The Conquistar

[Kaz]

CT... this is my page ;v;...

You wouldn't dare use soap on this page would you?!

[Coppertop]

Sure. It hasn't got anything important on it, does it?

[Kaz]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Sure. It hasn't got anything important on it, does it?

You're going to wait for a new page to post the next chapter becuase you don't want me to have this page x.x?

[4I Falcon]

Yes.






No.





What?

[Radium]

Originally posted by Kaz
You're going to wait for a new page to post the next chapter becuase you don't want me to have this page x.x?
See? Now you've done it.

[4I Falcon]

Um, who are you talking to?

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Sure. It hasn't got anything important on it, does it?

All of a sudden I get it.

[Kaz]

... >.> grr...

[Radium]

I'll put it in simple terms.

<b>if</b> pageowner = Kaz
{
story = 0
4IFalcon <= confused
}

[acid]

Something tells me Radium is fluent with the GML.

[4I Falcon]

I'm going to pretend I understood what that was perfectly.

I wrote the preceding sentence with my eyes closed.

[Coppertop]

Who said anything about not posting more? I won't torture you this time, I promise:p
Now Nobody finds out who the sleeper was. NOT NINJA!
*runs in circles laughing crazily*
Okay, I'm done now.

He gasped as the world swam into focus, expanding in his vision as he struggled up from a well of unconsciousness. The sounds of running water, wind, and exotic birdsong rushed back at him - and so did the pain.
With pain came full awareness. He tried to get up but found it almost impossible. The pain in his lower back was worst of all. He settled on lying still, and observing his surroundings.
He was half in the water. He assumed he had washed up on the shore. There was sand beneath him, but the occasional sharp stone prodded him. He spat grit out of his mouth.
The running water had kept the wound in his back clean, at least. When the pain ebbed he pulled himself up on the beach and glanced around - slowly.
Blood, and grass. Crimson stains glittering on the blades of grass testified silently to what had happened. A broken saber lay in a large patch of scarlet, and two bodies lay further out in the river.
Something flashed silver in the river, catching his attention. He stared at it, trying to make out what it was. Finally he recognized it.
A sword. A broadsword, to be exact, and one he had once wielded.
As if that revelation had triggered something, his memory flooded back. He almost shook his head, but thought better of it and didn't.
Tiger. My name is Tiger. I was a Kiyrenin Captain.
The Kiyrenin. Of course. He had been serving the Kiyrenin - against his will - and they had left him for dead.
My reward, for my faithful service, in lieu of a medal ... Figures.
Tiger pulled himself up. His silver-striped fur was matted with blood and grit, and the water that eddied idly in the shallows had a crimson tint. He winced. Struck down from behind, and he knew who had nearly done him in. He'd felt the bite of Radium's Chaos Lance before.
We knew he was with them. It was my bad luck to be attacking one of his friends, I guess.
Luckily he healed fast, and wounds from Radium's Lance healed even quicker. The benefits of being stabbed and surviving were almost worth it.
Almost.
A few days and he'd be able to fight again. In the meantime, he had to find a way to survive. He carefully waded out to retrieve his broadsword, grimacing at the weight and balance. He really preferred a curved, lighter blade, but the broadsword was better than nothing, especially when his survival was involved.
Three days later the Kiyrenin came.


I just forgot to post yesterday. That's all.

[n0]

w00tness!!!!
Oh, and I give you the page, since no one else has claimed it yet. :p

`N0

[Kaz]

Nobody's oblivious to the claims ;p.

Waiting x.x.

[4I Falcon]

Wait.


What?

[Coppertop]

For what?

































Just joking.

"Scorecard, you are cleared. Please land in bay 92, level 12B."
"Sure," Claw muttered. "Whatever."
- You gonna do what the operator said? - Evaluator asked warily. He still wasn't sure about Claw.
"Unless Copper says otherwise," Claw replied with a shrug, "I'm inclined to follow his directions."
- You always do what Copper says? -
"No. But it's her ship, and she's in charge. If it was my ship, she'd do what I said."
- I did know that. But even if you're not in the ship -
"Only if it's beneficial. In both our interests, not just hers. I work with her, Eval, I'm not her subordinate."
- Ah. Just clearing things up. -
There was a long silence in which nobody said anything. Claw decelerated and they moved along slowly, looking for their landing bay.
- You don't trust me, do you? - Evaluator finally asked.
Claw shrugged again. "Copper does. So does Shonar."
- That's not what I asked. Just because she does doesn't mean you do. -
"When you've been around for six years, maybe I will. Until them, I'm afraid you're on the list of unknown quantities."
- I see. Well, I'll admit it's mutual. -
"Don't feel singled out," Claw said. "Everyone except Kaz, KRSplat and Coppertop are suspicious."
- Even Radium? He saved Copper's life. -
"Especially Radium. Who's to say he's not already Kiyrenin? The same for Electrik."
- I take it you've told Copper this. -
"Yeah."
- What do you think about Defalcon? -
"What," demanded Claw, exasperated, "is whith all the questions?"
- Sorry, - Evaluator said sheepishly. - I get carried away by my curiousity. -
"I noticed," Claw replied. "If you're not careful it'll get you in trouble."
- Yes, that had not escaped my attention either. Hoy! Isn't that our bay? -
"Yes. Rattle a few things and get Copper in here."
- Aye aye, captain. -
"I'm the captain here, not this overgrown experiment," Copper said indignantly from the doorway. Claw glowered at her.
"I am not an experiment. And for your information, I'm told they intended to have me over seven feet tall."
"Undersized, then. But still vicious, with a tongue as sharp as your claws."
"Sure," Claw muttered. "Whaddaya think?"
"About what, your claws or your choice of vacation spot?"
"Vacation spot."
"That operator was confused. Ten of my ship could fit in there!"
"Maybe ten will," Claw murmered fastidiously. Copper favored him with doubtful look.
"Maybe. I hope not."
"So do I. Maybe this is more popular that we thought. Want to vacation elsewhere?" he offered.
"No, I think we'll stick to Udari. Lots of people. We won't stick out. I promise a quieter vacation next year."
"Hope so. Actually ... nah, forget it. We'd probably get in trouble. We did last time."
"I remember," she agreed. "Not like we aren't in trouble already. Stupid Kiyrenin."
"Wouldn't be vacation without them."
"Definitely not the same. Unfortunately this vacation is work-sponsored. No lazing around."
"I was afraid of that. My tan wore off from last time. I need a new one."
- Claw, you're weird. -
"Want a tan, too, Eval?"
- No, I'll pass. -
"Well, it's up to you. Say Copper, am I going to keep this thing on repulsorlifts the entire time we're here?"
"What? No. Set her down."
"That order is late."
"I was captivated by your tan. Shut up."
"Aye aye captain."
- Hey, that was my line! Plagiarizer. -
"If you say so. Welcome to Udari. No vacation ... "

[4I Falcon]

Eee, spifflar chapter.

This is some great stuff, CT. Like I've said before, I only wish that I had the talent you do.

[Coppertop]

You do. Shut up and write on your stories:p

[Kaz]

Yeah =7, both of you.

[4I Falcon]

BLARG

I've hit a writer's block on E:JF, but I'm happy to say that SoT is coming along nicely.

[Coppertop]

Sorry guys, couldn't get on internet all week. Big part in compensation.

Udari was a favorite planet for tourists and honeymooners. It was a planet made for tourism. Everything was geared towards tourism. Unfortunately they were not tourists.
As such, Udari recieved plenty of odd characters. Thus even odd people like Claw and Kaz and distinctive people like Crystal, Defalcon and Electrik fit in. Copper was ignored - anyone who looked her way recieved a vicious look - KRSplat was unmemorable, Radium could blend in with any crowd (he was a shapeshifter after all), Acid was casual, Evaluator unseen, and Shonar was ... somewhere, anyway.
They made a great team, Copper thought once again.
Claw's much wished for vacation spot was not Udari. Udari was overpopulated, he complained, Udari was too busy, Udari was too tourist-oriented. Copper retaliated, by alternating between telling him to shut up and promising a 'vacation' to Holidayous next year. In return she recieved many dirty looks and dark mutterings from Claw, that ran along the lines of "when I get my hands on you".
Life would have been good had her other partner not been in the clutches of the enemy, busily hunting her down. Two of her current crew could turn traitor any minute (Radium and Electrik), one was just along for the ride (Evaluator), one was a few bricks shy of a load (Kaz), one just wanted adventure (Defalcon), two stayed with her out of loyalty (Claw and KRSplat) and one was unfathomable.
The last one was Crystal, and she was in her element, befriending tourists left, right and center, to surrepititiously pump them for information.
Radium, the unknown quantity, slipped through the crowd like a wraith (or a Chaos Mage), giving would-be troublemakers the Look and reading their minds while he was at it. Whether or not he also employed mind control could be debated, because nobody bothered him twice.
Defalcon had a small crowd of admirers, who listened intently as he regaled them with tales of his adventures. They made the right responses in the right places, and were the perfect audience.
Copper shook her head and laughed quietly. "Look at him," she said to Acid and Electrik. "He couldn't save it for the War Tavern."
Acid grinned. "He's like that in the Tavern, too. Anywhere he can get an audience."
"He's got one now," Electrik admitted. Acid nodded. Then he turned to Copper.
"Coppertop, I know you're not sure about Electrik. But I'm certain he's okay, now."
"Good. And?"
"We wanna blow some Kiyrenin up. Please?"
Copper grinned at the suddenly animated scientist. "Peace. You'll get your chance."
"But when?" he burst out.
"Soon. I'm turning the tables on our erstwhile friend Shinyso. He may know how I think, but I know how he thinks, and so does Radium and Claw. We've thrown him off. Now we get to go after him."
"Finally," Crystal added, coming up next to them. She pushed her blue hair out of her face. "That fight on Firen was just a skirmish. Now we get to do battle."
"Did I hear someone say 'battle'?" Defalcon said from behind them. He had excused himself from his followers to catch up with them.
"You did. Kaz and KRSplat know what I mean by battle. Just ask them if they remember the Deep Spacer. Or the Conquerer."
"Fighting every step of the way," Claw agreed, joining them from the shadows. "Every blow took someone out."
"I figured you'd recall, too. I knew you'd be lurking around here somewhere."
"Always. As you can see, I decided to forgo the tan."
"Of course. I hope you don't regret it."
"I probably won't. So now that we've thrown the Ninja off, where to?"
"I was hoping you could help me with that. Where would Shinyso go?"
"Medivo or Tubelectric," Claw said immediately.
"Probably Tubelectric," Radium agreed, ghosting out of the crowd. "More energy."
"I should have known you'd turn up. Where's Kaz and KRSplat?"
"Kaz has found some like-minded companions - that is to say, birdbrained. He was attempting to teach them his version of manners."
"I see. Sounds like Kaz. Birds of a feather flock together, after all."
"Truth," Radium admitted, sounding slightly Shadorian for a moment. "KRSplat I have not seen."
"I have," Evaluator said, half-materializing next to them. "He's in a spot of trouble. Care to assist?"
"Sure. Acid, got your rocket launcher?"
"Always."
"Here's your chance to blow someone up. Lead on, Eval."
"Sure thing."
They moved through the fringes of the crowd, working their way towards the other side of the crowded plaza. A street led off like a spoke on a wheel, shaded by the large blocky buildings that rose on either side of the narrow road.
Just inside the mouth of the alley (it hardly qualified as a "road") was KRSplat, and three young street toughs. Two had vibroblades, and one had a blaster pistol. None of them had touched KRSplat yet, but not for lack of trying.
They came in behind KRSplat. Acid grinned.
"Not Kiyrenin, but almost as good. KRSplat - duck!"
KRSplat dropped to one knee, and Acid fired.
A moment later there was noting left except a smoking crater and a sizeable hole in the wall.
Unfortunately they had attracted some attention. Evaluator vanished, Crystal, Defalcon and Claw melted away into the crowd, Electrik and Radium managed to look like startled pedestrians. Copper poked Acid in the ribs.
"Nice going, ace."
Acid shot her a look and made a show of inspecting his launcher. "I can't believe it misfired like that! Good thing you weren't in the way, huh, buddy? A timely trip." He stowed his launcher and helped KRSplat to his feet. "My profuse apologies. Here, lemme buy you a drink ... "
"What happened?" Defalcon demanded, coming out of the crowd. He was the very picture of indignation. He flashed a quick grin at Copper though.
"His rocket launcher misfired," Copper explained. "Lucky for this guy that he tripped."
"I didn't trip," KRSplat protested. "I'm not that clumsy. I saw a credit on the ground and bent to pick it up." He held up a credit; the dark blue rabbit was totally believable. "Gave me a bit of a scare though."
"I can see it would," Acid said. Defalcon grinned at him, having satisfied the curiousity of the crowd.
"Sure."
The crowd began to drift away, and Copper began to breathe again.
"Quick thinking, Acid. Good thing you dropped, eh KRSplat?"
"Yeah. Pasted on the wall ... "
"Hope not," Radium said. "You okay?"
"Yeah. I take it you've been planning."
"You guessed right. We're off to Tubelectric."
"Again?"
"Again? We haven't been there yet! You not anticipating a wild, chaotic ride through the wind tunnels?"
"Anticipating, yes. With enjoyment, no."
Radium snickered. "Chaos is good."
"For a Chaos Mage, maybe. The rest of us like a little organization now and then."
"I know. That's what makes you all so incomprehensible."
"If you say so," KRSplat said dubiously. "Where's Kaz?"
"Holding court with a bunch of birdbrains, teaching them manners."
"Yeah, that sounds like Kaz. How about the rest of them?"
"We're here," Crystal said. Claw joined her.
"I'm hanging around," Evaluator's disembodied voice said. KRSplat grinned.
"Sure. I'll bet you are. Thanks for getting Copper and Acid - especially Acid."
"Any time."
"Of course ... if you say so ... "
"Sure I do."
"Right," Acid said. "When do we start?"


Not too much action, but more will happen later.

[Evaluator]

awesome chappie :D
I've been away for a few days, now I'm back...

Eval

[Radium]

Horray, CT's back!
Great chapter.

[defalcon]

w00tness! Go CT! :D

[Kaz]

I know, the WT has been empty for quite a while.

Manners?! I know not of what you mean CT. <S>Nyahaha ;p</S>

[n0]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Evaluator vanished, Crystal, Defalcon and Claw melted away into the crowd, Electrik and Radium managed to look like startled pedestrians. Copper poked Acid in the ribs.
"Nice going, ace."
Acid shot her a look and made a show of inspecting his launcher. "I can't believe it misfired like that! Good thing you weren't in the way, huh, buddy? A timely trip." He stowed his launcher and helped KRSplat to his feet. "My profuse apologies. Here, lemme buy you a drink ... "
"What happened?" Defalcon demanded, coming out of the crowd. He was the very picture of indignation. He flashed a quick grin at Copper though.
"His rocket launcher misfired," Copper explained. "Lucky for this guy that he tripped."
"I didn't trip," KRSplat protested. "I'm not that clumsy. I saw a credit on the ground and bent to pick it up." He held up a credit; the dark blue rabbit was totally believable. "Gave me a bit of a scare though."
"I can see it would," Acid said. Defalcon grinned at him, having satisfied the curiousity of the crowd.
"Sure."
The crowd began to drift away, and Copper began to breathe again.[/B]
Tehehe...
That's fun!
It's been said before, but w00tness!

`N0

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Coppertop
"Nice going, ace."

Heh. *elbows Acid*

[Coppertop]

Heh, I thought you'd like that:D
I'm not supposed to be on but I <s>bribed</s> begged my dad to let me on. So nya;)

[Coppertop]

On strike huh? Fine.

Tubelectric was indeed chaotic. Experimental robots gone amuck zipped around like hyperactive hummingbirds. Lights flashed erratically, five minutes couldn't go by without some kind of explosion, and every ten feet there was somebody exiting or entering a wind tunnel, and they were bound to collide with you.
"Tubelectric is severely overrated," Kaz muttered, and got jabbed in the ribs by Crystal.
"Shush. Look for Shinyso."
"Got it," and the big bird took off. KRSplat recalled this planet all too well - it had been their first stop after meeting Claw, Kaz had been kidnapped and recovered, and they had met Emerald Dragon and Wild Angel. That gave him an idea.
"Let's see if Wildie's home," he suggested. But Defalcon shook his head.
"If Shinyso's here, she won't be," he said, "especially if she's as good as you say she is."
"Oh, she's good," Copper admitted. "She's also got brains. She won't be here."
"Say, Copper," KRSplat said. "What are we planning to accomplish here?"
"Good question," Copper said. "Try to bonk Shinyso over the head, knock him out and tie him up if we can. If that fails, try to find who's the Kiyrenin leader. If that doesn't work, just beat up a bunch of Kiyrenin."
"You don't ask for much," Electrik complained, but he brightened at the last part.
"I say we lure them in, a whole bunch of them, and then attack," Crystal added. "After that we do a few illogical, crazy things, like going to odd planets, and throw them off again."
"By odd planets you mean places like Keenrei and Hellantra, right?" KRSplat said. She nodded.
"Right. Baffle them at every turn."
"That's easy," Defalcon called back. "Just put Kaz in charge!"
"Yeah!" Kaz agreed, coming in to land. Claw eyed him dubiously. Kaz shrugged sheepishly.
"Okay, okay," Copper said, exasperated. "Do as you like, I won't - I can't - stop you. Just one thing - how're you going to lure them in?"
Silence.
"I may not be much of a team player, but I'm intelligent enough," she said dryly. "What do you propose we use as bait?"
"Radium?" Kaz said hesitantly. Radium gave him The Look. Kaz ducked his head and subsided.
"No, really," Copper said. "What are you going to use?"
"I say we activate both my swords and yours at the same time, same place," Defalcon said. "That way we'll also be battle ready at the same time."
"Now, that's a good idea," Claw agreed. "But only if we can't find Shinyso."
"I can tell you he's already left," Radium commented. "He was here, but he was gone as of a few minutes ago. Figures."
"Yeah," Copper agreed. "Plan B: Leader."
"Can't we beat them up and find out at the same time?" Acid begged. Radium shrugged.
"That won't work either. Any of the Kiyrenin I've checked don't know, and it's common knowledge that nobody else does either. Everybody in the Kiyrenin ranks knows that nobody else knows who the leader is. Safety precautions."
"Pretty effective, too," Copper admitted. "So Plan C, let's beat 'em up. What do you say? No no, wait, don't tell me ... "
The cheer that followed was enough to make her regret asking.
"I guess it's unanimous. Let's go and get them."

Precursor to ze battle ...

[4I Falcon]

Wheeheehee. Excellent chapter, per usual, CT.

*bonksmashblamslap*

yAy!

[n0]

w00tness!
And my page!

