Chapter 50: Ark Anxiety, Scorched Luck
One hour (in Studio Time) later, back at the Studio...
*Inside the Infirmary was Lindsey, still waiting next to the bed that held Triple M. She kept watch over him as Gene ended up making sure to hook up something earlier that day that would keep him going in terms of having nutrients in his body as he recovered.*
Gene: *After entering via the Infirmary door and seeing Lindsey still next to him.* "Lindsey, I think you need to take a break and let me watch over him for a bit."
Lindsey: "...But I-"
Gene: *Interrupting, but not to be mean.* "I know you want to stay by him, but you can't keep going like this. Just come back in a hour or so, okay?"
Lindsey: *sadly looks down; quietly says* "...Alright…" *leaves sadly*
Gene: *Sighs as he makes sure to replace the item hooked up to Triple M, before he sits down and says to him, "... ...If you can hear me, boss...Just keep resting."*
*The Studio Assistant then keep an eye on him as he occasionally checks his watch for the time.*
Lindsey: *begins wandering through the studio, trying to figure out what to do...when she finally encounters someone*
IceBite: "Oh, hey Lindsey… … ...is something wrong?"
Lindsey: "Uhm...no...Everything i-..." *sighs* "Actually, yeah, something's up...Some of the Wastelanders and one of the Connors injured Triple-M with some kind of failed prank…"
IceBite: "...I see… … …Hope things go better for you…" *the two begin to part ways...when…; stops* "Say...Lindsey?"
Lindsey: *stops* "...Yeah?"
IceBite: "What do you know of the Mugen Eyecon Ritual?"
Lindsey: "..." *blinks* "...A bit...you should know about it too, with that Jump being one of the ones you gained from your second Crystal...why do you ask?"
IceBite: *takes a breath* "...I intend to do it...that and the Sin Eyecon ritual…"
Lindsey: *wide eyed* "...Are you NUTS?! Those rituals could KILL you!"
IceBite: "And if more threats come to the Studio, more powerful threats? I need to be prepared, and that means having every trick I can get…" *shakes his head* "It HAS to be done…"
Lindsey: *blinks* "...Then meet me at the Medical Area in a few minutes!" *runs off*
IceBite: *blinks, before heading there…*
*Back at the Infirmary…*
Gene: *Checks on Triple M again, before looking to his watch again.* "... … … …"
*The Studio Assistant moves from the chair, turning on the nearby TV just to have some background noise inside the quiet room.*
*He then gets back on the chair and gets back to keeping an eye on Triple M.*
M3: *Starts moving and then opens his eyes.* "... ...What … … ...happened?"
Gene: *Notices that he was awake.* "...I wish I could tell you, boss. But I have no idea."
M3: *Tries to get up, only to get stopped by pain and Gene.* "... … ...At least… ...I can… open… ...my eyes…"
Gene: *Just says, "You still need to take it easy, boss...Perhaps you'd like to watch some TV?"
M3: *Just nods back.*
Gene: "Then just watch that and tell me if you need anything...I'll be here for a while."
IceBite: *walks in*
Gene: *To Ice, after seeing him.* "Did you come by to see how the boss is doing, Ice?"
IceBite: "Actually, I was directed to come here by Lindsey...I told her some of my plans, and then she told me to head over here...I don't know why, though…"
Gene: "Well, just make sure to keep it quiet if you can. The boss needs to take it easy from here on out with as much rest as he can get."
M3: *Looks over to Ice, only just to wave at him before looking back towards the TV.*
IceBite: *nods, and is about to say something, when…*
Lindsey: *runs in* "Alright, now-" *see's Triple-M awake* "Are you alright?!"
M3: *Gives a weak, "... ...At least… … ...I'm awake... …Still… ...feel… ...terrible… ..."*
Lindsey: "Well, hopefully these will help…" *draws 3 Jump Crystals* "...Because of recent goings on, I not only got your remaining Jump Crystal, but I also made you another one…"
M3: *Notices the 3 crystals.* "... ...You...said… that you… ...made 1 more...But I see… ..you have three… ...instead…"
Lindsey: "Yeah...IceBite mentioned he had some plans, and...I felt it'd be wise if he had a BIT more power before he tried said plans…"
Gene: *Speaking up.* "...But you did tell him about what goes on when you make those, right?"
Lindsey: "Never been a need, and I'm the one who believes it's necessary, so it was my idea anyways…"
IceBite: "Wait, wait, wait...let me see if I have things straight… … ...you called me here to give me a new Jump Crystal, so I can have the power to do those Eyecon Rituals?"
Lindsey: *nods*
Gene: *Hearing that.* "Eyecon Rituals? What… ...are you guys referring to?"
IceBite: "Among the things I got from the Second Jump Crystal include knowledge on a series of rituals that either create or enhance Eyecons…" *pulls out an Ore Eyecon* "...I mentioned I was going to perform said rituals to gain more powerful Eyecons, and...apparently, this is Lindsey's response…"
Gene: *Pauses before saying, "Well...Can either of you just make sure to handle this without causing any commotion? I need to get something for myself and the boss…"*
Lindsey: "My point is, I have Jump Crystals to give, so, that's why I'm here…" *approaches Triple-M* "You ready? Do remember to use one at a time, this time…"
M3: *Tries to reach out...But is unable to do so because of the pain.* "... ...I… ...I'm not… ...ready… ...I'm...sorry… ...Lindsey…"
Lindsey: "It's the pain, I take it?"
M3: *Nods back.*
Lindsey: "Alright...when you're better then…" *turns to IceBite* "Well, I guess I might as well give you your's now…" *passes it to him*
IceBite: *receives the Jump Crystal, which then glows… … ...then begins crackling with energy* "What the-"
Gene: "What's with-"
Lindsey: "What's going on?!"
*Energy begins crackling more...until finally, the glow consumes the room...before it disappears...and IceBite was gone…*
M3: *Disoriented from the glow and energy.* "... ...What… ...happened?"
Gene: *A bit stunned.* "... … ...I think Ice just disappeared…"
Lindsey: "What happened? Alright...let's see…" *concentrates… … ...before her eyes widen* "...No…" *Hand immediately begins glowing and touches Triple-M on the shoulder, using her powers to rapidly heal him…*
*The Studio Head felt all of his pain and disorientation go away as the rest of him, especially his torso, felt like they were never weak or harmed at all.*
M3: *Sounding like he normally does.* "...I feel like a million dollars and then some."
Lindsey: "Good, because if what I think happened DID… … ...then my day REALLY sucks… … …" *Then warps all of them...to the Living room, where a distortion was currently…* "Alright, you guys, into the Temporal Displacement Field!" *enters the field...before dispersing her copy and beginning to switch around the monitor as if searching for something*
Gene: *Utterly confused at what was going on.* "... ...Okay, what is going on?"
M3: *In the same boat as Gene.* "...Same here….What is going on? And why was this field in the Living Room, Lindsey?"
Lindsey: *continues searching, muttering, before, "...Ah hell! THERE HE IS!"
*On the screen, in a wasteland...was IceBite, who looked UTTERLY confused*
M3: "...Why is Ice in the middle in the middle of nowhere?"
