The Duality Wars: The Alien Wars 6

Session 43

<DeathStar> 6.3.5990 CE
<DeathStar> With the Spire reclaimed and supplies coming in, the Academy allowed the Magi they had aligned with to begin retaking it proper. Lu contacts the group, informing them that the ball the Empress had been planning is not only fancier than an ordinary one, but it's also tonight.
<DeathStar> Some of the team remarking that they don't have appropriate clothes for the occasion, they're informed that it will be provided for them. Liana asks Qui to be her escort, since Gwen isn't present at the time. Sasha allows this, and they are soon on their way via the Transplacer.
<DeathStar> As those without proper dress change into the clothes provided to them, Liana notices that her dress is a very beautiful and expensive hand-picked outfit, better than the others provided. Walking along, Lu talks about how important the ball is, explaining that while she doesn't remember the details, it's likely an announcement ball. An important one.
<DeathStar> Sasha stops at this, mentioning a wedding announcement, remembering the arrangement between Malfoy and Princess Celes a couple of months prior. Liana reacts with some unhappiness. Before they can talk about this much further, Princess Eve appears to greet them, her eyes red unlike in the past, which alarms the group a bit, particularly Sasha.
<DeathStar> Entering the ballrooom, they find it filled with all kinds of food from all over the world, formal waitresses, and people mingling. The group see the Empress and her daughters at her throne, with an empty seat next to Celes, as well as one at the royal family's table in the room. Malfoy is mysteriously absent, however.
<DeathStar> Sasha speaks with the Empress, discussing her journey so far and how the events with the Rogue Magi had transpired. The Empress briefly mentions what she feels about the way the Rogue Magi handle things. Soon, the Empress rises to make an announcement.
<DeathStar> Empress Hapian announces the ball as the Ball of Ceremony, which has not been held in many years. It appears that it is indeed a wedding announcement, and for Princess Celes as expected. Not long after, she announces Princess Celes' upcoming marriage... to Liana Windrunner.
<DeathStar> Shock and confusion fills the room, perhaps especially that of Liana and Celes themselves. Lu nearly drops her food. The Empress welcomes her to the family, and soon she is sitting at the royal family's table as dinner begins. The Empress remarks about Liana most likely being eager to return to her work, and that the wedding will be held until her duties are done. The others discuss the news.
<DeathStar> Soon, the dancing begins, and Celes and Liana share their first real moments together in nearly a month, while the others mingle, incuding speaking with Gerald. Celes speaks to Liana about what she feels the Empress' intent is, warning her again to be careful, although they both seem happy to have time, and soon escape to spend time alone.
<DeathStar> The next morning, Lu briefs the team on their next mission: investigation of the world's major forests, both of which have been ill recently, starting with the Great Forest to the south of the Spire. They muse on the fact that Vyvy would have been useful here, although hopefully the Ents and Nymphs of the forests will have some hints for them.
<DeathStar> 6* The mages wave goodbye to them leaving. Nez stays behind to guard their tower - hopefully he will not take over and be evil.
<DeathStar> 6* Qui gets into the driver seat to fly, as Kito and Neekito lazily pack things into the carriage. Today is 6.10 if I remember right
<AquaKoala> *Commodus helps the Kitos
<DeathStar> (6,12)
<Seraphna> * Alita piles in with Ceilia, Mykel and of course, most important of all, her precious and cute kitty.
<DeathStar> 6* Talia hangs out, peering around curiously
<Sara> * Liana gets in, looking just a bit sad
<DeathStar> 6* Celes kisses her as she gets in
<DeathStar> <Celes> I will miss you, my Princess Knight
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *makes her appearance, wearing her new armor that was gifted to her be her sister/cousin Celes*
<Seraphna> Alita> "We're going on a trip, Talia."
<DeathStar> 6* Kito and Neekito nod as they get in, since Commodus help finish, then open up their day 3 heat pills, which will cement their new personality quirks, getting some water to take it
<Sara> * Liana smiles at Celes. "I'll miss you as well..."
<DeathStar> 6* Celes strokes her face, stepping back as Qui powers up the carriage
<Seraphna> * Alita moves over to put a hand out, looking to Sasha. "Sasha... perhaps we should discuss before they take those."
<AquaKoala> *Commodus climbs in
<DeathStar> 6* Both tilt their heads at Alita oddly. "Our tiredness will fade in a day or two."|
<Myaomi> * Vyvy sits up, yawning, her lengthening hair wildly sprawled about, especially over her face. "... Ah, it's dark... guess more sleep is in order.
<Seraphna> Alita> "It's possible that your new personality traits brought out by them may linger past the tiredness."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...I have already had a discussion with Kito on that topic. She and Neekito are both taking it voluntarily."
