The Exception, The Guardian, and The Monster

CONTENT WARNING: Mild violence

Plat 

Esredes: >The next day after his visit to the workshop, Esrey is back on the island after a brief report to Aclyone. Now that it's over with, it's the perfect place to find knochen for the mission he's planning in his head...< >He knows exactly where to start. All though the absolute first person he thought of isn't here, there's bound to be a few others around he'd feel comfortable asking. He makes his way to another, more populated area of the island to observe the knochen dwelling within it.<

Astroray 

Cypress: [They have a small "home" carved into an outcrop of rock. Its just large enough to cover their bulk. At the moment, they are having a bit of down time, taking a midday rest. Being between jobs is dull and unexciting for them as their whole life is devoted to the preservation of the knochen race.] [Cypress lazily opens their eyes and spots Esredes and feels a glimmer of hope.] [Esredes usually doesn't just walk through the commons for no reason.....][They stand up and walk just outside of their hole to take a peek.]

Plat 

Esredes: >He spots you rather quickly, his eyes drawn to the movement. He turns his head towards Cypress to observe them a second.< >Ah, that one. Cypress. Yes, he has a general idea of that one. They show a lot of promise in this faction and certainly are one of the loyal ones... unlike the one by Aclyone's side all the time.< >He's known them to be a useful asset to any mission as well. Let's see how they react to this offer...< Good afternoon. >He speaks directly to them now, walking closer to them and their hole, but still keeping a little bit of distance.< And quite a relaxing one as well, isn't it?

Astroray 

Cypress: Good afternoon, sir. It is a bit slow in between jobs I'm afraid. [They stand tall and puff up a bit, displaying themself to their superior, hoping he picks him for......whatever it is he is doing. Though, he should hear first what he has to offer.]

Plat 

Esredes: >I had a feeling it would be like that for you.< It does seem like it's a bit of a slow day here. Well, in that case, are you eager to get back out on another mission?

Astroray 

Cypress: Of course, sir, if I may, what'd the mission?

Plat 

Esredes: I have a special one for you today. One that's a secret until further notice. If you'd like to come along, I'll speak to you about it a little further from here.

Astroray 

Cypress: [They are used to having higher leveled missions, but this one seems....off.] Of course, sir. Will we bring any other capable hands?

Plat 

Esredes: I'm looking to assemble a small group of capable knochen for this, with at least one of them in mind being off the island. However, I will speak to all of them individually first before we meet as a group.

Astroray 

Cypress: Understood, where will we randevú?

Plat 

Esredes: Whoever else comes along can meet me near the other base. As for you and I, how about we take a short walk to somewhere where it's quiet. I will fill you in there.

Astroray 

Cypress: Understood. [They follow closely near his side, silently. They tend to be a 'person' of few words.]

Plat 

Esredes: >That is entirely fine with him. Let us be introverts together.< >He leads Cypress away from the common area, and they'll spend a couple minutes walking before he stops in place.< This is far away enough. >He turns back to Cypress< So, here is the mission. >He sits down now< I've caught word of a rather concerning potential threat. A human lady who goes around kidnapping humans and knochen and experimenting on them, trying to give humans some form of permanent magic. If this proves to be true, this is a matter I find greatly concerning to knochen everywhere.

Esredes: I have also been given word of an area where she is suspected to be currently located. That's where we will go to investigate. If we are able to find and kill this lady, it'll be one less thing for us all to worry about.

Astroray 

Cypress: This is deeply disturbing, it could spell the end of us. Further poaching...and the potential for humans using magic equal to ours against us. [They shake their head and look back to Esredes.] I would be honored to hunt them down with you.

Plat 

Esredes: I'm glad you agree. The world would go to shambles if this human was successful. Hopefully we can put her in her place today.

Esredes: Now, once we have the rest of the group assembled, I'm going to advise everyone to be on guard and stay together. I don't know what help she may have, but I'd rather none of us end up as experiments.

Astroray 

Cypress: That human will be sorely sorry if they dare to lay a hand upon me. [Their lip curls into a slight snarl.]

Cypress: I deeply appreciate your confience in my capabilities. I am sure we will be able to apprehend them. [They pause .]

Plat 

Esredes: I'm glad that you're up to the task. >not that I wouldn't expect you to be. He smiles just a bit at them. You are such an easy one to talk to.< It's Cypress, correct?

Astroray 

Cypress: That's correct, sir.

Plat 

Esredes: All right, Cypress. If you have nothing else to attend to, you may accompany me as I seek out other potential members on here.

=================================================

Esredes: >After assembling the rest of the group, he’s not sure exactly where to find Ceila, but he asks around the base a little and obtains word that she’s also between missions currently and is off at a nearby lake. He quickly tells the others to wait on him and sets off for the lake, and once he comes up on it from the air, he spots her form by the water. With that in sight, he lands nearby.<

Ceila: >She spots him as he’s descending and watches his landing, turned now to face him. The two of them make eye contact.<

Ceila: Well, I didn’t expect to see you here. >She smiles in a playful but friendly manner< Did you miss me?

Esredes: You know I always do. >He comes a bit closer, sitting down, curling his tail around one side.< It’s unusual to see you alone like this.

Ceila: Most people I would’ve taken with me are out. >She idly stretches a leg< So what is going on, Esrey? Why’d you come to see dear little me?

Esredes: I have a secret mission I’m conducting, and I want you to be a part of it.

Ceila: Secret? Mission? My, this sounds important. >She brings her leg back in, her eyes focused on him< I don’t usually hear that from you. What’s going on?

Esredes: There’s a human lady going around kidnapping humans and knochen and experimenting on them in order to try and give humans permanent magic.

Ceila: Permanent magic? >Her eyes widen a bit, fearfully< How could such a thing be possible?

Esredes: I don’t know, but it seems like she’ll do anything to make it possible. Apparently she’s quite elusive, but there have been signs of her that I want to investigate.

Ceila: You’re hoping to find and kill her, I assume?

Esredes: Definitely. I would love to put a stop to this menace.

Ceila: Me too. Count me in on it. What’s the plan?

Esredes: Stay close together, investigate the area, and see if we can find her. I’ve already recruited a few others.

Ceila: My, you have things all set already. >She spreads her wings out a little< Shall I follow you now, then?

Esredes: Indeed. >He stands up and begins to turn around, only to look back at her< ...But afterwards, I’d love to talk to you a bit more. I know it’s been a while.

Ceila: Of course. I’m sure you’ve got some wild stories for me.

Esredes: > >.> You’re never going to stop mocking me for that, are you.< I have one, if that’s what you mean. But I have plenty of non-wild ones too.

Ceila: >She giggles a bit< If you say so. But you’re the boss for now, so let’s go.

