Raiha

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Now normally I like to pride myself on not being easily offended by every little thing that rolls along. A KKK march, an abortion clinic bombing...but sometimes something happens that makes me want to start killing. Here's the scenario: An ex boyfriend of three years calls me at 12 a.m. after a very long [three year] silence and asks me if I have any STDs. And all over the fact that his new and supposedly virgin girlfriend has a latex allergy. But seriously, he asked me a whole bunch of questions about my promiscuity and then said that it was 'a matter of probabilities' that made him call me first. Keeping in mind that he's got several other ex girlfriends that appeared in that three year gap. Now then. Several problems appear with this. At first I was totally offended and confused. If it's been three years since we were together, anything I'd potentially given him would've manifested already. And doubtless in exciting and fun ways and on multiple women. But as it goes, I am totally clean and always have been and I always test before and after flinging with someone. That and I would've [b]had[/b] to call him to tell him I have HPV or Syphilis or whatever. He waxed indignant when I confronted him on this and said that I was 'proud of the fact' that I'd slept around and should 'take the consequences.' But somehow I'm not consoled and in between calling him 'Pants on Head Retarded' and 'a Blathering Nitwit' I began to wonder. Do I beat him to death with a large frozen tuna or a raw, ripe, juicy steak?[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Ah clever me, mentioning his change of wardrobe. Such seamless transitions. It's like we're soul mates James. Oh wait- But seriously, this begs a serious question. Who could Macey possibly end up with now?[/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]Two things. Eww. [I]What?![/I] That doesn't bloody make sense. Even coming from me. :p (Being pinned to the wall was rather amusing, though.) [/FONT][/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]First off, jaundiced refers to a method of glaring at someone with utter dislike and resentment. Google it. And secondly I am not in the business of MAKING sense. If I was, I'd be elsewhere. Now. Go play.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[RIGHT][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/gadgetavatar.jpg[/IMG][/RIGHT] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]"Gadget, were you here the whole afternoon?" "No Ella, Dame Grimalkin had me washing dishes. And while I was doing it I met Mr. Vincent." "...washing...dishes." [i]For a moment the only sound was Macey's teeth grinding. She gripped her teacup so hard Gadget flinched, sure it would snap at any second. Instead, the worthy woman calmed herself and smoothed over her features serenely. She turned to Gadget with an utterly placid expression and kept her tone perfectly even.[/i] "Is that so Gadget? Well I'll look into that then. I can't have you being called off for scullery duty every time that cow gets lazy." "It wasn't so bad...I got to meet Mr. Vincent after all. He was so nice to me." "He always was a nice man." [i]Macey contemplated Gadget's words. From the way he sounded, the boy was besotted with Vincent. And it only served to confirm something that had been bothering Macey for months now. It would explain so many things, and while it was painful for her to admit, it would be a definite puzzle piece to repair her scattered psyche. After all, it would mean that the fault didn't rest entirely with Macey, and that it wasn't her own shortcomings. Gadget sat down next to Macey with a concerned expression on his face.[/i] "Ella?" "He's my ex husband Gadget. Not that anybody would've told you, but it's perfectly alright. I think making friends of him would be good for you." [i]Gadget blushed horribly, and Macey gave him a gentle nudge while laughing softly. He managed to give her a quavering smile, and she looked at the clock. Her eyebrows raised momentarily, and she leapt up, headed for her dressing area. Then, as if on a whim, she turned and crooked a finger at Gadget.[/i] "Come on, I'll teach you how to assist a woman in getting dressed properly." [i]At first, it seemed as though he'd be useless. The many bows and ties of the noble woman's gown perplexing, when suddenly it all came clear. Macey, standing in her underdress, gave him the right amounts of patience and direction, and he managed to tie on her elaborate skirt with remarkably nimble fingers. The corset proved to be even easier for him to master, once he'd come to the understanding that he was supposed to tighten the strings every time he got the chance. Eventually he'd worked the plum colored material perfectly, covering her body like a glove and she gave him a grand smile.[/i] "Perfect work. You'll be an expert in no time at all." [i]He blushed again, only this time just slightly, and a servant tapped on the door. Gadget flew to answer it and received a long package addressed to him of all people. Macey sat at her vanity table, adjusting her jewelry while Gadget cut the cords sealing it with unrestrained delight.[/i] "Well you'd need something to wear besides someone else's castoffs." "Oh thank you!" [i]She smiled as he revealed a handsome suit with an even more elaborate evening coat, suitable for any young gentleman. Eventually he figured out the garments for himself, and the two made their way downstairs where they'd have to face Lady Bavaria and other monstrosities alike soon enough.