BZPower Battles: Heat The Soul [New Edition]

[ Outside Ide: ]

Chirrup: Petal!!

*Chirrup rushes to hug Petal in mid-air, glad that she's okay*

Chirrup: I was worried...

Petal: It's okay~

*They split and begin making loops in the air, the reason for doing this is not evident*

Viin: I don't like the looks of this...

*She begins charging another spell, her hand glowing and making strange signs again*

OOS: Second page!!

WOOOOOOOOOO~

~ ~ ~

[ Outside Ide: ]

*From below Lambda, sand erupts violently*

*She ends up closed right between the beast's jaws*

Lambda: ...Danger...Danger...Armor compromised...Must not...Compromise...Idea Engine...

*However, everyone has failed to notice a huge figure approaching*

*With a screech, the beast drop's Lambda while spasming wildly - Electricity arcs across its body*

*It prepares to lunge at the new arrival, but he charges in and knocks it flat over with a huge punch*

[ HP: 10,950 / 17,000 ]

*The huge combatant bullrushes again and throws a gigantic punch*


*His sheer strength sends the creature toppling right over once again*

[ HP: 9,880 / 17,000 ]

Lambda: TR...0009...Idea Engine...The Idea Engine...Is safe...For now... *Whirrs from her place on the ground*

Tager: *In a calm voice* Stay put, Lambda. We can't have the Idea Engine going off. And I don't want you to get hurt.

Lambda: ...Affirmative...Variable-Purpose Unit...Lambda-11...Entering...Rest Mode...

*Her head lays down softly as her breathing calms and a dull beeping sounds*

Tager: *Calls to the others* I'll try to handle this by myself, but I might still need some help.

*In a rustle of sand, the beast has risen up yet again*

Tager: Switching to Full Battle Mode. *Glasses glint dangerously*

*He prepares to attack once again*

--- --- ---

[ Sky Card: ]

Kat: *Sits on the couch, playing a video game*

Squirrel-Girl: *Is sitting on the floor in front of the couch, also playing*

Jimmy: What are you doing, Kat!? We're supposed to be getting that rodent out, not making her more at home!!

Kat: Well, Scarlet and I here just happen to both like playing The City Is At War. She's pretty good.

Scarlet: *Eyes narrow intently* I yam winning... *Uses the controller skillfully*

Jimmy: Okay, humor me. What could be positive about letting her stay here?

Kat: Scarlet! I think Flair has another nutty-crunch bar on him!

Scarlet: *Already disappeared from the room* YAAAAAY!!

Flair: *In the next room* Oof! Kat, you lied again!

Jimmy: ...Heh. Well, that's pretty entertaining.

Kat: I think we should let her stay for a while.

Jimmy: ... *Sigh* Fine. Just...Please, get her dressed in something.

*He wanders off with a yawn*

~ ~ ~

OOS: You know who I give credit to.

...I hope.

[ Outside Ide: ]

Viin: *Strained* I'll help you alright.

*Chirrup and Petal both still fly in a pattern, while Viin tries to concentrate*

Viin: Just a few seconds...

*Viin stamps her foot into the ground, and her fist suddenly pulsates with purple flaring energy*

Viin: NOW!!

*Chirrup and Petal both fly directly for the beast, while Viin punches toward the creature, a huge amount of purple magic energy is hurled towards it*

*Just before the the energy impacts, Chirrup and Petal slash down with their weapons, Chirrup with two knives, and Petal with her vibrating sword*

[ Outside Ide: ]

Tager: *Both hands crackle with electricity*

*He proceeds to join in the assault with a cross-chop*

*With a howl, the creature stumbles forward dangerously*

[ HP: 7,430 / 17,000 ]

Tager: *Brings the entire right side of his body back for a punch*

*Panels on that arm unfolding, his fist is charged with massive amounts of electricity*

*His next strike sends the huge beast tumbling to the ground*

*While the creature is still crackling, he holds out his other hand - Also electrified*

*This pulls the huge beast back in for a second strike from Tager*

[ HP: 5,890 / 17,000 ]

*Growling, the creature burrows back into the ground*

Tager: *Calmly waits for it to strike again*

OOS: Before I begin, may I Control multiple people, say 3?
As, instead of using Ynot like I did in the original, I'm thinking of using these 3 from a story I'm writing

[ OOS, Ynot: Sure thing!

Appearances of characters from BZPB is allowed,

But it's encouraged to mainly use new characters for this RPG.

It's also completely fine to use multiple characters.

M'kay~? 8D 8D 8D ]

OOS: Huzah!

[Ide]

*3 humans walk into town*

The first Carries a metal box on his back, adorned with many languages, all reading the same thing, though none but it's holder can read it. His name is Kalvin Taylor.

The Second is Greggory Issac Reilly, He is adored with a Black trench coat and a Fedora.

The last of the Trio is a maiden cloaked in a white veil. Her Name is Skyla Summer.

OOS:
Kal is a Bounty Hunter and Black smith mainly, and carpenter secondly

Greg is Alchemist-Mechanic primarily, and Chef Second

Skyla is the Medium Primarily, and medic second (If you'll allow that, if not, I'll go with Tailor)

[ OOS: Alright!

Since you just now entered the town, here's the available Shops:

[ Carlos's Armory ]
[ Theresa's Magic Shop ]
[ Bishop's Odds-'n'-Ends]

I'll detail their stock once you enter any of them.

Good luck~ More characters should be arriving in Ide quite soon~

Thanks for joining, by the way. <X3 ]

OOS: No problem, I wanted to play this again since it was shut down
Damn dirty Forum Masters

Kal: Well guys, we are in a new town, with only the battered and beaten clothes we have had forever. what say we get some new threads?

Greg: Whatever you say Kal. You know what happens every time we try.

Kal: True, but that shouldn't stop us.

