Soma says, "we'll put you in the same place as Mischa and Staren... you weren't far away anyway" os that's what I figured You say, "that's what I figured" Staren (OOC) says, "SO what's next?" Mischa says, "Huh... well, now that I think about it, I guess we'll end up splitting up pretty soon. You guys still wanna see The Masters?" Staren says, "Why not?" 'ya You say, "ya" Ai nods Mischa says, "Guess we'll stay together a little while longer then... this way." Mischa starts walking toward a set of doors at the far end of the hall. pose trails alittle behind the group, as has become his habit. Aidan trails alittle behind the group, as has become his habit. Mischa says, "We'll have to go through the Room of Broken Memories, which as far as I'm concerned is totally useless." Staren says, "Just what is it?" 'I've found that everything has a use... You say, "I've found that everything has a use..." Mischa shrugs. "I've never spent much time there, but I guess it's like a depository of things people have forgotten. Most of the stuff is pretty meaningless, though. That's why people have forgotten it. It's like when you forget trivial things, they end up there." Staren (OOC) says, "gotta go for a few mins." Soma says, "okay" 'hmm You say, "hmm" Mischa says, "Once we get through that, though, the path splits. One way leads to The Masters and a path to The Underground. Other way leads to The Islands, which is where Memory Theater is." '... You say, "..." Mischa says, "So like, why do you wanna go there, anyway?" 'Its the first place that I've been to that felt right to me... You say, "Its the first place that I've been to that felt right to me..." 'Felt like I fit in there. You say, "Felt like I fit in there." Mischa says, "Oh, I get it... the kind of dreams you like having take place there, right? Everyone has something like that... though underground villages don't appeal to most people, believe it or not." Mischa grins jokingly. 'yeah well I can fit in just about anywhere, there are very few places that feel right to me though... You say, "yeah well I can fit in just about anywhere, there are very few places that feel right to me though..." 'hoping I can figure somethings out if I go there. You say, "hoping I can figure somethings out if I go there." Mischa says, "Some things... huh?" 'ya.. You say, "ya.." Mischa smiles at Ai, who's been listening intently. "You have 'some things' too, huh?" Ai smiles back, but doesn't give any sort of commital response. 'everyone has there own demons to face... I think its about time I face some of mine... You say, "everyone has there own demons to face... I think its about time I face some of mine..." Staren (OOC) says, "back" Mischa says, "Oh, hey, good for you, man. 'Course I guess we've all got something like that, yeah. Sometimes I feel like I'm just along for the ride." Soma says, "cool" Mischa says, "Anyway, let's get this door open." Staren (OOC) says, "So at The Masters we split?" Staren attempts to open the door. Mischa starts to pull at the big wooden door. Soma says, "soon after that, it seems" pose attempts to help Mischa Aidan attempts to help Mischa Soma says, "The door opens into a zig-zagging passageway with with glass-paneled sides and a stone floor and roof. The windows reveal a grassy area to the left and a dark pit to the right." pose looks in the pit Aidan looks in the pit Mischa goes and leans his head against the glass over the pit. "Whoooooaaa!!! Heheh." Soma says, "The pit seems to go on forever. Evidently, this is the one that The Seal saw a grey shape plummeting into." Staren looks into the pit. "Long way down..." Mischa says, "I tried going in once, but I just fell until I woke up. It was scary as hell." Soma says, "A door can be heard slamming shut on the other side of the corridor." Shadow says, "That doesn't sound very fun." 'what? falling's not that bad... You say, "what? falling's not that bad..." Mischa sweatdrops at Aidan. "Uh... to each his own, I guess. Oh, someone else here?" ## Save Soon... Staren looks towards the sound... ## Saving. ## Save Complete. Soma says, "Slow footsteps come from the other side of the corridor. Through the zig-zagging glass, a human-sized black shape surrounded by a dim bluish-purple glow seems to advance in the party's direction." pose turns his back to the pit and looks toward the sound. Aidan turns his back to the pit and looks toward the sound. Staren morphs to Space Hero and tries to scan him. Soma says, "Staren's systems pick up two different signals. Drawing from past experiences, there is 50probability that the shape is Genma, 50probability that it is the formless mass that attacked him, Aidan, and Heron in the theater." Soma says, "that's supposed to be 50 percent, but apparently it does something else with the percent symbol" Mischa squints at the approaching figure. "That the same guy from before?" Staren (OOC) says, "50%?" Staren says, "50&120" Staren says, "50\6m Staren says, "50&120"" Soma says, "I'm confused... but I'll just write out percent from now on" Staren says, "According to my scanners it's either Genma or the thing from the theater." He switches his arm to gun mode. os &120 You say, "&120" Staren (OOC) says, "I can't figure out how to type a percent, sorry." os oh well You say, "oh well" Soma says, "phone, 1 min" os so strange black thing... I didn't catch you're name before... =P You say, "so strange black thing... I didn't catch you're name before... =P" Staren says, "50" Staren says, "50" Staren says, "50 Staren says, "50 Mischa assumes a fighting stance. "That doesn't look right..." os whoo hoo lots of editing on this one... You say, "whoo hoo lots of editing on this one..." pose doesn't seem to move. Aidan doesn't seem to move. Mischa whispers, "Think we should say anything, or just attack?" 'well depends on if it wants to fight... You say, "well depends on if it wants to fight..." 'nothing says that all things dark and glowing purple will attack... You say, "nothing says that all things dark and glowing purple will attack..." Staren shouts, "Who's there?" Mischa says, "That's true, but certain things are associated with purple glows..." Genma gives no response, but stops walking. 