RP #1 - AngelicAura. Posted on 7-13-06

Later on in the day, Aaron and Deadin had returned to the training grounds to meet up with Kratos, while Merrick and Ellyria returned to Lloyd's house for more practice, while Yuan had to fly off to run some errands. Of course, Aaron's practice with Terra for the day was finished on Deadin's account, which annoyed Aaron, since they were finally making great progress. Now, he was bored out of his mind.

Aaron watched Kratos and Deadin training Terra. They seemed to know their stuff. Aaron decided that the three didn't need a spectator, and that Aaron would give the War General an update, and maybe make a deal with him to spare Terra from testing. He walked to the HQ and spent three minutes getting through all the security again. Then, Aaron approached a receptionist, requesting to have a meeting with the War General. The receptionist called the War General and told Aaron that he was welcome to enter immediatly. Aaron humbly obliged, wanting to get it over with as soon as possible.

"How is everything going with training, Aaron?" the War General asked.

"Oh, that was exactly what I was coming to speak to you about. It's going very well." Aaron replied.

"That's not the only thing you wanted to speak to me about, is it?" the War General said.

"Erm...no," Aaron said, "I also wanted to try and make a bargain with you to keep Terra out of harm's way. She's just a teenager. She has a whole life ahead of her, and if you're wrong about this whole assumption, she could die!"

"Look, Sage, if we're right, then that puts us in great shape in this war. You see, we just obtained an army of aliens for ourselves. It seems that the creature we found was not dead. The Mayor relunctantly had earlier gone to see an Elf Elder about creatures called Archangels. We found that they control certain types of aliens. If you kill the Archangel, you get the commision of that Archangel. So, we were pleased when we saw it wasn't dead, just unconscious. We killed it, and we now have an army of aliens that can shoot spikes out of their bodies. We have entitled them Berserkers. We plan to take on Palmacosta with them, as well as anybody that stands in our way." the War General explained.

"That's just reckless, Sir." Aaron said.

"It's self-defense, Sage! Palmacosta apparantly had an Archangel lodged in their empire, and they too obtained an army of aliens to use against us. We had to have some way to protect ourselves, or we'd be completely doomed. As another plus, Palmacosta is pushing their borders even further!"

"So you're fighting fire with fire..."

"Even more so. We're planning on taking over everything from here to New Ozette!"

"What?"

"Well, like you said, fighting fire with fire. They can't defeat us if we're exactly the same as them, can they?"

"Sir, you're being very reckless and foolish. I refuse to let this happen!"

"What are you going to do about it? I can easily have you killed if you resist somehow.

"Who's to say I can't kill you? You're putting innocent people in danger, and including other nations in your personal war with Palmacosta!"

"You didn't answer my question."

"I...I...I'll make my own army! Somehow, I'll do it. I cannot allow you to do what you intend upon doing."

"You'll never get out of this room alive. All I have to do is push this button, and an entire guard will come rushing in here to kill you." the War General said, motioning to a red button titled Alert.

"You'll never get the chance!" Aaron said, whipping out his sabers.

"Ah ah ah. Don't make the wrong decision. Just be a good boy, and obey." the War General replied, running his finger over the Alert button.

"Never!" Aaron said.

Aaron held his swords at arms length, and smashed them together. The resulting explosion through dust into the air and made an enormous hole in the wall behind Aaron. The drop below was at least four stories. Aaron heard an alarm going off. The War General apparantly hadn't flinched, and pushed the Alert button. Aaron's only escape was through this hole. He jumped before the dust cleared out.

"UPDRAFT!" Aaron said, pointing a saber at the ground.

A current of wind rising up slowed Aaron's decent so that he landed on the ground softly and safely. Aaron took off to the training spot. He ran up to Deadin, Kratos, and Terra. He told them exactly what the War General had said to him just a few minutes ago.

"You mean all this training is so I can be experimented on?"Terra shouted.

"No, my training was so you could resist if Iselia came after you. I just pretended that it was their orders so nobody got hurt. These two had nothing to do with Iselia. Now, we need to get you out of here, Terra. Deadin, Kratos... I would like to ask you to help me. We need to get an army. We're going to take out Iselia. They cannot be allowed to do what they plan." Aaron explained.

