[tc] Sidestory - The Falling Of Shadows

Administrative Post-

As you can tell by the title, this is a sidestory to Megatokyo: the Clans. And thus, associated with the ongoing "Rise of the Dark Goddess" thread. The current one can be found here. The story that leads up to this can also be found there - I will get back to a (short) summary, later.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an Invite-Only thread.

This being said. If you have a problem with this, contact me or anyone else. Commentary is great, I don't care if you post that in here. However, if you wish to join in, please contact me, Canto Anathema, or Ph33rTh3B33r about it.

Thank you.

Back to the canon /timestamp stuff: As of now, the Main Story ("Rise of the Dark Goddess") is currently set 7 days after the explosion of the Church of Miho.

UNLESS THERE IS CONFLICT, I am not going to give any particular timestamp to this. Just know that this sidestory runs along with that thread, and many things will end up crossing over/being referenced to/whatever.

If you have a problem, contact me. I don't bite, really.

I swear.

Thank you, and on with the show.

[Markinson] (Note: it'll be Markinson for all of this thread.)

He'd been fighting for control, trying to suppress Niho's control within his body... and failing. He simply lacked the energy, lacked the will to fight off the dark ones influence. He was weak... he couldn't fight off such a power. He'd been forced to play audience to the horrid display that was the activity of his bodys new controller... and his new captor. A voice seemingly fought its way up through the various layers of control that Niho had placed between him and his own body.

"I free you, John Markinson, from your pact and your seal. Take your rightful body and powers once again."

The voice pulled at him, trying to drag Markinson away from his own body, tearing him away from his naturally granted form. No! Losing control was one thing, losing residence was another! This was his body, goddamnit! No one would take it from him. He tried using his own power to fight the spell, only to realize that he actually had power. His kitsune power was free once more.

"I free you, John Markinson, from your pact and your seal. Take your rightful body and powers once again."

Burning... pain. His energy was fighting at the power that tore at his form. His grip was loosening, failing. His own body... was sliding away from him. No... keep inside. Keep the body... harder pulling, it was a vacuum almost. His body was suddenly torn from him, and then...

Nothing.

All at once things flooded into his consciousness. People in the city. People on the roads. Children crying. Everything. He could see the totality for a moment - it was frightening and freeing at the same time. His consciousness had somehow been spread all over the city and, for a fleeting moment, he was omniscient. It was painful beyond all reckoning - the spirit isn't meant to take in so much at one time. The spreading of his mind was painful, to say the least.

He soon found his attention focused in one place... the LDG mansion. He could feel the presence of one of those whom he concerned himself with, and it was strong there, like some kind of a beacon that he could sense. He slowly felt himself gathering together, his powers slowly converging within the mansion. He quickly became aware of an odd interweaving... kitsune and necrowombic energy. His power was massive, now, incredible in its size, but...

It couldn't save Melody. Couldn't free Miruna. Couldn't undo the damage that'd been done. He sought some sort of respite from those thoughts, and could find nothing. There was nothing there to save him from his recriminations.

He screamed, and in that moment the very energy that he hated so for generating Niho brought him into the world of the real, a spectral figure wreathed in purple flame...

And it was crying.

This post has been edited by Ph33rTh3B33r on Sep 27 2004, 10:28 PM

[Hunters - City Hall - Megatokyo]

It was after business hours, and a large part of the workers at City Hall had gone home. There really wasn't that much for them to do; the factions of Megatokyo had created a habit of dependency. Why try and impose order on the systematic chaos that was the city, when the factions - even though powerful and often fanatical - could at least be predictable?

... or at least, that's how it used to be.

"Terashiko-san?"

Terashiko turned toward where the councilor and the mayor were seated, in the meeting hall. "I have the files right here. It took some time to obtain them... but it helped to use archived files from old databases."

"Old databases?"

"And newspaper clippings..." She started, carefully, removing the papers from her folders and neatly arranging them on the table. "You had contacted me because the factions in Megatokyo are getting too chaotic, too unpredictable. And order must be brought to the city. Isn't that so?"

They nodded.

Terashiko smiled softly, and indicated the files. "These are personnel files, on the members of the Legion of the Dark Goddess, and even POLE."

"POLE?"

"Piro-sama's Obsessively Loyal Ensemble. They are the ones devoted to the Artist." Another round of nods. They knew of what she spoke. "It seems that, now the miko known as Mahou took control over the Legion, the two factions are tied more closely together than the Mihoists and Piroists had been. This could be... quite dangerous, for the city."

The mayor skimmed the notes on the files. "A priestess leads a group of outcasts, and POLE has a history of being disorganized. Why focus on them?"

"... the priestess has command of a rather skilled assassin, an EDS unit that most think is psychotic, a mononoke of the Japanese moon god, a kitsune shrine guardian that was possessed by the Unnamed One of Endgames.... have I made my point yet?"

The councilor blinked.

The mayor blinked.

And so it was decided.

[Mahou]

"I’ve dreamt of blue skies and warm breezes,
Of sweet scented fields of flowers
And of clouds, soft grey.
I’ve dreamt of sunlight streaming in through open windows
And spilling out across the thick carpet floor.
And I’ve dreamt of butterflies,
Flitting silently amongst the trees.

But it is yet a dream... "

Mahou woke up from dream and darkness, to realize that she had fallen asleep.

It took her a minute to realize that she was awake, and in her room.

It took her another, to realize that Bliss was not in her room - which was understandable (all things with awkwardness and love considered), but still a bit surprising. He had offered to be her bodyguard, after all.

And then she saw who sat in a chair, in the shadows.

"So you are awake." The dark monk's voice was quiet. "I took the liberty of transferring you to your room, so you could rest."

"...thank you, Shiri-san." She rubbed her eyes - light was already filtering in through the dark curtains. For some reason, it almost hurt.

Hurt -

-a scream, of pain, of feeling powerless and torn -

She bolted upright in her bed, and swung over to get out of it.

"What is wrong, priestess?"

"I... helped cause pain to others. I must try and comfort - it wouldn't be right otherwise."

Shiri'janta only stood, his dark mandarin robes making no sound. "So the chaotician is here. Why doesn't Inari herself take care of her own?"

Mahou shot a look at him - a look that was both angry, and saddened.

"I was the one that tainted his powers. So there are consequences."

A moment, and a nod in return. "Shadows go with you, priestess."

She left, those words echoing in her mind. She wasn't sure if they were meant to comfort, or as a reminder that Shiri could easily find her, wherever she went.

It was a bit unsettling, to have a former assassin watch over you, after all.

Hikaru awoke but didn't opoen his eyes. The first thing he noticed was that his bruises had stiffened and his left knee hurt again.

Danger ahead? Sounds like fun.

He used to think his bad knee signaled bad weather. But it hadn't taken long after the injury had fully healed to figure out that it reacted to approaching danger. Sometimes he wished he could have a sixth sense that was a bit more subtle and less vauge. It would be nice to know what kind of danger.

He opened his eyes, sun was streaming inthrough the south windows it was a fairly large room. It should be, it the LDG manor was a big place, seemingly larger inside than outside. He was looking at the ceiling.

An unfamiliar ceiling? That's a damn cliche, it doesn't look any different from any other ceiling. A blank and uninteresting ceiling is more like it.

He got up only slightly painfully and did soem streaching exercises to work the stiffness and sleep out of his muscles. The previous knight had been...interesting enough for him. If things had gotten any more interesting he probebly would be around to tell about it. His clothes were neatly folded on a chair nearby. His vibroblade was in it's specialized sheath and belt on the wall, the bokken he'd made the previous night on a sword stand. He didn't usually sleep in the buff, but it was something you did when you didn't have any spare clothes.

I'll call mom later, giver her the address here, have her send the rest of my gear.

He dressed...

(ooc: la lee la dee dah....)

Allanon lay on the bed, stareing blankly at the ceiling. / Fool. I'm such a fool. He must hate me now... /

A knock on the door, and a soft voice.

"Allanon-san?"

He responded, voice empty. "Yes?"

"... something is wrong, isn't it. May I come in?"

"If you wish, my lady."

She entered, making little sound - and noticed Allanon there, looking up at the ceiling as if some sort of revelation could be found there if he stared long enough.

"Bliss was worried about you, you know."

He blinked. / Worried...? / "Why? I hurt him...." he said, voice shaking.

She sat down on the edge of the bed. "He was afraid he hurt you," she said simply.

The white haired man sat up, looking at her. "Hurt me? How?"

