The Alien Wars 6: Da Capo

Session 637

Session Start: Mon Apr 17 14:10:11 2023
Session Ident: #TAW-Session637
<DeathStar> Okay, lets begin.
<DeathStar> 5
<DeathStar> 4
<DeathStar> 2
<DeathStar> -0-
<DeathStar> Date: 10-653.12.19
<DeathStar> Location: Aquarius
<DeathStar> *Yuki is on the bridge, going over their results from yesterday. Cloé yawns, looking tired as she eats some food in the lunch area before heading to meet Yuki*
<Seraphna> **Nell noms down a pile of meat**
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<DeathStar> *it seems Cloé is trying to scarf down as much food as possible to keep her mana high*
<Seraphna> **Nox rests on the counter, watching Cloe** More! More More! More!
<DeathStar> *Cloé chokes a bit on the food*
<Seraphna> **Nox tendril pats her back**
<Seraphna> **Kaelan peers over Yuki's shoulder** How are they doing?
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper is leaned back in her chair, eyemask on her face.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Well, most of them went after mentors that was already in their wheel house - teaching them things that they already know, which is perfectly valid. To learn techniques from another master in another way.
<Seraphna> Kaelan> Mmm, sure we can mix it up after if they want to learn something new.
<Seraphna> **Cookie feeds Mire some cake**
<Alicia> * Akatsuki has been scarfing down food too. So what's new. However, she's also been practising her singing and other showmanship
<Seraphna> **Thena marches around in an Admiral Hat**
<Xanatos> <Pepper> No one asked me to be their mentor. 6*She lifts the eyemask up to frown.
<Seraphna> Cookie> We're too cool Peps.
<Seraphna> Cookie> We intimidate them with our coolness.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> I plan to mix things up this round; but we'll see who they pick
<Xanatos> <Pepper> They take for granted how much we get done around here.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "I forget, what is your speciality?"
<DeathStar> *Cloé arrives on the bridge, finishing her food*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *also shows up on the bridge*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Alright. *she puts the paperwork aside*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> We'll begin with Nell. Same partner or new partner?
<Seraphna> Nell> **tilts her head** I'd like to be assigned one this time.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "That depends on if I can actually train my speciality, instead of just not being a burden."
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "... jumping the gun a bit, but I understand."
<DeathStar> <Yuki> *considers* Alright, we'll work on assigning someone. Aka?
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "You know, I was training in support skills... and it didn't work."
<Seraphna> **Thena hops up and sits in Yuki's lap**
<DeathStar> <Yuki> So you want a new partner to help you learn support skills?
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Or a new direction
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Well, Reikana did fine, but... that wasn't really the arena to learn that."
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "I want to know the arena before I pick a mentor."
<DeathStar> *Yuki considers* You'll be in a hostile desert biodome working your way to a castle.
<Seraphna> **Thena bounces**
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Mmmm.."
<DeathStar> *Cloé practically melts*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Would you like me to assign someone?
<Jackieness> <Bella> *pat pats Cloe*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> While Aka is thinking, Nox?
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Do you think song training is going to work here?"
<DeathStar> <Yuki> I think you'll have to consider what you expect going in and what you hope to get of it. If you keep going in for mentors that can only teach you song magic techniques everytime, in hostile environments
<DeathStar> *Yuki shrugs*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> You might can only go so far
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Pepper.
<Seraphna> Nox> I would like to learn from... MIRE!
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Wait, what that a suggestion?"
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper perks up
<DeathStar> <Yuki> You're not exactly a "song magic" expert, but you do know song adjacent moves. Plus I imagine you can handle yourself in a desert biodome. What would you have to tell Akatsuki.
<DeathStar> *Mireille blinks, pointing at herself, while Yuki stares at Nox, but puts Mireille down*
<Seraphna> Nox> Well she is my Elder and a Spirit.
<Seraphna> Nox> Plus we have a special link now~
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "You bo-pacted?!"
<Xanatos> <Pepper> I use music to power up everyone, but infiltration techniques and gun skills are my non-song things. Desert is easy, you just gotta protect your face.
<Seraphna> Nox> Nah, I gave her my Marble.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Pepper. I choose Pepper."
<DeathStar> <Yuki> *puts Akatsuki down with Pepper* Jikuu
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "I'm not a gun user, but... everything else..."
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Jaime did wonderfully last time."
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Alright
<DeathStar> <<Cloé> Chad again; I wish to continue learning. He was a great mentor
<DeathStar> <<Yuki> Bella?
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Ah, the team up last time worked out. Ben again, if he's not afraid of the desert."
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Okay. Get yourselves some desert clothes and get ready for tomorrow
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Bring what supplies you feel is necessary.
<Seraphna> **Cookie muses** We'll have to pack the beach drugs.
<DeathStar> -TIME HOP-
<DeathStar> Date: 10-653.12.20
<DeathStar> Location: Universal Training Planet
<DeathStar> *The group appears this time at the starting area, which is nice and cool, with AC pumping in. Outside it though is a sandy hell*
<DeathStar> *Chii is standing there with Nell*
<Seraphna> Nell> Hi!
<DeathStar> *Cloé is wearing desert colored clothing*
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper smokes, kneeling to look over the packs she has prepared.
<DeathStar> *Ben hands Bella some gear and water packs*
<DeathStar> <Chii> *nods and hands Nell some ninja gear*
<Dias`> *Chad stands at a table, going over his equipment, wearing the same tact suit as before, except the color seems to be lighter to match the sand*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Thanks." *looks at Cloe* "Team up again?"
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Sure. <Chii> Alright, I've been told this time the point of this exercise is this
<Seraphna> **Nell gets changed**
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper holds out a bag to Akatsuki as well as a pair of sunglasses.
<DeathStar> <Chii> Reach the castle where a foe is waiting for us; the desert has only a few safety areas. There's not a lot of real traps outside the fact there's not a lot of supplies, not a lot of water, and the safety areas, once accessed will close off to the others groups. We can all work together if we want, but that means dividing the resources between us
<Alicia> * Akatsuki puts on the sunglasses. "Stylish *and* practical, I like it!"
<Seraphna> Nox> Mmm.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "This really is the ideal place for those."
<Dias`> *Chad glances at Cloe and Bella for a second before looking at Chii. He finishes packing his bag and throws it over his shoulder and moves over to the two and Ben.* So how would you guys like to approach this?
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Reflective gear inside, we want to be real covered and keeping that sun off of us as much as possible. This'll be fun...and suck. You're going to find sand in your asscrack once this is over.
<DeathStar> <Ben> It'll probably be best to just work between our two groups. We can move faster and keep the resources between us 4.
<DeathStar> *he keeps his voice low*
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "I already knew about keeping the sun off."
<Jackieness> <Bella> *nods* "We know we already complement each other well."
<DeathStar> *Chii motions at Nell and draws her out of the safety area ninja like, starting off while they all talk*
<Seraphna> **Nell heads off with her, winking**
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Good, you have base skills, I can show you some water collection tricks and then we'll talk about sound based stuff while we move.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Better than having to carry mostly water."
<Dias`> <Chad> Well then let's get going. Our biggest worries is going to be the sun and the sand.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Right...so who is the sadist who set up this thing anyway?"
<Dias`> *Chad pulls out his map and shows it to Cloe* Looking at this, what do you think our safest route is and the fastest route is?
