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It was inevitable

15 (42.9%)

Winners don't do drugs

6 (17.1%)

I'll be back

2 (5.7%)

Drink the Kool Aid

6 (17.1%)

Groovy

3 (8.6%)

Insane in the membrane

3 (8.6%)

Total Members Voted: 35

[Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER]

''Can I have an menu to look at please?"
Choose the Cheapest Breakfast sized meal on the Menu while Discussing Morality

[Lenglon]

"Oh, I was the one who went after the one man.  Thank goodness I got away without killing him.  Actually I don't think I've formally introduced myself to you.  My name is Bryan, we've uh had at least one conflict before between missions."

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."
...
"Theri, it's ok. I just wanted to show you how unstable this place is. Everything I did, and more, is stuff that you can do too. Just believe in yourself."
She seems shaken, maybe...
"F-for example, that sword. You can draw it too. just grab it and it will be there, I promise."

[Tiruin]

"Oh, I was the one who went after the one man.  Thank goodness I got away without killing him.  Actually I don't think I've formally introduced myself to you.  My name is Bryan, we've uh had at least one conflict before between missions."

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."
...
"Theri, it's ok. I just wanted to show you how unstable this place is. Everything I did, and more, is stuff that you can do too. Just believe in yourself."
She seems shaken, maybe...
"F-for example, that sword. You can draw it too. just grab it and it will be there, I promise."

"But its-...it should be touching my ear. Oh...ok."
Theri imagined the clarity of the sword, putting in the appearance foremost and then attributing the concept of its density and weight, considering factors such as the metal involved--probably an alloy of silver and steel, she wondered--and visualized the single-edge from tip to hilt, instead wondering if there was a gem-inlay along the handle, forgetting how it exactly was.

She then imagined it hovering in midair, right next to her ear, and reached up...
Get that sword!
Also [maybe I could try this...]

[Harry Baldman]

((It doesn't feel old because it isn't.  What I'm using is Victorian/Shakespearean English.  Which is ~200-150 years back if I remember right. Real old English would be unreadable even by a native English speaker.  Example sentence: "Deað he þær byrigde; hwæðere eft Dryhten aras mid his miclan mihte mannum to helpe."))

((Elizabethan English is a bit older than that, methinks, since Shakespeare himself lived ~400 years ago. If he was from the Victorian times, there'd probably be at most half as many dick jokes in his plays.))

"Mm! I just had a thought!"

PM action.

[Hawk132]

((It doesn't feel old because it isn't.  What I'm using is Victorian/Shakespearean English.  Which is ~200-150 years back if I remember right. Real old English would be unreadable even by a native English speaker.  Example sentence: "Deað he þær byrigde; hwæðere eft Dryhten aras mid his miclan mihte mannum to helpe."))

((Elizabethan English is a bit older than that, methinks, since Shakespeare himself lived ~400 years ago. If he was from the Victorian times, there'd probably be at most half as many dick jokes in his plays.))

((Well, I'm not from England so I'm not surprised I made a mistake there.))

[Toaster]

John nodded and grinned.  "Spice me up."

[Parisbre56]

((I'm a bit busy due to studying for an exam, but I took some time to copypaste Tiruin's PMs in appropriate places. Search for Peregrine in this thread to see them all. I'm also putting them here for those of you who want to learn their contents but are too lazy don't have enough time to search the thread.

As I was updating my old posts with the Tiruin PMs I noticed Imageshack had blanked some of my drawings. The images are still there in my album, they've just been made blank for some reason. I guess I'll have to reupload them sometime...))

Spoiler: Tiruin's PMs Part 1 (click to show/hide)

Starts here

I remember what just happened--why am I here, and my surroundings if close to any major city or village!
Or, improvise some sort of weapon useable.


What gametype is the current round in?

((The current mission is an Assault. They're in another world, helping Rebels raid a Soviet base researching UFOs.
Yeah, I know it's strange. That's what you get when you let your players give ideas for the plot.

Irene (Lenglon), Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl), Jordan (Fniff), Ike (Harry Baldman) and Eria (scapheap) are in it (although scapheap seems kind of inactive lately). It's almost over, just one area left, so you'll get in the next mission very soon.))

You don't remember how you got here. You remember you felt restless these past few days, you felt the need to travel again. You remember walking in the wilderness and then... nothing. You woke up here.
The woods feel familiar and yet you cannot determine where you are. There are only trees and bushes as far as the eye can see, the only feature of the area of any note being a game trail that passes through the small clearing you're in.

You've still got your clothes and your orb. You've also got some supplies, food and water enough for a day. Everything else is gone.
As for weapon choices, the simplest thing you could do is find a sturdy piece of wood to use as a club or a pointy stick to use as a spear. You could go for something more complex, like an axe or a slingshot if you want to take some more time, but what little light remains is quickly fading. It will be dark soon.

Pointy stick as spear, and try to sharpen the end.

Find the nearest path to civilization//wait for next mission//if any explosions in the distance or smoke is seen--head that way.

((Well, I can always give you some RP while you wait. Better than suddenly appearing somewhere with no explanation.))

You pick up the pointiest stick you can find and sharpen its end to the best of your ability with a rock. It's not a fearsome weapon of legend, but it's better than fighting with nothing. Not that fighting with your bare hands would be a problem, if it came to that. After all, you know a thing or two about martial arts.

You look around again. This time, you can see a faint red light in the distance, like the light of a fire. Perhaps it's someone's home or maybe just a traveler passing through these woods. Either way, it might be worth checking out, since you could use some shelter for the night.

Travel towards the light, being aware of my surroundings all the same.
When it comes to a point wherein I believe I'm near, go sneak and check on the origin of the source.

..Mmm, very strange. Red lights are not the usual kinds of lighting. Where am I? I was dreaming back then--and this surely isn't a dream.

I can see my nose.

((Oh, out of curiosity, now that you've mentioned the nose, does your character have a human's nose/mouth or a fox's snout?))

You start moving towards the light, carefully watching your surroundings. You have the feeling you are being watched, but despite keeping your eyes peeled for danger, you see nothing.

After a while of walking through the undergrowth and rotten leaves that make up the ground of this forest you reach another clearing. From here you can see that the light is coming from something that looks like a cave, a tunnel made of moss-covered stone rising out of the ground.

You are about to continue walking when you hear something move in a bush on your right.

Turn quite slowly, nonchalantly, to view the origin of the sound in peripheral vision (appear not to notice and idly look around), then wait to check what the origin is.

If its some insignificant threat-animal like a squirrel, then calm my spear-hand and check that cave!

((Oh, out of curiosity, now that you've mentioned the nose, does your character have a human's nose/mouth or a fox's snout?))

((...I dunno. What seems nicer to you x3 I could go with anthropomorphism, or go with human + foxtail/ears. ))

((Hmm... that's a tough choice. I could write an essay about what the two different looks mean and the way they could affect how a character in a story is perceived. And more importantly, how other people in a game react to you. But I think I'm going to go with... the second. Human + foxtail/ears.))

You very casually turn to look to your right. Nothing there. Not even a squirrel or bug. But you're certain you heard something, it can't have just-
"Hello, little girl." you hear a voice behind you. You turn around, spear at the ready, only to see a great black-furred wolf. He's the size of a St. Bernard and is slowly walking towards you, his amber eyes looking into yours.
"Are you lost?" he asks, a hint of amusement is his deep voice. His mouth remains closed and yet you're certain he's the one speaking.