"I go if Terra goes." Deadin stated.

"Where do you plan to make a base?" Kratos asked.

"Well, there's Exire. It's abandoned now, since half-elves can freely live on the land. It would be perfect. Nobody could get us up in the sky, and we can land easy aeriel attacks. If we get a hold of Yuan and Raiden, we can get Rheiards for everyone." Aaron told.

"Sounds like a good plan. We have to round up people. Terra go to Lloyd's house. Deadin, protect Terra. Iselia's army will probably be looking for her, because Aaron is trying to take her away from them. I'll find Yuan and Raiden. Aaron, you'll have to go into hiding, since the entire Iselian army is after you. Everybody meet in the outskirts of Iselia, heading towards Triet, in an hour with anybody you can find to fight." Kratos said.

"Alright!" they all said at once.

Aaron took off to a favorite place to go if he just wanted to escape Iselia for awhile, near the sea. It was his special little place. He hid there for awhile.

When an hour had passed, everybody gathered at the meeting spot Kratos had designated. There was good amount of people. The size of a small army. They all had gathered supplies and provisions for their exodus from Iselia. Kratos flew in right in front of Aaron, and Yuan landed next, carrying Raiden. He was carrying a large sack.

"I have the Rheiards right here. Everybody, grab a Wing Pack and the Rheiard will come out. Two to every Rheiard. Yuan has pinpointed Exire's current location. Just follow Kratos and Yuan and we'll be safely in Exire." Raiden explained.

Then, Deadin ran up to Aaron. "We got the whole Mizuho army stationed here to join us. Oh, and Lloyd, Merrick, Ellyria, and everybody from Lloyd's house joined as well. I even sought out Anna, Purrti, and Vanim's scents and brought them along with us." he said.

Aaron scanned the crowd. Sure enough, he saw the Panthers' ears poking out. Aaron quickly turned around, and brought his Rheiard out. Soon, the entire army was taking off into the air. Within another fifteen, they were frozen, but Exire was within their sights, off in the horizon.

"Just a little longer!" Yuan shouted. Everybody was too cold to respond.

RP #2 - Newtype06. Posted on 7-14-06

Deadin accompanied Kratos on their Rheiard up to Exire. It was a grand old village, small, simple buildings linked by moss-laden walkways. It floated higher than any mountain, higher than any bird. Deadin looked below, spotting the New Ozzete region beneath him. The group alighted on Exire, and began slowly moving their personal belongings to the buildings there.

"It's so quiet…" Terra whispered, marveling in the complete silence. Only the occasional wind would answer her.

The group congregated to the largest platform, eager to figure out what to do next.

"First off," Lloyd started, standing up to face the crowd, "lets do a head count and try to see who we have here."

Slowly, each person stood, stated their name, and sat down. Deadin saw some familiar faces. The swordsman he bumped into in Iselia, named Merrick Lynch, was among the group that was at Lloyd's house. There was another Purrdi with Anna, and, to Deadin's surprise, a full blooded Ocean Elf. Upon seeing her, Deadin realized his own reluctance at saying his full name.

Draugdu is not a common Elvish surname. In fact, directly translated it means "Night Wolf". Even though the aptly named Vanim was an Ocean Elf, she would be well familiar with the almost universal elvish language. Deadin realized it was his turn to stand, and quickly did so.

"Deadin. Deadin Draugdu…" he said, not looking at Vanim, and quickly sat back down.

The rest of the group rattled off their names, from Ellyria Highwind all the way down to Kyoshi Deishu.

"Right," Lloyd said. "What does that leave us at?" He looked around at Kratos, who sat with his arms folded. He shrugged microscopically. "I thought you were counting…"

"Uh, right…" Lloyd said. "Well…math was never my strong point…"

"And what was?"

"Sh…shut up, dad." Lloyd whispered.

Aaron Sage raised his hand, and stood amongst the crowd.

"Well, Iselia has gone down a path we can't follow. They are going to destroy everything to get their hands on more powerful weapons. I just wish we knew more about these…Tarivians and Archangels."

A hand arose in the crowd. Everyone turned, Deadin stood up.

"Master Irving, Master Sage, I have fought in a few wars over my existence and I must tell you: If we are to win against both Iselia and Palmacosta, we will need more men and more powerful weapons."

