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OD
Known Hero
or Grizzly Bear?
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posted January 26, 2008 07:48 AM |
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The War of 5/8
"Do not worry good ranger" Jack says to Fate as he pulls out a dagger and plunges it lightly into Dhalia's head. The blade stands alone for a few moments before Jack's boot stomps on it, driving the edge through the priestess skull. "She is most certainly dead."
Saphire just cringes as she watches the display.
"A little excessive don't you think?" asks Moon of her partner.
"You're one to talk about excessive" replies Jack.
Onyx stands up, a little dazed, but in good condition due to the healing spells cast upon him. "So this is why you had me forge such a weapon. You could have at least filled me in on your plan" he says angrily to Moon.
"The fewer people who knew of the plan, the better. It's not like it was an easy plan to pull off" the goddess replies calmly. "Just be thankful that it worked out ok."
"Yes, yes. You mind actually telling us what your plan was?" asks Jade impatiently as she wipes the tip of her spear off on the clothes of a dead drow. AND who are you?" she points to Jack.
"I'm Jack of Blades" the man bows in regal fashion. "Leader of the Shadow Thieves. Moon and I met when we both discovered the Drow were growing to be... problematic."
"Wait, how on earth did you ever have time to contact him?" Jade interrupts.
Jack looks smug as he prepares to field the question. "I have eyes and ears everywhere. It was quite serendipitious a little bird sought my help." Jack waits for everything to set in. "Moon proposed an alliance and asked us to help inflitrate the Drow in order to get close to Dhalia. Being the best thief in the realm, I personally infiltrated her ranks and thanks to Mask, remained undetected. I was also to keep an eye on the young mageling" he gestures to Ceres. "I was completely sure what Moon had in mind, but when I discovered the new recruit had a magical dagger with her, I figured it out."
"And poor Dhalia never realized that the dagger itself was an extension of my power. It couldn't drain my essence because it is part of my essence." Moon raises the dagger, which begins to glow brightly. Whisps of aqua energies peel off the blade, being sucked up by Moon's arm. In seconds, the dagger disappears as its essence returns to Moon. "While a fool, she did have power, which I will put to far better use than she did."
"All that for a petty fued?" asks Sun bitterly. "What about everybody who died? What about Brock?!"
"And what about all the pain and suffering you caused, Highlord?!" Moon quips. The retort cuts deep; Sun is visibly shook by the comment. She retreats off to the corner.
Jack pulls out a small orb, gazes into it for a few moments, and begins to head towards the exit of the mound. "While I do enjoy a good cat fight, I must bid you adieu. Things do not seem to be faring well against the Flayers. Oh, and you may want to go outside yourself. There's something you'll want to see" he says crytpically as he disappears.
Onyx turns to address Dragon's question as he follows Jack's lead. "We pick up where we left off."
==============================================
The heroes are overcome with a sense of dread as the exit the mound. Something feels horribly wrong. As sun rays guide the heroes closer to the egress, silence greets their ears. No clanking of swords, no chanting of arcane power, no shuffling of feet. There is nothing except quiet.
"Maybe the Drow and the others stopped the undead, and fled when Dhalia died?" asks Saphire optimistically, trying to disguise the worry in her voice.
"Nothing in life is ever that simple, bard. They probably all killed eachother" Onyx blurts.
The sheer tactlessness of the rune master does little to lighten the mood as the heroes find themselves out of the mound. Saphire gasps as she stares straight ahead.
A stone garden, filled with lifeless statutes, stands on the battlefield. Frozen figures in all sorts of twisted poses welcome the group to the finale. In the middle of it all, three black statues draw the attention of the heroes. Two warriors, a man and a woman, have locked weapons with a large man carrying a scythe. All that remains of their battle is black stone.
"And then there were five" Onyx mutters cryptically.
____________
"There is no such thing as a plea of innocence in my court. A plea of innocence is guilty of wasting my time. Guilty."