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper puts a big hat on and then starts walking out, pulling up a gaiter to protect the buttom half of the face.
<DeathStar> <Ben> Someone in the Universal group that seems to want to push you all and see what you're made of
<DeathStar> <Ben> Come on, *he eyes the map* Chad
<Seraphna> **Nox forms shade over her and Mire**
<Alicia> * Akatsuki wears an exceptionally big hat, trying to look cool while being cool
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "It was obviously Chad."
<DeathStar> #TAW-Session637-CloeBella

Session Start: Mon Apr 17 20:19:11 2023
Session Ident: #TAW-Session637-CloeBella
* Now talking in #TAW-Session637-CloeBella
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<Dias`> <Chad> What is it Ben?
<DeathStar> <Ben> We got a safety area 5 miles to the north and a second 12 miles a bit ot the east.
<DeathStar> <Ben> I imagine most will rush to the first
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Then we might be better off getting ahead to site two."
<Dias`> <Chad> Yeah. Most likely. It means we're going to be more exhausted. But that could work to our advantage. It's smarter to travel at night anyways.
<Dias`> <Chad> And being in a smaller group will make this easier.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Sounds like a plan."
<DeathStar> *Cloé wipes at her forehead* Alright then
<Dias`> <Chad> You two will lead the way then. I want to observe if you both have learned anything
<DeathStar> *Cloé nods and carefully takes the lead; it definitely feels like she's more alert, even if there's nothing out there but sand*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *falls in next after Cloe*
<DeathStar> *Cloé also seems to useh er senses to track where the others have gone*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *covers her lower face*
<Dias`> *Chad walks along, eyeing the sun and it's position as he keeps tabs on something* Ben, what ya feeling about this place so far?
<DeathStar> *The sand, as they keep going, picks up ina slight sand storm. Cloé does the same* <Ben> Seems to be somewhat better than the last outside it draining energy. *The the sandstorm beating on them*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "We need to do something so we don't accidentally get separated in the storm*
<Jackieness> ."
<Dias`> *Chad cover his face briefly before tapping the back of his neck and a mask forms around his face and eyes, leaving just his hair to stick out* What do you have in mind?
<DeathStar> <Cloé> I can see pretty well, if I don't get sand in eyes.
<Dias`> <Chad> Did anybody back a rope? That would be the easiest way to keep us together.
<DeathStar> *Cloé kneels in the sand, sinking a bit as she fumbles in the sand*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Ben, have anything?"
<Dias`> *Chad puts a hand on Cloe just incase*
<Dias`> *her shoulder*
<DeathStar> *Cloé holds up the rope*
<Dias`> *Chad takes one end and holds it out to Ben and then Bella* Tie yourself to it
<DeathStar> *Ben complies*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *secures herself on the rope*
<Dias`> *Chad ties himself* Ok, we'll be slowed down a bit, but atleast we won't lose anyone. So now the next question, I'll ask you two. Do you remember the direction we were traveling?
<DeathStar> *Cloé pauses, closes her eyes; it seems she is using her senses and points*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "And there we go."
<Dias`> <Chad> Bella, does that track for you? Or are you trusting her?
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Im going to trust Cloe. She ha sbetter senses than a human does."
<DeathStar> <Ben> Hm. Alright
<Dias`> *Chad seems to make a mental note* Alright, lead us Cloe*
<DeathStar> *Cloé seems to fluster easily now at being the leader, but does so; shaking a bit*
<Dias`> <Chad> Just trust yourself and your team, Cloe.
<DeathStar> *Cloé nods and gets a bit more confident*
<DeathStar> *Ben's datapad alerts him to something; it seems safety area 1 has been taken*
<Dias`> <Chad> If something happens we don't plan for, we'll just adapt. That's what you wanted to learn from me. So run through your head on different scenarios that could happen and how you'll approach them.
<DeathStar> *Cloé nods; eventually the sandstorm dies down and evening has occurred. Ben checks the datapad* We're near spot 2.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Sounds like skipping site 1 was the right move. See anyone around, Cloe?"
<Dias`> <Chad> Before we enter. I'd like to pose a scenario for you both.
<DeathStar> *Cloé looks around and points; a structure can be seen partially under the sand*
<DeathStar> *Cloé turns to look*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Listening..."
<Dias`> <Chad> There's no rule saying how long we have to stay in here. We could restock. Rest for an hour and leave. Locking this place out and head for the next one. That would force the other team to have to go to the furthest for rest.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Right."
<Dias`> <Chad> If we're on a time crunch to do something, that would be a smart decision regardless of the other team existing. But there's plenty of other options and routes we could go with. Just somethign to think on. *He looks at the two to watch and study
<DeathStar> <Cloé> It is true. Miss Yuki and Miss Chii never said there were timers this time
<Jackieness> <Bella> "On the other hand, we didn't find out about the timers until we tripped one."
<DeathStar> <Ben> Lets enter one and see if there is anything then
<DeathStar> <Ben> I believe Chii said something about locking others out once it became ours.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Right, let's see what we have and then decide on the next move."
<Dias`> <Chad> Let's head in for now. Rest up. You two will come up with some plans going forward.
<Jackieness> <Bella> *nods and heads for the shelter*
<Dias`> *Chad moves in and when deeming it safe, moves to restock*
<DeathStar> *Ben looks around; there's a grill to cook meat, meat, beds, etc*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *goes to inventory th supplies in this shelter*
<DeathStar> *there appears to be water bottles and food packages*
<Dias`> *Chad taps his neck, causing his face mask/gaurd to retract back into the suit before graabing to eat mostly proteins and rehyrdates once he fills his water supplies. He glances around and moves to take a seat, closing his eyes for a bit as he thinks and rests*
<DeathStar> *Ben sits and gets some rest after drinking*
<DeathStar> *Cloé flops in a bed, resting*
<Dias`> <Chad> I'll give you guys about 30 minutes to think up on our next plans. After that we'll make a decision
<Jackieness> <Bella> *nods and lays on a bed to close her eyes after getting something to eat*
<DeathStar> <Cloé> The next spot is area 3. 8 miles away, but the othr group will need that.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> So we should go for area 4. At the 25 miles mark. Plus it's close to the castle
<Jackieness> <Bella> "They may also alreayd be on the move for site 3 anyway."
<Dias`> <Chad> This is a competition also. Taking site 3, which we are closer to would force them to go to site 4 and then they would have to rest longer while we wouldn't.
<DeathStar> <Ben> Chad is right. It would put strain on them
<DeathStar> <Ben> If they couldn't make it they'd have to withdraw
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Right. We could also try to bum rush the last two sites. Hit 3 long enough to claim it and then hit 4 right after."
<DeathStar> <Cloé> *muses, ears twitching, looking guilty - it's clear she knows that's the winnter and what they should do, but feels guilty*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Besides, we can opt to share the extra resources once we have control of them. Then they'd owe us, right?"
<Dias`> <Chad> My instincts are telling me that this is going to get harder the farther we go. *He opens his eyes to look at Cloe, studying her for a moment* Knowing right and wrong is important in making your plans. There's nothing to feel guilty about as long as you can accept the outcome. If it doesn't meet your standard, then either make the plan do it or find a new one.
<Dias`> <Chad> For every good plan I come up with, I've tossed aside 50 others.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> *nod* How long should we rest?