'ya well if its that we should take it as a complement. You say, "ya well if its that we should take it as a complement." Mischa says, "s fist start to give off a firy glow." Staren says, "Can we tell its Genma yet?" Mischa says, "oops, I typed the wrong command. Anyway, my fists are giving off firy glow right about now =)" Soma says, "Like I said, it looks like Genma, but it seems like it's not exactly him." pose leans back against the glass content to wait for now. Aidan leans back against the glass content to wait for now. os so did you say that in Char too, Mischa? You say, "so did you say that in Char too, Mischa?" Staren says, "Well? Ya have anything to say?" Soma says, "No, it was supposed to be a pose, but I guess I screwed up" Soma says, "Which side of the glass is Aidan leaning on?" os the phrase about it looking like Genma is supposed to be a pose? You say, "the phrase about it looking like Genma is supposed to be a pose?" Mischa says, "Actually Soma said that, not me" os ah that makes more sense... You say, "ah that makes more sense..." os wouldn't it be weird if real life worked like this... lol You say, "wouldn't it be weird if real life worked like this... lol" Soma says, "haha... WHICH SIDE OF THE GLASS? *scary shogun face*" Soma says, "=D" os hmm anyway adian's still waiting. You say, "hmm anyway adian's still waiting." Genma makes some quick movement and the glass on either side of the corridor shatters. Genma's form can now be seen clearly, and Aidan nearly falls over backwards as the empty machine gun falls from Genma's hand. Mischa says, "Guess that answers my question." 'so that's the way its gonna be... You say, "so that's the way its gonna be..." Soma says, "Initiative rolls..." Staren rolls 1d6+7 and gets 12 Mischa rolls 1d68 and gets 12 Ai rolls 1d67 and gets 10 iroll +6 Aidan rolls 1d6+6 and gets 8 Genma rolls 1d65 and gets 10 Soma says, "Staren, Mischa, Ai, Genma, Aidan" Soma says, "or rather Staren/Mischa, Ai/Genma, Aidan" os hmm lots of time to see what happens then... You say, "hmm lots of time to see what happens then..." Staren levels his gun at Genma. "Do I need to kill you again? I'm not gonna go easy on you just 'cuz you're a girl you know." Staren says, "Missile!" Staren rolls 2d6-5 and gets 3 Mischa runs behind Staren. "I can't go at him straight away, or I'd get my ass burned... you go first." Genma rolls 2d6 and gets 9 Genma is knocked over by the force of the missile. Mischa says, "Nice!" Ai deploys her force field and hangs back. Genma springs to his feet and fires a green beam at Staren. Genma rolls 2d6-2 and gets 7 Genma misses... Soma says, "Aidan's turn." pose looks around Aidan looks around os are we on a bridge. You say, "are we on a bridge." os ? Staren says, "Random battle music I happenned to think of, for broadbanders: http://virt.vgmix.com/music/ft1/virt_-_Boss_Battle_(FT).mp3" You say, "?" Soma says, "to the right is the pit, to the left is a broad, grassy area surrounded by 3 towers, the Animists' Hall, and connecting corridors" Staren says, "Yeah but are we on solid ground, or a bridge over part of the pit or the ground?" Soma says, "solid ground. Stone, specifically" pose hangs back and takes up a defensive stance. Aidan hangs back and takes up a defensive stance. Mischa delays his attack slightly while Staren takes action. Staren doesn't see any reason not to keep firing missiles. "Why won't you say anything?" .O( Something's odd here... ) He scans genma again while his missile flies towards the black-suited nemesis... Staren rolls 2d6-5 and gets 2 Staren (OOC) says, "brb." Genma rolls 2d6 and gets 7 Genma is hit by the missile. Soma says, "k" Mischa charges forward. "Something wrong, allright. I don't like this. Hyaaah!" He tries to kick Genma square in the stomach. Mischa rolls 2d6-3 and gets 6 Genma rolls 2d61 and gets 10 Mischa causes no damage, but succeeds in knocking Genma to the ground. Ai stays on guard. Genma gets up and fires his flame thrower at Mischa. Genma rolls 2d6-2 and gets 7 Genma stands still with his chest puffed out. "Fire on me? Heh... dumb ass!" Mischa says, "hey, that's my line!" Staren says, "back" Mischa stands still with his chest puffed out. "Fire on me? Heh... dumb ass!" Soma says, "cool. Aidan's turn." pose transforms Black fur eye glow red... He mantains his defence as best he can while transforming. Aidan transforms Black fur eye glow red... He mantains his defence as best he can while transforming. Mischa dives out of the way, anticipating another missile from Staren. Staren says, "So Genma is knocked down?" Staren says, "That make it harder for him to dodge?" Soma says, "he used his first attack last round to get up, second to attack Mischa, so he's at usual dudging ability now" Staren says, "How's my EP supply doing?" os look out Staren, Genma can dudge :) You say, "look out Staren, Genma can dudge :)" Soma says, "let's see... missiles use how much again?" Staren says, "5" Soma says, "musta lost part of my notes unpacking... Staren has 45 EP right now." Staren fires... surprise! Yet another missile. Those and powerbombs are the only armor-piercing weapons he has, after all. Staren rolls 2d6-5 and gets 5 Staren says, "Still trying to scan genma further if possible..." Genma rolls 2d6 and gets 6 Soma says, "scans reveal nothing further than already known..." Genma is hit by Staren's missile. He sinks to his knees as his power suit breaks down and he transforms out of it. Staren says, "Ooh! So what's he look like, anyway?" pose still holds his defensive stance. Aidan still holds his defensive stance. Genma kneels on the ground, still surrounded by a purplish glow. He is a boy of no more than 16 and slightly skinny, with short, unkempt dark hair. His clothes suggest a somewhat dressed-down Japanese high school student. His eyes appear to be turned up in his head, and his head wobbles back and forth as though he were not lucid right now. Mischa stands up on the grassy area and dusts himself off. "Man, what's with this guy? I don't like the look of him..." Staren says, "Oh man... He's been posessed! How do we... un-posess him?" 'kill him... You say, "kill him..." 'I don't want to but its the only way I know... You say, "I don't want to but its the only way I know..." Genma opens his mouth, as if to talk at first... but he just keeps opening it wider and wider, until it seems stretched to abnormal proportions. An amorphous, bluish-purple mass slithers out of it and forms a bulb about 10 feet high. Mischa says, "Ah, shit! That's a tendril!" Staren targets the mass and fires ice beam shots! Staren rolls 2d6-2 and gets 8 Staren rolls 2d6-2 and gets 6 Staren says, "Actually that should be -3. So the second one should hit." Soma says, "hold on... reroll initiative first" Staren rolls 1d6+7 and gets 8 Genma rolls 2d67 and gets 16 iroll +6 Aidan rolls 1d6+6 and gets 9 Genma says, "oops" Genma rolls 1d67 and gets 8 Mischa rolls 1d68 and gets 12 Ai rolls 1d67 and gets 8 Soma says, "Mischa, Aidan, Staren/Genma/Ai" Mischa dashes back toward the others. "Don't let it touch you, or things'll get seriously complicated. We'll have to take swipes at it while focusing on defense." Soma says, "Aidan's turn" pose moves