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vlad976
Adventuring Hero
Nukular Turbo Toaster
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posted January 26, 2008 08:41 AM |
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Edited by vlad976 at 09:10, 26 Jan 2008.
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I spit on the ground before commenting, "I think that's quite possibly the most successful stonewalling tactic I've ever seen."
Afterwards, I walk up to one of the statues and try to kick/topple it.
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If you are offended by words on a monitor, don't read this post.
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Ceres
Supreme Hero
and sweetness
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posted January 26, 2008 08:51 AM |
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Edited by Ceres at 08:57, 26 Jan 2008.
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The scenery stuns me. I have not seen a huge display of such as this in years. I stop for a while and observe the whole view. Then I walk a little closer to one of the stone figures.
“Petrified? What do you think?” I ask over Blake, “But I might be wrong.”
Not satisfied with my first conclusion, I survey the place once more trying to find for other clues. The three black statues in the middle catch my attention. I have seen other cases like this but not a black one.
“What kind of spell is this?” I ask myself, “And where is Omega and Topaz?”
I will try to close in the three black statues with caution.
____________
And when the stars fall, I
will lie awake. You're my
shooting star.
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Elvin
Admirable
Omnipresent Hero
Endless Revival
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posted January 26, 2008 12:23 PM |
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"That's all you care about Onyx..? What about our friends and companions dammit? I hope you or Blake can restore them somehow.." Not really in the mood to hear his reply I quicken my step to inspect the statues from closer.
____________
H5 is still alive and kicking, join us in the Duel Map discord server!
Map also hosted on Moddb
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AlkarRahn
Promising
Legendary Hero
Divine Arcanist
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posted January 26, 2008 10:08 PM |
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I walk through the drow statue garden, towards the three in the center.
"Well, this is not great. Interesting, though. I've not seen this happen before. I'm not sure how it would be dealt with. I might have to look into, and study, a few things to see what I can learn."
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winterfate
Supreme Hero
Water-marked Champion!
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posted January 26, 2008 11:28 PM |
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I look at Moon silently, deciding that trying to act as the peacemaker in her cat fight would be somewhat inappropriate.
After a few seconds of silence, I frown slightly at Onyx and say:
"I, for the most part, have left you alone during most of the time we've journeyed together, but since no one seems to be asking this precise question, it feels like the perfect time to."
My frown turns into a small smirk as I ask:
"What kind of life does someone have to live to become this abrasive? Are you ever happy?"
I brace myself, knowing full well how Onyx tends to react to most things.
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Ceres
Supreme Hero
and sweetness
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posted January 27, 2008 05:02 AM |
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“Omega and Topaz must be one of these statues we should be careful not to break them,” I mutter while inspecting the black statues carefully, “If these statues are petrified then Stone to Flesh can reverse the effect.”
“Dispel magic could work too,” I raise an opinion to Blake, “But it is an area of effect spell and we might dispel those who shouldn’t be dispelled that might cause trouble again.”
“And with this very wide range of magic I assume it was casted by a powerful being, my magic could not work here,” I put in plain words followed with a sigh keeping in mind that I am weakened due to my dense action.
“If my proposed spells doesn’t work then I have no idea anymore,” I add as I turn to Blake, “Maybe there is some sort of artifact that could undo these.”
I chuckle a bit noticing how limited my knowledge is. I look around to search for more clues but then I notice Onyx. I had always known him as a powerful rune mage being Mitsu’s master and seeing his power display during the past battles. It gets into my mind to ask for his opinion so I approach him.
“Um, Onyx,” I ask shyly and with a low voice getting ready to be scolded, “What can you say about this?”
____________
And when the stars fall, I
will lie awake. You're my
shooting star.
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vlad976
Adventuring Hero
Nukular Turbo Toaster
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posted January 27, 2008 07:13 AM |
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I am unable to resist piling on. "Oh come on Fate. When isn't Captain Charisma happy? Ravenloft couldn't even drag him down. I mean, just look at that face. Does it not scream happiness to you?"
____________
If you are offended by words on a monitor, don't read this post.
