Sadists and pukers were aboard the plane, the feeling of being smashed and traveling at warp speed was only brief seconds. Before Kirby could hork again, the plane leveled out to betray a hint at a brilliant "space-scape." The outer windows gave way to a tube-like span of stars and wonder, rapidly approaching a bright light. It felt as if this were the end, mili-second thoughts of death and reaching a bright light floated to a few minds.  Weightlessness took over as everyone seemed to float out of their seats towards the bright light. It was an ending, an inevitable ending. The plane raced towards the light and then suddenly the plane jolted with a sonic boom.  Everyone awoke with a start as the plane felt like it had hid a brick wall and snapped in their seat belts which knocked the wind from everyone with a grunt. Sound was now discernible; the group could hear the whine of the engines as the plane pitched over in a ridiculous role.





The pilot was good, as if he had supernatural powers, or something. The plane righted itself and banked hard to the left going against the wind.  The roar of the wind and storm promised to rip the plane apart...until the eye opened and all turbulence stopped. It is impossible to fly a plane through a hurricane. This group had started to get used to the impossible becoming possible and what the group saw next was, well also impossible.


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:21, Wed 30 Oct 2013.

Kirby gripped the armrests with sweaty palms and he nervously prayed for it to be over. He opened his eyes, closed them again, and re-opened them still not knowing if he was truly awake.

The captain hailing from up forward settled the confusion, but then Kirby found himself wishing it really was a dream. A fucking hurricane? he thought, we're done for.

Amazingly they still lived, at least he thought they did, and it looked like they were getting help. Kirby pressed his head up to the window for a better look.

As soon as the man outside the window came into the focus of his remarkable vision Kirby froze.

"Dah fuck?"

A shiver came over him as he stared at the unbelievable sight.

"Popi?..." lost for words he just stared.

The jostling plane woke Max from his wayward space dream. Tp bad he was enjoying it.

He looked around with concern; hearing Caps exploitive term. Max looked out the window. "Amazing!"

"Arrowhead is that your father? If so what is he doing and why?"

Was this man causing this weather phenomenon, if so how? Max had to know. He focused on the man, scanning his string energy.

In reply to Max Jackson (msg # 3):

The man was quite far, features of any kind could not be made, except to Kirby who could see about 10X farther than a normal human. The string energy though enveloped all of Max's vision, it was pouring out of him, mixing with the storm.  His energy actually seemed to be reversing the storm, in a sense it looked to Max as if he were diffusing the Hurricane.

Max focused his mind on communicating with Kirbys father.

"Arrowhead what's your fathers name, quickly please."

Kirby shook his head but didn't take his eyes from the window. He was still processing what was going on and wasn't sure how to answer all of Max's questions.

"My father? No, not my father. Des be my Popi. My grandfather. I never met my father..." he tailed off and fell into his own thoughts.

What is he doing and why? I have no idea. Flying? In a hurricane? I can't believe what I'm seeing. He shook his head, failing to understand. He's a farmer, a rancher, and a business man, not a superhero...

In reply to Edmund Kirby Smith IV (msg # 6):

Max could see that the sight of his popi shook him up. He moved to Kirby and placed his hand on his shoulder for comfort.

"Cap. we care about you and we're here for you, but don't let this rattle you. This is an amazing revelation. One of wonder and promise. Right now your popi is trying to save us from the storm and I can see he's using a great deal of energy to do so. I'm going to communicate with him psychically. To ask him if he needs help and that you're on the plane."

     The man floating in the middle of the eye noticed the plane and quickly vanished flying into the storm.

      What are you guys looking at," Orlando said breaking his neck trying to see out of the window. He was sweating now and couldn't think of a possible way they would get out of this alive.

While the flight held a certain thrill, Xuan had to admit to himself that he was glad it was nearly over. All said and done he still felt safer on the ground or in the water. He had yet to master the element of air. That was something for the future.

Pulling his thoughts back outward, Xuan took stock of their situation and tried to catch up to the conversation at hand.

Popi? Grandfather?

Well if it was the Captain's family, Xuan was sure he would handle it. The best thing to do now was wait it out.

As the truck started to roll away from the airstrip and toward the narrow dirt road Kirby asked what had been on his mind for over a week. “How’s Grandma Eh-eh?”

Rafi exhaled and shook his head before answering. “Eh-eh’s not good good Keyby Kan.” Rafi’s posture while driving looked sad, it was clear that he hated to be the one sharing the news. “She ben sleep sleep near on three days now Keyby Kan. But I shant say more more. Des best ef you bes talkin to your popi bout des.”

They continued on in an uncomfortable silence.

Straight ahead, the direction they now headed, took them into the heart if the Madhya. They drove past several workshops, a large barn and corral  and soon found themselves passing in front of a large conical shaped thatch-roofed building that appeared to be some sort of hall. Just alongside the hall they came to a stop in a long garage of similar thatch-roof style. The garage held nearly a dozen other vehicles with 4-wheel drive pick-ups and smaller all terrain vehicles behind the most abundant. To their left was a large garden and straight ahead, looking through the garage, was a large 2-stoy yellow house.

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:52, Sun 27 Oct 2013.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:12, Sun 27 Oct 2013.

Max's first thought of the stranger was who let Tom Landry loose. but he loved the hat. It was about a man's character and he was intrigued.

The storm was here, wondering what could he do about it? Max had scanned storms for string energy activity before. This storm seemed unusual for some reason. Kirby's  Popi was trying to stop it, maybe the knowing would help in this situation.

Max looked at Cap before attempting the storm scan. "Great place your family has here Cap."

Aeviternus stood amidst the men with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his hoodie while the hood took its standard position low over his eyes.  Aside from that he seemed unfettered by the extreme weather, his head moving to scan his surroundings leisurely as they plodded along.  The man with the cigar caught his attention with the greeting, however Aeviternus was unsure to whom he may be speaking with despite having recently been so often saddled with that particular moniker.  Max's usual assertiveness preempted any guesswork, however, so the young face stayed silent and covered while he observed the interactions.

Max finished his scanning of the storm, turning and walking towards Tibbs.

Max raises an eye brow, speaking to Tibbs. "Hey old bean this storm's strength is based of a magical foundation. Can you do anything to affect it or negate it? How close would a being have to be to induce such a storm. Based on your past experiences?"

      "Ha, can I stop...no not even a chance. I don't know anything about effecting the weather, I could stop a spell if it were being cast, but this is beyond me," said Orlando as he watched the Madya roll out in front of him. He hoped that they were not too late in getting to the main land.  Orlando felt fortunate that they had come across the plane ride. They had save so much time, was it enough.  Who knew how long this storm would last.  Could they venture into the storm to start their trek?

Max thought maybe the answer lie within Kirby's Popi.

He knew Kirby's mind and heart were full of excitement at his return home, but he would understand why Max would be pushing this point.

"Kirby I need to talk to you Popi regarding the weather. Maybe we can help him stop it."

Max knew he could manipulate the string energies of this weather magics. He could negate it, nut he needed more knowledge of it's magical mechanics and seeing what kirby's Popi was doing earlier within the storm made him think he held the key to that understanding.

Under normal circumstances Kirby would be beaming with excitement upon returning home. It had been three years since his last visit and the mood of the two trips couldn’t be more different. Back then he had enjoyed warm days, the simple joys of helping repair a fence or two, and more pick-up cricket matches in the yard than he could remember. Each day during those visits had ended the same way: rum coolers on the back porch telling stories with his grandfather, grandmother, and his closest “uncles”, “aunties”, and “cousins”. This trip, with its storm, his ill grandmother, questions surrounding his grandfather, and now this strange man greeting them set the stage for a very different visit.  In this place the tension he now felt was alien and unwanted.

With all this going on in his head he had hardly heard Max’s inquires. He responded absently “thank you” and later, “of course, the weather” all the while keeping his focus on their destination. Kirby said nothing as they approached the stranger and continued on to head into the house.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Mon 28 Oct 2013.

The usual new territory tension set Xuan's senses into action, scanning the entire area for defensible positions, escape routes, suspicious entities, advantage points, strengths and weaknesses. This was what he had looked for from the moment they stepped off of the plane, that horrifically joyous ride. It was too far ingrained in him not to. It may have been the Captain's home, and his family may have some evident power, but Xuan did not think that would stop any of the people chasing them - the enemy - to take a chance. Nothing surprised him anymore when it had come to their tenacity so far. It would have been admirable if it weren't his own team they were after, or their families. And their ability to acquire personal information had also been exemplary. It all made him itch for the day he could find the head of this snake and take the fight to it directly. There was certainly not many advantages they held currently, but for the momentary reprieve Kirby's place might offer. Though with what Max was saying about the weather, even that might be minimal if any.

A glance at Kirby in between his scoping validated his own thoughts. If even Kirby was uncomfortable in his own home territory, the necessity for vigilance was warranted. A look at the man greeting them seemed to hold no immediate threat, so Xuan brought his attention back to their surroundings, opening his Inner Eye to help him 'see'. He would linger to the last man on their way in, trying to capture as much as possible without seeming impolite as a guest.

Attempting to adopt a more pleasant expression, Xuan sidled over to Aeviternus. That usual dissociated look of his seemed to capture more than it should. More out of curiosity than reliance, Xuan thought he'd try to glean the ancient boy's assessment of their situation without alarming any of the others. That was what teams did, so he figured.

"A nice place. Has a lot of...space. What do think of it?" Motioning to a couple areas where an ambush could easily be placed, he wondered if Ace would pick up on his meaning.

"Max, I think your missing the big point here, with the look on Kirby's face up there in the plane he probably didn't know his grandfather could fly, let alone do what you're saying he could do," Orlando said after he realized the Kirby was in a bit of overload.

"Lets just get in the house and settle down, maybe see if any help is needed, worst case scenario I put a big giant bubble over this place to protect us from the storm," Orlando said jokingly, then realized that it was a plausible action plan.

The mood was dire and Kirby being told to wait seemed to kill sound all around them.

Max wondered why no one could visit Kirbys grandmother.?

Max didn't know this man from Adam and he could have the powers of a titan. Something the group had recently experienced. The looks of power don;t aways go hand in hand. Max couldn't take that chance.

Orlando knew he could recognize this guy, but he couldn't put his finger on it, or...it was the guy's voice and accent that gave it away.
"Hey Ace, a quick word?" Orlando said starting to head to the back of the group.

Aeviternus noted the attention lingered upon him from the cigar man, realizing the greeting may have, in fact, been as much for himself as it was to the indigenous member of their group.  As well it should be, he knew the Bostonian well enough and conversely the man would likely recognize Avery.  But waiting was the game of the ancients, and Aeviternus was no exception as he chose instead to address the members of his team rather than the family matters on the steps.

As Xuan sidled next to him Aeviternus couldn't help but nodding his way in greeting, still not completely sure of his standing in the warrior's eyes and cognizant of the need to be respectful.  To his question he nodded again, the inference suspected and met with acknowledgment.  "Open," was his initial reply with a hint of trepidation.  His follow up comment held more assurance, however.  "But friendly, if not troubled."  Hoping his meaning was as clear as the question, Aeviternus watched Orlando approach them at the back of the group and smiled at the professor, almost the only part of his face visible at a glance.

Aeviternus loved all the members of the cabal, but mysteriously this one set himself apart and the old soul couldn't help but show his appreciation in his subtle way. As the big man got close enough and walled the gap between he and their greeter, he preempted a guess at what prompted this meeting.

_{"Do you know who Elsi is?"} he asked in a lowered tone, using the forceful winds and Orlando's mass to mask his query from any beyond them, even mouthing the name rather than saying it out loud for an additional effort at discretion.  Making a point to not alienate Xuan, Aeviternus looked to him as he said to them both, _{"She's here if he's here.  And we'll not see her until he says, of that I'm certain."}

Xuan shook his head to the question, no idea who this Elsi person was, and to emphasise his confusion on these matters regarding her and the man blocking their path to her.

"This man has a... darkness in him. Like a taint. Dark Chi, we would call it. But powerful. We should be careful.

Who is Elsi?" Almost as an afterthought he added with narrowed eyes, "And how do you know so much?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:53, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

Orlando was determined to warn the group and Aeviternus about who this man was, but he stopped at Aeviternus's question. Slightly dumbfounded he paused...man he's the real deal, all doubts now put aside. It was hard looking at the boy and not thinking that he was faking it somehow. But if he knew Elsi then he knew more than Orlando knew.

Orlando had been caught with his mouth open starting to talk when Ace interjected his question," I need t...you know who El...yes I do, well sort of. She was Sharokina's teacher. She is the head of my sect of the Order and one of the last few alive. I met them once at my brothers house many years ago.... You are correct, if he's here then so is she. .
This message was last edited by the player at 13:37, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

Annoyance flashed over Kirbys face upon being confronted by the stranger. Who the hell is this fucker getting in my way?

He then stopped short and turned abruptly to face the man. “Look, I don’t know who you be, but des bes my house and ayma gunna go in der. Yous can tell Dead…” the next word caught on his tongue. Kirby leaned back ever so slightly. “Wait.” He shook his head. “Did you say Deadeye?” but he immediately turned to Orlando behind him “and did you say Elsi? What the fuck is going on here?” He had only met her once but Kirby was sure the woman, Elsi, was with the General the night he and Kate were attacked in the park.

It was simply all too much for Kirby. A storm above and a storm within his own conflicted and confused mind.

Finally he turned back to the stranger. “Des a big house and cowfucker of a storm out here. Wes going inside and unless yous going to fight us I suggest you move. I’m seeing my family.” He kept walking.

The Bostonian simply took off his hat and set it on the rail...

...a second later John Kanhai ran through the screen door and stopped next to the big man.

This message was last edited by the player at 00:25, Wed 30 Oct 2013.

Kirby nodded and wept while hugging his grandfather.

A chill ran down his spine as Aeviternus observed the connections between them all unfold.  Every few generations things would align in such a way as to cause life to make a sense, and he'd been fortunate to witness a few.  Things were going to unfold here, of that the old soul was certain, the only questions that remained were how much and to what end.

To Xuan he passed a wry smile and an unironic response; "Age and luck."  To the two men's hackles being raised regarding the now hatless man standing off to the side, he simply gestured to Kirby and his grandfather in their embrace as though that may be enough to assuage their disquiet.

_{"Perhaps we can lower our weapons without releasing them,"} he offered in his continued fabian policy.

With pieces of the puzzle beginning to intercept, Xuan was struggling to pay attention to everything at once. And the coincidences spread farther than he'd imagined. That Kirby's family had anything to do with this Order of Orlando's and Aeviternus' was a strange revelation in itself, but the timing of confirming this connection...it made his head spin. Thinking like this suggested to Xuan that perhaps he should have played a little more Mahjong and given a little less time to the battle mats.

Hindsight...

It appeared that this man in the hat was some form of a bodyguard for this Elsi woman. His darkness could be anything really, but the two that seemed to recognise him didn't seem alarmed, so Xuan decided to agree with Aeviternus for the moment. He nodded his agreement to the ancient boy and continued to maintain his facade of being pleasant. Pushing everything else aside just briefly, he was touched by Kirby's reunion with his family, whoever it was.

"At some point, I would still appreciate full disclosure. I feel a little a little behind in all of this." It was addressed mainly to Aeviternus, but included Orlando. Both of them had a better handle on things than he did. For this alone, he considered standing closer to Max, the only other person there that appeared as lost as Xuan felt.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:10, Wed 30 Oct 2013.

Listening intently to what his clan was speaking of took him back to times of his string theory symposiums at IONS. One of the hardest points for people to understand and except was all energy was interconnected. That energy was the alpha and omega, yet changing every moment in time and space. Never loosing it's base mass. That space and time tself was energy.

Max had found through his life experiences that people had a greater connectivity than they realized. He experienced this as a young man, encountering the crystal skull and dealing with family Rothschild. People are strings, which vibrates at different frequencies. When strings are vibrating within the same frequency range they attract each other. Most people call these gatherings of string energy coincidence, but he knew this was fate within the realm of one's choices. The choices people make, create vibrational string energy and that directly effects one's fate path.