on to the grass keeping his eyes on Genma and the tendril. When he gets behind them he says 'strength'. Aidan moves on to the grass keeping his eyes on Genma and the tendril. When he gets behind them he says 'strength'. Staren (OOC) says, "Do I keep my rolls or reroll?" Staren says, "I'm backing up and firing two ice beam shots." Soma says, "we'll do a reroll" Staren rolls 2d6-3 and gets 4 Staren rolls 2d6-3 and gets 3 The Tendril opens a wide hole in its center, aiming for Staren. The Tendril rolls 2d6 and gets 9 The Tendril rolls 2d61 and gets 11 The Tendril is hit by both ice beam shots, but is not frozen. Ai spreads out, placing herself between Staren and Mischa. Mischa leaps up on the roof of the corridor. Soma says, "Aidan's turn" pose keeps up strength and looks at genma. Aidan keeps up strength and looks at genma. Soma says, "Aidan sees Genma sitting helplessly beneath the tendril." os in the tendril or just near it? You say, "in the tendril or just near it?" Soma says, "the tendril is still rooted in his mouth" os well nothing for it then You say, "well nothing for it then" pose runs up behind attempting to grab Genma and throw him into the pit... Aidan runs up behind attempting to grab Genma and throw him into the pit... roll-1 I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU! (type 'help' for help) roll -1 Aidan rolls 2d6-1 and gets 6 The Tendril tries to grab onto the ground The Tendril rolls 2d6 and gets 7 'so what do you want now and what sort of bonus do I get for 2 ranks of super Strength? You say, "so what do you want now and what sort of bonus do I get for 2 ranks of super Strength?" Soma says, "bonus? You can throw him really far =)" os I know... just wouldn't it be a contested roll to get the tendril to go too? You say, "I know... just wouldn't it be a contested roll to get the tendril to go too?" The Tendril manages to grab the edge of the roof. Genma dangles over the pit. Staren fires another two ice beam shots -- perhaps if the tendril is frozen, Genma can be recovered? Staren rolls 2d6-3 and gets 2 Staren rolls 2d6-3 and gets 3 The Tendril rolls 2d6 and gets 9 The Tendril rolls 2d61 and gets 3 The Tendril is hit by one of the ice beam shots, but bends itself around the second as it tries to reach its way back up onto the roof. Ai runs forward and grabs onto Genma. Mischa jumps back off the roof. "Dammit... if only there was some fire around, but as it is I can't attack without touching it." Soma says, "Aidan's turn" pose jumps to the roof and tries to break off the part the tendril is clinging to. Aidan jumps to the roof and tries to break off the part the tendril is clinging to. Soma says, "let's make that an ACV roll..." ok I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU! (type 'help' for help) os ok You say, "ok" roll Aidan rolls 2d6 and gets 10 os oh well You say, "oh well" Soma says, "The ledge cracks but doesn't give." The Tendril extends in a point, trying to hit Aidan. The Tendril rolls 2d6 and gets 12 The Tendril says, "uh-oh..." Staren says, "So where is Genma positioned now?" The Tendril 's movement causes the ledge to break. It is hit by the falling piece of stone and is barely able to suspend itself over the pit. Soma says, "Genma is being held above the ground below where the Tendril is by Ai." Staren says, "So if I freezecrack the tentacle he'll be okay?" Staren says, "Or at least, he won't fall down the pit?" Ai tries to dodge while holding onto Genma as the falling stone threatens to hit her as well Soma says, "right" Ai rolls 2d62 and gets 11 Staren (OOC) says, "Hmm. Can the stone be vaporized by a plasma shot or two?" Soma says, "let's see... because of Space Hero's attributes, there's no penalty for precise shot... it's simultaneous action, so a plasma shot could destroy the block just before it hits Ai." Staren rolls 2d6-3 and gets 4 Staren (OOC) says, ":fires an ice beam shot at the tendril as well." Staren rolls 2d6-3 and gets 3 Ai blinks as the stone block is vaporized right in front of her face. The Tendril rolls 2d6 and gets 8 The Tendril is frozen! Mischa strikes at the frozen tendril. "I hope it's safe to this now... Pyro Fist!" Mischa rolls 2d6-3 and gets 1 The Tendril shatters, its pieces falling into the pit. Genma returns to normal. His image fades in and out, as if he were on the verge of waking up. Staren shouts, "Genma! Are you okay, what happenned?" Wait, this is a BAD guy! Mischa looks up Aidan standing by the broken-off part of the ceiling. "Whew... quick thinking there, man." Genma strains himself to talk. "Uh... Nova... why did you do this... Nova?" Soma says, "afk 1 min" 'mmm You say, "mmm" pose sits down on the crumbling surface of the roof Aidan sits down on the crumbling surface of the roof Staren blinks. "Nova? Who is Nova?" Soma says, "back" Genma says, "Nova... did this to me. He said it was okay, he'd give me more power, then... he put that... thing in me..." Mischa says, "Nova? Don't tell me there's another one like Vertigo..." Ai sets Genma down on the stone floor. Genma is able to sit up, with a little support from Ai. Staren says, "Can you tell us more about this Nova person?" Genma seems to become slightly more aware, but doesn't yet seem to realize who he's talking to. "Nova... I thought he was another dreamer, like me... But how can he have power like that? I thought we could have fun... but I feel horrible." Mischa says, "Ah, that makes more sense." Staren hmphs. "You should feel horrible for doing what you do for 'fun', but I take it this feeling is from posession. See how it feels to have someone else abuse their power against you?" Genma blinks and squints his eyes at Staren. "Huh... what? Wait a minute... YOU?" He wobbles to his feet, trying and failing to change back into his power suit. "What the..." Staren nods, "Yeah, me. I see th effects of the fake sunrise wore off on you as well." Genma hmphs and starts backing away. "Yeah. Nova helped me with that." Mischa moves around to cut off his escape. pose watches from the roof mildly amused. Aidan watches from the roof mildly amused. Mischa says, "First of all, throw away this 'Nova' thing you've got going on. That's just a fake name made up by a very crafty Nightmare." Genma says, "Feh. What do YOU know? Who are you, anyway? Have I seen you before?" Staren says, "Well, we have to call the nightmare something, why not Nova?" Mischa says, "Because Nova is Vertigo, of course." Genma blinks. "Vertigo? Who's that?" Staren says, "You're sure?" Mischa says, "Huh. And why should I tell you, you ungrateful kid?" Mischa says, "that was directed at Genma, of course" Rynel has connected. Rynel says, "I have a legitimate excuse for not appearing at 8-ish." Rynel