Part Twenty-Four

Part Twenty-Four



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*

Hanna: *Slowly stands* Leave him alone.....
*Glares and begins to tremble with rage* Leave all my friends ALONE!!

Christina: Morpheus, you'd better stop. I don't think Mr. Wimpy likes that, you might kill him. *Looks at Hanna* Uh-oh...She's doing it again... Morpheus, run for your life! She's gonna kill us all!

Hanna: *dashes at Orpheus with incredible speed and whacks off the arm holding Jester*

Zione: That doesn't really work, you know. At least it didn't with DJ. He sliced his head open and threw a sword through his heart and it didn't do anything. I cut off Brady's arm and it just grew back.

EO: Then what can be done to slow them down? I won't let him hurt anyone again! *pulses with dark energy*

DJ: *coughs* Hanna...be careful.

Orpheus: *Just as Jester falls from his severed arm, Orpheus stabs him with an Eternal Knife* Your head said spare him. But your heart said otherwise, girl.

Jester: *lying on the floor, not moving* .........................

Zione: See what I mean?

EO: You fiend! *fires bolts of energy at Orpheus*

Hanna: *Whispers* ...Jester... *closes eyes and turns head away* You will suffer for that, Orpheus!! *when she looks back at Orpheus, tears are streaming from her blood-red eyes*
*charges at Orpheus* GrrraaaAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! *Deals varying attacks, slashing and hacking at him in utter fury. Pulls left arm back, creating a spear of ice elongating from her hand. She jabs the spear through Orpheus and slashes his neck with her sword*

Zione: Why not? *creates an assortment of weapons and throws them all at Orpheus*

DJ: *slowly stands up* How is this going to solve anything?

Brady: Hanna... over here! *Throws her an Eternal Knife similar to Orpheus' except blue, as opposed to red* Use that. It's the only thing that can be used by a human to kill an Akadi.

Orpheus: *Eyes widen* Where did you get that?!

Iul: How come I don't get one?

Brady: There's only two in existence, that's why.

Hanna: *Catches the knife and stabs it through Orpheus' heart with absolutely no mercy* That ...was for my friends...

Orpheus: You... won't understand... until it's too late.... I w-- 402 bit
Trans.....*static* Bit-shift error.... encoded file not.... *static* found.

Brady: *Turns around facing away from the others with eyes closed* We're all just machines....

Iul: Lovely. What happens to Orpheus now?

Zione: You mean to say it was really that simple? I risked my life to save you people, and Brady here could have just told me about this dumb knife that would end it just like that! This is the last time I try to help you people. I'm out of here... *flies off*

Brady: Well, it has it's side effects. *Creates fields of negative space around characters, including Zione*

3...2........1...

*Orpheus explodes, rupturing the ground below, collapsing the foundation of the fortress.*

*Brady snaps his fingers and the energy bubbles enclosing the characters floats them to a wide, open field. As they land, Brady says something*

Brady: There is only one human who could have defeated him without that knife.

Zione: Can I go now? I've had about enough of your foolishness. Or are you going to kill me off as just another loose end like Orpheus wanted to?

DJ: Zione, I could really care less what you do at this point. Now, what were you talking about, Brady?

Iul: Yeah, and where are we this time?

Brady: Where exactly where we need to be! Why do you continually question my knowledge?! It's obvious with what we have been doing that you would all have been dead if I didn't know what I was doing!
I'm not going to kill anyone. Those who want to rescue Lui, follow me. Those who have other business, be gone!

Zione: Finally! I thought you'd never stop talking... *flies off again*

Iul: No, we're exactly where you want us to be! You didn't answer my question...I just want a physical location.

DJ: It would be nice. Now that it seems we're free from distractions, let's all just stop and figure out what's going on, if only for a few minutes. Lui is still waiting for us, after all.

Brady: We're in front of Haltur. From there, we can take a ship to the continent that Clockwork Tower is on.

Iul: Good. Now, I'm not sure why you're here yet. I mean, you're from the future or something, right? And you're dependent on Hanna's success for some reason, I gather.

DJ: Yeah, we've been in different groups for most of the time we've been in Thorae, so I haven't heard most of your story.

Christina: *puppy dog eyes* Legoman betrayed me and now he's dead. Zione said he was my friend and then he leaves. EDJ promised to teach me the evil laugh, but he can't even keep his own promise. What's the point of having friends?

Hairam: *puts her hand on Christina's shoulder* I'm still your friend.

Christina: That's not the point! You're my Other, you're supposed to be my friend!

Hairam: Even if I wasn't your Other, I'd still be your friend. You're awesome!

Christina: Yeah, you're right I am! ^_^ *pulls out crystal ball* Ah, I am needed back at Earth! They seem to have an awesome deficiency! Bye guys, Have fun storming the castle or clocktower, whatever it is... *Walks off*

Hanna: *low voice* Hairam...I would appreciate it if you went with her. Go back while you still can.

