RPGWW

by **Molokidan** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 5:52 pm

"Aw, let's not be too sore, now." Saffron said, his happy-go-lucky tune dropping a bit. "You're here, and I'm here. I knew you could get through it by yourself." he said. "Besides, did you expect me to hold your hand the whole way through? I had stuff to do, you know."

He pulled out another microwaveable pizza and stuck it in the oven. "You're hungry, right? You can eat some of my food, no charge."

****

"May I see it?" Riley said, taking the banjo out of Fwupo's hands. "Yeah, it's definitely a fine instrument." he said. "You are missing a few strings though."

He gave the banjo back to Fwupo and brought his own up. "I have some extra strings if you need them. . ." he said. "They're not exactly. . .'standard', though." he then played a G chord on his guitar. The strings vibrated, and a small blue aura began to glow and fade on them. "You can tune your banjo to my guitar, if you want. I'm in Drop-D, though." he said, switching his hands with ease and playing another G chord an octave higher.

by **JoshuaDurron** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:39 pm

Fwupo smiled, glad that a fellow enthusiast approved of his instrument. He quickly pulled out a few new strings, saying as he did so, "Don't worry about it-kupo. This happens a lot-kupo, so I carry lots of spares-kupo."

The moogle's expert paws quickly restrung the instrument and he began twanging the strings, adjusting its tune to Riley's, accounting for the minor differences that existed between the two instruments.

"By the way-kupo, it's up to you-kupo, but I wouldn't give any more hints about my skills if I was in your place-kupo. Tomorrow the one who will most likely be your opponent-kupo," the moogle finished adjusting his banjo strings, "is me-kupo."

An E-minor chord filled the room for a brief moment after Fwupo made that statement, for once played in tune. Then he set the banjo down and grinned, "But in the meantime-kupo, it'd be great to be friends-kupo!"

by **Molokidan** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:46 pm

"Great, indeed." Riley said, picking up his guitar. "And you're right. . .we may become enemies soon enough." he sighed, sitting down on the bed and throwing the guitar across his knees. "What did you enter this tournament for, anyway? Are you after the prize?"

He played an e-minor on his own, following Fwupo's lead.

by **JoshuaDurron** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:51 pm

Fwupo shrugged. "Mainly for fun-kupo." He grinned for a moment, lying back on the bed, his arms behind his head. "I get bored really easy-kupo. And some of it has been really interesting-kupo. But I'm not a big fan of the judges-kupo."

His thoughts jumped quickly back to the 'bonus round.' "Although some of them were a lot of fun-kupo. Still-kupo, I'm not interested in wealth or fame-kupo. Just having a good time-kupo. What about you-kupo?"

by **Molokidan** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:10 pm

Riley looked down, and then turned back to the moogle. "A lot of reasons. Not too pretty. Unfortunately, I'm not as happy-go-lucky as you. . ."

He looked into Fwupo's eyes. "Have you ever heard of a group called the Dark Zodiacs?"

by **wkz** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 2:32 am

Meanwhile, back at the spas, Theodarus gave Kamome a look that spoke volumes. Finally, he relexed, and said "Yup, I passed the second prelims... and so did you. Otherwise we both would not be here... Whatever happened to the group you attacked anyway? Last I saw, your group was stuck in a sort of stalemate with that group.... one I helped set up."

"Oh, also" Theodarus added, looking around "Where's Negi by the way?"

by **Molokidan** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 2:51 am

"Negi won't be joing us. . ." Kamome stated. "He has a few. . .unique aspects of his body that make him self-conscious. He definitely won't come to a bath." he said, pausing for a moment.

"As for the second preliminary competition. . .we simply left them there." Kamome said. "While Negi and Rall were keeping them at bay, Christopher lowered Ira and I downwards to the ground. We continued through the lower passageway, where we figured there was a lift upwards. It seemed the other team wasn't too interesting in killing us, rather than just preserving their own lives.

"We never saw them again, but we saw some others. Which brings up a question. . ." he said, lowering his head a bit. "Do you know of a group of twelve people called the Dark Zodiacs?"

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=molokidan>Molokidan</A] 

at: 10/26/04 2:58 am

by **wkz** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 3:07 am

"The Dark Zodiacs? Never heard of them... Sounds both childish and ominous at the same time...." Theodarus replied, then continued, "So, one way or another, you came to this competition because of them.... what are they by the way? Or would you rather not tell?"

by **Molokidan** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 5:11 am

"I'm out to stop them." Kamome said. "And they're far from childish." he looked to Theodarus. "I am telling you this information, so that if you see one of them, you can alert me. They are a group of 12 genius assassins that have banded together, and are bent on the destruction of the world."