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[i][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Just when I thought everything was calming down, I realized one serious flaw in our plan. While we had safely ovened up the pies we?d baked, and the refrigerator was closed with the cheesecake safely inside I felt a sinking sense of doom. Sunfall leaned over with typical feminine psychic ability and commented.[/i] ?You?re probably just hungry.? ?We just ate!? [i]Allamorph trooped through the kitchen, while Kam and Shy watched everything with a jaundiced eye, Revelation and Vicky twirling steak knives in the corner. He looked over his shoulder at me and braced himself to run.[/i] ?Maybe you?re pregnant.? ?Maybe you?d like a fat lip!? [i]I raised a rolling pin and was about to hurl it towards him when Revelation leapt up, in a swirl of fringe and glitter and jerked aside her skirt to reveal a garter belt full of knives. He was about to make good his escape when the door he was about to jerk open slammed open instead, pinning him between it and the far wall. Rach stood there, case in hand with a bemused expression on his face.[/i] ?I heard shouting. Is everyone alright? The pies unmolested?? ?I?ll be fine in just a minute...[I]believe[/I] me...? [i]I muttered into my apron while fondling something hidden under my skirt, and Allamorph?s muffled groaning galvanized Rach into re-opening the door off of his body. Just when he thought he was in the clear, Revelation began flinging knives expertly, forming an almost perfect outline of his body into the wall, while simultaneously pinning him by the hair and the clothes. She let out a crow of triumph, just as the bell dinged. I flung open the oven doors and was about to reach for them with extra strength industrial oven mitts when Premonition swooped in with larceny in his heart. He reached for the most available pie and instead of grabbing it properly, got a face full of sizzling hot rack instead and was about to make an exit, howling and cursing, when Petie appeared. And this time for some reason he was wearing a Paladin?s armor. Everyone paused to blink at the anachronism, when he drew a sword and swung after Premonition, nearly slicing off his ears.[/i] ?Get away...from...the ladies'...pies!? [i]I sighed and began setting them out on the cooling racks, protected as always by the heroes of old. Kam stood over me watchfully with a nail bat, while Shy continued to stand sentry over his beloved cheesecake. Desbreko popped in, guided by the mystical smell of delicious, and stood in the doorway, simply inhaling. For some reason he didn?t notice Allamorph groaning and moaning like he wanted to die, not two feet from him. Gavin bumped into him from behind and ruined the entire thing, but the moment was saved when we were all distracted by James himself coming in through the window. I blinked a few times. A purple zoot suit. Not bad really, even gave him a sense of regality I?d come to expect. Everyone paused to give him respectful little bows and curtsies, which were somehow enhanced by the fact that nearly everyone was brandishing a home made weapon of some kind...[/i] ?What?s that delicious smell? It smells of.... ....madness and glory...? ?They must be Sunfall?s peanut butter cookies. Have one!? [i]Panda held up a tray, and while I wondered where she?d come from, I shrugged. In all honesty, she?d probably just teleported in using the power of the mod. It was the only viable solution. The only reasonable explanation. Whatever. James sampled one and gave us the much coveted nod of approval, before swooping off with his entourage. Before he disappeared completely he turned to look over at Allamorph.[/i] ?You should really stop playing with knives.?[/FONT][/COLOR]

[i][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Sevara dropped off into a sleep instantly, and I clung to her limp form silently, willing even more power into the shield. Connor?s grip had unconsciously tightened on his sword and I noticed that the feral kits had all clustered behind him, with Billy alone watching the fight with his hands pressed up against the flat plane of my shield. Neil had flung himself forward and gone hand to hand with Morrigan alone, and while he was still massively outclassed, Vicky and Andrew alike were pitching in at critical moments, always keeping one step ahead of her. Every time it looked like she?d be able to land a finishing blow on Neil, she was deflected.[/i] ?They?re not doing so badly, don?t you think?? [i]I looked over my shoulder at Connor, then found myself babbling the omens aloud, what I could read in the dust and smoke rising from the battlefield.[/i] ?One of two shall fall, and the Great Mother will rise above it all... ...take up your gifts and fight with what weapons you have at your disposal- -everything shall be well and very well.? [i]Connor gave me a heavy smack across the shoulder to cut out the vision and I bit off my words before I could keep going. I shook my head several times to clear it, and laid Sevara down next to her brother, who instantly took up a babyish protective stance over her. Carefully, I stepped outside of the shield, with Connor next to me. I noticed, that oddly enough, the feral kits had begun maintaining the shield I had already set up. They had assumed a four point formation underneath each cardinal direction instinctively and I raised an eyebrow. Again, the shield smelled of flowers and light instead of my characteristic musk of wood smoke and flame.