<DeathStar> 6* Qui beeps a shrill horn she put on the carriage to let Vyvy know they are going. Spire picks Vyvy up and heads downstairs
<Seraphna> Alita> "Are they fully aware of how it will change them?"
<DeathStar> <Kito> We took it for years
<DeathStar> <Neekito> I imagine we will be like we have been before
<AquaKoala> *Commodus stretches out and starts to doze a little
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "So they say." *frowns*
<Seraphna> Alita> "...Are you both sure?" *she looks between them and Sasha, wanting to be sure herself here*
<DeathStar> 6* Spire drops Vyvy into the carriage and gets in, her tails shifting
<DeathStar> 6* Talia begins to leap on the other cat and exert dominance
<Sara> * Liana nods to Spira
<DeathStar> *Spira, derp
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *spreads her arms as she regards Celes* "Well?"
<Seraphna> Alita> "Talia, be good."
<DeathStar> 6* Celes hugs Sasha
<DeathStar> <Celes> I will miss you sister. Be safe
<DeathStar> <Celes> Also, you look good
<DeathStar> 6* Celes checks her out, patting her rear
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Sister!"
<DeathStar> 6* Celes laughs lightly as she steps back
<Seraphna> Alita> "Hot."
<DeathStar> 6* The two Kitos take their pills and lean back, closing their eyes
<Seraphna> Ceilia> "Very hot."
<DeathStar> 6* Qui lifts the carriage up off the ground. Celes turns to face Liana, waving her hand once more
<Sara> * Liana waves, trying to smile
<Seraphna> * Alita sits back for the ride, motioning to Talia to get in her lap.
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Oh! Good-bye princess Celes!
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> .. Wherever you are!" She paues, then brushes mop-like white hair out of her face and pauses.
<DeathStar> 6* Talia curls up on it, mrring at Spira, who looks baffled and confused*
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Yes, there you are, good-bye!
<DeathStar> <Celes> Goodbye, Vyvy. Take care of Liana for me
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Yes, milady!
<DeathStar> 6* Qui flies out, thankfully for those inside the carriage, the snow and cold doesn't hit them, though Qui shivers
<Myaomi> * Vyvy salutes her with a big smile.
<DeathStar> 6* Kito and Neekito sleep with each other, cuddled a little, while their luggage rolls about above them
<Myaomi> * Vyvy shivers from the chill of leaning out, blinks and clambers to the front, leaning out. "Quiiii! Heyyy!"
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "The improved carriage seems to be holding up well in these climes."
<DeathStar> 6* Qui looks backwards
<DeathStar> <Qui> Vyvy? Yes?
<Sara> <Liana> Let us not jinx it.
<DeathStar> 6* Talia leans out the window, letting snow and cold wind into the carriage
<DeathStar> 6* She rears back in, her tiny ears cold
<Myaomi> * Vyvy rummages, then holds out her flame-motif mantle to Qui
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> It's cold, this'll keep you cozy!
<DeathStar> 6* Qui takes it. "Thank you!"
<Myaomi> * Vyvy makes an OK sign and grins, then slips back in fully and finds a place to sit near Liana.
<Seraphna> * Alita rubs Talia's ears.
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> 6* The next day, the carriage is flying over the beginngs of the Great Forest, so Qui brings it down, rolling and landing at the entrance
<DeathStar> 6* The Great Forest is a massive forest, the trees giant and other than an opening, it looks impossible to enter. Though a few of the trees and plant life near the forest opening looks like it's eroding away, or has a sickly look
<DeathStar> 6* Qui hops down
<DeathStar> 6* Talia bounds out, tired of being in the carriage and shakes her body, while the Kitos lazily get out
<AquaKoala> *Commodus climbs out quickly and stretches
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *steps out of the carriage*
<Sara> * Liana steps out, looking around and taking in the sight
<Seraphna> * Alita gets out with Ceilia, assisted by their bag man, also Mykel.
<DeathStar> 6* Spira peers out, then decides to guard the carriage
* DeathStar gets gun
<DeathStar> Mister Frog, die
<DeathStar> It literally, without pausing in breath, did 10 BLAH BLAH BLAHs, getting louder each time
<DeathStar> The last 2 you could tell it was running out of breath or whatever they do
<Seraphna> * Alita wonders were the strange man came from with a gun.
<DeathStar> 6* There are frogs blehind on trees
<DeathStar> 6* And a strange Hapian with a spirit-tech gun is threatening one
<Sara> * Liana stares
<DeathStar> 6* Qui peers at her spirit-tech gun, then at the Hapian
<AquaKoala> *Commodus eyes him but shrugs and continues stretching
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...ignore him."
<DeathStar> 6* There is a group of Hapians there, Legion people, and even oddly enough some Amazon people, though the Hapians are in the middle to keep the two L and A groups seperate
<Sara> * Liana tilts her head, wondering what's going on
<DeathStar> 6* The other Hapians are trying to calm the deranged Hapian, though the frogs are rowdy enough it's hard to hear one think
<Seraphna> Alita> "The Great Forest seems very crowded."