He pulled his goggles up, revealing two unnerving yellow eyes. "The item that is up for the prize of this tournament might be the key to our world's core. Which means. . .it has lured them here. I am sure you have heard the legend of there being alternate dimensions and worlds to our own. . .this key might be the opening to those.

"I've never met any of them in person before." he continued. "However, I know how to identify them. Each of them has a tattoo of their faceless zodiac animal on their body. That is the only identification they have. And sometimes, it's not even visible, so you can't tell.

"I want to alert all the people I can to this. . .because this tournament is no longer a 'game', if the Zodiacs are truly here. It could be the fate of the world at stake. They destroyed my home town. . .and since then I have made it my first and foremost mission in life to wipe them from the face of this earth.

"I don't know what they look like. . .nor their powers. They are extremely secretive, and kill those who see them or know dangerous information about them immediately. They must be here, though. . ." he said. "I can feel it. I don't know why the tournament commitee put that item up for the prize. . .it's like purposely luring a dragon into your house. . .or twelve dragons.

"So far, I have made many allies who will assist me, no matter what the cost, to disable their ability to claim the prize. Even if it means breaking the tournament rules themselves. Negi, Rall, have all become my companions."

He looked back into Theodarus's eyes. "I hope you will too."

by **wkz** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 5:48 am

"Thank you for revealing this information about us" Theodarus said in an even voice, dead of all emotion. "He he he he...."

He couldn't even see Kamome's face in the thick mist, but he could probably guess the horrified expression on it. Loud peals of laughter rang through the spa, Theodarus laughing out so hard that it hurt...

After recovering from his laughing fit (not before managing to somehow choke on the water), he continued, "Sorry (*hehe), sorry, (*pitff) but I couldn't help noticing you are betting a lot on me NOT being one of the twelve... I may have one of those invisible tatoos, haven't you thought of it?

"And also, I really would like to ask, why me? I'm not exactly the combat type, not the best to go toe-to-toe with possibly the ultimate assassins...."

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=wkz@rpgww60462>wkz</A] at: 10/26/04 5:49 am

by **Molokidan** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:30 am

". . .maybe I did make a mistake after all." Kamome said, peering over at Theodarus with pity. "But I hope to inform everyone possible of the condition. You're just the next person I met." he said. "Don't think you're special or anything. Just keep an eye out. . .and be careful."

Kamome got up to leave, when suddenly, a large crash shook the spa.

Kamome's head immediately swung over into Theodarus' direction. "Was there anyone else in the spa with you?!" he shouted, his eyes wide open.

The tremor came back, this time louder, over from the direction where the old man that Theodarus saw earlier was sitting. . .

by **wkz** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 8:29 am

"The old man..... but....OH CRAP!!" Theodarus shouted back as he realized where the explosions came from.

Throwing all dignity to the winds, he lept out of the tub, grabbed Kamome by the hand, and ran for the lockers... All his equipment is in there, and it would be better clothed and armed even if it would not matter much if the situation was the worst case senerio and the old man was who Kamome said he was...

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=wkz@rpgww60462>wkz</A] at: 10/26/04 8:32 am

by **FF Fanatic 80** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 9:17 am

Adarl raised an eyebrow at the statements. For one, it seemed a pretty half-assed excuse. No matter how Saffron explained it, he simply used the half-drow as a distraction to save himself. Though... in truth, he supposed he would have made a similar choice early on, before he realized how much teamwork was occuring. And of course, there were those nagging thoughts that Adarl fought very hard to not think of, as doing so would not be wise.

"...since I lack any food of my own, I suppose that would be alright." Adarl answers.

by **Molokidan** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 6:00 pm

As Theo made his way across the hot springs, dragging an unenthusiastic Kamome behind him, he ran into the leck of a long blue. . .lizard? He looked up, and saw a huge lizard standing in the spa.

His mouth gaped. "What the. . .fu--?"

Suddenly, the ground shook again, and the large blue lizard that had been standing there began to flicker, flash, and then shrink into a glowing blue light. The old man, who had been sitting on the lizard's shoulder, was now lowered into the water a little bit in front of Theodarus. With a flash, the remaining sphere of blue light flew onto the old man's necklace of blue beads.

With that, the old man, still not seeming to notice Theodarus and Kamome, began to walk out of the spa.

"Look. . ." Kamome whispered, pointing at the back of the old man's head.

On his bald scalp, just a little bit above his neck, was the tattoo of a faceless rabbit.

****

"That's the spirit." Saffron said, pulling the other pizza out of the oven and handing it to Adarl. "We're still buddies, right? You know we gotta fight each other in an epic battle at the end of the tournament. I'm still holding you to that." he said, winking and sitting down on the bed.