`N0

[Kaz]

Kaz had been kidnapped and recovered

O.o... confusing chapter CT, especially from my view, but I think I know what's going on and what will happen.

[defalcon]

Originally posted by Kaz
O.o... confusing chapter CT, especially from my view, but I think I know what's going on and what will happen.
It's confusing, but I'm guessing what's going to happen...

[Evaluator]

A bit confusing, indeed...

Eval

[Coppertop]

Gah, you can't know what's going to happen if I don't. So nyah:p
N0, I'm guessing Knuckles is a hedgehog:o been a long long long long long long time. *feels n00bish and embarrassed*
So correct me if I'm wrong. Yer in.

Tiger watched warily from his hiding place in the rocks. His broadsword was strapped across his back, carefully adjusted to compensate for his quickly healing injury. Once again he thanked heaven that it was Radium who had gotten him, and for the fact that he'd been freed from the Kiyrenin. In fact, he thanked Radium for almost killing him, too.
The Kiyrenin who scrambled nervously across the rocks below was unfamiliar to him, in both name and species. Tiger wasn't even sure he - it? she? - was Kiyrenin, but he was taking no chances.
An orange hedgehog was moving quickly across the boulders, alert and ready. He appeared to be unarmed, but looks could be decieving, as Tiger well knew. His quills didn't seem to have their tips, but again Tiger was taking no chances. Dressed in black pants, a T-shirt and with what looked to be a cloak, the creature didn't look that imposing.
Which meant he probably was.
Tiger rose smoothly from his crouch, drawing his sword. The harsh scrape made the stranger look up at Tiger, but he didn't react in violence as Tiger had feared. Rather, he simply tensed and stayed still. Once again Tiger mentally cursed the heavy broadsword, the weight of which slowed him down drastically. If he could just get a lighter blade! - but no, this was what he had. He had to make do.
Leaping quickly down from the boulder, he moved towards the figure. His silver and black striped fur made a sort of camoflage against the grey rocks, but he wasn't fooled into thinking that that gave him some sort of protection.
Careful.
"Sheya, stranger," he said cautiously. "What do you want here?"
"Well now, I don't know you and you don't know me," the stranger replied just as warily. "Why would I tell you that?"
"Watch out," he warned. "Bad business here."
"I can see that," the reply came, and indeed the signs of battle were clear in the still-bloodstained rocks, and torn up ground. "What happened?"
"An ambush," Tiger said shortly. Up close he could see the finer details. The newcomer did indeed have tipped quills, but they were transparent. He wore fingerless gloves, and had a cross on a necklace around his neck. Tiger smiled without humor.
"So it seems," came the slow reply. "So it seems. Who are you? Are there no other survivors?"
"The survivors are already gone, as are the dead," Tiger informed him. "I am Tiger Reibeck."
"Only one left, huh. I'm named Nobody. No cruel jokes now."
"All right, if you say so. Best keep going, friend. Any behind you?"
"Setting an ambush yourself, huh? No, and I've passed nobody."
"Good thing I promised no jokes," Tiger said with a grin. Nobody groaned.
"Okay, I get the point. Call me N0 if it makes it easier."
"Thanks. Er, is it wise to go unarmed in country like this? No offense."
"No offense," N0 agreed. "You're a warrior, just like me. I'm not unarmed, but I prefer to be underestimated. You know how it goes."
"I do," Tiger said. "So where are you headed?"
And that was how Tiger met Nobody.

[4I Falcon]

I've run out of compliments. Im just going to say them over again. Hope that's okay with you.

Great excellent w00tish godly incredible amazing etc.

YaY!

[Evaluator]

w00tness again!
"Setting an ambush yourself, huh? No, and I've passed nobody." :lol:

[n0]

YaY YaY YaY YaY YaY!!!!!! FOO ISH IN A SHTORY!!!!

Ok, Very cool. Also, Knuckles is not a hedgehog, he is an echnida. So is N0.

I am very happy about the Cameo! Keep up the good work!

[acid]

SNARFCHEESEDONUTTAXISPONGE

*repeatedly whaps himself with random objects*


I'm very good at missing new chapters here, aren't I? well, w00tness for the past 3 chapters.

[4I Falcon]

Wait.

I definitely missed something. Foo's in somewhere?

o_O;; Shez, with Foo around who knows what direction the story will take... it could go off sideways and on a slant, for all we know...

[Kaz]

The plot thins?

[defalcon]

Originally posted by Kaz
The plot thins?
Eh? :p

[acid]

Waitasec...

I know Foo was back in the War Tavern, but where else is he? If he stowed away... Things could get even more hectic than with just Kaz!

[n0]

I was feeling fooish, so I decided to talk like Foo would, and refer to myself as Foo. I don't think Foo is in this one, but I know I am.

`N0

[Coppertop]

Yah you are.
Maybe not just a cameo either ... who knows?
I'm working on Copper's ambush thingy. Haven't got it finished yet, so if I can get on tomorrow you'll see it. Duels all round, chaps!:roll:

[Evaluator]

*Waits* *waits* *waits* ... *dies* ... ... I think I waited too long :lol:


Eval

[Coppertop]

I think you did too.

Can you believe this?!? I wasn't allowed on the entire long weekend. I could kill something.
Nevertheless I finished the beginning. Just so no one else dies, here tis:D


Copper sighed and glanced at Acid and Electrik, who was glowing in the half twilight that served as Tubelectric's night. "You wanted a fight, Acid," she said quietly. "I am nothing if not accomodating." In front of them Claw suddenly fell victim to a coughing fit. Copper shot him a dark look as he straightened, grinning. "I hope no one gets hurt," she went on, glancing down at her healing leg. She still limped slightly.
"If we're quick and look out for each other, we won't," Crystal assured her. Copper nodded.
"I hope so."
Claw, fully recovered, tossed a wicked grin back at her. "Fear not, Coppertop, we know what we're doing."
"You mercenaries and warriors might," Kaz said, "but I for one have no idea why we're doing this."
"I'm not exactly a warrior myself," Crystal admitted. "I think I'll find a piece of piping and snipe from there."
"Good idea. Get anyone who looks like he's trying something."
"Sure. Even Radium."
"No," Radium stated. "Not 'even Radium'."
"Alright, fine. I'll make an exception for you."
"Thank you," Radium said, dignity drawn around him like a shroud.
"The rest of you -" Copper paused. "The rest of you, do as you need. No elaborate battle plans this time. Try to keep yourselves alive."
"Won't be hard," Defalcon interjected. She shrugged.
"Kaz, I thought you said this place you saw was near here."
"It is," the bird said smugly. "We're there."
"This is it?" KRSplat said unenthusiastically from Copper's other side.
What Kaz had led them to was a dead end. Where three other roads might have been, three wind tunnels ended. Copper knew at a glance that those wind tunnels had no other destination; they ended here. No Kiyrenin would find escape in those.
Crystal nodded to herself. "Good, good," she muttered. She checked the charge on her blaster bistol and nodded absently again. THen she turned to Kaz. "Alright, featherhead, you up to flying me up to that ledge there?"
"Featherhead? Featherhead? Are you talking to me?" Kaz was the picture of indignation.
"Yeah, I mean you, birdbrain."
"Birdbrain! I'll show you!" Furious, Kaz presented his back to Crystal, who chortled and hopped on. Wings working furiously, the angry bird practically tossed her onto the indicated ledge.
Copper glanced at the others. "Hide where you can. The more we can surprise them the better. Radium, Defalcon, stick around."
"Sure," Electrik said genially, and he, Acid, and KRSplat melted into the shadows. Copper gave Claw an expectant look, but he shook his head.
"I'm not leaving. Flames of Kyros, with that?" He glanced at her leg. "Not bloody likely! Six years, I think I know how to guard your back. Don't worry about me."
"Defalcon and Radium -" she began. Her partner cut her off.
"Defalcon tires quicker than either you or I, and if I'm not mistaken, Radium's going to have a lot more to worry about than you."
"True," Radium agreed ruefully. "The price of being a Chaos Mage."
"So you tell us, and repeatedly," Defalcon growled. Radium grinned.
"If I say something more than once, it's obviously true."
"We'll believe you," Copper said dubiously. "Where has Kaz gotten to?"
"He's waiting to attack," Radium said, glancing up at Tubelectric's uncertain sky. Kaz's winged figure was lost in the air traffic that streamed by, far overhead.
"None of those flyboys had better interfere," she said darkly.
"They won't," Radium said with certainty. She flashed him a suspicious look.
"You're sure."
"Of course."
"Well ... "
"Are we just gonna stand around all day or are we gonna start?" Defalcon demanded impatiently.
"We're gonna start," she said, and drew her sword. Then she shook her head. "Man, alerting them like this goes completely against every instinct I have."
"Just activate the stupid hunk of steel," Claw growled.
Defalcon reached back, brushing his hand across Nightfire before drawing Nightwind. Both blades sprang to life, glowing an intense, cold blue.
Copper sighed, and Shale too began to glow. Light flowed off the blade, coalescing in the middle of the dead end, throwing deep, blade-edged shadows onto the walls. Then Copper vanished. Claw made a sound of disgust.
"Was that necessary?"
"If I've gotta do it, may as well go the whole nine yards," she said, materializing again. "They won't be able to resist that."
"We hope. What if they realize this is a trap?"
"Oh, shut up, prophet of doom."
Radium held his hand out now. Defalcon eyed it warily as a spark of light like a coal glowed in his hand; then a shaft of green and silver-laced light shot up. When the glow died, the Chaos Mage was left holding a translucent green spear.
"My little invitation," he said with a lazy grin. "They've gotta come now. I just told them that there's a Chaos Mage in the neighborhood, and he's out for blood. They've got to get me first."
"Now that," Claw admitted, "they won't resist."
"That's the idea," Defalcon said caustically. Then they all fell silent, Defalcon and Copper dousing their swords, and moved slowly into the shadows that lay between the wind tunnels, and waited.
A dark shape shot out of the middle tunnel, uncoiling in front of them and dropping into a crouch. Unfortunately for the Kiyrenin, they were behind him as he warily eyed the alleyway. Copper silently restrained Defalcon with a touch of her hand.
Two more figures materialized from the shadows, obviously having just teleported. A few others followed the first from the tunnels, and Coppertop suppressed a snicker at the thought of flying Kiyrenin.
That reminded her of Shinyso, who was a flying Kiyrenin. Hopefully he wouldn't show up - she'd hate to kill him by accident - but she was confident that if he did, Radium could handle him.
Chaos Mage versus the Ninja. Quite the match. Ten credits to see the show ...
Radium gave her a look that said shut up, you're thinking too loud, they'll hear you, and she obeyed. To be heard was the last thing she wanted.
More and more Kiyrenin gathered, all of them out for blood. Copper glanced over at Claw, who returned the look.
A last Kiyrenin materialized in front of them. He didn't see Radium, who was directly behind him, but he looked straight at Defalcon.
"There," he commanded, and three Kiyrenin stepped uncertainly towards the concealed warrior. Defalcon readied his sword, waiting for combat. Then the commanding Kiyrenin turned, obviously checking for other non-Kiyrenin. Copper held her breath, worrying. Claw also looked nervous.
Then Radium calmly tapped the leader on his shoulder.
The Kiyrenin's reaction was spectacular. He jumped about a foot, whipped around, and almost fell over. His shock at coming face to face with an extraordinarily powerful Chaos Mage was almost palpable. Straightening, he struggled to regain both his composure and his balance. He just had enough time to say, "it's a tra- " before both Radium and Crystal got him. He didn't stand a chance.
"'Itsatra'?" Radium said into the sudden silence, as every Kiyrenin turnied. "Odd. Doesn't sound like any spell I know."
"Ambush!" one of the Kiyrenin shrilled. Coppertop grinned and stepped into the half-light.
"Full marks, soldier," she said. "We were wondering when you'd figure it out."


*feels proud of self* Almost too long.

[Evaluator]

*gets revived* ...

WoW! that's a really long chappie, hmm... the battle begins
w00tness! (I'm faster, N0' :D )

[Coppertop]

Yer fast alright.

[4I Falcon]

Wow. I'm still a little slow on the uptake, but that ambush was brilliant.

Birdbrained featherhead. Heh.

[Kaz]

<S>Which is why she must die!</S>

Yay, huuge chappie. Wierd can sometimes the readers can tell what's going to happen before the author XD. Although it all seems like a rabbit chase >.>

[n0]

CHAPTER BE GOOD!!!
w00tness be happy!

Keep it up or else...

`N0

[Radium]

Superb chapter.


The good guys seem to be overpowering the enemy so far, though. Prehaps they'll get more of a challenge in future chapters =P.

[Coppertop]

Yes. Especially you.

Kaz, if you kill me, who's going to write about your glorious exploits? Not me, for sure.

D'you know, 8 pages already and we're not even halfway through this. I mean, you don't even know why I called it "The Conquistar"! This will be my longest story yet.

[Coppertop]

:o Forgot to post the story.

To their credit, the dumbfounded Kiyrenin did not stay stunned for long. Temporarily lowered blades were raised threateningly, blasters were sighted, and all manner of weapons readied. Defalcon sneered condecendingly at one bewildered Kiyrenin who turned back to his former prey, before sweeping aside his defense and coolly running him through. Oddly enough, Claw was actually laughing as three Kiyrenin advanced on him, and it definitely did not sound sane.
The wild, mad laughter was quickly drowned out as the angry Kiyrenin began to shout at their prey, each other, and just for the sake of shouting. Electrik and Acid moved out of their hiding spots, Electrik making sure to electrocute any Kiyrenin who got too close. Acid chortled happily and proceeded to fire his rocket launcher into the crowded score or so of enemies. Flashes of brilliant laser proved that Crystal was doing her job.
A loud cry interrupted the melee. Most of the Kiyrenin made the mistake of looking up, and thus had the first view of a furious Kaz diving out of the Tubelectran sky, surrounded by a blue energy shield. Screeching the entire way down, he slammed erratically into a taller Kiyrenin, bearing him to the ground before pulling up and spraying pepperspray everywhere.
KRSplat took up a position opposite of Crystal, using his silver blaster to get those that the sniper couldn't see. His considerable accuracy and Crystal's superb marksmanship combined to great effect.
Kaz, on the other hand, had no skill or ability to aim. He was chortling madly as he hopped around, scattering pepperspray every which way, undiscriminating between friend or foe. Luckily, most of his friends were out of range. The stinging pepperspray didn't do much damage, but like Kaz himself, it was a distraction for the Kiyrenin. It's awfully hard to concentrate on your opponent when it feels like you're being attacked by a swarm of homocidal hornets, as the Kiyrenin found to their dismay.
Copper found the first few opponents simple to put out of action. Then she found herself facing an opponent of a different caliber, literally.
The cat she faced was at least six feet of sinew and speed. She wasn't sure what he was, although he looked like a cougar. Black markings were vivid against his milk-white coat. He was quick and rather determined. Her first thought was a slightly worried I don't need this, which was quickly supplanted by an irritated why can't they all stay easy? A score of Kiyrenin, nine friends at least, and she had to get the only Firenzev in the lot.
Fortunately for her, the cat looked more nervous than she was. He was jumpy, and overreacted when she raised her sword and feinted at him. Luckily (for the cat, at least) his dodge took him out of range of her next slash. For the next few minutes Copper grew increasingly frustrated as he eluded her blade.
Then he switched tactics. Rather than hovering at the edge of her reach, as he had been doing, he ducked and slid around her blade, to come up under her guard. She danced back to avoid his claws, trying to back away far enough so she could bring Shale into play once more, and he pursued, forcing her to retreat further.
Finally she felt the rough brick wall at her back. The cat closed again; she ducked, her hand found her long knife, concealed in her boot. She came up under his next blow, hit him in the stomach with her sword hilt, and killed him with one thrust of her dagger. The feline crumpled and fell lifelessly to the ground, leaving her slightly out of breath and with a sense of relief.
Then the sharp, piercing cry of a hunting bird cut across the sounds of battle, and she looked up.


I had to make my opponent easy because, well, it's been a long time since I've written battles. Also, Copper is injured.
Excuses, excuses, I know.:roll:

[Evaluator]

Hmm... Why is the story named "The Conquistar"... that's a good question :rolleyes:

Awesome chappie :D

Forgot to post the story. :lol:


Eval

[Radium]

You're foreshadowing that I'm going to die. Oh joy.

Nice chapter, and very well written battle.

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Yes. Especially you.

Kaz, if you kill me, who's going to write about your glorious exploits? Not me, for sure.

D'you know, 8 pages already and we're not even halfway through this. I mean, you don't even know why I called it "The Conquistar"! This will be my longest story yet.

I'm roughly halfway through E:JF (and SoT, for that matter) and they only total up to three pages. Both of them.

[Kaz]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Yes. Especially you.

Kaz, if you kill me, who's going to write about your glorious exploits? Not me, for sure.

D'you know, 8 pages already and we're not even halfway through this. I mean, you don't even know why I called it "The Conquistar"! This will be my longest story yet.

Meh, you're ghost ;p, we'll keep you chained down here unable to go to heaven (take that as a compliment XD).
It's not that long, most of it is replies and cheers ^^. (pssst... it's not an all around shield like teh bubble, it's like a rectangular slice of that bubble that moves and swirls around to block danger, I shouldn't be invincible x.x).

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Kaz
(pssst... it's not an all around shield like teh bubble, it's like a rectangular slice of that bubble that moves and swirls around to block danger, I shouldn't be invincible x.x).

So if two things attacked you from opposite sides, your shield would only be able to block one, right? Right?

[Kaz]

They'd have to be very synchronized O.o. But yeah, I'd have to block one and try to dodge the other. And usually when that happens, you'll see the person jump up and watch the projectiles collide.

[defalcon]

Nice chapter. :)

[Coppertop]

*complains* everybody says that. I wonder why? Other writers have just as much talent as I do *cough*4I Falcon*cough* but they never finish their stories, oh no, I'm the only one who has actually started and finished a story on this board. Isn't that depressing? I hope 4I and Ninja and Slayer and Wildie actually finish this time.

No I'm not going to kill you off Rad, yer essential to the end result. I've already figured that much out. But yer gonna meet your match (sort of). I hope so anyway.

Kaz - your turn.