She shrugged in reply. "He thought that he had taken advantage of you... used you, somehow. That you wouldn't care for him once you came to your senses." She stretched a little - looking, for a moment, like anyone but the priestess leader of the Legion. "I've known Bliss for quite some time. When the Church was still here... he helped me in the Clinic, and we worked with each other. He's agonizing over this - but the ironic part is, both of you are afraid of hurting each other, thinking the same thing as you stare at seperate ceilings in seperate rooms."

Allanon seemed to consider this, his eyes gaining some measure of hope. "Do you know where he is? I need to talk to him."

"Still in Kantou, but he should be here at the manor soon."

He bowed his head. "Thank you, for coming when you did. I might have done something foolish."

Mahou looked at him then - it wasn't a sharp gaze, but sharp enough. "I think you are no fool, Allanon-san. And Bliss doesn't either.... would you want to disappoint either of us?"

At her last few words, he flinched slightly, paling somewhat as he seemed to remember something and shake it off. "No, I wouldn't," he said, voice cracking slightly.

But, she smiled, put a hand on his shoulder. "We're here. If anything, I'm sure Bliss wouldn't mind if you went to lean on him."

He leaned slightly into the touch, regaining some of his color. "Thank you," he whispered.


[OOC] Nyow. [/OOC]

This post has been edited by Allanon on Sep 29 2004, 01:30 AM

Bliss wasn't in Kantou. Instead, he sat upon the roof of the Manor, keeping a silent watch over Mahou. Thanks to a following charm Addi gave him, he could sit up here and track her movements. The intimate scene with Shiri earlier was the main reason why he cast the charm. After arriving behind Mahou to the manor, he had overheard part of the conversation between the former assassin and the priestess. Deciding not to butt in, he blew the charm in his hand through the keyhole, where it turned into a tiny winged creature to lurk out of sight. The fact that she left her room and went to see Allanon was just a bonus.

He followed the trail of the charm to the ceiling of Allanon's bedroom, sitting down there. He wondered what Allanon was telling her. How horrible it was to be molested by someone he considered a friend...or how sorry he was that he scared Bliss away. The latter seemed to be what Mahou thought about it. As for which was true...he didn't know. More reason to stay up here on the roof. Coming down might get him dragged in to confront the healer and he wasn't ready for that yet. Maybe not for a while, the thought of it was too scary. Just the possiblity of Allanon hating him...Bliss shivered. No, it was better to hide out. That way he was certain to be safe.

(Prior to Mahou visiting with Allanon...) (nearly forgot - Copost w/ Kit)

Markinson glanced up, only to see the Miko coming towards him. The dark flames that enveloped him flared up for a moment, as if to warn the woman off. "Stay back!" He glanced away, eyes downcast. "I've affected enough people already."

A soft, tired smile. "Quite ironic, Markinson-san..." But she stepped through the dark flames, not seeming to care. "Necrowombicon power doesn't affect me, you know. It can't."

"What's ironic?" He looked up, voice tinged with anger, "That the very taint you placed in me has now expelled me? Yes, yes, it's ironic as hell. You don't realize, though..." The flame that enveloped him shifted hues to a radioactive blue (yes, radioactive stuff is normally blue-glowy, not green,) "that necrowombic power isn't the only power I wield."

A look - but her own eyes were downcast. Almost sad.

"Kitsune," she said softly. "Inari would be glad to know the seal was broken, at least. Even if she does not fully accept you now, tainted as you are."

"That, I suppose, you would know. Look upon the fruits of your labors, woman - Niho's returned, I've been expelled from my own body, and the city's likely screwed. Congratulations. You've won." He rose, his form translucent, "So, then, what would you do now?"

"I do what I can. As should you - who best to overcome Niho and use his arrogance against him, then one whose body he is using?" Despite the strong sound of the words, Mahou's eyes seemed to be misting up; she knew the condition of the city as well as he did.

Markinson sighed softly, "And how do you propose I do that? I mean, there's always simply killing him, but that's my body, and I'd kinda' like to have it back. Take into account the fact that he can probably kick himself into another body when his current one's about to die, and..."

"If that happens, it will be the worst case. I owe you no less, Markinson-san. And you know it."

"What are you talking about?" He gave her a look, "I somehow doubt he wants you as a host. If anything, he'd take Miruna."

"That is not what I meant. I meant... I can try and help you. I owe you no less than that... considering that I am at fault for how you are now."

"You've helped enough!" He snapped, turning away, "You've done enough. Better that I work on my own - less chance of someone screwing up again."

Mahou sighed. Knelt down on the floor.

"There's only so much you can do without a body, John Markinson. You know this as well as I."

"And you would propose to help me how, Miko? Your power is largely from the necrowombicon, with which our enemy is quite clearly acquainted. There are your priestess capabilities, I suppose..." he trailed off, now somewhat deep into thought.

"I am a priestess. And with the Necrowombicon, both you and I can draw upon it. The Unnamed, is only one person, is he not? What are the chances..."

"Of the Titanic materializing above his head and crushing him? Not very good, though a slight possibility."

Mahou dared a small smile. "You are known as a chaotician also. We could help you, you could help us. When you wish to leave, you are free to leave here."

"And leave I shall, when the time comes." He nodded lightly.

"And that time is not now?"

"I must gather myself."

Mahou smiled gently, gathered her hakama-trousers around her and stood back up. "Thank you, kitsune."

"You're thanking me?" He turned, looking at the miko, his voice incredulous, "You've nothing to thank me for. I've done nothing of benefit to anyone."

"Then start doing so now, while you are here." She smiled, and turned to the shadows along the hall. "Welcome to the Legion, Doctor John Markinson. I hope you will not disappoint me."

"I already have." He faded physically from view, the fire that aided in the manifestation of his form fading with him.

This post has been edited by Ph33rTh3B33r on Sep 28 2004, 10:09 PM

I'll be jumping into this with Ash when presented with the appropriate IC opportunity, as discussed with Allanon, Shiri, et alii. As for the timestamp part, when exactly is this taking place? Is it on the 7th day or later? I ask b/c I need to know if Ash is going to be frenetically running between the two threads or not, and also whether she will have Died yet, as it will significantly change her perspective.

Besides that, I'm waiting for the hook, by IM, PM, or what-have-you.

OOC: Yes, this sidestory is taking place during the 7th day (so, cocurrently with Episode 7 of RDG). Many of the incidents and current states of the characters are due to the previous episode. (shrugs) Anyway...

IC:
----

Thud. Thud. Sigh. Thud. Swish. Thud. Thud. Swish. Sight. A veritable collection of angsty noises, Dao trudged up the stairs slowly, carrying his trenchcoat loosely over an arm so that every so often it brushed against the steps. The EDS sighed a few more times before he reached the top of the stairs, only to sigh again when he looked down the long corridor. And, of course, the trap-ladder at the end.

Thud. Thud. Thud. He dragged on, some deep-rooted program calculating that it was much worse if he didn’t come here and… well… apologize for the incident the previous day. Apologize? He hated the sound of that word, at least from himself. But it was only fair. He could’ve killed Shiri yesterday, deceived by the imposter as he had been. Maybe that’s why it was so hard. He’d been tricked into nearly killing his friend.

He tugged down the ladder and, knocking his hand against the ceiling, listened for a reply. Hearing none, he poked his head up into the attic/Shiri’s room.

“Hey…” He said quietly, glancing around. The room was dark, even with the bright morning sun glowing at the window. The EDS’ eyes quickly adjusted however and caught sight of the dark monk sitting, cross-legged, on the couch. With his head down turned, he appeared to meditating. Made sense, Dao thought, he is a dark monk. Dao climbed up into the room and waited awkwardly.

“Yes?” Shiri asked softly, catching Dao off guard, who stammered out something incoherent. Looking up, Shiri tilted his head questioningly before asking again, “What is it?”

Dao mumbled something and looked down at the floor, kicking at some dust that wasn’t there.

Slowly, a wan smile creased the dark monk’s face and he stood. From the end table nearby, he picked up his EM handgun, which slipped away into his robes almost instantly. Dao swallowed deeply as, from a box next to the end table, Shiri armed himself with his smaller blades, each disappearing into his clothing. Things weren’t going well at all.

“Dao… stop standing there like an idiot and tell me what you want to.”

“I’M SOOO SORRY!” The EDS blurted out, dropping his trench coat as he waved his arms about in a profusion of emotion. “I was stupid and let the imposter trick me into trying to kill you! I would’ve too! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Falling to his knees, Dao began sobbing loud and lamenting sobs that were, strangely, sincere.