<Sara> <Liana> Good thing it's so Great.
<AquaKoala> *Commodus raises and eyebrow and moves over slowly to listen in
<DeathStar> 6* Qui moves toward the entrance to enter, but the groups peer at them
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *raises a hand and then moves forward toward the groups*
<Seraphna> *Alita sighs and pats Talia.
<DeathStar> 6* The groups move toward them, the Amazons and Legionares glaring at each other. "What kingdom are you from?"
<DeathStar> 6* Talia turns into a cat, laying on Alita
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> What are all these people doing here...
<Seraphna> * Alita tucks her into her robes.
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Frankly, I'm from here-- what are YOU doing here?
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I am Sasha Hapian."
<Sara> <Liana> Liana Windrunner. *she curtseys*
<Seraphna> Alita> "Alita Whisperwind, of the Academy."
<Seraphna> *light
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "And yes, we come on the behalf of the Academy."
<AquaKoala> *Commodus nods
<DeathStar> 6* An Ent and a Venus emerge from the Great Forest. The Ents not as beautiful as their counterpart.
<DeathStar> 6* The groups turn and each approach, trying to talk over the other so that nothing can be heard.
<DeathStar> 6* The Ent holds up their hand and motion those who came to see them to break off, and the Venus do as well
<DeathStar> 6* The Amazons and the Hapians go to the Venus, while the Ents talk to the Legion group, off to the far sides of the open field still, neither side allowed in the Great Forest yet
<DeathStar> <Qui> This is very odd
<Sara> * Liana blinks. "Are they quarreling too?"
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "That would be highly irregular..."
<AquaKoala> *Commodus waits patiently for the Legion group to finish speaking with yhe Ent
<AquaKoala> The*
<DeathStar> 6* The Ent moves to lead the Legion inside, and the Venus wait, though the Amazons glare at the Legion back. Among the Legion looks to be someone important, walking in the center of an honor guard
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Commodus, do you know that one in the middle?"
<AquaKoala> *Commodus looks at him closely
<DeathStar> 6* His face is well hidden, but it's possible it's the Kaiser himself, though if so, he's wearing a bit of a disguise
<DeathStar> 6* The Legion group enters, then the Venus lead the other two in on their side of the Great Forest
<AquaKoala> *Commodus reels and kneels as he passes
<DeathStar> 6* The Amazons peer at Commodus, then at the Legion group, as if taking note
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *moves her hand to pull him up* "You have revealed too much."
<DeathStar> 6* With both groups gone, it looks like the entrance is open to them
<DeathStar> *well, all three
<AquaKoala> Commodus> It caught me off gaurd, he appears to be Kaiser, or someone in the family.
<Seraphna> Alita> "Looks like we can proceed."
<DeathStar> <Qui> Which ones do we...follow?
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We could always take the middle route."
<DeathStar> 6* Kito and Neekito so far haven't even gotten a map out, leaning on the carriage waiting on orders
<Seraphna> Alita> "I like remaining neutral."
<Sara> <Liana> If we -had- to choose, one side is bigger but...
<Seraphna> Alita> "Though with Qui with us it may be prudent to avoid the Amazonians."
<Sara> <Liana> ...Yeah.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Bring out the map!"
<DeathStar> 6* Kito lays out the map of the Great Forest: http://www.thealienwars.com/TAW6/Info/Plant.png
<AquaKoala> Commodus> We might garner a better reception among the Legion
<DeathStar> 6* The red line indicating where the Ents/Venus territory is
<Seraphna> Alita> "Well between Commodus and Mykel we have Legion with us."
<Seraphna> Ceilia> "Never enough Daemons around..."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Vyvy, what are your thoughts?"
<DeathStar> 6* Qui taps her chin, moving over to the sickly plants and the Great Forest eroding a bit
<DeathStar> <Qui> We might want to talk to Gnome. I think she is located in the Ent Capital
<Seraphna> Alita> "I like that idea. Vyvy can seduce... err... get Gnome too."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "There are also less-than-pleasant tales of the Venus lands. Without a Venus escort, we may be in unnecessary risk." *places a finger on the map* "The nearest ent settlement is this village." *points to the Forest Village* "From there we cna continue on to the capital."
<AquaKoala> *Commodus nods in agreement
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<DeathStar> <Qui> I thought the Venus stories were always rumors.
<DeathStar> 6* Qui shivers
<Seraphna> Alita> "They might well be."
<DeathStar> 6* Qui grabs her backpack with clothing, moving to enter the forest. Kito and neekito grab stuff to, moving to enter the Great Forest
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<Seraphna> * Alita and Ceilia grab their things, Mykel shouldering some for them, and they move along. Alita petting Talia.
