BZPower Battles: Heat The Soul [New Edition]

NOTICE:

It's become apparent to me that this first post is turning into a frickin' book.

So, I will announce that you don't have to read its entirety before you join. Just skim through to find information that's pertinent to the gameplay at hand, and if it's not listed here, ask me.

...Yup.

* Note: This RPG will be expanded and elaborated upon.

New details will be placed on the front page and mentioned in Updates.

Good luck~


The game is simple.

We'll be following the same course of action as BZPower Battles. However, for the time being, we are limited to one planet - Rhadan. A small planet, Rhadan is mostly deserts other than the oceans, but to the equator are lush plateaus and rainforests. The natives make their living largely by scavenging from the rubble.

That is to say, Rhadan was once populated by a great civilization which spanned an entire galaxy and further - The Thurapi. For unknown reasons, they were forced to retreat from many of their foothold planets - Including Rhadan. All that remains are their strange forms of technology and magic.

In addition, besides humans, Rhadan is inhabited by Niflings - Almost-human creatures which result when Thurapian wells of magic are exposed to a desire for lost loved ones to return. They generally resemble anthropomorphic animals.

You don't have to make frilly-fancy profiles or forge elaborate plans. Just survive.

Quite a wild world and many secrets wait you.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Terms
Thurapi
Former rulers of the planet, the Thurapi's empire stretched across multiple galaxies. Their rule brought great spiritual enlightenment and scholarly revolution to a number of races. It was thanks to them that many endangered creatures were saved and numerous ailing sentient races were guided to survival. Due to stretching their resources and running afoul of an unknown evil, however, the Thurapi largely disappeared. On the planet of Rhadan, much of their technology and magical artifacts have been left in dangerous ruins.

Magic Wells
Very little is known about the mechanics of these anomalies. Most resembling pulsating circles of light on small stone altars, Thurapian Magic Wells possessed unknown purposes for Thurapi villages. However, it is well known that Magic Wells give rise to Niflings.

Niflings
To explain it simply, Niflings are born when a Thurapian Magic Well responds to an individual's desire for a loved one to return. Usually resembling anthropomorphic animals, they typically have one major, unique ability and a number of smaller, generic abilities which can be gained from certain Thurapian artifacts. Due to this property, it is believed that Niflings have long been associated with the Thurapi. In all, due to how tied they are to humans - Effectively a physical manifestation of desires for those who are lost, yet given individuality and free thought - There is still no way Niflings can definitively be called "non-human" beings.

Demi Niflings
No one's sure where these little creatures come from. Some say they are formed from a madman's desires for his loved ones to return to him. Some say they are formed by very young orphans who long for their parents. In all, they appear as little black creatures with narrow, upright bodies, stumpy legs, slim arms that are ended in bony, rudimentary hands and fingers, and round heads with no features besides blank white eyes, which are very large in proportion to the rest of their bodies. When not given instructions, they tend to bumble around and try to help in their own...Disturbing little ways.

Overdrives
Each Nifling has a unique ability, as mentioned. Normally, this ability becomes available at a set limit. However, by mastering their ability's Overdrive, a Nifling can temporarily push beyond this limit in exchange for certain mental and/or physical tolls.

Magic 101

Spoiler:

Ars Magus
Typically called "ars" for short, Ars Magi are essentially the combination of low-level magic - Such as from Thurapi Magic Wells - And somewhat advanced technology to produce stupendous results. They can produce weapons, airships, barriers, almost anything. They are known for being much easier to master and control than typical magic, and when used in the correct ways, they can easily outstrip conventional technology. The most powerful of weapon-based Ars Magi, however - Nox Nyctores (See below) - Are notorious for warping the way their users perceive reality. Only the strongest heart can completely surpass this effect. It is said that the very first ars were developed to help Rhadan battle the Beast. (See below, past Cauldron)

Nox Nyctores
Born through unknown materials smelted in a Cauldron (See below) and essence drawn from mysterious sources, the Nox Nyctores begin life as a simple chunk of oddly-shaped metal radiating a powerful energy. Contact with the "destined" wielder will unlock its true form. Even if the process of forging a Nox is perfectly and completely observed from beginning to end, even if no errors occur in its creation, there is no way of telling for sure who the Nox will react to. Well, that's what goes for a true Nox Nyctores - Some have been made that will bond to anyone, but those are incredibly weak compared to the real thing. Luckily (Perhaps...), somehow or other, a Nox Nyctores will inevitably draw its intended wielder to finding it.

While they are the ultimate weapon and will instinctively sharpen their user's will to survive, Nox Nyctores are known to spark paranoia, hamper reasoning, distort perceptions of reality, and cause any manner of other psychological issues in doing so. Incomprehendably few people have the sheer force of will and honed mind to resist the tolls a Nox Nyctores deals their psychological state. There's a bitter saying on Rhadan: "A Nox Nyctores will usually last a millenium. A Nox Nyctores wielder will usually last a year." There are records in Rhadan Military Intelligence files of roughly a dozen especially powerful Nox Nyctores that are in a league all their own, but not all of their names are readily accessible, and only a few that are named have known wielders. Listed below is the available information on the sixteen most powerful Nox Nyctores:

Spoiler:

Cauldron
We're all surely aware of what a cauldron is strictly in Earth's terms. A large pot or kettle for boiling and mixing different elements. It can be something as fanciful as a witch's brew...But could also hold the molten beginnings of a weapon. That second notion can give one an idea as to what a Rhadan Cauldron is. Very few people have ever seen one in person - And those who have are usually too stricken by it to ever comply with describing it to another. Some records detail the deeply-hidden Cauldrons once being used for peaceful uses. That kind of application is dead and gone. Today, a Cauldron is only ever activated to create an especially potent Ars Magus: More specifically, to forge a Nox Nyctores. They were one of the many objects left behind by the Thurapi, but the inscriptions etched into the surface of each has been translated to a great amount of discomfort for the more cautious of Rhadan's various leaders. Each one simply says:
"So Did It Begin In A Place Like This, And So Did Our Halcyon Days Perish."

The Beast
Shortly before the Thurapi were forced to retreat from their many foothold planets, they faced perhaps the most terrible destructive force to ever appear before their eyes - Right here on Rhadan. This monstrosity was and always will be known simply as the Beast. Anything to cross its path was devoured without a chance of survival. It could raze a city off the surface of the planet in less than a day. However, five months after its appearance, a mysterious kind of event transpired. For a year, something took place that prevented the Beast from striking out at any of Rhadan's cities. Whatever the cause, this bought essential preparation time for the Thurapi, the True Ancestors of all Vampires (See Vampires / Vampirekin), and a group of warriors who would go down in history as the Rhadan Six - Or as they are now remembered, the Six Heroes. (See below)

With this reprieve, the Thurapi and True Ancestors were able to perfect the experimental Ars Magi they had separately been working on. Afterwards, the Six Heroes went about teaching Rhadan how to utilize the ars. With this newfound knowledge, all of Rhadan began to gather on a nameless battlefield. An army had been formed just in time - Whatever had occupied the Beast was no longer obstructing its rampage. Under the Six Heroes's command, the Beast was vanquished after another three years of combat. Some say that its dead body continued to drive mad anyone who lived nearby. Thus, an unknown woman devoted her magical skills and the rest of her life to keeping the Beast's remains sealed away where they could harm no one ever again. Their great mission completed, the Six Heroes largely fragmented and society went about developing the Ars Magus technology further.

The Six Heroes
Originally named the "Rhadan Six," these warriors came from very different walks of life. Though very few are alive today who can remember every member of this group, one thing is known for sure: They were about the most ragtag bunch of misfits to ever align for a single cause on Rhadan's soil. The first task the Six Heroes underook was teaching Rhadan how to use the Ars Magi in combat against the Beast. Afterwards, they led the largest army in Rhadan's entire history to wage war on the Beast with wild abandon. It took three years and unimaginable suffering, but finally, an unknown member of the Six Heroes was able to deal the Beast a mortal wound. To this day, it is said that the Six Heroes may yet live - Somehow...

Anemos
Perhaps the most famous of Rhadan's ancient peoples, they were among the first to assist the Thurapi in battling the Beast. The Anemos were known for having an almost inherent skill for using Ars Magi, and an unusually large number of them were able to use True Magic. As a result, they are still honored today as being key to defeating the Beast all those centuries ago. However, not a trace of the Anemos remain today. No cities. No artwork. No crafts. All that remains is a huge crater where their last and greatest city was said to have been. At the bottom of this crater is a sealed structure known simply as the Anemos Sanctum. (See Misc. Locations) There have been theories that their disappearance was linked to the very cause of the Thurapi's retreat, but nothing can be known for sure.

Zalgo
HE COMES
Don't ask. Just...Don't. Seriously. Don't. Don't you dare ask. Do you hear me? Don't ask me about this. I'm giving you this one chance to turn away and not ask about this! If you try and ask me who that is or where he's from, I'll drop dead. Then, my ghost shall fly to the deepest pit of madness and horror, where I shall slay their king with my bare hands. I shall gorge myself on blood and flesh, and become the embodiment of all that is terrible. With preparations made, I shall take flight from my cold, black throne. You shall hear a sound like children crying, but from far away. Then, a swirling ball of black smoke shall appear above your head, and filthy ravens shall descend to herald your end. As my new form emerges and my eldritch glory leaves you as a gibbering shell within which naught but fear and madness remain, a single tear, seething with agony, shall fall from my eye. For this horror of horrors could have all been avoided if you just didn't ask that question.

...He'll show up in a way. DON'T ASK

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ TROPHIES ~
There are many ways you can earn Trophies. However, I will not tell you how. The necessary circumstances won't be too hard to pull off - And if you pull off a particularly spectacular feat, I may have a Trophy made especially for the occasion! As the Game Moderator, I won't be able to earn Trophies. Players and their Trophies are listed below:

Shroom
Where Are Your Optic Sensors Directed?
Digitally scanned a female automaton's systems.

~ ~ ~

Characters

Main Characters ~ Introductions
Like I said: Don't go overboard with character sheets or anything. When introducing a character, just make sure to find a sensible, efficient manner of presenting their information. Feel free to use OOS for information like professions and so on.

Main Characters ~ Death And What Comes After
GHOSTS DO EXIIIST~ BAAAAAH~~~

...

Ahem. I'll explain this phenomenon.

Should you wish to get rid of a character, you can easily have them die. No one can kill a main character without permission. But once they're gone, they're not coming back without necromancy. Necromancy? Another one of Zev's jokes, surely! No line. Should you have someone with the profession of Medium, you can call back the ghosts of allies to use their knowledge or use an adapted version of their skills - Such as a Nifling's unique abilities.