It was only when he began pounding on the floor in hysterics that Shiri walked over.

WHAM! Shiri’s foot connected with Dao’s side, knocking him onto his back.

“Ow, what was that for?” Dao demanded, rubbing his ribs.

“Apology accepted.” Shiri replied with a wan smile. There was a pause.

“Sw33t!” Ignoring his side, Dao hopped up onto his feet, grinning widely. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, we should celebrate! I know, let’s go get some drinks!”

“It’s barely 8 AM, Dao. Nowhere is actually open this early.”

Shiri got a wide and rather disturbing grin in reply as Dao responded, “I happen to know a place that is open 24/7. C’mon, it’ll be great!”

“Baka…” Was all Shiri could say as he was dragged downstairs.

(OOC: Ok, lessee what happens if....)

Hikaru decided to see what that garden out back looked like in daytime. At night the place was positively serene. The perfect place for sparring. In the morning light however...

Dew sparkled in the trees and grass, not quite burned off by the riseing sun, a faint mist seemed to hand about the area, and all inside the walls, just now dissipateing under the sun. The slightly wild garden was as peaceful now as it had ben the night before. No sound from the city seemed to penetrate this place, espicially as he moved just into the garden, where the sakaki tree stood. The tallest tree there.

He diecided to climb it. He'd always liked climbing trees, partly because it scared the hell out of his mother and sisters, but he'd always felt a kind of an connection with the tree after. After that he always regognized a tree he'd climed, noticed things about it. Noticed things like where a birds nest was, wether the tree was healthy that year, if it'd grown new small branches. Little and large things that most people never really noticed.

He inspected the holy tree, "Eh, just my luck. The branch I took last night was the closest to the ground and the nest one is a full nine feet up."

He set himself just below the lowest branch and crouched. "KYA!" springing straight up he caught the branch and swung himself up in a flip and landed easily on the branch. The rest was easy. By some denail of physics, his long hair gave no trouble, he'd tied if first at the nap of his neck, then 3/4 of the way to the end, that way nothing was really loose.

He topped the tree quickly and settles comfrotably into the crook of two braches and the main trunk. The view was quite nice up here, and the tree was comfortable. He wasn't whearing any of his gear besides his boots that he wore all the time anyway. Black denim trousers and black wool shirt was enough for the morning. This was nice.

After a few moments though, he caught a slight movement, He turned and saw something he didn't expect, though inretrospect he should have. This was Megatokyo, after all.

A young man, dressed in blue denim cargo pants and a plain purple t-shirt, was sitting on the roof not fifteen feet away from him. He was Japanese, easily identified by his face, dark, slightly tilted eyes and skin. Slight of build but definatly in shape. His long brown hair had spots, almsot streaks of purple scatterd throughout, as if someone had taken a paintbrush to his hair like a canvas. And he was good looking, the kind of good looking that made schoolgirls sigh and made men green with envy. Hikaru knew the look, he had it himself, bisshounen.

Interesting.....

Hikaru shifted his postition and waved, "Hello there! Who're you?"

He gave Hikaru a look and raised his finger to his lips. Then to answer him he sent the thought forward. "My name's Bliss. I'm trying to hide here, please don't give me away."

Hikaru's eyes widened slightly as the voice in his head. Interesting, can you hear my thoughts as well?

-Only if I wanted to. At least this way I won't be heard. So, who are you?-

Niigata Hikaru, I've just arrived here. Who're you hideing from?

-Allanon.-

For a moment Hikaru had a sense of very strong feelings connected with that name. Only for a moment, but it was enough. Why hide from him? Is he angry at you? Dangerous?

-Possibly both, but mostly 'cause I tryed to take advantage of him. Don't want to deal with that.- Bliss shrugged.

Hikaru considered for a moment. Advantage? How? If he's dangerous to you, how would you take advantage of him? Hikaru suspected he knew, but it was better if the other admitted it, rather than he confront him with it.

-'Cause I kissed him while he was drunk? And damn well enjoyed it too.- He sighed. -It's really annoying being one of the few gay men around here, and the one time I find someone like me I screw it up. So I don't exactly like the idea of finding the healer so he can hate me okay?-

Hikaru thought to himelf for a bit, You're so sure he hates you? You maybe can see the surface of anothers mind, but that doesn't give you an open book to their heart. Maybe you should talk to him before you make that kind of statement.
Hikaru was senseing a lot of confused emoitions from this guy, obviously he was in a state of incredible emotional turmoil. He remebered Kyoko.....

-I didn't look into his mind for the same reason I'm not looking into yours. It's not right. And stop telling me that, everyone says that, but you know what? I don't care. I'd just rather deal with him hating me thank you.- Bliss shot him a look, crossing his arms.

When three people say the same thing, it's often true. But you don't need to look into his mind to know his feelings. Just ask, I'm willing to bet my last yen he's in as much turmoil as you are. And Hate? Sure, ahte is easier to deal with, all you have to do is hate back. You feed it and it grows exponentially. Hate is the cowards way out. Yes, so much easier to hide behind hate, real or imagined. Easier than dealing with Love.

Hikaru sighed, remembering hasty words used to cover feelings, Hate is nice and simple. Love ties you into knots you didn't know were possible. It's easier to cut throught the knots with Hate, than work to unravle them. Hikaru caught himself, I'm sorry, I don't even know your name and here I am preaching about Love and Hate. He started to climb down...

-And getting nowhere in the process. Will you stop running away? Don't make me teleport your ass up here with me.-

Hikaru sighed and resumed his postition inthe tree. My point is, would you rather sit here, with doubt eating at your soul? Or would you rather get an answer. The sharp blade cuts deep, but hurts the least and leaves smaller scars. If he hates you, thenhe hates you. You already know how to deal with that. But if he feels for you in return...well, don't you think he'd like the chance to tell you?

Bliss shrugged. -Then he can come find me. And I don't want to deal with hate. I've had enough of it and don't need anymore. If you can't like me then...something.-

Hikaru shook his head, It does't work that way friend. You can't just sit and wait. Suppose he's thinking the same thing? You think you've screwed up? Then fix it! Mistakes happen, it's up to you to correct them!

Bliss pouted. -Don't wanna.-

Then I'm sorry.

-Sorry?- Bliss looked confused,

Sorry I treated you like a man instead of a child. Only a child could reasonably refuse to take responsibility for his mstakes by makeing every effort to correct them. I'm sorry I waisted good advice on a child. My sensei always said that real men must be reasoned with. But the best method for a child was a slap on the rump. And since you obviously aren't a Man, so you must be a child. And I don't feel particularly inclined to jump over there and adminster a spanking.

Bliss positively glared daggers,

Are you going to throw a tantrum now? Or are you going to stop acting like a spoiled brat?

Hikaru brushed a stray lock of hair out of his face and waited for Bliss' reply.

-Actually, I think I'll continue to be one and wait to see if you come over here. I could use a good spanking.- A smirk slid up the side of Bliss' face.

Hikaru stayed put, if the kind wanted to be stubborn, that was his choice. He was slightly dissapointed though he thought he'd been getting somewhere. At that moment, another movement caught his eye. Almost instinctively, Hikaru knew who it was, it had to be Allanon. He was tall, with very long white hair, he had a slight, healthy tan and narrow face. The healer, Bliss had called him, looked directly at Hikaru. Hikaru made eye contact and motioned upwards with his eyes. Allanon seemed to understand...

Hikaru grinned, "Well," he said aloud, "I think It's time I got some breakfast. Enjoy your time alone on the roof, friend Bliss. It won't last long" And with that cryptic statement he lept up and backwards.....

Bliss was so surprised ny the act of flipping backwards off the top of a tree he forgot to carry out his teleporting threat. What did he mean by that?

.....Hikaru fell rapidly but in perfect controll. He landed easily, but still hard. "oof!" He'd spread the shock through all four limbs and come up running. It hurt, a little, but that was the price of being flashy. He sprinted into the house. And closed the door. No point in intruding, he'd helped all he could.

(OOC: Dao and Canto, I must sleep, I will post the part we discussed tomorrow.)


This post has been edited by Jubai the Kensai on Sep 29 2004, 12:17 AM

Allanon silently appeared a few feet behind Bliss, and stepped foward, touching his shoulder. "Bliss," he said softly.