<Sara> * Liana follows after the others
<Seraphna> * Alita also made sure they have Gwen's things in case Qui changes back.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Regardless of rumor or reality, we are bound for the Ent lands."
<AquaKoala> *Commodus readies his pack
<DeathStar> 6* As they begin to enter, the large trees are immediate, though many have that sickly look. Unlike the Dark Forest, things here are more like a normal forest outside the ancient age and size.
<Seraphna> Alita> "Stil, we should be sure to get there sometime."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We shall see if that will be necessary once we have consulted with Gnome."
<DeathStar> 6* The trees are huge, like Hapian's large heights, and plant life grows large and big, no doubt plants could eat a man, if they were on the Venus side. There are beautiful flowers all over, and massive vines to swing on. Everything in nature is here, only larger and more magnificent. One could get lost here for days looking at the sights. Animals peer at them, hiding and watching, and a few Werebeasts can be seen, this being their homeland
<DeathStar> 6* A few monsters watch them, as well, debating attacking but deciding against it due to their number
<AquaKoala> *Commodus nods to various animals
<DeathStar> 6* A Fluffyinator, the second of it's kind, watches them, showing teeth before moving away
<DeathStar> 6* Of course it's called a Eena or something
<Seraphna> * Alita keeps her kitten close as she moves along.
<Sara> * Liana blinks at it, thinking it's cute... and then not
<DeathStar> 6* A few hours later, with Kito and Neekito are dragging as they reach the Forest Village
<DeathStar> Built to greet people who enter the forest, the village is a simple village that is both ground based like Sunflower Village, and in the trees like the Capital. Using trees as a wall of defense, there are four gates of entrance, typically always open for those who approach unless they look like trouble. The ground part of the village has the inns, the taverns, the stores, and the clubs. Like the Plantport, they are very open here with what they do in clubs, looking for mates with those outside the Great Forest.
<DeathStar> 6* The Ents peer at them, waving happily. The group would notice varius other species in the town, working as well, and quite a few males, likely having married the Ents, being enticed to stay
<DeathStar> 6* There is some females, too
<AquaKoala> *Commodus waves back as well
<Sara> * Liana waves
<DeathStar> 6* Qui moves in, glancing around at the open, friendly atmosphere, the inns open and the stores stocked with supplies, proclaiming to have items needed to survive the forest
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We shall looks for accomodations for the remainder of the day and then gather what information we can before setting out."
<DeathStar> 6* Kito moves to the inn to buy rooms
<DeathStar> 6
<DeathStar> 6* Several Ents move over to them, surrounding the group
<Sara> * Liana looks around at them
<DeathStar> <Ent 1> Welcome to our village! 6* She smiles, leaning in toward Commodus
<AquaKoala> Commodus> Ave, greetings friends
<DeathStar> 6* Another touches Sasha's arm. "You look very strong."
<DeathStar> 6* A third gives them some plant juice, that looks potent but sweet. "Have some drink, you look tired."
<DeathStar> 6* Many others ask where they are from
<DeathStar> 6* Qui blinks at all the Ents being curious in them
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Thank you for the warm welcome. I am Sasha Hapian, and we come from the Academy."
<AquaKoala> *Commodus sniffs the drink then tries a sip
<Sara> <Liana> Liana Windrunner. *she curtseys, as always*
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I am Commodus Severus. *He smiles
<Seraphna> * Alita smiles and waves gently, "Alita Whisperlight."
<Seraphna> * Ceilia and Mykel introduce themselves too.
<DeathStar> 6* It's very sweet, and has a nice warm feeling going down. And stronger than ale
<DeathStar> <Ent 3> The Academy? We never had anyone from there before
<DeathStar> 6* they follow them to the inn where Kito has gotten everyone rooms for only 50 gold
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Then it pleases me that we are the first." *sips some of the offered drink*
<DeathStar> 6* It seems the Ents just enjoy company here
<AquaKoala> Commodus> We are among the first to be going out like this
<DeathStar> 6* Kito blinks at the drink being offered to her and sips it just to be polite, sitting and Neekito does the same. Qui sips her drink
<Seraphna> Alita> "Yes, first graduating class."
<DeathStar> <Ent 2> Wow. So are you here about the forest?
<Sara> * Liana sips, but careful not to imbibe too much -- not really much of a drinker usually
<DeathStar> 6* They crowd the inn, as if it is no big deal. The inn keeper bringing out some food
<Seraphna> Alita> "Yes, our duty is to investigate these sort of things after all." *she smiles*
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *takes a seat* "Is there something about the forest that you cna tell us?"
<Seraphna> * Alita sits, with her twin and Mykel sits by them.
