Things of Myth and Legend - RP Version

[Rex]

Eventually the first Dragon, Orn, sent the slurring crimson dragon off, and motioned for the rest of them to follow him. Rex was glad to see her go, the way she glared at him, like he had blown some huge plan of hers. She looked like she would have killed him if Orn hadn't stopped her. Another being appeared, she looked human enough, by Rex had learned never to trust his eyes alone.

She said something about clothing and food. Clothes would be of no use to him, at least not pants designed for humans. One of the only disadvantages of having a tail, was that pants had to be custom made. The woman introduced herself as Luna, a word that, on Earth, was Latin for "Moon." The Latin language seemed to use some of the similar words that the Dragons did. Terra, possibly derived from their Planet's name, Terrater, was the Latin name for Earth. Rex grinned, Terra, Luna, all they needed was Sol. He was sure that the Dragon's had lied to him about Earth, but he would play their game for now.

The Dragon led them outside of the building they were in. It was bright out, Rex was half tempted to dig his cold weather goggles out and use them as shades. His vision blurred while his eyes dilated. After Rex could see properly again, he noticed that the sky and plants were red, quite different from the normal blue and green. The star of the planet was blue in color, most likely a Class B star.

The Dragon led them down the left side of the street, as was the custom of many European nations back on Earth. Rex, being a American, was used to going along the right side of the road, but he'd deal. The Dragon took them to a castle, like everything else in this world, it was far larger then anything on Earth.

They were led through a silver gate, which opened and closed automatically, and were led up to a equally large door. Once again, the door opened automatically, allowing them to enter. After the last humans entered the room, the doors shut, and the Dragon opened another pair, his fiery breath being used as a key, or sorts.

The Dragon took its place at a throne on the other side of the room. He wanted them to line up, single file, and approach him, one by one, and they were expected to kneel, something Rex always had trouble doing.

Rex found himself at the front of the line, no one wanted to come forward first, to scared of what the dragon might do. Rex sighed, looked like he would have to go first. He approached the Dragon, he knew he needed to act as formal as possible, so he removed his hat, revealing his otter-like ears, and messy hair. He placed the ski cap over his heart, and bowed until his back was parallel to the floor. After a moment he rose.

"Sorry, I was never very good at sitting," he sighed, pulling back the trench coat to reveal his tail to the dragon.

He tried his best, attempting to sit on the ground. The best he could do was cross-legged, leaning forward so that his tail could lay comfortably behind him. It wasn't very formal, but it definitely wasn't dignified. And on Earth, people with power wanted you to look undignified. Of course, that was human nature. Rex couldn't do anything but wait for the dragon's decision.

 

[Aura]

Once quite a few of the people had returned, Bree finally did what Orn had said to do — concentrate on her human self. She opened her eyes, and found herself in normal form. She shook her head, still trying to figure out how the hell that had happened. She noticed that Orn had taken a few steps towards the silver door. From here he addressed the crowd.

 

[Hunting Rifle]

After Scarlett had left, Orn nodded his head towards the giant double doors and the group followed, Drake still together with Iris. Some people around him were conversating while they walked, but everyone's voice ceased when a human woman aproached Orn. She hadn't ben part of the group as far as Drake knew, but she was wearing normal clothes and she looked normal enough, too. Iris seemed to have the same thoughts as him. 'Do you think she's a human?' She wispered while the woman greeted them. 'I do. She's not the only one either, it seems.' He answered her, pointing at her huge belly. Iris grinned. 'I hope the father's human, too. For her.'

Drake hadn't heard all of what the woman had said, but enough to know she was called Luna and that she was a receptionist and that they could ask her if they needed some info. The woman left again and the group continued trough the giant double doors.

After he had stepped trough the doorway, blinding light filled his eyes and in a reflex, he covered them with his hands. It was like waking up in the morning at Earth, when suffocating darkness turned into a blazing light in five seconds. When his eyes were used to the strong daylight, he uncovered his eyes and looked around.

He gaped at the sight of the alien city. Skycrapers were towering all over, and not the human kind either; there were no clouds in the sky but where they would have been on Earth most of the buildings reached twice as far as that. The plants and trees were reddish and the sun was a turqouseblue colour, pretty much the opposite of Earth.

Other creatures, some like the ones they had seen in the portal building and completely different ones too were bustling trough the city, bowing to Orn and some waving at the humans as they continued their way, which lead to, as Drake noticed in awe, a giant castle, bigger then all of the medieval castles on Earth together, that shone a brilliant emerald with a red tint.

Orn led them into the castle trough another enormous door and in the hall, a giant carpet in red and gold colours lay on the flloor. The walls were decorated with silver chandeliers. Orn directed the group into another giant hall with a n enormous throne which Orn sat down on. He told them to queue up in a single file and kneel for him.

A lot of people tried to get in back of the queue, seemingly afraid of Orn. Drake, not exactely a coward, found himself second, standing behind Rex. After Rex had kneeled for Orn, revealing an otter-like tail (After all that had happened, Drake wasn't even surprised.), Drake faced Orn, trying to keep a straight face and kneeled down on one knee, placing his fist on the floor in an honourfull pose. He waited for Orn to talk to him.

 

[Dwayna DragonFire]

Orn fumbled with something in his robes before the first person approached. He pulled out a necklace, which he proceeded to press in the back, and then suddenly, he had two necklaces, as if one popped out of nowhere. He held out the original one over the head of the otter man as he knelt, putting it over his head and speaking thus.

"I, Orn Vur Achuisk, Daar di Darastri, welcome you as a fully-fledged citizen of Terrater." It was very short, but to the point, and he seemed to watch the necklace for a moment. The roundish pendant of the necklace started changing color, turning from what looked like a green color to black.

Orn motioned for him to rise after that, and did the same thing with everyone who approached. He cloned a necklace in that strange way, giving them each a copy and welcoming them as citizens, the necklaces changing to their favourite colours. After everyone had gone up to him, he cleared his throat to speak again.

"The necklaces all have a special function other than signifying your citizenship. They also keep track of how much money you have, and are also wardrobes, in a sense." He pointed to the necklace on his neck, of course it being green in color. "Imagine for a moment whatever you wish to wear. Perhaps a lovely dress for the ladies or a suit for the men? It could be as simple as a hat or a cloak, really. Then press the center of your necklace, and be astounded as your wish comes true."

Nerezza seemed to be the first to test this out. In a click, her beaten up rags of clothing turned to a beautiful blue sundress, matching her eyes perfectly. She twirled around in it a little bit, a soft laugh coming from the back of her throat. Orn seemed to look on at her strangely, but soon looked to the rest of the crowd.

What had they all chosen to wear, and when was he to bring in the other guests?

 

[Rex]

The Dragon placed a necklace over his head, and welcomed him as a citizen of Terrater. The Dragon then had him rise, and he stepped back, so that the next person could step forward.

Rex propped himself against the back wall, and stared at the pendant on the end of the necklace. It was a near-perfectly round, jet-black Onyx, the same color as his fur. But the strange thing was, Rex remembered it being a green Emerald when the Dragon had created it. The dragon clear its throat after everyone had receive a necklace. He told them that, as well as signifying their citizenship, it also kept track of how much money they had, and were a type of wardrobe. A woman tested it, transforming her rags into a sundress.

Rex looked himself over. His clothes had definitely seen better days, they were ripped, dirty, and slightly threadbare. His cold weather goggles, still in his pack, were cracked and his scarf was frayed. But it was what he liked to wear. He donned the goggles, returned his hat to his head, and pulled the scarf over his muzzle. This was how he had looked for years, he couldn't just give it up. He thought of what his outfit had looked like before it had been worn away by years in the desert.

In an instant his outfit was returned to its former glory. Under the scarf, he grinned. He returned the goggles to his pack, and pulled the scarf away from his face. He looked himself over, his entire outfit had been fixed.

"It's been a while since my clothes looked this clean," he said to himself, "I actually look slightly presentable."

 

[Hunting Rifle]

Drake felt something made of cold iron being laid in his neck and he looked up to Orn, who welcomed him as citizen of Terrater. As soon as he stepped away from Orn, he looked at the down at the necklace. Strangely, the juwel connected to the necklace had a sinister brown colour, dark as the night sky but clearly brown. Even stranger was that dark brown was exactely the colour of his hair.

He was so bussy analyzing the necklace that he didn't notice the line of people was getting smaller and smaller. Only when Orn said something to all of them, he looked up. 'The necklaces all have a special function other then signifying your citizenship. They also keep track of how much money you have, and are also wardrobes, in a sense.' Orn told them. Wardobe? Drake didn't think he could fit into clothes that size, except if they were ultrastretch or something. And where did it open?