Hairam: But...

Hanna: Just go. I'll see you back at HQ.

Hairam: *concerned look but smiles* You'll save him, Hanna, I know you will. *she catches up with Christina*

Brady: ... Okay. Let's do this. You guys up to it?

Hanna: *somewhat distracted* Hmm...? Yeah, sure.

Brady: Data extraction 60% complete.
Good. Then let's hurry. *Runs toward the town gate*

Iul: Apparently no story... *runs after Brady*

DJ: Ready, Hanna? It looks like we're finally making some progress in rescuing Lui again. This has been a crazy adventure, hasn't it?

Hanna: *downcast look* *thinks to herself* I killed him...I killed a threat to my friends, but in so doing I also killed a friend I was trying to save... What hope can there possibly be for me to save Lui...if I end up killing him as well?
*frustrated sigh* Crazy...
*Begins to fly ahead, but stops. Turns back to DJ, worry in her blue eyes* Are you all right? You were pretty exhausted after fighting Orpheus.

DJ: Yeah, I think I'm alright. I just worked myself too hard fighting Orpheus. How about you? I mean you seem a little...distracted. *thinks* What was it that happened to me back there? What happens if I can't control it next time? I don't want to hurt any of my friends...
Hanna: I’m fine… *Thinks* No, I’m not... *Takes a deep breath* ...I....lost control again. I hate it when that happens... and I’m worried about what may happen if she gets out again. The closer we get to rescuing Lui, the more my hope dwindles...
You know what? It’s nothing, really. I’m just a little tired, that’s all. I shouldn’t be saying such things. There’s no need to be burdening you with my own fears. ...Just forget it.

DJ: Alright. Just remember that we're here to help you if she gets out again. I think all of us could use a break, honestly. Let's get to Haltur, and I'll talk to Brady about resting for a little while. I think we're going to need all the strength we have from this point on. *thinks* What's going to happen, even if we do find Lui? I can't believe we've come this far already...I hope he's still alright.

Hanna: Agreed. *sincere yet sad smile* I’m glad you’re here, DJ. I couldn’t have gotten this far without your help. Or Brady’s for that matter. As long as we're still here, there may yet be hope after all.
*Thinks* For now...

DJ: I think there's always hope. We'll make this work.

Hanna: There is always hope...?
*contemplates this for a bit then nods* Of course. We've come too far to give up now. Forgive me, I should not have lost hope so easily. Lui is still waiting for us. *looks ahead* And so are Brady and EDJ...

DJ: *looks* Yeah, I guess you're right. We should probably get going, before they decide to leave us behind or something.

EO: *yells back to DJ and Hanna* Hey! Come on, let's get moving before I die of old age here!

Hanna: Even in such times, he retains his deprived sense of humor. Even death does not faze him... *thinks to herself* Come on, get over it already. Sacrifices must be made in order to achieve any goal. It won't do anyone any good to linger on mistakes. We need to press forward. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. ...but... how many more must suffer in order to save Lui? How many more will die in my stead? What if... *looks back at DJ* What if I lose ALL of them? What if they ALL die... because of me? *whispers* I won't let that happen. *Flies ahead*

DJ: Hanna...you've been through so much suffering already. How much more will we be exposed to in the trials to come? *runs toward the rest of the group*

Hanna: *lands near Brady* *with new resolve* So, where to next? We have to get a ship or something, right?

EO: Unless you want to swim across.

Hanna: Funny. In actuality, I wouldn’t mind going for a swim... Oh well, now is not the time for that.

EO: I'll give you a push in, if it'll help.

DJ: *catches up with the rest of the group* Well then, is everybody ready?

EO: Ready, Speedy.

Brady: I've been ready. We'd better head straight for the dock.

DJ: Great. *starts walking toward dock*

EDJ: Maybe we'll actually get somewhere without taking about a thousand side-tracks.

Hanna: *Nods* It should be easier now without so many people. Even so... *turns to Brady* ...every time you're about to tell me exactly who or what you are, something bad happens.

EDJ: Yeah, and you just completely ignored me last time I asked.

Brady: It's because none of you need to know.

Hanna: *quizzical look* But... you said you were here to protect me, did you not? You were insistent upon providing me with further knowledge of the situation. Now you rebuff my attempts to understand.
I don't get it.

DJ: And how are we to know you're not just another Orpheus, just with a different set of motives? We don't know that you won't just attempt to kill us off after we help you with whatever you're supposed to be doing.

Brady: Due to recent circumstances, I've decided it's best that you don't know. And I won't kill you as long as it's in my power to prevent. Now, let's catch that ship! *Walks to the dock*

Hanna: Recent circumstances, huh? Of course, NOW he doesn't want to tell me. *shakes head* No use in trying to get answers, he only leaves more questions. *follows Brady to the dock*

EDJ: Maybe it's because he's afraid of me or something.