<Sara> * Liana sits near Sasha
<AquaKoala> *Commodus sits happy, looking at the food
<Sara> * Presumably with Vyvy nearby too
<DeathStar> <Ent 1> Hm, it has been being sick lately. We do not know why. IT has gotten everyone worried, even those not part of the Great Forest worried. Some are upset since it might ruin their Great Hunt time, while others think it might affect their lands too, and some hand plans to take some of the Forest to try to plant it in their lands, and if it's sick they think that will be bad
<Sara> <Liana> Great Hunt?
<DeathStar> <Ent 3> Others came here because they were invited by the Venus to fix it, and if they fix it, the Venus will gain more control of the Forest
<DeathStar> <Ent 2> As well as those who fix it
<DeathStar> 6* The food looks to be things from the forest - fruit, and other interesting things
<DeathStar> 6* Qui keeps drinking, happily getting a buzz and eating food
<AquaKoala> *Commodus eats and drinks, slowly with the drinking though
<Sara> * Liana glances ove the fruit
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We saw the Hapian and Amazon delegations enter the forest with the Venus. The Legion came here though."
<DeathStar> <Ent 1> Oh, the Great Hunt is a crude thing that we let the Legionares do sometimes in return for protection from them. but they are also looking into the illness
<DeathStar> <Ent 2> Yes, they all arrived at once, bad timing there
<Sara> <Liana> It did seem chaotic.
<AquaKoala> *Commodus looks a little timid at the mention of the Great Hunt
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "So we noticed."
<DeathStar> <Ent 3> The Venus invited the other two while the Legion arrived for the Hunt and to look at the illness, plus to get some of the plant life
<DeathStar> <Ent 3> Their land has a lot of heat and rock
<DeathStar> <Ent 1> I think the Venus did it on purpose, they know that the Amazons hate the poor Legion
<DeathStar> <Qui> The poor Legion?
<DeathStar> <Ent 1> Well, yes. I talked to the Kaiser once when he came through. You can tell he would rather make peace with them, but the Amazons will have none of it. Some of his people too
<DeathStar> 6* She sips the drink
<Sara> <Liana> Huh, news to me...
<Sara> * Liana seems interested by this
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I've been saying that not everyone in the Republic feels war is the best option.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "What can you tell us about the forest illness?"
<DeathStar> <Ent 4> It's nasty and makes things taste bad and sickly
<DeathStar> <Ent 1> It seems to be working it's way further inward every day
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Inaward toward where and from where?"
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<Seraphna> * Alita muses, writing in her notebook.
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<Seraphna> Alita> "And it is at the edge of the forest all around, or only from one direction?"
<DeathStar> <Ent 4> Um, the entrance of the forest further toward the center. We don't know if it's at the Venus entrance since we don't go there
<DeathStar> 6* Referring to the other 3
<DeathStar> 6* A smaller Ent sits on Liana's lap
<DeathStar> <Ent> Hi!
<Seraphna> * Alita nods, musing, she draws a small map and marks that location.
<SuperKoala> *Commodus nods
<DeathStar> 6* A few of the other Ents try to entice Commodus with rubs
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We are bound for your capital. We might find out more there."
<SuperKoala> *Commodus blinks at the treatment
<Sara> <Liana> H-Hi? *she blinks and glances at her engagement ring*
<DeathStar> 6* They seem to have no clue what it means
<DeathStar> 6* Kito and Neekito mean while have a few sitting on their lap and aren't reacting to it like they might have in the past, and the Ents pout
<DeathStar> <Kito> I should get the room ready
<DeathStar> 6* She politely bows and moves up to the rooms
<DeathStar> <Ent 3> I hope you learn something
<DeathStar> *She says earnestly*
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Of course, Kito..." *looks back at the ents* "As do I."
<DeathStar> <Ent 2> You should probably get a few anti-venom potions
<DeathStar> 6* She warns.
<DeathStar> 6* She hands two to Qui, who has slots
<DeathStar> 6* Qui nods, looking drunk but happy, smiling at ear rubs from an Ent and scale rubs, looking in heaven
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Anti-venom? What is out there?"
<DeathStar> <Ent 1> Some plans can be poisonous
<DeathStar> *plants
<DeathStar> <Ent 4> And monsters
<SuperKoala> Commodus> It would be wise *He seems to be enjoying the treatment from the ents
<Sara> <Liana> They're right. Grandpa's books talk about that too.
<Seraphna> Alita> "I can cure poisons but my ability to do so is twice before rest right now, so potions would be prudent."
<Sara> <Liana> And no better place to get the appropriate anti-venoms than somewhere that deals with that kind of poison often.
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<Jackieness> sasha "Understood. We'll gather the recommended supplies and then for the remainder of the day, you all may relax."
<DeathStar> 6.14
<DeathStar> 6* The next day, the group is once again on the move, the Ents waving good bye to them, almost forlong. A few werebeasts wave goodbye, too
<DeathStar> 6* Kito and Neekito trudge along, panting a little
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen walks, shuddering at times from what he woke up too
<DeathStar> <Gwen> So many hands...all over...
