Straydog Saga

Flea 26: It's a Trap!

The young human in coal black robes thought his thundering heart would burst. The air in the upper bough seemed too thin as he made his way towards his mother's main office. True to her daily routine, Orifiel waited within to spend lunch with her elder child and his most esteemed mentor while her youngest enjoyed her own mealtime with her nursery mates. Trenton hastily knocked on the door, doing his best not to let his shaking hands make too loud a sound on the heavy wood. The door slowly opened to her mother's calm, smiling face. Her expression quickly turned to one of worry at the frazzled looking and sweaty young human. She moved and opened the door a little more, allowing him to enter.

"Hello Nugget. What's wrong? You're white as a sheet…"

"S-Shut the door, please…" His voice shook. There was none of his usual good humor, mischievous jibes, or pestering banter as Trenton sat hunched over in his chair, unable to look the night elf in the eyes. To his dismay, a dark shadow with a glass of water in his clawed hand had beat him to the office and sat on a couch beside the desk. Trenton's pale face got a tinge of red as his father figure sat up to inquire as to why the young man was in such a state. Orifiel shut her office door and took her usual seat behind her simple white-barked desk.

"So?" Orifiel softly asked. Trenton looked to the painted-glass windows before leaning into whisper.

"They're on the move."

"Who is on the move?" Seth asked with interest piquing as he leaned forward.

"The Twilights. They're mobilizing forces and preparing for a grab at the diamond."

"We know they'd do that, was there a change? They haven't found any interest in the roots have they?" Orifiel sighed. Trenton had falsely joined the Twilight Cult as soon as they snaked their deep violet shadow within the tree's shining branches. Though they were more than weary of the warden's roguish son, the prescribed information he provided was not only confirmed by their agents but found to be invaluable. None of the rats realized their cheese was laced with poison, and thanks to his artful deceptions, the twilight agents still did not know that the trap was set and waiting for them.

"No, we don't have anything to worry about on that front but I have reason to believe their numbers within the tree are much higher than we thought. They talked about hiring mercenaries, which I thought they'd use to procure the stone but…they mentioned Bodyl and…" Trenton winced at the hate-filled anger that seemed to come from Seth like a shower of poison-drenched arrows.

"Bodyl…he is coming?"

"Yes, he will be with the mercenaries. They'll be heading here in the next few days, tonight if all goes according to plan. T-They killed that girl." Trenton said, barely finding the will to speak the last few words. Orifiel looked to him with shock in her eyes.

"Not another one…" Orifiel sadly sighed as she watched Trenton slowly nod.

"I-I couldn't stop them. Bordella LaMenge did it…dropped her right off the west perch. I-I couldn't help her."

"You would have compromised yourself if you did. Her death will not be in vain, Nug. Your actions will avenge her, Mr. Wilson, and all the millions lost because of those horrible bastards." Orifiel strongly proclaimed, doing her best to keep her voice contained in the thin-walled room.

"We can stop them before they even get here. Bodyl is in Everlook, only a small flight away-"

"No." Seth spoke with a voice that seemed to make the light air sink.

"S-Sir?"

"Let him come. The treacherous, little snake will be made to pay for his crimes and I will be the one to stomp on his wretched little throat…" Seth's eyes seemed to burn a hole in the floor as images of his former comrade, a brother in arms, began to light up and burn away to nothing in his anger.

"Stop it. Don't let your anger control your judgment. Remember the LAST TIME that happened?" Orifiel cast a glance only a wifely woman could muster as her tone referred to an incident in outland involving the hated dwarf, a rampaging gron, and her mate's furious rage. Seth's dark aura seemed to tear away in weakly woven ribbons as he felt his shoulders sink. He crossed his arms with a huff and looked away with an expression of anger and embarrassment on his features.

"S-So what do we do?"