Gene: "...I don't think that is just any patch of land...It looks like he is in the middle of some sun dried land…"
Lindsey: "Ark...Scorched Earth… … ...Ark must have been one of the Jumps he got, and something must have caused the Jump Crystal to malfunction and send him there…"
M3: *Still confused.* "Well, can't you get him out of there and back to the Studio?"
Lindsey: "Do you think I would be in such a state if things were THAT simple?! He's now bound by the same condition as the others!"
Gene: "Others?"
Lindsey: "...I sent the idiots who injured Triple-M to the Ark...they have a way to get back: either they die and are revived here, with the last 5 minutes erased from their minds to eliminate trauma...or they find and defeat the Overseer, and they undergo quote-unquote 'Ascension'...They also have all of their regular gear with them, so they have a starting point, and even have basic Jump Perks and Gear..."
M3: *Just stands there, unresponsive from the information overload.*
Gene: *Manages to get enough figured out to ask, "...Okay, but who were the 'others'? You still haven't said who they were name wise…"*
Lindsey: "Cait, Leon, Veronica, Travis and Peregrine Connor. Part of why I sent them to Scorched Earth: 4 out of the 5 are Wastelanders, and Scorched Earth is basically a Wasteland without the Radiation… … ...but with Dinosaurs, Fantasy Creatures, and alien tech instead..."
Gene: *Replies with, "Okay, that just sounds really, really, stupid if you ask me..."*
Lindsey: "Which part?"
Gene: *Deadpan.* "Everything."
*The Studio Head recovered from the information overload, and speaks up.*
M3: *To Gene.* "What did I miss while I was out?"
Gene: *Trying to explain.* "Basically Cait, Veronica, Leon, Travis, and Peregrine Connor are stuck on this 'Scorched Earth' for some prank they did on you...That's the short version."
M3: *Just turns utterly silent, until he says, "And what's the longer version?"
Gene: *Still trying to explain.* "Lindsey sent them there because of whatever they did to injure you and their only ways out is either by death with a memory wipe or defeating some Overseer...And for whatever reason, Ice is also stuck there as well."
M3: "... … … …" *Just moves away from the two in silence.*
Gene: *To Lindsey.* "Is there literally nothing you can do to fix this mess?"
Lindsey: *crosses arms* "...No, I can't… … ...and if I'm being perfectly honest, I wouldn't want to if I could!"
Gene: *A bit dumbfounded at what he heard.* "... ...So even if could you stop this...You don't want to?"
Lindsey: *tears start to fall* "No, I don't...because this day has been nothing but SHIT! When I got up, Triple-M decided to sleep in, then I went to go get something to eat, only to get a facefull of Aria's burnt pancakes, THEN when Triple-M and I decided to try to play the game we've been working on to help me feel better, two of the Connors already took the system over, THEN when we went to try something ELSE, THOSE ASSHOLES injured him! I HAVE HAD IT! Those assholes officially put this day in the running for the worst day of my life, AND I WAS SENT TO A UNIVERSE WHERE NAZIS TOOK OVER THE WORLD IN MY JUMPCHAIN!" *crying*
Gene: *Just looked at her… ...With nothing coming to mind at all for him to say. Instead he just stood there speechless… *
*Thankfully, Triple M did overhear them talking, which he made sure to head back to them when he heard Lindsey crying.*
M3: *Taking in everything he heard.* "...Lindsey… ...I… ...hate saying this right now… ...But you have to pull yourself together… ...and listen to what I have to say…"
Lindsey: *tries to calm down...only manages to do so enough to hear him*
M3: *Sighs before having to take a deep breath.* "... ...First of all… ...This whole punishment thing for the Wastelanders and the Connor is beyond the scale of what they deserve for what they did. You did some things right by making sure that the whole thing doesn't get worse after its done, but the whole thing still feels wrong in my gut. Secondly… ...If this is one of your worst days ever… … ...I say it could be much worse than this…"
M3: *Continues with, "... ...I may not know the bounds and experiences of what you have done, Lindsey… ...But to say that this is a terrible day is fine. Its saying that it's the worst day you ever had so far is just coming from the way you feel now. Third… ...I know I shouldn't be saying this… … ...But you need to learn how to roll with the punches and everything that goes on… …"*
M3: *Concludes with, "... ...And… ...Despite the words I said that were hurtful… ...I… I still love you… ...I promised I would do everything I can to make you not worry about me...But you're making me worry about you now… ...And I want to do anything and everything to stop it… ...Lindsey."*
Lindsey: "...I normally can 'roll with the punches'...but I turned off most of my emotion control perks when I came here, to allow some of my abilities to take a break…It pretty much puts my emotion control back to how it was when my Chain began… … ...which wasn't much..."
M3: *Just says as his response, "... ...Then maybe that's something you need to work on… ...I know… ...you are just here on a vacation and you have these perks and whatnot that can make it moot… ...But at the core...The girl I know as Lindsey needs help… ...And I want to… ...help her… ...I want to… help you, Lindsey."*
*He then pulls her away from the screen, giving her the most comforting hug he can muster...as he finally cracks and begins tearing up as he continues hugging her.*
Lindsey: *Hugs back, still crying*
M3: *Still hugging, while actually crying now.* "... I… ...really… love… you...Lindsey. You… ...are… ...what… ...my… heart… ...points… to."
Lindsey: *also still hugging and crying* "...I-I...love you t-too...That's probably...w-what made this d-day so horrible t-to me...w-with y-you getting h-hurt…
*The two lovers continue holding on to each other as they cry, making the only other person there actually shed tears as well from hearing how they loved each other.*
Meanwhile, back in the Ark World…
*The sun rose as the adrift sleepers in the makeshift base awoke, and the ones standing guard take a deep breath of relief.*
Peregrine Connor: *To Cait.* "We can take it a bit easier now…"
Cait: *Still on guard, just in case.* "You can...I'm making sure nothing gets to us."
*The other three Wastelands quickly get ready as they make sure to have their weapons on standby as Peregrine Connor says something.*
Peregrine Connor: "So now that we spent at least one night here, what should we do?"
Travis: *On the spot.* "Probably stay here till we build a better and more secure base for ourselves and then explore to find a better location to make a base in."
Veronica: *Adds on.* "Of course, we need to figure what these gems can do for us, so that would be another priority."
Leon *Joins in.* "And we need to find a source of water, since I don't see any around here…"
Peregrine Connor: *Jots that all down in his mind.* "Okay...Is there anything else?"
Cait: *To the others as she readies her shotgun.* "Yeah...I saw at least three people heading towards us...And I don't think they are coming by as a welcoming party."
*The group gets ready and then follow Cait to the side of the base she was looking out from.*
*Right away, they notice the people heading towards them were riding on some creatures and armed with metal swords.*
Travis: *Calls out to them.* "What do you want?"
Creature Rider: *Simple...Just hand over everything you got and we'll let you live...For however long that'll be."
Travis: *Finding some similarity with this idiot.* "How about this? You just go on your way and we'll do the same? No one loses anything…"
Creature Rider: *Laughs like what he heard was a joke.* "Nice one...You must be a comedian. Now hand over your stuff before send our Raptors after you…"
Travis: *Swaps out his Lever-Action Rifle for his Laser Musket.* "How about I cut to the chase...You take a step further and everything and everyone in your group is going to straight to the ground where you belong."