He was trying to pick the juwel out of the necklace with his fingernails when Orn explained that you had to concentrate on whatever you wanted to wear and then press the juwel. Drake wasn't sure about what he wanted to wear until he remembered a book that his mother had given to him when he was young. One of the characters was Leo, a Nighthunter, who used black clothes to blend in with the dark, made out of sturdy leather on the outside but lined with silk on the inside for ultimate comfort. But Drake wasn't really into black clothes so in his mind, he added some silver stripes crossing his torso, and silver bands around his wrists and ankles.

He pressed the juwel and his ragged jeans and shirt dissapeared, turning into the stylish suit he had come up with. Drake felt at his pockets and luckily, his Colt Python was still there. Even with his new powers, he wouldn't want to lose it; it was the only thing remaining from his brother. Drake somehow didn't like having only a gun as weapon, if he didn't count his lightning powers which exhausted him if he used them. Maybe there was a crafting shop were he could have a sword made, or, even better, a katana, just like the ones he had read about in his book.

He looked around if he saw Iris. He spotted her inbetween the crowd and walked over to her. The juwel around her neck was a milky white colour, like polished ivory, the same colour as her hair. She was wearing fresh skinny jeans with a white blouse covering her upper body and when she turned to face him her eyes were sparkling with joy. 'What an invention!' She said. Drake nodded. 'You look wonderfull!' he said and he meant it. It was like her beauty become even more apparent in clean clothes. Drake felt something stir in his stomach as he looked at her that he couldn't quite place.

'And why do you look like a fantasy book character?' Iris said as she looked at his clothes with a frown. 'Scary. That's exactely what it's based on.' He said with eyebrows raised. 'It look cool and it's comfortable at the same time.' Her face cleared. 'It does look cool.'

 

[Aura]

Orn — the king — placed something around her neck and welcomed her as a citizen to this new world. Bree rose in one movement, then moved to where the people who had bowed stood, being careful not to turn her back to him, something which was considered disrespectful in… she couldn't remember what country.

The thing he had placed around her neck was a silver chain with a white stone set into a pendant. The white seemed to have hints of green within it, strangely enough. It was quite beautiful. Naturally, Bree had been one of the last people to bow to Orn, so she didn't have long to wait before he spoke again.

Orn explained.

Nerezza, always the curious one, was the first to try the necklace out. Suddenly, she was no longer wearing her ragged clothes, but a blue dress, the same colour as her eyes. Soon, everyone was trying the necklaces out. Curiously, Bree pressed the gem, thinking of some clothes she'd once wished to own, and felt her clothes change dramatically around her. She spotted a mirror on the wall and looked into it.

It seemed that as she'd pressed the gem, a flash of her tiger form had ran through her mind, because she now appeared to be wearing black and white clothing, in a kind of explorer style. Bree focused again, then pressed the gemstone.

This time, Bree was wearing a green dress that stopped at her knees. One the sides, it was cut right up to her hips. The top of it had slightly puffed up sleeves and there was a black belt around her waist. She had loose grey blue jeans on under the dress and green silk slippers on. Odd. Bree changed again.

This time, she had the same kind of dress on, except it was shorter this time, the sleeves weren't puffed up at all — in fact there were no sleeves — and it was red in colour. It also came high up her neck. She had long black fingerless gloves on, and on one hand she had a few gold bracelets. She wore black, or maybe very dark brown, leggens and boots the same colour of her belt. There was red string tied in an ornamental pattern around the top of her boots and the hand that had no bracelets on. This, Bree settled on.

 

[Dwayna DragonFire]

Orn smiled at all of the wardrobe choices, noticing that with some people not much changed and with others they were now vibrant, like the plants outside when it was late afternoon. He nodded slightly, and many sounds of opening doors resounded throughout the hall, and people of different species started walking up towards the crowd, smiling and bowing in welcome. They all stood straight, and started talking one by one, to explain the professions on this world.

"Hello," greeted the first woman, who had pale skin and blonde hair that was about chin length. She wore a red headband around her head and a red cloak around her shoulders, her clothing a tan yellow. Pointy ears at the sides of her head peeking out from beneath the blond strands of hair belied the fact that she was elven, and she peered warmly at the crowd with ice blue eyes.

"My name is Merenwen, and I'm the head Explorer here on Terrater. Exploring is a dangerous job, but as the Androids built so many portals we haven't exactly explored them all. This is why it's a popular business to get into, and it pays well as long as you come back alive. If you want to ask me more about the profession and are possibly interested in joining, please form a line in front of me."

After that a man stepped forward, his hair as black as night and his eyes glowing an icy blue color. His skin was pale enough to be called white, as if he didn't really get any sunlight on his skin, and he covered his eyes with sunglasses as if sensitive to the light. He was dressed very well, exemplifying that he was a man of high order within the realm, and when he smiled he showed fangs sharper than most knives, even close to Orn's teeth.

"I am a man of nobility whom does not wish to give his name as I am well sought out within this region. I own a large chain of restaurants, and as that is true I am always looking for more staff to join the crew. I can have you working as the manager, head cook, normal cook, a waiter or waitress, even as a simple dishwasher... and they are all good paying jobs. Please make a line in front of me if you want to talk to me more."

Next up appeared to be a man made entirely of metal, no skin, bones, organs or blood to speak of. The only indication that the being was even alive in a sense was the soft whir of the gears inside of him, the fact that he moved, and also that he began to speak to them. His voice was rough and sounded very metallic, almost typical of a sentient robot.

"I am one of what the locals call the Androids. We are the scientists of this world, and we make everything technological become reality. We are looking mostly for inventors, as even the most intelligent of life cannot make things without having ideas first. If you think you have a good idea for an invention, line up to speak to me and I will tell you if it exists already, or if it is a good or a bad idea."

A woman who looked like a mechanic stepped up to speak about how they needed people to work on construction for new buildings in the northern section of the town, as well as residential houses to accommodate the new people that would come here as well as themselves. A person in a lab coat stepped up to discuss medical work as a nurse or a doctor, as sometimes they needed to treat a lot of patients at one time. Several different professions were listed off and explained as the people stepped up one by one.

"You may be whatever you wish to be," finished Orn, "Apply yourself and you can become anything, be anyone, and truly be integrated into our society. Welcome to Terrater, new citizens." He bowed to them, as did the people who had lined up in front of them to offer them jobs.

They all waited patiently, each with their own version of a smile on their face.

((OOC: I really don't care what you want to be. You can pick one of the jobs that I mentioned in the post, or you can PM me to ask about anything else you might like to be.))

 

[Rex]

After they had all chosen their outfits, people of all sorts of species streamed in. They introduced themselves, and told a little about their professions. There were so many interesting ones, Rex didn't know which one he wanted to choose. Through process of elimination, he was left with two, Exploration or Science. He dug his hand into his trench coat pocket, happy to find the picture had remained, and dug out an old coin. It was a worn, gold-like coin, from a series that had been done in American a long time ago. Though it was worn, Rex could still make out part of the engraving. A picture of a man, and a name, Andrew Jackson. He had been the seventh President of the country.

"Heads, Exploration, Tails, Science," he muttered, and flicked it into the air.

When ever he couldn't make up his mind over something, he trusted the coin, seven was his lucky number. The coined came down into his palm, Jackson on top.

"Heads," he mused, before stepping in line before the first person, an Elf-like woman named Merenwen.

 

[Hunting Rifle]

He was about to thank Iris for the compliment when the door opened again, and a small group of ...creatures entered the doorway. He saw a woman who looked human enough, except for long pointy ears; an elf, according to his book. Another man had an abnormally pale skin.

The third looked like a robot and probably was; he looked like a man coated in silver armor plates.
He was probably an Android, Drake guessed. So that was what they looked like. The last one was wearing an oil-stained overall, but she was definitely human.

They introduced themselves and told them about the different jobs they could choose. Drake considered all of them. He was tempted to become an explorer, but although Drake liked going on adventure, he wasn't the type for long journeys.

But he was a big fan of science. As a child he had always read every science book and encyclopedia he could lay his hands on. Things like nanotechnology, space technology and biology he had always loved. So the Android it was.

He entered the line of people standing before the Android. He saw Rex conversating with Merenwen, the Elf lady. Iris was standing in the queue before the pale cooking guy. He waved at her, and she waved back with a warm smile. If she was becoming a cook, he'd eat at her restaurant every single day.

Suddenly, he noticed that he was standing before the Android. The chrome-coloured man looked down on him with an emotionless face. Drake felt quite nervous, but he eyed the Android and came up with an idea that he had been pondering about on Earth.