Momo 

====================== 

The group arrives in an heavily forested area up north. There were supposedly a few isolated villages around that survived through hunting and trading with one another, but it all seems too quiet. The paths are starting to grown grass and other plants. No one has traveled through them in weeks. What would supposedly seem like a peaceful and quiet forest seems all too eerie with the lack of activity.

Plat 

Esredes: >Up at the front of the group and looking around, he narrows his eyes. Already this seems off.< This doesn't feel right.

Astroray 

Cypress: Permission to scout ahead, sir?

Plat 

Esredes: Take someone with you. I don't want anyone going alone. 

Ceila: >Huh. He's right. I can feel it in the air, this is... much too silent.< I can go with them.

Astroray 

Cypress: [A bit frustrated, they hope she can keep up.] [They nod and look to Ceila.]

Plat 

Ceila: >Oh, don't you worry, I can keep up.< >She returns their nod and makes her way up beside them, giving a look back at the group.< 

Esredes: Try to make it relatively quick. If you're not back in around twenty minutes, we'll assume something happened.

Astroray 

Cypress: Understood. [They turn to Ceila and their body becomes fuzzy and near translucent. They walk slowly and melt into the ground, blending into Ceila's shadow.]

Plat 

Ceila: >You have the shadow element... that's quite remarkable.< >All right, she flaps her wings and takes off from the ground, flying at a height just a bit above the ground, being careful to follow the path. Let's see where this is going to lead...<

Momo 

The path is long, but pretty straightforward; manmade by the humans in the area. In the distance, Ceila can see a small opening in the trees with rooftops poking up. However, as she approaches, she can see that the town is practically abandoned. Buildings are empty, with a few broken windows. Doors are either open or busted down. It looks as though the place was raided.

Plat 

Ceila: >She lands once she spots the town. She debates going to human form for a second, but instead tentatively approaches, and loses the thought once she observes the abandoned nature of it. Feeling a sense of unease wash over her as she enters the town, she gets an eyeful of its broken condition.< This... certainly wasn't our doing.

Astroray 

Cypress: [They remain as they are in her shadow and speak to her in a whisper that sounds so close, they might as well be talking right in her ear.] There is an ominous prescence in this town, but we should check if the area is clear before returning.

Plat 

Ceila: I have a feeling that something is still here. >She drops her voice to a quieter volume. She almost feels as if she's being watched. But she keeps her guard up and her cool present, and continues scouting out the buildings. Her ears are open for any sources of sound.<

Momo 

Everything remains quiet, for the moment at least. However, the two can hear some scurrying in one of the abandoned homes up ahead.

Plat 

Ceila: >Her wings instinctively flare upwards at that. Her voice gets even quieter< Do you hear that too?

Astroray 

Cypress: Stay here, I will investigate. [And with that, her shadow morphs and bends as their figure leaves the shadow. However, Cypress remains as a black stain upon the ground as they slip over grass and stones towards the noise.]

Momo 

The noise seems to be coming from one of the abandoned houses. As Cypress approaches, they can spot a pair of bright yellow eyes from the broken doorway. From there, a feral creature starts to charge at them mindlessly, letting out a pained screech. It's proportions are human, however the large horns from its head and animalistic jaw tell the two it's far from human.

Astroray 

Cypress: [They spring forth from the ground, teeth bared and claws drawn forward in an aggressive leap towards the creature. Cypress has their paws wide open, aiming to pin the creature to the ground, so they may inspect it further.]

Momo 

The creature goes down easy; it's actions both violent yet mindless. Up close, Cypress can see it's uncanny appearance up close. Compared to the mages who have earned their features over years of magic use, this one looks as though it formed rapidly within a day. It's skin looks stretched, it's cries desperate. Putting it out of its misery would probably be a blessing to the creature.

Plat 

Ceila: >She goes into a defensive stance the moment she sees it lunge, but is relieved to see Cypress handle it so easily. She comes a bit closer towards the two.< Any signs of consciousness at all? >I'm not holding my breath that there are<

Astroray 

Cypress: Looks to be in pain, its acts are in desperation. [They lift a paw and swipe at the creatures throat, cutting through with ease.]

Momo 

The creature lets out a final cry before falling limo, the blood slowly draining from its neck. With its cries gone, the eerie silence of the town takes its place.

Plat 

Ceila: >She listens to its dying cry, now coming up closer to observe the body at an angle.< :/ What a shame. It could have told us something if it had any consciousness. Though... mind if I examine the body? >you'll have to get off of it<

Astroray 

Cypress: Be my guest. [They languidly move off the body.]

Plat 

Ceila: >She leans her face in closely, observing its mutated state. It doesn't take her long to notice the strange look of the features that indicate an unusually fast transformation.... <

Plat 

Ceila: This uncanny isn't normal. You see the way its skin looks, right? Stretched... strained... this didn't happen over time.

Astroray 

Cypress: You're right, it's appearance is odd. It was easy to slice through. Do you think there are more.

Plat 

Ceila: There's probably a few more left behind. I think it'd be better to go back and tell the others first, though. We'll have no trouble taking care of any more all together.

Astroray 

Cypress: A good idea. [They melt back into a black stain on the ground and merge with her shadow.]

Plat 

Ceila: >All right, then we're off again. She flies off back down the path.<

Esredes: >When the two arrive back at the group, it'll be a little closer than where they left them. It looks as if they were investigating the nearby area in the meantime, but upon spotting Ceila in the air, he and the others turn their attention towards her.< 

Ceila: >She lands in front of the group, focusing her attention on Esrey in particular.<

Esredes: How did it go? What did you both find?

Astroray 

Cypress: [They come back out of Ceila's shadow.] An uncanny.

Plat 

Ceila: An unusual uncanny and a destroyed town. There appears to be no humans left, and many of the buildings are damaged. We suspect there are a few more uncanny hiding within it. 

Esredes: Destroyed, you say? Does it look to be the work of humans? 

Ceila: Likely so. 

Esredes: >Hm. It must have been her doing. How much help does she have to be able to destroy a human village...? Could she have even done so?< Well, then you two can lead the way. Let's take a closer look.

Plat 

>As the group comes upon the destroyed village again, Esredes seemed a bit surprised at the scenery. Such thorough destruction... how much help does this lady have?< 

Esredes: Everyone spread out to investigate, but stay within each others' sight lines. Be on your guard. 

Ceila: Esredes, >she moves back towards the uncanny corpse< Come look at this uncanny. Look at its skin. Its transformation isn't normal.

Momo 

As the group inspects the body, they can hear another rustle in one of the abandoned houses. The sound of creaking wood, possibly someone walking around.

