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Part Twenty-Three

Part Twenty-Three




Zione: *growls* You really do live up to your name now, don't you? Just wait until I catch up to you...the king is unhappy with the Jester. And you know what that means...

Jester: I'm not afraid of you. Take whichever turn you like. I'll be waiting. HEHEHEHEEEH!

Zione: By the time I'm finished with you, you'll be begging for mercy, boy. You might as well give up now and spare yourself the humiliation, not to mention the beating. I'll just throw you off the airship, and you'll be free to live the rest of your miserable life.

*continues searching airship for Jester*

Zione: Sheesh...this thing is bigger than I realized.

Jester: No, it isn't. I just used my mastery of the six elements to duplicate and rearrange the molecular structure of this ship. First grade stuff. Heheheheh
Anyway, if you were a skilled enough fighter, you could have easily finished me off back there on the deck. I gave you more than enough opportunities. Apparently your fighting skills are too inept to have done anything to me in those few minutes. I trust that if you do happen to find me, and we fight, your puny little wings will be trying to fly you away as fast as possible, birdie-boy. Heh!

Zione: Hmmph...I could do that too, you know. I'm just playing fair...not that I would expect that from someone like you. And earlier on the deck, I was just sizing you up. I could have taken you down in three seconds without blinking. You're the coward, always hiding from me.

Jester: Samurai used fight by a code. Ninjas, on the other hand, did whatever it took to reach their target. Consider me the ninja, Mr. Samurai. And don't you think you're blowing your fighting skills out of proportion? Nobody is that strong. You're just being immature.

Zione: Thanks for the history lesson...just don't forget that I'm a professional assassin. It's my job to do this stuff. That's why I tell you not to underestimate me.

Jester: Ah, really... That's nice to know. Oh yeah, it's only fair to tell you that some of these rooms have been given extra elements. Like, I believe the one you're currently entering has been given extra fire composition. Heheh. It'll singe right through your foot. What will you do?

Zione: Well, thank you for alerting me to this. Perhaps you do have a conscience after all...but unfortunately, I tire of this mockery. *floats into air above the floor* Surrender now, or the last thing you'll ever see in this life is the blade of my sword!

Jester: Sword? How... cliche`.... But anyway, I'll surrender when you find me!
But now why is the sword such a weapon of choice? It's not like you could bring a sword to a fight and expect to win just because you have said weapon... Oh well. I guess it doesn't really matter.
*waits and watches a bit* You're really bad at mazes, you know that? I bet you never even finished those simple mazes on the back of the cereal boxes as a kid.

Zione: Would you rather me have a different weapon? *absorbs sword and creates pole ax* Is a pole ax better? I think it suits me better, as an executioner. I was never allowed to do those mazes...training came first. *enters new room* Nope, this isn't it. *reaches out to wall to support himself, only to realize that there is no wall* Hey, this wall is fake!

Jester: You didn't expect me keep all the walls consistency intact, did you? And I would think that they'd at least put you in a maze for training. So much for that killer instinct. Hmmm... A pole ax is better. I just think swords are too over-used. Just a tad. Don't you think?

Zione: I suppose so. Most everybody else I've met lately has at least one with them. But enough with the small talk. *focuses energy and locates Jester's presence* Alright, now I've got you. *starts gliding in Jester's direction*

Jester: *switches pattern of the hallway maze again* Whoops. Did I do that? I'm over here, you know. Behind you. Eheheheh...heheheheh...BWAAHAHAHA!!

Zione: Aaargh! You're going to pay, fool! I've had enough... *transports self to deck* ...if you want a fight, come find me. I'm done with this nonsense for now.

Jester: Fine. Have it your way. Let's see how tired your little wings become after fluttering about all day! *locks all the entrances from the control panel and turns on the force-field so Zione can't teleport inside*
Oh I forgot the best part! *lowers molecular consistency of the deck so it crumbles apart*
I'll turn the hallways back to normal. If you can find a way inside, I shall fight you.

Zione: Ha...you make a mockery of my skills. *hovers over to door, and begins pounding on it with pole ax* If this doesn't work, I'll just create something stronger until I get in.

Jester: How... barbaric. Ah well~
*strengthens force-field to dull the effects of bashing the door in*
Even if you break the door open, the force-field behind it is deadly enough to kill a person and keep said person out. I'm afraid you'll have to find another method. Hehehehehehehe

Zione: Well, that seems somewhat redundant. If a person's dead, they're not getting in. But anyway, there are other methods. *flies over to propellers* If I can't get inside, I can at least sabotage this thing. Heh... *slashes propellers to bits*

Jester: What did you do? Seriously. I can't tell... where are you located, the back-up stabilizer propeller yard? That means you must have taken out one of the 15 back-up propellers. It'll take you an hour to take down all the propellers. And by that time, I will have already landed this thing with you underneath. NEXT!

Zione: You're no fun, you know that? You should seriously consider a name change. Something like Dorko the Lame. How about a bomb? Knowing your boringness, you'd probably do something dumb and insulate the area around it.

Jester: *looks out the camera in Zione's area* If you had any bombs left, I'd say go for it. But... *watches last bomb drop from Zione's item bag*

Zione: I think you've forgotten my power... *creates bomb* Ha, I can make anything I want appear.

Jester: That's... cheap. No challenge to anything what-so-ever! Fine, fine, do what you want.

Zione: Ok, if you insist. *absorbs bomb and creates small hovercraft* See ya later, Dorko! *jumps off airship*

Jester: Finally I'm rid of him. Now... where to land this thing...? How about through Saber Mountains where any stalkers will have a hard time? Just in case he's following me... *flies due north.*

Zione: *follows from a safe distance*

Jester: Well the radars aren't picking up any life forms.... Still. I'm going through the mountains. Have fun keeping up, Zione. If you are following me.

Zione: Ugh...he's headed toward those mountains, isn't he? Great, now I have to decide whether to follow him or not. I could always go to the CS with a tip...they'd pay well for him.

Jester: *looks at one of the many monitors* A heat signature. Aren't you smart enough to mask your own heat signature, you fool?.... *looks again*
Wait... there's more than one. Probably CS crafts. Looks like this ship was supposed to be somewhere.

Zione: *looks around* CS already? Wow, I didn't know that they were this good. I suppose this forces my hand. *flags down one of the CS crafts*

Jester: One of them went down, I think. Zione must be there. Thank you for giving yourself away. Heheheh!

CS officer: What is it? This had better be important.

Zione: Believe me, I think you'll find this to be worth your time. I know as a fact that one of the leaders of the rebellion is on that craft you're pursuing. Jester, I think he called himself.

Jester: *whistles a happy tune* Wow. I sure did a good job. Everything on this ship is perfectly safe. Nothing bad is gonna happen because of my good work. ^_^
I've out run the CS guys, there's no sign of Zione, and this is just fun. Nobody's gonna get me..... Especially not right now.
*sees CS fleet* Well that was kinda ironic.

*flies airship deeper over the mountains*

Jester: Okay... better not get cocky again. I lost 'em for the moment.

CS officer: Interesting. And I'm sure you want some sort of reward, correct?

Zione: I would never assume something like that. However, if you deem it appropriate, I could accept a small reward. Heh...

CS officer: Too bad... *gets back onto craft*

Zione: Hey!

CS officer: What? You didn't actually expect anything from us, did you? The only thing you'd get is some jail time if you don't get out of here!

Zione: Haha! You seriously think you can actually compete with me? Good luck with that one.
*disappears, and reappears on deck of airship*
Hey Jester, or whatever your name was...I have something to ask you!

Jester: Ugh, dinghy off the port bow, as they say. *uses intercom*
Whaddya want? I'm busy. *Eats another cheeto and changes TV channel while lazily reclined in the captain's chair.*

Zione: I've had a sudden (and somewhat irritating) change of heart. Why don't we work together and take out these CS peeps. Then we can share the airship and all get along, just like on Barney...except awesomer. Whaddya say?

Jester: ..... Barney? What a tempting offer. No. I'll take them out, you continue doing whatever is was you were doing that I don't care about, and we all live happily ever after. As long as you stay outta my way, there's no worries.

Zione: But that still leaves me without an airship...which I happen to sort of need for, you know, stuff. I felt a special connection between us, you know...and I'd really hate to waste it. How about we take out the CS, you come with me for that stuff I need to do, and after that's finished, you can keep the airship all for yourself. Come on, you're supposed to be nice to people or something, aren't you?

Jester: I'm an evil other. Show me that in official writing maybe....
Ugh. There's nothing to watch on TV. I don't trust this guy, but I'm bored.
*Turns intercom back on*
Fine. Whatever. *opens hatch and turns force-field off*

Zione: Awesome. I promise you'll find it worth your while. After this is over, I'll never annoy you again.... that ought to put a smile on your face!

Jester: Yeah, yeah. Get your fairy wings in here. You navigate. I need to stop at an outpost in these mountains.

Zione: *walks in with a childish, giddy expression on his face* Coordinates already locked in? This is probably the second-biggest airship I've ever flown. Oh, the memories. Can I call you Russell?