However, once a character dies, they won't come back physically. They cannot fight physically, and only mediums can see an average ghost. For a ghost to become visible to others, they'd have to undergo a lot of Spectral Training. (which i totally just thought up typing this~ ) Remember necromancy? Well, there's a catch...

You can try to bring back an individual. But for all but the most powerful mediums and necromancers - Who will only exist as NPCs for a looong time from now - Only a mindless zombie can be brought back. Even then, it would require the corpse and a huge amount of magic to replicate a fraction of the original's abilities - Plus, Nifling bodies dissolve once they're killed; their spirits can freely travel, but for all intents and purposes, once a Nifling dies, they can never return to the body they once had.

Finally, should a character die, it is advised that you perform some kind of funeral rites. For one thing, ghosts don't take kindly to being disrespected like that. Then there's the Banshees and Ghouls and all sorts of other nasties you don't want to attract by disregarding funeral rites.

Ghosts ~ Spectral Training
What do ghosts on the material plane do in their free time? They can train! ...For one thing...

...Quite simply, there are creatures called Spectral Beasts roaming Rhadan. They are believed to be remnants of Thurapi magical experimentation. A ghost cannot affect the physical world - But it is possible to affect other ghosts and Spectral Beasts. By defeating Spectral Beasts or enemy ghosts, an individual ghost can draw in part of their energies as long as they're weakened.

However, there is a drawback...If a Spectral Beast wins, depending on how powerful, it can steal abilities or even trap one's soul - Thereby growing stronger by a much faster rate. The reasoning is simple - By drawing on spiritual essence from an individual, ghosts effectively boost their power by "addition." If a Spectral Beast draws in a soul, its power is boosted by "multiplication." Then, only defeat by another ghost can free the trapped souls within.

Thankfully - And this is important - Spectral Beasts only strike if they are attacked first.

Shops
Good thing I'm now remembering to get around to this. There will be pre-determined opportunities to find shops and other such establishments in towns. Controlled by moi, once you've made notice of arriving in a town, I'll list the shops available. Once you enter a shop, a post will be made with the shop's current selections and what prices they go for. You may also find travelling merchants and the like, with a wider variety of wares and some that you won't find in any shops. There is also the option to sell your own goods to get money from shops. Last but not least, haggling is generally accepted. Just don't push it if the shopkeeper's tougher than you. ;3

NPC Recruits
Wanna have your own cannon fodder? Wanna have minions? Well you can earn them in this RPG!

You see, as you defeat heroes or villains, you earn one of two kinds of points: You earn either Glory Points or Infamy Points. Depending on which you earn, you can attract different kinds of recruits to your cause. Those attracted by Glory Points will be less numerous, but much more loyal. You can get a lot of minions quickly by Infamy Points, but expect plenty o' backstabbers.

The types of recruits are pretty simple. Once you earn a group of five points and have arrived at a town, you may spend those five points for a Recruit Event. Five Glory Points can earn you one to three recruits; five Infamy Points earn you two to four recruits. The larger the settlement, the more you can recruit.

Here's a couple of simplified examples:

Sir Wallace Lionsmane III
Five Glory Points

[ I Request A Recruit Event! ]

[ Your Request Is Granted! yay ]

Player ~
*He arrives at a large city*

Sir Wallace: Who shall assist me in my quest!?

*Sparkle*

Mr. Raregroove ~
*Three men with sheathed rapiers approach*

Fencer 1: Tales of your heroics precede you!

Fencer 2: Your rescue of those babies and kittens stirred our warrior souls!

Fencer 3: Please, we request to join your quest for justice!

[ 3x Fencers Have Been Recruited! ]

~ ~ ~

Thruskull the Flesh-Sunderer
Ten Infamy Points

[ I Request A Recruit Event! ]

[ Your Request Is Granted! yay ]

Thruskull ~
*He stomps into a tavern*

Thruskull: Who's up to helpin' me raise sum Kain!?

Mr. Raregroove ~
*Two men with striped bandanas, soaked boots, and axes lurch up to Thruskull*

*They are joined by three weaselly-looking men in robes, fingering daggers*

Pirate 1: Yer a monster. Nubuddeh in this town coulda gone without knowin' the Flesh-Sunderah.

Pirate 2: If ya'll scratch our backs, we'll scratch yers - We'll happily come with.

Thief 1: I may know how to snag an airship fer ya. Kekeke...

[ 2x Pirates & 3x Thieves Have Been Recruited! ]

[ watch your back dood ]

---

Now, that was a bit played-up, but you get the point. You'll have to work to keep them on your side - Otherwise, you'll likely earn yourself deserting recruits. ...Or in the case of recruits earned by Infamy, the payback for mistreating them could be far worse.

Glory and Infamy also give rise to...

Reputation Bonuses / Turf Bonuses
You likely can guess at the reputation. By defeating evildoers and saving lives, you earn Glory - By felling heroes and pillaging wildly, you earn Infamy. Through Glory, you can get special bonuses from admirers in shops and otherwise, but will attract villains hoping to make a name by killing you. All the same, Infamy means that some groups will surrender out of fear, but you will likely earn a hefty bounty. You can also play the game without leaning towards either Glory or Infamy specifically.

Now, do we know what one's Turf is? It's your stomping grounds, your domain, no...It's your territory. By taking certain missions, establishing relationships with locals, protecting land, such and such, you can have a place declared as your Turf. By expanding your Turf, you can get more rewards; but it will take more and more work and resources to keep it under your control. The best way to manage Turf is to maintain a specific area at all times and focus on that alone. Plus, shops in your own turf will give you special deals.

Quest Requests
So, how are you meant to find a direction to go in. Simple - Request A Quest! All you need to do is make an OOS note requesting that I initiate an event for your characters to follow. These are not mandatory to play the game - But once you've make the request, you'll only be given one chance to back out before it's initiated. To add a little spice, most events will be randomized. Which means I'll just pull them out of my @ss however the situation should demand. happy day happy day 8D

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Professions
You have 8 Profession Points per character to spend here. You cannot get more. These are what you'll use to determine your professions for the game. In your profession is how your character makes money and supports themselves. I want to make it clear that each character's chosen professions are permanently set. Major Professions cost 2 points, Secondary Professions cost 1 point, and Elite Professions cost 4 points.

The differences between the three are that Major Professions are your central forms of making a living; Secondary Professions are more to complement Main Professions; and Elite Professions are very specialized and often take one into dangerous situations. However, while more dangerous, an Elite Profession will usually get you much more money than a common Main or Secondary Profession.

It is mandatory to have one of both Main and Secondary categories, while you can only have one Elite profession on a single character; and you only have to spend as many points as you want. It's not required to use them all up. Just find some way to declare what profession(s) you've chosen, preferably soon before or soon after introducing your characters.

Main Professions
Mechanic
[ Self-explanatory - Masterful manipulators of machinery and mayhem! Their skills can range from airship dismantling and repairs to varied robotics. ]

Blacksmith
[ Forgers of weapons and armor and tools, smiths are still important on Rhadan today. Some craft nearly any metal object, while most are very specialized. ]

Alchemist
[ Use properties of both science and magic to influence their surroundings and create objects. Uses a heavy amount of chemistry knowledge and techniques recorded on tablets. ]

Thaumaturgist
[ Take magical energy gleaned from various sources and bind it into vessels for use via techniques detailed in grimoires. A much more powerful version of this technique is used to create Ars Magus technology. ]

Bounty Hunter
[ I take it you guys already know all about this. When there's a criminal with a bounty on their head available for a bounty hunter character to take on, I'll post an OOS Notice. ]

Secondary Professions
Carpenter

Archaeologist

Commercial Hunter

Leatherworker

Artisan

Tailor

Writer

Cook

Elite Professions
Medium
[ Those rare individuals who can see, summon, and interact with spirits are quite valued. However, their high levels of spiritual energy often make them targets for evil forces. While it is normal for a Medium to have a guardian spirit, just about as many Mediums possess no guardian as those who do have one. ]

Messenger

Spoiler:

* Note: If you have another profession idea, just run it by me.

I'll decide whether it fits, and assign it to Main, Secondary, or Elite.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Vehicles
Known for its massive amounts of scrap metal, Rhadan is an ideal haven for machinists. Among the vast technological advancements across Rhadan have been vehicles. If you can scavenge and/or buy the right parts, you can build and maintain your own vehicle of choice. These can range from gunmounted dunebuggies to highspeed hoverbikes. If you've got the money, you can even buy a pre-made vehicle to customize. All in all, this hobby is very open to tinkering with in-game.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Non-Humans
* Note: This does not include Niflings. Despite seeming an obvious answer, certain evidence and a lack of conclusive research has left questions as to whether Niflings can actually be called non-humans.

Regular
Merfolk

Spoiler:

Kobold

Spoiler:

Dhelp

Spoiler:

Bangaa

Spoiler:

Viera

Spoiler:

Nu Mou

Spoiler:

Gria

Spoiler:

Thunderer

Spoiler:

Nal'she

Spoiler:

Shifters
* Note: Basically were-creatures, and are referred to as such.
* Note: Should they master their transformation, Shifters can become beast-hybrids or full beasts. Otherwise, they can only become larger versions of their beast side.

Werewolf

Spoiler:

Werebear

Spoiler:

Wererat

Spoiler:

Wereboar

Spoiler:

Spirits
* Note: Do not include ghosts.
* Note: Almost all spirits on Rhadan are evil.
* Note: 'Staying' refers to how long a spirit can manifest in the physical plane.

Banshee

Spoiler:

Ghouls

Spoiler:

Bogeyman

Spoiler:

Mokoi

Spoiler:

Vampires / Vampirekin
* Note: Technically Spirits.
* Note: Diverse enough to earn a separate category.

Vampire

Spoiler:

True Ancestors

Spoiler:

Vrykolakas

Spoiler:

Jiangshi

Spoiler:

Alp

Spoiler:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Countries
Archanae
One of the most prosperous countries, Archanae is of intermediate size and has poor natural resources. Two main factors alone have lead to their prominence: Skill in forging melee weapons, and excellent access to Thurapi magic. Due to their proximity to many Thurapian Magic Wells, Archanae has been able to forge countless enchanted weapons, armors, and other artifacts; this has also lead to them having a particularly large Nifling population. Archanae is very proud of being the finest producers of Ars Magi in the land. It is also said that they hold a Cauldron somewhere within their borders. Cities include Valdajoa and Rathajoa.