[/i] ?Creepy. The little kittens have it in for their mummy?s talent.? ?Maybe it?s a latent Feral thing that everyone has. ...because none of them are psychic a-? ?Less talk more pain immortal boy.? [i]I propelled him towards the others, and when I cast a casual eye over my shoulder where I knew the babies were hidden, I could see nothing at all. Apparently they had instinctive magic over camouflage as well. Reassured, I took purposeful steps towards my nemesis, feeling my tattoos flicker and crackle under my aura. The familiar halo of fire had appeared above my head, and I could feel wings of fire flexing themselves and draping down my shoulders. Next to me, Connor had slung his sword over one shoulder so casually you would?ve thought he was carrying a sack of groceries. I chuckled to myself, and clenched both fists until I could feel my own pulse racing beneath my knuckles. There was a rippling break in the fight, and I saw Neil clutching a wounded chest, and Vicky and Andrew covering him.[/i] ?Everyone drop!? [i]Connor held his sword forward from his chest and barked out one single sharp word of power, and our allies were swept back out of Morrigan?s reach to make room for me. Focusing every rage I?d ever felt against her thus far, I whipped my hand forward and a thin line of fire hurtled towards Morrigan, slicing through the illusion of a beautiful woman she?d crafted for herself. A hideous bitch of a creature appeared in her wake, one that could lovingly be described as a female Cthulhu. I hissed several sharp words, unlocking the spells in my mind, and hurtled forward, one foot extended, the other hooked back ready for a second attack, and felt my wings clap underneath me. I braced both arms, clenching them until the muscles themselves began to snap with energy. My attack struck her full on in the tentacled extendable maw, and she fell back shrieking and spitting.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Sandy']I prefer to stay as the causer of excessive drama, thank you. XP ;D Just wondering why my frilly apron was on backwards...?[/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Two reasons perhaps. One: Vengeance for forgetting about the Almagest and Macey fiasco... Two: Because you were so busy correcting everyone's mistakes that you didn't pay attention to your own! SHOCK![/FONT][/COLOR]

[RIGHT][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/gadgetavatar.jpg[/IMG][/RIGHT] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Macey fluttered helplessly between awareness and blissful darkness. She was dimly aware of her brother shouting her name like she'd gone deaf, and Gadget stroking her hand as if it would calm her. The pain in her chest wouldn't go away, but just when she thought the pain would send her spiraling down into oblivion, she felt a cool rag pressed to her forehead. Gadget had dipped it in water, and wrung it out, right over the carpet, but Macey was touched and didn't mind. Instead, she willed her eyes open and instantly shut them again with a moan. The lights in the room were painfully bright, and Macey managed to lift a hand to cover her face. Fauntleroy immediately went over to the two lamps over her table and extinguished both. He set down his camera on her desk. One of the servants had appeared with a pot of very strong tea, and busied herself pouring and mixing. Macey, with Gadget's aid, managed to sit halfway up.[/i] "I'll look at it as soon as I'm on my feet again." "You'll do no such thing Ella. Rest is what you need right now. Not another project. Besides that, Lady Bavaria should be here soon and you'll be expected to do a grip and grin with her as well." [i]Macey flopped back against her pillows listlessly, her hands dithering as if she'd lost all hope.[/i] "Heaven's forbid. Can't I just fake a coma or possibly drop dead?" "Don't joke about things like that please!" [i]Gadget gripped her hand so tightly, Macey nearly yelped, and she gave him a reassuring smile. Seeing that she was in fact, simply jesting calmed him immeasurably, and her elder brother tinkered with the camera's shutter restlessly. Then he stood up, as if he'd made a decision, and nodded at the odd couple.[/i] "I have a few things to take care of before Lady Bavaria's arrival. But I'll send Alecia up as soon as she's here." "Thank you Fonty. And I will study that camera, rest assured." "I never had any doubt you would. Trying to keep you away from work is harder than getting a politician to be honest." [i]He strode off with the air of a man on a mission, while Macey sipped her tea cautiously, not trusting the strength of her arms entirely. Gadget busied himself with the consumption of the tea cakes the servant had also remembered to bring, and the servant in question had already departed. Macey set down her cup on its saucer and closed her eyes for just a moment. This morning she'd used her ability on Mr. Deacon without even thinking. That kind of lapse was proving quit dangerous. Macey mentally reprimanded herself for using it without preparing first, but on the other hand, she had been desperate to contain the situation. Perhaps it'd work out for the best.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Sandy']I'm sorry, but I really don't have any memory of talking with you about anything like that. Guess you just have to be less vague with me in the future. ;D[/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Good lord, it's a sign! You've grown old! But seriously, for the record, I think we should all just relax, breathe a little, and go get some popcorn. Or cake. Or cheesecake. Definitely cheesecake.