!!!
Not aggressive. Clever. Analyzing my response? Mhhr..doesn't seem to check my spear. Mmm.

"Mm..yessir. I don't-"
guess it won't hurt to tell a stranger. But all those stories...
"-well, I mean I'm not /actually/ lost. I just don't know where I am. Do you know where's the nearest village?"

Speak? Yeah, speak.
((Telepathic wolf! Awesome!))

Ignoring the teachings of Little red riding hood, you speak to the big bad black wolf.
"Oh, but I think you are lost. Lost for some time now. Maybe you've forgotten about it or maybe you haven't even realized it, but that doesn't make it untrue."
He stops and stares at you for a couple of seconds longer before turning around and pointing with his paw somewhere towards the east.
"The nearest village is somewhere around there. Away. Too far away. And it's going to get dark soon. Reaching it in the darkness and without what you need would be hard, even for someone like you."
He starts slowly walking towards the cave, lazily wagging his tail.
"But I like you. You made a good impression ever since I noticed you. The way you reacted. You didn't give into your fear. You were polite. You can stay with me and the others until you can find your way."
He stops and turns his head back to look at you.
"Besides, you wouldn't want to stay alone out in the forest at night.  I heard there are wolves lurking about." he says with a small laugh before continuing towards the cave.

((Sorry, been busy writing stuff for university.))

...But aren't..
"You're a wolf," Theri said, lowering her guard. "and I'm quite lost, yes. I mean, you -do look like- a wolf and...I'm quite a stranger here, aren't I?

"Erm, thanks for the compliment, sir." she said as she moved towards the wolf-kin. "Is...there anything about me that you found out?"
Good work, self. Be intentionally vague!

Follow the wolf because I trust him! If any kind of attack happens, go to defense protocol 1:
Raise spear and defend self, but do not attack.

You walk towards the cave, the wolf still talking with that half-amused tone of his.
"I do look like one, don't I? But I'm fairly certain wolves around these parts don't talk. At least not like I do. Besides, when was the last time you saw a wolf looking that nice? Nature seldom is so kind." His appearance is indeed too perfect. His thick black fur is clean, unknotted and shining in the dim light, he seems well fed and with no injuries. An animal that has to survive in the wild would rarely be in such pristine condition.
"But I understand that my appearance might bring you discomfort. It is the right response to a predator, after all. I'll do something about that."

With that, you reach the cave.
"Welcome to my den."
Inside is a small, roughly square room made of rock and dirt. There are two passages leading out of this room, one in the left wall, the other on the right.
At the opposite side of the entrance, there is a decorative arch carved from the rock. Under it is a red fire, floating inside a glass dome, the same fire that is illuminating this room. Above the arch are the crude carvings of the sun and the moon.
In a corner near the entrance lays a pack of wolves. They perk up when the one you're following enters, wagging their tails a bit. They give you some wary looks.

"Make yourself comfortable. I'll just take a moment to change. I'll answer your other question when I get back." he says as he disappears inside the right passage. "I find modesty unnecessary but I have come to understand people like others to follow certain rules." he shouts from the other room.

The wolves, seeing that their alpha doesn't regard you as a threat, get back to what they were doing. Mainly dozing in their corner or playing with their mother's tail in the case of two pups.

"Cute little ones. So these are whom you take care of? This is...a nice, quaint place."

Theri moved over towards the others, slowly to..well, show no other harm other than to follow what she knew despite better judgement. "A bit too quaint, maybe? Where are we?"

Inquiry!

"This is the Shrine of the Three. A forgotten place, even I don't really know why it's here. It's not really my home, I just promised the spirit of this place that I'd look after the Shrine in exchange for living here for a few years." he continues speaking from the other room. "You see, I'm a traveler, of sorts. I explore the world, see its wonders, learn its stories and most importantly I search for interesting people. And have a bit of fun, of course. The members of this pack were my companions in these woods, my hunting partners during my stay here."
He walks out of the tunnel a different creature. (Do you call them werewolves if they turn into a wolf instead of a human?)
He still has his black fur and amber eyes, but his body is more humanoid now, with hands instead of paws, his legs allowing him to stand upright and his snout smaller, allowing his mouth to move like that of a human's. He's speaking with it now, but his voice sounds much the same. He is wearing dark brown shorts for modesty's sake.
"While I sometimes seek solitude, traveling is best done with the company of others, someone to share the experience with. I would like-..." he pauses mid sentence and shakes his head. "Aaah, but I forget myself, we haven't even told each other our names yet. I'm River." He extends his hand to you.

((Therians. Therianthropy. Research dat. :3 That's basically the gist of what I have as concept background in my RTD.))

Theri took the hand and shook it with both her own. "That's a nice name. I'm Theri, and back on the note, I...never expected this place to be a shrine. Usually when I hear 'shrine' I think of lavishly decorated places, set in good lighting and usually decorated. This place is quite spartan and...actually I like the simplicity.

"Could I ask who are the Three, and-erm, if I can repay your help for me in anyway?"
^{Also possibly what else you were saying?}

Inquire~

((Yeah, I was talking about the fact that a werewolf usually goes from human to human-wolf hybrid, while River goes from wolf to human-wolf hybrid.))

He looks at your hands around his for a moment, puzzled. He then turns to look into your eyes again. "Theri." he says and grins, showing his fangs in the process. "Interesting."
He lets go of your hands and starts pacing in front of you as he speaks.
"The shrine. That's one of the reasons I was here. This place is a mystery. A sacred place in a remote forest. Ever since I discovered it by accident, I spent a year searching this forest and the nearby villages for something similar, some clue, but I found nothing. Nobody knew of this place, nothing similar existed nearby, nobody ever came to this place."
"Until you stumbled upon it, like me."
He stops walking and remains quiet for a moment, before he continues to recount his knowledge of this place.
"The name of this place was told to me by its spirit, but it wouldn't reveal more. I haven't been able to determine more than the obvious: That it's an old place, a magical place, somehow related to the Sun and the Moon."
He stops walking and turns to look at you again.
"I am a creature that likes to find interesting things, exciting things and this forest has not granted me that. I enjoyed hunting in it with the others, but even that gets repetitive after some time."
He is walking towards you now.
"I am thinking about moving on. And, like I said, you're an interesting person. Unique in your on way. Strong, smart, with the beauty of a hunter, willing to learn, open but not a fool."
He reaches with his hand to place it upon your shoulder.
"That is why I want to make you a proposition. Come with me, travel with me. I promise I will take you to places you have never even imagined, to worlds of beauty and sadness, of adventure and fear, of powerful magic and intricate technology. I will show you the greatest and the smartest beasts on can hunt. I will teach you things you never thought possible, show you the world from a new perspective and maybe in the process, I will help you learn more about yourself. The opportunity of a lifetime, an unforgettable experience." He is whispering near the end, his face close to yours, his eyes still looking into yours.

Inquisitive nature. Wonder. Adventure.
...I like this one.

Theri looked back into his eyes--wells of unimaginable thought, reflected by the light and color--and drifted on the words of the therian. He may act refined, almost even regal in his gestures and mannerisms; his thoughts maybe of the idealist and the realist, meshed together, but she wondered if this was not but trickery.