"Ahhhh, man am I tired." he said, pulling off the robe, leaving him wearing nothing but some pajama shorts. "So how did you get the through the second prelims? Any problems?"

Adarl's eyes couldn't help but be drawn to his chest, which, besides being muscular, had an unusual tattoo. It didn't look normal like one made with a pen, but it looked as if it had been burned in.

The tattoo was of a faceless dog.

by **wkz** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 10:37 pm

"Ok. I am NEVER going to make fun of any legends ever again" Theodarus whispered to himself, looking at that rabbit tattoo on the old man's scalp. "At least he is not noticing us right now..... walk away.... walk away...."

At the same time, he tightened his grip on Kamome's arm. His hometown was destroyed, possibily with the old man responsible or involved, and the weaponless archer might do something beyond rash, despite the odds....

"Relex.... you'll get a chance... for now, let him go... at least we know how one of them looks like now..."

by **JoshuaDurron** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 11:41 pm

Fwupo thought hard. And thought some more. And then shoke his head in a decided negative. "No-kupo, I can't say as I have-kupo. I take it they're involved-kupo?"

by **The Great Nevareh** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 11:58 pm

"Thank you, ma'am."
Zachary goes in the direction of the doctors. Doctors equals good!

by **Molokidan** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 12:10 am

Kamome shivered, despite the heated environment they were in.

A few moments passed after they waited for the old man to leave, and then the archer spoke.

"There's no mistaking it. . .he's one of the Zodiacs." Kamome said. "That's it, then. . .they are definitely here." he began to step out of the springs and put his gear on. "The question is, did he truly notice us? If he figures out we are on to him, we're toast. I'm going to assume he didn't know we were there. . .or else we have a death sentence."

****

"They are a group of 12 genius assassins. . ." Riley began to speak. "No one knows their true goal, but they have destroyed many a village, and taken down armies of guards just by themselves. They're here, after the prize." he said. "Myself, I'm not trying to save the world or anything. . .I don't even care if the prize really does destroy the world. . .there's only one thing I'm out for. . ." he looked at Fwupo. "And that's revenge."

He sat back on the bed, placing his guitar down. "I used to be in a pub band. I played guitar, obviously. We had a saxophone/secondary guitar player, a bass/violin player, and another guy on drums. We were a bit of a jazz foursome, but mainly just focused on playing hit songs and the like. The man who played the bass and violin had taught me everything I knew about life. He was pretty much my mentor, and surrogate father. I respected him more than anyone else."

"Then. . .they came." he said. "They say that no one has ever seen the leader of the Dark Zodiacs, Kaen, and lived to tell about it. Well I have." he said. "He's a monstrosity. Nothing is left of the man's body except his head. Every single part of him is littered with stitches, keeping artificial skin and nerve cells together. He feels no pain. He is a walking zombie. Their leader. Like I said, I don't know what they are out for. . .but they destroy. Everything. My other two partners were killed immediately, as examples. Kaen demanded that if my master, Roufas Ernst, wished to keep his life, he would join them and aid them with his powers. He told them he'd rather die. So Kaen turned to me, and rephrased his question."

A small tear began to run down Riley's cheek. "Roufas joined them." he said. "He joined them so that I could live this life. . .this tortured life, knowing that my existence allowed a great man to become enslaved. A great man who I owed my life to even before he saved it again."

He wiped his eyes and stared back at Fwupo. "There. That's my story. I am out to kill him. . .Kaen. And I will rescue my master. . .they're using his power to kill innocent people every day. I will stop them!"

by **JoshuaDurron** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:32 am

Fwupo pulled his feet up on the bed and sat there for a moment, just thinking about all that. Finally, he said, "I didn't know him-kupo, so don't take this wrong-kupo..."

A moment passed as the moogle stared at the floor. "I was lucky-kupo. My family was great-kupo. My brother taught me to dance when I was five-kupo. He was never as good as I was-kupo, but that was OK because he wanted to play the piano, not dance-kupo.

"What I really wanted to do was learn every kind of dance there was in the world-kupo! My brother, Tranno-kupo, he wanted to play a new kind of music that no one had heard-kupo. I told him that if he played it, I'd create a new kind of dance for it-kupo.

"Then, one day, I almost got trampled by a horseman-kupo. I only lived because Tranno pushed me out of the way-kupo. His left arm was mangled so bad the doctor had to cut it off-kupo.

"For a long time after that-kupo, when it was time to celebrate, I wouldn't dance-kupo. I didn't think it was right to enjoy my talent when my brother had lost his-kupo. But then he litterally smacked some sense into me-kupo." Fwupo rubbed the top of his head in an absent minded way as he said that.