*The group enters Carlos' Armory*

[ OOS, Inventory: ]

Spoiler:

~ ~ ~

[ Ide, Carlos's Armory: ]

*A mustached man with a bandana greets them*

Carlos: Welcome to my shop. How may I be of service to you?

*Nearby, a very odd young lady is looking through the inventory*

*Very shapely, yet muscular, the female possesses fair skin; long, straight, dark pink hair tied up in a ponytail at the top of her head with a big white bow; and emerald-green eyes. She has yellowfurred cat ears and a tail that noticeably widens towards the end, both tipped with white*

*She also has yellow fur from the elbows and shins down to her clawed hands and feet as well as with white fur ringing the upper-ends of them. She wears a skimpy hot pink bikini with only a pair of semi-narrow vertical straps covering her bust and a very low pair of bottoms*

??? 1: Hmmm...I know it's here...But...Where...?

*Another figure - This one male - Smiles at the group to just enter*

*He has slightly tanned skin, short, very spikey dark purple hair, and hazel eyes with a look of mirth in them. Over a longsleeve white shirt, he wears a dark gray vest; a large belt down around his torso from the right shoulder; and small plates of gunmetal silver armor on his shoulders*

*Covering his hands are worn, pale gray leather gloves, and around his head is a narrow circlet of what resembles ebony wood. Around his waist is a belt with numerous large pouches, while he wears off-white trousers; and completing the ensemble are a pair of knee-height, plated black boots*

??? 2: *Keeps his eyes on the young lady in a white veil*

*He glances over to the feline girl, but quickly looks back to Skyla

Carlos: *To the young men who just arrived* Does anything here interest you?

*A sweeping gesture is made around himself to indicate his wares*

Carlos: I'm sure you can find something you like.

Kal: That depends. See, my friend here has this thing. He only uses Curved weapons. Anything like that?

*Greg glances at the one looking at them*

Greg: Close, I only use Scythes.

Kal: Are you saying that you wouldn't use a curved sword or dagger? I've seen you.

Greg: Both situations YOU broke my scythe, and I had no choice.

Kal: Oh, you mean the one stuck in that creatures head, three miles out?

[ Ide, Carlos's Armory: ]

Carlos: Hm...I'm afraid I have no scythes.

*Meanwhile, the purplehaired young man steadily sidles closer to Skyra*

*As well, the catgirl nearby is becoming frantic in searching*

Carlos: Are you sure you wouldn't want a scimitar?

*He scratches his head, perplexed*

Kal: Scimitar...that's a curved sword.

Greg:...You know what, just give me it, I'll take off the hilt and find a sturdy branch to fasten it too. How much I owe you?

OOS: Zev, are you Japanese? Her name is SkyLa not SkyRa

[ Ide, Carlos's Armory: ]

Carlos: Very well.

*He walks off and retrieves a scimitar as well as its sheath from its place on a rack*

*The shopkeeper carries it back in its sheath, offering it plainly to Greg*

Carlos: That'll be 800 lucré for the scimitar.

*Meanwhile, the handsome young man has gotten very close to Skyla*

???: *Speaks to her* 'Ey. You three new to these parts?

*He gives a friendly, genuine smile*

--- --- ---

[ Sky Card, Kitchen: ]

*A bag plainly labled "NUTS" lies on the counter*

Scarlet: *Peeks up over the edge, still nude* Nuuuuuts. *Lunges*

*She begins desperately trying to rip the bag open with her teeth*

Ppphhhttthhhttttt.

*The bottom of the bag has ripped open, the nuts inside spilling all over the counter and onto the floor*

Scarlet: *Stares wide-eyed for a moment* ... *Begins scooping them off the counter to eat*

---

[ Sky Card, Main Room: ]

Jimmy: So. Status report.

Kat: You're cute when you're serious~

Jimmy: *Turns towards her* Hm?

Kat: Nothing. We've still got a naked squirrel-girl running amok.

Flair: Our ninja-chef is still nowhere to be found.

Kat: Flarnith has calmed down for the time being while he reboots.

Flair: Aaand there's a cackling in my room.

Jimmy & Kat: ... *Turn to stare at him*

Flair: It's seriously freaking me out.

Jimmy: Well, it could be worse.

Ka-THOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!

Click.

*All of the lights go out, causing near-total darkness*

Jimmy: ...Hey. It's still perfectly fine.

*Little footsteps can be heard nearby*

???: Ke~kekekekeke~~~! Freedom! Freedom!!

Jimmy: ...Not fine. Totally not fine.

*He and Flair hug each other for safety*

Kat: ... *Facepalm*

Skyla: You could say that. These two have never been here before, but I have visited with my father in the past. Last time a fellah tried to get frisky, Daddy didnt take to kindly to that.

*Greg makes for the door after paying for his blade*

Greg: one more inquiry if I may. Do you have any Holy trees in these parts? Makes my work so much easier if the staff is blessed

[ Sky Card: ]

Jimmy & Flair: *Are still hugged together*

Kat: So. We've got something on the ship with us.

Flair: ... *Reluctantly lets go of Jimmy* I guess we'd better think of a plan.

Jimmy: I just get the distinct feeling we're forgetting some - ...Thing...

*Each of them falls silent in horror*

All Together: Scarlet!!

---

[ Sky Card, Kitchen: ]

Scarlet: *Atop a kitchen counter* Are you a bad gai?

*The little figure down below has lifted a kitchen knife*

???: Would a bad guy rip out your entrails and paint your blood across the city?

Scarlet: ...Yer a bad gai. *Climbs higher*

???: *Tries to take a flying leap towards her*

Scarlet: *Punts him clear out of the room*

???: Gah!! *Scurries off*

--- --- ---

[ Ide, Carlos's Armory: ]

Young Man: *Grins* Ah, well. Fair enough.

*He goes to leave as well, saying one last parting*

Young Man: The name's Jake. Look for me if ya need a guide.

*Meanwhile, the catgirl has picked up the [ Menacing Katana ]*

Catgirl: *To Carlos* Mister? How much is this worth?