says, "I was way too engrossed in Metroid Prime 2." Mischa says, "Well, considering how plausible it is that there's another nightmare with the same powers as Vertigo, it seems much more likely that someone as prone to underhanded methods as Vertigo is would play on the tendancies of soicopath like this kid by pretending to be another sociopathic dreamer. Doesn't it?" Soma says, "Ah, say no more =)" Rynel says, "Have you experienced MP Syndrome?" Staren says, "That posession is Vertigo's power?" Soma says, "no, but I'm well aware of how addictive they are. I probably played through Super Metroid about a dozen times at least before Fusion came out." ## Save Soon... Mischa says, "Yeah, though I've never seen him actually put a tendril inside a dreamer before... probably because nobody was dumb enough to let him." Soma says, "feel free to abruptly pop in on the scene, or whatever" Staren says, "I don't suppose you've learned your lesson, Genma?" Rynel pops in out of nowhere, clutching an invisible controller. "-amn it!" He looks around. "Oh, must've fallen asleep... Oh well, at least I saved." ## Saving. ## Save Complete. Rynel says, "Also, I'm playing with my brother's Magnetix. I don't know what I'm making, but its coming together. Oh it will be glorious." 'first time for everything You say, "first time for everything" Soma says, "Rynel is in a stone hallway with busted-out glass sides. In the center stands a young boy, surrounding by Staren, Mischa, and Ai. Aidan can be seen through a hole in the roof." os in cat form... You say, "in cat form..." Rynel mumbles something about Phazon and explosions, and looks around again. He walks up to the group. "Uh... What'd I miss?" Genma says, "Feh. Whatever. I don't even know what's going on here." Mischa says, "Rynel, meet Genma, a dumb kid who got himself possessed by Vertigo." Genma says, "What's this about possession, anyway?" 'well if you weren't hanging around with vertigo/nova we wouldn't care if you knew what was going on. You say, "well if you weren't hanging around with vertigo/nova we wouldn't care if you knew what was going on." Rynel ahs. "Hello. I'm Rynel, and I just fell asleep in front of Metroid Prime 2. Again." Rynel says, "It is COMPLETED! What it is I dunno. But OH IT IS GLORIOUS." Staren says, "Well, Vertigo's kind of out to hurt people, like you. But he's even more powerful and dangerous." Rynel says, "Now its even more glorious." Rynel blinks. "Who got shot in the what now?" Mischa says, "Specifically, he's out to get a dreamer named Shade, which he was apparently using you to do, as you said last time we crossed paths. Speaking of which, have you seen anyone like that?" Mischa says, "This guy here got shot, over and over. By Staren, mainly." Rynel nods. "Ah. And where was he shot?" Staren says, "In the tentacle." Mischa says, "couldn't have said it better myself." Rynel nods again. "Cool, cool. Did you use any specific weaponry on said tentacle?" Staren says, "Ice Beam." Rynel says, "Random Quote of the Week: 'Sleep is for the weak and those deprived of Coke.'" Genma says, "Oh great... another one." Staren says, "Another what?" Genma peers at Rynel. "Another weirdo." 'you're one to talk... You say, "you're one to talk..." Mischa ruffles Genma's hair. "Haven't you got some homework or something?" Rynel smiles. "Excellent. Ice Spreader or just the beam? And do you want an upgrade?" Rynel looks at Genma. "I'm not wierd, I'm just crazy." Genma pushes Mischa back. "Get the fuck off me!" Staren says, "Just the beam... what's this about upgrading?" Mischa says, "ooh, scary. Are you making a threat, or would you like to know exactly what your chances are of taking anyone on in combat right about now?" Rynel says, "Well, if I could examine your suit, I might be able to fashion some sort of gizmos and gadgets to upgrade it. I'm partial to the Dark Beam." Staren says, "...Maybe later. Right now we need to figure out what to do with Genma." Genma is still blowing steam at Mischa. "You're a real ass hole, you know that?" Rynel looks over at Genma again. "Once more, you're one to talk. You insulted me." Mischa smacks his fists together. "Guess he doesn't know what's good for 'im." Rynel nods. "We could take him." Staren says, "Dude, you roasted a stadium full of people." Genma says, "Like I care." Mischa grabs Genma by the shoulder and socks him hard in the gut. "You care about that, huh?" Rynel sighs. He looks at Staren and Mischa. "Do we need him for something?" 'there is a nice deep hole over there... You say, "there is a nice deep hole over there..." Mischa says, "Nah. He's just an idiot who talks big when he's got his space suit and crumbles under a little tap when he doesn't." Rynel says, "Note to Self: When and if I get XP or the equivalent of rather, take Highly Skilled again and get Demolitions..." Staren says, "Not really... But just killing him is letting him off easy." Rynel nods, and grins. "Into the Vat of Boiling Sharks with him!" 'he'll have a bit to think while he's falling... You say, "he'll have a bit to think while he's falling..." Mischa grins. "I've got a better idea." He turns to Rynel. "How hard would it be for you to make some fancy handcuffs." Rynel says, "How fancy?" Mischa tips his head at Genma. "Fancy enough so he couldn't get outta them no matter how hard he tried." Staren says, "Wonder if there's some way to reactivate the change the fake sunrises cause..." Mischa says, "what did it the first time?" Rynel rubs his chin. "Doesn't sound too hard." He looks at Staren. "What changes? And whats a fake sunrise?" Mischa smiles. "Great." He turns to Genma. "Let's be good friends from now on!" Genma grimaces. "Piss off." pose lays back and looks at the sky waitting for the rest of the group to be ready to move on. Aidan lays back and looks at the sky waitting for the rest of the group to be ready to move on. Staren says, "Fake sunrise beams... When activated, they, uh, turn the user into a girl." Rynel nods. "Ah. I could make something to reverse that..." Rynel says, "...But it might turn you inside out. Minor inconvenience there." Mischa nods to Rynel. "Well, guess you'll need to work at some point. Anyway, we might as well get on our way." He looks at Genma. "And don't you try to get away. You have no power suit, and you have no chance of outrunning me or Staren." Staren says, "...Well as you can see, it's worn off on both of us. But maybe a way to reactivate it on him." Rynel deploys his power armor. "And I've got this." He is halfway through climbing in, and hums. "Anyone need a gun?" Mischa sweatdrops. "That would've made things SO much easier when this guy sprouted a tendril from his mouth..." 