>Cloud (OOC) runs off with Rachel! Uwah hahahaha!
>Cloud heads out to the hallway
>Cloud leaves, with Rachel following behind him.
>o
You open the door and walk out into the hallway.
Obelisk Apartments: Fifth Floor
Exactly as you'd expect. The clean hallways of this floor are maintained by a
constant, almost literal army of custodians and maids. The lighting is adequate,
and a few security cameras add to the sense of protection. Sparse, fragrant,
potted plants also dispell any odors that might make their way inside here.
[Exits : [509] Hex's Apartment[Locked], (508) Ryan's Apartment, (507) Luke's
Apartment, (506) Iria's Apt., 504, [503] Amelia's Apt.[Locked], [502] Gan and
Faris' Apartment, (501) Alhana's Apartment, and (E)levator ]
[Players : Rachel, and Cloud ]
[Things : None ]
>You fall in line behind Cloud.
>Cloud walks into the elevator.
>Cloud leaves, with you following after.
** 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 : Rachel, Cloud, and Chichiri ]
[Sleepers: Tamahome ]
[Things : None ]
>Cloud arrives, with Rachel and Ryan following behind.
>Cloud steps outside, leading a cute chick and a .. nobody as he heads out
towards the rich area of town
>Rachel (OOC) laughs!
>Ryan (OOC) ... Hey!
>Cloud leaves north.
>Cloud leaves, with you following after.
** Walk cut **
Cloud leaves, with you following after.
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.
Oddly enough, the trees, bushes, and outside of the building have been decorated
with big red bows and colorful Christmas lights. This is quite a contrast to the
mansion's previously uninhabited, forbidding appearence..now, it looks like a
very warm, inviting place.
[Exits : (H)eimdall Street, and (E)nter the Mansion ]
[Players : Rachel, Cloud, and OOC Cam-4(Pup) ]
[Sleepers: Luna ]
[Things : None ]
>Cloud arrives, with Rachel and Ryan following behind.
>Cloud steps into the mansion courtyard, leading a cute chick and a .. nobody as
he heads out towards the rich area of town
>Rachel . o O ( Vincent lives _here_...? )
>Well, as for their arrival, it seems that no note is immediately taken of it.
The courtyard is fairly silent and cold. A typical winter's night.
>.... But the Christmas lights sure blink prettily, ne? ^^
>Cloud says, "...." as he looks towards the other.
>Rachel (OOC) was more ICly surprised by Vincent living in a mansion, since she
ICly has no idea who he is beyond 'that odd guy who comes into the bar now and
then.' She was ICly expecting maybe a rusty house trailer with lots of Mad
Scientist Stuff all over it. ^_-
>OOC Cam-4 ;.;
>Ryan (OOC) snickers
>Ryan (OOC) Ah, but he's actually an, "Odd bishonen guy... with a claw!"
>OOC Cam-4 says, "It was a fixer-upper... c.c"
>Cloud knocks on da bell.
>After a few moments (Hey, it's a big house), the door opens. At first no figure
is seen framed by it, then Vincent's form comes into view. He looks over the
three visitors, then stands aside in silence, indicating with a gesture that they
should feel free to come in.
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck as he waits for Cloud to step inside.
>Cloud moves toward the doorway, entering the mansion.
>Cloud leaves, with you following after.
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 : Rachel, Cloud, and Vincent ]
[Things : None ]
>Cloud arrives, with Rachel and Ryan following behind.
>Ryan waves. "Hey, Vinnie..."
>Rachel nods. "Hello."
>Ryan continues, before Cloud can elaborate on the situation, "We've got bad
news. Like, MAJOR bad..."
>Vincent nods in return greeting, "Good evening, Ryan." Yes, he's letting the
nickname slide riiight on past. After all, he is the type to let body language
loudly proclaim that 'Vincent' is his name, not Vinnie. "Hm? What is this news?"
he looks to the other two as well.
>Vincent, Vinnie, what's the different? This's the guy who called an experienced
wizard 'toothpick', after all. "We have reason to believe the Metal Demons may be
contaminating the water supply... it would explain these demon rats...
>Vincent appears thoughtful, "If such is the case, then what does it target?