"He's right," Kratos said, standing up. He held the attention of everyone in the crowd. "We will need more information about the whereabouts of these powerful "Archangels" Aaron speaks of…."

The old swordmaster continued his speech, "We will need to send people out to see what we can find. We will need to go to Meltokio, Mizuho, contact the Renegades, and see if we can get backing from the Lezareno Corporation."

Kratos began picking members of the group to head to the certain areas.

"Merrick and Ellyria, go to Altamira and find Regal Bryant. Tell him Lloyd needs his help, and to find us at Exire."

He scanned the crowd again.

"Kyoshi and Aaron, head towards New Mizuho. We will need the assistance of the famed Mizuho Intelligence Network. I'm sure Sheena will help us."

He looked again.

"Anna, Purrti, and Vanim should find Zelos Wilder and get him to take them into Meltokio. We will need the assistance of the King of Meltokio in this one."

Kratos turned to Yuan. "Yuan, see what you and your people can dig up. Take some people with you. Whoever you need."

"Fine," Yuan said, walking away into the crowd, pulling several people aside.

The crowd began to disperse, but Deadin found himself staying near Kratos. The Kharlan Hero had easily shown his prowess not only in single combat, but in the maneuvering and placement of an army. At least, an army in the making…

"That was impressive, Kratos," Deadin said, stepping up slowly to his old friend. "You seem to fit the role of General nicely."

"Humph…" Kratos grunted. He obviously didn't like the distinction.

"Like it or not, you are the only one here really qualified this. 'I've fought in a few wars'? Mine have been only border squabbles as a hired sword. This war will be something entirely different. A new Kharlan War, perhaps…"

Kratos shuddered. Actually shuddered. He hoped it wouldn't come down to that.

"These kids need someone to look up to. I can take some of it, but not all of it. They need a real leader, Kratos, and you're it."

"Fine," Kratos said. "But don't think you are getting off that easily. If I'm general of this so-called army, then you are my Captain."

Deadin grinned a wolfish smile. "Fine by me, sir."

Deadin received the Title: Primus Pilus. The First of the File, you are the first on the field and the last off. Only the lives of your men matter to you!

The two swordsmen laughed, and went their separate ways. Alone, Deadin tried to figure out what to do with his free time. He had not been selected for an intelligence mission. The Elf decided to see how his new troops were acclimating to their new homes. Along the way, he saw two men sparring with their swords. A remarkable thought hit Deadin.

A few minutes later, a soldier was passing by a building when a particular notice caught his eye. It was stuck to one of the buildings. It read:

"Sword Training Sessions, Free of Charge. Head to the Northern Rheiard landing pad for details. See Deadin Draugdu."

RP #3 - Kevin1292. Posted on 7-19-06

"Well, I guess we're partners. The name's Kyoshi Deishu."

"I'm Aaron Sage. So we have to go to New Mizuho and get Sheena. Shouldn't be too hard."

Aaron and Kyoshi walked over to the Rheiards and got on. "Now, I've never flown one of these so you may need to help me with this." Kyoshi said scanning the different parts of the Rheiard.

"You don't know how to fly a Rheiard?"

"No. I've never even ridden one."

"I guess I have to or we can't do our mission." Aaron spent a few minutes going over the controls. He didn't say anything else and took off toward New Mizuho. Kyoshi followed soon after.

"This is easy. I've already got the hang of it." Aaron said nothing. He kept going without a word, until they landed in New Mizuho.

RP #4 - Genis Sage. Posted on 7-19-06

Merrick had seen these rheiards fly overhead from the ground before, and now that he'd actually flown one, he felt complete. Now, having the freedom of actually using one on his own, he felt overjoyed... 'Though,' he thought to himself, 'It may be more fun to ride on the same one as Ellyria since we're going there together...

"Let's get going!" He called out to her, gesturing to his rheiard. She took a completely seperate one all together. Merrick winced. Obviously, he wasn't a quitter, and he wasn't even sure if she was his type, but he was determined to see of they could sit on the same rheiard without killing each other. He wasn't a quitter, even when he knew a lost cause at first glance.

Exire was currently over Meltokio, meaning there was a bit of distance between there and Altamira. As soon as Exire was out of sight, he called to her, "My rheiard's broken! Look, it won't move!"