'we did ok. You say, "we did ok." Rynel says, "Well, I was engrossed in Metroid Prime 2. So do you want it or not? I've got my Plasma Rifle, I just designed it as a sidearm, or incase the rifle is useless." Mischa says, "Heh... no kidding" Mischa says, "I should be okay for now..." Rynel finishes with his armor donning. "Suit yourself." Mischa faces the door into the next tower. "Anyway, next is the Room of Broken Memories. Let's try to make it a short visit." Rynel says, "Bad stuff in there?" Genma grumbles, "I'm gonna kill you so many times..." pose comes down from the roof and morphs back to his normal form... Aidan comes down from the roof and morphs back to his normal form... Mischa says, "Not bad, just damn confusing." Staren says, "I guess the upgrade would be nice... But what are we gonna do with Genma here?" 'and that's worse than the rest of the dream world how? You say, "and that's worse than the rest of the dream world how?" Mischa says, "He'll be with us for a while. Kids like him just need some friends, ya know?" Rynel snorts. "Or a couple rounds in the face, apparently." 'really I would have guessed they needed something else. You say, "really I would have guessed they needed something else." Mischa shrugs. "Hey, if you wanna root around in people's redundant, lost memories, be my guest, but you'll be there a looong time before you find something good." 'how is it different from the memory theater? You say, "how is it different from the memory theater?" Staren says, "Okay..." He heads onward. Rynel follows, humming. pose shruggs and takes up his usual spot in the line up. Aidan shruggs and takes up his usual spot in the line up. Mischa begins walking as well. "In Memory Theater, you watch things that are meaningful and interesting. Open a box in this next room, and you'll see someone standing on a commuter train every morning for the past 5 years, or something along those lines." Rynel says, "Are they marked?" Genma trudges along disdainfully. Mischa says, "Hell no." Mischa grabs the door and starts pulling. It begins to creak slowly open. 'odd I would think that what you every day is very important. You say, "odd I would think that what you every day is very important." Mischa says, "Rrrg... maybe... but for some people, it all just blends together, and that's when it ends up here." pose moves to help with the door. Aidan moves to help with the door. Rynel does, too. 'well even if it does blend together it doesn't mean it isn't important. You say, "well even if it does blend together it doesn't mean it isn't important." Soma says, "The door opens onto a dark, circular room with all sorts of boxes stacked on top of each other, everything from simple cardboard crates to elaborate trunks made of ivory and gold." Mischa says, "Whew... well, like I said, if that really interests you, it's all here." Staren opens a random one out of curioiusity. Soma says, "Staren's mind is suddenly assailed with the sensation that he is sitting in an uncomfortable recliner with itchy upholstry, watching an infomercial about George Foreman grills." Staren closes the box. "Okay. Onward." Mischa says, "what'd I tell ya. I think the other door is this way..." Soma says, "Sure enough, another set of massive oak doors isn't far away." Rynel goes to open them! Mischa helps Rynel. The doors are heavy, but they give. Staren says, "So next is the Masters?" Rynel says, "What masters?" Soma says, "Beyond the doors is dim, torchlit chamber with a domed ceiling that seems like some sort of cave. Circular stairs lead up from a large hole in the center of the room." Mischa says, "The Masters are after this... What we see here is an enterance to The Underground." Rynel says, "Okay. Why are we doing this again? To save the princess?" Mischa says, "Huh? You mean going to see the masters? It was you guys' idea..." Rynel says, "It was?" Rynel says, "Why wasn't I notified?" 'think you have you're games mixed up... Were trying to stop the parisite. You say, "think you have you're games mixed up... Were trying to stop the parisite." Mischa sighs and scratches his head. Staren says, "Just to see what they can tell us... So you leave us here, and after this is the way to the island?" Rynel says, "Parasite. I see. Why?" 'anyway I want to hear what the master's have to say too. You say, "anyway I want to hear what the master's have to say too." Mischa sweatdrops. "Isn't it obvious?" Rynel says, "No. Enlighten me." 'you play Metriod right? You say, "you play Metriod right?" Mischa says, "Okay... ready..." He transforms into a roughly-drawn chibi-like character and rolls a black board out of nowhere, on which he begins gesturing to doodles that roughly illustrate his point. Rynel says, "Yeah/" 'why do you stop the parisite in metriod? You say, "why do you stop the parisite in metriod?" Staren sweatdrops. Rynel says, "To stop the destruction of a planet and for fun>?" Rynel says, "And profit:?" Chibi Mischa says, "Vertigo is a super-powerful, parasitic Nightmare who steals dreamers' powers. What does he want to achieve? We don't know, but it can't be good!..." Rynel says, "Why not? Maybe he just wants to be able to do cool stuff." 'well we can hope that we get some of the stuff from metriod, but its really more for survial... You say, "well we can hope that we get some of the stuff from metriod, but its really more for survial..." Rynel says, "I'd steal peoples powers to do cool stuff. Survival. I see." Chibi Mischa says, "...Vertigo especially hates Shade. Shade is a kinda antisocial guy who only thinks about killing Vertigo, but we think we can save him and defeat the evil bad guys if we get him, Ai, and Vertigo in the same place." 'you wouldn't say that if you'd been posesed You say, "you wouldn't say that if you'd been posesed" Rynel says, "I was under the assumption we'd get some sort of reward. Like a statue or something." Rynel says, "Posessed? I'd say something but we'd all die from it." Chibi Mischa looks sad. "Besides, Shade is my friend. I don't want Vertigo to kill him. Waaah! ...Oh, and he's in love with Ai, too. Waaah!" 