Animals only? Or is there a danger to humans as well?" He begins to turn toward
the stairwell as he asks these questions, then adding, "I will take you to the
corpse." Figuring that explanations can be made on the way.
>You fall in line behind Vincent.
>Ryan elaborates. "It's just a theory... but if it's true, it might affect
anything, even people."
>Rachel falls in line behind Vincent.
>Cloud falls in line behind Vincent.
>Vincent heads up the curving stairway, turning at the landing and going up
another short flight, passing out of your sight.
>Vincent has left.
>Vincent leaves, with you following after.
Shinra Mansion: Second Floor Hall
Long, tall windows from floor to high ceiling greet you as you look around the
area which makes up the main stretch of the second floor hallway. Not to far
away, within the center of the total hall, rests the stairwell that leads down to
the foyer of the mansion. As you look to the directions that this hallway leads,
you notice, within one, a sharp curvature, leading to another stretch of the
corridor that takes you to the various rooms, here.
Looking in the opposite direction, you can make out a short flight of stairs
(perhaps three in all), before a small section of hallway that houses three
doorways; one directly at the end of the hall, and the other two upon the sides,
both exactly opposite one another.
[Exits : (B)ack Hall, (M)ain Study, (G)uest Quarters, (C)onservatory, and
(D)ownstairs ]
[Players : Vincent ]
[Things : None ]
>Vincent arrives, with Ryan, Cloud, and Rachel following behind.
>Vincent stays silent as he makes progress up the stairs, "Then it should be
prevented." he comments, as if it were as simple as uttering the advice.
>Vincent heads down the hallway, turning a corner and disappearing from sight.
>Vincent leaves, with you following after.
Shinra Mansion: Back Hall (2nd Floor)
The narrow back hallway of the second floor is before your view. The walls are
almost featureless, saving for a single, faded portrait, and two small light
fixtures which shed their feeble light upon this shadowed corridor. The back
hall sets at a ninety degree angle from the main corridor, and harbors the
doorway to two rooms. One, at the juncture of the bend between the two halls,
appears to lead into some sort of parlour, or sitting room. The other is at the
back of this side corridor, and appears to lead into a sort of study, containing
various items stored in a hasty, last minute fashion.
[Exits : (S)tudy, (Par)lour, and (M)ain Hall ]
[Players : Vincent ]
[Things : None ]
>Vincent arrives, with Ryan, Cloud, and Rachel following behind.
>Ryan runs his fingers through his hair. "Well, duh. But how?"
>Rachel says, "We should get a water sample tested."
>Ryan rubs his chin. "First step... and if there is contamination, we'll have to
stake out the main reservoirs..."
>Vincent nods in agreement to Rachel, and answers Ryan, "I do not know how. May I
ask where this theory came from?" People might start noticing the odd direction
he's taking; he's heading into a parlour for a largish bedroom. He must have one
heck of an eccentric storage system. c.c
>Rachel says, "And also see if we can come up with either a counteragent or a way
to neutralize or filter out whatever they may be putting in the water."
>Ryan sweatdrops. "Well... it came up that these mutant rat thingies were,
apparently, at least originally, of earth origin. Maybe. And, if you remember,
back when Harken had Cloud, she wanted the plans to the city's major systems..."
>Vincent nods, "Yes, I remember." something about that sparks a brief flash of
recollection in Vincent's mind, be he either doesn't quite grasp it in time, or
chooses not to comment. He moves on.
>Vincent heads over to the door leading to the parlour, passing through.
>Vincent leaves, with you following after.
** Walk cut **
Shinra Mansion: Master Bedroom
A soft, patterned carpet lies under your feet as you pause to take stock of your
surroundings. The lights are turned off, normally, leaving as the only source of
light, two large windows, curtains drawn to the side to let in what light the
outside has to offer. Lengthwise against the wall that these two windows are
place lies a king sized bed, its covers matching the patterns found on the
floor's carpet. This is the largest, and almost the only piece of furniture that
can be found in this room. A nightstand lies beside the bed, holding a book,
maybe some stray bullets, and paper and pens for quick notes.