All the choices these men had made within their life had led to this very moment in time and space. It was birthed into reality  by their own string energy, produced by choices. Max smiled, knowing this group of men would do greater and wondrous acts of heroism in the future.

He was ready to help Kirby's Family in every way possible,

...Victor I'm nervous, we haven't had a meeting like this out in the open in years, they are watching. Be vigilant, " JonKae said.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Thu 31 Oct 2013.

From the day Kirby was born he had been fatherless. Eddie, as his father was known, gave his life for his country three days before Kirby came into the world. On that same day his father’s father – Edmund, aka The General –  who was by his son’s side when he died, was still twelve years away from meeting his new grandson. All this meant that the role of father and grandfather in Kirby’s early years fell to John Kanhai, JonKae.  The bond formed through this relationship was like no other. To Kirby, just being in his grandfather’s presence was enough to wash away many of the stresses on him. Here, in this place and with this man - his friend, father figure, and moral compass - Kirby was safe.

“Ok popi, ok. “ He nodded his understanding.

When he turned to face the group it was clear from the smile of relief on his face that much of the tension he had been holding hand been released. He was much more relaxed inspite of the chaos around them. Such are the powers of family.

“Popi, this group may be of help. Max here,” he motioned to him as he said is name, “might be of some help with the weather….” He trailed off to let Max speak for himself.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Fri 01 Nov 2013.

Max stood with confidence and hope next to Kirby, in front of JonKae.

"JonKae, sir it's a pleasure and honor to meet you. I'm Max Jackson, part of your sons team. Our team can help you in your efforts to quench this mad, living storm, which base energy is magic. I can see this energy in my mind and know we can manipulate it or stop it by finding  it's source energy. Please tell me what you know of the storm and spare no details no matter how small they seem."

He smiled with thoughts of hope and strength towards JonKae. Reaching out to touch his shoulder and Kirbys at the same time. "Sir it's time to release your Rosa. Let us share your fate of this burden."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Fri 01 Nov 2013.

Kirby quickly realized that he had handled introductions quite poorly. He stepped in quickly to remedy the issue.

“Popi, let me introduce my partners to you. Des here, as aya said, is Max.” He nodded in Max’s direction with a smile before continuing on in similar fashion with the rest of the team. “Also we have Orlando, Xuan, and my Ahvetuurs, er Ace.” Someday, Kirby promised himself, he would master Aeviternus’ name. He then gestured toward his Popi. “All, des be my grandfather John Kanhai and des bes his home. Everybody calls him JonKae though. ”

“Popi,” he continued on quickly, “you look tired tired. May be wes can help with that.”
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Fri 01 Nov 2013.

Orlando stepped back out to the door entrance to shake Jonkae's hand, "Good to meet you." Orlando stepped back to let other processions happen, while thinking on what the patriarch had just said. He waited a few moments.

He then talked with Max loud enough that all could over hear," If I can connect all three of us, allowing him to use your energy, and I weave a dispelling of magical energy as JonKae tries to unravel the storm we might have a winner. With your energy he could probably do it from here. What do you think?


I'd like to add to the group here, that if this Hurricane has been created by magic, that it is the work of a group, and a very powerful group.  I have never run across anyone with powers able to wield nature or place a curse of this nature.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:19, Sat 02 Nov 2013.

Pulling a damp hand from a soaked pocket, Aeviternus took his turn to greet Kirby's grandfather with a soft spoken, "Thank you, Baiya Kanhai;" then stepped back behind the group once more to make way.

Max peered at Tibbs with an ear to ear grin. "My friend that is a true moment of in the zone brilance, well done."

Knowing how energy worked at it's foundation, this negative. curse ridden energy could be transformed into a different form of energy.

Even now Max could see the energy in the storm from earlier and see it changing before his eyes. As he had seen happen so many times before in his life.

There was one piece to this puzzle missing. He looked into the Popi eyes, through the windows of his soul. "JonKae is there anyone else in your household this curse has effected? I need to know and speak with them for maximized energetic  information."

Orlando was amazed that the conversation had led this way so quickly, but necessity was key here.  Orlando could tell that Mr. Kanhai was in a hurry to alleviate this problem for the farm. "Kirby, do you mind if we try to help your grandfather with this problem?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sun 03 Nov 2013.

"Of course, Orlando, wes should do all we can. Ayes wondering, can des all be connected? Titans in da pacific, hurricanes in da Caribbean?

If only I had a crystal ball to look into to answer your question," Orlando bantered back with Kirby.

He then walked outside with all the players...


I think we can do this from here. I am going to cast a spell that will link us together. It will allow you to draw on Max's energy and I will wield another spell that will act through you as you try to destroy the storm.  My spell should help you and Max's energy should be enough to have you finish the storm from here," Orlando traced a circle in the ground with a stick as he was sharing the information.

Max, I think it would also be good for you to block out watching eyes from here on, especially in the house," Orlando said as he stood up.

"Tibbs whatever ritual we commit to has to be done in her presence, she's the key. I believe she's the target of these cursive storms."

Max looks at the whole group. "Gents we'll need all of you connected in the circle for maximum output. The power of belief and positive thought casting will be the front runner of this strategy in breaking this curse. The beings behind this attack think they're in control, but from this point forward we take control of these energies. By choice and by will. We become the creators of a new power positive energy.. An energy forged from love, confidence and strength. We are the victors and we shall over come. Keep your thoughts focused on healing, hopeful, positive energy at all times."

He winked and smiled at the group, knowing great things would follow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:12, Sun 03 Nov 2013.

"Wait...Max, you are trying to undue the curse, I am trying to help Mr. Konhai dissolve the storm. I don't think they are exactly connected. I think if the storm is stopped then we stop what ever curse is in it.  To cure a curse is impossible unless you know why or how it was placed upon someone. All of us joining together won't break even a simple curse if we don't know anything about it," said Orlando.

...Orlando continued, "We should see Kirby's grandmother, there are often other things in play. Some ailments that come on as sickness can be caused by other factors.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Sun 03 Nov 2013.

Everyone stood in the entry way of the house, some inside the house, and some like Orlando, JonKae and the Bostonian were on the porch. A raucous was heard upstairs in one of the bedrooms, sounding like a wild animal crashing through the house. The Bostonian's eyes went wide and he ran through the door heading to the stairs pushing JonKae to the side,"Elsi, I'm coming!"

He got to the top of the stairs when he was struck by a flying object.  It had seemed in the blink of an eye, The Bostonian had bounded up the stairs in just a few strides when he was struck by another man.  The man had been hurled through the bedroom door which exploded and crashed through the banister into the Bostonian sending both men flying through the air all the way back to the bottom of the stairs.  The Bostonian had reacted quickly growing larger in size hitting the floor on his back and breaking the fall of what seemed like an elderly man laying on top of him.  Kirby reacted in horror as he realized the man laying on top of the Bostonian was "Old Deadeye" himself.




10:19, Today: Secret Roll: Seeker of Truth rolled 32 using 1d100. group perception. ROLL STRIKE RANKS, please use no new or developed powers.  Use only what you know until we have all powers hammered out. All of the increases are good though, PP, stat etc.

The boy's reaction, a combination of strong recognition and surprise, came forward in such a force that Aeviternus froze for the moment.  The violent action mixed with the confusion of why or how Tenny's father would be here, of all places, made for a wicked puzzle indeed.

Aeviternus found himself suddenly very taken by the possible connections.  But there are so many Smith's... could it be?

Kirby stood dumbfounded as his grandfather, his other grandfather, fell to the ground at his feet.

"General?" Was all he managed to say.

SR: 20

     The General had been able to slow both of their falls, but he was still slow getting up,"Kirby? You weren't due here for another 8 days...never mind...the damn thing has your Grandmother and Elsi!"

Bracing for a battle of wills, Xuan felt less useful in the breaking of the storm, but willing to help none-the-less. However the commotion from within sent a shiver down his spine as events began to unfold, his senses reeling as a familiar feeling washed over him. It wasn't the adrenaline. That, he'd felt on a regular basis. No, it was something far more sinister.

The energy above...it was dark and foreboding. It forced his jaw to clench as it dawned on him what this could be. Fear, determination and purpose collided internally as his face tilted toward the possible horror above, unseeing but for his mind's eye. This was what he'd trained for his whole life. This was what he was built for.

One word involuntarily slipped past his lips in almost a growl, a tiger recognising an intruder, still before the lunge.

"Èmó."

Max held his ground as this commotion was enough to rattle any man of strong will. Though he had an answer for Tibbs it would have to wait...

With shocking revelation. "What the hell." Max knew this man The one Kirby called 'general'. He was in fact a general in the US Army. He was his fathers commander over the cystal skull project. That connection was instant for Max. Now all he exspected was his father to walk from behind some unanounced door.

Putting all distraction aside Max quickly moved to analyze the energies in the upper stair well of it's intent and source power.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:40, Mon 04 Nov 2013.

Orlando had wanted to say that, but he quickly focused on the Chinese word..."Speak English man, what is an Emu? There's an evil bird up there?"

Orlando quickly went over to the men that had fallen to see if they needed help.

Xuan hadn't realised that he'd spoken in his native tongue, so it took him a moment to realize what Orlando was asking.

His lip curled around the word as he switched to English.

"Demon."

After demon came out of John's mouth. Max looked at Tibbs and enquired. "You know how to stop a demon I assume?" Eye brow raised.

"As a matter of fact I do, but each situation is different, especially regarding how it is manifesting. I do know that whatever it is, if it's able to throw a grown man like that!, it is bad news!," said Orlando
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Tue 05 Nov 2013.

Combat Round 1 CA 1

This message was last edited by the player at 00:41, Sun 10 Nov 2013.

Max felt his battle fatigue. he wanted and needed rest, but that time wasn't now.

This demon wanted Kirby's grandmother and had control of her. The how's and why's were flying through his brain, but agaon no time to think. His had to be one of intellectual action and team work.

Max assumed that even demons were subjective to the laws of nature and physics.

Knowing he had very little energy to spend his gave a second to observe and react.

"Guys let me know what you need."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:30, Fri 08 Nov 2013.

This one is strong. And I'll need to be careful if she's one of Kirby's relatives.

It wasn't like on the Mountain, where every person was trained to deal with this sort of threat. Apart from Orlando, Xuan wasn't confident that any of the others would know what to do, as Max was showing. Happy to take the lead, the warrior held off of the apparent attack, instead working to line up the dominos so they could knock them down in one clean stroke.

His commands would have to be sharp and succint. Xuan figured that Kirby, in an emotionally distraught state, may do better with directions even if he was their Captain. Had they any time to confer, Orlando would have been the best source for a planned attack, but action needed to be taken before anyone else was hurt.

First, the Demon. "No, Demon. None go willingly to what you offer."

As he spoke, Àn Xīng appeared in his closed fist, already moving in front of him and lighting up with that familiar golden glow as the Chi flowed from Xuan to the staff. Stepping into range, he let it sing again. Let the Demon listen to that.

Through the Song, Xuan barked at his teammates.

"Captain, Ace - coordinated attacks to subdue it."
"Hands - Hold it down."
"Pythian - Bring the pain and then rip it out."

      "Yes Captain coordinate attacks to subdue me, but be careful or you will break her," the creatures voice was dark and sinister, leaving everyone's skin crawling.  The creature laughed when Xuan took out his weapon. She looked at a spot on the wall and the weapon lept from his hand, flying through the air and sticking to the wall just above where the stairwell would lead to the top.  It clung to the wall as if a magnet had pinned it there.

      The storm howled and blew open the front screen, letting in a torrent of wind rush in to the room. The house now creaked and moaned. It was very bad outside.


      "We have to stop the storm, this happened the first couple of times, and we let them go.  Evil rides upon the storm.  She will get stronger as the hurricane approaches. Keep her in the house," said JonKae as he ran out of the house

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
JonKae has had his initiative now. he has left to take care of the storm. Focus for the Battle, Keep the Demon at bay and in the house, try not to let Elizabeth die in the process. JonKae is still visible on the porch.  It is still possible to attempt to help him. Anyone that chooses to help him will be in another thread. And there could be "others" out in the storm wishing this family ill.  He did say earlier that they were watching!

---

This message was deleted by the player at 02:57, Mon 11 Nov 2013.

Kirby watched in horror as the staircase collapsed down in front of him. Three summers ago he had helped to refinish the banister that was now part of the crumbled rubble pile lying atop his paternal grandfather. And why the fuck is he even here?

For the hundredth time that day Kirby shook off a question that would have to be answered later, provided those in possession of the answers survived long enough to render them.

“Max, can you open her airway? She’s choking… “ he trailed off, hoping Max would know what to do. “Ayes going to try and get up der.”  He announced, as he stared at the floor above.

It was a long way up without the benefit of stairs. His training had prepared him for situations like this, but never something this high. He considered asking one of the others for a boost, but that would just add time they didn’t have. So Kirby looked up, bent his knees, and jumped with all his might….

He hoped to jump high enough to reach out and grab the edge of the upper floor and pull himself up. He wasn’t sure he could do it, but he had hopes. Therefore what actually happened came as a shock. Kirby didn’t jump just high enough to reach the upper floor. He had leapt so high that he nearly collided into a timber beam in the ceiling of the large two-story entry way. He was relieved that he pulled up just in time to avoid what would have been a concussion.

Wait... I just pulled up.

Wait... I’m floating.

Wait.. Steer fucker!

Kirby was so startled that he forgot to land. Instead he came to a hover on the second floor and eyed the demon in his grandmother’s body and looked for an opening.

Max watched Kirby with amazement. Poppas got a new pair of shoes, he thought, but his mind was focusing on Tibbs.

His mind drifted through the ether of time and space, seeking an optimal link with an energy at his foundation. Their energies bound them, connecting their life force.

Max heard Vivaldi as he searched.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqbv9cPyBfs

Strings crying out for expanse. How long and far would the psychic travel take. Was this an act of desperation? Sometimes desperation was an act of necessity, more so than desperation. Which was true in this case.

He felt the urgency in being expedient and of the rose. The two men could succeed at this task, but only if the demon was blind to their plan. He pushed through as the ether became heavier. Honing in on his brothers magical energy signature through mental discipline.

The music stopped and he had arrived.

"Pythian, it's Max. I'm communicating with you through your mind. Don't give this away to the demon. Short and sweet. I'm going to place the demon in a telekinetically formed jar, like the shark, but a jar. I need to know if you can line the inside of the jar with some type of energy that will absorb the nasty energy this demon's using? Use only your thoughts to communicate with me...quickly."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:42, Thu 14 Nov 2013.

Orlando flinched, quickly looked around as if something had scared him, then people saw him stare at Max,"Wonders will never cease to amaze, well, that's a great fucking skill," he thought.  He looked around to see if anybody else got what was going on.

"Max, I can do all of those things, if I unloaded on it, but I'm not sure if it would hurt Kirby's grandmother.  I also am deepleted.  I couldn't make all of my spells work at this point anyway, what do you think is most important, stopping the beast's spirit, holding it prisoner, stopping its physical powers from attacking us, or exorcising the fucker? I have enough energy to do one of those things depending on how strong it is.  What I plan on doing is to place this beast in a cage of light, pure light, which will weaken it, using the light to scribe a rune around it, then I will unleash everything I have to exorcise it.  My only chance is to weaken it first at this point. We need Xuan's song, it will give me the edge I need without being full strength." Orlando thought back at Max in the blink of a second. It was uncanny how fast one's mind worked when you knew what you were doing.

"We don't know what this beast is or where its from, don't stare at it's eyes or let it touch you," Orlando shouted.
You have no power in this house beast, Jesus our Lord and God compels you to leave this woman, " shouted Orlando directing his words to the beast.  He took out a flask on dumped water on his forhead. "Jesus compells you to leave this woman and home, Orlando said again as his cross was held up.  The cross began to glow, the light began to grow, it grew bigger until a nimbus of light eminated from him.  Orlando waved his hand.  The light coelessed and formed planks in front of Orlando and he walked to ward the creature floating in the air pushing the light at the beast.  I am a holy avenger, keeper of the light, you will not harm this woman, I compel you to leave!" light lifted Orlando each step of the way.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Sat 16 Nov 2013.