"Why is it still hovering?" she asked. Merrick paused. He hadn't thought of that. "I don't know, but lucky me it's still hovering. Hey, think I can get on yours?" he asked, as he pulled out the Wing Pack, "I'll just put it back in here and repair it later."

"Um, I think it probably still works." she told him, and lightly tapped the rheiard. This made Merrick accidentally put the Rheiard back in the wing pack while he was still on it!

"I should probably learn to give up whie I'm ahead... and alive." Merrick sighed as he fell to what should have been his death. Behind him, he could hear her rheiard chasing after him, but there was no time. He knew he had no choice. Holding his sword before him, with it's untold powers of randomness, he unleashed the mana charge and hoped for the best...

He felt a THUNK! as he screamed a raspy caw. He had turned himself into a crow and been crashed into. Ellyria screamed, and caught him out of the air. "Is that you?" she asked the bird.

"Caw!" he answered, feeling quite lame for not being able to answer. He then decided to nod in response instead.

"Was that your sword?"

"Caw, caw!" he replied, as he nodded once more.

"Are you hurt? One caw for yes, 2 for no, and 3 for just a little."

"Caw, caw, caw!" 'Okay, this is getting lame!' Merrick thought to himself, 'This woman is holding me and all I can do is caw... hmm, I should try this!' He hopped up onto her shoulder and bit her ear in the same way a really affectionate human might. With her "Ow!" he basically got swatted off.

Now at about 10 feet above ground level due to his fall, he turned back to a human... another thunk, and blackness as he passed out. He could vaguely hear Ellyria say "his rheiard does work after all..." at this, Merrick knew that it was better that he stay down... for now. Their mission could wait for a minute. He needed the nap anyways.

RP #5 - AngelicAura. Posted on 7-19-06

Aaron sighed. Didn't this guy remember? Aaron and Kyoshi had been friends before. It only lasted awhile, then Kyoshi simply disappeared from Aaron. Now Aaron remembered him, but apparantly Kyoshi did not. Aaron felt the waves of memories flowing over him...or was it just the wind from the Rheaird.

"Great, now I'm delusional and using metaphors," Aaron thought.

Pushing back the thought of their friendship, Aaron pushed forward to New Mizuho. Aaron knew there was something else he would need to do in New Mizuho. When the two reached New Mizuho, Aaron took off to Sheena's hut, Kyoshi following behind. He knocked at the entrance.

"Who is it?" Sheena asked.

"Aaron Sage!" Aaron responded.

Sheena appeared at the entrance.

"Come right in, Aaron! Oh, who's your friend?" she asked.

"This is Kyoshi. He's helping me. We kind of need a little favor of you..." he said.

Aaron explained the whole situation of Iselia's decision and the new army to fight against the opposing militaries. Sheena appeared intrigued.

"I'll see what I can do. By the way, you should go and see Genis...he misses you," she told, turning away.

Aaron turned to Kyoshi. "Go get some supplies. It can only help. Also, if you wouldn't mind, go to New Ozette and warn them of what's coming to them. Meet me here tomorrow morning and we will return to base."

Kyoshi nodded in respect, then looked bewildered. Aaron shook his head.

"It's to the West from here," he told.

"Heh...thanks," Kyoshi replied, walking off.

Aaron walked over to where the Sages had made a nice little second home. It was quite obvious, for they had adorned it with a sign in the front yard with their names on it. But, that wasn't the only thing that gave it away. It was also decorated with many magical symbols and drawings, something the two had recently discovered to be to their fancy. Aaron knocked at the door.

"Who is it?" Genis shouted from inside.

Ignoring the deja-vue feeling he got, he replied the same way as before, with his name. Genis popped open the door and tackled Aaron with a hug.

"Hey, little bro! Come in!" Genis said, walking him inside the door.

Presea worked quietly in the kitchen.

"Hey, Presea!" Aaron said.

Presea jolted, dropping many pots and pans which made a loud crashing noise. Aaron and Genis winced at the sound. Presea turned around a blushed, quickly picking everything up and dashing out of the room.

"I'm sure you know that we're going to married. We were going to have it sooner, but...we wanted to wait for you! I couldn't get married and not have my little brother around to see it!" Genis told.