Grust
Largely a mountainous country on the edge of the ocean, Grust is not ruled by any one government. At least nine city-states claim to be the "true rulers" over the entire country. What Grust is most well-known for, however, is the sheerly prolific number of bandits and pirates and other rogues. To travel through Grust means to openly invite attacks by the innumerable scoundrels. Perhaps the most infamous area in all of Grust would be the Lefcandith Gauntlet - Not exactly a town, yet rather close. They have largely refrained from attacking other countries, but a permanent, single ruler over Grust could prove most dread for the countries to neighbour them - Namely, Archanae and Bantian.

Bantian Empire
Resting between two towering mountain ranges to the North and South, a massive stretch of arid desert known as the Nobiri Wastes to the East separating it from Archanae, and the sea itself to protect it from the West, the Bantian Empire has developed largely separate from other countries for centuries. Due to its fabulous riches and fineries, Archanae has spent great resources on reaching it. Then again, Bantian's disciplined army and countless skilled mages, in addition to its natural barriers, makes it an almost immovable object among Rhadan's countries. There are fears abound of Wan Chen, the current Emperor-in-waiting to his ruling father Wan Xian. Wan Chen has proven to be an implacable sort of man, a genius tactician, and most cruel to whoever should challenge his rule or threaten his people.

Kuru Datri
The only real country to exist in the equatorial rainforest regions, Kuru Datri possesses one city: Qahitu. Surprisingly advanced in technology, Kuru Datri has been constantly pushing the envelope through use of the Thurapi artifacts in the region. As a result, they have successfully and repeatedly created A.I.'s of notable intelligence and highly-sophisticated airships. Unwilling to share their technology with other countries, Kuru Datri is entirely isolated from the outside world. They also seem to be highly opposed to any move made by the Bantian Empire, and at meetings between world leaders, Kuru Datri's Prime Minister Tlacoatle has been known to regularly leave without even bothering to make excuses as to why.

Okeia'rui
An island continent-country just to the Southeast of the main Rhadan continent, Okeia'rui is an oddity in that there are no people. Not even uncivilized races live here. There are signs of great struggles, and there have even been ancient Ars Magus and similar technology found here. All that one can see for miles and miles is dry scrubland interrupted by rolling mountains. This is until one reaches the center of the continent's landmass. At this location is a simply massive crater, stretching about ninety-two kilometers wide in any direction. At the very bottom of this crater is a firmly-sealed structure which has been dubbed as the Anemos Sanctum (See Misc. Locations) It is widely believed that this is where the last city of the Anemos people stood.

Towns / Cities
Valdajoa
Archanae
Located on the precipice of a huge ravine, this city is a constantly-active airship port. Well, active except for the early early morning - That's when the creeps like to come out...One of the best places to purchase a quality airship for excellent bargains.

Ide
Archanae
A very small town located on the main path to and from Valdajoa, Ide is known as a peaceful rest stop before reaching the hustle and bustle of the big city further down the main road. They also sell a variety of handicrafts and books here, should that suit one's fancy.

Rathajoa
Archanae
Sitting at the foot of a huge mountain, Rathajoa is close to a number of Thurapi ruins. The mountain where they find much of their resources is also home to a famous research center on Niflings. In return for allowing tests to be done - As no two Niflings are exactly alike - Citizen Niflings may earn cash payments. Unfortunately, there seem to be a strain of bestial Niflings in the area causing trouble...

Lefcandith Gauntlet
Grust
Notoriously dangerous, to be avoided at all costs, the Lefcandith Gauntlet is forged by an alliance of the Dolhr Citystate and a huge number of bandits. It consists of a huge valley within which numerous fortresses wrought from cliff faces. By promising amnesty for their crimes in return for certain duties, the Dolhr Citystate has created a dastardly fighting force out of the resident bandits.

Qahitu
Kuru Datri
A supremely advanced city, Qahitu is closed off by a massive dome. One can only enter or leave through hidden railways in subterranean tunnels. Then again, if one's being brought into Qahitu, it's doubtful that they will be released again. This is because Qahitu is home to 4C-Down: The most sophisticated prison on the planet, for only the most dangerous of prisoners. It is said that any prisoner imprisoned in 4C-Down only has the most horrible of tortures to look forward to.

Misc. Locations
Nobiri Wastes
Stretching for roughly one-hundred kilometers at its longest, the Nobiri Wastes has prevented Archanae from doing much trade or interaction with Bantian for centuries. The only guaranteed path from Archanae to Bantian is a treacherous path known as the Scarlet Road - So-called because of how much blood has been spilt trying to cross it over the years. No one's exactly sure what's caused all of the bloodshed. Oh, it's quite well-known that there are bandits prowling this area. But there have been reports of some creature which moved so fast and attacked so brutally that either no survivors were left or the few survivors failed to clearly see what it looked like.

Anemos Crater / Anemos Sanctum
A simply massive crater in the center of Okeia'rui, this is where the last great Anemos city is believed to have once rested. As well, many Ars Magi of somewhat primitive design have been found here. Innumerable mysteries surround this strange feature of the landscape. Did the Anemos really once live here? If so, where are they now? Why did they leave behind their Ars Magi? Why is their "Sanctum" left intact? What could be inside that would warrant the Sanctum being so completely sealed? These mysteries are still far from being answered. All the same, the Anemos Crater and Sanctum never fail to take one's breath away upon the first time seeing them in person.

[ OOS: I'll make the first post.

To show y'all how it be do~~~ne, babeh! ]

--- --- ---

[ Valdajoa Dock: ]

*In the dark hours of the early morning, the dock is surprisingly quiet*

*Before a roughly two-story airship stand a trio of beings gazing up at it*

*One of them resembles a paleskinned, messy blackhaired cowboy - With a widebrimmed blue hat bearing several holes shot in it; a long, tasseled poncho; slitpupiled eyes; fingerless blue gloves; blue jeans with beaten leather chaps worn over them; and scuffed boots*

*This particular being appears to be the leader of their group*

*To his right is an anthropomorphic catgirl, with pale orange fur, jawlength, slightly spiked tan-brown hair, and emerald green eyes; she has a long, slightly thick tail and noticeable claws on her fingertips; lastly, she wears a mint green tanktop, dark gray khaki jeans, and sandals*

*Lastly, to the cowboy-like being's left is what can only be described as an anthropomorphic peacock, with largely white, gold, and red feathers and black skin beneath (As can be seen by his beak and talons); his long, currently-folded tail bears golden blades, and his blackskinned hands and feet are ended with wicked golden talons*

Catgirl: *Turns to the anthropomorphic peacock* Well, Flair? Is the chef you hired gonna show up anytime soon? *Tail swishes*

Flair: *Chuckle* Patience patience, Kat. He's one who loves to make a fa~bulous entrance. Don't get your pretty p@nties in a bunch.

Kat: You and your obsession with my underwear. *Chuckles, turning to the demonic cowboy* You think it was a good idea to let Flair hire our chef, Jimmy Pop? What if he hired some tanned muscleman or some busty floozy?

Jimmy Pop: C'mon now. *Yawn* You don't give him enough credit. I'm sure he'll hire a chef who's devoted to their cooking.

Flair: *Smiles as the beginning of the sunrise's glow begins to creep up the horizon* Ah. He should be arriving right about now.

Kat: *Looks around, frowning* ...Well. At least none of the crazies showed up.

???: Hiyahyahyahya! *Swish-Swish-Swish*

Kat: *Flinch* I stand corrected. You can always count on at least one crazy showing up at this hour of the morning in Valdajoa.

Flair: I think you'll be surprised. *Sniff* *Sniff* Detect that scent on the wind?

Kat: *Sniff* *Sniff* ...Fried eggs? Bacon? What the hell!?

???: *In an almost American Up East accent* A ninja's stealth and a spicy heart! That is my way! Your feathered friend requested a no-nonsense chef who could prepare fine soux and cook his goose! I matched him in combat and suited his tastes, thus, here I am! BOOM!

Kat: Urk. *Finds a plate with eggs and bacon balanced atop her head* ...Somewhat impressive. *Carefully lowers the plate into her hands*

*As the sun continues to rise, a figure becomes apparent standing atop a nearby building*

*He has spikey blonde hair, thick sideburns, a strong chin, and a wild grin; among his attire are a red bandana headband with crossbones on the front, a narrow white apron, a black robelike shirt with golden cuffs and matching flame designs around the lower-forearms, a matching bandana wrapped around his left bicep, black hakama with dark red stripes down the outer legs and golden flame-designs on the lower ends, and dark red tabi*

???: Master of the High-Heat Style Kitchen Fist Champloo is at your service! Here's to a long friendship! HIYAHYAHYAHYAHYAHYA!!

*With a flying leap, Champloo goes flipping rapidly to land before the group*

Champloo: I humbly ask that you try the breakfast I have prepared, Lady Kat. They make no understatement to say it is the most important meal of the day! BOOM!

Kat: ...Whatever. *Carries the plate over to a group of picnic tables set up on the dock*

Flair & Jimmy Pop: *Follow her to see what the breakfast tastes like*

Kat: *Picks up a knife and fork set on the plate* Hmph. All drama, no substance. *Cuts off a bite of the eggs, gathering up some of the yolk* My hopes are not - *Takes a bite* ...

Jimmy Pop: ...Well? Is it that bad? Or did Flair do good yet again? *Stretch*

Kat: ... *Shiver* ...I've never...Ever...Had an egg...This...Good...! *Digs in*

Jimmy Pop: Excellent job, Flair. You know how to come through when it counts.

Flair: O~hohoho~! You may praise me some more, Boss~! *Noblewoman's laugh*

Champloo: *Has disappeared into the ship they prepared*

---

*With more light from the sunrise, the group has painted their ship's name*

Jimmy Pop: ...I think "Sky Guard" was a cool decision.

Flair: I agree...But...Perhaps you shouldn't have gotten in such a hurry...

Kat: Great. Now everyone's going to think we have an illiterate leader.

Jimmy Pop: I just wanted to hurry to my bed. Shut up.

*He grumbles whilst leading the group inside*

*The name appears in glorious black letters: *

SKY CARD

--- --- ---

[ OOS: Here's some information on professions, for those wondering~

Jimmy Pop
Main ~ Bounty Hunter
Secondary ~ Commercial Hunter, Artist

Kat
Main ~ Bounty Hunter
Secondary ~ Photographer

Flair
Main ~ Bounty Hunter
Secondary ~ Artisan, Tailor

Champloo
Main ~ Bounty Hunter?
Secondary ~ Chef

There we go~ ]

[ On a route leading to Ide: ]

*Two female figures walk slowly towards the small town, their footsteps punctuated by heated conversation*

Figure 1: We're lost.

Figure 2: *Gasp* How could you say that? I know exactly where I'm going~!

Figure 1: Well, if you would stop believing in yourself and look at the map, Ms. optimism, maybe we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place.

Figure 2: Oh, we're fine, besides, I lost the map ages ago~

Figure 1: You WHAT!?