Jester: *squints with an irritated look* Are you on some kind of meds that you forgot to take this morning? Unlike the gummi ship in Kingdom Hearts, this ship does NOT run on smiles. So cut the act and help me like you said you would.
And yes, I already have the coordinates mapped out.

Zione: ......forgot about those. No wait, I think I took those spare happy pills by mistake. I swiped them off that Misty character earlier. That must be what happened, Russell. But anyway, I'll get right on the controls.

Jester: No, you wont. I don't trust a guy on meds.

Zione: Ok, if you say so. Whaddya want me to do now? Boy, I feel weird right now.

Jester: I don't know. You tell me. All I know is what I have to do, and all you know is what you have to do.

Zione: Well, shouldn't we take care of those CS people first? I can do that pretty well...just give me a big cannon, and there won't be anything left. I'll be back in a few minutes...I guess you'll have to pilot this thing to wherever you're going, or just put it on auto. Bye Russell! *leaves to go find anti-aircraft cannon on ship*

Jester: What is wrong with that guy? .......
!
What, am I a moron? I shouldn't let him wander on his own!
*turns security camera operation monitor on*

Zione: This is an awesome airship! If I hadn't taken those happy pills, I'd probably be trying to steal it right now. But I'm too happy to think much about that right now! Hahahahaha! What is it with these things?
*stops* Wait, what was I out here for again? Oh yeah, I was looking for the AA cannon. *continues walking*

Jester: .... So far so good.... I wonder what's gotten into him.

Zione: *finds AA cannon* Yay! *walks over to cannon* Hi people out there! I'm going to shoot you now! *starts firing cannon at CS aircraft* Hahahahahaha!

Jester: Hey, Zione! Don't be so reckless! Ammo isn't unlimited, ya know! Sheesh, at this rate he'll be out of ammo before the second fleet even arrives.

Zione: Hang on there, Mr. Scrooge! Don't forget that I can create stuff out of thin air...I just need to absorb some of the other stuff I already made, and I can get more ammo. If we were in Tellius right now, I really would have unlimited ammo, but it seems like my power is weakening with every hour I spend here.

Jester: I see. Then I think you should get to Tellius pretty soon. Really soon.
.......
Oh, here already. This airship was faster than I though. Well, Zione, thanks for taking down the ships for me. I'm landing now so if you see any more CS ships, just.... make a bomb or something.

*Initiates landing gear*

Zione: Cool. Don't worry about the ship, I'll take good care of it while you're gone doing whatever it is you're doing.

Jester: I'll only be gone for a few minutes. Touch that control panel and I swear I'll make you pay!


*in the meantime*


Hanna: *aggravated* This is ridiculous! How did I lose sight of that airship?! *glances at dragon* I’d blame you if I could. Either that you dove too fast or flew through a cloud or something. The airship is out of sight, everyone has either gone missing or abandoned me, and I still don’t know exactly where I’m going. I knew I should have asked Brady for a map…

Brady: *telepathically, and sort of static...y* Can you hear me, Hanna?

Hanna: *Sarcastic yet somewhat relieved* Oh goody, looks like I haven’t been completely abandoned after all.
Brady, where are you? What happened?

Zione: Don't forget me! I'm still here for you, Hanna. Just not physically at the moment...obviously. I've had a change of heart, and I'm going to be nice now. Well, at least until these happy pills wear off.

Hanna: Hah! When have you ever been here for me?! Wait ...you took happy pills??? Serves you right.

Zione: Regardless of the past, I'm here now. Wondering why I ever decided to steal stuff from that Misty girl...how long do these things last, anyway? I wish Russell would come back already. It seems like he's been gone for hours...

Jester: *Shouts from distance* I'm right here, ya dope, and it's only been three minutes!

Brady: Hanna. That Zione guy saved our lives and trapped us in Tellius at the same time. There's only one way I can get outta here at the moment. I need you to help me. The only way out is if two keys are activated. One here, which I have already tracked down and am currently standing by, and one on your side, which is located somewhere in the Fohl Mines. Can you find it for me and activate it with your ice powers?

Zione: If I remember correctly, Alzymus should have been captured by my team in Tellius by now. You probably didn't even notice, because they're professionals. Sorry about that...but if you want, I can help you return to Thorae.

Brady: If you could, I would like you to find the exact location of the key. Then tell Hanna where it is. For even I do not know its exact whereabouts...

Zione: Oh, ok. Hey Russell, I need the airship now! The person inside my head is telling me to go find some key, so I'll see ya later! *starts up airship*

Jester: *obviously preoccupied* Yeah, yeah, just don't touch the controls! ......
Wait.... H-Hey! *watches airship fly away* Get back here!

Brady: Just hang tight, Jester. When I get back to Thorae, I'll come pick you up. You're on my way, anyways.

Jester: Make it quick.

Brady: Zione, do you even know where the Fohl Mines ARE?

Zione: Umm...not really. But how hard can they be to find? Are they like strip mine-type things? We have a lot of those in Tellius. Oh, and sorry about leaving you behind Russell...but the guy inside my head needs my help.

Brady: They are a copper-ore mine. Caves, in other words. Can you find them for me? I've sent the coordinates to your computer.

Zione: Oh, that makes it a lot easier! I should be able to find them pretty quick. Thanks for the help Jimmy!

Hanna: Hey, Zione? I hate to bother you in your happy little world of rainbows and infantile bliss, but could you speed it up a little? At least tell me which general direction you’re going so I can start heading there myself.

Zione: You know, if I wasn't on these dumb happy pills, I'd be ready to destroy you right about now. But I can't make myself do it right now...lucky for you, I suppose. But anyway, I'll shoot some flares or something so you can find me. Not that this giant airship isn't visible enough anyway...surprised I haven't attracted the entire CS airfleet yet. *pauses* Wait, what did you say your name was again? Amanda? Tina?

Hanna: …..Tina…? *shudders* I’m glad I never took those pills.
Just shoot a flare or whatever. I don’t really care at the moment, I’m just sick of not knowing where I’m going.

Zione: Ok, Tina. Flares should be visible within a few minutes...as soon as I find them. *searches for flares*

Hanna: ...to believe I once actually saw you as a threat. All I have to do is make you take a happy pill in order to render you incapable of even common sense! And I'm asking nicely, please don't call me Tina.

Zione: Oh, you mean your name isn't Tina after all? Well then, what is it? I wish I could remember...oh, this is so embarrassing. Hey, I just found the...no, those are just anti-aircraft rockets. Never mind...

Hanna: Your current incompetence is baffling and annoying, though still slightly amusing. Call me Hanna. H. A. N. N. A. Got it?

Zione: Hanna? Are you sure? *locates flares* Haha, I found them! Now just to head over to the cannon so I can shoot them high enough for you to see them.

Hanna: Of course I'm sure! How could I not be sure of my own name?! ... Well, there was that one time when... Stop distracting me! Shoot the flare already!

Zione: Sorry...I'm not trying to distract you, but who can resist my awesome wit and charm? Anyway... *fires flare* Oh no! That was an anti-aircraft missile, not a flare! How did that happen?

Hanna: You are impossible... and aggravating. *sees missile* Finally! *Directs dragon toward the direction the missile came from* You failed to mention you were in the mountains. Then again, you probably didn't even comprehend that yourself.

Zione: I thought Russell told you we were in the mountains...apparently not. When you get here, can you look at my head? I have theses voices in here that are driving me crazy! *walks back to airship control room*

Hanna: Heh, somehow that doesn't surprise me. I'm not getting any closer to you than I absolutely have to. And who's Russell?

Zione: Russell's the one that was in the airship with me before I left to go find those mines, or whatever it is we're looking for. I think he's a friend of Jimmy.

Hanna: Someone was in the airship with you? Who's Jimmy??? Never mind, we're searching for the mines, remember?

Zione: And you call me incompetent? Aw, never mind that. Can you see the airship yet?

Hanna: You are incompetent... Yup, I see it.

Zione: Yay! Tina...I mean Hanna's coming to visit! You should be able to land that dragon of yours on the deck.

Hanna: ....at least you remembered my name. And it's not my dragon. You should know, you were there. *dragon lands on deck and Hanna walks into control room*

Zione: I was? Yay! Hanna's here now! Let's play a game...how about hide and seek?

Hanna: *Sigh* Why do I even bother? I’ve got a better game. First one to find the mines we’re looking for wins.

Zione: Ooh, sounds like fun! How do you play it?

:Hanna: ....You look for the mines.....

Zione: Oh. I knew that! Ready? Go! *runs to window*

Hanna: Wow, that actually worked. Now to see if we can find them. *glances over the passing scenery* See anything yet?

Zione: I see a really big tower-thing...but that's not a mine, is it?

Hanna: Umm... no, I’m afraid it isn’t. Keep searching. Wait, you DO know what the mines look like….right?

Zione: I was trained in one for two years, so I should know what they look like. But that was in Tellius...I bet they're different here.

Hanna: Did Brady tell you what kind of mines they were? Maybe that would help.

Zione: Brady? If you mean Jimmy, he said something about copper ore, I think.

Hanna: Jimmy is Brady? I took Jimmy for some figment of your imagination.... Ah well, doesn’t really matter. Copper ore.... Wait, doesn’t that mean we should be looking for caves?

