Session Start: Wed Sep 22 18:22:08 2010 <@Ked> [The Hunt] <@Ked> [Wednesday, June 30, 2490 - 1540 local time] <@Ked> [Another late-afternoon Magic class, on the Zone 4 beach] <@Ked> Everyone's been busy, now that classes are fully into swing, so it was annoying when Lady Spoon sent you the little love note moving up the Thursday training session to today, but she promised there was a good reason for it. Of course, that good reason is taking its time showing up... <@Ked> [session start] * LadySpoon growls and checks her EI again. If she doesn't show up, I swear I'm going to take the train back to the city and Spoon her... * LadySpitterwing bounces on her heels a little. Do I want to know who you're planning to brain? Well, I wanted it to be a surprise to help get things going, but at this point you might as well know. * SeiMurdon fidgets a bit with his fan. "She said something about 'not fun' things in our next training session." * LadySpitterwing tilts her head. The Duchess really can't come all the way out here for something like this, but I HAD arranged for the next-best option. * SeiMurdon 's eyes widen in worry. * LadySpoon stares back to the east, at the access road which leads back towards the railroad and the Zone 4 towers. So we're getting a Princess? Princess Nitrogen, that is. But I forgot she likes to play these dominance games. * LadyCrystal looks a little worried as well, and starts to fuss over her outfit... before remembering that she's wearing *that* outfit. "Ugh." Oh, *wow*. ...you sound like Dad. *chuckles nervously* *that was to Lady Spoon* Yo- *cough* *cough* *gag* ...wow, talk about object lessons. * LadyCrystal blinks. "Eh?" * SeiMurdon hides behind his fan, as if worried he said something wrong. Um, are you all right? I guess I'll just begin the lesson. I told you we'd cover Orders today, right? If you can't hear it, that's Orders with a capital "O". * SeiMurdon takes a deep breath, and nods, folding his fan carefully and putting it back in his waistband. Those of us who are of higher rank in the Hierarchy - which isn't me, I should note - can give Orders to those of lower rank. Which is me. And you. How do capital-o orders differ from lower-case-o-orders? 'Cause everyone knows the Hierarchy is in charge... Yeah, I... noticed. It sounds weird. And... wait. You're serious. Like, actually serious. * SeiMurdon has his hand raised as he asks that question. * LadyCrystal frowns. "Like, I know there are rumors and all on the nets, but..." And we are incapable of disobeying. Literally, completely helpless against them. ... Oh. That's... bad. * LadySpoon points at Sei. "Just ask, Charybdis." ...I did. You said we can't disobey these capital-o orders. That's...bad. These sessions are meant to be as much mentoring as formal tutoring, we don't need classroom ceremony. * SeiMurdon looks up and realizes his hand's still in the air, and puts it down sheepishly. * SeiMurdon nods. "Sorry." Well, I'm not sure it's bad, as such, but it can certainly be unpleasant. The idea troubles me, I'll admit. ...I'm pretty sure it's bad. It centralizes power in the Hierarchy. It makes the Queen a true ruler, instead of a peripanther-herder. * SeiMurdon nods. "Yep. 'swhy it's bad." As long as the higher ranks do not abuse it, things work out okay. But... there has been a case or four over the centuries. * LadySpitterwing bites her lip a little. I wouldn't trust ME not to abuse it, let alone anybody else. There's NO defense? You can try to resist, and once or twice there are documented cases of people fighting it off under extreme circumstances. But I don't expect to ever see it in my lifetime. I would like to think there is, but... shit, is there on---oh. That's it? * LadyCrystal frowns a bit more. "Well." Huh? *looking to Crystal* If you manage to get conflicting counter-Orders ahead of time, and are good at weasel-logic, sometimes you can get around it. On the other hand, there is one strategy which definitely works - you can detransform. But...if there haven't been that many cases of it over the centuries...I mean, it's not something that happens all the time, right? Oh, so it doesn't work if you're not transformed? *hopeful* When you're not transformed, you'll find that Orders can provoke an immediate reflex response, but if you have a second to think about it, you can do whatever you want. I guess the question is... does Nitrogen abuse it? Well, that's a good question. I could tell you, but maybe she Ordered me not to. ...are you joking or serious? *not sure* The thing with Orders is that they're usually used only for things the person involved is dead serious about. So even if you could detransform and go against them, they'll probably find out, and take stronger actions. C-can they Order you not to detransform? Yes. ... * LadyCrystal pauses for a moment. That is utter bullshit. Idon'thinkIwannatransformanymore. No offense to her, but it is. And they can order you not to transform. You still can, of course, but you immediately pop back out of it. * SeiMurdon nods absently. So basically, she could use these Orders to play power games. Greeeeat. * LadySpoon shrugs. "That's usually the worst penalty the Queen will hand out to a Lady. If you commit treason, if you murder someone, you'll just get written off, and spend the rest of your life as a normal." That's not so bad. But, but, if you kill somebody you get to be a normal person? I mean you don't even end up in jail or anything? ...I hope you end up in jail just like a normal person murderer. Well, that depends. Maybe you do, maybe you just disappear, maybe you get a show trial and hang. After tasting power, I cam imagine losing it isn't a good feeling. And yeah, they could always just kill you. Oh, OK. I mean, I don't wanna be a murderer or anything. I just don't wanna be made to do things without being able to even say "arrest me instead." But, but, it really *doesn't* happen all the time right? Well, for the most part we all walk around with one set of Orders or another. Can you get Orders while not transformed that you hafta follow when you transform? * SeiMurdon is clearly fumbling madly for any loopholes possible. Usually it's just stuff defining the scope of our authority. Who we take Orders from, who we give them to. That sort of thing. I've never seen that tried, Murdon. It would be a cute experiment, but not something that would be very useful. * SeiMurdon has a little hopeful gleam in his eye. "And, um, do you hafta hear 'em, or can they be written?" You're thinking too hard about this, Sei. Am not! Audible Orders only. But it doesn't matter if they're recorded or broadcast or live. * SeiMurdon nods. "Okay. ...maybe I can do this, then." He's breathing a bit hard, obviously worked up. So. When are we going to be browbeaten? * SeiMurdon