The kitsune discarded the thought and looked aside, at the cubs and the mother after giving River a nod. "If we are to leave this place, then what about them? Aren't they your wards? Someones you protect?"
Erm, forgive me for this but...first impressions and all. I like you but..I'm a bit reluctant-the offer is fast, and it would be rude for me to decline-bah, I won't say this. It seems inappropriate. Leave at the question befor-

Ask!

River's ears fall for a moment. He turns his head away from you, towards the pack.
"I... They were my companions."
He walks towards the wolves.
"They didn't need my protection. They accepted me as an equal. They were someone to hunt with, someone to share my sleep with."
He picks up one of the cubs from the scruff of its neck and it emits a surprised yelp. He brings the limp pup close to his face to inspect it.
"They are strong, the next generation even more so. This shrine will be their home, as long as they protect it. They have their sh-" The cub licks his nose, causing him to look surprised and turn his head to the side to hide an involuntary smile from you. "They have their share of rough times but they fight and they survive, like all life should. To weaken them with my help would be cruel and wrong. Against nature."
He sets the cub down and pets it on its head. The cub goes to rejoin her brother in playing.
"I helped them find their strength. That is all. That's what I do. Now it is time to move on to something new."
He sits down near the mother, a grey and black wolf, whispers something in her ear and then gently pushes her away towards the others.

"What about you? You look... I haven't watched someone like you, not in this part of this world. Do you have someone to care for? Is that why... Do you have something that binds you to these lands? Because your equipment, your behavior says you do not."
He looks down, this time not looking at anything in particular.
"I'm sorry if I'm being impolite. I'm not used to speaking to people like this, people I don't know. I'm usually much more... direct in my dealings with others."

((I did not get that one! D:
Sorry Paris!! I -love- your GMing though, Don't doubt that!
Also I like how you characterize the pups and the rest. That's nice.))


...Total sincerity. That one.

Akari looked on until she noticed he wasn't speaking anymore-too engrossed in her thoughts before she picked up and spoke:
"If-..that was being impolite, then I believe me and most others around me were pretty much rude our whole lives. That was...really nice of you. Really. A-"
..What to add.what to add!!
"And..if need be, I could..possibly, though I don't know how, help a bit on this shrine here? To..be honest-there is no impoliteness in assuming I'm not of this...'world'. I mean, I just woke up a while ago and..where I was-is but a fleeting memory, like I was transported here. Fairy tale come true? Plausible, but this place is so similar to my...world, that I doubt this is a dream of sorts.

"Though what just happened? Honestly, hard to believe-I am..used to mundane events, so to speak. But..I do have someone to care for-though that someone is..I can't visit them right now, though."

She moved over and stroked the mother's fur, while giving the young ones a gesture of joy and happiness at their acceptance. "And on your offer? I'm wholly accepting it. These creatures-so kind and worn by nature-you've taken care of them and...lived with them. Such value. I'd..I'd actually be honored to travel with you. Thanks."

...Traveling, go!

((The character name you gave me during character creation is not Akari. Probably a typo.))

The mother accepts your stroking, a bit reluctantly at first. After a few seconds though, she's pushing herself against your hand and closing her eyes, clearly enjoying it.

River listens to you intently as you speak. When you say you accept, his face lights up. Or at least you think it does, you're not exactly an expert on wolf-people facial expressions. Although the fact that he is wagging his tail is probably a very good indicator that he is happy.
He gets up and approaches you.
"Excellent! I promise to you, you will not regret this! There may be times when the journey gets hard, the road difficult, but that will only make the destination sweeter. I am glad to have a new companion in you. I am-" He pauses mid sentence and takes a deep breath, trying to quell his excitement and happiness as best he can, but fails. He can't keep himself from smiling and wagging his tail.
He extends his hand. "Give me your hand. I have something to show you."

((I confuse my kitsunes x3
Also, I wholly understand that guy...I guess it's my weirdness showing?))

Oooo, seems like he's prepared this for others? I guess it would be so. I mean, that's how I'd feel.
But he's so happy! Adorably happy!
Ernh. I..mmh.
Well anyway. Why not?

The kitsune silently nodded, and took the figurative gesture and held his hand.

He holds your hand tightly and looks into your eyes.
"I think you already know I'm a creature of magic, right?" he asks, still holding your hand tightly, looking a bit more serious now. Without waiting for an answer, he continues. His amber eyes seem... different. Almost glowing.
"Not entirely natural. Not of this world myself."
You look at your hands, black and white fur mingling together where you touch. That feeling... There's something strange here. He keeps holding your hand tightly.
"But you do not know what exactly I am or what I can do. And yet you trusted me. I respect you for that."
Your vision is distorting, the black and white of your hands mixing together. This feels like a dream. One of those dreams where everything is moving slow, where you want to speak but the words can't leave your mouth, where you want to move but you just can't get your body to do what you want.
"You were worthy companions. Be strong. Little ones, make me proud." he says. You don't think he's speaking to you.
"Don't be afraid. This will be over in a moment." is the last thing  you hear before you drift into unconsciousness.
There's the sound of a waterfall. Someone's speaking.
"-er one? Got jealous?" one voice says with amusement in his voice.
"No. You?" the other responds seriously.
"I don't understand. What you see in that thing?" a third voice asks with indignation, her tone demanding.
The voices sound strange, distorted yet familiar.
"You know."
"Reeeeaally?" the voice teasingly lets the word drag on.
"No. The same thing you see in yours."
You realize you are awake.
You can feel the soft dirt below you and see dim light through your eyelids.
"Your concern is unfounded. She's my... travel companion. A worthy being, an exceptional being. Nothing more."
"...We shall see."
You open your eyes just in time to see what looks like black smoke disappearing near River. Maybe it's just your eyes playing tricks on you.

River is standing on the edge of a cliff a few meters away with his back turned to you, his tail nervously twitching from side to side. He doesn't seem to have noticed you are awake.
You can't see what he's looking at from this angle. Small bushes obscure your line of sight.

You are certainly at a different place than before. The terrain here is devoid of weeds and many rock outcroppings are visible. The pine trees around you are sparse. It is cold. You're probably near or on some mountain.

((I've got a poll in the mission thread. Vote for the next mission type if you want. You can see the mission types in the first reply of the thread.
You'll probably get to meet the other characters soon. Either now or at the start of the next mission.))

[Parisbre56]

((I think that's my fourth post that I've managed to hit the character limit with.))

Spoiler: Tiruin's PMs Part 2 (click to show/hide)

((Would it be funny that I voted 6? >_> I appreciate literary stuffs too much..I guess...yeah I'm weird blah blah <__<
I like how you merged those, though, despite me seeing both messages in all their clarity. You're awesome.))

Theri blinked. What she heard, she pushed aside as her thoughts of her past-wondering how River's own voice mixed in her stupor. He seemed a bit tense, probably fishing by the-wait, that was a cliff. An edge of a cliff!

The kitsune sprung up as her mind oriented sky from ground, and was utterly calmed that her friend was not actually falling-or at least the sky wasn't-and dropped to one knee.

...
:3
Hmm. Mr. Wolf seems preoccupied. Nervous? Afraid of heights? Doesn't seem to be like it.
..Oh dear do I feel like an opportunity is knocking.

Being a bit of a mischievous rascal--her youth wasn't all gloom and despair anyhow, she sneaked up towards River and decided to surprise him!
If he ever falls back-grab him and get him on solid ground.
If he...attacks or something, quickly explain its me and my plan.

I wonder if you can hear me, Mr. Wolf?