'I've been thinking of a way to improve organisms by creating multifunctional nanobots infested with the user's DNA that repair damaged tissue.' The Android's eyebrows raised, but he said nothing. 'And about other nanobots that transport biologicly safe iron to the bone marrow to fortify the bones.' He took a deep breath and waited for the Android's response.

 

[Aura]

The sound of footsteps drew Bree's attention to one of the doors, which opened a few seconds after she'd looked at it, admitting several humanlike creatures entrance. One, a female looked as if she was straight out of a fairytale story, with long, elegant features and pointed ears. The next, a pale skinned male looked distinctly vampire like, even before revealing teeth sharp enough to rival Orn's. Standing next to the elven woman was a man made completely of a mixture of metals for toughness and flexibility at the same time. Bree could sense perfectly every minuscule part of his metal body, for it was shining much more than her metal collar, or the chain for her pendant or any other thing in the room. There was also a female dressed in dirty clothes who appeared completely human… or that was before Bree noticed that she seemed to have more muscle than was normal for a human.

One of the creatures standing at the back caught Bree's eye. It was that same humanoid from before, the catlike one. She — it did have a feminine looking figure — winked at Bree before bowing to Orn. She had a grey/blue outfit on, similar but less ornate to the one that a dragon in humanoid form was wearing.

"Hello." The elven woman said, smiling at them all. "My name is Merenwen, and I'm the head Explorer here on Terrater. Exploring is a dangerous job, but as the Androids built so many portals we haven't exactly explored them all. This is why it's a popular business to get into, and it pays well as long as you come back alive. If you want to ask me more about the profession and are possibly interested in joining, please form a line in front of me."

All of them spoke, telling the gathered humans what their profession was. Bree was dying of the cat woman to speak. But instead, the dragon-in-human-form stepped up, smiling in a way that showed all her razor sharp teeth. The cat woman followed the dragon forwards.

"Hello to you again, humansss. I am the head of the policsse forcsse here on Terrater, so me and the other officssersss keep the peacsse. If you are interesssted in joining our ranksss, come and ssspeak to me."

Clearly, Bree had missed seeing this dragon… or had she? No wait, she vaguly remembered a red dragon by the name of Scarlet… who this dragon must be, judging by the colour and the way she'd said ‘again'.

"You may be whatever you wish to be." Orn told the gathered humans. "Apply yourself and you can become anything, be anyone, and truly be integrated into our society. Welcome to Terrater, new citizens." Orn bowed, and so did all the older citizens of Terrater.

Once that was done, some people rushed up to one of the creatures offering their jobs, while others hesitated before heading over and few stood where they were, completely at a loss about what to choose. Bree was one of those few. As someone who'd been brought up by an old woman who had taken many children off the streets to care for them, she didn't have experience in anything other than fighting to survive. Hell, she couldn't even read! Her lack of knowledge quickly took out more scientific jobs like a nurse or a scientist. She considered being an explorer for a moment, but she didn't really want to risk death…

The cat woman saw Bree just standing there with a puzzled look on her face. She said something to Scarlet, then strode over to Bree, grabbed her arm and dragged her back to where Scarlet was.

"There issssn't many people with agility, sstrength and intelligence in Terrarter, and the majority of them are cat humanoidssss or people who can ssshapesssshift into cats. And I'm not about to let one ssslip through my pawsss." She purred. "Sscarlet, thisss one'ssss a white tiger. We're having her."

"Now Basssst, we can't force her to do thissss job." Scarlet hissed. "But I musssst admit, a tiger would be mosssst ussseful."

Bast spun around, her face within a centimeter of Bree's. "Now little kitten. Do you have any sspecial talentsss?"

"Uhh…" Bree stuttered. "None at all. I'm only used to fighting…"

"Then the only place you would do good issss here or exploring. And I'm not about to let you ssslip though my paws." Bast purred, her voice commanding.

Bree paused. Bast was quite right. Working in the police probably would be the best place for her. She told Bast and Scarlet she was up for the job.

"Excellent!" Bast exclaimed, a wild look in her yellow eyes. "Little kitten, welcome."

 

[Dwayna DragonFire]

((OOC: Good news, I found someone else to join us, My friend Pro765 has submitted a character for me which I graciously accepted. We shall see what he has in store for his introduction.))

BIC:

Merenwen straightened her headband, looking outwards at the long line of people with a soft sigh. This was going to be a bit of a long day, it seemed, as there were a lot of adventurous people. It took some time to get through the line, but eventually she saw Rex coming up to her, popping an eyebrow slightly. As he got closer to her, a little green circle above her heart became apparent, seemingly emphasizing her high rank in something or other.

"Well, aren't you an interesting fellow," she began in her melodious voice. "You certainly look like you'd be the explorer type. As a potential employer, I'm to give you some basic information. The circle above my heart you've no doubt noticed by now is an indication of my explorer rank." she took a bit of a deep breath, as if she wasn't used to talking this much.

"There are ten ranks, each with their own designated color. You start at rank one, which is a pink pin, and then you work your way up to rank ten, the green pin. You're expected to do easier missions at first, but as you go up in rank we'll send you to more dangerous areas, maybe let you open up a brand new portal or two. If you're up for it, then I'll be happy to hire you on right now."

---

The vampire man who owned a chain of restaurant smiled at Iris with his fanged smile, a hint of a light blue glow coming from his eyes behind his sunglasses. He straightened his posture, and brought out his hand, taking Iris' hand in his and raising it upwards. The fangs retracted to allow for a simple peck on the back of her hand, before he let it go again.

"How may I help you, my dear? What would you like to be?"

Meanwhile, the Android tilted its head and looked to the side with its eyes, as if contemplating something. He was processing the information that the human had given him, looking it up in the database, finding out the information he needed to reply. He looked back at the man with his cold, lifeless stare, giving him a bit of what would be the equivalent of a smile.

"We have already found a remedy for fixing damaged tissue," he replied in his grating, robotic voice, "But your idea for transporting biologically safe iron to the bone marrow of the beings living here to fortify their bones is a new idea. I would be glad to hire you into our ranks if you want to do the scientific experiments yourself, but we can simply write it down as your idea and give you the royalties when we succeed and it helps other. It is your choice to make."

---

Scarlet gave a pleased grin, pulling out a pen like device that had the same police-like symbol she had emblazoned on her chest. It was a yellow star with a silver dragon in the center, letters surrounding the upper end of it in a strange language. Luckily it was also translated to English, reading simply 'CHIEF OF POLICE'. Scarlet also had green diamonds on her shoulders with a lighter green outline of the same dragon, as if exemplifying her rank within the police force.

Scarlet pointed the pen-like object at Bree's necklace, clicking on a sort of a light that shone on it. In a moment Bree's dress turned into the uniform both of the creatures in front of her were wearing. The writing around her star was different, underneath reading 'CADET' to signify her newness to the force. Her shoulders had black diamonds with a white outline of the dragon inside of them.

"Welcome to the Terrater Policsse Forcsse," said Scarlet, "Bassst will be your partner from now on."

((OOC: I'm going by Canadian Police Ranks so if you want Bast to be something specific pick one from there.))

 

[Rex]

While waiting in the line, Rex looked around for his other teammates. Drake was in front of the Android, while Iris stood before the vampire-like man. Rex had kind of hoped that one of them would have come to Exploration as well, but was happy that they had found something that interested them.

Farther down, the crimson Dragon from before stood, Rex quickly averted his eyes, hoping she hadn't seen him. The elf-like lady that had introduced herself as Merenwen was in front of him now, there was a green circle above her heart. He listened as she told him about some of the basics of the job, before grinning.

"Sounds fun, please, sign me up" he nodded.

 

[Hunting Rifle]

Iris found the vampire man slightly creepy, but he seemed to be well-mannered. 'I-I once read a cooking book on Earth...' She took deep breath before continuing. 'And I always loved cooking meat over a campfire. So, I don't have any real experience, but I would like to become a cook.'

Drake had to think about the Android's answer. 'Well, I've always loved science, especially xenobiology, like, nanotechnolgy en mysterious spieces, so I'd rather try it out on my own, if that's possible.' He said.