Carlos: Oh, dear. Why would you want that thing?

Catgirl: Well, it's for my Boss...

Skyla: Kal, you getting any thing?

Kal: That depends, good sir when you are finished with the lady, do you sell apparel?

[ Sky Card: ]

Scarlet: *Has fled the kitchen*

Flair & Jimmy: *Stare in at the small figure rummaging through the drawer*

*Built exactly like a Demi Nifling [See First Post, Terminology], but with tiny eyes and a wide, crooked grin*

Jimmy: I don't see why you're all so scared of this guy. He's so tiny.

???: *Seems to be closing in on what he's looking for*

Jimmy: Probably nothing for us to be scared of.

???: Aha! *Lifts up a large meat cleaver*

Jimmy: ...Yeah. Continue being scared.

Flair: No problem. *Shiver* *Shiver*

*They slowly retreat*

--- --- ---

[ Ide, Carlos's Armory: ]

Catgirl: Oh, I'm sorry!

*Smiling genially, she speaks to the group*

Catgirl: My name's Lala. I was sent to retrieve this blade. He's intent on having it~

*As the katana has been mentioned, it has a fairly normal appearance; its hilt is wrapped in dark green cloth, and the golden tsuba is circular with four circles in a diamond*

*After convincing the store owner, she pays the full 2,500 lucré and strolls on out of the shop*

Carlos: *Turns back to Kal* Hmmm...You should be able to find some clothes at Bishop's place. He sells just about anything under the sun depending on which of his suppliers happen to come through town.

*He fails to notice a slight commotion outside*

---

[ Ide, Outside The Armory: ]

Lala: *Clutches the katana to herself* Keep away!

*A large, fairly threatening figure has accosted her*


???: Hand over the sword, woman. Your boss has no right to Yamaoroshi.

Lala: Screw you, Akko! You already stole one of the Ryo Wazamono! This one isn't gonna be yours!!

Akko: It seems that you've misunderstood. This isn't a request. *Swings right arm*

Lala: *Flips away from Akko's long-reached claw* Fine then!! *Draws the katana, keeping a hold on its sheath*

*Bystanders all around keep a far distance as the two stare each other down in front of Carlos's Armory*

Akko: You always did make things difficult. *Snort* Fine then.

*The avian figure gets into a low stance with boths fists ready*

Akko: Let's see how far my ambition takes me.

*He prepares to lunge forward*

Lala: *Steels herself*

*Kensa grins at Etende*

Kensa: Ey! Etende! Nice that you could join us.

*Etende gives Kensa an evil look as she walks over to the table and sits down*

Kensa: ...What? What did ah do?

*The look of relief on Jarvis' face is clear when he sees Etende*

Kensa: Anyway. My friend Jubei here has asked us to go on a little quest as a thank you. It's to the Anemos Sanctum... whatever that is.

*Etende looks at Kensa and says nothing. She sips the soup*

Kensa: Jubei can get us in, but once he opens it up and we get in there, we can't get out until we... finish? By its rules. He says that sometimes, you can go straight through the thing with no problem, but other times, ye can't make any progress without running into trouble. There are guardians guarding puzzles in there and there are six levels to it, but there's always an option to give up before ye die... I personally think it sounds like fun.

*Etende stops drinking and glares at Kensa*

Etende: Really?

Kensa: Well... *he avoids eye contact*

Etende: Well... words escape me, Kensa. They really do.

Kensa: Ohh, please! Look. Both me and Jarvis know that you have the skills to come along. Remember, there's always an option to give up. Come on, man!!

Etende: *sigh* Look, I honestly don't know why I still hang around with you, but I suppose now that I'm here, I'll have to come.

[ Rhadan Desert, Jubei's Craft: ]

Jubei: *Has finishes his stew* Thanks muchly.

*After setting his bowl over at a sink, he heads back to the table*

Jubei: We'll head out once this here storm passes. But first, after we're outta the sandstorm, we gotta pick up that friend a' mine I mentioned before.

*Falling silent, he calmly waits for the others to finish their bowls of stew*

*The craft keeps slowly moving along*

--- --- ---

[ Ide, Outside Carlos's Armory: ]

Lala: Kyah!! *Barely deflects a claw slash*

Akko: Hmph. This won't get me anywhere. *Eyes abruptly flash* Activate. [Stun Talons]

*The tips of each clawed finger become capped in sharp bits of gold metal*

Lala: Eep! Not good! *Tries to leap away from Akko*

Akko: There's nowhere to run. *Lunges, swinging his left hand outward*

*His very clawtip manages to nick the inside of Lala's ankle*

*At this, Lala's entire right leg seizes up and her face clenches in pain*

Lala: Waaah! *Falls to the ground, her leg twitching spastically*

Akko: I wouldn't have thought you'd forget my ability so soon. Now give me the sword.

*He reaches out to take the katana, but finds a sharp claw knocking his hand away*

Akko: *Spins* ...Hm? Do you have a deathwish, woman? *Clacks his beak irritably*

*Sizing up the girl to intervene, he seems none too impressed*

*Quite robust and slightly short in height, she has a distinct appearance. Her face bears many catlike features and she has stiff, narrow, mostly upright ears, while her eyes have pink sclera, crimson irises, and slit pupils*

*With mostly silver fur, her left ear as well as her lower arms and legs are colored bright scarlet. In place of regular fingers are sets of long, straight black talons, while her legs smoothly taper down to paws of diminutive size. Her foxlike tail is rather long and voluminous*

*She wears a loose white t-shirt, khaki jeans, and some kind of large bag on her hip; said bag is adorned with a decal that clearly shows a bee*

???: *Looks over at Lala* The name's Zuki. Don't worry - I'll take care of this guy. *Smiles sweetly*

Lala: Uh-huh... *Nods, sniffling* ...Ugh... *Tries and fails to get up*

*Abruptly, a certain young man rushes in and scoops her up off the ground*

Jake: I'll protect her. You take care of the overgrown parakeet. *Dashes off*

Zuki: Hee. *Turns to glare at Akko* I happen to be a bounty hunter. Turning you in should earn me a nice reward.