Figure 2: A pig took it and ran away...

Figure 1: You lost the map... To a pig.

Figure 2: It was a fast pig!

Figure 1: You're supposed to be fast as anything! Geez, I should throw you back into poverty right now.

Figure 2: Oh, Viin, You're so funny~

Viin: I wasn't joking.

*They just manage to see the small town in the distance*

Viin: Well, that's somewhere.

Figure 2: Told you I knew where I was going~!

Viin: Ugh... Sometimes I wonder, Chirrup.

Chirrup: About what?

*A distinct sound of a facepalm can be heard*

Viin: Put your hood down, you look ridiculous.

[ I cut this post short because I didn't want to take too long...]

[ OOS: Yaaay~ ]

[ I'll just continue with my adapted characters.

By the way. Kat Vance, intellectual property of Phillip M. Jackson.

I'm not proud. But I give credit where credit is due. ]

[ Eeeee~ ]

--- --- ---

[ Aboard the "Sky Card" ]

Flair: *Has gotten to work with a feather duster*

Jimmy Pop: *Appears to have gotten ahold of some blankets and is now an unrecognizable lump of sheets on the floor*

Kat: *Reads a magazine while laying on the couch* ... *Lowers the magazine* Where did the Ninja Chef go?

Champloo: *Pops up from behind the couch* None other than here! BOOM!

Kat: *Flinches, almost falling off the couch* ...Okay... *Scowl* Are you going to contribute to our group today?

Champloo: Aha! Just like any stew, a team requires a good balance of components! There is an ingredient to this recipe which I have discovered!

Kat: ... *Sigh* You're making less and less sense. What's this 'ingredient' you've found?

Champloo: Hiyahyahya! You shall see in time, my friend! BOOM! *Ninja vanish*

Kat: ... *Shakes her head, smiling, and returns to her magazine* "Leave it to Flair," he told me. "He'll find a passionate cook," he told me. I think he got 'passionate' confused with 'insane' somewhere down the road. *Chuckle*

Jimmy Pop: *Has slithered out of his blankets and stumbled into the kitchen* You find anything interesting, Flair?

Flair: Why, yes~! *Sets duster down and brings over a large box* A boardgame~!

Jimmy Pop: ... *Blows a cloud of dust off and opens it up* ...Cool. I like the ones that have bits.

Kat: *Is still reading on the couch, just outside the room where the two are talking*

Flair: Hey! Don't touch my bits without asking, dude!

Jimmy Pop: I'm the group leader. I'll touch whoever's bits I want.

Kat: ... *Turns to stare into the room* ...I heard nothing. *Goes back to reading*

*She tries to continue her reading, but at the feeling of being watched, her eyes go along the same line at least five times before she looks up*

*Floating before her is a metallic white sphere with a glowing blue, lateral line around its hemisphere*

???: Hello! I'm the ship's A.I., Flarnith! May I see your rack, New Friend?

Kat: ...What? *Rolls her magazine up surrepticiously*

Flarnith: Kitty wanna milk stick? *Floats closer*

THWACK!!

Flarnith: RUN AWAY!! oh wait i don't have legs FLY, INTERACTION DRONE!! FLY TOWARDS SAFETYYYYY!!

*The little sphere slowly hovers up into a ceiling-vent*

*With a vvvvv-shh, the vent closes*

Kat: ... *Shout* Guys? Stop touching your bits for a second. Does this ship come with an A.I.?

Flair: *Peeks head in* Why yes! Although, they said there may be some minor side-effects from being improperly placed into sleep mode for such a long time...

Jimmy Pop: *Follows* ...Did you happen to see it? *Flinch* ...What's up with the A.I.?

*A shrill cackling sounds from somewhere below the main ship*

Kat: ...I think Mission Control is off his meds.

Flair: This is bad. The A.I. might still have control of our ship's weapon systems.

*Both Kat and Jimmy Pop's eyes bug out at that thought*

Jimmy Pop: ...Awwwww crap.

Chirrup: ... Can we go 'an see the town?

Viin: Sure. It should break up the trip a little, I guess.

Chirrup: YAY~

Viin: Okay, put your hood back up, you're embarrassing yourself with your happy expression.

Chirrup: Aww...

*The two female figures, one shorter than the other, approach the Town slowly*

*The taller one, Viin, is completely covered in wrapped soft, grey material apart from her lower legs and her penetrative amber eyes*

*The shorter female, Chirrup, has a much happier air to her, skipping playfully with her hood covering her face in darkness, leaving her shiny eyes to just be seen. She wears a yellow hooded shirt that is far to big for her, and goes down to above her knee, completely covering her shorts*

Viin: Well, we're nearly here. Tell me, is there anything you actually want to do there?

Chirrup: ...

Viin: Nothing, right?

Chirrup: Guh.

Viin: Well, I do hope there are people out at this time, we need to know where to go from here.

Chirrup: I know where we're going~!

*Viin facepalms again*

Viin: Ughhh... And I wonder why I brought you with me.

Chirrup: Because you need me to fight stuff~!

*Viin pulls out a box-shaped communicator with a large red button on the back*

Viin: I reckon we need someone more competent when there is anything other than and including fighting.

Chirrup: You're calling rusty? Yay~!

Viin: HE'S NOT RUSTY!! He was rusty when we found him, I'll admit. He's called PV-2 BETA, okay?

Chirrup: I like rusty...

*Viin throws the communicator at Chirrup's head, which makes a satisfying clunking sound as it impacts*

Chirrup: Ow... *Catches it as it bounces off her head* ... Can I press the button?

Viin: No you can't press the butto-

*But Viin was too late, Chiirup presses the button, and giggles*

Chirrup: How long does it take for hi-

*What sounds like a large explosion can be heard as something impacts the ground behind Chirrup, making her jump into the air and fly around for a bit in fear*

*The thing that impacted the ground seems to be a robot*


Robot: *Whirring noise* Hydraulics status: Normal. Two targets confirmed, face recognition in process...

*Viin chuckles as the Robot makes a beeping noise*

Robot: Two matches found, matches include "Viin" and "Chirrup". Processing... Deemed safe to rise from prone.

*The robot slowly gets up from it's balled position on the ground and walks toward Chirrup, who has landed behind Viin*

Robot: Greeting Chirrup. *Turns to Viin* Greetings master.

Viin: Can you make a scan of the area?

Robot: Of course.

[ Aboard The Sky Card: ]

Jimmy Pop: *Is playing a video game with the T.V.*

Kat: *Is leaning on her folded arms, against the back of the couch and right next to Jimmy*

*She has a distinct smile on her face as Jimmy obviously gets more and more psyched*

KRRRCSH

Da-daaa-daaaaa...

Kat: *Chuckle* Awww. You died again.

Jimmy Pop: You really suck at motivation. *Gets ready to restart*

*All of the lights go out for a moment*

Flarnith: *Over the PA Speakers* OOOOO~ GHOST AIRSHIP~ BAAAAAH~

*Everything comes back on, running exactly as it was before*

*The video game is at the exact step of loading as it was before, and continues*

Jimmy Pop: ...We'll really have to go check on Flair later.

---

[ Below The Ship: ]

Flair: *Is tied up by cords* Heh. You just wait. This is the part where the main character comes in and saves his wingman!

*Silence*

Flair: ...COMES IN and SAVES his WINGMAN. THIS is THAT PART.

*Silence*

Flair: DAMMIT JIMMY!!

---

Jimmy Pop: ...I'm sure he can wait a little longer.

Kat: If we don't die of old age waiting for your save to load. Is this part of the "retro game experience?"

Jimmy Pop: Shut up. I have your Freshman picture saved.

Kat: *Frowns, eyes widening* ... *Scowl* Jerk.

Jimmy Pop: Pot calling the kettle black.

Kat: *Returns to watching*

[Ide:]

Robot: No hostile targets detected in range.

Viin: Puuurfect~

*Chirrup looks around with innocent stupidity, looking for an excuse to fight somebody*

Chirrup: Guh.

Viin: What?

Chirrup: This place is boring...

Viin: Well, if you're that bored, play with PV-2.

PV-2: I do not advise that decision, I deem this unfair.

Chirrup: I can~?

PV-2: Previous memory shows this situation to be extremely dangerous. Carrying out evasive action...

*The PV-2 manages to dive out of the way before Chirrup can grab him*

Chirrup: ... Dammit.

*PV-2 makes a low humming noise as he proceeds to move forward along with Chirrup and Viin*

Viin: Well, I'm sane as long as we don't have that incompetent idiot with us.

PV-2: Mentioned individual is currently too far away to perform any form of interaction or communication.

Viin: Good.

[ Sky Card: ]

*The living room is filled with the sound of collisions and shouts*

*Sitting on the couch, Kat and Jimmy Pop are playing some kind of fighting game*

Jimmy: *Eyes are bugging out* I forgot how much I suck at Alley Fighter. *Twitch* *Twitch*

Kat: It's not that you suck. I'm just an expert in fighting games.

*Judging from the sudden din of noise and Jimmy's expression, Kat just won*

Jimmy: ...Should we go looking for Flair, now?

Kat: Might as well. *Takes a moment to savor her victory*

*The two soon head out of the room*

---

[ Elsewhere in the Ship: ]

*Two cords are menacing Flair's beak*

Flarnith: Wanna see what I learned from watching Devil Angel Jibril?

Flair: *Smirk* Go on. I dare you. Don't blame me when you see just how sick I am and it blows your circuits up.

Flarnith: ... ... ... *Cords retreat* I don't like you.

Flair: It's mutual.

--- --- ---

[ Outside Ide: ]

*Abruptly, the scream of something approaching with incredible velocity sounds through the area*

*With an explosion of dust, some figure has impacted the ground nearby*

*A glowing red eye gazes out, followed by a strange silhouette, before the being becomes clear...*


???: Scanning...Scanning...Scanning...Three signatures located. Determining whether hostile...

*Her monotonous voice falls silent as she stares at Viin, Chirrup, and PV-2*

???: ...Not hostile. Question: Do you three know of TR-0009, aka Iron Tager, aka Red Devil of Sector Seven?

*Wings folding inward slightly, her voice gains a strangely...Nervous feeling*

???: We were separated. He should be en route to Ide, but...I am...Worried... *Whirr*

*She looks over the three expressionlessly, eye glowing slightly brighter*

???: I am Variable-Purpose Unit, Designation Lambda-11.

*No more is said as she continues staring*

[ Outside Ide: ]

Viin: She seems more high-tech than you PV-2, you can go and hide your shame now.

PV-2: *Ignores and turns to Lambda with a humming noise* Greetings.

Chirrup: I haven't seen anyone like that...