"He told me that he had saved me so that I could live my life and enjoy my dancing-kupo, not mourn for his-kupo! So now, I travel around and learn new dances-kupo. But I also learn new music and write it down-kupo, so I can show it to my brother-kupo. Since he can't live his dream anymore-kupo," the moogled hopped down from his bed and planted both feet on the floor, a far away look in his eyes, "and since I love him so much-kupo, I will live it for him, along side my own-kupo!

"What I'm saying is, don't fight because you're guilty-kupo! Your master does not want you to come to him again as a person filled with regret-kupo, unable to get over the past-kupo! He wants to see his student as a person who has grown into something greater than he could have imagined-kupo!"

Suddenly, Fwupo remembered where he was, and who he was talking to. "Kupo... at least, that's what I think-kupo... I'm not saying you shouldn't look for him-kupo... just..." he trailed off nervously and sat back down again, taking up his banjo and fingering it absently.

by **Molokidan** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 2:30 am

"That's a touching story." Riley said, after Fwupo had finished his flashback-time. "And I agree with you to some extent. . .however, answer this question for me. If someone had kidnapped your brother because of you, and was forcing him to kill innocent people against his will. . .wouldn't you do everything in your power to save him?"

Riley picked up his guitar and held it out to Fwupo. "The power that I was talking about. . ." he said. "Is amplifying your inner energy through sound waves. By doing this, you can create sound waves that, at full capacity, is capable of driving people insane. It's a horrible power. And Roufas Ernst has mastered it."

by **wkz** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 3:56 am

"You know, for someone who has been wandering the world for some time, you are kind of naive." Theodarus said. "He didn't notice us? Of course he did. Think for a bit and you'll get it"

Theodarus arranged his thoughts in the pause, then continued, "According to you, these people are assasins, the best amonst the best, in fact. People who face impossible odds alone or in small teams, sneaking or smashing past entire armies of bodyguards, traps and such.

"These people does not make mistakes, they cannot. Their very lives depend on them noticing all possible things around them, even when they are not [ working ]: the amount of grudges and revenge-seekers they make because of their job (like you, for example) will be impressively large."

"That will also mean the old man had noticed everything, including the topic we discussed. The death sentence is already written." Theodarus concluded, while dressing himself "The only question left is: Can we escape the noose?"

An ominus pause followed, while he put the last of his clothing and equipment where they were supposed to be. Once ready, he sighed, "Looks like whether you or I like it or not, I am going to be one of your companions. Our fate is binded together too tightly to the Zodiac group to be anything else...."

After a pause, and a nod, Theodarus headed for the exit.... and suddenly U-turned. "Another thing, Kamome," Theodarus said as he walked pass his new ally, "One word of advice...."

"... Get your towel. You DO NOT want to piss off the counter lady...."

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=wkz@rpgww60462>wkz</A] at: 10/27/04 4:01 am

by **Molokidan** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 5:21 am

(OOC: Nevareh, for some reason I don't understand, I completely brushed by your post on the past page till now. I am really sorry!)

For the first time, Kamome smiled. "Hmph." he said briskly. "It seems I was correct in informing you after all."

He strapped his bow and quiver to his back, picking up all his other gear, cleaning his goggles and putting them on, and then followed Theodarus out of the bath -- with towel in tow.

"Incidentally, have you been to your room yet?" Kamome said. "We should know where we are all staying in case of an emergency. I have already marked down my previous 4 companions' rooms in case of such."

They exited the spa room, clean and refreshed, and walked back towards the receptionist.

"By the way, where are you headed next?" Kamome asked. "I was thinking of getting something to eat, we never know when we'll get another chance."

****

Meanwhile, Zachary had entered the doctor's office. After sitting in a chair for a short period of time whilst waiting for a previous patient to finish, (who happened to be a whiny werewolf complaining about some minor burns) he was finally called in.

The doctor was a young-looking man, with thin silver glasses and long blonde hair tied back into a thick ponytail. He was wearing a grey-white pinstriped suit, rather than a doctor's uniform.

"I am one of the members of the commitee, as well as the head doctor of the Tower." he said, putting out his hand. "The name is Dr. Grayson Lee. How may I be of service?"

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=molokidan>Molokidan</A] 

at: 10/27/04 5:24 am

by **FF Fanatic 80** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 8:16 am

Adarl definitely noticed the rather strange tattoo. While it did seem a bit unusual, he had seen many odd body markings in his time, from both genders. Although at the moment, he seemed fixated more on the man's rather well defined chest.

...which it took him a few moments to stop gawking at, mentally smacking himself.

This is... not... the time... to notice such things... he thought to himself, In a competition... such as this... and ... especially... considering...what...he did...