Bliss eeped and jumped away, nearly jumping off the roof itself. He whirled around and gave a sheepish grin. "Uh, hi, but I really gotta go now so...bye!" He teleported down to the front entrance. Allanon swore mentally, and followed him. Ending up behind him again, he grabbing Bliss' shoulder, saying quietly "Please wait. I only want to talk."

Bliss tensed up, looking around for where he could escape to next. "No, you want to tell me off for what I did. I think I can live without hearing that."

"You're wrong. I wanted to apoligize."

Bliss shook his head absently. He had to be wrong, there was nothing to apologize for. "You don't need to, it was my fault not yours." He started to slide away from Allanon, out the door. Allanon grabbed him, making sure Bliss couldn't leave yet. "Wait. Just LISTEN to me, dammit! This is my fault. I shouldn't have done any of those things last night without making sure you were alright with it first."

Bliss gave a look as if he had grown a second head. "What? You didn't do anything! I'm the idiot who molested you!"

Allanon laughed softly. "That's what Mahou said you thought. I wasn't as drunk as you think I was."

"Uh huh...after god knows how many bottles. I really believe that one."

Allanon gave him a look. "I don't know how long it's taking you to figure it out, but I'm not exactly normal." His eyes started glowing, a light greenish color.

"Oh like I am." Bliss retorted. "Stop shoving it my face. You still drank enough to drug an army."

He sighed. "Are you so convinced that I'm lying that you're just going to push me away out of fear?"

"Are you so convinced that you did anything to me?"

Sighing softly, Allanon pulled Bliss into a gentle hug. "I'm convinced that we both wanted what happened, and that, if you wish, we can just put it all behind us. Unless... you want to try again..." he said, whispering the last few words. Chewing on his lip, Bliss frantically tryed to pry an answer out of his empty mind. What did he want?! "I don't know..." he complained, timidly looping his arms around the healer's waist. "I don't know what I want at all..."

"Then we can wait, take time, and find out. I don't want to force you to do anything," the healer whispered.

Bliss snorted softly. "I told you, you can't make me do anything. I force myself well enough."

The white haired man chuckled softly, running a hand through Bliss' hair. "So. What now?"

Unconsciously Bliss leaned into the hand. "Dunno, like I ever plan anything."

Allanon kept his hand moving through brown hair. / So soft.... / and said "Then we'll just have to take things as they come. Perhaps breakfast? I'll cook..." he suggested.

Bliss nodded a bit. "Ooh, good idea. I'm really hungry...and not in that way."

Allanon laughed at this. "So I guess that means I don't get a kiss first?" he said, grinning.

"I'll see how well you cook first."

"I'll have to do my best, then. C'mon, lets eat." He led the other man inside, truely smiling for the first time in many years.

Hikaru grabbed a hasty, mobile breakfast of meat cheese and bread. He wanted to be out of sight as quickly as possible. Any more interference by him would likely be pointless.

He was heading back up stairs when he saw Dao, accompanied by a dark haired, dark robed man who moved in a way Hkari recognized. This man could attack and kill the moment he conceived the notion. Death walking. What was incongruos about it was that Dao was prctically dragging him along.

"Hikaru! Good you're just in time. Shiri, this is Niigata Hikaru. He's new here."

Hikaru shook his hand and bowed hi head slightly, "An honor," he noted that the dark robed man matched the strength of his grip precisely.

"If you don't mind my asking, what brings you to the LDG?"

Shiri hesitated for a ber moment, "I am a dark monk, and came here to join the Church of Miho. I was...somwhat too late."

Late indeed. What happened couldn't have taken place more than a week ago. It's to fresh in the collective consciousness.

"Yes, but surely there was something before that." Hikaru insisted, "I...encountered...her, in Endgames. That's partly what brought me here."

"Partly?"

"Well, I was curiouse about her. Also, I was invited." Hikaru shrugged, "It took me almost too years to accept the invitation though.

"I see." SHiri gave a somewhat ironic smile at that, "Then, if Dao has seen fit to allow you to join, I suppose you'll be alright."

It was rapidly become obvious to Hikaru that Shiri was holding back. Polite still, but it wouldn't be good to dig deeper just yet. Dao seemed completely oblivious.

Hikaru paused, these people, they were very interesting. So much ran beneath the surface. He decided he liked this Shiri. Of course, Hikaru liked most everybody untill they proved him wrong to have liked them. Sometimes that caused trouble, too. But for the most part, it was easier.

"Good," Hikaru answered, "Now, what's going on?"

Dao threw an arm over the man's shoulder, replying in a rapid, genki voice that Hikaru hadn't heard before. "Me and Shiri were going out to get drunk, my bishie friend. Want to come along? I know a great place..." here he grinned over at the dark monk, "is actually open this early."

"Er...I don't drink." Hikaru shrugged uncomfortably, "Never have liked alchohol in any form really."

"That's ok," Dao assured him "Shiri doesn't drink either. Just come along with us!"

Hikaru smiled slightly, "Fine, once you're good and drunk, we'll see if I can get ahead in the score."

"Hah!" Dao laughed, "I could take you drunk senseless, Hikaru."

"Dao, you know what makes you a formiddable opponent?" Hikaru asked him,

"Whas' that?"

"You don't know when your outmatched."

Shiri chucked at that and they went looking for a bar, preferably one that sevred food. Hikaru had already devouered his snadwaich and his stomach was still complaining...

OOC: As a clarification, the Ninja Trial Plot is about a day further advanced in the side story than in the main story. We fell way behind there and need to play ketchup. It shouldn't be a problem. I hope.




"And do you know the Defendant?" asked a somewhat bored judge pro-tem, fidgetting in his robes. The Honorable Judge Araki Muraki, the placard declared him. He'd been rushed in when the previous judge had refused to be associated with the trial. "Fanboys do not belong in a court of law!" the previous judge had protested.

The procedings for the trial were dragging, and that suited Ash just fine. The longer the trail, the greater the strain on the defendant, her client. And the greater the strain, the more deeply he would sympathize with the creature he bore within. The creature upon which, at this very moment, he depended for his survival. And acquital, coincidentally.

We all keep monsters inside of us. A pity so few recognize that these monsters make us strong, Ash ruminated. She took a sip from a Nalgene bottle of a foul-smelling brew. Though some would have thought it to be some yuppie tea-coffee-vitamin-poison type concoction, it was actually an older mixture. Eye of newt, tail of rat, a few very rare and rather expensive reagents, and most importantly, a sample of the body of someone you wished to immitate. For this bottled contained Polyjuice potion. Today Ash's body could not be distinguished from that of her cover identity: Ashley Robertson, and American trial lawyer who specialized in fanboy law.

I can't believe they made me a blonde. The things I put up with to further the plans of the Dark Will, she thought.

"I heard he killed a bunch of people just for looking like Mihoists."

Her client gave her a confused look. His picture of the world of Megatokyo was that of a city filled with the innocent, fearing and fighting evil, looking toward those with power to protect them. He did not see the confusion, the manipulability of the masses.

"This man is clearly confused and listens to baseless rumors. He must be struck from the jury," Ash objected.

"How do you know the rumors are baseless?"

Ash's response was interrupted when her cellphone vibrated in her suit pocket. "Ashley Robertson, Attourney at law. How can I help you?"

"Ashley Robertson? I was told this number belonged to Kimura Aiko."

Ash hastily covered the phone, though she could see her client had overheard.

"Who gave you this number? How do you know that name?!" she whispered angrily. Her face paled.

"I see..." she murmured at length. "Your Honor, I have been interrupted by a dire personal emergency and request a recess."

"Granted," the Judge answered, releaved.

"Wait, do I get to be on the jury or no? I wanna lock this mother *&$^ up!" the potential juror demanded.


Tag Kitchan.

The voice at the other end was feminine, with the particular accent of a Japanese person speaking in the Queen's English.

"I have heard that you serve the Dark Will, Kimura Aiko. And that you... have a bit of history, with a certain healer, who serves the Dark Goddess. Am I not correct?"

".... you haven't answered my question. Who are you and how'd you get this number?"

A soft, knowing pause. "You have your secrets. I have mine. I actually... wish to discuss a business matter, with you."

"I serve the Dark Will. Just like you said."

"... but I think, in this matter... our interests coincide."

[Mahou]

It was early, and for once, the manor was relatively silent.

The smells of breakfast were wafting through the corridors; but she also heard faint voices. Allanon's, and Bliss's -

It's early. I should eat.