Max sent Tibbs another thought, "I believe we need to hold it in the jar for now, which should nullify it from attacking us and others. As long as you can line the jar with some type of absorption energy field."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:11, Sat 16 Nov 2013.

Aeviternus turned a proud eye upon Orlando as the mage belted his commands at the creature, then made his own way to the nearest wall.  Sliding down it into a seated position he moved one hand back to curl his fingers around Lotus and rested his other arm upon one of his bent knees, looking very similar to how the group first found him.

Appearing as though he were about to take a respite instead of join the fracas he said to nobody in particular; "Hold it off as you can without harming the body.  I'll take the fight to that fucker."  Dropping his chin to his chest he said nothing else.

Silent and invisible the ancient soul burst into the spirit plane with all the aim and force of a freight train, targeting the intruder with malicious intent.

Let's play.

Thinking mentally," I can't line the jar with an absorbing energy and I think the telekinetic jar will only stop her physical powers.  From what I've known in my life, Demonic powers are all mental.  The only thing the jar will do is stop her from moving."

Round 1, CA 3, PP ?   

   The Bostonian and Kirby's grandfather, Kirby's other grandfather, layed motionless at the base of the crumpled stairwell, moaning and semi-conscious.  It was a flicker of perception that all of the group quickly assessed and pushed quickly out of there mind.

     What held there attention was the ubiquitously evil presence of the creature that held the unfortunate Elizabeth Gray.  It's malevolent musk permiated the entire room, heavy and cold the room instantly dropped in temperature enough to see ones breath. It looked at the invisible encasement and brought it's unerving stare upon Cool Hands, smiling with unknown muscle movement, it's grotesque attempt at controling Elizabeth's facial muscles added ferocity to Kirby's kind grandmother's face.

     Max saw the creature, both in physical form and in his mind, immediately he began to feel intense pain behind his eyes.  The creature opened it's mouth, way too far for a normal jaw's range of motion.  Darkness flowed from it's mouth, a sickening filth that flew towards Max, like a greasy black swarm of bees.  The darkness enveloped Max and flew into every orifice, his nose,  eyes, ears and mouth.  It choked off his senses and invaded his mind. The creature roared dark and gutteral like a hive mind penetrating Max's focus.

     Aeviternus saw something else...entering the spirit world, he saw the creature and much more...It held not Elizabeth Gray, at least to his knowledge.  Most of the time one's soul was the exact visage of their physical body, only lighter or darker depending on the choices and path one went down in their life, the soul was predictable in this natural imitation. This is partly what stunned Aeviternus, he saw a beautiful woman with dark hair and fire in her eyes, trapped within a tornado of churning darkness.  The darkness swirled in tubular-pulse like orbs, like bees swarming an animal. It's torso rose above her soul slightly taking the form of a dark human with hagard features. It howled to an unseen master," We have found the wander," it shrieked with its head pointed upward.  Aeviternus felt a presence, an unseen eye fixate upon him.

     The trapped woman shouted to Aeviternus into a language spoken at his birth, "Omy Melek, my sweet, you are not ready, run from this place, seek Paul, find the living apostle." This gave Aeviternus pause, he almost was ripped from the spirit world. Had he not had hundreds of years to hone his patience and focus he would have, for this exchange truly unnerved him.  Melek, was the pet name that Aeviternus's true mother called him.  Old memories flashed to his eyes, unfettered by years of changing flesh as a buffer, his soul's energy instantly made certain of what he now saw. This was his mother's...soul...could it be that she had escaped death, to walk this earth from body to body as he had.  He knew he needed to free her soul.

 ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:20, Thu 21 Nov 2013.

Max felt the beast's darkness spreading within his mind. He felt real fear for the first time in many years. He wasn't a fearful man. To him knowledge and situational facts over came fear. But this was different. The fear came from the not knowing and this was Max's greatest fear.

He knew very little about this creature. What he knew was it's devastating, negative,  pit of hell darkness spreading in his mind. He had to stop it...he focused his thoughts on Shakti...letting her positive comic power cascade over his mind like a blanket of warm protection, fighting off the negative, lifeless cold assult.

In front of Max on the lower floor where he stood appeared a symbol in translucent red and shimmering silver Two giant scimitars stood crossed at there hilts with a giant long sword protruding through the scimitars at it's own hilt. Half way up the long sword blade was a circle of cosmic energy. Within the circle was multiple brilliant colors. Almost blinding to the eye and ever moving never stopping for an instant. Max smiled and mentally praised Shakti for this creation as he entered it.

"Out of my mind beast!" Max taunted back at the mental rapist.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:44, Fri 22 Nov 2013.

     Max reeled in pain and horror to an unseen attack.  The entire group had not seen the attack from the demon, but it was all too real.  Max's mental fortitude was all that had stopped the creature from terrorizing his mind, calling the energy of Shakti, Max was able to severe the beast's connection, but his Telekinesis felt numb.

Xuan really wanted to marvel at Kirby floating in mid-air or consider what finding the 'Wander' meant, but events had taken turn after turn for the worse. If they could just gain one advantage, maybe they would be able to wear her down and take her out. But they were all unrested, drained from the last trial on the boat. It would be an understatement to say that this would not be easy.

Let's try that again.

The staff on the wall disappeared, only to reappear in Xuan's already moving hands. Both hands had it this time, then a leg, as he wrapped himself around the staff and crouched low with his legs spread wide to center his weight. One hand at the front pressing the staff against his left leg, the other at the back holding it down against his right calf, and his rear connected to that heel to lock it in place while the center of the staff sat securely between the calf and hamstring. This was the ready position of the Rising Tide. Were he to complete the move, the staff would be released quickly by the left front, the pressure of the back right adding leverage and momentum to swing the staff around in a low and wide counter-clockwise arc. It would continue in 360 degree swings through the mid section and finish at neck height. It was designed for multiple attackers, but started with a rock solid stance. Should the demon try to fling it away again, she would need to put enough force to send him with it.

 As soon as he was in position, Xuan braced and let Àn Xīng sing again. He hoped the demon would get the opportunity to hear it this time.

      Xuan Wu's song was piercing, exceptionally so, his anger at having his weapon stolen, if only for the moment, seemed to sing an angry cry of pain.  The voice crying of pain was of Kirby's grandmother and hearing her shriek was unnerving to him. It seemed to stymie his response to the threat.
     Max felt free of the creature, from his power blocking out the creature along with the Xuan's Chi Song, it's complete hold and infestation into Max's mind was abruptly broken.  Max felt his power return to him.  Elsi dropped to the floor motionless on the second story.

On the spirit plane, a kata of a different sort was initiated, less eloquent and much more primal than the dance that brought Elsi to her knees.

The soul didn't truly have a form on its own plane despite its similarity to the body; its visage depended somewhat upon the viewer and varied based on the beholder while virtually always holding a reflection of the physical body.  In his own case Aeviternus often appeared to be made up of golden and crimson hues that intertwined in constant movement, forming his body's shape complete with the hood so often donned in his physical life, almost matching the appearance of one who's altered their physical form to that of living lightning.

Seeing the shroud about Elizabeth's form shudder and the torso above flinch in agony, Aeviternus knew his new team had gone to work on the natural plane.  Not one prone to chivalrous honor in battle, the ancient assassin saw this stutter step as an opportunity to strike.  His soul form also holding tightly to Lotus in his right hand, the other poised in readiness, neither was involved in the strike that came for the swarm of bees.

As if a hundred tendrils of electric, golden red energy suddenly sprang from his back like giant wings, Aeviternus lashed out at the many globes spinning around Elizabeth simultaneously, the wings of energy lashing out and enveloping the darkness in one unified and deadly maneuver.  Each feather ripped at the dark energy, rending it apart and sundering each particle from its path around their captive like shattering a snow globe and sending the moving flakes to all directions with a violent toss to the floor.

Confident in the singular effort to remove the danger and furious at this creature's audacity to attack a being so emotionally tied to him, Aeviternus floated ominously above the dark creature now separated and on its own with Lotus in attack position and a voracious loathing washing over his target.

There weren't even words to be spared, its complete demise could be the only conceivable goal.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:45, Fri 20 Dec 2013.

Orlando finished his assent right at Kirby's grandmother, leaping to her, taking advantage of kirby's grandmother or rather the demon being weakened, he went in with all of his energy. Orlando jerked off his necklace, which held his precious crystal cross, the focus of his spell. The light that he had conjured disappeared, the steps dissolved and arced through the air, reconstituting into a miniature sun behind Orlando in the middle of the air, bright hot, the top of the ceiling began to smolder.

"You have no place in this realm, I   CAST   YOU    OUT!!!!," Orlando raged at the creature, pure determination echoed in each word. He held up his cross and the sun beamed through it, illuminating it, hues of the most brilliant light cast upon Kirby's grandmother. The sun's rays shot into the crystal, marking the flesh in holy exuberance. He slammed the cross on to Elizabeth Gray's flesh, attempting to exorcise the creature.

      The demon pulled away from both mens' touch, on both planes of existence. The creature shuddered and convulsed, unable to withstand the attacks, Aeviternus was able to wrench the creature away, discorporating it from Elizabeth Gray's soul. This weakened the creature further, compounded with Xuan's song, Orlando's placement of the sunlight and spell were the only needed nails for this creature. It shrieked as it was cast out.

     Orlando caught Elizabeth as she fell. He touched her head, closing his eyes. She was not yet out of the woods. He picked her fragile frame up completely. He looked at Kirby with a worried expression.

    The Bostonian's hand grew to the size of wheel barrels and hoisted the debris off of them, several choice words were spoken to himself. His hand stretched up to the broken balcony and he lifted himself up with a swing and moved towards Elsi...the Storm still raced outside.


This is a good spot to ask questions.

The immediate reflex was to go back to Avery's body and rejoin the group on the physical plane.  But there was the path on which the demon left... it had a magnetic pull that was an intrigue all its own.  Aeviternus could see the imprint of what could be considered footprints to a different place.  Knowing that it was not he who cast it out left the possibilities endless as to where the path might lead.

Suddenly, two thousand years of experience were reduced to the trepidation of a child as the old soul looked from Elizabeth to Elsi with ignorance obvious in his hesitance.  Where does that go? he asked of neither in particular, the pull between his responsibilities back on the material plane and the possibilities of what lay before him on this a painful dichotomy of choice.

"Hopefully it goes to a painful place," Elizabeth said in an ancient tongue. She seemed to brighten and stretch outward as if flexing her soul to test bonds no longer there.

The last time Kirby felt this uncertain was some Fifteen years ago or more. In that time Kirby had found himself plucked out of his native country and in a world that was strange to him. Though prepared for the experience over the preceding weeks Kirby found himself immobile.

Uncertain.

He stood staring up at the unnerving monument to newness some thirty yards, and 17 steps, away. Safety was closer. Five feet behind him, it's rear passenger door still open, idled the relative protection of an Army staff car.  He need only turn and re-enter the vehicle and the horror of Robinson High School would vanish, if even for the day. It had been this way for three days already and the car had won.

At 14 Kirby was a scared boy whose only crimes seemed to be failure to repair a fence before sundown, unexplainable cricket skill, and the sin of being born to a decorated US Army officer he would never meet. For those sins he was shipped away from the only home he had ever known to America. His current home was a spartan bedroom in an equally spartan military quarters on expansive, mostly concrete encrusted, peninsula  on Tampa Bay, Florida. Cold as they were, those confines where preferable in that moment to the perils that lay ahead.

Ahead of him lay hundreds of denim and backpack wearing strangers. While none of them looked at him he knew they were laughing at him, the new foreign-born trespasser in their midst. They purposefully spoke too fast for him to understand, he was sure, and each chuckle or snort was almost certainly the result of some joke from which he was the punch line. The feeling has a paralizing effect. Why couldn't he just go home to his schools in Guyana? They could teach him about America there.

He turned to go, again, but something caught his eye before he could move. He saw it, them actually, again for a moment before they turned and entered the school.  His fear was replaced by a quickening of his pulse, an excitement. He knew his life wouldn't be complete if he didn't follow. So, headless of his earlier fears he bounded up the steps and into the school.

What had got him out of his torpor and into action? The same thing that motivates 14 year old boys all over the world - a pair of exquisite breasts rapped in a tight t-shirt that he just had to see again before he died.

...

A brief memory flashed through Kirby's mind that was so unexpected in this place, at this moment, that it succeeded in breaking his un characteristic stasis. Kirby allowed himself to land and ran, wordlessly, to be at his grandmothers side.

A sigh of relief escaped Xuan's lips as he straightened and allowed the Song to stop. He allowed himself to relax, but only a little. They hadn't checked on the storm yet, so there could be danger crouching around the next corner, set to leap upon them as soon as they dropped their guard. For the Captain's sake, he hoped that wasn't so.

Casting his eyes about the room, they landed on the slumped body with the hood. As he moved toward it, he pat Orlando on the shoulder and validated, "Amazing work, my friend. Keep an eye out? Just in case we are not yet done."

As he finished his short walk, he nodded to Max as if to say "well done" and stood over the body with his staff still secure in his grip. A glance up to the top of what used to be stairs, he imagined a floating spirit, a ball of energy maybe, doing...doing what? It was beyond him. So his attention landed back on their newest member of the team, and he couldn't help but wonder. If he took his blade to the ancient boy's neck, would he be eliminating a future threat? Would it create an even greater one? Would it make an enemy from one that could be a great ally? If there was ever an opportunity, this would be it.

A decision needed to be made. A choice. Since they had met, this decision had been at war with him internally, and he was tired of this particular battle. At this point, after everything, he would need to either give Aeviternus his full trust, or...not.

The blade of his staff stuck firmly into the floor as he relaxed his grip, and the length of it rested on his shoulder as he turned to assume a protective position over his teammate's empty body. Catching sight of Kirby, he asked him, "Will she be alright?"

     "She has a fever, probably a blood infection at this point, I've seen it a few times. The filthy creatures sicken the body. On a couple of occasions, I've had to heal the body to help them recover. In the beginning, before I could magically heal...I wasn't as successful as I had hoped to be." Orlando said gravely. With Kirby's help they brought his grandmother back to bed, Orlando said a small prayer and placed holy wax on Elizabeth Gray's forehead, he turned and blessed a pitcher of water, sticking his crystal cross inside, then proceeded to pour it over her body. The process took quick moments. Leaving kirby next to his grandmother he left to check on Elsi.

     He found her being cared for in another room with the Bostonian at her side. "Will she be ok?" He feared for her safety only in the fact that her help was needed in healing Elizabeth. Lightning crashed and thundered above the roof, that was odd, most of the time wind and rain where in hurricanes, not lightning, the storm now flooded his ears. He hadn't heard it before, maybe it was getting stronger.

Max was still in a defensive state of mind from the demonic physic attack. He knew the storm had not passed. JonKea and the negative elemental fury which continued to roar outside the battered Smith commune must be attended too.

Max acknowledged John in his passing and his positive conveyance. "Tsunami, I'm going outside to help aid Jonkea if I can. I think it best if you and Ace, once he's back in this dimension, aid us as well." Max smiled at John in a fatherly way.

Max turned and headed out the front door.

The storm blow a harsh gail wind.  Inviting to any storm chaser. Max's cloths were drenched within seconds of entering the elemental fury. He had to squint his eyes to focus on JonKea. He could see  JonKea was struggling to temper the evil storm. Max could feel the battle he was fighting and was ready to aid JonKae.  He saw shapes within the storms tides, but he couldn't discern what they were.

Max focused the last bit of physic energy towards JonKea. Raising his hands towards the heavens Max concentrated on JonKea's storm fighting energies. He shouted above the storms ramparts. "For the glory of Shakti, bring an end to this evil storm."