((Thank you. That means a lot to me.
And I just want to say that I like being able to write with you like this. Gives me an opportunity to write with less constraints. Although I am still bound by the game-stuff.))

You slowly get up and start sneaking towards River, a mischievous grin on your face. You carefully make your way around a couple of small bushes along the way, the soft dirt that makes up the ground helping to muffle the noise of your walking.
Even if you had made any noise, the wolf-man seems too preoccupied with whatever is on his mind to actually notice you. He keeps staring forward and slightly downwards.

You can see the waterfall as you approach him, a small stream falling off a cliff opposite to the one you are standing on. The sun creates a small rainbow in the mist generated by the falling water. (The waterfall and surrounding area looks somewhat like this. Only viewed from a higher viewpoint since you are at the same height as the start of the waterfall.)

When you get close enough to be in danger of being hit by his nervously twitching tail (he is a bit taller than you), you lean forward and playfully poke him at his back while yelling "Surprise!"

He emits a surprised yelp and quickly jumps around to face you. The surprise you can see on his face escalates when one of his legs lands on the edge of the cliff, causing him to loose his balance and start tipping backwards.
Seeing your newly made friend in danger, you quickly reach out and grab him by his arm. You dig your heels in, pull as strongly as you can (he's surprisingly heavy). After some mutually exhausting effort you manage to heave him back onto solid ground.

He collapses from the strain and the adrenaline, facing the sky, out of breath. His panting turns to laughter, a quiet one at first, but one that soon turns into a roaring laugh, his eyes closed an his mouth open wide enough for you to see his sharp canine premolars. He laughs like someone just told him the funniest thing in the world.

((I rolled for that by the way! ))

((That is one beautiful view.))

Theri laughed along with her companion-both surprised, worried and happy at the same time-as everything came into place.
I wonder if he was thinking about the lands. Some danger to it? Hmm.
"That's a lot of deep thinking you've got there, River. Something wrong with the lands? They're quite beautiful. How did we get here?"

!

"Oh, that?" he says, suppressing another wave of laughter. "That's just one of the tricks I can do. I can move to other places." He gets up and removes some dirt from his fur before approaching you. "Sorry for not warning you about it, but sometimes it is easier to show something than to explain."
"I guess I deserved that?" he adds with a smile. "Well done, by the way. Few can sneak up to me like that. And... thanks."

He turns around to face the cliff again. "Speaking of showing, come! Take a look at where we are at!" He starts walking towards it. "Clean mountainous air, clear water springs and some very interesting people! I think-" He stops talking mid sentence. "Oh... That's not good."

Looking down from the cliff, you can see what has him worried. There is a number of people down there, all of them very interesting and somewhat strange. An overweight man dressed in colorful clothing, a man with comically large ears, a boy with the aqua wings of a dragonfly on his back, a blue lizardwoman, a man sitting on a chair among unknown contraptions...

However what has River's attention drawn is a young woman that bears a bears a remarkable resemblance to you, her only difference being that her brown fur only covers her ears and three fox-tails. She seems to be having an argument with a man in black and white clothing and a black silk rope tied around his neck, shouting at him while he remains completely calm and speaks normally. The most alarming thing is that she seems to be emitting magical fire from her body, burning everything around her, causing the water in the stream to boil and filling the area around her with an orange glow.

The woman's shouts reach you, but she's too far away for you to understand exactly what she is saying. The only thing you can make out with certainty is the rage in her voice and movements, her ears hanging low, her tails twitching nervously, her body low and ready to pounce.

((The area looks somewhat like this:

Higher ground is North (the lighter brown), lower ground is South (the darker brown). The people you are watching are somewhere near the center of the area, near the stream.

((You are going to be in the next mission. Please wait while I finalize some things and draw maps and do other stuff. I am also busy with homework so it might take a week or more to start.

The other people on the mission are:
Lenglon
DarkArtemisFowl
Harry Baldman
Xantalos
Alarith

Like I said, this mission will be a bit of an experiment. You'll act like someone's guardian angel, guiding them and helping them with their choices and problems. Sounds interesting to you?))

Theri looked at River for any suggestions-body language or not-the others didn't seem to do anything, or even show they probably cared. Though...that was due to the distance-although it was apparent that they were not seemingly acting. Her body tensed and she felt the strong inclination to act.

Whatshallwedo
nonocan'taskthatshe's-
River!

"Erh-"
Theri then proceeded mid-sentence to get down and help the people!...By going down..towards them!

River mutters _{"This isn't good."} one more time and points the palm of his hand towards the girl creating the fire down there. He closes his eyes and stops moving, except for his chest that slowly rises and falls.

You are not going to stand around, doing nothing while people are in danger. You climb down the hill and start running towards where you think the people you were watching are. A few seconds later, you hear something hitting the ground behind you. You take a quick glance behind you and see River running after you in his wolf form.

After some running, about halfway to your destination, you come across a man with short dark brown hair, dark brown eyes and a small horizontal scar under his right eye. He's wearing black shoes, black pants, white shirt and a black coat.

((To be fair, I didn't recognize it as a tie when you said it like that either. xD Niice!))

((I've noticed that if you describe something you know about with many words it sounds alien because your mind misunderstands the description. For example, take the following sentence:

"A soft, fragile white substance starts falling from the sky and slowly accumulating around you. The flakes the material comes in seem incredibly light, twisting and turning, rising and falling in the wind. When you touch it, it feels very cold and almost immediately starts melting into a transparent liquid. Pushing a large amount of the material into a ball feels like you're breaking very soft glass. However, when you stop applying pressure, you find out that the material has been compacted into a fairly sturdy, hard and relatively heavy white ball."

If you say this, people are going to have a hard time figuring out that all you're really saying is: "It's snowing. You pick up some snow and make a snowball."))

((Sorry for the delay. Busy with homework.))

Like I said, this mission will be a bit of an experiment. You'll act like someone's guardian angel, guiding them and helping them with their choices and problems. Sounds interesting to you?))

YEEESSSS
Your note of 'being someone's guardian angel'... <3
If that's a good idea-I'm doing so to Lenglon.

((We'll see... ))

((Err..actually I think its a matter of recognition or difference in 'what comes from x'. I've never known or seen what snow is-yet I identified it in the first sentence..in the first-half of the first sentence as soon as I saw 'sky'. :p
And nup! The reading of the long descriptions in order to describe the things was fun. Long sentences of environment is nice. Long sentences of pedantry is...silly. xD))

Nhh..hh..maybe he can help!
"Excuse me good sir, what's going on over there?"

Theri hurriedly asked the man while pointing at the woman and the big guy.

"Hey, "Excuse me do you good sir need some what's going on help?" over there?" you both speak at the same time, you pointing at the river where fox-girl was burning everything, him pointing at something behind you. You stare at each other awkwardly.

There doesn't seem to be a fire there anymore, by the way. Your vision of the area the fox-girl was in is obscured by some trees but the orange glow of the fire is gone.

Theri tilted her head to the side. "Oh, I was...sightseeing earlier and couldn't help but notice the apparent fire coming in. You really don't need help, then?"

She glanced quickly back before looking at you in the face. "You don't think they need help?"

Theri nodded. "So now I wonder what we're waiting for! Let's go!"

Run over to the brown-colored person I saw earlier, but first check back for River. If he isn't visible, then instead double back with the note of

"-..after I make sure I didn't leave anything behind, of course!"