"We'll let them come. If you're right and there are a lot more Twilights here we'll never know just who is working for them if we nip things in the bud now…" Orifiel said as another knock came to her office door. She cleared her throat before giving the call to enter. The contractors came in with a lunch of fresh greens, small neatly crafted sandwiches, and small containers of water and vegetable juices. Orifiel cleared the usual space on her desk for the lunch tray before allowing the workers to set up their meal. When the contractors left Orifiel began setting up their plates. Trenton moved his heels up and down vigorously, making his knees pop up and down as he crossed his arms.

"So we just let them attack us?" Trenton growled as images of the brown haired screaming girl flashed in his mind. His mother passed him a well-rounded plate with fresh greens and a roast beef sandwich. He glared at her, her ever calm and collected expression did not waver as he moved to snatch the tray with a thankful nod. "More rabbit food…at least they managed to get a good portion of meat this time." He grumbled as he took a sizable bite of his juice-dripping sandwich. The taste calmed his nerves and dulled his aching mind as the soothing energy in the room began work its way into his sweating skin.

"We'll do our best to minimize the damage. We have trusted allies here and a sound defense system, Nugget. Just continue to steer them in our direction and we'll take care of it." Orifiel nodded.

"Could you stop calling me that? I'm not a child."

"Oh I'm sorry…Pookie." Orifiel mumbled the last word before smirking and passing a tray topped with a few small chicken sandwiches sans all leafy items to Seth who grumbled but accepted his lunch.

"Stop tormenting him, please…chicken and white grain again?"

"If you wanted something different you should have told me sooner. They do special orders you know." Orifiel shrugged, placing the specially ordered grilled cheese with tomato on kaldorei honey-bread on her plate before carefully pouring herself a large glass of carrot juice.

"How long do we have to eat this rubbish?" Seth grumbled, taking a small but gruff bite of his lunch.

"Appearances, dear. Appearances. We don't want the contracting staff upset over our picky eating habits, do we?" Orifiel said, trying her best not to sound belittling to her beloved.

"Wot…mmphf…What do they care? You're still paying them." Trenton grunted while wolfing down his lunch.

"The staff here work really hard to make sure everything they do is of the finest quality. And now they work under the Twilight's whims? They care very much and it's our duty to do the same, is that understood?" Orifiel asked, half expecting Seth to begrudgingly nod in agreement. She gave Seth a sideways glance, seeing only a scowling mouth dully chewing on an order he'd had to endure every lunch for the past three months.

"Whatever happens, I hope it happens soon. I can't take too much more of this."

"If what you say is true then we'll have all our answers before the week is out. But whenever they choose to show themselves…we'll be waiting for them.

Christoffel let his hearing slip into a comfortable hum. The time-honored technique passed down from male to male since the dawn of the female age served him well as the occasional squeal or giggle abruptly rung out in crisp morning air. He dully watched as Ima tried on a new pair of earrings that looked to be a pair of human style bear dolls carved out of cow bone from one of Everlook's street vendors. From what he could discern, Pashima was going on about how adorable they looked and how envious she was of how the fake gems for eyes on the bears matched Ima's so well.

Christoffel, Potan, Ima, Pashima, and F-Bomb traveled to Everlook upon hearing Daggerfang's report to help Pashima reunite with her own traveling group. Due to the sentinel presence and detailed wanted posters, Shandori did not accompany her business partner and her collected minions. Maiev, still enjoying her slow recovery in the hot springs decided to continue her rehabilitation with Meryld happily keeping watch. Daggerfang decided to take a bottle of spirits to the couch and enjoy a long nap.

"Friend Stingblade, are you well?" Potan asked, snapping Christoffel's senses back into focus.

"Hmm, yes. Just a little nauseous."

"If your illness flares, I have some potions to ease the sickness."

"Appreciated. I'll feel better when we um, lighten our load, and get back to the safe house." Christoffel sighed as the pair of girls continued their light hearted shopping spree. "Where did F-Bomb say she was going?"

"She will be back shortly. She mentioned some supplies that Daggerfang forgot to get."