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]For some reason I feel as though a rollcall wouldn't be totally out of place. In fact, it'd make total sense. Who's here and alive and posting?![/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Sandy'] The Almagest bloodline only gives the family member the potential to be great alchemists, it's each to their own how they use it. ;D[/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]And since Macey's spent her life both dissecting human hearts, as well as obsessing over them, her ability makes a certain freaky amount of sense. And I'd like to clarify that this isn't really a good power. In fact, it really sucks, since she only has the ability to hurt the people that get close to her. We discussed this in vague terms earlier Sandy, I'm surprised you forgot. But that's alright, I forgive you your lapse if you'll never use smilies again.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[i][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Panda had hustled herself off, probably to go restore order in the main hall, and instead of returning, she?d sent Sandy instead. And he?d shown up with Sunfall for some reason. She saw Revelation mixing a pie crust, and Shy covered in flour and threw up her arms with horror.[/i] ?Desbreko hates pie!? [i]Shock and disbelief abounded.[/i] ?Never!? ?Blasphemy! Only idiots, pansies, and fops hate pie!? ?...think about what you?ve just said there Vicky.? [i]Vicky frowned in thought, then her expression cleared, and she looked sheepish. I sighed with resignation and thumbed through the cake section of the cookbook instead. [/i] ?Okay. Revelation, you keep up with your pecan pie. We?re not letting this crust go to waste. And you Shy. You win. You can make cheesecake with Kam.? [i]Kam looked mollified, and Revelation gleefully continued shelling pecans like it was going out of style. I shook my head at the ensuing madness, and began preheating the ovens to 400 degrees. It looked like everything was going perfectly smoothly, without one hitch or wrinkle, when I heard screaming coming from the general direction of the people I?d dragooned into helping me. [/i] ?My god! What have you done to the pie?!?? [i]That kind of hysteric exclamation could only come from one Ob member, and with a sinking feeling, I realized who it was. Pink apron on backwards, and arms akimbo, Sandy was berating both Shy and Revelation. Apparently neither had done their respective desserts properly. Before I could say a conciliatory word, Sandy flounced off, flinging down his ruffled apron with some vehemence. Revelation unfroze her expression at his departure and continued mixing her ingredients without pause. Shy and Kam meanwhile, were not so sanguine. Shy broke down completely, crying into the hem of his apron, while Kam patted his shoulder and talked disjointedly about revenge. I sighed and began beating a wooden spoon against the granite countertop.[/i] ?Everyone continue as usual. Shy! Pull yourself together. Vicky, go set up the cooling racks! Kam get your foot out of that mixing bowl! And Digitalboy! GET YOUR FINGERS OUT OF THE BATTER!? [i]I reached out for him, ready to beat him into a pulp and serve him in one of my own special pies, when Athena descended from above like the goddess she was, and carried him away. I shook my head with some dismay and began slicing strawberries into cream and sugar. Revelation considered the lattice of her pecan pie.[/i] ?Do you think Sandy will seek revenge on us for murdering his beloved pie?? ?Of course not! That?d be crazy.? [i]I didn?t feel half as confident as my tone implied, and Vicky muttered rebelliously to herself as she swung open the doors, and inserted the pecan pies and my own strawberry one.[/i] ?Oh yeah, this isn?t coming back to bite anyone in the ass later.? [i]Shy slammed the refrigerator door shut, his beloved cheesecake safe at last, and we all settled down for a late lunch of sammich. Other OB members drifted in for free handouts, but we chased them off with carrot sticks and expertly hurled pot holders. Sunfall washed dishes with merriment, while I pitched in a hand, soap bubbles filling the room like smoke.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[i][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]The first wave of minions appeared. Twenty or thirty well armed semi-humanoid monsters. Drooling dripping fangs, various melee weapons, some even had spears. Normally I wouldn?t have been able to see even that far, but Connor was describing the scene to me anyway, keeping up a steady whisper of dialogue. Sevara looked restless, and thrashed her arms momentarily, before settling down again. They connected. And the sound was incredible. Gavin and Andrew alike let off with two nearly identical ki blasts, and Vicky and Mattheus swung their bodies across the gap between them and warriors both. Neil grabbed the two nearest enemies and bashed their heads together, with Sikal finishing what remained off with heavy punches. I didn?t feel any real desire to join in the carnage, especially when Connor described how Eriju was eating off the face of one of Morrigan?s minions. Must?ve been tasty enough, because she moved onto the next monster with frightening speed, her body becoming less human by the second. Within minutes, every unfriendly being on the field had been completely destroyed.[/i] ?Well that was relatively painless.? [i]Vicky had circled back and landed within the safety of my shield. She cracked her joints with some cheer, and tilted her head to one side to realign her spinal cord.