'we might get a statue... though I'd perfer not to get one... You say, "we might get a statue... though I'd perfer not to get one..." Chibi Mischa turns back into regular Mischa. "Does that help?" Staren says, "How about doing it for the sake of saving the sdreamworld?" Rynel says, "A little. Who're the masters, and how do we use the save system? Turn into a moogle or that imp this time." Rynel says, "Yeah, but I prefer to think of life as in A Bard's Tale. Saving the world is optional." Mischa says, "Yeah right... just the chibi thing puts a real strain on the ol' body. It's hard to hold yourself in that shape for very long." Rynel says, "I mean, I could just as easily make a button that destroys the universe." Rynel says, "... ... ... ... ... In fact..." Mischa sweatdrops. Rynel says, "What do I have to roll to make a button that destroys the universe?" Staren hits Rynel with a rolled-up newspaper. "Bad Rynel! Bad! No building evil buttons!" Rynel says, "Curiousity." Rynel ows. "But... but..." Soma says, "Hmm... let me check the rules... a button that destroys the universe... you know, that isn't in here." Rynel says, "Okay, fine. But it is my life goal to find the source code... FOR THE UNIVERSE!" pose starts looking for the door to the masters' chamber. Aidan starts looking for the door to the masters' chamber. Soma says, "The door is on the other side of the room." Rynel says, "The warcraft rpg says a button to destroy the world is a DC 500." Rynel says, "Universe must be a DC 1 gajillion." Mischa has question marks hovering above his head. "Source code? Whazzat?" Rynel says, "Or I could do it systematically, planet by planet..." Rynel says, "But since crits only add 15..." Rynel says, "Its impossible." Staren follows Aidan to the door and helps him open it. 'more programing stuff Mischa... You say, "more programing stuff Mischa..." Mischa snaps the question marks out of existence. Back to the present! He goes to help Aidan and Staren. Rynel says, "Yeah. Its the thing that makes things go." Rynel goes to help, too. Soma says, "The doors open onto another round chamber that appears to be empty aside from a pool of translucent pink liquid in the center about a meter and a half in diameter." Rynel walks up to the liquid and looks in. "Ooh. Looks like a Yeerk pool." Mischa says, "This would be where we talk to the Masters." 'ood You say, "ood" Rynel pokes the pool with a metal rod from his hovercrate. Staren says, "Isn't that liquid grey?" Rynel says, "Details." Soma says, "As Rynel stares into the pool, a human form appears in front of him, floating above it. It's a rather unusually tall woman wearing dirty jeans and a green vest over a white tee shirt, her hair held back by a bandana." Rynel waves. "Hello." Woman says, "Huh... somebody here?" Woman says, "Oh, hiya! You lookin' for the Masters?" Rynel nods a couple times. "Yep." Woman sits down cross-legged. "Oh, cool. So, what's up?" Rynel pulls off his helmet dramatically. "I'm Luke Skywalker and I'm here to rescue you." He pauses a moment. "Actually, my names Rynel. And, in response to your question, the sky. I hope." Rynel says, "Now my friend is laughing. I need to sedate him." os use the frying pan You say, "use the frying pan" Rynel says, "Done and done." Woman sighs. "Oh man, another one of these... I'd kick you, if I had material form. Lucky." Staren says, "So are you a master, miss?" Rynel says, "Sorry, force of habit." Woman says, "Yeah, duh... I'm Hanako, one of the Masters. I appeared in response to this guy's presence. Hopefully it wasn't a total waste of time." 'well do you know anything about vertigo? You say, "well do you know anything about vertigo?" Rynel says, "No, not a total waste of time. I'm here trying to find the Source Code for the Universe. Do you happem to know it, or where I might locate it?" Hanako says, "That nightmare? Well, I don't really pay attention to stuff like that... But the Source Code for the Universe, now there's something I could get into! So why do you want something like that, anyway?" Rynel says, "Also, if I threw bombs or a sword into your pool, would I get an upgraded version if I said I tossed them in? Just, y'know, curious... Oh, I'm a mechanical genius, and I'm always having ideas that could really be enhanced with the Source Code for the Universe. And its my current goal. As well as making something that proves that six times nine equals forty-two." os so how many other people here got all the references? You say, "so how many other people here got all the references?" Rynel says, "Hee hee." Hanako chuckles a little. "Well, you've got a long way to go if you wanna find that. You'd have to be on an even deeper level than me, to start with." Soma says, "Not sure I got all of them, but just about" Rynel says, "Mentally or physically?" Rynel says, "And do you mean the source code or the pool that I can throw my weapons in?" Staren (OOC) says, ":got the link ref?" os that's the easy one... You say, "that's the easy one..." Staren says, "This isn't Zelda." Hanako leans forward. "Look, kiddo, the reason I'm floating here in front of you is because I don't actually exist in the middle dreamworld. You could meet me in person if you managed to get a very long way down, but that" 'well it isn't metriod either, but we still have to samuses You say, "well it isn't metriod either, but we still have to samuses" Hanako says, "that's not even close to anything like a source code for the universe." Hanako says, "And I'm afraid I can't upgrade your stuff right here and now. Sorry." Rynel looks at Staren. "Says who? Its a dream, it COULD be. And Aidan has a point." He looks back at Hanako. "Hmm. I see." He pauses again. "So this IS the pool?" Rynel glances at Aidan abruptly. "And I'll have you know my armor is from Fallout, not Metroid." "I wasn't talking about you. You say, "I wasn't talking about you." Rynel shrugs. "Still." Staren sweatdrops. "So where do you exist, then?" Rynel says, "New Jersey?" Hanako sweatdrops. "Okay, lemme put it this way. You may call yourself a mechanical genius, but I guarantee you couldn't hold a candle to my ability. I could probably make something like a button to blow up the universe if I wanted to. Basically, what this translates to is I could upgrade your stuff in time it takes to snap your finger, just not here, where you're only seeing a projection of my image." Rynel looks back at the others and points at Hanako. "SEE? SEE?! Button to blow up the universe! WHAT'D I TELL YA? I _COULD_ do it!" Hanako says, "I exist somewhere in the deeper dreamworld. A place called Celephais, if that means anything to you." 'So are you anywhere near the Beastuary? You say, "So are you anywhere near the Beastuary?" Hanako scratches her head, ruffling the fabric of her bandana. "Well, I guess I could go there if I really wanted to. Can't see why, though." Staren says, "Deeper Dreamworld... that would be a neat place to go sometime. How do we get there?" "its a very interesting place. Rynel looks back at Hanako. "So how do you know the button works?" You say, "its a very interesting place." Hanako says, "Well, I built a simulation, but it's not really important. Have you got anything else, cause I was kinda workin' on something." Rynel says, "Ooh. What?" 