Kaz took to the air again, divebombing the remaining Kiyrenin gleefully. He saw Copper dispatch the Firenzev cougar, and glanced down. Roughly ten or so Kiyrenin remained, and he knew they were going to win this one. He sought out another unwary enemy to scare. That one down there should be good; Kaz would ruffle that osprey's feathers. He dropped his red wings and plummeted towards his target.
Feathers?
Osprey?
Kaz frantically tried to pull out of his dive, but he had too much speed now. He smacked into the red and grey feathered osprey, who had been menacing Electrik, knocking the predator head over heels to send him sprawling on the ground. Kaz looked at those feral golden eyes, saw the rage in them, and promptly turned tail and fled. The harsh, shocking scream of the infuriated fishing eagle only made him try harder.
Suddenly Kaz realized he was faster than the osprey. He twisted around and slowed his headlong flight, then arrowed upwards and glanced down. The osprey was directly below him. He dove, pulling out under the eagle, and heard the creature's cry again. He promptly sped up and sideslipped, causing the osprey to overshoot him. He laughed gleefully, seeing his chance to harass the predator.
Once again he dove, slowly this time, scattering pepperspray everwhere. The angry osprey wasn't good at maneuvering midair; his broad wings were made for gliding, not aerodynamics. Kaz definitely had the advantage.
The only question was, how on earth could he use it?
Think think think, Kaz. Outsmart the thing!
He glanced up at the stream of late-night traffic. Some of those guys were flying awfully fast, which gave him an idea.
He arrowed up, leaving the angry osprey far below. Darting past speeders and starfighters, he hovered high above. The osprey came up slower, but he had found a small updraft and rose above Kaz. Then he dove.
Kaz was waiting for that. He sideslipped violently, and as the osprey dropped below him, he too dove.
The osprey pulled out of his dive, red and grey wings flashing, just in time for Kaz to strike at full force. Burying his talons in the fishing eagle's broad back, he bore the osprey down with his weight, too fast for the startled bird to react.
I may be birdbrained and a featherhead, but I can fight!
With a cry of triumph, Kaz pushed the osprey down hard and, flinging himself away and down to safety, left the floudering osprey in the middle of a traffic stream. He glanced up just in time to see his opponent get creamed by a speeding starship.
"Take that!" he crowed, and spiralled downward towards the ground, and the next Kiyrenin.

[4I Falcon]

Whee.

"Birdbrained featherhead you may be, but that was an impressive tactic. Good job, Kaz." - Crystal

In any case, another w00tish chapter.

Yayful.

[acid]

Originally posted by Coppertop
*complains* everybody says that. I wonder why? Other writers have just as much talent as I do *cough*4I Falcon*cough* but they never finish their stories, oh no, I'm the only one who has actually started and finished a story on this board. Isn't that depressing? I hope 4I and Ninja and Slayer and Wildie actually finish this time.


What? I finished one! You seem to think I don't even write!

Wait- when I finished it, nobody was satisfied and so I took off the ending.

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Coppertop
*complains* everybody says that. I wonder why? Other writers have just as much talent as I do *cough*4I Falcon*cough* but they never finish their stories, oh no, I'm the only one who has actually started and finished a story on this board. Isn't that depressing? I hope 4I and Ninja and Slayer and Wildie actually finish this time.

Copper, just because I haven't finished yet doesn't mean I'm not going to. I already know exactly how both stories are going to end.

It's just a matter of getting there.

So, don't worry. My stories will find their end, not be cut short halfway through. And I'll be posting them here every chance I get.

[Kaz]

*Hugs his turn*

^^. Thank youuu CT. (osprey O.o?)

Speaking of which, there are a few stories that have been completed. You just have to dig, and not all of them are good ones, but they finished, and they were good stories considering. So yay, my turn, I'll be content and quit complaining... for five minutes ;p.

[defalcon]

Nice chapter. <s>Rather accurate description of Kaz, too.</s> ;)

[Coppertop]

:p I know.
YES! It posted! 21 people on and slow as a slug, but it posted! I didn't think it actually had. O.o

[Evaluator]

I think it always posts if it isn't down or something :roll:

[Kaz]

PAGE ISH MINE!!

[Coppertop]

*Kicks Kaz's tail until he flees*
Page is mine.

Claw's fight, then Electrik's, then Acid's. Radium's is last:D Just to finish it off.

Claw was fighting through a haze of red. He barely saw anything; he sensed and reacted instantly.
This is getting a bit old. Can't I come up with something new?
With an effort he regained control of himself, shaking his head to clear his vision. A moment later he wished he hadn't.
He backpedalled as a large wolf, dark blue with silver eyes, materialized in front of him. He cursed fluently in several languages as the wolf advanced slowly. It was twice his size, armed with a whip made of blue and silver electricity. Claw could imagine Electrik's reaction if he saw that. He didn't want to imagine his own reaction if he made contact with that lash, though.
He noticed that the Kiyrenin had been decimated, with less than half of their original number remainin, and that they no longer crowded him. Obviously they had a healthy respect for the blue wolf. Maybe they'd transfer some of it to him when he killed his lupine enemy.
Unfortunately for his enemy, the whip was a powerful but erratic weapon, as well as slow. It was difficult to control, even for a skilled wielder.
Claw, on the other hand, had complete control over his weaponry - ten razor claws. While the wolf had the reach, whips were useless in close quarters, which was where claws worked best. Claw was also quicker, both in reaction and recovery time. He had a definite advantage.
All of this in a few seconds, as the blue wolf advanced. Claw sidestepped neatly as the whip flicked by, mentally cursing the fact that it was electricity. Had it been the usual type he would have let it wrap around his wrist, immobilizing it, and then attacked.
As it was, the lash left a scorch mark on the wall, reinforcing his decision not to touch it.
Once more the flickering blue and silver whip was drawn back in. Claw noted that the wolf wore gloves that, presumeably, protected him from the charge. That could become problematic later.
The wolf took a step forward, and three to the side. Claw's sharp eyes noted the blade in his boot, but he didn't react. Let the wolf think he had the advantage.
He may be right, too. Unfortunately.
He had to get rid of that whip. Without his primary weapon the wolf would be almost defenseless. For Claw, almost was enough. He backed of, drawing the wolf out and surrepititiously glancing around for Electrik. If anyone could disarm this creature, Electrik could. Claw wasn't even going to try.
As if he had read his mind, Acid's brother appeared out of the crowd behind him. Electrik's eyes lit up when he saw the whip.
"Kallein," he said, and the wolf turned. His silver eyes narrowed when he saw Electrik. "Kallein, you know better," Electrik chided as the whip flicked by. He caught it in his bare hand and held it tightly. Kallein growled and tugged, but he might as well have been trying to move a mountain. For all his slender stature, Electrik was immovable. Kallein flicked the lash back and forth sharply, trying to jerk it out of the blue rabbit's grasp, but Electrik simply wrapped the blue and silver electricity around his wrist and grinned.
Claw took his chance. Ducking under the tightly stretched lash, he came up, claws extended, and attacked. Kallein dropped his whip and made a grab for his bootknife. Claw swatted it out of his hand and slashed the wolf's throat coldbloodedly. Kallein threw back his head and howled his agony before vanishing as quickly as he had come.
Claw turned back to the few remaining Kiyrenin, and saw Electrik experimentally twitch the whip towards a nervous rabbit, who jumped out of the way and retreated. Electrik grinned.
"This could be handy," he commented to Claw gleefully.
"Uh oh, Electrik's found a new toy," Acid said dryly, coming up behind his brother. "Who did he get it from?"
"Kallein," Electrik said happily. "He wanted it back but Claw killed him."
"Kallein? Figures. Knew he was kicking round here somewhere. Oh, don't look now, bro, someone else wants to play too."
Electrik glanced over at where Acid was looking. A sleek, small, blue lizard with enormous yellow eyes was staring at him, making her way over. Electrik shook his had.
"I don't share with girls."
"Tell her that," Claw replied, and he and Acid left Electrik then to his own devices.

Didn't really want to kill Kallein, but it was necessary. Too bad. *sighs*

I claim this page again, to override any pitiful attempt Kaz might make at regaining it. So nya;)

[4I Falcon]

*snarks the page*

Whee, electro-whip. That was my second choice for a weapon for my human character Falcon, after his wristwatch sabre.

In any case, I love your work. Plz continue.

[Kaz]

x.x... my page...

I stood here camping all morning waiting x.x...

[n0]

w00tness! I like!

Oh, and since no one has claimed the page...
*Claims page*

`N0

[Coppertop]

Nobody is STILL oblivious to our claims. Sorry N0, it's already mine. ;D

[defalcon]

Coppertop snags yet another page. :)

[acid]

whee, the electro-whip. Wish I had thought of that. Yes, Electrik does have a passion for electricity. :D

"I don't share with girls." Whee, that's a new quote! *adds it to his signature*

[Coppertop]

*chortles* I got 4I's second page on SoT as well, Def.

You did add it too, Acid ... *horrified*
Actually I'm honored in a weird sort of way. Kinda.

[4I Falcon]

Snark. I let you have that page, CT.

Don't go bragging how you just got in at the right time. I had it first, y'know.

Anyway.

ABH#%T)IW0hjw

[Coppertop]

True, unfortunately.

Ooh, Electrik's turn. I'm shortening them quite a bit (sorry guys) but I think this is taking too long. There's more to this story than fighting, y'know!

Electrik eyed the lizard, who eyed him back. He shook his head.
"Whoa, I'm seeing blue everything. Blue Kallein, blue whip, blue lizard, I'm even blue - this is too much."
The lizard blinked, baggled. Electrik grinned at her.
"Too deep for you, huh? Figures. Forget it."
"Make ssensse, sstupid rabbit," she hissed. He snorted.
"I'm stupid? Who can't understand even a simple statement?"
"I - "
"That's right, you. Go away."
"Sshut up. I - "
"Make me," Electrik taunted. "You're too small, aren't you?"
"I?" The lizard, stung, drew herself up to her full, diminutive height. A pair of curved daggers appeared in her clawed hands.
"Violence is bad," Electrik disapproved. "Put those sharp things away before you hurt somebody."
"I will hurt you," she promised. Electrik snorted again.
"I'd like to see you try," he said. She faltered.
"Jusst give me the whip," she said.
Electrik shook his head, no. "Try to take it."
She was quick, very quick. She moved fluidly towards him, intent on removing the whip from his vincinity.
He sighed. This wouldn't be hard at all, hopefully. He wasn't quite as bloodthirsty as Acid, and eventually he tired of zapping people, even Kiyrenin.
However, this time he would make an exception.
The lizard brought her knife up. He flicked the whip on and snapped it at her; she automatically deflected it with her blade and regretted it immediately. Her eyes widened, and Electrik was sure that her metaphorical hair stood on end. She dropped the smoking blade.
"For that, you die," she promised angrily. He grinned cheerfully.
"Again? Why don't you come up with anything new?"
"Why bother when thiss one workss well enough now?" she countered. He conceded the point.
"Good point. But it's so worn out with overuse. Try again."
"I will draw and quarter you with thesse - thiss - dagger," she hissed. He nodded approvingly.
"That's better. Hey, you know the problem with daggers?"
She ducked under the whip and came up, dagger flashing. "What?"
"You have to get in close. You know what the problem is with close quarters?" He grabbed her thin wrist, pressing the tendon until the dagger fell from her nerveless fingers. She caught at his hand with her free hand, and he zapped her. She went rigid before sliding to the ground, unconscious.
"That's one of them," he agreed, and chucked the whip over his shoulder without turning it off. An agonized cry behind him proved that he'd gotten someone. "Sorry," he called back, hoping it wasn't one of his friends. He turned to find Copper and Acid.


So there you go. Next in line: Acid, Defalcon, and Radium.

[acid]

WheefunZAP

yay. Yes, anyone who has to get in close quarters to fight Electrik is in serious trouble.

Ya know, I kind of agree. Each chapter nowadays seems to be some new fight. Violence is bad. PEACE!!! *searches for a hippie smiley, fails to find one, and decides to just forget it*

[defalcon]

Yay! Good chappie. :)

[Coppertop]

Radium's will finish the fight thing.
No hippie smilies?!?:confused:


Acid noted that some of the Kiyrenin were taking aim at KRSplat and Crystal. Obviously a distraction was needed. He fired his rocket launcher at the sky without aiming. Every head turned. At the same time, a furious yelp rang out. Acid glanced up and winced.
"Sorry, Kaz," he called. A few crispy red feathers floated down.
"'S all right," Kaz's agonized voice replied. "A few months and my tail should be all grown back."
"Good. I really wasn't aiming for you!"
"You weren't aiming, period. That's the problem!"
Acid hoped that KRSplat and Crystal were taking the time to move and take up different positions. A flicker of blue said that he had guessed right.
"Y'all can go back to fighting now," he told them, and they obliged.
A flash of red and gold caught his eye. He turned just in time to see the owner of the red and gold fur fire two rockets in quick succession at him. He threw himself to the side, rolling to his feet with his own launcher ready as the rockets exploded against the far wall. The red-gold rabbit was crouched at the mouth of the alley, and ducked under cover when he saw Acid come to his feet and aim at him. Acid had one good look before he was gone.
His attacker was slender and long-legged, with red fur broken by distinctive golden markings down his arms and back. He didn't seem to have any other weapon than his launcher, which was a bonus in Acid's favor because Acid had a blaster. But he was quick and agile, with the lean muscular grace of an athlete. Acid wondered idly what his ability was.
My ability is to find cover. Fast.
However, there was no cover nearby. He shrugged and kept his sights trained on the site where the rocket-rabbit was hidden.
The red rabbit dove towards him in the next instant, firing three more rockets. Acid sidestepped and returned fire, causing the rabbit to roll out of the way and send another rocket at him. Acid growled, fired two more rockets and, pulling out his blaster, shot the rabbit. Just before his shot hit, the rabbit shimmered out of existance. Acid hoped he didn't have enough energy to return.

Defalcon found himself facing one of the dark warriors, who had come out of the tunnel directly above him. His twin swords were hard at work keeping his skin intact - he needed both of them against this one warrior's longsword and dagger.
He swept Nightfire down, knocking the dagger away, and Nightwind flashed up to intercept the longsword. He brought Nightwind around and activated it so that the blade glowed with blue flame, and it flicked past his opponent's guard and slashed his shoulder. But Defalcon could see that the wound was barely a scratch, and he was tiring fast.
Then a loud explosion and the screech of metal against metal cut across the sound of blade on blade, and the dark warrior - a squirrel, he noticed dimly - was distracted enough. Defalcon knocked his longsword out of his hand with Nightfire, and slew him with one thrust of Nightwind.
Then he turned to see what the commotion was about.


Yay, got two in at once.:)

[n0]

w00tness! Acid and another rabbit play dodgeball with rockets!

`N0

[Coppertop]

Acid won.
Everybody come see where Rad creams the mouse! *evil laughter*

Radium came to his feet easily. He had had barely enough time to shield the attack that would have skewered him, and get out of the way. The resulting explosion warranted his approach to the problem.
He spotted his attacker. She was a mouse, with a tufted tail and large ears. She was dressed in red and white, which tipped him off to her identity.
"Syloph," he growled, and threw up a shield once more as another attack arrowed in. She wasn't really a problem - the worst she could do to him was injure him slightly - but he wanted to get this over with.
A splash of blue-green color on his hastily-erected shield blocked his veiw for a moment, but that didn't faze him. He poured energy into his shield, which shimmered a faint violet around the edges, drawing power from the chaos around him. Unfortunately there wasn't much water on Tubelectric, which was his preferred element. Irritatingly enough, Syloph's was air, and there was plenty of that. Fortunately it wasn't fire, or she could have done damage.
They were both in shape (if you wanted to live to BE a mage, you had to keep fit) so physical attacks wouldn't do much. He had the decided advantage though; there was enough chaos in Tubelectric to serve a platoon of Chaos Mages, let alone one.
Syloph sent a rain of gold and black arrows at him, but they shivered and vanished before they even reached his shield. He realized with a jolt that she didn't even know who he was, and was merely testing him to see his defenses. She followed up with a classic mage's trick, sending a wash of blinding energy at him and summoning a physical creature to attack while the magic disoriented him. At least, that was how it worked with ordinary mages.
Unfortunately for Syloph, he wasn't an ordinary mage.
It just so happened that she had summoned a Shadorian dyzkan, the living shadow. Radium laughed softly, an echo of Claw's previous laughter, and turned his red-glowing gaze on the creature. Unnoticed, his shield absorbed the magical attack.
The dyzkan shuddered to a halt, shivering all over like an animal. It hesitated, leaning first towards the Chaos Mage and then towards the Kiyrenin mage, confused and bewildered. Radium continued to force his will on the half-reluctant dyzkan, and it finally twitched and surged towards Syloph. Startled, she waved at it and attempted to send it back to its place of origin. However, Radium was now controlling the shadow, and her spell didn't work.
She lifted her pale gaze to his burning one, irritation plain. It was clear that she wasn't used to being bested in anything. Radium gave her a superior half-grin, before banishing the dyzkan to Shador once more. Her eyes widened at that; he hadn't used any flashy gestures or spell components. Her confusion only added to the chaos around him.
Good. He wanted to keep her off balance and startled when he got around to testing her own defenses. His were more than adequate; he spared no more than a passing thought for his shield and then turned his mind to the offense.
Shards of glassy splinters flew at Syloph, spinning through her shields with little more than a waver. She had not been expecting an attack, and had lowered her shield power; however, the shield did affect them, turning them into drops of superheated water. She fended them off with a slightly panicked gesture, and they fell to the ground, transforming to fortune cookies half way there. Radium grinned despite himself. Let her figure that one out! Indeed, the look she gave him this time was well and truly puzzled.
At a mental command from him, the moisture in the air condensed into a miniature stormcloud over her head, raining sizzling drops of water. As she was not expecting a physical attack, she was scalded once or twice before she threw up a shield to counter them. Radium shook his head sadly. I overestimated you, Syloph. Outsmarted on every turn!
This was good. He realized he was still holding his Chaos Lance, and grinned again. She obviously thought it was his power focus. He was going to put her off balance again. He banished it with a thought, and faced the mouse unarmed. Her eyes widened again as he began his ChaosSummoning. Hopefully she recognized THAT.
A swarm of flopping fish rained on her. Radium groaned inwardly. Figured. Just his luck.
But if possible, her eyes widened even more as she dodged marine life. Even though his ChaosSummoning was completely random, it was still enough to impress her. He laughed again and wove a visible cage around her with silvery-blue energy, one that would keep her powers inside it. She gasped as she realized what he had done to her. Her eyes were frantic as she chanted something.
Can't have that.
With a lazy wave of his hand, he banished the cage to - well, he didn't quite know where. A Chaos Mage could only keep track of so many things at one time, after all.
Then he turned to face the other Kiyrenin.

[n0]

Chaos is fun! I Laughed out loud. Not just the little "lol", but a real, honest laugh. Fortune cookies... heheh...

`N0

[4I Falcon]

It's raining fish! *pwackpwackpwackpwackpwackpwack*

[Radium]

Isn't chaos <i>fun</i>?

[acid]

Trout, Salmon, Bass, Halibut or flounder? =)

[defalcon]

Originally posted by acid
Trout, Salmon, Bass, Halibut or flounder? =)
Fear the halibut.