DJ: I highly doubt that, Iul. Still, it is unnerving.
*follows Brady and Hanna to the dock*

*After a while of Brady conversing with the dock attendant*

Brady: Alright. We've got our ship rooms. We have to make do with three rooms. DJ, Iul, you two can share a room. It's a two day sail from here to the port of La'Esk. It's a bit colder there, so we'll need some heavier gear.

EDJ: Two days? Blech...this is going to be a long trip, I think.

DJ: I'll grab some gear, if you guys want. When does the boat leave?

Brady: In about half an hour. I'd hurry up if I were you.

DJ: Alright. *runs back to town to pick up supplies*

EDJ: If there's nothing else that needs doing, I'm going to board the ship.

Brady: ...
*Doesn't say anything to Hanna but walks right past her*

Hanna: *watches Brady intently* *thinks* I don't understand you at all. But I am willing to put up with you until we rescue Lui. That was the deal. Although you still have yet to explain how exactly we rescue him. Why do you avoid my questions? What is it you don't want me to know?


EDJ: Okaay then. *ignores the others and walks to the deck of the ship*

Mysterious voice: Hello, Iul. It's nice to see you again.

EDJ: Cryptic? Why are you following us?

Cryptic: Ah, so glad that you remembered me. I see you survived my greeting to Thorae earlier. Consider it as a test.

EDJ: I ought to kill you for that.

Cryptic: And yet here I am, still alive and enjoying life.

EDJ: Whatever.

Cryptic: Same old Iul. Anyway, I'm following you because I heard about your other. Anything I can do to help?

EDJ: Seriously? Why would you want to help us?

Cryptic: I need a change of pace. Besides, I'm on the same ship as you; we might as well talk about it.

EDJ: Maybe later. I've got to do some stuff first though.

Cryptic: Yeah, sure. Just don't forget about it. *walks away*

EDJ: *sighs* Cryptic...I wonder what the others would say about this.


Brady: *Walks closer to Hanna and whispers in her ear* What you do here... Is the future of the Earth.

Hanna: *Takes a step back in surprise* ......
*blinks a few times then glares at Brady* ...I don't care.

Brady: That makes it easier, you know.

Hanna: *frustrated sigh* Whatever, I've had enough of this. *turns around and walks toward the ship*

*Brady is already nowhere in sight*

Brady: She gets so frustrated with me. Countless times I save her life, which, in turn, saves her friends’ lives. She's a lot less grateful than I had expected. *Chuckles to himself*
Oh well. She's strong, and she hosts that fury within her. It makes a great tool when need be...

Hanna: *mutters to herself while boarding ship* Pfft, future of the Earth...ridiculous. As if the entire world revolves around me. I know better than that. The Earth is just fine without me.

EDJ: *sees Hanna and walks over* Hey there. We might have a teeny little problem...

Hanna: *glares and EDJ* I don't want to hear it! If you have a problem, take it up with the Terminator. I have enough to worry about! So just back off!

EDJ: *stares* You don't have to be so rude, you know. And to think I almost made you my apprentice. That would have been a mistake. Fine, I'll go talk to Robby Robot over there.

Hanna: Fine by me! *storms off to another part of the ship* And don't you EVER bring that apprentice thing up again! Never! ..... *sigh* *whispers* ...why can't anyone just ever leave me alone?

EDJ: Most dysfunctional group of heroes I've ever seen. It's a wonder they've even made it this far. Goth girl, robot boy, and that weakling I call my other...what a joke. I can't believe I have to play along with them.

Hanna: What's wrong with me?! Why can't anything ever work out right? I even snapped at EDJ and, for once, he didn't deserve it. *sigh* Listen...Iul...I'm...sorry. I didn't mean to scream at you like that....

EDJ: Wait...I think that's the first time you've called me by that name. Interesting. Anyway, apology accepted. And I promise to leave the past the past.

Hanna: I can always go back to calling you EDJ, if you'd prefer. Thanks though. I'm just... frustrated right now. Nothing ever gets any easier.

EDJ: Hah, tell me about it. Right now, I'm focused on taking down the CS, so I'm not terribly worried about other things that I probably should worry about. Like me having to go back to Earth after this is over.

Hanna: Yeah, go back to Earth and face imprisonment.

EDJ: Exactly. Not really the greatest thought in the world, you know.

Hanna: I guess not. Let's just see how all this plays out first and cross that bridge when we get to it. What happens to everyone after we rescue Lui is really the least of my worries.

EDJ: Yeah, I guess it's not terribly high on the priority list right now, is it? I wonder how Lui's doing. I do want you to know that I had nothing to do with trapping him like that.

Hanna: Maybe not, but you seemed pretty apathetic about it in the beginning.... wait, why are you telling me this? Why do you care if I think you're to blame for this or not?