 

[Pro765]

Opening his eyes slowly catching the slightest dim sunrise through the clouds and ash filled smoke sky, the cold and damp rain from a constantly darkened world... "I have live more then four life times in this world and yet still I find even this shadow of light more precious then fresh water or the sweetest nectar." Darkness is all he has seen yet the promise of light gives hope even to this weary soul. Standing atop a ruined building of twisted steel frames and shattered concrete foundation was a man cloaked in leather robes of midnight purple with blood soaked red symbols that run down the trim. He seems distracted by the distant views yet more in thought then in what he was seeing. His face rugged with scars and yet bares youth behind the ruff and used look of someone who has been though many battles. Dark deep set eyes are almost hidden behind his long obsidian black hair that reaches his shoulders, around his wrists are metal guards set each with ruby gems that almost glow. Many belts that carry small packs guard his waist and trail down the left leg and there standing next to him, was a small creature that looks more like a lizard with a mane of hair that runs down its back. The tiny creature is black with a fiery red mane and has features of a snake for its head but rather a lizard for its body. Both endlessly gaze at what others might have miss as the sunrises, here in this post Armageddon world, live these two survivors, if you can call it life…

The world was destroyed, what once a thriving civilization now is a wasteland of broken cities and demon infested lands cursed with death and suffering. Life is rare and those that are alive seem worse off then the dead most of the time. This world was like this even before He was born, His name is Vermont and he is half mortal. Born of a demon mother and mortal father who's blood shared ancestry with the Elvin kin of the old days. He was taught sorcery from his mother and history of worlds he dare not tread. His father blinded by the temptations that his mother sewed into his mind, willing let her corrupt his young mind with dark thoughts. Although his parents are long dead their gifts to him still hold vast meaning in his life.

I am what you could call a sorcerer of sorts, the demon blood and my mothers work has impowed me with rites to powers not limited by physical worlds or boundary's. I can command fire to burn where there is nothing to fuel it. I can talk to demons and command them to form creatures out of pure flame and cause suffering on any who find their way into my wrathful gaze. I am not aging such is the blood of demons, immortality is a curse only demon blood could hold, also pestilence of disease and decay have no hold over my flesh for I am of my mothers bloodline. I should not complain there are those who would give their soul for the powers I command yet I still feel as if all this power is truly mine or am I some twisted pawn of evil. The thought runs through Vermont's mind as he stands there gazing at the beginning of a new day in this hell. He can't help but wonder if there was a better place to start his road to whatever destiny he has laid out before him.

Dark clouds roll over the sky followed by light rain and the smell of burring sulfur, it was not still nor silent that morning. In the distance you could hear cries from survivors and the sounds of skirmish through-out this city. It was not long before trouble finds him so he must be moving, "Come Vash'Ka, we must go before whatever trouble is caused from this morning comes looking for us." At the command of his master, the small demon creature at his heels scampers along beside his master standing roughly as tall as his boots but normally traveling on all four of its legs. "We must move to the east side of the city before the light of the sun travels high enough to be blocked out by the clouds above us." Here in this world when light leaves your path the worst of evils find you. Vermont and his champanion make their way down the building they took as refuge the night before and on to the street they cvontinued venturing twoards east down what was once a highway before whatever caused the rift of hell and the living world to merge. Now it's a path littered with husks of metal and barrels of fuel burning with those few survivors huddling around the fires to find warmth in this cold world. One would have thought hell was warm but it is just the opposite, surrounded by fires and not a snowflake to be found yet freezing as the tundra of the deep north. Most of the moisture of the air has long since gone leaving nothing to freeze into ice so there is no snow or ice but the cold would make ice in minutes if there was any water that could be frozen. Because Vermont's blood burns he was less effected by the cold, its just a reminder that even that suffering is beyond him. Vermont envy-ed those that could shiver when it was cold it meant they were mortal and warmth becomes precious to behold, something to be coveted.

As they pass by the exit to the east side of downtown Vermont begin to notice something strange, it fell very silent and the cries of the distance suddenly stopped. Vermont spoke of his fears to his trusted freind Vash'ka, a demon bound to him through some blood oath he can't even remember. "I don't like this Vash, we best be on our guard." *Impish*,"It'ss likess when thess world hungerss for lightsss so shallss the damned hungerss for soulsss, thess breathesss of mortalsss makesss songss thatsss soundsss thess mealss for usss." Vash hisses at his master. "I do not believe this is the evil of demons nor do I think this stillness is evil at its core. It seems more like a shift in the barrier between this world and another as if something were trying to bridge the gap between our world and theirs." Vermont replayed, feeling as if he need to reassure Vash.

Slowly the sound of energy and thunder crackled through the sky above Vermont and Vash'Ka…

((OOC)) as it happens I am joining late so my story will be separate from the rest until "with help from" -dragon fire- I can be integrated into your guys adventure. I hope I gave enough description about my character.

 

[Dwayna DragonFire]

((OOC: You did great, Pro765, you just need to make sure that you do your RP posts in past tense (IE. changing is to was, or pass to passed) and have it in third person (IE. change the I's to he, his, or put the names that apply to whomever you are speaking about.) Follow my example in this reply.))

BIC:

Merenwen made sure to do her daily ritual before she opened the new portal. She made sure her red headband was straightened along with her red cloak, backpack and belt pouch. Her yellow shirt and skirt were patted down to make sure there weren't any wrinkles to speak of, and her short strands of blonde hair were combed through by her pale peach fingers. She took a deep breath and watched as the portal opened, making sure she had her usual means of getting back to Terrater if an emergency happened.

The first thing she heard was the crackling of thunder, and a soft sigh escaped her lips. She sometimes hated coming from such a beautiful planet like Terrater to dreary places like this one. An eerie silence spread over the land, dark clouds hanging in the sky and a soft rain falling on her face. She smelt sulfur in the air, and could sense that the world around her was dying, almost crying out in pain. This is when she assumed she was sent here to help whomever she could.

She looked to be somewhere inside a town of sorts, which was a good start. She cast a spell to create a small bubble around her nose and mouth, to allow her to breathe better in this murky atmosphere. She walked forward, her movements elegant and graceful as she walked throughout the streets.

She soon came upon sentient life, as was to be expected considering the Androids were never wrong. This one appeared to be human, but there was something about him that she couldn't quite put her finger on. He appeared to have an imp like companion, perhaps one that was a familiar considering the magic she could feel within this person.

"Greetings," she said, hoping he understood English. "I am Merenwen, a traveler between worlds. Who are you?"

---

The vampire nodded slightly, smiling his fanged smile at Iris. He pointed a similar pen like device towards her necklace, transforming her clothing to a white coat that looked very reminiscent of a chef. Above her heart was a symbol of a black rose, perhaps better indicating exactly who this man was.

"Welcome, then, to my line of restaurants," he said, bowing to her slightly. "Stick around and I will show you to your place of employment."

The Android seemed to be processing more information, before nodding its head towards Drake and smiling its strange smile. It also pulled out a pen, doing the same as the others had, making Drake's outfit change to a lab coat, with safety goggles hanging around his neck. The Android seemed to approve of this very much so, the whir of its gears becoming all the more apparent for a moment before slowing back down.

"Welcome to the team," it said simply in its grating voice, looking to take the next customer while the other people in lab coats like this stuck around with the Android.

---

Merenwen seemed to follow suit with everyone else, pointing a pen-like device at Rex's necklace. However, his entire outfit remained the same, he just now had a round, pink pin above his heart to indicate he was an explorer. Merenwen nodded slightly, smiling at him pleasantly with a bit of her magical radiance shining through.

"Welcome to the exploration team," she said, "You start tomorrow. For now you'll wait and see where you'll be staying during this time."

 

[Rex]

Merenwen complied, taking out what appeared to be a pen and pointing it at his necklace. A round pin, similar to hers but pink, appeared on his shirt, over his heart. She smiled and welcomed him to the Exploration Team, and told him to wait here and see where he would be staying for the night.

"Thanks," he grinned.

He didn't like the color, and it clashed a bit with the only other colors he wore, black and gray. But he would deal with it, and besides, it was attached to his shirt, he could cover it up a little with his trench coat. Looking around, Rex noticed that most others had more of a Uniform then him, Iris appeared to be in a chef's garb, while Drake had on the stereotypical lab coat and safety goggles. Remembering that there were others in line behind him, Rex quickly stepped aside. He leaned against a pillar nearby, and watched everyone get situated.

 

[Aura]

Scarlet pointed a pen like device at Bree's necklace, and at once Bree felt the strange feeling of her clothes changing. Moments later, she was wearing the same clothing as Bast and Scarlet, except while Scarlet had green diamonds on her shoulders and her badge read ‘Chief of Police' and Bast's diamonds were dark blue with the word ‘Commander' on her badge, Bree's diamonds were black and her badge read ‘Cadet', stating Bree's newness to the force.

"Welcome to the Terrater Policsse Forcsse, Bassst will be your partner from now on." Scarlet said, before turning to a tall man whom was trying to catch her attention.

Bast grinned, revealing razor sharp teeth. "Excellent. Asss you are an earthling, I'm certain that your tiger form isss new, yess?" Bast didn't even wait for Bree's nod of confirmation before continuing. "Ssso I can help you massster both your formsss kitten."