[Coppertop]

None of them. Arctic char.:p
Chaos is not only fun, it's useful. VERY useful.:lol:


Corbha froze in his tracks when Syloph started her attack. Oh, no, he thought, watching her struggle to win. The Chaos Mage was incredible, better than anyone he'd ever seen before. No wonder the master wanted him as a Kiyrenin. Once procured, he would be a tremendous asset.
He watched, shocked and gaping, as Syloph was outsmarted at every turn. He couldn't believe how good the Chaos Mage was. He worked silently, with no gestures and no focus. He easily took control of her fearsome shadow-creature, banished it without a thought, hammered through her shields with an ease that left Corbha breathless. Syloph was visibly tiring by the end of the short-lived match, but the Chaos Mage was still going strong, battering away anything she raised. Corbha had a dreadful feeling about the end of this.
When Syloph vanished, imprisoned in her cage of power, Corbha thought it was the end. The Chaos Mage turned to face them, his burning red eyes looking through them, stripping away any mental defenses. Corbha realized he was succumbing to the Mage's will, and tried to force his mind away. But that gaze captivated him, nailed him to the ground.
Finally, in a frantic effort, he tore his eyes away and vanished, leaving those he had come to fetch untouched.


Is only short because I'm working on a longer piece. One with Shinyso in it.

[4I Falcon]

Oui oui!

Short but sweet. Nice job, CT.

The next chapter of E:JF will be up within the next hour...

[n0]

Keep it up! My only complaint is it is to short. Keep working on the big peice.

`N0

[acid]

sweet.

Yes, chaos is useful. Especially because even if you make a mistake and shower your opponent with marine life, it only adds to your power, because your power IS the chaos }>

[4I Falcon]

Chaos is a vicious circle. Causing chaos causes chaos.

[/nonsense]

[defalcon]

Wickednessness! :D

[Coppertop]

Yeah.
Chaos can't be cancelled out, chaos with chaos only makes bigger chaos. Chaos is more powerful than Order as well. Cool huh?

Here goes the big thing with Shinyso.

Shinyso watched, fury written all over his body, as the small hologram of General Syleran spoke. He couldn't believe the botch these Kiyrenin had made of a simple mission. Syleran himself was genuinely distressed, which didn't help matters any.
"My lords," he was saying, "I need new tactics, and fast. They're untouchable, but none of my Kiyrenin return with their powers intact, if they return at all."
"What of Corbha?" the master inquired. Shinyso couldn't understand how he could be so calm, in the face of such failure.
"Corbha is unusual," Syleran admitted. "He has incredible strength of will. This Chaos Mage disables any Kiyrenin he meets. The raven on Shador, Tremol, Syloph, a score of my more talented men, even Captain Tiger could not resist him. Now Corbha returns with the proof of his tale written all over his mind, and the rest of the survivors have had their powers removed, like poor Tremol. We can't find Syloph. Corbha's story is of incredible power reserves, awesomely strong will, and fearsome skill on the part of the Chaos Mage, not to mention the mind control."
"We knew that the Chaos Mage had mind control," Shinyso irritably reminded Syleran. The general nodded reluctantly.
"Yes, but we had no idea that he could mass-control. This is getting out of my hands. I can't counter them or their tactics - they're here, and then they're somewhere else, and then they're not and never were. They're impossible to track, and completely unpredictable." The last was aimed at Shinyso, who scowled.
"I only said that I could predict the two mercenaries, not the others. Obviously Coppertop has relinquished command to another."
"Then I suggest we leave them be for a short time, or forever. They're too dangerous, my lord."
"No!" Shinyso snapped, thoroughly aroused now. "We cannot! We cannot afford to ignore this definite threat, which is what she has become, thanks to you, Syleran, and your bumbling attempts to capture her. My lord," and he attempted to control himself, "my lord, you must understand that she will never let go now. Even if we completely forget her, one day we will find her carving up the ranks of the Kiyrenin like they were not there. The only way now to be rid of her is to kill or capture her."
"I know that," the master's faintly amused reply was. "You forget that I, too, once knew her, Shinyso. You are right. But you are wrong about Syleran. It is not his fault. Syleran, you have done well. It is only that you have never faced an opponent like this. I do not suggest that you withdraw the Kiyrenin, but I must advise that you cease actively searching for her. It is obvious that she played on our desire to capture her and her talented companions to lure your people into a trap, General. We must not give her another chance."
"Of course, my lord," Syleran said, clearly relieved. "I will give the order immediately."
"And I shall relay your concerns to the master," was the reply. "He shall continue to advise you, but you may make your own decisions now."
"The master's wisdom is unsurpassed," Syleran said fervently. "May he continue to have such great insight until the end of the age."
"And beyond," the master said, continuing the farewell that was used between Kiyrenin. "May he always guide you."
"And you," Syleran finished, and his image vanished. Shinyso shook his head.
"Why do you continue with this masquerade?" he inquired. One did not demand with the master.
"A subtle reason," the master said calmly. "Who can say what a Kiyrenin, loyal though he may be, will let slip? I do not wish to be identified by an enemy."
"Wise," Shinyso admitted. "Then why do you reveal yourself to me?"
"I may be the master, my friend, but I do not profess to be all-knowing. I am not a warrior. You are, and you see things through a warrior's eyes. You are the most skilled telepath I have ever seen, including myself. You can destroy minds, if need be."
"I'm not exactly the equal of Radium," Shinyso pointed out. The master sighed.
"Ah yes, the Chaos Mage. Who can say what powers he possesses?"
"You," Shinyso said.
"Well, maybe. From what Corbha said I gather he has an unidentified source of power. His preferred element appears to be either water or earth, I cannot tell which. He obviously has immense skill and a powerful will, and I know he can control minds, summon, teleport, and block a gift off forever. Who is to say what else he can do? Not I."
"We'll see. What else did you call me for? I assume it wasn't simply to hear that fool of a General.
"No. I want you to go with Commander Shasah, on the Vertigo, when she heads for Sardiff."
"You're sure," Shinyso said, surprised.
"Quite sure. When you return I want an evaluation on Shasah. I need another general, Cayden was slain in that ambush on Tubelectric."
"Of course."
"Pity Tiger didn't survive. He was much better than Shasah ... "

[n0]

w00tness! We hear from the master! Keep it up! I wish I could write so convincing dialog!

`N0

[Coppertop]

Master? Where?

Wow, I just realized that I have 9 pages. Awesome.
Just cuz you replied first the next part has you in it. And I know that Rad was on, but how come HE didn't reply?:p

[Radium]

Originally posted by Coppertop
And I know that Rad was on, but how come HE didn't reply?:p

Actually, I haven't been on for about four hours. I just read the chapter a few minutes ago. Great chapter.

[defalcon]

Great chapter. :) Radium is a powerhouse.

[Kaz]

Too powerful, ;p, but that's often a foreshadow for something ^^.

CT... Chaos and order are two difference forces yes, but they're both on the same coin. So one has to equal to another, you can't have all chaos all the time >.>, there's has to be an equal amount of chaos to order. Order * Order = Chaos. Chaos * Chaos = Order in a sense.

[Coppertop]

Ehh, I don't think so. Chaos is a constant state. Order isn't. Therefore Chaos is stronger than Order.

Tiger was, at that moment, following N0 along the river. The odd creature was quite friendly, although strange. Tiger wasn't used to someone so unself-conscious, who didn't care what others thought about him. N0 was, however, not very talkative, which suited Tiger just fine.
When they stopped to take a break (Tiger's injury, while almost healed, did twinge at times) N0 turned to the striped rabbit.
"If you don't mind my asking, what the heck are you doing out here?"
"I told you there was an ambush."
"Uh huh."
"And I told you the survivors left."
"Right. But you're a survivor, and you're still here," N0 pointed out.
"I know. They left me for dead in the middle of the river. Guess they didn't want to get their feet wet."
"But they took the rest of the dead."
"Yeah. Infuriating, huh? But it's a good thing they did. I'm free now ... "
"Really," N0 said distantly. Tiger cursed mentally. He hadn't meant to say that.
"Yeah. Too bad for them."
"Indeed," N0 agreed, not prying any further. Then, "hey, got a way off this rock?"
"Maybe. If my homer still works."
"Homer?"
"For my ship," Tiger elaborated. "The Timelost."
"Sounds good. Got room for me?"
"Barely. I'll take you wherever you want to go, though."
"Awesome. Man, you're too good for those Kiyrenin."
"What?" Tiger said, startled. N0 grinned enigmatically.
"You didn't think I didn't know. Some mage guy told me before he disappeared."
"Interesting," Tiger mused, thinking Radium.
"Yeah. So I headed this way."
"Lucky me," the ex-Kiyrenin said dryly. N0 chortled gleefully.
"Yep. Lucky you. Hey, are we going to sit around all day, or are we going to get a move on? Cause I'd hate to be caught outside after dark."
"Uh, sure. Come on, we've got to find a glade."
"For your ship."
"Uh huh. It can't land in water."
"I knew that ... "

Tha's for Nobody:) cuz I promised.

[Kaz]

I do. Order usually doesn't flux to will as it's a constant order, Chaos on the other hand will bend to anybody's will, but not exactly to their wantings. In a philosophical way, they're both forces in the universe, and the coin can't be 1 sqr inch on one side and 5 sqr feet on the other. They are even. A black tiger with white stripes is no more powerful or weak than a white tiger with black stripes.

blah blah blah... awaiting the next chapter ^^. Afterall, one can only wonder why you made Radium so powerful XD.

[Radium]

Chaos and order are roughly equal. While chaos is physically more powerful, order is more reliable. For example, an attack with order magic will generally result in some flying ball of energy. An attack with chaos could result in anything from a nuclear explosion to raining fish. In a battle of Order vs Chaos, the victor depends alone on the Chaos Mage's luck. Someone with knowledge of both chaos and order magic, provided they don't blow themselves up, is practically unstoppable.

[n0]

Wait, does that mean I am ex-Kiyrenin? I know that Tiger is, but I seem to put up with Tiger well enough, even knowing that he is ex-Kiyrenin. ...That would be cool!

`N0

[Coppertop]

Originally posted by Radium
While chaos is physically more powerful
Rad: THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYING TO SAY.
Just clearing that up.

Nobody: If you want to. I didn't really say.

They reached an appropriate clearing by midday, which suited Tiger just fine. It would take some time for the Timelost to reach them anyway, situated as it was on Shilarloh.
About twenty minutes later, the Timelost arrived, sleek and mirror-reflective silver. With a whine of well-conditioned engines and a thump it settled on the Firenzev grass. Tiger had never been so happy to see anything in his life.
N0 was pretty impressed. Of course the Timelost was in good condition, Tiger wouldn't have it any other way, but this was better than good.
Small and intended to be a one-man fighter, N0 recognized the Timelost as a Prehnite VII, a type of starfighter that was uncommon in the galaxy. This was mostly because the Prehnites were so efficient at warfare that most eventually were destroyed. Tiger had not only kept his intact, but in pristine condition.
"Nice ship," he commented, and Tiger grinned.
"Yeah. You won't believe the trouble I go to to keep her mine."
"I'll bet. You've done a good job."
"Thanks. It's handy to have a good ship now and then."
"I'll say. This happens to be one of those times, huh?"
"Yeah. Where do you want to go? I got no particular destination in mind."
"Neither did I, so I don't really care."
"Well that's great. Where do we go? Can't stay here."
"Now that I agree with. Somewhere convenient, hopefully."
Inside, the Timelost was a bit cramped. N0 was lucky that Tiger was not a big rabbit, and that he himself didn't possess a huge frame. There was enough room however, and they would most likely make it if they didn't turn homocidal in the middle of the trip. That wasn't likely, however.
In the end, they decided to head for Sarida, which happened to be in the same system as Sardiff. Since N0 already knew that Tiger had been a Kiyrenin, Tiger saw no reason to keep much from him. The more people who knew about the Kiyrenin plans the better. When N0 heard that Shasah was headed for Sardiff, he agreed that somebody needed to keep an eye on the Kiyrenin. Just so long as it was Nobody.

Couldn't resist the jab:D Sorry.

[Coppertop]

Hey Rad, I did a science project on an element, and GUESS which element I got? 3 guesses.
BTW, how come you always get off just when I get on? You miss the story that way.

Hi, Eval.

[Evaluator]

Hi, CT

I just re-installed Windows 2000 and read all the new chappies. Awesome work! :D

I have to go now because I'm going to write a learning check of French words tomorrow... I hate these stupid word lists :(

And CT: This page shall be yours :)

[Radium]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Hey Rad, I did a science project on an element, and GUESS which element I got? 3 guesses.
BTW, how come you always get off just when I get on? You miss the story that way.
1.) Copper? Ununnilium? Radium?
2.)Time zones, probably, it's about 5 o'clock here.

Great chapter, btw.

[Evaluator]

My Timezone is GMT+1 = 22:54 = 10:54 PM right now...

Eval

[n0]

Nice!

"...somebody needed to keep an eye on the Kiyrenin. Just so long as it was Nobody."
Alright, this is going to be a little longer than a cameo.
ThanX!

`N0

[acid]

*claims page and gives it to CT* :D

Nice! Keep going.

[Evaluator]

acid, CT already has the page :rolleyes:

[Kaz]

:lol: If you all look very closely with a magnifying glass at your screen <S>while drinking alcohol</S>, you'll see that I clearly claimed teh page.

[4I Falcon]

Getting hammered is fun fun fun.

Why is it that CT's story thread has ten pages, and mine only has three? WHY DO YOU ALL HATE ME SO ;_;

[Radium]

Originally posted by 4I Falcon
WHY DO YOU ALL HATE ME SO ;_;
We don't hate you,<s> we just like CT more</s>.

[Coppertop]

I work more on mine? I update almost every weekday.

Radium: third guess. Isn't that weird?
And Nobody, I told you this was longer than a cameo. Why didn't you believe me?:confused:

[Coppertop]

Hey 4I, get back to me on what char you wanted added.

[Radium]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Radium: third guess. Isn't that weird?

Theoretically yes, but technically a 1/113 chance.

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Hey 4I, get back to me on what char you wanted added.

That reminds me. I should check my PM inbox more often.

[Coppertop]

Thanks, 4I.
Hey Rad, nice sig:p BTW, just tell me if I didn't get the way your magic works right. I need to know these things.

Copper blinked at the suddenly deserted alleyway. "Alright, Radium, where'd you stick 'em?"
"I'm not sure," Radium said thoughtfully. "I think I sent them where I put Syloph, but I'm not positive."
"Syloph."
"You know, the stupid mouse who decided to attack me. Let them figure out how to free her. I don't have that kind of time, and neither do you."
"True. I saw that one guy get away. How'd that happen?"
"I don't know," Radium said, a bit irritably. "I can't keep track of everything, you know. I'm only superhuman."
Copper gave him one her her special You-Can't-Be-Serious-So-I'm-Not-Going-To-Believe-You looks at the same time that Claw said, "why don't I believe you?"
"Well, maybe not," he admitted. "But you can't blame me for trying."
"It was a good try," Copper agreed. "Smooth, I'll give you that. But you're no Beren, Radium."
"How do you know?"
"Because you're on our side," Kaz said cheerily. "Obviously you have lost your senses if you're hanging out with us. This disqualifies you."
"Beren was insane too," Claw reminded Kaz.
"Oh. Right. Well, Beren was evil and insane. Rad's good and insane. There's a difference."
"I'm not insane," Radium protested. "A little illogical at times, yes. But I think I've managed to keep my sanity pretty intact."
"Not if you're here," Crystal said with a smirk. Radium groaned.
"I'm outnumbered. I'm doomed to failure."
"Since when has that stopped you?" Defalcon demanded, getting a frustrated look from the Chaos Mage.
"Alright, fine," Radium said. "I give in. But I'm not insane. I'm irrational, illogical, incomprehensible as well as unpredictable, but I'm definitely not insane."
"So you're not giving in," KRSplat pointed out. Copper chortled.
"The truth is beyond us," Claw said. "Clearly he will not give in, but we cannot prove his insanity completely. Therefore we must gather more conclusive evidence before we make our case."
"I guess so," Kaz agreed. "Once we do, can we convict him?"
"What?" Radium said, obviously confused. "Convict me of what?"
"Insanity and unsuperhumanness."
"Oh. Give up now before you fail, Kaz."
"The evidence points against you, Rad," Evaluator said, appearing beside him. Radium glared at him.
"One of these days I'm going to remove that ability," he threatened. "It's incredibly annoying."
"I thought I was incredibly annoying," Kaz objected.
"You are. So is he."
"You'll have to catch me first," Evaluator taunted. Radium growled.
"Won't be hard. Just wait. No I'm not telling you."
Evaluator vanished, but his voice came back. "You don't have to. I won't let you."
"Try to stop me."
"Radium, you're talking to thin air," Defalcon noted. "This is evidence against your sanity."
"If I'm insane, can I stay?"
"Sure," Copper said. "Insane people are as welcome as sane people. In fact, in your case, it doesn't matter if you're sane or insane. We like you anyway."
"Well, for now anyway," Claw added. Radium made a face.
"So nice to know I'm welcomed. So where are we going now?"
"Hellantra," Defalcon declared at the same time as Acid.
"It's agreed then," Kaz said with a shudder. "Hellantra ..."

[Radium]

Originally posted by Coppertop
BTW, just tell me if I didn't get the way your magic works right.
Chaos magic works right? I didn't know that :p .

Great chapter, Kaz calling everyone insane is a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it?

[acid]

erm

Acid doesnt like Hellantra... If I know the hellantra you're talking about. If you are talking about the firey place in JJ2(not the lava) Then that's the hellantra I'm talking about. Everything from the heat to the deranged crows disagrees with him.

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Coppertop

Copper gave him one her her special You-Can't-Be-Serious-So-I'm-Not-Going-To-Believe-You looks at the same time that Claw said, "why don't I believe you?"

/me falls out of his chair laughing.

This is one of the best chapters of yours that I've read so far, Copper. Wheefun.

/me sighs. Humour is good.

[Ducky]

A peek proved well worth my time. Excellent story, CT. :)

[n0]

Nice!
Chaos is fun.
Uh... Can't think of anything else to say...
Keep it up!


`N0

[defalcon]

Originally posted by Coppertop
"Radium, you're talking to thin air," Defalcon noted. "This is evidence against your sanity."

LMAO! :D
Originally posted by Ducky
A peek proved well worth my time. Excellent story, CT. :)
It's Duckehnah! :)

[Coppertop]

It is! Hi Duckah!
Acid: Wrong place. Hellantra is the lava place, last two levels. And just because he says the name doesn't mean he likes it:p
I wasn't allowed on all weekend. :( So I'll have an update tomorrow.