"It's not like we'll be able to find things without her. I haven't been here since…well long enough for things to change." Chris admitted, looking to familiar buildings with unfamiliar signs. Potan nodded in agreement as he took in the sparse activity in the frozen town, pulling his thick cloth cloak over his huge shoulders. They were unaware of the faded, red eyed shadow that kept the dark haired rogue in her sight. Highraven darted from crate to wall to vending stall following the group as they shifted about their business. Her sight drifted from her target only when a well trained group of Everlook Bruisers came close. She shuttered at their massive hammers that, if wielded by the more experienced in their number, could shatter her body and crush her ambitions. That coupled with Christoffel's entourage, Highraven had little choice but to follow, stay out of sight, and bide her time.

"Hey, guys ova heeeere! You'll never guess who I found." She heard a grainy voice shout from behind. Highraven scurried behind a barrel full of frozen fish as Christoffel and Potan walked towards a group of four goblins with Ima and Pashima still haggling behind them. F-Bomb waved them over to where she and three goblin men, who looked no older than 20 years each, stood. "I want cha to meet my terrible tree."

"Terrible tree?" Potan asked, not quite understanding the statement with F-Bomb's accent, and half expecting a corrupted ancient defender to appear.

"Yeah, my tree little trouble makers, my kiddos. Well they ain't little no more. They're on break right now and I thought it would be good to get acquainted." F-bomb beamed as one of the three rolled his beady eyes while another waved.

"I-I didn't know you were that old…teen pregnancies?" Christoffel asked, making use of his dusty but still razor sharp wooing skills. The three goblin males to expressed varying degrees of disgust as F-Bomb beamed at the flattery.

"Yer a good boy Chris. I'm addin' you to my good list," she smiled with a slight blush, "Anyway, this is Sal…"

"Yo." Sal nodded to Christoffel who returned the gesture.

"…and Franky and the little one's Moe."

"Thanks Ma…"

"What? You've always been my little green jelly bean." F-Bomb smirked while pinching Moe's cheek. Moe's brothers began to snicker at the action but Christoffel and Potan mercifully abstained. "They're all Everlook Bruisers. The best in their class too and uh, it's a little extra security if you get what I'm sayin."

"No ma, we can't take sides remember?" Sal informed while resting his hand on his plate belt.

"I'm not askin' ya to. Just keep an eye out for ah…you know the usual. We haven't made a lot of friends in recent weeks, me included." F-Bomb softly laughed with pleading eyes. Frank and Moe looked to Sal, the oldest of the three, with questioning eyes. When Sal sighed and nodded, they had their answer.

"Alright, ma. Like we don't do that already, eesh." Frank sighed.

"Have any of you seen a tall draenei fellow with a black haired dwarf? We have one of theirs with us and she'd like to find her way back to them." Christoffel informed, trying to move the introductions and small talk along.

"Uh, a 'tall draenei'? ALL draenei are tall. That's like asking about an ugly gnome. Can you get a little more specific? " Moe grumbled earning him a smack from F-Bomb. "Ow—What'd I do?" He childishly whined.

"What have we talked about? Don't be a racist!"

"I ain't being racist it's true! I've never met a good lookin' gnome-OW!" Moe ducked as another swift smack the head rung out in the cold air.

"P-Perhaps it would be best to go into more detail…" Potan offered, eyes darting between Christoffel and the unbridled act of mother to son abuse.

"Uh, yeah…from what the girl said he had dark blue skin, two large horns and the rune on his forehead got scratched out in an accident. The dwarf has black hair and a black beard. They're traveling together. That's all I got." Christoffel offered. A spark of realization came to Sal's face.

"I've seen a pair like that. They checked into the inn a few days back during the start of my night shift. They came and went a few times but I didn't see them check out and if they're waiting on someone they're probably still there." Sal informed as he watched Frank try to quell their mother's outrage with calming words.