Looking left from the doorway which leads out to a small parlour, you can see a
small set of floor to ceiling bookshelves, still filled with a wealth of
knowledge. Between this bookshelf, and a good sized light fixture placed into
the wall near the windows, lies the round curvature of stone masonry, the sort
one sees when looking at the outer wall of a tower which is placed within the
rest of the house... though there wasn't any such construct located on this side
of the mansion... was there? A dresser is pressed against another wall; holding
within some clothing of a single style and soft black color. A small door leads
off into a functional bathroom; typical shower, toilet and sink combo.
[Exits : (Par)lour ]
[Players : Vincent ]
[Things : None ]
>Vincent arrives, with Ryan, Cloud, and Rachel following behind.
>Ryan continues, "Anyway... it's a tenuous connection... but the most logical."
>Rachel says, "And a possibility we can't afford to ignore."
>Ryan nods. "Exactly."
>Well, the good thing is that the rat's body is not present in what could only be
Vincent's room. But Vincent doesn't appear to be intent on staying here for long.
He heads over to the odd stone wall curvature toward one end of the room.
-Something- is fiddled with on the wall. Thus causing a doorway to swing open. "I
will have to see what I can find out on the matter." Inside connections sometimes
come through, after all. :D
>Vincent pushes on the stonework, causing a hidden doorway to appear. He slips
through, and you catch the glimpse of an old stairway leading down before the
door closes behind him.
>Vincent leaves, with you following after.
Shinra Mansion: Old Sprial Stairway
You stands somewhere upon the length of a long, spiraling staircase which
connects the Shinra Mansion to the depths of the underground. The stairs are
sturdy, the wood preserved almost to a point of stone... a moment, the stairs
were initially built of petrified wood, the only explanation of such a state
existing, really. A oddly green light filters through to light the way, though,
depending on your position on the ladder, it is almost too difficult to see
either the top or bottom... with normal eyes, anyway. At the top of the stairway
lies a solid stone wall, sporting a sort of latch handle which enables you to
push it open and enter into the mansion's upper story. Below, at the bottom,
lies the end of a flight of steps; the beginnings of a long cavern corridor.
[Exits : (D)own the Stairway, and (U)p to the Master Bedroom ]
[Players : Vincent ]
[Things : None ]
>Vincent arrives, with Ryan, Cloud, and Rachel following behind.
>Obviously, what remodeling and repair had been done to the rest of the mansion
has yet to reach here. Even if it were ever intended to.
>Cloud has been here once before, hasn't he? At least SOMETHING looks familiar.
What the hell did that girl do to this place, turn Vincent into a sweetums?
>Rachel . o O ( I keep waiting for a hunchback that sounds like Peter Lorre to
show up... )
>o/~ Frere Jacques...
>Vincent had nothing to do with the remodeling 'cept standing over the repair
crew's shoulders and protecting them from the threat of monsters while they
worked. Hence, the quick job that was done. c.c
>Vincent makes his way down the spiral stairway, heading into the depths of the
Mansion's underground.
>Vincent leaves, with you following after.
Shinra Mansion: Deep Basment
You pause to take a look at your surroundings. Most people would wish they
really hadn't. The cave like depths of the stone walls which surround you are
dank with mold and moisture which leaks through the ground. Scattered, skeletal
remains abound in various places on the floor.... and with a certain unease, you
might note that no few of these remains are human... and recently deceased, the
bones stripped clean of all flesh. By what? Perhaps whatever is making that odd
noise down one of the numerous side tunnels that lead away from this main
corridor.
This main corridor which you stand in now is ill lit, mostly between a series of
flickering, yet sturdy light fixtures, and the lighting that comes from the two
ends. At one end of the tunnel lies the beginnings of a spiral staircase,
leading up to the mansion that rests above this deep underground lair. At the
other end appear two doors. One of these doors is of an age, sturdy wood. A very
tiny window emits a view from the inside, of what appears to be a crypt.
However, the door is locked, a status which draws your attention to a small
keyhole nestled by the handle. The other door, however, is quite unlocked, and
of the large, steel variety. A curious person that would open the door to check
inside would find the contents of what appears to be an old, disused laboratory.
[Exits : (S)teel Doorway, (C)rypt[Locked], and (T)o the Old Stairway ]
[Players : Vincent ]
[Things : None ]
>Vincent arrives, with Ryan, Cloud, and Rachel following behind.
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck. He robs tombs for a living. Seen it all before.
>Cloud doesn't look happy being here again.