Convinced he had convined himself, for the moment anway, he took a deep breath and responded.

"I...it was... interesting." Adarl half stammered, attempting to compose himself as he sat down on his bed. He began to remove his armor pieces, only his dark grey undershirt and pants were on as he continued, "Especially the assistance I had from a small moogle. Life is full of surprises, it seems."

He waited for Saffron's responce, watching the man sitting there, with nothing on but sh...

...

...stop it. he thought to himself again.

by **wkz** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 8:44 am

(OOC: maybe this will be interesting... an ally turned foe... because of *ahem* D:

Also, it seems we are using the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Starting to look like a bizzare copy of "Fruit Basket" to me... Wonder who's the onigiri....)

Theodarus replied as he handed the towel (carefully) back to the receptionist. "I'm number 99, and which room is that I do not know yet. Maybe a bite would be good, we can talk about matters as we eat..."

" Don't expect me to foot the bill thou..." he continued, remembering his thinning purse. (It is not in dire straits yet, but that day is coming fast...)

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=wkz@rpgww60462>wkz</A] at: 10/27/04 8:48 am

by **JoshuaDurron** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:53 pm

Insanity music-kupo? The moogle filed the power away into his mental library of weird stuff he had seen on this trip, right next to the guy who could litterally talk you in a circle.

"First-kupo," Fwupo said, raising one finger, "my brother isn't strong enough to kill almost anyone-kupo. I'm a good fighter, so I might be able to-kupo... but that's another thing-kupo. Second-kupo, I would trust my brother to be able to take responsibility for his own actions-kupo." He gave a tug at his belt to adjust his pants, and winked at Riley, "If your master really opposed the Zodiacs that much-kupo, I'm sure he's found some way to work from the inside-kupo."

The moogle fingered his banjo absently some more, while saying, "Of course we musicians create-kupo, so it only makes sense that we should oppose destroyers-kupo. I never said you shouldn't fight them-kupo. But revenge and guilt destroy-kupo, so if you want to oppose destruction-kupo, it should be with a creative attitude-kupo."

Suddenly the moogle set his banjo aside, standing up and dusting his paws off absently. "Kupo, is there anywhere around here to get a drink-kupo? I'm parched-kupo!"

by **The Great Nevareh** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:54 pm

"Hello, doctor Lee. I don't have anything too serious wrong with me- just my wrist got dislocated in some of the fighting and a quick fix was used to re-set it. Can you either heal my wrist completely or do something to lower the swelling and soreness?"
Zachary stands there with his complete and utter faith in the power of doctors.

by **Molokidan** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 6:04 pm

(OOC: Okay, someone needs to draw some Saffron x Adarl yaoi. I'd do it, but I don't have a scanner!)

"Oh, indeed!" Saffron said, beginning to polish his swords. "Life is full of surprises indeed, my friend." he said. "However, as for me, I like surprises. I like 'em a lot! I think it adds to the flavor of life, you know? I mean, if you knew what was going to happen all the time, what would be the fun in that?" he set down his first bastard sword, and picked up the next. "It's more interesting to get curveballs thrown at you once in a while, just to mix it up. Ya know what I'm talking about?" He finished polishing his swords, and then tossed his finished pizza box into a garbage bin. "By the way, I'm gonna go for a walk. Wanna come?"

****

(OOC: I've done a lot of research on the chinese zodiac for this. I picked each animal depending on each one's personality.)

"Hahaha. . ." Kamome laughed briskly, handing his towel back to the smiling receptionist. "That sounds like a great idea."

The two made their way back down the hallway, and around the corner towards the food area.

This area was quite different from the last they had been at, which was wide and open. The food area consisted of different overlapping hallways, which tons of different openings to restaurants. There were then a good amount of tables and chairs inside each restaurant in which to eat the food. It definitely wasn't quite the 'cafeteria' most would expect. There was a ton of different hallways, it would take forever to try them all.

Directly in front of Kamome and Theodarus, was a restaurant promising "rare far eastern delicacies", one speaking of "hearty meat dishes straight from the Orc capital", and "fish, chips, and the like in a bar-like setting from the K.U." Besides the bars, there was really no other distinguishing features about each room.

****

Riley was listening intently to Fwupo speak, but snapped back to reality when he mentioned drinks. "Oh!" he said. "Good question. . ." he walked over to the mini-fridge in the room. "There's two bottles of water in here, but. . ." he scratched his head. "If you want something to eat, we could always head over to the restaurant section. I actually haven't been out of the room yet. Wanna go?"