Plat 

Esredes: Not normal...? >he comes over to take his own look at it< 

Ceila: It's too stretched out, like it had to force this change very quickly... it's not supposed to happen quickly. 

Esredes: She did this. >It matches what Alise was saying.< She must-- >it's then that he hears the noise, and both of them turn their attention towards the source< What was that? 

Ceila: Oh my, it's probably another one of them...

Momo 

The noise continues to persist, as if someone was slowly approaching to the door. Then, with great care, a white cloth starts to poke out from the door. As it extends, they see it is a white sheet of cloth attached to a stick. It starts to wave back and forth gently, a flag of surrender.

Astroray 

Cypress: [Was on guard, looking at the door intently. Despite the white cloth poking out of the door, their posture does not relax.]

Plat 

Esredes: What the...? 

Ceila: That could be something conscious if it knows how to wave a flag. We could get information. 

Esredes: >he narrows his eyes< I don't like this, but you're right. Give it a chance. >He then calls out, in a language they can hopefully understand< Show your...self. >god, trying to speak human in this form is difficult<

Momo 

The flag moves back into the house, and a large muscular man steps out in it's place. Blood soaked bandages are wrapped around his forehead. He's nearly bald, with just a bit of hair starting to grow back on his head. He carefully lifts his hands above his head. "Please- we're not like the others...." His appearance seems relatively human so far. No glaring features or signs of feral nature. Just someone in a state of shock.

Astroray 

Cypress: [Moves back to talk with Esredes.] [In a whisper.] Do you think they're human?

Plat 

Esredes: >he mimics their volume< Human, uncanny, the difference doesn't matter. You don't smell any knochen scent on them, do you?

Astroray 

Cypress: [They take a deep breath, inhaling their scent with the freshly opened door, their shrew-like nose flaring.] Its a mixed bag, uncanny, knochen, somewhere in there.

Plat 

Esredes: Hm, that's strange... 

Ceila: I'll handle them. >She pushes off the ground, going into the air for a moment, and lands nearby in front of the man. She then begins to shrink several inches in front of them, her figure darkening and taking on indistinct shapes, features shrinking and blurring and changing. As the color begins to return, a human lady stands in front of him, the same purple eyes projecting a look of concern.< Are you hurt...? What happened here? >her voice sounds sympathetic. It may be hard to judge the sincerity of it, but something seems to pull it towards wanting to believe it.<

Momo 

???: Ah... Well, you see....> He smiles weakly.< I can't quite remember.... But my friend can! >He moves back into the house momentarily before bringing out another man. >He looks rather young, short brown hair, darker skin, and blood soaked bandages over his eyes. < 

???: This is Luc... and I'm... uhh.... I'm.... 

Luc: Sorry about him, his memory comes and goes, but it's not as bad as before.... Uh... Who is in front of us? 

???: Oh! It's a woman! Her and two.... uh... not humans- but not uncanny...? 

Luc: Knochen? 

???: Yes! Knochen!

Plat 

Esredes: >There's two of them??< 

Ceila: >There's two of them? o.o< Oh, hello there. Are you both humans? Why can't your friend remember anything?

Momo 

Luc: I'm not sure why.... he says that he just woke up here with an aching headache. I'm going to guess that he was either hit very hard on the head, or that his personal space was invaded by that blonde bitch. 

???: I think my name starts with a V? Or a Y? 

Luc: And to answer your first question.... in theory, yes. We're both humans. Right now though, I'm not so sure.

Astroray 

Cypress: [Lets out a loud snort.][Figured they were originally humans......but why is there the scent of knochen besides us?]

Plat 

Ceila: >she frowns at that. Huh...< 

Esredes: >He's listening in. Blonde bitch... that's definitely her.< They're definitely talking about her. She's blonde. 

Ceila: So she did this to you both? Hurt you? Did something to alter your bodies? You don't smell entirely human to me, either.

Astroray 

Cypress: [Whispering to Esredes again.] I smell knochen as well as uncanny. Something is amiss.

Momo 

???: I'm not sure what happened to me to be honest.... All I remmeber is finding Luc and hiding from the monsters. 

Luc: She took my eyes.... replaced them. I haven't really tried seeing yet, and I don't want to.

Astroray 

Cypress: [They step forward and brush up and past Ceila to get a better whiff of the two, the tips of their nose brushing against the people's bodies. They're trying to identify the knochen-like scent and its origin.]

Plat 

Ceila: So she-- oh, >incoming Cypress< Mind my friend here...

Momo 

From the one known as Luc, Cypress can pick up the source of the scent. The blood soaked bandages around his eyes seems to be where it's strongest. It's rather odd that from a human, only a certain part can smell like knochen. The man with no name slightly giggles as he's smelled, humored by the action. Luc, meanwhile, seems rather uncomfortable in not being able to register what's going on. 

Luc: Does he... do this often? ?

??: Makes sense, maybe he doesn't trust us.

Astroray 

Cypress: [They step back to where Ceila stands.] The eyes.

Plat 

Ceila: >in knochen,< The eyes...?

Astroray 

Cypress: They must be knochen eyes, that or they were injected with marrow, if what I've heard about this woman is true.

Plat 

Esredes: Really... she just blinded a knochen to put their eyes in some random human? What is that even supposed to accomplish for her? 

Ceila: I don't understand why she'd just leave them here. >back to the humans,< They think it's your eyes. They smell like knochen eyes.

Momo 

Luc: >He frowns deeply< I was... afraid of that... I just woke up to everything being pitch black. Things were chaos out here. People started turning uncanny, attacking each other. I couldn't move, I didn't know where to go. Then I ran into this guy and he pulled me into a basement. We've been out here for day, looking for help. 

???: Ah! Could you help us? That is, if you want to. You're probably here for your own reasons.

Plat 

Ceila: We're trying to hunt the one responsible for your conditions down. She can't be allowed to keep doing this to people. If you could help us find her, we'll help you too.

Momo 

???: Awesome! Uhh.... Except, we don't know where she is. 

Luc: .... your sniffing companion. Do you think he could pick up her scent. I know she personally operated on me, and she couldn't have covered her tracks that well in such a hurry.

Plat 

Ceila: >she looks at Cypress at that<

Astroray 

Cypress: They must have something with her scent on it. Tell them that. [I don't feel like shifting, it'd leave me vulnerable.]

Plat 

Ceila: >You and Esrey are in the same boat with that.< Do you have something that you know she touched lying around? They could use that to pick up the scent.

Momo 

Luc: Something that she's touched...? I'm not sure... 

???: .... darts.... >He mumbles.< I remember.... I remember darts. Stuck on the monsters. Most of the uncanny all had a little dart on it. If we find one of those, we'll find her! ....right?