Zione: Oh yeah, I forgot about that. He did mention caves while we were talking earlier. Am I in trouble now?

Hanna: *rolls eyes* No, you’re not in trouble, you nitwit! Just look for the mines...caves... whatever. You’re stressing me out. Honestly, I don’t know why I put up with people like you.

Zione: Because you wanted to rescue your friend, what's-his-name...Mario, or something like that. Don't forget that DJ and EDJ got captured too. That was probably my fault as well...

Hanna: *Suddenly draws sword and glares at Zione* Don’t you DARE call him that! Do NOT insult him! Breathe one word about my failure to help him and it will be your last.
...and when was DJ captured?

Zione: Woah! No need to get violent...not yet at least. Apparently it's not Mario. What was his name anyway? Oh, and DJ and EDJ were captured after I tipped off some random CS person a while back. That was before I took those disgusting happy pills. No idea what's become of them now...sorry about that, again.

Hanna: His name’s Lui... so now DJ and his EO have been captured by the CS. Considering how much trouble you cause and your current mental state, perhaps it would be advantageous to finish you off now. *sheathes sword*

Zione: Maybe, but without my superior wit, you'd never rescue your friends from Tellius. Or get DJ and EO back from the CS. Or rescue Lui. So you don't really have any choice but to keep me around.

Hanna: You have no superior wit...

Zione: Oh, is that the mine down there? *points to ground*

Hanna: *looks* I guess... Go check it out.

Zione: Wait, does that mean I won the game? Yay! *runs to deck of airship and jumps off*

Hanna: Finally, some time to think in peace. *walks out to deck* Lui Hairam, and now DJ. Can’t I even help my own friends? Then there’s the fact that Misty, Brady, Naomi, Ace, and Alzymus are trapped in Tellius. How did this get so complicated? *looks over the deck* I wonder if he found anything.

Zione: *lands on ground* Wow, this is a cool place! Now, what was I looking for again? A key, I think. Well, how long could it take to find something like that?

Hanna: *paces on deck* So assuming this key activation thing works, Brady should be able to get back. Whether he brings the others with him or not remains to be seen. DJ and EDJ have been captured by the CS. From what I can tell, that’s almost a no-win situation. Hairam is still missing without a trace of her whereabouts. And Lui is still trapped in the portal between here and earth, enduring whatever pain is involved in that. *counts out items on fingers* Help Brady and the others, free DJ, leave EDJ, find Hairam, and rescue Lui. *sigh* I’ll be home by dinnertime. *looks over the deck again* What’s taking Zione so long?

Zione: *looks around and finds key station* Hey Hanna, I think I found it! Jimmy wanted you to come do this part, just so you know. *sighs* Well, I think the effects of the happy pills are starting to wear off a little. I can think more clearly than I could before. What to do about Hanna? I'm in for quite the ride if she finds out about this.

Hanna: So he found it... not bad. *jumps off deck and flies to the ground*

Zione: *waves to Hanna* Over here! Maybe if I fake it for now, she won't notice.

Hanna: *walks over* What did you find?

Zione: The key thing, silly! Can't you see it? *points* By the way, what did you do with the airship?

Hanna: ...the airship? I didn't do anything with it. I just left it... Now that you mention it, that probably wasn't the best course of action.

Zione: Yeah, probably not. I'll go take care of it while you do whatever it is you have to do with the key thingy. Alright?

Hanna: I'm surprised you remembered there ever even was an airship, but go ahead.

Zione: Hmmph. I'm not that bad, am I? *crosses arms and flies back up to airship*
*lands on deck* Ha, that seemed to work well enough. Now, to prepare for the next step.

Hanna: I hope this works... *uses ice to activate the switch*

Zione: Hanna, I have those voices in my head again, and they're saying I need to go help them again. So I've got to leave...sorry! *starts flying off with airship*

Hanna: Ugh, again with the voices... Fine. Whatever, go blow yourself up. See if I care. I wonder how many of those pills he took.

Zione: Truly? Then you are more incompetent than I had imagined! Hahahahaha! Well, that was easier than I thought. Now just to go find DJ and EO...

Hanna: Wait, do what? You're...? HEY!! Get back here!

Zione: Haha, look at her screaming and waving her arms around like a maniac down there! These are the moments I live for. Oh, and dinner too.

Hanna: Augh! I don’t believe this! Duped by the dope. How come I’m the one always falling for such tricks?! I should have clobbered him when I had the chance.

Zione: Now, if I'm correct, DJ and EO were taken to Jezirael Fortress. Getting them out will be a bit tricky...maybe I could smash this airship through it. But that might accidentally kill one or both of them, and that wouldn't work at all. I must figure something out.

Hanna: Maybe I should follow him... I probably should, but I can't leave until I know that switch worked. Grrr... *kicks a rock in frustration* BRADY, WHERE ARE YOU?!?!

Zione: *walks over to deck of airship*
Hmmph, looks like they've already returned to Thorae. That was faster than I'd thought...but at least Alzymus has been taken. I'll deal with him later, as planned. For now though, I've got to worry about DJ and EO.

Brady: *voice comes from behind Hanna* ... Thanks. I thought I'd never get out of that boring place.

Hanna: Oh, there you are. My pleasure. Now, please tell me you have some sort of plan.

Brady: *shakes head* Surely you know me better than that by now.

*Creates portal. Immediately afterward, Jester comes shooting out of it*

Brady: There. Now that we're all here, I suppose we should head to the nearest port town. That'd be Haltur.

Jester: Wait, what?

Brady: Okay, are we all set?

Jester: Huh? Set for what?

Brady: Oh. Just one moment. *Walks over to cave wall and does something the other two can't make out*
There. Let's get out of here.

Hanna: *Watches Brady with curiosity, but simply shrugs* Soooo, are we just gonna walk there or do you have another mysterious portal you can't wait to use? And what's Jester doing here? *briefly turns to Jester* Hi, by the way.

Jester: Nnngh, likewise. *insincere smirk*

Brady: ... Well... we're... we're behind schedule. No portals, though. My power's almost completely drained. We'll just have to walk. And hope we find Hairam... we might not be coming back this way once we leave.

Jester: What about Ace and the others?

Brady: What about them? They can find their own way out of Tellius.

Jester: I suppose you're right.

Brady: Once we reach Haltur, we sail by ship to the continent of Unne. At the end of that continent is where the portal containing Lui is.

Hanna: *Sigh* ...and once again the goal is just beyond reach. Brady, I apologize for being inconsiderate. Although I haven't shown much gratitude, I genuinely appreciate your assistance. Thank you. *tries to smile* So, which direction?

Brady: ... It's northwest of here...

Jester: Is it just me, or are the lights in these mines dimming?

Brady: You're right...

*the lights gradually fade until they abruptly shut off*

Jester: Great, now we're in the dark. Alone, hungry, cold, and in the dark. Wheeee.

Brady: *eyes widen to a beast like gaze* Something’s behind us. *Swiftly turns around and shoots a bolt of shadow lightning straight past Hanna's ear, striking a target*....
I was just an Impling Kobold. Watch out for their nest, though. They like to attack in swarms.

Jester: Alone, hungry, cold, in the dark, and in danger. Yipee.

Hanna: Don't get too excited, Jester. We may yet have a cave-in or some other horrible event or creature befall us before too long. As much as I like the dark, we need to get out. Now, preferably.

Brady: *thinks to himself* I need to tell her the truth. At least, half of it... Maybe later. Right now she needs to undergo test number one. This should be fun.

Jester: ... Uhh... Brady? Why are you growling as you walk?

Brady: Uh, what?

Jester: Well I know it's not Hanna. *looks to Hanna*
... But... it could be that weird thing BEHIND Hanna...

Hanna: *Pulls out sword and spins around, slashing behind her* Huh? Jester, there's nothing the-
*sees something move* Never mind.

Jester: HAHA! Made you look. Wait. What?

Brady: You're right, Hanna. I sense something. Stay on guard.

Jester: *makes bright flame in hand and the room lights up* I don't see anything. ....

Hanna: Of course you don't see anything, I can't see anything either with your blinding light! *rubs eyes and blinks a couple times* My eyes had just adjusted to the dark!
...well, whatever it was could have run off by now and I for one don't want to give it a second chance to attack.
*continues walking* We should keep moving.

Brady: *nods head* Hmph.

Jester: Fine then. *puts out light*

*everyone walks in silence for a bit longer*

Jester: Hagh--na... Sum--*gag*..buddy! Hehglp.. me!... *gasp*

Brady: Hmm? *Turns around to find Jester being strangled by a tentacled beast*
What--!

Hanna: This better not be another- *turns around* ...whoa...
*a tentacle reaches for her, but she dodges* What is this thing?! *whacks the limb*

Brady: *slashes at it's tentacle*
No good. It's just regrowing the missing tissue. Dang this thing! Why did this have to happen NOW?! I hate this place.
We've got to attack the head, or else it'll just keep-- *dodges a tentacle swung at him* It'll keep attacking us!