You run back for a while until you see River in his wolf form, hiding behind a bush.
"I'm not coming." he says. "Help them. I...'ll stay here. I don't like-... People are-..." He takes a deep breath. "I prefer to observe from further away." He gently nudges you forward with his nose. "Go. Don't worry about me. I'll be watching. You can call me if there is trouble. You can talk to me from wherever you want. I'm magic, remember?"

"B-but you brought me here and what will I do if they're not friendly!" Theri's ears drooped, "Awh...I just don't want to leave you behind. Promise you'll stay with me, ok?"

Do the first note mentioned earlier-to the brown-colored person!

"But I- I can't-... The others-" He sighs and looks down. "Look. There's no reason to worry. You'll be fine. You don't need my help. But... if you really want this..."
He reaches out with his forepaw and touches your arm. "Observe." he says.
You lift your arm and watch as a black stripe forms and extends around your wrist like a bracelet, changing the color of your white fur. You look down only to see that he has disappeared without a trace.
"Now I'll be with you for as long you want me to be." you hear a voice in your head.

You return to the man who is waiting for you.
You both walk to the center of the area, where the scene is one of chaos and madness. Bears with collars made of flower petals, giant robots, a giant machine with a giant piece of colorful plastic attached to it, a pale man, a man with big ears. And a little girl that is walking around looking confused. The brown-colored person doesn't seem to be here anymore.

"So," Theri said, "I distinctly remember someone else here, flaring up with fire when I last saw it. Are you people some sort of traveling inventors?"

Ask mwahaha.

River?
Riiiiver?
I've to ask-you're sure you're ok in this form? I-I guess this means you've somehow bonded yourself to me, or are you somewhere else that's not here with me?

((Edited your very apt question in the current turn.))
"Not exactly. I just... hitched a ride, so to speak. When you've been traveling for as long as I have, you pick up a few tricks. Learn to be flexible. This trick has got me past guards so many times..." he says with a small laugh.

"It is a bit... uncomfortable but I'll be fine as long as it doesn't take more than a day."

Ooohh, please tell me where to meet you though. I wouldn't want to travel without you-my kind guide and all. Was there anything about these people that caught your eye? Or was it the fire-starter...because I can't find her.

"Oh, don't worry. I won't leave your side... or arm, as it is right now." he says with a small laugh.

"They're a strange bunch, made stranger by their strength. With their troubles and their good moments. Their virtues and their faults. Like all humans. That's what makes them interesting.
Look at the man standing beside you for example. He was a soldier but now he is trting to help people. And that little girl, the one who isn't older than 7 years, she's very powerful and yet she doesn't know how to use that power."

"This is a place between worlds. A safe area where people from many different worlds meet. A place for people to travel through to other places. Places where they can watch the stories of the world unfold. And interact with them, if they so wish.
There are rooms for people here. Personal spaces. Perhaps the one who started the fire returned to hers to calm down a bit."

"Yes, there was someone else here, she appears to have left.  As to your other question, we are a group of people with a wide assortment of abilities, such as that fire.  It appears that some of us are inventors.
Bryan looks around the area and shakes his head, "What in the world?  I don't even know what's going on here."

"...You aren't their companion? It always pays to be informed of what your companions are doing." Theri says, "Though why you're all here is another question. What are you all doing here? And would you mind if I tried my hand in inventing?

"To lighten up the mood, of course."

Converse

So...do you think I can give her a gift? Like-what do you know other fox-folk like me would generally like? I'll try to prepare that!

Follow advice and prepare happy-gift! Give to said person if possible, and tuck it away if not present!

"I'm not sure what she would like... She's rather... unlike you. Unique. Never met anything like her before. She's like you in that regard. Strange how you can be so similar and yet be so different."
"And I always thought that the best gifts you could give were the kind of gifts one can use. A knife, a good meal, a piece of advice, a wonderful experience... But I cannot think of what she might need..."
"But I've seen people do this before. Exchanging gifts that hold a certain beauty. Perhaps she would like something like that? Yes, something like that might work."
You extend your hand and a flower appears in it. It looks like a lily, with petals starting from red center and white edges, with an orange color in between.
"You think something simple, like that will do? Or maybe she would prefer something a bit more complex?"

Theri pouted a bit at the idea, then brightened up. I think aesthetics would do! I believe its more in the sentimental value...but people are pretty much different due to their upbringing. Hrm...cheers to finding out!

She raised the flower a bit in the air-as a salute to River's idea and also as a way of appreciating it more.

So what things do you like?

"Yes, I guess we'll have to find out. Glad you like it. Hope she likes it too."

"Hmmm... I think I already told you I like to travel, but it's more than that.
I like to experience things. New things. We come to this world to learn. To change the world and be changed by it in turn. To become better adapted to the world. That's why I chose this name. River. The river moves and twists and branches and merges with others and changes its path overtime, sometimes to go around an obstacle and sometimes by destroying an obstacle. Sometimes it's a violent torrent and sometimes a calming stream. Sometimes a source of wealth and happiness, sometimes a source of destruction and sorrow.
 
I also like to hunt. To corner my prey, outsmart it. To see it weak, cowering before me. To feel warm blood in my mouth, soft tasty flesh rended by my teeth. To prove I am a good hunter.

And I like to fight. Danger in all its forms. I like to see what I can do. Push myself to the limits. Measure my strength against the strength of others.

And finally, I like to help people. Help them become better. And learn from them in turn. And perhaps... in the process... also become their... friend."
He seems a bit hesitant, a bit shy when saying that final sentence.

Oop.

Approach staging area. Hand over flower discreetly to the man and ask him to give it to the brown girl I saw earlier!...if he knows her. If not, wait for her along with the rest!

The man tells you that it would be better if you gave it yourself and that she will be coming soon.

"And by the way, if you were right next to me-I'd pet you. Human or not. Because you're cute that way.
And obviously, you are my friend. Silly."

"I- That- Thank you. I'm- Thank you." River says, unable to find the words to express his feelings. "I'm truly honored to be your friend."
"I'm suddenly both glad and sorry I don't have a body. I guess we'll have to wait until we get back."
_{"Hah. Nobody has called me cute in a long time."} he adds mostly to himself.

"You can choose your name? Wow, that's amazing! So..so that means you have another name, right?"

"About my names, I have some titles mostly, but none of them is terribly interesting."
He continues a bit more reluctantly.
"I... had another name once. When I was younger. The first name I was given. Darkstar. But... that's not who I am anymore. At least, that's not all I am."

"Hmm, about the travel," Theri hefted her kite shield, examining it, "I think what we're going to see would be quite the adventure, don't you agree?

((The shield is mostly a symbol of what you will be doing. Not an object you will be using.))
"Oh, yes. This will be interesting. We'll be guiding people, protecting them. Similar to what I do."

((Tiruin was busy so I acted on her behalf and informed her of such:))

Hey, just writing to say that I had your character do something, hope you don't mind.
Here it is, with Lenglon's response:

A white fox girl approaches you after you walk out. She looks very much like you, except she has white fur over all of her body and only one tail.
"Hi! I saw you were upset before. I know it's not much, but I hope this will make you happier." she says and hands you a flower. It looks like a lily, with petals that are yellow near the stamens and transition to red near their edges, with an orange gradient in between. The underside of its petals is white.

What? That looks like... Is she one of kj1225's kitsune?
"I... I... thank you. Um, this... This might be a kinda weird question, but I was wondering if we might be from the same place. Do you know who kj1225 is?"

