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

*CLAIMS PAGE IN THE NAME OF THE ALLMIGHTY COPPERTOP*

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

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. 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?

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

Muckamok? I would think more like Lagunicus...

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

...

Argh.

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

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.

Nice chapter... *Waits for the fight*

Eval

What Eval said. *Also waits*

Let's do this, KRsplat!

*waits for battle*

*also waits* good stuff

/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.

Originally Posted by 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.

'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!

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

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

Nice chapter, I eagerly await the next!

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.

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

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

Originally Posted by 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

True.

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

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

(Acid, we don't want this to end up a MasterCheater story where one unstoppable good-guy force is pwning the universe)

Originally Posted by 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.

RaCO2 rocket: A modified, high-payload dumbfire missile, strong enough to destroy walls with a single punch.
RaCO6/(g) Tactical Thermonuclear Missile: A super-high-payload dumbfire missile, which can also be switched to fly-by-wire mode, that has a blast radius of roughly 10m.
RaCO rocket: A standard, high-payload dumbfire rocket capable of taking out at least one enemy per rocket.

All classified under the name RaCO.

So nyar.

Originally Posted by Radium

(Acid, we don't want this to end up a MasterCheater story where one unstoppable good-guy force is pwning the universe)

Uhm...see my previous comment.

Okay, so sue me if I'm not all that precise

They were mobbed. A tide of Kiyrenin surrounded them, and clumsy as they were, they were effective. No matter how many fell, more always took their places. Defalcon had the feeling that they just kept regenerating, and that they would never run out.
In a very short time his blaster clips ran out. He drew Nightfire and realized that he was fighting merely to keep himself alive. There was no chance to attack, just to defend. Then he realized that the Kiyrenin wanted his blades.
He spun and ran one through, then ducked and slashed. He turned again and sensed a blade coming down. He ducked away, but not quickly enough. The hilt struck him just below his left ear, and he shook his head, dazed. He managed to parry another blade, but the blunt end of a spear in the stomach left him gasping for air. One last strike and he fell, stunned and winded.

(Note: I SAID it would be abbrieviated! And sorry, Defal .... Anyway, back to the story.)

Copper lunged and ducked, disabling a Kiyrenin who had slipped up on Claw's blind side. There was no chance to call retreat - she saw Defalcon fall, and Kaz tumbled from the sky, evidently struck down by a telekinetic or a mage attack. She didn't see if he landed safely, for the Kiyrenin were slowly forcing her and Claw apart.
She sensed something behind her, and turned. The Kiyrenin backed off slightly. She froze in surprise.
"You!"
"Me," came the reply. Copper shook her head, wondering if that last blow had addled her brains slightly.
"I should have known," she said. "All the signs pointed to you. The initials ... the origins. I should have known."
"I did my best to hide myself. It's not your fault."
"Arath ..."
Arath Kyren. He had been Copper's brother's best friend, and had indeed shown talent early on. Copper had assumed him dead in Kroys' fatal attack. Apparently he had survived.
"Indeed. As you can see, it is I. I can offer you your lives in exchange for some small things."
"Let me guess - all the magical artifacts we possess, along with Electrik and Radium."
"Electrik will not be necessary."
"Forget it, buddy."
"Indeed ... I am sorry, then." And with that, he drew his sword.
He was slow and cautious at first, testing her defenses, not really engaging in full-out battle. She returned blow for blow, not really sure what he was doing. She nearly slipped past his guard once, and then he began to truly fight.
Arath's eyes were filled with a fanatical look as he lunged forward, his gold-hilted sword tangling with hers. Copper had no idea where he had learned such swordsmanship. He was almost as good as Shinyso, which was better than her.
Searac's deep channels lay below her, a long drop from the bridge. They were in the middle.
Copper did have her problems.
Arath's blade caught Shale, twisted, and disarmed her. Shale went spinning across the bridge, a mere handspan from the edge.
Arath smiled in triumph, and she took a step back.
Behind her, two Kiyrenin restrained Claw as he fought to get away from them. Defalcon lay, dazed, on the ground, stunned while trying to retain his swords. Crystal was with Kaz, hemmed in by Kiyrenin. KRSplat stood, at a loss and disarmed, by the side. Sai was doubled over on the ground, gasping for breath, surrounded by guards. Shuriken clung to the edge of the bridge, watching nervously.
Copper drew a long knife from her boot, casting a look at her sword. Behind Arath, Electrik lay senseless, with Acid guarding him.
But Arath Kyren hadn't won yet.

I love doing that more tomorrow *runs off chortling*

Yay, a cliffhanger.
Great chapter... but why do all the big battles in stories always seem to take place on bridges?

Becuase it's an easy way out to suspend the battle by blowing up the bridge.

I think I know where CT is going with this, but still not sure XD.

Originally Posted by Radium

Yay, a cliffhanger.
Great chapter... but why do all the big battles in stories always seem to take place on bridges?

Because it can be used as a plot device to get rid of characters; throw them off the bridge, cut the ropes, have the Balrog pop outta nowhere, etc.

Great chapter CT.

hahaha... not a bad idea.. *thinks about throwing Radium off*

Originally Posted by Kaz

hahaha... not a bad idea.. *thinks about throwing Radium off*

That would be much more exciting if the bridge was over lava or spikes. Briges over water are more often used for hiding trolls under.