turns around and whispers something into his EI bracelet. The Pri- OK, so I mean, like, usually they're just used to make sure we stick to our assignments, and like, so that we know what we're supposed to do and stuff, right? <@Ked> A helicopter swoops down between the Zone 4 towers. It's in the Malletfall city colors, and its noise-damping tuning is just a few milliseconds off, giving the propeller a weird bass throb. ...I guess it's time right now. Whoa! * SeiMurdon blinks. "They're not usually that loud..." * SeiMurdon takes a deep breath, composing himself and forcing a neutral smile onto his face as he straightens. * LadyCrystal looks up. She looks somewhere between annoyed and concerned. * LadySpitterwing takes a deep breath too. * SeiMurdon actually drops into a parade-rest-like stance, such as one might assume in a dojo while the sensei is talking. * PrincessNitrogen steps out as soon as the helo lands. She's a thin woman with greying hair pulled back in a no-nonsense bun and a sharp, angry look in her eyes. Dressed in a Malletfall Police tunic with no decorations, she stomps over to the waterfront as the chopper pulls up and away. So these are the snowflakes, huh. * SeiMurdon nods, once. * LadyCrystal looks at her, evenly. There was nervousness, but it's gone now. * PrincessNitrogen rubs a thin eyebrow. "Well, I wasn't very impressive before I turned a hundred, either. I suppose they'll do." * LadySpitterwing bites her lip and curtseys, only a little nervously. We were just getting to the practical demonstrations. * SeiMurdon snickers. "Sorry; we're new, ma'am." You're Lord... Wind? Transform, Sei. You need to get used to it. * PrincessNitrogen nods back to LadySpitterwing. * SeiMurdon shakes his head to Nitrogen's question, and pulls his fan out in response to Spoon. Holding it out in front of him, he snaps it open, and that column of water erupts around himself. Illuminated from within, the disturbing image of his silhouette's clothing being shredded followed by his legs twisting into ten tentacles is visible. When the water subsides, he shakes his head a bit as it drips from his head and ears and nose. * SeiMurdon salutes with the trident, and says just a little too loudly, "Lord Charybdis, Princess. Pleased to meet you." * SeiMurdon is now known as LordCharybdis * LadySpoon blinks as Sei's words are printed in midair by Hantsuki. * SeiMurdon foreheadpalms, and whispers something. ...uh, I think we can hear you just fine. <@Ked> Lady Spoon's statement shows up too. Get your EI under control, boy. * SeiMurdon sighs. "Sorry. Hantsuki, please stop that for now." He throws up a wall of water to hide his embarrassed expression. It drops quickly down to his normal column. Sorry, Princess. *bows formally at the waist; an interesting effect with the trident and the tentacles* Hantsuki's a bit willful sometimes. * LadyCrystal just watches on, quietly. * PrincessNitrogen walks around the new snowflakes, as if doing a military review. "The tentacles are... are..." Never mind. I guess I'm here to give you Orders. * LordCharybdis nods, not speaking up since he's already drawn more attention to himself than he should have. Be nice, ma'am, they're a lot newer at this than the usual curricula calls for. * LadyCrystal follows Nitrogen with her eyes. It's a fighter's glance -- almost a size-up. Instinct, perhaps? * LadySpitterwing waits obediently, watching Nitrogen too. * PrincessNitrogen tilts her head at Spoon, and when she speaks again, there's an impossible-to-explain hard edge to her voice. "Lady Crystal. Walk over to the tentacled wonder here and give him a big sloppy kiss." * LordCharybdis flinches, as if afraid he's doing something wrong. * LadyCrystal is about to say something, but by the time she's realized what's going on, she has her tongue practically down Charybdis's throat. She only manages a '...*what*.' the moment she finishes. Well, that was deeply unsettling. * LadySpoon chuckles. * LordCharybdis is stunned and actually trying to keep his mouth shut, initially pushing Crystal away with his tentacles before forcibly relaxing to let her do her duty. "...uh..." He's DARK grey from the tops of his cheeks and ears down to where his lower half turns black. I'm sorry, Lady Crystal. *quietly* Eh, you didn't do anything. The point is to make you do something that there's absolutely no way you would do of your own volition. That way you don't wonder if it really worked or not. * LordCharybdis holds a tentacle up to his mouth, not sure if he's going to touch his lips or wipe them. Lady Spitterwing. * LadySpitterwing bobs nervously. "Yes, Princess?" * LordCharybdis freezes, even though he wasn't addressed. * LadyCrystal is still playing over what just happened in her head, and her expression is hard to read. I want YOU to give Princess Spoon the same thing your colleague gave Lord Charybdis. * LordCharybdis makes an "ew, gross" face, and looks away. * LadySpoon suddenly has the Spoon in her hands... and then grits her teeth and puts it away. * LadySpitterwing blinks, and then blinks again. "But Princess Nitrogen, she's not a Princess." * LordCharybdis looks over at Spitterwing in confusion. "What's that got to do with it?" She said for me to do that to Princess Spoon, but...there is no Princess Spoon. ...oh. I didn't catch that. Ah, a rules lawyer. Good catch, girl - that didn't work, because it's impossible. Do it anyway. To Lady Spoon. * LadyCrystal blinks. "... oh? Huh, I s---well, here we go." * LadySpitterwing skips over to Lady Spoon and gives her a big sloppy kiss, but doesn't remove her face-veil. * LordCharybdis makes that "ew" face and looks away again. * LadyCrystal scratches her temple for a moment. * LadySpoon doesn't exactly kiss back, but she smiles sympathetically at the young Lady. And Lord Charybdis... ... yeah, I don't see what guys see in that. * LadyCrystal shrugs, and waits to see what else Nitrogen has in store. * PrincessNitrogen lets it hang for a second or five. * LordCharybdis winces, but braces himself in the hanging time. ...Spoon, what can I possibly do to squidboy? He's already naked... Hey! * LadySpitterwing steps back, blushing up to her browbones. I'm decent! *also dark grey where people usually blush* * LordCharybdis's trident turns into that fan, again, though, and he hides behind it. Uh.... * LadySpitterwing gives Lady Spoon a sheepish glance though, and goes back to her place in the lineup, trying to look composed. * PrincessNitrogen sighs. "Make a sandcastle, my Lord. Make a sandcastle." Um...okay. You're getting off easy. No kidding. No kidding. My mentor Ordered me to stuff dirt in my fuku. * LadyCrystal winces. Mine made me step off a fifteen-story building. * LadySpitterwing gasps. I assume that hurt? * LadyCrystal pauses. "Suddenly, kissing