"I suppose we should start our search there. But I don't know where the inn in this town is do you?" Potan asked Christoffel who couldn't remember the building's location.

"I'll take you on by; my lunch break is almost over anyway. You two mooks take care of ma. I'll see you at the bar later." Sal said, waving his family off and leading the two men and two fresh jewelry-adored girls towards the Everlook inn. "I ah, hear you helped bust ma outta the clink a few weeks back." Sal spoke, wiping his long green nose with his sleeve.

"Yeah."

"Made her stow you in our winter house in exchange for doing the decent thing, eh?" Sal looked to Chris who felt his toes begin to curl slightly in his boots.

"Err that was my partner. She's very shrewd."

"Nah, I'm just busting your balls. I woulda done the same. I'm sure Moe woulda paid ya better to leave her there-Here we are." Sal spoke, waving to his fellow bruiser before walking back to his usual spot beside the entrance. "Head on in and look around. If you don't see anyone, ask Mishta at the desk. She knows everybody and every-body knows her if you ah, catch the drift." Sal smirked and looked to the bruiser next to him. They cackled and gave one another a high five after the four travelers entered the inn.

Christoffel scanned the open area of the inn. There were a few scattered parties sitting and drinking at one of the small round tables. Before Christoffel could complete his search, a happy squeal and the sound of fast moving hooves sent his vision to the sound's creator. Pashima dashed to one of the tables that contained a hulking figure and his shrouded shorter companion.

"Brother Bal!" Pashima smiled as she leaped to give her brother an enthusiastic hug. The draenei gave the young woman a bewildered look as the gleam in her otherwise innocent eyes compelled him to play along. Balumbra gave his sister a cautious hug and patted her on the back twice before releasing.

"Sister, we were beginning to worry…"

"It's fine my brother, thanks to Imajin and her friends I was able to come to Everlook and return to you." She smiled, giving no credit to the goblin and worgen who were responsible for her present company. She quickly introduced Potan and Christoffel, spending a great amount of time talking about her best troll friend in the world. Though Christoffel's feet were about ready to sprint to the exit, he was compelled to stay by puppy-dog eyes and a great deal of whining to at least dine with Pashima's grateful brother before departing. It wasn't until they were seated did Christoffel get a good look at the dwarf at the table. The long black bearded and pale skin seemed to bring images of job's past into his weary mind.

"Do I know you?" Christoffel asked as a voluptuous blond goblin began placing menus down in front of the group. Her hand and eyes lingered on him a bit longer than the others and the look in her glassy blue eyes made him loose his appetite.

"Perhaps...Stingblade, right?" The dwarf replied. The deep tone snapped all loose images in the rogues mind into acute focus.

"Mr. Bodyl? Hell it's been a while. How did the experiments with the dragon bones go?" Christoffel's speech was cut short as Bodyl shushed him and motioned with his hands to silence the tone.

"Keep it down." Bodyl looked about the sparse eating area and motioned for Christoffel to follow him out the side exit. Chris, not hesitating to leave the giggling and gossiping behind, followed the dark dwarf. When they were out of sight and earshot of those visible Bodyl cleared his throat. "Didn't mean to be rude. Can't exactly be too careful now a days…"

"Oh?" Christoffel raised a brow as Bodyl looked around once more before leaning in to whisper.

"This may be a bit of a shock but I wasn't exactly honest with the lot of you when I hired you. It would not be good to talk about that transaction in the company of others."

"No…" Christoffel rolled his eyes. "I sort of figured that but it was money so I wasn't about to ask for details."

"Good lad. There's no harm in your questions and you have earned at least some bit of the truth for your past help. And uh…bringing HER back." Bodyl coughed.

"Hey, you don't owe me anything. I got paid for more than the job was worth. But ah, maybe some money in damages for having to babysit would be helpful." Christoffel smirked with a slight snort. His eyes widened slightly as Bodyl began to pull out 50 gold from one of his bags. "N-No man, you don't have to I was joking…"

"Did you have to listen to her scream? Talk endlessly about nothing? Cry and whine at the drop of a hat?"