EDJ: Just making sure that got cleared up so you don't try to kill me in my sleep for something I didn't do. Or something like that. When I was still on Earth, I was in my evil form. Returning here seemed to reverse that, for whatever reason. I feel like the old Iul again.

Hanna: *Tilts head to side* Do you think you'll be staying that way? I admit, you haven't been all that much of a pain since joining us. At least, not as much as I had anticipated.

EDJ: Honestly, I'm not sure. I hope so...I don't want to cause trouble for anybody. Well, except for the Clockwork Syndicate. They can have all the trouble they want.

Hanna: I still don't understand why they keep attacking us. I certainly didn't do anything to them before coming here. *whispers to self* Then again... I might have... all my memories of Thorae are still in fragments...

EDJ: And they were attacking you guys before I came, right?

Hanna: Hmm... When we first came... ah, maybe that's it. The rebel organization... something or other. Yeah, that's probably it. I wonder what ever happened to them.

EDJ: Well, Jester's dead, and who knows where Naomi is. They're missing their two top officials...can't be good for them.

Hanna: Please stop bringing Jester up....I hate myself enough as it is. I can't even begin to imagine what it's going to be like when Ace finds out.

EDJ: Oh yeah, with what Orpheus said and all. Try not to let it bother you too much...it's typical evil-person junk. Anyway...I hope DJ gets back soon, because we're leaving pretty quick.

Hanna: Evil person..... *sigh* Oh, yeah, what was it you wanted to tell me earlier?

EDJ: .......it was something important. Oh, that's right! Um, you remember the guy who tried to shoot us down over the Gaea Rift earlier? He's here on the boat.

Hanna: The guy that... wait, the clown?! What's he doing here?

EDJ: Yeah, Cryptic. I have no idea what he's doing here...but he said something about wanting to help. And that earlier, he was testing us.

Hanna: Test? ....and he thinks we're just going to let him help us after trying to kill us?! Pfft, boy does he have another thing coming...

EDJ: You know, he and I used to be friends for the short time I lived here. It's no coincidence he's here. Try not to kill him without finding out what he wants, ok?

Hanna: *glares* It's not a habit of mine to kill people, you know. I didn't mean for that to happen. I just got so....angry.

EDJ: Oh...that was kind of insensitive of me, wasn't it? Sorry, I'm still not quite used to the whole 'not being evil' thing.

Hanna: It's not something you get used to easily. *sighs* Forget it.

EDJ: Yeah, probably not a bad idea. You need some cheering up, I think.

Hanna: *rolls eyes* Oh yeah, I'm just waiting for someone to come and hand me a big bucket of smiles, rainbows, and lollipops....

EDJ: Like Lui.

Hanna: *stares in shock* ..... *starts to cry* ...don't.... *looks down trying to come up with an answer* ....Lui.... *falls to her knees* I never wanted this to happen to him! But it's all because of me... *buries her head in her hands and begins sobbing*

EDJ: Oh...that wasn't quite the cheering up I was thinking of. *kneels down* Hanna, I'm so sorry for everything.

Hanna: *suddenly looks up with a hate filled glare* Don't you get it?! I'M the one to blame! I let this happen! Everything goes wrong for me! EVERYTHING! I don't deserve friends! My life is filled with hate and fear! And I don't know why! Stay way from me! Just...just leave me to drown in my own self pity... I'm not worth helping....

EDJ: No, I'm the one that caused it, by interfering in your lives like I did. I was the one that started the entire thing by making you rescue your friends, and then, well, you know. But now we're here to fix what's happened, right? I know that it's not going to be perfect, but who really wants it that way anyway? Life's not worth living without the failures, the trials, and the adventures that come from these things.

Hanna: *Sniffles* It doesn't matter.... None of it matters.... I fail at everything I do.... There is no hope. *blankly stares off into the distance* I will always.... be alone.

EDJ: No! I won't allow it. We're going to change things, you just wait and see.

*DJ runs to the ship, boards, and walks over to where he can listen in quietly*

EDJ: Just trust me. Things will get better. That's a promise.

Hanna: *turns to look at EDJ* I made promises too.... *resumes staring into space* Hopeless...

EDJ: There's no such thing as hopeless.

Hanna: *voice void of any emotion* Then what am I?

EDJ: Desperate for something to believe in. Something I can't give you.

Hanna: *turns back to EDJ with focused eyes* And who can, hmm? Who can help me? Do you even know what this something is?

EDJ: No. But that's where your hope comes from. You have to look for that something. It's the journey that gives you hope.

Hanna: That doesn't even make sense. *stands up* No one can help me. And so...I return to the way I was...before friends. Friends only get in the way.

EDJ: Nonsensical, maybe. But that's sort of how I understand it, and I'm doing alright, even with what I have to face.

DJ: What's he doing, trying to confuse her even more?

Hanna: Unless you have something reasonable to say, I suggest you stop wasting your breath.