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OD
Known Hero
or Grizzly Bear?
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posted January 27, 2008 04:55 PM |
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Edited by OD at 17:06, 27 Jan 2008.
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Onyx just ignores the Vlad's slings and arrows as he winds his way towards the center of the garden. Without even turning to Fate, Onyx replies "optimisim is a good trait, young ranger, but it doesn't keep you alive."
The rune master stops before the three statues. He examines the stone carefully and refrains from touching it. He places his hand to his chin, looks the three figures up and down, and then address the two mages. "They weren't petrified and the magic can't be dispelled."
Immediately, Blake and Ceres know his words to be true. Ordinary magics did not create the granite graveyard. Elvin quietly joins the trio but keeps his distance from the rune master.
Onyx sees the distress in Ceres's face and places a hand on her cheek.
"Hold still." The magical runes resting on her face disappear at his touch. "There, that's better. We don't need to worry about the runes accidentally activating and blowing your head off anymore."
He retracts his hand from Ceres and decides to place it on the statue of Omega. His usual grim expression has a hint of sadness to it. "So it was fate..." he turns around to face Ceres and Blake. "There is nothing we can do for them. They have been sealed."
Moon weaves through the lifeless figures as she makes her way towards the three. Her voice is soft as she address the surprised looking mages. "The Nightlord is an eldar power and probably the strongest leader of the eight armies. There was no way Omega and Topaz could have stopped him through ordinary means."
"That's why it was so important the book was kept safe" adds Onyx. "The book contained the rituals and power to seal the Nightlord."
"And from the looks of things, it required the sacrifice of those two to bind him." The goddess touches the frozen face of Topaz. "You two did well. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten."
As the information sinks in, Vlad's boredom assists in knocking over a statue of a skeleton. Disappointingly, it doesn't break when it hits the ground, landing with a simple thud. As Saphire observes the action, she notices a small note attached to a drow statue next to Vlad.
"Hey Vlad, check this out." The note is wound like a scroll and attached to a dagger with twine. She reads it out loud.
"Heroes,
I forgot to tell you in the mound that the king of Frosthold has been assasinated. The culprit has been captured and is awaiting execution. I believe her name is Mitsu.
-Jack"
Saphire looks surprised. "Mitsu? Why would she kill the king of Frosthold?"
================================================================
The dungeon certainly could have been made more welcoming. Human bones, rat feces, and a sewer drain do not scream acommodating. As the young rune mage hangs from the wall, she can't help but wonder why nobody believed her.
As she ponders her current dilemma, two guards stop by to taunt her.
"Comfortable?" asks one.
"Huh yeah, she looks that way" replies the other. "I don't think she will be once we get a new king. She'll be the first order of business take care of."
"Aye. Regicide always brings in a large crowd to the gallows. Looks like you get to be a star!"
The two guards start chuckling as they walk off. Mitsu's ire with the guards is only second to that of her informant. He was a reliable source, but killing a king has serious consequences and if he's wrong, well, that's something to worry about later.
____________
"There is no such thing as a plea of innocence in my court. A plea of innocence is guilty of wasting my time. Guilty."
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Elvin
Admirable
Omnipresent Hero
Endless Revival
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posted January 27, 2008 06:32 PM |
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For a moment I feel as if someone splashed my face with cold water, it takes a few seconds to realize what just happened. Or what they say happened. No, Mitsu would not do that without good reason, she must be framed. I have to talk to her, she owes me an explanation for her silent departure.
"Time to go people, we have to find out what happened. I wish we could do something about our fallen comrades but they chose their fate for us to have a better chance."
____________
H5 is still alive and kicking, join us in the Duel Map discord server!
Map also hosted on Moddb
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winterfate
Supreme Hero
Water-marked Champion!
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posted January 27, 2008 08:59 PM |
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I look at Onyx and say:
"You do have a point there, but what I mean is, you don't have to treat everyone as if they were about to slap you or something like that."
I smile slightly as I move to see the statues. I drop to my knees as I realize what is happening and tears start flowing from my eyes.