"Y-Yeah but-" Christoffel felt the dwarf forcefully grab his wrist and slammed the 50 gold pieces in his open palm with a clink. Bodyl nodded with a slight cringe.

"Anyway. My associate and I WERE doing alchemical research for a small alchemist's guild when we stumbled upon something strange. When we compressed the energy from the bones, the energy began to take on new characteristics. While the bones were powerful agents in potions and dusts, they were ten times more potent in gem form. The transmuted dragon bones, the ones you and your group retrieved, had the power to put those who touched them into a deep, near permanent dream state." Bodyl shuttered, remembering the first time he himself grazed one of the gems in question. He found himself unable to wake for three days.

"That is big. I didn't know dragon bones could be transmuted…"

"We're finding more and more alternatives to hard to find reagents. The whole purpose of the project was to find viable replacements for over farmed materials. But that is not why I'm speaking to you here…"

"Go on." Christoffel implored as Bodyl, once again, looked over his shoulder. The ever present shadow, waiting to cut down the blood elf rogue, found herself mesmerized by the conversation and overlooked by the speaker. Though she could have easily incapacitated the dwarf and taken a shot at her prize, they stood within a few seconds run of two well-battled Everlook Bruisers. She made no motion to strike as the conversation continued.

"You've heard of Mydrassil, yes?"

"The tree in Azshara, right?"

"Yes. Some of my fellow alchemists were hired on contract to explore the properties of the leaves there, which are rumored to contain massive amounts of arcane energy. I have solid intelligence that the leader of the tree, an Orifiel Whitedeer, is keeping a massive gem like the ones we created within the tree's high bough. If a tiny stone can nearly kill a fully grown dwarf imagine what one the size of Bronzebeard's throne could do! We were hoping that the gem was being used as a repository for access energy but…there is evidence to suggest that some in the tree plan to use it against the peoples of Azeroth. The Twilight's Hammer…has a bold presence there and they are lead by none other than the archmage Seth Nightgaze." The dwarf scowled as if resisting the urge to vomit at the mention of the name.

"I thought they were defeated after Deathwing's demise…" Christoffel whispered, as he felt his heart began to beat and his mind fully pulled into the story on Bodyl's slippery and treacherous tongue.

"No. Nightgaze and his remnants keep the old ways alive. He keeps Whitedeer blind to his trickery and, according to my sources; he plans to make his move in the next few days."

"How do you know all this and why are you telling me?" Christoffel asked. The dark cloud in his mind cleared for a moment as reason desperately tried to break through the story. There were so many questions, so many reasons to doubt what the dwarf was saying. The whole situation seemed too contrived, too convenient by Christoffel's struggling thoughts: Pashima's mysterious arrival, her associate was his former employer, and now he was not only looking to recruit people for a big job, but conveniently offering it to him. But Christoffel and even Highraven were unaware of the thin mist coming from the dwarf's reagent pouch that was as clear as air and just as easily taken in. As Bodyl's quick tongue and sticky mind worked, reason seemed nothing more than a whisper in a thunderstorm.

"Because I once had ties to the Twilight's Hammer. I did many terrible things and I have spent the last 10 years trying to make up for them. Nightgaze cannot let go and he cannot move on. He would make this world suffer for his mistakes. Why am I telling you? Let me put it to you in a way you'll understand. I have another job. A BIG job worth BIG money if I succeed."

"How much?" Christoffel interrupted.

"I'll pay a base of 8000 gold per head. Any spoils from the job will be yours. All I want is Nightgaze stopped. Everything else is up for grabs." Bodyl offered. Christoffel slowly whistled at the reward as the temptation of shining golden beads washed over his un-sentimental heart.

"Tell me more about the job."