****

"Oh, let me take a look at that. . ." Dr. Lee said, taking Zachary's hand gently into his fingers. "Ohhh, this is rather interesting. . ." he said. "It seems to have healed rather well on its own. . .albeit it a bit awkwardly. I'd say that the most damaged part here isn't your wrist itself, but the strain put on the muscles by twisting it back into position." he continued speaking, staring at Zachary's wrist. "What did you do? Twist it back yourself? Yes, yes, this is very interesting. . ."

Suddenly, just as his voice cut off, he pressed hardly down onto Zachary's palm, and then clenched Zachary's forearm. Before Zachary knew what happened, his wrist had been snapped up and down, left and right. About 25 different snaps went out in the course of three seconds.

The doctor let Zachary's hand down, and he was amazed at how wonderful it felt. As if it hadn't ever been injured. It felt BETTER than normal though. . .as he had recieved a completely new wrist!

Dr. Lee noticed the look on Zachary's face. "I have a way with my fingers." he said. "I double as a masseuse. I know all about the human body, and the best ways to get rid of pain." he patted on Zachary's shoulder. "You'll be fine now, just don't put exceptional stress on it for the next few days and it won't hurt like that again. You're free to go."

by **FF Fanatic 80** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 8:11 pm

Adarl just... sorta sat there a moment, his last slice of pizza sitting halfway into his mouth. Under normal circumstances, he would have taken that as a simple invitation to converse and relax. His current thinking, however, were not helping him to interpret this very easily.

He is simply asking for company to converse with... nothing more. My God I do believe I'm driving myself crazy... the half-drow thought to himself. It seemed his libido, as always, was choosing an odd time to kick in. Why not earlier, with the other three gentleman and the moogle? Or even that warrior woman he dueled with? She was certainly rather attractive, in retrospect. Why now, especially with someone he knew betrayed him earlier?

...and then it occured to him he was sitting there with a slice of pizza hanging out of his mouth. He quickly gobbled up what was left, discarding his plate in the nearby bucket.

"I...I suppose." Adarl answers, making another poor attempt at appearing calm and composed.

by **JoshuaDurron** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 8:48 pm

"Sounds good to me-kupo!" The moogle took off his headband and dug out another, well pressed one, and proceeded to tie it on.

"Gotta look good for the ladies-kupo," he commented with a wink. Then he stepped over to the door. "Say-kupo, did they give us a map or anything-kupo?"

by **The Great Nevareh** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 11:32 pm

"Thank you very much, Doctor. I'll try to keep inappropriate stress away from my wrist, though being a contestant in a combat tournament isn't helping me towards that goal. Have a pleasant day!"

Zachary walks out of the clinic, refreshed and healthier than he was when he walked in, and trails himself back to the counter, marveling at his wrist.
I wonder what Jeanne would say about that. No pain at all! Amazing!
Upon arriving at the desk, he turns his rather dashing-but-tousled-and-endlessly-innocent glare to the attendant and says "Can you direct me to the massage parlors, madam?"

by **wkz** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 11:36 pm

"There sure are a lot of choices and atmosphere for a place that will almost NEVER have a single customer, except once a year....." Theodarus thought to himself, having expected a cafeteria setting of a line of shops in just one large dining hall. "Well, at least it suits our purposes...."

"Lets take some Eastern stuff." he suggested to his new-found partner, "If the shop is as traditional as the outside display, it should have individual booths that are, at the least, semi-private..."

"Not to mention..." Theodarus thought "... the fact that Ramen is much cheaper than most dishes..."

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=wkz@rpgww60462>wkz</A] at: 10/27/04 11:47 pm

by **Molokidan** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 3:28 am

Saffron smiled at Adarl. "What's wrong, big guy?" he said, going back to the bed, and picking up a knit shirt. "Don't get all angsty on me." he slipped the shirt over his head, much to Adarl's libido's dismay, and picked up one sword and strapped it across his back. He looked into Adarl's eyes for a moment, and then chuckled a bit and moved to open the door.

Before he could open it, however, someone knocked on it. He looked at it oddly, as if sizing it up, and then spoke. "Oh. . .hold on a sec."

Saffron pulled open the door a crack, and then a little more just enough for him to shove his head through it, without letting Adarl see who he was talking to. His voice was lowered, but Adarl could still hear it, barely.

"Oh. . .two of them, eh? What should I look out for?"

"Green goggles and black hair, and then a tall weak-looking guy. . .got it."

After a few moments, Saffron swung the door wide open with a brisk smack. He gesteured in front of him, to the hallway ahead. "After you first, sir."

****

"No map. . ." Riley replied. "But I remember the guy telling my team that the third floor is for training, and the second is restaurants. What do you say we go there?" he said, picking up his guitar, and slinging it onto his back with a cool electric-blue strap.