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Still, let's goahead and plot a course that takes us to site 3, but then if it gets captured before us, we can press on to 4 without losing a beat."
<Dias`> <Chad> Bella's right in that regard, but something like that only works if it has meaning or weight behind it. I'm fine with whatever decision you two come up. Winning or losing doesn't matter to me as long as you guys learn something. I need an hours worth since we stepped in here. Anything more than that and I'll probably become a hindrance. But, if you want to leave sooner,
<Dias`> I can make it work.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Right. I'm here to learn, but I don't mind pushing for 3.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Remember, they have the power balance if they cna get themselves focused enough."

<DeathStar> *as Jaime and Pepper lead their two groups out into the desert, the heat hits them - thank goodness for the supplies*
<Seraphna> **Jaime muses, showing Jikuu how to shut out the feeling of heat, similar to how they do cold if they need to float in space**
<DeathStar> *it extends as far as the eye can see, with nothing in sight; thankfully, Jaime and Pepper have the datapads that show straight ahead is the closest safety area, about 5 miles; aftre that the second one is around 12 miles, further to the east*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "I feel like this was chosen specifically to go after our weak points."
<Seraphna> Jaime> Well, I have a huge advantage here, but that wouldn't teach you much.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "There is a lot of earth here, yes."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> So I can shapeshift and give myself resistant to the heat but that's not the point here. So I won't and we'll do this together. Here's a map of the area, I can follow your lead and give advice. Tell me about your song stuff and what you want it to be.
<Seraphna> Jaime> We'll have to work on your endurance here, all the light and heat must work against you.
<Seraphna> Jaime> Thankfully as Progenitors, ignoring heat is something we're innately good at.
<Alicia> * Akatsuki practically gushes on the power of song. Some of it is spiritual, some of it sounds specifically idol-type value of entertainment and love, and some of it is on the nature of sound itself.
<DeathStar> *thankfully no hidden guns pop up as they do their things, but there does seem to be scorpions and sand traps; as they move along, the sand shifts*
<Seraphna> **Jaime keeps her senses in the sand as she works on Jikuu's focus** You can work on keeping the scorpions down while I keep our walk stable.
<Alicia> * Jikuu does so, keeping the scorpions away from the group
<Xanatos> <Pepper> That's uh...that's a lot. Well let's focus on short and simple thing. How would you want your music to help in a battle.
<DeathStar> *Alicia, since she ahs the map; has to decide - do they go to the closest safety area to rest in, or keep heading for the furthest, or just keep walking and go for the third and fourth, which is 20 miles out and 25 miles*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "I want to make those around me stronger."
<Alicia> * Akatsuki
<Xanatos> <Pepper> I used to use spirit fossils to power my speakers to basically cast a buff spell, now it's spirit tech stuff but same idea, I can show it to you for ideas. 6* Pepper pulls up her SMG as she looks around, taking pot shots at any scorpion getting close.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Please."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Straight or East, which way you want to go?
<DeathStar> *A slight sand storm picks up*
<Seraphna> **Jaime peers at the storm** Alright, let's test your telekenetics. Try shielding us.
<Alicia> * Jikuu nods, then does so
<Alicia> * Akatsuki tries to determine how much supplies they have, how much supplies each route will take, and pick whichever seems better considering those, making sure not to run out.
<DeathStar> *Food is a bit low; maybe Jikuu's team will share. Water is dipping lower*
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "We should take the shorter route."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Once there, I can show you out to make a solar still. But it's best to do that once you've found some shelter because it requires digging.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Oh wow..."
<DeathStar> *the 4 arrive at what looks to be a run down building in the desert; the problem? Chii and Nell are outside the building and are about to enter it*
<Xanatos> 6* While they walk, Pepper shows the very basics os her speakers, opening up to show the spells imprinted with the magic tech.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Ooo, wonder if they'll share.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "I hope so."
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper whistles for the two, waving.
<Seraphna> Nell> What do we do boss lady?
<DeathStar> <Chii> Well if we run in quickly we can lock it and have all that food and water
<DeathStar> <Chii> Or you can share it
<DeathStar> <Chii> What do you want to do?
<Seraphna> Nell> Well, we don't really need it... so maybe we should? I put a lot in my subspace.
<DeathStar> <Chii> Alright then. *She steps aside and lets the 4 catch up*
<Seraphna> Jaime> Hey Ms. Chii.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Well look at that, sometimes there's good out there. Thanks for waiting on us.
<DeathStar> <Chii> Jaime. Pepper n Salt. *referring to Pepper and Akatsuki*
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Anyone want to learn how to collect water in the desert? We gotta do some digging.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Hello! Thanks for sharing, if that's what you choose, and... yeah, we should do that."
<DeathStar> *As they all enter the safety area together, Chii shuts the door, though it can be reopened. Inside is a grill to cook meat*
<DeathStar> <Chii> Nell, we'll stay in here until night. Rest on one of the beds. *she flops on one to sleep*
<Xanatos> <Pepper> It'll just be a lesson because it does take time, but it'll come in handy in a survival situation.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Come'on out here Aka and I'll get to teachin.
<Alicia> * Akatsuki hurries inside to learn the important survival technique
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "We should probably join them?"
<Seraphna> **Nell nods and hops into a bed**
<DeathStar> <Chii> We'll cook a steak when we wake up
<Seraphna> Jaime> Well we can hide from the excersize here for a while and actually get real training done.
<Seraphna> Nell> Steeeeak~
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper starts working on showing Aka how you have to dig a hole down to where it's damp, then set up a bowl or cup in the middle then hoist a tarp over top with sand weights on the sides and a small amount of sand in the center over the cup.
<Seraphna> **Jaime works on Jikuu's spirit control again**
<Xanatos> <Pepper> So, over time the damp will evaporate, catch on the tarp, re-solidify and run down and drop down into the cup. It does take time and you might need to dig down deeper over time to get more damp sand.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> BUT, survival and stuff.
<Alicia> * Akatsuki watches, and takes it in. "So, it's not a long term solution... it's really useful though."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Yeah, even you maange to find plant material stuff that down in there and it'll help too. The water won't taste good but you'll survive. Try to keep as much water coming in and you have coming out. Otherwise you're dehydrated. And while this does it's thing we can go back inside and rest up.
<Xanatos> (if you manage)
<DeathStar> -TIMEY WIMEY-
<DeathStar> *it is night now. During the evening and into night, area 2 has been taken by the others*
<Seraphna> **Jaime seems chill, resting now after teaching Jikuu some things, as if in on a joke**
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Alright, night time is cold as fuck, so time to layer up.
<DeathStar> *Chii has finished her steak and is getting ready to go*
<Seraphna> **Nell does stretches**
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Chii, Nell, you were first so if there's any extra supplies you want before we're out of here, you get first dibs.
<DeathStar> *there's stuff to wear in a closet, water, and food tht Chii grabs*
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "So, we should travel at morning and evening."
<DeathStar> <Chii> If Nell is right, we'll take just a little
<DeathStar> <Chii> Alright, we're gone
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper taps her nose and nods at Akatsuki.