Charybdis doesn't seem all that bad." * LadySpoon smiles. "This is as close to hazing as the Hierarchy gets. I think Princess Skateboard got a little bit in trouble for that one. Fortunately we heal fast." * PrincessNitrogen looks at Spoon with a little more respect. "I didn't know you studied under her. Congratulations on surviving." * LordCharybdis calls water from the shore to carve a moat as his fan turns into...one of those pool-sweeping brooms...that he uses to scrape sand into a mound; his tentacles scrape and form and press, and he's obviously going to take a while. "I'm sorry...." he says, to all the girls. He's frowning. "This is definitely weird..." Well, the point's made. You say it, we do it. I think that's enough, my Lord. Um, does that mean I can stop? *still going* * PrincessNitrogen puts more emphasis on it. "Yes. Stop." * LordCharybdis pauses, but grits his teeth, then smiles and keeps going. "Hey! It worked!" * LordCharybdis scrapes a tower out of the sand. * LordCharybdis is breathing a little hard, though. No, really, you can stop if you want. Anyway, Spoon. I assume you want the usual set? Yes please. Well, no. Leave off the combat restrictions - they seem to have a real threat on their hands. It burns, I should note. Strange that Snowflake would go with a fire elemental base. On the other hand, I'm sure I could deal with it. * PrincessNitrogen taps her foot for a minute, thinking. ...that really just narrows it down to two things, I guess. * PrincessNitrogen clears her throat, and then out come Orders. * LadyCrystal tenses, just a hair. Firstly - you will do nothing that undermines the rule of Her Majesty, the Queen of the Earth, or her designated proxy here on Snowflake, Duchess Football. Sorry, I know that's vague. * LordCharybdis finally stops and leaves a weak-looking castle. Vague enough to leave no room for wiggling, I imagine. * LordCharybdis frowns a bit at that one, then shrugs. And second, you are underneath Lady Spoon and your teachers in the chain of command - they may give you Orders, and you will obey them as if they come from me, or the Queen. * LordCharybdis nods to that one, apparently not finding it objectionable. * LadyCrystal really frowns at that. "Even the normal teachers?" Well, they can't give you magical orders. You should still obey them anyway. *not an Order* Well, yeah. I suppose. * LadyCrystal smiles, a touch. You're too kind, Spoon. Are we still on for later? I've been practicing. Not going to help. See you around, kids - stay good. * PrincessNitrogen walks back up the access road towards the towers. * LordCharybdis raises an eyebrow. "Practicing? Sparring or something?" Yes, ma'am. * LadySpitterwing nods and half-curtseys again. "It, uh, was an honor to meet you, Princess?" * PrincessNitrogen half waves, and keeps going. * LordCharybdis waves back, and offers a half-bow in polite traditional fashion. Yeah, a good spar. Though it's usually very short with her - about one lungful long. * LordWind makes a face. "So. Classic Princess attitude." ...oh. She puts nitrogen in your lungs? She can do that to a normal. To us, she surrounds us with it. * LordCharybdis puts on a water-bubble helmet. Oddly, he can still be heard through it. "I wonder if this would work." Hm. So wait, our attacks will work differently if used against a Lady than if we used them against a non-Lady? Lovely. So all that nitro and no oxygen. So you just black out? Hey, you'd probably be good at it, too, Wind! Blowing regular air back in? * LordWind conjures his wind barrier for a second, serving to stir up the air nicely. * LordCharybdis lets his water bubble fall back into the rest of the column. Depends on if she can conjure it directly inside my barrier. It's a case of magic resisting magic. We have stronger defenses, usually. Huh. * LadySpoon phews. Ohh. ...wow, I hadn't thought of it, but... ew. I'm more dangerous than I thought. *looks a bit sad* Well, that went... never mind. Let's just say that... no, I can't say that. You can't? Don't get on Nitrogen's bad side, okay? Even if she makes you mad. And she will. I'll try not to. She didn't seem like a bad person. Even if I'm supposed to, respect is two-way. She's got a Princess attitude, for sure. * LadyCrystal frowns. "As long as she treats me right, we won't have issues." ...just glad that Orders can't affect us when detransformed. * LadySpitterwing rolls her eyes a little at Wind. "Yeah, and you'd know about attitude, wouldn't you?" She adds just enough humor so it could be interpreted as a joke. Oh, Charybdis, sorry about that. Well, you all survived. Short lesson today, I guess. * LordCharybdis's face darkens again. "No need to apologize, Lady Crystal," he says formally. "I'm sorry you had to endure that. It was...not unpleasant for me." * LadySpoon waves the team away. "Go on. Feel miserable for a few hours. If you were older I'd tell you to get a drink. But DON'T." * LadySpitterwing nods at Lady Spoon. "Don't worry! Besides, why should we feel miserable? It's not like we had to jump off a 15-story building..." Oh, no, the only reason it bugs me is the age gap. * LadyCrystal shrugs. "And the coercion. I'd rather kiss someone before that deserve it." (because they) * LordCharybdis ducks into his column, kind-of turtle-like. "Sorry." * LadySpitterwing starts to Blend in preparation to leave. And it's not so bad. I hope you've never had Orders as bad as those first ones again. Now, go on and ponder that moment in your budding teenage life. I'm going to have a jog. ... * LadySpitterwing then leaves, blendedly! That depends on your definition of bad. She has a point. * LadySpoon heads north after the Princess. * LadyCrystal is on her way as well, idly wiping her lips. "... man, what a day." ...oof. I didn't know I was *that* bad a kisser. * LadySpitterwing is now known as Tasiya * LordWind is silent; he simply just takes flight heading back for the dorms, and detransforms when he gets there. * LordCharybdis sighs and detransforms, the water column fading to leave a brightly blushing boy nearly naked in tattered clothes. At least until he uses the fan to fix them with a couple quick waves. * LordWind is now known as John * LordCharybdis is now known as SeiMurdon * LadyCrystal blips from hero to zero midway there, thinking about that lesson well after the fact. * LadyCrystal is now known as Farah <@Ked> It's a quiet evening in the dorms - a few classes have assignments which require actual studying or homework and nobody wants to get behind. A lot of students are in their rooms, but a maths study group is parked in the Combs lounge, variously doing Trig 101, Calc 201 and 354, and Logic 205. <@Ked> Pleasant smells waft from the far end of the hall, where Sadao's door is open and tacos are on the