*The Raptor Bandits then charged, along with their little group of Raptor following them...As the one who spoke got his head shot by a laser, taking him out as he collapsed to the ground not moving.*
*A hail of gunfire, plasma, and lasers broke out as the remaining Raptor Bandits and Raptors kept moving towards the group. The unridden Raptors fell to the ground, either as a puddle of goop, pile of red ashes, or ridden with lead.*
*The two Raptor Bandits managed to make it to their base, but not before their rides ended up getting taken care of, leaving them to attack on foot.*
*The first one to attack tried to slash down Leon, but was meet with a Power Fist to the face that made him miss. It was then followed up by a uppercut that sent him flying back as his eyes closed from the immense pain he felt when he landed back on the ground.*
*The second one tried to strike Leon, but got bashed in the gut with the butt of Cait's shotgun and then got bashed by the same part in the head as a follow up. Once he fell down, Cait took her foot and slammed it down hard on his gut, before doing it again and again.*
*The unridden Raptors kept attacking, but got picked off as Leon and Travis blasted them with their energy weapons.*
*The remaining Bandit was lifted up by Leon and Travis, noting that he was still able to move around despite the damage he took.*
Travis: *To the Bandit.* "...Now do me a solid favor...Take your stupid mind elsewhere and don't think of bothering us again, you got it?"
Bandit: *Just nods back in fear.*
Travis: "Good...Now stand still.."
*The Bandit gets sucker punched in the back of the head, knocking him out cold.*
Leon: *Already removing stuff from the man's outfit.* "I could use a hand here…"
*Everyone else helped out as they removed anything valuable from him, before carrying him off a ways from the base before taking everything else on him before throwing him to the ground and leaving him there.*
*As they moved back to the base, Cait ended up saying something.*
Cait: "Well...At least if we got Bandits out here among us...We can pick them off for their supplies if they decide to attack us."
Travis: *In response.* "Seems there are just people that believe in the Raider lifestyle of all take and no give back…"
Veronica: "At least these guys weren't the Fiends…"
Leon: "At least they weren't Talon Company...I hate those idiots…"
Peregrine Connor: "How about we get back to what we need to do first? We still need to clean the base of those Raptor bodies…"
*The Wastelanders note that as they sigh as the work needed to be done…*
*The base was cleaned out of the Raptor Bodies after Leon noticed something when he struck one of them with a stone hatchet found amongst the Bandits' equipment. For some reason, the body he struck it on multiple times had all of its meat and hide cleaned off just like that.*
*The problem he has was figuring out where it went, which Peregrine Connor helped him figured out by using the gem on his arm as they figured out to make it work. It apparently went to a inventory that they can see via a hologram out in front of them.*
*From there, they kept tinkering with the gem, finding more functions they could be doing and then relayed that to the others. Soon after that, the remaining Raptor bodies were struck with the stone equipment from the bandits and got picked clean of hide and meat after repeatedly striking them.*
*The Bandits got buried into the ground, as their stuff beyond the stone equipment was split amongst the group. After that, Leon and Cait went back to hunting as Veronica and Travis were assisted by Peregrine Connor as they tried to build up the base.*
*Shortly after getting into the work, the trio discovered something called 'Engrams' among the setup with their gems. Apparently, they had reached 'Level 7' and were able to create a lot of things after buying them.*
*After they bought everything they could, they found that they had a hologram list of what they needed for each to create something based on the current Engram they had up. They tested it out with the materials they already had to create a 'Spear' and just when Travis was going to build one by hand, the gem on his arm activated and created the spear for him.*
*Following that, Veronica and Travis went off together to gather more supplies as Peregrine Connor stayed behind to keep an eye on the stuff they left behind.*
*What felt like a decent bit time passes as the four Wastelanders returned and the knowledge of what was learned was passed around. Apparently while Cait and Leon were out hunting, they found something with their gems where they could level up 'Stats'.*
*The rest of the group found that out as they worked with the gem, but came to a conclusion that they shouldn't mess with it until they were sure about what 'Stats' should be improved first over the other choices.*
*With that, they began cooking up all the raw meat, as they kept their eyes peeled just in case…*
Meanwhile, back at the Studio…
*After the emotional scene between Triple M and Lindsey ended, Gene was told to leave by Lindsey since this matter wasn't involved with him. The Studio Assistant wanted to express his concerns, but held his tongue as he left the Field.*
M3: *Once Gene was gone.* "So...should I get going as well since there's not much I can do?"
Lindsey: "...I wouldn't mind if you stayed here and helped me keep an eye on things… … ...what? You didn't think I'd leave them high and dry, did you? I was gonna stick around to make sure things didn't get out of hand. It's a punishment, not a suicide mission…"
M3: *In response.* "Okay, but what do I need to know if I need to keep an eye on them?"
Lindsey: "Mostly keep an eye out for the major things, like a Giganotosaurus or Titanosaur; if the former, we need to help there steer clear. If the latter, it's likely they already see it, and we need to stress that they shouldn't get near it...Basically, stuff that would most certainly wipe them out. If it's POSSIBLE they can take it on, then we leave them be…"
M3: *Nods, but makes sure to say, "You'll have to show me what those first two creatures you mentioned...But I understand what I should be doing."*
Lindsey: *nods and then goes into a more in-depth briefing for Triple-M, mostly on what the group is likely to encounter, both in the normal Scorched Earth, and in Lindsey's specially-added Oasis…*
*As that went on, someone else entered the Field, mostly confused as they saw Triple M and Lindsey.*
Alma: "Alright...what's going on here?"
M3: *To Lindsey.* "Why don't you explain it to her while I get some time in keeping an eye on them? Or should I talk to her instead and you keep an eye on them?"
Lindsey: *sighs...before explaining it to Alma*
Alma: *freezes upon hearing about IceBite's 'accident'...* "... … ...Send me there…"
Lindsey: "I beg your pardon?"
Alma: "Send me there...NOW!"
M3: "But you'll be stuck there just like him if Lindsey sends you there, Alma…"
Alma: "You should know by now I don't care! While I can't speak for how he is now, IceBite once said he had no natural survival skills...while this may be before the Jump Crystal thing, I still don't want to leave him there alone!"
M3: *Saying something in response.* "Except he's not exactly alone out there…"
Alma: "Is there anyone with him, as in within the same several meters as him, at this moment?"
M3: *Retorts, "As far as I know...No…"*
Alma: "Then send me over!"
Lindsey: "... … .." *sighs* "Alright… … ...I'll send you over...but I'm also equipping you for the Ark…"
M3: *Quickly adds, "And just be aware you'll be sent to a world full of dinosaurs and a lot of other things like wyverns and whatnot...But I take it that also doesn't mean much to you, Alma?"*
Alma: *deadpan* "I'm from a world where Dragons, Demons, and…" *gulps* "P-Possessed P-P-Pianos…" *shakes her head rapidly* "...Are real…"
M3: *Retorts, but not in a mean tone.* "At least you'll know what you're getting into...Even if it's a moot point to you, Alma…"
Alma: *nods*
Lindsey: *sighs, before producing a ball of energy in her hand* "Alright...prepare yourself…" *sends the ball of energy toward Alma...before it consumes her and she disappears; then turns back to the monitor...as Alma appears near IceBite's current position* "... … ...We should probably tell the others that those two are also there, shouldn't we?"