"Both forms?" Bree asked, suddenly realizing exactly what she'd gotten into.

"Yesss. Both formssss need to been equal in sstrength or you will become unbalanced. At the moment, your tiger form isss sstrong, but becaussse you are not usssed to it, it balancesss out with your human form. But after you become usssed to your tiger form, the balance will tip. Ssoo, we will have to train your human form too. And, I will be your trainer!"

"Oh dear…" Bree said, sweat dropping at the thought of what was to come.

 

[Hunting Rifle]

The vampire man smiled at her and took a small, thin device, almost like a ballpoint pen. He pointed it at her crystal necklace and her clothes changed into a white linnen cook's tenue. On the upper part of the suit, on her heart, was a black rose, which apparentely was the man's symbol. He welcomed her to his restaurant and told her to stick around. She joined the group of other people who had chosen a restaurant job and looked around. She saw Rex standing near Merenwen, the elfen lady, with a pink ribbon on his trench coat. He looked satisfied with his new job.

The Android smiled and a penlike device appeared in his hand, changing his suit into a white lab coat, with rubber safety goggles hanging around his neck. He looked at himself, inspecting the coat while stepping out of the line to let othe rpeople speak to the Android.

 

[Pro765]

Searching around to see where this disturbance might have come from, Vermont suspicious of demons but still waiting to find out what danger that silent storm brought. Finding nothing, it was as if the demon that opened this rift was invisible or able to blend into the surroundings

None of the above, the rift had not been of demon origin but that was knowledge that Vermont could never had guessed. In this world things of an unnatural form are always demons of some type.

Standing under a small out crop of a building stood a fair yet not completely human girl, the cloths and dress clashed with every bit of rust and iron colors around her, she was most certainly a demon of illusion for such a perfect beauty could only be held by fantasy and illusion. Her pale feature with short blond hair and red headband around her head. Her shoulders held a red cloak covering what appeared to be slim figure of a youthful women, she gazed with icy blue eyes that gave a disarming appearance as if she meant to appear innocent of sort.

Still un-notice by Vermont she spoke "Greetings, I am Merenwen, a traveler between worlds. Who are you?"

Vermont glanced towards the direction of the voice, stunned by what he saw he fell shot of words.

"You are not what I expected to see, forgive me for my rudeness. I am Vermont Tyrall and I have not yet seen a traveling spirit before, what do you seek from us Merenwen?" Vermont often entertained demons in conversation, most old demons are just bored and with alittle luck and cunning you can often talk your way out of trouble or at least buy yourself time to plan your escape. It could be said this demon is young for it's foolish appearance to stand so obvious out of place but Vermont knows better then to say that all demons need to hide.

The small creature stood silent and watched, occasionally sticking its tongue out like a snake to taste the air. Vash knew she was not a demon but was holding back the information cause he enjoys watching his masters attuned judgment fail, as like all demons, Vash is not the most friendly of creatures and often finds enjoyment in making things difficult. Loyal or not he's still a demon.

 

[Dwayna DragonFire]

((OOC: Awesome improvement, Pro765. Keep up the great work.))

BIC:

Merenwen brushed her hair behind her ears, showing off the fact that they were pointy to give off a sort of an elven look, which she was. Vermont, he had said his name was, and he looked a bit... suspicious of her, to say the least. She didn't know what kind of world this was, but obviously she was sent here for a reason, so she merely shrugged it off and replied.

"A pleasure to meet you, Vermont," she said, bowing her head slightly. "My people sent me here to help you or any other people that I happened to stumble upon. Are you the only one left, or are there more of you?" She was genuinely curious, as she was always the helper first rather than anything else. she had lived most of her life serving under the General, so she was sort of used to the mentality where she would be more willing to help others with their problems.

"Can you tell me more about this world? I'm curious to know how it got to this point, and if there's anything my people can do to help." The Androids were always the type for trying negotiations first, and with their exemplary technology, surely they could come to help anyone who needed it. This was the way Merenwen preferred it, at least.

"Who's your little friend?" she asked, nodding her head towards the imp-like creature.

---

After everyone had established their place within the different professions, Orn rose to stand again, clearing his throat. The noise died down considerably, and the crowd waited in anticipation for him to speak. He smiled his toothy smile at them, before his voice resounded throughout the room yet again.

"Now that you're all settled," he began, "I urge you to follow your employers along so they can tell you everything you need to know. ask them whatever questions you wish, as they will be happy to accommodate you. Good day, and good luck."

Everyone of the employers motioned for their employees to follow them, and they walked back through the doors they came in, all going in different directions to come out in the same circular hallway with red carpet. The groups of people were lead around in the circle back to the front door, and they all filed back out onto the street.

All except one.

Nerezza Dellanotte stood before Orn, her hands folded in front of her lap, trembling in anticipation. Fear had left her person long ago, as she now had this new power within her that made her feel brave. As Orn stepped towards her, the white diamond glowed in her chest yet again, making her blue eyes shimmer a little bit.

"Not everyone is blessed with a dragonmark," he sad to her in a lowered voice, as if still wary that someone might still be listening. "Usually they are only given to dragons and dragonborn. But you have one now, and I find myself... lost for words."

"It is simple," she replied, in her cooing, velvety voice. "The gods found me worthy of one, therefore I have one. Now I am much like you, save for my human exterior."

"I can see that, Whedabra di wer Thurkear," he replied, recognizing her name for what it was. "I am merely asking the gods if this is fate, that we have met. If we are eventually meant to-"

He was cut off by a gentle finger placed on his scaly lips, followed by a gentle caress of the smooth-skinned human hand across his face. They looked into each others eyes for a moment, a soulful gaze like they had known each other forever. Nerezza simply smiled at him and giggled softly, resting her head on his chest and cuddling into the warmth that she found there.

"We will see, Orn. We will see."

((OOC: Another chance for you guys to ask whatever you want to your employers as you walk throughout the city.))

 

[Hunting Rifle]

Slowly, the lines of people standing before the employers started to thinnen, while the groups behind became bigger. When everybody was done, Orn rose from his throne and the room fell silent. Orn told them to folow their employers, and that they could ask them any questions. Also, the employers were going to accomodate them.

This part interested Drake most. What would their homes look like? Would they share a house, like a dorm? Or would they get individual houses? He was used to sleeping on rags, in a hot, deserted building, so he was really curious about where he was going to live.

The employers bowed to Orn and everyone followed their example. Orn smiled in return and the employers left the throne room, followed by their new employees.

Outside the castle, they formed lines, with the elfen lady in front. Drake noticed that they were walking the same way as they had walked to the castle. Drake couldn't stop himself from looking around all the time, checking out stores and restaurants they walked past. Some of they creatures walking trough the city waved or smiled at them, but most treated them as any normal appearance. This world was so odd in comparision with Earth, that the inhabitants were used to anything, Drake thought.

Turning around, Drake found himself eye to eye with the Android. They were nearing the Portal Inc. building. Drake felt an urge to ask about their new homes. 'Um, Mister...' He started. 'We Androids do not have names as other species, but my ID code is AA-113.' The Android replied. 'Mister AA-113, I was wondering what our new houses are going to look like?

 

[Rex]

Rex followed the Elf-like lady and the rest of her new employees out of the building. She was going to take them to their quarters, apparently. Rex hoped for a bit of privacy, he didn't think he could stand living with a large group. Even though the Dragon said that they could ask what ever they wanted, Rex kept quiet. He didn't want to seem rude, besides, he would find out soon enough.

 

[Aura]

Soon, after waiting, Orn stood and addressed the human's, saying that they would be housed and he wished them good luck in their new life. Everyone headed out, but as Bree walked out with Scarlet, Bast and the other two males who'd joined she noticed that Nerezza hadn't chosen a job and was staying with Orn. Had Orn requested it? Or did Nerezza have personal questions for him? Either way, it wasn't Bree business. She silently wished Nerezza good luck, whatever she was doing and hoped that she'd see both Orn and Nerezza again. Despite her (Bree's that is) shyness, she had enjoyed their company.

Scarlet lead the group through the Palace and into the city. She didn't waste any time wandering around, but made her way purposely eastwards. During the walk, Bree discovered that the two other's name's were Matt and Ian. Ian was about 20 years older than Bree, making him in his late 30's and gained control over various electronic equipment from the medallion he'd gone after, a topaz. He was the only one from his group who'd returned, and clearly did not want to talk about what had happened to his companions.

Matt was 19, two years older than Bree was and had returned with another girl after successfully finding a Ruby medallion. The Ruby's power had let him mess around with people's minds… or that was what Bree had gathered anyway. His way of explaining had been rather confusing.