"Oh...you didn't have to wait for me..." Aaron said.

"I felt I had to. Anyway, I heard about what's going on in Iselia. I just wanted to make sure you were safe."

"Well, I have to ask you. Would you and Raine gather up the old crew that's here for supper? I have something I need to ask everyone. Oh, and speaking of Raine...where in the world is she?"

"Oh, she's doing some research outside of the village. You know Raine," he said, "Anyway, I'll go get them for supper. Why don't you stay here and rest up, though. You look fatigued."

"Sure thing, Genis. I could use a little nap."

Genis ran out the front door. Aaron walked over to the couch and layed down It was quite comfortable, and had a warm sensation to it. It didn't take Aaron long to succumb to sleepiness.

RP #6 - Newtype06. Posted on 7-20-06

"Execute 1…2…3…crossover, 1…2…3… and finish!" Deadin said. His medley of recruits tried in vain to copy the three strikes Deadin had shown them, a few of whom actually walked away from the training. Nonetheless, Deadin was patient. He still had twenty stundents, including his first disciple, Terra.

"Lets try again," Deadin said, this time taking a place among the ranks. "Slowly, now. Find the current of your strike. Flow with it, not against it…" Deadin stepped in a few rows down Terra, between the one called Imyn and the one named Eno. Deadin readied his sword, clasping it in both hands and holding it just over his right knee. His legs were spaced evenly apart, with his right leg leading.

"Execute 1…" Deadin swept his left leg forward, mirroring his previous stance. Swinging the blade parallel to the ground, Deadin and his trainees cut a horizontal strike across the air.

"…2…" The move was repeated, this time swinging the right foot forward. Once again, a horizantal strike.

"…3…" This time, Deadin and the trainees tucked their sword hilts into their chests, skirted forward slightly, and then stabbed quickly towards their imaginary opponent's face.

"Crossover 1!" Deadin shouted. His left leg came over the right one, at the same time his blade coiled towards his left shoulder. Lashing out, Deadin completed the strike as his left foot came down.

"…2!..." Another step forward, another attack.

"…3!..." Again, an upward stab.

"…And finish!" All the trainees stabbed swiftly into the ground beneath them.

"Much better!" Deadin said, looking at his students proudly. "Now do it again!"

RP #7 - Genis Sage. Posted on 7-21-06

"Any anestesiologist will tell you that there's ten stages of consciousness between unconsciousness and death." A doctor, Dragonfly

Merrick was adrift idly in one of those stages. He didn't even know it was possible to drift idly. All around, things came in and out of focus, stretching first widthwise, then lengthwise... just thinking about the depth sickened him in his dizziness, and he has no desire to check if things were paper thin or overly thick. He was in a dream forest, yet it sure wasn't a forest of daydreams. All around, signs of life... hostile life. Claw marks in the trees and large tracks in the soil... he knew for sure it wasn't a nice monster, whatever it was, once he saw what he thought was a sword sticking out of the foiliage.

-

Meanwhile, Ellyria had put her rheiard away and was keeping an eye on his unconscious body. After all, he was vulnerable, and if she left him there, well, she didn't want to be responsible for an animal finishing him off or something. She noticed that his sword was within arm's reach of him... and he was slowly reaching out for it. "Um, that's not good..." She moved in to take it away but too late, he clasped his hand around it...

-

The Merrick in the dream, his consciousness, was unarmed, just noticing that his sword was gone seconds before. Cursing that he didn't take the sword from the bushes he passed what felt like hours ago in this distorted world, he kept moving, eager to leave this place.

His walk became a jog, his jog became a run, his run a sprint and his sprint a headlong dash into a tree. "Ow..." He pulled himself up. "At times like this I always sing to cheer myself up." he said to no one in particular, before starting up a song. "I am just a man who knows how to sing, but after hitting my head can I remember anything? I can count up to ten and tie up my shoes, so I guess that's enough to drink up some booze!" After realizing that there was no bar nearby, he shrugged and kept walking.