Akko: You can go ahead and try. Whether or not you're also a bounty hunter, I won't let a messenger defeat me in a fight. *Lunges, swinging claw*

Zuki: *Sidesteps quickly* Not bad. *Her left claw gives an oddly-bright glinting as she lashes out*

CHNGK-klsshh...

Akko: *Leaps away, a small cut above his left eye* ...Hm. Not bad yourself.

*A long tongue pokes out of his beak to lick the blood off his face*

Akko: Maybe you'll be worth fighting. *Lunges again*

Zuki: I aim to please. *Dashes in as well*

[ Outside Ide: ]

*Viin assumes the Sage Master stance, holding green flaring, almost flame-like energy in her hand*

Viin: Come and get some.

*Chirrup and Petal begin charging the same spell in unison, the sun begins to look blurred, and everything starts to get slightly darker*

Viin: Be sure you idiots aim that thing right, okay? I don't want to be reduced to a crisp or anything.

Petal: We'll try~!

Viin: Try?

Petal: *In a very small voice* Okay, we won't hit you...

Viin: There we go.

[ Desert, Outside Ide: ]

*With a howl, the creature surfaces again*

*It tries to bullrush Tager, jaws wide open, but he catches the beast*

Tager: Rrgh... *Holds it in place with one boot planted on its lower jaw and both hands on its upper jaw*

*He manages to keep the creature in place; its tail lashes about in anger*

Tager: Rrrrrgggh...Hit it! Hit it now!! *Lurches slightly*

*Sweat begins to bead on his forehead*

--- --- ---

[ Ide, Outside Carlos's Armory: ]

Zuki: *Blocks a claw slash*

Akko: *Pitches back, kicking out towards Zuki's stomach*

Zuki: Uwah! *Gets hit, doubling over* Ooogh...

Akko: Hah!! *Swings his claw down towards the back of her head*

*However, he abruptly stops the attack and leaps back*

Zuki: Hff...Hff... *Ears have taken on a strange glint, like her claws*

*Once she regains her breath a moment later, she leaps towards Akko and does a series of frontflips*

Akko: Urk! *Narrowly dodges back to escape her arc down towards the ground*

*With a spray of dust and dirt, four long slashes have been carved into the dirt*

Zuki: *Lands on her feet, a gleam fading off of her tail* ...Hmph. *Lunges towards Akko with claws outstretched*

Akko: *Spots her glinting claws and sidesteps* I see... *Blocks a slash from Zuki's tail*

Zuki: Hup! *Spins away, the sheen fading from her tail and claws* ...I guess you've figured it out?

Akko: ...Your ability is able to put a steel edge on different parts of your body. Hm?

Zuki: Tee hee! *Nods with a smile* I call it Ken-Sei. *Crosses arms*

*Either forearm produces a steel blade from the outer edge*

*She lunges in at high speed, slashing her arms across each other*

Akko: *Narrowly dodges again* ...More trouble than it's worth.

*Without saying another word, he jumps straight to the roof of Carlos's Armory*

*He proceeds to leap from rooftop to rooftop, soon disappearing*

*After staring for a while, Zuki heads over to a nearby cafe*

---

[ Ide, Small Cafe: ]

*Inside, Jake has rested Lala on a chair and is whispering to her*

Zuki: Thanks for helping out. Your name's Jake, right? *Smiles genially*

Jake: *Chuckle* Yep. A mighty fine warrior you are, sugar!

Zuki: You're too kind~! *Begins looking around* Ah, there you are! *Approaches another girl*

Unknown Girl: *Apparently a fellow Nifling* Hey, Zuki! Nice of you to join me! *Sips a cup of coffee*

Zuki: *Huff* I could have used your help! You're supposed to be my partner, Deluna!

Deluna: *Giggle* Sorry~! You know I can't go for too long without coffee. *Sssp*

*Short and robust like her companion Zuki, she has odd, smooth skin of a bluish-lavender color, yellow eyes with numerous concentric circles around the tiny pupils, and almost foxlike ears. In place of hands are a pair of rounded pincers, and she has a long tail which resembles that of a scorpion. As well, she has a certain glow of vigor in her eyes, and a very infectious kind of smile graces her features*

*Her attire consists of a longsleeve pink blouse under a dark red, button-up vest and a black skirt. On her feet are a pair of calf-height leather boots, and she has a belt with numerous large pouches on the sides and around the back. Lastly, a pair of spherical magenta gems are pierced midway up the lower-edges of both ears, and she wears copper bangles on her wrists*

Zuki: *Sigh* Well, I'll just go ahead and deliver these letters. Keep out of trouble. *Heads out*

Deluna: Tee hee. I'll try to stay out of trouble! Depends if trouble finds me~

*She takes another sip of coffee and falls silent*

---

[ Ide, Carlos's Armory: ]

*After crossing the street, Zuki has entered*

Carlos: Hmph! What was that fight about!? I'm trying to run a good, lawful business here!!

Zuki: *Sigh* Apologies. Someone dangerous tried to steal that katana you sold Lala. I managed to chase him off.

Carlos: Very well...Hmph! That katana has always been nothing but trouble. It's a problem child, just like its brethren.

Zuki: Hmmm...I take it that katana's one of the cursed Ryo Wazamono? The ones that invite bad luck?

Carlos: Exactly. *Notices Zuki's bag on her hip* You're with the Letter Bees?

Zuki: Ah! Yes, I have a letter to deliver. *Reaches into the pack and begins searching around*

*She briefly stops to apologize for interrupting Kal, Greg, and Skyla, before pulling out a crisp envelope*

Zuki: *Hands it over* This is to confirm your order of more steel weapons. Just show it to the deliveryman, and you'll be approved for buying them.