Astroray 

Cypress: If she used the darts herself, those would work well.

Plat 

Ceila: >to Cypress< We didn't see one on the uncanny you killed... did we?

Astroray 

Cypress: I did not check. In the mean time, ask if they know where some are. [They go back over to the body and flip it over.]

Momo 

Sure enough, Cypress finds a small dart on the creature. It's difficult to find a scent on it through all of the blood, but Cypress can pick up something similar that was on both humans.

Plat 

Esredes: >He's still over by the body as well, watching the process.< So she uses darts to turn humans into uncanny instantly... what in the world could be in them? 

Ceila: Do either of you know where one might be?

Momo 

???: There are lots of other uncanny corpses around here. I'm sure if we look, we can find another one.

Plat 

Ceila: I think so too... >she looks back over at Cypress and Esrey< Any luck?

Astroray 

Cypress: There's so much blood, its hard to differentiate, but there's a scent similar to the one on the bandages. I think I can work with this.

Plat 

Esredes: If we need to get the dart scent from other corpses, I don’t doubt they’re around.

Astroray  

Cypress: [They inhale again, so close to the dart the tips of their nose brush up against it. They transition smoothly to the ground, not making a sound as they attempt to track the scent.]

Plat  

Ceila: >She's still watching from afar< I think they're onto something with the scent...

Momo  

???: That's awesome! 

Luc: It is, but you and I are in no condition to fight. We have to find a town, a populated town, to rest in. 

???: Oh right. Pardon me- >He turns to Ceila with a bright smile< Did you all pass any close towns on your way over?

 >As Cypress tracks the scent, they notice that Thiessen's scent is more prominent in one particular building up ahead that seems to be in better shape than most of them.<

Plat  

Ceila: No, we did not. It's been mostly forest on our way here. Sorry...

Momo  

Luc: Damn... >He sighs under his breath.< How much damage can one woman do?

???; Apparently a lot... But hey! At least we'd not alone now. We've got three more people on our side.

Plat 

Ceila: Right!~ Hopefully with your assistance, we can find her, and put an end to her destruction.

Astroray 

Cypress: [They cast a long shadow that whispers into Ceila's ear.] This building.

Plat  

Ceila: ! >She turns and looks around, quickly spotting the building they must be talking about- The man with no name will notice a small pair of wings folded up on her partially exposed back as she does so.< That building looks... off. o.o 

Esredes: >He also sees this, and turns his attention towards it.< Hm. It certainly does. >He stretches out his wings and takes off from the ground, landing again a moment later near the front of it< What do you smell, Cypress?

Astroray  

Cypress: [The shadow moves to Esredes.] The smell is strong over here.

Plat  

Esredes: >He narrows at his eyes.< Let's go in, then. But with guards up. 

Ceila: I'm going with them to investigate. I'll leave it up to you two if you want to stay here or not, but I'll tell you what we find. >Her wings suddenly expand in size, and when they stop they're about half the size of her frame. She then jumps up and flies over by Esredes, touching down beside him< I assume we're going in? 

Esredes: Yes, but let's stick together.

Astroray  

Cypress: [They stand by the building awaiting the ok.]

Momo  

???: Want to look inside with them? >he asks as he turns to Luc< 

Luc: ... wanna rephrase that? 

???: Oops- I- you know what I mean. 

Luc: You go on ahead. Maybe something will jog your memory. I'll sit outside the front and let you know if I hear anything. >The two make their way over to the building as well. Once Luc finds a seat beside the door, he tilts his head up.< 

Luc: All of you stay safe in there. And be careful. Odds are the place has traps inside.

>With the group close to the building, an uncomfortable atmosphere settles over them. Cypress can pick up Thiessen's scent from the inside, along with blood. Lots of it.<

Plat  

Esredes: So the amnesiac human is joining us. Very well, but he goes second. Cypress, I’d like you to go in first. Use your shadow abilities to make sure there are no surprises.

Astroray  

Cypress: Understood. [They again melt into the ground and slip beneath the door as silent as a whisper.]

Momo  

>Inside is dark, giving Cypress plenty of room to move about. The halls are empty with different doors lining up on both sides. Everything is quiet. As Cypress moves through, he spots a few trap wires here and there along the ground, usually right before reaching a door.<

Astroray 

Cypress: [Noticing the wires, they slip under the first door with the trip wire, curious about the contents inside.]

Momo

>Inside is a chair of some sorts with different straps along it to hold someone down. The room seems abandoned, but Cypress can smell that a lot of blood has been in this room. For now, it's sterile, and fairly clean.<

Astroray  

Cypress:[They can immediately tell experiments were performed in this room. They decide to do a quick check of the other rooms to see if they all contain the same set up.]

Momo  

>Most of the rooms have a similar setup except for one room, the furthest down the hall, that's a little different. Instead of a place for experimentation, there's a desk with scattered papers and folders. Notes that someone forgot in a hurry.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [They slip over the floor of the office to investigate the notes out of curiosity.]

Momo 

>The notes seem to hold just a few writings of different subjects, along with an small portrait of each subject on the page. Most of them are just the faces and names of humans, but if they continue to look, they'll find a few in there who are knochen. Next to their names, which all of the subjects are only given numbers, are statuses whether the subject is still alive or deceased. A majority of the subjects appear to be deceased.<

Astroray  

Cypress: Hmn [They stop searching and retract back to the hall to see about those trip wires and what they are rigged to.]

Momo  

>They're mostly rigged to small holes on the side of the wall. It seems if one would activate a series of darts to shoot out from the holes.<

Astroray 

Cypress: [Satisfied with their check of the place, they back out under the door as a shadow and manifest in front of the others.]

Plat 

Esredes: >He and the others are still right here waiting< What did you see?

Astroray  

Cypress: The building is littered with traps, but it appears to be the location they performed most of the operations and experiments. I found files within that contain details on the people and knochens they held captive, most appear to be labeled as deceased.

Plat  

Esredes: Files... those will be valuable information to take with us. Did you see any way to disable the traps?

Astroray  

Cypress: They are primarily trip wires, so the wire could be cut and disabled, however, I was unable to gauge how tough the wire was. From what I can tell, the wires trigger a dart to fly from the wall. I'm concerned the darts may contain the solution this person used to mutate humans.

Plat  

Esredes: Hm, I wouldn't doubt it. I wonder if our claws would suffice to cut it. If not, my sword will most likely do it. >After all, I just got it sharpened<

Momo  

???: Or we could avoid the trap wire? >He asks.< Just step over it easily.

Astroray  

Cypress: It's a risk.

Plat  

Esredes: >He looks over to the nameless human, surprised< Did you just... are you understanding us??