M3: "Yeah...Probably be best, just so they know there aren't just enemies out there…"
*The two then look to the monitor as it shifts to the group of five.*
Some time later, back in the Ark World...
*Just as they were chewing down on cooked Raptor meat, the group ends up hearing something…*
Lindsey: *telepathically; sounds like she just calmed down from having a good cry* "Guys! We have a situation!"
Peregrine Connor: *After he gets done eating.* "What's going on, Lindsey?"
Lindsey: "Not to long ago, our time, I readied to give Jump Crystals to Triple-M and IceBite...Triple-M was too injured to accept his, so I gave IceBite his… … ...His, erm...malfunctioned…"
Leon: "And I take it whatever happened isn't good?"
Travis: *Jumps in with, "Is he at least safe at the moment?"*
Lindsey: "Yes, fortunately, despite the malfunction, his Jump Crystal worked, and he has quite the collection of stuff from the Ark under his command...however, according to Alma, before the Jump Crystals, he had no survival skills, so we can't rely on any he may have gotten from the Jump Crystals...I already sent Alma to help him, at her demands...but I felt it wise to warn you he was there...I might suggest trying to find him...For both your benefit of being in a more defensible position, while he'd be able to rely on your survival expertise… … …"
Veronica: *Noting in what she said.* "I take it however, you won't tell where he is...Am I correct?"
Lindsey: "I'll say when he gets into any major danger...all I'll tell you now is that he's somewhere to the west… … ...And pulling some stupid stunts, that, if they work out, could pretty much secure his position in the Ark..."
Cait: "Then I hope for his sake they don't backfire on him...And he looks for us if he knows we are here..."
Lindsey: "Alright...good luck out there!"
*The group gets back to eating, but make sure to add another priority to their list. And after their meal was done, they got back to work on building up the base.*
Meanwhile, elsewhere, in the western mountains...
IceBite: "-pid Jump Crystal stupidly malfunctioning and stupidly sending me here…" *sighs before turning to look at what he had* "At least the damned thing WORKED and sent you all here to be with me…"
*Chorus of growls, roars, and chirps*
IceBite: "Alright…" *mounts one of his new 'companions'* "Let's go look around!"
Lightning Wyvern: *Roars, before taking off, the caravan of other creatures following*
*IceBite's group consisted of a wide variety of animals, including a card that said 'I.O.U' and listed the creatures that would have died for sure if sent to this place, with or without IceBite's intervention (of course, a Megalodon would do poorly in the desert, regardless)...*
*Eventually…*
IceBite: "...Woah…" *looks down into a massive canyon with blackened rock and lava at the bottom* "Where is THIS?" *looks around...and sees* "Those are...eggs…" *carefully climbed down towards the egg; checks through his Implant* "...A Poison Wyvern Egg… … ...Hmmm…" *Looks around, sees nothing...and takes the Egg*
*Roars suddenly echo through the Chasm*
IceBite: "Oh crap!" *whistles as best as he can, which calls his Wyvern down; mounts the Wyvern* "Let's GO!"
Lightning Wyvern: *Roars and lifts off*
IceBite: *while dodging Wyvern, he flew toward some of the other nests, stealing additional eggs. Then, once he got enough, he left the chasm, with the caravan waiting at the top, then fleeing into the mountains once more...*
*Eventually, he gets some distance from the chasm*
IceBite: *pants* "Did I lose them?" *looks...to see 5 Wyverns flying for him* "NOPE! NOPE! I DIDN'T LOSE THEM!"
*The Wyverns close with the group, as IceBite scrambles for his new Sniper Rifle… … ...before a figure burst from the trees, and buried...a large, very familiar battle axe into one Poison Wyvern's skull…Said axe was followed by Triceratops, Raptor, Direwolf, and Carnotaurus*
Alma: "Good...I managed to catch up…"
IceBite: "Alma?! But...how-"
Alma: "I pretty much demanded that Lindsey send me after you…"
M3: *Sounding like he is there.* "I hate to interrupt this moment for you two...But you got Wyverns to deal with first!"
IceBite: "Triple-M? What the-"
Alma: "Daniel, he's right: we need to deal with these Wyverns first… … ...what'd you do to piss them off?"
IceBite: "...I may have...stolen some eggs from them-"
Alma: "STOLEN WYVERN EGGS?! Are you NUTS?! No wonder they're pissed off!"
IceBite: "I didn't do it without reason, so let's worry about taking them out first!"
Alma: *huffs* "The things I do for love…" *draws her own newly-encountered Sniper Rifle, before opening fire*
*The Wyverns began charging the duo, who began firing on them; as they got close, however, Alma unleashed a flurry of Frost Throwing Knives, which the Wyverns, who were used to extreme heat, were weak towards; a few of the Wyverns fell because of that. One last Wyvern managed to reach them, but Alma swung her axe...only moderately damaging it; this one had a fiery aura*
Alma: "Ok...what the hell?!"
IceBite: "Concentrate fire...it's an ALPHA!" *opening fire, while ordering his own Wyvern to fire*
Alma: *nods, then unleashes spell after spell*
*Eventually, the Alpha Wyvern succumbed to the fire, falling*
IceBite: *looks around at the dead Wyverns* "...Thanks for the help, Alma…" *walks over to the deceased Wyverns, and began collecting stuff, which he stored in the Spinosaurus's saddle packs*
Alma: "No problem...now… … …" *glares at IceBite*
IceBite: *turns to Alma...only to gulp at her glare*
Alma: "What reason do you have for doing something so RECKLESS as stealing Wyvern eggs?!"
IceBite: *gulps again* "W-Well...y-y-you see-"
Meanwhile, back with the Wastelanders and Connor…
*The base was still being built, but was much more like a building with the thatch walls and other parts being placed around carefully.*
*And as the two builders of the group were working, Cait and Leon went back to being on the guard, keeping an eye out for any creatures or bandits looking to attack them.*
Cait: *Looking down the scope of Travis' Lever-Action Rifle.* "...Rock… ...Rock… ...Ground… ...Dumb looking creature… ...Dumber looking creature…"
Leon: *From his position, looking down the scope of Peregrine Connor's Sniper Rifle.* "...Rock… ...Rock… ...Creature… … … Rock Creature… … ...Creature…-" *Moves back a bit.* "...Is that seriously a Creature made of rock?"
Lindsey: *telepathically* "That's a Rock Elemental. NASTY piece of work...They won't move unless you get too close to it, so keep your distance, and it won't bother you, because if you DO...you'll probably use up ALL of your high explosives taking the thing down…"
Leon: *Putting down the scope and notes the distance before saying back, "...Except it's nowhere near close to us and the only one with explosives is Peregrine Connor. So why are you telling me about it?"*
Lindsey: "Best to know it now...that's one of those threats...you guys aren't ready for…"
Leon: "Well, thank you for that….I guess."