But Mahou sighed. It wasn't worth interrupting their meal; they most likely wanted time for themselves. They probably needed it.

She walked back to her room. On a whim, she changed out of her kimono and hakama-trousers; the closet in her room included more casual, modern clothes. She chose a particular brown shirt.

Or at least, it had been a shirt. Upon closer inspection, she saw that it had been modified to be a dress, of sorts. It was certainly long enough - a large size.

Though, it was quite ironic, to wear something that said "Non Player Character: Pay no attention to me".

Not like anyone could see. She quickly curled up on top of her covers.

She had spent so much time trying to fix things, trying to advise, to heal -

But who advised the adviser?

She didn't know anymore.

Markinson let himself spread over the mansion - an odd experience to say the least, unpleasantly like being drunk - and paid attention to the mansion in general. People talking, people moving; all flooded into his consciousness. He became aware of two men moving towards the kitchen, and decided he would gather himself there. With an electric blue glow, he faded into view in the kitchen, sitting on a stool at the island. A hand came up to rub at his ethereal forehead. "Gah... maybe I should just kinda' float around for a while. This whole 'spreading' thing isn't exactly very beneficial for my head." He canted his head, "Or at least, it wouldn't be if I still had a head."

Bliss paused upon seeing the ghostly figure in the kitchen. Not because he had never seen a ghost before, but because he recognized the figure. "So this is where you went."

Markinson glanced up, "Among other places. I seem to have been a lot of places in a very short time. It was... unique. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that you had something to do with my little... out of body experience?"

Bliss flushed guiltly. "Yeah, kinda. I was just making sure Niho didn't kill them."

Markinson just sighed... or at least, it was sort of a sigh. Breath had some strange mechanics sans lungs. "I suppose I should be thankful. The last thing I want is more blood on my hands. There's enough of it as is."

"We were trying to rip him out, but apparently fate didn't like that idea."

The flaming figure looked down at his hands. "I guess I was just... the one more easily shaken loose. Powerless as always." His hand came up, and held his ethereal forehead. "Goddamn."

Bliss came and sat down across from him. "Maybe there was a purpose to all this. A reason why you need to be like this."

"A reason? I suppose you believe that there's one omnipotent being that guides each person through their life?" He glanced over, "Unless that's true, I no reason. I mean, yeah, I've probably got more power in my nonexistant pinky than most of the higher-up factionists in this city, but..."

"Actually, I'm not sure what's out there. But I can hope that there is some kind of Fate out there watching over us. Certainly would explain somethings." Bliss shrugged a bit. "If you don't want to cause harm, don't. Protect now."

"Protect now?" He laughed bitterly. "Protect what? The city's screwed. Niho made Corrupt 'n' Destroy, and I helped." He 'heh'ed at his comment, and sighed. "Perhaps I should just write off my body and get to work on the calculations to drop an asteroid on my loft."

"I agree with him. Protect what you can, while you can." Allanon walked up behind Bliss with two plates, both holding rather large stacks of pancakes.

"I wasn't expecting others, but it seems you can't really eat at the moment anyways."

Markinson just sighed, and stuck his head in the pancakes. "...This sucks. I don't think they make ghostly soft-serve."

"I can ask Nieve. She's been a ghost longer than you." Bliss offered.

"I'm afraid I can't help you there, unless you have an unoccupied body lying around." He set one plate in front of Bliss, with syrup in a large pitcher, and sat down with the other plate.

Bliss reached for the pitcher to pour syrup on his pancakes. "I think that no matter how crappy things get, a person should always have hope. Without that, there's nothing left. I never would have survived to here if I lost hope."

"...Another body? If I did that, I'd be no better than him. No... I think I'll just stay like this. Besides, it has its advantages." He smiled lightly, and dove through Bliss.

Bliss shivered. "That just feels weird..."

"Oh, quit complaining. You didn't have your consciousness spread over the entire city."

"That sounds painful." Allanon commented.

"And disturbing..." the flames that wreathed him shuddered lightly, "the things that go on in this city..."

"I really don't want to know," the healer said, looking half amused and half disturbed.

Bliss grinned. "Well, we wouldn't have helped if he was awake a little earlier..."

"I'd been spread for a good long time. Believe me, I know." He looked at Bliss, "Tell me they make ghost booze."

Allanon chuckled quietly, pouring syrup on his food. "Somehow I doubt it."

"I'll find out? Nieve has to do something other than watch over Joshua..." Bliss replied, chewing on a pancake.

"Who?" Allanon asked, looking curious.

"Ugh..." Markinson put his head in his hands, "Why me? This has to be punishment for screwing with probabilities so much. I mean, what were the odds of this?"

"She's the ghost that rules Kantou kinda. She can talk to it for us." Bliss explained. "As for odds, probably pretty small. That's most likely why it happened."

"I meant who is Joshua."

"Preaching to the choir." He laid his head on the table, "How could I have been so stupid!? Taking an obvious faustian pact like that..."

Bliss gave Allanon a look that said, 'I'll tell you later' and turned to Markinson. "You probably thought it was a good idea at the time."

"It was a good idea at the time?" The chaotician snorted, "A lot of folks have used that excuse. Doesn't make it any more believable."

"The stupidest things I've ever done were because it was a good idea at the time."

"And if you hadn't agreed, what was stopping him from taking your body by force if he wanted to?" Allanon pointed out.

"Yeah, but all those people... I can feel them, you know. Feel the dark energy inside of them... like seeds just waiting to be watered." The ghost glanced up, "Force? That's not his style. He likes manipulation and such..."

"I know the type..." Allanon said distantly, lost in thought.

"Then he might just have bugged you about it til you agreed." Bliss continued eating his pancakes. "I wonder why he wanted you..."

Markinson got up, walking soundlessly across the floor, "No use in complaining now, though. I've got mathemagic, necrowombicon, and foxfire going for me now. I suppose I should start working up to using them again."

"What does Foxfire do?" Bliss asked.

"...Lights stuff on fire, pretty much. There's some other fox magic, too, but I.. uhm... never learned to used it." He admitted embarassedly.

"Sounds cool."

"Is there anyone who can help you learn?" the healer asked.

"..There's Inari, yeah, but... kowai desu yo..."

Bliss nodded. "She might be a liiittle pissed at you for Niho.."

"Wait, isn't Inari a kami?" The healer looked up curiously.

"...yeah. She's gonna hurt me..."

"I can imagine."

"Well, if you help take Niho out, maybe then she won't hurt you too much." Bliss suggested to Markinson. He didn't look like he believed it.

"It's that 'too much' that scares me..."

Finishing off his plate, Bliss considered licking the syrup off it. "Maybe if you're lucky she'll just spank you. I had Hikaru threaten to do that to me earlier."

Allanon looked amused, finishing off his food and said "Oh, what was this about?"

"He wanted me to go talk to you and I didn't want to, that's all." He decided he was going to lick it anyways. "I told him he could anyways. He didn't like that."

Markinson just sighed. "Hrm... interesting... you'll have to excuse me, but other matters have demanded my attention. I'll decide what needs to be done... later." And with that, he simply... dissolved.

Despite the suspicions of Shiri and Hikaru, Dao really did know a bar that was open all day. And, judging by the thick stench of liquor that seeped out into the foyer, the patrons had been enjoying themselves the whole time. Yet, despite the heavy, alcoholic air, the interior was remarkably well-kept. The trio was ushered quickly to a corner booth and left to muse over the menu and the list of drinks that was as thick as a small paperback novel.

<Kami save us,> Hikaru muttered in Japanese, <You could get drunk just breathing the air in here!> He flipped through the menu, <Is there any food in this thing?>

Seated across the table, Dao snorted. “Food? Bah… bring on the b33r!”

“I think I just flipped past a page with something edible…” Shiri commented, browsing through as well. “Wait. No… my mistake.”

<Found something here,> Hikaru said, <Ultimate Hotwings of Doom. Doesn't sound like a drink.>

“Doesn’t sound like it’d take kindly to being eaten either.” Shiri replied.

Dao, in the meantime, had flagged down a barmaid and ordered what she probably assumed were drinks for all three of them. She, of course, was blissfully unaware that the EDS was just ordering his first round.

<Cheh, I'm durable, I'll give it a shot.> He stopped another barmaid and ordered the hotwings. Her eyes widened in surprise but she took his order and hurried off.