Viin: Neither have I. Delta?

PV-2: Negative.

Chirrup: ... Guh.

*PV-2 slowly walks over to Lambda*

PV-2: Permission to scan?

Viin: Fine.

PV-2: Previous question directed at "Lambda". Reply from "Viin" unnecessary.

Viin: ... Ugh...

Chirrup: Hungry...

Viin: Well go eat some freakin' nectar or something.

Chirrup: Hungry for food, Solid food~

Viin: Well if you caught that "fast pig" that stole our map, maybe you wouldn't be whining at me about food.

[ Outside Ide: ]

-Congratulations Shroom! You've Won The [Where Are Your Optic Sensors Directed?] Trophy!-

-...-

-Yeah, I just made it up this very second.-

-Deal.-

---

Lambda: Scan...?

*She seems to be concerned about something*

Lambda: ...Affirmative. But this data must remain confidential outside of those two.

*Holding still, she waits for PV-2 to begin scanning her*

*Upon doing so, he will see a simply massive source of energy from a place concealed in roughly her solar plexus*

Lambda: ...Proceed whenever you are ready. I will wait.

*She remains hovering in place patiently for PV-2*

*Crackles of static sound from her...*

OOS: w00t.

Viin: Freaking...

Chirrup: Why can't we know?

PV-2: Question cannot be answered, scanning in process...

*A loud whirring sound can be heard, followed by several pitches of humming noises, ending with a high pitched "beep"*

PV-2: Processing data...

Chirrup: Guh.

Viin: I guess they have their reasons.

PV-2: Data received and saved to private database... *Whirs and takes one step back from Lambda*

Chirrup: Tell me... Pweeeeeese?

PV-2: *Turns to Chirrup quickly* Request denied.

*PV-2 turns back to Lambda more slowly*

PV-2: Question: Is this data correct? Was the scan accurate? ... If so, I will be impressed.

Chirrup: We needs more people...

Viin: You mean we don't have enough when we have Me, two robots and an idiot?

Chirrup: Delta isn't an idiot...

Viin: *Facepalm*

[ Outside Ide: ]

Lambda: Your scan was correct.

*Abruptly, crackles of static sound from Lambda*

*Some angry female voice comes through*

???: L...da...Lam...Lambda? Dammit, Lambda, where are you!?

Lambda: Forwarding data on present coordinates and nearby individuals.

*As she 'forwards the data,' a hologram appears depicting someone we players might recognize...*


???: Dammit...Huh. Looks like the warp coordinates got screwed up. And I can't risk diverting anymore energy from your Idea Engine at this stage. You'll just have to try and rendezvous with Tager at Ide. He should be hauling his fat @ss over the horizon any minute now.

*A second voice - Male and very deep - Comes through without a hologram*

Tager?: Pardon me, Kokonoe, but I just had to deal with a few bounty hunters. Sector Seven's got a few enemies in these parts and I have a tendency to stand out.

Kokonoe: Quit your b!tching, Tager. It wasn't a problem to handle those goons, so just simmer down. Look, Lambda's with...Three individuals who aren't attacking. Just get to Ide, meet up with her, and retrieve the final piece to the containment mechanism. Hakumen should still be running amok somewhere between Rathajoa and Kagutsuchi. God knows he won't be hard to find.

Tager: Hmph. I presume my objective from there is to just follow the trail of dead criminals and fiends until we find our friend somewhere out in the wastes?

Kokonoe: Hit the nail on the head. I'm so proud of you. Now get back to work and cut the chit-chat.

Tager: Roger. TR-0009 out. *Zzzssshhht*

Kokonoe: *Looks from her hologram at PV-2, Viin, and Chirrup* Oi. I'll leave Lambda in your hands. Once Tager gets there, she'll be his responsibility again - Trust me, you can't miss the big lummox. I know we've just met, but, if it's not too much trouble...Keep Lambda from hurting herself or others, okay?

Lambda: ... ... ... *Has made no noise or gestures this whole time*

Kokonoe: I've still got to work the kinks out of her manual control and emotional processors. Right now, she might be a bit unstable. Plus, while I've got the Idea Engine fine-tuned to a point where it won't go batsh!t on us again, it's not the kind of thing I can just leave laying about without supervision. So, I hope I can trust you guys to take care of Lambda until Tager arrives.

*Her eyes suddenly narrow, and her face deepens into an angry scowl*

Kokonoe: ...And listen to me now. If you hurt Lambda, or do something to traumatize the thing worse than those b@stards already did, I'll know. You can take this as a threat or a promise - Tager has ended more lives than you can count. He's one of those noble pricks who doesn't like violence if he can avoid it. But you won't live to regret bringing on his wrath or my own if you cause Lambda anymore torment than she's already gone through. You don't need to hear it. Trust me, and I'll trust you.

Lambda: ... ... ... *Still remains silent, hovering in place*

Kokonoe: Sorry to b!tch out on ya. Now Lambda, I know you can't exactly reason as well as I'd like...But don't kill anyone here unless they directly threaten your life or the lives of these three. Listen to what these three tell you, within the limits of your...Well, 'judgment' might be appropriate.

Lambda: Affirmative. Do not kill anyone who does not threaten own life. Listen to present three individuals within certain reason. Requesting temporary access to emotions for two questions.

Kokonoe: ...Don't make me regret this. *Audibly flicks a switch* Shoot. Make it quick.

Lambda: *Tremble* *Tremble* *In a high-pitched, non-robotic voice* Is Franky okay? Are you feeding him?

Kokonoe: ... *Smile* Heh. That little tartar you brought back? Of course I'm feeding him.

Lambda: ...Thank you...You can switch me back now... *Still trembling*

Kokonoe: *That click sounds again* Alright. I don't have much time.

*She turns her gaze up to PV-2, Chirrup, and Viin*

Kokonoe: Any questions from you lot?

PV-2: No more information needed, face copied into database, memory locked.

Chirrup: Uhhh...

Viin: I have a question. Who are you? I mean, we know your name, but who are you?


PV-2: That information would be helpful.

Chirrup:...

PV-2: I would guess from previous memory that Target: "Chirrup" is currently bored.

Chirrup: *Nods*

PV-2: I would guess from further memory that she needs a "friend" to keep her company. Scanning databases for friends of "Chirrup"...

Chirrup. *Plays with her hair*

PV-2: 416 matches found. Now narrowing search to "Friends of Chirrup that are currently positioned on this planet"...

*Beep*

PV-2: 1 match found.

Chirrup: Yay~!

[ Outside Ide: ]

Kokonoe: Hm...Well, guess it couldn't hurt.

*She waits for a few brief flickers to pass before continuing*

Kokonoe: I'm pretty much the greatest scientist of Sector Seven, thank you very much. As for what Sector Seven actually does...Well. Let's just say that we've earned ourselves quite a lot of dirty laundry.

*Next, she gestures towards Lambda, who still floats silently*

Kokonoe: Lambda here was retrieved from a trashed enemy lab. We've been trying to remedy the trauma caused by...t those...ckasses wen... ... ...to her...Crap!!

*Her image is flickering wildly and her voice is scrambled*

Kokonoe: Sor... ... ...Lambda? St... ...ut of tr... ...right?

Lambda: *Nods* Affirmative. Will avoid unnecessary violence.

Kokonoe: Tha... ...ou. Good luck. *Kzzzsht*

Lambda: *Stares at the trio blankly*

[ Outside Ide: ]

Chirrup: Lambda...

*Chirrup looks up at her with intense cuteness and innocence*

Chirrup: ... Do you know somewhere we could eat?

Viin: *Sarcastically* Oh yeah, because robot's do eat... Let alone as obsessively as you.

*PV-2 makes a high whirring noise*

Viin: ... You should be fat. Very fat.

Chirrup: But...

Viin: You're lucky you have fast metabolism.

Chirrup:...

PV-2: Communications with search result will take a while.

Chirrup: Awww...

[ The Sky Card: ]

Jimmy: *Fires a pair of revolvers repeatedly* I'm not leaving without my friends!!

*He roars, charging in headlong...*

Chnk.

Jimmy: What what?

CLANK.

---

[ And Now: ]

Flair: ...So you got trapped because you tripped on a pipe?

Jimmy: *Tied up with cords as well* You shut up. The wacked-out AI probably left it there.

Flarnith: Don't blame me. That cock-up was all~ you!

Jimmy: You talkin' smack too!? *Kicks outward*

Clunk!

Flarnith: MUST ESCAPE *Interaction drone putters away*

Jimmy: ...It's all down to Kat.

Flair: Yup.

*All is silent for a while*

Jimmy: Nobod~y knows~ the trouble~ I've seen~

Flair: No~body knows~ my sorrow~

--- --- ---

[ Outside Ide: ]

Lambda: Searching...Searching...Processing...

*A light beep sounds from her, and she looks up*

Lambda: The town called Ide has a number of inns serving steak to travelers. Unfortunately, TR-0009 was left with the currency on our mission. I have nothing to pay for your meals. Also, I have no need to eat now.

*She falls silent again, still floating there slightly apart from PV-2, Viin, and Chirrup*

Lambda: ... *Gives off a beep without warning* Automatic Idea Engine diagnostics initiated. Running...

*Her body gives off a slight whirring although she remains silent*

Lambda: ... ... ... *Another beep* Finished. Idea Engine stable. Energy levels within Commander's estimates. Standing by.

*Once again totally silent, she stares at the group*

[ Outside Ide: ]

Chirrup: Awwwww...

Viin: Shut up. We're finding your friend, isn't that enough?

PV-2: WARNING, energy levels critical. Now scanning for power sources.

Viin: He'll find something. Now Chirrup, do you actually know who PV-2 is trying to communicate?

*Chirrup giggles and whispers into Viin's ear*

Viin: *Eyes grow wide* Freaking-

PV-2: Correct amount of solar power detected. Now charging...

*Two solar panels unfold out of PV-2's chest, and the robot stops moving*

Viin: Her!? Oh, crap, we're gonna have two freaking useless idiots.

Chirrup: She's good at fighting stuff too...

Viin: Well, we haven't been in a situation yet on this journey when we did have to fight anything or anybody, have we?

Chirrup: ... Guh...

[ Outside Ide: ]

Lambda: ... *Beep* Warning. Hostile targets approaching.

*Indeed, a tremendous buzzing sound can be heard growing ever nearer*

*From the heat haze across the sand emerge about seven or eight Dhelp, each wielding daggers*

Lambda: Scanning...Scanning...Scanning...Dhelp Bandits. Eight in number. Threat level below D.

*Her wingblades flare outward as the eight Dhelp alight on their hooved feet*

Lambda: Warning. Disengage or force will be used.