[/i] ?They fell like flies, and the next wave looks more concentrated. Maybe there?ll even be a challenge in there somewhere.? [i]Her tone was casual, but I could sense her excitement underneath. It beat like a heart, wild, almost out of control, and as I watched her eyes, they flickered between brown and bright blue almost incessantly. Without another word, she broke off and hurled herself forward, just in time to exchange blows with the newest enemy that had made his hideous appearance. Neil?s roar echoed over the field, and I saw him focus ki in his hands just before it blew off the head of the newest monstrosity. Again, the enemies fell, and this time no more came forward. The twins were breathing heavily, but then again, it was their first real skirmish with a real enemy. Sevara still looked restless, and upon closer inspection, I could see pinpricks of purple forming around the whites of her eyes. An hour passed while the warriors stood silently in the field, the only sound their breathing and the flickering of my shield. Even the feral kits sat still, lined up in a row beside Billy. Then she came. A vision of stark white, glistening with power, glowing in her unlight. Morrigan appeared, no flashes of smoke, no booming thunder. One minute she wasn?t present, and then she was. And her smile was bewitching. I couldn?t even sense the power underneath. And she stretched her arms out to Mattheus and Sikal, her expression forgiving and motherly.[/i] ?Come back to me my children. I?ve missed you so.? [i]Both frowned, confused, bewildered by the sight. Gavin and Neil hadn?t moved either. Actually, both looked immensely tired. Vicky and Andrew had gone so still she might?ve turned them into stone. Sikal took a lurching step forward, when Sevara suddenly jerked her whole body away from me. She planted both her tiny arms on mine, and threw back her head. A howl so loud it pierced the enchantment echoed over the entire field. The sound reverberated, getting higher and higher until Connor?s sword began vibrating in empathy to the waves. I struggled to hold her steady, as my daughter shrieked again and again, Morrigan?s illusion dissolving faster than she could replace it.[/i] ?You bitch. This is what you did to us.? [i]Mattheus struck first, his palms flat forward, just as Vicky had taught him. Energy built up swiftly, and a huge gout of yellow ki hurled towards Morrigan, followed in swift succession by attacks from Mattheus, and Neil alike. The explosion was enormous, smells of burnt grass and Saiya-jin sweat reaching my senses. When the smoke cleared, super Saiya-jins stood in a half circle around Morrigan. Vicky, Neil, and Andrew stood, holding their heads high, proud expressions playing across their features. Both twins weren?t moving, but crouched behind them like hunted animals.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Kam']Kuja...I like the Kuja idea. Make me kill him. Do that for me; for I want to kill him. Then have me rape and murder Shy and Nerdsy. I want that, too...but mostly, I want to kill Kuja. Just do that. I will love you forever. -Justin[/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]...I think pie comes before Kuja. And you're not allowed to rape Shy to death, that wouldn't be kosher. Nerdsy maybe...[/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Kam']Kuja...I like the Kuja idea. Make me kill him. Do that for me; for I want to kill him. Then have me rape and murder Shy and Nerdsy. I want that, too...but mostly, I want to kill Kuja. Just do that. I will love you forever. -Justin[/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]...I think pie comes before Kuja. And you're not allowed to rape Shy to death, that wouldn't be kosher. Nerdsy maybe...[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][center][b]Being a Carefully Compiled Explanation of Macey's Alchemical Powers Concerning the Human Heart[/b][/center] Macey Ellen possesses a rare gift over the physiological human heart, one developed over years of frustrations and social shortcomings. It is rare that such a gift acts with such sympathy towards its user, but this particular gift is fitting to Macey. Her power to control the heart of another depends greatly on the feeling of her victim for her. A good example would be her recent interaction with the unfortunate Mr. Jack Deacon. Having recently been sexual involved with him, the connection between the two was strong, and thus Macey was able to both halt the movement of his heart and simulate a heart attack. Because of his feelings for Macey prior to her attack, she could exercise great control over him. Another example would be what would happen if she attempted the same kind of alchemy on someone with whom she had not been intimate. While she would be able to cause them discomfort, her capacity to cause them lasting harm would be greatly diminished. And thus, our studies are concluded.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[RIGHT][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/gadgetavatar.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/RIGHT] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Gadget clung to Macey's hand, trusting her to keep him safe. They made it back to the relative stillness and quiet of her own room, which someone had already picked up, and she sat him down on the bed and handed him a glass of water.[/i] "Drink all of that up right away." [i]He did, spilling a little, but polishing off the glass regardless. She refilled it, then handed it back to him with similar instructions. Then she paused, and dragged a slender chair across the floor to stand close to the bed, and she sat, folding her skirt carefully over her knees. Gadget looked up at her, and she looked back at him with a gentle look in her eyes.