[Parisbre56]

Spoiler: Tiruin's PMs Part 3 (click to show/hide)

So, if you don't have time to read the entire thing, that's the gist of the story of this mission, to help you catch up:
You (Theri) are a passenger to the body of a woman (referred to as your host). You can see what she sees, feel what she feels, know what she thinks, etc.
You can leave her be and simply watch what she does, you can subtly influence her actions or you can choose to take control of her body to use your skills (essentially transfer your stats to her in game terms and allowing you to control her actions). The more you do things that go against her character however, the more she will reject you.
Your goal is to help her.

There was a period when you couldn't influence her when you entered her body and during that time, you saw her talk to a girl and touch her hands while attempting to "see" something about her. Like a medium. Something that was important to that girl.
Your host saw nothing when she touched her and then the girl had an argument with her friends and left. The girl's friends left soon after.
After they left however, your host had a vision showing her the girl will be in danger soon. So she got inside her car and started driving towards the house you saw in your vision.
((You were actually supposed to go to another place first but I'll just cut that part to push you towards the action. Wasn't that important anyway.))
((Mission start here.))
Reviewing archives...
You close your eyes and focus, trying to empty your mind, to listen. Nothing.
You open them and look at the girl across the table, at your hands holding hers.
"I'm sorry." She makes a motion to get up but you hold her hand.
"Please. Let me try again. These things take time." you urge her.
She sighs and sits down again.
Reviewing archives...
Your eyes are closed. Still nothing. You've been here for so long.
But you don't want to give up. This is important to her. And you want to help her.
In the darkness and the silence, you hear the other people, the girl's friends whispering and then muffled laughs.
The girl gets up and forcefully pulls her hands from your grasp. You open your eyes just in time to see the anger in her face before she turns around to face her friends. She speaks before you have a chance to say anything.
"Is that all this is for you? A bloody joke?" she shouts. "Brought me here to have a laugh with crazy Zoe? Is that it?"
"No, please, I-" a man says.
"No, you know what? I've had enough of this for the evening. I'm out of here." The girl says and starts walking towards the door.
The man extends his arm to stop her. "Listen to me, let's just-"
She bats his arm away. "No, you listen to me. I expected better from you. Especially you, Ed." she shouts while pointing at him. They remain silent like that for a few seconds.
"I'm leaving. Don't come after me." she says with a defeated tone as she gets out and slams the door.
The remaining people in the room, you included, look at each other awkwardly.
Reviewing archives...
You're standing near the door now. Holding the hand of the man from before.
"I'm sorry about that. I-"
"Don't worry. It's not your fault." you cut his apology short. "I just... I really wish I could help her."
"I'll go pick her up." A woman says as she exits the house. "Meet you back at your place?"
"Sure." the man responds. "Goodbye, Morgan."
"Bye, Ed." she says while closing the door.
Just the two of you in the house now.
Reviewing archives...
The man is leaving now. You force a smile on your face, wave at him and close the door.
You lean against the door and sigh. That was a rough day. Rough session. Even if in the end, there was nothing you could do. You feel tired.
You start walking towards the living room. You stumble and almost fall. Didn't realize you were this tired. Maybe you'll just sit on the couch for a while before...
That's as far as your thoughts go before you collapse into unconsciousness.
Review complete.

You can see pain and suffering. Fires and screams. You can see your friends in trouble, Ed and Morgan. And in the center of it all the girl from before, Zoe. She is running, trying to outrun the thorns growing on her path, a path that is getting narrower and harder by the second. You try to reach her, to help her, but she's just out of reach.

You take a deep breath when you wake up, wet from the sweat.
You're standing on the cold wooden floor. Must have collapsed rand slept right on it.
No. This wasn't normal sleep. That wasn't a normal dream.
That girl is in trouble. You can't ignore that. You have to go help her.
Where to go though? Ed said he would let her stay at his place. That should be the best place to start.
You'd call him if he had a phone. Now you have to drive there.

You get out of your house and into your car. You start driving towards the Southern Suburbs.
"So, this is interesting, isn't it?" comes a voice from a silver thing on the woman's wrist. It looks like a watch but it has a bluish crystal where the face would be. The strange thing is that while you notice it the woman, the one whose body you're currently experiencing this through, your host, doesn't.

"Are you okay? I guess this might feel a bit strange at first. Ask me if you got any questions."
((Didn't proofread because I gotta sleep. Sorry if there are any spelling mistakes or missing words or other errors.))

...
...
...River? Please tell me that's you. Am I only able to see you? Oh, and..and what I'm thinking right now-that is what I just thought and what I'm...thinking now-can all be heard by the woman or I can choose to talk to her and not to talk to her (but to you) and all?

I can only talk to you and see what you see, for now at least. I won't be able to use my body.
And don't worry, your thoughts are your own. Neither I nor she can hear them. We can only hear what you want us to hear.

Oh. OH. Am I like a conscience to the woman? I can help with that! Hmm, let me see-this woman displays benevolence, the child is obviously either affected by what her peers tell her or she has a different belief in what just happened. Oh, and I'm probably a psychic or a medium.

Yes, I think that is a very apt assumption. You're more or less correct.

Let's see..before anything else: I will want to appear as the voice that..hrmm, lets her rethink what happened. I need to know why what just happened, happened. Perhaps if I try a direct, personally reflective-

To host:
What did I just do. Her name. What was her name again? Why was she here? I need to know this before anything else--so I know what to try to tell her. She wants distance, and I'll allow her distance, but keep watch...
Try to...erm, remember from her perspective-infer from my words on my intent.

((I'm not sure what you mean with the first question.
Your host is currently inside her car, driving towards the house of her friend (her friend's name is Ed, short for Edward) to warn him that he and his friend (Zoe, the girl who was speaking in red, the one that Lenglon's character is currently helping) are in danger, if that's what you're asking.))

The girl, Zoe, was a close friend of Ed. Ed brought her to your house because he hoped you could help her with your gift, the ability to see things.
The person Zoe loved was abducted some time ago and all attempts to find who did it have been unsuccessful so far. Zoe has not given up hope and has been searching ever since. They were hoping you could help with the search, that's why they were there.
Zoe left and presumably returned to Ed's house where she is staying temporarily, since Zoe's house has been damaged and needs repairs.

...
...
So how was my first-person talk there? Too...brusque? Erm, too cheesy? River? Riiiver~

Haha. I'm here Theri, I'm here. No need to call my name. he says with a small laugh of joy. Though I have to admit, the way you say it is kind of cute.
Anyway, you did well. Very well, in fact. I'm a bit surprised you adjusted so fast. You've got the right idea, trying to be subtle, acting like her conscience. Hopefully, we'll be able to help her with whatever troubles her.

((I love that teasing helpful tone. xD))

Haha. I'm here Theri, I'm here. No need to call my name. Though I have to admit, the way you say it is kind of cute.
Anyway, you did well. Very well, in fact. I'm a bit surprised you adjusted so fast. You've got the right idea, trying to be subtle, acting like her conscience. Hopefully, we'll be able to help her with whatever troubles her.

I first thought you were saying that like you were teasing from a pseudo-first-person me. Eheh. That was-thanks!
Theri sifted through the memories and tried to piece together something, but decided to be sure on the matter.

I wonder...
Try to remember what Zoe's case was. What was stopping me from helping her?
Next, try to remember if there were any sense of 'leads' that I felt.