Hmm, I didn't think about that. You know, you're right ...
Kaz: be quiet! The only thing getting thrown off the bridge is ... well, never mind.

Arath raised his blade to strike. The mist that had been creeping into Claw's vision finally took over, and he was once more gripped by the killing insanity that he had experienced many years ago.
One of the Kiyrenin, perhaps sensing something, prodded him experimentally with the spear. Claw snarled and spun, his razor claws extending dangerously. His field of vision did not narrow, but rather expanded, and his awareness sharpened.
In short order, Claw was not restrained.
He lunged at Arath, and the startled Kiyrenin leader turned. He raised his sword, but no mere blade would stop Claw now.
Unfortunately for Claw, one of the Kiyrenin commanders saw him. In an instant Claw was on the mainland, quite a distance away.

(Whoops ...)

Copper used the distraction. Diving forward, she made a grab for Shale. But her wounded leg gave in, and she misjudged her leap. Shale went spinning off the bridge, just as Arath turned to see.
Tumbling end over end, sunlight flashing off of blade and jewel, the sword hit the water. It sank, glittering with reflected light, bubbles streaming past it, into the cool green depths. Lost in the vast oceans of Searac, Shale was gone forever.
Arath turned, enraged, and raised his blade to finish her off.
"It seems I've underestimated you," he said, and then he froze. He tried to say something else, but merely fell.
Swaying, the wound in his side seeping dark blood, Shinyso said, "you have." Then he, too, collapsed.

Defalcon sprang to his feet, startling the stunned guards. He snatched his blades back.
"I'll take those, thank you very much," he said, and the Kiyrenin simply stared at him. Then one shook his head and looked confused. The pair vanished, as did many of the Kiyrenin.
Acid picked his brother up gingerly, avoiding touching Electrik's uncovered fur. KRSplat recovered his blaster and Tiger's knife. Shuri peeled herself off of the bridge, and ran over to her brother, who was still on the ground. Crystal gave Kaz a high-five.
Claw reappeared, Tiger a step behind him. N0 drifted in, landing quickly and eyeing the few Kiyrenin left. They promptly left.
Defalcon picked Shinyso up. The lean telepath was still unconscious, and seemed to hardly weigh anything. Tiger came over to where Copper was standing.
"So you did it," he said quietly. "I did have a few doubts there at first."
"Now you get to tell me what part you had in all of this," Copper said just as quietly. Tiger laughed.
"Do you know how hard it is to transport someone from Diamondus to the edge of a bridge in Searac?"
"Ah," she said, understanding. "I owe you."
"No, you owe Radium and Shinyso. They're the ones who did all the work."
"You got that right," Radium said calmly from behind them. "Are you guys done here, or is there someone else you need to kill?"
"No, we can leave now," Copper said. "Like Tiger said, I owe you."
"If you want. Tiger, I'd do it myself but you know how Chaos Magic is ..."
"Yeah, we might end up in Tubelectric - or worse," Tiger agreed. The world rippled and then they were standing on the Starslayer Platform.
"Hey, nice trick," Kaz yelled. Copper rolled her eyes and shook her head pityingly.
"Now we have to go drop all of these guys off again."
"N0 and I have a ride, thanks," Tiger said. "Hey N0, anywhere in particular you want to go?"
"Let me think about this for a bit," Nobody replied. "Uhh ... no."
"Good. Let's go."
"They're setting a good example," Copper observed. "So, where do you want to be dropped off?"
"Just head for the War Tavern. I'm sure we can find our way from there."
"Sure thing."

Is not over yet! Don't go away!

I knew the whole falling thing was coming, CT.
Good chappie

Great chapter.

/proudly remains most powerful person in the story

Originally Posted by Radium

/proudly remains most powerful person in the story

/could school you any day ;P

Ah it's not worth the time Defalc, Radium gets schooled on a daily basis anyways. It's hard to school him any further ^^.

Ah CT! Bad characterization if you don't know the people behind the posts ;p.

Er.. *changes subject*

*looks at Kaz's sig*

Happy Deathday!
Your name:	Coppertop
You will die on:	Tuesday, September 7, 2021
You will die of:	Car Bomb
Username:
Created by Quill

Happy Deathday!
Your name:	Radium
You will die on:	Tuesday, December 17, 2024
You will die of:	Serial Killer Victim
Username:
Created by Quill

Look Copper! I'll live longer than you!

Wow, I'm going to live so much longer than you all.

Originally Posted by Radium

Er.. *changes subject*

*looks at Kaz's sig*

Look Copper! I'll live longer than you!

I'll die young, truly one of the best ways. My little sister is going to push me down the stairs.

So CT's going to be assassinated, and Radium will be killed by MENSA in a 'save the world' attempt.

Happy Deathday!
Your name:	Acid
You will die on:	Thursday, December 4, 2025
You will die of:	Electrocution
Username:
Created by Quill

looks like my brother's gonna have an accident. BUT I'M STILL GONNA OUTLIVE ALL OF YA!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Anyways, looks like you're wrapping it up, CT. It was great!

Nope, Defalc outlasts you.

Happy Deathday!
Your name:	Defalcon
You will die on:	Thursday, December 3, 2026
You will die of:	Burned to Death
Username:
Created by Quill

Tut tut tut Kaz, we all know I usually don't use a capital D...

Happy Deathday!
Your name:	defalcon
You will die on:	Tuesday, April 26, 2033
You will die of:	Gunshot
Username:
Created by Quill