<SuperKoala> *Commodus waves, looking relaxed
<Sara> <Liana> Gwen? Are you all right?
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *looks at the kitos* "Are you ywo alright?"
<DeathStar> <Kito> Adjusting to heat after cool air for so long
<DeathStar> 6* she is wearing her handmaiden outfit still
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen nods slowly to Liana as they walk along
<Seraphna> Alita> "Seemed friendly to me."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "You really should change into soemthing more practical for the environment."
<DeathStar> 6* They peer at each other, then at Sasha. "We will do so after the next stop then."
<DeathStar> 6* So far Vyvy has vanished during the night, likely investigating on her own
<SuperKoala> *Commodus has, wearing his armoured skirt, his cloak open with only the bear head hood on for shade
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Fortunately this armor that Celes gave me is... well.. ventilated."
<Sara> * Liana nods, in an armored dress she was given by Celes back at the palace herself
<Sara> * Granted it's much less... well.
<DeathStar> 6* After 6 hours of walking, they reach area where the divide between the two sides is weaker, and they smell what can only be described as burntness
<Sara> <Liana> Something smells like burning...
<DeathStar> 6* Kito and Neekito are in native skin bikinis. they sniff, then lead them
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen narrows his eyes and moves after the two, who seem to be getting less lathargic as promised, even if they haven't regained their comical quirks. They likely will not for many months
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *nods and follows after the Kitos*
<Seraphna> Alita> "Hmmm." *Alita and Ceilia have changed into garb which may as well be called primal shaman wear, bikini like with flowing tabards that don't hide much but preserve their mage like looks*
<SuperKoala> *Commodus follows, looking around quietly
<DeathStar> 6* They reach area, where the forest is burnt, and damaged. The large trees remain standing, due to the sheer size, but the plant life and lower area is burnt, like a fire was started, and there are Legion soldiers laying, dead, and even a Venus, that looks like it may be the one they saw earlier, killed, stabbed in the back. A few dead Amazon warriors are there, but only a few, compared to the Legion
<Sara> <Liana> Guh...that smell is even worse.
<SuperKoala> *Commodus goes low, looking around quietly
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen grimaces, peering around, then trips over what looks like a makeshift Academy tool, hastily made
<SuperKoala> *Commodus reaches to catch Gwen
<Sara> * Liana moves to examine the tool... and make sure Gwen is okay
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen leans on Commodus, eyeing the outfit, burned to cover imperfections
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "What is it, Liana?"
<DeathStar> 6* And avoids touching it
<SuperKoala> *Commodus sets her uprigjt before checking the bodies
<Seraphna> Alita> "Isn't that Academy make?"
<Sara> * Liana burns perception if necessary to check the tool
<DeathStar> 6* The tool is mostly a uniform, and one of their IDs, the ID/tool burnt so that it can't hold up to inspection
<DeathStar> 6* To a real academy person, it looks like they made it in a day, hastily
<Sara> <Liana> I'm not really sure what was going on here. Fake academy wear?
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen pulls out his Academy ID that they have to show people sometimes, comparing it
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "They may be trying to frame us."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Shoddily made
<Sara> <Liana> ... Thinking of it, I don't like the sound of impostors running around, yes.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> I think someone thought they might havea chance to frame us for the attack
<SuperKoala> Commodus> Frame us, or use the connections to get around easier
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Commodus, count. How many Legion bodies and how many were in the Legion delegation?"
<DeathStar> <Gwen> But this wouldn't hold up in a real Academy court.
<SuperKoala> *Commodus counts and tries to remember
<DeathStar> 6* The Ent guide escaped, as well as 5 of the Legionare
<Seraphna> Alita> "It would however possibly damage relations, proven or not."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> For one thing, Amazon bodies are here.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen motions. "Likely they did it.
<SuperKoala> Commodus> The gyide and five Legionaires
<Seraphna> Alita> "I'm growing less and less pleased with the Amazonians."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I suspect an attack on the Kaiser."
<Sara> <Liana> The fact there's even a battlefield here is more than a bit unnerving, wouldn't you say? We should keep our guard up.
<DeathStar> 6* There is movement, like people are returning. Gwen eyes the Venus guide to see if she was part it, judging the wound
<DeathStar> <Gwen> ...
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen then moves quickly to get away from the scene
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *glances over and then gestures back to the forest, heading back into the tress*
<SuperKoala> *Commodus moves into cover quickly and quietly
<Sara> * Liana follows after Gwen, one hand on her sword however
<Seraphna> * Alita moves with Ceilia and Mykel away from it too, Talia with Alita.
<DeathStar> 6* A few Amazons return, collecting the bodies of their dead and pouring something over them to burn them up. "I do not like this, sister. Attacking our ally, ambushing the Legionare on what is suppose to be a mission to save the Forest."