[Coppertop]

BTW, how's that Conquerer RPG coming, Rad? I think we forgot about it:o

[Radium]

Originally posted by Coppertop
BTW, how's that Conquerer RPG coming, Rad? I think we forgot about it:o
I decided to redo everything from scratch. Right now I'm switching between working on it and making games that insult Fawriel. Luckily, they'll both move fast considering I can always switch code and ideas between the two.

Conquerer RPG stats:
-Planning: 80% done
-Music: 2% done
-Engine - 5% done
-Animation - 0.04% done
-Sound Effects / Voices: 0% done

Those percents look low, but hopefully I'll be able to put a heck of a lot of work into it this summer.

[acid]

Conquerer RPG stats:
-Planning: 80% done
-Music: 2% done
-Engine - 5% done
-Animation - 0.04% done
-Sound Effects / Voices: 0% done

you're in the negative percents? o.O That doesn't sound good.

[Kaz]

It's tempting to try and program an RPG in C++ for him >.>. It might be negative as he's gotten nothing done but think and run into theoritical problems.

[Radium]

@Acid: Alright, I switch between colons and dashes, so sue me.

@Kaz- Don't worry, I already know how I'm going to make most of this. It isn't going to be the slightest bit like RPGM2k, and would be a heck of a lot of trouble to write in C++.

[Kaz]

Really? A lot of trouble? I've never tried myself to program an RPG, but I did program this <S>nifty</S> game thingy >.>

[Coppertop]

All right, just wondering.:)
I said I'd have an update today, so here it is.

"I heard right," Crystal said nervously. "We're going to Hellantra."
"Oh, come on, Crystal," Defalcon said. "You're the one who can lower her body temperature. Don't get so worried."
"I'm not worried for me," she said. "Hellantra is dangerous anyway. Or haven't any of you been there before?"
Copper glanced at Claw. "We have. Four years ago."
"I've been there," KRSplat said. Radium nodded.
"To tell the truth, I've never had the urge to go," Defalcon admitted. Kaz agreed.
"Kovu never had reason."
Crystal scowled. "I've never been there. Acid?"
"I live on Carrotus," he replied. "Why would I want to go to Hellantra?"
"Good point," Electrik agreed. "Nobody in their right mind goes to Hellantra."
"Well, I always said we were crazy," Claw said. "Relax. It's not that bad."
"He's right," Copper agreed. "It sounds worse than it is."
"It's probably better than Keenrei," Kaz said with a shiver.
"It's the extreme opposite, Kaz."
"Oh. Well, that's okay then."
Radium sighed, slightly exasperated. "Are we going to keep talking, or are we going to suit action to words?"
"Take it easy, Rad," Copper said. "We're moving."
"Very slowly," Acid finished, and grinned when she glared at him. "It's true. If we went any slower we'd be going backwards."
"That's not true and you know it."
"Is so."
"Is not."
"Prove it."
"Fine. Guys, move." She picked up the pace, glancing back over her shoulder at Acid, who was looking dismayed.
"This isn't proving it!"
"I know. That'd take too much time. I'll show you on the ship."
"You'd better."
"I will. I know exactly how fast we were going, too."
"I just can't win, can I?"
"You did back there. Did a good job too, if I may say so myself."
"That was an anomaly," Electrik teased.
"I hope not. If one of those demons on Hellantra come after you, you want to win."
"I forget," Kaz complained. "Is Hellantra the place with the dogs and ravens or the place with the lava and demons?"
"Lava and demons," Copper said. "The other is Deseka."
"I hate Deseka," Acid said matter-of-factly. "Deseka and I just don't mix."
"Everyone has a least favorite world," Copper said absently.
"Mine is definitely Carrotus," Defalcon said. "Too boring. What's yours, Copper?"
"Haven't found it yet," she said. "When I do I'll let you know."
"What's yours then, Claw?"
"Shebele," Claw said, an odd look passing over his face. "In the Doremak Corridor."
"I've never been there," Defalcon said. "Never heard of it, in fact."
"You wouldn't," Claw said. "It's long gone."
"I was there," Radium agreed. "It was a major power source for Chaos Mages for the longest time. Just as well it's gone, though. A lot of people got killed because of the Doremak Corridor."
"What was it like?"
"The Corridor? It was a row of systems with warped planets or stars or something. Shebele was a planet ... constantly changing, no pattern, completely random," Claw said. "Imagine standing on solid ground and suddenly having it become a ravine or the middle of the sea ... I saw one fall. She had no warning - well, none of us did - and her reflexes weren't fast enough. She caught herself halfway down the ravine and started climbing ... and then the ravine wasn't there any more, just a featureless plain."
"She died?"
"I assume she did. Never saw her again."
"Why would you go there in the first place?" Crystal asked. Claw shrugged.
"It was a test. Only two of us made it off that place, I was one of them. The rest didn't survive."
"So why isn't it there any more?"
"No one knows," Radium said quietly. "One day it wasn't there. The whole Corridor vanished."
"Weird," Acid said.
"Can we change the subject now?" Electrik asked plaintively.


Shebele sounds worse than Shador ever did ... *shudders*

[n0]

Oooh... Nice. Thanks for clearing up the diffrence between Hellantra and Deseka. I always wondered myself.

`N0

[acid]

yay

It sounds like nobody would want to be on shebele. WAY too random, even for a chaos mage. I mean, imagine standing on solid ground then suddenly falling into a bottomless pit then suddenly being caught in a tree then suddenly... *goes on without noticing he isn't getting any attention*

Yes, thank you for clearing up which was Hellantra and which was Deseka. Oh, and if they go to Deseka, make sure Acid says "I'm going to kill you for this" at least 10 times. :D

[4I Falcon]

Crystal's least favourite planet is probably the jungle one. I don't know what the specific name is for it, but it makes her nicely groomed fur go haywire.

Just so ya know.

[Coppertop]

Gotcha.

Man, what a hectic day ... didn't even have time to get on the Net yesterday. Therefore, I have a large part to make up for it.

Copper had proven that it was, indeed, possible to go slower than they had been. Acid grumbled and Electrik laughed at him.
Hellantra wasn't far - a half-hour at the most. Tubelectric was close to a lot of planets, which was convenient.
After twenty minutes of hyperspeed and Kaz, who was busy bouncing off the walls, the sublight engines kicked in and they reverted to realspace. Hellantra hung in front of them, mottled red and black, closest to the small sun it orbited. The system was fairly young, the star still cooling and expanding.
"Only a millennia or so old," Copper said dryly. "Really, quite young."
"I'll take your word for it," Defalcon said doubtfully, as Hellantra grew larger in the viewports. "What are we doing here again?"
"Search me. You suggested it."
"So? We might as well make this trip useful."
"True, which is why I sent Evaluator to tell Shonar where we are. He should show up in a few minutes. I sent Eval before we left."
"So what are we doing until then ...?"
"We land. Right there," and coordinates spilled across her screen. "If you're good I'll let you land her."
"And take responsibility if she bounces? No way."
"I thought you were a crack pilot."
"I am, but if I crash her we're stuck on Hellantra for good."
"No, just until Shonar shows up."
"Are you sure Eval actually went to Shonar? 'Cause he's not back," Acid called in at her. She shrugged.
"I assume he's with Shonar, trying to figure out who's leading these guys. I -" she stopped and then groaned. "Blast."
"What's wrong with you?"
"I forgot. Some Hellantrans are less than friendly."
"We knew that."
"Defalcon, they also have starfighters."
"Oh."
"Yeah. Where's Claw?"
"Right here," her partner said, sliding into the gunner's seat. "Good job, Copper. I think every Hellantran in the system is aware we're here." His tone was caustic, but he flashed her a grin as he armed the lasers. Defalcon shook his head.
"Make yourself useful and keep us on this general heading," Copper told him. "I'll take care of the complicated stuff. How close are they, Claw?"
"Don't get so worried. These guys are ameteurs."
"Lack of targets," Defalcon noted. "No practice."
"Well, much as I'd like to, I'm not giving them something to shoot at. Let's get this over with."
"Agreed. There's only five. Dive and loop around behind them, Copper."
She nosed the Assassin down and sped up, flashing under the Hellantrans and pulling up, the ship now being "upside down". Two shots and the trailing Hellantran exploded. Defalcon grinned. "Nice shot, Claw."
"Thanks. Hold on."
Copper sent the Assassin into a spin and shot forward between the rapidly-recovering Hellantrans. They scattered as she pulled up, but the fourth decelerated and dropped behind them. Since it wasn't firing, Copper ignored it in favor of the more immediate threat.
The Hellantrans were not only ameteur, they were clumsy. They used an outdated tactic and spread out, one coming up from below, one coming in from the left, and one dead ahead. A well-placed torpedo took care of the one in front, and Copper pulled into a climb and veered to the right. The remaining two, focused as they were on their target, promptly collided. One exploded, and the other was completely disabled, still moving but in a straight line and unable to maneuver.
A shot rocked the Assassin, and the shields dropped. The last Hellantran, the one who had hung behind, was on their tail, in a position that was difficult to shake. Another hit made the black Darkspray shudder, and the shields were alarmingly low.
Suddenly their pursuer vanished from the scanners. Copper spun the Assassin and found a familiar ship flying through the debris, which was all that was left of the Hellantran.
"Shonar! What took you so long?"
"Sorry I'm late, but you seemed to be doing fine."
"That's what you think, buddy."
"Glad to be of assistance. Evaluator caught me just as I found something of use, which was good, as I'm sure he told you."
"No, I thought he was with you. He's definitely not here."
There was a silence. Then, [/i]"He left just after he told me where you were going. He said he'd encountered something odd and was going to check it out before he returned to you."[/i]
"He's not back yet."
"That's odd. It was over twenty minutes ago."
"Something's not right. Did he say where this thing was?"
Yeah, he's not that stupid. He said it was orbiting the second moon of Sardiff."
"That's not far from here. Care to take a look?"
"Good idea. Lessaria out."
"Assassin out. Good luck."

Tune in TOMORROW to find out what happens to Evaluator! *dramatic music*

[Evaluator]

I'll be here tomorrow...

Awesome chapter, and so loooooong ;) ;)


Eval

[Coppertop]

Be here is good. Yes.

[n0]

Nice! What would be somthing that could trap Eval? He can kindof phase in and out... I guess i will see tomarrow.

`N0

[Radium]

Great chapter, as usual.

[Evaluator]

@N0B0DY

A place where there's absolutely no electronic device in range

[Radium]

Originally posted by Evaluator
A place where there's absolutely no electronic device in range
*gasp* LIKE KANSAS!

[Evaluator]

But normally I got an organizer in my pocket... Maybe it fell out of my pocket :rolleyes:

[4I Falcon]

The Hellantran's weapons are powerful enough to take out a good-sized ship's shields in two shots and change? Am I underestimating something here?

[4I Falcon]

I claim page 11 in the name of Vega.

[Radium]

*Smashes 4I over the head with a rusty shovel and gives the page to CT*

[Kaz]

The heat might have screwed the shields >.>.

Or perhaps an outdated computer Eval might not be able to get in, or if he did it'd really hurt ;p.

[4I Falcon]

/me sodomizes Radium with the prong of a forklift

[defalcon]

Originally posted by Kaz
The heat might have screwed the shields >.>.

Or perhaps an outdated computer Eval might not be able to get in, or if he did it'd really hurt ;p.
It could have compatability issues. ;)

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by defalcon
It could have compatability issues. ;)

Indeed. For instance, it could run on WinXP. --;

[Coppertop]

Or maybe, because Eval <s>isn't compatible</s> with magic, he got it through a loophole and couldn't find it again.

I wasn't allowed on yesterday, so you get a double part today.;)

Roughly fifteen minutes later the Assassin and the Lessaria burst out of hyperspace into the Brochant system, home to Sarida and Sardiff. They came out close to Sardiff, and so they could see what Evaluator had gone to "check out".
A large capital ship orbited Sardiff's moon, not precisely huge but not small, either. Copper winced when she saw it.
"Shonar, hang back. There's a chance they haven't seen us. Electrik, what is it?"
"Navari-class, Vertigo. Here to rendezvous with the Conquistar."
"How do you know that?"
"Automatically sending it out on all comm channels."
"So they don't know we're here. Shonar, can you do an advanced search on both Vertigo and Conquistar?"
"Affirmative, Assassin. Hang on a few moments."
"Make it quick, Shonar. Haven't got much time."
"Understood. Here we go. Vertigo, owned by one A.K., commanded by one Shasah Aurych."
"Well, that's useful. What about the Conquistar?"
"Conquistar, owned by A. K. again and commanded by Nasp Rakaro. Mean anything to you?"
"No. What class is the Conquistar?"
"Reminol."
Copper winced. "Not good."
"Copper, 'nother capital on the scopes. It's the Conquistar."
"Great timing. Okay, uh ... pull back behind Sarida."
"Copy, Assassin. Fire Chaser obeying orders."
"Right behind you, Fire Chaser. Scorecard will cover you."
"Copper, incoming comm message."
"Oh, that's real good. All right, let's hear it."
"Coppertop, it's Evaluator."
"Flames of Gyron, Evalu, where are you?"
"I'm stuck on the Conquistar. Copper, this isn't good. They don't know I'm here, but I can't get out. So I need to tell you this quick."
"Shoot."
"Both the Conquistar and the Vertigo are Kiyrenin ships. Whoever's behind this has more, too. Their names are Phobia, Double Dare, Frostbite, Horizon's Edge, Serpent's Stare, Death Secret and Nightmare, and of course the Vertigo and the Conquistar."
"That's nine capital ships, Eval."
"I'm aware of that. The Conquistar, Phobia and the Frostbite are the big ones, maybe the size of the Venomstrike. They're assorted types, and they don't have a strong starfighter fleet. Mostly they rely on magic, though not to the extent of the Deathless Ones."
"Do you know who their leader is?"
"Just the initials A. K. and that he originated from Carrotus."
"What about the mage-hunting thing?"
"They somehow believe that everyone should serve their master, but especially the mages. They think that it's destiny or something like that, and that mages are meant to be Kiyrenin."
"That's the weirdest thing I ever heard."
"Me, too. They almost worship this A. K."
"Great."
"That's what I said."
"Okay, how do we get you off?"
"You have to come with something I can attach myself to."
"Okay, that's a bad idea."
"That's the only idea."
Copper sighed. "Shonar?"
"He's right, Copper."
"Of course I am. There's something else."
"More?"
"Yeah. You can't use the Scorecard alias any more. They know you. And -"
"What?"
"Shinyso's here."

Man, you don't know how hard it is to constantly do those italics:D

[Coppertop]

And 4I, Hellantrans use outdated ships. So nya.

"I didn't expect the Conquistar to be here," Tiger said nervously. "I can understand the Vertigo, but the Conquistar is the Kiyrenin flagship."
"Doesn't make sense, huh," N0 said, and grinned. "It'll work out, Tiger. Relax."
"That's harder than you think."
"I know. Hey, what's that on the scopes?"
"The last thing I need. More company. The Crusader and the Fire Chaser."
"Is that bad?"
"Worse than bad. I recognize that Darkspray. It's Coppertop's."
"What, the one you almost killed?"
"Uh huh. And she's likely got Radium with her. I doubt they've split up."
"Radium's the one who nailed you, right?"
"Yeah."
"You're right. That's worse than bad. You think they'll try to kill you?"
"Maybe. If I don't do this right."
"Then by all means, do this right."
Tiger sighed and flimmed on the commlink.
"Assassin, this is the Timelost. Please acknowledge."
There was a pause. Then, "Timelost, this is Crusader. What do you want?"
Tiger took a breath. "First, to thank you. After that, the downfall of the Kiyrenin will do."
"Timelost, perhaps you'd better explain."
"Acknowledged, Crusader. Would the name Tiger mean anything to you?"
"Negative, Timelost."
"I believe we last met on Firen, under less-than-desirable circumstances."
There was a long silence. Then, "Timelost, this is Crusader. Power down all weapons immediately."
"Crusader, already done."
"Timelost, is this channel secure?"
"Crusader, Fire Chaser. It is now."
"Roger, Fire Chaser. Tiger, I thought I killed you."
"Just about, but you know I'm tougher than that, Radium."
"Unfortunately. Do we have to try again?
"Negative, Radium. I'm not Kiyrenin anymore."
"I'm not sure if I believe that."
"Near-death experiences can be beneficial."
"I'll bet."
"Can I talk to him?" N0 asked quietly. Tiger nodded. "Rad, it's N0."
"N0, what are you doing?"
"Being mindful of what you said before you left. Rad, he's telling the truth."
"Are you sure?"
"As sure as I live."
"Which might not be much longer, Timelost, Crusader. Conquistar is on the move."
"Sword of Catten, are you sure?"
"Very. Crusader, this is bad. If she doesn't stop Eval's gone."
"Eval's resourceful, Shonar. He'll stop her." It was Copper's voice. Tiger sighed. He wasn't sure what to think. At least they hadn't shot him on sight.
"Well," N0 said conversationally, "I think that went quite well."


We're getting towards the end here. Almost.

[Evaluator]

I can't believe nobody replied yet :rolleyes:

Spiffy chappies! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Eval

[defalcon]

It's called bedtime, Eval. ;)

Great chapters. :) But getting towards the end? =\

[Kaz]

Aw, near the end... somewhat dissapointing CT >.>...

[n0]

Nice! More of my char! Keep it up!

I wish I could write like you could...

`N0

[Coppertop]

N0, you haven't tried;)

Well, close to the end anyway. Don't worry, there's always a sequel ... and at LEAST two more major fights before the end.

[Coppertop]

:o Erm, forgot to post the story.