'wouldn't happen to be an answering machine for the pool would it? You say, "wouldn't happen to be an answering machine for the pool would it?" Rynel says, "Nah, that'd make sense." Hanako says, "I wanted to see if I could make a machine to produce every single sound at every single pitch in the universe... though I have the strangest feeling I've done that before..." Rynel says, "Check that room of lost memories place thing." 'hmm You say, "hmm" Hanako says, "I would, but that's a long way for me..." Rynel says, "And on another note, how deep is the pool, and is it deadly in any way? I'd look for you, but I dunno where to start." 'well what do you know about my powers? You say, "well what do you know about my powers?" Hanako says, "This pool's about 2.76 cm deep, by my measurements. As for your powers, I can hazard a few guesses, but you might wanna talk to a different master." Staren says, "Deeper Dreamworld... that would be a neat place to go sometime. How do we get there?" Hanako says, "How do you get there? Expand your mind without waking up. Very tough for a human." 'and how would I go about talking to a different master? You say, "and how would I go about talking to a different master?" Hanako says, "Easy. If you've got nothing else for me, just stand by the pool and he'll be over real quick-like." 'is expanding your mind like seeing what is really there instead of what you want or think is there? You say, "is expanding your mind like seeing what is really there instead of what you want or think is there?" Rynel says, "CANNONBA-- Aww. Yeah, knowing about powers is always good, too. For example, I'd like to know why I can build things twenty times faster here than in the waking world, among other things, like transmutation." Rynel looks at Aidan. "No, we just need a rack and a physical manifestation of your mind." 'I wasn't talking to you... You say, "I wasn't talking to you..." Rynel says, "Thats not the point." 'well what is the point? You say, "well what is the point?" Rynel says, "Thats what I'm trying to find out." Rynel says, "Haven't you been paying attention?" Hanako says, "ANYWAY!" Rynel says, "Though I'm fairly sure the the point is 42." 'and I supose what you're looking for is more important than what I'm looking for? You say, "and I supose what you're looking for is more important than what I'm looking for?" Hanako says, "so, 'bout your powers..." Rynel says, "Depends, what're you looking for?" Staren says, "What do you mean, expand our mind?" pose sits down with his back to the wall muttering... Aidan sits down with his back to the wall muttering... Hanako says, "ahem... you can build things so quickly, essentially, because in the state of your mind when you dream, you create for yourself a physical form that's not your body, that results directly from augmentations of the most other-worldly parts of your mind. What you are here exists in your brain in the real world, but is only allowed to take shape here. You get me?" Rynel says, "Yeah. Thats pretty neat." Hanako says, "Great. Now, expanding your mind..." 'so when were are here we are what we really think we are? You say, "so when were are here we are what we really think we are?" Hanako says, "not so much what you really think you are, but what you would be when given the power to shape your own existence." 'isn't that the same thing? You say, "isn't that the same thing?" Hanako says, "on some level, I guess." 'well go on... sorry for interupting. You say, "well go on... sorry for interupting." Staren says, "What about when that sunrise beam turned me into a girl? That's not what I'd be with the power to shape my own existance..." Hanako says, "Expanding your mind has to do with the connection between your real self and your dream self. People who can reach the middle dreamworld, like you all, have a particularly flexible connection between the two, allowing you to go deeper into the dream state than normal people, whose connections are rigid, not allowing for much movement. To get to the deeper dreamworld involves a stretch of the connection between your two selves that almost always becomes too thin and snaps you back awake after a little while." 'hmm You say, "hmm" Hanako says, "But, I see that some of you are Arch-Dreamers... you might be able to do it for a little longer, but still not easily." Rynel hums. "What, exactly, is an Arch Dreamer?" Hanako says, "...and you say a sunrise beam turned you into a girl?" Hanako says, "An Arch-Dreamer is someone who finds one of the 8 hearts of power." Staren nods, "Yes..." He morphs out of his suit. "It's since worn off, though." Rynel says, "What're those?" 'I'd show you one but I don't think I can... You say, "I'd show you one but I don't think I can..." Hanako shrugs. "Musta been something that interfered with your mind-body connection in the dreamworld. Like holding a magnet up to a computer screen." Hanako says, "I don't know that much about the hearts of power... it's not really my department." pose concetrates on creating an image of the heart of thunder to show Rynel. Aidan concetrates on creating an image of the heart of thunder to show Rynel. Soma says, "Aidan finds that he is somehow able to take light from the torches lighting the room to create a small image of the pulsing ball of lightning he saw in the Beastiary." Staren has reconnected. Staren has dropped a connection. 'hmm didn't think that would work... anyway this is an image of the heart I have. You say, "hmm didn't think that would work... anyway this is an image of the heart I have." Staren says, "Did my pose about taking off the armor go through?" Hanako says, "From what I hear, there's still a couple sitting around somewhere." os yes You say, "yes" Rynel oohs. "Neat." He looks back at Hanako. "Really? Where? I'd like to examine one myself." Staren says, "I missed anything after it. Comp crashed, I'll need Aidan's or Soma's log e-mailed to me." Hanako shrugs. "I dunno. Whoever had 'em before either died or lost 'em for some reason, and then they disappeared. It's anyone's guess where they'll turn up." os ok You say, "ok" Rynel says, "You haven't made a device to track em? Thats suprising. Not interested, or made one and lost it?" os Rynel says, What're those? 