Max's string energies flowed to Jonkea as a river flowed to the sea. He beheld this moment in awe. Though he'd used this ability many times in his life. He'd never seen the string energies flow so clearly in absolute beauty. It was a true wonder to witness. Max thought this anomaly had  something to do with the negative energies of the storm. Like polar opposites of a magnet. Both pushing away from each other.

Max smiled at JonKea as he spoke. "You will defeat this storm. JonKae know that Elizabeth and Elsi have been saved and are being cared for. Gain courage and inner strength from this fact. We're overcomers. Now do what you must to win this fight!" The string energies continued to flow from Max to Jonkae.

Glancing around at the worlds about him, Aeviternus took in the information with the weight of consequence.  Which could be more costly?  Entering into a realm he'd not seen before and possibly getting lost within it or returning to help the incredible cadre of dedicated men on the world he was already familiar with.  Certain that Orlando was to be credited for both the tornado that swept away the demon and the gateway, there was a solid chance he'd have another opportunity to experiment, possibly when things weren't so dire.

If a time like that ever exists again.

But there was something ever so much more pressing upon the mind of the wandering soul.  A name he'd not heard in millennia, a resemblance to somebody he'd seen just weeks ago but prior to that... eons.  The doubt pervaded while the hope pressed him toward her, his anchor firmly in his hand...

Just like she'd told him.

Looking expectantly at her, Aeviternus couldn't quite seem to find the words to engage.

Acknowledging Max with a nod, Xuan turned back to Aeviternus and nudged him with a toe, wondering if he'd even feel it.

"If you can hear me, and are not locked out of that body, Max thinks you could be of some help outside. Unless you still have work to do on the spirit plane."

Unsure of what he could do, Xuan exited the house anyway to gauge the storm and his ability to affect it. Power almost completely drained, and still tired, he allowed the torrent to hit him face on, not flinching from the heavy rain and harsh winds. Max was in the middle of belting out encouragement to Kirby's grandfather, some of the words too hard for Xuan to understand through the wind, but the meaning was clear enough. He was drenched already, and soon Xuan would be too, which didn't bother him in the slightest. It was water after all, and almost enough to create a new lake on Kirby's family land.

Water. Of course. What was it that Poseidon said? "Use the water as a friend. Feel it as an extension of your body, then as thought…"  Now was as good a time to try it as ever. There seemed enough to give it a shot.

Closing his eyes, Xuan tilted his head up to the sky and held his free hand out, palm up. As the water hit him from one angle, then the next, he took it all in, then tried to reach out further to sense more of it. The water was indeed his friend, and its use here a result of another power using the wind to push it around. Perhaps it wanted to be gentler, or elsewhere altogether. Stretching out with his mind, his first test was to gentle the rain around himself and Max. Dave called the water a 'She'. Would she listen?

The storm had increased in intensity, covering the sun completely, the Madya had grown as dark as night, an unnatural shunning of light;  the men leaving the house to go outside were confronted by it's thickness. They could see JonKae, he seemed to be struggling with something ahead of him in the darkness. He seemed frantic.







This message was last edited by the GM at 16:21, Sun 05 Jan 2014.

In reply to Aeviternus (msg # 87):

      Elizabeth moved fluidly over to Aeviternus and grabbed his hands, tentatively, she looked in his face for recognition. Her warmth  and features held joy...a longing emotion washed over both souls. Her features changed growing younger than her own personal thoughts, smoothly her face looked to Aeviternus like his mothers, so many years ago. Her touch allowed his locked away memories to help guide her, to show him the face that he remembered. A dark haired beauty with firery green eyes shown to Aeviternus and he knew, this was the face of his mother, with whom he had thought died, more than 2000 years ago. He quickly realized that the body of Elizabeth Gray was not his mother's body, but her soul was here attached to Elizabeth Gray, maybe she...was...dead. He searched old old memories, his mother was a gypsy, a sorcerer, she had bestowed the ritual upon him that gave him eternal life. His mind was a flutter with many questions.

    "I can sense, that you wonder if what you saw weeks ago was correct, yes, I visited you at the church. I have been looking for you through my servants, Earl lead me to you. The protections that I placed upon you, all those years ago, has hidden you from me and thankfully others as well.  Omy Melek, I have searched and searched for you, life time after life time. There were many times that i was so close. I am sorry for the life that I have given you, but the forge of life has steeled you into the warrior that you are today. That we need today. You have saved Me today. I am not going anywhere; I - We are Elizabeth Gray. I am not going anywhere Omy Melek. I will be here, but you must go to your friends, they need you in the waking world," Elizabeth spoke without words, trying to be reassuring to Aeviternus. He had not recognized, but his soul had changed as well, reverting to his youth, his mother's memories guided him, and his soul was that of the 9 year old boy, with whom she had cherished so many years ago.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Sun 05 Jan 2014.

Max's energy flowed into JonKae and he visibly stood taller, like an oak growing in strength. He threw down another set of lightning bolts of the beasts, yelling towards Xuan and Max," I can't keep the beasts at bay and deal with this storm. I can now deal with the storm, if you keep the creatures away." He looked at them with worried eyes, he didn't know what had happened in the house with his wife and their presence outside now could mean anything.  He focused on the task at hand, "These beasts have rode in on the storm, if I can stop it they will go!"


Xuan's outstretched hand wracked in pain; the briefest mental flash of an animal attack made him retract his hand in shock. This was not what Dave meant, something was wrong with this storm, something horrible riding in the storm. The water held malice, it felt like a savage beast.

His only answer to his mother's words was an enveloping embrace that only souls could share, holding tight for a moment and punctuated with the warmth of familiarity as Aeviternus touched his true family for the first time in many lifetimes.  Backing away just enough to get one more good look, the equivalent of holding on to one's shoulders, Aeviternus acknowledged her urge to help on the physical plane though his hesitation to leave her again was obvious.  He lifted Lotus before him, showing her like a proud child taking a lesson to heart before riding the anchor back to Avery and their body.

In an instant with the return came resolve and Ace was on his feet, grim with determination as he quickly scanned the room.  Things seemed safe inside while the storm raged beyond the walls, and he found himself following Xuan out the front door at a jog, pearl energy pouring out of his hood and trailing over his shoulders with each step.

Jonkae's mighty struggle, even with Max's help, added to the sense of flood that threatened to drown them all amid the flurry of possession, fear and home invasion.  Seeing Xuan recoil his hand from something that should have responded to his command snapped everything to focus as Aeviternus moved Lotus into a prepared stance, ready to defend his partners and loved ones.

Max took in the abhorrent environment surrounding his friends. The taste of fatalistic energies traveled within his psionic mouth. Again the ancient battle of light verses darkness was at hand.

He longed to know everything about energies within the universe. With 40 years of hard scientific research the surface hadn't been scratched dealing with energies. He would give all he knew to gain a greater understanding of magical energy they now faced..

I must learn how magical energies are manipulated in relation to how I manipulate the power of my mind. This was the task at hand. Though all energies were based on equal physics. In both  laws and mechanics. The differences in energies was how they were being manipulated and the power levels within the manipulations at the string level. The level of it's geniuses, creation. The energy was always there and will away exist. The alpha and omega, never ending throughout eternity. Ever changing, never the same.

"JonKae take hope and gain strength in knowing your wife is safe, free of the netherworld beast! Deal with the storm as we battle the storm beasts!"

Max turned to John and the timely Aeviternus. "The storm beast are ours to deal with, while JonKae extinguishes the storm. I'ill support you and follow your leads."

Stepping shoulder to shoulder with Xuan, Ace spoke to be heard just over the storm.  "For even the strongest force will weaken with time, and then its violence will return, and kill it."   The last few words were punctuated with blades snapping into attack position from Lotus.

"The only useful quality, weakness. For though all creatures under heaven are the products of Being, Being itself is the product of Not-being."

As he spoke, Xuan pulled Chi from his staff to fuel his focus. Staring out into the storm, he knew he would need every bit of it. Frowning at his recoiled hand, he flexed his fingers, though he knew the pain was not actually physical.

Through every trial they had encountered of late, Xuan had to call upon all of his strengths, his power within. With the Titan, only his Chi would work. With the demon, his Chi Song. After everything, there was a part of him that still missed something a little more grounded. Despite it all, Xuan itched for a good old fashioned fight.

"Let's help these creatures to find the meaning of 'not-being'." As Xuan advanced, he added, "Stay close, to protect our flanks. Max, watch our backs, and stay safe."

Round 1, CA 1


The creatures leap a great distance from their hiding place in the dark to land on Aeviternus and Xuan, the creatures attempting to crush both men in coordinated motion.

OOC-this yard is expansive, there is a path of gravel that leads from the porch out to where Rafi had dropped you off. The Yota is still there about 100 feet away.  The ground is sodden and soupy but flat.  As everyone feels their footing, you all recognize that the muddy conditions are perilous.  There are houses to either side of the main manor, but there is a decent space between the houses. It is hard to tell in the dark.  There are various plant life and garden areas around the house, including rocks and planters. As you stand in front of Popi JonKae, you notice from behind you he has started to lift into the air.

The beasts have attacked, they are attempting to crush Aeviternus and Xuan into the mud. The creatures are large and pose a size problem for parrying attacks unless your weapon is considered large. Xuan's creature rolls a 48 and Ace an 18.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:25, Fri 10 Jan 2014.

As the beast crashed down upon Aeviternus with its superior size a flick of a thumb released the top half of Lotus and unleashed the chain that followed.  Aeviternus wrenched his weapon arm back, up and returning across his body to send the growing length of chain lashing about the creature's target in an effort to tangle its attempt into what would next turn into a vice if successful.

In that brief instant of airborne activity he may just be able to wrench the creature out of its momentum.

Timing was everything. In those precious moments Xuan became one with the staff, from his sloshing toes taking on mud to the tip of the cold, razor sharp blade. And he waited. Only milliseconds, but timing really was everything. Then the whole of him went into motion.

His heel moved first, sliding back. Twisting from the torso Xuan brought the butt of the staff up in a sweeping motion, stretching out and matching the momentum of the beast. Continuing the twist, he used the demon dog's own trajectory against itself, the butt end driving into the underside of it to send it just off course. Aimed correctly, the staff would complete a full cycle and send the beast to the ground in a heap, missing Xuan completely, and open for a brutal reply.

Round 1, CA 1-


The creatures flame burst even more as they lept from their hiding spot in the darkness. The flame smelled of something acrid. A beast jumped from the left, this one attacking Aeviternus and one from the right, leaping towards Xuan.




Xuan, brased against the beast's leap, his weapon impaling the creature in the chest, using it's own force against the beast. The creature landed on it's feat, obvious pain seared at Xuan as more flame shot out of it open wound igniting the air around him. Xuan lost his breath as the air around him burnt away, used as fuel. Xuan was able to tell the stench of the beast, brimstone and charred flesh was the beast's musk.



Aeviternus's chain whips out, slashing the creature in the air, but the beast was quicker than he'd thought. Once out of the darkness the beast turned into a hulking fire. The creature pounced leaping 40 feet into the air and hit Aeviternus in the chest knocking him to the ground prone. Aeviternus was under the beast's maw the heat fell and burned his face. Everyone was now given ample light into the situation. Aeviternus's clothes caught fire where the beast had slammed him down and his face was aflame.

]



     "No, do not hurt them, " yelled an elderly man. It was JonKae, looking down upon the field, lightning struck down hitting the large beast in the middle, the one just staring at the carnage. The air sizzled of ozone, purified, it erupted on the creature.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:06, Tue 21 Jan 2014.

Round 1, CA 1



The three creatures and JonKae have gon, it is now Max's Turn.  Kirby still needs to roll StrikeRank.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:31, Wed 22 Jan 2014.

Round 1, CA 1

Max rubbed his eye's in disbelief. 'Did that just happen. One moment a fire dog the next a lightning giant. What next the zombie apocalypse?' That wouldn't be much of a stretch, he thought.

JonKae's power  transformed the nether creature from one base element and shape to another. He favored that the beast could manipulate whatever element it chose or made contact with, which could be good or bad. A matter of perspective.

This battle was maddening. To much energetic stimulus. The storm grew to mega gothic horror in Max's mind. He blocked it out to make his next move. One vital to this conflicts evolution, communication. We must be as one for this terror to end and the healing begin.

His breath left him, exhaling from his diaphragm as one would to enter a deep meditative state. His hands became one. Fingers intertwined from pinky to middle finger.  Index fingers pressed hard against each other as yin and yang with thumbs crossed.  For twenty seven years Max could only do this psionacaily, with his mind. Now the hands he lost years ago were reborn, repurposed and recommissioned for a new hope. This being that time.

Max stretched his mind out to each team member, including JonKae, Elizabeth Grey, Elsie, Edmond Smith II, Colonel Sharp and Kojack wannabie. He pushed through the darkness of time and space gathering the string energy around him. Binding it from his mind to those he targeted. His thoughts to them, their thoughts to him, their thoughts to each other. One mind, one accord, one joining.

He could feel Tibbs thoughts. "Tibbs were having one hell of a battle outside and as much as you'd like to stay in and kick it. You can't, sorry. We need to get everyone with an tara-quad or energy left out front to aid in the battle. We're fighting two fire dogs, one lightning giant and the storm itself. Ace is down and looks hurt, John is engaged with the other fire dog and the lighting giant is heading towards us. Make it FAST!"

Max spoke deeper in his mind, John, Ace, Kirby, JonKae can you hear me...Shakti

Short, sharp breaths was what Xuan had to adjust to so close these smouldering hounds. It didn't break his focus, nor his stride. The dance had already initiated, and like water, Xuan continued the flow, taking note of the new contender and keeping him in mind for later. He would get his turn too.

Aeviternus' peril did not escape his notice either. His own mark was wounded and placed suitably for a follow up strike, but so too was the beast on top of his companion. In combat with a teammate, you watched the other's back.  This came before opportunity.

And so Xuan's flow swung away from his initial target, never stopping the flow. The staff twirled as he adjusted the placement of his feet, slowing as his hands shifted wide along the smooth grain of the staff. The Striking  Viper was ready. Becoming incredibly still for the briefest of moments, Xuan eliminated everything from his mind but the smallest point of his target like a laser on a bullseye.

Shouting only the word "Cover!" to Aeviternus, Xuan lashed out with his spear like it was the venomous tooth of a viper, striking for the flaming hound on Aeviternus. He hoped it would give his teammate the opportunity to free himself and return the favor.

With great relief and wonderment he smiled. The mind was delicate but held untold powers yet to be explored. Max got to explore this power everyday and discover the undiscovered countries of the mind. He thanked Shakti for this gift.

Continuing to cut through the haze of time and space. Max held on to each mind and thought to all he targeted. " This is Max I'm communicating through your mind. All in the house and outside are able to communicate with each other. We need to help Ace he's down. This corrupt maelstrom and these beasts need to end now. We can do this as a team, quickly!"

The beast that had jumped at Xuan was obviously wounded, fire dripping from the underside like blood from a gutted carcas.  It was however still on it's feet and close to Max and Xuan. A ferocious snarl belted from its mouth as it looked at Xuan.


Xuan's realized that his partner was in real trouble, Xuan's acute battles senses told him that his friend wouldn't last long unless he acted. His weapon moved like a serpent spearing the creature in the head. He felt bone crunch under his strike.  Xuan unleashed a spinning back kick that hit the butt of his weapon which further speared the creature and launched it off of Ace to land about 10 yards away, spear still stuck in the creature's head.

The immediate pressure on his chest was crushing though lessened in intensity by Avery's natural resistance to force.  As the beast crashed down upon Aeviternus his breath escaped him, his attention quickly going to gathering air and the chain he'd released.

The flames licking upon his face, however, those threatened far more obtrusively than the creature's heft.  It felt like his features were being seared off and the old soul was cursing his poor choice of initial reaction.

The single word, "Cover!" was enough to let him know that his first choice would thankfully not be his last, and Aeviternus immediately ceased all movement and flattened himself to the ground as though he'd melted already.  He watched the flash of steel as Xuan's weapon bit into the enemy with gratitude and breathed once more as the thing was kicked off of him deftly.  The only thing to do with gratitude was reciprocate.