Sardiff was a large world, a gas giant. Its inhabitants were all winged, semi-intelligent creatures. It had been colonized by denizens of Sardiff's sister planet Sarida. The Saridans were a graceful, resourceful people, taming the Sardi and living on floating platforms. Many Saridans were telepathically or empathically talented, which made them free game for the Kiyrenin.
The Vertigo had arrived on schedule, with a skeleton crew of seventeen Kiyrenin, one very nervous commander, and Shinyso.
Shinyso was slightly irritated with Shasah Aurych. She was not accustomed to actually giving orders; her second in command, Saja Dakrin, directed Shasah's subordinates. Additionally, Shasah was easily flustered, and she tended to lose her head with the smallest problems.
Shinyso was not impressed.
He never said as much, but it was clearly evident in the way his voice and manner reflected his scorn of the incompetent commander.
"You know," he said to his distant maser via commlink, "I think more and more that Dakrin is the true commander of this ship. Shasah gives some vague order, and Saja does the rest."
"Interesting," came the thoughtful reply. "You believe this is the secret of the Vertigo's success?"
"One of them, anyway. Shasah is incompetent."
"And this Saja is not. Very well, that's perfectly believable."
"My lord, there is possibly a much more serious charge against Shasah than incompetence. There are rumors of treason that may not be baseless."
There was a pause. Then, "I see. Have you searched her mind to establish the truth?"
"Not yet, my lord. I await your command."
"Check. If you find any indications, dispose of her."
"As ordered."
"Good. Contact me when you have some news."
"Affirmative. Out."
Shinyso pocketed the commlink and thought for a minute. Shasah had no mind-powers, only a weak mage-ability, and mainly to block magical attacks. However, if she became aware of his prying, she could construe that to mean he was attacking her, and block him out.
The best time is now, before she suspects anything.
Having made up his mind, he closed his eyes and cconcentrated.
He found Shasah's mind immediately. Her thoughts were all glossed over with a thin sheen of panic, with a layer of underlying guilt and fear.
Fear of what?
He probed deeper beneath the surface thoughts, to the deeper worries and emotions. He was not an empath, so he sensed the feelings very dimly. But the thoughts were loud and clear.
Why would the master send Shinyso if he hadn't found out?
What if Saja tells them?
What will they do to me?
And that was all Shinyso could pick up. He couldn't find what she had done.
Saja knows. That much was sure. Vague feelings of guilt and fear weren't enough to condemn Shasah. He needed concrete proof.


Besides, I can't end before I give Defalcon some action :D I did promise.

[Evaluator]

I think we'll be able to blow up the thread to 14 or 15 pages :D

This chapter is a bit confusing... What has Shasah done :confused:

Eval

[Kaz]

hmm, hopefully it's something that'll make us think, so many stories lack that *cough* ;p.

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Besides, I can't end before I give Defalcon some action :D I did promise.

*cough* Crystal *cough*

Another rux chappie. I only wish I knew who's side who's on right about now.

/me wanders off to go rereread Conquests and the Conqueror.

[Radium]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Don't worry, there's always a sequel ...
But you ran out of Conq- words!

Great chapter, btw.

[defalcon]

Cool chapter, all mysteriouslike. :)
Originally posted by Coppertop
Besides, I can't end before I give Defalcon some action :D I did promise.
W00tah! :D

[Coppertop]

Rad, they don't have to be Conq-words. They can be other things. Maybe I'll write a story with somebody else as the main character, or maybe one about Tiger:) Interesting.
But now, for the part.

Copper scowled at the comm. Claw thought that if she did it any longer the commlink would burst into flames.
Kaz was, for once, quiet. Radium watched Copper, and Claw watched them both.
The Conquistar was moving slowly. It wasn't picking up speed, but it wasn't stopping either. Evaluator's voice came over the comm.
"Sabatoge can be good. She's got a hyperdrive leak. She's not going anywhere."
"How long have we got?"
"Three or four hours."
"That's good."
"I have to go before they catch me."
"Best of luck, Eval. Now," and she turned to Radium. "Who is N0?"
"His actual name is Nobody, seriously. He's an odd creature I met on Firen."
"So why is he with this Tiger now?"
"His story is that he found Tiger healing and very much alive. So far he hasn't used his gift once, and has only spoken of the Kiyrenin in terms of his enslavement."
"And you believe him?"
"I found nothing untrustworthy in him."
"And what's Tiger's story?"
"That he came to his senses and fought off the brainwashing when he nearly died. It is plausible, and in all the years I knew Tiger, he never lied when he could help it."
"That doesn't mean he isn't lying now."
"No, but why would he? If he was Kiyrenin, he could go to either capital ship right now, but he hasn't, and N0 won't let him if he does."
"Well, I have to take your word for it. Now, who's going to help me get Eval?"
"You didn't seriously think I was going to stay behind," Claw said. She grinned and shook her head.
"Of course not."
"Well, I been cooped up too long," Defalcon said. "So I definitely am coming."
"I'll come," Acid said. "That leaves Electrik, Rad, Kaz, KRSplat and Crystal to stay on the Assassin."
"All right. What do we take to bring Eval back?"
"This," Claw said, holding up his wrist with the computer on it.
"I'd forgotten about that. Kaz, still got SAM?"
"No," Kaz said, pulling a sad face. "Kovu toasted her accidentally."
"Pity. Well, it'll have to do. Once you drop us off, back off, out of range. The Crusader alias should protect you unless they do a visual scan. When we signal, Shonar will come to pick us up, and we're getting the heck out of there."
"Sounds like a plan."
KRSplat took the controls from Copper. Veering away from Sarida, he throttled up and headed for Sardiff, sheering to the left every now and then.
In a few minutes they drew up by the Conquistar, which like most Reminol-class ships had open bays that were protected by magcon shields. KRSplat veered dangerously close, puncturing the shield and opening the airlock long enough for Copper and her rescue team to leap out. His comm crackled.
"Crusader, power down all weapons and back off, then state your intentions."
"Acknowledged, Conquistar. Weapons powered down. Withdrawing." As he pulled away he sent the Assassin sharply to the left again before pulling her back under control.
"Crusader, what are you DOING?" The demand was frantic.
"Apologies, Conquistar. My ship has developed steering problems. I'm bound for Sardiff for repairs," KRSplat lied smoothly.
"Wouldn't Sarida have done just as well?" The operator's tone was aggrieved.
"Affirmative, Conquistar, but the problem is severe and I'm not sure I can control it to reach Sarida."
"All right, then, Crusader, continue on your way."
"My thanks and apologies again, Conquistar." He headed for Sardiff, still faking steering problems. He never saw Tiger pull into the same bay he had swiped.

Copper sighed. "Eval, I hope you can hear me."
"Don't worry. I can."
"Good. Attach yourself to Claw's computer and let's get outta here."
"Awesome. Let's go."
Defalcon found his commlink and turned it to the prearranged channel.
"Fire Chaser, cargo ready for pickup."
"Roger, Rescue. On my way."
They headed back to the hangar.

Tiger knew the Conquistar like the back of his hand. He found the armory with no problem, and with it his sword.
Discarding the heavy broadsword, he replaced it with his own.
"That is a nice sword," N0 said appreciatively. Tiger nodded.
"We've got to get back to the Timelost. Now." He led the way throught the maze of corridors, N0 faithfully following.
"Good thing we decided to head for Sarida," N0 said with a grin. Tiger snorted.
"Yeah."
They rounded a bend to find a patrol between them and the hangar. Tiger pulled his sniper rifle (which he had also re-appropriated) off his back and checked the charge. It was full.
"N0, if Coppertop comes back she'll run right into them."
"I know. In fact, here she comes right now."
Sure enough, Copper and her small rescue team came into sight right then. The patrol saw them, and drew their weapons.

Copper drew Shale easily. There were roughly seven of the patrol, which was better than ten but worse than none.
"Claw, Acid doesn't have any close-range weapons."
"No."
"Get him up here. They're a perfect rocket target at the moment."
"Gotcha."
Acid came up beside her with a grin. "This is what I had in mind on Udari."
"Well, here's your chance."
Acid braced himself and fired. The rockets slammed into the patrol, knocking two out of action.
That left five, and there were four of Copper's friends. Much better odds.
Copper found two charging at her, one a large schwartzenguard, the other a dog from Deseka. The shwartzenguard was long on strength and short on brains, while the dog was small and clever. She feinted at the shwartzenguard and he ducked; at least he had some sense.
Not enough, evidently; she feinted again and came up with a double-handed slash, which, if it didn't kill him, certainly put him out of action.
The Desekan took advantage of her distraction to try and score on her. She ducked past his attack, but he blocked her and forced her to backpedal.
The whine and flash of laserfire made her duck automatically. The dog stiffened and then keeled over, giving her a glimpse of Tiger, who was rising to his feet, sniper rifle slung over his shoulder. He flashed her a grin before turning away to his ship, N0 trailing behind.
She turned to her companions who had already finished their fights.
"Defalcon, tell Shonar all clear."
He nodded and did so, and they waited.
A few seconds later the Lessaria came barrelling towards them from the other side of the moon. He stopped dead, airlock already cycling, and they got on board as fast as they could. Tiger's Timelost was already out of range. Shonar was on the comm.
"Fire Chaser, state your intentions!"
"Whoops, sorry, Conquistar. Wasn't watching. No hostilities intended!"
"And what problems do YOU have on your ship?"
"Huh? None. I just wasn't paying attention. Won't happen again."
"Hope not, Fire Chaser. Go on your way."
"Thanks, Conquistar."
Shonar glanced back. Copper gave him the thumbs up; he grinned and gunned the engine. The Lessaria shot forward, making Defalcon swear, Claw glower at Shonar, and Copper grin at all of them. Acid picked himself up with a groan.
"Give us a warning next time, man!"
"Not on your life," Shonar chortled. "It's way too much fun to watch you guys!"
- I'll bet, - Evaluator said. - Thanks for the help, guys. -
"You're welcome. Hey, how come you couldn't get off?"
"Yeah," Acid said. "How'd that happen?"
- Ehh ... I was a little less than careful. -
"What's THAT supposed to mean?"
- It means they had magical shields around their system. I got in, and couldn't get out again. -
"Figures," Copper said. "Eval, you underestimated the Kiyrenin."
- It won't happen again, I promise you that. -
"I'll hold you to that. Now, where are we going?"
- My little jaunt wasn't all in vain, you know. Shinyso's next stop is Diamondus. -
"Really," Copper said. "Isn't that interesting. So is ours."
"We gonna beat 'em to it?"
"You bet. I don't know about you, but I'd like to have the Ninja back again."
"Hear hear," Claw seconded. "Let's go."
"Right," Shonar said. He flipped the comm on. "Crusader, Timelost, this is Fire Chaser. Next stop, Diamondus."
"Fire Chaser, Crusader. Acknowledged."
"Fire Chaser, Timelost. We copy and are following orders."
"Right. What are we waiting for?"

[Evaluator]

Awesome chapter, as always...

Hmm... How do you re-brainwash somebody :confused:

[4I Falcon]

/me spins.

I'm betting the Conquistar is getting mighty confused right about now...

[defalcon]

Originally posted by Evaluator
Awesome chapter, as always...

Hmm... How do you re-brainwash somebody :confused:
- Agreed.
- I'd assume different methods would be required since they'd be ablt to resist the old one?

[Kaz]

You might be able to, but brain washing would only take time...

Continue CT, finnally some small cliffhanger.

Lol, yeah... that's it. Kovu toasted her... not me >.>. <S>Other than that, if Eval was to even try to get in she's slice his code into pieces smaller than binary...</S>.

[acid]

eh?

What SAM are you talking about?

[Coppertop]

In Conquerer Kaz had a supercomputer <s>with an attitude</s> named SAM. So I toasted her:D

Anyway, sorry I didn't post yesterday.

Uhh ... re-brainwash? I'm not planning to re-brainwash anybody ...

Commanding Officer Saja Dakrin stood stiffly at attention. Shinyso nodded coolly at her.
"At ease."
She relaxed and dropped her gaze to look directly at him. Her bold manner reminded Shinyso of someone he'd known before he'd become Kiyrenin, but he ignored the resemblance.
"You requested my presence, sir," she stated. He nodded.
"I have a few questions for you about Commander Aurych."
"Yes sir."
"At my lord's orders I searched Commander Aurych's mind, and found distinct traces of guilt and fear. Apparently she fears our discovery of something she did. We had hoped you would clarify."
"We, sir?"
"My lord and I."
"Ah. Sir, I have been ordered not to discuss the matter."
"By whom?"
"The Commander, sir."
"Indeed. If I countermanded the order, would you comply?"
"Yes, sir. You do outrank the Commander."
"Then consider it done."
"Yes sir. Commander Aurych left confidential files unguarded for a time. When she returned they had been accessed and stolen by an unknown party. I found out about this and confronted her. She then attempted to threaten me, and when her tactic did not succeed she proceeded to order my silence."
"How recent is this incident?"
"It occurred two days ago, sir."
"DO you recall what files were stolen?"
"Not the exact filenames, sir, just that they were confidential and important. I feared a security breach or a compromise to my lord."
"I see. Commander Dakrin, I do not blame you for following orders."
"Sir?" Her surprise was obvious, but she made no other comment.
"The fault is with Aurych. Commander, my orders are to deal with Aurych in whatever manner I see fit."
"Yes, sir."
"Therefore I have demoted her. She carries the rank of Lieutenant. You are promoted to Commander, and I leave the rest of Aurych's punishment to you."
"Thank you, sir."
"May I suggest dealing with her now?"
"Of course."
"What shall her punishment be, Commander?"
"I brand her a traitor, sir. She will be dealt with accordingly."
"Excellent. Shall we get this over with, Commander?"
"Certainly. Let's do away with the formality as well, what do you think?"
"Good idea."
"My best yet," she said, and turned towards the bridge. "I have another one. Let's make this public."
"As public as you can with nineteen people on board," he said dryly. She nodded.
When they reached the bridge, Shinyso leading, they were ignored. Shinyso glanced at Saja, and she made her way to the intercom.
"All crewmembers are requested on the bridge immediately! All crewmembers to the bridge!"
Shasah swung around, confusion and anger obvious in her manner. "Dakrin," she said, "I never ordered that!"
"No," Shinyso said, steel in his eyes, "I did."
Shasah shut up. Saja watched as the Kiyrenin assembled, all at attention. Shinyso moved forward.
"Commander Shasah Aurych."
Shasah stepped nervously toward him.
"After careful observation and evaluation, I find Shasah Aurych unfit for command and unsuitable for her rank. Therefore I demote her to the rank of Lieutenant." He paused as shock and disbelief flitted over Shasah's face. "And after due deliberation and the permission of the Kiyrenin lord, I promote Commanding Officer Saja Dakrin to the rank of Commander, of the Vertigo."
Saja nodded, impassive. Shasah stared at the pair of them, bewilderment written all over her.
Saja stepped forward at a nod from Shinyso.
"Thank you, sir. I accept this rank. May the master of the Kiyrenin live forever!"
There was a ragged cheer. She held up her hand. "However, I have an important accusation to make. I charge Lieutenant Aurych with treason."
Then all hell broke loose.

[Kaz]

Strange, I swore I replied to this...

[4I Falcon]

That last line makes me want to tackle you and persuade you with the tip of a rusty knife to write more. However, since I am generally sane, I won't do that.

I will, however, coax you lightly, prod you a few times though, to write some. Can't wait to read more.

...

*checks the topic again*

Nothing? Blah...

...

*checks the topic again*

Still nothing...

...

*checks the topic again*

Dammit, CT, where are you?! ><

[Coppertop]

Sorry, guys, I've been sick (honest). No chance to write:( I'm getting better tho.

[Kaz]

*pulls out whip*
REST! *crack* NOWW!!!

[Radium]

*Takes any weapons Kaz is holding/hiding*

Get well soon :(

[Coppertop]

I'm trying as hard as I can:p

I'll oblige you, Kaz, but only because I'm in a good mood.

Copper sighed. The sight of the three ships together was familiar, although a year ago Tiger's Timelost would have been replaced with Omega's Jendara, Kovu's Moonblaze, or the Vortex Crawler, maybe even Jassiv's Starblown. Now the ship of an ex-Kiyrenin who had tried to kill her and had assisted in the capture of one of her closer friends had taken their place. Despite Radium's assurance that Tiger could be trusted, she was incredibly wary of the striped rabbit.
Diamondus was green and bright in front of them. The three ships arrowed towards the planet, racing pieces of debris and dodging junk, not slowing in the slightest. Shonar was as excellent a pilot as he was a codebreaker, KRSplat was definitely qualified, and Tiger was doing well.
Diamondus was not a popular place due to the vicous insects that called the planet home. Copper had only been there three times, once when she was with Claw. Why Shinyso would be coming here was a question she couldn't answer.
Likely there's some telepathic honeybee that he wants to capture. Good luck!
When they landed, Diamondus was apparently abandoned. This was an illusion that Diamondans liked to foster, evidently having nothing better to do with their time than to hide and ambush unwary visitors. When Defalcon told Electrik this, the blue rabbit looked appreciative.
"Wow," he said, "these guys have some serious problems. And none of us psychiatrists - !"
"Eval," Copper said, "do you know where Shinyso is landing?"
- Sector 9-13, Quadrant 2, whatever that means. -
"It means he's landing on top of us," Shonar said. "We'd better move the ships."
"Good idea," Copper said, and it was, and they did.
"Now," said Acid, "we wait."
So they did.

Saja was a much better Commander than Shasah ever thought of being, giving precise orders and getting the job done with little or no fuss.
Their rendezvous was over - they had transferred the few Saridans they had captured to the Conquistar before Saja ordered them to pull out and head for Diamondus, where Shinyso had been ordered to personally capture two very specific targets.
Diamondus is better than Keenrei.
Why had he had that thought? He tried to remember when he'd been to Keenrei, but it escaped him for the most part. He did remember a black lizard captain, and blood. Not his, either. And a black door ...
He was sure he was not Kiyrenin at the time. At the thought of the Kiyrenin, the memory clouded and vanished, to his frustration. He stood immobile, trying to recapture it.
"Shinyso," Saja said quietly, coming up beside him, "the shuttles are ready. We have three minutes before the Vertigo exits hyperspace."
"Which shuttles are we taking?" he asked, glancing down at her. She frowned slightly.
"Silver Hornet and Locust. Why?"
"No matter. It's of no consequence."
"Ah. Is something troubling you?"
"No. Yes. Saja, what were you before you became Kiyrenin?"
"I was a spaceport coordinator on Cetilar III. Why? What were you?"
"I ... can't remember ... "
"It's not important, Shinyso. You're Kiyrenin now."
"I know. But the fact that I'm missing memories troubles me."
"Perhaps our lord removed them so that they would not interfere with your work," she suggested diffidently. He shrugged.
"Could be."
Whatever else he was going to say was drowned out by the sound of the sublight engines starting as the hyperdrive cut out. The Vertigo shuddered and then became still. Saja shook her head.
"As soon as we get back to Abiatel, I am getting those engines repaired."
"Sounds good. Saja - you're staying here."
"Why?" Her tone was belligerent.
"Because these marks are incredibly dangerous. If they weren't, do you think I'd be here?"
"Fine. I know you can pilot, so don't hesitate to take over the ships if you need to."
"I won't."
"I know. Good luck. Don't get yourself killed. Your orders may be to bring back these marks, but my orders ar to bring you back alive."
"Ah ... I knew that."

*falls asleep*

[4I Falcon]

*frolics*

Whee, another ruxful chapter by CT. I should actually try doing something.

[Coppertop]

... like continuing SoT?*hint hint*

[acid]

Or *COUGH*E:JF*COUGH*

[Kaz]

^^. CT is back. Feeling better?

Oooh, Shinyso suspects something, I would too, but I'd be a lot more angry about it o.o;.