*Ignoring her, half of them circle around to attack Viin and Chirrup*

*The apparent leader steps forward, almond-shaped eyes unreadable*

Leader: *Speaks in a broken use of the common language* Wives and children going hungry.

Lambda: Situation unchanged. Switching to battle mode...

~ ~ ~

[ Alright, Shroom, here's how it is: ]

[ 4x Dhelp Rogues Attacking Chirrup and Viin. ]

[ Each One Has 2x Daggers, Threat Level D. ]

[ They should be no problem to handle. But at least try to avoid one-shotting each. ]

[ Because that would be no fun. 8O This is your first battle. ]

[ Have fun~ ]

OOS: I'll have a go at this... Forgive me if it sucks.


[ Somewhere in the middle of the Rhadan desert: ]

*An ominious greeny-blue light begins pulsating above the sand*

*A metal surface then can be seen materialising around the light*

*Now it can be seen clearly: it is what looks like an escape pod from a space vessel, with a hatch visible on the front and a bluish exterior. It is oval-shaped and is surrounded by plated armour*

*Suddenly, the hatch is kicked clean off and an arm and leg appears in the hatchway. They then get stuck and muffled shouting can be heard. Eventually the person who the arm and leg belong to clambers out, with a bit of cursing*

*She is a female human adult of average height, with blond hair tied back in a ponytail. She has white skin and is dressed in a blue top and tight grey trousers. What is most unusual about her though is that on top of her clothes she is wearing some sort of metal exoskeleton, which is around her arms and legs as well as her body. A worried expression forms on her face*

??? 1: Oh no. Oh no... Kensa, what have you done...?!

*Someone else clambers out of the pod, pulling out his friend with him*

*The first guy, Kensa, is wearing bright red goggles, the insides of which seem to glow with a blue light. He has dark skin and is wearing a big overcoat with lots of pockets. He is also quite short and as he smiles at the woman, he speaks with a deep voice*

Kensa: Hey, what's wrong? We should be home by... now...

*The third person comes into view. He is quite tall and is dressed in a white robe. He frowns*

??? 3: What did you do this time.

??? 1: Yes, what did you do this time?! We've never been stranded in the middle of the desert before!!

Kensa: Chill... chill, Etende. *He smiles again* Hey, no worries. The co-ordinates were probably just a bit off, that's all.

Etende: A bit. Off. A BIT?!

Kensa: Whoa, don't get mad! I can have us back in no time. Hey Jarvis, get me a spanner. *He grins* We're gonna be back in no time.

[ Outside Ide: ]

Viin: Freaking-

Chirrup: Don't hurt Viin~!

*Chirrup jumps with blinding speed towards the first bandit, immediately going for a kick to the face*

PV-2: Targets acquired. Battle mode activated. Switching to emergency energy reserves.

*PV-2's hands are suddenly replaced with shock prongs*

PV-2: Vulnerable target in danger.

*Viin dashes behind PV-2*

Viin: Come closer, I dare you!

[ Outside Ide: ]

Lambda: Removal of Hostile Targets complete.

*The other four Dhelp are already lying bloody, limp, but alive at her feet*

Remaining Dhelp: *Loud, enraged screeching*

*All of them rush Chirrup, daggers at the ready*

*Meanwhile, the Dhelp that she kicked tries to slash its stinger-finger towards her*

[ Note: The venom won't be fatal, but is excruciating. ]

~ ~ ~

[ Rhadan Deserts, Escape Pod: ]

*A gruff voice calls out to the trio*

???: 'Ey. You kids alright over there?

*His form becomes apparent as he comes near*


???: The name's Jubei. Any o' you kids hurt?

*His eye not covered by an eyepatch shows clear concern*

Jubei: Hmmm? *Quirks head slightly*

*Chirrup kicks the finger aside, but the sting still manages to strike her leg, she spins*

Chirrup: Hehehehee~

*She replies with a slash from her own stinger finger, savagely swiping at the Dhelp's chest*

[ Are Dhelp's immune to their own sting by any chance?]

PV-2: Rolling mode activating. Grab onto back if necessary.

*Viin rides on PV-2's back as the robot folds in his legs, which are replaced by thick wheel belts, he tears towards the remaining bandits with his prongs ready*

PV-2: Several targets detected, now deploying AOE charge.

*A static pulse bursts from PV-2's prongs, shocking the four Dhelp charging at Chirrup*

[ Why, yes~! ]

[ I see where this is going~ ]

~

[ Outside Ide: ]

*The remaining Dhelp are shocked into unconsciousness*

Lambda: *Hovers towards the group* ...I suggest that we pick up course to Ide.

*Her single red eye stares blankly*

*Viin drops down from PV-2 and nods to Lambda*

Viin: Good idea.

PV-2: May I ask why you did not choose to fight?

Viin: Because I can't attack several people at once, unlike you. I saw the opportunity and I took it, so sue me.

Chirrup: *Breathes deeply* That was... Fun...

Viin: Let's get going. Before these idiots gain control of their bodies again... CHIRRUP!!

*Viin smacks a dagger out of Chirrup's hand, and hits her over the head with the other hand*

Viin: NO FREAKING STEALING!! GAWD...!

*Chirrup gets emotional and her breathing speeds up, tears well in her eyes a-*

Viin: Nope, that doesn't work on me. Drop the stuff.

*Chirrup giggles and drops another dagger she was holding*

PV-2: All of it.

Chirrup: *Gives an embarrassed giggle and takes out daggers from all sorts of places, she drops them on the floor*

Viin: *Sigh*

*Kensa puts his hand over his goggles*

Kensa: Damn light pollution.

*He then sees Jubei*

Kensa: Oh, hey. Nah, we're all cool, thanks.

Etende: Well I'm not cool with this!

*Kensa groans*

Kensa: Well if you have nothing constructive to say, why don't you just fly off?

Etende: Fine then. I will. And when I get back, the pod better be fixed.

*Etende spreads her arms out, and suddenly the parts of the exoskeleton on her arms extend and attach to her waist. Fabric emerges into the gaps between the metal and her underarms, and she flaps her arms like wings. She runs a few metres and then takes off, turning and flying into the distance*

Kensa: Hmm. Oh, sorry sir, I almost forgot to say what we're doing here. Now where is mah manners? *He smiles again* My name's Kensa, the woman you saw flying off there is Etende, and this is Jarvis.

*Jarvis raises a hand*

Kensa: We come from Valdajoa in Archanae. Um, well I know this might sound a bit silly to ya, but we prefer to get resources rather than them just being given to us. Our... hobby... is just making stuff out of spare parts really. I turned this escape pod into a teleporting transport, but as you can see our test flight didn't really work. We were supposed to end up on the outskirts of Valdajoa, but instead... well...

*He sighs*

Kensa: ... we end up in the middle of the desert somewhere.

[ Sky Card: ]

Kat: *Picks her way across a mess of cords and wires*

*Soon enough, she finds Flair and Jimmy Pop - Tied up securely by cords*

Flair: ...Youuu might wanna look behind you Kat. *Gulp&

Kat: Hmmm. *Fingers suddenly light up with a yellow-orange glow as she spins*

*Behind her, the gun-equipped drone has had both arms torn off and its face-panel rent open*

Kat: *Lunges and rips a few parts out of the drone before stopping*

Drone: *Tips backwards, falling onto its back* Whhhrrrrr... *Sparks shoot out of the front*

*A familiar interaction drone hovers down towards Kat*

Flarnith: Awww! Why'd you do that? It wasn't gonna do nothin'!

Kat: Then why put guns on it if you weren't going to hurt someone?

Flarnith: ...Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm...

Kat: *Chuckle* No need to answer.

Flarnith: Thanks.

--- --- ---

[ Outside Ide: ]

Lambda: Question for Chirrup.

*Hovering closer, her head quirks to the side slightly*

Lambda: Why would you require so many daggers?

*She waits patiently*

--- --- ---

[ Rhadan Desert: ]

Jubei: *Chuckle* Nah. Doesn't sound silly at all.

*From behind him approaches some kind of large craft*

Jubei: I can understand how ya wouldn't want anybody interferin' with a piece o' work yer real proud of. Not even if it's ta lend a li'l help.

*In time, the large craft arrives - Plated with dull-colored armoring over a boxy frame, hovering about a foot off the ground, and with a clearly beat-up yet reliable look*

*Up at a window just beside the front of the craft, a lanky young woman leans out - She has green eyes, jawlength ginger-orange hair, slightly tanned skin, and wears an eyepatch with a cowboy hat to complete an otherwise normal outfit*

???: Oi~~~! Old Cat-Geezer! Git yer @ss on here!! We gotta make our destination soon!!

Jubei: *Chuckle* Don't get yer panties in a bunch, Kanade! I'll be back onboard quick enough!

*He turns back towards Kensa and Jarvis, a wider smile than before on his face*

Jubei: Sorry to sound lika a broken record here, but...Anyway I can help you kids?

Kanade: *Still leaning out the window, is making rude faces at the group*

Jubei: Jus' ignore her. She's kinda needy. *Chuckle*

[ Outside Ide: ]

Chirrup: Uhhh...

Viin: I'm dying to know as well.

*Chirrup looks down*

Chirrup: I collect weapons and stuff because I have a friend that uses loads of weapons... It's kinda hard to explain~

Viin: Oh, you mean her? Doesn't she have enough?

Chirrup: She said she wanted more... She got me to get more for her.

Viin: Well, I don't like you parading around with those kind of people.

Chirrup: She's nice~

Viin: Ugh...

PV-2: Emergency energy reserves = FULL. Now charging main core...

*PV-2 returns to charging with his solar panels*

*Jarvis turns to Kensa*

Jarvis: You know, they look like they have resources. And we need resources if we are to get back.

*Looking slightly annoyed at this, Kensa walks to Jarvis and whispers*

Kensa: (whispering) We can't trust these people, man! I spent ages gathering the parts to make this! They might be bandits with a souped-up ship for all we know!

*Jarvis sighs*

Jarvis: Well, they look pretty genuine.

Kensa: That woman has an eyepatch.

Jarvis: ... If they were bandits, they wouldn't be in the middle of nowhere.

*A faint rumbling can be heard, and the two turn around. A sandstorm is brewing in the distance*

Jarvis: Come on, even if they are bandits, we can't stay here.

Kensa: *sigh* Fine. *To Jubei* Umm... Could you give us a lift, bro?

[ Sky Card: ]

Kat: ...So. What's your game, Flarnith?

Flarnith: I'm so glad you asked. I'll tell you what my game is, Kitty.

*Down from the ceiling lowers a TV screen, a couch, and a game system*

Flarnith: RazRed: Disaster Spark!!

...

Flair: Honestly? You're serious?