<DeathStar> <Amazon 2> We could not disobey an order from a Matron of the Order.
<Sara> * Liana ... suddenly is starting to regret not taking one of her Tamae's requests
<DeathStar> <Amazon 2> Besides, the Kaiser was here. You saw how they were hiding his face and how the Academy Legionare reacted. <Amazon 1> And if we were wrong? <Amazon 2> The way they fought, we were not wrong. <Amazon 1> So it is worth our honor being bled out like the Legion in the past, stooping to their level, to do this? *She spits as she burns more bodies*
<Seraphna> * Alita frowns, gripping her staff out of sight.
<DeathStar> <Amazon 1> And using our sisters in the Academy, who showed their uniforms and ID to us once, proud of themselves, and using that against them now
<SuperKoala> *Commodus controls his breathing, listening
<DeathStar> 6* She rises, done. The second amazon has pulled a knife out, stepping behind her sister as if to attack her. <Amazon 2> We have to do what the Matrons and queen wish of us, even if it dirties us. <Amazon 1> Yes... 6* She moves on, clearly her face disagreeing. The second one looks relieved and puts the knife up, following, covering their tracks expertly. <Amazon 2> Find the Kaiser, and the guide, or this will be for naught anyway
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *takes a stick and then draws on the ground, indicating to flank the amazons*
<SuperKoala> *Commodus draws a javelin silently
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen pulls out his two swords
<Sara> * Liana nods obediently and tries to quietly move around through the trees/foliage
<SuperKoala> *Commodus shakes his head to Sasha rapidly and mouths follow
<DeathStar> 6* Kito and Neekito remain still as statues. Talia, meanwhile, yawns and stretches on Alita, about to fall off
<Seraphna> * Alita grabs hold of her and gently covers her muzzle.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *nods to Commodus and moves after him*
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen moves to follow. As Liana goes, a snake is under her foot. She is about to step on it in 3
<DeathStar> 2
<Sara> * Liana jerks and stops
<Sara> * Stepping over it
<DeathStar> 6* The snake sticks a tongue out and is defeated
<DeathStar> 6* Talia curls back up
<SuperKoala> *Commodus moves along quietly, careful to avoid underbrush that would make too much noise
<Seraphna> * Alita moves after the others quietly with Talia, the other two following all stealth like.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen follows Liana, moving at an angle. The two Amazons move like experts through the forest, joining up after a bit with many more. The Matron, an older Amazon speaks
<SuperKoala> *Commodus halts and listens
<DeathStar> <Matron> Half of you return to the Venus side, help them cure the Forest as was agreed. Tell them the Legionare and the Academy killed the guide. The rest of us will hunt the Kaiser down before his people reach the capital of the Ents. If we fail, then our trappings will matter for nothing
<DeathStar> 6* Half of the 16 split up
<DeathStar> 6* The Matron going with them
<DeathStar> 6* The other half quickly move stalking the Kaiser, following broken brush and twigs
<SuperKoala> *Commodus stays well out of visibility, as he follows the Kaiser group quietly
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *moves after the Kaiser group as well*
<Seraphna> * Alita follows Commodus, seeing where this is going. Keeping hidden.
<DeathStar> 6* a few of the Amazons manage to break off in their search, one of them being the one with misgivings. The 3 talk quietly, gesturing amongst themselves.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen strains to get near and listen
<DeathStar> 6* The other 5 continue on their way, tracking
<DeathStar> 6* They pause near a cave with a stream
<SuperKoala> *Commodus lets the ones longer in the ear to listen as he follows the five
<DeathStar> 6* The five begin to chant to use the water to flood the cave, all kneeling
<DeathStar> 6* The 3 pull out some darts and pipes, and creep along, aiming at the five
<Sara> * Liana stays close to Gwen, trying to listen in, also using her warrior senses lv.1 and lv.2 to be ready for sneaking up on them or a far-away attack
<Sara> * Liana looks at Gwen and gestures at the 3
<SuperKoala> *Commodus draws a javelin, watching the three
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen squints curiously
<Seraphna> * Alita keeps close, keeping her staff out.
<DeathStar> 6* As the water begins to enter the cave, the Legionare inside making noise as they are caught off guard and helpless, the three fire the darts into the backs of the necks of three, taking them down, interrupting the spell. The three drop like dead weight into the water
<DeathStar> 6* The other two jerk and look for where the attack came from, eyeing the darts. "Traitors! Show yourselves!"
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *raises a hand to signal the team to hold for now*
<SuperKoala> *Commodus goes to hurl a javelin but haults
<Sara> * Liana bites her lip, cringing
<DeathStar> 6* Within moments, the Legion is on the two, and takes them down, and the 3 retreat
<DeathStar> 6* The Ent helps a wounded Kaiser out, looking like he is holding his side.