The group of five were quickly lead to an apartment block, not far from the palace. It looked very plain, an average building for the average person. Scarlet purposely lead them into the building, up the elevator to level 3. There was 2 apartments on this level.

"Matt, Ian, your are in number ssseven." She said, gesturing to the door labeled with a seven.

"And the kitten is sssharing with me." Bast proclaimed, dragging Bree into apartment 6 enthusiastically.

For a moment, Bree had thought she'd stepped into a jungle. Then she realized that the walls and a lot of the objects in the room had been painted to look as if it was a jungle. It was truly amazing.

"I like feeling at home." Bast purred. "And nothing makesss me feel better than the jungle I find. Thisss iss your room kitten."

Bree was dragged into a room, painted plain white with a bed, bedside table and a lamp that matched the walls. It wasn't as magnificent as the kitchen/lounge room, but the simplicity of it was soothing. The jungle picture drove her insane, because there was so much to look at, so much to take in.

"If you want, I can paint it anyway you wisssh to make you feel more at home." Bast said from the doorway. "I'll let you get settled."

 

[Pro765]

Very few things are such a riddle that even one as old as Vermont cannot even begin to understand but this was one such riddle. With no hint of seduction or glitter of malice, no sign of ill intent, just genuine curiosity. The women brushed her hair back to reveal that she is no human, the only thing that Vermont could bestow reason to is that she is elf but that's impossible they are all gone. Even when old demons speak of ancients they speak of elves, only the blood carried in generations was evidence of there very existence!

Speaking calmly and with a bow she said "A pleasure to meet you, Vermont. Too shocked to even respond in kind he just stood there stunned. She continued, "My people sent me here to help you or any other people that I happened to stumble upon. Are you the only one left, or are there more of you?" Unable to fully grasp the awe that stands before him, reason kicks in. It's a trick, a demon in an illusion to catch him off guard. The elves are all but gone, there is no way one could have survived.

She then again asked another question almost probing for information, "Can you tell me more about this world? I'm curious to know how it got to this point, and if there's anything my people can do to help." She quickly followed that question with yet another. "Who‘s your little friend?" followed by a gentle nod towards Vash.

In point Vermont truly could not believe an elf could have slipped through the centuries but as it happens this elf did appear at what seemed to be a rift in the worlds edge. Vash was giving no hint towards it being threatened at all, as it happens Vash was the first of the two to respond to her.

*Impish slang from Vash* "I'ss amss Vasshhh'Ka, ass noblesss of sortss. Pleasesss forgivesss miness Mastersss, hesss wass fearfulls thatsss youss wass ass evils demonesss comess towsss feeds." The words were crude and broken hissed out like a vain attempt at english. The injustice was too much for Vermont to bare, so as to not let her banter words with the demon Vash'ka, he spoke to answer her.

"His name is Vash, there is more to your questions then mere words could describe." Vermont spoke clearly and informatively in attempt to answer her question in order, not pausing to let her respond. He continued, "I will attempt to satisfy your curiosity. There are no more of me, so you could say I am the only one left but if you are referring to those that look as I do such as human then no, I am not the only one. The world was like as you see it even before my first breath. From what I have gathered about the past, these lands have suffered the greatest of dark days for Hell, as it was foretold in religious folk lore, merged with the living world and demons befell upon all mortals to feed and cause suffering. Few survived and learned to live in the world ruled by demons of all manor. The exact happens are too old but as it happens most blame the war between humans and…"

Vermont hesitated for the knowledge he was about to speak of was dangerous and so he continued with a random name. "…Necromancers." Not letting his pause in speech go un-recovered he continued, "As to your other questions, this world is full of demons that feed off the living so unless you can banish demons, form barriers between hellish realms and that of the living, bring the dead back to life and heal whole worlds. There is little you can do on a large scale but every soul you help will thank you in the end. I also am on a mission to help those in need but not on a worldly scale. As to my little friend, he is a demon bound to my soul to serve me until my soul leaves to the lands beyond."

Vermont paused, as he waited for a response from her he began to ponder his own form of questions to find out exactly what she was.

 

[Dwayna DragonFire]

((OOC: Sorry for my late reply... been busy this week.))

BIC:

Merenwen tilted her head at Vermont slightly, nodding at Vash in greeting and acceptance, despite the darkness she sensed within the being. She seemed contemplative and remorseful for Vermont, nodding her head in understanding. Considering how long she had lived already, losing things long since passed was something she knew all too well.

"I feel regret that we could not come earlier to assist you," she began, "But I assure you, I will do what I can while I am here. My people have shown me kindness beyond anything I had known before, and I shall pass that kindness onto whomever I meet, regardless of their reactions." She had noticed his hesitation to tell her the whole truth, but she figured he must have a good reason for it.

"You say you do not wish to only help others on a worldly scale? I have traveled the multiverse from my home, and I can bring you back with me, if you wish. Then you can join me in exploring the different worlds and help anyone who needs it, including the people of this world." She pulled out a golden pocket watch, which had several symbols around the outside with numbers in between. She let out a sigh, snapping it shut afterwards.

"I must be back to my world soon, for my king has asked me to oversee some proceedings. If you wish to join me, now is the time to decide. If you do not wish to join me now, I will return after I am finished."

---

"You are of our collective now," responded AA-113, "So it is only right for you to know where we will bring you. We have a laboratory underground, where we do most of our work away from prying eyes. Not only that, but we are close to the Great Father there, and from some of our windows we can see him smile upon us as we do his work." AA-113's gears started whirring expediently when he mentioned the 'Great Father', as if he were an important figure to them.

"There is where you will be made to have rooms, which will be made to be comfortable for you specifically. As to how, you will see when we are there." He gave his version of a smile again, leading the group back into the portal building. There, the new scientists followed him into the elevator, in which they waited for it to close behind them.

Then AA-113 pushed out his hand, a panel in the palm opening up, which anyone within the elevator could see was lined with blue and red glowing wires, like veins and arteries expanding throughout his person. A strange protrusion came from inside, sticking into a hole below the hundreds of buttons on the elevator. Whirring and clicking noises were made, before the elevator started moving down below the first level.

When the doors opened again, they were lead throughout a long, expansive hallway brightly lit by lights overhead. Many doors were laid bare before their eyes, some of which had windows beside them so they could look within. Many of them contained more Androids, working on something or other with machinery that looked far more advanced than anything they had ever seen.

"Inventors will see the representative of the Great Father," he said, motioning to a door marked with a capital letter A encircled by an intricately designed sphere. "The scientists will go through here to find the room that fits them." He motioned to the other door, a mysterious smile coming over his features before he walked away.

Another hallway laid beyond the scientists door, this time with differently colored doors with names on them, as if the Androids had been expecting them all somehow. The door for Drake was near the front of the long hallway, and only opened at his touch.

((OOC: Design your own room in your head, and it will become reality within this room.))

BIC:

Iris was lead to a street lined with cottages, all leading down towards a large, red bricked mansion with green roofs and the black rose symbol on the gates out front. Each mailbox had the same insignia, as well as names on the mailboxes. Iris walked to her cottage, and inside found her greatest dream, just as Drake had.

---

Merenwen led the new group to a n apartment building that was conveniently placed near the Portal building. She lead the group inside, to which a woman with skin as black as night and hair as white as snow was watchful from behind the counter. Merenwen spoke to the woman in a strange language that was curt and brash, to which the woman simply nodded, turning her head to the group.

"I am Drise," she said to them, speaking slowly as if unfamiliar with English. "I am what some call Drow. I will help you find a place for yourselves here." She motioned to the rack behind her, which had little crevices where many envelopes were stuck, and those without letters were empty or had keys.

"Pick a number with a key, and here you will stay until you are paid well by those who travel between worlds, as you are one with them now."

---

In Bree's room resting on the pillow, there was a small metal device like the one Scarlet was talking into earlier. Beside it was an instruction manual detailing how to communicate with others. Inside of the manual there was a note with a small white gem on the inside, put there as if by magic. The note was written as follows:

This particular gem was made for people with your talents, as it will transform into any weapon you wish it to be. This weapon will be attuned to you once you have picked it and will not change again after that, but will transform with you when you are in your tiger form. As such, I do suggest something that is easy to transform with a tiger, like a dagger or a spiked gauntlet.

Have fun with your new toy,
~ Scarlet

 

[Hunting Rifle]

AA-113 told him that, since he was of their collective, it was right for him to know.
'We have a labaratory underground, where we do most of our work, away from prying eyes.' Then he told them that they were close to the Great Father there too, and even that they could see him trough some of the windows.

'There is where you will be made to have rooms, which will be made comfortable for you specifically. As to how, you will see when we're there.' The Android told them as the group followed him into the Portal Inc. HQ, into a large elevator. AA-113 lifted his hands and some sort of metal thingummy clicked out of his palm, which he inserted into a hole in the elevator panel. Drake heard a mechanical sound coming from the elevator and they went down.