EDJ: Reasonable? How about, let's go get Lui.

Hanna: Lui? Oh yeah, him. I guess... Who are we waiting on?

DJ: That would be Brady, as usual.

EDJ: *turns* How long have you been listening?

DJ: Long enough.

Hanna: *turns her back to both DJ and EDJ, hiding her red eyes from view* Do you always listen in on things that don't involve you?

DJ: He's my other, isn't he?

EDJ: We were just talking about an old friend of mine, that's all. Nothing important, right Hanna?

Hanna: Friend? Heh, I couldn't possibly care less. Ugh, where's Brady? We'll never get anywhere at this rate.

DJ: I'm sure he's around here somewhere. Probably went straight to his room to recharge or something. I'll just leave you two alone, if that's what you want.

Hanna: Don't bother, we're done here. *whispers* Good thing too. I hate going through an emotional breakdown every time she can't handle the truth.
*walks to the back of the ship avoiding eye contact with either DJ or EDJ* If you need me... do without.

EDJ: Fine. It's not like Lui's important to you or anything, it seems. Maybe it'd be better if DJ and I just go take care of it. You don't seem to care anymore. Go find somebody else to bother!
*storms off*

DJ: Hanna, I'm sorry. Evil other on the loose... *follows EDJ*

Brady: *Sits on bed thinking* Ace? Where are you? I need your help...

Hanna: So EDJ actually cares? Disappointingly weak... *looks around* Why aren't we moving yet?! This is taking forever.

EDJ: Seriously, what's with her? It's so obvious that she' head-over-heels for Lui, but she's too dumb to do anything about it.

DJ: *catches up to EDJ* Come on, Iul. I know she's hard to deal with sometimes, but she really does care on the inside.

EDJ: I know that. I just wish she'd acknowledge it and get on with life.

Hanna: *sits on railing* I wonder how long I can keep this up. DJ's sure to notice, he picks up on these things pretty quickly. Oh well, I guess it doesn't really matter. *sigh* I'm bored... and hungry... *glances at DJ and EDJ* Now what could they possibly be talking about?

DJ: You ought to know that nothing is ever that simply, Iul.

EDJ: Yeah, but she's way off normal, even for her.

DJ: She did seem different earlier. Maybe the stress is catching up with her finally.

Brady: *Sits on bed, writing on scratch paper* These algorithms... don't match the estimated data. Could something have changed the statistics? *Looks up from paper* I'll bet it was her. She's always changing her data. Sometimes I wish I was that adaptable... *Looks back down at paper and scribbles some numbers.*
...
*Disturbed expression* I am...?

Hanna: Hmm... I wonder if my base is still here. Someone probably found it by now and destroyed it. Heh, it would be ironic if it was the CS. Ugh, I'm bored out of my mind here. *hops back onto the deck* Now, where's the kitchen?

Brady: *Hears thumping noise above his room* Ugh. Only a few people I know can make that racket, and half of them aren't on this ship at the moment. *Walks out of his room and upstairs*
*Talks to self* Where's that noise coming from?...

Hanna: *wanders around a bit before seeing Brady* Uh-oh. He's definitely going to know... Maybe I can hide... No, bad idea. I guess I should just face him and get this over with.
Brady: *Waves at Hanna in a rather friendly manner* What's all the noise for, Hanna?

EDJ: *sees Brady walking over to Hanna* Hey DJ, let's go listen.

DJ: Cool.

Hanna: *oblivious to DJ and EDJ* You can stop pretending. You already know. Don't bother doing anything about it though.

Brady: *Blank stare* You mean the fact that "evil Hanna" is taking over your body? It's no big deal, really. Eventually, it will fester to the point where you can't host evil Hanna anymore, and she will become her own being. But, you knew that already. *Leans over railing, staring at the water*
Well, I'm not going to do anything about it. It's a problem that not even having friends can help. It's a battle with yourself, and we can't fight it for you or even help you fight it at all. You just have to trust that you're going to win, I suppose.

Hanna: *glares* Don't talk to me as though I am some pest that needs to be removed. I have full control for now. Don't even think about trying to give her a sense of hope. Life is full of entropy and pain. I'm here because she needs me. I do what I can to survive. When there is a threat, I extinguish it for her. In all honesty, she needs me to do what she herself cannot; kill.

Brady: *blatantly* Maybe so, but she doesn't need you if you're the reason she needs to kill in the first place.

EDJ: Oh, so that's what's up.

DJ: I hope she's alright.

Hanna: Such insolence… *sneers* Too bad we can’t all enjoy life, huh? *a little louder* Why not stand a little closer to the conversation, DJ? That way you can hear us better and maybe even join in.
*looks Brady in the eye*You will be dealt with when the time comes. Don’t think for a moment that I can’t destroy you, because I can and I will. I only have to put up with you until I get what I want. Then I will be in control permanently and nothing will stand in my way.