<Seraphna> * Alita frowns, clearly wanting to go help the wounded.
<DeathStar> 6* The three Amazons move away calmly but quickly, still not noting the team, stripping their clothing
<DeathStar> <Amazon 1> We will have to leave. I heard rumor that Princess Qui is at the Mage Tower
<SuperKoala> *Commodus moves out of the forest, bot to quick, with his hands raised to shoulder level
<SuperKoala> Bot-not*
<DeathStar> 6* The Legion turns to Commodus, then relaxes. "Brother Commodus. Did you take these bitches down?"
<SuperKoala> Commodus> No, other Amazons did that were against their actions.
<Seraphna> * Alita keeps ready, but also moves to step out, not wanting Commodus to be alone.
<DeathStar> 6* The Kaiser makes a face, but is quiet, his face a little waxen as the Ent puts a plant on his wound. Gwen keeps near the three Amazons as they put on native garbs and dye their hair
<Sara> * Liana stays by Gwen, on full guard
<Seraphna> * Alita moves over to the Kaiser. "Here, I'm skills in healing arts." *she moves over to inspect his injuries*
<DeathStar> <Legionare> I find it hard to believe
<Seraphna> *skilled
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *shakes her head and then moves forward*
<SuperKoala> Commodus> As hard as it is to believe it is true.
<DeathStar> 6* It seems the Kaiser has been hit by a high rank deadly poison. Alita can counteract it, but the damage is something he will have to deal with forever. Likely the Matron knew her wound will weaken the Kaiser and take him down one day, to another assassin blade, or drop him from weakness
<DeathStar> 6* The Legionares return to their Kaiser, checking him over
<Seraphna> * Alita cases the Cure Poison spell and at uses Mage Cure Lv. 2 to at least cover the wound as best she can. "This will help... but..."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Greetings. We are from the Academy, as you may well have guessed."
<DeathStar> <Kaiser> But I am weak. I know. *he smiles* I cannot let it show
<DeathStar> 6* He rises, standing on his own two feet. "Thank you."
<Seraphna> * Alita nods.
<SuperKoala> *Commodus moves over and kneels reverentially "Ave Kaiser"
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen returns to the others as the Amazons retreat, musing on what they said about searching for Qui
<Sara> * Liana is close behind
<DeathStar> <Kaiser> Raise, Commodus. You have done me a great service today. Thank you, - thank you all. *he tells Sasha*
<DeathStar> <Kaiser> I am in the Academy's debt
<Sara> <Liana> From what I understand of poisons... if you could learn the kexact ind of poison that was used, it may be possible to make a true cure...
<Sara> *exact kind
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Naturally, we're shoicked that the Amazon matron would go so far and attempt to frame the Academy for her own actions."
<Seraphna> Alita> "It was of a high rank, meant to be lethal."
<DeathStar> <Kaiser> The question is, which of the 12 to 24 did it
<DeathStar> <Kaiser> They will of course point fingers
<Sara> <Liana> There were more than two sides in this battle.
<Seraphna> Alita> "Some of the Amazonians no longer believe in their Matron it would seem."
<DeathStar> 6* Somehow, thanks to Alita, the Kaiser is able to walk without showing any pain or weakness, so that his mean think he is fine
<SuperKoala> *Commodus rises "The Matron of the Order commanded it, we heard the Amazonians speaking of it."
<DeathStar> <Kaiser> Well, that particular Matron. The Amazon Order has 12, sometimes 24, "Matrons"
<DeathStar> <Kaiser> That answer to the Queen, the 13th
<DeathStar> <Kaiser> Typically you only get 24 during war.
<SuperKoala> Commodus> She was among the Amazons that came here, she went towards the Venus villages
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Yes. *he answers, quiet this entire time* The power grab between the Order and others is great. One of them can become queen
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Regardless, our purpose here is to investigate and resolve the illness of the forest. It is also in the Academy's interest to maintain the status quo in the forest here."
<DeathStar> <Commodus> I agree. If you would accompany me to the Capital, I would be grateful. There is little we can do about the Amazons right now. *he sighs bitterly*
<Sara> <Liana> It looks like they're doing a bit about themselves, besides... *she says with a hint of concern*
<DeathStar> <Commodus> *he whispers, and only those nearest or with good ears* Sadly, if the fools do end up killing me, war is what they will get. *He eyes his wound, wondering how much longer he has before the next attack does him in, or an infection now*
<Seraphna> * Alita taps her chin. She whispers to the Kaiser. "When we can rest I will look adn see if I can bolster you somehow."
<DeathStar> *Kaiser
<DeathStar> 6* Kaiser smiles appreciately as they walk. The three amazons that are part of Qui's movement manage to escape, but there are six more hostile ones out there
<DeathStar> -END-