He walked out of the room, and Fwupo soon followed. They made their way down the blank hallway, passing a few lone wanderers here and there, and soon got on the steps for the second floor.

"This must be the way." Riley said, taking the left passageway down to the restaurants. As they began to make their way to the end of the tunnel, Fwupo could see Theodarus standing with the man from the second preliminary round.

"Sounds good." Kamome said, eyeing the restaurant. "I'm a fan of eastern food myself. Let's go." he said, and stepped inside the restaurant. There were a few parties already seated at each table, slurping down ramen, munching on gyoza, eating fried rice, and the like. Kamome moved up to the counter. "Table for two, please."

****

"That would be the pink door to the left. . ." the woman said, smiling and waving her hand in the direction. "Enjoy your massage!" she said, a bit too overexcitedly.

Zachary moved forward and entered the room, to see a tall, brute-looking woman wearing a doctor's uniform. Compared to the secretary outside, she was hideous. She looked to be in her 40s, was not slim, and had bulging muscles like he'd never seen before. She was standing over a plain white bed that didn't look too padded -- nor comfortable. The room was white, which was no big surprise to Zachary, as it matched pretty much the entire rest of the tower that he had seen so far. There was not much else in the room, except for a few shelves in the corner. But from what he had seen so far, he didn't know whether or not he wanted to see what was inside.

"Hello. . ." she spoke up, in an unnervingly gruff voice. "Are you here for a massage?"

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=molokidan>Molokidan</A] 

at: 10/28/04 4:57 am

by **wkz** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 4:59 am

Just as the pair is ushered to their seats in the restaurent, Theodarus spotted his former moogle teammate.

"Hey, Fwupo! Want to join us for a meal?" Theodarus shouted.

"Well," Theodarus continued, this time in a volume meant only for Kamome's ears, "I'm not sure about the other person with him, but the moogle was my teammate. And he seems trustworthy enough to join our little group. AND he's much better in fighting than me, but that's a given... a lot of people here are better at fighting than me..."

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=wkz@rpgww60462>wkz</A] at: 10/28/04 5:10 am

by **FF Fanatic 80** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 10:31 am

Adarl's libido was indeed dismayed, if such were possible, at the sudden shirtness. Thought it was certainly willing to replay the prior image in his mind a few times.

This did, however, force the half-drow to note the odd conversation going on. It seemed, once again, there were still groups of people working together in this tournament. Saffron apparently was among these people. In hindsight, perhaps that is why Saffron was so hasty to leave, in order to join his own comrades. The only question left on Adarl's mind, was how much this group would conflict with his own reasons for entering the tournament. That... and other unmentionable things, thanks to a certain libido.

"Thank you." Adarl responded. Since the tournament was yet to start, and not seeing an immediate need for it, he left his studded armor on the bed, remaining in his plain grey shirt and pants. Strapping his own bastard sword to his back, the half-drow exited into the hall.

by **The Great Nevareh** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 3:15 pm

Yes! A REAL Masseuse, not one of those stupid "I'm pretty and I don't know what I'm doing!" types!
"I am indeed here for a massage, madam! Please instruct me as to what I need to do so we can begin."
Zachary is bright and energetic- well, when isn't he bright and energetic?

by **Molokidan** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 6:03 pm

Kamome turned back to the attendant. "Make that a table for 4, please. . ." he said, and faced Theodarus. "I trust you. If they're your friends, I'd be glad to talk to them. Besides. . .we need all the help we can get."

****

Saffron and Adarl moved down the white hallway, passing a few others who eyed the two men, carrying their huge swords on their backs.

"What do you say we head for the training area? Just to see what's going on." Saffron smiled, moving up the two flights of staircases to the third floor.

They stepped off onto the third floor, in a wide hallway that seemed to stretch down forever. There were various doors along the hallway, each with a explanation plaque next to them. The two to the direct left and right of the two read "Rainy Jungle" and "Icy Tundra".

"Hey, this looks interesting, doesn't it?" Saffron said, beginning to move down the hallways. "Tell me if there's any you want to go in."

As Adarl moved down the hallways, he saw "Dry Desert", "Rocky Mountain", and a whole slew of other settings. They finally reached the end, and saw two immense doors, which were supposedly guarding the final tournament area.

"Too bad we can't go in." Saffron said, tapping the door with the edge of his blade. "'Twould be kinda fun, don't you agree?"

****

"Strip down to your undergarments." the woman said, beginning to wash her hands. "Then, lay down on the bed. This is flat, without all that cushiony stuff, so I can massage you proper. You'll feel a lot better afterwards." She cracked her knuckles, and a sound came out that Nevareh could have possibly mistaken for a gunshot given that he wasn't looking straight at her. She had long, thick, fingers, and they pulsated, waiting to get started.