<DeathStar> *Chii ninja poofs*
<Seraphna> **Nell puts some more in her subspace** Yep! **she winks and heads out with her**
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper divvies up the rest with Jaime and Jikuu
<DeathStar> *with area 2 claimed, the next spot to rest is area 3 - which is at the 20 mile mark*
<Alicia> * Akatsuki outright refuses to take more than her share here, even of food.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Before we go, let's investigate how much water the still made. 6* She moves over to carefully check it without getting sand in it.
<Alicia> * Akatsuki joins in the check, taking just as much care
<Seraphna> Jaime> Well, we could either wait it out here for a bit and teleport there, or do the walking.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Teleporting feels like cheating. We should not rule it out completely though."
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper produces a cup of water that's a little over half full.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Better than nothing even if it's going to taste weird.
<DeathStar> *Pepper gains their group points with their cup idea*
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Not much, but it helps a lot!"
<Seraphna> Jaime> A heavy advantage of our people is we can take much more time to prepare and ready and come in when needed. But I wouldn't want you distracted with Aka. **She grins**
<DeathStar> *They seem above Chii with their survivor cup idea, but the other team is ahead by taking site 2*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "I am sure she would do similar if she was not taking the training so seriously. Akatsuki takes a lot of things seriously, which feels like something the PAX dark ones put a lot of emphasis on. It is a good trait."
<Seraphna> **Jaime muses and steps outside, she puts her hands to the sand and starts to build soimething with it**
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Alright, while we move, let's remember that it's mroe dangerous at night. So keep an eye out on for snakes and other wildlife.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "That's a surprise. I guess the dangerous creatures come out then." *she grins a little*
<Seraphna> Jaime> Here, work fro both Jikuu and Akatsuki. **she forms a barge on the sand and hops on**
<Seraphna> Jaime> Propel us.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Whoa shit, with this we could try to push on to site 4.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Rowing? Or something else?"
<Seraphna> Jaime> Between telekenesis and Dark One tendrils, I think you two can do it. I've carved it to move rather smoothly in the sand so you merely need to keep up a momentum.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Lets go!"
<Xanatos> <Pepper> So we got points for being survivalist weirdos, you think something liek this will give us points?
<Seraphna> Jaime> Maybe. Always good to make sure you have a builder on your team.
<Alicia> * Jikuu and Akatsuki invite Pepper on board, then start propelling the barge
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper considers and then joins them, thinking about that.
<DeathStar> *they sail along, cutting miles off, passing wild life*
<DeathStar> *Sail sail sail, avoiding it all*
<Xanatos> <Pepper> I wonder if they wanted us to hunt. Not a fan of butchering, it's sticky.
<Seraphna> Jaime> Mmm, I mostly eat fruit and veggies these days.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "So, what I am taking from this is... a good vehicle, even makeshift, and a good shelter is the secret to survival here."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Out here even snake meat can be the difference between life and death. Gotta keep eating and drinking as much as you can.
<Seraphna> Jaime> One of the biggest forms of adaptation is invention.
<DeathStar> *They soon arrive at the site 3*
<Xanatos> <Pepper> If we stop here instead of pushing, we can see how the scores change.
<Seraphna> Jaime> I'm for it. Or we could keep going.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "We need to consider timing windows, but I guess we could look inside."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> We haven't really used our resources, so we can leave these for the others, and just rest up from the sun and then spend some time working on techniques.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Maybe take a nap before it gets daytime.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "How far is the fourth site?" *considers the current temperature and how long it is before it gets hotter*
<DeathStar> *The fourth site is off to the east and another 5 miles; it would definitely be day by the time they arrive*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Might be cutting it close."
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "We can rest up, easy."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Rest up, train a bit and then push on to the castle?
<Xanatos> <Pepper> We could beat up Chad for funsies.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Yes, let us."
<Seraphna> Jaime> I see no downside.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "The best combination!"
<DeathStar> *as they enter, if they choose to, they'd find an even fancier cooking set up, the best cuts of meat, snacks, and fancy water here. And a scan goes over each over them and sends something back to somewhere with a code combination*
<DeathStar> *also their score is a 0 now*
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Ooooh this was programmed by a nerd dork who doesn't think we suffered enough. I thought this might happen.
<Seraphna> **Jaime rolls her eyes** Terrible evaluation process if you're biased by the success of the obstacles over those passing them.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Whoever designed this is obviously incompetent."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Well, had the very clever boat idea been from one of the students and not the mentor...I think that's what's going on here.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Oh. Hey, I'm learning, okay? Is it my fault if we chose the best teachers here?"
<Seraphna> Jaime> Mmm. Want to leg it the last bit and let them come up with ways forward?
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Sure, maybe we can hunt an animal to make them feel better.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "I wonder, would it be too much to not touch the food here just to show how little we need it?"
<Xanatos> <Pepper> I think we should do that, yeah.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> OH! I can show you how to make a fire before we go.
<Seraphna> Jaime> This should be fun.
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper pauses and squints around, looking for sticks and stuff to make tinder out of.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "... oh yeah. If *I* agree to it, it's the ultimate snub."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> While I'm looking we can revolve and write a message in the sand about how this is bullshit.
<Xanatos> (revolt)
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "I love it."
<DeathStar> *There's a dragon noise overhead*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "We should make ourselves known."
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper pauses and squints up, looking around.
<DeathStar> *outside, a small and dragon creature is flying with Nell using rope has reins and Chii holding onto the tail, flies past them and on toward site 4 and the castle*
<DeathStar> *it looks like Chii was teaching Nell how to tame it during the night*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "... alright, that *was* a good move."
<Seraphna> Jaime> Did she teach the Dragon how to tame a dragon?
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Seems so."

<DeathStar> -tIME jump-
<DeathStar> *the group starts off for 3 in the night*
<DeathStar> *Cloé carefully avoids the night life*
<DeathStar> <Ben> It's dangerous at night so take it easy.
<Dias`> <Chad> There's no need to rush to much. Our safety is higher priority.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Cloe has really good night vision."
<DeathStar> <Ben> I've noticed how skittish she is, eyeing the ground
<DeathStar> *Cloé points in the sand* Wait. There's something odd ahead
<Dias`> <Chad> As long as she doesn't get to laser focused.
<DeathStar> *Ben shines a light*
<Dias`> *Chad kneels down as he stops and pulls out a small binoc and looks*
<DeathStar> *it looks like a wheel sticking out of the sand*
<Dias`> <Chad> Odd. No.
<DeathStar> *Ben pulls it out; it looks like a heavily damaged dune buggy out.*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Think we cna fix this thing?"
<DeathStar> <Ben> Possible yes
<DeathStar> <Ben> Odd that it's here
<Dias`> <Chad> Indeed. Let me look at it* He moves to the engine area and starts poking around*
<DeathStar> *it seems like it was dropped recently in the last few hours, so not a lot of sand in it. But it's clear this thing was dropped damaged with the intent of being repaired if someone wanted to use it. The wheels are out of alignment, the engine needs repair work, etc*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Might be a test of our resourcefulness."
<Dias`> <Chad> I should be able to get this back to running if you want me to.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Hm, it can't hurt.
<DeathStar> *she seems considering why it was dropped there*
<Dias`> <Chad> Bella, you ok with me and Ben spending time on this?
<Jackieness> <Bella> "I cna help too."