Hanna: Grr... *slashes at another tentacle* We don't have time for this! *evades the tentacles and makes her way to Jester*
Rrrrghaaaa! *Swings her sword so hard it lops off the tentacles strangling Jester*
*angrily* Now FIGHT!!
*charges up to the monster, hacking and dodging the moving tentacles*

Jester: Gladly, miss attitude problem! *glances around the monster*
Hanna, let's use ice magic to freeze it in one place!

Brady: Right. Then I'll attack it from behind.

Jester: *Creates a steady flow of ice*

Hanna: *Glares at Jester* Fine. *Her sword starts to glow blue, but the glow steadily intensifies* Let's try this...

*She backs away from the monster and forcefully swings her sword in the beast's direction, sending a huge wave of concentrated freezing ice energy at it*

Brady: *Leaps over the monster, and in an attempt to stab it, it quickly swats him to the ground*
ARGH! *Gets up quickly and dashes back into the air only to be swatted again*
Grrrrrr...
*The process repeats itself twice until finally Brady dodges the tentacle swiftly and cleaves into its head. The beast shrieks with deafening shrillness*
It's getting angry. Our method must be working.

Hanna: *Charges the sword again* Superb. Just take it out quickly, this energy usage is far too taxing! *Swings the sword delivering another wave of ice*

Jester: You said it. *Switches to using a fire axe while his powers recharge.*
Something like this would be harder, you'd think.
*Leaps in the air and smashes down on the beast's head with his axe in a fiery explosion*

Brady: *Starts running and picks up speed until he has enough velocity to run on the cave wall*
Hya! *Thrusts sword into the monster's eye*

Hanna: *Whispers* This ends now. *Her sword starts glowing blue again*
*Rushes at the monster, slashing at anything that gets in the way*
Yeeeaaah!!
*embeds the sword in the monster's head and releases the pent up ice energy through the weapon*

Brady: *Eyes become beast-like and stare at the dying monster*

Jester: Great job, Hanna.... Let's go, Brady... Brady?

Brady: *Continues to stare*

Jester: Uhh...

Brady: *Suddenly breaks gaze and eyes return to normal as he looks back at Hanna and Jester* Hmm? Oh yes, we should go now. The sooner to Haltur, the better.

Hanna: Super... *wrenches her sword out of the monster, though that action alone nearly causes her to collapse* Let's go. *stumbles a little, but continues to walk past Jester and Brady*

Jester: *Gives a little gesture to Brady towards Hanna*

Brady: *whispers* What? No!

Jester: *whispers back* Just do it.

Brady: No, she's not the kind of person who would appreciate that.

Jester: What's the big deal? It's just a kind little notion.

Brady: No.

Jester: Ugh. Fine, be that way.

Brady: ...

Hanna: ..... *walk slowly turns to more of a stagger and breathing pattern becomes strained* *eventually falls to hands and knees with exhaustion*

Jester: Well...?

Brady: She didn't pass out did she?

Jester: Um, I don't think so...

Brady: *Sighs and walks over to Hanna and helps her up, propping her up, using himself as a brace for her to walk* Can you move your legs at all, Hanna?

Hanna: *looks at Brady with a dazed expression* Huh...? *eyes focus* Wha... *shakes head* Yeah *gathers strength and stands on her own* I'm fine. *lightly shoves away from Brady* ... *takes a few steps then falls to the ground completely unconscious*

Brady: Oh boy. *Picks her up* Wanna take turns?

Jester: No thanks, pal. She's all yours.

Brady: *Rolls eyes* Let's get going then.



*Scene Switch*



Christina: Are we there yet?!?!

Isaac: You know what? We are.
*the two walk over a green hill to find a small, yet advanced, town*
Happy now?

Christina: Yippee!! *Jumps into the air*
Wait! What are we doing here?

Isaac: You weren't paying attention when I said we'd stock up on supplies here, were you? And there's something I have to take care of anyway...

Christina: I was listening! I just... forgot.
I liked it better when I called you Legoman and you called me Her Royal Freshness. You're mad aren't you?
I know! *pulls out two bags of M&M's* You need comfort food. *opens and starts eat one while handing the other one to Isaac*

Isaac: Earth candies, huh?... *quickly grabs m&m's and stashes in his pocket*
I don't need comfort food, but those look good.... Thanks : )
*looks at watch* Uh-oh! I gotta be somewhere! Ummmm.... you wanna stay here and look around or come with me?...

Christina: I guess I'll go with you. Wait, it's not boring, is it? If it is then I'm gonna stay.

Isaac: Oh, it's boring. But I gotta do it.
Wonder what she'll do all this time by herself.

Christina: *Sigh* Ok...
*pulls out a GBA and starts playing it*

Isaac: *mutters to himself* Is that... pokemon? Nah... *speaks louder* Don't go anywhere and get lost, okay? .....
*Turns around* On second thought, come with me.

Christina: Ok. *puts away the consol* Oh, and it's not pokemon...it's pokemon 2.

Isaac: Pokemon 2? You DO know that they were never released that way, don't you? Errrm... it doesn't matter.

Christina: I know, but it sounds cooler 'cause I said it, okay?
I'll get our supplies and you go do your little thingymabob.

Isaac: Okay then... thingymabob... gotta find a thingymabob...--- Wait. What am I saying?

Christina: You're trying to say you're going to go do whatever it is you have to go do while I get supplies. Aren't you happy you have someone like me around to keep you from getting confused? :)

Isaac: Um, sure. XD
*Runs out the west gate into the forest*

Christina: *waves* Bye! See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya, 'cause you're not me...uhhh... right. *walks around* Now, if I were supplies, where would I be? ... Ah, yes! In a store! I'm so smart! ^_^ *runs into nearby shop*
*walks out some time later* I got such a good deal in there! He was practically giving his stuff away! Where'd Legoman go? YO, LEGOMAN WHERE ARE YA? ... Oh, well. I'll just wait. *plops down and pulls out GBA*

Isaac: Finally... she was being such a drag on me. *Changes into a wicked, yet handsome man*
*Looks up and sees airship*
Oh blast. That's probably Brady's airship by now. *Looks back to the forest entrance*
Ugh, well I guess I should go get that annoying brat now. *Changes back into previous form*
*Runs into town gate* Christina! Do you see that airship?

Zione: Hey, there's a little town down there! That must mean I'm getting closer to Jezirael Fortress now. Perhaps I should stop for supplies...

Isaac: *mutters* He's heading toward the Jezirael Fortress Jail.
Christina. New plan. What do you say we find out where that thing is going?

Zione: *quietly flies down to outside of town* Well, I need to find somebody to ask for directions in this place. *walks up to Isaac and Christina* Hey, could you possibly direct me to a place where I can pick up supplies?

Isaac: Did you just come from that airship?

Zione: Actually, yes I did. Would you like to come up and check it out with me after I pick up supplies?

Christina: You! You're that person that captured Ember. *Turns to Isaac and smacks his arm* And NO we're not going to the airship. We have to save EDJ so he can teach me the evil laugh, remember?! How can EDJ possibly teach me the evil laugh when he's captured? Wait, how about we take this guy's airship and find EDJ?

Isaac: *Transforms, along with his voice* That's where the airship is going, you twit! Come on! *grabs Christina by the arm and activate jet skates*

Christina: *Gasp* I knew I should have never given you those M&Ms! I knew they would have a bad effect on someone not from Earth! Oh, why did I give them to you?! And I shall not tolerate such rude behavior! We humans have feelings, ya know! We don't like being called names, alien! APOLOGIZE before you either suffer my wrath or the wrath of EDJ when I save him! Whichever comes first!

Zione: Hey, what do you think you're doing? Wait, you're the person I saw earlier...Sarah? Aww, I'm terrible with names. Whaddya say we go find EDJ together? I'd be glad to take you with me.

Christina: *Smile* You hear that Legoman? He said that he'd be glad to take me to save EDJ! I'm Christina, but some people call me the Awesome One or Her Royal Freshness! To the airship!

Zione: Ah, Christina. I apologize, I'm terrible with names. But at any rate, shall we go? Oh, and are you bringing this short child with us as well?

Christina: Of course we're bringing him! He's my friend, even if those M&Ms had a bad effect on him. He is the great and powerful Legoman, my loyal sidekick! But I'm thinking of promoting him to partner. Waaaaiiiit... DJ said to find Hanna and the other "good" guys, but EDJ said he'd teach me the evil laugh and now you're acting... nice. Something isn't right about this...

Zione: Actually, I can give you an update on that too. Brady and Hanna are down in the mines and Ace, Naomi, and Misty are in Tellius. I think that's everybody you know...EDJ and DJ are in the Jezirael Fortress dungeon, but that's where I was going anyway.

Christina: Romeo and goth girl are stuck in a mine? Sweet! I wasn't getting any good vibes from them. I mean, after all, Brady found you chopping off his arm amusing. That's not natural. Ok, show me to the control panel and I'll show ya how to really fly this thing!

Zione: All righty then. *takes Christina and Isaac up to airship*

Christina: Yipee!! *Skips to the control room* Come on fellas, we got to save EDJ! *stares at the controls with an evil grin* Now... where's the On button? *starts pushing every button and switch within reach* Oops... *stops* What's that noise?