Astroray  

Cypress: [They squint under their mask and look to the mystery man.]

Momo  

???: .... yeah? Why wouldn't I? 

Luc: Why wouldn't you what? >He asks, tilting his head over.< Are... you can understand them?

???: Yeah- am- am I not supposed to?

Plat  

Ceila: O.O 

Esredes: >What the....< ....But you're human. Did she do something to you too?

Astroray  

Cypress: We are unable to create the proper vocalizations in our feral forms to speak common human language.

Plat  

Esredes: >That too<

Momo

???: I can't remember- I just remember waking up and... not knowing much.

Luc: .... What kind of injuries did you say you have again? 

???: Mmmm... some pain along my back, and a killer headache.

Luc: Anything up with your ears? 

???: Mmm... no.

Plat  

Ceila: You haven't tried to talk to a knochen before this, have you?

Astroray  

Cypress: Have you checked under your bandages. [The thoughts going through their head are revolting.]

Momo  

???: You three are the first knochen I've spoken with then I woke up. And no, not really. Should I unwrap them? 

Luc: What, your wrappings? You sure that's okay?

Astroray  

Cypress: We should confirm if our suspicions are true as disturbing as the implications are.

Plat  

Esredes: Well said.

Momo  

???: Alright.... >He moves his hands up and starts to unwrap the bandages. Once he finishes, the group can see a fine scar line around his forehead reaching into the back of his skull.< 

Luc: Can someone describe to me what it is?

Plat  

Esredes: >My god...< 

Ceila: O.O There's a scar line all around his head.... It looks like she definitely messed with it.

Astroray  

Cypress: [They cast their head down not daring to gaze at the fine red line.]

Momo  

Luc: Does it go all the way around? 

???: It feels like it. 

Luc: She probably tampered with your brain... 

???: WHOA! Really?! Like... did she poke it? 

Luc: I don't want to know exactly what she did.

Plat  

Esredes: >First she gives a human permanent magic... now she's making them understand us. This lady has to be stopped. She can't get any further than this.< I don't either. >This goes beyond the torture I do at the prison...< Maybe one of those files has something on it.

Momo  

???: Yeah! Maybe my file will say something about it. 

Luc: Do you know if your file is in there? 

???: Nope! But we'll have to go check!

Plat  

Esredes: Let's get back to the wire, then. Cypress, where exactly is it located?

Astroray  

Cypress: Towards the back, past the operation rooms.

Momo  

???: I can walk in and just walk over the wires. 

Luc: Will you be able to see them? 

???: .... probably!

Plat  

Esredes: Are you confident about that? Think you could cut them?

Astroray  

Cypress: I can work on the wires. Please don't enter until I give the ok. [They melt back down into the ground and slip over to Esredes, whispering in his ear.] Inquire about the bandages on the one's eyes.

Plat  

Esredes: >quietly< Very well. >He turns his attention to Luc< One of you translate. The other human needs to remove his as well.

Momo  

???: Hey Luc, they want you to remove your bandages. 

Luc: .... that wouldn't be wise. 

???: They need to see what we're dealing with. 

Luc: Is it that important?

Plat 

Esredes: Don't you want to know if they actually work or not?

Momo  

Luc: I know they work. 

???: They do? 

Luc: Yes. That's the problem.

Plat  

Ceila: What do you mean?

Momo  

Luc: Thiessen isn't the kind of person to just stick someone else's eyes in someone. >He slowly stands up and starts to unwrap his bandages.< Nor is she the kind of person to pick random knochen eyes.

Plat  

Ceila: You talk as if you know her...

Momo  

Luc: Believe me, you're in the same room with someone for a few days, you get to know them pretty well. She used to go on about all the other experiments she was conducting. >He pulls off the bandages, his eyes closed underneath. There are a few light scar marks around his eyes and one large one across both of them.< She's twisted.

Plat  

Esredes: >He talks exactly like how Alise does about her...< Ask him what she said about the experiments. 

Ceila: Experiments like what? What did she tell you?

Momo  

Luc: A lot of turning humans into uncanny... and then one who had recently got away. 305 or something. A knochen she had captured and really messed with, because knochen can survive through more. She was pretty bitter about his and a few other escapees.

Plat  

Esredes: Ask him if the names Alise or Levi were brought up. 

Ceila: >Why those names...?< Did she mention a Levi or Alise?

Momo 

Luc: Alise.... yeah. That was the only name that came up. She called everyone else by numbers. 305, 552, 178... but Alise was the only name. She would... ramble about that woman and how she opened a lot of possibilities.

Plat  

Esredes: >So Alise was special to her... I suppose she would be to an insane lady by having permanent magic.< How disgusting. So is he going to keep his eyes closed? Make that sound nicer for me. 

Ceila: I got you. >To Luc,< Well, if you don't think the eyes are random... then what do you think they are?

Momo  

Luc: .... >He hesitantly starts to open his eyes. He deliberately looks down to avoid eye contact. The group can see that his eyes are a bright red, reptilian-like, and they shimmer as if they're constantly in motion.< Don't look too long, please.

Plat  

Ceila: o.o.... Do they work...?

Momo  

Luc: .... >He makes a quick glance up to Ceila, making eye contact with her.< >She can feel her muscles tighten, as if her body froze up. It seems nearly impossible to move, impossible to look away from his gaze. Only when he shuts his eyes can she move once more.< ....I think they work.

Plat  

Ceila: ....! >The moment he shuts them, she stumbles a step back, letting out a bit of a gasp in surprise< 

Esredes: Ceila?! What happened?? 

Ceila: I'm fine. >She composes herself.< The eyes paralyze. I couldn't move. He's right.

Esredes: Paralysis...? Oh god, I bet he can't control it, either. 

Ceila: Seems not. >To Luc< I see what you mean now...

Momo 

Luc: It's better if my eyes stay closed. 

???: Whoa... but- that could be pretty useful in a fight. 

Luc: A fight that I don't want. I'm not a warrior.

???: ... I'm sorry.

Plat  

Esredes: Shame. Any of us would like that.

Momo  

???: Yeah, but they it would be hard to look at any friends or family...

Plat  

Esredes: Well, not if you couldn't control it, no.

Momo  

???: Mmm... that's fair... now I'm wondering what she did to me. 

Luc: I'm just hoping you're not 547. 

???: What's 547? 

Luc: Not a fun time.

Plat  

Ceila: What?

Momo  

Luc: There are a few memorable ones that she talked about. One is Alise, the game changer. Another is 226, some poor kid who got his arms replaced. Then there's 547. A knochen who was supposed to get... i don't know how to describe it. She wanted human consciousness in a knochen body. She said that lots of other attempts had died and she thought it could work that time.