His legs curled swiftly to his chest just prior to launching his body weight into the air as Aeviternus left the ground at first upside down but rotating midair, leveraging momentum and core strength to get his feet underneath him once more.  Before even replacing a single foot upon the Earth, Lotus was unleashed in a flurry of chain and blades at the creature opposite Xuan to oppose any action the dog might take upon the water warrior.

Kirby knelt over his grandmother and said a silent prayer. There was nothing he could do for her right now, he needed to get back in the fight. “Aybe back grama eh eh, aybe back”. He stood, wiped away some moisture from his eyes, and glided the space where the stairs once stood and ran out the door.

The first thing Kirby noticed upon arriving outside were the flames flicking and flowing from the beasts. A heartbeat later he noticed his friends, clearly in trouble. Is immediate goal was to distract, and hopefully dampen, those flames.

Kirby darted to the right of the stairs coming off of the porch and located the hose he knew would be there.

The rural water system for the main house was quite simple, really. When it rained, and it rained a lot in this part of Guyana, water was collected in a large tank at the top of the hill behind the house. Gravity brought the water to the house from the tank by way of a long underground pipe. The water reached the house right near the front door where it hit a Y tube to either supply water to plumbing system within the house or, as Kirby was doing now, to bring water to the hose at the front of the house. Normally the hose was used for flowers, but today it would serve a different purpose.

Kirby placed his finger over the nozzle so that the stream would be divided when it exited the hose. He then turned on the hose as far as it would open while simultaneously straining to feel the water move through the ground, through the pipe, and toward the house. At the extent of his range Kirby found a seized upon the motion within the water to speed it up. The water doubled its speed as it exited the hose in two distinct streams of water, one each for the engulfed beasts currently harassing the others in his party.

“Drink up fuckers, and stay off my friends!”
This message was last edited by the player at 04:44, Thu 30 Jan 2014.

<quote Seeker of Truth>


The beast that had jumped at Xuan,  took a blade to the skull, audible crunch reverbarated to all.  The Chain and blade created a tether to the beast, it stumbled, being hit by the water had done it in. The flame were extinguished in a huge flume of steam.  A black leapord lay motionless, chain still attached.


Kirby's spout had split and hit the second creature, with the same affect. This leapord how ever was not completely dead and attempted to back away.  The poor creature would not live long out in the wild, it would soon be dead as well.


Ok, everyone back to the top of Strike Rank order.

Round 1, CA 2

21:24, Today: Seeker of Truth rolled 93 using 1d100. to strike xuan.
21:23, Today: Seeker of Truth rolled 14 using 1d20. location.
21:23, Today: Seeker of Truth rolled 33 using 1d100. to attack orlando.
18:13, Today: Max Jackson rolled 98 using 1d100. Perception Check (TN-68) -10%.
16:36, Today: Seeker of Truth rolled 13 using 3d6. to kill Max.
16:35, Today: Seeker of Truth rolled 15 using 1d20.
16:16, Today: Seeker of Truth rolled 42 using 1d100. strike.
09:27, Today: Seeker of Truth rolled 1 using 1d6.

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:55, Sun 09 Feb 2014.

The beast was neither seen or heard by Max. Perfect stealth, cunning and horrific aggression was it's modus operandi. However he did feel the beasts volcanic heat, huge mass and negative energy as the hell hound landed on his chest.

Max gasped for air , but all went black and silent...

     Orlando was shocked by the beast jumping in the window. He had tried to find a way down to the bottom floor and was at the window seeing if he could crash through himself.  The creature slashed at him, he only had his sawed off shot gun in his hand so he tried to block the beast as best he could. "Damn, you reek, Hell Hounds! Everyone! Use water and any religious items you have! "

      The Hell Hound growled and raked at Orlando.  His heart  pounded as the creature lunged at him.  Holding his gun in two hands he blocked the creature, deflecting his paw.

     Max felt the pressure upon him before he could react, the weight of a bowling ball hitting his chest complete wih a crunch as the beast landed. Max lost his breath and the pain rendered him unconscious.  This was probably a good thing since the beast was hidious and ready to ravage any attacker.  Max being unconscious gave the Hell Hound the opportunity to fix it's eyes upon another.



You are all in close proximity to each other.  Anyone on the lawn can engage the big guy, or the hell hound, with a simple move action.  Both attackers are close enough to move at anyone as well.  Xuan and this creature are in Medium Range of each other.  The Hell Hound is in close range with Max and would need to move to engage anyone else. The jump from these two creatures causes everyone to instinctually look around for other potential assailants.  You only see, the two beings at the front of the house, and you noticed the beast go in the house through the window. There are normal gardening and working tools around the house, and the Yota is not too far away.  You hear village people shoulting in the distance, but cant see their houses due to the darkness. The wind is still howling.

Xuan still has to give his defensive manuever. Kirby has gone, the rest of you may now go.

     Orlando was an avid researcher, being in certain circles had granted him access to extensive esoteric libraries, and unfortunately due to his line of work he was no stranger to creatures from hell.  He was a modern day supernatural hunter and he came with a lot of surprises.  Loaded in his sawed off shot gun were primo loads, custom made in his little hideaway room.  Orlando was adept at creating ammo for various problems, and this no different, Lead and Silver slugs balls filled with holy water.  Great for short distance.

    Orlando took out his crystal in one hand, "Jesus Christ compells you to leave this house, hell spawn you have no dominion in this world," and he shot his shot gun at the beast.

This really was not the time to not be at his best, nor was it time for indecision.

Quick decisions were often good, but this one wasn't coming quick enough. More of these dogs were attacking Xuan's team, and he couldn't protect them all at once. Max was down, and needed the dog off of him, but a charging giant was demanding attention, practically screaming for it as he came for Xuan, taking away any decision he may have thought he had.

So he let instinct guide him instead, and he braced as he threw his hands up, bringing his staff back to him instantly to block the giant's attack.

Round 1, CA 2



JohnKae Continues to fight wth the storm.  We go to the next man on the list.

Round 1 CA 2

The days of dreaming were long gone. He hadn't had a dream or nightmare for37 years. Some how the crystal skull had subverted his subconscious.  Max hypothesized his conscious and subconscious mind  were operating on the same string frequency and in the same dimension. A gift from Shakti. He knew the who, but he urned for the how nor why.

Max opened his eye. To his dismay his ears worked as well. He heard a shot gun blast, loud crashing and the giants foot steps. Not good he thought.

He rolled to his stomach into a push up position getting a better look at the situation.

He never felt so drained after using his power. His tank was empty. He could still assist in some way. The hope of victory never left his heart.

He saw Kirby by the porch manning a water hose. Maybe he  had an extra gun he could man?

At the first opening he would move towards Kirby on the porch.

Round 1 CA 2

The gun blast was a welcome sound, the enemies they were fighting didn't bring guns and he was only too familiar with the knowledge that his teammates did.  As he turned towards Xuan once more, Aeviternus just caught sight of the warrior being projectiled back into the house before turning his attention on the culprit.  As his face turned it was already sealing and growing new skin over the third degree burns that had been scorched in by the hound, Avery's talents naturally going for the greater of the two injuries he'd taken.  A flick of his thumb sent the blades of his weapon to remove themselves from the dog he'd helped to put down, thus freeing itself from the wounded and dying creature.

Wasting no time, Ace's arm came once more crashing across his body to send the chain back into action, the head of the snake whipping past his head as he sent Lotus, blades snapping back out in flight, toward one of the giant's legs.  Having seen what the thing could do on them, removing one from play seemed the natural pick.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Sat 01 Mar 2014.

Orlando moved to the window, he cracked open his sawed off shot gun and placed two more shells into the chamber.  He was thankful that he didn't have a good way to get down to the front yard.  The hulking creature stopped him short.  Flaming dogs he could handle but a glowing giant of muscle was  not in the cards at the moment, or maybe ever. He hoped that a good ol fashion shotgun slug would hurt that big fucker if he took a shot to the head!

Blinking back the dust, Xuan tried to pull back in the breath that was knocked out of him and coughed. The coughing wracked his muscles where he'd gone through the wall and he grit his teeth through the pain.

So strong. What is the term? Did anyone get that license plate?

Àn Xīng had finally returned, loose in a hand that couldn't close around the wood, he noted with frustration. Flat on his back, he closed his eyes and gathered his wits. Out of habit he tried to push himself up using both arms, and the pain of the effort alone dropped him right back down. Only his left arm would move, his right useless. If he were to be any more use in this fight, he would need that arm moving again.

At least his hand still touched the staff, and if he had his staff, he had some power. Pulling Chi from it, he would set to work directing it to and through his arm, using it to mend the cracked bone and torn muscle. It would burn and sooth simultaneously, working at a cellular level. Early on, Xuan learned that the body always had the means and wanted to heal itself, but sometimes you needed to help it, guide it, to speed up the process. Chi just made it like a fast-forward.

So he lay there somewhere in the house and healed as much as he could before moving again. With a start, his eyes shot open and he looked down at his staff and arm.

Oh no.

Nothing was happening. It wasn't working.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:42, Thu 17 July 2014.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qw2LU1yS7aw -Musical background for the fight.  I thought this fitting. Hint-If you watch the video, there is a rather leatherface mask hanging on a mic stand at the beginning of the video.  See if you can locate it in the fight scene, our fight scene.

Round 1, CA 3

Aeviternus stared the goliath down as it rose once more in a hardened, fiery form and bellowed a roar of irritation at the plaything that had the audacity to swing his toy at its massive form.  The face watched from under the hood as we he waited for the roar to trail off and the creature's eyes to drop down to the chain leading from the small figure to its own leg.

The jolt sent back up the weapon back to the hand wielding it was worth enduring for this moment, the original attack having had repercussions.  Once he was sure he had the creature's attention on its new entanglement, he secured the opportunity to wrench back once more, drawing the head of Lotus, and the leg in its mouth, back his way with as much force as he could summon.

The effort was rewarded with the thing's noisy crash to the ground, belly exposed and body now prone to attack from Ace's teammates.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:20, Sat 10 May 2014.

The head under the hood jerked back suddenly, the involuntary move of a thought occurring that has the magnitude of importance.  His eyes glazed slightly as a fleeting memory soared into his mind, Aeviternus felt the comfort and simultaneous dread of recognition as his past once again entered his consciousness.

In a time where Rome was just hitting its stride in the Byzantine empire and the game of chess found its footing, Aeviternus had begun an arduous task of creating a cult during man's tumult with truth and religion.  In the original melting pot of the world he found a wretch that would eventually become a harbinger of safety and refuse for the wanderer by way of an artifact it wore.  The battle with the man-beast was daunting, a true test to the already ancient spirit as the creature resisted all attempts to end its existence.  Even decapitation had not stopped the fight in the thing; the body moving on its own as he wrestled with its head.

It was the skin pulled over the face and bolted to the chest like a pop culture iconic monster that gave the beast its power.  Just like this beast wore.

"PIN IT DOWN!!" he bellowed at his companions as he ripped himself back to the present, his eyes streaking imploringly to Kirby and Max, the only two still on the battle field with him.  "WE HAVE TO UNCOVER THE FACE!'

He braced himself with the end of Lotus he still held, attempting to ready himself for the creature's inevitable struggle to free itself from the weapon's snare.

      Orlando looking down at the field, thought, that thing is as big as a Fortress*. How in the hell are we going to hold it down to ...It's face,,,,oh no, it's head....Orlando staired for a moment trying to understand what Ace was talking about. He saw the truth in his words...

     THE CREATURE IS POSSESSED WITH DEMON FLESH. DON'T TOUCH IT WITH YOUR BARE HANDS, "Orlando shouted to his teamates.  He had never seen a creature like this, but he had read and seen ritualistic drawings. Who ever had done this to the poor creature was very powerful indeed. He wished he had the energy to help, but he didn't, he didn't even have the strength to take it from his friends...maybe he could syphon energy from the beast.  He retreated from the window and attempted to get down the broken stairwell. Orlando was a big man, they were going to need his fat ass to hold this thing down, now if he could only get to the bottom floor without breakin something of his own.



* As seen in the episode of Cosmic Breed generation 1.

"I aint eveh seen a boy dis big, hows we gonna keep him dohwn," Kirby thought as he figured a way he could help. "Tsunami, we gonna need your muscle on high, I'll help where I can. Kirby held up a bent fist head high and slammed it down towards the ground. Mud flew everywhere from around the creature, his back sunk deeper into the mud. Then he pull his left hand back as if here were draggin a body with a rope. "Daht, should knock a bull on his ass," Kirby said with gritted teeth, he apparently was wrestling with an invisible partner who was very strong. "Hury dah fuk up haus, this isn't the funnest ride."


The big creature bellowed and started to move if only not as quickly as before.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:11, Sat 14 June 2014.

Aeviternus, straining his grip at his end of the chain, could feel with each of the creature's movements that its strength was well beyond any capacity he had to restrain it.  The beast was unnatural and massive its raw power.

Trying to give his team any edge he could he called out once more; "IT'S GOING TO TAKE EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT TO HOLD IT, THIS THING IS A TITAN."  He hoped his reference to the ancient mythological beings was succinct enough to convey just how much effort this would require.

The voices of his companions was like the wind pushing Xuan to stand and gather himself. There was an urgency there that he couldn't ignore, not that he'd want to anyway. The ringing in his ears made it hard to understand everything, like learning English all over again, but he got the gist. Gritting his teeth dug himself out of the rubble and peered out of the man-sized hole in the wall.

He braced as he took in what he could of the scene from his vantage, pulling from the staff again, everything it had left into himself. As the power filled him he once again tried to direct it to his limp arm to repair some of the damage. By the looks of things outside, he was going to need every bit of it.

Thankfully it worked. Chi trickled down all the way to his tingling fingers of his right hand as he flexed, opening and closing a fist. It wasn't much, but it was enough to gain proper use again, the pain abating just enough.

If they could hold on to him just a few more seconds... well, he was on his way now.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:44, Thu 17 July 2014.

Round 1, CA 4


The creature roared, it felt pressure holding him down, making it feel like he was moving through mud.  The creature bellowed in an indiscernible language.] The creature ripped frantically at Ace's chain.  Its metal hook hands now becoming fluid and wrapping around the chain.  It jerked at Aces' grip.

Anticipating the creature's desire to rip free of Lotus' bonds, Aeviternus based his decision on an unusual thing for him: a lack of knowledge.  He still wasn't quite sure just how much tension the weapon could stand and remain intact, so he released his end of it, albeit with reluctance in his heart.  Without his grip managing the controls it was likely to fall harmlessly away soon, and he would do what he could with it when the opportunity came.

In the meantime his release was purposeful and aimed, his focus on the beast's face.  As he let go he did so with the intent to direct the snap return of the chain toward the head and began to focus his attention on Avery's affinity to guide metal.

Round 1, CA 4


The creature jerked the chain, hoping to pull Aeviternus to him, but only chain came like a broken fishing line, no fish and the bait was gone!...unknowingly, he added fuel to his own fire, the chain careened at him.  *WHAAHHCK* went the moving handle as it broke the sound barrier, like a whip, its amplified crack startled everyone with its shockwave, a suddenness created by the uncanny power of Arrowhead.  He had taken the movement of the handle and amplified that kinetic energy back on the assailant, hitting him in the arm he had pulled with, knocking the creature's arm back. The big mammoth was further tossed, keeping him off balance and unable to get the chain off of him.

Seeing Kirby in the corner of his eye, Aeviternus caught the man's hand and arm movements that coincided with the assistance just provided to his weapon as it went from a dangerous backlash to deadly rocket.  Things began to click in his mind as the old soul began to understand the gifts his teammates possessed and something he hadn't felt since staring into that bleak void in the sky on the moon crept in...

... hope.

He thought fast, the only thing he might be able to do quicker than Kirby could react.  "Captain!  I'll aim; you fire!" he called out as his fingers bent his hands into claws out in front of his body.  Focusing on the creature's currently metal head, Aeviternus energized the inert ferromagnetism in the alloy to increase the field in which it would draw an equally magnetic metal to it.  Next he charged the handle of Lotus with the opposite pole, paying specific attention to let the end with the blades follow the shaft in a manner of a grappling hook.