Flarnith: Yes!! I am unbeatable in all electronic arts! Hoo!! Hah!!

Jimmy: *Quietly* You've obviously not seen Kat's skills...

Flarnith: What's that now, Cowboy? Begging for your life, are you!?

Jimmy: ...Yup. That is exactly what I was doing.

Kat: *Sits down, cracking her knuckles*

Flarnith: So...It begins.

Flair: *Whisper* And ends.

Jimmy: Hush.

--- --- ---

[ Outside Ide: ]

Lambda: ... *Continues staring* ...

*She briefly turns to look out over the horizon*

*However, she's quick to turn her gaze back to the trio*

Lambda: ... *Gazes at PV-2, then Chirrup, then Viin*

*Never does she speak*

--- --- ---

[ Rhadan Desert: ]

Jubei: *Chuckle* Sure. At least ya won't run inta bandits.

*As the craft draws up closer and a ramp lowers on the side, Jubei frowns*

Jubei: Yer ladyfriend had better come back soon...Ah, well.

*He gestures over to the abandoned escape pod*

Jubei: Ya want that brought along? We should have room.

Kanade: Why should we bring their junk, Cat-Geezer!? *Blows raspberry*

Jubei: Hush, Kanade. Yer not actin' very ladylike.

*Huffing, Kanade retreats into the window once again*

Jubei: *Turns back* So. Ya want the pod brought along?

*His gaze turns to where Etende had flown*

Jubei: ...Hmmm...

Kensa: Oh, thanks man. Uh... yeah, Etende is extremely independent... almost too independent if you know what I mean. But she'll probably hear and follow your ship if she hasn't already found cover.

...

Oh! The pod. Yeah, that would be great. It's not that heavy, I'll load it on myself.

*Kensa walks over to the pod and rolls his sleeves up. He digs his hands into the sand around it and heaves it out. He staggers towards the ship, then faceplants in the sand*

[ Rhadan Desert: ]

Jubei: *Chuckle* Lemme help, kid.

*Kneeling down, he easily lifts the pod up*

Jubei: O~ra! O~ra! *Hefts the pod over to and up his ship's ramp*

*Inside the craft are several piled-up crates and a TV set*

*He proceeds to lock the pod down with a couple of large belts*

Jubei: We~ll! You kids wanna head to the kitchen and get some grub?

Kanade: *Sounds like she's rocking out in the "cockpit" up front*

Jubei: We'll actually be meetin' a friend out here. You ever heard of a gal named "Samjam?"

*He abruptly chuckles at himself, seemingly a bit embarrassed*

Jubei: Nah, I don't imagine ya have. So. Wanna get a bite ta eat?

*With one "paw," he gestures towards a room up a flight of stairs and towards the back*

Jubei: I fancy myself a fine chef on the go.

[ Outside Ide: ]

PV-2: Chirrup's friend contacted. Now playing reply.

*PV-2's eyes turn pink, and his low robotic voice is replaced by a high human-like one*

PV-2: "*Giggling* Hiyas~! Mr robot told me your co-ordinates, so I'll be there soon~"

PV-2:*Back to his normal voice, and his eyes turn back to their original colour* End transmission.

Chirrup: YAY~!

Viin: Oh dear god...

PV-2: I suggest to Viin that she prepares herself for the sender's arrival.

Viin: That's a good idea.

[ Sky Card, Lower Level: ]

*CRASH* *CRASH* *BOOM*

Flarnith: No no nooo! I wanna wiiin!

Kat: *Chuckle* Then you shouldn't have challenged me to a fighting game. Might've helped to do some surveillance beforehand.

*CRAAASH* *DING-DING*

Kat: *Sets the controller down* I win. Now let my friends go.

Flarnith: ... *Snff* *Snff* ...Eeeuuuuggghhh...

Kat: ...Are you crying? I didn't know an AI could do that...

Flarnith: AIs...From the Qahitu Corporation...Have very...Realistic...Emotions... *Snff* ...Uuuh...

Flair & Jimmy: *Have been released* ... *Stare blankly*

Kat: What do you have to cry about? All we were ever gonna do was properly reboot you so you wouldn't be such a danger to people.

Flarnith: *Blubbering* ...Y...You're...Not...Not gonna...Shut me down...? You're not gonna shut me down...?

Flair: *Jumps in* Of course not~! We know you were just feeling unwell!

Flarnith: ...M'kay...M'kay...I'll try to calm down... *Snfffff*

Jimmy: Well. That went over rather smoothly.

~ ~ ~

[ Soon After! ]

*The trio has walked into the kitchen to find a full meal set out for them*

*All sorts of barbecue, with slices of bread for making sandwiches and coleslaw are laid out*

Kat: ...How...? How in the world...? Who made all of this!? *Stomach growls*

*Off somewhere in the ship, a familiar laughter can be heard*

Hiyahyahyahyahyahyaaa!

...

Kat: ... *Chuckle* Of course! Who else would it be but that crazy ninja chef?

*They all sit down and start eating*

--- --- ---

[ Outside Ide: ]

Lambda: We shall wait for Chirrup's ally to arrive?

*She continues staring blankly*

[ Outside Ide: ]

PV-2: Arrival won't be long. Target already detected.

Chirrup: I'm exited~

Viin: You're always exited. Now pick up those daggers again, I've changed my mind.

Chirrup: Guh?

Viin: I wanna see that person face-to-face again, okay?

Chirrup: Okay... Well I'll be giving her the sack of stuff when I get a tiny bit more~

Viin: Wait, you have a SACK!?

*A buzzing noise of wings being beaten can be heard*

Chirrup: She's coming~

Kensa: Ohhhh, thanks. I feel like I haven't had a bite to eat in weeks. *He grins*

Jarvis: So suspicious of them, and now so friendly towards them...

Kensa: Look, we both know that the food we get in Valdajoa isn't great. Most of it is just the stuff that you find in bags on the airships.

Jarvis: Hmm... True, true. *He then looks out of the window at the side* I just hope Etende is alright.

*Kensa puts an arm around him*

Kensa: Relax... She can take care of herself.

Jarvis: ...In a sandstorm?

*Kensa looks like he's thinking for a few moments, then turns away*

Kensa: Look on the bright side! We are now in a nice ship, with some nice food coming, and-

Jarvis: Look on the dark side, we're probably hundreds of miles away from home, Etende's out there with a sandstorm coming,

Kensa: Ohhhhhhh.... Shut up for once, will ya?

[ Sky Card: ]

*Rain has moved in over Valdajoa*

*In the dark of the main room, Jimmy Pop, Kat, and Flair are watching a scary movie*

Kat: Nooo...Don't go down there...That's where...!

Jimmy: You shouldn't have chosen this one if you were gonna get so easily spooked.

Flair: Can't we just watch the mo -

THUNK.

HEEEEEEEEEEK!!

Kat: What the hell was that?

Flair: Sounds like it came from the ship's loft.

Kat: *Smirk* I meant the girly-@ss scream that Jimmy just made.

Jimmy: It was the movie shut up. *Stands*

*The other two stand and follow him out of the room*

--- --- ---

[ Outside Ide: ]

Lambda: ... *Stares towards the source of the noise* ...

*She remains silent*

--- --- ---

[ Jubei's Craft: ]

*The hooded feline leads them up the stairs*

*Surrounded on all sides by windows, the kitchen is quite small*

Jubei: *Starts ratting around the fridge as the craft gives a sudden lurch*

*Humming, he continues searching for some food*

[ Outside Ide: ]

*A cute-looking beegirl buzzes down to the floor, giggling and rushing to hug Chirrup*

Viin: And now, goes my sanity.

Beegirl: Hiiiiiyaaas~!

Chirrup: EEEEEEE~

Viin: Usually bees and wasps kill each-other, but in this case it's a little different...

Both the beegirl and Chirrup: EEEEEE~!

Viin: Ugh...

*The beegirl is wearing a white shirt with a black stripe across the middle, and a white knee-high skirt with a black belt. Her eyes are completely black, like any other bee-person, her hair is black and spiky at the back, with a short layered fringe. Completely ruining her otherwise cute appearance, a grisly thick, longsword is diagonally along her back, you guessed it; it has a strange language written all over it*

Viin: Lambda, this is Petal.

Petal: *Turns to Lambda* Pleased to meet you~ *Turns to PV-2* Hello, Mr Robot~!

PV-2: I would prefer if you would call me either PV-2 or De-

Petal: VIIIIN~! How're you?

Viin: I used to be fine.

Petal: Good enough~

[ Sky Card: ]

*The three are gathered below a trapdoor*

Flair: ...Sounds like it's about...Right above here...

Jimmy & Kat: Not it!

Flair: ...!! ...Dammit. *Opens the trapdoor and begins climbing the ladder*

Kat: What do you see up there?

Flair: You know, I watch horror movies. I should not be doing this without a chainsaw - Huh!?

*He seems to spot something, before he's dragged all the way up through the trapdoor opening*

Kat: Oh my God! There really was something!

Jimmy: *Hyperventilating* Oh God, oh God, God God God, it's exactly like the movies!!

Kat: *Tries to see up into the loft, to no avail*

Jimmy: Poor Flair is in the clutches of a horrible, vile monster that's going to squeeze the life out of him!!

*The cowboy-like figure almost falls over in a dead faint*

Kat: C'mon. I'm sure he can beat this monster.

---

[ In The Loft: ]

Flair: ...What. *Finds a pair of small, furry arms hugging him*

*He is being nuzzled from behind by...A squirrel-girl*

*She has a mostly orange body with a cream underside, messy deep red hair with prominent bangs and long strands in the back, and a bushy squirrel tail of matching crimson red*

*Giggling, she nuzzles ever closer to him - Leading Flair to realize that she's completely nude*

Squirrel-Girl: Teddy~! *Hugs him closer*

--- --- ---

[ Outside Ide: ]

Lambda: Greetings. *Whirr*

*She stares at Petal a few moments, before looking off towards Ide*

Lambda: *Remains silent*

[ Outside Ide: ]

Viin: ... Reckon we should actually go to Ide now?

*PV-2 doesn't reply, whereas the two girs are too busy catching up with each other*

Viin: Well, I dunno about you guys, but I'm going.

*Viin makes her way to the town, the other three quickly realizing and following her, Petal and Chirrup flying around*

Viin: Hey Delta, where have the other of the V-series got to?

PV-2: My brothers and sisters are doing fine, they are back at the ship, ready for you to call any of them.

Viin: Good, good.

[ Outside Ide: ]

RRRRRrrrrrmmmblll...