Zione: I thought you said you knew how to fly this thing...well, you're doing better than I did. I needed somebody to turn it on and start it for me last time.

Isaac: Let's get one thing straight. Axaeus might have had a hard time telling you guys the truth, but I quite frankly don't care. In case you're too dim to have figured it out by now, we aren't human. Nor are we alien... Or organic for that matter. Oh... by the way, you can stop calling me by my guise's persona now. I am Orpheus. Like the Greek god. Get it right. Or I will have to kill you useless dead weights.

*Scratches metal claw-hand on the shiny airship wall to sharpen it*

Orpheus: *walks to Zione's general area* Working with me only has one guarantee, my friend. You will end up dead. One way or another. *turns swiftly to Christina and puts a claw to her neck* You too, sweetie. Hahahah! You people truly are amusing. You take your petty tasks so seriously. Fine by me, then. Alert me when playtime is over. I'll be... around. *walks out of control room and is quickly nowhere to be seen or heard*

Christina: *Whispers* Psst, Zione. I don't know about you, but I'm not getting any good vibes from this guy. He's right, he sure isn't human. *turns back to the controls and resumes pressing buttons* *shakes head* Oh I do feel sorry for you, Zione. You'd better not get Morpheus angry or, like he said, your dead weight will get thrown off the ship. I have nothing to worry about. *smiles* He called me sweetie. That means I'm more important than I already am! ^_^

Zione: You mistake his actions for signs of affection? I think that both of us are in grave danger by staying with him. Where'd you pick him up anyway?

Christina: Now that you mention it, he kinda came out of no where. Hmm... Alright, it's time to get rid of Legoman once and for all. Zione, I'll pay you 500 Rupees to toss him off the ship. If you do that, I'll promote you to loyal sidekick, ok?

Zione: Sounds like the sort of thing I'd do if I were back home in Tellius. You can count me in. I've just got to think of a good way to do it without tipping our hand too soon.

Christina: *Raises hand in the air and waves it around* Oh, oh, I know!! We wait by the door and when he walks through, you hit him with a baseball bat and knock him out!

Zione: It could work, but what if that new skull of his is shock-resistant? Then we'll just have an angry evil robot-thing who wants to kill us. We don't have much idea of how powerful he is like that yet.

Christina: Hmm... *Pulls out tracking device* This thing says Hairam's nearby. Maybe we could find her and get her to burn him for us!

Zione: Hairam? I don't believe I've met her yet. And I've met a lot of weird people since I've been here. But three against one would be a winnable fight, even against a freak show like whatever he said his new name was.

Christina: His new name is Morpheus... I think. Three against one would definitely win! I'm so glad I thought of it! *singsong voice* 2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate? ME!

Zione: Oh, is that what it is now? See, I couldn't do it without you! So, you want to go find this Hairam person?

Christina: Sure! I think she’s in some sort of building or something. At least, I think so... *Points to the screen on device* Does that look like a fortress to you?

Zione: Yeah, it.....wait, she's in Jezirael Fortress too? This is going to work even better than I thought! We can get DJ, EDJ, and Hairam all at the same time!

Christina: Yipee!!! Now EDJ can teach me the evil laugh! I'm so happy! ^_^
Wait, wait, if we go save them, won't Morpheus steal the ship?

Zione: We could ask him to go with us. That way we can utilize his power before we dump him...maybe we could even leave him there!

Christina: I don't think he would want to come. You remember how he was earlier. But that was a good idea.

Zione: True. Well, we'd either have to take him out before we rescue the prisoners, or we'd have to take the risk that he does steal the airship. I'm thinking that there's going to be at least some form of transportation we can use down there if we need to.

Christina: And you call yourself an assassin?! You try and think of something to do with him! I've had to play leader ever since EDJ and DJ were captured and I'm bored!

Zione: Ok, I'll be the leader for a while then. Let's see...well, we need to figure out where he is first. Where'd he go?

Christina: Maybe he's finishing off those M&Ms I gave him. Oh well. I thought we were going to go find EDJ, DJ, and Hairam first then attack him.

Zione: Alright. Hey, is there some sort of thing we could take off the ship that would render it inoperable otherwise? Like a key or something we could take with us maybe. That way he couldn't steal the ship and we wouldn't have to worry about that while we're breaking into the prison.

Christina: I don't know. Hey, look, we're almost there! I'm pretty sure I could accidentally crash...

Zione: That would probably work. What would I be doing without you to figure these things out?

Christina: Stop kissing up to me! I know you're just as much a threat as he is, Killer! Now... You want me to crash into the fortress or just next to it?

Zione: Next to it, I suppose. We don't want to accidentally injure one of our potential allies. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go look for any equipment we can salvage off the ship before we destroy it.

Christina: Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. Just make sure Morpheus doesn't see you or he'll know we're up to something. Wait... if you're going to go get stuff, what do I do? I'm not staying here while Mr.-I'm-gonna-kill-you is running around!

Zione: Good point. Maybe I'll wait until after the crash to salvage stuff...that would make it seem more natural. So, which land are you from. I've met people from at least three different places now.


Christina: I'm from Earth, but not all the humans there are as awesome as me. What planet are you from? Mars or something?

Zione: Well, I was born in the world of Gaia, but I actually live in Tellius. Until recently, anyway...it seems that assassins are no longer welcome there.

Christina: I see... *Pulls out notepad and pencil* And how do you feel about that? *scribbles some notes down*

Zione: What are you, a psychiatrist on the side? It makes me angry, of course! But then they sent that horrible bounty hunter Alzymus after me! That was the final straw.

Christina: I see... *keeps writing* Oh, I was only writing our adventures down, but this was too good to pass up! What do you plan to do now?

Zione: Well, I've already exacted revenge on Alzymus...you won't ever see him in Tellius again, I'd wager. As for the government in Tellius, I'm planning on a full-scale attack on the capital city. After that, I'll relocate to one of these other worlds.

Orpheus: *Is falling headfirst toward the Fortress* Morpheus. How adorable.

Christina: *keeps writing* Hmm... yes, I see. Wait a second, I want to see how close to the fortress we are. *walks to a window* Uuuuh... Zione. I hate to break it to you, but Morpheus ditched us. *flips a few switches on the control panel and the airship takes a sharp nosedive* There, we're crash-landing now. ^_^ ...wait, we're crash-landing now... I'M GONNA DIE!!!!!!

Zione: Umm...we can jump off before it crashes and I'll fly us to the ground with my wings. I can't believe Morpheus ditched us already! Well, maybe we won't have to deal with him after all.

Christina: He was my friend! Her royal freshness and Legoman! *sigh* Fine, get us off this thing.

Zione: Alright. Let’s go over to the deck first, unless you'd rather go through the window.

Christina: *Runs past Zione to the deck* Just waiting on you, slowpoke!

Zione: *follows Christina to the deck* Ready? *grabs Christina's hand and jumps off airship* Hold on! It's quite a fall to the ground from this high.

Christina: Wahoo! I should jump off high places more often! Do you do this all the time or only when you're about to die?

Zione: I love doing this sort of thing...it's almost as good as getting paid!

Christina: Oooh, money! I thought you'd make a good friend, but now I'm not so sure because you go around tricking people like Legoman. Ah, almost to the ground! Yipee! *sings* We're almost to the ground! We're almost to the ground!

Zione: I should take you on as a business partner or something...I could fund your businesses for a portion of the profit. But let's talk about that later, we have a prison to break into now. *lands on ground and lets go of Christina*

Christina: *Starts walking toward fortress* Dude... we just gonna walk in or what? We could use this mine EDJ left behind, but I was going to use that on Morpheus. I hope it's one of those explosions that go KABOOM!!

Zione: He gave you a mine? Well then, that's our ticket in! We just need to find the best place to enter...

Christina: How about the front door? It's where they least expect it! Besides that, it will make me look cool. *Pulls out mine* Now... how does this thing work?

Zione: Sounds good to me. *looks at mine* Pull the little pin on the top and then push the blue button on the side and throw it at the door. Then, KABOOM! And then we go in and rescue DJ, EDJ, and Hairam, disabling any resistance on our way.

Christina: Awesome! ^_^ Wait, you forgot about Morpheus... oh well, if we see him, I'll pay someone to take him out. *activates the mine and throws it at the door* ...

*KABOOOOOOM!!!*

Christina: Wahoo!!! Come on! *runs ahead*

Zione: *creates handgun and runs into fortress* Yeaaaaah! Alright, let's go find the prison area so we can break our people out of here. Oh, and don't worry about Morpheus just yet...we'll take care of him later.

Christina: OUR people? Does that mean you're turning to the good side?! I knew it! *runs down a hallway on the left* Let's go left! Left is always right!

Zione: Who said I had a side to begin with? *turns corner and runs into guard* Hey! *sets setting on gun to stun and shoots guard* Ha, that should take care of him for a while. We don't want to cause too much trouble now, do we?

Christina: Hmph, show off! I was going to attack him first! *pulls out a device she used earlier* See? *presses the button and a bolt of lighting hits Zione*
... um... in the words of Ember "...oops..." I really need to ask Brady how to use this thing.