Lindsey: "No problem...Just be sure you have heavy weapons when you decide to take one on...aim for the head and you can tame one!"
Leon: *Quips, "I already have a one of those as a friend. Granted...Wait, does that Regirock actually have a gender?"*
Lindsey: "Nope!"
Leon: "... ...Well, I didn't know that… ...So thanks for that as well...I guess…"
*Things go back to quiet as Leon gets back to searching via the scope seeing that the Rock Elemental was fighting some Bandits off in the distance and winning.*
*Aside from that, not much else was going on…*
Meanwhile, back with IceBite and Alma...
*The duo were sitting, watching a large cluster of Campfires the two set up. In the middle were 5 Wyvern eggs: 2 Poison, 2 Fire, 1 Lightning.*
Alma: "And you're SURE this is how you incubate Wyvern Eggs?"
IceBite: "That's what I remember from Youtube, and they were sitting in a chasm with lava at the bottom. I'm sure…"
M3: *Chips in with, "I just asked Lindsey...She said the method you are using will work."*
IceBite: *looks at his Implant* "Hmmm...about 15 more minutes, if the Implant is right on their progress…"
Alma: *looks at the underside of her own arm, at her own Implant*
M3: *Talking again.* "You guys doing alright out there?"
IceBite: *nods* "Yeah, doing fine… … …"
M3: *Tries to say something before getting distracted by something.* "It's good to hear that...Now if only we… ….Oh, are you sure about that? It's...been that long?"
*He goes silent shortly after that, leaving the duo by themselves.*
Alma: "...So...why again did you go to the trouble of aggroing the Wyverns by stealing their eggs?"
IceBite: "You can only tame Wyverns here by taking eggs and hatching them...I'm hoping to get a fair number of Wyverns, so we can handle any threat that comes after us…"
Alma: *nods* "Alright...I see…"
IceBite: *nods*
M3: *Talks again.* "Sorry about leaving you guys like that...Or if you overheard what I was saying to Lindsey."
IceBite: "We didn't…"
M3: *Trying to be more professional for some reason.* "Besides that...I heard from Lindsey there may be a village or town near you two."
IceBite: *blinks* "Really?... … ...Alright, I think we'll investigate when I get these Wyverns hatched…"
*Suddenly, movement appeared in the Incubation Pit*
IceBite: "Oh, speaking of which…"
*Soon, the eggs hatched, revealing two brown/red/black wyverns, two green/grey wyverns, and a blue/purple/black wyvern…*
IceBite: *smiles* "There they are...and the Implants says we have a male and female of each...with my current Wyvern being the male for the Lightning Wyverns…" *kneels down, before pulling some Wyvern Milk out of the nearby Preserving Bin, kept cool with some of Alma's magic; begins feeding the Wyverns*
Alma: *kneels down next to him* "So...what are you calling them?"
IceBite: *looks back at the Wyverns* "Hmmm...I think I'm gonna call the Poison Wyverns...hmmm…" *looks through the knowledge one of the Jumps from the Jump Crystal gave him* "...Hmmm...Naaskulaas for the female...and Durnehviir for the male…" *looks at the Lightning Wyvern* "...Hmmm...for the Lightning female...hmmm...maybe...Qolaasstrun...For the Fire ones…" *turns to them* "...Hmmm...Vulyolthur for the female, Paarthurnax for the Male…"
M3: *Speaking up.* "...Don't you have another wyvern there with you, aside from these ones?"
IceBite: *smiles and turns towards it* "...I have a name in mind, and I KNOW I MIGHT be tempting fate with it…but I'll call him..." *smile turns into a smirk* "...Alduin…"
Meanwhile, back with the Wastelanders and the Connor…
*The Wastelanders were at work still, now just gathering resources and food again as Peregrine Connor stuck to the base.*
*Yet, while he was suppose to be keeping an eye out, he just was looking around via the lens of his camera as he occasionally takes photos of what he sees.*
Peregrine Connor: *Looking around before he spots that Rock Elemental Leon saw earlier and zooms in to take a photo.* "That's one for the collection…"
*He then digs around his bag and pulls out his photo collection and searches out for an open spot to use for later.*
*After finding it, he leaves a bookmark for that page and goes back to looking around via his camera.*
Peregrine Connor: *After not finding anything worthwhile to take a photo of, he talks to himself saying, * "... ...Still wish I wasn't here right now… ...I'd rather be back with my friends at the Studio…"
Lindsey: *telepathically* "Well then, why'd you join them then?"
Peregrine Connor: *Not expecting to hear from Lindsey.* "... ...If you mean the people I'm with now, I joined them because they needed someone with a camera to record the prank. And I only signed on after they promised me that the end result of it was not going to be anything too bad."
Lindsey: "And we ALL saw how THAT worked out…Did you even see ANY issues with the set up?"
Peregrine Connor: *Being completely honest.* "No, I was literally brought in the last minute just before the prank was to go off. It also didn't help that I wasn't able to see the whole set because I was told to hide out of sight."
Lindsey: *sighs irritably* "Well, next time you're asked to film for a prank, think twice, in case you end up caught in the crossfire…"
Peregrine Connor: *In a mixed tone of regret and disappointment.* "...Yeah, I know… … … ...It's just that it would have a good moment to capture, just to see some lighthearted mischief to reflect on…"
Lindsey: "Doesn't look so light-hearted NOW, does it?"
Peregrine Connor: "You don't need to keep telling me, Lindsey...I know. And I know it's not going to change anything, but I'm sorry for being a part of that prank. Now, if you don't mind...I'd like to get back to dealing with this punishment…"
Lindsey: "... … …"
*Things quiet down as Lindsey remains silent, just as the others in the group return back to the base.*
Meanwhile, back with IceBite and Alma...
*It'd been over 4 days since IceBite's and Alma's arrival, and IceBite's daring raid on the World Scar, and now IceBite's Wyverns were grown, and on their way to the village Triple-M indicated was nearby. IceBite was riding Alduin, while Alma was riding Durnehviir…*
IceBite: "So...what do you suggest we do, when we get there? You're the survival expert here…"
Alma: *thinks for the moment* "We COULD sell out our services to the village. That'd give us a place to stay while we locate the required components to access the Tek Cave..as well as find the Tek Cave…"
IceBite: *nods* "True...alright, so we have a plan, and we have the resources, let's just get there and-"
*Their Wyverns turn a corner...as they find a small village...besieged by a band of raiders.*
IceBite: "Ah, HELL! We have to stop those Raiders!"
Alma: *nods* "Right!"
*Music Track: "It's Our Fight" by Steve Jablonsky; Start at 1:17*
*Both Riders set their Wyverns into a dive, the others following them, and they began striking at the Raiders. This shocked both the Raiders and the Village Defenders...*
*...They were both even more shocked when IceBite's and Alma's ground creatures caught up and began wreaking havoc, especially IceBite's T-Rex and Ankylosaurus.*
*The battle continued for a time, as IceBite led his Wyverns on a charge, while Alma dismounted from Durnehviir and joined the battle on the ground.*
*Meanwhile, the defenders watched their reinforcements in awe, with the Wyverns strafing the Raiders, and Alma leading the ground animals in their own strikes.*
*Soon, the Raiders, all but wiped out, attempted to retreat...but there were so few left, that it took only a few more strafing runs to finish them off. Soon, the Wyverns were landed at the main gates of the village, where IceBite and Alma met with the villagers*
*End Track at 2:17*
*The leader of the village approached...and began to say something…*
Meanwhile, in the Studio…
M3: *Baffled.* "Well… ...That's going to be something he'll brag on and on about…"
Lindsey: "What's going on?"