[/i] "What did you do to Mr. Deacon?" "I had to use alchemy on him. He would've exposed you to others, and I wouldn't risk that for anything." "It looks like you hurt him really bad. I thought you liked him." "Well I did like him, but he saw the wrong things, said the worst things, and you'll always be more important to me than some handsome face. Besides that, the damage shouldn't be permanent." [i]Macey shrugged her shoulders casually, more to reassure herself than him, and stood up, feeling just a bit guilty. As she dressed behind a folding screen, she promised him a breakfast of some kind as soon as she could commandeer a servant into it. While her servant had laid out black, Macey snubbed it, and instead put on an ensemble of navy blue instead. Gadget meanwhile was amusing himself with a sheaf of paper's on her desk and a pencil she'd given him earlier. In the hall, she was about to head for the kitchens and find something for herself as well as her small charge, when her very own brother appeared.[/i] "Good morning Fonty. I trust you're none the worse for wear after yesterday?" "Quite. And yourself?" "Alright. There was a bit of trouble this morning with my assistant, but everything's fine now." [i]Fauntleroy frowned, and Macey took an unconscious step back. First Daedalus, then Jack, now Fonty. Maybe later the women could gang up on her too.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[i][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]When Charles finally took a breath, the party broke up almost instantaneously. I made my sleepy way with Gavin to the room reserved for us. Next door, Sunfall and Rach were already out. Apparently they?d snuck out using secret vanishing ninja powder around the time Charles and Heaven?s Cloud had started a rap battle. If only we?d been so lucky. Meanwhile, in the dead of night, absolutely nothing happened. James had set up a fortress around the areas we were using for our celebration, nigh impenetrable. This of course meant that if there was to be any more excitement, it?d have to be the product of infighting. Joy. The next morning dawned like any other morning. Too early. I woke up in time to remember it was Desbreko?s birthday. With a groan, I headed for the shower and sought to do a re-enactment of the opening of Resident Evil. Unfortunately no nerve gas came to knock me dead, so instead I got dressed in a vintage cocktail dress and helped my husband with his tie. Out in the hall, sleepy people were heading for the main hall, which had transformed overnight into a set that would?ve been right at home in the Great Gatsby. Oh Roaring Twenties, how I missed you. Big band jazz played, too loud for 10 in the morning, but who?s going to question it?[/i] ?Morning Raiha...how?re you?? [i]I looked over to Vicky and Revelation, arm in arm, both dressed in relatively charming flapper girl dresses, both still only partially awake.[/i] ?Oh fine fine. It?s Desbreko?s birthday. But I forgot a gift. We should probably resort to doing exotic dances on stage for him.? ?...that sounds like an awful idea.? [i]Vicky had wrinkled her nose, so I nudged her and sent the girl flying down the hall towards the exit. Oh sweet gravity. Meanwhile, breakfast was being served. I grabbed a grapefruit and went to the balcony where Rach was again, playing his cello for an appreciative audience, pausing occasionally to take bites of toast from the hand of his beloved. I gazed upon the romantic tableau for a moment, before looking down to the garden beneath where Charles was giving a long and undoubtedly riveting speech to Ob neophytes. In an open space, Petie, Aryanna, James, Dagger, and several others were doing morning tai chi. Ah sweet breakfast tea, you revive me with your delicious caffeine from above. I was contemplating what to do next when it occurred to me. Why not bake Desbreko a Birthday pie? I hated cake. And we all know that the cake is a lie anyway. It sounds perfect! Hurriedly I grabbed Revelation, Shy, Kam, and Panda. It was her birthday as well, but I doubt she?d take a gift of pie the same way as Desbreko would. Glory is at hand![/i] ?So berries? Peaches? Pears? What kind of pie?? [i]Shy was ticking off ingredient ideas like they were going out of style, while Kam incessantly lobbied for cheesecake. Revelation looked up from the Joy of Cooking and shook her head. Panda brandished a rolling pin under Shy?s nose.[/i] ?Cheesecake isn?t pie! Any five year old knows that!? ?But I love cheesecake...? [i]Shy sounded wounded, so I decided to take charge with a large mixing bowl, the electric mixer, and a bag of flour. I threw a handful into the air to get everyone?s attention, only it made everyone sneeze. Oh well.[/i] ?Berry pie. We can serve it with vanilla ice cream. No questions!?[/FONT][/COLOR]