<DeathStar> *Ben nods to Bella and kneels to work on it*
<Dias`> <Chad> Perfect. Cloe, stay close and keep an eye out for trouble. You've got the best eyes right now. *He starts working with Ben and Bella*
<DeathStar> *Cloé looks about*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *helps with the grunt tasks so the pair can focus on the more important stuff*
<Dias`> <Chad> Bella, if you can adjust that piece slightly to the right. That should fix that part.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Got it." *makes the adjustment*
<Dias`> *As Chad works, he make sure to explain to Ben and Cloe what he's doing and why for future references*
<DeathStar> *Cloé grabs something and stabs a snake getting too close*
<DeathStar> *making sure to listen*
<DeathStar> *site 3 is tkaen suddenly*
<DeathStar> *despite the fact the others were so far behind*
<DeathStar> *As they finish the dune buggy*
<Dias`> *Chad glances down at his datapad* Hmmmm. We'll need to change our plans now. If I were to guess someone used their powers.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> No way! They went 12 miles in just a few hours?!
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Sounds like Jaime to me. Probably moved the ground to the enxt site or something."
<Dias`> *Chad looks at Cloe and Bella* If I were to guess. A mentor used their powers. Most likely Jaime. But regardless, you guys made the right decision. We wont' have to change our trajectory to much so we haven't lost much time. Let's get in. Can either of you drive?
<DeathStar> <Cloé> I can a little, but Bella is probably better
<Jackieness> <Bella> "I was a getaway driver at age 8."
<DeathStar> *Cloé hops in while Ben takes the back to keep an eye on Bella*
<Dias`> <Chad> Bella, you drive, Cloe you sit passenger and keep use your eyes for helping. *He moves to sit besise Ben*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *climbs into the driver's seat and buckles up* "Hang tight, we're going to flex on them!" *starts the buggy and then takes off*
<DeathStar> *Cloé sits with Bella, preparing herself*
<DeathStar> *The dune buggy drives fairly fast - if Jackie dares the OG*
<Dias`> *Chad lands over, talking to Ben a bit in a quieter tone*
<DeathStar> *it can speed ever faster*
<DeathStar> *Ben leans over listening*
<Jackieness> <Bella> speeds up a bit... (OG me)
<DeathStar> Up, Up, Up, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Up, Up, Up, Right, Right, Up, Up, Up, Left
<DeathStar> 5
<DeathStar> 4
<DeathStar> 3
<DeathStar> 2
<Jackieness> dddrlrlddddlldddr
<DeathStar> 1
<DeathStar> -0-
<DeathStar> *The buggy zooms even faster, the engine in the back glowing a bit*
<Dias`> *Chad pauses as he glances back and then forward, watching for a moment*
<DeathStar> <Ben> *hangs on*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Told you I could drive!"
<DeathStar> *Ben checks the datapad* At this speed we can reach the castle soon and not even need the last safety spot
<Dias`> <Chad> What do you girls want to do?
<Jackieness> <Bella> "So what's the call, Cloe? Straight on to the castle?"
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Lets do it. We should have the supplies still
<Dias`> <Chad> That'll give us time to figure out what's ahead of then.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning!"
<Dias`> <Chad> Then lead the way. Cloe, continue to keep an eye out for her.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> *tries to learn how to drive by watching Bella as well as around them; occassionally pointing out sandstorms*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *heads to the castle with Cloe's guidance*

<Xanatos> <Pepper> Jikuu, Aka. Either of you able to bust out some fancy technique like that?
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Wonder how sand would react to your sound stuff.
<Alicia> * Akatsuki sings, trying to loosen the sand with the sound, and using spirit to try to form it into... something, she's not sure what yet.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "No Jaime, but it is a good first try at the very least."
<DeathStar> *Akatsuki forms surf boards*
<DeathStar> *to surf the sands*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Alright, that works. How would you rate it, Jaime?"
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Could use sound to propel us...maybe make some like big ass kites but we'd need some wind.
<Seraphna> Jaime> UNique, the question is how we move... yes.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Making kites out of sand would be impractical... but I know how we would move if we could."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> How's that?
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "The nature of being beneath a movable cover means dark spirit power is easy to access."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Oh interesting, I like that.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "It's better than propelling ourselves on sound waves."
<DeathStar> *by now the dragon is in the distance*
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Well I like it, let's go!
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper tries to get on the surfboard.
<Seraphna> **Jennifer hops up on hers**
<Alicia> * Akatsuki tries to provide the coverage, while surfing on the board
<DeathStar> *it seems to work, the surf boards ready to surf*
<Seraphna> **Jaime looks proud, because she totally planned it this way, totally.**
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper spends the opening of it just getting more comrfortable on it, trying to not fall.
<DeathStar> **The group surfs for now*
<Alicia> * Jikuu and Akatsuki use dark powers to propel the group once it's set up

<DeathStar> *they soon near the broken down castle where a shot from it fires at the dune buggy,knocking them over; paint gunking the wheels up*
<Dias`> *Chad hits the sand rolling hard as he flies from the buggy.*
<DeathStar> <Ben> That castle has guns on it. MAssive guns. **he pushes himself up, bleeding a little while Cloé looks KOed*
<DeathStar> *leaving them out in the open with the castle gates still a bit aways*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "...this again..." *pat pats Cloe's face* "...Cloe?!"
<Dias`> <Chad> Use the buggy as cover.
<Dias`> *He gets up moving to get behind it quickly.
<DeathStar> *Cloé stirs a little and crawls toward the buggy, looking out of it*
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Ears ringing
<Dias`> <Chad> Let's take a moment to recover. Gives us time to decide our plan going forward.
<Jackieness> <Bella> *grabs cloe and drags gher behind the buggy*
<DeathStar> *Cloé sits there with Bella, looking nauseous; no more paint shots follow*
<Dias`> *Chad looks at the two.* Can either of you see how many weapons are there?
<Dias`> *Chad moves to hand Bella his binocs.
<Jackieness> <Bella> *takes the binoculars and then peeks out to try to get a look*
<DeathStar> *there seems to be anti-aircraft type guns on the walls, about 4 of them, loaded with paint, searching for people. On the wall is a Tsivrixsh figure*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "A quad of AA guns on the walls. Looked like a Tsivirxsh manning said walls."
<DeathStar> <Ben> .... *frowns in thought* Would they really pick ...
<Dias`> <Chad> It's possible. *He eyes the buggy to see if he can get it to move* What do you two assess our situation as right now?
<DeathStar> <Cloé> We're sitting ducks. Out in the open
<DeathStar> *it could probably move if the paint was removed from it*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Four guns might not be much good at targeting anything right at the base of the wall. Then we'd just need to watch out for the Tsiv."
* Seraphna has joined #TAW-Session637-CloeBella
<Dias`> <Chad> Correct to both of you. But how do we get there from here without those targeting us?
<DeathStar> *suddenly, a dragon appears and approaches the wall with the 4 guns on it; they take aim at the dragon and begin to pelt it with paint, making lower*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "We need a distraction...like that. Let's go."
<DeathStar> *Cloé hurries to the gate*
<Dias`> <Chad> ...*Eyes it then nods to the girls and takes a deep breath as he sprints after the girls*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *dashes toward the castle*
<DeathStar> <Chii> *leaps off the dragon onto the upper wall and attacks the Tsivrixsh*
<DeathStar> *forcing them to flee into the castle*
<Seraphna> **Nell guides the dragon while pulling tail weapons into the air with magnetism**
<Seraphna> **Tsiv
<DeathStar> *Cloé opens the gates and gets into the castle proper; moving ito the hallways while Chii and Nell claim the upper parts*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Come on, we have the gatehouse!"