Plat  

Esredes: Would he still be here and conscious if she put him into a knochen, though?

Momo  

???: He wants to know if it was successful. 

Luc: I have no idea. This was a recent one. Then she suddenly dropped everyone and rushed off in a hurry. The place fell into chaos after that.

Plat  

Esredes: So why did she leave?

Momo  

???: Why did she leave all of a sudden? 

Luc: She doesn't stay in one place for too long. I think this facility was getting too big and she had to move. After all, you guys swooped in not long after. You think she wants to get caught?

Plat  

Esredes: It was that soon? I didn't realize... we would've been so close. What a shame.

Astroray  

Cypress: [Back in the building, they ponder the construction of the trip wire. A claw manifests from the ground and they pluck gently at the wire, testing its sensitivity and strength.]

Momo  

>The wire is very frail. At a mere pluck, the trap is activated, and a small row of darts fly across, landing on the other side of the wall.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [They decide to skip the fancities and they spread their shadow thin along the ground, grabbing multiple wires and giving a rough yank.]

Momo  

>All of the darts set loose, a few springing off their intentional target and bouncing a bit, but it's nothing Cypress can't handle. Once the commotion has calmed down, it's a straight shot to the room with the documents.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [They rise from the ground partially and do another check for pressure plates, just in case.]

Momo  

>It seems as though all of the tracks have been activated. She didn't put in any pressure plates, just the trip wire.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [Satisfied, they fully manifest and walk through the hall towards the entrance.]

Plat  

>Upon their arrival to the entrance, Esredes stands up from the sitting position he had acquired.< 

Esredes: How did it go? Is it all clear now?

Astroray 

Cypress: [They give a curt nod] All the traps have been secured.

Momo 

???: Awesome! Then let's head inside. 

Luc: Do be careful. >He replies, sitting down by the door.< If anything happens, just yell.

Plat  

Esredes: Excellent. Good work. All right, let’s investigate. >In we go<

Momo  

>Inside is just as bleak and creepy as the outside of the building. The group can see that the traps have been activated and the darts that were fired on the opposing walls. A few are scattered on the floor, but it's nothing they can't avoid. It is just a tad bit cramped for Esredes and Cypress to walk through comfortably in their knochen forms.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [They dont want to walk about in their human form, so they choose to sink down into the ground as a shadow again.]

Plat  

Esredes: >It may be, but I’ll deal with it. His eyes drift towards the darts.< Ceila, could you gather up a couple of those? We may as well try to see if we can get anything from them. 

Ceila: >You two sure are stubborn. Well, enjoy the crampedness then.< Sure thing. >She carefully picks up a few, settling on a total of four, putting them away in her bag next to the bolts. She then follows him as he goes towards the experiment rooms.<

Momo

???: Hmm... this place does seem a bit familiar. >He walks closer to the front of the group, observing all of the doors.< It's still really hazy though...

Plat  

Ceila: I bet you were in one of these rooms. We should probably check them all.

Momo  

>In the first couple of rooms, there's just an empty space with a chair in the center, covered with different straps. However, as they get to the rooms down the hall, there are a still some bloodstains here and there, some leftover tools, even a few bits of hair or scales.<

Plat  

Esredes: Eugh... I’m going to have to ask you to take a closer look at those. 

Ceila: >She’s a bit wary, but she approaches the tools. Not going to touch them, though.<

Momo 

>The tools mostly consist of sharp knives or plyers.< 

???: Eugh is right... how could one woman do all of this?

Plat  

Esredes: I don’t think she could. Others have to be helping her. 

Ceila: Certainly... >All right, she’s done looking at them. What’s next.<

Momo  

>In the next room their visit, it seems to be a collection of clothing and personal items from her victims. Weapons, jewelry, hairpins, etc.< ???: >As he looks around, he spots a large white halberd in the corner and points to it.< Ah! That's mine! I think.... I'm pretty sure it's mine. It looks familiar.

Plat  

Ceila: Oh, so you do have a weapon? 

Esredes: >Hm... my sense of smell isn’t as good as Cypress, but I do wonder. Does anything in here happen to smell like Alise or Levi...?<

Momo 

???: Yes! I think. I can't remember what for though... >He walks over and lifts it up, as if it were as lights as air to him.< Whoa... my body seems to remember this. 

>Esredes can pick up one subtle scent. Amongst the items, he finds a broken pair of goggles with a bit of blood on them. They definitely have Levi's scent on it. As for Alise, he finds a pair of wooden sticks with handles on them with her scent. They seem to be some sort of weapons.<

Plat 

Esredes: >I’m taking them both. All right, building, you win. I can’t carry those sticks well like this. He goes ahead and shifts down to human form.< 

Ceila: Then it’s definitely yours... You don’t happen to remember what you used it for, do you? >she hasn’t even noticed what Esrey’s doing yet< 

Esredes: >While they’re occupied, he slips the broken pair of goggles around his arm and takes the sticks with both hands. Curious. I’ve never seen a weapon like this before. Perhaps she won’t need me defending the shop if I give them back?<

Momo

???: I can't remember... But this is a pretty big weapon. I don't think I did anything as simple as hunt for food with it. >He swings it around as if he expected to place it on a harness on his back, but it simply falls to the ground.< Oops- I guess my body remembers it a little too well.

Plat 

Ceila: >Her expression drops a bit.< Perhaps you were a warrior...? >Or is it what I’m suspecting.<

Momo  

???: I'm not sure. I don't remember really doing anything with this... I can remember some things like... the ocean. Or a forest. Some bird calls. And apparently I remember that this is mine.

Astroray  

Cypress: [They manifest at the doors entrance and stare the party down.] Do you wish to keep inspecting the items? I could show one of you the way to the files...

Momo  

???: Oh yeah! Sorry- just getting nostalgic... I think. >He smiles a bit.< I'll just leave this here then, until we leave the building. >He sets the halberd back where he found it and gets ready to follow Cypress.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [They twitch their nose at his response and turn towards the hall.]

Plat  

Esredes: >He looks up from the weapons towards Cypress.< Yes, that would be great. 

Ceila: >She also turns.< Oh, yes. I’ll look them over for you, Esre— Wait, you changed? 

Esredes: Hm? I had to. It’s getting too cramped in here. 

Ceila: >Why are you holding those sticks? Well, you’re not answering, so I guess we’re moving on.<

Momo 

>The group finally make it to the last room. It's as simple as most of the other rooms, with only a desk, a chair, and a few files left over.<

Plat  

Esredes: Finally past the bloodstains. Let’s have a look at them. >He goes right for the files, Ceila following. Tell me your secrets.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [They slip through the partially opened door and behind the desk where they manifest again, pushing a few of the files forward.]