((Whenever I use the word "You" below, I'm referring to your host, the woman whose body you are inside right now. Just making it clear.))

It wasn't a problem with Zoe in particular that was stopping you. It's the way your ability (or rather, your host's ability) works.
You are simply a conduit for the spirits. A way for them to access the physical world and influence it. A way for them to share their knowledge and wisdom with those that come to you for aid.
You can use meditative techniques to concentrate and become more receptive to their influences (or conversely better block the influence of those spirits that would seek to confuse you and lead you astray or worse seek to possess you) but you cannot control what they give you, you cannot force them to act.
So when Zoe came to you seeking help in finding the people who abducted the one she loved, all you could do was open your mind to the spirits and hope they could give you what you and Zoe needed.
With Zoe, the spirits told you nothing. Not even a tiny whisper. It was... quite unusual. Most of the time you get something, even if it isn't immediately useful.Sometimes they speak to you and show you things without you having to open your mind. Like what happened with this dream.

The dream... that was stranger still. It filled your senses. It was full of symbolism and strong imagery, the kind those supernatural entities are prone to creating. It was as if everything the spirits refused to tell you when others were present suddenly flooded your senses the moment they were gone, drowning your perceptions.
You're still trying to understand the entirety of what you saw, trying to hold on to every tiny bit of memory you have of the incident. Dreams are easy to forget, even one that had such... unnatural energy behind it.
From the details you remember right now, you're fairly certain there is danger up ahead. Danger for all of you. But the two people the vision centered around was Zoe and Ed.

Ed told you he was going to let Zoe stay at his place while she was searching for a place to stay. That's why you're driving there. If the dream told you they are in danger, then that's probably where you have to go to help them or at least find out how to help them.

Nhh, dear goodness. I'm not that used to speaking in first person. Hum...
Alright, now take the most visible route. If Zoe is in trouble, trouble must make its way to Ed's house first. So if I see nothing wrong at that point, I'll...just take the diversionary place so I can warn them from the..backdoor!
Ngh, not good Theri.
Though perhaps the spirits may know- OH GOODNESS. RIVER!- I better contact them when I get there. Hopefully not to burn the bridge. And all these metaphors.

Go along the route which has the best visibility of Ed's place, then upon nearing head along a different street to approach the home from another direction--if possible, contact spirits along the way.

Also hi River. River?

Mmm.mmmm...River? Am I doing ok?

Your host continues to drive towards Ed's house.
The suburbs you're driving through look deserted, few people living here, even fewer walking on the streets at this our. Most of the lights on the sidewalk are broken or otherwise non-functional and few houses have light coming from their windows. Everything is dark and quiet, save for the sound of the car's engine trying to keep the old thing moving and its headlights illuminating the bumpy road ahead.

You try to open your mind to the spirits you see in your hosts thoughts and memories, to try to influence them or talk to them, but this proves fruitless. They seem to be uninterested in interacting with you. Or maybe they're just not here right now. Or maybe you're doing this the wrong way. You're not really sure how this is supposed to work.

When you are close to your destination, you suddenly see a red haze surrounding your host's vision before it returns to normal. Your host shakes her head. A second later, you hear a gunshot coming from up ahead, close to your destination that is currently obscured by a small rise in the road.
Your host is frightened. That can't be good. She pushes the gas pedal down, driving as fast as she can.
The gunshot is followed by another one a few seconds after that.

Your host notices something strange. On the left side of the car flies a hummingbird with iridescent orange-red feathers that make it look like it's on fire. On the right side of the car swims a multicolored tropical fish. Spirits, no doubt.
The two creatures move away from the car, the fish continuing straight while the hummingbird turns at the next intersection. They're probably trying to tell you something but what?

"Hmph. Why do they always have to be so vague..." comments River.
"Red probably means anger or conflict or... fire? I'm not sure.
I have no idea what the other one might stand for."

Do you want to influence your host and have her choose a spirit to follow?

River, do spirits have some kind of cultural connection? They obviously symbolize something. Fire and water? Red and
Blue?
Theri wondered. The gunshot was straight ahead, and this was where the multicolored fish went, and it was on her right. The colored hummingbird turned at the intersection--quite too early for it to be where the gunshot diverged, and more than not an alternate path...

She pondered, and tapped her host. The firebird was both a symbol of life and death, yet the waterfish was a symbol of hope, in her best idea.

Influence the host.
Follow the fish. We have to make sure Zoe is alright. Follow the river and don't go against it. We need not assume.


How's that, River? Getting better?

"Yes, spirits, at least the ones I know of, like symbolism a lot, cultural connections. Don't know why. Maybe 'speaking' in that way seems natural to them.

Your analysis seems correct. That's what I would have chosen, anyway. Then again, I almost always go with my instinct, so I might not be the best judge about those kinds of things."

You continue driving, the fish swimming besides you. When your destination finally comes to sight, you can see Zoe running towards an intersection and Morgan's car standing there with a shredded tire.

You stop the car next to Zoe. The fish is swimming in lazy circles around her. This is it. You have to help her.
"Hey! Are you alright? Need help?" asks your host.

You notice that she has a silver bracelet on her wrist, almost the same as the one on yours, except for the fact that its crystal is clear instead of blue. Even though you can see it, your host doesn't seem to notice the one on your or Zoe's wrist.

Theri: Try to calm down and introduce yourself more formally to Zoe. Say that I want to help her. Yes I'm actually a spirit and not your conscience (though I don't have any malice for you, or intended, or whatever the word is...)

...
Hug her!

Action: ^ All of the above is IC me talking.

What? You- she responds surprised. This... this is strange. You're very... very different. But thank you for the advice. I guess.
The crystal of your Interface (the bracelet) beeps and blinks red several times before stopping.

Oh, also nudge my host and suggest her to explain why she came here.
And that she's sorry for earlier and that to ask what she needs.

Also, ask River what that bracelet is.

"It is a way to show to other travelers that we are not of this world, and a way to communicate with them. It is only visible to us and other travellers and not to the other people that inhabit this world.
It also marks your link to this woman. See that blinking? It shows how much her mind understands we are not entirely natural, not of this world. It's not alarming right now, but if it continues for too long, then she might subconsciously force us out of her body and mind.
Finally, it has some magic of its own that allows it to sometimes inform you of important things."

((I think the turn is pretty self explanatory, but feel free to ask me if you want to know something more about what your host sees or thinks or feels.))

@River: So...I just blew our cover and sped up the subconscious process of shoving us out?
Well. Great. Time to protect Zoe then.

@Host: Drive! Remember where that firebird went? Time to follow the other spirit.
...
Or the man. His speed is strange-no natural muscular structure accounts for his sprinting (or he's an olympic athlete but I doubt that given his weight, or adrenaline).
Try to sense any indication with the spirits. I'm only in your mind, the others are out there!

Action: Let's do this thing.

<Don't worry. It's not that bad. She's used to strange things happening so it hasn't alienated her much. You'll feel it if it gets bad. And she will slowly become more accepting of you, the damage to your... connection will be repaired.
You're doing good. Really. There's no reason to burden yourself with guilt over what may be.>

The man dashes into an alleyway, too narrow to enter with the car. Your host stops her car soon after.
"Drive around and cut him off." Zoe says as she exits the car.
Your host seems about to protest but then she sees the firebird flying over the car, moving forward. She nods and starts driving, following the spirit.
<See? She trusts you.>
"Alone? What are you goi-" Morgan's protest are cut short as the car drives away. She sighs in frustration.