M3: *To Lindsey.* "The village he saved just crowned him as their king...And I just heard them calling him the 'Dragon King'..."
Lindsey: "...And that's all of them?"
M3: *Retorts,"... ...I'm not sure...I heard a lot of voices calling him that, but I also saw some people in the crowd with a uncertain look on their faces compared to others."*
Lindsey: "Probably some people from the modern day...must mean that whatever village it is, it had an ancient or a tribal in charge, I'm guessing…"
M3: "Does mean they may have problems with those modern people?"
Lindsey: "Depends on how IceBite plans to lead them: I'm sure that if he leads fairly, the naysayers will let it slide…"
Back with IceBite and Alma...
*The duo began moving their gear and equipment into the village; things like their Preserving Bins and IceBite's Tek Equipment were going to definitely up the quality of life for the people here. Already, their groups were preparing an expansion for the village, as messengers were sent out to the village's allies, speaking of their new 'Dragon King', a warrior who commands Dragons (Wyverns, technically, but only the Moderns, and those from the medieval ages) really bothered to differentiate between the two), and offering sanctuary in their expanding village.*
*Meanwhile, IceBite and Alma took their Jump-Acquired setups and put them to use: IceBite began aiding in taming additional creatures to aid in the defense of the town (and gaining a CRAPTON of Implant Levels through it), while Alma began gathering Militia and hunter parties for the newly-growing town; while builders and such also learned from the two, converting civilian structures from thatch to stone, and military ones from wood to metal.*
*Soon, more villagers began arriving, having packed up and began moving. Many were awed when they saw Alduin perched proudly over the town's new Main Gate. Over the next few days, as more and more builders, hunters, tamers, etc. began to arrive.*
*In 3 days time, the village had expanded into a three quarters of a square kilometer in size, and they had introduced Steampunk gear into the city's technology, IceBite idly amused at how much it matched the Steampunk Mod for the game of Ark in his world. They even were beginning construction of a full-sized Airship, to serve as the 'flagship' for not only the town's defense, but also finally to begin hunting down bandits.*
Meanwhile, back with the Wastelanders and the Connor…
*A week passed by for them, as they kept working towards improving their base with whatever they could.*
*They had jumped from 'Level 7' to 'Level 30', allowing them to get more Engrams to buy and use. Some of the things they bought was the Engrams used to create stone structures to act as defense and those with wood structures to replace the thatch.*
*Besides those things, the group started finding metals they could use to replace the stone tools they been relying more and more on with gathering resources.*
*There was also more weapons they were finding among the Engrams, but they didn't get them right away due to the superior weapons they already have from their own equipment or the ones they had inside the gem's inventory.*
*Of course, with their improvements and achievements so far...They were also getting attacked by Bandits more and more often. The group did their best to make sure none of the Bandits were able to flee from the fights they had, but some did slip away.*
*Yet despite the increasing attacks, they remained in relative safety if the occasional hostile creature weren't taken into account.*
*Inside the base was Peregrine Connor, checking his latest photo collection additions on occasion as he was cooking up a batch of Raptor meat.*
Peregrine Connor: *Notices Cait with a serious look on her face.* "Bandits attacking again?"
Cait: *In a somewhat neutral tone.* "Yeah...Except they brought more this time…"
Peregrine Connor: "How much?"
Cait: "Trust me, you'll see...And get ready to defend at any moment."
*The Irish Wastelander gets moving as does Peregrine Connor as they meet up with the others.*
Peregrine Connor: *Looks beyond their base...only to see a massive group of Bandits riding Raptors heading towards them.* "...How many are there?"
Leon: *Looking down the scope on the rifle he has in his hands.* "...If I counted right...At least 20 on Raptors."
Travis: *Looking to the others.* "If we can't take out enough of them, we may need to make a run for it."
Cait: In response.* "I don't think we need to run. All we have to do is pick them off now and be on the defensive."
Leon: *Fires off a round, nailing a Bandit in the head.* "Already on it…"
*The others quickly break out their weapons and move stuff around as they also begin firing upon the Bandits. Some of the Bandits fall, but their Raptors keep on going without them and Bandits that lost their Raptors broke off into another direction to attack from.*
*Time went on as more bullets, lasers, and plasma were fired from the group in a rapid pace until they had bullets sent back from the few Bandits that had guns on them.*
Travis: *Getting in cover as bullets speed on by.* "Aim for the ones with guns!"
*The group returned a volley of fire, taking out a few of the gun wielding Bandits as the leader of the Bandits decides to step it up.*
Leon: *Taking cover as he reloads his Plasma Rifle, before he gets back up...only to barely dodge out of the way from a blast of plasma sent his way.* "Bad news, one of them has a energy weapon somehow!"
Peregrine Connor: *Keeps firing his Pistol as he quickly sees the Bandit Leader on some high tech saddle equipped Raptor.* "I think I know which one it is...Its the guy with the advanced looking armor!"
*He takes cover just in time as a plasma blast takes out a nearby bit of the structure he was on.*
*The Bandits begin destroying the defenses, as those with ranged weapons kept laying fire upon the group. The group in returned backed off as they made sure to thin the number of Bandits as they moved.*
*The group took out three Bandits and their Raptors as they reach their escape area of the base and made sure they could take whatever they could at the moment with them.*
*The Bandits broke down the defenses, leaving the group with little time to mount onto the four Raptors they had tamed (which was very difficult given how many Raptors they went through due to neither of them being good tamers).*
*The group then took off from their base as Bandits started overrunning it, tearing and smashing anything in their way into bits, looking for the group.*
Peregrine Connor: *Awkwardly riding with Veronica.* "So where do we go from here?"
Travis: *Thinking on the fly.* "We need to head west and hope those Bandits follow us till we can find a position to trap them in."
*The others note that as the group gets spotted by the Bandits swarming in the base, leaving them to head westward.*
*What they didn't notice was that the Bandit Leader sent one of his underlings to relay to the other force to begin advancing after he made one necessary change when he heard the group was fleeing to the west *
*As the group of survivors continued west, the Bandit Leader and his underlings gave chase once they were sure their base was annihilated.*
Peregrine Connor: *Looking behind him as he holds onto Veronica.* "... ...Guys...I think they brought more than just Raptors…"
*The others kept moving as they made sure to see what Peregrine Connor was talking about…*
*And they saw it right away…*
*The Bandits had brought out a entire dozen of Carnotauruses riders...And leading them was the Bandit Leader on that high tech saddle, still sporting that advanced armor, riding a Yutyrannus.*
*The group kept pushing their Raptors to go fast, as they kept track of the terrain, looking for a place to perform a ambush for the Bandits…*
Lindsey: *telepathically* "Well...this could prove potentially problematic…"
Cait: *In response.* "You know, this would be a good time to help us out!"