[i][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]The ship landed in a flurry of wind and steam, with no hitches along the way. Once it had landed, everyone packed up and headed a safe distance from it. Just because we?d made it this far, it didn?t mean the ship couldn?t be destroyed in the ensuing battle. Shockingly, I?d been handed both babies, as well as the care of the kits. A simple mental leash had bound all four of them to me, dancing within a four foot radius of my feet, never going further. Eriju and Iki had already donned mail of some sort, with the Saiya-jins pulling on heavier armor than usual. I had no armor, but what was the point quite frankly? If I transformed, it?d all crack off anyway. Billy and Sevara watched the goings on without a sound. Billy?s eyes, huge and green, watched everything with impartial disdain. Sevara, lacking eyes in general, required at least a mild psychic ability to read, so I watched her with the Sight instead. Connor watched her as well, his head cocked to one side. He rested his hands easily on a huge broadsword that could easily be mistaken for a buster sword.[/i] ?She feels like a much older girl. No words yet, but she feels like she?s lived a lifetime already.? [i]Sevara turned her head to look directly at Connor, and blinked slowly several times. Then she yawned with complete disinterest and nuzzled her head against my breast. I set Billy down, who promptly was mobbed by two of the four Feral kits and sat cross-legged on the alien grass. She clutched at my shirt, and I let her tug on it, while the others began walking in a battle formation away from me, with Connor standing over my shoulder. He didn?t look down, which was all well and good, because Sevara had latched onto me with an animal ferocity that would?ve surprised me if I hadn?t known what she was. Gavin flew back quickly, even as the sky began to darken with the coming storm, and landed very close to me. He knelt by my side, one knee up, one knee down, typical masculine fashion. I turned over my shoulder to look up at him, a smile on my face. I hadn?t expected to be re-united with my children any more than I?d expected to make it even this far. I placed a hand on his, even as the other held Sevara steady.[/i] ?Don?t you have a battle to fight?? ?I do, but before I go, I have to tell you. I?ll always love you.? [i]I looked away for a moment, my eyes taking in Vicky, the twins, Neil, Andrew, and the Ferals that?d come so far with us. I looked back up at him, my eyes half closing.[/i] ?As if I had ever doubted that?? [i]Gavin leaned over and kissed my cheek, and I smiled and tossed my head like a girl. Sevara pulled away and looked up at her father, gurgling once, before turning back towards me. Gavin didn?t look in my direction further, but I figured it didn?t matter. He was probably on the verge of saying something more, when the sound of landing ships filled the air. Far in the distance, a comfortable stretch of territory away from me and mine. My husband launched himself forward, close to the ground, but never touching it, to rejoin his comrades. I put a hand down on the grass next to me, encompassing my children and the children of my allies. A spark and a hiss, then a shield of magic appeared to cover us all. Connor looked down this time, looking right at me. I looked back up, and he sat with his back to mine, his sword resting point down in the earth beneath him. His own shield went up, this one temporal, and I began to relax slightly. The shield glittered, dispersing energy around it with ease and the ferals prowled the edge, mewling ferociously.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]If inserted Mitch here, he?d probably come crying to someone with crocodile tears pouring down his face. And the ensuing flood would destroy us all. But seriously folks. The only good idea I?ve seen so far involves hobo lawyers. Although Shy has lobbied me personally for some Sandy drama. This is where you expand on the idea. The idea in short: Involves some of us baking a pie and Sandy being angry because we weren?t making the pie right.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]?Sevara. That?ll be your name little one.? [i]The baby girl gurgled at me, and flailed her hands in an unmistakable gesture of happiness. She giggled, a small sound, but then again compared to everything I?d just flown through, anything would?ve been a small sound. The child cuddled up to me closely, and I detected a faint scattering of spider thin veins of power lancing through her body. Nearby, Gavin was holding up our son, tail and all. A spitting image of the Saiya-jin at a very young age. Even his hair was a royal disaster. [/i] ?What do you think honey? Does he look like a William?? ?More than a Neil anyway.? ?But Billy for now, yes?? [i]The boy in question flung up his arms and chortled like a mad ferret. I smiled and pursed my lips in approval. Vicky was leaning against the wall next to me, her eyes smiling, but her mouth frozen in pain. Her side had been cut with goodness knows what and a small puddle of blood was pooling at her feet. Eriju had already knelt next to her, the Feral?s head covering the wound almost completely. I didn?t want to think about what she was doing, but there were larger issues at hand. I stood, my little girl?s head cradled in the crook of my arm, and made my way to the bridge. Around my feet, small Ferals leapt around my toes, their tails waving in a relatively distracting way. They purred at me, apparently they didn?t share their mother?s initial reservations against me. The bridge was lit up, apparently none the worse for wear. Iki, Connor, and Andrew were already there, with Neil and the twins nearby. Gavin was right behind me, I could feel the heat from his body brushing up against me. Andrew turned over to give us a look.[/i] ?I?m heading for the nearest safe planet. We?re being chased, but we?ll make it.? [i]Gavin leaned forward to watch the display screen, lit up with little red and green dots. He frowned slightly, and handed over Billy to me. I juggled him on one hip, with Sevara on the other. Nobody said my job was easy. Iki gave me a chuckle, and leaned back, one of his hands resting on the nearest surface, throwing up a semi permeable shield across the entire construct. I raised an eyebrow as I sensed it, and smiled slightly. Connor leaned forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.