"I'm gathering a force to take on Nightgaze before he implements his plans with the gem. It will be extremely dangerous, which is why I need to hire help. Some of my alchemist guild will be able to help but we are too few in number. We have detailed maps of the tree and the quickest route to the gem and its keepers while avoiding a lot of the…rubbish that may get in our way. If Whitedeer does not see reason…we may have to take forceful action against her as well. Do you think you can help us?" Bodyl asked.

Christoffel thought for a moment, or at least he did his best to. He blamed the strange fog in his mind to his slow recovery and lack of lunch. Something within, some distant instinct seemed to bark "yes!" But another force, though drowned by the thunderous dark cloud did its best to make itself known. Highraven, also caught in the speakers strange unspoken spell waited to hear the rogue's reply. Christoffel shrugged, quieting the forces in his head with a single thought and a sly smile.

"I can't answer that just yet. I need to talk it over with my business partner…"

Shandori was staring at the ceiling to her designated bedroom, tossing an old rubber ball that was tucked away in one of the drawers and catching it as a small knock kept her from throwing it again.

"Come in." She said as she sat up. She turned to see Christoffel courteously opening the door, pausing to ensure she was decently clothed before fully entering.

"We're back."

"I can see that. Did you find the brat's family?"

"Yes thank the light. And a bit more." Chris spoke as he took a seat on the small plush bed they innocently shared the night before.

"What's up?" Shandori asked. Christoffel told her about their day and the conversation he had with Bodyl. Shandori's lips parted a little at the sound of 8000 gold caressing her hungry ears. Christoffel also expressed his concerns, noting that the strange sensation he'd felt during the conversation didn't fully abate even with a generous lunch.

"So, what are your thoughts?" Christoffel asked.

"Well…it would get us out of the area. But as far as I've heard that tree doesn't really have a public presence, its all interest groups. That could be trouble if we get caught."

"Bodyl says he has people on the inside that will be helping. He's basically asking for an escort to the gem while his people take care of any police force, cultists, or militia. My opinion, it's all a little off but the money…we're not going to see that much in a long, long time." Chris sighed. "That and he did mention that some trade workers and hired help may be fooled into helping the cultists…it may get messy."

"Does that bother you?"

"…honestly, yes. They're just there doing their job, trying to get by. I don't want to see people like that get hurt." Chris spoke trying to shrug the emotion in his voice off. Shandori's eyes were soft as she gave a firm nod.

"I get that, I really do. But here's the thing: they all CHOSE to be there. They could all do just as well walled off in Stormwind or Ironforge but there they are in an experimental tree-house. Just like we have a choice to either stay here for longer and maybe have things die down after a while, passing up an 8k gold base deal with commission or we can take our chances for a better payoff. If one of us dies on the job, well no once forced us to do it. If one of those workers takes you out because they think you're the enemy, well then that's on you. If you take one of them out because they're in the way, that's on them." Shandori spoke, trying her best not to escalate her tone to one of forceful persuasion. Christoffel slowly nodded with a semi-dark chuckle.

"Sorry, sometimes I let my former paladin get the better of me."

"…you were a paladin?"

"Y-Yes, didn't I ever tell you?"

"No. I never would have taken you for one of those people." Shandori shrugged trying her best to hide her contempt for those most pious in their light working. But instead of offence or snide bitterness, the ever perceptive blood elf treated Shandori with a rare, honestly amused laugh. He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Only you would find it worse to be a paladin than a blood elf." He smiled, placing his hand back on the bed.

"What can I say? We're both elves and you can get into the war of the skin tones and all but I'd much rather you be a blood elf rogue than say, a night elf paladin."

"Night elves are paladins now?"

"There are a few weirdoes running around…I mean there have been tauren paladins for years, it was inevitable that a few priests would have taken up the 'collection plate.' I guess."