Lindsey: "... … ...Meh, for reasons that're a surprise, I don't think I will…you won't need it... ... …"
*Hearing that, they all become silent and focus on fleeing and looking out for a place to have an advantage.*
*Time passed, as the group kept on the move, reaching a canyon they didn't get the chance to explore while out of their base in their resource runs.*
Travis: *Taking a gamble.* "... ...If we get through this canyon quickly enough, we may be able to set up a area where we can pick them off at the other side…"
Veronica: *Quickly heading in as she says, "Better get on it then...They are catching up!"*
*The others get back on the move, as they enter the canyon with the Bandits still on their tails…*
*The chase kept going on, but soon ended when…*
Cait: *Looking ahead, seeing it was a dead end.* "Oh, just what we need. A dead end in this stupid hunk of land!"
*The group kept moving towards it and hoped off their Raptors to establish a quick line with the terrain around them.*
Travis: *Quickly tells everyone.* "This is it...Pick off any Bandit you can…"
*The group then got out their weapons and waited for the Bandits. At the first sign, they snipe off four Bandits and one Carnotaurus. But they quickly made their advance, bringing the group to fall back further.*
*Despite having their numbers steadily fall, the Bandits never let up in their advancement, prompting Peregrine Connor to start tossing grenades. They didn't do much because of the terrain sending them further they were suppose to go.*
Bandit Leader: *Approaching the group, weapons ready to fire.* "You lot have been a bone in my side for too long. I've lost enough men and conquered fleshes of meat…"
Travis: *Speaking back.* "Actually, I think you could stand to lose more…"
Bandit Leader: *Pauses.* "... ...Just for that, I'll make sure your bones are crushed to dust…Everyone! Attack!"
*Music Track: "Rise of the Phoenix 3" by Johannes Bornlöf; Start at 2:38*
*The Raiders and their mounts closed on the Survivors… … ...when suddenly, a Lightning Wyvern's Lightning Breath shot down, creating a kind of 'line in the sand' between the two parties...looking up they saw…*
IceBite: "Hey, assholes! Try picking on someone your own power level!"
*The group sees IceBite, in some kind of high tech armor (similar to the Bandit Leader, in fact), armed with some kind of pistol, and riding...a Wyvern...a Lightning Wyvern specifically, perched above them. Flanking him was a Toxic Wyvern and a Fire Wyvern.*
Cait: *To the Bandit/Raider Leader.* "Seems like your luck ran out, you moron."
*The Bandit Leader grew frustrated and aimed his mounted weapon towards the Wyverns and began opening fire.*
IceBite's Wyverns: *leapt up and entered the air*
*A roar pierces the air...as three more Wyverns, a Lightning, Poison, and Fire Wyvern, flew in from the other direction*
IceBite: "Alduin, sick 'em!"
Alduin: *roars, before going into a dive, firing Lightning Breath, followed by the other Wyverns*
*The Bandits and their mounts scatter, but not in time as the Lighting Breath zaps a large chunk of them, followed by getting roasted or poisoned after that from the other Wyverns.*
Bandit Leader: *Dodges the breath attacks, but not his Yutyrannus.* "No, this not the end! I'm going to take everything! It belongs to me!"
*The Bandit Leader just begins tossing grenades and fires off every ranged weapon he could to damage those Wyverns as he gets joined by the remaining Bandits with ranged weapons.*
*Said Wyverns, however, evaded, until, eventually, Alduin landed, and IceBite dismounted, drawing… … ..a massive greatsword glowing red*
IceBite: "Time to end this, Raider…" *Drew back, and then swung the sword, unleashing a ribbon of red energy, which shot for the Bandit Leader…*
*The energy collided with the Leader, sending him flying across the ground before he landed on his back in a lot of pain. Peregrine Connor took the opportunity to get the jump on him, remove his helmet and then pistol whip him in the head before quickly removing the rest of the armor.*
*End Track*
Peregrine Connor: *To the other Wastelanders, as the remaining Bandits were being taken care of.* "Who wants to get the last hit?"
*The Wastelanders all wanted the last hit, so they quickly came to an agreement and each of them placed a gun in their hands before firing at the same time at the unarmored Leader. It was safe to say he was long gone after that…*
After the battle ended...
*The group took a breather from the energy they used in the fight before they look to IceBite, still in the advance armor as the Wyverns regrouped.*
Cait: *First to speak amongst the group.* "Figures that out of all us here...You'd be the one to have this stuff, Ice."
IceBite: *shrugs*
Leon: *Noting the Wyverns.* "And did you seriously have to bring 6 Wyverns with you?"
IceBite: "I always bring all 6 when on patrol…"
Leon: *Now noting the armor.* "...And where did you find that set of armor? It doesn't look like it belongs to whatever this place is at all…"
IceBite: "Tek Armor...it came with me through the Ark Jump Stuff I got…"
Leon: *Moving on.* "... ...Well, at least you helped us out from that situation we were in...So thank you for that."
IceBite: "No problem…"
Peregrine Connor: *Comparing the armor he took with Ice's armor.* "... ...Pardon, you said you got 'Tek Armor', Ice?"
IceBite: "Yeah...why?"
Peregrine Connor: "Because I believe the Leader of those Bandits has his own suit of Tek Armor...Or he used to before I took it."
*He then shows the pieces of armor he took from the Leader.*
Peregrine Connor: *To Ice, as a follow up.* "Also, can you figure out how damaged this armor is, Ice?"
IceBite: *takes the armor and analyzes it with his Implant* "Hmmm...seems in pretty good condition...for something maintained by a group of Raiders…"
Peregrine Connor: "So just to ask, how good is Tek Armor?"
IceBite: "Some of the best armor available on the Arks, and DEFINITELY better than any modern day stuff…"
Peregrine Connor: "Then in that case, can I have the armor back?"
IceBite: *nods and returns the armor*
*As Peregrine Connor begins equipping the armor, one of the Wastelanders starts talking.*
Veronica: *To Travis.* "We should probably be getting back to our base...Or what's left of it…"
Travis: *In response.* "May as well since it gives a chance to salvage whatever resources we left there."
Cait: *Bringing up a problem with that plan.* "...Except there's no way for us to get there...Our method of transport got taken out…"
IceBite: *shrugs* "I could probably give you a lift…"
Cait: *Looks at the Wyverns, before looking back to Ice.* "In that case, I'd say we take it. And Trav, you should help him figure out which way to go…"
*Travis quickly gave the direction they should be heading before the group ends up picking apart every Bandit of their equipment and getting a ride via the Wyverns.*
Some time later, leaving from the destroyed base...
*Music Track: "Legendary Walk 5" by Johannes Bornlöf*
Cait: *Calling out to Travis while she was riding on a Wyvern.* "You know, I'd rather be riding on a Vertibird than one of these things anyday…"
Travis: *In response.* "Except there's no way any of those exist out here, Cait."
Leon: *Holding onto whatever he could as the group kept flying.* "At least you two seem to be riding on a Wyvern that doesn't dislike you for some reason. This one just seems to not like me as much for whatever reason."
Veronica: *Joining in, except she talks to Ice.* "Hey Ice, how did you manage to get these Wyverns with you?"