Your host follows the spirit, turning left at the next intersection to move parallel to the man, so that you can hopefully cut him off at the other end of the alley.

Nooo, someone stabbed Ed D:

How's it goin?

((Whoops, I'm very, very sorry. Looks like the message didn't get sent for whatever reason.

Writing from phone, please excuse any of my mistakes.))

Drive to block the alley then check around for spirits. Then suggest to host:
Whatever Zoe is getting at, she has the right idea, we have to stop this man or get to the person he's carrying--if all fails, try talking him down first. Say you mean no harm (and oh goodness did that hammer he was carrying look like a bad thing) and..well, I'm with you in whatever happens.

Your host continues driving to the other side of the alley. She feels afraid. She's never fought anyone before. Your words help to calm her, but she still feels very nervous. What's she going to do if she comes face to face with that man?
As she drives, her peripheral vision once more fills with a red haze. It clears a moment later, revealing that the spirits have disappeared.
Your host reaches the end of the alleyway to see Zoe crouching over Ed, her hands applying pressure on his lower body.
"Damnation." curses Morgan. She hastily gets out of the car and starts running towards Zoe. Your host follows a bit more slowly and carefully, keeping an eye out for danger.
While running, your host hears a gunshot coming from further away.

@River

Ooooh, River. I can't..I-this, I can't do anything else but suggest and..I can't act! This is the first time I can't do quite anything in the situation wherein I could actually help..I'm just glad that Awena can talk and all-...

May I be able to speak to the other Traveler? As in, when you see people with bracelets, that means they've got...spirit-guides like us, right?

Can we talk to them directly?

<There is... one thing you could do. You have the option to manifest yourself through her, to... possess her, in a way.
If the situation is really dire, if you think that only with your help she can survive, then you can choose to take over her body.
It might become necessary for you to do that if she gets into a physical confrontation. You are much stronger and more agile then she is. For now, I think it would be best to let Zoe take care of the wound. She seems to know what she's doing.

As for the other, her name is Irene, I think. The one who bends fire to her will. The one that has an appearance similar to you. The one you gave the flower to.
Simply speak with the intention of communicating with her and she will hear you.>

((Turn later, just doing a small post with people speaking.))

...Then I will only possess her when the time need be. What if I warn her beforehand? Will other spirits intervene or something bad?


Reach out and 'poke' Irene.
Hello! Zoe seems sorta troubled from here--doesn't seem to realize how Awena understands the world; spirits are real, and we're pretty much spirits here.

...Erm, Hi, I'm Theri?

Dear gods that didn't go well.

...

Wait I was talking out lou-GRAH.

Also, are you doing ok there?

((You can see Theri talking to Irene in the thread.
As always, feel free to ask me if you have any questions or tell me if I have forgotten anything/done something wrong.))

<I'm not sure. It would probably make her more receptive to you, less likely to reject you if she trusts you enough.
But this isn't an exact science and I... I'm not sure. There's a small chance she might have the opposite effect, it might make her frightened and cause her to reject you.
Just... do what you feel is right. Follow your instincts. I trust you will make the right choice.>

You and Zoe continue to drive. As you near your destination, you can see Zoe getting more agitated. Poor girl has been through so much. Now this... The fear, the anticipation, the hope... Awena can't imagine how's she's feeling.
You're almost at the address Ed gave you now. There's a van parked outside, its back door open. As your car gets closer, you can see people outside. One by the van, another near the door of the house. And then the door of the house opens. You see a woman being carried on a stretcher by two men exiting the house.
"Amelia..." Zoe whispers. That's her! That's the girl you were supposed to find.
Still, those men look dangerous. And Zoe is very emotional right now. She might do something rash and put herself in danger. Better watch out.

((Sorry if I'm doing turns too fast. I just trying to finish this mission or at least get it as close to finishing as possible before Lenglon has to leave so that she can see and participate in the entire story.))

As you approach the house, your host sees the gear stick of the car deforming, becoming full of thorns, like the stem of a rose. When Zoe tries to reach for it, your host instinctively grabs her hand to stop her, to protect her.
"Wait! These men abducted her. What if it's dangerous? What if you they hurt you? You can't help anyone if you are dead." Awena asks, worry clear both in her voice and in her thoughts.
"I've got to do something! Who knows what those bastards are going to do to her?" She's so determined. Awena couldn't change her mind. She'd probably only make it worse. But she's got to do something. Oh, spirits help me. she thinks and closes her eyes in despair. And the spirits respond.

You can see the outline of Zoe drawn in red through your closed eyelids and a line extending from her. Your host opens her eyes to see the line leading to the Van and the driver standing a few steps behind it. A direct route, aggressive. One that favors speed and strength.
Another line, this one blue, leaves your own body, leading around the men in a more concealed path, and to the man standing guard near the door of the house. An indirect, circuitous route. One that will give you the element of surprise.
"Go left, through there, towards the driver. I'll go right. When I distract them, take care of the driver. I'll... I'll think of something." your host says as she indicates the routes to Zoe. Zoe seems to accept them with a nod.

Awena doesn't feel so certain about this. But she has to do something. She gets out of the car after Zoe does. She follows the blue line, not turning to look when she hears the men shouting at Zoe to stop. Awena is now behind the man, running towards him. He's getting his gun out, pointing it towards the van Zoe is hiding behind. She's not sure what she's going to do once she gets there.

You can also see the men carrying Amelia in the stretcher. They have stopped moving on their way to the Van, surprised, unsure of what to do. None of the 4 men has noticed you.

I await the PM well, then I'll talk to Lenglon in-thread :DD

Great. Have fun!
I just want to say I enjoyed this PM thing. Gave me the chance and the inspiration to write something a bit different for you then what I normally would have written.

((That is all. Turn tomorrow. Mission start at end of week.))

[Alarith]

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."

"Uh, perhaps I didn't explain that well.  Remember Ed?  The man with information about target amethyst?  How someone had kidnapped him?  I'm afraid that was me."

[Xantalos]

((Good lord that's a lot of PM.))

[Lenglon]

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."

"Uh, perhaps I didn't explain that well.  Remember Ed?  The man with information about target amethyst?  How someone had kidnapped him?  I'm afraid that was me."

"O-oh... well, um, thank you for not killing him. I suppose. But what did you mean about us having a conflict before between missions? I don't remember anything like that."

[Alarith]

"Eh it wan't that impressive or important.  I tried to stop you from burning anything after the first mission when you were upset.  After all you wouldn't have hurt anyone and the staging area can just change."

[Harry Baldman]

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."

"Uh, perhaps I didn't explain that well.  Remember Ed?  The man with information about target amethyst?  How someone had kidnapped him?  I'm afraid that was me."

Ike, deep in thought, pauses a moment to consider this fellow.

"Hey, you were there? Sweet! Which one were you? The guy who rammed me and I shot, the guy who was running away and I shot, or the guy at the factory with the big gun who I blew up? Or someone else? You don't sound like Hex Man, so that's probably out as an option."

[Tiruin]

Theri nudged Irine with her tail, that nobody else may notice.

"You're all acquainted with each other? How did this happen before and why do you choose to partake in this contest-of-sorts?"

She raised the inner parts of her eyebrows in concern.

"It sounds weird to be speaking about kills or people you hurt, given that they were real people. Just...somewhere else."