Carlos: Thanks muchly, my girl. Is there something I need to sign?

Zuki: Yes. *Takes out a small clipboard* Sign here... *Points* ...Here... *Points* ...And here. *Points*

*Now that Carlos has signed each line, Zuki smiles warmly at him*

Zuki: Thank you for your patronage! Please call on the Letter Bees if you need another delivery!

*As she leaves, Carlos turns back to Kal, Greg, and Skyla*

Carlos: So, I'd head to Bishop's if I were you. He's likely to have some clothes on hand.

*Making sure to place the letter in a box behind the main counter, he turns back to the trio*

Carlos: Anything else I can help you with?

Skyla: No, thank you, you have been most kind.

Kal: To Bishop's we go.

Greg: Actually, I had asked a question of you. Do you know of any Holy Trees in the vicinity?

[ Ide, Carlos's Armory: ]

Carlos: 'Fraid not.

*His eyes soften noticeably*

Carlos: Wish I could be more help. I hope your travels go well.

*He goes to check on something*

*Abruptly, someone rushes back in*

Zuki: Wait a minute. I didn't think you were...Are you...? Hmmm...

*She points to Skyla with a curious expression on her face*

Zuki: Are you...Skyla? I think your father sent a message of best wishes.

*Reaching into her pack, she takes out an ominous letter*

*Solid black, with a suspiciously crimson seal, it trails a nebulous darkness*

Zuki: It's from a weird address..."KILL KILL KILL, DIE DIE DIE."

*Her eyes turn up to look up at Skyla*

Zuki: ...No one knew whether to take it seriously. Can you tell if it really is from...Him?

*She holds the envelope out towards Skyla gently*

Zuki: It arrived at the Bee Hive exactly at midnight. All it said was "Skyla." I'm so sorry if it's a prank...

*The envelope seems to make her fur bristle slightly*

*Holding it clearly makes her uncomfortable*

OOS, Ynot: Sorry if this messed with your plans. If so, I'll change it.

...Really really sorry...

[ Desert, Outside Ide: ]

Chirrup: Here we go~!

Viin: ... Wish I brought sunglasses.

*A very loud hissing sound can be heard as nearly all of the light from the sun radiating over the immediate area is focused on one tiny point on the beast*

*The focusing of all the light and heat energy means that everything else suddenly goes dark and cold*

*The energies focused on the beast are unimaginable*

*Viin figures she doesn't have to make an effort to help, she just stands there to see what the effect will be*

*The two girls become tired very quickly from the spell, but keep on going as long as they can*

OOS: It's fine, I'm just adjusting to the new world.
And Lol at the ref.

Skyla: A letter? Hmm, bet it's from Him.

Greg: *Sigh* This is always fun.

Kal: Greg, Shut up.

Greg: I will you where you stand.

Kal: Ha, you can't, and you know it.

Skyla: Both of you SHADDUP so I can read the dern thing.

*Accepts it from Zuki*

[ Rhadan Desert, Outside Ide: ]

*Another howl erupts from the beast*

*It writhes in agony - The concentrated light obviously does the most damage of all*

[ HP: 2,270 / 17,000 ]

Tager: Thanks. You girls give it a rest - I'll handle this thing from here.

*Reaching down, he grabs the lower jaw of the creature and takes his foot off*

*Then, in a massive burst of strength, he uses the last of its latent electricity to keep it magnetized to him*

Tager: Hrrrrrrah!! *Spins, tossing the creature up into the air*

*A switch of his own polarity throws the creature even higher into the air*

Tager: *Leaps up with jet assistance* You all had better duck and cover!!

*He grabs onto the creature with one hand, high above the ground, and begins to fall*

*The wind rushing past him starts to scream with the dangerous acceleration*

Tager: This... *Continues alarmingly rapid fall* Is going to be...!! *Nears the ground* GIGANTIC!!

*On impact with the ground, he smashes the beast face-first into the sand*

*Its head is rent open, just before its body starts to collapse*

[ HP: 0 ]

Tager: *Clunks away from the fading wisps of shadow, towards Lambda* Are you alright?

Lambda: ... ... ... *Breathes slowly and quietly, hands folded over chest*

Tager: Heh. Just sleep for now. Input Command: armarry/disnge.exe

Lambda: *Begins to glow brightly* ... *Armor starts fading off of body*

*She's left with her face exposed; no blade on the end of her long ponytail; and a tight black bodysuit with no shoulders or back connected to a pair of shorts-length legs*

*Gently lifting her off the ground, Tager carries Lambda over to the rest of the group*

Tager: Our mission will take us to Ide anyhow. Please allow me to accompany you.

Lambda: ... *Still rests peacefully in Tager's arms* ...

--- --- ---

[ Ide, Carlos's Armory: ]

Zuki: *Hands the letter over*

*She smiles genially to Skyla*

Zuki: I hope this letter is the real deal!

*Turning, she strolls over to the main counter*

Zuki: *To Carlos* Do you know where I might find a Nifling Medium and Thaumaturgist named Portia Potter?

Carlos: Hmmm...I think she rented out a place for working close to the city library.

Zuki: Thanks muchly! *Turns to Skyla, Greg, and Kal* Once again, I hope the letter is genuine!

*She leaves and heads down the street*

---

[ Ide, Near The Library: ]

*Most of the buildings are abandoned*

*The largest structure is marked by a huge sign: IDE LIBRARY*

Zuki: Hmmm... *Heads for a particularly small building*

*Crammed tightly between two much larger buildings, a small, beaten sign adorns it: THAUMATURGIST*

*Planted on a couple of window sills are very wilted patches of flowers*

Zuki: Well, it's worth a try. *Goes up to the door and raps with a clawtip* Hello? Portia Potter?

*The door creaks open slightly; an eye stares out*

Portia?: ... *In a faintly English accent* No way. Zuki? Is that you?