-

Ellyria had seen the sword's powers of untold... uncontrollable randomness (for lack of a better way of phrasing it) before, and was now terrified that something might happen. She didn't want to cut herself on the sword, yet Merrick had the only non-sharp part. She briefly considered just leaving him there, but she decided otherwise. With the luck she'd seen this guy have, his sword would turn him into a juicy steak right as some wolves appeared. She immediately went back to semi-panicing.

-

From out of a shadow arose another shadow. "What were those two doing?" Merrick demanded. From out of that shadow emerged a giant ted thing with big teeth. "Oh crap, I just had to irritate the thing... smart move on my part. I really should learn to quit while I'm ahead... and alive." Merrick got into his unarmed combat stance, which makes most people laugh so hard he can win because their guards are dropped. His knees bent and feet duck footed, as well as handing his wrists turned to that his right hand's fingers faced it, not his knuckles. "Okay Ugly, bring it on!"

-

Ellyria noticed somthing. Merrick's arm had started twitching. "Sword hand twitching... not good... Sorry, I'm going to have to..." She lifted her foot, ready to crush his hand if need be.

-

"YEARGH!" Merrick shouted as he lunged and let loose with his strongest punch...

-

STOMP!

-

Out of nowhere, Merrick's hand collided with a wall that mysteriously appeared and dissapeared just as fast. "Shhh... AH!" he gasped as he clutched his hand, and toppled over sideways from the pain. The red beast was moving in closer, and Merrick was sure he was a goner...

Another blurr, which hurt his eyes since everything else was so blurry. This blur was a red blur, a fiery streak followed it, and he saw that he wasn't alone. In fact, it looked to him like he was being rescued. This figure wasn't blurry, and he recognized it -her- quickly.

"Terra?" he asked in bewilderment, "When did you get so good?" he asked her. She simply smiled and reached out her hand to help him up. "Thanks, I thought I was a goner back there!"

"No way, it cheated! I saw the wall, and that made no sense!" Terra told him, almost laughing. "If it was a fair fight you'd have won easy! Don't feel bad, Merrick!"

He paused. 'Did I ever even give her my name, or did she pick it up when that man was giving the instructions?' Merrick simply shrugged. "Besides, I was unarmed." he told her.

"Don't you know any magic?" she asked him. Merrick stopped in his steps, and she turned around to see what was wrong.

"My magic..." Merrick began, "I swore off my magic years ago."

"Why?" Merrick looked down as she asked this. "Isn't it a nice gift, that not everyone has?"

Merrick paused, as a lone tear escaped his eye. "Give a thief a clean knife, he's still a thief. Give an assasin a shiny dart, he's still an assasin... Give a murderer a golden blade..." he stopped himself, not willing to admit that his fooling around with magic had once claimed a friend's life, "he's still a murderer..." He slumped to the floor in despair, not from having told her, but from having to relive that awful memory. Terra didn't say anything at first, she just sat down beside him and said one quick phrase.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"S... sure..." Merrick hated reliivng his memories, but was secretly glad to be able to share them with her. For some reason, everything felt right. 'Besides.' he thought, looking around at how everything was still all distorted, 'This is all so weird I'm sure she'll forget in the midst of this... weird forest!' He sighted. "It's a long story though, are you sure we have the time?"

"Yeah, I already killed all the other monsters, we have all the time in the world..."

-

By this point, Ellyria was getting impatient. "Wake up already!" She sighed. "Time's not standing still here..."

-

"I awoke in a forest, charred in the remains of a fire, no memory, burnt nearly to death. I had the will to live despite the pain, so I got up and walked... and walked some more, and I was walking for what felt like forever in my pain, until I found a lake. My mouth was dry and my taste buds were scorched, and the water was nice and cool. I jumped right in and drank up all I could. Then... I met them. The ones who lied to be and betrayed me, the first four I ever killed, but in self defence."

"No memory?" Terra asked, "You couldn't remember anything?"

"Nope. I made up the name merrick as an alias of sorts, it's ironic that it was actually my real name all along! Anyways, those four were part of a cult of sorts. They didn't worship Martel or anything, but some other made up god that they dreamt up to suit their needs. In my state, I was looking for spiritual answers, so when they took me in, I agreed to join them. They healed my burns with this special ointment which prevented most of the scarring, and over time, the scars I did get scraped off. Anyways, moving on..."

"You weren't kidding, this IS a long story. This could take awhile..."