Zione: OW! Not me...hit the guards! *continues walking down the hall* Look, there's a huge iron door down there...do you think it's the entrance to the prison?

Christina: One way to find out... *pulls out crystal ball* Hmm... my crystal ball says "yes". *walks to the door and bangs her fist against it* YO! ARE THE PRISONERS IN THERE OR NOT? WE'RE HERE TO BREAK THEM OUT!!!

Zione): Subtlety isn't exactly your strongest suit, is it? Well then, let's get in there. You might want to back away from the door. *creates ball of black energy*

Christina: *backs away* Ooooh, that looks cool! What's it do?

Zione: *fires ball of energy at door, which then disappears* It does that. Let's go! *runs into prison area*

Christina: No Kaboom? How uncool. *Follows Zione* EDJ, HAIRAM, DJ, WHERE ARE YA?!

Zione: Hey! Where are you people?

DJ: Zione? Christina? We're over here, in the back of the prison!

EDJ: Finally, someone came to get us out. Took you long enough...

Christina: Someone?! I am no mere someone! I am Christina! The one you promised to teach the evil laugh to! Where's Hairam?

Hairam: I'm over here! Who's the bird guy?

Zione: Bird guy? I am the great and powerful Zione, rescuer of you. And DJ and EDJ too, of course.

EDJ: I promised you what now? Oh yeah, the laugh thing. Get me out of here first, and we'll work on that as we're going.

DJ: How did you guys get in here?

Christina: Kaboom! I used EDJ's mine! I hope that wasn't important...

EDJ: Nah, it's no big deal. I can make more of them...

Hairam: Where's Hanna?

Christina: Goth girl? She's with Romeo, I think.

Hairam: Ok, now I'm confused...

DJ: Oh, you mean Brady, right?

EDJ: …are you going to get us out of here or just stand around talking all afternoon?

Zione: Oh. Right. *walks over to door and crushes lock with giant hammer*

Christina: Since I saved all of you, you are all in my debt! Now, I order all of you to go get Morpheus!

DJ: Who's Morpheus? Wait...in your debt?

EDJ: Haha...you can't be serious. Besides, the evil laugh lessons should more than cover any debt. Now, shall we get out of here?

Christina: Morpheus, you know, Legoman... Isaac! You know, the guy who was so nice and kind then tried to backstab us!

Hairam: So then where is this Isaac?

Christina: He ditched us! The nerve of some people…

Hairam: Wait, I think I hear the guards!

DJ: Not surprising...I'm sure they're not too happy about the prospect of letting three prisoners go without so much as a fight. Quick Zione, can you make us some weapons to fight with?

Zione: *sighs* The things I do for you people... *creates weapons for DJ, EDJ, and Hairam* Here you go.

EDJ: Much better. Let's deal with the guards and find our way out. I hope you have transportation arranged.

Christina: You should have seen me! It was all going smoothly then KABOOM! I crashed the airship perfectly! Sometimes I amaze myself. And what about MY weapon?!

Hairam: Can you even fight?

Christina: Hmph! Never mind then! I don't need your petty weapons, mine is far more superior anyway! It's called the mind.

EDJ: My, my, what the interesting group this is. Well, I officially appoint myself the leader, and I say that we need to get going. *starts leading the group down the hall, only to run into a large group of guards* Aaahh! *points to DJ* He's the leader, take him first!

Christina: I agree, DJ is the leader! Because YOU *points to EDJ* are supposed to teach me the evil laugh! You promised!

Hairam: It doesn't matter who the leader is. *points to Christina and Zione* Those two let us out!

Christina: What kind of Other are you?!

Zione: You're all crazy! Take out the guards first, deal with the leadership problem later. *starts firing stun gun at guards*

EDJ: Fine. *jumps toward guard and attacks with sword*

DJ: Why always me? *attacks guards with spear*

Hairam: *Fires arrows at the guards*

Christina: *Frantically pushes the buttons on device, shocking two guards and Hairam*

Hairam: OW! That hurt! What are you trying to do, kill us all?!

Zione: She did it to me too, just so you know.

EDJ: Didn't you do it to me a while back also? I can't remember now...

Christina: Um... you know...I can't seem to recall... must be the heat that's getting to you. Yeah, that's it, it's too hot here.

DJ: *finishes off the last guard in the group* Phew, that was good. Now, let's get out of here.

Christina: So, where we going?

Hairam: This Isaac guy isn't going to be a problem, is he?

Christina: Not Isaac, Morpheus!

Zione: Morpheus may be a problem, or he may not. I don't know where he went after he deserted us. Hopefully he's out there annoying somebody besides us.

EDJ: So, where are we going anyway?

DJ: Well, does anybody actually know where Lui is in this group? If not, we should go find Brady and Hanna. One of them would likely know.

Zione: Ugh...I really don't want to see either of them again. Besides, I sort of had other plans.

Christina: What are you talking about? What other plans? Ooooh, does it involve a baseball bat, revenge, and Morpheus?

Hairam: Ok, to find Lui we need to find Hanna and Brady. Zione, do you know where they are?

Christina: Who cares where they are, we need to get revenge on Morpheus! He's going down!

Zione: Morpheus...he might have to wait for now. Do you even know where he is?

Christina: ... EDJ, are you going to teach me the evil laugh or not?!

EDJ: Right...we'll get to it. First, you...

DJ: *interrupts EDJ* Not right now, you two. Right now, we need to get back to Hanna and Brady.

Voice: Mwahahaaa! I'm afraid you won't be living long enough to have that luxury, fools. *party turns around to find Orpheus atop a huge, mechanical, serpent-like dragon tank*

Orpheus: I'm sorry to inform you that you won’t be leaving this fortress. My master's plan does not involve you imbeciles... Nor does it involve Axeaus any longer!

Christina: No, no, no, Morpheus. You got the evil laugh all wrong. I'm pretty sure it started with a bwaha or something, not mwaha.

Hairam: *aims an arrow at Orpheus* This is going to be a problem...

Christina: Wait a second... You came all the way to the fortress with us just so you could kill us off?! What a ripoff! Hey Zione, now we outnumber him like we planned!

EDJ: That's Morpheus?

DJ: Don't do this, Morpheus. We want nothing to do with your master's plan...we just want to get Lui back and go home.

Zione: Speak for yourself. Morpheus, you backstabbing traitor! *stands between group and Orpheus* Just leave us alone...we're no threat to you anymore. None of us want to get in your way. Let us go, and we'll leave Thorae to you.

Christina: No more M&Ms for you, ugly Isaac! You're a traitor! Zione, give me a bat so I can hit him!

Hairam: Leave him be, Christina. We're trying to avoid a fight.

Christina: That's not for you to decide, bodyguard.

Hairam: ...bodyguard?

Christina: Yeah! EDJ's my loyal sidekick, DJ's my partner, Zione is my friend, and you're my bodyguard.

Hairam: I'm your other!

Christina: No, you're my bodyguard. Get it right! If you think I play favorites, you're sadly mistaken. Where's my bat, Zione?!

Orpheus: Shut up! Will you all please SHUT UP?! My name is ORPHEUS. Not that you shall be living long enough to care. Whether you know it or not, you have become far too involved with the affairs of those who do not concern you. Now, for that, you all must die! Witness the power of my latest invention!
*Sends dragon tank a command. Within a second, a beam starts charging in the tank's mouth*
HAH!
*The beam is fired at the fortress ceiling, blowing it straight off, while making the room collapse around them*

Orpheus: Now that we aren't boxed in with walls... *Slashes the air creating claw marks out of nowhere. He sends them flying toward the party.* If you could take out all those poor guards, then surely you have the strength to defeat me and my dragon tank!

EDJ: Hey! Guys, we've got to do something!

Zione: Stay back, all of you! *creates forcefield around main group, leaving himself unprotected* You'll pay for this, whatever your name actually is! *creates large wave of water and shoots it at Orpheus*

DJ: Let us out, Zione! We can help you fight him!

Zione: Be quiet and let me concentrate! I'm doing this for your own good! You have friends to rescue!

Orpheus: So it is you who wants to die first. Hmm... very well.
Shaman, attack him! *the dragon tanks rears its head up and "breathes fire", dissipating the water*
Surely you can do better, my winged acquaintance.

Zione: That's it? I expected more from a freakish robot thing and his stupid dragon pet. *summons ice dragon* Attack them, Shiva! *Shiva breathes freezing cold mist toward dragon, freezing the flames*

Orpheus: I was waiting for a counter attack.
*Commands Shaman to fire at the dragon. It shoots at the dragon's head*
Let's see you dodge that, poor beast.

*Shiva creates ice shield to absorb flames, then shoots icicles toward Orpheus*

Zione: *creates portal inside forcefield* All of you, get inside! It'll take you out of here, so you can find your friends! Let me deal with Morpheus here.

Christina: Legoman, you've gone too far!! DJ, you're the leader, what do we do?!?!

Hairam: *Turns to DJ* Your call.

Christina: *looks at Zione* I thought Legoman was my friend, but I should have realized that you were my friend the whole time... *sniffles* You shall not die in vain! It is for the good of the cause, me, of course.