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Coppertop
... like continuing SoT?*hint hint*

Originally posted by acid
Or *COUGH*E:JF*COUGH*

Yeah yeah yeah, I'm working on those. I'll have them up before I go off to work in July.

I mean, I'll have them up soon.

[defalcon]

Sweeeet. :)

[4I Falcon]

Yeah, I got a good chunk of work done on SoT last night, so I can truthfully say they're coming along nicely. Unfortunately, there's going to be some massive slowdown over the next five days, as I have my finals.

I will try to have a new chapter of each in ASAP.

[4I Falcon]

Not quite.

*yanks the page*

[4I Falcon]

PH33R the double posting skillz.

I hate these school computers.

And I still have the 12th page.

[Coppertop]

Good job, 4I:p

Yeah, I'm getting better ...
Enjoy.


"Silver Hornet? And Locust? Should I rename the Assassin the Flyswatter" Copper had an odd look on her face, amusement and horror with a bit of apprehension. "Who names their ship Locust?"
"The Kiyrenin, obviously," KRSplat said, recalling what Omega had said about a certain ship named Rain Mantis.
"Hey Copper," Shonar said, "name the Assassin Flyswatter and I'll rename the Lessaria Ant Trap or something like that."
"I've reconsidered. Let's keep it the way it is."
"An excellent idea."
"I know. Isn't it great?"
"I already said that."
"I know, but I like hearing it anyway."
"Too bad. Oh, blast. Those trees just blocked the view."
"Kaz, care to take a flight?"
"No," Kaz said matter-of-factly. "My tail feathers haven't grown back yet." He glanced at Acid, who visibly winced.
"Be that way, then," Copper said. "Even it you are the only flyer we have."
"Excuse me, Copper," N0 said quietly, "but he's not the only flyer."
"What do you mean?"
He grinned. "I fly too."
Copper blinked. "Really?"
"Sure."
"Well, go ahead then."
He nodded. Tiger watched, interested, as N0 spread his wide, black dragon wings against the sapphire Diamondus sky. Within moments of taking off, he was spiralling towards the Silver Hornet and the Locust.
"Clever," was all he said. "I didn't know he had those."
Defalcon blinked and cocked his head. Then he looked over at Copper.
"I'd say that Shinyso's prey is on top of us."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"How do you know that?"
"I can hear them." He loosened his blades in their sheaths and hefted his blaster rifle thoughtfully.
Before anyone could say anything else, the hunted were upon them. They were a pair of ferrets, both with rust-red fur, a female and a male. She wore armor and bore a large, powerful sword; he had no armor but he had dark claws over his fisted hands. They both wore black jeans.
Copper glanced at her own companions. Tiger and Defalcon both had their blades out, and Defalcon also held one of his rifles; Acid had his rocket launcher aimed casually at the pair; Radium was leaning on his Chaos Lance, ready for action; Crystal was fitting her scope onto her pistol; Claw was tensed, his own claws extended. Copper found her hand on Shale.
The pair stopped dead. The male gestured at them with his claws, his brilliant green eyes feverish.
"Stand aside."
"Why?" Copper asked tersely. The female answered.
"It's better for your health. You know we'll die before we're taken."
Copper laughed. "You think we're Kiyrenin."
"It doesn't matter," she said. "Even if you're not, the ones chasing us are."
"I must concede that point."
N0 dropped silently down behind the pair, a glowing yellow shaft in his gloved hands. The female turned, and backed up a step.
"You see," Copper said, "we're here to retrieve a friend from the Kiyrenin. By force, if we have to. In fact, he's most likely the one chasing you. Tall, black fur, saber?"
The female nodded warily. "That's the one."
"Okay, we're on the right track. That's nice to hear ..."
"You gonna fight?" the maile demanded. "He's got hordes, and they all use magic."
"I can deal with that," Radium said softly from behind Copper. "Most Kiyrenin are ameteurs. Confuse them a bit ..."
"Only if you're sure," Copper replied. Then, to the ferrets, "my name is Coppertop. The one chasing you is Shinyso ... one of my better friends, or he was."
"I'm Shuriken Darkblade," the female said guardedly. "He's Sai."
"Are you going to keep running, or are you going to fight with us against the Kiyrenin?"
"We'll do our bit," Sai said. "No way I'd miss this fight." His eyes flicked over Copper's friends, noting their weapons, resting on Claw for a moment. Surprise was quickly eclipsed by glee. Copper could see what he was thinking.
This is gonna be good.


Added your chars in, 4I:D

[acid]

whatwhenwhowherehow???

Whaddya mean, 4I falcons new chars? He never said anything! NOBODY EVER TELLS ME THIS STUFF!!! *sob*

Anyways, nice chappie. Something tells me my rocket launcher is going to be either a really big help (BOOOOM) or completely useless. (Against mages? I would think they would be able to block missiles if Radium confused them.)

[defalcon]

Good stuff! :D

[4I Falcon]

/me is extremely delighted.

Thxes, CT. I owe you one.

/me trundles off to do some more work on his stories...

Oh, and by the way...

Originally posted by acid
Whaddya mean, 4I falcons new chars? He never said anything! NOBODY EVER TELLS ME THIS STUFF!!! *sob*

...you never asked.

[Kaz]

That was extremely low 4I. *yoink*

mwahaha, I rule over the 12th page again!!

[4I Falcon]

You just keep telling yourself that, Kaz...

[Kaz]

--. It's still very low, if this keeps up, CT will be back to 11 pages or worse.

I think I will ^^.

[Coppertop]

*gasp* EFIL KAZ!
4I still got it before you cheated.

[4I Falcon]

Ah, the wonders of double-posting.

Anyway.

[Kaz]

Originally posted by Coppertop
*gasp* EFIL KAZ!
4I still got it before you cheated.

--.... ><. CT, I had it first ;p. He was the one who cheated.

[4I Falcon]

Gasp! Me? Cheating? That's preposterous!

[Kaz]

Originally posted by 4I Falcon
PH33R the double posting skillz.

I hate these school computers.

And I still have the 12th page.

;p

[4I Falcon]

Um, that's not cheating... that's... uh... reinforcement! Yeah! That's what that is!

/me smacks Kaz with his Sledgehammer of Discrete Geometry. "Gimme this page. 'Tis mine."

[Coppertop]

Aye.

Shuriken drew her sword. It was quite unique, made of jet and encased in a shell of diamond. Sai's claws were the same, now that she looked closer. Shuri's blue eyes glittered.
"We're with you."
"Good. Try not to kill Shinyso - I want my friend back, not six feet under. Other than that, anything goes."
"Understood."
"Radium, you gonna stay, or get out of the way?"
"Stay, of course. The only place I'd be out of the way would be in the air or up a tree - and I'm actually not that fond of heights." He winced slightly. Copper grinned.
"Okay, if you say so. I'm sure that spear thing is good for something other than a prop."
"Wanna bet?" Electrik said with a sidelong look at Radium. He jumped when the mage poked him in the ribs.
"That's enough out of you," Radium growled. It's kept me alive this long, so I must be doing something right."
"I doubt it," the irrepressible Kaz chortled. "I can't imagine you doing something right."
"Be quiet, you," Radium muttered. "Hmm. If they get close enough I can drop something heavy on them."
"Like Syloph?" Defalcon said. Radium grimaced.
"Now that was a mistake."
"I know," Kaz said smugly. "Like I said -"
"I don't need to hear it again," Radium cut in. "I heard you last time, loud and clear."
"- I can't imagine -"
"Enough, already!"
"- Radium -"
"Kaz -"
"-doing something -"
"Kaz, I'm going to hurt you in a moment ..."
"- right!" he finished triumphantly. Sai brushed his tawny hair out of his eyes.
"I can see this is a friendly place," he observed. Copper shook her head.
"You have no idea."
"I do," Shonar said, "and I still can't understand you. We have maybe five minutes, tops."
"It's enough," Copper said quietly. She began unravelling her braid. "I suggest we keep the shields up on the ships, maybe even getting them out of here. I don't want to chance having a fuel tank hit. Fire would take easily in this forest." She eyed the trees, which resembled tubes of green swiss cheese on sticks. One thing was sure - you could never mistake Diamondan forests.
Shonar nodded. He glanced at Evaluator, who nodded as well and faded away. A moment later the Lessaria rose up and glided away.
Copper began re-braiding her hair so that it wouldn't come out during the fight. Kaz eyed her curiously. She did this before any anticipated fight, but he obviously hadn't seen it before.
"Hey Copper, I been wondering ..."
"What now?"
"Radium and Defalcon both have long hair. How come you're the only one who braids it?"
"Kaz, in case you hadn't noticed, my hair is longer than theirs. Plus, it might have escaped you that I'm a girl."
"That's a stupid reason!"
"Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer," she said, shrugging.
"It wasn't a stupid question! Was it, Radium?"
"I'm getting sick of hearing my name mentioned ... and yes, it was a stupid question."
"Was not!"
"Well, maybe not for you. But for the rest of us - who are used to thinking - it was stupid."
"Hey ..."
"He knows I insulted him in there but it has yet to register," he noted. About thirty seconds later Kaz glared at him.
"Hey! I do too think!"
"It just hit, huh," Electrik snickered. "Don't worry, Kaz. Someone with as much intelligence as you've got is rare."
"What?"
"I'm not repeating that."
"Good thing, too. He might figure out what you mean, and clobber you."
"Oooh, dangerous ..."
Unnoticed, the Assassin and the Timelost had also vanished. Evaluator reappeared.
"Hey guys, they're almost here."
"Gotcha," N0 said, and took off with great sweeps of his wings. Kaz grinned evilly and climbed a tree. Shuriken found a small cluster of trees close by and prepared to fight, while Sai put his back to a tree. Copper and Claw moved closer together, ready to protect each other's backs; Acid also climbed a tree; Electrik found a convenient stream and began charging up. Defalcon, who still had his weapons out, glanced over at Tiger, who shrugged, pulled off his sniper rifle, and scaled a large tree that was opposite of Crystal's rock, which she was camped out on. KRSplat glanced questioningly at Defalcon, who nodded and handed him a long knife. Blasters were not much good against blades, so Copper tossed him her own long knife she had in her boot. Radium simply shifted his grip on his Chaos Lance and gave Copper a faint grin.
A second later, the Kiyrenin burst out of the trees, silent as death.


Just because Kaz has *almost* every page on here (before you guys wrestled them away from here) a little humor.

[Kaz]

... Kaz's IQ (or Y) = rand()%40+130- ClaimedPages*8
I believe this is the equation CT uses ;p, but humor is good. *stabs Radium* See how funny that is?

Silent as death o.o;;. Death isn't very silent CT ;p

[4I Falcon]

W00T-ay, another spifflar chapter. Good use of Shuri and Sai. *is impressed and stuff*

*trundles off to go be useless*

[defalcon]

*dances* Haha, good chapter. Kaz is pretty much right here, I believe. ;)

[Radium]

Originally posted by Kaz

Silent as death o.o;;. Death isn't very silent CT ;p
Ask a dead person, see what they say.

Great chapter, CT. I <i>have</i> tried to braid my hair before, just not successfully =P.

[4I Falcon]

/me shudders.

[Coppertop]

Don't try it unless you have long hair and a good elastic. A mirror is also reccomended:p
Well I promised some action scenes, so here you go. A quick one for Radium, one for Defalcon later :D

Shinyso froze, shock running through his lean frame like a chill. The marks had friends, lots of them, and all well armed. His dual shiploads of Kiyrenin easily outnumbered them, but the marks on their own were deadly. How much more so with over nine companions? And he was pretty sure he didn't see them all.
And now, to make matters worse, he recognized them. The dark haired female, Coppertop; her brown-furred companion, Claw; the young warrio with sky-blue fur and the blades Nightwind and Nightfire, Defalcon. Kaz, the bird up the tree. Acid, also perched on a branch, sighted on them with his rocket launcher. Electrik stood knee-deep in water, his normally serious face lit up with a grin. Shonar paced behind KRSplat, his grey eyes grim. Crystal knelt on a large rock, tensed and ready. Radium leaned on his spear, an insolent grin on his face.
Shinyso drew his saber, eyes on Radium. The Chaos Mage stood immobile, inviting attack, but Shinyso wasn't that stupid. He hadn't lived this long without developing a sense of caution.
Radium straightened, still wearing a grin. Shinyso sidestepped warily, and attacked.
Radium blocked, ignoring the feints, and ducked under the next cut. He slashed up with the business end of the spear, making Shinyso leap back. The telepath brought his saber around in a cut that, had it connected, would have laid Radium open from shoulder to the opposite hip. Radium blocked again, and Shinyso felt a poke at his mind.
Remembering Corbha's report of mind control, he backed off and concentrated on blocking Radium's mind probe, which vanished as suddenly as it had come.
Shinyso shook his head and looked up to see Radium advancing, spear levelled. He ducked and rolled away when Radium reversed his grip and jabbed with the butt of the spear, but it still caught him on the shoulder, knocking him off balance. He came to his feet, ducking under the Lance again, and Radium planted a boot in his chest, knocking him away.
No longer smiling, the mage followed up with with a flurry of movement, driving Shinyso back with a rapid combination of feints, blocks and attacks. Shinyso fell back, frantically defending himself.
A laser lanced by, missing him by a hair. He ducked and looked up to see Tiger, crouched on a branch, laser rifle sighted on him. He threw himself to the side, and found Radium blocking his retreat. Cursing, he sent out a telepathic summons for help.
Radium laughed and the air shimmered. Shinyso had no idea what had happened until he tried again, and found he couldn't concentrate. Radium had set a confusion spell on them, effectively countering their magic.
Shinsy backed away, cursing himself for starting this fight. One of the other Kiyrenin came to his rescue, taking over the fight. Shinyso gratefully retreated. He turned, and found himself facing his original target.
Sai saluted him, green eyes burning. Shinyso could handle this; he wasn't tiring yet, and Sai was scarcely the caliber that Claw was.
A second later he revised that opinion.

Next one's Defalcon's.

[Radium]

Another great chapter =P.

[Coppertop]

You WOULD say that. You're in it. Did you even READ it?:p

You posted fast though, so here ...

Defalcon eyed the rabbit who faced him. She was dark purple, with short white hair and cold hazel eyes. She wore a curved sword and a long blade that was just shy of qualifying as a rapier. Defalcon grinned when the air shimmered - whatever powers she had were useless.
She saluted him with her sword. He nodded and drew Nightfire, sensing that this was going to be too close for laserfire. Still, he kept the rifles close to hand.
She drew her knife as well, a condenscending look in her eyes. He grinned again and activated his swords, sheathing them in blue flame and noting that she seemed suddenly alarmed.
I wonder why.
He ducked, his unusually quick reflexes coming into play as she tried a cut at his head. This wasn't going to be fancy swordplay. He swayed to the side as her longer blade flicked by, then attacked with a low horizontal slash intended to make her jump, and a higher vertical one to catch her if she moved forward.
She leapt back and fended off Nightfire with her shorter blade, tangling Nightwind with the curved sword. He lashed out with a foot, catching her knee and making her stumble. Unfortunately her sword had knocked Nightwind wide, so she didn't fall onto his blade, but rather onto him.
Defalcon knocked her sword out of line and twisted away from the knife, his shoulder conveniently shoving her away.
He spun and brought Nightwind up in a move that would have laid her face open if she hadn't dodged. She retaliated immediately with a crosscut that knocked Nightfire away and came dangerously close to disemboweling him. However, since he didn't really feel like losing his insides, he sidestepped and leapt clear over her head.
He landed and spun, launching another rapid-fire attack as she twisted to meet it. His blades flickered in once, twice, Nightfire tangled with her dagger, and the long knife went spinning away to lie glittering in the Diamondan grass, leaving her with just her sword.
Surprise at her unexpected disarming left her momentarily frozen. To her credit she recovered quickly, and skipped back away from Defalcon's blades. She was still too close to use his blasters though, and he moved forward, circling to the side a bit.
She feinted and started a high attack, forcing him to throw Nightwind up to protect the integrity of his skull. She swept her blade down, encouraging him to bring Nightfire up as well, and then she ducked and lunged, her shoulder driving into his stomach.
Gasping, he doubled over, backing away as he tried to regain his breath. She followed, her blade flicking in, testing his already strained defenses.
Abruptly he felt the rough, solid surface of a Diamondan tree bhind him, checking his retreat. He was already tiring quickly, and he was still winded from her last, unexpected move. He realized that he needed to finish her off quickly, or he would become too exhausted.
He shook off the ache that had developed in his stomach where her shoulder had impacted. He would have a nice, colorful bruise later, if he survived that long. Diving forward, he forced her to backpedal a few steps. She recovered and came forward, sword in guard position.
He drew her blade out, and kicked her in the side when she came too close. She recoiled and he locked blades with her, straining to overpower her. Abruptly he threw her back, knocking her off balance. She rolled to her feet as he sheathed Nightfire in a rapid, smooth movement, and lowered Nightwind. She obviously expected a surrender, as she backed off.
He brought his hand up, wishing he dared sheathe Nightwind. Two hands were better for this one. He concentrated briefly.
Better make it quick.
A blast of energy shot from his hand, slow by his standards but quick enough. It spun towards his opponent, striking her chest and throwing her back violently. She staggered to her feet.
She's gonna be sore tomorrow ...
He drew Nightfire again. She came forward, blade leading, but she was dazed and off-balance. He locked blades with her again, and just as she began to back off he swept her sword down and out with his own, bringing Nightwind in fast, too fast for her to twist away. He buried his blade to the hilt in her stomach. She was dead before she hit the ground.
Defalcon swayed and caught himself on the tree that could have killed him. He shook his head to clear his vision and looked up to see Copper and a Kiyrenin tangling blades. She slammed her hilt against her opponent's and kneed him in the stomach before clobbering him over the head with the pommel of her sword. The Kiyrenin collapsed. She turned and faced Defalcon.
"You fight dirty," he noted. She grinned.
"This isn't ballet," she pointed out. "I fight to win. Hey, your own fight was pretty spectacular."
"I try. She wore me out. I'm not good for anything now."
"Looks like you got the better end of it."
"I think I did." He winced, watching Claw brain someone, spin, and slash another one open. "That's gotta hurt."
"I wouldn't know. I've never experienced it."
"Thank your lucky stars for that," Claw said, loping over. "There's only a few left."
"Shinyso?"
"Tangled with Sai. Now there's someone who can use his claws." His tone was appreciative.
"Is Shinyso dead?"
"Not even out of action. He's still going strong. Take a bulldozer to knock him out."
"We knew that."
"Yeah, but does Sai?"
"Good point. How's Shuriken?"
"Bouncing off trees. She's pretty agile, you know."
"So I gathered. Where's Sai and Shinyso?"
"That way."
"Come on."