-

"You're sure taking awhile to wake up..." Ellyria groaned.

-

"Yeah, it is long, isn't it? Anyways, when their "God" didn't talk to me that way it supposedly talked to them, I decided to leave. They turned on me, so I grabbed the sword on the altar and killed them. I still use it, since it's so good at chopping stuff. Well anyways, I became a bard since I love to sing, and over time, a mercenary of sorts. I discovered magic while keeping the night watch one day. I lit the fire with magic, put it out with magic, and re-lit it. It was fun, shooting fireballs in the middle of the night. Anyways, and wow I say that word a lot, after awhile I finally made a friend, and agreed to help him hund down this alchemist who used an exploding flask to burn down his home. That night I kept watch- we took turns every second night- and I put out the fire as always, but as I shot the fireball, a strong wind picked up and I missed. In my panic, I couldn't put it out. He burned to death in his sleep..."

Terra didn't say anything. Merrick sighed.

"I guess I should finish the story, it's not done yet. I hunted the alchemist down regardless, and when I did, my memory came back. He... the alchemist, was my sister's lover, and it was the two of them that conspired to kill me and that tied me up and threw me in the forest to die, setting it ablaze. The ropes burnt off in the fire." Merrick almost laughed. "I normally don't tell anyone all this, but for some reason, it's different with you. I feel better, not worse. Thanks."

Suddenly all went dark, and he couldn't even see Terra anymore.

-

"Five more minutes..." Merrick grumbled, face down in the dirt. Ellyria wasn't sure what to make of all this, so se just told him to feel free. "Thanks... Terra." Ellyria glared at him.

"If I actually liked the guy I would hurt him right now... but this'll do. WAKE UP!"

Merrick wasn't thrilled at the wake up call, but knew he had a mission to do. He sighed. 'I guess it was all a dream, I never told her after all. She still doesn't know anything about me. I'll have to tell her for real one day... it's weird, it's almost like...' Then, from the corner of his mind, came a voice that said 'Someone's got a crush!'

"Do not." Merrick said out loud, as Ellyria gave him a weird look.

"I didn't say anything..."

As he mounted his rheiard, Merrick noticed that the small fire Ellyria had lit to keep animals away was still burning. "Aqua Edge!" He smiled, "Much better... I don't feel the need to neglect my magic any longer... what's come over me?"

RP #8 - Sekhmet. Posted on 7-21-06

Both Vanim and Purrti made Anna join Deadin's practice session, she out did several of his students and didn't tire as fast but she seemed bored. After the lesson was complete they left the area. Anna leaped up to tree near one house and began practicing with some challenges.

Vanim: Ok... she like him and he her... what is the problem?

Purrti: She would rather he made the first move. I'm guessing So where are we going?

Vanim: Not really sure but someone said we should take a ship.

Purrti: Great...

Several hours later, Vanim stood on the pier and carefully examed the human made vessel, the weather worn ship. She then looked down at the water to her people who would be traveling with them to ensure their safety. The sailors had made comments about having females on board then when they saw her they backed down as if they were in awe. Those below the water did not trust the human made vessel but gave approval once inspecting it thoughly.
Vanim looked over at Anna who was sitting on the edge of the pier speaking with the young merwarrior that had befriend her earlier, named Tia. Anna showed no signs of fear toward the water. Purrti on the other hand had been a handful until she had cast a sleep spell to get her below deck.
Vanim would have preferred to travel below the water but she needed to be with her pupil to train her in the elven ways of magic. Though she thought it strange that the cursed elf, Deadin would have interest in the halfling.
Several minutes later, they were out to sea, Purrti below deck and Anna trying to learn from the crew members the how and what for the the ship. Vanim thought she should be exhausted by this time and want to sleep after everything that Anna had done. Turning to look at the sky, she watched as several rheiard flew out and headed in different directions.
Several hours later, Anna was below deck resting as Purrti had come just up to the deck looking very seasick and pissed off. Vanim had gone to the bow of the ship into the rigging, the closet thing to the water and rested there. Vanim was glad that Anna had a thirst for knowledge.
Suddenly a dolphen shot out of the water beside the ship, it was yelling about some creature that was huge and was heading toward the ship. Vanim looked down at the merwarriors below as they raced off to discover the problem. The three quickly had gathered from their other locations ready for anything as the water around the ship began to bubble violently.