EDJ: If that's evil Hanna, what could she possibly want with Lui?

DJ: Nothing good, I'm sure. I don't think there's anything we can do right now though. *walks over to Hanna and Brady, followed by EDJ*

EDJ: Hello again.

Brady: You'll be in control of what? Me? Your friends? Or maybe something bigger... The world, perhaps? Because if so, I'm not the only one standing in your way of that.

Hanna: Heh, I will be in control of her. Then it doesn't matter if I want to take over the world or not. She certainly won't be there to stop me. Though there is one slight problem with my plan... Ah well, once I finish this, it's over.

EDJ: If you weren't Lui's friend, you'd be dead already. Remember who's been evil longer here, missy. Or was it Moody?

DJ: Iul, don't provoke her. You'll just make it worse.

Hanna: Heh, he attempts to anger me. Unwise. Name-calling has no bearing on me. Rather the part of me I need to break.

Brady: Explain how you're going to break someone stronger than you.

Hanna: *smirks* The worst kind of enemy is one with nothing to lose, right? *begins to walk away* Fine. You want her back, you can have her.

Brady: Either way, you're making my job pretty easy.

Hanna: *stops* And what is your job exactly? *turns back* To kill me? You kill me, you kill her. From what I can tell, you can't let her die. You certainly can't continue protecting a threat. What else could it be?

Brady: Ignorance is bliss, my dear.

DJ: You two both worry me, you know.

EDJ: It's official...you've both lost it. But I wonder...did either of you even have it to begin with?

Hanna: Hmph. *glares at DJ* You should worry. You will die with the rest of them when the time comes. *glances at EDJ* You too. To think I'd actually get somewhere siding with you. Pitiful. You are swiftly losing your usefulness. But like I said, this will all be over soon enough. Enjoy what semblance of a life you have till then. *walks downstairs*

DJ: She sounds an awful lot like Orpheus did, from what Zione was saying.

EDJ: Pitiful? I'm not losing my usefulness, am I? ...

Hanna: *walks into room and sits on bed* You can't keep me locked in forever. But you can have control for now. *blinks a few times and looks at the mirror* Blue again. Just like that. You gave up? Why? What do you want from me? *sigh* I can't keep this up... Every time you get out, someone gets hurt. I should have never come.

DJ: *follows Hanna toward room and knocks on the door* Hanna?

Hanna: *sigh* Go away. Get as far away from me as you possibly can. You can save Lui, I can't.

DJ: I'm not leaving until we talk. And the longer I stay here, the more EDJ irritates Brady, so you should just let me in.

Hanna: Fine. *gets up and opens door* There, it's open. Happy?! *sigh* ...sorry... I ... *sits on bed* I can't do this.

DJ: Thanks. *walks in* You can trust your friends to help you, you know. We're all here for you, regardless of the situation. Like back in Iul's castle on Everest, we were there for you. And we still are now.

Hanna: Yeah... you were there for me... *downcast look* But apparently my friends can't save me, can you?

DJ: I guess we won't know until we try. *thinks* There must be something I can do. Maybe the CS could help. I'm desperate enough that I'd go to them for help right now.
Brady: *Walks to the entrance of her room and clears throat* Ahem. I lost Iul in the mess hall... Care to let me in? I heard what you were... well, thinking, and I need to ask you something DJ. Do you even know what the CS' purpose is? Do you realize what they'd do if they got a hold of you? Especially Hanna.

DJ: Iul's loose? With that attitude? He's likely to kill half the people up there! I guess this has to be quick. No, but why bring that up randomly?

Brady: Hah. Iul's not going to kill anyone. Have you seen his eyes lately? The evil flare has faded. I suppose all us do good-ers are starting to rub off on him. Anyway... I bring it up "randomly" for one simple reason. I think you two should know what you're up against.

Hanna: Now you want to tell us? You have the weirdest timing, but I'm not stopping you. Exactly how does the CS fit into all this? What are they capable of? *quizzically turns to DJ* And what were you thinking of that would involve the CS?


*back in Tellius*

Alzymus: Interesting. I can take us back...but I don't know about Zione by this time. He's probably gone off doing something evil.

Naomi: Well, looks like you'll just have to catch him again! Now, take us back.

Ace: I would imaging the airship has crashed already... right?

Alzymus: Probably.

Misty: Ok, so how do we get out of here, Alzymus?

Alzymus: Well, we'd have to go to the deployment center. There's a transporter there, that's how I went to Thorae the first time.

Naomi: Is it always this cold in Tellius?

Ace: So we just have to get to that deployment center. Right?

Alzymus: Basically. I think it's about fifteen miles to the west of here, at the end of this plain. We might have a small problem getting you three through the center, but I'll work that out.

Misty: What problem would there be?

Naomi: Knowing this little escapade, it's probably: A) Evil monsters, B) Lava, C) A natural fault in the land making passing dangerous, or D) All of the above.