>Down and down and down... Vincent patently ignores all the progress made, going
for the goal that is the steel doorway. He opens it and steps inside...
>Vincent heads toward the larger of the two doors, passing through and entering
what appears to be a laboratory.
>Vincent leaves, with you following after.
Shinra Mansion: Basement Laboratory
As you observe the room, you know it for what it is: A research lab. Small, yes,
compared to others of its ilk, but nevertheless, it has all the modern technology
of its day that such a space can handle. Or rather, it did. Dust and mildew cover
over things remaining, but almost all of the equipment has been removed. A musty
smell, that which builds after a long period of disuse, prevades the lab,
lingering somewhat harsher in the back corners where even less air can reach.
Shelves are abound in the room, cleared of what they once contained.
In the center of the room, lit by the light of a bright, overhead light fixture,
lies a long operating table, which seems to have also doubled as a writing table.
Or maybe it was vice versa? Certainly, it was adapted for such use, since more
light is able to be cast upon it due to the huge operating lamp bolted to the
side of that piece of equipment. The table has been cleared however, only
slightly less dusty shapes leaving an imprint where something once rested.
Meawhile, in the rest of the room's notable points of interest... Within the back
corner stands to large, glass cylinders, easily large enough to fit any human
within. And perhaps there were some in there, for scratchings can be observered
at the base of the cylinders' glass, forming faint words. A large, steel door
closes off this lab from the basement corridor outside. The beginning of a series
of bookshelves that lead off into a corridor line the wall to the left of this
steel door, and as you glance down that way, you might note a small reading room
of some kind at the other end of that hall. All the books are gone, however. The
whole area has been stripped bare of what would be deemed of 'interest' to most
parties that would find interest in such a place.
[Exits : (H)ead toward the Library, and (D)epart the Lab ]
[Players : Vincent ]
[Things : None ]
>Vincent arrives, with Ryan, Cloud, and Rachel following behind.
>To note, the place has been cleaned out. c.c
>Vincent strides over to a crate. That's where he's been keeping the body until
such time has it became less than desirable to do so. There doesn't seem to be a
prevading stench about the place, so it doesn't seem that the corpse has been
decaying at the same rate a normal human's would. Then again, it's freezing down
here; no heat. That might have something to do with its preservation. Stopping,
Vincent indicates the crate and looks to Ryan expectantly.
>Cloud also serves, who stands and wait...
>Vincent says, "(OOC) Cloud... that made no sense to me. ;.;"
>Ryan blinks, and walks over to the crate. "In here?"
>Cloud says, "(OOC) Sorry. n.n Bad allusion to a poem. n.n"
>Vincent (OOC) aahs.
>Vincent nods, "Yes, in there." There is a lid on the crate, just placed on top
without being nailed down.
>Rachel (OOC) got it, but decided not to comment.
>Ryan does the only obvious thing. Flip the lid off. Hey, why not? Prepare to be
grossed out.
>Cloud has already seen it, and remains silent.
>Rachel goes to peer into the crate.
>There is the corpse all right. It's altogether around the size of a great dane,
even though it bears slight resemblace to a rat. It's appearance is further cast
aside by the fact that it's been gouged by the claws of a beast; it's tail is
mostly missing too. Oh, there are a few bullet wounds here and there when a
person looks carefully, but... it's definate to say that an animal killed the
rat.
Oh yeah, it's eye is definately shot out by a bullet. That's the clearest wound
of that sort on the entire body.
>Ryan sweatdrops. He's seen uglier. "Jeezus... that thing had some stamina."
>Rachel stares for a long moment before finding her voice. "What in the world
made those claw marks?"
>Cloud (OOC) giggles. Here's the fun part. *_*
>Ryan (OOC) looks around the room. Who here to we see with a claw?
>Did I forget to mention the bite wounds on the rat's back? c.c
>Why yes, you did. ^_^
>Must've been Luna then n.n o.o
>Wrong Luna. o.o
>Vincent nods in agreement to Ryan, looking down into the crate, "I had hoped to
take it out with the one shot." he indicates the eye wound. "I underestimated its
condition after that shot." he frowns over his own foolishness, only then looking
to Rachel as if registering the fact that she was asking a question. He... goes
peculiarly silent.