With one hand further forward than the other, he made a motion to bring the two claws together, increasing the outcome in his mind to aid the actual result.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Tue 07 Oct 2014.

     Orlando had just  reloaded his double barrel 10 gauge, home made hollowed slugs, silver and lead mixture with holy water centers. A mixture to fuck up a hell-bent supernaturals day.  He just needed to get down to his friends, his other talents were just as useful, in the right circumstance and tonight seemed to be that night.  He had to get that skin off that creatures head; he had to make sure no one touched it.  Well, he hoped that was an important truth, he wasn't completely sure.
     Orlando looked over the broken banister. This wasn't going to be easy, he was no batman.  Orlando slung his gun and went to the broken edge of the stairwell, lowering himself from the edge, hanging like a floppy fish trying to do a pull up.  He let go trying to land safely on the broken debris.

"Fuck this could hurt!" he thought as he let go.

Come on mofos lets go!

Max thought for a moment about the elements and how they effected each other. Kirby and John could manipulate the water coming from the hose. Be it in different ways but still they cold use this element as an advantage against this demon dog.

Max moved quickly to the hose manning it and ready to fire on John and Kirby's order.

"Arrowhead, Tsunami I can fire the water towards the demon can you use this to our advantage?"

This message was deleted by the player at 19:48, Tue 15 July 2014.

When the demon tensed up as if to pull Aeviternus Kirby physically felt the force of the pull half a heartbeat before it came. Kirby could feel the beast about to heave and Kirby knew, instinctually, that Aeviternus, using tactics pulled right out of the tug-o-war handbook, would simply let go. So Kirby extended his hand into the air in front of him and willed to the kinetic energy surrounding the chain to fester and expand to envelop the head of the chain near Ace’s hand. Finally when the inevitable pull came the chain careened toward the monster with a satisfying, and painful, result. “Leg bye on the beast! Good good bowl Ace!”
*** moments later ***

Kirby shifted his feet and brought Ace more fully into his field of vision and smiled and made brief eye contact as got the gist of the man’s idea. “Got you Ace, on my go.”  While he began to focus on working with Aeviternus he called out to the others. “Cool Hand, Tsunami, gets on em with da hose again. Whatever you have. In three…”

Kirby prepared to put more energy behind Ace’s plan as he quickly counted down for the team.

“Two”

“One”

“GO!”

Anticipating Ace’s action Kirby funneled additional umpf into Aeviternus’ Lotus band.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:03, Wed 23 July 2014.

In reply to Edmund Kirby Smith IV (msg # 135):

Upon hearing the word 'GO' from The Cpt. Max fired water at the demon dog, aiming at his head.

"Tsunami kick the tires and light the fires." Max loved the old 80's movies and often found their laughable quotes gliding tgrough his thoughts.

Meanwhile in the house...


     Cachunk, went the sound of Orlando falling. Dust from the inner-stairwell rose up as Orlando fell with a crash.  Poor old bastard wasn't cut out for this kind of thing anymore....it seemed, that Orlando was not as nimble as he once was.  He fell and went down, his left leg felt wrong and unable to hold his weight currently.  As he grunted in pain, he felt a throb in his left arm and a tightness building in his chest. Was it panic or was it something else?


some hinderances upon creation are a bitch when they affect your character in game....mmmwhahahahaheheh...couch...hwackchchch...eeeewwch....aaahheeehhmm...medic
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:56, Fri 25 July 2014.

Xuan had stood there at the hole he'd made in the house, trying to get a handle on the situation. He wasn't quite sure what the others had said while he was knocked inside, and now they were working toward something.

His hand tightened on his staff as he set himself to jumping in. And then Max yelled out to him, stopping him briefly.

The water.

Three

The Captain was counting down. Xuan reached out a hand toward the water, an extension of himself feeling the water within. But he didn't have that kind of power. Not yet. Not like his father. Whatever Poseidon said, Xuan wasn't ready to command it, and he knew it.

Two

But there was something else there, and not just in the hose. Xuan was wrong to seek the aid of the rain before when so much evil lay within. But where there was evil... There was always a balance. And this storm was not balanced.

One

He closed his eyes and silently opened himself up. His spirit, his mind.

GO

Max was yelling again, but Xuan didn't hear it. He reached out to not just the water in the hose, but to everywhere around him.

There is an imbalance here. I feel it. You feel it. And it is right...there. Please help us to set it right.

Eyes still closed, Xuan pointed his staff at the creature.

Xuan's words echoed in the torrent of the storm, heard by everyone, and were acted upon in unison. It was however not spectacular at all. Water shot from the hose, amplified it didn't seem to even make the creature notice. It roared on it's back, and the members still attempting to hold it down quickly felt the dread of what to do next after witnessing this dud.

The creature rolled to its side, grunting from the current force that held it down and then fell back down. It began to struggle in movement as if tiny imperceptible creature were crawling on it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Fri 26 Sept 2014.

Xuan seemed to stop and focus at nothing.  His pause was noticeable.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:46, Fri 26 Sept 2014.

Max watches those in close proximity. He focuses on John. Why is he just standing there? What is he looking at? He wondered...

The creature seemed to be in a bad way, but what was causing this reaction.

Max mind was clicking through the facts of conflict. Tibbs pointed out the creature, a creature of elemental basis, was demon flesh possessed.

Who controlled the demon flesh? Did the demon flesh have separate control of the host? How is demon flesh removed safely and then destroyed. Max hopped Tibbs or Ace had some answers.

Ace wanted the demon flesh to be removed from the creatures face. Max didn't see anything that resembled a mask of demon flesh. It must be invisible to the normal human vision or it blended into the creature natural appearance.

John saw something that stooped him in his tracks. It had to be the demon flesh on the creature. Maybe it was some type of chi based energy he saw.

Was the creatures exhibited pain caused by the demon flesh? Maybe the creature was fighting it's control. Max needed answers and quickly.

Ace also pointed out this creature was a titan. Already experiencing one was enough for a life time. Controlling a titan was obviously no easy feat. Max thought this manipulation was god like in effect. If possible this creature must be saved.

OOC: Can Max communicate with Tibbs? Is he close enough to hear Max?

Max had to know. "Tsunami can you see the demon flesh on the creature? If so where is it located on the creatures body?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Tue 30 Sept 2014.

When Xuan answered, it was possibly not the response that Max was looking for.

"I need the same as you. Balance."

His focus never wavered from the face in his mind, Xuan's apparent vacant gaze fixed somewhere directly in front of him. Voice loud and firm he spoke quickly but steadily, continuing without recognition of what Max was really saying apart from his name. But he couldn't risk deviating and losing this connection now that he had it.

"This storm and this creature are an affront to your very nature. Like you, I seek balance and the restoration of the natural order. I believe that evil creature to be the key. We need your help in destroying it."

It was possible his words were not at all what was heard, but rather his intent. Even if Xuan got his words mixed up, at least his will on the matter was solid and unwavering.

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"I would join with you to help, but I will need your energy and body to stay  in the  waking world. If you allow me in I will help you.." said the unfamiliar voice. The image of the creature seemed very real to Tsunami, yet very alien. Was this what his father saw all around him?

The chain whipped in tandem with both men's attack, it had started to wrestle and writhe on the ground attempting to get up when the chain had thrashed the creature.  A metalic bull whip cracked in the air, like metal being cut in two. It was the sound barrier breaking as the end of Lotus had  been sped up faster than humanly possible. The creature was flattended again, but erupted in flames changing shape once again.  The creature howled as his air quickly burnt by the fire, the howl was raspy like smoking timbers.

He looked back at Arrow Head, and then quickly to the source of pain, brought on by Cool Hands' water shot, which now created a large plum of smoke.

Cool Hands now saw it, the demon's face, this creature had the demon flesh on his face. It was horrible, like a gnarling tortured wolf. Cool Hands couldn't see how it was fascened through the flames but he saw the wrapping surrounding the head, untouched by the flames.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:26, Sat 11 Oct 2014.

Max remembered back to times spent with Lynne and their Friday night fright fests. Something Lynne wasn't particularly found of, but she humored his one vice. Scary 80's and 90's movies.

This creature was something right out of Hellraisers, but in Titanic form.

If only I had some energy left I might be able to rip the mask from the creatures face. he knew that the water was effecting the creature and keeping it distracted.

Max learned earlier in the house that demons don't like holy positive energy. They were creature of negative energy. If Tibbs could bless the water as it left the hose. Maybe this would have a greater effect and help get the mask off.

Max looked to Tibbs. "Old man you better have some new tricks in that magic bag of yours. I see the demon mask on the creatures face. Can you bless this hose water with holy power? If so lets do it and spank this fire monkey!"

Max wondered what the hell John was talking about. Though he knew the importance of balance. Was it time for John to go all Yoda on the group? Was he talking to some type of elemental energy? Max knew the storm JonKae was battling represented a great imbalance in the elements. Good vs Evil in the form of elements.

Max thought most elemental energies are neutral by nature but if some one or thing could manipulate the elements energy and twist it to their will. Then that elemental energy would take the base energy of its master.

Was this what he wanted? His body would be a host if he said yes, and there was the possibility of losing himself. His father would likely be able to control the elementals, but Xuan? If he said no, Xuan and his friends could die to this storm and this demon. The latter seemed to be the worse in this case.

His mind was made up. Lowering his defences and placing himself in a mindset of allowance, Xuan opened his hands and said, "Yes. I allow you in."

With some trepidation, he took a deep breath and hoped for the best.

     ....Muddy fucking ground,  circles won't work...and this one is big, not a titan, just defiled, and this storm isn't helping.  The storm...the storm seems to be powering these things somehow...wolves...these creatures are possessing  local animals and the big guy must be the same....if I could only short circuit the connection for a moment, the others would be able to finish it," Orlando thought in an instant as he ran from the front door stopping at the edge of the steps that lead downward to the front yard.

     "This will need to be pretty strong, i'll need to cut deep...hope it works," Orlando thought as he took out his knife and slit his wrist deeply, dropping the knife he traced a symbol on his palm in his own life's blood. He resumed his charge at the creature.

Everyone is charged with 10 power points
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:27, Sun 09 Nov 2014.

Despite his wounds from the demon dog having completely healed, Aeviternus could feel Avery's fear about to boil over.

Why are we going toe to toe with it??

The boy was right; there was much more available to use and too much at stake to have a good, old fashioned cage match.  Why was he inclined to in the first place?  Perhaps the power of the young soul was such that mutual influence was happening on some level.  That was worrisome.

Moreover, he had teammates that were clearly better equipped with a face to face confrontation- and that wasn't even his specialty.  Even as Aeviternus thought of a new tactic that was more in line with his specialty, his suit began to shroud him in black once more as he acknowledged that one of the elements his body wasn't naturally resistant to was fire.  Perhaps the second skin had more abilities he wasn't aware of, having already proven a resistance to other elements being one of them.  He thought of a moniker for the suit as well, thinking it would help him practice his mental control of it, inspired by the being who gifted it to him.

Malcover, I don't wish to get burned.

Next, he concentrated on an idea he'd had on the flight to this island concerning Avery's ability to control biological electricity.  Energy was incredibly facile and the pulses put off by a body were able to be manipulated in any number of ways, with knowledge and ability.  Aeviternus focused specifically on the light around him and made to join it just as he'd done with shadows for centuries.

Last, the head of Lotus still charged with a magnetic field, he rolled his forearm and wrist over a couple times, sending the chain into ripples and guiding the end like the floating maw of a prepared cobra to behind the beast as he strafed himself to a flank and out of the creature's direct line of attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Sun 16 Nov 2014.

Upon the surge Xuan took in a sharp breath he hadn't realized he was holding and glimpsed the world anew. Not quite seeing, more feeling. Even the trickle of water sliding down over the back of his hand had meaning, or purpose rather. He could feel it in a way he never had before. Splaying his fingers, the droplets moved to the tips of his fingers and held, as if refusing to part with him for fear of being absorbed by the earth. They were like an extension of himself.

And with that extension, Xuan wouldn't have to make direct contact with the big bastard again. Hopefully.

Before he took on the spirit, Xuan heard Max yelling about a demon mask. He hoped Max wasn't being metaphorical, because that was exactly where Xuan intended his next attack.

Willing the water around him to obey, Xuan made fluid movements to gather it up in bulk and release it with a thrusting slash of his hand, aiming for the water to fan out like a liquidy blade to split that horrible face wide open. Xuan wasn't entirely sure what he was doing or how it was forming, but before he knew it the water lashing out from his outstretched hand solidified and took the form of a katana. And it carried him thrusting forward towards his enemy's guts, a spray of mist in his wake.


This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Mon 24 Nov 2014.

     Tsunami pulled the surrounding water, creating a scythe of water, it struck the creature while he attempted to get up. He was unaware of the new danger that Tsunami now posed. All saw the sword like shape of the water hit the creature with a thunderous crack. Flames across the creature wicked out, smoke and steam shot out like a sudden volcanic eruption as if water had been poured on hot coals.

     This gave Ace the perfect cover, he and his weapon were perfectly hidden from view moving towards the feet of the creature.  It still lay on its back, now reeling in pain. These moments were fleeting seconds, the creature was already starting to move. It wouldn't want to be caught on its back for another blow.


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:21, Sun 30 Nov 2014.

     This was not the best time to revel in the now, it was damn scary, yet it held a beautiful scene. Many times conflict was brutal and rudimentary, but this event was like a fluid oil canvas capturing the terror. Kirby focused his power, changing his world to movement. The world as he knew lay there flat in the background, his eyes left the brown and blacks of the night and turned to the flash of movement and energy.  Kirby had been trained to do this when the speed of battle became too fast for the naked eye, it was an instinct now. It had kept him alive up till now.

     Xuan caught Kirby's eye, just the corner of it, but that was all he needed to have his instincts kick in.  Xuan built up energy, an amazing amount of kinetic energy, all of the air and water in the area rushed at Xuan's focus. Kirby could see the water at their feet leaping, coalescing    sheets fuzing together in the shape of a beautiful sword. The water came crashing down in a blade-like arc, Kirby would capitalize on the movement.

    "Cut dis fuck in half," he whispered to himself as his hand moved in a chopping motion locking in rhythm with Xuan's cut.




OOC- Sorry all for the delay.

The fire wicked out in an acrid cry of hissing steam and smoke, instantly blocking the vision of all around. The surrounding water on the ground coalesced into a new being.  The fire demon was no longer, the hulking creature changed form yet again as he stood up in the smoke and steam. The demon spoke in a guttural language,  "Ou goumen nan venn. Peyi sa a se mwen yo ye. Pral nenf dlo Ou dwe subsume!"




OOC-The creature now seems to be made of water.  It is standing facing Xuan, its back is to Ace.  Orlando, Kirby and Max, are in general facing its front.  Remember movement rules, there are bonuses or hinderances for creatures when they are surrounded. The creatures head is whipping around looking and not focusing on anyone in particular.  It seems not to be able to see. Make a perception check, Ace can make one as well but since you are in a poor vantage point, you have a bit of a modifier. He does not really have a helmut on.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Tue 23 Dec 2014.

Max's mind dipped deeply into a pool of thought. Thoughts could be scanned and measured with machinery for synaptic reaction and stimulation's. Thoughts had never been measured against time. Was time relative to thought? Or could the mind pass through both time and space if trained to do so? This thought would wait for another time, or so Max thought.

Max could see the creatures molecules change. Amazing he thought. This was a tell of sorts. Thinking in terms of his once a month poker nights.  He saw the two energies that held the same space in time and knew he could work within the laws that governed this creatures actions.

Though Max had never tried to separate two connected energies he knew it could be done. Tibbs had experience with this when he exercised demons from some ones body. The concept was simple on paper, but tricky in reality. But it must be done.

Max quickly studied the creatures energetic makeup, gathering his own energy. He envisioned his actions in his minds eye. The creature was now water. Water flowed and could take any form it wished, but was never solid as earth. Gripping and holding tight on it's properties.