Zuki: Hee hee! Yep! I came to visit and deliver a - Oof! *Knocked back*

Portia: *Has lunged from the door, hovering in the air* Eeeee~! It's been far too long~!

*Slender and svelte, she has a body covered in silky, dark purple fur, with prominent wavy bangs hanging forward atop her head; eyes with golden sclera and ruby-red irises; and no apparent nose. Her attire consists of a dark red, longsleeve, button-up dress shirt, formfitting gray pants, and neat leather shoes*

*Around her waist is tied a wide indigo sash with both long ends hanging down to the sides. Golden rings adorn fingers on both hands. In addition, she wears a dark red witch's hat, and small masses of pink fire rest at both ends of her sash and at the top of her hat's pointed crown*

Portia: Please, come inside! Have some lemonade! You must be hot after your delivery runs!

*She begins dragging Zuki easily, despite being notably slighter of build*

Zuki: *Chuckle* Fine, fine~! I could use something cold!

---

[ Ide, Portia's Thaumaturgy: ]

*A glass of iced lemonade is set out for Zuki*

Zuki: Mmm. *Gladly accepts, sipping the cold, sweet-sour drink thirstily*

*Shelves, baskets, and racks all over are filled with assorted spheres of peculiar crystal*

*Various other curious items fill the dim confines of the homey little shop*

Portia: *Sitting in a dusty armchair* Have you been well?

Zuki: Mm-hmm. *Sighs contentedly as she finishes the glass of lemonade* Um...

Portia: Aha! Of course~! *Takes the glass towards a small kitchen*

Zuki: Thanks muchly. *Begins looking in her delivery bag*

Portia: *Giggles excitedly*

~ ~ ~

OOS: New Shop Available In Ide:

Portia's Thaumaturgy

[ Traveling Shop ]

*The three finish drinking their soup. Jarvis collects the bowls and gets up, nearly trips over Kensa's leg but regains his balance, and walks over to Jubei*

Jarvis: Uhh... thanks. Here you go.

Kensa: Yeah, thanks for the soup man! I'm tired of eating that spaceship food back home.

[ Rhadan Desert, Jubei's Craft: ]

*After setting those bowls at the sink, Jubei heads back to the table*

Jubei: While we're holdin' out fer this storm to pass, I'd guess you kids have a few questions. If ya do, I'll try an' answer 'em best I can.

*He gazes at the trio very patiently*

--- --- ---

[ Ide, Portia's Thaumaturgy: ]

Zuki: *Has finished her second glass*

Portia: So...My package is finally here~? *Eyes glimmer excitedly*

Zuki: Yep! *Chuckle* Here you go! *Hands over a medium-size rectangular box*

*Made primarily of ebony wood, it also bears onyx-colored hinges, edges, and a matching clasp*

Portia: Eee~! *Gratefully takes the box* Thank you so~ much!

Zuki: If I may ask...What is it? I know your grandfather sent it, but no more...

*Her curious gaze remains fixed on the box*

Portia: I'll happily show you! *Gestures over the clasp*

*A small sphere of nebulous dark energy enters and unlocks the seal*

*Once the box is opened, Portia turns it to show Zuki*

*Inside is a large tome bound in dark gray leather, with a triangle of purple gems on the front*

Portia: It's a new grimoire sent from Grandfather Dearest~! *Smiles proudly*

Zuki: Ah, I see... *Seems a bit perplexed* ...Um...

Portia: Hold on, let me check on it a bit.

*She holds a hand over the cover and closes her eyes*

Zuki: *Waits patiently*

[Ide]

Dearest Scylla,

Life here in the Hell hath been business as usual. I hath been making a killing. I regret to inform ye that one of thine hoodlum followers hath joined me here.

If ye would, inform young Kalvin that task 13 shall be put off until your journey hath been completed. As for master Greggory, I doth expect to receive an influx of clientele from him.

In closing, be sure that that those hooligans doth not cause more trouble than they be worth.

Sincerely, your father,
Death.

Skyla: Father is so formal...

Kal: No 13th task for now, eh? Old man must have something wicked in store.

Greg: He expects more bodies, but doesn't want us to cause trouble...Hypocrite.

Skyla: So, where now?

Greg: Well, I think we were about to scope out that place with the clothes...

Kal, That was the plan, let's go there now.

[ Ide, Portia's Thaumaturgy: ]

*Finished "analyzing" the book, Portia looks up to Zuki*

Portia: Thanks for waiting~ Grandfather occasionally sends me these grimoires. They contain new information for my thaumaturgical creations. *Hugs the book to her chest excitedly*

Zuki: Cool! I'm glad I was able to deliver something like that to you! *Giggle*

*After Portia sets the book on a secluded shelf, both head outside to sit in a couple of chairs*

Zuki: Hmmm... *Notices someone* Who's that girl? *Frown* She looks really lonely...

*Off to the side, a girl is holding a small black kitten in her arms*

*She briefly turns to stare with blank eyes at Zuki and Portia*


Portia: I think her name's Mamimi...That's all I know, unfortunately.

Zuki: Hmmm... *Seems a bit troubled by the look in Mamimi's eyes*

Mamimi: *Turns away again, staring down the street*

~ ~ ~

OOS: I might add more later.

Sorry.

*The Trio enters Bishop's Shop*

[ Rhadan desert, Jubei's craft: ]

Kensa: Hmm... well... I was kinda wondering how long the journey would take. 'Cause it's not very likely you'd find something as mystical-sounding as that Anemos Sanctum in the desert.

*Jarvis gives him the 'really?' look*

Kensa: Well... maybe you might.

Etende: Sorry, but if it's as dangerous as you say, we'll need weapons.

Kensa: Well, I have this-

*He pulls out of his cloak an intricately-designed silver cylinder with a handle and three prongs at the end. He presses the button on the handle and, with a bzzzzzzz sound, blue sparks fly out between the prongs. It is pushed out of the air by Etende*

Etende: Don't use that in here!