[/i] ?Morrigan herself might be roused enough to come after us. We?ll find out after we?ve gone through a few thousand of her minions.? ?It sounds like a wild time. You worried about it much?? [i]Neil drawled, leaning casually against the side of the main entrance, Sikal and Mattheus had assumed similarly relaxed, arrogant positions. My god, there were three of them now. I marched up to the man in question and nearly shoved Billy into his arms.[/i] ?Hold him. It?ll do you good.? [i]Neil nearly dropped him, but righted himself and focused his grip. Billy glared right at him, and bopped one pint-sized fist into his mouth.[/i] ?Lots and lots of good...? [i]Gavin chuckled, looking over at the display. Sevara cooed and wiggled her fingers with a surprising amount of dexterity. I could feel the burden on my heart already lightening. With friends like this, how could we possibly loose?[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Plum"][FONT="Times New Roman"]At this stage I'll take suggestions for people as to general plot ideas, as indifference suggested. Perhaps a new nemesis?[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]The businessman clutched at his heart and dropped to his knees, right there in the alley. Eiyaga watched him out of the corner of her eye, from her vantage point at the fire escape. She was dangling one leg over the railing, the other drawn up to her chest. Tonight she hadn't healed anyone, so this probably wouldn't prove so awful. With a twist, she jumped down the two stories and landed with a mildly sickening crack as her left ankle broke. She shrugged it off and kicked out semi randomly with it, straightening the swiftly healing bones. The man had already died, there on the floor, empty and growing cold. Blood trickled from his lips, and his eyes stared upwards at nothing. Eiyaga peered down at him with some interest, then fished in his pockets for a business card. District attorney. Definitely worth saving, theoretically anyway. She peered closer, but the name of the city wasn't printed. She shrugged casually, and replaced it in his pocket once more. Then she knelt over him, straddling him at the hips, placing her left and right hands on his shoulders. At this point Dani turned a corner and saw her.[/i] "What's this now?" [i]As if she hadn't noticed her watcher, she leaned forward until her lips were touching his, and her hair fell over the both of them, covering their faces. Ice began to form across every metal surface, water vapor rising from the sewers freezing into snow. Dani shivered, his breath visible in the night air. She had frosted over his rings and jewelry until it was almost uncomfortable to wear them. Eiyaga sucked in the man's pain and death into her own body, and brought him back, screaming, before he flopped to one side in blissful unconsciousness. Still kneeling over him, Eiyaga heard Dani reacting to the cold, and jerked her head up, hair flying out around her face, her lips a dark blue. The first thing he noticed was her eye. Or rather her distinct lack of one. The other thing he noticed was that she was amazingly underdressed for the weather. Shorts, a not well fitting shirt, and combat boots for some reason. But her eye was just a ripple of scars and clotted flesh. She stood up, crossing her legs over the man's body, and made a direct line towards him, even as the pain of a heart attack wracked her body. When she spoke her voice was low, and crossed over with suppressed pain.[/i] "Seen enough?" "You got a cigarette?" "Sure I do. But only if you tell me why you were watching." [i]She flicked out a pair of cloves from the pack in her back pocket, and almost in the same movement, procured a lit zippo in her left hand. The pain had already left her, her body had already healed itself over. When he saw the black wrapped cancer sticks, Dani wrinkled his nose.[/i] "Cloves? Don't you have anything less gay?" "Beggars can't be choosers. Take it or leave it you fucking ungrateful bastard." [i]She spit out the last word as if it were a curse, and he raised an eyebrow. Usually chicks were nice to him, or at least polite enough to not curse him directly to his face. But she had no fear of him. He snatched it from her hand, and she lit her own cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke in his direction, and slipping her zippo back into her pocket, leaving his unlit.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]I don't care if you sell yourself for money. People do it all the time on the internet. Besides, I think porn is funny, and that's of course prostitution caught on film. Or so they say. Then again this isn't about porn, and it is sort of...a different kettle of fish. But as far as it goes? Not a bad way to make a living if you're dying or desperate for cash. Then again you could make about as much just taking off your clothes next to a pole with less health risk.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Shy'][size=1][b]Raiha:[/b] I'm confused about the timing of your latest post. Didn't Jack spend much of his evening with Meredyne, Charles and the others? Such lovemaking seems improper for a lady! [/size][/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Sure it's improper, but that's probably why she's doing it. And as for the timing, Jack left off his post wandering the halls of Rosengard. Unless I've gone mad in the new year and lost my mind. That too is very much possible, but here's where I make a joke that only Shy will get. Can't I time travel for this round?![/FONT][/COLOR]