The negative demonic energy was separate from the creature of element. The demon controlled the creature of elemental adaptation. In an instance the creature had taken on the very element it was fighting against moments earlier. He could see the mask over the water creatures face and would focus on that. By waters own liquid properties to ebb and flow he would tear the demon mask from the water creatures face.

Like a hand dipping into a pool of water and easily removing a leaf. He saw the back yard swimming pool and the debris in the water as he used pool cleaning filter to do the job. In his mind he dipped his psychic pool filter into the water creatures head and removed the demonic mask. As a leaf from the water.

Max spoke to Tibbs of his plan. "Old man, I'm going to remove the demon mask from the water creatures face. Be ready to do whatever you can to subdue or banish it."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Tue 23 Dec 2014.

Max was a bit shaken after hearing the demonic power speak. Did anyone else hear and understand what this hell spawn was saying.

Wanting confirmation the guys heard what the demon said and if they understood."Guys the demon says 'there's no reason to fight, the land will be his, and that Xuan will be eaten.'

"Tsunami your hit blinded it and cut the mask, great job. I see the mask is separating from the water creatures face. It's the time to finish this demon off. I see both beings energy and one is weak."

Max focused on the demonic mask and the plan...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Sat 27 Dec 2014.

      "I heard it, but I didn't listen, it only has lies," Orlando shouted before he ran at the creature.

       Magic was fairly complex but could be spoken in any language, what was needed was three things focus, words helped with that, and mental stamina, but the last was the most important.  Most people could wield magic if they had to use the first two. The most important need was the ability to draw on the energy of the soul, like a prayer, years of harnessing the energy of one's soul was needed.  The soul was powerful and divine. The reason why he had been so successful with his father in all of those exorcisms was his inate ability to use his soul as a weapon again the demons.  Now, was only slightly different, tougher yes, more dangerous....no.  His soul was always at stake when dealing with the damned.

     Orlando charged in chanting a very special prayer, fueled by his soul, this prayer...was a weapon. Orlando ran in and dodged the creature's bulk as he attempted to touch the creature with his power. He went straight for the weakness that Max had mentioned.  He wanted to disrupt the demon mask, so he hit it right where it hurts...the face!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Sun 28 Dec 2014.

The water sloshed to the ground as if someone had pulled the plug on a huge water basin exposing the true creature. He had a momentary look of disbelief and shock. "逃离。运行;," the creature quickly shouted at the group attacking it.


If you speak Chinese...

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Get away. Run for life.

---

Max's telekinesis had further ripped Xuan's cut, fully ripping the mask in two pieces.  As the blind creature felt the tear at its face Orlando touched his body with his bloody hand. The creature stumbled backwards a step as Orlando's command surged through its body and lost all of the water it held from its power.  It seemed to be stunned and didn't move to further attack the group.  The area felt heavy and dark, a pulsing fear surrounded the group. It was unseen and ominous, giving the entire group goose-bumps and alarm


OOC-The creature is green, but a muddy murky green color, it does have the armor on it, but not the war hammer. Its face is imperceptable due to the mask which is broken in two. The mask is still pulled tight across his face.  There are chains connected to bolts in his collar bone.  The chains are thin, but they connect to the demon flesh by what looks like meat hooks.  The chains are holding the mask tight against his head and face.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:54, Sun 28 Dec 2014.

In reply to Seeker of Truth (msg # 159):

What Max saw was promising considering the situation. So much negative energy. Now was the time to pour it on.

"Guys I see the demonic predator. It seems desperate and shocked by it's separation from the elemental host. We must finish this now...before it regains it hold on the host." Max said a silent prayer to Shokti "...let our minds and actions be as one." Maxs' voice was that of urgent, desperate, confidence.

He knew in his heart and mind this group of amazing brothers, he was honored to know and work with, could do what ever they sit their actions and minds to. Including defeating this demon dog.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Sun 28 Dec 2014.

The connection had been damaged, Aeviternus could see the captor clearly above its victim, his own nostrils stung with the stench of it even as its posture was not one of confidence.  Damaged was not broken, however, and the prevailing power of the mask seemed evident by not having had been fully removed, giving the sense that the creature still had a chance to regain its puppet.

On two planes it seemed Aeviternus still had the advantage of not being noticed, it was almost a sensation of being home for him.  One hand clutching the weapon, the other outstretched before him to better guide his intent, the head of Lotus went silently to the armored man's head with its blades retracted in the core, chain trailing softly behind it, moving through space quickly but not recklessly.  Using the magnetic charge already coursing through the ancient metal, Aeviternus guided it for the binding chains attached to the mask to send it snaking between them and their base.  He wondered idly at how much pain this may cause the being they were attached to if his mark was made.

Lastly, he prepared to send a bolt through the weapon upon its consumation with the chains to help with the final move.

Somewhere in between awe at his success with the new water power and shock at the transformation of the demon, Xuan halted mid-flow. Maybe it was the Chinese he spoke. Or maybe it was the panic in his eyes. Either way, there was a sincerity in that demon host that gave Xuan pause.

The pause was only long enough to determine what to do next if this creature would not be despatched with prejudice. This change of course found Xuan flinging his water-sword at him. As it flew, Xuan focused on gathering water to the sword like metal shavings to a magnet. It was already softening at the front as it closed the distance. Should it make contact, it would splash around the creature and wrap him up in all the water Xuan could summon. Maybe he could contain him in a watery prison until a new plan could be devised.

Since he understood Chinese, Xuan threw some back.

"Liú!"

      Kirby saw Aeviternus's weapon shoot forward and hit the creature's chains attached to his head.  Now that the water had shed from the gargantuan man he could see what Ace was aiming at. Kirby didn't have his gun, but he did have Aeviternus's weapon. The movement drew to him, like a whisper and he answered. Kirby's right hand arced up into a right  hook, pulling Aeviternus's blade across the throat of the creature.  It swung attempting to cut the creatures chains on the other side of his head.

In one fell swoop the chained weapon of Aeviternus slices through all four chains on the hulking creature, "Schnick, schnick, schnick, schnick," the sound happening in rapid fire. The creature seemed to be free of the strange torture device.

     The creature took a step, feeling the strain loosen on his neck, he reached up with both hands and ripped the fleshy mask from his face. Each hand came away with a tatered crumple of leathery parchment.

     The creature looked around suddenly as if coming from a stupor, then proceeded to fall face first in the mud, his head landing at the foot of Kirby and Max.

     As if coincidence, the clouds broke with a crack, and almost all of the wind completely died down. Kirby's pappa landed a heartbeat later and collapsed on the steps of what was left of his house's porch.

In one fell swoop the chained weapon of Aeviternus slices through all four chains on the hulking creature, "Schnick, schnick, schnick, schnick," the sound happening in rapid fire. The creature seemed to be free of the strange torture device.

     The creature took a step, feeling the strain loosen on his neck, he reached up with both hands and ripped the fleshy mask from his face. Each hand came away with a tatered crumple of leathery parchment.

     The creature looked around suddenly as if coming from a stupor, then proceeded to fall face first in the mud, his head landing at the foot of Kirby and Max.

     As if coincidence, the clouds broke with a crack, and almost all of the wind completely died down. Kirby's pappa landed a heartbeat later and collapsed on the steps of what was left of his house's porch.

"Don't touch the mask;" Aeviternus called out to those in proximity, the urgency in his voice hopefully stopping any who might have the inclination.  The voice at first came from nowhere, but as he finished the sentence his form began to appear once more as if from another dimension behind the poor soul who'd just done a faceplant in the mud, Lotus retracting quickly back to its small staff form.  In the intrest of his teammates, Aeviternus made for the fallen pieces of the mask to take a closer look while ensuring he made no contact just yet.

Heeding Ace's warning, Max stays away from the mask. He takes a deep breath, thanking Shokti for the victory.

Max takes the opportunity to cautiously scan the area for the demon dogs energy as well as scanning the cut up demon mask.

     Orlando, rushed over as well to kneel by Aeviternus to take a look at the mask. "Let me see what we can see, "said Orlando moving in a way where he was obviously heeding Ace's warning.  His hand hovered out palm facing the mask on the floor, Ace could here his words," Lord, give me sight to see what I may, that's veiled from this world..."

     It was English that he spoke, no fancy ancient Hindu text, just simple English. Some magic was complicated, yet some very simple. He began to reach into his satchel, he had to fiddle with it, like being twisted in sheets, it was still slung on his back. Orlando looked uncomfortable and a little disheveled as he attempted to take his back pack off. He took out some tongs and a lead looking box.

Aeviternus eyed Orlando as he made to remove tools from the satchel, careful not to stare.  There was no telling what was still happening in the house when the first wave of the group exited the house to face the demons, Orlando left to deal with a possession on his own.

The question was practical.  "Are you hurt?"

Confident that Orlando and Aeviternus had the mask issue well in hand, and being the higher accumulated knowledge in that particular field, Xuan strode up to their felled opponent. Careful not to touch any particles of the mask, he reached down slowly to place two fingers to it's neck. It was better to know if it was dead or just unconscious. Hearing Aeviternus' words to Orlando, Xuan spared a concerned glance his way, hoping he hadn't been damaged during the fight.

"Was he just a victim as well?" It was a question to no one in particular. Turning to Kirby and Max he asked, "Do you see any other danger lurking?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:10, Sat 17 Jan 2015.

The rain continued, without wind and without the malice it once held. The sky lightened as the cloud went from black to dark grey.



Max was able to relay to the group that the infernal dogs were no where to be seen. Their energy seemed to have left upon defeat or at the break of the storm. He couldn't tell.

Orlando, looked grave, he relayed that the mask was of the most evil dark magic. He didn't sense an active enchantment, but it held inherent evil.

    Orlando looked at Ace briefly, the man rarely talked, and when he did you knew words weren't wasted.  He was a legend, a myth, and now he had spent so much time together.  He knew his words were earnest. "Nothing that a hot dinner and warm bed won't fix, you?" Orlando said going back about his work.  Orlando took out a small  pewter looking box, using the tongs he folded the remnants of the mask and placed it in the small little metal box.

     Once that business was finished he looked back at Ace, was he really ok? Orland then took a look at the rest of the crew. Everyone still standing in muck and mud.

     He noticed Kirby's grandfather and rushed over to the man.  "We need to get him in the house, "he looked at Rafi when he spoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Sat 24 Jan 2015.

Relieved and satisfied at Orlando's response and the retrieval of the mask, Aeviternus remained silent at the question rebounded back and simply watched as the task he felt most pressing was completed.  As Orlando attended to Kirby's grandfather, Aeviternus made his way to Xuan who was kneeling by the fallen being and looking for signs of life.  As he did so the suit once more retracted to reveal the boy in the hoodie and he replaced Lotus in his pack.

To Xuan he asked, "Does he live?"  After a pause he added another thought; "We should do something with him one way or the other.  My experience with masks like that indicate he was indeed a victim, however he is not awake to confirm or refute it."

Sensing no danger, Max heads towards the large elemental creature, John and Aeviternus.

Max scans the creature for life energy when in range.

Seeing this young man meet and defeat this divine challenges before his eyes was astounding. Great risks are honored by great rewards. This reward could be as simple as knowledge and the honor of helping others overcoming adversity. Max smiled at the two men around him and continued.

Asking. "Tsunami are you all right? Are you still one with the water elemental? Do you need any help?"

In reply to Aeviternus' inquiry. "Ace, please wait before making a choice. Allow me to scan for life within the body and possible intent."

Xuan stood up again, his face grim.

"He breathes, but it is shallow. He lives, at least for now." A bitterness was apparent in Xuan's voice. That the host might survive may not have been a good thing. From what Xuan could tell, this unconscious person was in terrible shape, starved and likely at the end of a tumultuous journey. From what Xuan knew of Demons, once they possessed a body, they ravaged it like an invading army to a small town, killing and razing every step of the way. By the time they found no more use for the host, they would either burn it out completely or leave it a shell. This of course was mostly on a spiritual level, though the physical aspect was real enough over time. But the troubling thing was the mask. That implied a willingness on the host's part. And if not, who or what was behind it all?

Xuan hadn't realized he was burning a thoughtful gaze right through Ace. Turning his attention from Ace to Max he continued, "I am fine, and as far as I know the water spirit now lives within me. For whatever that means. I doubt the body has any ill intent. He seems to be just a broken shell, left hollow from a malicious parasite. But by all means, have a good look."

Aeviternus remained still with his hands in the pocket near his stomach as Xuan seemed yet again to stare him down.  At least that's what it seemed at first, during which Ace wondered what it would take to earn the barest of the warrior's trust.  It was the coming-out-of-a-trance switch that seemd to flip which caused the more probable nature of the gaze to be cognitive rather than challenging come to light.  After all, they'd fought together; there was no better way to get to know a companion.  Then there was the comment about the water spirit, and Aeviternus went into a trance of his own trying to remember the first time he shared a body with another spirit.  Throughout history he'd been comparitively selfish, his quest taking precedence over anything the sharing soul might have been striving for in its natural host, and that thought caused concern.  He was always significantly more powerful than these host-mates, not the smallest contributor was that most were children selected for the task at an early age and therefore much more compliant and moldable.   Xuan's was an interesting case; his soul already established and sharing with a spirit that was certain to be ancient.  Would the ancient one seek dominance?  Or was it content to simply aid John's efforts on the basis of common goals?

Now was not the time to press the tortoise on these potentials, there were tasks at hand and people who's protection needed securing.  But he found himself snapping out of his own reverie moments later, deciding he had nothing more to contribute just yet, waiting for Max and whoever else needed to inspect the being so they could make a decision on what to do with it.

     The sight of the big brute on the ground was unnerving. At one point seeing his handi-work would have made him smile but not today. Being home and have this terror at his house where his loved ones could get hurt, he felt he would have lost his stomach if he'd eaten recently. He quickly scanned for movement from the brute. Seeing his team move to the creature he ran to his grandfather.
"Poppa, can you hear me?" he said not caring to hold back his desperate tone.

He helped Orlando bring him to the house. "Raffi, get the men, we need to patch the house and stairs. Bring the biggest laddah you got," Kirby spoke quickly to the ranch manager.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:00, Mon 02 Feb 2015.

Watching everybody bustle around, Aeviternus found himself once more in the comfort of not being noticed, his movements aiding this effort by never quite being in anybody's way or even peripheral vision most of the time.  There was plenty to distract; an ill grandmother, a house to be repaired, a previously possessed stranger in a coma... Ace simply disappeared into the chaos.  At some point he found himself in a corner of a room with a sleeping Eh-eh on a bed nearby.  Aeviternus had taken note of the talk that while it seemed she was free of whatever demon had detained her, her slumber continued likely due to some evil still lurking in her home land.  He recognized an opportunity or two and decided it was as good a time as any to try some new things.

He slid down into a sitting position with his legs crossed as if to meditate, his back pressed against the two walls meeting in a seemingly purposefully unadorned corner to create some negative space perhaps or maybe she just liked things simple.  This time his travels would bear a new tactic; he would allow Avery to be alert in their body while the old spirit moved about freely on the plane it was fastest on.  Lotus appeared in his hands, resting it in his grip upon his lap.  The hood remained up and casted a shadow over the face, this time the eyes stayed open and watched the world while Aeviternus took a quick journey about the perimeter.

This requires great focus, boy.  We can communicate instantly but you'll need to give a great deal of attention to the world around you.

I got it.

Granted as much as he was going to get from this exchange, Aeviternus set himself about the land to see if he could gain some insight on what kept the old woman from the waking world.

     Ace sat quietly into his all familiar posture of traveling, only this time was much different...

     Aeviternus appeared first by Eh-eh's bed, looking at her, then at his body. He stared, and his body's head turned and looked at him, eyes wide open, Got it, came the reply from Avery with a small smile. The boy didn't need to flex, didn't need to run or be free, he had been a part of every thought and movement of Aeviternus. They're life was shared in all, the bond made it a peaceful union, nothing forced, nothing lost...only the bond. Aeviternus felt strange however, in this way their bond was...less, weakened somehow.  He made a mental note, this separation had limitations and must be handled with care.