RP #9 - Sekhmet. Posted on 7-23-06

Below the surface of the curning water, a large pale squid like creature fought the many merwarriors that were traveling with the ship. As each tennicale tried to shoot out toward the ship it was cut off by them.
As minutes pass, Vanim patiently waits having faith in the warriors below the water as the others waited nerviously.
The sailor in the crow's nest continued to do his job in looking for the land as the ship rocks violently in the bubbling water as it moves forward.
As the movement of the ship become rougher, Purrti unable to control it any longer races to the edge of the deck to the railing of the ship and let loose just as a tennicale shots out of the water, breaking the surface to be hit by the vomit projectile. At the moment of impact the arm remained motionless as what happened slowly registered in the mind of the squid. The the arm shivered and quickly vanished below the surface then disappeared completely as the waters calmed down around the them.

Purrti - (between heaves) I would find that amusing if I wasn't feeling this way.

Sailor - I thought cats had good balance?

Anna: laughing Usually we are...

RP #9 - Sekhmet. Posted on 7-24-06

After several days of traveling by sea Purrti was ready to kill something or someone when they made landfall near a small village near the shore, Purrti leaped to shore not waiting for the ship even to weigh anchor, as she landed on shore she took off to the treeline of the mountian that rose in the distance, though not that far away. Anna and Vanim stared as the black form vanished.

Anna: Think we should have taken a rheiard instead

Vanim: I agree though I enjoyed it. shrugs She will be back turns to the ramp that entered the village. I'll see what information I can find, I not sure if they are accepting.

Anna: I'll take my chances with you.

Both Vanim and Anna enter the village to find someone that might know where Zelos was located and even how to get there. After getting the information Vanim decided to stay the night at the inn while waiting for Purrti to return from her hunt. The next day, Purrti returned with some meat for the rest of the travel. Vanim diet had be mainly seafood but she had tried the humans' food and enjoyed it. After gathering some supplies they headed in northwest to the large town by foot.
After the third or fourth battle with creatures and animals, Anna remembered that they did have rheiards that were tucked away. Several minutes later, after Purrti quit screaming about having to take a ship across the sea, they arrived on the outskirts of the town where Zelos was staying.
Vanim asked a female resident where he was, she responded as if Vanim was insane for not knowing but directed to the "small" house where he was. Upon finding the house, they worked their way through the throngs of adoring women wanting to catch a glimse of the red headed casanova.
At the front gate, Vanim spoke with the female guard, who stared at Vanim and her companions, then sent for someone to escort them in after discovering they were here on the behalf of Llyod and Aaron.
As the arrogent redded casanova elegantly made his way down the flight of steps, Purrti made a comment about how effeminate he looked, Anna snickered argring in feline. Zelos bowed before Vanim with respect.

Zelos: What brings a rightous babe like your beautiful selves here?

Purrti: Look human, we don't have time for your antics. We were sent to find you to get your help... Vanim touches Purrti arm, who growls but backs off

Vanim: Llyod and Aaron sent us here to ask for your aid.

Zelos: glances at Purrti Whoa, what is with her 'tude?

Anna: Other then she doesn't like humans? You really don't want to know...

Vanim: I'll explain what is going on

Vanim goes into the summerized version of what is going on, after several minutes, Zelos nods in understanding, looking at the Purrdi trying to size her up and realized she would rip him a new one without a thought. Turning to Anna, he could tell she was softer and seemed more human then Purrti though she was almost unreadible, he had to get to know her and maybe win her over. Moments later, Zelos led them to a private chamber so they could talk with more privaticy. Purrti merely went over to one of the sofa and promptly went to sleep to show her boredom. After talking for what seemed forever, Zelos and Vanim came to an agreement about his assistance, then he suggested that they spend the night before they all headed out, so he could get things in order.

RP #10 - Sekhmet. Posted on 7-30-06

Zelos while preparing to leave decided his target to win over and fawn over him, though that word with a Purrdi made him smile. Anna and Vanim would be fun. He wouldn't dare with Purrti, that big cat, shakes his head. Zelos continued to think of ways to get Anna maybe she could loose the fur.