Orpheus: Would you really let him take you somewhere again? You saw what he did to Ace and that other character whose name I do not remember at the current.
*Shaman shoots laser blasts at the forcefield* Shaman is getting antsy. Make a choice. Flee like the cowards you are, or stay and help your friend fight to certain death.

DJ: You three get out of here and let me and Zione take care of this fool! Iul, make sure they're safe. *turns to Zione* Let me out of this thing!

Iul: Are you sure?

DJ: Positive. I didn't train at the academy for eleven years for nothing, you know. Now get out of here!

Zione: Thanks, DJ. Guys, don't listen to Orpheus. The portal will take you to Brady and Hanna! Trust me this time!

Christina: I trust you.

Hairam: Aww, come on DJ! We can help!

Christina: *shoves Hairam and EDJ through portal and looks back at Zione* Goodbye... *a tear runs down her cheek* ...friend. *Jumps into portal*

DJ: Good luck! We'll meet you as soon as we're done here. Orpheus, you're going to pay for your actions!

Zione: *dissolves forcefield and portal* Glad to have you here, DJ. Now let's deal with this joker!

Orpheus: How touching! *Shaman shoots several blasts into the air, which freeze and float and then combine on their way to DJ's party*
I won't hesitate to kill anyone who stands in my way. *Teleports behind Zione and slashes at the back of his neck with his claw*

Zione: *cries out in pain* Aaah! *whirls around and smashes Orpheus in the head with the blunt of an axe, then collapses to the ground*

DJ: Zione! *charges toward Orpheus and slashes his arm with his double-bladed sword*

Orpheus: .... *Creates an energy "box" around DJ. The box begins to glow until Orpheus slashes it and it shatters, dealing a considerable amount of damage*

*Stares at DJ creepily* Wait...Was I wrong? Is this boy a bigger part of this than I thought? ... He is. It makes sense now. It's YOU. YOU are the one who let this happen. He is the reason we can accomplish our ideals. Him. HIM!

LET ME SHOW MY GRATITUDE BY ENDING YOUR LIIIIIIIIFE!
*Charges at DJ with his claw gripping a huge, gleaming ball of static energy*

DJ: Yeahh! I...can't let him defeat me...ORPHEUS! YOUR TIME HAS COME! *transforms into titan-like creature* AARRGHH! RAAGE! *smashes ground next to Orpheus and throws pieces of the floor at him*

Orpheus: *Swiftly dodges obstacle without losing speed* *Uses one of the pieces DJ throws at him to lump up to his head and attack him, but gets punched by DJ, sending him flying*
Ooof! *Climbs up off of the floor* Stronger than I thought, or at least stronger than that birdman.

Titan DJ: GRAAAAGH! YOU'LL PAAY, ORPHEUSSS! *rips steel bars off prison cell and starts throwing them like javelins at Orpheus*

Orpheus: *Begins running like mad, collecting all the steel bars being thrown at him with an unknown force* HRRRR.... *Twists them all into a huge steel ball and forces them at Titan DJ*

Zione: NNOOOO! *blocks the steel ball with his arms and throws it through the ceiling of the fortress* YOUU'RRE NEXXT! *runs toward Orpheus*

Orpheus: You don't give up very easily, do you? *Jumps up and rolls into a ball and slams himself into Zione as he runs toward Orpheus*

Zione: Ooph! *catches himself in the air and lands gently* I'm stronger than you would think. A little scratch isn't enough to do me in just yet. Tellian armor is renowned for it's strength.

Titan DJ: *jumps through the air, slashing at Orpheus's head as he passes by*

Orpheus: *Turns to DJ, revealing a gruesome scene, in which his head is spliced open, showing intricate clockwork, broken by the slash of the blade* Heheheh.... *Eerily trudges toward DJ whilst his head regenerates to normal*
*Summons Shaman as he continues to walk closer and closer to DJ*

Zione: What...just happened? You creatures really are something, aren't you? *turns and runs toward Orpheus from the back*

DJ: *slowly starts reverting back into normal form* GRAAGH! *throws sword directly toward Orpheus's chest*

Orpheus: *Pauses slightly as the blade goes through his chest* *Looks down at it and pulls it out, tossing it aside as if nothing happened. Begins walking again*
Shaman. I grow tired of this. Let's finish up, shall we?

Zione: *stops* This is pointless...what do you do to somebody who doesn't die? He's going to kill DJ if I don't do something. But what could possibly slow him down? Think Zione, you're an assassin. There must be something.

DJ: Huh? Who are you, anyway? *thinks* There's got to be something I can do. I can't let it end here...what would happen to my friends? *grabs two small daggers out of a hidden pocket in his coat* I can't let you do this Orpheus!

Orpheus: Oh? And why's that? Afraid your weakling friends will miss you? *Maniacal laugh*

DJ: Weakling? They may not all have the same physical strength as you, but together, we're stronger than you could possibly imagine!



*Scene Switch*



*Brady and Jester walk for about two hours until a small town (not Haltur) is in sight*

Jester: Man, what's up with her? She's been out cold for, like, ever.

Brady: She exhausted all her strength while fighting that squid thing.

Jester: Does that mean she failed?

Brady: She killed it, didn't she?

Jester: Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's hurry up and get to a hotel or something. I'm dead tired.

Brady: *nods* *Walks through town for a bit, getting strange glance from everyone he passes by*
*Snaps at one person giggling*
What are YOU looking at? Is there something funny about carrying an unconscious person?
*The person just backs away*
Sheesh, the nerve of some of these idiots.

Jester: That was embarrassing...

Brady: Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Let's find an inn or something. I'm tired of holding her.

*They both look around for a bit*

Brady: There's one over there. *points, forgetting he is carrying Hanna, almost dropping her* Woah. That was close.

Jester: I hope they have continental breakfast.

Brady: . . .

Jester: ...What?

Brady: Never mind, let's just check in.

Jester: *shrugs*

*They both walk in the front door. Everybody in the lobby begins to stare and talk quietly amongst themselves*

Brady: Here. *Puts Hanna gently in Jester's arms and walks to the front desk*

Jester: Uh! D'hey!

*A few housekeeping maids gossip while eying Jester*

Jester: My wifey here passed out after winning the deathmatch.

*The maids silently back away as Jester laughs to himself*


*Meanwhile at the front desk*


Brady: I'd like to rent two rooms please.

Desk Clerk: I'm sorry, we only have one room available. All the inns will probably be booked in town this weekend because of the Beast-Riding contest.

Brady: *thinks* Beast-Riding? What kind of backwards place IS this?
*Without second though*
I'll take your last room.

*The line of people waiting behind Brady kicks in reverse and hightail it out the front door*

Jester: Er... what? How are we gonna share one room?

Brady: *Grabs the key* I don't know. Figure it out.

*They walk down a seemingly endless maze of hallways until they reach their room*

Brady: Here it is. Room 604.

Jester: *Sarcastically* Yay, my lucky number. Open the door, Jethro.

Brady: *Unlocks the door and flips the light switch only to find one bed* .......

Jester: ........... I call recliner chair. *Rushes over to the bed and sets Hanna down on it and then hurries to the chair so Brady can't have it*

Brady: *sighs as he sets his bag down by the door* I wonder when she's gonna wake up.

Jester: There's no TV in here.

Brady: She's been unconscious for almost three hours now.

Jester: Yeah, but there's no TV.

Brady: You think you'd be a little more concerned, here, Jester.

Jester: What in the world am I going to do with no TV?!? *Darth Vader voice* Nnnnnnooooooooooo!!!!

Hanna: ...ugh... *gradually opens eyes* Hmm? *Blinks a few times then sits up*
What happened? Last I remember, we were figh- What happened to the monster? ... We killed it, right?
*looks around* ...Brady, where are we?

Jester: We're livin' it up in Hotel California, of course.

Brady: This is one of the inns at Sori, which is a small village not too far from Haltur. We should probably get there tomorrow. With no delays, that is.

Jester: *shrugs* We had to carry you the whole way.

Brady: *ahem*

Jester: He had to carry you the whole way...

Hanna: You... you carried me? That was... considerate of you. How long was I out?

*portal appears inside the room*

Iul: *steps through portal* Zione and DJ are in trouble! They're at the Jezirael Fortress!

Brady: ... I know. I was hoping they could handle it.

Jester: Not cool, dude. You don't just pop into a private room. One of us could have been, like, changing or something. *Turns to Hanna* You were out for about three hours.

Hanna: Three hours?! *Turns to EDJ* Wait, where did you-

*Hairam and Christina jump out of the portal and land in a heap on the ground*

Christina: *stands and looks at Brady* YOU! *grabs nearby lamp* You're going down, traitor! *Charges but Hairam stops her*

Hairam: What are you doing?! Brady's my friend! He helped me get to Thorae!

Christina: No, he's not! He's a traitor! You heard him! Legoman was one of them! He's a computer robot dude! *tries to attack again* You're going down!

Hanna: Hairam...?