<Dias`> *Chad eyes the gate behind them, moving to close it after they get in*
<DeathStar> <Ben> It looks like the other groups are arriving now too
<DeathStar> <Cloé> W-We need to find the bad guy
<Dias`> *Chad stops, looking at Cloe and Bella again* What would you like to do now?
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Our objective is the lord of the castle I think. Hm. We need to locate them carefully
<Jackieness> <Bella> "We should try to see if this place has an armory and secure it."
<Dias`> <Chad> Ok. I'll leave the gate open then. If they were just chased down from up top, they'd go to where they feel the safest.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Why not leave it closed
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Slow the others down
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Right. Close it."

<DeathStar> *surfing a long; it takes a bit longer, as they leave and head along toward either site 4 or the castle; as they keep going, the datapad alerts them. Somene has reached the castle*
<DeathStar> *which is about 2 miles away from them or they can continue toward safety 4*
<Seraphna> Jaime> What's the call girls?
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "I think we can manage the castle."
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Who reached the castle anyway? I hope it's not Chad's group."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Probably team Dragon.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Then lets wreck Chad's score by beating him in every way."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> If you think we can manage it Jikuu, let's do it.
<DeathStar> *they begin to see the castle far away now*
<Xanatos> <Pepper> I see it! This is working!
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "The power of the strongest combination!"
<DeathStar> *as the group approaches, they see a wrecked dune buggy and Nell and Chii on top of the castle with paint AA guns*
<DeathStar> *Whixh begin to fire at them*
<Seraphna> **Jaime throws up a moving wall of sand in front of them**
<Alicia> * Jikuu sets up a TK shield to... assist Jaime.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Incoming fire! Aka, maybe you can try to buff us?
<DeathStar> *the paint hits the wall; Chii meanwhile goes into the castle proper*
<DeathStar> *leaving the guns behind*
<Alicia> * AKatsuki attempts a song shield... which is very loud. Hey, that's the price of power there
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Firing stopped, maybe you hurt their ears with that! Onward before they recover.
<Alicia> * Jikuu races forwards, surfing like a pro
<Seraphna> **Jaime follows her, letting Jikuu lead the way**
<DeathStar> *the gate seems shut*
<Seraphna> Jaime> Ideas girls?
<Alicia> * AKatsuki uses the shadows under her covering to slip inside... assuming there are any shadows inside
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper slides to a stop outside the gate.
<Alicia> * Then proceeds to look for a mechanism to open it
<DeathStar> *Akatsuki arrives on the other side and finds it locked on the other side, as well as one of those things you have to turn to raise it*
<Alicia> * Akatsuki unlocks it, then works on raising it
<Alicia> * Jikuu teleports inside to assist
<Xanatos> <Pepper> I would've just blown it up, I have C5 in my bag.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Can you... oh."
<Seraphna> **Jaime walks in**
<Xanatos> <Pepper> But great job! You thought quickly and got it done. 6* She moves inside after she's able.
<DeathStar> *As they walk into the castle, they have to decide - where is the lord of the castle?
<DeathStar> *Where should they look first?*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Would the throne be at the centre?" <Akatsuki> "Or up high."
<DeathStar> *the map shows it in the center*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Center." <Akatsuki> "Lets go there then!"
<Seraphna> Jaime> Jikuu, feel out the thoughts of the others in the castle. Remember your other skills.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Center it is-Oo Jaime has a point.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Right." *listens for the thoughts of others*

<Dias`> *Chad nods and closes it behind, sliding a lock against it* Where would a Tsiv feel safest?
<DeathStar> *Cloé muses as they walk for the armory* Is there a throne room?
<Dias`> <Chad> Good chance.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> I will go there! *she splits off*
<Dias`> <Chad> And a Tsiv would most likely...*He watches her go to split off moving to follow* Bella, decide what you want to do.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Hey, Cloe, be careful!"
<DeathStar> <Cloé> I will!
<Jackieness> <Bella> "We need some firepower. Armory."
<Dias`> *Chad jogs along after* Are you sure it's wise to split up from her?
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Not a bit."
<Dias`> *Chads with Cloe*
<DeathStar> *Ben leads Bella to the armory*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *looks for soem weapons in the armory*
<DeathStar> *it's a bunch of Tsivrixsh weapons as they arrive*
<DeathStar> *meanwhile Cloé arrives and finds Mireille and Nox battling a Xvar in a battle suit*
<DeathStar> <Cloé> .. what?
<Dias`> *Chad jogs along with Cloe* Now normally facing a Tsiv one on one isn't always a wise decision. So do you plan on fighting them head on or buying time for Bella to arrive. *He looks at the two there*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *grabs something that looks like she can handle along with a backup weapon* "Alright, Ben, let's go catch up."
<DeathStar> *Ben nods and leads back to the throne room*
<DeathStar> *Mireille light steps Nox behind Xvar as he swings his paint staff at them*
<Dias`> <Chad> You have two potential allies fighting the bad guy. What do you want to do Cloe?
<Seraphna> **Nox keeps making carnage like dark weapons to attack with**
<DeathStar> <Cloé> We need to let them wear him down and then help. He's clearly a bit too strong for me unless I use my other forms. I have to use my other forms
<DeathStar> *She goes into her purple hair and prepares*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *heads back with Ben*
<Dias`> <Chad> What do you want me to do. *He pulls out his gun, checking to make sure it's on stun mode*
<DeathStar> <Cloé> I'd like you to provide shots off to the side when his armor is broken up some.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Try to get a clean shot to drop him
<DeathStar> *As Xvar struggles with Nox, Cloé leaps in and begins to pound him with her attack form, using all her strength; Ben and Bella arrive
<Dias`> *Chad nods as he eye colors shift to grey. He moves quickly to the side, raising his gun and training it on the Tsiv*
<DeathStar> *Chii and NEll bust in from the ceiling on top of Xvar next, crushing him*
<DeathStar> *breaking off some of the armor and hopping off*
<Seraphna> Nell> Whoooo!
<DeathStar> *Cloé swings and smshes some of his helmet off*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Looks like the fun has begun. Alright!" *dashes, tryign to flank him with the tsiv weapon held to her side*
<DeathStar> <Ben> The xvash, Bella, is a great weapon
<Dias`> *Chad breathing becomes slow and controlled as his eyes lock on to the Tsiv, waiting for the right opening and or a signal from Cloe*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "It had better be!" *swings it toward the damagd helmet once she gets near*
<DeathStar> *the helmet flies off and Cloé signals to Chad to take the shot*
<Dias`> *Chad begins firing stun shots , arcing them around people and towards the head
<DeathStar> *Xvar stumbles and falls over*
<Seraphna> Nox> Did we win?
<DeathStar> *Chii and Mire land on his back, then poke him*
<DeathStar> -PAUSE-
Session Close: Mon Apr 17 23:17:57 2023

<DeathStar> *They seem to be all in the throne room, battling*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Fighting?" <Akatsuki> "This feels... sus."
<Seraphna> **Mire trips him by accident and defeats him**
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Lord of the castle, let's go check it out? If something seem off we could always search elsewhere.