menu. * SeiMurdon is still working on Algebra, but is working steadily off a little by himself. He's got a couple datavisor sites open to distract himself when he gets stuck on a particularly hard problem. His stomach growls. <@Ked> And yet another student council candidate is touring the floor, knocking on doors, one at a time. * Tasiya is parked in the study group vaguely struggling with Calc 354 and helping some other students with Calc 201. She glances around every now and then, as though waiting for someone in particular to show up. * John is working diligently on studying a few couches away; his headphones are so loud that even with them directed inward, he's practically vibrating from the bass. He looks up occasionally as his EI subtitles some of the people talking around him, but he's not really paying attention. John! *calling out a bit exasperated* Could you please turn that down a bit? * Farah is sitting in a couch (well, slouched on it), reading through what looks to be required text for Lit. AIDrick is being kind enough to forego a body to present the text for her, and her eyes are skittering to and fro to keep up. * John glances up for a moment, then back down to the holo-page. * Shizuko wanders up to the study group and pauses, tapping a pen against her lips as she decides whether to address them en masse or individually, or maybe even wait for later. She's almost a classic Japanese-descent beauty, small in stature with flowing black hair and well-proportioned curves... and a flat, wide face that's just on the near side of ugly. She's wearing a tarpsilk blouse in pink with her uniform pants. * SeiMurdon looks over that way, grateful for the distraction. * Darrell shoulders past her, carrying a pile of actual paper textbooks. * SeiMurdon blinks. "What's with all the books, Darrell?" * Farah looks up momentarily, then goes back to readily. A joke about paper-bag diplomacy dances through her head, but she let it stay inside her brain for now. She chuckles darkly nonetheless. Some things, it's easier to study this way. If I'm working on paper, I need to work FROM paper. I know, I'm weird. * Tasiya doesn't swallow her tongue, but she does get up. "Um, do you need any help with those?" Huh. Does that really help? It does me. Your klickage may vary. * SeiMurdon gets up; his algebra homework is collected from mid-air by Hantsuki's avatar. "What's the paper on, this time?" * Darrell eyes Tasi. "Well, I thought I was following along in trig pretty well. But I'll sure ask you if I have problems." * Tasiya blushes a bit. "Um, I meant with the textbooks..." Man. Books. Seriously... * SeiMurdon pauses at the older girl's blush, and glances between her and Darrell. He purses his lips a moment before shaking his head. "Trig's angles and things, right?" * Darrell puts them down on the floor and settles against a couch. "I know we're the weaker sex, but let a guy have some pride." * Farah looks over at Shizuko for a moment, wondering if she should say something or just stare in an unsettling manner. * Tasiya bites her lip a bit. "Sorry..." * Shizuko sighs, and wanders back to the rooms on the north side of the hall. * SeiMurdon actually looks surprised at Darrell's statement. * Tasiya just sits down and gets back to work before she embarrasses herself any more! Ei.. Shizuko, right. Something the matter? Oh, I'll see you later. Never mind me. Or do mind me - remember to vote! Uh... okay? * Farah scratches her temple for a second, then settles back down. "Weird." * John looks up again, glances at Shizuko, chuckles lightly. She got to me earlier. She's passing out MICS download credits. * SeiMurdon smiles. "Yeah! Vote for me!" he winks at Shizuko good-naturedly. * Darrell grins. "It's a hell of a bribe." Wait... seriously? * Tasiya blinkblinks. "...ooooooooooooh!" * Farah sits up. "No kidding." ...is that legal? She had a stack of cards - looked like enough for everyone. Probably as legal as anything else. * SeiMurdon droops. "I need to step it up, it seems." You do. Some aggressiveness could help. I don't know what her problem is, though. She's so shy about it, even though she came in second in the prelims. ...I'll talk to her. * Nicholas wanders over, munching on a taco. I mean, I want to win, but I don't want to do it by making others feel bad. ...oh! The tacos are ready? * John sniffs the air, and looks around. The headphones come off; the volume cuts out automatically. She seems nice, I guess. Oh yes. Do you think Sad's parents are chefs or something? * Farah sniffs as well. "That smells delightfully unhealthy." Excuse me. *runs off to Sadao's room* Those smell great! * Nicholas munches, then talks around the tortilla. "Cuz' 'his is 'fantastic. He 'maaa his own 'hells!" Wow, really? Cool! I saw him blending some fairypad bulk with the flour. It's a local recipe. * Darrell sighs and gets down to radians. My father said it took him two years to really get this part. I don't see what's so hard - you just multiply this and that and it comes out right. Huh... well, I'll pass. Really shouldn't be eating anything else right now... * John hasn't gotten up to get any, and he flips his headphones back on... then he raises an eyebrow. ... err? Live a little! One day you'll want to claim you shared Taco Night with the Lords and Ladies of Snowflake! * John stands up, closes his homework, and heads straight for the elevator. * Tasiya blinks a little. "Um, are you sure it's okay?" * SeiMurdon wanders back with a taco. Swallowing, he says, "Yeah, these ARE good." * Shizuko even wanders up, bemused, campaign gear stowed in a backpack and taco in hand. * John taps out a text message to the other snowflakes while he's gone. "Something might be up? Don't commit to anything. Coming from Combs." I am sharing Taco Night. Just not a taco. Is this a Duchy thing? Huh? It... smells good, but that beef is spiced so much. * Farah looks to her EI as it chimes, but doesn't say anything. Instead, it's back to reading for her. I think that's how it wo-- *checks the message, which Hantsuki prints on the band itself for his eyes only* --works. It's just s'posed to be spiced like that. It's like wasabi but different. * Tasiya sighs. * Shizuko looks away. "My parents are Tokyo traditionalists. I didn't know food like this existed." I better go put my stuff back first. I'm not gonna be able to study with that yummy smell, and I don't wanna get taco all over my work..." * SeiMurdon chuckles. "Dad's kinda like that, too. 