[Radium]

Yes, I <i>did</i> read it ¬_¬.

Great 2nd chapter (see? I still like it if I'm not in it). I think I've heard that "Thank your lucky stars for that," line in a book before, I forget what though.

[Kaz]

Well as you've written Radium as all-powerful, he has nothing to complain about ;p.

One excellent way to grasp a character though is to talk to them for more than a few brief lines.

<S><.brag>I can't be that stupid --. I scored a 1030 (610 math, 430 verbal) on the SATs in 7th grade ;-;... and I'm getting into pre-cal as a sophmore x.x.<./brag></S>

Come to #jj2 CT ;p

[4I Falcon]

I'm going to praise both chapters in one almighty blow here.

An excellent battle in the first chapter, although a tad short. Not too short, but just a few lines short. Anyway, Radium's more skilled with a lance than I had previously believed; I originally thought lances were cumbersome weapons. Meh.

The second fight was also not bad. Swordplay is good, on all accounts. I have to reiterate that you put a lot of detail into battles, because it's obviously true. Anyway, I can't wait to see more battles like these.

Narf.

[acid]

Sorry ah haven't replied in a while. w00tness.

I like your description of Diamondus trees... "tubes of green swiss cheese on sticks"

Cool battles so far, but
1. WHEN ARE ELECTRIK AND ASHID GONNA FIGHT?!?
2. Are you going to keep doing this form of 1 person/1 enemy, or will you do some battles with people teaming up? (on both sides)

[Kaz]

mmm. Lances are just staves with a sharp handy edge. Yeah CT, a lot of detail, hard to picture in the head sort of. Use 1337 stick figures.

[defalcon]

Originally posted by Kaz
Well as you've written Radium as all-powerful, he has nothing to complain about ;p.
Pish, remove the all-powerful magic and I'll cream him :p

Very nice chapters. The second one was much better, of course. :D

[Radium]

Originally posted by Kaz
Use 1337 stick figures.
Like this?


V
O__,-
/|
/ \ _\_\/0<

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Radium
Like this?


V
O__,-
/|
/ \ _\_\/0<


W00T-ay.

[Coppertop]

You'll notice Radium didn't use any magic in his fight except the confusion spell. So nya:p
Acid:
1) soon.
2) no. There's one fight I can predict will be one-on-one. The rest is teamwork.
I only did the last battle thing because I promised Defalcon an action scene for his B-day. Though I think it was pretty good:D

Shinyso backed away slowly, circling, gasping for breath. He hadn't realized that Sai was a berserker, but it made sense. He was untouchable. Every time the telepath was going to score a hit, he found his saber caught by those claws. It was a good thing he was agile. He was constantly moving, avoiding Sai's claws.
He dodged, rolled, came to his feet, already twisting away from the next cut. His reactions bordered on precognition, thanks to his ability. He didn't need to concentrate, just leave his mind open and catch any stray thoughts. It wasn't - quite - cheating.
As it was, Sai hadn't touched him yet. They stayed out of each other's range, circled, feinted a lot. Shinyso avoided closing with Sai - those claws would be murder in close quarters.
He stepped in, engaged briefly, and pulled back. Abruptly he felt another presence, but before he could react pain exploded in the back of his skull and his side. He collapsed bonelessly, without a sound.

"Well," Copper said, having arrived just as Shinyso went down, "that was quick. Who got him?"
"I claim that distinction," KRSplat said, dropping from a tree branch. He held a hefty length of wood that almost qualified as a plank.
"Nailed him with that?"
"Yeah. He wasn't expecting it."
"Well, you're not the only one," Sai said, flexing his hands. He extracted his claws from where he had left them - in Shinyso's side.
Defalcon nodded. "Now I'll bet that hurt."
"I'm sure it did. The point is, we've got him. Now where is Radium?"
"Right here," he said. He limped slightly as he came over.
"What happened to you?"
"That guy had a hard head," he said vaguely. He knelt beside the unconscious telepath. "Good job, guys. I can take it from here. Don't wait for me. I'll find you on Searac."
"Searac? How do you know?" Copper asked, startled.
"It's all in here," he said. "Get a move on, or you'll miss them."
"Right. KRSplat, can I have my knife back?"
"What? Oh, sure." He tossed the blades to their respective owners. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Defalcon and Copper said in unison. KRSplat grinned.
"So I guess we go to Searac."
"Yeah," Shonar said. "But ... I can't go. I guess you're almost there in discovering this Kiyrenin leader, and my work has been piling up ... "
"I understand," Copper said. "You've done far more than your share. You didn't have to hang around. You have my thanks."
"Aah, it was fun," Shonar said breezily. "I mean, if I hadn't stuck around, I wouldn't have clobbered that Kiyrenin, or almost collided with the Conquistar, or met our ex-Kiyrenin friend over there." He gestured towards Tiger, who was checking the fallen for survivors. Copper noted that many bore laser burns.
"Well, take Eval with you. I'm pretty sure we won't need him anymore."
"Will you guys get going?" Radium said irritably. "You'll miss them otherwise."
Copper nodded. "Right, we heard you. Are you guys ready?"
"Any time."

Woo hoo, it's off to Searac!

[Radium]

Yay, off to Searac... that's a good thing, right? Great chapter.

[Kaz]

Quite possibly CT, but keep in mind that "Seal-All" from Chrono-Cross was the toughest spell to use ;p.

I see something almost unexpected? I don't know yet, predictable or just not taking that chance CT? Not sure what to expect, take that as a compliment ^^.

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by 4I Falcon
W00T-ay.

I second that.

[Coppertop]

Rad: Maybe. We're almost done the story tho.:(
Kaz: What ...?

The Assassin and the Timelost burst into realspace, black and mirror-silver hulls glowing in the starlight. Searac turned before them, turquoise and blue-green, her pair of moons whitely illuminated. The archipelago(sp?) of islands that wound their way across Searac's surface were a handful of green and amber jewels, strewn across the sapphire depths of the ocean world. These islands were connected by miles of slender, delicate bridges, gracefully spanning the waters.
"Looks wet," Acid noted.
"It is," Copper said. "Radium was right after all. There's the Conquistar."
"You're not going to attack it."
"If I did my gunner would go on permanent strike. We'd be obliterated, my friend. I'm not going to attack it."
"Well that's a relief," he said. "I thought you were going to do something crazy. Now what?"
"We land."
"Down there?"
"Yeah. The Seara designed floating platforms for landing ... it's rather nice, all told."
"Okay," he said dubiously. "I'll take your word for it."
"You won't have to. You're coming too."
"I - what?"
"You're coming too."
"Can't I stay here?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because if you try I'll kick you off my ship and leave you here."
"But - "
"Permanently."
"Oh."
"Yes."
He shut up.

Okay, it's short. So sue me.

[4I Falcon]

Short, but sweet. Left me chuckling for a while.

[defalcon]

Good stufff. :)

[Coppertop]

Thanx.

They landed on a platform, which was basically a metal grid with tubes along the perimeter, filled with a helium mixture. It looked flimsy, but was strong enough to hold two ships and about twelve people and still float.
Copper didn't bother extending the ramp. Dropping down from the airlock with a metallic clang, she strode over to where Tiger was getting out of the Timelost. The salt water lapped at her boots and the laminated steel grate quietly, the platform bobbing and creaking softly. The sound of the wind playing in the sensor arrays around the platform mingled with the hiss of the water. Searac, she noted, was a quiet world, but never without sound.
"Tiger, N0," she said, "I want you to stay here. The Kiyrenin may yet try to sabatoge our ships."
Tiger grinned. "I understand more than you think, Copper."
"Good," was all she said, and turned to look at her companions. Sai and Shuriken had decided to come along, and were looking distastefully at the water. Copper really didn't care.
"Where are we headed?" Electrik asked.
"My sensors said the Kiyrenin landed about ten minutes that way," she said.
"We're headed about ten minutes that way," Acid told Electrik. His brother punched him on the arm. Acid shut up.
"We're headed for Skybattle," Copper said simply. The brothers glanced at each other. Electrik shook his head.
"I'm not even going to ask."
"Good. Even if you did, I don't have any answers," Acid replied, earning himself another punch. Electrik rolled his eyes.
"The winds are good here," N0 commented. He stretched his wings hopefully, but then folded them. They couldn't risk being seen by the Kiyrenin. This time they had no Radium or confusion spell if they were noticed.
"Off to Skybattle, then," Claw said. "After that, I assume it's either Windchime or Battletwist."
"Windchime," Copper confirmed. "Our ultimate destination is Stormstinger."
"Will someone please tell me what the blazes Skybattle and Stormstinger are?" Shuriken said calmly.
"They're bridges," Tiger said briefly. "The Seara name all their bridges, and their platforms. The one we're on is the Starslayer Platform."
"Oh."
"We need to pass the Skybattle, Windchime, Bloodreaper, Wave-eater and Stormstinger bridges," Copper said. "In that order."
"Then let's get a move on," Claw said irritably. "Standing around here all day won't get anything done."
"You have a point."
"We're not sure what it is, but you have a point," Kaz agreed. Claw gave him a dirty look. Kaz shut up.
"Walk, don't talk," he said. KRSplat snickered. Kaz glowered at him.
"He has a point."

I wasn't allowed on the computer ALL WEEKEND ... wow this layout is confusing :D

[defalcon]

Yay! More! :D
Yeah the new layout takes getting used to.

And hah! Beat everyone else to responding! ;)

[Coppertop]

You did indeed ...

[Evaluator]

Actually I could have responded before you did, but I was working on some image resampling scripts for the page of my school class, so I didn't ;)

And yes: W00Ty chappies :O

*CLAIMS PAGE IN THE NAME OF THE ALLMIGHTY COPPERTOP* :lol:

[Coppertop]

Eh, not almighty :p just full of ideas. Thnx tho.

[acid]

oww... Do any of you know how it feels to be punched by someone who has electrically charged fur?

About the chapter, I was confused. Too many bridges and platforms. :roll: Does Searac have any land above sea level?

Oh, and I do hope Electrik never got out of the ship... *several dead fish surface* um, oops?

[Kaz]

The place is probably like Venice mixed in with muckamo and new york. I don't get the bridge naming however. I always thought bridges were named something... hopeful or in relation to their destinations.

[acid]

The place is probably like Venice mixed in with muckamo and new york. I don't get the bridge naming however. I always thought bridges were named something... hopeful or in relation to their destinations.

Muckamok? I would think more like Lagunicus...

[4I Falcon]

I just caught up on the last chapter.
Impressive. Again.

...

Argh.

[Coppertop]

Just a bunch of islands connected by the bridges, Acid.
I'm not really sure what I was thinking when I did the bridge names either, Kaz :p

After ten minutes of quick walking, they reached the Stormstinger bridge. Copper glanced down the shining length of it. Dark shapes moved at the end.
Why are you here?
"What?"
You won't accomplish anything.
"Shut up," she said softly. Claw glanced sideways at her. She signalled him to wait.
You can't stop us. Why try?
"That's what Shinyso said. I guess I just can't take a hint."
Perhaps not. Why do you stand in our way?
"Maybe because enslaving mages raises some serious moral questions."
Enslavement is only a mindset.
"To you, perhaps. The rest of us have a different definition."
Apparently so. But these mages are not unhappy in any way.
"They live to serve you! You've taken away their ability to be unhappy!"
Not so.
"It is when they haven't got an original thought in their heads - and if they do, it's geared towards your success!"
These mages are happy serving me. They would not choose any other way.
"How do you know? Have you even asked them?"
I have. Their answers are the same.
"Okay, if they're happy, what's with the whole brainwashing thing?"
Such an uncivilized term.
"Whatever. Answer the question."
Some are reluctant at first, I admit. But they soon change their minds.
"You change them,you mean."
Have it as you will. The fact is, they will not willingly turn back.
"We have one who did."
What?
"If you didn't know that I'm not saying any more."
Indeed. We will see.
Copper felt a sudden push at her mind, a sensation which was almost physical. She shook her head and put a hand on her sword hilt. The feeling vanished, ans she blinked. She looked up at Claw.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Seems our Kiyrenin leader is just a little nervous."
"He contacted you?"
"Yeah."
"Good," Crystal said. "We were afraid you'd gone off your rocker, talking to yourself and all."
"Aah, he was trying to convince me that he hadn't really mindwiped the mages."
"Well, what in blazes does he call it?"
"An uncivilized term. He didn't elaborate. But I'll tell you, he doesn't know about our ex-Kiyrenin friend."
"I'd wondered," Claw said. "You can't lie telepathically unless you're like Beren - almost invincible - and even he had to convince himself that he was right."
"That's what this guy's done. And if I'm not mistaken, he's a thinker, not a fighter. That's why the Kiyrenin haven't been very active. So he'll be at the back, directing those who are warriors. Does anybody know what Tiger's ability is?"
"Telekinesis," Tiger said from behind her. He favored her with a small smile when she turned to face him. "So the revered master tried to sway you, did he? I figured he might. Of course, he reckoned without your formidable blade there."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that without Shale, you'd be Kiyrenin now."
"Oh."
"Yes. He doesn't need the drug and mindwiping process, not really. He's strong enought to control minds and make them do what he wants."
"So what are you doing here? Is that what's happened to you?"
"No. You still don't get it, do you?" he said. "I have a different, more important part to play in all of this. I'm sure you can figure it out. I won't be much use after, but that's the price I pay. Now," and he stepped back, "beware. Limit what you think. Expect the unexpected." With those cryptic words, the striped rabbit vanished.
"Well, that was interesting," Defalcon commented. "Hey, those guys are starting across."
"A word of caution," KRSplat said. "One-on-one might not be advisable. Team up and catch what someone else misses."
"Gotcha."
"Here's the way we'll do this," Copper began. "Kaz, I want you and Crystal in the air. Watch out for telekinetics and that sort of thing. I'm with Claw as usual, the rest of you team up. Shuri, I've seen you fight - can you keep an eye out for trouble spots and if we need a quick rescue?"
Shuriken nodded.
"I'll go with Defalcon," Sai volunteered. Defalcon looked startled.
"I've seen you fight. This should be interesting."
"Electrik and I have fought before," Acid said. "KRSplat and I have long distance weapons. Electrik is purely close-range."
"Nuh-uh," Electrik protested. He uncoiled the whip he had appropriated from Kallein the blue wolf.
"I thought you threw that away. You got it again? Wow."
"I earned it."
"You did. Good job."
"Well, that was relatively painless."
"That's what you think ..."

Okay, big fight coming up, probably the last one. I might not finish it by tomorrow, but I've got all day to write ... so I might get some of it done.

[Evaluator]

Nice chapter... *Waits for the fight* ;)

Eval

[Radium]

What Eval said. *Also waits*

[acid]

Let's do this, KRsplat!

*waits for battle*

[defalcon]

*also waits* good stuff :)

[4I Falcon]

/me should have replied a while ago... but anyway...

So Copper was communicating with the Kiyrenin leader... but to everyone else, she appeared to be talking to herself?

...weird...

/me anxiously awaits the next chapter.

[Kaz]

/me should have replied a while ago... but anyway...

So Copper was communicating with the Kiyrenin leader... but to everyone else, she appeared to be talking to herself?

...weird...

/me anxiously awaits the next chapter.

'e wasn't broadcasting. If s/he was then they'd get back a lot of comments with CT's argument. Tiger just dissapearing like that seems odd =\. I get the part about Shale though =7. Awaiting the next Chapter 'ere!

[Coppertop]

Okay, I have like maybe three seconds to post this.

"How long is this bridge anyway?" Kaz complained. Copper shrugged.
"I don't know. I've never actually been on Searac before. I assume it's quite long, seeing as we're not even at the middle yet."
"You've never been on Searac?"
"No."
"Is this good or bad?"
"I'll let you decide," Copper said evasively. "Are you going to fly, or do you plan on staying grounded the entire time?"
Kaz aimed a glare at her. She ignored him, so he glanced at Crystal. "Coming?"
"Sure."
When they were in the air Copper turned to KRSplat. "Do you need my dagger again?"
"No, I don't think so. Not this time anyway. Tiger lent me his before we left. Besides, I have a feeling you may need yours."
"All right. You know what you're doing."
"I think, this time, I might."
"Good. How many do you think they have?"
Defalcon studied the figures. "Roughly, a score and half, maybe two score."
"Forty to ten?"
"We're outnumbered four to one," Defalcon confirmed. She grimaced.
"It would be worse without Shuri and Sai," Acid pointed out. She nodded.
"That's true. Well, it can't be helped."
"Maybe we should have brought Tiger and N0 along anyway," Electrik said nervously. Copper shrugged.
"Too late now. Haven't got time, they're almost here." She drew her blaster and stopped walking. Claw eyed the advancing figures.
"This is new," he said dryly. "Usually I see these guys from over my shoulder."
"Oh, be quiet," Copper said. "We haven't retreated THAT many times."
"Yes we have," Claw said, and she absently smacked his shoulder. He gave her a disgusted look, and she rolled her eyes.
"Okay, maybe four or five times."
"Try five or six ..."
"You've made your point, my friend. Hey, four each, not bad, so long as Kaz and Crystal take out theirs."
"How much do you want to bet that they mob us?"
"I'm not that stupid ..."
"Good. Here they come."
Acid chortled and fired his rocket launcher twice. Several Kiyrenin fell and did not get back up.
"Okay, now it's thirty-eight to ten."
Defalcon drew a sword and one blaster rifle. He doubted that this would take very long, either to win or to lose.
He was right.


Next part is the actual fight, sorry it'll be a little abbrieviated :o

[acid]

erm, allow me to point out several is not 2. Several is somewhere between 5 and 10, I believe. A couple is 2.

Nice chapter, I eagerly await the next!

[4I Falcon]

Ahem. Acid's nuke launcher only took out one Kiyrenin per missile? That seems an awful waste of nuclear destruction to me. Seems it should be closer to twenty to ten by the time those explosions settle.

Bah, in any case, ruxlar chappie, CT.

[defalcon]

Cool chapter CT. :)

Well Falcon, she can't give us all uber-strength. That'd make the story rather unbalanced, and boring etc.

Besides, that's what Radium is for ;P

[Kaz]

Indeed. CT, not wise to fight on a bridge >.>... I like it ;7.

[4I Falcon]

Cool chapter CT. :)

Well Falcon, she can't give us all uber-strength. That'd make the story rather unbalanced, and boring etc.

Besides, that's what Radium is for ;P

True.

It's not all of us. It's just Acid's rocket launcher. It tends to vary in power from story to story.

[acid]

It certainly does. In my story its like a seeker that doesnt home and can blow up walls, in your story its like twice as powerful as the nuke from starcraft, and here, well, it's like a seeker that doesnt home and is an auto-KO. Whee.