The doors opened up again and they saw a long hall, with bright lights set in the celing and several doors and windows in the walls. They could see several Androids trough them, working on futuristic devices. Drake couldn't help but grinning. Everything looked totally wicked awesome.

AA-113 directed the inventors towards a large door with a large 'A' on it, surrounded by a red circle. The scientists would go trough another door to find a room for themselves.

Somehow, all of the doors had the names of the new scientists on them, as if it had always been their fate to go and live there. Maybe the expedition hat had foretold who would become scientist, and send their names to the Androids... Nah, that would be too weird.

'Drake Jones' was one of the first rooms in the hallway. Drake was eager to know what his room would look like. He lay a hand on the door, pushed it open and held his breath...

...And forgot to breath out. His room was the room he'd wanted all his life. It was quite large, about thirty by thirty foot, With a king-size waterbed in one corner, a huge HD-TV on one wall with a comfy sofa in front of it superdeluxe gaming system, including what looked like Virtual Reality-gloves, boots and glasses. The whole floor was covered in a fuzzy marine carpet, the same colour as the walls. There was a refrigerator, filled with tasty chocolate, meat and fish, his favorite food. A futuristic-looking computer stood on a wooden desk with a comfortable lounge chair in front of it. Several towering bookcases stood against the wall, filled to the brink with fantasy, sci-fi and science books.

'Am I in paradise?' Drake wondered out loud...

... Which was exactely the same as Iris was thinking. The vampire man had led them to a large mansion, with cottages spread around it, including mailboxes. Iris had found her cottage, and when she opened the door she had been transported to her personal Utopia.

The large room was filled with all sorts of fuzzy and soft things, and white and brown were the two main colours. The room had everything she had ever wanted, including a brilliant golden harp, all sorts of technical stuff and a large kitchen. Her bed was truly enormous;
Iris lay down on it and promtly fell asleep, for the first time since she had left Earth.

 

[Aura]

Moments after Bast left, Bree noticed the communication device like the one Scarlet had on her bed. She quickly picked up the instruction manual and became immersed into it. On the second page, she came across a white gem and a note which appeared to be from Scarlet.

This particular gem was made for people with your talents, as it will transform into any weapon you wish it to be. This weapon will be attuned to you once you have picked it and will not change again after that, but will transform with you when you are in your tiger form. As such, I do suggest something that is easy to transform with a tiger, like a dagger or a spiked gauntlet.

Have fun with your new toy,
~ Scarlet

"This place keeps on getting weirder and weirder…" Bree muttered to herself before picking up the white gemstone and quickly focused all her thoughts on a particular weapon she'd seen in a comic book once.

The gem started glowing until it was just a white shape, then it began to change, growing larger and longer until it was roughly staff like, with a giant ball like thing on the top. The weapon stopped glowing and revealed itself to be exactly what Bree had pictured: A mace on a long handle that had hydraulics added to give it extra crushing power. It was a simple grey colour, and didn't have anything unnecessary things, just the wires and mechanisums needed to make it work. Bree rather liked it.

"No idea how it'll fit into my tiger form through…"

Just then, Bast poked her furry head around the door. "Sssorry about the fact that it'sss a bit bland compared to what sssome of your fellow human beingsss will be receiving, but we Police have to stay unnoticed, ssso a old fashioned place like thisss is perfect."

Bree nodded. It did make sense. Imagine if you caught only one of the bad guys, then the other came round to your house and took his/her revenge while your were asleep! Bast had disappeared again, so Bree settled down on her bed and immersed herself in the manual, the mace lying on the floor, within reach.

 

[Rex]

The elf lady led them to a simple apartment building, located close to the portals. Inside was another odd looking being. She had jet-black skin, and hair as white as snow. She told them all to pick a key, and that would be where they would stay, at least until they were well paid. Rex stepped forward, and grabbed the key in the alcove marked twenty-one. Then, he stepped back, waiting for further instructions.

 

[Pro765]

The clouds drifted overhead carried by the cold winds that howl throughout the country, it was truly going to be a very cold day. The Elvin women responded to Vermont's answers with seemingly satisfied curiosity, as she stated. "I feel regret that we could not come earlier to assist you, but I assure you, I will do what I can while I am here. My people have shown me kindness beyond anything I had known before, and I shall pass that kindness onto whomever I meet, regardless of their reactions."

She coninuted to say, "You say you do not wish to only help others on a worldly scale? I have traveled the multiverse from my home, and I can bring you back with me, if you wish. Then you can join me in exploring the different worlds and help anyone who needs it, including the people of this world." After she had finished speaking, she used her time piece to check the time and then snapped it shut soon after. She then offered a proposal of adventure, with haste in her words she said. "I must be back to my world soon, for my king has asked me to oversee some proceedings. If you wish to join me, now is the time to decide. If you do not wish to join me now, I will return after I am finished." Then promptly put away what appeared to be a very complex time piece.

Vermont had not fully satisfied his doubts about this creature but under his logic the fastest way to discover an ill plot is to allow yourself to become part of it. He glanced down at Vash to see if he was worried about this offer. Vash showed no fear nor doubt rather almost, the very nature of excitement and before Vermont could even make a decision Vash had moved towards the women and was looking back expecting his master to follow.

Vermont was out voted, if it was a trap they were just going to have to find out the hard way. With that he answered her with utter submission to the situation. "I will go with you, it seems today is going to be quite the adventure after all, and if what you say is true, it will be one of great fortune for it will allow me to escape this hellish world and attempt to do some good for a change. I have been struggling just to survive here, it would be nice to actually be safe for a change." Then Vermont moved towards her as to follow wherever she led…

 

[Dwayna DragonFire]

((OOC: Sorry for taking so long. Here's my reply to you all.))

BIC:

Hearing Vermont say he had struggled to survive here made Merenwen a little sad. She remembered her origin world, constantly at war with ferocious beasts without sight of it ever stopping. She thought about her showing Vermont how wonderful it was in Terrater, and smiled remembering her first time going there.

"I'm not going to lie to you, Terrater isn't perfect," she said, thinking about some chaotic events that had taken place, "But most of the time it is very peaceful, so it's a good place to make as a new home. Follow me," she said, turning to walk away from this dreary landscape.

Merenwen found her way back to the portal, the large oval of metal well hidden from prying eyes despite the severely savaged appearance of everything around it. Only those who came this way could find it, and even then it looked like it blended in with everything else so well that no one would suspect it would transport beings between dimensions. She touched the portal, a spark of golden magic surrounding her hand before making it's way in and around the metal, lighting it up to allow the gate to the portal slide open. The telltale signs of it working was the distortion of the air inside of it, enough for it to be visible.

She stepped through, disappearing through the portal to the other side. she popped her head back through for a moment to see if Vermont was still following, before phasing back through it. Meren needed to be somewhere in a little while, regardless if he followed her or not.

They came out to the main portal bay, where creatures of all sorts of strange species were milling about, going through portals and coming out of them, talking in strange languages to one another. Merenwen lead Vermont through the crowd to the main doors, and out towards reception. Luna waved to Merenwen as soon as she saw her, who went to speak with Luna straight away.

"Hey, Luna," she greeted, smiling at the dark-haired woman. "How's the baby doing?"

"Oh, just great," replied Luna, patting her belly slightly. "It's going to be a girl, so I think I'll name her Ellen. How was your adventure through the new portal? I see you brought another person back."

"This is Vermont,' Merenwen introduced, "His world looked like it was in pretty bad shape. Like it had seen a sort of destruction that not many worlds see."

"Oh, that's too bad," said Luna empathetically towards Vermont. "Well, now you're here in Terrater, so hopefully things will be better for you. Could I have a name for your world, so we can know where that portal leads from now on instead of having to stare at a number? You don't have to give me the real name of the place, just something to call it in case we decide to send a whole adventuring team down there instead of just Meren."

They waited for him to answer, albeit Meren looked a bit worried about her meeting today. Why they had sent her on another mission beforehand, she didn't know.

---

"Perhaps it is a paradise for you, Drake," came a voice as the TV turned on to display another android, "But for us this is normal, so you will get used to it. Unfortunately doing this is also somewhat costly, but working for us will surely pay it off. Don't worry, we leave enough for you to spend on whatever you wish throughout the two week increments that we pay you in. If you have any questions about currency, please feel free to ask." Even though it was a machine, compared to AA-113 , this Android seemed much more automated, like he had no emotions to speak of, and even then AA-113 only had emotions thanks to his programming.