>Rachel misses Vincent's look, her eyes still focused on the ex-rat.
>Ryan rubs his chin. He suspects Vincent made 'em, but with his 'normal' claw.
"Would you say this one was tougher'n the first? Looks like it took quite a
beating..."
>Vincent turns his attention back to Ryan, "Yes, as a matter of fact." he
responds with, "More stamina than in the first. That is why I underestimated its
state after the first shot. The other had died almost immediately afterward from
the same sort of wound."
>Cloud asks, "... It could be that they adapt?"
>Rachel says, "Or that they're getting stronger with time is also a possibility."
>Ryan scowls, and rubs his chin. "Not a good sign... it would also support the
contamination theory, maybe. The transformation isn't complete yet."
>Vincent hmns. He nods shortly, then comments, "I apologise for the condition of
the corpse. But at the time it was the best I could manage in salvage." He
glances over at Cloud. The man didn't say anything... does a flash of gratitude
cross Vincent's face? Kinda hard to say.
>Ryan keeps rubbing his chin. "Still better then what we have now. And, with a
more recent find, we can compare it to the previous sample."
>Rachel says, "We need to get a water sample tested. Now."
>Cloud keeps his face carefully neutral, instead keeping his attention on the
rat, and then looking up at Rachel.
>Rachel says, "If the water supply really _is_ being contaminated, we can't
afford to waste any time."
>Vincent looks over to Ryan, "Where will you take this?" he asks. He looks to
Rachel again, not answering because he can figure that other people will probably
handle that job themselves.
>Ryan nods to Rachel. "I'll perform it tonight. It'd be best to take it near a
main source, though." As Vincent asks, he replies, "Leave it here for the
moment..."
>Vincent nods, "So long as the weather remains cold, it can stay down here." the
word 'here' is colored with a lot of distaste. He continues on in a normal tone
of voice, "Let me know when you wish to move it."
>Ryan nods to Vincent. "My fridge isn't big enough for this..."
>Cloud sighs, looking back towards Ryan. "Where do you think the main source is?"
>Ryan runs his fingers through his hair. "Probably the reservoir."
>Cloud asks, "... And that is...?"
>Vincent looks gloomy. (so when doesn't he?) But the sense appears to be enhanced
by his surroundings. "If we are finished here?" he asks suddenly and in
explanation, he adds, "It is cold, and not a good idea to stay much longer."
Okay, so he doesn't -act- like he's being affected by the chill, but he'll latch
onto any excuse.
>Ryan quips, "Reservoir, place where they hold all that water?"
>Ryan turns to Vincent. "Yeah, all set here..."
>Rachel says, "I've seen enough for now."
>Cloud asks, "Is it north of town?"
>Vincent departs, passing through the doorway that leads to the basement
corridor.
>Vincent leaves, with you following after.
** Walk cut **
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 : Vincent ]
[Things : None ]
>Vincent arrives, with Ryan, Cloud, and Rachel following behind.
>Vincent brings everyone back to the front hall. "If you'll excuse me, please. I
have things to take care of." He turns to head back upstairs again, "Please get
in touch if I can be of assistance with anything."
>Rachel says, "Thank you."
>Cloud pages, "I'm tempted to send in Kei and see what he does. o.o" to you.
>Ryan nods to Vincent. "No problem... and lemme know when another one of these
show up, eh? They seem to be gunning for ya..."
>Vincent smiles thinly. Not that it can be seen while he's turned around like
this, "No. I went after it, this time." he tells Ryan.
>Cloud nods almost imperceptibly to himself.
>Ryan raises his eyebrow, but doesn't comment O.o;
>Vincent (OOC) wants to know what Ryan's expression's gonna be like when A) Cloud
spills the beans or B) When Ryan gets to examine the cause of those claw and bite
marks on the rat. :D Ooooh man, this is soooo fun. n.n
>Vincent (OOC) bouncies off. Don't stop him or he'll threaten with the Evil
Image
>Vincent continues on upstairs then. And he'll go after another one too; if the
opportunity presents itself.
>Vincent heads up the curving stairway, turning at the landing and going up
another short flight, passing out of your sight.
>Cloud looks towards Ryan and Rachel. "...." Now what?
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck. "Something about that guy freaks me out but
good..."