Ace: I have to agree with you there. *Turns to Alzymus for an answer*

Alzymus: Guards. They're not terribly fond of outsiders. Last time outsiders tried to enter the deployment center, the live reaper turrets tore them apart.

Misty: ... I see. So, what should we do about it?

Ace: Oh, well that shouldn't be a problem. We could have Naomi sneak up and disable them before we enter...

Naomi: Sounds fun! >:3

Alzymus: Alright, if you think she's fast enough. If that doesn't work, I have another idea. They shouldn't attack me, so I might be able to get into the control room and disable the reapers. That would make it easier for you to get in. We'll have to figure out what to do with the human guards, but that should be simpler.

Misty: Alright, sounds good.

Naomi: Why didn't you just say that in the first place? We'll go with that second option. Kay? *sigh of relief*

Alzymus: Alright. Anything else we need to discuss, or shall we be going?

Misty: I don't think so. Which way did you say it was?

Naomi: Yes. I need to ask you something. Where in Thorae will the transporter lead us?

Alzymus: I'm not completely sure. When I went through before, I had one of the officers do it. I guess it can take you to a specific heat signature, or to a general location. So it depends, really.

Ace: We need to know where in Thorae we want it to take us. Why don't we just have it warp us straight to Clockwork Tower?

Misty: That would work. Or do you think we should try to find one of the other groups?

Naomi: No, no. I like Ace's idea. We need to get this over with.

Alzymus: Ok, I'll see what we can do. We'll figure out how to make it work once we get there.

Misty: *shrugs* ok we can go straight there.

*a cloud of dust starts rising from the ground about fifteen feet away from the party*

Naomi: ... What is that?...

Alzymus: Beats me...

Misty: *starts backing up* What is going on? *backs up so far she falls off cliff* What is tttthhhhhaaaa...

*Misty finds herself in her office* Woah, that was weird, what happened?

Sarah: I portaled you here.

Misty: ... Why? My mission isn't over yet! We still haven't found Lui, we're all separated. I need to get back there and help!

Sarah: Ok, ok. But first, there's some things I need to give you. Here's some more food, and a phone so you can get in touch with me. ;D

Misty: Ok thanks. Now has anything happened that I should know about?

Sarah: ... yes. But it would take to long to explain. Just tell Alzymus to transport you to La'Esk. That's where the others are going. Remember that, k?

Misty: Alright I will. Hey, have you seen Talon anywhere? He got separated.

Sarah: Yup, here he is. Now you better get going.

Misty: *Talon hops on Misty's arm* ok. *steps through portal*


*scene switch*

*the cloud of dust erupts into a pillar of sand and a large wyrm-like creature comes out of the ground, followed by five bandits*

Bandit: Alzymus! Surrender yourself now or die!

Naomi: Rrrrgh! NO!

Ace: Saw that one coming. *Draws sword*

Alzymus: Bandits! Hurry, we need to get you to the deployment center! *creates shotgun and starts shooting at the wyrm while pushing the party westward*

Ace: You mean you don't need us to fight?

Naomi: That's no fun.

Alzymus: Now that I'm thinking about it, we can draw them to the deployment center and let them take the defenses out. Then after that, we fight them. It might work...

Ace: If we are luring them there, then we will get near the turrets first, us being the obvious first targets. I say strategy over strength. We lose them and then make our way to the deployment center.

Naomi: That idea is even less fun than bird-boy's!

Alzymus: Good point. *sighs* Well then, how should we go about losing them. I'm usually on the other end of this sort of thing...

Naomi: How about we use the deployment center guards as decoys? That way that's less security we have to worry about. We have guards chase us, we hop into a tree quickly, lose the guards, lose the goons, and live happily ever after.

Alzymus: We could give it a try. After all, it's basically what I said, just changed a little.

Naomi: *Shrugs* I guess you're right. Let's go!

Ace: Alright.

*They run, still being pursued, and eventually reached the deployment center.*

Alzymus: Well then, here it is. Those plant-like creatures on the perimeter are the turrets, and they can fire poisoned darts at us. They have a pretty long range too, so be careful. Now, we have to draw the bandits in toward the guards and then find a way to lose all of them so they can take each other out.
You still with us, Misty?

Misty: *goes back to see group running* Hey guys! Wait up! *turns and sees bandits* Oh, now I see what's going on. Yes I'm still here! So what are we doing exactly?!

Alzymus: We're going to get the bandits and those guards up there to kill each other so we can go back to Thorae.

Misty: Oh ok. Aw man, there was something I was supposed to tell you. What was it! *thinks then says* Oh yeah! You need to take us to La'Esk, not the CS tower or whatever it's called. Can you get the transporter to take us there?

Alzymus: I think so, as long as it's in the transporter's database. Wait, all of us need to go?