<Seraphna> (Mispost))
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Let us."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Keep an eye out for traps if others didn't come this way before us there could be stuff not tripped.
<DeathStar> *The group approaches the center, hearing what looks like a war zone*
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "The dragon team took the top at least."
<DeathStar> *As they enter, they see the throne room a mess and all the other teams inside standing over Xvar (Xevil)*
<DeathStar> *laying face down*
<DeathStar> *his battle armor a wreck*
<Dias`> *Chad lowers his gun, his eyes returning to normal as he moves over checking Xvar's pulse to make sure he's ok*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Oh man, I missed the best part."
<DeathStar> *he seems to be alive*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *pumps a fist in the air* "Victory!"
<DeathStar> <Cloé> *her hair goes blue again* We defeated the lord... wait. *she pauses in the celebration*
<Xanatos> <Pepper> We could steal it. Knock everyone out and take the body for ourselves.
<Seraphna> Jaime> I think the others needed the challenge more.
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Was he really the lord?
<DeathStar> *Cloé eyes Pepper*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "...right...could be a trick." *looks around*
<Alicia> * Jikuu and Akatsuki look over the others, Jikuu trying to read minds
<Dias`> <Chad> Cloe, you did great. You waited, assessed and gave the signal for your teammate to attack. Bella also came in and assessed what to do and worked with you without hesitation. *He stands up* He should wake up soon.
<DeathStar> <Chii> Come on, he's the only one here.
<DeathStar> *Ben nods in agreement*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "We don't need Ren going on a paintgun rampage again."
<DeathStar> <Cloé> *begins to walk around and check for passages; Chii stares along with Mireille*
<Dias`> *Chad pulls out a canteen on water and takes a pull before pouring some on Xvar's face*
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper shrugs and glances at Jaime/Aka/Jikuu to see what they want to do.
<DeathStar> *Xvar coughs and sits up*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *nods and goes to inspect the room for secrets*
<Dias`> *Chad holds his hand out to him to help him up*
<Alicia> * Jikuu waits for now, while Akatsuki looks over the room for secrets too
<DeathStar> <Xvar> Thank you. *The three find a wall that shifts in and reveals stairs going down to the room below the throne room*
<DeathStar> *Cloé motions at Bella to ready the weapons*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "We got a hit. Everyone, lock and load."
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Nice work, Bella!"
<Dias`> *Chad grunts a bit* Thank for you your assistance today.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "So, Xvar was not the lord."
<DeathStar> <Xvar> It was no problem. *He bows and takes a seat to recover*
<DeathStar> *Chii hurries in with Nell*
<DeathStar> <Chii> Lets goooo
<Jackieness> <Bella> *looks at Cloe, then nods as she heads down*
<Seraphna> Nell> Ninja Squad!
<DeathStar> <Mireille> ... P=Pardon us. *follows with Nox*
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper pulls up her SMG and activates the buckler shield on the side of it before going on after the others.
<Seraphna> **Nox follows down**
<Dias`> *Chad watches them rush in, and looks at Cloe and Bella then moves to follow after Cloe*
<DeathStar> *Cloé moves in cautiously as they head down where wood carvings can be found all over the place*
<Seraphna> **Jaime walks with Jikuu**
<DeathStar> *staring at the group*
<DeathStar> <Cloé> C-Creepy
<DeathStar> *The lord's chair is turned away from them*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *eyes the carvings*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "So, is this where the chair turns dramatically?"
<DeathStar> *Cloé holds her paint gun ready to take the shot*
<DeathStar> *Chii sniffs the air, then deadpans*
<Seraphna> **Jaime turns it with TK** Never let the enemy run the show.
<Xanatos> <Voice> NO! 6* The wood objects start popping like fireworkd, but splintering the group.
<DeathStar> *Cloé yelps*
<Dias`> *Chad covers his face*
<Alicia> * Jikuu throws up a TK shield
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Ow, seriously?!"
<DeathStar> *The chair turns...and is ...empty*
<Xanatos> <Pepper> O-Ow ow ow ow. 6* She winces, pulling one out of her cheek
<DeathStar> <Mireille> The chair is the lord?
<Seraphna> **Nell covers herself with metal, Jaime why hyperspace and Nox pulls Mire into a shadow**
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Or they disappeared." *looks carefully*
<DeathStar> *Cloé carefully, rubbing her wounded cheeks, pokes the chair*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Probably a trap..."
<DeathStar> <Chii> Well, you kids did capture the fake lord.
<Xanatos> 6* A noise and then little drones come in from above, plasting stun shots down at people. Suddenly a laser flies out from the left side of the room and hits the metal Nell, sending her towards the wall. The once invisible Xanatos stands there in a mad max style outfit.
<Xanatos> (blasting)
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Invisibility?! Okay, if I'd known, I would've chosen Xanatos."
<DeathStar> *Cloé yelps and throws herself down; but it is stunned*
<Seraphna> Jaime> Dad what are you wearing?
<Xanatos> <Xan> It's cool! Shut up!
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Do you need to be any more shadowy?"
<Dias`> *Chad sighs a bit as he leaps back, eyeing Cloe drop, and keeping an eye on Bella
<Jackieness> <Bella> *tries to evade th stun shots*
<Xanatos> 6* Xan activates a beam saber in training mode and holds out his pistol, eye glowing.
<DeathStar> *Cloé's body, even unconcious, seems to be doing something, her hair color going white*
<DeathStar> <Chii> *Watches how the kids do*
<Dias`> <Chad> Bella. Cloe is stunned.
<Xanatos> 6* Xan runs in as the drones spine around the room firing down, Xan fires stun shots towards Jikuu and swipes a stunning strike with the saber out for Bella.
<Seraphna> **Nell rises and grabs part of the wall chucking it at Xan**
<Jackieness> <Bella> *raises the xvash to try to deflect Xan's attack*
<Alicia> * Jikuu slips between the shots, this kind of training being something she's done before
<Xanatos> 6* Xan connects with the Xvash and shift Bella around, shifting her toward the big wall chunk coming towards them.
<Seraphna> **Nox watcheds, waiting for an opening**
<Jackieness> <Bella> *tumbles to try to evade*
<Alicia> * Akatsuki sings, the other kids feeling strength welling up inside them as she does
<Xanatos> 6* Xan rolls to the other side of the wall piece as Bella and then hops up to his feet, nodding.
<Xanatos> <Xan> We got a buff out in the wild, people waiting to make their move. Good Good. Attack me.
<Alicia> * Jikuu attempts martial arts on Xanatos, supporting her moves with TK strikes
<DeathStar> *Cloé rises up shakily*
<Xanatos> 6* Xan blocks and parries the martial arts but the TK gets through, though he grins in response.
<Xanatos> <Xan> I know these dirty tricks.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "I would be surprised if you did not."
<Seraphna> **Nox tendrils around Cloe and tosses her at Xan**
<Jackieness> <Bella> *backs up toward Cloe* "...he's feeling confident, which means he's got some more tricks up his sleeve."
<DeathStar> *Cloé yelps*
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "We can do it though! We're a team!"
<Dias`> *Chad's hand moves to his gun when he see's Nox's tendrils throw her, but he pauses*
<DeathStar> *Cloé's aura flares up to try to scare Xanatos like Dias does, but to a weaker degree*
<DeathStar> *using mana to do it*
<Seraphna> Nox> **aims and sends more tendrils at Xan from behind as Cloe flies**
<Xanatos> 6* Xan pauses and blinks, at the very least not expecting it.