>Ryan turns back to Cloud and Rachel. "Well, head to the bar?"
>Cloud nods. "... Still, I don't think repairs are done."
>Ryan blinks. "Eh? Repairs?"
>Cloud sighs. "THere were some problems at Tifa's bar." He looks over towards
Rachel...
>Ryan sweatdrops. "What the hell happened THIS time?"
>Cloud says, "... electric problems."
>Ryan peers at Cloud. "No, seriously. Who started the fight?"
>Cloud says, "There wasn't a fight."
>Ryan sweatdrops again. "For once? Go figure." O.o;
>Cloud says, "Never mind. Let's go."
>Ryan shrugs. "But where? I mean, I'll happily take Rachel back to my place..."
beamsmilebeam "... but what about you?"
>Cloud says, "... I'll go back to the bar, then."
>Rachel smiles at Ryan...
>Ryan grins like an idiot n.n
>Ryan nods to Cloud. "I'll see you tomorrow then, after I get some work done
on... that thing, and the local water. Like I said though, use bottled water,
'k?"
>Cloud nods. "I'll let Tifa know."
>Cloud says, "Good night, then..."
>Cloud moves toward the doorway, departing the mansion.
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck. "I really hate it when stuff like this happens.
A little more and I'd just get paranoid, y'know?"
>Rachel says, "With any luck, if the water _is_ contaminated, something simple
like boiling it will take care of the problem. I'm not counting on it, though."
>Ryan crosses his arms. "If it IS contaminated, it'd be hard to get the message
out, too. And it won't help the wildlife..."
>Rachel shakes her head. "No, we'll have to find a way to correct the problem at
the source."
>Ryan nods. "I get the distinct impression I'll be coming to blows with Harken
again... or maybe her friends..." He sighs.
>Rachel asks, "IF it comes to that... I wonder how much she'd enjoy a railgun
spike?"
>Rachel gives you a decidedly _nasty_ smile.
>Ryan smirks. "Anything to get through that damn armor of hers... She doesn't
seem to have ranged attacks, though she was holding back last I fought her."
>Rachel quirks an eyebrow. "Oh, _really_? could be entertaining to take her
apart from, oh, say, 200 meters?"
>Ryan crosses his arms and smiles at Rachel. "It'd be hilarious. I think she's
geared towards close combat... she'd never see it coming. I hope."
>Rachel says, "If I used the railgun, she'd never _hear_ it coming, either. The
rounds are hypersonic."
>Ryan chuckles. "Don't get cocky though, she can teleport..."
>Rachel asks, "At anything over 500 meters, I could fire 4 times and still have
all the shots get there before she'd hear the first one... _Teleport_? Is that
_possible_?"
>Ryan nods to Rachel. "Ayup... during the fight with her, i managed to disarm
her... but she just blinked that damn scythe of hers back into her hand."
>Rachel asks, "So much for taking her out long range. I wonder how quickly she
could re-arm herself if I destroyed the scythe, though?"
>Ryan rubs his chin. "Good question..."
>Ryan continues, "And hand-to-hand, I can manage her easily... she focuses more
on reach and stamina, apparently."
>Ryan got his arm broken during that fight, but we won't mention that.
>Rachel says, "The thing's hell against soft targets. I wonder how well it would
do against laminate-composite armor... While on the other hand, _my_
hand-to-hand weapons are _designed_ to take out armored targets..."
>Rachel says, "And so are Eden's."
>Ryan hmms. "Well, with luck, it won't come to that."
>Rachel says, "I hope not, either. But if it does, I'd thoroughly enjoy taking
her blade away from her and using it to give her a few new orifices."
>Ryan smirks. "Getting bloodthirsty there, girl?"
>Rachel says, "I get that way about inhuman _things_ that hurt people I care
about."
>Rachel says, "Not to mention ones that threaten life as we know it."
>Ryan crosses his arms. "I'd be more worried about the ones that HAVEN'T shown
themselves yet, anyway. Don't like thingies plotting where I can't see..." He
inhales, then continues, "Not much we can do about it tonight, though."
>Rachel says, "No, there's not."
>Ryan holds up his index finger. "Tomorrow'll be busy, though." He glances at his
watch. "Okay, later today'll be busy."