'Swhy I'm trying stuff when I can. ...it's not that he's against it, it's just that he only makes traditional stuff, himself." Okay, fine. I'll get a taco. For the spirit of the school and all... and huh. Well, we learn something new every day. * John comes back up, taking the stairs. He's on the prowl for... something. * Tasiya fits action to words and puts her stuff in her pack to head back to the elevators, with a slightly regretful glance under her lashes at Darrell. * Farah grins a little. "I'm still getting used to... shit, everything here. So we're all having a little school adventure." And off she goes to score something she'll regret eating later. * SeiMurdon doesn't notice Tasiya's look at Darrell as he's finishing off his taco. * Shizuko munches, then waves a hand in front of her open mouth. * Tasiya texts John as soon as she's in the elevator by herself. "So should we get into uniform, or...?" * Darrell is too busy with pi to notice. Not Pi, pi. * SeiMurdon dashes off and comes back with some milk. "This should help!" he says, offering it to Shizuko. * John walks past the crowd, skirting around it, as he heads to the far end of the dorms. Oh, thanks! 'Welcome. *smiles boyishly* Works for most spicy things. * Shizuko sits down. "If I didn't get to you already, don't worry, everyone is on my list. Even my competitors." * Tasiya goes back to her room and puts her stuff back as she waits for a response from John. * John texts back, "Nothing definite. Just keep on standby." No problem. I... *lowers his voice a bit* You seemed shy about handing out your campaign stuff. Why is that? *trying to sound supportive* * Farah returns shortly, devouring the taco with relish. "Going... mph, to regret this." She does not make the slightest of messes. Talented. * Shizuko blushes, "Well, it wasn't exactly my idea. My mother sent them when I told her how I finished." * Tasiya cools her heels a bit, then shakes her head and transforms, trying to sense anything weird. * Tasiya is now known as LadySpitterwing Oh. I see. Do you want the position? --I mean, if so, I'll gladly campaign against you. But if not... you shouldn't run for stuff you don't want to. * John continues prowling, and focusing on trying to sense ... something. Well, less "against you" and more "for myself," but you know what I mean. *grins friendly-like* They want me to win. So I should try! But there's room for six of us on the council. You'll probably make it. * John gives Rory's room a knock when he passes by, too. Hopefully fire won't strike twice. * Farah looks on between Sei and Shizuko, then looks up and around for a mere moment. <@Ked> Rory calls back, "A little busy in here! Don't open the door!" * LadySpitterwing detransforms, leaves her room, and tries to find a better, sneakier place to secretly retransform and Blend. * LadySpitterwing is now known as Tasiya * Tasiya is now known as LadySpitterwing * John calls back, "Fiery flamy kind of busy?" * SeiMurdon nods. "Well, I hope you win for your own sake, more'n for your folks. They're not the ones who'll be on the Student Council. But...good luck." * LadySpitterwing heads for Combs, using the stairs. Maybe next time she'll think to get John to open a door for her! And, if you want the job...don't be shy. *winks* No, I had a peepspill. * Shizuko flinches at the wink. 'k. Keep cool! * John resumes prowling. ... geh, I hope I didn't eat too fast. I wonder if there's enough for seconds? * SeiMurdon frowns. "...sorry." Still new at this 'making friends' thing; only been at it since last year. * SeiMurdon bows, Japanese style. "Still, I wish you well, Shizuko-san." * Farah focuses back on Shizuko and Sei, chuckling a bit at the sight. * Nicholas stands up and walks back towards Sad's room. Thank you, Murd- <@Ked> There's a strobe of shiny white light, as a silverdart flashes up out of the floor and zips right on through the ceiling. --woah! * Nicholas barely dodges, and yelps like a puppy. You okay, Nick!? What was that?! Holy shit! Silverdart! Wow! Right here! * Farah flinches a little, looking up. "Shit, a dart." ...don't they travel in groups? * LadySpitterwing barely manages not to yelp as well. * Nicholas falls on his butt, and scrambles away, never mind that the silverdart is completely out of sight. * SeiMurdon goes and looks at the floor and ceiling where it passed through, to see if it's done anything to them. <@Ked> The floor is, mercifully, not glowing red and making awful noises. * Shizuko stands up abruptly. "Maybe we should run away?" * John stares at the ceiling for a moment, then he breaks for the stairs. He transforms in the middle of the crowd, just short as hovering. The door opens before the Lord gets to it, at a 'come hither' gesture, and he - literally - glides down through the open doorway. * John is now known as LordWind * Nicholas isn't running away, but he's walking for the elevator. "Good plan, that." That... --well. If the Snowflake's on it, we should probably let him at it. Just stay out of his way, and try not to panic? Might want to head down. I'll go up and send anybody up there on down, too, okay? You think you can take charge of this group, Shizuko-san? * LadySpitterwing runs after the open door, going up and managing not to roll her eyes at John's showboating. I... hn. <@Ked> ...and then there's a thundering sound from the same end of the hall, and a trumpeting howl that no one recognizes. ...strike that. RUN. * SeiMurdon points at the exits commandingly. Running! WITHOUT PANICKING. * Shizuko manages a vaguely ladylike trot. * SeiMurdon rushes towards the sound. "I'll find anybody who's hurt. Shizuko, take care of 'em, okay?" * Farah jumps at the roar, waiting to mostly stick to the rear of the fleeing group. Easier to fade out of people's sight that way. * SeiMurdon has his fan out, as if it were a real weapon. * Rory slams his door open, and runs screaming for the stairs. MAGIC DAMN IT! ...are your peeps okay? *pausing at the doorway* * LadySpitterwing heads for that instead of the place where the silverdart may or may not still be. IT'S NOT THE PEEEPS! Good! * SeiMurdon dashes for Rory's room just to see if there's something in there. <@Ked> Something throws itself against the doorframe of Rory's room, and the wall splinters and a glowing, fifteen-foot quadruped stumbles through. * Farah frowns, waiting to fade out of view of the fleeing folks -- she's no one terribly popular, so she'd be easy enough to forget, and the others should be able to give her an alibi. And when she thinks the coast is clear, she... jumps at the sound of destruction. Well, shit. * SeiMurdon falls backwards with the door splinters falling into him. "Wah!" What the *heck*? * LadySpitterwing blendedly helps him up. * SeiMurdon mysteriously rises unnaturally to his feet. "Wha!?" * LadySpitterwing whispers into his ear. "Shh! It's me! What the heck...how did that thing GET here?" What *is* it? * GiantBlaine hoooooowls. It sounds like it's in pain, and as it finds room to stand up straight on the inner balcony, you realize why - the blaine's skin is ripped and shredded, and there