<Dias`> *Chad raises a brow at that, making a mental note*
<Xanatos> 6* Xan then is tentacles in the back, are they attack or grappling kind?
<Seraphna> **Gapple!**
<Jackieness> <Bella> *dashes forward and tries to disarm Xan with her xvash*
<Xanatos> 6* Xan's beam saber goes flying wide.
<DeathStar> *Cloé finally gets herself situated*
<DeathStar> *aiming to tryto hit Xanatos at the same time as Bella with magic*
<Seraphna> **Nell leaps in turning into a horned tiger**
<DeathStar> <Ben> I think Erevis will be proud to know that it took all the kids ganging up on Xanatos
<Xanatos> 6* Between the team strength buff, the grapple and 3 attacks. Xan is defo down
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "A powerful opponent."
<Seraphna> **Nell sits on him in victory**
<Seraphna> Jaime> Dad still alive?
<DeathStar> *Cloé takes a piece of hair* I have the lord's loot
<Jackieness> <Bella> "...tell me this guy was the final boss..."
<DeathStar> *Yuki messages them that it is over*
<Xanatos> 6* Xan opens one eye and winks at Jaime then closes it again.
<DeathStar> <Yuki comms> We'll bring you all back and provide food and water
<DeathStar> <Yuki comms> Good job everyone
<Dias`> *Chad moves to check over Cloe* You good?
<DeathStar> *Cloé has gone back to her normal looks, a bit faded* Yes. That stun caught me by surprise, I'm ashamed
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Thank you again for the mentorship
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Nice job buffing your friends Akatsuki.
<Dias`> <Chad> It's ok. You can't catch everything. And normally a your teammates will help you .
<DeathStar> *Chii hands Nell her number*
<Seraphna> Nell> Thanks Ms. Chii
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "So, now we're done... what was with the score penalty...?"
<DeathStar> *As they are beamed onto the Aquarius, Yuki looks up*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Right that.
<Xanatos> 6* Pepper lights up, moving to plop down in her seat.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> In the end you recovered points working together, but what cost you is denying yourself the experience and chance to learn. If one of you students had come to your mentor and come up with the idea on how to skip the large desert, we couldn't have penalized you because you had come up with the idea. But it was your mentor.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> See, we figured it out.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> It was there to test you and help you overcome odds, learn together, and challenge you. Such as the surfboard ide
<Seraphna> Jaime> They learned well from my example.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Learning by imitation is also a viable way to learn!"
<DeathStar> <Yuki> That is a fine example, too, It's not a bad lesson to learn. But in the confines of the test
<DeathStar> <Yuki> AGainst the others
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "... against the others... as a supporter..."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> I was ready to skin a snake and show you where the poison sacs are.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Mmmm. So you believe that if the others were still working like normal and didn't have a mentor who could move you across the desert as they did
<Seraphna> Nox> Team Mire was the best.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> And you reached the castle a day early, beat Xanatos
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Before them
<DeathStar> <Yuki> That would be fair?
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Yuukes has a point, I could've just turned into a giant bird and flew us there from the get go.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> But that's no fun.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Didn't we lose the points for entering the safe house?"
<Seraphna> Cookie> Hm…
<DeathStar> <Yuki> No, you lost it when you had your mentor do the manuever
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Nah, it was the sand boat.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "...so I passed up that food for nothing."
<Seraphna> Jaime> We got extra practice time in. Which was more important.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> When you entered the safe house we were able to log in and put a check on Jaime.
<DeathStar> *Yuki hu hu hu's*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "It was still proof we did not need it."
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Hold up, we used a sand boat thing to get there but everyone made it to the castle before us anyway.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> The kids did all that themselves?
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "So.. what you're saying is... if we'd rushed the castle... we wouldn't have been logged... and somehow that's fair?"
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Oh right. We gave the other group a busted dune buggy; Bella aided Chad and Ben in repairing it
<Seraphna> Nell> I tamed a Dragon!
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "... is that fair?!"
<DeathStar> <Yuki> We were forced to do it
<DeathStar> <Yuki> After the sand barge
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Sand barge nothing, Nell tamed a DRAGON
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Then return to us our points!"
<Seraphna> Nox> We just kinda did our own thing and got there first. We get a treat right?
<DeathStar> <Chii> What? I just taught her how to tame it; she did it!
<DeathStar> <Chii> How am I being shamed
<Seraphna> Nell> Yeah it was cool!
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Who shamed, I'm just saying you can't Give the other team something and blame it on us when we got there last anyway!
<Seraphna> Nell> I’m naming him Flaps.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Hm. *she brings up the point board*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> I suppose I can give the points to the person who deserve it most.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Anyway, Nox and Nell did fine."
<DeathStar> *Yuki can be heard allocating the points, returning the points since Akatsuki/Jikuu's teams are so unhappy* There
<DeathStar> <Yuki> *Walks over to Xanatos and hands him something*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Here you go
<Xanatos> 6* Xan pauses and peers at it.
<DeathStar> *it's a trophy*
<Xanatos> <Xan> Oooo, fancy.
<Xanatos> <Xan> By the way, next time drones are shooting at you, shoot them back. But thanks for not doing that, Kane would've killed me. I borrowed him and didn't say why.
<Xanatos> (them)
<Jackieness> <Bella> "...I had a Tsivirxsh sword thing."
<DeathStar> <Yuki> And you can keep it if you want
<DeathStar> <Cloé> Does Bella even know how to use it?
<Dias`> *Chad finishes writing some things down on his datapad*
<Xanatos> <Xan> Points are pretty even here, genuinely everyone did a great job. You all worked hard with your mentors trying to learn. But I think the winners of this exercise is Nox and Mireille. They arrived first and Nox's abilities helped tremendously in both fights.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "I used it well enough."
<DeathStar> *Mireille blinks, then gasps in joy*
<DeathStar> *Mireille wiggling Nox*
<Xanatos> <Xan> But again, everyone did a great job. 6* He hands the trophy out towards Nox.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> By the way Akatsuki
<Xanatos> <Xan> Your bonds with your mentor shouldn't end here, please feel free to reach out and speak to them any time you need help or advice or anyting of that nature. We're all here to help you grow and get better and stronger.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> I have something better than a trophy
<DeathStar> *Yuki taps a button and the cafeteria screen lights up with a ton of food appearing on screen*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Now go eat
<Dias`> <Chad> You two did good, Cloe. Bella. Build on what you learned from Ben and I.
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Thank you."
<DeathStar> *Ben nods as Cloé nods* I will, thanks
<Dias`> *Chad then hands her a small data crystal* If you need something from me, feel free to contact me directly with this.
<DeathStar> *Cloé takes it* I will
<Dias`> <Chad> It also contains my assessment of your strengths and weaknesses that I observed.
<Xanatos> <Pepper> Ugh, I need a shower, I thing I have sand where it doesn't belong.
<DeathStar> *Cloé eeks, ears twitching, worried but deciding to face it head on; she takes Bella and takes a deep breath* Alright, lets do this
<DeathStar> *Ren meanwhile has grabbed Akatsuki and Jikuu*
<DeathStar> -END-
* Jackieness has quit IRC
Session Close: Mon Apr 17 23:24:00 2023