Plat 

Esredes: Thank you. >He sets the sticks down a moment, focusing on the files. Ceila peers over them from the side as well.< >Is there anything in here to give me clues about Alise or this nameless man?<

Momo 

>The first few people on file were just humans who were turned into uncanny. Not many notes about them or how they turned out. They were simply "deceased." Another is a file on a knochen who had also died, but descriptions on the knochen's parts and which test subjects they were given to.< >At the corner of Esredes' eye, he spots a paper with simply a diagram of the human skeletal system, along with a drawing of some sort of large needle, and instructions on injecting the substance into the lower back.< 

???: >He takes a small glance over the files before shaking his head.< This is... messed up. Are all of these people really dead?

Plat 

Esredes: Probably. >He reads over the description of the knochen parts, and winces. Ceila can’t see it as well, but she has a similar reaction.< 

Ceila: Somehow this is more terrifying than facing a group of hunters. But yet it’s only one human and her helpers. 

Esredes: Who would help someone they know experiments on their own kind? >Next, he looks at the drawing. What “substance” is this talking about...? I’m not sure if I want to know.<

Astroray 

Cypress: [They follow along and peer at the documents, taking interest in the longer files.]

Momo

>A particular document catches Cypress' eye this time. An image of a large male human, described to be a hunter who killed knochen for supplies, recently brought in. The status says deceased, however the picture looks eerily similar to their un-named companion.<

>As for Esredes, the page that speaks about the substance is conveniently missing. It seems he won't find answers on it here.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [They pick up the page as best as they can with their claws and inspect the image further.] Ceila, can you assist me for a moment please.

Plat 

Esredes: >Guess I don’t have to know.< 

Ceila: Hm? >She looks away from the files< Yes, what is it? >She comes over<

Astroray  

Cypress: Tell me, does this human look remotely familiar? [They hold the page out to her.]

Plat 

Ceila: >As she looks it over, her eyes widen in surprise, then narrow in an angry manner. Her voice drops to a whisper.< I knew it. The halberd seemed off. And to think I would have let him go.

Momo  

???: Hm? What's wrong? >He asks.< Did you find anything? Ah- is there anything on Luc in there?

Astroray  

Cypress: Not that we've seen, but there's certainly a file on you. [They wiggle the paper in the air for a moment, staring him down.]

Momo  

???: Really? >He seems a bit excited.< What does it say? Am I a guard or something?

Astroray  

Cypress: Try knochen hunter. [They put the paper down on the desk.]

Momo  

???: ... wh.. >He walks over and picks up the sheet of paper.< I'm a... I don't remember- ... ... Is that really what I look like?

Plat  

Esredes: ...What? >He puts the files down a second, turning around.< 

Ceila: That’s what the file says. Why else would a human use a halberd?

Momo  

???: Wait- no- this can't... this isn't me! I mean... I don't recognize this picture.... You have to believe me- I wouldn't do something like this!

Plat  

Esredes: >He narrows his eyes in a hostile manner.< Says the one who wouldn’t be able to remember if he would or not. Let me see the file.

Astroray  

Cypress: [They pick the file back up and hand it over.] Can you see if she kept inventory on the items he came in with.

Plat  

Esredes: >He looks the picture over, then looks to the man. Oh boy. Just when he thought he wouldn’t kill anyone today.< Can do. The evidence certainly isn’t in his favor, though.

Momo  

???: Whoa- whoa- wait a second! I swear- I- the- the file! It says on the file that I'm deceased! Right? But- I'm standing right here. What does that mean?

Astroray  

Cypress: [Something clicks in their head.] Hold on a moment, check if the file has what....[They clear their throat] parts went into him.

Plat  

Esredes: Hm. All right. >Let’s see what we can find in the room.<

Astroray  

Cypress: It might also be wise to check the files on the knochens that were experimented on as well.

Momo  

>In the pile, the group continues to find deceased for the knochen files. All of the files except for one. A mind knochen labeled only as 547. It describes where all of his parts went to. The status is alive, however it goes into detail how it's body parts have already been harvested and broken down after an initial experiment conducted on it failed. The initial experiment being the transferring of a different consciousness into it.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [They look at 547's file.] Hm, it's possible that you're actually this one here, that is if we're assuming this woman is capable of scientific horrors beyond our comprehension.

Momo  

???: >He glances over to take a better look at the file.< ... that does look familiar... but I don't look like that. She... didnt. She couldn't!

Plat  

Esredes: >He crosses his arms< No wonder he could understand us.

Astroray  

Cypress: I thought earlier that she may have put just a part of this knochen into him, enough to understand us, however, it seems she went the extra mile. [This research does bring up many interesting points. Can knochens more easier merge with humans than humans with knochens?]

Plat  

Esredes: The human outside was right. You’re not a human at all. I suppose this is better than the alternative, but... what a horrible fate for you to have suffered.

Momo  

???: wh- so.... I'm actually a knochen... but I'm not a knochen anymore...

Astroray  

Cypress: [They look at 547's file again and check where the eyes went.]

Momo  

>The eyes were harvested but unused. It seems Luc got his from another poor knochen to get wrapped up in this.<

Plat  

Esredes: The mind is more important than the body. You’re cleared as innocent, at least.

Momo  

???: ... I... I need to get some air or something. This can't be happening.

Plat  

Ceila: :/ Perhaps you’d like to join your friend outside?

Momo  

???: yeah... I'll do that... ... let me know if you find anything else. >He starts to head back, his mood dampened and looking more pale that when they first met.<

Plat  

Esredes: We’ll deal with him later. Let’s finish looking through the files and take what we can.

Momo 

>The rest of the files are mostly humans or knochen who have either died or their parts have been harvested. Once most of the files have been swept to the side, the three discover a map. The map has been marked up with different symbols. Along the side are a few pictures drawn, recent escapees, that she had been trying to track down. Esredes spots Alise's picture in the mix.<

Plat  

Esredes: >Oh no.< >She’s looking for her escaped success... She better not be anywhere close.< >He tries to make sense of all the symbols, but they don’t have a clear pattern...<

Momo  

>They seem mostly uncoordinated and close to the base, except for one of the lines. One of her apparent lackeys seems to be able to search much farther out and find their way back. Their lines of patched are marked also in blue while the others are marked in red. For now, however, they aren't anywhere close to finding Alise or Levi.<

Plat  

Esredes: >Good... Well, I think we’ve obtained all the information we can harvest. I’m taking the more important files with me.<

Astroray  

Cypress: Search parties you think?

Plat  

Esredes: Probably. I imagine she’d want to get her lab rats back.