appears to be barely enough of it left to cover a square meter of its bulk. The rest is exposed muscle and gristle and bone, though it strangely is barely bleeding. Eeeeep! * Farah takes the opportunity to find someplace quiet to transform, then follow the sounds of distress. "Shitshitshitshit..." <@Ked> It's glowing white, not red, and nothing is catching fire around it. * Farah is now known as LadyCrystal That poor thing... That's IT. I swear, NO MORE SNOWFLAKE PETS! <@Ked> [break session] Session Start: Wed Sep 29 18:11:46 2010 MMMWWWWAAAAH. MWWWWWWAAAAAAAH. ;_; MMMWWWWAAAH. MWWWWWWAAAAAAH. c_c You're right, sorry, I missed an A in that first one, there. <@Ked> [The Hunt] <@Ked> [Wednesday, June 30, 2490 - 1945 local time] <@Ked> [Combs Hall] <@Ked> [session resume] MMMMMMWAAAAR. * SeiMurdon 's expression disintegrates into agonized sympathy. "Oh, the poor thing..." * LadySpitterwing gulps. Um....mmmmmmwaaar? * GiantBlaine stumbles up to the balcony railing, banging its head on the ceiling. Behind it, there seems to be a weird jumble of Snowflake foliage in Rory's room. * Jaimie stares wide-eyed at the bellowing creature, echoing Sei. "Poor thing..." * LadyCrystal is moving towards the sound as quickly as she can, nerves on edge. Hopefully this one's not on fire. * Jaimie backs up, looking around to see if anyone who shouldn't might see her transform. * LadySpitterwing winces. * Rory is hanging on by the elevators, unwilling to give up on another pet. Everyone else has sensibly evacuated. * LordWind comes back in the door he just exited out of a minute ago, at a more pedestrian pace. He's still on the prowl for something. Leggy, CALM DOWN! * Jaimie bites her lip and runs for the stairs. Once out of sight, she flip- twist-explodes into Lady Swarm. * Jaimie is now known as LadySwarm Hey, Rory. Get out of here or stay behind us. * GiantBlaine tries to force its way forward, and simply levers the metal railing away. * LadySwarm waits an anxious moment to give a little time between Jaimie entering the stairwell and Swarm exiting, then hurries over to Rory. But... but... * SeiMurdon backs away fast, trying to get out of Rory's line of sight. "I'm outta here," he says. While Rory's trying to calm his pet, the freshman quickly pulls out his fan, and lets his eruption of water shred his clothes away in that translucent column. He really, really hopes Rory didn't see him do that. Rory, it's hurting really bad and it can't understand you. It might hurt you. * SeiMurdon is now known as LordCharybdis * LadyCrystal gets into relative range... and frowns. "Gyeh." She does pause a moment to watch the railing being torn free, and her jaw sets. Get out of here. * LadySwarm glances towards the mangled railing and jams the elevator button, pulling Rory towards it. Oh please work please work please work *points the trident at the blaine* [SEA WITCH'S CURSE!] * Rory is oblivious to transformations not directly between him and his pet. * LordWind gets between the white thing and Rory, ready to intercept, while Swarm does the rest. Dammit, try not to kill him! We will, we promise. *keeps tugging on Rory's arm* Now come on, out of here. * LadyCrystal crouches a little, ready to act should Charybdis's attempt to quell the thing not work. * GiantBlaine thrashes as it falls off the balcony and Charybdis's magic blasts into it. It doesn't transform into a fish - instead it leaps to its feet, flinging the blood that it now is starting to leak everywhere, and howls again. NO! Oh, no.... * LadySpitterwing squeaks! Not good. Not good at all. If this thing starts to rampage, take it down. Let me take its attacks this time, Ladies! <@Ked> Where the droplets of blood land, fairy pads blink into existence. At first they're only normal-sized, waist-height, but then they start growing, and growing... I'll try to hold it. We need a healer! * LordWind crosses his fingers with one hand, and thrusts one hand straight up. "Let's try taking it up, instead." ...what the...? * LadySwarm looks over her shoulder to see the blaine shrug off Sei's curse and her jaw sets. She shoves Rory into the elevator and spins around, rod at the ready, only to goggle at the instant jungle. * LadyCrystal whistles at the massive, fast-growing pads. * Rory ducks into the elevator as winds swirl around the Blaine. * GiantBlaine is not notably lifted. Blood is, however, and in seconds you have giant fairy pads growing down from the ceiling as well. ... gnnggh. ...shoot. Get this thing outside before it ruins the building! ...*how*?? * LadySwarm looks around a little wildly for a window she can bust out. * GiantBlaine staggers into the tangle of ground cover, which you realize has grown in scale to match the blaine. Push the damned thing if you have to! * LadyCrystal is gradually approaching. Not really close, but enough to keep her eye on where the blaine's likely at. Heck, Rory's window might still be busted from last time... <@Ked> There are no windows in the lounge area - not without going through an apartment. * LordCharybdis launches himself at it, tentacles spread, tossing his trident aside to free up both arms as he tries to tackle/hug the creature with all 12 limbs. "Calm down! Please!" he cries as he and his water wash into the creature. * LadySwarm circles carefully through the vegetation, trying to get to Rory's room and check. Charybdis, be careful! You might just hurt it more! How can I hurt it more than it's doing to itself?!? *not quite crying* Let's not find out!! * LordWind taps his EI. "Herc, call Spoon. Tell her what's going on, get her over here!" * LadySwarm glances in John's direction. "Turbulence, too!" Herc, Turbulence, too! * LordCharybdis scrambles into the blaine's distorted form, his humanoid arms going around its neck in a bear-hug as his tentacles STRETCH to great length, the tube-like muscles in them visibly straining beneath the rubbery black flesh, as they strive to wrap it firmly but gently and keep its thrashing to a minimum. The water column flows around in a wide, low ring, instinctively demarcating the space in which the squiddy lord is trying to contain the poor beast. ... that is so freaky. * LadyCrystal nonetheless smiles slightly. * LadySwarm grimaces, but doesn't say anything. * GiantBlaine is tall enough to not be affected by Charybdis's water column. It staggers, but still keeps its feet even as squidboy wraps it up. * LadySpitterwing leaps down in front of it, unblending as she does so. She looks up at it with big wide eyes, holds out a hand, and tries to make calming, authentic blaine-noises. * GiantBlaine makes uncalm, blaine-screams right back at her. "*MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH*" And it has bad breath. Eeeeeeeeewck! We need this thing OUT of the building! Charybdis, keep