Misty: That's what Sarah said. Is it a problem? If it is you can send just me I guess...

Alzymus: Sarah?

Misty: Yeah, Sarah. She's my partner. That's kinda where I disappeared to. But she's been tracking everyone and she said we need to be there.

Alzymus: I don't think it's too much trouble, as long as Ace and Naomi don't mind.

Misty: Yeah Ace, is that ok?

Ace: Wherever we need to go is just fine with me. In fact, Brady and his team should already be well into the La'Esk continent by now.

Naomi: *Ears fold down a bit* You mean we don't get to rush into Clockwork Tower and charge the enemy head-on?

Ace: I suppose not. Don't you think it's better for us to have the others with us for storming the tower anyway? We need to have all the power we can get.

Naomi: *Soft tone* You and I are strong enough to take them on together... *Normal voice* Oh, and you too Alzymus.

Alzymus: You two should just elope or something. At any rate, let's get out of view before the bandits catch up and ruin the entire plan.

Ace: *"Ugh" face* Um, yeah...

Naomi: *Angry expression* What did you say?! Grrrrr... The nerve of you men sometimes! Sheesh, you totally have the wrong idea! *Angry squeals*

Ace: Moving right along then... *Runs*

Misty: *snicker, snicker* Oh I mean, *ahem* yup. *runs too* How about those bushes over there?

Ace: *Hides in bushes*

Alzymus: Works for me. *follows Ace*

Misty: Ok, *dives in bushes*

Naomi: *Continues running, in clear sight if the bandits* Hey evil guuuuuys~! I'm over here!! I'll bet you can't catch meee~! *Sticks tongue out and leads them away around the side of the entrance hall*

Ace: Well... that works... Come on. *Rushes to the inside of the building*

Misty: *stares after Naomi*... *shrugs* Ok I'm coming. *follows Ace* Ok, which way? Left, right or... *looks at stairs* or down?

Alzymus: Oh. *walks into the building with Ace and Misty* Eh, down the stairs and take the first left. Then it's down the hall.

Misty: Ok, you seem to know where you are going, so lead the way.

Alzymus: Sure. Just look out for any guards that might still be here, just in case.

Misty: Alright. You comin’ Ace?
Ace?
*looks around and sees shadow up ahead* Oh, I guess he ran ahead. *to Alzymus* Come on!

Alzymus: Right. *leads Misty into the deployment center*

Misty: Ok I'm coming. *follows Alzymus*

Ace: Nice of you to catch up. So this is the DC. Kinda advanced compared to our HQ.

Misty: Yeah, HQ needs to upgrade big-time. But the waterfall is pretty cool.

Alzymus: State of the art. It's used for more than just bounty hunting business as well, you know. Anyway, you guys should let me go in first to make sure they're all right with you guys. I'd hate to make a mess of the transporter room.

Misty: Ok, do you want us to follow you in, or wait here?

Ace: Shouldn't we all go together to avoid getting separated?

Misty: What do you think Alzymus?

Alzymus: I'm talking about the transporter room, sillies. It's not like I'm going to leave without you. I'll be back in a minute anyway...just wait right here.

Misty: Ok.

Alzymus: *slowly walks into the transporter room and looks around* Hmm, I don't actually see anyone here. Rather odd. *peeks back out the door* Ok guys, you can come in.

Misty: *follows Alzymus in* Ok, so what are we looking for?

Alzymus: *points* Over there, you see that computer station? That's the electronic mapping system. And in the middle of the room is the teleportation pad. I'll go over and check the maps to make sure La'Esk's in there.

Misty: Ah, I see. ok. *follows Alzymus over to the maps* *scans the map* Isn't that it? right where... the... big... red... X is...

Alzymus: Right. Looks like we're good to go. Ace, Naomi, and Misty, head over to the teleporter. I'll activate it from here and fly over before it starts.

Misty: Umm... but what exactly does the big... red... X mean? They aren't going to attack there or anything are they?!

Alzymus: I thought it was the marker from your search on the system...I don't actually use the maps when I go out on official business. You could be right...I just don't know.

Misty: No, I didn't put it there... Oh well. Let's just do it and hope for the best. *hops on transporter* ready?

Naomi: *Run into the room* Whew, sorry I'm late! *Hops on transporter without hesitation*

Ace: Looks like we're all set, then. *Walks onto transporter*

Alzymus: Ah, glad everyone's here. *activates transporter and flies over to it* Here we go!

*transporter flashes, and the group is taken to La'Esk*

A late Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our fans!

I hope you people have enjoyed reading our story thus far, because we’re not planning on stopping it here.

I’m afraid the holiday rush and life in general is leaving us coauthors with less and less time. We’re still just getting into Part 24. It’s somewhat hard to finding the time to write, at all.

So, bear with us for a bit. We’re getting our act together, trust me.


Till then, enjoy the videos in the previous post.

Happy Holidays!