Kensa: Relax... I was just giving a little demonstration. *he grins*

Jarvis: Anyway, all I have is a wrench.

Etende: And I have nothing but my exoskeleton.

[ Rhadan Desert, Jubei's Craft: ]

Jubei: Well, the Sanctum ain't in the desert.

*He chuckles suspiciously as weaponry is mentioned*

Jubei: The weapons will be all taken care of. Don't ya worry. Heh.

*Looking out a small window, he gazes at the sandstorm*

Jubei: Seems to be dyin' down.

--- --- ---

[ Ide, Bishop's Odds-n'-Ends: ]

*A tall man with a monocle, thick sideburns, and a long beard walks up the trio*

Bishop: Hello there! How may I help you three today?

*His smile is very bright and genial*

[Ide, Bishop's Odds-N-ends]

Kal: Well, by the sign on the door, I presume you are Bishop. Carlos said we could find Apparel here. As you might be able to surmise, our clothes have been through hell recently, and would like a fresh set.

OOS: Hehehhehehehehehehehhee

[ Rhadan desert, Jubei's craft: ]

Etende: Great. If it had died down a few minutes before, I wouldn't have crashed and gotten so much sand in my wings.

*She stands up and spreads her arms wide, opening her wings. She brushes the sand off of them and sits back down*

Etende: Hmmf. *She crosses her arms and looks suckily into space*

Jarvis: Glad to hear that we won't be fighting with these.

*He takes out his wrench and swings it about clumsily*

Jarvis: No use at all.

*Kensa chuckles*

OOS: Zev, what does Bishop have in stock?

OOS: I RETURN TO MY RPG

~ ~ ~

[ Rhadan Deserts, Jubei's Craft: ]

Jubei: I've gotta few guns and melee weapons stashed away.

*Leaning back, he stares up at the ceiling*

Jubei: ... *Mutters* She won't be happy to see me. No sir.

*His gaze turns very contemplative*

--- --- ---

[ Ide, Bishop's Odds-n'-Ends: ]

OOS: Stock

Spoiler:

~ ~ ~

Bishop: Ah! Well, we don't sell the best clothes, but you should be able to find some nice threads in the discount rack.

*Looking them over, his monocle gives a curious glint; it has an odd aura surrounding it*

Bishop: ...By the way. I happen to be in the know of very much gossip. Would you happen to be looking for a place where you can kill many people?

*A chuckle escapes him as he raises his hands appeasingly*

Bishop: Apologies if I'm wrong. My eye here is wrong just as often as it is right. *Takes off monocle and begins polishing it*

*He inspects the simple eyepiece for a moment before putting it back on*

Bishop: ...If you're looking for a little mayhem, head south until you reach a small mountain range. You should be able to find a very bright, almost futuristic city there. Plenty of neon and bustle.

*His monocle gleams again, in a way that's clearly not because of any normal light reflection*

Bishop: That city - Ikebukuro - Has a long history of being a place where life and death mingle in strange ways. If you happen to go there for any reason, I'd offer this as advice:

*Abruptly frowning, in the eye behind his monocle, the clear image of a skull can be seen within his pupil*

Bishop: Avoid a certain violent bartender, a certain information merchant, and a gang called the Dollars. You would also do well not to trifle with the Black Rider.

*Smile quickly returned to his face, he changes right off of the subject*

Bishop: So. The clothes in the goodwill bins are free. Everything else is open to haggling. Come to me with anything you want to buy, and I'll decide the price. That cool by you?

*Nearby, a girl has been reading manga off one of the racks*

???: ... *Closes the one she's reading and tucks it under her arm* Heh. *Smiles mischeivously*


~ ~ ~

OOS: If I missed anyone, I'm really sorry.

Didn't mean to abandon mah own RPG.

DX> DX> DX>

[Ide]

Kal: Hmm, thank you for the advise. Now let's see what we have here...

*Kal picks out a pair of Black jean pants, torn at the knees, A black T-shirt with a blue Scorpio symbol emblazoned on it, and a white button down shirt with blue spots flaking it*

OOS: Like This minus the Fedora

Kal: This fits me pretty well...

*Skyla is next to the girl reading manga as well, making the :3 face*

Kal: ...

Greg: Didn't know either

Kal: I

Greg: hate it when I say what you are going to, I know.

Kal: The...

Greg: because i can.

Kal: Just because you aim to be the next Reaper isn't going to stop me from killing you.

Greg: No, but my Scythe will

Kal: Scimitar til you get a branch.

Greg: KILL YOU.

Skyla: SHOOOOOOOOOSH!

Kal and Greg: 0.0;

[ Ide, Bishop's Shop: ]

???: ... *Smiles at Skyla* Hello there!

*She bows politely and with a kind of relaxed elegance*

???: My name's Karisawa Erika. Are you guys headed to Ikebukuro?

*After placing another manga with the two under her arm, she turns fully*

Erika: I'm from Ikebukuro, actually. Kinda got separated from my friends while we were headed out.

*Giving a slight frown, she looks between the three with unsurety*

Erika: ...I don't suppose you could help me get back there?

Bishop: Hm. *Monocle glints strangely* I see...

Erika: I know a way to get back there quickly...But it'd be dangerous for just me.

*Her eyes gain a very pleading look in them*

Erika: ...Please help...?

Skyla: Oh! Well, we weren't heading anywhere in particular. We'd be delighted to aide you.

*Kal and Greg whisper to them selves*

Kal: She's going to get us killed, isn't she?

Greg: Most likely. The question is, which 'she'. So, now we are on unpaid Escort mode...

Kal: Most people would call that helping a new friend, you greedy little...

Greg: Yes, well...

*Kal stops whispering*

Kal: Since we are going to be spending time together, let us introduce ourselves. I am Kalvin Taylor

Greg: My name is Greggory Issac Reilly, Reaper to be

Skyla: My proper name Scylla Rose Perish, but most just call me Skyla, as my head is usually in the clouds.