'I'd show you one but I don't think I can... You say, "I'd show you one but I don't think I can..." Hanako shrugs. "Musta been something that interfered with your mind-body connection in the dreamworld. Like holding a magnet up to a computer screen." Hanako says, "I don't know that much about the hearts of power... it's not really my department." pose concetrates on creating an image of the heart of thunder to show Rynel. Aidan concetrates on creating an image of the heart of thunder to show Rynel. Soma says, "Aidan finds that he is somehow able to take light from the torches lighting the room to create a small image of the pulsing ball of lightning he saw in the Beastiary." You say, "Rynel says, What're those?" You say, "I'd show you one but I don't think I can..." I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU! (type 'help' for help) I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU! (type 'help' for help) I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU! (type 'help' for help) Aidan concetrates on creating an image of the heart of thunder to show Rynel. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU! (type 'help' for help) I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU! (type 'help' for help) Staren says, "...Did Hanako respond to me?" Rynel says, "Yes. You had gas." Soma says, "yes... lemme copy/paste." Soma says, "Hanako shrugs. "Musta been something that interfered with your mind-body connection in the dreamworld. Like holding a magnet up to a computer screen." Rynel says, "Metaphysical gas." os adian also managed to make an image of his heart to show rynel You say, "adian also managed to make an image of his heart to show rynel" os the heart of thunder. You say, "the heart of thunder." Hanako says, "I tried, but it didn't work. They're always in places you can't get to normally... for some reason, only certain people can access them." Rynel says, "Gah! Forgot to drag the trash to the street. Brb afk a couple minutes..." Staren huhs. "Weird. If it ever happens again, you know away to undo it? Or a way to do it on purpose to this guy here? He deserves some punishment." He indicates Genma with his thumb., Rynel nods slowly. "Interesting..." He removes his armor, deciding there isn't any reason to keep it on. Hanako says, "Once again, that's probably a job for another Master." os so what type of jobs would you be good at? You say, "so what type of jobs would you be good at?" 'so what type of jobs would you be good at? You say, "so what type of jobs would you be good at?" os wrong command... You say, "wrong command..." Hanako says, "Mechanical stuff, of course." 'well then you probably don't want to continue with the person who's good at that... You say, "well then you probably don't want to continue with the person who's good at that..." Hanako says, "I'm a lot less knowledgeable about these ancient weapons and curses you keep talking about..." 'So out of curiosity, what keeps you in the deeper dreamworld? You say, "So out of curiosity, what keeps you in the deeper dreamworld?" Soma says, "by the way, we've gotta wrap up soon... I've got stuff to do tomorrow" Hanako says, "Well, I've just always been here. " os hehe, I work in 2 hours. You say, "hehe, I work in 2 hours." 'interesting... You say, "interesting..." Hanako says, "So like, maybe you wanna talk to someone who can answer the questions I can't?" 'you seem to be doing fine... You say, "you seem to be doing fine..." Staren says, "Okay." Staren says, "One of you needs to mail me your log." 'you said you could guess at my powers... Wanna see how good you are? You say, "you said you could guess at my powers... Wanna see how good you are?" Staren says, "And how do we expand our minds as you said, to get to the deeper dreamworld?" Hanako says, "Eh, like I said, if it's Hearts of Power or anything like that I'm kinda at a loss." Rynel says, "I have no log. And for the record, dragging full and compacted (three times by jumping in) trash and recycling barrels to the street in deep snow in PJs and uphill isn't fun." Rynel says, "But one street light is keeping it lit up out there." Soma says, "ouch..." Rynel says, "I will have to change my pants after.." os I'll take care of the log. You say, "I'll take care of the log." os more info than I needed to know Rynel... You say, "more info than I needed to know Rynel..." Staren (OOC) says, "The snow soaked them, silly." Rynel says, "Yep." os still more info than I needed to know :) You say, "still more info than I needed to know :)" ## Save Soon... Rynel says, "They're also green." os cool I have green pants :P You say, "cool I have green pants :P" Hanako says, "The method of expanding your mind isn't something I know too much about either... all I know is, it's a risky process either way." Rynel says, "Heh." Soma says, "GREEN pants? Man, that's craaazy." os wearing tan ones right now though... You say, "wearing tan ones right now though..." ## Saving. ## Save Complete. os what's so crazy about green pants? You say, "what's so crazy about green pants?" Rynel nods. "Well, in any event, thanks for the info. I'll be sure to drop you a small, miscellaneous mechanical object if I'm ever down there." Soma says, "now that I think about it, it depends on how green they are..." Rynel says, "Mine are supposed to be bottoms to pajamas, but I just got the pants for christmas and they're comfortable, light, and suprisingly warm." os flanel? You say, "flanel?" Rynel says, "Ish." Hanako starts to fade out. "No problem. Later!" pose waits to see what will happen next. Aidan waits to see what will happen next. Mischa yawns. "Guess whoever wants to go next, just stand close to the pool." pose nods to Staren Aidan nods to Staren 'go a head, I'm in no rush. You say, "go a head, I'm in no rush." Staren walks up to the pool. "Any idea who might know all these things I ask of?" Soma says, "A form begins to materialize. Aidan recognizes a tall, lavendar-haired woman." pose stands up. Aidan stands up. The Caretaker says, "A fake copy of Sunrise, you say? Hmph. People these days have no respect at all." pose and looks to make sure about what he sees... Aidan and looks to make sure about what he sees... The Caretaker nods to Aidan. "Good to see you again, Aidan." 'So you're a master? You say, "So you're a master?" The Caretaker says, "I suppose having collected an analyzed every known nighmare does create that connotation. So, what are your questions, exactly?" Soma says, "Sorry everyone, but I gotta end here for tonight." Staren blinks. "Wow, it's this easy to see another master? Umm..." Staren says, "Okay. Sleep well." Rynel says, "Night." Soma says, "Good night everyone, thanks for playing as always" pose nods at Staren "He called you although it is good to see you agian. Aidan nods at Staren "He called you although it is good to see you agian." os Staren where do you want the log sent? You say, "Staren where do you want the log sent?" Soma has disconnected. Staren says, "scott07@bu.edu" ok I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU! (type 'help' for help) os ok You say, "ok" os see you next week, sleep well guys. You say, "see you next week, sleep well guys."