<I don't like the look of that.> Hikaru commented,

"Neither do I." agreed Shiri, He paused thoughtfully though, his fingertips tracing down one of the pages. “I think I’ll skip the food and just get some tea. They’ve got that at least.” He ordered a pot of mint tea, the contrast to Dao seeming to confuse the barmaid, and then turned to Hikaru. “How about you?”

<If you have a decent chai, I'd be grateful.> He gave the girl his best smile and she blushed prettily. <Hai, sir.> she answered shyly, <We have chai.>

As she hurried away, Dao shot Hikaru a jealous glare. “If we’re going to start picking up ch1x0rs at least give a fair warning before you’ve got them all.” But, with his best bishie grin, he added, “Not that I couldn’t easily get them back.”

<Is that a challenge?> Hikaru asked softly,

An unexpected silence fell upon the table as the two bishes stared each other down. Eye met eye, locked in a wordless duel - determination, their armor; attractive features, their blades. Neither even so much as flickered in their expression as to do so would be to admit defeat. A grave yet handsome aura surrounded them, like two valiant knights facing each other on the field of battle.

“Drinks are here.” The dark monk interrupted, passing several large mugs to Dao and a hot pot of over to Hikaru. The two bishes blinked abruptly, absently taking the items passed to them. It took a bit but after downing a mug of beer on Dao’s part and a full cup of hot Chai tea on Hikaru’s; both seemed to return to their senses.

<If it's a competition,> Hikaru said, pouring himself another cup of tea, <We have to set guidelines.>

"Indeed," Dao replied, "No desperate ones."

<And you can't get them drunk, and they can't already be drunk.>

Shiri chuckled, "You just took away his favorite tactic."

Dao scowled and drained another mug. “I’ve got plenty of other tactics though.”

“Really?” Hikaru asked.

The EDS downed several more b33rs in rapid succession then, slightly unsteady, rose from the table and headed towards the elevated stage at the front of the bar.

“This can’t be good…” The dark monk murmured, sipping at his tea.

-----
OOC: Dao, you're up.

Markinson found himself following the trio of Dao, Hikaru and, most importantly (at least, in his mind,) Shiri. The chaotician had followed after them in an attempt to keep an eye on the dark monk, and was keeping himself together without manifesting in order to achieve this goal.

He'd been somewhat amazed at the drinking capacity of the EDS... until he realized that the man was an EDS. That, he imagined, provided the android a certain advantage over the other two. Considering his artificial nature, it was quite possible that he had a hollow leg, which was a particularly amusing thought.

And then they began discussing... games as to whom could pick up the greatest number of women? You've got to be kidding me. he thought quietly before allowing himself to spread out over the bar, a slight chill running through the bar, though most people were too drunk to realize it. After this, he simply paid attention to the entire place... it was a particularly distracting experience.

I give new meaning to the phrase 'spreading onesself too thin.'

[Mahou]

It did not take long before she managed to shake herself out of angst. She was supposed to be the strong one, wasn't she? The leader of the Legion, the one who could draw upon the powers of the Necrowombicon?

She remembered the days of the Church. The style and general badass-ness of BG - she remembered that well. That charisma, that strength.

That was the position she was in. She had to at least act the part.

She changed again. It would not do to walk around the manor or go out in a shirt that declared herself to be an NPC. That wouldn't do at all.

There was a line... "I mustn't run away."

She repeated it a few times to herself. Then turned sharply away and out of the room.

There was work to do. Matters to investigate. Strength to lend.

OOC: Apologies for the crappiness. Dao was originally going to write this but due to RL and outright laziness, he didn't and I got to. >.<

Anyway...

Back at the bar with Hikaru, Dao and Shiri. Oh, and Markinson. In that here-but-only-slightly sort of way.
IC:
-------

The EDS lurched across the stage in a drunken stagger, largely going unnoticed except by Hikaru and Shiri who, of course, were watching both worried and amused. For a moment, as he passed by the microphone, they were concerned that he would try stand-up. But, instead, he passed right by and went to the far back corner of the stage and, supporting himself against the wall, reached into a pocket of his trenchcoat. His companions at table watched as he took out some coins and placed them in whatever was there, as Dao’s back was turned towards them and blocked the view of what, exactly, he was doing.

When Dao turned around and walked back to the middle of the stage, gone was his drunken stagger. Replacing it was a confident swagger as he took the microphone into his hands. As the first notes began playing, there came a rather disturbing realization.

Karaoke…

“Give me time
To realize my crime.
Let me love and steal…”

Eyes began turning towards the EDS onstage, singing softly as he cradled the mic.

“I have danced inside your eyes
How can I be real?”

Shiri headdesked as all other noises in the bar ceased, their attention on Dao. Swaying in rhythm, the EDS continued,

“Do you really want to hurt me?
Do you really want to make me cry?
Precious kisses
Words that burn me
Lovers never ask you why”

Sweeping the mic off its stand, Dao began walking across the stage while his voice carried over the entire bar.

“In my heart the fire’s burning
Choose my color
Find a star
Precious people always tell me
That’s a step,
A step too far.

Do you really want to hurt me?
Do you really want to make me cry?
Do you really want to hurt me?
Do you really want to make me cry?”

With the last few lines of the stanza he abruptly dropped to his knees, singing the questions to a young woman who was seated just a few feet away. She swooned and nearly fell from her chair, but a girl sitting just behind her had leant so far forward that the swooning girl simply leaned against her shoulder.

Dao slid effortlessly back to his feet, moving on with many female eyes following his movements.

“Words are few
I have spoken
I could waste a thousand years
Wrapped in sorrow
Words are token
Come inside and catch my tears
You’ve been talking but believe me
If it’s true
You do not know
This boy loves without a reason
I’m prepared to let you go.”

With a confident, bishie grin, Dao looked back over his shoulder at all the girls sitting on the edge of their seats. Without turning, he sang the next few lines…

“If it’s love you want from me
Then take it away.
Everything is not what you see
It’s over today.”

Twirling about-face, he hurled off his trenchcoat. The red cloth had not even touched the ground when Dao dropped to his knees again and, stretching wide his arms, cried,

“Do you really want to hurt me?
Do you really want to make me cry?
Do you really want to hurt me?
Do you really want to make me cry?”

The music’s fading was vastly overpowered by the shrieks of fangirls storming the stage. In an instant the EDS was lost beneath the horde which seemed to pile up on top of itself to get at him. After a few minutes the crowd rescinded to their seats and Dao slipped back into the booth, pulling his trenchcoat back on.

There was silence for a moment before Shiri commented drily,

“I don’t want to know what happened to your shirt.”

Dao just grinned, turning to Hikaru.

“Your turn.”

----

OOC Summary - Dao sings. Hikaru's up. Shiri's going 'What did I do to deserve this?'

Administrative (sort of)
I'm not sure how to put this exactly, but, while this thread is invite-only for RPing, anyone can leave comments and feedback. Actually, we'd kind of like people to; just to give us an idea what people think.

This post has been edited by Canto Anathema on Oct 2 2004, 11:46 PM

OOC: Well I'm tremendously amused by the bish-contest. As a note, since a few people have been asking, the trial takes place in the main thread. Ash at the LDG takes place in this thread. The snippet of trial I put in this thread was only for context.

"Perhaps they do, but my unique skills are rather in demand at the moment," Ash objected. "I don't know whom you serve, but the Dark Will does not permit us to abandon its tasks for petty revenge."

The voice on the other end of the line only chuckled. "Revenge or no, the Dark Will would be limited. It exists due to Miho - would it not, then, either cooperate with her will, or seek to rebel against her and those who follow her?"

Ash considered for a moment what exactly this could mean. Not to the extent of questioning her own faith, of course, but more to try to ascertain just who this caller was, and what she wanted. And who she worked for. Someone would have to be informed that her cover had been blown, and she wanted to know how it had been blown before she reported it.

"The Dark Will knows no limits, nor any bounds. The Rules are its strength, its substance, and its enemy, for in all things the self is the enemy. Only by transcending it can the Will achieve its true potential," Ash recited from her training, waiting for a sign of recognition. She got none. Not a former Instigator then. After a moment she continued, "Miho is just a tool, as are her servants."

The voice at the other end seemed to smile, if a voice could be said to smile. "Then here is a chance to aid the Dark Will. Use the Rules in your favor. Perhaps even your position may rise, after this - if personal scores are settled along the way, it's just one of the benefits. Is it not?"

"I'm interested, but my current mission is rather important. So this had better be pretty big to divert me," Ash volunteered tentatively. The temptation was very great, if the other could be trusted.