"You will both be sorely missed. May you find solace with the Nature Mother."
I smile sadly, realizing that I'm (besides the NPC ladies  ) now the last remaining party member from the early part of the group's journey.
My mind wanders back to the day where Omega saved me from slavery and I break down. Suddenly, my companion starts licking my face.
"Shady! Where did you run off too? What do you mean you've been here the whole time?! You're right...I have to stay strong. Come here boy..."
I pick up my dog companion as I stare silently at the statues.
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vlad976
Adventuring Hero
Nukular Turbo Toaster
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posted January 27, 2008 11:49 PM |
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Edited by vlad976 at 23:50, 27 Jan 2008.
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I give a few parting boots to the skull of the skeletal statue, more out of frustration than anything else.
"You know Saph, if I hadn't gone through all this recent stuff, I might have been surprised. But now it seems like everybody's got some sort of hidden agenda or shadowy plan. I think the only thing that would surprise me now, is if you got knocked out after one round of wine-tasting."
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If you are offended by words on a monitor, don't read this post.
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Ceres
Supreme Hero
and sweetness
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posted January 28, 2008 02:12 PM |
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Edited by Ceres at 14:13, 28 Jan 2008.
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The removal of the magical runes on my face delights me. But it is not the fact that my head is now safe from exploding but it is because of Onyx’s little attention towards me. For the second time, his warm hand touched my face and I cannot explain this enlightening feeling. I smile at him but make sure not to get caught by his eyes for I am very timid.
However, my bliss never lasts that long. Onyx’s conclusion about the statues saddened me deeply. I suddenly felt that a dagger had struck my head and made its way to my chest. Just a while ago, I am with this lively couple and now they stopped all of a sudden.
I bow frailly on Omega’s statue. I want to cry but tears resist from coming out. Omega had saved me from death. With no particular reason, he gave me a second life. I owe this to him.
“Omega,” I breathe deep and hold my up head high then whisper to the heavens, “I promise to use this for good, Thank you.”
Then I smile.
____________
And when the stars fall, I
will lie awake. You're my
shooting star.
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AlkarRahn
Promising
Legendary Hero
Divine Arcanist
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posted January 28, 2008 10:19 PM |
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I laugh a little as Vlad makes the joke about Captain Charisma. I don’t know the guy, but I could easily tell Onyx is not like this. I could easily picture what Onyx’s attitude would likely be in these cases.
“Yeah. Onyx is correct about these guys. Nothing we can really do to help these two. Not now, at least. Maybe not ever.”
I give the three statues one last look, then turn to the others. I listen as Saphire reads the note.
“So, I take it this Mitsu person is a friend of yours, then? Well, then we might want to go see what this assassination and execution is all about, shouldn’t we? I know you all are pretty sad about losing these two, but we should probably hurry before you lose another.”
I start to walk in some direction, then stop.
“I don’t know the way. Nor how you all even got to this area. Could one of you lead the way? Oh! Could I also have that note, when you don’t need it anymore?”
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Mytical
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Chaos seeking Harmony
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posted January 29, 2008 09:48 AM |
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Though the bonds wouldn't hold her if she really wanted out, Mitsu hung there silently. Her head was hung low. She knew they would be coming, and she would have no answers for them. Especially him. How would she be able to look him in the eyes after this? Perhaps it would be best just to let them do whatever they had in mind. If she could not get them to understand, without breaking her oath, she probably would.
Time seemed endless hanging there. She could almost feel them approach, she knew it was just a matter of time. She steeled herself for the inevitable looks of hate and disgust. They would think she betrayed them like the other mage, and she wouldn't be able to explain she hadn't. Blasted oath, blasted family, only Onyx would understand...
____________
Message received.
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OD
Known Hero
or Grizzly Bear?
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posted January 29, 2008 07:30 PM |
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Edited by OD at 19:38, 29 Jan 2008.
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"Like that will ever happen!" Saphire says with a weak smile in response to Vlad's statement. She seems uneasy with the entire situation, not really knowing what to say. A lot has been lost in this war, but nothing so personal.