>Rachel says, "True..."
>Ryan runs his fingers through his hair. "Probably should go to bed... Why can't
Cloud show me this stuff at like 3 in the afternoon instead of at night? Sheesh."
>Rachel asks, "Maybe you should ask him?"
>Ryan smirks. "Never thought of that."
>Rachel says, "Well, you'd have a better chance of getting an answer than asking
_me_."
>Ryan chuckles
>Rachel says, "Come on, let's go."
>Ryan nods to Rachel
>Rachel falls in line behind you.
>o
You move toward the doorway, departing the 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.
Oddly enough, the trees, bushes, and outside of the building have been decorated
with big red bows and colorful Christmas lights. This is quite a contrast to the
mansion's previously uninhabited, forbidding appearence..now, it looks like a
very warm, inviting place.
[Exits : (H)eimdall Street, and (E)nter the Mansion ]
[Sleepers: Luna, and OOC Cam-4(Pup) ]
[Things : None ]
>Ryan arrives, with Rachel following behind.
>Ryan rubs the back of his neck. "My place, or should I drop you off first?"
>Rachel says, "Your place."
>Ryan nods.
>h
You depart the mansion grounds, heading out to Heimdall Street.
** Walk cut **
Obelisk : Room 508 - Ryan's Apartment(#618R)
One word springs to mind as you walk into Ryan's apartment: cluttered. Stuff is
strewn everywhere, from the multitude of shelves that line the wall, to the comic
books and CD's on the floor.
The main room, which makes up most of the apartment, has apparently been
relegated to storage duty. Aside from the King-sized bed, the desk, and the TV,
all the rest of the furniture here is book shelves. As you look the shelves over,
you see a roughly equal proportion of both scholarly texts (physics textbooks,
archaeological logs, etc.), and comic books. How unusual. Hooked up to the TV is
a wide variety of video game consoles, some no longer supported.
The small kitchenette and bathroom are comparatively unremarkable.
[Exits : (O)ut ]
[Sleepers: Tail(Pup) ]
[Things : Dagger(#3775L), Big honkin' pile 'o gold.(#3397), Backpack(#2158), and
Midgaard City Map(#1293) ]
>Ryan arrives, with Rachel following behind.
>Rachel takes her boots off again, leaving them by the door.
>Ryan blinks this time, then remembers it's a Japanese custom.
>Ryan yawns. "Want something to drink? Besides tap water?"
>Rachel says, "Sure."
>Ryan was kinda hoping for a more specific reply, but walks into the kitchen to
brew up some tea. It's instant, but at least it's green tea.
>Rachel didn't know what you ahd to offer, and wasn't feeling picky. ^_^
>Ryan walks back in, two cups in hand. "Hope you like it..."
>Rachel says, "Pretty much anything'll do. Thanks."
>Rachel takes her cup and sips from it.
>Ryan hands one over, taking a sip from the other.
>Rachel drains her cup and pads barefoot over to you.
>Ryan looks up from his tea.
>Rachel gently takes your cup out of your hands, and sets it aside. Then she
moves closer to you, saying, "Missed you...," and then brings her lips softly to
yours as she slips her arms around you...
Somewhere on the muck, Eden has disconnected.
>Ryan, rather gently, wraps his arms around your waist in return. The closeness
is certainly comforting, at least to Ryan... "Remind me to take you on expedition
next time. Certainly make things more enjoyable..." He leans his head every so
slightly forward to kiss you, assuming there's no protest. Which is probably a
safe assumption
>Rachel kisses you with a slow, deep, burning passion...
>Ryan's passion is a little faster and shallower, perhaps, but it works none the
less. He maneuvers you ever so slightly closer... it's a little less than a
chaste hug, apparently, but keeping your bodies together is not entirely
unenjoyable.
>Rachel breaks off the kiss, and proceeds to take as much time as she needs to
show you how much she's missed you, and to let you get thoroughly reacquainted
with her body. ^_-
>Ryan is happy to reciprocate, of course. Perhaps more detail tomorrow. After
nap time for our poor, beleagured player... (Gack, 3:30 AM... I hate the east
coast)
>Ryan (OOC) G'night n.n @.@
>Rachel (OOC) hugs. ^_^
>QUIT
Another one bites the dust.. o/~
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