"I give you the chance to manipulate and use the servants of Miho, and bring them crashing down. I'd say that's a pretty big thing, is it not?"

"I would certainly enjoy the activity, but our schedule is rather limitted. In particular, I will be unable to harness the support of my faction without a more specific motivation than that. An Instigator isn't worth much without the structures that support her."

Ash had meanwhile taken the cellphone conversation up the courthouse stairs and onto the roof. She surveyed the city going about its daily business. Distantly, she could see a darkening on the horizon where the Church of Miho had once stood. I wonder what our Farseers are making of that. Pity... an Instigator doesn't ask questions of her own.

"And what exactly would satisfy your faction sufficiently?" asked the voice.

Ash's mind roved back to her mission objectives. To her third mission objective- an objective that was on the top three list of every Instigator in Megatokyo right now. "I understand the Legion is in possession of a certain... very important book?" she suggested coyly.

There was a long pause, before at length the person on the other side of the phone responded, "We are not auctioning the Dark Book off to the highest bidder."

"You want it for yourself. I can understand that."

"No! It is corrupt and must be destroyed."

Interesting, Ash thought. The plot thickens.

"I'm corrupt too, you know. Though my faith and body are pure there are some who would destroy me the moment they knew what I was. Would you do that?"

"Your nature does not concern us."

"I see. And the book- supposing if I were to leave it to you, to be destroyed or locked away or whathaveyou. Would it be possible to arrange for me to get a few hours of quality time with it?"

"You seek to acquire its power."

"No. Only understanding."

"No-rage is powah."

Ash waited.

"Very well. Now what can you do for us?"

"That would depend on your plans. Give me an overview of your designs and I'll see where I can be fit in."

They talked for perhaps ten more minutes before Ash hung up, satisfied.

The chance to find Allanon again, and explain, in terms carefully selected over the course of a year and a half in Megatokyo's dark underbelly, just how she felt about the moment he had saved her life. She licked her lips in anticipation. One thing was clear to her-- she would work with the conspirators, whether her superiors approved or not.

Obedience was the prime virtue for those who followed the Dark Will.

Ash did not consider herself terribly virtuous.

-----
Summary:
-Conspirators contact Ash
-She agrees to help them if they'll let her spend some time reading the 'wombicon

Next:
-Flashback City

(OOC: Overt is impressive, but subtlety is far more effective.)

When your enemy attacks, he uses energy. You must control his energy and use it to defeat him. In effect, your enemy's attack defeats him.

While everyone was watching the mass glomp, Hikaru was watching something else. A pale beauty farther in the back. He'd seen her walk in earlier, she'd ordered a single drink and hadn't touched it..

She was almost short, well precisely formed but not voluptuous. Beautiful, and definately not a fangirl. Hikaru didn't want fangirls anyway. Fangirls were easy. She'd moved witht he grace of a dancer and was dressed in black, hip fitting jeans that wen loose at the legs. Black boots, a loose dark shirt and a black loose knit shawl worked in tassle. She was naturally pale, and wore no makeup. What really caught Hikaru's eye was when the tears started rolling down her cheeks during Dao's performance. Now, she was simply sareing at her untouched drink inher hands. she was sitting in a high seated, three person booth.

"Your turn." Said Dao, grinning broadly.

Without a word, Hikaru got up and slowly made his way over to the pale beauty. He appraoched her quietly, she started slightly when he spoke to her. Dao and Shiri couldn't hear him. Even Dao's excellent hearling couldn't pick out the quiet conversation on the other end of the bar over the buzz of conversatin theat filed the place.. For a few moments He simply sat with her. Then he seemd to ask a question. She answered, and soon they were talking. She smiled and laughed a few times.

During the conversation she slowly moved closer to Hikaru. Soon she was leaning on his shoulder. After about fifteen minutes she seemed to realize she had to go somewhere, quickly she produced a slip of paper and a pen, she wrote quickly and handed it to Hikaru. She started to get up to leave, but suddenly turned. She wrapped her arms around Hikaru's kneck and was suddenly kissing him passionately, after a bare moment Hikaru was kissing back as he slipped the peice of paper into his pocket.

She stayed locked with him like that for almost a minute and released him. Both were breathing heavily and she had a definate flush to her pale cheeks. She walked out briskly, a happy smile on her face, without even looking at Dao.

Hikaru walked calmly back to their table.

"<Her brother, with whome she was very close, died in an accident recently. He was a very talented singer and was on his way to an angency for an interview. He was hit by a delivery truck crossing the street. Dao sang so passionately, it brought up some very strong memories.>"

Shiri nodded, "A number, and a very excellent kiss. Very well done."

"<And an address. She was a very fascinateing, intelligent woman. Not a fangirl. Fangirls are too easy.>" Hikaru added, he noticed their waitress approaching with a fairly large plate piled with breaded chiken wings, "<And the food is here. I'd say extra credit for timeing yes?>"

"You could just be makeing that up." Dao argured halfheartedly,

"<Aside from drinking, I also never lie." Hikaru said seriously, "Oh, and by the way, I think someones watching us."

He thanked the waitress pleasantly and started in on the chicken wings heartily. A faint smile on his face.

(OOC: Score one for Hikaru, oh yeah.)

Shiri'd been massaging his temples in pain at the karaoke... if it got any worse, suicide would not be out of the question. In fact, after Hikaru and Dao'd finished, it was looking like a rather attractive proposition. Just then, a small bit of movement caught the man's eye, and he glanced towards the bar.

There, sitting at the bar, was the glowing figure of one John Markinson. He offered the dark monk a strange little smile. A voice next to his ear whispered softly, "I'm watching you, assassin."

Shiri glanced about to see if anyone else saw the man, and it seemed as though everyone was perfectly oblivious to his presence. Even Hikaru seemed none the wiser. Only then did it occur to him... the room seemed darker, and people were... motionless. Still. Silent. Was this a dream, he wondered, before he simply smiled, nodding lightly, whispering, "Yes, you would be, wouldn't you?"

The ghostly chaotician rose, floating through the crowd (quite literally) and coming right up in front of the assassin. "I know of your past... indiscretions, dark one. Know that if you take any action against Mahou... I will not hesitate to give you a less than gentle shove off the mortal coil." And with that, the man faded from view.

Almost simultaneously, Shiri felt a rough shove on his shoulder. Everything was as it should have been - people were laughing, the room was light again. It was as if nothing had happened. Dao leaned over in front of Shiri. "Hey, man, you in there? Go on, 's your turn!"

Shiri blinked. "Huh?"

"To sing, man, to sing! G'wan!" Dao laughed, pushing Shiri up onto the stage. He just sighed softly, picking up the microphone. Why me?

OOC: Thanks to Allanon for helping write this. And apologies for the wet blanket I'm about to throw on the lot of you.

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIOLENCE. UNREALISTIC GORE. Portions of post will only appear in Director's Cut.

Two Years Earlier...

He's gone. They've done the impossible. They've killed the immortal. The flame that warmed my soul. They've killed him.

Allanon knelt quietly for a long time. It may have even been a minute, but it was hard to tell how time was passing in the wake of the banishing spell's power. He was cold, inert. Drained, for the moment.

But he knew better than anyone else that defeating the enemy was only half the battle. Perhaps even less than that. After victory, it was time to tend to the survivors.

If Kimura Aiko could even be said to be a survivor.

Whatever the demon had been doing with her, it must have taken well over an hour. Maybe more, given how slowly these kinds of ceremonies went. And knowing how concerned with appearances these creatures were, it had been set to culminate at midnight. They had only arrived just in time.

The healer knelt before the altar upon which the girl had been bound. His white robe fell around him, and as he leaned forward a single silver amulet slipped forward out of the neck of his robe and caught a glimmer of moonlight peeking in through a hole in the church roof. He stayed there for a while as well-- immobilized in shock when he saw just how badly the girl had been mutilated.

There was no reason Kimura Aiko should have still been alive, but she was. Her skin, once rich and dark, was dim and lifeless as blood failed to flow beneath it, both because it was restricted by a skein of thin ropes that held her against the beams of the decaying wall, and because most of her blood was not in her, but in a sickeningly large puddle at her feet, or smeared in arcane designs along the floor around her, and even traced in tiny symbols across those parts of her skin that had not been marred by the sacreficial knife. Shallow cuts had been laid out all over her skin as well, both straight and curved. They ran over her fingers, up and down her arms, along her face, around her neck, along her chest and torso, making intricate spirals on the small of her back, down her legs, and over her feet. The demon had left nothing untouched. If it weren't for the web of ropes holding her upright, holding her whole body together, holding together the shreds of the black wedding dress she'd been wearing, she wouldn't have had skin at all.