Greg: You do realize Identity protection is one of the things your father asked of us, yes? That is difficult to pull off if you go around announcing it. I apologize, Madam Erika, I take my job quite seriously.

Kal: I little to seriously...

[ Rhadan desert, Jubei's craft: ]

Kensa: Cool... so how long s' this journey gonna take?

[ Rhadan Desert, Jubei's Craft: ]

Jubei: Eh, not too long. Sounds like the storm's calming down.

*Abruptly, the sound of a door opening and closing can be heard*

Jubei: Samjam'll prolly be up here soon.

--- --- ---

[ Ide, Outside Bishop's Odds-n'-Ends: ]

Erika: Anything you guys wanna do before we head out?

*She idly looks through a satchel*

--- --- ---

[ Valdajoa, Sky Card: ]

*Furniture has been tossed about wildly*

*In the corner, Jimmy, Scarlet, and Flair cower pitifully*

*A little black creature with a narrow, upright body, tiny feet, a round head, and a crooked smile waves a knife at them with his narrow little arms*

???: Yesss...!! Jack is free!! *Continues to approach* The streets shall run red with the blood of my enemies - What!?

*He finds himself right on a square of paper with a glass placed over him*

Kat: *Gently lifts the paper and glass together before carrying them over to a window*

*She then proceeds to dump 'Jack' out - Into the yawning chasm below*

Jack: I SHALL REEEEEEEETUUUuuurrrrrrnnnnnn...

Flair & Jimmy: *Stare* ...Well...That works...Yeah...

Scarlet: *Runs over and hugs her* Yay~! Kat saved us from tha bad person~!

Kat: *Gently pats her on the head, smiling* ... *Looks up*

Flair & Jimmy: *Abruptly turn and walk away in separate directions, whistling*

Kat: Yeah you'd better. *Turns to go to her room*

Scarlet: ... *Looks around* ... *Goes over to the couch*

*She curls up and promptly falls asleep*

Kal: Well, gaining immortality would be nice, But I'm pretty sure no one here can sell that to me.

Greg: What my idiot of a companion means to say, is that we are ready to leave when you are.

*Begin on their journey*

[ Outside Ide: ]

*The group has reached a huge, rusted platform*

*At the front is a second, smaller platform, surrounded by railings and mounted atop a huge metal track*

Erika: Oooh~! The Tram! Of course - Why didn't I think of the Tram?

*She proceeds to lead the group onto the smaller platform, and takes out a solid black card*

*Then, after swiping the card through a notch on a mechanical pillar, a horrendous screeching of metal on metal can be heard*

*With an eruption of sparks to the sides, the Tram begins to move along its track*

Erika: Ah~ Me, Walker, and our parents used to take the Tram all over~ *She keeps smiling* Too bad nobody uses it anymore...It's a shame to see it like this. At least it should get us close enough to walk to the city.

*She reminisces a while longer, before turning to the other three*

Erika: Would you guys mind if I introduced you to some friends of mine in Ikebukuro?

*Though it can't be placed, Erika seems to be hiding something...*

--- --- ---

[ Valdajoa, Sky Card: ]

Scarlet: *Sits in the kitchen floor*

*Not wearing any clothes even now, she's trying to open a jar of peanut butter*

Scarlet: Mmph! Mmmmmph! *Starts nibbling on the jar*

Kat: *Gives a sly smile* Hmhm. So, Scarlet...Where are you from? What did you do before you...Ended up in our attic?

Scarlet: I yam a scientist! Ahm good with compooters and maths! Rilly smart.

Kat: Wow. I can totally see it. *Stifles a giggle*

*She gets down closer to the squirrel-girl and whispers*

Kat: That peanut butter opens on the other end. *Strolls away* Seeya~!

Scarlet: ... *Flips the jar around to stare at its lid* ...

Skyla: I'D LOVE TO MEET YOUR FRIENDS!

Kal: *Headdesk*

Greg: Of course. Just as long as they aren't to unsavory, we will be delighted in meeting your acquaintances.

Kal: You do realize that, EVENTUALLY, we need to start taking up some mercenary missions, right?

Greg: Once we deliver Madam Erika to her residence, we shall. There be no need for exuberance, we have funds for the time being, limited as they are. And as you so brassily pointed out, I cannot participate in combat until I have retrieved a proper limb from a proper tree and have it received our master blessing.

Kal: SMALL WORDS, DAMN YOU!

[ The Tram: ]

Erika: Actually~

*She smiles at the group*

Erika: There should be plenty of bounties to take up at Ikebukuro. We kinda have a crime problem. And I have some things you all could help me with~

*Gazing out past the Tram at the desert scenery rushing past, her smile widens*

Erika: I think you guys'll like Ikebukuro~ Heheheh. Lotsa stuff to do...And a lotta bounties to take.

*She continues to look out at the desert*

--- --- ---

[ Valdajoa, Sky Card: ]

Jimmy: *Yawn* ...Sleepy.

Flair: Good thing I'm piloting, then.

*He sits at a large chair in front of many controls*

Kat: So...We have a mission to take care of in Qahitu, hm?

Jimmy: Yup. I just wish they had been less vague...

Scarlet: *Wears a mid-thighlength nightshirt with an oval on the front* ...

*For some reason, she appears quite uneasy*

Kat: *Frown* You okay, Scarlet?

Scarlet: ... *Nod* Mm-hm.

Kat: ...Okay, then. We're about to set off.

*The ship rumbles quietly*

Suddenly, A dude, Setsuna F. Seiei, Appeared.



Setsuna: Gah..? Where am I? Someone, Help me please!

in a desert town

Kensa: She seems like a nice gal.

*He strokes his beard in thought even though he doesn't have one*

*Etende and Jarvis look at each other and make a circular motion around their ears with their fingers*