Astroray  

Cypress: Hrm, do you think following these trails may lead us to some clues to her whereabouts?

Plat 

Esredes: There’s definitely a good chance. It gives us a lead on where to look next.

Astroray  

Cypress: [They give a nod and look the files over once more.] Are there any others we need.

Momo  

>There aren't really any other files to grab. There are surely some with far more information somewhere, but odds are Thiessen took them with her during her leave. These are probably only scratching the surface to her work.<

Plat 

Esredes: I think we have what we need to show Aclyone. >And Alise first.<

Astroray  

Cypress: With this kind of proof, I am sure she will launch a full investigation and hunt for this slime.

Plat  

Esredes: I think so too. She’ll have no chance against multiple groups of us after her.

Astroray  

Cypress: What of the two outside?

Plat 

Esredes: Hm. Well, one of them is still a knochen, human body or not. I suppose we better try to help them if we can.

Astroray 

Cypress: [How do we help such a hopeless victim....] It would be dangerous to leave the other, she may come back and claim her "lab rats."

Plat  

Esredes: Oh, of course. I figure the knochen wouldn’t want to go anywhere without him either. Didn’t they want to find a town earlier? 

Ceila: Yes, they did. 

Esredes: If we find somewhere far away enough, perhaps we could guide them.

Astroray  

Cypress: [They are considering just murdering them. The two would live with this pain for the rest of their lives. Not to mention they are living proof of the horrific scientific tools at the disposal of humans. Having them alive is dangerous, but they wont dare go against orders.]

Plat  

Esredes: Either way, we may as well check on how they’re doing now before we leave.

Astroray  

Cypress: Of course. [ They melt back into the ground as a shadow and move out of the building towards the others.]

Momo  

>Waiting outside, Luc and the nameless man sit beside one another. Luc, hearing the group approach, stands up. He seems a bit more tense this time around and has his eyes open, but he's staring at the ground.< 

Luc: So- you guys find anything interesting?

Astroray  

Cypress: You could say that.

Plat  

Esredes: Indeed. We’ve gathered more than enough evidence, I’d say. And a lead on where to go next.

Momo  

Luc: So we'll be going our separate ways without any problems? >He asks, a bit wary.< 

???: Are you three going to kill us?

Plat  

Esredes: >....Did they overhear us? Or is this just from how we reacted earlier?< Who said anything about that?

Astroray  

Cypress: [Their expression doesn't change.] What have we done to you that would suggest that.

Momo  

???: You guys seemed pretty ready to kill me, before finding out I'm actually a knochen. 

Luc: And I can say for certain I'm human, so I don't have any leverage.

Plat 

Esredes: We thought you were a hunter. We don't take kindly to hunters. It was a misconception.

Momo  

Luc: >He seems hesitant, but he slowly closes his eyes and nods.< Okay... 

???: So... what do we do know? 

Luc: We'll have to find the closest town and seek help there... and find out what else happened to us.

Plat 

Esredes: You both be careful. There's a map in there of escaped subjects she's trying to track down. I recommend you try to get as far away as possible as soon as possible.

Momo  

Luc: Right... good luck to you all in finding her. 

???: Oh- I forgot to grab my halberd- >He subconsciously extends his hand out as he walks towards the building to grab it.< >The group hears a loud crack, the splintering of wood, coming from inside the building. Soon afterward, the halberd breaks out of the exterior and flies into his hands.< Whoa- WHOA!! >He quickly drops it in a panic on the ground.<

Plat 

>Both Ceila and Esrey jump back in shock, eyes wide from surprise< 

Esredes: What in the world else did she do to you to give you that power?!

Momo  

???: I- I didn't know I could do that?! 

Luc: What happened-? 

???: The- the halberd came at me- >He stared back down at it. Once again, he carefully extends his hand out. The weapon starts to float gently up towards him until he grabs it.<

Astroray  

Cypress: [Hunched down out of instinct]

Plat  

Esredes: >He narrows his eyes. What kind of magic could that be?< I assume you don't have any memory of doing this before?

Momo  

???: I.... do. Kind of. It feels familiar. Didn't the file say I was a mind knochen or...?

Astroray  

Cypress: That it did. She must've given you a potion of some sort.

Plat  

Esredes: Even so, I've never seen a mind knochen do that.

Momo  

???: .... this is actually kind of fun. >He replies as he watched the halberd float up and down, up to his hand then back to the floor.< 

Luc: >He opens his eyes for a moment to watch.< ... Try taking this seriously. 

???: I'm sorry- It's fun.

Plat 

Esredes: Well, if she comes for you again, use that power to destroy her. Hopefully you'll be able to use it well enough.

Momo  

???: Right... And if we ever meet again, I'll let you know if I remember anything.

Plat  

Esredes: That would be ideal. And like I said, be careful.

Momo  

???: >He nods and turns to Luc.< Want to head south? 

Luc: That would be best. You'll have to lead the way though. 

???: >He chuckles lightly and holds out the handle to his halberd so that Luc can grab onto it and get pulled along.< You all take care too! Please find a way to stop her.

Plat  

Esredes: Oh, we will. >He watches them go off for a minute, then turns back to the others< Well, that answers that. Both of you have done a good job today. Now we have what we need to take this a step further.

Astroray 

Cypress: Was it wise to let them go?

Plat  

Esredes: They've been through enough. It won't make much of a difference either way.

Astroray 

Cypress: [They nod] Very good, sir. Shall we leave or scout the trails?

Plat  

Esredes: Why don't we go back so I can tell Aclyone and get us a few more scout groups on them. And be able to drop off these files.

Astroray  

Cypress: Sounds like a good plan, sir.

Plat  

Esredes: All right. Why don't both of you head back to the base. I'm going to sort this all out before I tell Aclyone.

Astroray  

Cypress: Yes sir. [They turn around and head towards the forest, fully intending to watch where the two humans go. They're still suspicious about them.]

Plat  

Ceila: Well. >she turns to Esredes< Should I expect us to meet later? I still have the darts you need, after all.

Esredes: Oh, that's right. I should probably take one from you now, if you don't mind.

Ceila: Here. >She retrieves one of them, and hands it over.< 

Esredes: Thanks. >He's just going to put it down in his sheath by the sword. It'll be secure there.< You've been a big help today. I'll find you at the base after the report. I still owe you a talk. 

Ceila: I'm holding you to that, I hope you know. >she smiles playfully.< But I'll leave you for now. Good luck bringing it to Aclyone. 

Esredes: I'll need it. Take care until then, Ceila. 

>After shapeshifting back, he takes the sticks in one hand and flies off, to where Ceila isn't exactly sure. But for now she lets it go as she shapeshifts back herself, taking off towards home.<