Nevareh smiled and did what he was told, then slid himself onto the bed.

"I call this one my Piano Massage." she said, and began to work. Her fingers jammed into Zachary's shoulderblades, which wasn't a totally unpleasant feeling, but it wasn't quite what he had expected. She began to start, her fingers slamming into specific spots on his back, playing him pretty much like he was a piano. She continued with this for the next ten minutes, turning his back into veritable mush.

"Now the setting." she said, and Zachary felt palms begin to slam one after another into his back, shoving him down towards the flat surface. It was definitely a unique massage, if anything.

After another five minutes, she stopped. "You are finished!" she said, in the sort of voice one would use when about to vanquish their opponent. "Stand up."

Zachary stood up, and immediately noticed the difference. There was absolutely no bad feeling in his back at all. He felt great. He stretched a bit, and noticed no strange cracks or pulling. It was amazing.

"Come back anytime," she said, in that strictly business voice, and Zachary exited the room.

by **FF Fanatic 80** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 7:54 pm

Adarl couldn't help a small smirk at the comment.

"Indeed... though I suspect the organizers would have... 'dire' consequences for us if we tried." he said to the fellow swordsman. The blonde man had a good point though, they would both need to do some practicing before the tournament started. The half-drow turned back to glance at the sparring areas behind them, pondering which one to choose. This turned out, however, to be far more complicated than it should be.

...I wonder if this is wise. Afterall, it is quite possible, despite the competition starting tomorrow, he may have something in store for me most dire while we are alone from everyone. he thought to himself, Even if not...there is still the little problem... of us possibly, being alone in there...

Adarl shook his head, trying again to to keep his thoughts focused. Then he realizes something.

"...it occurs to me." the half-drow suddenly speaks, "If we are to spar, shouldn't we have our armors with us?"

by **Molokidan** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 8:38 pm

"You really wanna spar?" Saffron asked, arching an eyebrow. "Nah, we had best save our energy. There's gonna be a whole lotta fighting to do, come tommorow."

He pushed open the door to the nearest room, marked "Dry Desert."

As the two stepped inside, they were filled with the intense heat of a desert, and looked around to find themselves in the middle of a gigantic sand dune. Adarl shifted his feet. The sand definitely seemed real.

He looked behind himself, to see just a door standing in the middle of the landscape. He opened it, and could see back outside into the hallway.

Saffron smiled, looking around. "Ahhh. . ." he said. "Nice and toasty warm in here."

He stretched and began walking, and suddenly Adarl could see two figures going at each other on the horizon.

"Oh, hey, I know that guy." Saffron said. "Winslow!" he bellowed.

After a few moments, the figure came into view, a man looking about 21, with pale, curly blonde hair in a crewcut. He was wearing what looked like some sort of private college uniform, and had two sickles hanging at the side of his belt.

Following him was a tired-looking man with a beret, wearing a vest and work pants. He was holding two bladed wheels with silver handles, and his body was littered with cuts and scrapes. He panted helplessly, standing a few feet behind Winslow.

"Adarl, this is Winslow Bordeaux, a friend of mine." Saffron said.

"Nice to meet you." Winslow smirked, looking at Adarl as one would a scrumptious piece of meat.

"So what are you up to, anyway?" Saffron asked, his eyes switching between the two.

"Just playing around with my friend here." Winslow said, the smirk never leaving his face. "Isn't that right?"

"Y. . .yes. . .sir." the other man mumbled.

"Heheheh! Yep. That's right." Winslow said, breaking into a high-pitched bout of laughter.

by **FF Fanatic 80** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 10:24 pm

"Likewise." Adarl answers, tugging at the collar of his shirt as Saffron speaks back. The desert certainly felt real enough, especially from the heat his dark grey clothing was soaking in at the moment. In addition to that discomfort, he found the way Winslow looked at him somewhat disturbing as well. The half-drow was unsure what exactly was on the crewcut blonde's mind. However, it seemed obvious what was on the other man's. He looked battered, worn out, and about ready to call it a day. Adarl suspected this man was not quite up to par with Saffron's friend.

"You certainly seem to be enjoying yourself." Adarl tells Winslow, pulling at the collar of his shirt once more. At this rate leaving it on would turn it into a damp rag. Deciding enough is enough, he removes the shirt and ties it around his waist. Several scars from nicks and cuts adorn the half-drow's chest, showing him no stranger to combat.

Edited by: FF Fanatic 80 

at: 10/28/04 10:25 pm

by **The Great Nevareh** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 11:08 pm

Zachary, now freshly laid out, finds himself hungry. He decides to head on over to the food court which shouldn't be too far, and after paying for his message, he heads down in that direction.

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