But the worst part was that she was still alive and breathing.

Her body was a work of horror. It was a work of art. My flesh was sculpted by the divine.

Her eyes snapped open and fixed on the healer. He took an involuntary step back, warding himself against evil, but her eyes were the only part of her that could move. She coughed weakly.

Poor thing, so small, she can't be more than 18 or 19 years old. Why must they always defile the young ones?

Allanon spotted a gag on the floor-- still clean so it hadn't been used yet. He didn't want to think about what the demon had intended to culminate this ceremony. What kind of ceremony was it? He'd only seen this sort of ritual descration one time before, and it had been far less thorough then. That had been when he'd stumbled upon a cult trying to establish immortality for their leader by cutting away his mortal flesh and replacing it with something else. And that was what evil was about really- destruction of divine gifts by people seeking to get something they thought was better. Something that couldn't possibly exist.

The girl looked to be attempting either to speak or to struggle, but the combination of the bonds and her wounds were preventing her.

"Hold still," Allanon instructed. "I'm here to help. I'm going to try to heal you. He put his hands a few inches away from her and concentrated. Liquid silver orbs, about an inch in diameter, came out of her palms, seeking out her wounds for healing. They moved slowly, for the girl had been injured in many more ways than were initially visible. He paused for air several times during the healing, before grimly continuing with his work, from most life threatening to least. But even so, by the time he'd closed just half of the cuts he was already exhausted and had to stop. Never in his life had he seen a life mistreated so badly.

Where the silver orbs had touched her, to his surprise the skin had not healed unbroken, nor even left a scar. Instead, wherever the knife had touched the girl the healing power had left a tracery or thin grey lines. Where blood had run into her hair, it had been stained permanently a bright, firey red. She would bear the signs of her trial this night for the rest of her life.

She drew a deep labored breath, pressing against her restraints.

"Bastard," she spat, though she managed to incline her head slightly to the left to avoid spattering Allanon's pure white robes with red.

Allanon bent back to the task of healing her further. "The daemon?" he asked.

"You... what did you do with him. Where is he?" she demanded. The healing was working, and she was gaining strength rapidly now.

"It's been sealed away. It can't come back from... wherever it went. Wherever things go when I do that. Are you feeling stronger? Is there anything you need?" She'll need food after losing so much blood. I need food, Allanon thought.

"Give him back!" Ash demanded. She lurched against her bonds, and then winced.

"What! Why in the name of anything and everything would you want it back!?" Allanon asked. He stood back slowly, the healing lights fading as he did so. She was as close to healed as his power could get her.

Her body began to steam. "Esha'shama'im was not an 'it'. He was my one true love... until my bastard parents sicked you people on him."

Allanon shook his head. Demons, he knew, were deceptive, wily, cruel, but he'd never seen anything to compare with this level of delusion. "I didn't realize true loves tried to kill you. And he can't come back. Even if it were possible, I wouldn't know how."

"He was not killing me. Death is what you just gave me," Ash retorted.

"What do you mean?"

"This flesh is once again mortal. Corrupt. Well, parts of it. Parts will age. They will die. They will shrivel and rot in the ground."

"As many do," Allanon responded, ice to her fire.

Her eyes seemed to flash with anger. The room grew a little warmer. "Better than what you gave him, to suffer for eternity alone."

"You do not know he will suffer. Even I do not know that."

"He is not with me. That is his suffering. And when I die of your stupid mortality, there will be no way to end his suffering."

"Then he must learn to live with that. As many have. As I have." Allanon seemed for a moment to be lost in another world.

"Why? Why must he suffer? Because of the arrogance of people like you! People who do not believe that a mortal girl can rise to love one of the Hosts of Heaven!"
At this outburst, the rope binding her left wrist caught fire. She shrieked and tore her arm away from the painful flames.

I laughed. "You think that was a holy creature? That, my dear girl, was a fallen angel!"

I am not your dear girl, Ash thought, and I never will be. "You do not believe that love can lift up the Fallen? That a mortal can save those who have transgressed the farthest line?"

"It is not my place to say."

"Do you believe what you have done is right?"

"Right is subjective. When I came here, acting on what I had been told, I believed so. Now, I am undecided."

"You destroyed love because you did not understand it." At this the healer winced.

"Do not say I do not understand love! I understand it better than you can possibly comprehend!" Allanon protested. Memories flooded back to him unbidden.

"If you understand love, prove it to me." Kimura pointed with her free hand to the knife the daemon had been using to carve her body, still dirty, discarded on the floor. "Kill me. Perhaps he cannot be saved. Perhaps my only hope of seeing him again is to meet him in Hell."

"There is always hope. And I will not kill, save to protect those I care for."

"killme Killme KILLME KILLME!" Her body was for a moment covered in flames. She ripped free of the bonds, screaming in pain as she did so, and began to lurch towards the sacreficial knife, still lying where it had been dropped on the floor.

Moving quickly, Allanon grabbed the knife and backed away to keep it out of her reach. "Stop! I will not let you kill yourself, either."

She lunged at him, and then collapsed at his feet, crying. "Make the pain go away... please... say something..." She wrapped her arms about his ankles, staining his robes. Her skin was very warm- he could feel it right through the rough white fabric.

Allanon knelt, saying softly "Nothing I say will make the pain lessen. Only time can do that. Come. Let me take you where you can rest."

"Rest... good..." Aiko whispered.

She sat there, curled in a ball, for quite a while. Allanon put the knife in pocketspace, and carefully picked her up. Then he started to for the exit. Aiko's body was remarkably light, even for someone of her small size. She clung haplessly, looking both frightening and totally helpless at the same time.

Three police officers were waiting to do forensics work. The parents are not to be seen, nor are the other rescuers. Allanon bashfully tried to shield the sight of her from them, as her clothing had been effectively destroyed in the ceremony.

"Is she alright?" an officer asked.

"Damn those factionists have good health coverage," another commented.

"She will be. She needs rest and food," Allanon instructed.

"We could take her back to her parents' house," the third police officer offered.

"No! Not there! Anyplace but there!" Aiko protested.

"How about the UFL?" Allanon asked.

"What's a UFL?"

"It's where fanboys go when they get hurt," one policeman answered.

"They'd probably help fangirls too," another added, remembering something about the hospital advertising for male doctors. (Bishonen a requirement!)

"You remember that big war a few months back that had half the city trashed... the UFL treated the survivors," the first policeman explained.

Allanon concurred. "The United Fangirls of Largo. It's a fanperson hospital."

"I suppose that'll have to do..."

"Her name's Kimura Aiko. Her parents' insurance will probably cover her," the most senior policeman told Allanon. He showed him a photograph. The smiling innocent face was barely recognizable.

Aiko glared at Allanon. "Kimura Aiko died when he killed her."

"Do they have a mental ward at the UFL? Looks like she could use some treatment. It's so sad what some of these cults will do. At least she's not one of those Mihoists," one of the officers asked, eliciting a glare from Allanon.

"Alright, you two get inside and start up the forensics. You, sir, can I get your contact information? I'd like to question you about the creature you fought, later," the policeman instructed. His squadmates headed inside while he took Allanon's information.

"My name is Allanon Kisigar. You can contact me at the Church. Just ask for me by name down at the Rave Hall. They'll make sure I'll get the message." The police officer wrote it down and thanked him, and headed inside.

Allanon meanwhile took the girl he'd rescued to the UFL.

At the front desk, a cute Nurse Rei clone took down Aiko's information. "Who should we call to keep updated about her condition?" the nurse asked.

"Who do you want them to call?" Allanon asked.

"Nobody," Aiko answered. Shel frowned. "Allanon, was it? I'll not forget you. Or what you've done." Somehow, it didn't sound like she'd be remembering him to thank him.

Allanon shrugged, and gave them his number. They placed her on a gurney and rushed her to the emergency room for a blood transfusion.

The next day, Allanon had received a call from the hospital. Kimura Aiko had left the hospital that night and disappeared. The following day, he heard that she had burned her parents' house down, and was now on the lam for a double-murder.

The police sounded horrified about the whole case. They hadn't seen something this bad in a long time. And they thanked him for his help saving her before things got any worse. Clearly the girl was some kind of ticking time bomb.



Next:
-A much lighter-hearted post: Bishie overload!