"What a terrible age we live in…"

"Ah-greed. Well anyway, back on topic, I vote we get our asses over there, chop down a tree, and collect ourselves 8k gold. I'll understand if you need some times to think things over. We may have an issue convincing Ima and the rest to come but I'll make up something convincing. I um, would rather not have to go there without some sane back up though so…" Shandori spoke, casting him a kind look in return for his previous concerns. They sat there in silence for a moment as the typical and inevitable aura that usual came from their private talks began to coalesce. Chris took a deep breath and closed his eyes before exhaling. He smiled and looked his business partner with a small, emotion-driven glow.

"Let's get packing."

STRAYDOG EXTRA: Letter from the author/ Title References/ Slash Sillys!

Letter from the author

Hello Straydog Readers,

Thanks for your long time support, reviews, and sticking with the story as it has reached well over 100k words. We're about to enter the second part of the story (I don't want to say "half" just because I really hope it wont take another 25 or so chapters to complete this thing…) and I would like to take a small intermission while I prepare to write a three part battle (raid) called "Secrets of Mydrassil" (10 man). While I write the chapters where Shandori, Christoffel and the gang chase after their promised rewards (shiny lewtz), it may take me a little longer than usual to post due to planning some loose end tying, raid mechanics, and EPIC (yes epic) surprises. Thanks again for staying with me and enjoy the extras!

Ori

Title References

As some of you may or not be aware, keeping with the Warcraftian tradition, there are tons of pop culture and cult culture references in the story. Some of the most blatant instances are the chapter titles, the majority of which are references to songs or bands. Below are all the title references, look them up on your music source of choice for some awesome tunes and a little extra insight into the chapters themselves. Look for more as the story goes on!

Flea 2: "Smooth Criminal" – Michael Jackson

Flea 3: "Stuck in the Middle with you" – Stealers Wheels

Flea 4: "Another One Bites the Dust" – Queen

Flea 5: "Salty Dog" – Flogging Molly

Flea 6: "Sweet Dreams are Made of This" – Eurhythmics (the ORIGINAL song)

Flea 7: "The King of Pain" – The Police

Flea 8: "Let the Bodies Hit the Floor" - Drowning Pool

Flea 9: "Prison Blues" a variation of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues"

Flea 10: "The Chain" – Fleetwood Mac

Flea 15: "Arrival and the Reunion" – Dead Can Dance

Flea 18: "The Midnight Tree Growing Anywhere" – A reference and play on words to Journey's "Don't Stop Believing"

Flea 19: "The Bride with White Hair" – Awesome classic Chinese martial arts movie about a vengeful woman who fights for revenge. VERY sad but very well done.

Flea 20: "Spirits in the Material World" – The Police

Flea 21: "Don't Answer Me" – Alan Parson's Project (best to listen to this one LIVE, look for the CD cover that's blue with pink splotches on it)

Flea 23: "The Gem that's Truly Outrageous" – A reference to the early 80's girl's cartoon "Jem and the Holograms"

Flea 25: "The Cat's in the Cradle" - Harry Chapin

Slash Sillys! (Straydog Jokes)

Shandori

/ My mom and I don't really get along. She says I warrior too much…

/ He says I gave him the thunder-clap? It's true. He seemed really devastated by it. He hasn't cleaved anyone since…

/ I was on this show once. I was called "Horders"

Christoffel

/ Arcane is one helluva drug…

/ Do I miss being a paladin? Not really. Now I can do it from behind guilt-free!

/ They call me "Stingblade" but don't worry baby, I'm clean…

Imajin

/ I wanted to go to Hogwarts…

/ My fetishes include feet, noses, bones, leather straps, stringed beads, and lots of duct tape. And those are just the ones in my bag!

/ Shrunken heads are no fun…

Keesha

/ Damn…I am SOUL STONED right now…

/ Come on baby, don't fear the reaper…fear the rogue, paladin, and shaman…

/ Sure tons of warlocks enjoy cutting themselves, but I prefer cutting you.

Hanariel

/ What is the sound of one hand clapping?

/ Now where did I put that holy hand grenade…

/ Vanilla elf, elf baby…