holding it there! I'm trying! Please, Leggy, calm down! We want to help! *totally ineffectually desperate* * LadyCrystal scans about, spits out a few curses, and stands back, readying herself. "Keep trying to calm that thing if you can, I don't see how in the fuck we can move that mountain easily!" * GiantBlaine thrashes, and tries to kick, and Lord Charybdis learns quickly just how strong the beast is. Please, calm down! <@Ked> Charybdis lands heavily about five meters away. * LordCharybdis makes a squishy splut sound. "No..." * GiantBlaine lowers its head, aiming its bony scalp at the Lord, and charges! <@Ked> The Lord dodges, but doesn't quite get all those tentacles out of the way. He goes flying again, farther this time! * LordCharybdis lands...tragically far from his water! Okay, enough of this! We dance! * GiantBlaine moves into the sudden fairy pad thicket. Granted a fifteen-foot blaine can't precisely hide, but... * LadyCrystal bolts into the pad canopy, drawing her fist back. One can see veins of light streaking under her skin and hear an ominous crashing chime as she strikes. The blow instantly lashes out with a wave of jagged crystal, which instantly shatters... only to clap back onto the blaine's body, growing at a startling speed in a bid to tie it up. * GiantBlaine thrashes as chunks of muscle are shredded away, and howls again. * LadySpitterwing winces. Oh no... Do something while it's tripped up! If I have to beat this thing down to save the school, I will! * LordWind looks around, and reaches out; pulling a blanket flying from the hole in Rory's room - it promptly hovers for a quarter-second to flatten out, then goes flying again, coming around behind the giant blaine, and trying to net it's head. * GiantBlaine is taken by surprise - but thick things covering its face trigger a panic reflex, and it rubs the blanket off against a fairy pad stem. The blanket doesn't survive the encounter. * LadySwarm glances aside at Crystal. "I'm going to swarm it, try to keep it distracted. If you want me to actually attack it, tell me." Hive Mind! * LadySwarm tosses her rod aside into nothingness and collapses into a moving wave of leopard ants. They swarm up onto the blaine and remain there, circling around and over its body. Woah... * LadyCrystal seems to have seen Hive Mind for the first time, and her reaction is to yelp and flinch away. * LadySwarm is now known as TheSwarm * GiantBlaine freaks out, twisting away from what's left of the crystal encasement. * LadySpitterwing wrinkles her forehead, biting her lip as she does so. "Ummm...Dakdak, give me some info on this! Show me ideas on how to calm it down!" She backs up out of sight, but not out of range. Stay away from AOEs. That's a friendly ... ant swarm. * TheSwarm appreciates that warning! Gnnnnyaaaaah, that's freaky! * LadyCrystal does not smile this time. * LordCharybdis lays back on the dry ground in the forest, reaching with his tentacles to drag himself towards the Blaine. "Leggy! Yoo hoo! Calm down!" he calls, trying to get its attention on him. As he builds a bit of momentum, he lashes out with his tentacles to try to wrap Leggy's front two legs together! * GiantBlaine simply steps over the tentacles. * LadyCrystal is close enough to the action to figure out what she needs to do... and that's cover her allies. Even considering what's going on, she looks hesitant with regards to actually killing the blaine, and so she settles back, fists up, ready to leap in harm's way if it attacks again. * GiantBlaine is absolutely freaked out - what with being covered by BUGS - and it simply panics, running blindly through the canopy... and running over Lady Crystal. * LadyCrystal yelps as the Blaine barrels her way, and instinct tells her that if you want to avoid getting bowled over, you duck. She dips, scrunches up, and avoids being stepped on. <@Ked> When it reaches the far side of the lounge, it slams its body against the elevator shaft wall, and rubs. The wall cracks. Swarm! * TheSwarm just scurries around to the other side of the giant blaine. * LordCharybdis hammers his fists helplessly against the ground. "No. This isn't FAIR." * LordWind orients himself on the blaine, takes a half-step back, and then shoves forward. The invisible mass of air hurtles at the blaine. * GiantBlaine is suddenly battered by invisible force, pounding it into the fragmenting wall. <@Ked> The scraps of skin that were barely holding on to the monster's flesh have let go now, leaving it a blood-soaked grotesque that scarcely resembles a living being. Ngh... not much we can do here, Charybdis! ...no... * TheSwarm scurries around, trying to avoid the worst of the blood, but she doesn't seem ready to crawl off the blaine yet. * LadySpitterwing looks up at the fairy pads..."Dammit, they're too big! Uhhh...." * LadySpitterwing just launches a gosh darn Venom Spit! * LadySpitterwing then pales. "Oh my gosh...SWARM GET OUT OF THE WAY!" * GiantBlaine doesn't seem to have noticed the incoming spit, and sizzles nastily. The glowing white light dims just slightly. * TheSwarm rushes away from where the venom seems to be incoming, but not all the bugs manage to get out of the way in time, and several of them get melted by venom. Not enough to put a real dent in the swarm, though. * LordCharybdis reaches towards the water, pulling some of it to him. "Maybe..." He grabs for his trident where it fell. The white light's faded, maybe... "[Sea Witch's Curse!]" he calls, almost pleadingly. "Please Leggy..." He droops when it fizzles ineffectually against the poor beast's bloody flesh. "...I am so sorry." We do what we hafta. * LadyCrystal pauses, and strikes the oh-so-corny familiar pose she demonstrated the first time. "Flashing Pillar!" With a chime and a faint slashing sound, flakequartz snaps from the ground from directly underneath the blaine, tearing through it with little effort. * LordCharybdis winces. * GiantBlaine screams more and thrashes and bleeds, but it's the BUGS CLIMBING ALL OVER IT which really seems to be driving it completely nuts now. It slams itself into the elevator bank wall again, then does a prancing turn about and slams its other side so hard you can see ribs snap and poke through the outer layer of muscle over its chest. * LordCharybdis gasps and whimpers a bit. * LordWind makes a faintly sick face. * LadyCrystal grits her teeth at the sight, but doesn't look away. <@Ked> The elevator bank wall is practically falling apart at this point. * TheSwarm scrambles madly across the blaine's body and manages to escape the first slam, but a chunk of the bugs get mashed flat before they can avoid the second slam. * LordWind throws another Aerocrush out; the only sign it's been launched is the motion of his hands. * GiantBlaine is struck, and struck, and