"I will be your personal assistant android from now on, and will walk you through your daily routine if you wish me to. I am PAD-38, but I have been programmed to allow you to choose a name for me. If you require my presence, please say so and I will be there without hesitation."

Iris found a letter on the bedside table, materialized there by magic. It stated that she would also be working off whatever she had conjured, but would also have enough to freely spend as she wished during her pay periods.

You will be trained on what you need to know, and someone will stop by tomorrow to take you to where you'll be working. The letter was stamped with the same black rose symbol on Iris' uniform, indicting it was from the man that had talked to them.

---

The instruction manual for Bree's communications device looked complicated, but it was actually easy to follow. There were apparently symbols on the buttons inside that when pressed in a certain sequence did certain things.

To begin, tap the top of the communications device three times and it should open. Inside there is a circular scanner for the Citizenship Pendant, which will identify who you are and make modifications according to the preset configuration in the pendant's programming.

After you are registered, you can add friends to communicate with by first pressing the green button with a + symbol on it. The following options should display:
Register Friend
View Friends
My Friend Code

To register a friend, first type in their name with the keyboard that will project itself into the air. You can interact with projections by touch, so don't worry about phasing through it! After you've typed in their name, press 'Done' and you will be prompted to type in the code. Be sure to trade codes with your friends so you can call each other.

Your friend code can be found in the 'My Friend Code' Menu. You are given a random set of symbols that no other person has to differentiate you from the rest of everyone else. The 'View Friends' menu will bring up the data you gather from interacting with friends. If you ever feel you do not wish to be friends with someone, there is also the option to delete that data in that menu.

((OOC: Make your code any number of letters, numbers, or random symbols that you want. Do so for Bast as well, and be sure to ask Scarlet for hers sometime.))

BIC:

That was the more relevant data for now, as the manual seemed to be attached to the actual console in a way, leaving the rest of it blank to be filled with whatever information it needed.

---

Drise waited for everyone to pick out their apartment keys before she spoke up again.

"Those with numbers under a hundred can find their new home on this Ground Floor," she began, "Those one-hundred and above but below two-hundred are on the First Floor, those two-hundred and above but below three-hundred are on the Second Floor, and so on for all floors. All apartments are the same - large beds in the bedrooms enough for two people with bathroom and closet inside; a living room with couch, TV and viewing screen to outside; and a kitchen with dining room."

Drise gave a bit of a wry smile to all of them, coughing a little bit to exemplify more that she wasn't used to English. She mumbled something in her native tongue, sighing softly before continuing.

"Pendant from King will keep clothes clean, so no need for worry there. Room will change to become colors you like, but still be the same design. Mail for you will be found here in the boxes with number of your home." She pointed to the shelf behind her with all of the envelopes. Meren decided to cut in, clearing her throat slightly to get their attention.

"You'll all find your first assignment in your mailboxes tomorrow. Good luck to all of you on your adventures from now on, and I hope to see you all in the future." She bowed her head to the group, before walking out of the building.

Drise outstretched her arms when they turned back to her, as if inviting them to go find their new homes.

 

[Hunting Rifle]

(OOC: 71st post! Hell yeah! We're one of the largest Rp's on the forum!)

BIC:

'Perhaps it is paradise for you, Drake.' Drake looked around for the source of the sound, finding an Android on the TV screen. 'But for us this is normal, so you will get used to it. Unfortunately, doing this is also somewhat costly, but working for us will surely pay it off. Don't worry; we leave enough for you to spend on whatever you wish throughout the two week increments that we pay you in. If you have any questions about currency, please feel free to ask.' The Android explained. His voice sounded odd in comparison to AA-113's. 'I will be your personal assistant android from now on, and will walk you through your daily routine if you wish me to. I am PAD-38, but I have been programmed to allow you to choose a name for me. If you require my presence, please say so and I will be there without hesitation.'

'I do have a question, actually. Our King told us that our necklaces are our banks and that we can pay with it. But how does paying work and how can you look up how much money you posses? Also, are things relatively expensive here?'

-Black Rose Mansion-

When Iris woke up, she felt very well rested. Her bed was very comfortable and soft.

She looked around. Everything was the same except for a letter on her table, with a Black Rose stamp on it. Wondering, she opened it.

‘You will be trained on what you need to know, and someone will stop by tomorrow to take you to where you'll be working.'

(Kinda short, but I didn't have much time.)

 

[Aura]

How the communication device worked seemed simple enough. In fact, Bree even thought that she had seen something with a similar way of working on earth. Friend codes… surely she'd heard of that before? In a game? It didn't matter.

Bree tapped the device three times and like the manual said, it opened without a sound. She touched her citizenship pendant to the device for a moment, to make sure it had scanned properly before removing it and studied the screen. Sure enough, the menu was there. Bree tapped the ‘My friend code' button to see hers.

‘XH72~k?+kldXXlkJ/ds76d' The screen displayed.

Bree hoisted herself off the bed and left her room, searching for Bast. It would be a good idea to get her friend code, so she could contact Bast whenever she needed too. The cat humanoid wasn't in the kitchen or the lounge room, nor the bathroom. So Bree entered the last room in the apartment. It was like walking into another world. The entire world had been painted expertly to look like what appeared to be a crystal forest. Bast was lounging on the bed which appeared to be made of some kind of silky material.

"Do you like it kitten? I painted it to be an exact (or assss exact as I could get it anyway) replica of where I slssept when I lived on my home planet. It makessss me feel a lot better about leaving."

"It's so… beautiful." Bree murmured, looking around the room. "I'm sure if I reached out to touch that crystal, I would touch it, not the wall."

"Yeah. Like I sssaid, if you want me to paint your room like thissss for you, ssay ssso. It will take a while though." Bast glanced at Bree's hand, which held the communication device in it. "Ah, friend codesss huh? Give it here."

Bree obeyed and Bast drew out her own communication device, quickly tapping in Bree's friend code, then doing the same thing to the other device.

"Here ya go. I'd give you Ssscarlet's myssself but that would be a bit rude."

Bree wordlessly accepted the device back, and turned to leave. "Bast… Do you think you could make my room look like it's high up in the sky? Maybe with a bit of lightning?"

Bast grinned. "Ssure. Painting'sss what I do ssssecond best. Kicking arsssse is firsst best."

Both girls giggled for a moment, then Bree went back to her bedroom and just laid on the bed, smiling to herself.

 

[Rex]

Rex silently listened to the woman's speech, before starting down the hall. He was lucky, his room was on the ground floor, at least, that was what he was able to get from what the woman was saying. Below one-hundred was the ground floor, which meant his room was somewhere on this maze of a first floor.

His room was easier to find then what he had originally thought. There seemed to be some sort of order to the chaos of the apartment building. He unlocked the door and entered. The room he entered was plain, just as the woman had said. White walls and ceiling, a plain TV and sofa, and white carpeting. There was a window with a view outside as well. After a few seconds the colors in the room darkened to black and varying shades of gray, even the window became tinted. The change in color definitely made the room look a lot better.

After checking out his new home for a few moments, Rex plopped down into the sofa, positioning himself so that his tail wouldn't go numb. All in all, it was a nice apartment, a little plain, but nice. According to the elf-lady, his first job was tomorrow, maybe once he started earning a little money, he could buy some nice stuff for the room.

"I think I'm going to like it here," he said to himself.

 

[Pro765]

Following Merenwen Vermont came across what appeared to be simply a subway entrance with a rather large metalic sewer tunnel that led to the lower parts of the crumbling city. Merenwen reached out and laid her hand on the side of the tunnel and a flash of golden light sparked. Immediately vash hissed with the presence of mystical energys! The light followed an invisible path around the entrance in a circle opening what appeared to be an inter-reality door way the likes of which Vermont had never seen.

She steped through giving hints that she was still making sure Vermont was following her. Vash hissed again in contempt for he could not sense what lay behind the portal and things rarely surprised Vash.

Vermont still focused on discovery followed her through the gate way, entering a large reception area with many of healthy folk around, in an alien envorment that was clean and brightly lit with different creatures then anything he could have imagined. It would appear as if her story was correct and this is utterly a new reality from which travelers go between dimensions and help others.

Speechless Vermont stood still, taking in all the grander of this new world. It was not until one of the other people moving about around him and talking with Merenwen addressed Vermont that he realized he was not dreaming. A women who seemed to be carring child approached and casually asked Vermont his name. After a short pause Vermont responded with barley four words, he was truly speechless. "My name is Vermont." stated Vermont as he drastically raced to calm his nerves.

Vash did not like the fact that there was worlds that were beyond his reach or that he could not sense deception from anyone from this place, it's almost as if they were telling the truth all the time, this un-nerved him. Vash was not use to people being so friendly or truthful.