Brady: Well it's good to see that someone finally understands. But... Sadly, I don't know what's been happening where I come from. Apparently, I have been outdated.... By Orpheus. He must be here to kill me. *Looks up from thought at Christina*
*Sigh* Put that down. *Teleports the lamp from her hand back to its original place*
If I was going to turn on one of you, wouldn't you think I'd have done it already? Use your brain, if it doesn't hurt too much.

Christina: It most certainly does not. ....I'll pay you to teach me how to teleport stuff like that! *turns to Hairam* See? There's nothing to worry about, he's here to help. Isn't that right?

Hairam: We should get back to DJ and Zione! They can't take defeat what's his name on their own!

Christina: I'll pay you 50 Rupees to burn him for us. Maybe I'll promote you too.

Hanna: *very confused* So... The crazy sales lady is saying that Zione has suddenly turned nice and is helping DJ beat who? Hairam is now no longer missing... we're all in this hotel room and Brady's a robot??? This doesn't make any sense... *squeezes eyes shut and rubs temples* I must have hit my head on a rock or something...or maybe I'm still unconscious.

Brady: Zione has suddenly turned friendly and is helping DJ beat Orpheus, who is trying to kill me. What doesn't make any sense? Maybe I can clarify for you.

Iul: This whole thing is just absurd. It's my fault it all started...and now look what's happened. We're caught up in an intergalactic war that could end up destroying three worlds! DJ...I wish I hadn't abandoned you so many years ago.

Brady: *Stands up from bed* Don't you think it's a little late for mourning? We need to take out the CS, and we need to do it fast, or else we will never rescue Lui. Let's fix what's broken instead of crying over it.
We need a strategy. And we need one quickly.

Iul: Then why not start by telling us why you're helping in the first place? And do it while we're going wherever it is we need to go.

Brady: I'm helping because I want to. What's wrong with that?

Iul: So what, you have the time to help us find a friend while you're being chased across the galaxy apparently by some freakish robot thing from the future? Even I have a better reasoning than that...

Brady: When all this began, I didn't have Orpheus to worry about. Just myself.

Christina: I have the most brilliant plan that has ever been planned!

Hairam: What is it?

Christina: I was hoping you would know... Ah, we rescue the others! I'm so smart! Hmm... Legoman was acting way too kind when we first met him, but then he turned into some evil guy and is all mean. If I didn't know any better... I'd say he's trying to kill us or something...

Hairam: ... *rolls eyes*

Hanna: Hairam...who is this crazy chick?

Hairam: Crazy chick? Oh, you mean Christina

Christina: Hairam is my other!

Hanna: .... *looks at Hairam* ...you're an other? ...well this is weird...

Christina: Not as weird as how clueless you are...

Hanna: You think I like being in the dark?!

Christina: You tell me, goth girl! *bursts into laughter*

Hanna: *shoulders sag* .... *sigh* *turns to Brady* How do we help DJ?

Brady: We could go to... *turns to Iul*

Iul: Jezirael Fortress.

Brady: We could go to Jezirael Fortress to save him.. However, don't you think that DJ is strong enough to handle Orpheus? Or do you doubt your friend's strength?

Hanna: *clenches fist* Do not mistake my willingness to help as disregard toward his skill. I do not doubt him, but if defeating Orpheus was that simple he would have been here by now, wouldn’t he?
If he is having difficulty, we should be there for him. If not, then at least he won’t have to come looking for us. Either way, I will not abandon him.

Iul: I'm not doubting his strength and determination for a second, but like Hanna said, we need to be there for him. No need to be letting DJ walk all around Thorae looking for us after he defeats Orpheus.

Brady: You humans have it hard. *Sigh* Okay, then let's set off as soon as possible. Do you feel up to it, Hanna?

Hanna: Of course. *unsteadily stands up from the bed*

Hairam: Need any help?

Hanna: Nope. I can handle it.

Christina: Hah, her need help?! We're the ones who have been running around breaking people out of prison and such! She's just been sleeping! Lazy ingrate! *grabs a pillow from the bed and throws it at Hanna*

Hanna: *Draws her sword so fast it slashes the pillow in half* *twirls the sword and sheathes it with a smirk* Let's go.

Christina: *Whispers* Hmph, now she's just trying to look cool.

Hairam: What do you know? You try to act cool all the time!

Christina: Dude... I was born cool.

Iul: Let's just get going already. How far is it from wherever we are to the fortress?

Brady: Okay. I'm glad to hear that you aren't totally useless.

Jester: Hey, guys, I don't think we all need to go. How 'bout some of us stay here. Wouldn't want this hotel room to go to waste, you know. And some of us need rest. *Mouths words* Like me.

Iul: Sissy. Then you can stay here, for all I care. I'm going to help protect my friend.

Jester: Says the person who's been doing nothing this entire time. I haven't slept in almost three days, bub. Go help fight some pointless fight. I'm getting a well-deserved break.

Iul: Whatever...DJ and Zione don't have time for your foolishness. Are we going or not?

Brady: *begins to display a good attitude out of nowhere* I'm with you guys all the way. Okay. I'll create a portal to take us there since we know where the coordinates are... *Closes eyes and focuses energy, creating a portal in front of the party*
Who's going and who's staying here?

Jester: ...

Hanna: You know where I stand. *flies through the portal*

Christina: She's not standing here, apparently...

Hairam: Are you coming?

Christina: *smile* Sure! You first, bodyguard! *Pushes Hairam through and jumps in after her*

Iul: *walks through portal, arms crossed*

Jester: Ugh... fine. *Walks through portal*

Brady: ... Thanks, Jester. I appreciate your sacrifice. *Walks into portal and it closes*

Phoenix Wright: *Walks into the room* No, this isn't the place. *Sticks head out door* Sorry, Ronald, this isn't it.

Ronald McDonald: Awwwww... Looks like we'll have to give the million dollars to someone else.

Phoenix: Looks like it, old buddy.



*Scene Switch*



Zione: *thinks while still standing behind Orpheus* A portal?

*portal appears and Hanna flies out*

Hanna: *stops when she sees the mechanical dragon tank* What in the world is-
*Hairam shoots through the portal and rams into her*

Hairam: Sorry! Christina shoved me...

Christina: *comes out of portal* What are you doing resting?! Get up! We have a traitor to battle! Oops, did I say we? I mean you.

Hanna: *Looks from DJ, to Zione, then to Orpheus* They've been battling this long and he doesn't even have a scratch! DJ on the other hand...
*Flies next to DJ* You all right?

Brady: *Walks out of portal with Jester*

Orpheus: Well, well. If it isn't model 8. *Leaps over everybody's heads and lands in Brady's vicinity* I must say, it took you long enough.

Brady: *eyes closed* ....

Orpheus: It's been double the time and you've gotten through half your mission. Pathetic. It is hard to believe that Dr. Ramnis created something as inferior as you.

Jester: *Folds arms* I have almost no idea what you guys are talking about.

Orpheus: Of course all the Axeaus models are defective, but you went bad so quickly, my useless little piece of scrap! I was just about to finish off these little twerps, but now that you are here, we can get down to business.

Brady: I'm ready whenever you are. *drops his weapons*

Orpheus: Good, good... *Calls Shaman to ease* *Removes claw hand, and a real hand regenerates in its place* Mano-a-defect, no? Hahahah!

Jester: I'd stand down, you guys. Things are about to get pretty ugly.

EO: *steps out of portal* DJ!

DJ: Hanna! EO! I'm so glad to see all of you alright! Zione pretty much saved all of us by keeping Orpheus busy for so long. I did all I could... *collapses to ground*

Hanna: DJ! *crouches next to him and puts a hand on his shoulder* *whispers* I should have been here for you...

Zione: Well, this was pointless. I stay and fight Orpheus just so everyone can come right back here anyway. At least you're all here.

Christina: *Looks at DJ* EEEwwwww!!! Is he DEAD?!?! And Zione's alive! YAY!! *whispers to Hairam* Hear that? He's glad I'm here! *to Zione* Your staying here was not pointless! I went to get help! Now you and DJ are in my debt...again. ..... *looks at EDJ* Hey! What about my evil laugh?!?! Some loyal sidekick you are!

Hanna: *Stands up and draws sword* He's not dead. *glares at Orpheus with glossy eyes* I don't care what you are, where you come from, or how strong you are... you WILL pay.

Christina: Dude, we don't have time to demand money from Morpheus. Besides, *points to Jester* Mr. Wimpy said not to.

Jester: Hanna, behind you!

Orpheus: *smashes Hanna to the ground* Who will be paying, exactly? I'll finish you off with one blow! Shaman! Kill her!

Brady: ....

*Shaman charges a blast, the heat flaring from its nostrils*

Jester: Oh, man. Is it gonna end here? If Hanna gets killed now, then it's over for Brady. Hey, Shaman. *Jumps in front of the dragon* Boo. *Blasts the mechanical beast with icy water, just as it is firing a death beam* *The two forces collide, and Shaman and Jester are both electrocuted*
GraaaaaAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!

Brady: ...

Orpheus: Grrrr.... You little whelp! You destroyed my creation!... *Picks Jester up by the neck and turns to Hanna* What's that, girl? Kill him you say?

Jester: *choking and gasping for breath*