[ Something Has Happened ]

*From out of the ground just behind Lambda bursts a huge shape*

*Its serpentine, winding body is ended by a huge, wolflike muzzle and twin massive pincers; on either side of its head are several circles of light arranged like eyes*

*With a crackle of static, Kokonoe's hologram appears*

Kokonoe: Sh!t...It must have thought the Idea Engine was a Nox. It's attacking because it remembers the Ars Magus that sealed it before...

Lambda: Switching to battle mode. *Each of her wingblades twitches to attention*

*The titanic creature howls, before scuttling around the sand towards Viin, Chirrup, PV-2, and Petal*

Lambda: ... *Brings a massive sword of black and orange energy piercing down into the creature's back*

*Screeching, it whirls and goes after her again*

Lambda: I require asssistance... *Narrowly dodges the lunge*

*The beast prepares to go after her again...*

---

[ Stats ]

[ HP: 16,790 / 17,000 ]

[ Here's that event I mentioned. ]

[ Good luck~ ]

--- --- ---

[ Sky Card Loft: ]

Squirrel-Girl: Teddy!

Flair: I'm not a teddy!!

Squirrel-Girl: But you're soft...

Flair: I - ...Well, that's true...

Squirrel-Girl: ...And you're cuuute...

Flair: ...That is also true...

Squirrel-Girl: *Hugs him tighter* And I just wanna snuggle you and snooze!

Flair: I am a teddy.

---

[ OOS: Once again.

Credit to Phillip M. Jackson.

Mm-hmm. ]

[ Jubei's Craft: ]

Jarvis: What was that?

*He turns to Jubei, but he gives no answer as he hums and rummages*

Kensa: Probably the sandstorm... That's probably as bad as it will get.

[ Jubei's Craft: ]

Jubei: Oh. That was my ol' rustbucket here.

*He takes out some meat and vegetables, taking them over to a pot*

*Lighting a stove beneath the pot, Jubei pours in some water and begins chopping the ingredients*

Jubei: This ol' gal complains from time to time, but she's still a reliable machine.

*After dropping the ingredients into the pot and spending a minute or two stirring, he puts a lid over the stew*

*Then, he turns and strolls over to a small table nestled into a nook in the wall*

Jubei: C'mon, have a seat! I'm sure we'll find yer ladyfriend soon. In the meantime, I gotta small request.

*Chuckling, he sits in a chair with surprisingly good posture for his very feline body*

Jubei: It's not somethin' I'll die without. So, don't feel like ya hafta do what I ask.

*He offers a seat to Kensa and Jarvis, calmly waiting*

[Outside Ide:]

PV-2: Can you be bothered to fight now?

Viin: Yes. Yes I can.

*Viin does a dodge-roll to the left, while Chirrup and Viin fly directly towards the creature*

PV-2: One hostile target detected, estimated biomass is too high to vaporize, switching to rolling mode...

*His legs are replaced with the wheel belts again*

PV-2: Explosives determined as the most suitable weapon, now changing to explosive cannon ammunition...

*PV-2 readies a cannon folded out from his back, and aims it at the creature, an explosive bullet the size of a a bowling pin is fired directly at the head*

*Meanwhile, Chirrup starts to hover directly above the creature, whereas Petal rotates around the monster in circles*

Viin: No time to worry about them...

*She puts one hand behind her back*

Viin: Hmph.

*She slams her free hand into the ground, and chunks of earth are thrown at the creature*

[ Outside Ide: ]

Creature: RAAAAATCH!!

*The explosive bullet and chunks of rock send it lurching to the side*

[ HP: 14,880 / 17,000 ]

*Whirling, it prepares to lunge at Viin*

*However, Lambda slashes its side open with her wingblades*

*Out of its side seethes a rippling gray mist*

[ HP: 14,610 / 17,000 ]

Creature: RAAAAAAAAAATCH!!

*It tries to close its pincer on Lambda*

Lambda: *Dashes forward through the air, skillfully dodging*

*The creature whirls, trying to snap its jaws onto PV-2*

Lambda: *Prepares some kind of attack*

--- --- ---

[ Sky Card Loft: ]

Ghhhrrrmmmblllll...

Flair: *Still being hugged* What was that?

Squirrel-Girl: Been up here fer ages. Rilly rilly starviiing.

Flair: Well, we've got some food downstairs. If you just let me go - Oomph.

Squirrel-Girl: *Has thrown him down* FOOOOOOOOOOD!! *Scrabbles off*

Flair: ...Why do I get the feeling I shouldn't have said that?

---

[ Below the Loft: ]

Kat: I hear something coming.

Jimmy: Flair, I promise I'll avenge your death at the hands of -

Squirrel-Girl: *Falls down on Jimmy, flailing against him* FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD *Runs off*

Jimmy: ... *Points after her* ...That was a butt-naked squirrel girl.

Kat: That it was.

Jimmy: Heh...Not the worst thing to fall on you from on high...

Kat: *Scowl* Well...

*At this moment, Flair tumbles out of the loft @ss-first onto Jimmy*

*They are both knocked to the floor*

Kat: *Chuckle*

[Outside Ide: ]

*PV-2 activates his thrusters and shoots into the air, avoiding the beast's attack*

PV-2: Reloading... Cannon primed.

*He fires off another explosive*

*Chirrup begins dropping several powder bombs onto the creature from above*

Petal: Heheee~

*Petal brings out her sword, and it begins to glow and vibrate vigorously*

*She charges at the creature, swinging back with her sword, getting ready to launch a blow*

*Viin, meanwhile, begins charging up a sever beam, making a strange symbol with her free hand*

[ Jubei's craft: ]

Kensa: Hmm...

Jarvis: I think we owe him one.

Kensa: Yyyyyeah. You know the old saying, bro... one good deed deserves another.

*Kensa and Jarvis walk over to the table and sit down, Kensa clasping his hands together on the top*

Kensa: Soo, what can we do for ya?

[ Outside Ide: ]

*The beast howls in pain*

*Each attack hits it successfully*

[ HP: 14,120 / 17,000 ]

*Without warning, it lashes out with a pincer and catches Petal*

*It then whips its tail around to knock PV-2 away*

Lambda: *Jets over to the claw holding Petal*

*She begins slashing her wingblades against the pincer in an attempt to free her*

[ HP: 14,105 / 17,000 ]

--- --- ---

[ Rhadan Desert, Jubei's Craft: ]

Jubei: Well...It's somethin' that could turn out risky.

*After glancing over to check on the soup, he looks back to Kensa and Jarvis before continuing*

Jubei: There's somethin' I wanna check on...The location is a bit touchy. I can get us in, but once I open it up and yer in, the place won't let ya out 'til ya "finish" by its rules. Sometimes, you'll get from top to bottom with no problem. Other times, ya can't make any progress without running into trouble. There's six levels to it, and each has a puzzle fer openin' the next door and a guardian that'll randomly choose whether or not to appear.

Jubei: This craft 'ere will get us there with no problem, and while it's a tough place, there's always an option to give up before ya die. There's a lotta stuff I know 'bout the place, but I can only tell ya about the first three guardians. Even though I know what lies at the bottom, I'm sworn by oath not to tell anyone before they complete the whole thing.

Jubei: Remember that gal I told'ja about? Samjam? She's been trainin' just fer this job. Once we pick 'er up, we'll be ready ta head there. I won't force ya ta do this...But I just get a feelin' about you kids. Ya kinda have an air o' destiny about'cha. There's things that keep me from tellin' ya why...But we didn't meet completely on accident.

*Abruptly, he gets up and heads over to the pot - Which is starting to whistle violently*

*Taking the pot off the stove, he gathers three bowls and a ladle*

Jubei: Totally up to you whether ya go or not. It's called the 'Anemos Sanctum.' Heard of it?

*He begins ladling out bowls of stew*

[ Outside Ide: ]

*PV-2 puts up a nano-barrier just in time, but the force still throws him back allot*

Petal: Ah! Get it off me!

*Chirrup moves to Petal faster than the beast can see*

Chirrup: *Is struck at what to do* Eh~! Wha... Wha

Viin: OUT OF THE WAY!!

*An extremely concentrated sever beam is shot at the pincer holding Chirrup*#

*Chirrup steers away with fear, throwing bomb after bomb at the creature*

*Kensa's eyes widen in surprise*

Kensa: ... Well, I can't say I've been anywhere like that before. Sounds like a cool challenge.

*He takes a flask out of his pocket, drinks from it, and looks across intently at Jubei*

Kensa: I'd say I'm up for it. Nothing really exciting has happened to me lately... Apart from getting transported to the middle of the desert, of course.

*He gives a wide smile*

Kensa: Whadya say, Jarvis?

*Jarvis glares at Kensa*

Jarvis: I'm still not sure about leaving Etende out there...

*Coincidentally, a small crash can be heard coming from the roof, and then some muffled shouting, which sounds like: "Mmfph!! Iph yu to are in vair, u better open up!!!"*

Jarvis: Ah.

Kensa: See man, told you she'd find us. Sorry about that, Jubei.

[ Outside Ide: ]

*The creature howls in agony*

[ HP: 13,625 / 17,000 ]

*It whirls to attack the freed Petal, but a circular saw of black and orange energy slashes through its side*

Lambda: *Follows up by shooting five energy blades into the creature's side*

[ HP: 12,580 / 17,000 ]

*With a snarl, the creature burrows into the sand again*

Lambda: Warning. Enemy is not retreating.

*Stressful silence reigns*

--- --- ---

[ Sky Card: ]

*The squirrel-girl is gripping the fridge's shelves*

*Several loud noises emanate from her as she scarfs down food*

Jimmy Pop: Hey, you freeloader! You can't just go raiding the fridge!

Squirrel-Girl: ... *Stares up at him blankly* ...

Jimmy: Now give me one good reason why I shouldn't kick your @ss out of this ship! ...Or call pest control...

*With a glumph!, he finds a sweet mass of food shoved into his mouth*

Squirrel-Girl: Cake! *Goes right back to eating*

Flair: Heh. A good reaon.

Jimmy: *Scowl*

~ ~ ~

OOS: Credit to Phillip M. Jackson.

...Again.

--- --- ---

[ Jubei's Craft: ]

Jubei: Not a problem!

*He gives a chuckle at Etende's shouting*

*After ladling out a fourth bowl and setting each at the table with a spoon, he heads through the doorway*

*Going down the stairs and up another set, he proceeds to open up a hatch*

*Leaned out of the hatch up to the roof, Jubei finds Etende closeby*

Jubei: Welcome to my humble home, girlie! *Chuckle*

*Once she's inside, he leads her back to the kitchen*

Jubei: Hope ya don't mind, but I fixed you and yer friends some bowls of stew.

*Back in the kitchen, he takes his seat again and begins eating*

*He leaves Kensa and Jarvis to explain his request*