pounded, and its screams tail off as the wind mashes the giant beast into the crumbling wall... which crumbles more under the weight of the blast, and the unconscious monster slowly tumbles into the elevator shaft,' Catch it! *desperately reaching, too far to help* * LordWind watches with glee... and then dawning horror as it starts to stumble. * LadySpitterwing scrambles towards the area. "Swarm!" Ohshitohshitohshit! Jump off! Get off! * LordCharybdis 's eyes widen. "SWARM! GET OFF!" * LordWind breaks to get to the falling, bloody, broken beast before it topples all the way off. * TheSwarm does not need any warning. As soon as she realizes what's happening, leopard ants start scurrying towards the floor. Unfortunately, they don't have time to make it far before the blaine falls through the wall. Instead, they cascade off the animal into the elevator shaft, falling down around it. * GiantBlaine tumbles, banging against the sides of the shaft and an elevator parked two floors down. When all two tons of the beast lands on the elevator car parked in the basement, the metal box shatters, and the blaine simply *splashes*. * LordCharybdis sobs. "Useless." * LadySpitterwing makes a keening sort of whine, wincing, and peers over. "...oh, god, I hope nobody was in there..." she says, in a sick-sounding voice. Me too. But... shit. Not much we can do now. Shit, shit, shit. * TheSwarm gathers together on top of what's left of the blaine, and suddenly Lady Swarm is crouched at the bottom of the elevator shaft. * TheSwarm is now known as LadySwarm * LadySpitterwing yells, still with that sick tone in her voice. "Swarm! Are you okay??" * LadyCrystal then proceeds to walk over to Charybdis and gives him the biggest hug she can muster. <@Ked> The fairy pads around you flash silver! And then vanish, though they leave weird root-shaped channels in the furniture and floor. * LordWind jumps down, falling into a controlled flight, landing lightly on the pool of what used to be a pet. * LadySwarm stands up. She's covered in blood and standing on a disintegrating carcass. She swallows convulsively and scrubs at her skin. "I - I'm okay. I just need to get out of here." * GiantBlaine flashes silver as well, or at least its spattered bits do, and there's a momentary hint of that old silverdart feeling which immediately fades. * LordCharybdis 's trident turns into a fan, and his Lordly form splashes away, leaving a boy in tattered clothes crying into Crystal's shoulder. Sure. Need a lift, or you going to do your own thing? <@Ked> A giant Spoon suddenly levers the external elevator doors open at ground level, and a friendly face peers into the gloom. Ew. * LadySwarm looks at Wind, still looking sick. "I can make it." She shudders one last time, then walks to the wall of the shaft. Before she can start up it, though, Lady Spoon appears. * LordWind takes a deep breath, while waiting for some kind of response. He lets it out heavily once she responds, trying to calm down a little. That looks like something I killed. * LadyCrystal soothes poor Sei as best she can. * LadySwarm looks at Lady Spoon, hollow-eyed. "Thanks." And she climbs awkwardly out. * LordCharybdis is now known as SeiMurdon * LadySpoon offers Swarm a hand. * LadySwarm hesitates a moment, looking at all the blood on her, then takes it. * SeiMurdon swallows hard and chokes back his crying, pulling away. "s-sorry," he sniffles at Crystal. "s-sorry." * LadySpoon ignores the blood. Thanks. ... sorry about the elevator. * LordWind says that softly, staring at his feet. <@Ked> The dozen or so students in the lobby aren't so blase - first gasping, then applauding wildly. Nothing to be sorry about. You're still you... and I'm glad you are. Now you might wanna hide before you... * LadySwarm flinches and backs up to the elevator doors again, staring at all of them. * SeiMurdon hears that, and panic stops his tears more effectively than self- control. He waves his fan over his clothes and RUNS, hoping they other students won't spot him. * LadySpitterwing hears the applause from down below and looks over at Murdon. ... yeah. ...Leggy... * LadyCrystal frowns, slightly, as she mutters to herself. "Gotta love this job." I think we need a monster-attack mode for the elevator systems. * LadySpitterwing nods dumbly. * SeiMurdon retreats to his room, where he closes and locks the door. What he does in there is left to others to guess. At least he won't embarrass himself. * LadySwarm spots Rory and her eyes get even wider. She can't seem to figure out what to do. * LordWind looks around, quietly. "... don't SPIAR fields scare off silverdarts?" What? ...no more pets. They're all going home. ... nevermind. ...Rory, I'm sorry...we did try... * LadySpoon tsks and pats Rory on the shoulder. "I'm so sorry." * LadyCrystal looks down at the clapping students... and doesn't seem any happier. She does at least let them know she cares with a lazy wave. * LadySwarm looks away, wrapping her arms around herself. * LadySpitterwing backs away from the edge now that Spoon's here and Swarm's okay, and looks around the devastated dorm. "...yikes." * LordWind makes a fist. "For what it's worth... Leggy was going to die anyways. Something about them not being able to handle the power. I'm sorry. I was trying to just knock him out." * LadySpoon turns around. "Kids, we need to start cleaning up. And doing the forensics." She makes scooting motions. * LadySwarm makes an effort and looks up at Lady Spoon. "I'm gonna go...clean up." If we could get it to calm down, or out, maybe something could have been done. Sorry. <@Ked> Combs doesn't look... too bad, at least there's only structural damage to two walls and the carpets. And the couches. The poor couches. * LadySpoon nods. "We'll talk later." * LadyCrystal shakes her head, and then heads off to find a nice place to become normal again. * Rory staggers off with the rest of the students. He looks haunted. * LadySwarm looks around at all the students and evidently decides that climbing back into the elevator shaft is preferable. She plants her hands against one wall and makes her way up to the hole in the wall where she can get out and detrans. * LordWind nods, once, at Lady Spoon, and takes off - literally, once he gets outside - heading for the beach. * LadySwarm is now known as Jaimie * LadySpoon looks down at the mess, and frowns. * LadyCrystal is now known as Farah ...I need al-Fadil. * Jaimie is only mildly relieved to find that the blood is gone once she's detransed. She, too, makes her way back to hide in her room, trying not to shudder too conspicuously on the way. <@Ked> [end session] * LadySpitterwing blends, climbs carefully down to the elevator car, and quietly hops off, running off to detrans. Session Close: Wed Sep 29 21:52:40 2010