IceBite: *pats Alduin on the snout* "Alduin here was among the creatures I got from the Jump Stuff...As for Qolaastrun, the female Lightning Wyvern, the Poison Wyverns Durnehviir (the male) and Naaskulaas (the female), and the Fire Wyverns Paarthurnax (the male) and Vulyolthur (the female)...I...kinda crept into the World Scar and stole a mess of Wyvern Eggs, two of each type specifically…"
Cait: *Recalling from memory.* "Oh, so that explains what Lindsey meant by you doing something incredibly stupid when she informed us that you arrived here…"
IceBite: *sighs* "Please don't chew me out over it: Alma already read me the Riot Act for that one…"
Cait: *Sounding different then she would have been.* "Relax, I was just saying what I heard her say. Besides, it payed off, didn't it?"
IceBite: *nods* "Yeah...it also showed me I do know how to hatch and raise up Wyverns as well..." *points to the Wyverns he hatched* "Those guys are only a week old, and they're already fully grown…"
Veronica: "Fully grown in one week? That's rather quick…"
Leon: *Hearing that.* "Maybe that explains why this one doesn't like me…"
*Their conversation dies off as they approach the Village, allowing the Wastelanders to see what it looked like once they could fully see it.*
*Time: 1:36*
Leon: *In response from what he saw.* "What am I looking at?"
Veronica: *Rather impressed.*"I'm pretty sure this beats the time I found a old pipe factory in terms of how many I've seen at once…"
Travis: *Curious.* "Whatever this is...I'm rather impressed."
Cait: *Being the odd one out.* "... ...Am I the only who thinks this stuff is rather basic compared to the stuff in the Pre-War days?"
IceBite: "Try comparing it to what's available here, and not what you've seen in your world…We worked hard to expand THIS far..."
Leon: *After getting a better look and hearing what the others said.* "So what exactly are we looking at, Ice? Is there a name for this whole design thing with the machines?"
IceBite: "The technology? In my world, it's called 'Steampunk'..."
Leon: *Not exactly seeing it.* "...That's the name for the technology?" *Looks again, seeing all of the steam machines.* "...Actually, on second thought, that name makes some sense…"
Veronica: "So, is there a name to go with this 'Steampunk' town, Ice?"
IceBite: *smirks* "...Midlight…"
Veronica: *Retorts, "Is that a play on words for 'Midnight'?"*
IceBite: *shakes head* "Nah, just based off of a location's name from a video game in my world…"
Veronica: *Recalls something she heard Leon said.* "...Speaking of names, didn't you say there was a 'Republic of Dave' out in the Capital, Leon?"
Leon: *Responds with, "Yeah, there was...But its in charge of someone else based on what I remember…"*
IceBite: "We're about to land, everyone, hang on!"
*The Wyverns descend, causing everyone to hand on as Ice said. But just before they reach the ground, the Wyvern Leon was riding on knocks him off and makes him land on the ground on his back. Thankfully it was a rather small fall to the ground…*
Leon: *Just laying there, looking at the sky in a tranquil demeanor.* "Somebody please remind me to not take whatever that Wyvern is called again…"
IceBite: *shrugs* "I dunno what's going on...Paarthurnax is usually the most well-behaved of the 6...ironic considering since he's a Fire Wyvern, you'd expect him to be more hot-headed…"
*The others dropped off to the ground just fine and Cait helps Leon up on his feet, as he gives a mean look at Paarthurnax.*
Paarthurnax: *Almost looks like he's smirking*
Leon: *Does the 'I got my eyes on you' gesture with his hand.*
*The Capital Wastelander then focuses back on the group, as Ice makes sure to get everyone's attention.*
*Before he says anything, another familiar individual arrives*
Alma: *deadpans* "Lookie lookie, the Prankster Brigade shows up…"
Cait: *In response.* "And the gal that will never leave Ice's side is here as well…Just as expected…"
IceBite: "Alright, everyone, let's just calm down… … ...We need to begin planning…"
Cait: *Taking what he said seriously.* "Then lead the way, Ice. Cause I want to get out of this world as soon as possible..."
IceBite: *begins leading the group, soon reaching a complex made entirely out of Steampunk Technology, guarded by a pair of individuals armed with Assault Rifles, armored with Steampunk-based Armor*
Guards: *nod to IceBite* "Milord."
Cait: *To Ice, as they enter the complex.* "These blokes are calling you like that on purpose? What did you even do for them besides getting all of this technology scattered around?"
IceBite: *sighs* "Because of the fact I not only saved their village, but did so leading a bunch of Wyverns, the inhabitants of the village that were from Tribes, Ancient Societies, or Medieval Civilizations named me their 'Dragon King'..."
Cait: *Showing a bit of her old self.* "What kind of a name is 'Dragon King'? You'd think they could come up with a better name than that if they came from the things you mentioned..."
IceBite: "Like I said, it had to do with the Wyverns and the fact I control so many…"
Cait: *Follows up with, "And let me guess, those Jump Crystal things helped you out in that regard?"*
IceBite: "In which one?"
Cait: "...I don't know… ...Taming? Or whatever Lindsey called it when it makes these creatures like you or something…"
IceBite: "Well, Alduin, like I said, I got from the Jump...The other 5 just imprinted on me when I hatched them…"
Cait: *Giving up on her questions.* "... ...Ah forget it. It's hard enough figuring out this whole 'JumpStep' thing is anyway and whatever it relates to what we're currently doing…"
Lindsey: *telepathically* "It's JumpCHAIN...and you and the other pranksters are there as punishment...IceBite just ended up there by accident, and Alma's there because she demanded to be sent when IceBite was accidently sent…"
Cait: *Remembering her group's ways to get out.* "Then if all of us are here in one way or another, how are Ice and Alma suppose to get out of here?"
Lindsey: "Same as you: defeating the Overseer…"
Veronica: *Jumping in.* "Then what's stopping us from working with Ice and Alma, Lindsey?"
Lindsey: "... … ...To be perfectly honest...nothing…If anything, consider helping IceBite escape part of your punishment..."
Leon: *Jumping in as well.* "Then what's stopping us from finding this Overseer, defeating it, and getting out of here?"
Lindsey: "The fact that you need to unlock the Tek Cave, and to do that, you need to defeat the boss creatures of the world and obtain their relics…"
Leon: *To Ice.* "And I take it you're working on coming up with plans to defeat these bosses and collect those relics?"
IceBite: "To the best of my abilities...I still need to locate the caves with the artifacts needed to summon said bosses…"
Leon: "Of course, in order to do that...You'll need help, especially in survival skills if I recall that you're not that well experienced in said regard…"
IceBite: "Yeah...I will be needing help...it's a good thing you guys are here then...My main concern has been fortifying this town, so I have a home base to which I can return to…"
Veronica: "But just because you have a base to return to doesn't make it easier when your forced to rough it out in the wilderness…" *Pauses.* "So Ice, if you help us out, we'll do the same for you. That sound like a plan?"
IceBite: *nods* "Alright…"
*The two groups then spend the rest of the day preparing the village's defenses and the first boss creature they should focus on. And while that went on, the two onlookers back at the Studio started talking about the boss creatures in general.*
End Chapter 50.