Moon looks at the statues one last time, gazing around the stone garden with a hint of disgust on her face. "This is no way to memorialize fallen comrades. Stand back everyone."
The ground begins to tremble lightly as she holds up her hands. The statues of the Drow and Undead armies begin to crack and crumble, filling the air with dust. Roots begin to rise from the ground, bursting from the earth to strike out at the lifeless figures. As they sprout forth, the trees begin to surround the statues of the fallen heroes. The ground immediately surrounding Omega, Topaz, and the Nightlord sinks a little, and water begins to flow into it, creating a moat. Within two minutes, a small glade is created with beautiful flowers, plants, and a stone that reads "Here Omega and Topaz. They sacrificed their future so we could have a future."
Moon looks satisfied with the make-shift memorial, while Jade just looks on in amazement.
"That shall do" says the goddess. "Now we need to get going and rescue Mitsu before it's too late. Brace yourselves!"
Giant, stone hands burst from the ground and grasp the heroes.
"By the Hells! Don't you just have a teleport spell?" asks Onyx as he fidgets.
"When you become a goddess Onyx, you can pick how we travel" quips Moon.
The enormous hands clinch tightly and pull the entire group (Shady included) into the ground.
After what feels like ten minutes, the stony hands erupt from the ground in front of Frosthold, and dump the heroes onto the snowy ground. The ride could have certainly been smoother.
"Hmm...I'll have to work on that part" says Moon as she rubs her shoulder. "Anyways, welcome back to Frosthold."
=================================================================
"GET IN THERE YOU VAGRANT!" Shouts one of the guards as he throws a what appears to be a man into the dungeon. The man flies through the air about four feet before crashing into the ground, landing right in front of Mitsu.
"That'll teach you to be in the wrong place at the wrong time Azagal!" shouts another guard.
"But it's not so bad" chortles the first guard. "You have an assassin to keep you company. Try to stay on her good side."
The dungeon gate slams firmly shut and the padlock clanks shut.
____________
"There is no such thing as a plea of innocence in my court. A plea of innocence is guilty of wasting my time. Guilty."
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vlad976
Adventuring Hero
Nukular Turbo Toaster
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posted January 29, 2008 07:58 PM |
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Edited by vlad976 at 20:33, 29 Jan 2008.
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"Haha. Goddess. Onyx, I had no idea." I snicker.
"Anyways... I need to go get some drinks to make sure I'm drunk enough for Mitsu's explanation to make sense. Saph?"
____________
If you are offended by words on a monitor, don't read this post.
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Elvin
Admirable
Omnipresent Hero
Endless Revival
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posted January 29, 2008 08:10 PM |
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"That was bumpy. I'd join you but I can't wait to see her and need to have a clear head."
____________
H5 is still alive and kicking, join us in the Duel Map discord server!
Map also hosted on Moddb
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winterfate
Supreme Hero
Water-marked Champion!
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posted January 30, 2008 12:52 AM |
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I dust myself off and make sure Shady is okay.
I look at Moon and chuckle:
"Well, that's one way to get in touch with the earth."
I wobble around a bit trying to balance myself and then stand silently, waiting to see what the others will do.
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If you supposedly care about someone, then don't push them out of your life. Acting like you're not doing it doesn't exempt you from what I just said. - Winterfate
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Mytical
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Chaos seeking Harmony
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posted January 30, 2008 07:32 AM |
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Mitsu sighs and looks at the individual they have tossed in the cell with her. Leave it to this so called justice system to toss a man in with a helpless, or what that they should think helpless, female. Probably watching somewhere hoping to get a 'show' out of it.
Since she couldn't free herself, yet, this could get bad. She watched the figure, not raising her head, for signs of life. Her nature was that she wanted to help heal him, but that would reveal her secret weapon. That she could invoke her spells without a word, and with minimal gestures. That wouldn't do at all.
So she watched, and waited.
____________
Message received.
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