     Aeviternus looked back at Kirby's grandmother, her body seemed to be sick, as if she had...a disease like... the plague. The Plague? Yes, he recognized the similar symptoms, but the festering was on her soul, not the skin. He looked her up and down careful not to touch her, he confirmed it, she had a plague like ailment. He took a look around the room stopping upon the herbs that Elsie had brought in, he frowned at what he saw. He needed to confirm his theory. In the blink of a thought he was outside looking. The land around the house was dying, he moved all around, and noticed that the vegetation to the south was farther along into it's death cycle. He stopped to look more closely and noticed that the leaves had blackish veins. He flew up above the tree line and noticed a darker swath of forrest all around him, shadowing darker towards the depth of the forest, and more importantly, why they had originally come. The coordinates that they had decided to travel to find Xuan's mother and Max and Orlando's partners were in the path of the darkening forest. Aeviternus, spit, out of reflex, for the plague, for the darkening forest, and for the fact that once again he was confronted with the inevitable truth. There were no such things as coincidence.

The impending sensation of all things coming to a violent end brought the single word back to his mind like an unrelenting, hated song that claws at one's consciousness.

Dhroga.

Unsure whether that was the answer, Aeviternus presumed it a likely culprit in this scenario.  There was still so much to be done... were they bound to simply try to outrun the influence or could they stop the effects in some way as they sought the final resolution?  Was this even related?  Determined to find out, the old spirit set out for some answers.

      They sat in the kitchen sipping tea with goats milk..."We'll need the jeep, if Topa can drive us in...,"Kirby stopped his unimportant conversation, he was hmm-hawin around what he really wanted to talk about.

     "Poppa, In light of what we just went through, and the fact that you called my Grandfather and his friends here...pardon sir, but I need to know what the hell is going on..."Kirby said just holding his confused feelings at bay.

     Orlando slept and slept, he was exhausted. He needed a drink, whiskey, he opened the cupboard doors in the kitchen more than once just to check. The problem with his homemade Hooch, is that drinking it never allowed him to kick his drinking habit and now that he was out it was all he could do not to relapse.

Later that day...

     Elsie, what is there to do with Elizabeth, nothing we've tried has any affect? Her body is fine, I sense no maladies," Orlando said perplexed after a day sitting with Elsie and Elizabeth. He had exhausted all that he knew, and she knew more than he. Maybe there was something in the text that he had given over to Aeviternus, maybe something in there?

Day 2...

     Orlando found who he was looking for the very next day..."Ace...are you in there?" He said to the body sitting on the floor comfortably seated next to Elizabeth Grey's bed.

The hood turned up to meet Orlando's eyes, the face under it seeming even younger than usual.  It was the same face, it was just missing something Orlando may have started to expect from the rare glimpse of it... weariness, perhaps?  Instead there was a gleam in the eyes, a curiosity and, dare he say it, a cockiness.

"What's up, 'Lando?" came the reply with a wry smile.

Taking into account everything that had happened in the last few days, it felt like a year had gone by. So much had happened in such a short amount of time but seemed so hard to hold on to...

      Elizabeth Eh-eh Grey lay in her bed not getting worse, but definitely not getting any better. Elsie, whom seemed to be Elizabeth's long time friend continued to work night and day to keep the sinister disease from progressing. She could be heard talk constantly to Elizabeth, recounting old stories as if she were keeping company with someone in a coma.

    Kirby's Poppa JonKae had avoided their conversation at first, his condition had been an honest scape goat, but now he found himself eating breakfast with his grandson and The General. There seemed to be no where to escape to.  The three men were in serious conversation.

     Max and Xuan took turns with the sentinel otherwise known as The Bostonian out in one of the barns guarding the giant hulking man who still slept.

     Orlando and Aeviternus had found time to talk...

     Within the three days the Jahndi had repaired all damage from the storm and altercation, it was almost business as usual.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:49, Mon 09 May 2016.

Kirby looked deeply into the mug before him as if hoping he’d find the right questions to ask written on the surface of the now luke-warm tea. Where could he possibly start? The last time these three men had shared this table Kirby was just a boy, barely 13, meeting the grandfather he would forever there after call ”The General” for the first time. He had believed then that these two men were meeting for the first time but the events of the last few hours seem to prove that false.

The questions piled up in his mind, fighting to be first to find voice in the conversation: Why had they never told him they had met, and worked together in some way, well before that day so many years ago? Why did Popi JonKae let Kirby live his whole life without any notion of the talents his maternal grandfather possessed? When Kirby first showed signs of having his own talents, at 12, he said nothing and, making matters worse, shipped his grandson off to the United States with a grandfather he never knew existed. Why?

Kirby exhaled the breath he didn’t know he was holding. It was then that it occurred to him that he didn’t need to ask a question of these men at all. So all he said was “Yous know what ay going ta ask so just tell me.”  He looked them both in the eye before taking a sip of tea.

The boy seemed to sense Orlando's hesitation and, rather than exhibit the excesive patience he'd shown to the group to this point, he seemed just now interested in capitalizing for his own gain.  His eyes darted a scan over the man standing over him as Ace took a quick breath to jump in on Orlando.

"You played ball, right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Tue 17 May 2016.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:40, Thu 19 May 2016.

In reply to Aeviternus (msg # 186):

     Huh? You pla... yeah I played football," said Orlando perplexed. That's an odd question Orlando thought. "Have you ever played football?" Orlando said fishing to continue the conversation.  Orlando closed his fist, trying to keep his hand from shaking. He had felt sweaty this morning, he couldn't tell if it was the heat or if he was getting a fever. A drink would fix his shakes, this was certain, but this wasn't the place or time to fall off the wagon.

The boy's eyes darted down to the recently made fist, having an optimum angle at it from his seated position on the ground, and seemed to consider the meaning though it didn't stop his line of questioning.

"No," he replied plainly and looked away briefly.  Returning eye contact once more he continued; "What's it like?"  The curiosity seemed sincere, the question seemed almost wistful.

It was an odd sensation. There had always been a connection between Xuan and water, but this was different. While keeping sentry over the most recently subdued opponent, the dark warrior sat in silence and contemplated the change.

Was this how his father felt about the water, or how the water felt about him? Was it a spirit that imbued him with his strength and connection? The spirit was quiet now, but Xuan still felt it. If the water spirit decided that it wanted to be in charge, would he have to overcome it once again? The power he exerted over water to bend it to his will was remarkable, and it somehow made him feel closer to his father, even though they were nowhere near each other.

Max had tried to make conversation with him, and although Xuan didn't want to be rude, he was simply not in the mood. He would be very happy meditating instead, though that would have to wait until later. Until then, he could easily stand vigil while using Tai Chi. If not meditating, it was too hard to stay still. He needed the clarity and control as his mind tried to wander. Normally he would work with his Chi, but now it seemed more appropriate to use water.

In reply to Aeviternus (msg # 189):

     "What's what like?" Orlando looked at his fist trying to relax. Can't let them see me like this. Pull your shit together Tibbs.

Avery's eyebrows furrowed, "Football.  Playing.  Take your pick.  What's it like to be given the choice to do something that's... fun?"

The tone was characteristically young adult; annoyed, earnest, ignorant.

     Orlando stopped. Suddenly perplexed, the person he knew as Aeviternus was different, he sounded young, not himself. Orlando blatantly looked at Ace's face trying to see the eyes. He ducked his head down to catch the face. It looked the same but there was something different for sure. "Are you...? A stupid question almost came out of his mouth. "In all the years you been alive you've never played a sport or game? Come on, be straight with me. I don't have time for games," Orlando said trying to figure out where Ace was going with this conversation. For the moment Orlando was baffled.

     At first Aeviternus left the confines of the Jahndi, seeing cattle, homes and a carefully planned out farm. It was tamed land that seemed to be its own village with roads and structures that held to it borders of jungle. Aeviternus floated, covering ground looking for clues, not sure what he was looking for in the spirit plane; he wandered observing.  Floating high into the sky he could see for miles, soaring higher he could see the distant Jamestown and the ocean to the North, turning south he glimpsed his first clue.  A grey-ish swath of land, like color fading from a picture. Just beyond the boarders of the Jahndi the first vestiges of jungle began, and it was there that Aeviternus was able to see a change in green.  The Jahndi was green, full of life.

     Aeviternus was in the mirror of the world, the spirit reflection of the real world. Here he could see his companions, the houses, the foliage, if he drifted further away from the material world the landscape would change and what he might find. In his past, the further he moved from the mirror the more desolate his surroundings would be.  Most often venturing away from the material was futile, but for this instant there was a pull to look.

     Aeviternus concentrated, allowing the tether to slacken, almost as if he moved to a deeper sleep. Edges blurred, color swirled and the consciousness of the forrest awakened. Here pain was felt, a numbing burning sensation drew him to the floor of the Jahndi. He felt the grass with his bare feet, warm and pulsing, he felt the life essence of the land. The slow ache of a illness, the chronic feeling of lethargy seeped into his feet. He walked closer to the jungle shifting his presence he was at its boarder. The ache grew.

     Xuan turned quickly as he heard the creature move just slightly.

     "Water," the huge man spoke in Chinese.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:08, Fri 27 May 2016.

Aeviternus stayed himself for a moment, considering the possibilities and what lay beyond.  Could he cure the matriarch purely on the spiritual plane or would a strategy from the group make success more likely?  Recent experience told him the latter, however he would gain as much intel as he could before presenting the challenge to the team.  In the distance, like a quiet conversation in the next room, he could hear his hostmate battle his youthful emotions in a discussion with Orlando, but being this far into the spiritual plane didn't make it as easy to control both at the same time.  He would need to let the boy figure this out on his own.  For that reason, the decision was made to go as quickly as possible; Aeviternus scanned for the source of the ache in this land.

---

The boy looked over his shoulder though there was nothing behind him but bare wall, a tick as though he were looking for somebody to be there.  When his head came back around he looked straight ahead instead of back up at Orlando, putting the hood between them once more.  "No.  I haven't."  His tone could have passed for pensive but there was something else there.  Something more akin to angst.

"What do you want to talk about then?"

Xuan had just moved into Second Fair Lady Weaves Shuttle when he heard the brute speak. It was the 30th step in a long list of forms, and although he skipped the beginner forms 1-24, so far  it was doing very little to assuage his unsettled mind. Pausing, he half wondered if the voice was once again the water spirit guiding him, but quickly realised how ridiculous that would be. The water spirit hadn't spoken to him like that.

Breaking form, Xuan moved swiftly to large man while glancing to see if Max was still nearby. There was no pretence of amiability as Xuan looked him over. Mask or not, this was the same big bastard that required a group of extraordinary men to put him down. It wasn't easy for Xuan to let his guard down, and with this one, there seemed every reason not to.

"You can speak," Xuan replied in Chinese, "so you are obviously not dying. We have yet to determine whether or not this is a good thing for you. You have much to answer for. But we are not without mercy here. I will fetch you your water, and in return you will tell us everything you know. Understood?"

Xuan held a firm gaze as he attempted to gauge the brute's response. He knew he might not be able to speak well yet, considering his condition, but the terms were always best presented clearly and immediately. There was simply no sense in dragging things out.

     The Beast rattled his chains, as if feeling the weight of them. The tractor had been placed over the creature, chains on each of his appendages connected to an axle on the trailer. He laid on his back, leaning his head to the side, he spoke with Xuan.
     "Friends gone, you me, SHIN...water," said the creature in broken Chinese. His Chinese wasn't miss spoken, or bad, it just lacked the proper syntax, which still made it hard to understand. He turned his head back to look at the tractor, as if he were resolute in his captivity.
     Xuan looked around, his friends were no where to be seen...


     Orlando knelt down, "take your hood off so I can see your eyes, you sound pouty like a teenager right now?" "I was hoping you could tell me anything you know about the scroll my brother was protecting? Lets get outside and walk for a bit," said Orlando offering his hand to Ace.

Xuan considered the request. Or if it even was a request. Was his captive speaking of him as water? Or even both of them? If it was a request for water, Xuan was hesitant to abandon his post to retrieve any. Then again, did he really have to?

Drawing upon the power of his new connection to the water spirit, Xuan concentrated and reached out. He felt the tug of the water all around him, the earth still damp from the recent storm. Partly pulling as if holding a rope, and partly requesting like that of a favor from a friend, he attempted to bring the water to him.

Aeviternus took a closer look at the withering boscage he was already near, figuratively squatting down low between his knees and seeing if the dying plants could tell a story of their own.  The Chinese, from many years before even Aeviternus was born, had three characters for garden, typically carved into toroise shells;  you, pu and yuan.  You was a royal garden where birds and animals were kept, while pu was a garden for plants. During the Qin Dynasty, almost a thousand years later, yuan became the character for all gardens.  Everything in the pu garden was purposeful and placed while each had meaning; the pine for longevity and constance in friendship; the bamboo, a hollow straw, represented a wise man, modest and seeking knowledge, and was also noted for being flexible in a storm without breaking; the Chinese Plum revered as the symbol of rebirth after the winter and the arrival of spring; the three together considered to the be the "Three Friends of Winter."  Then there was the peach tree that symbolized immortality, the apricot tree that represented the governement official and the fruit of the pomegranate tree that was offered to young couples so they would have male children and numerous descendants.

The creators of the Chinese garden were careful to preserve the natural appearance of the landscape. Trimming and root pruning, if done at all, tried to preserve the natural form. Another important garden element was concealment and surprise. The garden was not meant to be seen all at once, it was laid out to present a series of scenes. Visitors moved from scene to scene either within enclosed galleries or by winding paths which concealed the scenes until the last moment. The scenes would suddenly appear at the turn of a path, through a window, or hidden behind a screen of bamboo. They might be revealed through round "moon doors" or through windows of unusual shapes, or windows with elaborate lattices that broke the view into pieces.

It was from this study that Aeviternus now applied what knowledge he could, hoping the plants could speak enough clues.

---

Ace didn't move at first as the hand hovered near his head.  In a fluid movement he was on his feet, athletic and dextrous without a sound made, Orlando's hand not so much as brushed by clothing.  The young face afforded Orlando one good solid look as he locked eyes with the bigger man.

"And you sound like a doddering old man."  His exit from the room was purposeful though not speedy.  Unclear if the move was to be an acceptance of the invitation to take a walk or simply leave.

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:14, Thu 29 Sept 2016.

Perhaps there were connections between the spirit plane and consciousness that powerful beings could invoke for far reaching impacts, multi-planar or even dimensional impacts, Aeviternus wondered as he patiently observed the fluidity of his surroundings.  If Kirby's grandmother was truly connected to the land around her, and the island truly flourished in her care, it would stand to reason that a possession could reach out and destroy the surrounding acres in much the same way a demon spreads throughout the creature it intends to inhabit.  But there seemed more, like a disease left behind, a potential cancer that hopefully could be extricated if it could be located.

Aeviternus watched the finch dance, musing about its symbolism of happiness and energy while simultaneously used in literature as a representation of vulnerability in the wild.  It occurred to him this was the only sign of life he'd noticed during this trek and marveled at its resilience.  Could that be Eh-eh leading him to the answers that would save her and the surrounding wilderness, her family and their legacy?

Drifiting up to meet the bird, prepared to follow, Aeviternus said simply; show me.

The water gathered into Xuan's hand as if it were a gentle animal easing in for affection. The flow never faltered as it curled in upon itself and swirled into a ball, cascading over itself until it became about the size of a grapefruit. It was what he was used to when making a ball of Chi, so the shape came naturally. So much so that Xuan marvelled at the water-ball momentarily before remembering the purpose of it.

His attention returned to the large captive, Xuan toyed with the idea of juggling in front of him. However, those childish impulses were drilled out of him years ago, especially in circumstances of a more serious nature. He wondered why the thought even came to him. Instead the water-ball floated gracefully to the big man's face, Xuan careful not to slam it down his throat or up his nose.

"Drink or dowse. Your choice," he said in his native tongue.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:49, Thu 29 Sept 2016.